News Magazine NO.49Photo: Only a noble and Serene soul can truly appreciate the beauty of all things.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.49 Published: August. 25,1995 Published by: The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations Address: No. 39 Dongsanhu, Sanhu Village, Hsihu Hsiang, Miaoli Hsien, Formosa, R.O.C. ÿWPC?#4; poems Trudge White snow shimmering on the peak, pure as crystal. Footprints of the appreciative
Saint, reluctant to return. Flowing black hair and a fluttering dress,
Reclusive as a passing cloud. On the slope, amid dense fog and miasma, A lonely soul trudges laboriously onward. Wild birds chirp on, In the heart of the lost lamb is a brilliant lamp, Flashing persistently
ahead. Dreaming About My Beloved MasterDedicated To Biksuni Miao En, And My Other Revered Masters u Written By Suma Ching Hai (Originally In Au Lac Language) I dreamt about Master last night. Ever since You left, On this island, tears blur my eyes. However, gravely vow did I to deliver sentient beings,?#28;h)0*0*0*?#4;?#4; ?Toiling
about each continent, Spreading Buddhi seeds in all directions. Hoping
to attain the infinite merit, ?#8;?Written during a seclusion in Formosa, 1985 Adapted from Master's Anthology of Poems -- The Immortal Poems. Questions And Answers The Best Level u Spoken By Suma Ching Hai To The Foreign Initiates, Hsihu Center, Formosa, July 9, 1995 (Originally In English) Q: Master, You talk about dreams. Do we have to pay attention to our dreams? M: Yeah, you do, sometimes. If you feel that it is a kind of forewarning, then you take precaution accordingly. If not, just forget it. Q: If we make some mistakes and we feel guilty in dreams... M: Sometimes whatever you think in the daytime you dream in the night, and that's Okay. Just very normal. Because you didn't wash yourself enough before you sleep by meditation. Also, sometimes you read newspaper or you hear something or you see something bad or hear some previous life experiences that are brought into your dream. So there are various kinds of dreams. The best thing is just you pray to the inner Master power to help you, whatever. If it is a bad dream, it'll protect you. And if it is a last impression from your last life, please help to clean it and meditate more. And if it is a good dream or good luck (Master laughs), wait for the bright future, if it ever comes. We meditate and we minimize a lot of bad things, bad influences for us. And sometimes in the dream we pay off karma, too. Say, for example, last life you killed somebody, and in this life you're supposed to get killed by him. But then because you meditate well and you keep your precepts, and then you are sincere, so the Master power within you will erase the bad effect of that karma and then make you die in the dream, only. Understand? So, many of them are experiences also, just like when you meditate you see visions. Spoken By Suma Ching Hai To The Foreign Initiates, Hsihu Center, Formosa, July 13, 1995 (Originally In English) Q: I'm wondering why sometimes it seems like I'd hear the sound appropriate for certain levels, and I'd see things appropriate for certain levels, but it's kind of intense light; I see light, and it would be bright, but it's not really like what Master said. M: Whatever light it is you just look, alright? I wonder why you, at that moment, you're not in deep samadhi enough, you still wonder "What level am I at" and all that; you know what I mean? Don't wonder anything, just concentrate on that; it will do you lasting benefit. Levels won't help you; change in your heart will. Okay? What for do we need to know the levels, alright? Because actually there is no such thing as levels, you see what I mean? It's just for the mind to understand that, "Okay, I'm getting something." You know that we have such a business mind that the Master has to cut a deal with us, say, "Okay", like business, "you go up here and you have this, you go up there and you have that." But if we really are practitioners, we care for no levels. We just know that we are very sincere and we work for our improvements, so that we become a noble being, a real being. Because we need to be a noble and a real being, very good, loving, compassionate, and wise. That's what we need to be. And the more we work at our homework, the better and quicker we become that being, alright? That's all there is, Okay? Level and position are only for outside people. We have no need to worry about that. Maybe you haven't reached the home you wish to. So no need to rush, you have light better than darkness, Okay? Many people don't have. So it's already comforting to your soul. So these things are helping to encourage us to continue with our practice. It's not a course of pride and competition. And no eagerness to be a president or something like that. (Master laughs.) You will know what level you are at pretty soon, if you really concentrate and devote yourself to the life of practice, alright? And then soon, very, very soon later, you don't care about it, Okay? And that's the best level. You still continue to practice; your heart still very sincere, you still develop in all ways, but you don't care for nothing, not even Buddhahood; that's the best level. It doesn't mean you drop everything together, but you don't mind. You don't mind in which corner God will place you, in what low level God will place you in order to serve the universe, understand? Aphorisms We have to study again and again. Make firm. Start again. Today I failed. I didn't meditate very well. Tomorrow, next day, I'll make more effort. Always try to strive for better will, so that we can progress in spirit. And we'll become a stronger and wiser person in heaven. We don't learn for the other people to know. We learn so that we know and that we can bless the world silently by our inner glory and inner love. Front LineThe Quan Yin Method WWW Home By News Group, Pennsylvania, USA (Originally In English) The launching of the World Wide Web (WWW for short) has provided a magical pass to all the internet users in every country, for them to surf freely in the world of multimedia. This innovation that opens up cybernetic space is the latest favorite of people who are serious about self improvement. World Wide Web is a new communication tool on the international computer network (Internet). Tens of thousands of servers provide numerous services and information on various topics. An information provider can be as large as the government of a nation, or as small as a college student. They have equal opportunities to provide a space (called a homepage) on the network and invite everyone to their "homes". All computer users on various networks throughout the world can visit these servers through a WWW browser. No passwords are needed, which means that one can freely travel in the multimedia world without even asking the hosts -- the doors are always open. Several fellow initiates in the USA, Canada, and Formosa joined the new trend and started servers to spread Master's teachings voluntarily through the World Wide Web. At this moment, information in the Quan Yin Method WWW Home Page includes the sample booklet, News magazines from issue #33 to the latest issue, new book information, information on the Vegetarian Houses; and a news bulletin. To reach more people worldwide, documents are available in various languages (English, Chinese, and Au Lac language) and five different formats -- two Chinese code formats and two Au Lac language formats plus an English format.) To take advantage of electronic communication, the servers even allow visitors to send electronic mail messages to fellow initiates on-line. This two-way communication enables the visitors to know more about our method in a convenient way. Since it is very easy to update information in the server, we can keep visitors posted about the latest activities of our organization. When Master was on tour with the Worldwide S.M. Celestial Fashion Show, for instance, information about this tour was also spread around the world through the WWW server. Our Quan Yin Method WWWs are also linked by several famous servers such as Yahoo, Virtual Library, and SPIRIT-WWW so that people who are interested in spiritual practice can find our servers more easily. It is estimated that there are one to two thousand visitors to our servers each month, some of whom came to know Master and our method for the first time from the servers, and got initiated later. To visit the Quan Yin WWW Home, you can point your WWW browser to: http://futures.phys.cmu.edu/
(in USA) Quan Yin Method Appears On The Computer NetworkBy Fellow Initiate Liou, Hsinchu, Formosa In Formosa, an electronic bulletin board service (BBS) exists on the TANET (Formosan Academic Network) that attracts tens of thousands of people to log in, access information, and linger there each day. Through the BBS, people can freely exchange opinions and thoughts . Fellow initiates have managed to apply for and establish a discussion area called "Inner Light and Sound" on a very popular BBS. On the one hand, it is designed to introduce the Quan Yin Method and Master's teachings; on the other hand, it serves the purpose of promoting a healthy vegetarian diet and of reminding people to uplift their own spiritual levels in the material world. Because the BBS on the TANET is connected to the Internet (the world's largest international computer network), this discussion area is open to the whole world. Anyone can post articles and exchange ideas there. Many people have expressed the view that it is not easy to have such a board in the vast network world. An interesting incident occurred when the board was proposed on the BBS. According to the rules at that time, to create a new board, someone had to apply for it, and a certain number of people on the network had to second the proposal . The brother who was in charge of this project was worried that students and many people in academic institutions would be on vacation during the summer session, and he was concerned about the outcome. To his surprise, the proposal was warmly supported by a large number of people. The number who seconded the proposal exceeded the requirement soon after he officially sent the application. Thank Master that now more people can get in touch with the Quan Yin Method through the computer network! Information about the BBS - AphorismsBy Suma Ching Hai (Originally In English) We should practice for the sake of wisdom alone, for the sake of knowing ourselves, for the sake of knowing the origin of our home and to be free, loving and happy. That's all there is. Spiritual InterludesI Am Still Not Courteous EnoughBy Fellow Initiate Yeh, Taipei, Formosa Due to my work, I usually have many opportunities to have contact with fellow initiates, and in the past I felt that I had no problem with courtesy. But listening to Master's discourse during the 3-day retreat once more broke the rigidity and incorrect concepts in my mind. Master told fellow initiates to fold their hands in greeting when seeing each other, to say "nin" (polite form of 'you' in Chinese) when seeing older fellow practitioners or elders, to be polite and bring the atmosphere of heaven to earth. After listening to Master's lecture, I felt very ashamed and repentant for my indifferent attitude toward fellow initiates. I deeply realized that practicing is really not just sitting with crossed legs in daily meditation, but also sharing our bliss with everyone. To be courteous is not just an outward smile, an act of waving or folding hands, but an atmosphere, an atmosphere of sharing love. The 3-day retreat was a baptism. I saw once again my undesirable qualities, and Master cleansed them for me one by one. I sincerely thank Master here for giving me, Her disciple, inner and outer care and joy every moment of my life. The Taste Of Serving OthersBy Fellow Initiate Chen, Hong Kong Desiring to learn and expecting to gain, I came to the Hsihu Center. Encountering the reconstruction going on there, I took part in it. It was a great pleasure to work while sweating under the sun, particularly for me, who usually works in a freezer room day after day. Before this, every time I came to Formosa, I spent all my time in eating after sleeping, meditating after eating, leisurely and carefree, never tasting the delight of serving fellow initiates. This time, however, I got a chance to dispose of the garbage at Hsihu. Then I realized how time-consuming it is to deal with garbage that is not properly sorted. In fact, it is a simple chore to separate your garbage when disposing of it, if you are a bit careful, and thus enjoy the happiness of providing convenience to others. What a cheerful deal! HarmonyBy Fellow Initiate Han, Hong Kong Time has flown by quickly, and Hsihu has taken on a new look in midsummer. The blue sky, the white clouds, and the green lawns; each corner is full of life and vitality. How delightful it is to find such a perfect paradise on Earth! The Nectar River is flowing incessantly all day long. The murmuring sound of water and the crisp singing of birds, accompanied by a chorus of squeaking summer insects, comprise a marvelous orchestra. From between the leaves and the branches, golden rays of sunshine are shining through. With each visit of the gentle breeze, the silhouettes of the trees and leaves stir like waves in the sea. Amid the glorious flowers, butterflies and bees are dancing back and forth. One can easily be charmed and forget the secular world! Everything is so harmonious, beautiful and perfect at the Hsihu Center, that even humans and animals can exist together in peace. While fellow practitioners are intoxicated in Master's loving blessing, the little creatures are also influenced by the affectionate atmosphere. Snakes used to give me an impression of ugliness. However, the two huge snakes that I saw at Hsihu were as pure and innocent as children totally absorbed in their fun. They played on the main road, oblivious to the people watching them. Observing the situation, and fearing that the snakes would be harmed by the traffic, I advised them, "It is dangerous playing here. You'd better move somewhere else!" Hearing my words, they immediately turned around and left. Besides those I have seen on television or in zoos, these two snakes were the hugest that I had ever seen. I never realized that they also have a benevolent heart beneath their monstrous appearance! Another day, I saw white cranes and little birds chasing each other for fun, dancing and singing freely and joyfully. I beheld a great many blissful scenes, which seemed to melt into a dreamlike and poetic painting, illustrating the highest harmony, beauty and goodness. Therefore, it is no exaggeration at all to say that Hsihu is a paradise on Earth. It is my greatest contentment to be able to enjoy a few days at Hsihu once a year, away from my busy and arduous daily work. I wish that fellow practitioners would go to group meditation earnestly and frequently, so that they too could come to this paradise on Earth, and bathe in its loving atmosphere. At Ease By Fellow Initiate Kuo, Taipei, Formosa I can remember when I first registered to work in the Cleaning Group. Because I did not know any of the members, I had to inquire all over the place about its whereabouts. Still I could not find it. I felt like an idiot sitting in a corner musing. I thought sadly, "Master! Surely this does not mean that I am not qualified to clean toilets?" Suddenly I was startled: Right! If your face still turns red when you ask other people to clean the toilets, then how can you clean? Thinking about the fact that I had been revelling in a high position, living in comfort in my work, accustomed to being spoiled, and unconsciously had cultivated a heavy air of 'the scholar-bureaucrat,' I asked myself, 'would it be terrible if these qualities were not cut off? Hence, I was very repentant. I prayed to Master: "Master, on account of my sincerity, please give me another chance." I could only inquire once more; if I still could not find the Cleaning Group then it meant that I was really not qualified. Thus I gathered up my courage and asked the fellow practitioner next to me, "Do you know where the Cleaning Group is?" That voice was like Master replying, "Here it is!" A few months later, I dreamed of myself working very hard cleaning up all over the place in the park with my head wrapped in a kerchief. Now I would sometimes ask myself, "Are you able to clean up a place where a group of handsome, finely dressed gentlemen and aristocratic ladies are plying about and still feel at ease?" Master's WondersEvery Word That Master Says Is EffectiveBy Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa Master's teachings can change and influence the world imperceptibly. Her influential power directly touches people's souls. During one of Master's visits in Singapore, the country was being affected by the huge forest fires in Indonesia. The whole city was clouded in smoke, and the air badly polluted. When Master came to learn that the situation had originated in Indonesia, She felt that it was very unfair to the innocent Singaporean victims. Therefore, She looked out of the window and said, "This is silly! How can this happen?" Incredibly, the dense smoke reduced significantly the next day. When chatting with several fellow initiates, Master said, "The truth is, each word that I say is effective, regardless if it is heard by the relevant people or not. Speaking to you is only an excuse, so that I have the opportunity to speak the words. Sometimes I may comment on a certain president. Though he does not hear me himself, his soul knows immediately, and then he will improve. Every word that Master says is effective." Now we have greater faith in the future of the world! I believe, if everyone practices diligently, and fully cooperates with Master, the golden era will arrive soon! MasterAlways Brings Delightful SurprisesNarrated By Fellow Initiate Lo, Taoyuan, Formosa Recorded By News Group, Taoyuan, Formosa It was my deepest longing to see the manifestation form of Master. During the Taipei international seven-day retreat last year, when Master spoke to us at the Asia World Hotel, I was praying in my heart that my wish could be fulfilled. Unexpectedly, when Master finished Her discourse, She told us: "I am going upstairs to meditate. So, you have seen me already. Those who have not seen the manifestation form of Master should not complain any more." I was absolutely shocked, and felt that this was truly incredible. Master really reads the mind of each disciple. Besides this wonderful experience, when fellow practitioners from all over the world came together, they could not help but discuss their changes and fantastic encounters after they had met Master. Listening to their experiences, both my love for and faith in Her were intensified. There was another strange phenomenon that frequently occurred. Whenever I wished to find a certain fellow practitioner, my wish would be fulfilled soon after my thought emerged. On one occasion, I had to find a fellow brother urgently. Just as I was worrying about where to find him, this brother suddenly came over and tapped me on the shoulder. Furthermore, I could always find the resolution to any doubts in my heart, just by turning to a page of one of Master's books. I know that all these things are due to the mercy of Master, who takes care of me silently. Of course I am not the only one. I am sure many fellow practitioners have plenty of outer experiences. If we sincerely believe in Master, She will always bring a delightful surprise to us when we need one! Smooth Sailing With By Would-be Initiate Lee, Tienjin, China At the beginning of this year, my company's ship took me to Hong Kong as usual. By chance I learned about Suma Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method. Since then, I have been desiring to learn the Convenient Method and be initiated. However, the ship stayed for a only few hours each time we went to Hong Kong. I prayed to Master daily to teach me the Convenient Method and give me initiation as early as possible, and the opportunity finally came! Our ship was one day behind schedule leaving Xiamen. It was raining heavily. The ship was docked in Hong Kong for a longer period of time than usual; and I was able to successfully learn the Convenient Method. My wish finally came true. Thank You, Master, for Your unseen blessing. Another time, the main engine of the ship suddenly had problems. The company instructed us to take the ship to Hong Kong for repairs. The damage to the engine was very severe, so no one on the ship believed it could be repaired, not to mention taking the ship to Hong Kong. They all packed their luggage and got ready to go home. Only I believed we could make it to Hong Kong. I knew Master's great blessing power could take us there. When we left Xiamen, it was windless and the sea was quiet. At this time the weather was fine and completely different than it had been the last time we came back from Hong Kong, when it was windy and rainy. Half way, the main engine went out. Luckily, there was neither wind nor waves. I played Master's tape, "Buddha's Chanting," and prayed to Her to protect us. Four hours later, the engine unexpectedly began working again. After three days and nights, we all sighed with relief when we finally reached Hong Kong. Upon our arrival, we heard a weather forecast on the radio. A low pressure front had formed into a typhoon and was moving over our sea route. The weather was extremely unpredictable. If we had started one day later, we would have encountered this typhoon. It was quite frightening. We were very lucky to reach Hong Kong and avoid a major disaster. Thereafter, one typhoon followed another. We just made it during the quiet period before the big winds. Many sailors said, "This trip had the best weather ever. It must be a blessing from the Buddha and Boddhisattvas." Master's blessing power is ever so inconceivable! My Inner Master Picked A Car For MeNarrated By Fellow Initiate Lien, Tainan, Formosa Recorded By Fellow Initiate Fang, Chiayi, Formosa My profession requires me to visit construction sites often, so my car looks a bit worn-out, though I have used it only for two years. I thought about changing the car, but I had no idea which make of car was more practical and suitable for me. I wracked my brain for quite a while comparing different makes and models, yet I could not decide which one to buy. When I was sleeping one night, I dreamed about Master leading a group of Quan Yin messengers. Parked close to Her was a brand new sapphire blue sedan. There was a red bouquet on the hood. Obviously, it was a newly purchased car. Waking up the next morning, I was puzzled because I knew that Master had not bought a new car, and I had not even imagined that this dream could be related to my own would-be new car. Therefore, I continued pondering which make of car I should buy. A few days later, when chatting with a driver at the construction site, I talked about my wish to buy a new car. The driver immediately suggested, "You don't have to consider any other brands. X X is the best." His words made me recall my vision in the dream, so I went straight to the automobile company. Upon entering the door, I saw a car exactly the same as the one I had seen in the dream, and there was even a red bouquet on the hood! Without any consideration, I decided to buy the car. Master even helped me to pick a new car. Where can we find another Master who will take care of us in every aspect? Elevation Of The Soul The Latest Videotapes Of Suma Ching Hai <In English> " Aliens Are Our Neighbors <In English With French Subtitles> " How Did The War Start? <In English With Indonesian Subtitles> " We Must Find Our Real Self <In English With Korean Interpretation & Indonesian Subtitles> " Above The Intellect <In English With Thai Interpretation & Indonesian Subtitles> " The Heavenly Melodious Teaching <In English With Korean Interpretation & Chinese Subtitles> " Believe In Yourself <In English With Spanish Interpretation & Chinese Subtitles> " To Love God Is To Keep His Commandments (I, II) At The House Of
Journalism, Panama <In English & French With Chinese Subtitles> " Perceive The Truth By Inner Wisdom <In French With Chinese Subtitles> " Rediscover Truth, Virtue And Beauty <In Chinese> " The Secret Of The Pyramid " The Power Of Secret Names Of The Five Levels Group Meditation In Geneva, Switzerland Apr. 22, 1993 The Latest Audiotapes Of Suma Ching Hai <In Chinese> CG65 " Use Your Wisdom To Handle Conditions Group Meditation At Tien Shan
Center, Hong Kong May 4, 1994 The Latest Videotapes Of Suma Ching Hai <In English> " Aliens Are Our Neighbors <In English With French Subtitles> " How Did The War Start? <In English With Indonesian Subtitles> " We Must Find Our Real Self <In English With Korean Interpretation & Indonesian Subtitles> " Above The Intellect <In English With Thai Interpretation & Indonesian Subtitles> " The Heavenly Melodious Teaching <In English With Korean Interpretation & Chinese Subtitles> " Believe In Yourself <In English With Spanish Interpretation & Chinese Subtitles> " To Love God Is To Keep His Commandments (I, II) At The House Of
Journalism, Panama <In English & French With Chinese Subtitles> " Perceive The Truth By Inner Wisdom <In French With Chinese Subtitles> " Rediscover Truth, Virtue And Beauty <In Chinese> " The Secret Of The Pyramid " The Power Of Secret Names Of The Five Levels Group Meditation In Geneva, Switzerland Apr. 22, 1993 The Latest Audiotapes Of Suma Ching Hai <In Chinese> CG65 " Use Your Wisdom To Handle Conditions Group Meditation At Tien Shan
Center, Hong Kong May 4, 1994 You May Not KnowThe Truth About The Final JudgmentSpoken By Suma Ching Hai To Foreign Practitioners On Jun. 12, 1995, Hsihu Center, Formosa (Originally In English) Actually, whomever we love and feel very close to, we will be with that person after we die. Even ordinary people will have that experience. For example, when you die, and you don't practice the Quan Yin Method even, and if during life you don't do any bad things so as to agonize your conscience, then after you die you will see your relatives and friends. Those who are good, in good relation with and who are also good like you, may be with you for a short while and then each has to go back into life and finish their mission or fulfill the things that they have not finished or learn something new, accordingly. So, don't worry, if you really like me, we can be together. (Applause) And even if we have to come back again we can come back together, if you want. (Applause) In the late discovery there is a doctor, a psychologist. He wanted to cure a person so he used hypnotism to cure that person of some kind of illness and then accidentally he found out that as he regressed that person into past life, you know, he found out that most of the patients tell him the same thing, like they have regressed into the last life and then they came to the point where they died before and then they run through the tunnel and then they saw the light and then they saw the beams of light, and so on. And then like the judge, not really judging him, just telling him or her what he did wrong in their life and maybe he should correct it and mend their ways next time and things like that; and if they did something wrong in their life it must be a terrible experience like going through hell because they will experience the victim feeling at that time. That's what we call hell. When you are terrorized or agonized by another person that is terrible, so the one who causes such feeling to other people during a lifetime has to experience that victim's feeling after he leaves this life and he can not run away. You know. Those people who sit there, let him see it like in the movies but the feeling is very real. So it depends on how terrible the deeds we have done in this life, as to whether we will experience such a very, very terrible feeling at the time of dying. You're dead after leaving this life. There is always a period of rest in between. And during this period we experience those agonizing feelings that we have caused to other people, and because this is so terrible and if we have done too much wrong and too many terrible deeds, then our suffering seems like it's going on forever, forever because the time of suffering is always long, and the time of happiness is always short. So during that intermediate period they suffer a lot if they do terrible things in life. That's what we call hell or punishment. And now that doctor found most of his patients, almost all of them, telling him the same thing like that. And even if the people do bad or good deeds they also will see their relatives and friends afterwards, who come and greet them in the same levels. And then after they have finished with their retribution or with their reflection upon what good deeds or bad things they have done in life, they finish with that judgment, their own judgment, really -- nobody judges them even though the three lovely beings sitting there, they just kind of guide them or teach them or are very understanding. It's just we, we judge ourselves because of our feelings, because whatever we do to others will come back to us in the same way, even more magnified; because it's we ourselves who know all that, who know in detail how we did it to other people, so the suffering is manyfold. So after going through all of this suffering or rewarding period between death and the afterlife they come back to this life again, doing something else or doing the same thing if they have not satisfactorily finished before they die. If they have, they learn different new things or they continue with their last preoccupation if they want to. Mostly after that they will, mostly the relatives and friends, they get together and come back again. They try to arrange that, for example, mother and son come back again and stay together, or husband and wife, sister and brother, and so on, but in different roles, unfortunately or fortunately. That's why you've sometimes heard perhaps mother and son and sometimes as husband and wife even, because there is no such thing as bad things or good things in heaven. Everything is just a learning experience but, by the nature of the experiences there must be good and bad accordingly. Bad experiences give you a bad feeling, and good experiences give you a good feeling; otherwise there can be no experience; if every experience is the same, good or bad, flat, no feeling, no emotion, no suffering, nothing, then there is no distinction between the experiences, and therefore you can not grow by knowledge and knowing that this is bad, it hurts; this is good, it brings happiness. You understand what I mean? There is really no judgment. No pinpoint finger saying, “You bad person, you good person.? It's not like that. Just by the nature of your choice, the wisdom inside you tells you to select what is more beneficial, what is more happy for other people and yourself; and if you don't make a good judgment like that during your life, then you have to experience that the bad thing you have done is really hurtful, so you have to experience the hurtful feeling in order to know next time, don't do that again because that is a bad choice. You see? That's how we learn life after life to have good choices, to have a really wise selection of actions. Therefore reap the reward here and in the afterlife. Um? So if you are doing the good things that I have told you, then surely, we will be together again, because by nature of the experience and the choice, whatever is good will stick together. Things like that. You know what I mean? Okay. And if you make a good choice in this life I'm sure we'll be together. Um? Longer. If you make a bad choice perhaps we'll have to be separated for some time until you truly realize that is a bad choice and you learn, you are finished with that experience, then you be allowed. And that has been proven, been proven by hypnotism from some of the doctors who have accidently found out this reincarnation stuff which many people do not believe, accept, or understand. Anyhow, for the initiated we don't have to be reincarnated like that and we don't have to rest in between and go through judgment and things like that if we have truly followed the precepts and instruction to try to meditate as best as we can, and try to be as good as we can, and make the right choice all the time, then of course we, even if we have to go through judgment, there is nothing to say, only good things. But we don't have to. The Master will take care of all this. Already it's a different section now. You see what I mean? (Applause) So I just tell you this to let you know that even ordinary people, we'll get together again. So how much more it would be for us the same brothers and sisters of blue blooded lineage. (Master laughs and audience applaud.) We're from noble, noble lineage. We, of course we will stay together. While On The PathStarting From Self-ReformationNarrated By Fellow Initiate Hoong, Taichung, Formosa Recorded By News Group, Taichung, Formosa Due to a high fever that I developed when I was in junior high school, my hearing is moderately impaired. For a person with a hearing impairment, life is a lot tougher. In the past, I felt extremely frustrated and helpless just from watching the impatient expressions of people with whom I was talking. Regardless of how many talents and abilities I had, I felt constrained. Even for a natural optimist like myself, under such circumstances, I unconsciously developed a psychological imbalance. It was like a double edged sword that injured others and myself as well. I often regretted and blamed myself; but still, I was unable to control my feelings of complaint. After initiation, I had a chance to work at Hsihu Center and clearly felt the power from Master's great magnetic field. I was determined to regain the happy life that I had known before; the negative powers of dissatisfied complaint, jealousy and unfairness had tortured my soul for too long. I prayed in my heart for Master's help and blessings; meanwhile, I introspected and engaged in self-criticism. I started to search within, and again began to look at everyone and everything in a positive way. When I let go of all my prejudices, my heart opened up and I was filled with peace and joy. I regained my love and compassion; I learned how to love myself and others as well. I gained more confidence and composure. The disciple who used to watch Master only from afar, now dares to come near Her to enjoy Her boundless love. To emphasize the importance of cultivating one's spiritual practice, Master has often quoted the ancient saying: "Develop your spiritual self, achieve unity in your family; then run the nation well, and thereby, pacify the world." It is true that when one reforms oneself, the whole world is reformed. Our job, spiritual life, marriage, family, education of the next generation, and so on are all interrelated. If we follow Master's teaching that "to do everything wholeheartedly is Zen," we will make definite progress in our spiritual practice. A Faultless Master By Fellow Initiate Zhang, Tienjin, China Early this year, a fellow practitioner told me, "A great Master in Formosa has published a Buddhist book, and many people think that it is different than the ordinary Buddhist books." Carelessly, I answered the practitioner, "Oh, yes? Let me have a look and point out the faults in this book." This initiate handed the book to me very reverently. That evening at home, I opened the wrapping paper and looked at it. Master's photo, and the title of the book "Key of Immediate Enlightenment" shone into my eyes. I was totally shocked! Usually stubborn and arrogant, I felt like I was struck by a blow on the head! A strong sense of shame flooded my heart. I regretted very much my stubbornness and arrogance. Why did I jump to the conclusion that I could find 'fault' with Master even before I had studied Her teachings? Why was I so arrogant? I wanted to find the 'faults' in Master, but conversely, Master instantly grasped the faults in me -- arrogance, stubbornness and ignorance. Truly, who else in this world can be so compassionate and able to recover the 'Key of Immediate Enlightenment' for ignorant human beings? At that moment, I had the feeling that Suma Ching Hai could be a living Buddha returning to this world. A warm current flowed uncontrollably into my heart. While being ashamed of my ignorance and arrogance, I was also feeling extremely fortunate for having the opportunity to meet this living Buddha and Her teachings in my present life. After receiving the invisible 'blow on the head,' my mind became much clearer. Unlike my usual self, I opened Master's book carefully with veneration. I was stunned by the words: "The level of a great enlightened Master is not to be touched by ordinary human abilities or languages of the world. Any efforts at trying to illustrate Her thoughts and life can hardly grasp a fraction of it." Until then, my original intention and courage to find fault with Master had completely vanished. Strangely, my attitude changed course rapidly, and I couldn't wait to explore Master's teachings. Suddenly, I recalled Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings: "The human body is difficult to obtain. The Buddha's teachings are rarely to be heard!" I became very anxious. "Hurry up! Read the book now!" My earnestness made me forget the time. Fortunately, I was in the habit of not eating after noon. Hours elapsed, and I even forgot about my dinner. Wow! That was incredible! I was supposed to find fault with Master, but conversely, for the whole evening, Master found all the faults in me! At one moment, tears flooded my eyes. At another moment, I was filled with heavenly bliss. Then, suddenly, I laughed cheerfully. Next, I was overwhelmed by shame. Now and then, I murmured to myself: "Fantastic! Incredible! This is wonderful!" Not knowing my feelings, people thought that I was insane! It was true that I had studied and researched the Buddhist teachings for many years. Observing the heap of Buddhist books beyond even my own height, I thought I was great, and more knowledgeable than my fellow practitioners. Very often, I could not control my arrogance. But I became frightened after reading Master's teachings. Fortunately, I had met an enlightened Master in time. Otherwise, I would be in grave danger. My knowledge and learning had become an obstacle that almost denied me from developing a grand affinity with Master. Reading through Master's sample booklet in a hurry, all sorts of feelings welled up in my mind, and was deeply touched that there is hope for human beings, for sentient beings, for the world and the universe! Master is truly the most merciful Quan Yin Bodhisattva manifesting, and a true living Buddha! Master is 'faultless'! She has the most perfect soul in the world! Her quality is the noblest in the universe! Her spirit is forever sound! I dare to declare: No ordinary humans in this world could ever find any 'fault' in Master! After reading Master's sample booklet, I could not wait any longer, not even for another day! I wrote immediately to Master requesting initiation so that I could practice the Quan Yin Method. Master painstakingly reminds us: "It is a great pity to waste the human body." The human body is extremely precious, because our own master is inside. We are most fortunate to have met an enlightened Master. The opportunity of getting initiation and practicing the highest of all methods -- the Quan Yin Method -- is rare to attain even once in innumerable aeons. We should learn humbly, and practice according to the method instructed. If we are still full of doubts, just as when I wanted to find fault with Master before, we will be forever regretful, because we will never be able to exit the three realms! After Bitterness Comes HappinessNarrated By Fellow Initiate Huang, Tainan, Formosa Recorded By Fellow Initiate Wang, Tainan, Formosa Although I have been initiated for many years, all the while my family did not understand me. However, various incidents that happened this year have made me realize -- Oh! My family members have turned out to be the best dharma guards. Thank You Master! Following my initiation, all aspects of my family life improved steadily, but then my father-in-law began to create all sorts of difficulties for me. He made trouble willfully, especially when all my sons wished to become vegetarian spiritual practitioners as well. Not being able to stand him anymore, I once talked back to him. Suddenly, I remembered Master's teaching: "Treat your family members with love, practice humility...." Then I obtained instant enlightenment -- so, it was a lesson and a test for me! Fortunately, Master reminded me in time, and let me understand this; I then could handle unfavorable situations with greater patience, and walk the spiritual path with greater determination. Since then, besides fulfilling my obligations in the family, I also have practiced more diligently, and eagerly participated in various tasks in the meditation center. I ceased to defy the reproaches from my relatives, but prayed to Master instead, wishing that I had greater compassion to handle unreasonable situations or demands. Finally, a turning point occurred. Surprisingly, my father-in-law suggested arranging a vegetarian birthday feast for his grand birthday celebration this year. Extremely delighted at heart, I was most grateful for Master's care. I expended every possible effort to prepare the vegetarian feast to perfection, hoping that everyone would enjoy it. The result turned out to be that, not only was the whole family satisfied, but even my younger sister-in-law who used to seriously misunderstand me, made this statement: "Since vegetarian food is so delicious and tasty, why don't we, the whole family, switch to a vegetarian diet from now on?" A son of my elder brother-in-law even asked to receive initiation. Through several years of hardships and struggles, I finally won the acceptance and support of my family! Some family members may obstruct our spiritual practice, but they are really dharma guards reminding us of the preciousness of spiritual practice, so that we are not sluggish. From the changes in my family, I realized that the only way to enrich our lives and make them more colorful and meaningful, is to follow in the footsteps of an enlightened Master, and thus expand our love power! Master Says Rely On Yourself Spoken By Suma Ching Hai On Sep. 6, 1994, Hawaii, USA (Originally In English) We don't learn for the other people to know. We learn so that we know and that we can bless the world silently by our inner glory and inner love. Just like every other science you know and study, you have to develop yourself. That's why the Buddha said: Rely on yourself and no one else. Of course He said that to see the Buddha is very rare, the greatest blessing, that in a hundred thousand eons you wouldn't have one. Not once in a life time but once in many life times you would see a Buddha. Probably the Buddha is in front of you but you don't see, that's the difference. Many people see, but they don't stare, they don't see anything. They probably look but they don't see. They hear but they don't listen, they don't understand. And Jesus also said: No one comes to the Father except through me. But nevertheless, He didn't say that now you have seen me, you go home to sleep, and surely you'll go to heaven. No, right? He tells you self-cultivation, love your Father, love my commandments, pray in a closet, love your neighbor. Wow, it's a lot of work. It's not that He said: Okay, now that you have seen me, Jesus, you'll surely go to heaven. No! He didn't say that. A lot of work He told us to do. Even to His relatives, you remember? He said, Who is my relative? Who is my mother? Who is my sister? Only the ones who do the will of the Father are my relatives, my mother, my sister. He said: Oh I have no relatives except you. You know, he meant those who do the will of the Father, who love their neighbors, and who keep the commandments, who love the Father with all the heart, the soul and mind etc... Remember? Even Jesus, before He became the world spiritual leader, He had to go into the closet, and meditate and pray. And He had to undergo the humility of baptism, even though if He knew He was the son of God, He wouldn't have to do that. He still has to go through everything like us, to show us that when we are a human being, we must work. And He tells His disciples to go out and spread the gospel. He said: Whatever I tell in secret, you go and preach on the house tops. But don't give pearls to the swine. Is it not so? Yeah, He also said that not every one could accept His teachings. Come To The World To Learn Love And ServiceMostly at any period of time of our earth, the people who truly love God are very rare. There are also different levels of God as well, and different levels of our beings. And as long as we are in this world and we do not learn to understand the issue of spirituality, then even though we go to heaven, because the love of the Father is immense... Yes, Hes will not discriminate. Really, you love Hirm, fine. You don't love Hiem, Hes loves you. But still, then we go up there and we have not developed; we're still the way we were before, a selfish, stupid angel... Oh! Not all the angels are good, that's why they have to come here and don this physical raiment. In order to study, to learn how to love others, how to do service instead of just sitting there and enjoying the bliss of heaven all the time. And now we are given the opportunity to study in this school of life. If we do not take this opportunity and learn well, then we will be very regretful in heaven. No one else will tell you anything. You, yourself, look back at your life. At that time it will be very clear to you, like a mirror. And then you will feel very, very sorry, that you were so weak, that you were so lazy, that you were so attached to the material things that the Father gave you, only as a tools so that you could progress. Instead, you cling to these tools and forget the mission, forget what you are here for. That's why many souls are wandering around in transmigration. They are earthbound because they are so much attached to this world. Even though the gate of heaven is always open, we don't want to go back. God is powerful, almighty. There is nothing that Hes can not do. It's just that we don't have enough power of sincerity. That's why many of our prayers are not answered and we think God is not there. Ah, that is the trouble. Poor God is blamed for everything. All these wars, disasters, hunger and all these things, we just blame it on God, or the hierarchy of heaven that doesn't help us. Truly it's our choice, the choice of the people who go against the will of heaven and the law of the universe. These people will make wars and listen to the negative force in nature which we call Satan or devil. They are always there. That's how the negative world, this world, stays in balance. In the heavenly world, there's no need for this negative force to exist. Self JudgementIn heaven, there is no good, no bad, and people sometimes do not think of sins the way we do. They don't condemn you. So at the time of death sometimes it's you who condemn yourself. You will be very regretful that you did not do the best, that you shouldn't have done the other way. You know you should have, but you did not do. That's what will torment you after your death. And that's what people call “hell.? There is no God who stays there and passes judgment. It's just at the time of death, you'll be shown the low level. That is if we did not practice any true repentance, and if we did not truly lead a virtuous life the way it has to be. Then we will be shown a kind of, like movies, but so fast. The whole lifetime goes by in just a split second. You will see everything, but you understand. Even at such a quick speed, you understand everything that you have done, what is wrong, what is right. You know everything and then at that time you will cry. You will know that you have done wrong. You will not be given the opportunity again. Or for a very, very long time because there are so many awaiting to come to be human beings. So you are a long way on the waiting list, because you've already been given the opportunity. That is the so-called eternal hell or eternal condemnation. But of course, nothing is really eternal. It's just that for an unhappy situation or feelings, it seems a long, long time. And when we are happy, the time goes so fast. Because our sins are not eternally committed, our grief will not be eternally carried out. It's just that we feel it's so long. We feel so regretful that we have been given the opportunity to do good, to improve our knowledge about the creation, about our Father, how everything functions, how we should learn to love one another, and we did not take that opportunity. That's the problem. That will make us feel very, very sorry. I wish that it wouldn't happen to you. I am sure it will not because you have been diligent in your search for the Truth, for your own original abode and for God. Of course in this situation, sometimes, our mind is weak, the body is also weak. Sometimes, we want to meditate a long time but the body's so weak, the flesh is so weak, and the will also weakens with the flesh. Therefore we have to study again and again. Make firm. Start again. Today I failed. I didn't meditate very well. Tomorrow, next day I'll make more effort. Always try to strive for better, better will, so that we can progress in spirit. And we'll become a stronger and wiser person in heaven. It's not that everyone is the same in heaven. Even though God is just and fair, Hes loves all Hiers children the same way. But nevertheless, because we do not strive ourselves, therefore we just stay there. Just like children in the school, some are intelligent, some are diligent, some just go out and play, fool with girls or do other things, drugs and things like that. According to the circumstances, when they are too weak to resist, and too rebellious to listen to the parents, then they harm themselves and cause a lot of trouble for themselves. Of course, the parents will be affected and be miserable. But the most suffering person is themselves. Overcome Unfavorable SituationsSimilarly, when we come down to this world we are given all the tools, equipment and circumstances with which we can thrive and try to overcome the situation, overcome the hatred that is bred by the circumstances. Sometimes, we are put into unfavorable conditions, to see how we can love our enemies. But we often fail to love our enemies. We often give into our flesh desires and also the temptations of the surroundings to hate our enemy, just the way we were taught, just the way we're used to, not the way of heaven. So sometimes we will fail, sometimes we'll succeed. And the more successful we are, of course, the higher the position in the hierarchy of the universe. And we will be given more opportunities in the heavenly system to do better work, more interesting work and more universal work, that we can develop immense talent that we never knew we had, even in the wildest imagination. We will be given leading roles in heaven, like teaching a lot of heavenly beings, and things like that. Or when we go to this earth, we will become like master teachers of spirituality or some special position, leading mankind into the Kingdom of God. Take Hold Of The Opportunity In The WorldOtherwise, we don't have this opportunity if we're slack in this world, the only time we are in school. Do not think that you always are given the opportunity and come back again. Not always, not always. It is the generations, the DNA that stay behind. The information from that DNA, these desires and all this energy of the desires, that stay behind, that reincarnate. Not you the soul, the person, understand? There are so many souls waiting to go into this school. I don't have the space for you to always stay behind. You can do that, but you wait a long time. And meanwhile you suffer and suffer from your own sorrow. The love of heaven is there but you will feel very sorry for the things you have missed. Yes, you wish you could have done it again, you would have done it better, and you will do it better. But then when you are given the opportunity again, you forget. That's the problem. That's why sometimes we have to come back to relearn, if we truly are good and merit that, or have a good opportunity to go down. For example, to come down here, you have to exchange it for something. For example there is a mission for someone to come down and help the world. And then you say, "Okay, I'll join. Please can I join? I do anything, anything.. anything. I promise, promise, promise. I won't be like the last time. Really no, no, no." (Laughter) All right. So of course heaven is always a trusting company. They give you a next job. But when you go down there instead of helping that person and that group to better the world, you do something else. Maybe even against them because you become forgetful of what you had promised before you took birth in this world -- all of us, all of us. That's why you see the Buddha, thirty years before He became enlightened; Jesus also. You know what I mean? Not that they are born immediately and say, "I am the Buddha. I have to go and help the world." They forget. So, there are so many pushing opportunities from heaven, like disasters would appear before you, or someone else edging you from behind or pushing you, or some situation happens that you suddenly will feel awakened. Or some friend will come along, some beggars on the street even, reminding you of the ephemeral nature of this world. These beggars are also angels. Sometimes the suffering is there to awaken us. Some people come to do some great mission. Some people come to do a small mission in order to earn the merit of being a human. They can be in school and earn the merit so that they can advance in heaven and have another opportunity perhaps to advance again. Remember The Promise You Made In HeavenI have often told you that the Au Lac refugees, they are there of their own will. They want it to be like that, so that they can awaken the conscience of the world about how terrible the refugees' situation can be; how war can affect people and many nations, not only one, for example like that; and to give the people who helped them, who gave them shelter, food, support and sympathy, the merit of love. You know what I mean? When we love someone, we love ourselves. We really boost our glory. It's not that we help anyone, we help ourselves. Please remember this whenever you do something good. It is the will of heaven. It's good for you. You should do more good, be more loving, try to strive inside, use your wisdom. Don't be a sheep in the crowd. You have already stepped out of the crowd. You already have done much better. You understand? Trying to remember more of the promise that you made to the Father and the heavenly hierarchy before you came. That's why you came here! You will remember through meditation, through contemplation on the wisdom from the light and the sound, who you are and what you're supposed to do to advance yourself. Because you are in contact with the supreme wisdom again, and you remember what is your mission and what you're supposed to do. That's why you always change for the better, because you remember the heavenly being that you are. That's why you change. You become better and better. You become more angel, more heavenly like. That's all your work. All right? Of course the Master and the heavenly beings always stand by and help us. But if you don't do it yourselves, it doesn't matter how much help, it's no good. We have to do it ourselves first. And then the heavenly beings will help us. The Master power always helps us. Teacher's Day SpecialCannot Forget The Hands That Supported MeAs a child, I always heard my teachers say, "You are graduating next year, but we the teachers always stay in the same class." The words are still echoing in my ears, yet I have already grown up! Looking back at all the sunshine and rain on the way, I can hardly forget the warm touch of those hands that supported us. I can still see the forgiving smiles, and the tears of the young female teacher who was exasperated by our naughtiness. I am very grateful to you all -- my teachers, for helping and guiding me in those childish and innocent days. I remember one year on Teacher's Day, Suma Ching Hai told all fellow practitioners to thank the teachers in each corner of the world, because their diligent and arduous teaching efforts have contributed greatly to the civilization of the world today. Therefore, She wanted everyone to pray for the blessing of all teachers! How fortunate we are to have a perfect Master -- Suma Ching Hai, as our living paragon. We wish You and all the teachers in the world a happy Teacher's Day! Master, You Are The Best EducatorBy Fellow Initiate Lin, Nantou, Formosa I was initiated by Master in the second year of my teaching career. During my first year of teaching, I was keen on competition, and unwilling to ask humbly for advice from other teachers. My ego led me on a very rough path in my teaching . Unsuccessful in my profession, I had a strong urge to explore the meaning of life. I learned about Master through the introduction of a friend, and thus got initiation. Initially, after initiation, I did not sense any particular changes in myself. As time passed, however, I came to understand more about Master's teachings, directives, and painstaking intent. Subsequently, the bitterness and complaint in my heart were gradually subdued. Master's video and audio tapes have been my best teaching guidelines. When educating young children, I have often been amazed to find myself speaking many concise and appropriate metaphors that are understandable to them. Gradually, I have come to realize that on such occasions, it is Master's power functioning, providing proof of my opened wisdom. Occasionally, I have had insufficient time to conceive teaching plans or prepare teaching tools, but the results of my lessons have been very good. As I recall now, many of these teaching techniques were new to me. I had never thought of them, yet I could use them fluently and naturally. Some time later, I finally reached a conclusion: When I practice meditation diligently, my teaching will be smooth. If my practice is indolent, many problems and difficulties will arise. The longer I follow Master in my practice, the better I understand myself, and the more clearly I can figure out the problems of my students. To me, Suma Ching Hai is not only a spiritual master, but also the best educator. Apart from helping me to raise my teaching techniques to a higher level, She also gives me distinct and precise ideas in counselling children; and these ideas have all been demonstrated by Master through Her own actions. I used to think, if I were compassionate and patient, the children would definitely improve. Only now do I realize that compassion without wisdom is undiscriminating compassion. How could I really treat my students with enough patience without truly understanding the cause of their problems? Before initiation, I once decided to further my studies after teaching for several years. I even considered studying abroad. However, since initiation, when I have doubts in teaching my students, the first thing that comes into my mind is always Master's image. I deeply realize that, only through persistent practice to open our infinite inner wisdom, do we experience the most economical, yet most effective form of higher learning. Ordinary people can hardly associate 'spiritual practice' with 'education,' but they are really related. Spiritual practice helps us to understand and improve ourselves. There is an ancient saying: "Teaching with actions is better than teaching with words." All the ancient saints and sages educated their disciples through the example of their own actions. Unfortunately, people today drill themselves only on knowledge and theories. Teachers may publish their own individual theories, but they cannot change students very much, because their understanding of children is limited. Once lost in the maze of theories, I am finally liberated, and realize that all the theories are incomplete. As I follow Master to practice now, I get to learn how to make up for these shortcomings. In the past, I posed in front of my students as their only teacher. Now, with pride, I often introduce them to 'the Teacher of their teacher'-- Suma Ching Hai. Master, what a great, beautiful, magnificent, wise, and extraordinary mentor You are! You are the teacher of us all! Letting Go Of My Ego And DignityBy Fellow Initiate Mei Zhi, Taichung, Formosa If God had not given me the wisdom, I could not have overcome all the difficult situations in my life. If not for God's love, I would not have unceasing love for others. I had been teaching for about seven years before I was initiated. Endless problems with my students often made me feel helpless and frustrated, and as though my spirit had dried out. I began to suspect the professional knowledge that I had studied so hard to acquire, and considered changing professions. Since my initiation, the problems with my students still remain. In fact, there are even more incidents than before, and they are more serious. However, I am no longer afraid, because through the power of meditation, I have earned greater confidence and courage. Also, there is an endless loving power that accompanies me and my students in overcoming many hardships. Over a long period of being together, my practical actions have made them feel that they are being cared for and acknowledged. Very often I will give them words of encouragement. Although still faced with setbacks, and even having my 'dignity as a teacher' impaired, I have attempted to change the general practice of giving punishments. I have introspected again about my own attitude, and learned to let go of my ego -- that untouchable 'dignity.' Surprisingly, I have received greater love and respect from my students, and the distance between us has shortened! In my teaching career, Master's verbal and physical instructions to us provide teaching materials for my classroom practice, and also goals to which I can attain. Her 'Aphorisms' are golden words of encouragement and advice for me and my students; 'Master Tells Stories' and 'Humorous Wisdom' enliven the monotonous classroom routine. Master's humor defuses the rigid and tense atmosphere between teacher and students. Wearing the beautiful photos of Master not only remind me to fulfill my duties, but also enable students to know this unique enlightened Master. Though being a teacher, I have continued to learn the lesson of spiritual practice from my students. I have come to realize deeply that only diligent practice and meditation can develop more wisdom to lead my students. I have very profound feelings on this Teachers' Day. Besides being grateful for Master's grace, I also encourage and expect myself to be a good student, and a good teacher. Dear Master, It Is Really Hard On You!By Fellow Initiate Xiao Yu, Taichung, Formosa It is very difficult and toilsome to be a teacher of children in today's society. However, it makes me realize how arduous Master's work is, and how great She must be. This summer, my group of vocational high school students graduated, and as I exuded a sigh of relief, it felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Thinking back over the past few years, various types of problems frequently occurred among the students. They often made me cry and pray for them through countless sleepless nights. I also prayed to God to be merciful and give me wisdom and compassion in helping me handle all kinds of situations. Fortunately, everything worked out smoothly and now I can say my job is done. On the day of graduation, several students who had been responsible for causing most of my headaches, presented me with bouquets of flowers, which surprised and touched me. Again, I could not sleep that night, and while I was thinking about Master, all manner of emotions and feelings welled up in my heart. In fact, during those difficult days, Master was the one who most deserved to be thanked. It was Her invisible power and merciful heart that accompanied me and the students throughout, and every moment I could sense that She was just beside me. She listened to the words of my heart; She accepted my prayers; She resolved many difficult situations for me, and She did it all silently without complaint or regret, asking nothing in return. I also received an "Outstanding Teacher" award from the high school for my efforts this year, and I know it is God who bestowed this encouragement on my feeble heart. Master is the one who really should have received the award. With Her selfless devotional spirit, She is the most excellent and the greatest teacher. Today, my responsibility to this group of students is finally relieved. In addition, I can rest in the coming few months' of summer vacation, but Master, what about You? You always work without stopping. Have You ever had a good rest? My students have graduated, but Your students are not only far from their graduation date; their numbers are also increasing each day. When will Your responsibility end? If we don't practice diligently to improve our inner qualities and enable ourselves to grow quickly, what difference is there between the playful, unmindful and immature students and us? What worthiness would there be in all of Master's painstaking efforts? A Change Of Attitude Makes By Fellow Initiate Jiang, Taichung, Formosa After over ten years of teaching regular primary school, I was transferred to special education -- teaching a group of severely hearing impaired children with normal intelligence. Only then did I discover that all my past teaching experience could not be applied. Besides their hearing impairments, the children had their own unique characters. Some of them wailed for no apparent reason; some were overly introverted; some were hyperactive; some were physically handicapped due to brain-related paralysis; and also, there were those who loved to contradict new teachers. In order to make up for such handicaps, lessons have to be prepared with plenty of teaching aids to increase visual learning. Initially, I strove to teach by using many hand gestures and other body language in addition to speaking. The results of my efforts, however, were scant; usually I simply got blank stares from most of the students. The lessons proceeded with numerous interruptions from the hyperactive and disobedient children. At the end of each class, I would feel very exhausted, as though I had just fought and lost a battle; it was extremely frustrating. In the past, it often took a long time before I could recover from the bad mood resulting from my job. Fortunately, during the year that I began working in special education I also received initiation from Master and began to practice the Quan Yin Method. Each time after I meditated, I felt as though I was recharged with energy; my mind was clear, my spirits were high, and all the frustrations of teaching left me. Meditation became the source of power that sustained me to continue teaching diligently. After I heard Master talk about not being a sulky Buddha, and that knowledge was not of the utmost importance, I began to learn to control my emotions and lower my scholastic standards. I tried to focus on the good qualities of each student, and accept the children from my heart. Gradually, my teaching became more and more easy going. Hindered by their innate handicaps, the children's scholastic achievements were not up to par; however, their behavior made obvious improvements. Looking back, I have noticed great changes in my mentality and attitude towards teaching. I give credit to Master for Her teachings and blessings; otherwise, I don't know when I would have broken free from my struggles and frustrations. Master's Inspiration In Helping Other's LearnBy Fellow Initiate Richard, Indiana, USA (Originally In English) Since my initiation, I have felt the power of Master's presence in the tutoring, editing, and writing work that I do in my own educational consulting business. Since receiving a Ph.D. in language education in the summer of last year, and for several years before that, I have been helping undergraduate and graduate students at Indiana University, USA, with academic research and the writing of doctoral dissertations, journal articles, papers, resumes, and other texts. I instruct students in research methods in education, psychology, and other subjects, edit and revise their work, and tutor them in English composition. I also do freelance writing and editing for professors, educational publishers, and other professional clients, including psychologists and teachers, as well as volunteer editing for Master's news magazine. All of this work involves teaching in one form or another, and I feel that Master has helped me to be more patient and understanding as an educator, and more efficient, dynamic and productive in all phases of my life. In fact, the people that I work with on Master's magazine have noticed that a calmer and more tolerant attitude has come over me since my initiation. I edited the magazine for several months before initiation, and seemed to have less patience for what I perceived as others' slowness, lack of knowledge, and so on. But since I have been initiated by Master, I feel more loving and understanding toward my colleagues and also toward my tutoring and editing clients. I still have occasional periods when I lose my patience, but when this occurs I try to remember to recite the five Holy Names and think of Master, and then return to a more peaceful, compassionate, and centered state. I find that Master's power helps me to see the positive qualities in the people with whom I work, and to understand the differences that might normally separate a tutor or teacher from his or her students, especially when the they are of different cultural backgrounds. Much of my tutoring and editing work involves helping non-native speakers of English from Formosa, Mainland China, Korea, Malaysia, and other countries improve their academic writing, study methods, and research. And this can be very frustrating for a perfectionist like myself, who tries to get everyone, no matter what their nationality or language, to write and speak the best possible English and work as effectively as possible in their studies. This 'pickyness' about language and academic work is difficult to overcome. However, with Master's help, I find myself becoming more and more patient with others and more able to identify with their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Thank You, Suma Ching Hai, for giving me the inner strength and blessing to go beyond the outer form and see the true spiritual essence of others, and thus be more accepting of their personal differences and flaws, as well as of my own drawbacks and 'big ego,' which seems to be getting smaller each day under Master's watchful eye. The Great Backer Behind By Fellow Initiate Chang, Hsihu, Formosa About a year ago, Cambodia requested that Master set up a language class at the local center there. Complying with their request, Master assigned several fellow practitioners from many countries to help improve the language ability of the local people. I never dreamt that I was to become a teacher, because education is not an easy task. Unexpectedly, the first job that I did as part of Master's work was to teach! Carrying a text book on elementary Chinese conversation, a box of word-learning cards for children, and some marker pens, I set off for Cambodia immediately! I was not worried at all, because I have the greatest backer behind me. The Chinese Class was launched, and enrolled a group of talented students. I could not speak Cambodian, and my English proficiency was not much better than my students'. Yet we managed to communicate successfully, and the class went on in high spirits. I was very grateful to God for granting me an extra 'bonus' each day -- two hours of wisdom! When meditating every day, I kept praying to Master to give me the best inspiration and ideas to make the class relaxed, lively and useful. Subsequently, all sorts of ideas emerged like an incessant spring in me, and I could use any conceivable skills and resources in the class, including some children's song books over twenty years old. I never imagined that I could have talent in designing teaching materials. Sometimes, my mind was blank of any ideas the moment before I stepped into the classroom, and I was a bit worried. When I simply opened my mouth, it seemed as if the current was connected, and the teaching target of the day was accomplished in bliss! No matter whether it is inside or outside, Master always helps us to the end. She will never let us down us by ignoring our sincere prayers for good causes! A Tai Chi Master's StoryMartial Arts Expert v.s. True Master Of The AgeNarrated By Fellow Initiate Chiu, Miaoli, Formosa Recorded By Resident Disciples, Hsihu Center, Formosa Brother Chiu is a top student of Tai Chi Master, Mr. Liu Hsi Hung. Many people from the Formosan police force go to him to learn martial arts. Although he had attained a high level of proficiency in Kung Fu after practicing relentlessly for more than twenty years, he could not break through further. Not until he met Suma Ching Hai and practiced the Quan Yin Method, was he able to advance to higher levels. Once Master asked Brother Chiu to practice martial arts with Her. Brother Chiu was lucky to have an opportunity to 'exchange a few moves' with Master, but he was most surprised. Although it was the first time She had tried, Master showed that She had captured the essence of Tai Chi, both with respect to the use of 'Chi' and in Her style and form. Other people can practice diligently for decades without achieving such results. Immediately this martial arts expert had total and utmost respect for the great spiritual Master, Suma Ching Hai, and verified that She is indeed a very rare Master among masters in all fields. Since then he has become even more sincere in following Master on the path, and keeps telling everyone he meets that practicing the Quan Yin Method is the highest form of Kung Fu. Brought Up In A Martial Arts Family From birth, Brother Chiu was brought up by his family with a martial arts background. For several generations, his family members were extremely enthusiastic about practicing the martial arts. During his childhood, in order to learn various martial arts methods, his father and uncles arranged, at great expense, for recognized experts to come from Mainland China to teach them Kung Fu. For more than ten years, in order to pay tutors' living expenses and wages, they sold virtually all of the properties handed down to them by their forefathers. But even this was not enough; his uncles' 'blood brothers' (also studying under the same teachers) had to sell their possessions in order to meet the costs. Under these difficult circumstances, each member of the family cherished the opportunity and practiced earnestly. The big family's traditional Chinese estate, from which the sounds of Kung Fu practice were always to be heard, was like a martial arts school. Very often Brother Chiu's father and uncles had to train by sparring against each other. He recalls that in one of the houses on the estate there was a closed room with only one small entrance. His father and uncles were often called into that dark room by their father or martial arts tutors to spar. No one could tell who was among the group crowded into the room. Whoever lost, or could not bear it any more would emerge from the small hole. The training was indeed very strict. Brother Chiu was weak and frequently ill when he was young. During his first year in school, he was ill so often that he took dozens of days off in a single term. He was so feeble that he would faint after standing under the sun for only a short time. It was because of this that he later practiced martial arts much more diligently and untiringly than did other people. He studied the Shiaolin method when he was young and changed to Karate at fourteen. Through the strict training of a Japanese Karate teacher, less than half of the five to six hundred students in his class remained after less than two months. Only fifty were left after eighteen months. The teacher's requirements of his students were extremely rigorous. If one was absent without an acceptable reason, he would be beaten by the teacher with a wooden staff the next day. During the practices, each move had to be repeated five hundred times. Frequently, the students had to train against each other. Bruised noses and swollen faces were a common sight. Their fingers were disfigured in the course of hard training such as smashing bricks. First Encounter With Tai ChiIn the days when he studied at the martial arts school, Brother Chiu was never absent. He felt that he should approach everything he learned with all his heart and undivided attention, and that he must not be afraid of hard work or be impatient if he wanted to succeed. Consequently, he accomplished the third duan (level) in Karate after only several years of study. During this successful period, he visited many martial arts schools throughout Formosa to find people who could test his skills. One day, when he was twenty years old, he visited a Tai Chi school and watched a lesson. When he saw that the moves of Tai Chi were very delicate and lacking in force, he felt condescending toward it. He wondered what was so great about Tai Chi that made everyone praise it highly. After the class, Brother Chiu remained unconvinced and asked boldly if he could pit his skills against the teacher's. To his surprise, once the forceful karate moves came into contact with the soft Tai Chi moves, his power was completely absorbed like a rock sinking to the bottom of the sea. All of his attacks were restrained and thus rendered ineffective. He was soundly beaten by the Tai Chi teacher on the spot. Brother Chiu was totally convinced after losing the duel. He never thought that Tai Chi was so profound and incredible that it could use four ounces of force to topple that of a thousand pounds. Immediately he wanted to become a student of that Tai Chi teacher. The teacher saw that he was very sincere and so said to him, "If you really want a teacher, I will introduce you to the head brother of our school." That was how Brother Chiu began to learn from the supreme Tai Chi master, Mr. Liu Hsi Hung. Having only just begun, Brother Chiu was given special permission to practice with Master Liu's peers within the school. This made him happy on the one hand but apprehensive on the other. He was happy because he could make rapid progress, and apprehensive because Tai Chi is a totally different style than Karate. Tai Chi neutralizes force with softness, with an emphasis on being loose, soft and tender. Karate is exactly the opposite, using force to counteract force, stressing ferocity, intensity and toughness. Now that he had begun to practice Tai Chi, he could not mix it with what he had learned before, which was an extremely difficult change. He was afraid that he would not be able to adapt in a short period of time. However, as long as one has the sincerity to learn, one will be able to overcome even greater difficulties than this. Brother Chiu said that, for over twenty years, he has been very cautious and has not used a single Karate move, dedicating himself to the study of Tai Chi's profound essence. This has the same significance as what Master said in one of Her lectures, "In spiritual practice, you can freely choose your own ideal method and teacher . However, once you have decided to follow any one path, you must focus all of your attention on it. You must not diverge or step on two boats at the same time; that is an incorrect attitude for practice. In this way, you cannot concentrate your strength, and cannot make progress in your practice. You might even cause yourself trouble." Through Diligent Practice And Concentration A Great Student Outshines The Teacher Brother Chiu encountered many trials when he first began to practice with Master Liu's peers, who purposely wielded a heavy hand on him during their sparring sessions. Very often they pushed him hard, sending him tumbling left and right, in order to cut down his arrogance. Sometimes they intentionally talked disrespectfully about his teacher, commenting that the teacher's skills were mediocre, just to see if he would become angry or lose faith in his teacher and leave for another one. All of these tests motivated Brother Chiu even more. He was determined to practice diligently. Each day he was absorbed in the world of Tai Chi, putting in at least thirteen hours of practice. He never went out shopping or to the movies or restaurants, cutting himself off from all worldly pastimes. He hardly spoke a few sentences in a whole year. His colleagues, friends and relatives all said that he was weird. Because of this diligence, his Tai Chi practice caught up with that of his master's peers' within two years. Consequently he received Master Liu's special attention and coaching. On many occasions Master Liu had Brother Chiu stay behind after a session so that he could teach him individually and explain many important points and details about the moves. It was not for any reason but this, Master Liu said, "I would rather not accept those students who are not serious. As long as you are sincere and earnest in your practice, I will teach you the best that I can. If one is not sincere and hard working, he can not comprehend no matter how much I teach him." This is the same as what Master has taught us, "I would rather teach a few disciples who are truly sincere in their intention to practice than waste time and effort to teach tens of thousands of disciples who seem hustling and bustling but do not truly desire to practice." Practicing The Quan Yin Method Is The Highest Martial ArtWith fortitude, he quietly worked hard on his martial arts for almost twenty years, and attained a very high level of proficiency. However, he eventually became stuck, unable to take himself one more step forward to surpass that level. Then he thought that perhaps he could break through this physical level and advance to a higher spiritual level by means of meditation and spiritual practice. Many times spiritual masters wanted to take him as their disciple, but he declined. One day, a relative of his (who was a fellow initiate) introduced him to Master's books. He was delighted once he started reading them. He thought to himself that She was the spiritual teacher he had been looking for. Not long after that, Master lectured for two days at the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. He went to the lecture on the first day, but missed the second day because he had to work at home. His relative (the fellow initiate) told him, "Reciting Master's holy name produces an immediate response." So, on that day, he continuously and sincerely recited Her name. In the evening, while he was administering acupuncture to a patient, he suddenly had a vision of Master lecturing in a very beautiful and august hall. He could see clearly even the color and style of Her attire. It was too much of a surprise to him that he could have such an inner experience while he was working! When his wife returned home from the lecture, he asked her about the color and style of the clothes Master wore that evening as well as the decor of the hall. It turned out that they were exactly as he had seen in his vision. He had abundant spiritual experiences when he took initiation to formally become Master's disciple. He felt that he had been very lucky all his life, being able to find the best methods and teachers for both his martial arts and spiritual practice. It happened that not long after his initiation Master held a seven-day retreat, which he attended. On the third day, while he was doing Quan Yin, he felt an incredible force rushing up his back, like a big rolling wheel or ocean wave, all the way to his head. He was rejuvenated, relaxed and full of energy. In more than twenty years of martial arts and Qi Gong practice, he had never had such a break through. On the evening of the first day that Master created the Nectar River at the Hsihu Center, he had a vivid dream about Her and everyone else building the river. He was at the scene too. Master said, "Let's go, We will go up to fetch some beautiful stones." Then She took him and several resident disciples to a place in heaven to look for beautiful stones. A few of those stones had extraordinary shapes and he recognized them when he came to see the completed Nectar River. It is no wonder that many fellow initiates have had miraculous experiences after they took water from the Nectar river home to drink, for the materials used to build the river came from high levels in heaven. The Kung Fu Master Who Hid Behind A Tree And CriedThe year before Brother Chiu came to receive his initiation, Master suddenly showed a great interest in martial arts, especially in Tai Chi. For more than a year Master had been asking whether there were any Tai Chi experts among the fellow practitioners in Formosa, who could come to teach the resident disciples. Several came forward to apply for that position, but none were accepted. After Brother Chiu received initiation, one day he took the initiative to ask if he could teach the resident disciples to practice martial arts. Master quickly accepted him! After that he had many opportunities to be close to Master, and got to know Her better. He said that whenever he saw Master, he felt very excited, like a child who meets his parents after having been apart from them for a long time. Very often he could not hold back his tears. On those occasions, he would quickly find a tree to hide behind and cry. The reverence he pays to Master is beyond words; Master once said about him, "The first time I saw him, his face had an ominous look, and he was very serious, as if he had not laughed in years. After practicing for a few months, that murderous look in his eyes gradually disappeared, and he began to smile!" He forgot that "grown men don't cry." The more he practiced, the more he became like an innocent child. Normally he does not chat with people, but when fellow practitioners visit him and talk about Master, he can talk forever. When Master first instructed him to teach Tai Chi at Hsihu, it was a holy mission to him. In order to be able to concentrate fully and do a good job, he resigned from all the teaching activities for which he was paid, and offered his lifetime of expertise without reservation. Brother Chiu feels that studying martial arts is a great help to one's spiritual practice. Especially in the case of Tai Chi, which uses gentleness to overcome brute force. It is different than other schools of martial arts because it involves less violence. Futhermore, it can train people to improve themselves physically and become full of energy, so that they do not easily become drowsy during meditation, or get back aches. Then it is easier for them to focus their attention, to enter into samadhi and to better enjoy the bliss and pleasure of meditation. Receiving initiation was a crucial turning point in Brother Chiu's life, with regard to uplifting the standard of his martial arts, changing his personality, and so on. It is a joy that he can never stop describing. He has also had the 'indescribable' spiritual experiences that are mentioned in religious scriptures. The most memorable incident since he has followed Master on the path during the past few years was the occasion when he was scolded badly by Master in front of many people in Hong Kong. He recalled, "At that time, when I was suddenly scolded loudly by Master, I was so stunned that I jumped backwards. That jump might not mean very much to most people, but it has a great significance to a Tai Chi martial arts practitioner." Brother Chiu always thought that he was very good at martial arts. He could remain immovable even when pushed by several big men joining force together. However, the root he had grown from more than twenty years of hard practice had been pulled out by one shout. The chain of scolding that followed made him not know what to do with himself. He had never been scolded like that in his life. He always felt that whatever he did, he did with great seriousness and best effort. He was even prouder of the fact that he was a perfectionist, not allowing himself to have any flaws. He felt that he was most respectful to Master, and that he was a model disciple. No matter how he dwelled upon it, he could not work out why Master had rebuked him that way. For every day of the six months after he returned to Formosa, he struggled within himself, trying to work out why Master had scolded him. He still felt that he had not made any mistakes and that he had been perfect. On the other hand, he knew in his heart that his most trusted and revered Master could not possibly scold him without any reason. Encountering A Really High Level ExpertIn such a conflicting and complicated state of mind, where he knew that Master was absolutely right, but could not bring himself to admit that he was wrong, he frequently could not bear the impossible knot in his heart, and become so frustrated that he cried aloud while meditating. He even hit himself in penance. Then, one evening after six months, a brother who had been Master's attendant happened to visit him to discuss some matters. During their conversation, the brother told a story about his journey with Master on the path. "Once, Master took a few disciples and myself to the riverside of San Di Men in Pintung for a retreat and to relax. Watching how caring Master was to other brothers, I became very jealous, even to the point that I had some misunderstanding toward Master. As bad thoughts emerged in my mind, immediately I was severely scolded by Master. She would not even allow me to be beside Her. I had not made any mistakes at that time, so none of the other disciples knew why Master had reprimanded me. I was the only one who understood. In fact, I knew that I should not have these jealous feelings, but I could not suppress them. Many times, in order not to destroy the serene atmosphere of the retreat, Master let me do some work at Her side again. However, once I had generated the bad vibrations I was immediately ordered to go away. I was shuffled back and forth that way each day. At that time I thought that Master must be exercising supernatural powers. Otherwise, how could She know so clearly what was in my mind? I kept making efforts to overcome this unwanted trait, but the more Master chastised me, the more jealous I became. It went on for a good few days, and I could not smile even if I wanted to. Every day I felt, both physically and mentally, as if I was carrying a large rock on my back and in my heart. It was so heavy that I could no longer bear it. There were a few times that I thought about leaving Master. I did not want the turmoil in my heart any more. One night about a week later, I sat as usual on a rock beside the river to meditate and repent. As midnight approached, I was suddenly enlightened in some way and the knot that had been in my heart for days was untied. I felt relieved and bright in body and mind. The invisible boulder pressing on me vanished at that moment. Warm tears streamed out of my eyes, and I greatly sympathized with Master. Why, for no reason, did She have to bear all kinds of mental abuse and misunderstandings given by Her disciples? I told myself at that time that I should see Master first thing in the morning, to apologize to Her and tell Her that I had worked it out. That night I couldn't wait, and wished that the dawn would come sooner. Early that morning, as the first light of day appeared, I suddenly sensed that someone was moving about outside my tent. I got up and saw that it was Master. At once I dashed out of the tent. Master was smiling as She sat placidly on a hammock nearby. Happily I ran over to Her and said, "Master! I finally figured it out last night. I am very sorry that I have troubled You during the past few days. I was going to apologize to You first thing this morning." Master said with a joyful smile, "I received this message in the middle of the night. I am happier than you are to learn that you have overcome this obstacle. I wanted to come to see you last night, but it was too late and I didn't want to wake you. That is why I came over so early this morning." Master continued, "It's not that I didn't know that it was very painful for you to experience such torment in your mind over the past few days. I even worried that you could not bear it and would leave the path. I might have forgiven you then, not scolded you and said sweet words to you. But I could not do that, for otherwise you would never have learned this lesson. I wanted to let you surpass the bad habits that you have acquired over your past lives. I was even more nervous than you were." After listening to Master, I was filled with warm tears, and forgot even to say, 'Thank You.'" 'Inner Power' Improved After listening to the brother's story, Brother Chiu emotionally revealed the inner struggles that he had endured over those six months. He said, "Having gone through these struggles for more than six months, I only figured things out last night while meditating, and untied the knot in my heart. The joy I had was undescribable, just as you have said. I didn't expect that you would come to tell me this story. Had you come a few days earlier, I could neither take it in nor understand it. What a coincidence this is!" It must be Master's arrangement. When I mention Master now, I am almost in tears. What an embarrassing thing it is! He went on, "Actually, from the beginning, I was wrong to look for the reason that Master had scolded me. Even if Master had wronged me, I should not be angry. This is not how I should treat ordinary people, let alone my Master. It was all because I thought too much of myself that I felt unhappy and was concerned throughout this incident. I could not see through the fame and defamation, praise and sarcasm. Spiritual practitioners should not be moved even when blown by the 'eight winds.' Then it was only a breeze and I wavered for more than six months. I always thought that I was a perfectionist, that I was better than others in everything. I could not accommodate even one tiny mistake. I tied myself down too much. I minded too much. That in itself is a kind of imperfection. Now that I can see the truth, I feel that I'm useless. I see everyone as being better than I am, but this way I feel happier and freer. Not long after I overcame this inner struggle, I faced a situation where I had to help in a difficult assignment. There were times when I was scolded so much that I hid away and cried, but these unhappy feelings passed away in no time. Being scolded by Master once, I have become immune! It's no wonder that Master jokingly said, "If you can bear my 'Lioness' roar,' you can handle any situation, anywhere you go." It was a surprise for Brother Chiu that his inner power to take scolding had increased so much. It surpassed his attainments in the martial arts, which had been accumulated over thirty years. He said, "I remember that when I was learning Tai Chi under Master Liu Hsi Hung, sometimes I could not practice correctly the moves that he taught me, neither could I understand the essence of the moves. I felt too embarrassed to ask, and Master Liu did not correct my wrong movements even though he was watching at the side. I tried many ways and exerted my greatest effort, but I still could not appreciate their true nature. A few days later, Master Liu would then come over and give me some suitable instructions, and then I would understand! I feel that in many lessons one must first try to experience extensively, to explore and to learn from various situations. When the time is ripe and with the precise guidance from the teacher, we will truly understand. Last year I was shocked to learn about the passing away of the Tai Chi Grand Master, Mr. Huang Hsin Shien, I was filled with bewilderment. He had applied himself to Tai Chi for his entire life, and reached a level that no one can surpass these days. Now all that is left is his great name; the rest is gone. It suddenly made me change my perspective on life. I am very lucky to have met Master and followed Her to walk on the path before my life comes to an end. So now I will not have lived this life for nothing!" International ReportsReport From EuropeMaster And Disciples At A Joyful Rendezvous In Nice A European group meditation was recently held in Nice -- a beautiful city on the turquoise-blue coast of southern France. After attending the annual social gathering of the Red Cross at Monte Carlo in Monaco by invitation, Suma Ching Hai especially went on to Nice to visit the fellow practitioners due to their deep longing to see Her. The fellow practitioners in Europe usually have fewer chances to see Master. Therefore, when they heard the news: "You may go to Nice to see Master, and there will be an initiation," all the initiates and would-be initiates jumped with excitement. Long before they set off on their trips, their hearts had already flown to Nice hoping to see Master earlier. There was a funny episode: a would-be initiate in England did not join the group, but when the fellow practitioners arrived at Nice, they found that he was already there! The truth was, he really could not wait for another day, so he went alone before any others did. The long awaited moment eventually arrived. When Suma Ching Hai walked into the Westminister Concorde Hotel, fellow practitioners and would-be practitioners queuing respectfully at the two sides of the walkway surged forward offering flowers and gifts to Master, whom they had missed for such a long time. There was a chorus of greetings, and many eyes were filled with blissful tears which revealed their unpretentious feelings. Master was dressed purely in white -- unadorned yet elegant, dignified yet unrestrained. Responding to their sincerity, Master kept touching their heads, holding their hands, embracing and blessing the fellow practitioners. Even the umbrella that She carried was given to a lucky fellow. At first, Master only asked the children to come forward to get the candies. However, many adults also followed suit. At Master's feet, everyone is a child! Most of the fellow practitioners who went to Nice this time were diligent practitioners who often attended the group meditations. For example, an initiate who is a professional singer has to travel very often. Nevertheless, she still cherishes the group meditations and attends as often as possible. Subsequently, she could go to Nice and see Master, and fulfilled her longing. Because of their sincerity, Master squeezed out some time to see the fellow practitioners and comfort their yearning, though Her schedule was very busy. Coming from over ten countries in Europe, the fellow practitioners were like brothers and sisters in a big harmonious family, becoming intoxicated in the intimate laughter and words of the merciful Mother -- their Master. Upon hearing that some fellow practitioners from Poland had also come to the group meditation, Master immediately offered to pay for their travelling expenses, because She recalled their touching story during the S.M. Celestial Show in Milan. Not being able to afford the traffic expense at that time, they went all the way to Milan just by hitching free rides. The warmth of Her compassion deeply touched everyone there, especially the Polish fellow practitioners who received Master's special concern; they were so overwhelmed by emotion that they cried. Apart from delivering explicit discourses, Master answered all the questions by initiates from various countries concerning spiritual practice, and initiated a group of new fellow practitioners. At the gathering, fellow initiates expressed deep regret for being unable to attend the International 3-day Retreat held in Hsihu this year, due to difficulties in obtaining visas. Therefore, they implored Master to hold a three-day retreat in Europe. Moved by the earnest yearning of everyone, Master kindly consented to their request, thus realizing the long dream of the fellow practitioners in Europe. Grateful for Master's care and understanding, everyone responded with thunderous applause. The group meditation gathering finally approached its end, and Suma Ching Hai could feel the reluctance of the disciples to part from Her. Therefore, She went down the platform and strolled between the disciples, stopping frequently to comfort and encourage everyone with Her light and humorous words. Happy moments together are always fleeting. After the farewell in Nice, the fellow practitioners are eagerly looking forward to the coming three-day retreat in Europe. Report From The United KingdomA New Attempt To Promote Vegetarianism With great enthusiasm, initiates from England participated in "The Third Scottish Mystic Body, Mind & Soul Exhibition" in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. Besides spreading Master's teachings at this exhibition, we attempted something new -- promoting vegetarian food. Before heading for Glasgow, fellow practitioners prepared lunch boxes, reflecting color, flavor, and good taste, as well as delicious vegetarian snacks, vegetarian ham, and other health food products. During the exhibition, besides playing Master's videotaped lectures, showing Master's books, and distributing sample booklets, we also displayed vegetarian food products and allowed people to sample them, which attracted much attention. This was the first time our vegetarian food was exhibited in Scotland, and the plain local people were delighted and surprised. They told the initiates, "We can't believe there are such good tasting vegetarian foods!" They instantly placed orders for the next day's lunch, and the response was very enthusiastic. Fellow initiates explained to interested persons about the reasons for keeping a vegetarian diet. They gave them Master's sample booklets and suggested that they read them carefully, since they could obtain both material and spiritual food from the booklets. The visitors were very contented and pleased. This exhibition gave the people of Glasgow the opportunity to know about Master. It also raised interest and confidence in the vegetarian life-style among the local people. Report From Ottawa, CanadaSpreading The Heavenly The fellow practitioners in Ottawa recently participated in an exhibition on mental and spiritual health called "Circle '95." It provided a new way to spread Master's message. During the exhibition, all the other exhibitors visited our booth. Most of them were spiritual practitioners on other paths, including people who taught meditation, and healers who cured psychic problems. One of them said that she could detect a very intense attracting power coming from Master's booth. Having seen Master's portrait, she naturally stayed and watched the videotape of Master's lecture at the United Nations . Two Canadians had coincidentally seen Master's videos at their friend's place and they wished, very much, to know more about Her teachings. They contacted Hsihu Center after seeing the address on the videotapes, then later got in touch with the local fellow practitioners. They were extremely delighted to meet our fellow initiates at the exhibition, as if they had found brothers and sisters who had been missing for years. After a long and hearty conversation, they parted reluctantly. Having switched to a pure vegetarian diet, and enrolled to learn the Convenient Method, they even introduced Master's teachings to students and friends, and the responses were very enthusiastic. Shortly after the "Circle '95" exhibition, fellow practitioners took the sample booklets to vegetarian restaurants and stores to introduce Master's teachings to more people with an affinity. After reading the sample booklet, a couple told our fellow initiates that each word spoken by Master in the booklet was extremely accurate. They believed that if everyone acted according to Master's words, the world would have enjoyed peace long ago. Another Canadian said that she was extremely delighted to know about Master's teachings. All of them had been vegetarians for many years, and had enrolled to learn the Convenient Method. Besides this, the Central Library of Ottawa has also received Master's sample booklets in English, French, Chinese and Au Lac language, and also the "Key of Immediate Enlightenment" series. As a result, people with an affinity have come to know Master's teachings, and more people have enrolled to learn the Convenient Method. Report From Illinois And Indiana, USAThe Blooming Of This summer, fellow initiates from the USA had the honor of introducing Master's new book at two huge international book exhibitions, and received warm responses. Not only did we meet many people who had an affinity with Master, but we learned many lessons from the work. The annual American Booksellers Association Convention was held in Chicago this year. The participants in this exhibition included all of the world's major publishers and book distributors as well as many authors. Filled with the Supreme blessing, we came to one of the booths where Master's book was displayed. The booth manager readily supported our work, offering his table as a place to introduce Master's book. The initiates understood clearly that it was Master's blessing power that had made the atmosphere in the exhibition highly favorable and harmonious. The initiates made numerous contacts with domestic and international distributors and book dealers who were interested in ordering Master's book. The booth manager also became a friend of the fellow initiates, and gave us a book with a cover picture of Jesus in meditation posture; in return, we gave him a copy of Master's book, and he happily accepted it. During their stay at the Convention, fellow practitioners contacted many people who were interested in Master's book and teachings. For example, a Chinese lady who was a book dealer showed great enthusiasm for Master's book, and could not wait to purchase it to sell at her store. A couple who owned a bookstore in Michigan stopped by our booth, and were extremely pleased to encounter Master's book and teachings. They stated that they would definitely order copies of the book to sell at their store. The wife was especially happy to learn about Master, and delighted to see a picture of Her on a disciple's necklace, saying that she liked Master very much. She was even happier when she discovered that Master is also a fashion designer, because she occasionally worked as a model and was very interested in fashion. Moreover, she mentioned that she would introduce Master to her relatives. The couple left jubilantly with Master's booklet in hand. A German lady who had been practicing various meditation methods for many years found that she had arrived in the right place at the right time! Upon hearing about Master's teachings, she felt certain that this was the teacher whom she had been seeking all her life. An elderly French man, who had written a book on UFOs, was extremely interested in Master's teaching about our noble origins as celestial beings. He had a long, hearty talk with one of the disciples. After a long talk with an initiate, a Chinese lady representing the largest book distributor in China found Master's teachings very appealing. She was pleased to accept Master's sample booklets and magazines, and said she always felt that God was inside her. She added that she would introduce Master's teachings to her relatives when she returned to China. Some other people felt that they were very lucky to be able to purchase Master's book on the spot, and their hearts were filled with Master's grace. Several weeks later, the American Library Association Convention was held at the same location, where participating librarians from all over America absorbed new knowledge and information. Disciples from Illinois and Indiana went to promote Master's book at this Convention as well, introducing Her teachings to many people who were pursuing spiritual Truth. One lady, head of the science library at the University of Oregon, gladly told our disciples that she had read the introduction to Master's teachings on the World Wide Web, an international computer internet system, and found that it conveyed a very uplifting message. She suggested that disciples put the World Wide Web home page information of the Quan Yin Family on the flyers introducing Master's book, to let more people have access to Her teachings. (Note) Moreover, she enthusiastically promised to introduce Master's new book to the relevant organizations at her university. A librarian who had psychic power said that she could feel the presence of Master's energy at the Convention. As soon as she got the flyer, she wanted to buy Master's book. Note: http://futures.phys.cmu.edu/ (in USA) http://www.magi.com/~quanyin/homepage.html (in Canada) Report From Illinois, USA Chicago Chinatown Summer FairDisciples from Illinois arranged a booth to distribute Master's flyers, sample booklets, and magazines to participants in the Chicago Chinatown Summer Fair. This is the second summer during which Illinois initiates attended the Fair, after a successful experience last year. Two heavy thunderstorms came down on Chicago on the afternoon and evening of the day preceding the Fair, cooling down the extremely hot weather; but it was very sunny on Fair day. The disciples' tent was set up in the early morning on the main street of Chinatown. We had everything ready, such as a large poster of Master, books, audio and videotapes, a TV set, and so on. But we lacked one of the most important things -- the electrical power to run the TV and VCR! All efforts to negotiate with the stores in the vicinity were unsuccessful. But finally we connected to a power source over 100 meters from our booth. The owner of the store happened to be one of the participants in the huge Chicago party on Suma Ching Hai Day and even had personally received Master's blessing. So everything went on perfectly according to God's arrangement. The Fair officially started and many people swarmed to our booth in a continuous flow and picked up flyers, sample booklets, and magazines. One lady was so impressed with Master's lecture shown on the TV, that she stared at the TV tube for quite a few hours, most of the time under the hot sun! Even at the Fair's closing time, people were still rushing to us to apply for the Convenient Method. God's arrangement is always amazing. Next to our booth was a fortune teller setting up a table to read Tarot cards. She had many customers; even a police officer who patrolled the Fair was among them. One initiate gave her a sample booklet, and we noticed that she read the sample booklet whenever she did not have any customers. Then, a few days after the Fair, she called a contact person to buy more of Master's books and videotapes to study. On the phone, she said very enthusiastically that at one time in her life, she prayed to God that whenever God comes, then He should let her see a rainbow; and she did see a rainbow on the day of the Fair. Caption: The Summer Expo in Chicago's China Town was a wonderful experience in spreading Master's teachings. Report From L.A., USA A Memorable Lotus Festival The 1995 Lotus Festival was held at Echo park, a beautiful setting surrounded by a crystalline lake overlooking downtown Los Angeles. It is an annual festival organized by the City of Los Angeles, attracting hundreds of thousands of city folks to that tiny wooded area to celebrate the Lotus Festival while at the same time enjoying exotic foods, live entertainment, and other outdoor activities. The Los Angeles Center was introduced to this event for the first time. Although the arrangement was handled in a hasty manner, we were able to secure a booth at the event in a short time. Our booth was located at the front end corner from the road entrance, which provided us an extra room for the display of Master's sample booklets and magazines. There was even a single tree standing alone in the backyard of our booth providing needed shade for the cooking team during hot summer days. Thanks to Master's arrangement, everything was made easy. The opening day arrived under a sunny sky as our cooking team hurriedly prepared samples of veggie hot dogs as promotional items. Grilled with sizzling marinated sauce by our talented cooking team, they made a quick debut into the aspiring crowd as these people were invited for a try of this delicacy, which many found hard to resist. Hundreds of vegetarian food enthusiasts came to the booth for a real taste of the delicious main entree consisting of Beijing duck, broiled beef, fried or steamed rice, and vegetables. Others proudly commended our booth as their most favorite spot at the festival thanks to its cleanliness and tasty food. They also received Master's free sample booklets and magazines. The lucky friends from L.A. left the festival showing innocent smiles of contentment. Report From CambodiaWhen Is God Coming? Ever since language classes began at the end of last year, the meditation center in Cambodia has established warm friendships with local youths. They not only have benefited in learning a language, but also have made obvious progress in terms of their appearance, attributes, and etiquette. The more often they come, the more changes can be seen. A few students have already begun learning the Convenient Method. "When is Master Coming?" has been the most often asked question in recent months. The students have been getting more and more curious about this generous good Samaritan and cannot wait to see Her face-to-face. Old students have asked, "Last year Master was here. Why is She not here this year?" And new students ask, "I only saw Her photographs. Will I be able to see Her in person?" Once during a showing of Master's videotape, there was a scene where She was working in the garden. A student said in Chinese, "God is planting flowers in the garden." Another student told the English teacher, "I wish God would come here." The children of a traditionally Buddhist country had no trouble accepting a colorful, multifaceted God. This amply shows that the local people are simple, pure and open in mind. During a recent instruction session in the Convenient Method, the atmosphere was very pleasant. All felt strong, continuous bliss from Master, and the students who learned the Convenient Method had a very comfortable feeling. They remained sitting in meditation until after the singing of the song of Sharing Merit, as if they were reluctant to leave the beautiful inner world. The first few learners were part-time vegetarians. Ever since they registered to learn the Convenient Method, however, they have become complete vegetarians. Now they attend group meditation involving the Convenient Method with diligence. Several brothers from the same family came from a rural area to Phnom Penh to study. Ever since they learned to cook vegetarian food, they have been sharing with their roommates. Because of a shortage of vegetarian food products, the high cost of spices, and their lack of cooking skill, the food tastes just so-so, but they have been very satisfied with the flavor of their own creations. They insist on keeping the vegetarian diet even during the Chinese and Cambodian New Years, and at wedding parties and various other occasions. They have also registered to learn the Convenient Method. Lotus flowers are everywhere in Phnom Penh. Each person also has a lotus flower in his/her heart. It blooms daily, anticipating the arrival of God. Report From Palawan, The PhilippinesA Paradise In The Cape Many new trees have been added to the Palawan Meditation Center. The fruit trees have produced beautiful, sweet fruits. Potted plants and flowers welcome the warm sunshine and cool rain water. They stand quietly next to the newly built, spacious meditation hall, softening the surrounding atmosphere and helping the practitioners more easily achieve samadhi in meditation . The original red dirt path has been turned into a small walkway decorated with flowers on both sides. Fellow initiates brought crushed stone with carts from nearby demolished houses to fill in potholes and prevent flies and mosquitoes from breeding in the accumulated water. Parsley and lettuce are thriving in the vegetable garden. Various kinds of squashes are hanging from the trellis. The vegetables and fruits grown by fellow practitioners have reached a self sufficient level of production. Early each morning, they bring in basket after basket of fresh vegetables and fruits from the gardens. Thank God, for providing us with such an abundance of food. The beautiful environment we have today at the meditation center, which is as magnificent as a tourist attraction, is the result of Master's silently transforming love and power. Fellow practitioners diligently clean throughout the meditation hall and maintain a hygienic and beautiful environment, which all visitors are surprised at and cannot stop praising. As they leave with sample booklets, their hearts are deeply touched. Besides beautifying the meditation center, fellow initiates also follow Master's instructions to clean the world's environment. They often coordinate with local camp officials to go outside the camp to clean. Ordinarily, no matter who has requested help, the initiates always eagerly provide assistance. Wherever the garbage is, inside or outside the camp, they will clean it up automatically. All people inside the camp, as well as the camp officials, are highly respectful of Master for Her love and proper teachings. They all have said, "the Suma Ching Hai International Association is excellent!" Whenever the Center or its initiates have any needs, the camp officials immediately agree to fulfill them. They no longer restrict the use of water, electricity, or the showing of movies on weekends. Fellow initiates' attitudes about work have touched the hearts of others in the camp. Some have even said, "All groups in the camp should learn from the disciples of Suma Ching Hai." Master has instructed disciples to help the miserable, helpless patients in hospitals. So fellow practitioners went to the local hospitals to ease the patients' spirits and give them Master's books, daily supplies, and vegetarian food in order to let them feel Her love and to change their feelings of negativity and hopelessness. Now, the patients are all very happy. They recite Master's name daily. They have acquired inner peace. Moreover, they come to the meditation center to eat vegetarian food. Fellow initiates often cook different kinds of special dishes to treat them. The visitors always watch Master's videotapes while eating. Due to Master's loving blessings, they have become increasingly happy and optimistic. They work even harder to study Her teachings. Master has never neglected the needs of the little children in the camp. They are at a stage when they really need good nutrition, but cannot get help from any organization in the camp. Under Master's loving instructions, fellow initiates distribute milk to the children each week to enhance their health and strength. Caption: 1) The fellow practitioners in Palawan diligently clean the inside and outside of the camp everyday, providing the inmates with a beautiful and hygienic living environment. 2) "Transforming the useless into wonders"-- Leveling holes on the road surface with the remaining concrete slabs from the dismantled house. Report From Kaohsiung And Pingtung, FormosaLending A Helping Hand To Our Fellow Brethren For six weeks in a row, our compassionate Master has been giving initiation to those who long for eternal liberation, which has made our big Quan Yin family increase in numbers of new fellow practitioners. In order to help the new initiates quickly get into their new routine, a "Service Group for New Initiates" was immediately formed. The Group introduces new initiates to the area surrounding the meditation center and its traffic conditions, and gives information about bus schedules and matters of concern for group meditation. It also introduces some of Master's videotapes containing special lectures for new initiates. The purpose of the Service Group is to make the newly initiated brothers and sisters feel the warmth, friendship, care, and help of the big Quan Yin family on their first visit to the local center for group meditation. It is hoped that in the shortest possible time, they will be able to familiarize themselves with the routines of group meditation, and the Group can offer them better circumstances for spiritual practice, as well as some practical help. Teaching The Convenient Method At Taliao Prison In Kaohsiung After their last lecture in the prison, all the inmates and everyone concerned with prison administration were deeply impressed. And due to this warm response, even Mr. Shia, an official of the prison said in a humorous tone, "The prisoners are not busy. They should have plenty of time to meditate now. Meditation is good for their emotional stability." Thus members of the Kao-Ping Center were again invited back to Taliao Prison in Kaohsiung to teach the Convenient Method to dozens of prisoners who had registered for this event. One initiate, while introducing Master, mentioned that about six or seven years ago he had asked Her, "At what level of experience was Quan Yin Bodhisattva when She reported Her experiences in the Suramgama Sutra?" Without hesitation, Master answered, "That was at the top of level five close to level six (i.e., the sixth Pure Land level)." He was very astonished that Master was able to immediately point out the level of Quan Yin Bodhisattva. He submitted to Master totally and determined to follow Her in practice. Many people experienced Master's great blessing power while watching Her lecture videotapes. During the teaching of the Convenient Method, they involuntarily straightened their backs and concentrated fully. Their eagerness to seek the True Way was obvious. During the entire process, the atmosphere was very positive, as if Master had been there in person. When the prisoners received their blessed gift packages, which were meticulously wrapped by fellow initiates and tied with bows, they jumped up like overjoyed children. We thus saw more thirsty souls receive their nectar water and join the big Quan Yin family to enjoy Master's undiscriminating love, without distinction between good or bad, with only overflowing, loving compassion. This was another true testimony of the biblical maxim, "We all are the children of God." Media Reports These two following articles were published in China Times, Formosa, Aug. 8, 1995 A King With A Lot Of Desire This story is called 'A King With A Lot Of Desire, Lust.' A very, very, very, long time ago, there was a king who ruled a very great kingdom, and for a very, very, very long time, in India. During that time, he was always victorious. He never lost anything. He always won. So he became very, very, very greedy and very arrogant, because everything he did brought victory to him. This King was a kind of practitioner. He had magical power. There were many kings in the old times that were called 'Golden Wheel Saint Kings' or something like that, because they had a kind of golden carriage which could carry them anywhere they wanted. Perhaps it was a U.F.O. When you read many stories in India, like Rama, it seemed like in the old times people got in touch with the U.F.O., extraterrestrial people, that flew with a chariot in the sky. So what else then? They didn't have any airplane at that time, did they? I don't think so. Or perhaps they did. And besides, with all these magical powers it must have been the extraterrestrial people that they had encountered, you know, Rama, his wife and company. And of course he had so many beautiful and precious things in his life. The first one was a very beautiful, strong magical horse which could carry him one thousand miles an hour. It must have been an airplane. What kind of horse would that have been? But it was a red one. Then he had a beautiful white like snow elephant. He had a precious stone that in the evening emitted beautiful light like the moon light. They didn't have electricity. They didn't need to. He had a car, like a golden carriage. This one could fly him up into the sky. What could that have been? Airplane or U.F.O.? Do we have a car that can go a thousand miles an hour? Oh, a day, a day, a thousand miles a day? Okay? That must have been the car. He had a car and an airplane. (Master laughed.) And also he had a queen who was very, very beautiful as well as very, very faithful. So what else could he want? He had a very good prime minister to help him, and a very, very powerful army general. So, he had everything. No wonder he was always victorious. Besides, he had thousands of princes, big, tall, strong, intelligent, educated, courageous, all like grand kings. Make Sure You Don't Live Too Long All these things actually should have made him very, very happy and satisfied. But he was not. Everyday he felt empty, felt like he was missing something. One day, he was fed up. He felt that he didn't have enough money, with all that, so he sat there and meditated on money. As he meditated on money, and he recited the mantra for money. He said: “Dollars, dollars, dollars....Americans dollars, French dollars, Italian dollars, not Taiwan N.T., (laughter), German Deutschemarks, etc. He recited all these mantras. And then all the money came down, all the Deutschemarks, all the American dollars, French francs, and all that; you know all the best. Oh, yen, Japanese yen. Instead of “Zen Zen? he said: “Yen, yen.?(Master and all laughed.) Anyway, his meditation was powerful. He was very, very concentrated, very sincere, and very devoted to money. The God of money was very moved, and rained down the money for him. Then he saw that the whole palace, outside, all over the tree tops, and everywhere was money. Even next to the toilet, there was money too. He looked and then he told people to pick it up and count it for him. He said, “Not enough.?He meditated again. Now he wanted something else, so he recited a different mantra. I can teach you right now. (Audience laughed.) “Gold, gold, gold, gold, silver, silver, gold, gold, silver...?(Audience laughed.) And then again, as he was absolutely a hundred percent devoted, the God of gold and silver was very moved, and rained down all the gold and silver as he desired. This time the gold and silver covered all of Miaoli and the surrounding area. All he had to do was tell his people to go out and pick it up and bring it to the store room. He was satisfied for a while. Maybe a few days, a few months. Actually in the old times people lived a very long, long life. Perhaps that's why he was bored. So make sure you don't live too long. Surrender To The Will Of God So, many, many years had passed now since the incident of silver and gold. The King happened to be bored again, dissatisfied with life. So, he looked to the south and he saw that it was a very prosperous country, and very big and beautiful. So he said, “Ah... I wish I also could rule over that southern kingdom, then I would be happy and satisfied.?Suddenly, as he wished like that, his chariot flew up into the sky and brought him to the southern kingdom. He won immediately, because when everyone saw him come with such a beautiful golden and bright chariot from the sky, they all knelt down on the ground and said: “Hello.?They surrendered to him, no problem. They treated him very, very well, very, very respectfully, and did everything he wanted. He stayed there for a thousand more years. And then he was bored, so he went up to the high tower and looked again. Perhaps he looked to the north, and he saw that the north was a very nice kingdom, very prosperous, and had very good-looking people. “Now I want that kingdom! (Master laughed.) Then I will be happy and satisfied.?As soon as he had spoken, because he had the power of, perhaps magic, so whatever he wished came true. Perhaps he had merit for a long time and had not spent it. So he wished and the chariot flew him up into the sky and delivered him to the north. As soon as he came, all the people in the northern kingdom also knelt on the streets and gave him incense, flowers, fruit, cakes, candies, mineral water, beer and everything; and offered the kingdom to him, surrendered, so no problem. He had not wasted one drop of blood, and he obtained the kingdom. I think that the people who are fighting right now should come and learn his strategy of how to invade another nation without spending any blood or human lives. So now, he was very happy, satisfied for another thousand years. It did not take much for him to be satisfied. Ah, so, one thousand years passed now, and the dissatisfied king looked over, perhaps to the east. He used his binoculars, perhaps. And then he looked over there and said, “Oh, oh, how come there's a kingdom there I did not know about? And it's very beautiful, very prosperous, a lot of durian fruit. I can smell it from there to here. (Master and audience laughed.) So he said, ?I have to have that kingdom. I have to rule over that kingdom also, so that I will be satisfied.?Said and done, he won without blood or without any resistance. Perhaps because God had favored him. Perhaps because he had acquired a great deal of merit in the last life. Perhaps because those people in the north, the south, and the east were very peaceful, loving people. Whoever ruled the kingdom, it didn't matter. They didn't want bloodshed. They just surrendered. Perhaps it's the best way. I don't know. Perhaps it is the best way in every situation, because one cannot fight without resistance. Perhaps, we shouldn't fight at all anywhere. Truly if we understand the Kingdom of God is within us, and if we have already tasted the nectar of this Kingdom of God, then probably we do not want to resist anything. If we can live here longer to serve God and fellow beings, let it be so. If we have to go because our time has come, or because someone else wants to terminate our life, let it be, because we have other kingdoms to continue to live in. Perhaps, therefore, surrendering to God's will is the best. Sooner or later, each one of us must leave this world anyhow. So why complicate things? I see resistance in different countries. Sometimes it just makes more and more and more bloodshed without having any concrete and finished result. Just costs a lot of lives, time, building constructing power, and financial benefit; costs a lot from the people. Besides, as you have seen, every system will collapse itself. Like the communists in eastern Europe. They collapsed by themselves. Nothing lasts forever if it doesn't suit the plan of God. So, I don't know whether all this physical resistance is truly good or not. I still think I dare not say too much. People will think I'm a pessimist and passive, and things like that. But I think everything will take care of itself. Sometimes, in the course of life, you have experienced that yourselves? Sometimes you try to demand this and that, and you end up the same; sometimes worse than before. The Problems Of Not Having So now, another thousand years came. Ah.., he was happy. He swallowed up one nation and was very happy. One more thousand years, and he was fed up again, was bored. So he went up to the top of the mountain, used his binoculars, or whatever, telescope and then he looked over to the west. Now he said America. Perhaps, (Master laughed), before Columbus discovered it, he had seen it. He said, “That land is very big and beautiful -- California beach. Oh, no, no, Miami beach, California earthquake. Oh no, (audience laughed) good weather. West Virginia, snow. Oh, we have everything. I must have that land.?So said, wished, and accomplished as usual, as many times before. A thousand years more, and he was bored, unhappy. I told you, he should have come to Suma Ching Hai, and She would have told him nothing in this world would satisfy him! (Master and audience laughed.) You see the problem with having no master? If you don't have a living teacher, it's very difficult. Every guru will tell you that. He didn't have a Master like Suma Ching Hai who would have taught him the ephemeral nature of human life. Doesn't matter how many thousand years you live, still one day you must end, and there's nothing here you can take with you. And nothing physical will ever, ever satisfy you forever, every day of your life. Satisfaction comes only from inside. If you seek anything else except satisfaction from inside, you will always end up frustrated and miserable. Every time you try, every time like you knocked the wall, you have to return and reshape your actions again. Even love, children, husband, wife, anything that you think that will bring you the most beautiful feeling of human life, still it never lasts. Today it is good. Tomorrow it brings you heartache, problems, consequences, and all kinds of sorrow and worries. It takes a lot of effort to keep someone you love. And it takes a lot of effort to keep someone who loves you. Any little so-called wrong or insensitive move may break the relationship immediately, and sometimes it's irreparable. So every effort we spend in this world to repair our friendships, to build up the kingdom on earth, everything always brings us trouble, even though we are successful in the end, or sometimes in between. Still it takes us all the energy, time, youth, and attention in order to keep that alive. It doesn't matter what kind of relationship, or what kind of treasure that it is. You have experienced that? If you have not, you may try. Go and fall in love somewhere and then tell me what happens. (Master laughed.) Materialistic Spiritualism Alright, so let's go back to India, to our greedy King. Alright, so now he was bored after running around the world. The King was bored after four thousand years of invading the four corners of the world. Now, he was bored to death because he had nothing to play with anymore. All the things, all the countries that he had conquered, he knew by name. All the games in the country, all the beautiful women he had seen, everything he knew. Now, he was bored with the earth, nothing to do. One day he sat there. He couldn't meditate on money either because he was fed up. He had enough. He couldn't meditate on anything else because everything in the world belonged to him. So he sat there. Instead of going to the Himalayas to find Suma Ching Hai, he just thought of God and meditated on God. Ah, haa..ha...finally, my God, can you believe that? He actually did meditate on God, finally. Then, he was thinking: “Oh, I wish I could see God. How I long to see God. If I could just see God, it would be good, beautiful. Oh, God! How can I see God??As he wished, his dream came true. God, moved by his sincere desire, perhaps materialistic desire, invited him to the Kingdom. Perhaps, the god of the astral world, Vishnu god or Shiva god, we don't know what kind of god that was. Well, by the way he was thinking, perhaps he ended up in the astral kingdom, because he was so materialistic. Not that he wanted to see God for reverence or longing in his heart, but he wanted to see God because he desired to see the Kingdom of God. He wanted to see whether the Kingdom of God had any differences from his kingdom, and anything else he could learn, he could look at, he could play with, etc. It was just pure materialistic curiosity. God was very generous and loving. Anyone who meditated on him attained his attention. So, that was God. He was compassionate, loving, even though he was only an astral god. An astral god is also the representative of the highest God. He has some qualities of the Almighty. Now, very lovingly, cautiously, hospitably, he invited the King to come to the Kingdom of God. Then his UFO, airplane, or whatever, chariot, took him into the sky and up to the Kingdom of God, to the throne of the deity. Then, the God, whatever Kingdom that may have been, astral, intellectual, or Akashic buddhi god, I don't know, invited him to sit next to him. He had a very long sofa made of gold, studded with diamonds and precious stones glittering like the sun in the morning. So he invited him to sit next to him even -- very, very cautious God. Very, very politely, very hospitably, he offered him all kinds of biscuits, candies, grapes, (Master laughed) apples. Anything that was available in the Kingdom of God, was offered to him, as well as to his accompanying horses, elephant, queen, chariot, manager, soldiers, generals, ministers and everything that he brought up. Then god talked, chatted to him in a very friendly way. The King, the one who was never satisfied, sat there talking to God, but at same time, looked around. Wow! The lamp is made of diamond. (Audience laughed.) Wow! And that lamp is made of ruby, and the other one is made of pearl. And everything here is more precious and beautiful than anything we have on earth. Even the diamonds are different; gold is different; silver is different. It seemed to be a thousand times more beautiful, more real, more precious, more pleasing to the eyes and, of course, to the heart of the King. Now he sat there (audience laughed softly) and thought. When he was looking, he thought with the soul. Later, he thought with the knees, then he tried to think with the solar plexus, and then he tried to reason with the heart. That didn't work either. And then he tried to reason with the throat. But that was all he could come up with. It didn't work either, because he wanted to swallow everything. So the most concentrated chakra (Master laughed) for him was the throat center. He wanted to eat anything that he saw. He wanted to swallow, possess everything that he ever laid eyes on. He was thinking, when it comes up to the throat, he wants to swallow the Kingdom of God. Now, he said, “Wow! This is very beautiful. What if I get rid of this old man (Master and all laughed) and then become the King. Ah, ha! (Master laughed.) So he was sitting there and thinking like that with his throat. The god King is god. Didn't matter lower god or higher God, He was still god. The King was thinking with his throat center; his Adam's apple kept coming up and down, and the god saw it. (Master and all laughed.) When he saw his throat center activated, then he knew. He kept looking with his wisdom eye into the throat center, and he saw the black market going on there (Master and audience laughed), mafia organization going on there, ahh, all kinds of criminal records written there. So, God knew what was going on in this King's mind, but pretended not to know anything. He didn't say anything. He tried to be even more pleasant, more friendly, and offered more things. After that, god was just in the front mountain and tried to tell the King: “Okay, I'm busy. I have initiation going on in the back mountain, five hundred foreign disciples in the Meditation Hall, and five or six sites of construction going on. So, would you please excuse me? (Master and audience laughed.) And “sayonara.?Master laughed again.) The King was very, very desirous to stay in the Kingdom of God. But then the god King made sure that he knew that he must go. When he tried to stay there longer, many of the “hufa?(guards), god's guardian angels, with the eyes as big as the sun, shining like atom bombs, stared at him, and said nothing. (Audience laughed.) He said to him: “Either you go voluntarily and soon, or you go involuntarily and soon. (Master and audience laughed.) The King saw that he had only a handful of generals, soldiers, and a small chariot; and with all these guardian angels with very big umbrellas, (Master laughed), powerful eyes and arms; he had better move. So he had to move. He went back to earth again. Since that day, god didn't favor him anymore. So he began to be ill, suffered a lot, and then started to die. Before he died, he called his ministers and other officers to his deathbed and said that he was very sorry now, very sorry because he knew why he was dying. He knew God was punishing him. God withdrew eternal happiness or the eternal life-force from him, and now granted him a big favor which was the death sentence. He was very sorry and very repentant. He also said: “After I die, if anyone asks you why I died, you tell them it was because of greed. And that was it. He closed his eyes and meditated forever in the grave. Good-bye. Finished! (Audience applauded.) We Must Check Ourselves All The Time See, we could be materialistic practitioners as well. You know what I mean? This story serves to remind us that even though we follow a so-called spiritual practicing path, we must check ourselves all the time. We must be sure that we don't follow materialistic spiritualism. Yes it is called that. Because we follow a path in order to gain more power, then we can control others or we can take things from the universe, from other people without ever knowing. Sometimes you don't know it, but you do follow materialistic spiritualism. For example, you come here or you go to a Master anywhere expecting that She or He will heal you of your sickness because you don't want to go see a doctor. You think you have the right to demand such things. You come here with a very grave illness and throw yourself, throw the responsibility onto the ashram, wanting to be healed overnight; or you want to be richer, more powerful in some way and then you expect the Master to fulfil your wish in such a way. This is no good. Even if you practice the Quan Yin Method, you follow the spiritual discipline and meditate, but if your mind is not pure of the material need, then it's no good. Of course, when you are in trouble, you are bound to ask for help. Like I don't have a job now and I need to pay the rent and all that, Master can you help me to find a job. That is different. When you need, you may ask, if it is not necessary ... Also if the people come to initiation, expecting that after that, she will have this and that material gain or more position in the society, etc. This is disgusting. We should not come to any Master expecting such things, because we are bound to feel very disappointed. Or even if we are not disappointed, the master might grant us our wish. But then, the more we want, the less we are satisfied and then we keep wanting, wanting, wanting, to no end. And then our attention, our energy is always focused on these material aims and we forget the Almighty power inside. After we attain the Almighty power, anything will come to us when necessary without asking. But we don't come for that, we don't come for material fulfillment, or any other magical power. These are astral desires. Also material in other senses, not only that you wish for money, then it materializes. But if you wish for magical power or any kind of control over other people, the weather, or the surroundings, these are also material wishes. These are even worse. Like business people, we go to do business and we want to gain money and all these kinds of things. We should practice for the sake of wisdom alone, for the sake of knowing ourselves, for the sake of knowing the origin of our home and to be free, loving and happy. That's all there is. And everything else comes or does not come; it is just by the way. Everything I told you, you know or not? You do? But sometimes you know but your practice is different. It's funny. So we have to always check up. We are bound to make mistakes, but we have to check and correct it. The Benevolence Of The Saintly King u Spoken By Suma Ching Hai To The Foreign Practitioners, July 12, 1995 Hsihu Center, Formosa (Originally In English) Virtue, Wisdom And A Frugal Way Of Life A long, long time ago there was a King who was very, very, very good, very compassionate, very loving and he was supposed to be one of Shakyamuni Buddha's incarnations in the ancient times. Everyone in that country felt that he was a Boddhisattva, so they called him the saintly King. In India, there are many Maharajis; they are saintly Kings too. Anyone who had a problem or who was in need of some help came to him, and he always tried his best to help that person. Therefore in his country, everyone enjoyed a beautiful life and was very happy and prosperous; no one ever had need of anything. Also his ministers were very kind to the people. And his people were never oppressed in any way. Now let's see what this king did that made him worthy of the name of saintly King. So, apart from making all the subjects in his country happy, what else did he do? In the court of the King, he never organized any kind of costly and complicated festivals. You know, a kind of ceremony for the court, like for the King. Mostly in the old times when the King came out to greet people or when he did some ceremony, there were a lot of problems, a lot of incense, flowers, all kinds of guards, and maybe shooting of some cannons or something like that. Cost-a-bomb. Shooting some bombs “cost-a-bomb? cost many bombs, so he never did these kinds of things. All the money that he earned or the revenue of the kingdom was spent in building schools, hospitals, roads and all kinds of necessities for the people of his nation. He had a lot of ministers, not because he wanted to have a very aristocratic system, but because he needed a lot of ministers in order to help people with necessities, more quickly, more efficiently. Ceremonies of any kind were very simple. Other Kings, if a minister came to that King, he would have to prostrate himself on the floor perhaps three times, or at least one time, and kneel there until the King said: “Oh, please, be at ease.?Or things like that. But this King, he didn't do that nonsense. When you came to him, you just went and sat down and said: “Oh, I have something to report.?Or you telephoned him or used a walkie-talkie. (Master and audience laughed.) “Say hello King. Are you home? I have something to report.?Something like that. Most of the money was spent on necessities for the people of his nation. And he himself lived a very frugal life. Just enough to keep his dignity and comfort, but nothing extravagant. Besides, he himself went out and worked to earn some money too. (Master laughed.) He designed some clothes, some jewelry, and all that, and sold it. Everyone was very satisfied in this nation. The Wrath Of A Neighboring King So, it happened that many of the neighboring countries closed their neighboring frontiers because they didn't want their people to immigrate to that peaceful, prosperous, and happy nation. Ha. Ha. See that? It wasn't the nation who closed the door. It was the neighboring nations, who closed their own doors. Isn't that funny? Because if the doors of the frontiers were not closed, many people would keep migrating, migrating, migrating to that land, where the King was so benevolent, the ministers were so efficient and loving, and the people were so happy and contented. Now, one of the neighboring Kings was a very bad one. Everywhere the Buddha reincarnated, there was a bad one next to him to make trouble. Yeah, there's always the Ying and the Yang, the positive and the negative. Now, this neighboring King was very upset, very envious, very jealous of the good King, the saintly King because he had so much praise, so much respect and there were so many good stories about how compassionate, how loving, how wise, and how considerate the neighboring saintly King was. So he was mad with jealousy. And besides, many people always compared the good King's actions with his own actions, and always there was a very vast difference. So, he couldn't bear it. If it were you, maybe you also couldn't. If it were me, maybe I couldn't bear it also. I'm joking. Do we want a kingdom at all? No. You're right. Very wise. So that's why he was very hurt; his ego was hurt. This was the reason why later the good King had to endure a lot of suffering, due to the neighbor's jealousy. We will hear later. Because this neighboring bad King was so jealous he lost his logic and his reasoning, and decided to make war with the good King. One day the bad King sent the messenger of war, to the good saintly King, saying that he wanted to start a war. The saintly King was very shocked when he received the war decree. He kept asking, “But what is the reason why your majesty wants to make war with us? If it's our fault in any way, oh, please accept our apology. Tell us how we can mend our ways, so that we don't incur the wrath of war from your majesty, the King.? But the messenger said: “Nah. Nah. We don't accept any apology. (Master and audience laughed.) We just want war. That's it.?So some time later, the great, strong army from the neighboring country came to his country. Just like that. No reason. No excuse. He didn't need to. Perhaps he had a lot of excuses. “You're better than me.?That was an excuse. “People praise you and don't praise me?and that was a good excuse. The same with many so-called teachers of yoga and many other fields of science. If a person is very famous, intelligent, and many people agree with him or her, then that person will be somewhat in trouble most of the time. Now the saintly King felt like he was being forced to fight. He didn't want to, and when he asked his ministers and everyone else: “Should we fight them? Anyone want to fight??No one wanted to fight. Even the people in the country. No one liked to fight at all because they didn't feel that there was any just reason and logic for this war, for killing other people. They couldn't find any logical reason for it. So the bad King came to the capital without any resistance and told everyone that they should just drop their weapons, and surrender. Otherwise, he would kill everyone and not even a child would survive. That was what he said. The King sent a decree into the palace again, and told them that he was going to kill everyone if they didn't surrender, if the good King didn't surrender. Everyone at that time felt very hurt. Their national pride was hurt and they told the King, “We should go out and fight until the last one.?/P> The Surrender Anyhow, after some time of thinking, here in the wisdom eye, the saintly King stood up and said, “Please tell your King I surrender. Please tell him to come and take over my kingdom, take over my throne. I do not want the people of the two nations to have to shed blood and sacrifice their lives just for no reason, and just for this particular golden throne of mine.?Anyhow, that was it. Then the good King told everyone to put down their weapons. If they wanted to stay with the new King, they could do so. If they wanted to retire to go back home, it was alright. And then he said, “We pray that the new King will be even better in virtue and wisdom than I, to rule this nation.?Then he just took off his kingly garments, vestments, put his crown down on the table, and left. When he passed by the horses' stable, his horse saw him. The horse was very happy and was kind of singing, you know, eh, eh, eh, eh. (Audience laughed.) You know how the horse sings. (Master laughed.) Maybe I don't sing as well as the horse, but the horse really did sing to the King and looked at him as if to say: “Oh, please, take me with you.?But the King shook his head and said: “No, you don't belong to me anymore. I gave up everything to the new owner, so you also belong to him. I have no right over you anymore. You stay here and serve your new lord. Bye-bye.?So he walked along like an ordinary person without any possessions at all. All the people in the land knew the story and were so touched that they knelt on both sides of the streets, and cried. The saintly King was very, very kind. He was in agony because he saw the love, good intentions, and friendship of his people, but he could not do anything anymore. He just kept going, and he was crying himself. At that time, the bad King came in and took over the kingdom and the throne. Outside on the road, the good King was walking very fast, like running because he could not bear hearing the people, his subjects keep begging him to stay with them. He kept walking very fast. He didn't feel very sorry that he had lost his power and his throne, his majesty. He felt rather happy that his good decision had spared many lives, especially his own people. He knew, whether he had won or lost the war, many people's lives would have been sacrificed and there would have been a lot of widows, orphans, disabled persons afterward who would have lost their arms, legs, maybe their mental capacities, lost their sight, their homes, their hopes, or their futures, everything. The Compassionate Law Of The Universe He was walking along the road when suddenly someone stopped him, knelt
on the road, and begged him to help, to protect his family and himself.
And the saintly King, smiling painfully, told him: “You're asking at the
wrong moment now.?And the person asked: “But why?? The Supreme Sacrifice The King was kind of surprised and thought: “Ah, maybe it's my fault. Did I made a mistake in my rule, my duty to the people? Alright, even if I made a mistake, now it's too late. So, please forgive me. You try to be courageous and try to start a new life.?He continued again to ramble: “No, I can't be courageous. I can't stand my life. If you don't help me... I put all my hope in you, now, I don't know of anything else to do. If you don't help me, I'll die. That's it.?The King apologized and said: “If it is my fault, if I disappointed you, then please forgive me and things like that. The man continued accusing him again and said: “Look here, now, you just go alone, you have nothing to worry about, so you're happy. And me, I will remain miserable, poor, I will be a nothing forever. I think you have no compassion for me. You do not consider me at all. You're just free. You're very unjust.?He kept blaming the King all the time. Suddenly, the King said: “Well, I have an idea. I can help you. I was mistaken. I was thinking that I have nothing to give you, but I still do. I have something to give you. I still have my freedom. This freedom I can give you for a price, because anyone who catches me and brings me to the new King will be rewarded very handsomely. So please, take me as your prisoner, present me to the new King, then you will have everything you need.?Suddenly, the bad man became good and he said: “Nay, Nay, No, I can't do that. If I take you with me, who knows what they will do to you. I think they will put you in a prison and treat you very badly, maybe torture and kill you in the end. I have no heart to do this to you.?The saintly King was very determined in his offer said: “No, you must do it. You have to take some string and bind my hands and then bring me over there. Now I'm your prisoner. You have to believe me. The new King will be very, very generous in this matter. If you bring me to him, you'll have everything you ever wanted and more. Maybe you will even become an officer of the court. Maybe you will become the Prime Minister of the King. Maybe you'll have everything, richness and noble position, that you ever wanted. I will be grateful to you, because then, I will have fulfilled my duty as you have demanded, then I will feel that I have done something for you as you requested, and I will be very happy too.?Only the Buddha reincarnate can do that. It's no wonder he became Buddha. Now the man was very touched. Full of sorrow, he knelt in front of the King, held and kissed his feet, and said: “Please forgive me for what I said before. I would not do anything to harm you. I will not demand anything of you again. Oh please go and take care of yourself.?But now, it was too late. The King had already decided that he would give himself up for a price for that person. So, anyhow, after many hours arguing back and forth, the person had to take the saintly King to the court of the new one. The Enlightenment Of The New King Of course, the new King was very, very, very happy. He said, “Ah, ha, ha. Too, too, good. Too good. It's very good now. I'm going to have a very, very justified revenge on you. From today, no one will ever, ever praise how good you are, how good you have been, and how good you will be again. Whoever has caught you, I will give him billions of dollars, American. Anyhow, are you from my side?? he asked the person who took the saintly King to him. “Are you from my side??And the person knelt down and said, “No. I'm one of his subjects. I was one of his subjects. You know, the one, the King down there.?The new King was a little bit upset. So he knit his eyebrows together after he heard that the one who took the saintly King prisoner was one of his own subjects before. He was trying to be a puritan, and he said, “What? The betrayer? You betrayed your boss? Looks like he was a very good, very moral King and all that. Even though you are a betrayer, I will still reward you because of my promise. Besides, it doesn't matter. As long as you caught this enemy of mine, it's okay with me. Now, put down your weapon and go over there. I will give you one million dollars.?The person started very softly and said: “Your majesty, I, I, don't have any weapon.?The new King was very, very sur...surprised and said, “What?! You don't have any weapon? Really? Then how did you catch this king? How did you catch him??So, the saintly King, because the person who caught him was kind of embarrassed and he didn't know what to explain, he now interfered and said: “Ah, no need, no need asking about this. He has brought me here to you and I'm your prisoner; just give him the reward. That's all there is.?He was worried that the person would talk too much and the King would not give him the reward. So he said, “Just give him the reward. That's all there is. Alright??The new King looked at the old King and then looking at the person who caught him and felt something was very strange. Then he looked at the one who caught the King and asked, “How did you get him??And the person who caught the king said: ?Oh me, not, not I. I did not catch him. It...was...uh...he, he...ah...he told me...but I didn't want and...he, he...he.?(Master laughed.) You know what I mean? So the saintly King kept telling him, “Shush...Recite the holy names. Don't talk.?(Master and audience laughed.) But the bad king kept on pressing him. “So, you have to tell me the truth. Otherwise, you get no reward.?So the man, sobbing, crying, tears falling, kneeling there, you know, crawling on the floor, told the new King everything that happened in the field. You know, between the saintly King and himself before they both came to his court. After hearing the story, the neighboring King was so shocked. He opened his eyes very wide, the normal eyes, not the wisdom eye. The wisdom eye had not yet opened. Just the normal eyes and his mouth opened, (Master demonstrated and everyone laughed) for a very long time, because he couldn't believe that in this world such a person ever existed, so good-hearted, so unconditional, so compassionate and so selfless, like the saintly King. After a while, he compared him to himself, the one who is so selfish, so greedy, so brutal, violent and jealous. There was nothing that could compare to this saintly King at all. So, after a moment of silence, maybe he was enlightened. He stood up, came down to the saintly King, helped him up to his feet, took his own clothes off, his crown off and put them back on the saintly King and said, “Please forgive me. Everything belongs to you now. You are more worthy than I.?He felt very sorry. (Everyone applauded.) Forsake Everything And Then Very good story. Every day if you can read one like this, I think you will change. Do you have some books like this at home? No? Try to find some. In the Buddhist scriptures and treasure stories, there are a lot of things like this. So, if you want to become such a saintly person, a reincarnation of the Buddha, then you may read them everyday. Some of them, when you need, then you read them. It helps. It might help. It even helped such a bad King, so, how about us? We're so good, it must help even more. So you see, most of the Masters always tell us: Forsake everything and then you will have everything. Like in the Bible, it also says: “Whoever holds onto life dearly, will lose it; but whoever forsakes it will attain eternal life. Likewise, if we do not really feel attached or attach ourselves to any possession, fame, name in this world, then everything really comes to us. But once we are enslaved to anything in this world at all, then we will be forever running after it; be exhausted, taxing our mental ability; and all kinds of trouble will come our way, not necessarily attaining anything. It is truly like that. I speak from my own experience too. Once we only seek the Kingdom of God, we truly have everything. Even when we don't want it, it just comes from nowhere; it forces its way to us. Sometimes, we don't want to but we just have to accept it. It is very difficult also, very difficult to reject sometimes. Sometimes, as you know, we are very strict here. It is good for me. Otherwise, presents, gifts, and all that would be laying all over everywhere. Before I said that I don't accept gifts. Then people would throw them there and run away. Things like that. Poor me. I would have to collect them and give them to someone else. So what is the use? Because I don't really need anything. It's funny, like the Bible says: The one who has, will have more. The one who does not have anything will have less. But that doesn't mean that if you have nothing, you'll have less. It's just that when you don't have anything, mostly, you keep on wanting and the wanting energy is acting just like a wall, stopping everything coming to you. Similarly, we have to be sincere in our spiritual practice, not be greedy and not be like a materialistic spiritualist. Like what I said yesterday. Everything will come naturally. We may pray, but with sincerity, not with greed and demand. Yes, there is a very, very slight difference. If you can know the difference between desire and yearning, longing for liberation, longing for wisdom, longing to know the Truth... Between yearning to know the Truth and the greedy desire, there is a very slight difference. And if we don't balance ourselves well, we will step to one side or another. It's good when we step on the other side, more spiritual yearning. Then, that day, we will meditate very well. But we don't have to pray everyday like that. Only when we can't make it. Sometimes when it is black or when things look dark and gray, you pray earnestly to the Master and then it happens. It always happens. True Love - Be Open And Accepting Before I took over this business, very rarely did I see the Master not answer; the inner Master, rarely, rarely, refuses your prayer. When the Master refused, that meant that request was not good for me. That's all. Later I found out. Sometimes, the Master takes away something from us and then we feel very miserable. We think Master doesn't care. “Master knows I like it, so why does the Master take it away??But it's not true. Later, you'll be so happy that he got rid of it for you. Yes, it is like that. Sometimes, we love someone; you fall in love or something like that. And then, the Master suddenly sends someone else, prettier, more beautiful, more clever. We think: “Oh my God, it is very rare that I catch a good fish and the Master told someone else to snatch it away from me.?Then we cry a river over these things. And maybe some time later, we meet someone better, and then we look back and say: “Oh! This one is much better.?(Master laughed.) At this time, we may pray to the Master: “Master it's okay if you want to take this one away too, (Master and audience laughed.) because maybe in the future, you'll give me a better one and it's alright.?We never know what is truly good for us. We must always be open and accepting. Then we will find our life is terrific, is completely in harmony and beautiful, and is a blessing everyday, twenty-four hours. No problems. That is the time when we know true love, love without preconditions, demands, love without expecting anything because everything will be a blessing, everything will be good for us. And then, sometimes, even though God takes away the things, or the person we love, later we find out -- “Wow! So much better. I'm free, liberated.?It doesn't matter what kind of love the other person offers to us, there's always some trouble, some binding, because we have to tend to that person, we have to be kind, be good, be friendly to him or her. Otherwise, just one sentence wrong or sometimes we do something it's not wrong but the other person misunderstands and then we're finished. Then we always have to worry, he will leave me because of this and that. He came because of that....why is she gone? You must make her happy, buy her more jewelry, for example like that, or she will go away. Of course, every treasure, every precious thing takes a lot, demands a lot of attention and takes our energy in order to keep it, to polish it, to keep it always shining. Even love and marriage take a lot of effort and work. Is that not so? Have you had that experience? You did? It doesn't always work. Then we have so much headache and trouble that we wished we never began. But then it has already begun and it's difficult to be away from it without feeling guilty and blaming ourselves, blaming others and making a bad atmosphere, and having a very miserable experience over a period of our time. Sometimes we look back and we feel very sorrowful because of that too. Sometimes, our relationship, our normal relationship with everyone else is also affected by this bad love sick experience and then we withdraw. We are scared of other people and we become antisocial, or anti-opposite sex, something like that, because of this. It takes a long time to heal such a heartache. So, nothing is really good for us in this world. I don't think. Practicing To Develop The Inner Power So they run away and become monks Children's Letters u By Young Friend Park, Age 7, Seoul, Korea (Originally In Korean) Master, You Are So Beautiful! Master, I miss You very much. The sun fell to the Earth to shine upon You. Master, I want to be Your disciple. Spiritual Interludes Brotherhood u By Fellow Initiate Lam, CA, USA (Originally In English) I have been endlessly pondering my experiences while staying at Hsihu Center. One day when it began to rain, I was in the middle of some work, so I didn't run back to the foreigners' area to bring in my clothes that were hanging outside to dry. At the end of the day when I was tired from working, I went to collect my clothes to wash them again; but when I reached the clothes hanging place, I found that all the clothes hung outside had been taken inside, including my own. I was very touched. Someone had thought of everyone in the group. I was so moved that I almost cried. But here, everyone is like that! All the monks and nuns that drove me to and from the airport and the fellow initiates who took me to meals, to check my visa, to pick up my airplane ticket in Taipei, to withdraw money from the bank, and even to go shopping were people that I didn't know; and they did all this for me, an absolute stranger to them. Everyone I met treated me so kindly and attentively, and with such love that I can't describe it. Aphorisms u By Suma Ching Hai (Originally In English) Always try to live our life with the most fulfilling program. Never idle your lifetime. Just do everything you want. Try to learn new things. Be outgoing. Be social. Be friendly; be loving to all the people and learn everything from each other. There is no need to sit there and feel miserable about your life, about your misfortune. There is no such misfortune in this life. If you truly believe in your goodness, in what you are doing, you will influence other people. So one person makes a lot of difference. But if you don't believe, they will influence you. They'll try to make a strong person out of your personality. Whatever you believe is good, stick to it and don't let other people make you waver; because the good example in this world is rare. So make yourself a good example. Actually enlightenment comes by practice and in dealing with other people. Great people are very humble. When we are not humble, we are not great. What is the spirit of Zen? It is to enjoy today, to do today. No matter happiness or suffering, it is all today. Understand? Don't bother about the past. The past cannot be retrieved, alas! The future is not here yet. But very few people will devote their attention wholeheartedly to the present moment. That's why everyone suffers so much. (Originally In Chinese) A Little Message Note: Master's new terminology for God so that it represents both sexes is as follows: SHE + HE becomes HES = hes (as in 'mess'). HER + HIM becomes HIRM = hirm (as in 'firm'). HERS + HIS becomes HIERS = hiers (as in 'beers'). Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will to suit Hirm. Pearls of Wisdom(Originally in Chinese) In times of emergency we can come out with many ways toprotect ourselves or others. But then, why wait till anemergency before we do that? If we think first and are prepared,we will not encounter that kind of situation! If it is anemergency that we cannot avoid, then it is alright. There isnothing wrong with us; our brains are not out of order, then whydon't we use them? There must be a way! There must be a way! Dayby day we can solve those so-called unsolvable problems. Thereis nothing that cannot be solved. Right? Besides, because wepractice, our situation will become better. It will naturallyimprove. Because I have many disciples, and everyone asks fordifferent things, I have to be good in all aspects. This is howthe situation is. So, it is not that I was any better than youin the beginning. Do you understand? It is because I want myselfto be good. When I should handle a situation, I work out a wayto deal with it. Then I become good! Therefore, you too can doit. Do not be beaten by obstacles or suffering. Perhaps wedon't know how to react today; we have been beaten and we are inshock a little bit. Well, then we will continue tomorrow. Oneday we will be okay! Why is it that life is not very good for most of the peoplein this world? It is because they do not have any ideas or theirideas are not right. Some want to be a boss, but they don't knowhow to be one. So their business is not good. It is all becausethey do not have any ideas. Some people do not like to decide forthemselves. They don't trust themselves. All through theirlives they depend on other people. Neither of these cases isgood. Do you understand? We have to find a solution. If thesituation is like this, we shall change it whenever we can thinkof a way to. If we have tried our best and still cannot changeit, then we shall see. We still need to put in our best effort. Otherwise, this world will become worse and worse. If evenspiritual practitioners cannot come out with solutions to righta situation, then what can other people do? Between Master And Disciples Superhuman Willpower Narrated By Resident Initiate Chen, Hsihu Center, Formosa Recorded By The News Group, Hsihu Center, Formosa The most important factor in accomplishing all tasks successfully is nothing but strong willpower. Having the opportunity to always be near Master, I am in an ideal position to experience the tempering of the self to enhance one's willpower. Master often uses adverse situations to break through and surpass the limits of time and space to instigate our infinite latent power, achieve the impossible, and create wonders out of the mundane. Of course, Her extensive knowledge of life, personal experiences, and profound inner cultivation empower Her to issue concise, prompt and effective instructions. Master has a heavy workload. Apart from handling the invisible work within, She is often flying around the world taking care of fellow practitioners and people from various countries needing help. When it is time to serve the multitudes, Master totally ignores Her physical condition, and works with absolute devotion to accomplish a perfect result. We have never seen Her cancel an appointment or suspend a task due to Her personal ailments. She always receives people with a glowing smile, and presents a positive and bright ambience. In this regard, there was one incident that impressed me the most. On the third day after Master had undergone surgery in the United States, She went to Houston to comply with an invitation from the local initiates. Unable to refuse the earnest requests of the fellow practitioners, She sang many songs that She had composed Herself. The attendants next to Her could not help shedding tears. We will never know how much pain Master endured. In fact, She was enlightening us through Her actions: Renounce your attachment to the body; then there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. Whenever I encounter setbacks in life or work, I always remind myself of Master's example. The life of an enlightened Master is a lesson for us all. I can hardly describe how fortunate I feel to be born during the lifetime of an enlightened Master.
News Magazine NO.49
The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.49 Published: August. 25,1995
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