|
Panorama
of Events
|
Report from Formosa
A Chinese Medicine Fair
[Nantou] On May 10, 2002, Formosa's Nantou Chunghsin Provincial Hospital held a fair to celebrate the first anniversary of the founding of its Chinese medicine department. Participants at the Chinese Medicine Health Fair included manufacturers of body-building equipment and health foods that promote citizens' health, along with the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, which exhibited publications on physical, mental and spiritual health and offered free samples of vegetarian food.
Hospital Director Tsai Yueh-fu explained that the main purpose of the Fair was to promote a balanced diet and the health concept of "three lows and two highs" (low salt, low oil, low sugar, high fiber and high calcium). The modern vegetarian diet, which includes oil and protein derived from vegetable instead of animal sources, adheres to this concept and provides an excellent option for those who follow an excessively unhealthy dietary culture. Dr. Chu Po-chin, head of the Hospital's dentistry department, observed that, given the structure of the human teeth and small intestines, vegetarianism is more suitable than is a meat-based diet for maintaining oral hygiene and dental health.
As soon as they were served, our vegetarian dishes attracted crowds of attendees. Numerous guests were surprised that vegetarian food could be so delicious and diverse. Having sampled our delicious dishes, some said that they would like to change their dietary habits and become vegetarians.
Several health seminars were held at the Fair, and Brother Lin Ming-chao, a member of the Hospital's Chinese medicine department, was the main speaker at one of them. Speaking on the theme "Health of Body, Mind and Spirit," Dr. Lin pointed out that there are two main causes of human disease - external and internal. "Internal" causes include the spiritual component. All forms of life have a basic self-healing power, the use of which is the only way to ensure that an organism is functioning at its best. Once this self-healing power weakens, the organism's physiological mechanisms gradually lose balance and harmony, causing illness and exhausting vital energy. However, through unconditional, loving devotion, the body's "universal energy" can be increased and the self-healing power intangibly enhanced. Dr. Lin closed his discussion with the wish that human consciousness may be elevated so that all will experience good health and prevent disease.
Journalism Workshop at the Hsinhua Center
each group's exquisite film.
the best spot for photography.[Tainan] On May 25 and 26, 2002, fellow initiates from the news groups of various centers around Formosa gathered at Tainan's Hsinhua Center for a news reporting workshop. The enchanting landscape and the warm, sincere reception they received from the Tainan fellow practitioners made the participating brothers and sisters feel as though they were staying in a five-star hotel!
The two-day workshop was held in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The main topics addressed included composition in video filming, news gathering, photography and video editing, along with practical sessions in news photography and editing. The main lecturer, brother Chen, enthusiastically shared with the attendees his many years of professional experience in photography. In addition to texts and illustrations, he also used edited films as instructional materials to help participants develop a better understanding of photojournalism.
After brother Chen's informative talks, attendees split into groups to do on-location shooting on assigned topics, making use of the surroundings of the Hsinhua Center. After filming was completed, they worked on computers to edit their video footage into a beautiful documentary. Concentration and an eye for detail are a must in the editing process, while the effective use of techniques and an aesthetic presentation are essential elements of a good film. During the workshop's last session, the finished footage exquisitely produced by the groups was shown. This was their most exciting and happy moment, as Brother Chen commented on and appraised the each group's film.
Although the workshop is over, the joyful and inspiring feeling it generated linger on. The experience might have lasted only two short days, but for everyone, it led to much progress in their news reporting skills! We are all very grateful for Master's arrangement in giving us a chance to learn and grow together.
On to Greater Heights
By sister initiate Huang
I am very honored to have been able to participate in the news photography workshop recently held at the Hsinhua Center in Tainan. After enrolling in the workshop, I had a dream in which I saw myself paired with another sister initiate, who taught me how to use the computer. Also, I operated a camera by myself. This dream later turned out to be a reality that was truly incredible!
I believe that this experience was lovingly arranged by Master, who knew that I had never used a computer or operated a camera before, and I lacked confidence. So, She showed it to me beforehand in a dream. In this workshop, I accomplished what I thought was the impossible. It is no wonder Master says that each day is filled with miracles after we embark on spiritual practice. This experience has shown me that nothing is impossible through God's almighty power.
I thank Master for constantly taking care of me and giving me the chance to attain greater heights through a series of trials.
