Report from Formosa

Establishing an Environmentally Sound
Vegetarian Community for the 21st Century

An inspirational talk to elevate environmental awareness.
	A demonstration of vegetarian cuisine.

[Taipei] In its February health seminar, our House of Loving Food in Taipei analyzed for its audience hazardous substances that could affect human health, including impure water, pesticides, detergents, food additives, and air pollutants. The seminar made the audience aware of the need to eliminate pollutants, conserve water, eat simple foods, and purchase environmentally sound products as much as possible. By doing so, we can contribute to the establishment of an environmentally sound community for the 21st century. At the seminar, the initiate owners of Tang Tang Vegetarian Restaurant demonstrated for the audience six easy-to-make and delicious vegetarian dishes.

Landscape Maintenance at Ilan Center

Initiates work together, cutting grass and planting trees along the hillside at Ilan Center.

[Ilan] The Ilan Center, located on the eastern coast of Formosa, rises like a paradise amidst the billowing clouds and hazy mists. When this vast expanse of land required spring-cleaning and maintenance, the Center arranged camping activities for this specific purpose at the end of February.

It was mid-winter and a frigid continental air mass was passing through the region. Those of us who are accustomed to the warm weather could not quickly adapt to the thick fog and endless drizzle, accompanied by occasional gusts of chilly winds. However, the motivating force of love pushed us to work more diligently than usual. We meditated, cut grass, loosened the soil and planted trees to keep our bodies warm. As we worked our way up the hill at the Center, we had to hang on tightly with both hands and help each other over the steep incline near the hilltop. The grounds were slippery and we had a hard time keeping ourselves balanced. During the descent, we virtually rolled down the hill. By the end of the activity, those of us who normally did little hillside trekking had such sore legs that we could barely walk. Yet, this did not diminish the contentment and inner satisfaction we felt.

The most wonderful and enjoyable part of the trip was basking by the fire at night. The twinkling lights from Ilan were beautiful from afar. Many brothers and sisters meditated by the fireside till daybreak, while some braved the cold winds to venture into the dark. The two days of activities were indeed an unforgettable experience for all of us.

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