Taiwan Quick Take: Tzu Chi celebrates birthday

The Tzu Chi Buddhist Compassionate Relief Foundation -- the nations' largest charity organization -- celebrated its 40th anniversary yesterday with various activities in both Taiwan and more than 20 other countries. Tzu Chi's anniversary coincides with Mother's Day each year. This year the foundation's anniversary came a week after the Buddha's Birthday on May 7. UN Secretary-General Kofi Anna sent a congratulatory message to Tzu Chi's Dharma Master Cheng Yen (証嚴). Tzu Chi's main shrine in Hualien County and the foundation's local chapters throughout the nation invited members of the public to join them at more than 60 locations in various forms of celebration, including Buddha-bathing ceremonies and exhibitions.