Recently our world has been frequented by disasters of all magnitude. In
Mexico, as many as three hundred thousand people became victims of a hurricane.
In Chile, the land has been devastated consecutively by droughts, floods
and severe earthquakes. In Philippines, floods crushed houses and carried
away animals and property into the ocean. In Thailand, flood waters crested
higher than human height. In Formosa, a typhoon left numerous cracked buildings...
In this time of natural calamities, Supreme Master Ching Hai not only reminds
fellow practitioners to augment their spiritual practice and prayers for
world and universal harmony, She also encourages them to transform love
into powerful actions to minimize the suffering and hardships of the victims.
Finally, She supplicates that more people are purified from the root by
spiritual blessings, so that the magnetic field of this world can be changed
and elevated, and a more beautiful future is ensured.
Recently, tornado Paulina attacked three major Mexican seaports along the
Pacific coast.
The devastating force of the tornado, accompanied by many hours of torrential
rain, inflicted severe damage to the three seaports -- Acapulco, Huatulco
and Puert Escondido. Hundreds of people are missing, or feared dead; over
40,000 houses have to be rebuilt; the number of victims exceeded 300,000.
The situation is very grave and urgent. Bridges were broken, highways were
devastated, big trees and gigantic rocks rolled down from mountains and
hit the residents by the riverside. The strong gale of the tornado blew
away the roofs of the Indian villagers in the mountains, and even toppled
their houses. As the disaster area is extensive, and the number of casualties
numerous, the Government has had difficulties accommodating all the victims.
Until now, there are still people sleeping on the streets, or by the roadside.
They are truly in a pathetic situation. Upon receiving the report from
initiates, Master with compassion immediately gave a contribution of US$50,000
to help the victims.
Fellow practitioners in Mexico contacted people at the local Red Cross
and the Relief Command Center, who provided them with detailed information
and route directions. They even dispatched an army helicopter taking fellow
practitioners to explore the disaster area, so they could find out the
real damage, and the amount of relief material required. They found the
victims were badly in need of warm clothing, water and food. Therefore,
fellow practitioners from various Centers in Mexico and Brazil joined forces
to render emergency relief to the victims.
★Villagers In Acapulco Thankful For Master's Help
An advance working group from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association arrived by airplane at the famous Mexican seaport of Acapulco.
They made a visit to victims living in the hills and rural highlands. Fellow
practitioners brought with them Master's sample booklets and News magazines
in Spanish. Feeling Master's overflowing love, the victims were very touched.
They had never experienced such honest and unconditional love and concern,
being in the miserable situation they are in. Therefore, they were eager
to find out who is this Supreme Master Ching Hai, and to acquire a copy
of Master's sample booklet.
The most precious thing was, the responsible officers of the Mexico Command
Center were highly efficient and courteous, with absolutely no bureaucracy.
They tried their best to provide transportation for us, and their sincerity
and love in helping their compatriots was unmistakably clear.
Fellow practitioners then took prompt action to purchase the items that
were most needed by the victims, which included water, blankets, milk,
black beans, soy beans, corn flour, sugar, rice, galvanized metal sheets
and timber. They also established the area for distribution. Day and night
they worked hard to convey Master's love together with the relief material,
without any delay, into the hands of the victims.
(Note: Relevant receipts will be published in the next issue of the Supreme
Master Ching Hai News magazine when the relief operation has been completed.)
<Palawan> Upon receiving Master's contribution of US$10,000 for the victims of the
natural disaster in the Philippines, fellow practitioners nationwide assembled
at the Manila Center, bringing with them personal gifts and other necessities
that they had purchased and packaged. (For the record of expenditures please
refer to appendix 1) As requested, they had also prepared for community
disaster prevention, other necessities including raincoats, galoshes, flashlights,
office furniture such as desks, chairs and file cabinets, as well as other
equipment like water pipes and water pumps.
Early in the morning, initiates sat down earnestly for group meditation.
They then speedily formed the relief team and each member put on a rescue
vest that embodied love and responsibility. Very quickly, the relief goods
were loaded onto the truck. A banner reading "Supreme Master Ching
Hai International Association Relief Team" was suspended on either
side of the truck. The team then set out for the disaster area. It was
in a small remote location, where people lived together in small, dilapidated
shacks made of tattered bamboo-mat sheets. Floods had severely damaged
some of the houses in the village, leaving them without a roof. Almost
everything in the villages including cattle had been carried away into
the ocean by the surging waters. All that remained were people who were
left homeless but lucky to survive.
Villagers reading the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines.
As soon as the relief team arrived, it was immediately surrounded by a
crowd of people who were pleasantly surprised. The leading relief agencies
in the area including Cabcom Evacuation Center and Sapang Bato Barangay
Hall provided wholehearted assistance to the rescue team. Initiates distributed
to the villagers, vegetarian sandwiches that they had prepared for them
as breakfast. Although it was a simple meal, it was the villagers' first
taste of vegetarian food. The great joy that they expressed through their
smiles touched the hearts of fellow practitioners. The villagers also received
other items, including rice, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, clothes, towels,
sweaters, crackers and medicine. Although these were material things, they
nevertheless represented Supreme Master Ching Hai's immense love. As both
adults and children relished their sandwiches, they happily hugged in their
arms "relief packages" and the other necessities that they had
received.
Filipino flood victims are happy to receive relief packages.
The villagers also received Master's books and News magazines -- priceless
spiritual gifts that no worldly language can describe. Some expressed their
interest to see Master and initiates promised that they would return with
sample booklets published in the local language so that the villagers could
get to know Master better. Warm applause burst out when the villagers heard
that initiates would be there again to give publications to them.
The relief items came as a great surprise for the villagers, so great that
many could not hide their feelings and quietly broke into tears to thank
God and Supreme Master Ching Hai for the blessings that had brought them
this great joy. The relief team members stood by, consoling and explaining
to them Master's teachings, Her infinite love and omnipresent power. They
told the villagers, "Whenever we need Her and think of Her in great
faith, She is always by our side."
It was time for the relief team to return home. The initiates left carrying
an indelible impression of the warmth of the villagers. As they waved good-bye
to each other, the initiates and villagers together were immersed in Master's
ocean of love. The initiates were happy that they had successfully accomplished
the task of spreading God's light and love.
Note: Supreme Master Ching Hai has contributed an additional US$10,000
for disaster relief in the Philippines to meet the needs of the people.
For the follow-up report, please read the next issue of the News magazine.
<Appendix 1>
Record Of Expenditures For Flood Relief Effort Of
The Palawan Center, The Philippines
<Bangkok>Recently, a serious flood disaster occurred in Southern Thailand. Many
farm fields and houses were submerged and many people and animals were
injured and/or killed. Hearing this news, we immediately contacted the
local fellow initiates. Within a few hours, we collected 242,270 Thai baht.
(See Appendix 2) We then purchased food, drinking water, daily necessities
and so on to help those who were in desperate need. The first batch of
relief goods was sent to the disaster area that same night via trucks provided
by the military. Our fellow initiates also went to the disaster area to
cook vegetarian food for the flood victims and military personnel who were
providing disaster relief to the victims.
When the flood came, many people climbed into trees or onto roofs. They
had no food to eat and all the roads were submerged under the violent flow
of water, two to three meters deep. Therefore, it was very difficult to
reach these people. However, through the inner Master's encouragement and
love, we tried our best to help them.
After several days, the flood waters finally began to recede, but there
were still many people in need of help. During the following days, our
fellow initiates sent rice, vegetables, drinking water, medicine and clothes
to the victims. During this flood relief effort, people in the whole of
Thailand lent helping hands. Although we were only a small group among
them, we felt the deep love and kindness among human beings in this situation.
The flood having retreated, we went back to Bangkok. During the morning
group meditation on the second day, we heard that Master had specially
called Bangkok to express Her love and concern for those who had suffered
losses and pain due to the flood disaster.
We deeply thank You, Master. Your great love, compassion and teachings
have brought light to Your disciples, not only illuminating our own lives,
but also the lives of others.
Appendix 2
Record Of Expenditures Flood Relief Effort In Southern Thailand (Units:
Thai baht)
Typhoon-struck victims in Hualien, Formosa receive relief aid.
<Hualien> Xiaoping and Xiaozhong were orphaned when their parents succumbed to illness
in recent years. They were placed in the care of their grandmother who
had remarried. However, their aging grandparents were disabled.
The family lived in a low-lying area that was always wet and humid. Their
old wooden house leaked severely whenever it rained. Their only source
of income was the grandparents' retirement benefits and social welfare
funds. Life was tough and they did not have money to improve their living
conditions. When typhoon Amber hit the area where they lived, it blew away
a corner of the house and the metal-sheet roof that had been newly added
by some kind local people and the Family Support Center. Their furniture,
bedding and other belongings were either swept away or damaged. As the
old Chinese sayings go, theirs was a "leaking house caught in an overnight
rain," and it was like "adding frost to snow" (that is,
one disaster followed another.) The family looked up at the roof that was
not there, looking expressionless but all the while worrying where they
could seek refuge should another typhoon come.
As always, charitable organizations made a timely appearance to demonstrate
their concern for others. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
is always there to offer prompt assistance to people in times of need.
In this case, it not only provided financial aid to Xiaoping and Xiaozhong's
family, but also let them know that society's loving, warm hands are ready
to embrace them anytime.
Appendix 3:
A record of the victims of typhoon Amber who received aid and receipts
signed
by them, from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.
<Hualien> Before the Mid-autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival), Master's
love pervaded the typhoon-hit Hualien area. Fellow initiates, their ears
filled with the music from the Buddhist Chanting tape, drove to the Hualien
Family Support Center to deliver mooncakes.
When loading and unloading the mooncakes, little fellow initiates excitedly
and happily counted the gifts bearing Master's blessings. However, no matter
how hard they tried, they could not finish the count, which had the older
initiates bursting into laughter.
The next day, fellow initiates distributed the mooncakes to needy families
with the help of voluntary workers from the Family Support Center. During
the distribution process, whenever initiates were introduced as representatives
from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, they received
a warm and wholehearted welcome from adults and children alike. Everyone
was touched by Master's compassion and concern. As initiates were leaving,
the local people were reluctant to see them go and waved good-bye many
times.
For this activity, fellow initiates split up into groups in order to cover
the long list of families they had to visit. From the mere thought of kindness
to the actual presenting of gifts of love, fellow practitioners had the
opportunity to learn more about how to transform loving hearts and thoughts
into action.
The receipt for the "Sun Shines On The Mid-Autumn Festival"
activity cosponsored with the Hualien Family Support Center.
World disasters remind us to search for our eternal inner Kingdom -- villagers
reading the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines with great interest.
<Taoyuan> With Master's love, we made a trip to Gaoyi Village in the rural township
of Fuxing to visit the victims of typhoons Amber and Winnie. When the villagers
learnt of our initiates' intentions, they volunteered to show us the damage.
The severe typhoons had caused the floors and walls of many houses to crack.
The victims indicated that they were planning to relocate their village
so as to safeguard their lives and property.
Fellow initiates not only brought Master's love and concern in the form
of material aid, but also in the form of spiritual nourishment -- Her sample
booklets and News magazines, in hopes of fostering ties of affinity with
them. The villagers had never heard of Master before. Fellow practitioners
rejoiced at the honor of sharing the good news of a living Master with
the small tribe in the deep mountains. Some villagers began to read the
News magazines with great interest as soon as they received them. And those
who didn't receive them came to ask for some.
The villagers demonstrated great appreciation of Master's love and concern.
When fellow initiates prepared to leave, villagers shook their hands and
expressed their thanks again and again. Fellow initiates expressed their
hope that the village relocation plan would soon be accomplished and the
villagers could lead a peaceful life ever after.
Appendix 4: The receipt for items purchased by the Supreme Master Ching
Hai International Association for the victims of the typhoon in Taoyuan,
Formosa.
The cracked floors and walls of the homes of
typhoon-struck victims.
<Nantou> After investigating a report of a family in need, fellow initiates in Nantou
learned that a woman, who had just lost her husband, together with her
mother-in-law and two children, was living in a very shabby abode that
offered almost no shelter from the wind and rain. Fellow practitioners
quickly went to visit and comfort them.
The woman had lost her father-in-law and her husband within a short period
of time and was having difficulty accepting their deaths. Unable to sustain
herself and her family independently, she was feeling depressed and destitute.
The timely relief from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
came like a beacon from a lighthouse pointing out a new direction for her.
The loving visit along with the measures of relief provided by our fellow
initiates enabled her to feel some warmth in this world while realizing
the ephemeral status of life.
Fellow practitioners in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia donate a mobile lavatory
to the local Red Cross Crescent Association.
<Kuala Lumpur> In 1994, funded by Supreme Master Ching Hai, fellow practitioners from
Kuala Lumpur donated rescue boats to the Red Cross Crescent Association
of Malaysia. When the Association mentioned that it needed a mobile lavatory,
fellow practitioners this year made the donation that would help them relieve
their pressing need. The chairman responsible for disaster relief at the
Red Cross Crescent Association, Mr. H.J. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohd Darus, accepted
it with these grateful words: "If everyone volunteered to help with
social relief work, there would be far fewer suffering people in society."
True enough. We sincerely hope that this insignificant expression of love
can inspire more people to join in the meaningful work. Helping others
is also helping ourselves!
Narrated By Sister Initiate Chen Shou-ying, Formosa
Recorded By Sister Initiate Zhang Yan-shou, Formosa
Every time on the way to my mother's home, I would see a vagrant, dressed
in rags and slightly mentally disturbed, searching for food among the trash.
Looking at him, I would always feel sad and empathetic. It occurred to
me many times that I should buy him some food. However, my mind consistently
created trouble by saying the silly question, "There are so many people
on the street. How embarrassing it would be if he rejected your offer!"
This continued to trouble me as time passed.
Once at the night market, I saw him standing in front of a noodle stand,
as if he was begging for food. At that moment, I felt the urge to ask the
owner of the noodle stand to cook a bowl of noodles for him! However, my
ego got in the way again, "What if the owner refused to cook it for
him? Or if he did cook it, what if the vagrant refused to eat it?"
Once again I failed to turn my intention into action. My inner "general
of courage" was again defeated. I went home, feeling upset. As I opened
one of Master's News magazines, my eyes fell on an aphorism that seemed
to be meant for me. Master said, "There are two things that cannot
wait: one is spiritual practice, the other is doing charity." Exactly!
I asked myself, "What are you waiting for?" This bolstered my
courage. I told myself that it was time for action.
The next day, when we were passing a supermarket, my husband suddenly suggested
that we get some ice. I immediately asked my son to buy a bag of apple
bread as well. Then we came to the familiar street. The car was traveling
fast as we passed the man. I turned back to look at the familiar figure
and before I had even spoken a word, my husband, a non-initiate, had stopped
the car and backed it to where "Mr. Homeless" was. Deep in my
heart, I prayed to Master to give me strength. As I forced myself to offer
him the bread, he gently raised his hands and accepted it gratefully. It
was so natural and simple; none of the complicated scenarios that I had
imagined happened. As we drove away, in the rear-view mirror, I saw him
gazing down at the bread and then at our departing car.
As though relieved of a heavy load, I was overwhelmed with the joy of having
emerged victorious over my ego. I thought of just how great that homeless
person was, and I appreciated the fact that he had awakened my inner compassion
and given me chance after chance to overcome my prejudices and habits.
Of course, I was even more grateful to Master; it was Her aphorism that
gave me the courage and strength to conquer my ego.
Disaster Relief Contributions By Supreme Master Ching Hai To Victims
Throughout The WorldFebruary 1996 ~ October 1997 (Monetary Unit: U.S. Dollar)
Vegetarisch Fit -- Magazine fuer bewusstes Essen & Leben, October 1997
(Originally In German)
>
The world grieves for Princess Diana. Many people will remember her not
only as a devoted advocate for AIDS patients, suffering children and war
victims, but also as a representative of international animal rights organizations.
"Her low key efforts to benefit animals reach far beyond the initiative
of her former father-in-law, Prince Philip," (who in modern times
was the first member of the British Royal House to take a stand against
the killing of leopards for fur), according to Silke Berentahl of the animal
rights group PeTA.
Designers fashioning for Princess Diana knew that she would have nothing
to do with fur, even as trim for a garment. Diana was a vegetarian and
was responsible for memorable banquets such as the extensive 17 course
vegetarian feast prepared during her first trip to the United States in
honor of the British Embassy's visit. Princess Diana also raised the Royal
Family's ire by refusing to participate in hunting. It went against her
deepest convictions to harm or kill animals.
The offices of PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in England,
Germany, Holland and the United States will plant English rosebushes as
a tribute to Diana. Not only did she radiate physical beauty, Diana's awareness
of the respectful treatment of all creatures made her true, inner beauty
apparent, according to animal lovers throughout the world.
For the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, thousands of fellow initiates of the
Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association from countries all around
the world came to the Center to meditate and to celebrate the happy occasion
with the children. Supreme Master Ching Hai's visit came as a special surprise
as She joined the children for the celebrations, adding to the festive,
joyful atmosphere. Watching Supreme Master Ching Hai openly dance and sing
with the children, one could hardly recognize Her as the woman who has
captivated the world through Her charitable work. Bright and compassionate,
and a world citizen, Supreme Master Ching Hai has attracted millions of
fellow practitioners in every country that She has set foot in as She traveled
extensively to spread Her teachings.
Celebrating the Moon Festival with the children were two legendary musicians
who have made considerable contributions to the development of Au Lac music.
They are Pham Duy and Thu Ho. Also present were writer Phung Minh Tien,
actor Joseph Hieu, singer Le Uyen and journalist Le Tay Son. Singer Thanh
Lan, who had just returned from a show and could not make it for the celebrations,
called the Center at 2:30 AM on September 14, 1997 to say hello to Supreme
Master Ching Hai.
The Moon Festival celebrations commenced at 8:20 PM on Saturday, September
13, 1997 and lasted over six hours with an entertainment program hosted
by the children of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.
Their innocent and wholehearted performances brought back many fond memories
of childhood to the audience.
Festivities at the Supreme Master Ching Hai Center drew to a close after
Supreme Master Ching Hai and the guests and friends of the Association
went on stage to distribute gifts to hundreds of children.
1. Every time one has a chance to meet Supreme Master Ching Hai, a spiritual
leader admired worldwide for Her charitable work, one can see Her dynamic
personality and open sincerity. In the above photo, Supreme Master Ching
Hai joins the children for the joyous Evening Celebrations of the 1997
Moon Festival.
2. Supreme Master Ching Hai dances with the children in celebration of
the Moon Festival.
3. Friends of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association pose
with Supreme Master Ching Hai for a priceless photograph at the 1997 Moon
Festival celebrations. From left to right: Mr. Dong (Le Uyen's friend),
writer Phung Minh Tien, Duy Minh, Pham Duy, Thu Ho, Le Tay Son, a close
friend, actor Joseph Hieu and a fellow initiate. In the front row are the
mother of singer Le Uyen, Le Uyen and Supreme Master Ching Hai holding
bouquets of flowers.
4. The children perform a folk dance to welcome female practitioners returning
to the Center for the Moon Festival.
5. Linh Hue gracefully and professionally performs the "Little Drum,"
which turns out to be the most popular performance at the Moon Festival
celebrations held at the Supreme Master Ching Hai Center.
6. After each program, the young performers are rewarded with candies and
gifts from Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Newspaper: The Toronto Star, Friday, September 26,1997 (Originally In English) height="147">
>
★Major report says dietary changes can reduce cases by 40%
LONDON (Reuter)- Cancer is preventable and eating less meat and more fruits and vegetables
could reduce cases of the disease by as much as 40 per cent a year, medical
experts said yesterday.
"Dietary imbalance is a cause of cancer," Dr. Tony McMichael
of the University of London told a news conference to launch a major report
by the World Cancer Research Fund on nutrition and cancer.
"We are running the human biological engine on the wrong type of food,"
he added.
People should change to a more plant-based diet, and meat - if eaten at
all- should be limited to less than 85 grams or one portion a day, said
the study, the most comprehensive on diet and cancer ever undertaken.
"Meat, at most, should be considered as a garnish ... not the central
part of the diet," said John Potter, director of the Cancer Prevention
Research program in Seattle, Wash.
He said the experts who compiled the report were convinced by several studies
that the link between a meat-rich diet and the risk of bowel cancer was
strong enough to justify recommending limits on meat consumption.
The report supported the findings of a British government study, also released
yesterday, that suggested people should eat less meat to avoid bowel cancer.
The Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy advised people
who eat 85 grams or more of meat a day to cut back their consumption.
★'Meat at most should be considered as a garnish,'
cancer researcher says
Medical experts have long suspected links between high intake of animal
fat and meat and development of cancer, but the authoritative research
fund report is the first to examine food and cancer prevention from a global
perspective.
Potter, chairman of the report panel, said the manner in which meat is
prepared could also be a source of risk.
The study suggested meat should be well-cooked and not charred. Grilled,
cured and smoked meats should be eaten only occasionally.
Limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks a day for men and one for women,
reducing sugar and salts, and doing daily exercise can also help to prevent
cancer, it said.
"At least 20 per cent of lung cancer, 33 per cent of breast cancers
and 66 percent of colon cancers are preventable by appropriate diets, together
with the associated factors of regular physical activity and maintenance
of healthy body weight.
"Together with no smoking, this means that 60-70 per cent of cancers
are preventable," the report said.
Every year as many as 10 million new cancer cases are diagnosed and 7 million
people die from the disease. Unless action is taken, experts estimate the
number of new cases and deaths will rise to 14 million by the year 2020.
"This is not an unimportant case of morbidity and it is preventable,"
Potter said.
British medical experts welcomed the report, saying it was a major step
in improving people's diets.
Fifteen scientists from nine countries worked on the report for three years.
They assessed more than 4,000 studies on diet and cancer.
Soya products, fruit, vegetables and flax seed may ward off breast cancer,
according to research. It is a diet that may turn out to be the strongest
protective factor yet discovered against the disease. Scientists believe
they have identified an element in the regime which may reduce the risk
of breast cancer up to fourfold.
A comparison of two groups found that those who ate a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens,
a group of naturally occurring chemicals derived from plants, were much
less likely to develop the disease. Phyto-oestrogens are similar to the
hormone oestrogen and are found mainly in soya products and the fibre present
in whole grains, berries, fruit, vegetables and flax seed. Researchers
have long known that diet plays a part in breast cancer based on evidence
that women who migrate from countries where the disease is rare, such as
Japan, to those where it is common, such as the US, increase their risk
as they adopt the lifestyle of the host country.
Researchers at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre in Perth, Western
Australia, interviewed 144 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and
compared them with the same number of controls. They tested their urine
for a range of phyto-oestrogens and similar compounds called lignans and
found high levels were associated with a substantial reduction in risk
of the disease.
> Fellow initiates in Panama have compiled with their love some recipes in
Spanish from their previous vegetarian cooking classes and from other sources
in an attempt to capture a taste of the regional cuisine with influences
from other areas. These ingredients are readily available both in North
and Latin America.
We would like to share these recipes with everyone with the hope that they
may serve as a guide for those who want to adopt a vegetarian diet lifestyle.
Try and enjoy our delicious Latin style food.
1 can chickpeas (16 oz/460 g)
1 can petits pois, (4 oz/110 g fresh green small peas) 1 jar capers (1
oz/30 g)
1 jar olives with pits (2-3 oz/70 g)
1 can mushrooms (8 oz/225 g)
1 jar or can of artichokes (2 oz/60 g) (optional)
4-5 medium fresh plum tomatoes (about 10 oz/300 g) (If cannot find, use
1 package of tomato sauce or 8 oz/250 g can; combine this with 2 fresh
tomatoes)
4 cubes or 1 package of Maggi vegetarian consomme, or 2 tsp of natural
monosodium glutamate
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium sweet peppers, chopped (2 oz/60 g)
1 medium carrot, cubed (2-3 oz/70 g)
1 tsp cilantro, chopped
1 tsp chives , chopped (optional)
1 1/2 lbs (680 g) of rice
5 Tbsp of oil
salt to taste
Preparation:
In a deep frying pan, pour 3 Tbsp of oil. First fry the onion until it
has a transparent appearance. Then add peppers, carrots, petits pois, tomatoes,
celery, mushrooms, tomato sauce, artichokes, vegetable consomme, the chickpeas
with the water in the can, olives, capers and salt to taste (about 1 tsp).
Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, (about
20-25 minutes). Add the cilantro rice with 1 tsp salt and 2 Tbsp of oil
and a dash of natural monosodium glutamate separately. Add the vegetable
mixture to the rice and combine thoroughly. Cook for about 10-15 minutes
on low heat.
*This Latin American dish is usually served on special occasions. The chickpeas
replace the chicken because of the similarity in color and also because
this is a bean that is a complete protein. This dish has both Spanish influence
with the capers, olives and artichokes, and a Latin American flavor contributed
by the tomatoes and peppers.
Tempting PLANTAIN 5-6 servings
Ingredients
3 medium ripe plantain (peel and cut the plantain in four portions -- cylindrical
shape).
2 Tbsp margarine
1 Tbsp oil
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp evaporated milk
1 stick of cinnamon or 1/2 tsp powder
1 tsp of sugar
Preparation:
In a pan on low heat, first add the oil, then the margarine. Next add the
plantain, sugar, water and cinnamon (stick preferred as the powder tends
to burn.) Cover and simmer until the liquid evaporates. Then add the evaporated
milk. Uncover, brown the plantain evenly by turning frequently. When golden
in color, remove from heat. Ready to serve.
* This is a very favorite typical Panamanian dish.
We have many choices in life, so we all have to just listen to our own highest
intuition.
Destiny is in your hands. You can become whatever you want with determination.
Meditating doesn't mean that you sit there long. You have to let your whole
being enter into the Method, into the meditation every day, more and more.
The more, the better for you, and you'll find everything is okay.
Meditation is a way for us to practice often and more consistently the art
of controlling ourselves.
By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In Chinese)
Whatever we do, we do for others. We don't think so much about ourselves.
What we can do for others, we do promptly without hesitation. That's a
saintly quality.
When we are doing things, we should have a lively, cheerful spirit. Don't
just imitate the dark aspect of the world.
We spiritual practitioners do not take our reputation very seriously, do
not mind whether people look up or down upon us. We act according to the
situation. If it benefits other people, the country or the family, we do
not hesitate to do it.
If you really want to do something, you'd better be ready for a lot of suffering,
be ready to bear whatever shortcomings that other people have. height="60">
Aphorisms
> Panorama Of Events height="532">
<Sheffield> The International Alternative Health Exhibition was held in Sheffield
during the summer, and UK initiates participated in the exhibition. This
was the first time Master's teachings were displayed publicly at a major
exhibition in Sheffield and our booth attracted a lot of attention. Many
visitors to the exhibition took sample booklets. Some people also recognized
straightaway that Supreme Master Ching Hai is the Master they had been
looking for and were extremely happy that they had found their way Home.
On the following weekend, fellow practitioners organized a follow-up seminar
for those who took sample booklets at the exhibition and wanted to know
more about Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method. The seminar
started with one of Master's videotaped lectures. Then fellow practitioners
explained the requirements for practicing the Quan Yin Method and the Convenient
Method of meditation and answered the questions of those in attendance.
Everyone present also enjoyed informal conversation afterwards while having
tea and vegetarian snacks. Many applied for initiation or to learn the
Convenient Method of meditation before leaving the venue.
<Are> The exhibition "INOMA" concerning "the unification of the
body, spirit and soul" was held for the first time in Ostersund in
central Sweden. Focusing on the theme that the spirit of humanity was one
with the universe, the exhibition attempted to bring public awareness to
the wholeness of life. Participants included religious, spiritual and medical
groups, and health food companies from all parts of Sweden. The sponsors
of the exhibition also invited some of the groups to present lectures.
The people of Ostersund, Sweden warmly receive Supreme Master Ching Hai's
teachings, having heard them
only for the first time.
The liaison practitioner of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association in Are contacted the exhibition sponsors as soon as she learnt
of these arrangements before the exhibition began. Fellow initiates' introduction
of Master's teachings kindled great interest in the sponsors, who then
invited them to give a presentation on meditation. Upon learning that Master
charges no fees for transmission of the Quan Yin Method, the sponsors provided
free of charge an exhibition booth to the Association for the display of
Master's publications, so that the local people could come in contact with
Her teachings.
The exhibition was held in a high school gymnasium and the presentations
were given in the main hall of the school. Hundreds of high school students
and their teachers attended the first presentation scheduled before the
formal opening of the exhibition. In this session, a Quan Yin messenger
described, in a lighthearted manner, the changes he had experienced and
insights he had gained after practicing the Quan Yin Method with Supreme
Master Ching Hai. He also gave the audience a general idea about the Quan
Yin Method, meditation and vegetarianism. Later, he answered to the audience's
satisfaction, questions presented by students.
High school students request to learn the Convenient Method of meditation.
The exhibition was opened immediately after the conclusion of this first
presentation. Most of the students left the lecture hall and headed straight
for our exhibition booth to get a copy of the sample booklet. This added
an air of excitement to the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition. A number
of students decided to learn the Convenient Method of meditation and switch
to a vegetarian diet. According to a woman co-sponsor of the exhibition,
the teachers of the school were very much impressed with and responded
positively to the presentation. She also expressed the hope that we would
participate in another similar exhibition to be held next year.
A continuous stream of visitors stopped by our booth throughout the exhibition.
Some students who had requested to learn the Convenient Method of meditation
came again with their parents on the second day to learn more about our
group and Master's teachings. Some students simply lingered around our
booth. Several sister initiates who helped with the spreading of Master's
teachings at the exhibition cordially introduced Master and the Quan Yin
Method to each visitor who stopped at our booth. After getting an initial
understanding, many guests requested to learn the Convenient Method; some
even requested the requirements for initiation.
<Kuala Lumpur> The international book exhibition held recently at the Kuala Lumpur Prince
International Commercial Center was the biggest book exhibition ever held
in Malaysia. Fellow initiates grasped this opportunity to actively participate
in the event. Thanks to Master's blessings, we were given a very good corner
booth so that Her beautiful pictures attracted the attention of all the
people passing by. People were especially drawn to the picture showing
Master with Her eyes closed and sitting cross-legged in meditation, which
conveyed a wordless message of inner peace and joy. This picture and the
banner "The Quan Yin Method -- The Method of Contemplating the Inner
Light and Sound" complemented each other and deeply impressed the
viewers. People continuously requested sample booklets and eagerly inquired
about Master and Her teachings. The local Malaysians were mostly sincere
Moslems, but many were glad to learn that meditation and spiritual practice
are independent of one's religious beliefs and took sample booklets home
to read.
A young man wearing a red Gushong (a Malaysian hat) and expressing great
delight chatted with us enthusiastically. He told us that he had previously
had contact with Master's teachings and was very impressed by Her ability
to unite people of different religions and resolve the misunderstandings
between them. He expressed great respect for Master, stating that the dream
of a world commonwealth now had hopes of being realized through the work
of our Master. He also added that he was able to feel Her power and magnetic
field and that Her loving power is inconceivable.
An endless stream of Malaysians stop at our booth displaying Master's publications.
There were some interesting interludes during this book exhibition. Master's
lecture videotapes attracted many people. Among the viewers was an East
Indian saleswoman at a distant book booth who was attracted by Master's
magnetic field. Since she had to take care of her own booth but hated to
leave Master's wonderful videotaped lectures, she ran back and forth between
the two booths. Later she requested to learn the Convenient Method of meditation
and told us that she had learned many methods of practice, but had gained
no special experiences from any of them. Master once said, "Experience
yields faith." These words really touched the East Indian lady.
One person became so enthralled while watching Master's videotapes that
he forgot the time and where he was. When it was closing time, we covered
our booth with cloth and prepared to leave. However, he still sat there
watching the video, oblivious to all that was going on around him. In another
case, a Malaysian official, after watching Master's videotape for a while,
asked our fellow initiates whether he could borrow the tape for a week
after the book exhibition, because he wanted to take time to really listen
to it. These stories show that Master's lectures are so appealing that
one's heart resonates with them as soon as one watches them.
The book exhibition turned out to be a success. Many people who had affinity
with Master obtained the precious sample booklets, and quite a few of them
requested to learn the Quan Yin Method and the Convenient Method of meditation.
Our fellow initiates' great enthusiasm and devotion were very moving. A
brother initiate who lived far away used up all his vacation days to work
at the exhibition. Each day in the early morning he took a train to come
and take care of the booth, and did not return home until evening. Many
fellow initiates who lived in other cities also traveled long distances
by bus to come and help, and everyone of them was filled with bliss. This
again testified to Master's words: "The reward of work is the work
itself." On our spiritual path, there is no other work that makes
us happier than helping others.
The Asian Painting Exhibition In Malaysia
After being initiated by Master, Indonesian painter Lucia (Tini) felt indescribably
contented and happy. Greatly touched, she painted two more paintings about
Master. One, entitled "The Julai Of The Macrocosmos," portrays
the mercy and peace generated when Master meditates. Its background consists
of white lotus flowers. The other painting, entitled "Tranquility
and Prayer," describes how Master's sincerity in seeking the Truth
has moved the entire universe. Its background consists of stars and planets
in the universe. Representing her country at an international art exhibition
in Tokyo, Lucia displayed these two paintings plus a third one entitled
"Umbrella 2000" (previously shown in News magazine No.79) in
Japan. These paintings were a sensational hit even during the pre-exhibition.
Recently, another Asian art exhibition was held in the city of Ipoh in
central Malaysia, and Lucia was one of the painters invited to participate
in the exhibition. When they learned of this news from the newspapers,
fellow initiates immediately seized the opportunity to prepare informative
material, which they did within only a few days. They drove from Kuala
Lumpur to Ipoh and, along with the local fellow initiates, attended the
grand opening ceremony of the exhibition, to which all participants were
invited. Before the ceremony, a fashion show of traditional Malaysian costumes
and a band performance were held. Governor Y.B. Menteri Besar Perak came
especially to deliver a speech.
Meanwhile, fellow initiates inquired about the requirements for distributing
informative material. We had made hundreds of copies of the Indonesian
news report on "Umbrella 2000" (Indonesian is similar to the
Malay dialect). We had also prepared copies of the report "Recognizing
the Savior of Our Time" from the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine
#79, sample booklets, meditation bookmarks and leaflets. While applying
for permission to distribute them, we borrowed some chairs and sat in a
corner not far from the entrance. We prayed to Master for Her blessings
as we quietly inserted the loose-leaf informative material in the sample
booklets.
When the opening speech ended, a crowd of people entered the venue. Some
were curious and came over to see what we were doing. Upon hearing that
these were about Lucia's "Umbrella 2000" and that the exquisite
sample booklets and bookmarks about meditation were being distributed free
of charge, a constant stream of people stopped by to pick them up. When
a working staff member at the venue saw the crowds that we were drawing,
he kindly asked us, "Do you need a table?" Of course, it was
most welcome. Therefore, we were able to display the sample booklets, News
magazines, leaflets and other items on a table by the entrance of the venue
and people could get them more easily.
Many news reporters came for samples. After taking a sample booklet, a
working staff person from the venue returned to request another one for
the governor. Later he came back again and asked, "Can I take more
for the other officials?" At that time, Lucia had entered the venue
and chatted with us. She looked completely different than before she was
initiated. She emitted a kind of radiance; she was not only beautiful but
also indescribably peaceful. After learning that she was the master artist
of "Umbrella 2000," many honorable guests, delighted by the opportunity,
had their pictures taken with her.
Now, with almost virtually everyone having received a sample booklet, we
only had a few left. Only then did we learn that the organizations which
had received official permission to distribute materials had their booths
arranged in a row outdoors, far away from the venue. We were the only organization
that stayed inside the venue to distribute informative material. We truly
thank God for Hiers arrangement and blessings.
After we went outside, we distributed the remaining sample booklets and
then went home with joy and Master's blessings. Our wish is that people
who have affinity with Master can cherish this rare chance bestowed by
God and thus obtain the key to return to the Kingdom of God.
The Vegetarian House in Palawan represents a brand-new lifestyle that has
gradually formed in Palawan.
<Palawan> A brand-new lifestyle has gradually formed in Palawan. This was the first
impression of the local people when they saw the grand opening of our new
Vegetarian House restaurant. The purpose of the Vegetarian House is to
give the local people a chance to taste pure vegetarian food while bringing
the awareness of the Quan Yin Method and Master's teachings to all social
strata in the Philippines.
The placard, "Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Vegetarian
House," placed on the front door of the restaurant, welcomes the visitor
to an interior designed with bright colors that are pleasing to both the
eye and the mind. The unique characteristics of the Vegetarian House attract
the curiosity of the Filipino people and foreign visitors as well. Besides
a refined outward appearance, the internal furnishings are even more impressive.
On the walls hang Master's pictures and paintings, which are not only beautiful,
but have significant spiritual meanings as well. Aphorisms by Jesus Christ,
and Master speaking about the Quan Yin Method, are affixed to the walls,
while books, videotapes and audiotapes of Master are displayed so that
customers can see them when they first enter the restaurant.
Fellow initiates wearing uniforms quickly receive customers and serve them
with delicious vegetarian dishes from all over the world. Some of the Au
Lac and Western dishes on the menu were taught to us by Master, and they
not only taste good, but also are filled with Master's love and blessings.
On the day of the grand opening, the entrance was crowded with people long
before the opening hour. These people had waited for a long time out of
curiosity and a desire to taste a new kind of food. Many local people asked
the Quan Yin messenger questions about the Quan Yin Method, "immediate
enlightenment," reasons for opening the vegetarian restaurant, and
so on. After eating here for the first time, many people decided to observe
a vegetarian diet. Some people admired the food after tasting it and said
that they had never before eaten such delicious vegetarian food.
At the restaurant, Master's videotapes are played throughout the day so
that people may enjoy nutritious vegetarian and spiritual food at the same
time. Up to now, many of the local people have switched to a vegetarian
diet and are awaiting initiation. Some people who came to the restaurant
to enjoy the delicious food and learned about Master through the books,
News magazines or videotapes, told us, "Master has not only brought
peace and liberation to the world, but also eternal prosperity to the entire
universe."
The fellow initiates in Palawan are very grateful for Master's boundless
love and power and for having the opportunity to learn how to serve others
with love.
The vehicle used on our trip in Western Australia to spread Supreme Master
Ching Hai's teachings.
<Perth> The first stop on our trip to Western Australia was the port city of Geraldton.
There, we visited the largest library, where the librarians spoke highly
of the exquisite publications of Supreme Master Ching Hai and accepted
a few copies of each title that would be made available to the public.
We noticed a nun outside a big church looking at the advertisement posted
on the side of our vehicle. We struck up a conversation with her and learned
that she did some meditation and was very interested in Master's teachings.
She asked a few questions about meditation and vegetarianism. When she
saw the picture of Master visiting a group of Catholic nuns in Africa,
she felt very much at home with Her. During our conversation, she commented,
"Everyone of us is God." This shows that the quest for Truth
transcends creed and race and that all human beings are one.
One evening, we met a group of Chinese people. When we realized that they
were looking with interest at the advertisement on our vehicle, we introduced
them to Master by showing them sample booklets and the News magazines.
They took the publications and later came back again to see whether we
had more information about Master in our vehicle. As soon as they saw the
brooches and necklaces bearing Master's photo, they chose a few that they
liked, saying, "Master is very beautiful. We'll be Her good disciples."
These people were crew members from Mainland China who sailed around the
world. Incidentally that was their last night in the city before they set
sail the next day. We were amazed by God's arrangement. If we had not met
them that night, we wondered when they would have had the chance to learn
about Master. This pressed home to us the fact that we can not let a minute
or even a second slip by because it may be a person's once-in-a-lifetime
chance to meet a true living Master.
Members of our group, spreading Master's teachings, visited the huge ship.
Visiting A Big Ship
We had never been aboard such a big ship before. In our conversation with
the captain, chief engineer and sailors, we realized that the seafarers
lead a very simple life. As they told us, "It's not hard for us to
observe a vegetarian diet. We eat almost purely vegetarian food anyhow."
As we listened to them recounting the thrilling events that had occurred
on the sea, we became very much aware that everything in our daily lives,
such as food, clothing, housing and transportation, do not come easily.
The sailors came from different countries, but every one of them accepted
Master. Seeing their faces lit up with happy smiles, we cherished the precious
gathering that God had arranged for us. As we watched the ship sail away,
we felt that we must practice more diligently to repay the Four Graces
that Master has spoken about. (The Four Graces are the grace of the parents,
elders, sentient beings and the Three Precious Ones -- the living Master,
noble teaching and practicing assembly.)
When we went into the city to distribute the sample booklets, a gentleman
took one and quickly began to read it. It was drizzling in the dark night
lit up by glittering neon lamps. However, he did not feel the rain; instead,
he enjoyed the gift from God in the dim light.
We arrived in Dampier. The place was markedly tranquil and peaceful. People
smiled at each other when they met as if they were one big family. The
barbecue site along the bay was beautiful. A few families took their dogs
jogging as the setting sun cast its slanted rays through the coconut trees,
presenting a picture of leisure.
We had passed through several towns before we arrived in Dampier. When
we stopped at the beach, an Oriental person approached us. He had taken
a dip in the ocean and was on his way back to his dormitory via another
road, but somehow found himself walking in our direction. We talked and
exchanged views on religion. An introduction to the teachings of Supreme
Master Ching Hai stirred up his interest in observing a vegetarian diet;
and he expressed his readiness to join a planned video-lecture in Perth
if time permitted.
Visiting The Refugee Camp
Only after we visited a library in Port Hedland did we find out that there
was a refugee camp there. We went to the camp to ask whether we could visit
the refugees. The police told us that we were welcome to visit them during
open hours.
The camp houses refugees from all countries. There we met some Au Lac refugees
who were happy to be in touch with Master's teachings again. Some refugees
who had received initiation moved to Sydney. We also offered sample booklets
to the police in the camp and shared with them the benefits of meditation
and a vegetarian diet. They all agreed with us on this matter. After we
left the camp, we thanked Master for Her invisible arrangement that added
this stop to our itinerary.
As we traveled, we passed by a tomato self-help store. In the little store
were bags of tomatoes that people could buy by inserting coins. Later we
learnt that these tomatoes were grown by Au Lac farmers. We saw a huge
tomato farm as we drove away from the refugee camp. The young Au Lac girls
working on the farm were surprised that they could receive for free, and
on foreign land, such beautiful publications printed in the Au Lac language.
They presented us with freshly picked tomatoes that were big, firm and
juicy.
When we learnt that there were other Au Lac tomato farmers in the area,
we visited them and received a positive response. In their struggle for
survival, the Au Lac people have become self-sufficient, working from scratch
on alien soil. We are confident that the moment the sample booklets reached
their hands, God will have already begun to shine his grace upon them.
On this trip to Western Australia, we found that the local people were
very friendly. The moment they heard that the sample booklets were being
distributed free of charge, everything was all right. They had understood
our intentions. Posters of Master were put up in several cities along the
western coast of this southern continent, in boulevards and small alleys.
Master's publications were put on the shelves of every library and God's
brilliant light shone all over Western Australia. God never fails to take
pure-hearted people under his protective wing.
We distributed sample booklets to every store. Some of the workers in the
stores demonstrated an interest in Master's publications and came after
us asking for more copies. Some left their addresses in hopes of receiving
more information.
Then we came to a small town. All the stores were closed for a holiday.
Only in one restaurant did we see a few people looking through the window
at the poster on our vehicle. We went into the restaurant to meet them.
The restaurant was run by a Mainland Chinese who, as soon as he saw Master's
picture, recalled that he had seen a similar picture in his country. A
child of his colleague was wearing a brooch imprinted with Master's picture
and had told him that Master was an ancient saint who had come to this
world to liberate people. He asked us for a videotape and chose some sample
booklets and News magazines as well.
The brief encounter did not dampen the feeling that we were intimate friends
reunited after a long time. We could not stop talking about the Truth.
This was Master beckoning to his inner self a second time. We believe that
with God's blessing, he would soon realize his needs and join in the spiritual
practice.
The Light Of God
On our way to Albany, we suddenly noticed two beams of light in the colors
of the spectrum shining from the city into the gloomy sky. It looked as
though God had cast His light of blessing on the people there. The emissions
of such brilliant light beams from the city of our destination strengthened
our belief that the light would lead the simple-hearted people to God's
Home.
In Albany, we visited a bustling market where a female assistant in a florist
shop showed immense interest in Master. On her own initiative, she asked
us for many issues of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine so she
could introduce Master to her friends. She could feel the energy coming
forth from the picture on a sample booklet and said, "I know it is
from Her!" She gave us her address and the florist's so that they
could receive the News magazines in the future.
As we prepared to leave, she selected some colorful and beautiful flowers
that she tied into bouquets and offered to us. We were deeply touched by
these gifts of flowers presented to Master by this longing soul.
The Best Gift For Father's Day
We were glad that we were in Australia on Father's Day. After a one-day
retreat at the Perth Center, fellow initiates and their families distributed
sample booklets in the city of Perth. Showing their support for this activity,
they put up Master's posters on the streets so that the people could see
the living Master. We divided into groups to do the work and assembled
at the Center after the distribution. Then we went to a park to celebrate
a superb Father's Day. On this day, the fathers in our group looked different
than usual. Their participation in the booklet distribution had filled
them with joy and their faces glowed.
An Italian man who was warming himself by a fire next to us could not resist
the temptation as the aroma of our vegetarian barbecue spread. He came
again and again to ask for skewers of roasted food. He also took some sample
booklets and News magazines, expressing delight in learning about an enlightened
Master on this holiday. This turned out to be a happy and meaningful Father's
Day for all of us.
Video-Lecture Seminar
On the day of the seminar, initiates were greatly encouraged when some
people arrived from Manjimup, a small timber town several hundred kms south
of Perth. They came only for the seminar and drove home the same day.
A videotape recording of Master's Geneva lecture to the staff of the United
Nations was shown, followed by an enthusiastic question and answer session
that continued informally over light refreshments. About half of the Truth
seekers who attended, including some from Manjimup, requested to learn
the Convenient Method of meditation.
<San Jose> At the beginning of 1997, TV Channel 54 in Costa Rica began including
Master's teachings in its programming twice a week. The programs have attracted
a large audience, and subsequently, we have received numerous phone calls
from these viewers. Many of the callers are young people from rural areas
and comprise a group that, in the past, has mostly been inaccessible to
us.
The Truth, virtue and beauty in Master's teachings have touched the souls
of these young people and inspired them to gain a deeper understanding
of their spiritual world. These simple people expressed their sincere interest
in seeking the Truth and this made us realize that there are many more
people out there who are eager to hear about Master's teachings and follow
Her to practice spiritually. We must hurry with our work so that they can
return to God's embrace more quickly.
We believe that a chain reaction-like effect will occur: When more people
listen to and follow Master's teachings in Costa Rica, more merit will
be gained for this paradise-like country. The more that all the people
of Costa Rica are uplifted spiritually, the more good vibrations we will
attract, and then one more heaven will be created in the universe.
The seminar held at Mogi was a heartwarming success.
After the seminar, participants enjoy a sumptuous vegetarian meal and receive
beautifully printed recipes.
<Sao Paulo> The Quan Yin Method video lectures in Brazil every month have received
an increasingly overwhelming response each time they have been held. These
lectures, once limited to the neighborhood of the Center, are now presented
in other small towns near Sao Paulo as well, to give all an equal chance
to pursue spiritual practice.
With Master's blessing, fellow initiates had no difficulty getting free
use of a big office in a supermarket. The location is ideal, and the venue
is big enough to accommodate the display of a collection of Master's works
of art. Apart from showing a profound interest in Master's teachings, visitors
are equally impressed by Her paintings which transcend world creations.
At the end of each lecture, fellow practitioners usually prepare a large
quantity of vegetarian food for the guests. The dishes are prepared according
to recipes provided by the vegetarian cooking class. Beautifully printed
recipes are distributed to the participants, so that they can cook at home
the same delicacies that they have savored.
The recent seminar at Mogi was a heartwarming success. More fellow initiates
than usual earnestly joined in to share the workload. When the seminar
was over, more than 80 percent of the guests decided to switch to a vegetarian
diet, and requested to learn the Convenient Method of meditation. It was
clear to us that Master's almighty love had nourished their souls, and
God had graced and sown seeds of love in this simple and friendly little
town.
Those people who don't want to follow me to practice should just try to
remain vegetarians and keep the five precepts in order to come back in
human form again. The five precepts are good for people to come back as
human beings, whereas one could
end up becoming something else lower than human beings, if one goes below
these precepts. It is like going to school. There are elementary schools
and high schools. Based on which standard are we able to be qualified for
elementary school? And which standard for high school, which standard for
college?
There are also gifted students who are able to jump directly to college
from high school and it is also possible that some jump directly to college
from elementary school. They are very few in number, like those who have
become completely enlightened. They are still young and they also have
practiced for years, but the reason that they became saints is that they
are gifted. The gifted saint (Master laughs), not wooden statue of a saint.
(Master playing with words.)
For example, in following Supreme Master Ching Hai, practice is just too
hard, sitting is just too long for us, and we have to be a vegetarian.
Then just keeping the five precepts is fine. It means no killing; no telling
lies; no committing adultery, only one husband and one wife; no drinking
alcohol and gambling; and so on. Then one will, someday, be able to come
back as a human being again. It's not that I am threatening or forcing
you to keep the precepts for me. It's just the law of nature.
If we are able to keep the precepts ourselves then even if we do not practice
to become saints or Buddhas, we are entitled to come back as human beings
living healthy and happy lives with less suffering. If we are unable to
keep the precepts, our standard is indeed lower than that of human beings
and then we'll come back as other beings, for example, animals, ghosts,
demons and the like. They are one level lower than human beings. If we
are above the five precepts and we continue our practice to keep many other
more subtle precepts, then we are entitled to become saints or Buddhas.
For example, sometimes we think that if we do not go to bed with just anyone
and by not going to bed with another person's wife, we assume that we have
not violated any precepts. But it is not so. Having that thought alone
or just a lustful look is already a violation, if we do it deliberately.
The degree of violation is less when we do it unintentionally. But it is
not that we don't commit any violation at all. It is also considered a
violation but of a lesser degree.
When we are already married and have children but we still intentionally
use our words to seduce others, entice others with our eyes or invoke something
impure in our hearts, that alone makes us violate the precepts; since violations
include thoughts, speech and actions and not actions alone.
Thought creates speech and speech creates action. If we don't have any
thoughts, we are unable to say anything. Without thoughts, our body would
not be able to act. Therefore, there are three kinds of violations. The
delicate ones are from our mind. The coarser ones are in our actions. And
when we add our words, it's finished. Hence, we should be careful at all
times. If we want to come back as a human being, we must keep the precepts
properly.
I'm not saying not to touch anyone's hand or foot, not to kiss anyone,
then it means I have not violated any precepts. It's still considered a
violation anyway, if we intentionally have desired thoughts and constantly
look at others with lustful eyes everywhere we go. We indeed commit a violation.
It is because we have trained ourselves into bad habits.
Our Thoughts Are Recorded
In Our Body Cells
Our minds automatically follow the created path and continue on their way.
Then it is more difficult for us to retrain them. Whatever the mind thinks,
the body will follow. This is because our cells record all the things dictated
by our minds. It records all the things that our minds have focused on.
It then lives in our genes, our cells, in the structure of our bodies.
Then it accumulates more and more each day and is difficult to be cleansed
away.
Therefore, you see that it is tough for people who are alcoholics to give
it up. The more they drink, the harder it is for them to stop. When people
smoke, it becomes a habit which urges them to smoke constantly. The mind
has already registered it: "Eh, how come there is nothing today? Each
day I record exactly how many milligrams of nicotine have been consumed,
so how come we have nothing today?" Then it continues asking. It becomes
a habit. It's just like the extramarital affairs between a man and a woman
which could become a bad habit, a habit of being indecent, being seductive.
It is natural that our bodies keep demanding these things. Sometimes, since
it has accumulated too much, our whole body, all our cells continue having
the craving for these things. At that time, our mind is so weak that it
is unable to fight back. Thus, we keep falling down on that road. The more
we fall, the more we are dragged down. When it gets too heavy we are unable
to stand up again. Then one has to come back. One must come back as a human
being in order to satisfy the insatiable desires. Not until he has been
beaten up, struck down, and unbearably buried, is he able to open his eyes,
able to get tired of it, and able to stand on his feet. It could take a
long time, a few hundred years even.
We Should Train Ourselves To
Be Alert Right Away
Therefore, when our minds induce us into doing such things, we must alert
ourselves; we must wake ourselves up at once and immediately recite the
Holy Names. We must quickly get back on the right path, and then it'll
go away. Otherwise, if we keep obeying our mind to do this and that, we'll
be dragged down with it. Even if we practice meditation, it'll be a waste
of effort. We only meditate two and a half hours a day, and we may not
be able to sit long enough anyway.
However, if all day long we drag ourselves down with such thoughts, then
we will, indeed, go down. It drags us for 21 or 22 hours while we drag
it for only two and a half hours counting the time in which we nod our
head back and forth. It is not long enough at all. Two and a half hours
is meant for us to train ourselves into living a life of purity. We no
sooner have adequately trained ourselves then it drags our whole being
away. Therefore, we are unable to catch up.
We also go outside and eat carelessly, eat the wrong food. We eat anything
that resembles vegetarian food. Since we are not yet purified, we won't
be able to tell the difference. When our level of purity is higher, then
we'll be able to tell the difference immediately upon tasting it. When
our stomach reacts to something, we will later vomit or our body will feel
uneasy. Then we quickly know that we have eaten something impure during
the day. Or during our meditation in the evening, we'll have horrible or
low level experiences. We also quickly know why. Or else, the inner Master
will come and tell us that we have eaten something impure during the day.
For example it's like that.
When we are able to see the inner Master, we are already at a high level.
Otherwise, how could She come and tell if we were not able to see Her at
all. We were there ourselves but heard nothing. Truly, Master is with us
24 hours a day. However, since we are blind and deaf, we can't hear anything.
We just listen to the bad recordings of our minds. If everyone was able
to hear the inner voice of Master then there would be no one who would
violate the precepts, no one who would be prone to seduction.
I give everyone the opportunity to fight for themselves. If I happened
to choose them, then there would not be many left who would be able to
sit here. Even the high level practitioners could be affected by others
when going outside. There is also the surrounding magnetic field. There
are many kinds of things around, so practicing is not always easy. It's
not only that spiritual practice is already difficult for us, if we bring
more trouble to ourselves then we are finished.
Even God and saints are helpless. It's not that we violate the precepts
then someone will do us harm. We lower our level ourselves, and thus someday
we will have to pull it up ourselves. It is like a student who fails to
study hard and makes trouble in school or something. He will definitely
stay in the same grade or be kicked out of school. Thus, he will have to
come back to school again after he is fed up. We have to start from the
beginning; we have to prove to the teacher that we are okay now.
You should take care of yourselves. Try to remain vegetarian and keep the
precepts. Sometimes, if we practice diligently, we will know immediately
if we have unintentionally eaten any meat based foods. When we go home,
we may find a lot of pimples on our face. If not, ghosts may come and pull
our feet during sleep at night. We may see nothing but total darkness during
our meditation. We might become ill, with a stomach ache and headache.
We may be angry at Master for no reason. (Master laughs) It's true; you
can check with the people who have fallen in their faith. I can tell you
that 99% of it is due to eating wrong food or violating the precepts. Gradually,
you may leave me completely, because they are two opposite paths and the
more we walk on them, the farther they are away from each other. Even if
we don't leave each other, how can two people, one heading North, the other
heading South, be able to meet each other again?
It's not that you leave me at all, you just separate yourself from your
self by yourself. Since the two magnetic fields are different, it's not
possible for us to like each other. It is referred to as like attracts
like. If people walk a different road then sooner or later they'll leave
us. Therefore, the people who left me are, in fact, not leaving me at all;
they're just leaving their own selves. They leave behind their ideal, their
vow; they leave behind the path of honor, the gracious path that they selected
in the past in favor of the other in darkness, with no end in sight, the
road that has no future.
Of course, everyone has his own right to choose, and no one is able to
force another against his own will. Therefore, during the initiation I
never forced you to follow this path for the rest of your life at all.
No coercion whatsoever. I gave advice and that's all I did. I advised that
you stay on the beautiful road that you chose. Otherwise, if we choose
to walk on the other road then it'd be all wrong. We'd be distanced from
each other later on.
Therefore, you should know immediately those who have left me. First, they
are back to being meat eaters. Second, they violate the precepts. The magnetic
field is different by itself, because our bodies are representative of
what we have eaten.
For example, when we eat animal based foods, the food itself is contaminated
with poison which comes from the animal when being killed. We become toxic
and ill as well. This is only the physical aspect. The spiritual aspect
is different. The consciousness of an animal is different from that of
human beings. Plant or vegetable based foods are less conscious and are
unlike that of the animal which is too strong. Because the animals themselves
also desire to live and are afraid to die, they have their own stronger
magnetic field.
Therefore, they know how to walk, how to mate, how to love each other,
and how to fight each other because of the opposite sex. They also know
how to fight for their material possessions, their own sanctuary, whereas,
trees or plants never engage in this kind of fighting. They belong more
to the static group. They stand still. They only rely on the wind to carry
their pollen to each other so that they'll be able to blossom and bear
fruit.
Animals are more active. They naturally search for the opposite sex in
order to have their offspring. So they also have their own jealousy, their
own possessive nature which is extremely cruel. The carnivorous ones are
more cruel. For example, the elephant, the rabbit or that kind only bite
back or attack us when they get over irritated. As for the tigers, no need
to say. We don't need to annoy them, they annoy us. They look for us to
have a bite to eat. If not, they look for other animals. For example, it's
like that.
Animal Qualities And Magnetic Fields
Affect Us
Therefore, by eating plant based foods, our karmic burden will be less.
By eating vegetables, we don't consume with it the cruelty found in animal
foods. And now, the animals, due to their magnetic field and their beastly
nature, must remain animals. Their intelligence is different than that
of human beings. Their emotions and reactions are different because they
are only animals. Thus, an animal has its own body structure, magnetic
field and its own level of consciousness.
If we happened to eat its meat, its level would obviously be mixed with
ours. If we continue to eat more, someday the animal qualities will become
greater than the human ones and we will have to become animals. It is so
clear that there is no need to be superstitious; there is no need to refer
to Buddhism or the law of cause and effect by which one reincarnates into
different species.
For example, there is a glass of pure water, nothing in it. Then you drop
something like a few drops of ink in it and the water still remains clear.
If you continue putting four, five, six, seven drops of ink in the water,
then a moment later the whole glass will become as dark as the ink itself.
It is turning into ink, because the more drops of ink we have will make
it become ink. We can write with this ink, because the ink nature is different
from water.
Similarly, human beings' qualities are different from those of animals.
If we absorb too many animal qualities, later we will become animals ourselves.
At least 80% of our being would become like that. With roughly 70%, it
will make us become an animal for sure, because the animal portion is more
than that of human after all. For example, with 60-70% we still remain
a human being, but we have more animal qualities. Therefore, you see many
people that appear to have animal qualities. They don't have human virtues.
We can refer to them as that sir or this madam who happens to commit murder,
theft, fraud, or tells lies just like singing a song every day. It has
become a bad habit. They are human beings with too many animal qualities.
Meanwhile, there are animals, which, regardless of their being animal,
have intelligence, wisdom and emotions that slightly resemble those of
human beings. It is possible because of their human qualities. They happen
to possess more of them than other animals. With 80% animal qualities they
will behave more animal than human. Whereas, animals that possess human
qualities, roughly 40 or 45%, will become half man, half beast. That's
why we see them being so intelligent, so emotional.
There are also people who resemble animals because they have trained themselves
to be like an animal. They learn to act like animals. They are unable to
control their animal qualities. They accumulated too much day after day,
so someday they definitely will be an animal themselves. Even if they became
human beings, they would not be much like a human being at all. They would
not have the personality of good, decent people. They would not feel ashamed
of doing anything immoral.
Then you already understand. (Applause) It's not that I am forcing you
to keep this or that precept in a coercive way. It's only my advice. The
wisdom, the ancient and secretly kept methods of spiritual practice have
been left behind by the enlightened masters. The law of evolution in the
universe is just like that. If we know this law of nature, we'll live an
easy life. If we don't violate any law then we should not be afraid of
any kind of punishment. That's all.
Just like living in the U.S.A. we should know the laws of this country.
If we drive recklessly, we will be caught by police and our driving privileges
be suspended for a year, for example. We are already aware of the law but
we still violate it. Sometimes we can get away with it but it is also difficult.
We can do it once or twice, but if we keep doing it as a bad habit, someday
we won't be able to get away with it anymore.
We Should Control Ourselves So That
We Can Be Our Own Masters
Whenever we violate the precepts, we should quickly stand up. Then, at
least we are violating the precepts in the mind only, not in a physical
way. If we physically violate them, then there won't be any way to fix
it. Don't say that I am strict with you. It is not so. You can do anything
you want anyway since it is your life. Freedom of choice. But we should
know that each choice has its own consequence. Don't think that because
I have chosen this I am great, I am free. It's not freedom. We have the
freedom to murder, to steal, and also the freedom to go to jail. (Applause)
Therefore, on this Earth, no one has the right to forbid others at all,
because everyone is Buddha, is part of God. But we should know our Godly
quality, our Buddha nature. We should live in accordance with Buddha's,
God's standard to be able to come back, to control ourselves in order to
become our own master.
Becoming a teacher, not a teacher of others, but a teacher of your own
"self" is indeed difficult. Being a teacher of others is quite
easy. Since ancient times, every enlightened master has become his own
teacher. By becoming a teacher of your own "self," others will
automatically be attracted by our magnetic field and power. If we just
kept on talking, no one would believe in us. Our actions speak louder than
our words. Emerson, an American philosopher, once said that: "What
you are doing speaks so loudly that I can not hear what you are saying."
If you like me, it's because you like yourself, you wish to become like
that. Feeling this way is correct, it's the way we want to live our lives.
Therefore, what we like is the true nature of that person, not his physical
form. We like what he does, what he represents. Just like when we fall
in love with someone, it could be that we are first attracted by that person's
physical appearance. But after having lived together for quite a while,
we are then attracted by that person's love, nice character and way of
living, not the physical appearance anymore. We would get used to watching
the physical appearance every day, so we would get bored of watching it
all the time no matter how good looking it was. (Applause)> Dear friends, Please listen to me, A child who only wants to be free. Let
me cry, laugh, love, or be angry, And live by my heart and just be me.
Please, don't tie me down with your preconceptions, The social games you
seem to accept. Men's rules and judgements are for you to keep, But let
me bind alone with the Holy Spirit.
For She/He is the key to eternal happiness. Only by Her/His side can I
be in bliss. Nothing to worry, to know, or to be, Only one with the True
Nature inside of me.Poems height="60" width="591">
By Fellow Initiate H.M.H. Indiana, U.S.A. (Originally In English)
By Sister Initiate Veronica Rademacher (Lizana),
Chile (Originally In Spanish)
I'll never forget the winter days
When I felt the cold piercing my skin,
The wind playing with my hair,
The mist covering my eyes,
And the days slowly passing by.
Then the autumn arrived.
The weather would seem better,
The falling leaves showing it.
Everything was getting dry
And coloring games made a feast for the eyes.
The lovely spring was reborn,
A little bit cold in the mornings,
But the evenings tenderly warm.
The colors just flooded and dazzled the environment,
And the freshness of the day made me feel reborn.
Everything changed with the summer.
A wonderful warmness, everything was sun and love.
Even though sometimes the seasons mix themselves up,
I know that I have reached the sun,
Because I have entered into the Light and heard the Sound.
~ To obtain the best results, we suggest using Microsoft Internet Explorer
4.0 or better, and setting your monitor to 800 x 600 resolution to view
the News. ~
A Little Message:
In speaking of God, or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original
non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a
He.
She + He = Hes (as in Bless)
Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm)
Hers + His = Hiers (as in Dear)
Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will
to suit Hirmself.
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
February 19, 1996 (Originally In English)
Cartoon By Little Rain >
There was a person who went with a kind of researching group to Africa.
Over there, there was no transportation and communication was very difficult.
So they sometimes had to use helicopters.
One native guy, who went with the scientists, the researching group, was
supposed to help them with translation.
Ah, the helicopter is too noisy! The people are talking too much! They
smoke too much!
The seat is too narrow. The space is too tight.
As soon as he got into the helicopter, he lets out a torrent of complains.
He kept wailing, complaining, moaning, and shouting all the time.
So a crew member took him out, hung him from the wing with a rope, dangling
around.
This is the problem with us too. Sometimes we don't appreciate a good situation,
good friends or a good companion until we've lost him or her, until we've
lost the situation, or until the situation has become worse, has become
more unbearable. Then we'd be happy just to have what we had. Similarly
in life, if we complain too much, too unreasonably, then God will put us
through a lot of trouble until we stop our mouth. (Master laughs) Then
we pray at that time, "Oh, please save us." (Master & everyone
laugh) That's how people pray every day (Master laughs) just because they
used to complain before, and they got into trouble. Then they think of
what they had, and appreciate it more.
Cartoon By Sister Initiate Lydia, Toronto, Canada >
A Christian priest went to Africa with the highest ideal to convert the
heathen Africans into Christians. Halfway through, he met a lion, so he
knew that his life was going to be finished. The lion said to the priest,
"Now say your last prayer, alright?"
So of course the priest could do nothing else but kneel down and pray to
God that Hes would save him from this terrible Christian lion. While he
was saying and praying very hard, the lion also knelt down. The priest
was very surprised and said, "I am praying to God because I want Hirm
to save my life and my soul. What business have you to pray to God?"
So the lion said, "Well, we have to give thanks before a meal."
I tell you this story and by the way, we can kind of emphasize and learn
something from even a joke. Because we human beings, are funny sometimes.
Like one enemy prays, "God, let me kill them. Let me win over our
enemy." And the other one prays the same thing, "Oh Buddha, or
God almighty, help me to kill all of them today. Then I'll worship you
forever and ever. You are my true God." So God just sits up there,
stroking Hiers beard and doesn't know what to do, because both of them
are Hiers children, especially when they believe in the same God, when
they profess to be the same Christian people, Buddhists, Jews, Moslems
or whatever.
We have different opinions, we have fights amongst ourselves on Earth because
of different religious beliefs. But then even within the same belief, we
fight with each other, and kill each other for the same God that we believe
in. It happens around the world. In some countries, the Christians fight
with each other. So what do you think God should do? If you were God what
would you do? Today kill this one and the next day kill the other one?
Because they both pray, "Please let us win over our enemy, kill them
all, destroy them all."
So actually, we have to stop and rethink, that among these different religions
it's really no good to fight with each other. If there is one God, just
let people believe or not believe in Hirm the way they want. God will know.
We don't have to compare who is who and which God is bigger than the other
one, because we don't know Hirm. We only know Hirm through an opportunity
of getting in touch with Hiers power. We know how Hes loves us, takes care
of us every day.
Like through the Quan Yin Method, we know when we're in trouble, when we're
in danger, we pray and then God comes. It doesn't matter in which form
Hes appears to us to help us at that time of trouble. We know we always
can rely on Hirm. That is how we know God; otherwise, we can never know
Hirm enough.
◆Master's Pilgrimage to the Himalayas (Part 1 & 2)
Group Meditation, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. July 7, 1997
◆Cleanliness & Beauty Reflect Our Godliness
Group Meditation, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. July 20 & August 31, 1997
◆The Key To Purify Ourselves from Outside
Contaminations
Group Meditation, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. July 5 & 6, 1997
<In Au Lac>
◆Always Remember Our Noble Quality
Group Meditation, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. July 13 & August 30, 1997
◆The Secret of the Past and Future
Group Meditation, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. July 19, 1997
<In English With Chinese Subtitles>
◆Realize Your Divine self
Group Meditation, Raising Center, Cambodia July 19, 1996
◆The Story of the Saintly King
Group Meditation, Bangkok, Thailand June 7, 1994
<In Chinese With English Subtitles>
◆The Story Of A Taoist And A Peach- Seller
Hsihu, Formosa May 29, 1994
<In English With Japanese Subtitles>
◆The Mystery of Cause and Effect
Group Meditation, Bangkok, Thailand January 2, 1994
<In English With Korean Subtitles>
◆The Deepest Love Is From Within
Group Meditation, Raising Center, Cambodia July 19, 1996
Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Audiotapes
<In English>
ER12A
◆Blessing the World with Spiritual Practice (1,2)
4-Day Retreat, Sydney, Australia May 10, 1997
◆Be Determined on the Spiritual Path (1,2)
4-Day Retreat, Sydney, Australia May 10, 1997
ER12B
◆Meditating Whole-Heartedly
4-Day Retreat, Sydney, Australia May 11, 1997
◆Let Your Life be Harmonious & Beautiful
4-Day Retreat, Sydney, Australia May 11, 1997
◆Love People in all Kinds of "Weather"
4-Day Retreat, Sydney, Australia May 12, 1997
*** *** **** *** ****
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Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd. Taipei, Formosa.
Tel:(886) 2-87873935 Fax:(886) 2-87870873 E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org
ROC Postal Remittance Account No: 19259438 (for Formosa orders only)
Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.
Please visit our bookshop's website to download our catalogue and summaries
of the contents of Master's latest publications: http://smchbooks.com/ (in English and Chinese)
*** *** **** *** ****
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>
Introductory Book Note height="60">
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Laiyi Center, Formosa
January 13, 1993 (Originally In Chinese)
This is a book of East Indian poems that have been translated into English.
Kabir is a well-known writer in India. He was an enlightened master who
lived some five to six hundred years ago. He was not rich and earned his
living as a cobbler. Though he had very little money, he was very generous.
Very often when he had guests, he would ask his wife to borrow money or
to get some food on credit in order to entertain them.
Now I will read one or two of his poems to you. Poems or literature about
spiritual practice, especially those concerning the Quan Yin Method, are
easier to understand; either from ancient or contemporary times, they are
the same. Kabir's poems are very popular among the people, and he remains
a well-known name today. Every East Indian person knows his name. His poetic
creations are marked by sarcasm and his spiritual verses are beautifully
written. I remember a short poem of his, which is truly sarcastic. In the
poem, he derided those false monks who were lousy spiritual practitioners
and who fainted upon earing his words. Perhaps he had a sharp "beak"
like this. (Laughter) He left behind a large collection of lectures, poems
and articles, but not a single photograph, so people have no idea what
he looked like. I have no doubt, however, that he had a sharp tongue! (Master
laughs)
One of his remarks was about spiritual practitioners who only dyed their
robes and not their hearts. Spiritual practitioners in India wore red or
saffron robes, which were a symbol of compassion and universal love. Kabir
noted that they had only dyed their clothing, but their hearts had not
been dyed in the color of love. They walked out on God and went to worship
stones. In India people loved to worship stones because they were too lazy
to carve them! (Master and everyone laugh) They grew long hair which they
kept unkempt, and they had long beards like goats. (Master and everyone
laugh) "Mare...." (Master imitates the goat.) They forsook their
loved ones and their families, and turned themselves into eunuchs. (Master
and everyone laugh)
This is how he ridiculed them. Both the original poem in Hindi and the
English translation sound very amusing. My Chinese translation may not
be very good, but you are already screaming in laughter. If we were to
read the original, most probably we would be rolling on the floor by now.
(Laughter) The doctor would have to give us gastric pills quickly.
Such was his character. Kabir loved to write such sarcastic words, and
the spiritual practitioners of his time dreaded him. In spite of his poverty,
he did not accept offerings and people had high respect for him. When so-called
spiritual practitioners visited him, of course he entertained them hospitably.
He even sold his wife to do so. Moved by his actions, his neighbor gave
him food without demanding payment or taking his wife.
★Look Inwardly
In Kabir's anthology of poems, there are many beautiful ones about the
Quan Yin Method. Let me read one to you; it is entitled "Look Inwardly".
The musk deer searches through the forest trees
For the fragrance that will enchant and please.
But all the while it searches, never knowing
From its own nature, the musk is blowing.
So too the Lord is within every being but outside we
seek Him.
We seek Him and live without seeing.
The limitless is not limited to any space,
His presence pervades in every place.
For those who know the Lord, He's near at hand,
Close to those He will always stand.
For those who insist far away the Lord must be,
No doubt very distant from those is He.
The Lord is far away, my old thoughts had begun,
But now I know the Lord abides in everyone.
For those who know not who they truly are,
Although the Lord is close by, for them He is quite far.
Leaving their fields where they have been plowing,
Men gather at temples for ritual bowing.
But the Lord does dwell within your heart,
Enter His temple and never depart.
In this poem, Kabir talked about a musk deer searching the mountains and
forests for the source of the pleasant aroma. It was drawn by the fragrance
but was unaware that it came from its own body. Likewise, the Lord is within
us, within every sentient being. Yet, we often look outwardly, so we cannot
find Hirm. This limitless love cannot be confined within a limited space;
it is omnipresent. For those who know, the Lord is close by. We can always
know Hirm, see Hirm, and feel Hiers presence. For those who insist that
the Lord is far, high and unreachable, the Lord will not go near them.
Then, of course, they are far away from the Lord. Since they do not understand
in the first place, it would be futile for the Lord to go near them.
As Kabir conceded, he used to think the Lord is very far away, but later
he realized that Hes abides in the heart of everyone. For those who do
not know who they are, they are far away from the Lord, though Hes is very
near. People leave their villages, abandon their work, and go to temples
to worship God and perform rituals. They do not realize that God dwells
in their hearts. We should each enter into our own inner temple and stay
there. Kabir meant that the temple within is the only one of any use. You
should be able to understand! (Applause) I found several poems in this
book that discuss the Light and the Sound, but people who do not practice
the Quan Yin Method would not understand.
★Light And Sound
Here is another poem entitled "The Word". The "Word"
means the Sound. As mentioned in the Bible: In the beginning there was
the Word, and the Word was with God.
Within yourself music plays without pause,
Vibrating strings are not the cause.
This music comes from the Word, says Kabir.
It pervades subtly for all to hear.
This sound divine makes the seeker free,
Then in Maya's grasp he shall no more be.
The Word is more than a simple word so plain,
Through power of the Word no bondage will remain.
The Word is soothing, melting all desires,
It douses the flames of earthly fires.
But all the words provide only pain,
No peace or truth can they help you attain.
The value of the Word no treasure comes near,
Only the true disciple knows this truth, says Kabir.
Rubies and sapphires can easily be sought,
But the name of the Lord can not be bought.
For this suffering world you find me crying,
For the pathetic world you find me sighing.
But the one who knows the Word will be the only
one who will cry with me.
The Word is so powerful,
It can inspire even the kings to renounce and retire.
One who has stopped and thought carefully to see
The meaning of the Word, very fortunate is he.
Pitch darkness persists without the Word,
Where can you go if you haven't heard.
Until one finds the Word's door,
He is aimlessly wandering forever more.
Over the world doubt has control,
One having mastered it is a rare soul.
There is a way out of doubt's rut,
Learning the Word is the only path.
The Master has built a beautiful mansion,
Especially designed for spiritual expansion.
For a glimpse of the beloved in this castle so high,
A ray of His light the Lord did supply.
The dark mysteries of night go away,
When the sun rises to start the day.
Just as when light enters your heart,
Then doubt and delusion all depart.
Here Kabir was writing a eulogy to the inner Sound. The Music plays non-stop
within us, he said, but it is not produced by instruments. We all know
this very well! (Everyone laughs knowingly) Then he went on to say that
this Music is created by the Word. The Sound -- the Vibration -- is very
subtle, and is for everyone to hear. Once a spiritual practitioner has
heard this Sound, he is beyond the grasp of the Maya King, and is free
and liberated.
People of the ancient times also spoke affirmatively of the Quan Yin Method.
The Word that Kabir mentioned is identical to the Name in Lao Tze's statement
concerning "The Name That Cannot Be Named". It also means the
Sound, as mentioned in the Bible. Therefore, Kabir pointed out that this
is not an ordinary word or an ordinary sound. With the power of this Sound,
any chain of bondage that shackles us to the cycle of birth and death will
be severed. All worldly desires, all earthly fires of greed and emotions,
will be kaput when they meet the Word or the Sound. They will just drop
dead! (Laughter)
This does not apply to worldly sounds or languages, which can only bring
us pain. Therefore, Kabir wanted us to distinguish this Sound from the
ordinary sound, music and language. He found it difficult to explain it,
which was why he babbled so much. (Master laughs) He was concerned that
we might not understand him, so he gave us a lengthy explanation. (Master
laughs) We can understand, can't we? (Audience: Yes.) One or two sentences
would be enough. There is no need to be so long winded. (Applause) It is
very difficult to elaborate on this, so Kabir went on and on to clarify
that this is no ordinary sound or word. By listening to the worldly sounds
or the so-called words or names, he said, we can never find inner peace
or serenity.
As he said, no treasure could compare to the invaluable Word. Only genuine
spiritual practitioners understand this fact. Other people would wonder:
"It is only a word or a sound. Why is it more valuable than wealth?"
So Kabir said: Only true spiritual practitioners understand the real meaning.
Rubies, sapphires and other precious stones are easily available, but the
true Name of God is difficult to find or buy anywhere.
For this miserable world, you will see me shed tears of sympathy. For this
depraved world, you will see me feeling upset. However, only those who
have known this Word or Sound would cry with me. The whole world is very
happy, (Master laughs) and we are the only ones crying. They do not know
why we are crying! Only the Quan Yin practitioners know and cry for the
same reason.
This Word, or Sound, is so powerful that even a king would renounce his
empire and go into retirement. (Laughter) Do we have a king here somewhere?
(Laughter) We are kings in our own palaces, (laughter) in our own homes.
If there is nothing except boars in the mountain, then I am the "mountain
king". (Laughter)
Anyone who can find peace of mind and this Word or Sound is indeed the
most fortunate and blessed man in this world. Should you never hear this
Word or Sound, wherever you go, the world is pitch darkness around you.
People who have not found the gateway to the Sound -- that is, the Quan
Yin Method -- must remain in transmigration without a home to rest. Doubt
and instability have enveloped and taken control over the world. Few souls
can rise above such an ambiance of this world, which means that few can
set themselves free. Only a handful of spiritual practitioners live freely
and at ease in this world.
Practicing the Quan Yin Method is the only way to transcend the chaotic
and tumultuous worldly atmosphere. What Kabir meant was that the only solution
is to find the path that practices listening to the Sound; and this is
the only path to liberation. Here in his poem, he wrote "the only
path". Some people still do not believe that the Quan Yin Method is
the only way. (Master and everyone laugh) They must be incarnations of
the Maya's subordinates. (Laughter) They are speaking Maya's words. (Master
laughs) All scriptures discuss the same thing. Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism
and Catholicism, all mention this Word, this Name, this Sound. Once we
become enlightened by practicing the Quan Yin Method, it all becomes very
clear to us!
We can also easily understand the Zen stories. A monk was plowing in the
fields. Suddenly he heard bells chiming. He was so filled with joy that
he stopped plowing. (Master and everyone laugh) Another saying goes: Souls
in hell would be liberated if they heard the chiming of bells. When the
deceased hears the chiming or jingling of bells, they will definitely be
liberated. That is why the monks keep ringing the bells (laughter) above
the heads of the deceased -- to liberate them. (Master laughs) Unfortunately,
they tie a "drag knot" (sounds like liberation in Chinese) instead.
They tie a knot and then drag along. (Master and everyone laugh.) Too heavy
to move, they have to drag themselves from one place to another, from Earth
to hell, and from hell to the cycle of transmigration. This is a "drag
knot" and not liberation!
Kabir also said in his poem that the enlightened master has built a heaven
-- a mansion -- especially for the spiritual practitioners. Should we want
to take a look at this spiritual dimension, God has given us the Light
within, which can light up the way for us. Yes! Here we have Light! Just
now we had only Sound, now there is Light! God has also given us Light,
just like a flashlight, said Kabir, so we can look upward. (Master laughs)
Since it is far away, we need a bigger flashlight to shine from here to
there, just like the rising sun dispersing the darkness of the night. Similarly,
when the Light enters our souls, all doubts and delusions would vanish!
This is what Kabir meant. (Applause) He deserves our applause. His words
are really beautiful!
> Pearls Of Wisdom height="60"> >
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, London, U.K. August 26, 1997
(Originally In English)
Every word has a different frequency of vibration, so if you use the word
"love," even without meaning it, it still gives a very nice vibration
and comfortable feeling. It is better than saying "I hate that cat"
or "I hate apples". Even if you don't mean it when you say "hate,"
you are already full of hate. (Master & everyone laugh) Just say love.
But when you say "I love you" to your beloved individually, that
is of course different. Even though the words are the same, the sound and
the feeling are different. For example, you call your child "sweetheart"
or "honey," and sometimes you also say to other people outside,
"Oh honey, you're lovely!" But that's different from the way
you call your own child. Everyone knows that. There is no mix-up about
it. The more often you use positive words, the better it is for the world
and for yourself. Don't be stingy with love and positive words. Say them
at all time.Inner Light And SoundThe Vibration Of Words Concentrate Your Awareness Rules Of Playing The Game
>
Pearls Of Wisdom
Before enlightenment we are too busy, too muddle-headed. We think of this
and that, and we try to do things the wrong way. We don't focus our awareness.
That's why we don't know many things. We cannot harness our energy. Yeah,
too fast. Then we just discharge our energy, and we're tired at the end
of the day. We've achieved nothing. The more you nervously do things, the
less you achieve. So you think you haven't done anything.
After a while, the master tells you how to harness your energy, how to
concentrate your awareness. Then that power helps you to be sharper in
everything, to be more alert. You can accomplish more in a shorter time.
Then you think after enlightenment, maybe you have more talent. It's not
true; you always had it. You just have more attention now to use it, more
awareness to bring it into realization.
Because we are in this world, we have to abide by the rules of the game,
no matter who we are. There are no exceptions for anyone. Since this world
is the game of maya, any master who comes here has to abide by the rules
of the game, or else he is not allowed to come here, to be a master or
anything. That's why it makes things difficult. Well, every game is difficult
-- football, baseball, basketball -- they all have their rules. You have
to know the rules in order to play correctly; if not, they'll kick you
out, no matter who you are.
Sometimes you don't understand. You keep asking me or any teacher, "Why,
if you have so much power, don't you change the world?" Why should
I change the world? If I change it, it's no fun anymore; if I change it,
there's no struggle for people; if I change it, there's no yearning, no
effort made to meet their own greatness, to discover their own mastership.
You have to struggle. A professor in the university is not allowed to take
the exam for his own son. The son has to learn from ABC and has to use
his own effort. The professor can only guide him but cannot learn by heart
the lessons for the son, cannot take the exam, cannot pass the exam for
him. It's not allowed. It's not good for the son also, even if it were
allowed. What for? Why would you take the exam for the son? You'd be the
first in the class for the son and he'd still remain stupid, not knowing
anything, couldn't even read and write.
So the wisdom is yours, mastership is yours. You have to discover, you
have to struggle, you have to learn and you have to want it. I don't change
anything. God doesn't want to change anything because Hes has free will,
and allows everyone to have free will. So the master or anyone in a position
of power also has to understand this. Every master understands this.
Although this little interlude occurred a long time ago, it still comes
to my mind frequently and warms my heart.
The Japanese fellow initiates who were planning to attend the 1995 Ching
Hai Day International Retreat decided to prepare a dance performance for
the celebration. For this performance, we decided to dance to the tune
of Yamagata Pref's folk song "Hanakasa Onto" and I was assigned
the job of recording the music for the dance.
Normally, when I listen to Japanese folk songs, I do not find anything
special about them. However, as soon as I played this music, I could hardly
stop my tears from falling. To me, it was not simply a Japanese folk song;
rather, it was a Japanese composition that bore a significant meaning and
was to be presented to our beloved Master and Quan Yin family.
We did not know whether our dance would be good enough to be performed
on stage. We had heard that the performing skills of fellow initiates from
other countries were of considerably high standards; and the initiates
spent a lot of time practicing so they were well prepared for the occasion.
Photos published in the News magazines testified to that.
Since we had decided to participate, we felt that we had better practice
our dance well. We gave no thought to the possibility that we might be
eliminated in the screening process. Therefore, after group meditation
each Sunday, we got together and practiced the dance. Fellow initiates
who were unable to attend the retreat for various reasons quietly sat around
and gave us encouragement. In the beginning we were stiff and out of practice
and could not follow the music, but practice makes perfect. We improved
over time and were even able to correct minute errors in each other.
In order to buy bamboo hats for the dance, we had to go to Asakusa, which
is well-known for its folk arts and crafts. A brother initiate from Mainland
China was returning to his country very soon, yet he volunteered to go
to Asakusa with me and helped me carry about a dozen bamboo hats.
Although I had been in Japan for quite a long time, I was often at a loss
and could not avoid making mistakes when it came to the details of Japanese
culture. The Japanese fellow initiates had told me specifically to buy
red Tasuke cloth and have it cut into two long strips for tying kimono
sleeves, but I misunderstood them and had the cloth cut into short, wide
pieces. So I bought a needle and thread to fix them before our group gathering.
On that day, a sister initiate from Mainland China came early and, without
knowing the reason why, brought with her a pair of spectacles which she
did not usually bring. With much sincerity, she sewed the Tasuke. Previously
she had envied those fellow initiates who were able to attend international
retreats, because she could not go due to visa problems. So she rejoiced
at the chance to sew the Tasuke. While sewing, she thanked Master for giving
her this honor.
I suddenly realized that even though I did make a mistake, yet the donning
of the Tasuke with these stitches symbolized the union of those fellow
initiates who were attending the retreat and those who were not, and that
they would all be celebrating Ching Hai Day together in Formosa.
Two sister initiates attending the retreat and who were the most proficient
dancers of the group had to fly to Formosa before the scheduled time. Incidentally,
they were just in time for the performance screening. When fellow initiates
learnt that they had passed the screening, they were excited and grateful
for Master's ingenious arrangement.
Fellow initiates busied themselves getting our dance costumes and accessories
ready before our departure. Another sister who was waiting to receive initiation
worked overnight to sew white lining for brother initiates and red lining
for sister initiates’ costumes. Then, with the good wishes of all the
Japanese fellow initiates, we set out for the retreat.
During the retreat, we got together every day to rehearse the dance again
and again, silently thanking Master for giving us the opportunity to perform
on stage and to express our gratitude, respect and love for Her on behalf
of all the Japanese fellow initiates. All we wanted was to add a Japanese
air to the Ching Hai Day celebration.
Following the celebration, Master gave a lecture in the evening related
to the performances of fellow initiates and announced a list of awardees
who would be recognized for their performances. She emphasized that the
honor was being conferred not merely on the basis of proficiency and excellence.
Although some disciples were stiff and there were moments of embarrassment
due to their amateurish performances, their sincerity to perform for Master
and everyone was also a factor of consideration. Our dance, "Hanakasa
Onto," unexpectedly made the list of award-winning performances!
Dear Master, You are truly omniscient and omnipresent! Our performance
lasted only five minutes; however, You knew just how sincerely we fellow
initiates worked behind the stage from the beginning of our preparation
right through to the announcement of the award. You are truly a living
saint! As long as we sincerely follow Your instructions and practice diligently,
You will take good care of each and every one of us every minute and every
second of the day.
Since my first visit to the Galaxy BBS on the Internet, I have been writing
constantly. I have asked myself repeatedly why I am writing these poems?
One evening, when I was preparing dinner, a sensational feeling overwhelmed
me and I understood.
I didn't spend many years in school, so my English is not very good. Sometimes
I would envy people with higher academic qualifications, or those who could
speak fluent English. I always felt inferior in some ways. Master must
have read my mind because She showed me something to make me understand
that I too have something precious.
She let me realize that I have many experiences in life that others do
not. I have a sharp mind and an acute power of observation. I am a poet.
Even if I were an illiterate, rustic woman, it in no way detracts from
my poetic qualities. I had neglected all these qualities previously.
As these thoughts flashed through my mind, I burst into tears. I finally
realized that I had no need to envy others. I cried for a while and then
went back to prepare the meal. My heart was now clear as daylight. Let
me share with you here four poems of mine that have been published and
the inspiring moments leading to their creation.
One day, I was filled with bliss when I got up from meditation. So I quickly
switched on the computer and very soon completed my very first poem of
this lifetime: "Paradise On Earth".
I once
Climbed every mountain, searched every stream,
Seeking the paradise in my dream.
I once thought
That was...
Only an illusion,
A mirage in my dream.
I never knew that
It was real! It was real!
It was not a dream!
There is really a beautiful world!
On the Internet, a Net-surfer once expressed on the Galaxy BBS that one
has to pay dearly to receive initiation. In response, I wrote this poem
"Price" to express my inner feelings.
A smile cost the city,
Another smile cost the nation.
What price did the emperor pay
Just to win a smile from the beauty?
Toiling day after day,
Frustrations year after year,
What price do people pay
In exchange for wealth and merits?
What price have I paid
To follow the Master?
What price have I paid
In seeking the Truth?
Nothing.
It cost me nothing.
I just made a decision
"To open the Gate of Wisdom".
No, I have not paid any price. Everything I have is due to God's and Master's
grace, yet what can I do in return? Except for meditation, there seems
to be no other way. Therefore, I wrote the "Heart Incense" to
show my gratitude to God and Master.
Mountains, rivers, great nature -- You've created,
Heaven, Earth and myriad things -- You've manifested,
On me, everything that I have -- You've bestowed.
To You, what can I dedicate in return?
To You, what can I offer?
Nothing but a bunch of "heart incense".
I often miss Master very much. Once, I had just sat down at a group meditation
session and my thoughts had not yet calmed, when suddenly my incomplete
poem "I Want To Go Home" sprung into my mind. I had only finished
the first four lines, but then the last two lines emerged. I could hardly
control myself and my tears began to fall. Fearing that I might disturb
others, I tried hard to suppress my tears, wiped my face dry, and regained
my composure for meditation.
I want to go Home,
I tell myself each day.
Don't tarry on the road,
Sincere advice ringing in my ears.
The road is far -- walk carefully,
Don't be afraid -- Mom is with you.
Whenever I read my poems again, I often ask myself in amazement: "Did
you really write these?" If I read only the titles, I may not even
remember the contents. It is absolutely clear that Master bestows everything
on me.
In my dream, Master, with a frail body and injured leg, was stumbling down
a rough and rocky road. Another sister initiate and I were supporting Her
on each side, yet it was very difficult for Her to move on. Suddenly, with
a strength that came from nowhere, I lifted Master up into my arms and
then charged forward with all my might. When I awoke, my heart was calm,
but this revelation came to me: Both tangibly and intangibly, Master's
mission is extremely difficult. We, Her badly pampered children, can hardly
realize the weight of the heavy cross resting on Her shoulders. Parents
always give the best to their children while they silently shoulder tremendous
hardships. Now, this group of naughty and ignorant kids has grown up over
time, and can better appreciate the painstaking intent of our "parent".
We should do our best to further fulfill our obligations as "children".
Dear Master, how grateful we are to You for bestowing on us this precious
Method. Through Your actions, words and qualities exemplifying absolute
purity, perfection and beauty, we are practicing hard, hoping to be able
to share some of Your worries and fatigue. May God bless us, so Your children
on Earth can bring joy to You more often!
From each corner of the world, Your children wholeheartedly wish You the
best, love You, and follow You!
To accurately record, for publication and distribution, Master's lectures
delivered in countries worldwide in as short a time as possible is an important
part of the mission to propagate the Word of God. The diversity of languages
spoken in the world has underscored the importance of dissolving linguistic
barriers for fellow practitioners and other people, to enable them to absorb
the essence of the discourses by a living Master and thereby establish
proper spiritual concepts.
One might refer to fellow initiates who have devoted themselves to the
translation work in different parts of the world as the Xuan Zang's of
modern times. (Xuan Zang was a seventh-century monk from China who traveled
on foot to India to secure the Holy Scriptures and take them back to his
country. His story has been recounted in the "Journey to the West".)
The group has opened up new avenues of access to the teachings of a living
Master. With the employment of the latest communication tools, such as
the computer and the Internet, it has transcended time and space to disseminate
Master's teachings and has reached out to countless numbers of people.
This special report by the News Group attempts to offer an insight into
the endeavors and accomplishments of the Formosan Translation Group and
to provide a reference for other translation teams around the world.
Interviews were conducted with several Taipei initiates who have been on
the translation team for a long time to find out how their work has changed
over time and how innovative projects are going. From them, the News Group
learnt of many new developments that spell a promising future for the spreading
of the Word. These fellow brothers and sisters also share with readers
the spiritual bliss and experiences of growth that have come with their
work for God.
The Formosan Translation Group: A Brief Introduction
For many years, the Formosan Translation Group has transcribed Master's
videotaped lectures in Chinese and English, and translated discourses given
in English into Chinese, while offering technical support for the insertion
of subtitles in videos released in other languages. The group currently
has a number of language groups working on Chinese, English, German, French,
Korean, Japanese and other language editions of videotape productions.
It has also formed support groups responsible for typing, data compilation,
image integration and administration. Through streamlined operations and
close cooperation, these sub-groups have pooled their efforts toward accomplishing
the translation work. All members on the team are volunteer lay initiates
who dedicate their spare time from their own work and household chores
to the various tasks.
Let's take a videotape of one of Master's lectures for example. The original
recording is transcribed and the transcription is re-checked against the
tape. From this transcription, a draft translation is made, proofread,
edited, and then punched into the computer. The Image Integration Group
comes onto the scene. It breaks the translated copy into lines of suitable
length and adds them as subtitles onto the videotape. The tape is viewed
and corrections made when necessary. For the Translation Group, this is
the end product.
Translation Group meetings are held whenever necessary to enhance the quality
of the work and speed up the work process. Meanwhile, the Group conducts
a number of peripheral activities including recruiting, assessing, and
training new members; gathering feedback and suggestions for translation;
producing translation samples; and offering computer courses.
Like other matters related to Master's work, the translation work is adapted
to meet the constant changes in time and circumstance. Over the past few
years, the group has demanded higher standards of itself and an increased
output of multi-language editions of Master's books and videotaped lectures.
It has also designed and purchased computer software to help it accomplish
its objectives. It has developed the "Good Go" software for subtitle
insertion, compiled a database of translation terminology in MS Word format,
and extensively explored the potential of the Internet.
An Innovative Success:
The "Good Go" Subtitle Software
In the earlier days, an expensive subtitling machine plus strong coordination
between a machine operator and a language expert were required to insert
subtitles in a videotape. However, machine malfunctioning and the inability
of subtitle team members to get together often delayed the release of the
tapes. All this has changed with the successful development of the user-friendly
"Good Go" software.
Now, anyone with an average understanding of the language can, without
the slightest difficulty, use his personal computer to record in a translated
file, the length of time that each subtitle line is to appear on the screen.
The subtitle file thus created goes to the Image Integration Group for
synchronization with the image. This procedure has recently been introduced
via the Internet to many language groups worldwide, such as the Korean,
Thai and Portuguese groups. This innovation has greatly reduced the time
required for what was once tedious and complicated insertion of subtitles.
The introduction of this software has removed a long-time hindrance for
the Translation Group. Commenting on how several amateurs designed this
professional program, brother initiate Cheng said, "Very often, efficiency
is raised by the timely appearance of a certain person. If the situation
requires, and when the time is right, Master will naturally arrange for
the right person to come along and solve the problem. Of course, before
this person appears, we have to handle the problem patiently in a not so
competent way. If you come to a bottleneck, don't jump to the conclusion
that it is impossible or very difficult. Negative thoughts won't help.
If you have the determination, God will always have plans for those who
are ready."
Database Of Translation Terminology
Initiates directly engaged in translation often come across religious terms
that can be translated in different ways. To avoid inconsistency and repeated
consultations, the Formosan Translation Group has compiled over the years
many commonly used terms and common errors. These have been verified and
categorized, and a Chinese-English cross-reference tool created. Not long
ago, the compiled data was converted into a database that can be accessed
at convenience via the MS Word tool bar.
Multi-language Compatibility
To meet growing demands for multi-language editions of videotape productions,
the Translation Group has successfully set up French, Spanish, Au Lac and
other language interfaces in the MS Word environment to facilitate the
simultaneous use of different languages, thereby effectively simplifying
the work process.
Meanwhile, many groups are working jointly on a project to compile an enormous
database that will serve as a reference for a diverse range of topics.
It is expected to provide more extensive and substantial information at
different stages of the publishing process, and to facilitate the speedy
access to and exchange of information.
Background Support
The work of translation requires extensive support in research, file management,
computer maintenance and personnel management. All this requires patience,
perseverance and a sharp eye for minute details. Brother Chen, who is conversant
with computers, is in charge of the computer assets of the Translation
Group. Responsible for equipment maintenance and file management, he also
helps group members install computer software and offers technical support
and consultations.
Sister Liang is responsible for research work. Through perseverance, she
overcame her initial unfamiliarity with the computer to master her job
and, with great patience, accomplished the tedious task of data compilation
and collection. She efficiently pools the human resources of the News and
the Internet groups to render efficient support to the translators. In
her spare time, Sister Xia, a housewife and a mother, catalogues audiovisual
productions and offers administrative assistance by relaying phone messages
to members of the Translation Group.
These interviews have highlighted the fact that each and every success
is the result of collective efforts, physical and mental, by many people
in different situations, different posts and different stages. It is their
loving dedication and contributions that have made it possible for us to
revel in the Truth, goodness and beauty of Master's teachings and nourishment
for the soul.
According to a member of the group, "Some fellow initiates think that
the Translation Group is doing a professional job, so they dare not join
in the team. Actually, there are jobs that are not very difficult, like
typing, research and transcribing. Even the translation work itself is
accomplished in many stages."
As for which members can do the work better, brother Huang, long-time head
of the English Group, said with feeling, "The best people are those
who are cooperative and willing to work, who want to learn humbly, and
who are ready to give their all. These people are our best working partners.
Some fellow practitioners might be highly competent, but they often fail
to cooperate as we expect them to, because they are busy with their own
work or have problems with their families or spiritual practice."
When asked to comment on what constitutes a good helper, brother Huang
said, "The key is the willingness to make sacrifices and the courage
to face trouble and setbacks. If we are prepared to be a helper in God's
hands, Master will help us do our jobs better than professionals."
Insights And Rewards
Brother Lu joined the Translation Group soon after he was initiated. "Whoever
is sincere in doing the translation work, will find his language proficiency
improve very quickly. Being on the team has let me understand Master's
teachings and our spiritual group better," he noted. "The friendly
relationship and working attitude of fellow initiates have made me firmly
believe that this is an exceptional group of people standing together in
heartfelt sincerity. Besides, I finally understand why God has bestowed
on me this language talent."
As brother Huang added, "Through my work for Master I can observe
my faults more clearly; I can also unearth my hidden qualities and talents.
It brings me closer to Master, and as the mundane hustle and bustle of
the past fades away, only details related to my work for Master crystallizes
in my memory."
Conclusion
The end products of the translation work form a bridge leading many fellow
and potential initiates to Master's teachings. These interviews with the
members of the Formosan Translation Group have shown that with Master's
blessings, they have accumulated a wealth of experience from their many
years of endeavors and perseverance in learning and sharpening new skills.
A working procedure is almost in place, software development is going well,
and quality control is assured. However, so extensive and comprehensive
are the teachings of an enlightened Master, so widely diverse are the languages
spoken, and so great is the number of Truth-aspiring souls longing to hear
the message from a living Messiah, that the loving dedication of many more
people around the world is essential to keep the translation work going.
Except for the Chinese and English language teams which can boast adequate
manpower, all other language groups suffer from a shortage of human resources
or a lack of organization, which explains why there are far fewer publications
available in these languages. The coming of a new century has been accompanied
by an increasing number of Truth aspirants. In short, more fellow practitioners
are needed, regardless of which part of the world you are living in, to
actively translate more of Master's discourses into various languages.
Disseminating the teachings of a saint is a noble task. Definitely it is
by the blessings of all the enlightened beings that one can be so fortunate
as to be able to partake in the sacred task of translating the teachings
of a living Master. Should you wish to join the team of modern-day Xuan
Zang's, please gather up your courage, seize this opportunity to train
yourself, and play a part in this magnificent congregation in the global
village of this epoch.
Q : I'm confused about whether there's a difference in levels between people
who can see the inner light and those who can't. Is the level of people
who can see the inner light higher than the level of people who can't?
Those who can see the inner light, have they just come from Heaven or have
they just been reincarnated recently? Those who can't see the inner light,
have they been reincarnated for a very long time?
M: It's not that the level of people who can see the inner light is higher
than anyone else. It's only that their ability to focus their attention
and to concentrate their thoughts is stronger. It could be that their professions
do not require the extra exertion of brain power that causes mental fatigue.
It could be that their education did not involve excessive brainwashing
and therefore, their minds are still innocent and simple. Thus, when they
meditate, they can go into samadhi immediately. They no longer worry much,
nor do they ponder, "Oh, Newton said so and Einstein said so, then
why on Earth does Madame Ching Hai say so now?" This creates more
trouble. The more we know, the more we get into trouble. People who have
a peaceful and simple heart, or their profession does not require excessive
mental hardship or worry, are able to see more inner light, as they go
into samadhi more quickly when meditating.
We all came from Heaven. None of us came up from the Earth at all. Don't
worry. It's because of differences in the karmic burden of each person.
What's karma? It's simply the path that each person has chosen. It's because
when we first came down here, we were God and Buddha who had no fear of
choosing that path at all. Whether we chose a path full of suffering or
not, to us at that time was no problem. It was only after we chose to come
down here did we know how full of suffering it is. Since we had already
chosen it, we had to go along with it. Based on our choice, we became a
highly educated person or a person who had a simpler life with less education,
for example. Because of our past choice, when we come down here it will
affect our spiritual life based on our chosen path. One chooses to walk
on a straight path while others choose to travel on a winding road. Traveling
on a winding road takes a longer time, but it's not because one's spiritual
level is higher than another's.
Q: Most people say that God is omnipresent, God is everywhere, and God reaches
from the highest heaven down to the deepest hell. God is present in all
the beauty of life, when miracles happen. God is also present when everything
is dark in our lives, when nothing is going right. Since God is omnipresent,
then the qualities of God must also be omnipresent, such as the quality
of love. What's happening with the quality of love, when God is in the
deepest hell, when everything is going wrong in life?
M: That's another form of love, to remind us to go back to the more noble
side of the scale. It's like a staircase. If we go a little bit up, then
we can see more sunlight; it's higher. If we stay down, it's darker, down
in the cellar; it's like that. But it still belongs to the house. The darker
side of God is hell; it's our own conscience. When we deny God, then we
don't see Hirm. It's not that God doesn't exist at that time, but just
that we turned our face away, because we did something ungodly. So hell
is our own creation. Hell is just a place where our conscience faces it's
own retribution, it's own judgment. There's no God who created it.
We've chosen many ways to exercise our power, even the power to be dark,
to be negative, to be wicked, to be very ungodly. We chose to play around,
we chose to explore the universe. We chose to learn, to know what else
we could do, except just to be God as Hes is. We chose to do many things,
many corners to explore for ourselves. When we chose to do something ungodly,
then we had to face the so-called hell. That's when we denied the noble
quality of God. We chose to turn our back away, just to see what it felt
like. This is the soul level, the mind is not conscious of it. If the mind
was conscious of what it was doing, it wouldn't do it. The mind is just
an instrument of the soul. The soul wants to experience something new,
wants to explore its own power, wants to go into the deeper corners of
the universe and back, wants to go to the farther side of the cosmos to
see what's there, wants to do something terribly wicked to see what it
feels like, and then relearn to be God, and noble again. It's just another
form of love.
Hell is there to remind you not to be like that. Not to be wicked, not
to be negative, not to be dark. Return! Return! Return! That's it. When
you feel terrible, already you're facing a corner of hell, you're facing
the wall. You face corners and a dark and terrifying atmosphere, and then
sooner or later you have to return. So that's another form of love. God
is there in that darkness to remind you to go back to the Light.
The intense yearning of fellow initiates worldwide and that of many Truth
aspirants eager for initiation transformed what would have been a 4-day
retreat for Asian fellow initiates into a grand international event. Exhausting
all means and enduring countless hardships, many fellow initiates traveled
thousands of miles to the retreat, just to see the enlightened Master and
celebrate Ching Hai Day. This was their very first chance to meet Master
in person and they brought with them many touching stories about their
quest for the Truth. All this made the retreat a truly unforgettable event.
A Report On The Bangkok International 4-Day Retreat, Thailand
Compiled By The Taipei News Group, Formosa
The retreat was held in Thailand, on a golf course with a beautiful landscape.
As far as the eyes could see was a huge expanse of verdant green, well-trimmed
and dotted with bushes and mounds. The large dome of pure azure high above
opened our hearts to tranquility. Among the colorful flower patches and
towering trees, thousands of fellow initiates walked in serenity, realizing
in an instant that here was a likeness to the global village of the golden
era.
Large numbers of fellow initiates from Mainland China attended this retreat.
In the afternoon on the first day, a Chinese sister initiate saw a beautiful
lady in the women's camping area. A short while later, many fellow sisters
crowded around Her shouting: "Master is here!" Only then did
she realize that this pretty lady was the Master that she had long yearned
to see. Master was dressed in a pink outfit cut in western style. Her cute
and charming short hair gleamed like gold under the sunshine. She was driving
a golf cart by Herself, and was immediately surrounded by fellow initiates
who got the news. Many initiates from Mainland China greeted Master and
burst into tears right there and then. What a touching scene it was!
In the evening, Master came to see us again, this time wearing a dress
with blue stripes. The place reverberated with thunderous applause. Master
revealed that a sudden illness, on the night before She was to leave for
Thailand, almost prevented Her from getting there. She felt as though She
was completely immobilized and bound to Her bed by adhesive tape. Initiates
were upset to learn that She had to shoulder so much of their heavy karma!
Master explained that perhaps it was because many Mainland Chinese disciples
could not get permission to leave their country that She felt as though
She was pinned to the bed. Despite Her illness, however, She boarded the
plane alone. The fact that She almost couldn't make the trip made Her all
the more happy that She was finally there to see us.
Fellow initiates from Mainland China revealed that they encountered so
many obstacles when preparing to go to the retreat that on one occasion
they felt so very desperate, they prayed together to Master for help. Immediately,
they saw Her appear to help them. Her manifestation form was covered with
a lot of dust, especially Her hair. Obviously She had to suffer a great
deal for them so that they could make the trip smoothly.
Master stressed that words are unimportant in spiritual practice and that
such a gathering was a rare opportunity, so She meditated with us every
day and taught us how to say the Holy Names properly. As the Thai retreat
venue lies close to the equator, Master knew just how terribly hot it was
to meditate in the marquee. She thoughtfully instructed that the schedule
be changed so disciples meditated only in the cooler hours of the morning
and evening, and relaxed in the shade during the day.
★Seeing The Long-Missed Mother
A huge number of initiates attended the retreat. To give each disciple
a chance to see Her at close range, Master received the disciples in small
groups. She met us in the "Forest Hall," so named because the
green meadow bedecked with flowers was shaded by umbrella-like trees. It
was here that we poured our hearts out to our Mother.
As arranged, the first two groups to see Master were fellow initiates from
Mainland China. Rich in inner experience and having seen the manifest form
of Master frequently, they saw Her in person for the first time. Most were
exhilarated and eager to ask questions. They came from all parts of China
and spoke with different accents. Although their questions were mostly
fundamental ones, Master patiently answered them to their satisfaction,
ignoring Her own fatigue. She had a cold, yet She endured the scorching
sun to speak to group after group of initiates and answer their questions.
Our hearts ached for our dear Master, who had entirely forgotten Herself
for the sake of Her children.
In the evening, a cool breeze sailed in, and Master came to meditate with
us. Fellow initiates basked like infants in the love of the compassionate
Mother. In the meditation hall that night, Master observed that initiates
from Mainland China and Au Lac are practicing under the most austere conditions.
She encouraged them with the heartening message that if more people in
their countries practiced spiritually, the ambiance of their homeland would
improve, just as the cold winter gives way to the warm summer. The initiates
should first purify and change themselves, and perform good deeds. Then,
bad things will go away naturally.
Master also spoke on the karma of these people, saying that perhaps God
has arranged for them to live in a strictly governed country because they
had failed to learn discipline in their previous lives. Another possible
reason could be that they are very strong both within and without, so God
lets them practice under such conditions. Master mentioned that when policemen
in some control-restricted and non-religious countries showed their families
some of Her books and videotapes which they had confiscated from fellow
initiates, they found that their own children later became vegetarian.
Master's humor had everyone bursting into laughter. In conclusion, She
encouraged us to always view things in a positive light and to grow strong
in adverse situations.
★Pilgrims Who Traveled Thousands Of Miles
The next evening, Master dressed up elaborately to meet the initiates.
Wearing a golden evening gown with a black cape, and the latest collection
of Celestial Jewelry -- a "True Love" necklace of glittering
diamonds, She was a picture of nobility and grace! She moved around the
venue to let everyone see Her and jokingly said that while the Buddhist
custom is for devotees to walk in circles around the Buddha, yet here She
"a Buddha, was walking around in circles" instead. Loud cheers
resounded through the hall. Master went on to say that although fellow
initiates came from different countries, they acted like one big family
as soon as they met each other. This showed that spiritual practice really
worked. How nice it would be if the whole world could act the way we do!
Some initiates from Mainland China fell on their knees as soon as they
saw Master. Master bowed in response and said, "Elder brother! I am
young enough to be your daughter. Please don't treat me like this."
Nonetheless, some people wept so hard that they could hardly utter a word.
Master told us that, although fellow initiates in Mainland China and Au
Lac are living in miserable conditions, they have plenty of inner experiences.
Their situation may be far from ideal, but they should be happy that they
have found the way back to their home in Heaven.
In the times of Sakyamuni Buddha, Jesus Christ and Mohammed, it was much
more difficult to see an enlightened master than it is now. Although no
restrictions were imposed on religious faith then, people had to cross
icy rivers and risk hazardous journeys to see an enlightened master just
once. In contrast, people today can see a master as long as they can afford
to. Indeed, the modern era has been immensely blessed. All types of videotapes,
books and magazines are easily accessible and we receive visits from Quan
Yin messengers.
It was extremely difficult to find an enlightened master in ancient times.
People would worship even the picture of a master drawn on a flimsy piece
of paper. To be able to see a master in person or to listen to his or her
discourses would be an unreachable dream. And the transcripts of the lectures
could be filled with errors. In contrast, we can listen to audiotapes and
read books today. This is the time for spiritual practice. Since it was
so difficult to find a master in the earlier times, the people cherished
their masters, who have thus remained well-known and revered until the
present time.
Today, despite the convenience brought by advanced technologies, there
are still people who do not cherish the masters. It is because of their
faith and sincerity that most initiates in Mainland China and Au Lac, who
practice under a restricted situation, have more profound inner experiences
than people in a freer and more convenient environment. To comfort the
Chinese initiates, Master revealed a secret long buried in Her heart. When
She had just become enlightened, She did think of Mainland China, where
She observed a large population struggling in pain. So She sought guidance
from God on whether She should go to China or not. With absolutely certainty,
She said: "We will meet again in China some day."
★Heaven And Earth Rejoice On Ching Hai Day
Ching Hai Day fell on October 25th. Soon after midnight, an unusual phenomenon
occurred -- rolls of thunder resounded through the sky for half an hour.
It was accompanied by blinding lightning that illuminated the meadow as
though it was daylight. A short downpour followed. This symphony of Mother
Nature chased away the stifling heat of the last few days. Perhaps it was
the grace of Heaven responding to our sincere prayer for world peace. Or
was it an overture played by God heralding the coming of Ching Hai Day?
As soon as the morning meditation session was over, Master came alone in
a small, elegant, black electric golf car and drove around the meditation
hall. She was wearing Her newly designed Celestial Jewelry -- a necklace
and ring featuring moon stones from the True Love collection. Initiates
moved to the two sides as they greeted Her, and She responded with a delightful
smile. All were reluctant to see Her leave when She finally drove back
on to the road.
When afternoon came, everything was set for the grand celebration of Ching
Hai Day. The flush green meadow became alive with beautifully dressed performers.
When a group of fairies dressed in ancient costumes and colorful streamers
moved nimbly across the grass, the whole place was all at once transformed
into a paradise on Earth. Fellow initiates in the audience were also gracefully
dressed for the occasion, as though ready to usher in the golden era. A
thunderous applause announced the arrival of Master, dressed in a sleeveless
tight-fitting gown in beige.
Celebrations began with the compere reading out congratulatory messages
from overseas initiates. Then came the show, which opened with a traditional
Thai dance of blessings performed by dancers resembling dazzling deities
on temple ceilings who had descended to celebrate the occasion. The next
program was the "Galaxy Of Jubilant Stars" presented by Formosan
initiates who, carrying golden chopsticks in their hands, depicted a universe
in joyful exultation.
Then, wearing translucent yellow costumes and holding pink lotus flowers,
fellow initiates from Pusan, Korea performed the Shinpuri dance. The compere
jokingly remarked that it was a Korean style jazz dance. This was followed
by a traditional Au Lac dance, and then an instrumental recital "A
Trip To Lanyang" by Formosan initiates.
A sister initiate from Mainland China gave a stunning performance, waving
a big red flag and demonstrating her adept manipulation of the sword. Firm
in their faith, fellow initiates from China were strong in physique as
well. One after another, they displayed their exceptional skills and command
of martial arts, winning many rounds of applause from an awe-struck audience.
Mainland China, home to one billion people in the world, boasts many hidden
talents.
The Chinese initiates contributed a number of other shows as well, including
"Blossoms And Youngsters," "Rice-sprout Dance," "Fairy
Dance," a soprano solo, and a Peking opera. These unique performances
so impressed the audience that even Master, when cutting the vegetarian
cakes later, waved the plastic knife in imitation of the sword-brandishing
sister initiate from Hebei.
When Formosan initiates performed the Mongolian Dance, a brother initiate
fell off his "horse". Little did they know that they would be
performing before initiates from the Mongolian plain. To this, Master commented
with a touch of humor, "The Formosan people love to imitate others."
A brother and a sister initiate from New Zealand sang a duet especially
composed for Master entitled "Have I Told You Lately?" Then,
following the compere's lead, the audience said in unison: "Mommy,
I love You!"
Next was the presentation of a Chinese song "Thank You, Mother"
by fellow initiates from Singapore, who appeared on stage dressed in costumes
of different cultures and holding lotus-shaped candles in their hands.
Initiates from the United States sang "Lucky To Be Enlightened"
to the accompaniment of long drums.
Two Thai brother initiates played a tune with a bamboo flute and an electric
organ. "There Is Still Hope" was the theme of a dance by Au Lac
initiates from U.S. dressed in traditional yellow costumes and carrying
yellow umbrellas. In the "Golden Peacock Dance," Formosan initiates
sported self-tailored costumes and choreographed the rhythmic movements
which were so peacock-like that they left the audience deeply impressed
and screaming with laughter.
The sensational "Drum Percussion" dance by fellow initiates from
Seoul, Korea pushed the show to a climax. The show drew to a close with
all the performers appearing on stage to sing to the melody of "Edelweiss,"
a hymn of reverence and admiration for Master and a prayer for blessings
for our homes. The whole audience joined in the chorus.
Master then went on the stage to cut two vegetarian cakes with nine tiers.
The curtain was falling on the Ching Hai Day celebrations. Master noted
that the cakes were taller than a person and it was fortunate that She
was wearing high heels. She cut the nine tiers of cakes in one stroke and
offered them to God, the living saints, and a large crowd of "hungry
Arhats". Master greeted and shook hands with each guest, thanking
them for coming to enjoy the performance despite their busy schedules.
That evening, Master came to see us again wearing a red top with thin shoulder
straps and an elegant long black skirt. She invited the working staff of
the retreat to gather around Her and showered them with blessed food. As
they tried to catch the blessed gifts, She said teasingly: "So this
is why you work so hard!" She then went on to reward their hard work
with a few jokes.
Many years ago when Master was in India, she met a cook who was small,
dark and stingy. No matter how many people visited the ashram, he always
cooked the same amount of food. Perhaps he thought he could be like Jesus
Christ, who fed five thousand people with a few loaves of bread. Even when
there were many visitors, he would only prepare one loaf of bread; so people
gobbled up everything, even banana skins. (Laughter!)
Master noted that the kitchen staff were working hard despite the high
temperatures during the retreat and must have perspired heavily as they
stirred the big pots and pans with the spatulas. She had tasted the food,
and found it bland. "Perhaps the cooks seasoned the food with their
sweat," She said jokingly.
*************** Joke No.1 -- Don't Eat Me!
As Master was in the mood, She told us another joke: A jobless person was
starving, so he tried his luck at a circus. The circus master asked him
to pretend to be a monkey and to swing on a rope. Rather than starve to
death, he decided to accept the offer and did as he was asked. However,
as he was unfamiliar with the task, he fell into a lion's, or perhaps a
tiger's, cage. Frightened to death, he begged the beast not to eat him.
Unexpectedly, the beast spoke: "Keep your voice down. I am just another
fake like you."
*************** Joke No.2 God Is Helpless Too!
Disciples of Supreme Master Ching Hai have been praying for world peace
for a long time. They pray persistently and attend retreats, but the world
is still not at peace. One day, they complained to God: "Hey! You
are not efficient! Our prayers for world peace did not work." God
replied, "I, too, have been praying for world peace for a long time,
and it did not work either."
*************** Joke No.3 What Is God's Faith?
A Negro had to move out of his apartment because his landlord discriminated
against black people. He complained to God, "I want to live here but
they won't let me. They give all kinds of conditions that I can not meet."
In response, God told him that Hes wanted to live there too, but dared
not. Surprised, the Negro asked, "Why would You be afraid to live
there?" God replied, "What if they ask me what my faith is? How
should I answer them?"
*************** Joke No.4 What Can God Do?
Two nations were at war. The bigger nation prayed, "Oh Lord! The other
country is so small and refuses to pay us tribute. Please help us kill
all its people." God didn't say a word. The next day, the big nation
prayed again: "Didn't I pray to You yesterday? Why did You direct
all our missiles into the sea?" God answered: "Because the other
nation said the same prayer as yours."
★The Invaluable Scriptures
The Publications Area proved to be the most popular site during the retreat.
It was so crowded that it was almost impossible to get into the area. Master's
works are not easily available in dictatorial, control-restricted or non-religious
countries and even if they were, there was still the fear that the publications
might be discovered and confiscated. Owing to their intense longing, initiates
from certain countries seemed to have struck a gold mine here. They revealed
that after Master switched to wearing western outfits, people outside the
Quan Yin family have not been able to recognize Her even when they put
up poster-size pictures of Her at home. This is yet another proof that
an enlightened Master would do anything to meet the needs of sentient beings.
Any change, therefore, should not be judged superficially.
During the retreat, we heard many touching stories about spiritual practice,
mainly from Mainland Chinese fellow initiates. All other initiates were
eager to hear them recount their experiences. Initiates from Mainland China
had traveled by various modes of transportation -- airplane, train, boat
or even on foot -- to come to see Master. Not wanting others to know that
they were vegetarian, for fear of persecution, they had nothing to sustain
themselves except brine until they arrived in Thailand. Their faith was
truly touching.
The retreat ended on a successful note under the love of the compassionate
Mother, and through the cooperation and assistance of fellow practitioners.
Promising to meet again at the next retreat, participants parted reluctantly
and headed home with smiles of contentment.
On October 25th, 1993 Supreme Master Ching Hai received the honored World
Peace Award from the U.S. Government in Hawaii, and that day was designated
to be the "Ching Hai Day". The government in Hawaii especially
erected a bronze bust of Supreme Master Ching Hai in Honolulu, to be venerated
by people, for Her contributions to world peace and to the relief of people
in suffering.
In order to celebrate the 4th Anniversary of Ching Hai Day, an International
4-Day Retreat was held in Thailand to pray for "love, peace and harmony
on Earth, within all of us and throughout the universe". The many
congratulatory faxes from Centers around the world offering best wishes
for the special occasion also added much warmth to the celebration. The
following are only a few that were chosen to be printed.
Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in New Jersey
(Originally In English)
October 21, 1997
To Our Incredibly Beautiful Master,
We, the disciples in New Jersey, USA, would like to extend to You our best
wishes on this festive day. Today is a day set aside to commemorate You
and Your charitable deeds both in this physical world and the world beyond.
But as far as we are concerned, every day should be Ching Hai Day.
There is not a day that goes by where we do not count our blessings and
consider ourselves extremely fortunate for having such a loving and merciful
Master as Yourself. We pray to God that every task and every project You
embark on will go smoothly and successfully. We also pray to the Almighty
that You will forever remain healthy, young and gorgeous in order to continue
spreading the Truth, beauty and virtue to the entire universe for many,
many years to come!
I ask for forgiveness for doubting You. The Maya mind is very cunning and
powerful, enabling such doubts to cross my mind. I thank the inner Master
for making me aware of what I was doing. The understanding of who You really
are cleared the doubts.
You see, we are ordinary beings who are only beginning to awaken our inner
masters. Our spiritual foundations are still weak and we have to be extra
careful of Maya's influence. The moment we judge You, Divine Mother, to
be like one of us, we obstruct our own God realization and delay our spiritual
progress. Just because You have taken on a physical body to help us, You
are not one of us. I believe, You have been sanctioned to serve human beings
by the order of the Most High. You are God incarnate.
If only the world would wake up and know that there is one being in the
form of a tiny female body called Supreme Master Ching Hai who has reached
all levels of enlightenment.
You sacrifice and carry all our sadness, pain and suffering on Your body
out of pure unconditional love. You are all compassion and mercy. Your
love for all sentient beings is inconceivable.
I urge all my fellow practitioners, brothers and sisters, let us stand
and bow together in thanks to our Master for being with us. May we endeavor
to have only one focus, on our own inner master and God realization.
Beloved Master, please forgive me.
With sincere thanks and love, Patrice Byrnes in Perth, Australia
.
While On The Path height="60"> >
By Brother Initiate Jian Sheng-jie, Jiayi, Formosa
Since my initiation, Master has taught me many lessons both within and
without. Every day I am like a new sprout pushing through the soil to explore
a brand new world. An encyclopedia seems to have been imprinted in my heart.
When I run into difficulty, I only have to seek within and can immediately
find a solution. Each new day fills my life with surprises and challenges.
Very often I overcome an ordeal, only to find myself confronted by another
the very next day.
Before initiation, I expected everything to be perfect. However, my limited
capabilities only brought self-inflicted pain. I often visited temples,
gazing at the magnificent statues and hoping to meet the Buddhas in the
Pure Land. Or, I would sit alone in the courtyard enjoying my inner peace.
My schoolmates loved going to the cinema and recreation areas, but these
did not kindle my interest because I felt that something was missing. This
went on until one day, a sister initiate gave me a copy of "The Key
Of Immediate Enlightenment". In the book was a chapter entitled "The
Buddha is not the Anuttara Samyak Sambodi" (the Ultimate Truth). Upon
reading it, I was awestruck. I had never dreamt that someone could explain
such an abstract idea with such simple words. Later, the sister initiate
lent me one of Master's Buddhist Chanting tapes. As I listened to it through
the earphones, I seemed to have become intoxicated. I was in such a state
of relaxation and peace and it was with great reluctance that I got up
after over an hour. I developed an intense longing to receive initiation
as soon as possible. Finally, I was initiated at Hsihu on the eve of my
final examinations, without having informed my family.
My emotional state after the initiation was exactly as Master had described
it: "Filled with bliss. You would give sample booklets even to stray
dogs on the street." I became like a preacher, "delivering sermons"
whenever I got a chance. This created friction between myself and some
of my friends and relatives. Then one day it suddenly occurred to me that
they were not deliberately opposed to my faith, they just could not understand
why our spiritual group was the way it was. Unlike worldly knowledge that
can be accepted through logical reasoning, this path takes genuine inner
realization to understand. Having untied this mental knot, I could better
understand and care for them. When socializing with people, I no longer
carried such a heavy "Zen smell" with me. Master has told us
that teaching by personal example is better than teaching through words.
True enough, I found that if we can be the epitome of Truth, goodness and
beauty at all times, and deal lovingly with people, others will naturally
notice it. Their misunderstanding of us and our group will be minimized
as well.
Initially, I often envied other fellow initiates for their wonderful experiences.
Each day I expected to see magnificent light and great saints. But however
hard I tried, my wish was never realized. I began to wonder whether my
efforts were worth their while or not. One day, I suddenly realized how
silly I was. Why was I making myself miserable just because I didn't have
good experiences? The purpose of spiritual practice is not just to have
inner experiences, but to make ourselves happy -- absolutely free and happy.
If we do attain the fifth realm, what good will it do if we are always
unhappy? At best, we can only become 'Miserable Saints'! Having found an
answer to my problem, I could face things with an open heart and appreciate
their beauty. I came to realize that everything is a blessing from God
and a source of lessons for our spiritual cultivation. Therefore, I have
become increasingly grateful to God for all His arrangements.
With each passing day my life gets easier and happier. Both materially
and in spiritual development, Master has made perfect arrangements for
us. Sometimes I might complain and question why Master has taken something
away from me, but very soon I realize that She is giving me a chance to
grow and progress. If we can make good use of every moment in life, we
will know that Master is always helping and tempering us, no matter how
far away She is physically.
How lucky I am to have found such a great enlightened Master! Sometimes
She is like a compassionate mother meticulously teaching Her disciples
how to live a perfect life in every way -- in eating, dressing, living,
acting, learning, and enjoying. Sometimes She behaves like a kind father
who lectures disciples sternly when they are sluggish, telling them how
to use the great, dauntless spirit when they are weak. Something Master
once said touches me deeply: "Our vision must be so large, larger
than life, must be so noble that we have nothing else to lose. We fear
nothing in such greatness of a vision. " How great a vision and how
magnanimous a heart She has! We are extremely fortunate to have met such
an enlightened Master, one who is not easy to encounter. Therefore, we
should learn from Her broad vision and magnanimous heart, follow in Her
footsteps, and together we shall usher in a golden era of glory to this
world.
I have been following Master spiritually for years. There have been ups
and downs, setbacks and successes. Nevertheless, God's light has shone
upon me all the way, penetrating the obscure darkness that has grown over
eons. The Quan Yin sound stream flows constantly, washing away the dirt
and filth from every inch of me. I have come through many catharses feeling
so uplifted, unconfined and blissful that it is beyond description.
As I recall, I had braved the winds and storms of life, pursuing fame and
gold, long entrapped in sensuality and passion. When contented, my mind
had become totally muddled and paralyzed, and I had moved on as my karma
decreed. When conceited, my swollen head had assumed full control and dictated
with arrogance. When defeated, I had been all in a fluster and cried for
God's help. When discontented, my resentment had filled the air, leaving
no room for God.
Bragging that destiny lay in my own hands, I clung to my way obstinately
and fought for it. I was trampled upon and fooled by devils. I had to swallow
the bitter fruit of my own harvest. I smiled with tears and cheered as
I sobbed.
I questioned heaven again and again: "The world is beset with pain
and suffering. Where then is the infinitely merciful God?" Arrogance
obscured my vision, disabling me from recognizing a living Master. My "free
will" ran wild; I chose my own path to my destination. Even the saints
could do nothing but weep sympathetically over my ignorance. Having wandered
astray for such a long distance, when would I turn back?
A misstep had pushed me into the darkness and the devil's snare for eons.
Now, a turn of thought would lead me to God's boundless and everlasting
love. I finally realized that God does not discriminate against anyone.
It was I who confined myself with fake aloofness. God's light shines everywhere
at all times. It was I who blinded myself with prejudices, spinning a cocoon
around myself.
I hope that, from now on, we will all open our minds to embrace God. Let
the heavenly sound soothe our lonely and weary hearts. Let the heavenly
light brighten up the road leading us back to the source from which we
came.
Before my initiation, it felt as if the entire world's bad luck had fallen
onto me. There was not a single thing or reason to convince me to continue
my journey of life. But by chance, I met a great fortune teller teacher.
He analyzed my name and used it to logically explain the reason for my
bad luck. Having picked a new name for me, he told me that the new name
would bring me good luck, and make my life smoother.
After initiation, I forgot all about my new name bringing good luck. All
I knew was to follow Master's teachings and learn the lessons of my spiritual
practice. My life was busy and fulfilling.
One day while drinking tea and chatting at a friend's house, he enigmatically
disclosed his worry and concern for me. He said he had been researching
the 'science of names' for many years, and his level of accuracy is above
90%. He had been waiting for an opportunity to tell me about the bad luck
linked with my old and new names. He believed that the new name, particularly,
would bring me harm. To avoid this he had already found yet another new
name for me.
After I got home, I could not forget my friend's fearful statements. I
was tremendously concerned. Could it be, I thought, that God is using him
to let me know an important message so that I could avoid disaster? That
night I dreamed about receiving a phone call. On the other end of the phone,
someone said that if I didn't change my name again, I would have to encounter
a grave test. This test would be so terrible that the average person would
not be able to endure it. When I woke up, I was puzzled and unstable. I
opened up Master's book of aphorisms and a passage appeared that removed
all my uncertainty: "Actually, there is no such thing as [fate]. It's
just that we do not practice enough spiritually."
During the retreat in Australia, Master reminded everyone again: "It's
not that fate is a fixed thing. There are many choices for us in life.
We have to make use of our free will to turn ourselves in a noble, more
bright direction."
I want to remind sisters and brothers in the Quan Yin family that we are
the luckiest group in the entire universe. Our wisdom has been opened so
that we can connect directly with the universal Almighty Power, which is
inexhaustible. So we have to wisely use our free will and wisdom that God
gave us, to create a higher energy, higher vibration and increase the quality
of our lives. Compared to this, the worldly "good luck" is nothing,
since after initiation our fate will change naturally and any bad conditions
will become an asset for spiritual practice. Everything will work in a
most subtle and invisible way. We will have all the luck and even more.
After practicing for some time, I have gradually come to realize that whenever
there are questions in life, I will find answers to them within me. Outward
messages that come to me naturally are either information that I can use,
or a trial for testing my growth in wisdom, so that I have a basis on which
to evaluate my practice for further progress or to rectify it. When situations
arise, it is the best way to stimulate our wisdom, and a message is an
indicator of testing our level of wisdom. Spiritual life is truly interesting,
with things to ponder at every turn.
Quan Yin Quick Shoot By Brother Initiate Mario Morales, San Jose, U.S.A. (Originally In English)
>
Where's a video camera when you need one? It looked just like a setup for
a TV commercial! At the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Vegetarian
House food booth at the San Francisco Whole Life Expo, voices repeatedly
asked, "Is that meat? It looks just like meat!" Then upon their
free sample taste.... Wow! "Mmmmm, it's soooo good!" How their
eyes and faces lit up with joy! "I didn't know vegetarian food could
taste so good!" A small crowd of people were constantly in front of
our booth, buzzing with curiosity and surprise.
Due to our speedy service and efficiency (thanks to Master's teachings),
the customers excitedly carried off their vegetarian dishes shortly after
their free taste, otherwise the crowd would have gotten too big, and fast.
Dishes right off the restaurant's international menu such as Mongolian
Beef, Chow Mien, Indian Dharma Over Rice and Couscous had them consistently
returning to say, "That was delicious!" and eagerly asking, "Where's
your restaurant?" It was definitely a you-had-to-be-there moment,
for sure. If I wasn't aware of Master's blessing power, I would have thought
they were all over-acting. Next time -- the video camera.
On the entrance side of the Expo, another surprise took place. San Francisco
radio station KEST, which airs Master's lectures between five and six every
morning on 1450 AM, had a booth where they invited program holders to promote
their shows with flyers and information. When I came by to refill a quickly
diminishing stack of News magazines and sample booklets, the KEST representative
shared with me that people came by, exclaiming, "Oh! KEST, I listen
to your station." When she happily responded, "Oh really? What
show do you listen to?" she told me, "The first thing that came
out of their mouths most often was, [Supreme Master Ching Hai!] The show
is on so early in the morning, it's amazing!" Then she went on to
say that when they saw Master's booklets, their faces would light up and
they would ask, "Is that Her?!" and with disbelief, "Are
these free?!" Hence, the quickly disappearing stack.
Had I brought a video camera to the food booth, I would have caught how
some workers of the other food booths repeatedly came by for a plate, even
though they themselves sold vegetarian. I might have caught how, for several
days in a row, many of the exhibitors would happily line up with joyful
comments about the food; and the practitioners, then later, often bringing
friends. I might have caught the memorable blind, old woman who came to
the Expo each day and asked a passerby to lead her specifically to our
booth. (Word had it that she came to the Expo every year just for our food!)
And maybe, just maybe, I would have captured the loving exchange -- us
happy to work hard to share Master's love, and customers unknowingly recharging
us with their joyful responses. The more we focused on being loving, the
more love we got back, exactly as Master has taught us.
Thank you, Supreme Master Ching Hai, for helping us feel like joyful participants,
even though we know it's Your love all along.
height="60"> >
(Originally In Au Lac Language)
To Supreme Master Ching Hai,
On unexpectedly receiving five hundred US dollars from Mr. Khoi, I would
like to express my joy and gratitude to Master. I am already in my seventies
and physically weak. I do not know what I can do to show my happiness and
excitement. Let me wish You a life of happiness in your stay abroad.
In an endless relay of love so infinite
For Ching Hai's early return I await.
The world has changed and I am wearied,
But Ching Hai have I yet to meet.
Remarks: Poet Bui Giang, who lived on the streets, was one of the Au Lac
artists to receive Supreme Master Ching Hai's gifts this Lunar New Year.
This letter took months to reach us in a roundabout way. The gifts came
from contributions from Supreme Master Ching Hai and the proceeds from
the performance "An Evening of Music and Poetry". The intent
was to express our admiration and gratitude for artists still living in
Au Lac and to recognize their contribution to art and culture. (For details,
please refer to the report in the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine
No. 80.)
Center's Event height="269">
By Sister Initiate Kathy Welch, Toronto, Canada
Picture By Sister Initiate Lydia,elieving eyes, the interior was transformed
Toronto,
Canada (Originally In English) >
Since its inception, the Toronto Center has rented various sites around
the city as a venue for its Sunday group meditation sessions. However,
restrictions due to zoning regulations made it increasingly difficult for
the ever-growing number of practitioners to meet. After relocating several
times, it became apparent that purchasing a piece of property would be
the best alternative, if we could manage it. We needed a place that was
zoned both for commercial use, to accommodate the group meditation sessions
and retreats, as well as residential use, so that some practitioners could
live there to take care of the Center and pay rent to help with the mortgage
payments. We searched and, after a short while, found a location in the
southwestern corner of the city which met our needs and was available at
a very favorable price.
The place had previously been a convenience store with a main floor, a
basement and two apartments on the second floor. We looked around in dismay.
The place was truly a shambles! There were holes in the floor through which
one could see all the way down into the basement. The floor was covered
with half-torn linoleum tiles and littered with debris. The walls were
grimy and dirty. The previous owner had left enormous quantities of rubbish
on both the main floor and basement levels. The basement was completely
unfinished, and in many places, the walls were covered with mold and mildew
from moisture that accumulated due to leaking from outside. The apartments
upstairs also needed much work to make them livable. Old plumbing throughout
the building caused water to constantly leak from one floor to the next.
The place was a nightmare! Some of us had grave doubts that it would ever
be habitable.
Nevertheless, those who had more faith in Master's blessing power reassured
us, and so we set to work. There is an old saying, "Many hands make
light work." Nowhere was that more apparent than at our new Center.
Our small patch of backyard accumulated a veritable mountain of garbage
-- the remnants of shelving, equipment, and dusty old merchandise from
the one-time convenience store. We cleared away one mountain of trash to
make way for the next. All together there were several such "mountains"
before we finally emptied out the building!
Before our disb. Holes were patched, debris was swept away, floors were
mopped, and fresh paint was applied to the walls. We knocked out some walls
to make one large room on the main floor. A young brother, who was very
enthusiastic about wielding his sledge hammer for this purpose, was particularly
jubilant any time someone suggested that another piece of a wall should
come down. Next, about several dozen brothers and sisters hammered in the
sub-flooring. It was a thunderous and thoroughly enjoyable activity. Then
with some financial help from a brother initiate, we completed the floor
and tiled it ourselves.
We then attacked the basement, building a storage closet at one end, and
installing a large kitchen at the other, complete with new plumbing, electrical
wiring, drywall, paint job, counters and sinks. One very determined brother,
who had masonry skills, succeeded in stopping the leak that came through
the basement walls. (Well, most of it!) Some of us had understood that
a wet basement could never be made dry, and were amazed to see that these
efforts paid off.
Upstairs the overhead apartments were painted, carpeted, and repaired.
Then some initiates moved in.
The exterior of the building received a major "face-lift" when
an entirely new storefront was installed by professionals, and our new
sign, "The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association,"
was hoisted over the top. New vertical blinds were installed indoors, and
Master's paintings were hung along the walls. A long shelf at the front
of the hall was draped with a gold colored cloth. We set up the TV for
watching Master's videos, and hung Master's picture overhead. We all stood
back in awe at our new meditation Center, and silently thanked Master for
making our work go so swiftly, smoothly and enjoyably. Financially, we
have somehow managed to pay the down payment and most of the expenses.
Some of us don't know how this happened, given the considerable costs involved,
and the fact that we had very little money to begin with. While we stand
about and scratch our heads, others simply smile and nod knowingly.
Now, each Sunday we come together to meditate here, benefitting our surroundings
spiritually, as well as physically. To those of us who live at the Center,
the change is most keenly felt. When we first moved in, we could hear the
neighbors fighting loudly with each other. We could also see and hear groups
of children and teenagers "patrolling" the streets, cursing and
fighting. One neighbor had paint thrown on his car. The store alongside
us had suffered two robberies before we arrived. A few months after we
moved in, these incidents had already diminished. Today, two years later,
the neighborhood has become friendly and peaceful, and disturbances have
become virtually nonexistent.
The fellow practitioners have worked happily together here in Toronto,
both physically and spiritually. A little more work still needs to be done
on the Center, but it is nearly finished. Master has given us a cozy place
to call our home in this world, while we await departure to our true Home.
In the process, a new feeling of closeness and camaraderie has been created
amongst us, and for this, as well, we are ever thankful to Master.
Supreme Art height="60">
By Sister Initiate
Chisato, Kirihara, Gunma, Japan >
The recent Celestial Jewelry exhibition in Japan was an immense blessing
for this island nation. It was a precious and unforgettable experience
for me -- a newborn baby to the Quan Yin family of just a few months.
I was looking for a job when the decision was made to exhibit the S.M.
Celestial Jewelry in Tokyo. Therefore, I was hesitant and uncertain whether
I could be of any assistance at the exhibition. As the date approached,
I learnt that fellow initiates were holding a one-day retreat at the Tsukui
Center in Kanagawa-Prgf, to pray for Master's blessing for the success
of the exhibition. Quite suddenly, I changed my mind and decided I wanted
very much to join the working team. Although registration for participating
in the work was over, I was unexpectedly permitted to join the one-day
retreat, and was even issued an entry pass for the exhibition. I subsequently
became a member of the working team.
During the one-day retreat, fellow initiates from Formosa came to explain
to us patiently and in great detail the profound meaning behind each piece
of Celestial Jewelry. We deeply appreciated Master's infinite love and
protection, and Her intent of awakening our longing for the heavenly kingdom
through the Celestial Jewelry. After learning about the great secret symbols
of divinity, I suddenly felt a great responsibility resting on my shoulders.
I began to feel uneasy because I was uncertain whether I could convey the
message accurately to visitors.
Fortunately, a fellow initiate encouraged me: "It is only secondary
whether you can accurately explain things to the visitors; the main lesson
is to understand in greater depth and absorb Master's teachings."
Since the Formosan fellow initiates had had much experience in holding
exhibitions, they reminded us repeatedly: "Just relax and greet the
visitors with a cheerful, blissful heart and a smiling face. That will
be enough. As for the other details, Master has Her own ingenious arrangements.
There is no need to worry about them." Upon hearing these words, my
uneasiness and nervousness slowly disappeared.
The exhibition opened amidst Master's immense love and splendor. Our display
booth remained a grand attraction throughout the show. Laughter filled
the air and there was no end to our happy exchanges. Exquisite and lustrous,
dazzling and resplendent, the Celestial Jewelry in the showcases were ever
more enticing and alluring than pictured in the News magazines. The uneasiness
I had before was long forgotten. I was never more comfortable in sharing
with them my deep appreciation of the priceless Celestial Jewelry. The
non-stop play of Master's audio-tapes at a corner of the booth ensured
that Her infinite compassion shone on us constantly.
I had long heard that many amazing phenomena could occur if one was to
wear Master's Celestial Jewelry. This time, I had a chance to witness it
personally. An initiate tried on the "Positive Victory" set of
necklace and earrings. Incidentally her left ear was slightly injured that
day, so she tried on the right earring only. As soon as she put it on,
her right cheek shone with such radiance that exclamations burst forth
from all who were present.
Hence, Supreme Master Ching Hai's Celestial Jewelry rekindles and brightens
our inner light, sometimes guiding our lost souls toward seeking our origin.
There have been countless testimonies that Master prepares the most befitting
Celestial Jewelry to meet each and every person's needs. Therefore, when
one puts on the first piece of Celestial Jewelry that appeals to their
eye, one's most noble and beautiful qualities immediately come to the forefront.
This has been proved with every one of the endless stream of visitors who
frequented our display booth during the show.
On the final day of the exhibition, we received a visit from an initiate
who had placed orders for three different sets of Celestial Jewelry on
the first day of the show. His cheeks flushing with excitement, he recounted
how he received three unexpected, large business orders after placing the
orders for the Celestial Jewelry. Other fellow initiates had similar experiences
as well. Each day at the exhibition was a day of unique experiences and
great inspiration, which helped me better understand Master's fantastic
arrangements for us.
Throughout the exhibition, I had to stand from morning till evening and
my legs were not accustomed to it. They became as rigid as wood and hurt
terribly. Yet, I never wanted to leave my post for a moment except during
the midday recess. I never went to the rest area near the venue that was
rented for fellow initiates to take a break during the exhibition because
I was reluctant to leave the Celestial Jewelry even for a short while.
Until the last day and the last minute, the venue remained spirited with
enthusiastic fellow initiates and admiring visitors. As the exhibition
drew to a close, we stood quietly on one side watching each piece of Celestial
Jewelry being put away carefully and safely. In our hearts, we were delighted
at the success of the exhibition, but we also felt a tinge of regret for
having to part with the Celestial Jewelry.
When we were about to leave the venue, magnificent neon lighting illuminated
the middle of the main hall all the way from the ceiling to the first floor.
Extending over tens of meters, the lights flashed rhythmically to the beat
of the symphonic music. Suddenly a flashing shower streamed down from heaven
in multi-colors -- yellow, pink, green, red, blue, rainbow, gold and silver.
The cascade of water transformed into light, like a shower of love and
the marching music sped us on to the golden era. Our souls soared, and
we were filled with ecstasy. It seemed that Master was a harbinger, bringing
a message from the heavenly kingdom to us. This enthralling sensation of
spiritual upliftment was beyond words.
Thanks to all the incredible arrangements, I got the chance to learn a
precious lesson. I am grateful to all the fellow initiates with whom I
worked during the exhibition, who have given me much advice and encouragement.
Finally, please accept my utmost gratitude, Master, for Your everlasting
love.
Early this year, I received some money that I had not expected to get back,
so I decided to spend it all on Celestial Clothes. I had previously thought
that Celestial Clothes were there only for me to appreciate, but not to
wear. I was over fifty and my figure might not be the best. I was concerned
that the beauty of the Celestial Clothes would be diminished if I were
to wear them. This time, however, I thought perhaps I could wear them at
home just for myself!
When I tried on the Celestial Clothes after they were delivered to me,
I was surprised to note that they looked good on me despite my age. Everyone
said that they were beautiful. That was the objective opinion of others;
but my personal feeling was another thing. I found exceptional pleasure
in wearing the Celestial Clothes. Could it be due to the power of benediction?
I observed carefully and traced the blessing power to its source -- the
consideration and love of the designer. Whichever Celestial Clothes you
wear, you feel that every inch of your body is well-protected. The designer
has a natural understanding of the human figure, ingeniously covering up
its flaws while revealing the good points. The clothes feel very natural,
as if they are part of your body, and they instill you with confidence
and make you feel lighthearted.
The Celestial Clothes are designed to help you walk in a dignified manner,
and let you feel free and easy. The long skirts are comfortable and gracious-looking.
Typically, longer skirts are not so convenient when you are walking, but
the designer has made splits in the right places so the skirt seems to
come to life. Skirts are usually two-pleated, with one fold in the front
and one in the back, but a long skirt designed by Master has eight pleats.
This unique and complicated design lets you feel that your whole body is
being taken care of. The length of the jacket is just right to make you
look slim and vivacious. While hiding the weak points, the designs naturally
reveal your good points as you walk.
The fabrics are of brilliant yet harmonious colors. Once you put the clothes
on, you become self-confident and completely free of worries about whether
the colors complement each other, as that has been well taken care of.
We often try to make our clothes match according to our own ideas, but
we could never get them to be anywhere near as perfect as the designs that
come from the hands of an enlightened Master. The intimate pleasure in
wearing the Celestial Clothes overshadows that of all other clothes.
Having lived to my age in this imperfect world, it was the first time that
I have ever bought anything that satisfies me so completely. This enjoyment
of beauty fills me with such contentment and bliss that I can find no words
to express my admiration for the designer.
Through my appreciation of the truth, perfection and beauty of the Celestial
Clothes, I realized something: If a person really wants to serve others,
he or she must first learn how to be loving and considerate, and this love
is the merciful and almighty love of God. If we can, deep in our hearts,
become one with God again, every day cultivate and nourish the seed of
God's almighty love that is innate in everyone, and let this love grow
with practice in everyday life, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.
I appreciate God's grace and my life is full of gratitude.
