• Master's 1999 European Lecture Tour Video Seminar
• Rise to the Realm of Enlightenment Together
• The Esoteric and Exoteric Paths
• Breathing Practices Are Not the Ultimate Method
• The Messiah Has Come!
• The Truth in Islamic Doctrines
• Q. Is Your teaching compatible with Islam?
• Light and Sound Therapy in Medical Practice
  • Use of Bright Light Therapy in Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorders
  • "Sound" Related Therapies
• The True Meaning of Church, Mosque, Temple and Pyramid
• The Benefits of Group Meditation
• The Divine Protective Shield
• Rebirth through the Miraculous Hand of God
• Insights Inspired by the Statue of Liberty

The Supreme Master Ching Hai E-news Magazine No.111

======== Contents=======

Panorama of Eventsu Canada u Formosa u Camaroon u Australia u USA

Master Saysu Rise to the Realm of Enlightenment Together

Health Newsu Light and Sound Therapy in Medical Practice

Elevation of the Soulu Publications of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association

You May Not Knowu The True Meaning of Church, Mosque, Temple and Pyramid

Story World u Yes, Believe It! u The Benefits of Group Meditation

While on the Pathu How The Quan Yin Method Changed MeuThe Divine Protective Shield u Rebirth through the Miraculous Hand of God

Pearls of WisdomuWhatever We Have Is for Distribution to Others u True Givingu Group Meditation is for the Whole Planet

Noteworthy BooksuThe Supreme Master Ching Hai 1993 World Lecture Tour Series

Aphorismsu

Reflexions on Spiritual Practiceu Insights Inspired by the Statue of Liberty

Master Tells a Storyu Invaluable Faith

Between Master and Discipleu My Only One

Master's Wondersu When My Mother Passed Away u If You Want Help, Call Master's Name

Bed Time Storyu The Practitioner and the Hungry Ghost

PoemuJoy in Leisure

Quan Yin WWW Sitesu

Master and Disciples Tell Jokesu Always Share! u One Shortu Fire in My Kitchen

Media Report u Woman of the Century

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Report from Canada

Broadcast of Master's Video Lectures on Rogers Television

[Toronto] With Master's blessing, besides our normal activities of sharing Master's teachings through video lecture seminars and exhibitions, Toronto initiates now have a way to convey Master's message to a much larger audience via television. Using cable TV and Master's video lectures, we can now reach the three million people who live in the Greater Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton areas.

In order to broadcast Master's video lectures on television, our organization recently became a member of The Horizon Interfaith Communication Media Council, which consists of people representing diverse religious and spiritual groups. The purpose of the Interfaith Council is to share the time allotted by Rogers Cable Television for Horizon, a community TV series that airs each Sunday morning with programs focusing on various religious pursuits and teachings.

As a new member of the Horizon Community Program, we have been given the following initial broadcast dates (all on Sundays) for three of Master's video lectures, each 27.5 minutes in length:

Rogers Television - Channel 10

May 21 @ 11:00 am EST

June 4 @ 12:00 noon EST

June 18 @ 11:00 am EST

Additional broadcast dates will be announced as soon as we receive approval.

Body, Soul and Spirit Expo

[Vancouver] Vancouver initiates were delighted to have a booth at the Body, Soul and Spirit Expo, held on March 17th - 19th in Vancouver, British Columbia. We learned a lot and experienced great joy in introducing many people to Master.

Our booth attracted numerous visitors, including Expo participants from adjoining booths who kept returning to watch the ongoing videotapes of Master that we were showing. One neighbor set up a chair right in front of the video presentation and watched for a long time. The women in the adjoining booth also watched the videotape whenever they had a chance, saying that they found Master's voice to be very soothing. All of the visitors made sure to take home sample booklets and News Magazines, so that they could learn more about Master.

With the rising acceptance of Eastern treatment methods such as acupuncture, we weren't surprised to see a booth of Chinese acupuncturists at the Expo. Before long, everyone who worked at the acupuncture booth had visited us. They all took Chinese sample booklets and News Magazines for themselves and their families. Later, we saw them sitting in the lobby, intensely reading the materials.

Ongoing seminars were also held throughout the Expo in a separate room. On Saturday and Sunday, we were scheduled for two one-hour slots. This gave us another opportunity to introduce Master to people attending the Expo. After the seminar, quite a few attendees came up to ask questions. It was very clear that they were interested in learning more about Master. One woman was eager to see more of Master's videos, so she borrowed some. She exchanged these for others a few days later, and then came on Sunday to learn the Convenient Method.

Throughout the three days of the Expo, we met and connected in love with people from many different walks of life. We also found that people were extremely open to Master's teachings. They could not help but be impressed by Her love, wisdom and beauty. We thank Master for this wonderful opportunity to share Her blessings, and are very eager to take part in any event where we can have the great honor of informing people about Her and the Quan Yin Method.

Caption:

Captivated by Master's melodious voice, people stop at the Vancouver Center's booth to watch Her videotape and ask questions.

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Report from Formosa

Free Medical Service at the Millennium Paintball Sports Carnival

[Taipei] On March 12, the National Sports Council convened the Millennium Paintball Sports Carnival at Keelung Riverside Park. This event was meant to strengthen relations and friendships among diplomatic officials of the R.O.C. and foreign ambassadors, counselors and economic and cultural affairs officers stationed in Taipei. Featuring a paintball war game that attracted participants of several nationalities, the carnival also included such events as a motorbike stunt performance, a Chinese martial arts presentation, dance performances, and traditional folk arts and exercises. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was invited to offer free medical services to the carnival's attendees.

Fellow practitioners arriving at the carnival grounds immediately began to play Master's musical CDs, filling the venue with a warm and peaceful atmosphere. Their medical consultations and services included blood pressure measurements, Chinese medicine prescriptions, acupuncture treatments, ophthalmic examinations, and surgical and dental consultations.

When our group was introduced through a loudspeaker to the audience, a huge crowd, including foreign visitors, rushed to our booth. We had prepared many chairs to keep people comfortable while they waited in line. We also shared spiritual nourishment in the form of Master's sample booklets and magazines. While waiting for their consultations, people quietly read the booklets with great attention. We were really touched to witness God's love flowing gently into their hearts and souls. Each visitor to the booth received physical care, along with the spiritual nourishment of God's love.

Caption:

Fellow practitioners provide free medical services to local and foreign diplomats in Formosa.

Spring Holiday Retreat

[Hsihu] This year, April 2 to 4 were Formosan Holidays, among which April 4 was Tomb-Sweeping Day. On that day, Formosan initiates took the rare opportunity to hold a special three-day retreat at the Hsihu Center, thus allowing them to both participate in the retreat and take care of their families. Initiates were free to attend the retreat for one day, two days, or all three days. Family members were also welcome to visit the Hsihu Center on Sunday. Thanks to this flexible arrangement, many initiates participated in the retreat, their colorful tents bringing a lively atmosphere to the Center.

During the retreatants' diligent meditation sessions, fellow initiates truly practiced the custom of sweeping their ancestors' graves. For people who have received initiation from Master and followed Her in spiritual practice, their ancestors have long left their graves for a superior plane of existence, or have already been liberated from the cycle of transmigration.

During the retreat, fellow initiates also prayed for the success of Master's Oceania and Asia Lecture Tour. For the same purpose, all the Centers in Formosa have asked that fellow initiates join in a daily meditation session at home from five to seven in the morning, and again from nine to eleven in the evening.

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Enthusiastic New Disciples in Kumba

[Kumba] After our initiation, the enthusiastic new disciples, filled with energy and a willingness to help others, decided to have a seminar in Kumba to share the good news with the locals.

For this great occasion, everyone worked in unison, fueled by the Master Power. Although it was the first time such an event had taken place in Cameroon, everything went smoothly and quickly, as if by Divine Providence.

It was only two days from the initial decision to the actual video seminar, but in that time we booked the hall, printed brochures, put up posters throughout the town, and made radio and loud speaker announcements. The conference began with a video by The Supreme Master Ching Hai, which was followed by a lively question and answer session, showing how spiritually advanced the country is.

After the seminar, when the Quan Yin messenger asked how many people were interested in learning the Convenient Method, almost everyone stayed. Many had great experiences, such as seeing inner light and stars, hearing inner sounds, and seeing the after-death tunnel.

The simple hearts of the people really touched us all. Now, all the disciples in Kumba want to start group meditations as quickly as possible, because the number of initiates has grown dramatically.

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Report from Australia

A New Center in Byron Bay

[Byron Bay] With the support of practitioners from the Brisbane Center, two seminars have been held in Byron Bay during the last 12 months to introduce people in this area to Master and Her teachings. The seminars have generated a tremendous response, with many newcomers tuning in to the elevated atmosphere created by Master's loving power, and recognizing the inherent Truth in Her teachings. Some people have recently been initiated as a result of the seminars, forming the basis of regular and well attended group meditation sessions at the local village of Clunes, and others are practicing the Convenient Method while awaiting initiation.

Caption:

Byron Bay initiates enjoy a new Center.

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Report from U.S.A.

Master's 1999 European Lecture Tour Video Seminar

[Santa Ana, CA] On Saturday, March 25, 2000, a video seminar featuring Master's lecture in Madrid, Spain during Her 1999 European Lecture Tour was held in Santa Ana, a predominantly Spanish speaking community in Southern California's Orange County, south of Los Angeles. The seminar was presented at the Ebell Club, a prestigious facility well known to many local residents, which is located a few blocks away from the business district of downtown Santa Ana.

Many thousands of colorful Spanish language flyers and brochures introducing Master to the public were distributed in numerous places throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties by hard working teams of local initiates. Hundreds of handsomely printed posters displaying Master's image were also posted in many areas, including the main streets of Santa Ana. After several days of work by devoted fellow practitioners, Master's flyers and brochures were in the hands of virtually every passersby in the business district of the city. And on the day of the seminar, even the security personnel hired for the event joined in to help distribute Master's flyers to the arriving guests. One local policeman who was surveying our efforts at distributing flyers commented that he had never seen such an organized and efficient group, and promised to attend the seminar.

The video presentation was arranged so that audience members were able to see both Master's Madrid lecture and the subsequent question and answer session, after a brief introduction to Her teachings and the Quan Yin Method presented in Spanish by a fellow initiate. Delicious vegetarian delicacies were served during intermission, when guests had a chance to enjoy the well-prepared and tasty food and mingle with each other and local initiates. They also toured the exhibition hall set up next to the lecture room to view Master's artworks, books and tapes, which were nicely displayed for their enjoyment.

After watching the second segment of the presentation, the audience showed great interest in Master's words of Truth, which were full of humor and wisdom. Next, during the live question and answer session after the seminar, a local Quan Yin messenger was inundated with many highly spiritual questions from the sincere Truth seekers in attendance. To our great surprise and joy, almost everyone who stayed for the second part of the video presentation decided to learn the Convenient Method of meditation on the spot! And since the video seminar, many calls have come in to the local contact persons regarding Master and the Quan Yin Method.

This was the second recent video seminar organized by the Los Angeles Center to help share Master's teachings to local ethnic communities (the first was held in L. A.'s Koreatown last fall). With the infinite grace, love and blessings of our Master, the Center will continue the exciting and noble work of bringing the divine message of God to different ethnic groups in the culturally diverse Los Angeles area, for which Master's 1999 European Lecture Tour videos are so appropriate and timely.

Grand Opening of Music & Poetry Center in Los Angeles

[Los Angeles] The first bookstore of its kind in U.S.A. to share Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings and artistic works, the Music & Poetry Center, held its Grand Opening in the Asian Village in response to the demands of devoted fans of the radio and television program, "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms."

Master's love and blessings permeated the atmosphere of the Music & Poetry Center as we greeted the special guests and media at this Grand Opening. Many members of the media were in attendance, including KSCI Channel 18 representatives with their Director of Programming, Eva McKeown, National Digital Television Center, Saigon Radio Hai Ngoai, daily newspapers Chinese Worldwide Liberty Times, Nguoi Viet, Vien Dong, and monthly magazine Van Hoa. Supporters from as far away as San Francisco and San Jose also came to celebrate this event. It was a momentous occasion marked with many VIPs including: legendary composers Pham Duy, Thu Ho, singer Le Uyen, artist Duy Quang, artist Duy Cuong, artists and radio hosts Quoc Thai and Quynh Huong, Professor An Van Tran, actress Mai Phuong, artist Phuong Vu, lawyer Cuong Quang Le, former mayor of Westminster, Cathy Bucoz, Reverend Minh Quang Tran, and many more.

The Music & Poetry Center offers a diverse array of Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings that includes books, magazines, videos, and audiocassettes, as well as Her artistic works such as paintings, clothing designs, jewelry designs, music, and poetry. Nestled in the Asian Village, the comfortable atmosphere of the Music & Poetry Center with its large variety of organic teas, special vegetarian snacks, and its balcony view overlooking the plaza makes it the ideal spot to while away long hours on a rainy afternoon

Following are some comments by the special guests on the Grand Opening Day:

Singer Duy Quang, "I am very happy that there is a center for spiritual music here in Bolsa."

Singer Le Uyen, "Master's presence has helped many people through their difficult times; this Center will serve as a reminder, and while here, they will have a feeling of being a little closer to Master."

Actress Mai Phuong, "I was feeling tired but when I came in here I felt good again. I am sure it's because of the people's hearts. Everyone has the same ideal, the same goal, and voluntarily works to make the Association stronger and to share the ideals of Master. I sincerely congratulate you and hope that it will develop more, become larger, stronger and more people will know of and support it. I hope it touches their hearts with the feelings that I'm having today."

Quang Duc Nguyen, Director of the Vien Dong daily newspaper, "I believe sharing the Center's activities is necessary because it includes a lot of work that is advantageous to the advancement of literature and society, and these meaningful activities are beneficial to everyone. There are so many people here today - community activists, artists and singers, the media - all the important people are here. I'm very surprised because all the artworks - paintings or fashion are things that people rarely get a chance to see. "

Singer and Saigon Overseas Radio host Quoc Thai, "This shop that I have entered today is elegant and lovely. It is very good for our community and good for the people in this area. If someone wants some peace of mind, they can find it here. It feels very good to see a center for spiritual music."

Singer & Saigon Overseas Radio host Quynh Huong, "On this day of the Grand Opening, when I first stepped in, I felt very surprised. It was beyond my imagination that the set-up, the organization, could be so utterly beautiful."

Reverend Eric Delgadillio, a "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms" television program viewer, "I'm here at the Grand Opening, and it's phenomenal. It is so beautiful to be with so many people who are supporting the Master."

Chu Khanh, a "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms" radio program listener, "The Grand Opening today marks a new era and may change the lives of every one here. When we hear the poems and songs, we discover something. In those poems, are sentences that can awaken our sleeping souls."

The Music and Poetry Center is conveniently located at 9191 Bolsa Avenue, Suite 227-228, Westminster, CA 92863. For more information, please contact (714) 892-3360 or 1-888-826-6443 / 1-888-VAN-NGHE.

Caption:

The Music & Poetry Center opens to share Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings and artistic works with the public.

Ms. Eva Mckeown (right), Director of Programming,KSCI-Ch18,and assistant, were among many other VIPs that attended the grand opening.

(right) Legendary Composer Pham Duy.

(left) Ly Kien Truc, owner of Van Hoa magazine.

News of the grand opening of the Music & Poetry Center aired on the KSCI daily news program.

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Rise to the Realm of Enlightenment Together

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Hong Kong July 8, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)

Q. There are many religious sects in the world today. How do we know which one will lead us to the Truth?

M. You will find the Truth only when you have found an Enlightened Master. The problem is not with the religious sects. All of them are good, but it is best to find an Enlightened Master. [Applause] There were many religious paths in ancient India, but why did people follow Shakyamuni Buddha? It was because He was an Enlightened Master. By following my teachings in spiritual practice, you don't have to change your religious belief. Catholics may continue to believe in Jesus Christ and God; Buddhists may continue to believe in the highest Buddha, who is also God. The highest God is the highest Buddha; the only difference is the name by which they are known. All we have to do is believe in the Supreme Power within; there is no need to change anything.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai

Costa Rica December 16, 1990 (Originally in English)

If everyone truly practices what the Bible or the Buddhist Sutra teaches, they will never quarrel with each other, and all religions will be happy with each other and celebrate in the same church. The Pope will come to the temple, the monks will go to the church, and there will be no problems.

There's only one religion - that is the religion of God, of love, of understanding. There's only one church, one temple - that is the temple of enlightenment. Come to that temple, and then we will know all religions of the world.

The Esoteric and Exoteric Paths

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Hong Kong July 8, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)

Q. In spiritual practice, what is the difference between the esoteric and the exoteric paths?

M. First, spiritual cultivation will be perfect only if it incorporates both the "esoteric" and "exoteric" aspects. However, most people do not practice the esoteric path because they have not found the lineage or met an Enlightened Master who can transmit the method. So, they choose the exoteric path, which is taught openly and can be followed without a change in deportment or moral standards. People who worship the Buddha statue and offer red envelopes (containing donations) at the temples are considered exoteric practitioners, even though they slaughter pigs sometimes. People devoted to the esoteric practice must have high moral standards, strictly observe the precepts, and know many secret methods that have been passed down through the ages. However, the most difficult thing is to find an Enlightened Master who has acquired the esoteric method that transcends worldly language. He can transmit the method to us only after he has graduated from this school of intangible teachings and attained the true method that "can be neither described nor named".

In the exoteric path, practitioners must study many scriptures and learn a lot of Buddhist terminology before they can graduate. They must know what the Buddha, Mahayana, or Mahaprajnaparamita means. They must learn and know all these things to be able to answer people's questions. Only then can they preach the exoteric path. It is more difficult to practice the esoteric path because there are no scriptures to learn from. We rely on our life-after-life spiritual practice, our intense aspiration for the Truth, as well as our sincerity, precepts and diligent practice. We rely on ourselves until we find our own Enlightened Master. Therefore, it is very difficult to graduate from the esoteric path. Shakyamuni Buddha was accomplished in both the exoteric and esoteric paths. He could teach anything and elaborate on any scripture, including the four Vedas. He had no difficulty debating with Brahman believers, or anyone, for that matter. He had also attained the esoteric teachings that cannot be transmitted through words or expressed in writing. Since He had graduated from this school of intangible teachings, He could transmit them to His believers.

The difference between the two paths is that very few people have accomplished the esoteric path while many have accomplished and graduated from the exoteric path. Ordinary people who have studied in a Buddhist institution for several years are also considered graduates from the exoteric school. So, even lay practitioners can preach and explain to the masses the definition of Mahaprajnaparamita; the Great Mercy Mantra; or the origin of Amitabha Buddha, the meaning of His name, and why we should repeat His name.

In contrast, the esoteric school is very difficult. There are no scriptures to rely on. We can only depend on our God Nature and wisdom to uncover the path. We yearn and practice diligently every day until we attain it completely. Then only can we transmit the path to other people. It is really difficult because it is the true and intangible scripture, the Muni Pearl, our intangible possession that we can only earn intangibly and silently. Not even the Master can help us; He or She can only guide us on the road. We have to devote our own efforts and know-how to use our Wisdom.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Taipei, Formosa March 6, 1988 (Originally in Chinese)

Q. There are 84,000 methods in Buddhism. The Diamond Sutra says that all methods practice benevolence and they are all equal. However, in the Surangama Sutra, the Buddha said that sentient beings of the "Dharma Ending Period" should practice the Quan Yin Method. Is it because the Quan Yin Method is more suitable for sentient beings?

M. Not only more suitable, but sentient beings should be practicing the Quan Yin Method in the first place. Let's make this point clear. We are born as humans in order to practice the Quan Yin Method and if we do not, then we will not realize what we should do in our human lives. We miss this precious opportunity because we miss this vital point, and then we go somewhere to practice the 84,000 methods all over again. But when we finally reach the gate of the ultimate method and we are born again as human beings, we are reluctant to be detached. We refuse to practice even when we have met the Enlightened Master, and we have to transmigrate again and again.

Human beings are born to practice the Quan Yin Method; it is our obligation to do so. We are born as humans for the purpose of attaining sainthood and the great Wisdom. Our final, most precious, and one and only chance is to be born as humans for the goal of attaining this great Wisdom and being liberated from the other 84,000 methods that bind sentient beings. However, because we don't understand this truth, we don't know what we should do as humans. After practicing the Quan Yin Method, we slowly come to understand why we are born as humans and what our goal is. You may be skeptical right now but you give me no choice. Since you asked, I have to tell you about it. All the other 84,000 methods are useless; they only bind us within the three realms. They bring us blessed rewards, power, and supernatural powers, but still chain us within the three realms. The Quan Yin Method is the one and only method that will take us beyond the three realms. This is incredible, which is why we rarely hear about it.

Breathing Practices Are Not the Ultimate Method

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Harvard Univ., U.S.A. February 24, 1991 (Originally in English)

Some people asked me if I could teach them a meditation method that will stop the breathing and the heartbeat. I said, "No need to be such a hurry. Wait a while; when you die, all this will happen." This is not a necessary thing to do. We have no need to intervene with nature's functions. This is not a way to enlightenment. Then, they asked me if I would teach them a meditation method, which would increase their body heat, so that it becomes like a flame of samadhi - samadhi power through heat. I said, "No need, just jump into the oven!"

This is nonsense! It has nothing to do with enlightenment. Maybe the Masters or the practitioners in the Himalayas don't have enough heat, and they must practice what we call "tummo" heat from the solar plexus to develop heat to warm the body during the cold Himalayan weather. But here, we have central heating and heaters; we have everything, and there is no need for that. And I cited an example of the Buddha. One person came to the Buddha and boasted that he could walk across the water to reach the other shore. The Buddha asked, "How long did you practice before you could reach it?" He said "Twenty-five years." The Buddha said, "Why waste time and money? I only pay 5 cents and I can cross the river by boat."

These are wrong conceptions. We practice to enlighten ourselves: to know what else we can do for humankind, how we are related to the universe, and how we can offer anything to the universe, which offers us so much; or to free ourselves from suffering, to free ourselves from the slavery of birth, death, and reincarnation. But we do not practice to show off. There is no need to increase heat or cold, no need to stop the heartbeat and breathing. These are ephemeral phenomena, the working and functioning of nature. We do not bother.

The God Nature is not in the breath; it's not in the heartbeat or in the heat from the stomach. The God Nature is also in them, but they are only one small aspect of God Nature. We should find the whole, and then we will understand every detail. We should not just bother about details and forget the whole. So, the wrong conception needs to be changed in order to raise our level, at least our intellectual level, in order to understand further. If we keep attached to this kind of conception or worn-out prejudice, we have no hope of being more civilized, more intelligent.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Panama January 28, 1991 (Originally in English)

No doubt, when you practice Pranayama you will have many benefits. You might have health, maybe a little bit longer life, you might have some magical powers, or maybe you will feel calmer. There is nothing without benefits. But Pranayama alone brings you nowhere because we live eternally without breath. What we call life must not mean the body. If you mean life is the body, then you practice and the breath is important for the body, for the ordinary people only. Many people don't need it. Did you read "The Autobiography of a Yogi" by Yogananda? When his Master was in samadhi, he didn't even breathe. Do you think he had no wisdom at that time when he had no breath? Where had his wisdom gone? How does he attain wisdom then, when he has no breath to practice Pranayama with?

I know many people who practice with the breathing method, not Pranayama, but they count the breath. There are many practices concerning the breath and using the breath as a concentration method. And so far as concentration is concerned, it helps. It helps some people, but I would not advise anyone to use it. There are many better ways than relying on the ephemeral breath. You must train your mind to concentrate by itself, by the soul force, and not by relying on external aids. Otherwise, when you are in an accident, when you faint, when you die, or when you are sick or asleep and not aware of your breathing, how would you practice? We cannot practice just when we are awake or when we are aware of the breath. We must train to practice all the time, 24 hours, and that can be done only by the soul.

I know many people who practice the breath up to the level that they can go without breathing and that is the highest by these methods. If someone can stop breathing, they would congratulate him because that is the highest they can go. But when they stop breathing, that means breathing is, after all, not that important. You can live without it.

Actually, the breath, if I may tell you the truth, is not to be touched. There are two currents in the body: one is what we call life force or "shabd" current and the other one is called the "motor" current or life current. The shabd current is the one from God, vibrating in all kinds of life, with or without breath, animate or inanimate. The shabd is the one we hear. And the other current is the motor current, which takes care of the heat, the cold, the digestive and respiratory systems, and all kinds of things, including the breath. That is regulated already, and we should not bother about it. We should not make it short or long, or stop it or control it by any means because it is arranged by the Most Intelligent. If we mess about with this machine, it might go wrong. When it is having trouble, then we should fix it or take care of it; otherwise, we should not bother or we might touch the wrong button and it will go wrong altogether.

The Messiah Has Come!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
California, U.S.A. May 19, 1991 (Originally in English)

Q: What do You think about the Old Testament and the Jewish religion?

M: It's good, but don't wait for the Messiah, please, because He comes all the time. Pray that you will recognize the present Messiah; don't pray and wait for the Messiah that you are waiting for. He will never come if you expect Him the way you do. Just like when Jesus came, they also expected the Messiah, and killed the one that they had at hand. We do all the same stupid things.

It is not that the Jewish religion is bad; it is we who are ignorant. Even Jesus promised to send comforters; this means that after He left, someone else would come. Someone who can comfort us means someone who is equal to Him, but we still are waiting for two thousand years already. Many Messiahs have come and gone and we are still here waiting for the one from the sky. He will never come if we wait in this way.

We hear Jesus will reappear; how do you think He will come? - With wings, a beard, or with the cross so that we will recognize him? How will we recognize Him if He ever comes? We don't even know what Jesus looked like. We were not there; or maybe we were there, but that was two thousand years ago and who has such a good memory any more? [Laughter]

Jesus comes, not in appearance, but in spirit. Jesus can come to anyone who is perceptive enough and who opens the right door to let Him in. And then we will become like Jesus or like the Father. Then, at that moment, Jesus came back again. He comes back all the time; whenever we are ready, He comes. He comes through any Master, who is capable of housing Him, of housing His mighty power. That person is also Jesus - different hairstyle, perhaps, or maybe high-heels, but He is still Jesus. [Laughter and applause.]

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Sydney, Australia March 17, 1993 (Originally in English)

Q: Do You believe that the Supreme Messiah of the universe - Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, said, "I am the way, the Truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by me"; that no one can enter heaven, God's home, except by Jesus?

M: Yes, it is true; every Master has said that. "Jesus" is the name of His body; "Christ" is His title. Every Master should have this Christ power; therefore, in a sense, Jesus never died. Jesus works through all the Masters, through all the centuries, through all the ages, to liberate and enlighten us, the ignorant still left behind. Jesus alone cannot enlighten us if He's gone. Of course, He can, to some degree, but we are human. We can't get in touch with Him when He is in a higher sphere. Therefore, a physical Master is necessary. But the Christ power works through any physical Master, who is destined or posted at that time. Therefore, when Jesus said that He was the only way and the only one, He spoke the absolute truth. But so does any Master, when the Master is alive.

I know it is trouble with clinging to the Bible. The same is true with many of the Buddhists. The Bible and the scriptures are excellent evidence of the past Masters, but also excellent stumbling blocks for our intellectual attachment. I know it's very difficult. I only can wish you the best, and I can only be patient to wait until the time comes that you understand. The Bible is only a record of a super Master who has graced our Earth, but what about those before Jesus, and after Jesus? Those after Jesus probably will say: "Okay, we hear His name and we will be redeemed." But a billion, trillion years before Jesus, was there no one to rescue them, or what? Is the Father so merciless just to send only one Son and only one time? Could Hes be so stingy?

If Jesus really redeemed all of us, can you truly answer me, why we are still ignorant? There are many things we don't know; heaven, we can't contact. Some people can; when they pray very deeply and sincerely to Jesus, probably He will appear to them and teach some of them, but very few. He doesn't appear to all of us. But to our disciples, He does, because we know how to contact Him. We can ascend up to His level and get His teaching directly. I'm not teaching anything different. If you would like to see Jesus and God, I just will help you. If you would like to see Buddha, I will help you, that's all - but if you believe it, instead of clinging to the past record of a great Master, most of which we do not understand.

The Truth in Islamic Doctrines

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Taipei, Formosa March 6, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)

I came across a very meaningful sentence in the Koran. It says: "Be a good guest on Earth. And live a very rich life." This statement in the Islamic Koran really impressed me. We used to think that only Buddhism stresses the ephemerality of this world in which we live for a while and will soon depart. We do not know that the Koran mentions exactly the same idea. So, why are we still engaged in heated debate about which religion is better? We read this one sentence and find it very meaningful. It is short but perfect! While we are here, we should live a very meaningful life that is free and enriching.

The Koran also mentions the Sound. Their Master Mohammed mentioned it, and so did His disciples. When they heard the sound of the flute, their wisdom opened and they knew everything. They became very relaxed, happy, free, and liberated! They were not referring to the sound of the flute in the outside world. We Quan Yin practitioners know that it is a reference to a superior level. However, suppose we are Moslems but have not heard the sound of the flute inside, then we cannot understand what the Koran is referring to.

In the Bible, Jesus Christ said: "You listen to the wind. You don't know from where the wind comes, and where it goes!" This sound represents the omnipresent quality. When we hear this omnipresent sound of the Divine, we are perceiving part of the Omnipresent (Tathagata). Another part is Hiers light; we don't know where it comes from and where it goes either. This light is also an omnipresent quality. Being omnipresent means that we don't know where it comes from and where it goes.

Beholding the Omnipresent (Tathagata) does not mean that we have to actually see someone - the Amitabha Buddha or Shakyamuni Buddha. It is true that Shakyamuni Buddha called Himself the "Tathagata", but He also explained that He was only the finger pointing to the Truth. Tathagata is an inner experience, the quality of being omnipresent. When we behold the Omnipresent quality, our wisdom is opened, our karma is all gone, we are absolutely free, and we can understand the Universal System and the secret of the entire Creation. Finally, we will realize what it is really like to be one with the Creation. We will know the level of Lao Tzu, and we can really praise Him. It is because then we have the same experience, and can testify to the truth behind His statement, "All of Creation is one"!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Surabaya, Indonesia March 1, 1993 (Originally in English)

Q: If a Moslem becomes a vegetarian, but in their religion, it is the understanding that they should give sacrifices every year......

M: The offering. Offering doesn't mean sacrifices. Actually, sometimes the translation is wrong. For example, some of them misunderstand the teaching of the Master. No Master wants any blood at all! What for? What kind of Master is that who serves for the blood of sentient beings? Can you believe it? Would you do it, even if you are not a master?

What someone else has already killed, so maybe you eat it; but to ask you to kill the chicken or the goat yourself, you could not do it. How would a Master ever expect a disciple to do such a bloody thing? It is just a misunderstanding. I will tell you why. For example, every Master says you have to offer everything you own to him. In the Bhagavad-Gita, it says, "Give all things to me; remember me alone; love only me; surrender only to me and no one else besides me; give everything you have to me: your life, your family, your possessions, give everything to me." But did Krishna ever take one penny from Arjuna, whether he needed it or not? No, he never took it! So, it's just a saying from the Master. "Give me your ox, give me your car, give me your goats, give me your gold, give me your wife, your children; give everything to me. I will take care of them." But he never touched them.

It is just in the spirit that you offer everything at the feet of the Master as a sign of devotion and surrender, as a sign of belief and faith in the Master, as a sign of egolessness: "that I have nothing, including myself; everything is Master's." So now, centuries, thousands of years later, people have translated it differently: you have to make the first sacrifice of the first lamb, the first anything. Whoever wants this kind of bloody sacrifice? Can you believe a human being only, not to say the Master, of an average compassionate mind, would ever, himself, kill a goat and drink the blood or eat anything out of it, and feel happy? - Very seldom! Nowadays, people just pay for them in the market and don't see the killing and don't see the suffering. They buy them just like a piece of chocolate, and eat without feeling much about the suffering of the animal. But if a Master, a so-called Master who has love for all kinds of beings, demands sacrifices of blood, would you believe it? Anyone would not believe it!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Paris, France April 25, 1993 (Originally in French and English)

Q: This question is about the Holy Scriptures: I very often have doubts about the Bible or Koran. It is said in the Bible, "I am a jealous God," and Christ said, "I did not come here for peace, but for war." It says in the Koran that we can engage in war and have many wives. Are these mistakes?

M: I tell you to follow the Five Precepts: you shall not kill, no sexual misconduct, vegetarian diet, no stealing, no gambling. And that's very simple for your life; just follow that, and meditate two and a half hours. Any other books you read, I am not responsible.

But if they are already Moslem, for example, of course, I will not tell them to change their life. For example, if they already have ten wives according to their tradition before they knew me, should I tell them to separate from their wives? They are in harmony with each other; the ten wives live together, and they do no harm to anyone.

We are not here to change the world, but to change ourselves. If the Moslems are like that, leave them alone. And now, they don't have to "faire la guerre" any more; they don't have to make war any more, so they can follow me. Should they want to stay in a warlike attitude then they can stay outside of our circle.

Not only do the Moslems make war, but also the Christians and Buddhists, also everyone else, because they misunderstand the doctrine of their origin. The Buddha never made war, but some of the Buddhists make war. Christ did not say that He came to make war. What He meant is that He did not come with peace, but with a sword. He said that He would set the son against the father, etc. What He meant is that the karmic bonds will be cut asunder; that He came with the sword of wisdom; and, that even all the attachments with family ties will be as if they did not exist. Therefore, even if the father believes in eating meat, the son will become a vegetarian. And before, for example, if the family was attached to each other and bound each other in a very limited love, after initiation, they just will love each other as they love any other initiates - all brothers and sisters. That's what He meant.

And, as you know, the same thing happens within our group, also. Even if the parents use their parent-power to force their children to eat meat, they will not eat it. So, that's a kind of "being against the parents." In that case, it is like that. But Christ never advocated war. That's why He said, "Give Caesar what belong to Caesar," and when people crucified Him, He did not fight back, even though He could have done so. He had the support of many disciples, and they wanted to make Him the king of the Jews, but He did not want that. He said, "My kingdom is not on this Earth." So you see, Christ was a man of peace. The war he talked about was the war in spirit that we, the disciples, fight against the illusion of Maya, the tricks and traps of Maya, the force of Maya, the illusion, the king of darkness that keeps us in bondage - we fight with that.

Normally, I don't like intellectual debate, but I understand that you are new, so I will try my best to come down and accompany you. Otherwise, I hate debate and intellectual wrestling. Now, according to the Koran, people can fight, not make war, but can defend themselves. You have to consider the time and the circumstances in which the Prophet Mohammad found himself as well as his own disciples. They were persecuted because, at that time, not many people understood what a living Master was. It is the same reason why they killed Jesus, and slandered and tried to assassinate the Buddha.

The same is happening nowadays, also. Some people also slander me and make a lot of trouble because of misunderstanding. They don't take time to learn what I try to teach. They just take one or two sentences, maybe misprinted or misinterpreted, or they have only heard what other people say, and then they try to make trouble. But this is only a very few compared to the good majority, like you, so it is no problem.

But when the Prophet Mohammad was alive, it was terrible. They were followed and persecuted everywhere, so they had to defend themselves. And the consequence that followed the war is that they married many wives. Because many men died in battle and left many widows and children unattended, the Prophet or the leader would say, "Take them in hand and take care of the weak and orphaned. Love them just like your own wife or your own children." Of course! But it must not always be physical.

For example, sometimes our initiate's husband dies or something, or the wife dies, and then the children are left, and we take them into another initiate's house and take care of them, also. But it must not be physical contact; it is just looking after them like brothers and sisters, like their own children, their own husband or wife. Therefore, the Prophet said, "If you take many wives into your house, you have to take care of them equally." Under that condition, you can take many into your house. For example, if you give your wife one set of jewelry, you have to be able to give the other the same. Then you can take them into your arms and take care of them.

That is just like the security system these days - very civilized. If you want to adopt a child, then you have to declare to the government whether you have enough money in the bank, how much property you have, to see if you can take care of the child. You see, it was very civilized, even though at that time there was no security law. Moslems are like that. So actually, if we want to study a religious scripture, we should study it to the end until there is absolutely no doubt. But if we just take one or two sentences and say: "It is no good; the Moslems are no good," then we will have prejudice.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Paris, France April 24, 1993 (Originally in French)

Q. Is Your teaching compatible with Islam?

M. Yes, why not? Islam teaches people to be good guests on Earth, and that it is necessary to find Heaven while we are alive. I also offer the same thing. I tell you to respect the Five Precepts, which give us nobility, wisdom, and peace on Earth. I also offer you the Path by which to find God immediately. Therefore, our Path is compatible with all the good religions.

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Light and Sound Therapy in Medical Practice

By brother initiate Shih-Hurng Loh,
Taipei, Formosa (Originally in Chinese & English)

As we know, the Quan Yin Method of meditation consists of two parts: meditation on the Light and meditation on the Sound. From the teachings of our beloved Master and from numerous personal experiences of our fellow initiates, we all understand that the Inner Light and Sound can help us not only in our spiritual development, but also in maintaining our physical health. Recent advances in light and sound therapies in medical practice also provide collateral evidence, convincing us further that even the outer physical light and sound can be effective in healing the body, let alone the Inner Light and Sound that we meditate on every day. The positive visible and invisible effects of the Inner Light and Sound are demonstrated in the lives of many people. As modern science advances, the fact that "Quan Yin heals all diseases" will become more and more collaterally evident and the fact that spiritual practice is the highest form of science will become increasingly obvious.

Bright Light Therapy in Cancer Treatment

It is estimated that 25% of the U.S. population will face a cancer diagnosis during their lifetimes, with a million new cancer patients diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, surgery and/or local radiation will cure less than a quarter of these patients. Most of the remainder will receive systemic chemotherapy during their illnesses. However, in most cases, drug therapy will produce only a regression of the disease, and complications and/or relapse may eventually lead to death (1). Therefore, finding a better therapeutic approach to cancer treatment has always been a goal of medical scientists.

Recently, Photodynamic Therapy, a new non-drug treatment mode, is being used to treat many solid malignancies, for example, to kill cancer cells (2). It uses a combination of a photosensitizing agent (silicon-pathalocyanine, Pc4) and strong visible light. First of all, the photosensitive Pc4 is loaded into the cancer cells. When the Pc4 is exposed to bright light, it increases the production of NO and other oxidative species such as OH and O2 inside the cells, which leads to cell apoptosis (disintegration) and even cell death (2). This method can be used to improve the therapeutic effects of cancer treatment and has attracted a lot of attention due to its possible clinical applications.

Use of Bright Light Therapy in Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorders

The two major classes of female sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Changes in these hormones in the body play a major role in the development of female secondary sex characteristics, in the control of pregnancy and the ovulatory-menstrual cycle, and in the modulation of many metabolic processes (3). Patients with hormonal abnormalities tend to feel uncomfortable physically or mentally. Their most prevalent symptom is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which involves severe premenstrual mood disturbances, such as depression, tension dysphoria and anxiety, as well as some physical discomfort. (4). Currently, antidepressant drugs and traditional psychotherapy have been used to treat patients with premenstrual mood disturbances. However, side effects of drug treatment are unavoidable and prevent patients from continuing with the therapy. Fortunately, according to recent medical studies, Bright Light Therapy has been shown to be effective in combating these premenstrual symptoms and in correcting this disorder. Research data show that after a week of Bright Light Therapy (> 6000 lux for 2 hours in the morning and evening, respectively, administered daily), patients with PMDD improved significantly in many respects (4;5;6).

Use of Bright Light Therapy in Treating Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

It is estimated that 65% - 70% of the U.S. population drink alcohol. Of this group, more than ten million people are addicted to alcohol and another ten million, due to excessive drinking, bring negative influences into society, such as arrests, automobile accidents, violence, occupational injuries, and deleterious effects on job performance and health. People who abuse alcohol also probably overuse the health care system, and alcoholics constitute a substantial number of medical patients. Thus, excessive drinking has become a major public health problem (7). In addition, chronic alcoholics become dependent on alcohol both psychologically and physically. So, after using alcohol for a period, it is difficult for them to quit because cessation leads to serious withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, tremors, agitation, anorexia, confusion, and hyperactivity.

Traditionally, sedative drugs have been given to these patients. However, it has been found in a recent clinical study that Bright Light Therapy can improve adaptive behavior during alcohol withdrawal. In this research, bright light (light intensity: 3000 lux; exposure time: two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening daily) was administered to ten patients who had not been treated with any sedative medication. The experimental results showed that Bright Light Therapy improved the sleep quality and mental stabilization of the patients with acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms (8).

Bright Light Therapy in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is the fourth most common neurological disorder among the elderly, affecting five million people in the USA alone. Also, the disease is age related, with more than 66% of patients being over 50 years of age (9). Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder of muscle movement, characterized by tremors, muscular rigidity, postural instability, and bradykinesia (slowness in initiating and carrying out voluntary movements) (10). The most unique characteristics of Parkinson's disease are that the tremors occur during periods of rest and often diminish during voluntary movement. Also, Parkinson's patients are unable to maintain a normal posture.

Clinically, Parkinson's disease can be treated with drugs, most commonly L-dopa. However, a major limitation of L-dopa treatment is that it is only effective for 3-5 years. After this period, patients may exhibit an on/off phenomenon (i. e., sometimes the drug is effective for them and sometimes not). Besides, long-term use of the drug leads to progressive neurological degeneration. (9;10).

Recently, 40 patients with Parkinson's disease were treated through the use of artificial bright white light (intensity: 3300 lux) with total or partial "drug holidays" (non- drug-use periods). It was shown that the Bright Light Therapy facilitated patients' capacity to tolerate the drugs holidays. The Therapy also resulted in a decrease in the severity of rigidity and bradykinesia (extreme slowness of movement) (but not tremors), reduction of depression, and improvement of motor function (11).

Other therapeutic modalities using of "light" include Visible Light Therapy for the treatment of acute or semi-acute eczema, tumors, dermatitis, and infant jaundice; Ultra-Violet Therapy for disinfection and sterilization; Laser Therapy used in operations, heat therapy, photon-pressure therapy and acupuncture; Photochemical Therapy in the treatment of skin diseases; etc. (12).

"Sound" Related Therapies

Ultrasonotherapy uses 20,000Hz or high ultra sound to accelerate particles in cells and soften tissue, functioning like a "micro massage." It can also have a heating effect at the interface of different tissues to accelerate the absorption process. It has been used in treating inflammation of the nervous system, tendon sheaths and mammary glands, muscular strain, scars, scleroderma, and the aftereffects of apoplexia and retinal and optic nerve diseases. Other therapies use a combination of diadynamic current and ultrasound for treating soft tissue and nerve pain (12).

Based on the effectiveness of these therapies using physical light and sound, we can infer that meditation on the Inner Light and Sound is not only important for our spiritual development, but also has substantial effects on our mental and physical well-being, including enhancing cell function, eliminating unhealthy cells, stabilizing and preventing deterioration of the nervous system, curing nervous diseases, and stimulating acupressure points. It can also improve sleep patterns and cure depression and anxiety. We believe that there are more healing functions of light and sound waiting to be discovered by scientists. When meditating on the Inner Light and Sound, it is as if we are being treated by the "greatest medicine" in the Universe with a therapy that repairs and nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Master emphasizes that we should meditate two and one-half hours daily and maintain the appropriate time ratio of meditation on the Light and meditation on the Sound. This is just like a prescription ordered by a medical doctor, and we must do our best to follow the recommended "dosage" in order to achieve the best results.

References:

1. Harvey RA. & Champe RC. (1998). Lippincott's Illustrated reviews pharmacology. 2nd ed. J.B. Lippincott Company. Chapter 38:373.
2. Cupta S., Ahmad N. & Mukhtar H. (1998). Involvement of nitric oxide during phthalocyanine (Pc4) photodynamic therapy-mediated apoptosis. Cancer Research. 58:1785-8.
3. Brody TM., Larner J. & Minneman KP. (1998). Human Pharmacology. 3rd edition. Chapter 38:p499-506.
4. Parry BL., Berga SL., Mostofi N., Klauber MT. & Resnick A. (1997). Plasma melatonin circadian rhythms during the menstrual cycle and after light therapy in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and normal control subjects. Journal of Biological Rhythms. 12:47-64.
5. Lenzinger E. Diamant K. Vytiska-Binstorfer E. & Kasper S. (1997). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. An overview of diagnosis, epidemiology and therapeutic approaches. Nervenartz. 68: 708-18.
6. Parry BL., Udell C., Elliott JA., Berga SL. Klauber MR., Mostofi N., LeVeau B. & Gillin JC. (1997). Blunted phase-shift responses to morning bright light in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Journal of Bilogical Rhythms. 12:443-56.
7. Brody TM., Larner J. & Minneman KP. (1998). Human Pharmacology. 3 edition. Chapter 23:p435-437.
8. Schmitz M., Frey R., Pichler P., Ropke H., Anderer P., Saletu B. & Rudas S. (1997). Sleep quality during alcohol withdrawal with bright light therapy. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry. 21:965-77.
9. Harvey RA. & Champe RC. (1998). Lippincott's Illustrated reviews pharmacology. 2nd ed . J.B. Lippincott Company. Chapter 29:385-7.
10. Brody TM., Larner J. & Minneman KP. (1998). Human Pharmacology. 3rd edition. Mosby Ltd. Chapter 25:p339-40.
11. Artemenko AR. & Levin IaI. (1996). The phototherapy of parkinsonism patients. Zhurnal Nevropatholgii I Psikhiartrii Imeni S-S-Korsakova. 96:63-6.
12. http://www.jiexiang.com.cn/index5_2.htm

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Publications of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association

To elevate our spirits and provide inspiration for our daily lives, a diverse array of books by The Supreme Master Ching Hai has been translated into numerous languages (see below). Publications are available from the local Centers or Headquarters in Formosa (P.O.Box 9, Hsihu, Miaoli, Formosa, R.O.C.). Also available is an extensive collection of Master's discourses on audio and videotapes, as well as individual photographs of all sizes. The Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine, another invaluable source of current information and inspiration, is available in more than ten languages: English, Chinese, Thai, French, German, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Indonesian, Japanese and Aulacese.

Picking up one of Master's books in the middle of a busy day can be a lifesaver! Her words are a clear reminder of our own true Nature. Whether reading Her spiritually informative lectures (The Key of Immediate Enlightenment series), deeply compassionate poetry (Silent Tears), or message-filled fables (Master Tells Stories), gems of wisdom are always revealed. Some initiates even make use of books such as the Aphorisms by consulting it with a question, opening to a page, and applying Master's perspective to the situation at hand.

The complimentary sample booklet, "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment", has been translated into approximately 40 languages and widely distributed. It is currently available in English, Chinese, Aulacese, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Greek, Polish, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Croatian, Czech, Slovak, Slovenian, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian, Ukranian, Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish, Zulu, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, Mongolian, Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, Burmese, Cambodian, Filipino and Tibetan.

To obtain books, audiotapes, videotapes or other items, check with your local Center or contact person. The exhibit area at retreats is also an excellent place to get a firsthand view of Master's books, tapes, pictures, paintings and jewelry. In addition, many newsmagazine issues provide information about recently released books and tapes. All publications are offered at near-cost prices. If necessary, you may order directly from the headquarters in Formosa; detailed catalogs are also available upon request.

Books

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~5)

Questions and Answers: (Book 1)

Special Edition/7-day retreat in 1992: (1 volume)

Special Edition/1993 World Lecture Tour: (6 volumes)

Master Tells Stories: (1 volume)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Aphorisms: (1 volume)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

Supreme Kitchen: (Volumes 1~2)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~8)

Questions and Answers: (Books 1~2)

Correspondence Between Master and Disciples: (Books 1~2)

My Wondrous Experiences with Master: (Books 1~2)

Special Edition/1993 World Lecture Tour: (6 volumes)

Master Tells Stories: (1 volume)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Wu Tzu Poems: (1 volume)

Aphorisms: (1 volume)

Supreme Kitchen: (Volumes 1~2)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1-9)

Questions and Answers: (Books 1~4)

Correspondence Between Master and Disciples: (Books 1~2)

My Wondrous Experiences with Master: (Books 1~2)

Special Edition/7-day retreat in 1992: (1 volume)

Master Tells Stories: (1 volume)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~3)

Correspondence Between Master and Disciples: (Book 1)

Master Tells Stories: (1 volume)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Aphorisms: (2 volumes)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~2)

Questions and Answers: (Book 1)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Aphorisms: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Book 1)

Questions and Answers: (Book 1)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Aphorisms: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~2)

Questions and Answers: (Book 1)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Aphorisms: (1 volume)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Book 1)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Book 1)

Questions and Answers: (Book 1)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Book 1)

Questions and Answers: (Book 1)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Questions and Answers: (Book 1)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~11)

Questions and Answers: (Books 1~3)

Master Tells Stories: (1 volume)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Aphorisms: (1 volume)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~2)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 1~6)

Master Tells Stories: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture:(Books 1~5)

Questions and Answers: (Books 1~3)

I Have Come To Take You Home: (1 volume)

The Key of Immediate Enlightenment:

Lecture: (Books 4 & 6)

Silent Tears: (1 volume)

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Audiotapes

E73 (6 tapes)

[English+Finnish]

The True Christ Power (1)&(2)

Lecture in Helsinki, Finland May 30, 1999

[English+Swedish]

Return To the Innocence of Childhood (1)&(2)

Lecture in Stockholm, Sweden May 31, 1999

[English+Norwegian]

A Life in Unity with God (1)&(2)

Lecture in Oslo, Norway June 2, 1999

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The True Meaning of Church, Mosque, Temple and Pyramid

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

The church, the outside church, mosque, and temple, are symbols of the kingdom of God within us, which are built to remind us of our own temple, of which Jesus said, Know you not that you are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit lives within you.

I think that the church and the temple are very holy, sacred symbols of our devotion to God. Every time we pass through a church, a mosque, or the temple of any religion, we should truly remind ourselves of the reverence we have for these symbols of worship. It probably would be better if the people who come to these temples, churches or mosques truly could find their God within, within their temples also, not only in the brick temple but also in the true temple of God.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Thailand December 7, 1994 (Originally in English)

Just sit anywhere -- on the bus, in the park, in your living room, close your eyes and do your meditation. And more importantly, have group meditation every week. Maybe we can arrange different days for different people's convenience, like one on Wednesday, one on Friday, or one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Whenever there is a great occasion, then we can celebrate and gather together in one place. If it's not big enough, maybe we try to look for a bigger place. Don't bother to build a mosque for me, just a storeroom or something will do. So, you know now where the temples, mosques, and churches come from -- from group meditation!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Malaysia June 4, 1993 (Originally in Chinese)

The Buddhist ashram was originally a place for group meditation for the initiated practitioners. That's what it was originally intended for, just like our group meditation Center. After they were initiated, they would group together to meditate once every week or every two weeks. They would listen to the Master's teachings and ask questions. The Master would then send some disciples to answer their questions. Thus, they encouraged one another to practice more diligently. During group meditation, the blessing power is very great and they could progress faster. This is the original purpose of the Buddhist ashrams.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Hsihu, Formosa June 4, 1995 (Originally in Chinese)

The pyramids were not built to be used as tombs. They found out later that this was not the purpose. I think they built the pyramids for spiritual practice. Just now I told you it was very difficult to get the 'Instruction Manual of Wisdom' in ancient times. This is one of the reasons why they built the pyramids. It was because spiritual practice was very difficult in olden times for fear of being discovered by others. Where can you sit when holding a group meditation in the desert? [Laughter] Even with the guards around, everyone can still see you.

........In the empty desert, you roast to death by sitting there in the daytime, and freeze to death at night. The temperature in the desert is extremely hot in the daytime and extremely cold at night. Two extremes - that is why they built the pyramids. They are very, very quiet inside. It was very difficult for people to locate the entrance later.

........The entrance was known only to their own people. They were very spacious inside, and completely empty. Of course there was nothing; they were built for people to meditate inside, for initiation, etc., without being seen by outsiders.

........A real place of spiritual practice is only for people to meditate. There won't be anything inside, or at the most a Buddha statue or the Buddha's photograph. They used the Buddha's statue before, but now perhaps it is faster to take photographs or use a portrait. It was empty because people needed to sit in there, about the same as our place here.

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Yes, Believe It!

By brother initiate Wessel van Leeuwen
Cape Town, South Africa (Originally in English)

My wife and I recently returned from Hermanus, South Africa, where we visited our son who lives at Camphill Village, an organic farming community for the mentally disabled. Those who attended the Cape Town Retreat in December 1999 at the nearby Habonim Campsite may remember the taste of the bread baked and supplied by Camphill...

Below are some details that I learned during my visit to Camphill, which should not surprise us, but which confirm again what our beloved MASTER always teaches us.

Dawn, the lady in charge of Camphill, was not there when we visited, but her eldest son Marc (18) was. I asked him if other guests had been visiting Habonim, to which he replied: "Yes, but not of the same type." Obviously curious, I asked him to elaborate on his remark. This is what he told me.

He said that, though his mother knew there were many thousands of people on the site during the retreat, she never felt there were more than a hundred because "you people" were very quiet, well behaved and exuded a feeling of peace. She heard no shouting and screaming during the day or night. What really struck Marc when he came back home at the end of the Retreat was what had been left behind! The campsite had been left impeccably neat, clean and tidy. And that was not all.

"It was the general atmosphere," Marc said. "How can I explain it? Let me say that there was a positive energy field, a sense of peace, calm, and tranquillity... I don't know how to describe it. It was very nice. It's unfortunately gone now. All I can tell you is that for some six weeks we felt very happy, quiet, and contented. Our dogs, too, were more gentle and obedient. We slept with our doors and windows wide open. We felt safe and secure. My mother didn't eat any meat or chicken during those weeks and smoked at least a third less. She still smokes less, and only now and then eats a piece of chicken. We all read Master's books and yes, it was different, very different, and we felt it."

Can you believe this story? Yes! Not only because it is true, but also because it so clearly illustrates what our beloved Master always tells us: that we can change the world with diligent and focused meditation.

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The Benefits of Group Meditation

By sister initiate Rashida Harris
Seattle, Washington USA (Originally in English)

One of my biggest struggles in practice used to be going to group meditation. After the delay created by my strong resistance to attending group meditation, I decided to appeal to Master for help. I pleaded to Her in meditation to help me overcome this resistance and to help me identify what was causing it.

Finally, after much meditation, and agonizing over my lack of resolve and faith, I decided to go see Master. She responded to my prayers by allowing me to attend the international retreat in England. (Through many miraculous circumstances, I was able to go at the last minute.) I did not know then why I had such a strong urge to go to the retreat, but now I know. While I was there, Master communicated such love to me that I wept like a baby who had been rescued from the jaws of Godzilla himself. I felt so safe, cleansed and happy that I promised Master I would attend group meditation, no matter what. The message She gave me was so loud and clear, and so filled with Love, that I could not come up with any more excuses.

My resistance was part of an inner lesson that I needed to learn. Thanks to the Divine Love that Master has for each of us, I was able to learn this lesson very beautifully. No longer was going to group meditation an effort. No longer was the drive of 100 miles a burden. I now realized that the blessings derived from my attempts to attend group meditation were well worth the effort. The resistance that had been sitting like a pebble in my heart was lifted. Through the lifting of this pebble, it was not allowed to grow into a rock. Thank You, Master, for helping me.

When Master says that something is important for us to practice, then it is so. She does not tell us anything that is not beneficial to us. There are always some blessings in regard to our growth. Even our lessons are blessings. These blessings multiply as we grow in our practice. We are very fortunate to be disciples of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Going to group meditation helps not only us, but our fellow initiates as well. For others who may have had experienced the same resistance, I hope this sharing might serve to inspire them and allow them to overcome it.

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How The Quan Yin Method Changed Me

By brother Initiate Yang Guang,
Mainland China

Before practicing the Quan Yin Method, I expended all my energy in fulfilling my desire for fame and gain. I watched for every opportunity to advertise myself or to be "a cut above the rest." For small gains in my work or outer life, I would ingratiate myself with people in high places just for the sake of standing out and of bringing honor to my ancestors. However, racking my brain every day in pursuit of success made life a burden for me. Besides, I was addicted to women. Since my youth I had been fond of looking at beautiful women and indulging in romantic fantasies. Sometimes my imagination would run wild and I could not stop it. I knew it was not good and was a threat to peace in my family, but I simply could not control myself.

Once, when I went home to visit my family, my parents told me that there was a Master called Ching Hai who taught a supreme method that could liberate people and eventually bring them to sainthood. This news surprised me. Due to the early influence of my parents, I had read some of the Buddhist sutras and practiced various types of Qi Gong. But I had never heard of a method entitled "Supreme," let alone a Master called "Supreme".

With my limited knowledge, I argued with my parents. Though unconvinced and unbelieving, I was curious and began to read "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment" because I wanted to know what Supreme Master Ching Hai had to say in Her books. Once I began reading the book, I could not bear to put it down, as Her teachings began to enlighten me in all aspects. I finally realized that, regardless of how high a position we have or how much wealth we possess, only our bones will be left in our graves after we die. After a fleeting life, we do not even know who we really are, why we came here, or where we will go. We invest our whole life and energy in finding ways to achieve fame and wealth, or to stand out among our colleagues, and in the end, we find that we have wasted our lives on something that does not last or never even existed. In fact, the main purpose of life is to find the way to the eternal, to experience the world of divine Truth, and to be liberated.

Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings enlightened me, Her wisdom convinced me, and I decided to practice the Quan Yin Method. But I hesitated at first because the precepts stated that one had to be a vegetarian in order to be initiated. I worried that being a vegetarian would make it difficult for me to socialize with other people and cause me to lose opportunities for wealth and higher positions. So you can imagine how I struggled! However, this conflict within me diminished more and more. Finally, I made up my mind to become a vegetarian for life and to practice the Quan Yin Method.

Since receiving initiation into the Quan Yin Method, I have become a completely new person. The man who craved fame and wealth is gone. My previous desire to advertise myself and to be above others has disappeared. My addiction to women has been greatly relieved, which has stabilized my marriage and brought peace to my family. At first, these changes surprised me. What power was affecting me so deeply? The transformations in my character were very dramatic, yet natural. I know now that they were due to Master's Power and the true Love of God. Only through practicing the Quan Yin Method and connecting with the great power of God can one's weak personality and bad habits be changed for the best.

More importantly, the Quan Yin Method can free us from the cycle of mortal existence and give us the highest wisdom. Nothing - be it fame, wealth or the opposite sex - is a substitute for the feelings of satisfaction, bliss and peace brought about by practicing the Quan Yin Method. The greatest reward I have ever received in my life is coming to know The Supreme Master Ching Hai and practicing the Quan Yin Method. My life is now meaningful instead of wasted. There is a saying, "You can change mountains and rivers but not a person's nature." But by practicing the Quan Yin Method, one's nature can truly change. Furthermore, it is through this method that one can achieve enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of life and death. It is a never-ending treasure house.

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The Divine Protective Shield

Narrated by sister initiate Xiao Chao, Taichung, Formosa
Compiled and written by sister initiate Chen Guiju, Taichung, Formosa

Sister Xiao Chao is now twenty-five, but she grew up without knowing the warmth of a loving family life. When she was six years old, she accidentally discovered that her father was having an extramarital affair. Family peace suddenly gave way to chaos and agony as fights between her parents became a common occurrence. Her brothers and sisters also started to communicate by fighting. Even the family meals were a source of anxiety, since no one knew when their father would throw a tantrum.

Throughout her childhood, Xiao Chao was often so heartbroken that she often thought of taking her own life. However, at such critical moments, she felt an unknown energy like a shield descend from above and embrace her helpless soul. Curiously, she would touch it with her little fingers and feel a firm though transparent wall around her. The protective sound shield would remain with her until her sorrow passed.

However, being so deprived of love in her family caused the seeds for a negative attitude toward others and society to be planted, which began to emerge as she got older. In secondary school, she began to seek worldly pleasure through tobacco and alcohol, and often engaged in fighting. She also ran away from home. Her slogan at the time was "As long as I like it, there is nothing I can't do to get it." This saying bolstered her courage to try all kinds of forbidden things, and she never gave a second thought to anything she did. The graveyard became her favorite place for late-night smoking and contemplation. Masking her inner despair was a false declaration of fearlessness: "What is there to be afraid of? I have only one life to lose. Take it if you want!" Even at the swimming pool, she would dive from as high as she could climb, just to get a taste of suicide. She was unable to fill the emptiness in her heart, and constantly thought about dying. When she had a health checkup at age twenty-one, the doctors found many problems, including a fatty liver, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and a high leukocyte count. Then, Sister Xiao Chao's inner despair only worsened.

Some time later, a colleague introduced her to the Quan Yin Method, and her initial reaction was scornful: "Are these people out of their minds to want to become vegetarians at such a young age?" Like many ordinary people, she failed to see beyond Master's "outer appearance" and made no attempt to hide her rude criticisms. However, she was soon overwhelmed by the carefree, contented, and peaceful aura that the fellow practitioners she met could not conceal. She began to explore the Truth, studying Master's teachings through the News magazines, Master's audiotaped lectures, and The Key of Immediate Enlightenment book series. Slowly, people around her noticed a change; she became very radiant and graceful in character. When asked about this transformation, Sister Xiao Chao said, "I've never seen a Master who is so frank, straightforward, and natural. She is really different than other masters. I've found that other religious sects only try to change their believers' fate, teach them how to prostrate, give magical incantations, fill worship halls with suffocating smoke, and follow a lot of self-contradictory and meaningless rituals."

Soon after, she became initiated into the Quan Yin Method. It was then that sister Xiao Chao discovered the answer to the lifelong mystery about what had protected her during those dark moments of her childhood. It was the "sound current" that had shielded her. So it was Master who had been protecting her all along, even when she drifted farther and farther away! Now, sister Xiao Chao is content to enjoy this soul-warming sound current every day, as it washes away the traces of her unhappy past and fills her with tranquillity.

In the past, her mind was often burdened by negative thoughts so heavy that she wanted to erase them by having brain surgery. Calmly but firmly, she now says, "Through meditation and helping with the Center's work, I have become more sensitive. I had unknowingly let my past negative thoughts contaminate the surrounding atmosphere. Now I must quickly erase them as soon as they emerge, so I won't be deceived by Maya again."

She is also aware of the need for a positive focus. "We have to be even more cautious in our actions, speech, and thoughts during work, and always remain focused. When the mind plays tricks by generating such thoughts as 'I am so tired -- it is all right to take a rest,' or 'I haven't had enough sleep lately,' it will affect our disposition and participation in work. We must quickly reinvigorate our spirit, gather our vitality to launch another charge, and not be disturbed by Maya! Each time we complete a job, we achieve a great victory over ourselves. As our 'immunity' grows stronger, we are able to stand steadfast when another test comes. We also become able to laugh at Maya for trying to deceive us with such thoughts as 'I am tired,' 'Someone else will do the job,' or 'The more I work, the more mistakes I will make.' To overcome ourselves is to defeat Maya, because it can only sneak in when we are weak. Participating in our local Center's work is a cornerstone of our spiritual progress. We should not be afraid to become polished and refined if we want to progress; the more we are polished and refined, the brighter we will shine."

Less than a year after her initiation, sister Xiao Chao had another health checkup. No longer was there any sign of the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that had been present earlier; she was also free of the excruciating pain that doctors had not been able to diagnose. A previous allergic condition that had caused her eyes to swell shut at times was also gone after she became a vegetarian. And her frequent asthma attacks, which were aggravated by smoking and used to send her rushing to the hospital for emergency treatment, were greatly diminished. Also, since beginning to practice the Convenient Method, she has been able to gradually overcome her tobacco and alcohol addictions. "Very often the craving for a cigarette drove me crazy. Those euphoric feelings kept creeping back into my mind, and stealthily I would smoke a cigarette. But I would regret it as soon as I had taken a puff. It was Maya that was deceiving me with that illusory feeling."

For a time after her initiation, sister Xiao Chao continued to suffer from asthma attacks on nights before leaving for retreats. She would spend these long, agonizing times in a half-prone position, repeating the Holy Names. However, she had strong faith that she would make it through, because she was certain that it was Master cleansing her karma. Though she always brought her medicine to the retreats, her symptoms would be gone as soon as the retreat began. After several episodes of cleansing, her asthma was cured and she no longer had to rely on medical treatment. She realized the incredible truth that the Quan Yin Method is a panacea for all illnesses. She now has a different perspective on her unfortunate childhood: "Looking back, I can see that all of those outer experiences actually strengthened my faith in the one and only path to liberation."

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Rebirth through the Miraculous Hand of God

By sister initiate Pham Thi Lan, Warsaw, Poland
(Originally in Aulacese)

About two years ago, I was presumably at the end of life's tunnel and thought that my existence on Earth would end. However, I would like to briefly tell you about my fate prior to stepping into this tunnel.

At the beginning of 1981, I was hospitalized in order to have two-thirds of my stomach removed due to a serious ulcer. Unfortunately, the infection in my stomach was so critical that it threatened my life, and I felt like it was "being hung from a tiny thread." It was incomprehensible that I was still alive, considering my emaciated body and critical ulcer. After that time, the ulcer constantly remained with me. I went to many hospitals to find and meet many Western and Oriental medical practitioners, as well as many well-known domestic herbalists. I had used a great variety of pills and thousands of herbal prescriptions, only to find that none of them could completely cure my ulcer. Therefore, my family and I lived in continuous poverty, worry, and misery.

At the end of 1992, I went overseas to seek a change in my living environment, in the hope that it would improve my condition. Despite the geographical change, however, fate remained fate. Many nights, my husband and I were unable to sleep due to the suffering I was experiencing. The excruciating pain caused by the ulcer made me writhe to the point of exhaustion. My husband tried his best to help relieve my pain, but to no avail. I felt that I could not be a truly dutiful child, wife, and mother, much less a helpful citizen in society.

On many a night, I prayed to God and the Buddha to mercifully let me soon return to dust. I had suggested to my husband that he buy me an airline ticket to our homeland so that I could return there and die. It was meant to be that at moment I was in the hopeless situation of a person who was sinking more deeply day by day into the abyss, with no possible hope of salvation from anyone. However, at the same moment, by coincidence or by Nature's arrangement, I was given a copy of Master's News magazine and Her book entitled "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment, One Life Liberation." The book seemed to have an invisible power that strongly attracted me.

After reading Master's book, I immediately recited Her name when the pain arose in my stomach. Miraculously, I felt an immediate and wonderful result. The excruciating pain that was seemingly due to someone rubbing salt in my wound or pulling my intestines away began to subside gradually and gently, as I only needed to quietly recite Her name. I felt and experienced a wonderful movement inside of me. Likewise, on subsequent days, each time the pain arose I began to recite Her name day and night and found that my suffering slowly vanished. My body had experienced a great many kinds of medication, but I had never known any that was this effective. It was 100% true. I only needed to sincerely recite Master's name to immediately realize that all the things that I had earnestly dreamed about without achieving were within Her!

Even during childhood and adolescence, and before entering college, I had longed for a teacher of perfect virtue and beauty who could guide me and answer all the questions arising from my life. But, I was unable to find such a teacher.

Now, I have found the mentor who represents the fulfillment of all my longings. Moreover, I also feel that my poor little soul has found its eternal destiny. It is Your infinite compassion that has liberated me forever from the confining, mundane world. Like a wave that meets the ocean, like a long lost child that reunites with her beloved Mother, my heart at last feels a great and indescribable joy. I wrote the little poem below to express the delight and changes I have experienced:

My soul had traveled over every desolate land,

And as the rain stopped,

A drought seemed to last a thousand years.

Then You brought pouring rains and thunder all of a sudden,

To shower over my soul for the seed to take root among stones.

I have had a true rebirth in reliving each day through Master's tapes and books. In retrospect, during previous days, my tears seemed to dry up from my moaning over my fate. Now, I realize that it was because of ignorance that I had to live through sorrow and pain. Master showed me the sources of my suffering and how to escape from them. Her teachings, which I had never heard from anyone before, are completely in tune with my soul. Master has said that most accidents, disease, wars, and natural disasters are products of an atmosphere of hatred caused by killing. Master awakened me through one of Her videotapes by saying, "To substitute a few pieces of meat in a bowl of noodles with a few pieces of tofu is not that difficult. Why should one eat the flesh and bones of sentient beings only to later repay the blood borrowed with one's own blood? If we don't want anyone to cut and slash away our own skin and flesh, then why should we do that to others, whom we know so well, so that it causes them so much suffering?"

Upon listening to this, I got goose bumps all over my body and was greatly regretful for having committed so many sins in my treatment of loveable animals. I considered getting into action quickly in order to compensate for my past wrongdoing. I decided to become a vegetarian at any price, and vowed not to eat meat anymore.

Since becoming vegetarian, I have felt gradually uplifted and all my sorrows have slowly departed. Prior to practicing the Quan Yin Method of Meditation, I was already quietly being taken care of by Master, although I had just begun following a vegetarian diet. In many dreams (including my daughter's) Master came to teach and comfort me in different ways. On one occasion, She came to my bed to draw a picture of a lake and blooming lotus for me to look at. I will never forget that moment viewing the drawing by Her side. I dreamed of Her in different forms and shapes of great beauty and gracefulness. She rubbed my head, held my hand and hugged me to bestow on me a love of the warmest and sweetest kind. After practicing the Quan Yin Method, my life has changed completely. All the chains binding me to this life seem to have fallen away. I feel as if a thousand pound burden has been cast from my shoulders. Master takes care of my family in both physical and metaphysical ways, in both its spiritual and material life. She has given my family things both large and small. There are hurdles that without practicing the Quan Yin Method, we surely would not have been able to overcome. My daily longings are all fulfilled by Her, and there seem to be wonderful arrangements, which are only experienced by me, and can not be expressed in writing.

One's outer experiences can not be completely told, even if they are paid attention to. And inner experiences can not be transcribed into words at all, as fellow initiates already know. Once, in a state of samadhi, I saw many thousands of tiny moving stars appear before my wisdom eye. They looked like they were on the surface of a screen or net at first, then turned into a funnel shape with a smaller end stretching to infinity. It was a mass of millions, billions, or trillions of sparkling stars. I was flying in that sky full of stars having a mild sensation of extreme comfort.

In the dreams I normally had after early morning meditation, Master guided me to fly to skies that had both moon and stars. Beneath me was a whole world in fresh green that made me feel very comfortable and joyful while flying.

At one time, I dreamed of invisible beings who had come to disturb me and make me feel miserable, and screamed out loudly without being able to sleep. I felt very uncomfortable, began to sob, and then got up to meditate. After meditation, I felt so tired that I fell half asleep, and again Master guided me, this time to fly to a place where there were big earthly trees. I did not know where it was. Master held me tightly in Her arms and wept over Her great love for me. I also hugged Her and burst into tears. While holding Her, I was able to utter these words from the bottom of my heart: "I love You very much."

At that moment, I also smelled a fresh scent being emitted from Her body, a magnificent scent that was indescribable. As I tried to open my eyes more widely to have a good look at Her, She had already gone, leaving me completely stunned. Upon awakening, I found myself in the position I had been in when I was hugging Her, and Her scent was still lingering around me. I still did not believe then that it was only a dream. A sense of boundless love overwhelmed both my soul and body when I was at Her side.

Although I am a beginner in meditation, each day our compassionate Master brings me the enormous bliss of Heavenly Sound and Light. Although I have only recently set foot on the threshold of the spiritual Path, I have already been overwhelmingly impressed by the infinite attraction of this grove of wealth and mystery. The material enjoyments of this world, the joys of status or monetary gain, are incomparable to the bliss brought about by the Quan Yin Method, which nourishes my spirit so that I can become more and more peaceful and contented.

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Whatever We Have Is for Distribution to Others

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Taipei, Formosa May 23, 1994 (Originally in English)

I wasn't born with any gold, so I won't go out of this world with any gold. Whatever I have is yours and belongs to the world, just like taking it from here and giving it there. It's the same for every one of us. We take water from the river, put it in a water tank, and the water tank will distribute it to the whole village or town. We should live our lives just like the water tank. Whatever we have is for distribution to others. We are only the receivers. Therefore, I may have a lot of money but I never feel that I have any. It's very relaxing this way. You don't worry because you already don't consider that it's yours, so whether it is there or not there doesn't matter.

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True Giving

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Taipei, Formosa May 23, 1994 (Originally in English)

If you give someone something, give it and forget it. Don't ever regret it, because if you give it and regret it, you lose the business. You also lose the money and the merit and waste your time. So it's better to just give it and forget about it. That's why Jesus says, "If you give someone something from the left hand, don't let the right hand know it." Also, the Buddha says that when you give and it's just like you aren't giving, that is true giving. He means that when you give, don't be attached to the giving. Give just like you never gave anything, just like it never happened. That is true giving, to give without attachment. Otherwise, we still think we are great if we give something. We think we are better than another person because we are in a position of power if we give to him. That's why I always tell you, whatever you do, you must understand that it is for yourself, really, not for the one who receives. That is better, because that means you give for your own growth in compassion and loving kindness.

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Group Meditation is for the whole Planet

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Laguna Beach, CA, U.S.A. November 6, 1993 (Originally in English)

Every Quan Yin practitioner shares the responsibility of cleaning up the planet to some degree or another. Therefore, when we are sitting and meditating together in a group, it's not that we do it for ourselves or for the liberation of five generations of our families, or for America, or for our families alone. It's for the whole planet. And the more people do that, the better.

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The Supreme Master Ching Hai 1993 World Lecture Tour Series

By sister initiate Lynn McGee,
Colorado, U. S. A. (Originally in English)

The Supreme Master Ching Hai 1993 World Lecture Tour books are beautifully bound, with the entire set packaged in an attractive box. Each volume in the series features a full-color photograph of Master on the front cover, with a specially selected quote by Her on the back. Inside, each book chapter contains an introduction to the city visited, Master's lecture given at that location, and the question and answer session that followed the lecture. As an extra bonus, full-color pictures of Master in the 16 countries She visited are sprinkled throughout each book, springing out from the pages like sparkling jewels in the brightest sunlight.

Along with the 28 complete lectures presented in these books are the many questions presented by spiritual seekers during the Tour. In Her patient and often humorous responses, Master answers each question brilliantly, illuminating the issue at hand in the best way possible. Opening a page in any of these volumes reveals an uplifting answer to a question that may have once been in your mind, even if you don't remember having that question until you see it asked by someone else!

The dedication of those who worked alongside Master throughout Tour is also evident in the reports provided by the News Group. Continually inspired by Master's love and blessings, these fellow initiates humbly describe how they were able to go beyond ego, mind, and outside obstacles to help achieve the truly remarkable work of the 1993 World Lecture Tour.

In a moving Foreword to Volume 1, an initiate describes Master's embodiment of selfless love: "Her words do not come out of Her inner needs; rather they exist because of the needs of others." The teachings presented in this series illustrate again and again Master's gentleness of spirit, which is matched only by Her tireless endeavors on our behalf. She seeks nothing from us, but wishes only to reveal to us our own True Nature.

Master's message is expressed in a myriad of ways so that we can find what touches us most personally in Her words. Similar to the resonance inspired by Her exquisitely designed outfits, which are said to fulfill the dreams and visions of those who view Her, Master's words also resonate in our longing hearts, causing us to "recognize" and realize our connection with God through Her. Master's remarkable use of language actually expresses the Love that goes beyond all words. As one initiate wrote in these books, "Every lecture that Master gives has the ability to pierce the hearts of listeners. It is as if She is speaking personally to the individual concerns of each of the many thousands of people in the audience."

Small and compact, each book in this series can fit into purse or pocket. On the bus, at home, or even at work, you can refer to our beloved Master's illuminating messages over and over again, finding the words of inspiration you need for any given moment or situation.

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Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally in English)
Hsihu, Formosa June 6, 1995

Always, always, be attentive; otherwise, it's easy to just pass a day, pass two days, pass three days, pass your whole life in self-illusion, in bad habits, and not get into a higher level of consciousness, not be able to understand the deeper meaning of spiritual life.

Hsihu Formosa June 6, 1995

If we are truly honest within ourselves and want to improve or train our sensitivity to the suffering and happiness of others as well as to our own purity and well being, we must always be vigilant.

Los Angeles, U.S.A. April 3, 1993

True happiness is not offered by the high positions of the world, by the knowledge that we gain from books or from society, or from the possessions that we have. True happiness can only come with self-realization, with enlightenment.

Sydney, Australia March 17, 1993

Certain kinds of things in the material kingdom will affect us more or less. Therefore, the food we take also affects us mentally, bodily, also spiritually, and this has been proved since time immemorial.

Washington D.C. U.S.A. April 14, 1993

Fortunate are those who meet the Master who is still living, but who also is the inner Master at the same time.

Hong Kong May 28, 1993

We are not the body, we are not the human beings that we think we are; we are Wisdom, we are love, we are extreme holiness.

Pusan, Korea May 15, 1993

There is one place, one center, in our being, which is the center of all communications. If everyone turns to that point, we will be in touch with each other from inside.

Munich, Germany May 1, 1993
(Originally in German)

Since early times, we have called those beings "Masters" who are able to use their own potential fully. That's why the world of the Masters is a world of perfect wisdom, virtue, and eternal beauty as compared to our world. To become a Master in this sense is within the reach of all of us. The people in so-called "paradise" use a great part of this power. It is through this power that they are even able to turn their environment into paradise. The more they use this power, the higher the level of the paradise.

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Insights Inspired by the Statue of Liberty

By sister initiate Wang Chi-chun,
Taipei, Formosa

Recently, I read an article about the Statue of Liberty, and my heart was permeated by the light of hope. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of liberty, equality, and universal love; its infinite radiance penetrates the dark veil of ignorance and sin to bring new life to people. Its spiritual significance brings to mind Master and Her growing number of disciples in America. I have no doubt that the American people, rational and self-confident by nature, will increasingly recognize the superlative wisdom, peaceful harmony, and unyielding spirit of Master, who, like the Goddess of Liberty, guides people lost in the dark sea to a glorious shore.

French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi spent ten years chiseling and carving the Statue of Liberty, whose pronounced classical style brings forth humankind's reminiscence of its primitive faith. The seven rays of the statue's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world. The torch held high in her right hand is a beacon guiding sea vessels sailing at night, while the tablet in her left hand reads (in Roman numerals) "July 4, 1776." Crushed beneath her feet are the broken chains of tyranny, making it very clear that all shackles on liberty shall be shattered.

Originally named as Liberty Enlightening the World, the statue was a gift from France to America to commemorate the centennial of US independence and to symbolize the everlasting friendship between the people of the two nations. This beautiful intent made the statue, right from the beginning, appear divine yet intimate to most people. Many revered her as the Mother of Exiles, or in another sense, the Mother of Hope for people suffering from persecution. New York poetess Emma Lazarus dedicated to her a sonnet entitled "The New Colossus", which seems to be an apt portrayal of Master:

"THE NEW COLOSSUS"

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

[Source: Emma Lazarus, The Poems of Emma Lazarus, vol. 1 (1889)]

The magnanimous spirit of tolerance expressed in this poem gives me a clear picture of the spirit on which the United States was founded, and how this new continent later became a paradise attracting millions of immigrants from around the world. With Her unconditional and divine love and most compassionate vow to deliver all suffering souls, Master is no doubt the living Goddess of Liberty!

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Invaluable Faith

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at Hsihu, Formosa
January 1, 1995 (Originally in Chinese)

The title of this story is "Guru Bhakti." In Sanskrit, Guru means Master, Enlightened Master. Bhakti means devotion, absolute obedience to the Master, thinking only of Him/Her, and offering all actions, speech, and thoughts to Him/Her. Whatever a master or Enlightened Master says, we obey completely without any argument. That is called Guru Bhakti in Sanskrit.

A long, long time ago, there was a person who was a sincere seeker. Each time he heard that a great Master was giving lectures or a virtuous person was delivering a discourse, he would waste no time in going to the venue with his wife. He learned from the lecturers that one must have the blessings of an Enlightened Master to attain the Truth or sainthood, and become one with God, so he began to search for a perfect Master. He traveled to many places and met one master after another, but always found faults that made them imperfect in his eyes. Therefore, he could not find a real Master.

Those masters were not good enough for him because he had the wrong notion in his mind. He had read too many books, including all the scriptures, which made him very arrogant and put him on a constant lookout for faults in other people. He would, for instance, be dissatisfied with a highly enlightened but illiterate Master who couldn't read and knew little about the scriptures. He would turn away from a Master who could not outdo him in debates or did not know which scripture a particular verse came from. So, he could not find an Enlightened Master. If we still have this critical attitude and arrogant thinking, certainly we will not be able to find our own Nature. Even if an Enlightened Master were right before our eyes, we would not see Him/Her.

One day, the man was feeling very frustrated and dejected at home, thinking that he had no hope of ever finding a Master good enough to deserve his devotion. When his wife came to console him, he poured out all his anxieties. He said that because he had yet to find a Master capable of giving him liberation, he was very worried that he would die unenlightened. Being purer in mind and not so learned, his wife comforted him, saying, "Why don't we simply go into the forest and meditate there? We will pray, chant the names of the saints and God, and beg God to send a Master to us. We will revere the first person sent by God as our Master." Unable to think of a better idea, the husband agreed. The next day, they went into the forest and sat down by a path to pray.

Just at that time, a bandit escaping with valuable booty passed by. The couple immediately pounced on him and prostrated before him, begging him to accept them as his disciples. [Laughter] They implored him to teach them how to meditate and bless their mantras. In India, masters or more advanced spiritual practitioners sometimes grow very long beards, dress in saffron robes, and sit there for people to bow to as their disciples. Although the Indian people are already very familiar with mantras like "Om Mani Padme Hum" or "Nam.... Nam... Nam", the master blesses these mantras at the time of dedication, making their mantra chanting effective from that day on. This is called blessing the mantra. Though they still chant the same mantras, it seems to be more effective after they become disciples of a master. Therefore, many masters in India perform this kind of ceremony.

The couple forced the bandit to be their master and, like everyone else, asked him to bless their mantras. They didn't know then that he was a bandit. Unable to break loose from them, the bandit was both surprised and frightened. The couple then told him about their unsuccessful search for an Enlightened Master, and their vow to sit in the forest that day and become disciples of the first person who came along. They urged him not to run away, for he was their master. Their words touched the God Nature deep within the bandit. He felt that he could not deceive them, but when he tried to reveal his true identity, the couple simply would not listen. If he refused to accept them as his disciples and teach them the holy mantras, they definitely would not let him go. They did not care who he was; they were absolutely certain that he was their master.

Initially, the bandit was deeply touched, but he soon began to feel scared and nervous. If they continued to hold on to him, he would be in deep trouble when the police caught him. In his desperation to break loose, he promised to teach them, and commanded them to kneel down. The couple knelt and prostrated in a solemn ceremony of devotion. He then instructed them, "You will now sit here, put your hands over your ears, close your eyes, and remain still. If you move, God will go away. Keep this posture and do not stand up without my instruction. Then you will definitely see God." He commanded them to do this so he could tear himself away, since they had grabbed his legs with both hands and refused to let go.

The grateful couple sat still, obediently holding their hands over their ears. All day and all night, they sat in the same spot without taking any food or water. They dared not move or open their eyes to see if their master was still with them. After a long time, their feet became numb, their bodies ached, and their hands were sore. However, they had no other thoughts but the sincere yearning to see God. They continued to sit there with total faith.

Vishnu and Lakshmi were extremely touched by them. For the Indian people, Vishnu is one of the divine Lords. In terms of yin and yang energies, Vishnu is yang and Lakshmi is yin, representing the feminine heart. Deeply moved, Lakshmi asked Vishnu to manifest to the couple. Touched by their sincerity and the fact that they had remained seated for so long even though they had been deceived, Lord Vishnu appeared to them. The couple was delighted, but dared not open their eyes or get up to worship Him. They dared not do anything because their master had instructed them not to get up or open their eyes without his permission.

Lord Vishnu said to them, "Now that you know I have come, you may get up and stop suffering so much." Still, they dared not get up. They were very grateful to Him for coming to see them, but they could not disobey their master in order to obey Him. How humiliating! The bandit was greater than God. [Laughter] Lord Vishnu could not bear the sight of their suffering, so he went to the palace and appeared to the king in a dream. By that time, the bandit had been arrested by the police and thrown into the royal prison. He had committed far too serious offenses to be jailed in an ordinary prison. When Lord Vishnu appeared to the king in his dream, he instructed the king to release the bandit quickly. However, the king, burdened with heavy karma and often haunted by nightmares, thought this was another bad dream and ignored Him. Vishnu again came into his dream, but still the king did not understand. Only when he had the same dream for the third time did the king realize that something must be wrong.

Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu also appeared to the bandit in a dream and asked him to liberate the couple in the forest as soon as he was released. He told the bandit that they were still sitting there holding their ears and had not eaten a morsel or taken a sip of water for days. They were almost dying and God could not stand it. When the king released the bandit after his third dream, the newly free man rushed to the forest as he had been instructed in his dream. He commanded the couple to get up, open their eyes, and let go of their ears. As soon as they did so, the couple expressed their deep gratitude to their "master," because it was due to his grace that God had appeared to them. The bandit then shared with them his own encounter with God in his dream.

Suddenly, they heard a voice in the sky say to them, "I am really touched and delighted by your total devotion to your master without the least trace of doubt. I promise that I will come to see you again. From now on, you shall continue to chant the holy names, worship God, and meditate two and a half hours each day. Do not forget to observe a vegetarian diet and keep the five precepts strictly. I will definitely take you to liberation when you die." From that day on, the bandit turned over a new leaf and joined the couple in spiritual practice. That's too wonderful! [Applause]

There is a comment in the book that says, "When we are truly faithful to a master, even if he might not be a real Enlightened Master, it is still effective. However, if we can have such faith in a bandit, it undoubtedly means that our own Master has come, our wisdom has opened up and we no longer discriminate against others. We will thus certainly attain the fruits, but not because of the Master or the method." That is what the Indian people think. But do not forget that this Vishnu is only from the second realm. It is not easy to see the highest God. Even so, it is unusually great for an ordinary person to see the Lord of the second heaven immediately after revering a bandit as his master!

Your faith in me has touched me deeply, and I too will pray to God to help you. You will definitely be liberated when you die. [Applause] The vital point is that you should meditate well and have great faith, forgetting me as a person. Then you will definitely have spiritual attainments. When you have true faith and devotion in a Master, even God will come. When you meditate, you will behold brilliant Light and hear heavenly music. You will have lots of responses. This shows that it is good enough to have faith; never mind whether the Master is good or not. Whether I am good or not, you will find out when you die.

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Joy in Leisure

By sister initiate Sheng Lihong, Singapore

In the distance, the bamboo leaves gleefully rustle,
Nearby, the rushing stream thunders,
I ask the birds by my window:
Do you know the heart musical wonders?

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My Only One

By sister initiate Wonwilai Rakkandee, Germany
(Originally in English)

The world is mine; it's the greatest stage.

You have given me every Instrument to bless this world.

I'm here, and already I fight with a gentle smile (like You).

And never, never will I return again.

All the atmosphere all the emotion all the surroundings

In the morning at noon in the evening,

Everything depresses and discourages me.

To whom can I describe this secret in my heart?

Oh, my only one, * The Supreme Master *

(I mean the * Inner Flower *)

Tell me, show me, teach me the way to be strong in this world.

(* to be Supreme Master of myself *)

I know it's also hard for You to be here.

We will make it together until we arrive at our destination.

When I suffer, You suffer with me.

When I'm happy, You are happy with me.

So when we go, we will go together and never be separate again.

We will bless the world together until we leave this world.

See You, my only one, "in the glories of Love."

This "My only one" belongs to "Love with life and soul."

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[Master's Wonders]

When My Mother Passed Away

By sister initiate Tsai Ming-e,
Taipei, Formosa

My mother had been suffering from liver cancer for a long time when, in January 1999, she caught a cold and fell into a coma. She was hospitalized and regained consciousness for a couple of days. But she soon was found to have developed hepatitis and septicemia, which ended her life. During this time, my entire family witnessed Master's boundless love and power in leading a fellow initiate through the passage of death.

From the very beginning of mother's illness, we dared not pray to Master to keep her in this world. We did not want to increase her suffering. We only prayed that Master would do what was best for mother. After she was hospitalized, our family members heard Holy Names reverberating in their minds. While we meditated outside the intensive care unit (ICU), the sound of Holy Names pervaded the atmosphere, enveloping us completely. The corridor shone with light as the Holy Names shook me to the core. My brothers and sisters also spoke of having very good inner experiences.

Later, when mother was transferred from the ICU to an ordinary sick ward, we thought that she was about to take her last breath. Her face darkened and her eyes bulged. She was an obstinate woman with very strong willpower, for which she had undergone much suffering. Unable to bear the sight of her suffering, we recited the Holy Names in our hearts. After a while, I felt dazed but could still hear the Holy Names resounding at both a low and high pitch in the room. I also heard the ringing of (invisible) big bells and small bells. At 11:00PM, one of my elder brothers saw that all of us sisters were very depressed, so he told us that he had been to heaven with our mother, where they saw very beautiful, shining structures. A brother initiate who had come to meditate with us also revealed that he had seen Master taking my mother to heaven, leaving only a cord connected to her physical body. This was probably due to the fact that she was concerned about my father, who was at home at the time.

The next day, the doctor said that my mother could go at any time. Her eyes half-closed, she seemed to be waiting for something. It was not until we saw that her body was completely resistant to intravenous fluids that we realized she might want to leave the hospital and return home. We took her home and gathered around her, singing Buddhist chants. She passed away peacefully then, as though she were falling into a deep, serene sleep. She looked even more beautiful than ever. For many days afterwards, I felt greatly blessed. My attention was focused on my wisdom eye, as Buddhist chanting reverberated in my mind, and the energy from the right side was enormous. Oh, Master! You are truly the ocean of love and the river of life, just as You say in Your song.

At first, we thought that we would help "bless" mother to release her from her suffering and attachment to us. But we were wrong. When Master's blessings are so powerful, it is we who are blessed and uplifted. Mother had wanted to be a nun when she was young. She set a real-life example for us in her days of living and dying and in her fearlessness about discarding this body for rebirth in another world. She also showed us that Master's loving power is infinite. Even at the moment she passed away, mother continued to help us by bringing us great merits.

Six days after her death, mother was cremated, leaving colorful relics among her ashes that reminded us of the heavenly resplendence. We distributed the relics to our family members to bring home. Two days after being viewed by my relatives from Taipei, my portion of relics turned a cream color. When my younger sister returned to Malaysia more than ten days later, she showed her husband and children my mother's relics and told them that Master had led mother to her heavenly Home. The relics had not changed to cream color until two days after being seen by her family. My sister's three non-initiated children (now initiated) could not help but exclaim, "Mom, this Quan Yin Method is really great!" Over the past year, the relics have grown bigger. Their existence is not important, for we have faith that Master has taken mother beyond the three realms. But I think our mother left them behind for her 20-odd initiated children and grandchildren as a testimony to the path of Truth and as an inspiration for our continued progress.

Mother's passing also gave me another experience of blessings from Master. While at the hospital, I had complained to my eldest brother, "You are here to see mother! Why did you go window shopping outside the hospital?" This is a bad habit of mine: judging others. One of my elder sisters stopped me right away. The next morning, while looking at mother's half-opened eyes, I repented to Master in my heart. Suddenly, my heart ached terribly. I felt a powerful force shake me again and again in my right ear and my body. Words flashed into my mind, one after another: How dearly do you love your mother? What right do you have to judge others? You are an initiate. You have Master to rely on. Who can your eldest brother rely on? You all scorn him, but he is your mother's child, too! Mother is the only one who loves him and accepts him totally. Is there anyone who can love him so unconditionally after mother dies? He is the only child who has not received initiation. He is already cooperating with you in the best way he can. Who can share his pain?

This was the manifestation form of Master teaching me! I felt strong vibrations and a powerful energy. Tears flowed from my eyes. As soon as my eldest brother stepped into the room, I hugged him and apologized to him! Master, Your powerful Love has awakened me! Although I still often get upset in my relationships with others, I now calm down as soon as I remember that experience. As Jesus said, "Don't judge others." Only Master's great loving power can dissolve all hindrances and awaken this lazy disciple's rigid mind.

I was initiated nine years ago. Although I started out as a not-too-diligent practitioner who had neither light nor sound experiences, Master never abandoned me. She continued to find ways to uplift me. In the one year since my mother's death, I have experienced a tremendous change. I now see that what seem to be frustrations and setbacks in the real world are actually opportunities for me to improve spiritually. After settling down this past year, my inner experiences have shown me clearly that Master's great power is taking care of my life. All I have in my heart is gratitude--nothing but gratitude. Thank You, Master, for giving me such great merits! Without my own personal experiences, the stories related by others used to be a little too distant. Now I am touched by the stories in the News Magazine because I know they are real from my own experience.

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If You Want Help, Call Master's Name

By brother initiate Shahid Mahmood, England, UK
(Originally in English)

My mother had been desperately ill for one month. She could not sleep at all for more than a week when she had a dream that she was alone in a very gloomy and desolate jungle. She saw someone there, so she walked up to him, but as she got near he turned into something else, some sort of creature. He kept changing and bit her on her right arm twice; it started to bleed and swelled up horribly. She was terribly afraid.

In the morning she awoke and was surprised to find that her arms were okay, because her dream had been so real. She forgot about this experience for about a week, then one evening she suddenly remembered it, and sincerely wanted to know what it meant. She asked my dad, and he just told her to read a small prayer from the Koran.

I explained to her that there were two things she would need to do: one was that she needed to stop eating the blood and flesh of animals, and secondly, she would need Master to help her to get past that place. I explained that she could keep her old religion and that she could just use this power to supplement her religion. She was very understanding.

I explained that Master was from the fifth level and had come down to help us, that Her power was beyond conception and that I had already been helped many times. She remarked that a lot of people went to Master. I also showed her the relief work that Master was involved in. I showed her Master's picture from the News magazine and asked her to recite Master's name. I explained to her that first she could pray to whatever God or prophets she believed in, and then if none of them worked, pray to Master.

She agreed and happily went to bed. Then the next morning when she awoke, she was violently sick, but she had slept that night. I explained that this was part of the cleansing process. The next night she also slept, but when she awoke she had terrible pain and severe diarrhea. She was in an awful state. I asked her if she had used Master's name and was surprised when she said that she hadn't. So I said to her like only a son can, "Mum, you don't have to suffer all alone like this. Please use Master's name; She has the most incredible power and will help you". She told me that she would recite it when she went to sleep.

That night after meditation, I went to sleep and saw a lot of transformation bodies in my dreams. They were like lots of angels, and all of them were going to visit my mum. They performed surgery on her and healed and repaired her; there was a gentle loving energy suffusing everything. In the morning I phoned my mum and she was well, miraculously healed. I told her I knew that the Master's power had come to visit her during the night. She sounded really grateful to God for healing her. I explained that anytime she needed help, just call on this Power; it could take her back Home through countless trillions of worlds, through all her futures.

I also explained to her that once she was okay, it would be best not to eat animal meat again. She agreed that it was that very thing that had caused her to be ill in the first place, and told me that she was never going to touch it again.

I feel so grateful to Master this morning for Her compassionate action. God bless Her through all Her futures. I realize that if you want help, just call Master's name and invite Her to come and help you. Once you see the revelation of this Power, you will be astonished!

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The Practitioner and the Hungry Ghost

By brother initiate Low Chip Khoon,
Singapore (Originally in English)

A practitioner is captured by a hungry ghost.

The ghost wants to eat him.

The practitioner has no objection, but says,

"Please allow me to remember the Lord before you eat me,

For I have told the Lord that before I die, I wish to remember Hirm."

He sits down, and memories of the Master flood his mind:

The happy times he spent with Master,

The time with fellow initiates,

The time spent doing Master's work.

He also remembers the good things

the Lord has gracefully showered upon him:

The simple life,

The goodness of the human heart,

The pure love he feels in moments of bliss,

The kindness that Nature has shown him.

He remembers all of this, and his soul is at peace.

As he opens his eyes, he tells the ghost,

"I am content.

You can eat me now."

But he is surprised to find that the ghost has tears in his eyes.

It seems the ghost has the power to see into the human heart,

and is touched by what he sees.

"Please go with my blessing," the ghost says,

and vanishes into thin air.

"Thanks for reminding me of the Lord..."

Every being has goodness within.

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http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw (Formosa; in Chinese, English)

http://www.smchbooks.com/ (Formosa; in Chinese, SMCH Book Store)

http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.com (Singapore; in English)

http://www.GodsImmediateContact.co.kr (Korea; in Korean)

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.co.kr (Korea; in Korean)

http://www.GodsImmediateContact.org (Japan; in Japanese)

http://www.Godsdirectkontak.org (Indonesia; in Indonesian)

http://www.Spiritual-Discovery.org (U.S.A.; in English, Chinese, Korean, Aulacese)

http://mason.gmu.edu/~lduan/Godsdirectcontact (U.S.A.; in English)

http://members.tripod.com/~Godsdirectcontact/ (U.S.A.; in English)

http://www.godsdirectcontact.us/com
(U.S.A.; in Spanish, French, English, simplified & traditional Chinese)

http://www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/media.html?who=Suma%20Ching%20Hai (U.S.A.; in English)

http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.net/ (USA; in English)

http://www.godsimmediatecontact.net/aulac (USA; in Aulacese)

http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.org/video/

(in USA with Windows Media Player Audio & Video)

http://www.members.xoom.com/meditations/GodsDirectContact.html (U.S.A.; in English)

http://www.GodsImmediateContact.tripod.com (U.S.A.; in English)

http://www.contactDirectAvecDieu.org (France; in French)

http://www.chinghai.cz (Czech Republic; in Czech)

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org (Canada with Real Audio service; in English, Aulacese)

http://www.telecom.at/chinghai (Austria; in German)

http://members.xoom.com/ifaybish/Godsdirectcontact.html (Belgium; in English)

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

http://www.extra.hu/kozvetlen_kapcsolat_Istennel (Hungary; in Hungarian)

http://Godsdirectcontact.bizland.com/ (Sweden, in Swedish)

http://www.quanyin.narod.ru/ (Russian, in Russia)

http://www.godsdirectcontact.us/com/IhavecometotakeyouHome (in English)

(Book order - I Have Come To Take You Home)

News Group: lovesrc@Godsdirectcontact.org

The WWW Addresses for The Supreme Master Ching Hai News Online Are:

Chinese News 111:

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/ch/index.htm (Formosa)

http://www.godsdirectcontact.us/com/eNews/chinese/111/ (USA)

English News 111:

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/111/ (USA)

http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.net/news/news111/ (USA)

http://www.godsdirectcontact.us/com/eNews/english/111/ (USA)

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/index.htm (Formosa)

Aulacese News 111:

http://Godsimmediatecontact.net/aulac/n111/(VNI font)

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/auvnu/news/111/ (VNU font)

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/auviscii/news/111/ (VISCII font)

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/auvni/news/111/ (VNI font)

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/auvps/news/111/ (VPS font)

Spanish News :

http://godsdirectcontact.us/com/eNews/spanish/

Japanese News:

http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.org/kannon/news/newsindex.htm

French News:

http://www.contactdirectavecdieu.org/News/index.html

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- Live - in Florida, one evening after dinner together
Spoken by disciples and translated by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Florida U. S. A. October 9, 1999 (Originally in Chinese & English)

Always Share!

An old couple went into a restaurant and ordered something to eat: one Coca Cola and one portion of French fries. The old man sat down and the woman, his wife, sat opposite him, and he began to divide the Coca Cola into two glasses, half for him and half for his wife. He divided all the French fries half-and-half. He gave half to his wife and kept half for himself. Then he began to eat and drink, and the woman just drank but didn't eat. There was a young man who was standing next to the table and wondering why the old man had divided everything in half, and he thought that maybe they didn't have any money. He said to the old couple, "Okay, I can buy you one more portion; you don't have to share like that." So the old man explained, "No, no, no, we have been married for forty years and we always share everything. Whatever we have, we share half and half. Don't worry, but thank you, anyhow." But then after a while, he saw that the woman wasn't eating eat, and only the man ate, and he asked, "Why aren't you eating?" And the wife said, "Today it's his turn to use the teeth."

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One Short

The Titanic No. 2 is sinking, sinking, sinking fast and the captain asks, "Who among you knows how to pray? " And one person said, "I do." So the captain said, "Okay, you kneel there and pray for all of us, and everyone else, put your life-vests on!" They were one short.

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Fire in My Kitchen

There was a person whose house was on fire. He was very, very panicked and urgently called the fire department, "Emergency, emergency, please, quickly, there's a fire, there's a fire! Come quickly and put out the fire!" Then the fire department chief asked him, "But where's the fire? Where did the fire break out?" "It's in my house," he said, "very urgent! It's in my house! Come quick!" "Yes, I know it's in your house. But where?" He said, "It's in my kitchen!" The fire department chief lost patience and said, "Listen, I know that! But how do I get to your house? Do you understand me? How do I get to your house?" And the man said, "Don't you have cars?"

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Tham My, Canada December 15, 1999 (Originally in Aulacese)
Me Vietnam, U.S.A. December 30, 1999 (Originally in Aulacese)

Woman of the Century

Aulacese are known to the world through the Dien Bien Phu battle and the war during 1965 to 1975. Especially after fall of South Au Lac, millions of Aulacese left their motherland to take refuge around the world. This great exodus has affected every corner of the world.

After they settled, Aulacese communities overseas have received much sympathy and respect from the countries in which they reside, such as in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, England, Italy, etc. The Aulacese have Aulacese continuously brought fame and glory to these lands through their accomplishments in science, technology, economy, literature, art, etc.

Most especially, there is one Woman who has traveled throughout the world. Where there is misery, disaster, or hunger, She is there. She has brought Her love to comfort and console. She generously has offered aid to the Aulacese in refugee camps, flood victims in Au Lac, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, and elsewhere in the world. This renowned humanitarian is Supreme Master Ching Hai.

In addition to Au Lac, where Supreme Master Ching Hai grew up and the United States of America where she has engaged in many activities, She is also known in many other countries in the world. Supreme Master Ching Hai is a renowned and respected humanitarian and artist. Her love and help have surpassed all cultural and national boundaries reaching out to millions of people in the world. Compassion is the foremost trademark of this Woman as well as the International Association that has been established after Her.

Supreme Master Ching Hai was born in Central Au Lac. Since She was young, She has helped patients at the local hospitals and cared for the poor. When She grew up, She went abroad to study in Europe and continued to volunteer as a nurse and translator for the International Red Cross. Anywhere in the world where there is misery, there is Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Her paintings, music, poems, jewelry and clothing designs are world famous, and reflect the cultures of the countries She has visited. In 1995, clothes designed by Supreme Master Ching Hai were exhibited in fashion shows and warmly received in many famous places such as London, Paris, Milan, New York, Formosa, Hong Kong, Singapore... The profits from these artworks have provided Her with an independent source of funding for Her relief missions.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has received many awards from governments and organizations, including The World Peace Award, The World Spiritual Leadership Award, and The International Humanity Citizen Award. Supreme Master Ching Hai has been invited to speak on three occasions at the United Nations in New York and Switzerland.

Through Her charitable works, Supreme Master Ching Hai has been honored by many world leaders including United States President Clinton; former presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan; Senators Bob Dole and Daniel Akala; governor Jon Waihee; six governors from Midwestern states including governor Terry E. Branstad of Iowa, Jim Edgar of Illinois, Arme Calson of Minnesota, Mel Carnahan of Missouri, Tommy G. Thompson of Wisconsin, and Joan D. Finney of Kansas; former Philippines President Aquino; King Sihanouk of Cambodia and Prince Ranarridh; former mayor of Honolulu, Frank Fasi, and Mayor Cho Soon of Seoul; Mayor of Anhee sur Meusse, Belgium; Mayor Souren Abrahamyan of Yerevan, Armenia; Mayor of Manila, Philippines with Key to City. Secretary General Nimitr Ajchariyakitisakoul of Foreign Affairs in Thailand; US Ambassador to the Philippines, Peter Spalding; and one of the seven greatest saints of India, religious leader Dada J.P. Waswani.

Especially in Quebec, Canada, after the winter snowstorm, Mayor Claude Bernier of Ste Hyacinthe city, Mayor Myroslaw Smereka of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Mayor Michel Duchesneau of Granby, and Mayor Maurice Bergeron of Ate-Athamase have written letters of appreciation to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her generosity in helping the snowstorm victims during winter of 1997.

As for musical activities, an evening of music and poetry, "Traces of the Past and Love Songs," was organized at the end of 1996 at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, and brought together talented Aulacese singers and musicians such as musician Pham Duy, Thu Ho, Le Uyen Phuong, Nhat Ngan, Duy Khanh, Nguyen Dinh Nghia, Phuong Vu, as well as other well-known singers such as Khanh Ly, Le Thu, Mai Huong, Thai Hien, Thai Thao, Le Uyen, Mai Phuong, Kieu Loan, My Huyen, BIch Thuan, Nguyen Dinh Nghia and family, Tran Van An, Xuan Phat, Tuan Ngoc, Duy Quang, Dan Hung, Tran Quang, etc. The purpose of this musical event was to provide aid and express gratitude to all the artists who have contributed many famous masterpieces and are currently undergoing many hardships in our homeland.

At the end of 1997, a musical evening, "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms," was organized in Washington D.C., with the participation of many famous American and Aulacese singers and musicians including David Arkenstone, Tom Mahieu, Larry Bohnert, Arielle Feinberg, Catherine Dubas, Jean Louis Beydon, Pham Duy, Tran Quang Hai Bach Yen, Andy Quang Le, Duy Quang, Joseph Hieu, Le Uyen Phuong, Thai Hien, Y Lan, Dalena, Henry Chuc, Quynh Huong, Kieu Hung, Ai Van, Thanh Lan, Nhu Quyen, the traditional music of Nguyen Dinh Nghia and family, the Tranz band, and many more, with more than 4000 audience members. The purpose of this concert was to honor the US veterans who were wounded in the Au Lac War (US Department of Veterans Affairs, amount US$100,000) as well as to contribute to the Au Lac Children's Fund, to be administered by actress Kieu Chinh to build schools and medical clinics in Au Lac.

Especially at the end of 1998, the concert, "One World... of peace through music," was held at the internationally renowned Shrine Auditorium where the Oscars are awarded annually, with the presence of more than 6,000 audience members, as well as composers and singers famous in the United States as well as internationally, including composer Bill Conti (Oscar and Emmy winner) who is honored with his name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is the conductor for the Oscar ceremony; composer Fred Karlin (Oscar and Emmy winner); composer Peter Boyer (five-time winner of the National Musical Award, composed music for the tone poem "Titanic"); composer/conductor George Thatcher (wrote the song, "Send Me A Lover", which was sung by Celine Dion); composer Maria Newman, daughter of Alfred Newman, nine time Oscar winner; legendary actress Debbie Reynolds (who has starred in more than 30 movies); actor John Moschitta (Oscar winner for achievements on Television Arts and Sciences); internationally famous band Gaelic Storm from the movie "Titanic"; Beach Boys Family & Friends; and a grand orchestra with more than 65 musicians.

This musical evening was to benefit children with cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases around the world: US$150,000 was contributed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and US$100,000 was contributed to Starlight Children's Foundation personally by Supreme Master Ching Hai. Following this concert, renowned newspapers in the United States (The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, BIllboard, Balita, Philippine Mabuhay News, and many more) as well as the Aulacese media (Nguoi Viet, Viet Bao Kinh Te, Viet Dong, Saigon Times, Van Hoa, Suc Song, Van Hoi Moi, Tham My, Nghe Thuat, among many others) published articles about this evening.

Touched by Supreme Master Ching Hai's compassion and love, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital invited Her to their annual gala with the attendance of many Hollywood movie stars and musicians. Following this event, Mr. Edvard Akopyan (President of 21st Century Entertainment and Vice President of Glendale Studios) invited Supreme Master Ching Hai as a special guest to the Oscar gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Hollywood. Upon Supreme Master Ching Hai's arrival, Malibu television reporter, Cookie Cota, interviewed Master. Famous Hollywood movie stars and celebrities then had an opportunity to converse with Her.

Among these famous movie stars were actress Stella Stevens (starred with Gene Hackman in "The Poseidon Adventure" and Elvis Presley in "Girls! Girls! Girls!") who praised Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her elegance and simplicity; the first astronaut to the moon, Buzz Aldrin, and his wife had pictures taken with Supreme Master Ching Hai; actor Tony Curtis (starred with Marilyn Monroe); actor Rod Steiger (starred with superstar Marlon Brando); actor Henry Silva (White Fang to the Rescue); actress Connie Stevens (toured with famous comedian Bob Hope in Au Lac); superstar Mark Hamill (Star Wars), among many other. All expressed their great honor in speaking with Supreme Master Ching Hai that evening.

Recently, Supreme Master Ching Hai toured 18 European countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Russia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Greece, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, Ireland, and England. Supreme Master Ching Hai was warmly welcomed warmly with hundreds of thousands of people attending Her lectures on the Quan Yin Method. During the lecture tour, Supreme Master Ching Hai generously and compassionately provided financial assistance to many homes for the elderly, orphanages, and for building medical clinics and schools.

Currently, Supreme Master Ching Hai is helping victims of the earthquakes and floods in Turkey, Greece, Formosa, Au Lac, India, China, as well as bringing Her love to the countries of Turkey, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, and many more. The government and parliament of South Africa invited Supreme Master Ching Hai to speak at the opening ceremony of the Parliament of the World's Religions, attended by more than 50 great religious leaders of the world on December 1, 1999 in Cape Town.

Through Her humanitarian works around the world, the Supreme Master Ching Hai is the first Aulacese woman to be most known and admired throughout the world. Supreme Master Ching Hai truly is a woman deserving to be honored as the "Woman of the 20th Century" in the Aulacese community abroad.

Pham Manh Cuong, Montreal, Canada November, 1999

Pham Manh Cuong Biography

Composer Pham Manh Cuong was born in Hue and graduated from the College of Pedagogy and College of Letters. He has been a professor of Philosophy, Aulacese Literature, History and Geography, and Music at famous private and public high schools such as Petrusky High School in Saigon, Nguyen Dinh Chieu High School in My Tho, Hung Dao, Van Hoc, Nguyen Van Khue, Le Bao Tinh, Huynh Thi Nga, etc. Prior to 1975, he had a program on Au Lac television, a program, "Modern Flowers" on Saigon radio, "Musician Soldiers" on Voice of the Armed Forces, as well as the Tu Quynh Music Productions.

Pham Manh Cuong has composed more than 100 songs, including famous works such as: Autumn Song, Pink Valley, Tears for My Love, School Of Old Days, Your Hair Has Not Faded, Forever Love You, Love Still Here, etc. Pham Manh Cuong presently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the conductor of the Pham Manh Cuong band and chief editor of Tham My monthly magazine.

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