Wednesday, 10 December 2008 13:23
Do Not Eat to Eat, but Eat to Work
Participant, Global Agricultural Leadership Program
GN Nepal
As I landed in South Korea from Nepal, approaching Youngam-ri, I was overwhelmed with passion, energy, and excitement for the new opportunity GNI had provided me. I was one of the many participants from 15 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America participating in the Canaan Farmers School. I was eager to explore my curiosity of the Canaan School.
I began my experience in the Canaan spirit of service and sacrifice, under the objective of the Global Agricultural Leadership program, eradicating poverty and reducing threats to the ecosystem with the principle of Canaan work.In the course of training, I learned how different cultures applied economic principles and practices in their communities, as well as how their social life and eating habits differed from my own. Additionally, I became familiar with the philosophy pioneered by the founder of the Canaan school, Elder Young Gi Kim, teaching that, “Let us always stay awake because deep sleep of flesh results the loss of material goods and deep sleep of people’s ideology results in the destruction of the soul.”
Daily Activities
Throughout my experience, I gained a renewal of mind and body through daily challenges. We woke up each morning to the sound of a bell at 5:00 am to begin my day with physical exercise, followed by meaningful devotional time. Every morning, I joined my colleagues for breakfast, consisting of several foreign foods. At breakfast, Young Gi Kim reminded us of the Canaan Farmers school philosophy, “Don’t eat to eat, but eat to work. If you don’t like to work, then don’t eat. Work for at least four hours for each meal.” or better understood as, “If you don’t work, you don’t have right to eat. ”Consistent with the principle, I went to class each morning, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. In order to live a life of thoughtfulness and action, we had several discussions on topics such as mindset and theoretical education.
From these discussions, I became familiarized with the “CAN DO” and “I DO FIRST” attitude. In addition, I learned that the Canaan ideas, vision, and motto can teach one to live practically. I also learned about project management, human resource development, and general theories of management. Class discussions provided me an opportunity to share my ideas along with my knowledge of organic farming. It was an unforgettable experience to share my thoughts and ideas with so many of my colleagues from all over the world without the slightest bit of hesitation. Following a day of classes and activities, I enjoyed dinner with my colleagues. After dinner, we made sure that our living areas where clean and went to bed by 10pm.
My Learning
After completion of my training, I took what I learned and applied those principles to my personal and professional life. I changed from being passive to active, negative to positive, dependent to independent. The application of learning clearly comes through now in the disciplined life that I live. I strive to live a life of punctuality and responsibility that I learned over the course of training. The “CAN DO” and “I DO FIRST” attitudes have also developed in my leadership skills that I have already applied in my life. I now practically and creatively apply the project management strategies with logical framework in my organization along with the idea of human resource development and the heart of love to win problematic hearts. As I continue to live a life of work, service, and sacrifice, I strive to be a role model in my organization. I respect and consider the views and opinions of others in order to develop policies that encourage everyone to participate in projects, providing a sense of ownership in the community. I have also shared my experience and knowledge from the workshop with my staff members.
Inspired for the Betterment of the World
This experience inspired me to pioneer ideas for the betterment of the world. I have learned to manage my life, family, community, village, society and nation with love, harmony, and affection, fitting into the 21st century. This training showed me the meaning and value of an attitude of service and sacrifice. I have taken these principles to light the candle of prosperity in the country of Nepal. I have also strived to live a faithful and disciplined life, honoring the saying, “if you don’t work, you don’t have right to eat.” This experience provided a turning point in my life in Nepal, giving me a new and meaningful set of principles that I live by each day. Finally, I am grateful to GN HQ and Nepal, Canaan Farmers School, and Yonsei University for investing in this life changing opportunity.