LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 29, 2021 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Church of Scientology International extends an invitation to people of goodwill to join Scientology Churches and Missions in support of International Day of Friendship, a United Nations initiative that promotes āfriendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individualsā and seeks to āinspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.ā
PHOTO CAPTION: Scientology Churches hold open house events and forums featuring āThe Way to Happinessā and its application in society.
In observing this UN Day, Scientologists share two precepts fromĀ āThe Way to Happiness,ā the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard, that hold the key to lasting friendships:
- āTry not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you,ā and
- āTry to treat others as you would want them to treat you.ā
āAmong many peoples in many lands for many ages there have been versions of what is called āThe Golden Rule,āā wrote Mr. Hubbard. āThe philosophic question concerningĀ wrongdoing,Ā the argument of what is wrong is answered at once on a personal basis: Would you not like that to happen to you? No? Then it must be a harmful action and, from societyās viewpoint, a wrong action. It can awaken social consciousness. It can then let one work out what one should do and what one should not do.ā
As to the second andĀ positiveĀ version of the rule, āOne can get into a lot of conflicting opinions and confusions about what āgood behaviorā might be,āĀ Mr. Hubbard wrote.Ā āIf one were to think over how he or she would like to be treated by others, one would evolve the human virtues. Just figure out how you would want people to treatĀ you.ā
The full text of these precepts, available on the website ofĀ The Way to Happiness Foundation, provide know-how for an individual wishing to implement the guidelines personally or take them up with others to help them salvage or enhance interpersonal relationships.
Putting these and the other 19 precepts ofĀ āThe Way to HappinessāĀ into action has everything to do with the purpose of International Friendship Day, because, as Mr. Hubbard points out:
āAside from personal benefit, one can take a hand, no matter how small, in beginning a new era for human relations.
āThe pebble, dropped in a pool, can make ripples to the furthest shore.ā
Scientology Churches mark International Friendship Day with open house events and forums where they share successful application ofĀ āThe Way to HappinessāĀ in addressing issues of importance to the community. They also reach out withĀ āThe Way to HappinessāĀ information stands and distribution events to share the booklet and its wealth of knowledge.
An interactive timeline on the Scientology website documents how theĀ Church of Scientology Kansas City and local community activists used āThe Way to Happinessā inĀ Peace Rides, based on the effectiveness ofĀ Peace Rides in Los Angeles. The KC teamĀ distributedĀ āThe Way to HappinessāĀ to promote a climate of unity and peace, counter violence and reverse the cityās climbing homicide rate. In honor of the event, Kansas City rapper and recording artist Kodde One wrote the anthem āHold Yoā Head Highā to help spread the bookletās message of brotherhood throughout the city.
Other examples of the impact ofĀ āThe Way to HappinessāĀ are featured on the Scientology Network in episodes of theĀ original seriesĀ Voices for Humanity,Ā which spotlights the work of humanitarians using the booklet to address societal needs.
These episodes include the work of:
- Father Teddy Sichinga, who usesĀ āThe Way to Happinessāto empower poverty-stricken farmers and villagers in Zambia;
- Diana Pedroni, whoĀ in partnership with the director of National Prevention and Citizen Security in the Dominican Republic, distributed the booklet throughout the country resulting in a 21 percent drop in crime;
- Rosalba and JosĆ© Corderoand their Social Development and Recovery of Values Association, who not only educate young people with these precepts in schools, they also bring the program to inmates across Mexicoās entire prison system resulting in 99 percent of their graduates living lives free of crime.
Those usingĀ āThe Way to HappinessāĀ in their communities share rave reviews of its effectiveness:
āI firmly believe thatĀ āThe Way to HappinessāĀ can change the perspective of many people to life and difficult situations that arise in it,ā writes the coordinator of social rehabilitation and rehabilitation center for young offenders.
āExtremely motivating and inspiring. Moreover, in this world of intolerance and violence, the messages of peace and sharing can bring about a change in the world,ā wrote a teacher.
āTwo precepts really took my daughterās interest,ā wrote a parent. āāBe Industriousā and āFlourish and Prosper.ā She never looked back after that and has since carried a seemingly unkillable momentum and spirit about life. I have no doubt what started her turnaround. It wasĀ āThe Way to Happinessā.ā
For more information onĀ āThe Way to Happiness,āĀ contact your localĀ Church of ScientologyĀ or visit the website ofĀ The Way to Happiness Foundation.
The Founder of the Scientology religion isĀ L. Ron HubbardĀ andĀ Mr. David MiscavigeĀ is the religionās ecclesiastical leader.
MEDIA CONTACT: mediarelations@churchofscientology.net
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Caption: Scientology Churches hold open house events and forums featuring āThe Way to Happinessā and its application in society.
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