Special Reports

 

 

 


(July 4 ~ 14, 1999) By the Chiayi News Group, Formosa

On July 4, the gloomy sky and heavy downpours of the previous day gave way to lovely weather, through blessings bestowed by God on the city of Putzu in Chiayi County, central Formosa. This marked the inauguration of an eleven-day art exhibition of the Supreme Master Ching Hai's works at the Meiling Art Gallery in Chung Cheng Park. Highlights of the exhibition included an inaugural reception, a charity fair, performances by the artistically talented, a fashion show, free medical consultations with doctors of western and Chinese medicine, a sampling of healthy vegetarian food, a make-up demonstration, and a seminar entitled "A Spiritual Rendezvous". In addition, a special program was held introducing Master's artistic creations and their underlying message.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Supreme Master
Ching Hai Art Exhibition.
Starting third from right in the front row:
Tsai Yung-cheng, president of the Liu Chang Business Group;
Lin Hsun-yi, member of the Chiayi County Council;
Lai Mei-chen,director of the Chiayi County Womenis Association;
Wu Junghui, deputy magistrate of Chiayi County;
Tung Hsiang, speaker of the Chiayi County Council;
Wu Ssu-jung, member of t he Chiayi County Council.

The opening day of the exhibition fell on a Sunday, and fellow practitioners arrived early to decorate the park beautifully. Outside the art gallery, bouquets and wreaths of multicolored flowers sent by admirers lined the path leading to its entrance. By 9:30 in the morning, thousands of guests and fellow practitioners from all around Formosa flocked into the venue, as a dragon dance performed by initiates from the Kaoping Center raised the curtain on the art exhibition amid deafening drums and gongs. The guests, especially the children, holding balloons, watched with excitement as the dragon danced in welcome. This was followed by dances and songs performed by fellow initiates. Among them, a traditional performance of rope jumping and top spinning, presented by the Chiayi Peiyuan Elementary School, won thunderous applause from the audience for its marvelous displays of skill.

Chiayi County Deputy Magistrate Wu Jung-hui (right) and Speaker Tung Hsiang of the Chiayi County Council (first from left) cut a vegetarian cake for the inaugural reception, while Chiayi County Councilor Wu Ssu-jung (middle) claps.

The inaugural ceremony commenced at 10:30 a.m. in the presence of Wu Jung-hui, deputy magistrate of Chiayi County; Tung Hsiang, speaker of the Chiayi County Council; Wu Ssu-jung, and Lin Hsun-yi, members of the Chiayi County Council; Lai Mei-chen, chairman of the Chiayi County Women's Association; and many other government officials and elected representatives. After cutting a ceremonial ribbon, Deputy Magistrate Wu and Speaker Tung cut a vegetarian cake at the inaugural reception. The distinguished guests later toured the venue, accompanied by the event's organizer and guides. Each expressed appreciation of and admiration for Master's artistic talents. Deputy Magistrate Wu was especially awed by the Celestial Jewelry designed by Master. He inquired about the details of each exhibited item, and was amazed at Master's ability to manifest Her spiritual insights through jewelry designs. After a tour of the exhibition, Deputy Magistrate Wu commented that Master's artworks not only elevate the soul, but also increase work efficiency. He expressed the hope that his colleagues in the county government could visit the exhibition, and true enough, on the following day, many high-ranking county officials came to appreciate Master's artistic creations in the company of the art gallery's director.

The Celestial Clothes Fashion Show at the exhibition venue.

The tour of the art exhibition was followed by a Celestial Clothes fashion show, which brought the event to a climax. Every one of the guests was enraptured by the attractive Celestial Clothes designed by Master, which seemed to manifest the Truth, virtues and beauty of heaven on Earth. They realized then that spiritual practitioners can be beautiful both within and without, living a life that is full of vitality and splendor.

While the performances went on, a charity fair was held. Its proceeds, totaling NT$60,000, were contributed in equal shares to the Chiayi County Association for the Disabled and the Chiayi County Association for Victims of Spinal Injuries. The fair featured the sale of exquisite vegetarian food, clothes, and ornamental accessories. At the main entrance to the venue, fellow practitioners, dressed as cartoon characters such as "Little Bodhi", "Big Square", "Triangle", and "Iron Saw", distributed colorful balloons to the guests. Many visitors stopped to take pictures with these characters, especially the kind and friendly "Little Bodhi", perhaps reflecting the people's longing for inner fulfillment.

The activities of the opening day drew to a successful close at 4:00 p.m., and shortly afterwards, a heavy rain came. It must have been due to God's blessings that the day's activities proceeded so smoothly!

The proceeds of NT$60,000 from the charity fair are distributed to the Chiayi County Association for Victims of Spinal Injuries (Receipt A) and the Chiayi County Association for the Disabled (Receipt B) Among them, Mr. Wu Miao, secretary of the Chiayi County Association for Victims of Spinal Injuries (left), receives the contribution on behalf of his association.
Receipts A
Receipts B

The success of the 11-day exhibition may be attributed to the coordinated efforts of fellow initiates from all over Formosa. Together, they designed posters, banners, and promotional materials; arranged for the exhibition of Master's paintings, Longevity Lamps, Celestial Clothes, and Celestial Jewelry, and planned the program and activities for the inaugural day. While employing their individual talents and skills, the initiates also demonstrated their spirit of oneness and cooperation. The programs spoke of their brilliant confidence, and although they were not professionals, their successful performance laid the foundation for similar future events.