Report From Pusan, Korea

◆ A Good Response To A Vegetarian Symposium

Recently, the Korean branch of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association organized a symposium to promote vegetarianism in Pusan, Korea. The response was overwhelming. Apart from promoting vegetarianism to beautify the world, the benefits of meditation were also introduced. Many Korean friends with affinities have now started to walk on the spiritual path together.

The most influential organization in Korea the "Environmental Movement Federations" and the largest and most well known environmental protection organizations all participated in this symposium. Other community organizations like Han Sal Rim (Revitalization For Oneness) Community, international spiritual organizations like "Ananda Marga of Korea" and "the Buddhism Newspaper" all participated in and sponsored this symposium.

During this symposium, there were deep discussions on various aspects and levels concerning why one should be vegetarian. Information on vegetarianism published all over the world was also provided. Professors from various fields as well as physicians were invited to lecture to the audience. Their talks were supported with slides. The symposium's cartoon posters generated a very good response. The mass media all came to hold interviews. Several of the largest press companies specially reported the good news of the symposium. All the radio stations -- KBS, MBC, Buddhism Broadcast and CBS invited fellow initiates to participate in special programs.

During the interviews, they enquired about the teachings of Supreme Master Ching Hai, the activities of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and the benefits of eating vegetarian food. MBC Television also made a live recording of the symposium and broadcasted it during a major news program. PSB Television also visited the families of fellow initiates and introduced to the public the healthy lifestyle of vegetarian families, the rosy-cheeked, strong children and lovely elderly folk. Some reporters even wanted additional interviews after the seminar.

Since the symposium was received in an unusually positive manner, fellow initiates wrote a book based on the findings of the symposium. This book was sent to universities, mass media and libraries so that people could use the material to get basic information on vegetarianism. The enthusiastic response of the mass media anticipates the imminent arrival of the era of vegetarianism and spiritual practice.