June 08,2021
Applying Conscience to Create a World Where the True, the Good, the Beautiful, and Happiness Prevail
Happiness is the common aspiration of all humanity. On March 20, the International Day of Happiness, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) hosted a virtual forum, where global citizens shared their joyful energy and thoughts on happiness. The event received over 5,300 views.
“Happy International Day of Happiness!” The program opened with warm messages, bright smiles, and happy energy from cheerful people, as young as one year old, from Bahrain, Cameroon, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, India, Italy, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United States.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, welcomed all participants from around the world and shared his insights on how individuals and nations can attain happiness. He emphasized the role conscience plays in the pursuit of happiness: “On this International Day of Happiness, we urge people all over the world to activate their conscience and create good opportunities to speak kind words and do good deeds at this critical time. Let us refrain from comparing ourselves with others or being calculating. Let us inject the energy of conscience into the world and work together to overcome the challenges we face. Let the virtuous cycle of kindness continue and inspire everyone to enter the true era of conscience.”
Photo:Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, encouraged every nation to implement conscience-driven governance: “To make its people happy, the government must govern with conscience and establish a fair and equitable system and regulations that protect human rights.”
“When we believe in conscience and are willing to practice acts of conscience, our hearts are in an era of conscience, and we will feel happy,” said Dr. Hong, adding, “When our bodies, minds, and souls are not controlled by material desires or greed and are not overcome by indifference or jealousy, the true nature of conscience will manifest itself, and we will feel carefree and happy inside and thus obtain true happiness.”
Dr. Hong encouraged every nation to implement conscience-driven governance: “To make its people happy, the government must govern with conscience and establish a fair and equitable system and regulations that protect human rights. Those who enforce the law must administer their duties according to the law, put the people first, follow the law, and work for all people’s well-being rather than their own selfish interests so that people can enjoy safe, secure, and happy lives.”
Chief Justice of Bhutan's High Court Duba Dukpa said, “You seek happiness from yourself and not from others. Happiness has to be from the inside and not from the outside.” He also mentioned that our desires are like seawater. The more you drink it, he said, the more thirsty you become. “You derive happiness by helping and giving to others.” “What you give you get back. If you don’t give anything, you get nothing,” he added.
Photo:Chief Justice of Bhutan's High Court Duba Dukpa emphasized, “You derive happiness by helping and giving to others.”
Peter Christian Rabeneck, founder of Glücksrabe, said, “When you are smiled at or you give someone joy. Be aware that you can make a difference with this behavior and if everybody of us do it, the whole world, the whole planet, will be happier.”
Photo:Peter Christian Rabeneck, founder of Glücksrabe, said, “When you are smiled at or you give someone joy. Be aware that you can make a difference with this behavior and if everybody of us do it, the whole world, the whole planet, will be happier.”
“Happiness is a way of life. Happiness is a choice. We have everything we need to be happy within us,” said Rania Lampou, a neuroeducation researcher and STEM instructor in Greece, adding, “The only thing we can do is claim our birth right, that is to be happy every day, every hour, independently of external circumstances.”
Photo:Rania Lampou, a neuroeducation researcher and STEM instructor in Greece, said, “Happiness is a way of life. Happiness is a choice. We have everything we need to be happy within us.”
During the panel discussion, Nadia Abdullah Fakhro, a holistic coach of happyology and the founder of Happy Life Coaching Services Agency in Bahrain, highlighted the importance of ethics, life purposes, love, self-motivation in people’s pursuit of happiness, saying, “We should give them the flame, the eternal flame inside, in order to make themselves happy.” Dr. Susan Wang-Selfridge, a music educator, shared how practicing qigong, meditating, and conducting self-reflection on a daily basis help her stay centered, balanced, and cheerful.
Photo:A global citizen shared her happiness through beautiful music.
Bernd Wenske, a writer, speaker, and philanthropist in Germany, emphasized the importance of stress reduction and said that the feeling of happiness strengthens our immune system. He encouraged people to help others and make meaningful contributions to their communities as doing so will help them feel needed, accepted, and happy. Srecko Mavrek, an educator and member of Klapa Astoria in New York, said that happiness is a kind of personal responsibility and we need to behave morally and accept ourselves and others. “The times were never really perfect, but an individual can make a difference.”
Additionally, many other visionaries also showed their support for the day through video messages, artworks, and music presentations, including Dr. Abdelmadjid Amrani, professor of political philosophy at University of Batna; Ivan Richardi; Taarini Bhardwaj; Winnie Cheche; and others. FOWPAL presented an energetic music video titled “Happiness Is Everywhere,” encouraging everyone to think positively and share good energy with the world.
Photo:Four panelists highlighted the importance of happiness in different aspects of our lives.
Over the years, FOWPAL has worked with many friends from around the world to create a culture of conscience, love, and peace to reach the ultimate goal of happiness. It hopes that more people will join it to create a better and happier world for all!
Photo:On March 20, the International Day of Happiness, FOWPAL hosted a virtual forum, where global citizens shared their happy energy and insights on happiness.