[gu-l] Trip to Taipei, Taiwan to attend WCA 2001 on 3/30 to 4/3/01 (Part
1 of 2)
Tak Utsumi
utsumi@columbia.edu
Thu, 24 May 2001 01:35:24 +0000 (GMT)
<<May 21, 2001>>
Archived distributions can be retrieved as clicking Correspondence" line in
our home page at <http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/>.
For those after 2/27/01, visit
<http://www.friends-paartners.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi>, and click any of gu
group to find the place of archives in the following page.
Dr. Hong Tao Tze <tjm@taijimen.org.tw>
Dr. Larry T. Gell <lgell@iaed.org>
Mr. Douglas Mattern <worldcit@best.com>
Prof. K. J. Chen <kccnen@ms38.hinet.net>
Ms. Cherry Chen <d7541003@ms.cc.ntu.edu.tw>
P. Tapio Varis, Ph.D, Professor <tapio.varis@uta.fi>
Dr. Federico Mayor <info-culturadepaz@pangea.org>
Ms. Blanca Vargas <info-culturadepaz@pangea.org>
Dear E-Colleagues:
=================
(1) Sorry for my long absence because of my following trips;
(a) 3/27th to 4/3rd Trip to Taipei
(b) 4/6th to 4/9th Taking care of my brother and his
friends sight-seeing NYC
(c) 4/15th to 4/20th Trip to Cebu, the Philippines
(d) 4/21st to 4/23rd Trip to Manila, the Philippines
(e) 4/24th to 4/25th Trip to Cavite, the Philippines
(f) 4/26th to 5/19th Trip to Japan
This msg is my report on my trip to Taipei.
(2) Thanks to the kind introduction made by Dr. Gell to Dr. Hong
(ATTACHMENT I), my wife, Hisae, and I greatly enjoyed our trip to
Taipei, Taiwan to attend the World Citizens' Assembly (WCA) 2001 which
was organized by the Association of World Citizens (ATTACHMENT II),
Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy (ATTACHMENT III), and the Federation of
World Peace and Love (ATTACHMENT IV).
(3) During this conference, I had extraordinary honors;
(a) To receive the title of the International Ambassador of Peace
(ATTACHMENT V), and
(b) To ring the Bell of World Peace and Love (ATTACHMENT VI, VII,
VIII).
Prof. Chen described me that my name Takeshi" in Kanji (Chinese
character) comprises with strokes representing sword" and stop," so
that Takeshi means the Knight to Stop War, i.e., the Man of Peace.
The ring of the bell was made at a ceremony at a large stadium (full
of capacity at 20,000) where the President and the Vice President of
Taiwan attended for their greetings. The ceremony was among
magnificent march and splendid sword and pole method of martial art
performances by thousands members of Tai Jim Men in orderly fashion
with beautiful flag formations, cultural dances and colorful dragons,
lions, giraffes, etc.
The predecessors who rang the bell were the President of Singapore,
Governor of New South Wales, Mayor of San Francisco, Senator John D.
Rockefeller IV of West Virginia, etc. I was only Japanese among them.
(4) We also enjoyed many entertainment events with warm smiles of Tai Ji
Men members, visit to a famous museum (one of the three best in the
world), and of course, very tasty Chinese food!!
Among the entertainment events, a drama of human history in a
beautiful opera house (ATTACHMENT IX) was overwhelming with charming
dragons, phoenixes, lions, etc. which were performed by children of
the Tai Ji Men members.
(5) The workshop I attended was on how to merge spirituality and
technology in the high-tech world of the 21st century (ATTACHMENT X).
You can retrieve my Powerpoint slide presentation World Love
and Peace" at
<http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/WCA_Taipei_4-1-
01/Love_and_Peace.htm>
The conclusion was to emphasize global perception in education, i.e.,
global e-learning which is the same direction of our Global University
System project.
The aim of Tai Ji Men may be similar to what Tapio Varis once said to
me during the conference of the European Commission in Luxembourg last
January that good heart is an effective catalyst for critical analysis
and rational thinking which are the basis of scientific and
technological approach.
Tapio, we may discuss the peace issue along our global e-Learning
projects during our visit to Dr. Mayor in Madrid, Spain
on 6/22nd who may be interested in it.
(6) In all, we experienced extraordinary V.I.P treatment and
wholeheartedly enjoyed our stay in Taipei.
Prof. Chen, we really thank you for your taking care of us for every
minutes of the conference schedules. Pls convey our thanks to your
wife and children, and also members of Tai Ji Men.
Dear Cherry, we really appreciated your beautiful card. I hope to see
you again.
Hisae and I express our sincere thanks to the conference organizers!!
Lastly, I also thank all of our e-colleagues for their continuing
encouragement and support to our projects -- my honor received is also
yours!!
Best, Tak
****************************************
ATTACHMENT I
Letterhead of GLOSAS/USA
April 12, 2001
Dr. Hong Tao Tze
Director, World Citizens Assembly (WCA) 2001
President, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy
President, Federation of World Peace and Love
No. 136, Keelung Rd. Sec. 2
Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
Dear Dr. Hong Tao Tze:
My wife, Hisae, and I express our sincere and deepest gratitude for your kind
and generous invitation to attend your historical World Citizens' Assembly
(WCA) 2001 in Taipei, Taiwan, from March 30 to April 3, 2001. We both were
greatly impressed with and enjoyed your outstanding event and magnificent
performances. The conference was simply significant in its quality of
discussions on world peace during the workshops, and overwhelming!
It was also my great honor to receive the title of International Ambassador
of Peace and an unexpected privilege to ring the Bell of Peace during the
extraordinary Tai Ji Men event with thousands of stadium attendees and
millions of viewers around the world via satellite broadcasting. At that
time, I vowed to devote the rest of my life for promoting mutual
understanding among people around the world for everlasting peace, by
enhancing the culture of spirituality with the most advanced science and
technology. We will treasure your beautiful and memorable gifts for long.
During our stay in Taipei, we both realized that your Taiwanese have a unique
position of merging East and West cultures to create a new culture of the
Knowledge Age of the Global Village in the 21st century, as combining
spiritual training with high-technology. We are very confident that the
brilliant smiles of your Tai Ji Men members will lead the World of Love and
Peace and melt the tension of the Taiwan Strait. We would be very happy to
be of any help to you with our project of creating global electronic learning
via Internet.
Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts, and we wish you and each one
of your family members of Tai Ji Men successful efforts for the world peace.
Very sincerely yours,
Takeshi Utsumi , Ph.D.
Chairman, GLOSAS/USA
****************************************
ATTACHMENT II
(Excerpt from conference material)
About Association of World Citizens (AWC)
The Association of World Citizens (AWC) is an international peace
organization with headquarters in San Francisco. Founded over 25 years ago,
the AWC has NGO status with the UN's DPI and ECOSOC. AWC has UN
representatives in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Bangkok and Addis Ababa.
AWC's primary goal is to help create a Global Village of lasting peace, with
social and economic justice, and a healthy and sustainable environment for
the 21st century.
Ongoing AWC PROJECTS:
World Citizen Centers:
The purpose is to establish World Citizen Centers in all countries and
maintain a communication link with both the centers and the San Francisco
headquarters so that action programs can be carried out simultaneously. There
are now World Citizen Centers in 50 countries.
World Citizens Assemblies (WCA):
WCAs have been held in San Francisco, Tokyo, Osaka, Paris, Los Angeles, and
several times in New York City. WCA 2001 is the eleventh Assembly. Many
progressive actions and programs have been initiated at the WCAs. This
includes two resolutions to end the arms race that were signed by 51 Nobel
laureates and other prominent international personalities. Both resolutions
were accepted at the UN, including the official record of the UN's Special
session on Disarmament.
World Citizenship Day:
The first World Citizenship Day celebration was held in San Francisco on
March 20, 2000, the first spring day of the new millennium. World Citizenship
Day celebrations will be held in other cities over the coming years.
Abolish War Campaign:
This is AWC's new and most extensive project that will be launched in the
U.S. in the summer of 2001.
Globalization:
The focus is to help eliminate corporate globalization that benefits the few
at the expense of the many, and establish democratic globalization that
benefits all people.
World Citizenship Registration:
Continuing registration of people as responsible Citizens of the World with a
lifetime World Citizen Identification Card. World citizenship is not a
replacement for national citizenship, but rather an additional responsibility
to work together to secure our common fate.
World Citizen Festivals:
These events focus on promoting culture to establish better understanding,
and using the arts to create a Culture of Peace for the 21 st Century.
Students for Peace Day:
This program reaches out to students to work together for peace on a local
and world level. The Year 2000 Students for Peace program in San Jose,
California, was attended by 1,000 students. In its fourth year, this program
has been made an official part of the school's curriculum with all students
required to attend. Students for Peace Day will be expanded throughout the
first decade of the new century.
UN and Civil Society:
This project, in which AWC's UN representatives are the most involved, is
focused on supporting the UN to be more effective, more democratic, and more
representative.
Radio, television and print:
Ongoing project that includes the World Citizens Commentary Program that is
broadcast worldwide every week on Radio for Peace International. Over 350
programs have been produced thus far. Other media include TV and CD videos,
the World Citizen newsletter, and the Internet.
****************************************
ATTACHMENT III
(Excerpt from conference material)
About Tai Ji Men
Tai Ji Men is a traditional menpai of martial arts. Tai Ji Men dizi believe
that one must nourish the true nature of the universe and follow the way of
the true ones of all ages. Tai Ji Men carries forward traditional culture and
improves both the physical and spiritual health of all human beings, hoping
that a world of peace can be reached one day.
Dr. Hong Tao Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, inherited the unique and
otherwise lost knowledge of generations of patriarchs, with which he teaches
his dizi to cultivate qi and their minds, and learn to be natural, cheerful
and wise. In the past more than 30 years, more than tens of thousands of
people have become Tai Ji Men dizi, who come from all walks of life and live
in Taiwan and throughout the world.
Tai Ji Men Qigong is passed on from Shifu (similar to teacher) to dizi. It
places great value on moral principles. People must follow the ancient
rituals to show their respect and sincerity before being accepted as Tai Ji
Men dizi. The ties between Shifu and dizi are deep and strong, and dizi are
as close to each other as family members.
****************************************
ATTACHMENT IV
(Excerpt from conference material)
About Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL)
Background
An unprecedented earthquake occurred in Taiwan on September 21, 1999. Many
homes were destroyed, many lives were lost in a split second, and many people
lost their sense of security. Tai Ji Men Zhang-menren, Dr. Hong Tao Tze,
deeply touched by the anguish people faced, decided to hold a ceremony, "Love
of the World, A Gathering for World Peace" where nearly 40,000 people
gathered to pray for a co-existence between man and nature. During the
Ceremony, Dr. Hong announced, "Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace" in
the hopes of uniting people from all over the world through love and culture,
and working together for a peaceful world.
Dr. Hong Tao Tze began the trip of peace with the Bell of Peace. Afterwards,
he traveled within Asia, and to the U.S. and Australia. With his love for the
world and his actions for peace, he successfully invited more than 20
international leaders to put their signatures on the Bell of Peace and to
commit to world peace. With the anticipation from peace-loving people from
around the world, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) was founded
in the U.S. in May 2000. With its establishment and the efforts of global
organizations, Dr. Hong hopes that a world without pain and sorrow will soon
be here.
FOWPAL's objective and mission
With support from global organizations, the importance of love and peace
could be further enhanced and emphasized. Through the Ceremony of ringing the
Bell of Peace, and cultural exchange, we wish to unite international leaders
and people from all over the world to work together for a peaceful world.
Organization
FOWPAL is headed by Dr. Hong, the President of the organization. General
administration is handled by the Chief of Finance and the Secretary General.
Three to five members are selected by Dr. Hong to form a committee that
reviews and approves application for new membership. In addition to its
regular members, FOWPAL also consists of the following committees: honorary
international committee, honorary international consultant committee,
honorary international development committee, and honorary international
peace and human rights committee. There are also honorary consultants in the
above committees. At this time, FOWPAL's members come from the following
countries: USA, Canada, France, UK, Holland, Switzerland, Japan, Korea,
Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia.
****************************************
ATTACHMENT V
(Copied from a framed plaque)
CERTIFICATE OF HONOR
In recognition of your peace-loving efforts, this certificate is presented to
Dr. Takeshi Utsumi
International Ambassador of Peace
You are the vanguard, leading mankind to peace,
Serving mankind with an unselfish and selfless heart.
Your sincere communication will unite the world into one,
And your aspiration for world peace and love will never cease.
With harmony in your heart and with an international and progressive vision,
you have promoted peace, and made contributions to the well-being of mankind.
May your virtuous values last forever.
May you continue to strive for a century of culture of peace.
This is a year of success.
We have seen your achievements.
Let us make a wish for peace and have it fulfilled.
Let heaven and earth be your witness.
Singed by
Dr. Hong Tao Tze, March 31, 2001
****************************************
ATTACHMENT VI
(Copied from a framed plaque)
CERTIFICATE OF HONOR
Presented To
Dr. Takeshi Utsumi
Love of the World, A Bell of Peace
In Commemoration of the Resounding of the Bell
Hope is the spiritual key to bringing together the holy messengers.
Belief is the strong wish to light up the passion in life.
Love of the world is the touchstone to promoting peace.
A golden bell of all ages is a treasure of our time.
Collect the essence of Qi to glorify our era.
The bell resounds clearly, conveying a wish for harmony.
Pray for prosperity with the bell rung by wisdom and kindness.
The balance of nature is attuned to heaven and earth.
A prosperous and safe nation is adored by all throughout the world.
Ring the bell with heart to pray for the benefaction of all creatures from
the heavenly lord.
Act with wisdom to promote a wish for world peace.
Singed by
Dr. Hong Tao Tze, April 1, 2001
****************************************
ATTACHMENT VII
(Copied from a scroll)
Love of the World
A Declaration of Peace
Given by Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, Dr. Hong Tao Tze
in Taipei, Taiwan on September 25, 1999
The year 2000 is a testimony to human civilization
and serves as a milestone in creating a better world.
By means of Love of the World, A Declaration
of Peace," we express the aspirations of all humanity.
Praying for the well-being of all peoples in a
new century, we wish to sound the bell of peace
to awaken mankind's good intentions through which
we will strive for a glorious future together.
It is believed that only a sincere heart can touch
the depths of one's soul.
Therefore, we truly hope that those of all ages,
different beliefs and races, both rich and poor
have a genuine, cheerful and peace-loving heart.
As a result, they will show respect and love
for their families, others, their countries and
the world through their actions.
And we are looking forward to returning to
a harmonious world in which
there is no suffering, no fear, no war and no pain.
We anticipate that the spirit of love and peace
will spread across the world, turning evil
into good and stopping war.
Creating a better tomorrow with wisdom will
prevent human tragedies from happening again and
will bring progress and prosperity to all countries.
If all peoples respect and learn from one another
open-mindedly, conflicts will be transformed
into long-lasting peace.
Our love will keep the water clean and
the environment beautiful forever. This way,
our offspring will enjoy a pleasant,
harmonious and affluent world.
Singed by
Dr. Hong Tao Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
****************************************
ATTACHMENT VIII
(Excerpt from conference material)
The Bell of Peace
Great love for the people evolved from respect for life. To show their
commitment to the pursuit of peace, leaders from the public and private
sectors rang the Bell of Peace. At the beginning of the new century, with
love as the starting point, and peace as the goal, may the Bell of Peace
reverberate between heaven and earth.
========================================
Ceremony of Ringing the Bell of Peace
The Ceremony of ringing the Bell of Peace is a cultural heritage passed down
from ancient times, preserving the good part of traditional culture. The
greatness in human beings is that they comprehend the importance in
respecting Heaven (tian, sky) and earth, cherishing all creatures, and
admiring the laws of nature.
The significance of the Ceremony of ringing the Bell of Peace is in
respecting Heaven and earth. Only with heartfelt sincerity can people appeal
to the protection and safety of all creatures. The cultural function of the
Ceremony is as important as the concept of Tian-tan (Sky altar), which served
as a sacred place for ancient emperors to show respect to Heaven and to pray
for people's fortune and happiness.
The resounding of the Bell of Peace is to remind people to follow the laws of
nature. May it inspire mankind to have a heart of kindness and may it unite
all peoples together to help and have great influence on the others in order
to make the most of fraternity and sublime love. May the sound of the Bell
spread the message of peace throughout the world, and reveal our sincere
appeals for a world in which there is no suffering, no fear, no war and no
pain.
========================================
Commitments to Peace
Before ringing the Bell of Peace, all ringers will write down their wish for
peace on a card designed for the Ceremony. During the Ceremony, the ringers
shall commit themselves to wishes of peace and to future actions in creating
a harmonious world. A ringer will leave one's signature on the Bell of Peace
and shall work with FOWPAL in promoting world peace.
****************************************
ATTACHMENT IX
(Excerpt from conference material)
Love of the World, Feast of
Ancient Culture
"The inspiration of hearts is the origin of strength."
Through the philosophy of Tai Ji Yin and Yang and the essence of qigong
martial culture, the activity entitled "Love of the World, Feast of Ancient
Culture" interprets the development of human civilization. Under the
instruction of Dr. Hong Tao Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, Tai Ji Men dizi
(similar to students), through the movements of their bodies and their
genuine hearts, display years of solid qigong foundation. Stories with moral,
from the beginning of the world, are clearly presented one after another.
Looking back on the history of mankind, in which exist the rhythm of the four
seasons and tracks of world events, we understand that only the power of
"Love and Peace" can lead the world to the future of the 21 st Century.
Therefore, the theme of the whole performance will be "Love of the World,"
through which we can awaken one's compassion, and inspire one's courage and
genuine wisdom. This way, people will understand the origin of life and the
direction that mankind should follow in the future.
****************************************
ATTACHMENT X
World Summit of Love and Peace - Using
Spirituality and Technology to Build a
Peaceful Century
When one reviews the history of mankind, significant developments and
revolutions in different eras are closely related to few great men, leaders,
lunatics, or ambitious people. Therefore, the 21st Century is one of high
technology in which "a culture of spirituality" emphasized by leaders of all
countries will determine the future destiny of humanity. While enjoying the
conveniences brought about by technology, world leaders and world citizens
will also understand how to use technology to promote mental and spiritual
health instead of pursuing individual benefits. Also, children education,
which emphasizes the concepts "moral character outweighing skill" and "One
World" will help attain a beautiful 21 st century of "Love of the World, A
Wish for Peace."
****************************************
Distribution List
Dr. Hong Tao Tze
Shih-Ho Seng
Zhang Men Ren of Tai Ji Men
President, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy
Director, World Citizens Assembly (WCA) 2001
Honorary Vice President, Association of World Citizens (AWC) UN/NGO
President, Association of World Citizens in Taiwan UN/NGO
President, Federation of World Peace and Love
No. 136, Keelung Rd. Sec. 2
Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
Tel: 011-886-2-2736-5188
Fax: 011-886-2-2736-8789
TEL: (626) 286-0989 U.S.A.
FAX: (626) 286-7008 U.S.A.
tjm@taijimen.org.tw
http://www.wca2001.org.tw
http://www.taijimen.org
Dr. Larry T. Gell
Director-General
International Headquarters
International Agency for Economic Development (IAED)
United Nations Plaza
P. O. Box 2260-GCS
New York, NY 10163-2260
212-687-1775
Cel: 1-646-621-6161
Fax: 212-697-2363
lgell@iaed.org
iaed@undp.org
http://www.iaed.org
http://www.mnn.org
Prof. K. J. Chen
Design Craft Studio
Product Planning & Design
5F, 132-11
Wen-Chuan Road
Taipei 112
Taiwan
Tel: 02-895-6413
Fax: 02-895-0444
kccnen@ms38.hinet.net
Mr. Douglas Mattern
President
ASSOCIATION OF WORLD CITIZENS
55 New Montgomery Street, Suite 224
San Francisco, California, USA 94105
(415) 541-9610
email: worldcit@best.com
Ms. Cherry Chen
Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering
National Taiwan University
71 Cou San Rd, Rm 315
Taipei, Taiwan
R.O.C.
Tel: 8862-8660-3925
d7541003@ms.cc.ntu.edu.tw
P. Tapio Varis, Ph.D, Professor
Acting President, Global University System
Chairman, GLOSAS/Finland
Professor and Chair
Media Culture and Communication Education
Hypermedia laboratory
University of Tampere
P.O.Box 607
FIN-33101 Tampere
FINLAND
Tel: +358-3-215 6110
Tel: +358-3-614-5247--office in Hameenlinna
Tel: +358-3-215 6243--mass media lab in Tampere
GSM: +358-50-567-9833
Fax: +358-3-215 7503
tapio.varis@uta.fi
tapio.varis@helsinki.fi
http://www.uta.fi/~titava
Dr. Federico Mayor
Former Director-General of UNESCO
Vel·zquez 14, 3o. dcha
28001 Madrid Spain
tel: 00.34.91 426 1555
fax: 00.34.91 431 6387
info-culturadepaz@pangea.org
Ms. Blanca Vargas
Secretary to Dr. Federico Mayor
tel: 00.34.91-426-1555
fax: 00.34.91-431-6387
info-culturadepaz@pangea.org
**********************************************************************
* Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D., P.E., Chairman, GLOSAS/USA *
* (GLObal Systems Analysis and Simulation Association in the U.S.A.) *
* Laureate of Lord Perry Award for Excellence in Distance Education *
* Founder of CAADE *
* (Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education) *
* President Emeritus and V.P. for Technology and Coordination of *
* Global University System (GUS) *
* 43-23 Colden Street, Flushing, NY 11355-3998, U.S.A. *
* Tel: 718-939-0928; Fax: 718-939-0656 (day time only--prefer email) *
* Email: utsumi@columbia.edu; Tax Exempt ID: 11-2999676 *
* http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/ *
**********************************************************************