The Movement of An Era of Conscience — At the 16th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World (Part One)

In Commemorating the 70^th Anniversary of the UN

Global Awakening of Conscience

195 Countries Respond to the Movement of An Era of Conscience

During the World Unity March, the opening parade of the International Conference of Chief Justices of the World, justices and young volunteers from around the world express their warm support by holding banners with the logo of the Movement of An Era of Conscience on them.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, on October 24, 2015, blue lights were lit on over 200 landmarks in nearly 60 countries to symbolize “Turn the World UN Blue,” wishing to unite world citizens to promote peace, development, and human rights. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon pointed out that no country or organization alone can handle the challenges we are facing today. We must reflect on our commitment and determination to build a peaceful world of fairness, justice, and respect for human rights.

In the face of the volatile global situation, any movement organized by the private sector aiming to spread the positive butterfly effect should be encouraged. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren (leader) of Tai Ji Men initiated the Movement of An Era of Conscience in 2014 and has received very positive responses from people in every populated continent. This October, the movement had created a new record at the 16^th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World in Lucknow, India, during which over 1,400 participants joined the movement. 64 dignitaries from 30 countries endorsed the Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience, including 5 former presidents from Romania, Albania, Croatia, South Africa, and the Republic of Central Africa who endorsed it last year and former President of Sri Lanka H.E. Chandrika Kumaratunga; Governor General of Tuvalu, H. E. Iakoba T. Italeli; Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Sir Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams; Hon. Gen V.K. Singh, Minister of Interior Affairs, India; Minister of States for Statistics and Programme Implementation; Minister of State for External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs; Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Uttar Pradesh, etc.

During the talk between the world leaders in the judiciary and the youths, conscience became a common topic. The positive power of the awakening of conscience from world leaders in the judiciary and education has brought hope for peace. The official website of the Movement of An Era of Conscience: www.aneoc.org brings together kind words and good deeds of conscientious people from around the globe. To date, there have been over 50,000 articles of conscience gathered on the website, and there have been more than 2.65 million visits to the website. We hope that all people in the world can follow their conscience in whatever they do, so that we can effectively resolve disputes, defuse wars, and return to a world of peace.

Judges and the Youths Share a Common Goal

Everybody is Happy to Be an Angel of Conscience

Young volunteers share the joy of making headlines in the Indian media. They are very happy to be able to share the ideas of the Movement of An Era of Conscience with judges from around the world.

The 16th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World (ICCJW) was held in Lucknow, India from October 9 to 12, 2015. The Love and Peace Goodwill Cultural Group, composed of members of the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), and Association of World Citizens, went to India to share the experiences of promoting the Movement of An Era of Conscience in the years of 2014 and 2015. Although 11 out of the 24 volunteers of the group were under the age of 20, they showed great confidence and enthusiasm. Skillful in both martial and civil arts, they received much praise and made headlines in the Indian media

This year the conference attendees came from 60 countries, including five incumbent and former heads of state, 175 chief justices, lawyers, jurists, and representatives from around the world. Founder of the City Montessori School (CMS), Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, quoted Chapter 51 of the Indian Constitution to highlight the importance of maintaining fair, just, and honorable relationships between individuals and judges in each country. He also argued that the world should have unified international laws to safeguard peace and protect children.

Guests called for the importance of conscience:

His Excellency Sir lakoba T. Italeli, Governor General of Tuvalu shared: ”We have to control our conscience, embedded with love. Love is the

greatest power we can, love and respect people, the environment.”  His Excellency Sir Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda said: “Conscience helps prevent man's inhumanity to man. If you look at other persons and respect them as human beings, and appreciate them of who they are, irrespective of their religion, or whatever maybe.” In particular, words in the thesis published by Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, were cited repeatedly by honored guests. In the second opening session, Dr. Hong’s speech video, “Safeguarding peace with love and protect human rights of health”, was specially broadcasted. The judges on the scene all listened carefully. Dr. Jagdish Gandhi praised, "Dr. Hong can affect a lot of people." The judge of the South African High Court, Halima Saldulker also cited Dr. Hong's speech as opening remarks in the seminar on that afternoon. “In the face of the current environment and challenges, peace is no longer our common aspiration but our shared responsibility. Every individual who wishes to do something good for the world is an angel of conscience safeguarding peace.  The love and kindness in the heart gives us the most powerful wings.”

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men delivered the speech entitled : ”Safeguarding Peace and Human Rights with Love” 

Dr. Hong’s speech video “Safeguarding peace with love and protect human rights of health” is highly valued by judges in the second plenary session.

 At the 16th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men delivered the speech entitled : ”Safeguarding Peace and Human Rights with Love” and had received very positive feedback. The full text is as follows:

World Mental Health Day is observed on October tenth every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, in his messages for 2014 World Mental Health Day, said “World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the challenges faced by people with severe mental health problems and what can be done to make their lives better.” 

According to statistics from the WHO (World Health Organization), around 450 million people suffer from mental illness and many more have mental problems of some sort. Domestic conflicts, wars, diseases, poverties and outdated concepts have become the cause and effect of unhappiness and poor health for modern people. The vicious cycle of human activities and the degradation of the natural environment have threatened the right to life for the children and youth. Protection of collective health and human rights is a long way off. 

The equal rights to live and the rights to life, freedom, happiness, and property are people’s natural rights. Nevertheless, in our world, human actions frequently deprive the natural rights of others.  Restoration of these rights often requires education, awakening, and struggle.  That is the reason why we gather here today.  Through the event organizer’s continuous efforts and contributions over the years, we are here to consolidate the consensus from chief justices, judges, and other visionary leaders from across the globe; to exchange ideas, and to work together for the rights of our future generations. 

Law is the last line of defense for the protection of human rights.  The purpose of legislation is to uphold fairness, equality, and justice in society through commonly agreed-upon rules. Beyond equipping themselves with professionalism and legal knowledge, law enforcement officers need to have the heart and capacity to tell right from wrong and be kind to all people and creatures. All of you here are the elites of the legal profession and have rich practical experiences; your understanding of the law is far better than the general public. The law has to conform to reason when being implemented. If each law enforcement officer can remember that every decision they make will deeply impact other individuals and families or even the entire society and therefore should comply with the principle of human rights protection, then they will be more cautious. How can they remain unbiased and fair?  That requires excellent wisdom, great courage, and conscience-driven actions. 

Education is a long-term process to cultivate people. It is also an endeavor of conscience. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate, said, “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” Where does change come from? Change start from the heart. Children’s pure hearts, with their direct reactions, boundless creativity, and powerful imagination are their greatest assets. Through proper guidance, their potential from within can be unlocked, which is the highest ideal of education. More importantly, we should teach children to listen to the calling of the conscience from within. The power of knowledge can be used for evil or good purposes. Only with unselfish kindness can one’s potential be fully utilized. 

The speed of the changes in today’s world was unimaginable in the past.  Each nation of the world is closely connected with others, and no one can escape the impacts that span the entire Earth. In this global village, people share a collective destiny; conducting oneself virtuously cannot guarantee one a peaceful and secure life. Only through cooperation with and coordination from various fields, exchange of experiences, and sharing of resources can we truly safeguard peace for all humanity. The understanding and practice of the concept that all human beings share a common destiny reflects “The Age of Great Harmony” depicted by Confucius: “While hating to see wealth lying about on the ground, people do not necessarily keep it for their own use.  While hating not to exert their own effort, people do not necessarily devote it for their own ends.”

Cooperation and exchanges between generations have become even more crucial than before.  People from the older generation are encouraged to generously share their wisdom and experiences with the younger generation.  People from the younger generation are urged to share their vitality, enthusiasm, and creativity with the older generation. Showing mutual respect and learning from each other not only embodies the true meaning of passing on the torch but also generates more powerful positive energies than working alone and create more happiness for each other. I believe this is also the common goal and wish of each of us.  

For global sustainability, for a world of love and peace, and for the rights of future generations to health; every step taken leaves an imprint in history. We cannot afford any delays or halt. In the face of the current environment and challenges, peace is no longer our common aspiration but our shared responsibility. Every individual who wishes to do something good for the world is an angel of conscience safeguarding peace.  The love and kindness in the heart gives us the most powerful wings.  Courage and action are the most potent tools.  When the forces of goodness are connected and the kindhearted people are united, the magical power of love can turn the world around for the better and bring genuine lasting peace.

Phoenixes Spread Their Wings of Love

Young Volunteers Call for Conscience of Justice

Tai Ji Men’s amazing cultural performances cause great sensation in India and make headlines on the media. The wife of the mayor of Lucknow says, "You come from Heaven!"

At the 16th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World (ICCJW), in addition to consolidating the wisdom of chief justices from around the world, international volunteers for An Era of Conscience also shared their achievements and experiences in promoting An Era of Conscience in the years of 2014 and 2015, and they received an enthusiastic response.

Ms. Cheryl L. Austin, a judge of Pennsylvania Court, agrees with the ideas of An Era of Conscience very much. She thinks that everyone should follow his/her conscience to do the right things in his/her position. As a judge, she often has to decide what’s right and what’s wrong. Shen Yu-Ting, a Tai Ji Men member and a volunteer for the Movement of An Era of Conscience, shared with Judge Austin Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze’s teaching:  “Everyone knows that people should do what is good and what is right, but people often fail to listen to their conscience for external reasons. So it’s not easy to do good things, and doing the right things requires even more courage.” The judge praised the young girl, “You are excellent. You are right. It does take courage!"

To go to India to promote the Movement of An Era of Conscience, the young volunteers spent their own money and took a leave of absence from school or work. Since a very young age, they have been learning qigong, martial arts, and the essence of traditional Chinese culture at Tai Ji Men, an ancient menpai (similar to school) of qigong and martial arts. They presented a fabulous Chinese martial arts performance with great artistry on the stage. To voice the opinions for their generation, they took part in the forums, sharing their ideas about peace, judicial justice, human rights, and sustainable development. During the conference, they were often seen with smiles on their faces and making the hand gesture of conscience as they brought people together and encouraged them to make the commitment to “Protect the conscience in our hearts and create an era of love and peace.”