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A Little Message:
News No. 205
As a creator of artistic designs as well as a spiritual teacher, Supreme Master Ching Hai loves all expressions of inner beauty. It is for this reason that She refers to Vietnam as "Au Lac" and Taiwan as "Formosa." Au Lac is the ancient name of Vietnam and means "happiness." And the name Formosa, meaning "beautiful," reflects more completely the beauty of the island and its people. Master feels that using these names brings spiritual elevation and luck to the land and its inhabitants. |
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| Spiritual Tips
We Have to Meditate More to Help Others
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at an international gathering on October 11, 2009 (Originally in Chinese)
Q. Master, please tell us how to keep the love and blessing that You give us in order to help others? A. We have to meditate; it is really like that! We have to change our concept and put our focus on meditation. We must meditate! We have to put aside any matters that are not important. We cannot say, “Everything we do in daily life is meditation.” This is only possible when you are all alone in the mountains, with no one bothering you, no need to worry about survival and not having to interact with anyone. While here, if you wish to help anyone, you must meditate for at least four hours each day, not just two-and-a-half hours. Meditating for two-and-a-half hours is only sufficient for yourself, and sharing a little bit with others. If you want to help others or want to help by my side, you have to meditate at least four hours. So the answer to your question is very simple: just meditate. Meditation is very important. You absolutely need to meditate. It is not because I tell you so; it is because if you don’t meditate, you would be spiritually dead and your body would be exhausted. This is really true. I am not joking! You must realize this point from today onwards. We really must meditate diligently; meditate whenever we can, even just for five minutes is good. Even if just for two minutes, we still have to concentrate. When working, recite the protective Holy Names whenever we can to protect ourselves at all times. Otherwise, we are in a world that is full of heavy pollution and very strong destructive power; we could be harmed at anytime. Even though we are vegetarians and benevolent, we can still be affected. Therefore, we can only protect ourselves by meditation, chanting the Holy Names, and being focused in the mind. Especially at this time, there are numerous trials. If the world does not change, the end will come very soon. So we must meditate as much as we can. Truly, it is only for helping the world that I let you to go out to work. Otherwise, if there were no such problem as the end of the world, I would have advised you to meditate all the time, because if we do not meditate enough, we cannot help the world either. If the people around me do not meditate enough, it is very difficult for them to help me. They are not helping; they just idle there and let you do the work. They occupy your space and time, and drain your attention so that you cannot focus your mind. This happens if we do not meditate enough. We cannot help even if we want to. So, if you want to help others, first meditate for four hours, depending on how much you want to help. For the people living here, working for me every day, the more they do my work, the more they need to meditate. At least four hours. In your case, two-and-a-half hours to three-and-a-half hours is okay. Anytime you want to help more, you need to meditate more on that day. Simply meditate diligently at all times and save it up for use in case you are in need due to shortage.
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| Master’s Words
Lead the Veg Change and All Troubles Will Subside
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Sukhothai Thamathirat, Thailand Videoconference, August 15, 2009 (Originally in English)
To all the leaders, I call on them once more to put their love first, for their countrymen and women. And for all the children to accept with courage the deed that must be done; to use the mighty power in their hand and entrusted by people to save the world. The global livestock industry is now contributing almost as much to global warming as the energy sector, or even more. And I know it contributes at least 80% of it. Meat production is depleting your people’s water, damaging their health, pushing them to war and breeding new, deadly diseases each day. It is killing your people. Only you can stop it. They need your shining, heroic, vegan example, because they really look to their governments, to their leaders. They will be greatly facilitated by your laws for organic vegan farming, and campaigns for all laws to make the much-needed lifestyle, vegan change. Your co-citizens, your subjects, will appreciate you, praise you, love you, support you, and they will remember you for saving the world for generations to come even, for saving their lives and the lives of their loved ones as well as their future children. And Heaven will reward you greatly. Lead the veg change. Promote forgiveness and peace, and then even all other troubles like poverty, conflict, even financial crisis, pandemics, will also subside. I thank you leaders of nations, for all the efforts in these directions so far. But if you allow me, I honestly say that what we are doing and planning now is not enough, and not fast enough, and I bid you the courage and faith to do more and faster. To the organizations of the world, including the media, who understand the strength of a social movement, thank you for your work to inform and to encourage people to the exciting, humane, beneficial, chic, animal-free, vegan way of life. To the individuals, thank you for doing your part to save our planet, but please, to make it in time we have more to do and we have little time. We have to continue to urge our leaders and our fellow human beings, neighbors, to change. Be vegan, to save themselves and their families and children, and the animals, and everything they feel is worth living for. We can get out of the danger, but through the right direction. Our house is on fire but the water hose is right there in front of us. Just pick it up and use it. It’s as simple as that. Just be vegan, and please be quick, our days are numbered. To all humankind, Heaven loves you so much, so we have hope for the planet’s survival, more than ever before. We shall awaken to a new, compassionate, vegan planet that is full of loving energy, kindness and blessings to no end from Heaven. I pray you all will continue towards this peace in our reach. Thank you so much, all of you, thank you.
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Switzerland
World Climate Conference-3
By Geneva News Group (Originally in English)
[Geneva] Organized by the World Meteorological Organization and hosted by the Swiss Government, the World Climate Conference-3 (WCC-3) was held from August 31 to September 4, Golden Year 6 (2009). The theme of the conference was “Climate prediction and information for decision-making.” This important conference brought together more than 2,000 climate scientists, experts, and decision makers intent on reducing losses caused by increasingly extreme weather events such as heat waves, sandstorms, cyclones, droughts, and floods. High-level policy makers from more than 150 countries committed to adopt the “Global Framework for Climate Services” established at the conference, which will be made available to all people. Speakers included Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General and President of the Global Humanitarian Forum, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco, Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz, Swiss Minister of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Moritz Leuenberger, Mr. Michel Jarraud, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Mr. Alexander Bedritsky, President of WMO, as well as several heads of state and ministers from different countries. All agreed that Climate Change is accelerating and that it is the greatest environmental and humanitarian challenge we face today. In the report released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) entitled, “Arctic Climate Feedbacks: Global Implications,” it showed that large scale effects prompted by a warming Arctic will make global climate change more severe than indicated by other recent projections, including those of the IPCC. Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Deputy Executive Director of World Food Program, pointed out that “While the number of hungry people has reached 1 billion, the number of people at risk from climate and weather-related disasters has increased to 2.6 billion.” Mr. Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of Mozambique, urged people to act today “because tomorrow may be too late.” To bring awareness to participants that a vegan diet is the most efficient solution to climate change, three initiates from the Geneva Center attended the conference and spoke with participants and VIPs. They were delighted to hear that many of these key people already knew of the harmful effects of the meat diet and were either already vegetarians or were cutting down their meat consumption. Mr. Thomas Kolly, Ambassador and Chief of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, congratulated the initiates for the work they are doing. He is a vegetarian and rides his bicycle to go to work. Mr. Daniel K. Keuerleber-Burk, director of Swiss Meteo and President of Regional Association of World Meteorological Association, fully agreed with this message and ate vegetarian meals during his stay at the conference. The Swiss Minister for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr. Moritz Leuenberger, who was one of the speakers at the conference, is also a vegetarian. His Serene Highness, Prince Albert of Monaco, said in his speech that it was time to act and that we should be conscious of the fact that we will have to change profoundly our way of living, of producing, and of consuming. The Minister of Agriculture in Bhutan, H.E. Pema Gyamtsho, said in an interview that in his country, many people are vegetarians and that the government is telling everyone to stop eating meat! Dr. Jane Lubchenco, head of the U.S. delegation and a scientist on President Obama’s team, is also fully aware of the problem caused by the meat diet. The initiates presented Master’s best-selling books as a gesture of goodwill to many VIPs and felt grateful for Master’s guidance. The World Climate Conference-3 was of great importance in preparing the groundwork for the Copenhagen conference in December 2009. Scientists and politicians talked to each other and are working together toward the common goal of reversing global warming and saving the planet Earth. Caption:
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Germany
Streetlife Festival Brings New Ideas and Energy
By Munich News Group (Originally in German)
[Munich] On the weekends of July 19 and September 12, Golden Year 6 (2009), the annual Streetlife Festival was held by the NGO Green City and the Department of Health and Environment of Munich on the famous Leopold Street in Germany. The event attracted exhibitors from all areas including solar-electric vehicles, a volunteer rescue association, as well as groups like “Climate for All,” and “China Bear Rescue.” Together with many other German pro-vegan organizations, our Association members shared with participants the urgency of climate change and its quickest solution—the vegan diet. Many people expressed their concern about global warming and discussed intensively with the initiates how to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Several elderly ladies asked for recipes and vegan-friendly shop locations in order to prepare animal-free meals for their families. Young people loved our Association’s SOS poster and took souvenir photographs holding it. A group of spiritual artists confessed that they were vegetarians and were on their way to being vegan. They fully agreed with the message in the SOS flyers and wanted to share them with their friends and relatives. We hope that more green cities will emerge in the world. We also sincerely wish for more people to realize quickly the emergency of global warming and to adopt the plant-based diet to stop planetary heating and climatic catastrophes. Frankfurt Riverbank Festival [Frankfurt] Along the idyllic bank of the river Main, the Frankfurt Riverbank Festival 2009 was held from August 28 to 30. Initiates from Duisburg and Munich Centers worked hand in hand to establish an “all vegan-plant-based” booth selling simple dishes like curry vegetables with rice, fried noodles, Chinese moon-cake, and German cherry cream cake. Their vegan food was so popular that many people asked where they could find their restaurant. Seeing the increasingly positive feedback from people about the vegan diet, the initiates feel very encouraged and confident that with God’s blessing, the planet will be saved!
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Bulgaria
Mobile Billboards
By Plovdiv News Group (Originally in Bulgarian)
[Plovdiv] The initiates from Bulgaria Center are always looking for new ways to promote Supreme Master Television and the “Be Vegan, Go Green, Save the Planet” slogan. Apart from distributing SOS flyers and related leaflets on an ongoing basis, they have also arranged with local taxi companies to have these informative messages put on the top of their vehicles. So for the last three or four months, the taxis have been serving as mobile billboards, attracting people’s attention and spreading positive vibrations around the whole town! Initiates thank Master for the divine inspiration in finding this wonderful and affordable way to deliver the urgent message!
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Romania
A Global Warming Newsletter
By Bucharest News Group (Originally in Romanian)
[Bucharest] After watching the recent global warming conferences and hearing Master’s increasingly urgent call to save the world, fellow initiates from Romania tried to find a way to bring the newest information and supporting evidence on the detrimental effects of meat consumption to the public. While discussing the options with a printing company, the owner offered to make additional newsletters with all the info at a good price. Excited by the idea, fellow initiates immediately set to work; and in a short time, they gathered all the data, including quotes and discussions from Master, renowned scientists and prominent doctors presented at the latest global warming conferences, and translated parts of the most up-to-date report from the Worldwatch Institute, showing that meat consumption is responsible for more than 51% of greenhouse gas emissions. They distributed the newsletters along with SOS flyers among students at the main university campuses in the capital city of Bucharest as well as in other cities in Romania. Both were very well received and read with great interest. In addition, they also posted online, in an easy to read PDF format, all the speeches delivered by Master and many famous scientists during the climate change conferences, hoping that their fellow citizens will soon realize the urgency of global warming, the importance of acting now, and adopting a vegan lifestyle!
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Australia
Ride to Work Day
By Melbourne News Team (Originally in English)
[Melbourne] The annual Ride to Work Day in Australia was on Wednesday, October 14, Golden Year 6 (2009). Staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne celebrated the day with a delicious vegan breakfast prepared by our local Association members. Doctors, nurses, medical researchers and various other staff enjoyed the fruit salad, vegan muffins, apple pies and vegan quiche that were offered. At an information table, many also spent time speaking with our Association members, and received free DVDs, leaflets and booklets on topics ranging from vegan nutrition and health to climate change and the vegan solution. The organizers of the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Ride to Work Day were grateful for the food and in a letter of thanks wrote: “The spread of food you provided was outstanding. We would like to thank you and your team for your enthusiasm and willingness to speak to staff about climate change, and for providing them with information booklets and brochures.” With over 100 staff participating, many, for the first time, became aware of the effects of our dietary choices on the planet.
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USA
Working Together to Spread the Urgent Message
By San Jose News Group (Originally in English)
[San Jose] Our Association members from the San Jose Center have worked together to actively promote the SOS climate change message in the bay area. Using Bus Tail Ads, they have successfully posted the “Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet” message on 45 buses that will traverse the neighboring cities and towns of Santa Clara from 7am to 10 pm daily for 8 weeks. An overall estimated 7.6 million people will see the signs, according to CBS Outdoor Advertising. In addition, highway billboards were also set up in high-traffic areas. With God’s blessing, they received surprisingly good discounts at perfect locations from ClearChannel Outdoor Advertising. One SOS Billboard right in the heart of the Silicon Valley near the intersection of two major interstate highways carrying the “Be VEGetarian! It Stops 80% of Global Warming” logo was seen by over 2 million people. The second SOS Billboard was close to the International San Francisco Airport. And the third SOS Billboard will be up for another 4 weeks. The Association members are so grateful and happy to share Master's message with such a large number of fellow citizens in the bay area. “Save Our Planet” Broadcast Live on Cable TV
By Chicago News Group (Originally in English)
[Chicago] A new TV hotline show “Save Our Planet” that addresses global warming and its solution made its debut on Wednesday evening, September 23, Golden Year 6 (2009) in Chicago, Illinois. With one of our Association members as the host, special guest Dr. Will Tuttle talked live to TV viewers and answered their questions about veganism and the immense healing power it brings to our health and our planet. The show was on air live for 24 minutes on channel 21, Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV), viewed by possibly one million Comcast Cable TV subscribers. Through Master’s quiet guidance and the assistance of CAN TV staff, the show was a success for being the first trial for Association members. The Illinois Center expects to hold a weekly series of this hotline show starting January 2010. In the U.S., it’s highly recommended to make use of the Public Access Television Stations and Media Centers around the country. They offer technical training, equipment, facilities and programming opportunities on a nondiscriminatory basis free of charge or at a minimum rate for nonprofit and noncommercial organizations. You can also simply submit ready-to-air tapes or DVDs from Supreme Master TV. Everyone has an equal chance to exercise the First Amendment–the Right to Freedom of Speech, so be confident that your programs will not be turned down. As Master said a couple of years ago, “One day waiting is a ‘BIG LOSS,’” so let’s be the media ourselves! To contact the local Public Access Television Stations and Media Centers in your area, please go to: http://www.videouniversity.com/pubaccess.shtml. (USA)
A Summer Filled with Fun and God’s Grace
By Boston News Group (Originally in English)
[Boston] Thanks to Master's grace and all initiates’ supporting efforts, the Boston Center had great success in sharing both vegan food and SOS information this summer through participation in all kinds of local festivals and events, such as the Solar Fest in Vermont, Southeast Asian Water Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts, Windsor Fair in Maine and the Rochester Fair in New Hampshire. At the annual Southeast Asian Water Festival on August 15, the Association members provided vegan cuisine and SOS global warming information to thousands of visitors. The Lowell Health inspectors were very pleased with their kitchen team because their food was clean, healthy and safe. Several members wore hats decorated with colorful fruits and vegetables, attracting a lot of visitors to their booth. Many people had a chance to be exposed to the Alternative Living Lifestyle and Vegan Food for the very first time and were very impressed. Quite a few came back to buy more or try other dishes. At the 10-day Rochester Fair in New Hampshire in September, the Association members greeted many visitors in an uplifting atmosphere. Their food was the most popular, winning compliments from visitors and even the event organizers. Many people had the chance to taste vegan food and discuss global warming, environment, health problems and spiritual topics. People from the Seven-Days Adventists Church highly praised their work and even offered to help distribute flyers. Some of their members and many other customers suggested that our Association members open a vegan restaurant in the New Hampshire area. Summer passed so quickly this year, with so many exciting and meaningful events thanks to Master’s inspiration and arrangement. May more and more people be motivated by the noble work that is being done, to spread the vegan way of life quickly enough to save our precious and beautiful planet.
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Paraguay
Supreme Master TV Goes to City Cable TV
By Asunción News Group (Originally in Spanish)
[Paraguay] With great joy and satisfaction, our local Association members proudly announce that starting from the end of October, Golden Year 6 (2009), TIT Cable TV Channel 70 in Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay, Channel 44 in Minga Guazu City, channel 30 in Santani City, channel 32 in Horqueta City, as well as Channel 41 in Hernandarias City will carry Supreme Master TV transmission via INTELSAT 805 satellite. Association members provided all the necessary equipment for the transmission such as the modulator, decoder and antenna. Thanks to Master’s blessing, the kind-hearted people in Paraguay can now enjoy the constructive, uplifting and noble programs offered by Supreme Master TV, and receive the most up-to-date information on climate change and news from around the world.
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Mongolia
Speedy Transition to a Vegetarian Country
By Ulaanbaatar News Group (Originally in Mongolian)
[Mongolia] Ever since Supreme Master Ching Hai started the “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet!” campaign, the warm-hearted Mongolian people have shown enthusiastic support. Climate change and spirituality have become frequent topics of discussion in different media groups. The country’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr. Gansukh, also addressed this issue and expressed his intent to work together with all conservation NGOs to halt global warming. In addition, more vegetarian restaurants are sprouting up across the country. Vegetarian cafés can be found in Murun, Khovsgol province and other cities, and recently the 4th Loving Hut international vegan fast food franchise opened in Ulaanbaatar. Positive feedback received from the customers included: “The food is very delicious and the restaurant is so graciously decorated. I would like to say to Mongolians, ‘Please come here and taste the food.’” “The cuisine here is just awesome …. We are pretty sure that the Mongolian people will return to their traditional way of life, which is being vegetarian, and then all of us will be healthier.” Our fellow initiates are excited to see that Mongolia is well on its way to being a vegetarian country!
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Indonesia
Series of SOS Seminars on Tropical Island
By Bali News Group (Originally in English)
[Bali] The 31st Session of the IPCC (Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change) and Sessions of the three Working Groups were held in Bali in October, Golden Year 6 (2009). In order to raise people’s awareness on climate change and provide information about the main solution, the plant-based diet, our local initiates have held SOS Global Warming seminars at about 30 schools and public institutions after receiving invitations to conduct them since June this year. For each seminar, the initiates began by showing several selected programs from Supreme Master TV, followed by a question and answer session, SOS pin awards for students who pledge to go vegetarian after the seminar, and signing a petition for Meat-Free Friday in Indonesia. So far, hundreds of students have pledged to change their diet and thousands of signatures have been collected for the petition which will be submitted to the President of Indonesia by the end of this year. Many students, teachers as well as school principles are very much appreciative of the initiates’ noble efforts and some students even volunteered to join the seminar team. With many more SOS seminars on the way, initiates always feel fully charged with loving energy for each session, and give thanks to Master for Her guidance and protection enabling all seminars to be conducted smoothly and successfully. They are determined to visit every school and university on the waiting list to spread the SOS message and to raise the awareness of all the people on this beautiful island.
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Singapore
Public Buses Bring the Green Message
By Singapore News Group (Originally in English)
[Singapore] In September, Golden Year 6 (2009), initiates from the Singapore Center launched a project to help raise the awareness of climate change by employing public buses as their advertising media. A total of four public buses from SBS Transit, a Singapore bus company, started travelling on the road displaying the urgent SOS message of “Be Veg, Go Green, Save the Planet” to alert the public about the urgency of the present climate crisis. The bus routes cover all north, south, east and west areas of the green island city and the images printed on the sides of each bus include a large beautiful photo of our beloved Master, an illustration showing the consequences of climate change, warnings of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, and a message from Dr. Rajendra Pachauri on reducing meat intake as a way to stop global warming. The website address of Supreme Master Television was also on display. All the buses will continue touring the city for three more months. Plans are underway to increase the number of SOS buses and to prolong the continuation of the advertisements on the road. With Master’s love and blessings, the initiates are working to make more people aware of the benefits of a plant-based diet and embrace a compassionate vegan lifestyle.
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Malaysia
World March Event in Kuala Lumpur
By Kuala Lumpur News Group (Originally in English)
[Kuala Lumpur] To celebrate the 140th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the World March for Peace and Nonviolence started on October 2, Golden Year 6 (2009) in New Zealand and will continue for 3 months, crossing 90 countries and 100 cities on five continents. The participants will meet political leaders, organizations and local societies to demand the dismantling of nuclear arsenals, the immediate withdrawal of troops from occupied countries, and the progressive disarmament of conventional weaponry as well as the signing of non-aggression pacts, and the renouncement of war to resolve conflicts. The March came to the city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for the first time on October 10, which coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Together with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Malaysia, Women’s Aid Organization, Nur Salam, Voice of the Children, and World without Wars, our local Association members were also invited to join this noteworthy cause under the flagship of Supreme Master Television. It was a night to remember. Lit lanterns filled the air as participants from the World March event walked serenely holding banners and posters promoting peace, with our Association members carrying the SOS banners, pleading “Be Veg♥ Go Green♥Save The Planet.” The “stars” of the occasion were the furry animal doggie friends who were accompanied by their loving caregivers. As the evening progressed, our Association’s booth became the prime attraction as many visitors were pleasantly surprised by the variety of vegan foods served. SOS flyers, DVDs on global warming and Master’s sample booklets were among the items distributed to the visitors. At the end of the event, our Association contributed all the proceeds from the food sales to the SPCA, as a token of appreciation for their noble efforts in saving and protecting our precious animal co-inhabitants. During an interview, Malaysian celebrity actress, Maya Karin, appealed to all concerned Malaysians to reduce their meat consumption which she believes is one of the major contributors to global warming. She further elaborated that each and every individual could also do their part by eliminating the use of plastic packaging materials. We thank Ms. Maya Karin and all participants for their endeavors in helping to create a better and healthier environment for all.
Advocating “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet!” in Schools
By Johore Bahru News Group (Originally in Chinese)
[Johore Bahru] To help young children understand the cause of global warming, its impact on climate change along with the solution, initiates from the Johore Bahru Center held a “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet!” event at the Pei Hwa Primary School in Kota Tinggi. Participants included 144 students from three primary schools and four kindergartens. The event featured a colouring and painting competition, displays showcasing Master’s life and achievements, as well as an exhibition on environmental protection. In addition to showing relevant videos, the initiates also prepared some global warming DVDs and flyers as well as information on how to make eco-friendly enzymes, for parents to take freely. Master’s #1 International bestseller The Noble Wilds and The Realization of Health were also contributed to the libraries of the primary schools. The initiates were very grateful to the schools for their loving assistance. They sincerely hope that this event will encourage more students, teachers, and parents to adopt a plant-based diet and to mitigate global warming with practical actions.
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Hong Kong
Sharing the Message of “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet!” at Book Fair
By Hong Kong News Group (Originally in Chinese)
[Hong Kong] On July 22, Golden Year 6 (2009), the 20th Hong Kong Book Fair opened under the earnest anticipation of the public and attracted more than 900,000 visitors. As the general public has become more aware of the global warming crisis, most exhibitors switched to using eco-friendly materials for the conservation of Earth’s natural resources. The Hong Kong Center specially produced a combined version of The Healthy Vegetarian Era 4 and the Global Warming Special Reports, aiming to remind the citizens that the best way to mitigate global warming is by adopting an animal-free diet. People enthusiastically came to collect the brochures and a total of 42,000 copies, together with a large quantity of SOS flyers and booklets, were distributed at the Book Fair. Accompanied by his parents, a ten-year-old boy came to the initiates’ booth and attentively watched the Climate Change Videoconference footage. His parents explained that the boy had been a vegetarian since infanthood and seldom watches other television programs except for Supreme Master Television. Consequently, his parents followed his lead and are now vegetarians. A young lady studying in secondary school shared with the initiates that she had understood the critical urgency of global warming from watching Supreme Master Television and had adopted the animal-free diet over a year ago. Before the Book Fair ended, she enrolled to practice the Convenient Method. Likewise, many people have become more concerned about the state of our planet and have shown interest in the animal-free diet. Some of them also brought their friends to watch the relevant videos. We sincerely hope that the idea of saving the planet by adopting the animal-free lifestyle will root and sprout in the hearts of all citizens, and all of us can strive together to save this beautiful Earth. A Delightful Opening of the Loving Hut—Wanchai Outlet in Hong Kong The Wanchai Outlet of Loving Hut in Hong Kong officially opened on August 1, Golden Year 6 (2009). This is the first international vegan chain restaurant ever operated on Hong Kong Island. Wanchai is a key commercial and business area in Hong Kong marked by a huge flow of people numbering 600,000 each day. This latest Loving Hut is located in a new, top-flight commercial building installed with a central satellite system. Therefore, workers in the entire building complex can watch Supreme Master Television free-of-charge. Hopefully, this new vegan outlet will encourage more people to adopt the animal-free diet and a compassionate, sustainable lifestyle.
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Japan
Global Warming Seminars
By Gunma News Group (Originally in Japanese)
[Gunma] On July 12, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Gunma Center held a SOS Global Warming Seminar at Ohga Hall in Karuizawa Town in Nagano Prefecture. There were three presentations: “Organic Farming and the Vegan Diet,” “The Relationship between Global Warming and the Extinction of Marine Species,” and “An Animal-Free Diet - The Solution to Save the Planet.” Seminar attendees came from all walks of life, many of whom commented that they had received precious and up-to-date information, and believed that the government and news media should take the lead in advocating an animal-free diet to mitigate the warming of the planet. An elementary school teacher said, “I have been instructing the children about all kinds of pollution, but from now on, I will teach them about the relationship between the meat diet and climate change. I will also advise and encourage my neighbours to adopt the plant-based diet. I think the time has come to reveal the truth to the public. I really did the right thing by coming here today!” During the questions and answers session, some people wanted to understand more about the connection between the current swine flu pandemic and animal farming. Upon knowing that animal agriculture is the leading cause of this infectious disease, most guests agreed that we should eliminate this kind of industry and adopt an animal-free lifestyle. On September 27, the Gunma Center held another global warming seminar; this time it was at the Kumagaya Hall in Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture. Several speakers addressed this pressing subject, and video footage of Dr. Stephen Schneider discussing the issue of the warming of the planet and its relationship to the vegan diet during an interview with Supreme Master Television was shown. Many seminar attendees understood the cause of global warming and the harmful effects of meat-eating, and were very supportive of a vegan lifestyle. Thanks to Master’s blessings, after the seminars many people were inspired to changing to a vegetarian diet. Some of them even became advocates in spreading the planet-saving message of becoming a vegan. Gunma Center fellow initiates are wholeheartedly grateful to Master for Her guidance and will continue in their endeavors to save the Earth.
Tokyo VegeFood Festa 2009
By Tokyo News Group (Originally in Japanese)
[Tokyo] On October 17 and 18, Golden Year 6 (2009), “Tokyo VegeFood Festa 2009” welcomed its 7th anniversary in the Tokyo Yoyogi Park. Over 100 vendors including vegetarian restaurants, organic cooking supply shops, as well as about 24,000 visitors participated in the event, more than in any other year in the history of the Tokyo Vegetarian Festival. Only vegan food was served this year, thanks to all the members of the Festa Executive Committee. The Loving Hut in Tokyo opened a booth at the event to offer over 1,000 steamed buns, lunch boxes, vegan cakes and other delicacies. Fellow initiates also handed out SOS flyers and DVDs along with “Meat Free Monday” leaflets to the visitors. They observed that people have become more conscious about their health and the environment, and the younger generation is especially receptive to the message. They were excited to see that the Japanese food culture trend is changing in the direction of vegetarianism.
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Korea
Musicians Join Vegan Movement
By Korea News Group (Originally in Korea)
[Seoul] Inspired by the “Save Our Earth” Conference held in April this year in Korea, Seoul Piano Orchestra joined hands with our Association members and organized a unique “Meat-Free Sunday” Piano Concert in Seoul Korea’s KBS Hall on August 23, Golden Year 6 (2009). After being informed why the vegan diet is the best and quickest solution for climate change, all 80 members of the Seoul Piano Orchestra decided to keep the vegan diet on the day of the event. About 1,000 guests watched a Supreme Master TV video presentation on how vegetarianism is the solution to global warming, and listened attentively to the host who elaborated further on this subject during the program intervals. Vegetarian singer and musician, Park Chang-Geun, was also invited to perform. After the concert, the attendees enjoyed a delightful vegan buffet, and many musicians and participants said they would try to switch to a vegetarian diet to join the “Save The Planet” movement. A Powerful Radio Veg Campaign SBS is a leading broadcasting company in Korea. They launched an Environment Awareness Campaign from August to October this year, through Radio Power FM(107.7 MHz) and Love FM(103.5 MHz), airing environment-conscious messages more than four times a day, a total of 500 times during that period. Many famous politicians, celebrities, announcers and professors joined in the radio activities. One of our Association members recorded a veg message with the chief secretary of the Love Life–Vegetarian Practice Association. A prosecutor explained to the listeners that swine flu originated from our cruelty to animals, especially pigs. She appealed to everyone to be more compassionate toward animals and to adopt a vegetarian diet. A SBS reporter expressed her thanks to our members for informing her how a change of diet can curb climate change. May more media follow SBS’s excellent example to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Reaching Out at Local Attractions [Busan] Busan initiates continue working diligently to save the planet. In September, Golden Year 6 (2009), they opened their second Loving Hut; this one is close to Busan National University, serving delicious vegan food to the students at affordable prices. Apart from posting environmental friendly messages on the digital rotary multi-signboard and on the big boards on the girder of bridges in some busy areas, they have also been to Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach and many parks since August, to spread the veg message. All their endeavors have received positive feedback. During the 5th Busan Fireworks Festival that took place at Gwangalli Beach, where there were over 1.2 million spectators, Busan initiates played SOS video messages to the public, displayed “Be Veg. Go Green. Save the planet” banners, and distributed SOS flyers. Many people expressed concern about global warming and read the flyer attentively. Some asked for more information and more flyers to share with their acquaintances.
The First Province to Go Vegan
[Jeju] On September 4, Golden Year 6 (2009), Jeju Provincial Assembly Green Growth Institute on Climate Change joined by representatives from 49 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) made an historical declaration of “Going Organic Vegan One Day a Week” at a press conference in South Korea. The spectacular occasion was then celebrated by a delicious vegan buffet prepared by our Association members. This marks the First Official Vegan Movement in South Korea, and it attracted wide media attention in Jeju province. It made the headlines in all the news media including TV and newspapers. The National News also reported this event to the entire nation. With a population of 500,000, Jeju province is known for her pride in the island’s pristine nature and strong social leadership. It is the first to advocate eco-friendly, organic, plant-based school meals province-wide. The one-day-a-week organic vegan initiative already has had a head start in some schools, resulting in improved children’s health and behavior. Jeon In-Soo from the Jeju Ecology Nurturing Association said, “Already more than half of the early childhood centers have been offering vegetarian/vegan meals once a week on their own.” The successful grassroots movement has greatly influenced other provinces, including Seoul, to follow their lead.
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| Panorama of Events
Formosa
Philippines Media Visits Formosa
By Formosa News Group (Originally in English)
[Formosa] While visiting the Philippine’s National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in May, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Association members met Mr. Buddy Cunanan, the host of a cultural program called “Neighbors” on National Broadcasting Network (NBN) Channel 4, who strongly supports Master’s ideal of “Be Veg, Go Green, Save the Planet.” He later wrote a letter asking for permission to make a documentary film about the work of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and its efforts to halt global warming through the organic vegan diet. “Neighbors” broadcasted the following series of programs this past August: 1) Overview of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association; 2) Vegetarianism; and 3) Global Warming. From July 4 to 9, a six-member production crew from NBN Channel 4 made a special visit to Formosa to film the Taipei Center, Hsihu Center, Loving Hut vegan restaurants in Taipei and Nantou, the Taipei House of Concern and Care for the Homeless, a seminar on global warming in Chiayi, and a “green” puppet show for children in Yunlin. The crew also documented the Association’s humanitarian efforts in international disaster relief, aid to prisoners, help for the homeless, children’s education, and the production of inspiring and constructive programs for Supreme Master Television. Mr. Cunanan was deeply interested in the Association’s efforts to spread the SOS message of climate change to the world. He asked many good questions including the differences between a vegetarian and vegan diet and animal protein versus vegetable protein. Upon learning many important facts about global warming, the truth about a meat diet, and how a vegan lifestyle is the best way to prevent disasters, he fully agreed that we should not use animal products. At the Hsihu Center, while filming the beautiful Nectar River, Rainbow Garden, and thousands of Association members who quietly enjoyed the inner peace in the Forest Meditation Hall, the crew members understood that spiritual practice can really bring peace to the Earth. They were impressed by Master’s commitment to the mission of saving the planet when they saw that even doggie clothes carried the slogan. They happily chose a gift for themselves among Master’s clothing display. Throughout their trip to Formosa, the film crew was treated to scrumptious vegan fares by our Association members with honor. They were amazed at the availability of so many different varieties of meat alternatives and dishes. They wanted to show Philippine people how easy it is to prepare healthy, vegan food while filming at the Loving Hut restaurants. Mr. Cunanan exclaimed, “Now I look forward to eating more vegetarian meals!” Marilou Santomin, the director of Neighbors said with hope, “Maybe if we could introduce the food and make a show with your help, we could be veggie in the Philippines!” During an interview with Supreme Master Television, Mr. Cunanan said that he has a beautiful canine companion at home that brings him “great joy,” He also added that there is no difference between a dog and a pig, a cow or a chicken, which means all animals can be loved equally. As a member of the media, he believes that the media should be at the forefront to promote good values, healthy living, and protection of the environment. In a sincere message to Supreme Master Ching Hai, he said, “On behalf of NBN Channel 4 and all my friends and my crew, we’re very impressed with what you’re doing. Please continue your wonderful work to save the planet.” Master’s loving blessing was felt throughout this entire experience. What a pleasure it was to meet such noble individuals from the Philippines! We thank them for their friendliness and willingness to share the “Be Veg” message. May their sincere efforts help to bring more peace to our world and greater love amongst all beings.
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The Animal-Free Diet—A New Trend for the People
Combined Reports by Formosa News Group (Originally in Chinese)
[Formosa] Through the non-stop publicity efforts by our fellow initiates, combined with endeavors by NGOs as well as frequent reports by the media, many government authorities and leaders, NGOs, schools, celebrities, and compassionate personages in Formosa, many have adopted the plant-based diet to mitigate global warming and save the planet. The general public also has a greater understanding about the importance of the animal-free diet and is willing to make necessary changes to save the Earth.
The Grass Root “Meatless Monday” Campaign
The “Meatless Monday” Campaign launched on September 21 by environmental activists, artists and cultural elite attracted great media coverage. Film Director Cai Yue-xun, signed the “Meatless Monday Declaration” himself and on behalf of the actors and actresses in his group. He promised to encourage the artists to observe “Meatless Mondays” and hoped that through their positive example, many more people would realize the benefits of a plant-based diet. In supporting this campaign, CTS Television News airs the “Meatless Monday” message every Monday to remind its viewers not to eat meat that day. Also on Mondays, starting from mid-November, Taiwan Railway will provide healthy vegetarian meal boxes, and use screen displays (LED) to encourage the passengers to always Go Green and reduce their carbon footprint by Being Veg! Ongoing Activities Advocating the Vegan Diet to Halt Global Warming Our fellow initiates in Formosa continue their endeavors to promote the animal-free diet to halt global warming. They have been distributing SOS flyers and DVDs, green mugs and booklets. They also held seminars in schools, communities, associations and churches. In addition, a tour was organized featuring the film “A Delicate Balance – The Truth” followed by discussion forums at The National Library and seven other venues. On October 11 at the National Chung Hsing University, our Association held the “Protect Our Home with L.O.V.E. – Climate Change Conference.” They summarized the well-researched data from prominent experts in Formosa and worldwide, and proposed an effective solution that can be acted upon immediately to halt the warming of the planet, which essentially is the “Happy, Organic, Vegan and Eco-friendly Lifestyle.”
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Government Officials Supporting the Animal-Free Diet Generally speaking, when promoting a policy, if the government officials take the lead and show their support, citizens will follow and thus make the implementation of the policy a successful one. Government officials who openly support the idea of “eating less meat and more vegetables” include: Premier Wu Den-yih who refrains from eating meat two days per week; the Minister of the Environmental Protection Agency - Mr. Shen Shu-hong who has two vegetarian meals per week; Mayor Hau Long-bin who thinks that the plant-based diet is the simplest way to protect the environment; the Minister of the Department of Health – Mr. Yang Chih-liang who in addition to eating vegetarian meals at lunch every day, has also instructed the Department of Health to draft and issue a set of dietary guidelines for vegetarians, to advocate the plant-based diet, thus achieving the goal of saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions; and Mayor Hau Long-bin of Taipei City. Local municipal governments supporting one or two vegetarian days each week include: the Taoyuan County Government, Hsinchu County Government, Nantou County Government, Yunlin County Government, the Taipei City Council, Hsinchu City Council, Taichung City Council, Kaohsiung City Council, and the Hualien County Council. Director Chen Li-ling of the Taoyuan County Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) even recommended that citizens take one meatless meal every day.
Many Schools Support the Meat-Free Meal Project
Initiated by the Ministry of Education and various local education authorities, at present there are at least five schools providing vegetarian meals two days each week, nearly 200 schools providing vegetarian meals one day each week, and more than 200 schools providing one or two vegetarian meals each month. Many schools are reducing meat on their menu. With the earnest support from the local county magistrate and education authorities, Hsinchu County and Yunlin County achieved the best results. The Hualien County Education Department has even requested our Association members to provide “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet!” DVDs and other informative materials for their school principals to study at a seminar. There are 107 school principals who support the “Vegetarian Lunch One Day a Week” Project, which was approved by the Parent Association in Hualian County. They are now encouraging all other Parent Associations in local schools and all parents to support this movement of saving the planet.
A Summer Camp to Appreciate the Beauty of Nature
By Taipei News Group (Originally in Chinese)
[Taipei] On July 31, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Taipei Center held a summer camp at Sunglo National Trail, located near Yilan City, to provide an opportunity for the young initiates to appreciate the wonders of Mother Nature that nourishes and sustains all living beings on Earth and thus realize the importance of conserving our ecosystem environment. The Sunglo National Trail is one of the National Trails created by the Luodong District Forest Office. The warm and humid climate has contributed to its primitive landscape covered by lush rainforest-like vegetation. When the young initiates took a relaxing walk in the forest, they could really appreciate the natural charm of the tropical rainforest. They also enjoyed watching the Formosa Ku Fish (known as Vacicorhinus alticorpus or Deep-Body Shovelnose Minnow) swimming leisurely in the Sunglo Stream, a result of loving conservation endeavors by the local residents. At noon, everyone feasted on a vegan lunch at our Yilan Center followed by a meditation session. The young initiates then frolicked the whole afternoon in the Songshumen Swimming Pool. The water there is underground spring water constant in temperature year-round, helping relax the body and beating off the summer heat. We are so grateful to the wondrous planet in offering us such magnificent mountains and waters, amidst which this summer camp ended with much joy and laughter.
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New Study: 51% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Come from Livestock Industry
By USA News Group (Originally in English)
A new study published in the November issue of World Watch Magazine has concluded that livestock production and its by-products are responsible for at least 51 percent of global warming. Authors Dr. Robert Goodland, former lead environmental advisor to the World Bank, and World Bank research officer Mr. Jeffery Anhang built upon a widely cited 2006 report “Livestock’s Long Shadow” by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). After reviewing both direct and indirect sources of GHG emissions from livestock, they calculated and included areas not previously considered, and updated others. The following is a summary of their findings.
* When the additional amount estimated by Goodland and Anhang is added to the worldwide total, FAO’s estimate of 7,516 million tons of CO2e is actually just 11.8% of the worldwide total instead of 18%. Livestock Respiration The FAO does not count the CO2 produced by animals breathing. Goodland and Anhang consider livestock to be like automobiles: both are essentially human inventions, for our “convenience” but not survival. Since we measure the direct emissions of automobiles, we should also measure the direct emissions of livestock, which they estimate to be 8,769 million tons of CO2 or 13.7% of the annual worldwide GHG emissions. Overlooked Land Use Because of the growth of the livestock industry, more and more land has been converted from tropical forests, a huge carbon sink, to cattle grazing or growing animal feeds, a comparatively tiny carbon sink. The FAO only counts the emissions from initial changes in land use but not the vast amounts of potential carbon absorption by trees which has been lost by the conversions. Goodland and Anhang estimate this vast amount to be 2,672 million tons of CO2e, or 4.2 percent of the annual worldwide GHG emissions. Undercounted Effect of Methane The global warming potential of methane is 72 times that of CO2 (averaged over 20 years) or 25 times that of CO2 (averaged over 100 years). The FAO estimates livestock emissions to be 3.7% of the annual worldwide GHG emissions using the outdated potential of 23 times that of CO2 (averaged over 100 years). However, Goodland and Anhang believe using the 20-year average is more appropriate because of the huge effect that methane reductions can have within 20 years and the serious climate disruption expected within 20 years if no significant reduction of GHG is achieved. They estimate the effect of the methane emissions from livestock therefore to be 11.6%, an increase of 7.9% from the FAO’s estimate of 3.7%. Other Uncounted Categories Goodland and Anhang updated and corrected some data on which the FAO’s analysis is based. For example, they revised the amount of worldwide livestock products in 2002 with the amount in 2009 which increased 12%; and they replaced the understated 33.0 million tons of poultry produced worldwide in 2002 with the correct amount of 72.9 million tons. They also considered less efficiency in production in most developing countries than assumed in the FAO report. These categories of additional GHG emissions add up to at least 5,560 million tons of CO2e or 8.7% of the annual worldwide GHG emissions. Misallocated Sources Goodland and Anhang found a substantial amount of emissions that the FAO overlooks and counts under sectors other than livestock. These include Argentina, which the FAO excludes from livestock-related deforestation accounting; farmed fish, which the FAO excludes from the definition of livestock; fluorocarbons needed for cooling livestock products; zoonotic diseases (such as swine flu) and other diseases caused by animal products, such as heart disease and cancer, which require carbon-intensive medical treatment; disposal of livestock products; production, distribution, and disposal of by-products such as leather, feathers, skin and fur, plus their packaging; and cooking meat, which typically entails higher temperatures and longer time than alternatives. These emissions add up to at least 3,000 million tons of CO2e, or 4.7% of the annual worldwide GHG emissions. Based on their research, Goodland and Anhang conclude that replacing livestock products with soy-based and other alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change. They wrote, “This approach would have far more rapid effects on GHG emissions and their atmospheric concentrations - and thus on the rate the climate is warming - than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.” Goodland and Anhang believe this approach would not only achieve swift GHG emission reductions but would also help ease the global food crisis, as more calories can be produced directly from crops than from feeding them to livestock. They also believe that non-meat alternative products would help ease the global water crisis, as water necessary for livestock production would be freed up, and create both more jobs and more skilled jobs because non-meat alternatives would be more labor intensive than livestock projects. Our deep heartfelt appreciation, Dr. Goodland, Mr. Anhang, participating scientists, and World Watch Institute, for your work showing that meat consumption is clearly the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Let us ever more swiftly replace animal products with their planet-cooling vegetarian alternatives to preserve our ecosphere and all lives. Source: “Livestock and Climate Change,” World Watch Magazine http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6294 To watch the Supreme Master Television special program featuring “Meat and Global Warming: Uncovering Truths to Save the Planet”, please visit: http://video.godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1147s.php
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Give Up Meat to Save the Planet
By UK News Group (Originally in English)
In an interview featured on the front page of the United Kingdom's Tuesday October 27 issue of The Times, Lord Nicholas Stern, a leading authority on global warming, said that people need to consider going vegetarian to overcome climate change. Lord Stern, the author of the influential 2006 Stern Review on the cost of tackling global warming, has previously served as Chief Economist of the World Bank and as advisor to the United Kingdom. He is now I.G. Patel Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics. Lord Stern’s warning is that unless actions change, the future holds temperature rises of five degrees Celsius, which will cause Southern Europe to become a desert and require hundreds of millions of people to move, leading to global conflict. Explaining that such a crisis would come very quickly, he stated, “Meat is a wasteful use of water and creates a lot of greenhouse gases. It puts enormous pressure on the world’s resources. A vegetarian diet is better.” Direct emission of methane from cows and pigs is a significant source of greenhouse gases. Methane is 72 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a global warming gas. Our heartfelt thanks, Lord Stern, for your forthright call for the shift to a veg diet. We pray that climate change experts and leaders around the globe join in the planet-saving vegan diet. Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6891362.ece Sweden First to Put Carbon Labels on Food
Sweden, has been at the forefront of many new carbon emission reduction initiatives, and is the first country to put carbon dioxide labels on food products in grocery stores and on restaurant menus. Each label lists the amount of carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of that food item, so people will know just how much greenhouse gas their food is contributing to climate change. This is part of an experiment being pioneered by the Swedish Government's Nutrition Department in an attempt to encourage people to consider not only their health but also the health of the environment when they are choosing the food they eat. If successful, it will become common practice across the nation. Since the carbon emission labels started appearing on menus, sales of climate-friendly items have risen 20 percent. We applaud Sweden for her leadership and wise planet-loving endeavors to awaken the public to take action to help quickly resolve the climate change crisis. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/world/europe/23degrees.html
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| Shining World Leadership Award
Australian Town Bans Bottled Water
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By Sydney News Group, Australia (Originally in English)
Bundanoon has become the first town in Australia, and in the world, to stop selling bottled water to better care for the environment. This was a result of their “Bundy on Tap” campaign, which was affectionately named after the town’s nickname, and organized by local citizens. The campaign’s main organizer, Mr. Huw Kingston, recently received a Shining World Leadership Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai for his remarkable initiative and for playing a key role in this movement. The “Bundy on Tap” campaign started after a bottling company sought permission to extract millions of liters of water from their district aquifer during one of Australia’s longest droughts. Many local people began to question the idea of trucking water some 100 miles north to a bottling plant in Sydney, only to transport it somewhere else, possibly even back to Bundanoon, for sale. At a meeting in July, Golden Year 6 (2009), the assembled crowd of well over 350 residents voted wholeheartedly in favor of banning sales of bottled water in the town. The community’s six food retailers agreed to pull bottled water from their shelves starting in September and the town has also installed four water refill stations, including one at the local primary school. According to Mr. Kingston, they have received literally thousands of emails from organizations around the world from Siberia to Brazil to Lithuania, saying “Good on you Bundanoon!” Quite a number of towns in Europe, the United States and Canada as well as places around Australia have been in touch asking, “How do we do what you’ve done? It’s an awesome thing!” Mr. Kingston thinks it’s important to preserve the planet because he wants the future generations to have the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors he has enjoyed. To those who want to make a similar change in their area, Mr. Kingston suggests, “I think the big decisions can be made at the bottom and they can flow up through small communities, then through bigger communities, after which the politicians have to take note of what the people want.” Let’s pray that everyone worldwide will be inspired by the progressive people of Bundanoon to quickly implement such earth-saving actions. Reference: http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25754710-421,00.html To watch Supreme Master TV’s coverage on the bottled water ban in Bundanoon, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/NWN1157c.php
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School Principal Leads the Way in Vegetarianism
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By Korea News Group (Originally in Korean)
Kim Choon Sup is principal of the Dongsung Academy, in Hanam City, South Korea, a small school with a big heart that teaches priceless knowledge about growing fruits and vegetables, giving students practical sustainability skills. The Academy also offers elevated nourishment to pupils in the form of vegetarian meals with vegetables they grow themselves. Testaments to the school’s incredible success are its students, who are physically strong and rarely sick, with many people commending them for their bright, polite, and harmonious community life. Mr. Kim weeds, waters the gardens, mows the lawn, and does other chores at the Academy, setting an excellent example for students to follow. Though the school only has an enrollment of about 90 pupils, all of them study, eat, work, pray, and live together in a harmonious, communal environment. For his enlightened leadership, on March 3, Golden Year 6 (2009), Supreme Master Ching Hai granted Kim Choon Sup the Shining World Leadership Award, presented on Her behalf by Korean Association members in a ceremony at the Academy. All the school’s students and teachers proudly attended the event and shared in Mr. Kim’s joy as he thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai, saying, “We will develop ourselves more in order to contribute to our surroundings and the health of others. I hope that you students become people who can contribute to our neighbors throughout the world.” We thank Kim Choon Sup for inspiring others by promoting vegetarianism, higher learning, and a brighter future for all. To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit: http://video.godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/NWN1068c.php
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The Netherlands Helps Indonesian Education
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By Award News Group (Originally in English)
In January, Golden Year 6 (2009), Supreme Master Ching Hai presented the Shining World Leadership Award to the Netherlands in recognition of her outstanding humanitarian efforts and enlightened leadership to help foster free education for Indonesian children. In December last year, the Netherlands provided €15 million (US$20 million equivalent) to Indonesia, distributed through the World Bank, to promote the country’s efforts to grant free education for students up to the 9th grade. This action will improve access to quality schooling and thus help in the protection and development of the children. In turn, these new generations will provide our society with greater advancements in the arts and sciences, and contribute abundantly to the uplifting of our beautiful planet, leading our civilization forward into a glorious future of peace and prosperity for all. Upon receiving the Award letter and some gifts from Master, Dr. Nikolaos van Dam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, wrote to Master to convey his well-wishes to Her and to express his appreciation for the Award and the thoughtful gifts. Our thankfulness, the Netherlands, for your generous support of education in God-loving Indonesia. May all young people be granted bright futures. Caption: Letter of Appreciation from Dr. Nikolaos van Dam To watch Supreme Master TV’s coverage on the humanitarian efforts and enlightened leadership of the Netherlands Government, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE919.php
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A Wise Mayor Advocating Going Veg to Halt Global Warming
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By Hsinchu News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
Last year in May, our Association members visited the Hsinchu City Government to share with them the urgent issue of mitigating global warming with an animal-free diet. Mayor Lin Jung Tzer expressed his high esteem and support for our ideal. Soon after that, with assistance from the Mayor and the City Government, our Association convened a “One Million Signature Campaign” press conference under the theme of “The Whole World Go Veg to Stop Global Warming and Save the Planet” at the Hsinchu City Government and the Hsinchu Science Park Association of Industries. In addition to signing the pledge and joining our meaningful event, Mayor Lin encouraged the citizens to do their part in saving the planet by eating less meat and consuming more local fruit and vegetables instead. The earnest support by the Mayor brought to the attention of numerous citizens how the animal-free diet is an effective solution to curb the effects of global warming. To acknowledge the wise leadership of the Mayor, who sets a good example in elevating and preserving our beautiful world, our Association members called on Mayor Lin at his office on August 11, Golden Year 6 (2009), and presented him with the Shining World Leadership Award on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Many of the staff members of the City Government were in attendance at the Award Presentation Ceremony. Media reporters from ETTV, The Liberty Times, and others also came to report the event. Mayor Lin expressed his humbleness in receiving the Award as he was merely fulfilling his obligation as a global citizen. He further commented that Supreme Master Ching Hai deserves even more admiration and veneration for Her constant endeavors in educating people, promoting public interests, caring for the environment, and improving the well-being of humanity and animals alike. He then appealed to the media once again to give more coverage on this important issue and thus encourage people to join the “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet” campaign through practical action. Finally, Mayor Lin Jung Tzer wished Supreme Master Television a Happy 3rd Anniversary, and hoped that our network would continue to broadcast quality TV programs to bring a brighter and beautiful future to the world.
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| Shining World Compassion Award
Compassionate Career and Valiant Voice for Cape Fur Seals
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By Cape Town News Group, South Africa (Originally in English)
~~Dr. Rima A. Morrell, Animal Telepathic Communicator He named her Sweety. She was ten months old and both her flippers had been severed by a fishing line. She could not swim or seek her own food, and was dying of thirst and hunger. Though he disentangled this beautiful seal pup, she was too weak to escape, thus remained in his tender care until she regained her strength to swim again. This most memorable encounter with this gorgeous marine creature awakened Mr. Francois Hugo to the plight of Cape Fur Seals and led to his founding of Seal Alert-SA ten years ago. The annual Namibian seal massacre run begins on July 1 and continues until November 15. In the early morning before the tourists arrive to see the new-born seals, up to 140 untrained seasonal migrant workers converge on Cape Cross, Luderitz and Atlas Bay where they are authorized to bludgeon to death thousands of innocent baby seals. Approximately 60 percent of all the pups are born on these three coastal sites. During the group herding process for slaughter, some seals manage to escape. However, during the panic, many pups lose their mothers and end up alone, hungry, and drifting aimlessly in the sea. Some of these orphans swim hundreds of kilometers in search of food or their colony, but as they are young and inexperienced, many drown or otherwise die and are washed up on shore. Mr. Francois Hugo often rescues and nurses these orphans back to health. His first seal rescue left him with the invaluable lesson to always respect their freedom and to keep them unconfined even while in his care. Through his hands-on interactions with seals, Mr. Hugo has realized that they respond and function exactly like humans. “They think for themselves; they think what is right and they think what is wrong for them. When they see people helping them, they understand.” To him, seals are the ultimate expression of love. In July of year 2009, Mr. Francois Hugo courageously attempted to buy out the Namibian Seal Hunting Industry for US$14 million. For this valiant effort and noble cause, our most caring Master graciously contributed US$200,000, the largest financial support ever received by the organization. Mr. Hugo expressed his deep respect to Master and promised that every cent of this fund would go directly to saving the Cape Fur Seal species. Though this buyout attempt failed, he remains determined and very motivated to continue with his mission. On November 3, Golden Year 6 (2009), Francois Hugo was honored with the Shining World Compassion Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai. He was most humbled by this recognition and has repeatedly expressed his heartfelt thanks to Master Ching Hai for Her most kind and incalculable assistance and encouragement. A portion of this fund has enabled him to equip and improve his center to better serve the seals. We wish to thank Mr. Francois Hugo of Seal Alert South Africa for his laudable, dedicated and caring efforts to protect Cape Fur Seals. We pray that all beings will soon live together in peace and harmony. Through our individual choices and elevated collective consciousness, we can create Heaven on Earth where animals and humans live as one in mutual respect and love.
~~Supreme Master Ching Hai
Mr. Francois Hugo’s Thank You Letter to Master
To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1211s.php To watch the special program “Sands of Slaughter: The Brutal Culling of Cape Fur Seals” on Supreme Master TV, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1069.php For more information about the Namibian seal rescue efforts, please contact: sasealion@wam.co.za or visit http://sealalertsa.wordpress.com
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Burundi’s House of Peace
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By Kenya News Group (Originally in French)
In 1993, during an ethnic conflict in the war-torn country of Burundi in East Africa, Ms. Marguerite Barankitse who worked for the Catholic bishop of Ruyigi managed to rescue 25 orphaned children. She then formed Maison Shalom or “House of Peace” as a refuge for youngsters who have become victims of civil unrest and violence. Since then, Maison Shalom has grown from a humble shelter, to a multifunctional service agency which manages 500 small dwellings, a handful of educational facilities, as well as a hospital with emergency and maternity units. For more than 15 years, Maison Shalom has helped in the healing and support of 30,000 young people and families and has been able to reunite orphaned children with their extended family. In 2008, Ms. Barankitse received the annual Humanitarian Prize of US$1 million from the US-based Opus Prize Foundation for her contribution to society. The following year in February, she was honored with one of the highest distinction awards in France and became known as the “Angel of Burundi.” In recognition of her outstanding humanitarian efforts to provide comfort and safety to children, Supreme Master Ching Hai also bestowed on Ms. Barankitse the Shining World Compassion Award. At the ceremony held in Maison Shalom on March 1, Golden Year 6 (2009), with many guests attending, Ms. Barankitse accepted the beautiful crystal plague, a check of US$10,000 and an Award letter personally written by Master with great joy and gratitude. Despite the many awards and honors, Ms. Barankitse has remained ever so humble. In an interview with the BBC, she said “I don't think I should be given awards, whenever I am told I am being given an award, I am always astonished because I am only doing ordinary work.” Thank you, Ms. Barankitse, you truly deserve this recognition for bringing much needed love and hope to the children of Burundi. Heaven surely smiles on your giving heart and the Maison Shalom that is restoring the spirit of your nation’s youth.
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The Gift of Laughter
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By Surrey News Group, UK (Originally in English)
Ms. Jo Wilding is an English humanitarian activist, lawyer in training, and writer who uses clowning to bring the gift of laughter to children. During several trips to Iraq to deliver medicine to Iraqi children, Ms. Wilding saw the effects of the country’s troubles imprinted on their faces. Her caring heart led her to launch the Circus2Iraq project in 2004. Traveling for three months from northern to southern Iraq, Ms. Wilding and six other performers brought laughter, joy, and color to a country ravaged by war. The group put on shows and gave birthday parties that included singing, bubble blowing, magic, and juggling. To date, Circus2Iraq has also completed three tours to Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, making friends with both children and adults. Ms. Wilding also wrote the book Don’t Shoot the Clowns, which gives an honest, independent account of life in Iraq and enhances readers’ awareness of its people’s plight. Upon hearing of Circus2Iraq’s noble, loving deeds, Supreme Master Ching Hai awarded founder Ms. Jo Wilding the Shining World Compassion Award for her outstanding effort to the betterment of children’s lives in war-torn parts of the world. The Award was presented on January 30, Golden Year 6 (2009), by Association members in the UK. Supreme Master Ching Hai also contributed US$5,000 to aid in the group’s valuable, imaginative work. Ms. Wilding deeply appreciated Master’s acknowledgement and monetary gift, saying, “it will go a very long way for our friends in Egypt and in Palestine and in Iraq, and with the children that we work with.” May God bless all those like Ms. Jo Wilding and friends who make the world a happier place.
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The Ganga Prem Hospice in India
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By Formosa News Group (Originally in Chinese)
Situated at the foot of the Himalayas on the bank of the Ganga River near Rishikesh, Ganga Prem Hospice is a spiritually-orientated, non-profit hospice for terminally ill cancer patients. It provides medical support as well as emotional and spiritual comfort for individuals and their loved ones as they are going through pain and suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Madam Nani Ma from the United Kingdom is a kind-hearted lady who sought spiritual enlightenment at a very young age and had become a vegetarian in pursuit of spiritual practice. One day, she realized that serving the multitude and helping the needy is also an aspect of spiritual practice. So, she started taking care of the terminally ill cancer patients in the hospital, guiding the people who are suffering from pain and death to embark on a new journey. Dr. A. K. Dewan is a famous surgeon in India who often saw cases of cancer patients being tortured by the illness, especially the terminally ill cancer patients who are denied treatment and deprived of dignity at the final stage of their life. For those reasons, he worked with Madam Nani Ma, who shared the same ideal as him, to establish the Ganga Prem Hospice. The charitable deeds of the Ganga Prema Hospice set a noble paragon for the world in rendering selfless care to terminally ill cancer patients and their families. So on June 14, Golden Year 6 (2009), reporters from Supreme Master Television visited Madam Nani Ma’s ashram to present the Shining World Compassion Award on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai together with a US$10,000 contribution. On behalf of the Hospice, Madam Nani Ma and Dr. A. K. Dewan accepted the Award, expressing their deep gratitude towards Master’s encouragement and generosity. Dr. Dewan said that they have bought a block of land for building permanent premises to provide a more comfortable environment for the patients. We are very grateful to the Ganga Prem Hospice team for their compassionate work in comforting the souls of the patients and their families. May God bless you and all your noble endeavors.
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Mother Mary Hughes: Protector of the Homeless
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By Georgia News Group, USA (Originally in English)
For over six decades, “Mother” Mary Hughes has collected and laundered clothing and blankets and distributed them to the homeless to help them survive and to feel comforted. Over this time, her work has been honored by four Georgia Governors and two US Presidents, and greatly appreciated by the people she cares for, who often shed tears of love and gratitude upon seeing her. At age 94, Mary Hughes declared unconvincingly that she “hopes to retire this year” from her lifelong passion. On December 8, Golden Year 5 (2008), Mother Mary Hughes’ 95th birthday, Supreme Master Ching Hai granted her the Shining World Compassion Award for her pure-hearted love and life of selfless sacrifice. Presented by our Association members, the beautiful Award plaque was accompanied by a US$5,000 offering from Master to aid Ms. Hughes’ cause and to assist her in her retirement, along with a letter of admiration from Master that read, “Your sacrificing nature for the wellbeing of these wonderful men, women and children reminds us of humanity’s central role in protecting all of God’s children…. Thank you “Mother” for uplifting our world with your inspirational example of love in action.” Through God’s grace, may Mother Mary Hughes continue her compassionate service to the less fortunate for many years to come. Caption: Receipt from Mother Mary Hughes for the US$5,000 contribution by Master.
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A Life-Respecting Hospital for Birds
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By Taipei News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
The Charity Birds Hospital in Delhi, India, was founded by a group of Jain believers in 1929 dedicated to taking care of pigeons, parrots, and a small number of peacocks that people picked up on the road or in the parks. This hospital embraces the belief that birds should not be kept in cages, as they are living beings like us and deserve the same protection and respect. Therefore, the hospital provides free medical treatment to birds in the wild and to our domestic feathered friends as well. They even record the medical history of each bird including their recovery progress. While in hospital, the birds are provided with medicine, vegetarian food, vitamins, fruits, and water. All recovered birds are released back to the wild, as this is the goal of the hospital. On June 19, Golden Year 6, (2009), on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, our Association members went to Delhi and presented the Shining World Compassion Award together with US$15,000 to members of the Jain Temple—Shri Digamber Jain Lal Mandir Ji, and the Charity Bird Hospital—commending the hospital’s loving and charitable acts in taking care of our feathered friends and respecting all life. Mr. Ramesh Chand Jain, manager of the hospital, received the Award and expressed his deep gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her kind-hearted contribution, which will enable the hospital to provide better care for the avian residents. At present, the hospital is looking after more than 500 pigeons and part of the fund will be used to build bird houses equipped with fountains that the pigeons love, thus fulfilling the long-time aspiration of the hospital staff. Although many new birds are being admitted into the hospital every day, the yard is still kept very clean and tidy. The hospital staff treat birds with the same meticulous care as they would humans. We hope this avian hospital will run smoothly for many years to come providing the best care and protection for birds in Delhi. To find out more about the Charity Bird Hospital, please visit the website at: http://www.charitybirdshospital.org/
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H.O.P.E.—A Heaven for Homeless Dogs
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By Johore Bahru News Group, Malaysia (Originally in Chinese)
On September 26, Golden Year 6 (2009), on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, our fellow initiates from the Johore Bahru Center presented the Shining World Compassionate Award to Aunty Jia Jia, founder of the H.O.P.E. (Homeless & Orphan Pets Exist), for her compassion and kindness in providing accommodation for homeless dogs. In addition to a signed thank you letter and a few books and DVDs from Master, Aunty Jia Jia also received a contribution of US$10,000 that will fund her expenses in taking care of the dogs. Aunty Jia Jia was very happy to receive this Award and was grateful for Master’s gifts of love. H.O.P.E. was founded in April 2008 and prior to that, Aunty Jia Jia only fed some homeless dogs on the streets occasionally. One day, a mother dog ran to her doorsteps barking frantically to ask for help, because her puppy had fallen into a gutter, and from then on, her life has changed. Today, the shelter accommodates more than 200 dogs. To expand the shelter, Aunty Jia Jia even sold her house and exhausted all her savings to cover the huge expenditure. She told our initiates that the happiest thing for her is to watch the dogs living happily and freely in the H.O.P.E. shelter, instead of struggling on the streets. The happiness of the dogs provides the greatest source of joy for her! We are very grateful to Aunty Jia Jia for her compassionate, kind, and generous actions, which will inspire people to adopt a humane lifestyle of respecting all lives.
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A Hero Advocating the Vegetarian Diet to Halt Global Warming
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By Taipei News Group, Formosa (Originally in English)
“…If you eat less meat, you will be healthier, and so would the planet.” Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri Dr. Rajendra Pachauri is one of the world’s leading voices on climate change and planetary sustainability as Chairman of the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Director General of the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), an organization that researches and promotes sustainable development in India. As early as the 1980s, when Dr. Pachauri was a doctoral student studying energy issues, he was already convinced that climate change would be an extremely serious problem and that people would have to shift towards using lower carbon fuels. In his 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Award speech, Dr. Pachauri mentioned the Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means “the whole universe is one family.” This simple phrase symbolizes the wisdom expressed by this humble and compassionate man as he strives to alert the world of the impending dangers of climate change and the real solutions to stop it. On several occasions, Dr. Pachauri has stated that many of our diligent efforts to prevent world hunger or to create a greener world by planting more trees are essentially cancelled out because we don’t address the root of the problem—Our Food Choices. If citizens around the world heed Dr. Pachauri’s advice and reduce their meat intake, they will play a vital role in helping mitigate global warming. In 2008, Dr. Pachauri made international headlines with his bold advice, “Don’t eat meat, ride a bicycle, be frugal—that’s how you can help brake global warming.” Later, he was invited to give more seminars addressing the climate change problem in relation to the livestock industry, pointing out to audiences the vital facts. Being a strict vegetarian, Dr. Pachauri has been traveling the globe urging people to shift towards a plant-based diet. In May of this year, he gave a seminar in the city of Ghent, Belgium. The council was inspired to do their part to help the world combat global warming and decided to officially recognize Thursday as “Veggie Day” in their city. To commend Dr. Pachauri for his extraordinary courage and wise leadership in disclosing to the world an effective way to halt global warming and to create a sustainable future, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored him with the Shining World Hero Award. On June 11, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Association members visited TERI and presented the Award to Dr. Pachauri, conveying Master’s heartfelt respect and gratitude toward this Saintly Hero. Upon receiving the Award and other gifts, Dr. Pachauri humbly said, “I would like to salute Supreme Master Ching Hai for the remarkable efforts that she has mobilized across the planet, to create a sustainable future for the human race and all living beings who live on this planet. And I want also to convey my thanks for this Award which I’ve been given…and I hope all of us can work towards a sustainable, green and nature friendly future, because we really don’t have a choice.” In addition, he expressed his wish of having the privilege to meet Master in person. Dr. Pachauri also congratulated Supreme Master Television for its 3rd year anniversary, passing on his noble best wishes, saying, “…I hope on your anniversary, you will see that your coverage has expanded, that more and more people watch your channel, and are influenced by it. And I hope you can carry many more good messages for the human race by which we all work towards a much brighter and sustainable future.” In reply, Supreme Master Ching Hai has conveyed the following message to Dr. Pachauri, “My heartfelt gratitude for your courage in saving our world! And you are always welcome in our places, whenever you find time in your busy schedule. We are always together anyway, as we walk the same road. God be with you.” Dr. Pachauri, we applaud you’re ongoing determination to spread the message of vegetarianism to save the planet and also for imparting true information to individuals around the globe so they can make wise choices for the betterment of our world. To watch the video with Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri on Global Warning: The Impact of Meat Production and Consumption on Climate Change, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW951s.php To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1171.php
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A Guardian Angel with a Heart of Gold
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By Illinois News Group, USA (Originally in English)
Mr. Merlin Harn was recently honored with the Shining World Hero Award by Supreme Master Ching Hai for exemplifying “the true spirit of sacrifice for our fellow humans,” and living the ancient Biblical verse, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” On September 1, 2007, Merlin Harn and his wife, Teresa, were returning from a shopping trip when they observed two unattended children playing near railroad tracks. The 3-year-old boy was actually wandering on the tracks. Teresa, who was driving, pulled the car over out of concern for the safety of the children and immediately called 911 to alert the police. While she was on the phone, the crossing lights, bells, and whistles went off as a 100-car 11,000-ton train, moving at a speed of about 35 miles per hour, fast approached the boy. Mr. Harn, upon seeing the oncoming train, raced to the tracks, grabbed the boy, and carried him to safety, seconds before the train passed. It was a wonderful coincidence that Mr. Harn was wearing running shoes that day instead of sandals as he usually does. The Award was presented to Mr. Merlin Harn by the Illinois Center News Team on April 25, Golden Year 6 (2009), in front of Teresa, who shared in the rescue, and their son, who beamed with pride. When interviewed, Mr. Harn said that during the incident, his only focus was on saving the boy, and he did not hesitate for a second. He mentioned how surprised he was at the public response and the attention he and his wife received, which made him realize that people love stories that give them hope and inspiration, especially at times like these. He was also given a special gift from Gordon Hill, the engineer who was operating the train on that unforgettable day; the Carnegie Heroes Medal; the Civilian Award of Gallantry Plaque from the local police department; and recognition from the United States House of Representatives. In addition to that, his son’s school invited him to give a talk on the spirit of courage and caring for others. Upon receiving the crystal Award plaque, Master’s acknowledgment letter, a hero jacket, and other gifts, Mr. Harn sincerely expressed his appreciation for the encouragement and recognition. May his gallant and honorable actions remind more people of their inner, noble qualities, to make this planet the abode of saints with hearts of gold. To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1006.php
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Beautiful Photography Illustrates Oceans’ Plight
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By Belgium News Group (Originally in Dutch)
The beautiful photos of Dos Winkel of the Netherlands, a lifelong vegetarian, advocate of protecting sea life, and one of the world’s most renowned underwater photographers, graphically record the current state of our oceans. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Winkel has gone diving in many corners of the world and noticed a decline in countless species of coral, fish, and sea turtles. “Our Earth is warming,” he stated during an interview with Supreme Master TV. “That in turn is very bad for the coral reefs. In fact, in this period, I’ve been consciously experiencing, as an underwater photographer and diver, the coral reefs deteriorated from 75% perfect health, all the way down to 16%.” He further pointed out that, “because of enormous excess fishing, because of the disappearance of mangroves, because of the colossal catches by enormous illegal fisheries, sometimes up to 90%, with those nets dragging across the bottom of the sea, the fish population around the world has drastically diminished. We now have between 75% to 80% less fish in our oceans than 30 to 40 years ago. That’s also unimaginable.” He reminded people that fish have an excellent peripheral nervous system, with notion sensors, which means they can feel severe pain, fear, and stress. However, they are often just thrown aside and die an extremely painful and slow death. He explained that eating fish causes health problems to humans because of the toxins consumed by the fish, such as heavy metals, mercury, cadmium, lead, dioxins, PCBs, as well as the fire retardants and tens of thousands of other substances that have been dumped into the sea. Mr. Winkel’s concern led him to write the book What's the Catch with Fish, and Fish Oil? addressing the horrific tolls of fishing, questioning worldwide practices such as industrial fishing, replacing valuable mangrove forests with shrimp farms, and killing sharks for their fins. The book also suggests beneficial, plant-based sources for Omega 3 fatty acids instead of harmful fish oil. The publication has been given to a number of European politicians with fisheries in their stock portfolios, leading to parliamentary debates in Holland and Belgium. Mr. Winkel has a clear message for the world which is: “We have to save the seas. That can be done in one way, and that’s to stop fishing, and especially to stop eating fish. Most assuredly, there are a lot of benefits to vegetarianism. But besides all its ethical advantages, it does a lot of good for this Earth; you make your ecological footprint much smaller and that is important to be able to survive.” After Mr. Winkel’s lectures, people often tell him that they plan to change their eating habits. To recognize Mr. Winkel’s beneficial work, on February 3, Golden Year 6 (2009), Belgian initiates presented him with the Shining World Hero Award, graciously given by our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai, along with a check for €30,000. Mr. Winkel accepted the Award and fund as well as a Hero T-shirt and several of Master’s publications with great joy, saying that it is an extra encouragement for him to continue and that the money will go toward a documentary entitled, “SEA the TRUTH,” which will address the oceans’ problems. Master had thus made it possible for him to work with world-renowned producer and filmmaker Kevin Augello. With deep respect, Mr. Winkel thanked Master for everything She is doing for this planet and especially for the animals. Our sincere appreciation, Mr. Winkel, for your laudable efforts to help preserve our incredible oceans. Wishing you all of Heaven’s blessings and many fruitful outcomes in your courageous work of love and compassion. We hope that with the wise cooperation of the leaders and co-citizens of our planet, we can bring back the pristine beauty of our seas. To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1101.php
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A Protector of Lives at Sea
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By Chile News Group (Originally in Spanish)
Rear Admiral Juan Pablo Heusser Risopatrón is a distinguished officer of the Chilean Navy and Director of Maritime Security and Operations of the Maritime Affairs and Aquatic Environment in Chile. He has devoted his life to the protection of human and animal lives at sea, as well as to safeguarding the environment and giving humanitarian aid. Throughout his career, Rear Admiral Heusser has been entrusted with many challenging stations. Due to his exceptional courage, leadership and seamanship, he rose quickly through the ranks and has received many medals and awards. In January, Golden Year 6 (2009), he accepted the Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on behalf of the Chilean Navy for rescuing 154 passengers on the shipwrecked Explorer Cruise in the Antarctic Territory on November 22, 2007. The rescue crew ensured minimal contamination of the sea as a result of the ship’s collision with an iceberg. The protection of whales is another issue that the Admiral has been working on for some 30 years. For his leadership and care for human lives and animal co-inhabitants, and for his true love-in-action for the sea and planet, Rear Admiral Juan Pablo Heusser Risopatrón was honored with the Shining World Hero Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai. In addition to the Award letter and plaque, he was also presented with some of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s books as well as lecture and music DVDs and CDs, by Association representatives. More publications were contributed to the Navy library. The ceremony was conducted on June 9 in the presence of Navy media and Rear Admiral Heusser’s close staff. The event was concluded with a vegan cocktail party and a non-alcoholic champagne toast in a cordial atmosphere. In a thank you letter to Supreme Master Ching Hai, Rear Admiral Heusser expressed his gratefulness for receiving such recognition and humbly said, “Being named a ‘Shining World Hero’ is simply the result of joint work by the organization under my command.” He later told Supreme Master TV, “Any award that is presented to me, although it is recognition of me, it’s also recognition for my organization and a commitment to continue with this work, this difficult task we have always done.” Our respectful salute, Rear Admiral Juan Pablo Heusser Risopatrón of the Chilean Navy. May Heaven bless you, your staff and the noble work that you all are doing as true guardians of those in need at sea.
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To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit:http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1066.php
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Priest Awarded for Promoting Noble Ethics
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By Brazil News Group (Originally in Portuguese)
During a 2008 bioethics congress held in Bogota, Colombia, Father José Roque Junges stated that the solution to global warming lies not only in technology but also in the ethical attitudes of the world’s citizens and in behavioral changes based on noble principles and values. He also said that in his work, he tries to awaken in students “an ecological consciousness of a more ethical consumption that should reach one’s own diet,” adding that, “If we are not willing to change our habits, environmental issues will not be resolved.” On May 22, Golden Year 6 (2009), Professor Father José Roque Junges received the Shining World Hero Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai in recognition of his academic and scientific achievements and his promotion of a lifestyle based on reducing meat consumption which is harmful to both humans and the environment. The Award was presented on Master’s behalf by local Association members at the prestigious University of the Sinos Valley in São Leopoldo, Brazil. At the ceremony were the University Rector, Professor Father Marcelo Fernandes de Aquino, the Secretary of Environment of São Leopoldo, and a number of teachers and students. Father Roque Junges humbly accepted the beautiful, pure crystal Award plaque as well as Supreme Master Ching Hai’s books and DVDs. He also graciously received a contribution of US$5,000 from Supreme Master Ching Hai for the Loyola Fund, which grants scholarships to students of the University. In a letter of appreciation, Father Roque Junges expressed his deep gratitude for the Award and thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for the solidarity and compassionate love She reveals in Her books and DVDs. We congratulate Father José Roque Junges for his brilliant work in educating young people to become more aware of environmental issues and for contributing to the development of ethical values that will build a better world based on morality and compassion.
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Say “No” to Pig Factory Farm
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By Czech News Group (Originally in Czech)
Vegan organic farmers Mrs. Kateřina Horáčková and Mr. Jan Šimon Stromsnes were granted the Shining World Hero Award by Supreme Master Ching Hai for helping to stop the construction of a factory farm for pigs in the village of Solany, Czech Republic. The two were also the recipients of their country’s “The Vegetarian of the Year 2008 Prize.” Three years ago, when an investor came to the village proposing to build a pig factory farm with the capacity for 14,000 animals, Mrs. Kateřina Horáčková and Mr. Jan Šimon Stromsnes displayed compassion and courage in educating the villagers about the harmful effects and cruel, dangerous practices of factory farming. “When we saw such a large number of animals for such a small space, we realized that it wasn’t humane to keep so many animals in such a small space,” Mrs. Horáčková said during an interview with Supreme Master TV. The two contacted environmental groups, spoke to friends, consulted an environmental lawyer, contacted local authorities, and presented a petition. They thus awakened the compassion of the majority of the villagers, who then signed the petition, not wanting to witness the killing of these peaceful, loving beings. “And today,” added Mrs. Horáčková, “they (the villagers) know that it is better to reduce their consumption of meat. Of course, we hope they will stop eating it totally one day. It’s our dream.” In February, Golden Year 6 (2009), local Association members went to the beautiful mountainous village of Solany and presented the couple with the Shining World Hero Award plaque, a US$2,000 check, as well as a selection of Master’s books and clothing on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, applauding them both for being noble role models and inspirational World Heroes. In tears, Mrs. Horáčková thanked Master for the recognition and said the Award is for all those who had helped prevent the pig farm’s construction. She also reminded people that it is important not to support plans which are harmful for the environment, not to eat meat and other animal products, and that every individual has a big influence on what is going on in the world. May God bless Mrs. Kateřina Horáčková, Mr. Jan Šimon Stromsnes and all those who voice the truth about livestock production, and thus save the lives of countless numbers of our noble co-inhabitants.
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To watch Supreme Master TV’s interview and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1071.php
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Love Knows No Bounds!
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By UK News Group (Originally in English)
During an outing this May with their baby daughter and two dogs in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, Laura Frey and Darren Greenan became concerned for their dogs’ safety as they swam in the nearby River Garnock and began struggling to return to shore. Darren jumped in to rescue the canines, and his partner Laura joined to help him. However, with the river’s depth and currents being much stronger from several days’ previous rain, all were sadly overcome in the waters. Touched by Laura and Darren’s selfless and valiant actions, Supreme Master Ching Hai conferred each with a posthumous Shining World Hero Award in honor of their loving courage. The Award ceremony was held in Scotland on June 2, Golden Year 6 (2009), with UK Association members presenting the Award on behalf of Master. The families of both Darren and Laura attended the ceremony. Darren and Laura between them left behind four daughters: Eight month old Ellis, five year old Rachel, six year old Stephanie, and 16 -year-old Leonie. Master lovingly gave the families £2,000 to help with the funeral service costs. She also gave US$1,000 to each of the daughters along with a selection of Master’s publications, including the beautifully illustrated books The Dogs in My Life, The Birds in My Life, and The Noble Wilds, plus various DVDs and CDs. The families were deeply touched by Master’s love and concern for them. One family member wrote to Master expressing the gratitude of both families, adding “...my mum has her plaque sitting above her mantle. She has been talking to me every day about it on the phone. I think you have put some faith back in her life…” Leonard, brother of the deceased Darren Greenan who lives in Australia, also received a crystal plaque in remembrance of his brother Darren said, “I can’t express my gratitude enough in an email, but tell Master Ching Hai I appreciate it more than words can ever say.” We send our deep sympathies to the loved ones of the brave and noble-hearted Laura Frey, Darren Greenan, and their canine companions. May their souls rest serenely in Heaven’s everlasting comfort and love.
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A Young Train-Saver in India
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By Formosa News Group (Originally in Chinese)
On June 17, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Association members from Taipei, Formosa went to Dindigul Municipality in Tamil Nadu State, India and presented the Shining World Hero Award to Marudhu Pandian on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Last year on June 26, the then 13-year-old Marudhu Pandian and his 2-year-old sister Revathy were watching an express passenger train pass by near their home. Suddenly, he heard a loud noise and saw that a section of the rail had become detached. Taking his sister with him, Marudhu Pandian immediately ran to the railway crossing about half a kilometre away and reported the incident to the flagman. After that, on the way home, he saw another passenger train approaching. The quick-witted boy grabbed his sister’s red jacket and started waving it to warn the oncoming train. The train was stopped from being derailed just in time. Two more trains were then notified not to travel in that area. Therefore, several potential train accidents had been avoided. The Award presentation was held at Marudhu Pandian’s home in the presence of his relatives and neighbors. Apart from receiving Master’s appreciation letter and a beautiful crystal plaque, Marudhu Pandian was also given a Hero T-shirt, Master’s publications and US$500 to purchase school supplies. Our lovely little hero was so delighted with all the gifts that he immediately put on the Hero T-shirt. He had also received the National Bravery Award from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Young Marudhu Pandian, we admire your courageous and noble actions. May God’s grace be with you always. Caption: Receipt from Marudhu Pandian for Master’s US$500 gift
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Jeune Mark: Equine Hero of the Victoria Bushfires
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By Melbourne News Group, Australia (Originally in English)
In early February, Golden Year 6 (2009), Jeune Mark, a horse from Australia’s Victoria state, became a hero of the region’s devastating bushfires. During the fires, Jeune Mark and his caretaker, Anthony Sexton, were faced with a wall of fire in all directions and the horse managed to knock Anthony over a guard rail and send him tumbling down into Traralgon Creek. Then, Jeune Mark ran straight through the fire back to Mr. Sexton’s farm. Anthony stayed in the creek for many hours while trees exploded around him and the wind roared. He suffered no burns or injuries and believes he was definitely blessed and looked after. When the fire died down many hours later, Anthony returned to his farm, expecting that he would never see his beloved horse again, but to his delight, Jeune Mark had survived, although he had burns on his face and parts of his body. That night, Anthony slept next to his horse, and over the ensuing months, Jeune Mark made a full recovery. After hearing of Jeune Mark’s selfless, courageous, and life-saving actions, on April 27, Supreme Master Ching Hai granted him the Shining World Hero Award and US$1,000, along with some delicious carrots and apples. Mr. Anthony Sexton also received some Master’s publications. Although Anthony lost his farm to the fire, he is currently living in a van on his property, with his remarkable horse, Jeune Mark, always close by, waiting for reconstruction of his home to be completed. Caption: Receipt from Anthony Sexton for the financial contribution from Master To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this
Award presentation, please visit:
http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1085.php
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A Vigilant Dog Stops a Disaster
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By Kaohsiung News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
A beagle named Da Tou, under the care of Ms. Huang Hui-ling who lives in Kaohsiung City prevented an explosion, that could have destroyed all the 108 households in the building, with his acute sense of smell and alertness. On May 1, 2009, in the building where Ms. Huang was living, a man attempted to ignite a gas bottle to cause an explosion. When Da Tou detected the fumes and the burning smell, he barked frantically to wake up Ms. Huang, who then reported to the police in time and thus prevented a big disaster from occurring. When Supreme Master Ching Hai heard of Da Tou’s brave action, She bestowed on him with the Shining World Hero Award, which was presented by our Association members on September 25, Golden Year 6 (2009), together with gifts that included Master’s books, DVDs, CDs, vegan dog food, toothpaste, and US$500. In addition, Da Tou also received a commendation from the Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau, and was appointed as their Fire Safety Ambassador. Taking this opportunity, the Fire Bureau conducted a Household Fire Prevention session for the residents in the building and the nearby communities, reminding them to live safely in their homes. Da Tou was originally a stray dog and was adopted by Ms. Huang when he was very small. Now he has become a life-saving hero. This story again proves that animals are good friends of humans and should be treated with love and respect.
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To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1128.php
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| Shining World Hero Award
Dog’s Love Saves Human Companion
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By Dallas News Group, USA (Originally in English)
Last year, lung cancer patient Christine Ferrer of Oklahoma City, USA, was given Cookie, a Pomeranian, as a gift to replace her dog that had passed away. Due to her illness, Christine spends most of her time in bed with Cookie by her side. One day while Christine was sleeping, the air conditioning system in her apartment began to smolder. So, Cookie started barking persistently from the top of the chest of drawers next to the bed, then jumped on Christine’s chest and barked to awaken her. As the two left the apartment, it was already filled with thick, black smoke. Medics at the scene said that Christine would never have made it out safely without Cookie guiding the way. In recognition of her unusually acute senses and loyalty to her caregiver, Cookie received the Shining World Hero Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai. On May 24, Golden Year 6 (2009), initiates from the Dallas and Oklahoma Centers, presented the Award at Christine’s home. She beamed with happiness when she saw what they had brought for Cookie, the wonderful Crystal Award Plaque and a beautifully framed letter from Master as well as all the gifts, which included a soft cushion bed, a bag of doggie treats, a bag of vegan dog food, plus two custom-fitted and embroidered hero doggie coats. There was also US$500 for Cookie from Master, and upon receiving that, tears came to Christine’s eyes and she said, “Oh, you just don’t know how much this means to us.” In addition, Christine received a selection of Master’s publications. With God’s grace, may Christine and Cookie spend many more happy years together. Caption: Receipt from Christine Ferrer for Master’s US$500 contribution
To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of this Award presentation, please visit:http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1051.php
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| Letter of Appreciation
Honoring William Dennis Weaver - Famous Actor, Environmentalist and Vegetarian
By USA News Group (Originally in English)
William Dennis Weaver (1924-2006) was a popular Emmy-award winning American actor and environmentalist. He played in several well-received movies and television series. He was also a strong advocate for protecting the Earth. In 1993, he founded the Institute of Ecolonomics (IOE), a non-profit organization devoted to research for environmental improvement through ecological and economical technologies. He also co-founded Love Is Feeding Everyone (LIFE), a 16-year-old organization which assisted in providing food for the homeless in the Los Angeles, California, area. In 1986, he received the Presidential End Hunger Award from President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Weaver was also a committed vegetarian for almost 50 years of his life. He said, “Love them, cherish them, and be good to them. Animals provide unconditional love... they deserve yours.” “There will come a time.… when civilized people will look back in horror on our generation and the ones that preceded it: the idea that we should eat other living things running around on four legs, that we should raise them just for the purpose of killing them! The people of the future will say ‘meat-eaters!’ in disgust and regard us in the same way we regard cannibals and cannibalism.” To recognize Mr. Weaver’s outstanding contribution to humanity, selfless service to those in need, and visionary, environmental advocacy, our Association members visited IOE on Saturday, July 25, Golden Year 6 (2009), and brought a contribution of $5,000 and a heartfelt letter of appreciation from Supreme Master Ching Hai to Mr. Weaver’s family. Mr. Scott Fardulis, Executive Director of IOE, warmly greeted our Association members and happily received Master’s generous contribution and Her letter on behalf of the Weaver family. He also received Master’s books, DVDs, and vegan cookies prepared by our Association members. In an interview with our members, Mr. Fardulis discussed his organization’s mission and thanked Master and our Association for the generous financial support and recognition. Heaven and humankind will remember Mr. Weaver with great fondness. Our world today is a brighter place for his lasting gift of a life of prodigious talent, compassion, and service to others.
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| Letter of Appreciation
From Pole to Soul!
By Dublin News Group, Ireland (Originally in English)
On June 21, 2009 (Golden Year 6), our Association members had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Richard Donovan, on of the world’s greatest long-distance runners, who has also brought much light, brightness, and inspirational love to many lives worldwide. Richard, from Ireland, has many truly astonishing credits to his name, including winning the first ever Antarctic Marathon in 2002, running the first ever North Pole Marathon, setting world records for treadmill running, completing the first ever 100-kilometre run in Antarctica, winning the Everest Marathon, the Inca Trail Marathon, the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race, holding the record for running the full length of Britain and Ireland, and many more. The phenomenal runner uses many of his extreme challenges to raise money for charities and to draw attention to international humanitarian emergencies. Earlier this year, Richard completed the World Marathon Challenge—running a marathon for a total of 295 kilometers on all seven continents in under five and a half days, sleeping in aircraft economy class seats, and traveling alone. These marathons included an Antarctic marathon, a desert marathon, and running through thick snow in the London Marathon. The funds raised by Richard in this activity were given to GOAL, a non-denominational, international, humanitarian agency headquartered in Ireland, to assist their work in Darfur, Sudan. Our Association members were delighted to present the heroic Mr. Donovan with a Letter of Appreciation from Supreme Master Ching Hai, along with a financial contribution from Master of €15,000 towards GOAL’s charitable, humanitarian activities. In addition, the generous and kind-hearted Mr. Donovan was presented with a vegan hamper that included fresh fruits, vegan chocolates, gifts, and Supreme Master Ching Hai’s beautiful books including the glorious Celestial Art, all of which Mr. Donovan received with heartfelt thanks and gracious appreciation. Mr. Ronan Scully, a GOAL representative expressed via an email message his sincere gratitude for Master’s contribution, adding that the funding will be of enormous value to GOAL’s humanitarian work. We applaud you, Richard Donovan, for inspiring us all through your legendary efforts to achieve what seems impossible. We also thank GOAL for its consistent lifesaving, poverty-alleviating, and earth-enhancing work. May Heaven continue to bless both with the Infinite Love of selfless giving.
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| Letter of Appreciation
Angels in the Snowstorm Won Master’s Applause
By Toronto News Group, Canada (Originally in English)
On the evening of December 19, Golden Year 5 (2008), Ms. Donna Molnar, a 55-year-old Canadian resident of Ancaster, west of Toronto, went missing during a severe snowstorm. A few dozen police officers, volunteers and service dogs from the Hamilton Police Volunteer Search and Rescue Canine Team launched the urgent mission of searching for Ms. Molner in the blizzard. Two whole days had passed when a second snowstorm hit the region with temperatures dropping as low as -29 Celsius, yet the officers and their canine pals refused to give up. On the third day of the search, Ace, a 5-year-old Dutch Shepherd, suddenly launched out running across the field where the snow was higher than his chest. Without delay he barked and pawed some 75 meters away, where his human companion officer Ray Lau in turn found Ms. Molner breathing beneath the 60 centimetres of snow. Ace is an energetic, versatile dog who found his second home and a lifelong career with the help of the Hamilton Police Volunteer Search and Rescue Canine Team. He was assigned to work with officer Lau and went through more than 1,000 hours of training each year in all weather conditions. All their efforts proved to be worthwhile when Ms. Molner was found alive after being buried under snow for 72 hours. Our beloved Master sent a letter of appreciation to Officer Lau and Ace for their life saving work along with US$200. The Hamilton Police Search and Rescue Team leader David Walker and Officer Lau expressed sincere gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai for the letter and gift. They also received DVDs of Master’s lectures and flyers about Climate Change. Our heartfelt thanks to Ace and Ray Lau of the Hamilton Police Department for bravely risking your own lives, enduring harsh conditions to selflessly help the community - which makes our world a much better place.
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To watch Supreme Master TV’s interviews and coverage of Mr. Ray Lau and Ace the Dutch Shepherd, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1114.php
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| Letter of Appreciation
Master Helps Preserve a Natural Treasure
By Surrey News Group, UK (Originally in English)
On September 5, Golden Year 6 (2009), UK Association members went to North Wales to present Woodland Trust with a £100,000 contribution from Supreme Master Ching Hai. The money will help to purchase 1,000 acres of ancient Celtic rainforest in Cwm Mynach Valley, which the Trust plans to restore and conserve for future generations. The Trust was founded in 1972 by Mr. Kenneth Watkins, who was concerned about the amount of woodland being cleared for farming at a time when no forest protection existed in the UK. The organization now owns over 1,000 forests across the country, offers online tips on reducing carbon emissions, and has planted over 6.5 million trees through its “Tree for All” campaign, in which 12-million native trees will be planted by two-million youngsters. On December 5, Woodland Trust, in association with the BBC, will attempt to beat the current Guinness Book record of trees planted in one hour by planting 20,000 trees during that period at two sites in the UK. Besides presenting Master’s contribution, our representatives also interviewed Mr. Jerry Langford, Director of Woodland Trust, Mr. Rory Francis, Publicity and Public Affairs Officer for Wales, and Mr. Andy Shields, Fundraising Manager. During the interview Mr. Shields said, “We would like to say a huge thank you to Master Ching Hai for all the work She does in raising concerns about the issue of climate change.” After the presentation and reading of Master’s letter, Mr. Langford thanked “Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her fantastic support and for some really very inspirational words.” The Trust plans to conserve twice as much native UK wooded area than currently exists, by persuading land owners to plant more trees, helping the public to recognize the value of forests and other efforts such as involving children in tree planting activities around the country. Master’s contribution and recognition were covered by reporter Mr. Timothy Lewis with an article entitled “Spiritual Leader Gives £100,000 to Save Valley” that was published on October 24 in WalesOnline, as well as in the printed version of the paper. The article introduced Master as “the leader of a worldwide group, which says it is committed to positive thinking, humanitarian work, and solutions to climate change and saving the planet.” For full report, please visit: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/10/24/spiritual-leader-gives-100-000-to-save-valley-91466-25002738/ For more information about Woodland Trust, please visit: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk To view the complete Supreme Master Television coverage of this interview with Woodland Trust, please visit: http://video.godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1137.php Caption:
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| Story Warehouse
A Pig Farmer Changed into a Veg Hero
By Taoyuan News Group (Originally in Chinese)
A pig farmer has decided to treat his pigs as his own children and to take care of them until they depart at old age. He even convinced his family to quit eating meat with him and thus became vegetarians. What could be the reason behind such drastic change in this household? In Linkou Township, Taipei County, Formosa, Mr. Luo and his family used to make a living by raising pigs. In May this year, Mr. Luo had a chitchat with his neighbor, Mr. Lin, who is a retired teacher, on the subject of global warming. Mr. Lin earnestly explained to him that the main cause of global warming is the livestock industry. He further suggested to Mr. Luo to watch Supreme Master Television to find out more about the critical situation of global warming and its solutions. After watching Supreme Master Television for several months, Mr. Luo shared his insights with our Association members. He said that Supreme Master Television has become his everyday, must-watch TV channel for which he is very grateful for helping him to change his life. Now he looks at the pigs being raised by his family very differently; he treats them as his own children or pets, because they are all living sentient beings. Mr. Luo told our members in detail about how he and his family quit eating meat and became vegetarians. He began with gathering relevant information on the Internet and then explained to his family the causes of global warming. Later, his mother also went on the Internet with him looking for more information, and became very interested in the issue of global warming. A week later, he proposed to his family to adopt the animal-free diet, explaining that there will be no supply if there is no demand. “If people stop eating meat, no animal would be slaughtered.” That’s how his family gradually became vegetarians. In conclusion, Mr. Luo said, “The animal-free diet is love in action for the Earth. We should first begin with ourselves and gradually other people will follow our example.” He hoped that Supreme Master Television would continue to spread the veg message with the support of its audience. He further added that Supreme Master Television is providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on issues relating to environmental protection, and also reporting constructive and compassionate news from all over the world. In addition to that, it also broadcasts many programs that are beneficial to spiritual development, which is essential for our souls today! Understanding that organic farming is helping to mitigate global warming and also benefits the world in many ways, Mr. Luo has switched to organic farming. We hope that more and more livestock farmers would follow Mr. Luo’s example, and strive hand-in-hand to halt global warming and to create a compassionate and sustainable future.
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| Master Says
Consider Others As We Would Ourselves
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, International Seminar, July 25, 2009 (Originally in English)
In this world, it’s easier to practice and to improve because there are suffering people, there are suffering animals, and there are suffering situations and imperfect situations that will touch our compassion and awaken our merciful heart. Then we can bring it out, improve the situation, and help others. That’s how we create Heaven. That’s how we say Heaven will be on Earth. In the Bible, there is a prayer that says, “Hallowed is Thy name in Heaven as well as on Earth.” So we have to bring that to Earth. We are here to do it. If we think we are the children of God, then we have to bring God’s love here. We have to make Heaven here. We can’t just keep waiting for Heaven to appear or ask Heaven to help us. Of course, when truly in time of need or emergency, we can pray, “Help me today for meditation or to smooth some things.” Of course we can pray like that, but not always like that. It’s not always about us. It has to be about other people as well. Otherwise, we are going nowhere with our spiritual practice. We have to think of the other end, not only this end. For example, when you talk on the telephone, you talk so that the person at the other end of the line listens to you, not to listen to yourself. When you talk to your friend, you speak loudly and clearly, so that your friend at the other end of the telephone can hear you. You have to consider how you talk so that he or she understands. This is the same. We have to consider other people, the other end. Always consider the other end. If everyone on this planet considers the other end, then we will never have hunger, we will never have war. We could never kill anyone. How can anyone still kill anyone at this time in our civilization? At this time in human evolution, a person cannot go out and get a gun and just kill someone else just like that, in the name of religion, in the name of country, in the name of whatever! This is never right. How can we do that? He is just like you. Both have to defend their own country, and yet you kill him because he defends his country. That’s not right. Or, you kill him because he doesn’t want to believe what you believe. That’s also not right.. Killing Is Never Right War is never right. Killing is never right. So if we all consider other people the way we consider ourselves, just put ourselves in their position, then we know perfectly what to do. There’s never an excuse to harm anyone, to harm fellow beings or animals, our co-inhabitants, never any good excuse at all, even in the name of science, in the name of health, nothing. Nothing! If we did not kill animals or we did not kill each other, we wouldn’t be where we are today, with a lot of trouble, a lot of disasters, a lot of suffering, a lot of war, and a lot of sickness. The more we kill animals, even for experiments in the laboratory, the more sickness we have. Look! We just cure one sickness and another comes, worse than before. The law of karma (retribution), the great law of the universe, never fails. That is the problem with humans because they don’t understand this. They think of what they can do today, and they do it. They think that they can harm someone and then they gain something: some money, some promotion, some glorification or whatever. But that’s not right. It’s never right. So if you’re in Heaven, it’s difficult to practice, but if you’re in hell, it’s also difficult. Because if once we create a hell, such as war, then it continues forever like that. Someone dies or is injured, and then later they come back. If they cannot come back in this lifetime because they’re weakened or they’ve been destroyed or killed, they come back in the next lifetime. Life continues forever. It’s not like you kill one person today and he’s finished with you: No, no, no! The great law of the universe does not allow anyone to overpower anyone unjustly. Even if we have the right to defend, it’s also not good for us because that means we don’t trust in God’s power to regulate things for us. We don’t trust in the great Law to justify the actions of others. If we take matters into our hands, then Heaven will ignore us. “You want to kill him back? Right, then you both have to take care of each other.” If you kill him, he comes back and kills you, and then later you die. And then you come back, kill him in the next life, and then again, again and again. Better to Run than to Seek Revenge So that’s why I’ve told you, even if people kill you, let them. There are worse things than death. Ignorance is worse, worse than death. If we die with enlightenment, we go straight to Heaven. We die with forgiveness in our heart, compassion in our soul, and we go straight to the high level. But if we seek revenge, if we kill them back or we injure or hurt people in some way, that will come back to us again, again and again. And we go nowhere. You can have another physical body any time, if you desire it. The difficulty is to get away from it, not to worry that we don’t have one. However, I wouldn’t tell you to go out and try to provoke someone so that he kills you. It’s not like that. Don’t try to go home and say something like that. What I mean is truly, if we have this physical body, that means Heaven still wants us here to work. Of course you try to defend yourself. But defense doesn’t mean you kill other people. Run away or reason with him; just defend but don’t hurt them. If you can defend yourself that way, it’s fine. Running away is the best. The Chinese say that of the thirty-six strategies, the best one is to run away! I run away all the time, and it’s truly like that! It’s true; that Chinese saying is the best. I use it all the time, and I’m still here. It’s a cool strategy. It doesn’t mean that tomorrow I would run again, but it means that whenever I have to, I just run. Why stay around and explain to people: “I am innocent! I’ve done nothing wrong.” Some people don’t listen. Being Human Means Being Humane It’s just that this life is still not very elevated. But it’s getting better and better all the time. I’ve heard that many governments encourage people toward less meat and more organic farming and so on. Actually, today, we have some good news, like in Ireland, where the government supports organic farming, and a lot of people apply for it now, 85%, isn’t that nice? Soon we will see cows only walking around, like between the green lights, maybe holding hands with the humans. Because the cows, they can cry; when you want to kill them, they cry. Many of them do that. Some even run to the police, to take refuge. For many it happened like that, and later the police also feel sorry for them, and then someone buys them and sends them to an animal sanctuary. They do know what to do. It’s just that sometimes they can’t escape, because the humans control them; they drag them in there, and all kinds of things. I don’t want to talk about it because I will die. It’s terrible, this animal cruelty; how can we call ourselves humans? Human means humane. But the people who kill them do it for a job. Sometimes they don’t have another job to do. If the government would create better jobs, then they would change. And if there is no more demand for meat, or fish, or any animal products, then there will be no one who kills. Perhaps one or two do it by themselves, but not en masse, not confined in a small crate where they could not even turn around. They can only lie down and stand up. This is the utmost cruelty! Imagine if it’s you; imagine if you put yourself in that situation. Imagine if someone put you in a crate like that, where you could only stand or lie down and could not even turn around. Can you imagine? Would you feel good? No! That’s why I said if everyone in this world considers the other end, considers other people’s position, then we will have no war, no cruelty, no animal killing, no hunger even. The problem is we don’t consider others. Give Whatever Is within Our Capacity So, as so-called spiritual practitioners, please, be different for me. Please be different. Don’t just clap your hands and say, “Oh Master, you are compassionate, you are merciful, you’re beautiful, you’re this and that.” Do it! Do what I do, or at least some of it. Do it in your capacity. I don’t say that you always have to give money to people, if you don’t have it; but you can give your time, your support, or do something else. Do it in your small capacity. Like last time, I said to some Chinese that they can make food in a lunch box and sell it at a reasonable price to some neighbors nearby or to some company or office, or something. You don’t have to make a lot; like if you have one office that agrees, then you make it and sell it to them. Twenty boxes or something, of good, nutritious food made with love. First, you earn some extra money. Second, you earn more merit, because this kind of job, which is providing compassionate nutrition to others, is a very meritorious kind of job. Anytime you do something good and offer some necessity to others, even if you earn some profit out of it, you still gain merit from Heaven. It’s not just like you have to give it for charity, and only then you gain merit. It’s not charity alone when you might gain a little more merit, but even if you just do a good job like opening a Loving Hut restaurant, offering this compassionate lifestyle to people so that they have a chance to turn around and save their own lives, save the planet and save the animals. Then you also have merit, even if you earn money with it, because that belongs to the meritorious category of jobs. There are two or three kinds of jobs that earn you merit, or earn points in Heaven. Like what job earns 10 points, what job earns 100 points? It’s like in school. Those are the kinds of meritorious jobs that can earn big merit points in Heaven, apart from meditation. So even if you don’t do meditation, at least you earn some merit to go to Heaven so that you don’t go to hell or a lower level of existence after you die. But apart from meditation, if you earn more good Heavenly points, then of course you go higher in Heaven. And then when you die, you don’t just sit there miserable, seeing people flying past you, going up and you don’t know what to do any more, it’s too late. Practice Here while We Still Have a Chance In Heaven, when you go into that lower Heaven, you’re still happy, fine, but it’s difficult to practice then. Here it’s easier, because there is suffering, there are troubles, there are things to do, problems to fix or things to repair. And then you can earn merit, you see? In Heaven, no one needs your vegetarian food. That is just an example. In Heaven, you don’t have a chance to go and hand out SOS flyers. You don’t have a chance to do that. So here, do as much as you can—SOS flyers, Alternative Living flyers, open a vegan restaurant, or cook a vegan lunch box. If you don’t have money to open a restaurant, everyone can cook in their spare time, on weekends and evenings. In some countries, they have night markets—bring it there. Football games—bring it there. During holiday time, when people go on picnics or to some concert, you bring your cooked food there. You don’t have to bring a lot. For example, you see how many people there are and you think or meditate, to see how many will eat your food and then make just that much. If only 10 people go to watch the football match on your street corner, then don’t bring enough for 50. Even if you make 10 and you sell only five, okay, the other five you bring home and eat together. Even if you’re alone, you put it in the fridge and warm it up; in two days it’s gone. You have to cook for yourself anyway. So instead of going to restaurants and always asking for vegetarian food, which they don’t know or they don’t have, or they cook and mix together with eggs, or there’s the smell from fish on your plate and it’s sometimes not clean—you do the job yourself. You cook and offer it to people. Everyone can have a restaurant at home, a pocket restaurant, a mini pocket—it means gaining small money for your pocket. Every day you earn a little bit, or every weekend you earn a little. And then you have enough money to go and help people. If I weren’t busy with you, I could go out and sell stinky tofu and earn money. Or, open a small café, rent a corner shop or café shop and sell cookies and candies. Bake them at night and sell them in the daytime with coffee. It doesn’t have to be very fancy coffee. Homemade cookies or vegan muffins—anyone can make them. Just bake a few trays in the evening when you have time. Before, you used to sit and read newspapers and so on. Now you don't; you just bake. It takes a very short time and then you sell it in your coffee shop, or you sell it on the street or whatever. But mostly people like to buy something like a lunch box in those concert gatherings outside, if it’s allowed. If not, make a deal with some company and bring lunch boxes every day for their employees. Think about what to do. Every situation is different, but you can always do something. While you’re selling it, you can hand out SOS flyers at the same time. Buy inexpensive paper and print them out. Compassionate Acts Earn Spiritual Merit So while you are here in this world, you witness suffering, you witness pain and sorrow, and then your compassion rises, and that's how you earn more merit. Because you feel sorry for people and then you try to do something to comfort them; that's how your spiritual practice speeds up. In Heaven, you have nothing to do. You can't make buns, even if you want to. You can't even make a vegan lunch box if you want to. No one needs it there anymore. It’s only in this physical world that people still need it. So that's how we earn merit. Don't just sit there and pray for Heaven's help only. You have to help people; you have to bring Heaven to Earth; you have to make it convenient for people to turn around. Sometimes they don't know how. Sometimes they don't know where to buy things. But if you make it easy and inexpensive, then they will buy it and think, "Oh, that’s not bad." Tomorrow, you bring another kind and another, and then they say, “Show me how to do it.” Make it simple and affordable. You earn some money, but it's not as expensive as in the restaurant so people would like to have it. They might ask you to bring it to their home or to their office. All you need is just a few dollars for the bus fare. (A fellow initiate reports to Master that they’ve opened a vegetarian restaurant in Johannesburg.) Yes, that's very good news. If we have a lot of vegetarian restaurants, then many more will come—the critical mass or monkey effect: What one monkey does, the others will do. Feeling the Love of Mother Earth I’ll tell you something. When I walk barefoot, on the ground, I feel the love from the Earth. Truly, my God, She loves me! I never knew that before. Before, I never felt it. Maybe She loved me all the time, but I never felt it. This time, I feel so strong that I almost cry. So I just put my feet there, I just sit there and put my feet on the ground, enjoy the feeling of love from the Earth. You try it to see if She loves you. I mean, She loves you, but try to see if you can feel it. My God! It feels like a very gentle wave of warmth, of electrical currents. It just makes you feel so… I can’t explain it, I can’t tell you. I just feel it, and it was so touching. Just so, so good! I hope you feel the same, because it’s so nice. It was so beautiful. I felt it so strongly lately, because before I didn’t walk barefoot that much. Lately I like to. All right: Love you. To watch the Supreme Master Television coverage of this international seminar, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/BMD1058s.php
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| Special Reports
An All-Vegan World is Dawning
By USA News Group (Originally in English)
Being the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, Summer Solstice (June 21) enjoys the most sunlight and “where there is light, there is life.” Honouring this idea of supporting life, the world’s first-ever Vegan Earth Day was observed on this meaningful day in Golden Year 6 (2009). Initiated by the pioneering US talk show host Mr. Bob Linden of Go Vegan Radio, Vegan Earth Day was also proclaimed by US Congressman and vegan Dennis J. Kucinich, whose public announcement in the House of Representatives has made it an historic event that now appears in the US Congress permanent record. The Vegan Earth Day celebration was held at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California, USA. With the main stage set outdoors, people enjoyed live music, tasted delicious vegan foods, and watched with their renowned producers and directors some of the best films on veganism, such as A Sacred Duty, Earthlings, A Delicate Balance, and Healing Cancer Inside Out. Since June 21 was also Father’s Day in the US, all fathers and firefighters attending the event were treated to a free vegan BBQ meal. The guest speakers shared their insights on veganism from their own personal perspectives. Supreme Master Ching Hai graciously participated in the event’s featured program—a live video conference entitled “Vegan Earth Day for A Vegan World,” which was broadcast live via Supreme Master Television. Her magnificent art creations including Celestial Jewelry, Celestial Clothes, paintings, and various publications were displayed at the “Celestial Art Exhibition.” The live conference was hosted by Mr. Bob Linden and attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, one of the foremost heart specialists in the world and author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease; Mr. Shaun Monson, the maker of Earthlings; Mr. Mike Anderson, producer of Healing Cancer Inside Out; Mr. Chris DeRose, former television actor, animal activist, and founder of Last Chance for Animals; Ms. Lorri Houston, founder and director of Animal Acres; Ms. Janice Belson, Executive director of Medicines Global, and Luminaries band members. US Congressman, the Honorable Dennis J. Kucinich also participated the event via a video message, during which he expressed his full support of Vegan Earth Day and shared what a vegan diet means to him personally. “For me, it’s been one of the most important decisions in my life. It’s enabled me to have increased clarity and vitality. And it’s given me a joy of life.” Although unable to attend, Master conveyed Her best wishes and specifically sent Her representatives to engage in a Q&A session following Her main message in the video conference. It was a powerful speech entitled “The Top Killers” which delivers the undeniable case that meat, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are in fact crimes of killing that we must stop. Master said, “One day, we will also protest against the murder of our animal co-inhabitant, and by extension, we will denounce anything in the future that kills, because killing is a crime that must be stopped. These silent killers, they are unnoticed by most of us. They are in our home every day. I will try to point them out. It may surprise you, it may not. To some of you, it is obvious, to some of you it will be the first time that you realize who our enemy truly is.” Master continued to share Her insights into society’s advancement toward ideal moral values and said, “There was a time when humans killed other humans—even just to eat. Now, doing so is a crime. We call it murder—people killing people, the most heinous crime of all crimes. Today, people kill animals to eat. But now humanity is being called to an even more elevated and compassionate moral level of conduct. A future day is dawning where killing animals, too, shall be called a crime.” Master encouraged people to take personal responsibility and to make wiser choices. “Instead of meat, we become vegan. Instead of polluting the world, we go green. Instead of intoxicants, we will be merged in the blessing of God, through prayers, yoga, meditation, etc. And instead of planting drugs, we plant organic vegetables and fruits. I wish you all the best in the embracing love of Heaven.” Master elaborated Her vision of an all-vegan world in Her response to one of the questions raised by distinguished guests. She stated, “There would be no more violence among humans. The word “war” will soon be erased from memory, and perhaps the dictionary! Even the animal kingdom will change to reflect the new peace humankind has established in and around them. If everyone becomes vegan today, what I just said would come true within a matter of a few months only, it’s not a distant dream. I guarantee it.” She called on everyone, “Together, let’s envision this future, our well-deserved, beautiful future, in which all lives are upheld and cherished as one and the same. Let’s be happy, because it seems that this day is already dawning.” Master’s elevating remarks resonated with many illustrious guests and conference participants. Ms. Janice Belson said, “She touches me! I think what Master had to say was critically important because she not only touched on the importance of global warming but on all the other areas of alcohol consumption and drugs and all of those things that are really killing people.” Ms. Lorri Houston, in sharing Master’s brighter future vision, said, “People are becoming sensitized to this issue, you know. All the work that everybody is doing together is having an impact. You can get vegan food now everywhere. So it’s really exciting.” One of the Luminaries band members praised Master’s eye-opening insights, stating, “She conveyed that message so directly and you really felt her heart coming out with that. Being a year-long, two years actually, vegan and it was like an awakening for me that I realized how my diet affected the planet.” The conference concluded with Mr. Bob Linden, joined by the audience, singing the “Vegan Earth Day Song” newly composed by him. Participants, as well as media present, were very impressed with the event and some people turned vegan right on the spot, while many others expressed the desire to bring their friends next time. The day’s activities were well covered by the Los Angles Daily News and the largest Southern California television station, KTLA (Channel 5), in their evening news. We thank God for Hiers infinite blessings that showered upon the first-ever Vegan Earth Day on our beautiful planet, and believe that humanity will soon advance to a higher level of consciousness with every day being a Vegan Earth Day. To watch on the “Vegan Earth Day for a Vegan World” videoconference on Supreme Master TV, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW1046s.php
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| Special Reports
The “Solutions for a Beautiful Planet” Climate Change Conference and The Dogs in My Life and The Noble Wilds Book Premiere in Thailand
By Au Lac News Group (Originally in Aulacese)
With God’s grace and wonderful arrangement, the International Climate Change Conference titled “Solutions for a Beautiful Planet” and book premiere of the Aulacese version of The Dogs in My Life and The Noble Wilds by Supreme Master Ching Hai was held at the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University on August 15, Golden Year 6 (2009), in the beautiful and hospitable country of Thailand. The event unfolded in a friendly ambience with the attendance of gifted scientists, dignitaries representing Royal Thailand, academic professors, teachers and talented artists from Thailand and Âu Lạc. The conference also welcomed representatives from the United States, Russian and South African consulates plus thousands of fellow initiates from around the world and a special guest of honor, Supreme Master Ching Hai, who participated through a live television broadcast. In addition, representatives from various institutions and international organizations sent their well-wishes including: Mr. Lý Hồng Chí, Legislator from Formosa; Mr. Park Kwang Joon, Administrator of Gangwon Meteorological Administration in Korea; Dr. Stephen Schneider, Professor of Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies at Stanford University in the USA, Lead Author of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 4th Assessment Report; and Dr. Will Tuttle, author of the book The World Peace Diet. This outstanding event was broadcast live on Supreme Master Television. One of the guest speakers, Dr. Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya, a vegetarian, a member of the Thailand Parliament, a former scientist from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as well as a model and pioneer in environmental protection in Thailand, delivered a truly scientific and thorough speech to the conference. He pointed out that the melting ice will cause an imbalance on the weight of the Earth and thus increase disastrous activities such as earthquakes and tsunamis at the joints of the Earth plates, which we have begun to see in the area of Thailand and along the Andaman Sea. As director of and exemplifying what is practiced at the Sathya Sai School, he urged guests to quickly take action in their daily lives to curb global warming by eating the vegetarian diet and implementing sustainable ways of living. He proudly announced that all 440 children, teachers and staff members in his school are vegetarian and have planted over 200,000 trees. The school also cultivates vegetables, rice and fruit trees using a method that releases the lowest level of carbon dioxide. They even generate electricity from wind power and use vegetable oil to meet the school’s fuel needs. In the questions and answers session, the panelists led by Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed many concerns from the fellow initiates and distinguished guests. Master took the opportunity to explain to Dr. Panmanas Sirisomboon, Associate Professor of the Department of Agriculture Engineering in King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology, that carbon dioxide is not our worst threat, methane is, because methane, one of the main greenhouse gases emitted through livestock raising, traps some 72 times more atmospheric heat than CO2. “So, raising livestock for meat surely leads to an environmental crisis.” She noted that even though some progress has been made in the direction of environmental protection, we are not moving quickly enough to change the destructive course in time. She strongly urged people to adopt the vegan diet first and foremost, while continuing to develop all the other green technologies which will help in restoring the planetary balance after the world is saved. Regarding the future planetary vision, Master conveyed to Mr. Thai An, a vegetarian composer and commissioner of the Music Division in the Stage Association, that “once we stop the killing, then we will generate a more loving, kind and inviting atmosphere for other noble beings in the galaxy to perhaps join us or be in contact with us . . . If all of humanity turns to such a standard, this world will be transformed indeed, heralding a true Golden Age of harmony and happiness for all beings.” To clear any doubt in the mind of Mr. Nguyễn Minh Lộc, Head of the Technical Project Department, as to how people can be awakened to change their destructive behavior to that of protecting the environment, Master confirmed that it is possible to help people to change their habit, because they’re just habits. She cited the good news that in Formosa (Taiwan), a recent poll shows that 60% of the Formosan (Taiwanese) people are willing to be veg in order to save the planet, saying positively that “the veg trend now is on the way, unstoppable!” As to the cure for the H1N1 virus (commonly known as swine flu), Master expressed Her concern, “First, the supply for everyone is sorely inadequate… we don’t have enough vaccine. Next, the virus, in some cases, was completely resistant to the vaccine even; the vaccine did not help at all. And now, some British researchers said that the vaccine might not be much help for the children who are in the most vulnerable group.” She stressed again that there is no other way to stop the virus than at its source, “which is precisely at the utterly inhumane, filthy, cramped, hot, soiled, bacteria-infested pig farms.” Dr. Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya asked Master what will happen in the year 2012. She replied, “Our fate is in the hands of every person on this planet. Every person on this planet can decide what will happen in the year 2012. Can you imagine how powerful we are? Only if we use our power can we stop the disaster that is looming large in front of us. We have no need for any crystal ball, any psychic power of future fortune-telling ability to see this . . . Stop the meat industry, stop the fish industry, stop the dairy industry, then our planet will be the way it was and even better. This, I can promise. Otherwise, in the years 2012, 2013, 2014, we will never know what will happen to us if we do not do the right thing.” In conclusion, Master informed the audience that our world’s top ten rivers, such as China’s Salween River, Europe’s Danube River, South America’s La Plata, the North American Rio Grande, India’s Ganges, as well as major lakes and the groundwater are drying up. “There are one billion people hungry already because of climate change… And three billion people are short of water… How many more suffering people are we waiting for before we take action? Please do it now!” She pleaded. Participants were satisfied with the thoughtful and appropriate answers from Master and scientists, and were extremely thankful for the opportunity to be enlightened by Her profound wisdom. Following the inspirational conference, “Solutions for a Beautiful Planet,” was the book premiere of the Âu Lạc version of The Dogs in My Life and The Noble Wilds by Supreme Master Ching Hai, featuring video footage showing Master and Her ten lovely dogs as well as Her other animal friends in the Amoura wilderness. Master’s boundless love for our fellow animal co-inhabitants evoked deep feelings in the hearts of the participants and inspired our guest speakers, who shared their profound thoughts towards Her two masterpieces. Master again addressed the topics of love for our animal friends and their roles on the planet. The book premier ended with a remarkable entertainment program performed by our Association members from Âu Lạc. Their graceful dances and sweet singing were especially dedicated to Master, the distinguished guests and our fellow initiates with wonderful, uplifting moments. A part of the event included a Cultural Festival entitled “Heaven on Earth, Our Home,” featuring Master’s amazing works of art and cultural traditions from of Âu Lạc, Thailand and other neighboring countries. SOS hand-outs in one of the main booths provided helpful information about global warming. All guests enjoyed the tasty and nutritious vegetarian feast meticulously prepared, beautifully decorated, and delicately seasoned with the rich and traditional Âu Lạc flavors by our Association members. During interviews the following day, many guests expressed their deep appreciation to Master and to Supreme Master Television for their noble efforts. The general comments were that our conference was exceptionally well organized and most timely, addressing global warming’s most critical issue, which is not being discussed in other conferences, and that is the vegan solution to saving the planet. A lot of them decided to join in and help promote the vegan message. Thank You, our immensely beloved Master, for Your infinite blessings, for bestowing on us many wonderful, memorable occasions and the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event so that we could share the information about the virtuous vegan diet to help save our beautiful planet. It is our hope that the conference will be an inspirational premise to humankind, to take action and create a brighter future. To watch the conference coverage by Supreme Master TV, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW1109s.php
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| Special Reports
Supreme Master Television’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration: “Rejoicing in Our Green Planet and Peaceful Life”
By Supreme Master Television (Originally in English)
~~☆~~☆~~☆~~☆~~☆~~☆~~☆~~
On September 7, Golden Year 6 (2009), in Master’s infinite love, Supreme Master Television celebrated its 3rd anniversary of constructive television with a special multi-cultural concert entitled “Rejoicing in Our Green Planet and Peaceful Life.” As Guest of Honor, our beloved Master graced the event with Her beautiful and serene presence via videoconference. Also featured in this special program were: legendary American actress, Ms. Debbie Reynolds, as guest speaker; diverse international dances; as well as newly created songs adapted from Supreme Master Ching Hai’s elegant poetry by eminent composers and many other accomplished performers. The masters of ceremony for the event were vegetarian actress, Debra Skelton, of MADtv and vegan actor and animal rights advocate, Chris DeRose. Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and vegan Lionel Friedberg, Oscar-nominated filmmakers Stuart and Julia Sender, Emmy Award-winning producer-director and vegan Cary Brown, and Australian model and vegan actress Joanne Rose were also distinguished guest presenters for the show. Due to scheduling, the Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles, was unable to attend, but he offered his best wishes for a wonderful event and sent a representative to present his letter of commendation. Mr. Ricardo Hong, Harbor Area Director and Mayor Villaraigosa's representative, expressed on stage, “The Mayor would loved to have been here. He believes in the causes that Master Ching Hai believes in, the environmental causes that she pushes for, the human rights and also the investment during the times of crisis throughout the countries that are suffering from emergency situations. The Mayor believes in all those things. But we’d like to say, ‘Thank you, Master Ching Hai, for being who you are, for encouraging all of us and inspiring all of us, for doing what you’re doing.’” Hollywood icon Ms. Debbie Reynolds dazzled everyone with her charm and humor. She has received numerous accolades for her performances in film, theatre, and television including nominations for the Academy Award, Tony Award, Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, and three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wearing the exquisite jewelry set “The Ancient Beauty” designed by Supreme Master Ching Hai, she said, “I have to say I feel like a real princess today.” Ms. Reynolds recounted her memories from the benefit concert “One World…of Peace through Music” at the Shrine Auditorium, which was organized by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association 11 years ago. She recalled, “I was certainly curious to meet Her in person after learning of Her multi-talents and how a multitude of people around the globe respect Her. After much anticipation, Supreme Master Ching Hai came on stage and her first words were, “Hi, it’s me.” I instantly adored Her. She was so down to earth and exuded such a humble nature, and how beautiful She is.” As guest speaker, Ms. Reynolds introduced Master and Her television channel, Supreme Master Television, to the audience, “Supreme Master Ching Hai is the guiding light of the channel and Her wise leadership brings continued evolvement for the benefit of all beings… Today, we are here to celebrate Supreme Master Television’s third anniversary. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai and Supreme Master Television for your efforts towards a more peaceful world—a dream that we all share, a reality that will definitely be manifested through everyone’s dedication.” Thereafter, Ms. Reynolds invited Master to speak. Master’s words of thanks and humility deeply touched the attendees. She said, “Thank you all the honorable guests, that you have taken your precious time to come here and to encourage the staff at the Supreme Master Television quarters. We are doing our humble job in the urgent time of our planetary need. We never imagined that we could have so much support from all directions like this, especially the celebrities and famous people like you are, in the audience and on the stage. It’s good to know that our work and our message are approved by a number of people, including the famous, the smart, the beautiful, and the intelligent.” Master also expressed Her admiration for the United States of America for upholding democracy and freedom to the highest standard in the world. She said, “I always hold America dear in my heart….I just love you, thank you so much. Thank you America, thank you Americans. God bless you so much. God bless America.” A most touching moment occurred when Master gave everyone a “remote control” hug from afar; and starting with Ms. Reynolds, everyone present responded with a show of love for Master by sending a warm hug back. The highlight of the evening was the adaptation of Master’s elegant poems to song by Oscar-Emmy Award-winning composer and 19-time Academy Award Music Director Bill Conti, Al Jardine of the beloved original Beach Boys, 5-time Grammy nominee David Benoit, Emmy Award-winning Don Davis, Grammy Award-winning Robert Kulick, and the multi-talented Kerry Walsh. At the time of our invitation, when Master discovered that most of the concert songs were based on her poetry, she was very shy about this arrangement and expressed her reservation. Upon being informed that each of the composers felt genuine inspiration to set Her moving verses to music, the poet finally acquiesced, saying “They win!” Thanks to Master’s generosity of heart and the artists’ soulful connection, the result was a world premiere of exquisite compositions by some of the most talented musicians in our modern times. “Praised Be the Providence” is a special poem Master had written for Supreme Master TV, and composed by Bill Conti. Mr. Conti’s deep sincerity towards Master was felt through a touching surprise as he creatively wove in Master’s actual reading of the poem in the middle of the song. Grammy Award winner Clark Germain orchestrated the music, and international soprano Giorgia Fumanti performed the magnificent piece. As a vegetarian herself, Ms. Fumanti looked radiant wearing Master’s jewelry creation, “The Hermit.” One of the founding members of the Beach Boys, Al Jardine, is an American music icon. Based on Master’s poem, he wrote the song “The Eternal Ballad” and sang it with his two sons, Matt and Adam. Mr. Jardine said, “When we performed ‘The Eternal Ballad,’ which was written by the Supreme Master, it felt like the Beach Boys’ harmonies were right there for me. It was very much like that, that beginning of the harmonies that we started—very pure and very innocent.” Also inspired by Master’s poetry, composer David Benoit created music for two of Her poems, “The Two Phoenixes” and “Since I’ve Loved You.” The songs were performed by vegan vocalist Arnold McCuller, who has toured extensively with James Taylor, Philip Collins, Melissa Manchester, and Lyle Lovett. On stage, Mr. Benoit said, “It is, of course, my huge honor to be here today to perform for the Supreme Master Ching Hai. I would love to write more music to more poems by Supreme Master Ching Hai because She has so much passion and love and beauty. It was very easy for me to write the music; it just came out. And so this is a really, really unexpected pleasure for me to be able to do this very unique performance for Supreme Master Ching Hai, and thank you for allowing me to have this opportunity.” After his performance, Mr. McCuller shared, “The poetry and the music—I loved it, I really loved it. And I am inspired. I am so honored to be here. I’ve had a lot of experiences in my life with raising my own consciousness, and this today gives me another chance, to just lift it a little higher. I am vegan as well.” Through his work with the band Kiss and Diana Ross, Robert Kulick has earned a total of 11 Platinum and Gold records. He has also collaborated with Michael Bolton, Billy Idol, and Steve Stevens, among many others. After reading Master’s poem, “Our Time,” he was moved to set it to music, which was performed by singer Shari Belgeau. Mr. Kulick expressed, “A few months ago, I was very lucky in that I could compose a song which would be based upon one of Supreme Master’s great poems.” Master had replied, “Wow. This is actually a surprise. I knew nothing about it. It’s the first time I heard of this poem being adapted into music. Thank you.” The acclaimed composer of the Matrix films, Donald Davis, also beautifully set to music one of Master’s poems, “Equality of Love.” It was performed by the multi-talented soprano Kerry Walsh. Ms. Walsh, who is a vegetarian, was also inspired by one of Master’s poems, “Acceptance,” and created a wonderful piece of music for it. Ms. Walsh emotionally revealed to the audience how her baby was blessed by Master 10 years ago when she performed in the concert at the Shrine Auditorium. She said, “Supreme Master blessed him with Her love and a kiss that I think has enhanced his nature as a spiritual being and a child that I am very proud of. I just wanted to share that with you because it’s more than just being onstage for me.” She also explained about Mr. Davis’ commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle through his vegetarian diet. She said of Mr. Davis, “The fact that he took the time to write that song shows his great respect and care for Supreme Master. (Master: Thank you.) So I thank him and I am very touched about it.” “Tell Me,” written by Master in Her youth was set to music by noted composer Huỳnh Anh and performed by famed Aulacese singers Mr. Vũ Khanh and Ms. Thanh Hà. Vũ Khanh also sang a solo for the song “It Is Not So, My Love,” adapted from Master’s poetry and set to music by Kông Thanh Bích. During a conference with Supreme Master Television staff at a later date, Master expressed Her appreciation for Vũ Khanh’s sincere heart and how She liked Thanh Hà’s voice, which is like chiming bells and clear like stream water. In an interview after the concert, Vũ Khanh expressed, “The song I performed today is quite different from the other songs I’ve performed before. I have been singing for 25 years, and today I sang a song that made me feel like the first time I sang.” Interspersed among Master’s poetry adaptations were brilliant performances that took the audience on a journey across the world to Japan, with TAIKOPROJECT which has been performed in several films and at the 2009 Academy Awards; India, with the world renowned Shakti Dance Company; Korea, with the Kim Eung Hwa Korean Dance Company; Egypt, with the Adam Basma Dance Company; China, with the Los Angeles Chinese Orchestra; Russia, with the Russian Souvenir Dance Company; and The Green Children from Europe. The finale of the concert was a skit entitled “Off to Greener Pastures,” performed by vegetarian and vegan actor friends of our Association: Debra Skelton, Billy McNamara, Will Ryan, and Joanne Rose. Through light-hearted humor, the short skit raised awareness on the urgent issue of global warming while highlighting the veg solution. The acclaimed performers and honored guests were treated to a vegan feast of colorful and delicious compassionate cuisine catered by restaurants operated by our Association members, Loving Hut, and One World Vegetarian Cuisine. Janice Belson, Executive Director of Medicines Global and a vegan, shared her thoughts after watching the program, “First of all, I want to send my love to you, Supreme Master. I have photographed many, many live performances, and this was absolutely one of the most brilliant, creative displays of genius from around the world to celebrate your absolutely important Supreme Master TV. Your poetry being set to music was absolutely divine. It was genius from you, and then the composers and the musicians—I could feel it in my soul.” As the guests departed, having just been immersed in Master’s love and the joyful atmosphere, they were radiant with inner fulfillment and brilliant smiles. We sincerely thank Master for gracing the event with Her presence via videoconference. Through Her omnipresent love, She touched all hearts and left the audience with indelibly sweet memories. We are truly blessed to have Master’s infinite wisdom guiding every step of Supreme Master Television’s journey in its service to the world. Beloved Master, as You continue Your mission of elevating humanity and saving the planet, may the Heavens keep You safe and in the best of health!
To watch internationally renowned soprano Ms. Giorgia Fumanti’s breathtaking performance of “Praise Be the Providence,” please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AJAR1206c1.php
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Irish Sunday Independent - Interview with Supreme
Master Ching Hai
(Originally in English)
An Urgent Call to Save Our Planet Internationally renowned spiritual teacher, artist and humanitarian Supreme Master Ching Hai established Supreme Master Television in 2006 to broadcast a message of peace and enlightenment around the world. Today Supreme Master TV draws attention to vital issues that are often not being covered elsewhere—in particular, climate change and its link with our reliance on meat in our diets. If you want to save the planet, the best thing you can do is go vegan, Supreme Master Ching Hai tells us. We spoke to Supreme Master about global warming, swine flu, and other startling concerns facing our world today—and what each of us can do to turn things around. Q: Supreme Master Television has interviewed many of the top scientists in the field of climate change. These include Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr. James Hansen, world-renowned climatologist and head of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and Global 500 award-winning physicist and environmentalist Dr. Vandana Shiva. Are these experts unanimous in their conclusions and their recommendations? SM: All these distinguished scientists agree that global warming has accelerated in recent decades and that major changes must be made immediately. Dr. Hansen has stated that the most important thing an individual can do to stop global warming is to be vegetarian. Dr. Pachauri, who himself has chosen a vegetarian diet, has said that eliminating consumption of animal products is the most effective way to halt greenhouse gas emissions as an individual. And Dr. Shiva, who is also a vegetarian, emphasises organic vegan farming as a solution not just to climate change, but also to public health, world hunger, and even the economy. Q: Swine flu has recently been named as the first pandemic for 40 years. Why should we be so concerned about swine flu? SM: According to Laurie Garrett, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and Senior Fellow for Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations, the swine flu virus has been evolving for many years through its origin in North American factory farm environments. In these extremely unhygienic settings, the different viruses from the animals easily mix with one another to create new, more lethal flu viruses. In 1918, the flu pandemic cost the lives of a hundred million people. Experts say that the same could happen again with the present swine flu. Swine flu is just one of the many examples of how the meat production industry is threatening humans’ health. Q: Scientists talk about rising sea levels, but where can we see examples of this happening? SM: Those low lying countries with major river deltas, upon which millions of people depend to survive—they are seeing eroded coastlines already. Bangladesh, for example, home to some 155 million people, is on one of these major river deltas. According to Dhaka-based Coastal Watch, an average of 11 Bangladeshi lose their homes due to rising water every hour. They have to bear all this as a consequence of global warming. Q: The Irish Department of Agriculture reports an 80 per cent rise in the number of individuals applying to convert to organic production. How does organic farming benefit the environment and our health? SM: My heartfelt thanks to your government’s bright leadership and the Irish people who support it, especially the smart, responsible organic farmers. Organic vegan farming is what should be promoted. Organic farming benefits our health because it avoids pesticide and insecticide residues in our food, as well as the antibiotics and other unnatural additives which have been linked to countless diseases. For the environment, organic vegan farming protects and even enriches the soil, helps to preserve wildlife habitat, and creates much less pollution. Q: Is the increase in the major chronic diseases of today (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, obesity) linked to a meat diet? SM: There are multitudes of studies proving the strong links between meat consumption and all these major illnesses. You can see that cases of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity increased as meat consumption levels rose in the past five or so decades. A study conducted by Harvard University with tens of thousands of men and women found that regular meat consumption increases colon cancer risk by 300 per cent. One study of Japanese women found that those who ate meat instead of a plant-based diet where eight times more likely to develop breast cancer. Q: How does a meat diet affect world hunger? SM: According to UN World Food Program, there are more than one billion people worldwide who do not have enough to eat. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the world’s food is diverted for meat production. About 40 per cent of global grain is going to livestock, and 85 per cent of the world’s protein-rich soy is being force-fed to cattle and other animals. If everyone ate a plant-based diet, there would be enough food in the world to satisfy 10 billion people. Q: How could people reduce their carbon footprint if they changed to a vegetarian or vegan diet? SM: One six-ounce beefsteak costs 16 times as much gasoline, or fossil fuel energy, as one vegan meal. If all the people in the world became vegetarian or vegan, we would eliminate at least 50 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. It would be significantly more than removing all the world’s transportation, which only accounts for 13.5 per cent of emissions. Q: In the past few months, we have heard scientists and environmental advocates say we need to focus less on reducing CO2 and more on reducing methane, ozone, and black carbon (soot). How would this shift help us cool the planet faster and avoid climate change? SM: Taking methane as an example, scientists at the IPCC have found that methane actually traps around 72 times more heat than CO2, averaged over a 20-year period. It’s nearly completely gone from the atmosphere within a decade, however, whereas CO2 will stay around warming the planet for thousands of years! So, if we want a quicker cooling of the planet, we have to eliminate those gases that leave the atmosphere quickly. Q: How does eliminating flesh foods and dairy products help us to reduce these shorter-lived causes of global warming? SM: The 2006 United Nations “Livestock’s Long Shadow” report makes it clear that livestock is the largest single producer of methane—so eliminating meat and dairy products will help immediately to cool the planet. Q: How does our demand for meat in Europe contribute to the destruction of the Amazon and increased melting in Antarctica? SM: Up to 80 percent of the Amazon deforested lands are converted to grazing pastures for cattle. And as you may be aware, Europe is one of the top consumers of beef imported from Brazil. So, the Amazon’s destruction is clearly linked to meat production. The melting in Antarctica can also be related directly to livestock raising, because the heat-trapping potential of methane is so much higher than that of CO2. Q: We are in the midst of a global and national financial downturn. How can embracing a vegan diet help us to reduce the cost of lowering emissions? SM: The vegan diet is clearly the most economical. This we already know from logical consideration, because with the plant-based vegan diet, we eat directly what comes from the fields. There’s no need for the food to be transported and fed to the animal, and then to go through an animal before it comes back to the human. A report from the Netherlands called “Climate Benefits of Changing Diet” found that an estimated cost of US$40 trillion to stabilise greenhouse gases by 2050 would be reduced a full 80 per cent by a global adoption of the vegan diet. Q: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place in Copenhagen between December 7 and December 18 this year. What advice would you give to the leaders making these very important decisions for the people of the world? SM: I have only one humble piece of advice: that it is important to tackle the root cause, which is animal meat production. If we take the vital step to stop the demand for animal consumption, then the rainforest destruction will stop. We will have clean air and clean water. There will be more food for the hungry. We are human; human means “humane”. We should be what we truly are, humane.
To view the complete Supreme Master Television coverage of this Interview with Supreme Master Ching Hai by Journalist Ben Murnane, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW1086s.php
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| Media Reports
Prestigious UK Magazines Feature Interview with Supreme
Master Ching Hai
(Originally in English) The UK-based Parliament Magazine’s “Research Review” September, Golden Year 6 (2009) edition published an interview with Supreme Master Ching Hai by journalist Charlie Norton which originally appeared in the September 18 issue of The House Magazine. The House Magazine is a prestigious, impartial, political publication that is mostly read weekly by Members of Parliament, of both Houses, and within the Palace of Westminster. The interview took place via videoconference and covered a broad range of topics, from the current critical state of global warming, the harmful impact of methane, and the melting of the Arctic permafrost to organic farming and the detrimental planetary consequences of raising livestock for human consumption. This latest review, which was circulated among all members of the European Parliament on September 28, advises European Union institutions and policy makers on the best practices, with a focus on food and health. The magazine is also being sent to the European Parliament President and related officials, the Council of Ministers, all European Commissioners, the Economic and Social Committee, as well as other groups, and will be distributed during the upcoming European Health Forum. The following is the discussion between Master and Mr. Charles Norton, which appeared in the “Research Review” section of Parliament Magazine’s September issue.
Interview by independent journalist Charlie Norton Photo caption: THE BRITISH government has been commended for its work in sustainable food policy by the Vietnamese-born humanitarian and philanthropist Ching Hai but she has urged Gordon Brown to go a step further to save the planet. In a recent interview, Ching Hai reiterated that the reliance on meat in our diets is killing the planet. It also seems to be killing us. Her request coincided with the recent announcement from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), that there is “convincing evidence” that eating processed meat heavily increases the risk of bowel cancer. Ching Hai said, “As early as July 2008, a report commissioned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to evaluate the UK’s food policy, acknowledged that “a healthy, low-impact diet would contain less meat and fewer dairy products than we typically eat today.” She added that meat consumption causes a huge expense to the NHS. “A study conducted in the UK also found that lifelong vegetarians not only have fewer visits to the nation’s hospitals, each person who is vegetarian saves the NHS, and taxpayers, close to £50,000, individually. This can add up quickly to savings of billions. “I wish the UK would continue in this direction just as you did to curb smoking. It worked, so it could do with meat.” Ching Hai believes that proactive measures are needed immediately. “The livestock industry is the top greenhouse gas generator. The last published findings from the United Nations in 2006 told us that the livestock industry causes more greenhouse gas emissions than all the world’s transportation sectors combined—aeroplanes, trains, cars, motorcycles, etc., all together. An updated calculation tells us that the livestock industry is responsible for at least 50 per cent of global warming.” She has set out to eliminate meat consumption and continued, “Currently, 80 per cent of hungry children live in countries that export food crops typically to feed farmed animals in the developed world. Moreover, two-thirds of US grain exports feed livestock rather than people. Veg is the first and foremost way to stop global hunger and global warming.” She said that Simon Fairlie, the editor of the Land magazine, estimated that if Britons were to adopt a vegan diet, Britain could feed itself on 3.0 million hectares, half the land now under cultivation. She also particularly praised Prince Charles for his leadership on the environment. Ching Hai said, “How many leaders do this? He is a man of action ahead of his time. For example, he opened an organic produce market, and is trying to halt the deforestation of the rainforest worldwide. A full 80 per cent of the deforested Amazon rainforest is used for cattle grazing. The remaining 20 per cent is used for growing soy for cattle feed. He also donated £1.5 billion for forest preservation. Who else would do this?” She added that Prince Charles is one of a kind. “In his memorable words, we can only be “courageous and revolutionary” in solving climate change. His leadership is inspiring people, not just in Great Britain but worldwide.” She also commended Professor Tim Lang, Environmental Minister Hilary Benn, MP David Drew, and EU Parliament’s Edward McMillan for advocating a plant-based diet. Ching Hai then pointed out that livestock is the single largest human-caused source of methane and accounts for 37 percent of the total, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Therefore, Ching Hai believes that the climate control policy should be directed at methane rather than carbon dioxide. “Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for tens of thousands of years. Even if we were to eliminate it to zero now, CO2 in the atmosphere would continue to heat the planet. Scientists are now saying that methane has a heating capacity 100 times greater than CO2 within the first 5 years. It then dissipates out of the atmosphere in about eight years.” Ching Hai said that the bottom line is simple. “If meat eating were halted, then we still have time to handle the carbon dioxide.” To combat this, Ching Hai is advocating more organic vegan farming. She said that it could be very productive on top of all the environmental benefits. “It saves 37 percent more energy, and even more water, than conventional farming methods. The topsoil stays and proves better at withstanding floods and hurricanes. Wildlife and ecosystems also win. Furthermore, organic vegan farming will halt the runoff of chemical fertilizers that have created monstrous dead zones in the ocean.” She cites a shocking statistic. “One animal farm produces much more waste and pollution than the whole city of Houston, Texas, and imagine how many animal farms we have.” There is already proof in the UK that organic farming can work. She added, “According to the largest study done on organic farming in the UK, organic farms contained 85 per cent more plant species, with 71 percent taller and thicker hedges, and a healthy return of native animals across the species. There is no down side, as Ching Hai says, because the organic soil is so effective at removing more CO2. “Organic soil matter also absorbs CO2 so effectively that the Rodale Institute calls organic vegan farming a powerful strategy to reduce global warming.” If 60% of the current arable land were used to grow organically, it would absorb 50% of all the CO2 in the atmosphere. She added that governments should support organic vegan farming through subsidies, redirecting funds away from the meat industry. There are even studies that say a vegan diet would be an inexpensive way to cool the planet. Ching Hai added, “A scientific study conducted by The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, called “Climate Benefits of Changing Diet,” found that a vegan diet, which excludes animal products entirely, would reduce the global government cost of stabilizing the Earth’s atmosphere by 80 percent compared to a meat diet.” The report concluded that US$20 trillion, or 50 percent of a total US$40 trillion estimated cost, could be saved from the global shift to a low-meat diet. Some of the calculations show outstanding reductions. “Researchers in Germany compared emission savings according to diet,” she said, “measuring them in kilometers driven by an average, mid-sized European car. So, if a meat-based diet is equivalent to driving a mid-size European car 5,000 kilometers each year, then the animal-free organic vegan diet represents just 281 kilometers, or an incredible 94 per cent less emissions. There is already recognition from round the world of the huge, harmful effects of the meat industry. As Ching Hai said, “The European Union this year acknowledged that meat consumption has a negative effect on climate change. Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-Jeou and the entire presidential office signed a declaration of measures to reduce carbon dioxide, which includes eating locally and partaking of more vegetables and less meat.” She added that Belgium’s second largest city of Ghent has declared every Thursday a Veggie Day, and this school year, all city schools will have vegetarian meals every Thursday. This summer, vegan US Congressman Dennis Kucinich endorsed the first-ever Vegan Earth Day and state Senator Jamie Raskin initiated a vegetarian week in Tacoma Park, Maryland. Tim Lang, the professor of Food Policy at the City University, agrees there has to be change. Recently, he said in a column in the Daily Telegraph, “For the British diet to be sustainable, it will have to lower its carbon and water footprints. That probably means a big reduction in meat and dairy, but more fruit and veg; fewer animals reared on cereals (using the land twice over) but more fed on grass, which allows them to lock carbon into the soil. Some argue that this more labour-intensive food system could be good for jobs and biodiversity. Let’s hope so. The current system cannot go on.” Ching Hai also cites such leading luminaries on the subject of climate change as NASA’s Dr. James Hansen and Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, the chairman of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. As Ching Hai continued, “Dr. Hansen has explained the threat of increased carbon emissions. The so-called ‘safe’ level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is 350 parts per million. But our atmosphere is measured to be already over that safe mark; now we are at 385 ppm.” That’s 385 parts per million! “In 2008, Dr. Pachauri revealed that UN estimates are, in fact, much lower than what scientists now discover to be meat production’s harmful terror in the heating up of our planet.” “Dr. Pachauri is also a strong supporter of Sir Paul McCartney’s campaign, Meat Free Monday. Both acknowledge that the adoption of a plant-based diet is the single most effective action that an individual can do to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” Ching Hai also said that a beneficial side effect of veganism is that it combats pandemics like swine flu by reducing livestock farms which harbour viruses and disease. “The Physicians Committee of Responsible Medicine in the US called on leaders to “shut down the flu farms” citing that “1 in 3 pigs harbours flu viruses. We should ask ourselves, ‘Is our appetite for meat worth the price of a possible pandemic?’”
To view the complete Supreme Master TV coverage of this Interview with Supreme Master Ching Hai by journalist Charles Norton, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW1129s.php For original publication of this interview on Parliament Magazine, please refer to: http://www.e-pages.dk/dods/154/ (Report can be read on page 20-21)
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| Correspondence with Government Leaders
Lasting Benefits for People and the Planet
(Originally in English)
To better inform all the world leaders and government bodies about the urgent status of climate change and its link to the livestock industry, thus assisting them in making better decisions that would bring lasting benefits for people and the planet, Supreme Master Ching Hai began a global campaign in September, Golden Year 6 (2009). Along with a letter conveying Her personal plea—addressed to all nations’ presidents, prime ministers, members of parliament, other government representatives and the press—was an information package containing the SOS flyer, “The Harms of Meat/Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco and the Benefits of Giving Them Up,” Vegetarianism in Religion,” and the Supreme Master Ching Hai Press Kit. Soon after our Association members from around the world sent out Master’s letter and the information package, positive responses began arriving. By the end of September, reply letters had been received from a range of countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Formosa, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, Malawi, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South America, Spain, the Netherlands, USA and West Indies. The following are some selected excerpts from that correspondence. AUSTRALIA Senator Scott Ludlam from Australia offered his words of encouragement. “I am happy to see that we share the same concerns regarding the environment. Be assured that the Greens are committed to promoting environment-friendly policies as sustainability, which is one of our main pillars. Only sustainable policies will ensure the survival of the planet and offset the ongoing damages that are being done to our habitat. I support real changes in Australian society and I will continue to do so in the future.” BELGIUM Mr. George Gilkinet, Député Fédéral ECOLO replied, saying, “The fight against global warming must surely be everyone’s campaign and I thank you for your contribution. Today, it is the only way to leave a habitable Earth to our future generations. For this reason, the lessening of meat consumption is part of the proposals that we support within the confines of where we sit. In the same way, we encourage the development of organic farming whereas it allows the production of quality products in the heart of sustainable farming. These are two steps among others for promoting more sustainable lifestyles and eating habits.” CANADA Mr. Douglas G. Martin, Mayor of Fort Erie, Canada, detailed the city’s efforts to promote and encourage environmentally friendly and responsible lifestyles to its employees, families, and residents, such as the elimination of plastic water bottles, recycling programs, plus promoting energy and water conservation. He also commended Master for Her humanitarian work and relief efforts around the world, saying, “I wish you and your organization continued success.” COSTA RICA Costa Rican Governor and Minister of Finance, Ms. Jenny Phillips Aguilar, said, “I write to you with deep gratitude for your interest in improving the world we live in for the sake of every living being, and for honoring me with your kind note dated September 7, 2009. At the same time, I thank you reciprocally for your blessings.” CYPRUS The president of Cyprus, Mr. Dimitris Christofias, expressed his sincere appreciation for the interesting information from Master. He conveyed his wishes for Master’s every endeavor. FORMOSA (R.O.C.) The Department of Public Affairs replied on behalf of the Presidential Office of the Republic of China, (R.O.C.) saying, “Mr. President sincerely admires your precious opinions regarding your concern about global warming and the natural, ecological lifestyle that protects the environment. Mr. President especially asked us to send his regards. Your great suggestions will be kept for our future reference.” Executive Yuan of the ROC’s Environmental Protection Administration, showed enthusiastic support, saying, “In order to awaken the citizens to join the task of reducing carbon emissions, and to have this task incorporated in their daily lives, this administration began promoting the “Campaign of Reducing Carbon Emissions for All Citizens” on June 5th, 2008, and offered 10 ways of reaching the goal, which includes “More vegetables, less meat”—using more local foods and materials; one day a week or one meal a day should be vegetarian.” NEW ZEALAND The current New Zealand Member of Parliament representing the Green Party and Spokesperson for Health, Mr. Kevin Hague, thanked Master for Her letter “regarding vegetarianism and its undeniable relationship with the environment and climate change.” He informed Master that he is a vegetarian himself and shared the Party's Drug and Alcohol policy. NORWAY Minister of the Royal Ministry of the Environment of Norway Mr. Erik Solheim responded sincerely, “Thank you for your letter in support of our common efforts towards a more sustainable future. Global warming poses great challenges for all people. I share your concerns for the towering consequences of climate change. Every effort therefore should be made to cut global greenhouse gas emissions, and support increased resilience in vulnerable societies and ecosystems. I find strength and inspiration in your support, and wish you the best of luck in your own effort towards a better world.” POLAND The Director and the Deputy Director of the Department of European Union and International Cooperation, Mr. Julian T. Krzyzanowski and Ms. Monika Tyska Solek, wrote in their reply letter, “We wish to assure you that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Poland is making an effort in promoting organic food consumption and a healthy lifestyle through educational programs, which are also directed to enrich the younger generation. For the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Poland, the issue of the climate change and its impact on agriculture or global hunger is a matter of great importance, and activities in these areas are undertaken in the framework of international organizations.” PUERTO RICO Mr. Jose Luis Dalmau Santiago, Speaker of the Partido Popular Democratico, replied, “The information shared by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association is truly interesting. I will consider these concepts in my personal life and I will promote them among other people, as much as possible. I encourage you to enthusiastically continue your noble work of trying to make our people aware of the importance of a healthy diet in the development of our health.” SOUTH AFRICA Ms. Tilly Gasela, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Human Settlements, acknowledged the receipt of Master’s letter and said Her proposal makes very interesting input and shows that a lot of thought and research has been conducted on these subjects. She thanks Master for Her interest in improving people’s lives and agreed, “Indeed together we can do more!” THE NETHERLANDS Mr. J.P.H. Donner, Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment in the Netherlands, thanked Master for Her suggestions and Her commitment to change the world. He said, “Although the matter concerned has the attention of the government, cognizance of your suggestions may be of importance to the development of our policy.” Mw. Drs. A.A.M. Roholl, Head of the Climate and Energy Department in the Netherlands stated, “Sustainable development is a priority in the Netherlands’ national and international policies.” USA The President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama graciously thanked Master for sharing Her thoughts. He wrote, “Healthy living is an integral part of improving the quality of life for all Americans. My Administration has already coordinated forums around the country to discuss best practices for health reform, including healthy living….At the White House, Michelle is raising awareness about healthy living by planting a vegetable garden and contributing produce to homeless shelters….As I work with Congress to reform our health insurance system, every American understands that healthy habits in our own lives contribute to a healthier nation. With exercise and a balanced diet of nutritious foods, we can curb the effects and decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity, diabetes, heart problems and other chronic conditions that afflict many Americans.” Mr. Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor of Washington DC, USA, also expressed his thanks to Master for sharing Her thoughts about climate change and abolishing meat. “My administration,” he affirmed, “is fully dedicated to protecting the environment and I always welcome input from the community regarding such important topics.” In his letter, Mr. Roger Manno, Maryland State Delegate, mentioned his own interest in organic farming and was pleased to inform Master that he has passed into law the “Maryland Organic Transition Incentive Pilot Program,” to assist in the change to more organic agricultural in Maryland, where “a $100 per acre subsidy would run for up to 3 years.” He added, “Rest assured that I will strongly consider your comments and thoughts on other legislation in this area.” WEST INDIES Senator the Honourable Martin Joseph, Minister of National Security, Trinidad and Tobago, appreciated the information on the benefit of abolishing meat, alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco. He has also taken the opportunity to share same with the various Heads of Departments. “We thank you kindly and may God continue to bless you.” He wrote. The following is Master’s letter to all leaders:
List of Responses to Master’s Letter from Government Leaders Around the World
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| Master Tells Jokes
Big Tasks and Little Tasks
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Paris International 4-Day Retreat, France December 27, 2007 (Originally in English) (DVD#819) A college boy said to his mother, “I decided that I want to be a political science major, and I want to clean up the mess in the world.” The mother said, “That’s very nice! You can go upstairs right now and start cleaning your room.” Please visit the following websites to enjoy the original sound tracks of these jokes, and also share the joy of Master’s humor with those around you: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/jk205-1.php
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| Master Tells Jokes
Quiet, Please!
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Paris International 4-Day Retreat, France December 27, 2007 (Originally in English) (DVD#819)
A librarian tells a little girl, “Please be quiet, the people next to you cannot read.” So the little girl says, “What a shame! I have been reading since I was six.” Please visit the following websites to enjoy the original sound tracks of these jokes, and also share the joy of Master’s humor with those around you: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/jk205-2.php
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| Love in Action
Pakistan
Master’s Love Comforts Pakistani War and Flood Victims
Combined report by Indonesia, Formosa and Singapore Relief Teams
(Originally in Indonesian, Chinese and English) Loving Care for Displaced Citizens of Mardan In May 2009, the Noble Aims Welfare Association (NAWA), a local NGO, asked Supreme Master Ching Hai to send urgent relief for Pakistanis displaced by recent conflicts and flooding. Upon receiving the request, Master was deeply concerned and contributed US$70,000 to assist those in this desperate situation. A team of our Association members from Formosa, Indonesia and Singapore soon went to Pakistan to distribute relief supplies and provide free medical care. On June 5, NAWA President Mr. Ali Imran went with the team to the Mardan Refugee Camp, where over a thousand families were in urgent need of help. The team quickly bought food and daily living supplies and handed out the materials along with SOS flyers to the refugees, who were deeply grateful and highly attentive while reading the flyers. From July 18 to 21, our medical team treated large numbers of sick children and other patients in a makeshift clinic at the local school. During that time, another 1,024 relief packs were also distributed. With God’s loving arrangement, the relief team and Mr. Imran were able to visit other refugee sites to provide medical treatment. The patients were profoundly thankful to Master for Her much needed loving assistance. Flood Relief Work in Karachi Soon after the Mardan relief work, the worst flood in 30 years struck the Karachi area and destroyed almost 80% of the homes. Supreme Master Ching Hai quickly offered another US$15,000 in monetary aid and our relief team flew to the city on July 23 to work with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the Sindh Provincial Secretary, Mr. Kanwar Waseem. The team purchased the necessary supplies for the local villagers and over the next few days handed out the goods, along with cash for children who needed medical treatment, bringing a great joy and relief to the victims. Mr. Kambar, after watching Supreme Master TV, found its news and informational reports inspiring, and was moved to inform the people about global warming and how the crisis could be averted. On September 3, Karachi was once again hit by heavy torrential rains and floods, causing several casualties and bringing much upheaval to the lives of thousands of people. Korangi Creek, Rehri Goth and 17 villages located along Soneri Beach were among the most affected areas. With infinite love and compassion, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately sent another US$20,000 in financial aid, and our onsite relief team quickly assembled a group of workers to purchase and distribute the necessary food and relief items along with SOS fliers to the people. Mr. Z. A. Shah, Disaster Management Manager at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society at Sindh Provincial Headquarters, introduced Master to the villagers and thanked Her for Her immense benevolence. The relief team members were most appreciative of the chance to bring Master’s love and information on the solution to global warming to the local people. May they soon change to adopt a kinder, planet-saving lifestyle.
To view the Humanitarian Relief Activities by the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association, please visit:
Relief Work Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Pakistanis Displaced by Recent Conflicts and Floods
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| Love in Action
Bangladesh
Extending Aid Once Again to Tropical Cyclone Victims
By Formosan Relief Team (Originally in Chinese)
When Tropical Cyclone Aila struck the southern coastal region of Bangladesh on May 25 this year, resulting in heavy casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, our Formosan relief team travelled to the affected regions after the disaster to offer assistance. (For details, please refer to News Magazine No.204). In late September, knowing that many more people were still struggling to overcome the effects of the disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai instructed our fellow initiates to go back to render further aid. The relief team arrived in Bangladesh in early October and found that there were still about 5 million people in need of urgent help in the Khulna Division located in the south-western region of Bangladesh. Although some international organizations had already offered assistance, much more was still needed due to the large number of people affected. They were informed by staff from the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program (WASH Program), that there were 1,500 households in 5 remote areas who required immediate help. With God’s blessing, the team managed to obtain the relief items at low prices, including rice, cooking oil, salt and lentils; and delivered them to those 5 most affected areas on October 7, accompanied by several BRAC members. On the way, they witnessed devastating and heart-breaking scenes. Houses and crop fields were inundated as far as the eye could see. On both sides of the road, people built simple shelters with bamboo, straw and canvas. Many families continued living in their flooded homes by elevating their beds above the water with bamboo, and going in and out in small boats. The BRAC members told them that the water had not receded much since May. The next day, upon returning to Dhaka, the relief team’s interpreter, Mr. Forhadul Babu, lovingly assisted them to purchase more needed items at very low prices from his family, thus allowing 600 more relief packages to be prepared and distributed to more women and children in poor areas.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Tropical Cyclone Relief Work in Bangladesh
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| Love in Action
The Philippines
Crossing the Ocean to Assist Typhoon Victims
By Formosan Relief Team (Originally in Chinese)
Due to the extreme weather caused by global warming, from June to early September this year, the Philippines has been inundated by a series of typhoons and tropical cyclones that included Nangka, Molave, Goni, Morakot, Dujuan and Mujigae, bringing destruction to tens of thousands of people, many of whom perished. Deeply concerned, Supreme Master Ching Hai had allocated US$75,000 in total to help the afflicted. Our Formosan Association relief team travelled to the devastated areas five times during this period to offer timely help, showing their spirit of treating others’ misfortunes as their own. Each time upon reaching the affected areas, the relief team was joined by our local fellow practitioners to investigate the situation and/or to visit the regional social welfare departments to get an assessment of the damage and to determine the urgently needed supplies. Then they would purchase the required items, such as food and living necessities. In addition to distributing relief items, they also handed out SOS flyers and Master’s sample booklets. Overall, Master’s loving aid benefited about 18,000 households in the ravaged areas, which included Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar Province in south-eastern Philippines; Cavite City in Cavite Province; Sultan Kudarat City in Shariff Kabunsuan Province; Buluan City, Mangudadatu City and Pandag City in Maguindanao Province; Botolan City, Iba City, Palauig City and Olongapo City in Zambales Province; and Balanga City in Bataan Province. Several Mayors of these cities expressed gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai and our Association. Madam Shajida Mastura, Mayor of Sultan Kudarat City, eagerly encouraged her citizens to eat more vegetarian food and to go green. She also invited our Association members to hold seminars to share with the local people more information about the urgent issue of global warming and environmental protection. The Formosan relief team members are most grateful for God’s blessing which helped them accomplish these relief missions successfully and at the same time encouraged more people to realize how an animal-free diet will protect our environment. Caption: Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Typhoon Relief Work in the Philippines
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| Love in Action
Formosa
Conveying God’s Love to Victims of Typhoon Morakot
Combined report by Formosa News Group (Originally in Chinese)
Kaohsiung On August 12, fellow initiates from Kaohsiung set up a temporary food station to provide hot vegan meals for the affected people. The station also served as a command post for the relief operation in the devastated area. From August 13 to 18, they offered 10,000 delicious meals each day to relief workers, including soldiers and working staff, as well as the victims. An SOS flyer was attached to each meal box, reminding people of the real cause behind this catastrophe. Many media reported on the loving endeavors by our Association. From August 21 to 25, the Kaohsiung initiates distributed Master’s sample booklets, SOS flyers and relief cash to the victims. They also visited the injured people in Chi Shan Hospital. Not forgetting our animal co-inhabitants, they contributed a quantity of vegan food to the Animal Rescue Team Taiwan (ARTT), for the cats and dogs under the care, as well as financial aid to cover repairs to their premises and for veterinarian expenses. Tainan On August 9 and 10, Tainan fellow initiates prepared several hundred packages of dry food, mineral water, plus other items and distributed them to the rescue workers and those affected by Typhoon Morakot. On August 11, at the food station set up in the Xuejia Town Office, they provided more than 6,000 vegan meal boxes, rice dumplings, soy milk and mineral water to the victims and soldiers participating in the rescue work. On August 21, they visited 21 families who had lost their loved ones to the disaster, offering them financial assistance and relief materials as well as Master’s publications. Comforting them, they prayed that their heartfelt sadness would soon be eased. Taitung In the evening of August 8, fellow initiates from Taitung braved the heavy rain and wind to get to Jialan Village, the most severely affected area. After identifying the needs of the victims, they rushed to the hypermarket to purchase the items including light blankets, flashlights, batteries and other necessities which they distributed along with SOS flyers to those staying in the temporary shelter. On August 14, Taitung initiates climbed mountains and crossed rivers to visit a tribal village in Dawu Township, carrying with them more than 700kg of rice, instant noodles, candies, SOS flyers and News Magazines. They were warmly welcomed by the 300 households in the village, as the initiates were the first charitable group to reach them overland. Pingtung From August 9 to 17, Pingtung fellow initiates served 1,700 vegan meals to the victims in Linbian and Laiyi. They also assisted the Pingtung County Rescue Center with their relief work by providing a variety of materials including warm sleeping bags, cushions, mineral water, toiletries, rice, flashlights, daily necessities and dry food. Chiayi During this relief mission, apart from participating in on-site rescue work, fellow initiates from Chiayi contributed 14 generators to 11 schools, and 56 tents to the victims in need. Vegan soy proteins and moon-cakes were also given to the teachers and students in the elementary schools. Changhua On August 21, Changhua Association members visited the surviving family of Mr. Zhang Xun-fa, a rescue helicopter pilot who lost his life while carrying out his noble duty. They offered Mr. Zhang’s family monetary assistance as well as Master’s publications while conveying Master’s deep heartfelt love and concern for them.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Typhoon Morakot Relief Work in Formosa
A Young Girl with a Big Heart
By Taichung News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
The Long Yan Lin Foundation in Formosa recently launched a “Saving 10 Dollars a Day to Let Love Expand” campaign, aiming to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged families and to help underprivileged children fulfill their dreams. Piggy banks were placed in many elementary schools to collect monetary gifts. After discovering this, a grade one student, Cai Jing-yu, took out ten dollars from her own piggy bank every day and inserted it into the Foundation’s piggy bank as soon as she arrived at school. Her money was earned by helping with house chores at home. Jing-yu’s charitable act, though performed quietly, was noted and appreciated by school teachers and the Foundation. Only when she received an accolade from the Long Yan Lin Foundation did her parents learn about her good deed. Upon hearing the story, Supreme Master Ching Hai awarded US$1,000 to Cai Jing-yu to encourage her loving act in helping others in August, Golden Year 6 (2009). Our Association members also gave her two of Master’s books on animals. With her big heart, Jing-yu generously contributed the whole amount to the Long Yan Lin Foundation. Touched by Master’s compassion and encouragement, the Foundation replied with a Certificate of Appreciation. It is obvious that love is spreading around the world and reverberating inside people’s hearts. Caption:
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| Love in Action
China
Rendering Relief to Natural Disaster Victims
By fellow initiate in China (Originally in Chinese)
Heavy Rains and Earthquakes Devastate Yunnan, Sichuan, Hunan and Gansu Provinces Torrential rains from June 29 to July 5 had caused a chain of disasters in Yunan Province, especially in Guangnan County and Funing County of Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, which this year, had already been hit by storms, droughts, floods and fires of various degrees. On July 12, our fellow initiates purchased the required relief materials including quilts, coats, T-shirts and blankets, and distributed them to those in need the following day. As to the victims in the remote mountain areas, the Civil Administration Department requested the officers of those distant villages and towns to distribute the materials. In addition, our relief team gave some money to two elderly persons for treatment of their illnesses. On July 9, Yaoan County of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunan Province was rocked by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that toppled more than 18,000 residential houses and affected 1.26 million people. Our fellow initiates immediately purchased 500 beds and 800 quilts upon knowing that they were urgently needed, and then delivered them to the heavily stricken Sanduyi Village, Guanglu Town of Yaoan County, and the Dongshan Village of Xiangyun County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture on July 11 and 18 respectively. Later, they were informed that there were still 80 households in Lawu Village of Binchuang County in need of help, so they bought food and other basic necessities for them, and gave money to 7 families who had lost their houses. On November 2, Binchuan County of Dali was again hit by a 5.0 magnitude earthquake, affecting 14 villages in Pingchuan Township. On November 4, our Association members purchased some rice and vegetable oil which they distributed to the victims. Monetary help was also given to four especially poor families. On November 9, they went to the Returned Overseas Chinese Farm in Binchuan County to help the victims and distributed relief money to 52 households who were most affected. In Sichuan Province, Chongqing City, as well as five counties and regions including Qingchuan, Qianjiang and Yunyang, were hit by heavy rains between July and September. Our Association members travelled several hundred kilometres to Qingchuan County to distribute relief items to more than 30 needy families. In another relief operation, they visited more than 500 destitute households in three remote counties and regions in Chongqing City, giving them daily necessities and monetary help. They also visited five schools in Pengshui County, rendering help to 60 destitute students, including free vegan lunches for three months. After the disaster in September, they also went to Yunyang and Qianjiang offering cash relief along with SOS flyers to 17 households whose homes were totally destroyed. On July 25, torrential rain in Hunan Province caused massive floods, affecting 1.75 million people in seven cities and autonomous prefectures. Fellow initiates visited the 10 most heavily stricken villages to distribute food, canola oil and other relief materials; money was also given to the most affected households. During the relief work, they also took the opportunity to spread the message about the benefits of a plant-based diet and the harmful effects caused by animal farming. On August 16, heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and hale, suddenly struck Jingyuan County of Baiyan City in Gansu Province, and caused damages of various degrees to all the 16 towns and 91 villages in the county. Our local relief team promptly purchased 800 quilts and 300 boxes of instant noodles for the three most heavily hit townships and a home for the elderly. They also distributed cash to five severely affected households. Typhoons Swept across the South-eastern Provinces On August 7, Tropical Storm “Swan” swept through Hainan Province capsizing many ships; some sailors lost their lives while others are still missing. Accompanied by the village chief, our Association members visited families who had lost loved ones, bringing with them much needed cooking oil, rice and relief cash from Master. On August 9, Typhoon Morakot struck Xiapu County in Fujian Province, creating havoc in the lives of more than 11.8 million people in five provinces. Fellow initiates travelled to Xiapu County on August 18 to visit the affected in Songshan and Dunhou Villages, giving them relief cash, candies, stationery and books, along with the SOS flyers. The area most affected by this typhoon was in Penxi Town of Taishun County in Zhejiang Province. Fellow initiates offered rice and soybean oil to the 20 most affected households together with a monetary contribution. Due to time constraints and some blocked roads, they left behind 50 packages of relief supplies and 10,000 RMB (US$1,464) cash for the government officials to distribute to those in desperate need on their behalf. Upon knowing that two villages in Yihuang County, Fuzhou City, were heavily hit by the typhoon, our Association members in Jiangxi Province went to visit the victims on August 18, giving them relief cash as well as informative SOS pamphlets, flyers and DVDs, to encourage them to adopt a plant-based diet to help mitigate global warming and all these unfortunate disasters. They also contributed to a fund that will be used to repair bridges and classrooms. When they were informed that several households living in some very remote places were also in need of help, they gave some relief cash to the village chief requesting him to visit and take care of them. On September 15, Typhoon Koppu swept across Guangdong Province, bringing disaster to a million people. In the heavily stricken area of Yongning Town in Yangchun County, Yangjiang City, there were 475 households in urgent need of many basic necessities. On September 18, our local relief team purchased 500 sets of quilts and covers as well as 160 blankets, and delivered them to the victims. On September 20, they were informed that there were eight more villages in Yongning Town needing urgent help, so more quilts, quilt covers and thick blankets were purchased for them. They also contributed cash to some disadvantaged people, the most needy villagers and orphans. On October 16, Parma Typhoon struck 15 cities and towns in Hainan Province. Upon hearing that 4 villagers were in need of help in Dongou Town, Wanning City, fellow initiates went to their homes on October 18 and brought them oil, rice and relief money along with Master’s loving concern. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Victims of Heavy Rain, Earthquake and Typhoon Disasters in China (Currency: RMB¥)
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Âu Lạc
Master’s Boundless Love Extends to Aulacese Disaster Victims
By Âu Lạc News Group (Originally in Aulacese)
On April 13 and 14, 2009 northern Âu Lạc experienced a heavy hailstorm and tornado. A few days later, a relief team comprised of our Association members arrived in the most severely affected areas of Yên Ninh village, Phú Lương district and Minh Lập village, Đồng Hỳ district, Thái Nguyên province. The team provided material and monetary aid to 292 households. Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed a total of US$12,800 with US$11,750 in cash being given to the needy people and the remainder used to purchase food, including 1.1 tons of rice, 70 boxes of instant noodles and 20 boxes of rice cakes. At the central hospital in Thái Nguyên province, the team members consoled those who had been injured or lost family members, and also gave funds to the villagers of Cà Phê 2 hamlet, Minh Lập village, Đồng Kỷ district to rebuild their cultural center, where victims come for spiritual and emotional support. Caption: Thank you letters from the tornado victims of Thái Nguyên province Then on May 26, torrential rains caused flooding in the mountainous Tương Dương district of Nghệ An province. As a result, five people lost their lives, 20 homes were destroyed, and 205 dwellings were damaged along with roads, bridges, schools and a hospital. The damage to rice paddy fields and crops reached 400 hectares. The relief team encouraged and comforted the affected people while distributing Supreme Master Ching Hai’s gifts, which included US$6,300 in cash along with US$500 worth of instant noodles, candies and cookies. Feeling Master’s love, many were rendered speechless. A bridge to the local children’s school was washed away by the flooding, so the relief team sent money to local officials to rebuild the structure so that the children could get to their school safely. Master’s total contribution came to US$11,120. Caption: Thank you letters from the flood victims of Nghệ An province In July, the mountainous provinces of Northern Âu Lạc experienced constant, torrential rains and flash flooding that caused mudslides, destroyed villages, and seriously damaged roads, leaving many destitute. Carrying Supreme Master Ching Hai’s boundless love and another US$10,300 in financial aid, our Association members from Northern Âu Lạc traveled to Cao Bằng and Bắc Cạn, the most severely affected areas, reaching Cao Bằng province on July 9. In Pác Miều, Bảo Lâm district, the relief team offered Master’s caring words of encouragement and gifts to those in need, touching and warming their hearts. Like Pác Miều, Đức Quang and Vĩnh Quang villages in Bảo Lâm district, Cao Bằng province also suffered heavy damage from the flooding. The team gave food and financial aid to the Peoples’ Committee of Bảo Lâm district for distribution in these difficult to reach areas. After receiving Supreme Master Ching Hai’s aid, the local officials and residents of the devastated areas were deeply moved by the compassion and concern She had shown to the people of Âu Lạc, and expressed their deep gratitude. We hope that Master’s love and warmth will continue to pervade every corner of our precious planet, and that the Earth will forever be in peace and filled with Her divine grace. Caption: Thank you letters from the flood victims of Cao Bằng province Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Tornado and Flood Relief Work in Âu Lạc
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Thailand
Flood Victims in Southern Thailand Receive Loving Support
By Bangkok News Group (Originally in Thai)
In July 2009, incessant torrential rainfall in Thailand caused widespread flooding, and over 3,000 families in Phang Nga province, the most seriously affected area, were isolated by the high water. Upon hearing of the disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately offered funds to help those who had lost their homes and possessions. From July 21-23, 2009, our Association members in Bangkok and Southern Thailand formed a relief team to distribute aid and went to the Takua Pa district in Phang Nga, where the water levels had been two to three meters high for several days. Rice, vegetable oil, and soy sauce were distributed to 3,600 families in Takua Pa district as well as to 709 families in the Bang Sai sub-district, where the flooding was most severe. On July 24, the food distribution continued with another 550 families in the Takua Pa and Thai Mueang districts. Specially prepared sweets and soy milk were given to the children, and SOS flyers and Master’s sample booklets to the adults, who deeply appreciated Master’s loving concern and gave Her their special thanks.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in Thailand
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Korea
Timely Relief for South Korean Disaster Victims
By Korea News Group (Originally in Korean)
In July 2009, severe flooding and landslides in South Korea claimed the lives of 11 people and destroyed many homes. In response, on July 21, along with Supreme Master Ching Hai’s US$10,000 in financial aid, a relief team made up of our local Association members visited the devastated areas to assist the victims. On Master’s behalf, the team contributed US$800 to each bereaved family for the purchase of daily necessities and US$1,600 to help in rebuilding their houses, supplementing the funds already provided by the government. The relief team also lent a hand with the clean-up work. On July 31, the team revisited the affected areas to deliver more aid to those in need. All the recipients expressed deep gratitude to Master and regained their cheerful spirit. We thank God for being able to bring relief to others, and we pray for those affected that they may soon return to lives of comfort and security. Caption: Thank you letter from the Head of Saha-gu District, Busan Metropolitan City
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in Korea
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Japan
Japanese Disaster Victims Receive Loving Comfort
By Japan News Group (Originally in Japanese)
On July 21, 2009, record downpours created mudslides in Japan, resulting in about 17 people being declared missing. In Yamaguchi and Tottori Prefectures, many houses were rendered uninhabitable due to mud and water damage. To help alleviate the suffering of those affected, on July 23, six fellow initiates from the Osaka Center formed a relief team and headed to the Disaster Volunteer Center in Hofu-shi Yamaguchi Prefecture, the area most devastated by the disaster. The team brought water, towels and snacks to people in a shelter together with Master’s sample booklets and SOS flyers. The national rescue service arrived to help the next day. On August 11, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake shook wide areas of Japan’s Tokai and Kanto regions, injuring at least 100 people and causing a section of the Tomei Expressway to collapse. Thanks to God’s grace, the damage was slight, with only the city of Makinohara requesting bottled water, sand bags and plastic sheets to cover broken roofs. Within just a few hours, these items, along with Master's sample booklets and SOS flyers, were delivered into the hands of the needy people by our Gunma Center initiates. All of the recipients were deeply thankful to Master. In October, another disaster struck as Typhoon Melor crossed western and northern Japan. Subsequently, our Association members traveled to Ibaraki Prefecture, where the powerful storm had formed a tornado. Although most of the houses were severely damaged, due to the local government’s efficient efforts, power and phone service were operating the following day and recovery work began immediately. Farmland and crops were also destroyed, but those affected were being well cared for, so the task of our relief team was simply to bring Master’s love and the SOS flyers on stopping global warming, which were gratefully accepted.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Mudslide and Earthquake Relief Work in Japan
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Myanmar
Myanmar Mudslide Victims Receive Timely Aid
By Myanmar News Group (Originally in Burman)
In July 2009, several days of torrential rain triggered flash flooding and mudslides in Phar Kant, Myanmar, also known as Burma, a city famous for jade mining. Approximately 900 residents of a nearby mining town were left homeless by the mudslides and were provided with temporary shelter by the local monks. In addition, 24 people had lost their lives. Hearing of the people’s plight, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent US$5,000 to be distributed by two local initiates to homeless families, especially those who had lost their loved ones. The initiates prepared flyers and 120 printed sport shirts promoting the vegan lifestyle and set out for the region on August 4, 2009. The monks were able to relocate 131 people and others were accommodated by their relatives in local villages, with more still looking for shelter. All were extremely grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s help and loving support. We thank the monks and local mining businessman, Mr.Yee, for their help in providing housing for the affected families, and pray that the victims now have comfort and shelter to ease their lives. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Mudslide Relief Work in Myanmar
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Israel
Recognizing a Compassionate Animal Welfare Group
By Israel News Group (Originally in English)
The Israeli animal welfare group “Let the Animals Live” works to change governmental policy on poisoning to control the number of stray cats and dogs on city streets, and promotes the humane alternative of neutering, which is being used successfully in Tel Aviv and other cities. Neutering or castration is a quick surgical procedure carried out under full anesthesia. After surgery, animals remain under veterinary supervision for 48 hours, and are then immunized, marked, and released into their home territories. The organization also supplies food and medical care to animals in the Palestinian city of Gaza. On June 8, Golden Year 6 (2009), Supreme Master Ching Hai recognized the work of “Let the Animals Live” with a contribution of US$5,000 for the purchase of vegetarian animal food and medical supplies, and expressed Her thanks to the group for its compassionate aid to our animal co-inhabitants. Caption: Receipt from “Let the Animals Live” for Master’s US$5,000 contribution
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Cote d’Ivoire
Mudslide Victims Receive Loving Assistance
By Kenya Relief Team (Originally in French)
After a night of heavy rainfall, a major mudslide occurred in Attecoube, an area near Abidjan, Cote d’lvoire (Ivory Coast), taking the lives of at least 16 people. Deeply sorrowed by the disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately sent financial aid for the survivors. On August 24, 2009, a relief team comprised of our Association members from Kenya arrived in Attecoube and met with the Mayor to discuss the relief work. The team then distributed food and some other basic necessities to people in the affected area on the 26th and accepted an invitation to speak on the local radio channel. They took this opportunity to describe the relief effort, and appeal to the audience to become vegetarians to reduce global warming and end further suffering. When asked why they came so far to help the disaster victims, the initiates replied, “For the love of God.” The Mayor of Attecoube, Mr. Paulin Claude Danho expressed his deepest and most sincere thanks to the Association in an appreciation letter, saying, “I would also like to congratulate the amazing amount of work that was accomplished in such a short amount of time in Ivory Coast, to give back a smile to the victims.” May God bless all those affected by the Cote d’Ivoire mudslides and help them to a speedy recovery. Caption: Thank you letter from the Mayor of Attecoube, Mr. Paulin Claude Danho (Originally in French)
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Mudslide Relief Work
in Cote d’Ivoire
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Somalia
Master’s Love Reaches Somalis
By Kuala Lumpur News Group (Originally in English)
In April 2009, torrential rains produced devastating floods in much of western Somalia, destroying many houses and causing the loss of two lives. Amidst the devastation, many families also had to evacuate to seek food and shelter. The victims’ desperate prayers for help touched Supreme Master Ching Hai, who immediately contributed US$10,000 to assist in the relief work. Through the assistance of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) from Geneva, Switzerland, Master’s timely contribution was able to provide food, shelter and medical care to victims in the areas most affected by the flooding. Later, IFRC sent a letter to thank Master for Her generosity and concern. We pray that the Somalis have found comfort and been able to return to the safety of their homes. Caption: |
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Nigeria
Nigerian Windstorm Victims Receive Master’s Love
By Kenya Relief Team (Originally in English)
In August 2009, a windstorm struck Nigeria’s Ogoja-Cross River State causing three people to lose their lives and damaging thousands of homes, including 40 percent in one community. Hearing of the disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$15,000 and on August 20, a relief team went to the region to distribute two hundred 50-kg bags of rice to those affected. One villager knew of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and told a team member that he had watched Supreme Master Television on satellite. At a meeting with the relief team, the Local Government Chairman of Ogoja thanked God for bringing the Association all the way from Formosa (Taiwan) to Nigeria and prayed that God would bless Master, saying it really touched his heart to see the love She showed his people. Caption: Receipt from the Government of Cross River State, Nigeria Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Windstorm Relief Work in Nigeria
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Central African Republic
Material and Spiritual Support for Bangui Flood Victims
By Cameroon Relief Team (Originally in English)
In late June and early July 2009, severe flooding struck the capital city of Bangui in the Central African Republic. With Supreme Master Ching Hai’s contribution of US$10,000, Cameroon initiates quickly formed a team to conduct relief operations in the most affected 2nd district of the city. When the team members arrived in Bangui, officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs promptly informed them of the victims’ needs and assigned a staff member to accompany them to the affected areas. For families living in temporary shelters, the team purchased food and supplies, distributed relief packages, set up tents for those in need of shelter, and helped to construct wells to provide clean, potable water. In addition to giving relief packages that contained SOS flyers, the team also showed the people how to make gluten from wheat flour to enable them to prepare vegan meals at home. Many recipients asked about Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her care for them, and all were deeply grateful, feeling comforted by Master’s timely assistance. The relief team’s efforts were covered by the local media, including Central Africa’s largest newspaper Le Confident, which featured a beautiful article entitled “Supreme Master Ching Hai Sends Her Love and Material Assistance to Flood Victims in Bangui.” In another popular Bangui paper, L’Agor, the headline read, “Supreme Master Ching Hai Offers Assistance to the Victims of the Bangui Floods.” The Ministry of Social Affairs, and the groups National Solidarity and The Family, also wrote letters of thanks to our Association for quickly coming to the assistance of the victims of the Bangui floods.
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Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in the Central African Republic
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South Africa
Master’s Loving Aid Reaches Flood Victims
By Cape Town News Group (Originally in English)
In June and July 2009, South Africa’s Cape Peninsula and Western Cape were struck by severe storms that left many homes flooded, especially informal shelters near flood-prone rivers and wetlands. More than 20,000 residents of such dwellings were affected by the harsh weather conditions. Thus, the City of Cape Town Municipality promptly established six emergency shelters, providing hot meals and giving aid to those affected. Upon learning of the disaster, our most caring Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately sent US$15,000 to further assist the victims. Local initiates formed a relief team to render help in the most severely affected areas of Khayelitsha, Netreg, Bontheuwel, and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. After preparing relief parcels, the team was graciously accompanied by members of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Department Centre, who also provided a vehicle to transport some of the parcels, which reached a total of 560 households, five daycare centers, one primary school, and one clinic. Blankets, food, toiletries, and envelopes containing funds were distributed along with SOS flyers and DVDs on climate change. The recipients were deeply grateful and rejoiced at receiving the items, expressing their heartfelt thanks to the kind Lady from afar whose love knows no bounds! Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in Cape Town, South Africa
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Namibia
Master Again Extends Her Love to Namibia
By Johannesburg Relief Team (Originally in English)
In January and February 2009, unusually heavy rains linked to climate change caused severe flooding in northern Namibia, with water levels in the Zambezi River reaching over eight meters. More than 700,000 people were affected, with 40,000 left homeless and in urgent need of assistance. Most homes in the region were damaged or destroyed, more than 200 schools and health clinics were closed, and crops were destroyed over a wide area. In the wake of the flooding, the humanitarian group Caritas Namibia began identifying victims’ needs and distributing aid. On June 16, Association members from the Johannesburg, South Africa Center traveled to the town of Oshakati, Oshana region, where they learned from government officials that although the flood waters had subsided, many people had lost their crops and possessions. With US$15,000 contributed by Master for this second aid mission of the year, the relief team bought and distributed about 18 tons of food. For the first relief mission, Master had contributed US$10,000 in March 2009. (please refer to News #203 for detailed report.) The local council was so happy that they insisted on sharing the news of Master’s help and quickly organized a press conference with the local newspaper New Era and a TV crew from the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation. The Oshana region’s Governor Clemens Kashuupulwa also attended. During the conference, our Association members stressed the importance of being vegan to reduce global warming, explaining that Master offers only vegan items to those in need around the world. Afterwards, Governor Kashuupulwa thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her timely help. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in Namibia
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Madagascar
Madagascar Struck by Third Cyclone of 2009
By Johannesburg Relief Team (Originally in English)
After cyclone Jade wreaked havoc on the northeast coast of Madagascar, our Association members from Johannesburg formed a relief team and brought Supreme Master Ching Hai’s love and financial aid to the port city of Toamasina on April 20, 2009. Jade was the third cyclone to strike Madagascar this year, and approximately eight people lost their lives. When the team arrived, the flooding produced by the storm had largely subsided, but around 232 local people were still in need of assistance. The team members distributed mosquito nets, repellent and rice along with SOS flyers to inform everyone how they could help stop such disasters in the future. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Storm Relief Work in Madagascar
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Bulgaria
Compassionate Couple Aid Animals in Need
By Bulgaria News Group (Originally in Bulgarian)
Vera Trendafilova and Victor Karolev are noble vegetarians from Bulgaria who rescue innocent animals in need. Moving from the city of Varna to the village of Oreshak in search of a peaceful existence close to nature, they saw another side of country life, the suffering of animals who had been abandoned or killed. Led by their compassionate hearts, the couple began buying animals from their neighbors, with donkeys, horses, and goats being among the first to join their family. Soon, their house became too small for all the animals so they bought another home where their adopted children have plenty of space. Vera and Victor have made many friends, including a Russian tourist who took an injured dog to a vet and visited the dog daily until being advised to leave him with Vera and Victor. Today, the woman often calls from Russia and helps the couple financially and morally, recently sending funds to buy a neighbor’s pregnant horse in need. As Vera and Victor became more accepted in their area, they were featured in local newspaper reports, bringing them to the attention of Bulgarian Association members who now help them. When Victor lost his job as a builder, the couple experienced financial challenges. Upon learning of the situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai was touched by their pure, kind hearts and sent our Association members to deliver Her love and blessing as well as US$5,000 to Vera and Victor on July 5, Golden Year 6 (2009). The family was happy and grateful beyond measure, and has used the funds for food, fencing, reins, and ropes for the animals. We thank Vera Trendafilova and Victor Karolev for nurturing our beautiful co-inhabitants and for providing a safe haven where children can visit and learn how to care for their animal friends. May we all follow their shining example of love and kindness so that our world may flourish in peace, harmony, and divine beauty! Caption: Receipt from Vera Trendafilova for the US$5,000 contributed by Master
Master’s Love Embraces Young Artist
By Bulgaria News Group (Originally in Bulgarian)
Emil Harizanov is a 23-year-old Bulgarian artist with a powerful supply of creative energy and a courageous spirit who chose art as his path in life, but a severe accident rendered him bedridden. Fortunately, Emil’s condition can be treated with surgery and rehabilitative therapy, but these procedures are expensive. Thus, loved ones, close friends and even strangers have shown their compassion and willingness to help the young man, and continuously work to raise funds for his treatment. Emil’s professors, fellow students and friends have offered their paintings and organized an exhibition with the sole purpose of helping to cover his medical expenses. Upon hearing of Emil’s situation, and with deep concern and kindness, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent him Her prayers, immense love and blessing, providing help for both his body and soul. Master also gave a contribution of US$2,000 and a large package of gifts, which were presented to Emil’s mother Pepa by one of our Association members on February 27, Golden Year 6 (2009). Pepa was amazed at Master’s concern and the wonderful books and materials she received on Emil’s behalf, saying that the beautiful new work Celestial Art will undoubtedly be of great help and inspiration to the good-natured Emil, who despite his difficult condition maintains a positive spirit and sense of humor. Emil’s mother was also deeply grateful for Master’s financial and moral support of their whole family in this difficult time.
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The United Kingdom
Ocean Angels Raise Funds to Promote Breast Cancer Care
By London News Group (Originally in English)
From April to July, Golden Year 6 (2009), courageous Englishwomen Sarah Duff, Fiona Waller, Jo Jackson, and Elin Half, known as the “Ocean Angels,” rowed 3,100 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean in their 29-foot rowboat Pura Vida (Pure Life) to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Care charity group. Fiona herself was diagnosed with cancer around her 30th birthday and after being given the “all clear” by her doctors, decided to work to raise awareness and to generate money to help others in her situation. To aid the charity, the women rowed non-stop for 78 days from Australia to Mauritius, arriving at the latter on July 6. Upon learning of their courageous, challenging, and compassionate act, Supreme Master Ching Hai was profoundly moved and sent the Ocean Angels US$ 10,000 on August 19 to be used by Breast Cancer Care. Ms. Waller was deeply grateful to Master for Her generosity and sent a loving thank you letter expressing her appreciation. She wrote, “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have received from people such as yourself, without which we would not be able to contribute to this fantastic charity which makes such a difference to those living with breast cancer.” We thank the staff of Breast Cancer Care for their fantastic work supporting people living with breast cancer. Caption: Thank you letter and receipt from the Ocean Angels
Master’s Gift Brings Health Care Technology to Indian Children in Need
By London News Group (Originally in English)
In March, Golden Year 6 (2009), Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$10,000 to Mr. John Zeal to support his Christian charity by supplying ThermoSpot to assist The Asha Community Health and Development Society in their tremendous humanitarian activities in the slums of New Delhi, India. ThermoSpot is a non-invasive hypothermia indicator, developed by Mr. Zeal whose family firm has been making thermometers since 1888. This new invention has been certified for use in developing countries for children. There is an enormous potential demand for such an improved device, especially in those countries since the conventional glass/mercury clinical thermometer is now banned throughout North America and the EU for environmental reasons. According to Mr. Zeal, ThermoSpot has already saved the lives of a number of newborns and empowered mothers to check if their babies are warm enough immediately following birth. In his emails to our London Center, Mr. Zeal said he had been praying to God for help, and his prayers were answered through Master. He added, “The Supreme Master has lifted me right up. I am immensely grateful.” We thank Mr. Zeal for his loving care for children in developing countries. May many more children benefit from his life-saving invention.
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For details on ThermoSpot, please visit:
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Canada
Master Supports Canadian SPCA’s Compassionate Work
By Vancouver News Group (Originally in English)
After wildfires in western Canada caused 11,000 residents to flee their homes, the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) rescued approximately 300 animals from the area. The BC SPCA also offers animal-welfare-themed day camps for people at various locations throughout the province where participants learn about pet care, wildlife, farm animals, animal welfare issues, and the environment. The favorite pastime at the camps is spending time with animals. On July 24, Golden Year 6 (2009), a group of Vancouver initiates visited Dr. Jim Inglis, Director of Kelowna, British Columbia’s, SPCA branch and presented him with a CAD$5,000 (US$4,600) contribution on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Upon receiving the funds, Dr. Inglis expressed deep gratitude for Master’s generous aid. The initiates were happy to learn that the BC SPCA has a number of vegan and vegetarian staff members, and that the organization has a policy of ensuring that cruelty-free, meatless meals are served to these employees regularly. They took the opportunity to inform Dr. Inglis and his staff on how to prepare their own vegan pet food at home, thus allowing their animals also to eliminate meat from their lives. May God soon bless us with a cruelty-free world.
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Master Expresses Her Condolences for a Beloved Friend
By Montreal News Group (Originally in English)
On September 23, 2009, Master Lương Sĩ Hằng, leader of the Vô Vi Meditation School in Montreal, Canada, passed away at the age of 86. Born in Quy Nhơn, Âu Lạc (Vietnam), Master Lương began teaching the Vô Vi Meditation Method in 1958 to help others find inner harmony, and promoted the Method into his advanced years. He also conducted humanitarian work and gave lectures around the globe. In 1991, Supreme Master Ching Hai met Master Lương in California, USA, during Her lecture tour. Upon hearing of Master Lương’s passing, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent Her condolences and prayers along with flowers and a US$5,000 contribution. On October 11, a team of Association members went to the Vô Vi School to deliver Master’s gifts and message to Master Lương’s relatives and disciples, who thanked Her for Her loving thoughts and contribution, adding that the funds would be used to help the poor in Âu Lac. Despite their beloved Master’s passing, the members of the Vô Vi Meditation School radiated a peaceful, serene energy. Caption: Bank draft for US$5,000 to the Vô Vi Association of Canada |
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USA
Molly the Cow Finds New Home
By New York News Group (Originally in English)
The newest resident of The Farrm, an animal sanctuary and organic farm on eastern Long Island, New York, established by Reginald and Connie Farr, is a brave young heifer who escaped while being transported to a slaughterhouse in New York City, USA. Molly subsequently led police on a wild chase around town, successfully dodging cars and onlookers until she was secured and taken to a Brooklyn animal shelter run by the City of New York. Later, with help from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Molly finally found a new home, The Farrm, where she will live out her natural life in peace with many animal companions, enjoying organic food every day. Her courageous act has already become memorable to people such as renowned newscaster Barbara Walters, who said that Molly’s story inspired her to become a vegetarian, and that she would bring her own veggie burgers to the next White House dinner she attends. After hearing of their warm-hearted provision of a home for Molly, Supreme Master Ching Hai kindly contributed US$3,000 to Molly’s new caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Farr, to support their loving work with rescued animals. On May 30, Golden Year 6 (2009), on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, our Association members visited The Farrm and presented the check and Master’s international best-selling book The Noble Wilds. They also provided a selection of CDs featuring Her songs to Mr. and Mrs. Farr, who graciously gave the initiates a tour to meet the animals on the 60-acre facility. Molly seemed to feel at home there and even found a new best friend, a steer named Wexley. Some of the other animals Mr. and Mrs. Farr provide shelter for include goats, sheep, chickens, roosters, ponies, geese, dogs, and cats. It was indeed a pleasure to visit the refuge and its happy, peaceful, animal occupants. We thank Molly for your courageous act and inspiring people to respect the lives of our animal friends. We also thank Mr. and Mrs. Farr for their kind efforts in helping our less fortunate animal friends. To watch Supreme Master Television interview with “The Farrm,” animal sanctuary, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1029.php
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Master Sends Treats to Jungle Island Park Inhabitants
By Florida News Group (Originally in English)
Miami’s Jungle Island is home to over 1,100 rare species of tropical birds and over 2,000 different species of plants. After this beautiful animal theme park was featured on Supreme Master Television, Master sent US$5,000 to purchase vegetarian treats, toys and other gifts for its wonderful inhabitants. In June of Golden Year 6 (2009), a special gathering was held at Jungle Island to express the residents’ and staff’s sincere appreciation to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her generous gift of love. A beautiful blue macaw, a baby kangaroo, a baby alligator and other rare, endangered and noble animals attended the event, along with staff members. During the introductions, Vice President Bobbie Ibarra said that she was deeply touched by Master’s unconditional love and message of compassion about saving the planet and bringing love to all beings. The park’s curator, Dr. Jason Chatfield, also expressed his personal appreciation to Master. Together, they encouraged everyone to “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet!” They also wholeheartedly wished Supreme Master Television a “Happy Anniversary” as a beautiful rainbow-colored macaw raised the Universal Peace Flag as an optimistic sign of a vegan world of peace, happiness and prosperity. To view “Winged Wonders of Jungle Island” covered by Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW988.php Caption: Members of Jungle Island receiving US$5,000 loving contribution from Master |
| Love in Action
Dominican Republic
Generous Gifts for Flood Stricken Families
By the Costa Rica and Houston Relief Teams (Originally in English)
On June 2, 2009, with Supreme Master Ching Hai’s financial contribution of $18,000, one of our Association members from Costa Rica and two from Houston, Texas, USA went to the Dominican Republic to help victims of a flood that had affected over a thousand families. With the help of a local Red Cross team and its supervisor, Mr. Sergio Vargas, they were able to visit 300 households in the areas of Alfa 4 and Río Nigel at the south end of the island, who were still struggling to recover. For the most part, these families lacked adequate nourishment and sanitary supplies. So on June 3, our relief team prepared 342 packages containing food and essential basic necessities, as well as plenty of toys, and delivered them along with SOS flyers to 300 families the following day. The remaining bags of supplies and toys were given to two orphanages and local families who later came to the Red Cross for assistance. The local residents and Red Cross team all thanked Master for Her generous gifts and the vital information on the SOS flyers. Some of the Red Cross staff promised to cut down on their meat consumption to help curb global warming. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in the Dominican Republic
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| Love in Action
Guatemala
A Speedy Relief Mission Accomplished through God’s Grace
By Costa Rica and Florida Relief Teams (Originally in English)
Due to Master’s immense love and compassion, on May 20, 2009, a relief team from Florida, USA, and Costa Rica traveled to Guatemala to help the victims of a powerful hurricane that had left many homes damaged or destroyed. After a 12-hour bus trip, they arrived the following day at the first stop, Chisec, in the Alta Verapaz district. Having consulted Mr. Ricardo Tut, Director of the Local Municipal Planning Office (OMP), and Mr. Artemio Lima, Mayor of the Chisec Municipality, they then spent approximately US$6,000 on 600 sheets of metal roofing material, which was most gratefully received by 50 families most in need of repairing their houses. When Mayor Artemio Lima spoke, in the local language of Q’eqchi’, to the people about Master, the relief team members were so deeply touched by God’s blessing that they shed tears despite not understanding what was said. On May 22, the relief team traveled to the second stop, Poptun, in the Petén district, where they learned that the hurricane had struck directly in the center of town, followed immediately by a hailstorm. They spent US$4,000 on 416 food packages which were delivered to the neediest families the next day, with the help of the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), Lieutenant Colonel Mauricio Noches Burgos, soldiers from the Army Training Center (CAE) and the Poptun Municipality as well as its mayor, Mrs. Angel Kilkán Ochoa. When the children received the sweet treats, they ran around with joyful laughter. The people of Poptun were so grateful for Master’s care that they hugged and kissed the relief team members, humbly and sincerely sending Master their love, thanks and good wishes. Caption: Mayor Artemio Lima speaks to his people about Supreme Master Ching Hai. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Hurricane Relief Work in Guatemala
Love in Action Expenditures for Charitable and Relief Activities in Formosa from June to August 2009
Total Amount in Tables 1 and 2 = NT$700,569 (Approx. US$21,319.81) Table 1: Details of Charitable and Relief Activities （Amount in NT$）
Table 2: Expenditures of charitable activities （Currency: NT$）
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| Elevation of the Soul
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