Dharma Master Cheng Yen

This is a documentary about Dharma Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi, made by the Discovery Channel as part of their Portraits. Taiwan series.

The film opens showing some of the relief work that Tzu Chi did after the Asian Tsunami disaster of 2004, when they were amongst the first on the ground to provide relief, and also some of the last to leave, having undertaken really meaningful long term projects in various countries to help people rebuild their lives.

The film also looks at the work of the organisation in the areas of ecology, with their large scale recycling projects, and their hospital work, which includes building the infrastructure and training people all over the world.

The documentary is mainly a series of interviews with Tzu Chi staff and volunteers about the way the organisation was founded, what its aims are, and how it has been continually inspired by the humble example of its founder, Master Cheng Yen.

Unfortunately there is no interview with the Dharma Master herself, although she does seem to spend most days listening to and helping others in their difficulties, and supervising the relief efforts, and it may be she prefers not to be highlighted too much.

However, many people who have known her throughout the years are interviewed and bear witness to her continual hard work, and her trust in being able to see her visions through until they are completed.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen Pusa and her organisation Tzu Chi are a real model of what can be achieved by Buddhists in the modern world, and using modern means, and should be an inspiring example to us all.