The Tzu Cheng Faith Corps

In 1989, at the opening of the Tzu Chi Nursing College, the male disciples voluntarily organized themselves to coordinate the task of ensuring order at this major celebration, which twenty thousand guests attended. At that time, they were called the "Safety Assurance Unit." On July 25, 1990, Master Cheng Yen formally gave them the name of "Tzu Cheng Faith Corps." "Tzu" means compassion and "Cheng" refers to the earnest nature of men. The Master also set forth the Eight Precepts of the Tzu Cheng Faith Corps. The Eight Precepts were later extended to become the Ten Precepts of Tzu Chi, the rules of conduct to be upheld by all Tzu Chi members.

The members of the Tzu Cheng Faith Corps are men from all levels of society. They can be thought of as the Vajra (Diamond), the resolute and strong heroes that protect Buddhism. The formation of the Tzu Cheng Faith Corps also created an environment in which husband and wife can engage in spiritual cultivation together.

The mission of the Tzu Cheng Faith Corps is as follows: The Tzu Cheng Faith Corps sincerely upholds Master Cheng Yen's spirit of "great mercy even to strangers and great compassion for all." They exercise the Four Immeasurables of great kindness, great compassion, great joy, and great giving. "Tzu" means to give out happiness: to serve humanity so that the recipients feel joy and a sense of fulfillment. "Cheng" means sincerity: to follow the rules of conduct and properly carry out the role of a fine husband and good father, as well as commit oneself from the bottom of one's heart. Husband and wife practice their spiritual cultivation together and encourage each other, so that the spirits of Still Thoughts, kind sincerity, and helping others are fully exercised.

To join the Tzu Cheng Faith Corps, one must faithfully uphold the Precepts Ten of Tzu Chi and break all evil habits. Master Cheng Yen said, "The Tzu Cheng Faith Corps was not founded simply to take care of tasks like maintaining order and directing traffic. Instead, everyone should follow the Ten Precepts, be fine husbands and good fathers, and use the spirit of cultivating yourselves as a team to guide and support each other in your personal conduct. I expect the Tzu Cheng Faith Corps to be the core of society."