Western Shrine, July 4, 2011 – World Peace and Health Organization, a nonprofit organization in Upstate New York has held a ceremony in their headquarter, the Western Shrine, to celebrate the Independence Day.
This joyful and meaningful celebration ceremony hosted by the founder and leader of WPHO, the Buddhist Master, Holy Ziguang Shang Shi, welcomed many WPHO members, followers, students and disciples from the east and the west, and the guests from local community and across the country.
“America is a powerful, developed, cultured country,” Holy Ziguang Shang Shi started his inspiring speech, sitting in a magnificent altar of Mandala, “It’s very meaningful for us, as a minority group from the east, to be here and celebrate the country’s birthday together”.
Sitting in the “Welcoming Hall” at the Western Shrine, all the attendees were impressed by the beautifully adorned conference room, and listened to the Holy Master’s speech attentively.
Holy Ziguang Shang Shi addressed that Guang Huan Mi Zong as a Buddhist group, teaching people meditation techniques to restore their physical and mental health, has made noteworthy contributions to the community. “Guang Huan Mi Zong Buddhism is a virtuous religion that can bring prosperity and harmony to a place wherever it is spread, without distinction as to race or nation.”
“Reach out your friendly hands, and dedicate your wisdom to the people from all races and all countries to help them, to communicate with them, and work with them. Bring your light to them; bring your energy to them.” The Holy Master called on his followers and disciples to make more endeavor for the community, the city, and the whole country. Everyone applauded for the compelling and instructive speech.
In the following session, everyone who attended the ceremony enjoyed delicious fusion cuisine, served in both the western and eastern style by the best chef from the Western Shrine.
During the wonderful performances of folk dance, sutra chanting, English and Chinese singing, and poem recitation, people were immersed in the delight of enjoyment.
“Today has been perhaps the most memorable Independence Day I’ve ever been involved,” said Raymond Konsinski, owner of a local blueberry plantation, who shared his true feelings on the stage at the end of the ceremony. He mentioned the song “Proud to be an American” when he expressed his gratitude to Holy Ziguang Shang Shi through an interpreter. “Today you’ve made me more proud to see your organization putting forth an effort to make between the western and eastern worlds, and make me very pleased to see that effort that you’ve been putting.” He said. “I appreciate all the effort by the people here to make me comfortable and putting on exceptional performance.”
Raymond is very happy about the meditation class he attended several days ago. Through learning Maha Meditation technique, he became more relaxed and energetic, and he looked younger than before! He believes this unique Dharma practice can help him relieve the pain on his hip caused by a severe injury that occurred over 30 years ago.
Many guests were touched by a poem recited by one of the Holy Master’s disciples, who is a mother of three children, currently volunteering in the Western Shrine and learning the Dharma from Holy Ziguang Shang Shi. “Now I understand what you guys have been pursuing, and I sincerely wish you success for your mission of peace and health.” Said Alice Morsen, an interior designer from Florida.
“I’m impressed by the Master when he was talking about facilitating communication for the sake of realizing world peace and human health,” said Laurent Wilson, “I would like to learn more about the retreat class offered by the organization.”
Between two celebrations of the Independence Day
It has been one year since WPHO celebrated the Independence Day on their Peace, Health and Friendship Square in Amsterdam last year, when the community started to get to know about the organization. Guang Huan Mi Zong, together with WPHO, had provided over 30 free Health Classes in Amsterdam, helping many local people improve their physical and mental health. Many of the participants found their chronic diseases such as hypertension, arthritis, asthma, obesity and depression were greatly relieved. In addition, the Organization has brought vitality and prosperity to the whole community in terms of economy.
