Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, yesterday met with Taiwan's "Mother Teresa" as he wrapped up a nine-day religious visit.
The Dalai Lama, who arrived here on March 29, met with 64-year-old Master Cheng Yen (
Master Cheng Yen, who became a nun at the age of 26, took the time to explain to her visitor why she had devoted her life to charity work such as building hospitals and care centers for the elderly, according to local TV reports.
Tzu Chi, the single biggest religious group here, has millions of followers in Taiwan.
Master Cheng Yen's Buddhist groups have built temporary homes for quake and flood victims here and abroad, from Africa to Latin America to China.
More than 100 Tzu Chi Foundation (慈濟功德) volunteers, doctors and nurses of the hospital -- excited by having the chance to meet simultaneously the two religious leaders -- rushed to welcome the Dalai Lama and Master Cheng Yen in the lobby of the hospital.
After listening to the hospital's president about the work done by the hospital and the foundation, the Dalai Lama said he saw the mercy in all the work done by the foundation.
He added that he had always thought Catholicism had made more of a contribution to Taiwan society than Buddhism, but said he has a new outlook after finding out about the work of the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Earlier in the day the Dalai Lama addressed a huge gathering at Changhua stadium as Taiwan observed the Buddha's birthday.
The Dalai Lama appealed for understanding between different religions.
"People from different religions must respect each other and even share their experiences," the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said through an interpreter.
In his second meeting with President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on Saturday, the Dalai Lama recommended that Taiwan open its domestic labor market to exiled Tibetans.
Later yesterday, the Tibetan leader met with DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh (
Hsieh showed the Dalai Lama how to operate the high-tech gadget, which the religious leader was apparently unaccustomed to using, after which the Dalai Lama gave Hsieh a phone call.
"I'll have to learn how to use it, otherwise I am afraid this will wake me while I am sleeping," he said, laughing.
The Dalai Lama is scheduled to leave Taiwan today.
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