In
cooperation with the prosecutors of the local court in Hualien County Formosa,
local fellow initiates conducted a series of activities before the Lunar New
Year to show loving care to the parolees. On February 8, 1999, at the assembly
hall of the Yulee Town Council, initiates presented New Year's gifts to parolees.
Later, in their responses to a questionnaire prepared by the prosecutors,
some expressed their gratitude for our care that made them feel less forsaken
by society.
On February 11, an activity
was held at the Shuiyuan police station, which is located at the foot of a
mountain. Officers from the police station prepared tables and chairs for
our meeting so that the parolees could talk comfortably with our fellow initiates.
All the parolees were warmhearted and high-spirited native people, some of
whom had to come from faraway places. They were happy to talk to us and answered
the questionnaire with enthusiasm. Some gratefully commented that, although
they had made mistakes, they were well cared for while in prison, and after
their release, their parole officers regularly asked after their health and
welfare with great concern. Now that we had come to present New Year's gifts
to them, they were deeply touched and did not know how to convey their appreciation.
On February 12, initiates
hosted another event in the auditorium of the Hualien County Court. When the
parolees entered the auditorium, each was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
They spoke with their parole officers about what they faced in society and
their joys and sorrows in daily life. Later they were then given gifts out
of Master's love, wishing them a happy New Year. Some were so moved that they
were speechless. We found that everyone has a tender and sensitive part inside
of them. We have come to realize that as long as we act according to Master's
teachings, the innate kindness in each soul can be awakened.
On
another occasion, we visited a center for parolees where the residents were
mostly elderly people who have difficulty earning a living and do not have
anyone who to care for them. With best wishes for the coming New Year gifts
of love were also presented to them from Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Lighthouse
in the Darkness
Liberated
Souls behind Bars