Formosa/Japan/Hong Kong/South Africa/Canada/USA/Costa Rica/Mexico

You May Not Know A Master Also Has To Fight Inherited Habits A Trip To Monaco

Master Says The Story Of A Fighting Cock/The Wisdom Of An Old Beggar Woman

Children's Letters Love Is Our Origin

Aphorisms

Pearls Of Wisdom

While On The Path Rescuing The Heavenly Seat! As You Think, So Shall It Be Positive Power Could Change The Fate Of The World

Spot Light Revealing The Secret Of The Ancient Pyramids In Egypt

Poems Praising You - Mother Of The Universe From The Heart So Long, New York

Spiritual Interludes Transportable Pyramids/Purity

Media Reports

Master's Words Let Go Of Your Small Self And You Will Be A Master

Master's Wonder A Celestial Fashion Show By Heavenly Beings The Real Chanting Of Buddha's Name Master Always Helps

Front Line Pilgrimage Of The Modern Hsuan-tsang

Selected Questions And Answers Love Others Wholeheartedly

Between Master And Disciples The Ecstasy Of Being One

Feature Reports [1] Mother's Day Special Column

Feature Reports [2] Suma Ching Hai's Birthday Party In Monaco

A True Account Of A "Wonder-Person" Person The Reforming Of A "Natural Born Killer"

A Little Message

Elevation Of The Soul

Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

Master Says

A Saintly Mind Expects Nothing In Return

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai, at Hsihu Center, Formosa June 6, 1995 (Originally In English)

The retreat is over, so I think I'll let you go to sleep, you know, normal time. You don't have to meditate so long. You may go back to your tent and meditate longer, until you want to sleep. And in the daytime you may rest or meditate as you please, and follow the schedule here, like 4 to 7 and 6 to 9. Normally, you follow what is here. Sometimes summer and winter there is a slight difference in the schedule. So you're free, but try to meditate as much as you can; and don't gossip too much. If you have to talk then talk about God, something beneficial, something that vibrates positively in the air and contributes to the harmony of the world as well as to your spiritual progress and those of your neighbors. Whatever we speak, we'll give a vibration, and accordingly what we say, good or bad, will affect upon us again.

There are still many around. You'll stay a long time? Your family is okay? I told you if you have no obligations, family, children, job or any other duty, especially the family, the children, and the job.... If you have work to do, you must tell your boss before you leave or before you stay or whatever. You don't just go like this. Place yourself in other people's positions and then act accordingly. Don't be selfish and make a bad name for yourself and for our group.

Do Good Things Expecting Nothing In Return

We have to do good things in this world, not because we will have a good result, good karma. That is only for children, for the beginning, for the beginner of practice. Then they still need awards, merit, punishment, all these praises and blame. But as we go to a higher dimension, a higher level of consciousness, we forget all this. We do whatever to benefit other people and whatever is righteous according to our conscience. Not to expect anything at all in return.

If we look at the history of the world, not everyone who does the righteous things, not every act of kindness will be rewarded with the same level of goodness. For example, you look around, Jesus. All his life he tried to do good and be a good example of Godly qualities, but he had no fantastic reward in return. At least, I mean, when he was alive. And Buddha, he has done a great deal for the world and for his disciples. But he had a lot of slander, blame and curses, sometimes, even close to assassination. Gandhi, for example. He strived to do good for his people and his country. And to bring peace among religious believers in India, and what did he get in the end? A bullet. And many other people like Kennedy of America, Abraham Lincoln, etc., etc. All these good people. They sincerely tried to bring justice to the world and peace to human beings. But they all got a very tragic retribution for the good that they had done to the world. Politically speaking even, not only in religion. Like in Formosa here. Formosa is one of the founders of the United Nations 50 years ago. And now what do they get? They are kicked out of the United Nations, in preference to the Communism, which the whole world says is bad, and has to be eliminated, etc..., for example, blah, blah, blah, you know what I mean? So not everything that we do good will get the good things in return. So don't expect me to promise you that if you keep the precepts, if you eat vegetarian, I will give you all the power of protection so that your life will be smooth and have no problems, everyone loves you, no enemies, no sickness, no accidents, no diseases, no undesired accidents or anything like that. Understand? You keep the precepts, you do good things because it is the only way to be a human, be a worthy human being. Understand?

Surpass Praises And Blame

And moreover, if we want to step beyond human life to become a saintly being, beneficial to the whole universe, that is the meaning of being a righteous person. That's the purpose -- the only purpose. As long as you practice goodness and kindness, there will be always a negative power that tries to attack you, that tries to make you stray from your purpose and go in a different direction, sidetrack you. So it takes a lot of determination and principles to control ourselves, to check our way, to check our lives, so that we always go in the right direction without regret, without complaining when we don't have any good result out of this. Even I myself don't always have the correct result, and righteous result awarded to me. For one of the awards, or one of the praises I get a hundred slanders in return. You know what I mean? Just because you don't know about them doesn't mean they don't exist. Just because I don't care about them doesn't mean they don't exist. We do not take praise and blame very literally, very seriously. Therefore, we are not very affected by them. Doesn't mean I always get praises and smooth operation and cooperation from everyone. Even among disciples, there is no such thing as an easy way for a master at all. In fact, it's a way of great sacrifice and inner sufferings. Most of the people do not know. But still, despite all this obstruction and ungratefulness of mankind we continue to do good. We still continue to improve ourselves to do what is right, because it is right. Do you understand now? (Clapping) Because it is the challenge of this world that we always keep the way of God, we always keep the commandments of conscience. That's how we rise above all differences and all the praise and the blame to be a noble being.

Being A Noble Being Is The Only Way

Even though to be a noble being is a very difficult position and also very difficult to achieve, that's the only way. Or do we want to always sink into the lower existence, the lower thinking, the violent way of living or a very, very ignorant quality. Should we do that? (Audience: Of course not.) Right. You're right. So, that is the only choice, to walk forward doesn't matter how difficult, to fly upward doesn't matter how far, how high. We just have to try again and again and again, until there is nothing but goodness that resides within us, until we recognize nothing but the Kingdom of God within ourselves. What is the Kingdom of God? It is not the palace that is shining with gold, silver, diamonds, rubies and all kinds of precious stones. It is the purity, the loving kindness, the compassion, the peace of mind. That is the Kingdom of God. If we carry this Kingdom of God within us, then wherever we go we always feel that we are in heaven. So there is no need to yearn for the life beyond and to shun the opportunities to serve our brothers and sisters here on earth while we are still living. If we have already attained heaven within, whether we live or we die, it is ours. No one can take it away. But if we do not attain this, then even if we go to heaven, the outer environment of heaven may not even penetrate inside our darkened souls, and we still carry with us hatred, jealousy, bad, negative thinking, within our hearts. Then heaven is just another place in the universe for us, the same as everywhere because we have not changed ourselves.

Having Peace Within Us, Everywhere Is Heaven

So if we change, the situation changes. If we have heaven within us, peace within us, then everywhere is heaven, everywhere is peace. That's the purpose of being good, trying to do good, trying to be good, because that's the only choice. Unless we want to stay in hell forever. Well, then I don't know. That's very easy to do. To go to hell we don't have to try. There's no need for effort. It's the most easy way. Most crowded place. So I think it is better to go to heaven. Less crowded. More quiet. More room. More space. Everyone goes to hell, so why not we go to heaven? Just like in the cities, they are too crowded already. Why should we go there? So if we want peace and quiet and tranquility, we go to the countryside. There's more room, more space, the land is cheap and we are in a very green surrounding. It's good for our health and spirit, etc.

The same, huh? So I think we are very wise if we choose to go to heaven. Takes a lot of effort, maybe (clapping). It takes a lot of effort now, but if you want to try again later or next life, it's even harder. It adds up more garbage, more bad qualities, and more habits. It's difficult to clean. Now maybe we are already in the thousandth incarnation and if we come back again, one thousand and one, you know, and we come back again one thousand and two. Each life we accumulate more garbage and more bad habits. Then it's more difficult to kick off the habits. Right? So, however hard it is, try this time, try one time.

Pull Out Deep Rooted Habits And Hardness

You may think that you are already very clean and pure but I tell you, be careful. Don't think because we are vegetarian, because we keep the precepts, we are clean and pure. Not yet, not so easy. Watch yourself next time. Watch every moment, just one day. Spend one day watching yourself. See how you react in different situations. Watch carefully, then you'll know what I mean. Like some people they will come to me and they want to become monks and nuns, for example. I tell them no, you don't need. I don't want to tell them that they are not up to it. But I just tell them no need. Because even when they are with me, talking to me. . . For example, if a boy were talking to me, and then he hears a voice of another female coming to my room or coming to my place, immediately he brushes his hair. He doesn't know it even. I know it. You know what I mean? Or a girl, talking to me and then hearing a voice, only hearing the voices of approaching boys, one boy or two boys, doesn't matter whom. Immediately she also adjusts her dress, strokes her hair. (Everyone laughs.) Not the way we causally do it sometimes when the wind blows. In my office there's no wind, for example.

And many things that we ourselves do not notice, very, very trivial matters, very deep rooted and subtle habits that we don't know we have. You know what I mean? And many other things like love, compassion and sensitivity to the suffering of other people, we don't have too. For example, sometimes I watch movies with the monks and nuns, so-called monks and nuns here, huh? And many things in the film, sometimes about the war, sometimes about spiritual matters or sometimes about the things that are very touching in this world, like war, death, suffering and things like that. These things make me cry, or sometimes I am very shocked and very deeply touched. But to some monks and nuns, they just laugh away. Maybe they are at a higher level than me. No emotion. I have more astral feeling or what? (All laughed!)

But because I know it is a film, I don't see the film; I see the suffering behind, what they want to convey in the film. You know what I mean? It's not that I cry because the film person dies, I know that it is a film. I don't cry because that actor dies or loses an arm or a leg. But I am touched because of the suffering of this world which they try to portray on the film, which is very, very, very true.

But I saw some of my monks and nuns, they sit around and they just laugh because of some other incident in the film. I cannot laugh. Of course I am the one that laughs a lot. You know that. It's not that I don't know how to laugh, but in such a situation, I cannot laugh at all, and then I can sense some of them are so insensitive. So insensitive.

So these are the very subtle habits and subtle hardness that we have accumulated during many lifetimes and we don't even realize it.

Be Honest To Yourself

So make sure that you check out whatever undesired, deep rooted habit that you don't want to carry around with you. If you're comfortable with them it's okay with me. It's your garbage and not mine. But what I mean is that if we are truly honest within ourselves and want to improve and want to train our sensitivity to the suffering and to the happiness of others as well as to our own purity and well being, then we must always be vigilant. Always, always pay attention, otherwise it is easy to just pass the day, pass two days, pass three days, pass the whole life, in self indulgence, in bad habits and not get into a higher level of consciousness, not be able to understand a deeper meaning of spiritual life. You understand? And then we blame others, blame God, blame the method and blame the Master, blame everything. That doesn't help us. It is not true, I tell you. It is not true.

You can blame me, you can blame the method if you want, but that doesn't help you at all. It doesn't help you to get better. The best is for you to be honest with yourself and always be watchful of our deep rooted habits, and very undesirable affects that they have upon us. Always be careful.

I just told you a few examples. But there are a lot. I cannot even remember here. And of course I don't want to bring all the garbage to you. I trust that you are very intelligent and wise enough by now, to take from these examples some indications, enough so that you can check out yourself, other habits or other deep rooted karma that I did not mention. But you will recognize next time around, when you see them, when you sense them and when you watch them grow or creep into your life when you're not noticing. There are so many things. I cannot even remember and I cannot even tell you all. But you know, hmm, many small things.

Okay. From today you can go to sleep around 9:00, continue to meditate in your tent, then get up around 3:00 and meditate until 7:00, etc. Then in the daytime you rest, help around or cleaning. Try to concentrate all the time when you are working, and not to gossip and talk nonsense. Of course, no one will scold you or do anything, but since you are here you should profit from the free time and the environment and the atmosphere of the center to better your spiritual practice, understand?

In walking, sleeping, talking, sitting, laying down, always try to be concentrated on the wisdom center. In that way you speedily progress and then you will feel that. And the more you progress, the more encouraged you will feel and then the more you practice. It's a pity that we already have the method and we don't use it.

It is very conducive here for you to practice your meditation, no one disturbs you so much. Is that not so? So try to profit from it. Try to profit from the time you are here. That is all I have to tell you. Good-night. (Clapping) Thank you.

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai in Thailand
Dec, 1, 1994 (Originally in English)

Once we miss a chance to study with the Buddha, we do not know when we'll have a chance to study again, because that Buddha might not come back to this life again very soon to teach us or to guide us. Or the Buddha will come but they might not have affinity with us. So we have to wait and wait and wait until the Buddha who has affinity with us comes back to this world. And then we have to be born within the same time as that Buddha in order to meet again this chance in millions of lifetimes.

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai in Thailand
Dec, 1, 1994 (Originally in English)

That's not always possible; it's not always easy to be born within the same time as the Buddha who has affinity with us. The people who are born in this world for the first time from a high level of consciousness, if they accomplish their task perfectly, then they go back to where they belong or a higher level. There is no problem. Buddhas don't have to worry about these people. But for the people who fail to succeed the first time and come back a second, third, fourth or thousand million times with a lot of burden accumulated from their past failures, these are very difficult to liberate and the Buddhas have to work for them. That's why the Buddhas are born into this world.

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai in Houston, Texas U.S.A. Nov. 12, 1993 (Originally in English)

I must tell you the truth. No one is a saint when he is born. When we are born into this world of Maya, of illusion, we have to undergo all the procedures of a human being: like we have to be ignorant again, we have to suffer all these illusionary desires, and then the disappointment of the unfulfilled desires and all those kinds of things. Until one day we have enough of it and say, “Okay, that's it! Now, whatever I have, I have. If I don't, I don't.?That's the time when you reach complete liberation. You liberate yourself from all your own problems, from your own self-made prison, and also your own learned prejudices of who you are.

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai at Denver University, Colorado, U.S.A. April 10, 1993 (Originally in English)

The problems in this world are not to be blamed on politicians, not to be blamed on the economic system of any country or any ?ism ?of any nation, but to be blamed on the ignorance of our own natures, that we do not know how great we are, that we do not know that we are contentment incarnated, that we do not know that we are love personified. Therefore, enlightenment is a cure for all illnesses, for all worldly problems, for all wars, and is once and for all, finished!

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai in Singapore
March 7, 1993 (Originally in English)

Sometimes after we get initiation and practice the Quan Yin Method, the worldly people, who are very much attached to us, sometimes feel that we neglect them; but it is not the truth. It is just now we have a greater love, more universal, detachment and not a possessive nature. Therefore we love but we don't possess. We help but we do not get attached. And if the people of the world are still at the worldly level and judge things according to outer appearances and actions, they probably think we've became cold; but it is not true. It's not that we always have to hug someone or embrace them in order to express our love, but we do love them. This kind of universal great love will never bind. It will only heal and elevate.

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai at Georgetown University, Washington D.C., U.S.A. April 14, 1993 (Originally in English)

The more we discover how great we are, the more humble we become; and that is a very paradoxical thing. It is like that because we become like a child, we become like a very innocent person. The great sage is like a very innocent person. And it seems like you can tell him anything you want about your talent, about your ambition, about your intelligence, about your degrees, and he will never object. It's not that he always tries to force his wisdom upon you. It comes naturally by circumstances or by request. And after speaking, most probably the so-called master will forget everything that was spoken, completely; just remember one or two sentences or maybe none, because wisdom comes from the universal storehouse for the common use of all beings. It doesn't belong to one person or a group of any persons. It belongs to the ignorant as well as the enlightened. It belongs to the child as well as to an aged citizen. Everyone has a share of this wisdom, but only if we truly want to know it.

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai in Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. April 3, 1993 (Originally in English)

True happiness is not offered by high positions in the world, by the knowledge that we gain from books, or from the society or from the possessions that we have. True happiness can only come with self-realization, with enlightenment. Then when we laugh, we truly laugh, and when we cry, we are truly touched. And all our emotions are worked out in a harmonious, natural and perfect way, leaving our body and mind relieved of all burdens and unnecessary pressures, which cause a lot of our unknown illnesses, or many mental disturbances. And then after enlightenment, when we understand something, we truly understand, very deeply, very profoundly, very satisfyingly. And then we truly know happiness. Even though in life we still encounter a lot of difficulties, a lot of undesirable situations, but then within ourselves, we are unshakable! We might shed tears but we are not miserable. We are not weighed down by the misery, the sorrow that we encounter. We might laugh very heartily, but we will not be attached to the fleeting happiness which the material world offers us. We enjoy things but we do not possess them. We sympathize with people, but we do not bind them to us. We love everyone without feeling a possessive impulse to have to bind people around us all the time. This is then the true happiness.

A Celestial Fashion Show By Heavenly Beings

By Fellow Initiate Ji, Hsinchu, Formosa

With Master's blessing, I had the opportunity of going to Europe to enjoy the Celestial Fashion Shows, and therefore satisfied my longing for the Heavenly Kingdom and for Master. I had a dream a few days after returning to Formosa. In my dream I was among the audience in the performance hall. Holding a photo album high in her hand, a fellow sister said: “These are the photographs of Master's three Celestial Fashion Shows in New York, London and Paris. Please take a look in turns.?She then passed the album directly to me. As many people were waiting, I looked through each album carefully but swiftly. Each of the photographs was professionally taken, and were sharp and bright. I was amazed to observe that in some photos of the audience, there were some other beings standing beside the people who were seated. In the passage-ways, apart from the guards directing the audience, some heavenly beings, dressed in ethereal and graceful attire, were distinctly visible drifting around the venue. Furthermore, some models were wearing velvet masks like those used in carnival parades. When Master was going up the stage, the models lined up in three rows, with silver belts in their hands that emitted light. They used the light-belts to form an arch to welcome Master. I thought: Well, this must be the Celestial Fashion Show staged in New York because I did not see such scenes during the two shows in Europe. In the photos showing Master seated among the audience, a little girl dressed in a white laced gown was always seen standing nearby. I had no idea who she was. Having looked at these photographs, I deeply believe that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions and three periods of time always come here to participate and help in each of Master's activities. On this occasion, even the heavenly beings joined the performance. It was indeed a “Celestial Fashion Show?because even the heavenly beings came to “show off? When I awakened, I suddenly realized that the carnival-like photos of performances were not from the Celestial Fashion Show in New York, but were from a Celestial Fashion Show held by the heavenly beings themselves!

The Real
Chanting Of
Buddha's Name
Narrated by Fellow Initiate Chen, Miaoli, Formosa Recorded by the News Group, Miaoli, Formosa Fellow sister Chen has an eighty-year old mother-in-law who lived at home. Although the old lady chanted the name of Amitabha Buddha every day, she received no special response. She even tried every means possible to obstruct sister Chen from practicing after she was initiated by Suma Ching Hai. Besides praying to Master for help, sister Chen meditated diligently and maintained her faith in spiritual practice, despite the hindrance from her mother-in-law. This ordeal persisted for almost two years. Finally, thanks to the blessing power of Master's infinite love, the old lady followed her daughter-in-law to the Hsihu Center to see Master. That day, Master went near sister Chen's mother-in-law several times blessing her. Since then, the old lady has had a complete change to her conception of spiritual practice. She has stopped obstructing her daughter-in-law's spiritual cultivation, and has expressed absolute faith in Master's omnipresent power. At home, she still chants Buddha's name and counts the chanting beads as usual. One thing different, however, is that she also chants Suma Ching Hai's name in addition to that of Amitabha Buddha. After that, a chain of fantastic things has happened! Often, she has seen her chanting beads radiating intense light. This light is so strong that her room is illuminated brighter than daylight; and she has never experienced this phenomenon before. Besides the radiant chanting beads, Suma Ching Hai has often taken her to visit many other worlds in her sleep. She still remembers some of them after waking up. The old woman no longer obstructs the spiritual practice of her daughter-in-law, because she also feels Master's boundless love. There is an important message in this story: Ever since sister Chen's mother-in-law saw the enlightened Suma Ching Hai, they have been connected within, and she has begun the real chanting of Buddha's name.

Master
Always Helps
By Fellow Initiate Tan, Hong Kong

Anytime, anywhere, and whatever emergency situation we are in, we should firmly believe that Master is always with us, then any crisis will be dissolved. Once, I was returning to Hong Kong alone after visiting my relatives in the United States. Due to a flight delay, time was very tight when I changed planes at the next stop. Only half an hour was left, and I had to run to the adjacent International Airport which was quite a distance away. To make the situation even worse, whenever I asked someone for directions, I always received the wrong information. Each time I had to double back after going the wrong way. Extremely worried and anxious, I dared not even look at my watch. I just ran as fast as I could, and prayed hard to Master for help. Finally, I reached the check-in counter, but the lady was engaged on the phone, pushing my anxiety to the extreme. Eventually, I could only watch the gate close in front of my nose. I was even stared at, being blamed for getting there late. I really wanted to cry, and started to complain that Master did not help me. Not knowing what to do, I wandered past the luggage checkpoint and surprisingly noticed that my handbag was still there! Then I totally understood why Master did not let me get on the plane. Where could I go without my identification papers? More strangely, everyone started to treat me nicely. I was even treated to free hotel accommodations and many complimentary favors. That was an extra day of vacation for me! How could I thank Master -- our precious 'Mother,' for Her meticulous arrangement? Sometimes we pray for Master's help, but receive no response even when our begging hearts lay broken. We should then consider that we only see the immediate setback, whereas Master can foresee the distant future. Only when the time is ripe will She let us taste the sweeter fruit.

Aphorism

By Suma Ching Hai
(Originally in English)

Everything in this world is really a challenge for us if we know how to conquer them. Then we go up to heaven a mighty leader, spiritually. And then we will discover many, many more values in the spiritual dimension which we didn't even know, even if we stay with God forever in eternity in pure happiness.

There are no sinners in this world actually. There are only ignorant persons who do not know the purpose of their life and who do not know how to go according to the great plan of the universe. The suffering in this world can become nothing if we know our real self, our real great position in the Kingdom of God or in the Buddha's Land.

So actually sainthood is easy and ordinary. No one should even pay respect to us because we are saints. Because sainthood is the original nature of all beings before we came into this world.

(Originally In Chinese)

A humble heart is an empty heart ?no obstacles, no ego, no arrogance, having no place to rely on. Only when it is empty, can it accept the precious things that a filled heart cannot contain.

To learn the Truth, all one needs is an empty heart, a humble heart, a sincere heart.

We have to respect ourselves before others will respect us. If we have no self-confidence, no one can have self-confidence for us. Not recognizing our own greatness, no one else can recognize our greatness either.

(Originally In English)

The cause of all suffering is not through an external condition, but it is truly our own attitudes.

It takes a lot of saintly purity to believe in the Master, and to assign all credit to the Master. This is true, unconditional, innocent love.

Master's Words

Let Go Of Your Small Self And You Will Be A Master

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai, Thailand
January 1, 1994 (Originally In English)

Everyone of you should be a Master. I have shown you how to become a Master; not that you be my disciples forever. The world needs Masters, not disciples. So you'd better grow up. You go out and talk to people about the happy way of life, and see whoever has affinity with you, they will come to you. Then we will give them initiation like you wish. Then you'll have more fellow initiates and your country will be better as you want.

I cannot always physically be there. But if you let the Master power use your body, then you also become a Master. Yes, you become a Master by talking to people, by answering their questions, by letting the wisdom from the most high flow to you. Once you leave your ego and your personal profit, gain, and glory, then you will speak; but not you, the Father, the Buddha inside. God inside will speak to us. So, just be the instrument, and then every one of you is a Master. No one is not a Master. We came from the Master Kingdom and we'll go back to the Master Kingdom. So the earlier you realize this, the better.

I teach you because I want you to become the Master, not my disciples, that's very tiring for me. (Master laughs.) So you do it, okay? Whatever you ask of me, you do it. Because I and you are one. There is no difference. When you talk to people, try not to think that you are doing it, and pray to the Master power inside. Then you will be very surprised that you talk in wisdom, in beauty, and in a virtue that you never knew before. That's the way to be a Master. I also don't know anything. I just talk because the Master talks. That's why you call me a Master. Just copy heaven. Very easy.

Very easy to be a Master. Just let go of your small self, and then you'll be big. Very simple. So try to do what you ask of me, live for other people, help other people, sacrifice yourself; then many of your countrymen will come to you. You have to talk to more people; not to force them, but just introduce to them and let them have a choice. And then the more people you talk to, the more people who have affinity with you will come. For example, if you talk to only one person and that one goes away, then you'll feel disappointed. But if you talk to ten persons, maybe one leaves, one stays behind. You see? So you have to talk to more people anywhere you go, and maybe carry the booklets, or carry your wisdom and your Master with you. Then you will always be helpful to your countrymen.

You May Not Know

A Master Also Has To Fight Inherited Habits

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai
at a Group Meditation
in Hawaii, U.S.A.
(Originally In English) Sep. 6, 1994

Q: Let's say that a master decides to come to earth to do things with humans, to promote their well-being and so forth. Within the time that the master is here, can they also just become like the rest of us?

M: You are asking me whether the master will become lower at this level? No, they won't. What you get is that DNA, leftover passed down from generations. You get some of the DNA from them through their babies, and then their baby give birth to you and things like that. So that is the so-called reincarnation. But you never get the pure one, therefore you have to struggle with the habits that have collected within the DNA that you have inherited, understand?

That's why when you come here you're no longer perfect. That's why you have to meditate, so that you know what you are doing. You try to fight back the negative information that's inherited within your cells. That's what you have to fight with, not that you are not perfect.

Of course, you are already born, chosen in this situation. If you're born in this world, you can't find any born master DNA here. Even though if the DNA from the masters of the past are left here on the earth and you somehow inherited it, through that family clan. Fine, that's why I say you could be born a master. But even then that master has been mixed with many other DNA already, through the lineage.

Suppose master Jesus had a baby, supposed to, okay? Fine. Then his DNA were left in his child. His child might not be a master, but the DNA are still there. Because he also collected other things from the society, it's not necessarily so that they have the pure DNA. Then his, Jesus' baby, bears another baby. The social environment and collection of habits will be also registered together on top of that DNA that you have inherited originally. You know what I mean?

Now another heavenly being wants to become a master. Probably he chooses that family that has the DNA of a master of the past - maybe I'll be born there if I could. All the possible matchmakers in heaven will try very hard, himself try very hard, to put these two people together, so that he gets the DNA he needs and the situation and the parents he needs. But still then, it's not pure anymore, you know what I mean? Not the real Jesus.

Even then there is a mix of a lot of habits apart from the Jesus memories in the cells. Apart from all the wisdom he gets, sometimes it's mixed, blurred, and all diluted. No, no, not only that, but mixed with other kinds of ingredients. And it's very difficult to recognize that mastership in this alone. Can not separate it, you see what I mean?

So when that person is a master soul coming into that body, he/she still has to fight with the negative traits apart from the good and holy DNA that is inherited from before.

Q:Does this mean that the master soul and the soul that is already here incarnated made an agreement?

M:Yes, sometimes it was prepared a long time ago. That's why I say human beings are very precious, human life is very precious. Better make use of it in a good way. Otherwise, it's rare that we'll have the opportunity again. Too many souls are produced everyday, and God has to rub them, file them, (Master laughs) carve them into perfect statues. And when we miss it, we won't get the opportunity so quickly again. Probably sometimes billions of years, trillions of years go by before we are on a waiting list, will be looked into, if we missed the chance.

So that's why there is a difference between master and master. But the master is still a master. For example, you all learn from a master, and you all came from the master plane in heaven. Still, the way you learn, the way to struggle yourselves, the way you improve yourselves makes you a master. Then others are lazy they just stay around there. It's alright. They are slow, they are heavenly beings. It is okay, but it's not the same. Just like a student in college. Some strive to become better or professors but some stay there or drop out. It's alright. No one says anything. Whatever you want to be, you will be.

When you go to heaven, if you see Jesus and see other beings surrounding him, even though they are all so loving, so kind and heavenly, but they are different, not masters. And the masters, when finished here, don't come back. They have a better assignment, heavier responsibility, but a more enjoyable job than on earth, easier to teach these beings than earthly people.

Not that the earth people are difficult but they jump into this situation. They inherited all these DNA and all these egos in the cells, you know what I mean?

When you die, your cells die, but your babies go on with the DNA, with the cells that you had. See? And all the information is written in the cells, as well as in the brain. So it never dies. The brain dies, but the information goes on.

That's why people really emphasize having babies, to continue the lineage, you see what I mean? It truly is the continuation of the lineage, all the information will be passed down. That's why you see many traits in the same family, yeah? But of course that's not to stay like that. The society has a lot of variety. Even though that person inherited all the information and traits from his father, he will go on to develop his own also, learn from a different mixture, and become another individual apart from the information that he already has. So he becomes another individual again. He has the traits of his father, and the traits of his own. Many masters don't want to come here; Very difficult to work with this instrument and someone elses' DNA (everyone laughs) and a lot of garbage that you inherited just before you came. You can't help it, you know? And you struggle with this broken instrument to do the perfect job in an imperfect surrounding with all the other imperfect instruments. It's a hard job. And if you want to be a master, think twice, think twice!

A Trip To Monaco

The Love Of An Enlightened Master Is Infinitely Captivating

By Resident Disciple Kuo, Hsihu Center, Formosa

In the break between the fashion show in Paris and the additional show in Milan, Italy, several members of Suma Ching Hai's entourage went with Her to a small country called Monaco near southeastern France. It is a very beautiful place on a mountain near the sea. The entire mountain is rocky, however there are trees in abundance. Also there are plenty of beautiful flowers, buildings and so on. A special feature of the buildings is that they are built of rock. At present, there are no fellow practitioners in this country.

It was nearly night time when we arrived. As the car racing season in Monaco was approaching, all the hotels in the city were fully booked, so we had to stay temporarily in a hotel up the hill within French territory.

Before going to the hotel, Master rented a cab to tour the city of Monaco. That day, She was wearing a dress of Her own design - a yellow Indian costume. She looked so graceful and beautiful that She really resembled a princess. Our cab driver thinking She is a princess became very fond of Her. Wherever we went, he would tell people: "This is the Princess."

Truly, Master's appearance and deportment are even more noble and superior than those of any princess, so naturally everyone believed the cab driver without any suspicion. Even when Master denied the claim, none would listen. Besides, anywhere we went, with any kind of car or driver, with or without saying, people would come close and ask: "This is the Princess from which country?" "Where does She comes from?" "She is very beautiful!," and so on. Master was the center of the public's attention wherever She went.

On one occasion, the cab driver parked the car illegally right in front of a policeman. Despite the law of Monaco being extremely strict, when the driver told the policeman: "This is the Princess", the policeman overlooked his duty of giving a fine.

The next day, Suma Ching Hai wore a gorgeous traditional Au Lac dress. She rented another cab (not the same driver) and went with us to the Monaco Palace. There were thousand of tourists in the square facing the Palace admiring the buildings and scenery. Just as She stepped from the car, in less than a second, almost all the tourists turned their heads toward Her simultaneously, like a well disciplined army. Soon the whole crowd had flocked around Master, just like a fortress wall. All the photographic and video cameras were focused on Her. Those with cameras busily began taking pictures, while others, who were gazing constantly at Her, forgot to turn their heads.

The driver had parked his car some distance away and there was only one other person accompanying Suma Ching Hai at the time. The unexpected attention made even our noble Master shy, so She quickly opened Her umbrella as a shield, not knowing how to escape from the crowd.

The policemen at the front of the palace must have become very jealous when they saw that all the tourists were more interested in Her than the famous magnificent six hundred year old castle. Even the famous palace museum was neglected as people were busy looking at Her. Having followed Suma Ching Hai to many countries before, I had never seen Her feeling so shy and embarrassed in public, although She is usually accustomed to being the focus of public attention.

Later Suma Ching Hai said that She knew there would be people staring at Her, but not to that extent. It seemed that they knew beforehand that She would be there, and had been waiting as if it had been rehearsed. It was more lively there than at a press conference, so She was quite impressed. I think the tourists were also very impressed.

Later we accompanied Suma Ching Hai to visit the ocean museum. Again many people were waiting when we stepped out of the museum. Upon seeing Her, they jostled to have their photographs taken with Her. The atmosphere was very warm and harmonious. I could feel that these total strangers really liked Her very much.

When She was leaving, She waved farewell to everyone as usual, from the open car window, while the car slowly moved forward. At that moment, people also naturally gathered in a circle and waved to Her. Some of them even held their palms together - a very familiar scene to all of us! I felt that the tourists were just as cordial and natural as our fellow practitioners, as if they were also Her disciples.

Suma Ching Hai said afterwards: "It's strange! Why do they like to look at me so much? I feel I have nothing special!"

I believe that She is just like a flower - a flower with an irresistible fragrance. People who see Her want to get near Her, and anyone who smells the flower's fragrance will definitely become intoxicated!

A True Account Of A "Wonder-Person"

The Reforming Of A "Natural Born Killer" The Story of 'Little Lame', The Big Brother Of The Underground In Tainan

Narrated by Fellow Initiate Wu, Tainan, Formosa Recorded by A Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

'Little Lame' has been very unruly since childhood, and liked to fight. When he was in primary school he hit the teacher and was expelled. Many years ago, in a conservative farming village it was a very serious offense to strike an elder.

It was after his teenage years that Wu began to mix with the `underground' and spent his days fighting and killing.

Some years later, due to his violent character, he became a bodyguard at nightspots, including winebars and coffee shops, and lived on protection money.

During this time, he and another friend killed a Commander and he was subsequently sentenced to over ten years in prison. In prison, Wu did not repent and often fought, caused trouble, and did not obey the prison wardens. Because his behavior was not good, he never had the opportunity for early release. He served his sentence in the prisons of Tainan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Keelung, Penghu, and others.

After he was released, Wu became worse. With the support of many friends in the `underground,' he began to operate gambling houses, spending his life eating, drinking, visiting brothels, and gambling. After several decades he had contracted all sorts of diseases and almost died.

After Wu had gotten very sick, he began to repent for what he had done. Later, with the guidance of a friend, he went to 'Wan Nien Kung' Temple in Yen Cheng, Tainan, to pray to Buddha and began to walk the path of spiritual practice. Whenever he had the time, he would visit 'Wan Nien Kung' daily to pray to Buddha. He even helped to take care of the environment by caring for the flowers and plants.

Quan Yin Buddha Manifesting And Fortelling The Coming Of An Enlightened Master

One afternoon, a few years later, while he was visiting 'Wan Nien Kung' to pray as usual, a ray of white light suddenly appeared before him. After careful observation, he realised that it was Quan Yin Buddha who said to him: "Disciple Wu, these few years you have been very sincere, turning towards kindness and spiritual practice. I am very happy. Today, I especially want to tell you one thing; you must take it to heart. Next year, there will be a female Master from abroad who will come to lecture. She is a true Master and also your future Master. You must make good use of this opportunity. Remember it! Remember it!" She then disappeared.

After seeing this strange phenomenon, Wu dared not tell anyone. He was afraid that people would laugh at him saying that he had a mental problem. However, as was foretold, the next year, Master began to lecture all over Formosa.

Wu thought to himself: Could this Master Ching Hai be the enlightened Master that Quan Yin Buddha mentioned? When Master was to lecture at Shih-Chien Hall, Taipei, brother Wu, with encouragement from his wife, went to listen to the lecture with his whole family.

At the beginning of the lecture, for no particular reason, there was a large group of people arguing non-stop upstairs. At that time, Master pointed Her finger at those people and said: "Maya, Maya, Maya, you are all Maya". After Master waved Her hands and scolded the group they immediately quietened down, and dared not make any more noise.

Master's stance and Her imposing manner shocked the former scoundrel who had mixed with the `underground.' However what shocked him even more was that Master's face suddenly changed into that of Shakya-muni Buddha. He realized then, deep in his heart, that Master was not ordinary. Thus, he listened even more intently to Her lecture. Master's face continued to change into the faces of Quan Yin Buddha, Lao Tze, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and then back to Her own. At that moment, he was certain that Master was definitely the future Master that Quan Yin Buddha had spoken about a year ago. From then on, brother Wu began to follow Master to practice spirituality.

The Whole Family Practices,
Even The Dog Eats Vegetarian

In the beginning, he was always bothered by his bad record, and would not dare to formally take Suma Ching Hai as his master and be initiated. He knew that after being initiated, Master shoulders the karma of the disciples, so he was afraid that his black reputation and sins would affect Master. Only after his wife and children had been initiated for several months, did he have the courage to ask Master whether someone like him, who had committed so many sins, could be accepted as a disciple by Her.

Master replied: "As long as you truly and sincerely want to practice, and from now on can keep the five precepts of no lying, no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no drinking of alcohol and/or taking of drugs, as well as be a vegetarian for life, then you can be initiated."

After initiation, he went home and told his dog which he had kept for many years: "Now that I have been initiated by Master and will be vegetarian from today onwards, you have to be vegetarian too." Strangely enough, his dog which had always eaten fish and meat daily, and normally would not eat if there was no meat, accepted the vegetarian diet with no problem at all. Brother Wu then thought: "If a dog can do it and I cannot, then I am worse than a dog." From then on, he was even more determined to practice diligently.

At that time, he had an eight year old child who was just starting primary school. It was because brother Wu did not go to school as a youth, that he began to mix with the `underground.' Consequently, he was very concerned about his child's education. Even though he hired a private teacher to help the child with school work, the school results were not as he wished. The child was like him, and showed no interest whatsoever in studying.

After the first year of primary school, the child could not even recognize the numbers between one and ten. In every test, he would get five, ten but not more than twenty marks. Brother Wu lost hope. He thought that because he had run many gambling houses, and encouraged others to gamble, resulting in many broken families, his child was now suffering. This was the punishment of God Almighty. He believed it was too late to repent, so he had to accept life's fate.

When his child was in primary two, there was a sudden and very big change in his school work. His test marks were always between seventy and eighty and sometimes even ninety or one hundred percent. Brother Wu was very surprised with this sudden change and asked the child: "Did you cheat by looking at other people's papers during the tests to get such good results?"

The child said: "No." So brother Wu asked: "Then why have your results suddenly become so good?"

The child would not tell him, and brother Wu could not do anything about it. The test results continued to be the same. Brother Wu, though he was very happy inside, could not believe that the child really had the ability to have such good results.

One day when he saw that the child was in a very happy mood, he took the opportunity to ask him why he suddenly could get such good results. The child then said: "It was Master sitting on a lotus who came to teach me." The root of the matter was finally known. But after the child shared this secret, his test results reverted back to what they used to be. So brother Wu specially requested Master to help his child to let him have the same good experience as before.

Master said: "At the time of initiation, I already gave special instructions that after starting to practice, any inner or outer experiences we have, we should not let others know, (except with Master's permission), otherwise we would lose them. You did not listen to my instruction. Now no experience. You have to shoulder this consequence yourself. Don't blame the Master for not helping."

Of course, brother Wu would not blame Master. He only blamed himself for being too talkative, trying to convince the child to share his inner experiences. But he, as a result, was even more grateful to Master for silently taking so much care of his child. Consequently, after having a discussion with his wife, he decided to move the whole family to Hsihu Center permanently, to be faraway from the life of the `underground' and to concentrate on spiritual practice.

After coming to Hsihu Center to stay permanently, brother Wu thought of doing some public service to offset his past sins. But he was illiterate and had never learned any skill or craft. In fact, during his decades of indulgence, the only skills he had acquired were associated with fighting, setting up gambling places, chasing girls, eating, and drinking. While he was thinking deeply about his predicament, Master came up with a timely solution. Master knew he liked to plant trees and flowers so She let him do the job of gardening; watering and taking care of the grass and plants daily. She made sure he had something to do so that he would not get bored.

In order to make-up for his past sins, brother Wu was very serious and diligent in taking care of the gardens. He wanted to make the gardens pretty, make Master happy, and ensure that fellow practitioners would have a comfortable environment for practicing meditation.

Helping The Disciple Upon Hearing His Prayer; Taming Goblins With A Few Words

When he first arrived, every morning he had to wake up at 4:00 a.m. to meditate for three hours. But he was used to the night life; going to bed late and waking up late. And his old habit of gossiping could not be corrected right away. He was also not accustomed to a life of practicing in a mountain forest.

Each morning he would see fellow practitioners sitting silently meditating, but he could only manage to sit for a maximum of fifteen or twenty minutes. Later, he felt embarrassed and dared not go to the main hall to meditate with everyone so he tried to meditate in his own tent.

One day, while he was meditating, many demons and ghosts suddenly appeared; each was more than ten feet tall. They were all trying to shred him to pieces and swallow him. Although he was known as the "big brother" of the `underground,' and was famous for being violent and cruel (he had even beaten up and killed police and penal officers) when faced with this group of huge goblins with green faces and protruding teeth, he did not have any strength to be violent! Seeing them slowly approaching, he quickly cried out loudly: "Master, help me!" After yelling, a ray of white light appeared. In the light he saw Master sitting on a lotus, with a monk standing on each side, slowly descending from the sky. Master said something to the goblins and then pointed at them with Her finger; they all disappeared. At that moment, he woke up in a cold sweat.

Recalling this scary incident, his heart filled with regret because he thought of the past when he had run gambling places, which broke up families and caused his parents and relatives much grief. Now that he had put down the "cleaver", so to speak, and started to practice, retribution was immediate. He was fortunate to have Master to save him. He thought that, from now on, he should make a more determined effort to be kinder and to practice diligently so that he would be worthy of Master's life saving grace. So he gathered his courage and joined everyone again in the hall to meditate.

But his determination fell short of his wishes. He could not acquire the art of meditation within one or two nights. So, although he had the intention of sitting down quietly to meditate, he felt as if he had a needle in his bottom so he could not sit long. After five or ten minutes he had to get up and wander around. But he felt embarrassed doing this each time, so he would take a bucket, turn it upside down, and sit in the toilet until the end of the meditation session.

Tremendous Progress After Master Gave Him A Fruit

Then one day, while he was taking care of the flowers and plants, Master happened to pass by. She picked a very big orange and said: "Brother Wu, this is for you. You must eat it!" He was very happy and politely said: "Thank You, Master." But when he had the orange in his hand, his brow began to knit together and he thought: This Tiger Head orange is still not ripe. It's so bitter, so sour. How can I eat it!? He cut the orange into slices, cooked it with water and sugar, and drank the soup.

That night, as usual, he went to the hall to meditate with everyone. He sat down, and the next time he opened his eyes, he found that the hall was totally empty. He thought: Could it be that everyone looked down upon him and did not like to meditate with him?

He was having this fanciful thought as he walked out of the hall. When he walked past the kitchen and looked at the clock, he realised it was already 10:30 pm! Normally during the evening meditation session from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. he could not sit still, and would often escape to hide in the toilet. How was it, he wondered, that tonight he could sit for three and a half hours straight. He felt it was really inexplicable.

The next morning when he woke up to meditate at 4:00 a.m. he also sat straight through until 7:00 a.m. The situation for the next few days was also the same. He was really very happy. He could not believe that his meditation had improved so fast. Before he would meditate for ten to twenty minutes and could not sit still. Now, only a few months later, he had improved until he could sit for two to three hours straight.

He told a few of the fellow initiates, who also had noticed this incredible change. One of the fellow initiates who knew that brother Wu had eaten the orange that Master had given him, said: "Brother Wu, don't be stupid. You improved so fast because Master gave you that orange. Only after you had eaten it did your meditation improve."

Only then was brother Wu enlightened. He realised that Master had given him the special care and blessing to make him feel more confident to carry on with his practice. Although brother Wu repeatedly had Buddhas and Bodhisattvas appear to him to instruct and bless him, his determination to practice spirituality was not strong enough. Once, while he was working, he started to think about the indulgent life he had lived as a "big brother" of the `underground' ?everyday sleeping in high class hotel suites, driving luxurious imported cars, eating in high class restaurants, and frequenting nightclubs when he had nothing to do. Now he stayed on a mountain in the wilderness, slept in a small tent, and had to obey all sorts of rules and regulations. He thought: Why should I be so stupid to stay in the Center and suffer by doing heavy work.

Brother Wu had already secretly planned to go back to Tainan the next day to find his old friends so he could be with them again. While he was having this thought, Master suddenly came rushing down the hill. When She saw brother Wu, She said: "Brother Wu, brother Wu, don't run away!"

Brother Wu was dumbfounded. He immediately said: "No, Master, I am not running away."

Master then said: "Good! You are not running away. You have said so yourself."

Brother Wu said without hesitation: "Yes, I am not running away." Then Master hurried away.

Brother Wu was shocked! He was like a small child who was ready to do something bad, but was caught by a parent.

There was another occasion, a few months later, when he had a misunderstanding with another brother. In a fit of rage, he took his child to go pack to go home. At that time Master was lecturing in the U.S.A., so he thought while packing: Last time, when I was thinking of leaving the Center, Master caught me on the spot, but this time, Master is not home. Leaving now would not be so embarrassing. Unless Master is really omnipresent and lets me see Her, I will definitely leave.

Suddenly his small child inexplicably threw down the baggage and quickly ran up the hill. Brother Wu then ran after him. After chasing his son for several meters, suddenly someone appeared under a big guava tree wearing a long robe and white hat, leisurely waving a fan in one hand. It turned out to be Master who stood there smiling at him. Brother Wu was truly shocked and all his anger instantly turned into shame. He was caught again!

He hurriedly put his palms together and apologized to Master: "Master, I am sorry. I will not to run away again." Master then smiled and disappeared.

Brother Wu realized very well that if he were to return to his old lifestyle, sooner or later he would fall into the `underground society' again and sink into the bitter sea of life and death.

Master has showed Her spiritual form repeatedly to save him even though he has committed many sins in the past. If not a true Master, who would have such love and the power to save him from Maya, and transform him from bad to good?

Although he knows that in the future there will still be plenty of obstacles trying to stop him from practicing. Whenever he thinks of having Master's power protecting him at any time, his heart is filled with incomparable courage and confidence.

Although brother Wu was in the `underground' for decades, he feels very lucky that he did not got involved with drugs because when he was serving his prison term, he knew one prison mate who was a drug addict. Because of drugs that friend's happy family was ruined. He had tried to kick the habit many times but without any success. Once the craving for drugs started, his whole body felt like it was being bitten by hundreds of thousands of insects all boring through his flesh and bones and making him scratch all over.

Once while this friend was trying to kick the drug habit, he experienced withdrawal symptoms. In order to reduce the pain, he purposely rolled himself down two flights of stairs. He even had his hands broken but still he could not kick the habit.

After brother Wu saw this man's condition, he always looked at drugs as if they were the plague. He would not dare to touch any. Brother Wu also advises his young friends of today: Don't ever get hooked on drugs because of curiosity or just to be a hero to show off; the price is too great and it is too horrible. (To be continued.)

While On The Path

Rescuing The Heavenly Seat!

By Fellow Initiate Guo, Taipei, Formosa

One winter Saturday in Taipei, it had been raining heavily all day. The weather forecast for the next day was for the temperature to drop below ten degrees c, a record low for the year. I was lying in bed, turning about, and groaning. I was so sick that I had not even the energy to get out of bed to take a bath. At last, I found an excuse for myself. I said to Master: "You must forgive Your disciple. I really cannot go to Hsihu this time for group meditation." Finally, I was still unable to fall asleep at three or four o'clock in the morning. I fell into a dream-like state, and distinctly saw someone arranging seats. Master gave an honorable seat to every initiated disciple. I saw the precious seats of some people being removed, and some other seats being taken to another side. The seat of my daughter, who was studying in secondary school with lots of homework and insufficient daily meditation, was also taken and placed to another side. After that, I saw someone taking up my seat and saying: "This person is frequently sick, always thinking of not attending group meditation. Since we do not know whether she will come this time, should her seat be retained?" Oh God! In fright, I woke up just as I was trying to run over to rescue my seat!

Looking at the clock on the wall, it was five o'clock in the morning. Not knowing where my strength came from, I jumped out of bed immediately to take a bath. My husband (also a fellow initiate) was already out of bed, carrying his seat cushion on his back and going to leave without waiting for me. Seeing this, I quickly called out to him: "Are you joking, not taking me along?" Fortunately, that day at Hsihu Center, there was fine, warm weather with a soft breeze and beautiful sunshine. My sickness and pain also disappeared on reaching there, just as if they had never existed! Since then, I can never find an excuse for not going to group meditation.

A Couple Who Finally Met A Good Person

By News Group, Chiayi, Formosa

As the Vegetarian House was ready to close one evening, a couple suddenly came in. They had been driving a truck, so their bodies and clothes were dirty, and their eyes looked not only tired, but suggested a tone of anger. At that point, the sister initiate who managed the restaurant remembered Master's teaching: "Treat everyone with a loving heart". She therefore rose quickly and smilingly said "I am sorry to say, all the dishes have cooled and there is not much left. Perhaps if you don't mind, we could charge you less instead."

The couple accepted and started to eat. Now and then, the sister initiate, brimming with a heart full of love, continued putting more food on the couple's plates, even after the bill had been settled. With this, their frozen faces changed to shining joy, like the sunshine in spring.

The man started to talk to the fellow sister: "Before I came in, I was thinking that there were no good people left in this world. I have changed my mind now, as today I have finally met a good person". The man continued to pour out all that was in his heart. "Today is the first time that I have heard words said with such loving care, and I am really touched. Previously, when I was having a similar meal of `left-overs' in another restaurant, I made a joke to see if they would charge me less, but the boss said, "Either eat or don't eat - it's up to you." What a nasty tone he used. From your actions today such as your warm greeting to us, I am sure I have finally met a good person." He then looked at Master's photograph and said, "Your Master must be a very good person." After the meal, the couple left in high spirits.

The next day, they returned to the Vegetarian House. At first, the sister did not recognize them because they were wearing clean clothes and their faces were brightened with a smile - totally different than the day before. They seemed filled with love, as if they had regained confidence in the goodness of other people.

They were watching Master's lecture videotape while eating. After the meal, they bought some of Her photos and necklaces, and happily put them on in an instant, showing their purity of mind. Since then, they have often visited the Vegetarian House, to inquire about spiritual practice, and to further understand Master's teachings.

The fellow initiates who help out at the Vegetarian House realize deeply that the restaurant is a 'modern ashram,' meeting the needs of many sentient beings. To think, just one meal caused such a drastic change! Master's love incessantly comforts the lonely hearts of all sentient beings, like the Quan Yin Bodhisattva with a thousand hands and a thousand eyes, "fulfilling a thousand requests, answering a thousand prayers."

As You Think, So Shall It Be

By Fellow Initiate Lin, New York, U.S.A.

Before Master came to New York for the Celestial Fashion Show, there was some preparation to be done which required the collaboration of the local fellow initiates. With much excitement, the fellow initiates from the New York center eagerly joined Master's work-team. Regretfully, I didn't have much time to offer. I was always tied up with my children, attending classes, or working. At the time I was so ignorant that I couldn't distinguish between urgent matters, which I should have immediately attended to, and unimportant ones, which could have been disregarded. I was unable to ignore the mundane affairs temporarily to cooperate with the center.

I felt extremely terrible yet I couldn't let go. I didn't know why. I blamed myself for being unable to offer my best efforts. I wished that there was something which I could do at night without leaving home; I would do anything willingly, even without sleep.

I was talking to a fellow initiate about it three days before the fashion show. The fellow initiate tried to comfort me and said that Master understood everything, and that She had already made all the arrangements; if there was a job for me, I wouldn't be able to get away from it.

As the fashion show was fast approaching, all that needed to be done was already done, and what was not yet completed was already well underway. I was sure that there was no chance left for me.

Master, however, had heard my wish! The night before the fashion show, a brother initiate was urgently looking for someone who could type up the program for the show, and Master led him to me. I took the job and typed throughout the night - exactly like I had wished to work.

Master took care of me so meticulously and intimately that I was very touched and amazed at Her wonders. I also thought about what Master often reminds us, which is to pay attention to our thoughts. Since a spiritual practitioner's will is inconceivably powerful, we must take care not to harbor any negative or evil thoughts. For as we think, so shall it be!

Positive Power Could Change the Fate of the World

By Fellow Initiate Liang, Taipei, Formosa

This is a story that illustrates how a person's thoughts can affect an outcome. A celebrated general in British history, the "Duke of Wellington," had a beautiful daughter who was betrothed to a soldier. Once, this would-be son-in-law of the Duke of Wellington was about to be sent to the battlefield, and he was very worried that he would not come back alive. He therefore entrusted all of his personal valuables, including his pocket watch, to his fiancee, and spoke in a depressing manner. Having heard about this episode, the Duke of Wellington told his daughter clearly that her fiance definitely would not come back alive. He realized that his would-be son-in-law had implanted a negative thought in his mind and that he would most probably die on the battlefield. Sadly, this turned out to be true, as the young man was later killed in battle. This is a demonstration of the influence of the power of thought.

The world today is full of calamities. My personal opinion is that we should adhere to Master's instructions, increase group meditation sessions and time, dissolve the negative force with our positive force, and make all essential preparations to minimize any possible future detrimental effects. Furthermore, we should purify our own 'actions, speech, and thoughts.' In 'purifying our actions,' we only do things that are beneficial to everyone, instead of evil deeds. In 'purifying our speech,' only moral and positive words should be spoken, no gossip. In `purifying our thoughts,' we think only of positive things, and reject negative ideas. 'Act purely, speak purely, and think purely,' so that we can purify our living environment, convert negative to positive, and turn any crisis into a beneficial event.

I believe most of you have watched the videotape of Master's lecture, entitled, 'Leading the World into a New Era,' given at Hsihu Center on April 10, 1992.

With Her most sincere intention, Master asked us to be the torch bearers of the world. "As long as we live, we must dedicate our whole to the goodness, to the progress of mankind, of the whole world, of the whole universe. Our vision must be so large, larger than life, must be so noble that we have nothing else to lose. We fear nothing in such greatness of vision."

Oh! So great is Suma Ching Hai, so magnanimous! No worldly language can ever express my revered love toward Her, and even more impossible, describe Her divine love for Her disciples. We can only hope that all fellow practitioners will follow Master's teachings, to be worthy of the grace that God has bestowed on them.

By Suma Ching Hai
(Originally In Chinese)

A humble heart is an empty heart - no obstacles, no ego, no arrogance, having no place to rely on. Only when it is empty, can it accept the precious things that a filled heart cannot contain.

To learn the Truth, all one needs is an empty heart, a humble heart, a sincere heart.

Praising You

Mother Of The Universe

By Fellow Initiate Lei, Mainland China

I search through the garden of vocabulary, I surf upon the ocean of melody,
Gathering all the blossoms of human language To praise You ?Mother Of The Universe.

All the beautiful melodies of the world Cannot sing of Your immense love.
All the intellect of humankind
Has yet to marvel at the subtlety of Your wisdom. All the love in this world
Is but a droplet in Your ocean of love. All the most exquisite things in the entire universe Fail to express even remnants of Your compassion, wisdom, and power.

Offering You a song without words.
Merging with You, heart-to-heart, while meditating, I pray to grow up quickly
And join You
In blessing this world together.

So Long, New York

By Fellow Initiate Zeng, Minnesota, U.S.A. (Originally In English)

So long, New York!
A land fully blessed by God and
adored by angels in heaven and on earth.

So long, my homely land!
For it is where I met my beloved,
for whom I have waited for thousands of years, incarnation after incarnation.

So long, New York!
Your name, “The Big Apple,?
shall ever be so sweet on my lips,
for my adored Master has set Her divine lotus feet in the middle of your heart.

So long, New York!
I have left you with my love and blessing, for it was where I saw with my physical eyes the glory and wonder of my great Master.

My dear Master,
Who is much sweeter
than the sweetest,
closer to me than I to myself,
left you a tremendous treasure:
wisdom, compassion, beauty, and love,
which will certainly last you forever, even to the end of the world.

Oh, look at that piece of your mountain, I see it's hiding my Master's kiss!
Look at the clouds and the wind over your houses, hills, and rivers. I hear you giggling merrily!

Oh, New York, why do you look so innocent, as if nothing has happened?
Look at the sunshine over you.
It's full of my Master's blessing;
for it's brighter, sweeter, and more gentle than before.

Listen! Heavenly music arises.
Heaven has opened its golden door!
I hear the heavenly beings celebrating and rejoicing! Prosperity, peace, and harmony, New York ?what you are always seeking?has been poured down in the middle of your heart from heaven. It will last you forever!

So long and farewell, New York!
Like yours, my sins are all forgiven,
and the burden of my guilt is taken away. I am reborn in my Master's river of life. I am made whole, complete, and perfect, in my Master's ocean of love!

P.S. This fellow initiate saw Master for the first time when she went to New York to enjoy the S.M Celestial Fashion Show.

From The Heart

By Fellow Initiate Nguyen, Sydney, Australia (Originally in English)

I never knew love that could be so endless; A million words could not express.
I never knew love that could be so pure; A burning fire could it endure.
I never knew love that could be so simple; That gives without beeing asked.
I never knew love that could be so selfless; Even fatigued, not stop smiling.
I never knew love that could be so unconditional; That begins upon meeting.

This is the love of Master,
And the love of my mother, aunties, uncles, sisters, and brothers. It is the love of my huge family that without blood ties is yet so thick; That forms my pillar of strength and my source of joy.

I never knew love of a young girl could ever be so magnificent. I never knew that I could have so many sisters and brothers And still have love to spare.

Master gave me wisdom;
My mother and aunties taught me selfless love That never wearies
And never grows old.
I thank you my mother and aunties,
Who sacrifice yourselves for your daughters. I shed a million tears of joy for Master, For this wonderful new family She has given me.

Happy Mother's Day Master

Selected Questions And Answers

Love Others Wholeheartedly

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai in Singapore
Sep. 27, 1994 (Originally in English)

Q: Dear Master, I always wonder how to love others wholeheartedly and receive the same treatment. Thank You!

M: Well, you can love people, but people might not love you. So the best thing is to just love them; no expectation. Then we'll not feel hurt. That's difficult in marriage. Well, it's very difficult to love some people that you do not know. So the best is that you love someone that you know, wholeheartedly and devotedly as best as you can. Sincerely, no need to show off too much. But if you love someone, just say so. And show it, because sometimes people think, "Oh, I love him, I love her. I don't have to say it. She'll know. He'll feel it." Feeling and hearing are different. We have many organs: smelling, seeing, and hearing. So we love to see, and hear as well. Most men do not show emotion. But this is why sometimes the marriage doesn't last, does not feel very solid, does not feel very secured, because the husband does not show. And it is better we show each other that we appreciate each other before it's too late.

Love your family members wholeheartedly; sacrifice for them whenever necessary; do everything you can in your power to help them and to let them know that you love them. And to other members of mankind, you just show your love universally, and help whoever needs your help. That is the way of love. You don't have to hug everyone on the street, just to show your big hug. (Master laughs.) I don't hug people that easily. Except I do that sometimes to the disciples and when I see the poor people, I have to hug them more. I don't know why. Something pushes you; something inside just makes you feel you want to do it. And you don't even think; you don't have time to think about it at that moment. When I see a poor person, the people, not only giving money, but their fate, their miserable condition, I don't mind anything. I could kiss them, hug them all day long. No problem. Or the prisoners, sometimes the more dreaded people, I just don't think. I can not think anymore at that moment. I just feel, "They need something; they need my love." I feel something urging inside, that makes you do it spontaneously. And that is the time you should show. At that moment it's really true love.

You can not reason anymore. You can not tell yourself to stop or you can not tell yourself to do it. You can not tell yourself why you want to hug. No, no more reason; no more thinking. Just do it. You know what I mean? If such a kind of thing happens, then you know that is the true love. That is the spontaneous love. There's nothing to talk about. Otherwise, if we sit here and reason about how to love people, that's nonsense. You can't teach anyone to love anyone. You know what I mean?

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai in Singapore
March 9, 1993 (Originally in English)

Q: Master, how can I remember my past lives, so that I can retrieve the knowledge I learned then?

M: No, no, it's enough to learn in the present. Because in present life, we haven't even learned enough yet. The past life is gone, and God has drawn a curtain between the past and present. It's for our own benefit. Therefore, it's not always necessary to trace the past. If we know too many things about the past, without having enough power to handle it, or to improve it concerning the present, then we will be in trouble. That's why people sometimes come into a possessed kind of state of mind. Or knowing too much of the past, they will be miserable living in the present. Suppose you know that in the past life, you were the sultan of such and such country, and now you are driving a taxi. Would you like it? Or suppose that you know that last life, you and your wife had some kind of bloodshed with each other. Now every time you see her, would you be afraid that she killed you last life? Can you ever be loving again to her? It would affect very much your family harmony, your personal relationships, as well as your own happiness. Is that not so? Therefore, we don't need to know the past. We take care of the present, and the future will come beautifully. Meditate on your inner self, or choose whatever method you like. But I would only recommend the Quan Yin Method, because I know after all the studies, that it's the best; that it's the highest, the quickest, the safest. So we offer that to you, in case you want to gain more knowledge in the present, and for the future. And the past takes care of itself. The past is gone, the past we can just forget it.

Spiritual Interludes

Transportable Pyramids

By Fellow Initiate Zeng, Taipei, Formosa

Since a young age, I have been obsessed with ancient civilizations, especially the Egyptian pyramids. I have always hoped that one day, I would get to know their profound mystery. During the three-day retreat, Master spoke about the real reason for the existence of the pyramids. In a brief moment, the whole puzzle was suddenly understood. The original purpose behind all those secrets was for the sake of practicing self-cultivation. When Master said, "Do you really think that I could move the pyramids here? You must be joking!" I could not help laughing at the realization that when we got initiated, Master had already given everyone the best pyramid from time immemorial. Wherever we go, it will be brought along. Practicing self-cultivation within the inner pyramid is truly safe and convenient!

Spiritual Interludes

Purity

By Fellow Initiate Kou, Vancouver, Canada

While on a trip to Nepal, we were touring around the ancient Five Palaces in Kathmandu, when we saw an old shaman (a wandering spiritual practitioner) who was wearing bright and beautiful robes. He allowed tourists to take his photo and even requested money.

We laughed while we criticized: This is another one who cons people out of their money. Then we saw a quite old, local woman wearing a worn sari. When she walked past the shaman, without hesitation, she took out a banana from her broken bamboo basket and piously offered it to him. The shaman gladly accepted it before the old woman hurried away.

The two of us looked at each other and simultaneously felt ashamed. Whether the shaman was genuine or not should not have had any influence on us, yet our impure hearts were very obvious. It was really quite embarrassing!

Spot Light

Revealing The Secret Of The Ancient Pyramids In Egypt

Today, I take you to Egypt (applause) to see the pyramids. Have you seen them before? No? What a pity! Neither have I. (Laughed.) Now, we will go there together. The pyramids are nothing special! Just like a temple. Do you know that? Triangular on all four sides, this is what I heard! Sometimes, we can visit the place with our souls, and save the air tickets. Has anyone tried going this way? Yes! However, we can go to even further places. The pyramids are nothing!

Their name is pyramid (means 'golden symbol tower' in Chinese), but they are actually made of stones. If we go to the Amitabha Buddha's World, or the World of the Medicine Buddha, or the Heavenly Kingdom, we will see the real golden pyramids. Is that not so? They are more beautiful, in brilliant gold, real gold! Furthermore, the gold there is different from the gold here, which is so hard and not that bright. In our world, gold and diamonds are the brightest, but in the superior worlds, the gold and diamonds there are more brilliant, and radiate light!

Great Architecture Ahead Of The Times

All right, we are now going to Egypt to have some fun. Do not go to heaven, because it is too far. And here it is very hot, why do I take you to Egypt? It's because it is even hotter there. (Master and all laugh.) In that case, you won't complain any more here. When you come back later, you will say, "Wow! Miaoli is really great. Marvelous! There are still trees, and a little breeze." There are not even trees in Egypt. Do you know that? It seems there are no trees near the pyramids, so it is even hotter.

Okay, now, let us try going there. Use your wisdom eye to look over there. In the desert, everywhere is sand and rocks. They built several pyramids in the middle of the desert. I don't know why they are called the 'golden symbol,' there is no trace of gold, only rocks. However, they cannot be bought with real gold. Even in this modern era we still have to shake our heads (in admiration) when observing the way they were built!

Near the pyramids, there are many tombs of the kings, queens, and princes. Naturally, the atmosphere is very scary at night. Nevertheless, some people love to take adventures in that place at night. Why? Normally there are hardly any people in the daytime. Of course, there are some tourists, but they just walk about and then leave. Very few people venture inside. There is almost no one there at night. Of course, there are some guards outside. No one can go in night. They lock the door when the sun goes down. Even tourists are not allowed to go in. However, some people love to go in at night. You have to apply for entry if you wish to go in at night. Under special circumstances, they will let you in.

One night, a man ventured inside. He wanted to find out why people would build such a grand but empty structure, and leave it unused. Initially, they thought the pyramids were the tombs of the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, but they could not find any coffins or mummies inside. They are all empty. In the pyramid, there is only a box that looks like a coffin, made of stone, also empty, without even a cover on top. Above the so-called main hall, there is an empty chamber, with another empty room above that. It is empty from there all the way to the top. They kept the space empty to minimize the pressure. Can you imagine if it were all stones on top? The pyramid is very gigantic, surely it could not bear the weight for so long if it were all stone on top. They were built perfectly and given consideration to every aspect, so the pyramids are still standing after so many ages have gone by, while many civilizations or non-civilizations have changed.

Our Ancestors Were Extraterrestrial Scientists

Their building technique was extremely superb. Capable of building such structures, they must have been a highly intelligent race. Nowadays, many scientists and archaeologists have discovered that our ancestors were extremely civilized and clever. Perhaps they were scientists from extraterrestrial planets.

Besides the pyramids, there are many other things that were buried in ancient times, and discovered only recently. They prove that our ancestors were extremely and exceedingly intelligent. I don't know why they would have children like us, not intelligent at all, who try to come to Miaoli on Sundays to buy a little wisdom. Here we give it away free of charge. It is possible to buy it and take home, but it is still useless if you do not use it. Think of some ways to use it.

I have given you the 'Instruction Manual of Wisdom,' some of you! I will give to whoever wants it, and not to those who don't want. However, it was very difficult to get the 'Instruction Manual of Wisdom' in ancient times. Not as simple as just come and write down your name and then receive it immediately. This is like buying ready-made clothing, try it on immediately and then take it home.

The pyramids were not built to be used as tombs. They found out later that this was not the purpose. I think they built the pyramids for spiritual practice. Just now I told you it was very difficult to get the 'Instruction Manual of Wisdom' in ancient times. This is one of the reasons why they built the pyramids. It was because spiritual practice was very difficult in olden times for fear of being discovered by others.

Where can you sit when holding a group meditation in the desert? (Master and all laughed.) Do you understand? Even with the guards around, everyone can still see you. It is better here, with all these trees! In the empty desert, you roast to death by sitting there in the daytime, and freeze to death at night. The temperature in the desert is extremely hot in the daytime, and extremely cold at night. Two extremes. That was why they built the pyramids. They are very, very quiet inside. It was very difficult for people to locate the entrance later. Hundreds of years have gone by! Many people are still looking for the entrance, but have failed.

The Hidden Entrance Is Difficult To Find

Once, a king made a very firm decision to find the entrance. He said, "Strange! It was built like that, but no one can go in. What does it mean?" He gathered hundreds and thousands of laborers, spent much money and effort, mobilized a great group of workers, stone excavation experts. Someone like me, specialized in breaking rocks. (Everyone laughed.) They pushed and hit for a long time, but found no trace of the entrance. They were built so perfectly that the entrance was tightly fitted into the wall, invisible, as if it were only a wall. No one noticed the entrance was there.

They worked so laboriously and sincerely that perhaps the ghosts or deities inside, or God, helped them. Suddenly a piece of rock fell down, from the inside, not because of their striking efforts outside. It fell from inside by itself! So they started digging from that spot, and found an entrance.

Going inside, they were very disappointed because it was empty, nothing. Every room was empty. In the biggest chamber in the center, there was an empty box like a coffin. They were bewildered. How could someone spend so much effort, labour, money and time to build such a grand structure that contained nothing? Why were they so wasteful?

Later, going in from that door, they found another door. It was highly concealed, I mean very difficult to find. They built doors as if there were none. But, slowly they noticed and found the door. There were a dozen doors after that door before they reached the so-called main hall. There was nothing inside, and no one knew why. They found no treasure, no coffins, no mummies, no living person, no dead person, nothing.

There was a man, probably an Englishman who also practiced spiritually. He had been to India and practiced meditation. He also knew what searching for the self-nature within is, so he thought he could do it! He went inside alone at night, carrying a flashlight and a coat.

The Pyramid Protects Practitioners Of The True Path

He was not allowed to enter at first, but finally got the approval because he persisted in applying repeatedly! He went in there to find out why the pyramid was built this way. He eventually found out, and I knew it too.

Since the place was intended for spiritual practice, naturally it was empty. What furniture would be required if it was built for people to meditate? Take our main hall for instance, is there any furniture? No, only the sun umbrellas, and they were not here before, only recently we have them. The only furniture we have are these trees intended to give shade or for you to lean on. The rooms are empty. As it turns out, in old times, spiritual practitioners were afraid of being chased by people. In those times, they have to practice this method in secret because if their practice was revealed, their life would be in grave danger. It is still dangerous now, not to mention in ancient times. It was dangerous two thousand years ago, and when Shakyamuni Buddha was alive.

Many people always threaten the so-called true spiritual practitioners. It is perfectly all right if you do not practice the true method, everyone praises you. If you practice the real path, you are finished. You have to start to cover and protect yourself -- camouflage. You must be ordinary. Otherwise, people can sense it, and trouble you.

Since ancient times, it has been always like this, not only today. That was why they built the pyramids in such a concealed way. The entrance was known only to their own people. They were very spacious inside, and completely empty. Of course there was nothing! They were built for people to meditate inside, for initiation, etc., without being seen by outsiders.

Shall we move the pyramid over here? (Master laughs.) Then we don't need guards anymore. (Everyone applauds.) What? Do you think I can do it? No kidding! Even if we build a pyramid here today, the demolition machine will come to tear it down.

When that man entered the pyramid that night, he meditated there and discovered this secret. Actually, he did not need to meditate in there to find out. Looking at the empty rooms, we can understand. A real place of spiritual practice is only for people to meditate. There won't be anything inside, at the most a Buddha statue or the Buddha's photograph. They used the Buddha's statue before, but now perhaps it is faster to take photographs, or use a portrait. It was empty because people needed to sit in there, about the same as our place here.

Midnight Terror In The Pyramid

That man had a very terrible experience in the pyramid. He said he dared not go again! He had the courage to venture inside, because he was very sincere in seeking the Truth. He wanted the answer to why the ancient people would build this kind of empty yet grand structure. It has nothing inside, yet was very mysterious, even the entrance was a secret.

In the pyramid, he meditated with a method he had learned in India. As he sat there, nothing happened at first. Gradually, he felt that the owners of the tombs near the pyramid had all came to greet him. They all came to give him a not very cordial greeting, but it was a terribly frightening atmosphere. They threatened him, nevertheless, he maintained his composure. He knew something would happen even before he came.

Another person had ventured into the pyramid before him. Having returned home, that person revealed in his diary that he had discovered the truth. However, his life would be in danger if he revealed it, because society could not possibly understand him -- this was what he wrote in his diary.

This second adventurer was mentally prepared! Although he was prepared, the extremely terrible and ugly faces he saw, and these lonely souls and wandering ghosts almost crushed him! Fortunately, being a practitioner he had some idea about what to do. He strived to keep himself in samadhi. Suddenly all the ugly ghosts fled, and stopped threatening, oppressing, or trying to kill him. They all vanished suddenly, and he didn't know why. Then he saw two brilliant beings come radiating light. It was because of the two of them that the ugly ghosts fled. Later, the two beings taught him a great deal while he was in there. They advised him not to seek the Truth anymore, because it is very difficult. They said, "You will encounter many trials, and you will surely regret it."

Finally, the man said, "I will not regret it. What else can I ask for except the Truth? This world is very strange to me now! I am living in this world, but I can ask for nothing. Nothing in the world can satisfy me. Nothing excites and attracts me anymore, except the quest for Truth. I want nothing. I fear nothing. I will die sooner or later. It is all right if I die for Truth."

Tested In Quest Of The Truth

Later, the two so-called inner masters, the superior masters within, touched by his determination, finally agreed. They asked him to lie on the stone -- actually he should lie in the coffin like a dead man, and then they would take his soul out, just like a dead man, and come back after a while. Never mind, it is all right to lie on the stone. He saw his astral body going out while his physical body lay still.

It was dark in the pyramid, darker than the nights here. There was nothing inside, sealed on all sides, leaving only a ventilation hole leading to the top. The ventilation hole in the pyramid clearly shows that it is not a tomb (dead people don't need it!) It must have been a place for people to live or stay in temporarily. Otherwise, there would not be a vent, illogical! It was very dark inside, darker than blackness, so it was very horrible. The longer he sat, the more frightened he became. He could see the lonely wandering ghosts coming to annoy him even though it's very dark. They only fled when the two so-called superior masters arrived later.

They told the man to lie down, and started to help him. Suddenly, his soul exited, and he saw his very ugly body lying there motionless. His eyes could not see, his ears could not hear, nothing was functional, except the heart throbbing automatically. It was just as if he was a dead person. Then he realized what death really is.

After that, the two masters took him to visit a dying old man. They introduced this old man as a life long Truth aspirant. However, the old man claimed that he had found nothing, only temptations, desires, fame and wealth, nothing else, no Truth. He persuaded the young man not to search any more! "Don't be cheated! There is no Truth in the world. All are lies. You can never find It!" However, the young man didn't listen, and still wanted to go on searching.

Following The Instructions Of Enlightened Masters Is Most Difficult

That was only meant to test him! Finally, the two enlightened masters said, "Okay, if you are determined, we will take you to another place to 'show you the Truth,' meaning initiation!"

Travelling with the soul, not the body, he could feel being taken to different chambers. There was a secret chamber beneath the pyramid. The two enlightened masters told him not to look back, just follow them, absolutely refrain from looking back.

The result was, he followed for a while and then wondered. Why is there no door? Where is the original secret door? He could not resist any longer and looked back. Suddenly, everything was severed! The two masters were gone, and he had returned to his body.

He could still hear the faint and distant voices of his two masters: "Why didn't you listen to us? What for did you want to find the secret door made of stone? The most important thing is to find the secret door within that liberates you from the transmigration of life and death. Now it is too late! Good-bye!" Then, they were gone.

Should you think I am too strict, try your luck in the pyramid, if you can refrain from looking back. Remember! In case you really go there and meet the two masters, do not look back. We humans are always seeking superficial things. We are curious. We look at this and that, asking, " What is this? What is that?"

Master taught you not to touch them, but you insist on touching them. Is that not so? If I ask you to touch it, then you refuse. This is why we progress very slowly. Even when Master tells us the moral guidelines, and secret method of spiritual practice, we will think: "Uh-huh! Why does She have to talk so much?" We know very well that they are good for us, but we still resist sometimes. Do you understand? When we eventually run into trouble, and become aware of the bad consequence, it is already too late!

The two masters had forsaken him, and didn't teach him anymore. He passed the first test of the ghosts. On the second test, the old man tried to persuade him to go back. He observed that the old man was struggling in great agony. His search for the Truth was so painful, but still he failed to find It on his dying day. The young man did not lose his faith. On the third occasion, he was only told not to look for that door, yet he turned around to look.

There are many similar stories. We also have some fairy tales from ancient China. A man went to the Peng Lai Fairy Island and married a goddess. They lived a happy life together. The goddess told him which doors could be opened and gave him the keys. Only the seventh or eigth door was forbidden. Yet, he still opened the door, and dropped back down to the wordly level. After going home, he could never find Fairy Island again.

Many people pursue spiritual practice, but very few attain the Truth. Or, they have attained half, one third, two thirds, but not the whole. It is all because they cannot control their mundane ideas and habits.

Sometimes, we have already climbed a great height up the hill, two thirds up the hill. We tell ourselves: Do not look back, or you will be frightened, and you will fall! It's true, but we are curious. We think: "What does it matter if I take a look? I used to look very often. Why can't I look today?" Very often it is different from today. The result of taking a glance is panic, and then you fall down! After falling down, it is very difficult to start all over again. You can; it's not totally impossible, but much of our courage, spirit and energy have been exhausted. It is very difficult for us to climb again later. Is that not so?

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Love Is Our Origin

By Little Initiate Wei, Indonesia

Dear Master,

How are You? Thank You for Your love and care. I know that without You, we wouldn't even be here today. Ever since initiation, we all have experienced great changes. Before we used to argue and fight, but after initiation, we don't do that anymore. We seldom keep unhappy thoughts, now that our wisdom has been opened. As well, our learning ability has been developed much more. We can absorb and accept quickly whatever our teachers tell us. At first our relatives were against our vegetarian diet. They thought that there was not enough nutrition, especially for growing children. But, after some time, when they met us again, they saw that we had all grown taller and bigger and looked very healthy. They were interested to know what we had been eating. Thus, they are less against a vegetarian diet and some of our relatives have even decided to try it. Master, You are like our mother, taking care of everything for us. Even though we are not together, our hearts are connected. You always teach us everything from inside. Even the tiny things, You make them opportunities for us to learn. If we happen to do something wrong, You let us know and help us to correct our mistakes, either through inner teachings or through other people. Master, we truly believe that You are a living Buddha. We know that if we follow You, we will live eternally. You are like a lamp of infinite light, shining upon us, guiding us on the bright path home. Master, we want to follow You forever. Please believe that we will meditate diligently and will never leave You. We know that You and only You are ever lasting. You are our best friend. Thank You again for Your love.

Love is our origin.
Love is the basis of our existence.
Love is without conditions.
Love is everything.
If someone asks why we have love,
I would say: because we have our Suma Ching Hai!

From Your children: Wei-Wei

                       Shung-Shung
                       Zhih-Zhih

The videotape of the eye-catching worldwide S.M. Celestial Clothes Fashion Show has been released! Seeing the “Paris Beauties?dressed in S.M. Celestial Clothes appearing on stage, many people suddenly remembered their glorious days in heaven. A combination of spirituality and wisdom, this super fashion show of the century gave one a glimpse into Suma Ching Hai's magnificent world of artistic creations. This is one of the warmest and softest gift from Suma Ching Hai to the women of the world. The men are sighing in regret for “not having been born women.?/P>

The Latest Video Tapes Of Suma Ching Hai (In English)

?Walk The Way Of Love
Group Meditation at the Union Concert Hall, Imperial College, London, England Apr.20-23, 1995

?True Love
Group Meditation at the New York Center, U.S.A. Apr.13-16, 1995

?Enlightenment Is Extraordinary
Group Meditation at the San Jose Vegetarian House, CA, USA Jun. 16, 1994

?The Story Of The Saintly King
Group Meditation at the Bangkok Center, Thailand. Jun. 7, 1994

(In English With Spanish Translation And Chinese Subtitles)

?To Disclose One's Inner Power
Lecture in Costa Rica
Jun. 8, 1989

(In English With Korean Translation And Chinese Subtitles)

?Mistakes Are The Mother Of Perfection Group Meditation in Seoul, Korea
Apr. 15, 1994

(In English With Chinese Subtitles)

?The Mystery Of Cause And Effect
Group Meditation at Buddha Mountain, Thailand Jan. 2, 1994

(In French With Chinese Subtitles)

?The Power Of The Secret Names Of The Five Levels Group Meditation in Geneva, Switzerland Apr. 22, 1993

(In English With Chinese Subtitles)

?Zen Tales - A Ghost Story
Group Meditation at the Austin Ashram, Texas, USA Aug. 14, 1994

(In English With Thai Translation)

?Temples And Churches Were Originally For Group Meditation Group Meditation at Hai Yai, Thailand Nov. 27, 1994 & Dec. 7, 1994

(In English With German Subtitles)

?Suma Ching Hai's Art Exhibition
The Exhibit In Brussels, Belgium
Apr. 29, 1993

(In English With Au Lac Subtitles)

?Be One With God's Wisdom
Lecture at the Blaisdell Center in Hawaii Mar. 28, 1993

?Worldwide S.M. Celestial Clothes Show

Front Line

Pilgrimage Of The Modern Hsuan-tsang

By The Korean Translation Group

Translating the authentic scriptures of a living Buddha is a golden opportunity so rare that one could hardly encounter it in a thousand lifetimes. On the path of the modern pilgrimage, we can see many Hsuan-tsangs (a famous Chinese pilgrim and Buddhist translator, A.D. 600-664) of different nationalities charging forward in high spirits. Thanks to today's ever improving means of communication, the route of the modern Husan-tsang is greatly shortened. They are on-line with the translation groups all over the world without stepping out of their doors. In a few short years, Master's teachings have been translated into many languages, thus permeating the whole world.

Starting From 'One'

In 1992, the Pusa Center in Korea had just been established. For fellow initiates, access to Master's teachings was limited to a single sample booklet in Korean, as well as verbal translation when viewing video tapes at group meditations. Their understanding of Master's teachings was only partial. Feeling the importance of translating the scriptures, the fellow initiates decided to begin the translation work with the 'Key of Immediate Enlightenment' series.

To concentrate on the translation and publishing work, several fellow initiates dicided to do it as a full-time job. Thanks to Master's blessing, an enthusiastic initiate provided an apartment for the publishing office. Another fellow practitioner bought several computers, so the publishing work of Master's books and magazines sprouted despite all the hardships.

Several fellow sisters worked in the publishing office as resident staff, engaged in computer editing, typing, translating, and proofreading tasks. Many young and eager fellow practitioners also helped with the translations. Although they only had a few computers, they succeeded in publishing a series of books and magazines in Korean, within a short period of time, which were distributed all over the country.

An Efficient Working Schedule

Now, the News magazine in Korean is published simultaneously with the Chinese edition from Formosa. Ever since the fellow initiates switched to the high speed translation method as instructed by Master, each edition is released sooner than in the earlier stages.

Upon receiving the original English scripts from Hsihu Center, the translation group first translates them verbally into Korean onto audiotapes. A special group is responsible for transcribing the recorded tapes into written scripts, which are then returned to the verbal translator for correction. The verified texts are keyed into the computer, and finally, proofread against the English originals.

In this way, each issue can be translated in two or three days, then immediately sent for printing, and quickly distributed to each center in the country.

As more and more magazines and books were published, the Korean fellow initiates further displayed their independent spirit. They established 'publication support groups' throughout the country, to solve the problem of funding the publication work.

To coordinate with Master's worldwide Truth-spreading mission, the Korean initiates are also working on the translation of videotapes. Tape by tape, they verbally translate Master's lectures spoken in English, record them, type them , have them proofread, and then send them to Formosa to be subtitled.

In the future, the Korean Centers even plan to do all the dubbing and copying tasks related to videotapes themselves.

A Meditative State Can Be Achieved While Working

The fellow sisters residing at the Pusan publishing office were totally new to the job. However, through the opportunity of translating Master's News magazines, they discovered many latent talents that they never knew they had. They became so highly skilled, similiar to those of a professional. For example, the sister responsible for typing can type simultaneously as she listens to a recorded verbal translation. Very often, she attains a high meditative state while typing, and her speed is so fast that her fingers can hardly be seen clearly. Almost all of Master's books and magazines published in Korean were typed by her. Besides taking meals, sleeping, and meditating, all her time is occupied with typing.

The fellow sister working on computer editing was physically very weak and her vision was poor before she was initiated. After initiation, she has been doing Master's work continuously, and is now much healthier and her vision has improved. Now, she does not feel tired even after having worked for several days without sleep.

Another fellow sister working on proofreading also frequently enters a meditative state while working. She is always filled with bliss while doing the translation work. Even with her eyes open, she can feel the vibration of being in samadhi. Every day, every moment, she is blessed by Master's ultimate love. These fellow sisters are free from exhaustion despite their heavy workloads. They are always in a meditative state as they work. The more they concentrate on their work, the greater they experience a deep mediative state.

With Master's blessing, and the silent contributions of many fellow initiates, the Korean fellow practitioners firmly believe that spreading Master's teachings all over their country is the only shortcut to transforming Korea into a heaven on earth.

The Best Boss!

By Fellow Initiate Vu, Illinois, U.S.A. (Originally In English)

When Hsihu news group asked my husband and I to help in the translation work for Master's News magazine for the first time, our heart "jumped for joy". We would "jump" out of bed in the middle of the night when the fax machine rang, receiving a translation request. We went right to work and finished it within a few hours.

There is no other pleasure that is greater than the pleasure of serving Master. We are both so eager that we had to make an agreement between both of us: administrative topics for him and spiritual topics for me!!

There is so much love and support from Master through the work for Her. Many times the scripts we received for translation miraculously answered our problems or questions at the time. And interestingly, the scripts usually came in when we had more time. When we were extremely busy, they seemed to stop coming; and when a busy week was over, they seemed to start coming in again!

Once Master held a three-day retreat in Hsihu. Because we have children to take care of, we had to take turns to attend. This time, it was my husband's turn to go. Although I was happy for him, the thoughts of everyone spending a good time with Master in Hsihu, made me feel depressed and empty. On the day he left, scripts came in and they were not just ordinary articles, they were Master's beautiful discourses, which warmed my heart for those three days!

The joy in serving Master alone is so joyful and such an honor, who could ask for anything in return? Even if we offer everything we own, it is still not enough for what She has already done for us. Nevertheless, Master still rewards us in many ways. She is really the best boss!

Breaking Through A Bottleneck

By Fellow Initiate Xiang, Translation Group, Taipei, Formosa

To quickly spread to the world the good news of returning to our heavenly homes, fellow practitioners are most enthusiastic in supporting Master's noble ideals. They help spread Her teachings in every possible way, so the translation work becomes an urgent task. However, the pressures in translating Master's teachings are not small. If the translations are incorrect, and Master's original intent is misunderstood, then people would be misled. Under the circumstances of trying to be accurate and fast, it is quite a challenge for the fellow practitioners in the translation group. Then again, in doing the work they naturally receive great loving blessings from Master. The translating ability of many members of the translation group has improved tremendously in a short time; this is a miraculous experience which has impressed others.

My first assignment was to listen to Master's English tapes and translate them into Chinese. Being born and raised on Chinese soil, this method of translation was a tough test for me. Although the result was not really ideal, I was finally accepted as a member of the translation group.

The greatest difficulty in translating from English into Chinese is that, if the English words were translated literally into Chinese, the sentences of the resulting article would not flow smoothly and be very wordy. It would be quite impossible for the readers to comprehend completely. Therefore, my usual practice was to translate literally, first composing the sentences, and then asking someone to read the article and pointing out any awkward parts. My working speed was slow due to the repeated corrections required.

Once, Hsihu Center suddenly assigned me fifteen full pages of typed scripts that were to be translated in two days. I was very worried because I could hardly find time to work at home. Usually, I used my spare time in the office to translate, and could only finish three to four pages of typed scripts at the most in two days. How could I manage to finish these fifteen pages? I could only pray for Master's help.

As a result, during my office hours over those two days, there were only one or two business transactions, and the people left immediately after each discussion. Therefore, I could work at full speed without interruption.

I was slow in the beginning. Gradually, after reading a sentence in English, a fluent and intact Chinese sentence would naturally appear in my mind. It would always be a good translation, and needed no further modification. In this way, I worked quickly and finished the translation on time.

After reading my work, the sister initiate who used to proofread my work was amazed by my great progress. Except for some typographical errors, there was almost nothing to be corrected. This experience made me realize Master's invisible blessing power.

After this experience, I broke through my previous difficult situation, and could translate directly without deviating from the original meaning!

I pray that Master will continue to bless all the members of the translation group, so that they can quickly and perfectly have translations closest to the original meaning for the fellow practitioners.

Persist In The Translation Work, No Matter How Busy We Are

By Fellow Initiate Zheng, Taipei, Formosa

Ever since initiation, it has always been my wish to join the translation work. Under Master's incredible arrangement, I was assigned the translation liaison job. At that time, I still had to get familiarized with members of the translation group, translation format, and subtitle dubbing. Without Master's visible and invisible guidance, I could hardly accomplish this work assigned by God.

Most fellow practitioners with good language skills are very busy with their jobs. However, impelled by their wholehearted willingness to sacrifice, they persist in their translation efforts despite their busy schedules.

I remember once trying to contact a fellow sister on the phone, her relative told me this fellow sister was very busy at work, and had to care for the children after work. When everything at home had been settled, it would be at least past ten p.m. She would then do the translation work until midnight....

Sometimes, I encounter some 'manager' fellow practitioners, who often 'instruct' and 'criticize' more than participate. However, after having joined the work for some time, they change from within. They become humbler, wiser, and even do their worldly jobs better.

Master said, "The more we work, the more we grow." Working with people of various personalities, and facing all kinds of problems, I have grown too! Realizing my own shortcomings, and rectifying them bit by bit each day, I am closer to Master now! Having continuous experiences, my ego has gradually bent under Master's love and painstaking efforts.

The production of videotapes is a twenty-four hour non-stop process. The release of a videotape, from editing, transcription, translation, proofreading, typing, to the final dubbing of the subtitles, all consist of the greatest efforts by the members of the translation group. Their hope is for everyone to share and enjoy Master's brilliant lecture as soon as possible.

The world is full of talented people, but what good are they if their talents are only for showing off and not for contributing? Only when our ego is diminished, our perception of the world will expand, and our talents can be more fully utilized.

Master has given me the chance to witness the changes and improvements in these fellow initiates, so that I also benefit from observing these good examples on my spiritual path.

Mother's Day Special Column [2]

Suma Ching Hai's Birthday Party In Monaco

By The News Group, Paris, France

Each year in May, fellow practitioners all over the world dream of the glory of holding the birthday celebration for Suma Ching Hai. This year, the French fellow practitioners received this honor. In Monaco, near the southeast of France, a romantic and fantastic dance party was held in the outdoor dance hall at the famous Jimmy's Club!

The legend goes that we can see the countenance of the Buddha on the full moon each year in May. This beautiful legend proved to be true on that warm and enchanting full moon night!

Master's unique inspiration was behind the decoration of the venue. The main emphasis was the bright and luxurious Mediterranean charm with all types of fruit. The drinks counter was covered with flowers and fruit, and adorned with assorted candies as bottles of non-alcoholic champagne sat idly in several ice buckets. Three gigantic vegetarian birthday cakes, and a banner proclaiming "Bon Anniversaire!" (Happy Birthday in French) clearly set the tone of the evening.

At around midnight, accompanied by several guests, the hostess of the party -- Suma Ching Hai appeared. Amid the warm applause of fellow practitioners, the noble Master arrived gracefully like a princess, dressed in a light-coloured traditional Au Lac styled costume.

After Suma Ching Hai sat down, She treated the manager and staff of the nightclub with alcoholic champagne. Then She raised Her glass and said: "Today is Mother's Day. I am grateful that you are all here to celebrate this happy occasion. Please toast, as a blessing, to all mothers, including the mothers here, and my mother." Fellow practitioners responded by singing "Happy Birthday to You."

When the music began a few fellow practitioners ventured onto the dance floor, but it was obvious that they were very shy. Master then took their hands and led them in a circle while She constantly changed dance styles. Gradually, the fellow practitioners began dancing naturally and joyfully.

Master takes care of everyone all the time. Sometimes, She applauded those dancing while at other times She invited the others to join the dancing. Even when She was tired and resting, Master still chatted in Her humorous and cheerful manner. Encouraged by Suma Ching Hai, there were no bystanders that evening. Even a grandmother over eighty-years old was seen moving her arms up and down happily like an innocent child.

Some of the fellow practitioners expressed their feelings: "I have yearned so long to dance with Master, and it has finally happened this time!"

"My health is so bad that my husband will not let me do the housework at home, not to mention dancing. However, I do not feel tired dancing with Master tonight!"

"I have been like a tightly sealed bottle for a very long time. Now that it has been opened, the feeling is really great!"

"Strangely, I feel very enlightened in this world famous, luxurious nightclub. Although I am dancing dynamically, my heart is very calm."

At two o'clock in the morning, the party entered another phase. All the people dancing inside were automatically drawn to the party outside to see Master. When the fellow practitioners guided them to the drinks counter and handed them the glasses filled with champagne, they smiled happily. They gathered around Madame Suma Ching Hai and toasted Her generous and cordial gesture. Master shook hands and chatted warmly with each guest, accepting their warm welcome.

Surrounded by a huge crowd, Master went to the drinks counter and cut the vegetarian birthday cakes amid a chorus of "Happy Birthday to You." There was a thunderous applause. The club staff then continued to cut the birthday cakes and distribute pieces to the guests and fellow practitioners as the festive mood reached another high point. A guest said: "I am a native here, and I often come here, however, I have never seen anyone so generous and magnanimous."

As more and more guests came, bottle after bottle of champagne was opened. Among the guests was a woman carrying a basket of flowers for sale. When the fellow practitioners told her, a "noble lady" had invited her to share Her happy birthday, the woman was touched and thanked Master. Master greeted her warmly, and bought all the flowers in her basket to share with all the ladies.

The guests were totally charmed by the elegant, cheerful yet innocent demeanour of Suma Ching Hai. They gathered around Her and invited Her to dance with them. She accommodated each of them with Her graceful and natural dance movements.

Early in the morning of May 14, Suma Ching Hai finally stopped dancing and bid farewell to those near Her. She left the venue just as She came, accompanied by Her attendants and several guests without interrupting the others who were still partying.

The hundreds of guests who attended the occasion were of all ages and from all walks of life. When the party ended each of them departed with their own fond memories. However, there was one notable thing which was shared by almost everyone: When they noticed Suma Ching Hai had left, a melancholy feeling naturally emerged from their hearts as if something precious was missing.

Perhaps, this is exactly the message that Suma Ching Hai wishes to convey to people at large: Even the best moment will eventually forsake us, so we had better wake up and look for eternity!

Mother's Day Special Column

Women have been and will always be the mothers of all the saints in the past, present and future. The month of May is the time to show our thanks to all mothers. While directing all our longing and thankfulness toward Master -- the Great Mother of our souls, let us also listen to how some practitioner mothers flexibly utilize Master's teachings to perfect their role as the spiritual pillar for the whole family, how they successfully communicate with their families, what flexible measures they have taken to improve relationships with their children or husbands, and how they help their families understand and further guide them into spiritual practice.

Words From A Practicing Mother

By Fellow Initiate Kuo, Taipei, Formosa

I like to read Master's aphorisms, and take heart in copying them into a book which I always carry with me. In the course of practice in daily life, when I am faced with pains and sorrows, or am wrongly accused, am obstructed, and so on, at the appropriate moment, they always, give me inspiration and encouragement, and comfort my soul. They correct the bad habits that I have accumulated through many lifetimes, as well as my worldly, distorted concepts. I always feel glad that when I was first initiated, although I did not have time to absorb many of Master's teachings, She had already instilled a peaceful state in me, allowing me to naturally use Her flexible method.

It is because of this method, that I have a family of fellow practitioners who are filled with laughter each day, are concerned for one another, and also allow me to have a work environment that is seldom filled with pressure.

Before I was initiated, I had a very short temper. I often quarreled with my husband and hit my children. After initiation, following Master's teachings and instructions, and with Her blessings, I have imperceptibly become gentler. Over time, communications, patience, and prayers have taken the place of arguments. Through Master's compassionate love, I have calmed my quick temper. Also, I have done my best to take better care of my family, and do not force Master's teachings on them.

But in the course of daily life, Her words have been integrated casually, light-heartedly, and naturally into their consciousness. I patiently have left them as tinder, waiting for them to kindle by themselves one day.

Over time, sure enough, I have discovered that my husband has picked up Master's books on his own to read. Because he feels it is really incredible that his strong willed wife has stopped arguing with him, and instead often sits silently by herself for many hours a day.

Recently, my husband was preparing for a special examination for the position as an officer in the justice department. However he could often be seen reading Master's books, which he had placed on top of his exam text books. Before sitting for the examination, he had already decided to be initiated.

One day, when I was straightening our eldest daughter's bed, I was surprised to discover a large group of Master's pictures under her pillow. I don't know when she had quietly fallen in love with Master. She could not hold back and happily told me that Master was very bright and beautiful, that Master took her to play up in heaven, and even came at night to her cover with her blanket. Also, her mathematics achievement originally was not very good. Yet after initiation, her mind started to develop, and she is now considered an excellent math student. Her test results are consistently at the top of her class.

Because my health had not been good and I had been ill for years, my small daughter often saw Master's manifestation body come to take care of her and keep her company. Now she is completing kindergarten, and is preparing to be half initiated. On Mother's day at Hsihu Center, she said, “Mother, after initiation, I will definitely meditate diligently!?/P>

I deeply thank Master. In my long years of illness and pain, I have neglected to take care of my family and my children and yet Mother Master has quietly assumed my responsibilities. Not only has Master constantly taken care of my small daughter's life, but also has taught her inner soul.

Master is the Mother of the whole universe, Mother of my little daughter, and also the Mother of you and me.

A Good Daughter-in-law,

Good Wife and Good Mother

Narrated by Fellow Initiate Wang, Taipei, Formosa Recorded by Fellow Initiate Shih, Taipei, Formosa

Since sister Wang was initiated, not only have both her father and mother-in-law become sympathetic towards her spiritual practice, but her husband has also now become an initiate. Her children like Master, too. How did she achieve all this?

Through the words and actions of Suma Ching Hai, sister Wang understands that the true meaning of love is to serve others selflessly and to give sincerely. Therefore, she decided to always put her best efforts into being a good daughter-in-law, a good wife and a good mother. Whatever she does, she always tries her best so that her family members will be happy and will not complain. She feels that as long as she continues to give, she will be rewarded one day because human beings are very sentimental. Of course, all her efforts are backed-up by boundless love, patience and wisdom.

For example, sister Wang's parents-in-law are old and they are used to eating non-vegetarian food. Although she does not like to cook non-vegetarian food, sister Wang continues to cook for them because she respects their wishes and doesn't want them to think that she is forcing them to eat vegetarian meals. At the same time, she prays for Master's blessing.

Furthermore, although she knows it is better to pray to one's true inner nature than to pray to a wooden Buddha statue or the tablets of dead ancestors, in order not to upset her in-laws, she continues to participate in the prayer rituals with them. Now, however, during the rituals she offers only vegetarian food, plays Suma Ching Hai's Buddha chanting tapes, and prays in silence for Master's blessing. She told her in-laws that Suma Ching Hai will take their dead ancestors to a higher dimension, therefore, they placed Master's photos on the altar as a gesture of gratitude.

Observing that she is so sincere, sister Wang's in-laws have gradually come to believe in Master, and now, they also offer only vegetarian food when they do their prayers. Moreover, sister Wang's father-in-law recently began entertaining guests with vegetarian meals.

In daily life, sister Wang carries out her housework dutifully. Whenever she goes to a retreat, she ensures that the needs of her family are still met in her absence, makes sure that all household chores are taken care of, and prepares delicious meals to last for a few days. She packs the food in the fridge so that her husband and children need not worry about their meals when they come home tired.

There is also another important point to this story: sister Wang consults her husband first before deciding to go to a retreat. Sometimes, when she has difficulty convincing him, she invites fellow initiates home for a chat. She believes that everyone's affinity with one another varies, and that there is bound to be an initiate who can communicate well with her husband and act as a mediator.

Sister Wang's husband observed the changes in her after she began practicing. She became more filial, did not go against the elders, took care of her family well, and in turn, the family is more harmonious. Therefore, he did not object to her spiritual practice. Indeed, soon after, he too followed her on the same path.

Suma Ching Hai has said: "Spiritual practice should be free, and let others feel free too."

Sister Wang has never forced her family members to do anything that they did not want to do. Conversely, she tolerated things that displeased her and decided to be a good example instead. Her persistent giving has gradually changed her family members' attitudes.

The love, wisdom and flexibility derived from her practice have made her family even more harmonious and have paved the way for them to tread the same spiritual path. These positive results serve to confirm her own level of practice and enlightenment.

God Entrusts To Me A New Life

By Fellow Initiate Lee, Hong Kong

When the doctor told me that I was pregnant, I was very calm and not at all afraid. I broke the news to my husband and we were all filled with joy. We knew that since Master had already set us free from the karma accumulated during our past lives, the one who was to come to our fully initiated family must be a spiritual practitioner as well. He or she belonged to Master, and was a Bodhisattva designated by Her to come for spiritual fulfillment.

Through my body, God brought him into being, and entrusted us to care for him. Our family was filled with joy; from the bottom of our hearts, we felt that a good friend was coming to bless this world with us. Together, we would make the world more beautiful and brilliant.

At the beginning, my husband was worried about how to take care of the child and the added financial burdens. Then one day, while he was on the street, he was injured by a piece of wooden board that fell from high above and, and he began to bleed. As he received five stitches in the hospital, he was enlightened immediately! He realized that life is ephemeral. Without him, the child would still grow up under Master's care. All is not of our doing, because we can't even take care of ourselves. All the living beings are being cared for by God; Hes has arranged everything perfectly for every being.

From my husband's accident, I became more enlightened and no longer complained so much about the world, for I now realized that I had come willingly just like my baby. I used to complain to my mother about bringing me into this world; now I understood that it was not my mother but myself who eagerly wanted to come to follow an enlightened master for spiritual practice. As long as Master is here, we have no fear of anything. Master will take hold of our hands, liberate us from the cycle of birth and death, and lead us to go beyond the fifth world together.

After initiation, every incident makes us more enlightened. Through each occurrence, we understand more about God, and we merge closer to Master as well.

Men Have Motherly Love Also

By initiate Chen, Chiayi, Formosa

To have the opportunity and good fortune to take part in the work of making the celestial clothes this time, I have to thank my husband (also a fellow initiate) and even more, thank Master for Her teachings. Master has said that between husbands and wives, men should try their best to do things that they can do for themselves, and the same with women. Women should not depend on men to do things that they can do on their own. They have to learn to be independent. My husband does not have a man's superiority complex. He will usually help with the domestic work. Consequently, I was able to have the honor of working for Master only with his encouragement and support.

During the days when I was away, my husband had to go to the office, take care of the children, cook, wash clothes, and tidy up the house. He also took time to visit our parents in the country. Who says only women have motherly love? Men practicing the Quan Yin Method also have motherly love. This is all due to the daily teaching of the great Suma Ching Hai. Also, I'd like to thank Her for transmitting to us this method of love, so that we disciples have happy and contented lives. All this is bestowed by our great spiritual Mother. Thank You, Master!

Children Give Me The Opportunity To Learn

Narrated by Fellow Initiate Chan, Hong Kong Recorded by Fellow Initiate Lee, Hong Kong

After initiation I feel that being a mother is much easier. We keep the five precepts, for example, "no lying." Whatever mother says, children will believe. There is trust between adult and child. Because the adults are vegetarians, the children also eat vegetarian food. Hence they are more cordial and friendly. They don't have sudden outbursts of bad temper. They are reasonable and easy to teach. Compared to other children of the same age, they are much more agreeable and obedient.

After initiation I let inner Master take care of my children. I never need to worry a bit. When they go to kindergarten, all children usually bring their own candies and cookies to school. I worried that my children might unknowingly eat something containing animal products. I asked Master for help. My youngest son would bring home what other children gave him in school and ask me if he could eat it. If I said no, he wouldn't eat it.

Now I feel that giving birth and being a mother is not such a big deal. On the other hand, we should thank our children for coming to this world, giving us the opportunity to learn how to love other people and all sentient beings unconditionally.

The job of a mother is simply to develop a little compassion. This also is the beginning of learning to be an enlightened master. We have to learn to care for our children selflessly around the clock, to pretend to be angry, and to let the children make their own mistakes in order to learn their lessons. We the initiates are like children in Master's eyes. Taking care of our children is like Master taking care of us. She has to put up with our bad habits, our rebellious attitudes, and at the same time most deeply love and care for us. Now I can understand better Master's hard work and have infinite appreciation for Her.

News Magazine NO.47

Photo: Only a noble and Serene soul can truly appreciate the beauty of all things.

1. International Reports

   Formosa/Japan/Hong Kong/South Africa/Canada/USA/Costa Rica/Mexico

2. You May Not Know

   A Master Also Has To Fight Inherited Habits A Trip To Monaco

3. Master Says

   The Story Of A Fighting Cock/The Wisdom Of An Old Beggar Woman

4. Children's Letters

   Love Is Our Origin

5. Aphorisms
6. Pearls Of Wisdom
7. While On The Path

   Rescuing The Heavenly Seat! As You Think, So Shall It Be Positive Power Could Change The Fate Of The World

8. Spot Light

   Revealing The Secret Of The Ancient Pyramids In Egypt

9. Poems

   Praising You - Mother Of The Universe From The Heart So Long, New York

10. Spiritual Interludes

    Transportable Pyramids/Purity

11. Media Reports
12. Master's Words

    Let Go Of Your Small Self And You Will Be A Master

13. Master's Wonder

    A Celestial Fashion Show By Heavenly Beings The Real Chanting Of Buddha's Name Master Always Helps

14. Front Line

    Pilgrimage Of The Modern Hsuan-tsang

15. Selected Questions And Answers

    Love Others Wholeheartedly

16. Between Master And Disciples

    The Ecstasy Of Being One

17. Feature Reports [1]

    Mother's Day Special Column

18. Feature Reports [2]

    Suma Ching Hai's Birthday Party In Monaco

19. A True Account Of A "Wonder-Person" Person

    The Reforming Of A "Natural Born Killer"

20. A Little Message
21. Elevation Of The Soul
22. Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.47 Published: June. 25,1995
Published by: The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations

International Reports

Report From

Hsihu Center, Formosa

Great Spiritual Achievements From The International 3-day Retreat

In the increasingly hot summer season, the longing of fellow initiates for the sweet nectar of the heavenly kingdom also becomes more intense. Perceiving Her children's sincere prayers, the great Mother of the Quan Yin family, our revered Master, had especially allowed a 3-day international retreat to be held at Hsihu Center. The good news was immediately disseminated throughout the world.

The enthusiastic and rapid responses from various places had all of a sudden turned tranquil Hsihu into a place of great excitement. Everyone began busily preparing to welcome the brothers and sisters from various countries. The joyful atmosphere permeated each and every corner of the Center!

The most significant aspect of this 3-day international retreat was the strict selection process; only those who had been actively attending group meditations, and who clearly observed the five precepts were allowed to participate. Therefore, fellow initiates who were allowed to take part came with vigilant minds and were more appreciative of the opportunity given to them.

During this 3-day retreat previously followed schedules had also been largely modified. Because of the hot summer sun, Master had considerately modified the 3-day retreat schedule as follows: Meditation hours were scheduled in the early morning and evening. During the midday heat, fellow initiates could leisurely take a shower, or have a nap in the shade, Master's talks and lectures were scheduled in the late afternoon and at night. Each meditation session was increased to three hours; breaks and bathing hours in the afternoon were also extended and included interludes of Master's talks and lectures. Fellow initiates wrote down the retreat schedule and rules while their bodies and minds prepared for a sharpening of the awareness!

During the retreat, Master intermittently appeared at the forest meditation hall to inspect the group meditation conditions or to give impromptu talks. Master noticed that, even after many years of practice, some fellow initiates were stuck at a certain point and were making little progress in their practice. Therefore, Master did not hesitate to set aside the image of a compassionate mother and used a sterner demeanour to advise and encourage initiates. Her words of wisdom pointed out various shortcomings and She urged practitioners to become deeply introspective. Fellow practitioners immediately concentrated and searched inward. At the same time they felt Master's blessings and Her profound love behind sternness. This allowed everyone to improve in their spiritual practice!

For example, Master reminded fellow practitioners not to neglect common sense in their daily lives. She said that we should be more attentive to aspects such as manners, and that we should not use spiritual practice an excuse to ignore small matters. Spiritual practitioners, Master said, should be most filial to their parents, and must be courteous to their fellow brothers and sisters. Master also reminded everyone that from then onwards, when fellow initiates meet each other, they should greet each other with closed palms, so as to show caring and respectful thoughts. When addressing our elders, we must use "sir" or "madam". We must also be gentle in speech; this, Master said, will make others feel very comfortable and respected. Master added, however, that this must be true joyful respect from within, not simply external pretentious gestures.

Master also repeatedly reminded the fellow practitioners of the fact that they were able to come here to meditate diligently due to the sacrifices made by their family members, staying behind to take care of their families. Therefore, practitioners should be diligent in meditating because it was the only way that they could repay the kindness of their family members.

After the completion of the world S.M. Celestial Fashion Shows, Master took a trip to the beautiful beaches of Cote d'Azur in southern France. She was very much impressed by the cleanliness of the streets and city's general appearance. Master said no litter was seen in the city. It was as clean as in heaven.

Master humorously suggested that the Formosan Government should promote the cultivation of good habits via the mass media because Formosa possesses abundant natural resources as well as dense forests. Master thought it a pity that environmental protection still had not been implemented thoroughly throughout the country. If necessary, Master suggested, Formosa could even copy Singapore's "Garden of Asia" theme and introduce strict fines for environmental violations. In this way, the general public would surely be able to correct their bad habits within a month, and the original beauty of Formosa " the Paradise Island " would be restored! No doubt this would even attract more foreign investment and hence, Formosa would be further developed and her international position would also be enhanced.

With God's care and love, an intermittent cool breeze dispelled the summer heat, while the hot sun was rendered powerless by a thick covering of clouds! Time passed swiftly as three days of diligent practice came to an end.

The foreign initiates were the most fortunate of all. They were granted special permission by Master to stay till mid-July as long as they had permission from their families and jobs.

For those fellow practitioners who could not stay longer, they carried home with them Master's best wishes, and loving advice, which was to make use of the wisdom accumulated over the past three days to continue serving their home and countries!

Report From Japan

A Charity Bazaar To Help The Earthquake Victims In Osaka And Kobe

A charity bazaar was sponsored by the association of the foreign-run magazines and newspapers in Japan. It was aimed at raising funds to relieve the foreign victims of the earthquake in the Osaka-Kobe area. After the Tokyo Center was informed of this event, all the fellow initiates busily prepared to participate.

The charity bazaar was held at the cultural center in Sun-shine-city Building, Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Many fellow initiates attended this event while on holiday, to show their concern for the well-being of people in the earthquake-stricken area, and also to take this opportunity to spread Master's teachings so as to form good affinity with many souls.

At the assigned stall, fellow initiates arranged prints of Master's paintings, as well as Her books, sample booklets, video and audio tapes, necklaces, and so on, which appeared elegant, unique, and eye-catching.

On the opening morning of the bazaar, a few Japanese ladies bought Master's paintings. Seeing at the delightful and contented expressions on their faces, the fellow initiates were very pleased for them. When the initiates gave free sample booklets to them, they were overjoyed. The initiates enthusiastically explained to them the Zen meaning of Master's paintings " the ordinary mind is the Tao and is greatness. They nodded in agreement, saying that, "the ordinary mind is the source of bliss and peace."

The initiates also brought vegetarian steamed stuffed buns and steamed twisted rolls to the charity bazaar; they sold very well.

When Master came to Tokyo to give a lecture last year, the "Foreign Students Newspaper," which has a good reputation in Japan and Mainland China, interviewed Her, and printed the discussion on a full page. This newspaper was also one of the sponsors of this charity bazaar. Its chief editor came specially to the initiates' stall to ask questions concerning the vegetarian diet. The initiates invited him to eat the vegetable-stuffed buns and vegetarian sandwiches. He said that the food was delicious. When he saw a fellow brother who was strong and tall, he said, "It seems that the vegetarian diet doesn't harm one's health." An initiate told him that being a vegetarian is not only good for our health, but also is beneficial to the spirit. He indicated then that both he and his wife would begin to change their diet to a vegetarian one.

In Tokyo, quite a few Chinese initiates who are now practicing the Quan Yin Method got to know about Master by reading the "Foreign Students' Newspaper." The chief editor had unknowingly worked for the Buddha, and he therefore formed an affinity with spiritual practice.

Through the charity bazaar, which lasted only a few days, we not only raised funds to help the disaster victims, but also spread Master's teachings. The initiates experienced a feeling of happiness through their selfless devotion and by being Master's instruments. They concluded unanimously that, from now on, they should take an active part in such public events, through which Master's superior teachings would definitely blossom and bear fruit in Japan.

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At a Charity Bazaar in Tokyo, Master's beautiful photos and publications attract the attention of the loving people.

Report From Hong Kong

Actively Taking Part In
Social Service Work

Responding to Master's call, fellow practitioners in Hong Kong initiated a series of social service activities including visiting old folks homes and hospitals, tree planting and educational assistance for the poor districts. Also, fellow practitioners in Hong Kong, with the cooperation of the Asahi Rotary Club, recently visited the remote impoverished villages - Ru Yuen Hsien, Kwangsi, in order to set up an educational assistance program.

Ru Yuen Hsien is located in the mountain district not far from the famous Nanhua Temple, the Sixth Zen Patri-arch's Ashram. It is a poor district because the hard limestone soil has rendered much of the land unsuitable for cultivation.

The schools buildings and facilities are obviously inadequate. Most of the classrooms are clay-brick rooms without electricity. For many children it takes over an hour to walk to as well as from schools on the mountain trails. Therefore, it's very common for the children in the mountain district to drop out of school or seldom attend.

This was Hong Kong fellow initiates' first visit. With the help of the local authorities, many of the schools and the local residents were visited and rice, stationery and clothing distributed. The children who received these gifts of love were very happy.

Report From Cape Town, South Africa

Quan Yin Seminar On Labor Day

Cape Town Center, situated at the southern tip of the African continent, held a Quan Yin Seminar on the eve of Labor Day, May 1st. The event attracted many Truth-seekers.

The seminar started in the morning and ended at noon. Besides watching a videotape of Master receiving the World Spiritual Leadership Award, the audience also listened to Her wonderful lectures and later enthusiastically discussed spiritual practice. It was the first time for many to listen to the Truth all expressed their warm interest in pursuing the Truth. Most of these fellow Truth-seekers immediately decided to begin eating vegetarian in anticipation of receiving initiation from Master.

Fellow practitioners were very pleased with the outcome of this first seminar. Recollecting the preparatory process, everyone worked with one heart as practitioners assembled the tables and long stools, sewed the vests for the guards, and cooperated with the other decorating work " often with no sleep or rest. Though the body was physically tired, the mind was very happy. Everyone knew that it was the result of Master's loving blessings.

In future, this kind of seminar will continue to be held. Fellow practitioners all felt that this would be one of the most effective and practical ways of spreading the Truth.

The seminar also encouraged some of the older fellow practitioners to be more enthusiastic, determined and diligent in their practice. They resolved by becoming more actively involved, to change themselves and the environment so as to help more Truth-seekers form an affinity with Master, and thus join the big Quan Yin family. Master is as an excellent example of the dedicated effort required to cleanse the world and liberate human beings.

Report From Canada

Vegetarian Allies,
Partners In Spiritual Practice

Responding to an invitation from the Vegetarian Club at Carlton University, fellow practitioners went to some of Ottawa's universities in turns, to play Master's videotapes and introduce the Quan Yin Method. At the seminar, fellow practitioners played the video of Master's lecture at the United Nations in Geneva, entitled 'Let God Serve Through Us,' and another entitled 'By All Means, One Must Be A Vegetarian.'

After the seminar, one university student who registered to receive the News magazine, and learn the Convenient Method, said that before taking part in the seminar, he was still undecided about whether or not he should become a vegetarian. After listening to Master's explanations, he had decided to become a vegetarian that very day.

The Vegetarian Club has many of members. Each week, it has scheduled programs on the local radio and television stations. The president of the club had contacted Hsihu center, to invite Master to speak to Carlton University. After listening to Master's explanations on why we should be vegetarians, the president was very much in agreement. The following day, he immediately made a special introduction on his radio program, and also invited representative fellow practitioners to be interviewed on the program, so as to let the audience have a further understanding of the Quan Yin Method.

Report From Phoenix
Arizona, U.S.A.

Be A Good Guest On Earth

On a beautiful spring day in Arizona, fellow initiates participated in the annual outdoor Earth Day Celebration. An azure sky and clear, warm weather made a perfect setting for a pleasant exhibition. Fellow initiates displayed Master's sample booklets, magazines, books, cassette and videotapes. Also, Master's videos were played on. Delicious vegetarian food was catered by Suma Ching Hai International Association Vegetarian House of Phoenix. Suma Ching Hai's teachings include our responsibility to protect the planet on which we live, and vegetarianism is the first and most important step in this direction.

A steady stream of people came. Many revisited the booth two or three times, expressing deep interest in Master's teachings and the Quan Yin Method. Several English-speaking people recognized Her from cable television. They had all watched an entire show of Master, speaking sometimes in Chinese and sometimes in the Au Lac language! They were still exhilarated by it. Language does not seem to be a barrier when it comes to the Truth.

Master's love, beauty and the Truth She spoke touched many people that day. Many people from different walks of life were interested in learning how to meditate.

Through this activity, the spreading of Master's teachings, every fellow initiate has learned that Her arrangements are always admirable and amazing, enabling us to realize what our noble purpose in this world comes practical experiences in life. Master's great blessing and love have been planted in this vast land, where many spiritual seekers have received God's grace and have had contact with God's marvellous network in the universe, experiencing a higher level of life.

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In the sunshine city of Phoenix, news about Suma Ching Hai is welcomed.

Report From Oregon, U.S.A.

She Came In A Dream, To Guide The One With Affinity

A number of fellow initiates from Oregon assist and supply ten or so Cable TV Channels in their local area with videos of Suma Ching Hai's teachings, as well as shared the work with other states across America. This provides more people with the opportunity to know about Master's teachings. To some of them, seeing Master on TV reminded them of past experiences.

One lady shared her experience with fellow initiates in Oregon. She told them that she always wanted a female spiritual teacher, so she would pray to God to send her a female teacher. A few years ago, she had a dream. In her dream, she went to a dance club. When she went in, she saw a beautiful oriental lady standing as if she was waiting for someone. This beautiful lady asked her in a very pleasant, melodious voice, whether she would like to dance with her. She was a little embarrassed at first, to be invited by a lady. But this beautiful lady told her not to worry, and they started to dance. During the dance, this beautiful lady let her experience a level of consciousness that she had never known before.

After she woke up, the dream was still very vivid. It reminded her of a painting that she had done when she was younger, of an oriental lady, whose face looked very much like the beauty who appeared in her dream. She was amazed. Two weeks after she had the dream, she saw an ad in a local newspaper about Suma Ching Hai coming to give a lecture in Portland, Oregon. She didn't pay much attention at first, but when she saw Master's picture, she recognized Her as the beautiful lady in her dream.

She went to Her lecture, and Master had the same pleasant and melodious voice the beautiful lady had during her dream! For some reason, she missed initiation that night. Since seeing Master again on Cable TV, she has signed up for the Convenient Method.

This is just one example of how Master takes care of us even without our being aware of it. As more people learn about Her teachings, many of them become interested. The Oregon center has received more requests to learn the Convenient Method of meditation, as well as for initiation.

Report From Washington D.C., Virginia, U.S.A.

The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Festival

The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Council in Washington D.C. organized a festival to share their multi-cultural tradition. The participating groups were from at least seven countries, including Formosa, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Laos, India and the Philippines. The different groups showed the special cultural characteristics of their national traditions through singing, dancing, Kong Fu demonstrations, music played on traditional instruments, national costumes, etc.

Virginia fellow initiates also took part in this event by distributing Master's love to the Washingtonians via sample booklets, News magazines, pictures, audio and videotapes to the people with affinity.

Many people stopped by our display booth to look, read, and ask about the Quan Yin Method. They were very surprised to learn that such a great method exists which could greatly enhance people in their spiritual growth.

Many of the visitors were sincerely curious about our banner: "Quan Yin Method, Immediate Enlightenment and Liberation." Some of them conversed deeply with our fellow initiates for hours, exchanging ideas about spiritual practice. Their sincerity was easy for all to see!

A couple of five or six year old children seemed to recognize Master when they saw Her photos on the covers of the magazines. They took many magazines with Master's photos on them and came back many times. Their actions were so lovely!

After the visitors had taken sample booklets and magazines, and had learned more about spiritual practice, they had such nice smiles on their faces, all because of Master's love and blessings.

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A happy day in Washington D.C. - both performers and spectators are attracted by Suma Ching Hai's publications, and are reluctant to leave!

Report From Costa Rica

The Opening Of The Vegetarian House --
A Product Of Wisdom And Courage

After months of hard work and striving, Costa Rica's Vegetarian House was recently opened in San Jose's city center. This is a bold enterprise in Central and South America, which has united the power and wisdom of practice, striving and efforts of fellow initiates, and has Master's love and blessing.

On the opening day, not only did Channel 7, the biggest television station in Costa Rica, give live coverage to the event, but in addition, the National and the Republican Newspapers also made reports. The media response was very good.

The Vegetarian House has also set up a News center with computing and printing facilities especially for handling typesetting, editing, translating and proof-reading of the Spanish News magazine. It houses the Book Circulation Center, displaying all sorts of Master's publications, Her exquisite pictures; books in Chinese, English and Spanish; News magazines, etc. It also plays Master's lecture videotapes to establish affinities with members of the public, and on the walls are Master's paintings which are a focal point for patrons.

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The Vegetarian House in Costa Rica is elegant and warm, it gives people a comfortable feeling just like home.

Report From Mexico

Creating Affinity At The
National Athletic Stadium

Recently, the Seventh Mexican International Plastic Industry Exhibition was held at the National Stadium in Mexico city. Having successfully secured an exhibition booth for the first time, the Mexican fellow practitioners cooperated in exhibiting Master's video- tapes, books, magazines and posters, etc.

The Exhibition was much enhanced by Master's exquisitely printed books and other publications, especially by Her videotapes that were played on location. Everyday thousands of people came to the booth to get sample booklets in Spanish. Many of them were very interested in Master's teachings. Having attended Her lecture in Mexico before, one of the spectators felt even more cordial to find Master's videotapes and Spanish sample booklets at the Exhibition. He therefore immediately asked for the address and telephone number of the Mexico Center, wishing to get more information, and the latest news about Master.

Most Mexican people were strangers to Master's teachings. The display of Master's publications was a delightful surprise, unique to the Mexican people. They eagerly told their friends and associates to get a copy of the Spanish sample booklet. As there was a tremendous crowd, the fellow practitioners distributing sample booklets really had their hands full!

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Suma Ching Hai's publications are a delightful surprise, unique to the Mexican people.

Between Master And Disciples

The Ecstasy Of Being One

By Fellow Initiate Peng, Paris, France

While preparing for the Celestial Fashion Show in Milan, aster often laughed cheerfully, although She worked very hard and was physically exhausted after giving initiation. The open-minded and warm hearted Milanese, and the harmonious and positive ambience from the fellow initiates who came to Milan, made Master feel very relaxed, comfortable, and delighted. "Master is always one with us. She can feel everything. We must always keep our thoughts and mood relaxed, at ease, and positive." This was the advice a fellow initiate gave me when I was on the work team of the Milan Celestial Clothes Fashion Show.

Meticulously, I reflected on my deeds and thoughts during the week when I was working in Milan. In fact, my job was an ordinary one - preparing meals for the work team with two other initiates from the Paris Center. There were insufficient stoves and cooking utensils in the kitchen, and the number of people taking meals increased each day. Observing us busily preparing meals day and night, everyone thought our job was an arduous one. However, we did not feel tired at all. Sometimes we did not even feel hungry and forgot to eat. All we felt was that our hearts were filled with bliss.

Why were we so happy? I think the reason was that the three of us had come with the sincere intention to work for Master. We concentrated on our jobs, and thought of nothing else. We did not even wonder whether Master was in Milan, where She was staying, or when we could see Her. Preparing meals and cleaning utensils every day, we seemed to have melted into one. Without any obstruction of the mind, Master's blessing power functioned smoothly within us, and made us very happy at all times. When our thoughts are pure, and we act naturally according to our intuition, we can definitely create a natural, harmonious, and positive atmosphere for ourselves, for the surroundings, and for Master.

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Liberty Magazine Number 1874, Indonesia (Originally in Indonesian)

Suma Ching Hai's Designed Clothes Are Exhibited In London, Paris & Milan

And last month, Suma Ching Hai again proved her touch in the world of art, this time in fashion design. She managed to design various clothes that reflect various nations, ethnic groups and religions. There were European fashions, middle East fashions and Chinese designs which were both practical and feminine. Fashion trends that were created were very modern, comparable to the world renowned fashion designers. Most of the visitors made comments, “Fashion clothes designed by Suma Ching Hai are not only beautiful, very matching, but also they give extra power to the one who wears them. Besides a high level of self-confidence, the wearer's spiritual level will be uplifted. This is because Suma Ching Hai combined the color of the designs with Her skills, something that the other designers do not have.

The Sunrise Morning News
Wednesday, May 24, 1995
(Originally In Au Lac Language)
Meditators in Sydney Have a Grand Celebration in Commemoration of the Birthday of Suma Ching Hai

Being a well known spiritual teacher who is compassionate, Suma Ching Hai has devoted Her life to God and mankind. Therefore She is very much respected throughout the world. Her disciples who come from all nations and therefore have different social backgrounds, not only regard Her as a teacher but also honor Her as a beloved Mother and a living Buddha. As instructed by Her, Her largest international center in Formosa publishes magazines and books to encourage mankind to do only virtuous deeds. These books are distributed all over the world and are published in many different languages such as Au Lac, English, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. Suma Ching Hai does not discriminate between religions. She says that genuine followers of any kind of religion must be sincere and kind and truly practice the precepts or commandments of their own religion. On Sunday, May 14, 1995, more than 600 fellow practitioners, along with their families and friends, gathered at the Sydney Center to have a grand celebration in commemoration of Suma Ching Hai's birthday. This year the celebration coincided with the Buddha's birthday and Mother's Day in Australia, so it became even more honorable and dignified. The celebration started with a group meditation from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m., when meditators prayed for world peace and happiness. At 11:30 a.m. an entertainment program began, which included many artistic performances. Performers were Au Lac, Chinese, and Australians. Each performance tried to emphasize a particular cultural tradition. During the opening ceremony, a representative of the organization spoke about the purpose of the celebration. The first performance was a song called "Beloved Master" followed by "Happy Birthday to Master," both sung by an Au Lac-Australian group, and accompanied by rhythmic hand clapping from the audience, which created a warm and happy atmosphere. The performances by the Au Lac fellow practitioners included solos, chorus singing and traditional dancing. Most special was the “Fan Dance?with the song “My Village at Dusk? and the “Drum Dance? The performances by the children were especially well liked. Among the Chinese performances were two beautiful flute solos: “Birds in the Forest?and “Shear a Sheep? Two fellow practitioners who were foreign students from Formosa also took part in the program. A fellow practitioner from New Zealand, who was a professional singer, touched the hearts of the audience with her beautiful voice and guitar playing. Finally, Joseph Fallon, an Australian singer who often entertains audiences, sang a song full of love and sincerity, which he accompanied with a guitar. At the end of the entertainment, a song called “Go! Go! Go!?by Suma Ching Hai, was performed beautifully by female fellow practitioners. This song means that all of us, at the end of our lives, will “Go?on the glorious path towards heaven, a place God has already prepared for us, instead of returning to a “dark prison.?/P>

China Times, Formosa

May 22, 1995 on Monday

Charitable Medical Services Activity By Suma Ching Hai International Association

[Report in Hsihu] Suma Ching Hai International Association and the Wuhu National Primary School yesterday jointly held a 'Loving Charitable Medical Services' activity. Almost sixty Chinese and western medical practitioners from all over the country gathered to give the public free medical service. The Wuhu National Primary School also held an activity on the development of the community's educational achievement. The venue was bubbling with a warm and lively atmosphere fully expressing the union of social charity and school education. Participants in the charitable medical services team were members of the International Association. The lineup of the medical team was very strong, including principal doctors from Geng Shin Hospital in Taipei, Jung Tsung Hospital in Kaohsiung, Chung Shan Hospital, the superintendent of Tanshui First Hospital, Chi Kong experts, acupuncturists, and so on. Their medical specialties included internal medicine, pediatrics, ophthamology, Chinese medicine, etc. On location, there was translation for the Hakka dialect, assistance for the elderly, etc. The response from the public was very enthusiastic. Some of the people thought that this kind of charitable medical service activity was more relaxed and comfortable than the hospitals. The doctors in the charitable medical service team found that, although the medical facilities in Hsihu Village were quite inadequate, because of the fresh air and abundant sunshine, the health of the village residents was generally satisfactory. There were very few cases of serious problems. The most common diseases involved poor nutrition related to obesity, indigestion, and high blood pressure. The doctors recommended that the residents eat more fresh vegetables and fruits and less meat, exercise more, and maintain a calm state of mind so as to be able to obtain good health.

Photo: Ms Jiang Bao Qin, the principal of Wuhu National Primary School in Hsihu, Miaoli (middle), with the representative of Suma Ching Hai International Association.