Special Report

Go Veg and Recreate Eden

By Taipei News Group (Originally in Chinese)

As global warming continues, governments around the world have made it a top priority to reduce carbon emission and conserve energy. The Taipei County government in Formosa sought the cooperation of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in holding a series of activities, including a seminar, a concert and a photo exhibition, to encourage the public to go veg and be green.

The opening event was a press conference on June 25. A dozen well-known performing artists dressed up as “Go Veg, Be Green” angels appeared before the audience to make a pledge and appeal to the public to eat less meat, go veg and plant more trees. Speaking on behalf of the county magistrate, the chief secretary of the Environmental Protection Bureau announced a series of measures that will be taken to transform the county into Formosa’s first low-carbon city. [The county is designated to be upgraded to a city directly under central government jurisdiction.] The measures cover energy conservation, green transport, resource recycling and a low-carbon lifestyle.

Government Measures Proposed at the Seminar

The theme of the seminar on June 29 was “Critical Time to Save the Earth: What Can I Do?” Supreme Master Ching Hai exchanged views with scholars, experts, entrepreneurs and members of green groups, who asked many questions concerning environmental issues. Several government and parliamentary officials also addressed the issues in depth.

Deputy Magistrate Lee Hung-yuan of Taipei County said  the Earth’s destiny rests entirely on the awakening of humankind and a change in values among people. If people could remain environmentally conscious at all times, then there would be hope for the Earth.

Legislator Lin Hung-chi stated that world hunger is caused by the meat diet. Although energy-saving light bulbs, decreased use of air conditioners and travel by public transport would help, the key solution is to eat less meat to significantly reduce global warming. This is what every individual can do and the government should promote such a change in diet. Legislator Lin suggested that the government should implement a comprehensive environmental protection policy through legislation and set up an inter-ministerial committee to enforce energy conservation and carbon reduction. In proposing that action be taken to address the fact that livestock farming is a major cause of global warming, he promised to monitor parliamentary efforts and ensure that the government is taking adequate measures in this respect.

Supreme Master Ching Hai agreed with Deputy County Magistrate Lee and Legislator Lin. She praised the government of Formosa for its endeavor to stop global warming and protect the people and animals. She hoped that Formosa would become the first organic vegetarian island in the world, and that humankind would devote wholehearted efforts to reversing global warming and saving ourselves, others and future generations.

 
Deputy Magistrate Lee Hung-yuan of Taipei County
Legislator Lin Hung-chi

Among the many important issues discussed at the seminar was the possible complete melting of polar ice this September and its grave impact on the world. At this critical juncture, what actions should we take to save the Earth? In answering questions raised by the guests, Master stressed that in order to stop global warming, the vegetarian lifestyle is most essential, as it can neutralize the impact of the negative power. If all the people on the planet become vegetarian, or are vegetarian two-thirds of the time, then it would negate 80% of the rise in temperature. We are grateful to Master for offering us this easy and feasible way to save the Earth, thus giving us an opportunity to reverse the fate of the Earth at this critical time.

Veg Love for Mother Earth Concert

The “Veg Love for Mother Earth Concert,” integrating music and environmental protection, was held on the evening of June 29. Through music and beautiful singing at this peaceful and noble event, everyone was asked to face the reality that global warming has brought great harm to all. More than a thousand people attended the concert. The special program of the evening was a musical—“Words of a Piglet,” adapted from a poem by Supreme Master Ching Hai and performed by the Tsai Yuan Choir, Serina Studio and Yu Zhi-wai. The soul-stirring singing and drama deeply touched the hearts of those present. Supreme Master Ching Hai joined the concert through videoconference and sang a very touching song. The infinite love conveyed in Her melodious voice moved many in the audience to tears.

Exhibition on Carbon Reduction

From June 26 to July 5, the Association held a “Cool the Earth, Reduce Carbon Emissions Exhibition” at the County Hall. Attendants explained to visitors the importance of reducing carbon emissions to save the Earth. SOS-Climate Change DVDs and brochures as well as vegetarian recipe booklets were also distributed.

This series of “Save the Earth” activities have left deep impressions in the minds of the people who in turn gave a very warm, supportive response. After the videoconference, many school principals, PTA representatives, professors and economic officials invited the Association’s Anti-Global Warming Group to hold educational activities at their schools or offices. Some people asked for more informative materials so they could disseminate the messages. Hopefully, through these activities, everyone will go veg and thus recreate Eden and bring peace to Earth.

 

For online viewing of this videoconference on Supreme Master Television, please log onto: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW668s.php