The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 99

(U.K.) THE MIRROR, Friday, November 13, 1998 

Reprinted with the permission of THE MIRROR Syndication International , U.K.

THE OZONE HOLE

A recent satellite shot taken by the US space agency NASA shows the awesome scale of the deadly hole in the Earth's ozone layer. It is now three times as big as Australia and still growing. It threatens to produce a "quiet epidemic" of skin cancer among Earth's inhabitants because of greater exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. And the Environmental Investigation Agency pins the blame on the widespread use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, which wipe out protective ozone in the atmosphere. Experts warn that the Northern Hemisphere faces equally disastrous ozone depletion.

Universe

Save the Ozone Layer!

By The Taipei News Group, Formosa

High in the atmosphere hovers the thin but important ozone layer, which absorbs most of the Earth's solar ultraviolet radiation and converts it into heat energy. Only a small portion of the ultraviolet radiation is left to reach the Earth. Now the ozone layer is undergoing severe destruction and becoming thinner and thinner. As a result, all life forms on Earth are being exposed to more ultraviolet radiation, which causes sunburn, disruption of DNA and other bio-molecules, an increased incidence of skin cancer and cataracts, and suppression of our immune systems. The attenuation of the ozone layer also tips the balance of the ecosystem and retards the growth of crops, leading to possible food shortages. It is also associated with the greenhouse effect, which causes global warming and, in turn, a rise in the sea level.

What is responsible for this consumption of the ozone layer? Scientists discovered that high flying supersonic jet aircraft, atomic weapons testing, chemicals such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and halons are among the first of the culprits. The CFCs were once considered harmless and used extensively in spray cans, cleaners for electronic and optical components, foaming agents, styrofoam, and freon. Halons were used as an effective agent in fire extinguishers, and they are more potent than CFCs in damaging the ozone layer. International agreement is therefore required to effectively limit the use of CFCs and halons.

Apart from the tangible factors mentioned above, very few people have approached this problem in terms of invisible spiritual vibrations. Master has given some interesting opinions in this regard, in which She mentioned the axis of the Earth is changing its direction, and reminded us to repair the holes in the ozone layer with our spiritual energy. In these opinions, we can see that living a virtuous life is also a way to protect the world.

Today's Fairy Of The Ninth Heaven

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

June 18, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)

The climate has changed a lot in many countries. In Ireland, Britain and some other countries, there used to be a lot of fog and hardly any sun. The people often joked, "We only see the sun once a year in Britain." But now in these countries, people go to the hospital because of sunburns. Why? It's so strange and scary! Maybe it's because the protective layer around our planet is being damaged and has not been properly repaired. Maybe the Earth is turning and gradually changing the direction (of its axis). I heard the ancient Egyptian history recorded that it used to be very hot in the Arctic and Antarctic areas. That means where the sun comes up now is where the sun used to set. Maybe the Earth is about to change the direction (of its axis). I don't know. There are many possibilities!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Chiayi, Formosa

January 16, 1989 (Originally In English)

Q: I heard that the atmosphere has been broken. What can we do about it?

M: It has been broken for a long time. Now you ask me. But the Fairy of the Ninth Heaven has come to repair it! (Laughter) We have to repair it! We should do it ourselves instead of just standing there asking what to do. We should practice the Quan Yin Method and patch those holes with our magnetic field, and drive the astral beings back to where they belong. Now our world is under a lot of influence from the astral world. That's why there are so many bad things such as gambling and drinking. We should try our best to control and resist this influence and protect our world as quickly as we can.

Reprinted with the permission of Solo Syndication Limited,

U.K.Reprinted with the permission of The Miami Herald, U.S.A.

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MS1.txt

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The Difference

Between

A Saint

&

An Ordinary

Person

Spoken By

Supreme Master Ching Hai

Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

April 8, 1993

(Originally In English)

This is the book of Chuang Tzu, Chapter Three, The Secret of Growth. "Life has a limit, but knowledge is without limit. For the limited to pursue the unlimited is futile." Life has a limit, but knowledge is without limit. It is because our life is ephemeral. And if we use the whole span of our life in trying to learn this and that in the space of our world, that means we are doing the impossible. For example, if we are expert in the medical field, we are not necessarily expert in the electrical engineering field. And should we try to learn one thing after another, we would never actually finish with learning in this world. Even more so if we would like to use our life to pursue wisdom, which is even vaster than this knowledge of the world. To become a Buddha is not measured by the extent of your knowledge of Bibles, Scriptures, or whatever the worldly instrument can afford, but just to rediscover your vast storehouse of knowledge which already exists within us. Then, we know, and the knowledge of the world we will know also.

Therefore, as you see from your own example, you didn't know many things before or you couldn't do this and that. But after initiation, after practicing for some time, you discover yourselves that you know many things. Right? (Yes.) You have experienced, and I have experienced. For example, when I write music, play the piano, or things like that, people think I have studied or played music for many years. It's not true! I play whenever I want. I don't need preparation. The same with painting, interior design, or even clothing design. I don't need preparation. I did not learn in any school.

This knowledge, even worldly knowledge, already exists within us. And if we open the whole door, then everything is there in the daylight. I have never gone to medical school, but when you are having an operation or when you have trouble with sickness or something, many of you have seen the Master come and help you. And you recovered quickly, better than with ordinary medical treatment. That is because within me there is knowledge of medical secrets. Many of us have been here for thousands of billions of years, and we have done all kinds of things which have collected within our memories. And when we open the whole storage of wisdom, everything is there. We have learned everything already! There is no need to relearn it. Once we have learned everything, we are qualified to go further into the higher development, which is sainthood, which is Buddhahood.

But actually everything in the universe is already printed within the seeds of wisdom before the whole cosmos came into being, even. Therefore, everything we try to learn in one corner is just a waste of time. That's why people call a saint the king of all the medicinal doctors, the king of all this and that -- because a saint knows many things. The Buddha never practiced magical skills, but He has magical power! The Buddha did not practice medical knowledge, but He can heal people.

Similarly with our school, you have always credited me with a lot of magical power, of healing, of knowing your thoughts, of helping you when you are in trouble. But this is no big deal. Everything is within the storehouse of wisdom. And if you try to remember that every day in your meditation, you subconsciously renew your knowledge of all fields, which gives you extraordinary wisdom about everything. Then you think, "How come? I didn't learn all this. How do I know?" If it happens that you come into contact with a special situation, which requires difficult and expert knowledge, you suddenly find that you can do it. Or if you can't, you just ask the inner Master Ching Hai to do it for you. You are very expert in asking Master Ching Hai to do whatever you want accomplished!

The power is within yourself really. While in training, of course, if you are not yet expert in using your wisdom, then you pray for the inner Master to help you. That's what the teacher is for. But later, you do everything yourselves. It's just like you are learning in an apprenticeship with a carpenter, for example, and sometimes you encounter some difficulties in some corner. You still don't know what to do yet, so you call your teacher to come, and of course he'll help you immediately. But later, you will know how to do it yourselves.

If we want to learn all the time about everything in this world, we do not have time. So, it's best to open our storehouse of wisdom, and then everything is there. If you want to be proud of yourselves, of your greatness, then you should be proud properly. If you want to think that you are very great, then think properly, know that you are truly great. First, be enlightened, and then more will come. During the time that you are observing the sound in meditation, many ideas come, much knowledge comes, many answers come. That is the direct line of study. No need for a teacher to be around because we communicate inside. That is when you truly know we have 'some' teaching.

All of the verbal lessons or lectures I give you are just a very small part of it -- 30% of my teaching, and 70% you learn through silence, through meditation, through your sleep. While you sleep, you'll be taken up to a higher school, and then study there. That's why even though you sit in meditation and you don't see much sometimes, your wisdom still increases tenfold, twentyfold, one hundredfold. Your loving kindness, your level in every aspect rises up. It is because of the teaching in silence.

No Master ever uses words to enlighten the disciple. Even though he might appear to speak or to teach the disciples through some verbal expressions, that is not all. And once we are connected within, we always have the direct teaching. That's why you become wiser, you become more knowledgeable in all things, and whenever the situation arises, you know what to do. Even though before you would not react so quickly, now you can. It is because every day you learn with the Masters, past, present, and future also, during your meditation, during your sleep, and/or during your daily activities. You are blessed twenty-four hours. That is the difference between the enlightened person and the not enlightened person, between an initiated person and a non-initiated person.

Sometimes I myself also forget the differences, but I do have the chance to know. And you always have the chance to know because you have more opportunities to mix with the people of the world, who are very highly knowledgeable in their field, who are very intelligent, who are very capable of many things, and who are highly positioned in the society. When you are in contact with them, you know the difference. That person may not know. That's why in the sutras it says, it takes a Buddha to understand the Buddha. While you have not yet fully realized your saint-potential, at least you know that you are on the way to sainthood. And when compared to those who still stay down there or outside, you know how much you have gained through meditation in our practice, in the Quan Yin Method. Otherwise, no amount of knowledge, talk, or lecture would qualify a person to be a saint or to be enlightened. It's truly a world apart!

For example, we grow up, become adults, and occasionally we play with the children and with their toys. We pretend to enjoy very much and all that, and maybe we do enjoy, also. We love the children, and we want to share happiness with them. We play with them, and they are happy, so we are also happy. Maybe we remember our childhood, and we're happy for a while, but no adult would be mesmerized by the children's toys like when we were young. Similarly, the enlightened person through the Quan Yin Method may appear to be like ordinary person with all their emotions, sometimes their anger and their frustrations. But on the other hand, they never sink into that level, not for long. Maybe they know it, but they do not sink. They do it, but they're not mesmerized by it. Just like we play with the children, but we are never so attached to the toys the way children are because we are grown up.

Similarly, the enlightened people in our group look like ordinary people, but they are never ordinary. You know that very well, or not? (Yes.) I am glad that you know. Sometimes you have to remind me, because I don't know. I look at everyone as a saint. Then sometimes I discover that, "Oh, yes, they are saints, but they are ignorant saints." Just like children sometimes grow very tall. Some children are bigger than I am -- wider and taller. And from afar or from appearance, we think that it is an adult until we talk to him. Then we discover, "Oh, he is only ten years old!"

The worldly people sometimes appear to be very intelligent, but that is not enlightenment, not deep. You talk a little bit further, and then you'll discover the difference. Therefore, if you have doubt about your enlightenment and about your level of understanding, you go and talk to people. Don't pray all the time that you only meet saintly persons. It's okay to meet "unsaintly" persons. It's good for you, so that you know how much you have progressed. White is only more distinguished when compared with black. If the whole world is white, no one ever thinks that it is white because it is taken for granted that it is so. But when it's coupled with black, we know that it is white. Similarly, if we do not have contact with other people sometimes, we never know for sure. So, it is also good for us to be with the people at large. It's all right.

Just accept whatever situation, and then you learn from it. Otherwise, how do you know? You've forgotten how beneficial it is to be in the circle of sainthood. It's only one hair difference; the door is only that bright. But once we step beyond it, we are forever changed. Whether you stand at the door or you move further into the higher dimensions, you are different than before you stepped in the door. Absolutely different! Of course the further we go, the more discoveries we make, and that makes our life different.

Humorous Wisdom

The Lion And

The Jackal

Spoken By

Supreme Master Ching Hai

Seattle, Washington

April 8, 1993

(Originally In English)

There is a story about a jackal who was going to be eaten by a lion. The jackal said to the lion: "No, please, you can't eat me! You can't eat me! This will be a great mistake. If you eat me, that'll be terrible, that will be a disaster, that will be the end of the world!"

The lion was very puzzled and said: "How come? How come if I eat you, the world will end?" The jackal said: "Because if you eat me, that will be the end of the world for me!"

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MW.txt

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During the one hundred days of Master's World Lecture Tour in 1993,

numerous extraordinary events occurred!

Everyone with the honor to have shared those experiences has touching stories to tell.

The stories might differ from person to person,

but each one reveals an aspect of the Truth. These stories also display the greatness

and richness of an enlightened Master,

and describe the true path a soul has to follow on its journey from this world

to eternity. Due to limitations of space, we can only present a small portion of these stories.

From the recollections of the work team, let us take a moment to empathize a little

with Master's valiant, yet painful efforts to bring the message of Truth

to sentient beings. May we also learn the spirit of selfless sacrifice,

and cherish our opportunity to practice spiritually and made possible

through the labors of so many people. May the experiences of our fellow initiates

encourage us to practice more and more diligently and never turn away

from our goal of complete liberation.

The Joy Of Being Initiated

How I Found God And Became

Truly Rich

By Sister Initiate Carolin Gschwilm, Munich, Germany

(Originally In German)

At the beginning of 1993 I decided that I must find God. 1992 had been a very unhappy year for me, full of personal disappointments and disillusionment. I did not see any future ahead, I felt I did not even have any dream left to dream, and I realized that I must find something more stable than unreliable human relationships and castles in the air that were bound to tumble down with any strong gust of wind. So I thought I might just as well try God, if the old white-haired man with a long beard, as I had imagined Hirm as a child, would care to answer to my prayers at all. Some time ago a friend of mine had introduced me to a simple meditation method and in January 1993 I decided to practice it every day. As a child I had sometimes felt that there was a strong loving power guiding and protecting me, but as an adolescent I had somehow got out of touch with that force and my inner self. During the last few years I had even doubted if God even existed. So I did not expect very much from meditating, but I thought that things could not get worse anyway.

The funny thing was that it really worked! After I had practiced this meditation method, which involved concentrating on the wisdom eye, for about two weeks only, I noticed that my outlook on life was gradually being altered, and that my perception of the world around me became sharper, almost as if a veil had been pulled from my eyes. I somehow could distinguish more clearly between good and bad, and my view point on things was not as fuzzy and confused as usual. I even found myself getting calmer. And, what was the best, I suddenly felt God's presence in my life, and even though I meditated only one hour a day I felt that my life was blessed. All my life I longed so much to be loved, and I tried to please people, so they would not forsake me. I did many things that I did not even want to do just to fulfill the expectations of others, and many times they even hurt my feelings instead of returning my love. So now I just thought of God a little bit, and Hes gave me back so much, so generously, so unconditionally, without asking anything from me at all. I thought that the guy was great, after all; and one night I vowed that I wanted to serve only Hirm and try to become a saint, if someone as imperfect as me could ever reach that goal. At about that time I also did not feel like eating meat anymore. I remember that the last time I ate chicken it just felt so uncomfortable that I almost felt as if it were poison.

Then, one day in school, at the end of April, a friend of mine gave me a little green book. It said "The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment" on the cover, and it mentioned the Quan Yin Method of meditation, and also that it was the best method of all. I thought, if it is really the best method, I must definitely learn it. I was very amazed that the initiation was free of charge, and very grateful, since I would not have been able to pay for an expensive meditation class.

Even though I arrived at the venue one hour before the lecture started, the lecture hall was almost completely packed with people. I was amazed at how luxurious the lobby of the hotel was, and very touched that a lecture that was free of charge was held in such an expensive surrounding. There was a tall Chinese man distributing another kind of free booklet at the entrance, and there was something about the way in which he made sure that every visitor would receive a copy and his air of complete dedication to this task, as if it was the most important thing in the world, that really impressed me. I was puzzled how such a strong and stern-looking man could show such tenderness and love, and serve others so well.

I remember that the atmosphere of the lecture was very nice, and that my heart was opening up like a flower under the warm caressing sunshine when confronted with so much kindness and generosity. Finally Master arrived, dressed all in white, and I could see from the enraptured expressions of the guards that they must love Her very much. I liked the way She looked very much, so young and healthy, even though She had a cold. She seemed so relaxed and full of humor that I was simply enchanted by Her. I thought: "This is finally a Master as I always imagined a Master would be."

After the lecture the audience was allowed to ask questions. When I put up my hand to show that I was ready to hand my questions in, the guards immediately noticed and rushed to my place. They collected them as if they were very important and precious. This made me feel extraordinarily good. How lovely these people were to provide such a good service free of charge!

The questions carried on until the evening, and by the time the initiation started I was already exhausted. I noticed that most of the people working at the information and initiation desks still looked very fresh and shining like apples, as if they could go on forever. Some of them meditated when taking a break, and their faces looked so beautiful and calm. I thought they were kind of superhuman to work such long hours and still look like this. So my conviction grew that Master Ching Hai must be a very good Master, since Her disciples were really different.

During the initiation I was so tired that I was almost overwhelmed by the experience. When we meditated with Master I was very surprised, because I heard the sound so loudly and clearly, and I had never thought I would.

During the next few days I just got up earlier in the morning and tried to meditate using the new method. In the beginning I had problems concentrating, and sitting straight. I also had a hard time remembering the Holy Names. Yet I felt that this Method was very powerful. If my previous method had been like a little boat floating with me over the vast ocean of life towards the Kingdom of God, I feel that the Quan Yin Method was something like a luxury steam cruiser, getting me to my destination with double speed. Any negative influence I had ever had in life just fled from me when confronted with that Method, like an ugly bat at the sight of the bright sunlight.

At the beginning, my parents were very worried about my new habit of meditating. They probably thought it was just one more of those crazy things that I always did. My mother even asked a Catholic priest if meditation might be harmful to me. Guess what? Master had arranged everything already! He told my mother that he meditated himself, and that it was not harmful at all. My parents also requested to read the sample booklet, probably because they wanted to find out how to rescue me from it. A few months later my mother suddenly told me on the phone that she had also decided to become a vegetarian, even though I had never tried to convert her. And, what was even more strange, after she had listened to Master's teaching more, she announced that she also wanted to get initiated, and ever since her initiation she has had very good experiences!

More than five years have passed since my initiation now. Have I reached the state of Godhood already? I very much doubt it, since I have grown even more aware of my imperfections and the limitations of my ego. What have I gained from practicing the Quan Yin Method and following Master Ching Hai's teaching? My reply is: everything and nothing. Everything, because through practicing this Method I have truly been reborn. Before, I was like a half-blind person, seeing everything in black and white, not even knowing who I was myself, nor what I was meant to do in this life. Now life is so colorful and exciting, everything just makes sense, and everything seems right and perfect to me. Nothing, because I realize that actually I have not gained anything new, I have just rediscovered something that has always been there, deep inside of me, and I am now reclaiming the me, the great, true me.

So what does it mean to be a practitioner of the Quan Yin Method? My life is not a bed of roses, not a pleasure cruise on the Quan Yin steamship to Nirvana. I probably work harder than before, and I am more aware of people's suffering and of the problems our planet is confronted with. I might become rich tomorrow, or I might lose everything I have. However, no one can take away my treasure in heaven, no thief can ever steal it, and no tooth of time can ever leave its gnawing traces on it by its merciless action. That I know for sure, and this certainty makes me feel light and cheerful inside every day of my life, no mater what the external circumstances are.

I know that when my mission on this planet is over, I will just leave behind these fleshly clothes and emigrate. I will bring all my friends and beloved ones with me and we will drink heavenly nectar every day. I will have a million more things to learn and discover through all eternity. I will travel the whole Kingdom of God freely, and I will always have an unconditional friend guiding me, no matter where I go!

A Fresh Beginning

By Brother Luwellyn Maestro Punahele, Hawaii, USA

(Originally In English)

In retrospect, the year of 1993 was definitely a very significant year. I call it "the year that God sounded Hiers trumpet to call all of Hiers sheep back home". At the time, I had no clue of who the Supreme Master Ching Hai was, or anything about a Spiritual World Tour. Earlier that same year I saw Her on a public program on television in Hawaii, and was captivated by Her simplicity and profound explanations of things spiritual, physical, scientific, psychological, et cetera.

Above all, there was a definite and humble knowingness that She emitted throughout the lecture of, "I've been there, done that, and I'm speaking from my own direct experience". She was so convincing without trying to be clever, and Her answers to questions were never the same. Truth seemed to just pour forth through not only Her words, but from Her very being. Her natural and lighthearted sense of humor endeared me to feel like a close friend without my having met Her in person. Something within my own being opened up and drank in the whole wonderful experience.

Up until then, I had been doing different meditations, and reading tons of metaphysical and spiritual literature. My inner experiences were usually through dreams or feelings. I had been collecting bits of information that I would describe as building a bridge to God. But after just one hour of watching this Master's lecture, She confirmed a lot of what I felt was true. She also cleared some of my misconceptions, and filled in a lot of missing gaps in my understanding of what "Truth" really was. At the end of the lecture, I remember saying to myself, "I wish I could meet this incredible Being." As the credits rolled up the television screen, I saw that the address was based in "Formosa," to which I replied "forget it!"

Four months later, I was working and living in Los Angeles, California. I went to a "Whole Life Expo" in Pasadena, at that time, and ran into the booth of the Supreme Master Ching Hai. The disciples were very kind and gave me a free video. They inquired as to whether I would like to learn the Convenient Method, which I declined, as I opted for the full initiation. They told me that I was in luck, that Master would be in Anaheim, to give initiation personally, a week later. They also told me that I had to become a complete vegetarian from then on, which for some strange reason I had no problem with.

My favorite part of the lecture was the question and answer section. This is where a true God-realized person really shines. I tried to think of a question, but nothing significant came forth, so I just listened. Like a Master sculptor She shaped every answer in accordance to the sincerity of the questioners. One need only watch and listen to experience this great artistry at work.

After the lecture we adjourned to another smaller hall for the initiation. I was still too excited and full of my acquired expectations and preconceived ideas to relax. Consequently, I was somewhat disappointed about not having the experiences that I expected, I told myself to have faith and try the meditation for a time to see if maybe I was doing something wrong.

Many of the older initiates were very supportive, and gave a lot of encouragement. Just then I was handed two bags of popcorn. I had not eaten much and was so surprised to be given something to eat. I ate about 75% of one bag when someone stopped me and said, "Brother, this is blessed popcorn, and you eat one or two when you need some extra blessing to help with your meditation. I was embarrassed, but saved the rest, and drove home.

That night I had the most vivid and clear vision that I had ever experienced up to that point in my life. I would like to say that it was due to my diligence, but I know it was from the blessed popcorn.

So on April 3, 1993, my life just started.

Thoughts Started By An Alarm Clock

By Sister Amy, Hsinchu, Formosa

It was an ordinary

alarm clock, yet it played a

very important role in my initiation.

In a foreign land,

it found for me a very

close classmate whom I had

not seen for a long time.

It also enabled me to receive

initiation from Master

without any obstacles.

Early on the morning of May 1, 1993, I left England for Munich, Germany with firm, unwavering determination to receive initiation from Master and search for the long-yearned-for Truth. Before I embarked on the journey, I reminded myself that if I missed this opportunity, it would be eons before the next opportunity came.

Family influence since childhood had made me a pessimistic and sentimental person. My father suffered many business failures. My mother was weak and often sick. Therefore, I had to take on the dual responsibility of caring for my mother and helping with family finances. I became a teacher and was transferred from a coastal district of Formosa to the mountainous area and then to the western plains. In just a few short years, I had taught at quite a number of schools. Then I got married and shortly after became a mother, and in order to help my husband fulfill his long-time wish, I accompanied him to England for further studies.

Being always on the move made me realize the ephemeral nature of life.

As well, my experience with caring for my mother in the hospital filled me with fear about coming back to this world again. Before I learned about Master's teachings, however, no one could free me of my fear.

When the plane landed, I awoke from my thoughts and came back to reality. The distant and strange city of Munich was before me. With only the word "initiation" on my mind, I had no idea how I got through customs, stepped out of the airport, boarded a train, and finally took a taxi to my destination. It must have been an arrangement by Master's great power. Otherwise, with my broken English, things could not have gone so smoothly.

After I got out of the taxi, I felt a quietness around me. The air was still. In this strange place where I didn't even know the language, I was standing on the street alone. I held Master's sample booklet in one hand and a piece of paper with the local contact person's address in the other. I suddenly felt very lonely and hesitant. I asked myself, "Can I really receive initiation?" I began to fret and feel doubtful. The more I thought about it, the more scared I became. That feeling made me more nervous than holding my breath while watching a horror movie.

Finally, I arrived in front of the building where the local contact person lived. Suddenly the sound of an opening door raised my hopes. I saw a woman hurrying down the stairs. She seemed to sense that someone was staring at her and slowed her steps. She walked down the stairs with uncertainty while I was about to walk up with the sense uneasiness. Our eyes met! Time and space just stop right there and then!

She was a classmate that I hadn't seen for years! She had come with Master on the lecture tour. What was so hard to believe was that her alarm clock was late by an hour in waking her up. Astonishment and joy were written on our faces. We hugged each other. From my childhood to adulthood, that was the first time that I had felt God's infinite love so deeply. I fully believe that Master is always beside me helping me.

That was five years ago. Thanks to Master, I have been reborn. The sentimental and miserable person that I was has completely disappeared. She has been replaced by a joyous, optimistic new me. Practicing the Quan Yin Method has made me realize my own worth and broken the shackles that had kept me chained for eons.

Heaven is very near and the Golden Age is approaching. Please let us practice more diligently and remind ourselves constantly to share the Truth, virtue, and beauty in this heaven on Earth. Thank You again, Master!

Days Filled

With Energy From The Initiation

By Brother Initiate Thomas Lehninger, Vienna, Austria (Originally In English)

I was initiated on April 27th 1993 in Vienna. Two days before Master's lecture, I saw Her picture on a poster and I knew with an inner certainty that was unusual for me that I had to go and see Her.

The next day my girlfriend took the subway and there were two booklets lying on a seat. She took them both with her, and giving one to me, she said, "This one is for you!" When she asked if I would go to the lecture with her, I replied, "I am already going there, didn't you know?"

On the day of the lecture, when Master Ching Hai entered the lecture hall, She brought Her atmosphere with Her - calming, peaceful, loving, and light. I kept my eyes on Her. For some reason I liked Her - I liked Her voice, Her way of talking, Her gestures, the way She was dressed. My heart opened more and more and my love for that woman became stronger and stronger. A brief inner vision appeared in which I saw or I thought that I met Her before, long, long ago, when She said, "I'll come again." I decided to follow Her.

I turned to ask my girlfriend, who was kind of clairvoyant, what she thought about Master Ching Hai. But she was completely drawn inward. When I shook her out of samadhi, she said that she had never seen anyone with such a brilliant aura, all golden and very powerful with archangels and other light beings surrounding Her.

As for the content of the lecture, I can hardly remember anything. I was totally absorbed in Master who was spreading so much love. When the question and answer time came, I asked, "What is the best thing I can do to help the Earth?" on a piece of paper. It was during this time that I was thinking of joining Green Peace as an active member to contribute my part to save the Earth. Well, Master answered, "Get Initiation. Yes, that's it!" A clear and direct answer for me.

I was very satisfied with the initiation. After the initiation, very thankful, happy and full of energy I ran all the way home in the middle of the night. When I tried my first meditation, I could sit still for 20 minutes. It was great. Just yesterday I couldn't sit still for even 2 minutes. And meditation was giving me a comfortable feeling.

Deep inside I have a deep feeling of what a gift I got when Master Ching Hai gave me initiation. And when times outside are not too rough, and when I have a little bit of peace inside, I am filled with a thankfulness and love I can't express.

Thanks You my dear Master Ching Hai for leading me from surviving to living a life.

Miracle Of The Health Index

By Brother Initiate Gerard Bissop, Brisbane, Australia

(Originally In English)

My meeting with Master and initiation came as an answer to a deep heartfelt prayer, and in a most unexpected way.

In my late 30's, I was at the lowest point of my life. A successful and exciting career had ended with a change in government policies, and at the same time my health crashed to a very low point. This crisis pushed me on to a spiritual discovery tour, for which I am eternally grateful.

Raised as a Catholic, then drifting to a life of agnostic and even atheistic beliefs, from this low point I started searching for that something missing in my life through A Course in Miracles, many different channeled teachings, and Christian churches. Mostly unsatisfied, I found myself in a charismatic Baptist church one Sunday morning, feeling I was at the lowest point I had ever been. There was a very emotional alter call that day, and while singing a hymn to Jesus to save us, I felt a powerful presence (the Holy Spirit), and started crying like a baby. I prayed from the depths of my heart, "God, I have tried it my way, and it doesn't work. PLEASE SHOW ME YOUR WAY. PLEASE LET ME BE YOUR INSTRUMENT, YOUR WORK TOOL. I will listen."

The following week, I was reading the local paper, when a picture caught and held my attention. It was a picture of Master in an advertisement of Her public lecture in Brisbane. I said to my wife, "I'm going to this lecture," and when she asked why, I said, "I don't know why, but I'm going!"

Through the lecture, I knew inside that this was what I was looking for, and knew my prayer had been answered! After the lecture, Master offered initiation that same night, and I gladly filled out the application. At that time I did not know what initiation was, but I knew I wanted it!

An Old Man

Three weeks before initiation, I had visited a highly regarded homeopathic doctor to get another opinion on my illness. This doctor used a sensitive German diagnostic machine called a Vega system, which found that I had a combination of three viruses known as M.E. and another virus that attacked the brain. On top of this, my body had many parasites, particularly in the blood. I was glad that what made me so ill was identified, and was not surprised to be told that the diagnosis gave me a health index of 76 (which means my body health was equivalent to that of an average 76 year old man!). I dutifully took the medicines prescribed, but did not feel much different.

Vision of my Soul Being Cleansed

At the time of initiation I did not get into a deep meditation - my mind was continually wandering. But late in the initiation, after Master touched my wisdom eye, I had a powerful vision of a huge whirlpool drawing murky, dirty brown matter away from me, disappearing in the eye of the whirlpool. I knew that this was cleansing me of my wrongdoings of the past. Later I realized that this was the true baptism, where all my previous sins were being forgiven and erased.

A New Life

After the initiation, although it was late at night, I was so elated and uplifted, and so full of energy. It was as though a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. For the first time in many years I felt truly alive!

I went home that night and tried to explain to my wife what had happened, but my own lack of understanding of the significance of the initiation made explanation difficult. To her, I must have seemed very strange, bouncing home, waking her up, announcing that now I was a vegetarian, no longer smoking or drinking, had vowed to live life by the precepts, and was going to meditate daily.

Although my wife was very apprehensive of my new lifestyle, she was delighted to have this new husband - a person who actually had energy and life. She once jokingly remarked, "who is this new man - you'd better not tell my husband!"

Doctors Astounded

In the week following my initiation, I went back to the homeopathic doctor for the one-month check up. Once again, he went through the complex Vega diagnostic process, and to his amazement, the health index now showed a value of 1 - the health of a newborn baby! The doctor looked at his assistant and said, "This is impossible - this has never happened before!" He was delighted at such a dramatic recovery, but I knew that this was indeed a miraculous recovery. Curiously, a year following initiation I lost my (often bad) body odor! It returns slightly only if I don't keep up my practice!

We Must Grow Ourselves

Following such an incredible experience at initiation, I felt that Master was now taking care of my every need, and I became very casual in my meditation practice - which I justified by saying that I was very busy at work, and I didn't have the time for practice. Over a period of a year I felt myself drifting from the high of initiation back to the worldly level. The one thing that kept me going during this time was that I attended group meditations fairly regularly - the power of the group meditations gave me energy for each week.

It was when I was asked to do some contact person work that I decided to be more diligent in my meditation practice. After many months of mediocre but longer meditation, together with attending an international retreat, I began to see significant changes in my life. I found myself gaining in wisdom and understanding, and my difficult job changed to one that was much more rewarding and enjoyable. At the same time my relationship with my wife and children improved dramatically.

I began to see that taking charge of my spiritual practice had many benefits in daily life, and it was up to me to do the practice if I wanted the changes. I also realized that even if my meditation practice was not full of inspirational visions and experiences, it still had changed my life, and helped me in an ongoing way. I am very glad that I hung in there at the times when I was frustrated with the meditation, which I thought was boring and getting nowhere.

Attending international retreats, we get a taste of what life will be like in the Golden Age. It is such an incredible experience that every initiate should do it at least once. However, even if we don't live in this atmosphere, we can make a huge impact on our little corner of the world by practicing daily. Together we really can change the world into a paradise!

Truth-Sharing: Observation And Growth

Master Is The Best Teacher

By Brother Initiate Qiu Chuihuan, Miaoli, Formosa

Wherever Master goes, She asks the local initiates about the customs, traditions, and cultural background of the people. She is very careful and accords due respect to the local government and community. She even pays attention to details of protocol. For example, She asks what would be the best time to hold a lecture and how late it should last, and She is always careful not to disturb the neighborhood. Master always puts Herself in other people's shoes, follows local conventions, and tries Her best to get along with others.

Her presence makes others feel that spring has come and brings a positive aura of happiness. To those in misery or in need of help, She shows Her mercy towards them. She inquires about their well being and whether they need financial assistance. One cannot help being moved by Master's selfless acts.

Master is strict with us, but is even more demanding of Herself. In whatever She does, She sets an example for us to follow. She works with concentration so Her energy is well focused, and no matter what She does, She does it very well.

In 1993, Master's World Lecture Tour began in Indonesia, but when we arrived, a presidential election was in full swing. The government had imposed martial law and there were many restrictions as to how we were permitted to conduct the lecture. Master used this situation as an opportunity to give Truth seekers invisible blessings and comfort, and to teach the disciples a lesson in fearlessness. When I saw Master teach disciples in Her selfless way, sometimes having to use tears to wash away the dust in the hearts of the initiates, I was so touched that I had tears in my eyes as I worked.

Knowing my mind, Master said to me, "I'm just a little woman and I'm not afraid. You are a big man. What are you afraid of?" Her great fearless and positive power awakened me. I had practiced martial arts, karate, and Tai Chi Chuan for 31 years and have taken part in over ten thousand large and small competitions, yet fear lurked deep within my heart. A few words from Master rid me of the fear I had had for years. From that day on, I have never cried or felt frightened again. I want to say, "Master is the best teacher! One glance from Her, one movement, one gesture, one behavior, and even Her atmosphere are all designed to teach and awaken us."

Since my childhood, whatever I have learned, I have done so with concentration. I have also been very respectful towards my teachers. I respect Master Ching Hai the most because She is an enlightened Master. Because I had practiced martial arts from a young age, I have a strong and serious personality. This changed after I started learning Tai Chi Chuan, a softer form of martial arts. Then, after initiation, my personality changed even more. It almost changed my whole life. Now whenever I see anyone who is sick or suffering, hungry or unhappy, I feel uncomfortable and experience what they feel. I feel very fortunate to have received initiation from Master.

In 1993, I accompanied Master to only three countries on Her world lecture tour, but I learned so much and made such great spiritual progress. My whole life changed. I even practice Tai Chi Chuan differently. It has become an exercise of inner control of mind and thoughts, a combination of spiritual practice and health!

The Joy of Regaining Self Confidence

Sister Kim Young-Hae

Taejun, Korea

(Originally In Korean)

During the Korean segment of Master's 1993 World Lecture Tour, lectures were scheduled in Pusan on May 8 and in Seoul on May 15. I was five months pregnant, and not so healthy at that time. Lacking in self-confidence, and even though my mind was full of thoughts that I should be helping Master, I worried that my poor English might do harm to sentient beings, and I wanted to escape using my health condition as an excuse.

The first day, since my thinking was not positive, a member of the audience was chosen to do the translation at the last moment. I helped her on the side. The next morning, when a Quan Yin messenger scolded my poor work and told me that I alone should be in charge of the oral translation, I burst into tears. "How can I do such a job? Why does such difficult work come to me?" I sobbed in the corner during meditation, and earnestly prayed for Master's help. At a gathering time with initiates, when Master saw my nervous and dispirited face, She said, "You're not dying." After I spent a day with infinite blessings and guidance from Master, I said to myself, "Master, I need a big scolding!"

A few days later, the day before the lecture in Pusan. During group meditation, Master attacked my unrelieved ego using Manjushri Bodhisattva's sword and the roaring tiger method. She had accepted my prayer! I translated Master's words to fellow initiates with tears in my eyes. After the group meditation while on the way to Master's place, for no reason, I felt like I was walking on air. For many months, unknown oppression had caused difficulty in my breathing, and often I shed tears with a broken heart even when I saw a clear sky or beautiful flowers. Now, I felt like those burdens had been removed and I was on cloud nine. And although alone, I giggled in spite of myself.

When I arrived, Master looked at me. I bowed like a kindergarten child, and said with a big smile, "Thank You, Master." She gave me a broad smile and said, "You always give me trouble." I was so thankful to Her for enduring everything in order to get rid of my ego and fear, and cut the chains that bound me I knew I could not possibly do it, and now I would devote my life to Her.

The next day, at the lecture in Pusan, covered by Master's infinite protective blessing, I translated without any fear. After I had finished my work, Master congratulated me with a wink. I knew that I had translated everything correctly even though there were a few words I didn't know. I confirm that I did the work under Her infinite protection and grace.

From that time on, when I sometimes make small mistakes in doing Her work, I promise myself that I will not make the same mistakes again, but I never fear anything or want to escape. I now devote my life to Master in gratitude, for giving me the gifts of infinite love and freedom. Thank You, Master.

Rising Above The Mind

By Sister Initiate Lu Guizhu, Costa Rica

In Hawaii, Master helped cleanse our karma. I was among those who had troubled Her. Although I did not understand what wrong I had done, I knew clearly that there had to be a reason for Her to be angry with us. I repented in my heart, and it worked. Master stopped being angry immediately. For me, this was yet another wonderful experience with Her. However, my ego was hurt because it had happened in front of everyone. I could not regain my composure and my mind remained uneasy. The next day I had to attend group meditation at Master's home. Initially, I did not want to attend. But I reminded myself that one has to continue to walk the "path". Therefore, I got into the car with a trembling heart. On the way I felt very uneasy. When the car was about two meters from Master's house, a very strong feeling of love enveloped me, driving away all my fears and worries. My whole body felt comfortable and cool, as if Master were telling me: "Child, don't be afraid! Everything is all right." I was very happy that I had come instead of being deceived by my mind. Otherwise, how could I have felt so deeply Master's love for me?

Thinking back today, because of my pride at that time, Master had to sacrifice Her reputation in order to educate me. Now I really feel guilty and uneasy, and am very grateful to Her for teaching me in all aspects of my life.

The Distressed Angels Of The Street

By Brother Bae, Yong-jae (Pusan, Korea)

(Originally In Korean)

One day in 1993, we were sharing Master's teaching at Youngdeungpo train station. There are many poor people who sleep on the streets near the station. When we were checking to see if any sample booklets had been distributed in that area, we noticed a homeless man who was shedding tears as he read the sample booklet. He approached us and took my hand. As I held his hands, I opened my mind and paid attention to his words. He said he was not able to finish reading the booklet since he could not stop crying. He further commented that never had a book touched the deepest part of his mind, as did this one. He requested that we take the booklets to some of his friends who were very sick in a nearby public care center.

When we were returning to the Center after taking the sample booklets to his sick friends, we received the blissful news: Master would give a lecture in Seoul! Now we were also crying. This man inspired us with the determination and energy to work very hard to prepare for Master's upcoming visit. Night and day we worked distributing the sample booklets in more places to the lost souls who sincerely wanted to go back Home.

The Love Of Being One

By Brother Initiate Hongda Chuang, Taipei, Formosa

I was able to join Master's 1993 World Lecture Tour due to the support of fellow initiates. When asked if I would join the world lecture tour, at first I could not give a definite answer because I did not have money at that time. When my roommate, brother Li, learned of this, he told me, "I might have a solution for you tomorrow." The next day he told me that he would pay for my airplane tickets. At that time, the fellow initiates who had money contributed it and those who were able to spare the time joined the working team. Due to the fellow initiates' support of Master, I had the great honor of helping with the lecture tour in thirteen countries.

During the world lecture tour, I worked wholeheartedly. Although exhausted physically, I was elevated spiritually to such a high level that the three months of work were better than several decades of practice by myself. I think that being able to be one of the working staff was because I needed that job in order to progress spiritually. After I returned from the tour, I felt a big change when I meditated. I had advanced tremendously in my spiritual practice and also had improved in my daily work. Others also noticed the change in me.

Master And Disciples Become As Thin As Their Purses During The 1993 Lecture Tour

By Brother Initiate Chuan-Ping Yang, Taipei, Formosa

The members of our team participated in the entire itineary of the 1993 world lecture tour. Our team had more females than males; therefore, when we met another work team, we looked thinner and more exhausted than did their members. We jokingly said that our team was the marine corps while the other team with the chubby members was a consolation delegation.

Master was even more exhausted and had less time to rest. She not only had to bear the hard work physically, but also had to bear the karma of sentient beings. For myself alone, this trip cost several hundred thousand NT dollars. Fortunately, I was a lay person and had been earning a salary so I was able to afford the trip. However, Master did not accept offerings from others and She paid the travel expenses for Herself and for the Quan Yin messengers with the money that She earned from selling Her art work. After the world lecture tour, Master and the disciples were much thinner and so was Master's purse. Thus, it's no wonder that She once jokingly said, "Sentient beings are very expensive!" However, Master and the disciples were filled with joy during the tour because we knew that our efforts benefited all sentient beings.

In Thailand, we witnessed one of Master's many merciful deeds. When She saw a poor pedicab driver, She asked a fellow initiate to lend Her some money to give the driver. The fellow initiate, with a pile of money in his hand, hesitated while considering how much he should give to the driver. But Master quickly grabbed the money and gave it all to him. Master's straightforward and generous spirit in both mind and action truly touched us.

We Can Do Perfect Work Only When We Do Our Best

By Sister Initiate Youle Huang, Tainan, Formosa

When we prepared for Master's 1993 lecture in Hong Kong, we did not have a separate room in which to display Master's paintings and artistic lamps. We had to display them in the lecture hall; however, since it was crowded in the hall and Master's works of art were suspended from iron stands, it was very hard to keep people from touching them as they walked by. And when the paintings were touched, they swayed. After the lecture, Master exhorted us, pointing out that the paintings and lamps should not be displayed in the lecture hall and that when displaying them, we must show their artistic value and not be perfunctory about it. (In fact, Master had already endured our poor work for several lectures. Since that was the third to the last lecture and we still had not improved, Master was forced to correct us.)

Upon hearing Master's admonitions, sister Chen and I, who were in charge of arranging the art in the lecture hall, felt ashamed. We were also surprised that Master had been so omniscient and sharp. She knew that we were capable of exhibiting Her art works in a good light, but we were not working wholeheartedly. Sister Chen, who had been engaged in an import-export business for many years and had often exhibited products at the Taipei International Exhibition Center, was very good at designing an exhibition hall. And since I had worked as a teacher of interior design for more than a decade, I too should have done a better job of displaying Master's paintings and lamps.

To earn a living, both sister Chen and I had worked very hard at our worldly jobs, but we were doing only a perfunctory job of exhibiting Master's art work during the world lecture tour, using the excuse of short manpower and time. Also, thinking that the emphasis should be on the lecture stage, we neglected to consider that people who appreciate works of art would feel an affinity with Master through this medium and hence be provided with an opportunity for liberation. Master's words jarred us from our slumber. Earlier during the lecture tour, Master had said, "When you work with a Master to share the teachings, it is like sharing an office with the Master." We were very fortunate to be able to work with Her, so how could we not try our best and thus waste the merit that God had bestowed on us?

Malaysia was the next to the last stop on the lecture tour. This time we were determined to exhibit Master's art work to perfection. We leased some professional tools such as exhibiting boards and projection lights from an exhibition company. It so happened that fellow initiates who was an electrician had just joined us and this brother assisted with installation of the projection lights. The lecture hall in Kuala Lumpur was in the style of a Chinese "Goddess Palace." Master's works were displayed in the covered corridor around the temple. At dusk, when the projection lights were turned on, all the paintings looked more stereoscopic and the colors became brighter. The whole corridor around the Celestial Empress Palace resembled a high-class art gallery.

After this experience, when working on numerous subsequent lectures, we were always well aware that the exhibition of Master's works of art is also an integral part of sharing the Truth and deserves our best effort. By analogy, we must try our best wholeheartedly in anything we do if it is for the benefit and liberation of others. I have benefited greatly from Master's teachings on the 1993 World Lecture Tour.

The Story Of A Non-Sleeping General

By Brother Initiate Chibang Hsu, Taipei, Formosa

During Master's 1993 world lecture tour, one brother initiate almost became a "non-sleeping general". In the daytime, he had to arrange things like renting lecture halls and distributing advertisements. At night he had to make plans and contacts for the next stop. Sometimes he was not able to have a good night's sleep for half a month. After having survived the trip, he realized that Master had used these experiences to help him break through the limitations of the physical body and that the limit he had to break through was actually the ego that his mind had created. He came to understand that only when one realized that devotion was one's goal in life was one able to attain true peace and happiness.

When Master trains a person, She keeps giving work and setting deadlines until the work is done well. That experience helped the brother initiate to break through various obstacles. He also came to realize that when one has a desire, one has concepts and then one needs to break through the concepts; and when one has no desire, one has no concepts and hence surpasses one's obstacles. This is the so-called "renunciation" referred to by the Buddhists.

The Meticulous Great Love

By Brother Initiate Weihsin Yang, Yilan, Formosa

After the 1993 lectures in Europe were completed, we flew directly to Korea. Due to being overweight, all of the tour's luggage, except for Master's personal items and the video and audio equipment was shipped separately. Therefore, after we arrived in Korea, we had no clothes to change into and no blankets. So our merciful Master gave us Her blankets, Quan Yin cloth, and pillows. What I was given was Master's white scarf. I felt very, very happy at that time. I still keep it as a memento.

Master always very thoughtfully takes care of everyone. After Her discourses during the world lecture tour, or after any retreat or lecture, She always meets with groups of visitors and fellow initiates to answer any questions they may have. Later, She sees the working staff members and offers love to them. Then She takes care of the attendants around Her. Only after the closest attendants are well taken care of will She rest. Master, in Her selfless devotion, deserves to be our role model.

The High Vibration Of The Group

By Sister Initiate Zhou Yuyun, Hong Kong

1993 was my first trip on a lecture tour. It was there that my ego, which I once thought was indestructible, crumbled easily and naturally under the high vibration of the group.

In Australia, the low population density made flier distribution a difficult job. On the first day, the team returned to its temporary lodgings carrying many fliers. Looking at these fliers, the brother in charge, though well aware of how difficult it was, insisted that we finish our assigned jobs each day so as to cultivate the habit of overcoming difficulties and solving problems. From that day on, we learned to finish our assigned tasks each day, finding ways to overcome the difficulties we encountered. We all worked steadfastly to accomplish our mission.

This experience of flier distribution in Australia taught me thoroughly the ideal of self-discipline in work. I was both surprised and touched by the relationship between the work team members and Quan Yin messengers. The team members were absolutely obedient and very disciplined. That was why they could act quickly and advance bravely. Their courage assisted me in overcoming my individual self and growing up. Therefore, the lecture trip was a journey of enlightenment for me in my search of the Truth and the real self. As Master once said, "Just let go of your small self and then you'll be big."

Not To Be Sluggish

When we returned to Asia, the schedule was not so tight. Two work groups joined forces in Seoul. We thought we had more people, so we all relaxed. The two group leaders worked together and became mutually reliant. After the lecture, Master asked to see us. We thought that we were invited to a party again. But it turned out that Master had severe words for us. She pointed out that we were not concentrating enough and were relying too much on others instead of God. We had become conceited over our hard work and success. Master's sharp warning had us quickly changing our careless and sloppy attitude and we again focused our attention on God's instructions. Truly, when a Master teaches the disciples, He or She always emphasizes their inner quality and not their apparent success or failure.

The Olympic Lecture Hall

By Sister Initiate Huang Youle, Formosa

I would have retreated had I known in advance the incredible difficulties that awaited us when we followed Master on Her 1993 world lecture tour. I hold my travel companions in great esteem and admiration. They accomplished things that were beyond the average person, and endured the unendurable.

Two huge venues had been selected for Master's two lectures in Korea, especially the one in Pusan, which was held in a stadium built for the Olympics that could accommodate over 40,000 people. Its dome-shaped ceiling was over ten stories high. The spherical stadium had seats built around the center. It was not clear which was the main direction. There was neither a platform nor background scenery for the stage. The carpenter brothers had to build the platform. Since we didn't understand the Korean language, we communicated with the local initiates through hand gestures.

The background had to be suspended from the ceiling. The iron staircase leading to the ceiling was a narrow one used for ceiling maintenance. It was more like a ladder leading into the clouds than a staircase. A construction brother volunteered, "I used to climb over ten stories to make models. I can do it." Later, it almost became a stunt show in Infinite Light. We heard him loudly singing songs, but couldn't see him from the floor. The brother worked for hours while standing on the small and narrow staircase high above the ground, and he had to sing to overcome his fear of heights. Ropes were lowered one by one, as though being put down by God. When all the ropes were arranged as designed, it seemed that most of the work was done. But because of the height, the background scenery became too heavy and the ropes holding it in place broke several times. The scenery was finally set up after several trials. Another brother volunteered to help but was forced to climb down when he was overcome by fear halfway up the staircase.

On the day of the lecture, the hall was packed with Truth seekers. The stage and background setting looked magnificent. Master praised the setting for its Korean style, simplicity, and creativity. Although that was true, I thought Master had mentioned it as a reward for the work team because it was an extremely difficult task. After the lecture, over 500 people received initiation. Our fatigue and hard work turned into joy and I felt honored to have participated in the lecture tour and in accomplishing this job. Whenever I talk with my former partners about these two lectures in Korea, we all feel gratified. It was truly great to have made the impossible possible!

Aphorisms

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai

(Originally In English)

The greater the challenge, the greater our spiritual understanding and growth.

(Originally In Chinese)

Thinking of the benefit that other people will get makes us forget about our fear. This is the best way to nurture courage.

A Lesson From An Improper Concept

Narrated By

Sister Initiate Lin Liying, Formosa

Recorded By Mountain Wind, Formosa

Sister Lin's group went early to Switzerland to prepare for Master's 1993 lecture. Since she knew English, sister Lin immediately assumed the most important tasks. One of her jobs was to print posters announcing the theme, time, and location of the lecture. Because the Swiss speak French and there were many foreigners in the country, the posters were printed in both French and English. A disciple living in Europe came to Switzerland to assist in finding a printing house.

Due to the tight schedule, the posters had to be finished quickly. After discussing the contents with the printers, sister Lin got into her car, ready to return to her lodgings. Suddenly she realized that she had written the theme of the lecture in English only. She had forgotten the French, and French was the main language spoken there. Sister Lin was about to return to the printing house, but the initiate with her remarked that it would not matter because the brother in charge did not understand French! The printing house was right in front of her and it would have been easy for her to go in and make the correction. But she ignored the strong signals from within. Instead, she did as the other disciple had suggested.

Two days later, the posters were ready. Although the brother in charge did not understand French, he carefully compared the French contents with the English and found that the most important part, the theme in French, was missing. He reprimanded sister Lin severely. Sister Lin felt extremely sorry, not for being scolded, but because it would take another two days to get the posters reprinted. This would affect the lecture schedule. What made her feel worse was her wrong concept. The posters were for tens of thousands of Swiss people, not for the brother in charge. How could she have been so in serving God?

This experience was an enormous lesson for her. She learned to act promptly in her work, and never find loopholes or count on luck, especially with regard to Truth-sharing lectures and the matter of eternal liberation.

My Miraculous Pocket

By Sister Initiate Lu Guizhu,

Costa Rica

On the occasion of Master's arrival in the United States, a group of initiates went to the airport to greet Her. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Master tossed blessed food to us. Whenever someone caught a bag, Master would not toss him an extra one. I had caught one bag already, so I dared not be greedy and stretch out my hand when Master threw over another bag. I thought I should give the other fellow practitioners a chance, but no one caught it and yet the bag of blessed food was nowhere to be found. What a puzzle! I looked around on the floor several times but found nothing. Still puzzled on my way home, I put my hands into my pockets because the weather was cold. To my amazement, I found that the bag of blessed food had fallen into my pocket. What a heartwarming and pleasant feeling it was to get an extra bonus from our beloved Master!

The Love Of God

By Sister Initiate Lijing Wang, Pingtong, Formosa

After Master's 1993 lecture in Germany, we went to the airport to see Her off. Along with candy, flowers and crowds of people - the airport was filled with Master's blessings and love. I was the one responsible for preparing and bringing the candy, but I had carelessly bought unwrapped candy rings and was feeling very annoyed with myself. However, Master picked up several rings and put them on Her wrist as bracelets. Suddenly I could not help shedding tears. Master had naturally solved the problem of my carelessness without a trace. She then gave each fellow initiate a candy ring. In this way, She transformed God's love into the joy of a child and shared it with us. Master even jokingly put a candy ring on Her hat as a decoration and made a wish that we be liberated sooner. Before boarding the airplane, She especially blinked Her eyes at me. I immediately understood Her gesture and God's love was momentarily bestowed upon me like rain pouring from a cloud.

For Master's lecture in Korea, the weather in Seoul was very hot in the daytime and very cold at night. The lecture site was a large Olympic stadium. When preparing the lecture venue, we had worked well past midnight and were feeling extremely cold. Since its location was out-of-the-way, we did not expect to have any hot food with which to warm ourselves. However, a voice suddenly came from the other end of the stadium, saying, "We have brought some delicious food for you." In a split second, the fellow initiates who had brought food for us appeared, as if they were celestial troops.

They told us that it was from Master's loving instruction. The sight of the rich and delicious vegetarian ham, stir-fried vegies, soup, cheese, etc. in our cup filled our hearts with Master's sweet love. We could not keep our tears from falling while eating the soul-warming food.

A Timely Editor

By Brother Initiate Guochou Huang, Hsinchu, Formosa

During my three months of participation in the work team for Master's 1993 lecture tour in Europe, I did not work on my graduate studies at all. When I came back to Louvain, Belgium, I had five months in which to finish my Ph.D. thesis, a process that normally takes at least a year. I virtually lived in my research laboratory without rest and sleep, except for going back to my dormitory to eat and bathe. Others did not believe that I could finish my Ph.D. in time. Suddenly, an American sister initiate appeared to help edit the English in my thesis. After the editing, she disappeared. She simply had been sent by God to help me finish my Ph.D. thesis in time.

(Excerpt From "Tagor's Poems - No. 81)

A Song Dedicated To God

Written by Tagor, India

(Originally In English)

On many an idle day have I grieved over lost time.

But it is never lost, my Lord.

Thou hast taken every moment of my life in thine own hands.

Hidden in the heart of things

thou art nourishing seeds

into sprouts,

buds into blossoms,

and ripening flowers

into fruitfulness.

I was tired

and sleeping on my idle bed

and imagined all work had ceased.

In the morning I woke up

and found my garden full of

wonders of flowers.

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POEM.txt

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Poems Of Immortality

Seeing Master In A Dream

By Supreme Master Ching Hai

(Originally In Au Lac Language)

Last night in a dream, I saw

You Master, more gaunt than before.

Sun and rain have dyed your habit a faded color.

Awaiting my return, you stood in front of the pagoda.

Since I left to begin a busy life

Teaching the noble way

I've never forgotten:

"Without a Teacher, very few know success."

Your love will always be engraved in my heart.

From this island, blurred by tears,

I thread these verses to offer you as a sacred rosary.

Even at a distance, you still take care of me -

Your blessings, so immense like the mountain and the sea.

I could never repay even if I tried;

Carrying the vow to assist the human race,

I have to travel the five continents still

To sow spiritual seeds all over rivers and hills.

Hoping to earn numerous good merits

To offer the Four Benefactors,* to bless

the Three Worlds of Misery,**

To repay your infinite mercy

In guiding me through the difficult initial steps!...

Formosa,

Season of Living in Tranquility '85

* Four Benefactors: Buddhist term denoting The Parents, The Multitude, The King, and The Buddhist Trinity.

** Three Worlds of Misery: Buddhist term denoting World of Ghosts (Fire Hell), World of Hungry Ghosts (Sword Hell), and World of Animals (Blood Hell).

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Report From Sweden

The Light Of God Shines On The Land Of Ice

According to local newspapers, vegetarianism has become a new trend in Sweden as an increasingly large number of people in this Scandinavian country have switched to a vegetarian diet. Initiates distributing sample booklets often run into longtime vegetarians interested in learning meditation. On one such occasion, they met a woman at Rinkeby Subway Station who had learned about Master the previous year. As one who had observed the vegetarian diet for many years, she immediately requested initiation into the Quan Yin Method. She had felt the need to go to Rinkeby since early morning but had been unable to do so until the afternoon, she said. It was not until her meeting with the initiates that she realized it was the Quan Yin Method that had brought her here.

A videotaped lecture was held in the well-known college town of Uppsala near Stockholm on October 24. Both fellow initiates and initiates-to-be participated in the preparations for this activity to inform the audience of other worlds in the universe which they had perhaps never heard about. Their spiritual elevation into the consciousness of the universe melted them in the joy and love of God. It was gratifying to find that the young people of Sweden who comprised the majority of the audience shared such a longing for the Truth.

Meanwhile, three spiritual exhibitions were held in major cities around Sweden: at the University of Umea on October 17-18; Helsingborg Stadium on October 31 to November 1; and Goteborg Horse Racing Ground on November 28-29. At Goteborg, the sponsors provided a room for the initiates to introduce the Quan Yin Method to those interested in learning meditation.

Since most Swedish people read English, the English editions of Master's publications have become the quickest and most convenient way for them to learn about the Quan Yin Method. Supplies of sample booklets, the News Magazines and leaflets are quickly depleted as Master's teachings gradually spread across this Scandinavian country.

Fellow initiates generously share the Truth at three spiritual exhibitions in Sweden.

The attendance at videotaped lectures around Sweden demonstrates the audience's longing for the Truth.

Report From Formosa

A Walk In The Country With Little Disciples

[Taipei] Bright sunshine is rare in the month of November. A gentle breeze was blowing and it was a perfect day for an excursion. So, the Taipei Center guards' group arranged an excursion to the countryside for the Center's little disciples.

After reaching the higher elevations of the local countryside, the young initiates happily took out their toys. Some flew kites, some played ball, and others played Frisbee. The meadow resounded with laughter. All this formed a beautiful scene. Later, a sister led the disciples in singing and dancing, and taught them to play police and robbers. The older initiates had a wonderful time while the younger ones shouted, jumped about, and laughed happily.

In the afternoon, the initiates went hiking to strengthen their stamina. After a long journey in the natural surroundings, all were wet with perspiration by the time they reached their destination, a waterfall. For urban residents, a return to nature and some exercise are beneficial for both body and spirit.

Taipei initiates enjoy a holiday excursion to the countryside.

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Contents

Enlightenment is not a duty

or a privilege of Himalayan saints

or Indian sadhus alone.

It is everyone's privilege.

~ Supreme Master Ching Hai ~

02 1993 World Lecture Tour----

Master And Disciples Travel The Continents And Cross The Seas to

Sow Spiritual Seeds Around The World---

Indonesia/ Singapore/ Australia/ Hawaii/ Mexico/

The Continental United States/ Montreal, Canada/ Geneva, Switzerland/ Paris, France/ Vienna, Austria/ Belgium/ Munich and Berlin, Germany/ Seoul and Pusan, Korea/ Tokyo, Japan/ Hong Kong/ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia/ Bangkok, Thailand

03 Pearls Of Wisdom

13/28 Aphorisms

19 Story World----

The Joy Of Being Initiated : How I Found God And Became Truly Rich/ A Fresh Beginning/

Thoughts Started By An Alarm Clock/ Days Filled With Energy From The Initiation/ Miracle Of the Health Index Truth-Sharing : Observation And Growth: Master Is the Best Teacher/ The Joy Regaining Self Confidence/

Raising Above The Mind/ The Distressed Angels Of the Street/ The Love Of Being One/

Master And Disciples Became As Thin As Their Purses During The 1993 Lecture Tour/

We Can Do Perfect Work Only When We Do Our Best/ The Story Of A Non-sleeping General/

The Meticulous Great Love/ The High Vibration Of The Group/ Not To Be Sluggish/

The Olympic Lecture Hall/ A Lesson From An Improper Concept

Master's Wonders : My Miraculous Pocket/ The Love Of God/ Timely Editor

30 Poem---A Song Dedicated To God

31 Master Says----The Difference Between A Saint And An Ordinary Person

33 Humorous Wisdom----The Lion And The Jackal

34 Master Tells A Story----Reminder From God

34 Selected Question And Answer----Make Up For The Mistakes

35 Media Reports ---The Mirror (U.K.)/ The Herald (USA)/ Daily Mail (U.K.)

35 Universe--- Save The Ozone Layer!

38 Panorama---Sweden/ Formosa

3 9 Love In Action---Follow-up Report On Relief Aid For Hurricane Mitch Victims/

A Mini Noah's Ark/ Merged As One In Master's Love/ Social Order And Social Responsibility/

Helping Others Is Helping Yourself

46 Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

Inner Front Cover Poem Of Immortality---Seeing Master In The Dream

Inner Back Cove Supreme Art---The Universe In Master's Fans/

Infiniteness Of The Heaven And Earth

Back Cover Elevation Of The Soul----Treasure House Of Wisdom/

The Supreme Master Ching Hai's 1993 World Lecture Tour

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 99

Published: January 15, 1999

Founded: April 1, 1990

Published By: The Supreme Master Ching Hai

International Association

Publisher: Lin Ping Xing

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News Magazine

is published in different languages: Au Lac language,

Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese,

Indonesian, Korean, Portugese, Spanish,

Thai and is available upon request.

Also available on World Wide Web:

http://www.chinghai.org.tw/ (Formosa)

http://www.chinghai.com (Singapore)

http://www.light-sound.com (Korea)

http://www.jps.net/kannon/index/index.htm (Japan)

http://quanyin.org (U.S.A.)

http://mason.gmu.edu/~lduan/index1.html (U.S.A.)

http://www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/audiovideo-archive-sumachinghai.html (U.S.A.)

http://www.spiritual-discovery.com (Canada with Real Audio service)

http://members.aol.com/ChingHai/d_hpage.htm (Germany and in German)

http://mach.ulb.ac.be/~ifaybish/ (Belgium)

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/quanyin/ (UK)

http://www.bookzone.com/bookzone/10000190.peek.html

(Book order - I have come to take you home)

News Group: lovesrc@quanyin.com

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Master And Disciples Travel The Continents and Cross The Seas To Sow spiritual Seeds Around The World

In 1993, a spiritual surge commenced when a wave of Light shone upon countries around the world. For perhaps the first time in the history of our world were people of so many diverse nations provided the rare opportunity to see and hear an enlightened Master divulge the secrets of eternal life.

From March to June 1993, the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her assistants flew thousands of miles to travel to twenty-four cities in sixteen nations to share the message of Truth with people around the world. Master gave 28 free, grand public lectures, and more than thirty talks to old and new initiates along with countless interviews. These lectures and informal talks granted countless sentient beings a chance for deliverance and an opportunity to put an end to their wanderings within the lower spheres of the universe.

Today, five years later, we happily remember this world lecture tour that shook the universe to the core and won praise and respect from even God and the Saints. We have compiled into 6 books for you two of the interviews and the 28 formal lectures delivered by Master and the many reports composed by the news group accompanying Her on this tour. In this issue of the News Magazine, initiates who participated in the multitude of tasks on the world tour are delighted to share with you their recollections and insights that they gained from their work experience.

Preparation For The 1993 World Lecture Tour

In early 1993, after the International Seven-Day Retreat in San Di Mun, Pingtung, Formosa, Master moved to Laiyi Center, Formosa and stayed there for a period of time. In peace and love, residents and lay disciples as well as animal "disciples" spent a wondrous time with Master. Meanwhile, preparations for Master's world lecture tour were under way. A journey that would greatly uplift the world's spiritual awareness was about to be launched.

There were very few fellow initiates at many of the scheduled tour stops and it became necessary to have an entourage comprised of fellow initiates. This group would accompany Master on the World Tour in order to make preparations for the lectures at each of the venues. Through God's marvelous arrangement and Master's traceless blessings, fellow initiates who were suited to this task emerged one after another after undergoing a period of spiritual purification.

Love Shines Upon Us

On February 28, 1993 Master bestowed another grand public lecture on Formosa, an island where She had spent ten years and had left Her graceful footprints and love in every corner.

On the day of the lecture, Master's artistic works were displayed in the lobby of the hall. The frames for the paintings were designed by Master and hastily made by fellow-initiate carpenters only the night before the lecture. These frames deviated from the traditional rectangular shape and varied from heart-shapes to elliptical, hexagonal, etc., according to the spirit of the paintings. With visible and invisible approaches, Master sparked the wisdom of Her disciples, forcing the fellow-initiate carpenters to surpass their limited confidence and abilities. Visitors marveled at the congruity between the paintings and their frames, and the perfect composition of patterns and colors. Master's fan painting were also displayed, and the rich Zen themes inspired people to ponder the deepest meanings of spiritual practice. The delightful colors and harmonious designs touched our deepest innermost being.

At midnight, initiates gathered to listen to Master's earnest teachings and drink in Her magnificent presence one more time before She left. And the next day, Master and the entourage set off on this unprecedented journey. Master's artistic works were also taken along on the Tour and became silent partners as they played a wordless, although crucial, role in the sharing of Truth.

First Stop: Indonesia

Indonesia, in the midst of a general election, was under martial law during Master Ching Hai's world tour stop. Public lectures and use of microphones were prohibited. With a selfless and fearless spirit for the Truth, fellow initiates built a bridge between Master and those having affinity with Her.

Recalling the happy meeting, brother Chiu Ming Fen said: "Although the audience knew that Master would not be permitted to give a speech, they remained in the hall, awaiting Her arrival, upon which Master was surrounded by people wanting to be blessed. We, the guards, were moved by the people's thirst for Truth and liberation, which remains fresh in our memories even today."

In the old days, Bodhidharma was invited to give a discourse. He spoke not a word yet people were enlightened all the same. This also was true for Master in Indonesia. She used the teachings in silence and blessed the more than 4,000 seekers present with Her loving eyes. This was an example of a genuine wordless transmission of Truth.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai

Group Meditation in Surabaya, Indonesia

March 2, 1993 (Originally In Chinese)

Since there aren't many spiritual practitioners in this world, its atmosphere is not positive enough, and people are unstable, somber and pessimistic in their thoughts. Most people go with the flow of the world and do not have their own opinions. That's why we have to pursue spiritual practice. Otherwise, if we continued to live this way, there would be no meaning to our lives. Sooner or later, when our time came we would reflect on our whole life and realize it was not spectacular enough, not honorable enough, and not brave enough and sometimes we would not be able to die satisfied. If we're very unsatisfied, we'll come back as human beings again. Now that we are already in this human form, we might as well do our best this time.

Second Stop: Singapore

Informed of Master's upcoming world tour stop, fellow initiates in Singapore quickly formed work groups to dispense with the various tasks. With the help of many fellow initiates from Formosa, all jobs were accomplished with great efficiency. With the blessings of Master, applying for a lecture permit, printing tens of thousands of sample books and leaflets, and posting fliers in public places all went smoothly. Everything was completed within a short period of time and at a very low cost. Nearly every building in the country had a poster on its wall. The whole nation was informed of the coming of Master Ching Hai and the advent of Her lecture.

Upon arrival in Singapore, Master was impressed by the advanced economy, clean environment, its disciplined citizens, and wise leadership. She indicated that these things symbolized a high level of spiritual consciousness. During the lecture, an ardent audience packed the hall, while thousands more crowded outside. From the warm welcome they gave to Master, their happy hearts and open minds, and their high-level questions, one could tell their spiritual level was very advanced. Master encouraged them to place more emphasis on spiritual aspects along with economic development, so that their prosperity would be more lasting and perfect, benefiting the whole country and each individual.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai Singapore

March 8, 1993 (Originally In English)

Just exactly what makes a country be at a higher consciousness than another country? First, the leaders of the government must be wise. Then they need to let other good influences come to their land, and be willing to learn to sacrifice for the people, and thus they will show the people an example. And they will learn more from wiser people and develop more of their own wisdom. Therefore, since ancient times, great kings have been worshipped by people and beloved by all for many thousands of years. Their names are carved in the heart of the universe.

If the governmental system is good, the people will feel freer and more at ease. They will look for a higher value of life because their material side is satisfied and their life security is being looked after. For a wise government or a wise people, it takes more to be wise than just looking after people materially, but that is one of the starting points. When we are open to all kinds of good influences, wisdom will come to our land, and blessings will flow forth into our country. Then we will feel better and better because the people are united in one heart to develop the country and also to bless the nation.

Third Stop: Australia

Five lectures were arranged in three Australian cities, and each one attracted crowds of Truth seekers. Meanwhile, English, Au Lacese, and Chinese newspapers prominently featured these events and introduced Master's teachings.

The people's thirst for Truth impressed the working team members and encouraged everyone to make a greater effort. Brother Chuang Hongda in narrating one of his experiences said, "In Sydney, we met a couple from Mainland China. In Shanghai, the wife had read an autographed book by Master and had been fond of Her teachings ever since. She was unable to extend her visa and worried that she would not be able to meet Master. On the day of Master's arrival, our work group was assigned to distribute sample booklets. We met this woman on a train and she took us to many places so that we could distribute the sample books. Afterwards, we brought her back with us to meet Master. As soon as she saw Master, she began to cry. Her excitement and longing to achieve spiritual satisfaction again made us realize the momentous occasion in which we were involved on this World Lecture Tour. No wonder Master made light of all the hardships and obstacles She encountered while traveling around the world. She heard the crying of the lost lambs and was trying to find each one that was marked for Her."

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai Brisbane, Australia

March 21, 1993 (Originally In English)

If we truly love our Earth planet, if we truly love our later generations, if we love our children, then we must bless the world. We can't bless it with our eight hours a day of work. Plenty of people have done that for centuries, and it hasn't altered anything much. We have to bless it with the supreme power, with God's grace, which is in all of us.

Fourth Stop: Hawaii

Master's videotaped lectures had been played for the public through a TV station in Hawaii for months and therefore many people were familiar with Master's teachings and many wanted to be initiated into the Quan Yin Method. Learning that Master was coming to give a lecture, they were overjoyed.

Two lectures were held in Honolulu. Audience members from all walks of life packed the venue. Half the audience consisted of Westerners. Another half included Asian Americans. The humor in Master's opening remarks was followed by Her shedding light on how enlightenment can lead to a happy life. In simple terms She brought Her profound insights to the hearts of the audience members. Her grace and wit repeatedly elicited applause and laughter.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hawaii, U.S.A.

March 27, 1993 (Originally In English)

We don't need to wait a year to take a one-month vacation, because our body will already be too exhausted, and our mind will be too tired to enjoy even that period of rest. We do not need to wait until our body is exhausted and our mind is very much abused and worn out in order to go on a vacation. We can do it every day by sitting in meditation. That's why most of us experience so-called unhappy feelings in life and are unsatisfied. We do not give ourselves the time to rest. We think we are resting when we sleep. That's fine. That's also resting, but it's not enough, because we are unconscious like in death at that time. But if we meditate, we are consciously aware of our greatness, of our communion with the great Source of the universe. And we are part of it. We are connected with the whole universal power. That's why we become strong, patient, and wise, and then we can do many wonders. We no longer have to use our limited individual power to do our daily work even. Our daily work will be taken care of, watched over and blessed by this universal power.

Fifth Stop: Mexico

Describing the story of how the lecture was arranged, brother Huang Honghai said: "At that time there were no initiates or friends in Mexico who could offer help. Then a former Miss Universe made a phone call to the Costa Rica Center saying that she had read Master's sample booklet and wanted to be initiated into the Quan Yin Method. She had been trying to locate Master since first reading the book. Through the help of this would-be-initiate and one of her friends, plus the cooperative efforts of initiates from Formosa, America, Mainland China, and South and Central America, thousands of people attended the lecture. This lecture in Mexico turned out to be the one with the most far-reaching impact among all the lectures given by Master in South and Central America. Recounting the whole story and the follow-up during the next few years, we are further convinced of Master's omnipotence and omnipresence."

Sister Wang Leejing told us: "In a suburb of Mexico City, there are relics of the ancient Mayan culture that remind us of a glorious and highly spiritual era through which Mexicans lived. Although the Mayan culture has faded out, the pure and kind hearts of the Mexican people remain. When shopkeepers and street peddlers received Master's pictures from us, they warmly expressed their gratitude and naturally paid homage to Master with great sincerity."

Brother Yang Chuan Ping stated his views about the people of Mexico as follows: "From the way they showed their love toward Master we could recognize the romantic and pure nature of the Latin Americans. When we put up the posters with Master's picture on them, many people came up to up and asked for them. We had to repeatedly explain that we could not give these pictures to them until the lecture was over. When we put the posters on utility poles, they repeatedly kissed Master's picture on the posters. After searching our memories, we simply could not find a record of ardor as strong as theirs. The lecture was held at a university. When we held Master's poster while walking around the campus to let more students know about the upcoming lecture, the students warmly said hello to us and asked our names. They seemed so intimate that we felt they were our brothers and sisters. Although the local residents are not rich, they bought more books by Master than people from other places did. This showed how much they loved Master's teachings."

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,

Mexico University, Mexico

April 1, 1993 (Originally In English)

In the eyes of the enlightened person, the world is perfect. We always have heard sayings like that, but then why do we see suffering? Why is God very loving and kind, but does not make the world apparently perfect? But the world is very, very, perfect. It is because we do not tune in to the "perfection nature" of the world that we do not see it. The true world lies beyond our sensory perception; the world we see around us is only a poor copy. That's why I say the world is already perfect. Most of us do not see the perfection of God's creation, but we can by sincere longing and by a precise technique.

It is just like God assigned women to bear children; God also assigned a certain way to have communication with Hirm. Whatever we have in our life, in the apparent, outer life, we have it rooted in the invisible, perfect world of God's creation. If we do not have the perfect side of our nature, then we have only a part of it and we are not a complete being.

Sixth Stop: The Continental United States

Leaving Mexico, Master stepped onto the soil of the Continental United States at Los Angeles. The four cites She visited were Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and Washington, D.C.

Master's almighty power motivated fellow initiates to cooperate with great efficiency. Although they had never met each other before, the initiates worked like members of a professional team. Brother Yang Chuan Ping told us an interesting story. "In Seattle, we found that the more we distributed the leaflets, the more numerous they became. When we expressed our puzzlement, someone told us that when American initiates took the leaflets to distribute, they reprinted even more than they took. Fellow initiates may live in different countries, but their wish to support Master's work is the same."

Brother Hsu Zhenbang, a member of the work team recalled, "In America we once met some homeless people. Master naturally showed Her concern and love. She immediately walked up and talked with them. Then She asked us to find out how many homeless people were in the area. If we found, for example, that there were 50 people, we would double the number to 100 when we reported to a Quan Yin messenger, for fear that we failed to count all of them. When the messenger reported to Master, he doubled the number again to 200. When Master asked us to buy supplies for them, She doubled the number one more time to 400. Thus we had many supplies left over after the distribution, and we had to go elsewhere to find others in need to distribute the rest."

Another experience of interest on the American segment of Master's World Tour was that of the contact person from Colorado. He commented that when preparing for Master's lectures, he could work around the clock without sleeping a wink. And after a lecture, he did not feel at all tired. On the contrary, he felt full of vitality as if he had just been on a vacation. He said that from his work on the tour, he came to realize that Master is not only a teacher of a high level but also a friend at hand. All kinds of spiritual joys can be fully experienced by those who throw themselves wholeheartedly into God's work.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Seattle, U.S.A.

April 7, 1993 (Originally In English)

Many centuries ago, spiritual attainment or becoming enlightened was something very mystical, very impossible, very farfetched, a kind of visionary dream. But today, it is a very common theme that people sometimes even talk about in coffee shops, in the park, on the train, on the bus, etc. This is good. The age of our world has changed, and we are beginning to live in another kind of atmosphere where many more people will be enlightened, and peace will be more accessible to mankind. And let's hope that in the future generations all the rulers of the Earth will not rule with armed force, but with wisdom and love.

Seventh Stop: Montreal, Canada

To spread the news about the upcoming lecture, a few non-initiate children were drafted to use as forerunners. Sister Huang Youlah, a member of the work team described the story. "In Montreal, French is the official language and is most commonly used, but the newly immigrated fellow initiates could not speak French. In addition, most of the work team members could barely communicate in English. Luckily, these new immigrants had a few ten-year-old children who could speak a little French. We then counted on them to lead the way and translate for us. These little saints delightedly led us as we took the subways and transferred from one to another. They worked from seven in the morning until nightfall. With their lovely smiles and French language skills, they introduced Master Ching Hai and Her teachings to the people around the city. Although the weather in Montreal was very cold, these little saints served as vehicles to transmit Master's message and love, which warmed up the city.

Brother Chuang Hongda related another story. "A grandfather who had come from far away to visit his family also joined the work team, standing for a whole day distributing leaflets to people." Later this elderly gentleman, who was "over the age for initiation" and several children who were "underage" were initiated as exceptions. The good fortune to be initiated although they were technically ineligible was "earned" by them through their selfless efforts.

Sister Wang, who came to Canada to go to college, cherished her good fortune of participating in the preparations for the lecture. Her work on behalf of Master's tour drew her closer to the Truth and paved her path to a bright future. She wrote: "We all filled up the house of a fellow initiate at night. We slept on the floor shoulder to shoulder. A Quan Yin messenger who slept beside me was full of vitality. She was always the first to get up in the morning. When I was enjoying my breakfast, a call of "Let's go!" always reminded me that a fast pace was what I had to learn. Once I heard the Quan Yin messenger say: "In a drought everywhere are found thirsty souls." I realized that her great willpower and racing pace in sharing the Truth with others came from her awareness of a universal connection between every soul. Her devotion also made her ignore and transcend the limitations of her physical condition. Every one of us was moved by her selflessness."

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Montreal, Canada April 17, 1993 (Originally In English)

M Many people want to change the world, to change the way we live our lives. But the sages with enlightened spirits say, "No, change yourself," because if we change ourselves, we change the world around us. Even if the world still stays the way it is, we are not affected.

M An enlightened person enjoys both worlds - enjoying Heaven at the same time as enjoying this world. He knows that whatever is manifested in this world is also the will of Heaven, and it's also a copy of the real manifestation in the higher Kingdom of God. Because he is very relaxed, has no fear, no anxiety, whatever he enjoys, he enjoys to the utmost.

M If we are not strong enough to withstand the temptations of life, then of course we will fall into the other side of nature, which is negative. When we are strong enough, we stay in the middle, and we can have both positive and negative at our disposal. That is the way of the enlightened person.

Back To Europe

Master was on a very tight schedule in Europe. In half a month, She swept through Geneva, Paris, Vienna, Brussels, Munich, and Berlin. Seven public lectures were given in one stroke. A large number of people became acquainted with Master and the Quan Yin Method. Between lectures, Master gave interviews to journalists and radio hosts. At the lecture venues, Master's artistic works, including paintings, longevity lamps, and fan paintings, were displayed. To Europeans of refinement, art oftentimes speaks more loudly than words.

Before the lectures, Europe could count only a handful of fellow initiates, and most of them were foreign students. For years they had been translating Master's sample books into various languages. On holidays, they drove from country to country, distributing sample books in populated areas. In a few years they had distributed many thousands of sample booklets. Meanwhile they repeatedly sent invitations to Master inviting Her to present a series of lectures in Europe. Because of their sincerity and efforts in sharing Master's teachings, their wish was finally fulfilled when they received word of the inclusion of Europe on Master's 1993 World Lecture Tour.

To make the best use of limited manpower and finances, fellow initiates from various European countries jointly prepared for the lectures. When the announcements of the six lectures were printed on one poster in six languages, the dream of a united Europe was first realized, and among our fellow initiates!

Brother Lu Shih-Tsung from Austria, remembering an incident that occurred in 1992, said: "We know that Master's 1993 tour was the first time She had returned to Europe in more than ten years. Nevertheless, in 1992, when fellow initiates went to a public library in Munich to contribute some of Master's books, a librarian looked at Master's picture on the cover and exclaimed that several weeks earlier this very lady had come to the library. Later the librarian even wrote us a letter assuring us that it had truly happened."

Eighth Stop:

Geneva, Switzerland

In thinking of the 1993 World Tour, the splendid scene returned to Brother Zhang's mind. "Before Master arrived in Geneva, lecture posters were put up on street walls and utility poles all over the urban and suburban areas. No place was ignored. The whole city was permeated with a festive atmosphere."

Switzerland, the garden of the world, was blooming with flowers. The countryside had dressed in its finest attire to welcome Master Ching Hai, and She was pleased. She stopped Her car several times to walk amid the flowers and plants and take in a breath of spring air. Swiss and foreigners alike gracefully greeted Her.

At the invitation of a spiritual society at the United Nations, the day after Her arrival, Master gave a speech to the personnel during their lunch break. The sincere questions and Master's brilliant answers inspired many of them to request initiation into the Quan Yin Method.

The next evening, Master gave a public lecture in French at the University of Geneva. That night many of the audience decided to follow a vegetarian diet and asked for initiation into the Quan Yin Method. Traditionally, Europeans are used to taking wine with their meals and eggs are important ingredients in many of their desserts. In quest of Truth, they forsook all of these things. And all the materials that their decisions were based on were one lecture by Master and one sample booklet in French. Their courage originated from their awakened wisdom. Bravo!

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, United Nations, Geneva Switzerland

April 20, 1993 (Originally In English)

When we are connected with Heaven through meditation, or deep prayers, in a sincere longing to know the will of God, we will be able to serve the world in a better light. The light from Heaven, which comes through meditation, will be able to shine on our path, in whichever path we choose to serve the world.

Ninth Stop - Paris, France

In Paris, a city of art, Master's grace pleased the aesthetically-minded French people. Sister Hsiong, a former contact person and one of the few fellow initiates in Paris at that time, told of wonderful experiences. "When we were decorating the lecture hall, a security man in plain clothes came to us inquiring about the upcoming gathering. Seeing the lecture hall with a capacity seating of 2,000 people, he cautiously asked us how many members we had in Paris. Learning that we had only four members, his serious expression turned sympathetic as he kindly suggested that we should find a hall with a smaller capacity. Luckily we did not listen to him! The hall that seats 2000 was completely filled for Master's lecture."

"The four initiates in Paris were all females and not very strong physically. When we unloaded 50,000 sample books, the truck driver was amazed at our strength, swiftness, and teamwork and our stamina. We were not one bit tired! Instead, hundreds of boxes of books were neatly stacked on the roadside. Even passersby could not help having a look at us, as if seeing a miracle, especially when bearing in mind the life of elegant ease that many French people lead. In retrospect, without the help of guardian angels, it would have been impossible for us to move the 50,000 sample books to our Center on the sixteenth floor immediately after unloading the books from the truck."

The preparations for the lecture went smoothly along with a few favorable situations. Some beauty-loving French men and women were drawn to Master's picture, thinking that She was a movie star or a master of cosmetology. They thus came to us asking questions and happily took the leaflets.

The lecture in France was a great success. Master spoke mostly in French although She had not used the language for a decade. In the lobby of the lecture venue, Master's artistic works, including Her paintings, fan paintings, longevity lamps and stone writings, were displayed. These art works emitted an air of heaven. The people of France love art and seemed to have great affinity for a Master with the artistic talent and taste of The Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Paris, France

April 24, 1993 (Originally In French)

Before we were born, we were given a precise Method to find our real Life. Our way Home was paved inside us long ago. Should we forget this lifesaving map, we will be forever trapped in the cycle of life and death. This path is so real and distinct when we observe it with our internal eye of the soul, but we can't see or feel it with our physical eyes. It will automatically manifest when we are sincerely seeking it. Nonetheless, it is better to have the assistance of an experienced guide because most people have forgotten the path. Even if we can remember, the way Home is so long and risky that we need a guide to lead our way. This guide has walked this path before, and he knows all the ways between this world and the superior world. Thanks to the grace of God, I have found this way back Home. I offer this discovery to all who wish to remember, and I offer to help them retrieve this long lost blessing of bliss. Through initiation, we can taste Heaven again, right here and right now.

Tenth Stop: Vienna, Austria

In Vienna, Master presented Her discourses in German. This was the first time Master had lectured in German, and it pleased the German-speaking people very much. During the question and answer segment of the lecture, earnest questions were raised and Master eloquently explained away all doubts and confusions. An Austrian told about witnessing the indescribable Light of God during the lecture. After the initiation, Master joined us in a group meditation. New fellow initiates availed themselves of this opportunity to ask questions, and Master answered from Her reservoir of love that is always directed to the best interests of the questioner.

Reminiscing this period, many grateful recollections were brought to the mind of brother Lu Shih-Tsung, the contact person of the Vienna Center. "Seeing the progress of fellow initiates and the course they took in their spiritual path, I recognize the bare truth in Master's seemingly casual answers. Should the questioners listen to Her advice without bias and take it to heart, they could save themselves a lot of trouble in taking a roundabout course. The questions and answers between Master and fellow initiates were simply perfect and perfectly simple. I am so grateful and fortunate that I could work together with my fellow initiates during this world tour and thereby gain the opportunity to witness Master's impartial and unconditional love and Her supreme wisdom."

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Vienna, Austria

April 27, 1993 (Originally In German)

There is a language superior to all languages; that's the language of God. But the longer we are on Earth, the less we remember it because we have not the chance to use it, or no one with whom we can exchange the knowledge. The reason why we forget our origin is because we forget to communicate with God in the godly language.

The world here is just one of the rooms in which we stay, to decorate and beautify it with Truth and virtue from the Wisdom Sublime, within us - the Kingdom of God within. Once we are again in touch with this inner supreme power, all beauty, Truth, and virtue reveal themselves to us. Then we will not even have to try to reach these super qualities. They will find their way to us because, in fact, they are already there existing within ourselves.

We are not only ordinary human beings, we are also super beings, and we can only discover this through the Silent Knowledge, while still carrying on with our outer activities. We will dive deep into the ocean of wisdom and Love from which all beauty, Truth, and virtue emerge and the waves of material life on the surface will no longer disturb our being.

Eleventh Stop:

Brussels, Belgium

A few days before the lecture, Radio Contact Station, the largest station in Brussels, broadcast Master's harp compositions during the lecture and art exhibition announcements that were made many times during the programming. Master's heavenly musical compositions thus resounded through the supermarkets, grocery stores, households, and automobiles of Brussels. Master's boundless love embraced the city even before She personally arrived to deliver the lecture. Talking about this good idea, brother Huang, then a student in Belgium was still excited. "The whole city bathed in Master's music and was cleansed. All of us delighted in Her bountiful grace."

At that time, Belgium was the center for the distribution of Master's books to other European countries. Transporting the tons of sample books thus became an indispensable part of the preparations for Master's lectures. For two years, brother Huang had been driving back and forth between major cities of Europe to distribute sample booklets and had familiarized himself with all the European highways and border regulations. Thus, he naturally became the one who took charge of transporting Master's books to each lecture site. Recalling his adventures, brother Huang said: "One and a half containers, which carried more than a thousand boxes of sample books, arrived at the airport in Austria. Within only a few hours, a sister initiate and I had loaded them onto a truck. The airport personnel were astounded, especially when they saw that the heavy load nearly made the truck lie on its stomach. The sister and I were also nearly flattened on the ground. Then I set off on the road, driving the truck from one city to the next. As Master and Her entourage were flying in the air, I was racing with them on the ground. At the same time, two work teams were also heading toward the lecture site, like two running feet that were carrying the Godhead."

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Brussels, Belgium

April 29, 1993 (Originally In French)

Some of us try to free ourselves, like the prisoner, through different ways, but rarely do we succeed because jails are also surrounded by excellent security systems. No one ever manages to escape. But if someone comes with the key, opens the door for them, and guides them toward the exit, then they are certain to be liberated. A Master is someone who has this key. He knows the road to freedom.

Twelfth Stop: Munich and Berlin, Germany

Sister Huang Youlah recalled: "When distributing leaflets and sample books in the streets, people told us how pleased and honored they were to learn that Master was coming to lecture in Munich, where She used to live or was even a neighbor or acquaintance to some. On the day of the lecture, Master dressed in a resplendent vest that was the royal attire of ancient China. She greeted us with a witty remark, and I will never forget Her stunning beauty and radiant vigor that lifted the spirits of everyone who was present."

For many lifetimes Master has developed good affinities with different sentient beings. According to various circumstances in which an affinity has been developed, Master manifests Herself in different forms so that the souls of those who have affinity with Her can recognize Her. Brother Yang Chuan Ping recounted: "When a girl saw a picture in which Master was playing the harp, she felt Master was so close and dear to her that she came to us asking for the tape. After the lecture, we observed her standing in a line waiting to fill out a form for initiation." Sister Wang Leejing recalled: "In Munich, a violinist came to our exhibition before the lecture and gazed at one of Master's paintings - 'Enlightened'. He told us that he had seen this painting in a dream and knew that only when he found the painter would he be enlightened. Because he was obligated to do a performance, he had to leave before the lecture began. He was near to tears and was only reconciled when we told him that he could attend the next lecture by Master in Berlin."

Brother Lu Shih-Tsung related an occasion when Master's power turned an unfavorable situation into a favorable one. "Being pressed for time, the contact person in Berlin rashly rented a venue in a bar. When we went to clean up and rearrange the area, the placed reeked of cigarettes and alcohol. We were dismayed. "Oh, my God! How can we have a group meditation in such a place?" However, after we placed Master's picture on the wall, the atmosphere became better. After Master arrived, the atmosphere was completely transformed as though we were in a paradise. Within such a short time, Master's invisible power had thoroughly purified the air. What a marvel! When we had to leave, I was reluctant to part with this greatly blessed bar."

In the brief period of eighteen days, seeds of enlightenment were sown across a fertile European soil. During the interim between 1993 and now, many have bloomed and are now helping to sow more seeds throughout the world.

The Thirteenth Stop -

Seoul and Pusan, Korea

Brother Dori, a Korean fellow initiate who attended the Seoul lecture recalled, "May 8, 1993 was a special day for the Korean people. The Supreme Master Ching Hai from the Himalayas delivered a grand lecture in Korea. Tens of thousands of people learned about the lecture from posters and photos posted in cities around Korea. They flocked to the lecture venue to hear Master's teachings. Many lectures on spiritual and religious themes had been held in Korea before. However, this was very first time that such a big lecture had encompassed all religions and ideologies. On that day, Master spoke of things new to us in a natural but unique way. Although the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures are difficult for the average person to understand, Master presented the Truth in a simple way that made it easily comprehensible. She spoke naturally and humorously. The attendees enjoyed the lively lecture in a cozy atmosphere. Every word, every sentence spoken by Master was charged with loving energy that touched the depths of our hearts."

The lecture in Pusan left the Korean people even more impressed. The lecture site was an Olympic stadium that could accommodate thirty to forty thousand people. Our work team, fearful that even the millions of leaflets, sample booklets and posters would be inadequate to attract a full house, posted hundreds of huge banners around Pusan three days before the lecture. As in many other countries, Korea has strict regulations on the placement of posters and banners, but the police officers were moved by the fellow initiates' perseverance and hard work, especially when these advertisements were cleared away overnight immediately following the lecture. The citizens were amazed by the discipline of our group.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Pusan, Korea

May 14, 1993 (Originally In English)

Even if I tell you all the answers in the world, what is that for? Just try to ask yourself, meditate yourself, and everything will be clear. When you talk to other people and they ask you questions, you should just pray to the inner wisdom and everything will work out. Pray to the inner master and you will know many things. The more you use the inner wisdom, the more you will know that you know. You don't always have to rely on me, on the physical master. You will learn quickly to become a master because you have the master inside. So, rely on yourself.

The Fourteenth Stop -

Tokyo, Japan

The people of Tokyo are known for working under great pressure and having a somewhat cold demeanor. However, their cold attitude was only a false appearance, because within, the Japanese people are truly warm and earnest at heart. During distribution of the leaflets, the Formosan fellow initiates studying in Japan sought the help of their fellow students in translating. Many of these students later gained faith in the teachings and requested initiation into the Quan Yin Method or the Convenient Method of meditation.

The rain on the evening of the lecture did not deter the crowds. People came from far and near to attend the lecture and the hall was packed both inside and outside. Many people requested initiation into the Quan Yin Method or the Convenient Method of Meditation that evening, and the small Japanese branch of the Quan Yin family grew.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Tokyo, Japan

May 22, 1993 (Originally In English)

If we look around in this world, we see everything is created in a kind of balanced manner. So, in order to live our life in this world and understand Heaven at the same time, we should try to balance our life so that the spiritual part of our self will be kind of blossoming and also the worldly part of us will be more developed.

The Fifteenth Stop -

Hong Kong

According to a fellow initiate who participated in the working group, "Before, we were preoccupied with our own business; however, for the holy and noble lecture and the opportunity to see Master, we became one in spirit. We extended our full support to Master and worked in cooperation for the benefit of sentient beings. Most importantly, Master's intangible power was with us, blessing us as we worked. Every one of us felt happy in the warm atmosphere. Even now when I recall those times, I can still feel the enriching and pleasant atmosphere under which we vigorously and devotedly worked. That was a wonderful gift that Master has given to all the Hong Kong fellow initiates."

The audience in cosmopolitan Hong Kong comprised people of several nationalities and diverse spiritual groups. They responded enthusiastically to the lecture and asked many questions.

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hong Kong

May 30, 1993 (Originally in English)

We can't work with our minds alone. We have to work with wisdom, with true spirituality. That's what most people don't know. That's why our world is backward compared with other planets, and that's why many countries are backward compared with the other countries. That's why many developed countries are also going backward. Even if they have reached the high peak of civilization, after some time, if they don't have the power to sustain it - the true power, the spiritual power - they will also go down.

The Sixteenth Stop -

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The lecture was delivered at a Chinese-style temple called the "Palace of the Heavenly Goddess" in Kuala Lumpur. Because it was a tourist spot, there were many visitors. Many people requested initiation even before the lecture began. Their thirsty souls were like crops waiting for the rain after a long drought. Coincidentally, at midnight two days after the lecture, there was a sudden downpour. According to news reports, it resulted in the heaviest floods in twenty years in Malaysia, but the rain stopped early the next morning. The water quickly receded. What was amazing was that the sun had shone brightly the day before and the midnight rain which lasted a few hours also stopped to give way to another sunny day. It was as though Master was nourishing the country with nectar and cleaning the country in a most gentle and loving manner.

Peals Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Malaysia

June 4, 1993 (Originally In English)

If we reach the ultimate limitation of our brainpower, then at that time, we reach complete enlightenment. So, it's very scientific. Most of the enlightened saints are the great scientists. They know the laws of the whole universe, and they can make use of them for their own benefit, for the benefit of their disciples, as well as for the benefit of the whole world.

The Seventeenth Stop - Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is traditionally a Buddhist country and has preserved the ancient royal system. On the day of the lecture, Master appeared in the lecture hall elegantly dressed in a gold-colored, traditional Thai royal costume that stunned the audience. Her amazingly beautiful appearance not only was a great blessing for Thailand but also served to break the traditional Thai concept that spiritual practitioners must practice asceticism. After the lecture, many people asked our fellow initiates, "Why is a person who dresses so beautifully able to give such good teachings?" This was only one of the innumerable methods that Master uses to teach sentient beings how break their habits and preconceptions. Her vast wisdom broke through the barriers of habitual thinking and preconceptions of the ordinary people. Undoubtedly such transcendence in concepts was a huge elevation and breakthrough for the Thai people.

When the lecture and initiation ceremony ended, Master and our fellow initiates felt greatly relaxed. During a group meditation, Master happily told us that the world lecture tour was a success. We had sown many spiritual seeds around the world. After the group meditation, Master took us to the Chao Phraya River to enjoy the beautiful night view. We chatted and sang in contentment while soaking in Master's loving presence.

Aphorisms (Originally In English)

Once we are connected with this teaching directly from the Buddha's Land, or from Heaven, our life changes forever because we begin to enter into the golden dimension of the higher beings, like Buddhas or Saints of different degrees.

Conclusion

During the hundred-day world lecture tour, we distributed numerous free sample booklets, leaflets and posters. Many newspapers carried pictures of Master and reports about Her teachings in dozens of languages. TV and radio stations broadcast news about Her activities and teachings. Through God's boundless glory, landmarks of enlightenment were erected in cities and countries around the globe, lighting the way for countless lost sheep, leading them to Master and back to the Kingdom of infinite light.

Those of us who were privileged to accompany Her on the tour to assist with the multitude of tasks required to deliver lectures to thousands of people in city after city, country after country, with no respite between crowded lecture venues, could only look upon Master with amazement. This petite Person with a delicate physical body, yet possessing incredible energy and stamina, maintained such an extraordinary pace that we had difficulty keeping up with it. There is no doubt that only someone connected to the Universal Powerhouse could possibly have endured the physical hardships and successfully overcome the obstacles that a tour of this magnitude generates. Master has said, "When I teach the Method, it is not my body that speaks, but it is the Buddha, God or The Master power within."

Among those who were fortunate enough to experience the blessings of God during that period, some were immediately enlightened and initiated into the Quan Yin Method. Others gradually became enlightened and were initiated later. Every one of them has chosen to enter his own golden era. Although there are some who have not been initiated, the seeds have been sown deeply within their hearts and their lives are permanently marked by God.

The 1993 world lecture tour contributed immeasurably to the elevation of the Earth's spiritual level and world civilization. When a Great Saint makes a merciful vow, those who have affinity with Her see the light of liberation. The spiritual current thus set into motion lasts a long, long time and continues to flow rapidly around the world.

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love.txt

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Report From Honduras

Follow-up Report On Relief Aid For Hurricane Mitch Victims

By Honduras Rescue Team

Immediately upon receiving Master's instructions, the Quan Yin messenger approached the Fundacion Maria headed by the First Lady of Honduras. When the First Lady learned of Master's plan to dispatch people to deliver emergency supplies to the flood victims, she showed great concern and asked, through her secretary, that we contact the COPECO (Comite Permanente de Contingencias) to arrange for the speedy delivery of provisions to the victims. When we arrived at the headquarters of this military relief group, many people readily approached us to fill us in on the details about the affected areas. Radio stations also aired reports on the relief activities by our group.

The first batch of the supplies was for the flood victims in Santa Rosa de Aguan in the northeast. The rest, and the major part, of the provisions were distributed in the southern province of Valle, the region considered most in need of help by the COPECO. We are grateful for the assistance from Lieutenant Colonel Meza Choto, Executive Officer of COPECO, and many others, especially Lieutenant Castro Cruz, who accompanied us throughout our trip, arranging transportation for the supplies and taking responsibility for our safety. His appreciation of our selfless action in serving the multitude was obvious. When the mission was accomplished, he asked to keep the yellow vest printed with Master's name as a souvenir of this operation. The Lieutenant is an experienced officer who had participated in many missions before. During the time he spent in our company, he realized that Master provided more than just material aid, that She was a source of spiritual help as well. Each time we arrived at a village, he was only too eager to introduce Master and our group to the villagers.

On our way to Valle, our team, traveling in a small pickup and three military trucks loaded with relief supplies, had a hair-raising experience. Lieutenant Cruz had asked us jokingly earlier whether we could swim or not because we had to cross a river with a broken bridge. We replied that we didn't want to swim at night. Throughout the journey, we were worried whether we could get the supplies to our destination safely or not, because we didn't know how deep the river was. When we were crossing the river, the pick-up got stuck in the middle of the water and refused to budge. The sky was growing dark. Inside the pickup, we could hear the waters rushing by while the nervous driver was at a complete loss. We concentrated our minds on silently repeating the Holy Names. Eventually, a tractor arrived and pulled the pickup out of the water. When we reached the opposite shore, the Lieutenant offered some tip to the driver of the tractor for his godsend help and fellow practitioners gave him a copy of Master's sample book. The driver did not accept the tip but took the sample book, saying, "This is the good thing!"

As we proceeded on our journey, we ran into Father Angel Sanchez, who offered to guide the way and provided us with lodging for the night. Thanks to the important information he gave us about the regions most in need of relief, we were able to convey Master's love to several remote and forgotten villages.

The next day, we split into two groups. The first group, guided by Lieutenant Castro Cruz and a representative of the Alianza Municipal Government, distributed emergency supplies to victims in a number of areas. The other group, guided by Father Angel, went into a remote mountain area. Owing to the loss of communication and lack of food, the highland residents had been forced to drink unclean water and feed on decayed farm produce during the past fifteen days. Since the road was damaged, they did not expect any help from outside. When they saw vehicles carrying Master's name and the banner of our rescued team, they were delighted that there were still people who cared about their suffering and needs. Everyone helped to carry the supplies, walking two kilometers to the village over a sandy and rocky path that has just been cleared. Even women and children helped to carry the water. We also left some provisions for other villagers living further away who could not arrive that day. When all the supplies had been distributed, the residents expressed their gratitude and requested the representative of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to say a few words to them. We shared with them Master's love, telling them that material help could be very limited. It was more important to keep in mind Master's reminder about the ephemerality of this world and that only the Heavenly Kingdom is forever safe. Our sole purpose in life is to seek the God within. Once we are enlightened and connected with the God-power, we will lack nothing and will become forever free of disaster, illness, suffering, and war.

Upon our return to the capital of Honduras, we bought some medical supplies, half for Honduras and half for Nicaragua. The portion for Honduras was presented to the Cuban medical group providing free medical services in the capital, to Father Angel Sanchez who was responsible for medical and food supplies in Valle, and to a women's group, Centro de Estudio de la Mujer Honduras.

When we approached Nicaragua Ambassador to Honduras Jose Rene Gutierrez concerning our donation of medical supplies to Nicaragua, he was very touched. He had not expected anyone in the more seriously affected Honduras to donate medical supplies to his country. In a friendly exchange, we found the Ambassador and his wife to be highly spiritual persons, and the Ambassador had read Master's sample book. A more in-depth reading of Master's teachings later led him and his friends to request initiation into the Convenient Method. When the Ambassador accepted the medical supplies, he also arranged for reporters of the Nicaraguan press to take photos and cover the event. The relevant report would be published in the local newspapers when the supplies reached Nicaragua.

Throughout this relief operation, we felt that Master was the most hardworking member, because everything seemed to be done by Her. Although we were exhausted at the end of each day, we would become fully recharged after meditation, all set to begin a new day!

On our journey to San Marco Village in Valle, the heavy load of emergency supplies seemed to be bearing too hard on the truck, and a tire was beginning to go flat as we climbed uphill. In our hearts, we prayed for Master's help. (Poor Master, You have to do everything!) In exasperation, even the Father picked up Master's magazine and prayed: "Please help us, Master Ching Hai!" Indeed, without the help of Her power, we could never have delivered the supplies to the victims in one day's time.

According to a victim, when the hurricane struck, it was like the end of the world. All she could do then was to pray continuously to God. Her seven-year-old son was overjoyed to find that his best primary school classmate had survived the hurricane, and the two kids embraced each other and cried. The love of God shone pure and true from the hearts of these two innocent children then.

Many local residents shared with us their feeling that this disaster was a purifying force from God to remind everyone of Hiers great, selfless love. When the rescue team began its homebound journey, they saw a huge rainbow opposite the airport; God has again shown Hiers promise of hope. We wholeheartedly hope that the disaster victims of Honduras and its neighboring countries will grow stronger through this mishap and the essence of their life will flourish!

Captions:

1. A glimpse of the disaster-struck area in Honduras

2. Conveying Master's love to the disaster victims

3. Lieutenant Castro Cruz earnestly introduces Master and our group

4. The relief team taking a photo with Catholic priests and nuns including Father Angel Sanchez (rear, second left) and Lieutenant Castro Cruz (rear, second right)

5. The Ambassador of Nicaragua in Hondrous (Second left) happily received the medical supplyies and Master's publications?

6. ??????????

Hurricane Mitch Disaster Relief In Honduras and Nicaragua (Continued) December 1998 Amount in US dollars

Appendix 1: Proof of relief expenditures for hurricane Mitch victims in Honduras and Nicaragua (Continued from last issue)

Description

Revenues

Expenditures

Receipt No.

Balance B/F

8,312.40

Medical supply

7,510.00

A

Milk

200.00

B

Fuel for the relief team

112.00

C

Miscellaneous

490.40

Total:

8,312.40

8,312.40

Appendix 2: Receipts and thank-you letters from various groups in Honduras and Nicaragua acknowledging the receipt of relief provisions (Continued from last issue)

Receipt for food and water distributed in Honduras

Receipt for medical supply,

issued by the Nicaragua

Ambassador In Honduras

Receipt for medical supply,

issued by various units in Honduras

A Mini Noah's Ark

(Originally In Spanish)

By Sister Initiate Sagrario Ochoa

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

We had already had three days of strong rains throughout the country, that Friday evening of October 30; the whole capital in which we reside was at high warning. All of the factories and offices had closed early, and some people didn't go to work that day at all. In my business I have an employee who is handicapped, so he lives on site. That evening I asked him to come and stay at my house, but even though I insisted quite a lot he didn't want to leave. Seeing that I couldn't convince him, I told him, "Since you insist on staying here, I will leave you with my Master so that She will take care of you". I put Master's picture in front of his TV. I spent the whole night praying for him in a long meditation that lasted until morning.

Late that night around 9 P.M. I decided to leave my house and go pick him up but all transportation was paralyzed. I could find no way to do it. At about that same time, a neighbor near my business went to help him and was able to enter through the window that connects the shops. But since my employee is a big man, the only thing he could do was to help him get up onto a metal curtain located in front of the entrance. He struggled to hang onto a baby cushion, but when the water rose above his chest, the pressure broke the metal curtain and swept him out onto the street headed toward the river. After being dragged for three blocks as he held onto the cushion, a current that was coming from another direction pushed him toward the middle of a shopping area. There, on the second level, were three men who threw him a line and saved him.

This tale was a painful experience. I thank Master from the deepest part of me that this person didn't lose his life in this tragedy. He already has lived a life filled with pain from his physical disability and from loneliness. Many of us have tried to make his life more enjoyable, but it is not easy in a situation of this nature.

As Master's disciples, it would be good to reflect upon the arrival of Hurricane Mitch to my country since it caused great tragedy, pain, and destruction.

I was particularly affected also by the hurricane, since I had a business in one of the zones of the capital most strongly affected. I deeply thanked God and my Master when I thought about the serious damage that other beings had suffered, considering mine to be infinitesimally small in comparison to what happened to thousands and thousands of people. Although I also lost my way of earning a living, I found myself was not affected by the loss. My mind has been calm and in peace, not like other people who have panicked and cannot accept the situation. Some people think my peace is because I still have some money saved, but actually, my great saving is my power of spiritual practice.

I commented to the Quan Yin messenger that in the beginning of my practice I didn't understand fully what Master often refers to as the "Master Power" in Her talks. But little by little through my practice I began to feel the internal and inexplicable manifestation of this power. It was felt at the critical moment when I was affected directly by the hurricane.

(The following is one of the poems

written by this author)

Quan Yin

(Originally In Spanish)

It is to discover a beautiful, new and marvelous world It is to raise your soul to the Universe's mansions

That God gave us to enjoy with joy, peace and harmony.

It is to feel universal love in the depth of being To you, Quan Yin practitioner, don't fail in your daily practice, Remember that with it you learn to live today

And you learn the path to follow for all eternity.

Report From Kaohsiung, Formosa

By Kaoping News Group, Formosa

Merged As One In

Master's Love

On an autumn afternoon, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association held a love and care activity called the "Love Feast" at a juvenile rehabilitation center in Yenchao rural township in Kaosiung County. This activity was jointly organized by Tainan and Kaohsiung fellow initiates for those aged 12 to 18 who had strayed from the right path. During their two-hour visit to the rehabilitation center, the initiates introduced Master's teachings and meditation practice in addition to presenting dance and musical performances. The wife of an initiate who had once lost himself on the wrong path like these young people, shared memories of his past suffering, repentance, and discovery of a new direction in life. She also discussed how her meeting with Master had changed her and her husband, both within and without.

At the end of the program, many young people eagerly asked to learn the Convenient Method. The smiles that lit up their faces when they received Master's blessed food warmed the hearts of the initiates. This journey of love ended with the song "The Lambs Have to Go Home."

Feedback

By Sister Initiate Hung Shuhui, Kaohsiung

I was honored to be able to join this visit to the juvenile rehabilitation center. When the activity ended with us singing "The Lambs Have to Go Home" on stage, my eyes became wet with tears as we watched the center's teenagers leave one by one.

I can find no words to describe how fortunate we practitioners (sheep and lambs) are. My heart cannot hide my earnest thanks for our Master Mommy. Thinking back, we too were once a flock of lost sheep, weren't we? Now, we have found our way Home. We have found protection in the embrace of Master Mommy's love. I sincerely hope that all the lost sheep in the world will be as fortunate as we practitioners.

Fellow initiates bring Master's love to the Kaohsiung juvenile rehabilitation center.

Social Order And Social

Responsibility

Report From

Miaoli News Group, Formosa

In response to the government's call on citizens to "care for the orphaned, the homeless, and the aged", townships around Formosa have organized patrol teams to combat crime, help each other, provide disaster relief, and care for the poor, the sick, the homeless, and the aged. In Miaoli County, Hsihu Township Magistrate Yang Hsiu-hsia is committed to serving the public interest in selfless dedication. Under her encouragement, organizations in Hsihu, both public and private, have been generous in contributing to the welfare of local residents. Miaoli initiates have also extended their wholehearted support to the government's move to promote concern for others.

On the morning of September 28, initiates visited senior residents of Hsihu individually to present gifts in commemoration of Senior Citizens' Day (which falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month). In demonstrating their respect for the elders, the initiates also warmed the hearts of the recipients with Master's message of love and concern.

The patrol team formed by Miaoli initiates to serve the neighborhood and help the needy and orphaned receives a certificate entitled "Patrol Friends" from Hsihu Magistrate Yang Hsiu-hsia.

Combined Report From Formosa

In Relief Services For The Needy

From October to November 1998

Helping Others Is Helping Yourself

When several typhoons swept through Formosa, they caused extensive damage in many areas around the island. Fellow initiates visited needy households, bringing Master's love and concern in the form of daily necessities, food, and relief funds.

In carrying out the monthly relief work, we have come to realize that Master not only provides material aid to the needy and orphaned, but also comforts and elevates them spiritually. Our visits and conversations with the less fortunate have given us greater understanding of life and helped us come to cherish our merits even more. We have also learned to make our lives more lively and meaningful.

Donations To Needy Households In Formosa (October to November 1998)

Place

Amount (NT$)

Receipt number

Keelung

4,500

1

Taipei

43,000

2

Taoyuan

8,000

3

Hsinchu

6,000

4

Miaoli

18,000

5

Taichung

20,000

6

Nantou

28,000

7

Chiayi

26,000

8

Kaoping

15,000

9

Ilan

4,000

10

Hualien

2,000

11

Taitung

30,000

12

Penghu

6,000

13

Subtotal:

210,500

Expenditures For Activities Of Love And Compassion In Formosa:

Place

Description

Amount (NT$)

Receipt no.

Miaoli

Clean-up of Highway Miao 28

33,592

14

Chiayi

Donation to fund for the charity bazaar held by the Chiayi Spinal Injury Society

6,000

15

Nantou

Donation of spiritual books to the Nantou Detention Center

14,340

16

Kaohsiung

Visit to the Children's Home

16,660

17

Received a certificate from the Ministry of Justice commending fellow practitioners for their long-term visits to the prisons

18

Subtotal:

70,592

Total:

281,092

Appendix 3: Receipts For The "Love In Action" Activities In Formosa

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Accept The Grace That The Enlightened Master Bestows

Upon You

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Brisbane, Australia

March 23, 1993 (Originally In English)

Q: I don't quite know what has happened after the initiation. I have been weak for a long time and suddenly I have lots of energy. It's fantastic. I'm quite thrilled. Could you please explain a little more about what has happened?

M: You have answered yourself. Great things can happen to you because your own power has been awakened. Your torch has been lighted by another already-lighted torch. So both torches are lighted, and we are both illuminated. You will feel that I am just like yourself. Whatever I have, slowly you will discover that you also have. In case you haven't discovered or are not yet confident in yourself, you may pray to the so-called Master to help you in the beginning of your practice. But even without praying, you will get it.

Just initiated a few minutes only. I told you, "Immediate Enlightenment." I told many people, but they don't believe it. Only the ones who believe, like you, will get it. Then you shout with joy, but don't shout too loud and let people think you are crazy. But you would like to do it sometimes, jumping like a baby. It happens. Because you are very sincere and pure, you will receive the maximum benefit. The ones who are pure at heart, the Kingdom of God belongs to them. "Blessed are the pure in heart," or "Except you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." That's it. If you are pure, anything is yours because it is already there. To the complicated ones and doubtful ones, it will come to them also. But sometimes they waste it a little bit, or it doesn't soak into them. They build some protecting wall around themselves, and the blessings, because they are unwilling to accept, are stopped outside.

So even God's blessing is not to be forced upon someone. Otherwise, God would force blessings from heaven and we all would be liberated. No need for me to go around and beg each of you to meditate. But you understand that because you know it for yourself and because you're sincere I am happy for you. Many people are like that. You are not the only one. Nothing to explain, nothing logical about it, and nothing scientific about it. Just you, yourself, the great wisdom of yours, wakes up and immediately goes to work, and regulates the disordered places in the body and makes them in order again and also makes your mind in order, erases some of the negative tendencies and residues by the great force of the universe. Therefore, you feel alive again.

In the mystical sense, we can say this illness or the heavy feeling of pressure for the physical and the mental body is the result of previous karma or the deeds from this life. But now we have turned into the Source of mercy and love and so it's washed away. That is as far as I can say. But more, much more of the things of God, we can't explain at all. Just enjoy and keep quiet. There will be much more that you would like to tell people, later. But take care if they understand; otherwise, they will doubt you. It hurts you to think that people think you tell lies. It hurts; it hurts a lot.

I am used to getting hurt. I keep telling people, "Please come. It's all for free. I will do everything for you, if you only know yourself and be happy. Don't be ill, don't be so weak, and don't beg for anything, because you have everything. Please just come and experience it." Many people stayed outside. Even if they came, they walked out. It is due to karma, too heavy karma, so they are blind to any love that stands in front of them. Therefore, even Jesus, they crucified Him -- such a love, such a love to sacrifice. That was the blessing that He wanted to point out to the world, but they saw nothing; they felt nothing, because they were so blind, so spiritually blind and deaf. The world is like that. So sometimes I suffer. Even though I know everything is God's will, I suffer for them. I feel so much sorrow for the people. Why are they content to live such a life? Why don't they believe in themselves?

Our path is a little bit different from many other paths because I tell you to rely on yourself, to wake your power and become the Master, not to have to worship me all your life, do everything for me, and rely on me. Therefore, I give you the way to know yourself, and then begin to be a teacher of yourself, at least, or whoever comes into contact with you. Maybe I should just let you worship me, and you would get blessings all the same. Many people just recite my name because they don't want to get initiation. They just pray to me for anything they want and they get the benefit. They also see light; they also see the Master come to them sometimes. Not that I bar them, but they will not be the teacher. They will forever rely on my blessings and grace, but that's the way they want, so what can we do about it? But I would like all of you to be your own great teacher. That's why I show you this way. Do it every day and you'll become greater, and everything you want just comes even if you don't ask for it. Just be pure and sincere.

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Supreme Art

The Universe In

Master's Fans

By Sister Initiate Wang Yichun, Taipei, Formosa

Appreciating Master's fan paintings is like drinking the sweet nectar of spirituality. It's tasty and refreshing, and makes one feel perfectly contented. The peace, color, and harmony in the world of fans reflect the inner realm of the painter. The rich Zen themes are reminders to spiritual practitioners. And the delightful colors are like an inlay of gems and pearls, radiating brilliant sparkles and holy splendor.

I was particularly impressed by a fan painting entitled "Liberation". It reminded me of a piece of Celestial Jewelry design called the Wisdom Eye, as the two share similar designs and inner power. When the birds fly over the mountains, enjoying complete freedom and fresh air, can worldly clamor affect them?

The "Palace Gates" is another of my favorites. A splendid gate rises high above in an exhibition of magnificent power. This is our glorious temple and the eternal world of enlightened beings. The painting again reminds me of our shining inner holy nature, and encourages spiritual practitioners to live a heavenly life with confidence.

For many artists, the ultimate criterion for judging the success of an artwork lies in whether it is a natural display of spirituality. A good piece is determined by the following five elements: depth, creativity, truth, beauty, and honesty. I believe that Master's paintings not only encompass all these elements, but Her works of art touch our deepest inner being with a true sense of spirituality. With love and wisdom, Master leads us out of the maze of life.

Infiniteness of the Heaven and Earth

By Sister Initiate Pan Pan, Taipei, Formosa

In Master's fan painting "Infiniteness of the Heaven and Earth," the sun and moon remain motionless in space, surrounded by flying stars and planets. This tiny fan displays the vastness of space and transcends the concept of time on Earth. The sun, moon, and stars are shown simultaneously in the silent void. The work rises above the time constraints of Earth, where the sun can only be seen during the day while the moon and stars can only be seen at night.

Light purple waves undulate in the center of the fan like a wall. The space behind it appears vast and open. The sun and moon shine through a swaying curtain of light purple, making one feel that one can touch the universe beyond just by passing through this layer of waves.

In the peaceful atmosphere of this fan painting, Master shows us the boundless and timeless inner world.

Infiniteness of the Heaven and Earth

The Palace Gates

Liberation

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Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Taipei, Formosa

(Originally In Chinese) February 28, 1993

Reminder From God

A man arrived to report himself to the king of hell after his death. The king of hell proclaimed, "You have been greedy and vicious your whole life. You were rich but never helped anyone. And you did not practice spiritually. You will go to hell." The man argued, "That's unfair! I didn't know that I would die one day. Neither did I know that I should give charity and that there were differences in retribution. I didn't do any good because you didn't remind me. Please give me another chance to be a human being, and remind me when I am not doing good things."

After hearing him out, the king of hell consented, "All right, I will send you back." Not long after, the man died. The king of hell again sentenced him to hell. Again, the man argued, "How strange! This is unfair! I told you to remind me lest I forget. You didn't remind me that life was ephemeral or what I should do." "Oh, yes, I reminded you several times," the king of hell insisted. "When?" "A beggar once went to your door, didn't he?" the king asked. "Yes," the man replied. "Did you give him anything to eat? That beggar was me!" the king said. "That was you! Why didn't you tell me?" the man exclaimed. "Another time, I sent a sick old man to your door. Did you see him?" the king asked again. "Yes, I did," the man admitted. "Did you take care of him?" "No. I sent him away. I didn't want to see him," the man revealed. "That was me."

"Yet another time, you saw a corpse lying in front of your house when you opened the door. What did you do?" the king asked. "I threw it in the garbage," the man confessed. "That was me again! I reminded you many times of the ephemeral nature of the body and the world. But you didn't listen to me. This time you must go to hell. You have no more excuses."

Similarly, sometimes we encounter unpleasant situations in life. We sustain physical injuries or fall sick. We should know that it is God or the Buddha reminding us to seek the eternal world within. Because of our suffering, we begin to reflect on our actions and seek eternal happiness. Suffering is a kind of blessing. It shouldn't be considered a bad thing. We should be more openhearted, then we would know that what God sends us is not what we imagined.

Selected Questions & Answers

Make Up For The

Mistakes

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai Melbourne, Australia

March 13, 1993 (Originally In English)

Q. If a wrong is done and can cause bad karma, how can it be reversed or undone?

M. Do the opposite. Try to make up for it. Not only stop doing wrong, but you continue doing right, or start doing right. Not only do we not steal from other people, but we also help the people who are poor and truly in need. That's the true correction for what we did. For example, you have a husband and you have an affair with another man. For example, for example, please. (Laughter) Now you feel sorry about it. It is not only that you have already stopped the affair because your husband doesn't like it, but you also have to love your husband more. Take care of him more. Let him feel better. Let your family relationship become more solid and happier for you, your husband, and your children. That's the positive way of repenting our wrong deed. Not only we stop doing wrong, but we have to do right.

Once Ghandi heard a Hindu person say, "I am going to hell. I killed a Moslem, because another Moslem killed my child." Then he asked, "What can I do now? I will go to hell anyhow." So Ghandi said to him, "I know a way out of hell. If you raise an orphan to become a Moslem, you can make up for that. Maybe you will still go to hell, but at least your conscience will be clear. You'll know you have done the best to make up for the wrong you have done, and also made someone else happy. At least when you go to hell, you will go happily."