On May 6, 2018, the Guan Yin Citta Hall in Denmark was lively and bustling with people coming for the “Free Vegetarian Food Tasting Event”. Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door Buddhist Association in Denmark hosted the event. It aims to raise people’s awareness of the importance of vegetarianism and the necessity of practicing Buddhism. Around 100 people joined the gathering. They were not only amazed at the dazzling food, but also inspired by the stories shared.

Started with the introduction of the health benefits of vegetarian, the event was processed with multiple sessions. From video watching, attendees learned that Buddhist Master Jun Hong Lu is a well-known leader of the Chinese community. He travels around the world to teach traditional Chinese culture and Buddhism, and he helps people without material returns.

In the sharing session, three Buddhist friends told their stories about how to alleviate from pain and suffering. One of the friends said, “Before I started learning Buddhism, I have suffered severe headaches for decades. It’s so debilitating and downright awful that every time when it comes, l felt like hell. The doctors don’t know exactly what causes the migraines. At that time, I was so desperate and tried every method I could use to get rid of the pain, but they all failed. When I learned that reciting Buddhist scriptures could help me release the suffering, I immediately started to do it. Surprisingly, after a period of practice, the headache is gone. The practice is really effective and healed my body from the inside out. I’m so grateful to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, to Master Jun Hong Lu and to all the brothers who helped me.” After that, another cardiologist from Sweden explained why people should be vegetarian from a medical point of view. A postdoctoral fellow at the Technical University of Denmark shared his 6 years experiences in vegetarian diet.

In addition to the fantastic sharing, the diversified cuisine amazed everyone and satisfied their stomach. A cooking demonstration also showed people how easy and fast a vegetarian meal could be made without compromising the nutrition and taste. Some volunteers were teaching guests how to read the Heart Suture, one of the most important Buddhist scriptures in the practice.

Among the attendees, there were some of the influential leaders from the local organizations, including the Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the Honorary Chairman of the Danish Chinese Association, President of the Chinese School, Secretary General of the Danish-Chinese Friendship Association, and the President of the Danish Shanghai Friendship Association.