A Little Message:
In speaking of God, or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a He.
She + He = Hes (as in Mess)
Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm)
Hers + His = Hiers (as in Beers)
Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will to suit Hirmself.

News No. 132
Published: April 10, 2002
Founded: April 1, 1990
Published By: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
Publisher: Hsieh, Hsin Lin

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine is published on the Internet in the following languages: Aulacese, Chinese (in both traditional and simplified versions), English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai. Please refer to the "Quan Yin WWW sites" of the News magazine for related websites.

Cinema Sense

Wisdom Is Valuable But Liberation Is Even More Precious

-- Insights from Solomon and Sheba

By sister initiate Yang Tung-yin, Keelung, Formosa

In the Ninth-generation of Celestial Jewelry, Master used the pattern of the Star of David along with beautiful sapphires to design the collection entitled "The Wisdom of Solomon." This series reminds me of a very meaningful movie - Solomon and Sheba.

This film was adapted from the biblical story about the first kings of Israel in the Old Testament. Before his death, King David of Israel abided by God's instructions and named his son Solomon as his successor. After his ascension to the throne, King Solomon adhered to David's final instructions and worshipped God piously. According to the Bible, God once appeared to Solomon and said, "Ask what I should give you." Solomon then asked not for long life, riches, or any worldly things; he asked only for wisdom. God therefore bestowed wisdom on him, and promised to give him all other material rewards if he followed Hiers path.

Through God's grace, King Solomon soon became far wiser than the other people of his time, emerging as the wisest king in the history of Israel. He not only was a very good judge, but also excelled in diplomacy, administration, trade, architecture, and many other areas. Talented in business, he embarked on maritime trade with a fleet of ships. He earned enormous profits, but upset other tribes engaged in transporting goods on land by camel. One major victim was the queen of Sheba, who is thought to have reigned in the southern Arabian Peninsula. Once, she went to Jerusalem bringing large quantities of spices, gold and precious stones, in order to exchange gifts with King Solomon. At the same time, she prepared several difficult questions to test Solomon, who easily answered all of them. The queen of Sheba was thus dazzled by the King's great wisdom, and admired him very much. She also highly praised the God in whom Solomon believed.

Initially, King Solomon was a wise and broad-minded king. He managed his country very well and showed sincere faith in God. To maintain friendly relations with neighboring countries, Solomon created alliances by marrying many foreign wives. According to the Bible, among his wives he had seven hundred princesses, as well as three hundred concubines. After becoming over-indulgent in sensory pleasures, and affected by the gods and rituals introduced by his wives, King Solomon gradually lost his devotedness to God and forgot the vows he had made. Subsequently, Israel began to decline and was plagued by both internal and external problems. Solomon's military officers and the people who believed in God left him, putting the country in a grave crisis.

This story conveys a serious warning to us: While living in a world so full of temptations, if we fail to remain alert at all times, even a person as wise and intelligent as King Solomon, with just one careless mistake, can easily be misled by outer influences and drift away from the right path. Sometimes, I find that, just as King Solomon did, I make excuses or pretend to forget, and then continue to do something that I clearly know is detrimental to my spiritual growth. Afterwards, I feel unhappy, my conscience becomes restless, and I eventually repent to Master. In this way, I not only obstruct my spiritual practice, but also increase Master's burden. Precisely as the movie Solomon and Sheba portrays, God actually never punishes anyone. But when we choose to go astray from God, and so deprive ourselves of God's love, we experience the severest of punishments.

After following Master in spiritual practice, we realize that, though there are many wonderful things in this world, none can compare to a millionth of Heaven's beauty. Thus, we should always remind ourselves to cherish the brief existence of our human body, work hard to elevate our spiritual nature, and absolutely not be mesmerized by the things before us or forget our original path.

Remarks:

1. For a historical discussion of King Solomon, please refer to the Bible, Old Testament, First Kings, Chapter 1-11.
2. Sheba is thought to be the ancient name of a tribe in the southern Arabian Peninsula.

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest MP3 CD

MP3-7 (part 2 of 2)

Seven-day Retreat at the Hsihu Center, Formosa, July 29 - August 6, 1989

9. Master Speaks of Dreams at the White Flower Garden

10. Fellow Practitioners Sing Sacred Songs

11. Fellow Practitioners Describe Spiritual Experiences at the White Flower Garden

12. Master Tells Stories

13. Buddha's Chanting and the Hallelujah Hymn

14. How to Worship the Buddha

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes

348 Master's Power Brings Enlightenment

Lecture in Seattle, U.S.A., April 7, 1993

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest DVDs

667 Be A Torchbearer for God

Lecture in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 25, 1999

674 Walking in Love and Laughter

International Three-day Retreat in Cape Town, South Africa,

November 28-30, 1999

To order Master's publications, please contact:

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd., Taipei, Formosa.

Tel: (886) 2-87873935 / Fax: (886) 2-87870873

E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org

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Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.

Please visit our bookshop's website to download our catalogue and summaries of the contents of Master's latest publications:

http://www.smchbooks.com/ (in English and Chinese)

Introductory Book Notes

Undulation Energy and the Health Revolution

By brother initiate Lin Ming-chao, Nantou, Formosa
(Brother Lin is a doctor of Chinese medicine serving at Nantou Hospital, Formosa.)

Issues No. 114 and 127 of the News magazine featured articles on a Magnetic Resonance Tester invented by a Korean scientist to check food quality as well as human health conditions and consciousness levels. This advanced apparatus, which can reveal information imperceptible to the physical eyes, is not in a class by itself. Similar machines, such as Quantum, Meridian Regulatory Acupuncture (MRA), the Life Field Transmitter (LFT), and the Electro Acupuncture of Dr. Voll machine (EAV, a device for measuring the conductance of acupuncture meridians), are also available in several developed countries. In his book Undulation Energy and the Health Revolution, Mr. Fukano Kazuyuki, a Japanese expert with a doctorate in engineering sciences, explains in everyday language the workings and applications of such equipment, which he classifies as "undulation machines."

Mr. Fukano Kazuyuki believes that the "essence of the universe" lies in a realm that is indiscernible to the physical eye. It is composed of super-molecules known as "cosmic energy" that moves in spiral waveforms detectable by these machines.

The author observes that the Earth's present civilization recognizes only that "the universe is the physical world" and that "humankind has only the physical body." On the contrary, however, the universe is actually composed of both a "material world" and an "invisible world." Apart from the physical body, human beings also have an "invisible body" (the original life form, which is our spiritual body). But the mainstream sciences are still unable to detect the invisible world and invisible body, and are thus incapable of perceiving many truths about the universe and humankind. In recent years, undulation machines have become the pioneering equipment guiding human civilization toward understanding the invisible world, and are also powerful tools for exploring the existence of cosmic energy.

Applications in Food Testing

With the invention of undulation machines, food and potable water are no longer tested by chemical analysis or analyzed to identify their constitution with respect to the "five main nutritional elements." Chemical analysis alone cannot determine the influence of food and water on health! Undulation machines produce a more accurate and comprehensive analysis. High undulation indexes indicate that the food being tested is more beneficial to health, while lower indexes mean that it is detrimental to health and may even induce illness.

Tests using undulation machines have shown that meat products or those containing eggs have little undulation energy and are harmful to health. Farm produce grown with the generous use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and foods with numerous additives contain little undulation energy as well. Such foods cause a breakdown of the body's mineral balance and impair its self-healing ability. Therefore, they are considered unfavorable to human health. Generally speaking, vegetables, fruits, and seaweed, which are usually high in undulation energy, are regarded as healthy foods. A small percentage of foods in this category is pushed down the index level, most probably because of the excessive pesticides and chemical fertilizers used during cultivation.

Applications in Water Testing

Water, by nature, easily absorbs cosmic energy. Test findings show a low level of undulation energy in polluted water and tap water in metropolises. By contrast, natural spring water from the mountains contains more undulation energy, because it has been significantly purified by minerals in the soil. Moreover, undulation indexes show that "holy water" does exist! To a certain extent, such water can heal patients suffering from "spiritual ailments."

Applications in Medical Science

In recent years, a new school of medical science has emerged involving the experimental use of undulation machines and research on the energy of the invisible world. This school of "energy medical science" or "quantum medical science" employs therapeutic methods including "sound therapy," "light therapy," and "space therapy." Some people even use undulation machines to produce "energy water" for the treatment of disease in lieu of traditional pharmaceutical therapy.

The Innate Undulation Machine

The level of human consciousness determines the advancement of material civilization. The higher the level of consciousness, the more exquisite and convenient tools can human beings develop. Undulation machines represent a new dimension in human technology, indicating that human consciousness has become elevated to some degree. However, if scientists do not seek spiritual advancement to upgrade their level of consciousness and go beyond existing concepts, technological development will remain limited! A mechanical invention, however advanced, cannot transcend the physical dimension.

Human beings are blessed with a flawless undulation machine - the human body. Unfortunately, however, most people do not know how to make use of it. A sophisticated machine can operate correctly only when manipulated by a professional technician. In the same sense, the flawless undulation machine of the human body needs an even more advanced "super expert" who knows the universe's secret tricks, and can open for us the door to cosmic energy and teach us to use this energy effectively.

Spiritual Practice Is a Meta-science

Master once said, "In our body, there are about seven chakras (energy centers) that can draw in energy from the universe. They are just like a battery automatically charged by universal power. That's why we can run our machine all the time. And when we meditate, this power is in even greater abundance. So the more we give, the more it comes in. It will never stop. So we don't need to worry about karma, and helping people and taking karma and all that. If people need help, you should help." (Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai in English at a group meditation session in Bangkok, Thailand, September 14, 1994. Videotape No. 446)

The new concepts and medical therapies discussed above have proven that spiritual practice is a "meta-science" rather than being "anti-science." These ideas are not new to members of the Quan Yin family, for during daily meditation, we simultaneously enjoy "light therapy," "sound therapy," and even "space therapy." We are cared for in every aspect of body, mind and spirit. So, we cannot help but marvel at how privileged and blessed the initiated children of God are! Hopefully, with greater scientific support and more advanced inventions, more and more brothers and sisters around the world will practice the Quan Yin Method and, once and for all, undertake this spiritual path that brings only benefits.

Letter of Appreciation

A Thank You Letter to Master from a Group of New Year Gift Recipients

(Originally in Aulacese)

Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai,

We are a group of Aulacese people living far from our homeland as refugees in Montreal, Canada, one of the most humanitarian nations in the world. We lead contented lives in this country; however, we always have fond memories of our motherland, especially during the Aulacese New Year. We often receive immediate help from You when our families have problems or experience a disaster, or during other times of trouble. Many of us have listened to Your lectures on the Quan Yin Method, which have given us a peaceful and carefree life. We appreciate the precious help we have received spiritually and materially from You.

From Your many videotapes, photos, and newspaper and other media reports, we have learned about Your relief activities and know that with Your compassionate, generous heart, You have helped the needy, the less fortunate, and victims of natural disasters, floods, and incurable diseases everywhere on this planet, especially in Au Lac.

Today in the festive spirit of welcoming in the Year of the Horse, we have invited each other to the celebrations and gathered together at the exhibition booth that Your representatives have set up to spread the Quan Yin Method, reminding people to do good and avoid bad deeds. Each of us has received a present from You to elevate the New Year joy and happiness in our families, and to dissipate somewhat our sadness over living in a strange land.

In the New Year of the Horse, we sincerely pray to God to bless You, so that You may grace this Earth longer, be healthy and happy and continue to deliver humankind from disasters.

May all Your wishes come true.

Montreal, February 10, 2002

Individual Signatures

photo:tk1-1-132

Letters Between Master and Disciples

Thank You for Saving My Family

By would-be initiate Li, Mainland China
February 9, 2002

Revered and beloved Master Ching Hai,

Greetings to You from one of Your disciples in China. On the occasion of the new year, I take this opportunity to wish You good health, success, and happiness in sharing the Truth.

During the last Lunar New Year holiday, I suffered career setbacks that placed a heavy burden on my family and me, and the resulting financial problems seemed far too much for me to deal with. This experience was a heavy mental blow, and I thought of running away from society for the rest of my life. But just as I was about to step into the abyss of no return, I read the sample booklet, The Key of Immediate Enlightenment, at the home of one of Your disciples. Your teachings shed light on my work and set a new direction for my life. Subsequently, I decided to first practice the Convenient Method.

Since then, a year has passed, and in Your care, every member of my family, including myself, has experienced dramatically positive changes. I thank You, Master, with all my heart for delivering my whole family. I can find no words to express my gratitude to You, and can only truthfully abide by Your teachings, and practice seriously to repay Your loving care. Meanwhile, I am eagerly awaiting initiation.

Wishing You a happy new year and all heavenly bliss!

Your Disciple

Thanks for the Gift of Enlightenment

February 13, 2002
(Originally in English)

Dearest Supreme Master Ching Hai,

Thank You so much for Your love and good wishes to all of us. I am very grateful to the most merciful, almighty God, our Father, for giving You to us as our Master to remind us of our Self, to let us know who we are, and to lead us back to our original Home. It is my desire to live in the Kingdom of God's Holy Will.

I have been very happy and feeling good since I got initiated on June 9, 2001, in Florida, for You have given my family and me so many blessings. You have always answered my prayers. Yesterday, I cried to You in sorrow and asked for Your forgiveness for my past actions, for I recognize myself as nothing before the most merciful, almighty God, Who lives in You. Supreme Master, thank You for coming and speaking to us in the flesh, for coming in human form while being DIVINE at the same time. thank You for the gift of Enlightenment.

I pray that all my people in the Philippines will be awakened and enlightened. May the peace of God reign in the hearts of all men and women alike, so that we may live in harmony with all of God's creations, including all sentient beings.

Thank You, beloved Master, for loving me as I am and helping me to become enlightened. Help me, Master, to be compassionate to other beings and to all suffering souls.

With Your Love and Thanksgiving,

Sincerely,

Maria Linda Cannon

Love in Action

Report from Formosa

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Prison

In order to share the warmth and joy of the Lunar New Year season with local prison inmates, fellow practitioners in Formosa held holiday programs at the Kaohsiung Juvenile Reformatory, Tainan Prison, and Mingte Labor Prison on January 31, followed by a similar activity at the Changhua Juvenile Reformatory on February 7. The initiates cordially took part in the activities, winning high praise for their wonderful performances.

On the morning of January 31, more than a hundred of us arrived at the Kaohsiung Juvenile Reformatory, much to the surprise of the young inmates, who had never seen such a large group come to entertain them. Reformatory superintendent Mr. Huang Chin-te was deeply moved, and presented us with a flag of honor in recognition of the spirit of sacrifice shown by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and its members. The activity was highlighted by many wonderful performances by fellow initiates, aged six to seventy, prompting large rounds of enthusiastic applause and laughter from the audience. The love expressed by our members warmed the hearts of the inmates and brought brilliant smiles to their faces.

After a short midday break, we left for Tainan Prison, which is set in a beautiful environment of blossoming flowers, and is known for its strict isolation from the outside world. More than a thousand inmates spent two happy hours with us. Mr. Huang, chief of the Prison's edification section, complimented us for our loving actions and encouraged the inmates to unleash the pent-up feelings in their hearts.

From Tainan Prison, we headed for Mingte Labor Prison, built in an area of flourishing greenery. This heavenly setting spoke of the benevolent rule of the government. The initiates' program, which included singing, dancing, and musical recitals, proved to be an enormous success in bringing the warmth and happiness of the Lunar New Year Festival to the inmates.

Then, on February 7, our fellow practitioners came to the Changhua Reformatory. Much credit for this successful activity goes to the director of the Tainan Great Awakening Society, a Buddhist group in Formosa. During a two-hour presentation, fellow practitioners gave many excellent performances and showed the TV program "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms." We also introduced the Convenient Method, which will help to purify inmates' souls through short daily meditation sessions. After the activity, the new Convenient Method practitioners observed that they felt an intense positive energy during their brief moment of concentration.

Caption:

(love5-1-132)Mr. Huang Chin-teng, superintendent of the Kaohsiung Juvenile Reformatory (right), presents a flag to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to honor its loving concern for the facility's young inmates.

(love5-3,4-132)Spring Festival celebrations at Tainan Prison.

(love5-2-132)Inmates at the Kaohsiung Juvenile Reformatory sing and rejoice with fellow practitioners.

(love5-5-132)Lunar New Year celebrations at the Changhua Reformatory.

Report From Tainan, Formosa

Spring Visit to the Needy

Before the Lunar New Year each year, initiates from the Tainan Center organize a charitable activity for their poverty-stricken sisters and brothers. This year, we visited households that had been affected by accidents or misfortunes, and were thus in need of help.

On February 9, with Master's love, fellow practitioners went to Tainan, Hsinying, Liuying and Hsuehchia to visit 19 impoverished families, who were pleasantly surprised when we arrived with New Year's presents. Some of the recipients burst into tears as they tightly held our hands, hoping to convey their gratitude to Master. One old woman who lives with her grandson placed Master's photo on their altar for pious veneration each day. She said that, although they were financially poor, they had found spiritual wealth and comfort with Master as the patron saint of their family. We believe that Master's love has already infused the hearts of these fellow human beings in difficulty, providing a warm current of support in the harsh winter months.

caption:(love3-1,2)Fellow practitioners from Tainan bring Master's love to their impoverished sisters and brothers.

Report from Pingtung, Formosa

Lighting up Hearts in the Cold of Winter

As the Lunar New Year approached, members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association distributed New Year's gift money in loving concern for destitute households in Hsinchih Village, Wanluan Rural Township, Pingtung County. Village Chief Wang He-ching noted that the remoteness of the Village was the main reason for widespread poverty in his community. He also expressed his appreciation for the many relief and assistance efforts made by our Association during his twelve years in office. Fellow practitioners often undertake voluntary environmental protection work in the area, offer free medical treatment, and distribute gift money during major festivals. This recent activity created a warm atmosphere of Lunar New Year gaiety for needy residents. And all those who benefited felt gratitude to the Association as well.

caption:(love1): On Lunar New Year's eve, fellow practitioners bring Master's gift money and love to destitute households in remote areas of Formosa.

Report from Pingtung, Formosa

Loving Our Neighbors, Beautifying the Environment

In the beautiful period of early spring, the Kaoping Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association organized a street-cleaning project in Hsinchih Village, Wanluan Rural Township, Pingtung County. The Laiyi Center is located in Wanluan Township, and for years local fellow initiates have made it their responsibility to clean the streets in the area. Many took part in this activity, which was held on February 24. After lunch, initiates put on their working vests and began to do the cleaning. They pulled weeds, swept the garbage and weeds on either side of the paved roads, and trimmed vines that were hanging too low over fences along the roadway. The activity lasted for about three hours.

Local residents were aware of the goodwill of the Center and the love shown by our initiates, while we were constantly encouraged and supported in our activities by the village chief and his wife, who commended us on our work, and personally offered her thanks to us at the Laiyi Center that afternoon. She also thanked us for our association's continuing care of the less fortunate, free medical consultations, street-cleaning activities, and emergency relief for individuals and groups in need.

caption: (love4-1-132)Pingtung initiates participate in a street-cleaning activity at Hsinchih Village.

caption: (love4-2-132)The wife of the village chief (dressed in pink, second from left) came to the Laiyi Center to offer her thanks.

Report from Montreal, Canada

Aulacese New Year Exhibition 2002 -- Master's Loving Gifts for Destitute People

(Originally in English)

On February 10, 2002, an Aulacese New Year celebration was held at the Hippodrome of Montreal. This year, the Aulacese community rented a much larger auditorium than in previous years, with a capacity of more than 15,000. The Montreal Center was well prepared to receive the Aulacese and other multiethnic guests with an exposition booth more spacious and comfortable than last year's. Many guests stopped to watch Master's videotapes on the three TV sets we had placed in different eye-catching locations around the venue.

The Canada Television (CTV) network attentively shot video footage at our booth, and Radio Canada, one of the largest radio stations in Montreal, interviewed us about the Quan Yin Method. Among the federal and municipal personalities who stopped by our exhibition stand was a senior immigration judge who had helped more than 60,000 Aulacese and 100,000 Chinese, Filipinos, and Indians acquire Canadian citizenship. Before departing, she insisted on taking a photo with us in front of Master's booth. We offered her some of Master's books and videotapes as well as a suit of Celestial Clothes designed by Master. One of the security guards at the celebrations came to ask for a sample booklet. She later came back for more sample booklets and magazines for her colleagues and asked for the address of the local center.

One Aulacese woman, who was learning about Master for the first time, was immediately attracted by Master's artistic talents and acquired one of Her poetry books on the spot. The president of the Aulacese community in Montreal, also a well-known medical professor at McGill University, visited us at the exhibition and shared this thought: "I'm very respectful and very proud of what Master did, especially for the children at St. Jude Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation." Also, the exhibitor next to us, a man who practices meditation, felt Master's great power coming from our booth. He came to ask us who this lady was and why Her power was so strong, and requested the address of the Montreal Center.

At 4 PM, we started distributing New Year's gifts to less fortunate families with many children. The recipients were overwhelmed with joy and thanked Master for Her compassion and for remembering them at this time, when they were so far away from their homeland. They left our booth with happy, smiling faces.

caption:(love2-1-132)Master's love comes with every gift for less fortunate Aulacese.

caption:(love2-2-132)Photo with an immigration judge (left) at our booth

caption:(love2-3-132)Many passersby stop to admire our attractive booth.

Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Expenses for the Aulacese New Year Exhibition 2002 (including booth rental fees & loving gifts for destitute people in Montreal, Canada)

Items	Expenses (in Canadian dollars)	Receipts (see attachments)
Rice, candy, tea	$635.97	A
Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes	$270.74	B
Towels, hand lotion, New Year’s cards	$224.07	C
Booth rental fees	$430.00	D
Miscellaneous: sign boards, banners, film, photocopies, stamps, stationery, etc.	$303.00
Financial contribution	$1300.00
Total expenses (in Canadian dollars) Total expenses (in US dollars)	$3,163.78 US $2,028.06

list: love2-a-132e

photo: love2-a-132,love2-b-132,love2-c-132,love2-d-132

Master Says

The Way to Balance Yin and Yang

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, June 3, 1989
(Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 80

A reporter came to interview me today. "Where does this power of Maya, or the negative power, come from?" he asked.

"It comes from God," I replied.

"How can that be?"

"The Bible says, 'God created the universe and everything. There is nothing that is not created by God.' So, if God didn't create this power of Maya, who did?"

"You are right. But why did God create this negative power?"

The Positive Aspects of the Negative Power

I told him that the negative power is very useful to us, when we learn how to transform it into a useful force. For example, electricity is also very dangerous. We get shocked and might even get killed if it flows through us, or if we come too close to a high voltage point. However, if we have learned how to make use of electricity, we will have no problem. Money, for example, also induces many people to break the law, violate the precepts, and commit evil acts. However, if we have learned how to make use of money instead of being enslaved by it, it is very useful to us as well. Instead of being controlled by money, we manipulate it and become its master. If it is the other way around, then we cannot survive without money. Some people are very greedy for money and would steal it, or kill or resort to evil ways to acquire it. At this time, money becomes a negative thing. If we know how to make use of it, however, it becomes positive.

Let's take electricity, for instance. It is bipolar; only when the negative and positive poles are connected will electric current be generated. Likewise, there are two kinds of power in the world. On the positive side is God's power, which encompasses compassion, love, care and benedictory power. On the negative side is the power of Maya, which confines people to this world, and tests their greed, anger, infatuation, wisdom and strength in surmounting obstacles. By its origin, this power is neither good nor bad, but it becomes good or bad, depending on how we use it. The negative power helps us learn how to overcome and transform it into something useful.

All the Enlightened Masters -- Shakymuni Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Socrates, and Plato, among others, descended to this world to teach human beings how to overcome the negative power, the power from the left, and how to integrate it with the positive power. We Chinese call it the "integration of Yin and Yang." It is better to have both Yin and Yang. Why? Do we humans lack Yin or Yang? No, but most probably we have too much Yin and too little Yang. We are not balanced and easily become like leaves waving in the wind without self-determination. If we follow the ways of the world, and follow our greed, anger, infatuation, and desires, then we are following the way of the Yin, the negative power. At such times, the Enlightened Master will advise us to take some Yang supplements. Otherwise, we will be too inclined toward the left; we will have too much Yin and be forever bound by this Yin.

An Enlightened Master Is Like a Plumber or Electrician

What is "Yang"? It is the positive power, the power of compassion and love, which is enlightening, radiant, blissful, and charged with blessing power. It comes from "above," while the Yin power comes from the world, or from "below." The former pulls us up while the latter drags us down. In Heaven, or the abode of the angels, there is plenty of Yang, so the heavenly beings have no idea what pain and suffering are, much less can they sympathize with suffering people. In this world, we have too much pain and anguish. Suffering is on our minds all the time. We think very little about happiness. We have very little idea what happiness is, for we have very few moments of joy, while we have plenty of painful times.

Let me cite an example: We work for more than eight or ten hours a day. When we are home, we enjoy only a few bowls of rice. Our moment of joy is mealtime, but we have to work ten hours in exchange for it. When we are happy being with our spouse, we say we are in Heaven, but we forget how many obligations are attached to this happiness. For twenty, thirty, or forty years after marriage, we have obligations toward that person and our children. From dawn till dusk, we work hard to earn money for our food and clothing and to take care of our children until they are twenty, twenty-five, or even thirty. And it does not end here. Later, when they are married and have children, they bring their kids for us to take care of. Therefore, in this world, heavenly moments or happy times are very rare. We have to exert a lot of physical and mental effort before we can earn a little happiness. (Applause)

Why do we seek the Yang? How can we find It? We are unhappy because we have too little Yang; we are exhausted by work and have very few joyful moments. At the time of initiation, I help you to turn on the resource of Yang. We can compare this to two water taps, one for cold water and the other for hot water. The cold water tap is the negative power and the hot water tap is the positive power. Once the two taps are turned on, and the cold and hot water flow together, we can take a comfortable and delightful bath without catching a cold. We will have fewer physical ailments and will have the energy and spirit to face the future, as well as all the worldly vexations, work, and obligations. If we are healthy, it may be all right to take a cold bath every day; otherwise, our life could be in danger.

We have suffered too much pain and vexation in this world. Just like having taken cold water baths for too long, we yearn very much for a warm bath. This is why I come to tell you that there is another tap that brings you hot water. Turn it on along with your cold water tap and you will feel much more comfortable. You won't fall ill so easily. If you are ill, you will feel much better, rather than worse. However, the tap is now blocked. The tap is there and the water is in the pipe, but the tap is blocked. Just allow me to fix it and you will have water immediately. At the time of initiation, I am like a plumber or electrician. I connect the wires for you and you have electricity. I repair the tap for you and you have water. I am worried that you might fall sick and become incurable after taking too many cold baths every day.

Spiritual Practice Is Not a Losing Business

Some people might object, "No, no! It is more economical to take cold water baths." Well, I agree, but you may end up paying much more to the doctor or pharmacy later! Some people may say, "I don't want to be initiated by You. Transmigration is okay with me. I can endure the agonies of this deluding world. I don't want to go to Heaven, because to do so I have to become a vegetarian, which is troublesome! I cannot quit eating meat because it is really delicious."

Or they may say, "Not killing, not stealing, and no sexual misconduct! Oh, it is very difficult! There are too many complicated and troublesome precepts. The price I have to pay for initiation is too high; I don't want it!" However, you should know that it will be even more painful when they roast you in hell! It will be more agonizing than observing the precepts and giving up meat and fish now.

Others may complain, "I won't be able to get initiated and meditate for two hours! It is better to spend these two hours indulging in worldly pleasures. I care only about the present. Who can tell the future?" We can tell the future! It will be too late to repent when we die. No one will come to accompany us. Those moments of pleasure only give us more trouble. For instance, all the meat, fish, and alcohol that we enjoy will bring physical discomfort later. Hospitals are full of meat-eating and alcohol-drinking people; vegetarians seldom fall ill. And when we die, all our karma will go with us; no one else, not even our relatives or friends, can go with us.

If we practice spiritually with an Enlightened Master, get initiated, and practice the Quan Yin Method with our spouse, not only will we enjoy family bliss in this life but we will also be together in the eternal life. We sacrifice an hour or two to meditate together and then we will enjoy each other's company forever. Won't that be much more worthwhile? (Applause) This is definitely not a losing business! By practicing spiritually with me, you only gain profit; you won't lose anything.

The law of Yin and Yang is such that if we have too much Yin, we will be trapped in this Yin dimension. This is causation. We have planted Yin, so we will have Yin. If we have planted Yang, we will go to Heaven. However, if we nurture both, balancing between Yin and Yang and integrating positive with negative, we will become a well-balanced being - a Saint. A Saint is not all Yang, but is comprised of both Yin and Yang. We can see this from the symbol of Taoism, which is half Yin and half Yang, yet with a dot of Yin in the Yang, and a dot of Yang in the Yin. This is what it means. A Taoist, a being who has attained the Truth, should possess both Yin and Yang, instead of being all Yang or all Yin. If he were completely Yang, he would not realize the Yin qualities of sentient beings. He would not be able to tolerate sentient beings and understand their hearts. He would not be able to communicate with them and ease their suffering. If he were too much inclined toward the Yin, then he would be just like us, eating, drinking, indulging in pleasures, ignorant, unenlightened, and powerless; he would not be able to help us.

The positive power or life-saving power is within us. This is the meaning of the "original benevolent nature." Now we are stuck here, shrouded by karmic hindrances and unable to see beyond them. If there is someone who can release the Yang energy and repair it for us, then we will be benefited. Such is initiation; the Master helps the fellow practitioners or disciples discover their compassion and love, and then this merciful power of love takes care of them every day. We Catholics call this "God"; knowing this merciful love power is knowing God.

The Magnetic Field of a Spiritual Practitioner

If we do not pursue spiritual practice, where will we go after death? Does hell exist? Does Heaven exist? The answer is yes! What is hell? It is created by our own karma, our dark thinking, and our wrong actions; these generate a kind of magnetic field or atmosphere. Nothing vanishes; everything is conserved in this universe. The words we speak do not disappear; the thoughts we think do not fade away. There is a special thing that registers our actions, speech, and thoughts. Whether they are right or wrong, our actions, speech, and thoughts turn into a special kind of sphere that surrounds us and follows us wherever we go. It envelops us when we are alive, and the scientists call it the magnetic field of a person. After we die, this magnetic field takes another form and continues to hang around our astral body. It is not easy to dissolve this magnetic field. Only a very great and powerful spiritual practitioner can accomplish that. It takes several hundred years for this magnetic field to slowly dissipate and shift to another dimension, or be absorbed by some situation or beings, and then fade away.

Suppose we have a large factory where a lot of cooking is done. Lots of fumes will be generated and a thick dark cloud will form. This dark cloud will not dissipate immediately. In places where there are many factories, the sky is filled with dark clouds, which is detrimental to human health. There are many such places on earth that are engulfed by dark clouds, and because there is insufficient oxygen, both adults and children have to use oxygen masks.

Similarly, our inner atmosphere also generates fumes that create a delightful or unpleasant aura, making people feel comfortable or uncomfortable. We are the first ones to be affected by this aura and other people will feel the impact as well, just like smoking causes harm to a person and brings discomfort to those who inhale the fumes around him. We spiritual practitioners are most helpful to others. We take good care of our actions, speech, and thoughts, and refrain from doing or speaking bad things to harm ourselves and others. Meanwhile, we absorb the Yang energy from above; we absorb God's power, which blesses us and makes us wiser and more capable of using the intangible miraculous power to help others and ourselves. This power to which I am referring is not the kind of "hula hoop" miraculous power used to flaunt ourselves. I am referring to the Supreme miraculous power of the Buddha and Jesus Christ. We spontaneously help people even without knowing it. Yet, we can feel it distinctly. Sometimes we are conscious of it, though not deliberately. It is like a flower that is naturally fragrant, but which does not purposefully emit fragrance.

As the actions, speech, and thoughts of we spiritual practitioners become purer, we have greater wisdom and power. Anything we do benefits us and others as well. We then become greater and greater, and naturally radiate a very pleasant and serene aura that benefits others, instead of radiating a dark and tiring atmosphere, which reflects the carrying of heavy karma, as we did before.

When Jesus Christ was alive, many people knew about His great power. Once, a critically ill woman stealthily touched His robe, and was cured of her illness. We cannot say that Jesus Christ used miraculous power to save her. He didn't! He didn't know who had just taken some of His power. So He looked around and asked, "Who touched my robe just now?" The woman was afraid, so she stood out and repented, "I just touched Your robe and now I am cured. Thank You very much! Please forgive me!" To this, Jesus Christ responded, "Good! It’s your faith that has healed you." This is real miraculous power. Jesus didn't do anything deliberately. He Himself was the miraculous power! Anyone who was related to Him or had contact with Him would benefit.

The Inner Sound

We have also heard the story of how Jesus Christ helped a deaf man regain his hearing, but it might not have been the same as physical hearing. As I understand it, this "hearing" was the "hearing within." I have disciples with hearing impairments, yet they can hear the inner Sound of Heaven and God. Ordinary people have normal ears but they cannot hear this Sound; they hear only the sound of the world rather than the sound of God; they are deaf. Although those deaf people who come and become my disciples can not hear the disputes of this world, they can hear the best Sound, the most beautiful, pleasant, wise, helpful, and life-saving Sound. Listening to this Sound is better than listening to external disputes! It is no big deal being able to hear the sounds of the outside world. It is more important to hear the inner Sound!

We don't need ears to hear this inner Sound. If we can hear it by ourselves, then it is fine. If not, then we should find a Master who can open this hearing faculty for us, and seek His help so that we can hear the inner Sound. However, even if we can hear it by ourselves, it may not be from a superior dimension. Sometimes, we have already heard the Sound or seen the Light, but we still need to find an Enlightened Master to confirm our experience and level. The Master can use His power to help us go beyond this limitation and elevate our level. Some of us may have practiced spiritually in our previous lives; therefore, we are able to hear the Sound and see the Light in this life. But without an Enlightened Master, we cannot attain the ultimate level. The Enlightened Master comes from the ultimate dimension, so He knows the path and can lead us to this realm.

Opening the Positive Power

Q: Master, I can understand Your explanation of the positive power, but could You elaborate on the circumstances under which this positive power can help us? You have given us many examples, but could You please cite another example?

Master: The positive power is doing a lot of work in this world. We may not feel it, but it is actually helping us. When we have opened and used this positive power, we will always feel very happy. Suppose you see a poor, sick and lonely man, and your sympathies are suddenly aroused. You give him some money and take care of him for a while. For that, you feel very comfortable. That is the positive power helping that person and you. It is not just a superficial action or feeling. Later, if you fall sick, people will give you much help, much more than what you have given. Suppose you have helped someone with a hundred dollars; later, when you are sick, people might help you with ten thousand dollars. Or if you often help sick people when you are in good health, then you may never become ill in the future. This is how the positive power helps us.

However, we seldom use this positive power because we are too weak and are usually dominated by the negative power. This is why we need a living Master to help us turn on the tap of positive and almighty power. It is not working well now; we can only get a few drops from it every day. Once the Master has repaired it and we turn it on, more water will flow out than we can ever use. It will supply us with lots of water, and no more repairs will be necessary. We won't have to wait for it drop by drop, collecting only a tiny bit after a whole day. Any time we turn on the tap, the water will gush out very fast.

The positive power is within us. For instance, every day after initiation, we communicate with God, the Self Nature, and the Saints. We see Jesus Christ, the Buddha, or the Quan Yin Bodhisattva, face to face and can make any request. Our prayers are realized immediately. We are connected to the almighty power and have more things than we will ever need. This is the true positive power. From then on, It will take care of our soul. In this world, It will take care of our daily life, and we will be fine in every aspect! The Quan Yin Method can heal all illnesses, including those arising from vexation, ignorance, greed, anger, and infatuation. It can cure the illnesses of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals. The only way open to us will be to Heaven, the Pure Land. We will not go to hell or come back to suffer the pains of the human world. Of course, we can come back as a human if we want to. If we want to help others, we can come back and reincarnate as a human. However, this will be voluntary, and different from cases of people being dragged down by karma to suffer transmigration, pain, and ignorance.

The positive power is inconceivable. Before it is opened, we are in great pain and loneliness. But once it is opened, we can feel ourselves grow greater and more powerful. We become happier and more contented, and freer of needs and attachments to the material world. Then we can easily renounce the world. Now that your positive power is not yet opened, despite the fact that I have been talking for a long time, you still cannot fully understand. When it is opened at the time of initiation, you will understand and know how this positive power can help us every day. What can we say when it is not opened? It is just like not knowing what to buy when we have no money. But when we have money, we know we can buy some bread, bean curd, or gluten. (Laughter) We can even get married.

The Negative Power Can Also Benefit People

Q: Master, just now You introduced the positive power. Could You explain how the negative power can help us?

Master: If we can control the negative power, then it can also help us. For instance, people say that money is a source of temptation. It makes us kill, causes divorce, forces brothers and sisters apart, disrupts the family, lures people to accept bribes and become corrupt officers, and turns good people bad. However, if we know how to make good use of money, the more money we have, the better. If more money is given to those who are greedy or bewitched by money, they will only crave more. But people who can make use of money instead of only possessing it will spend generously. It is good for them to have lots of money, so that they can help the poor, the orphaned, and the widowed, or build hospitals for the sick. In this way, money is not evil.

The negative power is just like an electric pole that is negatively charged. Without a negative pole, the lamp cannot shine. Therefore, the negative power and positive power are actually the same power doing different tasks. It becomes bad only when we do not know how to use it. Therefore, we need an Enlightened Master to tell us how to use the negative power to benefit ourselves. Once we practice the Quan Yin Method, we will realize that there is actually no good or bad, no positive or negative. We see it differently only because we do not understand. To an unenlightened person, even the positive power may not do him any good. Not knowing how to use it, he might use it to do evil things. For instance, if an unenlightened person notices that another person is very kind, he may take advantage of the benevolence of that person and borrow money for drinking and gambling purposes. On the other hand, an enlightened person can turn even negative power into something beneficial.

photo: ms1-1-132

Master Tells A Story

Honoring Our Promises

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, January 22, 1995
(Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 466

The following story reminds us to always honor our promises. Should we fail to do so, we will create a lot of trouble for ourselves. Sometimes, when we have vowed to do this or that, we should do it precisely. Otherwise, our faith will weaken, our prayers will receive no response, and we will not be able to accomplish anything we do.

There are times when we might cheat God. We promise that we will do certain things, but never do them. Thinking that no one hears us, or God does not need it, we ignore it and fail to keep our promise. I have told you several times, for instance, about when some refugees were escaping on the sea, they vowed to the Quan Yin Bodhisattva (the Goddess of Mercy): "If we can reach a third country smoothly, we will definitely keep a vegetarian diet for two years." But, they didn't fulfill their promise afterwards and postponed the two-year vegetarian diet for a very long time. They should have eaten vegetarian every day for two years, but later they could not do it or just forgot about it. Therefore, they said, "Oh! Never mind. I will eat vegetarian once a week or once a month." In the end, the two-year duration was extended to last very long.

This is a similar story. One day, a child had a high fever. He was seriously ill and his parent was anxious. After seeing the child, the doctor declared that his illness was incurable. Therefore, the parent prayed to a goddess named Durga (the first manifestation of goddess-energy in the Indian pantheon, her main task being to punish the wicked). She is a very famous goddess in India, and many people pray to her for help. Perhaps she was an Enlightened Master in the past.

Indian people worship many deities, who must have been Enlightened Masters and who were famous in different places in the past. Perhaps they were very efficacious when they were alive, so everyone worshipped them. Therefore, when we say that Indian people worship many gods, it is both correct and incorrect. Actually, they are worshipping past Masters. Similarly, the goddess that the Chinese call "Matsu" was most probably a famous Master in ancient times. At that time, anyone who prayed to her received a response, so everyone did that and it became a tradition that is still practiced today. It doesn't matter that she may not be efficacious, because it has become a custom to pray to her.

The Quan Yin Bodhisattva was also a living Master in the past. When she was alive, anyone praying to her would get a response. Suppose her disciples kept praying like this and the neighbors of the disciples also did the same and also got a response. Later, their children prayed, and people continue to do so today. The Quan Yin Bodhisattva departed a long time ago, yet people are still praying to her because it has become a custom. They do not know that it is more efficacious to pray to a living aster.

Well, in this story, the man went to pray at a temple of the goddess Durga. Most probably, at that time, this goddess had not left the world for long, so she was still efficacious. His prayer was: "My child is sick. Can you save him? If he is cured, I will bring him here to worship you. I will also make an offering of a hundred rupees to you." Perhaps a hundred rupees was a lot of money then, perhaps equivalent to a hundred or even a thousand U.S. dollars today. Money was more valuable at that time.

The goddess Durga was really efficacious, and the child recovered naturally from an illness that even doctors could not cure. Obviously, the goddess had blessed and helped him. His father remembered his promise of making an offering of a hundred rupees. But then he started to think, "Good grief! I have already spent a lot of money buying medicine for the child. Now that the doctor has prescribed lots of tonics for him, I have to spend more. My financial situation is now rather difficult. Perhaps I can just offer fifty rupees to the goddess. I am sure Durga will know my situation; she will understand." He thought the goddess would understand, but still, he didn't act immediately.

Several weeks passed and he came up with another idea: "No matter how, surely the goddess Durga cannot eat fifty rupees worth of food all by herself. Since she is a goddess, how can she consume so much food? Besides, I have read in the scriptures: 'If we make an offering to God with sincerity, the quantity of the offering is unimportant. God will be delighted with even a small offering, provided we are sincere.' God will not demand material offerings; our sincerity will be sufficient. All the scriptures say the same thing. This goddess also definitely knows that. Therefore, I think it will be good enough for me to go to the temple, piously do some very special worship, and then give an offering of five rupees." These thoughts went through his mind, but still he didn't take any action.

Then one day, he heard the temple bell chime. When people worshipped at the temple, they would sound the bell. It reminded him of the offering that he had promised the goddess. He quickly went out, hoping to find a five-rupee item as an offering. He met a friend, who asked where he was going. He told his friend the whole story, and that he was going to buy a five-rupee item as an offering to the goddess. His friend said, "Come on! Don't be so silly! Why would a goddess eat an offering of five rupees? You are so stupid! Let me tell you, it will be fine enough for you to worship her piously in the temple. Just buy a coconut worth about a rupee, and it will be okay! The importance lies in your sincerity, not the quantity, understand?"

This sounded very reasonable, and since the man was a very thrifty person, he went to the coconut stall to buy a coconut for one rupee. The coconut vendor told him, "Fifty paise for a coconut." One rupee was equal to one hundred paise. The man said, "What? How could it so expensive? Sell me one for forty paise, okay?" The vendor said, "If you expect such a low price, you have to go to the wholesale market."

The man then walked a long way to the wholesale market. The coconuts there were really forty paise each. Yet he bargained with the seller at the market: "I have walked such a long way here. If you are still selling a coconut for forty paise, then it is not much cheaper! You'd better give me a bargain at twenty paise each." The seller laughed and said, "If you really want to get one for twenty paise, then you have to go to the plantation. It is cheap only at that place." Hearing that, the man decided to make his purchase at the plantation.

Again, he walked very far before he came to the coconut plantation. The coconut farmer there said, "Okay! I can sell one to you for twenty paise." Again the man bargained, "I have walked so far to come here. You should sell me one for ten paise instead of twenty. Twenty paise a coconut is not much cheaper. Why would I have spent all the effort to come here?" The farmer said, "If you want one for ten paise, you have to climb the tree yourself to get the coconut."

Very stingy by nature, he wanted to save the money and really climbed the tree. He climbed all the way up, but because he was inexperienced, he slipped and almost fell from the tree. He could barely hang on to a branch and yelled for help. At that time, the spirit of the goddess Durga spoke through the coconut farmer, demanding a hundred rupees to save him. (Laughter) To save his own life, the man agreed to pay a hundred rupees. After he was saved and had climbed down the tree, he took the coconut farmer home and paid him a hundred rupees. There was no room for any bargain. At that time, he understood. The next day, he went to the temple and cried. He realized that all this had happened because he had failed to honor his promise of making a one-hundred-rupee offering to the goddess.

Master Tells Jokes

A Belated Lawsuit

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. June 9, 2001 (Originally in English)

There was a joke about a guy who sued another guy for calling him a gorilla. And the judge asked him, "How long ago was that? When did your friend call you a gorilla?" The guy said, "It was ten years ago." And the judge said, "Why didn't you sue him ten years ago? Why are you suing him today?" The guy said, "Because I just went to the zoo yesterday, and saw a gorilla for the first time!"

Who's Driving the Wrong Way?

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., June 13, 2001,
(Originally in English)

There was an old man, who was driving his car home on the highway. And suddenly the phone in his car rang. It was his wife calling him, and she said,. "Hey John, I'm sorry to disturb your driving, but you know what? A report on the radio said there was a crazy man driving the wrong way on the highway. So please be careful, okay?" And the husband said, "Oh, yeah! But it's not just one person; there are hundreds of them!"

No Vision, No Fear

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., June 13, 2001
(Originally in English)

There was a lady who was learning to drive, and she was very, very nervous. Whenever she saw a car coming from the opposite direction toward her, she began to panic; she would sweat and drive badly. Especially when it was only a two-lane road, she became very scared.

But then after a few days, she became very calm. Whenever she saw a car coming from the opposite direction, she didn't panic or tremble anymore. So the instructor, praising her driving, said, "Oh, you've improved! That's good; you don't panic anymore when you see another car coming." And the lady said, "Yes, now I've learned. Every time I see another car coming from the opposite direction, I just close my eyes and don't see anything!"

Please visit the following web sites to enjoy the original video versions of these jokes, and you may share the joy of Master's humor with those around you as well.

http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/132/jk1.htm (USA)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/news/132/jk1.htm (Formosa)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.net/eng/news/132/jk1.htm (USA)

Master's Words

The More We Work, the More Enlightened We Become

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa,
April 25, 1992 (Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 243

We work for ourselves, because only when we work frequently will our minds react quickly, and when we encounter problems, we will manage to overcome them. This becomes a habit, and later when we encounter difficulties or problems, we can deal with them promptly and solve them quickly. People who do not work very often respond slowly. They may have good intentions, but they cannot work quickly because they lack common sense regarding work. They are not used to reacting promptly, and are thus not very careful when doing their jobs.

We need to work more often in order to become more mindful. The more we work, the more careful we become through experience. Knowledge and intelligence come from experience, not just from studying. It is the same when we do any kind of work. The more we work, the faster we react naturally and the more capable we become. We can train ourselves to cultivate this habit.

My quick reactions and ability to perform all types of jobs did not come only after I was enlightened. I have been this way since childhood, because I like to do things. When I was about eight or nine and still studying in primary school, we had three or four servants at home. However, I fetched water for myself, and collected and chopped firewood. Occasionally, I cooked for my parents, brewed tea for my father, and heated bath water for him. I washed my own clothes, ironed them, took care of myself, and refused to have the servants wait on me. That was in primary school. I took care of myself starting from grade two. That was how I trained myself to react quickly. I didn't descend from Heaven to become a Saint, and tell you to do this and that. You can see that I can do anything, like cement work and carpentry. I can do everything myself, and do it better than professionals.

Since our fellow practitioners are used to transplanting trees, they now do it better than the professionals. They dug up and planted all the trees on our hills. Even the professionals were amazed by the way they did it, and exclaimed, "Wow! We have never seen anyone do such a good job of transplanting trees!" To move a tree, they not only dig it up but also bind its roots with rope. They really do a beautiful job with the rope. Even the professionals do not tie it this way, because they don't have the enthusiasm. Besides, they want to save time, finish the work quickly, and go home early. They only care about the money and lack the spirit of commitment. Even if they have this spirit, no one binds the roots so painstakingly in beautiful layers.

The soil attached to the roots can only be preserved when it is wrapped in the way our fellow practitioners do it. Otherwise, the soil falls off. So, all the trees are growing tall. Most of them have continued to grow after being planted. Only a few have fallen leaves, perhaps because the trunks or branches are too weak, or the soil came off during the planting process. But mostly they were beautifully bound in neat layers. Trees purchased from outside are not wrapped so nicely. Nevertheless, you do not cherish all this. I know it because I saw it. I don't mean to praise our fellow practitioners. This is how it should have been done, so there is nothing to praise. It is just that people outside are doing it incorrectly, and our fellow practitioners are doing it right.

Our fellow practitioners are doing it the real professional way, because they are adept. They also realize that we badly need trees here. One more tree planted is one more source of joy for us, and one more piece of beauty added to the Center. Tens of thousands of people coming here will enjoy the benefits, and I will also be happier. That's why the initiates do it so painstakingly. They do it so well because they do it with devotion. Outside people only aim at earning money. They only want to finish the work quickly, so that they can do more jobs. That is where they differ.

We should use our intelligence to figure out ways to do things. For instance, the other day, I told the fellow practitioners to use wooden boards to move the trees, because it was better, faster, and less strenuous. When we are used to doing things, we naturally react quickly. My brain is the same as yours, so why can't you do what I do? By dissecting our brains for analysis and comparison, you will find that the brain in each one of you is the same as mine, containing the same material inside. You can't say that my brain is better than yours in any way. Since you have the same brain as I do, why don't you use it? Isn't it a great pity not to use it?

If you want to spoil yourself, to sink lower, and continue to decay, and be lazy and slovenly, it is your own choice. You can't blame God; you can't blame it on karma or anything. It is all because you don't utilize your brain and let it function. My brain has the same quality as yours. To be more precise, my brain is even smaller than yours, and lighter in weight, so you ought to be smarter than I am! If we make a serious calculation, I am at a disadvantage. How can you still be looking for excuses?

So make your own choice. Should you be willing to use your brain and force it to work, and be strict with yourself, then I don't have to be strict with you. When you demand of yourself strictly, it shows that you love me, because you save a lot of my vitality. I don't need to reproach you and feel sad. Many unhappy moments can be avoided, and the relationship between us, Master and disciples, will not be impaired. Much time can be saved for doing better work, and for me to enjoy tea with you, to share some important wisdom in the universe.

Don't think that you are great when you help me! Neither should you generate a kind of very busy or exciting atmosphere, just because you are doing some work or contributing a little effort. This will only make things worse, because people will think that we have accomplished it, and so there is no need to help. Whereas others can't do our work, each one has his own work to do. God gives us this talent precisely because Hes wants us to do this job, and not another job. It is also all right to do the other job, but then we have to come back again to finish the job that we have left undone. This is because that job was specifically given to us to learn a lesson.

Every job is only a means for us to learn and grow. Actually, we do not do any work. You should not complain and think that you are working too hard. It is only a means for us to learn. God uses this method to educate us, let us become enlightened, and give us a chance to develop our talents, cultivate our personality, beautify our demeanor, and develop our mindfulness. Every job is the same, because we can only learn other things through this method.

If we are truly mindful in our work, we can learn something from doing any task. It is like following an example that will lead us to realize other things. Therefore, sometimes when we work, we suddenly realize many truths. Work is a way to temper ourselves, helping us to measure our personality, stamina, talents, and level of enlightenment. So, you shouldn't be afraid to work. Fear of work is also a kind of phobia. The more we work, the more enlightened we will become.

Poem

May I Steal Your Smile?

By brother initiate Dilip Gautam, Kathmandu, Nepal (Originally in English)

Goodbye, January,

Greetings, February,

The wind is gently blowing the snow,

From every leaf of the tree,

To renew nature once again.

I forget my past,

To step into a bright future.

We were together in May,

And now we are oceans apart,

But oh, my dear Master,

I treasure

Sweet memories of You in my heart.

All the hatred, anger and disgrace

Were washed away last night,

With sweet drops of rain.

Oh, my dear friend, don't you feel

Today that love is all around?

The stars twinkle,

The moon smiles at me,

Nature showers its love,

When I think of my Master.

On a cold winter's morning,

The birds come out

To bask in the sunshine,

The squirrel plays on the ground,

But..., oh, my dear Master,

I secretly steal Your smile inside my heart...

With prayers and love to my dear Master

Longing to Go Home

By sister initiate Phenix, Austria
(Originally in English)

The world throws things at me

That I do not understand.

Even though I do my best,

I sometimes reap injustice, pain and misunderstanding.

I am left alone in misery

Until I cry out to God:

"What did I do to deserve this?"

Oh, sweet Music of the Spheres,

Without your soothing melodies

My spiritual scars would never heal!

Oh, sweet Master of the Universe,

Without Your all-embracing Love,

My soul would be forever lost!

If there was anything I ever wanted

In this lifetime, in many lifetimes,

Of mighty schemes and broken dreams,

Of ignorance and longing,

It was, my sweet Angel of Mercy,

To follow You

Home.

Selected Questions and Answers

Mindfulness

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Three-day International Retreat,

Los Angeles, USA, December 16-18, 1998 (Originally in English) Videotape No. 639

Q: Do you consider it important in our daily lives to do things very carefully, with attention to detail, with mindfulness and awareness, and with full attention, like in the Buddhist tradition? Or is it mostly just important to do the practice for two and a half hours a day and keep the Precepts, and that's enough, and not to worry much about mindfulness?

M: I think you should also practice mindfulness. If you drive a car, I advise you to use all the mindfulness you can. If you operate a machine with full running power in a factory, I advise you to use Buddhist mindfulness.

It's just a way of speaking. Actually, we are mindful every day. We have to be. If you work at the computer, tell me you are not mindful of the computer, or the e-mail or the Internet. If you are not mindful, how can you get things right? You have to direct your finger so that the arrow will point where you want, and then you have to read the information. So we use mindfulness all the time; we just don't mention it.

But I do also say briefly that in everyday life, whatever you do, do it with your heart and with the utmost concentration. Give your best to it. That's a kind of mindfulness. Otherwise, reciting the Holy Names gives you concentration also, and that's mindfulness. Your mindfulness is why you don't take lives; you take care that your diet is pure vegetarian. Your mindfulness is why you are responsible for your family and job. Your mindfulness is why you don't commit something against the law or hurt people.

All these are mindfulness, all the time. I just don't specify too many different methods and give them names. Buddha liked names; he liked numbers, also. He was a man. I have more common sense. (Audience laughs, applauds) He gave names to a lot of things. But when you have to learn it all by heart, you forget to practice. There are the Four Sufferings, the Four Noble Truths, the Five Noble Ways, the Eight-Fold Path, the Twelve Links, the Twenty-Eight whatever, the Fifty Maya methods, the Hundred and Eight, etc., etc. He loved numbers. And he named them all: the Four Noble Truths, the Eight-Fold Suffering, and the Seven Ways to Enlightenment. Even when he just was born, he walked seven steps, can you believe it! (Master and audience laugh)

I just teach you simply. We have only the Five Precepts, and you have difficulty keeping them already. We are in the modern age. We don't have time for an Eight-Fold Path, Four-Fold Suffering, Twelve-Fold whatever, and name the mindfulness and all that kind of thing. There's no need. I tell you: Just do exactly what I have told you, and you'll get it. I promise! It's simple. (Audience applauds.)

You Are Masters Yourselves

Q: And as we move into the Golden Age, won't that mean that a lot of our initiates will start sort of "popping up" to the fifth level and becoming masters? If that's the case, then I would like to ask to be brought to the fifth level, because I am tired of being down here.

M: You are as high as you want to be. So you just have to want to be that. Everyone is tired. But I think you are already a master. If you wait until the Golden Age to pop up and become more of a master, then I don't know where I will go. You are already a master of yourself in terms of your destiny; you have everything you want. There's no need to number "fifth" or "fourth" again. That's the Buddha's stuff. We don't care.

We have to be happy and then be confident, be positive. Every time you think that you are at a lower level, throw that idea away. Every time you feel you are depressed or beaten up, throw that idea away! It's tough, but that's how you beat the blues. That's how you become higher. You cannot want to be at the fifth level and be thinking at the same time that you are lowly, beaten up by karma and being negative. I can't help you. You are the one who decides at which level you want to be, not me. I can't bless you; you bless yourself. Suppose I say, "Okay, go to the fifth level; I bless you." But your mind is still used to thinking negatively and being depressed and pessimistic. You have to train your mind. Tell it that you are the master; tell it what to think, what to do, what to feel, and which level you command. When you can do that, you know you are the master. You are already a master; it's just that you have a hard time convincing yourself. You have to work with yourself.

The Light and Sound Are Our Essence

Q: Please, I would like to know why the practice of the Light and Sound is the best way to get enlightened?

M: Because it's the best. No explanation is needed.

Q: You can't explain a little more about it?

M: The more I explain, the more it sounds like garbage to me. Actually, how can you explain the sun? It just is. Because it's ourselves; the Light and the Sound are our essence. You go back to yourself. What else can make you feel better than if you are yourself? What else can make the fish feel better than if he is in the water? Why does he feel better in the water? Because he is a fish. Ask me to explain: I don't know.

If you feel good, you know this already. If you don't feel good, go find something else and then run back. It's only the best; that's all I know. And if you look for references, we can see them in the Bible, like Saint John hearing the trumpet, and God coming with the voice of thunder. "In the beginning was the Word; from the Word comes our being." That's the Sound. So if we are in our element, it must be the best; that's what it is. In the Buddhist sutras, it says the same thing. In the Koran, it always mentions Light and Sound; that this is the essence of our being. And now you know that scientifically speaking we are Light and Sound; we are energy. So what else can make us feel the best, if not ourselves? Going back into our element and realizing ourselves - that's the best, and that's all there is.

Q: So it's seeing our own light and hearing our own sound?

M: It's not seeing your own light; you are the Light. It's not hearing your own sound; you are the Sound. You are the vibration that creates the whole universe. You are that. You are the Commander in Chief of this cosmos. The more you realize that you are that, the more power you have, and the freer you become. Instead of realizing that you are this flesh, you are this fingernail, you are this and that, you realize, "No, no, no, I am the Creator. I am the Light; I am the Sound; I am that absolute thing."

The Power of Crystal and Spiritual Practice

Q: Good evening, Master. I have met during the last couple of days a lot of beautiful and wonderful people. And one person happened to know a lot about crystals and the energy of crystals. I happen to wear crystals myself, but I don't profess to have any power with them. But this particular person has some knowledge and wisdom about the use of crystal energy. And I think it was mentioned on the little initiation form that some powers ought not to be used. I think that he was of the understanding that perhaps he should not pursue that, if he is practicing the Quan Yin Method. And I kind of had a hard time accepting that myself. If he is full of love, and wanting to help someone, why would that be bad? Is it bad? And should he not do that?

M: Try.

Q: It's not a bad thing?

M: No.

Q: Very good. I did not think so. And I just want to make it clear. So he wouldn't think so, too.

M: But crystal is crystal. It is not God power, though. It's probably for temporary use, just like medicine or herbs. So it's additional perhaps, but it's not the ultimate power, that's all. And if people are clinging too much to those external things only, then it's no good. Because we have already been clinging too much to a reliance on things external - like we rely on the doctor, we rely on medicine, we rely on the crystal, we rely on magical powers, etc. So now when you come to me, I say, "It's time. Come in. You'll get a bigger crystal in there. Use it; it's eternal, it's everlasting, and it costs no money. You don't have to wear it; you don't have to shine it, and you don't have to worry about losing it."

So it's up to you to cut it off with those small toys. But you can still wear them, and if you feel they are helpful, it's fine with me. But don't cling to that, that's all. And do not preach to people that crystal can heal you and all that. Because there is a greater power than crystal. Try to remind people of that. It will be more lasting and healing.

Create a Positive Halo of Energy

Q: Is it possible after you do the Quan Quang (meditate on the Light), on the second day when you return to your house and go to the room where you were doing the Quan Quang, that you can hear the Sounds, the vibration?

M: Yes, of course! Even the walls vibrate, and the ceiling vibrates. That's the way it should be, that anywhere you meditate, the energy stays in that place.

That's why you should do good things all the time, to surround yourself with good energy. Even talking about meditation, talking about God, talking about the Master power, and talking about positive and good things - also create good energy. So when you meditate, of course it creates good energy, and it stays there. And the more you meditate in that place, the thicker the energy becomes. The more you talk about positive things, the thicker the wall of energy you're surrounding yourself with. And then like attracts like, and you extract more good energy from different directions. So wherever you go, you carry this so-called "pocket" of energy, a halo of good energy. And the more good energy you carry, the better you feel. And the better you feel, the more you talk about positive and good things. The more positive and good things you talk about and the more positive things you do, the more good energies you create. The more good energies you create, the better you feel, and you do better things, and it never ends.

So never, ever sink into a negative cycle. Just stay positive. I know it's hard. Because sometimes people drag you down. But be aware. Just be aware. Always try to stay positive. Say positive things and do positive things as much as you can. Protect yourself, and then you create a wonderful house, a movable house, so that everywhere you go, you take Light, good energy, good vibrations. And the more of that you take with you, the more you attract, and the more you attract, the more powerful and more positive you are.

Special Report

The Quan Yin Family Celebrates Ching Hai Day

Lima , Peru

On February 22, 1994, six U.S. states jointly conferred the World Spiritual Leadership Award on our merciful and revered Master. At that time, many political figures from around the world sent congratulatory telegrams and messages to Master, who loves all of humanity. They praised Master's spirit of selfless sacrifice in consistently rendering aid to people worldwide who are most in need. During the weeks before Ching Hai Day 2002, fellow practitioners in Lima actively prepared to celebrate the event's eighth anniversary. The Lima Center held a party featuring numerous cultural and musical programs. With devotion and love, fellow initiates and would-be initiates dedicated their songs, dances and poetry recitations to Master. After the performances, delicious vegetarian food was served to all who attended.

Through Master's videos and books, we receive Her loving and merciful guidance each day, and our spiritual harvest is really supreme. We thank God for allowing us to come so close to a great enlightened Being, and to constantly receive Her abundant blessings.

Wishing Master a happy Ching Hai Day!

The Lima Center,
Peru

Argentina

Beloved Master,

Once more we remember the day when wise people realized Your greatness and pure love.

We wish You a peaceful and happy day.

We love You,
Your children from Argentina

New York and New Jersey, U.S.A.

Dearest Master,

On the special occasion of Supreme Master Ching Hai Day, we want to say "Thank You So Much" for all the Love You have given to us and the whole universe. We sincerely wish that you remain forever happy, beautiful and healthy, and always successful in Your efforts to help us and the rest of the world progress!

Happy Ching Hai Day, our beloved Master!

All the disciples
from New York and New Jersey

Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

Dearest Master,

We send You our deepest love and best wishes for a very happy Ching Hai Day 2002. May all of Your days be filled with the good health, peace of mind, and happiness that we know will be Yours eternally. For having taken on our problems and those of this world, we are forever grateful to You, and will try our best to be good examples of Your beautiful teachings, which were honored by six state governments in the U. S. on this day. Thank You, Master, for showing us a noble way of life through Your perfect example.

We love you,
All the Houston Center Initiates

Sweden

Dearest Master,

You are Omnipresent and Omnipotent, and since You have appeared here in physical form to help us Earthlings, we wish You our deepest gratitude and a fantastic "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day"!

The Swedish practitioners

Jakarta, Indonesia

Dear Master,

You have entered countless souls that longed for You and filled us with abundant love, happiness and a peace that we had never known before.

Thank You, Master, and Happy Ching Hai Day.

Jakarta Center,
Indonesia

Story World

Happy Light

By sister initiate Phuong Nguyen, Oregon, U.S.A.
(Originally in English)

Five years ago, I had a dream in which a beautiful, chubby little boy came to hug me and introduce himself to me, saying "Hello, Mama, my name is Quang Hi." I smiled at him and replied: "Sorry, Mama is too busy to keep you." But he kept playing around me. When I woke up the next morning, I missed the little happy boy very much, and wished to see him again and again in my dreams!

A few months later, my sister-in-law, who is also one of Master's disciples, became pregnant and found out that she was going to have a boy! I told her that it must be the boy in my dream who had a happy face and chubby cheeks. And he looked like a little monk without any hair. At first, my sister-in-law did not believe me. But to my surprise, he was born on my birthday, was named Quang Hi (Happy Light), and looked exactly like the little boy in my dream. It turned out that I had to baby-sit him during the day due to his parents' work schedule.

Happy Light is now four-and-a-half years old. He is a happy little boy, just like his name suggests. And he addresses my husband and me as "Mama and Papa." Through us, he has learned about Master and has even asked about initiation. He saw Master in Fresno, California for the first time and was very curious about why his two cousins had initiation ID cards but he didn't. After we explained the situation to him, he realized that he had to wait two more years before he could receive half-initiation.

On the night of Christmas Eve 2001, Quang Hi knew that we were going to see Master in Florida the following day, and asked his father to write a message to Her on his behalf before he went to bed. His message was, "I love You, Master." At four-and-a-half years of age, he often asks about Master and God when he is with us. We encourage him to watch Master's videos and listen to Her chanting tapes. Through all of this, we know that he is getting blessings from Master. He is very pure and wise when he is close to Master's disciples. One day I asked him, "Why are you a vegetarian?" and he answered, "Because Master taught us to be vegetarians. Besides, we have to love dogs and cats."

Sometimes maintaining the physical and spiritual well-being of children is not easy. However, Master's teachings give parents directions about being good examples for their children. We are very grateful for Master's guidance in all aspects of our lives, including parenting.

Golden Words

Recorded by Sister Hsu Tsai-hsia, Taipei, Formosa

After the four-day retreat at the Florida Center in December 2001, a group of disciples was lucky enough to spend a wonderful night at Master's house before New Year's Day.

That night, Master again reminded us of the importance of positive thinking, and hoped that we would all speak positive words in the future. For instance, when we describe certain circumstances, we should try not to use such words as "bad" or "ugly" and instead try to use "not good' or "not good-looking". Though the word "not" is used in these cases, there are still such positive words as "good" or "good-looking." The positive and the negative each make up half the sentence, but it is still okay. Since what we think will come true, and any idea bears energy, we have to be very careful about that.

After Master's short discourse, several fellow practitioners voiced their personal opinions and gratitude to Master and some shared with us true stories about their lives. For example, one fellow practitioner from China told us that in his hometown in Shandong province, there is a one-year-old boy who can tell whether someone is a fellow practitioner or not without being told. If a fellow practitioner comes near him, he says, "This is a Bodhisattva!" And if a non-fellow practitioner comes, he says, "This is not a Bodhisattva (meaning 'enlightened being' in Sanskrit)!" He also calls one of the fellow practitioners in the area a great Bodhisattva. When fellow practitioners pointed at Master's photo on the wall and asked him about Her, the boy immediately said, "She is a very, very great Bodhisattva!" A non-initiate who thought himself to be spiritually elevated once asked the boy, "Am I a Bodhisattva?" The boy answered, "No, you are not!" and the person was extremely disappointed. But after he was initiated, he asked the boy again, and the boy naturally said, "You are a Bodhisattva!" so the person was very pleased! After hearing this story, Master said, "Such little boys do not lie."

Another fellow practitioner shared his views on "Golden Words," saying that his words often came true. From his childhood, he has not dared to speak irresponsibly. He remembered once seeing clusters of mangoes on the trees at the Hsihu Center and wanted to have some, but dared not tell the resident disciples that they all belonged to God and everyone could pick them. So he silently prayed, "If one falls into my hand, I will not be stealing if I eat it." Not long after that, a mango fell from a tree and rolled right into his hand. So he ate the mango. Another time, he went to the mountains with his child. When he saw the trees full of red persimmons, he said, "These persimmons belong to God and if they fall, then we can eat them." Immediately, some persimmons fell from the trees. He and his child picked them up and ate the good ones. Master commented, "You only use your good willpower to 'steal' fruit." The humorous exchange between Master and disciple brought rounds of laughter from the fellow practitioners.

The wonderful time at Master's house passed in joyful laughter, warmth and happiness. Master then stepped out of the study after the clock struck twelve, leaving an atmosphere of immense love to take us into sweet dreamland. For each fellow practitioner present, it was a truly unforgettable night.

Supreme Master Ching Hai's TV Programs

Place: San Jose, Costa Rica

TV Station: Channel 54

Program: Videotaped lectures by the Supreme Master Ching Hai

Time: 4-5 PM each Friday, beginning on March 1, 2002

Language: English and Chinese, with Spanish subtitles

For a schedule of the Supreme Master Ching Hai's other TV programs, please refer to:

http://www.godsdirectcontact.net/events/tv.htm

Newly Released Books

Letters Between Master and Spiritual Practitioners

Volume III Now Available in Chinese

Following the recent release of the English edition of the Letters between Master and Spiritual Practitioners, Volume I, a brand new collection of letters between Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her disciples and other spiritual practitioners has been compiled in Volume III of the Chinese edition. Each letter is spiritually enlightening, and Master's penetrating responses provide illuminating answers to your inner questions, oversights, and clarify confusion in your spiritual practice. Its rich and extensive contents cover all the details of practice, from attaining serenity of mind to creating harmonious relationships. Master's wisdom is an illuminating lighthouse leading us in the right direction on the spiritual path.

The meticulous concern and Infinite Grace given by Supreme Master to Her disciples are clearly evident in the exchange of correspondence between them. The many true stories in this volume are moving testimonials to Master's unfathomable love and omnipresent power. A steady stream of love between Master and disciples shines through in these letters, and will touch your heart, strengthen your faith, and increase your courage in facing the challenges of daily activities and spiritual life.

Relevant website:
http://www.smchbooks.com/eng/books/books.htm (Formosa; English)

Just Released -- the Aulacese Edition of I Have Come to Take You Home (second edition)

I Have Come to Take You Home includes quotes by Supreme Master Ching Hai, meticulously selected from lectures given throughout the world, from interviews, and from informal conversations. In this book, Supreme Master Ching Hai incisively elaborates on various spiritual topics. Since the beginning of time, riddles about life and death have distressed sentient beings. For sincere Truth-aspirants, the ultimate goal is to realize the Truth of the universe, and return to our eternal Homeland. Today, we can find answers to all our doubts and longings in this book.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has said, "Our way Home was paved inside us long ago. Should we forget this lifesaving map, we will be forever trapped in the cycle of life and death." With this book as your guide, you will soon find your way Home, and easily transcend the maze of life.

Relevant website: http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/aulac/publication/

Besides the Aulacese edition, I Have Come to Take You Home is also available in English and other languages. For further information, please contact:

Fax: 949-738-9992 (U.S.A.)
E-mail: la_bookstore@yahoo.com

Front Line

Wisdom, Love and New Life

at the Taipei International Book Exhibition

Report from the Taipei News Group, Formosa

On February 19-24, the Taipei International Book Exhibition 2002 was held at the Taipei World Trade Center, following an opening ceremony conducted by President Chen Shui-bian. The exhibition hall was divided into five theme and book categories, namely, international exhibitors, children's books, comic books, electronic publications, and general books. There were also four special exhibition areas: Country of Honor, the Cultural Technology Pavilion, the Taiwan Literature in Translation Pavilion, and the Golden Tripod Award and Little Sun Award Pavilion. More than a hundred activities, including speeches, seminars, book-signing sessions and film screenings, were held during the event, which attracted tens of thousands of visitors.

As in previous years, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd. sponsored a booth at the Exhibition. This year, the theme was "Spiritual Congregation of Wisdom, Love and New Life," and initiates decorated the booth exquisitely, giving it a different appearance than that of previous years. In addition to displaying Master's publications, fellow initiates also exhibited several Longevity Lamps designed by Master. Light from the lamps and the illuminated paintings by Master on either side of the booth created an enchanting atmosphere. TV sets continuously showed lectures by Master, filling the exhibition hall with Her love. Along a nearby corridor was a computer, on which visitors could explore Master's art works and publications. Because the booth was near the entrance to the venue, it attracted numerous passersby, including many fellow initiates and their families. Among the hundreds of exhibits, our booth was the most eye-catching, with its presentation of the music video One World … of peace through music, and attracted countless visitors. Several journalists from Hong Kong even came to interview us.

The Exhibition ended at 6 PM on February 24. For participating initiates, the experience of working at the event was extremely blissful. And they were happy that Master's seeds of love could be spread around the area for those who had affinity with Her.

photo:fl1-1,2-132

Interview with Special Guests

On the fifth day of the Taipei International Book Exhibition, a Saturday, a happy atmosphere, which continued from the Chinese New Year holidays, was felt at the venue. Endless crowds of visitors came to the event, attracted by its large variety of promotional activities.

Representative Jost Feer of the Trade Office of Swiss Industries in Taipei was a special guest at our booth. Casually dressed, Mr. Feer warmly agreed to an interview with us. He is a philosophical man and is greatly interested in the empirical forms of evidence provided by science. He agreed that the spiritual disciplines of the East can certainly complement the overly materialistic lifestyle of the West, adding that it is important and necessary to balance these two aspects of life in our highly unpredictable world. Mr. Feer studies Zen and has been meditating for four years.

He greatly admires Supreme Master Ching Hai, has attended many of Her Truth sharing activities, and thinks that Her disciples are very active since they not only practice meditation, but also take part in charity work. If more people can be like us, Mr. Feer said, they will greatly benefit themselves and society. Although Mr. Feer has not been initiated by a particular master, he constantly reminds himself to search for the inner supreme Master and to merge with it.

His interview comments reminded us of Master's New Year's message, in which She says, "I love you very much as always, for what you are and what you strive to remember - your noble and highest Self!" We thank Master for again reminding us, through Mr. Feer, of this important message. Master helps us to feel that God's love is always the same, and that all we have to do is totally accept and place our trust in it. When asked if he had a message for the people of Formosa, Mr. Feer said, "I hope that they can set free their minds and have the courage to search for their own Self!"

Another guest at our booth, Products Manager Liu Yu-hsien of Hima-laya Records, who listened to Master's music CDs, had a special preference for Her original vocal compositions. Through their melodies, he said, he can feel Her love and desire for world peace. When he saw the program One World … of peace through music, he said that it was fantastic the way Master's unselfish and all-encompassing love was expressed through a group of world-renowned musicians, and he supported the activity very much.

In addition, the Exhibition's Russian Classical Literature Illustrations award winner, Mr. Chelushkin Kirill, told us that he pays special attention to the inner meaning of an artist's work. On visiting our booth, he remarked that artists use their creations to communicate with the public. To the world, an artist's works have certain meanings, and although people sometimes may not understand them, these creations nonetheless have a subtle but far-reaching effect on our lives. Ms. Natalia V. Tikhonova, the art director for a Russian company, PIANT, said that she was impressed that so many people in Formosa were concerned about vegetarianism and environmental protection. She added that, to truly love nature, we must start by being vegetarians and practicing the spiritual life. In this respect, fellow initiates are well on their way to showing their love of the natural world.

Serial No. 44 of the A Journey through Aesthetic Realms program includes a detailed report on the Taipei International Book Exhibition and our interviews with special guests. The program may be viewed at http://137.hichannel.com.tw (Chinese).

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Panorama of Events

Report from Germany

Vegetarian Cooking Classes and Lunar New Year Feast

[Berlin] In February, 2002, a local brother who works as a chef held two free classes on vegetarian cooking to demonstrate several simple but delicious vegetarian dishes that can easily be made at home. We videotaped these classes for a TV program that will be hosted by sister Heidemarie, a famous German actress.

Also, on February 10-11, Berlin brothers and sisters, together with their families and friends, celebrated the Lunar New Year with two sumptuous dinners at the Berlin Center. The variety of delicious food at the event reflected the diverse cultural backgrounds of local fellow practitioners, who come from Germany, Au Lac, China, Russia and other countries. Furthermore, we were happy to receive guests from Formosa, France, and England. On this occasion, we not only enjoyed material food but also the inner peace derived from watching Master's video lectures and from sharing Her teachings.

caption:
(sp10-1-132)A brother initiate who is a skilled chef demonstrates vegetarian cooking.

(sp10-2-132):Vegetarian stuffed cabbage

(sp10-3-132):Lunar New Year dinner at the Berlin Center

Report from Australia

Living Expo in Ipswich City

[Brisbane] On February 2-3, 2002, the Brisbane Center participated for the first time in the two-day Living Expo in the city of Ipswich, which has a population of 135,000.

Similar to the Body Health and Harmony Expo that we attend each year, the Living Expo promoted healthy living, spiritual information and books, natural healing, and body massage. However, ours was the only booth that provided information on meditation and spiritual practice, and thus it attracted considerable attention from fellow exhibitors and visitors alike. The local residents are very open-minded and friendly, so many guests received Master's sample booklets with great admiration, and several curious children asked for copies as well.

When the two-day exhibition ended, our fellow practitioners went home, delighted that many people at the Living Expo were happy to learn about Supreme Master Ching Hai.

We were also very pleased and excited to find that afterwards, The Ipswich Advertiser newspaper featured a front page article about our exhibit at the Expo, giving a large number of local residents a chance to see Master's picture.

caption:(sp3-1-132) After the Life Expo, The Ipswich Advertiser reports on our booth at the event.

Great Joy in Sharing the Truth

[Byron Bay/Northern Rivers] Recently, fellow practitioners from the Byron Bay/Northern Rivers Center, with help from Brisbane initiates, held a seminar featuring Master's videos in a new location. The outcome of our adventurous move was deeply rewarding, as we witnessed the intense interest of the people at the gathering, and their reluctance to leave after we had taught them the Convenient Method.

But even more gratifying were the moving remarks made by the new Convenient Method practitioners. People with glowing faces could not contain themselves regarding their experiences , making comments such as "I have never experienced a meditation like this before," "This is one of the nicest days I've had in a long time," and "What do you think is the reason for such a high feeling here?" Some tried to give us offerings, but we explained that Master never accepts donations.

Master's love was present in full measure. The initiates knew the feeling well, and it is difficult to explain. But it was very satisfying to make it available to share with others, to see the look of happiness and serenity on their faces, and to have such a joyous and unforgettable day!

photo8-1,2-132

Report from Ontario, Canada

Let Peace Begin From Our Dining Tables!

-- A Vegetarian Cooking Class

[London] On February 16, 2002, the London Center in Canada held a public vegetarian cooking class in response to many inquiries about the difficulty of obtaining vegetarian food and maintaining a vegetarian diet, as vegetarianism is quite uncommon in the city. We organized vegetarian cooking demonstrations and spread Master's teachings in one public seminar. Upon hearing our plan to hold a cooking class, fellow practitioners showed great interest and very positive support. They also expressed the feeling that they could not wait to attend the event!

Posters and pamphlets announcing the date and time of the cooking class were printed in a completely new format, with the theme "Vegetarian Cooking Class -- Healthy Food and Spiritual Information: Let Peace Begin from Our Dining Tables!" In the pamphlets, we also included some facts on vegetarianism and reasons for following a vegetarian diet, so as to promote vegetarianism among the public.

As the day for the cooking class approached, more and more people registered to attend. One gentleman said that in the past he had tried to follow a vegetarian diet for a time, but found it difficult to completely give up poultry. Thus, he hoped that this class would help him become a complete vegetarian. The cooking class attracted teenagers as well. One woman asked if she could bring her twelve-year-old daughter, for they were both vegetarians, and her daughter often helped her prepare vegetarian dishes. Another lady who had just moved to the city was very excited to learn that not only were we going to teach vegetarian cooking, but also provide spiritual information, as she had been looking for a meditation group to join.

On the day of the cooking class, the venue was fully packed, and people continued to arrive, so we had to keep adding chairs and still lacked adequate space. Each attendee received a free information package that included information on vegetarianism, recipes, and spiritual materials such as a sample booklet and flyers.

During the two-hour class, people learned how to make fifteen dishes from around the world, ranging from Asian and Mexican to Western cuisines. We informed them about the various sources of protein and vitamin-B for vegetarians (such as textured vegetable protein-TVP, various tofu products, wheat gluten, miso, seaweed, tempeh, etc.), as well as where these foods are available and how to cook them in easy ways. The class also covered many Western favorites, such as homemade vegetarian hamburgers, barbecued TVP slices, and several egg-less desserts. The venue was filled with laughter throughout the class, as the participants enjoyed it very much.

After the cooking demonstration, we invited the attendees to taste the various vegetarian dishes that fellow initiates had lovingly prepared . During this time, one couple said that they previously had never liked tofu, but now they did after tasting it. Many people asked if we would continue to hold cooking classes in the future, because they wanted to ask their friends and family members to come. Having learned a lot from the cooking class, the participants felt very happy and satisfied.

While participants enjoyed their vegetarian meals, we played videotapes that introduced Master and Her teachings. Some people asked to learn the Convenient Method, and others said that they would like to visit our center during the times each week when it is open to the public.

After the cooking class, many of our fellow practitioners asked for extra copies of the vegetarian recipes for their friends and family members. They found the class to be very informative, and helpful in maintaining a vegetarian diet while traveling the spiritual path. There is no doubt that the cooking class extended people's loving nature and brought them a major step closer toward recognizing the True Love of God.

captions:
(Sp5-1,2-132)The cooking class receives a sizeable response and interested guests listen attentively to fellow initiates' presentations.

(Sp5-3-132):Guests sample delicious vegetarian dishes after the lectures.

Lunar New Year Party

[Ottawa] On Lunar New Year's eve, initiates from the Ottawa Center participated in a party held by the local Chinese community. Although low temperatures kept many guests at home, we had a constant flow of visitors at our booth. People came to watch Master's video lectures and ask for sample booklets and copies of the News magazine. Some immediately acquired Master's publications, and others returned several times to inquire about Master's teachings and the Quan Yin Method. One elderly woman said that she had read The Key of Immediate Enlightenment after borrowing it from a library, and wished to know more about Master's teachings. After hearing a fellow initiate's introductory remarks, she immediately asked to learn the Convenient Method. Another lady spent a long time watching Master's video lecture, and from time to time laughed approvingly. She left with a sense of satisfaction after learning that she could borrow Master's videotapes from our center. A number of visitors said that they had heard of Master previously and were delighted to have the chance to learn more about Her teachings. Many also asked for News magazines to read at home.

While doing our best to accomplish the task of sharing the Truth, we all experienced Master's blessings, God's love, and sentient beings' longing for liberation. We sincerely pray that Master's grace and divine compassion can continue to be passed through us to those brothers and sisters still struggling in hardship and longing for spiritual insight.

All Ottawa Center initiates sincerely wish Master good health and happiness, and our fellow practitioners around the world rapid spiritual progress in the new year!

Report from Formosa

Inauguration of the Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association

[Taipei] After an extended period of professional training and practical experience, a group of earnest fellow practitioners from Formosa officially founded the Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association. On February 24, 2001, over a hundred jubilant members attended the Association's inaugural ceremony at Taipei's Ambassador Hotel to celebrate the fruitful completion of their arduous training!

The ceremony was preceded by a documentary video introducing the rescue efforts of the Association's land and marine training team members during Typhoons Xangsan, Toraji, and Nari, special newspaper reports, and television interviews with members at various disaster scenes. The documentary provided an understanding of the training, efficiency, and capabilities of Association members. The film ended with Master's heartwarming expressions of concern and encouragement for disaster-stricken residents of Formosa.

The inaugural ceremony began with introductory remarks by chairman Lo, a brother initiate, on the Rescue Association's formation through Supreme Master Ching Hai's encouragement, the process and principles of its establishment, and the objectives it hopes to achieve. Brother Lo especially mentioned how each member of the Association had made his utmost effort, enduring pain and hardship, to complete relevant training in physical fitness and professional techniques, while bearing in mind that rescue work must be accomplished as quickly and safely as possible. The members purchased the personal gear required for their training from their own money. Moreover, several times during the past six months, members from the southern and eastern parts of Formosa undertook long journeys to the north to participate in their training, sacrificing their time and money, all for their ideal of serving society. Their perseverance and stamina are truly admirable!

After brother Lo's address, the master of ceremonies read congratulatory messages from Formosa's Office of the President and Ministry of the Interior. Such recognition and support from the President and Minister greatly boosted the team members' morale. Participants also received plaques of commendation from the president and the vice president of the Legislative Yuan, the director-general of the National Fire Administration, and several legislators.

The rescue team has more than a hundred advisors in various parts of Formosa. At the ceremony, Professor Juan from National Taiwan University delivered a speech on behalf of the advisors, in which he mentioned that the Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association was the first rescue body to be established with the approval of the Ministry of the Interior since Formosa's Disaster Prevention Law went into effect. He hoped that the team members would embrace Supreme Master Ching Hai's compassionate and all-loving spirit, perform charitable acts without claiming credit, and fully demonstrate their love during their rescue efforts.

After the Association's agenda was discussed and its first board of directors and supervisors was elected, the inaugural ceremony came to an end. However, this event also marked the beginning of the Rescue Association's responsibilities. Deep inside, each member reminded himself that, with Master's recognition and encouragement, and support from society, he must truly put into practice the spirit of "genuine empathy and self-sacrifice" in order to offer his best service to God's people.

captions:
(sp9-1,2-132) The Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association is officially established with government and community support.

(sp9-3-132)Congratulatory message from President Chen Shui-bian

The inaugural ceremony of the Chinese Amphibious Rescue Society will be broadcast in Serial No. 45 of the TV program A Journey through Aesthetic Realms. For online viewing, please visit:

http://137.hichannel.com.tw (Chinese)

Beach Cleaning and Interviews with Government Officials

[Tainan] On January 27, 2002, fellow practitioners from the Tainan Center braved gusty winds and heavy rain to carry out their regularly scheduled cleaning and maintenance work on the Golden Beach in Tainan.

Director Hsieh Shih-jieh of the Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau personally inspected the site and complimented the practitioners on their enthusiastic participation in environmental protection, saying that he was deeply impressed by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association's persistent efforts to clean the beach despite harsh weather. Mr. Hsieh observed that it is ideal for a civic group like ours to inspire public participation in environmental protection efforts, for such work is not only a task for the cleaning staff of the Environmental Protection Bureau, but also the common duty of every citizen. Director Hsieh further acknowledged that he was inspired to join in the Association's next cleaning project at the Golden Beach. Together, they would do their part for environmental protection, and provide Tainan citizens with a clean and beautiful area for recreation. After an interview with our fellow practitioners, Director Hsieh stayed to enjoy a vegetarian meal lovingly prepared by fellow practitioners.

Caption:
(sp2-1-132)Neither heavy rain nor gusty winds could keep fellow practitioners from cleaning Tainan's Golden Beach.

(sp2-2-132)Director Hsieh Shih-jieh of the Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau savors sweet corn with fellow practitioners after the beach cleaning effort.

Exclusive Interview with Tainan Mayor

On February 1, 2001, fellow practitioners from the production team of the TV program A Journey through Aesthetic Realms visited the Tainan City Government to conduct an exclusive interview with the new mayor, Mr. Hsu Tien-tsai. During the interview, team members exchanged views with Mayor Hsu on the ecological importance of environmental protection. The mayor called for increased social introspection on this topic, commenting that human communities are the Earth's major source of pollution, which is currently too much for nature to digest and eliminate through ecological recycling. He also stated that the Tainan City Government had conferred a public - interest award on the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in recognition of its enthusiastic participation in environmental protection and other public-interest efforts, especially the Tainan Beach-cleaning project, which is carried out more thoroughly and is better implemented than those by other groups.

Mayor Hsu understands the importance of vegetarianism for the environment within the human body, for ecological conservation, and in terms of the effective use of the Earth's limited resources. Thus, environmental protection must begin with vegetarianism.

Caption:

(sp2-3-132):Tainan Mayor Hsu Tien-tsai conducts an interview for the Supreme Master Ching Hai's TV program A Journey through Aesthetic Realms.

The exclusive interviews with Tainan Mayor Hsu Tien-tsai and Director Hsieh Shih-jieh of the Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau were broadcast in Serial 41 of the program A Journey through Aesthetic Realms. They can also be viewed on the Internet at: http://137.hichannel.com.tw (Chinese).

Report from California, U.S.A.

Master's Teachings Spread in Sacramento

[Sacramento] On January 21, 2002, Sacramento, the capital of California, held its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Job Fair*, where local initiates organized a booth displaying Master's publications and creative works. With the help of San Francisco disciples, the booth was beautifully arranged, and a group of enthusiastic brothers and sisters helped to introduce Master's teachings to the people of Sacramento.

It was remarkable to see how many truth-seekers and open-minded individuals attended the Fair due to its lofty ideals and elevating spiritual atmosphere. A woman working at the booth next to us had experienced the Light before and commented on the peaceful atmosphere of the fellow practitioners working near her. She asked a fellow sister about the meaning of the different colors of the inner Light, and happily accepted Master's magazine. After reading it for a while, she said that she liked what Master said and added that she would read more when she got home. Many others commented on the importance of meditation, were very grateful to receive information on the Quan Yin Method, and received Master's teachings with enthusiasm. Some people had already seen Master on TV and took home reading materials. By the end of the day, the English sample booklets we had on hand were all given away, along with Master's English News magazines and flyers. In the end, fellow practitioners had to undo some bound volumes of Master's News magazines, and separate the issues to give to enquiring guests.

Although fellow practitioners worked very hard at this event, they also had a great deal of fun. Sisters from the Sacramento area cooked a feast for the working team, and as the fellow practitioners worked, delicious food and pastries were shared and enjoyed by all. As a result of our diligent effort and festive spirit, happiness spread throughout the area around Master's booth. She had arranged a truly beautiful and perfect day!

photo(sp6-1-132)

Note: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an African-American civil-rights leader. His birthday, January 15, is celebrated throughout the United States as a national holiday.

New Year's Celebration -- Sacramento Fair

On February 2, 2002, the people of Sacramento held a fair in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year. The event began with the traditional Chinese-Vietnamese dragon dance ceremony. There were also other activities and entertainment programs, such as singing and dancing, which added to the day's festive atmosphere.

To help spread Master's teachings, disciples from Sacramento and San Francisco seized this opportunity to organize a booth, which attracted many sincere visitors. For example, a German gentleman walked by our booth looking a bit curious, and a sister noticed his face and began to speak to him. Eventually, the German brother became very interested in Master's teachings and intended to contact his local center in Germany after returning home. Also, an elderly Aulacese man, who had attempted to contact our group before but was unable to reach us, was very excited to see Master's booth, and spoke with the contact person from Sacramento. He immediately asked to learn the Convenient Method, and happily took Master's sample booklet and several magazines home.

We are all very fortunate to be learning under a true, living Master. Thus, helping to spread Her teachings and guide other souls in finding their way Home is truly the most meaningful experience on earth.

photo(sp6-2-132)

Report from New Jersey, U.S.A.

Lunar New Year Retreat and Celebration

[New Jersey] Fellow practitioners from the northeastern United States celebrated the coming of the Lunar New year with a two-day retreat on February 9 and 10, 2002 at the New Jersey Center. Undeterred by the cold weather, more than 200 fellow practitioners attended this activity. Including several Canadian fellow practitioners who drove for over 12 hours to join in the occasion.

The Center was beautifully decorated by the working team, with colorful lanterns, New Year's paper cutouts and potted flowers creating a highly festive atmosphere. For this event, we especially arranged drawing and handicraft competitions for young fellow practitioners of different ages, and the children were eager to earnestly display their artistic talents. Also, to wish Master a happy Lunar New Year, fellow practitioners sent Her a beautiful greeting card signed by everyone.

After the retreat ended at noon on the second day, the celebration program started with a lion dance featuring a pair of lively lions. Amid the thunderous sound of drums and gongs, we all prayed together for a better year. The performances that followed included dancing, singing and musical recitals, all of which expressed our best wishes to Master and the world. In between, there were quiz contests during which the winners were awarded red envelopes (traditional Chinese New Year's offerings containing money).

The program reached its climax with a tea party. Brewed in a Heavenly Dragon gold teapot designed by Master, the tea was extremely fragrant and delicious, and impressed everyone, including our guests, each of whom also received a red envelope fully charged with Master's love and blessing. Thanks to Master's blessings and the selfless devotion of working team initiates, we enjoyed a wonderful and unforgettable two-day New Year's retreat.

caption:
(sp1-1-132): A lion dance performance at the two-day retreat and Lunar New Year celebrations at the New Jersey Center

(sp1-2-132): Outstanding works win prizes for little initiates in the drawing and handicraft competitions.

Report from Florida, U.S.A.

Sowing the Seeds of Truth in Sarasota

[Sarasota] On Sunday, January 27, 2002, Florida fellow practitioners held a public video seminar to introduce Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin and Convenient Methods to sincere spiritual aspirants. This was the first time we held such a event in the area.

The seminar was conducted at an elegant fine arts auditorium on the New College of Florida campus, and attracted spiritual seekers of many ages, ranging from young college students to senior citizens. Those who attended commented that they were very impressed with our organization and program, and many wanted to know more about vegetarian foods. After a free vegetarian buffet, approximately two-thirds of the attendees stayed to learn the Convenient Method.

Following the seminar, we found a location for the Convenient Method practitioners to hold their weekly group meditation sessions. One woman who had missed the event was able to come to a group meditation session to learn the Convenient Method. When she discovered that practicing the Convenient Method would give her liberation in this lifetime, she said that throughout her life, she had always felt she had been tricked into coming back here this time, and swore that it would be her last lifetime. Excitedly, she stated that now she knew for certain this was her last time to reincarnate!

The weekly group meditations give the new practitioners support, allowing them to ask questions, watch Master's videos, borrow tapes and books, learn more about vegetarian foods, and of course, meditate together. At least one Convenient Method practitioner is awaiting initiation into the Quan Yin Method. Florida disciples feel blessed to have played a part in God's work of sowing the seeds of Truth in the Sarasota community.

Lunar New Year's Greeting from Master

On the first day of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar, fellow practitioners around the world were joyfully surprised to receive warm New Year's greetings from Master. The words are charged with Master's love for those of us who are Her children, as well as blessings and wishes for the New Year. We can only feel that we are the most fortunate and blessed group of children in the universe. The following is the text of Master's New Year message:

(Originally in English)

Lunar New Year -- The First Day of the First Month

Wishing you all, dearest brothers and sisters in God, a very beautiful New Year in all aspects, full of love, happiness and luck.

Renewing our faith in the most merciful, almighty God, we start afresh in spiritual and worldly endeavors, to serve the best cause for all beings.

I love you very much, as always, for what you are and what you strive to remember -- your noble and highest Self!

Ching Hai

Supreme Art

2002 Supreme Master Ching Hai Celestial Jewelry

-- Treasures from the Great Love of the Universe

To celebrate the arrival of the New Year, the Celestial Jewelry Group selected several sets of extraordinary Celestial Jewelry in order to share with us the true love of God. Unlike Master's earlier magnificent designs, these sets are simpler, while at the same time being refined and elegant. They produce an immediate visual impact, and the sophisticated mounting technique used in their creation accentuates their extraordinary value. Each design has its own spiritual meaning and unique aura, and each is perfectly versatile, being appropriate for wearing at work, on a date, or at a party.

S.M. Series – Super-temporal Supreme Master

Latest Design:

· S.M. Pendant (gold or plated white gold)

· S.M. Earrings (coral, jade)

Regarding the S. M. logo, Master has said, "S.M. stands for Supreme Master. It reminds us that we all have the power of a Supreme Master." The classic and elegant S. M. Earrings, their bright red coral contrasting with green jade, set against dazzling gold and glittering diamonds, reflect an elegant folk style.

Figure "8" Necklace

Latest Design:

· Figure "8" Necklace (gold or plated white gold)

This necklace featuring a figure "8" design comes in two different color series -- gold and plated white gold. The figure "8" in its horizontal form represents the mathematical symbol of infinity. When pronounced in Chinese, "8" resembles the word "well developed." It symbolizes superior development in spiritual cultivation through the grace of God. The necklace is a perfect match with any S.M. pendant, creating a new, appealing harmony beyond imagination.

Future Buddha -- Spiritual Fashion

Latest Design:

· "Future Buddha" Pendant

· "Future Buddha" Earrings-B

Since the beginning of the post-modern period in the 1980s, a refined but simple style touching on the cultural subconscious has led the avant-garde in the field of design. The "Future Buddha" is exactly of this style.

The attractive single pendant suspended from a simple necklace gives a rich sense of value and a distilled feeling of elegance, and is simplified from its original magnificent design.

Positive Victory -- Faith Over Fear

Latest Design:

· "Positive Victory" Pendant

· "Positive Victory" Earrings-B

This splendid series of Celestial Jewelry reflects the confidence shining from its wearers. Its dazzling gold, diamond, and yellow topaz intensify its brilliance, symbolizing that, through the radiance and wisdom of God, negative desires (Z) cannot manifest and will be absorbed into the whole.

The Ultimate Glory of Love -- Symbol of the Cross

Latest Design:

· "The Ultimate Glory of Love" Pendant

· "The Ultimate Glory of Love" Earrings-B

With His blood, Jesus Christ cleansed the sins of humankind, and His spirit of self-sacrifice and noble nature have been respected throughout history. The new Cross shares Jesus' divine Love with the world and reminds us that, as long as we believe in the power of God, this world will exist eternally and the Supreme Holy Love will embrace humankind at all times.

Light of Tower -- Wisdom of Fire on the Road to Glory

Latest Design:

· "Light of Tower" Pendant (sapphire, gold, and plated white gold)

Its shape is like that of a beacon shining from a tower, and its brilliance symbolizes Master's use of wisdom and love to light up our spiritual path and guide us along the road to glory.

The elegant design of the "Light of Tower", styled with a single sophisticated pendant, goes well with both work and casual wear.

TOP

-- Insights from Solomon and Sheba

By sister initiate Yang Tung-yin, Keelung, Formosa

Remarks:

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes

By brother initiate Lin Ming-chao, Nantou, Formosa (Brother Lin is a doctor of Chinese medicine serving at Nantou Hospital, Formosa.)

Applications in Food Testing

Applications in Water Testing

Applications in Medical Science

The Innate Undulation Machine

Spiritual Practice Is a Meta-science

(Originally in Aulacese)

photo:tk1-1-132

By would-be initiate Li, Mainland China February 9, 2002

February 13, 2002 (Originally in English)

Report from Formosa

Caption:

(love5-1-132)Mr. Huang Chin-teng, superintendent of the Kaohsiung Juvenile Reformatory (right), presents a flag to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to honor its loving concern for the facility's young inmates.

(love5-3,4-132)Spring Festival celebrations at Tainan Prison.

(love5-2-132)Inmates at the Kaohsiung Juvenile Reformatory sing and rejoice with fellow practitioners.

(love5-5-132)Lunar New Year celebrations at the Changhua Reformatory.

Report From Tainan, Formosa

caption:(love3-1,2)Fellow practitioners from Tainan bring Master's love to their impoverished sisters and brothers.

Report from Pingtung, Formosa

caption:(love1): On Lunar New Year's eve, fellow practitioners bring Master's gift money and love to destitute households in remote areas of Formosa.

Report from Pingtung, Formosa

caption: (love4-1-132)Pingtung initiates participate in a street-cleaning activity at Hsinchih Village.

caption: (love4-2-132)The wife of the village chief (dressed in pink, second from left) came to the Laiyi Center to offer her thanks.

Report from Montreal, Canada

(Originally in English)

caption:(love2-1-132)Master's love comes with every gift for less fortunate Aulacese.

caption:(love2-2-132)Photo with an immigration judge (left) at our booth

caption:(love2-3-132)Many passersby stop to admire our attractive booth.

list: love2-a-132e

photo: love2-a-132,love2-b-132,love2-c-132,love2-d-132

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, June 3, 1989 (Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 80

The Positive Aspects of the Negative Power

An Enlightened Master Is Like a Plumber or Electrician

Spiritual Practice Is Not a Losing Business

The Magnetic Field of a Spiritual Practitioner

The Inner Sound

Opening the Positive Power

The Negative Power Can Also Benefit People

photo: ms1-1-132

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, January 22, 1995 (Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 466

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. June 9, 2001 (Originally in English)

Who's Driving the Wrong Way?

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., June 13, 2001, (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., June 13, 2001 (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, April 25, 1992 (Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 243

By brother initiate Dilip Gautam, Kathmandu, Nepal (Originally in English)

By sister initiate Phenix, Austria (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Three-day International Retreat,

Los Angeles, USA, December 16-18, 1998 (Originally in English) Videotape No. 639

The Power of Crystal and Spiritual Practice

Lima , Peru

The Lima Center, Peru

Argentina

New York and New Jersey, U.S.A.

All the disciples from New York and New Jersey

Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

Sweden

The Swedish practitioners

Jakarta, Indonesia

By sister initiate Phuong Nguyen, Oregon, U.S.A. (Originally in English)

Recorded by Sister Hsu Tsai-hsia, Taipei, Formosa

Volume III Now Available in Chinese

Just Released -- the Aulacese Edition of I Have Come to Take You Home (second edition)

at the Taipei International Book Exhibition

Report from the Taipei News Group, Formosa

photo:fl1-1,2-132

photo:fl1-3,4,5,6-132

Report from Germany

caption: (sp10-1-132)A brother initiate who is a skilled chef demonstrates vegetarian cooking.

(sp10-2-132):Vegetarian stuffed cabbage

(sp10-3-132):Lunar New Year dinner at the Berlin Center

Report from Australia

Living Expo in Ipswich City

caption:(sp3-1-132) After the Life Expo, The Ipswich Advertiser reports on our booth at the event.

photo8-1,2-132

Report from Ontario, Canada

By brother initiate Lin Ming-chao, Nantou, Formosa
(Brother Lin is a doctor of Chinese medicine serving at Nantou Hospital, Formosa.)

By would-be initiate Li, Mainland China
February 9, 2002

February 13, 2002
(Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, June 3, 1989
(Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 80

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, January 22, 1995
(Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 466

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., June 13, 2001,
(Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., June 13, 2001
(Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa,
April 25, 1992 (Originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 243

By sister initiate Phenix, Austria
(Originally in English)

The Lima Center,
Peru

All the disciples
from New York and New Jersey

By sister initiate Phuong Nguyen, Oregon, U.S.A.
(Originally in English)

caption:
(sp10-1-132)A brother initiate who is a skilled chef demonstrates vegetarian cooking.

captions:
(Sp5-1,2-132)The cooking class receives a sizeable response and interested guests listen attentively to fellow initiates' presentations.

captions:
(sp9-1,2-132) The Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association is officially established with government and community support.

Caption:
(sp2-1-132)Neither heavy rain nor gusty winds could keep fellow practitioners from cleaning Tainan's Golden Beach.