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Memorable SOS! By Korea News Group (Originally in Korean)
The SOS! International Seminar on Global Warming held in Korea, in May, left lasting impressions on participants and viewers of the event’s live broadcast on Supreme Master Television. The seminar brought together participants from different countries and from all parts of society to discuss and find constructive solutions to climate change. Guests included: dignitaries from the United Kingdom(Tony Clemson(1), Head of Climate Change Section, British Embassy in Seoul), USA(Roland Jung(2), Asia Affairs Advisor of the US Democratic Party), Germany, India and Japan, as well as over 20 Seoul City councilors (including Kim Kee-Sung,(3) Vice Chairman of Seoul City Council) and a national congresswoman; representatives from the Korea School Meal Chefs Association, Korean Teachers & Educational Workers’ Union and Korean Parents Association for Correct Education; environmental organizations including Green Korea; public officers including Gwon Tae-Hyung (4) (Director of Environment & Green Land Department of Daegu City); and some of Korea’s largest media groups including SBS TV (Park Soo-Taek(5), a senior environmental reporter who gave a special lecture at this seminar), KBS TV, and MBC TV. 
In Session 1, following congratulation speeches from distinguished guests from Korea, there were also congratulation video messages from overseas, from Senator Andrew Bartlett (6) (Member of Australian Parliament – Queensland), Dr. Gordon McBean (7) (Climatologist, Chair for Policy at the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and Professor, University of Western Ontario), Marianne Thieme (8) (Member of Dutch Parliament, Chairwoman of Party for the Animals, The Netherlands), Dr. Jonathan Patz (9) (Lead author of United Nations IPCC reports, Professor of Environment and Public Health). After the global warming video produced by Supreme Master TV, specialists on global warming made impressive speeches which drew enthusiastic responses from guests. The highlight of the event was Session 2, a live videoconference panel discussion with the guest of honor, Supreme Master Ching Hai, who answered questions on various aspects of climate change that are affecting humankind. Her response to one question from a government official revealed a set of priorities for the global warming solution: “From all the concrete evidence that is given to us by the United Nations research and the scientific evidence from the scientists, not to talk about moral obligation, I think: Number one: We have to stop all the killing, stop all the harming of humans and animals alike. Number two: Stop all consumption of all animal products. Number three: Encourage a more virtuous lifestyle, starting from the top, meaning starting from the leaders themselves. Number four: Turn people to a more religious mind, meaning they should remember more about God. Number five: We have to repent and pray for Heaven’s grace. We have to ask for forgiveness from Heaven and from all beings for all the harm that we have done to them. And the powerful collective, positive and loving power of the whole world will repel the darkness that is coming towards us, that is facing us right now.” For some, it was the first time they really considered the connection between climate change and human consumption of animals as well as their mistreatment. In fact, many stated they would change to a vegetarian diet, like one clergyman said, “I was impressed by the fact that vegetarianism can stop global warming by almost 80 percent. I think we as Christians should carry out this movement, and spread this knowledge to every person we meet, so that we can save the Earth.” Many were also touched and amazed by Master, a remarkable spiritual teacher who spends so much time, energy and Her own financial resources to help save the Earth’s inhabitants by creating a greater awareness of an animal-free diet and the benefits to ourselves and the planet. An animal protection activist said, “While I was listening to Supreme Master Ching Hai, I thought if Jesus were to come down to the Earth, He would say the same as Master. So I was touched and thankful to Her.” Having participated in the seminar, the Chairperson of the Korea School Meal Chefs Association said that she completely understood how vegetarianism could help stop global warming, and she planned to take her colleagues out to a vegetarian restaurant the following day to introduce them to this healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle. Guests were so touched and uplifted by the seminar that they were reluctant to leave, and asked many more questions about Master Ching Hai. Further references were given, including valuable information about global warming and vegetarianism, plus the Korean version of The Dogs in My Life. Since the seminar, the Korean mass media, including TV and newspapers, have been introducing vegetarianism to viewers and readers on a regular basis. The SBS TV reporter who asked Master several questions during the seminar even changed to a vegetarian diet. Some clergymen requested the congregations in their churches to become vegetarian. And the Korean Parents Association for Correct Education decided to choose vegetarian meals for all their future gatherings. Seeing great, sometimes unbelievable
changes happening since the seminar, Korean Association members are
deeply thankful to Master for Her blessings in gracing the event and
for all the time and effort that She is taking to save the planet.
To watch Supreme Master TV coverage
of this International Seminar on Global Warming, please visit the
following link:
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