Brazil/Costa Rica/Cambodia/Formosa/Hong Kong/Singapore/Canada/U.S.A.

You May Not Know Tests Are Of Your Own Choosing

Master Says Enlightenment Awakens The Positive Power

Children's Day Special Column Children's Inspirations Happy Dream I Eat Vegetarian - I Am Healthy A Fulfilling Life At Hsihu Center Words From A Mother's Heart A letter To The President And Officials In The Whitehouse A Letter To The Department Of Humanitarian Affairs, UN

Aphorisms

Pearls Of Wisdom Entering The True World

While On The Path Just Be Patient Notes On Spiritual Practice Enlightened By Going Abroad

Spot Light Spiritual Moment Together

Poems Crown Of Thorns Silent Soul Re-Member

Wonderful People And Wonderful Events The Spirit Of A Guard Tales Of Dharma Protectors

Media Reports Master Ching Hai Commends The Earnest And Zealous Persons

Master's Words Always Keep The Heart Innocent Like A Child

Master's Wonder Master Turning Into A Butterfly To Rescue A Disciple The Appearance Of A New "Fellow Initiate" - A Van Eighty-Four Thousand Ways To Convert A "Hard Head"

Front Line Spreading The Dharma Through A Vegetarian Feast A Joyful Sowing "Spirit, Mind And Body" Exhibition, Birmingham

Between Master And Disciples Waking Enlightenment

A Letter From A Truth Aspirant Following The Einstein Of This Age

A True Account Of A Miraculous Person The Legend Of A Taoist (Part V)

A Little Message

Elevation Of The Soul

Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

While On The Path

Just Be Patient!

By Fellow Initiate Johanna, Munich, Germany (Originally In English)

My very first contact with Master started rather mysteriously. I found a sample booklet, as well as information about Master's visit to Munich in my kitchen; and I could never find out how these things had gotten there. Although I did not know much about living Masters at that time and not even what to think about them, this invitation attracted me so much that I could not help thinking a lot about it and that I was determined to go there. Later I believed that something inside me knew very well what it was all about and probably that I had waited a long time for this chance.

At the time of initiation I had a lot of expectations and no experiences. The only sound I could hear was my pulsating blood. I was very irritated and almost overwhelmed with thoughts like: I was not alright and it hadn't worked on me because I wasn't good enough - well known ideas from my childhood. Very disappointed and near to tears, I told Master my problem. She answered in a very friendly way, "Just be patient!" Encouraged by this, all my doubts melted like ice in the sunshine. It was surprisingly easy to stop eating meat and drinking alcohol. A few years ago I had already tried it on my own and had not been able to do so.

A few days after my initiation, something very special happened. As I was sitting on my balcony enjoying a mild evening in May, all of a sudden I felt that Master was there. A kind of warm quiver kept waving through my body, and I felt very happy and in harmony with the whole world. Later I often had a similar feeling, but not as strong as the first time.

For half a year, I meditated as well as I could. My life improved and I felt happy. I went to the retreats in Hawaii and Chicago, and listened very interestedly and with a little secret jealousy when fellow disciples shared their experiences - until I had my first inner meeting with Master myself.

I saw Her manifestation form lying on a bed and suffering great pain because of an operation She had had. Trying to ease Her suffering, I made Her compresses, served Her tea, and read to Her. The whole scene was flooded with a previously unknown, powerful kind of love, which radiated from Her and filled me. I felt undescribably loved and loving - until my mind dragged me back to earth. Sadly I thought that in reality I could not do anything for Her, because She had so many people around caring about Her that I could not even get close. And then the idea dawned on me that I could give my love to other people who were in need of it, or that I could just let it overflow in my heart. This thought made me very happy.

Now I sometimes remember it and there seems to be something new inside me - not overflowing but at least "trickling over". And step by step, who knows, my vision may come true.
Sometimes I am sorry that some people cannot keep on practicing. I am afraid that many were too disappointed when they did not see heaven right away. So, I would like to remind them: "Just be patient!"

Notes on Spiritual Practice

By Fellow Initiate Lien, Brazil

Since I was young, I have always been dissatisfied with people and their deeds, even my most beloved parents and adored teachers. After being together I was always able to discover, with a acuteness that was natural to me, their areas of imperfection. So, deep inside I have been searching ceaselessly for a perfect figure.

This seeking made the first half of my life a "mess." I have an enviable material circumstance and a small, simple and happy family. But why are there always slight struggles in my heart? It seems like every time I earn and indulge in a sense of contentment, which is both infrequent and short-lived, there seems to be always a disturbing opposing flow deep in my heart telling me: "You are not happy, you are not contented!"

Not until today, many years after coincidentally meeting Master and practicing the Quan Yin Method, am I suddenly enlightened: I have been subconsciously seeking the glorious and blissful life of the golden age that I once lived, and a "living enlightened Master" with the perfect qualities of Truth, virtue and beauty.

In the several years after initiation I lived in another city; and even though I attended group meditations in spite of the many obstacles, I was still practically a passerby savoring the "Quan Yin". On the one hand, I was completely separated from the mundane world, while on the other hand, I had little chance to take part in any work at the Center. I was living a lone, happy and peaceful life in partial retreat.

Not until the past year did I have an opportunity to slowly take part in the holy yet difficult work at the meditation center. I experienced rapid growth through my work, gained experience from selfless service, and trained an unyielding spirit through adverse and difficult situations. And God, Who is most compassionate and wise, never forgets to nurture me, support me with "light and sound" in meditation.

In times of difficulty and despair, I would also pray to Master at the appropriate time, sending out signals for help. In my dreams, the compassionate Master would give me a most perfect gift, holding me in Her embrace. My consciousness knew very clearly, "How can I be so hard hearted as to put my heavy burden on Master's weak body!" So shamefully, I said, "Master, You can't carry me along!" The two of us, Master and disciple, formed a warm and happy scene inside. Master, thank You for Your many unconditional, ceaseless, timely and precious gifts of love!

I have also felt deeply in my dreams that every disciple should bravely bear his own small load, and not throw it all on Master. With the continual spreading of the Quan Yin Method, there will be more and more initiates. Of course, Master can bear this; but it is also very tiring!

Stepping into the new year with no more desires, I am feeling very contented, very happy! But... with still that bit of longing, let the Almighty Power bestows upon me enough courage and wisdom to pass swiftly through the low ebb in every process of learning; and let me become a pure, useful "happy tool," so that I may go home quickly!

Enlightened By Going Abroad

By Fellow Initiate Zhi, Hsinchu, Formosa

Requested by a friend, I was invited to accompany investigators of a trade company as a translator. Not that my English was particularly good, but based on previous experience, my friend assured me repeatedly that the local people in the destination country also did not speak very good English. So, only a basic level of English would be sufficient. Without suspecting anything, I prepared my luggage with the idea of going on a vacation. My husband, also a fellow initiate, was worried and shook his head indiscernibly. He kept asking me, "Can you really do it?" I said, "There should be no problem!" He continued, "Have you taken a dictionary?" I replied, "Oh! Do I have to take a dictionary? Alright!"

Upon arrival at CKS Airport, I found out that several members of our group were either totally unfamiliar with or very weak in English besides myself, who was also inadequately equipped in the language. Upon reaching our destination, I was busy negotiating with the Customs Office and the officials about our visas, and filling out documents. Observing that my team mates were sitting idly as if there was nothing to do, I realized that my vacation was only a delusion. From then on, it was my duty to see that this business investigation was accomplished smoothly. (God! Could I do it?)

As soon as I stepped into the hotel room, I immediately took out Master's Buddha chanting tape and played it continuously. Having calmed down, I took out the concise English-Chinese dictionary that my husband insisted I bring. I felt like crying, was regretful, and wanted to go home. However, I realized that this would not help the situation. As a last effort, I simply turned to a page, and then studied and memorized the English words on that page. I was even more diligent than when preparing for the national examination. Each night before I slept, I would meditate and pray to Master for help. My concentration and diligence were unprecedented. Perhaps I really meditated with devotion, or perhaps Master truly pampered me - this stupid disciple, because my translation work progressed from being inept to fluent and my state of mind changed from being pressured to being fearless. When I was frightened facing different people or situations, I would think: How would Master handle the same situation? It was so clear that it was not my competence but Master's blessing, because, very often, the new words that I studied randomly the night before would be useful the next day. This happened repeatedly. However, the words were forgotten after I used them, and could not be remembered again no matter how hard I tried. This resembled using something borrowed, and then returning it to others afterwards. (They did not belong to me. I just borrowed them from Master to handle the urgent situation.)

The business investigation was very laborious. We had to travel in cars between different cities each day, visiting different companies and people. Very often, we did not even have time for meals. Observing the common people working so hard at their jobs, some inner thoughts developed. I casually turned the pages of a News magazine and read Master's aphorisms. One said, "Therefore, sometimes, don't think that your work is hard. People in business work much harder than you do. It is just that the benefits are different. Even for very little benefit, they still work much harder than we do. Our work benefits a lot of people, but we don't work as hard as they do. Therefore, I feel that you do not have anything to complain about." This is true! Other people work so hard and to such an extent, just for that little bit of benefit. Compared to what Master asks of us, to broaden our minds and contribute more to serving others, these are more meaningful. Only through personal experience can we deeply understand Master's sentiments.

Every day upon returning to the hotel, I would play Master's Buddha chanting tape continuously; it had the power to pacify my mind. In addition to that, Master had miraculously arranged for me to bring along the News magazines, which provided me with concrete words of comfort. I read: "Work is also a form of training. It helps us to assess our character, our patience, our talents and the extent of our enlightenment. Therefore, you must not be afraid to work. Being afraid to work is also a kind of phobia. The more we work, the more we will be enlightened." "You have to reprogram your thinking and reorganize your reactions. Otherwise, you have wisdom, you have blessing from Master, you have power to act for success, but you always step back and worry. Because of your habit, you think you cannot do that.

These aphorisms were what I really needed at that time. They were the power that supported me. Consequently, I did not give up, and proceeded to accomplish my mission on this trip. Master knows what we need. At our weakest moment, She always takes care of us, gives us courage, and impels us to carry on striving.

Now, I am sipping my familiar fragrant tea, sitting by the window in my home, idly watching a gurgling stream in the middle of the day. In my heart, I have substantially experienced Master's abundant love and assurance. I deeply realize that, when facing a trying situation, we should not think that we bear it alone and keep Master outside. In fact, She is always with us. She will even walk through it for us when we really cannot bear it any longer. Therefore, simply wholeheartedly leave it to Master; and you will notice that all tests are the manifestation of Master's love.

I truly believe that this tempering test was a lesson arranged for me by Master. From this, I have learned to try not to be afraid of strange things, and have learned to break through my old thinking habits to face my work. Furthermore, the main point of this lesson was not about the training of my English competence. I know this because, after coming back to Formosa, almost all the inspiration in language that I had then has been returned to Master....

Poems

Crown Of Thorns

By Resident Disciple Wang, Hsihu Center, Formosa

The blood of Shao-Lin
Is boiling in my veins,
Even though
Confrontations have inflicted many injuries upon me.

In my broken heart,
I enjoy being cleansed by my tears.
In my biting pain,
I savor the jubilation of a new hope.
Who would know,
Abandonment and scorn can become
The angels' cheers?

Strive more!
Stand up again when you fall
Because you are
The Supreme "Son of God".

Re-Member

By Fellow Initiate Eva, Montreal, Canada
(Originally In English)

Like the drops searching the flow.
Like the smallest seed waiting for
the conditions to grow.
Like the birds fly the longest ways together,
Like the flower's single eye
focused on the sun wherever.
All this and so much more
to help us remember that we all
are a member.

Thank You loving Master for showing
it is right,
we came to spread the light.
In action learn the very meaning,
to help so when we are leaving,
the billions of after coming souls
easier will find their goals.
Together forget the Me
And turn our planet into
the divine training place
it's really meant to be.

Silent Soul

By Fellow Initiate Alistair, Perth, Australia
(Originally In English)

Silent night,

               Silent heart,
          Silent soul.
     Rising stars,
Racing sun,
     Going home.

Soft hands lift me up and take me high,
The dripping sun sprinkles tears in my eye.

A thousand mirrors spin like a glittering star,
A diamond eye opens up the worlds afar.

Heaven's orchestra sings a lucid tune,
An Angel plays on the bright side of the moon.

A whispering river holds my heart-beat like a bird,
The sound of rushing water; sadly rarely heard.

A thousand petals shimmering in the lake,
A sleeping soul soundless bells ring awake.

                              Silent night,
                    Silent heart,
          Silent soul.
Rising stars,
               Racing sun,
          Going home.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Entering The True World

Excerpts from the talk given by the Supreme Master Ching Hai
at a group meditation in Los Angeles, U.S.A.
April 4, 1993. (Originally In Au Lac Language)

Sometimes the sufferings in life make us feel tired. Only then can we give up our material desires. Otherwise, we could never be totally fed up with the world. Seeing only this world, you will not know how superior and how beautiful the inner realms are. Then how can we give this world up when we are supposed to? Do you understand? Not until this world gives us great suffering, makes us feel pressured, makes us feel heart broken, do we then start to have the desire, the question in our minds, "Is there another world that is more beautiful and lasts longer than this one?" Then the power of the universe brings us a light of hope, and lets us meet a guide, who will lead us to a more beautiful realm. Therefore, sometimes, pain and suffering are also blessings from the universe.

Sometimes it is also very good that an enlightened Master's physical body is ephemeral because if a Master lives forever, we will rely on him. Subconsciously we rely on: "Oh! If I don't see him today, I will see him tomorrow. If not tomorrow, the day after tomorrow. If not the day after tomorrow, then next month. If not next month, then next year. He will still be there. He won't die. What should I worry about?" Then we no longer have the desire, the sincerity to seek the inner Master, and only rely on the outside Master. So we make no progress in our spiritual practice. Do you understand? Sometimes, it is also good for you that I do not see you often.

So whatever arrangements God has made are fine. But sometimes the arrangements are not satisfactory for our mundane minds, so we say, "Oh God! If I were You, I would do it differently." And then we start to mess things up. Sometimes we blame God that Hes has made a mistake; but in fact, we do not understand the Truth. We do not know that God has done right, because we see only the outside, not the inside.

Life in this world is only a shadow cast by the true world. Therefore, only when we meditate, do we feel happy. We see that this world is without disasters; nothing can affect us, feeling that our body has disappeared. It is because we have already entered the Creator's true world which is perfect, flawless, free of pain and suffering. We experience pain and suffering because we are still in the false world. Similarly, there is Buddha's Pure-land wherever you go. That is why even when you are sitting in the bathroom, you can also see Buddha's realm appearing, and perceive that this world is the Buddha's world. This is the meaning of the saying: "When one's heart is pure, the land is pure".

If you don't practice often, or have not entered into deep samadhi or reached the majestic realms, you can only see the outside world. When we practice diligently or enter samadhi, we can see the worlds inside. We will know that the outside world is the shadow of the true world, and we can see such beautiful and wonderful realms inside. We can see the true realm just as we were sitting there. Thus, it is said, "Buddha (the Almighty power) is in our heart."

So if we are still attached to any aspect, even though no one blames or scolds us, we should know that our levels are not high yet. We have to know ourselves, reflect upon ourselves, make progress, and cut off our shortcomings. That is all! We need to know that we must become our own enlightened Master. Except ourselves, no one is our Master.

Spot Light

Some Words From The Heart Of A Little Quan Yin Warrior

By Initiate Chao, Oregon, U.S.A.

Everyday, I wear a necklace and a pin with Master's pictures on them. The reason is not to protect myself, but in the hope that every being who has an affinity will have a chance to get a glimpse of the living Master. In this way their spirits can be uplifted and liberated. It is interesting that almost 99 percent of the people who see the Master's picture ask, "Is that you?" I then use this opportunity to say that this is Master Ching Hai, and offer them Master's sample booklet.

Sample booklets in English, Chinese, Au Lac and Spanish are always available in my brief case. Occasionally I meet some Christians, who, at the beginning, dare not accept anything; but after I explain that this book is to show people how to know themselves and find the source of bliss and contentment, as well as how to relax their minds no matter what religion they belong to or what background they have, they accept it with much interest.

When I miss the chance to hand out Master's booklet or when there is an opportunity but all the sample booklets have already been given away, I truly feel upset because I really don't want to miss the opportunity introducing the living Master. My hope is that they can get the chance to learn the Quan Yin Method, gain enlightenment, and be liberated from life and death soon. Moreover, wherever I go I never forget to recite the Holy Names. They carry Master's blessing to benefit sentient beings and liberate them from the sea of agony sooner. Consequently, their spirits can go back to their origin.

Unification Of The 'Mind' And 'Inner Vision'

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Taipei, Formosa

I am a timid and narrow-minded person. I often spend a lot of energy thinking over things, hoping to have a more distinct point of view. However, I am still caught in the circle of problems.

During the meditation at the three-day retreat this year, I saw a very clear blue sky. That could have been interpreted as an inner vision, but I understood it better as a state of mind. Although it was only a brief moment, it enabled me to experience a kind of open and boundless concept of life, an effortless and carefree attitude towards life, a feeling of clear thoughts. This experience is a very good milestone for me to amend my inside and personality.

Look at the World Cheerfully

By the News Group, Nantou, Formosa

Early this year, we joined the activities to aid destitute people, as instructed by Master. The activity was entitled: Care for our fellow beings and extend warmth to them in the cold winter. We had the opportunity of visiting a very old granny. From her cheerful speech and laughter, we were amazed to discover her rich and optimistic heart. We were suddenly enlightened that 'poverty' itself does not stand for 'misfortune.' A contented and grateful heart is far more important.

From a mundane point of view, poverty reflects the gloomy side of the world. However, from another point of view, if it were not for the existence of poverty, how could it be possible to reveal the precious value of love? Probably these destitute people are the embodiments of God and Buddhas. They suffer in this world to provide human beings with opportunities to learn lessons of love.

There may be different roles on the stage of life, but each one has a corner of sky where they can express themselves freely. Viewing things from this angle, there is nothing in this world that one should be too narrow-minded to accept!

A True Account Of A Miraculous Person

The Legend of a Taoist (5)

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Hu, Nantou, Formosa
Recorded By A Resident Initiate, Hsihu, Formosa

The Law Of The Universe Is All Encompassing
Karmic Retribution Cannot Be Avoided

Around the year 1955, the Taoist was once requested by some fellow brothers in the same practice to inspect the grave of his friend's father in Tainan. The reason was, soon after the cremated ashes of this friend's father had been buried, something started to happen in his family. He had consulted a very famous geomancer, however, even after re-burial, the mishaps in the family still continued. Therefore, he invited the Taoist to come.

That day, the geomancer was also invited to go along. Arriving at the burial place, the Taoist took a look and said, "There is a nest of ants in the cinerary urn." Hearing his words, the geomancer immediately scolded him rudely, "You, child! What do you know? It has only been buried a few months, how could there be ants inside? Don't talk rubbish if you really don't know." The fellow brother who was standing aside then said, "There is no need to argue now. We can find out by digging it up."

The next day, they brought the tools and dug up the grave. Unearthed, the urn looked as perfect as new, without any signs of cracks. It was very clean on the outside, no trace of ants could be found. Observing the situation, the geomancer immediately put on an accusing expression. The Taoist said, "Don't say anything yet. Anyway, you will understand everything by opening the urn and taking a look." Sure enough, upon opening the urn, it was full of ants.

That evening, at the home of that friend, the Taoist explained the cause to him, "After your father was married, he had an affair with a woman. She had two children. Your father was hoping to take her for his concubine, but your mother opposed strongly. Subsequently, the woman committed suicide by jumping into the sea with her two children. The animosity of their ghosts had not dissolved, so they returned to take revenge. This is why your two brothers have become crazy. You had better invite your mother to come here and ask her whether this incident is true." The mother denied it at first, but the Taoist spoke to her seriously, "If you are unwilling to admit it, then I can't help you with this matter; and your two ill children cannot be cured. You must bear all the consequences." Finally, his mother admitted it. The Taoist continued, "Where did the present wealth of your family come from? Didn't your husband get it from that woman? At first, she was assured that she could enter the family; so the money was taken. But later she was abandoned. You were also aware of this incident. Losing both her money and her lover, in anger she jumped into the sea and committed suicide. Therefore, her ghost always troubles you." Later, the Taoist taught them how to handle the matter. She was instructed to correct the mistakes by doing good deeds and compassionately taking a vegetarian diet in order to dissolve the resentment. Her children recovered soon after.

It is necessary to keep the five precepts in following Master. Some people complain that there are too many rules, no freedom. They do not realize that keeping the precepts strictly is the true freedom. We should be an honest person in normal times, instead of appealing to heaven and earth when the retribution comes. Especially do not think that it is all right to do bad deeds without anyone being aware. Do not forget 'God is always there'.

Virtuous Nature Is The Foundation
Of Learning The Dharma

It was the Taoist's life long goal to set up a Taoist temple to serve people, and to do what is fair, complying with heaven's will. Even though his superior magical ability had resolved many disastrous situations for people, many others resented him. Some even came to his temple to challenge his ability.

Many years ago, an old couple came to the Taoist temple. As the old man stepped onto the stairs of the Taoist temple, he started murmuring something. He then performed hand mudras and recited mantras at the entrance incense burner. Observing no response from the Taoist, the old man intensified his actions. Entering the temple, he began to pound on the altar of the temple deity. The Taoist could tolerate no more; so he also performed hand mudras under the table and silently recited some mantras. Watching the old man walking up to the highest alter of the deity, the Taoist secretly flicked his finger. Suddenly, the old man felt dizzy; he went out of the Taoist temple and vomited under a tree. When he later reentered the temple, the Taoist started to talk to him, "Old uncle, what is wrong with you? Do you have car sickness? Why are you vomiting so severely? Please do not do this any more. I hardly know you at all. Why do you come to my place to expel the deities here?" The old lady then started to reprimand her husband, "You old fool! Having nothing to do, you love creating trouble in other people's temples. Today, you have finally kicked an 'iron board'! See if you dare to do it anymore?" The Taoist then removed the spell that he had just cast.

Soon after this incident, several people from another temple came to his place. One of them was very old with a very long beard. Judging from their attire, it was obvious that these visitors were also Taoists. They came in anger. As they entered the temple, the Taoist offered them tea and asked them of their intention. The elder with the long beard asked directly, "Did a very old man come to your place several days ago?" He then described the man. The Taoist replied, "Yes!" The elder added, "Then, why did you deceive him and injure him for no reason? The Taoist said, "How could it be without reason? As soon as he entered the temple, he started using magical power to expel the door deities and the incense burner deity in my temple. He then intensified his aggression and expelled the deity on my front altar. I took action against him only when I saw that he had no intention to stop, and even tried to expel the host deity of my temple. Even then, I only used the lightest spell. Do you think that what I did was too much?" Having listened to his words, the elder said, "Is this true?" Then, he noticed an incantation on the altar. Feeling it very familiar, he picked it up to take a look and asked the Taoist about its origin. The Taoist answered him in detail.

The elder smiled and asked, "Do you remember, when you were eight years old, that I once brought you to the grocery store and bought something for you to eat? Your father and I were brothers of the same teaching. Together, we followed your grandfather and learned from him. Can you still remember?" The Taoist said, "It was so long ago. I cannot remember anymore." Meeting the son of an old friend and observing that he had achieved some fruit in the practice, the elder was delighted and said, "Your father didn't make the wrong decision in transmitting the method to you. If it was an ordinary priest, dealing with someone who came to make trouble and expel the deity in the temple, he would not have tolerated so much, nor inflicted so light a punishment." After exchanging some greetings and regards, he left in good spirits.

Learning magical power is similar to learning a martial art, the worst thing is loving to compete and show off. A minor consequence may only bring about physical injuries, while a severe one could cost the life of the practitioner, or even victimize his family. This is especially true in the case of magical power. Using this power to harm people may give a moment's pleasure, but the law of heaven cannot be escaped. Harming others is the same as harming oneself. This is the eternal law of the universe.

Master once said that it is not difficult for a spiritual practitioner to acquire supraworldly power or the so-called magical power. The difficult thing is, having attained this power, you have to be able to control it and refrain from abusing it. This is real competence. Otherwise, it could be very troublesome. By frequently intervening with other people's karma, one incurs heavy karma. As other people continue to admire us, our arrogance and ego continue to grow. Our mind is also immersed in the level of the magical power and forgets to seek the superior spheres. Anyway, magical power only goes as far as the level of the mind. Should we cling to it and not let go, we are adding insurmountable obstacles to our spiritual cultivation. Therefore, since ancient times, all enlightened Masters have not encouraged people to learn magical power.

Ever since initiated, adhering to Master's instruction, the Taoist has been striving hard to rectify his easily roused temper. He has also stopped hurting people with magical power.

Wonderful People And Wonderful Events

The Spirit Of A Guard

Quan Yin's Guards Need To Set A Good Example First
The Perfect Words Of The Truth Transform People

"Being a guard of the dharma" means guarding the true teaching, loyally protecting Master, following Master's instructions, and meditating at least four hours a day. Also, while on duty, you have to maintain concentration, as well as be attentive and patient at all times. There is also another very important point, that is, if no one comes to take over your shift, even if you are very tired and in hardship, you should never leave the post unattended. This is the ideal and spirit of a dharma guard.

The Honor In This Life

By fellow Initiate Zeng, Taipei, Formosa

When I put on the guard's vest that signifies incomparable honor, my heart is filled with waves of bliss. Once I was standing guard at the bamboo grove and suddenly saw Master riding Her cute golf cart in my direction. I was so delighted! Immediately, I put my palms together to greet Master. She raised Her head and looked at me with Her eyes filled with infinite love, peace and tenderness. I felt so intoxicated! This brief instant became eternity. I will never forget the love that Master gave me.

Through working cooperatively with the guards, I have learned the precious lesson of how to take care of large groups of people. This has enabled me to grow quickly in my spiritual practice. From the fellow initiates' grateful feelings toward the guards for their devotion, in my heart, besides fully realizing that it is all due to Master's love, the feeling of humility has also grown in me. In addition, after my task is completed, I am often very surprised at my ability to endure. If it were not for Master's invisible blessing power, how could I be able to work on other tasks with such enthusiasm right after performing the task of standing guard!

Thinking that, in this lifetime, I have the honor of taking part in this kind of service, I feel it is the greatest gift from Master.

Diligent Meditation Improves The Quality Of Our Work

By Fellow Initiate Chen, Taipei, Formosa

During the New Year, it just so happened that I was on duty as a guard at Hsihu Center; thus, I set off from home before dawn. When our car pulled off the highway for a rest, suddenly, my wife, also an initiate, said, "Why did you put on jogging shoes! Isn't it true that the guards should always pay attention to the tidiness of their dress to demonstrate their majestic dignity and stately spirit?" Because I had not put enough effort into my meditation, I could not even properly do such a trivial thing as dressing properly. During the New Year, the streets were deserted and quiet, and the shops closed. Nonetheless, I endeavored to seek an open shop, hoping a miracle would occur. As my faith started to vanish, a shoe shop appeared on the street.

Master has said, "Even though your spiritual practice is in tatters, you still receive great comfort from your practice, have improvement in your life and protecting power. However, if you were more diligent in your practice, you would feel more comfortable, and would have more incredible power and experiences." As guards, we should be more alert always remembering to meditate diligently. Besides developing righteousness, we should train our sense of attending to detail, so that our minds will not be blocked when taking care of our daily lives and serving the public.

The Best Opportunity For Self Tempering And Growth

Narrated By The Guards' Group, Taichung, Formosa
Recorded By The News Group, Taichung, Formosa

We have often heard Master say, "Practicing is not just crossing your legs and meditating twenty-four hours a day." Fellow initiates who perform the role of guards provide a worry-free environment, so that we can concentrate on our meditation. However, sometimes we ourselves should take turns and assume this new meditative posture. With a heart full of joy, dedication and longing for self growth, I became a guard. While performing the task, I feel that my heart has gradually broadened, I have become more focused on the universal self, and have become more concerned about others. My powers of observation have also become more acute.

The guard's task is a means through which Master allows us to temper and grow. In fact, Master has prearranged everything properly, large and small; but, She takes the opportunity to test us, so that we can see if we are able to brave the trials we encounter. This task provides me with many opportunities to subdue my ego and smooth my many rough edges.

The more we work, the more understanding we gain. The more we realize that Master's spirit of selfless dedication is not something we could ever imagine, the more we feel that our contribution is so little. That I am able to be involved in this work is indeed a great honor and blessed reward. I secretly hope that I can follow the example of Idaten Bodhisattva in his saintly mission of guarding the Buddha, spreading the dharma, and benefiting all beings; and that I am able to work as a perfect tool.

Practitioners who practice wholeheartedly are the best guards. Their task as guards is part of the foundation of a meditation center. As long as we work with devotion and fulfill our duty as a guard, we can gain enlightenment. Our qualities such as surrender, dedication, tolerance and happiness will develop spontaneously from our innermost heart. I hope that I have the wisdom and love to do well in the mission given to me by Master. I also wish that every fellow initiate could be Master's guard in spreading the Quan Yin Method.

Supporting The Dharma Together Even In
The Remotest Regions Of The Universe

By Fellow Initiate Lu, Taipei, Formosa

Highest and Supreme Being, embodiment of the omnipresent Tathagata; Loving mountains and waters, She marvelously turns the wheel of dharma. With pure, serene and selfless action, we never regress; Even in the remotest corner of the universe, supporting the dharma together.

Epilogue: Once in a dream, Master took a group mountain climbing. I have no idea where the place was. She then sat on the ground and gave a discourse. Strangely enough, I was a guard even in the dream....

Note: Loving mountains and waters in Chinese has a more profound meaning. It means being compassionate and wise.

Tales Of The Dharma Protectors

<One> - Master Is A Great Director

By A Fellow Initiate, Taichung, Formosa

During a retreat held abroad, I was assigned to guard Master's temporary place of residence. Shortly afterwards, a worker came along wearing a cold expression, saying that he was going to do some maintenance work on the garden. "Should I or should I not stop him?" I could not make up my mind. And then, a Quan Yin messenger came out of the house and tried to convinced the worker to put off the work for several days. However, he refused adamantly, and insisted on doing the work that day. After he finished speaking, he leaned his ladder against a tree and climbed up. I exclaimed in my heart, "Good heavens! It is Master's window on the second floor." While trimming the tree, this fellow was grumbling the whole time, which was reinforced by other workers in the neighborhood. Then, a fellow initiate came out from the house carrying blessed food and drinks, and invited the worker who was cutting the tree to enjoy them. He also reassured him that it was alright to continue the work he was supposed to do. Shortly afterwards, we received Master's instruction that we should not stop the local workers from doing their jobs, which included entering the villa property to mow the grass. Immediately afterwards, the same fellow initiate came out again carrying a large bag of food. He explained to this worker that Master was giving a treat to all the workers that day. She was also sorry that their work was affected by the misunderstanding, and hoped that they would now understand.

The first time this worker received the blessed food, his ghostlike face melted like ice in spring. When he received the blessed food for the second time, his face blossomed into a smile, radiating like sunshine. As he passed by me, I heard him say, "Your Master is a good person!"

Suddenly, it started to rain. This worker cutting the tree had to stop his work, and took shelter under the tree. We happened to have some rain gear, so we asked him to put on a raincoat to avoid catching a cold. Then, the fellow initiate in the house also gave him an umbrella to keep off the rain. Several minutes later, the rain stopped. Suddenly, as if enlightened by something, he said that perhaps he could switch to another job elsewhere, and return next week to trim the trees and grass here. Therefore, he went to discuss the situation with his partners, and then came back to pick up his tools, happily bidding me farewell. They agreed unanimously to shift their job to another place, and then come back next week. Although there were some alterations to their plan, the progress of their work was not affected.

Looking back on the whole incident, from an argument to a happy ending, Master was acting as a great director. Without a trace, She melted the cold, tall iron wall into soft chocolate candy. The worker never had a glimpse of Master, yet he left with a joyful heart. Master taught me a lesson: Always maintain our patience and love, and any plan can be changed a little bit without affecting the scheduled target.

<Two> - A Stir Amid A Summer's Dream

By Fellow Initiate Lin, Taichung, Formosa

I can still remember a summer retreat in the Hsihu Center several years ago. The main meditation hall was still there. I was standing on guard between the main hall and the small park. Master was meditating with the fellow practitioners, and the whole place was very quiet. Suddenly, a great stir broke out. It happened that a huge, round snake, about three feet long, had slithered into the middle of the men's area in the main hall. A fellow brother immediately wrapped the snake in a jacket and carried it out of the main hall. A resident fellow brother put the snake in a trash bag. He poked some small holes in the bag, and then carried it to the back mountain where he freed the snake. The incident had been handled within a few minutes of its occurrence. Master sat very still on the lecture stage, and only reminded us, "Be careful! Don't get bitten by the snake, or harm it either." She added a humorous remark, "This is a retreat. The snake does not have an initiate's identification card, so it is not allowed to enter the main hall." Everyone laughed, then all was quiet again. The meditation had resumed as if nothing at all had happened. Just imagine, in the main hall that was crowded with people, a not-so-tiny snake had been slithering around just a few minutes earlier; yet, the fellow initiates could still meditate calmly. Either they were really stable in their samadhi, or Master's power was truly great.

<Three> - The Foot Stepping Story

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Chen, Taipei, Formosa
Recorded By Fellow Initiate Liu, Taoyuan, Formosa

Once, at Hsihu Center, I accompanied Master in taking a walk around the Dragon Boat Lake. I was caught rather off guard. Master remarked, "That grass is so beautiful!" I replied, "Yes!" Master turned around, and then turned again. Thinking that Master had moved on, I simply walked forward and stepped right on Her foot. My heart twisted, feeling frustrated for having failed to accomplish my job perfectly and with concentration.

Master did not move but pointed at me, saying, "You, keep three steps away from me." I was on duty as the guard, yet I did not fulfill my obligation to protect Master. This taught me a very good lesson.

On another occasion at Laiyi Meditation Center, Master gathered all the guards, and She reprimanded us through Her attendant. Being always conscientious to do my duty, I thought the reprimand had nothing to do with me, so I was not penitent at all. After delivering the speech, the attendant returned to Master's house. Very soon, the same attendant came out again and added a little more, "There is another one. The one who stepped on My foot...." At that time, I felt my face blush and I had no place to hide myself in shame.

From this incident, I realized that Master is omniscient. Nothing can be hidden from Her. Whenever we think we are doing things perfectly, Master will pick out some faults in us, reminding us not to be arrogant.

<Four> - The Demeanor Of An Enlightened Master

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Chen, Taipei, Formosa

Recorded By Fellow Initiate Liu, Taoyuan, Formosa

It was at the Santimen Seven-day Retreat. One night after the group meditation, I escorted Master back to Her tent, carrying a flashlight in my hand. Master was in a particularly good mood that day, and She was swinging Her arms as She walked. Suddenly, Her hand accidentally bumped against my flashlight....

I could see Master's face turn pale. She was in so much pain that She could not speak. I became very nervous and kept asking, "Are You alright, Master?" After quite a while, Master finally pointed at the flashlight and said loudly, "This light is very vicious!"

At this point, Master's humility and sense of humor were truly revealed.

Aphorisms

By The Supreme Master Ching Hai

Children's Day Special Column

Children's Inspirations

Story Of The Revival OF Baby Silkworm

By Young Fellow Initiate Ho, 9 years old, Taipei, Formosa

Due to our class curriculum, we were required to breed silkworms and to record the observations made on them. Reluctantly, I had to start breeding silkworms.

The mulberry leaves in the silkworm box bought from the school's supply store had long since wilted. One of the silkworms didn't moved, except for its head. After reaching home, my father and I went to pick some mulberry leaves to feed the silkworms. (There was one mulberry tree nearby.) All the silkworms ate with relish except that one; it did not eat. We all thought that it looked hopeless. The next day happened to be Sunday. I heard that there were mulberry trees in Hsihu Center; thus I, conveniently, brought the silkworms along.

After reaching the Center, I put a few mulberry leaves into the box and placed the box by the Nectar River waterfall. After a while, I went to look at the baby silkworm. Wow! It had revived. I could not recognize which one of them it was. Everyone felt it was truly marvelous and also believed that it was Master's miraculously power!

Happy Dream

By Young Fellow Initiate Hsu, 10 years old, Taipei, Formosa

Recently I saw a video tape entitled 'One Must Have Faith In Master To See God'. It made me think about a dream I had.

There was one beautiful angel who came to ask me if I wanted to go up there and play. Because I was very curious, I told her 'yes'. She held my hand and we flew to a very high place. There was a very beautiful garden there as well as a lot of interesting toys. There was a seesaw, an elephant-shaped slide and a candy house. The candy house was made of all sorts of beautiful and delicious candies. The beautiful angel brought me to play on seesaw. I played a lot with the toys and ate a lot of the candies. She also took me to the place where she lived. She opened the refrigerator and took out a loaf of bread and told me, "This is vegetarian, you can eat it." I ate it and felt very happy. We played for a very long time. Then angel said, "We have to go back now. Next time I will bring you back here to play again." Once again she told me to close my eyes. She held my hand and we flew home. This was really a very sweet and happy dream.

I know the lovely angel must have been sent by Master.

I Eat Vegetarian - I Am Healthy

By Young Fellow Initiate Lan, 11 years old, Ilan, Formosa

I have been eating vegetarian for several years, since I was little. My body is strong and my resistance is also very good. I remember when I was little, I fell down from upstairs and nothing happened. At that time my father said humorously, "You are so tough and so fat, how can you get hurt!" The bystanders all laughed.

My father used to operate a seafood restaurant. Ever since he met Shih Fu (Master in Chinese), he changed it to a vegetarian restaurant. Many customers came and went. Some believed that a vegetarian diet is not nutritious. My mother would start talking to them about me, "She is my daughter. She has been a vegetarian since she was very little. She is so chubby." Hence, I became the advertisement for a healthy vegetarian baby.

A Fulfilling Life at Hsihu Center

Narrated By Little Resident Disciple Lan, 12 years old, Hsihu Center, Formosa
Recorded By A Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Previously, my family kept a bicycle store, and my mother made clothes for other people. Everyone was very busy, so most of my time was spent watching TV at home. One day after initiation, I said to my mother, "Why don't we go to live with Master?" Intuitively I knew that it would be better to live there. Later my father and mother agreed with me; and with Master's permission, my whole family moved to Hsihu to become resident disciples.

After having coming here, everything always seems so new to me. I no longer feel bored; rather it is great fun, especially when we are with Master! From time to time we hear someone call: "Assemble!" And, wow! These are the happiest moments. Master accompanies us in watching videos, eating biscuits, and drinking tea; or She gives us a talk. Sometime I dare not sleep, for fear that I might not hear them call: "Assemble."

Previously, when I was at home, I used to ask my father to buy me lots of toys; but now I am no longer interested in having anything. Those outside toys seem too childish to me. The life at Hsihu Center is so fulfilling and full of fun that I do not even think of going outside to play. When I have time during the holidays, I read story books or play basketball with my companions here.

The daily schedule is very full. We wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning to meditate, and then go to school at six. The first thing we do after school is meditate on the inner sound. Then we eat, take a shower, and wash our clothes if we still have time. Later, from six to eight in the evening, we have group meditation. Then we go back to our tents and do homework, until late sometimes. Every night before we go to sleep, we always meditate for a few minutes. I prefer to live such a full life. Otherwise we tend to be lazy and lose our alertness.

Words From A Mother's Heart

The Whole Family Walks Together On The Path Of Love

By Fellow Initiate Chen, Tainan, Formosa

Ever since I got initiated, I have been following Master wholeheartedly. In the early days, Master often joined the disciples in group meditation sessions all over Formosa. I almost had to see Master every day, as if I were deeply in love with Her. Even when I was at home, I often cried like a baby until contented, while holding Master's picture. I also cried whenever I saw Her. Therefore, She used to call me "The child who loves to cry."

After a few months, I was so happy when my whole family were also initiated. Then, the tests began. My husband couldn't sit still and my three children would look at their watches every few minutes while meditating. It was quite a challenge for me as a new initiate. What could I do to keep the whole family on the Path? I could only repent for my sins and beg Master to bless my family to practice and progress better. I often heard Master say, "Attending group meditation often is very helpful in your spiritual practice." Therefore, I would not casually give up any chance to attend group meditation, especially the big one in Miaoli. I remember the time when Miaoli was just being developed. The weather was so unpredictable and transportation was very inconvenient. (No tour buses were available from each small center then.) Therefore, to travel to Miaoli from the South each Sunday required some prearranging. But, with my love for and faith in Master, nothing mattered.

I remember one Saturday, we were preparing to go to see Master. (There were very few initiates in the old days; and we were allowed to bring children to Miaoli, and camp out overnight.) I tried to arrange a ride all morning, but couldn't get one. However, I didn't give up. I continued to pack. At noon, when the children came home and found that we couldn't find a ride, they started to cry! They really cried their hearts out! I comforted them and encouraged them, "If you sincerely want to go, then start meditating and pray to Master." A short while later, a fellow initiate came over with a car to take us to Hsihu. We all jumped up. My children were in tears and said, "Thank You, Master! That's wonderful!"

Later, the schedule at Hsihu Meditation Center was changed to opening on Sunday. We now had to leave home around midnight. Sometimes, just before we started out, it would pour rain or a cold front would move in; but we kept on going. A woman with three children leaving home in the middle of the night, carrying cushions, blankets, rain gear, luggage and so forth certainly would be a cause for concern by some taxi drivers. They thought we were running away from home! Little did they know that we were leaving this material home to visit our home in heaven! Each time we went to the group meditation in Miaoli, we were tested. But, this was also a good learning experience for the children. I hope this will make them braver while walking on the Path as they grow up. No matter how bad the conditions are, they will have strong faith to break through the obstacles and continue upward. They will always place spiritual practice as their first priority.

I, myself, also try to be a good role model. In ancient times, the mother of Mong Tze moved her home three times, so that her child could have a better environment in which to learn. But, nowadays in our world, where are we going to move? Therefore, I take them to Master's place for group meditation every Sunday to enhance their spiritual progress and to be with more virtuous people. Besides, Master very often says, "The more people meditate together, the brighter the world becomes." If so much good can come from a single action, why not do it? It's worthwhile even if it takes a little more effort.

I often pray to Master to bless this world with peace, and also to bless our family to have more faith. Normally, I meditate together with the children morning and night, no matter how busy I am, to help them form a good habit from young. I also try to find time to read Master's books and listen to Master's cassette tapes with them, as well as to tell them stories Master has told. Even when they have a lot of homework, I still insist that they meditate. After school, they are all very tired. If they don't meditate right away, they will be in a bad mood. My third child is the most sensitive one. If he attends group meditation often, he is very gentle and easy going. Particularly when he has just returned from the large group meditation in Miaoli, his temperament is very good. A few days later, he gets worse, as if he is running out of energy. Therefore, group meditation is also very important for children.

Children all have times of disobedience. Whenever they get out of line, I let them listen to Master's lectures on a portable cassette player, afterwards they do Quan Yin, and then they calm down. As for TV watching, I try to choose only the good programs for them to watch. Over the past few years, we have been through struggles and tests. Now, the children get up on their own between 4:00 and 5:00 A.M. every morning to meditate. When they have school exams, they will set the alarm clock accordingly in order to start meditation earlier. It has become a habit.

Thank You, God and Master, for sending these little Bodhisattvas and big Bodhisattva to develop my courage and sincerity. It has been a very good lesson for me. I pray that the Bodhisattvas from the ten directions and three periods of time will bless us. I will try to do my best to be truly triumphant on the spiritual path!

The Source Of Love
- Little Angels In Kindergarten

By Fellow Initiate Cheng, Taipei, Formosa

In a kindergarten in Taipei, where vegetarian food is provided, many of the children are initiates or are future initiates who come from families that practice the Quan Yin Method. This has aroused the interest of fellow initiate, sister Cheng. She is trying to understand the special qualities of these little Quan Yin practitioners through the daily observations of their teachers, who also are vegetarians and yoga practitioners. This delightful visit provided initiate Cheng with comforting and satisfying conclusions.

Ms. Yeh, a teacher at the kindergarten tries to go above the barrier of spoken words to allow me to understand her real feelings. "I have many thoughts, some of which I don't know how to express. The differences are very subtle, but you know they are different...."

"Once we went to Chin Tien Hill for an outing. The day before, I told them that we were going to Chin Tien Hill where there was a large field of grass and we could drive our car all the way into the clouds...." One of the little Quan Yin angels said innocently, "So tomorrow we can eat cotton candy and it's sweet!" Ms. Yeh recalled with a satisfied expression, "Yes, that's how she said it, so innocent. She went into the 'state of clouds' immediately."

"Little initiates are much easier to take care of. They are very calm and peaceful. Later I found out that my gloomy days often occurred on Saturdays and Sundays because I didn't come in contact with the children. It seemed that I wasn't getting enough love. The little initiates seem to emit some kind of love, some kind of loving power." She added, "Very beautiful."

When I asked if the children ever mentioned anything about Shih Fu, Ms. Yeh answered, "They know who Shih Fu is." When they talk about Shih Fu, they are very happy. For instance, they would tell me that they went to the meditation center yesterday and saw Shih Fu. They were very excited as they mentioned Shih Fu even though they don't use many words to describe or to introduce Shih Fu." When little children talk about Shih Fu with overflowing joy, it is, in fact, the best way to introduce someone.

A few minutes each day were set aside for children to learn a lesson in imagination. The children would close their eyes and follow the teacher's words to imagine good things, such as the sound of flowing water, the warm and beautiful faces of their mothers, the singing bird on the tree tops or a most memorable place, etc.... It is very easy for the little Quan Yin practitioners to get into a meditative state with their eyes closed. Some even saw Shih Fu's manifestation form taking care of them at school. Some even continued to keep their eyes closed after the lesson, to enjoy their inner paradise as if they were not affected by the noisy and chaotic outside world. "It's quite unusual for children to automatically meditate without others asking them to do so," one of the monastic teachers in the kindergarten said.

Ms. Yeh compared the differences between the little initiates and the other children. She said, "The children from the Quan Yin families feel more secure, have more confidence, and are full of love. They have fewer physical conflicts than the other children. They are more likable, other children like to be close to them.... They are more consistent in their behavior both in school and at home. They are less affected by the outside environment and their emotions do not change easily with the surroundings; they are very stable. Besides, they are more opinionated."

Ms. Yeh also mentioned that the little initiates have more influence. She said, "Many of the children from the meat eating families have been influenced by them and have stopped eating meat. Some parents, after giving-in to their children's insistence and after having communicated with the teacher, have started preparing healthy vegetarian food for them. Even after their children had graduated to the first grade, they continued to keep the vegetarian diet."

This interview has enlightened me in that the little initiates are full of Master's blessing and love, and have become a source of love in their surroundings.

Respect Life

"Congratulations! You are pregnant!" These are the first words that almost every doctor would say to a pregnant woman. It conveys a message - the bliss of 'New Life', and the hint of 'New Hope' bestowed by God to humans. Undoubtedly, it is the glory and obligation of all people on earth to ensure each new life coming to this planet will receive love and care, and grow up happily. Therefore, please let our love towards the children begin from the foetus!

The Right To Live Is Beyond The Law

By Fellow Initiate Franklin, Virginia, U.S.A. (Originally In English)

Historically abortion is more prohibited by morality than law. Abortion is a kind of killing, a termination of a young and innocent life so it is prohibited by most religions. People, the old generations may possess a kind of guilty feeling towards abortion, as if a human being has been killed. This alarming feeling forces them to take measures to avoid abortion. This feeling limits abortions in society as a whole. That is why the abortion rate before the 60's was lower than nowadays.

But now suppose you want to legalize abortion. This is teaching people, the future generations that it is alright, feel free to take the life of an innocent being without any reason. But, before doing so you have to consider the following consequences:

This is a big burden for you, the legalizers. All the sins due to the abortions in society or the world may falls on your shoulders, as it may not be the fault of the people who commit the sins because it is permitted by you.

This is harmful for those who choose abortion. Most of them abort the unborn child without knowing it is a sin at the time of doing it. And it may also be a big burden in their future lives, when they realize they did the wrong thing when they were young. They may blame you, as well as blame themselves. Therefore, it is the government's responsibility to prevent this from happening on behalf these ignorant people. And it is also the government's responsibility, assigned by God, to guide their people to avoid killing as much as possible.

Obviously this is unfair to the unborn child. Every person has the right to live. Of course there are special cases, like when the mother's life is in danger. But this "have to" is very different than "feel free to".

To Help The World, Start With Cherishing Life

By Fellow Initiates, Formosa

Abortion must not be legalized. We are in the twentieth century. People are crying out for environmental and wildlife protection. Could it be that human life is inferior to animal life? If we randomly slaughter our own children, what kind of love is there on this earth? Should abortion be legalized, this is actually giving permission to killing people any time and any where on earth. Furthermore, they are killing innocent souls who cannot defend themselves.

The decision of life and death is in the hands of God, the Creator, not humans. When abortion is illegal, and if someone has an abortion, the karmic retribution is incurred individually. However, if abortion is legal, it becomes a much greater offense to the karmic law, due to the collective nature of the karma. Such a heavy sin is intolerable both in heaven and on earth!

A Letter To The President And Officials In The Whitehouse

By Fellow Initiate Greg, LA, U.S.A.
(Originally In English)

Dear Mr. Clinton,

"If the right to control your own body is not a basic human right, then what is?"

This statement is an anthem for the abortion-rights activists who claim that it is a woman's choice, not the government's. I agree. But the choices is made long before abortion could become an issue. It is a choice for or against sexual activity, and a choice of what methods to use to prevent pregnancy. It is a choice of responsibility.

I have always believed that it is far better for the individual to come to their own moral judgements, based upon earnest self-examination and soul-searching, rather than have a government impose a blanket rule which would preempt this process. However, I strongly oppose the practice of the government of the United States using its international influence to promote the legalization of abortion in other countries.

It would best serve to alleviate the world health and population problems, as well as women's rights problems, if education and birth control were made universally available to both women and men. Men need to take equal responsibility for the situation. Abortion only offers the irresponsible male a chance to "leave it up to her". Women's rights activists should recognize that abortion contributes to the perpetuation of this irresponsible attitude, leaving only the woman to make the difficult and often regrettable decision.

Please promote education. Please promote birth control. Please DO NOT promote abortion.
Thank you for your valuable time.

Greg
Los Angeles, CA

A Letter To The Department Of Humanitarian Affairs, The United Nations, New York, U.S.A.

The compassionate Master also put forward a wise, humane and practical solution for the world population problem. To put this Child Care Plan that transcends country boundaries, into practice is really the first step towards 'World Unification'.

Department of Humanitarian Affairs, The United Nations, New York, U.S.A. March 27, 1995

Dear Sirs, Madames,

The population problem is now of international concern. Some countries are handicapped by their low population, while others, being overpopulated, are carrying out compulsory birth control policies which are causing tremendous resentment among their people and provoking God. (Take the recent incident in Peking for example. A man, provoked by the death of his wife who was forced to have an abortion, became insane with sorrow, and killed people at random.)

Actually, this perplexing problem can ultimately be solved by allowing the children from the overpopulated countries (e.g., China, India...) to be legally adopted by families in under populated countries (e.g., Singapore, United Kingdom, France and other western countries) without much bureaucracy and Red Tapes.

The launching of this scheme will at least bring about the following advantages:

1. Balance the population of the world.
2. Comfort the childless parents, giving their life new vitality.
3. Minimize the vice of killing, as well as alleviating the sorrow and animosity of the parents. (To control the population, some nations are carrying out compulsory abortion and the killing babies.)
4. Bring about economic benefits. (The under populated nations gain a greater working force, whereas the overpopulated countries benefit financially from the adoption fees and less burden.)

   Your establishment may worry about the possibility of this scheme turning into trafficking of human beings. However, this can be avoided if a legal record system is set up, followed by continuous case monitoring and counselling. As a result, the international community can exchange resources (including human resources) with each other, and the ideal of 'The Earth Village without Boundaries' will soon be realized.

   Sincerely,
   The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations

Elevation Of The Soul

The Latest Video Tapes Of the Supreme Master Ching Hai

(In English)

(In Au Lac Language)

(In English With Chinese Subtitles)

(In English With France Subtitles)

(In English With Au Lac Subtitles)

(In English With Spanish Interpretation And Chinese Subtitles)

(In Chinese)

(In Chinese With Au Lac Subtitles)

(In Chinese & English With Au Lac Subtitles)

International Human Rights Conference (I, II)
Taipei International Convention Center, Formosa
May 25, 1994

The Latest Audio Tapes Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai

E46

E47

E48

Front Line

Spreading The Dharma Through A Vegetarian Feast
- A Trip To Kaohsiung Prison, Formosa

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Kaohsiung, Formosa

     When Master's Love fell upon my soul
     I'm reborn a youth.
     Just don't ask me what's the reason:
     Reason is not a logic of Love!

Excerpt from the poem collection 'Silent Tears'
By the Supreme Master Ching Hai

Master's Compassionate Love
Turns Into A Joyous Feast

After fellow practitioners received the invitation from the prison authority, and while we were planning a trip to spread the dharma, we immediately felt that Master's love was blessing us accordingly. Also, without any consultation in advance, everyone suggested to hold a 'vegetarian feast dharma gathering'! We were hoping that besides having a relaxed, joyous and carefree vegetarian feast, we could share Master's great, omnipresent love with the brothers and sisters in the prison to console each of the wounded souls.

We related the suggestion to the prison authority; and Mr. Xia, the correctional officer, immediately started to make the arrangements. He warmly took the initiative to help fellow practitioners. He also provided all the necessary equipment and manpower that would be needed at the venue. We knew that it was all Master's marvelous arrangements, because Master knew that it was our first attempt and we actually needed a good helper. Master's blessing let this task begin well.

That day, a temporary kitchen was set up at a fellow practitioner's home near the prison. We put up a canvas shelter outside the house and even brought over a big refrigerator from the meditation center. Everyone worked joyously while silently reciting the Holy Names. Master's Buddha chanting tape was also being played. Enhanced by the fresh flowers and the decorations at the venue, bountiful dishes of beautiful and delicious vegetarian food were served on the tables. The whole hall suddenly looked like an elegant dinner party. The guards were amazed by the 'magical power' of fellow practitioners. They curiously asked, "Are Master Ching Hai's disciples all like this?" Fellow practitioners, with heartfelt understanding, smiled to one another and said, "This is our Master's magical power!"

caption: Fresh flowers and a vegetarian feast are offered to all the living Buddhas. The ingenuity of the fellow practitioners in Kaohsiung brings a new and fresh look to the preaching in the prison!

Relaxed And Happily
Seeking Enlightenment

When the guests entered the venue, they appeared happy and relaxed. (They had been informed about the event.) Fellow practitioners first led everyone in a sincere, silent prayer, praying to God Almighty to bless the world. Then we introduced Master's teachings and the benefits of practicing the Quan Yin Method. The guests listened attentively while they looked through and read the exquisitely printed sample booklets in their hands. Their open souls were beginning to welcome the precious message of liberation conveyed by Master!

Everyone was well behaved during the dinner. They quietly enjoyed the vegetarian meal, and at the same time, were absorbed in watching Master's illuminating talk on the video tape. With several hundred people in the venue, there was no noise and no crowding at all.

Hands Extended In Hope And Love

Several dozen gifts had been prepared to be presented to those whose birthdays fell in that month. Everyone sang happy birthday to congratulate them. The birthday people were as happy as children, overwhelmed by the warmth of love. One old man was very moved. He expressed that he never believed someone would be concerned about a person like him! The fellow initiates thought to themselves, "Why not?" As Master always taught us to be thoughtful. We are also always willing to be good instruments, fulfill our duty and help our neighbors, as well as beautify the world. Just like Master has said, "If we were to work diligently beautifying this world into a paradise, then we would not need to go to the Western Paradise, because it would be here!"

Several Hundred People
Practicing The Convenient Method

The dinner party had come to an end. Fellow practitioners went on stage to ask about the number of people willing to learn the Convenient Method. Unexpectedly, all the prisoners present wanted to learn the Convenient Method. At that moment, we were all stunned by Master's marvelous love!

When everyone was meditating quietly, concentrating on the wisdom eye, the sincere atmosphere turned into a stable force gently caressing every soul that needed to be nurtured. With Her wisdom mind, like Mother Earth, Master had sown the seeds of liberation from Her hands into the hearts of the longing children. When the time is ripe, all of them will blossom into enlightenment and perceive their true self.

Caption: All the prisoners present practice the Convenient Method together. Everyone listens attentively to the instructions and cherishes this extraordinary opportunity

Dear Brothers,
Take Good Care Of Yourselves

The feast will come to an end and everyone will disperse, but Master's love will accompany everyone forever and ever!

Bless you, dear brothers. Take good care of yourselves! Wishing that your mind will grow stronger and that you will soon find your true original self, obtaining true peace and freedom.

A Joyful Sowing

By Fellow Initiate Chen, Oxford, U.K.

While working for Master, we often see many incredible arrangements. They not only strengthen our faith and help us in our practice, but also broaden our views, expand our knowledge, and increase our experiences in life, which make our lives richer and oriented toward perfection. We sincerely wish that our spiritual plantings everywhere grow to bloom and bear fruit soon!

Yorkshire's Complementary Medicine Festival

In the early morning, fellow initiates began their journey from Oxford to Yorkshire, in the northern part of the U.K. The scenes along the way were beautiful. All of a sudden, the severe winter of the northern country had vanished without a trace.

When fellow initiates arrived at the exhibition, they once again exercised their magical powers. Drawing on their previous experiences, they used whatever they could find to decorate the booth within a quarter of an hour. Compared to other booths, ours was both more bright and beautiful. Not a moment after fellow initiates had hung up Master's photograph, a lady stopped by the booth and stared at it. Even though she asked for a sample booklet before she left, she soon returned. It turned out that she was a representative for a certain spiritual healing center in Britain. Because she found Master's magnetic field very special, which made her feel very comfortable, she wanted to enquire further about the Quan Yin Method.

Buddha Delivers Those Who Have Affinity

One morning, a lady who practiced spiritually for many years took a sample booklet. That afternoon, she returned to our booth and anxiously asked to register for initiation. She also purchased Master's books, photographs and the Buddha chanting tape. She said, "I have not been able to find a satisfactory method in years of searching. Now I have finally found it!" Before she left, she repeatedly asked the fellow initiates to inform her as soon as possible about the initiation date.

A few months earlier, after reading the books, "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment," at a municipal library in Sheffield, a Pakistani man became a vegetarian. Having learned that we would participate in this exhibition, he made a special trip from Sheffield, a hundred miles away, to register for initiation. There was also a spiritual practitioner who, introduced by a friend, came especially to buy Master's Buddha chanting tapes. Some visitors were deeply moved by Master's aphorisms on the book markers, and bought some to take home for their children.

During the exhibition, large crowds of people often gathered in front of our booth to watch Master's videos. They were fascinated by Master's amusing, humorous words of wisdom! Frequently, other exhibitors also came to discuss Master's teachings with the fellow initiates. The two days of the exhibition passed in a busy and happy atmosphere. The next day, after we returned to Oxford, Yorkshire was once again windy and snowy. We were indeed very lucky!

caption: The display of Master's eye-catching books, and other items at the exhibition in Yorkshire gave people a bright impression.

"Spirit, Mind And Body" Exhibition, Birmingham

A Couple Who Sold Yogurt

After setting up the booth, fellow initiates immediately distributed sample booklets to each booth at the exhibition. Among them there was a couple who sold yogurt. Soon after they received the sample booklets, the wife came to our booth. At that time, the video of Master's second lecture at the United Nations, "The Mystery of the World Beyond," was being shown. This lady was enthralled by it! After quite a while, she left reluctantly. Not long after, her husband appeared at our booth. He watched the video attentively for some time before he left. Then his wife appeared again. Once again she stood there and watch Master's video. As soon as she left, her husband came back again. During the few days of the exhibition, the couple took turns to come and watch Master's videos. They also registered to learn the Convenient Method. On the last day, they found that they could not do without Master in their lives, and decided to buy some of Master's video tapes. Watching this couple, fellow initiates all smiled knowingly.

A Wondrous Arrangement

Among the great numbers of people who made enquiries, there was a couple who communicated in sign language. It happened that the Quan Yin messenger present was very skilled at that. Then it suddenly dawned on the fellow initiates how incredible Master's arrangement was. It was because originally another Quan Yin messenger was supposed to come to the U.K. However, Master always makes the most suitable arrangements for sentient beings.

Caption: At the exhibition in Birmingham, visitors attentively watch Master's lecture on the TV screen.

News Magazine NO.45

Photo: Time seems to stop at the moment of embrace, in the tranquil ocean of love...

1. International Reports

   Brazil/Costa Rica/Cambodia/Formosa/Hong Kong/Singapore/Canada/U.S.A.

2. You May Not Know

   Tests Are Of Your Own Choosing

3. Master Says

   Enlightenment Awakens The Positive Power

4. Children's Day Special Column

   Children's Inspirations Happy Dream I Eat Vegetarian - I Am Healthy A Fulfilling Life At Hsihu Center Words From A Mother's Heart A letter To The President And Officials In The Whitehouse A Letter To The Department Of Humanitarian Affairs, UN

5. Aphorisms
6. Pearls Of Wisdom

   Entering The True World

7. While On The Path

   Just Be Patient Notes On Spiritual Practice Enlightened By Going Abroad

8. Spot Light

   Spiritual Moment Together

9. Poems

   Crown Of Thorns Silent Soul Re-Member

10. Wonderful People And Wonderful Events

    The Spirit Of A Guard Tales Of Dharma Protectors

11. Media Reports

    Master Ching Hai Commends The Earnest And Zealous Persons

12. Master's Words

    Always Keep The Heart Innocent Like A Child

13. Master's Wonder

    Master Turning Into A Butterfly To Rescue A Disciple The Appearance Of A New "Fellow Initiate" - A Van Eighty-Four Thousand Ways To Convert A "Hard Head"

14. Front Line

    Spreading The Dharma Through A Vegetarian Feast A Joyful Sowing "Spirit, Mind And Body" Exhibition, Birmingham

15. Between Master And Disciples

    Waking Enlightenment

16. A Letter From A Truth Aspirant

    Following The Einstein Of This Age

17. A True Account Of A Miraculous Person

    The Legend Of A Taoist (Part V)

18. A Little Message
19. Elevation Of The Soul
20. Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.45 Published: Apr. 25,1995
Published by: The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations

International Reports

Report From Brazil

Celebrating A Carnival In A More Enriching Way

The annual Carnival in Brazil is the country's biggest festival. Every year during the festival, the Brazilians have a grand costume party. Dancing to the beat of the samba, everyone enjoys to their hearts' content.

Fellow practitioners also decided to enjoy themselves by finding inner happiness; thus, they swiftly planned a three-day retreat. When fellow practitioners received the news, they were all truly delighted. Some drove for hours through the night to attend. There was even one fellow sister who had had a high fever for days; she still steadfastly insisted, "If I have to crawl, I will crawl there."

During these happy festive days, this group of children, devotedly loving God, immersed and intoxicated themselves in the vast ocean of Master's love and in the light and sound of God Almighty. They had experienced the holiday in one of the most enriching and beautiful ways. They also plan to have another one!

Report From Costa Rica

Awaking Our Love

Following Master's instructions, fellow initiates in Costa Rica visited a nursing home for lone elderly people. They brought vegetarian cakes and desserts, along with Master's books, video and cassette tapes, etc., to share their brotherly love and God's blessings.

With loving care and attentively assisting them to walk, fellow initiates gathered everyone to watch Master's video tapes. The atmosphere was extremely peaceful; it was as if they were intoxicated by a spring breeze. They enjoyed the vegetarian snacks very much, and welcomed the fellow initiates to introduce vegetarian cooking to them. Some fellow initiates invited the elderly to dance, while others read Master's News magazine with them.

As the fellow initiates were leaving, the seniors went to the door to see them off. Leaning on the railing, their true feelings, that they were reluctant to let them go, were shown. By seeing that, the fellow initiates felt deeply that their own inner love had been awakened. Master has said, "Helping others is helping ourselves." By taking real action, the fellow initiates received the proof of this statement!

Report From Cambodia

A Concerned And Loving Friendship

The second shipment of three thousand tons of rice from Formosa to relieve the food crisis in Cambodia has arrived at Kompong Som Seaport.

After having carried the sacks of rice one after another into the warehouse, the dozens of wharf workers assigned to unload the rice then sat on the ground. They silently watched the Rice Donation Ceremony, witnessing an expression of love which extends beyond nationalities. Representing the Cambodian Government to accept the rice was Minister Nhim Vanda, delegate of the First and Second Prime Ministers.

The six thousand tons of relief rice were distributed continuously to the people in need. His Majesty King Sihanouk, the First Prime Minister Prince Ranariddh, the Second Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister Nhim Vanda personally participated in the distribution of the rice to the people in the various provinces. The Cambodian Government has once again sent a letter of appreciation thanking Master for Her righteous action in aiding the weak and needy, and for Her saintly ideal of treating the whole world as one family. (Refer to the appendix.)

In addition to the rice, Master has also made a donation to the country's Development Organization Fund for the building of Kong Pisei Secondary School to aid in promoting education.

Caption:

Representing Cambodia, Minister Nhim Vanda presents a gift to the captain of the freighter that transported the relief rice from Formosa.

A relaxing scene! The Prince and Princess Ranariddh bath a child during the distribution of the rice.

<Letters Of Appreciation>

(Appendix)

February 14, 1995
(Originally In Cambodian)

The Kingdom of Cambodia
Nation, Religion, King
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

To: The Representatives of the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Dear Sir/Representative,

I am most honored to have this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and how deeply touched we are. We are grateful to the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her disciples for their concern and sympathy towards the destitute Cambodian people. Generously during the first stage, three thousand and two tons of rice were donated.
We have distributed this three thousand tons of rice to different provinces. Enclosed is a detailed list showing the destinations and quantities of the distribution for your reference.
The amount of the rice remaining after the distribution will be further allocated to other provinces in need. We will inform the Supreme Master Ching Hai of the details later.

Yours sincerely,

Nhim Vanda
Special Delegate of the First and Second Prime Ministers

The Kingdom of Cambodia

Nation, Religion, King

The Royal Cambodia Government
February 20, 1995
(Originally In Cambodian)

To: The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations

The Revered Supreme Master,
The three thousand tons of rice, a gift from the Supreme Master Ching Hai to help those in need of food, has been received by the First and Second Prime Ministers of the Royal Cambodian Government.
The Royal Cambodian Government is most grateful, and highly praises the charitable actions of the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her disciples, and the noble friendship extended to our people.
The First and Second Prime Ministers sincerely wish the Supreme Master Ching Hai and all Her disciples happiness and to be blessed with the Buddha's blessings!
With our sincere respects,

The First Prime Minister
Ranariddh
The Second Prime Minister
Hun Sen

Report From Hsinchu, Formosa

A Beautiful Strike

The Industrial Research Institute was going to hold a Birthday Celebration Garden Party. A fellow initiate, being one of the working staff, was suddenly inspired with an idea: Why not register for a booth to promote the concept of vegetarianism!? First of all, on that day, the booth could serve anyone who loves vegetarian food. Secondly, it could also help to promote the idea of vegetarianism. Backed by the inspiration and having discussed it with other fellow initiates, a decision was made to register for two booths: one for vegetarian food and one for Master's publications. They hoped a complete feast could be served, both materially and spiritually.

When Master's photograph was put up at the publications booth, it immediately drew the attention of the entire place. With the belief of advancing courageously, the fellow practitioners never miss an opportunity to spread Master's teachings. Exquisitely prepared vegetarian food and drinks were served to the continuous stream of people coming to the booth, overshadowing the neighboring booths offering foods with meat. This made everyone firmly believe that, with proper effort, delicious vegetarian food can also touch people and awaken their inner nature.

Master has said, "The more we work, the more we learn." If daily meditation is for developing wisdom and love, then work is for putting this wisdom and love into action. Work teaches us how to forget the ego, how to use the wisdom, and how to consolidate the power of the fellow practitioners. At the same time, it also helps Master spread the true dharma and purify the world. Work is truly the touchstone for the tempering and cultivation of the fellow practitioners.

Caption:
Master's photograph is so dignified and majestic so that the publications and vegetarian booths set up by the fellow initiates both attract large crowds of people.

Report From Nantou, Formosa

Spreading Love And Joy

Nantou fellow initiates all eagerly registered to help when they learned that the Nantou Home & School for Mentally Handicapped Children was in need of volunteers to bring the school children to a garden party of love.

Not only did the initiates arrive early at the school to become acquainted with the children and welcome them warmly, but they also patiently taught them to play games. The atmosphere inside the school was so full of joy and harmony that the person in charge of the activity asked repeatedly what kind of a service group this was! Some fellow initiates also went early in the morning to meditate near the site of the garden party. When the party started, they distributed sample booklets. That day, besides taking the school children to the activity and distributing sample booklets, the initiates also picked up the trash in every corner of the area.

Seeing the school children with their happy smiles, they knew that, due to Master's blessing, the spirit of love and joy had filled the atmosphere.

caption: In bringing mentally handicapped children to a garden party, initiates from Nantou Center share the spirit of love and joy.

Report From Hualien, Formosa

Priceless Affection

Once again the initiates went to the Hualien Veteran's Home to visit the severely paralyzed. Besides distributing Master's exquisite photographs and magazines, they also chatted with them about daily family matters and gently massaged their bodies. These old people are like delicate children. Slowly and quietly they talked about the contents and their thoughts on the last issue of the News magazine. They frequently praised and thanked Master.

When a young patient received a gift of Master's photograph and a tape-recorder, his eyes sparkled and a rare smile appeared. The person in charge said he had never seen him smile. As his body was severely paralyzed, he could only lie there quietly having no communication with people. After hearing Master's teachings, his heart opened and he happily accepted everything to begin anew.

When the initiates were about to leave, an old man, thin and shrunken with age, insisted that the initiates should wait for a while. Seriously, he searched through his pockets, cupboards and drawers. Finally his trembling hands took out a five hundred N.T. dollar bill from his inner pocket. He wanted to give it to the initiates as a fund to help other people in need. Everyone present was touched. As a token, initiates only accepted ten N.T. dollars. This ten N.T. dollars was truly of great value!

Report From Pingtung And Kaohsiung, Formosa

Purifying The Spirit As Well As The Environment

In constant response to Master's appeal to "restore the beauty of Formosa", the initiates chose the beach at Hong Mao Harbor to be the site for the cleaning activity this month.

Using different means of transportation, fellow initiates arrived at the destination. Previously very beautiful, the soft and gentle beach was now full of various objects that had been brought ashore by the sea waves and garbage dumped at random by the neighboring residents. The scene appeared so disharmonious. It made people's hearts ache that such a beautiful place was treated like this. The initiates took the garbage bags and started the cleaning work immediately. All worked diligently, quickly and efficiently. Bags and bags of garbage were put into the big garbage truck sent by the Environmental Protection Bureau to support this activity.

Finally, the beach recovered its bright and beautiful appearance. The garbage truck left fully load. For a moment, before leaving, the initiates also enjoyed the clean seashore scene. The Hong Mao Harbor gave people a new and different feeling compared with the previous appearance!

caption: After the cleaning, Hong Mao Harbor's seashore look so bright and beautiful. Everywhere so clean!

Report From Hong Kong

Precious Fellowship Of Initiates

On a weekend with warm and sunny weather, initiates from Hong Kong went to visit the fellow practitioners at Whitehead refugee camp. They took along with them canned food, clothing, toys for the kids and Master's love. Although it was their first meeting, the feelings were familiar, like when meeting relatives. A child of an initiate in the camp told them in fluent Cantonese that she had started to be a vegetarian and had been meditating. Although she had not been initiated yet, she believed in Master very much and also believed that Master surely knew about their inner longings. In her innocent, child's heart, she still remembered the time when Master came to visit them in the camp.

Though their bodies were physically in a formidable environment, the inner hearts of the Au Lac fellow practitioners had not lost their brightness and optimism. They laughed cheerfully, and were not a bit worried about their fate. They are really the best examples of the saying, "Find the inner Kingdom of God, then you have found eternal joy."

Master's Book Circulation Center In The New Territories

With the blessing of Master's love and the help of many dedicated fellow practitioners, a new Book Circulation Center has been set up at Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong. The response has been very good, making it a good place for people in the northern New Territories to go to practice the Convenient Method and to read Master's books.

Report From Singapore

Begin With Inner Cultivation To Promote A Pure And Beautiful Custom

Ever since Master's lecture in Singapore, besides the soaring increase of new initiates, many people, who were interested in spiritual practice but could not completely switch to a vegetarian diet, had also enrolled to learn the Convenient Method.

At the local meditation center, there are Convenient Method group meditation sessions each week. (It is also open to fellow practitioners at all times.) After watching Master's lecture video, everyone meditates together. After the meditation, some of them stay behind to continue watching the video or to discuss with the Quan Yin messenger or fellow initiates.

The facilities at the center are efficiently utilized. Diligent meditation and cultivation are most helpful to spiritual elevation, and at the same time the most direct and efficient way to purify the society.

Report From Toronto, Canada

Receiving And Guiding The Souls Seeking The Truth

Fellow practitioners tried to spread Master's teachings in the form of a seminar. They rented a small lecture hall at the University of Toronto, and very enthusiastically the work to inform the public of the activity started.

When the seminar began, the continuous flow of the crowd filled the venue. Firstly, a fellow practitioner introduced Master, Her teachings and the Quan Yin Method. When the video tape of Master's lecture in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. titled 'Find Your Inner Master' was played, everyone listened very attentively. Master's humorous way of lecturing continuously brought the audience to laughter. The atmosphere was almost as though Master was giving the lecture in person. The final program of the seminar was a discussion session. Fellow initiates and guests interacted in a lighthearted manner, enjoying coffee and vegetarian biscuits while discussing Master's teachings. The questions of the guests were also answered during this time.

Many people wished to know more, and there were some who applied for initiation. Among them was a Truth seeker who has been a vegetarian for several decades and hoping to get initiated as soon as possible. There was also a young couple who were fashionably dressed. The gentleman expressed that he had listened to the lectures of many masters. He felt that Master's words really came from Her inner enlightenment, and not just from books or scriptures. They also enrolled for initiation.

The fellow practitioners in Toronto were very happy with the perfect results of the seminar. The greatest encouragement for the fellow practitioners was seeing more souls longing for liberation who will be receiving the guidance and care of the compassionate Master.

Report From Arkansas, U.S.A.

Glory To The Caretaker Of The Earth

Ever since Master instructed fellow disciples to proceed with the clean-the-environment activity, the Arkansas Center, this past year, has earnestly participated in a highway cleaning project. They even received a little recognition and encouragement. Fellow practitioners will carry on with this activity of beautifying the environment.

A Small, But Harmonious And
United Group Meditation In Arkansas

Although there are not many fellow practitioners in the area, everyone does their best to display the sample booklets in the public places of the cities in which they live. The Fayetteville Public TV Station is broadcasting Master's lecture videos one night a week for one hour. The TV Station also gives out the contact phone number of the Branch Center, so that people who are interested in Master's teachings can obtain further information. The TV Station manager said that he has never received any calls about any of the other programs, only Master's program.

Also, the fellow initiates have changed their habit of giving each other gifts for birthdays and special occasions. Instead, they donate the gift or money to a needy group or person in their area. For instance, several fellow practitioners had birthdays recently, and they donated the money to help a couple whose house had burned down. This loving activity is carried out smoothly, and everyone feels that sharing with others in this way is a great experience.

Report From Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Exhibition In Pittsburgh

In high spirits, fellow practitioners spread Master's noble teachings by participating in the Exhibition on Healthy and Abundant Life-styles, organized by the city of Pittsburgh. This activity brought the best tidings of spring to the city.

Fellow practitioners coming from Canada and the neighboring areas brought along their working experience and their secrets to success, enabling the exhibition activity to be carried out smoothly. For this occasion, the fellow practitioners brought portable computers to the venue for quick and accurate entries of particulars of people. Anyone who wished to receive information or the News magazines, as well as those who wanted to learn the Convenient Method were recorded, thus enabling easy communication in the future.

An elderly gentleman, after reading Master's sample booklet and News magazine, was full of praise for Master, saying that: It is amazing how this petite, young lady can make such great contributions to the world! Other spiritual groups that participated in the exhibition often found time to watch Master's lecture videos.

After the exhibition, the Pittsburgh Center continuously received phone calls from people who were interested in the Quan Yin Method. Fellow practitioners discussed Master's teachings and answered their questions over the telephone. They also offered them Master's video tapes and books for viewing, as well as invited them to the center to have vegetarian meals.

With Master's love and blessings, a few would-be initiates were born!

A Letter From A Truth Aspirant

Following The Einstein Of This Age

By To-Be-Initiate Liu, Germany

The Revered Supreme Master,

I have been studying in Germany for many years. I used to admire Maxwell very much for having proved mathematically the existence of the electromagnetic field, and Einstein for establishing the concept of space and time - the Theory of Relativity. Observing the Chi Kong fever and the research on extraordinary human functions which are very common in Mainland China in recent years, I always hoped, through mathematics, to deduce a complete scientific formula to explain the 'bio-magnetic field' possessed by these great masters, revealing the regularity of these mysterious phenomena to benefit humankind. Even though I realized that such an `Einstein the second' could only be one of the great masters who has authentic experience, adept in the most modern scientific knowledge, I had forgotten about God's omnipotent power.

Intense interest drove me to study Buddhism, Taoism, I-Ching (the Book of Changes) and the Eight Diagrams, Chinese acupuncture and even the ancient books that specialize in explaining dreams. This past year or so, I joined a Christian Sunday service and Bible study activities. However, these scriptures could not convince me. Therefore, I did not wish to casually take the baptism, nor did I wish to worship the Buddha statues. I could only intellectually absorb the philosophies of different schools. My quest for the perfect yet perceptible Truth continued.

Several weeks ago, I read one of Your News magazines. Your teachings enlightened me instantly. Each sentence of Your discourse pointed right at my heart. I immediately got in touch with the Berlin Center and bought several "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment" books, including the Question and Answer Books. At home, I read intently; and the more I read the more I wished to see You, longing to be with You forever.

I come from Shanghai, Mainland China, and have worked in electronic radar, telecommunications and automation control. I understand that 'Infinity is a Point', but I am inexperienced in spirituality. All I can do is imagine. I sincerely beg You, Master, to bless me. In the past, to experience the 'Chi', the 'bio-magnetic field', and to break open the 'major and minor chakras', I meditated diligently. However, this intermittent travelling on a spiral path has not given me any result yet. I realize now that they are too inferior. I want initiation, I want to practice the Quan Yin Method, I want enlightenment. If I have the affinity and receive Master's approval, I shall fly immediately to Your side. Where are You now, Master?

I have so much to say and write, but I dare not continue. I am really sorry for wasting so much of Your precious time to consider the sincere request of a Truth aspirant. It is my hope to get the initiation and enlightenment soon, then I can use the 'Buddha's language' to immediately, precisely and perfectly express my respect as a disciple!

Wishing You well, peace and safety,

                                   Respectfully yours,
                                   Liu 
                                   1995 Berlin

Between Master And Disciples

Waking Enlightenment

By Fellow Initiate Lee, Hsinchu, Formosa

Doing public service is like a mirror that reveals my hidden corners to me again and again. Whenever I think of this, my heart aches for Master for having to put up with so much hardship in teaching us. Sometimes it takes many years to thoroughly correct a misconception, even though we have been told the correct one many times. Looking at others is like looking at oneself. In spite of being reminded time after time, at the moment when things happen, the mind, which is even harder than a rock, will have its own stubborn way all the same, refusing to submit itself to God's arrangement.

It is never easy to surrender to God's will! This is only because we have forgotten to set aside our own opinions and listen to the messages from the Kingdom of God instead.

Who is worrying about us? So many years have passed and we are still persisting in our old ways, despite Master's hoarse voice, despite Mother's falling tears. It is time for us to wake up! We cannot pretend any longer. With tears running down my face, I deeply repent. Thank You Master! You did not forsake me. You have put up with me for such a long time and are still guiding me silently with great patience.

I have finally woken up! Moreover, I now understand that fear of making mistakes is also a form of ego. Once being scolded, we always anxiously try to find excuses. Sometimes we hesitate when a resolute decision needs to be made; we are afraid of taking the responsibility for its consequences. The only fruit such habitual "self-protection" may bear will be that we make no progress, but stay where we are. Master has said that the more we practice, the more wisdom and courage we will have. How can I hide myself in a corner and act like a useless puppet?

A Little Message

Please announce our new terminology to fellow practitioners. From now, in speaking of God or the Supreme Spirit, we will use a different term of non-sex, to avoid the argument of whether God is a She or a He.

SHE + HE becomes HES = hes (like in mess).
HER + HIM becomes HIRM = hirm (like in firm).
HERS + HIS becomes HIERS = hiers (like in beers).

Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will to suit Hirm.

Media Reports

The Morning Sun Daily News, Australia March 16, 1995

(Originally In Au Lac Language)

The fellow practitioners are using the garbage bags as raincoats. In this way they can continue the cleaning work smoothly in the heavy rain.

Participating In Australia's Extensive Cleaning Day

For the whole week, the weather over Sydney was affected by a storm coming from the sea; and everyday, all day long, it rained heavily. However, the public still warmly responded by earnestly taking part in 'Australia's Extensive Cleaning Day'. Apart from the public, the state Governor and many government officials, from various departments, of New South Wales also participated.

At early dawn, the fellow practitioners of the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations in Sydney had already gathered to meditate at the group meditation center in Cabramatta, praying for world peace. After that, everyone went to downtown Sydney to join the work. The Sydney Urban Council designated the Ultimo downtown area, which was densely populated, to the Meditation Association.

There was torrential rain in the morning. Some fellow practitioners who did not bring along raincoats quickly ran for shelter under the overhangs in the passageways. Later, they came up with a bright idea. They ingeniously made three holes in the garbage bags, and wore them as raincoats, which was very convenient. Other Australians noticed and thought this was a fantastic innovation, which they imitated accordingly. Therefore, the extensive cleaning work could be carried out smoothly in the heavy rain. Observing the young fellow practitioners of only eight or nine years old also taking part in the work, some children hurriedly asked for their parent's approval to join in and help.

On Australia's Extensive Cleaning Day last year, the Meditation Association also took part in the cleaning of the Pyrmont City area. This year, the Australians expressed an even greater enthusiasm towards the return of the Meditation Association. The activity conveners even especially prepared vegetarian food to serve the fellow practitioners at noon break and after the completion of the work. They further expressed their personal feelings to the representatives of the Meditation Association: "Although we have never met the Supreme Master Ching Hai before, based on your actions, we greatly admire Her and your group." A representative of the fellow practitioners replied: "This is the proper obligation of each citizen living in Australia. We are only doing what other Australian citizens have already done. Because everyone contributes, this land is so beautiful today."

On the way home, everyone was extremely happy at heart. They were delighted for having offered their share of effort for the welfare of the community.
(This is an excerpt of the original article.)

caption:
The fellow practitioners are using the garbage bags as raincoats. In this way they can continue the cleaning work smoothly in the heavy rain.

China Times, March 13, 1995

Three Miaoli Voluntary Environmental Protection Groups Joined Forces To Clean The Streets

Over A Hundred People In Zhunan Town Turned Out To Clean The Garbage Along The Roads

[Journalist Chou Lien Chi reports from Miaoli] Yesterday, on City Circuit Road, Miaoli, there were three voluntary environmental protection groups involved a street cleaning activity. To educate the children while they are still young about the concept of environmental protection, some volunteers took their entire family to join the activity. They were indeed enthusiastic.

To maintain the cleanliness of the city three Miaoli voluntary groups, the Taiwan Fertilizer Factory, the Fukuangshan (Buddha Light Mountain) Branch Association and the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations, worked in cooperation and with designated duties. Yesterday morning at 7:30 they started the street sweeping activity on City Circuit Road.

The Taiwan Fertilizer Factory in Miaoli was responsible for the section between Tou Wu Bridge and Yu Chin Street. The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations was responsible for the section from the junction of Yu Chin Street to Xin Dong Street. The Fukuangshan Branch Association was responsible for the section from the junction of Xin Dong Street to Turtle Hill Main Bridge. More than a hundred people participated.

Many people got their entire family to participate, letting the children experience personally the environmental protection work. Among the members of the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations, there was a native inhabitant of Tai On Hsiang, Lin Ya Yong, who had been ill for a long time and living in poverty. He regained a new life with the assistance of the Meditation Association. Yesterday, he especially brought along his children to join the street sweeping activity, using this opportunity to repay and extend his gratitude to the Meditation Association.

During the process of sweeping the streets yesterday, some volunteers mentioned that on City Circuit Road there were several uncared for pavilions that were in a messy and dirty state. They appealed to the citizens to be more public-minded and to refrain from repeatedly polluting public places. Thus providing a clean environment for the citizens of Miaoli.

Formosa Daily News March 28, 1995

The Fifth Vegetarian House Of The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations Will Open Tomorrow
Address: 2, 19 Street, Da Dun, Taichung, Formosa

[Journalist Chang Yi Zhong reporting from Taichung] The fifth Vegetarian House established by the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations is scheduled to be opened the morning of March 29th, Youths' Day. This vegetarian house combines exquisite food, art and spiritual cultivation in a unique way. People from all fields in the central region are welcome to join the opening ceremony and to taste the gourmet food.

According to the Meditation Association, besides providing pure and healthy vegetarian food, they have also created an artistic, elegant and comfortable environment for enjoying meals.

The standard of living of modern people is very high. They care about delicious food and drinks, as well as wanting to be healthy. They also want to savor spirituality. Therefore, the Supreme Master Ching Hai, with Her spirit of caring for the mundane world and according to the social trends, has encouraged Her disciples in the course of their cultivation, to share the benefits derived from their practice with the people of the world, and to serve them with love.

Under the guidance of the Supreme Master Ching Hai, on unfixed dates, Her followers have been conducting a series of activities entitled 'There is Love among Humans, and Compassion on Earth'. They care for the weak and disadvantaged in society. They give aid in disasters, and help the refugees, the homeless, the prisoners, the old veterans, the sick and the disabled, extending their indiscriminating love to the most needy people.

According to the Meditation Association, the Vegetarian Houses were opened one after another based on the above ideal and in the hope of integrating spiritual life with daily life to reach the level of Truth, virtue and beauty.

Aiding Vietnamese Asylum Seekers Has Earned Widespread Responses
Master Ching Hai Commends The Earnest And Zealous Persons

(Excerpts from newspapers)

The Independent Morning Post, Formosa

April 10, 1995
[News from Miaoli] The Supreme Master Ching Hai, who was honored by the United States as the "World Spiritual Leader", returned to Her Center in Hsihu, Miaoli and held a grand commendation ceremony on the morning of April 9th. Nine politicians and representatives of the people, including Legislator Lin Cheng Chieh and National Congress Representative Chen Chu, received commendations for their righteous and earnest efforts in striving to help the Vietnamese asylum seekers in the past years. The Supreme Master Ching Hai praised them, "They are just like the incarnations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, bearing intense compassion towards people in suffering. In order to save sentient beings, they sacrifice themselves and fulfill their responsibilities despite their positions in the complicated political circle."

A grand and ceremonial commendation event was held in the presence of almost ten thousand people. The Supreme Master Ching Hai, dressed in traditional Vietnamese costume, said that She represented all the Vietnamese asylum seekers in expressing their gratitude to everyone. The meaning of this occasion is to honor the humane spirit of succoring the helpless in times of misfortune. Everyone can also learn the spirit of righteousness and love from these virtuous officials. Master also said, "In fact, there are many more compassionate people in Taiwan who have been helping the Vietnamese asylum seekers silently. However, as we have not had the honour of meeting them yet, we cannot commend them or present them with any award. Nonetheless, we wish to extend our respect and gratitude to them as well, through this grand occasion."

Shin Sheng Daily News, Formosa

April 10, 1995

[Journalist Liu Guang Jie reporting from Hsihu] Yesterday (the 9th), the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations held a gathering at their Center in Hsihu Hsiang, Miaoli Hsien. Several thousand of their fellow practitioners and believers came from all over the Province. During the occasion, the Supreme Master Ching Hai also commended the persons who have meritoriously contributed in supporting human rights activities. Those who attended were touched and pointed out: It was a wonderful feeling to be able to enjoy a day of spiritual bliss, away from the mundane world!

To expedite the repatriation of the Vietnamese refugees last year, several countries, where the refugee camps are situated, had resorted to the use of force injuring the innocent refugees including women and children; this incident became the focus of international concern. As it was a state of emergency and human lives were at stake, on the grounds of humanitarian concern, the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations launched a series of activities to help the Vietnamese refugees. For instance, the one million people signature campaign to urge the free countries to accept the Vietnamese asylum seekers and the sit-in to protest forced repatriation, created waves of responses from all over the world. In Taiwan, the support of over one million people was immediately obtained. Timely international concern for the asylum seekers also poured into the refugee camp, soothing their anxiety and pain.

During these activities, many National Congress Representatives and Legislators, touched by the tremendous mercy of the Supreme Master Ching Hai, had eagerly spent great efforts, striving and negotiating, to present the petitions from a million citizens to the Central Government. Also, because of the help from several earnest officials in numerous mediating actions, the International Human Rights Conference held in Taipei last May was successfully accomplished. The international community now have a deep impression of the loving compassion of the people of Taiwan, and a warm image of the government.

During the ceremony, the Supreme Master Ching Hai said that because there are many compassionate and righteous people in Taiwan, Taiwan is considered more and more worthy in the eyes of the international community; and thus has been praised as a virtuous country.

China Daily News, Formosa

April 10, 1995

Yesterday, at the commendation ceremony held at Hsihu Meditation Center in Miaoli, almost ten thousand fellow practitioners came from throughout the province and several countries. The tree-shaded center was packed by large crowds of people. The commendation ceremony started at about twelve noon, and the Supreme Master Ching Hai appeared to host the occasion amid the warm applause of the fellow practitioners.

The commended persons and the title of their awards are:

In addition, the National Congress Representative of Tong Xiao, Miaoli, Du Wen Qing, was commended the Spiritual Support Award. The ceremony ended at around half past one in the afternoon.

Master Says

Enlightenment Awakens The Positive Power

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Singapore Jan. 10, 1995 (Originally In English)

Question & Answer Session After The Lecture

The Quan Yin Method Benefits All Beings

Q: Master, I understand there is a method called the "Convenient Method". Is it the same as the Quan Yin Method?
M: Not exactly, but it offers you also a taste of enlightenment. And you can continue to practice that every day without such a strict regulation as a pure vegetarian diet or two and a half hours a day, things like that. You can meditate half an hour everyday or one hour apart, or twenty minutes, whatever you like, and eat the vegetarian diet as conveniently as your position or your situation allows. So that's why we call it "Convenient Method".

And you also have enlightenment. But, it's a small kind of vehicle, you can only liberate yourself alone. And the Quan Yin Method will liberate many of your relatives and friends, up to seven or even nine generations, the people you don't even know, your ancestors, etc., and your next generation, your grand, grandchildren not yet born, etc.. Because of the blood link, they will also be free.

Q: Master, when I am the host and I have to take some friends out for lunch or dinner and they are not vegetarians, should I order all vegetarian dishes to eat as I am the only vegetarian?
M: No, no, you order what the guests want to eat. We don't impose our life style on other people and impede their freedom. It's their choice. Okay? If you ask them if they want to try vegetarian, also fine, if they agree, if they are happy with it. Just tell them once in a while you try it to see if you like it. If they don't, then you don't do it.

Q: Master, please advise me how to access the first level of the Kingdom of God, or what I must do to start.
M: The first level only? Your aim is so low. (Laughter) Why don't you go to the fifth at least, with me? There, it's almost empty because no one goes there, plenty of room there. Singapore is tight. We go there for a change. A lot of palaces, and no traffic lights, no jam. (Master laughs.)

The first level is nothing to aim for, brothers. There are only astral beings who live there. Only small heaven and hell. There is only magical power, small healing ability, small clairvoyant talent. That's all there is. And you may live there hundreds or thousands of years, but you come back here again. And who knows where you will be, and what you'll become. So why go to the first level. First level is as unsafe as this world. Yeah. Don't aim to go there. That's only the A. The A B C of everything. We started from there, but we don't stop there.

Q: Master, the first precept is no killing. If a snake enters my house, should I kill it in order to protect my family? M: You don't have snakes in Singapore, don't give me trouble. (Laughter and applause.) You don't even have enough land for people to live. Where can this poor snake reside? But anyhow you don't have to kill, you can give him a bag... a cloth bag and he will happily crawl into it. And you set him outside somewhere else, in the bush or something, and he will be happy. But if you must, of course, you can do it. But then, you pay. You can do anything you want in this world, just you must pay. Not in monetary way, it is in karma. See?

You kill him and later you'll probably be wounded somewhere or have severe headaches or your arm suddenly gone paralysis, anything like that. You pay, maybe temporarily or maybe in a long term. It depends on how great the things that you have done, how much you took from the physical treasure of the Lord of this creation. The more you take, the more you pay. The less you take, the less you pay. That's why I advice the vegetarian diet, because it's the less expensive.

You know even though vegetables also have life, but it doesn't cost so much karma, doesn't burden you too much. You see? Not that vegetables you don't pay. I don't mean the market price, I mean to the Lord of Creation. The Lord of Creation is below the Almighty God. But if you can not, if you didn't pay it to the Lord of Creation, you can not go to the Almighty. That's the problem.

An Enlightened Master Has
The Key Of Enlightenment

Q: Master, can You explain the initiation of the Quan Yin Method? M: Initiation is a kind of invisible opening wisdom ceremony. No flowers, no incense, no prostration, no Buddha statues, no church, nothing. Only you and your own positive original power. Now when you sit there all alone, then I will point to your soul where to go, in order to get back the positive and negative together, understand? Now you are separated because you are always leaning onto the negative side for survival. Now when you sit alone there and ready, willing to go back, I just pull you back. But no action involved. These things are abstract, are the wonderful things of the invisible power. There is no doing of anything. Do without doing.

I don't have to be there even. I don't have to even know your name, your address, your age, your profession. I don't have to know you; I mean physically. Inside I know. Therefore the initiation is just like you sit there and get back your positive side. You know, like out of balance, that you always lean on the negative. Now, come back and then you're balanced. That's it. And then you know that you are enlightened because you saw the light, you received the teaching from heaven through melody.

It's not by "Singlish", it's not by Chinese. It's wordless words, silent sounds. This will make you wiser, and more and more realize that you are great, and you are the master of the house. Yeah! That's the initiation. But no words can describe that, because I would not talk to you at that time. I might not even be present, because you will be along with the whole universe then. You know? That's how you know yourself. It's difficult to try to understand now. If you don't, just go for initiation then you'll understand.

Q: Master, after enlightenment, can we still get sick? M: Sure. Look here I have a flu, thanks to some of the friends who gave it to me. And I was weak because I overwork a lot of the time, because of the many disciples and demands from the world. So of course my body is like yours, or your body is like his, yeah? If you are weak in resistance, overwork , overwork your car, then it will stop. It gets sick. That's the same. The car will get sick whether it is BENZ or it's a Cadillac. It sometimes gets sick, but that's the normal thing.

Why should we avoid sickness? It's no big deal. If I wasn't sick in these days, I could not have enjoyed two days in bed. So that's a bonus. It's not bad. And all the people love me so much, "Wow" while I am sick. They feel... a concern, you know? That's enjoyment also. Okay? No problem to be sick. The Buddha was sick, was he not? Sure, sickness is no big deal.

Q: Master, why are there so many religions in this world? M: There is only one really. Different names, yeah! If you don't believe me, you take time, study all the religions together, compare them all, and then you'll know what I mean. Just because people don't study other religions, which is also good, fine.

Be concentrated on your religion if you know one religion; it's enough. Because it's similar in other religions: Tell people to do good, don't kill, don't steal, worship God or Buddha. No religion teaches people to do bad things. Or stay here forever, and eat and drink and die here. All religions tell you "be a good person here and find heaven while you can", right? And everything else is just bla, bla, bla, you know, bureaucracy and detail. (Applause)

Q: Master, You talked about knowing the way home. Where is this home? Where is heaven and hell?
M: Here. Everything is here. But if you don't know, everything is everywhere. Everywhere is hell, everywhere is heaven. If you know, then it's heaven, if you don't know, it's hell. That's it, simple. (Applause)

Q: Master, will I be able to find my dead relatives and communicate with them if I practice the Quan Yin meditation? M: Dead relatives? Oh, sure, sure. But I am afraid maybe you don't like to go there. Some of your people are difficult to get in touch with. If you want to go such place, you need a Master. Otherwise you will be in danger. So it's not always good to see dead relatives. Now you practice the Quan Yin Method, and some of your relatives, dead relatives will be immediately released from whatever suffering they have. If they are already in heaven, they will go to a higher level of heaven. If they suffer light punishment, they can go immediately, quick. If it's too heavy, then we have to negotiate. Then the Master must negotiate or has to suffer for that person. But it won't be too long. For example, if those people have to suffer for thousands of years, the Master wouldn't have to suffer for thousands of years. Just maybe a few hours, or sometimes a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes, sometimes prolonged but not a big deal sickness, things like that.

So it's not always ideal to see your dead relatives. It's better to see live relatives. Love them, serve them, and encourage them before they are dead. (Applause) But you can see them, you can see them. Many of our practitioners see their dead relatives and friends coming to thank them that due to them, they are liberated. That is no big deal, no big deal.

Q: Master, one of the five precepts is refrain from sexual misconduct. How does this apply to singles?
M: Oh! What we mean is that you should be faithful to each other. But in the case of some of the other religious orders, they may, due to their tradition, have many wives. If they already had them before initiation, then that doesn't mean they have to separate and take only one. But in the general case we tell people to refrain from having too many ties, because if you have one wife, I think you suffer enough. Oh, sorry. (Laughter) I mean... I am sorry. Don't kill me please. What I mean is the suffering in affairs of the heart are very heavy for the wife or the husband to bear. And that you don't want to cause to other people, let alone your beloved friends, or the mother or father of your children.

So that's why we say refrain from having another affair if you are already married. But if you already have before initiation, just keep it like that. And better don't let the other to know each other. Minimize the suffering. The less suffering the better, because it will affect you also. You will have a bad conscience and guilty feelings. How can you meditate in peace? When you meditate you want to think about God. All you think about is the second or the third wife. Yeah! How she wanted to beat you last night because you came late, etc., etc. Or you bought better clothes for the other one etc., etc. Aiya! so many troubles. It hurts. That's why. That is called sexual misconduct.

But in the case of people who are not yet married, of course in the modern time, I can not tell people don't, don't, don't do that, you know. Yeah! Then try to be faithful to each other, yeah? It's good for the heart, good for your moral and good for the mutual trust between each other and especially good for your health, you know nowadays. You read newspapers more than I do. The letters spelled very big. Should I say more? More and more people die from AIDS each day, so take care of yourself.

Q: Master, is it necessary to have a quiet environment to pursue spiritual practice?
M: Yes. In the beginning yes, but later no. Later sometimes we need. That's why sometimes we organize a retreat for one week or two weeks or four days, three days. Every year at a different time, so people have a chance to have a peaceful, quiet, only practicing meditation environment. But otherwise, you must go out into the society. Bringing the light and blessing into our brothers and sisters. You can not always hide yourself in the mountain and become a selfish Buddha. (Laughter)

Q: Master, will dreams of future events come true? Can we change the future?
M: Yes, sometimes we can. If we are strong enough, and if you want to be strong enough, meditate, get your Buddha power out, then you can change anything. Otherwise the future will change you.

The Way To Minimize One's Sexual Desire

Q: Master, can You please advise me as to how I should control my monstrous sexual appetite? I need God grace.
M: This...? I don't have experience. You know what? There are many remedies. But most people when they ate too much meat and drink the wine and all that, it will excite more of their passion. We already have enough so-called animal passion within us, so we do many things like the animals do. This we can not control.

Because we inherit the animal quality while we live in this kingdom, part of it, because of this body. So now, if we want to control that, we must minimize the intake of intoxicants and exciting food, things like that. There are foods for sexual empowerment. The people look for that. Some people like that. So the old kings, they always eat special kinds of foods, because they have so many wives.

There are many foods to control the sexual drive. The first stage is vegetarian diet, pure vegetarian diet - no eggs, no fish, etc., and no liquor, alcohol, no intoxicating things. Many things we, the ordinary people, pay high prices for, mostly are poison. And I am always wondering why people spend a lot of their money to poison themselves. But anyhow that's their private choice and free will.

So if you ask me how to minimize your sexual energy, there are many things to do. You switch to vegetarian diet, eat a kind of simple, not too much oily and excitement spice and things like that. And then drink plenty of cool water. No champagne, champagne is the worse thing, reserved only for wedding days. You know uh! I don't know. I heard about that. I don't know. They said like that.

But the most simple is to be busy, doing something meaningful, helping other people; and then you forget your own problem. I don't know how you have time to think about this drive even. You know, if you stay up all night long, reading like me, I think your sex drive will drive itself away (laughter and applause), because sex drives are scared, scared of the work.

Do something. There is so much suffering in this world, do some volunteer work in your spare time. Feel the suffering of your fellow beings. Merge yourself in the sacrifice and the joy, the pure joy of serving all of them. Bring happiness, bring noble happiness to other people. That will bring noble happiness to you, too.

You have read so much bad, maybe porno information. Now don't read it any more. Switch to holy books. Read the Bible, read the Buddhist sutras, read the Koran, read whatever information you have on holy life, okay? Hinduism books, anything you want, yoga exercise, holy saints' teachings, so much to read.

Q: Master, if the Quan Yin Method can help me avoid reincarnation, how about my karma in my past lives?
M: Oh, I burn it. I throw it in the dust-bin and set fire to it and finish. Okay? You know where karma comes from? Comes from your reactions. Actions and reactions, of course. But where does it come from? It is stored in your subconsciousness. There is a button. I just push it and it's gone. It's like your computer or your record player. You can play it, you can record it, or you can erase it. Just know how.

Q: Master, usually how long does it take to get enlightenment? May I know what does it depends on?
M: Oh, depends on many things. First, it depends on the proper meditation method. And it depends on your teacher, whether that person is capable to lead you to enlightenment. Never mind talking about long or short. If you get a good teacher, you get immediate enlightenment. If you don't get a good teacher, I don't know how long, very, very long, many lifetimes. And also enlightenment depends on your sincerity, if you want it or not. If you do want it, you get it immediately. If you don't want it, it doesn't matter how much you pretend, how long you sit there, until your bottom falls off, (laughter) you don't have anything.

Initiation Is The Inner Transmission Of Dharma

Q: Master, will there be someone to guide us in the Quan Yin meditation in Singapore in the initial stages?
M: Yes. I will leave a few monks or nuns here for you. Actually Quan Yin messengers. They don't look like monks. They look like me. They are ordinary like you. I will leave some of the people who have practice for a long time, who know the initial stages of practice, for you. Besides, you can always write to me. Nowadays, we have a fax machine. Don't worry. And the inner connection is always there, one hundred percent, never broken. So that is the best guidance.

And then later on, you don't have to rely on anyone, because you will get the answers from the inside, quickly and you know it. And the teacher will know where you are, what you are doing, and what kind of danger you are in, or what practice you need. From inside, teach from inside, not from the verbal.

Verbal is just ordinary thing, like we talk to each other, you know, have fun. Talk about some old stories to encourage you to practice, things like that. But verbal instruction is never a perfect teaching. The perfect teaching you can only find from inside, and that is between Master and disciple individually, for each one different inside. Even if you sit next to each other, you don't know what level he is or what the Master transmitted to him inside. All different, okay? Depends on each level.

Q: Master, when we are praying to God or Jesus, could we also worship Quan Yin Bodhisattva in the temple?
M: Why not? The more, the better, I think. (Master laughs.) That's what we think. You do what you want as long as you are happy. If that accords you enlightenment, so much the better. If not, you must go for the Quan Yin Method. The real worship comes when you see God, Jesus, Quan Yin, face to face and worship at their feet right there. And you feel so much different than when you bow to the Buddha, the wooden statue.

When you bow to the wooden statue, he says nothing to you, he can not answer your question. But when you bow to the real Buddha inside while you meditate or while you're sleeping and go to heaven, that is the time of your real worship and you will feel entirely different. You will feel you're not of this world. You will feel you are the Buddha then. That's the real worship. Worship anyone you like, but make sure you see them. (Applause)

Q: Master, will meditation lead us to getting possessed by the devil? M: It depends, depends. If you meditate at random without a teacher, or you choose a wrong way to do it, or you deliberately meditate but break the precepts, eating wrong food or harming other people, then the counter effect will fall upon you, and that's when you allow the so-called devil to come in to destroy you and trouble you. That is only the negative side of all the nature.

When we don't want to lean, we don't stand stably, and we keep like this, then it will pull you back to the negative side again. And at that time, it's stronger, it's harder because it lost you last time, like tightening the grip more; and it's difficult for you to struggle out.

So that's why I don't want to just take a lot of so-called disciples, so that I am famous and have a big group of followers. You must keep the precepts. You must eat a vegetarian diet. Understand? Purify yourself while meditating, so you don't have side effects, you don't have trouble.

And I am responsible for whatever happens to you, if you keep the precepts and follow the instruction. So nothing can happen to you. But if you don't, even God can not help you. Okay.

Q: Master, I am a sinner. Can I be enlightened? M: Oh, who is not the sinner, please raise your hands. (Laughter and applause.) The sinner, please raise your hands. Me, also included. Don't worry, don't worry. No one is a sinner. We're just ignorant. We have not been taught the way of the saint. We have been only taught to survive in this world, how to eat, how to clothe, how to look after this physical vehicle. That's all we have been taught up to now. All the education also leads to that end, so you can have a good job, right? We have not been taught the wise way, the holy way. So now it's the time. No problem. We did things we don't know. How can we be sinners? If the child is not taught and he makes mistakes, how can he be blamed? Blame God. Uh! Hes didn't send you a teacher soon enough, Hiers fault. (Laughter and applause.)

Q: Master, I want to donate my life to others. What do You suggest? M: Yes, sure. If people want to accept you, (laughter) we can donate our service, while we are living. Well, everyone is donating their lives anyhow. They work for the society. They work for their family. This is a kind of donation. Some people donate more. They work for more groups, serving more people voluntarily, or without much payment. And that's perhaps what you mean. Do what you feel like and what you are capable of. There is a lot of work to do in this world. Never enough people to do it.

Restore Our Heavenly Quality

Q: Master, if we enjoy living so much on this earth, why do we have to try so hard to go to heaven?
M: Oh, then please don't try. Who told you to try hard? (Master laughs.) Only the people who want to go, should go. If you enjoy this world so much, it's good for you, good luck; and I hope you enjoy it long (laughter) , because one never knows, one never knows what tomorrow brings. That's the problem.

If we can always enjoy in this world, if I can put a stamp to guarantee that you'll never suffer, ever in this world, and you'll continue to enjoy all your life, and next life, next life, then please don't consider heaven. But no one can guarantee you that. You see it for yourself. All the kings, all the glorious hierarchy, the kings and queens, where are they now? They have enjoyed more than you did, more than you'll ever dream of. Where are they now? What do they do now? Where are their enjoyments? You know the answers.

Q: Master, You say we are all God's children and there is only one God. So why do we have different colors and different races? Every one is not equal, just like You and me.
M: Look at the flowers, you want them only one color? Pink, finish. Is that what you call beauty? Pink, one color, one and only. We have many colors, that's why it's fun, Okay? You like it. That's why you choose to be born in that color. But now you don't understand. Get enlightenment, and then you'll understand why. But you are also right. The question is also correct because the higher dimensions don't have difference, no difference between male and female, no different colors. There is only pure awareness, pure wisdom, not even such a visible form.

Q: Master, how can we get immediate enlightenment and eternal liberation if we are anxious and have to work to make money? M: (Master speaks to the M.C.) You know it. You tell him. M.C.: Meditate two and a half hours a day. M: He doesn't know yet. Don't scare him. Enlightenment is the most incredible thing that ever happen to your existence. It will lighten every burden that you have to carry every day. It will get rid of all the obstacles in your way. It will carry you when you are down and sick. It will bless you whenever you are in trouble and danger. And you will feel like, you are always in the love of mother, so you don't worry. The worry and anxiety you have now, is just because you don't have enlightenment, it's not the opposite, Okay? So if you want to get rid of this suffering, get enlightenment.

Q: Master, why do good people suffer so much in this world? M: How do you know if they are good? Do you know them personally? Sometimes you don't. Good and bad is only in our level of understanding. The record of their lives, of their existence is so long. Sometimes they are good, sometimes they are bad. You can never check-up enough. Anything that happens has a reason. And don't worry.

Q: Master, is there any explanation why some people are born less fortunate than others?
M: Because of karma. Some people they do good deeds, they give a lot of charity to other people, and then when they are reborn again, they are rich and fortunate. And if the other people never give to anyone else when they are in suffering and in need, then when they are born again, they probably don't have much fortune.

Q: Are You a human being or a fairy? (Laughter) M: What do you think? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? What do you think? You think I am a human, raise your hands. You think I am a fairy, raise your hands. No one. Yeah, both are correct. An 'A' for both! Okay! We are both. We are both human beings and God. It's just that most of the time for most of the people they only recognize their human side of existence. They only identify with the physical function and forget their Godly side of nature. That's all.
You and I are equal. We are both fairy and human beings. That's it. Are you satisfied? (Applause) But the only difference between you and I is that I know and you perhaps don't know, or are not sure of your fairy nature. That's the only difference.

Q: Master, can those who have mental depression practice meditation? M: If they understand what I have mentioned today, if they understand the teaching, they're capable of understanding, then they can; because sometimes mental disturbance comes only from depression, too much pressure from society. A form of trying to avoid problems, trying to escape the burden of society. It's not exactly a sickness. So it's temporary and they can stand up again, of course, and faster through meditation.

M.C.: Thank You, Master. Shall we take this opportunity to put our hands together to thank Master.
M: Oh, no need. I thank you all for your loving attention, and for your trust and your love and your friendship. (Applause) And I wish you all the best things. I wish your country all the best things, and develop more and more, stronger and stronger, and more and more respect by the whole world and the universe. And I wish you most of all enlightenment, if not sooner, then later. Okay. (Applause)

Master's Wonders

Master Turning Into A Butterfly To Rescue A Disciple

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Pan, Surabaya, Indonesia
Recorded By Fellow Initiate Chiang, Surabaya, Indonesia

That day it was drizzling continuously and business was very poor. I was pacing back and forth in the shop. A few pedestrians were taking shelter from the rain by standing under the overhang in front of the shop. Without noticing when, I found that a yellow butterfly had flown into the shop to get out of the rain. It flew directly toward me. After circling a few times, it finally landed on my shoulder. At that time, some female customers came in to buy cosmetics. I was the shopkeeper, so naturally I walked toward the counter to serve them and was waiting for them to pay for their purchases.

Unexpectedly, an uninvited guest also approached me from behind and snatched my gold necklace. My right hand quickly held on to the pendant. Though the pendant was held tightly in my hand, the chain was forcibly snapped off by the robber. When my husband noticed the robbery, he yelled, "Robbery! Robbery!" and dashed into the store! The robber immediately pulled out a knife. I was worried that the customers would be injured, thus I unconsciously extended my left hand to protect the lady customers and get them out of the way.

The robber ran about wildly and then dashed out. My husband was about to take off after him; but I immediately extended my left hand, grabbed my husband, and yelled at him not to give chase. At that moment, I noticed that there was a red blood stain on my husband's shirt and my husband noticed that my left hand was bleeding. We were both greatly startled! After calming down, we discovered that my husband was alright and only my finger was cut. This close call finally came to an end.

Later I suddenly remembered the yellow butterfly. We eventually found it. The poor butterfly was already lying motionlessly on the cosmetic counter, dead.

We inspected its body carefully and discovered there was not even a scratch on it. While we puzzling over this odd occurrence, I remembered the pendant that I was holding in my right hand. I opened my hand and the pendant, with its picture of Master in a yellow robe radiating yellow light, was still there. Wow! The color of the yellow butterfly was exactly the same as Master's yellow robe!

I suddenly realized what had happened. It was Master using the appearance of the yellow butterfly to bear our karma for us, thus avoiding a big disaster. I could not help sighing, "Master! You are omnipresent. You have braved untold dangers for Your disciples. Your grace is too much to repay in my lifetime!

The Appearance Of A New "Fellow Initiate" - A Van

By Fellow Initiate Wei, Changhua, Formosa

Several years ago, due to my job requirements, my whole family moved to Changhua. It was typhoon season, and my wife and I often rode a moped from Changhua to Yuanlin to attend group meditation. When it rained, my old moped frequently broke down in the middle of the journey, refusing to budge. Longing to travel to group meditation safely and with peace of mind, we decided to buy a small, used car, even though we were not very well-off financially. After finding a suitable car and paying a deposit, we planned to apply for a change of ownership and take delivery of the car the next day. We were delighted at the thought that the car would enable us to attend group meditation much more conveniently.

Unexpectedly the next morning, the owner of the car called and informed us that he had to cancel our agreement because his wife did not want to sell the car. We were very disappointed at that time. That evening, we had to continue riding our old and worn-out moped to group meditation. Then we had a surprise: The liaison person announced that the center was going to buy a medium sized bus to transport fellow initiates from Changhua to the Yuanlin Meditation Center for group meditation. We were very moved by Master's ingenious arrangements! If the owner of the car had not canceled the agreement, we would have bought the car. Master must have made this happy-for-all arrangement because She knew that we were not doing well financially, yet we loved to attend group meditation!

Over the years, the Meditation Center's bus has taken us to countless group meditation sessions. Our faith on the path has become even more steadfast, and the abundance of Master's love has enriched our lives. Group meditation has become the most important part of our daily lives. If we cannot make it once or twice to group meditation for some reason, we feel very regretful.

Not long ago, the Meditation Center was going to purchase a van to transport fellow initiates to and from group meditations. Recalling the inconvenience we had experienced when we rode the old moped to the Center in rain storms, my wife and I decided to cooperate on this matter - to buy a van and assume the responsibility of giving fellow initiates a ride. So, we began to look for a van. With the help of other initiates, we found a suitable van at a used car lot. Trying to be prudent, we decided to make our final decision after attending group meditation that evening.

This is how incredible Master's power is! After the group meditation ended, Brother Lin and his wife told the resident sister initiate that their family had recently acquired a brand new van. However, they had hardly had a chance to use it and they both had the feeling that the van really did not belong to them. Yet, they were reluctant to simply sell it. Thus, they wondered if the Meditation Center could make use of it. Learning the good news, we immediately went to inspect the van. (It happened that the couple had driven the van to the group meditation that evening). Everything had been arranged so marvelously and perfectly. Now this van has become the fellow initiates' good partner in helping them to attend group meditation. When I first drove the van home, I found that it fitted into our garage perfectly, with respect to both its height and width. Indeed, Master's wonderful foresight is beyond this world!

The day after buying the van was the group meditation at Hsihu Center. Sister Huang, the resident disciple, usually drove her little white car to attend the meditation; but that day she drove the van in order to take other fellow practitioners as well. When she returned to the Yuanlin Center afterwards, she discovered to her surprise that her car had broken down due to a faulty radiator. Fortunately, she had not driven it to Hsihu; otherwise, the consequence would have been unthinkable. Once again, we thank Master for Her wonderful arrangement, which allowed Sister Huang to avoid a disaster.

Ever since receiving initiation and starting to practice, there has not been a moment when Master's love and blessings have not been with Her disciples. An endless succession of incredible experiences have happened among us. Whenever I think of how meticulously Master looks after us, I can only hold back my warm tears of gratitude and say in my heart, "Dear Mom, thank You very much!"

Eighty-Four Thousand Ways
To Convert A "Hard Head"

By Fellow Initiate Deng, Taipei, Formosa

It has been several years since my sister-in-law and I were initiated together. All this time, I have felt Master's subtle care, and have often told my brother about the various benefits of practicing the Quan Yin Method. He was practicing other methods of meditation and would not believe in Master's power. Even though my sister-in-law and I tried our best to persuade him, we could not change his point of view.

Once, before we went to attend a three-day retreat, my sister-in-law particularly asked him to take care of a jar of popcorn given by Master. She warned him not to eat the popcorn as a snack because it was blessed with Master's miraculous power. He nodded his head and said, "Okay." So, we went to the retreat with no worries. However, that night he became hungry and wanted to eat a snack. Since his mother was already asleep, if he went to the kitchen to get some food, he would have to pass by her room and would wake her up. So his attention turned to the jar of popcorn. He thought, "It couldn't be so serious if I ate some to allay my hunger! Maybe I'll just eat two kernels first. If there is no problem, then I'll eat the whole jar." After he ate the two kernels, he closed his eyes and sat on the bed to rest. Unexpectedly, Master's tremendous power swept over him like the ocean waves; it made him vomit continuously. He felt the two kernels of popcorn transforming into many and pouring out of his stomach and mouth. At that time, he understood profoundly the true unimaginable greatness of Master's power. It was only two kernels of popcorn, but they were filled with the great universal energy.

When we came home from the three-day retreat, his first words were, "Is Master at the Center? When can I get initiated?" Then he said he wanted to follow Master to practice, and so on. Without any clues, we were most surprised at this 180 degree change in attitude. After further inquiries, we finally learned of his miraculous story of secretly eating the popcorn.

I was very pleased from the bottom of my heart about my brother getting initiated. I had talked my head off and still was unable to convince him to have faith in Master. However, under Master's witty arrangement, this hardheaded, "iron toothed" (meaning stubborn) person was finally awakened and has decided to follow the path of the highest and the most perfect Quan Yin Method. I truly marvel at Master's ingenious ways of converting people, which are so rich in variety, and Her extremely skillful arrangements!

Master's Words

Always Keep The Heart Innocent Like A Child

Excerpt From The Lecture In Pingtung, Formosa,
By The Supreme Master Ching Hai December 1, 1988

The simple people will all attain the Tao. The most important thing is a pure heart, a heart that does not discriminate, a heart that does not differentiate between pain and happiness.

Do you know what the Zen master Seng Tsan said? "It is very difficult for those people with hearts that discriminate to find the Great Path." What he meant is that those people with equality, simplicity and contentment in their hearts are able to find the Tao more easily.

Lao Tzu also said that one can only reach the Tao when one becomes like a child. Jesus Christ also said that unless you become innocent like a child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Buddhism and Taoism say the same thing. The Bible also says similar things. Islamism also says the same.

Islamism teaches their followers not to criticize others. No matter how he is, it is God's will for him to be so. The meaning is that we should be like children and not criticize others. Then, it is right!

You May Not Know

Tests Are Of Your Own Choosing

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai Group Meditation in Hawaii, U.S.A. Sep. 6, 1994
(Originally in English)

During a group meditation, a fellow initiate asked: When we come to this earth do we choose our parents? Master replied: Yeah! You did! You did everything. Everything you are in you chose, but you forgot then you reject it.

You know, sometimes we reject, not you, but I mean us, we, and then we complain about our situations. Actually we have chosen to be sometimes in the hard situation. Even accidents, even violent happenings to us, these are our choice to challenge us to grow. The harder the situation, the stronger the soul will be, supposed to.

But sometimes we choose the task too big, perhaps, and then we fail, and then we don't like it. Yes, and that's how. Okay! Therefore, I told you really everything is good for us. But there is never an end to the paradoxes of the universe, you know what I mean?! And then that comes to the case and you will ask me, "Then Master, why would You cry with the suffering of the people?" But that's what makes us human.

One thing we know, that suffering is good for us. Yeah! One thing I know, that the doctor's injection is good for my allergy; but another thing, I am afraid of it. I say, "Please!" I just really want to stop it. You know what I mean? Stupid! I was never like that before. But sometimes I am like that. So what! It's my weakness. I know that and I'm not afraid to tell you.

It's the same with your spiritual issue and the situation you choose to be born in, in this world. You know it. You want it. But when it comes to the actual facing of these problems and these trials and these tests, you are afraid.

I'm the one who came to the doctor myself. I went right through the door and I wanted something. Because you know... I took all the medicines, sweet ones, you know sugar coated; and it never helped. So I already expected he probably would give me a shot or something. Because people told me, such allergy, if you take medicine, it doesn't help, it goes all over the body like that, it is likely 100% that the doctor will give you a shot. Otherwise, it will not clear; and I already knew it. But knowing that and facing the needle are different things. (Master laughs.) And when she comes behind you, you know you can't even see it, that's the worse thing. (Laughter) You don't know what she is doing there, whether she misses it and she does it again. Sometimes it's like that. They are worse you know. The nurse sometimes they put in there. "Oh! Sorry honey. I have to do it again." (Laughter) Oh, that's when you don't believe that God really exists. (Everyone laughs.) Ah, never mind, never mind. But luckily God is very big hearted; Hes doesn't mind our weakness. Yeah! It's alright. But still I don't like the needle. I never liked it. When I was young, my father always forced it on me. I don't like it, but I still have to go. I know there is no choice, right! No choice, even when we don't like it.

The same before we were born, we chose our environments, our parents, our trials, our tests, our examinations, the friends we will be with, the situation we will be in. But then, when it's too much, we cry. Okay! Fine. It's alright you can cry, you can pray; and help will be there, to help you to overcome this weakness; or to go quickly, to comfort your soul a little bit to go through the test.

Just like you have to go to get a shot from the doctor, but the nurse will hold your hand or things like that; or your parents, your daughter, your father, your mother will say, "Honey it's alright honey. I'll take you to the movies later." (Everyone laughs.) And things like that, you know what I mean? But the shot you still have to have it. But still you feel better, with the love ones next to you. Alright! That's why when you go to the hospital, many people go to see you. It doesn't ease your pain, it doesn't lessen your sorrow; but you feel comforted with the flowers, with the get well cards, with a lot of friends and loved ones smiling and loving you. You feel comforted. Is that right? Okay. Yeah!

That's why we pray, yeah! That's why we meditate also. It will lessen the pain of our test and it makes us pass with flying colors. Okay!