Special Reports
Celestial Art on Earth-Hsihu Center Celebrates 20th Anniversary and New Book Premiere By Formosa News Group (Originally in Chinese) On December 12 and 13, Golden Year 5 (2008), Hsihu Center celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding and the premiere of Master’s new book—Celestial Art. More than a hundred distinguished guests from Formosa’s academic and cultural circles, the women’s movement and environmental groups, as well as members of the media participated in this “Moonlight Feast of Celestial Art in Hsihu” event. On the first day, our Association members cordially escorted the VIPs on a guided tour of Hsihu Center, which was personally developed and built by Master. While awed by such peerless artwork crafted out of materials from the natural surroundings, the guests were amazed to hear about the miraculous construction of the Nectar River, in three days, and the Zigzag Bridge, in five days, by Master and disciples. Further impressing the guests were the Rainbow Garden—a paradise of joy that Master has lovingly created for the children, and the half-concealed caves for secluded spiritual cultivation ingeniously built in harmony with the hilly terrain to preserve the environment. They unanimously praised Hsihu Center as “the Home of Artists.” Master calligrapher Xu Yong-jin (photo 1) spoke of the fragrance coming from every tree in the Center and the respect each person receives when coming to the Center, which is a manifestation of the peace that is most essential among humans. Water-color painter Sun Shao-ying (photo 2), having looked at every page of Celestial Art, said that the diverse display of art creations in the book could only be achieved by someone who respects Heaven, loves the whole Creation, and has a pure and innocent heart. Under a beautiful starlit sky, everyone blissfully enjoyed a sumptuous vegan dinner. The following morning, the guests joined our Association members for the Celestial Art book premiere featuring a videoconference with Supreme Master Ching Hai. From a professional standpoint, Associate Professor Huang Zhi-yang (photo 3) of Hua Fan University’s Department of Fine Arts said that people should use their heart to appreciate Master’s artworks, which have expanded artists’ vision and redefined art. He felt that the era of awakening art has come and strongly recommended that everyone get a personal copy for reading and enjoyment. A former editor of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Madam Zheng Fang-he (photo 4) said with emotion that Supreme Master Ching Hai conveys the spiritual Truth through colors and images, revealing Her creative talent through Her childlike heart that is free of attachment to any rules or laws. As a result, Her artwork is a demonstration of “absolute freedom.” She thought that Master Herself is a masterpiece of natural beauty that cannot be categorized or confined in either an unrefined or magnificent form; She is spiritual splendor. At the videoconference, Supreme Master Ching Hai welcomed the guests and thanked them for joining this celebration held in Her “home.” She said that everyone can create artwork; even women applying make-up daily is a form of creativity. Master pointed out that art is a common language that transcends national boundaries and language barriers. While worldly language cannot express our love for art, regardless of what language we speak, it is always possible for us to communicate through art, disseminate the ideal of environmental protection and beautify the world through art. With a great sense of humor, Master said that if She were a piece of artwork, then perhaps She could also be sold to earn money. If that could save the planet from the climate change crisis, She would be happy to do that. Eighteen islands in the world have already been submerged under water and 40 more are gradually sinking. The fastest and most effective solution to solve the global warming and food shortage crisis is the vegetarian diet. Thankful that so many spiritual groups and government bodies in Formosa are advocating the vegetarian diet, Master expressed Her hope that it would become the first entirely vegetarian and green country in the world.
<< | Contents | >>
Refer this page to friends