Kindness, Compassion, Joy and Giving

Kindness, Compassion, Joy and Giving are the Four Immeasurable Minds Buddha spoke of. Kindness, Compassion, Joy and Giving are also the fundamental spirits behind Tzu Chi's missions.

Master Cheng Yen said: "Kindness" means great mercy even to strangers; it is the giving of happiness to others. Kindness is the basis of our Charity Mission. In practice this means internationalizing our charity work with the conviction of "Great Kindness has no regrets."

"Compassion" means sharing in the unhappiness of others; it is the alleviation of others' suffering. Compassion is the driving force behind the Medicine Mission. In practice this means making medical care accessible to all and doing so with the spirit of "Great Compassion is without complaint."

"Joy" means the delight of the heart that comes from upholding the right spirit; it is the feeling of being at ease. Joy is the goal of our Culture Mission. In practice this means increasing the depth of culture and bringing everyone the serenity of "Great Joy gives no worries."

"Giving" means the altruism that rises out of clear and thorough wisdom; it includes benevolence of all forms. Unselfish Giving is the self-expectation of the Education Mission. In practice this means providing completeness of education with the heart of "Great Giving asks for no return."