After group meditation,
fellow initiates happily
take the bags of cabbage
home.

There was a surplus of cabbage and Chinese cabbage last autumn, which the government bought up in order to protect the farmers and stabilize prices. Within a few days, more than ten thousand tons, one truckload after another, of fresh and beautiful vegetables were dumped at the pumping ground, piled up like a hill.

After the resident disciples at the Hsihu Center learnt this, they drove trucks to the dumping ground every day and picked up the discarded vegetables. Apart from taking some to various group meditation centers for fellow practitioners to take home as they wished, the Hsihu Center also made the best out of the vegetables. They

cooked many delicious dishes, pickled, dried and processed by other methods, cabbage was served in their everyday meals as well as at the major group meditations on Sundays. They also asked fellow practitioners to take the vegetables to the orphanages and homes for the elderly near their homes.

Being able to contribute a little effort in cherishing God's grace, the fellow practitioners who participated in the event were very happy, because it was also an exercise of putting Master's teachings into action.

Coming to Hsihu on Sundays, you may have tasted the lichees from the Taichung Center, the coconuts from Laiyi, the pears from Taitung, and of course the pomelos - native produce of Hsihu! These insignificant tokens of love are the contributions of fellow initiates everywhere, the fruit of their love and effort. As to the vegetables which are the essentials of each meal, very often they are the earthly friends that come from brother Cheng's fields.

The Tremendous Fun And Joy Of A Farmer

Previously an electrical and water works technician, brother Cheng switched to farming only a few years ago. Thanks to his serious attitude and meticulous observations in his farm work, he is now an outstanding figure in his field. He was even awarded a doctoral certificate in Agriculture by the Agricultural Association.

Apart from his duty of working diligently, he feels that spiritual practice has brought about an intimate relationship between he and his vegetables. He has experienced how to cooperate with nature and Creation. At the same time, he has developed a cool and calm attitude toward life.

Vegetables Have Feelings Too!

Even plants have consciousness. Brother Cheng has really experienced this in his work. Each day as he steps into his vegetable garden, he can feel the vegetables breathing. Are they growing well? Are they sick? Do they need fertilizer? He then carefully observes the changes in the cells in the leaves, and decides what remedy he should apply. By continuously acquiring new knowledge, researching the latest technological advances, and caring for his vegetables lovingly as if they were humans, his children naturally grow up stronger than others.

He mentioned that if vegetables are planted too close together, the space for growing is insufficient, and the nutrition is not evenly distributed. However, if they are planted too far apart, again they will not grow well. It seems, that if they are not united as a group, like in group meditation, they lack a mutually beneficial relationship. From the laws of vegetable growth, we can also observe the spirit of the middle way.

The Whole World Is Responsible For Protecting Nature

Brother Cheng is extremely sensitive to the use of chemicals, which ecologically devastate the environment and nature. He has come to this intense realization based on his past working experience. The air, the soil and the atmosphere have been damaged by chemical substances. Subsequently, there have been great changes in planting techniques and the survival ratio of vegetables. The further abuse of using chemical substances will only deteriorate the situation. Thus, if farmers do not unanimously agree to ecological protection, they will destroy the life sustaining power of nature that gives us food. As an ecologically conscious farmer, brother Cheng is enthusiastic about doing research on improving the screen planting method. This method eliminates the need for using excessive pesticides. It is more economical than hydroponics and hotbeds, providing additional nutrition from the air and environment. Based on his understanding of the unity of heaven, humanity and material substance, through his spiritual practice, he has greater respect and love for nature and the plant kingdom.

A Modern Farmer With New Ideas

The recent incident regarding the over-planting of cabbage did not affect brother Cheng. To a great extent, this can be attributed to his calm and even-tempered state of mind in his work and daily life.

He does not neglect profit making. However, before deciding on a farming project, he first investigates the statistics of supply and demand, considers the growing season of the produce, and assesses information regarding the deployment of farming produce being grown throughout the country. Then, he concentrates on nurturing his vegetables to maintain exquisite quality, which guarantees him a desirable price in the market. This is a successful example of using in life the wisdom, concentration and calmness developed from his spiritual practice.

This modern farmer has many new ideas. It is sometimes difficult to introduce them to traditional farmers with generations of experience in the profession. Brother Cheng seldom explains himself in words, but proves his ability through working results. Gradually, he has become a consultant and a model for other farmers to follow.

Cherishing And Nurturing God's Grace

In each corner of the world, there is always something worth learning. It is very meaningful and worth contemplating, that even the laws of the universe and heaven are silently manifesting in a tiny farming field.

For instance, brother Cheng has discovered that, if produce in a field is crushed to act as fertilizer because of over-planting, the subsequent produce from this field will fail to grow well or get a good price. His feeling is that, because the vegetables are so compassionate, they are willing to sacrifice themselves as food for humans. However, should they be treated unjustly, and feel the grudging sentiments of the farmers, the vital force that nourishes this field will be impaired. Therefore, he advises farmers to give their surplus crops to people as gifts. One small grain can grow into a tall stem bearing innumerable rice grains. Similarly, God will not overlook our small kind gesture; therefore more desirable rewards will result.

Brother Cheng thinks that perhaps the Government, instead of letting these surplus vegetables that they purchase rot in heaps, should give them to the army, the hospitals, orphanages and old folks homes. Or, even follow Master's example of treating the whole world as one family, and give them to the poor countries in need. We should really pay attention to the fact that human beings are wasting God's grace, and not cherishing His blessings.

A Farmer's Dream

When brother Cheng was asked if he would pursue agriculture as his life profession, he replied with a carefree smile, "I will leave it to Master to arrange." At present, he has a dream - "Vegetables reappearing in cities." Should each citizen be allocated a tiny piece of land, they could plant their own vegetables, thus providing themselves with clean, fresh, uncontaminated and nutritious vegetables to eat every day. He is doing research on developing the best soil composition and vegetable species to suit the fast and convenience-oriented life styles of modern people. The realization of bother Cheng's dream will be good news to vegetarians. It also will bring about the prospect of humankind returning to nature, and a simple, self-sustaining life.