Visit from Representative of Dharma Voice for Animals
Dharma Voice for Animal (DVA) is an organization in San Diego, U.S., that promotes animal rights based on the teaching of the Buddha. The late Ven. Master Sheng Yen, founder of DDM, on the other hand, advocated the practice of cultivating compassion through vegetarianism; this was also the reason Bob Isaacson, president of DVA, visited DDM World Center for Buddhist Education (DDMWCBE). On the morning of October 21, 2014, President Isaacson, Chang Li Chun, Director of Dharma Drum Humanities and Social Improvement Foundation (DDHSIF) as well as Cheng Mei Ling, a devotee of DDM, had a dialogue to promote vegetarianism and Daily Life Ethics.
Ms. Cheng presented the vision, mission and educational activities of DDHSIF through an English video, with particular reference to the year 2014 as the year dedicated to promoting Daily Life Ethics and healthy vegetarianism. In response, President Isaacson indicated that he found great resonance with DDHSIF’s ideals, especially after viewing the official website, brochures, public lectures and a variety of promotional activities. In addition, he presented as well as elaborated on the official website of DVA and hoped that there will be many more meaningful future dialogues and cooperation between DVA and DDHSIF.
Upon conclusion of the dialog, Ms. Cheng, on behalf of DDM, presented a relevant Master Sheng Yen’s writing in English to President Isaacson and invited him to write an article on his view of vegetarianism for “Su Xing”, a book on vegetarianism and awakening that DDHISF is publishing on December 2, 2014. She hoped that by doing so, both Easterner and Westerner would be more committed to practicing the teaching of the Buddha. President Isaacson, in return, presented a documentary produced by DVA titled “Animals and the Buddha” to DDM’s staff who received him. President Isaacson was also given a tour by DDMWCBE visitor-service personnel to further understand the spirit and ideals of DDM; the Wish-Fulfilling Guanyin Hall, the Grand Buddha Hall as well as the Founding History Memorial Hall were amongst the sites visited.
(Translated by Tom Hsieh/Edited by Leefah)