President of The Third Asian Vegetarian Congress Remarks

President Wang Kun-De

Dear guests and visitors, foreign and local, all Mentors, all pastors, all Tao-Cultivators, I wish everybody good health and good luck. May I, in behalf of the Third Asian Vegetarian Congress, welcome you all for joining us here today.

AVC has been one of the important members of the World Vegetarian Association, which greatly advocating vegetarianism, healthy options, and environmental awareness. With this idea, we hope to let mankind be physically and spiritually aware of the advantage or goodness of being a vegetarian. It also promotes the co-existence of man with other living beings in the world.

This intellectual and broad outlook is the same as that of the Confucian concept of benevolence which states, "All creatures co-exist without harming each other. TAO complements without contradiction." This eventually complements with the concept of I-Kuan Tao's objective, which is worthy for us to give honor and respect.

In the past decades, vegetarianism became a fad, vegetarianism became a new trend of the whole world. And it is a natural tendency in the near future. The I-Kuan Tao always diligently advocates vegetarianism, especially suggesting healthy vegetarian food. Nearly sixty years of endeavor, vegetarianism gains great respect. Thus, many vegetarian restaurants prospered everywhere. This is an undeniable fact as witnessed by many.

Following the trend of the propagation of the I-Kuan Tao all over eighty countries, the spread of vegetarianism has become very common and popular. It is believed consciously that vegetarianism gives undeniable benefits towards environmental protection of our Mother Earth, to the physical and spiritual health of mankind.

Vegetarianism originates from the Latin word, "vegetas", meaning "complete, fresh, full of vitality". Being a vegetarian, promotes good health, lessens sickness, and longevity. This point of view has been undoubtedly being supported by many medical experts and scientists. Vegetarianism helps in curing not only physical sickness but also psychological well being. It also minimizes our sins from the past. Thus, by being a vegetarian, Mother Earth becomes healthy, returning to its original and natural tranquility. There is no question about it.

Facing the problem of global warming, the melting of the glaciers in the poles, the extinction of the endangered species, the severe pollution of the environment, crises of the famine in the underdeveloped countries, there’s really a great need to advocate/promote vegetarianism, love of environment, respect life, love for animals.

A poem says:
Life is truly precious,
But the price of health is higher.
For the sake of our body and mind,
Being a carnivorous is to be abandoned.

In order to be at ease with what we eat, and to be healthy, we must select vegetarianism. But eating healthy vegetarianism, the greatest factor lies in our heart. We must eat with a benevolent heart, compassionate heart, charitable heart, happy and joyous heart, contented heart and a grateful heart. With this, it is then considered a balanced diet for the body and the spirit. Let us be united and be one for the sake of ourselves, for the whole human race, for the sake of the Earth's health. Let us strive hard and encourage vegetarianism!

This year's activities are meticulously planned. Among which are thesis declamation, cooking lessons, group conversations, annual festivities, viewing of the Holy Temples, etc., which are very joyous and festive mood. I believe that everyone can learn many things from this congregation. May I sincerely express my deepest respect and thanks to Tian Tai Shan Shen Wei Tao Chang to all the people behind the scenes who have offered their time, efforts, and spirit, and to those who warmly offered their services for the success of this AVC III.

Wishing you -      Great success of the Congress!
Being blessed with Joy and Wisdom in Dharma
Being Enlightened Daily and Abundance in Wisdom!