Korea

YONHAP News reports covering our event were introduced to Naver (Korea's largest portal site)

[Seoul] On October 1, Golden Year 4 (2007), Association members from the Seoul Center participated in the World Vegetarian Day event held in the downtown area. They prepared about 30 different kinds of delicious, nutritious and loving vegetarian food for people to sample.

About 1,000 citizens and foreign visitors tasted the cuisine with great interest, and were surprised to find that soy-meats look and taste like real meat. They said that this healthy food makes them feel better and lighter, and provides them with a positive alternative way of living.

Some Association members wore animal costumes, while others brought their dogs and cats to emphasize to people that animals are our friends, not food. The event was introduced through news articles, photos and even videos, mostly under such headlines as “Alternative Living Vegetarian Lifestyle.” As this project continues in Korea, “Alternative Living” is quickly becoming a household word.

[Busan] On October 3, Golden Year 4 (2007), Busan members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association organized a vegetarian seminar entitled “Alternative Living Vegetarian Lifestyle for the Future of the Earth.” It was National Foundation Day, which symbolizes the opening of the sky and the coming of a Saint to govern the world.

The event attracted considerable media attention. The major newspapers Busanilbo, Bupbo and Modern Buddhism as well as the Pusan National University student newspaper carried feature articles on the vegetarian diet and related topics. A Buddhist radio station aired an interview with a fellow initiate about vegetarianism in Buddhism.

This event at Yeongkwang Bookstore, one of the biggest in central Busan, drew a large attendance. The seminar explored the topic of vegetarianism from four different perspectives, in relation to the environment, health, love for animals and meditation. Keynote speakers discussed problems arising from a meat diet and benefits of a vegetarian diet as an alternative way of life. A sister initiate, who is chairman of the Korean Animal Protection Association, showed horrifying scenes of slaughtered animals, bringing tears to some participants.

These lectures were followed by a concert and vegetarian buffet. A brother initiate sang a self-composed song eulogizing the vegetarian diet; a fellow sister who is president of the National Classical Music and Art Academy performed on a bamboo flute; and the seminar representative played the ocarina. These excellent performances that conveyed a message of life and love received thunderous applause.

An introduction of vegetarian cooking was followed by a brief talk from a vegetarian restaurant owner. The most eagerly awaited show was an introduction of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and Supreme Master Television. Participants then enjoyed the vegetarian cuisine, which was prepared by sister initiates, while watching Master’s lecture on the vegetarian diet.

Words of appreciation could be heard around the venue. “I have been a vegetarian for a long time. You have firmly convinced me of the benefits of the vegetarian diet,” said a Japanese person residing in Korea. All attendees received sample booklets as well as leaflets on Alternative Living and Supreme Master Television at the end of the day’s event.

[Busan] On September 14, Golden Year 4 (2007), fellow initiates from the Busan Center got together and prepared a sumptuous vegetarian lunch to bring to the Yeongdo District Office, where a sister’s non-initiated husband works. There, they served the meal to staff members and introduced the Alternative Living Vegetarian Lifestyle.

The special lunch attracted about 340 staff members, who were invited to watch a program entitled “Good Eating, Good Living,” by the SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) that explained the negative effects of a meat diet. They also received our Alternative Living and Supreme Master Television flyers. The huge turnout and widespread appreciation for the vegetarian food eased the concern of the office nutritionist, leading her to ask for recipes. To help people have vegetarian meals more often, fellow initiates referred them to our websites for further information.

Busan initiates were grateful for this opportunity to share the benefits of vegetarianism with more people.

[Andong] From September 28 to October 7, Golden Year 4 (2007), the Andong Center participated in the annual Mask Dance Festival. With an attendance of over a million people, they took this wonderful chance to distribute 40,000 Supreme Master Television and Alternative Living flyers.

Many people received the message with an open heart and read the leaflets carefully. Some asked the meaning of Ching Hai and a grandfather kissed the flyers saying that Master is so beautiful. The father of one of our fellow initiates began to introduce Master and our organization to all of his friends, telling them, “She is my son’s Master and it is a good organization because all of the members are vegetarian and meditate.”

On the last day of the festival, we had a small video seminar at the Andong Center. A delicious vegetarian dish - rice rolled in dried laver - was also prepared. All the fellow initiates who participated in this love-sharing event were filled with God’s bliss and felt the joy of working and growing together.

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