Lighthouse in the Darkness


An Altogether Different World

Prison inmates close their eyes to meditate.

[Tainan] Against the backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery in Shanshang, a rural township in southern Formosa, is Tainan Ming-Teh Open Prison, a seeming paradise undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of the world that houses inmates screened for good behavior and excellent performance in other prisons. Their good conduct earns them the opportunity to serve the rest of their terms at Ming-Teh Prison. Vehicles bring the inmates to private factories to work during the day and return them to the prison at sunset. The inmates do not work on holidays or weekends.

On the evening of February 26, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and the Great Awakening Association jointly held a spring activity, the "Feast of Love," to show their concern for the inmates. Local initiates entertained the audience with a variety of performances designed to provide a relaxed and happy time. The program ended with the area Quan Yin messenger introducing the Convenient Method of meditation to the interested individuals.

Time passed quickly and soon the inmates had to leave the venue. Each one received fruit and cookies, prepared by fellow initiates, other initiates bid them good-bye on stage with the song "The Little Lambs Want to Go Home". Many of the inmates experienced Master's love, while shedding tears and waving good-bye to the initiates. This is one of the more relaxed prisons in Formosa, and some of the prisoners will soon be released, but others will have to serve many more years, or even life sentences. May those who have learned the Convenient Method of meditation practice diligently and regain true freedom and peace from within.