While On The Path

A Precious Learning Experience In The kitchen At Hsihu Center

Whenever I come to Hsihu Center, there is always a huge crowd. When the gong is struck at meal time in the morning, fellow initiates pull out of their bags the most useful gadget - their stainless steel cups, and proceed to the designated areas to enjoy the delicious food. Each time, just like the other fellow initiates, I would admire the hard work of the kitchen staff while enjoying the huge amounts of delicious gourmet prepared by them. Gradually, my curiosity got the best of me, I wondered how the staff did it, prepare so many delicious dishes for thousands of people in such a short time. As I watched the kitchen staff working hard, sacrificing their precious meditation time in order to prepare food for the fellow initiates while I roamed around leisurely with my steel cup, another thought began to stir within me...

Finally, I had a chance to actually work in the kitchen! It was during the recent three-day retreat, attended by several thousand people, in celebration of the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day". My participation in the kitchen not only satisfied my curiosity and learning desire, but it made me realize that the kitchen is an excellent environment for spiritual practice as well. In there, Master's Buddhist chanting tape continuously filled the air while more than ten fellow initiates worked at a table, attentively chopping vegetables. One by one, basketfuls of fresh fruit and vegetables were laid on the table, and after some preparation work, were quickly carried out in large containers. At the taps, the staff very quickly soaked the vegetables in salt water, and then after rinsing with fresh water, placed them in the baskets.

The cooks meticulously put the ingredients into huge woks, stirring with great effort until they became delicious dishes. Everyone recited the five names silently, no one talked or joked around. Only a few of the fellow initiates, who knew the menu, walked around and gave instructions. One by one, the delicious dishes were prepared, put into large containers, and carried to the designated serving areas to be enjoyed by the Bodhisattvas and Arhats (enlightened beings) who just came out of their blissful meditation. No one rushed to do all the work, yet no work was left undone; everything was completed in perfect harmony. Before the meal was over, the empty serving pots and utensils were carried back to the kitchen. There began the job of tidying up the kitchen, washing and drying, sweeping and washing the floor. Just as everyone finished his meal, all the cleaning jobs were done.

During the three-day retreat, although I did not have time to meditate for long periods of time, and at times fell asleep during the early morning meditation sessions because I was not used to physical labor, I gained a lot from a different perspective. I have always lived an easy and comfortable life; I have never been good at, nor interested in, doing housework. But now I have improved, and I have come to understand the reason why I have not been able to easily accept the services of others before; because I myself lacked the spirit to serve!

Actually, when I stepped into the kitchen and got involved in the busy, yet harmonious work, it never occurred to me that I was serving others. I only felt that I had found an excellent environment for spiritual practice. I have learned one more lesson. In there, I found wisdom and observed efficiency at work; moreover, I felt the love of the fellow working staff. o

Your Child Has Grown Up

By Fellow Initiate Bee, Taipei, Formosa

Before initiation, I had never met Master nor any of Her disciples in person. It was only by chance that I saw a video tape of Master giving a lecture on TV. When I first saw Master on the screen, I intuitively felt, "This person is very unusual. What does She have to say?" Who would ever expect that after a few minutes of listening, I would be so delighted. I had finally found a bosom friend. I wanted to follow Her. Master's teachings were so delicate and logical. Very rare! I especially respected Her for having the courage to talk about the Truth. Although I often had similar ideas, I kept them to myself; I didn't dare to speak out.

After initiation, I longed to see Her in person. Thank You, Master, for fulfilling my wish. I finally saw Master during the four-day retreat in Hawaii last year. Originally, I thought I would be satisfied, but that didn't happen; I missed Her even more. I wanted to see more of Her. It was not easy for me to wait until I saw Master again at the International 7-day Retreat in Formosa this year. When I saw Her, my heart cried out with its deepest feelings of admiration, "Oh Master! I miss You so much that my heart is broken in pieces!"

Master's delicate magnetic field received my longing call, and the night before She left Formosa, while strolling around and answering the questions of another initiate, by chance She stood in front of me for a long time. She even said, "Really? I'll let you see enough of me!" Her words were so full of love. My heart finally settled down. Since then I have been able to feel Master's spirit with me always. Actually, Master has never left me. I didn't feel Her presence before, only because I was at such a low level. Since then, I have been able to concentrate better on my work and integrate Master's teachings and ideals into my daily life. I can understand what Master said, "Love is not looking at each other in the eyes. Love is looking in the same direction."

This time when I knew Master was back in Formosa again, I was very glad, but unlike before, I was no longer unsettled or overly yearning for Her. I am happy that I have grown up! I hope I can handle directing myself from now on, learn my lessons well, and be a good disciple ready to contribute my share in working for Her ideals.