The world of Tzu Chi April 2020 (Vol.121)

2020 • 04 36 Reported by Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Translating Team Photographs provided by Tzu Chi Taiwan Headquarters A midst widespread warnings to stay indoors as part of the measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, Tzu Chi conducted an online fellowship session on March 8, 2020, which was broadcast across ten live- streaming platforms with a reach of over 180,000 viewings worldwide. According to the CEO of Tzu Chi’s Mission of Charity, Yen Po-wen, the organization promptly assembled an epidemic prevention contingency task force in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The task force is responsible for organizing resources and handling requests for supplies both locally and abroad, besides following the latest updates on the pandemic and sharing Master Cheng Yen’s daily words of advice online in an effort to alleviate public concerns over Covid-19. Tzu Chi’s various departments have been adhering to Covid-19 precautionary guidelines by cancelling or postponing large-scale gatherings as well as practising social distancing and monitoring the venue for events held on a smaller scale. As Tzu Chi’s Mission of Environmental Protection enters its 30th year, CEO Yen stressed on the increasingly grave conditions of global warming and climate change, calling for immediate action to raise environmental awareness through education. Moreover, CEO Yen highlighted the role of the newly-formed Tzu Chi International Youth Association (TIYA) in nurturing young leaders to contribute to meaningful causes, such as spreading the message on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The Covid-19 pandemic has provided a profound opportunity for collective reflection. We’re confronted with a major disaster, yet some of us remain ignorant,” cautioned Master De Jing from the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, Taiwan, at the same time urging for a move towards vegetarianism and prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings. Meanwhile, Master Cheng Yen advised all to not only pray with sincere piety for world peace in the face of the pandemic, but also reflect and repent on our misdeeds. Staff members from Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital also shared information on epidemic prevention, including personal hygiene practices to guard against Covid-19. Taiwan 2020.03.08 Uniting Thousands across the World through Online Fellowship Session lobal News