In our cover story, “What Constitutes a Meaningful Life?” individuals connected with Tzu Chi share their reflections, revealing how, in their life and work, they strive to embody the heart of “Tzu” and “Chi,” meaning “compassion” and “relief” in Mandarin Chinese.

We then journey over to our recent aid efforts across the nation, with the feature stories “Joining the Mass COVID-19 Immunization Effort in California” and “Helping Camp Fire Survivors Rediscover the Joy of Home Sweet Home.”

As you peruse this issue, you’ll find several portraits such as “Still Thoughts” and “Community, Film, Meaning: Introducing Gaetano Kazuo Maida,” which beautifully express and illustrate the overall theme of spirituality and purpose.

Our guest writers Allen Chung and Devin Makizuru, then recap this year’s annual Tzu Chi USA Spiritual Retreat in their story, “Look Within to Reach Out: Reflective Practices in Spiritual Care.”

To further explore Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s vision of a vegetarian diet as a solution to stem future pandemics, “The Vegetarian/Vegan Diaries” shares the real-life experiences of vegetarians and vegans. We hope their practical advice helps others transitioning to a plant-based diet.

Globally, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation turned 55-years-old on May 14, and we’re taking a look back on the origins in our portrait “55 Years and Going Strong: Tzu Chi Celebrates a Mighty Ocean of Love.”

Finally, the BUDDHAFEST Online Film Festival, from June 21 – August 15, 2021, will showcase our entire On the Buddha’s Path short film series, comprising seven films, an honor we’re excited to share.

Overall, may you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have in preparing it and continue to seek a meaningful life.