Buddhist charity Tzu Chi tries to take founder's message of compassion global

HUALIEN, Taiwan — When a 7.4-magnitude earthquake ripped through Taiwan in April, it took about 30 minutes for the region's most ubiquitous charity to set up an emergency response center.

Tzu Chi, an international Buddhist organization led by an 87-year-old nun, the Venerable Cheng Yen, and her followers, sprang into action. They prepared hot meals and assembled necessities for survivors and rescue teams, from drinking water and energy drinks to blankets, beds and tents.