Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of Taiwan-based Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, was named as a leader in Time magazine’s latest list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Cheng, 73, has an “ethereal quality” while fulfilling the role of a “well-grounded, no-nonsense head of a non-profit humanitarian machine,” according to Time Senior Editor Zoher Abdoolcarim.
“This honor is not about me,” Cheng said, paying tribute to the work of Tzu Chi volunteers in 70 countries.
Tzu Chi Foundation spokesman Rey Her said Cheng’s inclusion in the list is partly due to the organization’s timely aid efforts following the earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan last month.
With nearly 10 million supporters and volunteers worldwide, Tzu Chi is renowned for rapidly responding to natural disasters by providing victims with food, medicine and warm clothing, Abdoolcarim said. In the long term, this extends to rebuilding homes, clinics and schools, he added.
This is the eighth year in which Time magazine has published its list of 100 people whose ideas, innovations and actions are shaping the world. The list is divided into four categories: leader, hero, artist and thinker.
Other Asians to make the list include Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese opposition leader, Rain, South Korean pop idol and Ai Weiwei, mainland Chinese modern artist and human rights activist. (JSM)
Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw