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A Little Message: In speaking of God, or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original
non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a
He. She + He = Hes (as in Bless) Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm) Hers + His
= Hiers (as in Dear) Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according
to Hiers will to suit Hirmself.
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Relocation of the SM Celestial Jewelry
and Fashion Exhibition Center in Taipei
The New SM Celestial Jewelry and Fashion Exhibition Center in Taipei
[Taipei] S. M. Celestial Co., Ltd., whose main business involves selling and exhibiting
SM celestial jewelry and clothes, has now moved to the Rich & Famous
Plaza next to the MacArthur Freeway in Taipei.
From June 24th to 25th during the opening ceremony, delicious meals were
served continuously to all visitors; in addition, the "Heavenly Dragon"
teapot designed by Supreme Master Ching Hai was used to make top quality
hot tea for guests. The ladies and gentlemen present were in their best
outfits for this grand opening. The new exhibition center was filled with
a cheerful atmosphere and the opening enjoyed a continuous stream of visitors.
Summer Camp
Children and adults alike are overjoyed at the summer vacation event.
[Taichung] Fellow initiates from the Taichung Center thoughtfully planned and organized
a summer camp, creating a wonderful and joyful summertime experience for
the families of fellow initiates. Thanks to the selfless service of the
working staff, all the participants in the event enjoyed themselves to
their hearts' content. After this experience, we are even more grateful
to Master for making us a big family, in which we learn how to love, serve
and share, and provide care and support for each other, so as to have a
more beautiful and satisfying spiritual life.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai during a Celestial Jewelry Presentation
Conference
Basel, Switzerland May 3, 1999 (Originally in English)
Q: What is most impressive is that You have symbolism in Your jewelry. I
think that is unusual with us. Where do You get the ideas?
M: Probably from God. I get everything from God. I'm just no one without
Hirm.
Q: Why do people find it so hard to find God in their hearts?
M: It's not hard. Hes is just hiding. It's just that they look in the wrong
place. Suppose you lose your camera here, and you go out there to find
it because it's lighter or there are more people, then of course it's hard.
You have to find it where it is.
Q: But everyone knows that "God is in your heart."
M: Well, they know it literally, but they do not know it practically. That
is why, since I have the fortune to know where Hes is, when people ask,
I must share it with them.
The Peaceful Side of Forceful Actions
Q: Why do You think You can affect the circumstances of the war in Europe?
How do You think You can have some positive effect on Earth, I mean what
would you do, practically?
M: There are many things in this world, apart from the material things
that we can touch and hold. There are invisible things such as the air
or love, goodwill, and positive thoughts. Even if we don't see positive
thoughts or we don't see love, it affects people. For example, if you love
your wife, it makes you and her feel good. Although you cannot show people
what love is, you both know it and it makes you feel good. Similarly, positive
thoughts, loving prayers, and concentrated purposeful meditation for some
motive or goal will take effect with time.
Q: Don't You think that there is also a need to address some situations
of violence? There are some people in this world that you cannot meet with
these tools of peacefulness.
M: You are right, sir. In some extreme cases, you do need to answer with
more forceful means. Some people do that already and we do it on the peaceful
side. We help so that in case strong measures are used, they will be minimized
for the innocent. The effects on the innocent will be minimized if we pray
for the forceful actions to last a shorter time, to be over more quickly,
and to be better resolved. Even if we have to use strong measures, we don't
want to use them for long, so prayers and positive thinking will help to
shorten them and to minimize their effects.
Reminders of God
Q: What is the link between spiritual life and the jewelry that You have
created?
M: There is a link between everything in life; it's just that sometimes
we forget the link or the connection. If we do everything in the name of
God, even though there's no link, it's still better than not doing it in
the name of God. There are so many things in this world already that make
us forget God. So, if we can use anything at all to remind us of God, then
it's very useful.
Q: How do You remind people of God?
M: You can see that in many things I do. I can even turn stones into a
passage of the Holy Bible - a message from God. When people wear a piece
of jewelry with a name such as the "Wisdom of Solomon" or the
"Ultimate Glory of Love," they cannot help but be reminded, also
subconsciously, that the ultimate goal is that we should find love, we
should find our real Self, instead of just thinking of this material body
which doesn't last very long. Names and words have very powerful effects
on people.
Q: What do You mean by "the name is powerful?"
M: It is powerful.
Q: What name?
M: Any name. The word, language, is powerful. When we say "God"
even though we don't see any God, it's different from when we say "dog".
Although it's just an empty name, it has an effect. When you say to someone,
"I love you," there is a different effect than when you say,
"I hate you" even though it is just an empty alphabet. Therefore,
names have effects on us, especially on our intellect. Even though unspoken,
words sometimes also are very strong.
Q: Does God have a name?
M: Hes has all kinds of names and Hes doesn't have any name. We name Hirm.
We name Hirm "Allah", the "Most High", "Buddha";
we name Hirm all kinds of things, and then some people fight with one another
over what name is the real one.
Q: Do You know what name is the real one?
M: I do know, yet I cannot tell you.
Q: Do You keep it for Yourself?
M: No, it's not that. You have to discover it yourself. Hes will whisper
it in your ear alone in the God-language.
Q: You cannot share it with others?
M: That kind of language is not like human language. I'm just afraid to
humiliate Hirm if I say it in human language. It's very difficult to describe
what I know, just as it's difficult to describe love. We say "love",
we say "amour", we say "liebe", but it's not the real
language of love. The language of love, only lovers know, and the same
with the name of God, only the God-lovers know. In a quiet moment of your
life, when you sit down alone with Hirm, then Hes will tell you. I'm afraid
to make one more name.
Q: Is there a written statement about how you reach God or how you get
to know God?
M: I'm afraid not, but there is a way you can find God. I'm afraid there
is not such a black and white thing that you can read and then find God,
but there is a subtle empowerment. There is a subtle connection, as one
torch to another lights up the potential of the torch, and then both will
be alighted. Nothing is written, but there is a way to do it, and we call
this kind of process "immediate enlightenment". When someone
already has found the light, He can light your torch, too. It is so very
simple. There's no need for spoken language. The more we speak, the less
we can find Hirm. That's the problem. And you ask me for the name. I would
like to give you one of Hiers names, but I'm afraid to create one more
name; then we would fight more about which God is better. We have so many
names already.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai during a Celestial Jewelry Presentation
Conference
Geneva, Switzerland May 3, 1999 (Originally in English)
The Paradox of God
Q: Some of us are lucky enough to have had a God experience as children
or something, and on the other hand, we have hundreds of different groups
of people who suggest that theirs is the way you are going to find God.
So, perhaps You have a suggestion or something to say about why some of
us ask for revelation and get it immediately or within a couple of years,
and some of us spend the rest of our lives begging for a sign of God and
never see it.
M: That's a contradiction of God. The thing is, in the Bible it is said,
Seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Matthew
7:7-8, KJV) but it's not like that. It depends on how we ask, and this
we cannot teach. We cannot teach sincerity; we cannot teach desire for
God. Each one must find a way to communicate this desire to Hirm. For example,
two persons ask for the same thing, but one really wants it and the other
one just asks because it's there or because someone else has it. God knows
every soul's deepest desire of the heart. Sometimes people think, "I
ask so much, I pray all the time, why doesn't God give, and this guy just
kneels there for maybe five minutes and he got something?" This is
because it's inside, just as we can only love one man and cannot love the
other even though he's more handsome or richer; we just can't explain this.
Having a longing for God is one thing, but wanting God is another. The
more you want something, the less likely you are to get it. That's the
paradox of life, but it is true. For example when you say, "I need
money," the Universe hears you; God hears you. "Oh, she needs
money, all right!" The effect of your sentence will be that you will
be needing money all the time for all of your life. That's the effect,
because you ordered it. You said, "I need money," so They know,
"Okay, she needs money," and that's the way you will be. You
will be needing money, needing money, needing money.
In the Bible, it also is said that you have to believe that you will get
what you ask for. (And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing,
ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22 KJV) But that's another trick there. How
can you believe that, when you know you won't get it? And you argue with
yourself, "I believe that I will get it," but then you know you
believe that you won't get it, and that's the thing. Unless we become child-like
again, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. That purity, we have to have.
We have to cleanse ourselves inside out, upside down every day; that's
why we have to meditate. We have to really repent, inside not outside.
That's why we go to church, we go anywhere, we go to the Himalayas, we
go to the Ganges and bathe, but it doesn't have any effect. It has to be
inside, and we have to know.
There's one trick I want to tell you: if you want something, then don't
want it. That is difficult, but that's how we have everything. Do you think
I want all this jewelry, all this success, all this money and all this
fame? No, I don't! I never wanted them. They just came to me, and God knows
I tell the truth. I just do it because it's there; it just comes my way.
I never wanted it. I still don't want them. Suppose tomorrow I lose everything
that I ever earned and the whole world even slanders me, I won't care.
You have to get to that state, and then you'll get everything.
The Other Side of God
Q: We are in a time of science and technology and we all have a belief
and awareness of it. In the several thousand years of history, many Masters
have come to the Earth and been able to show people the way to realize
God. But the scientific world has still not found any tangible proof of
it and we still have a lot of debate going on. We could all believe in
God, but actually we cannot measure it.
M: I can prove it!
Q: I know this is a silly question, so forgive me for the stupidity, but
there is a lot of debate going on. Would You like to say something about
that tonight?
M: There are many ways to prove something. There are some ways to prove
God, just not the scientific way. For example, they have proven that there
are black holes, there is anti-matter, and you can call that God. There
is energy, anti-energy, and things like that, but they are not measurable.
Q: You just can't measure it.
M: Yes, but we can know it because it's inside us, and if we know how,
we can get it. I can show you. I can prove it to you, but you have to follow
the way I tell you. Not follow me, but follow the guidelines, just like
when we want to play football or drive a car, there are always rules.
Q: Not to me, because I know God and have no difficulty in believing, but
can You prove it to the scientists, for example?
M: No, I cannot, because they want everything the material way. God is
material, but God is also invisible. When God is materialized, then we
see Hirm here and there, and in this and that. This is the God that you
can touch: you can talk to, you can hug, you can kiss, you can love. These
are all God, but there's another side of God that everyone is dying to
know that you have to find in a different way.
The material way we can do in a material way, but the invisible way, we
have to do invisibly. The scientists forget that side. They just concentrate
on the material God, and then, of course, all they find are material things.
Materialization of God, this is also correct. However, if they want to
know something more about God, something else, another side of God, then
they have to follow another way, just as they follow the material way to
find the materialization of God. You see all the wonders of God in the
material world. They have to follow another way in order to find the invisible
wonders on the other side of God, and they don't do it. How can I prove
it to them? I don't want to. I'm not here to prove that God exists or does
not exist. I'm only here on this planet in case anyone wants to know the
other side of our Father, the other side of God, the God that we also can
love, but it's not the God that we imagine. I don't want to prove anything.
I never have the desire to prove anything. I don't ever want to prove that
I'm right. I just want to help you know God if you want to. That's very
simple.
Q: Is there anyone that can be successful in shedding light on some issues
for people who do not have Your level of awareness. If it's at all really
important and I don't know whether it needs to be done or not, but if it's
important, then perhaps people like You can try to persuade scientists
they have got to change their ways of understanding things if they want
to find proof.
M: They don't have to change their ways. They're okay the way they are,
unless they want to know another side of themselves, and then they'll find
a Master. There are plenty. There are some that are more famous than I
am, more prestigious. I'm just a designer and by the way, I found God,
or found God and by the way became a designer.
They don't have to do anything. No one ever has to do anything because
everyone is God already. There is no hurry for anyone. Some people are
ready; they want to go Home. Then they will find the Way: go to the Himalayas,
find this Master, that Master. Some people still want to hang around here
and it's okay. Everyone is okay; everyone is God. Truly, there is nothing.
If you feel sorry for the people who do not want to study with Master Ching
Hai, don't; they are God already. There's nothing they must do. If they
don't want to, then they don't do it. They decide their lives; they decide
their progress and the time that they take to go Home. They still have
things to do here, so it's okay if they don't want to know God and if they
don't want to prove it. It's okay because their job is to discover some
new things and to invent some new comforts for us. Later on when they finish
their jobs, maybe they will decide, "Okay, now I'm done with it. I
want to go Home." Then a Master will appear to them; therefore, it's
okay. Everything is okay.
I don't want to change the world in any way. I do everything here just
because I'm requested. If you, who are my sister, ask me to do something,
I'll do it for you; that's it. You ask me to design; I design. You ask
me to come here to teach you meditation, I come and teach you meditation.
I don't desire to do it, but I don't refuse. I'm not here because the world
is so terrible that I have to save it or anything. I don't have any thinking
like that because I know everyone is God. Definitely, there is no doubt
about this. I'm not in a hurry to take anyone Home, unless they are in
a hurry. Then I'll push it a little - "Okay, go!" [Master laughs]
So relax, everyone is okay, I assure you. They will come Home one day.
[Applause]
By 12-year-old Lisa, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.A. (Originally in English)
Water is water and beer is beer! They are different, not the same. Water
is for quenching thirst, and beer is not. You need water to live. Alcoholic
drinks such as beer are not necessary for living. Some people are wild
about beer. It makes them turn crazy after drinking it. Beer contains a
strong poison, but water doesn't! So don't just make an excuse and say
that water and beer are exactly the same! They're not!
There once was a wife who had two children and a husband. One night she
and her two daughters were waiting for the father to come home. He got
home very late, and kept yelling and acting very crazy; he was drunk from
drinking many bottles of beer. He then suddenly hit the wife very hard,
and the wife was injured and began crying. While the children were sleeping,
he destroyed almost everything in the house. The next morning he cooled
off, and the wife was brought to the hospital. It was a horrible day. So
please, I am imploring all those who do such things, to please stop. Beer
is not water! Water is necessary for living! Beer is not!
(July 4 ~ 14, 1999) By the Chiayi News Group, Formosa
On July 4, the gloomy sky and heavy downpours of the previous day gave way
to lovely weather, through blessings bestowed by God on the city of Putzu
in Chiayi County, central Formosa. This marked the inauguration of an eleven-day
art exhibition of the Supreme Master Ching Hai's works at the Meiling Art
Gallery in Chung Cheng Park. Highlights of the exhibition included an inaugural
reception, a charity fair, performances by the artistically talented, a
fashion show, free medical consultations with doctors of western and Chinese
medicine, a sampling of healthy vegetarian food, a make-up demonstration,
and a seminar entitled "A Spiritual Rendezvous". In addition,
a special program was held introducing Master's artistic creations and
their underlying message.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Supreme Master
Ching Hai Art Exhibition. Starting third from right in the front row:
Tsai Yung-cheng, president of the Liu Chang Business Group;
Lin Hsun-yi, member of the Chiayi County Council;
Lai Mei-chen,director of the Chiayi County Womenis Association;
Wu Junghui, deputy magistrate of Chiayi County;
Tung Hsiang, speaker of the Chiayi County Council;
Wu Ssu-jung, member of t he Chiayi County Council.
The opening day of the exhibition fell on a Sunday, and fellow practitioners
arrived early to decorate the park beautifully. Outside the art gallery,
bouquets and wreaths of multicolored flowers sent by admirers lined the
path leading to its entrance. By 9:30 in the morning, thousands of guests
and fellow practitioners from all around Formosa flocked into the venue,
as a dragon dance performed by initiates from the Kaoping Center raised
the curtain on the art exhibition amid deafening drums and gongs. The guests,
especially the children, holding balloons, watched with excitement as the
dragon danced in welcome. This was followed by dances and songs performed
by fellow initiates. Among them, a traditional performance of rope jumping
and top spinning, presented by the Chiayi Peiyuan Elementary School, won
thunderous applause from the audience for its marvelous displays of skill.
Chiayi County Deputy Magistrate Wu Jung-hui (right) and Speaker Tung Hsiang
of the Chiayi County Council (first from left) cut a vegetarian cake for
the inaugural reception, while Chiayi County Councilor Wu Ssu-jung (middle)
claps.
The inaugural ceremony commenced at 10:30 a.m. in the presence of Wu Jung-hui,
deputy magistrate of Chiayi County; Tung Hsiang, speaker of the Chiayi
County Council; Wu Ssu-jung, and Lin Hsun-yi, members of the Chiayi County
Council; Lai Mei-chen, chairman of the Chiayi County Women's Association;
and many other government officials and elected representatives. After
cutting a ceremonial ribbon, Deputy Magistrate Wu and Speaker Tung cut
a vegetarian cake at the inaugural reception. The distinguished guests
later toured the venue, accompanied by the event's organizer and guides.
Each expressed appreciation of and admiration for Master's artistic talents.
Deputy Magistrate Wu was especially awed by the Celestial Jewelry designed
by Master. He inquired about the details of each exhibited item, and was
amazed at Master's ability to manifest Her spiritual insights through jewelry
designs. After a tour of the exhibition, Deputy Magistrate Wu commented
that Master's artworks not only elevate the soul, but also increase work
efficiency. He expressed the hope that his colleagues in the county government
could visit the exhibition, and true enough, on the following day, many
high-ranking county officials came to appreciate Master's artistic creations
in the company of the art gallery's director.
The Celestial Clothes Fashion Show at the exhibition venue.
The tour of the art exhibition was followed by a Celestial Clothes fashion
show, which brought the event to a climax. Every one of the guests was
enraptured by the attractive Celestial Clothes designed by Master, which
seemed to manifest the Truth, virtues and beauty of heaven on Earth. They
realized then that spiritual practitioners can be beautiful both within
and without, living a life that is full of vitality and splendor.
While the performances went on, a charity fair was held. Its proceeds,
totaling NT$60,000, were contributed in equal shares to the Chiayi County
Association for the Disabled and the Chiayi County Association for Victims
of Spinal Injuries. The fair featured the sale of exquisite vegetarian
food, clothes, and ornamental accessories. At the main entrance to the
venue, fellow practitioners, dressed as cartoon characters such as "Little
Bodhi", "Big Square", "Triangle", and "Iron
Saw", distributed colorful balloons to the guests. Many visitors stopped
to take pictures with these characters, especially the kind and friendly
"Little Bodhi", perhaps reflecting the people's longing for inner
fulfillment.
The activities of the opening day drew to a successful close at 4:00 p.m.,
and shortly afterwards, a heavy rain came. It must have been due to God's
blessings that the day's activities proceeded so smoothly!
The proceeds of NT$60,000 from the charity fair are distributed to the
Chiayi County Association for Victims of Spinal Injuries (Receipt A) and
the Chiayi County Association for the Disabled (Receipt B) Among them,
Mr. Wu Miao, secretary of the Chiayi County Association for Victims of
Spinal Injuries (left), receives the contribution on behalf of his association. Receipts A Receipts B
The success of the 11-day exhibition may be attributed to the coordinated
efforts of fellow initiates from all over Formosa. Together, they designed
posters, banners, and promotional materials; arranged for the exhibition
of Master's paintings, Longevity Lamps, Celestial Clothes, and Celestial
Jewelry, and planned the program and activities for the inaugural day.
While employing their individual talents and skills, the initiates also
demonstrated their spirit of oneness and cooperation. The programs spoke
of their brilliant confidence, and although they were not professionals,
their successful performance laid the foundation for similar future events.
During the Supreme Master Ching Hai Art Exhibition held at Putzu, Chiayi
County, Formosa, fellow practitioners, motivated by love and social concern,
offered free medical consultations in western and Chinese medicine to local
residents. On July 10, fellow initiates practicing medicine around Formosa,
including Chinese naturopaths, doctors of western medicine, laboratory
technicians, and nurses, worked generously in a concerted effort to offer
health advice to Chiayi residents.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association has been providing
free medical services for a long time in Formosa. Participating members
include professional medical workers from major hospitals. As on every
previous occasion, the free medical services offered in Chiayi received
a widespread, favorable response among local inhabitants. Among the services,
both Chinese and Western medicine were equally welcomed. In applying western
medicine, initiates prepared medical supplies, blood testing equipment,
urine testing strips, an electrocardiograph, an abdominal ultra-sound scanner,
and the latest and most professional eye-examination instruments used by
ophthalmic experts. This was a great step toward meeting the medical needs
of local residents in this modern age. While diagnosis and treatment were
provided, much emphasis was also placed on educating the people that prevention
is better than cure. Almost everyone who came for medical consultations
requested a thorough checkup. Even passersby registered immediately for
medical examinations upon hearing that such services as blood tests, urine
tests and electrocardiographs were being offered. This medical consultation
activity proved to be a tremendous success.
Fellow practitioners from the medical group, based on their consideration
for the needs of the people, provided the most convenient and practical
health services, thus giving those served a better understanding of the
multi-faceted, modern, and serving nature of our spiritual group. This
led to greater interest in and affirmation of Master's teachings and compassion.
(August 1~4, 1999) By the New York News Group, USA
The Jewelry Association International Jewelry Show held every summer at
New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is one of the largest jewelry
exhibitions in the U.S.A. Over a thousand exhibitors and many thousands
of buyers participate in the show annually.
The S.M. Celestial Jewelry exhibit occupied two booths this year, presenting
all nine generations of Celestial Jewelry. The theme was "A Message
from the Year 2000 - Bring the Past and Future together into Eternity."
And the display attracted a constant stream of spectators, many of whom
stopped by several times. Among the visitors were jewelry experts, jewelry
traders and exhibition staff members, who highly praised Master's unique
and spiritually oriented jewelry designs, which are quite different than
commercial designs. Some visitors even introduced potential customers to
our booth.
S.M. Celestial Jewelry booth at the J.A. International Jewelry Show
Many exhibitors, including renowned professionals like Ms. Kane Marie,
a designer from Virginia Beach, Virginia, were enchanted by Master's profound
and innovative jewelry designs. In their professional opinion, they unanimously
agreed that the Celestial Jewelry was the most beautiful and special jewelry
collection they had ever seen. The glorious fifth generation Heavenly Dragon
cutlery collection was especially esteemed for its preciousness and peerless
collector's value. Several jewelry distributors expressed their willingness
for long term collaborations in introducing the S.M. Celestial Jewelry
to the valuables market in various countries.
On August 3rd, Master suddenly appeared at the Jewelry Association International
Jewelry Show, giving everyone a sweet surprise. At the S.M. Celestial Jewelry
booth, Master tried on the newest masterpiece, "The Ancient Beauty",
which was so gorgeous that it attracted many people to our exhibit. Master
also gave candies to the working staff members and spectators to express
Her warmth and love for them. An old gentleman from the booth opposite
ours even came especially to get this gift of love.
The jewelry exhibition attracted intense media attention; for example,
on the morning of August 4th, a press conference was held to discuss the
S.M. Celestial Jewelry. Many journalists from TV stations, professional
jewelry journals and newspapers, such as the Ming Pao Daily News (New York)
Inc., and Taiwan Television Enterprises Ltd., came to cover the event and
take photos. Gerry, a representative of the Philippine Headline newspaper
who attended the press conference, was deeply touched when he saw "The
Ultimate Glory of Love." He expressed the desire to introduce Master's
jewelry designs to the Philippine community in the U.S.A.
Similarly, a reporter from the CTN Zhong Tian Channel in the U.S.A. was
so impressed by the unique style of the Celestial Jewelry that he planned
to present a series introducing Master's artworks on a news program.
On the evening when the New York Jewelry Association International Jewelry
Show ended, fellow initiates, initiates-to-be and guests from Canada and
the eastern and midwestern United States gathered in the ballroom of the
Marriott Hotel at the World Trade Center. As fellow initiates remained
intoxicated in meditative bliss, Master joyfully arrived, wearing a fresh,
cool looking summer dress, and showering every longing soul present like
a timely and wonderful rainfall on a hot summer evening. Master's eyes
brimmed with love and compassion as She walked around the venue and then
invited people to sit on the platform and other places near Her. The overjoyed
audience members rushed forward and packed every space on and around the
stage.
Master commented that while in New York on this occasion, She felt very
good. In contrast to the pressure and suffocating feeling that She had
had on visits several years ago, She felt more relaxed and peaceful this
time, as did most of the fellow practitioners present. Much pleased by
the spiritual progress of the disciples, Master thanked them for their
devoted effort in meditation so that New York has become a better place.
Master mentioned that on the way to the venue She had been listening to
the Buddhist Chanting recording that She had made many years ago. She was
so deeply affected by the songs that She was completely unaware of the
traffic conditions around Her. Master said that She was really amazed by
Her singing on the Buddhist Chanting tape, and most probably She could
not sing that well anymore.
When the Chanting tape was recorded, the ambience was very congenial, as
thousands of people had automatically joined Master in singing. There had
been no rehearsal, yet the effect was absolutely touching and harmonious.
Master hoped that we would cherish this precious recording and play it
always when we meditate, so that we can concentrate better and calm ourselves
down.
Afterwards, Master let everyone ask questions. For example, one female
fellow disciple working at the United Nations asked what else we could
do to help the world besides practicing meditation. Master replied that
She has been doing Her best to raise the consciousness of people on this
planet and many leaders of the nations should join in and support spiritual
practice. If the governments of all the nations come to know the benefit
of spiritual power, then we can do much better. So we should invite all
the presidents to do something and meditate! Now at least individuals like
us are making an effort, which is also helping. Otherwise, it could be
worse. If we were not going strong with our spiritual practice, there would
be less blessing and maybe our planet would have disappeared already a
few years ago, or the war would have gone on on a grander scale and become
a world war.
Half jokingly, Master said, "If you know any president, just drag
him to our meditation Center, then our world will become paradise."
Master encouraged us to go around convincing people and telling them about
a better way of life, spreading hope, a new message, and teaching them
by our shining example.
This sister initiate told Master that she really admired Her courage in
going to dangerous places in Europe during such a perilous time as the
Kosovo crisis. Besides, the schedule of the whole European Lecture Tour
had been extremely tight! Master said that She did not feel anything during
the Tour, but had just wanted to accomplish it quickly. The Lecture Tour
was mainly centered on areas around Kosovo, in hopes that people's spiritual
consciousness would be awakened, and that the local people would be helped.
Initially, Master had planned to give lectures at places even closer to
Kosovo, but She didn't make it to those locations, due to the karma of
human beings, and God's will.
Everyone treasured each minute spent with Master, and people asked many
spiritually relevant questions, all of which Master answered to their satisfaction.
Finally, our merciful Master even consented to give an initiation, during
which She came to the site and gave instructions and a personal demonstration.
Many new initiates had very good experiences, including the little fellow
practitioners who took half-initiation.
Later, outside the initiation venue, our compassionate Master blessed each
child and gave a name to each infant present, so as to satisfy the mother
or father initiates' sincere longing. Finally, Master generously asked
if anyone else wanted a hug from Her, and some fellow initiates immediately
threw themselves into Her arms.
Master's presence had again brought immeasurable blessings to New York;
the persistently high heat over the city was noticeably reduced on the
third day of the jewelry show. At noon on the next day, when Master met
with disciples, the cloudless sky over the New York area suddenly turned
overcast, followed by two heavy rainfalls in one hour. A strong gale also
brought hail, creating a miraculous scene in the drought-stricken city.
The heavy rain cleansed the entire New York area, and the sky became clear
again. Joyful birds chirped amid the rejuvenated plants and trees, as if
singing a paean to God's grace!
(August 8~11, 1999) Combined Report by the San Jose News Group, U.S.A. and Taipei News Group,
Formosa
The S.M. Celestial Jewelry Exhibition at the Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association Vegetarian House in San Jose attracted a constant stream of
spectators. Though most had never heard of Master, they were greatly impressed
by Her jewelry designs. When they later learned that She was a spiritual
teacher, they began to read the sample books available at the venue, and
thus came to know more about Her.
The S.M. Celestial Jewelry Exhibition at the Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association Vegetarian House in San Jose, U.S.A.
One of the spectators was a goldsmith with over ten years' of work experience.
When he looked at the Heavenly Dragon cutlery, he thought that the collection
had been borrowed from elsewhere just for the exhibition, because he did
not believe that the Heavenly Dragon teapot could be manufactured in such
a short period of time. In his judgment, it would have taken three artisans
many years to complete such a superb piece of craftsmanship. However, it
took only one artisan a short time to finish the masterpiece. Thus we can
see that Master's creations transcend the technological limitations of
the mundane world.
One eighty-year-old lady who visited the exhibit had migrated to the United
States many years ago, yet she thought that Master's Celestial Jewelry
designs were like nothing she had ever seen. When she discovered that the
designer was a spiritual master, she took a sample booklet and some News
magazines, and purchased an ornamental item bearing Master's photo. Wearing
the piece with Master's image, she came again the next day with her daughter,
and told us that when many people saw Master's picture, they praised Her
great beauty. However, the old lady added that it is not important whether
She is beautiful or not; in her opinion, the most important thing is that
She has peerless wisdom.
Many restaurant customers came for dinner and were overjoyed at the chance
to see the unique and gorgeous jewelry. Several customers had gotten tired
of commercial jewelry, and had been searching for jewelry by a spiritual
teacher. When they saw Master's pieces, their excitement was beyond description.
All these accounts demonstrate that Master's Celestial Jewelry not only
touches people's hearts through its beauty and extraordinary technological
level, but also, at a deeper level, inspires souls through its profound
spiritual meanings.
Woman's World, U.S.A.1999.7.27It was every driver's worst nightmare: Her brakes wouldn't work... and her
car just kept accelerating faster and faster. Eighteen- year-old Jennifer
Dickson had already lost hope of saving herself. All she could do now was
pray she wouldn't hurt anyone else. Then a courageous police officer came
up with a daring, desperate plan...
Reaching a straight stretch of two-lane highway, 18-year-old Jennifer Dickson
turned on her cruise control and picked up her cell phone. "I'm on
my way, Grandma," she announced. "That's wonderful, sweetie," Jerry Hackney answered, delighted
that her granddaughter had accepted her invitation to spend the night after
finishing her evening shift as a convenience-store clerk. "But be
careful on those dark roads." "I will," Jennifer promised. It was midnight, and with little
traffic on the rural New Jersey road, the commute from her Mays Landing
house to Jerry's Egg Harbor home wouldn't take more than 30 minutes. But
that drive was going to be the wildest ride of Jennifer's life... "l'm going to find a place to crash," she sobbed. "No!"
he shouted
Gliding along at 50 mph, Jennifer spotted a traffic light in the distance.
Better slow down in case it turns red, Jennifer thought, turning off the
cruise control.
But instead of slowing down, the Oldsmobile sped up - even though her foot
wasn't on the accelerator!
I've got to stop! Jennifer panicked, as the crimson traffic light loomed
just ahead. But the speedometer kept climbing... past 60 mph, then 65!
She jammed her foot down on the emergency brake. Nothing! Please don't
let anyone come the other way! she prayed as she zoomed through the intersection.
"Thank goodness!" Jennifer breathed when she made it through
safely. But her ordeal wasn't over. The speedometer needle was charging
past 70.
I need help! Jennifer panicked, as she picked up her cell phone and dialed
9-1-1.
"My car won't stop!" Jennifer blurted when a man answered. "I
even tried the emergency brake, but it just keeps going faster!"
"Turn off the ignition," the dispatcher shouted.
"The key won't turn!" Jennifer shrieked. "Help me!"
She could hear the dispatcher radioing for help as the speedometer passed
80 mph... then 85.
Suddenly, a sign flashed past, warning of approaching curves.
Don't let anyone come the other way! She prayed as the car sped around
the curves - sometimes veering to the other side of the road as she negotiated
the tight bends.
Finally, the eight-year-old car rocketed onto a straight stretch of road
- but the speedometer kept inching forward, now to over 90mph!
Now, she noticed the houses were closer together. I'm getting into a neighborhood,
she realized in horror. Someone's going to get hurt. I can't let that happen.
I don't want to die, Jennifer agonized. But I have to end this nightmare
before I hurt someone else! "I'm going to find a place to crash,"
she sobbed.
"No!" the dispatcher shouted.
"Just hang on! Help's on the way."
Listening to the dispatcher bellowing updates on Jennifer's location, police
officer Richard Vogt raced toward the next intersection she would cross
praying, Please let me get there in time!
When he arrived moments later, he spotted Jennifer's headlights in the
distance flying toward him - and other cars coming at him from the side
streets!
I've got to stop them before she gets here or people are going to die!
Officer Vogt realized.
He blocked one road with his patrol car, its lights flashing, then ran
across the street and flagged traffic in that direction to a stop with
his flashlight - just as Jennifer's Olds roared past!
Please, God, Jennifer prayed. Just take me and not anyone else.
I've got to stop her! Officer Vogt thought, realizing that at any moment
the car could spin out of control. He had never received any training that
would help him deal with the situation he now faced.
But I can't just let this poor girl get killed, he vowed.
Suddenly, a daring plan popped into his head, a plan he'd never seen in
his 21 years as an officer.
But will it work? he worried, racing to overtake the speeding car.
Now her speedometer read 110 mph, and her steering wheel vibrated violently
in her hands. I really am going to die! Jennifer realized in horror.
She pictured her grandmother waiting for her to arrive, and imagined her
worry and sadness when she didn't.
Please, God, she prayed. Just take me and not anyone else! Suddenly, Jennifer
saw flashing lights filling her rearview mirror.
"Tell him to get back!" she screamed into the phone propped on
her shoulder as Officer Vogt's cruiser roared up beside her. "He'll
just kill himself too!"
Passing Jennifer at 120 mph, the officer thought of his three sons, ages
15, 13 and nine.
God, he prayed, if this doesn't work and anything happens to me, please
look after them.
Then, without allowing himself to feel a moment of fear, he swerved in
front of Jennifer's car, lined it up in the center of his rearview mirror
- and took his foot off the gas! "What's he doing?" Jennifer
shrieked. "I'm going to hit him!"
CRASH! Jennifer snapped forward, her ribs slamming into the steering wheel.
Officer Vogt lurched forward.
Searing pain ripped through his neck and back. He pumped his brakes. Jennifer's
car slammed his again and again.
"How much of this can we take?"
Jennifer panicked.
But with each collision, the cars slowed a bit.
It's working! Officer Vogt realized.
Then the Olds smashed into the cruiser's rear, and the bumpers locked.
Now! he decided, jamming his brake pedal to the floor. The two cars skidded
to a tire-squealing, tread-stripping halt in the middle of the road!
Thank God! Jennifer wept. It's finally over!
Ignoring his pain, the officer raced to Jennifer. She fell into his arms,
sobbing: "Thank you! Thank you for saving my life!"
Within moments, ambulances whisked them both away. On the way to the hospital,
Jennifer used her cell phone again. "Grandma," she said, 'I'm
going to be a little late..."
Both Jennifer and Office Vogt were treated for minor bruises and later
released.
Mechanics couldn't pinpoint what caused her car to malfunction, but Jennifer
says she's sure who saved her life.
"At 120 mph, my life was about to end," she says. "But Officer
Vogt risked his own life to keep that from happening. I'll never stop thanking
him."
Woman's World, U.S.A. 7/27/99 (Originally in English)
Enjoying some green tea every day can protect you from stomach cancer.
Doctors say one in three of us is now at increased risk of stomach and
esophageal cancers - but their simple strategies can cut your risk as much
as 80%.
New tests, treatments and preventive measures have led to dramatic victories
in the war against cancer; these days, more people than ever are surviving
lung, breast, colon and other types.
But now a new threat is emerging: stomach and esophageal cancers. The National
Cancer Institute (NCI) reports in the last 20 years, the number of people
stricken with them has shot up as much as 350%, - and now, one in three
Americans is at risk.
Preventing stomach and esophageal cancers is particularly important because
they are difficult to treat.
"Unlike other cancers, they progress rapidly, and they usually don't
produce symptoms until they're advanced," says oncologist Judy L.
Smith, M.D., at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.
Fortunately, the latest research is uncovering some simple strategies that
can reduce your risk by an amazing 80% or more:
1.Putting out your inner fire
Smoking and heavy drinking increase your likelihood of stomach and esophageal
cancers. But Swedish researchers have identified a surprise risk factor:
chronic heartburn. In their studies, suffering from heartburn at least
once a week raised the risk of esophageal cancer eight-fold!
People who eat just one vegetable a day are 60% less likely to get stomach
cancer.
"Heartburn occurs when stomach acids splash into the bottom of the
esophagus and irritate it." explains gastroenterologist Michael Kochman,
M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. "Over
time, that can lead to cancerous changes in the cells lining the esophagus."
If you're prone to heartburn, doctors recommend avoiding caffeine, spicy
foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppermint and alcohol; they all increase
stomach acid. Eating five or six small meals a day instead of three large
ones can also help.
Feeling the burn despite your best efforts? Don't be stoic. "An OTC
or prescription antacid such as Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB or Zantac 75 will
ease the symptoms and reduce irritation to the esophagus." Dr. Kochman
says. If the problem persists, see your doctor; new and potent medications
called proton-pump inhibitors have been proven to eliminate chronic heartburn
for close to 80% of sufferers.
2.Putting less fire under your fare
Americans cook out more than twice a week during the summer months, but
if you're lifting charred chicken and well-done burgers off the grill,
you could be putting your stomach in jeopardy. Research from the NCI has
shown that overcooking meat creates chemicals called heterocyclic amines,
which have been linked to cancer in animals.
3.Eating like a cow
They get the bulk of their diet from plant foods, and following their lead
can make you practically cancer-proof.
Previous research shows that eating just three ounces of plant food daily
(the amount in either one cup of broccoli or an orange or one large carrot)
makes us 60% less likely to develop stomach cancer. And the NCI just reported
that a diet rich in yellow and orange veggies and beans can slash the risk
by 80%.
"Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day can
help you reap these benefits," says the American Cancer Society.
4.Getting your garlic
Hailed for its ability to lower cholesterol, garlic has now emerged as
an equally powerful weapon against stomach cancer. Chinese researchers
report that eating a clove a day can cut the risk by 40%.
"Garlic is rich in substances called allyl sulfides, which neutralize
bacteria in the stomach and prevent the formation of nitrosamines - potent
cancer causing agents that result from bacterial overgrowth," says
New York City oncologist Mitchell Gaynor, M.D., author of Dr. Gaynor's
Cancer Prevention Program.
"A whole clove of raw garlic is best, but you can also take 1,000
mg. of deodorized garlic twice a day." he says. Garlic capsules are
available in drugstores, nutrition centers and supermarkets. -Denise Mann
Cancer-proof Your Coffee Break!
Trading your coffee cup for a mug of green tea can also protect your stomach
and esophagus. The National Cancer Institute reports people who drink two
or more cups of green tea a day lower their risk of esophageal cancer 60%,
and probably lower stomach cancer risk as well.
"Green tea contains antioxidants 20 times more powerful than vitamin
E, and 500 times more powerful than vitamin C, at protecting the body from
cancer," says Mitchell Gaynor, M.D. And researchers say it also inhibits
an enzyme called COX-2, which tumors need to grow.
Excerpted from Taipei Times, Taipei, Formosa
August 28, 1999 (Originally in English)
By Catherine Sung / Staff reporter Turkey's representative to Formosa, Teoman Surenkok, holds a model of a
tent donated to Turkey for earthquake relief activities, as MOFA's director
for European Affairs, Francisco H.L Ou, center, applauds.
EARTHQUAKE; In the wake of the severe earthquake that struck northern Turkey
11 days ago, a local NGO donated NT$4 million worth of relief supplies
to the country yesterday.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association's donation in aid
had a value of around NT$4 million (US$125,000), and consisted of tents,
sleeping bags, blankets and sleeping mats. The supplies were received by
Turkey's representative in Formosa, Teoman Surenkok. Surenkok told the
Taipei Times that the material assistance will be distributed by the Turkish
Red Crescent, a disaster relief NGO, in the area around the northwestern
city of Izmit. "Turkey is very happy that the Formosan people are
so willing to help, and we are very grateful for the assistance we have
received," he said.
From The Independent Weekly Newspaper Sensation, Armenia
July 1999 (originally in Armenian)
by Nana Stepanian
Through the centuries, rare individuals such as Jesus Christ are born,
whose basic mission is the spiritual development of humanity. However,
there are many who remain unknown. Some preach publicly and are known to
select people, yet the rest remain completely unrecognized.
In various times, they have been called by different names: "Master",
"Enlightened", "Holy Mother", etc. One of these select
few is Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Master Ching Hai will never be called a living saint. She is a woman, and
most Buddhists believe that a woman cannot be a Buddha. She is of Asian
origin, and many people in the West are sure that their Savior will resemble
them. But those who are lucky enough to know Her know who She is.
Those who have had a chance to meet or work with Supreme Master Ching Hai
love Her, for She lives a message that walks the way of love. A renowned
humanitarian, artist, and spiritual leader, Her love and assistance extend
beyond all cultural and racial boundaries.
A month and a half ago, Supreme Master Ching Hai visited Armenia, Yerevan,
in particular, at the invitation of Nadezdha Sarkisian and organized by
the Sharm Company. Master Ching Hai's visit was amicable, and yet, at the
same time very productive. She was introduced to our history, culture,
and habits. She was surprised and affected by the insufferable conditions
in Armenia.
During Her stay in Armenia, She lectured at the Komitas House of Chamber
Music of Yerevan, where an exhibition of Her artistic creations was also
held - clothing designs, paintings and other works of art. She visited
our Echmiadzin Cathedral, which impressed Her immensely. She admired the
old Armenian architecture.
During the reception in Her honor, She shared her impressions, and was
mainly touched by the condition of the orphanages and elderly homes and
decided to help them.
And so, Master Ching Hai's delegation carried out its mission in Armenia.
I was invited as a reporter to witness this honorable mission and to have
the opportunity of describing later to our readers all the kindness this
woman spreads around Her.
The first city we visited was Gjumry. In the Mayor's office, we met the
Governor of the Shirak region, Shirak Petrossyan and the Mayor of Gjumry,
Michael Vardanyan. They received the delegation members in a warm and friendly
atmosphere and thanked them for their visit. The Mayor shared that Supreme
Master Ching Hai's visit had been a great occasion for them, and that they
sincerely hoped for another meeting with this wonderful woman. Master Ching
Hai's representative explained that Master was not able to come Herself
and assured the Governor and Mayor that She is always thinking of Armenia.
As soon as She finished Her tour, She decided to send Her representatives
to carry out the mission in Armenia. The representative presented a check
for US$100,000 for the reconstruction of the Gjumry Church. Then we visited
the orphanage where Supreme Master Ching Hai had personally donated US$5,000
in cash.
The next city we visited was Vanadzor, where Master Ching Hai had provided
US$10,000 for the local children's home. The next stop on our visit was
the elderly home named after Charles Aznavour, where we presented a check
for US$10,000.
A meeting was scheduled in the Cathedral where we delivered a US$20,000
check to His Holiness Garegin Nersisyan. His Holiness expressed his gratitude
by saying, "It's very pleasant to know that there are people in the
world who are thinking of those in need. I have heard a lot about Supreme
Master Ching Hai but never have had the chance to meet Her."
In return, the delegation members expressed their condolences concerning
the death of the Archbishop, Garegin the First.
In Yerevan we visited the Mayor's office where we presented a US$30,000
check. The final stop on our mission was the office of Nadezdha Sarkisian's
Hayer Cultural Fund. Her group had captured the heart of Supreme Master
Ching Hai, who decided to help the talented children of the Hayer Cultural
Center with a contribution of US$20,000.
Thus, finishing their benevolent mission, the members of the delegation
left Armenia with satisfaction. Supreme Master Ching Hai's greatness cannot
be expressed in words.
He who has love for other people has God in his heart.
To serve God's children is to serve God.
(Originally in English)
Costa Rica, February 4, 1991
Love knows no burden; love knows only sacrifice.
Costa Rica, February 9, 1991 (Originally in English)
We should rise to the noble position of a saint.
And to do that we must possess compassion, love, understanding
and unselfish sacrifice at all times.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia May 14, 1996 (Originally in English)
We should not be afraid to hurt ourselves while benefiting others,
because the path we tread is the way of the Saints,
the way of the Masters.
Tainan, Formosa March 16, 1989 (Originally In Chinese)
Vegetarian Era
By sister initiate Velma King Indiana, U.S.A. (Originally in English)
According to a number of polling groups, there are now more vegetarians
than ever in the United Kingdom, and the numbers are increasing at a staggering
rate. In 1945, the earliest recorded figure for the number of vegetarians
in England was 100,000, based on food rationing records kept at that time.
In 1997, a National Opinion Poll revealed that in the UK, one person in
six was either vegetarian or currently considering becoming vegetarian.
Of those polled, 44% were becoming vegetarian for moral reasons (concern
for animals), 22% for health reasons and 9% as a result of food scares.
Another poll, taken in 1998, found that the number of vegetarians in the
UK was estimated to be four million or 7% of the population, and that 82%
of UK residents believed that there would be more vegetarians in the future.
A 1997 Gallup Poll found that the overall number of vegetarians in the
UK has doubled in the last ten years; and another 13,000 are cutting red
meat out of their diet. Also, almost half the population (46%) now claims
to be eating less meat. According to the Mintel Poll, vegetarianism is
the fastest growing food trend in the UK.
Other encouraging facts are that the vegetarian food market is currently
worth more than 11.1 billion pounds a year; and that 11% of 15-34 year
olds are vegetarians.
The history of vegetarianism in America is a different story. In his article,
"A History of Vegetarianism with an Emphasis on the U.S. from 1970+,"
Michael Bluejay writes: "Up until the mid-1900's, Americans ate far
less meat than they do today. The cost was very high, refrigeration was
not widely available, and distribution was problematic. A side effect of
the industrial revolution was that meat became cheaper, storable, and easier
to distribute. As these changes happened, meat consumption increased dramatically
- and so did degenerative diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes."
Vegetarianism was not very common in the U.S. until 1971, when Frances
Moore Lappe's bestseller "Diet for a Small Planet" was published.
A Ft. Worth, Texas native, Lappe dropped out of graduate school at U.C.
Berkeley to do personal research on world hunger issues. She was startled
to discover that it takes 14 times as much grain to feed an animal than
what is produced in meat - an enormous waste of resources. (Livestock eat
over 80% of the grain consumed in the U.S. If Americans were to cut their
meat consumption by just 10%, there would be enough grain to feed all the
starving people in the world.) At the tender age of 26, Lappe then wrote
Diet for a Small Planet to encourage people to eat meatless meals and thus
stop wasting the world's food supply.
Lappe's book was a runaway bestseller that sold millions of copies. It
also launched the vegetarian movement in the United States. Diet for a
Small Planet got the vegetarian ball rolling in the 1970's. However, many
would-be vegetarians were put off about changing their diets because of
the planning they thought was required. Another myth was that dairy products
and eggs were healthy, and that vegetarians had better make sure to eat
enough in order not to die. Those myths were all shattered by John Robbins'
1987 book "Diet for a New America." Part One of Diet for a New
America exposed the horrors of factory farming. Part Two convincingly demonstrated
how deadly meat-based diets are, and how healthy and safe vegetarianism
(even veganism) is. Part Three introduced the world to the incredible environmental
consequences of animal agriculture, which even many vegetarians were unaware
of before the book was published.
Diet for a New America restarted the vegetarian movement in the U.S., as
it launched the vegan movement. Within two years of the publication of
Robbins' book, nearly ten new vegetarian societies were formed in Texas.
The growth of the health industry, and increased awareness of and education
about healthy living -- healthy eating lifestyles have had a significant
impact on the American diet. The agricultural, environmental, and medical
costs of animal consumption are catching the attention of Americans by
the thousands each day. Compassion for animals is part of the equation.
The number of vegetarians in the U. S. is climbing, as good nutrition is
more and more being recognized as a primary factor in longevity, disease
prevention, physical fitness, and stress management. Toward these goals,
over 12 million Americans have chosen the vegetarian diet as a life choice.
Others eat less meat, eat more vegetables, reduce fat intake, and improve
their diet in any way possible.
Michael Bluejay concludes, Today, acceptance of vegetarianism by [American]
medical authorities and the general public is at an all-time high. Myths
still abound, but overall change in attitude about vegetarianism since
the 80's is nothing short of remarkable. As a vegetarian since 1985 and
a vegan since 1989, this is a surprising but very welcome change. (References:
The McDougall Program .|. Diet for a New America .|. Diet for a Small Planet)
If you wish for more information regarding the staggering realities of
meat consumption and the glowing benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle, check
out these web sites:
By brother initiate David Brooks, Perth, AustraliaFrench authorities recently seized 100,000 bottles of wine, which had been
"purified" with dried slaughterhouse blood. They also seized
one ton of dried blood. The reason for the seizure was the risk of consumers
contracting "mad cow disease" from the wine. Of course as practitioners,
we don't drink wine, but at least I had always thought of wine as vegetarian.
As I read that piece, I thanked Master twice, for getting both meat and
wine out of my diet!The Rise of "Veg Power" - Vegetarianism in 1999 Wine Found to Contain Blood! Welcome to Our New VegeHouse Homepage on the Internet!Vegetarian Era
Upon entering the Web site for the Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association Vegetarian House (http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/Vegetarian), what first strikes your eyes is a crystalline pond with a pristine white
water lily floating gracefully on its surface. Tiny raindrops send forth
thought-inspiring ripples, accompanied by the equally enchanting background
sounds of Quan Yin Bodhisattva Chanting....
When you have time, please visit our new Vegetarian House Web site. It
can also connect you to other major Quan Yin Method Web sites, and provide
you with the addresses of vegetarian restaurants around the world. Also,
you will find the Supreme Master Ching Hai's comments on vegetarianism,
and Her famous lecture at the United Nations - The Mystery of the World
Beyond.
Our Web site welcomes vegetarian restaurants run by fellow initiates to
share their menus, recipes, photos and features, so our site will be richer
in content, and can provide more choices and information to vegetarians
and spiritual practitioners. Please send us the relevant information on
your restaurant by clicking "questions or comments", and listing
the restaurant's name, address (including a map to the restaurant), telephone
and/or fax numbers, E-mail address and so on.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Basel, Switzerland May 3, 1999 (Originally in English)
There once were two twin brothers who were sitting in a bar drinking some
juice. And there was a man who walked out of the toilet after one drink
too many. He looked at both of them and then scratched his eyes and looked
again. And then he ordered a drink, saying "One more drink!"
And then he looked again. Finally, one of the brothers laughed and said,
"That's right, sir. Your eyes are seeing correctly. We are twins.
That's why." (Because they were wearing the same clothes and everything
was the same.) And the man said, "Four of you? All four of you?"
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Florida Center, U.S.A. February 15, 1999
(Originally in English)
There was one guy whom the astrologer told, "Next week, by next week,
you are going to die of a car accident." So the guy got very worried,
and he hid himself in the house all the time. He never went anywhere. And
if he had to go out to buy something, he walked on the sidewalk very near
to the house, never crossing the street when any cars were going by. Only
when the road was all empty, did he go. Even on a red light, or a green
light, he didn't cross. He just tried to outwit destiny for one week. Then
he would stay alive. That's what he thought. And then, already six days
had gone by, and he was still alive by being so careful. He was so happy.
On the seventh day, he thought: "Okay, there is one more day, and
I am done." And then, he walked along the usual way, going to buy
bread and the sidewalk was very near to the house, and no cars were around,
and he felt safe. He saw this was the last day. He had to be extra careful.
When there was a car, he wouldn't go out. He went out at night, when there
were no cars, and on a small street. When he walked, suddenly there came
a bang on his head, and he dropped dead. It was a toy car... from the window
above. It dropped on his head: a car accident!
So the astrologer was correct. And he couldn't avoid it even if he knew.
It just made him worry one more week and he didn't live his life fully
before he died. He could have eaten, drank, driven, or done whatever he
liked until he was happy and died. But he died miserable. One week before
he died, he was frightened, scared and nervous, and he couldn't sleep,
couldn't eat, couldn't work properly, couldn't drive his car. What's the
use of that? He died anyhow.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Basel, Switzerland May 3, 1999
(Originally in English)
Once a lady said to her waiter in a restaurant, "Would you bring a
bag for me so that I can carry home the leftover food for my dog?"
And then her six year old son said, "Oh, mommy, are we going to get
a dog?"
While on the PathBy sister initiate Li, Hebei, Mainland China
My husband used to drink heavily. And after drinking, he would not sleep
for a whole night and often go crazy. No one could ever make him stop drinking.
However, one incident forever changed him.
On November 19 of last year, my husband and daughter-in-law went to burn
imitation money for the ancestors in a memorial ceremony. It was a dark
night. A motorcycle suddenly dashed toward them and my husband fell down.
My daughter-in-law thought he had been knocked down by the motorcycle.
Therefore she didn't let the person driving the motorcycle go. My husband
then told her that he had not been knocked down by the motorcycle but had
fallen down because he had been pushed by someone, namely, Supreme Master
Ching Hai (Her omnipresent Light Body). When coming back home, he told
me: "It was your Master who saved my life." When the motorcycle
dashed toward him, he was in immediate danger. Had Master not pushed him
in advance, the consequences would have been disastrous. This incident
affected him greatly. He began to take interest in Master and Her teachings,
and from then on, stopped drinking on his own initiative.
On top of having been a drunk, my husband had been addicted to smoking
for dozens of years. He thus was in bad health. His face was dark and looked
awful. He kept coughing and was troubled by asthma. Surprisingly, after
he decided to become a vegetarian and practice the Quan Yin Method, his
health began to improve. He began to gain weight and have a rosy complexion.
By February of this year, he finally had given up smoking, a habit which
had accompanied him for dozens of years.
Coincidentally, my family's finances became a problem. Before, because
of the condition of my husband's health, his monthly earnings from his
job had been only 120 RMB (Mainland China dollars) -- the main income of
our family. But in the spring of this year, he even lost this low paying
job. In this difficult period without income, someone came and recommended
him for a job in a wholesale store selling cigarettes and alcohol. When
I learned about this, I didn't let him take the job. I said: "Master
wouldn't see us starve. We will not earn ill-gotten money." Sure enough,
soon another person came to ask my husband to assist him in his business.
My husband suddenly got three part-time jobs, which are good and not tiring.
His total income now adds up to more than 800 yuan. Later my husband was
initiated into the Quan Yin Method, and our family situation has become
better and better. My daughter-in-law and grandson also became vegetarians
and decided to practice the Quan Yin Method. Now, they are all fellow initiates.
Front Line
By the Korean Audio Group
In these times of advanced technology, it is a great blessing for people
to encounter the teachings of a true living enlightened Master through
numerous media, including books, magazines, videos, the Internet, and audio
tapes. In order to overcome the language barrier for most Korean disciples,
our Korean Publishing Group has been conveying Master's teachings by producing
audio tapes with Korean translations inserted.
The process of producing the audio tapes is as follows: First, Master's
teachings are translated into Korean appropriate for radio performers to
read. Second, the mother tape (DAT) of Master's lecture is input into a
computer system and cut into many parts, each of an appropriate length
(usually 1-3 sentences). Third, while listening to each part of the tape,
a radio performer reads the Korean translation for the computer system
to record. Fourth, the recording is edited using the computer system, and
music is inserted. Finally, the edited recording is sent to a factory and
audio tapes are produced.
These audio tapes mean a lot to Korean disciples, not only because they
make it convenient for us to listen to Master's teachings, but also because
they can introduce Master's new teachings in a swift manner due to the
short time it takes for their production. We can actually produce about
four such audio tapes a week, while it may take several months to produce
a book or video. Another plus is that we can hear Master's teachings from
the early years that are not available on video.
For our Korean Audio Group, it has been miraculous to overcome numerous
obstacles while carrying out this task with Master's perfect grace. In
the beginning, because it was unusual to produce audio tapes in this way,
we could hardly obtain technical advice. However, whenever it was needed,
we were always helped in no time by our friends. Due to the high cost of
using professional studios to record and edit in our unique way, and the
inconvenience of communicating with them in order to perfect the work up
to our standards, we desperately needed our own recording studio. Then
an initiate offered us a very spacious basement that had long been unused.
And our brother initiates who were skilled in construction set up a studio.
We tried our best to maximize the studio's soundproofing while minimizing
the costs. We now have a wonderful studio, not professional, but good enough
for our recording purposes.
Another part of our work was to find a good radio performer with a soft
and gentle voice, yet vivid enough to convey a lively mood. After several
tries with professionals, we ended up with a sister initiate. Although
she was not a professional, she made the best use of her potential inner
strengths by sincerely praying to Master, and achieved a better result
than did the professionals. All of the participants in this project are
happily enjoying the opportunity to improve themselves through work.
One Korean sister told us that she felt very comfortable and happy with
the audio tapes, because she could do her work, such as housekeeping, while
listening to Master's teachings, and that she felt contented even in traffic
jams because she could enjoy Master's teachings in her car.
With the well-equipped facilities in our studio, we can also help initiates
in other countries to record and edit. We would love to share our experiences
with disciples in overseas countries where English and Chinese are not
commonly used.
By brother initiate Patrick Singson, Colorado, U. S. A. (Originally in English)
Do you want to read the latest issue of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News
Magazine more quickly? Through the Internet or World Wide Web, your wish
can be easily realized!
There are several websites concerning Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin
Method that have been created in different areas of the world, including
Formosa, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Germany, Canada, and the U. S. For your
convenience, the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) or Internet addresses
of these sites are listed on the inside front cover of the Supreme Master
Ching Hai News Magazine.
You can start your Internet journey by entering a URL into the address
box located in the upper part of a browser. The commonly used browsers
are Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator (or Communicator). Browsers
are software programs residing on your computer that translate Hyper Text
Markup Language (HTML) coded pages into a viewable document. The browser
software is often pre-installed on your computer when you buy it, but the
most updated browsers can be downloaded from their respective websites
(www.netscape.com, www.internetexplorer.com, et al).
Of course, you have to have access to a computer to gain access to the
Internet. Luckily, most computers nowadays are Internet-enabled, meaning
that they can access the Internet, and even include the software to connect
to it. On your computer you must have a modem, which is a piece of hardware
that serves as a "telephone" for your computer. Just as you talk
with your friends through a telephone, your computer exchanges information
with its friends (other computers) through a modem. You do not have to
know how a modem works. The only thing that you have to remember is that
this is the piece of hardware you need to communicate on the web.
The last requirement for accessing websites is to have an Internet Service
Provider (ISP). ISPs are companies that allow access to the World Wide
Web. They often offer services such as e-mail, web space to create your
own website, and many others.
These are the major elements that you need to surf the World Wide Web.
Should you want to have a finer Internet journey and fully experience the
Audio or Video features provided by the Quan Yin sites, you can download
the Real Player plug-in from the RealNetworks Company (http://www.real.com).
This is a piece of supplementary software that provides Audio and Video
features. With this software, you can listen to and enjoy Master's lectures
and music on the Quan Yin websites. Of course you will also have to have
speakers and a sound card on your computer. Plug-ins are often created
by third party vendors that want you to use their products, and so they
provide their plug-ins for free, or at low cost.
The Quan Yin websites have converted some of Master's lectures to Portable
Document Format (PDF) documents. In order to read these documents, you
must install a piece of software called the Adobe Acrobat Reader developed
by the Adobe Company. This format was designed for documents with complicated
tables or graphs to keep their original quality and the same fonts and
spacing regardless of whether they are being viewed on the web, or printed
out. The Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free from the Adobe
website at: http://www.adobe.com/supportservice/custsupport/http://sm2000.org/download/l.
Then you will be able to experience the magic of the Internet. If you are
unable to get all the pieces of hardware or software, you can still enjoy
the Internet by going to your local library. Many libraries nowadays (at
least in the U.S.) have computers that are connected to the Internet for
use by library patrons at no charge. Their only requirement is that the
computer not be used for trivial purposes. So if you are hampered by not
having a computer, you can still access the Internet through the library.
When you have all the equipment necessary to surf the Internet, you will
be able to enjoy Master Ching Hai's lectures and other wonderful information
on the Quan Yin websites, at any time of the day or night.
Note: Recently the Quan Yin websites around the world have changed their
names to "God's direct contact" or "God's immediate contact".
Please refer to the list on the inside front cover of this magazine.
By sister initiate Han Yun, San Jose, California, U.S.A
Because I was initiated a long time ago, fellow initiates often ask me
what it was like practicing with Master in the early years of Her Truth-sharing
mission. Many have the illusion that we lived an unworldly life of round-the-clock
meditation with practically no intake of worldly food. On the contrary,
our spiritual life at that time was monotonous, yet it was the most fulfilling
period of my life. It might have been a nightmare for Master, though, because
the few of us who were Her disciples at the time were quite young. Our
naivete and ignorance often resulted in creating problems rather than helping.
Yet, Master taught us with the greatest patience. It was as though a professor
from a graduate school had been assigned to teach at the kindergarten level.
No one but a person with infinite love could have taken on this difficult
task.
I, for one - a new initiate and a newcomer staying with Master at Hsintien
in suburban Taipei, was the epitome of traditional social habits and customs.
Not only was I ill-tempered, stubborn, reckless, emotional and agitated
in speech, I also craved the luxuries of life, showed no interest in labor,
and had little tolerance for others. Despite my shortcomings, however,
Master edified me patiently and gave me intensive training through Her
example in speech, action, and daily life. She once acknowledged that Her
earliest disciples were the most difficult to teach, requiring blood, sweat
and tears on Her part; how right Master was!
When I first moved in with Master, I often heard fellow practitioners speak
of Her as a Buddha (Enlightened Master), but She appeared to be an ordinary
person, one with great wisdom who seemed to be unknowing of everything.
Moreover, She did not appear in the form of a majestic Buddha that we often
read about in the scriptures. She did not put on airs and was extremely
cordial. Initially, She had no attendants; She did everything Herself.
There were even times when She served the disciples instead of the other
way around. When we forgot to retrieve the clothes hung out to dry on the
balcony on the top floor, Master did it for us. When She noticed that we
had kicked off our covers, She tucked them in for us. Very often, She prepared
delicious meals for us as well.
Master usually addressed us in a heart-warming way as "my children".
Although She took great care of the few disciples at the time, She did
not pamper us. We led highly disciplined lives. Besides holding meditation
sessions every morning, afternoon, and evening, Master also taught us how
to cultivate a garden and grow vegetables. I had never used a hoe in my
life, and my arms often felt sore after I had worked for a short while.
So I quickly found an excuse to slip away, the thought of which fills me
with shame even today. While we learned how to grow vegetables, Master
also taught us some other little skills in daily life that would help us
sustain ourselves when away from modern civilization. That was how She
took care of Herself in every aspect of life during Her spiritual practice
in the Himalayas. She frequently reminded us not to rely too heavily on
material civilization. "Impossible" and "no way" are
two negative terms that do not exist in Master's dictionary. And She trained
us to survive in any situation.
Of course, Master's abilities are far greater than these. She can build
houses as well. In the early times, we once lived on a piece of land where
there was a dilapidated house leveled almost to the ground. Master was
able to build a simple house on the remaining foundation and walls. She
did everything Herself, mixing concrete, laying bricks, plastering walls,
setting up wooden frames, hammering big nails, and even doing the plumbing.
The incredibly mighty power generated from Her petite physical frame was
enough to put tall and sturdy men to shame. She even single-handedly set
the wooden beams in place, a strenuous task that was a challenge for even
the strongest of men, requiring the raising of Her arms to hammer the nails
home.
In the beginning, several earnest disciples pitched in to help, but the
result was such a disaster that Master had to redo the work. The disciples
were causing more trouble than rendering help. Eventually, we could only
watch by the side, at the most serving as assistants, fetching tools like
hammers, scissors, and nails. Unbelievably, however, we made mistakes in
even such small matters. Very often, we fetched nails of the wrong size,
or got the wrong tools because we did not hear Master correctly. We were
"hopeless cases!" Fortunately, no problem could prevail over
our almighty Master. Very soon, a small but exquisite "White House"
(a house painted in white) was manifested before us. Had we not seen it
with our own eyes, we would not have believed that it was the work of this
petite lady.
If we could not build a house, perhaps at least we could do the simple
job of cooking! At that time, we ate only one meal a day. Since there were
only five or six disciples staying with Master, She let us take turns preparing
meals. She did not want us to become useless persons who knew only how
to eat but not how to cook. For quite some time, She had to "enjoy"
the "apprentice meals", often half-cooked, too salty or tasteless,
or awfully seasoned, that were served up by Her dumb disciples. What a
torture it was for Master, who was highly skilled in the culinary art,
to tolerate the stuff prepared by these novices! Yet, I never heard a word
of complaint from Her regarding the food; She just ate whatever we cooked.
To train us to become skillful in everything, Master had to bear our terrible
cooking.
This was how She trained the disciples. The more we were afraid of something,
the more She demanded that we did it. The purpose was to help us overcome
our fears and build up our courage.
We once lived on a hill in suburban Taipei where there were lots of giant
spiders. I, a city dweller, had never seen these ugly, disgusting, and
gigantic creatures before. One day, I was reading transcripts to Master
in Her room when an enormous spider suddenly appeared. She asked me to
bring an empty mug so She could catch the creature and release it outside.
When I returned, She suddenly changed Her mind because She saw the fear
written all over my face. She handed me the mug and sternly ordered me
to catch the spider. Though extremely reluctant, I had no choice, since
I could not disobey Master's instructions. I gathered all the courage I
could muster, repeating all the Holy Names I could remember, and, with
trembling hands, captured the creature with the mug. I was truly scared,
but this training was necessary. Before long, I had become very skillful
in this matter, and was no longer afraid of spiders.
In training the disciples, Master sometimes used very stern methods, so
that we could not run away from our weaknesses, but when handling helpless
animals, She was kind and tender. There are two incidents that I will never
forget. One day, a snake had crept into the house through the crack beneath
the door. We, the disciples, were very nervous. Someone got a long-handled
broom, and tried to sweep the snake onto a dustpan before taking it outside.
Since the broom had a long handle, our hands were safe against the snake.
However, all we had considered was our own safety. No one had thought about
the snake at all. We thought we were adhering to the precepts by just sweeping
it away without harming it. Unexpectedly, Master reproached us for showing
no compassion toward the snake.
Master explained that the body of the snake was so sensitive that we could
never get it into the bucket by sweeping it with a broom, because it would
struggle and twist vigorously while trying to escape. This would only frighten
and hurt the snake. How could spiritual practitioners be so insensitive
to the feelings of animals? Master asked a disciple to bring a bag made
of soft fabric, and placed it near the snake. When the snake had crawled
slowly into the bag, we tied the opening tightly and took it outside where
we released the reptile. Master really impressed me with Her loving kindness
for the snake and the wise way in which She handled the problem.
The other incident occurred at the Yangming Mountain Center. A fellow brother
had encircled a tree trunk with a steel wire and tightened it with a pair
of pliers. When Master saw this, She immediately asked the brother to loosen
the wire, and instructed that no one should ever put a steel wire around
a tree again. She could feel the pain of the tree trunk when the steel
wire was tightened around it, She said. Yet no one working in the vicinity
noticed this inappropriate action. In fact, no one was aware that trees
also feel pain before Master pointed it out. We had thought that we were
being kind enough to the trees by not felling them, so putting a steel
wire around the trunk was nothing serious. That is the difference between
an ordinary human and an Enlightened Master. The love of ordinary humans
is founded on their own viewpoints and so is coarse and narrow-minded.
The love of an Enlightened Master is based on the fact that "all creatures
are one"; it is thus considerate and sensitive, and greatly compassionate
in its universal empathy.
After these two incidents, I realized for the first time that the love
of a human being can develop to such a refined and sensitive degree, to
the extent that one can even feel the pain suffered by animals and plants.
Before that, I had always thought that I was compassionate enough in not
killing animals and not cutting down plants; I had never considered their
feelings. Although my compassion has not become as considerate as Master's,
that was a starting point for me. Without Master as my paragon, I might
still be lost in the illusion that I am very compassionate, and might never
have developed my compassion to a higher degree.
By brother initiate Yi Tze, Shanxi Province, Mainland China
One day, my mother came to visit me from our hometown, and I presented
her with a bracelet made and offered by a Quan Yin messenger. A month later,
my mother visited me again. To my surprise, she told me that she would
no longer interfere with my spiritual practice or what I would like to
do in my life. This was a great change from the previous times when she
had tried every possible means to stop me from practicing spiritually.
After my initial astonishment, my mother revealed the reasons behind her
change in attitude. She said she had not been very happy one day, so she
went out for a walk, where she met an old man who was an expert in physiognomy.
When the old man saw the bracelet around my mother's wrist, he was amazed,
and asked, "Where did you get it from? It is so powerful and emits
brilliant light." He then walked by my mother's side, chatting with
her.
When my mother invited him to her house, he sat in meditation for a short
while. "I am a Taoist practitioner and share bonds of affinity with
you," he said. "There is something I must tell you. Your son
is a virtuous person. He is following a very ancient Master from the spiritual
world. The Creator has mapped the course of his spiritual practice with
a unique task and mission. You must not interfere with his will or intention.
Otherwise, you will be working against the Creator's plans and will incur
karma. In this special age in time, the Earth will be purified. Many beings
who have been doing spiritual practice for many lifetimes will attain spiritual
achievements and positions they are entitled to in the universe. In order
not to miss this opportunity, many heavenly beings have been reincarnated
into this world.
Such purificatory events have occurred twice on this planet before this
time, once in ancient times when the legendary Chinese emperors in the
remote ages (approximately 5000 years ago), and once during the transition
period between the Shang and Chou dynasties (around 3,000 years ago). But
those were very small events. The purification of this present era will
elevate this planet to a highly developed state." The old man also
explained to my mother many other incidents that had occurred in my life.
Therefore, as You have promised, Master, Your almighty power has conquered
my mother's heart.
I don't exactly know when this series of countless, profound, and mystical
stories actually started. However, I believe it can be traced back to a
profoundly loving glance from You that happened several eons ago. Perhaps
that is the reason behind everything.
I remember that prior to seeing Your sample booklet, I had dreamt of myself
in a big library where I came across the title, "The Key of Immediate
Enlightenment". I was eager to locate the book but failed. It was
not until I saw Your books for the first time that I realized the dream
was a sign that You had already come. In order to bring out the muni pearl
that has lain hidden deep in my marble brain, You arranged for the most
awe-inspiring miracles to crack this tough head of mine.
You had my old Lama friend - my closest ally since my childhood days -
come to tell me, "She is the best, the most perfect, and a completely
enlightened Master." This was what the Lama said when he saw Your
beautiful photo. You also had one of my former spiritual teachers, a compassionate
old lady, come to me. "Her light is omnipresent," she said, as
she looked at Your photo, "Wherever one may be on this planet, he
who recites Her name will be deeply loved by Her, which is hundreds and
thousands of times better than reciting a Buddha's name or mantra."
When I presented a copy of Your sample booklet to another of my spiritual
teachers, she accepted it immediately with these words, "Your Master
is truly great. Since the moment you started thinking about Her, Her blessings
have remained with you constantly." I had not yet received initiation
at the time. And my silent tears began to flow for You in my heart, up
until now....
While I was waiting for initiation, I was so anxious and eaten up with
worry that I almost lost hope because I could not get in touch with local
fellow initiates. In a crowded temple, however, a thin young man comforted
me, "Taking just one look at the Master is as good as having received
initiation and abhisekata. You will be enlightened at the age of 20 and
will have your spiritual attainments in this life as you have wished."
When his words came true after I turned 20, I suddenly realized why he
was nowhere to be found by the time I regained my senses and ran out of
the temple to look for him.
Less than two months after my initiation, I went to see my former spiritual
teacher who had been honored as the most eminent Tantric monk in Amdo,
Tibet. Through his expression of amazement and thumbs-up gesture, You completely
conquered my heart. Only when I saw him sigh in awe and his hands move
delicately over the sample booklet did I realize what You had truly given
me.
Oh, Master! The stories between You and me are a thousand times more beautiful
than any myth or legend. How could I tell them all? Even all the most romantic
words in this world would not be enough to describe one-millionth of a
fraction of Your beauty and love! How could I forget Your wonderful touch
in Bangkok? Your eyes were closed, yet immeasurable blessings flowed through
Your fingertips. Your lips smiled as though there were a thousand suns
about to burst into light at dawn. Your eyes were transfixed upon me, and
You looked like a close friend, a good ally, the Almighty Lord. Just as
I find the scene of verdant mountains so enchanting, hopefully the mountains
share the same feeling as they look upon me!
Oh, Master! I know this is not a simple love story that began only three
years ago. I am elated and rejoice in this love. Along the tracks of my
previous lifetimes, I continue to advance in this history of love. Oh,
Master! I am happy to move along this path and never want to turn back!
Using Positive Energy to Overcome
the Negative Force
Master is very concerned about the disasters that have occurred recently
in various parts of the world, such as the drought in the West and the
floods in the East. Recently in America, hundreds have died during a severe
heat wave, and the floods in Asia have also caused many deaths, with countless
people being made homeless. The flooding in China alone displaced five
and a half million people. Energy generated deep in the Earth's crust is
also leading to earthquakes in many regions. For example, the western and
central parts of Turkey were hit recently by the most severe earthquake
in the country's history, resulting in tens of thousands being killed or
injured, and more than two hundred thousand people being left homeless.
In order to relieve the suffering of the Chinese flood victims, a total
of US$120,000 (see attached receipts A, B and C from banks) was sent to
the Red Cross in Switzerland. And upon learning that the Turkish earthquake
victims needed tents and blankets most urgently, Formosan, Hong Kong and
Singapore initiates immediately contributed more than 6,000 items, including
tents and sleeping bags, as well as medical supplies to Turkey.
Besides making monetary and material contributions to help the most affected
areas, Master also immediately instructed disciples worldwide to meditate
more and pray to God, in the hope that the benevolent ambience derived
from their meditation will create more positive energy in the world to
help alleviate the suffering of humankind.
United Overseas Bank
Dear Sir,
We confirm having remitted telegraphically the sum of USD100,000 for value
13-Aug-99 to:
UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND PO BOX 2770 1202 GENEVA SWITZERLAND
A/C NO. CO-12.986.4
FVG. THE RED CROSS
MSG: THE FUND IS FROM THE SUPREME MASTER CHING HAI INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
FOR CHINA FLOOD RELIEF
By order YOURSELVES.
Yours faithfully,
for UNITED OVERSEAS BANK LIMITED
[Taipei and Taoyuan] Upon receiving Master's urgent instructions to help the earthquake victims
in Turkey, fellow practitioners in Formosa collected generous contributions
of emergency provisions within a couple of days. The contributions included
2,475 tents, 2,168 sleeping bags, 433 sleeping pads, and 258 quilts, which
together weighed over 14,000 kilograms and filled 828 large crates. The
emergency supplies were presented in a ceremony presided over by the Deputy
Foreign Minister of the Republic of China, Ou Hung-lien, at the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. Representative Teoman Surenkok of the Turkish Trade
Office in Taipei accepted the items on behalf of the earthquake victims.
The relief supplies were airlifted to the affected areas by China Airlines
and the Turkish Airlines through an arrangement by the Department of International
Organizations of the Foreign Ministry.
Fellow practitioners in Formosa work around the clock at the Taoyuan Center
to pack relief provisions for Turkish victims.
In his address during the presentation ceremony, Deputy Minister Ou expressed
his sympathy for the disaster victims in Turkey, as we are all members
of the world community. He hoped that the relief provisions representing
the warm concern of his government and people would soon be delivered to
the victims. Deputy Minister Ou strongly commended Formosa's charitable
organizations, whose acts of love and compassion have earned the country
great respect and a strong friendship with the international community.
Relief supplies for Turkish earthquake victims are presented in a special
ceremony. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association presents certificates
of appreciation to several parties who helped to deliver emergency provisions
to disaster victims.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association also presented certificates
of appreciation to Manager James Liu of China Airlines' Formosa Air Cargo
Center, Chairman Jean Chang and Vice President Stanley Chang of the Golden
Foundation Tours, and Vice President Simon Wang of the Golden Formosa Travel
Services, for their assistance in delivering the relief materials to the
earthquake victims in Turkey.
Several news media carry reports on the assistance provided by the Supreme
Master Ching Hai International Association to Turkish earthquake victims.
The Turkish Trade Office's receipt for relief assistance from the Supreme
Master Ching Hai International Association The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issues a press
release on relief work by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
to help earthquake victims in Turkey.
Hong Kong initiates packing tents to be sent to Turkey. Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd. acknowledges receipt of tents for Turkish
earthquake victims from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
in Hong Kong.
[Hong Kong] When Turkey was hit recently by an unexpectedly severe earthquake that
caused heavy casualties, the Hong Kong Center immediately convened a seven-day
"around-the-clock meditation session" so that fellow initiates
could meditate and pray for God's blessings on the world. During the session,
Hong Kong was struck by a series of disasters, including sudden bad weather,
typhoons, floods, and an airplane crash. Fellow practitioners, some of
whom had to remain at the Center because of the bad weather, could feel
the deep anguish of their brothers and sisters who had suffered mishaps
thousands of miles away. Thus, they meditated more diligently, hoping that
it would help alleviate the suffering of humankind.
Upon receiving Master's instructions to dispatch tents to the disaster
stricken areas in Turkey, the responsible person at the Center immediately
thought of finding a wholesale dealer of camping equipment. By God's incredible
arrangement, as soon as he had hung up the phone, he noticed that a sister
who operated a sporting goods outlet had just arrived at the center to
meditate and pray for God's grace. The sister promptly contacted her suppliers
and purchased fifty tents big enough for eight to ten persons. To support
the relief operation, fellow practitioners also offered another fifty of
their own tents and packed them throughout the night. The relief materials
were then delivered to the airport and later airlifted to the affected
areas to help solve some of the shelter problems of the victims.
[Singapore] Just as fellow initiates were shocked by the news of the earthquake that
devastated Turkey, our merciful Master promptly instructed disciples to
render all possible aid to the victims. Despite the fact that most fellow
initiates in Singapore were attending a two-day retreat and praying for
the alleviation of world suffering, the relief work was launched anyway.
We quickly called the Turkish Embassy in Singapore to find out how we could
render the best help. The First Secretary of the Turkish Embassy, Ms Deniz
Cakar, was deeply touched by our eagerness and sincerity in helping the
earthquake victims. She mentioned that up to that time, the death toll
had already reached 10,000 with countless people injured, another 35,000
estimated buried under the debris, and innumerous people sleeping on the
streets due to fear of further tremors. As it was a very critical situation,
the Turkish government preferred material aid instead of monetary contributions.
The most urgently needed items were medical supplies, tents, sleeping bags
and corpse bags. The Turkish government had waived all customs formalities
for relief materials and instructed Turkish Airlines to provide free airlifts.
After assessing the situation, we decided that time was the most important
factor, as the victims, struggling for survival, were desperately in need
of the relief materials. A group of fellow initiates began to seek sources
of medical supplies while another group called on initiates to contribute
their personal tents and sleeping bags. Since many fellow initiates had
brought their sleeping bags to the retreat, they willingly offered them
on the spot. Also, within one day, we managed to find two big suppliers
of medical supplies. Knowing that the purchase was to be contributed to
victims of the Turkish earthquake, the suppliers offered very low prices
and also their professional advice on which items were the most necessary
in such a situation. Moreover, as we worked together, they began to voluntarily
contribute more and more items to the earthquake victims.
A total of 28,743 Singapore Dollars (Approx. US$17,078) in medical supplies
was purchased for the Turkish earthquake victims.
In view of the urgency and disastrous conditions in Turkey, we decided
that all aid items should be dispatched by the first available flight,
which was scheduled to leave on Monday night. On Sunday, after the end
of the retreat, all the initiates rushed home to bring their tents and
sleeping bags to the collection and packing center, and then re-packed
everything to make sure that all the items were in useable and clean condition.
The packing work was completed around three o'clock in the morning. Although
it was very late and most of the initiates needed to work the next day,
none of us felt tired, but instead cherished very much the chance to work
for such a noble cause.
Turkish Airlines Air Waybill for delivery of Turkish earthquake relief
materials supplied by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.
Since the medical suppliers were not open on Sunday, they could only start
packing the medical materials on Monday morning. To ensure that the relief
materials would be dispatched on time on the Monday evening flight, some
initiates went to help the suppliers pack the cargo. The weather was emotionally
charged, as it rained quite heavily on and off the whole day, as if the
sky were crying for the pitiful earthquake victims. Despite the unfavorable
conditions, all the relief materials, including medical supplies, tents,
sleeping bags and other items, were eventually packed and delivered to
the airport just on time to catch the flight.
Ms. Deniz Cakar commented that she had never seen a group that was so efficient
in arranging everything so well and so quickly. She was deeply impressed
and thankful for the efforts of our group. Being very interested in Master's
teachings, she said that after the situation in Turkey improved, she would
like to visit our Center to learn more about Master and the Quan Yin Method.
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY SINGAPORE August 24, 1999(Originally in English) Supreme Master Ching Hai
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
A letter of appreciation from the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in
Singapore. Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai, EARTHQUAKE DONATIONS TO TURKEYI am very grateful to You for Your generous donation of 168 tents, 320
sleeping bags, 40 blankets, 6 ground sheets and twenty-eight thousand seven
hundred and forty three Singapore Dollars (S$28,743) worth of medical supplies
to help alleviate the enormous suffering of the earthquake victims in Turkey.
I also would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation
for the selfless effort and efficiency of Your association's members in
Singapore.
On behalf of my Government and the people of the Republic of Turkey, I
wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to You and Your association for Your
valuable support in helping our Country in this time of great need.
Sincerely Yours,
Deniz Cakar
First Secretary
Charge d'Affaires a. i.
[Hong Kong] As happened last year, this season, many provinces in mainland China were
inundated by floods caused by heavy downpours and the rising Yangtze River.
Millions of people were affected, as thousands of acres of farmland were
submerged, and countless houses collapsed. Realizing that the suffering
victims desperately needed help, Hong Kong initiates organized a two-day
overnight meditation session on August 13 and 14 to pray for the victims.
They also held a charity dinner and bazaar to raise relief funds. The events
drew an enthusiastic response, as fellow practitioners prepared food and
offered items for sale. Their loving contributions totaled HK$40,000 (approx.
US$5,128), which were given to the relief organization World Vision to
purchase food for the flood victims in China.
Receipt from World Vision for the HK$40,000 contribution made by fellow
practitioners in Hong Kong to flood victims in China.
From May to July 1999, the expenditures for various charitable activities,
including regular relief for the needy in different areas of the province,
and other Love in Action projects in Formosa, totaled NT$1,074,872 (approx.
US$33,590)
Fellow practitioners from Taitung went to Lidao Village, home of the Bunong
hill tribe and located over a thousand kilometers above sea level, to distribute
relief funds and food to the poor families living there. No hospital or
clinic exists in Lidao, so villagers have to go to areas more than 30 kilometers
away to seek medical help. Thus, fellow practitioners also offered free
medical diagnosis and treatment along with haircut services to the local
residents, and their efforts were greatly appreciated. Combined Report from FormosaLove in Action
Also, with great enthusiasm, fellow practitioners from all over the province
sent spiritual books and videos of Master as gifts to various colleges
and prisons, thus promoting the reading of good books as an activity among
members of the populace, and purifying people's hearts in the community.
Expenditures and Receipts for Charitable Activities in Formosa from May
to July 1999
Table 1: Expenditures for Relief of Needy Households in Formosa
from May to July 1999
May 1999
June 1999
July 1999 Place Number of households Amount (NT$) Number of households Amount (NT$) Number of households Amount (NT$) Attachment Keelung 1 $2,000 1 $2,000 1 $2,000 A Taipei 7 16,000 8 22,000 7 16,000 B Taoyuan 3 7,000 3 7,000 3 10,000 C Hsinchu 1 3,000 1 3,000 1 3,000 D Miaoli 2 6,000 2 6,000 2 6,000 E Taichung 7 14,000 7 14,000 7 14,000 F Nantou 5 11,400 5 11,400 5 11,400 G Chiayi 6 13,000 6 13,000 6 13,000 H Tainan 1 3,000 1 3,000 1 3,000 I Kaoping 2 4,000 3 7,000 3 7,000 J Ilan 1 2,000 1 2,000 1 2,000 K Hualien 2 4,000 2 4,000 2 4,000 L Taitung 5 10,000 5 10,000 5 10,000 M Penghu 2 4,000 2 4,000 2 4,000 N Monthly 45 $99,400 47 $108,400 46 $105,400 subtotal Total
$313,200 A letter of appreciation from the Wuling Labor Prison in Taitung, Formosa,
expressing gratitude to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
for holding lively and varied group counseling activities for the spiritual
growth of the prison inmates, allof whom have received much benefit from
the program. A certificate of appreciation from the Hsinchu Juvenile Prison expressing
gratitude to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for
visiting the prison to guide the prisoners in learning about meditation.
Table2: Expenditures for Charitable Activities in Formosa
from May to July 1999
Place Date Description Amount (NT$) Attachment Taipei 1999.5.3 Spiritual books and videotapes for the libraries of 36 universities and
colleges in northern Formosa 87,168 (1) Taipei 1999.5.3 Spiritual books for the inmates of 3 detention centers in Taipei 11,640 (2) Kaoping 1999.5.14 Spiritual books for the inmates of 7 prisons in the Kaoping area 189,000 (3) Miaoli 1999.5.20 Urgent relief fund for 2 child protection cases, under the Social Affairs
Department of the Miaoli County Government 20,000 (4) Pingtung 1999.5.23 Recreation activity and vegetarian food for the children of Pingtung's
"Faith-Hope-Love Orphanage" 22,997 (5) Taitung 1999.5.27 Spiritual seminar and gifts for the inmates of Taitung Wuling Open Prison 6,050 (6) Tainan 1999.6.3 Spiritual books for the inmates of 4 prisons in Tainan 18,000 (7) Hsinchu 1999.6.10 Spiritual seminar at Hsinchu Juvenile Prison, and spiritual books and gifts
for the inmates 10,136 (8) Taitung 1999.6.28 Spiritual books for the inmates of Taitung Wuling Open Prison 3,360 (9) Taipei 1999.6.30 Taking responsibility for the night lighting facilities of Taipei Municipal
Lungshan Junior High School from June 9 to Sept. 8 30,000 (10) Taichung 1999.7.2 Spiritual books for the libraries of 4 universities and colleges in Taichung 27,159 (11) Chiayi 1999.7.4 Contribution to 2 charity groups (refer to receipts published in this issue
of the News magazine, page 17), from funds raised at the charity fair held
at the Chiayi Cultural Center Chungcheng Park 60,000 Pingtung 1999.7.6 Spiritual Seminar at the Drug Rehabilitation Center in Pingtung Prison
and gifts for the inmates 3,146 (12) Taichung 1999.7.13 Spiritual books for inmates in 3 Taichung prisons 11,640 (13) Tainan 1999.7.13 Spiritual seminar at the Tainan Mingte Open Prison, and gifts for the inmates 1,464 (14) Chiayi 1999.7.14 Supreme Master Ching Hai Art Exhibition at the Chiayi Cultural Center 186,890 (15) Miaoli 1999.7.18 Cleaning of County Highway Route 28 as part of the environmental cleanup
project by the Hsihu Rural Township Office (voluntary work) 0 Taipei 1999.7.19 Urgent relief fund for madam Tan Chang-lin 8,000 (16) Taitung 1999.7.24 Fund, food, and free medical consultations and haircut for destitute indigenous
people in Haituan, Taitung 22,014 (17) Changhua 1999.7.27 Spiritual books for inmates in Changhua Prison 43,008 (18) Total NT$761,672
The total expenditures for charity and relief activities in Formosa from
May through July 1999, as listed in tables 1 and 2, amount to NT$1,074,872
(or approx. US$33,590).Using Positive Energy to Overcome the Negative Force Aid for Earthquake Victims in Turkey Aid to Flood Victims in Mainland China Combined Report from FormosaExpenditures and Receipts for Charitable Activities in Formosa from May
to July 1999Letters of Appreciation
from the Red Cross
During the period of the Jewelry Exhibition in Basel, Switzerland in May
of this year, the Supreme Master Ching Hai attended a meeting in Geneva
with representatives of various charitable organizations. The General Counselor
of Albania in Switzerland was also present, and asked for Master's blessings
and help for the Kosovo refugees in his country. Master was deeply concerned,
and immediately afterwards, through the Red Cross, contributed a sum of
US$50,000 for the relief of the refugees in Albania. Later She gave instructions
to send another contribution of US$50,000 as needed. Here is the receipt
for the second contribution.
Le President
Geneva, 17, August 1999
Dear Mrs. Ching Hai,
I am very pleased and grateful to acknowledge receipt of Your second remittance
for USD 50,000, which helps finance the humanitarian activities of the
International Committee of the Red Cross in the Balkans.
I would like to thank You for the continued support which You have given
us during the past years. It is a reflection of the importance You attach
to humanitarian endeavors.
Without the compassion and supportive spirit of its donors, the ICRC would
be forced to leave many men, women and children abandoned to the terrors
and dreadful consequences of war. With generous help such as Yours, it
is able to assume a share of the global responsibility we all have in the
face of human suffering.
I thank You again for Your regular generosity, and hope to be able to count
on Your support in the future.
Yours Sincerely,
Cornelio Sommaruga
(Originally in English)
May 18, 1999
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
Dear Los Angeles Center,
Thank you for your recent contribution to Independent Givers of America.
Per your request, your generous contribution of $7,600 has gone to American
charities providing direct relief to the victims of the tragedy in Kosovo.
The charitable organizations that benefit from your gift truly thank you.
Thanks to you, they are able to continue their relief efforts and ensure
that vital supplies are reaching the refugees.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Swett
IGA Representative (Originally in English)
Fellow initiates from Los Angeles, U.S.A. also contribute US $7,600 to
the victims of the Kosovo crisis through the charity organization Independent
Givers of America (IGA).
Letters of Appreciation from the Hayer Cultural Center,
Armenia for the US$20,000 contributed
by Supreme Master Ching Hai in May, 1999
(Originally in English)
To Supreme Master Ching Hai
Thank You for Your contribution to the Hayer Cultural Center Charity Fund.
Please be informed, that the Hayer Cultural Center has its own private
music school, where more than 90 children from the ages of six to 20 learn
the art of singing.
Besides, the Hayer Cultural Center organizes festivals, called "Do-Re-Mi,"
which are very popular not only in Armenia but also around the world. During
these festivals, the Hayer Cultural Center finds talented children from
all over Armenia and helps them to make their futures successful. Also,
the Hayer Cultural Center takes care of needy talented children who can
not pay their own tuition.
Your contribution will be used to distribute audio tapes of our students'
performances, to buy audio equipment and to construct a music school for
talented children.
Nadeshda Sarkisian
(Originally in English)
Venerable Ching Hai,
Please allow me to express to You the deepest gratitude of the pedagogical
group of the Hayer Cultural Center. We are astonished by Your humanitarian
actions. In our memories, You will always remain a symbol of humanitarianism
and benevolence.
Lillit Papoyan
Hayer Cultural Center Instructor
(Originally in English)
Greetings, Beloved Ching Hai,
Unforgettable were those two days that we spent together. Our deepest gratitude
goes out to You for Your benevolent deeds. Your kindness helped us to produce
a CD for which we have long waited. Because of You, we will be able to
spread our songs not only to Armenia but also to some overseas countries.
We hope that even as the years pass, we will meet again and spend very
happy times together, as we did recently. We think that You also liked
our ancient and beautiful Armenia.
With respect and kisses...Do-Re-Mi Emma Bedanyan
15 years old
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Pingtung, Formosa April 11, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)
Many people have great faith in me. They adore me. In their hearts, they
understand my teachings; they know and believe what I am talking about.
They think it is good enough to take my photo home and worship it, or take
three of my books home and read through them in two nights. Then they become
very arrogant and regard themselves as my disciples. Can it be that simple?
When people ask them to receive initiation, they say, "What for? I
am more sincere than you are! I have greater faith in Master than you do!"
They think that it is enough.
That is not the same. They are like children who have never been married.
They know the theories but have no real experience. Even young adults,
who know more than children, do not understand what marriage is about,
its joys and difficulties, since they are still single.
Similarly, we read in the scriptures about how the disciples of Shakyamuni
Buddha and Jesus Christ beheld the light; heard music; saw the Buddha or
God; and experienced the Third Heaven, the Fourth Dhyana Heaven, and many
other extraordinary heavens. We have heard about the Eighth-grade Bodhisattvas,
the Arhats, or Srota-apannas, but we have no idea what a Srota-apanna is
or how a person changes after he attains the Srota-apanna level or Arhatship.
What does he achieve within? How does he think and what does he see? Does
he possess powers or wisdom that are different than ours, which is why
he is venerated as an Arhat?
Suppose in this world, there are two persons who look alike, but one has
learned science and the other has learned carpentry. Of course, they are
different. The carpenter knows that a doctor has a very good profession,
and is highly intelligent and capable of saving people, etc. But he doesn't
know how to perform a doctor's job. He doesn't know how the doctor has
changed internally, how he saves people, how he diagnoses his patients
just by looking at them, or how he knows that a patient is seriously ill
just by feeling his pulse. The carpenter cannot do that. Otherwise, why
do we call the doctor by this title? He has mastered skills and accumulated
knowledge that are entirely different than that of the carpenter. We cannot
say cutting down a tree is the same as performing abdominal surgery just
because they are both done with sharp-edged tools. They are not the same!
One involves a tree and the other involves a human. Trees are not complicated,
but there are many organs inside a human body that need careful handling.
A surgical operation is not just a simple cut made with a knife!
Likewise, many people can read, recite, and explain the scriptures. They
can tell when the scriptures were written, by whom they were written, and
the meanings therein. However, they do not genuinely understand because
they have not had the divine experience. They have not had the experience
of being an Arhat, an Eighth-grade Bodhisattva, a Tenth-grade Bodhisattva,
a Buddha, or even the most elementary Srota-apanna, Sravaka, or Pratyeka
Buddha. That is why we have to practice the Quan Yin Method. Otherwise,
why should we bother to pursue spiritual practice?
People are delighted to hear that everyone has the Buddha Nature. They
think that that is enough. It is not! We do not know what the Buddha Nature
is. We have to practice the Quan Yin Method in order to realize the Buddha
Nature and Arhatship; to know how we feel, what authority or powers we
will gain, or to what extent we can save people, when we have attained
the level of an Eighth-grade Bodhisattva. The same goes for a doctor. The
more he learns, the more capable he is of saving people; and the more he
practices, the more experience he gains. Some doctors don't even need to
feel your pulse; they can tell your illness just by looking at you.
Enlightened Masters Help Us Deal with the Karmic Net
It is the same in spiritual practice. Many spiritual practitioners don't
need to check our destiny in order to save us. We don't need to show them
our ancestral history, tell them what we have practiced before, or recount
the good or bad deeds we have committed. We don't have to say a word and
they will know everything simply by giving us a glance. They will know
everything about us, right from the time we first descended to this Earth,
all our actions in our previous lives, and whether we have been beasts,
kings, humans, officials, men, or women. Only then can they handle that
intricate karmic net for us. People who can tell fortunes are quite good
already, but they can only tell us events that occurred in the last few
hundred years, or at the most, the past few thousand years. That is nothing;
they simply cannot read the karma that has accumulated in all our previous
lifetimes.
At the time of initiation, I advise you that we should refrain from using
magical powers because they are too insignificant and limited. People who
can read previous existences can at the most trace the karma that people
have collected in the past few hundred or thousand years. They cannot see
right back to the primordial times when an atom was transformed into a
sentient being, and how he or she went through many lifetimes of reincarnation
for billions of years. Only a Buddha or an Enlightened Master can read
such personal records. Only such a Master has the authority. [Applause]
Karmic records are stored in certain exclusive places that are out of bounds
to the ordinary human being, the average fortune-teller, and people with
the ability to read previous existences. These people don't have the identity
card! Entry is permitted only to superior Enlightened Masters, who are
related to these places. Fortune-tellers cannot tell what is in these records.
Even if they know, they cannot do anything with it.
For example, some fortune-tellers may be able to help us change our present
karma a little bit. They may tell us, "Oh! Mrs. Wang, you are being
overshadowed by the negative energy! There is something wrong with the
geomancy in your house. Quickly move your house around and everything will
be fine! You should also spend some money on making offerings so as to
earn blessed rewards or benefits for the future." That can be done
sometimes, because that person can read the karma we have incurred in our
last life, which is making us suffer in a dark corner now. He can see it;
and he can help us untie the karmic knot left over from a previous life.
However, sometimes our karma might have been created very long ago, several
thousand years ago, and the karmic fruit has not yet matured. Then even
if the fortune-tellers are aware of it, there is nothing they can do to
save us from undesirable karmic retribution. They can do nothing.
Only Enlightened Masters can enter these places where the complete records
are neatly maintained. It is Their work to completely erase age-old karma.
Otherwise, it will be futile for us to pursue spiritual practice to attain
liberation. It will take billions of eons to erase all the karma! Even
then, it will not be completely erased. Why? Because each time we come
back, we will create new karma and be bound once again. Before we have
completely cleansed the karma we have collected, we will have taken on
more new dirt. No fortune-teller or person with supernatural powers or
the ability to read previous existences can enter these places because
he does not have the power. He cannot do anything to help his clients take
care of their age-old karma.
Since Enlightened Masters are omnipotent, They can cleanse all the karma
of our previous lives in an instant. Their power is incredible! If we do
not have a chance to meet these Masters, however many blessed rewards we
earn, they will not be enough because our karma is too heavy and our bad
retributions too numerous! No matter how diligently we worship the Buddha,
it will never be enough. We can study all the scriptures but still be unable
to open up our wisdom, because we are engulfed by the dark clouds of karmic
hindrances from our previous lives. We can read the scriptures over and
over again, but still be like the blind! Though they are very clear, we
cannot understand their meaning because we are blinded by garbage and karma.
The Difference between the Initiated and the Non-initiated
Many people think that it is good enough to just believe in the Master,
but it is not! You must be willing to let me cleanse you. I cannot do it
if you are unwilling, because it is your home. If you are determined to
cling to your own garbage tightly, no one can take it from you. It is useful
to some extent for people when they have faith in me, read my books, or
worship my photos. It cleanses them on the outside, but not on the inside.
Those who are initiated let me cleanse them inside out, whereas the non-initiated
person who has faith and reads books is cleansed only on the outside. We
alone cannot handle the karma that we have accumulated over many lifetimes.
There is too much garbage and it has not been removed for a very long time.
Life after life, we have gathered too much undesirable dirt. It takes a
more experienced person who knows how to handle garbage, to enter our house
and scrape away the dirt completely. Some houses are so old that it is
necessary to redo the ceiling, repaint the walls, and remove the carpets
for cleaning. Every corner has to be cleaned, new flooring installed, and
the walls repainted before the house becomes habitable. Similarly, our
house within, this mind of ours, is full of dirt as well. The flooring
is already kaput. Our moral concepts and noble ideals have given way to
decadence, leaving behind only secular concepts and habitual greed, anger,
and infatuation. We cannot fix it all single-handedly. For initiated people,
the Master will go inside and cleanse it thoroughly.
Many people have the wrong notion that it is enough to take my photo home
and worship it. Their habit of worship is deep-rooted. They worship the
earth deities and even the tree gods. When they hear about my powers, they
take my photo home and worship it too. That is useful, but only on the
outside. I have made a very clear analogy just now. Therefore, if we truly
desire liberation from birth and death, and truly want to remove our filthy
spots, there is only one way, that is, receive initiation. So, please do
not be misled in this regard. I find that there are many people with misconceptions
about this. It is very unfortunate, not because they do not have faith
in me, but because they misunderstand.
Therefore, I am especially emphasizing this point today for your clarification.
[Applause] I am not trying to force or coax you into receiving initiation.
I only want those of you who have been misled to understand clearly the
significant difference between getting initiation and not getting it!
Even those people who do not have strong faith in me after receiving initiation
are better than those who do believe in me but are not initiated. It is
like loving a person very much without getting married. What's the use?
This is different than not loving a person as much but living with him
or her every day, experiencing marriage, and enjoying the world together.
There is a big difference! Isn't that true? If you love a woman, would
you prefer to love her outside her door every day, or would you rather
marry her? (Marry her!) Yes! So don't tell me that it is good enough just
to love the woman, that you love her more than her fiance does. What use
is it to love her so much if you are far apart? If you really want her,
then marry her. To be liberated from birth and death, to receive genuine
help from the Master, and derive the greatest benefits and blessing power
there is, you should receive initiation!
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Seven - Day retreat at Hsihu, Miaoli, Formosa
July 29-August 6, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)
Once in a while, we should get together to meditate and recharge ourselves,
then we will be full of light and love. And when we go home, we can benefit
the society, the country, and our relatives and friends.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Hsihu, Miaoli, Formosa February 18, 1990 (Originally in Chinese)
During group meditation, the power is enormous. Even if our spiritual level
is very low, it will be raised to a much higher level after we have joined
in group meditation for some time. On the other hand, even if our level
is high, not going to group meditation will push us down to a very low
level. This is because in this world, we are reliant on and related to
others; no one can accomplish anything alone. It is the same with spiritual
practice. It will be wrong for us to think that we can be successful in
spiritual cultivation by practicing alone; it only shows our ignorance
and low level.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Japan, March 12, 1992 (Originally in Chinese)
When ten persons meditate together, they receive ten portions of merit,
which, added to their own portion, will make eleven portions. Therefore,
when we go to group meditation, the merit we derive far exceeds that of
practicing alone at home for days, months, or perhaps years. It depends
on the number of people attending group meditation. Therefore, the larger
the number of attendants and the longer we attend group meditation, the
greater will be our spiritual change.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Melbourne, Australia, March 14, 1993 (Originally in English)
It is very, very important that you come to meditate together, because
the power is greater; and you sit longer and are more stable when you are
in the company of others. That's why Jesus said, "When two or more
sit together in my name, I am with them."
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Hsihu, Miaoli, Formosa, June 30, 1991 (Originally in Chinese)
If we have any plans at all, they should be plans for more meditation,
for group meditation. We should devote our spiritual energy each day to
praying to God to bless the ignorant beings that we are. We should pray
to God to help and forgive us even if we are full of sins. I cannot make
any more plans! Even if we possess all the wealth and property in this
world, we cannot help too many refugees.
When our karma is heavy, we cannot make use of any money that we may have.
Even when the food is placed in front of us, we cannot eat it or we cannot
swallow it. Therefore, it is best to rely on the spiritual aspects because
the best help we can receive is from our spiritual practice. We can use
the positive atmosphere that we gain from our practice to pray for the
Buddhas' and God's blessings on the world, to forgive ignorant humankind.
This is the only way for us to avoid disasters; otherwise, no matter how
much money we have or how many organizations there are, I am afraid they
will not be enough! Even if we have money, we cannot bring it to the needy
when the karma comes; even if they have property, they cannot take it with
them.
So we must continue to do our spiritual practice diligently and spread
our positive vibrations to every corner of the world. In this way, we may
be able to help some people. But we may not be able to help them, not even
temporarily, if we rely only on money or organizations. Sometimes when
people have too much karma, it will prevent us from helping them even if
we are willing. Besides, we cannot help them if we practice poorly. Sometimes,
at the time we help others, if we have enough spiritual merits, it will
be easier for us to overcome obstacles and help people more smoothly.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Chuongli, Formosa
February 25, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)
Q: Master, what are the manifestation body, the reward body (the physical
body), and the dharma body in Buddhism? How do we attain the three-fold
body?
M: The dharma body is the Truth or the Tao, the True Self, the heavenly kingdom,
God, and Creator. It exists eternally. It has never been born and will
never perish. It is indivisible, neither good nor bad, compassionate nor
wicked. The manifestation body comes from the dharma body - that which
is neither good nor bad, has never been born and will never perish. Therefore,
the manifestation body is also the dharma body. We sentient beings pray
a lot because we suffer much anguish! These prayers form a kind of atmosphere,
which can transform itself and move to some place, where it emits a beam
of light. This light is the manifestation body. It originates from that
huge source of light that has never been born and will never perish, which
is dazzlingly brilliant and nameless, has no upper limit, and does not
move. We can say that the beam of light thus transmitted from this huge
source is the manifestation body. It becomes denser as it descends and
takes a form. At the higher level, this form is light, transparent light,
and is intangible. It can be seen, though not by the physical eyes. However,
sometimes it is visible to the physical eyes as well. As the beam of light
descends further, it becomes denser and changes into a physical body of
flesh. The physical body looks just like the brilliant, transparent body
above, except that the brilliant body is more beautiful, attractive, better-looking
to the eye, and more powerful because it is not confined by this silly
tool of flesh. So this is the meaning of the dharma body, the manifestation
body, and the physical body.
A person who has attained the Truth should be able to use his three-fold
body. We, who have not attained the Truth, have only the physical body.
We are always falling ill. We are helpless, unable to help ourselves, or
take care of ourselves or others. A person who has attained the three-fold
body, through the unity of the physical body, the manifestation body, and
the dharma body, is able to do anything. His physical body is connected
to the manifestation body, which, in turn, is linked to the highest power
in the universe - that which exists forever, has never been born, and will
never perish. Therefore, the three are together in oneness. Catholics speak
of this as the Trinity. So this is the meaning of the three-fold body of
the Buddha in Buddhism. A person with a three-fold body is an Enlightened
Master, a Buddha, a Bodhisattva, a Christ, a Saint, or one who has attained
the Truth. Understand? [Applause]
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai,
London, U.K. August 26, 1997 (Originally in English)
Q:What causes the problem of alcoholism? What causes it to arise in the alcoholic's
spirit?
M: There are many causes. First of all, a lot of people are weak, and they
cannot resist the temptation to run away from problems. Instead of facing
their problems, they run away. People run away from problems in different
ways. Some people choose alcohol. Some people choose to literally run away
from the scene of the problem, or from the person that they think is causing
them problems, or embarrassment. Instead of solving problems with each
other, talking with each other, they run away. They use any excuse, or
go to any other house, visit any other friends, or do anything to run away,
instead of talking. Or instead of making the person understand why he is
angry, why she is angry, they just run away.
And some other people cannot talk, cannot run away, because they have no
chance, no choice, or are too lazy to run away, and then they consume alcohol.
Running away in the mind, pretending to be deaf and dumb to the world,
they make a mess of themselves. And then, they make themselves worse, so
people don't even bother with them, or talk to them, and they just pretend
to be dead. This is a way of running away from problems. These people are
weak. That's all. This is a sign of weakness.
Because we are all God's children, we are so used to heavenly bliss over
there in Heaven. And when we come here, nothing is to our liking. Everything
is so terrible, everything is so hard on us. And then when we have a few
more problems, we can't bear it any more. Then we try to run away. We try
to recover the peace that we once had in Heaven. And so we use all kinds
of substitutes in order to shut out the problem. That's it. So that's alcoholism.
And then they turn to alcohol, or drugs, or whatever, or women, or gambling.
And also sometimes, bad spirits, ghosts, also possess them, and also make
them drink, if they are weak. If they don't believe in God too much, if
they're too prone to a kind of negative, dark thinking too much, then they
attract the dark elements.
When I talk about spirits, it doesn't necessarily mean ghosts. There are
bad elements everywhere, as well as good elements. If we clean ourselves
and become good, and our energy is good, then we attract more good energy,
more positive elements and they surround us everywhere. And if we are bad,
we are dark, then we attract more dark elements in the surroundings, in
the atmosphere. Do you know where the dark elements come from, and where
the good elements come from? From human society. When people think badly,
they create the dark element, dark energy and woe to us. If we become dark,
and susceptible to this kind of dark element, we say we are possessed by
bad spirits.
If we are cleansed, we're pure and we raise our thinking and spirit to
a noble level, then we attract more noble energy, noble elements, from
a noble group of people, whose thoughts are noble and elegant and beautiful.
Then we attract that. So, say, if the people who are dark, who give in
to the pressures of life and who want to run away, don't elevate themselves,
then they attract this kind of bad energy from people who generate bad
thoughts. Because everything we think, everything we say, generates energy,
and it hangs around in the air everywhere. And whoever belongs to that
group catches that kind of thing.
So with the people who are alcoholic, sometimes it is like that. Or gamblers,
I mean, addicts, they are like that. But don't blame the spirits for anything.
Blame yourselves. We have to choose. That's why I say, "Choose your
lifestyle." You have to choose whatever you want to be. You have to
choose it with all your might, or else you're weakened. And then all the
bad energy will overpower you, and then you can't get up anymore. Once
you are down, it's difficult to get up. Choose your way of life. The way
you have chosen is good already, so just continue to make it better and
better. Then you will just attract better and better energy. That's why
your life has started to become better. It's not due to me, it's due to
you. You've chosen a better way of life. You chose to walk in the sun,
so you see the sun. If you choose to stay in a room, a dark room, you see
darkness. It's all your doing. I am not doing anything.
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Florida Center, USA, February 15, 1999 (Originally in English)
Q: Many so-called experts say there will be disturbances during the next
year, social problems, etc., the millennium, computer problems, all these
things are predicted for the next year. I am wondering what preparations
You see that we should make: families, centers, to help our community,
just to be prepared for everything.
M: Yeah, be prepared to die anytime, that's my advice. [laughter and applause]
Because we die in any millennium, I tell you. [Master laughs]
Q: In every Millennium.
M: Anytime, be prepared. That's right. It could be in the next few days.
It could be the next moment. I am prepared all the time. Disaster may strike
at any time in any area anyhow, in any millennium. For example, sometimes
you are here and the weather forecast is for a storm coming, or flood coming,
then of course, you have to prepare your Noah's Arc somewhere. Put it in
the attic or hang it from the ceiling to feel secure for your children.
Of course, you are responsible for their safety, and do your best to bring
them into safety. That's it. Whenever it comes, there is no millennium
as bad as now.
They have been predicting that for thousands of years. We are supposed
to be dead already according to their predictions [laughter]. Some of the
predictions say our planet is supposed to be kaput already. Finito! But
it goes on, you know. And if it doesn't go on, we have other planets. We
have the inner planet, which is indestructible. Don't concern yourself
much about physical things. All these predictions are concerning the physical
only. There's not much to worry about. Even if we do worry, even if I know
tomorrow is the end of the world, what can we do? You think we can escape
somehow by preparing, or hanging some bottles on the ceiling or something
like that? When God wants to take us away, or to bring us back to where
we belong, we go. But meanwhile, if we don't know that Hes wants us to
go, then we prepare whatever like everyone else, because what else is there
to do?
Q:Thank You.
M: The reason why we prepare, I'll tell you why. For example, even though
you are a practitioner, and you believe in God. You say, "Oh! God
will take care of me, and everything." But why? Why let God worry
about two bottles of water and packing rice and some bread for you? These
things you can do yourself. And why do you do it? To have peace of mind.
Why should you sit there and worry about whether you will be safe or not,
whether God will come or not? And why would you let people who depend on
you, like your children or wife worry about whether you have food to eat,
if supposing a flood comes? So that's why you have to be prepared. You
prepare it when the flood comes, prepare some food, put it safe somewhere,
or drive them to safety, things like that. This is a normal thing to do.
So I don't advise people to put away anything, anyway, or make anything
anywhere. And if I do so, it's just because it's at a specific time to
ease their mind. I want them to concentrate more on the wisdom than on
food while they are at it.
If they already know: "Okay, we have a cave of food somewhere,"
they meditate better. That's all. It's not because that can help us. Lots
of people are concerned about the Millennium and the end of the world and
all that. It's okay. As long as we do our spiritual practice and send out
loving energy, the world will still go on splendidly and get better and
better. And if people don't practice well, and there's not enough good
energy, then the world has to go, and that's okay. God will make another.
Q:Do You think the reason it hasn't happened is because there are more and
more spiritual practitioners?
M: That, also. Yes.
Q: Do You think there are other reasons?
M: There were many reasons for why it hasn't happened.
Q: Like so many changes were supposed to happen right now.
M: Yes, yes. And it's supposed to be true, too. And if it's true, the reason
why it did not happen is because the atmosphere changes, people's consciousness
changes. They fear God, and they pray more, and they go more inside, they
repent, and they go in a more right direction, so the energy changes into
being more positive and uplifting. So it changes. Everything changes. Because
disaster is attracted by bad energy, by a vicious energy, atmosphere.
So if everyone starts to think good thoughts and pray to God, then the
atmosphere changes. When the atmosphere changes, the disasters, which are
bad energy, have nowhere to hook onto, so they have to pass by or disappear
somewhere else in the vastness of the firmament, or, in the atmosphere.
So if we are happy-go-lucky persons, we attract more luck and happiness.
That's normal. And another reason that it doesn't happen is because that
person probably predicted wrongly. [laughter] Yes. He kind of had clairvoyance
or some astral psychic powers. And what he saw happening was somewhere
else, or was his own illusion. The third reason is that sometimes he sees
these things in the past, or in another place, not this planet, and he
gets it all confused. Since he lives here, he thinks it's here. Since he
lives in this present, he thinks it's now. But the time in dreams sometimes
doesn't coincide with the time of this reality.
When he thinks it's coming this year, he calculates it wrongly in the different
dimension. The time is different. And maybe there is no time at all. So
when he comes back, he thinks it's this year. He calculates that everything
is this year, but it's not so. So there are many reasons. There is no need
to bother about all these metaphysical and physical phenomena. The more
we meditate, the more we spread the good news, the more we feel good. And
even if we don't feel good, and we have to go, then we go. We have to go
at the end. We don't stay here forever, whether we practice or not.
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A Little Message: In speaking of God, or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original
non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a
He. She + He = Hes (as in Bless) Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm) Hers + His
= Hiers (as in Dear) Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according
to Hiers will to suit Hirmself.
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Download E105 Files Every time we remember God, every time we remember the holy names of God,
we are empowered with purity, holiness, and blessings.
High Spiritual Interest in the Country
of the Ancient Inca Empire
[Lima] Recently, a Quan Yin messenger and our local fellow initiates went to
the provinces of Abancay and Cusco in the southern part of Peru and presented
ten video lectures, which were attended by thousands of people.
We first presented four lectures in one day at the American High School
in Cusco. The audience members were all very interested and anxious to
know about Master's teachings. During the video presentation of Master's
lectures, we noticed a great deal of receptivity and strong interest among
the audience members, which were later reflected in their continuous questions
with spiritual depth. One local teacher especially requested a picture
of Master, because he noticed the spiritual beauty in Her eyes and hence
wanted to have a keepsake of this beautiful image.
At the end of each lecture, many people requested to receive the Convenient
Method and the News Magazines and other information. The audience was also
served vegetarian snacks.
The video lecture at the Abancay City Hall
The following day we went to the city of Abancay, the capital of Apurimac
Province. This trip was coordinated by a group of initiates from Lima and
Dr. Luz Salas. After following Master and learning the Convenient Method,
Dr. Salas has been actively participating in spreading Master's teachings.
After we presented a video lecture at the University of Abancay, we noticed
that the young students and some teachers were very interested in knowing
about Master's teachings.
Then we visited the male and female prisons of Abancay respectively and
showed a video lecture in each prison. The inmates were very receptive
to us upon our arrival. During the video presentation, Master's wise words
about the spiritual path and the Truth deeply touched them, especially
the females, many of whom told us, with tears in their eyes, that they
wanted to follow Master. An inmate came up to the Quan Yin messenger crying,
and promised to write to Master, because Master had opened a ray of hope
for her. Then we offered free sample booklets, News Magazines and copies
of "Silent Tears" to the inmates. About the same numbers of male
and female inmates requested to receive the Convenient Method. Four female
penitentiary guards also requested to receive the Convenient Method, all
of whom had shown great sincerity. Before leaving, we shared vegetarian
snacks with the audience members.
The video presentations at the American High School in Cusco.
Continuing our journey, we came to the Superior Technological Institute
of San Augustin in the same city and presented a video lecture at the invitation
of the principal of the Institute, who had come to know the Quan Yin Method
through the Internet. The principal was very courteous and extremely interested
in knowing about "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment". The students
and teachers who attended attentively watched Master's video-taped lecture.
After a question and answer session, the principal, being deeply moved,
advised the students to adhere to Master's wise teachings in order to find
the Truth.
On the following day, through Dr. Luz's arrangement, we contacted the local
mayor and obtained his permission to present a video lecture in the Abancay
City Hall Theater, which several hundred people attended. The mayor was
very pleased with our activity and asked us for more information, informing
us that he was a vegetarian with a great interest in learning about higher
spirituality.
The ancient Incan culture was rich in spirituality.
After the lecture, we said good-bye to Apurimac Province and traveled toward
Inca City, Cusco, the capital of the well-known ancient Inca Empire, which
was highly developed in politics, economics and society as well as spirituality
in pre-Columbian times. Upon our arrival, we immediately boarded a train,
and arrived at the city of Machu Picchu after a journey of six hours. The
local residents were gentle and courteous, living in harmony with each
other and nature. After crossing a beautiful jungle panorama, we arrived
at a citadel called "Aguas Calientes", meaning "Hot Springs".
The next evening, we presented a video lecture in the city hall. After
the lecture, several municipal employees requested to receive the Quan
Yin Method and many other audience members requested to receive the Convenient
Method. The event concluded with the applause of the audience at midnight.
The participants were all satisfied and hoped to know more about Master's
teachings.
One five-year-old local girl, Lita, and her nine-year old friend were so
interested in us that they stayed with us from the preparation period until
the end of the lecture. Lita even anxiously waited at the gate of our quarters
in order to see us again the next day in the early morning. When we finally
said good-bye to the ancient city of Aguas Calientes and a group of local
people saw us off, Lita was among the people in the crowd.
[ San Jose] With the idea of sharing Master's love and wisdom with prison inmates
and bringing them peace and comfort, fellow practitioners and Quan Yin
messengers visited a small local prison one Saturday morning in late July.
In addition to spiritual teaching materials by Master, we had also prepared
some delicious vegetarian food to be shared with everyone. Materially,
we offered blankets and bedclothes to the prison, plus twelve boxes of
clothing to the inmates.
Inmates in Costa Rica attentively watching Master's video tape. The activities include a chess contest.
For the day's activity, we prepared a presentation of Master's videotapes,
a question and answer session, a refreshment period, and a chess contest.
After watching the videotapes, the inmates were very interested and enthusiastically
brought up many questions about practicing the Convenient Method, the nature
of an enlightened Master, the Holy Trinity, etc. One of the inmates was
about to be released, and he sincerely copied down the contact information
for the local Center, because he wanted to practice the Quan Yin Method
and learn Master's teachings after his release. The atmosphere in the prison
was very cordial and friendly, with everyone suddenly becoming very lovely
like an innocent child.
The inmates' sincerity and purity shone through their yearning eyes. More
than half of the audience members requested to learn the Convenient Method.
Even when we had proceeded to the chess contest and refreshment serving
according the timetable, many of them still preferred asking questions
and requesting the Convenient Method. Everyone was very happy, and the
fellow practitioners who participated were touched by the joyous atmosphere.
Because of the gladness, the hours passed so quickly that no one realized
it when the time to say goodbye had arrived.
Beautiful Hawaii, Beautiful Messages
Report from the Hawaii Center
[Honolulu] On July 24, on the island of Oahu, our fellow initiates participated in
the Holistic Health Craft Fair to introduce Master's teachings and share
some delicious vegetarian food. Many attendees were surprised that vegetarian
food could taste so good. With Master's video playing and many sample booklets
and magazines being passed out, the sunny island of Oahu was blessed with
Master's infinite light and love.
Then, on August 14, our fellow practitioners in Hawaii were honored to
participate in the Fifth Annual Flower Festival in Haiku to show Master's
videos and dispense Master's literature. It was a beautiful, windy day
with traditional music, hula dancing, and a crafts and flower arranging
contest. Many people watched the videos, asked questions and took literature,
and some later received Convenient Method training.
On August 16, our fellow practitioners went to a prison in Maui, Hawaii,
and presented one of Master's video lectures to the prisoners. After watching
Master's lecture, the prisoners asked many sincere questions and each disciple
had an opportunity to relate an experience of understanding that was perfect
for the questions. There were numerous outbursts of applause from the prisoners,
which was their way of showing their excitement and understanding of the
truthfulness of the information. At the end of the presentation, the prisoners
took all of Master's magazines that were available in English.
The following Saturday, August 21, a group of our Hawaii fellow practitioners
enjoyed a two-day retreat at the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, the site
of a bronze statue of Master erected by the mayor of Honolulu in recognition
of Her philanthropic work. All in attendance enjoyed a blissful time together.
[Kuala Lumpur] Wesak Day is indeed an auspicious day for Buddhists around
the world. It commemorates the day when Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment
over 2,500 years ago, and even today Buddhist devotees celebrate it on
a grand scale each year.
This year, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City, initiates of the Supreme
Master Ching Hai International Association joined in this celebration.
Initiates had a field day setting up and decorating the booth that had
been secured at the Vihara temple at Brickfields, the hub of activities,
and took this golden opportunity to spread Master's teachings.
With only occasional shift changes, initiates stood throughout the night
and into the break of dawn responding to inquiries and questions from the
general public. Hundreds of Master's sample booklets were distributed as
many people converged on our booth. The response was simply overwhelming.
Kuala Lumpur initiates set up a booth from which to share Master's teachings
during Wesak Day.
Later in the evening, an Indian woman came to our stall and related an
account of her spiritual moments with Master.
She said, "I couldn't sleep on the eve of Wesak and was awake half
an hour earlier than usual, at five am. Unable to sleep any longer, I prayed
to the Lord for another half an hour of sleep before getting up to do my
daily chores. Lying in bed and trying to get into slumber land, I heard
a gentle voice softly whisper into my ear, "I love you." Feeling
startled and fully awake, I finally got up and went for a walk around the
stalls where booths were set up for the Wesak Day celebration."
"As I was passing your stall, I looked at Master's photo on display,
and immediately said to myself, "Oh my God! I have found my Mother!"
Intoxicated by Master's love, I took most of Master's magazines, a sample
booklet and even some bookmarks back home. Being a staunch Catholic and
feeling immensely gratified, I did not forget to thank the Lord for guiding
me to your stall."
"I prayed to Master for Her blessings. I also prayed that She would
give me a sign that the contents of the sample booklet and magazines reflect
the Truth that I had been seeking for so long. That same day, I experienced
a strong light beam penetrating my wisdom eye followed by a beautiful scene,
where I saw the Lord Buddha and many other Bodhisattvas, as well as a procession
of floats. Master also attended the celebration in that captivating scene."
We may not know it, but somehow, somewhere, Master is always there working
in mysterious and wonderful ways, to locate "Lost souls" and
show them the way back HOME!
