One Step, Eight Footprints

Tzu Chi's work began with the core premise of helping the poor and educating the rich. This goal developed into the four missions of charity, medicine, education and culture.

In 1991, international disaster relief and bone marrow donor registration were promoted and the Tzu Chi missions became known as "one step, six footprints."

In 1996, Master Cheng Yen added environmental protection and community volunteerism to the list, and the name thus changed to "One step, eight footprints."