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March,27, 2024
Yuefang
Tears of Innocence: Kai Kai's Unfathomable Suffering
In a recent heart-wrenching incident that has left our community in shock, one-year-old Kai Kai endured unimaginable abuse over a harrowing three-month period. His tender age belies the severity of the injuries he suffered—reminiscent of the horrors witnessed on a battlefield. Kai Kai’s small body bore the scars: bruises covered him, eight teeth shattered, and all ten fingernails were brutally pulled out.
The collective anguish over Kai Kai’s plight extends beyond mere empathy. It compels us to look up at the sky and question the state of our world. How can such suffering persist? How can a child endure such cruelty?
President Meniz's Pledge for Children's Smiles
In 2001, President Meniz of São Tomé and Príncipe visited the Tai Ji Men, where he rang the peace bell and made a heartfelt wish “for Children’s Smile.” This wish not only reflected President Meniz’s governing philosophy but also symbolized the nation’s well-being—good weather, peace, and contented families, allowing children to smile without fear.
President Meniz remained true to his promise. In 2003, a bloodless military coup unfolded in the Holy Kingdom. At that time, President Meniz was visiting neighboring Nigeria. Despite the upheaval, he chose a path of mercy. A week later, both sides engaged in peace negotiations and signed a democratic agreement. When President Meniz returned to power, he ensured that children wouldn’t lose their loved ones or their smiles.
This commitment echoes across time, reminding us of the profound impact leaders can have on the lives of the most vulnerable.
The Lingering Impact of an Unjust Case in Taiwan
On December 19, 1985, a dark cloud descended upon the underage members of the Tai Ji Men in Taiwan. State violence cast a long shadow over their lives, leaving them burdened with fear and uncertainty. Among them was a senior sister, then a junior high school student, who faced an unsettling incident while boarding a bus. Her crime? Wearing practice clothes associated with Tai Ji Men.
As she stepped onto the bus, the driver’s harsh words echoed: “You can’t board wearing those clothes.” The senior sister was forced to disembark, her embarrassment and anxiety etched into her memory. From that moment on, she dared not reveal her Tai Ji Men practice to anyone at school, fearing further discrimination.
Other brothers and sisters faced similar challenges. Walking the streets in their practice uniforms, they became targets of judgmental glances. Even at work, colleagues whispered about them, causing immense psychological distress. The injustice of it all was compounded by the fact that the case was eventually dismissed by the Supreme Court, absolving them of any wrongdoing.
Today, these sisters have graduated from college and are contributing members of society. Yet, when they cautiously mention their Qigong practice within the Tai Ji Men, their colleagues still react with awkward smiles, unsure of its significance. “Isn’t Tai Ji Men that…that…very popular?” they inquire, revealing the lingering impact of a painful past.
Tai Ji Men and the Quest for Justice: A Tale of Resilience
In July 1996, when the case against them was finally dismissed and no taxes were owed, the members of the Tai Ji Men faced a peculiar reality. Despite their exoneration, society clung to an absurd stereotype: that Tai Ji Men practitioners were somehow responsible for raising unruly troublemakers.
Master, unwavering in his teachings, never encouraged hatred toward the law enforcement officials who had wronged them. Instead, he emphasized discernment and compassion. As compensation flowed in from the state, Master held a quiet hope that justice would prevail beyond mere legal proceedings.
Under the protective mantle of Master and Mistress, the senior brothers and sisters honed their moral compass. They learned to distinguish right from wrong, truth from falsehood, and good from bad. Sacrificing personal time and enduring the elements during rehearsals and performances, they wore their commitment like a badge of honor.
With a steadfast smile, Master embarked on cultural exchanges worldwide, spreading love and peace. Yet, as he gazes at the sky, he can’t help but wonder: “I love my country, but does my country love me?”
“Sound of Freedom”: A Gripping Tale of Justice and Resilience
In 2023, the global release of the film “Sound of Freedom” shed light on a chilling reality: child trafficking and pedophilia. Based on real events, this powerful movie courageously tackled a subject that mainstream media had shied away from. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the filmmakers remained unwavering in their determination to expose the truth to the world.
What sets “Sound of Freedom” apart is not just its compelling storyline but also its innovative approach to fundraising. Departing from traditional methods, the film successfully raised funds and garnered attention. Its release on the Fourth of July was nothing short of a triumph, resonating with audiences worldwide and amassing an impressive box office revenue of $250 million. In fact, it became the unexpected dark horse of the 2023 American summer movie season, following in the footsteps of the blockbuster “Oppenheimer.”
The film’s poignant conclusion leaves viewers with a haunting truth: more people are enslaved in modern times than during any period in history, even when slavery was legally sanctioned. While I won’t delve into specific details here, those interested can explore the film online.
Now, let’s shift our focus to another news item that also impacts children.
Innocence Shattered: The Plight of Children in Gaza
The incompetence of the adult world casts a long shadow over the most vulnerable among us—children who cannot shield themselves from the horrors of conflict. A recent BBC news report paints a heart-wrenching picture of the current situation faced by children in Gaza.
Among the countless tragedies, one stands out—the story of a one-month-old baby girl cradled in an incubator. Born into the chaos of the Gaza war, she has never felt the warmth of a parent’s embrace. Her mother, tragically crushed to death in an airstrike, left her behind. Medical staff performed an emergency caesarean section to save the infant, but her entire family was nearly wiped out.
For the medical team and rescue workers, finding a caregiver for this fragile soul became an urgent mission. In a world where innocence is shattered daily, their tireless efforts to provide solace and care to this lone survivor epitomize resilience and compassion.
Tragedy Unfolds: The Heartbreaking Reality in Gaza
Amidst the chaos and devastation, 6-year-old Rui Jiabu found himself surrounded by the lifeless bodies of his uncle’s family. Fear gripping his tiny frame, he managed to make a desperate phone call: “Will you come and get me? I’m so scared.” The line crackled with gunfire, yet the medical officers on the other end persisted, urging him to keep the phone close. Their mission: to locate this terrified child amidst the rubble.
For five consecutive days, the BBC reported this heart-wrenching tale—the anguish, the desperation, and the resilience of those caught in the crossfire. But on the sixth day, an even more devastating revelation emerged. A young girl lay motionless beside her aunt and cousins. A single bullet, piercing through the windshield, had found its mark—her delicate head. Nearby, two other medical staff, who had rushed to her aid, collapsed next to a charred Red Crescent ambulance, its engine strewn across the ground.
In this war-torn landscape, innocence is shattered, and humanity struggles to endure. The echoes of gunfire drown out the cries for help, leaving us with haunting questions: How many more lives will be lost? And amidst this tragedy, can love and compassion prevail?
Children Left Alone Amidst the Tragedy: A Glimpse into Central Gaza”
In the heart of central Gaza, a converted school now serves as a shelter for those who have lost loved ones. Among them are several cousins from different families, sitting solemnly by the sandy graves where their relatives rest. These children have all experienced the profound pain of losing one or both parents.
Unicef, the United Nations Children’s Fund, expresses deep concern for the approximately 19,000 children who find themselves orphaned or entirely alone, without adult guardianship. While some of these children may have distant relatives, their circumstances are far from ideal for providing care to the grieving young ones.
It’s essential to recognize that the adults in this situation face their own immense challenges. Often living in dire conditions themselves, they struggle to support these unaccompanied and separated children. The burden of caregiving can be overwhelming, if not impossible, given the circumstances.
Silent Struggle: Illiteracy Among Palestinian Youth
Reflecting on the literacy rate of Palestinian teenagers in 2003, which stood at an impressive 92.2%, we now confront a stark reality. Cultural erosion has disrupted the transmission of knowledge, leaving children bereft of education and literacy. Imagine these young souls, navigating a harsh environment with nothing to sustain them.
Picture an older child, cradling a younger sibling at a crossroads—both hungry and vulnerable. The older child’s eyes search for the next meal, while the younger one, alone and desperate, stumbles and weeps. Their plight goes unnoticed, and thousands of miles away, my heart aches in helplessness.
Dr. Hong Tao Tzi’s Compassionate Connection with African Children
In the year 2002, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, my esteemed Shifu, embarked on a journey to Africa. Amidst the throngs of children, he extended his small hand, bridging the gap between cultures and hearts. With laughter and joy, he spun the children around, their innocent smiles illuminating the moment.
One particular African ambassador, moved beyond words, found tears streaming down their face upon hearing this tale. Dr. Hong’s unique approach left an indelible mark—the first person to see these children not as beggars, but as equals, deserving of love and respect.
Similarly, a Danish lady, who had dedicated her life to peace, echoed the sentiment. She affirmed that true love lies in recognizing children simply as children, regardless of circumstance. In this shared understanding, compassion transcends borders and unites us all.
Championing Children’s Rights: All living beings are brothers and sisters
Dear friends,
In the stories above, every child has faced the harsh realities of an unjust adult world with unwavering innocence. As responsible adults, we bear the responsibility of shaping a world where compassion transcends borders and where all living beings are regarded as brothers and sisters.
Our collective mission is clear: to construct a diverse global culture—one that ensures equal opportunities for everyone and fosters acceptance. In this vision, children cease to be mere commodities, bought and sold in the marketplace of adversity.
Imagine a world where wars no longer ignite, where conscience guides our actions, and where the joy of children resonates across continents. Let us work tirelessly to build such a just society—one where the laughter of children echoes through eternity.