Monthly seminar in London, Ontario, Canada

Approximately once a month, the London Center holds a seminar in the city's Public Library. Although the events are announced to the public via most of the popular media, we have found that most responses come from local newspapers and the library.

We first introduce our organization and purpose in holding the seminar. Next, we address questions that audiences in the past have asked most frequently and include the information that Master is self-supporting and we fund our own activities while the meditation methods are taught free of any charge. Then we introduce Master and show the mini biography followed by an introduction to the Quan Yin and Convenient Methods of meditation. Next, one of Master's videotaped lectures is played and the seminar is concluded with a question and answer session. The seminars' agenda has gained many positive responses from the audiences and has been shared with other Canadian Centers for use in their seminars.

Many people have commented on how impressed they were by Master's talks in the videos shown. Almost each time, many people of who attended the seminar have requested to learn the Convenient Method of meditation. Some are also interested in initiation. We have rented a community center to accommodate the increasing number of Convenient Method practitioners. Most of our activities, such as the Open House events and celebrations are held there.

Our increased experience has shown us ways to improve the seminar presentations. For example, we now print the information on the posters more concisely and use better quality and a larger size color photo of Master, so that She appears clearer and more attractive. The announcements of the seminar are mostly concentrated in local magazines and newspapers and the events are held during the week instead of on the weekends.

Open to the Public

An Open House was held to share Master's teachings as well as to introduce some vegetarian dishes. This provided an excellent opportunity for the Convenient Method practitioners to sample a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes. For others, it was an occasion to learn about Master and the Quan Yin Method while subtly receiving the message that to be a vegetarian is not as difficult as they thought because of the many delicious vegetarian foods that are readily available and also easy to prepare.

As well, we invited the Convenient and Quan Yin Method practitioners and their families to celebrate all kinds of festivals together. These events were also announced in the local newspaper. After every Convenient Method Group meditation since New Year's, we have provided simple vegetarian cooking classes that all of us have enjoyed. We also prepared box dinners for fellow initiates to share with their families.

Exhibition

Participating in the "Sharing Inner Peace Day" exhibition.

In addition to our local activities, the London Center also participated in other exhibitions such as the Natural Life Festival, Sharing Inner Peace Day, etc., held by organizations in nearby cities.

We also conducted a seminar in Windsor, which is about two hours from London, and received very positive responses from the people there. After the seminar, people have continued to call requesting additional information about Master and the Quan Yin Method. Some are preparing for initiation. Following the seminar, we rented a room in the library for them to hold Convenient Method group meditations.

Through sharing Master's teachings, we have learned many precious lessons that have helped us to grow stronger morally and spiritually. We have also realized the difficulties in pursuing spiritual practice and have seen the many obstacles that arise to prevent a practitioner from keeping faith and continuing along this path. We deeply appreciate how fortunate we are to know Master and follow Her teachings to practice the Quan Yin Method. We will continuously try our best to nourish these spiritual seeds not only inside of us, but also by sharing them with all our brothers and sisters, who are sincerely longing for the Truth.

Report from Montreal , Canada
Ching Hai Day Celebration

Fellow initiates from Montreal gathered on Sunday, February 21 after Group meditation to celebrate Ching Hai Day. Amazingly, a woman who had been looking for Master since 1996 just happened to arrive at the Montreal Center right on time for the Ching Hai Day Celebration. After sharing a meal and talking with us, she asked to learn the Convenient Method. Also after lunch, we distributed Master's loving New Year's gifts to our fellow initiates and also enjoyed songs and instrumental music performances.