International Reports

Report From

Hsihu Center, Formosa

Great spiritual Achievements From The International 3-day Retreat

In the increasingly hot summer season, the longing of fellow initiates for the sweet nectar of the heavenly kingdom also becomes more intense. Perceiving Her children's sincere prayers, the great Mother of the Quan Yin family, our revered Master, had especially allowed a 3-day international retreat to be held at Hsihu Center. The good news was immediately disseminated throughout the world.

The enthusiastic and rapid responses from various places had all of a sudden turned tranquil Hsihu into a place of great excitement. Everyone began busily preparing to welcome the brothers and sisters from various countries. The joyful atmosphere permeated each and every corner of the Center!

The most significant aspect of this 3-day international retreat was the strict selection process; only those who had been actively attending group meditations, and who clearly observed the five precepts were allowed to participate. Therefore, fellow initiates who were allowed to take part came with vigilant minds and were more appreciative of the opportunity given to them.

During this 3-day retreat previously followed schedules had also been largely modified. Because of the hot summer sun, Master had considerately modified the 3-day retreat schedule as follows: meditation hours were scheduled in the early morning and evening. During the midday heat, fellow initiates could leisurely take a shower, or have a nap in the shade, Master's talks and lectures were scheduled in the late afternoon and at night. Each meditation session was increased to three hours; breaks and bathing hours in the afternoon were also extended and included interludes of Master's talks and lectures. Fellow initiates wrote down the retreat schedule and rules while their bodies and minds prepared for a sharpening of the awareness!

During the retreat, Master intermittently appeared at the forest meditation hall to inspect the group meditation conditions or to give impromptu talks. Master noticed that, even after many years of practice, some fellow initiates were stuck at a certain point and were making little progress in their practice. Therefore, Master did not hesitate to set aside the image of a compassionate mother and used a sterner demeanour to advise and encourage initiates. Her words of wisdom pointed out various shortcomings and She urged practitioners to become deeply introspective. Fellow practitioners immediately concentrated and searched inward. At the same time they felt Master's blessings and Her profound love behind sternness. This allowed everyone to improve in their spiritual practice!

For example, Master reminded fellow practitioners not to neglect common sense in their daily lives. She said that we should be more attentive to aspects such as manners, and that we should not use spiritual practice an excuse to ignore small matters. spiritual practitioners, Master said, should be most filial to their parents, and must be courteous to their fellow brothers and sisters. Master also reminded everyone that from then onwards, when fellow initiates meet each other, they should greet each other with closed palms, so as to show caring and respectful thoughts. When addressing our elders, we must use "sir" or "madam". We must also be gentle in speech; this, Master said, will make others feel very comfortable and respected. Master added, however, that this must be true joyful respect from within, not simply external pretentious gestures.

Master also repeatedly reminded the fellow practitioners of the fact that they were able to come here to meditate diligently due to the sacrifices made by their family members, staying behind to take care of their families. Therefore, practitioners should be diligent in meditating because it was the only way that they could repay the kindness of their family members.

After the completion of the world S.M. Celestial Fashion Shows, Master took a trip to the beautiful beaches of Cote d'Azur in southern France. She was very much impressed by the cleanliness of the streets and city's general appearance. Master said no litter was seen in the city. It was as clean as in heaven.

Master humorously suggested that the Formosan Government should promote the cultivation of good habits via the mass media because Formosa possesses abundant natural resources as well as dense forests. Master thought it a pity that environmental protection still had not been implemented thoroughly throughout the country. If necessary, Master suggested, Formosa could even copy Singapore's "Garden of Asia" theme and introduce strict fines for environmental violations. In this way, the general public would surely be able to correct their bad habits within a month, and the original beauty of Formosa " the Paradise Island " would be restored! No doubt this would even attract more foreign investment and hence, Formosa would be further developed and her international position would also be enhanced.

With God's care and love, an intermittent cool breeze dispelled the summer heat, while the hot sun was rendered powerless by a thick covering of clouds! Time passed swiftly as three days of diligent practice came to an end.

The foreign initiates were the most fortunate of all. They were granted special permission by Master to stay till mid-July as long as they had permission from their families and jobs.

For those fellow practitioners who could not stay longer, they carried home with them Master's best wishes, and loving advice, which was to make use of the wisdom accumulated over the past three days to continue serving their home and countries!

Report From Japan

A Charity Bazaar To Help The Earthquake Victims In Osaka And Kobe

A charity bazaar was sponsored by the association of the foreign-run magazines and newspapers in Japan. It was aimed at raising funds to relieve the foreign victims of the earthquake in the Osaka-Kobe area. After the Tokyo Center was informed of this event, all the fellow initiates busily prepared to participate.

The charity bazaar was held at the cultural center in Sun-shine-city Building, Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Many fellow initiates attended this event while on holiday, to show their concern for the well-being of people in the earthquake-stricken area, and also to take this opportunity to spread Master's teachings so as to form good affinity with many souls.

At the assigned stall, fellow initiates arranged prints of Master's paintings, as well as Her books, sample booklets, video and audio tapes, necklaces, and so on, which appeared elegant, unique, and eye-catching.

On the opening morning of the bazaar, a few Japanese ladies bought Master's paintings. Seeing at the delightful and contented expressions on their faces, the fellow initiates were very pleased for them. When the initiates gave free sample booklets to them, they were overjoyed. The initiates enthusiastically explained to them the Zen meaning of Master's paintings " the ordinary mind is the Tao and is greatness. They nodded in agreement, saying that, "the ordinary mind is the source of bliss and peace."

The initiates also brought vegetarian steamed stuffed buns and steamed twisted rolls to the charity bazaar; they sold very well.

When Master came to Tokyo to give a lecture last year, the "Foreign Students Newspaper," which has a good reputation in Japan and Mainland China, interviewed Her, and printed the discussion on a full page. This newspaper was also one of the sponsors of this charity bazaar. Its chief editor came specially to the initiates' stall to ask questions concerning the vegetarian diet. The initiates invited him to eat the vegetable-stuffed buns and vegetarian sandwiches. He said that the food was delicious. When he saw a fellow brother who was strong and tall, he said, "It seems that the vegetarian diet doesn't harm one's health." An initiate told him that being a vegetarian is not only good for our health, but also is beneficial to the spirit. He indicated then that both he and his wife would begin to change their diet to a vegetarian one.

In Tokyo, quite a few Chinese initiates who are now practicing the Quan Yin Method got to know about Master by reading the "Foreign Students' Newspaper." The chief editor had unknowingly worked for the Buddha, and he therefore formed an affinity with spiritual practice.

Through the charity bazaar, which lasted only a few days, we not only raised funds to help the disaster victims, but also spread Master's teachings. The initiates experienced a feeling of happiness through their selfless devotion and by being Master's instruments. They concluded unanimously that, from now on, they should take an active part in such public events, through which Master's superior teachings would definitely blossom and bear fruit in Japan.

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At a Charity Bazaar in Tokyo, Master's beautiful photos and publications attract the attention of the loving people.

Report From Hong Kong

Actively Taking Part In
Social Service Work

Responding to Master's call, fellow practitioners in Hong Kong initiated a series of social service activities including visiting old folks homes and hospitals, tree planting and educational assistance for the poor districts. Also, fellow practitioners in Hong Kong, with the cooperation of the Asahi Rotary Club, recently visited the remote impoverished villages - Ru Yuen Hsien, Kwangsi, in order to set up an educational assistance program.

Ru Yuen Hsien is located in the mountain district not far from the famous Nanhua Temple, the Sixth Zen Patri-arch's Ashram. It is a poor district because the hard limestone soil has rendered much of the land unsuitable for cultivation.

The schools buildings and facilities are obviously inadequate. Most of the classrooms are clay-brick rooms without electricity. For many children it takes over an hour to walk to as well as from schools on the mountain trails. Therefore, it's very common for the children in the mountain district to drop out of school or seldom attend.

This was Hong Kong fellow initiates' first visit. With the help of the local authorities, many of the schools and the local residents were visited and rice, stationery and clothing distributed. The children who received these gifts of love were very happy.

Report From Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town Center, situated at the southern tip of the African continent, held a Quan Yin Seminar on the eve of Labor Day, May 1st. The event attracted many Truth-seekers.

The seminar started in the morning and ended at noon. Besides watching a videotape of Master receiving the World spiritual Leadership Award, the audience also listened to Her wonderful lectures and later enthusiastically discussed spiritual practice. It was the first time for many to listen to the Truth all expressed their warm interest in pursuing the Truth. Most of these fellow Truth-seekers immediately decided to begin eating vegetarian in anticipation of receiving initiation from Master.

Fellow practitioners were very pleased with the outcome of this first seminar. Recollecting the preparatory process, everyone worked with one heart as practitioners assembled the tables and long stools, sewed the vests for the guards, and cooperated with the other decorating work " often with no sleep or rest. Though the body was physically tired, the mind was very happy. Everyone knew that it was the result of Master's loving blessings.

In future, this kind of seminar will continue to be held. Fellow practitioners all felt that this would be one of the most effective and practical ways of spreading the Truth.

The seminar also encouraged some of the older fellow practitioners to be more enthusiastic, determined and diligent in their practice. They resolved by becoming more actively involved, to change themselves and the environment so as to help more Truth-seekers form an affinity with Master, and thus join the big Quan Yin family. Master is as an excellent example of the dedicated effort required to cleanse the world and liberate human beings.

Report From Canada

Vegetarian Allies,
Partners In spiritual Practice

Responding to an invitation from the Vegetarian Club at Carlton University, fellow practitioners went to some of Ottawa's universities in turns, to play Master's videotapes and introduce the Quan Yin Method. At the seminar, fellow practitioners played the video of Master's lecture at the United Nations in Geneva, entitled 'Let God Serve Through Us,' and another entitled 'By All Means, One Must Be A Vegetarian.'

After the seminar, one university student who registered to receive the News magazine, and learn the Convenient Method, said that before taking part in the seminar, he was still undecided about whether or not he should become a vegetarian. After listening to Master's explanations, he had decided to become a vegetarian that very day.

The Vegetarian Club has many of members. Each week, it has scheduled programs on the local radio and television stations. The president of the club had contacted Hsihu center, to invite Master to speak to Carlton University. After listening to Master's explanations on why we should be vegetarians, the president was very much in agreement. The following day, he immediately made a special introduction on his radio program, and also invited representative fellow practitioners to be interviewed on the program, so as to let the audience have a further understanding of the Quan Yin Method.

Report From Phoenix
Arizona, U.S.A.

Be A Good Guest On Earth

On a beautiful spring day in Arizona, fellow initiates participated in the annual outdoor Earth Day Celebration. An azure sky and clear, warm weather made a perfect setting for a pleasant exhibition. Fellow initiates displayed Master's sample booklets, magazines, books, cassette and videotapes. Also, Master's videos were played on. Delicious vegetarian food was catered by Suma Ching Hai International Association Vegetarian House of Phoenix. Suma Ching Hai's teachings include our responsibility to protect the planet on which we live, and vegetarianism is the first and most important step in this direction.

A steady stream of people came. Many revisited the booth two or three times, expressing deep interest in Master's teachings and the Quan Yin Method. Several English-speaking people recognized Her from cable television. They had all watched an entire show of Master, speaking sometimes in Chinese and sometimes in the Au Lac language! They were still exhilarated by it. Language does not seem to be a barrier when it comes to the Truth.

Master's love, beauty and the Truth She spoke touched many people that day. Many people from different walks of life were interested in learning how to meditate.

Through this activity, the spreading of Master's teachings, every fellow initiate has learned that Her arrangements are always admirable and amazing, enabling us to realize what our noble purpose in this world comes practical experiences in life. Master's great blessing and love have been planted in this vast land, where many spiritual seekers have received God's grace and have had contact with God's marvellous network in the universe, experiencing a higher level of life.

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In the sunshine city of Phoenix, news about Suma Ching Hai is welcomed.

Report From Oregon, U.S.A.

She Came In A Dream, To guide The One With Affinity

A number of fellow initiates from Oregon assist and supply ten or so Cable TV Channels in their local area with videos of Suma Ching Hai's teachings, as well as shared the work with other states across America. This provides more people with the opportunity to know about Master's teachings. To some of them, seeing Master on TV reminded them of past experiences.

One lady shared her experience with fellow initiates in Oregon. She told them that she always wanted a female spiritual teacher, so she would pray to God to send her a female teacher. A few years ago, she had a dream. In her dream, she went to a dance club. When she went in, she saw a beautiful oriental lady standing as if she was waiting for someone. This beautiful lady asked her in a very pleasant, melodious voice, whether she would like to dance with her. She was a little embarrassed at first, to be invited by a lady. But this beautiful lady told her not to worry, and they started to dance. During the dance, this beautiful lady let her experience a level of consciousness that she had never known before.

After she woke up, the dream was still very vivid. It reminded her of a painting that she had done when she was younger, of an oriental lady, whose face looked very much like the beauty who appeared in her dream. She was amazed. Two weeks after she had the dream, she saw an ad in a local newspaper about Suma Ching Hai coming to give a lecture in Portland, Oregon. She didn't pay much attention at first, but when she saw Master's picture, she recognized Her as the beautiful lady in her dream.

She went to Her lecture, and Master had the same pleasant and melodious voice the beautiful lady had during her dream! For some reason, she missed initiation that night. Since seeing Master again on Cable TV, she has signed up for the Convenient Method.

This is just one example of how Master takes care of us even without our being aware of it. As more people learn about Her teachings, many of them become interested. The Oregon center has received more requests to learn the Convenient Method of meditation, as well as for initiation.

Report From Washington D.C., Virginia, U.S.A.

The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Festival

The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Council in Washington D.C. organized a festival to share their multi-cultural tradition. The participating groups were from at least seven countries, including Formosa, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Laos, India and the Philippines. The different groups showed the special cultural characteristics of their national traditions through singing, dancing, Kong Fu demonstrations, music played on traditional instruments, national costumes, etc.

Virginia fellow initiates also took part in this event by distributing Master's love to the Washingtonians via sample booklets, News magazines, pictures, audio and videotapes to the people with affinity.

Many people stopped by our display booth to look, read, and ask about the Quan Yin Method. They were very surprised to learn that such a great method exists which could greatly enhance people in their spiritual growth.

Many of the visitors were sincerely curious about our banner: "Quan Yin Method, Immediate enlightenment and Liberation." Some of them conversed deeply with our fellow initiates for hours, exchanging ideas about spiritual practice. Their sincerity was easy for all to see!

A couple of five or six year old children seemed to recognize Master when they saw Her photos on the covers of the magazines. They took many magazines with Master's photos on them and came back many times. Their actions were so lovely!

After the visitors had taken sample booklets and magazines, and had learned more about spiritual practice, they had such nice smiles on their faces, all because of Master's love and blessings.

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A happy day in Washington D.C. - both performers and spectators are attracted by Suma Ching Hai's publications, and are reluctant to leave!

Report From Costa Rica

The Opening Of The Vegetarian House --
A Product Of Wisdom And Courage

After months of hard work and striving, Costa Rica's Vegetarian House was recently opened in San Jose's city center. This is a bold enterprise in Central and South America, which has united the power and wisdom of practice, striving and efforts of fellow initiates, and has Master's love and blessing.

On the opening day, not only did Channel 7, the biggest television station in Costa Rica, give live coverage to the event, but in addition, the National and the Republican Newspapers also made reports. The media response was very good.

The Vegetarian House has also set up a News center with computing and printing facilities especially for handling typesetting, editing, translating and proof-reading of the Spanish News magazine. It houses the Book Circulation Center, displaying all sorts of Master's publications, Her exquisite pictures; books in Chinese, English and Spanish; News magazines, etc. It also plays Master's lecture videotapes to establish affinities with members of the public, and on the walls are Master's paintings which are a focal point for patrons.

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The Vegetarian House in Costa Rica is elegant and warm, it gives people a comfortable feeling just like home.

Report From Mexico

Creating Affinity At The
National Athletic Stadium

Recently, the Seventh Mexican International Plastic Industry Exhibition was held at the National Stadium in Mexico city. Having successfully secured an exhibition booth for the first time, the Mexican fellow practitioners cooperated in exhibiting Master's video- tapes, books, magazines and posters, etc.

The Exhibition was much enhanced by Master's exquisitely printed books and other publications, especially by Her videotapes that were played on location. Everyday thousands of people came to the booth to get sample booklets in Spanish. Many of them were very interested in Master's teachings. Having attended Her lecture in Mexico before, one of the spectators felt even more cordial to find Master's videotapes and Spanish sample booklets at the Exhibition. He therefore immediately asked for the address and telephone number of the Mexico Center, wishing to get more information, and the latest news about Master.

Most Mexican people were strangers to Master's teachings. The display of Master's publications was a delightful surprise, unique to the Mexican people. They eagerly told their friends and associates to get a copy of the Spanish sample booklet. As there was a tremendous crowd, the fellow practitioners distributing sample booklets really had their hands full!

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Suma Ching Hai's publications are a delightful surprise, unique to the Mexican people.