Tzu Chi Foundation is now a trans-national and trans-faith Taiwanese Buddhist charity active in all continents and with missions in almost 140 countries. Operating in areas with a Christian or Muslim majority, and in cultural contexts that are far from the Chinese/Asian (and Buddhist) frameworks implied the repositioning and translation of religious and Buddhist vocabularies to become accessible and understandable to non-Buddhist populations. In addition, locals and non-Buddhists from the Middle East to Africa and the Americans have joined Tzu Chi, embracing an inclusive Buddhist philosophy while maintaining their original beliefs.

This talk explores presence and activities of Tzu Chi in the Middle East, with particular attention to Turkey and Jordan. Based on a long-term study of Tzu Chi and recent fieldwork and interviews in the Middle East, my study especially focuses on the framework of Tzu Chi operations, including the local interpretation of Tzu Chi and Master Cheng Yen and the multi-faith membership of this charity. This research also addresses what I call Tzu Chi tactics of women’s empowerment that have affected women’s self-confidence and position in the region.