On today’s program, we will show you some examples of animals assisting other animals, regardless of their species. Macaque Monkeys Adopt Stray Puppies. In January 2016, people in the southern Indian city of Erode observed a macaque monkey caring for a little stray puppy. She acted like a mother, defending him from unfriendly dogs and removing fleas and dirt from his coat. The loving bond between the two animals melted many people’s hearts. It certainly seems true that love knows no borders. Many times, when there is an animal in need, another animal will provide assistance without hesitation. Our next story demonstrates the compassion of a dolphin for two stranded whales. A big hip, hip, hurrah for all the noble animals featured today! We are very proud of what you have done and you truly are excellent examples of your respective species’ inherent kindness.

My ancestors were wild donkeys who lived in Africa 6,000 years ago. We are genetically related to Nubian wild asses and were domesticated to assist with transporting food and goods. We can also adapt to all types of terrain. Our long, narrow hooves enable us to walk steadily on rugged trails. This allow us to sometimes join rescue operations in mountainous areas. Being social animals, we closely bond with other donkeys. Cleanliness is valued by us and we assist each other in grooming. With a strong instinct for self-preservation, donkeys stay away from danger. That’s why we're often considered stubborn when actually we're only following our instinct. We can be your most loyal and reliable companion once you have earned our trust. By nature, we’re gentle, kindhearted, loving, and brave in the face of challenges. For thousands of years, we've generously served humanity by offering our labor and tirelessly working hard.

The much-loved Audrey Hepburn was a Hollywood legend, dance, a muse for fashion designers, and an icon for style. Glamorous and talented, she was a woman of courage and integrity, a voice for the children in need around the world, and a loving champion of peace and hope. Her performance received many positive reviews. Audrey Hepburn became the first actress to win an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award for a single performance. Despite her fame and success, Audrey did not forget the strife that her family had endured. Starting in 1950, Audrey Hepburn made two radio programs for UNICEF. She narrated children’s stories in times of conflict, and in 1989 she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF.

The Fry Family started creating simple yet tasty meat alternative recipes in their own kitchen in South Africa, back in 1991. “All life is precious, and I could live without sacrificing the life of another. I become a vegetarian and set about creating a meat alternative.” “Principle before profit” has been the mantra of the Fry Family since its beginning. They measure their success by the amount of animals’ lives that are saved with each purchase of a Fry’s product. "The brand has become a legacy on its own and it’s definitely not about me; it’s about the combined effort of so many enthusiastic people." Thanks to a great working team spirit and family love and support from all family members, The Fry Family Food Co. has become a force for change around the world, helping millions of people transition to a vegan diet while contributing immensely to saving the animals.

Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick was a Kenyan-British author and leading elephant conservationist, specializing in the raising and reintegrating of orphaned elephants into the wild for over 30 years. Dr. Dame Daphne has authored several books, including “The Orphans of Tsavo” and “An Elephant Called Eleanor,” amongst others. In 2014, the documentary “Gardeners of Eden” was released, featuring some of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s courageous operations. The film portrays the tragic fate of Africa’s elephants, who are endangered due to the illegal ivory trade. “What we are doing is giving some elephants another chance of life, so that hopefully when things improve for elephants worldwide, there will still be some left.” Her tireless work to promote wildlife conservation has earned a number of accolades. She was decorated in 1989 with an MBE (The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by the Queen of England.

Today, Iet’s travel to Kathmandu, Nepal, to meet a saintly social worker, Mr. Ram Bahadur Neupane. Gentle and kind, he has dedicated nearly a decade of his life to rescue distressed and neglected cows wandering the streets of Nepal. Apart from providing them with food, medical care, and love, he has created a safe haven to shelter them for life. Our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai, upon learning of Mr. Neupane’s noble efforts, gratefully offered: “US$30,000 and the Shining World Compassion Award.” “I believe the Earth is a common home for everyone. Everyone should be allowed to live. We want to provide shelter and protection for everyone, from the elderly fathers, mothers, mentally challenged people, from our brothers and sisters living in the streets, to street dogs and to all the beings. This is our broader vision.”

Since 2014, hunting on public land in Botswana has been completely banned. And Botswana won 2nd place at the 2017 United Nations Public Service Awards for its effective waste management system started in 2010. Botswana became the first African country in 2002 to provide universal free antiretroviral treatment (ART) to people living with HIV. São Paulo, Brazil has implemented many initiatives to protect animal welfare and rights by banning the import, farming, and sales of animal fur in 2014 and 2015. As the popularity of plant-based foods continues to soar, vegan companies at a rate of 40 percent annually. In 2018, Brunei joined the total elimination of nuclear weapons by signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). With the majority of our population following the religion of Islam, charity has always been a very important practice from our monarch toward the common people of Brunei, as well as from Brunei toward other countries.

Dr. Noel Abdayem is a dentist in Sweden. When he was still a dental student, he went to Jamaica to work as a volunteer to treat cavities in children. He found that many kids did not have toothbrushes. Accordingly, Dr. Abdayem founded The Humble Company, initiating the production of bamboo toothbrushes that were designed and developed by professional dentists. The Toothbrush handles are made from 100% biodegradable, sustainably-grown bamboo. In addition to toothbrushes, the Humble Company also produces an all-vegan lineup of products. Touched by his volunteer experience in Jamaica, Dr. Abdayem longed to further help the disadvantaged children of the world, particularly in realm of improving their oral health. Initially, he donated toothbrushes to various charity organizations working with kids. Subsequently, he met Dr. Darren Weiss. Out of a common vision, they established the Humble Smile Foundation.

Everywhere in the world, we can observe and be touched by acts of kindness. People from all walks of life, faiths, and cultures extend themselves beyond the call of duty to help others unconditionally. Through their noble deeds, humanity as a whole is elevated. To commend virtuous actions and encourage more people to be inspired by their examples, Supreme Master Ching Hai has lovingly created a series of awards, including the Shining World Leadership Award, Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World Hero Awards, Shining World Inventor Award, etc., to recognize some of the most exemplary, generous, caring, and courageous people who walk amongst us. Let’s start by meeting a special therapy dog named Maggie. With astounding love and patience as her superpower, she became registered as a therapy dog to help those in need.

“Two hundred thousand liters of water to produce one kilo beef.” “Five hamburgers is the water equivalent to a year’s showers!” “Agriculture, particularly meat and dairy products, account for 70% of global fresh water consumption, 38% of the total land use, and 19% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.” United Nations Environment Programme Report. From 2000 to 2009, it’s still not that much. And then from 2030 to 2039, they predict because of the emission of greenhouse gases, there will be more droughts, more hot, so more drought. If we don’t stop the greenhouse gas emissions due to animal products, and if we don’t stop the use of too much clean water for the animal industry, then our children’s children’s children will probably die, die from thirst. It’s terrible.

“Vegetarianism is fairly common in the Netherlands. A study has shown that the number of vegetarians out of a population of nearly 16.5 million people increased from 560,000 in 2004 to 720,000 in 2006. The number of part-time vegetarians grew rapidly as well. Around 3.5 million Dutch citizens abstain from eating meat a few days a week.” Wow! “Thirty-one percent of Indians are vegetarians.” You know how much is that? Three hundred fifty plus million people! Bravo. I love India. “Meat consumption is dropping across Europe and now in the US.” “Demand for milk has been in a free-fall for decades. US milk consumption has dropped 36% since the 1970s.” (Wow!)

Wow, so many! So today, no story. We just read all these, huh? It’s wonderful. It’s a vegan trend in the world now. “German meat giant Rügenwalder Mühle has developed a full vegan product line, including vegan meatballs.” “‘7-Eleven,’ the world’s biggest convenience store just went vegan with its sandwich spread.” “Veganz, a German vegan supermarket chain has plans to expand across Europe and US.” “British Vegetarian Society reports that currently an average of 5,000 people a week become vegetarians in Britain.” “In Germany, the equivalent figure is 4,000 people a week. But with around 7,000,000 vegetarians, Germany currently has the highest number.” It’s wonderful, huh? Good news? (Yes!) You guys have been diligent. The media also has to be thanked. They spread all this news. So the people copy and want to do the same.

In January 2001, this amazing charity was founded by a benevolent, vegan woman named Lucie Cerny. Team RASTA finds that the most important aspect of rescue work is information-sharing and advocacy. On the RASTA website, you can find a blog that covers topics ranging from how to start an animal sanctuary to veganism. “I would love to see a day when animals are not used for their body parts and that we could just live in harmony with other species on this planet, and stop destroying our planet and the animals, and human health also. Be Vegan, Make Peace.”

I’m trying to do my best for the rest of my time on this planet. And all of you also, do your best. Meditate as much as you can, because there’s nothing else better to do with your precious time, as a human on the planet. And also help each other, please. Help each other. Not only does the person receive the benefit of your love, but you, yourself, also benefit from it. Any time you help someone else, and other beings also, unconditionally, you rise up. Your soul rises up; your noble quality rises up; your love expands. And that should be very, very beneficial to you, and your family and your clans, the world. I’d like to stay as long as possible, just to help more, help the world, especially to stop the killing karma, so that the world becomes a peaceful, loving place for everyone to stay.

Now Pyongyang Folk Arts Group will start the performance. “Fellow Koreans, fellow brethren, let’s fondly take each other’s hands with hearts of patriotic passion, feast of unification is not far. …We’re glad to see you! Happy to see you!” Let’s take a look at the folk dance “Dondolnari” from the Bukchung province of Hamkyungdo. The word Dondolnari means there will be a new dawn, and one can greet a new morning with hope. Let’s give a warm welcome to folk dance Dondolnari. “Wow, impressive. Superb! Superb! So synchronized also.”

Veggie Pride Parade (VPP) NYC was inspired by the VPP in Paris. The cheerful and party-like gathering sets a peaceful atmosphere for the veg movement. Veggie Pride Parade in New York City was awarded “Event of the Year” in 2008 and 2009 by VegNews and has been the favorite veg event ever since. Parade participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and wear sign boards announcing their pride in their veg lifestyle. We want people to see us and be like, “Yeah, we want to be a part of this group – they look good, they smile, they have fun, they’re happy. That’s what veganism is all about.”