The Tzu Chi Forum is an international conference to introduce Tzu Chi’s ideas, humanity, and culture to the academic community and religions worldwide. Every two to three years, the academic forum is held to present and study the Dharma Path of Tzu Chi.

In his book, the late Professor Peter B. Clarke, a professor of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Oxford, described Tzu Chi’s spiritual principles in details, and highly praised the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen as a representative of the Contemporary Buddhism. After learning about the book, Dr. Rey-Sheng Her, director of Department of Literature and History, Tzu Chi Foundation, contacted Professor Clarke.

Clarke believed globalization is happening in reverse and that Eastern cultures and religions are transforming the West and the world. The mission of Tzu Chi is correct; since it is engaged Buddhism, its stress on altruism is what religion should focus on. Thus, he suggested, Tzu Chi should host an academic forum to present itself to scholars worldwide so that they could study and learn about it.

The forums have been held since 2010, with participation by many well-known scholars from around the world. They have covered the universal values of environmental protection, Buddhism and charity, and management of charity organizations, to show the profundity and breadth of Buddhism and Tzu Chi.

 

●Previous Tzu Chi Forums and Themes
2010 Tzu Chi Forum -- Environment and Religion
2012 Second Tzu Chi Forum -- Buddhism and Charity
2014 Third Tzu Chi Forum -- The Ideal and Management of International Charity Organizations
2016 Fourth Tzu Chi Forum -- The Universal Value of Buddhism & the Dharma Path of Tzu Chi