Tzu Chi USA, the first chapter of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation established in Alhambra in 1989, will be holding three separate showings of the virtual world premiere of “Karuna,” Tzu Chi USA’s documentary about the work of international nonprofit organization Karuna-Shechen, at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, on www.TzuChiCenter.org.
The documentary follows the stories of Matthieu Ricard, one of the founders of Karuna-Shechen, and women whose lives have changed in Nepal and India. The film will lead viewers through the work and the philosophy that belies Karuna-Shechen, a nonprofit that’s rooted in Buddhist wisdom.
From the foothills of the Himalaya in Nepal to Bodh Gaya in India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, this documentary will take audiences on a vivid journey, tracing the path of compassion in action, as practiced by Karuna-Shechen, co-founded by Tibetan Buddhist Master Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche.
Viewers will meet several women who share their stories of lives transformed through the organization’s assistance, and discover how compassionate aid must intertwine with wisdom, which means supporting women’s empowerment and advocating voluntary simplicity.
Following the premiere, Shamsul Akhtar, the India Country Director of Karuna-Shechen, will take part in a live Q&A session, along with Matthieu Ricard himself.
Tzu Chi USA began when Stephen Huang, a wealthy American businessman seeking personal guidance, visited Dharma Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan. The meeting changed his life. There he met a gentle nun who had created a powerful organization, and who was able to realize one seemingly impossible dream after another, solely for the benefit of others.
Huang was so filled with awe and admiration that he became a disciple and vowed to bring the spirit and mission of Tzu Chi to the United States. Thus, he founded Tzu Chi USA as the first overseas chapter.
The chapter began working by mobilizing volunteers, then hosting “tea parties” where the volunteers could share their thoughts, experiences, and the joy of volunteering. The events drew supporters and quickly inspired the creation of additional chapters. Today, Tzu Chi USA has 57 offices and facilities, with volunteers and donors working tirelessly to make a difference in their communities.
In 2012, after Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast, Tzu Chi distributed $10 million in immediate relief aid to the victims. Tzu Chi USA was recognized as National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) Member of the Year in 2013, and received the Champions of Change Award from the White House.
To RSVP for the film showing, visit www.tzuchi.us/on-the-buddhas-
