110/Panorama of Events /Report from Formosa

[S.M. News] To greet the new millennium, Master especially designed the 10th Generation Celestial Jewelry that portrays the spirit of the golden era. The seven collections are "The Sun of Life", "Embracing Light", "Millennium Lotus", "King of the Three Worlds", "The House of the Master", "The Bridge to Paradise", and "The Rainbow of Creation". Each set is filled with glory and radiance. During the Hsihu 2-Day Retreat held in March 2000, the S.M. Celestial Jewelry Group convened a "10th Generation Celestial Jewelry Popularity Vote" event for fellow practitioners to select their favorites and to make comments of love and wisdom. Despite the cold weather, the response was zealous. "Voter turnout" was so overwhelming that many people were left waiting to vote after the forms were depleted. Some of the views expressed included: During the 2-Day Retreat, apart from enjoying the tranquil meditation, we also had an opportunity to appreciate the 10th Generation Celestial Jewelry that was fully charged with Master's special blessing for the new era; everyone was filled with ecstasy. At the same time, we were also stunned by Master's inexhaustible creative power. The sister, who counted the votes, commented that she was very impressed by the simplicity and enthusiasm of the fellow practitioners. Their comments were sparkling with wisdom, especially the innocent and pure remarks from the youngsters, which made the readers smile with understanding.

The popularity vote ended by Sunday noon. The results are: "The House of the Master" won by largest number of votes. It has become the favorite of the majority because of its unique stylish design and brilliant colors. But even more attractive is its title that invokes the intense aspirations of fellow practitioners to accomplish their spiritual cultivation and return to the "The House of the Master" as soon as possible.

[Hualien] On the eve of the Lunar New Year, we accepted an invitation from the Hualien branch of the Formosa After-care Association to visit juveniles residing at the local youth detention center, who were unable to go home for the holiday. Together, we prayed for them and their families. We also watched videotapes of Master's charitable deeds around the world, which hopefully will guide them on the path of spiritual growth and self-introspection. In response to their earnest requests, we taught them the Convenient Method, to help them remain calm and focused when faced with problems. We also encouraged the young people to express their concern and love to their parents. They had much to say, and as they wrote it down in words, many were in tears. We urged them on with the thought that, despite the many setbacks we might encounter in our journey through life, the future lies in our hands, and we can develop our love and wisdom to benefit ourselves, our families and society.

Prize Cup in recognition of volunteer environmental work.

After a 90-minute heart-to-heart spiritual exchange, we bid each other farewell, leaving the residents with our best wishes, and some vegetarian cakes, pies, and chocolates that we hoped would fill them with warmth.

[Miaoli] An awards ceremony was held on January 26, 2000 to recognize the work of environmental volunteers in Formosa's northern county of Miaoli. The ceremony was held in Miaoli's Shangri-La Recreation Park, where County Magistrate Fu Hsueh-peng presented representatives of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association with a group award for their outstanding volunteer work.

Lunar New Year Community elebrations

[Kaoping] The Laiyi Center in southern Formosa hosted a Lunar New Year community celebration. Attending the celebration were initiates, their families and friends, and other local inhabitants. Even the village leader joined the festivities. Participants rejoiced in the joyful atmosphere fostered by many inspiring performances and events: a fascinating lion dance, a raffle drawing, piano and harp recitals, and a vegetarian barbecue. Special children's activities included a balloon-bursting contest and a painting contest called "Painting for the New Century."

Painting by sister initiate Huang Ling-ying (12-year-old), first prize winner in the children's painting contest


Participants enjoy a vegetarian barbecue during the Lunar New Year celebrations at Laiyi Center	Young initiates delight in a balloon-bursting contest.

[Taipei] The largest international book fair in Asia was held from February 16-21 at the Taipei World Trade Center. This six-day exhibition attracted more than 400,000 visitors. During the event, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Company Ltd. sponsored a beautiful and elegantly decorated booth. The focus of widespread attention, the booth drew many visitors, all of whom received exquisitely printed "lucky millennium" bookmarks. The following is a report about the booth from a Formosan newspaper.

Media Report