International Reports

It is now winter in South Africa. The weather is cold with very low temperatures at night. Fellow practitioners of Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Cape Town, South Africa, in accordance with Master's instruction, have been taking action to care for the homeless people. In the most recent warmth-sending activity, fellow practitioners extended again the spirit of helping each other. They enthusiastically volunteered to take up the various preparatory work, like shopping and cooking to prepare the vegetarian food boxes. Mr. Huang, an overseas Chinese living in Queen's Town, when he heard that Supreme Master Ching Hai is organizing an activity to send warmth into the cold winter, he immediately donated several dozen new woollen wear. This illustrated that there is always love and warmth among human beings. Whenever someone takes the lead to do something correct and meaningful, the love and virtues which have always resided in human's heart will be aroused. They will rise up to help support the action.

On one Sunday afternoon, after two days of diligent meditation, fellow practitioners embarked on the journey! They took bags of winter clothing and hot meals to the homeless people in the Claremont suburb. Some of those who came forward to receive the gifts were only wearing very thin, torn clothes, and were shivering in the cold wind. On receiving the big jacket or the wind-proof clothing, they put them on immediately. There was a sense of gratitude and excitement on their faces as a result of this unanticipated present of love as they eat the fresh, rich and delicious meal, enjoying the infinite love from God.

Fellow practitioners were very happy to have been able to participate in this activity. They want to thank Master for Her teachings and the chance given to them to utilize and expand their loving hearts. Some fellow practitioners said that they slept exceptionally well and were very warm that night.

The Surabaya Center has never missed celebrating Master's birthday, this special annual event has become its most important festival. However, this year's celebration was even more unique, solemn and grander than usual.

On that particular morning, there was an initiation session. The unawakened minds of the would-be-initiates were like a drought waiting for Master's blessing rain. They were very happy to receive their initiation on Master's birthday; it was as if they had received double Her blessing power. Each of the new initiates were full of bliss.

The celebration was held in a vegetarian restaurant. The restaurant is owned by an initiated couple who, inspired by Master's love, decided to devote themselves to promote vegetarianism in order to help their countrymen to practice. Before the couple was initiated, they applied for a restaurant license, but the government did not grant them one. Only after they received initiation by Master did they get the license, which was a pleasant surprise for the couple. They felt very excited and were very thankful to Master.

By afternoon, the guest arrived one after the other; almost all the new initiates were present, with some of them having come from quite a long distance. The restaurant soon became packed with fellow initiates and their non-initiated guests. First, they played Master's video with Indonesian subtitles, which gave many natives the opportunity to understand Master's teachings. Consequently, they became interested in practicing and in becoming members of the Quan Yin family. During the celebration, fellow initiates encouraged each other to follow Master instructions, to practice diligently, and to purify the surroundings. Finally, the initiates prayed silently for the happiness of the Indonesian people, for the prosperity of their country and for world peace.

The atmosphere became happy and harmonious as fellow initiates sang the birthday song to Master, and it felt as if She, Herself, was present. All of us felt Master's loving blessing. As they enjoyed the birthday cake, the party began to liven up. Different kinds of food were displayed on the banquet table; and after the guest tasted the delicious, healthy and pure vegetarian food and cake, they were full of praises. While they enjoyed the delicious meals, they were also greatly entertained by performances given by fellow initiates. For sure, they were all intoxicated by Master's loving blessings.

In order to satisfy the innermost yearning of the fellow initiates in Tokyo, Japan, Master most kindly allowed them to hold a three-day retreat in Her mountain home. The fellow initiates felt deeply touched by this good news, especially those who just got initiated in May -- they felt extraordinarily happy and truly cherished this rare opportunity. The three-day retreat happened to be on Mother's Day and Master's birthday, which enhanced the joyful atmosphere. Due to Master's special care and blessings, the retreat was a rich spiritual harvest.

On the first evening of the three-day retreat, something unusual happened. Brother Hong, one of the guards, was outside during the group meditation when he saw a bright and white oval spot of light spiraling continuously right over Master's house; and the scope of the spiraling was as big as half of Her house. The clouds were very low then, and it was very hard for his eyes to see what type of object it was. Besides, airplanes couldn't spiral in such a small area. However, the light object did not appear to be illuminating from below because there was no light column. Concluding that it was a UFO, brother Hong was a bit excited. Since other fellow initiates were meditating and it was inconvenient to disturb them, he could only look up into the sky with a fixed gaze to observe it. He saw that its shape sometimes appeared round and sometimes oval, while moving and spinning in a counterclockwise direction. Every time it moved towards Master's house, its light would intensify. A half hour later, the light object started to move slowly in a southeasterly direction.

When the group meditation was over, the fellow initiates came out of the house one after other. The first sight of the UFO gave them a peculiar sensation, like an electric current running up to their brains, which gave their brain feelings of numbness and expansiveness. Some fellow initiates experienced a continuous strengthening of their magnetic field; some heard the resonance of a constant vibration, as if the aliens on the UFO were friendly and were greeting them. Silently, the fellow initiates recited the Holy Names to communicate with them. Then, they saw the UFO spiraling over clouds; sometimes higher and sometimes lower, it's orbit was sometimes round and sometimes oval, sometimes big and sometimes small, while hovering in the southeastern sky. After two hours, it gradually disappeared from site.

At this time, the entire mountain area was covered with thick clouds, and not even a star could be seen. Only in the sky right over Master's house was there a big circle, wherein, there was a cloudless sky filled with stars. Some fellow initiates said that the extraterrestrial beings from outer space came especially to wish Master happy birthday.

Having personally experienced contact with this UFO, the fellow initiates felt deeply that this was a sign of the ripeness of the Golden Age. Human beings on Earth should make their vision even broader, with boundless love and care, to greet its coming. On Mother's Day, it started to rain in the middle of night. The gentle rain, resembling a cradle-song from God, resounded by our side while the light of the entire universe illuminated us. Reflecting on the miracle that Master Mom came down to this world because of Her boundless love for us, fellow initiates were all very moved. With hearts filled with gratitude, we could not help bursting into tears during the "Happy Birthday" song.

During the three-day retreat, one after other, the participating fellow initiates expressed their joys and thanks to Master. Many of them said that they had very good inner experiences. Compared with any group meditation held here in the past, more incredible phenomena and heart-moving events happened this time. Thank You, Master, for letting us experience this unforgettable three-day retreat.

One Sunday afternoon, County Magistrate Ho Chi Hui, the guardian of Miaoli, and Mr. Tu Wen Ching, member of the National Assembly, visited Hsihu Center. The fellow initiates there cheerfully greeted them.

Accompanied by the resident disciples, the guests walked along the tree-shaded park, passed by the cool fountain, and arrived at the Nectar River. County Magistrate Ho praised Master for being able to complete such a beautiful and natural river in just three days. After admiring Master's various artistic creations, musical compositions and poems, etc., that were displayed in the book circulation center, Country Magistrate Ho could not help being curious: what kind of Master is this, and what is this method of enlightenment? The emerging of a person's dormant talents after spiritual practice made him become more interested in understanding the Quan Yin Method.

When the National Assembly Member, Mr. Tu saw that the kitchen staff, who were quietly going about cooking in complete awareness of and coordination with each other, and that not a sound could be heard when there were thousands of people sitting in the Forest meditation Hall meditating, while the children were playing in the Rainbow Garden, he praised that everything was so orderly in the Center. He said that such an orderly scene, and one filled with vitality, could not be found in society outside. Mr. Tu recognized the good points of keeping a vegetarian diet. He positively agreed with Master's teachings, and felt a certain manifestation of Her omnipresent blessing powers.

After a visit to the unique Red Gazebo, they came to the Rainbow Garden. County Magistrate Ho's daughter jumped onto a wooden horse with delight. The joyous laughter and every single one of the toys in the Rainbow Garden attracted her. By the lovely and colorful cement animals, the father and daughter had quite a few photos taken. County Magistrate Ho said that both he and his wife are so busy with official business that they hardly have time to play with their daughter. He was very happy that he had the opportunity to have his child accompanied him and have fun that day.

Both County Magistrate Ho and Mr. Tu enjoyed their visit, but had to leave to attend to some official business. Mr. Tu conveyed the county council's concern for the Center -- that they would be pleased to offer any help the Center might need. Whilst thanking them for their consideration, the resident disciples said that due to Master's absence, the hospitality extended by them, the disciples, was not quite complete, and they hoped that there would be another opportunity to entertain them in a better way. Caption: A respected patriarch in Miaoli -- County Magistrate Ho Chi Hui and his daughter, together with National Assembly member, Mr. Tu Wen Ching, visit Hsihu Ashram.

A respected patriarch in Miaoli -- County Magistrate Ho Chi Hui and his daughter, together with National Assembly member, Mr. Tu Wen Ching, visit Hsihu Ashram.

On invitation from China Youth Corps (C.Y.C.) the Chiayi Center once again participated in the bazaar held in the Sun Yat-sen Garden on Mother's Day. It was hoped that Master's message could be delivered to more people who have affinity.

This time, Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association's booth was still introducing Master's books and vegetarianism. Just a few days before the bazaar, there were more than a dozen big posters featuring Master in various Celestial Clothes sent from Hsihu. These made the decorating of the booth more complete and brilliant, attracting more guests. Also, from the experience of not having enough vegetarian food supply last time, fellow practitioners started to prepare international food, such as sushi, dumplings, tea, fried rice, fried noodles, pizza, and desserts in the Vegetarian House early in the morning. So, more people could enjoy the vegetarian meals and desserts full of Master's blessings.

On that day, there were crowds of people at the bazaar. Fellow practitioners handed out sample booklets and Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines, both at the entrance and at the booth. After receiving the News magazines, many people could not wait to read them even when they were walking. Some people just went and found a spot under a tree to sit down so that they could read them immediately. At the food stall, by word of mouth from the guests, the working staff were kept busy the entire time.

Amazingly, according to the weather forecast, there was suppose to be a heavy rain on that day. Really, there was a downpour of rain from very early in the morning. However, when the working staff arrived at the site, the weather became clear and fine. It wasn't until the end of the bazaar that the rain started to fall again.

After the bazaar, all fellow practitioners went out to pick up all the rubbish left in the park. Unexpectedly, they met the head organizer of the bazaar. She was very touched and told fellow practitioners that she had never seen such a group like ours that were so united and so selflessly giving. She also praised that we are a real practicing group. For these, we have to thank Master for Her never-ending care of us and leading us to a correct path. If there is any good performance on the part of the disciples, it is the result of Master's never-tiring teaching.

At the Mother's Day Bazaar, Master's divine message reaches the guests either verbally or physically, by being delivered into their hands.

The green forest, full of vitality of the fruit-bearing trees, dominates the entire horizon with blooming flowers giving off their lovely fragrances everywhere. It's the magnificent landscape of Palawan Center.

The Center has attracted many guests to visit it. They have come to know about Master through a variety of ways, from the fellow practitioners who walk all the streets in the city to spread Master's teachings, and from the weekly TV broadcasts. The people have opened their minds, hoping to know more about Master's teachings. Her artistic creations have also touched the souls longing for Truth, virtue and beauty. The Center receives guests daily. They come from different places throughout the Philippines, including foreign visitors. Palawan Center has been categorized as a tourist attraction.

Ms. Leticia Ramos Shahani, a sister of President Fidel V. Ramos, set some time aside to visit the Center. She was accompanied by Sister Pascal. It was the first time she had paid a visit to the Center and was greatly impressed by the beautiful scenery. Fellow practitioners told her Master had taught them how to help the needy, the poor and the suffering, the orphans and the handicapped. She expressed her admiration toward Supreme Master Ching Hai's compassionate love while listening attentively. Fellow practitioners also explained to her the Center's daily activities -- working in the plant nursery, growing vegetables, preparing vegetarian food, and baking bread, etc. All the honored guests happily commented that the life in this place is very active. Fellow practitioners also invited them to try the freshly cooked vegetarian delicacies. They were overwhelmed by our hospitality. In addition, they were given Master's booklet and News magazines as spiritual gifts. When leaving the Center they turned around for a last glance at its natural beauty before departing.

During the summer break, teachers from the city of Manila also came to visit the Center and to enjoy the delicious vegetarian food. They were happy and excited to learn about Supreme Master Ching Hai's compassionate activities and wise teachings. They also said that they would adopt the vegetarian diet.

The Buddhist monks from Germany and India also stopped by the Center to exchange spiritual messages. All the guests who visited the Center expressed the same feeling, that upon setting foot in the Center, they are able to experience an uplifting sensation of bliss and indescribable joy! Through Master's boundless compassion, everyone is able to feel Her great love.

Master's teaching of love has permeated this fragrant, shady spot which attracts many visitors.

Vegetables grown in Palawan Center are enough for the daily needs of those in Palawan as well as in the neighboring cities.

Fellow practitioners in Palawan work at improving the daily meals to feed the countrymen. They grow a type of mint with a special flavor that enhances the food and makes it tastier for everyone. This kind of mint is extremely rare in the Philippines.

Due to Master's loving energy, the vegetables grow rapidly. In addition to providing for the Center's daily needs, there is also enough for the compatriots in the camp and for market consumption. As well, fellow practitioners are still able to donate a sizable quantity to the neighboring religious groups, the agencies inside the camp, the Filipino people who work in the camp, and even to the military kitchen within Wescom region.

Graced by God's and Master's loving care and concern, fellow practitioners use every bit of the materials and food bestowed upon them without any waste in the hope of sharing them with more people.

Ms. Leticia Ramos Shahani (Center), a sister of President Ramos, tastes the fresh home-made bread baked by the Palawan fellow practitioners.