Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 52
Spot Light
Protect The Incorruptible Practice
- Spiritual Interlude
Master's Sacred Love Unites Us
Renunciation
- International Reports
Panama|U.K.|India|Japan|Formosa|Singapore|Malaysia
- Master Says
The Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas
The Way To Perfect A Family
- While On The Path
The Myth Of Life And Death Has Been Resolved
Great Benefits Of Group Meditation
Master's Magical Grace
- Master Tells Stories
A Mother's Advice
- Between Master And Disciples
The Omniscient Master
With Your Gentle Touch
- Special Reports
The Golden Era Has Arrived -- An Account Of The Third Anniversary Of The
Ching Hai Day International Seven-Day Retreat
Reverberations:The Great Experience -- Attending The Seven -Day Retreat/A
Beautiful Dream About The Golden Era/Offering A Dance To The Buddha/The
Secret Way To Look Pretty/Seven Days On The Kitchen Team/I Straightened
Out My Thinking!/Master Brought Me Back To The Path
- Media Reports
Congratulatory faxes|liberty Times, Formosa|China Times, Formosa|Central
Daily News, Formosa|Zhong Hwa Daily, Formosa|Sun Morning Newspaper, Surabaya,
Indonesia|Central Daily News, Formosa: The Difference Between Buddhism
And Christianity
- Master's Wonders
The Merciful Master Uplifts The Stubborn Disciple
Tathagata Buddha Has Come
Sharing Master's Great Love With Relatives And Friends
The Nectar River - A Boundless River And Ocean
It Was My Master
I Finally Met You
Wonders Of Ching Hai Day
- Master's Words
Change Our Thoughts To Free Ourselves
- You May Not Know
How To Deal With Alien Space People
Aliens' Curiosity
- Infinite Space
A World Saviour Born In The East
- Selected Questions & Answers
The True Meaning Of Devotion
- Children's Letters
Rain
- Elevation Of The Soul
- Aphorisms
Master's Words
Change Our Thoughts To Free Ourselves
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa, October 15,
1995. (Originally In Chinese)
Our thoughts are also very important. We want freedom, and we can achieve
it through our thoughts! We should not bind our thoughts with the preconceived
ideas that we are sad, we are inferior, ugly or immoral persons. Change
our concepts with thoughts, and train our body cells to obey our ideal
and quest. They will change accordingly, and follow the direction of our
thoughts; this is how they gather informative material! Take care of yourself
everyday; tell yourself that you are very good, and endeavor to do the
best. The body cells will act accordingly, then you will be elevated to
higher levels and become increasingly relaxed and free. Always use your
wisdom and judging ability to handle things flexibly. Do not stick to the
same way each time. Master can never teach you everything! It is because
each situation is different. You are thousands of individuals, each having
your own way of reacting. You have to figure out what to do yourselves.
The two and a half hours of meditation serves to let you concentrate and
to gather your power, which is to be used when required. Should you fail
to use it, it is wasted! You are the same as people who don't meditate
or have no wisdom, so you have no reason to be proud and think that you
are great. Being spiritual practitioners, we should repent even more gravely
if we have failed to use our wisdom.
News Magazine #52
You May Not Know
How To Deal With Alien Space People Aliens' Curiosity
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
To Foreign Initiates During The International Seven-Day Retreat,
Hsihu Center, Formosa. Oct. 28, 1995 (Originally In English)
During the Seven-Day Retreat, the Korean fellow initiates asked Master:
"What is the meaning behind the phenomena of many UFOs appearing in
Korea recently?" Four Korean fellow initiates (three of them monastic
practitioners) present, saw the UFOs with their own eyes. In response to
this, the hottest topic these days, Master humorously suggested to everyone
the proper way to deal with this. The only way to protect ourselves and
to save the world is to seriously practice the Quan Yin Method.Recently, there have been, I think, thousands and thousands of UFO's circling
the Earth, not only in Korea. And the people, even in America, everywhere,
you know NASA, the FBI and all that -- they have received this kind of
information. They know there has been a massive display of UFOs in unison,
in the hundreds of thousands. But most of the time, they don't want to
broadcast this information, because they don't want to worry the Earth
population. I don't know if I should say this, but since you have asked
me, I'll say what I know. I don't know if that makes you worry. They say
that maybe the extraterrestrials will attack us before Christmas -- in
one month and a half or two months. That's what people said; I don't say
anything. I don't know anything. (Everyone laughs.) I don't go anywhere,
I don't watch TV, and when I die, I die -- finished.
So, be prepared to live a different life or to die. (Master and everyone
laugh.) Whatever it is, we practice the Quan Yin Method, we do good things,
we satisfy our conscience that we are very righteous person. More, we cannot
do.
There is much good news along with this bad news. Some of the people have
said that the E.T.s are very compassionate, and they will come to help
us. Maybe to help us in time of this terrible change. If they do so, it
would be better, because they are more advanced in technology, and many
of them are more advanced in spiritual knowledge as well.
I read a newspaper. It said that at least a dozen senators in America are
alien space people; they confessed it. They said yes they are! So what
do you think? We are already living with space people. There are many different
news reports from different countries similar to this -- that there are
space people are in the government, in the bank, in the educational system,
in the
church, in the religious orders, everywhere. So what is there to fear anymore?
Besides, the way most of the people live their lives here, I don't think
if the space people come we could get worse. Let's hope we can only get
better.
Anyhow, we have met some of the aliens on the streets, so supposed to be.
Did you meet any of them? You always pray for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
to come to your side -- these are aliens from other planets. (Laughter)
And all the pictures you put in the temples, in the churches -- these are
aliens. (Laughter) All the leaders of all the religions that you bow to
everyday in every country -- they are aliens. (Laughter) They are not human
beings. I am supposed to be alien, too. (Master and everyone laugh. Applause)
(Fellow initiates: The best alien.) Good one! Huh? (Everyone: Yes!) So
what to do with the UFOs? Never mind, you just watch and when they come
out say, "Hello!" Tell them, "My Master is also one of you."
(Master and everyone laugh.) "My Master teaches me to come to your
planet sometimes." Just say hello, recite the Five Names, do your
meditation. What else can you do?
If you try to kill them, you will die first. You will die before you even
lift your fingers. Don't try to attack them, it's against our rules. They
are more advanced in every aspect. If they truly have a very bad intention
to do something to us, we are finished! All of our best technology in this
world can do nothing in front of their power. So whether they are bad or
good, we can only protect ourselves with our virtues and our inner almighty
power; knowing that whether we live or die, we'll never, ever be destroyed,
because our souls live eternally. And knowing that whether they are bad
or good, we still treat them with all goodness and loving kindness. (Everyone
applauds.)
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa. Oct. 15, 1995
(Originally In Chinese)
In fact, when most beings on other planets look at Earth people, they laugh
at us. Why so much killing, so much fighting? Why can't we resolve misunderstandings
among each other with language or moral traditions? They feel strange when
seeing us, feeling that we are a kind of very rude and reckless type of
person. They also shake their heads sometimes (audience laughs), not knowing
why it is like this. So, once in a while, they take a UFO and come for
a look and watch our war games with each other.
They feel that we are too nonsensical! Up above they use all kinds of methods
to solve problems. If the problems cannot be solved, then those with the
same ideal would live together in one corner. If one really cannot conform
to the regulations, does not agree with those ideals, and does not respect
that
style of living; then one goes to another place. To where? Most of them
are sent here, Earth. (Audience laughs.) Those who are more hard headed,
stubborn and without wisdom are sent here, Earth. Look at our neighbors
then you'll know. Look at me then you'll understand. (Master laughs.)
Therefore, our world is more chaotic. When the aliens look down from the
other side, they are rather surprised! After several million years, the
Earth people are still so stubborn. No progress has been made at all. Living
together here and we still cannot talk to each other. Just like it was
up above -- still making wars. Up above, the wars were made with the majority.
After coming here, the wars were made with each other. Just look at those
big heads then you'll know!
News Magazine #52
Infinite Space
A World Saviour Born In The East
By Fellow Initiate Tsao, CanadaBefore my initiation, I had read a book
about Nostradamus. Nostradamus was a Frenchman who lived over four hundred
years ago. He wrote a book entitled "De Centries", comprised
of one hundred prophetic quatrains.
Each quatrain is one prophecy, predicting all the major world events for
the next four hundred years. Most of them have come true, and have amazed
people throughout the world. People are particularly concerned about his
last prophecy of a great disaster towards the end of the century. This
last quatrain states: In the year 1999 AD, the world will face an unprecedented
great disaster, that even the sea will become hot. Then, a world saviour
born in the East in 1983 will appear, to save Europe from the catastrophe.
(See Note)
I was very puzzled when reading this prophecy. First, if it is going to
happen in Europe, why is an oriental person going to save them from the
disaster? Second, if the saviour was born in 1983, then he or she would
still be a young person of sixteen at the end of the century. How could
he or she be commissioned with this burden? Is this not an incredible myth?
After being initiated by Master, I incidentally learned that She attained
ultimate enlightenment in the Himalayas exactly in the year 1983. Then
I understood. Enlightenment is the beginning of the real life of a human
being. Master was born in the East, studied in Europe, and is now preaching
in every country, with disciples all over the world. Who else could this
world saviour be, except Master?
With Her incredible power, Master is changing the destiny of the world,
leading us out of the dark shadow of doomsday, to greet the dawning light
of the new century.
Note: The years mentioned were calculated by experts based on the content
of his prophetic quatrains.
Correction Notice:
In Issue 51, in the International Report from Paraguay, it was mentioned
that Mr. Romualdo, a reporter of a national TV station, earnestly introduced
Master as a great enlightened master. Mr. Romualdo is not a reporter; he
is the head of a news agency in the Province of Parana in Paraguay. We
apologize for this misinformation.
News Magazine #52
Selected Questions & Answers
The True Meaning Of Devotion
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa.
Oct. 28, 1995 (Originally In English)
Q: Master, please say something about devotion.
M: Devotion? Look at me! I am very devoted to you. That's devotion! (Everyone
laughs and applauds.) No need to explain. This day, I just happen to be
very tired, very sick. I don't want to see people, but I still come to
see you and that's devotion. (Applause) Not for any selfish gain, or for
anything for me to be happy, especially not during these days -- it's out
of duty, out of love. I do my obligation and make you happy. That's devotion.
Now, if you are a householder and you devote yourself to your family -
that's devotion. If you love your wife with all your heart, try your best
to make her happy, and do everything she requests -- that's devotion. If
you have a friend, and you lay down your life for him or her in a time
of need -- that's devotion. You have come all this way, spending all your
money on airplane, and spending your time sitting for your own liberation
and world peace -- that's devotion. Whatever you do, if it's a good, noble
idea and you put in all your effort -- that is devotion.
So, in everyday life whatever you do, if it's good for yourself and other
people, put all your best. That doesn't mean you have to be successful
in order to know that you are devoted. You don't have to be. Whether you
are successful or you fail, if you put out all your best, your most sincere
desire, to accomplish whatever you do, or to try to make that person happy
-- that is already devotion.
Devotion brings concentration, one-pointedness; and devotion, one-pointedness
brings success and happiness to you. Especially if you do it for a good
cause, for a noble ideal; because at that time, you concentrate everything
on that thing, then you forget everything else, so your mind is very clear.
That is also kind of putting down everything. That's also a way of practice.
That's also a kind of samadhi.
News Magazine #52
Child's Letters
By Young Fellow Initiate Lee, Age 9, Costa Rica (Originally In English)
Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai:
It has been two and half years. Didn't see You since Your speech in Mexico.
I miss You so much. Please tell me when can I see You again? Here I have
a poem for You:
"Rain"
Rain drops fall from the sky,
The drops fall on my dress.
I like to play with the rain.
The rain is like the bath that the Earth is taking..
The rain is the love of Supreme Master Ching Hai!! I am also sending to You a tape recording in which I played the flute
and piano by myself.
Happy "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day" to You!!
Your little disciple in Costa Rica
News Magazine #52
Elevation Of The Soul
The Latest Videotapes Of Supreme Master Ching Hai
In Chinese
Use Meditation Power To Purify The World
Moon Festival 3-Day Retreat, Hsihu Center, Formosa
Sep. 8-10, 1995
Celebration Of Moon Festival
Moon Festival 3-Day Retreat, Hsihu Center, Formosa
Sep. 8-10, 1995
Right Concepts Are As Essential As Spiritual Experiences
Europe International 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug.. 25-27, 1995
In English
Appreciate The Value Of Initiation
Europe International 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 25-27, 1995
The Path Of Devotion
Europe International 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 25-27, 1995
We Are Always Together
Europe International 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 25-27, 1995
In English With Chinese Subtitles
Is God A Being Or A Non-Being (I &II)
Lecture At The University Of Berkeley, CA, USA
Oct. 13, 1989
In English & Au Lac Language
Just The Concept Of The Individual
Europe International 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 25-27, 1995
News Magazine #52
Aphorisms
Aphorisms
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
Don't be defeated by obstacles and ordeals. Perhaps, we don't know how to
react today, so we are frightened and defeated; try again tomorrow. We
shall overcome someday.
(Originally In Chinese)
When things are going smoothly and easily, be particularly concentrated;
don't take it for granted and lose your humility and penitence. Otherwise,
you will become sluggish and slow down, and will not progress further.
(Originally In Chinese)
Religions all boil to nothing without actual experience.
(Originally In English)
How difficult it is to take people back to heaven, because of too many preconceived
ideas, too many prejudices, too much ignorance.
(Originally In English)
When we get enlightenment, we will create a new heaven. And when we do something
bad or sinful, we create a new hell. Do not think that hell exists already,
waiting for you to fall into it. No, we create them. Heaven and hell are
all our own creation.
(Originally In English)
News Magazine #52
Spot Light
Protect The Incorruptible Practice
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa,
October 8, 1995. (Originally In Chinese)
An enlightened Master only gives and never takes. Once you have received
things from others, you become subordinate to them. Is it not true that
upon meeting him next time, you will be too self-conscious to handle things
properly? When he demands you to do something, you cannot really treat
him fairly. You know he is wrong, but you are too self-conscious to scold
or refuse him. Therefore, our internal Code of Ethics guides us against
corruption for these reasons. Do not sell ourselves for anything, and do
not owe any favours or money to people. Once you are in debted to them
for anything, you owe them a favor. Having eaten any food offered by others,
you cannot hold your head high anymore.
It is best to earn your own daily bread and take care of yourself independently.
Then, we don't have to lower our head upon meeting anyone, and our words
will have weight when reasoning with people. Only then can we become a
model of Truth, a model of an incorruptible personality. We should be incorruptible
even when we are ordinary people, not only when we are government officials.
Otherwise, it is hard to rectify the habit when you have already become
a government official! If you are corrupt when you are an ordinary citizen,
how can you be honest and clean after you have become an official? Is that
not correct? Once you have gotten used to it, you will simply forget blindly!
This is why I told you not to make offerings to any monastic practitioners
here. I will confiscate the Initiate Card of anyone who does so. Although
I have repeated the same warning for years, people still commit the same
mistake. Should you find something that you think is very good, buy it
and bring it here, we will pay you for it. You must not stealthily offer
anything to one or two persons to bribe their feelings. I am warning you
for the last time. If you stealthily offer anything to anyone, both of
you will be asked to leave. Offer him more, if you want to bring greater
disaster to him.
I have told you so many times that we lack nothing here. Even if we do
lack some worldly items, it is nothing. Many people outside are in greater
difficulties than we. Here we have enough to eat, comfortable
places to sleep, and everything is very nice. We are not in need of anything.
Being spiritual practitioners, our life should be simple in the first place.
If we have more, then it is fine. If we have not, it is also okay. Why
should you make offerings to particular persons with this and that, buying
off their personal feelings? This is really senseless!
Should anyone do these things again, I will simply close the Center. I
would rather forbid you to come, than to let you contaminate each other.
Do you understand? Here we are not in need of anything!
Before I became a Master, I had even fewer material things than they have
now. I had only a few sets of clothes. When I was in the Himalayas, it
was very cold; yet I had only two sets of clothes, a stainless steel cup,
a spoon, and two pairs of socks. The socks were later worn out and thrown
away, so I had only a pair of shoes and two sets of clothes for changing.
Sometimes, they could not be dried in time, but I still wore them. And
I didn't have need of anything else. It is not important if we lack some
material things. Do not spoil our people here! Let them live their own
lives freely and naturally. You cannot do like them (leave home), so you
come here randomly bribing and contaminating people. Do you think that
your few pennies are so great? Do you think that they cannot earn money
outside? Do you think that the people here are handicapped, without limbs,
and have no ability to earn money? They don't want the money! Therefore,
they come here to live a simple life. As you practice more, your spirit
will become satisfied, and you will not need those material things. Do
not think that material things can nourish you to become fat! Your body
may become fat, but your spirit may not be that fertile. Few people can
make offerings with a pure intent. When you meet him later, he will demand
favors for this and that; he will want a special relationship. He will
want you to talk to him and greet him more often, do more things for him,
give him information, and expect you not to obstruct him anytime he wants
to come in. Don't let these things happen again to make me angry! Understand?
(Everyone answers, "Understand").
News Magazine #52
Spiritual Interlude
Master's Sacred Love Unites Us Renunciation
By Fellow Initiate Vu, Illinois, U.S.A. (Originally In English)
It was midnight after the conclusion of a 3-day retreat in Hsihu, and I
was sleeping sweetly in my tent. Suddenly, a fellow sister who I did not
know, woke me up and asked if she could share my tent for the night. I
assumed that she was leaving on an early flight the next morning, so her
tent had been packed, leaving her 'homeless' for the night. We didn't really
know what each other looked like, nor did we know the name and language
of the other party. Nevertheless, we just slept peacefully in the same
tent.
She was still sound asleep when I quietly slipped out of the tent and went
to the morning group meditation. When I came back several hours later,
she had already gone to the airport, leaving me two biscuits blessed by
Master! I was so touched that even now I can still feel Master's sacred
love pouring out of these two sweet and dear biscuits.
Definitely all the brothers and sisters on Earth are God's children, and
no restrictions, situations or boundaries can separate us. There is no
need to put us together deliberately, since we are already unified. Right
from the moment of initiation, the sacred love bestowed on us by Master
has naturally united all of us. It is common to observe brothers and sisters,
who are total strangers, getting along so well as if they were very old
friends. These sincere feelings are extremely precious. No introduction
or knowledge of each other's life is required, nor is there any need for
wordy explanations. We do not depend on each other, and we do not need
to voice our feelings, or to socialize with each other. We just live freely,
bathed in Master's sea of love, seeking the same and only source of blessing
within. When we are together, only love exists; and we are peaceful within
and without!
By Fellow Initiate Xie, Taipei, Formosa
In the past, I have always lived in frustration, complaining that I have
never really been happy. One day, I suddenly discovered that I would be
truly happy if I could ignore the things distressing me. And, even more
wonderful was, by not paying attention to them, they seemed to no longer
exist! It was as if the problems could be solved just by leaving them alone.
Oh! How foolish I was, always trying to solve problems with my mind, without
ever realizing that the most profound and secret devise of the universe
is 'actionless action'! Like a tiny grasshopper trying to stop a car with
its small arms, my self-inflating behaviour only made me a laughing stock
for others.
With an increasingly contented heart, I learned to be more grateful. When
meditating during the Mid-Autumn Festival 3-Day Retreat, I suddenly felt
that I was reciting the Holy Names with my inner heart, instead of only
reciting consciously. It was as if I had entrusted my heart to an indescribable
power. Only then, I suddenly understood more about meditation, and that
it was no longer that difficult to master ourselves. With assiduous meditation,
it is easier to understand and absorb Master's teachings. To me, this is
the best, and the most realistic experience!
News Magazine #52
International Reports
Panama U.K. India Japan Formosa Singapore Malaysia
Full Support For Propagating The Truth
All the fellow initiates in Panama are sincere supporters of Master's teachings.
To spread Her teachings, they arranged a seminar featuring Master's videos.
All of them offered their greatest efforts, as they highly cherished the
opportunity of doing Master's work. During the few days of preparation
and on the day of the event, they worked day and night distributing leaflets
and putting up posters, to let more compatriots know about Master and the
Quan Yin Method. Several older practitioners even stopped their own work
temporarily to join the Truth spreading work with total devotion. Their
only goal was to perfectly convey Master's heavenly message to people who
longed to contact God.
A fellow initiate very seriously studied many issues of Master's News magazines,
hoping to find a way to successfully introduce Master's universal and brilliant
teachings to the multitude. On the day of the seminar, she saw Master's
photo radiating bright light. The audience also felt the strong blessing
power, and everyone was filled with heavenly bliss. Many people enrolled
for the initiation and the Convenient Method, and eagerly purchased Master's
publications to further explore Master's teachings. A reporter from Radio
Guadalupe signed up for the Convenient Method and wished to introduce Master's
teachings on the radio. Furthermore, many individuals and spiritual groups
have requested the initiates to make further arrangements so that they
might learn more about Master's teachings. Their sincere longing for the
Truth was most obvious.
Vegetarian Fever In England
In order to introduce more people with good affinity to Master and the
Quan Yin Method, fellow initiates in Birmingham, the largest city in central
England, participated in the "Spiritual, Mind and Body Exhibition"
to present Master's artistic creations. They also prepared several delicious
vegetarian dishes for visitors to taste and to understand the nutritional
value of vegetarian food. Because the exhibition hall was not suitable
for heavy cooking, fellow initiates made "Japanese vegetarian sushi,"
"vegetarian hamburgers," and had a "vegetarian barbecue,"
etc... The response from the visitors was great.
Delicately designed posters attracted many people. Most of them were very
curious after tasting the vegetarian food. When they realized that this
was a nonprofit, spiritual organization purely for the purpose of promoting
vegetarian diet and a high level of spiritual practice, they were very
touched. Fellow initiates explained to the visitors in detail simple ways
of preparing vegetarian food, having both good taste and nutritional value.
The visitors were highly impressed and were interested to know about Master's
teachings and the Quan Yin Method. Fellow initiates further understood
that God and Buddha could liberate sentient beings with good affinity using
various means -- "food" being one of them.
Fellow initiates also actively visited the other exhibitors. Some of them
felt the friendly and peaceful atmosphere and came over to buy vegetarian
food. They further discussed spiritual practice in depth. Some vegetarian
advocates were very happy to see our fellow initiates as if they had found
intimate friends. They came over to see Master's video tapes
whenever time allowed. Some picked up sample booklets which they didn't
have time to read yet. However, when they saw fellow initiates discuss
Master's teachings with visitors, they earnestly joined in the discussion
and began to consider spiritual practice. At the end of the exhibition,
some of them were feeling connected and asked when they could meet again.
They hoped to have more opportunities to understand the Quan Yin Method.
The New Focus At The Alternative Health Exhibition In Scotland
Tens of thousands of people were attracted to the Alternative Health Exhibition
in Glasgow, Scotland.
Fellow initiates from all over England came to participate in the exhibition
to promote Master's teachings. Master's video tapes were played, attracting
many people. They were very interest in Master's teachings. Many people
came back for more information after receiving the sample booklet. They
inquired about Master and the Quan Yin Method. They left happy, feeling
satisfied with the answers they had received.
While spreading Master's teachings, fellow initiates had also prepared
various kinds of delicious vegetarian food for the visitors to taste. Many
of them came back for more after the first taste. They praised, "Vegetarian
food tastes so good and is also healthy. I will try to cook some at home.
I will eat more vegetarian food from now on." A local health food
store owner asked us to sign a long term contract with him to supply various
vegetarian dishes for his store. It is quite clear that vegetarian diet
in England has been recognized as the new diet.
An Astrologer Is Certain That Master Is The World Saviour
In Calcutta, a fellow initiate met an astrologer, and they talked about
the world's future. The astrologer said that the world would take on a
new atmosphere around February 1998, and peace would come to the Earth.
He continued to say, "Then, a saviour will come to save the world."
Upon seeing Master's photograph, the astrologer looked quite amazed, and
said respectfully, "She must be the gift of the world!" He concluded
definitely, "It is Her! She is the world saviour, the manifestation
of a messiah, peace and mercy. At that time, millions of disciples will
follow Her." The astrologer finally solved the mystery about the identity
of the world saviour, which he had longed to know for many years.
Formosan Immigrants In Japan Hear About Master's Teachings
The Formosan Immigrants Association in Tokyo held a joyful party in the
Koma Theater a short while ago. All Chinese immigrants were invited. It
is an annual gathering for the immigrants in and around Tokyo. Many came
from the neighboring cities, such as Yama Nashi, Gumn Ma and Yidara Ki.
Fellow initiates in Tokyo also attended the
party. They distributed sample booklets to the people waiting in line to
go inside. A student who had just arrived from Formosa told an initiate
that he had heard one of Master's lectures in Formosa. Another man said
that he had seen Master on Channel 4 TV. Many people started reading the
sample booklets while waiting in line. Although the crowd at the party
was very large, with Master's blessing power, fellow initiates were able
to talk easily to those with good affinity about Master's teachings, adding
beauty to the souls at the party.
The Birth Of A New "Spiritual Power Charging-Station" In East
Taipei
Under Master's invisible blessings, a new "spiritual power charging-station"
was born in the East end of Taipei.
The Book Circulation Department in East Taipei is situated on a major street.
It has store at street level, expecting to bring those with good affinities
together. It is located near the intersection of Song-san Road and Yong-ji
Road, a densely populated commercial area. It's within a few minutes walking
distance from the Song-san Train Station. Many bus lines also converge
here, so public transportation is very convenient. Nearby, a large parking
garage will be built soon. So fellow practitioners won't have problems
finding parking spaces in the future.
There are four levels of usable space. The first floor is a bright and
clean book store. The second floor is the administrative office for the
local Taipei Meditation Center. There is also a simple and open-concept
meeting room. It also provides working space for both the translation and
art/design groups.
As you walk into the basement, the first thing you see is a resting area.
A few more steps down is a wooden floor, which gives people a warm welcome
feeling and is the result of meticulous designing by fellow initiates.
This place is also equipped to circulate fresh air. All initiates are welcome
to come and meditate here during open hours and enjoy a spiritual feast.
This beautiful place has officially opened and is ready for your enjoyment!
Report From Chiayi, Formosa
Cleaning Lan Tan and Renyi Tan To Protect The Water Sources
To apply Master's teachings, the Chiayi Center has scheduled voluntary
community cleaning work to be done each month, and occasional charitable
visitations. After several months' cleaning, Lan Tan has gradually regained
its original refreshing look. The litter problem from tourists has also
greatly minimized.
On a recent trip to Lan Tan, after the entire area had been cleaned, there
was still time to proceed to the second stop, Renyi Tan, to continue with
the cleaning work. Fellow practitioners, including men and women, old and
young, everyone holding litter tongs and a garbage bag, devotedly picked
up the litter on the ground, as if they were intoxicated by spiritual trance.
Our efforts made the young initiates realize the value of work and service.
Summer in the countryside, amid the soothing breeze while doing simple
physical work that flexes the body and raises the arms, helps people forget
the pressures of busy city life, and allows people to cultivate themselves,
while also benefiting society.
After the cleaning work was over, fellow practitioners cooked their meal.
The evening breeze dispersed the smoke and made the sky look hazy. The
beautiful mountains reflected in the pond -- making the atmosphere especially
serene. Delicious food accompanied by the wonderful scenery; everyone was
really delighted.
Appendix:
Members Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association Visit A Home For Senior Citizens.
Members of the Chiayi Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association, wishing to extend their love to make society more harmonious
and warm, visited the Boyan Home for Senior Citizens on Beian Street in
Chiayi, at 2:00 p.m. yesterday. They comforted and entertained the lonely
and sad old folks by singing songs and telling stories to them. Finally,
they served fruits and biscuits to the seniors, giving them a happy, heartwarming
time. Zhong Hwa Daily News, October 22, 1995
One Person Practices, The Whole Family Benefits
Singapore is a country highly favored by God. The feedback from the International
Book Exhibition recently held at the World Trade Center has continued till
now. In a very short time, there have been many new fellow initiates, and
even more would-be initiates who have applied for the Convenient Method.
A middle aged gentleman came over almost every afternoon to watch video
tapes of Master's lectures. One day he looked very upset. He had been thinking
that Supreme Master Ching Hai was his light of wisdom and when someone
introduced him to another method of practice, temporarily he was at a loss
as to what to do. The Quan Yin messenger thus suggested that he pray sincerely
to God for an answer before going to sleep that night. The next day he
reappeared joyfully at the center, and said that he was absolutely sure
that Supreme Master Ching Hai was the only spiritual master he wanted to
follow.
One fellow practitioner's father originally did not know about Master.
But after he watched the video tape of Her lecture, "The Greatest
Meaning Of Life Is To Practice The Quan Yin Method," his attitude
began to change. The brother only put one sticker with Master's picture
on his bedroom door, but his father put several on his own door.
One morning, before the father got up, he suddenly saw rings of red light
with lotus flowers in the center of them at the window that became brighter
and brighter. He felt that it was the Buddhas' and Bodhisattvas' light.
He thought that he had walked into the wrong bedroom, that he had slept
in his son's room. He thought this because his son practiced and meditated,
and thus could obtain blessings from the Buddas and Bodhisattvas. From
then on, he began to switched to vegetarian diet, and to worship Master's
picture in the morning and evening. Moreover, he now suggests that his
friends recite Master's holy name; and told them: "Quan Yin Bodhisattva
is very merciful, but Supreme Master Ching Hai is better."
Spreading Love To The Native Inhabitants
In Kuala Lumpur there is a mountain area called Gombak, a government protected
area reserved for the native people.
Having contacted some of the locals there, fellow initiates knew their
lives have been well taken care of by the government. They lacked only
clothing, and a lawn-mower which was most urgently needed. Therefore, fellow
initiate from all over the country (including those from Singapore) donated
clothing. Also, on a public holiday, they prepared some vegetarian dishes,
snacks and drinks, to share with the people there.
Only upon reaching the stream did they know that a bridge had been built
over the stream to welcome them, so that they could cross conveniently.
This was indeed touching. The local representative repeatedly thanked them
as he received the clothing and lawn-mower; and was amazed to find that
vegetarian food could be so delicious.
Everyone had a joyous and meaningful day amid the beautiful mountains and
streams. The native representative enthusiastically invited fellow initiates
to hold retreats in this natural and tranquil valley. The language barrier
presented no problem because the strength of Master's love provided the
best means of communication.
Report From Penang, Malaysia
A Charity Bazaar For The Blind Children
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was invited to a
most meaningful charity food fair, originally organized by the teachers
and parents of the S.R.P.K. St. Nicholas School for Blind Children.
That morning, in time with the beat of the drums, the blind children marched
past in high spirits, and the program commenced. A very light shower descended,
bringing a refreshing coolness to subdue the hot weather.
Early in the morning, fellow initiates had prepared plenty of vegetarian
food, including both Eastern and Western desserts, and also drinks, for
the charity fair. The Karaoke sing-along session conducted by the fellow
initiates created a warm atmosphere and opportunity for the blind children
and adults to show their talents.
Next to the Karaoke area, the guests read the Supreme Master Ching Hai
News magazines and the specially printed compilations of Master's lectures,
while savouring the pure and delicious vegetarian food. They were satisfied
both in body and spirit. The beautiful posters of Master on the car windows
attracted great attention from the public. As far as we could see, sincerity
and cordial love pervaded everywhere.
Report From Ipoh, Malaysia
No More Regret After Meeting The Enlightened Master
Over eighty years old, Mr. Lu has been consuming meat and alcohol all his
life. Not long ago, his daughter-in-law took him to a friend's home (an
initiated disciple of Supreme Master Ching Hai), to watch Master's lecture
videos. Immediately, he decided to pursue spiritual practice, and requested
to learn the Convenient Method.
With Master's kind permission, he learned the Convenient Method. Several
days later, his chronic disease recurred, so his family rushed him to hospital.
The doctor told them it was time to prepare him for his funeral.
His family hurriedly brought him home, bathed him, and put clean clothes
on him. They also played the holy song, "Hallelujah" sung by
Master, to him through earphones. Shortly after, his relatives saw him
begin to smile, then laugh happily, and finally laugh in ecstasy like an
innocent child, as he passed away.
This incredible news was widely spread among the neighbours, who had never
seen any person laughing so happily while dying. Mr. Lu only followed Supreme
Master Ching Hai to practice the Convenient Method and observed the vegetarian
diet for only a few days, yet he received such great blessing.
Mews Magazine #52
Master Says
The Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas The Way To Perfect A Family
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Taipei, Formosa
Dec. 17, 1986 (Originally In Chinese)
There are many grades of Bodhisattvas: First Grade, Second Grade ... Eighth
Grade to Tenth Grade Bodhisattvas, and also the Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas.
Mahasattvas are Bodhisattvas of the highest grade - the bosses of all Bodhisattvas.
However, there is another kind of Bodhisattva who does not seem to save
people. We revere them as Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas. Their merits
are as vast as the ocean - very pure and tranquil, so they are the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean
Bodhisattvas. Their power is like the ocean and they work in absolute silence.
Like pure water, no one can perceive their existence, though we are still
aware of the manifestation form of the Bodhisattvas. The Pure-Tranquil
Bodhisattvas are superior to the Mahasattvas.
In the universe, there are many levels waiting for us to attain, and many
positions for us to achieve. Therefore, being new to the practice, there
is nothing we can be proud of. Possessing only trivial magical powers,
some people boast arrogantly. What is the use of knowing a little bit about
the past, present and future? Even if we know that the world will be destroyed
tomorrow, we cannot change anything. As well, during the time between now
and tomorrow, we would be extremely frightened, and wouldn't be able to
sleep or eat. For those who do not know that the world will end tomorrow,
at least they can sleep sweetly and enjoy twenty-four hours more of peaceful
time.
Therefore, it is really useless to know about the past, present and future.
To pave our future, we should begin with our present actions. In our daily
life, endeavor to be a moral person, clearly observe the Five Precepts
that I taught you: do not kill, do not steal, refrain from sexual misconduct,
do not lie, and do not consume alcohol. It is enough to keep these Five
Precepts strictly; no need to talk about too many commandments. Should
you be able to keep the Five Precepts clearly, it doesn't matter even if
you don't believe in me, do not practice the Quan Yin Method, or do not
want liberation from birth and death. Even though you don't believe in
me, you still have to be a good person, and keep the Five Precepts well;
so that at least you can come back again as a human. Otherwise, there is
no other way.
I have never taught you any bad things. You may not believe in me -- the
person, but you should believe in my teachings. I only teach you good things.
It is simple if you want to be a human being. Simply keep the Five Precepts
strictly, then you won't have any trouble. By strictly observing the Five
Precepts, even though you do not practice the Quan Yin Method, you can
still be a human being. Otherwise, it is not easy to get the human body
again.
The human body is very precious, without which we would not have the six
sense-organs and the six senses, which are essential for our spiritual
practice. Of course, we know the six sense-organs and the six senses are
the most disgusting obstacles, but we must also use them in our spiritual
practice. We cannot pursue spiritual practice without them. Understand?
Truly, we don't need the ears to hear the inner sound, but how can we listen
without ears? The visions in meditation are also not observed with the
eyes; but without this body, we also cannot perceive, cannot see the Buddha's
world. We would be ignorant about heaven or hell, or the Western Paradise.
Therefore, the human body is very precious.
It is easy if you don't wish to become a human; it is only difficult if
you wish to become one. However, it is even more difficult to become a
Buddha. It is difficult enough just to become an ordinary Bodhisattva;
but to become a Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattva, there are many more ordeals.
To become a "Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva" -- a formless, supreme
Bodhisattva, one must go through innumerable inconceivable, indescribable
and severe tests, which are extremely difficult to pass. We may have transmigrated
into this world millions of times, yet we have never heard of such severe
tests; we could never hear of them.
If we have read extensively, we would have read about the great spiritual
practitioners of the past, about the ordeals and painful sufferings encountered
on their spiritual path. However, even the most outstanding and painful
ordeals could not match those suffered by the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas,
both in frequency and intensity.
The Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas are almost the same as the Buddha,
except that the Buddha is "inactive" while the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean
Bodhisattvas are "active." They travel the universe taking good
care of it, and keeping it in good order. Their responsibility is to take
care of the universe, while that of the Mahasattvas is to save human souls
and bring them home. Whoever wishes to go to the Western Paradise should
study under the Mahasattvas. They manifest themselves in this world to
save people and bring their souls back to their homeland -- the Heavenly
Kingdom, the Western Pureland.
You often chant the names of the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas, but
without knowing who they are. Even if they'd appear before your eyes, you
would not know. Only the Mahasattvas know who are the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean
Bodhisattvas. Ordinary people could not possibly know, because they do
not wish to reveal their level and power. They look very ordinary, very
commonplace, more ordinary than any person. Even when they are in this
world, no one knows that they are Bodhisattvas. They absolutely refrain
from showing any magical power, and simply work silently, totally unnoticed
by ordinary humans.
The work of the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas is different from that of the
Mahasattvas. They absolutely refrain from intervening with people's karma,
while the Mahasattvas do. They can save a person from hell and take him
to heaven; or take any person, heavily burdened with karma, to the Western
Paradise. In the same situations, the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas just observe
on one side without taking any action. Their work is to take care of the
functioning of the universe and maintain the existence of the universe.
They don't save people. You may be starving to death or are being roasted
by hell-fire, they are simply oblivious. To us, the ordinary humans, the
Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas may seem very cruel and remote; but they are
not. It is only due to the different nature of their work.
However, it is not simple to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva; I don't
think you can pass the trials. To become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, the
training system that one must go through is extremely strict and severe.
This agonizing training process cannot be described in words, and is totally
unheard of and inconceivable by ordinary humans. Just like in the army,
there are various types of training: infantry, navy, air force, spy, and
the most risky--special task force. Trained even to kill enemies face to
face, the training of the special task force is the most arduous. Right?
To become Bodhisattvas, different training is also required to attain different
grades. Therefore, to become Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas, extremely arduous
practice is required. Arduous practice alone does not make one a Pure-Tranquil
Bodhisattva, but it is essential to go through the most bitter training.
Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are specially selected; we cannot become one
just by wishing. Any spiritual practitioner who has not surpassed the three
realms, has no hope of being selected.
All the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are selected in the fifth realm. No
one can become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva within the three realms, as
we still have to transmigrate. Our lessons in this world still have not
been learned, so we won't be picked to undergo the most severe training.
One must first become a Bodhisattva of the fifth realm, and be willing
to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, before one is qualified for selection.
However, once selected, one has to undergo the most severe training, which
is even more painful and severe than the system in hell.
There are many levels in spiritual practice, and the road of cultivation
is very long. Therefore, as a new practitioner, one should not boast and
exaggerate. I tell you not to reveal your experiences to others for your
own good, not for me. You can tell the whole country if you like, I will
not be affected. You only hurt yourself by divulging your own treasures.
So, practice in silence; because we have to protect our level, and climb
slowly to become Buddhas, Mahasattvas, and superior Bodhisattvas. If a
new practitioner has some magical power, and goes out to advertise himself
because he is not stable within, you should know this kind of person is
unreliable. Upon seeing these people, an attained spiritual practitioner
can tell that they are experiencing obstacles -- suffering from the "Zen
Symptom" we often mention. People not suffering from the "Zen
Symptom" will not go out bragging.
Spiritual practitioners should be humble. The higher their level, the more
humble they are and the more they fear that people may detect their level
and power. Some people are still okay in the initial stages of their practice.
However, after attaining a trivial level and having some experiences, they
brag everywhere. They talk so much that they run into many evil obstacles.
The higher their level, the more evil obstacles there will be.
Therefore, the most terrible mistake in spiritual practice is talking about
experiences. Having talked too much, the experiences become distorted in
nature, or they simply do not come anymore, leaving only illusions. It
is because the concentrated power is wasted, and the spiritual ambience
is damaged. Originally, the spiritual ambience is a protective wall. However,
as one leaks out too much, the devil will dig a hole in it and enter. In
spiritual practice, we dread boasting and arrogant attitudes. The prouder
one is, the greater his trouble.
I also know that it is not very easy for a spiritual practitioner to believe
in a master. Therefore, if you do not believe in me, it is not your fault.
It is due to the atmosphere of this final stage of the Dharma. This is
why the present era is called the final stage of the Dharma.
Spiritual practice is indeed not easy. It is said in the Surangama Sutra:
In the final stage of Dharma, if a person is truly sincere in his practice,
though he might have only practiced a little, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
will come and render great help to him. Unfortunately, few people have
the sincerity and faith for serious practice. Most of them choose the easier
and more relaxed way, reluctant to take the difficult and austere path.
To practice our method, one has to be a vegetarian and meditate for at
least two and a half hours each day. Besides, we are forbidden to kill,
lie, commit sexual misconduct, steal and consume alcohol. To most people,
this is too strict and arduous.
Even in this world, if one wishes to get a Ph.D -- become a doctor or lawyer,
or to earn prestige in society, one must study assiduously. Isn't it true?
Naturally, it must be more arduous for those who wish to become a Buddha
or Bodhisattva, and be liberated from life and death in one lifetime.
In this final stage of the Dharma, for a little bit of our sincerity, the
Buddha and Bodhisattvas will help us a lot. This is really great. Otherwise,
your two and a half hours meditation is nothing really! Shakyamuni Buddha
meditated all day long. Many people meditate for ten to twenty hours without
gaining anything. If the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas did not help us with
their power, we would get nowhere in our practice.
Actually, spiritual practice is not really so bitter; it is more difficult
to eliminate the arrogance, and even more difficult to keep this big mouth
from leaking. Arrogance and exaggeration are the most difficult to rectify.
Practitioners who do not have much experience or progress in their practice
are mainly hindered by their arrogance. They talk too much. They are still
new to the practice, yet they talk so much.
Shakyamuni Buddha also forbade His disciples to brag. Maudgalaputra possessed
magical power, but the Buddha forbade him to use it. I also give you the
same advice. As you practice, magical powers naturally come, but you must
not boast about them. If you have the power to read minds, better not to
let anyone know. Otherwise, people will be afraid of you, fearing that
you will read their mind whenever they come to see you. Then, no one would
dare to come to see you. Right?
Should you possess other powers like "heavenly legs" or "heavenly
eyes," keep it a secret too. Other people may harm us if they know
about it. There are no advantages. Some people would be jealous, as they
would hate us for being higher than them. If we talked about something
that they dislike, they would think of ways to harm us with black magic.
Just like Maudgalaputra. He loved using magical power, but eventually he
was harmed by heretics with black magic.
Therefore, I have kept advising you and warning you not to reveal your
spiritual level to others. Nevertheless, some people still cannot remove
this shortcoming. Being part of their personality, it is very difficult
to change them, and this causes great troubles. If we notice this type
of person, better keep away from him, and do not listen to his words. Otherwise,
you will be infected, as with an infectious disease.
When we live with a person with evil obstacles--you don't even have to
live with them, just by sitting close to them, you are already infected
with half his problem. When you go to visit a patient -- mix around and
have contact with him, half his illness has passed to you. You have to
accept half his karma. Otherwise, why do the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,
when they manifest and come to this world, become ordinary humans after
they are born? They first become ordinary humans, and then practice to
become Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Although they are manifestations of Buddhas
or Bodhisattvas, they will still be contaminated by the world if they do
not pursue spiritual practice.
Take Shakyamuni Buddha for example; you all know that He was the Prabhapala
Mahasattva descending from the Tusita Heaven. His mission was to save the
people on Earth. However, for thirty years after He was born, He didn't
do anything to benefit sentient beings. He was a prince who didn't have
to work, only enjoyed worldly pleasures everyday -- having no idea about
spiritual practice.
When He was born, He could walk seven steps. Still aware of who He was,
He said, "I am supreme, in heaven and on Earth." However, as
He grew up, He also became ignorant, even more ignorant than ordinary people.
Surrounded by so many pretty girls, He simply enjoyed the world everyday,
and thought about nothing else. He was deliberately surrounded by a comfortable
environment, badly pampered by His parents, and flattered by His subordinates.
They kept Him from knowing any undesirable situations, and forbade anyone
from reminding Him to pursue spiritual practice. Therefore, before He reached
thirty, He was an ordinary human. He was the manifestation of a Mahasattva,
and had attained Buddhahood long ago. Yet, when born in this world, He
inevitably became an ordinary human.
Therefore, this world is really horrible. Without pursuing spiritual practice,
even the one incarnated from a Buddha or Bodhisattva will definitely get
lost. Therefore, under any circumstances, He must practice again.
You often ask me: "Doesn't every person have a Buddha-nature? Why
are we still ordinary humans?" It is because, after coming to this
world, we are "infected" and "delivered" by the ordinary
humans. The world is just like an epidemic region. At first, only one person
gets the disease. Soon it spreads to two or three persons. Then to more
and more people, until the whole region is infected. Sometimes, all the
people and even animals in a town are killed, not even a kitten or puppy
can survive. So, infectious diseases are truly horrible.
Similarly, when the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas come to this world, they will
also become ordinary humans if they do not pursue spiritual practice. Originally,
we were all Buddhas, possessing a Buddha-nature. Then why are we not aware,
and do not perceive it? It is because, we have been "delivered"
by this world for a long time. Now that we have just begun to practice,
how can we know immediately? However, through diligent practice, sooner
or later we will become Bodhisattvas. "Those who practice will become
Bodhisattvas; those who do not practice will become ordinary humans"--this
logic is definite, and there is nothing else to be said.
You can see that even Shakyamuni Buddha took six years of practice to become
a Buddha. Jesus Christ practiced for over a decade, and finally became
a great Master. The Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng was already enlightened when
he met the Fifth Patriarch Hong Ren, yet he had to hide himself and practiced
for sixteen years, after the Fifth Patriarch Hong Ren had passed the Dharma
to him. Bodhidharma did not deliver sentient beings during his time, because
his power seemed insufficient still. (Master laughs.) No one listened to
him, so he talked to the wall for nine years. I heard that because of his
prolonged meditation, he could not walk afterwards. In later generations,
we often saw his pictures portraying him walking--that was the image of
his manifestation body for people to see.
The saying goes: "He who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and
he who stays near ink gets stained black." Mixing with bad people,
one will become evil; mixing with virtuous people, one will become virtuous;
staying with learned people, one can learn something; staying with foolish
people, one will also become an idiot. A person who speaks English fluently
would also forget, if he has not spoken English for thirty years. To speak
English one must practice everyday. If you stay with a non-English speaking
person for a long time, later you cannot speak English, or cannot speak
fluently.
Just like me, I do not speak Au Lac language very fluently now because
I have not spoken it for a long time. I even have a problem with my English.
(Laughter) However, there won't be any problem after I have stayed in the
United States for a few days. However, if I carry on speaking Chinese everyday
like this, thirty years later, perhaps I won't be able to speak English
at all. So it is with spiritual practice. By staying with a certain type
of person, you will eventually become like him. This is why one must be
careful in choosing a real master in spiritual practice.
Now, do you still want to become Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas? (Someone answers:
Yes.) Some people would immediately put on a long face just after a trivial
scolding from me. How can they expect to become Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas
this way? (Laughter) It is not simple to become this type of Bodhisattva.
Once you have vowed to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, you are in great
trouble. Even an ordinary master has so many troubles, can you imagine
those of the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas?
In this universe, besides the Buddha, the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas have
the next highest status. The supreme position in the universe is the highest
Buddha, the Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi. Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are the
second highest. They are above the laws of the universe. They go to heavens
and hells just like we go to the markets to buy food. They go wherever
they wish, and do whatever they like. Nothing else is more superior than
they are because the highest Buddha is originally motionless -- the Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi
is absolutely still. Therefore, in reality, the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas
are the highest.
Q: May I ask, Master, is there only one Buddha?
M: No, the Buddha means the power. For instance, in England, the Queen is
of course in the highest position; but she does nothing, and does not intervene
in politics. She is only a symbol of the supreme position. However, Mrs.
Thatcher is the most famous, and every country knows about her. Any person
in the position of the Prime Minister is always the most famous. She is
more well-known than the Queen. Everyone is afraid of her, and she can
do whatever she wants. Of course, the position of the Queen is supreme,
but not as powerful as the Prime Minister. Right? The Queen does not go
from place to places, does nothing, and will not change any laws. However,
the Prime Minister has to do everything. She is very stern, and is sometimes
rejected by other people. For instance, Mrs. Thatcher is famous for being
a stern Prime Minister. People call her the Iron Lady because she is very
staunch in attitude, and has great power. Even the Queen of England can
do nothing about her. She can only advise her, "Please don't be so
stern, try to give in a little bit sometimes." However, she simply
won't give in. Isn't it the case?
So are the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas. In this universe, they have the
highest power. Be more diligent if you wish to become one. However, I am
afraid you cannot endure the most severe training system. Therefore, take
it slowly. Become a Bodhisattva first, then climb slowly. However, if you
vow wholeheartedly, one day you will definitely become a Pure-Tranquil
Bodhisattvas. We can become what we are determined to be--this is definite.
But, it may not be realized so quickly -- perhaps in the next lifetime,
or several lifetimes later. However, if you are willing, you may eventually
succeed.
Q: Will the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas come to this world?
M: Yes! Why not? They are everywhere.
Q: Will they have karma when coming to this world? Will they also be infected
by this world? (Laughter)
M: No, They won't have any karma, nor will they be infected by the world.
Q: Do they also come to this world with their manifestation bodies?
M: They are different from the manifestation bodies of the Mahasattvas. They
are the law, and they possess all their powers -- fully equipped with magical
powers, and can become whatever they want. Their magical power, their power
and their authority are always there. They are different from ordinary
Bodhisattvas.
Q: In this case, I would like to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva.
M: I know you want to be a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, (laughter) but it is
not that easy. Talk about it again when you have reached the fifth realm
in your practice.
Q: May I ask, Master: do the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas have to go through
the process of birth and growing up, when they come to this world?
M: It is not always necessary. They are different from ordinary Bodhisattvas.
Q: Do They come to the world only for their work?
M: Right! They come and go as they wish.
Q: But the ordinary Bodhisattvas must first be born when they come? Is that
right?
M: Right! The ordinary ones must first go through birth, which the Pure-Tranquil
Bodhisattvas don't have to. They can transform themselves into anything
they wish. Instantly, they can become a fly or a stone, but there is power
within this stone or fly. Whatever they have transformed themselves into,
they are fully aware that they are the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas. They
vanish or come into being as they wish. They can transform themselves into
a human or a dog as they prefer. However, this transformed dog is no ordinary
dog, and is free of karma. When in the human form, they will not be infected
with the karma from other people, nor will they be contaminated by the
society. Whatever form they have taken, their consciousness is always fully
awake. The Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are at the highest position. If there
is really a highest God, then they are only slightly lower than God. God
is number one, they are number two. Understand?
Q: Where do the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas receive their training?
M: They are trained in the superior dimensions.
Q: Will They remain forever Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas, or will they eventually
become Buddhas?
M: They are forever Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas. They can become Buddhas if
they wish, but they don't have to.
Q: Master, You said the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are absolutely apathetic
to outer influences. Suppose a sentient being happened to meet the manifestation
body of the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas, will they help him?
M: They won't help.
Q: Why?
M: It is because there are other Bodhisattvas doing that job!
Q: But They can still save people by the way!
M: Why should they save you? The Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas have no relationship
with you. They take care of the whole universe, not only one or two persons,
or groups. They are different from the Mahasattvas.
Q: If They found a dying person, would they save him?
M: How can they save him? If you are not a doctor, how can you heal patients
when they come to you? They cannot do this type of work. They are too busy
to care about matters concerning one or two persons, or even the whole
world. They are very busy, extremely busy! They have no time to care about
one or two persons.
Q: Would Master please illustrate with an example, the severe training that
the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas would have to undergo?
M: This cannot be described in words because there is no such training system
in this world. (Laughter) I have just told you that this training is more
severe and painful than in hell. It is beyond your imagination.
Q: How can there be such evil things in the superior worlds?
M: These are not evil things, but essential training.
Q: Can every person become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva?
M: This is decided by their selection. Once you are picked, they will train
you slowly.
Q: Who makes the decision?
M: The Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas do. They select whoever they want, and we
won't know about it in advance. We only know after we have been selected,
because we will have to go through certain ordeals or sufferings. However,
you won't be picked while still in this world -- this I can assure you.
(Laughter) Talk about it after you have reached the fifth realm. You can
only possibly be selected, after you have surpassed the three realms.
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa.
Oct. 8, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)
It is not by talking that we love a person. Most people shout very loudly
their love -- "love, love, love!" It sounds disgusting. If you
truly love a person, people would sense it without seeing you, without
hearing from you. If you do not have the duty of being a Master or any
great mission that requires you to leave home, you should treat your family
well, take care of your relatives and friends, and influence them by love.
True love is not shown by word of mouth -- not by talking. If you truly
love your husband you should learn how to cook well for him and put on
makeup to show your beauty to him.
Being a wife previously, I did not dress up when I went to work during
the day. It was truly like that. For whom do you dress up for during the
day time? Even if the whole world adoringly stares at you, what benefit
would you get? If your husband does not even want to look at you, can you
bear it? During the day time it is necessary to protect and nourish your
skin by putting on skin cream, etcetera. In the evening when your husband
comes back, then you may light up the candles, wear beautiful clothes,
and put on makeup for him. It should be like this that you love your husband;
it is not by talking.
You do not know how to cook, your body smells awful but you just do not
care, and you dress like the head of a gang of beggars everyday; but still
you expect your husband to love you. How can he? He is merely a human too.
He has his own shortcomings. He has his preferences, but nothing in you
can delight him. Still you force him to love you, but even God cannot force
him!
I know this kind of situation would be uncomfortable for the husband. He
wants to love his wife but he cannot. There is nothing that can make him
love her.
Therefore, when we love a person, we should be aware of what he loves the
most, and then offer him what he is fond of. Only in this way can you say
you love him. It's not by speaking repeatedly day and night, without taking
care of yourself and your family.
The house is not cleaned for two or three months. The face is not washed
for two months. You dress untidily. Even though you dress up beautifully
when you are away from home; but after you come back home, you look like
a beggar for your husband. This is because you do not understand the essentials.
If you give much thought to your marriage, it must be happy ones. You don't
have to be as pretty as Hsishi (an ancient Viet beauty). Every girl is
pretty in some aspects. If you think you are not beautiful, you can learn
how a movie star walks, how a beauty sits, and learn how she takes care
of herself. Nowadays, you can learn these things by reading books or making
a phone call to consult a specialist. You can learn. There is no reason
why a wife or husband cannot do house work.
I know it's not a question concerning practice, but you often come over
or write letters to ask about family problems which trouble you the most.
I understand that if you do not have peace with your family, you would
have no way to calm down, you would not be able to enter samadhi when you
meditate. Marriage is also connected with practice. That's why it's said,
"Buddha's way cannot be isolated from the mundane way." I cannot
just say because they are mundane things, I will not answer your questions.
However, you did not apply what I have told you. All of you said, "I
understand! I understand! I have listened to many boxes of video tapes."
(Audience laughs.) But you always ask the same questions.
The problem is not that Master does not answer you, rather you do not practice
what I say. If medicine is prescribed, but you do not take it, then your
disease will not be cured. Master has talked and told both husbands and
wives; but there are some trivial things you have not yet learned, such
as you should brush your teeth for 3 - 5 minutes. If you do not know how
to brush, ask your dentist. You may brush twice or three times! Brush,
then brush again or twice more. Your teeth should be clean by then. Nowadays
there are many kinds of mouthwashes, perfumes, soaps, etcetera, which can
remove body odor.
You should dress beautifully to look nice. The clothes do not necessarily
have to be expensive ones; otherwise, you would not be able to change them
everyday. You may make them yourself or buy cheaper ones, colorful ones.
If you are lively, whatever clothes you wear would make you look beautiful.
It's not necessary that they have to be expensive ones.
Most of the clothes I wear are made here -- very cheap. I just buy a piece
of cloth, it can be made immediately into a dress. Sometimes I go to buy
clothes on sale on the roadside. That colorful skirt I wore two weeks ago
was bought in Taipei. It's worth less than a few dozen NT dollars only.
The way it's made is also simple. You all said Master was beautiful, but
in fact it did not cost much.
Don't buy clothes that are too expensive; otherwise, you cannot change
frequently. Be wiser. They are sold cheaply in some places, but they are
beautiful. It's good as long as it suits you. If you knew how to match
your clothes, you would look better. This wouldn't cost you much. No need
to complain that your husband didn't give you much money, so you cannot
make yourself beautiful. Only a stupid person would donate money to dress
shops. We should donate to ourselves, instead of the bosses of dress shops.
(Audience laughs.)
It's the same for men. When you practice, sure you should wear simple clothes
-- comfortable and loose, which make you feel comfortable when you sit.
However, when you go back home or go out with your wife, you should dress
fashionably, tidy yourself up, and make yourself look good. Accompanied
by a handsome, nice looking man, the wife would be proud. Do you think
she would like to go out with a beggar? (Audience laughs.) You want your
wife to look beautiful and nice, then how about yourself? You wear worn
out sports trousers when you sit in the Ashram, and when you take your
wife out, you still wear clothes like this.
Practice has its principles. Going out to do worldly things also has its
principles. The two cannot be mixed up. Then you complain to me: "Practice
makes me become like this." You guys really humiliate your Master.
You don't know when to advance and when to retreat. You don't know the
proper way. You don't know what to do according to the situation. You don't
know how to handle an altered situation. That means you do not have wisdom.
Master's disciples should not be like this. Don't shame my name. If you
are like this, don't tell others that you are the disciple of the "Supreme
Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih Supreme Master Zhu." (Master and audience
laugh. Audience applauds.)
It's not very difficult to obtain something, but it's difficult to keep
it. You have to know what to do. You have to pay the price for everything.
Is it not so? If you want to have a Benz, you have to pay back the loan
for a period of time. The Benz also drinks gasoline like a fish and you
need to pay a lot of insurance. You also have to pay a lot of money for
the maintenance of the car. If you want to keep a Benz, you have to pay
the price. Or you may buy a Yulong or some other model of car.
You became careless after you got married. You did not look after yourself.
Then your husband ran away from you and you came crying to me. What's the
use of crying to me? You should go to the beauty parlor and cry, then they
will help you and tidy you up. (All laughed.) They would cut and perm your
hair, stretch your skin, cut your eyelids, prop up your nose, and rebuild
your ears. These things may help. But what's the use of crying to me? Even
if I can summon the wind and rain, I cannot call your husband back. Sometimes
when I see you, I also want to find another wife for your husband. (Master
and audience laugh.) You yourself are in a mess, but you still force your
husband to love you. How can it be possible?
Nowadays both the wife and the husband have to look after themselves. The
body has to be clean -- bathe frequently, brush your teeth and rinse your
mouth carefully. Go to see your dentist or other doctors regularly. See
what needs to be fixed and fix it. You have to be neatly dressed. If you
dress untidily with clothes that are worn out, your husband would not even
want to look at your face. How could he love you? Those girls outside,
they are not married. Therefore they put a lot of attention on applying
powder, spraying perfume, taking baths, brushing teeth, visiting beauty
parlors, etcetera. You have to look after yourself, then your husband will
love you. This is the person you were before and this is also the reason
why your husband loved you, isn't it?
It is a psychological problem of we human beings. It's the same for both
men and women. Having one is not enough because one person only has one
quality and is only good in one aspect. For example, if she can cook, then
she is not good at cleaning the house. She may know both -- how to cook
and clean the house, but she may not know how to do other things. Maybe
she doesn't know how to put on makeup. Even occasionally going out with
her would make you lose face and want to hide her somewhere. When she goes
to talk with others, they would hold their noses because she smells awful.
Sometimes when the body smells awful or is dressed untidily, everything
is terrible. In addition, if you cannot even cook, then "Good bye!"
(Audience laughs.)
We cannot force others to love us, if we are not worth it. If you failed
to be a good husband or wife, you have to think for yourself: "Why
have I failed? How can I improve? Can I succeed next time? Why couldn't
I do well in this aspect?" If you really cannot, then quit. If you
can, then improve yourself; learn diligently until you succeed. It's as
simple as that! Why does your husband love another woman? We don't have
to hate her. We should go and learn from her whatever advantages she may
have. If you know that woman, go and learn what made your husband fond
of her, and do the same after going back home; or you may do better than
she does. Then your husband would of course not want to leave you. It is
because the husbands or wives love us that they married us. Where has that
love gone? It is impossible that the love has disappeared completely. It
is we who did not take care of the marriage, or we did not pay much attention
to it, or did not love the husband or wife, or were too lazy to improve
ourselves. Later we realize that it was our fault; but then it is too late.
It's the same in doing worldly things. If we want to succeed, we have to
work hard. Understand? Worldly things have to be done in a worldly way
rather than in a spiritual way; otherwise, it is taking useless advantage
of the spiritual power.
When I was in Africa, I got to know a prince and several princesses. They
told me that all the members of the royal family have to learn witchcraft
and a lot of magic. They would then be able to know who is bad, who is
good, etcetera. They can also make you love them using their magic, which
would make you follow him without your awareness. Is there any benefit
in using magical power?
Long time ago, when disciples just started to come, I did not have time
to teach them. One female disciple's husband left her, so she came to me
and cried loudly. She requested me to teach her magic, to make her husband
come back and love her. I told her, "I don't have such magic. Even
if I had, I would not impart it to you. I do not like black magic but I
know a lot of white magic. Do you want to learn?"
She said, "Yes."
I said, "You should speak a bit softer, put on makeup more beautifully.
Occasionally you should wear new clothes, but not necessarily expensive
ones. You should sometimes change your moods; do not always be sweet, graceful
or stubborn everyday. You should occasionally change according to the situation."
This is because men like different kinds and different characteristics
of women. It's the same with us, the woman. You cannot like only one characteristic
everyday the same -- dull (audience laughs), without a change. It seems
good but not truly good. Sometimes it is not bad to be a little bad. Have
a change!
Most men like variety. If you already know this and you also want to keep
your husband then keep changing yourself. Otherwise take a few woman home
as wives for your husband. What do you prefer? If you prefer having peace
in the family and keeping your husband at home, take a few wives for him
because he likes variety and different characteristics for different days.
It would be the best if you could play various characters to meet his needs.
It's the same for the husband. Then the family would have peace and there
would be no need to come to me and cry loudly.
You all have magical power. Keep your body clean and sweet smelling all
the time. Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth before you talk. Don't
do this: after eating garlic and onion, you go to him and tell him, "I
love you!" (Master and audience laugh.) At that time, no matter how
romantic it may be or how many candles you light, it won't help. Those
trivial matters may scare him. I was scared previously.
If someone smells awful, I cannot bear it. I would want to vomit and cannot
talk with him about anything. My attention would be diverted, and I would
always think: "Why didn't he clean his mouth?" I would keep thinking
like this and my mind would not be able to concentrate on him, but only
think how to escape from this atmosphere: "When will he stop talking?"
or "How can I let him know it?", etcetera. All the inspiration
would be lost.
So don't blame him for not loving you. How can he love you? He does not
even have enough time to try to run away from you! If you were him, you
would not like it as well!
But it also depends. Maybe your husband likes that kind of smell, then
keep it! (Audience laughs.) You have to clarify this with him!
For those people who are at high levels, they will not like that kind of
awful smell. Therefore we have to raise our level, look after ourselves
without blaming others. In case someone doesn't like us or your husband
or wife runs away from you, we have to ask ourselves: "Why?"
Truly and frankly ask ourselves what mistakes we have made and whether
we have achieved what the other party has expected us to achieve. Then
we would know the reasons. No need to come and ask Master and request for
magic. That's no use! Even if I taught you that kind of magic -- like seizing
your lover's heart, controlling his mind, making him stay beside you, would
you prefer this? Would you love that dull-looking wife or husband who is
obsessed with you? He would not truly love you, but would be only bound
and lost in you. His mind would become confused. He would start to like
what he did not like before. It's also a kind of mental disorder. Would
you like this abnormal wife or husband? (Audience answer: "No, we
would not like this.")
Therefore I tell you that magic is useless. We should only convince others
with our own qualities, virtues and inner beauty. Externally we respect
ourselves, which would be pleasing to the eyes of others; your voice would
melt the hearts of whomever listens to it; or our behavior, action and
the manner with which we treat others will touch them. This kind of love
will last longer instead of resorting to magic so easily.
I know that family problems trouble you the most, don't they? (Audience:
Yes!) Sometimes it makes us feel bad. I know it. For example, you are very
loyal people. Especially after initiation, you want to abide by Master's
instructions and sincerely want to take care of your family -- loving your
wife or husband. But sometimes you cannot bear it; you feel bad, struggle,
and feel guilty. I know these are the most troublesome things that bother
you. But some wives just stagnate and refuse to improve. She does not look
after herself, does not care whether her husband loves her or not, does
not care whether she is attractive or not, whether she is lively. She does
not express to her husband that she respects and cares about her husband's
opinions. She doesn't even care whether her husband loves her or not. Both
the husband and the wife are stuck there. The husband, as well as the wife,
are like this. Both blame each other and drag each other down. One rots,
the other rots more. No one cares about the other. Then it becomes worse
and worse until no one wants to look at each other, and finally throws
the precepts back to Master and says: "I feel really bad. I'm sorry,
but I have to find another one anyhow." Sometimes it's useless to
find another one. Changing to another doesn't mean things will become better.
Later it will be the same. You marry another lady and she will rot as well
as the previous one, exactly the same.
After marriage few people still try to preserve the marriage -- respect
each other like a guest, or pay attention to one's behavior and manners,
as well as the internal virtues and attractiveness. Most people who annoy
each other, stick there and become worse and worse. Life can not be beautiful
like this. If you want to be monks, you may come here and rot together,
no problem. But if you want to live in society, you have to try to protect
your family -- offer each other a joyful atmosphere and make life happy.
When you are at home, you should look after yourself and look after your
husband or wife. Sometimes the husband should remind her, ask her: "Why
haven't you combed your hair lately?" Ask her: "How long since
you last took a bath?" Say it humorously. Remind each other and respect
each other.
If we lose our spirit, the marriage will be lost for sure. Both parties
cannot attract each other. If we ourselves do not want to live, how can
the other party love us? We do not have inner spirit; we do not want to
strive; we are not happy inside and do not care about anything. If you
do not care about yourself, who else will care about you? Your husband
is also a human being, not a piece of wood. All human beings love truth,
virtue and beauty. If something is beautiful, for sure he will like to
look at it. But if the one at home is so ugly, of course he will look somewhere
else. I would do so as well. (Audience laughs.) Then you blame each other.
That's no good!
We have to examine ourselves first. If you do not know how to cook, cook
according to the recipe! Life is busy for some, that's true. But some are
not that busy. The husband goes to earn money, and you stay at home. You
may use some of the time each year to learn something. You may tell yourself
that within these three months I must learn how to cook. Even though you
know nothing about it, you would know after you learn it! I'm sure it would
work. I guarantee it! There are many places that teach people how to cook
vegetarian meals. Even though you cook meat dishes, you still have to learn.
Those who do not want to follow Master's teachings and who are not fellow
practitioners would still have to learn if they wanted to cook meat dishes
for their husbands. Since you were never taught to cook when you were young,
how can you know this automatically?
After learning how to cook, you may continue to learn how to make clothes,
how to dance, etcetera. It's not enough just to cross your legs in practice
everyday, you should also accompany your husband for leisure activities.
What happens after you become a Buddha? -- Aren't there still things to
do? Life still goes on. Is that not so?
Therefore life must have some variety and vitality. Otherwise you may also
build a cave, lock yourself inside, and die! (Master laughs.) If you want
to die, die definitely. If you want to live, live with spirit, interestingly
and meaningfully; because we also have to set an example for others. Otherwise,
everyone would think that after learning with "Ching Hai Wu Shang
Shih Supreme Supreme Master Ching Hai Zhu" (audience laughs), one
becomes good at nothing and even looks worse than before -- dressing like
the head of a gang of beggars.
After eating what you cooked, he even considers escaping abroad to study
(audience laughs). Or you cannot speak even a sentence properly. "I-do-not-want-to-talk."
But you still have to talk! Do you think I like to come to talk every Sunday?
But if I have work to do, I do it well. I have to read and research. Sometimes
what I read is not used. It doesn't matter. Sometimes I make use of a book
or a story, and it provides leads or extended meanings for other stories.
With reference to history and examples, you can understand immediately
what I am talking about.
Even though this world is by no means permanent, God has granted us this
life and this body. That means Hes wants us to do something with it. Hes
gave us a husband or a wife, so Hes want us to take care of him or her,
cooperate with each other, live and learn together, respect each other,
learn to be courteous in life. So we have to do it well. If you cannot
even handle a husband or a wife, what else can you do -- run for presidency?
(Audience laughs.) Too many people run for it. You don't have to try. You
will not be able to squeeze in. You don't have much chance. Practitioners
like you only know how to cross their legs. It looks awful sitting in the
president's office with crossed legs. When state affairs are waiting for
you to deal with, you say: "I haven't finished two and a half hours
meditation yet. (Master and audience laugh.) I have told you that it's
okay to run for the presidency or office, but you have to do it well. If
you cannot deal with trivial matters, you will not be able to handle great
works.
News Magazine #52
While On The Path
The Myth Of Life And Death Has Been Resolved Great Benefits Of Group Meditation Master's Magical Grace
By Fellow Initiate Hsu, Hong Kong
I had already been keeping a full vegetarian diet when I started practicing
the Convenient Method. Each day I try to make time to read Master's books.
When I get off work after midnight, I take the opportunity to meditate
during the tranquility of the night. I also meditate during the day. Before
I meditate each day, I sincerely ask Master to bless me and to allow me
to do something good for this world in my few remaining years. Master has
always taken good care of me. In my deep meditation. She came to me in
bright light and placed a shiny, golden word, "Buddha", in my
heart. Also in my lonely moments of meditation, She gave me love and support.
She brought light and many red roses from far to near, from small to big,
and put them in my heart.
During initiation, I felt an intense force field that shook my whole body.
Through my wisdom eye, I saw a "Tai-Chi" diagram rotating continuously.
I also heard music through the top of my head which made me feel serene
and relaxed.
Once during meditation, I visualized a wooden boat on a foggy river. Standing
at the head of the boat, Master, dressed in a white dress, was rowing vigorously.
The boat was filled with people. Among them were my grandfather, father,
mother, a cousin and other deceased ancestors. They all looked younger
and stronger than they were before they died. They appeared to be very
joyful as if they were going to attend a party. The boat sailed forward
gradually following a beam of light. This was one of my visions in meditation
after initiation. I didn't know at that time whether this was the so-called
"five generations being liberated," but a phone call soon verified
it.
My uncle had a son who made his living by operating a pig farm. He has
been dead for many years. His wife told me that her husband's spirit was
very vicious. It often harassed her and fought with her. Everyone knew
about it in the village. I was not initiated into the Quan Yin Method then
and could only advise her to do some charity in her husband's name. Shortly
after my
initiation, she said that her husband had been taken away by Quan Yin Bodhisattva.
On the phone, she was very grateful and crying when she told me that now
everything was peaceful and pleasant. Actually, I didn't do anything; I
only received initiation from Master and practiced the Quan Yin Method.
I told her that she should thank Master. She repeatedly recited "Thank
You, Namo Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih."
I have an aunt, who had strongly objected to my becoming a vegetarian and
practicing the Quan Yin Method. Once she met a fortune-teller with some
magical power. She engaged this stranger to look into my family affairs.
After a pause, she told her, to my aunt's surprise, "This man is a
vegetarian and is being protected by a great god. His ancestors have already
gone to the Western Paradise."
In my meditation, as if I was riding on the wings of the Quan Yin Method,
I flew over cities of countless styles and forms; I glided over quiet rivers,
mountains, and boundless forests; I saw the popes and bishops in ancient
castles; I evaded the capture by the provocative glances of the beautiful
women of the Astral world; I passed by the endless brilliance of the well-dressed
Quan Yin Bodhisattva. She gently waved her hand which emitted an intense
ray of white light toward my head. The top of my head was opened and I
saw a beam of white light leading to the Kingdom of God. My body was immersed
in this light until it became transparent. I flew through this beam of
white light toward a golden light. I saw countless Buddhas, prostrating
monks and Amitabha Buddha with a big smile.
I hope that under the blessing and loving care of our great Master, I will
be able to follow the path of Truth, wisdom, and tranquility by thoroughly
giving up the worldly passions and traditions and to find my pure, true
self. The myth of the night is gone; the dawn is showing its hazy light.
I believe that some day, within my own paradise, the myth of life and death
will be completely resolved and I shall see my true self.
By Fellow Initiate Chen, Kao-Ping, Formosa
Each time I take the touring coach to Hsihu for the main group meditation,
I always love to watch Master's videos on the way. However, I often fall
asleep because I have to wake up very early. After I prayed to the inner
Master to solve this problem for me, I am no longer restless due to insufficient
sleep, and am in good spirits all day long. I am so grateful for Master's
blessings.
I used to have a phobia about travelling in public buses, because I would
get motion sickness. The fear could not be eased even with preventative
medicine. I dared not even take the short distance buses in the city. However,
after getting initiated by Master, I often attend the group meditations,
and travel by coach to join the main group meditation at Hsihu Center.
Despite the long journey, I no longer suffer from motion sickness. I have
even travelled on airplanes to go to watch Master's S. M. Celestial Clothes
Fashion Shows in Europe!
When meditating at home, I have to complete the daily two and a half hour
meditation in several sessions. Due to the trivial and numerous house chores,
it is very difficult for me to meditate for two and a half hours at one
go.
The power derived from the meditation resembles putting money in the bank
to earn interest. Meditating in different sessions is like earning interest
through a savings deposit, while meditating for two and a half hours in
one session is equal to a fixed term deposit. Fixed term deposits yield
much higher interest than savings deposits. It is possible to meditate
for two and a half hours at the group meditations in the local Center.
When going to the main group meditations at Hsihu Center, one can meditate
for over six hours a day. At the 3-day or 7-day retreats, it is possible
even to meditate for more than eight hours everyday. The power of group
meditation is really inconceivable.
Master told us: The power of the group meditation is tremendous. The effect
of attending one group meditation session is better than meditating alone
at home for one month, or even for one year. By going to the group meditations
and retreats more often, not only will we progress faster and have better
experiences, a serene atmosphere within society can be brought about. I
myself have had these profound experiences. Brothers and sisters, you must
grasp more of these opportunities.
By Fellow Initiate Goovaeris, Paris, France
If there had not been group meditation to sustain and encourage me, I definitely
would not have
had the strength and the willpower to go on practicing. If all the new
initiates went to group
meditation immediately after initiation, and respected the precepts diligently,
they would easily enjoy the fruit of meditation and the limitless
love and mercy of God. If a person like me has
gone on, then I think anyone can.
Before initiation, I used to live following my own law -- a law without
conscience, the law of ignorance; and I was even quite proud of it. I hated
everything: society, adults, school. I used to take special pleasure in
doing whatever was forbidden because I did not want to be'a stupid sheep
following a stupid flock.' I was a perfect precept breaker.
I had seen several psychiatrists who had given me thousands of pills, without
results. Once, I inhaled too much of a detergent that makes one crazy and
ended up on a psychiatric hospital. Through all this, I just wanted to
escape from the boredom, frustration and the absurdity of life; but I was
doing it in a completely self-destructive way.
My parents spent many sleepless nights worrying about me and were very
sand to see me destroying myself that way. I was a rebel who rejected violently
to rules and morality. I was rude, aggressive, disobedient and totally
disrespectful towards them.
When I came to realize that life was actually a movie, and that people
could choose between thrillers, horror films, love stories or fairy tales,
I decided to change from the psychological drama to the most beautiful
film that was ever played, and of course with the best happy ending. But
how?
Something pushed me to India. The day after I arrived in Delhi, I met a
yogi. He told me: "You, too much lock. You find Master, be vegetarian,
stop hash, alcohol. Your life, too much beautiful. You dying, too much
happy."
What was dying happy? I had no idea. But Wow! I quite liked my future and
wanted to believe it was true! I met a yogi. He told me: "You, too
much lock. You find Master, be vegetarian, stop hash, alcohol. Your life,
too much beautiful. You dying, too much happy."
So, that was it! I As soon as you are ready to believe in happiness, then
happiness will come to you. If you believe in disasters and suffering,
then they will come to you in the same way!
In India, I heard very often these two words: trust and lick. I wanted
to believe in the notions of trust and lock, to believe in every wish coming
true.
To make a good film of my life, I just had to follow the example of my
heroes, but this time, the good ones. The best of all was God. Yeah, Jesus
said: What I have done, you can do even better. So I tried playing God, Jesus, Mary, Mother Nature -- all the best ones,
to see what would happen!
I was like a child playing parts all day long, no money, no worries, be
happy. While I was playing, I hardly slept and ate, and loved everyone.
I wanted to save the world, but alone, it was too dangerous, too exhausting.
I needed the help of a true Christ.
Again, I wandered alone through the streets of Paris, choking with tears
because I still felt the separation from God. I had lost my innocence again
and the internal torture was too painful. I felt completely lost in a big
jungle with the agonizing feeling of being buried alive -- stuck in this
like. The only places where I felt comfortable were churches. There I would
sit, close my eyes, and ask Holy Mary: "Please, show me the way to
be as humble and graceful as You. Show me the way Home."
For Easter, I went back to my parents in Nantes, and surprisingly went
to the church service. As the priest was talking about the light of God
and the resurrection, I shed tears all the way through: "Why? Why
do I not see the light? I want to see the light too!"
God had heard my prayers. Two weeks later, someone gave me Master's booklet.
I read a few lines of it and found everything so clear, simple and pure
that I went to the lecture without hesitation. Although it was not love
at first sight, I was very touched by Master because I saw in Her the wise,
innocent and loving child I was looking for in myself.
I had no idea about the initiation. Before filling in the initiation form,
I was struggling inside. Wisdom was telling me I had arrived and found
the treasure; but evil did not want to give up eggs, because it liked cakes
and croissants very much. It sounds so silly now! But there was really
a war inside myself between wisdom and evil. Furthermore I had to work
that night and I would be late. A fellow practitioner came to my rescue:
"I think you are not aware of who Master is and what a precious gift
She gives to all of us. You can find a job anytime, but a living Master,
it is one chance in a million years." It woke me up. I phoned my boss
to say I would arrive late. She accepted easily.
The next day, I went to the group meditation. I wanted to know more about
what had happened to me, what sort of sect I was in. But Master was so
loving, kind and patient that I did not want to bother Her with my frustration
of having seen nothing. She said: "I will be your best friend till
the end." I knew it, but I was feeling close and very far from Her
at the same time. She was so pure, I was so impure! She said: "If
you saw nothing during initiation, then be patient. Practice. Maybe tomorrow,
in one week, two weeks or maybe more, it will come. Just let it be. Don't
worry."
My meditation was not improving very much but I hung on. My greatest suffering
was the fact that I had not been able to stop smoking. It was a contradiction
with my desire for purity. How could I be credible when talking to people
about the importance of leading a pure life, while polluting them generously
with smelly and toxic smoke. The contact person phoned me to ask me to
do some translations. This brought me back to group meditation and put
me back on the rails. The radical 'surgery' was the retreat in Chicago.
Master was giving me the grace to make a fresh start. After the retreat,
my craving for cigarettes just vanished as if it had never existed. I felt
free and newly born. I had experienced Master's tremendous loving power
and realized that Master was really God incarnated, that She was Christ;
I felt so lucky. I was so grateful for Her being so patient with me, for
Her helping me whenever I had stumbled on the road. I repented for all
the trouble I had caused Her during all this time of shaky faith.
When we suffer, Master suffers too. During all our times of doubts and
struggling, She keeps walking by our side, carrying our burden. When I
understood that, I said to Master. "Now Master, the only thing I ask
is that You tear my ego into pieces; remove the veil of my illusions. It
is too tiring to want worldly things. I promise I will not be a burden
for You anymore. I will follow You and trust You completely."
I used to be allergic to work. But when doing Master's work, I feel on
holiday all the time and never have the feeling of working. I can work
for hours and it gives me joy, fulfillment and contentment. I can do things
I did not like to do before. For example, I used to be allergic to computers;
but now I can spend all day in front of a computer doing translation, and
I do not mind. Master often puts us in situations where we have to overcome
our dislikes, and it makes us grow faster. When She Fulfills our desires
and dreams, we are happy; but at the same time we realize that it is ephemeral.
Seek you first the kingdom of God and everything shall be added onto you. My God! It is so true! When you surrender completely to God, and let Him
be the only Master of your like, then life is like sailing on a smooth
sea on a sunny day. You let Master drive the boat and She knows exactly
how to take you to your destination. You do not need to worry about anything;
just enjoy the bliss and peace of resting under Her protective wing. Life
is so easy when we follow Master. Problems are no longer on our minds.
My parents, in spite of all the tremendous changes in me, still had a few
doubts because of the bad things that had happened in different religious
sects. But since they saw Master at the S.M. Fashion Show, all their fears
have vanished. My mother said: "Wow! I Your Master is superb! I like
Her very much! She is so simple and so ordinary!" I will never forget
the joy in their eyes when they shook Master's hand.
That night, I had introduced the show and my dad, very touched, said: "I
thought an angel was coming down from the sky."
I was very grateful to Master because She gave my parents this happiness.
She has also dissolved the last remaining tensions that existed between
my parents and me. When I go home, everyone eats vegetarian food and my
mom hands sample booklets around, even to the priest.
For her there is only Jesus and she says: "Maybe no need to say that
Master is God. She is just a very simple and loving person, and what She
teaches can definitely help people" As Master says, "True saints
do not smell."
Now I am happy all the time. Master gave me the grace to spend some time
in Hsihu. Like is simple, pure and carefree. I do not even need to ask
for anything because my desires are far below what Master gives me. We
do not know what we need but God Knows.
It was really worth striving and hanging on to the practice. If I had not
tried, how could I have known what I was to receive? All the struggles
I had encountered in the beginning only came from my resistance to surrender
to Master's loving power. This power erases everything and can transform
the worst criminals into saints.
The other day Master was telling me in the car."Sometimes I want to
quit this job because people sometimes want to possess me or my money,
or waste my time asking stupid questions to draw my attention, while I
could be using this time to meditate and help the whole world more efficiently.
Sometimes I think all this is useless."
I wanted to tell Her. "Oh no! What You give us is so precious. Without
You, I would have remained trapped in my ignorance forever and continued
to harm and destroy the people and the world without even being aware of
it. Without You, I would have never known life could be so simple, happy
and carefree. Without You, I would have never known love could be so light,
free, compassionate; so beautiful and limitless. Without You, I would have
never known the joy of discovering how small and how great we are. Without
You, I would have never played the most beautiful game of all -- the joyful
trip back Home."
News Magazine #52
Master Tells Stories
A Mother's Advice
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa. Oct. 27, 1995
(Originally In English)
Master told this story to a newly wed Indian couple
Who has some marital problems and asked Her for guidiance.
A daughter who was betrothed to her husband went far away, and then before
she left for her husband's house her mother gave her very, very good advice.
The mother didn't cry and did not let the daughter cry. Instead she said,
"You must listen to me. This is a very happy day. God has blessed
you with a good husband who even practices the Quan Yin Method, (Master
and everyone laugh), who doesn't gamble, who doesn't fool around with other
women, who doesn't drink, who doesn't cheat; but who's honest, charitable,
gentle, moral, virtuous and handsome (everyone laughs) inside and outside."
Inside he was more beautiful than outside. Inside he is white, even though
outside he is black. (Master and everyone laugh.) So the daughter was smiling
and listening with care, love and attention to the mother.
And the mother said, "Now, you go to your new home. Treat your relatives
in-law as your own. Respect your mother and father in-law as you have respected
me and your father. Respect your husband as your only God, guru, friend,
protector, and the most beloved and respected person on the Earth planet;
so that later you'll make a shining example for your children and bring
glory, happiness and pride to your new family. You owe that to your husband,
to myself and your father and all your sisters and brothers in our family
to fulfill this duty. And you owe it to yourself as well as your husband
to glorify all of us in this way. Take care of your family, your husband's
property and business so that it'll prosper, and it'll bring loftiness,
security and abundance to your family so that your children will live in
comfort. There's nothing to be sad about today, there's only the exciting
future and new challenge waiting for you. To be loved by a husband is the
most beautiful thing in the world. You should endure to be a good wife,
so that you have all this happiness and success in your life."
So the daughter said, "But, what can I do to fulfill all these noble
obligations and this beautiful duty that you have just told me about?"
The mother said, "You must eat well, dress well, and sleep soundly
everyday."
The daughter said, "Yes, mother, I understand."
So when she went to the family in-law, she did exactly that: Slept well,
ate well, dressed beautifully everyday. All the family members in-law were
so happy with her. She raised beautiful, obedient, clever, hard working,
hard studying children for the husband and the family in-law.
Other people came and asked for her secret, "How did you make it?
You came from such a far away place, you knew nothing about the customs
of this land, and yet, you did so well. How did you do it?"
The daughter in-law, now mother of three, matriarch of the family, (Master
and everyone laugh), female boss of the husband's company, secretary in
chief, housekeeper of the whole household, (Master and everyone laugh)
a nurse to the elders and fragile mother and father in-law, a family leader
for the younger brothers and sisters in-law etcetera, etcetera, etcetera,
and an assistant but loving mother of three beautiful, healthy intelligent
children said very humbly, "I achieved all this due to the loving
advice of my mother."
So everyone of course said, "Give me, give me please - tell me, tell
me, tell me."
"MMy mother told me before I came here a sad bride, that I should
go to my family in-law: sleep soundly, eat very well, and dress chic."
(Master and everyone laugh.)
So everyone said "What? What kind of advice is that? And you did exactly
just that to run your family?"
She said, "Y"Yes, I did exactly just that: ate well, slept soundly,
and dressed chic everyday. That's what I did."
They said, "H"How? What do you mean? By just enjoying this, you
ran your family and everything went along well? Please explain to us. Are
you joking or something?"
She said, "N"No! No! What my mother meant by eating well was
that I must take care of the whole family, feed them all, including the
guests, until they are all full and satisfied, then I eat myself what is
left over; because after everyone is satisfied no one will disturb me anymore.
(Master laughs.) I'll be hungry by then (everyone laughs) -- having run
around -- so whatever is left over, doesn't matter what, will be very tasty,
delicious (everyone laughs); nourishing and will have a lot of blessing
power. I pray to Master Ching Hai before I eat (Master and everyone laugh)
and She blesses my food. So whatever I eat becomes nectar. My body is strong,
my palate is satisfied, my heart is contented; so I can offer my best service
to my family after I'm well fed, satisfied and have enjoyed a delicious
meal in all quietness and tranquility. When everyone is satisfied and full,
they also love me and of course their loving feelings also bless me as
well because I took care of them very well. All their good wishes and their
contented feelings will also bless me, and I share the merit of their happiness;
I share their happiness as well. So that's the secret of: eating well."
Then they said, "Y"You sleep every night soundly? You just worry
about sleep?"
She said, "N"No! What my mother meant by sleeping well is that,
after everyone is asleep, I take care of all the doors, turn off all the
lights, make sure everything is in place and secured so that the thieves
do not come in, take care of all the family members that everyone is well,
sound asleep; and then I don't worry. Then my heart is very calm and relaxed
because I know they are all well taken care of and warm in their blankets;
that they sleep all night long and they will never get up and disturb me,
ask for anything, or be sick; then I don't have to worry. Then I sleep
myself very soundly too because there's nothing else to do. (Master and
everyone laugh.) That's what my mother meant."
And the others were feeling very surprised and impressed about the wisdom
of the mother, as well as the wisdom of the daughter. Of course, like mother
like daughter.
"AAnd now about the last one, please, about the last one. Oh! Why
do you have to dress well?"
So she said, "Y"Yes! Dressing well means you have to be always
properly dressed and tidy. You dress yourself with a big smile when you
wake up in the morning and the last thing before you go to bed. You dress
yourself with all the loving kindness that God has bestowed within your
heart. So when people see you, they see an angel, they see love written
in your face, they see blessings shinning in your eyes, they see God in
your benevolent smile. That's what my mother meant by dressing well.
"SSo that's how I dress myself everyday. That's how I feed myself
to health everyday. That's how I sleep to sweet dreams every night. And
if all of you do that, your family members, your in-laws, will be also
as well as mine right here!"
So everyone of course bowed, clapped, smiled, dressed themselves well,
and went home.
News Magazine #52
Between Master And Disciples
The Omniscient Master With Your Gentle Touch
By Fellow Initiate Hwang, Hsinchu, Formosa
When I received the initiation, Master was working abroad -- struggling
hard to find an abode for the asylum seekers. The disciples in Formosa
were very sincere that soon after Master returned, She especially allowed
the disciples to hold an International 7-Day Retreat in Taipei, to pray
for world peace and to bless the world. Although I knew that Master had
returned, and I had missed Her immensely, I was hindered by secular matters,
and regrettably missed the 7-Day Retreat.
After the retreat, some fellow practitioners told me: "The asylum
seekers are badly in need of people to give them homes and jobs. Since
your family runs a factory, perhaps you can help." Upon hearing these
words, I was so honored to know that I could contribute something, and
was very eager to convey to Master, face to face, my intent and ability
to accept the asylum seekers in my factory. Besides, I had never see Master
in person, so I was extremely anxious to do so.
Anxiously, I waited for the Sunday after the retreat to come, and then
visited Hsihu Center for the first time, with a happy heart. As Master
had been away for a long time, a particularly huge crowd of fellow practitioners
and guests had come that day. I could only see an ocean of people, and
I had no idea where to find Master.
Later, I consulted a resident brother at the Spiritual Information Counter:
"I need to see Master about some important matters. Is it possible
for me to talk to Master in person?" Unexpectedly, after they had
questioned me thoroughly, the answer was: "Master already knows what
you want to say! If you meditate sincerely, Master will naturally come
to find you."
My fervent zeal was totally shattered by these words. I was very disappointed
and upset. I went there single-mindedly to see Master. Why couldn't I find
Her? Having no option, I followed everyone and found a place to meditate.
After some time, Master came down to give a discourse. During the lecture,
I kept expecting Master to call my name: "Where is Hwang?" Therefore,
I waited attentively for Master to call my name, but She didn't! I was
disappointed once more.
Master began to walk around the venue after the lecture. I was sitting
beneath a tree near the platform waiting for Her. However, She went this
way and walked that way but always turned away whenever She was getting
near me. She walked all over the place, except to my spot.
Finally, Master gave me a delightful surprise -- She didn't walk to me
directly, instead She did so walking backwards. She kept backing up until
She was right in front of me, then She suddenly bent down and gazed straight
into my eyes. The distance was so near -- just a few centimeters. Looking
into Master's beautiful eyes, I was absolutely stunned and couldn't say
a word. Master then straightened up, rubbed Her eyes, and bent down again
looking into my eyes. Blessed by Master's ocean deep gaze of love, I totally
forgot all the words that I had prepared in my heart for so long. I simply
freezed on the spot, enjoying the boundless love and pampering. Even after
Master got up and walked away, I was still intoxicated by the heavenly
ecstasy.
Later, a fellow sister came over and patted me on the shoulder, saying,
"Brother! You must have tremendous blessed merit. Master looked at
you more than once!" I immediately turned around searching for Master,
with the urge of rushing to Her side, and telling Her all the words that
had been long stored in my heart. I hesitated when I saw so many people
around. Having stopped for a while, I was finally enlightened: Master had
read my mind already! She had answered my yearning with Her actions. Since
She already knew everything, why should I bother to speak more? Understanding
the truth, I couldn't help cry out loud due to my rapture, "Oh! Your
stupid disciple has finally been enlightened!"
I feel that Master is truly a living Buddha who can answer prayers everywhere
simultaneously. She is fully equipped with the powers of a heavenly eye,
heavenly ears, and the capacity to read minds. Otherwise, how could She
have known what was on my mind? We hardly knew each other before the initiation,
nor had we ever met before. That was the first time I saw Her after the
initiation, yet She knew everything! No wonder the fellow brother at the
Spiritual Information Counter told me: "Master already knows what
you want to say!" And, I did personally witness Master's inconceivably
great power.
By A Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa
I love Tai Chi Chuan. I love its beauty, its relaxation and tranquility,
and the way it reflects the Tao.
Recently, Master instructed a martial arts expert to come and teach us
Tai Chi Chuan again. The instructor gave us a hint: while practicing Tai
Chi Chuan, by shifting the center of gravity alternately between the two
legs, the strength of the legs will increase invisibly.
I am so grateful to Master, because once Master was trying to drive up
a steep slope. As the road was rough, steep and slippery, and made further
impassable by pebbles, She could not drive up. Everyone rushed forward
to push the golf cart but I never managed to touch and push the cart --
I ran very hard but was a little bit too slow. I was mad at my incompetent
legs which failed me when I tried to serve Master by pushing Her golf cart.
Now unexpectedly, my weakness can be improved through practicing Tai Chi
Chuan.
A fellow brother told us: "M"Master instructed us to play some
light music while practicing Tai Chi Chuan." To improve our health
so that we can meditate diligently,
Master has already appointed a "martial art expert" to teach
us. Master, Your disciples are already very contented. Further knowing
that You are so concerned about the practical conditions of our training,
our hearts are filled with an even deeper warmth.
Practicing the martial art seriously, the fellow brothers were originally
very rigid, and there was no laughter at all. Observing our stern expressions,
the instructor was also tense. Now, with the music drifting in the background,
wow! it is a unique sensation. Master's love seems to have dissolve into
the music, pouring forth incessantly. Everyone now laughs cheerfully. When
the mind is relaxed, the body becomes nimble, and the actions are more
loose and gentle. Consequently, we can better appreciate the profound wonders
of Tai Chi Chuan.
Master! You can always grasp the vital points of the difficulties in life,
and with Your gentle touch, make everything become easy and wonderful.
Bestowed with the heavenly grace of living here and savoring Your infinite
sacred love that soothes us, we are truly a blessed group of children.
News Magazine #52
Special Reports
The Golden Era Has Arrived +:The Great Experience -- Attending The Seven -Day Retreat/A Beautiful
Dream About The Golden Era/Offering A Dance To The Buddha/The Secret Way
To Look Pretty/Seven Days On The Kitchen Team/I Straightened Out My Thinking!/Master
Brought Me Back To The Path
An Account Of The Third Anniversary Of The
Ching Hai Day International Seven-day Retreat
Compiled By The News Groups From Various Nations
October 25, Supreme Master Ching Hai Day, is a big day
when people from all parts of the world joyously cel-
ebrate Master having received what is arguably the
highest international honour. It happened to be the
third anniversary this year, and beseeched by fellow practitio-
ners worldwide, Master kindly promised to let them come to Hsihu
Center to spend the special day with Her. After the Ching Hai Day Celebration,
Master and disciples began a seven-day retreat together, to pray for world
peace.
It was a fine autumn day with a clear blue sky on Ching Hai Day. Fellow
practitioners from over thirty nations had happily arrived at the front
doors of their Hsihu home. Prominent politicians and VIP's from many nations
also continued to arrive for the great occasion, while some sent congratulatory
messages by fax. The President and Mrs. Clinton of the U.S.A. personally
sent Master their congratulations and greetings. Besides sending their
congratulatory messages, the Governors of the six Mid-western states of
the U.S.A. honored Master with a plaque, to commemorate Her. The U.S. Senate
Leader Mr. Bob Dole and the Chairman of the Diplomatic Committee Mr. Jesse
Helms also jointly honored Master with a plaque as congratulations. Mr.
Fasi, former Mayor of Honolulu, and Mr. Jeremy Harris, the Mayor of Honolulu,
jointly invited Master to Hawaii in 1996 to celebrate the Fourth Anniversary
of Ching Hai Day. Legislators in Formosa, Mr. Cheng-Chieh Lin, Ms. Feng-Chih
Chu, Mr. Pi-Hsien Li, as well as representatives from other fields, also
either came in person or sent congratulatory messages.
Among the important guests who came from faraway parts of the world were
Mr. Xiang-Xing Mo, Chairman of the Republican Party in the Western States
of America; Mr. Zhen-Xi Chang, Chairman of the Board of the Paraguay Cultural
Center; Ms. Xian-Nu Xu Jin, professor at the Royal Dance Academy in Spain;
Mr. Chi-Kun Liao, the Chief Editor for the China Times in the U.S.A.; Mr.
Hong-Kwang Chen, the Secretary General of The World Cultural Communication
Association, USA; Mr. Da-Min Chen Zhong, news columnist for The Washington
Post, USA; Mr. Priyo Suwarno, journalist for the Surabaya Newspaper of
Indonesia. The media in Formosa, such as Radio China, Radio Tien Sheng,
Taipei Radio Station, The Zong Hwa Daily News, The Commercial Times, The
Liberty Times, The Economic Daily News and The People's Daily, also sent
their congratulations or representatives to attend the occasion.
This unprecedented carnival united various races and cultures, and surpassed
time and space. The thousands who attended all dressed up in traditional
classical costumes of different nations or resplendent Western royal attire.
Suddenly, kings, ministers and knights of past and present and from all
over the world; officials and soldiers from heaven; and ladies and gentlemen,
all happily gathered in one place.
There was a steady stream of heroes and beauties chatting on the tree-shaded
stone paths throughout the beautifully natural Hsihu Center. One kept hearing
the wide-eyed guests asking candidly, "What nationality is he? Where
does she come from?" The cultures of East and West interacted and
blended together, bringing to fruit the ideal of the world being one family.
The peaceful scene at the Ching Hai Buddha Kingdom symbolizes that a peaceful,
golden era, that is free of wars, has already arrived.
Eagerly awaited by everyone, Master, in a pure white Au Lac formal gown,
gracefully appeared and went around the venue, escorted by the guards who
dressed up as British royal guards. In Master's elegance there was a boundless
unifying power, which touched all who were present. With thunderous applause
that could surely be heard in heaven, the crowd expressed their infinite
gratitude and affection, like that which children would have for their
mother.
Special guests representing the First and Second Prime Ministers of Cambodia
presented Master the National Construction Award, and offered their deepest
gratitude to Her, for Her love and concern for the people of Cambodia.
Immediately after the brief but solemn ceremony, the wonderful entertainment
program began. The heartwarming sound of drums of a Korean Drum Dance was
the curtain-raiser. The Thai dance and the English contralto singer were
of professional standard. The Candle Dance by Au Lac fellow initiates from
the U.S.A., who shone brilliantly at the World Dance Festival in Los Angeles,
was surely out of this world. They won thunderous applause and were cheered
and encored. A Chinese comic dialogue by initiates from Formosa humorously
described Master's unique skills and talents. The disciples of "Master
Tang" performed by initiates from Hong Kong, made the audience bend
over with laughter, with the "perfect" Mandarin they spoke.
The long awaited "special program" began soon after Master mysteriously
left Her seat in the middle of the show. From the exquisite scene on stage
-- and the lifelike coconut trees and sail boats, one could perceive the
rich and peaceful Au Lac scene in the old days, with the rivers dotted
with sail boats. The stage lighting appeared even more brilliant as the
sky became dark. Everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the last
and the best show. Then the music for "The Union Of The Rivers,"
a beautiful melody composed by Mr. Pham Binh Chuong, the Beethoven of Au
Lac, began.
Amidst the powerful tune, the male dancers displayed a high, exuberant
and gallant spirit. Then masculinity was supplanted by the bright and clear
voices of female singers. At that time, the audience close to the stage
suddenly cheered in surprise. It turned out that Master had appeared on
stage! She was the leading lady in the play. Her face half covered and
with Her colourful clothes fluttering in the wind, She gracefully and slowly
stepped onto the stage. The audience could not help roaring with cheers.
In time with the music, Master danced slowly and quickly. She was both
innocent and immensely attractive. Both adults and children clapped to
the beat of the music. Those on and below the stage had become one. "The
Union Of The Rivers" has beautiful lyrics and a divine melody. Furthermore
it has a profound meaning. At the time we all gathered under Supreme Master
Ching Hai's umbrella of love. In the future we will definitely meet again
above, in the paradise of the Kingdom of God.
The play had three scenes, and Master changed Her character three times;
from that of a ravishing European lady, to a noble Egyptian queen, and
then to the Au Lac beauty of all time. Once again, Master displayed Her
rare and extraordinary talents; She wrote and directed the play in a very
short time, and coordinated the music with the set to spontaneously exhibit
an impression of grandeur. She also designed all the costumes for three
different time periods and cultures, which all the more stressed the uniqueness
of the play. The delighted and surprised audience gazed at the Super-Master
of the universe dancing as if they were looking at a scene from the Kingdom
of God or the Buddha Land with their very own eyes.
It was time for the final curtain, and boundless joy emerged in everyone's
heart. A continuous string of encores and sincere wishes made Master, although
exhausted, appear on stage to take several curtain calls. She also gave
out blessed food, and finally closed Her palms together to thank everyone,
while quietly looking at the audience to bless them. The audience also
held their palms together, to thank Her for bestowing upon them Her endless
love.
When Master was invited to cut the cake, She could not push the knife into
it. She said, "It's because God does not want us to part." Upon
hearing that, everyone was touched. It was not until Master reminded everyone
that they could go and eat that they were surprised at how time had flown
by. Then fireworks were set off so that the guests and fellow practitioners
could admire the magnificent sight while enjoying the delicious meal.
The colourful balloons drifted in the sky, an abundant supply of candies
and biscuits were placed in every corner, and a joyful memory was inscribed
in everyone's heart. The peace that God provided would ripple to every
corner of the world through Hiers beloved children. Meanwhile, most of
the fellow initiates were already eagerly rubbing their hands, preparing
themselves mentally and physically, and awaiting the baptism of love which
would take place during the seven-day retreat.
The seven-day retreat formally began the next day after the Ching Hai Day
Celebration. In the afternoon, Master and everyone decided together which
were the best performances to receive awards. Initiates voted democratically
after they viewed the
video of the programs once again. "The Union Of The Rivers" received
the highest number of votes, but was declined by the one vote from Master.
She said shyly and humorously that the play was only to "avenge"
and "match" the bad ones performed by initiates in the past years,
ones which made Her yawn and fall asleep. (Master and everyone laughed.)
The reasons why the programs won awards were that they sincerely wanted
to offer Master and everyone enjoyment, the joy of beauty and an entertaining
gift. Each one was well rehearsed, and their costumes were colorful and
aesthetic. Master said, "Bringing others happiness and joy also has
endless merits. When we sincerely perform for others, it is also a kind
of merit, and a form of spiritual practice. It's because spiritual practitioners,
like ourselves, all wish to become happy and free of worries. A person
can only be happy when he is at ease and free. Even though they do not
practice, or do not practice well, if they can laugh it means that they
are at ease and free at that moment -- forgetting all their worries. At
least for that moment, we let them forget their worries and be at ease
for a while. With the worries in everyday life, during such a long suffering
life, being able to be happy for a few minutes, a few seconds or a few
hours, is already great! Most importantly is that we are sincere and earnest
in our hearts, to make everyone happy, then the show will naturally be
good. Of course you must silently recite the Buddha's names on stage (Master
and everyone laugh), and pray to the inner Master to help you to dance.
That is why when you all finished dancing, my whole body ached." (Master
and everyone laugh.)
After the awards were presented, Master told us the important points for
making a successful show: (1) Use appropriate music for each scene; (2)
adequate rehearsals; (3) sincere desire to offer people a good time; (4)
costumes and makeup should vary according to the situation, and whether
it is a day or night performance; (5) express feelings realistically --
laugh during the happy scenes, and make a slightly longer face during sad
ones.
Master also consoled the initiates who performed but did not receive any
awards. She said it was because perhaps they were not united enough; did
not practice well; or did not have enough time to rehearse. They should
improve since they have identified their shortcomings, and should not be
upset at not having received an award because spiritual practitioners should
have already left behind matters of winning or losing.
Fellow practitioners from Europe and America showed great enthusiasm in
participating in this seven-day retreat, so Master spoke mostly in English
during Her lectures. Most surprisingly, more than a dozen fellow initiates
from Au Lac overcame one difficulty after another because of their love
for Master and reached their Hsihu home. Fellow initiates all over the
world were all very happy for them.
Following a living Master to practice, everyone has an abundance of experiences.
With Master's permission, fellow initiates could use the spare time during
the noon break to report their most memorable experiences -- to share the
fruit of their practice. There were arharts -- male and female; old and
young; regardless of their profession or colour of their skin, who continuously
got onto the platform to describe miraculous wonders so precious and rare,
and told of their love and endless gratitude to Master.
In the Surangama Sutra there are only twenty-five Bodhisattvas who related
their experiences. In each of the seven days of the retreat, fellow practitioners
heard stories that were even more wonderful and moving. Because these facts
happened among the people around us, they were more real and credible.
That verified what Master said, "It is better to practice in the modern
times."
Hearing some stubborn and not so wise disciples revealing how they had
tested Master, made us understand even more about Master's unlimited patience
and the unknown hardships that She undertakes.
The fellow initiates from Au Lac recounted their arduous journey in their
search for the Truth, which moved people to tears, and reminded all the
fellow initiates to cherish their merits at hand. A fellow practitioner
from the early days disclosed how, many years ago, when Master just began
to give lectures to the public, he had already had a vision of the spectacular
scene of an ocean of people wanting to attend Her lecture. Also, there
was a fellow initiate who saw a vision of extraterrestrials talking to
Master.
One fellow initiate said, "We like to be near Master so much because
we were created by Her." That fully described the reason for the great
love between Master and disciples that could not be undermined.
Master gave lectures to us everyday, and received the fellow practitioners
from aboard, personally answering their questions. As for how one could
be able to see the light, Master told us some "secrets", such
as choosing a soft cushion -- a type that allows air to flow through. Occasionally,
we can also sit directly on a pebbled floor. The most important point is
that we are relaxed. Master also said humorously, "You can experiment
with various postures when you meditate to see which one suits you best.
However, you must do the basic two and a half hours daily." Master
also said, "You know why some of you don't see light when you meditate?
It's because you think too much; you keep waiting, waiting for the experience
to come. Don't wait. It will come. It can't run away. It's inside you.
(Master and everyone laugh.) You are made of light. The whole of your being
is light condensed. So whenever you realize that, that's the time you are
liberated. You are the light and sound, not the cells that you think you
are. Everything is made from light and sound but just different densities."
One evening, after reading a story about Lieh Tze, Master let us express
our points of view on it. Fellow initiates from different nations enthusiastically
exchanged their opinions in English. Through the discussion, Master trained
us and tested the development of our wisdom. At the end, Master told us
that it was good that one could be brave enough to state one's own viewpoint
-- be it right or wrong, and that one's opinions and responses were so
quick. This is similar to the tradition that the ancient Zen masters used
with their disciples.
On the last evening, Master joined everyone to meditate and recite the
holy names. The divine atmosphere was filled with boundless love that was
like a warm stream coming from all directions, deeply touching and comforting
the longing souls of fellow practitioners. This blessing was the greatest
gift of grace.
There was a feeling of infinite bliss during the seven days in heaven.
In a blink of an eye the retreat had come to an end. Being reluctant to
leave, everyone especially treasured each minute, each second, that they
were spending with Master. Giving well wishes of love to everyone at the
end of the retreat, Master said, "The past seven days has been a great
blessing from God, so that many people from different backgrounds, nations,
races, habits and religions could stay in one place and become one. At
least it was so in these seven days. Nothing happened in the past seven
days. Everyone lived together quietly, even the neighbours don't know that
there are several thousand people here -- eating and bathing. Therefore,
we should thank God for Hiers grace and blessings." (Everyone applauded.)
Master also once again reminded us not to suffer from amnesia and dwell
on samadhi with a one track mind when we returned home after the seven-day
retreat. We still needed to remember the important matters, and focus our
minds on fulfilling our responsibilities to our families. Then we would
have no worries and would be able to concentrate on our practice. Master
said, "I hope that when you return home you can bring some benefits
to your families and your countries, and let them know that practicing
the Quan Yin Method is truly good for you. When they see that you are full
of love, spirit and patience, and aspire for Truth, virtue and beauty,
they will know that we are walking on the right path, one that benefits
people greatly. Nothing needs to be said at all. Actions speak louder than
words. It is best to show an example by action."
By Fellow Initiate Wu, Japan
Being able to attend the Ching Hai Seven-Day Retreat this time was my greatest
experience. In the mornings someone woke us up to join so many people in
group meditation. Later cooked meals were there waiting for us. In the
mountains, one could use spring water to wash, and breathe in fresh air
all the time. Staying with a group of people who all practice on the path,
one enjoyed a great atmosphere. In accordance with Master's designs, every
part of Hsihu Center was made to look as beautiful as heaven. One could
take a stroll in the Rainbow Garden, or linger by the Nectar River and
listen to the sounds of running water and the songs of the birds in trees.
What pleasure and freedom! Most important was that we could see Master
everyday, and listen to the enlightening lectures that She delivered to
our souls. That is why I say that being able to come to Hsihu to attend
the seven-day retreat is truly the greatest and the best experience. It
is also the most precious gift that Master has given us.
By Fellow Initiate Lu, Taoyuan, Formosa
If Master only showed me a vision of the Golden Era in my meditation or
dream, I would be extremely delighted. However, taking the opportunity
of Ching Hai Day and the 7-Day Retreat, Master let me personally experience
the life of the Golden Era, and this really made me admire Her wholeheartedly!
Hsihu absolutely amazed reporters.
Usually, when I come to Hsihu, I seldom find any stories that please my
Chief Editor. I'm told stories are supposed to be dramatic, full of conflicts
and of controversial content. Neither can I find any themes preferred by
the modern media. On ordinary Sundays when thousands of people gather in
Hsihu, the adults meditate beneath the trees and rest in hammocks; the
children play happily. The atmosphere is always tranquil and peaceful.
It was entirely different today. The Ching Hai Day Celebration was the
prelude for the 7-Day Retreat, and attracted an attendance of over six
thousand people from more than thirty countries worldwide. There were many
world class and highly talented performances. All participants arrived
'gorgeously dressed'! Even the reporters, who are used to rushing around
with a camera dangling behind, came to cover the event wearing ceremonial
attire featuring Chinese, foreign, ancient and modern styles. Having worked
as a reporter for over a decade, my usual attire consisted of casual clothes,
jeans and dresses. I never dreamt of working in a low-cut gown, picking
up a skirt that expanded like a balloon, and wearing silver coloured high-heeled
shoes.
Even more amazing was that, I forsook the "principles and spirit in
news reporting" that I had acquired through my career of over ten
years, and strolled aimlessly but delightfully about the Center. In my
stammering foreign languages, I conversed naturally with guests and fellow
initiates from Japan, Au Lac, South Africa and other countries. Now and
then, I would stop to watch the cute little flowers and plants permeated
bliss; or I would sit under the big trees in a daze, appreciating the resplendent
attire that my peers would rarely have a chance to see.
My job on Ching Hai Day was like a beautiful dream. This dream implied
a drastic change of time, and presented a vision of the Golden Era. I remember,
in one paragraph of the book "Revelation Of The Future", the
superior beings from other planets described the future life of Earth people
(which is the life of the extraterrestrial beings now):
They love to sing,
Their songs reveal a dear and loving spirit.
Praising the Creator,
Sing and praise love,
Wishing everyone can find the supreme bliss...
They love to dance,
In the hills or on the streets.
Where there are people, there is dancing.
Songs are friends, and so are dances.
Fast and explosive dances,
Slow and elegant dances,
Amid the singing of good friends, they start to dance.
Their world is forever in peace,
Dissolved and unified in one enormous life form,
The whole world is permeated by love and harmony.
The humans on these planets have
Seemingly transformed into a unified current of life...
This dream reminds us not to indulge in the materialistic, instant culture
of our time, or to tolerate spiritual deficiency anymore. From this, I
also understood that, behind a materially sumptuous life-style, it is possible
to find a pure and serene state of mind, instead of a degenerated and rotten
one. The 7-Day Retreat following Ching Hai Day was a perfect example that
exemplified this dream.
Having relished the delicious vegetarian cakes, over five thousand fellow
initiates changed their fanciful clothes into casual track suits, or simple
attire, and meditated in the Main Forest Hall or beneath the trees nearby.
Contented smiles were apparent on their faces.
Everyday around noon, there was a one-hour "sharing of experiences"
session, which gave me great inspiration. Most encouraging was that the
scope of the experiences had widened from illness healing and soul elevation,
to the future of Earth, humans and the universe.
An expert of UFO studies wrote an article on how he met extraterrestrial
beings with the help from a person who knew their language. The extraterrestrial
beings told him, "Extraterrestrial beings will officially visit Earth
in the year 2001 AD" (Refer to June edition of the Crown Magazine.)
This, and the report by an American initiate, corresponded: In her vision,
she saw extraterrestrial beings paying respect to Master in front of over
tens of thousands of initiates.
Possessing a supernatural vibrational power, the Japanese author Funa-i
Yuki-o pointed out in his book, "Revelations Of The Future,"
that the vibration of Earth has been obviously elevated, starting from
around 1986. After a check, I found that this was the year Master began
preaching. All this information made me feel more certain about the Quan
Yin Method, and have greater admiration for Master.
Now that fellow Quan Yin initiates are increasing in number in each corner
of the world, adding that they are very diligent, and becoming more positive
in thought, obviously and definitely the dream of the Golden Era will soon
materialize!
Before initiation when learning yoga, I carelessly injured a tendon in
my thigh, which had not healed even after many years. For another illness,
I underwent an operation, and received several anesthetic injections in
the spine. Afterwards, I could no longer bend backwards. To participate
in the performance for Ching Hai Day, I put aside all my worries, and stepped
bravely onto the stage.
During the rehearsals, I always failed to catch the tempo. Day and night,
I thought hard on how to dance more perfectly. Inspirationally, I embraced
Master's photo in my arms, plugged the earphones in my ears, and started
to dance. I practiced incessantly, until I felt myself having plunged into
the Milky Way with Master. This state of bliss followed me home, and helped
me live more harmoniously with my family.
Just before I went on the stage, I was still doing warm-up exercises. Throughout
the dance, I kept crying out in my heart: "Dear Master-Mommy, please
help me!" Following the rhythm of the music, I successfully performed
the difficult moves, and flexed my body backwards. I felt increasingly
happy as I danced, as if the whole universe was dancing too. That evening
during meditation, I entered samadhi very quickly. Furthermore, my thigh
injury had healed, and my spinal pain was gone.
Thank You, Master, thank You!
News from Hsihu: Participants going to the Ching Hai Day Celebration must
wear traditional ceremonial attire or royal European court costumes when
participating in the Ching Hai Day Celebration.
Fellow practitioners were excited and delighted to hear the news, and busily
began looking for the most beautiful clothing. Besides the clothes, it
was also important to wear a matching hairstyle, makeup, and ornamental
accessories, etc., to meet admission requirements. Therefore, fellow practitioners
found that it was not an easy task to look pretty, and were glad to learn
this aesthetic lesson.
On Ching Hai Day, Hsihu Center was full of handsome men and beautiful ladies
in resplendent clothes. The men looked gorgeous in long Chinese gowns and
jackets that gave the impression of being aloof and elegant, while the
Western swallowtail suits made them look handsome and full of vigor. The
ladies' attire were of such great variety that people's eyes were dazzled.
There were various elegant and magnificent European costumes with bell-shaped
skirts, dainty and exquisitely looking Chinese traditional long dresses,
noble and luxurious Manchurian Princess costumes, and ancient Chinese costumes,
that made the wearer look like a goddess descending from heaven. Of course,
there were the traditional costumes worn by fellow practitioners and guests
from Japan, Korea and Au Lac. They greatly enhanced this grand occasion.
Having observed so many beautiful people in fanciful clothes, I came to
a conclusion: One must select the proper attire to emphasize one's special
qualities, so that the clothes won't overshadow one. We will look prettier
if we are more relaxed and uninhibited.
This reminded me of Master's sense of dressing. She may be wearing luxurious
and dazzling evening gowns, or commonplace casual clothes, yet She is always
so beautiful that people are enchanted. It seems that any clothes would
look wonderful on Master, and She looks elegant in whatever She wears.
I finally understand that, no matter how many beautiful things we wear
on our body, they can never match the quality and beauty generated from
within.
I am grateful to Master for letting me -- one who loves to look pretty
find out the secret way to make myself really beautiful: meditate and cultivate
assiduously to fill ourselves with the brilliance of love within, then
the charm of beauty will manifest on the outside. This is the most economical
and secret way to look pretty!
During the recent 7-Day Retreat we had a large kitchen team. Every member
urged themselves to do better by improving the food quality to meet international
standards. We were in high spirits especially when we knew Master had instructed
a meal box to be delivered to Her at every meal for assessment.
Members of the kitchen team included culinary experts, cooking class tutors
and restaurant owners. Strict quality control was exercised while preparing,
washing, cutting, and arranging vegetables. Besides the hygiene, the appearance,
aroma and taste of the food were also considered.
We supervised and reminded each other to silently recite the Holy Names,
and to work quickly with concentration and bliss. When numerous delicious
dishes were placed in every serving area, Master's abundant blessings were
then able to help fellow initiates absorb more nutrition, and thus practice
better.
Throughout the seven days, every initiate enjoyed the food with great satisfaction,
and the kitchen team was also complemented by Master. During the seven
days on the kitchen team, everyone learned valuable lessons. Master's power
is truly omnipresent, taking care of each and every aspect.
By Fellow Initiate Hong, Kao-Ping Formosa
From childhood, I have been fond of participating in stage performances;
however, since then I have not had an opportunity to take part in such
activities. My wish was finally fulfilled when I joined the Kao-Ping Center
Entertainment Group.
Originally, I felt very terrified about giving a performance in front of
Master; I thought that it was equivalent to testing my achievement in spiritual
practice. After giving a performance several times, I felt that my level
of practice was really poor, that my ego was really big, and that I could
not perform as spontaneously and naturally as other fellow practitioners
did. I was determined to put everything aside, go on a lengthy retreat
of my own, and engage in thorough self-introspection.
When I talked about my performing program issue with a sister, to my surprise,
she did not even know that I had taken part in the program. It turned out
that under the thick makeup, no one could tell who was who. Now I have
finally straightened out my thinking -- once I put down my ego, I can broaden
my mind and thus perform to my heart's content.
Prior to the performance on Ching Hai Day, in my heart I suddenly heard
a voice: "Pray to Master for Her blessing." Once on the stage,
sure enough, I was full of energy, and felt happy throughout my entire
body. This energy has not disappeared until now. I wish it stays with me
forever, because it is the source of my happiness.
By Fellow Initiate Chung, Kao-Ping, Formosa
I had never thought of participating in a seven-day retreat because I had
not acquired an appreciation of the pleasure of meditating. Everyday when
I meditated, I merely closed my eyes and waited for the time to be up.
Therefore, I often felt so ashamed that I dared not look squarely at photographs
of Master.
One night, I dreamt that I was on a mountain path, holding in my hand the
things that I used for meditating. In bewilderment I looked in front and
behind me, and saw a big row of brothers and sisters getting ready to meditate.
Then I sat down and began to cry. I did not like to meditate, and I was
surprised that even in my dream I had with me my cushion for meditating.
In order to educate the hardheaded and lazy disciples like me, Master truly
uses all sorts of means. For example, frequently while I was half asleep,
Master would manifest light on me and pull me up. Due to my fear of heights,
I was forced to pull myself back down.
However, our compassionate Master did not give up on me. For the last Mid-Autumn
Three-Day Retreat, all the branch centers prepared entertainment programs
to celebrate
the Mid-Autumn Festival. The show that the Kao-Ping Center planned was
"The Eight Deities And The Seven Fairies". However, when I learned
about the news it was already decided who would perform in the show. Although
I love to dance, I could only stamp my feet in frustration. That night,
the "eight deities" appeared in my dream. In the afternoon the
next day, I received a phone call notifying me to attend the rehearsal
at once. In order for my performance to go well, I began meditating earnestly.
After the three-day retreat, I had a chance to perform a show at the Ching
Hai Seven-Day Retreat. During rehearsals, the more diligent brothers and
sisters would invariably find opportunities to correct some of my misconceptions.
And I found that I was changing, little by little.
Through this seven-day retreat, I deeply appreciate Master's good intensions.
I discovered that in all twenty-four hours of the day, Master always meticulously
looks after each and every person, including disciples as lazy as I was.
Recalling my ignorance of the past, I am truly ashamed of myself.
News Magazine #52
Media Reports
Liberty Times, Formosa Sun Morning Newspaper, Surabaya, Indonesia Central Daily News, Formosa: The Difference Between Buddhism And Christianity
Liberty Times, Formosa Thursday October 26, 1995.
Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association -
A Display Of Distinction And Resplendence.
Joining the 7-Day Retreat and the Ching Hai Day Celebration, were six thousand
disciples from throughout the world all wearing glamorous costumes. It
was just like a fashion show carnival. Clinton also sent a congratulatory
telegram....
[Xie Yun Feng reporting from Miaoli] Yesterday at the headquarters in Hsihu, Miaoli, the Supreme Master Ching
Hai International Association's International 7-Day Retreat began with
the Third Anniversary Ching Hai Day Anniversary Celebration. Six thousand
disciples from all over the world were asked to wear ceremonial court dresses
or European styled resplendent costumes to attend the opening of the event.
The grand and magnificent scene was like a fashion carnival.
From thirty-five counties, about six thousand disciples of Supreme Master
Ching Hai joined this International 7-Day Retreat. Within the country,
many personages from the educational, political and business fields also
participated in the opening of the event. All those in attendance had to
comply with the regulation of wearing an exotic court or European styled
costume. There were also special performances on the first day of the event.
Yesterday, at about three in the afternoon, Supreme Master Ching Hai appeared
in a Quan Yin Bodhisattva costume. She was carried in a sedan chair by
eight persons dressed as British royal guards. Wherever She passed, the
disciples exclaimed, "Your Majesty the Empress!" Classical background
music resounded throughout the entire Center.
As Supreme Master Ching Hai ascended the celebration performance stage,
as smoky mist of dry ice was sprayed, creating the atmosphere of Quan Yin
Bodhisattva descending. The MC read out congratulatory telegrams from President
Clinton of the United States, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, etc. Legislator
Lin Cheng-Chieh, accompanied by Lin Ming-Ning -- Lin Yang-Gang's daughter,
gave a speech on the stage, wishing the event every success. On the first
day of the 7-Day Retreat, the huge gathering of celebrities made the occasion
look like a brilliant celebration, being totally different from ordinary
spiritual gatherings.
Later, Supreme Master Ching Hai sat in a majestic throne in front of the
stage. Together with the thousands of disciples, She appreciated the twenty-one
performances from many countries. The performers were very professional,
making the show a spectacular one with their best efforts.
According to the convener, Supreme Master Ching Hai will stay at the Center
with Her five thousand disciples for the 7-Day Retreat that started yesterday
continuing through to the 31st.
According to the Association, three years ago the Mayor of Honolulu designated
October 25th as Ching Hai Day, to express acknowledgment towards Supreme
Master Ching Hai.
Caption: Fashion Show? Yesterday, from all over the world, wearing resplendent
costumes, disciples of Supreme Master Ching Hai participated in the Third
Anniversary Ching Hai Day Celebration and the opening an International
7-Day Retreat. (photos by reporter Xie Yun Feng)
Sun Morning Newspaper, Surabaya, Indonesia
Tuesday October 31, 1995 (Originally In Indonesian)
A Unique Ching Hai Day In Formosa -- Trees Bear Candies For Fruit
On October 25, 1995, at around 6 AM, all guests took their seats. Not only
were they neatly dressed, but they were wearing their most elegant clothes.
Just like a costume party, all guests were dressed in the traditional or
royal attire of their respective countries. The guests from Hong Kong were
dressed like Mongolian soldiers. Practitioners from England were dressed
in colorful British royal costumes, complete with wigs. The long, curly,
silvery hair hung over their shoulders. The eight attendants carrying Supreme
Master Ching Hai's palanquin were dressed like British royal palace guards
and the one who accompanied Master looked like the king of Spain.
The practitioners from Surabaya, Indonesia were not to be outdone by the
crowd; they were wearing the traditional clothes of Eastern Java. Those
from Jakarta were dressed in Central Javanese costumes.
Hsihu Meditation Center is a practitioners' heaven, created by Supreme
Master Ching Hai. There is an ever flowing stream. Trees and flowering
bushes are everywhere. Large trees and umbrellas provide shade for meditation.
A library, a guest receiption area, a children's area and a newly constructed
zigzag bridge make up this beautiful place.
In the middle of all this, an open stage was built for special occasions.
"Celebration Of The Third Anniversary Of Ching Hai Day" was written
in red characters on a golden background. There were three large vegetarian
cakes. The middle one had nine layers and was flanked by two three-layered
cakes.
Many trees were decorated with colorful ribbons. A variety of cookies and
candies were hung on many tree branches and anyone could take them off
and eat them. An uncountable number of colorful tiny lights twinkled in
the trees, creating beautiful scene.
Caption: A Souvenir -- The General Secretary of the World Cultural Communication
Association presents Supreme Master Ching Hai with a gift from the six
Governors of the mid-Western states of the United States for the Third
Anniversary of Ching Hai Day.
Sun Morning Newspaper, Surabaya, Indonesia
Wednesday November 1, 1995 (Originally In Indonesian)
A Unique Ching Hai Day In Formosa -- Surabayan Tunes Resound
Before the celebrations of Ching Hai Day got underway, the MC read aloud
the congratulatory letters and telegrams from all over the world, including
one from President Clinton of the United States.
Most performances were traditional and typical of each country. There were
more than twenty performances, including folk songs, traditional dances
and opera.
Soon after the performances concluded, "pi-pi-pa-pa", the sounds
of fire crackers could be heard. In the Hsihu sky there appeared a magnificent
display of fireworks. It lasted about a half hour. Supreme Master Ching
Hai and disciples enjoyed watching the fireworks in the night sky together.
Actually, this celebration was just the beginning for this gathering. The
main event was a 7-day retreat -- a whole week of group meditation. Those
guests who attended the celebration but who were not yet initiated had
to leave Hsihu Meditation Center afterwards.
How great is Supreme Master Ching Hai? Why do Her disciples respect Her
so much? "She is the past, present and future." Huan Chung Li,
Vice President of Shinemound Enterprise in USA said, "Practicing the
Quan Yin Method makes one more wise, more peaceful and more enlightened."
Another, Lloyd L. Tow, President of Advance Pacific Corp., admitted that
he could communicate with Master from a long distance away while meditating.
How can one achieve such a level? "You must ask Master," said
a man who came from Phnum Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
"Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association" is a group
of spiritual practitioners. Its headquarters is in Formosa. There are local
centers all over the world, including Indonesia.
Caption: "Surabaya's Response" -- Six representatives from Surabaya
attended the celebration for Ching Hai Day on October 25, 1995. They sang
two of Indonesia's famous songs, namely, "Bali Island" and "Surabaya."
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Harvard University, USA, Oct. 28, 1995
(Originally In English)
This article was published in Central Daily News, Formosa. November 1995
I would like to talk to you about today is: "What is the difference
between Buddhism and Christianity?" Everywhere I go I tell people:
"There is no difference between Buddhism and Christianity." Basically
there isn't, but there is some difference. When Jesus and Buddha talked
about enlightenment, there was no difference. But if you read the Buddhist
sutras, there are many different things. Buddhism offers a richer treasure.
That's all. If Jesus Christ had been allowed to live a longer time than
just three and a half years, He might have told us about many so-called
planes of existence, of attainment like Buddha did. So that is the difference
between Christianity and Buddhism. Christianity has only one Bible, but
I did not say that Christianity has not the essence in it. The essence
is excellent and everything is there.
It is just that some people are interested in studying Buddhism because
the Buddhist scriptures have such a wide range of experiences and inner
enlightenment which Jesus did not have time to mention. So, many people
misunderstand and think that Jesus did not get that high attainment like
Buddha did, because Buddha went through many different levels of consciousness,
and therefore encountered many so-called inner planes of existence. Then
He told His disciples to write it down. Also some of Buddha's disciples
went to these kinds of planes of existence and wrote them down.
Therefore, we have a very rich treasure of Buddhist sutras, whereby in
Christianity, due to the prevalent persecution of the time, and also the
short life of Jesus, we do not have many records of His disciples' attainments
as well as the master's.
I will go into one of the Buddhist sutras. This sutra is called "Amitabha
Buddha." In that Buddhist scripture, it describes the experience of
one of the Buddha's disciples. The disciple was a queen of India but she
was put into prison. Now, when she was in prison, she longed very much
to see her master, Shakyamuni Buddha of India. When she longed so intensively,
the master appeared to her. Not in a physical body, but in what we call
the light body or manifestation body.
Any kind of master who has reached a very high level of attainment can
manifest many bodies at the same time to appear to their disciples in different
places.
"Amitabha" means "the infinite light." This Buddha
has infinite light, boundless light. So when this queen of India had longed
so much to see the Buddha, He appeared to her in prison. He appeared together
with one of His disciples, and took the queen by the hand and led her to
another land of existence.
Now scientists have proved to us that there are many planes of existence
in the universe. Some have people; some they have not yet discovered if
they are peopled or not peopled. Shakyamuni Buddha had discovered long
ago that there are planes of existence with people like on our Earth and
some are different from our Earth. Some are more advanced in technology,
some are less advanced in technology. Some are more civilized than ours;
some are less civilized than ours.
When the queen went over there to that land, she saw that the earth of
that plane was covered with gold, with crystal, and all the houses, the
buildings were built in the air, not on the earth. And built with all kinds
of precious stones - like lapis lazuli, crystal, pearls, diamonds, rubies,
emeralds, etc. She was thinking what a beautiful land it was; and the people
who lived there, they looked similar to us but they were more beautiful
in appearance. Also they did not walk, they did not need transportation
like we do. Whenever they wanted to go somewhere, they just flew. And whenever
they wanted to come back, they flew back. Every kind of clothing or necessity
would just appear to them whenever they needed. There was no need to go
exchanging money, shopping, waiting for parking, and all this trouble.
Also in that land, there is a pool of nectar, where if one bathes oneself
in it or when one drinks a little from it, then one would feel enlightened,
refreshed and full of spiritual insights. Even in that land the birds and
the trees speak the dharma. Dharma is the Sanskrit term for teaching -
teaching in a verbal language. Also sometimes it means the sentient beings,
all kinds of phenomena in the universe; and in the subtle sense means the
invisible teaching, the Truth. So it can be explained in many ways.
In that land of Amitabha Buddha, all the birds, the trees, the winds speak
the highest truth teaching. When people listen to this so-called dharma,
they have more faith in the Supreme, more faith in the Buddhas, in the
practitioners or the assembly of the saints and in the teachings of the
saints.
Now when we come to think of the Amitabha land, it's truly just like a
fairy tale. How can the earth be covered with gold? How can the houses
built in midair not fall down? How can all the walls and roofs be made
with crystal, diamonds, rubies, all kinds of precious stones, etc.
Here we fight over a piece of diamond which is large enough. We have to
work very hard for many weeks in order to buy a small 'drop' of a diamond.
I would say it looks like a drop of water; just a little bit harder. And
you have to spend a lot of money. Now in that land, they use diamonds,
crystal, rubies, etc., to build their house. Can you imagine?
That is one of the points why the Christians or the other religions could
not believe in Buddhism. It was because the Buddha spoke too much. It was
because His disciples spoke too much, what we call 'talkative'. The Buddha
did not speak actually. He did not tell us all this. It was the disciples
of the Buddha, overhearing all these experiences, fantastic stories, who
wrote them down for others to enjoy.
Now my disciples sometimes they have also written down their stories. The
Master has taken them to which land or to which country of the universe
to visit, and they wrote it down as their own inner experience for them
to check up their progress. That we must do. And after that disciple dies
- then what happens? Maybe his nephew, his grandson, granddaughter will
accidentally inherit this kind of so-called spiritual diary, and inside
it will be full of inner experiences.
Like today Supreme Master Ching Hai took him to which Buddhas' land and
introduced him to whatever master or to which Buddha over there; or maybe
took him to see Jesus, Maria or Santa Clara, whatever. Then he wrote it
all down. Then this book, if it is interesting enough, the nephew, the
grandson, granddaughter, may just publish it, and it may become one of
the Buddhist sutras.
That's what happened with all the sutras in Buddhism. The sutras, or the
so-called scriptures had not been accumulated or written down until one
hundred years afterwards. Before that they were only spoken through word
of mouth, and His disciples also did not write them down. They just listened
to them.
That's why the Buddhist scriptures are so vast and so rich in number; because
Buddha lived to a very old age of eighty, so His disciples were many and
the stories no doubt were many. Also in India at that time, it was very
peaceful and no one persecuted Buddha or any of His followers. They enjoyed
a prosperous time, and they had time to write down and to preserve these
precious memories of those disciples.
Whereby with Jesus Christ, He had to work in darkness, to work in hiding.
If you read the story, you would know. He was only famous a little bit
after three and a half years, and they killed him. Afterwards all the disciples
had to separate in different directions and also working not in the open.
Therefore, even if they had any inner experiences, they could not write
them down; or they could not be well preserved, because the government
at that time would search for them and destroy all of them.
So we have just noticed the Amitabha land looking like a fairy tale story.
So, to some Christian believers, Buddhism is a kind of imagination, hallucination
or something.
The land of Amitabha exists. Some of my disciples have visited it after
initiation, some of them visited it right at the time of initiation, because
it doesn't take long to visit these countries. In just a second, you can
go, and in a second, you can come back. It all depends on the openness
of our mind, the inner channel or our enlightened level. So, there is a
difference between hallucination, imagination, illusion and reality. Everything
is within; there is nothing we can find without.
Now if a place is a hallucination or a product of imagination, then the
others cannot come. Only that person can come and can only come once, never
twice; because it is a dream, an illusion. But if a place's real, then
anyone can come - before him, after him or any time, and verify the place's
existence. So if we do not practice the way to go into such places, then
we cannot know that these places exist.
Most of the religions of the world are based on some kind of philosophy
and argument. "If there is God or there is no God?", "Why
it's so?", and "Why isn't it so?" Most of the time when
I go to give lectures, I have to also air the views of different religions
and make them understand that what the Buddha said about the moon, what
Lao Tzu said about the Tao, and what Jesus said about heaven is the same
thing. But that is not my intention and it's not my beloved subject. Actually,
it's difficult.
And you know what? After I die another one coming will have to add some
of my sayings in it, in order to compare again and to convince the later
generations that what Supreme Master Ching Hai said the same thing like
the Buddha. You do not need to argue, etc. It goes on and on. So we have
so many religions in the world with no help to the yearning people, because
we only talk about philosophy and we do not show people the way."
The "¯way" cannot be shown through books, through speaking, but
through experience. That's why the Buddha said: Look at my finger and you will find the way. Therefore, the queen followed the Buddha, she saw the Buddha's land, she
went with Him. The finger just means instructions or follow, believe in
the master and let the master lead you to wherever is suitable for your
spiritual attainment at that time. That is the meaning of the finger.
Now the queen, she was an ardent believer of the Buddha and she surrendered
herself to the master's instructions. Therefore, that day in the prison,
with a very sincere and longing heart, she prayed to the Buddha that this
world was too miserable. Her own son had put her in prison. Therefore,
she felt the world was full of misery, unhappiness and uncertainty. She
prayed to the Buddha that she may go to some places in the universe which
are more stable, more loving and more kind; for the Buddha to come and
take her to that land.
After she came back from the Amitabha land, she wrote the experiences down.
These leaked out, people got them and print them. Until today we have them
preserved in original form. Many people are aware of the content of this
sutra, but few people have experienced the land of Amitabha.
The same with Christianity: If we are not sincerely devoted, if we are
not gifted since many births with the spiritual tendency, it is hard for
the average Christian believers to experience the second heaven, the third
heaven, the Light of God or the Sound of God which are mentioned in the
Bible.
In Christianity, there are some experiences about the inner Kingdom of
God. Like when Jesus was baptized, He saw the white light from heaven.
The spirit from heaven came down like a white dove. Now how many of us
today are baptized with such a high experience? Or when Moses went to Mount
Sinai, He saw God appear in a big flame, big light. It just says God is
a big light; and God's voice is like the sound of thunder, like the sound
of many waters. John heard the sound of trumpets in heaven, and someone
else had been caught up in the third heaven, etc.
Now who has these kinds of experiences nowadays? You see very seldom. There
are some exceptional saints in a Christian kingdom; they have had similar
experiences to these mentioned in the Bible. But the average Christian
or even the average Buddhist cannot experience these? So religions all
boil to nothing without actual experience.
So someone who is called enlightened is someone who can go at will to these
kinds of light planes, light worlds of existence. At least those of my
disciples are called enlightened, because they experience the light. "En-light-en-ed"
implies you must have the light. Understand?
The light is within you. In the Christian Bible, it is said: Take care, take heed that the light in you should not become darkness.
It also says: If your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light. It always mentions light. Also it mentions many kinds of godly sounds,
like the sound of thunder, the sound of many waters, the sound of the heavenly
trumpet, of harp, of all these kinds of things.
Now if we do not see God at all, at least we must see some of God's light,
the manifestation of God or hear the heavenly music which resounds from
heaven, in order to reassure us that we are very near heaven. Now if we
do not see Amitabha Buddha or have not been taken to that land, at least
we see some of the light of Amitabha Buddha; because "Amitabha"
means "infinite light." Or at least we hear some of the sounds
from Amitabha's land, the sound of the birds singing, the sound of the
leaves, the sound of all the animals or the Buddhas speaking the holy teaching.
At least we hear some from afar so that we know somehow we are very near
the Buddha's land, or we are in touch with the border of the Buddha's land.
Otherwise how do we know at all if God exists, if Buddha exists, if any
Buddha land exists?
There is one more thing I want to mention about Amitabha Buddha. It is
said in the sutra that Amitabha, when He was in the flesh body, when He
was practicing as a saint, as a yogi, He had forty-eight vows. One of His
vows was that: If anyone who had heard His name prayed to Him, even once,
at time of death, in sincerity of course and all utter devotion and longing,
He would take that person to Amitabha land, to His land. But His land,
according to the sutra, is not a ready-made land, purchased from real estate
agency, or is already there empty and waiting. His land was made from His
own spiritual power, His own austerity and discipline.
Now this is what makes Buddhism stand out in contrast to Christianity.
It is only because Christ did not have that much time to explain to us
in detail what He meant in such a short paragraph. Or maybe He did explain
but the information was too much for the church and they cut it down -
the prevalent authority erased them. Anything could have happened.
Now let me tell you more about Amitabha Buddha. When He practiced austerities
and virtues of meditation, He vowed that His own created land later would
be as pure as crystal, as precious as diamonds, and everyone could always
go there if they sincerely wished. So, what is the point of me telling
you this? It is like this: a great master of virtues and power can take
us to his own land even, he can make a new heaven for us.
It is the same like Jesus said: In my Father's house there are many mansions. Now what are all these rooms for? They cannot just stand there empty,
waiting for us, the heavy-ladened with sins.
I tell you the world is populated with some Christian believers, some Buddhist
believers, some Moslem believers and Hindu believers, etc. Maybe one-fourth
of the world is Christian, at least one-fifth, no? Now if all these Christian
people believe in Jesus Christ and get salvation, then why has our world's
population not decreased by one-fifth? Understand? They haven't gone to
heaven. The rooms, the mansions of the Father are empty still. If they
already exist, then they might be empty; no one has come up.
Also many people believe in the Buddhist religion, at least one-sixth or
something of the world. It is very popular, Buddhism. Now our world also
has not decreased by one-sixth, one-fifth, one-tenth or whatever you might
name. It has increased - the population. Many people believe in Hinduism.
At least all the Indian people could be liberated. But we do not see this
way, Indian people keep increasing.
So, how do religions serve us? You must know by now. Religions are good.
All religions are meant to save people from their misery, from suffering
and take them to heaven; but the world is ever increasing in population
and misery. It is because the essence of religions is missing; the enlightened
masters are missing.
When Buddha was alive, He was the light of the world, He was the essence,
the all and total of Buddhism. That's why after He died, we call ourselves
"Buddhist." It means we are the followers of that Buddha. When
Jesus Christ was alive, He was the sum total of Christianity. He was the
Christ, the absolute, the only one at that time - the Supreme Master. So
after He died or when He was alive, people called themselves Christians,
to signify they were the followers of Christ just like the Buddhists, the
followers of Buddha.
When Lao Tzu was alive, people followed Him and called themselves Laoist
or Taoist. When Confucius was alive, people followed Him, so distinguishing
themselves from the rest who had no master. They called themselves "Confucians,"
among themselves, among the disciples of Confucius, of the Buddha, of Christ;
saying that they have a master, the others are different. The others maybe
followed some doctrines but did not have a real enlightened master. So
they wanted to distinguish among themselves that they were the followers
of Confucius, of Buddha, of Christ, of Mohammed, etc. They called themselves
"Mohammedans" also.
That's why we have so many religions. These were great enlightened masters
like Buddha, Christ, Mohammed, Lao Tzu, Confucius, etc., were the lights
of the time. They made it into worldwide recognition through some means,
some destiny or some help of some kind - the proclamation from disciples.
If I carry on being famous like that, maybe I'll make myself into history
and maybe people will make a sect becoming "Ching Haiism" or
something like that. So people will know about my name long after I die.
Then they become the followers of Ching Haiism, Ching Haiists or whatever
that is. It could be that way. That's how the Buddha, Christ, Confucius
and Lao Tzu made their way into history.
There were many other famous, very enlightened masters mind you, but they
were not famous. Maybe their doctrines were so few, no one printed their
doctrines, no one proclaimed their divine messages; so they were not that
famous. Any masters who came after Christ, after Buddha, after Lao Tzu,
after Confucius, after Mohammed had to stand in their shadow, because they
had become so worldwide famous and established in the minds of billions
of people. So any master who came afterwards had to quote their sayings
in order to verify their own teachings, in order to prove that their present
teachings were in accordance with those in the past. But it's very difficult.
When Jesus arrived on Earth, He also had this difficulty. He always had
to keep quoting the past masters all the time. Moses also said who and
who said this, this, this. He had to also defend Himself and His teachings.
He said: Look! I do not come to destroy. I only come to fulfil. He only came to explain the old, ancient teachings. He did not come to
destroy the ancient teachings. But people at that time did not understand
His intention, and did not know who He was; thinking He was a heretic,
a manifestation of negative force or whatever.
People are so peculiar. How can someone be negative if He teaches the holy
things? How can someone be a Satan or a devil worker if He teaches people:
Thou shall not kill. Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall love thy
neighbor, Thou shall forgive thy enemy, etcetera? How can someone be negative if he teaches this way? Even if he
has no God power at all, if he teaches this way, he can't be evil. Is it
not so? So it is very surprising for us sometimes to dig into the history
of any time, and see that the ignorance of the masses is beyond comprehension.
The same with Buddha. When the Buddha was alive, what did He teach people?
The same: Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not tell lies, Thou shall not
steal, Thou shall not harm other people, Love thy neighbor, Have great
compassion, etcetera. But at the Buddha's time, many people opposed Him,
saying that He was a heretic, outer path, etcetera. How can I understand
this ignorance of the people at large, at any period at all? So that's
how difficult it is to take people back to heaven, because of too many
preconceived ideas; too many prejudices; too much ignorance; too many ignorant
points of view; too many attachments to old things, worn-out concepts and
not understanding these concepts.
If people understand the scriptures, that is good; but they do not understand.
That's what makes the difference between an enlightened person and an ignorant
person. Anyone who is enlightened is the embodiment of the scriptures;
they understand any scripture thoroughly and correctly. And anyone who
is unenlightened - doesn't matter how long he reads the scriptures, how
many he has learned by heart - will never know anything, only gets stuck
there, gets stuck in the conceptions and the false beliefs in the conceptions.
It's not that the religious scriptures are no good. It's not that Buddhism
is no good. It's not that Christianity is no good. Any religion is excellent.
Just the people do not understand the essence of religion, do not even
understand the real meaning of the sentence. How much less they understand
what the sentence implies and behind the lines of the sentences. For example,
Jesus said: I am the light and the way of the world, as long as I live in the world. So they get stuck there. Christian people say: "Jesus is the only
light; always the light, the light and the way of the world." No,
He said: As long as I live in the world. And after He goes, He will send comforters to us, meaning there will be
others coming, other prophets.
Most Christian people get stuck there and believe only in Jesus. It's all
right to believe in Jesus, but we must rise up to Jesus' level in order
to really understand what He meant, really can be connected with Him, and
then let Him take us back to the Kingdom of God. If we are here and Jesus
is there all the time, and we make no connection, Jesus cannot help anyone.
Jesus cannot help us at all if we are not in connection with Him.
Now, when Jesus was alive, we could easily be in contact with Him, we could
'register' our name with Him, say, "Look, Jesus, I believe in God,
please, take me home." Then He knew, He promised, Okay! Whoever believes in me will go home. That He promised. But when He has gone out of this world, His magnetic
field is taken away from us. Now He has gone to some different world to
live where He teaches other kinds of, maybe better, advanced disciples
of a better race.
If we truly believe in Jesus and want to see Him, we can go; but we must
rise up to where He is staying. And that only can be done through perseverance,
meditation, prayer and the grace of a living master, because the master,
the one who is in flesh also in the spirit, is easier to contact. But the
one who is in the spirit only, cannot be in the flesh. Understand?
That's why the living master is more important than the in-the-spirit master,
because you cannot see, you cannot rise to that level. The master when
in the flesh is also in the spirit. Therefore, Jesus, when He was on the
Earth, He said what? I and my Father are one. He was on the Earth, having the flesh body and having to eat, walk, drink
like any other mortal, but He said, I and my Father are one. He did not tell a lie, He told the truth, because He was in the flesh
as well as in the spirit. He had both instruments to help people in the
flesh as well as the people in the spirit.
Buddha was the same. When He was in the flesh, He could even manifest to
go to heaven. He took His disciples to many different heavens. If we read
different Buddhist scriptures, we will see different kinds of heavens or
different kinds of Buddhas' lands in them. This is due to the power of
the Buddha -- He can manifest at the same time in many places on Earth,
in hell, in heaven, in Buddha's land, in the Kingdom of God, etcetera.
So at the same time, He taught disciples in different places and at different
levels, and took different people to different heavens. That is the power
of a living master. A true living master should possess this kind of power.
If not, he is not the living master.
Therefore, Jesus, He wasn't only in the flesh. After He died, He resurrected,
He flew up to heaven. But that was not His real physical body, it was the
light body -- the spiritual body.
The Bible is too short; the experiences are too few, too rare. Therefore,
we cannot understand very much the similarities between Christian's experiences
and Buddhist's experiences. But from what I understand, and from my own
experiences, I know Jesus had the same power like Buddha did -- could appear
anywhere, any place, any time. He had attained Buddhahood in other words.
Christ is just the Hebrew name for Buddha; Buddha is only a Sanskrit name
for Christ. They mean an enlightened person, an enlightened saint, a living
master -- embodiment of Truth, light and salvation. Once you attain that
level of Buddhahood or Christ, you can save as many people as come to you.
Whoever comes to you for help, you can help them. Your treasure is endless.
The only difficulty is that not many people will come to you; not the whole
world, because most of people are covered, obscured by their own ignorance
and misunderstanding of what a Buddha should be, what a God should be.
Too much hallucination, too many doctrines and too many dogmas keep people
away from such a living embodiment of Truth. If you are a Buddhist, you
are stuck in Buddhism, and you always pray to the wooden Buddha, hoping
for salvation after you die.
Well, if you are really sincere, you get, no doubt. If you are really sincerely
repeating the name of Amitabha Buddha, the utmost purity from your heart
will touch His spirit and He will take you to liberation after you die.
That's no doubt. Or even this life. But very seldom people can be purified
by themselves to such extent. Therefore, the Buddha, Christ or the saints
have to manifest themselves time and again into this world to show them
in the flesh, so that to get direct contact with them and help them to
go home.
Therefore, we see many periods of time, the Buddha came, Christ came, Mohammed
came, etcetera. All these we call prophets or the messengers of God. They
are truly the messengers of God. They have contact with God in heaven,
and they have contact here in the world as well.
Just like you are a big boss of a big company. You have your offices everywhere,
you have representatives everywhere, and they can take care of people's
problems when they come to your company. If you have no representative
in Australia, for example, it's difficult for people to know that you exist
in Germany or in America -- that your company sells such and such in America.
And so many small problems in detail, you need to be in direct contact
in order to solve the problems.
So, the messengers of God or so-called enlightened saints are representatives
of God. Coming in contact with them, we will come in contact with God in
due course, and it's a direct line.
When we get enlightenment, we will create a new heaven. And when we do
something bad or sinful, we create new hell. Do not think the hell exists
already, waiting for you to fall into it. No, we create them. Heaven and
hell are all our own creation.
Let me tell you a story from Hindu mythology. There was a man who was very
rich. He died, and then he lived in a very beautiful palace in heaven.
He lived there, no problem. Everything was beautiful and a golden palace
for him. He lived there for many days, but he saw no one around him, no
one at all. So he went very far, far away and then he kept asking an angel,
"What happened to my palace? I have no servants. I have no one around
-- no relatives, nothing. No one loves me. Why?"
The angel said to him, "It is because when you were on the Earth,
you did not love anyone. You didn't treat your servants very well, so you
cannot have them here."
So the man, being very miserable, went back to his palace and pondered
over this. He said, "Well, if I come back next time, I will be loving
to people, to attract many people to come to me, because I'm too lonely
now."
As he pondered over this matter, he got hungry. He kept searching in his
pantry for food. There was nothing there, nothing at all, not even a piece
of dry bread or chapati. Chapati is Indian bread. So he was sitting there,
so hungry, and then he kept praying again to the angel saying, "Please
come, I cannot come to you now. I am too hungry. I can not walk, please
come to me. I want some answers."
So the angel, out of compassion, came to him. And the man asked the angel,
"What happened? I have no food, why? I thought in heaven there would
be plenty of food. I have come here and get hungry, why?"
So the angel said to him, "It was all your making. When you were on
the Earth, you did not give anyone anything. People hungry came to you,
you didn't give them food, any shelter. Therefore, now that's what you
get. You have to create them in order to have them here."
Oh! So the man became enlightened somewhat. He said, "Well, that's
what I get. I guess the law of karma."
And there was nothing to drink, so he knew it was the same thing, that
what he did not sow in life he could not reap after death: As you sow, so shall you reap.
Now he was very miserable, so he prayed to God. He said, "Please,
give me some more time to live, at least two weeks, so I can create a better
environment, so that I can have something to eat and to drink."
Because of his sincerity, God gave him two more weeks to live. During these
two weeks, he gave food, drink and love to many people. So when he went
back to that palace, he had plenty of people to serve and love him, and
food and drink. But this is only a small story. In order to create the
infinite heaven, the long-lasting heaven, we need much more perseverance
and virtues.
Now you may tell me, "Well, I just have this one life. How can I create
an infinite heaven for myself?" Well, then you go to someone who has
already created infinite heaven. Then you join him or her and go to that
heaven. You can also stay. But also according to Buddhism, we have life
after life; we do not have only one life. Therefore, maybe we have accumulated
enough virtues and merit in order to live in such an infinite heaven, like
that of Amitabha Buddha. That was the one he created himself.
It says so in the Bible, and it is the truth. That's why whenever a living
Buddha is on the Earth, people flock to him to take refuge; because they
do not have enough confidence that they can create their own heaven. Nevertheless,
the Buddha or the enlightened master would tell them, "Look! You are
your own heaven. You can create it through this and that discipline, through
such and such virtues and spiritual practice." Because God's grace
or Buddha's mercy is infinite, if we turn to them for refuge, then we get
it.
Now God or Buddha nature is what we have inside ourselves; it is the infinite
power which is endowed to human alone. We can discover this infinite power
and create anything we want. Forget about the hell. We do not create hell,
then we don't have it. We have to live according to the instructions of
the master not to create a new hell for ourselves, but to create heaven.
Q: What is the criterion for selecting a master?
M: If you are somewhat enlightened, you know immediately who is talking what.
If the master, who claims to be the real one, can give you some experience
of the light and the sound of heaven, or some kind of heavenly abode where
that master has been, share with you some of his power immediately, that's
what you call a real master.
Also the real master can appear anywhere at anytime without physical means,
without transportation. That is the second criterion. But before you come
to that, you must select a master according to his or her speech. Appeals
to you or not? Is it logical or not? Intelligent enough or not? Answers
all your questions or not?
Look at the virtues of the master. Is the master truly without fame and
name, without desire? That's the outer. Then the inner occurs when you
are initiated, then you know the master has power or not.
When you practice sincerely, the master appears anywhere, anytime, to help
you. That is more and more each day. Otherwise, how can you identify the
master. If he gives you no money, how can you believe that he has money?
So, if he is enlightened, he should give you some light. I mean you get
your enlightenment also.
Q: Can You talk about meditation?
M: Meditation is a kind of listening to God's advice, God's instructions.
Now why do we meditate? It's just to reserve some time for the inner message.
As we always keep asking for something, praying for something, we must
also reserve some time to listen. Just like you ask me a question. Now
you have to be quiet for a while and try to listen to what I say.
Everyday we pray to God, "Oh! God. Oh! Buddha. Please, give me that.
Please tell me what to do! Please this, please that." Then we go out,
always busy, noisy, talking, and never listening. So, actually meditation
is nothing but a process of quiescence. Just sit there and listen to see
what God answers to our prayers, and what the Buddha instructs us to do.
That's all there is. It is very simple thing. You ask and you need an answer.
So when we need an answer, we have to be quiet and listen. That is called
meditation.
Q: You speak many languages and You've been around the world, and how did
You come to select the land Formosa as Your first seat of teaching?
M: Formosan people are very sincere and pure in their hearts. They truly pray
to God, to Buddha to deliver them. Of course, there are some who ask for
material comfort and worldly possession etcetera, or fulfillment of their
worldly desires. But Formosan people are very pure at heart and they ask
me to come to help them. They asked in their hearts before I came. Therefore,
even before I went to Formosa, many people had already seen me appear in
their meditation. They haven't meditated with my method, they just meditate
anyhow. You know, must sit there quiet, and they saw me come already. Therefore,
when I came, they recognized. Understand? That means I have a lot of affinity
with the Formosan people. It's easy like that, maybe in previous lives.
But actually the Buddha doesn't select anything. It's just a kind of telling
you something so that you understand. The Buddha comes according to the
people's wish.
Q: When will the world be destroyed?
M: When we die, that is the end of our world. Doesn't matter by what. Suppose
I die tomorrow, that is the end of the world because I don't see the world
any more. So we don't need to worry about the whole end because more or
less we will end one way or another, sooner or later.
Now the question is: After the end of our world or the whole world, what
to do? We go to another plane which is better. So be prepared from today.
Whether you end it yourself or the world will end altogether, matters not!
We will go to different place.
Q: How to save the world?
M: You'll know that after great enlightenment. All your anxieties, worries
about the world will fall apart. You will look at the way in different
eyes. Of course, you will be a good citizen still, and try your best. You
see, what we are doing now is also helping the world; because when we meditate
in the correct way, we radiate love and light. That would benefit many
people. There are always people in this world who practice the light, therefore,
the world stays as it is now. If there were no one who practiced the light
and virtues at all, the world would have become hell already.
So what makes the world different from hell is that there are many enlightened,
great saints in the world, who radiate light, love and benediction. And
what makes the world different from heaven is that there are only a few
of these people, and not the whole world. When the whole world practices,
then it will become Buddha land. But because the whole world is not practicing,
it's the world. And it's not the hell because there are people who are
good, who are evil. That's the difference, and the world stays as it is.
If you want to help the world, then we practice virtues, we practice the
light. That will help somewhat.
The end of the world or not the end of the world - I will not say. It depends
on the hearts and will of the people, and the will of God. We do not know
what is good and what is no good.
For example, if a house is too rotten, too dangerous, unsafe to live in,
would you still, out of love for antiquity, preserve it in that condition?
No, you have to pull it down and make a new one. Or else you have to do
something about it; put something up and renovate the whole thing.
Similarly in God's plan, we must know God's will. Whatever God wishes to
do, that is correct. If, for example, this world is all destroyed, there
are other worlds we can immigrate to. No need to worry.
People, anyhow, after great enlightenment, will see, there is no world,
no people; just light, just bliss and happiness. Everything else is just
the shadow of that light. For example, I am here, my shadow is on the wall.
If you destroy the shadow - means nothing. You can put something in behind
my back so you don't see the shadow. That doesn't mean the shadow is dead,
because it isn't there in the first place. It's only a shadow; I am here.
The soul never dies! Whatever disaster or dying is only illusion.
Q: Why sometimes when we pray we get some response from God, sometimes we
don't get any response at all?
M: It is because our sincerity differs, our intensity of prayer differs according
to our mood. Now you must know God, Gods, Goddesses or Buddhas are all
within us. So when we pray, if we are really deep in prayer and sincerity,
and our prayer gets in touch with that innermost wisdom, innermost power,
the almighty God, then we get answers. If we do not touch so deep within,
then it doesn't come through.
Just like when the rain is not very hard, we just put up an umbrella, or
just a very thin layer of cloth will protect us from getting wet and cold.
But if the rain is very hard, also windy, then even we sometimes wear the
raincoat, it will be blown away even. So the intensity of our prayer is
what makes it. That's what gets us the answer or not.
Q: Where did the negative creative force come from? From God? Why does He
allow that thing to happen?
M: It's a kind of theater, having the negative and positive. There is fun!
Otherwise, no fun. Just like in this world we have daylight and we have
night time. Night time is for us to rest, and day time is for us to be
active and working. What I mean is, we need some periods of rest. If we
cannot sleep for two, three days, we feel terrible. So night is to put
everything in sleep, to rest and restore.
The winter is the same. You see all the leaves are falling and all the
things look all dry and terrible. But then they restore their strength
in spring. They need rest. Everything is created in opposites, in pairs,
in order to complement each other. Now we are not to be afraid of the negative
force. We just have to know how it functions in order to control it, and
not to get into its clutches.
That's why we get enlightenment. Not that we get enlightenment and then
we shun the opposite force, or we hate the negative force or the Maya,
etc. It's not the case. To get enlightenment is to know through the positive
and the negative, and then can harmonize each other, and go. We break through
the negative and the positive even, go through the 'un-negative' and 'un-positive,'
go to the most high where all is blended in harmony. There is no differentiation
between negative and positive like here. Everything comes from God; everything
is good. In reality, it's only a play; it's a complement for each other.
Q: I am a psychiatrist and do research on mental illness. There are many questions
that still need to be answered. You know, as to why there are families
which have schizophrenia passed on in the families and how is that explained
by karmic actions?
The second question is: Is it rightful for scientists to ask, after enlightenment,
that there is a quicker answer from somewhere above to these questions,
or do they still have to stick with their scientific methods in trying
to answer these questions?
M: There are quicker answers than scientific research.
Q: And that happens directly or you can expect that to happen?
M: Yes, directly, intuitively. You see, we have the brain of which we use
only 5 percent. That everyone knows, including the scientists. So there
is another 95 percent laying dormant with a lot of power, information and
capabilities. When you awaken this full power of the brain, then you get
all the answers, which you have to do the research for many, many, many
years in order to get, and even not correct sometimes after many years
of research.
The scientists sometimes prove that is correct, then the next year they
prove a different way, and next, next year another different way; because
we use the limited power instead of using the whole power. So the method
of enlightenment is nothing new and nothing mysterious. It's only to awaken
your full competency, full power of intelligence. Ninety-five percent is
still there. So you get answers quickly from meditation.
Q: Yes, the other question I was asking is that we know that there are diseases
which are inherited. How is that explained by the law of retribution?
M: The people who inherit these diseases are connected with each other in
previous lives through some common goals, common deeds and togetherness.
Together doing something, together thinking something, and together inherit
something. Because of their passion for each other, they also stick together,
come back as sons and daughters, and inherit the past fruits. It happens
through their love and attachment for each other; and also from the past
lives that they have done things together, the same things which bear the
same fruit. Everything is through karma, no exceptions.
Q: People that live in the United States which is the richest country in the
world, have lived very enlightened lives in the past.
M: Very charitable lives in the past. Not necessarily enlightened. Richness
and enlightenment are different things all together. You may be rich but
not enlightened. You may be poor but enlightened.
Well, that's just true. This you can believe when you see it. After you
practice for sometime, meditation -- some kinds, not necessarily my kind,
then you will gain access into those past memories. You will see too, yourself,
the whole karmic structure of the world, and why some places are poor,
why some people are rich. You'll see clearly like you read the book, or
you see a movie picture.
Everything is recorded in the history of time and space. There is nothing
that is destroyed, nothing disappears. Everything is manifested and concentrated
in a form of energy and is recorded in a different level of consciousness.
We can see that too ourselves. Then we have no more doubt.
Now if you argue with me until tomorrow, you will still have doubt because
you don't see it. So my proposal is, I invite you to come into the Kingdom
of heaven, the Kingdom of invisible knowledge, and find out for yourself.
News Magazine #52
Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 52
Cover illustration: Seeing Your supra-worldly brilliance, everyone is full
heavenly joy and far from worries and misery.
