Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation founder Cheng Yen (證嚴) received honorary doctoral degrees in philosophy and medicine from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) yesterday for her distinguished leadership in global charity work and dedication to education and environmental conservation.
NYCU President Lin Chi-hung (林奇宏) awarded the certificates to 87-year-old Cheng Yen at a ceremony held at the foundation’s headquarters in Hualien County.
In a speech, Lin lauded Cheng Yen for her charitable deeds and altruism that has won her global recognition.
Photo: CNA
Honors granted to the Buddhist nun include the BBC naming her one of the top 100 most inspiring and influential women in the world in 2022, being inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors at its 11th annual meeting in 2022 and the Magsaysay Social Leadership Award from the Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in 1991.
Cheng Yen thanked Tzu Chi members for helping her realize tasks she had always wanted to undertake and the foundation’s supporters for their encouragement.
Over the past 60 years, Tzu Chi has fostered gratitude and love between people, she said, adding that this love, in different times and places, is proof of the pure and unselfish love of all humankind.
The world needs education, and education is the hope of the world to become a better place, Cheng Yen said, adding that people need to bring love to society through cooperation.
“I encourage myself with this kind of love and look forward to everyone moving in the same direction by spreading kindness and love in society,” she said.
Cheng Yen said philanthropy and medical practice require positivity and the dedication of oneself to taking care of love and life, adding that education embodies hope to accomplish goals and everyone should treasure life by doing what they can for others.
The Tzu Chi Foundation said Master Cheng Yen has won multiple honorary doctorates from acclaimed institutions in Taiwan, the US, the Philippines, Thailand, Ukraine and Hong Kong since 1993, owing to her contribution to global disaster relief work and waste recycling promotion.
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