Combining a Spiritual Art Exhibition with Vegetarianism Promotions

By Hong Kong News Group (Originally in Chinese)

On Saturday April 1, Golden Year 3 (2006), Hong Kong Center held an exhibition with the title, “The Noble Art of Vegetarian Alternative Living”, in Xi Wan He Cultural Center attracting almost a thousand visitors. The exhibition combined Master’s art creations with vegetarianism and thus, presented the theme message of “Alternative Living” in an innovative way and fully demonstrated the beauty and the nobility of the vegetarian lifestyle. When the director of the Xi Wan He Cultural Center heard that the initiates were from a nonprofit organization wanting to promote vegetarianism, he was very supportive. It was he who suggested adding “The Noble Art of Vegetarian” to the title, thus linking the Alternative Living message with the art exhibition. What’s more, he offered a 35% discount on the rental fee of the hall.

The exhibition hall was decorated beautifully under the attentive arrangement of the fellow initiates. The first exhibition area displayed nine of Master’s Longevity lamps, which radiated graceful gentle lights at the entrance. Next were Master’s paintings revealing traces of the spiritual journey, with 15 paintings on display, such as “Filled with Grace”, “Heavenly Flowers”, “Peaceful Time” and “Independent”. In addition, Master’s spiritual publications, poems, hard covered introductory books for Celestial Clothes and Jewelry, as well as other crafts were also on show. In front of each exhibition area, initiates were assigned to explain the meaning of the art works to interested visitors. The last area was for promoting vegetarianism. Along with 2 large size Alternative Living posters, pictures of common vegetables and fruits, more than 10 vegetarian cooking books, and fresh fruits and vegetables were also displayed in a creative way. The whole arrangement emphasized the theme “Alternative Living”.

The practitioners in the kitchen group prepared more than 10 courses of delicacies in order to give the guests a chance to experience the tastiness of vegetarian food. Some guests came to the exhibition right after receiving a promotional leaflet on the street while wandering around with their families during the weekend; others received the tickets and notices a few days in advance and had been waiting for this day. All of them were surprised to find that the vegetarian dishes were so tasty! This was the exact purpose of the event, to change people’s preconceived idea about vegetarian food and let them experience the beauty of it.

A lady took the trouble to stay in line twice in order to sample the food. She told an initiate, “These dishes are so delicious that I want to try them again. I know that eating meat is not good because we have to pay for the karma. From now on, I will cook vegetarian food for my family.”

Initiates also offered free vegetarian recipes and information on the stores that sell vegetarian ingredients.

During the exhibition, the “One World … of peace through music” concert DVD and other videotapes introducing Master’s art creations were played continuously. Master’s gentle elevating voice, blessed every guest that stepped into the hall. Thus, all the guests were immersed in a spiritual atmosphere while at the same time tasting vegetarian food. A few middle-aged guests spent a long time standing in front of Master’s paintings, silently appreciating the beauty. Then, they obtained the sample booklets and started to read quietly on the bench outside the hall. Initiates left them in peace to experience the divine atmosphere knowing that Master’s power was touching their hearts.

Before the guests departed, initiates gave them environmentally friendly handbags with the Alternative Living flyer printed on them as well as small gifts, hoping that they could keep the beautiful vegetarian experience for a long time and share the message with more people.