慈青社
您知道"慈青"是什麼樣的因緣而成立的嗎？
您知道慈青發展的過程又是如何嗎？
讓我們一起來細說從頭。
「莫說愁，不悲秋，慈懷柔腸學古佛；相砥勵，互切磋，錦繡年華不空過。相聚應惜緣……」。
慈濟大專青年聯誼會的成立，為大專青年們指引出一條通往心靈故鄉的道路，也為整個慈濟世界注入了一股新的生命泉源。
民國六十三年，也就是佛教慈濟克難功德會成立的第八年，花蓮師專的學生率先參與精舍發放的工作。在此之後，更有許多的大專青年零星的到精舍參訪。一直到了民國七十八年，慈濟的種子才隨著緣份的風，飄入了校園。藉著惜緣的雨露及不懈怠的陽光，這些種子在清大、交大的青年學子心田，逐漸生根、發芽、茁壯。
以「慈濟委員」身份，考上清大統計研究所的張子貴學姐，也是慈青的主要推動者之一，憑藉一股「為善競爭」的精神，積極地將慈濟人文帶入校園。除了課餘時間逢人即介紹「慈濟」以外，更積極的推動委員間的聯誼，加強大家對慈濟志業體的認識。
藉由每個星期所舉辦的共修，交換彼此的經驗與心得，許多的教授、研究生等，在如此殊勝的因緣之下，與慈濟結下了不解的善緣。
於是在七十八年十二月份，子貴學姐辦了第一次回精舍參訪，清大、交大約莫三十人參加。而琦智學姐、宗宏學長、兆民學長等的加入，使慈濟校園播種工作，更添生力軍。
就在地利、人和的情況下，學長們開始積極舉辦茶會、慈濟飯、共修、文宣等工作，並進一步安排慈濟參訪、配合委員訪貧、及洽詢回慈濟醫院當志工的機會。
八十年暑假是慈青重大的轉捩點。一次因緣，宗宏學長回精舍尋根，在參觀慈濟志業體之後，認為在醫院擔任志工，藉由病人的示現，可讓人深深體認生命無常，促使人們反省生命的價值與意義，是個十分有益於同學的活動。
有鑑於當時參與慈濟醫院服務的人，均為慈濟委員，且需經排隊才可回院服務，於是學長向 上人請求，希望讓在校就讀的同學有組隊回去慈濟醫院當義工的機會。經過 上人首肯，於八十年六月底辦了第一梯大專青年義工隊，由清大、交大共二十四人參加。同年七月，亦有台大三十餘位同學加入志工行列，是為大專青年最具規模的參與慈濟活動。
由於同學反應熱烈、收獲頗多，於是在八月底加辦一梯。此項醫院服務的活動，使得更多的學子從「做」中實際體會慈濟人文與精神，並發願為淨化人心盡一份力。至此， 上人親自正名為志工隊，說明「志工」乃志願工作者，需抱持歡喜、感恩心，盡一己之力，全心為他人付出，無怨無悔。經由志工隊的參與，更讓諸多的青年學子，深深的體悟到，慈濟一貫稟持「當願眾生得離苦，不為己身求安樂」的胸懷。
基於「好康道相報」的心理，從八十學年度開始，學長們更加積極致力於將全省大專院校有志於校園推展慈濟志業的同學結合起來。八十年九月八日，十多所大專院校同學，集聚於台北分會互相認識、經驗交流，一連串「慈濟大專青年聯誼會」籌組活動，緊鑼密鼓的進行著。除了大家口耳相傳外，也藉由文宣刊物匯整各校慈青活動、彼此交流推展經驗及活動狀況，並加強對慈濟的了解。
八十一年二月十五、十六日，由宗教室主辦了「大專青年幹部訓練－－慈濟之旅」，有全國十二所大專院校學生參加。 上人以「日日是好日」及「過秒關」的踏實、積極人生態度，勉勵同學。王端正先生表示：「青年是時代未來希望的縮影，具有純真、熱誠、不怕苦、不怕難的特質，是傳承慈濟精神的重要力量」。在座談時間內，各校幹部暢談該校慈濟因緣以及發展現況，希望今後能朝人力資源整合邁進。會中亦擬定慈濟大專青年聯誼會的組織章程、成立流程、進度等。至此，聯誼會的成立已指日可待。
經過了許許多多人共同的努力，八十一年五月三十一日慈濟大專青年於台北分會舉辦「成立大會」，共四十多所學校，一百七十多位同學參加。
上人正式遴選精舍常住師父-德恂法師為聯誼會指導師父，宗教室純霞姐負責行政協調，並輔導會務運作。期盼已久的慈濟大專青年聯誼會終於成立了。 基於讓更多青年學子有機會瞭解慈濟在做些什麼，進而接引更多有心加入的人，故決定於八十一學年度寒假起，舉辦第一屆慈青冬令營。此次冬令營共二梯約一百五十人參加，開慈青營隊之先河。
在營隊結束之後，推選交通大學潘勁成學長為第一屆總幹事，台灣大學邱定彬學長為北區副總幹事，東海大學熊毅學長為中區副總幹事。至此，慈濟大專青年聯誼會邁入組織化運作的時代，會務推展更為蓬勃、迅速。
慈青這個團體已由來已久，現在全台已有一百四十幾所大專院校成立慈青社，台北實踐大學慈青社也成立超過十五年，未來也會用心投入、為愛付出，在校園中邀請大家和我們一同歡喜做志工，體會見苦知福並知福、惜福、再造福。
Do you know the origins of Tzu Chi Youth Association?
Do you know the history of Tzu Chi Youth Association?
Let's start from the beginning and take a closer look.
"Don't talk about sorrow, don't lament autumn, be kind and gentle, learn from the ancient Buddhas; encourage each other, share each other's mistakes, and make sure your golden years are not wasted. When you gather together, you should cherish the opportunity..."
The establishment of the Young Artists Association of National Tsing Hua University has charted a path for young artists to reach their spiritual homeland and injected a new source of life into the entire Tzu Chi community.
In 1944, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Tzu Chi Foundation, students from Hualien Teachers College first participated in the donation of the temple. After that, several young people visited the temple sporadically. It wasn't until 1989 that the seeds of Tzu Chi, driven by fate, finally arrived on campus. Under the rain and sunshine of cherishing fate, these seeds gradually took root, sprouted, and flourished in the hearts of young students from National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University.
Zhang Zigui, a Tzu Chi committee member who was admitted to the Department of Statistics at National Tsing Hua University as a member, is one of the key drivers of Tzu Chi Youth. With a spirit of "competing for good," she actively brings Tzu Chi's humanistic values to campus. In addition to introducing Tzu Chi to everyone she meets during her free time, she also actively promotes fellowship among committee members, strengthening their understanding of Tzu Chi's mission.
Through the weekly group meditation sessions, where students exchange experiences and insights, many professors and graduate students have forged a profound connection with Tzu Chi through this auspicious opportunity.
In December 1989, Zigui organized the first visit to the temple, bringing over 30 participants from National Tsing Hua University and Jiaotong University. The participation of seniors Qi Zhi, Zong Hong, and Zhao Min has further strengthened Tzu Chi's campus spraying efforts.
With favorable location and favorable people, the seniors began actively organizing tea parties, Tzu Chi dinners, group meditations, and publicity activities. They also arranged Tzu Chi visits, visits to the poor by violence committee members, and inquired about opportunities to return to Tzu Chi hospitals as volunteers.
The summer of 1991 marked a significant turning point for Tzu Chi Youth. By chance, Senior Zonghong returned to the temple to trace his roots. After visiting the Tzu Chi volunteer organization, he felt that volunteering at the hospital, where one's life was reflected in the lives of patients, could help one deeply understand impermanence and foster reflection on its value and significance, making it a highly beneficial activity for the students.
At that time, those who served at Tzu Chi hospitals had to first be Tzu Chi committee members and had to wait in line to serve at the hospitals. Therefore, the seniors requested that current students have the opportunity to form teams and return to Tzu Chi hospitals as volunteers. The Master approved, and at the end of June 1991, the first group of college youth volunteers was organized, with 24 members from National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University participating. In July of the same year, over thirty students from National Taiwan University joined the volunteer ranks, marking the largest participation of college students in Tzu Chi activities.
Due to the enthusiastic response and fruitful results, an additional session was held at the end of August. This hospital service activity allowed more students to gain a practical understanding of Tzu Chi's humanity and spirit through practical action, and its humanitarian spirit of contributing to the purification of the masses. At this point, Master paid tribute to the volunteer team, explaining that "volunteers" are volunteers who should embrace joy and gratitude, dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to others, and have no regrets.
Driven by the principle of "repaying good deeds," starting in the 1990 academic year, seniors have actively participated in engaging with students from colleges and universities throughout the province who are interested in promoting Tzu Chi's mission on campus. On September 8, 1991, students from over ten colleges and universities gathered at the Taipei branch to get to know each other and exchange experiences. A series of organizing activities for the "Tzu Chi College Youth Association" were underway in full swing. Besides word of mouth, publications also brought together young people involved in Tzu Chi activities at various schools and across the country to share their experiences and progress, enhancing understanding of Tzu Chi's activities.
On February 15th and 16th, 1991, the "Tzu Chi Journey for College Youth Cadres," hosted by the Religious Training Office, was attended by students from twelve colleges and universities nationwide. The Master encouraged the students with the down-to-earth and positive attitudes of "every day is a good day" and "overcoming every second." Mr. Wang Duanzheng stated, "Young people are the epitome of hope for the future. Possessing qualities of innocence, enthusiasm, and a fearlessness of hardship and difficulty, they are a vital force in carrying on the Tzu Chi spirit." During the discussion, leaders from various schools discussed the origins of Tzu Chi in their respective schools and their current status, expressing their hope for future progress in integrating human resources. The meeting also drafted the charter, establishment procedures, and progress of the Tzu Chi College Youth Association. The establishment of the association is now imminent.
After the concerted efforts of countless individuals, the Tzu Chi College Youth Association held its inaugural meeting at the Taipei branch on May 31, 1991. Over 170 students from over 40 schools attended.
The Venerable Master officially selected Venerable Dexun, the resident monk at the temple, as the association's guiding monk. Sister Chunxia from the religious office will oversee administrative coordination and oversee the association's operations. The long-awaited Tzu Chi College Youth Association was finally established. To provide more young scholars with an opportunity to learn about Tzu Chi's preparations and to attract more interested individuals, the decision was made to hold the first Tzu Chi Youth Winter Camp during the winter break of the 1992 academic year. This winter camp, with two cohorts of approximately 150 participants, marked the beginning of a Tzu Chi Youth camp.
After the camp, Senior Pan Jincheng of National Chiao Tung University was appointed as the inaugural General Manager, Senior Qiu Dingbin of National Taiwan University was appointed as the Deputy General Manager for the North Region, and Senior Xiong Yi of Tunghai University was appointed as the Deputy General Manager for the Central Region. Thus, the Tzu Chi College Youth Association entered an era of organized operation, expanding its scope and expanding its reach. The Tzu Chi Youth Association has a long history. Currently, there are 140 Tzu Chi Youth Clubs in Taiwan, including the Taipei Shih Chien University Tzu Chi Youth Club, which has been established for over 15 years. We invite you to volunteer with your heart and work part-time for the sake of love. We invite you to join us on campus and joyfully appreciate the blessings we receive in times of hardship. Let us cherish them and contribute to the good.
Let us take you back to the beginning...
Don't let sadness take you away, don't let autumn take away your melancholy.
With a compassionate heart, we learn from the ancient Buddhas.
Encourage each other and grow together.
Don't let your youth go to waste.
Cherish the opportunity we have to be together...
The Tzu Chi University Student Association (abbreviated as Tzu Chi Youth) was established to guide college students toward spiritual home and to inject new vitality into the Tzu Chi community.
In 1974 (the eighth anniversary of the founding of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Society), students from Hualien Normal School took the lead in participating in the Zhaozai activities at the Jingsi Abode. Subsequently, more university students joined in small groups. However, it wasn't until 1989 that the seeds of Tzu Chi were truly sown on campuses across Taiwan.
Thanks to the nurturing influence of fate and the tireless efforts of compassionate individuals, these seeds began to take root and sprout, particularly in the hearts of students at National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University.
One key pioneer was Sister Zhang Zigui, a Tzu Chi committee member and a graduate student at Tsinghua University. Embracing the spirit of "doing good, accumulating virtue, and competing in good deeds," she passionately brought the spirit of Tzu Chi to campus life. Wherever she went, she actively promoted Tzu Chi and worked to foster friendships among colleagues and deepen their understanding of Tzu Chi's mission.
Through weekly gatherings and Dharma sharing sessions, students and even professors began to develop a deep connection with Tzu Chi.
In December 1989, Sister Zigui organized the first campus group visit to Jing Si Abbey, with approximately 30 students from both National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University participating. Subsequently, enthusiastic students such as Qi Zhi, Zong Hong, and Zhao Min joined in, further invigorating the campus movement.
With the right timing, location, and people, these student pioneers began organizing tea parties, vegetarian meals, and Buddhist discussions. They also promoted Tzu Chi through publications and arranged hospital volunteer work, home visits, and tours of the monastery.
Turning Point: Summer 1991
In the summer of 1991, Brother Zonghong visited the monastery and Tzu Chi Hospital. Witnessing the suffering of the patients and realizing the impermanence of life, he convinced himself that volunteering in the hospital would be a profound and life-changing experience for university students.
At the time, only certified Tzu Chi members could serve in the hospital, often with long waiting lists. Brother Zonghong pleaded with Master Cheng Yen to organize a student volunteer team. With Master Cheng Yen's blessing, the first student volunteer team was established in June 1991, comprising 24 students from Tsinghua University and National Chiao Tung University. In July of the same year, over 30 university students from National Taiwan University joined, making it the largest student volunteer team in Tzu Chi's history.
Due to the overwhelming response, the event was repeated at the end of August, allowing participants to experience firsthand the essence of Tzu Chi's humanistic spirit and aspire to become part of this spiritual purification.
At this point, Master Cheng Yen officially named them the "Volunteer Team," explaining that volunteers are those who serve willingly, joyfully, gratefully, and selflessly.
This movement resonated deeply with the students, and many began to appreciate the spirit of Tzu Chi:
"I wish all beings to be free from suffering and attain happiness; I do not seek happiness for myself."
The Birth of a National Youth Network
Inspired by the spirit of sharing kindness, these early pioneers began to connect with like-minded students across Taiwan. On September 8, 1991, students from more than ten universities gathered at the Tzu Chi office in Taipei to share their experiences and ideas. Efforts to establish a national university student organization officially began, including publishing publications, documenting campus activities, and exchanging development strategies.
In February 1992, the Tzu Chi Religious Department held a "Young Leaders Tzu Chi Journey" training camp, inviting student representatives from twelve universities to participate. Master Cheng Yen encouraged young people with the message that "every day is a good day," and encouraged them to live with determination and purpose, making the most of every moment.
Mr. Wang Duanzheng stated, "Young people are the hope of the future. Sincerity, passion, and fearlessness are the keys to Tzu Chi's legacy."
During the camp, student leaders from various universities shared stories of campus development and drafted the organizational structure and establishment plan for the Tzu Chi University Association.
Official Establishment: May 31, 1992
Thanks to the tireless efforts of everyone involved, the Tzu Chi University Association was officially established on May 31, 1992, at the Tzu Chi Taipei Office. Over 170 students from over 40 universities attended the inauguration ceremony.
Master Cheng Yen appointed Venerable De Xun as her spiritual mentor and Sister Chunxia from the Religious Affairs Department to oversee administrative affairs. The long-awaited national youth network finally took shape.
To deepen students' understanding of Tzu Chi and attract more like-minded young people to join, the first Tzu Chi Youth Winter Camp was held during the winter break of 1992. Two sessions were held, attracting approximately 150 participants, marking the beginning of Tzu Chi's community youth camps.
After the summer camp, student leaders were elected to manage the organization:
Professor Pan Jincheng of National Chiao Tung University served as the first National Coordinator
Professor Qiu Dingbin of Nanyang Technological University served as Deputy Coordinator for the Northern Region
Professor Xiong Yi of Tunghai University served as Deputy Coordinator for the Central Region
Thus, the Tzu Chi University Student Association entered a new phase of standardized operations and rapid development.
Tzu Chi Youth Today
Tzu Chi Youths have been integrated into Taiwanese campus life for decades, and currently have Tzu Chi Youth Chapters in over 140 universities and colleges across Taiwan.
At Shih Chien University (Taipei), the Tzu Chi Youth Club has been active for over 15 years, continuously inspiring students to live with compassion and love.
We welcome all students to join us.
Together, we joyfully serve, cherish blessings, and create more blessings.