Blessings from Western Angels and Eastern Immortals: FOWPAL Comforted People’s Hearts with Cultural Exchange
More than a month after the deadliest earthquake of the century in Türkiye, the country is striving to recover from the disaster. The 26th Eurasian Economic Summit, organized by the Marmara Group Foundation, take place in Istanbul from March 13 to 15. Through dialogue on a variety of issues, leaders in various fields will explore ways to address the world's many interlocking crises and discuss ways to cooperate globally for peace and sustainability. FOWPAL, which has traveled to 101 countries over the years to promote world peace through cultural exchange, has conducted ceremonies of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love and presented cultural performances rooted in Taoist wisdom, incorporating modern martial arts, to bring sincere wishes and blessings to Türkiye.
Senida MESI, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania (2017-2019) rang the bell of world peace and love.
At the opening ceremony on March 14, hosted by Dr. Akkan Suver, president of the Marmara Group Foundation, eight FOWPAL members dressed as angels danced to a melodious chanting, conveying the message: "May the land be blessed with favorable weather and surrounded by auspicious sounds. May the living be comforted and the souls of the deceased rest in peace. May everyone be blessed with happiness and safety.” Through the performance, FOWPAL wished peace of mind for the living and repose for the deceased, encouraging global citizens to think positively for a brighter and more hopeful future.
FOWPAL members dressed as angels spread their wings, wishing peace of mind for the living and repose for the deceased, encouraging global citizens to think positively for a brighter and hopeful future.
During dinner, FOWPAL presented a traditional Eastern opera song and dance, bringing precious blessings to Türkiye. Next, FOWPAL shared an Eastern legend about eight immortals. The eight divine beings, who all have magical powers, bestowed blessings on the people. Han Zhongli, waving a fan, can turn things around and transform the world. Zhang Guolao, carrying a musical instrument, can help all become better people. Cao Guozhu's Jade Tablet can calm people’s hearts and stabilize everything. Han Xiangzi's flute can make everything peaceful and tranquil. Li Tiekuan can save all beings with the medicine he made. Lu Dongbin, holding a sword, can drive away evil and demons. Lan Caihe, carrying a flower basket, can make people happy. He Xiangu can guide people to cultivate their hearts and moral character with her lotus flowers. The Eight Immortals gave blessings and magical treasures to wish Türkiye favorable weather, peace, and prosperity and the summit great success.
The Eight Immortals gave blessings and magical treasures to wish Türkiye favorable weather, peace, and prosperity and the summit great success.
Young ladies from FOWPAL who have practiced martial arts for years presented a sword dance displaying both strength and gentleness to inspire people to overcome adversities bravely and protect their homes. FOWPAL’s Energy Boys and Energy Girls presented an uplifting song to motivate everyone to preserve and not give up when facing difficulties.
FOWPAL members dressed as angels spread their wings, wishing peace of mind for the living and repose for the deceased, encouraging global citizens to think positively for a brighter and hopeful future.
Nine influential leaders rang the Bell of World Peace and Love on the opening day, including Şamil AYRIM, Member of Turkish Parliament; Mladen Ivanić,President of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2014-2018)；Senida MESI, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania (2017-2019)；Irina VLAH, Governor of Gagauzia;Bamir TOPI, President of the Republic of Albania (2007-2012)；Teodor Meleșcanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania (2017-2019)；Adem Ceylan, President of Guzeller Industrial Zone, Türkiye；Ivo JOSIPOVIC, President of the Republic Croatia (2010-2015).
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center, Stjepan Mesić, president of Croatia (2000-2010), 2nd from right, President Petru Lucinschi of Moldova (1997-2001), far right, and other influential leaders attend the opening ceremony. (AP Images)
Many leaders signed the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, including Marinko Čavara, deputy speaker of Parliament Assembly and former president of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Mladen Ivanić, former president of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Senida Mesi, Deputy Prime Minister of Albania (2017-2021).
Marinko Čavara, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, signs the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope issued by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL. (AP Images)
In 2000, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze founded the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) in the United States. Through cultural exchanges and the ringing of the Bell of World Peace and Love, FOWPAL has been actively spreading the concept of love and peace and promoting world peace. In order to gather more like-minded people, FOWPAL organized the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace, inviting leaders from all walks of life to ring the Bell of World Peace and Love to inspire more people to work together for world peace for future generations.
Dr. Akkan Suver, president of the Marmara Group Foundation and the founder of the Summit, values Dr. Hong’s dedication to promoting a culture of peace with love and conscience, so he invited Dr. Hong and his delegation to attend the summits in 2022 and 2023 and to host ceremonies of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love at the events. On March 15 Dr. Hong delivered a keynote speech in the fifth session of the Summit. He reveal conscience is the key to a sustainable future for humanity and encourage global citizens to work together for the common good, and by holding onto the key, humans will be able to find the root cause of the problems they face and find the solutions.
- 177 reads
