Colorful UN Day celebration with national costumes and ethnic foods

“International Forum on the Awakening of Conscience V” urges all people to work together to create An Era of Conscience

(Linda Lee, Los Angeles)

In recognition of United Nations Day, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Los Angeles held the “International Forum on the Awakening of Conscience V” and a multicultural feast on October 25^th, 2014.  The event continued the ripple effect of the movement of An Era of Conscience and enhanced mutual understanding among people of different ethnic backgrounds.  The forum consolidated the participants’ kind intentions and good deeds to infuse powerful positive energies into the world to help stabilize our planet.

With new Ebola cases confirmed in different nations and the conflicts in the Middle East unresolved, people’s hearts are surrounded by anxiety and fear, and the negative energies have quickly spread all over the world.  Therefore, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "The United Nations is needed more than ever at this time of multiple crises. On United Nations Day, I call on Governments and individuals to work in common cause for the common good.”

Participants from different ethnic backgrounds make the hand gesture of conscience, which symbolizes to “protect the conscience in our hearts and create an era of love and peace.”

At the forum, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, the initiator of the movement of An Era of Conscience, and the Vice-President of the Association of World Citizens, NGO in consultative status with ECOSOC and associated with the UN DPI (AWC), presented an essay entitled, “Rebuilding a Culture of Conscience: In support of 2014 UN Day.” He encouraged the younger generation to become international volunteers “so that they can develop to reach their potential and contribute to society.  Through utilizing the Internet, youth may engage in exchanges that are free of the limitations of time and space.  They can even establish an effective global citizens’ network to spread kind thoughts and actions, forming a borderless conscientious culture. Reshaping a culture to be more conscience-oriented cannot be done overnight. It requires the conscience of every world citizen to be awakened. It takes perseverance and courage that will not succumb to disappointment. Each moment of our life should be spent following the guidance of conscience and be dedicated to enhancing the collective welfare of humanity. If everyone can commit to following their conscience, the impact will be enormous. As long as the hearts of the people are kind, just, and compassionate, the power of world citizens is endless. Saving the planet and humanity as conscientious warriors is no longer a dream!” stated Dr. Hong.

Mr. Rene Wadlow, President and Representative to the UN, Geneva of the AWC, gave a welcoming speech via the Internet, “As citizens of the world, we are dedicated to developing the consciousness of humanity as one world community.  Together, we help to overcome fear, antagonisms and violence. We strive to develop a deep awareness of the oneness of life.”

18-year-old Barani Maung Maung (left) from Myanmar represents the youth who are the world’s future.  Her sharing inspired all participants at the event and made them feel very hopeful about the future.

Barani Maung Maung, an 18-year-old international student from Myanmar, said she was honored and pleased to take part in the forum.  As a representative of youth, she shared that she sees herself not only as a Burmese but more importantly a world citizen. She encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to contribute more to society as it is more blessed to give than to receive. “Conscience should be our first priority. Let’s work together to make conscience thrive and let everyone bask in love”, said Barani. The youth are the world’s future. Her sharing inspired all participants of the event and made them feel very hopeful about the future. Bryn Pellegrino, a special education teacher, said that conscience is essential in her work, and she strives to be a conscientious teacher who helps children with special needs and that she has been driven from her youth to help others.

Attendees dressed in traditional costumes from different nations and regions come together on the stage to show their determination to exercise their conscience in their respective positions.

At the end of the forum, a group of young volunteers for An Era of Conscience gave an energetic dance performance “Power of Love” that electrified the audience.  All participants regardless of their skin color or language danced happily and freely to the music. It was very much like the epitome of the United Nations, and the cheerful spirit of “we are one world” filled the air as the attendees conveyed their best regards to the United Nations on its birthday.Another highlight of the event came when attendees dressed in traditional costumes of different nations and regions such as Scotland, Ireland, Bohemia, India, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, and China came together on the stage to activate a smiling globe, symbolizing that people regardless of their ethnic background can work together for the common good.  It also signified that everyone is an angel of conscience and we can exercise our positive influence to awaken the conscience in more people to save the world!  Participants from different backgrounds also took turn speaking their words of conscience in 10 languages including Italian, French, English, Korean, Burmese, Mandarin, Taiwanese, etc. It is hoped that all people will follow their conscience, speak kind words, and do good deeds to influence those around them so as to form waves upon waves of energies of conscience across the whole planet.

After the forum, the participants joined in a potluck of colorful, delicious traditional foods of various countries such as Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, France, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, etc.  Through ethnic foods, the participant’s hearts were united and mutual understanding among people of different backgrounds was fostered.  Miss Chen, one of the attendees, said, “This is a wonderful event. This is like a big family, very heart-warming.” Another participant Lily said, “I have gained a lot from attending the event.  I will invite my family and friends to join the meaningful movement of An Era of Conscience to help improve the world.”

To date, people from 185 countries and over 2300 organizations worldwide have jointly promoted the movement of An Era of Conscience.  Since September 15, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Los Angeles has conducted a series of “International Forum on the Awakening of Conscience” in response to important United Nations days such as International Love and Peace Day, International Day of Peace, World Teachers’ day, United Nations Day, etc.  The events have received enthusiastic responses and widespread recognition across the globe.  Dr. Hong Tao-Tze said, “With conscience, comes a peaceful world; with conscience, comes a joyful family.”  We hope more people will join as international volunteers for An Era of Conscience to jointly promote the movement in all corners of the earth.  Please invite your family and friends to endorse online the Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience.  Let’s protect the conscience in our hearts and create an era of love and peace together.