This paper examines the meanings of the metaphor ”all streams go to the sea,” drawn by scholars for the prospect of inter-religious cooperation, and of the metaphor ”religion is like the sea” similarly raised by Master Cheng Yen, in Tzu Chi's international relief that engages people of different religious backgrounds in volunteer work. The study aims to generalize the features of Tzu Chi's experiences in echoing the ethnical obligations of modern religions to enhance human welfare. Research data is based on Master Cheng Yen's talks, reports on international relief in Tzu Chi publications, and field studies in Indonesia and South Africa by the author. The research finds that Tzu Chi's humanitarian aid without proselytizing, Master Cheng Yen's instruction on respecting local religions and cultures, Tzu Chi volunteers' altruistic help for the needy, and Tzu Chi's values viewing everyone as potential helpers, explain the reasons why Tzu Chi has been accepted in different religious/cultural areas, and furthermore recruits many local residents to join its services. Tzu Chi also provides them with chances and resources to implement their beliefs. This paper illustrates that sufferings create opportunities for inter-religious cooperation, since they inspire the high spirit of love and compassion pursued by religions. Joint actions to cope with calamities result in a deep dialogue between religions. Tzu Chi's experiences of inter-religious cooperation offer three explanations for the metaphor ”all streams go to the sea;” that is, human potentials to carry out ”great love,” accommodating other religions, and all religions' imperative concern for global sufferings. Tzu Chi has set up an action-oriented model for religious cooperation by offering an open space for ”doing good” that incorporates believers of different religions.
