[Taoyuan] Drug abuse has been on the rise in Formosa as the concept of social ethics has become blurred, and pubs and dance parlors have become increasingly popular. In an effort to discourage the rampant use of drugs, the drug rehabilitation center of the Taoyuan Women's Prison launched an anti-drug education program to help inmates better understand their effects and refrain from using them. Prison officials sought the assistance of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and asked us to hold a seminar for the inmates. In response to this request and the Ministry of Justice policy of encouraging society to participate in prison edification work, on September 26 and October 17 respectively, we conducted group spiritual counseling services at the Taoyuan Women's Prison and held anti-drug seminars at the Prison's drug rehabilitation center. One fellow initiate, who was also a medical college lecturer, held an enlightening discussion on drugs, the physical and mental impairments caused by drug abuse, and related preventive measures.

These activities were highly successful. On both occasions, several hundred inmates attended the spiritual counseling services in the women's prison. Fellow practitioners assimilated Master's teachings into the discussion, encouraging the participants to develop their inner power and wisdom, and cultivate a proper concept of life and its values. Initiates also guided them through integrated exercises of the body and mind to prepare them for real-life practice. Many participants raised personal problems for discussion, and after the event, revealed that they had identified a direction for their future and would better cherish their close relatives.

 

Teaching the Convenient Method of meditation to inmates at the drug rehabilitation center of the Taoyuan Women's Prison

The objective and professional lecture given by the fellow initiate at the anti-drug seminars was coordinated with the presentation of vivid, animated pictures. Participants found encouragement in his parables, learning that they should still give themselves another chance, regardless of their past. They also found hope in Master's aphorism: "Repentance and humbleness are very important, but even more important is our love for ourselves." They realized that they should not give up on themselves, but should, instead, face their future with an optimistic spirit.

Fellow practitioners conveyed Master's love and concern to the participants, and consulted them on their wish to learn the Convenient Method. Although the participants had not been keen on attending other routine contemplation and meditation sessions previously, they showed great interest in Master's Convenient Method of meditation. They learned the technique and meditated. Most found comfort in meditation and felt that the time passed very quickly. In response to the many questions they raised regarding spiritual matters and medical knowledge, our fellow practitioners gave the most detailed answers possible. When the initiates reluctantly bade farewell to the participants, the prison authorities expressed great affirmation of our group and fellow practitioners, and hoped that we could visit them often in the future.