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Poems
My Greatest Masther The New Joy
By Sister Initiate Yuan-Feng, Warsaw, Poland
(Originally In Au Lacese)
If Mother is the wind,
I shall be a cloud
Flying through the sky,
Frolicking in exotic realms
And travelling to my Father's land.
If Mother is the ocean,
I shall be a shallop¡°
Crossing over the sea of love
To the shore of enlightenment
Out of the circle of transmigration.
If Mother is the crescent,
I shall be the Altair¡°¡°
Kneeling before the Bodhi tree
Praying for the world to practice this extraordinary method.
If Mother is the light,
I shall be a mirror
Reflecting Her light onto the spiritual path
And radiating Her endless love to humanity.
I shall be all and I shall learn all.
I shall take all that Mother has bestowed upon me,
For Mother, my greatest Mother,
I shall follow You forever.
¡°very small boat
¡°¡°the star separated from its lover (Chinese mythology)
¡i¡j====================================
By Sister Initiate P. Diep, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
(Originally In English)
Dedicated to my Master, Supreme Master Ching Hai
Come and share my joy with me
Life is graced with a new carefree feeling
In the valley the lilies dance
In a joyful symphony.
Come and celebrate with me
The birth of a new King to be
In the meadows the daffodils bow
In simple harmony.
Far above, the stars twinkle brightly
Through the sky the comets fly
Chirping merrily, the birds sing in the trees
Like thousands of lanterns in the night,
The fireflies beckon exuberantly
To rejoice in the coming of the Light.
Come and dance the night away
Love has come to our world to stay.
While On The Path
The Guidance Of My Soul Living In This Earthly Paradise Break Free From The Chain
By Sister Initiate Li Yuhan, Taipei, Formosa
I had a fervent interest in seeking religious beliefs. Very often I read
Buddhist scriptures and watched TV lectures by Buddhist monks, but I was
never satisfied. Where and when could I find an enlightened master? The
aspiration of meeting an enlightened master never left my mind for a moment.
One day I saw a new master giving a lecture on TV. After listening attentively,
I was absolutely convinced by Her teachings. She was my dream master, it
was easy to understand and get satisfaction through Her words immediately.
I was extremely touched. Every day I turned on the TV punctually to watch
Her lecture. Though I wanted to get to know Supreme Master Ching Hai better,
I had no idea how I could contact Her. The program did not carry Her address
or telephone number.
After some time, one day my husband and I went hiking and stopped by a
temple on a mountain where we found many Buddhist books in a corner. As
we browsed through them, we came across a copy of Master's sample booklet.
Delighted and surprised, we exclaimed: "Isn't She the Master whom
we watch on TV every day?" We took the sample booklet home and read
it carefully, and in it we found the address and telephone number.
That very day, I contacted the Taipei Center and said I wanted to follow
Master in spiritual practice. A sister told me how to find Master, and
the prerequisites for initiation, including the vegetarian diet. I did
not think that was very difficult, so I decided to observe a vegetarian
diet and wait for initiation. Later, I felt that I could not wait any longer,
so I went to Hsihu Ashram to receive initiation. Since then, an invisible
force seems to have guided me along.
I set off that morning from Taipei in high spirit; that was the first time
I visited Hsihu. On the chartered coach I looked out of the window, enjoying
the scenery while feeling very excited. Upon arriving at Hsihu Ashram,
I was dazzled by the scene that met my eyes. I had never seen such a beautiful
ashram before. It seemed to be a paradise on Earth hidden behind ordinary
surroundings. In the spectacular landscape were colorful flowers and green
plants, awesome trees and chirping birds. Despite the large crowds, people
felt so at home in the free and relaxed atmosphere that they were reluctant
to leave. I requested the initiation that day, and as if answering my longing,
Master had returned from abroad the day before! In my heart I longed to
see the Master whom I had never met, but it was a Quan Yin messenger who
conducted the initiation for us. It was strange why Master had not come
to give us the initiation, and I was not very happy. After a while, Master
suddenly appeared right in front of us. She was so beautiful that I could
not believe my eyes. Like a goddess descending from heaven, She carried
Herself so gracefully and elegantly, and I was stunned.
Master then greeted us: "Here comes the beauty! Someone would not
feel assured if I didn't show up." She continued to say, "This
Quan Yin messenger is capable of giving instructions." These words
seemed to be meant for me, but it was incredible that Master could read
my mind! My husband was initiated six months later, and the day after his
initiation, Master left Formosa to preach abroad and did not return for
a while. My husband and I felt sad and upset as though our Mother had abandoned
us and stopped caring for us. Since I came to know about Master from the
TV, I was not acquainted with any fellow practitioners. I felt so lonely
and lost that I would sometimes cry in a corner. I had finally found my
beloved Master and decided to follow Her in spiritual practice, only to
have Her go abroad! I felt sad, helpless and frustrated!
Then came a turning point in my practice! One day I was inspired to go
shopping at Loving Food Corporation, but it was closed when I got there.
Suddenly I saw someone come out from the back of the store; I approached
him and discovered that he was a brother initiate. He introduced me to
a sister initiate who has since dissolved my loneliness by talking to me
frequently on the phone. Undoubtedly Master has been guiding me. I was
then a novice to spiritual practice, and this sister earnestly and patiently
gave me encouragement, helping me to grow and advance on the spiritual
path. To me, that was the most precious encouragement, and I was moved
to tears.
However, this sister would always say humbly, "This is all due to
Master's grace, arrangements and teachings. We ought to be thankful to
Her." Truly we should be grateful to Master because She has given
us so much. We must have confidence in Master and in ourselves, that we
will definitely make it. Since the initiation, I have had many wonderful
experiences and visions, and I am filled with bliss. What else can be more
precious in life than this?¡¹
¡i¡j====================
By Brother Initiate Frank Dong, San Francisco, U.S.A.
It may sound exaggerated, but because I cannot find a better way to describe
my daily experiences, I have to use this unusual title.
We have often heard or read about how the Quan Yin Method benefits disciples,
makes their lives easier and smoother, minimizes their pressures and setbacks,
and brings them greater happiness and compassion. The recording and publication
of these sincere experience have been a powerful inspiration and encouragement
to me. Now it is my turn to share my experience with you all. Ever since
I joined the Quan Yin family, I have had very good experiences. Thanks
to Master's blessing, I have enjoyed the vegetarian diet and my daily meditation
of two and a half hours. I have observed the five precepts and adhered
to the teachings. Although I may not have tasted all the wonderful experiences
in meditation, I know very clearly that "meditation" is the powerhouse
that gives me the strength to put into practice Master's teachings and
to pave my way "home".
I realize that while in this world, suffering cannot be avoided because
of the karma accumulated in previous lives. At the time of initiation,
Master has taken away all the karma of our previous lives, leaving behind
only the predestined karma of this life so that we can continue to live
in this world. And we will continue to suffer if we do not practice the
Quan Yin Method diligently.
To me, the quality of life in this world falls somewhere between heaven
and hell; life contains pain, pressure, setbacks, depression and ignorance.
Fortunately, I have been liberated from these mundane elements of life
ever since I have been following Master to go Home.
I feel that I no longer belong to this world, having risen above the constraints
of time and space. I know Master is always with me. Whenever I am in need,
She always answers all my doubts and solves all my problems. Since many
people in the world do not enjoy the same quality of the life that I am
living, I dare say that I am not in heaven or in hell, but rather, living
a life of paradise in this world.¡¹
¡i¡j====================
By Fellow Initiate David, Togo, Africa
I want to break free. But who is tying me down?
Who? It's myself.
The hardened old habits. I've found that they have immersed into me.
They have become an unbreakable chain,
so tightly winding me around and around.
I want to cut them loose, but I am in pain.
The brain says to me: Don't hurry! Let things go naturally!
But the trueself within me who has been waiting for so long
cries in the jail cell.
Life prays to the Almighty Creator:
Please let me use my compassion and eternal love to honor You,
use my intense humility to serve You,
use my entire devotion to offer You,
use my selfless sincerity to pray to You,
and use my silent purity to accept You.
Then in this path for seeking the Truth, life will finally find Your gift.
Oh great Master! Please let me be under Your blessing.
Quan Yin Family
The "Retreat Baby" And The Two Sleeping Bags Turning The Next Generation Into Pillars Of The World
By Sister Initiate Muni, Hsinchu, Formosa
I n May of last year, God bestowed upon us a "cold and vibrant"
four-day retreat in Sydney, Australia. In the freezing cold accompanied
by gusty winds and heavy downpours, water leaked into the tents of many
fellow initiates, leaving their sleeping bags and clothing all wet. However,
the retreat turned out to be a success despite the poor weather, as the
participants had many good experiences.
Because of this unforgettable experience, sister initiates Chen and Tsai
decided to take along their sleeping bags to the Bangkok retreat, just
to be on the safe side. Sister Chen took a big sleeping bag, and sister
Tsai, a small one.
The weather in Thailand turned out to be so fine and sunny that the meditation
hall became as stiflingly hot as an oven even before noontime. And it was
not much cooler in the evening either. The sleeping bags that were regarded
as dear darlings in Australia had become an eyesore and a burden here.
A sister initiate from Korea was not expecting her baby for another month.
Perhaps the blessing power from the saints during the retreat was so great
that the baby could not wait any longer to come into this world to partake
in the grand activities prepared by fellow initiates worldwide to celebrate
the Fourth Anniversary of Ching Hai Day. The Korean sister initiate was
rushed to the hospital and with great ease gave birth on October 25. To
everyone's amazement, the "retreat baby" was as transparent as
crystal and it never cried.
Very soon the four-day retreat ended on a successful note and fellow initiates
packed their belongings, ready to return home. At the airport, sister Chen
and sister Tsai ran into the newborn baby and were deeply impressed by
its radiant, holy and pure countenance.
As the birth of the baby was totally unexpected, the mother did not have
any baby clothes on hand; so she simply wrapped the baby in a piece of
Quan Yin cloth. And she herself was still weak from the delivery a few
days ago. As well, it seemed that her clothes were not enough to keep her
warm in the air-conditioned departure hall of the airport. Sister Chen
and sister Tsai could not help smiling from deep down in their hearts.
They now understood why they had to carry the two bulky sleeping bags all
the way from Formosa to Thailand. The small one, sister Tsai's, was for
the baby, while the big one, sister Chen's, was for keeping the mother
warm. The sister initiates marveled at Master's wonderful arrangements.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
By fellow initiate Wen Ling, Taipei, Formosa
Y oung initiates are often seen arriving with their parents at group meditation
sessions, looking as happy and relaxed as on their way to school. Rarely
are people so blessed as these little saints to have this rare opportunity
to begin spiritual practice at such a young age.
Master has often said: "Children give parents a chance to develop
and exercise their talents as a teacher; the parents have to learn everything!"
Yes! To educate them, they must first 'train themselves' to become their
own teacher. Here I would like to share with you some of my insights:
Training children to learn from within: For the young initiates, their
30-minute meeting with God is a crucial lesson. They may be restless at
times due to physical discomfort or because they have eaten impure food.
Perhaps they have spoken untruths because they cannot express themselves
well. Maybe they have taken something out of curiosity without the permission
of the owner. All these require suitable measures of parental guidance.
If this does not help, try reminding them of the beautiful feelings that
come when thinking of Master, and encourage them to do their best. Should
problems arise, parents and children may meditate together to seek inspiration
and practice learning from within. In this way, everyone's computer (mind)
will be upgraded continuously. Working makes one more clever: Parents should
encourage and give their children opportunities to help with household
chores. Children are born game experts and will do the chores as though
playing a game. So, "play" with them!
Speak positively: Even when admonishing the children, parents must always
remind themselves to speak positively. For instance, instead of saying
"shut up," they could say "please keep quiet!" They
will be able to convey their "love" better this way.
Magazines are the best storybooks: Small children who have not learnt to
read may learn to speak by looking at the pictures, and parents may read
to them. (Select jokes or short stories.) The older children can read by
themselves or even narrate the stories to their parents. From these jokes
and stories, parents can even develop interesting games that both they
and their children can play together!
The harmonious atmosphere in the family can affect the children enormously.
Parents should learn to relax and always be happy and cheerful like their
young ones. In this way, both parents and children will be able to better
express their feelings and engage in spiritual exchange, and thereby grow
together.
With Master's love and efforts on the part of the adult fellow practitioners,
these good seeds will grow into tall, sturdy trees.¡¹
Love In Action
Ice Storm Relief Work New Year's Gifts To Poor Families
Violent Hurricane Destroys Parts Of Central Florida
El Nino Relief Trip To Mexico
Combined Report On Relief Work With The Poor and Orphaned In Formosa, February
1998
Ice Storm Relief Work
[Montreal] In January, the Montreal Center faced a big challenge when
an ice storm hit the city and its surrounding suburbs, causing serious
damage to the environment and the city's electrical system, leaving millions
without power for weeks in subzero temperatures. People in some areas had
to wait for weeks before returning to their homes. The news of this disaster
was reported to Master immediately and She responded with love and compassion
by sending the requested amount of $50,000 US dollars to help the disaster
victims. All local fellow initiates were touched by this and some even
shed tears upon hearing the good news.
Our next step was to plan everything in order to make the best possible
use of Master's money to benefit those really in need. We then contacted
the mayors of communities within the "Black Triangle," the region
most affected by the storm. All the local mayors were surprised and moved
by Master's love and compassion for all beings. One mayor, who had wanted
to resign due to many problems and conflicts within the city council, changed
his mind after reading Master's sample booklet and learning more about
Her relief work around the world. He was so touched by Master's concern,
that he wrote a letter asking permission to use our Association's name
on a rest area along a bicycle path.
With Master's grace and blessings, the brothers and sisters from the Montreal
Center joined forces to help those families most greatly affected by the
storm. A vegetarian buffet was served to let everyone sample some delicious
vegetarian dishes. Fellow initiates and family members all ate together,
sharing experiences of the disaster, or talking about spiritual issues,
which helped some people become more open towards spiritual practice. Through
the media, we have witnessed that in such conditions, people become more
generous and openhearted towards others, sharing their houses with strangers
and offering to others basic necessities like food, clothing and wood (for
heating in fireplaces). We thank Master for blessing them through these
hard times.¡¹
Ice Storm Relief Efforts Of The Montreal Center, Canada
Detailed List Of Expenses & Receipts
AMOUNT($CAN)
ITEMS INCOME EXPENSES RECEIPTS
Supreme Master Ching Hai's Donation US $50,000.00 Saint-Hyacinthe's Ice
Storm Disaster Fund (See Letter of Appreciation [1] & Media Report
Attachment (1)) $20,000.00 Saint-Jean-Sur-Le-Richelieu Ice Storm Disaster
Fund (See Letter of Appreciation [2] & Media Reports Attachment [2])
$20,000.00 Granby's Ice Storm Disaster Fund $10,000.00 (See Letter of Appreciation
[3]) Saint-Athanase's Ice Storm Disaster Fund (See Letters of Appreciation
[4) [5] [6] ) $4,000.00 Food & financial assistance (cash) $4,751.20
A to needy families in St-Jean and Montreal Towels, toilet paper, soap,
diapers, baby's food $824.74 B Flashlights, film, etc. $100.52 C Miscellaneous
(car rental & gas) $469.36 D US $50,000.00 TOTAL CAN $60,145.82 (Equivalent
to US$42,356.21) Balance US $7,643.79
Media Report Le Canada Francais
March 4, 1998(Originally In French)
Supreme Master Ching Hai Donates $20,000 In Helping The Victims Of The Ice
Storm Disaster
Does the name "Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association,"
ring a bell? Probably not. It was also unknown to the Mayor of St-Jean-Sur-Le-Richelieu,
Myroslaw Smeveka, before he greeted the Montreal delegation of this generous
Meditation Association.
In fact, four representatives of the organization met with the Mayor to
offer a much needed check of $20,000 to the St-Jean Fund for the disaster
victims in Haut-Richelieu. This brings the amount to $226,004 in our relief
fund, which has the objective of raising $500,000.
Supreme Master Ching Hai is an Au Lac spiritual Master; and in addition
to her spiritual teachings, She has given herself the mission of helping
the world at large. She has helped the homeless at "La Maison du Pere"
in Montreal. But this Association also takes part in helping others affected
by natural disasters as well.
With this in mind, Supreme Master Ching Hai has made donations to help
flood victims in the mid-western United States and numerous other countries.
She has helped with the relocation of families after the eruption of Mount
Pinatubo in the Philippines, and also helped earthquake victims in Los
Angeles.¡¹
Letter Of Appreciation 1
From The Mayor Of Saint-Hyacinthe,Canada
(Originally In French)
Saint-Hyacinthe March 2, 1998
Mayor's cabinet
Supreme Master Ching Hai Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
12316, Voltaire Street Montreal, Quebec H1C 2E4
Madame,
It's with great pleasure that I write this letter today in order to share
with you the gratitude of all the people in Saint-Hyacinthe for your grand
generosity towards us. Like millions of others, you have been informed
about the particularly difficult conditions under which our fellow citizens
have had to live during the Ice Storm of January 1998; especially for the
most destitute people. You have also through your significant donation,
brought your support to us in a tangible way.
In a situation like this, every measure had to be taken immediately to
assure that the health and safely of several thousand people would not
be endangered. Thanks to the competency and devotion of the emergency teams,
assisted by hundreds of volunteers who were themselves victims of the disaster,
it was possible for us to get through this bad situation without any direct
loss of human life, at least in our community.
However, it was not realistic to imagine that everything would return to
normal as soon as we recovered our electrical power. Hundreds and hundreds
of victims -- men, women and children -- still live with the consequences
of these recent hard weeks. And probably, it will continue like this for
the following months, since many people, especially the seniors, have already
used up a great portion of their energy.
It was in this context that your generous contribution of $20,000 arrived.
This amount will provide help for our fellow citizens, the most destitute
ones, in facing the aftereffects of the Ice Storm.
I can assure you, Madame, that this money will be used in good ways and
it will go directly and solely to the most needy ones.
The Ice Storm in January of 1998 has already allowed us to realize how
the solidarity of our people can accomplish great things. Your contribution
brings us the proof that this solidarity can also have roots in the international
community, and that the need for intervention to help the most affected
ones in our community has received a favorable voice in your Association.
To conclude, I say "thank you" once more in my personal name,
in the names of my co-workers on the municipal advisors' board and in the
names of all the Maskoutan people. Please accept, Madame, our expression
of gratitude.
Mayor of Saint-Hyacinthe
Claude Bernier¡¹
Letter Of Appreciation 2
From The Mayor Of Saint-Jean-Sur-Le-Richelieu
(Originally In French)
Ladies and Gentlemen,April 6th,1998.
On behalf of myself and all the members of the Municipal Council of
Saint-Jean-Sur-Le-Richelieu, I would like to thank you for your great act of generosity.
Thanks to you and many others, the Saint-Jean Fund to help the victims, is able to
continue in a effecient manner.
Again we thank you for your assistance towards the people of Saint-Jeanand the
region of the Haut-Richelieu, which was the heart of this disaster.
Please accept our most sincere feelings of gratitude.
The Mayor,
Myroslaw Smereka
Letter Of Appreciation 3
From The Mayor Of Granby, Canada
(Originally In French)
Mayor's office(April 6th, 1998)
Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Association
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Following the visit from a group of representatives of the
Supreme Master Ching Hai Association on Friday February 27th 1998, I wrote this letter.
We had the privilige of receiving a $10,000 dollar donation from your
Association for our SOS Depanage Moisson - Granby, the food bank for
Granby and the surrounding regions. We would like to thank you for this
generous donation, that will help to refill the shelves of the SOS Depanage
Moisson - Granby. In fact, following the ice-storm that our region witness
this last January, SOS Depanage had the task of distributing the supplies to
the fellow citizens in need. Also many members of our community, that are
less fortunate had a chance to come and restock, but the demand was so great
that we could not help all the disaster victims. Thanks to your help and
generosity, SOS Depanage can continue its essential work in the community,
and we are very grateful. Your humanitarian act will directly touch thousands
of people in our region.
Please accept, ladies and gentlemen my most sincere feelings of gratitude.
The Mayor, Michel Duchesneau
Letter Of Appreciation 4
From The Mayor Of Saint-Athanase ,Canada
(Originally In French )March 5, 1998
Madame,
Through this letter, I would like to thank you for the generosity of your Association.
Our municipality underwent hardship during the recent ice storm which caused severe
damage to the environment. Please be assured that your donation of $4,000 will go to
good use in assisting all of our inhabitants.
In a difficult situation such as the one we recently experienced, I can tell you that
your helpful gestures really touched me and cannot be overlooked. It has assisted me
greatly in continuing the mandate that I have begun.
Thank you!
Maurice Bergeron
Mayor
Letter of Appreciation 5
from the Mayor of Saint-Athanase, Canada
(Following is an excerpt from the originally letter)
(Originally In French)
March 5, 1998
Madame,
I must confess that after all of the recent emotional stress and my fatigue, and due to
certain family problems, I felt like giving up everything, because it seemed that it was
not worth all the pain.
However, I changed my mind after the act of generosity from your Association and
also after reading the material about your Association and Master. This has enabled me
to regain my strength and continue the work of helping my fellow citizens.
Thank you,
Maurice Bergeron
Mayor
Letter Of Appreciation 6
From The Mayor Of Saint-Athanase
(Originally In French)
Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
Following the event of the ice storm, we have chosen two projects in our municipality
to motivat our fellow citizens.
The first project will involve planting some 10,000 new trees that we our citizens can
enjoy in the future. This project will help to replace the trees that did not survive the
storm, and will cost $20,000.
Also, I have begun actions to obtain a grant to build a bicycle path and regional park.
This cycle path will be on Bellerive Street along the Richelieu River.
With this in mind, I would like to obtain permission from your Master to name a rest
area in honor of your Association. This project will cost $175,000.
Finally, the estimated cost of the ice storm to our municipality is approximately
$600,000.
Maurice Bergeron
Mayor
¡i¡j========================
[Montreal]Last year, our compassionate Master instructed disciples to
send financial assistance to the Montreal Center so that initiates there
could buy New Year's gifts for poor families in Montreal. Once again this
year, we received money from Master to purchase rice, tea, towels, soup,
and other daily necessities for poor families who had asked for our assistance.
After purchasing the goods, we packed them into individual bags after a
group meditation, just a day before the Au Lacese New Year Exhibition.
On the exhibition day, many brothers and sisters came to help with the
transportation, answering questions and distributing gifts to the family
members on the gift list.
During the distribution of Master's gifts to the poor families that had
come to receive them at our exhibition booth, it was wonderful to see the
joyful faces of the recipients. They all appreciated Master's care and
loving thoughts towards them, even though She had never met them in person.
Some people, who had also received Master's gifts last year, wrote a letter
of appreciation to Her this time to express their thanks and gratitude.
¡¹
Breakdown Expenses In Helping Poor Families In Montreal Au Lacese New Year 1998
ITEMS AMOUNT ($CAN) RECEIPTS
Towels $187.29 1
Soap, Toothpaste, etc. $340.33 2
Rice, Tea, Lotus candies $585.70 3
Money In Red envelopes
for the poor families $460.00
TOTAL CAN $1573.32
Equivalent to US $1077.62)
Letter Of Appreciation
From Montreal, Canada(Originally In Aulacese)
To: Supreme Master Ching Hai
Supreme Master Ching Hai International Assoc.
Dear Madam,
On the occasion of Tet, we, a group of Au Lac people whose names appear below
have honorably received the gifts that you sent us.
Despite your busy schedule, you did not overlook warming the hearts of those who
have been away from the homeland, family and loved ones during the beginning days of
the year. We are deeply touched and sincerely convey to you and the members of the
Association our heartfelt gratitude.
We would like to wish you abundant health in order to continue alleviating the
sorrows of everyone.
Nguyen Thi Hong Hoa
Ha Van Anh
Duong Thi Anh
Nguyen Thi Thiep
¡i¡j========================
Violent Hurricane Destroys Parts Of Central Florida
[Orlando] On the night of February 22, 1998, a disastrous hurricane with
gusty winds of up to 260 MPH destroyed many residential areas metropolitan
Orlando. Many people were injured and some died. Thousands of victims were
rendered the homeless. This deadly tornado barely missed the Orlando Center,
which is located in the same District. Nevertheless, thanks to Master's
blessing, all of the fellow initiates in Orlando were safe.
The next morning, fellow initiates in Orlando quickly came to the American
Red Cross office to register as volunteers to help the victims of the disaster.
Meanwhile, they also were able to assess the urgent needs of the victims
in order to respond in a timely manner. Fellow initiates brought ready
cooked vegetarian food along with relief supplies and monetary assistance
to the American Red Cross office. They also informed other Centers throughout
the United States about this disaster so that fellow brothers and sisters
would have a chance to serve the victims. A number of fellow initiates
from Cape Coral, Florida arrived in time to join the relief team. The American
Red Cross assigned us to work at a shelter in Winter Garden.
We are deeply grateful for Master's instructions that enabled us to fully
prepare a year ahead for this disaster. Thus, when the opportunity arrived,
we had a chance to practice what we had learned. We were also able to feel
the compassion that You have bestowed upon sentient beings. Since we don't
know what is going to happen next, at any time or in any place, we simply
follow to Your teachings to be always ready in order to be able to respond
to any situation and bring forth helps to those in need.
On behalf of the victims, we thank all fellow initiates in the United States
for their prayers and donations that helped the victims.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
El Nino Relief Trip To Mexico
A s predicted, El Nino has taken its toll through heavy rainstorms stretching
from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico to the Northwestern United States. Storms
producing gusty winds and raging ocean waves have caused numerous floods
and mud slides along the coast, destroying many homes, roads and cars,
and leaving several people dead and many homeless. Thirty-two counties
in California alone were declared disaster areas, with hundreds of millions
of dollars in damage.
Mexico also fell victim to the El Nino driven storms that wreaked havoc
in Acapulco, a famous tourist attraction, and Tijuana, the country's northernmost
city. Twelve people died from the flooding and mud slides in Tijuana alone,
and hundreds more were evacuated from the affected areas and took refuge
in numerous shelters across the city.
Upon hearing this tragic news, Master immediately instructed fellow initiates
of the Los Angeles Center to extend a helping hand to the victims and their
families. Following Her instructions, they quickly telephoned various places
in Tijuana to assess the situation and establish the necessary contacts.
By noon, relief supplies were procured in time for a trip to Tijuana, Mexico.
The supplies ranged from basic necessities like powdered milk, snacks,
canned food, candies, T-shirts, sweat shirts, underwear, socks, baby food,
diapers and emergency packs, which included blankets, medicine, dry food,
candles and toys of all kinds for the children.
The first shelter we visited after crossing the border was in the Albergue
Ginnasio Olimpico complex. Guards dispatched by the government helped us
unload and distribute Master's gifts to the flood victims and their families.
Included in the gift bags were copies of the sample booklet, which many
found interesting to read while receiving their gifts. Watching this happening,
the guards on duty also humbly requested copies for themselves.
Our next stop was a shelter located on an isolated hilltop, which took
us a while to get to after struggling with the rugged terrain. When we
arrived, most people were still asleep. However, it did not take long before
many were aware of our arrival and prepared themselves to receive the things
we brought. Although being surprised at the unusal time of distribution,
they were indeed deeply touched by Master's loving care.
Our midnight journey continued on to Alberque Auditories Municipal de Tijuana,
an auditorium located in the City of Tijuana, which was being used as a
temporary shelter for the flood victims. We distributed gift bags to the
flood victims that arrived in separate groups. Sweatshirts were among the
favorite items, which many put to immediate use.
Then we left for the last shelter, Albergue Cortijo San Jose. When we arrived,
a colonel and soldiers from the Mexican Army greeted us at the front gate
of a spacious building being used as shelter. The flood victims were still
asleep amidst our preparations; but as we began the distribution, the folks
got up and watched in joyful amazement. Receiving gifts according to their
wish lists, they openly expressed gladness mixed with a little surprise.
Some even enjoyed reading the sample booklets right there.
Being informed that other places also needed Master's help, we decided
to stay overnight and bought more supplies at local stores the next morning.
While making a short stop at the DIF (Development of Children and Family
Care) en route to the shelter, a local TV crew interviewed us and took
a few pictures of our truck.
At the next shelter, we found that most of the flood victims and their
families had already returned to their homes. We left and headed to a little
town nearby. As we arrived, the children ran after our truck and cars,
shouting with joy. The distribution went on with a great deal of fun, and
everyone felt overwhelmed with love and friendship. Children were so excited
with the toys and gifts received that many stood speechless for a while.
Master's love had indeed brought sparkling smiles to their faces.
We left the little town in the afternoon and headed home after a short
stop at the DIF office to thank the volunteers for their help and say good-bye.
Despite a sleepless night and a hard day of work, none of us felt tired
or hungry at all, thanks to Master's blessing.
The following week, fellow initiates at the Los Angeles Center also made
another trip to visit two more towns on the outskirts of Tijuana. After
crossing the border, we made a short stop at the DIF office so that the
volunteers could join us. While parking along the street awaiting the signal
to go, our truck accidentally caught the eyes of some curious onlookers.
After talking with them for a while, we learned that they were former prison
inmates who apparently needed help. Fellow initiates immediately offered
them food, beverages, clothing and especially sample booklets, which they
enjoyed reading upon receiving them. Having watched this exciting event
unfold right before their eyes, DIF workers also came and asked for sample
booklets themselves.
A short journey to the first town took us through several severely damaged
roads, so severe that some sections were completely displaced during the
flooding. One could easily see the deadly force of raging water that the
flood had vividly left in the remaining ruins and collected debris on top
of the walls and fences. We finally arrived at the town, which was marked
with eroded streets full of potholes and muddy water.
The distribution began as soon as people were informed of our arrival.
Mother and daughter, father and son, one by one happily came to receive
their share of Master's love. Everyone was excited to be part of the joyful
crowd in the middle of the town. Fellow initiates busily helped get the
right clothes for people of all ages and sizes. We were, indeed, touched
by the genuine appreciation of these folks. What a great joy it was for
us to be of service to these pure-hearted people.
It was almost dark when we got to the next town. A downhill road leading
to the town was too steep for the lead car and truck to move on. Miraculously,
a man appeared from nowhere and offered to take the convoy around using
another, more easily accessed road in exchange for a free ride, which everyone
quickly agreed to give him. Thanks to this man, we were able to start the
distribution before it got too dark. By the time we had finished, everyone
could barely see the faces of the last recipients. Everyone who had come
was very elated to have received the gifts
We said good-bye to people in the town as they happily walked home. The
DIF volunteers who had also received beautiful gifts from Master, guided
us all the way to the border before waving farewell.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
Bringing Wishes Of Love To Unfortunate Fellow Countrymen
Spring was approaching and everything was beginning to flourish. Filled
with love and bringing along relief funds and News magazines, fellow initiates
in Formosa paid visits to a number of poor and sick people. During February
of 1998, relief funds totaling 159,600 NT dollars were distributed to 63
poor and needy families.
Among the families that we visited regularly, some people's conditions
were improving and some were not, but they were all open and wrapped in
warm smiles while telling us about their present situations. They also
expressed their gratitude for Master's love,
concern and help. One of them said that when he became sick, he always
remembered to pray to Master to help him survive the crisis, and then he
would feel confident and would not be frightened anymore. Another person
said that Master's help freed him from sorrow, sadness and pessimism; he
had become happy and open and had regained hope in life.
We also wished them happiness and that their poor situations and the tormenting
illnesses would soon leave them so they could live healthy and happy lives
like other people, and hence gain understanding of the true meaning of
life.¡¹
Monthly Relief Funds For Poor and Orphaned
Families In Formosa, February 1998 (Unit: NT$)
City*County Number of Families Amount (NT$) Receipt
Keelung 1 $2,000 1
Taipei 9 $18,000 2
Taoyuan 2 $4,000 3
Hsinchu 1 $3,000 4
Miaoli 6 $12,000 5
Taichung 6 $12,000 6
Nantou 8 $18,600 7
Jiayi 6 $12,000 8
Kaoping 5 $44,000 *9
Yilan 1 $2,000 10
Hualian 6 $12,000 11
Taidong 8 $12,000 12
Penghu 4 $8,000 13
Total 63 $159,600
* Kaoping Center contributed $36,000.
Sending Blankets Of LoveIn The Wintry Season
[Report From Taoyuan] The Taoyuan Center launched a blanket distribution
programme in the winter season, working in groups to offer warm bedding
and clothes to those truly in need.
A group of fellow initiates drove along a precarious path up the mountains
in Northern Formosa to distribute blankets, warm clothing and sample booklets
of Supreme Master Ching Hai to needy households in Fuhsing Village. This
project was carried out in the hope that Supreme Master Ching Hai's divine
love would warm the bodies and souls of the needy, in much the same way
as the sun heats up the cold arctic air.
The Taoyuan County Government had provided a list of poor households in
the area, but fellow initiates requested the police at Fuhsing Village
to list other households that also needed assistance. Most of the villagers
live high in the mountains. With the help of the local police and through
on-site investigation, initiates found that those on the police list were
in even greater need than those on the government list. But they managed
to distribute relief supplies to all the needy people in the area.
Madam Fan, wife of a Kaoyi Village representative, demonstrated her personal
compassion by escorting fellow practitioners to destitute families in her
village, where she acted as their interpreter. The local inhabitants greeted
these unexpected visitors, sent by Supreme Master Ching Hai, with warm,
endearing smiles.
Though poor, some low-income families remain optimistic, cheerful and contented,
unperturbed by the reality of living a frugal life on their meagre income.
Some of the needy families have the good fortune to live in homes provided
by kindhearted people. This warm concern from caring neighbours comforts
many miserable souls, as does the sun in winter.
Through this winter project of blanket distribution to the orphaned, the
old, the sick, and the destitute, God has given fellow practitioners a
valuable experience, which has led them to a deeper realization.
These "blankets of love" warm both body and soul.
Love Heals Wounded Hearts
[Report From Chiayi] At the invitation from authorities at the Formosa
Provincial Yunlin Institute For Mentally Disabled Adults in Central Formosa.
Chiayi fellow initiates sponsored a special program in celebration of the
Lantern Festival [15th day of the first lunar month]. This activity was
the second to be sponsored by Chiayi initiates following a party held last
year which drew enthusiastic response and widespread commendation from
both authorities and disadvantaged young girls and the mentally disabled
at this halfway house.
The initiates designed a series of exciting activities for the students
in hopes of alleviating the daily pressure and feelings of insecurity suffered
by these people who desperately needed the care and spiritual support from
society.
The activities included some riddles especially for Lantern Festival celebrations,
karaoke television where amateur singers sing to the accompaniment of videotaped
music, and other performances by fellow initiates. Students at the Yunlin
Institute competed for chances to answer the riddles and to win stationary
and a bookmarks printed with aphorisms by Supreme Master Ching Hai. The
bookmarks were included among the prizes in hopes that the words of this
great Master would be a comfort to wounded hearts and bring light into
the lives of the disadvantaged. Dialogues between fellow initiates on stage
indirectly pressed home the message that true happiness comes from the
inner world and not the outside one.
National Assembly delegate Lin Shu-shan who partook in the celebrations
expressed his fear that social discrimination might make it difficult for
these young women seeking employment upon their graduation from the institute.
In a touching show of concern, he promised to help them find jobs or offer
them employment at his radio station should they need it.
As always, time flies when you are having a good time. Even though the
participants were still in a festive mood, the celebrations came to a melodious
end. The students bid farewell to the initiates, everyone now full of God's
love which is non-discriminating, and the joyful expressions of the young
girls bespoke the blessings they had received due to Supreme Master Ching
Hai's compassion. Initiates hope that Her love will help them through whatever
adversities and guide them to their true Home.¡¹
Vegetarian Era
The Reasons For Becoming A Vegetarian - Health, EnIt's Wonderful Being
A Vegetarian It's Wonderful Being A Vegetarian
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Brazil
June 18, 1989(Originally In English)
Q: If I stop eating meat, doesn't my body weaken if I do not have conditions
for preparing a vegetarian meal?
M: No, but you must select a protein-rich diet to replace the missing animal
protein. In the English sample booklet, I talk about the vegetarian diet
and there I tell you what foods you can eat which have enough nutrition.
Meat is not all that good. We all know already. You see, the hospitals
are full of meat-eating people. Vegetarian people hardly ever go to the
hospital. The more civilized, the more meat we have, the more hospitals
we build. If you fear that vegetarians don't have enough nutrition, look
at the elephants. look at the horses, look at the cows. Is there anything
stronger than an elephant? What does it eat? It doesn't even care about
protein. Don't cheat yourself. Vegetarianism is very healthy.
Even Mohammed Ali, the boxer, eats vegetarian. So don't tell me any tales.
If you want to eat meat, then you eat meat. No one will say anything. Just
don't make excuses. Meat is no good. Very filthy! All kinds of bacteria
in it. All kinds of poison in it. All kinds of hatred, fear, terrifying
feelings, or say, magnetic fields in the meat of the animal from when it
was killed and they remains there. When you consume the meat, you consume
all these energies with it. It's very heavy energy, so you can't climb
back Home.¡¹
-- Compassion
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Malaysia
Oct. 1, 1989 (Originally In English)
We must see the suffering of other creatures as our own. Therefore, we should
not rejoice in the killing of animals, and then eat them. That's the reason
why we should be vegetarians. That's what I mean by leaning more and more
towards compassion and extending love to all creatures. Every religion,
not one doesn't mention that we should extend our love to all beings, not
only human beings. So, whether we believe in any religion or not, we all
can believe in the "Hsin Ben Shan", in the goodness, in the compassion
of our hearts. So we try to save as many lives as possible. That doesn't mean that if you eat one piece of meat, many things will
change. But it is the principle of training our hearts towards compassion.
Let our compassion grow, don't kill our compassion. The intention is important.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
By Sister Initiate Qiu Heng-zhen, Taoyuan, Formosa
(Originally In Chinese)
I am a teacher of physical education at a senior high school. Several years
ago, in order to fulfill my dream of winning the kendo (Japanese fencing)
championship for a fifth consecutive year in the Formosa Area Athletic
Meet. I focused all my attention on practicing this art. Every day I practiced
fanatically and, in an attempt to go beyond my physical limits and overcome
mental barriers, I even challenged male fencers of higher degrees including
top-class coaches. Naturally I felt frustrated and helpless whenever I
failed to achieve breakthroughs in either body or mind. My anemic condition
made things even harder for me. Very often I would collapse during a contest
and make a fool of myself.
It was by chance that my coach, gave me a book entitled "Food is the
Best Therapy". It was about the treatment of cancer with natural food
rather than medicine or chemotherapy. It cited hundreds of successful cases
and recommended the consumption of fruits and plants that grow from the
earth, which produced remarkable results. The author was a scientist and
a prominent doctor who forsook western medicine and modern medical equipment
for the simple and natural herbs in his treatment of seriously ill patients.
He had become a legend because of the incredible success of his method.
My coach had been on a vegetarian diet for a while, and I observed that
he looked much better and had become stronger and more agile. He had made
marked progress in kendo. The vegetarian diet had brought him many benefits;
his uric acid level was back to normal without the use of medication, his
eyes had become sharp and bright, and his fencing techniques superb. It
had been a long-time wish of mine to defeat him, so I too switched to a
vegetarian diet so I could be in better shape to challenge him again.
One evening, I found myself in emotional turmoil when a former schoolmate
announced that she was going to the United States, to become a monastic
disciple of the master of her dreams. She described so vividly her admiration
for him and the honor she felt at being able to devote herself to a great
master that I went home and cried all night long. I did not know why I
felt so alone and helpless; and I was frustrated at my setbacks in kendo
practice as well.
Seeing that my schoolmate had found her spiritual support while I remained
lost with no one to turn to, I boldly protested and complained to heaven.
"She has found her master; I want one too!" Stubborn and arrogant
as I was, I would not settle for anyone other than the most enlightened
and powerful master in the universe. I went down on my knees and prayed
sincerely to the Lord of Creation to help me find a greatest master who
could save me, elevate me, and free me from the sea of suffering.
A few days later, I started a new job at a senior high school in Keelung
in northern Formosa. It was there that I met a colleague, brother initiate
Zhuang, who asked why I had become a vegetarian, and whether I recognized
the Master on the cover of the book in his hand. Immediately delighted
and impressed, I borrowed from him "My Wondrous Experiences with Master"
and "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment". As I began reading
the books on my way home on the bus, tears trickles down my cheeks. Oblivious
to all, I found myself almost dancing on the bus, and then, a moment later,
bursting into laughter.
A man sitting next to me noticed how strange I was acting and kept glancing
at the books. Thus, it was not until he got off the bus that "My Wondrous
Experiences with Master" was returned to me. I did not care about
the curious looks from other passengers and could hardly conceal my ecstasy.
The long-awaited answers to my questions were about to come! Gazing at
Master's countenance on the book cover, I wiped away my tears and told
myself with all certainty that I had found "the secret method"
this time. I became even more determined then to keep the vegetarian diet.
Thanks to the vegetarian diet, my fencing techniques improved markedly.
With a lighter burden, my body became so agile, my mind so sharp and clear,
my reactions so fast, and I could concentrate much easier and longer. I
could see through every strategic move on the part of my opponent and dominate
the match. With a sword in my hand, I was totally at ease in both attack
and defense, and there was no end to my inspiration.
Even more fantastic was that I seemed to have developed infinite physical
strength and vitality that my self-confidence grew as well. Master let
me experience what it was like to be "as stable as a mountain and
as calm as the water within, as energetic as a hare and as fast as lightning
without".
My totally helpless opponents could only stare at me in amazement; people
who practiced kendo with me simply refused to do so any more. My success
so impressed my students that they too followed my example and began to
eat vegetarian. So swift was the change that I felt life had become meaningful
and worth living.
My determination to keep the vegetarian diet saved me from the embarrassment
of having to attend social gatherings, where I had to drink alcohol or
eat meat. And of course, I saved on my expenses as well!
My relatives and friends did not dissuade me from the vegetarian diet but
gave me support instead, because they found that I was growing healthier
in both body and mind; I was full of vitality, had a good appetite, and
was cured of the anemia. I easily defended my gold medal in the following
two athletic meets, and in the eyes of my students I was an exemplar of
good health. Despite my heavy workload and physical exertion every day,
I mingled happily among my students and colleagues. Not a single one of
them could find an excuse to say that the vegetarian diet was not good
or not nutritious enough. On the contrary, they were eager to consult me
about the healthy way of eating.
Being a vegetarian has brought me so many good things that even I myself
am overwhelmed by it. Vegetarians are benign and sincere; they get along
easily with anyone and anywhere they go. Having come to this point, I am
again dancing with joy because I am overwhelmed with bliss! It is really
wonderful to be a vegetarian!¡¹
The Supreme Master Panorama
The Solomon Islands Australia Formosa USA Canada
Brought Together By Destiny
[Honiara] From November 1-7, 1997, when the Quan Yin messenger returned
to the Solomon Islands living in the same place, she discovered just how
wonderful God's arrangements were. Her previous house-mates were back from
different islands to attend an annual teachers' seminar in the capital
city.
As news spread about Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method,
many people came to learn the Convenient Method. Some people, of this very
Christian country, commented on the benefits of meditation while others
noted the logic behind the teachings of Supreme Master Ching Hai and how
Her Biblical citations and explanations had enlightened many of their compatriots
on the true meaning of prayer.
Discussions with the Quan Yin messenger brought a long-time believer of
Jesus Christ to the realization that here was the answer he had been seeking
but failed to find in many churches. This teacher recounted the difficulty
he had understanding many of the miracles cited in the Bible and how he
required scientific proof for everything. Upon learning the Convenient
Method of meditation, he had the incredible experience of his soul leaving
his physical body within days of practice. This experience opened his understanding
to the existence of the very many realms in the vast universe aside from
the Earth that are beyond understanding by the human mind and cannot be
explained in human language. After all, the human mind has its limitations.
An initiate-to-be, once a practitioner of other paths declared, the Highest
Buddha had guided her to Supreme Master Ching Hai. She has had good inner
experiences, having been subject to the care of the inner Master in her
dream and also perceiving her whole body snugly embraced by light in her
meditation. Her story is a case in point that even spiritual practitioners
of the Convenient Method of meditation receive meticulous care from Supreme
Master Ching Hai.
Another initiate-to-be noted his growing tolerance with others, which was
a change from his earlier disgust with the fickleness of human relationships.
By practicing the Convenient Method, he has come to realize that the Quan
Yin Method is truly the method of love.
The Video Lecture (December 15-16, 1997)
Newspaper advertisements of the scheduled video lecture drew many phone
inquiries. Several days before the lecture, a teacher arrived at the local
Center with some friends, wanting to learn meditation. In yet another example
of how God always guides longing souls back Home, the teacher commented
that Supreme Master Ching Hai had answered in a videotaped lecture all
the questions that had been troubling him for a long time.
On the day of the lecture, an Australian woman marveled at how she found
Supreme Master Ching Hai and came to practice here on this island country
when she was least expecting it. Her daughter was visiting from Australia
and had brought with her a sample booklet that she had found in a store
and which she thought was a very good book. Not long after the mother read
the book, she read an advertisement about the video lecture and wondered
if it was about the same Master. As soon as she saw the picture of Supreme
Master Ching Hai upon her arrival at the local Center, she exclaimed happily,
"I have found Her!" She had been planning to fly back to Australia
to learn the method of meditation at the Australian Center and now was
saved the travel expenses.
At the end of the videotaped lecture, smiles brightened up the faces of
everyone present. The guests requested to learn the Convenient Method of
meditation. Some immediately expressed great interest in learning vegetarian
cooking.
Several days after the lecture, some practitioners of the Convenient Method
living in the neighborhood visited the Center to try preparing simple vegetarian
dishes. When they found that it was not difficult, they became more confident
of their culinary skill in vegetarian cooking.
The local Center on the Solomon Islands was provided by a family of initiates-to-be
when they learnt that the Quan Yin messenger was looking for accommodation
and a venue to hold a seminar. Because of the high rental costs, they immediately
remodeled their house. The local people had helped a lot. Some of those
who offered their help also learned the Convenient Method of meditation.
This temporary Center has brought reading and audiovisual material about
Supreme Master Ching Hai within easy reach of initiates-to-be and facilitates
the dissemination of Her teachings. The Center continuously has received
many requests for meditation lessons.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
Sharing Master's Teachings During The Lunar New Year
[Perth] The city of Perth celebrates the Chinese New Year with a festival
in Hyde Park. Many Chinese and Au Lacese groups provide exhibition booths
of various kinds for this event, which is very popular. At this year's
festival, it was hardly possible to move around the area, so many people
were packed in.
As usual, the Perth Center contributed a booth, which featured Master's
paintings, books and video lectures, which were played continuously. Many
people showed interest in Master's teachings, and requested to receive
the News magazine, or asked to visit the Center.
The booth also included a section selling vegetarian food, which was very
popular as well.
Clean Up Australia Day
"Clean Up Australia Day" is an annual event in this country,
in which parties of volunteers nationwide go out and pick up garbage from
roadsides, parks and other areas.
As usual, the Perth Center participated. Being the first Sunday of the
month, Clean Up Australia Day would normally have been a retreat day, however
we decided to hold the usual Sunday group meditation in the morning before
starting work. After hours of hard work, we had collected many bags of
garbage. We then returned to the Center for lunch.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
The Joy Of Meditating In Hsihu
T he Hsihu Ashram held a two-day retreat. It had been a long time since
Formosan fellow initiates shared the wonderful experience of pitching tents
in the ashram for the night, meditating in the Bamboo Grove amidst the
gentle rustle of the tall trees, meditating diligently together in the
main hall and watching Master's videotaped lectures together, savoring
a glass of water from the Nectar River, or enjoying the murmuring sound
of the water by the riverside.
Master has always stressed the importance of group meditation. Suppose
each of us had a glass of water; if we were all to pour our water into
a pool, we would be able to swim in it. Attending just one retreat where
one can meditate in full concentration is more rewarding than years of
individual effort at home. This is why fellow initiates are eager to go
to retreats.
The path leading to the hills behind was packed by participants of the
retreat, and in return for the enthusiasm they brought, Mother Nature has
created beautiful flowers throughout the ashram. We hope every holiday
is a retreat day, and all members of the Quan Yin family can come together
to pursue their spiritual quest.
Beautifying The Park
[Taipei] The Taipei Center in Formosa sponsored a park cleanup activity
in conjunction with the Taipei Office of City Parks and Street Lights on
March 29. Fellow initiates and their family members, both old and young,
participated in this holiday activity of beautifying Hsinsheng Park. They
weeded the grass, swept the fallen leaves, and gave the fences new paint,
adding a touch of warmth and liveliness to the environment and atmosphere
on this Formosan Youth Day.
Through this labor service, many participants came to understand better
what Supreme Master Ching Hai once said, "Everything we do is for
ourselves." The initiates had the opportunity to flex their muscles
and relax under the warm sun. They also practiced removing distracting
thoughts and frustrations that grow like weeds by concentrating on the
actual job of weeding. This will lead them on to unearth the true self
and as a compassionate move by spiritual practitioners, draw from the vast
ocean of love and spread it among all sentient beings.
As the morning work ended, participants sat down to enjoy a picnic. The
white clouds in the vast blue sky formed an attractive contrast to the
colorful plants in the park. These, along with dancing butterflies, frolicking
dogs, and children at play, presented a fascinating picture of a joyful
holiday.
Turning Garbage Into Gold-Report on Recycling Activities
[Taoyuan] With great enthusiasm, a Resource Recycling Activity focusing
on environmental protection has started in Taoyuan Center. From planning,
searching for purchasers, promotion, volunteer training, to the current
operations, the Taoyuan Center Recycling Group has done their best to impliment
the whole process in the shortest time. The group members encourage other
fellow initiates by posting slogans such as "Take action to protect
our Earth now and enjoy a better environment tomorrow"; "Recycle
whatever you can and bring it to the Center on the weekend".
Moved and inspired by their posters and presentations, all disciples have
participated in this meaningful project enthusiastically. Recycling has
become a part of the disciples' lives. Now all have developed the habit
of sorting their garbage at home and have mastered the handling skills.
For example, everybody knows that used paper needs to be bundled, and bottles
and cans need to be cleaned, dried and crushed before they are brought
to the Center, so that the purchasers can easily pick up the sorted and
packaged garbage at the Center, where every weekend this garbage finally
turns into gold.The money generated from recycling is used for our Center
-- "home in Taoyuan".
With the recycling activities, garbage in disciples' homes have been reduced
tremendously. Some disciples even extended their recycling activities to
their workplaces. They bring the recyclable garbage dumped by others from
their companies to the Center. Disciples feel relieved when they see bags
and bags of garbage being carried by the purchasers to the trucks and tons
of waste reduced from the Earth. In fact, the quality of our environment
has very much to do with our good habits. On a day-to-day basis, if we
could become just a little more conscious of our environment, even though
each of our actions in dealing with garbage may well be a "small thing,"
we are actually helping a lot to the overall environmental protection on
this planet. Let's all do it together!
Sharing The "Extra Merit"
[Nantou] A park activity was recently held by a Formosan Catholic group
at the Niuer Stone Sculpture Art Park in Puli, to raise funds for the Catholic
"Resurrection Education Center." Learning that this center was
raising construction funds in various ways to build classrooms, local fellow
initiates applied to the sponsor organization for a booth. We collected
all the "surplus merits" in our homes, including household electrical
appliances, books, etcetera, that were of no use to us or were extra, but
would contribute to the Catholic fund when sold. We then sorted and marked
prices on them after our group meditation.
On the morning of the day of the activity, we came to the venue and then
covered our tables with colorful cloth and decorated the background. Soon
stars and moons were all over our booth and then the simple but lively
"flea market" opened. Of course gourmet vegetarian food was an
absolutely essential item.
"Come one! Come all! We have all kinds of items with great prices!
A great selection, too! We have delicious vegetarian food! Be quick! Hurry!
Or none will be left!" Through simple portable megaphones, each of
our fellow initiates seemed to be a "skilled peddler." However,
we peddled not for profit but for the enjoyment of making the best use
of these items and for the pleasure of the buyers when they bought inexpensive
and useful things. Of course, our final goal was achieved when the buyers
and sellers both enjoyed themselves to the fullest and all the items were
turned into beneficial merit, that is, the construction fund for the Resurrection
Education Center.
After the activity, fellow initiates picked up the garbage and cleaned
the venue, so that the Art Park regained its "original natural appearance."
We did this work in the same way that we clean up the environment after
each group meditation. However, the sponsor organization expressed its
gratitude for our "good deeds" more than once over loud speakers,
which embarrassed us, because these things are our duty and should not
even have been mentioned, let alone praised.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
Blessings For The Year Of The Tiger
[San Jose and San Francisco] Once again, spring has returned, but in contrast
to previous years, the impact of El Nino has brought torrential rain to
Northern California. Despite some concern that the turnout at the Lunar
New Year Festival would be affected by the weather, during the Festival,
the rain stopped pouring. The warmth from the sun on a spring day filled
the earth, and the Festival was a success, many thanks to Divine blessings.
Due to the large number of people attending the Festival, we hardly stopped
working, distributing News magazines, sample booklets, and flyers containing
information about our multilingual local radio programs.
During the Festival, there was a special visit to the booth by the Mayor
of Milpitas, Mr. Henry Chang Manayan. Accompanying him were Mr. Nhan Ngoc
Nguyen, President of the Aulacese Democracy Education Foundation, and the
Assistant Sheriff of Santa Clara, Mr. Tom Sing. Mayor Manayan said that
he very much admired Supreme Master Ching Hai, and hoped one day that he
could meet Her.
The following weekend, the New Year Festival was held at the Santa Clara
County Fairgrounds. This time, our booth was in a central location, and
thus, the number of people passing by was even greater. We worked with
joy and enthusiasm, but sometimes, due to the sheer number of people visiting
the booth, we could not respond immediately to everyone's questions about
the Quan Yin Method. All the inquiring people, however, waited patiently
for us. While waiting, visitors to our booth enjoyed the videotaped Long
Beach musical program.
Some visitors returned to our booth after their visit from the previous
week and shared with us that they had enjoyed reading the Supreme Master
News magazines and learning about our organization's activities. They also
asked for more information about initiation.
A number of people had heard of the Quan Yin Method through weekly local
radio programs produced by our initiates, but never knew what Master looked
like. Pleasantly surprised, these visitors said, "Oh, so this is Supreme
Master Ching Hai. How young and beautiful she is!"
Many people said that it was very satisfying to be able to listen continuously
to Master's weekly radio program for hours, and also commented that Supreme
Master's teachings are very logical.
During the two weekends of the Year of the Tiger Festival, everyone joyfully
accepted our sample booklets and exchanged best wishes for the New Year.
As always, Master's love radiated like sun rays in the spring.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
Spiritual News Spreads In London Like A Spring Breeze
[London] Being filled with Master's love, a Quan Yin messenger and local
fellow initiates in London, Ontario actively advertised in every way possible
a seminar featuring Master's videotaped lectures, and brought a spring
breeze into people's hearts.
Although the government and local communities had established many rules
and restrictions regarding advertising, our fellow initiates overcame these
difficulties, tried every means available, and actively contacted local
radio and TV stations, newspapers, magazines and community special columnists.
After learning that we were from a non-profit spiritual organization that
had conducted many charitable works around the world, and that the free
public seminar we planned to hold was about spiritual practice, most media
offered us their services free of charge or at a discount.
During the seminar, we showed a video tape about Master's life and another
tape containing one of Master's lectures. Then the Quan Yin messenger answered
questions from the audience. Many people requested to learn the Convenient
Method of meditation. After the seminar, we also served many kinds of lovingly
prepared vegetarian food and tried to help people to start following a
vegetarian diet.
While learning the Convenient Method, many people had good inner experiences.
One lady had come from Los Angeles, USA, to take care of her father who
was critically ill in the hospital, and happened to encounter the seminar.
While visiting at the hospital and reading one of Master's sample books
she obtained at the seminar, her father told her that he saw a very bright
saint walking towards him. This lady told us that after she went back to
Los Angeles, she would continue to practice the Convenient Method, contact
the local Center there and wait for initiation.
After the seminar, a reporter from the Radio Fanshawe 6X-FM came to our
Center to cover the event. On the same night, the ratio station introduced
Master and our spiritual organization to its audience and broadcast Master's
Buddha's chanting tape during prime time.
The seminar is now over, ice and snow are still on the tree branches, mother
earth is quietly unthawing, and we believe that the spiritual seeds that
have been sown will sprout and grow.
Sharing God's Word And Love
[Ottawa] A seminar organized by Ottawa initiates attracted large numbers
of people, many of whom called in advance to make reservations. The event
was announced in the media and through posters and pamphlets prepared and
posted around the city by initiates. The initiates, some of whom came from
neighboring cities to help, first met for group meditation to pray for
Master's blessings. Participants at the seminar each received a copy of
the sample booklet, the Supreme Master News magazine, vegetarian recipes,
and answers to the most frequently asked questions. The seminar was well
received and many raised spiritual questions of considerably high levels.
A couple at the seminar experienced an intense energy while a woman saw
the stage illuminated by brilliant light. Many guests asked to learn the
Convenient Method of meditation after the seminar while some requested
initiation into the Quan Yin Method.
New Year's Gifts
Just as people living on this Earth should demonstrate mutual concern,
Ottawa initiates blissfully followed the instructions of Supreme Master
Ching Hai by sharing Her love with needy families, presenting them with
traditional Au Lac delicacies and spiritual nourishment. The recipients
expressed delight at these gifts. Some parents sought help from the Ottawa
Center, upon learning their children's desire for a New Year present. Of
course, the children were the happiest of all. The initiates expressed
genuine appreciation for the chance to be the servants of God and to transmit
Hiers love to the children.
Ottawa initiates also participated in Chinese and Au Lac New Year exhibitions
during the New Year holiday. Many visitors to the Chinese New Year exhibition
expressed an interest in the wise spiritual teachings of Supreme Master
Ching Hai. Some asked for a copy of every publication on display, while
many children brought their parents and friends to get copies of the News
magazine. Some visitors asked to learn the Convenient Method; others quietly
watched videotaped lectures of Supreme Master Ching Hai until the end of
the exhibition.
Initiates also participated in the Au Lac New Year food and book exhibitions
to promote vegetarianism and the teachings of Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Many visitors were attracted to their booths, where free vegetarian recipes
were available. A photographer conducting research on the Au Lac culture
came to the booth to gather information on Supreme Master Ching Hai, hoping
to introduce Her in the spiritual section of a future cultural exhibition.
A local television station interviewed initiates about their experiences
in the New Year celebrations. Several Westerners visited the exhibition,
the majority of whom expressed an open attitude toward the teachings of
Supreme Master Ching Hai. Several people who had learnt about Master while
in the refugee camp came to make further inquiries about Her. The visitors'
sincere longing for Master and Her teachings served as a reminder that
initiates should cultivate their yearning for the Truth each day. Just
as they have gained much from practicing the Quan Yin Method, they must
also be generous in sharing God's Word with society, which in turn will
provide them with many valuable and beneficial lessons.
Family Gathering On Ching Hai Day
[Montreal] Montreal initiates celebrated the special occasion of Ching
Hai Day by meditating and praying for world peace and sharing with friends
and relatives delicious vegetarian dishes prepared by several sister initiates.
They discussed spiritual matters, exchanged recipes, and took the opportunity
to understand each other better. Some fellow initiates traveled long distances
to join in the celebration. The Quan Yin messenger who incidentally arrived
at the Montreal Center a few days earlier also joined in the celebration
and shared with local initiates his personal experiences in the joyful
atmosphere.¡¹
Little Message
GOOD MORNING,
SAN DIEGANS In U.S.A.!
Weekly Television programs
on channel 16, Southwestern Cable every Monday at 5:30 PM,
and Channels 18 & 24, Cox Cable every Wednesday at 5:30PM
Featuring
SUPREME MASTER CHING HAI'S LECTURES
If you feel that life in this world has not fulfilled your desire
and earnest longing for Truth, virtue, and beauty;
if you feel that something is missing in your search for Inner
Peace and Happiness;
if you feel that your life is much more than material achievements;
and finally, if you feel that you are ready for a journey to find your
true self through enlightenment,
then we urge you to watch these wornderful programs.
But who is Supreme Master Ching Hai anyway?
For the answer to this question, please refer to:
http://www.sumachinghai.org.tw
http://www.quanyin.org
http://www.magi.com/uanyin/homepage.html
http://www.chinghai.com
L isteners in central and southern Formosa can now tune in to a spiritual
program entitled the "Quan Yin Method" that is produced by fellow
practitioners in the central Formosa county of Yunlin.
Every Sunday night from 10 to 12 PM, listeners in central and southern
Formosa, as well as those along the Fujian coast of mainland China, can
hear the voice of Supreme Master Ching Hai by tuning in to FM90.1. This
program is made up of four parts. In the first part,
a brother initiate introduces listeners to the Quan Yin Method by approaching
it from different angles. In the second part, the program host discusses
life philosophies by narrating simple stories or from the standpoint of
current affairs. The stories lead into the next section, where Master's
lectures are aired. In the last part, fellow practitioners share their
personal experiences or discuss current issues from the viewpoint of Master's
teachings, and listeners are welcome to call and join in the discussion.¡¹
Master Tells A Story
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
March 11, 1989 (Originally In Chinese)
I once heard a very interesting story from India.
People were looking all over for God or the Buddha. They had heard that
God was love or the Buddha was mercy, so they all wanted to look for Hirm,
but no one knew where Hes was. Finally they heard that Hes was in a quiet
cave by the Ganges and went there to find Hirm. They asked Hirm for all
kinds of things. "God, please give me this!" "God, please
give me that!" "God, I want my child to graduate!" "God,
I want a wife!" "God, I want a husband!" "God, I want
money!" "God, I want a social position!"
God was exhausted and said, "This is too much. I can't take it anymore.
I want to hide myself. But where can I find a quiet place?"
God's advisor's called the "Grand Master!" So Hiers Grand Master
said to Hirm, "You can go to Mount Everest. There no one will bother
You."
God replied, "This is an excellent idea." So Hes went up there
and hid Hirmself. After a while, a couple of people climbed up the mountain,
and then more people followed suit. God found that the quiet serenity was
gone.
Again, Hes complained, "Oh! This is too much! I can't take it anymore."
Hes sought Hiers Grand Master's advice again about where Hes could hide,
and the Grand Master responded, "Aha! I know a place where you can
hide and no one will find You. No one will even think of that place."
God asked, "Where? Where is it? Tell me quickly!" The Grand Master
replied, "It's in people's hearts. If You hide in there, they won't
find You."
Then God exclaimed, "Yes! That's right! What a great Grand Master
you are!" So Hes quickly went into people's hearts and hid in there.
Indeed, no one looked for Hirm there; only the adventurous and the "foolish",
who dared to get initiation, thought of looking for Hirm there.
It is true that God is within us. Whatever we seek, we should seek within
ourselves. If we look for the most beautiful thing, we should look for
it inside. If we look for almighty power, we should look for it inside
us. Don't be afraid of the ghosts and demons outside, don't be afraid of
the fierce people outside, and don't beg sentient beings outside who have
good merit for help. We should beg ourselves. We should hide inside, pray
inside, and enjoy ourselves. Everything is inside us. We cannot find anything
outside.
I think that this story is very interesting. (Applause) So, if you want
to see me, you should look for me inside yourselves. God is within you.
That is why it is said, "The Buddha is in our hearts." If you
think that I am a Buddha, you should look for the inner Master within;
Hes has inconceivable power and can protect you, guide you, and illuminate
you. However, you should be patient, because good things are not easy to
find.¡¹
Aphorisms
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In Chinese)
A great being is one who has the demeanor, attainment, ability and wisdom
to understand and realize things and reasons, and one who has the noble
ideal of seeking liberation from birth and death, understanding the laws
of the universe, and attaining the great wisdom and the Truth.Such is a
great being.
The so-called "ultimate" is the state of liberation achieved through
one's own spiritual practice, when one gains the almighty power to deliver
sentient beings, lacks nothing, and is able to give anything to sentient
beings according to their needs.
If we are truly brave enough to forsake everything - food, clothing, abode
and daily way of life, the saints and great beings will definitely take
care of us. Most probably they would test us to the very last second when
we are totally breathless, before they would grant us the courage.
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In Chinese)
The energy field of spiritual practitioners will become increasingly gentle
and soothing. The higher their spiritual level, the more people want to
be near them. It is because spiritual practitioners are never disturbed
by any atmosphere. The higher their spiritual level, the more people they
will be able to work with in harmony. People like them because they feel
very comfortable around spiritual practitioners, whereas they always feel
irritated around other people. The high-level spiritual practitioners never
interfere with others or disturb their energy field, and that is why people
find them very amiable.
It is not that we have to change the world, but our inner tranquillity will
sever us from the world and immune us from its influences.
Spiritual practice is not folding your legs to meditate. Spiritual practice
begins the moment you have the thought of wanting to contemplate on the
ephemerality of life, and to purify yourself into a perfect being.
Don't blame anyone; it was all created by ourselves.
The abuse of miracle powers will create many disasters for us.
Master Says
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, At The World Convention On Reverence
For All Life, Pune India
November 23, 1997 (Originally In English)
Reverends, Maharajis, Matajis, dignified officers, and high ranking representatives
of the government of India, thank you for your blessing.
Thank you so much for having patience with a good student like me. When
we made our acquaintance yesterday, you were very happy with me as a good
student of Indian philosophy. So I showed up again, as requested, out of
the kindness of the organizers. Today I am making another exam report to
you, my gurus. I hope you will find it acceptable.
As you know when you teach us students you want feedback on whether the
students have understood your teachings or not, and you always make an
exam so that you can measure the progress of the students. So here you
are; here's my progress report. Please give me a good grade. Anyhow, today
I'm reporting to you about ahimsa.
Three Dimensions Of Ahimsa
There are three dimensions to ahimsa. The first, and the most obvious,
is the physical dimension. The second is the mental dimension, where emotions
are included. The third is the spiritual dimension. So Ahimsa, in my humble
opinion, is not only non-killing and non-harming of sentient beings or
our fellow human beings, but also protecting their lives. Not only just
being negative or inactive, like passive, like, "Okay, I don't kill,
I don't scold, don't cause harm physically but protect." And about
these things the Indian people know very well what to do. So I'm not going
too far in this.
So, we go to the mental level. Second is the emotional aspect, our mental
aspect. Suppose we cause harm to anyone, including ourselves, emotionally
or mentally; that, according to my very humble understanding, is also ahimsa.
So, ahimsa means we try not to hurt anyone emotionally, deliberately; of
course, we cannot avoid it when we do not understand what the other people's
feelings are, and then that is excusable. Whenever we can, we try to avoid.
This probably goes a very long way; actually the whole precept of Hinduism
consists of five or ten precepts, including not-stealing, not-telling of
lies, no sexual abuse, no-intoxication and all that. I think it all boils
down to the word "ahimsa". For example, taking intoxicating substances,
and then hurting other people's feelings and causing them sorrow, worries
and anxieties, that is also himsa.
Suppose we take another's spouse without consent of the other spouse I
don't know, I don't interfer in other people's private lives; but without
consent, we would cause sorrow, troubles and pain to the other spouse,
and in turn, also cause a lot of mental distress, emotional upset to the
children and to whomever are concerned in that family. So, I guess that's
also called himsa. That's why Indian philosophy always emphasizes ahimsa.
This is the mental and emotional aspect.
As to the spiritual aspect, suppose if we do not understand the teachings
of a great sage from ancient times, and we try to interpret them in a wrong
way to suit our own purpose, our personal gain, may it be political, may
it be financial, may it be fame and glory, whatever. That is also himsa,
because we cause people to regress in their spiritual practice. We cause
people to degrade themselves and lessen their glory in the eyes of the
Lord, lessen their own Godly quality. That is the greatest himsa in my
very, very humble opinion. Please tell me if I'm wrong. (Applause) Thank
you.
There is a great teacher in India, I've forgotten his name, who tells one
joke like this. One time he told his students to tell him how high the
wall in front of them was. So everyone quickly wrote on a paper a report
to him, saying, "It's about two meters and a half." Everyone
said 'about' or 'approximately' and the teacher said, "You have all
answered wrong. The correct answer is 'I don't know'." That's true.
When we don't know, we say we don't know. When we know, we say we know,
and that is knowing.
So, whatever I learn from great Indian sages of the ancient or the modern
times, whatever I understand, I tell the people that is the thing I understand
and know, and you can take it or leave it. And if I don't understand the
other thing, I say, "I have to study more, and when I understand,
I will come back to you." This is very cautious, because I don't want
to cause himsa in the spiritual aspect. I think this is more detrimental
than emotional himsa or physical himsa. Isn't that right sirs and madams?
Yes? Thank you.¡¹
The Method Which Emphasize The Inner Light & Sound Is The Best Way
To Communicate With God
I'm done with the first part. The second part is that life is joyful. Every
religion emphasizes that heaven is here and now on Earth. Right now, if
we know it, if we get in touch with God inside, we're joyful all the time.
Heaven is here. That's correct; that's true. But that true joy is, if we
are connected with God. That's what the Indian sages always tell us, "Go
inside. Meditate inside."
You can meditate on a mantra, you can meditate on God's name, you can kiss
the stones, perhaps, or kiss the plants, whatever, so that you can get
in touch with God. Whatever your way is fine. Hes doesn't say you have
to do things in a particular way. But through my search, through my spiritual
thirst for wisdom -- I went all over the place, learned with many teachers
-- I found that the methods imparted by the Indian sages of olden times
and the modern time are the best.
The ones that emphasize the inner light and sound, they're the quickest.
If you meditate on all the mantras or have another concentration, you will
see the light and hear sound, too. But if you meet a master who can impart
it to you directly, quickly open the door, you'll see it right away. You
don't have to make so much effort. From then on, you continue all the time.
That's what I was fortunate enough to have imparted to me. I'm just reporting
to you. You know already, anyhow.
So, after that we have choice. We have choice all the time, but righteous
choice, noble choice; choice, but not hurting other people, choice but
not at the expense of other people; the choice of being faithful to your
wife and husband, and knowing truly that the spouse is God, and hurting
others is truly hurting yourself; because you have the choice of knowing
God, and you know that you have to behave like God. That's what my teacher
taught me. That's how I experienced it through my own humble journey in
search of the true wisdom.
Men and women are different than animals. The animals they just eat, sleep,
and have sex. They don't have any knowledge about morality, obligation.
They might have love between mates, some of them do, and very faithful.
But many animals are not like men and women; they don't have the higher
consciousness of God. We're all God, like our reverend, minister and other
distinguished speakers before us. We all have God inside, we're all God,
even stones and all that. But different beings are bestowed with different
levels of consciousness, and human beings are the highest in this consciousness.
So human beings behave like God; animals do not. We are human, so we have
a distinguished difference -- we have love.
Sex with love is different than sex just for enjoyment, in my humble opinion,
because God is joy, God is love. But God is not hurting others. Suppose
we take the spouse of other people and have sex for physical enjoyment.
That is okay with God. God does not judge us, but how about the other one?
We hurt her, we hurt him, and we don't like that. As God we want to represent
the highest, the noblest idea of divinity, and that's why we choose to
live righteously. We live the life of ahimsa. We choose it, because we
know that we are God, not that God will judge you. You can do what you
want, of course; you can have fifty wives, fifty husbands, God will never
say anything. But is that the way we want to represent God? I don't think
so.
Love on the higher level is for all humanity. You can love fifty women,
you can love five hundred, you can love fifteen million galaxies of inhabitants,
but it's different than personal love. There are two levels, personal and
impersonal. On the personal, we have to take care of our family, love our
spouse and children, and discharge our duty the best we can. That's personal.
On the impersonal, we have to serve human beings with a very, very undiscriminating
and unconditional love.
That's what the sages of India, for thousands of years, since the beginning
of creation, have been teaching us, and have been showing as an example.
The sages are the embodiment of love and unconditional sacrifice. They
would not teach us ever to harm other sentient beings in the spirit of
ahimsa. That is the three dimensional level of ahimsa. On the other hand,
of course, God gives us free will.
Keep Noble And Pure
So, there is another point that I have just noted from the other speakers
before. They all tell us to live righteously -- all of these speakers,
the distinguished ones here. So why should we do that? If God doesn't judge
us, if God is undiscriminating, you can do what you want, that's true.
This is the only life, perhaps, that you know; why worry about moral obligation,
about loving responsibility, about being faithful, about being loving,
kind? Just enjoy!
Enjoyment is fine, but enjoy in a noble way, not in the animal way. That's
what the sages tell us. We can do anything we want and degrade ourselves
to the animal level; that's our absolute right. But is that the way we
want to live? I don't think the sages of India taught us, ever, this way.
Am I right? (Audience nod in agreement) Thank you.
There's another point about why we have to keep ourselves noble and pure.
Because people can see us -- the seers, the sages and the pure in heart
can see our aura. If we do something right, we are God-realized, we are
God-loving and one with God, our aura is golden, is brilliant. If we do
something wrong -- we hurt other people emotionally, physically, mentally
or spiritually -- our aura is dark. People can see us, so we cannot cheat.
That's why we have to keep ourselves beautiful. Yeah, like me. (Laughter
and applause)
I don't know what my aura looks like so I tried to make it golden with
the Indian embroidery. I don't have a very good habit of wearing this,
but I try hard. That's why I came late; please forgive me. I had to walk
like a fair lady...
So, as much as we put on make-up, we put on ties and beautiful dresses
to represent God to the world, outside, we must also put on make-up, a
beautiful dress of purity, Godliness and holy love, inside, so that we
can represent the true God within us.
Thank you very much for your patience. (Applause) End of the report. Please
give me a '10'.¡¹
Selected Questions & Answers
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai October 30, 1995 Hsihu, Formosa (Originally
In English)
Q: I have a practical problem due to previous yoga work which I did; I have
problems which most of Your initiates do not. That's with regard to entities,
to spiritual beings that are attached to me, and that causes me a great
deal of trouble. These creatures are not human; they are animal-related
creatures, and I have some of the appetites that these creatures have.
What I am hoping to find out is whether there is a way that I can rid myself,
be cleaned of these creatures, and progress in this spiritual practice?
M: How is your meditation?
Q: Well, I am able to hear the sound, and that's primarily what I work with
and concentrate on. I do the light meditation, faithfully, and I don't
expect too much that way; but the sound is strong.
M: That's the problem with the killing karma. That's why we try not to kill,
or the souls will attach to us. Even people who have abortions, they don't
know, the children's souls are attached to them all the time. Try to be
more patient and loving. Pray more to the inner Master. When God gives
us the free will to kill or not to kill, and we do kill, sometimes the
entities come. We may have made enemies with many people, many beings;
and now that we meditate because we want to run away from all this debt,
they come and obstruct us for a while. If we are determined to practice,
then they will leave, or they will benefit from our blessed atmosphere
and then become liberated themselves.
So the only thing is patience and love. Pray for these people, these entities,
these animals or whatever brothers. There was a book written about people
who have abortions. All the children stick to them, and they grow with
them. They grow just as normal children, because they don't have anywhere
else to go. They are supposed to be a child of yours, so their soul sticks
around. Because they are a different kind of entity than we are, their
vibrations are more negative than positive. So they will influence our
life in a very negative way.
They will make us sometimes sick, make some things go wrong, or we get
a headache or stomachache; and we don't know why. Because we can't see
these entities, these children hanging around us after the abortion.
Many people, they think it's pro-choice but it's pro-life. It's a life,
it's not a choice. Then it's also a life of misery you make for yourself
if you have an abortion. You have a lot of trouble, headache and sorrow;
and you don't know where it's from and why. Because of all these children
hanging around, all the Yin entities, not Yang entities. We belong to the
Yang. The children who are aborted belong to the Yin, the negative side
of life, the death side of life. Then they hang around us, they make our
lives very negative, very dark; they belong to the shadows of life, not
the real things.
So they influence us and make our lives not real, not bright, not always
on the positive, but half-negative, half-positive. It similar with killing
animals and other people, murdering and all that.
That's why you ask me about choice. Thus we make all these entities, or
we make friends with them or we make trouble with them. No, we don't make
trouble. There is no choice anymore now. There was a choice before. Free
will to be good or to be evil, to use the positive inside us or to use
the negative inside us, to kill or to spare lives, to kill or to do charity.
We do sometimes make the wrong choice. Therefore, we suffer the consequences
in this life, the life after or continuously until we pay the debt, clear
and clean. Should we make more of such choices or more of such karma, then
of course we continue to suffer again, maybe worse than this. That's why
we have the precepts. Don't do it again.
So whatever you did in the past, you suffer for, but in a limited way and
then after this you are finished. But if you continue without the precepts,
without a vegetarian diet, you will not know when to stop and you have
no fence, no regulations and no limit for the negative use of your power.
The precepts and the vegetarian diet are the way to help you to always
continue to go in the positive.
So whatever you did negative in the past, of course, you suffer the consequences
now. And the Master helps you to a certain extent only, otherwise you can't
develop. If the parents give the children -- bad and good -- the same candies,
the same treatment all the time, then the bad continue to do bad, and the
good also imitate the bad ones and do bad things. They say, "Well,
he has more fun, and he still gets the same love, the same treatment, so
why don't we have fun with him, and also our parents don't say anything."
The same love, the same treatment, the same reward, for bad and good. Then
it's no good! No good for the children, they cannot learn to distinguish
between bad and good.
Therefore, there is hell, there's a distinct punishment for each individual.
Not because God is not merciful, but we humans, we deserve it. There is
a film called "Lost Horizon." Have you seen it? If you haven't,
you should. There was a funny sentence that was very correct. He said:
"Well, this is a very beautiful place here, if everybody could come
here it would be beautiful, would be nice." And the other person said:
"If everybody comes here, it won't be beautiful anymore." (Laughter)
It's true, too. You know that very well.
Supposed I am very compassionate, very loving, very generous, very magnanimous,
treating everyone equally. I let the children roam around here; all the
people, non-initiates, come here with a bottle of alcohol in their hand
and walk on your head, from that corner to this and walk here and there,
anywhere. Then can you meditate here? Can you enjoy this peaceful atmosphere
which is made for you? No! And if you bring all your dogs and cats here
as well, then we're finished. For example. You know what I mean? It can't
be.
If we cannot be loving to our own people, or to our own dog and cat in
a certain place and certain time, how could God do that to us? So don't
complain that there are so many levels, or bad and good; there's heaven
and hell. It's necessary. Can all the people in this world really live
together in one place and peacefully? The answer is no. So don't ask for
world peace. Pray for it only. Pray and hope for world peace. Then the
dogs and cats will also want world peace, and the cows and buffaloes all
want world peace, because their worlds are not peaceful. We kill them.
They'll also stand up and say, "We also want world peace for us."
How can there be?
As long as all the human beings are following their negative tendencies,
there will always be retribution, lessons to learn for people to open their
eyes and their hearts to go back to the right side, or to the middle side,
to know what is the best way to handle, what is noble for them, what is
really a human being's nature. The way many people act is like animals.
Therefore, all these entities and all these possessed spirits and things
like that. Possession by spirits is karma, is retribution for what we did
in past lives. If we truly want to avoid it, then we must avoid it starting
from now. The past we can not change; we can minimize it by initiation,
by the precepts, by trying to follow the good life.
Sooner or later, that will be finished when we pay off the karma. If we
don't get initiation, we get even more entities than that. The lesser entities
are already taken care of; just the heavy ones, the burdens, the hard-headed
stay around, but they will go. For example, like that. And If we don't
get initiation, we are worse off than what we are or what we will be in
the future.
So actually it is not that after initiation everything is done, and then
you live in heaven all the time. You may do so if your karma is not so
bad, but some have to suffer a little hell for a while. Even now initiates,
sometimes they are not all good. They don't do what they are supposed to
do. They don't meditate. They just come here, hang around, look for a woman
or man, it is the same. Sometimes they create a very unpleasant atmosphere
for us. So some of them, I have to throw out. I am sorry if it disturbs
your compassionate heart but I have to protect other people, the more worthy.
Those people, after they know their mistakes and repent, they became better,
they will join you again.¡¹
Special Reports
London Overjoyed Wow! Master's In The U.K. My Journey With The Master
[Report From U.K. News Group]
T he godsend news that Master was coming to London to see fellow disciples
spread like lightning to every part of England. Overjoyed, fellow practitioners
quickly packed their luggage and rushed to London as soon as possible for
a blessed rendezvous with the revered and beloved Master.
The gathering was held at a vegetarian restaurant in London run by a fellow
initiate, which was also the new London Centre. Fellow practitioners crowded
in and waited anxiously, unable to conceal their excitement and emotion.
The Master that they had dreamt of day and night finally appeared wearing
a simple yet elegant casual dress, which was a perfect match to Her short
hairstyle. She looked gorgeously delicate and charming.
The weather in London was cold and windy with a persistent rain. To take
care of Her disciples worldwide, Master has to endure not only such cold
weather and physical exhaustion, but also the mental stress that is beyond
the imagination of ordinary humans. Master commented that though She had
crossed the Atlantic on an airplane to see the disciples, She felt as though
she had swum alone across the ocean. This is indeed true! Each time Master
wants to see disciples from around the world, She has to go through such
ordeals and bear such karma for Her disciples that it is like crossing
mountains and oceans all by Herself.
Speaking about Her homeless situation, Master issued a heartbreaking statement
that was identical to what Jesus Christ had said two thousand years ago:
Even the birds in the sky have their nests, but the Son of God is without
a home! Yes! Even the birds flying in the sky have a place to rest when
they are tired. Despite Her contributions and sacrifice for the world and
the universe, there is not one peaceful corner where She can recuperate
after Her endless work for sentient beings! With sighs of grief, fellow
practitioners became more determined to practice diligently to help ease
some of the pain that Master has to bear for their sake.
The gathering took place in a relaxed and carefree atmosphere. Apart from
sharing Her infinite wisdom and love, Master also gave handfuls of blessed
candies to everyone. All those present savored the sweetness and love from
heaven, and felt an indescribable bliss and contentment.
Master was aware of the frustrations of some married disciples, and encouraged
happily married initiates and non-initiates to share the secrets of their
success. When a couple were sharing their experience, the wife kept nodding
in approval while the husband was speaking. Master noted humorously: "No
wonder you have a happy marriage. Whatever the husband says, the wife nods
in agreement." Finally, Master concluded that each couple should feel
happy and blessed living with each other, and should care for each other.
To satisfy the longings of disciples, Master patiently and elaborately
answered their questions. In between, She again emphasized that the key
to spiritual practice lies in one's sincere desire to realize God and seek
liberation. Otherwise, it would be futile taking the initiation a thousand
times or meditating ten thousand years, She said. The merciful Master also
meditated and chanted the Holy Names with the disciples, blessing each
initiate and initiate-to-be. Bathed in Her infinite holy love, they felt
as exalted as though they were in heaven!
Master even stayed to have supper with the initiates. An atmosphere of
bliss and contentment pervaded throughout the meal.
The precious moments with Master are always fleeting, and soon it was after
midnight. She was exhausted by Her hectic schedule but had yet to take
a rest. Therefore, fellow practitioners bid a reluctant farewell: "Good
night, Master! Please take care!"
Looking out the window, one could see that it was still raining. It could
have been the tears of God so touched, or perhaps the tears of London overjoyed.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
By Brother Initiate Reuben in U.K. (Originally In English)
W ow! Master came to the U.K.!Let me tell you about that wonderful day.
It was just like we went to heaven!
It was a normal college day for me, except that in the afternoon I showed
a video of Master's lecture to a few interested students before going home.
No sooner had I arrived home, when I saw several urgent telephone messages
from fellow initiates. I telephoned a brother, who was already on his way
to the Edgware Center in North London. "Brother! Master is here! She's
in London and She's coming to the Edgware Center tonight to see us!"
he exclaimed excitedly.
When I heard this, it felt as if great waves of joy were crashing through
me, rising from deep inside my heart! I was yelping like an excited puppy!
All inhibitions had left me as I wallowed in the wonderful news. Quickly,
I grabbed a few things, running around the house, giggling to myself. "Master's
coming! Master's here!" My housemate could not understand what had
happened to me. Then I was out the door, and running to catch the train
to North London. I seemed to have boundless energy, running non-stop until
I reached the station. It was so great to be on my way to see Master!
Although it was already late in the day when I found out about Master's
visit, I was able to reach the Center in time before Master arrived. Amazingly,
everything was so well organised and in good time, despite the fact that
the first news of Master's visit had only reached the contact person that
very afternoon. At the Center, fellow brothers and sisters were buzzing
with excitement! The room was beautifully decorated with bunches of fresh
exotic flowers. Master's chair was decked out in shining white lace, and
surrounded with various foods to be blessed. All the brothers and sisters
were looking especially beautiful to greet Master, and everybody was radiant
with excitement! There were many fellow Initiates there whom I had not
seen before, because they live so far away from London. At a moment's notice,
they had dropped what they were doing and travelled long distances from
Scotland or from Northern England.
Suddenly, Master's car pulled up. My heart was in my throat because I was
in the back row right next to the entrance. Master came through the door,
stopped and said. "Oh, hello......!" I, and the sister standing
next to me, simultaneously stammered ".....Mmmmaa..." which,
in the international language of 'overwhelming excitement', means: "Hello
Master! It's so wonderful to see you!" Master looked so cute! She
wore a stylish hooded coat and was sporting a beautiful new hairstyle.
She went to the front of the hall, where Her chair was, then passed through
into the kitchen, before starting to talk and joke with us.
Master also told us that it was not easy for Her to be there. It was not
the physical journey which was so difficult, but the inner pressure on
Her that was so intense. She told us that it was difficult to explain,
because the suffering She feels cannot easily be understood or properly
expressed in languages of the world. To give us some idea, She said that
it would have been easier for Her to swim across the ocean to be there.
Really, She said, that would have meant less suffering for Her. I know
Master probably does not want us to know of Her inner suffering, but I
think perhaps if we knew how much She suffers, it might make us more diligent
in our meditation and practice, and encourage us to pray for less suffering
in this world.
After this valuable lesson, Master quickly made the atmosphere more joyful
by asking any happily married couples to tell of their joy in being together.
Then She asked us all to meditate. She even showed the non-practitioners
present how to do a simple form of meditation so that everyone in the room
could meditate together. We meditated for a short time and then Master
'woke' us from our samadhi! Thereafter, we all seemed to be one big happy
family. There was a single energy in the room, shared by all, so that even
though the space was small and the room packed, we did not feel too squashed.
Everybody was in a state of bliss. Master settled down to relax with us,
and jokingly said, "Ah... You make me work again, huh?" as fellow
initiates talked with Her and asked Her questions!
Master continually tossed sweets to us, as She talked to the people.It
was so charming. She even made efforts to toss sweets all the way to the
people at the back of the room. So there were sweets bouncing off people's
heads. Everybody was very amused. After Master had answered many questions,
we all ate together and, wow!The food was good! It was such a tasty meal
with many different and delicious dishes.
Unfortunately,Master had to leave because it was getting really late. We
waved good-bye to our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai with smiles full
of thankfulness for this wonderful blessing. The evening was over and we
went home full of bliss.Due to pressing work elsewhere, She had to leave
the U.K. very soon. But everyone was so elated after seeing Her and the
atmosphere of bliss is still here!Thank you, beloved Master for coming
to see us. Please, all encompassing Heavenly Father, may Master's suffering
be eased through our diligent meditation and prayers.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
By Would-Be-Initiate Victoria Valdes Jones, UK (Originally In English)
T hat day, I received a phone call from an initiate in an emotional state
somewhere between delirious and ecstatic. In a rush of excitement she informed
me that we had to leave for London immediately, as Supreme Master Ching
Hai was arriving that evening. I made arrangements to leave for London,
as soon as possible , and in my usual way accepted the situation without
any particular emotional attachment. Yes, I wanted to see the Master, yes,
I wanted to receive my initiation but I would accept whatever happened.
We left Chester in the north of England and drove for hours through one
rainstorm then another. Soon the fellow initiate's excitement was so contagious
that we could hardly concentrate on the dangerous driving conditions. We
talked incessantly all the way to London and arrived at the designated
location a little bit late. The place was buzzing with anticipation. Not
long after we arrived, Master walked in the door. I shall remember that
evening again and again as the start of my journey home.
I believe that the years before, when I thought I was on 'the journey',
were merely a preparation for it. I had the good fortune to be sitting
right in the front, at Master's feet. As I stared up at Her face I was
overcome by a feeling long forgotten, the innocence, trust and unconditional
love of a child toward her mother.Goodness and love seemed to embrace the
whole room.The world outside ceased to exist as we floated on a sea of
love. Master's love is like rivulets flowing from an inexhaustible source
of water.Like the flow of a river, till it reaches the source, it cannot
be stopped, instead it increases more and more. The flow of love was so
potent that I felt liberated from the influence of the illusionary world.
I remember reading once, that liberated souls are completely indifferent
to matter. I believe the Master was born on this Earth for the well-being
of all people.She does not live for any selfish reason, but for the welfare,
development and joy of others. Master's only interest is to guide us back
home. Her physical body is a shelter for others.She provides a transcendental
love service for those of us fortunate enough to follow Her.
If I never see Master again, having only seen Her once, I shall never forget
that evening, when overpowered by feelings of happiness, my heart was alive
with love. Master You are like the sun, Your love can travel everywhere,
and like the air Your love is all pervasive, penetrating our inner being
with peace. You've taught me that only with patience and perseverance can
we realize our goal. We must not trivialise or accept the superficiality
which has become commonplace in our daily lives. We must look beyond face
value to the beauty within. And lastly, we must remember that when we search
for enlightenment and eternal light, love comes with it.¡¹
Spiritual Interlude
Everyday Is A Wonderful Day Transferring Merits
By Sister Initiate Hsiaoyun, USA
O ne day our English teacher asked us to write an essay entitled "My
Worst Day!" After I received the assignment, I thought about it for
a long time but could not recall which was my worst day. Even if I did
encounter something slightly unpleasant, Master would solve it and let
me understand that the unpleasant incident was only meant to help me improve
myself and learn a lesson. Master often solved my problems in ingeniously
interesting ways, which afforded me much food for thought. I could not
help thinking, "Oh! Master is really wonderful!" I wanted to suggest to our English teacher that the topic be changed to
"My Most Wonderful Day!" In that case, I would be greatly inspired
because every day has been the most beautiful day ever since I have followed
Master.¡¹
¡i¡j==================
By Sister Initiate Pan Pan, Taipei, Formosa
When I was newly initiated, all I knew was to meditate and pray to Master
for help if I had any problem. I did not know that I should pray and transfer
the merits to others after meditation.
One day, a brother initiate said to me: "We have to know how to pray
correctly. We may pray that God gives us whatever is good for us."
Hence, after each meditation session, I would pray in this way, that was,
if I remembered to pray at all.
At the end of each group meditation session, I always sang along with everyone
the Verses for Transferring Merits, but I had no idea what it was for.Neither
did I know that there is merit to be derived from meditation.One evening
after the group meditation, a brother initiate announced, "Let us
transfer the merit of today's meditation to all sentient beings in hopes
that they will be enlightened soon."Only then did I know the meaning
of "merit transfer" and only then did I realize that meditation
could generate merit that could be transferred to other people. Since that
day, I have transferred the merits of my meditations to all sentient beings.
One day while I was meditating, I suddenly felt that Master was physically
unwell; I was so upset that I cried. Therefore, during that meditation
session, I prayed to God to bestow good health on Her.
Of course, I would also pray for myself when needed, but I found that I
didn't really have to pray much for myself; in many aspects Master is already
taken good care of me. Often it is when I sincerely pray for the world
and all sentient beings that I have very good experiences.¡¹
Master's Wonders
Master Took Dad To Heaven Grandpa's Liberation Christ Ching Hai A Saint's Blessing
By Sister Initiate Li Jinbao, Nantou, Formosa
Recorded By Sister Initiate Yang Suxiang, Nantou, Formosa
B rother Wang died of diabetes during the 1998 Chinese New Year holiday,
leaving behind sister Li and two young daughters. The news came as a shock
to fellow initiates, for brother Wang had been to the Center to help with
the spring cleaning right before Chinese New Year. Who would have thought
that he would leave so silently within just a few days!
One week before his death, brother Wang was reading the Supreme Master
News magazine after his morning meditation when he said casually, "If
I die, please let me go quietly. Don't make too much fuss about it. Throw
my ashes into the sea and return to celebrate with singing and dancing.
Just be happy!" His younger daughter chimed in delight, "That
is when we will play Master's song
On New Year's Eve, brother Wang suddenly collapsed from exhaustion. Sister
Li rushed him to the hospital but he remained in poor condition until his
death. One day after he was hospitalized, sister Li was putting away the
clothes when her elder daughter said, "Mom, let me help you take Dad's
clothes outside and burn them." These abrupt words sounded ominous,
but refusing to believe that her husband might soon pass away, sister Li
responded, "Not yet, your father has not gone." Two days later,
brother Wang passed away. Master had prepared sister Li for her husband's
death through her daughter's words. Although she had refused to admit it,
down in her heart, she knew it was true.
The night after brother Wang died, sister Li had a hard time falling asleep.
Suddenly her younger daughter began to talk in her sleep and the words
broke the silence of the night. "Master has taken dad away! Master
has taken dad away! She has taken him to heaven!" These few simple
words shook the air and put sister Li's mind to rest, removing all her
worries and grief. Master had led brother Wang to a happy and carefree
life in heaven. The living ones have no reason to grieve!
Throughout the funeral procession, Master's Buddha chanting tape was played
and the ceremony was held in the most simple way. Initiates who attended
the funeral experienced a wonderful feeling they had never had before.
Everyone felt relaxed and joyful. It was as though they were not having
a funeral but a celebration of life. It was then that they understood why
Chuang Tzu of the ancient times sang and beat a pot upon the death of his
wife. The truth is: he was celebrating the birth of the deceased into another
world. For the initiates, it was an enlightening moment on the true meaning
behind the words, "to live is to die, to die is to live".
We owe it to the universal supreme method transmitted by Master that we
now know our destiny and the true meaning of life. Through this method,
we have learnt to cherish our lives, practice more diligently, and seek
liberation from the illusion and fear of death. Of course, these are only
the fringe benefits of practicing the Quan Yin Method. The true joy of
practice comes as in drinking water when only he who drinks knows the taste.
As the Buddha said, "It is beyond words!"¡¹
¡i¡j======================
N ovember 19, 1997, on the afternoon when my grandpa was dying, I fell asleep
and in a dream I saw Supreme Master Ching Hai with an enormous beam of
light behind Her. She gave me the biggest and most beautiful pearl that
I could ever imagine. She said, "Take it!"
Very soon, my deceased great-grandmother appeared beside Master and spoke
to me, "My child, take the pearl! It will quickly strengthen you for
the imminent...."
I woke up at that moment.Shocked by this dream, I immediately went to see
grandpa and found him in cardiac arrest. By some overwhelming power, I
bravely tried my best to save him. I calmed down my family, called the
ambulance, and gave grandpa a massage. Calmly and with a clear mind, I
continued to help him until the last moment.
It did not take me long to realize that he was slipping away. After grandpa
was rushed to the hospital, I started to meditate "in my own way"
and had a vision. I saw the horizon, and that my grandpa and I had no body.
I also perceived many energies which seemed locked in a field. My grandpa
and I were heading towards the horizon. He seemed to be "disoriented"
but earnestly and confidently I said, "Master, would you please accompany
my grandpa to the light?" Then I told grandpa: "Just follow Master!
You must go to the light. I have to go back now!" My relatives told
me to be quiet because I was talking loudly.
At that moment, I wanted to come back, but I felt afraid of getting lost,
because there were many other lights around me that looked like doors.
However, I did not go astray. I was a bit afraid yet very content upon
my return, because I saw a big energy behind grandpa. I also realized that
there was an extremely great presence, and knew it was Master. I saw the
light on the horizon. At that moment, grandpa was taking his last breath
of life.
Note: My parents are practicing the Convenient Method. My mother had introduced
Master's teachings to grandpa, and he received acupuncture treatment by
a doctor practicing the Quan Yin Method. I came to know about Master's
teachings by reading Her books and the News magazines. When I recounted
my experience to a Quan Yin messenger, she told me, "Don't be afraid
or sad." I have felt much better since then, because I know Master
was there with grandpa in the last moments of his life.¡¹
¡i¡j======================
On September 14, 1996 in Hamilton, Ohio, U.S.A. I woke up early and meditated
in my family's meditation room. After meditating for a couple of hours,
I went back to my room and lay down to continue to enjoy that blissful
feeling. As soon as I lay down, a strong sound current came to pull my
soul out of my body.
This miraculous experience has happened to me many times since I have been
practicing the Quan Yin meditation. As usual, my soul flew very quickly
through a black tunnel, and when I got out of the tunnel, I saw many bright
suns emanating bright rays like silver threads. The light was like a stream
of pure nectar pouring over me. The beautiful light cleansed my soul of
all corruption, and I flew toward the light and felt overcome with peace
and happiness.
Finally, I stopped at a place where a scripture appeared before my eyes.
I was very happy when I opened the book and found that it was about our
beloved Master Ching Hai. It stated on the very first page, "The merits
of Christ Ching Hai are innumerable." I turned a few more pages, and
it read, "...Her merits cannot be counted." The whole scripture
described how Christ Ching hai has saved sentient beings and also stated
that Her compassion was very great which made me admire Her very much.
The book's holy psalms praised Supreme Master Ching Hai's greatness and
grand work for the benefit of all sentient beings. I could not believe
that this greatest Master in the universe was my Master. She is our Saviour.
After reading about Master, I flew back home and returned to my physical
body with many touching feelings and great happiness flowing through me.
This inner experience was so real that I remained awake the whole time.
I cried out of happiness and joy. I am very honored that She has accepted
me as Her disciple.
Now I know that my Master is "Christ Ching hai," who is spreading
the Supreme Method among worldly people. I promise to practice the Quan
Yin Method more diligently and look upon Her as a bright example to follow.¡¹
¡i¡j======================
I nitiation into the Quan Yin Method has brought many wonderful experiences
-- both inner and outer, as electric current flows between Master and disciples.
As Master says, She acts without being conscious of Her actions because
an enlightened master shows his grace the way he casts his sacred shadow.
The saints do not know what their shadows do, but the sentient beings benefit
from their blessings. This testifies to the fact that Master is the compassionate
parent from eternity.
Your Name Is Inscribed In My Heart
In 1995, my first assignment on joining Master's work teams to spread Her
teachings was to arrange subtitles to the right length for input on video
tapes for the translation group. Once a lecture delivered by Master in
a foreign language has been translated into Chinese, Formosan disciples
work the subtitles into approximate length according to the Chinese syntax
and punch in the commands on a computer keyboard for use on video tapes.
It is a fairly simple job but amazingly I found myself progressing faster
in my spiritual practice after I joined the team. I am not sure whether
it was a bonus from Master or a result of better concentration. My intangible
yet wonderful experiences often bring tears to my eyes whenever I see Master.
I am joyful and grateful for it all but I do not know how to express my
gratitude.
Not long after I joined the work group, I saw in my dream a library-like
place that Master mentioned in Her lecture "The Mystery of the World
Beyond" -- the akashic records at the second level. I immediately
became so happy and excited that I went through all the books at an incredible
speed. I read one after another all within moments. To a bookworm like
me, this experience was a great encouragement.
Soon afterward, early one morning, I saw in my sleep a bright red sign
whirling around. I was stunned by the holy and miraculous scene. Then a
telephone ring woke me up. It was a brother initiate informing me that
there was a video tape to review. When I arrived, I learned that the tape
was entitled " Your Name Is Inscribed In My Heart ". The title
did not quite register in my mind then. However, as I watched and heard
Master answer disciples' questions, I was deeply moved to learn that a
mark is inscribed on one's soul after one is initiated. I realized then
that such transcendental teachings can only be given by Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Inner Experience By Reading "Silent Tears"
In 1996, I was once asked to teach Chinese to young initiates during the
weekly group meditation session. I chose the audio cassette "Silent
Tears" as teaching material and the children's singing sounded sweet
and joyful. Also, I thought the young initiates should be able to understand
the teachings given in an active way. When my job was done, I received
a very interesting reward. I dreamed of an energetic monkey with bright
fur. And it was clothed! I was perplexed by this dream. However, days later,
I opened the "Silent Tears" and found the answer to my dream.
The book mentions a monkey disciple. Master let him to give me a friendly
hello!
Field Of Blessings
In 1987, when I first met my husband, neither of us were initiates. However,
because both of us enjoyed searching for the Truth, six months after our
wedding we were initiated by Master.
I had a vivid dream some time after I met my husband. A friendly green
dragon with shiny scales appeared on the clouds, looking very life-like
and smiling at me. This was a special and mysterious dream and it was not
until several years later that I understood it. One day as I was flipping
through the "Silent Tears" I saw this same scene in the book.
An auspicious dragon was flying through the clouds above a green field
of blessings. Master had appeared to Her two lost sheep long before our
initiation dramatically in a dream. This dream is vividly imprinted on
my mind and flashes back to me even today.
Master's Transformation Body
Many disciples from Master's work groups have observed how She responds
to prayers for help and blessings. Just how true was it? At the end of
1995, once we needed to discuss some assignment on a group meditation day
in Hsihu. We took a bus from Taipei. All through the journey, we could
hear Master's chanting tape and feel the strong benedictory power. When
we were almost there, Master came in a vision to me. She sat down on the
wooden floor with us. The three of us in the working team listened to Her
attentively. Just exactly what She said, I could not remember with this
human mind, but She was so much at ease as She taught us slowly and patiently
how to do the work.
On arriving in Hsihu, the three of us met as previously arranged. A resident
disciple guided us into a work room with a wooden floor. He sat down. So
did the three of us, in exactly the same spots as I had seen earlier in
my vision on the bus. Only this time, it was the resident disciple sitting
in the spot that Master had occupied. Of course, he looked very much different
from Master. But Master worked through him giving the instructions lovingly
and patiently. At that moment, I understood everything and the work that
I had assumed would be difficult was all taken care of in detail.
After the meeting, a sister in the group asked me: "Didn't you say
in Taipei that you had some opinion about the work? Why didn't you share
it with us?" I smiled, because Master had come to teach us earlier.¡¹
Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 91
91
In the highest state you are able to function in daily life just as an
ordinary
being while having a super awarenes, surpassing that of the mind computer,
of all things that are going on in the universe.~ Supreme Master Ching
Hai ~
Vegetarian Era | The Reasons For Becoming A Vegetarian - Health, Energy and Compassion | It's Wonderful Being A Vegetarian
Elevation Of The Soul
Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Audiotapes
CR18 (In Chinese)
Inborn Photographic Memory
International 4-Day Retreat, Sydndy, Australia
& European 4-Day Retreat, London, U.K.
Spirituality Needs Leisure & Freedoom (1-4)
International 4-Day Retreat, Bangkok, Thailand
October 22-25, 1997
CL11 (Re-edited In Chinese)
The Original Source Of All Things (1-2)
Kaoshiung Formosa January 10, 1990
The Difference Between Gradual & Sudden Enlightenment (1-2)
Kaoshiung Formosa January 11, 1990
One Can Be Liberated By Catching A Glance Of An Enlightened Master
Pingtung Formosa January 12,1990
Why It Is Difficult To Follow Completely The Instructions Of An
Enlightened Master
Pingtung Formosa January 13, 1990
CL12A
Understanding The Law Of Cause & Effect Before You Can
Discriminate Between The Good & Bad (1-2)
Taipei Formosa March 2, 1990
The Act Of Charity Alone Does Not Lead One To Liberation (1-2)
Taipei Formosa March 15, 1990
CL12B
To Love Others Is To Love Oneself (1-2)
Tainan Formosa March 15, 1990
The 32 Marks Of Physical Excellence Of A Buddha (1-2)
Tainan Formosa March 16, 1990
CL13
The Best Way To Attack An Enlightened Master (1-2)
Taipei Formosa April 19, 1991
Meditation Is The Source Of Love (1-2)
Taipei Formosa April 20, 1991
Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu & The Heavenly Music (1-2)
Taipei Formosa February 28, 1993
CL14
The Meaning Of Freedom (1-3)
Hwalien Formosa March 21, 1989
Mistakes Happen Under Pressing Circumstances
Yilan Formosa July 5, 1989
The Moden Refugees (1-2)
Hwalien Formosa July 27, 1989
Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotape
[In English]
Ching Hai Day Celebration
Bangkok, Thailand October 25, 1997
Spot Light
Music Therapy The Importance Of Music
By Sister Initiate Pipi, Taipei, Formosa
"Music therapy" has been a popular topic of research by physiological
and psychological experts, who have recently released data and statistics
supporting the fact that music can affect the entire body. That means,
when one is listening to music, the sensation is not just limited to the
hearing organs and the hearing nerves in the brain, the reception is omni-directional.
When one is in an environment pervaded by music, one's "whole body"
is "listening" and reacting. Music has been found to produce
a three-dimensional influence on the human body by affecting the secretion
and transmission of the neurotransmitter polyphenol.
Some scientists have made use of the transmission quality of water by having
deaf people "listen" to music in this liquid. Of course, they
do not listen with their defective ears; rather, they "listen"
with their bodies. In the water, they can sense the sound vibrations, which
make the hearing nerves in their brain feel the music.
Therefore, we can clearly understand the power of music and its therapeutic
effects. In physics terminology, "music" and "sound"
are defined as that generated by objects in intense vibration which is
transmitted into the surrounding air, changing the air density and producing
sound waves of different wavelengths. When these sound waves spread and
reach our eardrums, they stimulate the hearing nerves and yield a sound
effect. This brings us to the conclusion that sound is one of many forms
of vibration. Light and sound are actually two aspects of one and the same
thing. Vibration is perceived by the eyes as light, and received by the
ears as sound. Sound is audible light, and light is visible sound. The
interface between the intangible light and tangible substances is the sound
which falls somewhere between the tangible and intangible, serving as a
transformer or rectifier between the two.
The sound wave is a path or bridge for communication. When we come home
physically exhausted, we play some light music and let it pervade the whole
room, and we feel much relaxed after a while. It is because, after the
connection between our physical body and soul has been severed, the sound
wave of music becomes a bridge that helps the constricted energy to circulate
smoothly, and thus revitalizes our exhausted body. This resembles the ribbon
exercises that children do. The ribbon stick is held and shaken vigorously
up and down to create a sequence of waves that are transmitted along the
ribbon, from the energizing end to the free end until the waves become
uniform.
1. ------, the stable ribbon.
2. --, energy transmitting from one end to the other
3. , equal vibration at both ends
From a video tape for educational purposes about the work of Children's
Development Center, Cambridge British, I saw how musical therapy was used
to help a child with multiple deficiencies. The little girl was unable
to speak a whole sentence and could not calm down due to emotional handicaps.
At her first treatment, the therapists failed to establish a friendship
with her. Unable to cope with the strange surroundings and people, she
kept screaming and wailing, and even became aggressive.
To divert her attention, a therapist suddenly played a few loud and harsh
"musical" notes on the piano. The child was amazed to hear a
sound even more powerful than her wailing. Her curiosity was aroused, her
puzzled expression indicating her interest in finding out where this strange
sound came from. And she calmed down.
The therapist stopped banging down on the piano keys. Instead, she switched
to a soft and melodious tune, and even imitated the sounds of animals in
order to develop an understanding and friendship with the child. Gradually,
through musical activities, rhythmic exercises and games, the child became
free of agitation and felt herself on firmer ground. She began to have
greater confidence in the surroundings and in herself. Simple utterances
slowly gave way to melodious humming. After a period of two years in which
she also received a language therapy, she was finally able to speak in
complete sentences.
A teacher of mine was originally introvert, shy and quiet by nature. However,
heshe changed completely into a lively, active, and cheerful person after
studying at the Orff Institute of Salzburg. The institute had employed
instructional techniques that were often used by musical therapists.
Martin Luther once said, "All music lovers are endowed with heaven's
grace."
I am sure that fellow Quan Yin practitioners can best understand the meaning
of this statement. As a popular advertisement goes, "Children who
learn music won't become bad!" Just by playing music or receiving
treatment using musical instruments, patients have been found to overcome
their depression and become cheerful and self-confident; even children
who cannot receive normal education due to multiple mental deficiencies
can be taught to speak and overcome their restlessness and bad temper.
As we practice the supra-worldly sound of the Quan Yin Method, the sound
current will definitely pervade our body, heart and mind to purify and
elevate us, and take us back to the magnificent homeland of our souls-the
heavenly kingdom. This is the truly superb "musical therapy"
that transcends all else!¡¹
¡i¡j==============================
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai , MEXICO
April 1, 1993 (Originally In English)
Q : What's the importance of music in our lives? Does it have any importance
?
M: Yes. It does. It's very important. This is why many people in mental
hospitals use music as one of the healing instruments. And sometimes after
a hard day's work, we listen to some soft soothing music. It's very relaxing
and recharging. And in some of the factories they put music so that the
people work better. But that's only the outer music. Can you image how
more beneficial it is if we listen to the inner music, the music from heaven,
which initiation will help you to rediscover.
This music is the word of God. It will give us more and more wisdom, more
and more intelligence each day. Together with the light of God, it will
bring us closer and closer to the Father, and then tell us everything in
this non-verbal language how to handle our daily lives. That's how the
life of the initiates becomes better, more comfortable, more intelligent
and nearer to God each day.¡¹
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai United Nations N.Y. U.S.A.
June 26, 1992 (Originally In English)
It sounds too religious when we say the Kingdom of God. It's actually just
some level of higher consciousness. The people in the old days, they said
that it is heaven, but in scientific terms, we can say it is a different
higher level of knowledge, a higher level of wisdom. This we can have access
to, should we know how.
So lately in America, we have all heard of the latest invention -- that
people even have a machine to put you into samadhi. Have you experienced
this? You haven't? No? It's in America, four hundred to seven hundred,
depending on what level you want. This is for the lazy people who don't
want to meditate, just want to be right in samadhi. Now, in case you don't
know, I'll be brief about that.
They say that this kind of machine can put you into a relaxed mental state
then you will achieve a high level of IQ. That's supposed to give you high
knowledge, high wisdom and then you feel great, etc etera. This machine
uses some selected outer music, so you need earphones, and then they put
some electric, probably, currents that stimulate you, Then you probably
see some flashes. So you need also a blindfold. The earphones and a blindfold,
that's all you need for samadhi. This is very good, and four hundred dollars
-- very cheap. But our samadhi is even cheaper, it costs nothing, and it's
forever. You don't need to charge with batteries or electricity, plug in,
plug out; or in case the machine goes out of order, you don't need to go
and fix it.
Now, even if the artificial light and music can make people become so relaxed
and so wise -- it is supposed to give them this, but I have only read in
a newspaper what it's supposed to do, I haven't tried it myself. So that's
why it is very hot and has sold a lot, I've heard. Even these artificial
things can put us into a relaxed mood and increase our IQ, then can you
imagine how much the real thing can help us in our wisdom? The real thing
is beyond this world but it's accessible to every man, should we want to
contact it. This is the inner heavenly music and the inner heavenly sound.
And depending on the intensity of the inner light or inner music, we can
push ourselves beyond this world, go into a deeper level of understanding.
I guess it's just like the laws of physics. If you want to send some rocket
beyond gravity, you have to have a lot of pushing power behind it. Also
when it flies very fast it emanates some light. So I guess when we go fast
into the beyond, we also, radiate some light, and can hear the sound.
The sound is a kind of vibrational power that pushes us into the higher
levels, but it does that without any noise, without much trouble and no
cost and no discomfort to the "experiencer". That's the way to
go into the beyond.
And what is beyond this world that is better than our world? Everything
that we can imagine and cannot imagine. Once we experience it, then we
know. No one else can tell us really. But we have to be persistent in that,
and we have to be truly sincere.¡¹
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai in Canada
February 26, 1991 (Originally In English)
So, Quan Yin means contemplating the sound. Now, I'll explain something
more about the sound so that you understand. In order to practice to be
near God we must follow the source, the stream, the life current -- to
go back to where it comes from because we come from that. Just like the
river, if we go along the river side, we'll go back to the source where
the river comes from. Now the sound manifests itself in many stages. The
coarsest stage is in this world.
And we hear many things -- music, talking, language. We use this kind of
visible or audible sound to the ordinary ears to communicate and even to
transmit some of the understanding of the invisible sound. The invisible
sound is God, which is also connected with this visible sound, but in a
finer, in a more subtle degree. Once we understand what the so-called master
or our teacher or our guide says about the invisible sound, and that we
want to connect with that source, through the spoken words, then after
instruction by this teacher or guide or expert, we can contact the finer
sound which is above this physical sound, above this physical world. We
must raise our consciousness higher in order to catch this sound.
Now our consciousness is just stuck in the physical body in different directions.
Through the eyes, it sees things. Through the ears, it hears the sounds
of the physical world. Through the touch, it experiences the surroundings
and all the entities, and all the existing objects in this world. But if
we withdraw this so-called consciousness to a certain point in the body,
for example, here (Master points to the wisdom eye). Then, we can rise
higher through this door to a more subtle world, in order to experience
the more subtle levels of consciousness, the more subtle existences or
worlds, and hear the more subtle sound.
But the subtle sound also connects with this physical sound, too. But it's
just on a different level. In order to hear that, we must be concentrated
and somewhat distracted from the outer environment for a while. And the
so-called masters or experts should be able to help us to do this in no
time, immediately. That's why it's called immediate enlightenment. Enlightenment
means we can see light. The light in us is enlightened. Now, we can see
light or the heavenly world and hear the sound of the higher world. That's
what's called enlightenment, through the process of sound connecting with
the original sound of the universe, which is the "word" in the
Bible, or the sound of many waters, etc. in the Buddhist Sutras. Anyone
who is able to help us to connect ourselves with this original sound or
God's energy, is called a master.¡¹
Pearls Of Wisdom
God's Light and Sound The Right Way
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hawaii, U.S.A.
March 27,1993 (Originally In English)
The light and sound of God come when we are in deep communion with Hirm,
when we sincerely want to go back to where we came from. The light comes
like a flash, like lighting, like thousands of suns, like colorful rainbows,
like a beautiful electric shock. It thrills your whole body; it thrills
every nerve, every cell in your body and renews your body, spirit and mind,
and makes you become like a newborn baby. You become innocent, but intelligent;
you become patient but very wise, very active and very fast reacting.
The sound, it's just like a kind of condensed light, but more concentrated,
more powerful. Sometimes if you sit in mediation after initiation or sometimes
when you're in very deep prayer, it can happen that the sound vibrates,
comes like thousands of musical instruments at one time. But it doesn't
deafen your ears at all, and it doesn't hurt your eyes when you see thousands
of suns inside. It doesn't hurt your ears when you hear thousands of kinds
of violins or a great orchestra from heaven playing this tune. Then that
uplifts you to the heavenly abode and lets you experience different dimensions
of the universe, and lets you know a different power which begins to emerge
within your own being. That's just about as simple as I can explain it
to you; otherwise, these things aren't related to human experiences at
all. We never experience such things in human terms and human existence.
Therefore, it's difficult to tell you about them in words. I can only invite
you to experience them.
¡i¡j======================
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Pune India
November 22, 1997 (Originally In English)
There's only one way to live our lives, and that's the right way. There's
no other way. The choices in our lives make us God or anti-God, even though
Indian philosophy teaches us that we're all God, and God is within us.
But if we make the wrong choice, we go in the opposite direction. God creates
both light and darkness, good and evil, so that we'll be able to understand,
to know, to exercise our wisdom to choose the right way. Some of us tend
sometimes to give in to weakness and forget that the price of strength,
the price of honoring our own ideal is greater than material gain, much,
much greater. We have to strive for that. We have to honor ourselves by
choosing the right way.
God gives us free will; of course Hes never says, "You must do this,
and you must do that or I will punish you." Punishment comes from
us, comes from our own conscience. We know what's wrong and what's right,
and when we do something wrong and don't feel good, that's our punishment.
It's worse than hell when our conscience feels very, very bad about what
we've done. And when we feel good about it, that means we're doing God's
will. So Hes gives us the free will to choose, and lets us remind ourselves
and the world that we have to choose Hiers way. That's the only way to
represent ourselves if we think that we're God; if we think that we're
one with God, that God even dwells within us, then we have to represent
that.
Front Line
By Ju Er
T he mere mention of Mongolia would bring to mind the vast grass plains,
cattle and sheep feeding on the pasture, and the exotic scenery. However,
never in my life did I dream that I would one day visit Ulan Bator, the
capital of Mongolia, in the cold, snowy winter. Looking down at the Gobi
Desert from the airplane, great indeed is the wonder of creation. A white
blanket of snow completely covered the towering mountains and deep valleys,
dissolving time and space into eternity. The holy and serene atmosphere
awed the passengers on the plane.
The Mongolian people, widely acclaimed as the "glorious sons of heaven,"
are born with the dignified demeanor of a spiritual practitioner. The national
flag of Mongolia is based on the diagram of Tai Chi which is full of spiritual
meaning. I have heard that it is a Mongolian tradition to send the most
handsome, intelligent and healthy son of the family to a temple to become
a lama. A lama is believed to bring glory to his clan. The Mongolians treat
animals well. In the heavy snow, occasionally we could see wild deer nudging
and birds pecking at the door and windows begging for food, even in the
big cities! Today, these ancient people with a history of beautiful legends
are about to savor the nectar of Truth!
An Enthusiastic District Chief
The Supreme Master Ching Hai winter relief activities (please refer to
Supreme Master News Issue No. 90) have evoked positive feeling among Ulan
Bator residents. One day, at the end of January of 1998, the telephone
rang at the local Center. It was Bayinchiruho District Chief Suha Bator
calling to say he would like to pay us a visit. He had, upon reading a
pamphlet of Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method, immediately
realized that Master is preaching the Truth. He visited the residents in
his district informing them about this wonderful method and found that
the people were eager to learn more about Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings.
He was here at the Ulan Bator Center to invite fellow practitioners to
meet with the people in his district and answer their questions. The Center
subsequently held a series of video lecture seminars, and many people asked
for the initiation. Most of these initiates-to-be had very good experiences.
One saw a rainbow as soon as he closed his eyes, while others perceived
indescribable visions. Despite the not-too-short distance from their community
to the Center, these initiates-to-be often joined the group meditation
in a show of sincerity that was truly touching.
District Chief Suha Bator proposed to his superiors that members of the
Ulan Bator Center be invited to teach local inhabitants vegetable farming
and foreign languages, and thus enrich their lives. He also planned to
offer the Center long-term use of a conference hall for the purposes of
sharing Master's teachings with the public.
God's Incredible Arrangements
During our stay, events which first appeared to be coincidental proved
otherwise later. While decorating the Ulan Bator Center, fellow practitioners
thought just how wonderful it would be if they could hang up a painting
by Master, and wasted no time borrowing a picture entitled the "The
Night View of Yang Ming Mountain" from a neighboring country. As soon
as it was in place, a visitor arrived and seemed to be enthralled by it.
He looked at it closely for quite a while before revealing that he had
seen it in a dream six months ago. This was only one of many stories of
its kind.
Sons And Daughters Of The Great Desert
The first Mongolian to seek initiation received a Russian edition of Master's
sample booklet while on a train bound for Russia. He was moved to tears
by the book. He later showed the Quan Yin messenger his much-treasured
sample booklet. The cover was a bit worn out and almost every line in the
text was highlighted. One could hardly imagine how many times he must have
read it. After learning the Convenient Method, the initiate-to-be left
home before dawn each morning and walked all the way to the Center for
morning group meditation before going to work. This went on for weeks until
the Center moved to a new location. We might note that the temperatures
in Mongolia could be minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius in the early morning!
This initiate-to-be was anxious to know more about Master's teachings and
decided to learn English in order to be able to listen to Her words. He
was always on the frontline when the Center had work to do, and he showed
great enthusiasm in introducing Master's teachings to others.
A historian specializing in the history of Genghis Khan received a copy
of Master's sample booklet and read it over and over again that very night,
wanting to learn more. He expressed his joy that an enlightened master
like Supreme Master Ching Hai would be there in Mongolia to show the people
the way. And he shared with us a secret: Genghis Khan also meditated. Before
making major decisions or going to the battlefields, the great conqueror
would meditate and pray to the Longevity Heaven for protection. After learning
the Convenient Method of Meditation, the historian found himself feeling
greatly relaxed, and he looked forward to a future visit by Master. Thanks
to his efforts, many souls in Ulan Bator have found their refuge.
A lady of Mongolian aristocratic descent happened to be the relative of
a renowned lama. Due to her family background and extensive social connections,
she knew people from many different faiths and spiritual paths, but had
never been inspired to study their teachings in depth. However, things
turned out differently when she saw Master's eyes. "Her crystal clear
eyes seemed to penetrate one's soul. There is nothing one can hide from
Her," she said. She also noted that Master's countenance has convinced
her that She must have been a king or royal lady in Her past lives. Finding
much appeal in Master's teachings, she read the sample booklet and was
certain that she had found the ultimate goal of her life. Unable to contain
her excitement and emotions, she came to the Center with her daughters
the next day for meditation lessons. "Master's teachings are more
precious than gold and jewels," she said.
¡@
Mongolian Tradition Vegetarian
The Mongolians have followed a vegetarian tradition since ancient times.
Even today, they continue to observe a vegetarian diet during the summer
months on the pasture. Their principal foods are dairy products. (For details,
please refer to the Media Report in this issue -- Mongolian Shoulder Post.)
When asked what comprises a vegetarian diet, fellow practitioners kept
up the good tradition of the supreme family, rolled up their sleeves, and
volunteered to "cook you well!" These clumsy chefs greatly impressed
their guests, including a university chancellor and his wife, with their
culinary "skills". The chancellor suggested that we hold a vegetarian
cooking class at his university and provide the students with nutritious
vegetarian meals, because he was concerned about the health of the whole
university. This miraculous invitation was a great encouragement to fellow
practitioners. If we act purely out of the sincerity of serving others,
and pray to Master for help, the results will definitely be satisfactory.
Knowing that the method imparted by Master can revitalize the souls of
the people. He recognized the importance of spiritual practice and found
time to bring his wife (a doctor) and a doctor from the university to the
Ulan Bator Center to try the vegetarian food and learn the Convenient Method
of meditation. He also offered to help to speed up the translation of Master's
books into Mongolian.
The Mongolian people, warm and romantic by nature, were impressed by Master's
work of art. A fashion designer showed a particular interest in the generous
use of the color gold in Master's collection, which in his opinion was
in accord with their "great desert culture". The sample booklet
in Mongolian showed on its cover a photo of Master wearing a golden robe
and a snow-white cape. This brought many comments that She looked exactly
like a monarch of the desert. No wonder Master has attracted the attention
of so many sons and daughters of the desert!
Preaching In A Lama Temple
On the first visit to a lama temple, the chief lama and deputy lama received
them personally, despite their busy schedule. Chief Lama D. Dambajav was
a religious consultant to the Mongolian president, and was known for his
open attitude toward other religious sects. Knowing that Master is teaching
the Supreme Method as indicated in the Buddhist scriptures, the chief lama
invited us to deliver a lecture in his temple, and even volunteered to
act as interpreter. He also offered to do the same for Master if She came
to Mongolia. Fellow practitioners commended on his openness and asked him
jokingly: "Aren't you afraid that your followers might run to Supreme
Master Ching Hai?" The chief lama answered with a sense of humor,
"It'd be better then for all of us to build an ashram so we can practice
together."
The evening before the video lecture at the temple, fellow practitioners
worked throughout the night preparing hundreds of vegetarian buns for God's
children the next day. When Sunday (Feb. 1, 1998) dawned, a huge crowd
gathered in the grand hall for the lecture and all the lamas in the temple
took their seats. After the Chief Lama D.Dambajav and Deputy Lama Ch. Tsedendamba
had introduced Master, we showed a videotape of Her lecturing in Thailand
in 1993.
When the dignified and magnificent Master appeared on the screen in a brilliant
gold-colored dress with Her right shoulder exposed, it seemed as though
the Buddha's statue in the hall had come to life. Subdued exclamations
of admiration could be heard in the hall. The audience listened very attentively
to the translation; some people even jotted down notes.
At the end of the lecture, members of the audience came forward at the
instructions of the chief lama to respectfully receive copies of the sample
booklet and buns that had been offered to the Buddha. Very humbly they
prostrated before Master's photo, while fellow practitioners talked them
about how to cook vegetarian food. Outside the hall, people lingered, eager
to ask questions and learn more.
Several days later, the chief lama accompanied fellow initiates to the
109 Children's Home in the suburbs to distribute clothes and gifts to the
orphans. Holding colorful balloons imprinted with Supreme Master Ching
Hai's name in their hands, these little angels sang a song to express their
gratitude for Master's love. The director and teachers happily received
the sample booklets. News of this event of love and compassion was broadcast
on the Ulan Bator Radio that evening.
Not Hesitating At the Gateway To Liberation
We left Ulan Bator early in the morning when the city was asleep. As we
approached the airport, we saw a white city gate built in ancient style.
Up in the blue sky above Mongolia, the moon and stars looked especially
misty, as though taking people back to their age-old memories. It is the
same old moon shining above the modern city! Innumerable souls have come
and gone, transmigrating for centuries in the cycle of birth and death.
We pray that the Longevity Heaven would bless its children and steer them
away from hesitation toward the gateway of liberation.¡¹
Bible Story
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,Penghu, Formosa,March 6, 1989
(Originally In Chinese)
One day many people came to see Jesus, including His disciples and followers.
The followers were those who believed in Him but hadn't practiced with
Him, and probably hadn't been initiated into the Quan Yin Method by Him.
They only followed Him and came to see Him. Then Jesus went up onto a mountain
and sat down. It might have been like that, because there were so many
people; He had to speak on a mountain to let them see Him.
Jesus first said, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. This means that those who are humble and know that they lack
wisdom will be blessed and loved by God. Then Jesus said, Blessed are they
that mourn, for they shall be comforted. This is just like what I often
tell you: Our sickness is also a reward, because we're blessed in that
situation. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Here
Jesus meant that those who comply with the will of God will be rewarded.
He also said, Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled. I translated this into Chinese only briefly.
Then Jesus said, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
And, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
We know this already. Among our fellow initiates, those who are the most
clumsy, the most humble and the least troublesome have the best inner experiences;
and those who make the least noise and never show off in front of me gain
the best rewards. During the experience report sessions at meditation retreats,
a few people, whom we have never noticed before, may suddenly come out
and report their very high-level inner experiences. They are the most pure
and humble.
Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers, that is, those who pacify the
world and reunite enemies, for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven. And, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you,
and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely,
for my sake. "For my sake" meant for Jesus Christ's sake at that
time. That is, if one is humiliated and slandered for his Master's sake
and for believing in his Master, one is greatly blessed. When Jesus was
in the world, His disciples were slandered, persecuted, and bothered. Jesus
said that those disciples were greatly blessed. He told them to be at ease
and not to worry about such tests.
Then Jesus continued, Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your
reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before
you. That is, if you're persecuted and slandered that way, you'll become
a Master and attain God-realization. Therefore, all the religions say similar
things. Jesus Christ said, Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek,
turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and
take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. That is, giving two pieces
all together to that person would make him look better.
When we read the Bible or the Brahmajala Sutra, we know that we shouldn't
treat those who slander us and act badly toward us in the same way that
they treat us. We should treat them with double love and kindness. If you
only let him slap you on your right cheek without reacting, he may think
that you're afraid of him or you don't know how to react. But when you
also turn your left cheek to him, he may wake up and wonder, "Well!
Why did this person react this way? It's not that he couldn't react, but
that he didn't care about being slapped and has forgiven me." Only
then will he benefit. That's why Jesus told us to turn the other cheek
to him also. Otherwise Jesus would have said, "When anyone slaps you
in the face, don't slap him back." If we turn the other cheek also
to him, he'll think, "This person is alert and not muddled. He's capable
of reacting, only his reaction is the opposite of my action." Only
then he may wake up. Therefore, I think that Jesus Christ was the greatest.
What do you think? ("Yes!" Applause)
Shakyamuni Buddha reacted in the same way when a person who had killed
ninety-nine people wanted to kill Him. The Buddha didn't fight with him
but lifted him up to the level of Arhat. That was the correct reaction.
Because we've pursued spiritual practice and sown virtuous seeds in many
lifetimes, we'll react the same as what Jesus said, Whosoever shall smite
thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. We'll naturally react
that way and won't know why. It's because we've become used to reacting
that way and we react that way automatically.
For instance, when we're young, we can't ride a bicycle. Then we keep practicing
riding and then know how to ride it. In the beginning, we feel happy about
it. But after we get used to it, we feel that it's not difficult. We can
talk while riding a bicycle and don't feel that it's a big deal. Some people
can even get onto the top of a bicycle and stand up there while riding.
Some can ride a bicycle backwards and feel that it's easy to do that. Similarly,
if we do virtuous deeds and feel that it's natural, it means that we've
sown spiritual seeds in many lifetimes and that we're blessed and virtuous.
On the other hand, if any one of us or other people do bad and vicious
deeds to us or other people, we should pity him, knowing that he hasn't
sown virtuous seeds in his previous lifetimes or his virtuous seeds have
become rotten or haven't grown. Then we should pray to God to help him
to open his heart and make him understand. We can't let him stay that way.
To those who are bad to us, we should give them a chance to introspect
on themselves. Having no reaction when they slap us in the face isn't good
enough. We should do something that's better for them.
Now I understand the reason why I always treat people better when they
treat me worse. That's why I was called a "living saint." I was
lovingly called a "living saint" by some people even before I
started to pursue spiritual practice. They didn't mean that I was actually
a "living saint." What they meant was that no matter how badly
they treated me, I treated them better and better; so they couldn't do
anything about me except to say, "She's a living saint." It was
those who treated me badly who later called me a "living saint,"
not other people. Other people didn't know who I was, because they didn't
know me. Only those who knew me called me that.
This speech of Jesus Christ on the mountain is exactly the same as what
is stated in the Brahmajala Sutra in Buddhism. This speech is very famous
and everyone knows it. It is called "The Sermon on the Mount."
Jesus said, Ye (i.e., the disciples) are the salt of the earth; but if
the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? This means that
we spiritual practitioners represent virtue, but if we aren't diligent
and virtuous, who else can help us? Who else can make us become virtuous?
Who else can be our role model? We should be our own role models. Jesus
was correct.
This is why I emphasize that we pursue spiritual practice not only for
ourselves, but also to be role models for others and to let others feel
our sincerity and hence follow us. If we say that we're spiritual practitioners,
but we seek pleasures, eat meat, and drink alcohol like ordinary people
do, if we harm sentient beings instead of protecting them; if we slander
other people, quarrel with others, fight with others and gossip about others,
who else can help us? Who else can save those who don't pursue spiritual
practice?
I've been telling you this for a long time, so you can't say that you don't
have to be serious about the precepts when you pursue spiritual practice.
If one isn't virtuous, no matter how high a level he has attained, no one
respects him or trusts him, because no matter how high his inner level
is, if he looks low outside, people are afraid of him. People are ignorant,
so how do they know that his level is high? If he doesn't look good outside,
people will say that he's bad. We can't blame them. Therefore, even if
some people say that one who eats meat and drinks alcohol can also attain
God-realization, we shouldn't listen to them. We want people to know that
we can give up certain foods in order to be diligent in our spiritual practice,
in order to be role models, and for the sake of pitiful animals who are
mortally afraid of death.
Jesus continued, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. This means that everyone will notice it. If we practice
diligently, we'll emit light and a kind, virtuous and peaceful atmosphere.
Then people will feel it and sense it, so we can't hide and we don't have
to hide. Even if we don't say anything, people will notice us. Neither
do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Jesus said, Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father who is in heaven.
This means that when they see how great we are, they'll know that our Father
is even greater, and that if we want others to adore God, we should first
purify ourselves and be good role models to let them know that we truly
represent brilliant virtue and noble ideals, or in other words, the noble
God. Was Jesus correct? Yes or no? ("Yes!" Applause) So you see
why I praise Jesus Christ? Because what He said was very good! Since you
don't know how good Christianity is, I'm introducing it to you today. Because
whatever I say is also correct, I have reasons for praising Jesus Christ
and I have reasons for praising the Biblical teachings or the Christian
teachings.
Some Christians may go to extremes, do bad deeds, show disrespect for other
religions, or be more violent; but this is the problem of individual people.
It's Maya who uses them to sneak into the group and ruin it. It's not that
Christianity isn't good. There are also many extreme, disturbed and violent
individual sects or individual people in Buddhism, which isn't a problem
of Buddhism as a whole. If there are such people in any religion, including
in Christianity and Sikhism, we can't say that that religion isn't good.
If I happen to purchase a Sikh scripture, I will read it to you. There
are also good teachings in it.
Jesus also said, Whosoever therefore shall break one of these commandments,
and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven. For I say unto you (Jesus was referring to the monastics and followers)
that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. The
reason Jesus said that, might be because at that time the so-called priests
and monastics were not righteous. They sought pleasures, and took donations
from others to build big churches but did not do anything good. They had
a lot of money and became arrogant but were respected. They were not righteous
but were praised. They didn't have merit but were worshipped. They didn't
do any work but accepted offerings from other people every day. That was
why Jesus said that their karma was heavy. He said that His disciples should
be more righteous and pure to be able to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Just as I told you, the monastic disciples here should be better than the
monastic disciples outside. You shouldn't look at the monastic disciples
outside and wonder, "Why can they accept offerings? Why doesn't Master
allow us to accept offerings?" You can accept offerings. It's no problem,
but then you won't be my disciples anymore. If you stay with me, you shouldn't
accept offerings. When you go out alone and have no money, you can accept
one or two meals and some money; and I won't say anything about it. But
most monastic disciples outside have accepted too many offerings and enjoyed
too much without having done anything beneficial for the country and society.
Maybe they don't fulfill their duty, have no manners, and aren't virtuous,
so we can't blame other people if they think that the monastic people aren't
good.
When you follow me as monks, you should take care of your manners. If I'm
strict with you, you should know why -- otherwise you will have bad habits.
Seeing that the monks outside are more relaxed and have many good clothes,
but our clothes are simple, self-made and we only have a few of them, and
we don't have personal money, you may wonder what kind of monastic life
this is. However, our manners and ideals can't be purchased with material
things. So you should remember this clearly and not forget that our manners
and virtue can't be purchased with money and can't be represented by good
clothes. We have inner light that can be projected to make others feel
good and respect us. These are our natural impressive manners and dignified
clothing. It's not that we'll be respected if we wear good clotheing; it's
not necessarily that way!
Jesus Christ continued to explain to His disciples, Ye have heard that
it was said by them of olden times, 'Thou shalt not kill, and whosoever
shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.' But I say unto you, that
whosoever is angry with his brother (e.g., our neighbors or people we know)
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment, and whosoever shall
say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. It can be
to such an extent! If we're angry with others for no reason, that is, if
we abuse others mentally, we'll go to hell or incur karma. How horrible
this is! Don't think that we'll go to hell only when we kill, but we should
also keep our thoughts, speech and actions clean.
Therefore, Jesus said, If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest
that thy brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy gift before the
altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come
and offer thy gift. Jesus meant that it would be useless when we made offerings
to God if we weren't pure and kind. Jesus also told His disciples many
other things, Agree with thine adversary quickly, whilest thou art in the
way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge,
and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
This means that we shouldn't engage in lawsuits and shouldn't fight with
others; we should reconcile with them quickly.
Jesus continued, Ye have heard that it was said by them of olden times,
Thou shalt not commit adultery' But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh
on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in
his heart. Jesus was referring to our thoughts, speech, and actions, which
is the same as the Buddhist teachings, isn't it? ("Yes.") What
Jesus said previously about not engaging in lawsuits but being at peace
with others was the same as what's stated in the Brahmajala Sutra in Buddhism
or the Buddhist Monastic Precepts. Therefore, we can't say that Christianity
isn't the same as Buddhism. They're the same.
Jesus said, And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out. It was to such
an extent! But don't pluck it out. Please take it easy. (Laughter) That
was not what Jesus Christ meant. He was merely emphasizing virtue and the
commandments. He said, For it is profitable for thee that one of thy members
should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. This
means that we should be strict with the commandments. If we have bad thoughts,
we should repent immediately and not wait until they become actions. You
should quickly repent, recite the Holy Names, and think of me or God, but
don't pluck your eye out, or you'll look ugly. (Laughter) I wouldn't.
Jesus said, Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of olden
times, 'Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord
thine oaths'; But I say unto you, Swear not at all, neither by heaven,
for it's God's throne; nor by the Earth, for it is Hiers footstool. This
means that every place belongs to God. So we mundane people can't swear
in the name of the noble and holy spirit.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head. For example, some people swear, "If
I treat you badly or something, I'll be beheaded or be struck by lightning."
Well! That's horrible! Jesus said that we can't swear like that; and that
if we do, we're looking down upon heaven and Earth. We should respect them
and shouldn't swear in their names. We shouldn't even swear in the name
of our head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. We don't
have the right to swear in the name of anything. This physical body is
also created by God, so we can't use it in any way we want. Jesus said,
But let your communication be, yea, yea; nay, nay, for whatsoever is more
than these cometh of evil. Jesus explained this very clearly! Well! He
was more strict than I am. Oh! Congratulations! (Applause) From today on,
I'll learn from Him (Audience laughs) and become more strict with you.
Jesus continued, Ye have heard that it hath been said, 'An eye for an eye,
and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil, but
whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him
have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with
him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow
of thee; turn not thou away. This means that we should help the needy.
But if anyone wants to borrow money for gambling, of course we should turn
him away; if he borrows money for alcohol, we should persuade him not to
and not give the money to him.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and
hate thine enemy.' But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven, for Hes maketh Hiers sun to rise on the evil and on
the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. So we should
learn the undiscriminating attitude of God. (Applause)
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the
publicans do the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye
more than others? Do not even the publicans do so? This means that we spiritual
practitioners should be higher, less discriminatory and better than they
are. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect. Jesus Christ said that His Father is perfect. The Buddhists say
that their Buddha is perfect. They all say the same thing.
Jesus said, Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet
before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets.
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand
doeth. This is the same as what Shakyamuni Buddha said: When one does alms
without thinking that one is doing alms, one is truly doing alms. It's
truly like that. What I have taught you is exactly the same as what Jesus
and Shakyamuni Buddha taught Their disciples. (Applause) We do good deeds
out of benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, faith, duty and love,
not to be praised. So we shouldn't sound a trumpet and advertise it in
the market.
Jesus said that those who sound a trumpet while doing alms have their reward,
but those who do alms quietly will have the reward of their Father which
in is heaven. The "noisy Bodhisattvas" who sound a trumpet while
doing alms will only have earthly and ephemeral rewards, but we'll have
the eternal reward.
Jesus said, And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocites are,
for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of
the streets, that they may be seen of men. And But thou, when thou prayest,
enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father
which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee
openly. Jesus explained this very clearly. Only we who practice the Quan
Yin Method understand where the secret closet is! (Master laughs. Applause)
This is very beautiful! Jesus also said, But when ye pray, use not vain
repetitions, as the heathens do, for they think that they shall be heard
for their much speaking. But be ye not therefore like unto them, for your
Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. So don't
pray to God repeatedly outside. You don't need to do that loudly. Don't
pray with loudspeakers or you'll wake up the whole village. (Laughter)¡¹
