"The next program is a Russian song titled 'Zazdravnaya,' performed by our Association member from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Let’s sing, dance and smile to celebrate this beautiful day together. Please welcome her." "Wow! Wow! What a voice! Beautiful! Beautiful!" "In different times, there were great enlightened Masters coming down to work for elevating people in the world. Thanks to great enlightened Masters, who have made tremendous sacrifices to help liberate souls and elevate the Earth and the universe." "On this anniversary of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us remember all the respectful Masters and thank Them for Their sacrifice and contribution. Let us follow Their selfless spirit and put into practice Their great teachings, follow Their spiritual practice. Let’s walk the way of love that Jesus Christ taught and be worthy of the indescribable vast grace of Supreme Master Ching Hai. The next program is 'Ave Maria,' a solo performed by our German sister. Please welcome her with warm applause." "Wow! Thank you. Thank you. Very beautiful. Beautiful voice." (Thank You.) "Next is a dance performance from Sichuan Province, China, 'The Spirit of the Peacock.' Let’s welcome her with a warm round of applause." "Oh, beautiful. Very graceful, very graceful." "Next is a singing and dance performance by our Chinese and Aulacese initiates entitled 'I Will Follow Him.' It depicts a group of happy spiritual practitioners who will follow Master forever and never leave Her. Please welcome them to the stage." "Beautiful! Very good. Thank you." "Good news! It’s the most wonderful news in the whole universe." "We thank the most beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai for establishing Supreme Master Television and blessing the Earth and the universe through this channel. Thank the Lord. Hallelujah!" "Thank You, God." "And Master reminded us that we should meditate and pray to God to realize our True Self and be one with Jesus Christ again. This is the best way to celebrate Christmas."

In our last episode we learned about Beethoven’s childhood, early youth and young adulthood events that lead to his first compositional style period with musical works greatly influenced by Haydn and Mozart. Today we retrace history back to Beethoven’s middle period, commonly accepted as the end of 1802 to 1815, when his musical genius began to mature and evolve. Many of Beethoven’s well-known large scale works come from these productive years, including six symphonies from the Third to Eighth, his only opera, “Fidelio,” his only violin concerto, the last two piano concertos, a few overtures, some chamber music pieces such as string quartets Nos. 7-11, and seven piano sonatas. In this middle period, Beethoven goes beyond the normal conventions of classicism and begins to add human elements into his music; the struggles, the triumphs, and the joy. Sometimes people call this stage in life Beethoven’s “Heroic” period. As early as 1797 or 1798, Beethoven started to experience the loss of hearing. Dependant on intricate sounds, this was a tragic dark cloud that enshrouded the great composer. Beethoven courageously wrestled with his cruel fate with a mighty strength of will to fulfil his musical purpose. He composed the Tempest sonata and sketched the inspirations for his Third Symphony while living in Heiligenstadt. In the autumn of 1802, Beethoven returned to Vienna with inspiration for a “new path” to pursue. This marked the beginning of his change in style, to infuse music with more depth of emotion, earnest expressions, and originality. In a letter to his friend Dr. Franz Wegeler in 1801, Beethoven declared that he would not let deafness defeat him, challenging his fate he wrote, “It shall certainly not bend and crush me completely.” His Fifth Symphony is a manifestation of his fearless courage and mighty determination. From the first note to the last, the inspiring power and emotional intensity of the piece speaks of Beethoven’s struggles and celebrates his triumph.

To contain the spread of Covid-19, more than a third of the world’s population went into various forms of lockdown at one time or another, with some countries implementing the most restrictive mass quarantines ever seen. In a time when normal social contact is not possible, music helps people connect, share their joys and sadness to ease the loneliness of lockdown. Music can comfort, give strength

Honoring the birth of the Worshipped Lord Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day 2019, our Association members from around the world gathered for a meditation retreat at the New Land Ashram in Taiwan, also known as Formosa, and enjoyed a happy vegan celebration in the benevolent presence of our Most Compassionate Supreme Master Ching Hai. The colorful programs, which included vibrant dances, beautiful sin

December 16, 2020 marks the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest music composers in the history of our world. Across the globe, concerts and events are being planned to commemorate the birth of this musical genius. Beethoven continued the Classical legacies of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and evolved music into a new era of Romanticism, characterized by dramatic melodies that evoked powerful emotions. He expanded musical composition from a formal aesthetic style to allow freer individual expression of feelings and ideas. Some of his musical innovations waited for almost a century before finding composers who could truly comprehend and apply them to their own compositions. Triumphing over physical suffering and countless hardships in life, Beethoven imbues his music with joy and expressive freedom as if to celebrate the resolve and immense strength of the human spirit. Beethoven’s rare musical talent was revealed at a young age. Beethoven first performed publicly on March 26, 1778 when he was seven years old. On March 29, 1795, Beethoven gave his first public performance in Vienna, premiering his Piano Concerto No. 1. Beethoven grew to be a fully accomplished composer after establishing himself as the finest piano virtuoso in Vienna. During this period, an extraordinary surge of creativity produced a large body of works, including his first and second symphonies, his first three piano concertos, and his first twenty piano sonatas, including the famous “Pathetique” and “Moonlight,” as well as nine of his ten violin sonatas with piano, the most popular being “Spring” and “Kreutzer,” plus many other piano pieces, chamber music works, and songs. We’ll now conclude this episode with some joyful notes from Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Opus 24, commonly known as the “Spring Sonata,” which was completed in 1801 and dedicated to the Austria nobleman, banker and patron of the arts, Count Moritz von Fries. The “Spring Sonata” is one of Beethoven’s happiest creations during the springtime of his life, a sublime taste of beauty, innocence, and clarity.

In today’s program, we would like to share with you some inspiring and stunning visual pieces created by artists around the world in response to the pandemic. Mumbai-based artist, Dhruvi Acharya, created a series of pieces that depict her thoughts and worries related to COVID-19. Her watercolor paintings portray a socially distant and masked human existence, the courage of healthcare workers and t

Faith Rivera is an Emmy Award-winning US singer and songwriter who has been building a loving community of fans through her inspiring songs and performances. “My whole career and even now, even when I'm not trying, these songs are always about love. They're always about empowerment. They're always about peace and betterment for all; even when I'm not trying that's what comes through me. So those are the songs I would say that I am drawn to create.”“My vision is that hopefully they will land on commercials and TV so it can reach so many other people, that I’m writing in different styles. I am writing and singing in hip hop, I'm rapping now so that's exciting for me, but it is always with that heart of love, and about that empowering, inspiring message.”“I was honored with this Grace Note Award for the work of my music supporting many of the New Thought centers around the planet. New Thought includes unity, centers for spiritual living.” “My wish for the world is really, it's what I say in that song Rise, that ... we say ‘yes,’ that everyone can say ‘yes’ to that calling of their hearts, to just really listen and say ‘yes’ to that call and that with grace and ease and fun, we can each just step to that next level that we're being called to because the world is asking us for that.““I just have to thank Supreme Master for that inspiration, of what it looks like to do that.” “It just means the world to know that You, Supreme Master, You value my music, so I'm going to continue on. Your inspiration and Your physical support of my music in the world, I just have to thank You.”“My parting message would be that your voice matters. Your heart matters; all that is calling you, it matters.” “We each have been put here on this earth to share our unique brilliance with the world.” We’ll now conclude our show with an uplifting song written and performed by Faith, “Power of Now.”

Frédéric Chopin was one of the most original, gifted, and uplifting artists of the 19th century. He mesmerized audiences with his technically astounding yet poetically expressive performances. In his short lifetime, he gave only 30 large public concerts, preferring his intimate, glorious music to be played in smaller gatherings, such as in the salons of Paris, where he spent the latter years of his life. Let’s now enjoy the third movement of Chopin’s Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor. The sonata was dedicated to Countess Emilie de Perthuis, and is considered to be one of Chopin’s most technically difficult compositions. This third movement is “Largo,” meaning with a slow tempo. It starts with a dotted rhythm moving in a steady pace, before the middle section transforms the mood with a more dream-like texture. Finally, the main theme comes back, with a purling accompaniment in triplets. The piece is performed by the exceptional, award-winning Polish pianist, Mr. Grzegorz Niemczuk. His music not only embodies, but transcends, Romanticism with its poetic, harmonic universally empathic expressions. Let’s listen to the final movement of Chopin’s Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor played by the amazing vegan professional pianist, Dr. Chang Shao-Hsun from Taiwan, also known as Formosa. This piece is infused with vigor and inexplicable coalescence of energies and brilliance, all of which require full strength and technical virtuosity from the pianist. Frédéric Chopin, what a musical gift from God! We thank Dr. Chang Shao-Hsun, Mr. Grzegorz Niemczuk, and all of the other talented musicians for allowing us to enjoy the extraordinary works of Chopin.

Born in beautiful Hawaii, award-winning US singer and songwriter Faith Rivera has been building a loving global community of fans through her inspiring songs and performances. Following her calling, Faith went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in commercial music and founded her own record label and publishing company, Lil’ Girl Creations. Faith’s rich, soulful voice, dynamic performance style, and positive message have inspired audiences and won her numerous awards. In 2003, she won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song with “Forever Near.” In 2006, she won the New Age Album of the Year from the music organization Just Plain Folks for “Suncatcher,” and has also been nominated for and won multiple emPower Posi Awards. On August 27, 2011, Faith joined well-known stars of Broadway and Hollywood and sang in The Real Love musical at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. The show was an original Broadway-style musical inspired by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s true-life story of love and selfless sacrifice. Faith was among the prestigious guests invited to the Friends of Eternity event hosted by Supreme Master Ching Hai at the New Land Ashram in October 2019. Although she was unable to attend personally, she sent a message and a song by way of the internet. “I picked this song ‘Rise’ because it's so relevant to me and to others, and I feel like really what the world is going through right now this calling. We're being called to expand our hearts, to expand just who we are.” Faith has been promoting peace in the world through various means. She served as a peace ambassador for the non-profit organization Performing and Fine Artists for World Peace and was named the 2008 Biggest Giver for Humanity Unites Brilliance, a global philanthropic group. “So music really has that power to let you experience what peace is. And the second thing is music unifies.”

Today, the 20th of November, is Universal Children’s Day, an exceptional day that celebrates international togetherness and promotes awareness among children in order to improve the welfare of the younger generation worldwide. Rejoicing on this special occasion, let us take a look at two films that ignite the pure, simple, and imaginative inner child in our hearts: “Mary Poppins” and “Mary Poppins Returns.” These enchanting features are based on Mary Poppins, the beloved magical nanny originally brought to life in the fictional book series of the same name by P. L. Travers. The first film, released in 1964, is one of the most popular American musical fantasy films and has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Full of music, dance, elation, and imagination, this irresistible 1964 Walt Disney classic features legendary actors Julie Andrews as the enchanting Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke playing the joyful Bert. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the movie combines live-action with animation. As Mary Poppins takes care of the children, she brings a spark of magic to the Banks family, helping them rediscover their happiness, love, and wonder in life. The 1964 “Mary Poppins” was such a success that a year later, Walt Disney attempted to produce a sequel. Despite several tries, it was 54 years later, in 2018, that the long-awaited sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns,” was finally released. Blending the endearing elements from the original film into the sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns” warms the hearts of all viewers, adults and children alike. Starring Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack, the movie also features songs that are both charming and insightful, as well as spirited animation that marvelously joins the live-action cast. “Mary Poppins” and its sequel “Mary Poppins Returns” are two wonderful films that teach valuable lessons about family, love, and hope through the fantastic adventures, incredible imagination, and timeless song and dance.

Poland has given the world many exceptional and life-enriching composers, and Chopin is perhaps the most famous. Regarded as a leader and figurehead of the Romantic era, Chopin was also an astonishing virtuoso pianist. Throughout his short but stunning life, he focused on pianistic compositions and transformed the limits of the instrument with his poetic interpretations. Many of his works are beloved personal favorites for people from all walks of life, which speaks universally to hearts around the world and through the ages. Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin was born in 1810, in the small village of Żelazowa Wola, Poland. The young Chopin’s family soon moved to Warsaw, which is where Fryderyk spent his youth. Chopin’s array of solo piano works includes meditative nocturnes and preludes, ballades, highly technical etudes, fanciful impromptus, and soul-searching sonatas, in addition to dances such as polonaises, waltzes, and mazurkas. He wrote two piano concertos and a number of chamber pieces. For many of these genres, he expanded and reinvented the form with inspiration of ineffable depth. We will now listen to Chopin’s “Waltz No. 10 in B minor, Op. 69, No. 2” performed by distinguished Russian pianist, Mr. Mikhail Turpanov. The dance’s rhythm and gentle melody remind us of the great ballrooms of Vienna, with people swirling together with freedom and joy. Seemingly improvisatory in pure inspiration and flow, every piece that Chopin penned was a gleaming gem. There was also a certain dreaminess and sentimentality, often paired with a consoling melancholy in his work. He frequently used widely spaced chords in the bass, with delicate ornaments such as trills, grace notes and runs, as well as a beauteous background of harmony that framed the melody. He shared his ideals with his students by declaring, “Everything must be made to sing.” Let’s listen to another elegant piece composed by Chopin “Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 55, No. 2” performed by the talented Ms. Anna Lipiak.

Combining her tremendous musical talents with profound eloquence, Dr. Kong delivers powerful messages that pull on the heart strings of audience members. Let’s now listen to a segment of her speech entitled “The Act of Courageous Compassion That Can Change Our World,” and a moving piano performance at the July 2019 North American Vegetarian Society Vegan Summerfest in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA. "I would simply say to people to not be afraid of what anyone else thinks, to learn to exercise your own independence and not be so dependent upon the culture. So many of us look at what everyone else does and think, 'Well, gee, everyone else eats animals, so gee, I better too.' If the emphasis can be on being independent, being powerful, empowering yourself. Look at the facts, go on the Internet, become educated about what animal exploitation is not only doing to your own health, but to the planet and the environment and especially our connectedness. We've lost our connection and sense of community with other sentient beings, who in essence are no different from us, so we need to re-establish that connection and I'm optimistic that it will happen. Be Veg, Go Green to Save the World." We’re deeply touched by Dr. Kong’s dedication to vegan advocacy and wish her continued success in all her noble endeavors.

One of “The Noble Wilds” cameramen now shares another touching story from when Master lived in the mountains. "That day, Master felt very agitated and suffocated, as if She was inside a prison. Master was working, but She was connected with a certain being, and that feeling could not let Master relax or be calm. Master called me in and told me: 'Go to the back of the house and check around to see if something was going on. I feel like something not good is happening close to our house.' I immediately took a flashlight and went to check every corner of the garden around the house. When I went to the back of the mountain, I found that a pregnant female mountain goat had fallen into a stone pit nearby. And perhaps she had been trapped in the pit for many hours already and had tried very hard to get out but to no avail. Therefore, she looked very tired. I hurried back to inform Master of the situation, and She immediately went to the scene. Master talked a lot to comfort the female mountain goat so that she could be calm and not so afraid. Seeing that the goat’s belly was very big, Master thought the goat was pregnant with her baby inside. Master brought water and food to the female mountain goat so that she could eat and rest. And Master talked to her. In the meantime, we contacted the veterinarian and other help to come to rescue and check the goat’s wellness. And as Master suspected, the goat was indeed pregnant. After rescuing the goat, the helpers found a farmer who lived nearby and wanted to take care of the female mountain goat. We heard that the goat later gave birth to her baby safely. Master didn’t forget to tell us to go shopping and buy food along with the necessary materials to offer to that farmer to make it easy for them to take care of the doe for a while. After the goat was rescued, Master then said: 'I feel light now. I didn’t know why that pressure made me feel so heavy. And now, after knowing the problem has been resolved, I feel relaxed and do no longer have that kind of feeling from before.' From this event, I realized that even if Master was extremely busy – especially at that time, with Supreme Master Television, Master had to work very hard and always had to stay up all night with no time to rest – but Master could still hear and perceive the cry for help from beings everywhere and around Her. So we can see that Master’s love radiates everywhere. Being connected to all beings, be it the leaf, the blade of grass, or the animals, big and small, Master cares for all."

Dr. Joanne Kong is a professor at the University of Richmond in Virginia, USA and also an acclaimed classical concert pianist and harpsichordist. An incredibly diverse musician, she is able to play a wide range of music genres from Baroque to contemporary. Her performances have been highly praised by major media, including The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The New York Times. She has been invited to perform for numerous events and concerts and has collaborated with artists from around the world. Apart from being an accomplished musician, Dr. Kong has been recognized as one of the most compelling advocates for plant-based nutrition today. She has given numerous presentations to promote the vegan diet at festivals around the globe and is featured in a book about brilliant vegan women changing the world, “Legends of Change: The unstoppable rise of veganism.” In September of 2019, Supreme Master TV had a chance to interview Dr. Kong about her passion for music and love for animals. Apart from being an accomplished musician and university professor, Dr. Kong is a staunch vegan activist. She has given numerous presentations at festivals around the globe, including the Veggie Pride Parade in New York City, Oakland VegFest, a 3-week speaking tour of India, as well as talks in Norway, Italy, Germany and Spain. During an interview for the documentary “Eating Our Way to Extinction,” she addressed the global urgency to acknowledge the devastating impacts of animal agriculture on climate change, the environment, and our sense of identityand compassion. Dr. Kong has a popular TEDx talk on veganism currently at over half a million views on YouTube.

"The last performance of the day is Korea Center’s choir, 'Happy Supreme Master Ching Hai Day.' Please welcome them with warm applause. This wraps up today’s Supreme Master Ching Hai Day celebration. Please welcome all the performers back to the stage with warmest applause. Together, we will sing this happy song, 'Luggage Filled with Songs.' We thank Master for sending such a heartwarming video just now to join us in this great and sacred Supreme Master Ching Hai Day celebration. Thank You, Master. Because of You, all beings in the universe are bathed in the Ocean of Love. Thanks to You, the vegan world will soon be here!" "On this most glorious day, Heaven and Earth all wish Supreme Master Ching Hai health and longevity, peace and happiness, youth and beauty." "May all Master’s wishes for the Earth and humanity soon come true. May all beings, humans, animals, plants live together in harmony on this Earth, and enjoy the divine love from God." "Today’s Supreme Master Ching Hai Day celebration has come to a successful conclusion. Next let us cut the vegan cake. Although Master cannot attend in person, as She said in the video just now, Her heart is always with us. So, in our hearts, we invite Master onto the stage to cut the vegan cake together with the representatives of the five continents. OK, let’s (do it) together. Happy Supreme Master Ching Hai Day! Vegan World will be!"

"Next, we would like to recite poems for our dearest Supreme Master Ching Hai. The following performance is from Taipei, Formosa. 'The Dance of Middle Way.' The dance depicts the Middle Way and Taiji, the duality of positive and negative energies merging into one through the infinite love of the highest God. Let us welcome them with warm applause." "Our most caring Supreme Master Ching Hai elevates human beings to a more compassionate level of consciousness through Her deep meditation and long-term retreats. Master guides the liberation of souls, leading the evolution and elevation of this Earth and the Universes." "Master gifted the Supreme Master Ching Hai Day to everyone. She said: 'It’s a good thing to celebrate. The Ching Hai Day is not only my day. It’s your day. This is the day for everyone who has compassion and charity, whether you offer material things or help in spiritual matter, or be sympathetic. All are worthy to be glorified and praised.'” "Master said, 'Everyone that did something good to your neighbors, to your pets, to the neighbor’s pets, to the animals outside in the wild, anyone that helped any other beings, or respected and loved any other beings, including the non-sentient beings such as trees, plants, whenever possible, to them belong the Ching Hai Day.' All are worthy of our appreciation." "Our most loving Supreme Master Ching Hai is a perfect example of putting love into action. Master teaches us that life is not about how long you live but how meaningfully you live. She teaches us that love is taking action selflessly and unconditionally. So, what do you all think is the best way to celebrate Supreme Master Ching Hai Day?" "We should do good, turn our love into actions in order to celebrate the Supreme Master Ching Hai Day." "Yes. The best way to celebrate the Supreme Master Ching Hai Day is to do good deeds and put love into action."

Please welcome our next dance performance from the Taiwan (Formosa) Miaoli Center - 'Hakka Vegan World.' The joyous Hakka singing, tea-picking dance and umbrella dance represent the Hakka’s virtues being their diligent, kind nature. The lyrics indicate that in a world full of love, men and women work hand-in-hand to create a pure vegan world." "Come and pick tea." "Like rainbows after a heavy rain, red flowers hang in the air." "Wish our world to be colorful, affectionate, friendly and full of smiles," "where young people in gorgeous clothes buste about happily hand-in-hand." "The most attractive part of the Hakka world awaits you to visit and play heroes." "Grandpas play their string music while grandmas sing their folk songs about the wisdom of Hakkas. We are modern Hakkas. We are the Hakkas of the world. We have the rich and splendid Hakka culture. We are happy Hakkas. We are practical Hakkas. We love working together diligently for a vegan world." "Everybody is happily celebrating our Supreme Master Ching Hai Day. We thank You, Supreme Master Ching Hai, for Your selfless sacrifice, so that countless beings are liberated, the universe is advanced spiritually, and Heaven on Earth is here." "Does everybody know what kind of lifestyle will be adopted in a vegan world? Not only the diet will be vegan, everything in life, including things used for eating, clothing, living, transportation, education, and entertainment, will be all vegan. In the opening show earlier today, the big drum that we’ve seen was also vegan. The head of the drum was made from plant materials." "Wow! Vegan drums!" "Wonderful!" "Yes!" "The Tibetans’ reverence of Mount Everest is similar to our deep love and respect towards our Master. Next is a dance titled 'Mount Everest' which will be performed by the cooperation of seven provinces in China. Please give applause to the performing initiates."

“The Master is more than just Kind, Oh friends, I could never have enough time To tell you of His boundless Grace. Only in the remote corner of my heart I humbly shed tears! There is none in this world Who’s so full of Love and Mercy. It would be my great honour To be just a swallow, Standing on just one leg, Life after life Singing Her praise!” This is one of the original poems from “Silent Tears” by our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai, expressing a disciple’s love, gratitude, and praise for an enlightened Master. Next is a dance performance brought to us from China. “The Master Is More Than Just Kind.” Please welcome them with applause. Next, we will travel to the vast grassland to see the lively and vibrant Ordos dance. This dance symbolizes the optimistic spirit and noble aspiration of the nomadic people in the Ordos highland. Next is the “Ordos Dance” brought from China. Let’s welcome them with applause. Next is the “Long Sleeve” dance brought to us by Taoyuan, Formosa (Taiwan). The title is “From the Pure Ocean of Love, the Promised Land Rises." Let’s welcome them. Among the many things our compassionate Master has done, there is something more to be grateful and joyful for. Master has created a unique New Spiritual Realm that is higher and more special than the Fifth Level. This level lies between the buffer of the Eleventh Level and the Original Universe, and is only for those who are worthy. Those who truly believe in Master can go, and there we will be happily united. Since the relaunch of Supreme Master Television, Master has been working day and night, forgetting many times about eating and drinking, in order to bring God’s love to this world. The “World Vegan, World Peace” message of our visionary Master has been spreading all over the world, and soon “It will be! VEGAN WORLD WILL BE!”

Youssou N’Dour is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, actor, and passionate social advocate. He is lauded by the New York Times as “one of the world’s greatest singers.” His music employs modern language, but is deeply rooted in rich African traditions. With his soaring voice and charismatic stage presence, Youssou promotes messages of positivity, hope, and humanity, reshaping the popular music landscape of Senegal and surrounding African countries. His artistic achievements and ongoing humanitarian efforts are recognized around the world. Youssou Madjiguéne N’Dour was born in Dakar, the capital of Senegal on October 1, 1959. His parents were broad-minded and encouraged modern worldviews, which played a significant role in his creative growth. Mr. N’Dour actively supports humanitarian causes and is a powerful voice in social justice advocacy. Through the years, he has recorded many charity albums, and organized and participated in countless charity events and concerts around the globe to raise funds for worthy causes, including Africa Live, a collective concert to “Roll back Malaria,” as well as performing in three “Live 8” benefit concerts, part of the UK’s “Make Poverty History” campaign. In April 1991, Youssou N’Dour was named the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. In 2003, he set up his own humanitarian organization, the Youssou N’Dour Foundation, with a mission to improve the lives of African children and their families. Throughout his ongoing musical journey, Youssou N’Dour has striven to connect the world to the beauty of Africa, and to showcase the colorful heritage he holds dear to his heart. Incorporating influences from around the world and weaving lyrics about love and peace into his songs, his music envisions a world of harmonious co-existence. As Mr. N’Dour says, “People need to see that far from being an obstacle, the world's diversity of languages, religions, and traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others.”

“The King ordered to open many classes such as martial arts, vegan cooking, gardening, embroidery, painting, brewing tea, all sorts of things. So wonderful!” “Your Majesty, your orders were carried out. Now, there are libraries all over the country so that everyone can have easy access to the teachings of the saints and sages as well as their examples of noble virtues.” “The saintly teachings were also printed and displayed everywhere to remind people of a noble lifestyle.” “Since Your Majesty made the reforms to give farmers more supports, harvests are more bountiful, and everyone is well fed.” “Actually, these ideas were from a young girl.” “I want to follow the examples of past saintly kings who chose their successors among those who are virtuous.” “I am very old already. I want to spend the remaining time for spiritual practice. Don’t you want to help me fulfill my wish?” “Your Majesty, please be reassured. We will support the new king wholeheartedly.” “I have found a virtuous person to replace me to take care of the people.” After becoming an Empress, Vân immediately drafted and enacted a vegan law and laws to protect all animals. “Hear ye, hear ye! From now on, the vegan diet will be mandatory in the whole kingdom. All animals shall be respected and protected by law. Hear ye, hear ye!” “May I be a humble and grateful servant of God. May God dwell in my heart and mind, always.” The true Dharma is spreading far and wide. The officers and the common people, all embrace spiritual practice and morality. Peace and happiness reign everywhere.