2nd Place Essay by Eugene Pierson

Chambumo Gyeong – Book 9, Chapter 1, Section 1: A centered, headwing thought proves most effective in alleviating this world of its issues. Debate and dialogue must not be like, for example, the British Parliament, in which the Shadow Cabinet and Cabinet members argue, sometimes even ridiculing one another during Question Time. Indeed, the very setup of the House of Commons, where they face each other from opposite sides, promotes a sentiment of division. Instead, there needs to be a circular room, where everyone is on a level plane. Still, the coalition aspect of Britain’s government, in which the legislative and executive branches are coalesced, appears somewhat close to a headwing method.

Nonetheless, Britain, and every nation, requires a more fundamental approach to political, economic, social, and religious matters. Godism is also not present in the United Nations. Unification Thought transcends all philosophies, ideologies, and beliefs. This is because it is rooted in God, true love, the principle of altruism – not in money, power, or knowledge. Yet the UN works in the interests of a few powerful nations. If this organization is to lead the world, it first must alter its identity.

The teachings of True Father, inspired divinely from God, elucidate a concise formula, a precise methodology, to facilitate concrete peace and an explosive hope. He makes this teaching analogous to the various parts of the body, many of which complement one another. Duality, represented throughout creation, is a key aspect of a centered ideology: “Being separate is a good thing, and being one is also a good thing.” Through Unification Thought comes unity of all the various religions, cultures, and peoples.

I am a pianist. Recently I have seen more clearly the value of my fingers, and it has made me feel a profound sense of gratitude. Each finger plays a different note, and yet together a scale or arpeggio can flow and the music can uplift and empower even the most sullen, most grief-stricken person. Yet I first have to train my fingers to develop a high caliber of virtuosity and musicality. Even the pinkie must possess a strength, flexibility, and endurance that the middle and pointer fingers naturally possess. It is not something that can be achieved in a day. Music, to me, is simply a form of love. It has energy, vivacity, tenacity, hilarity, sincerity. Once mastered, one can bend it to one’s will in a positive direction.

I created a piece, “Wind and Water,” for my parents. We moved recently, and I could clearly see how my parents were old and getting older and weaker. They had difficulty moving the boxes. Therefore I desired to solace their hearts, their souls, their minds. This is solely one example of my applying the headwing thought of empathy, love, and grace. I denied myself, my own feelings and thoughts. This world—every institution, organization, and nation—must do the same. It must employ True Father’s strategy for revitalization and renewal to create a more resplendent world.