Page 72 - Hualien Sustainable Living Bilingual Magazine

President Liu told the story of the founding mission of Tzu Chi University, which is now in its 29th year. When Master Cheng Yen’s father passed away from illness, she realized the impermanence of life and made up her mind to search for meaning in life. Eventually, she came to be stationed in eastern Taiwan. At that time, churches from western countries had already sent missionaries and nuns to the eastern part of Taiwan to help the local people. These religious workers chose to dedicate their lives to Taiwan. “I would like to share one of my favorite photos of Master Cheng Yen and Sister Angela holding hands, conveying a friendship that crosses religious divides.” Several Catholic nuns said to Master Cheng Yen at the time“, Buddhists should step up to help those in need, just as we do, rather than practicing alone.” Master Cheng Yen was inspired by these words. Perceiving that Hualien’s medical resources were lagging far behind those of big cities elsewhere in Taiwan, and that there was an urgent need for education and medical care, she made a vow to build a professional hospital in eastern Taiwan, as well as a nursing school to train professional nursing staff. 67