Report
from Formosa
Prison Holds Seminar
for Volunteers
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Tainan
and Kaoping fellow practitioners participate in a seminar convened by
the Tainan Prison, in hopes of rendering greater assistance to inmates.
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[Tainan] On March 13, the Edification Department of the Tainan Prison convened its 2001 annual seminar for volunteers and honorary counselors, including groups and individuals who had extended their concern to the Prison's inmates. Fellow practitioners from Tainan and Kaoping, who have visited the prison regularly for a long time, attended the seminar on behalf of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.
In
an opening address delivered on behalf of the prison warden, Prison Secretary
Chang stressed the need to elevate the spirituality of the inmates through
religious influences, which together with the vocational training and education
provided in the prison, could help them adapt to life outside of prison before
they began to work. Prison authorities also offer advice on acquiring licenses
in specialized fields to make job placement easier for inmates when released,
Chang said.
Discussions
covered the psychological condition of volunteer workers, counseling guidelines,
and crime issues. Mere enforcement of the Criminal Code can not eliminate
crime. However, the overwhelmingly powerful influence of religion can be a
subtle and effective inspiration to inmates, Edification Department Director
Huang Te-hsiung said.
The
seminar was followed by a tour of the Prison's facilities with correctional
officers, who helped participants better understand the daily life of the
inmates. This was especially useful for future volunteer work. An amazing
display of fascinating works by the inmates, including music, calligraphy,
painting, drama, and other art forms, had the participants marveling at their
incredible skills and talents. Pity and respect arose in our hearts, as we
realized why Master has called such imprisoned friends victims of the times.
We ask all members of our society to sympathize with and accept them, so that
they can further utilize their talents after their release.
Finding Joy
in Clean Beaches
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Fellow practitioners, young and old alike, enjoy the sunshine on a beach now free of garbage. |
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Tainan
fellow initiates restore natural beauty to the Tainan's Golden Coast
as part of their regular environmental trip.
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