PoemTime-Weaver
You May Not Know
Trust your first instinct
By Small Stream, Miaoli, Formosa
Once when we were gathered around Master having a barbecue, Her finger
got accidentally burned. She immediately called: "Water"
People around momentarily just sat there in shock, except for a sister,
who used to be Her attendant, who turned to fetch some water. At that same
time I also stood up. My first instinct was: "There is water behind
Master in a cup." But I hesitated for a few seconds just "thinking":
"That's juice, not water." So I also turned around to get some
water instead.
What surprised me was seeing Master turned around to get the cup and soak
Her burned finger in it. I was shaking all over, thinking to myself: "I
didn't pass the test!" At that time I felt so awful that I wanted
to disappear right there. I was truly sorry.
After a while, Master commented that She would like some sugar cane. So
someone immediately got Her a piece of barbecue sugar cane. She said: It's
too hot!"
When I heard that and saw that behind Her there were more sugar cane that
hadn't been barbecued yet, I immediately took one for the attendant to
prepare and give to Her. When She said: "This is much better,"
my heart bloomed.
I knew that Master must have felt my repenting heart, so She gave me a
second chance. Afterwards, I had a heartfelt understanding of the many
ways Master uses to each us: "Our first instincts are from God and
they're always right. However, after a few seconds of thought, the brain
starts working. If we use our instincts often in our daily lives and in
making important decisions, then we would deeply feel that 'Master and
I are one,' because 'Master is me!'"¡¹
News 78 Index
Open Space
Spiritual Development And Material Science
By Brother Initiate Tom Chalko, Australia
(Originally In English)
"...In my opinion, the only role of material technology is that it
should assist in the spiritual development, and not be used (as it is used
now on Earth) to enslave people within the materialistic world, which is
temporary anyway." Dr. Tom Chalko is a lecturer of engineering at Melbourne University, Australia.
He has a doctorate in laser holography and is also an author of The Joy
of Perfect Health, a book which describes what few medical practitioners
want us to know: how to heal ourselves. Being a Quan Yin practitioner for
3 years, he is in a quite unique position to view Earthly science in a
much wider, more spiritual context, than most members of the scientific
community. When communicating with another initiate, Dr. Chalko was surprisingly
candid about his views about the lack of true science in the world of science:
I think that 'scientific beliefs' are simply dangerous misinformation,
supported by centuries of bad habits, doctrines and big egos. It is either
the true KNOWLEDGE (wisdom) about the material part of our existence or
nothing at all. In my opinion, the only role of material technology is
that it should assist in the spiritual development, and not be used (as
it is used now on Earth) to enslave people within the materialistic world,
which is temporary anyway.
"Last year, after expressing such views in public, I noticed that
more university students came to me with spiritual questions than with
their engineering problems. I expect this trend to continue, with all the
activities I plan for this year."
"I verify my information directly from the Source, many times a day.
Meditation is a great help, I do it every day. I've also discovered some
concentration exercises which are really miraculous. Actually, there are
no miracles. Performing so- called miracles is simply using the true KNOWLEDGE
and our inherent wisdom. Only after practicing this concentration exercise
I have fully understood Master's instruction to 'concentrate in the center'.
"For a long time I have been asking my Higher Self (Master) to let
me do something to turn the attention of the people on this planet away
from their obsession with the materialistic world. I wanted to do something
to wake up millions of people who simply follow the flock and never have
any spiritual thoughts. As a result of the inspiration and communication
I have received over many months, I have developed a new technology to
match auras and colors of clothes. The aim is to greatly stimulate people's
consciousness and spiritual awareness by achieving a complete harmony with
all chakras (bio-energy centers) and significantly enhance, as well as
balance, their activities.
Wearing the matched auric garment people feel so happy and light that it
is almost impossible for them to have any bad thoughts. A happy and meditative
state arises spontaneously and naturally. Symptoms of any disease or discomfort
disappear in minutes. It will be a great challenge for the current 'science'
to explain that. And yet, everybody will be able to feel the difference
almost immediately."
"Most people wear black, gray, brown or other 'dirty' colors, resulting
in a random, bad mix of frequencies. Note that males on Earth wear more
such colors than females. I am quite sure that it is not a coincidence
that males die younger in every corner of the Earth, regardless of culture,
customs and social position. Master is definitely doing the right thing
by promoting garments with 'clean' and 'pure' colors."
" My objective is to match precise color vibration to every part of
the body, in accordance to its natural state of auric vibration. It is
like with musical instruments: you have to tune them to be able to make
music (i.e. amplify their natural vibration), otherwise you just make noise.
The resulting color patterns on auric garments are extremely precise interference
patterns and color filters, but they look very much like a work of precise
art printed on the fabric."
"Believe me, completing a Ph.D. in laser holography was easier for
me than to develop this new science on Earth. I know for sure that it is
known on much more spiritually advanced planets than ours. The people on
these advanced planets gave us many hints over many months of our work,
but they won't do any part of our homework for us -- it is not allowed
by the Universal Law. We have to learn ourselves. It is like this: if you
are told a complicated 'recipe' and you simply remember it, you can easily
forget it with time. You can also misuse it. I think most ancient knowledge
on Earth has been lost this way. However, if you understand all aspects
of the 'recipe' it is almost impossible to reverse the understanding."
"All my lifetime knowledge about physics, engineering, light, lasers,
interference, holography, vibration, resonances, music and much more, was
needed for this project. Among many things, I had to learn to see and read
people's auras and chakras myself. It would be impossible for me to work
without close cooperation with many highly spiritually advanced people
on Earth. We will be sharing this new knowledge with mankind very soon,
and of course I will send Master a few sample garments as soon as possible.
A unisex shirt with long sleeves will be first, a dress without sleeves
next."
"Auric garments will help anyone to expand their spiritual awareness,
by stimulating the state of natural harmonious existence. People experiencing
the unique sensations of 'being in harmony' will be naturally stimulated
to turn their attention in the direction of spiritual development. I take
a lot of inspiration from Master."¡¹
News 78 Index
Master's Words
Utilize Your Talent To Fulfill The Mission Of This Life
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai At Group Meditation,
Los Angeles, CA (USA) March 13, 1996 (Originally In English)
It applies to everyone. Sometimes we come down here and God gives us a
lot of " Equipment " , including good looks, robust health, super
intelligence, many talents in order for us to protect ourselves in this
world, and to have the work done in a more comfortable way; because Hes
knows it's very difficult to work, very difficult to play a perfect role
on this stage of the universe.
So, we are allowed to take with us whatever God thinks is fit, or you think
you need, for the work of this world. But then, these instruments, like
talents, good looks, intelligence, super strength, etcetera, also have
side-effects. They will give you vain feelings; and will give you the power
to conquer people and draw their attention, love, admiration, respect,
for yourself. But, this is the point. You should draw people only so that
you can help them to liberation and higher consciousness, not for your
own benefit. Not so that you satisfy your own desire of having more women
around you, more men to worship you just because you feel good like that.
That is a problem, too. Every instrument has two sides. If you use it well,
it will serve you well. Many people come down here to do some work; but
then, not many return, because it's very difficult to return once we come
down. That's why there is a need for an enlightened teacher to come down
to accompany you, telling you, " You must not do that, must not do
this, if you want to go back home. You must refrain from many of the traps
in this world, then you can go back quickly, etcetera, etcetera. "
But then, when we come to this world equipped with all the talents, intelligence,
good looks, health, luck, money, everything, we're too comfortable. We
do not remember where the blessings come from. We think it's due to our
own personality, our talent, our good looks, our intelligence, our luck,
that we have all what we have. It's not true. In exchange for this, we
have to do work. We must help people. We must use our instrument, our apparatus
for the universal purpose. Otherwise, we will fall more than we can ever
imagine, after using up the universal blessings.
That's why many kings, queens, and all that, they fell miserably. They
go to very low levels of consciousness. Once they are in power, they have
everything, everyone bows to them -- to their every wish. Then, it's very
difficult for them to come out of this luxurious trap and try to serve
humankind with their power and position. When the king is endowed with
all this wealth, power, ability and many helpers, the purpose is that he
can use these to benefit his country as well as the world. But, he can
also use these to benefit himself. As a king, he has everything.
That's why we have free will, but it's dangerous. We don't know how to
use it. It's very easy for a king to always demand things for himself and
to try to take care of himself instead of taking care of his subjects,
because everyone loves themselves the most, to be honest: " Today,
I have a headache, tomorrow I have a toothache; or today I want this, tomorrow
I want that. I'm always occupied with what 'I' want. Then, because I am
too occupied with what 'I' want, 'I' inevitably forget what everyone else
wants. I don't have enough time. "
And, most of the people who take care of themselves already have a lot
of trouble and are occupied most of their time. Look at most people in
the world. They're working about ten hours a day, to do what? Do you think
all of them have a high, noble ideal? They do that for the benefit of mankind?
That's secondary. That is the side-effect. All the schools are teaching
people: " You have to graduate with good points, so that you can have
a good job, a house, a beautiful wife and beautiful children; then your
children and your wife can have this, that and the other. "
That's the motive that most schools brainwash into the students' minds.
So, they grow up with it, and then they do everything just to fulfill that
purpose. It's honestly so.
There's not much to be done, not much really that we offer to the world.
I don't say everyone is like that. Just the majority, and the majority
is a frightening figure. So whatever we say, it comes just to survival.
Whatever we do, it comes just to food and comfort. Whatever job you take,
it boils down to that.
Remember, check yourself. It's not that you have to do everything, go anywhere,
and do anything, but think about it. Make a more noble time, pure life,
so that you know you're truly noble. That's all.
You really came from a noble heritage, from heaven. That should be your
self- satisfaction, no one else's. You don't need praise and blame because
only we know what we are worth. No one can really read our minds. Some
people can, but to a certain extent only, and when we are in their vicinity
only. When we are alone in our dark night, no one knows. No clairvoyant
bothers to look into everyone else's mind on this Earth and burden himself
with all the garbage, with the people's turbulent thinking inside. So,
we are a secret entity, and we'd like to keep it that way. Meanwhile, we
have a big show for the world.
You saw the film called " The Mask " ? That's what we are. Most
people are like that. We put on a " Mask " ; and in a different
situation, a different mask. Then, I think there will be the time when
we must sit or lie down and inwardly check our own dark corners; see what
is there. That's the best way we can improve ourselves. Otherwise, no matter
how long I speak, no matter how many examples I make for you, no matter
how much I explain, no matter how many actions I bring up so that you can
learn, you won't; because, the first thing is to be honest to yourself.
You know what you want, you know what you do everyday, not everyone else
knows. We have to see whether we live a life worthy of it, with all this
food and drink that we cost the world everyday. If you say, " I work,
I earn my money, " it's true too. But, when? Since when did you work?
And, the work you do, is that really enough to cover everything? How about
the twenty years before, when you cost a lot of paper and pens doodling
in school, not doing homework; cheating on the exams; or throwing paper
at teachers and putting your hands behind your back and sitting there like
a solemn student, a good one? For example like that.
The twenty years before, we did nothing for the world. We just existed.
We made demands on our parents, teachers, friends, relatives and anyone.
Then, maybe the forty or twenty years of the last period of our life, we
cannot do much. Sixty years, you're finished. Or sixty-five, depends, huh?
We have a lot of free time before and after the working period. In this
free time, we don't do much for the world, and during the working time,
we don't do much either. To earn our living, that's the only motive for
working.
Of course, there are some people who do work for the world -- research
and things like that. Their idea is just to serve the world really, and
they don't profit too much out of it. Sometimes, they do -- the commercialized
scientists. We have them everywhere. If they don't commercialize their
inventions, then other people would come in and commercialize them for
them; then have a lot of money out of it. The motive everywhere is money,
to become rich and famous. That's why not many scientists can offer their
inventions to the world.
For example, if you are very famous, or you invent something which is really
beneficial to humankind but by your invention you will harm many other
businessmen -- like Tesla Nicholas, the things he invented some people
use them today, but when he was alive, he was rejected, almost prosecuted.
So he had to live in hiding; tried to do his best in his own capacity and
on minimal finances. That's why his ideas have not been realized fully.
If they were realized fully, many companies would have declared bankruptcy.
So they found a way to do away with him, in a different way.
Sometimes we blame God for making our life miserable here: " No conveniences
and electricity bills are too high, " things like that; " And
why doesn't God send some genius and help us. " When Hes send some
we abuse their power, make them miserable, or damage their property, talents,
things like that. So very difficult.
Jesus came down, people killed Him. Buddha came down, many people slandered
Him. It was difficult for Him to work too. So we don't blame God anymore;
we must do something in our power to help speed up humankind's evolution,
including our own. Otherwise, what else can I tell you?¡¹
News 78 Index
Spiritual Interludes
Heaven Is Here And Now The Guang Zhong Of Our Time The Art Of Tranquility
By Drifting Clouds, Taipei, Formosa
¡i¡j==================
By Brother Initiate Da Da, Formosa
Master had told us historical stories about "Guang Zhong and Bau Su
Ya," whom most of us are very familiar with. Through Master's explicit
exposition, we have a much deeper understanding of what Guang Zhong did
during his time. I am deeply impressed by the sacrificing spirit of Guang
Zhong, who laid aside his personal feelings of joy, anger, sadness, happiness
and honor, and devoted himself entirely to securing a better life for his
people and benefiting his country. I truly admire him.
In recent years, Master had exhibited Her art creations, including the
Celestial Clothes and Celestial Jewelry all over the world. Her hope is
to communicate with all beings on Earth according to their affinities so
that they have more opportunities to know about the God's Truth that She
is spreading. Guang Zhong did similar things. To make it possible for the
people to have a better life, he often had to act according to the moods
of Emperor Huan of Qi State, and befriended the wicked officers close to
him.
Similarly, in propagating God's will, elevating the spirituality of sentient
beings, and taking care of more people's spiritual lives, Master also has
to act according to the game rules of this world to benefit more fellow
beings on Earth.
Being Master's disciples, we should be Master's bosom friends in the world
just like the way Bau Su Ya wholeheartedly supported and trusted Guang
Zhong, no matter what his outwardly actions might seemed according to the
worldly standard.¡¹
¡i¡j==================
By Xiao Yu, Formosa
One day during the early years of the Au Lac War, an American platoon was
fiercely battling against the Viet Cong in a rice paddy. Suddenly, a row
of six monks walked right across the battle field in a smooth and calm
manner. An American soldier named David Busch recalled the incident, "
This group of monks walked straight ahead without paying the slightest
attention to the surrounding. The strange thing was, nobody shot at them.
After they walked across, I suddenly had no desire to fight anymore, at
least not on that day. Other people must have been feeling the same, because
they stopped fighting simultaneously. So, we had a day of cease fire. "
The tranquillity and composure of the monks extinguished the fierce battle
between the two sides.¡¹
News 78 Index
Media Reports
Supreme Master Ching Hai: Love And Spiritual Poetry Musician Pham Duy's Impressions An Interview Between Vietnam Performing Arts Brave Blind Dog Saves Drowning Girl Banana Power Beats The Best Wheel Of Fortune Given A Spin
Van Hoi Moi December 12, 1996 #178
Thu Phong (Orginally in Au Lac Language)
Love and Spiritual Poetry A brief introduction of Supreme Master Ching
Hai: Supreme Master Ching Hai was born in Au Lac. Since Her youth, She
was already gifted in poetry and literature which enabled Her to beautiful
elements of life, the upheavals of the country, the worldly attachments,
the ups and downs of life, the fragile hopes, the limits of indulgence
and awakening through the flow of melodious and gentle verses.
When She came of age, She went abroad to study and later was married to
a German doctor. Although Her married life was an extremely happy one,
She did not forget Her determination and longing to search for the Truth.
Supreme Master Ching Hai therefore left Her rich and noble life to travel
through many countries, as well as many well known places in search of
a master to teach Her the Truth. Finally during a retreat in the Himalayas,
She attained the perfect enlightenment. Currently, She still continues
Her travel through many countires in order to help humankind and to spread
the Truth.
Following are some impressions of Thu Phong about Supreme Master Ching
Hai's poetry.
In Au Lac poetry and music, there has been a relatively large number of
poems from spiritual practitioners praising the Buddha and Jesus Christ,
but no one has ever read their love poems. Any verses with even a hint
at a love story are usually prohibited by religions.
Supreme Master Ching Hai has stepped outside of this tradition. Recently,
in the summer of 1996, She officially allowed the recitation, printing
and publishing of more than 60 poems including both love and spiritual
poems, which She wrote before and while actively pursuing spiritual practice.
These poems are contained in five separate collections accompanied by five
CDs: " Vo Tu I
¡i¡j==========================
Pham Duy is one of the most few well known musicians in the Au Lac's world
of music. As one of the special guests at the "Evening of Music and
Poetry -- Traces of the Previous Life and Love Songs", he expressed
his viewpoints concerning Supreme Master Ching Hai's poetry. At the same
time, he introduced two of his newly composed songs, using lyrics from
two of Supreme Master Ching Hai's poems -- "A Lonesome Night"
(which he changed to "Lonesome") and "Existence and Nothingness".
After the concert, Pham Duy was also interviewed by Vietnam Performing
Arts Radio in relation to his two newly composed songs. Following is his
introduction of Supreme Master Ching Hai's poetry and the two songs at
the "Evening of Music and Poetry".
Since the introduction of modern music about half a century ago, Au Lac
people have staged many different kinds concerts, both inside Au Lac and
abroad. First, there was the concert of love songs where we can praise
the sentimental, passionate and sensual aspects of love. Then, there was
the concert of heroic music in which we can express our patriotism for
our homeland and countrymen. If there was ever a solemn concert about our
country's history, then there would also be a concert with humorous music.
Evidently, we know how to use music to nourish mankind through the depiction
of emotions like happiness, anger, love and hatred.
However, up to now, we've rarely had the kind of concert with the main
theme being spiritual, just like the one we had today. As a person who
often composes spirtual music, as well as love songs and popular music,
I sincerely thank the organizing staff for inviting me to participate in
this concert and to say a few words about the journey of those who have
guided us in the search for the land of eternity...
Today, I am glad to enter the world of Supreme Master Ching Hai's poetry.
I'm not going to repeat what my friend Tran Van An already highlighted.
Supreme Master Ching Hai's poetry represents a mixture between worldly
love and the purity of spirtual practice. For me, Her poetry is not just
a breaking of preconceived ideas of a spiritual practitioner, It's also
the poetry of the spiritual journey, the journey of human life on the wave
of the spiritual path. The "baggage" is an open heart, the destiny
is the realization of Self and inner peace. It is the turning away with
no binding; it is the turning back very carefree. It is the kind of poem
called "Listening to the story of our past".
I also believe that Supreme Master Ching Hai's poems are very worldly and
yet also very spiritual, such as "I Feel Sorry For Him", "Like
The Clouds Up In The Sky", "Passing By His House", "The
Man Who Recreated Eden", et cetera. My colleagues, musicians and composers
like Le Dinh, Nhat Ngan, and Phuong Vu carefully put these to music, and
these musically improvised poems will be presented to you through the magnificent
voices of Khanh Ly, Mai Huong, Le Thu, Duy Khanh, et cetera.
For myself, I've chosen one of Supreme Master ching Hai's traditional spiritual
songs from "Traces of a Previous Life," called "Lonesome"
to compose music:
I felt lonely as I've never been so lonely
I felt sad as I've never been so sad..."
We Au Lac people who have been away from our homeland for over twenty years,
we are the "birds" who have twice been "lost in the middst
of an immense space" because not only are we lonely in our fate as
human beings, but we are also very lonely being "a stranger in a foreign
land". Supreme Master Ching Hai has extended Her open arms, and I'm
really not surprise at all to learn that She has disciples all over the
world. Indeed, in this rendezvous such as tonight, in this musical gathering,
even though She has not preached anything, She is already with us on the
journey back to our youth; back to the legendary land as mentioned in the
poems.
You have heard Kieu Loan reciting this poem in the beautiful traditional
recital style. Now, you are going to hear Duy Quang present this poem.
Modern music has the advantage over traditional poem recital in the sense
that modern musical melody is more flexible than the fixed form of poetry
recital. It can transform the atmosphere from "the loneliness of the
vast open sky" to "the happiness of holding hand in hand in the
night" much easier.
Ladies and gentlemen, on this last day of the old year, and in the warm
atmosphere of this "Evening of Spiritual Music Performance",
I would like to invite you to listen to the song "Lonesome":
written by Supreme Master Ching Hai, music by Pham Duy, and presented by
Duy Quang.
Ladies and gentlemen: Duy Quang!...
I used to think that a human life is an endless journey, but with every
departure there is a return. With Supreme Master Ching Hai, Nirvana is
not a place of refuge, and with Luu Nguyen, the Holy Land cannot make one
forget his way home, therfore:
"One step forward we return to the original state
One step backward we go back to the world of dust!..."
For me, Supreme Master Ching Hai is always "turning away with no binding",
and always "turning back very carefree". With the same ideal
of harmonizing society and the individual human being, I have written music
for the poem "Existence and Nothingness" by Supreme Master Ching
Hai.
Ladies and gentlemen, once again, Duy Quang!...¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
(Originally In Au Lac Language)
Q: Thuy Trinh and Khanh Hoang would like to welcome you.
PD: Good morning.
Q: Recently, Khanh Hoang and I, as well as many listeners, have seen you
in meetings with poet Supreme Master Ching Hai. I heard that you have recently
used Supreme Master Ching Hai's poems in your music. Please explain if
your composing style is leaning toward a transition into spirituality.
Is this true?
PD: Spiritual music is more exact. You must understand that I started writing
pop songs, songs for the country of Vietnam in the midst of its struggle
for freedom and independence. Thereafter, I switched to writing love songs;
and of course, at an older age, I turned to writing spiritual songs. They
are no longer songs that deal with society or romantic love, but rather
the inner humanity. Thus, it is called spiritual music; and on the path
of searching the right poems for the songs that you've just mentioned,
I met poet Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Q: Oh! Was it a coincidence then?
PD: No, no it was not a coincidence at all. I have researched, wanting to
find people who are on the same spiritual path as I am, who have poems,
paintings or music which could be a perfect match.
Q: Isn't poet Supreme Master Ching Hai the first one whose poems you've put
to music?
PD: She is not the first one. If we talk about spiritual poetry, it has been
around since the 11th century, over such a long period of time. Even in
the 21st century, or 20th to be exact, there have been many poets who wrote
spiritual poems. However, since we've always lived in such a state...The
country of Vietnam has always lived through chaos. Therefore, no one ever
had time to catch a glimpse of these poems which I think are true poems.
For instance, the poem "The Cave Of The Golden Flowers" by Pham
Thien Thu, or the ten poems which I've composed into ten spiritual songs.
Even today, the people back in our country -- the musical artists, writers,
poets -- now tired of the war, also turned to spiritual music. I want to
refer to even the Communist party members who also have written spiritual
poems, Tram Manh Hao for example; or a poet from the south, Nguyen Duc
Son, whose pen name is Sao Tren Rung (Star in the Forest), he also writes
many good spiritual poems. Then many such poems have been written abroad.
In the recent days particularly, I have followed the activities of an organization
with many members, Supreme Master Ching Hai's. She has a lot of paintings
that I like very much. I have seen the inner beauty in her paintings. And
of course, I have read the collection of her poems, and it seems that these
poems have also been released in the forms of CDs and cassettes.
Q: So what were your impressions when you used Supreme Master Ching Hai's
poems to compose your spiritual music?
PD: I would like to also point out that I am not the only one who uses Supreme
Master Ching Hai's poems for their music. My colleagues, Mr. Nhat Ngan,
Mr. Phuong Vu, also use her poems to compose music.
Q: From the newspaper, I know that there is also musician Thu Ho.
PD: Yes, not to mention Le Dinh. Myself, I have composed two songs.
Q: What are the names of these two songs?
PD: One is entitled "A Lonesome Night" which I apologize for changing
the name to "Lonesome". The second song is "Existence and
Nothingness." Perhaps you can introduce "A Lonesome Night"
to the listeners. This song will be sung by my son, Duy Quang, the music
written by myself. There are two songs; it could be Existence and Nothingness,
it could be A Lonesome Night or Lonesome. Let's listen to one of them.
Q: We would like to invite you to listen to a spiritual song composed by
Pham Duy, lyrics from a poem by Supreme Master Ching Hai...
I felt lonely as I've never been so lonely
I felt sad as I've never been so sad
Like a bird searching for her cosy nest
Lost in the midst of an immense space!
My love O my love, please drop by for a visit
Hand in hand so the night would not seem long
Light up my soul with your eyes so unfamiliar
Enliven my life on the morrow.
My love O my love, lull me please into a dream
With innocent folk songs from the days of my youth
Lead me to a journey in the land of myth
My sadness ripen and fall like rain in a river
Tonight there is only the Muse and I
Tomorrow's far away, and the night's so long
I lay with my soul hidden in a mass of entangled hair
Hearing life falling on my shoulders.
You have just listened to the song "Lonesome". One of Supreme
Master Ching Hai's poems composes into music by Pham Duy. Now we would
like to come back to Pham Duy. Will you let our listeners know if you are
inclining toward composing spiritual songs from now on?
PD: Yes, I think an old man like me should not write love songs anymore. Secondly,
as for pop music, I feel that I am fairly incompetent in dealing with the
nowadays situations. Politically speaking, I would not dare to write songs
with a political nature anymore. It should be left to the youth, the nowadays
heroes.
Q: So, is spiritual music reserved only for the elderly or religious people?
PD: No, I feel that it is not just for the elderly. Even the younger generation
are able to see the inner spiritual beauty. In my time, for example, the
younger generation were dragged along by the current of life. If they didn't
participate in the resistance, they would not have any ideals. Today's
youths are living in a time of peace. In such a materialistic society as
America, there are many young people who also want to find something more
beautiful than just the society of "Dollars". I think it is not
just for the elderly. When I said elderly, I was only referring to myself.
Q: Oh, no! What I meant was I enjoyed listening to the song very much, but
it was difficult to understand. And then the second song which you referred
to as "Existence and Nothingness," truly I did not understand
what is meant by "Existence and nothingness". I don't know if
you have time to elaborated on this song?
PD: It would be redundant if I elaborate on its meaning. Just listening to
its lyrics we will understand. But I would like to talk more about Supreme
Master Ching Hai's poems which I've used to compose music, as a result
of which I have been able to see clearly that...for example, the poem only
talks of life in front of our eyes. But the poet looks at it in a very
spiritual way -- that if we step one step forward, or only one small step
backward, then our life would be changed. Now, let's listen to that song.
Then I will explain it later, only the musical aspect, not the spiritual
one which I would not dare at all.
Q: Yes, before listening to the second song, may I ask you one more question
about your opinion of spiritual poetry abroad as opposed to those in the
years prior to 1975?
PD: It can be said that spiritual poetry has not changed. The spiritual songs
that have been written since the 9th, 10th or 19th, 20th centuries are
the same, whether the spiritual poems in those times were sung by the people
or only recited by them. For example, in the poem " Existence and
Nothingness " by poet Supreme Master Ching Hai, I could see the philosophies
of the poets from 5th to the 7th century. Therefore, if after hearing to
the song "Existence and Nothingness" which you listen to shortly,
you are not moved, then it means that I have succeeded. Listening to music,
especially Vietnamese music, one feels sad or frustrated. Therefore, we
then have to "Vow to quarter the body and drink the blood of the enemy,"
or we have to love each other, to love intimately. But by listening to
spiritual songs that have been composed from the poems of a spiritual nature
you will not be induced into the emotional tie. It will take us completely
into a state of existence-nothingness, nothingness-existence. That's it!
Explaining Zen should be like that.
Q: Existence means nothingness, nothingness means existence.
PD: Something like that. Therefore, it can't be explained by logic; nor can
its songs be listened by society oriented people. Now, please listen to
the following song "Existence and Nothingness."
Q: While we wait, I would like to ask another question. According to you,
what is the trend of music being created by the people living abroad?
PD: In my opinion, I am sure that it is not 'in the country' or 'out of the
country,' the modern music has had over fifty years to take shape and to
evolve already. For other composers, potentially there has always been
three trends which I've already mentioned. Whereas the others who compose
or not compose spiritual music, I don't know much about them because I
myself do not have to research. If I do, it's just for myself without having
any information about the other musical works.
Q: Following is the song entitled "Existence and Nothingness".
We would like to invite our audience to listen to it -- lyrics by Supreme
Master Ching Hai, musical composition by Pham Duy...
One step forward we return to the original state
One step backward we go back to this world of dust!
Months and years go by, the same as it was
In this common world as by the Lotus Dais.
Such was the concept of Nirvana in my mind
Never knew I had been so wrong for such a long time!
At the moment of enlightenment, I was confused with the notion of four
elements
Heaven and Earth! It was only a long dream of mine!
Now I know the reason for Buddha's forty years of silence
And why Bodhidharma also didn't utter a word.
Then in the future where could I go for my liberation
Where would I find the mutitude to save them from reincarnation?
You've just listened to the voice of Duy Quang in the song "Existence
and Nothingness" with lyrics taken from Supreme Master Ching Hai's
poem, composed into music by Pham Duy. We'd like to come back to Pham Duy.
Please let us know if the two songs you've just allowed us to listen to,
which were "Existence and Nothingness" and "Lonesome,"
have already been released in CDs or cassettes?
PD: These two songs have already been recorded along with the songs of other
musical artists who also used Supreme Master Ching Hai's poems as lyrics
for their songs. I am sure that in about one month, those ten songs, the
ten spiritual songs, will be released.
Q: Therefore, in the future the trend of Pham Duy is to transform spiritual
poems into music. Hence, we will have a chance to continue listening to
poems and spiritual songs in the form of musical creation by Pham Duy.
Thank you for coming here and sharing with us the poetic creations of poet
Supreme Master Ching Hai as well as the musical creations of Pham Duy.
On behalf of the radio station, we'd like to first wish you abundant wealth,
a happy and healthy life with your children and grandchildren, and your
continuation in creating beautiful music that will always be treasured
in the music circle.
PD: Yes, thank you, Thuy Trinh. Thank you, the station, and thank you, all
listeners.
Note: Musician Phuong Vu, who used eleven poems of Supreme Master Ching
Hai to compose his music, was also interviewed by Vietnam Performing Arts
Radio.
¡i¡j==========================
Hong Kong Daily News November 12, 1996
Dogs are considered a human being's best friend. This was proved when a
blind dog saved the life of his owner -- a teenager girl -- from the angry
sea. This heartwarming story has become the talk of the small seaside town
in Oregon, USA, where a family of four, together with their blind dog,
Roman, went to the coast for a day of fun.
The parents allowed their two children to only play on the beach, while
they went swimming. However, noticing that their parents had moved out
of sight, the two teenagers stole into the shallow water to play. The tide
comes in twice each day, and the water is known to rise from several inches
to several feet deep very quickly.
While the two teenagers were playing in the water, a huge wave suddenly
swept in. Joe, the younger boy was washed ashore but his elder sister,
Lisa, was pulled out to sea. When Lisa's parents heard her panicky shrieks,
it was already too late for them to save her. Amazingly, Roman dashed straight
down the beach into the sea and swam frantically towards his screaming
owner. When he finally reached her she was on the verge of drowning. He
grabbed her shirt collar with his teeth, and then desperately pulled her
back to shore.
When Roman came ashore Lisa's face was already blue, so she was immediately
rushed to a doctor. According to the doctor, she would have died if she
had not arrive when she did. Understandably, Lisa's family were extremely
grateful to their marvelous dog. To repay him for his act of courage, they
searched everywhere for a veterinarian who could restore his sight. Unfortunately,
they discovered that Roman's blindness is incurable. So, the only thing
that the family could do for their life-saver was to treat him even better.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
By Sheree Dudenhoeffer
¡i¡j==========================
By Gay McNamara
News 78 Index
Front Line
The Heavenly Feast Of God And Saints As Vegetarians We Would Attract The Devas, Bodhisattvas, And Buddhas To
Come To Our Country
By Bangkok News Group, Thailand
Observing that vegetarianism is growing in Thailand, fellow practitioners
living in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand (a Buddhist country), wanted
to do something for their fellow Thai people. They wanted to spread the
concept of healthy eating. This suggestion was submitted to Master and
received Her agreement and blessing immediately. With the support of brothers
and sisters from various countries, a vegetarian "Tasting party"
was joyfully organized.
It was a Monday as usual and the city of Bangkok was still full of traffic.
However, Central Plaza looked a bit different. Among the crowds of shoppers,
there were some smiling people in elegant dresses. Were they having a kind
of gala? " Natural, Healthy, Celestial Food "? A large variety
of food were displayed on the table and the working people said they were
all pure vegetarian with no egg or alcohol. The lighting and the flowers
on the stage were waiting. Every floor of the Plaza was full of curious
people, standing and waiting for a great show...
Guests with invitations started entering their seats. The heroes of the
mass media also hurried to the site and were busy in manipulating their
cameras for the best shot. Then there was the clapping of hands and the
most honored guest of the day, Supreme Master Ching Hai, was invited to
open the ceremony. Supreme Master Ching Hai was wearing a violet Thai evening
dress and cheerfully went up the stage to greet everyone. Central Plaza
had especially used a super-big screen to show this talk so that all the
people present could see it. Supreme Master Ching Hai's lighthearted and
humorous speech caught everyone's attention. Even the people eating in
the fast food restaurants nearby stopped eating to see who was the elegant
lady giving such an interesting talk. There was instant Thai translation,
relating accurately Supreme Master Ching Hai's recommendation of vegetarianism
to the audience. The message was well received. After a lively and short
introduction, Supreme Master Ching Hai declared the opening of the "
Tasting party " and invited the guests to fully enjoy the feast. The
guests couldn't wait to start!
Mr. Chamlong (ex-Lord Major of Bangkok) had started promoting vegetarianism
enthusiastically when he was in office; and Madame Chamlong (Mrs. Sirilaksa)
had come in person to this great occasion. Supreme Master Ching Hai graciously
invited Madame Chamlong to come up on the stage to address the audience.
The Chamlong couple have been well known in Thailand for promoting vegetarianism.
Seeing such a good friend with the same ideal, all fellow practitioners
present applauded enthusiastically to express their respect and support.
The feast was really very much like a feast cascading from heaven. There
were more than a hundred kinds of exquisite delicacies in both Eastern
and Western styles. The superb skill, craftsmanship and carving of the
main chef could easily be seen. When one tasted them, they were marvelous.
What was truly special was their creative ideas. To call this lovely group
of kitchen staff as heavenly cooks was most appropriate. Using their expertise
to create such a beautiful scene with the audience seeming to be intoxicated
in heaven, wasn't it wonderful? Besides, there were also " Fairies
" sincerely doing the serving! What an enjoyment! The pure Thai people
had also played the part of honored guests. Their spirit of support was
most obvious and the heavenly feast was cheerful and lively from the beginning
to the end. One has to mention the gentleness of the Thai people. Although
it was very crowded, there were no chaos. Everything was in order, warm
and natural.
Furthermore, the sister playing the role of master of ceremony was an experienced
performer. With her lively introduction, several beautiful Thai dances
gave the audience another kind of visual enjoyment. The main chef of Mr.
Chamlong had frequently asked the master of ceremony about the menu and
wanted very much to exchange experiences cooking. Upon request, the main
chef who was busy working in the kitchen was invited to go up the stage
to speak in person and recommended a few simple and practical vegetarian
menu. Besides, there were also some enthusiastic guests going up the stage
to applaud the good taste of vegetarian food.
By the hard work of everyone, this successful promotion of vegetarianism
had given the Thai brothers and sisters a beautiful and unforgettable night.
It was only hope that everyone could be eating more healthy, and live with
more dignity. This was the humble wish of all the working people. It was
also the sincere wish of Supreme Master Ching Hai.¡¹
¡i¡j==============================
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Bangkok, Thailand
January 20, 1997 (Originally In English)
Our food today is all free of charge. Anyone can just walk in, eat, and
walk out. I have to thank the Thai fellow brothers and sisters for putting
in a lot of effort to organize this special event. They have prepared over
a thousand portions of food, for every interested person. The food is international.
There is Thai food, Au Lac food, Chinese food, French food, what else?
I mean, a lot more. And the chefs who cooked the food for you today are
also from different countries. They flew in specially for you. Later I
think we will have the opportunity to taste this kind of delicious meal
again in Thailand in different parts of the country.
Thailand is a Buddhist country, so I think vegetarianism is very suitable,
because the Buddha always emphasized a peaceful way of life like ahimsa,
means non killing, not harming other sentient beings. So, a vegetarian
diet is a Buddhist way of life and it will bring more peace, more prosperity,
more harmony into this great kingdom of Asia. Thailand is my favorite country.
I told you many times already. I just wish the country even more and more
prosperous, more and more peaceful in many aspects of life. The Buddha
always emphasized that we should love all sentient beings as our brothers
and sisters, as our relatives and friends. Vegetarianism is the way to
show this love. The Thai people are famous for being loving and hospitable
to the whole world. So, if we move one step further, like being a vegetarian,
I think, we would attract even more. We'd attract devas, the Bodhisattvas,
and the Buddhas in all the directions to come to our country.
Of course, the Buddha also said that if we didn't have anything to eat,
we could have a kind of convenient meal, like if the meat has already been
killed, or if the animal has already died, then we could eat the meat.
But the Buddha said that if we have vegetarian food available, then we
should follow the vegetarian diet. Nowadays the vegetable, vegetarian food
is easily available to everyone, especially in Thailand, because Thailand
is rich in many aspects, everything grows in abundance in Thailand. So,
there is a good reason for us to return to the natural diet and the more
loving kindness way of life like the vegetarian food and the non-killing
diet.
I'm not going to take very long, because we wish you to enjoy the food,
that we have prepared for you with our love and our sincerity. You will
see for yourself that vegetarian foods are really delicious and nutritious.
I can say even more nutritious and more delicious than the meat diet; and
it's bloodless. When we eat vegetarian food, afterwards we feel very light,
no conscience, no burden of guilt. We feel like we are full of life and
full of vitality again, to do anything we want.
I think a lot of Thai people, especially the Bangkokians, already are very
familiar with the vegetarian diet. Because one of your governors, one of
the most famous, Kun Chamlong was vegetarian. I think, we also have to
thank Mr. Chamlong for bringing this healthy and loving way of life into
the Thai society. I'm not his fan, I don't know him personally. But sometimes
I buy food from his restaurants. Everyone who is a vegetarian is also my
special friend.
Many other people also have made an effort to bring this healthy and loving
kind of way of life into Thai society. But I think Mr. Chamlong was one
of the pioneers and the most enthusiastic and ardent believer in the vegetarian
diet. I'm not here to advertise for him, since he already lost his campaign
for governor. I just want to thank him, purely from a vegetarianism standpoint;
because, many years ago, when I first came to Thailand, I had nowhere to
go for vegetarian food. These few years, when I've come back to Thailand,
everywhere I can eat vegetarian food. This is due to Mr. Chamlong, one
of the pioneers in introducing vegetarianism into Thailand. That's why
I especially thank him and anyone else I don't know today. I think, if
more people were vegetarians, our society would be less violent, more peaceful
and more loving. And people would learn to live a simple, natural, healthy
and more Buddhist way of life.
I think you can read more information about the vegetarian diet and the
short introduction in the menu that we have given to you. Anymore questions
I think you could contact our people or Mr. Chamlong's people. We are not
together, so don't misunderstand! It doesn't matter, you can ask. If you
have more interest or more questions about vegetarian food, we are willing
to help you or anyone, any society, Thai vegetarian society, which is also
very big, in Thailand, in Bangkok, you may contact them, contact us, contact
Chamlong-society, whoever you prefer, to inquire more about vegetarian
food and to taste, to sample what is nutritious and delicious -- a way
of life without any killing, without any blood, without any burdened conscience.
I'm not going to talk a lot, because maybe you like to eat better than
to hear. Let's serve the food and go on with your program. Thank you. There
is a lot of food, enough for everyone. Kopkunkaa ('thank you' in Thai).
I didn't know she was here. Madame Chamlong. It's beautiful that she came.
It's good that I said something good about Mr. Chamlong, I didn't say anything
bad. We'll ask her to say something to us. Please. (Madame Chamlong speaks.)
Kopkunkaa. It's the first time I have the honor to know Madame Chamlong.
I'm very happy and honored. (Madame Chamlong: Thank you very much.) I hope
next time I'll know your husband too. Say hello to him.¡¹
Spoken By Madame Chamlong (the Lady of ex-Lord Major of Bangkok)
At The Food Tasting Banquet,
January 20, 1997 in Bangkok, Thailand
(Originally In Thai And Translated Into English)
Dear Master and all the honored members.
I'm very pleased that Master has come to introduce healthy and beautiful
food which Mr. Chamlong and I have propagated since 1982. It has already
been over 10 years. Now, more and more people are interested in eating
vegetarian food. It's very pleasing that Master is among one of those who
spreads the message about vegetarianism. Just now, I have stolen a glance
at the food. Everything looks very delicious.
I started eating vegetarian in 1979. Mr. Chamlong started five years earlier.
During that period, there wasn't any delicious vegetarian food like now.
We had only tofu and a vegetarian protein which had an unpleasant smell.
But we were determined to eat in order to keep the first rule of the precepts
more clearly. Since we don't eat animal flesh, we also are not the cause
of animal killing. Because of this, I, who normally have the most difficulty
eating food, was determined to eat vegetarian in order to keep this first
rule of the precepts more and more pure and not having to harm any of the
creatures in the world.
All the animals love their lives and fear death. If you go to slaughter
houses, you will see that the animals, especially the cows and water-buffaloes,
will shed tears. There have been many cows and other animals bought rescued
from the slaughter houses by people; and they have asked Mr. Chamlong to
raise those animals. If anyone would like to see those animals, you are
welcome to visit them at Poo Nam School in Kanchanaburi.
At present, Mr. Chamlong is doing "poisonless " agriculture.
" Poisonless " means not using any chemicals, pesticides as well
as chemical fertilizers. We grow vegetables in a natural way which will
enhance our energy naturally. If we eat raw vegetables and food cooked
from these vegetables, we will be more healthy and stronger. Nowadays,
everyone knows that pesticides and pollution are the major cause of cancer.
If we decrease the use of pesticides, cancer will also be diminished. Besides,
it will better the environment, the soil, the air, the food and everyone
will be healthier.
I would like to thank Master for jointly trying to encourage people to
be vegetarian along with us so that people will be more compassionate and
live more and more peacefully. Thank you.¡¹
News 78 Index
Supreme Master Cinema
Developing Your Own Blessing Power (Cocoon) Groundhog's Day Ramayan Schindler's List
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai To The Residents At Hsihu Center, Formosa
Feb. 4, 1992 (Originally in Chinese)
God Is Very Willing To Bless Us
Did they show you a video today? Part one is about some aliens. They came
from another planet to rescue their friends. Before their friends were
rescued, they waited in cocoons, which were placed in a swimming pool.
Each day, the aliens blessed them to replenish their energy so that they
could recover quicker. When the time was right, they would be taken home
together with them. Since the ocean is a different environment, each day
the aliens kept replenishing them with their blessing power. Because they
had stayed on Earth for too long, their energy levels had changed. So they
needed those who just came down from heaven -- the other planet - "who
were full of vitality, to replenish them. Then, a group of worldly people
went there to swim and damaged the cocoons. The cocoons had nothing to
do with the people, but they took a cocoon up, and killed the alien inside
only to heal their ailments. By doing this, these people didn't benefit
much. They would get sick again later anyhow because birth, age, illness
and death are unavoidable in this world.
Today the movie that you watched is part two. It is about another group
of aliens who were very compassionate and didn't blame those who had done
the bad things, destroyed their work, and killed their friends. They even
took these people to the other planet to enjoy a more civilized world where
there was no birth, age, illness and death. The aliens were very good to
them. However, when they came back here again, they were attached to this
world. And eventually they died because their illnesses recurred. They
swam in the pool for a long time and their illnesses were cured. When they
went up to the other planet they gained tremendous blessings. However,
when they came back here, they got the same illnesses again. Those who
had swam in the pool had recovered and became stronger. But they then did
some other bad things so their blessed rewards were decreased.
Sometimes God, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) bless us.
They are very willing to do it. They won't refuse to bless people even
if they are hurt. They won't worry about getting hurt Themselves. The only
thing that They worry about is that Their blessings will be in vain.
Similarly, it's not that you don't love your children; however, sometimes
when they ask for money, you won't give them. It's not because you don't
want to give them money to spend and buy more food, it's just that you
know that they can't use money wisely. If they have too much money with
them, it would be dangerous. You'd worry that your children may be kidnapped
or robbed. When your children go out, you're worried already, not to mention
that they are carrying so much money. Or, you won't let your children take
gold, diamonds and jewelry along with them. At most, they'll wear fake
ones only. (Master laughs) If they want, you'll only give them fake ones,
but not the genuine ones. Even if you're rich, you wouldn't dare to let
your children wear genuine jewelry or take big purses with them when they
go out by themselves and run around on the streets. It's not because you
don't love them, and not because you want to keep these things for yourselves
and neglect your children. It is because little children don't know how
to handle these precious things.
Similarly, it's not that God, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas don't love sentient
beings, but that They know that sentient beings are too ignorant. Even
if they're given precious things, it's useless. Later they'd throw these
things away or step on them as garbage. It's better to use the blessing
power in the higher realms. When you go to the higher realms, whatever
blessings you get are yours and won't disappear at all. However, in this
world, whatever you get will disappear. (Master laughs) You can use it
only for a short while then it'll disappear later. Of course, it can be
replenished. However, you should be diligent and work hard to keep the
blessings. You should also develop your own ability each day; not only
protect the blessings that you've obtained, but you should also develop
your own blessing power.
It's just like when our children are young, we dare not give them too much
money. We only give them one or two dollars to buy ice cream, biscuits
or candies. We can't give them too much. It's the same even for a billionaire's
children. However, when they grow up, we can give them a lot. They not
only can keep the money, but can also earn more money by doing business.
The So-called Sense Of Responsibility That Binds Us To This World
It's similar with the blessing power of God, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
As we receive the blessings, we should also do spiritual practice ourselves.
Only then can we preserve the blessings, become stronger, go through many
tests, liberate others, and bless others. Not just go to a place for someone
to bless you and then leave. It's meaningless! Even if you become well
today, you'd get sick again tomorrow. Have you ever seen a person who is
eternally healthy?
The physical body is like a car. Regardless of how skillful the driver
may be or how talented the mechanics are, the car will breakdown tomorrow,
or some other parts will breakdown next year because it's not an eternal
thing. It's similar with our bodies. Our physical bodies aren't everlasting.
It's because our bodies on this planet are made of materials of inferior
quality. For instance, houses are different in quality. Some houses are
made of wood, some are made of cement, and some are made of bricks. Each
kind of material has different durability qualities. Our bodies are similar.
In some planets, the bodies of the beings are similar to ours, but with
more endurance. They look the same, but the materials inside are different.
Our physical body is made of metal, wood, water, fire and earth, so it
can't be used forever. If you want to use your body forever in this world,
you have to transform yourself to a different level. You should change
your body and alter the internal atomic substances and structure. You can't
eat worldly food. Even having said this, please don't go back and fast
tomorrow, or you'll die! (Master and everyone laugh) Don't do it in such
a hurry! If we can live in this world for such a long time but can't eat
anything, why do we want to live on? (Master laughs) Wouldn't this be too
miserable for the Chinese? (Master laughs) Since we do spiritual practice
now, we can't have any affairs or inappropriate relationships, neither
can we indulge in drinking and pleasure seeking. If we can't even eat vegetarian
food, what's the point for us to live on? (Master and everyone laugh) While
we're in this world, if we ask God to bless us with immortality and never
suffer from illnesses and hardships, it would be impossible; because sometimes
even though we don't suffer but when we see others suffering, we'll be
affected.
It's just like what happened in the movie. Six of them came down, but only
two went up again. As soon as they came back here, they were pulled --
they felt differently. Whoever they saw, they felt attachment and affection
towards that person. They felt that they had a responsibility to that person
and that the person couldn't live on without them.
That old man was planning to go up again. However, when he met the two
children and saw one of them fall down, he used his magical power to protect
the child. Then he felt a sense of responsibility for the child. Later
he saved the child again when the child almost had a car accident. And
then the old man felt that he had an affinity with the child; felt obliged
to stay and protect the child and other children as well. Such feelings
cheat us in most cases so that we stay here. Another couple couldn't bear
to part with their grandchild. It's this kind of emotion and the so-called
sense of responsibility that binds us to this world.
Of course, when we're in the world, we should be responsible and do things
well. Now when we're human beings, God, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, or our
retribution, has arranged the circumstances for us and this gives us many
responsibilities, so we should fulfill them and not run away. However,
we should know that after our job is done, we have to leave. We shouldn't
take on more of the so-called responsibility and feel more emotion, and
we shouldn't incur more affinities. If we do, we can't blame God for not
allowing us to go up. It's we who don't want to go up.
I ask you seriously: how many of you truly want to go back to the Pure
Land? You should ask yourselves. You practice mistily each day. When your
time comes, you may not want to go up.
Yesterday, an Au Lac person told me an interesting story. There was a girl
who was disappointed in a love affair -- her boyfriend ran away. So she
went to a river to commit suicide. She slowly walked into the deep part
of the river. Before she reached the very deep area a policeman saw her,
but didn't know how to rescue her. So he pulled out his gun and said: "
You had better come up to the river bank, or I'll shoot you! " (Laughter)
When the girl saw the gun, she said: "Okay! Okay! I'll come up! "
(Master and everyone laugh)
Wasn't she not afraid of dying? But she still found an excuse to get out
of the river.
Quan Yin Practitioners Are Those Who Want To Go Home
Very few people truly want to leave this world. Why? I don't blame you
because you belong to here. You feel very comfortable here. You feel fine
as long as you have something to eat and drink, and have friends and children.
I don't mean that all of you are like this. I believe that most Quan Yin
practitioners want to go Home because we feel that we don't belong here;
and we feel more and more like that over time. Even if we have relationships
with our friends and relatives, since we've had them already, we just let
them be. It's not that we feel any attachment to them. Later we'll just
go on separate paths. Even best friends are like that. We may not even
be able to stay together with our fellow practitioners. In fact, this is
possible.
As spiritual practitioners, if we like someone, we can take him up with
us if that person is willing to go up. We can't force anyone, of course.
Compared to the world population, we, the spiritual practitioners, are
very few in number. That's why I've said that most people don't want to
leave this world because they feel like they have deep roots and branches
here. They're just like a deep-rooted tree and can't move at all. They
have many so-called feelings of affection, relationships and responsibilities
that make them feel very comfortable. If they go to other places, they
wouldn't feel at home.
Spiritual practitioners feel more comfortable when they meditate. When
they go to a higher world, they feel more at home; however when they're
in this world, they don't feel at home. That's why we want to go the higher
world, because we don't seem to belong to here. The reason that we've come
down here may be because we have some responsibilities and some mission
to accomplish. Now when our time is up and our work is done, we just want
to go Home.
I don't know how you feel. Sometimes I cry brokenheartedly because I can't
stand this world. No matter how much good food you serve me, no matter
what beautiful clothes or wonderful car you give me, I don't like any of
them. Sometimes I cry for many days because I don't want to stay here.
It's not that I dislike your world, but that I don't belong here.
It is just like a child who loves his parents and his hometown. If you
keep him in a royal palace, no matter what food and beautiful clothes you
give to him every day, and no matter how many soldiers and beautiful girls
serve him, he wants to go home to see his mother. He likes only to be in
his home. It's not a matter of like or dislike. It's not that I'm disgusted
with this world. It's not like that. As for any person, the place that
he likes is his home. I'm not saying that this world is no good. If it's
good for you, it's good. However, it isn't good for me.
Just like the aliens or ETs, if you ask them to stay, take care of them,
give them a lot of medicines and vitamins, let them stay in hotels and
serve them delicious food, will they stay? No, they won't! For them, it's
more comfortable up there, because they belong there. That's why many people
in this world don't want to leave, because they like it here. We can't
blame them for that.
Sometimes you do spiritual practice, while your relatives and friends don't.
No matter how you talk to them, you can't convince them. So you feel bad.
But what for? Let people do whatever they like! If you take them up, they
may not be happy. Then why bother? What's the use? So don't ask me why
I don't force people to pursue spiritual practice by using magical power
or doing other things. What's the use? If you take a farmer's child to
a royal palace and wait on him there, he won't like it! He would want to
go back to be with the cows, goats and his parents. His happiness is there.
Everything Depends On What We Truly Want
I've told you the story about a person who did his spiritual practice quite
well. He often went to the astral world. When he came back and saw some
souls of the deceased, he was able to take them up, too. One day he went
to the astral world and saw his friend gambling there. His friend gambled
in a very dirty, gloomy place permeated with cigarette smoke and surrounded
by stinking gutters. He was gambling there with his former gambler friends.
For most people, whatever they do here, they'll do similar things after
they die. (Master laughs) It's because they like to look for a place that
fits their vibration and suits their hobbies and habits. The Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas can't rescue him if he's unwilling to be rescued.
When that person went there, he saw his friend gambling in such a dirty
place while he could run around in the beautiful realms. Because of their
friendship, he said, "Hey! Don't gamble anymore! Come with me."
Since they were good friends, that person followed him. They went up to
a high realm where there was lots of fun, beautiful music, wonderful scenery
and flowers, etcetera. That spiritual practitioner kept telling his friend
about all the good things there -- the blessing power, the beautiful people,
the longevity.
His friend listened and listened, and finally became impatient. His friend
said, "Have you finished with your talking?"
He was very surprised and asked, "Why?"
The gambler said, "I want to go back to gamble. I've been away for
too long. All my friends are waiting for me there." (Master and all
laugh) You can't help at all!
That's why when we teach a person we should start from the root, not just
give him some "Hoola, hoola, hoop," some blessings and then take
him up there. No! No! No! You've heard that if a person recites "Amitabha
Buddha" once or recites "Supreme Master Ching Hai," he'll
be liberated. How is it possible? It's because that person wants to be
liberated! He knows that he'll be liberated by reciting it. He doesn't
expect to get money or get a promotion, nor does he expect to have many
children and grandchildren. Only those who really long for liberation will
recite it. Since he has such a strong desire, he'll be liberated. (Applause)
When you have a car accident, it's also helpful to recite it, but the help
is confined to the accident only. (Master and everyone laugh) Of course
it would be helpful for anything. However, if a person recites it only
because he wants to be liberated, he'll definitely be liberated, because
that's the only thing he wants. It's not that God, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
have no blessing power. They can do anything for you. It all depends on
what you want.
Sometimes we want only material things. Of course the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
may pity us at times and give what we ask for. Or if They see a person
who deserves to be saved, They'll save him. If They are not supposed to
save that person, then They won't. They will let him suffer a little and
then he'll get rid of a lot of karma, which is good for him. What's the
point of saving his physical body but letting him suffer for a long time
later in the astral world? What's the good of doing that?¡¹
¡i¡j============================
By Brother Initiate Lee Shuen Shiang, Taipei, Formosa
What if everyday we woke up to find that today is just the carbon copy
of yesterday? What if time stopped running and repeated itself again and
again like a malfunctioning record player? This is the theme of the movie
"Groundhog Day".
Phil was a selfish, narrow-mined, unhappy middle-aged weatherman working
for a television station. One day, towards the end of winter, he went to
a little town in Pennsylvania to cover an annual event called Groundhog
Day. All he wished was to get the job over with, but somehow he got stuck
with it, not because an approaching blizzard prevented him from getting
home but because the next day when he woke up in the hotel he discovered
that it was still Groundhog Day and was exactly the same as the day before.
Things took place at precisely the same time, even to the second. What
is worse, he was the only one that knew about this; all the other people
were totally unaware, living and reliving that day the way they had before.
After a short period of perplexity, he realized what was going on. He understood
everything would start all over again tomorrow no matter what he did today.
That was when he began to be nasty. He got himself acquainted with the
local bank's schedule so that he could steal money and spent it all like
crazy. He practiced, again and again, to seduce his female colleague who
had never liked him. After all this mischief, however, he got bored, so
he began killing himself, in one way after another. But no matter how he
ended his life, the next morning when his alarm clock rang, it was still
the same Groundhog Day.
Since nothing would be left over except the memory and the skills learnt
the previous day, he began to change the way he lived life. He took piano
lessons, learnt how to fix a car, and tried to know every resident in town
to compensate for his imperfect life. After repeated experiences, he learnt
when he should reach out his arms for a boy falling from a tree. He got
to know when an old starving wanderer would die and let him have a very
good meal before his very last breath. He opened his heart and assisted
the whole town. In return, he received people's warmhearted welcome and
gratitude. Finally, when he learnt to live the day as perfectly as he could,
time started rolling again. Subsequently, a warm holiday, yet a long learning
process eventually came to an end.
Although this film is a comedy it is quite thought provoking. It depicts
an extreme situation as a way to reexamine an old issue - the human conscience.
The writer does not take it for granted that man is born with a heart of
gold. Instead, he emphasizes that a meaningful life is based on the choices
we make. In a wild, fanciful way the film exposes the fallacy of time because
time is indeed a strange thing. We never know how much longer we will live,
but the "future" in our imagination always seems like eternity,
driving us on and on in an endless circle like a mule working at a mill.
The blind actions of human beings are almost always based on this illusory
concept of time. The fulfillment of desire, the procurement of fame, and
the pursuit of wealth thus become unquestionable. All their glamour resides
in our belief that we can still enjoy things tomorrow. As the film's character
was faced with the ephemeral reality that he lived in, he had to admit
that these were not what he really wanted.
By default or design, the recurring Groundhog Day existentially parallels
the concepts of reincarnation and the Myth of Sisyphus. It suggests that
boredom arouses detachment and offers the only chance for wisdom to grow.
The concepts of ephemerality and diligence, incompatible as they may seem,
are fused together in a most poignant way. Perhaps the issue the writer
wanted to raise is whether there any difference between what we go through
in our lives and what Phil goes through in Groundhog Day?¡¹
¡i¡j============================
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai Hsihu Center, Formosa
April 19, 1994 (Originally In Chinese)
There is an Indian movie about spiritual practice. In the movie there was
a queen who originally loved Rama, the prince. She loved Prince Rama more
than, or at least as much as, she loved her own son. Eventually, in the
competition for the throne (Master laughs), her son lost and Rama won.
For the sake of the " bone" (Master laughs), the queen hurt the
whole family, hurt Rama, and drove her husband, the king, to an angry death.
Many, many tragedies occurred. Even her son despised her and left to live
in another place. The queen had no intention of doing this in the beginning.
However, with a crafty minister always speaking ill of them, gossiping
very spitefully to her, she then contrived that venomous scheme. Sometimes
we do not intend to do anything, but some evil persons around us instigate
trouble. Therefore, when we make friends or when we work with other people,
we should be very careful. If we are asked to do something, we should do
it only if it is a good thing to do. If it isn't, we shouldn't do it; or
it might be too late and we'll be sorry. We might regret it all our life.
When Shakyamuni Buddha was alive, many feared that He might come and seize
the throne. The kings were afraid of Him and wanted Him dead. And in the
time of Jesus Christ, many people believed Him, followed Him, learned from
Him, and became His disciples. The priests, ministers of the church, were
jealous of Him. They were afraid of His influential power and plotted to
kill Him.
This happens life after life, generation after generation, all for the
"bone". (Master laughs) So, human beings are not much different
from dogs sometimes. We always take pride in ourselves and proudly claim
to be the king of all creatures. In reality, sometimes, we find that the
behavior and conduct of our fellow human beings differ little from that
of the beasts. They are sometimes worse than animals. At times, we spiritual
practitioners may also do wrong, but it is good that we wake up sometimes
and our conscience will make us realize immediately.
¡i¡j============================
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
April 19, 1994 (Originally In Chinese)
This story is not a fictitious tale. Why is this movie so famous? Because
it touches the morality and compassion in people's hearts. Schindler saved
more than one thousand Jews from execution. That is why he is still famous
even today. Many people loved him. The remaining survivors call him their
biggest benefactor whom they will never forget.
Only moral and righteous acts can last forever. Misdeeds are always wrong,
no matter how you explain them. It is useless however you try to rationalize
them. Within us is our conscience and wisdom that are the supreme judge.
If our conscience does not forgive us, it would be useless even if the
whole world defended us.¡¹
News 78 Index
Love In Action
Supreme Master Ching Hai's Love For The Poor And The Homeless A Trip To St. Camillus Center For The Mentally Visits Of Love Visits Of Love Supreme Master Ching Hai's Assistance To The Poor Reaches Thailand No One Is A Stranger In The Land Of God Relief Activities, Phase III, In Montreal For The Needy And The Homeless
Floor Relief In Northern And Central California (II) Supreme Master Ching Hai's Contributed Rice Has Arrived In North Korea
Report From Formosa
Reported by Ilan News group, Formosa
[Ilan] St. Camillus Center for the Mentally Handicapped is a specialized
Center for the young as well as the old. It was established by Father Didone
Giuseppe of the Catholic Church. Its aim is to give dignity, hope and peace
of mind to the mentally handicapped. Based on the spirit of compassion,
it hopes to create a comfortable environment where mentally handicapped
people can live and learn. Hopefully our financial contribution to the
Center will help in fulfilling this wish.
Many thanks to Master for allowing us the chance to participate in this
activity of sending warmth amidst the cold winter. After visiting the St.
Camillus Center for the Mentally Handicapped, fellow practitioners deeply
felt that to communicate with love is the most perfect way of communication
because it also provides nourishment for the 'soul' of all concerned.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
By Taitung News Group, Formosa
In their most recent trip to help the poor Taitung fellow practitioners
visited some households in Da Wu Hsiang of Taitung Hsien and the destitutes
in Chang Ben Hsiang, carrying with them gifts of money and vegetarian canned
food. During the trip, they also visited the Savior Children's Home where
last month Master had contributed a huge sum of money to help ease their
urgent financial problem due to their recent relocation. Therefore, this
time the Home especially presented to fellow initiates an inscribed board
to show their sincere gratitude to Master.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
After rendering aide to the suffering and needy in the cold and flooded
areas of northern and southern Thailand, respectively, this time the Thai
fellow practitioners received Supreme Master Ching Hai's instructions to
assist the poor and the less fortunate. Targeting the poor villages in
Chiang Mai Province, fellow practitioners penetrated deeper into the remote
regions of Thailand to distribute the required basic necessities: clothing,
rice, medicine, etcetera.
¡i¡j========================
Report From Canada
By Montreal News Group & Christian Thivierge
(Originally In English)
With the snow storm roaring in Canada, there have been some activities
done for the homeless in the Montreal area. In January two principal locations
were visited -- La Maison du Pere and the Old Brewery Mission, both situated
on Montreal Island, in addition to some homeless people on the streets.
Some blankets and food were given (noodles, peanut butter, cups, toothpaste).
Montreal Center asked Master for a relief fund. Very concerned about this
issue, Master contributed NT $277,641 (12,268 Canadian). Montreal fellow initiates were very keen to act upon receiving Master's
instructions to assist homeless people during this difficult period. During
January and February in Canada the weather sometimes goes below -40 degrees
Celsius; so it's hard for these people to survive. Homeless Centers are
their mainstay during the winter, where they get free meals and a place
to sleep.
The Old Brewery Mission is the biggest homeless Centers in the Montreal
area. It accommodates around 300-400 people for dinner from the middle
to the end of each month, and around 100 people at other times. This Center
also has dormitory space for up to 300 to spend the night. Everything is
free and they continue to operate thanks to donations and the generosity
of the public.
La Maison du Pere has a capacity of one hundred beds, and provides dinner
and breakfast. They also provide free services such as counseling for reorientation
into the job market, etc., and free four-month therapy sessions for alcoholics
and drug addicts.
We visited these places beforehand. From the visits, we could see that
they needed new blankets to replace the old ones. In the kitchen, the cook
told us they need jam for breakfast, and some other general dry goods.
Fellow initiates worked in small groups to purchase the relief materials.
The working group included fellow initiates as well as their relatives
and friends. Everyone contributed in whatever way they could. In addition,
spiritual gifts such as sample booklets and News magazines in different
languages were also prepared for our brothers and sisters of different
nationalities staying at the shelter.
At the Old Brewery Mission, after delivering the goods and helping take
them to the storeroom, one staff member, who works at night, gave the fellow
initiates a tour around the Mission. Previously, he was also one of the
homeless persons living in the Mission. After getting out of his difficult
situation, he returned there to work as one of the night guards. He said
that he has worked in this Mission for six years already. Although he could
get a much better salary elsewhere, he chooses to work for the homeless
because he loves this work. Hearing him talk, we were touched by his sincerity.
He works and cares for other people's well-being just like a big brother.
This is similar to what Master always teaches us -- to work with a self-sacrificing
spirit for other sentient beings, then we will be compensated more than
the experiences we get during meditation.
Blankets and food supplies, along with sample booklets, were distributed
accordingly to the shelters for the needy and the homeless. Many of the
workers, brothers and sisters at the shelters, were very impressed and
thankful to Master.
One sister was especially touched. She had been feeling God's presence
in her life but she felt she needed a Master to help her and guide her
in her daily life. Therefore, when a fellow initiate told her that all
the goods came from Supreme Master Ching Hai, she was delightfully surprised.
The sister wanted to know if she could come to the meditation Center to
learn more about Master and Her teachings. She even took the bag of sample
booklets to the reading room upstairs so the other sisters could learn
more about Master.
Another divine moment came when a brother begging on the street was offered
a sleeping bag, gloves, a scarf, bread and a hot meal. The expression on
his face after receiving the gifts was beyond human language. His joy and
happiness filled our hearts with love. Thanks to our Divine Mother (Master)
we are able to learn how to love others, to show our compassion, and work
for the benefit of humankind.
Next week, we will continue to visit some other Centers for the homeless,
for women and for teenagers. We pray silently to God to guide us to the
most needy places, so comfort and love can be brought to these less fortunate
brothers and sisters. We remember to bear in mind that they are also saints,
coming to Earth to help us progress and learn the lessons of sharing and
caring for each other as members of our own family. Since "No person
is a stranger in the land of God," we know we are living in God's
land.
By Montreal Center, Canada
(Originally In Au Lac Language)
After completing two phases of helping the homeless people, fellow practitioners
in Montreal once again were given funds from Master to purchase additional
food and supplies. It was especially cold these past few weeks, colder
than any other year, from -20 C to -25 C.
Fellow practitioners from the Montreal Center divided into two groups to
go to three places to visit the homeless. A center for adolescence, a center
for people over twenty-five years of age called Accueil Bonneau, and Maison
du Pere (second visit). Accueil Center prepares meals for over 700 people
daily. When fellow practitioners arrived at this Center, it was already
lunch time. Upon knowing it was Supreme Master Ching Hai's compassion that
who helped the needy with clothing, food and basic necessities especially
during the freezing winter, they were extremely joyful, touched and thanked
Master for Her tender love and thoughtfulness. Fellow practitioners distributed
each gift bag which included a blanket, socks, a T-shirt, soap, and a free
sample booklet. Upon receiving the special gift bags, they all sincerely
expressed their gratitude to Master. Some inquired about the Montreal Center's
location while some opened the sample booklet to read.
After completing the distribution outside and the moving of food to the
storage, fellow practitioners were given a tour of the Center by the Catholic
nuns there.
Supreme Master Ching Hai International Meditation Association
Dear Friends,
On behalf of myself and the residents of the Shelter of Hope, I would like
to thank you for the donation that we received on Saturday, January 18th,
1997 in the name of your association. I never saw so many towels (square
towels for washing the face), sheets to the "Shelter of Hope",
and all due to the grace of your generosity.
Enclosed you will find an inventory of your donation.
Once again, thank you and wish you all the best.
Best wishes,
Director General,
Captain Denise Daigle
Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Welcome Hall Mission, I would like to thank you for your
gift of 110 bed sheets for the Mission. For the past 105 years, the Welcome
Hall Mission has come to the aid of the most destitute of our society,
bringing them a resting place, food, clothing, counseling, et cetera. Many
more destitutes will be benefitted because of your gift, and we thank you
greatly.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year, 1997.
Best wishes
Sylvain Turgeon
Administrative Coordinator
¡i¡j========================
Report From USA
By Los Angeles News Team (Originally In English)
Upon receiving Master's instruction to help the flood victims in northern
California, fellow practitioners in Los Angeles quickly prepared a big
truck and a van loaded with a lot of relief supplies and headed for Sacramento.
These fellow practitioners were from a second group which consisted of
international disciples from Los Angeles, Formosa, Australia, South Africa,
Chile, Ireland and England, who had not yet returned home after the International
5-Day Retreat at Long Beach, California.
It was a freezing cold morning when the group arrived to join forces with
fellow practitioners in northern California who had spent a sleepless night
assembling gift bags for distribution to flood victims. Brothers and sisters
were much encouraged when seeing the fresh group of workers arrive.
During the phone call to the American Red Cross officials to gather the
most update information on the flood and shelters, Master arrived to give
Her inspiring words and blessing. She then gestured to everyone to get
ready for the trip. After the first group of vehicles headed to the affected
areas, the remaining group hurriedly got to work by taking the relief supplies
to the American Red Cross warehouse for large scale distribution to flood
victims and their families. Additional relief supplies worth many thousand
of dollars were also purchased on the same day and quickly packaged into
thousands of gift bags ready for another distribution trip the next morning.
Our group's first call to action came that evening when we received news
of victims in need of relief supplies at an American Red Cross shelter
in Yuba City County, about one hour's drive from Sacramento. We arrived
in the early hours of the morning while the victims were still sleeping.
The supplies were given to the shelter manager who was overwhelmed with
Master's gesture of kindness and support.
Our next stop was Modesto, a city located about one hour's drive south
of Sacramento, also another area hit hard by the flood. Our convoy consisting
of two large trucks, cars and mini vans set off for Modesto at sun rise.
While driving along the freeway, we saw evidence of the recent flood in
the form of mud-covered trees and grass. Some areas still remained submerged
under flood water which kept people away and businesses closed.
Upon consulting with the American Red Cross Office Manager, we were quickly
dispatched to four active shelters in Modesto, Red Shield and Water Ford
where we could deliver relief supplies directly to the flood victims. Although
many had left the shelters the night before to go back home, hundreds more
were still in the shelters when we came.
The working staff gave the victims the aid supplies and in some cases,
Master gave from Her purse personally to the sick, the elderly, the hard
hit families, etc., and cash donations. We were deeply touched by their
reactions. After accepting our monetary gifts, we asked one lady if she
needed more. She politely refused, explaining that she could not be greedy.
It was very touching to know that even though people had lost so much of
what they had in the flood, they were still able to maintain their integrity.
It was also a pleasant surprise for them to have found that such a private
charitable organization like ours existed to help people in need.
Thousands of gift bags of emergency supplies such as personal toiletries,
socks, nutritious food, blankets, towels, bottled water, juices of all
kinds, cleaning supplies, baby food and toys were distributed to many flood
victims and their families. All these people felt Master's loving care.
They also appreciated the good quality and usefulness of the relief supplies
for their immediate use, and were surprised it came from as far away as
Los Angeles. The expression of happiness and gratefulness on their faces
were a clear reflection of Master's boundless love for them in a time of
difficulty.
As the sun set on the horizon, our cars and trucks began leaving the last
shelter for the next stop, which was the main warehouse operated by the
Salvation Army. With the help of our fellow practitioners who worked with
them to unload two fully loaded trucks in the windy, cold evening, all
relief supplies were quickly put into the warehouse along with thousands
of gift bags. Those gifts of love would be distributed to the flood victims
and their families over the following week.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
According to one of its latest report the Flood Damage Rehabilitation Committee
(FDRC) announced that 2,000 mt rice and 5,000 cans of milk powder contributed
by Supreme Master Ching Hai has arrived at Port Nampo on August 22nd, 1996.
With the assistance of Mrs. Nam Yong Ae, director of the Ministry of Food
Administration of DPRK, and Mr. Robert Hauser, Country Director, a.i. of
WFP in Pyongyang, the supplies successfully reached the hands of those
in need. A total of 148,139 persons in eleven counties of North Pyonyang
and three counties in Changang benefitted from the 2,000 mt rice. Meanwhile,
5,000 cans of milk powder have also been distributed in three counties
in Changang Province, one can per child. (Attached is a record of the rice
and milk powder's distribution.)¡¹
News 78 Index
Vegetarian Restaurants
Vegetarian Restaurants throughout the world
For previous published information on vegetarian restaurants,
please contact the nearest Center for pamphlets.
There are over 30 vegetarian restaurants in Metro Toronto and over 150
restaurants with excellent vegetarian choices. Listed below are restaurants
that serve only lacto- vegetarian food (no rennet). The cities of Toronto,
Scarborough and Etiobicoke are included.
Toronto
Bo De Duyen Restaurant
254 Spadina Avenue, 2nd Floor (south of Dundas)
Tel: (416) 703-1247
Buddha's Vegetarian Foods
666 Dundas St. W. (east of Bathurst)
Tel: (416) 603-3811
Dandelion Deli
70 Yorkvilled Avenue (west of Bay)
Tel: (416) 922-1093
Imagine Cafe
96 Spadina Avenue (at Adelaide)
Tel: (416) 504-2379
Juice For Life
521 Bloor St. W. (east of Bathurst)
Tel: (416) 531-2635
Juice For Life
238 Queen St. W. (in the Queen St. Market)
Tel: (416) 408-3581
Kensington Natural
Bakery & Cafe
460 Bloor St. W. (east of Bathurst)
Tel: (416) 534-1294
Lotus Garden
393 Dundas St. W. (west of Beverley)
Tel: (416) 598-1883
Oriental Vegetarian
Restaurant
349 Broadview Avenue (south of Gerrard)
Tel: (416) 463-6686
Smart Bar & Eatery
754 Queen St. W. (west of Niagara)
Tel: (416) 504-0653
Sunny Cafe
322 Bloor St. W. (inside Noah's)
Tel: (416) 963-8624
Scarborough
Buddhist Vegetarian Kitchen
3290 Midland Avenue (north of Finch)
Tel: (416) 292-7095
Etobicoke
Health Haven Restaurant
Centennial Park Plaza
5555 Eglinton Avenue W. (east Dixie)
Tel: (416) 621-3636
Malaga
Restauranted Vegetarina,
"El Legado Celestial"
c/ Medellin, N3, 29002
Tel: 95-2351521 Fax: 95-2351521
News 78 Index
Poem
Time-Weaver
By Kathy Welch, Ontario, Canada
(Originally In English)
Like wind which winds its way 'round willows' sway
Through amber winter grass by day,
Through shadows flight in dark of night!
And day and night, and black and white
Unite to form their shades of grey;
Combining into weeks they wend,
Until the month has reached its end.
And months combine 'til seasons twine
In frost, and shimmering solarshine;
With song and tear, with strength and fear
The memory of another year.
And year upon memory-year unfolds
In glittering array unholds
The colors of our love and strife --
The mighty fabric of our life.
Weavers all, creating we
Design work of our destiny;
Until one day our smallness wake...
Stretch forth our fashioning hands to take
The self-made garment of our own eternity.
And n'er again so small, unite then,
With Time-Weaver of us all.
News 78 Index
Supreme Master Panorama
Canada Mexico Australia Formosa
Master Moves An Artist To Tears
[Vancouver] Some days ago, the Vancouver Center was visited by a couple
of artists who were vegetarians and practiced meditation for several decades.
By accident, they noticed Master's sample booklet in a coffee shop, so
they immediately got in contact with the Center. Fellow practitioners invited
them to visit the Center to watch a video of Master.
When they first arrived, the husband excitedly told fellow practitioners
that he had driven around this place before he had contacted us. They lived
more than an hour's drive from the Center in another city, yet he could
confidently describe the details of streets, houses, etcetera. Then, something
more incredible happened! When he saw Master's photo in the corner of the
room, he said he had seen it in a vision before. He was very much astonished
by all these incredible happenings!
They then entered the group meditation room. The man froze immediately
and he stared at a poster of Master without blinking. A few minutes later,
he broke into tears, just like a child who has found his dear mother and
wanted to unleash all his emotions with no regard for anything else. He
looked as though the deepest part of his soul had been touched and his
genuine emotions just flowed out naturally. It made the others around him
feel the same way.
After a very long time, he hesitatingly said that he really felt secure
inside; felt a sense of fullness and a feeling of really being home. He
said repeatedly: "I'm home! Not surprisingly, the couple decided immediately
to apply for initiation.
Before leaving, the husband said with sincerity that he would be very happy
to have the chance to help Master serve people. Fellow practitioners said
good-bye to them and wished wholeheartedly that they would arrive Home
soon.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
Good Affinities Establishes By UFO
Fellow practitioners at the Mexico Center received a special invitation
to meditate on a mountain. The invitation came from a group of UFO researchers
intent on making contact with aliens.
We arrived at the mountain top in the evening at the scheduled time and
we meditated together. Soon afterwards, a UFO was seen flying in the sky
above Mexico City!
Several days later, a popular radio station aired the account of an UFO
flying above the city. The audience was invited to phone in to share their
personal experiences on that day. A sister and I phoned the radio station
to provide information about the group meditation that we had undertaken
on the mountain top on that day. What surprised us was that the person
in charge of the radio program had participated in the UFO conference in
Costa Rica and said that he had seen Supreme Master Ching Hai there and
said hello to Her. When we checked this, we discovered that Master had
not been in Costa Rica at that time! When we told the program director
that what he had seen was Master's manifestation body, he was very much
astonished.
Fellow practitioners were happy for the radio program director who had
obviously seen Master's manifestation body. For that reason, several fellow
practitioners visited him. During the visit they learned that he was also
the Chief Editor of the "Contact magazine. He also expressed a wish
to include information on Master and Her teachings in this publication.
At that moment, he has arranged a time slot to broadcast Master's teachings
on his radio program, helping many people to get to know the living Master.
As a result, many people have come to the Center and are now waiting initiation.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
On-going Campaign To Promote The Truth
[Melbourne] As part of an on-going campaign to promote Master's teachings
and the Quan Yin Method, initiates in Melbourne have been distributing
thousands of leaflets and sample booklets at a variety of festivals including
the Tet Festival in Footscray, the Mind-Body-Spirit Festival in Melbourne
City and the Spiritual and Health Festival in Bendigo.
The highlight of this campaign was the Tet Festival where we had two stands
displaying Master's books, tapes and magazines. We also played Master's
videotapes which many people watched with great interest. The Mind-Body-Spirit
Festival was held at the Melbourne Exhibition Center and was also a big
success. Over four days there were approximately 20,000 visitors!
Another initiative that we've undertaken was to advertise through Melbourne's
Community TV station (Channel 31). We will soon take part in the Footscray
Park Tet Festival again.
We hope our efforts will make known to the public the benefits of practicing
the Quan Yin Method with guidance from our great Master, the only one who
can bring true happiness into our lives and lead us to eternal liberation.¡¹
¡i¡j==========================
Appointment With Environmental Protection -- Loving Garden Fair
[Chiayi] Having enjoyed working with our fellow practitioners in organizing
the previous Loving Garden Fair, the Chiayi's Women Kiwanis Club once again
invited the Chiayi Center to participate in the Garden Fair " Appointment
With Environmental Protection " at the square in front of the Chiayi
City Stadium.
As soon as they got the invitation, fellow practitioners muster their energy
and got to work. At dawn, a few fellow practitioners started making the
exquisite and delicious vegetarian food for the visitors and guests. Others
set up and decorated the booths, putting up many of Master's aphorisms
which immediately attracted by their distinct content. They stopped at
the booths and began to browse through Master's publications and enjoy
Her elegant pictures, paintings and lantern designs.
At the Information Desk, fellow practitioners explained to inquiring visitors
Master's teachings, and offered them Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine.
The atmosphere was full of joy and delight. Everyone was bathed in God's
enormous love. The local cable television Shih-Shing also sent a reporter
to interview us and video our booths. The fair ended with great success.¡¹
Report From Formosa
Divine Love Prevails In The Hearts Of Young People
[Yun Lin ¡¹
News 78 Index
Feature Reports
Master's Trip To Hong Kong A Boutique Selling S.M. Celestial Clothes And JPut All Heart's Efforts
On God Put All Heart's Efforts On God
By Brother Initiate Chao-Hsien Tai, Hong Kong
In response to people's sincere requests, Master promised to make a special
trip to Hong Kong to visit the exhibition of the Celestial Clothes there,
and later to the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the S.M. Celestial shop in
Macau. The day before Master's visit, fellow initiates fully displayed
a spirit of team work when they tidied up every inch of the Meditation
Center, giving it a fresh new look to happily greet Her. Excited by the
news of Master's coming to Hong Kong, every fellow initiate was even more
devoted in their work.
Master arrived Hong Kong around 11:00 PM on January 20. She looked radiant
inspite of having had a long day working and travelling. Master and disciples
got together for a while when they arrived the hotel, where Master warmly
asked after everyone.
The next morning, Master went to the exhibition to attend the curtain-lifting
ceremony for the annual Autumn and Winter fashions exhibition. She looked
even more elegant that day having dressed up and adorned with Celestial
Jewelry, which caused a lot of envy and admiration. Those presented included
important guests from various parts of the world as well as many prominent
businessmen and high government officials. When the music stopped, a speech
was given by the organizer. Then the last Governor of Hong Kong, Mr. Chris
Patten, was invited to give an opening speech. Afterwards he was presented,
as a memento, a big tapestry featuring a scenery of Hong Kong. At that
time an amusing episode took place.
In a big event like this, it is usual to see a great number of both Chinese
and foreign reporters gathering and trying their best to occupy the vantage
points to photograph the VIP's. A local reporter suddenly dashed to the
front of the platform and held up his camera high to take some pictures,
not having any consideration for his counterparts behind him. Then a woman
reporter could not hold back herself and started yelling at him in Cantonese,
telling him where to go, but he paid no attention to her. The foreigners
among the guests did not understand what was going on, and for some reason
the security personnel did not take any action. The scene became quite
disordered and embarrassing. At that moment Master suddenly spoke. She
said to the governor, who was standing on the platform, "Mr. Governor,
could you lift the memento up for the reporters at the back to take a picture?"
The Governor looked towards the direction of the voice and found that it
was an elegant and beautiful lady who came forward to save the situation,
he reflexively lifted up his hand. Immediately a series of flashes went
on and the reporters accomplished their jobs with a "thank you".
Wherever Master goes, She is always so natural in solving problems and
overcoming obstacles to make people satisfied and happy.
Then, Master was escorted to visit the booth of the S.M. Celestial Clothes
and then the rest of the exhibition. That evening Master met with the fellow
initiates at Mongkok Center.
Normally the group meditation held each evening at Mongkok Center receives
enthusiastic responses. It was more so that evening and every seat was
taken. After a string of loud applause when Master appeared, Master and
disciples soon merged as one. From the joyful expression on everyone's
face, one could feel the speechless excitement present. After compassionately
receiving each fellow initiate, Master met with those who practiced the
Convenient Method. She also played with the children they brought along.
Having met Master in person, many of them expressed their wishes to receive
initiation at once. Master immediately promised them that they could. Before
leaving, Master personally handed out some blessed foods, and everyone
was loaded with rewards as they left.
In the evening on January 22nd, Master visited the Center again. A fellow
initiate couple hoped that Master could name their daughter for them. Master
agreed and spontaneously gave a name with a fitting meaning. However, She
repeatedly emphasized that one's name was not that important, and that
any names chosen by the parents were good. That evening all the fellow
initiates had a great time.
There was an incident worth mentioning. It was about one of the friends
practicing the Convenient Method, who seemed to have a special affinity
with Master. He works in show business and spends most of his time organizing
concerts in different places, and so he needs to fly from one place to
another frequently. He also arrived Hong Kong the evening Master got together
with the fellow initiates, and he immediately rushed over to see Her. When
he saw Master, he felt that he must take initiation at once. All the members
of his family were delighted to learn that, because they had been initiated
for a long time while he was the only one who could not make up his mind.
It was truly wonderful for them to see him being so determined in making
the decision.
Master also granted requests from some of those practicing the Convenient
Method who came from abroad to have photographs taken with Her. It was
a memorable evening for all.
The next day Master went to Macau by helicopter. She was guided by the
local liaison fellow initiate for a tour of the small island of Macau.
It was Her first visit there and She had a good impression of it. At 2:00
PM, Master was invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the S.M. Celestial
shop.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
By Sister Initiate Yong-Xiang Lee, Hong Kong
On January 23rd, a beautiful person graced a very beautiful shop in Macau
(Shop H, G/F., China Plaza -- 774 Avenida da Praia Grande) to meet everyone.
It was the inauguration ceremony of the S.M. Boutique in Macau, and our
charming Master had come to cut the ribbon and attend the cocktail party
afterwards.
The S.M. Boutique is situated in the most busy and prosperous area in Macau.
In a very short time, fellow initiates found an ideal shop and completed
the renovation, just like in a fairy tale. God's almighty power made their
dream miraculously come true -- the S.M. Boutique has been opened in Macau.
Previously, not many shops in the Zhong Hua Plaza had been rented out as
the rental was very expensive. After the opening of the S.M. Boutique,
other shops joined in and turned the Plaza into a busy shopping arcade.
Early that morning, a large crowd including guests from all professions,
fellow initiates and their relatives and friends, gathered outside the
S.M. Boutique. Among them were fellow initiates from Hong Kong, mainland
China and other places. Also coming to the event were martial art movie
stars from Hong Kong, and fashion designers from Macau. Fully adorned by
flower baskets from friends and other groups, the shop looked as though
it was a boutique in heaven. Enhanced by the flowers, the Celestial Clothes
on display and even the mannequins wearing them looked exceptionally elegant
and charming. In the glass cabinets, the Celestial Jewelry were exuding
their mesmerizing radiance, while the S.M. Bags, rucksacks, and silk scarves
made people feel they were in God's beauty parlor.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, on the long tables placed in the hall
of Zhong Hua Plaza, a great variety of Chinese and Western vegetarian delicacies
were all in readiness. The fragrance of nonalcoholic champagne and fruit
juices welcomed the arrival of the S.M. Chief Designer. Master arrived
at two o'clock sharp, together with VIPs from the Macau government, Dr.
Rodrigo Antonio De Carvalho, M.I. Presidente Do Tribunal De Contas, and
Professor Amilcar Pinto Martins who came to attend the cocktail party.
Master inspected the decoration and display arrangement in the Boutique,
while chatting cordially with guests and fellow initiates. Among those
people enjoying the abundant delicacies, some were wearing Celestial Clothes,
or carrying S.M. rucksacks or handbags, with Celestial Jewelry shining
on their chests, or wearing dazzling rings designed by Master on their
fingers. Our fellow initiates had a relaxed and happy afternoon in the
S.M. Boutique.
At about four in the afternoon, Master cut the ribbon outside the boutique,
and then bid farewell to the guests. When She was alone with disciples
later, She reminded us: instead of only looking at Master, we should care
for the guests immaculately because they were "more important than
Master". Master also didn't forget to teach fellow initiates the way
to treat other people. When Master and disciples had to part, it was a
reluctant parting.
Owing to the inauguration of the S.M. Boutique, Master made this brief
trip to Macau, giving infinite life and brightness to this small island.¡¹
¡i¡j========================
By Sister Initiate Ching-Yao Wang, Hong Kong
Working on the celestial fashion exhibit made me realize deeply how Master
is selflessly using Her love to teach Her disciples. I also understood
that the reason that we have problems doing things and the reason there
are conflicts between human relationships is all because we depend on our
brain and experience and not according to the will of God. We have to put
all our heart's effort on God, and not depend on our brain to work. If
we quickly correct the incorrect thoughts then we would be able to observe
the effects and learn from the experience. This is what I learned while
decorating the fashion exhibit booth. Initially I had depended on my brain
and my knowledge to do the work, so after the decoration was done, the
exhibition booth looked bland and not very different from other booths.
But later we redecorated the booth, the result was very different when
we depended on God and followed our instinct. We not only earned praise
from many other businesses, but had also attracted a lot of passersby to
come visit. Many of them had expressed their desire to want to know more
about Master. Master's celestial fashion design was admired and praised by people from
many different countries. An Indian man fixed his eyes upon one of Master's
Indian style fashion design. He said that even though he is Indian, he
had never seen such a beautiful Indian outfit. Because of this he wanted
to know more about Master and asked us to send him the News magazine. There
was another Korean business man, who looked very happy every time we change
the exhibit to different celestial clothes, as if he was watching a fashion
show. On the last day of the exhibit, he finally couldn't help asking to
help us. When we were working together, it was like we were all one family.
He appeared sad when he had to leave and even asked to take pictures with
the celestial fashion design.
There are many other learning experiences that I had but I can't describe
them all. I am really happy that I could work for Master and be given the
chance to learn.¡¹
News 78 Index
Pearls Of Wisdom
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
July 12, 1995 (Originally In English)
The best thing is don't be afraid of anything, because we are representative
of The Truth, and every false thing must leave sooner or later. That's
all you must believe. In the beginning of the practice, if you are not
enough purified and noble, then most of the time you would encounterugly
epople, ugly scenery or frightening events. It's all right! It's just a
test for us to see whether we are strong enough, courageous all enough
to continue spiritual practice. Don't be afraid.
Sometimes God tests us too, by sending ugly images. See what you'll do.
See if you remember God, or you are frightened of the devil more than having
faith in God. Your faith must be stronger than your fear, that is the lesson,
because God is always stronger than the negative power. So if you are with
God, you don't fear.
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, New York, USA
Feb. 3, 1990 (Originally In English)
We have to consider other people. That's the purpose of living. The more
we consider people, the more we expand ourselves; expand until we become
one with everything, and we become Buddha. The more you consider yourselves,
the more narrow you become. The more you eat animals, the more life force
has been stamped out, and then you become smaller and smaller until you
become like the worms, the small insects, and bacteria; and you become
nothing. The more you love life, the more you give life, the more you expand
and become great.
The Buddha, He's everywhere because He loved all life, identified with
all life. So He became Ju-Lai. Ju-Lai means He doesn't come, He doesn't
go anywhere but He's everywhere. He doesn't go anywhere because He has
expanded Himself. He doesn't kill life but gives and sustains life. Therefore,
He has life. You know, karma, cause and condition.
News 78 Index
Master Says
The Secret Of How To Make Money
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
At The Long Beach International 5-Day Retreat,
U.S.A. December 28, 1996 (Originally In English)
How Much You Save And How Much You Spend
I was talking about the secret of how to make money and they wanted to
hear all the time. So I cut the talk. I said, " We have to go down
and share with all the people because we all want to make money, don't
we? Oh, yeah! You can buy a book like " How to... " Anyhow, the
secret of having money is not how much you earn, but how much you save
and how much you spend. Many people over spend, spend unnecessarily; and
in the items you buy, you could pay less for the same quality. You don't
have to shop around too much, but sometimes. If you happen to see something
that is good and a reasonable or cheap price, you can buy them. If you
don't see them, then forget it. You don't miss anything.
When you go to a retreat, like for example in Cambodia last time, or in
Formosa, you had nothing with you. But you didn't die, did you? You lived!
And how well. Walking, running and the guard pushing you from behind. "Quick,
quick, quick! Master has already come down, quickly! " And you still
lived. You ate simple food, no telephone, no husband, no kids, nothing.
You were okay. And you wore simple clothes. No problem. Very simple.
Similarly in our situation, in our house, we can also have simple things.
I don't mean you don't have anything. But there are many things, the values
are the same but the price is different. You know the difference between
shops. You don't have to always spend a lot of money in order to look good,
for your house to look special. It can look special but not expensive.
Sometimes I go shopping, because I want to look for something that I like
-- sofa or something. Sometimes I pay only about two hundred or three hundred
dollars, the big set of sofa, including the glass table and everything.
But in other shops, it costs four or five times more -- same style, same
quality. I don't understand this.
All the millionaires, the rich people, they don't always look like one.
They don't always drive in limousine, Rolls Royce or Cadillac. They normally
drive ordinary cars, because they don't need to show off. They feel good
within, the security for themselves and their families. They have savings
to last for years to come, for emergency, for anything they need, should
the need arise. Meanwhile they still continue to generate money out of
their saving income. So they fell good, they don't need to show off, they
don't need anyone to know that they are rich. They just wear casual clothes
sometimes, and go shopping in very ordinary shops. Their houses are also
comfortable but ordinary. The furniture is not always antique, or anything
extraordinary. Just comfortable, cosy. Enough for them to feel good.
So the secret of making money and being rich is not only how much you earn.
It's how you manage your money. Many people, even rich, unfortunately after
the second generation...Like the father was very diligent in making the
money and saving it. But after the children or grandchildren have no ambition
to do the same. They didn't earn it the hard way, so they don't value the
money. So if they are left with a big inheritance, very soon they squander
it, and are left with nothing. Often like this. Then commit suicide, because
they do not know how to save. They think, the parents are very rich and
they can spend, spend, spend and it will never finish -- the money. But
it finishes. The Au Lac people have an idiom. They say, " Even if
you sit there, do nothing, and eat, you can eat the mountain flat. "
The Rich People Teach Their Children How To Save
Similarly, truly, why we can help so many people, it seems like I have
a lot of money, but it is because I save. Not that I consciously save,
but I just know logically how to keep the money. If you earn a lot, but
you spend a lot, then it amounts to nothing. You just keep the car companies
rich, you keep every other shopkeeper rich, but not yourself. You have
to watch how you spend. Maybe you have to make a budget of your own --
how much to spend every month, and don't go over that.
Many rich people, not only they look ordinary in many ways, but they know
how to save. For example when the toothpaste is nearly finished, they don't
just throw it away in a half, but they squeeze it. They use some knife
or something to flatten it. You do it also, sure; but the rich people teach
their children to do that. Maybe you don't know how they earn money, but
at least you know how they save money. And saved money is earned money
as well, whatever you saved is what you've earned too. In turn, that money
will create more interest; then make more money for you. Even if you don't
do anything, you put the money in the bank, it earns interest for you.
Then you can live on that too.
So whatever you save is yours. Whatever you spend is someone else's. And
every time we go to the retreat, or something like that, it's not only
that you want to see me, or that you want to practice spiritually; but
it's also a very natural opportunity for you to put everything down, to
be free of material bondage, to be free of the preconceived ideas and notions
that we need this, we need that, we need everything in order to survive.
It has been proven, that even if you go on like this, you survive.
The Wisdom To Enjoy All Situation
In the old times, when I didn't have many of you, just the so-called left-home
people, we lived with bare necessities. I had a tent, they had a tent.
My tent was sometimes smaller than their tents, because I'm smaller. We
gave tents according to size. And my size is SM. That's why they say SM.
Small size! (Laughter) Then each one of us, including myself, would have
a sleeping bag and a thin, warm blanket. Not woolen, just a warm blanket
inside, in case it was a cold time. If it was too cold, you were entitled
to have another sleeping bag! You requested, then you got one. So each
lived in a tent like that, very simple. We didn't have much. We just ate
enough.
Now, even if I have a lot of things -- I sometimes have a house, a cave
or whatever, more furnished -- nothing more happens. I'm still the same.
I just get older every day. That won't help me. Nothing helps me. I stay
the same as before, I live the same, I eat the same -- almost. It's not
much different whether I have more material possessions or I have less.
I've lived through the poorest and the richest, nothing changes!
When I was in the Himalayas in India, I didn't have much money -- I had
to stretch my money very long, as I didn't know how long I would stay there.
Sometimes I just ate chapatis and peanut butter. Chapatis that I made myself,
too; they were even cheaper than buying them. It was very simple. You have
a plate, which you use to eat, then you just have wheat flour, water and
salt. That you can buy anywhere. You knead the flour and water, put a pinch
of salt in it. Knead it the way you knead bread or pastry, but without
yeast. Then you flatten it with your hands. Don't even need a rolling pin,
just your hand. Flatten it and put it on the fire. You collect the wood
from the forest and then you just cook it. After a while, you turn it on
the other side and that's it. Put peanut butter on top and you are on top
of the world, feeling good. Water you can drink from the spring or from
the Ganges, no problem.
Sojourn In The Himalayas
I live like that many, many months. Sometimes I ate only raw food if I
went too high. You can't cook. You can, but it takes half a day to boil
a little, two centimeters of water. I'd say, " Forget it. I'll drink
it cold. " You can't boil cabbage if you don't have a high power of
gas. If you just collect wood, it's most of the time already damp from
the snow.
The mountains in the Himalayas are nonstop -- always covered with snow,
even in summer, just less. The army digs a road between the mountains,
so you can walk between the two mountains of ice. But the ice is always
there, even in summer. They have only two seasons -- snowing season and
no-snowing season. The pilgrims normally go in the non-snowing season.
If you happened to stay there too long, then you'd just be snowed under
and stay there until next year, if you are still alive. Then you drink
snow or whatever. Some people do that, it's okay! (Do not try it!)
Even in winter you can pick some of the herbs, some of the wild plants
in the Himalayas and eat them. Some of them don't look so much like, but
taste like spinach. Except that they are a little bit red on the stem,
not green; they taste exactly the same. Don't go there and eat nonsense.
You have to know which plant to eat. Don't say the Supreme Master Ching
Hai said that and just taste everything whether it tastes like spinach
or not. Before you know it, you'll already be finished. Don't make yourself
become a laboratory.
I didn't even have a tent. Can you imagine in the Himalayas no tent? But
sometimes you find a roof or a so-called house. The house is not really
a house the way it is here. That kind of house, you can see the stars through
the roof, you can see through the walls, and the wind is very free to visit
you any time of the day and night, bringing in the snow as well. Very generous.
The floor is very wet. It's not cemented, because in the Himalayas people
just put the wood together to make a very simple flat, grass hut. There
are no facilities, no cot. You lay on the floor.
I was very clever, I used a very thin mattress, thinner than yours. Not
this kind. There is a thin like plastic sheet, one side gold and one side
silver. You can use that too. When you unfold it, it's like a piece of
paper tissue only, so thin. I couldn't afford to carry so many things,
I could hardly carry myself! The higher you go, the heavier it becomes.
The same luggage became heavier. Even your feet became heavier, got swollen
with this snow, soaking into your shoes. Didn't matter what kind of shoes
you had, the snow can managed to get in and soaked your feet. You know,
like the way you soak bread in water, it becomes double the size. So if
you go to the Himalayas, can't carry many things. So many months like this,
I went from one place to another. I also survived.
I just tell you, we can live through anything. We can survive, because
if our spirit is strong, we have a noble purpose and a higher ideal, we
can just look into that ideal and we forget everything else, truly like
that. Like the way of the Tibetan air-traveller, they don't have aeroplanes
there, so they travel like flying in the air. They just have to fix themselves
on some point in the horizon or on some stars. Then they just concentrate
on that. At that time, when you talk to them, they don't hear you. They
don't know what's going on. Even if they get hurt, sometimes knock into
branches or something or get bruised, they also don't know. After, they
wake up from the trance and stop their voyage.
Master Your Life
From my own experience, whatever I have, or not have, it's no problem!
You are still happy, and you manage your life accordingly. When I didn't
have too many material possessions, life was already fun all the time,
because I had to think of how to survive. Every day I had to invent some
new ways to enjoy. Always surprise, always new, always very happy and always
contented, because every day you are a master of yourself, a master of
your own situation, and you just feel good, feel so confident of your ability
to survive. Truly, if there is a necessity to compare, then I must tell
you that when I had nothing I had more fun, because I was more creative.
Now I can have everything I want because it's already settled down. I don't
have to run around the world and I can have a fixed place sometimes, at
least for a few months or a few weeks. Then things are too organized, too
many disciples, they buy all kinds of things. I'm also busy now, also have
to be creative, like which one to throw away and which one to scold for
buying nonsense. But it's more annoying than when I had nothing, was master
of my own life, decided everything for myself, and controlled every situation.
There is not much to control, but every day you know what is what.
I don't like surprises! I don't like that every day people buy things that
I don't like and then tell me later; or do something not according to my
instructions and tell me later; or do something according to their own
opinion and instructions and tell me later. Then I have to clean up the
mess, because it was wrong. I don't mind if they always decide the good
things, but most of the people that are around me are not up to my standard.
I don't care whether my standard is good or not. My standard is my standard
and I don't like people to mess about with it and decide for me, what I
must have, what I must wear and what is good for me. I don't like that.
The people around me always make the same mistakes. Doesn't matter if I
scold them, beg them, I reason with them, I explain to them, I tell them,
I frighten them, I fire them, doesn't work. Habits are difficult to change,
I understand that. But my understanding doesn't help my feelings. And they
continue because now my financial situation is not that bad and I don't
have the time to always go shopping for myself. So sometimes I have to
rely on them. Sometimes I don't even rely on them; they just go do it themselves,
because they think, Master needs this, Master needs that.
If I say, "I like bananas, " then every day bananas everywhere!
If one cook happens to cook something nice and I say, " Wow, this
is a nice dish that you made! " Then I have it week after week until
I nearly die from it. I beg them, "Please! Even if it's nice..."
I'm very polite, but to the point you can't bear it anymore and you have
to tell it. Sometimes I explode. I say, "How can you have so low intelligence?
Even if it's a good thing, you can't just have it every day and so often
like this." Ah, you cannot believe it, the problems of having.
Before, having nothing was easier. Before, when I didn't have everything
I was very happy, more happy, because I bought what I wanted and I know
where my money went. I was happy when I could save something. I felt I
was creative. Not because of the money, but the value of my intelligence,
that I could save that, that I could live with such a few things and make
it so nice.
Whenever we can buy some good things, yeah, with a very low price and other
places are higher price. And it happens, that that thing we like so much,
the color, the taste, the style we like. Then we are very happy! Not because
of the money only! But just lucky, we are creative and we are resourceful.
And that's what we are happy about.
So I regret to tell you that to have everything is not always as good as
you think. On the contrary, if you don't have enough things or you just
have barely enough, that's the best. Then your IQ becomes higher, because
every day you have to think, = " can I save some money, where can
I go for better shopping, and what kind of food can I cook today, which
is nutritious, good, tasty and also economical?? Then you are happy with
yourself. Everything creative brings happiness to humankind, because it's
new, it's exciting, it's interesting. If every day the same and people
serve you all the time, you feel bored after a while. I guarantee, money
back guarantee. Anyhow, that's the end of how to be rich and how to keep
your money. You take care and then you will know the difference.¡¹
News 78 Index
Supreme Master Wonderland
The Magic Book
By Jo Cobb, Oxford Center, UK
(Originally In English)
My stepdaughter, Amanda, and I have often talked of meditation and many
other mindful matters. For this reason, I sent her one of Master's free
booklets. Amanda was much intrigued, and telephoned the day she received
the book to thank me. I then explained that, placed under her pillow, she
would receive its positive power.
When speaking to her a few days later, apparently her daughter, Sophie
(6 yrs old), had not put the book down all day -- she carried it around
with her everywhere. On putting Sophie to bed that night Amanda explained
that the book had a very special Spirit, and that Sophie was obviously
picking up on this. Amanda said to Sophie, "Perhaps you would like
to sleep with the book under your pillow, and maybe it will take away your
nightmares?" Sophie was very eager to do this, and so agreed.
Some days later, again at bedtime, Sophie lean over to her mother and whispered,
"Mummy, it works!".....Amanda knew exactly what she meant.
Thank You, Master, for sending the power of Your love to help a little
girl sleep peacefully.¡¹
News 78 Index
Understand Frustrations With The Intellect
Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai
Tainan, Formosa
March 16, 1990
(Originally In Chinese)
Q: How are You, Master? I believe, before You attained the Truth, You must
have gone through innumerable severe tests. Can You tell us, when You faced
all kinds of difficulties, like feeling depressed or even desperate, how
did You detach Yourself from these agonizing feelings to live optimistically
while firmly pursuing Your spiritual path and continuing in Your daily
life?
There were lots of tests! No one is free from trials. Sometimes, the tests
were really senseless; sometimes, they were very fierce; sometimes, they
were very vicious; sometimes, the tests made You want to die. However,
in whatever situation, I always observed carefully and I would say: "Oh!
You are in a bad mood today, you want to cry. All right, just go ahead
and cry! You are feeling awful today, just let it be. Tomorrow will be
different. I am sure tomorrow will not be the same!
I am talking about very logical things, spiritual practitioners or not.
Ever since we were born, we have not lived one single day that is identical
to another. If today is bad, tomorrow must be good, If it doesn't get better
tomorrow, it definitely will be the day after. It may be raining today,
but there will be sunshine tomorrow. We can understand this by observing
natural phenomena. We shouldn't remain in a certain situation, and then
hide behind it. Never mind where we are put, it is okay! We just carry
on living there. It is only a kind of mood, and our moods change every
day -- for better or worse. I simply take it as it comes.
When pain comes, I feel the pain; when happiness comes, I feel the joy.
I am not insensitive. When pain comes, just let it be. I say: " All
right! So be it today. I will definitely be happier tomorrow. " Just
that. And you ought to keep this in mind. (Applause)
Also, at our most agonizing moments, do not sink with the pain. Instead,
try to ponder: "Why do I have such pain? " Observe what you can
learn from these painful situations. There must be something! If you observe
clearly then all situations are good lessons from which to learn. Having
realizations through observing, you will be enlightened and happy tomorrow.
Understand frustrations with Buddhi (intellect), and don't let them pass
by in vain. (Applause)
News 78 Index
Master's Wonders
A Big Incident Becomes A Small One, And A Small One Becomes Nothing
By A Fellow Initiate in Beijing, Mainland China
Not long after a sister initiate in Beijing gave birth to her daughter,
she asked a fortune teller to tell her the daughter's fortune. The fortune
teller said that her daughter would be missing for a period of time when
she was five and a half years old; that this period would be quite long
but that she would eventually be found. The sister initiate worried about
this for quite a while. However, with the passing of time, she soon forgot
about this prediction.
Last year, the sister initiate went to Paris on a business trip. By a lucky
coincidence, she was initiated by Master. After initiation, she returned
to Beijing. Shortly after, her job required her to go to Shantou on a ten-day
business trip. Therefore, she entrusted her husband with the task of picking
up their daughter from kindergarten every day.
During the afternoon of the following day, her husband went to the kindergarten
by bicycle, but the teacher told him that the child's mother had just picked
up the child. Naturally, the husband felt very uneasy. While riding home,
he was wondering why his wife had come back so soon. The more he thought
about it, the less he could set his mind at rest. So he decided to go back
to the kindergarten to have another look. While riding on a busy street,
he saw a little girl standing near an electricity pole by the roadside
and realized that it was his daughter. He quickly pedaled his bike toward
her. As soon as his daughter saw him, she cried loudly.
What had happened was that when the kindergarten closed for the day, the
daughter saw a person who she thought was her mother, so she followed her.
After walking for quite a while, she saw that "her mother" did
not pay attention to her. So she looked at that person again and discovered
that she had followed the wrong person. By this time, she was already on
a busy street and could not find her way back to the kindergarten. She
was very worried and scared. She told herself, "Mother has been initiated
so Master will definitely take care of me. I can't run around here and
there. I should stand here and wait for my father. I can't cry. If I do,
others will know that I'm a child without my parents and they'll take me
away." So she stood by an electricity pole and silently recited, "
Namo Supreme Master Ching Hai, please help me! Namo Supreme Master Ching
Hai, please help me!..." While doing this she watched all the pedestrian
passing by with wide eyes. Finally, she saw her father.
After this unexpected incident, the sister initiate and her husband remembered
the prediction that the fortune teller had given years earlier because
they realized that their daughter was exactly five and a half years old.
The incident had happened quite coincidentally. However, the difference
was that their daughter was supposed to be missing for a long time according
to the fortune teller; but she was actually missing only for less than
an hour.
Master often says that after initiation, if we seriously pursue our spiritual
practice, our enormous fixed karma can be turned into small karma, and
this small karma can even be turned into nothing. This incident of a missing
child is an excellent example of this.¡¹
News 78 Index
Saving Grace
An Adventure In Getting A Visa
by Brother Initiate Lu, Australia
Though my story is not a sensational one, it does highlight that sincerity
and determination to go forward and leaving everything to Master, is the
key to success. I had never seen Master before, nor had I attended any of the international
retreats. Recently, I finally went to the 1996 Long Beach International
5-Day Retreat, and saw Master whom I missed day and night. I felt nothing
but bliss.
I am a student from mainland China studying in Australia. The 5-day retreat
coincided with my summer vacation. When I heard about the retreat, naturally
I could not miss this rare opportunity, so I signed up immediately. The
greatest obstacle that stood between me and the retreat was the entry visa
to the United States. Initially, I had no idea about the difficulties in
getting the visa. A fellow sister in Sydney works in a travel agency, so
she volunteered to arrange visas for fellow initiates going to the retreat.
So I gave her my Chinese passport.
However, when I filled out the application form, I noted a clause stating
that no visa would be granted to students studying abroad. Moreover, this
fellow sister was very experienced having applied for American visas for
many tourists holding Chinese passport. None of them succeeded despite
the excellent reasons and even guarantors. Obviously, I had no hope of
getting a visa. Nevertheless, my heart was full of hope. Even though such
an obstacle as this exited, it only made me more determined to got to the
retreat.
I started compiling convincing material that could help with my application.
I got a certificate from my university, and I requested the Australian
government, who granted me my scholarship, to affirm that I wouldn't stay
illegally in the United States. The Sydney contact person also gave me
a letter proving my membership of Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association. At the same time, I compiled photocopies of articles from
Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines that detailed Master's and our
group's contributions to the world in recent years. I highlighted that
Master's help rendered to the United States led to the Midwest states proclaiming
a "Ching Hai Day". I also mentioned the international awards
given to Master, Her Celestial Clothes fashion shows, the Celestial Jewelry
designed by Her, and the contacting address of our Centers all over the
world.
Finally, I wrote a letter explaining the reason for applying for the visa
and stated clearly that I had not wish to stay in the United States. Having
gathered all the necessary material, I put them neatly in a folder and
submitted it personally to the American Embassy in Sydney. After that,
I just went home to meditate and wait for the reply.
Needless to say, you must have guessed the outcome! I easily got the visa.
The bliss in my heart was indescribable. Though my story is not a sensational
one, it does highlight that sincerity and determination to go forward,
try your best, and leaving everything to Master, is the key to success.¡¹
News 78 Index
Aphorisms
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In English)
You have to be pure in the heart anytime, then nothing goes wrong.
Even if it goes wrong, it will be all right again.
News 78 Index
Supreme Master Ching Hai No. 78
Cover Illustration: Love is giving endlessly
