Soul-elevating Seminar
for Tainan Inmates

 

Encouraged by the Formosan Ministry of Justice's efforts to include local communities and religious bodies in prison edification work, and inspired by the March 14, 2001 seminar held by the Tainan Prison for honorary counselors and volunteers, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association again showed its earnest support for this meaningful work. From March 27 to 29, local members of the SMCH Association held nine spiritual seminars and recreational activities at the Tainan Prison for nearly a thousand inmates.

At the Tainan Prison, fellow practitioners sing from their hearts for the inmates. They are joined by the prison warden (first from left).

Dozens of fellow practitioners and Quan Yin messengers enthusiastically joined the working team for this project. The itinerary was warm and touching. The Quan Yin messenger offered spiritual analyses in a concise and easy-to-understand manner, encouraging the inmates to see themselves in a positive light, give themselves a chance to start anew, and cautiously steer the wheel of life. He told them that opportunities are self-created and we must help ourselves before God will help us. These brothers and sisters were also reminded of the importance of spiritual practice. Fellow initiates shared their insights and improvements after following Master.

Fellow practitioners lead and encourage the inmates in singing and cheering.

The spiritual seminars were interspersed with recreation programs to help the inmates unwind and relax. Fellow practitioners led the inmates in a chorus and entertained them with jokes and stories, among other activities. The inmates were delighted and laughed heartily, completely forgetting where they were. The sense of alienation dissipated and all present felt like family and friends.

Arrangements were then made for Quan Yin messengers to teach the inmates the Convenient Method. After meditation, the radiance in their eyes told us that they could feel God's love and had been spiritually elevated. The inmates asked many spiritual questions, and requested greater access to Master's publications. The Quan Yin messengers individually answered each inquiry.

On the final day, the inmates bade us farewell by marching in line and singing loudly. As we left, they asked when we could meet again. The prison warden highly praised the sincere and loving spirit of devotion demonstrated by the fellow practitioners, while we were even happier for dedicating ourselves to share Master's love with the world. We are very grateful to the inmates who participated in this event, and also to the Tainan Prison authorities for giving us this opportunity to learn and grow together with the inmates.