This year marks two extraordinary milestones: the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s 60th anniversary and the 90th birthday of its founder, Venerable Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Together, these occasions invite us to reflect not only on six decades of compassionate action, but also on the enduring vision that has guided Tzu Chi’s journey from a small group of nuns and female lay followers in Hualien, Taiwan, to the international humanitarian organization it is today. In commemorating these milestones, this special issue of Tzu Chi USA Journal brings together stories that explore the past, present, and future of applied Buddhism, while asking how timeless wisdom can continue to inspire meaningful responses to the challenges of our time.

Our cover story, “Journey to Enlightenment: From Buddhist History to Compassionate Action,” takes readers inside an immersive exhibition presented at Harvard University by the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation and the Cognitive Aesthetic Media Lab at Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Opened in conjunction with the 2026 Tzu Chi Global Symposium for Common Goodness, which was held at Harvard from May 7 to 9, the exhibition traces more than 2,500 years of Buddhist history while illuminating the spiritual foundations of Tzu Chi’s humanitarian mission. The cover story and four companion features reflect the depth and breadth of this landmark gathering, where scholars, practitioners, artists, and thought leaders explored how Buddhist wisdom can inform the way we address contemporary issues.

“Applied Buddhism in an Anxious World” examines how Buddhist teachings, scholarship, and practice can address the moral and ethical questions facing the world today. “Bringing the Dharma Into Everyday Life” focuses on Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teachings and how they shape Tzu Chi’s humanitarian service, spiritual cultivation, religious community, and practice of compassion in action. “Designing Buddhist Futures” turns to the symposium’s closing conversations on how Buddhist principles can inform design, creativity, and new ways of seeing and living in the world. “Under One Sky: Music Connects Hearts at Harvard” takes readers into the May 9 concert at Harvard Art Museums’ Calderwood Courtyard, the culminating event of the symposium, where musicians from Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Western traditions created an expression of exchange, connection, and shared aspiration. 

Completing the issue, “One Global Family, 60 Years of Compassion” turns to Tzu Chi’s 2026 Buddha Day, Mother’s Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day celebrations across the United States. Connected through synchronized ceremonies with the Jing Si Abode, Tzu Chi’s global headquarters in Hualien, Taiwan, the story follows volunteers, families, faith leaders, and community members of all ages as they gather in prayer, gratitude, and reflection. It also highlights Panda Restaurant Group’s donation of the “Kindness In Motion” food truck, a mobile kitchen that will help Tzu Chi USA provide hot meals during disaster relief and community outreach.

May this issue honor Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s vision while renewing our shared aspiration to bring wisdom into daily life, respond to suffering with compassion, and work together toward a more peaceful and caring world.