The duty of Tzu Chi volunteers is to go among people and care for those suffering in society. The Buddha manifested in this world to teach everyone to become Bodhisattvas and give rise to Bodhicitta. “Bodhicitta” means “awakening.” Many people are trapped in the delusions of greed, anger, and ignorance, doing everything to benefit themselves. Yet we have been fortunate to choose to enter through the door of a religion with right views.

A religion with right views has right faith as its purpose and goal. The Buddha came to this world to teach the Dharma, guiding our direction in how we interact with others and handle matters. Buddhist practitioners use the Buddha’s wisdom to eliminate their own ignorance and delusion. It is rare to be born human, and encountering a religion with the true Dharma is even rarer. Our faith must have the right direction— We must not just believe and worship whatever we see. If we do not walk the right path, instead, we are following superstition.

Religions with right faith include not only Buddhism, but also Protestantism, Catholicism, Islam, and others. Mr. Faisal Hu from Turkey is a devout Muslim. With firm faith and no obstructions in his heart, he has taken on the Tzu Chi spirit. The ideals of Islam also benefit people and teach them to do good deeds.

Mr. Faisal Hu and Mr. Chen Chiou Hwa from Jordan work very well together. One is a Muslim, the other a Buddhist. Though in different countries, both serve people in suffering in each of their regions. Though the names of their religions differ, the path is the same. They respect each other, and there are no obstacles between them. When people share the same aspirations and goals, when the work they aspire to do is the same, this is called a mission.

By the same principle, Tzu Chi volunteers must also be respectful when visiting other temples. We can share, “Master teaches Tzu Chi volunteers to truly benefit people.” When we open the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, we can say: “I feel joyful seeing this passage; I want to walk this path.” We can say, “Master has given teachings on this sutra passage, and this is how we all practice.”

Every door has its path, and we can only share about it. We use the sutras to bear witness to the suffering in this world and verify how Bodhisattvas go among people. The term “Bodhisattva” means “enlightened sentient being,” one who realizes the suffering in this world. Everyone inherently possesses Buddha-nature; as long as we have the will, everyone can walk the Bodhisattva Path.

When Mr. Lee Teng-hui was the Chairman of Taiwan Provincial Government, he came to attend the groundbreaking for Tzu Chi Hospital. When he heard me say “mission,” he felt it was very fitting. On another occasion, he made a special trip to the Jing Si Abode, saying he felt Tzu Chi was very close to people and greatly emphasized the term “volunteers with a mission.” He said, “After encountering Tzu Chi, I feel Tzu Chi is very suitable for going among people and society.” “Especially the way you call Tzu Chi members, ‘volunteers with a mission’ —what is the difference between ‘volunteers with a mission’ and regular volunteers?”

I replied, “Ordinary volunteers serve out of obligation; if they have time, they participate, without much responsibility.”

“But I use the term ‘volunteers with a mission’ because everyone shares common aspirations and forms aspirations and vows from the depths of their hearts. Our hearts and minds are united and our thoughts and consciousness determine that this is meaningful work. Moreover, we are determined to do this good work and aspire to walk this path— this is why I call Tzu Chi members ‘volunteers with a mission.’”

He asked: “In the future, can society’s volunteers be called “volunteers with a mission?” I replied, “As long as everyone is willing to serve from their hearts, this is a good thing—everyone can do it; there is nothing wrong with that.” As Chairman of Taiwan Provincial Government, Mr. Lee Teng-hui made a special trip just for this term—such magnanimity! He is a devout Christian who also respects different religions. I have respected him all my life.

Building the hospital was a major undertaking back then. When Tzu Chi needed to officially apply for status as a foundation, I was very determined to use the name “Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation”—I hoped to secure that additional word: “Buddhist.” Before departing, I went to Huayu Abode to pay respects to my teacher. Venerable Yin Shun said, “Don’t be too attached. Being attached to the word ‘Buddhist’ might make it very difficult for the foundation to be approved.” I told my teacher, “I must strive—for Buddha’s teachings, for all sentient beings.” The goal of building the hospital was not only for society but also to let everyone know about Buddhism’s widespread service among people.

When I arrived at the Provincial Government office and spoke with the officials, one of them said: “Dharma Master, must you really be so attached to this word?” I said, “If we cannot use ‘Buddhist,’ then the meaning is lost. I am Buddhist and also a monastic. For a monastic to serve people is true to our name; without this stance, this meaning is lost.” Thus, the name “Buddhist Tzu Chi” was secured through such efforts.

So, all eight Tzu Chi hospitals and its one clinic include the word “Buddhist.”

When something can be done, I will strive for it; when something cannot be done, I am also clear when it comes to things that should be done. Although I do not force things, there are priorities, and Buddhism must also uphold its place in being among people.

We build hospitals to safeguard life, safeguard health, and safeguard love. During the pandemic, when many patients had nowhere to go, Tzu Chi hospitals did not turn anyone away. I am grateful to all the hospital superintendents for fulfilling their responsibilities, guarding their posts, and doing what needs to be done. In summary, when we have the will to give, Tzu Chi’s work is never finished; true Buddhists go among people to serve.

When it comes to learning and awakening, I am still learning too. Reading the sutras every day, the thousands of sutras and precepts all exist within this great environment, where we learn to use the Buddha Dharma to teach everyone to walk on the Bodhisattva Path.

The Buddha awakened in this world and is called “the Great Enlightened One.” When the mind is pure, the body is pure, and the environment is pure—this is called “enlightenment.” A place of enlightenment is not a slovenly, muddled life; it is simple and has quality—a Pure Land has quality of character and quality in its environment. When thoughts are pure, actions are pure, and the spiritual training ground is pure, such is a place of enlightenment.