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Master's Wonder Miraculous Tales At A Hotel Two Accounts of My Experiences

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Master's Wonders

Miraculous Tales At A Hotel

By Fellow Initiate Li, Thailand

During Master's recent lecture tour in Thailand, She stayed at the J.B. Hotel in Had-Yai while She was in Southern Thailand. This made me think about some of my personal experiences right after my initiation.

That year, I was invited by a friend to come to Had-Yai's J.B. Hotel to hold an art exhibition. I spiritedly put on Master's brooch. The brilliance of Master's picture attracted the eyes of the passing passengers on the train. At that time, I understood that they were coming to look at Master's picture, but the continuing encounters made me feel uneasy. I was only thinking of my own peace and quiet and forgot about letting more people have the opportunity to know Master, so I conveniently took off Master's brooch.

During the art exhibition, because of the experience on the train, I also did not wear Master's brooch. More than ten days passed in the half-month exhibition, and very few guests bought. After all of Master's sample booklets had been distributed at the art exhibition, I again put on Master's brooch. Strangely, after wearing Master's brooch many guests bought. The amount of money earned in the last few days was many times that of the previous days.

One night during this exhibition, suddenly one guest yelled at me, "Last year I asked you to write the word 'patience' for me. It was paid for in full, but I still did not get your calligraphy!" When I looked at him I remembered that on the last night of last year's art exhibition at the J.B. Hotel, someone asked me to write the word patience. Since he was in a hurry, he gave me the money and left. I wrote the word, asked a hotel attendant to give it to him, and closed up. Don't know why he did not receive it. Of course, having paid for the calligraphy, and not having received it, even after he had been patient for one year, no wonder he was yelling at me! I immediately wrote the word and gave it to him. After that, he was very happy saying that he did not know why he came to Had-Yai this time and was also staying at the J.B. Hotel. Of course there was a reason for it.

What made me happy is that Master helped me repay this debt that I had incurred before initiation. This freed me from this burden, so that I could practice with even more peace of mind.

Two Accounts of My Experiences

By A Fellow Initiate, Taipei, Formosa

Flying Out Of The Screen

Being a disciple, there is no greater joy than seeing Master manifest during meditation. Last year, while Master was on a world lecture tour, I attended the three-day retreat at the Laiyi Meditation Center. As I was attentively watching a video of Master with everyone in the meditation hall, all of a sudden Master on the TV was looking and smiling at me. Then surprisingly, Master flew out of the screen and instantly became huge and brilliant. She stood among the crowd and kept on smiling and looking at me. Watching this unexpected phenomenon, I was entranced; totally unaware of my surroundings, I stared at Master's manifestation until it disappeared. Coming back from the ecstasy, I then savored the feeling of that beautiful memory. It was so wonderful, not possible to put into words. That evening, due to my extreme satisfaction and joy, I smiled throughout the entire meditation!

Dearest Master

One day, I was in the hallway at home and suddenly smelled the fragrance of sandalwood which gave me a soothing feeling. The next day, a sister initiate informed me by phone that Master was coming back and that since it would be national holiday lasting a few days, fellow initiates could go to see Her at Hsihu Center. I understood instantly that the fragrance of sandalwood was a sign from Master in advance. Since then, I have been able to smell the fragrance of sandalwood any place where there is a photo of Master or anything related to Her.

Most of the fellow initiates spent the Double Ten Holiday with Master at Hsihu Center. In the evening of the last day, as people left one by one, I was reluctant to leave. I wished to see Master again and hear Her talk some more, because at noon She only talked briefly and left. It was getting dark. Still longing to see Her, suddenly, She came driving down in Her little cart. Those initiates who hadn't left yet came over to see Her, including myself. Master got out of the little cart and chatted with everyone as we walked. I was walking behind Her and the fragrance of sandalwood from Her continued to float over to me all the while.

Master sat in front of the lecture pavilion and talked to us; we were very close to Her. Suddenly, I saw light beams shooting out from Her fingertips as She gestured with Her hands while talking. It was really amazing! Master talked about when fellow initiates see Her, they always yell at the top of their lungs, "Greetings, Master!" even though they might be right next to Her. It often startles Her and is at times quite unbearable.

I came home that day filled with bliss and contentment. I turned on the tape player to listen to Master's audio tapes as soon as I got home. At the beginning of the tape, coincidentally, I heard Master mimicking the disciple's way of greeting Her, and mischievously She said loudly to them, "Greetings, everyone!" It startled me so much that I laughed wholeheartedly all alone in my room.

Oh, my dearest Master Mommy, You've just played a joke on me! And the joke made me realize how You feel on those occasions.

Master Tells Stories

When we are with Master, everything we do is related to spiritual practice. When appropriate, Master utilizes all the eighty-four thousand methods of educating and enlightening Her disciples. How fortunate we are to have an enlightened Master to impart the true method to us, and teach us with her words and actions. Through our spiritual practice, we learn more about our own greatness, and how to serve the world with a selfless, sacrificing spirit.

During the three-day retreat, Master told us many touching stories about spiritual practice. Enhanced by Master's loving blessing, these tales have warmed and encouraged our striving souls in the cold of winter.

Everything Is Created By The Mind

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa. Dec. 29, 1994
(Originally in Chinese)

A long time ago, two friends took a trip together to visit and tour around. As they passed by an Indian temple, they heard someone reciting the Bhagavadgita inside. The Bhagavadgita is a very famous sutra in India. One of the friends said to the other, "Come on! Let's go inside to listen to the sutra." So both of them went inside; however, only one stayed to listen, and the other took one glimpse and went out to look for girls in a brothel.

The one that went to a brothel soon felt bored. He regretted what he had done and felt quite ashamed. He thought, 'Gosh! This is really nonsense! I am so ashamed. Why did I come to such a place instead of listening to the holy teaching? My friend is listening to the sutra now and receiving boundless merits while I degraded myself at a place for prostitutes. How demoralizing!" He felt repulsive and ashamed, so he went back to the temple to listen to the sutra. But when he arrived there, it was already over. He was truly sorry and repented for several days afterwards.

While he was feeling ashamed at the brothel, his friend in the temple was unable to calm his mind to listen to the sutra. (Master laughs.) His mind kept wondering to the brothel and thought, "Gosh! This is really boring! Why do I stay here listening to the sutra? My friend is now eating and drinking and having a good time, while I sit here listening to some sutra. How boring!" (Master laughs.) As he thought about it, he got into a bad mood.

After a long time, both of the friends died. The angel of death pulled the friend who listened to the sutra to hell, and dragged the friend who went to the brothel to heaven. (Master laughs.) Do you know why? You don't know! It is because everything is created by the mind! God does not look at our conduct alone. He looks into our hearts! Sometimes, we see a person's behavior but we don't really know if he is that way. Unless we can measure from within, it is very difficult to judge the inner person. He may appear very kind, but his heart is not kind; or he may have a very loving heart, but it doesn't seem like that from his outer appearance.

The same with some of our fellow initiates. You know that they were not so virtuous in the past; some were big gangsters and some were lady gangsters. (Master and everyone laugh.) Some have killed others or have committed some deeds that were not acceptable to society. But after they repent, they try to purify themselves and practice self-cultivation sincerely. Eventually their sins will be eliminated. While there are some others who may not have committed any crime during their life time, but they roam around, refuse to learn meditation, and take only half a glimpse at the Master and feel nothing. They leave to look for other masters. They are always 'shopping" around; we might say that they are "shopping around the mountains" because most of the enlightened masters lived in the mountains. (Master laughs.) They jump from one mountain to another because the other seems greener and prettier. Due to their lack of sincerity in spiritual practice, they are not successful in the things they do.

Therefore, we cannot fool God by our seemingly kind outer appearance. We cannot fool God because to fool God means to fool ourselves. We are fully aware of what we want; and whatever we do, whether we are sincere or not, we know it clearly.

You have also read some stories of the ancient masters. Some of them were pretty weird, like Jigong (a Chinese master). We heard that he ate meat and drank wine, and was always drunk and falling down without dignity. Then there was the Chin-Shan living Buddha. He was also a weird monk (Master laughs.) He was always very sloppy and undignified. But they practiced and knew their own level of spiritual attainment; and the Buddhas knew as well. Therefore, even though it is not easy to judge from the outside, but as spiritual practitioners, we know from the inside whether we are sincere or not. Even if we don't know, God knows. It is not due to our outer performance that other people will believe in us, not necessarily so! God makes the judgement.

Being truly sincere is the most important in spiritual practice. At group meditation, some people may sit there quietly, but their mind is not focused. That's why Master often tells you that when you go to group meditation, you must keep your body, speech and mind clean. (Master laughs.) Otherwise, you receive no merit from sitting there; it is worse than those who meditate sincerely at home. They are very sincere and humble when they meditated every day; thus they receive more merit. (Master laughs.) But of course we will receive a lot of merit when we attend group meditation anyway, because the sincerity of the others will affect us. For example, when we come here and see hundreds and thousands of people meditating intently and sitting so seriously, we might feel ashamed and try to sit quietly for a while (Master laughs); thus very naturally we will receive a lot of merit through concentration and purification of the mind.

Someone Who Is Even Greater Than Master

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa December 29, 1994. (Originally in Chinese)

There was an enlightened master who belonged to the Brahmin caste. In India there are many castes and the Brahmin caste is one of the higher ones. This master was very poor. He had a wealthy disciple who was a cloth merchant, but he was a miser, and very narrow-minded.

One day, this Brahmin master needed a good quality, beautiful cloth to wrap up his religious items in, such as his small bell, "wooden Fish" and scriptures. Indian Brahmin practitioners had great respect for these religious items, so he went to ask the wealthy, cloth merchant disciple if he had such a cloth that he could give him.

The disciple said to him, "No, master! I am sorry! If only you had come a little earlier, I would definitely have had such a cloth, but you have come too late. I have just sold it. I don't have such a good quality cloth now. I am very sorry." He continued, "But I shall remember that you want a cloth like that. I will not forget. I will remember. Please always remind me and I will give it to you when I have it." Still, he always never had such a cloth. (Master laughs.)

Another day, the master came again. This time the wife of the wealthy disciple eavesdropped on their conversation. She immediately sent a servant to get the master. She asked the master, "What was it that you requested and my husband did not give you?" The master then told her the story about his need for a piece of precious cloth to wrap his religious items, etc. "But your husband doesn't have such a cloth," the master said. The wealthy disciple's wife said, "Don't worry! You will definitely have it tomorrow morning, and not only one piece of cloth, but two pieces. I promise you.'

Later, when the husband came home after selling his cloth, the wife asked, "Have you closed the shop?" The husband replied,"Yes, I have." She said, "Hurry back to your shop now and fetch me two pieces of such and such cloth." Her husband was surprised, "Oh! What is the rush? Can I give them to you tomorrow night? I definitely have some, but I will give them to you tomorrow. Is that alright?" The wife said, "No! I want the two pieces right now! At once! You are not willing to give them to me, are you? Ah?" Of course the husband said, "No, no. Immediately, I will go and fetch them right away. Okay!" The poor wealthy husband, he was not talking to the kind and simple master; he was talking to this great wife.

That is why the Chinese call their wives "tai tai" (meaning great). Is that not so? No just "ta ta" (meaning big), but "tai tai"! Not just one 'tai". "Tai yang" (the Chinese characters for "sun") only has one "tai", but your wives are called "tai tai", with two "tai". This means that nothing is greater than them. Even the kings are only called "ta wong" (great king), while the wives are 'tai tai". From this one can see how much the Chinese respect women, how much they respect their wives. Therefore, when the wife said something, he immediately ran back to the shop. Even though it was very late at night, he had to reopen the shop and bring back the two most beautiful pieces of cloth that his wife wanted.

Early in the next morning his wife sent a servant with the two pieces of cloth to the master. She also wrote a note to the master, which said, "Master, from now on please tell me if there is anything that you need. I promise you that you will have it immediately. You don't have to talk to my husband about it." (Master and everyone laugh.) This means that this wife is even greater than the master. It is like that in this world, I am sorry to say! These facts are difficult to accept, but (Master laughs.) such situation happens! Sometimes certain situations are like this.

There are similar cases with many of our fellow practitioners. After receiving initiation, they say, "I am sorry, Master! My wife does not allow me to be a vegetarian." (Master laughs.) I don't dare ask further, "Whom do you really want to listen to?" It is obvious! (Master laughs.) Then life after life they listen to their wives. Under such circumstances, what is the use of an enlightened Master's appearance on earth? Many people ask me, "Since Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are so compassionate, why don't they initiate everyone when they descend?" Even initiation is of no use to some people, is that not so? They won't listen to you! Therefore, everyone goes his own way, and chooses different ways of life.

Those With Kindred Spirits Attract Each Other

Spoken By the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa December 30, 1994 (Originally in Chinese)

This is an Indian story. There was a man whose name was Ayah. He was originally a slave, but for some reason, he was later appointed the Prime Minister, and the King liked him very much. Because of this, other officials were jealous of him. They tried many ways to make the King get angry with him, so that he would not be in such an important position any more. But, no matter how hard they tried, it was in vain. The King liked him all the same, even more.

One day, those officials asked the King, "Your Majesty, please tell us why you like this slave so much." The King replied, "Sure, I have a reason. You will know in time." About two or three months later, the King summoned all his officials and told them, "My dear officials, I will hide myself in the royal garden tomorrow. You should start searching for me early in the morning and find me before sunset. The one who finds me will be rewarded with a wonderful present."

Hearing that, the officials were all very happy, and wondered "Ah! What present will the King give us?' After they went home, they kept on thinking about the present and imagining what kind of present they might get the next day, so they did not sleep a wink. The same night, the King gave orders that the next morning, all of the most beautiful girls, who were experts in singing and dancing, should perform on each of the roads leading to the palace.

The next morning, the officials set off early to search for the King. But, on seeing those beautiful girls singing and dancing on the way to the palace, they could not help being attracted, and were gradually lured away to enjoy the performance. All the officials was thinking, "The road from here to palace's royal garden is quite near, and it is small. It will just take a few minutes to find the King. No need to be in such a hurry (Master laughs.) I can enjoy the singing and dancing first."

Being convinced of what they thought, they further indulged themselves in the performance until it was very late, about sunset. After realizing the time, the officials hurried to search for the King, but the sun had dipped below the horizon when they arrived at the royal garden. At that moment, they felt very ashamed and disappointed, since they saw Ayah, that slave, had already been with the King for some time. "Oh, why did you come here so early?" the officials asked, "Didn't you see people singing and dancing on the road? So beautiful! You didn't see?" The slave said, "Who was dancing? Who was singing? I didn't see anyone. In the morning, I came here right from home, and I never saw anyone singing and dancing. The only thing I kept thinking in my heart was how I could quickly find the King. I had been thinking about him since last night, and I could not afford to wait even one minute to search for him."

Then the King said to the officials, "Now you know why I like Ayah so much. It is because the only one he loves is me. In his eyes, the whole world does not exist. No matter how beautiful a girl might be, no matter how glorious a banquet might be, no one can win his heart. It is just like those who have kindred spirits, they attract each other. He loves me so much that I can not treat him other than myself. I just cannot help loving him."

This story is to remind us that we should devote ourselves completely to God, to Buddha without swaying one way or the other. Don't be tempted and let the worldly attractions lead us astray, away from our destination. Only in this way can we receive the grace of God. If we only think of God and our hearts house only God, then we are one with God. There would be no need to pray to God or to request anything from God, since everything is created by our mind. If we only think of God in our hearts, we become God. Do you understand?(Everyone applauds.)

God Almighty Takes Care Of Everything

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa Dec. 31, 1994 (Originally in Chinese)

There was once one very conscientious Indian yoga practitioner. One day his very old and sick mother died. He became very happy and immediately ran to the big hall, kneeling there he thanked God Almighty, perhaps the inner Master! He was there prostrating and saying, "Thank you God! I had not asked and had not prayed to You, but You had already given me a great blessing. Now that my mother had been taken away by You, I am very free and I'm able to think about You wholeheartedly everyday without any encumbrance. Thank You!"

He was there joyously dancing and singing. The neighbors felt it very strange: How come? His mother has died, and he did not shed a tear, and he has even dancing and singing. Meaning he was dancing a type of dance as to make an offering to God, not that he was going to a karaoke, it's not the same! Perhaps it was about the same, moving and shaking, they looked the same. But his mother would not be sad because his mother was also very pious spiritual practitioner, just like himself. They both knew that the world is ephemeral. Thus his mother was very happy when she passed away, and he was also very happy after she passed away. They were both strange people!

After burying his mother, he went to the bank of the Ganges everyday reciting the five names, meditating, and communicating with God Almighty. It had been three days and this person did not eat or drink anything. He totally forgot about it. He was sitting on one very secluded bank of the Ganges where no pilgrims pass by, thus he did not get anything to eat. Everyday he very happily recited the five names and meditated, so he forgot about hunger.

God Almighty spoke to the people beside Him, "Alas! What a pity! My disciple down there is dying of hunger and it seems like I am not being any responsible; not giving him anything to eat. He is there, remembering me every moment of the day, yet I am here forgetting to protect him." Then God told the angel beside Him to bring some good food to the riverside for him. A lot of blessed food was put on a gold plate: chapati, milk, apple etc. and brought to that person. That angel had never seen a human being before, not mention a boy. She was a girl and a bit shy to see a boy, so she silently put the plate beside him and flew away.

That person saw the food but did not see anyone come. He thanked God thinking it must have been sent by Him. He finished the food and continued to recite God's name, meditate, and enter samadhi. Suddenly a lot of people surrounded him and woke him up. They were carrying sticks and broad swords wanting to arrest him. Very puzzled he said, "Why? What is the matter?" They said, "You thief. You dare to steal this gold plate from God's temple. We want to take you to the King to punish you." No matter how he tried to explain, the soldiers would not believe him. Because they saw this poor boy in tattered clothes sitting by the river, they could not imagine that he could possess such a precious gold plate, thus they assumed that he must have stolen it. The plate looked like the ones used in the church to make offerings to God, so they were to take him back to be punished.

After taking him back, the King was very angry. He told his subordinates to beat him. He was beaten for a long time, very hard and very seriously, but that yogi did not feel anything at all, and continued to laugh (Master laughs). Not laughing like I am, but about the same. He was not only laughing, he was also very happy like being tickled. They got tired of beating him; their hands were sore. (Master laughs.) Then they stopped beating him and let him go. The King also felt strange, feeling as if God was protecting him, thus he dared not continue with the beating. But he was very curious and ran to the temple to see if such a plate that had been stolen.

When he went to the temple, he saw blood flowing from God's statue. He was very surprised, "How could it be so? How could an idol bleed?" Not only that, the places that were bleeding were exactly the places as on that person which had been beaten. Therefore, he knelt there repenting not knowing what sins he had committed. Later he realized that perhaps that person was innocent, beating him was like beating God, thus God's statue was bleeding. At that point, the King and his ministers were all very frightened. They all hurried to the riverside, knelt, and repented to that small, penniless yogi; they also offered him food everyday. When they went back to the temple, they saw that God's statue was no longer bleeding, hence they knew the reason.

Because this person was very earnest in his meditation, he thought only about God everyday, so God felt guilty because he did not have anything to eat. If it was because of the food that he was beaten, then of course it was God's fault. Thus He bore the punishment himself. Understand? It is not that after being God or Buddha you care about nothing. If we truly practice sincerely then God will take care of everything. This is the meaning.

A Magical Chair

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa December 31, 1994 (Originally in English & Chinese)

Long ago there was an old man. He lived at the foot of the mountain and was very poor. He had no possessions. His straw hut was his only possession. In fact, this person was very lazy so he deserved it! One day he heard that in a certain place there lived a very powerful yogi who had the supernatural power to create anything he desired. After hearing this, the very lazy person, who did not want to work, wished to go there to ask the yogi to use his supernatural power to create things for him so that he did not have to work any more. After thinking in this way, he left.

He walked a very long way to the mountain cave where the yogi lived. When he saw the yogi he prostrated. The yogi was quite nice, he politely entertained him and asked him about his purpose. The lazy man said, "Respected and beloved master, I am a very poor person. Besides a small straw house, I have nothing else. Now I am very old and not able to work, so please, compassionate master, please help me. Grant me some possessions to live on. I know you have a lot of supernatural power. You can immediately create anything you desire. I believe you are able to help me."

That yogi closed his eyes and sat there quietly without a word. Perhaps he was too tired listening to all of this. This old man than continued to ask him. After requesting for a long time, this yogi reluctantly gave him a chair and said, "After you go home, anytime you think of something you want, you can sit on this chair. But you have to wash you hands, face and take a bath before sitting on the chair. Then think about anything you desire. This way you will surely get it."

After thanking the yogi, the old man took the chair and immediately rushed home! After reaching home, he did not waste a bit time. He immediately washed his hands, face, took a bath, then he sat on the chair right away. At that time he was very hungry, so he immediately thought about food. Then food immediately appeared. Oh! Very beautiful, very nice and a very bountiful meal. So he enjoyed all the good food until he was very full. After eating he felt tired and desired a bed to rest. Immediately a bed with a thick mattress appeared. He lied down to sleep, but he could not really rest, because in his heart, he was always thinking of wanting things and money. He jumped up from the bed and sat on the chair. Now he started to think about transforming his straw hut into a palace. As he was thinking this, the straw hut immediately disappeared!

This old man's palace was very, very beautiful with jewels all over. The doors were made of gold. The floors and the ceilings were made with gold, even the pillars were of gold inlaid with jewels, very precious. Thus he was very happy and felt very comfortable. He continued to think, "Ah! Such a big palace should not be without any servants." He just thought and many servants appeared waiting for his commands. Later he thought, "The servants, the palace can not be without money!" He thought of a lot of gold, silver and money. Suddenly all these appeared together. It made this old man very happy in deed. But he suddenly became worried. He thought, "Ah! My palace is so beautiful, with so many possessions, if it happened that an earthquake should come, what to do?" (Master and all laugh.) He just finished the thought and the earthquake came. (Master laughs.) His possessions and the palace were squashed into the earth.

What does this story tell us? Our mind has to be clean and pure first. It is not good enough having supernatural power or power of practice. Therefore we have to clean our body, speech and thought before having the power. If we have the power but our body, speech and mind are not clean, precepts are not kept properly, then we could do bad things. Our own power could hurt ourselves. Sometimes this power could hurt others. Thus since ancient times, those masters, before taking in any disciple, would test the disciple for a long time until his body, speech and mind were completely clean before giving him the power.

Master often tells you not to practice supernatural power. The ordinary people outside can practice the supernatural power easily. They do not have to keep any precepts and do not have to be vegetarian. When we still cannot control our mind, if we think about bad things they appear at once, because at that time we get whatever we think. The power in the universe is immense, but we should know how to use it. Otherwise, it can cause a lot of harm, harming ourselves and damaging the world. Some disasters we see in the world are sometimes not necessarily the karma of the people, but due to some people who practice supernatural power. They practice towards the bad direction or because of their messed-up thinking, they then mess up the world. We can say that these people created trouble or were possessed by the negative power. Really there are such people.

Thus when we practice we have to think about God everyday, think about those fully charged names of the Buddhas to protect ourselves. Sometimes it is not entirely our own karma that causes our obstructions, but sometimes it is the negative, maya power around us that affect us. Therefore, we have to always remember our goal, remember the power of the most high, and recite the five Buddhas' names to protect ourselves. Thinking a lot about God Almighty, our mind becomes clean and then we do not desire anything. To us, at that time supernatural power would be of no use, because we would be one with God and there would be nothing we could not have.

At that time, we would be very satisfied inside and we would know that after we have left this illusive world, we would go back to our homeland where we would have everything. Compared to that place, this world is junk. Nothing could be offered to us. After our soul has returned many times to the homeland to take a look, our mind would understand and would be very stable. Then we would not want anything. Even if we want we would only want those things that are good for others. Our heart would be very kind, always thinking of positive things. Once thinking about positive things then the positive things would come.

Supreme Honor In The Universe

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa January 3, 1995 (Originally in English & Chinese)

Shankaracharia was a great master of India and a great philosopher at that time, and he had four disciples. He was an enlightened master. He had four disciples and one was very stupid. His name was Togata. This disciple was a very stupid one, Togata, but he was very, very devoted and sincere to his master.

One day they gathered in the temple to study the sutra, called Brahma sutra, and the class was about to begin. But the devoted disciple, Togata, took a little more time to clean the clothes of the master in the river, that's why he was a little bit late coming. All the disciples pressed the master to begin the class without waiting for Togata. They said, "Ah, Togata is a stupid student anyhow, there is no use to teach him. Whether he comes or not comes, it makes no different. It's a waste of your time, so we begin the class".

So Sri Shankaracharia wanted to teach a lesson to these arrogant disciples. He at once showered his grace on the devoted, da da ga, da da ga, cha ga ra ya. You know the stupid one yeah, and here he has more name. Da da ga da cha ri ya had immediate illumination and knowledge dawned in him; he came to the class brilliant and enlightened. And he was, of course, very... ah in ecstacy and he came exclaiming, "Oh, master the ocean of nectar of the love, of the compassionate mercy, limitless power, almighty Supreme Master Ching Hai, bla bla... (laughter) of the whole universe, I prostrate unto you, I prostrate in front of you. You have blessed me with limitless wisdom. I understand everything in the universe. I understand everything, oh you absolute, merciful, almighty, compassionate, loving, beautiful, adorable, respectful, noble, virtuous... I have no more words for your absolute highness." (Laughter) Okay. Just anything you want. I exaggerated. Any praise that you can tell that's fine. Actually it's not all in the book; I made it up. So all the disciples were struck with amazement and their pride was quelled at once, of course. They became humble, yes, they became very humble.

They mean in India or in this book, actually they say, also in Indian custom they believe and they know that the service to the Master, the Guru is the supreme blessing and the supreme honor, not only honor but the blessing, yes. And devotion to the Master is a great purifier of the heart. Now, Master's grace alone can help the aspirant, the disciple, you know the beginner, to cross this formidable ocean of worldliness, the attachment of the world. The Master's grace can help them overcome any attachment, any obstacles of this world. The guru is Brahma, the guru is Vishnu, means the guru is everything - is God, is angel, is Bodhisattva, is everything in everywhere. So they say glory to the guru, glory to the master, may the blessing of the master be upon you all. (Applause)

Mh2>A Stingy Old Woman

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jan. 5, 1995
(Originally in English)

At the foot of a mountain in India, there lived an old women. This woman, she loved "seclusion." Most of people when they love seclusion, it means they want to be one with God, they want to be alone so that they can think of God, they can meditate on God, they can remember God, they can love God, they can see God, they can hear God, they can talk to God, etc.... That is a true seclusion.

But this woman is not this case, she was the worst of all the misers in the country, means she is very stingy. She lived alone in seclusion, just because she don't like to share her possession, her food with other people. Charity was unknown to her. She knows nothing about charity. She did not part with even one grain of rice for the Cambodian people. (Laughter) During her lifetime, never ever she give anything at all, not even her cleaning mop. When it's worn out, she would repair it, keep it somewhere in case and never give it to anybody.

Now there is a God, called Lord Vishnu, you know Vishnu, second world God and he watched with interest the life and action of this famous old lady. He found that she was to die soon, after New Year (laughter). After she eats the first rice cake, she's probably going to be choked to death. Actually, there are many Japanese old people choked on rice cakes during New Year festival. Make sure you don't eat too much rice cakes, you know, the sticky rice cake? I don't know how they can choke on it, but actually someone did. Maybe this lady will choke on sticky rice cakes on New Year and she'll die soon.

And the Lord saw that she has only three more days of her life on earth. (How good! So that people can share some of her possession after she's gone.) The Lord, therefore, called Busandi to his side and say to him, "My very dear beloved Busandi, snatch something from her at least today, because tomorrow she has to die. When she dies, she will have some merit to her credit in that case if you stole something from her, at least some chocolate or something (laughter), or maybe popcorns." (Laughter) Busandi nodded okay, in the modern language, okay.

And he took the form of a crow and sat on the tree near the house of Kachani; Kachani is an old woman's name. It was the time when she was washing a handful of black gram, soak in water for cooking her food. Now, Busandi decided to snatch away a beakful of it, and suddenly, at one leap, he flew near the vessel and took a beakful, a mouthful of grain with lightning speed, "Chi!" (Laughter) But, the alert old woman grab him with the greater speed still, grab him in the neck like this. She wrung his neck, yuck! (Laughter) And kept it twisted, so that the grain would not slip down in his stomach. (Audience, in sympathy say, "Oh!") My goodness. Meanwhile, with her other hand, she parted the beak of the bird, and squeezed out, took out the grains to the last grain from the throat of the struggling crow. Oh!

This really... she deserves the award from us (laughter), "the most miserly woman in history". I don't know if there is such a story, there must be. I don't know, could be huh? Some people are so stingy and stupid, cruel, cold blooded. Busandi struggled for his life, gulp, gulp, gulp... (Laughter) At last, he was let free after she thought all the grain have been poked out by her.

He flew to Lord Vishnu and fell at his feet, half dead. Lord Vishnu questioned him as to what had happened after he left him. Busandi grasp out the whole story, pantingly and said, "Oh Lord, I was almost strangled to death. I could not succeed in my mission, I'm very sorry. But I could not get even a grain of food from that wretched old woman." Then the Lord said, "Oh, Busandi, do not say so. Come, let me examine in your mouth. (Laughter). Open your mouth, let me have a look.

So, Busandi opened his beak, and the Lord Vishnu used his wisdom eye with the magnifying glass look into his throat, and find, "Ah, there is something there. (Laughter) What is it, let me see what is it, let's see what is it, must be something." He saw a little bit of husk, the outer skin, shell of the grain, sticking to his palette. (Laughter) Thanks God at least he has not wasted his time and struggled for nothing. And say, "Look, Busandi, there's a small bit of husk sticking to your palate. I am satisfied," the Lord says. (Oh! the Lord is easy to satisfy.)

So now, the old lady has earned some merit. Oh, bless be the Lord, so compassionate and loving and merciful! Now he said, "Busandi, when she goes back to the world after her death, let her be fed on the husk of the particular grain which is found sticking to your palate. So the old woman will be eating that all her life long." And then, the Lord so saying, disappeared. Great and marvelous are the benefits of charity and righteousness, even involuntarily. Infinite and overwhelming is a love and compassion of the Lord, such is the mysterious potency of even the least act of kindness and charity. Probably she didn't want to take it out because she knows it is useless. Ah, it's not much there as you know (laughter).

The Lord Himself in His great love creates opportunities for the redemption and deification of the sinning human. When the old woman who did no meritorious act was ordained to get bread made of husk, and if we give people a lot of things more, how much would we have? That is the conclusion, huh, that's the meaning of it.

True Offering To God

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jan. 5, 1995
(Originally in English)

This is a story of the mental worship. Mental worship means a devotee, a follower don't use any external object such as flowers, incense, drums, gongs or statues, etc. to worship, or food offering.

You remember Ajuna? The devotee of Lord Krishna recounted in the Bhagavadgita. Ajuna was very fond of doing long and ostentatious external worship of God. He had a spacious worship room lit up with countless lights. He used gold and silver vessels. He spent several hours in ceremony and worship Lord Shiva. He would sit for many hours and throw cart loads of flowers at the image of Lord Shiva. You know Lord Shiva, one of the God in Hindu - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Shiva supposed to be the Lord of destruction. Actually He destroy evil, He doesn't destroy good person.

There is a brother of Ajuna called Bhima. He never sat to do any worship, he never went to the temple, he always goes to Miaoli. (Laughter, applause.) He used to close his eyes for a few minutes just before dinner, just a few minutes before dinner, and do mental worship of the Lord. Perhaps he makes offering or recite the five names or something like. Ajuna thought that he was a great devotee of the Lord and that he was highly pious and devoted. He thought that his brother Bhima had no devotion. Therefore, he looked down upon him with contempt. (Laughter)

Lord Krishna found out the attitude of Ajuna and wanted to teach him a good lesson and bring him to his senses. He proposed to Ajuna to take a trip to Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

When they are on their way, they met a man dragging a cart loaded with flower of diverse kinds. Ajuna asked the man where he was taking the flowers to. But the man kept silent as he was very much absorbed in his work, very concentrate. So Lord Krishna said to Ajuna, "Let us follow the man and find out the things for ourselves." Ajuna agreed and they both followed the man, they saw him empty the cart by the side of a huge heap of flowers which was as big as a hill of Hsihu Center. They further saw several hundreds of carts, all loaded with flowers, approaching the same spot and empty their contents there. There's a huge mountain of flowers, fresh flowers there.

Ajuna became more and more curious. He could not control his curiosity anymore, so he asked the man, 'Please tell me where these carts of flowers came from." None of them bothered to reply. But one man said after repeated questioning from Ajuna, "Venerable sir, kindly do not disturb us. We are too busy with our work. We have no time to talk to anybody. We have brought only seven hundred and fifty carts of flowers and more than seven hundred and fifty more are still in the temple. They are all the flowers with which one Bhima, a son of Pandu, worshipped our Lord yesterday." Understand?

That means these mountain of flowers only half of what they have to carry out, it still half laid somewhere in the temple, and all these flowers came from Bhima, the brother of Ajuna, the lazy one, the one who never went to the temple, never worship the Lord, apparently, and never do anything, never get a flower or incense to the Lord, the one that Ajuna always look down upon as useless, as atheist, as not devoted to God.

"Now, it's hardly four more hours before his worship today and we must remove all the flowers within that time. Everyday he worships, the mountain of flowers come." So they have to remove everyday there are so much flowers from him, from his worship.

Ajuna was struck with wonder. He asked, "Is it Bhima or Ajuna that you speak of? Are you sure you don't make mistake, you mean Ajuna, right, Ajuna, not Bhima!? My friends, think, think about it. You're mistaken. The name is Ajuna, Ajuna, A-J-U-N-A. Must be." So the man replied, "Poo! Don't talk about Ajuna. No, no, no, no, no! Not at all, not that one. It is Bhima, who does such glorious worship with intense devotion, and not his brother Ajuna, who merely makes an outward show of his worship."

Just then another man came with a basket of flowers, Lord Krishna asked that man, on purpose, on purpose, not that he doesn't know, "Ah, my friend, who's offering are these flowers?" Of course you know the answer. The man said, "They were offered yesterday by an ostentatious man who lives on the earth, his name is Ajuna, (laughter) and he makes a display of his worship without any real love and devotion." Therefore one basket of flowers and talks so much about it.

Ajuna lowered his head in shame and said to the Lord, "Oh, Krishna, Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih, (laughter) why did You have to bring me here? Let us leave this place at once. You could point it out, my defects, my self conceit, hypocrite and ostentation at home, and save all this trouble and exertion. I do admit that I thought very highly of my worship and devotion. I treated Bhima with contempt. Just now I realized that Bhima's short meditation with sincere devotion is more valuable than all my showy worship all day long." Lord Krishna smiled (laughter) and kept silent.

So you know in our place, in our none-temple temple, we don't bother with flowers and incense, or drums and gongs or anything. We just bother with sincerity and inner devotion. That's why I tell you concentrate and meditate, no need for outer performance so much, no need to even bow to me or bow to any Buddha. If you saw him inside, saw the Buddha inside, you may bow to the Buddhas if you want to. But the Buddhas do not expect these things. They expect that you are devoted to yourself, so that you can find your Buddha nature and became Buddha or became one with God. Found your own glorious nature and be of help to yourself and many other beings, and that is what the Buddha expects from us.

You May Not Know

The Doctor Of Love

By Resident Disciple Wu, Hsihu Center, Formosa

In a certain country, Master once met a young girl on the road side near the sea. The girl was injured and waiting for an ambulance. She had accidentally tripped and hurt her foot. A few of her teeth were also broken. Her teeth had been thrust foreword into the lip, she was unable to speak, and her mouth was full of blood. Her companion had called the ambulance quite a while ago, and the people and cars passing by had not taken any initiative to help. Master was concerned about the girl's injury, fearing that she might have a concussion, and decided that we would drive her to the hospital.

On the way, we met the ambulance. The nurse first asked the injured, bleeding girl, who was lying and resting in our car, to stand up to be examined. She then decided that the girl could catch a bus to the hospital herself, the ambulance would not take her. Master could not bear to let the injured girl suffer more. Besides, her companion was just an inexperienced teenager who may not be able to handle all the responsibilities of looking after the girl. Feeling a bit ashamed after hearing Master's sincere words, the nurse agreed to take the girl to the bus station. If she was already willing to bring the girl to the station, which was only a short way from the hospital, why make such a difference! Master still decided to escort the girl to the hospital. She did not feel comfortable letting the girl's condition be judged so casually by this nurse, just from the outward appearance.

After a few minutes' of driving, a downpour of rain started. Master was happy that the girl was not wet by the rain which may cause her more misery and wounds to infect. (Of course, Master had already arranged everything in advance.) Master also took the opportunity to teach us not to judge things lightly, just from external appearances. She also talked about people who become insensitive after working at one job for too long; they lose their love without even knowing it themselves! But spiritual practitioners are different. When they see an emergency, they help immediately. Love automatically springs out, because they see others as themselves, with the feeling of oneness with all beings.

But what happened in the hospital made us sigh once again! After waiting for a long time in the dental surgery unit, the dentist finally arrived. But, there was not a nurse to be found to assistant him. There being no other way, the dentist could only try to manage everything on his own. And the girl, diagnosed by the nurse as only having very minor injuries, but the doctor must spend many hours to complete the operation for her.

Master comforted the girl with loving words, telling jokes to make her feel happy and relaxed. Not only that, She also tried Her best to assist the dentist like a nurse. It was so strange. At last, there was a nurse, but not only did she not try to find an assistant, she even, in an unfriendly and impolite attitude, insisted that Master and the girl's companion leave the dental surgery area. Master continued to wait patiently in the hospital, leaving only after the girl's parents arrived. She comforted and offered concern to those suffering from illnesses, and gave Her seat to other waiting patients. After taking care of everything in the hospital, Master treated the girl's companion to a meal. After that, Master caringly asked a brother initiate in that country to send Her regards to the young girl by telephone. That brother initiate told us the girl was very grateful to Master, hoping that one day she would be able to come and visit Her.

Even after we left the country, the girl still did not know who this stranger was, this gentle and caring lady, who wholeheartedly does good deeds without wanting others to know. We also once again experienced and observed Master's great and deep love, in attending to every detail!

Rare To Be So Ecstatic

By Resident Disciple Wu, Hsihu Center, Formosa

In Thailand, Master said that She would like to go out for some relaxation. The driver was still in his room when Master had already gone down the elevator, as quick as lightning, and had taken a local taxi. Master asked the driver to bring Her to a nearby beach or scenic place for a tour.

The local driver was talkative and chatted with Master on the way. While talking, he suddenly thought about something and he looked at the sample booklet which he had placed in the car before we got in. He looked at the book cover then at Master, and look at the cover again. Then he asked Master, "Miss, can I ask You a question? Are You the person on this book cover? You look so much like Her!" Master humorously changed the subject. The driver persisted, asking several times. Finally Master smilingly admitted that it was Her. The driver was so excited and took this fine chance to ask some questions on spiritual practice.

Almost the entire tour, they stayed in the car. There was no sign of Master wanting to go sight seeing. When the taxi returned to the hotel, the driver opened the door respectfully and folded his palms to Master as She walked to the hotel entrance. His eyes followed Master every step of the way and he looked as if he was intoxicated. On entering the hotel lobby, Master asked if we had paid the taxi driver. The attendants were at a loss. One was busy transporting the video equipment, the other was busy taking care of the hand luggage. Both took it for granted that the other was going to pay. Consequently, Master had to take the trouble to remind us. However, being in the state of ecstasy, that this driver was, forgetting to ask for the fee is even rarer.

To Greet The Future Of The Earth With A Peaceful Atmosphere Of Spiritual Practice

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

(Originally in Chinese) Jan. 2, 1995

In recent years, the situation of the world has become more disturbing and turbulent. Prevailing are the frightening rumors about doomsday and the theory of destruction. Subsequently, many people on earth have started to be concern about the future direction and development of our planet. Here we share with you Master's recent New Year Three-day Retreat lecture. As the whole of humankind steps into the new year, we should particularly contemplate Master's words of caution and advice! We wish more friends would join the supreme Quan Yin Method family. With the gentle magnetic field created by their spiritual practice, the distresses on earth would be relieved, and our planet would become more civilized and advanced!

The positive power generated by our spiritual practice can avert some of the disasters in the world. We still see disasters happen as if nothing has helped. But, if we did not practice spiritually, there would be even more disasters, enough to destroy the whole planet long ago. The way we destroy each other... large ones swallow the small ones; small ones eat up the even smaller ones... we kill one another until no one is left.

Our world is in disarray. Don't you wonder why there are so many disasters among nations? Because some businessmen who manufacture guns and bombs want to sell their products in order to make money, so they find ways to spread rumors. "Ah! Look! They are trying to attack you!" (Laughter) They make up stories without any facts. "I know they are going to attack you because I have access to some top secret information. I have come to warn you to be prepared, so that if they attack you, you can give them hell!" That foolish person buys the story and the weapons. He says, "I will give you a good deal because we are friends! I want to protect your country so I will give you a bargain price. You can pay me over time if you wish."

Now he travels to another country and says, "Look! Do you see why that country is buying so many weapons? Do you know why? They are stockpiling lots of weapons next to your border. As far as I know, they even have nuclear bombs. If you don't prepare to attack first, it will be too late!" When the two sides start to fight, he says, "Wow! That's great! I have just made hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars!" This is just an example.

There are countless stories like this in the history of the world. That's why we have so many wars. However, it is also because we have accumulated too much killing karma over many life times. Such an atmosphere of hatred surrounds our earth, therefore, we have such situations. If we practice spiritually, things will get better. Like last year, 1994, even though many disasters took place, there were still many bright spots. Right? For instance, the earth almost collided with another heavenly body. It could have hit the earth, but it didn't. Right? Perhaps, because we repented, there was some good atmosphere on the earth. Many people eat vegetarian and meditate. This positive power averts some of the major disasters on earth.

As far as wars are concerned, we have no way of avoiding them. As long as human beings do not understand the grave consequences caused by killing, our world will continue to have disasters. The vegetarians are also affected somewhat, but most of us are alright and peaceful. When we die, we know where we are going. We won't have any problems.

While On The Path

Master Has Always Taken My Hand

By Fellow Initiate Carolyn, Texas, USA
(Originally in English)

With the advent of the television remote control device, channel-surfing has become a very popular pastime in the U.S.A. One day as I was surfing, I came upon a beautiful woman speaking in the gentlest voice I had ever heard. Although my attention was caught momentarily, being a channel-surfer, I passed Her on by. A few days later, She caught my attention again; several days later, the same thing occurred. Finally, I just gave up and listened because I knew there was no choice. She was the Supreme Master Ching Hai telling me how to save myself through Her method of immediate enlightenment.

A few weeks later, I was on a plane, with some total strangers, to an eastern country I could not even locate on a map and certainly had never contemplated travelling to. The purpose of this trip was to take initiation from a Teacher who would change my way of life forever.

Born in a female body of Anglo-Saxon origin, in the western, farming part of Texas and raised in a southern Baptist tradition, the occidental thought system was firmly entrenched in my mind. Nevertheless, when I heard the Master's teachings, I knew immediately She spoke the Truth and that there would be no turning back for me. I threw aside all remnants of my old belief system that still clung to me - it was so easy - and I will never look back.

All of us women, totally different, travelling to a completely strange country, Thailand. We flew for hours and hours. Finally checked into a hotel for a few hours, then resumed our travels to Chiang Mai to receive initiation. When the initiation finished, it was very late. We missed the last flight back to Bangkok and what was worse was that there would be no plane space the next day as it was the King's birthday. We were alone, stranded in a strange country without even a toothbrush.

As we, a Chinese lady, a Filipino lady and myself wandered through the empty building past midnight with absolutely no hope, I even began to doubt my sanity and the soundness of my decision-making. Suddenly and out of nowhere it seemed, we were approached by a young Chinese woman, fellow initiate Yang from Formosa, who asked if we had a way back to Bangkok. It just so happened they had space for us. Therefore, we had a comfortable, air-conditioned, touring bus ride back. Thank you to those initiates who looked after us in every aspect during the tour. The next day when I asked fellow initiate Yang what made her approach us in Chiang Mai, she just replied, "Master Power". Several days later, at the group meditation in Bangkok, I saw the "Master Power" for myself. She sent me Her golden light in the shape of a doorway which I pray will lead this alien to the Kingdom of God.

I now know, beyond any doubt, I have found the Saviour who will lead this alien back Home. And for this reason, all things related to my old lifestyle were so easy to throw away - it was no sacrifice at all - I gladly cast off the ties that bind me to this world and take Her Hand, to go to the Far Land, from where we came.

By By An Extraordinary Thanksgiving Day

Fellow Initiate Nguyen, Texas, U.S.A.
(Originally in Au Lac Language)

I can still recall how ignorant I was before I met the Supreme Master Ching Hai. All my previous Thanksgiving holidays were spent in enjoying worldly pleasures. Even the memory of those days makes me feel ashamed. I am so grateful to Master Ching Hai because She pulled me out of the abyss of darkness and taught me to be a real child of God, a noble human being. Now, there is nothing more important to me than meditation. Only through meditation and adhering to the guidance of a living enlightened Master, can we be liberated from the cycle of birth and death, and return to the arms of our Father in heaven.

During the Thanksgiving holiday this year, I joined fellow practitioners in sharing gifts and vegetarian food with the unfortunate homeless people. We also shared with them Master's teachings to warm their hearts. I recall in the book "Embraced by the Light", the author narrated her near death experiences. She mentioned her vision of a homeless drunkard, which makes me feel that they are so close to us. Who knows whether the homeless people we met today are not just like the drunkard in that book. Perhaps they too descended from the higher worlds, put on ragged, miserable appearances just to help and remind human beings to love each other, and to guide them back to God's arms. I do not feel these homeless persons are different from me in any way, because I have realized the truth in Master's teachings. It is indeed a fantastic experience sharing an unprecedented Thanksgiving Day with fellow practitioners and the homeless persons, in harmony and bliss.

As I was driving around the city trying to find the way back to the branch center, the wind became brisk and chilly. I could feel the coolness even though I was in a heated car. Observing the homeless people shivering in cardboard boxes, I looked up to the sky outside the window and prayed to God, prayed to Master to bless them, that they may enjoy peace and bliss forever.

Poems

My True Home

By Fellow Initiate Chu, Mainland China

I want to go home, I want to go home.
That home
Is my true origin,
My eternal home.
Although, in this world,
Fame, fortune and beauty are very glamorous,
In the end,
The bubbles of attraction burst.
In this world,
The attachments of loved ones are hard to break,
But after all, this is not
My permanent home.

Just becauseofthe ephemeral colors and splendor,
I was lured
Into such a misery!
Just because of the passing feelings of love,
I have exhausted myself.
How pathetic!

I want to go home, I want to go home.
Go back to
My true origin,
My eternal home.
Please, Mother Ching Hai,
Hurry, take me
Back to that eternal home.
If someday
I learn my way home,
I pledge
To come back to take the rest home.

Not Fast Enough...

By Fellow Initiate Xie, Taizhong, Formosa

I can't listen fast enough
To Your teachings that touch my soul.
What admiration I have
After watching tape after tape of Your video lectures!

I can't appreciate enough
All the appearances You pose for sentient beings.
What beautiful surprises
Those attractive photos of You!

I can't relish enough
Your unique creations that are so beyond this world.
What thoughts
Have crystallized into those original works of art!

I can't absorb fast enough
Your words that unveil the ancient mysteries.
How enlightening
The little parables that move our hearts!

I can't describe enough
Your delicate feelings that have been baptized in tears.
How soothing
The poems that silently touch the heart!

I can't embrace enough
The protecting grace You bestow upon me wherever I am.
How touching
The accounts of Your amazing wonders!

I can't hang on fast enough.
I can't make changes fast enough.
Bit by bit,
You carve away the faults that are buried deep within me.
Drop after drop
Your tears shed in the darkness.

Yet all these
Are the great love
From my compassionate Master
To Her not-fast-enough disciple.

Spiritual Interludes

Door Guardian And Strange Visitors - Encounter Of The First Kind

By Resident Disciple Chang,

Hsihu Center, Formosa

Today, two strangers came to visit Hsihu Center. Since it was not a Sunday, they were not allowed to look around inside; but they did not feel disappointed. On the contrary, they praised this kind of serious and tranquil way of practice. Besides purchasing some Master's books, they also talked about the reasons of their visit.

One of the visitors loved to study all sorts of scriptures. He had learned an esoteric kind of practice from a master and had obtained some experiences. But he was still not fully satisfied hoping to find a more ultimate and complete method of practice.

One day, as he was staring at the bookshelf full of scriptures feeling that none of the books would be able to answer his inner dilemmas. Suddenly, he noticed the sample booklet "The Key To Immediate Enlightenment" which had been put to one side a few years ago. He picked up the booklet and flipped through it without any great expectations. Much to his surprise, each word uttered by Master was like a key opening up every doubt in his heart. "Right! These are the Buddha's real teachings! The true meaning of the ancient Buddhism!" After spending a few days cross-checking with the other scriptures, he knew that he had come across the Supreme Method. Filled with joy, he immediately invited his good friend to accompany him to our Center.

Although they could not enter the Center, they were still very pleased, and they quietly walked around the outer perimeter of the Center. From their words and actions, it was not difficult to see their sincere, cherishing and appreciating attitude.

A "Delayed" Enlightenment

By Resident Disciple Liu, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Ever since Master started working so hard, travelling around the world to spread the Truth and help the refugees, we, the residents at Hsihu Center could no longer be by Her side to listen to Her teachings as we used to do. Although our daily schedule remains the same as before and we still meditate in the morning and evening, we seem to have more quiet time for reflection. There were many things Master taught us before which we could not understand and did not want to know at the time. However, during this period of Her absence, Master gave me answers to many of my questions.

I remembered one time when I brought some documents for Master's review. As I entered the cabin there were several foreign initiates present, so I nodded my head as a greeting to them. Later, Master went to another room for something and left us there by ourselves. While waiting, one of the sister initiates asked me, something like, "Would you like some tea?" I immediately replied, "No, thanks!" with what I thought was perfect English.

When Master came back into the room, She gave me some instructions about something. Quite out of the ordinary, She spoke to me in English, and at very fast pace in a stern manner. I was so nervous that I could not understand a word of it! "How come?" I thought. "At least, I should be able make out a few words!" At that time, I really could not understand. Master knew my English was poor, why did She speak to me in English?

Not until six months after Master has gone abroad did this enigma suddenly come to light. I realized that Master wanted me to learn the lesson of truthfulness - to say what we have, instead of pretending to have what we don't, and to be truthful instead of fooling others and ourselves. Looking back, I remembered my mannerism as I replied to the sister initiate, it was indeed as if I spoke excellent English, but actually....

The moment when I understood completely Master's intention, my heart pounded and the gratefulness that I then felt could not be expressed in words! Without being chopped by Master's wisdom sword, I don't know how much longer I would continue to hide the malevolent qualities that are buried deep within myself; and when would I ever realize my inner self as the most truthful, most virtuous and most beautiful.

Loving Consideration

By Resident Disciple Chen, Hsihu Center, Formosa

One day, going out on an assignment with some fellow sisters, we parked our car near the house of a fellow initiate. After leaving the car, we found one of the back-seat windows was not tightly closed. We first thought that it was not a big deal. However, the fellow sister that drove the car felt it was not quite right. So she went back, opened the door, and closed the window. She made an insinuating remark: "Just to protect other people."

Master taught us that even though we may not care very much about some things, we should still protect the thoughts of other people and not provide them with opportunities to incur karma. Therefore, we should always be careful about our speech, behaviour, ways of dressing and so on. This is to protect others as well as ourselves.

Spot Light

Love Makes The World More Beautiful

Report On An Extraordinary Awards Ceremony

By Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

To receive an award from an enlightened Master is such a special honor in the whole universe. The implications of the awards were also unusual, truly unprecedented. We present here in this issue a summary of this ceremony that is so filled with the glory of humanity. It not only serves as an record for the future, but also as a beautiful example to enhance the world.

The World Is But One Family -
Helping Others Is Helping Ourselves

During the hunger relief efforts for Cambodia, the Formosan government, namely, the Central Trust of China, the Food Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture played a major role in demonstrating the spirit of helping the needy, which has long been a part of Chinese culture. These government agencies made special exceptions, allowing immediate purchase of large quantities of rice with discount price. While working with the highest efficiency, they throughed out all the problems to allow the grain to be shipped out quickly within two weeks. This helped relief the sufferings of millions of hungry people in Cambodia.

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Chung, the representative from the Central Trust of China, said that when he learned of the emergency to purchase rice for hunger relief, he had a sense of doing it immediately because saving lives is most important. He said that in the past, the export of rice had always been for profit; this time, however, it was totally for disaster relief, thus making it especially meaningful. He said that the entire process was a combination of the love and efforts of many people.

The representative from the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Li, said that he has a very high regard for Master's compassionate actions in saving the world, and that he had come here with a heart filled with humility and gratefulness. He said that he watched Master's videos often and had attended Master's lectures at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall a few times.

When Master presented an artistically carved wooden plaque to Mr. Lin, the representative of the Food Bureau, She said, "Carved on the plaque is a bowl of rice, symbolizing the most important food for human beings. When we are willing to give to others, it shows that we have plenty of love within us. We want to thank your department for helping us help the suffering Cambodians."

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Lin said that the compassionate act of helping our brothers and sisters worldwide, to have food to eat, is what we should all do, and that he felt honored to have been able to participate in this activity. He mentioned that the Food Bureau normally operates through official documents; however, this time, due to the urgent situation, they by passed all the red tape and worked from the telephone calls, they choosing the best quality rice for this shipment.

As Master presented the certificates of appreciation, She said, "We have especially written on the certificates the help you have rendered. Although we should not talk about the compassionate acts that we have done, but because the ones being helped should remember, therefore, we especially wrote them down to express our thankfulness." As a token of expressing Her sincere and deep gratitude, Master presented Her self-designed, lotus shaped Longevity Lamps as gifts.

Besides the group awards, there were individual awards given to Mr. Chen Wen-De of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Lai Zong-Biou from the Central Trust of China, and Mr. Hwang Ching-Ho of the Food Bureau. They eagerly helped and cooperated; their earnest and courageous attitude truly set the best example for all civil servants. When they accepted the awards, they were all very humble, not taking any credit for themselves. They stated that it was only their duty to help. Master's gifts and love were very much appreciated.

Master also presented the Japanese government an award to honor their loving action of giving twenty thousand tons of grain to help relief the hunger in Cambodia, helping Au Lac, being its top aid donor country, (see appendix 1) and for sending Peace troops medical aid, transportation and food, etc. to Rwonda and Tanzania. Ms. Mizuhara, receiving the award on behalf of the Japanese Government, said she had observed that ever since Master taught many Japanese disciples to practice meditation, the atmosphere of the entire country has changed; it has become politically more honest and socially more calm and peaceful. At one time, when Master was staying in Japan, the nation's traffic accident rate was almost zero. Regarding this, she was especially grateful that Master had brought to Japan great blessings, which may or may not be tangible.

A Heroic Act On The Ocean

The Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., Formosa, generously shipped the relief grain caring little about the profit. The manager of the company, Mr. Chen, truly tried his best to provide service with a loving heart; he truly set an honorable example, something to be remembered by the other overseas shipping companies. He was the recipient of The World's Best Shipping Manager Award. When he heard that the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her disciples were wholeheartedly involved in this international relief effort, he was very touched. He felt very honored and accepted the opportunity to help with a sincere heart. Master presented him with a diamond shaped Longevity Lamp, representing eternal love, and a plaque carved in a shape of a ship of compassion.

A World Without Borders

During the 1994 New Year holiday the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Formosa made an outstanding effort. Despite the year-end holiday, it extended its office hours to allow several hundred fellow initiates and guests to obtain visas to be able to be with Master in Thailand. Such ardent service, spirit of sacrifice, and kind, bright and efficient manner are really worthy of praise and respect. The award given was for The Model Consulate. Master hopes that the world would have more consulates like this, that truly serve the people. In fact, the world should not have boundaries. It would be better if all the nations were like brothers and sisters. We hope someday, consulates will not need to place seals on the document, and that we may visit our neighboring countries at any time.

The secretary of the Thai Foreign Ministry, Mr. Nimitr Ajchariyakitisakool, is sincere, humble, positive, enthusiastic and respectful of spiritual practice, and because of his manner, he has created the international community, a good impression of Thailand. Therefore, he was presented The Best Diplomat In The World Award. Master said, "This secretary of the Foreign Minister is very dedicated to his job. Whenever Master goes to Thailand, he always dispatches police troops as escorts, and personally takes care of the administrative procedures for Master. By dispatching police officers to lead the way, he helps save much precious time for Master. Moreover, Master is not the only one who receives such special service; whenever foreign government officers came to visit, he personally receives them at the airport, regardless of their ranks or positions."

A Great Hero Among The Unnoticed

The Okura Hotel in Japan is a model hotel in the international hotel business; its accommodations, the manner of their employees and the cleanliness of their restaurants are all outstanding. Because Master has stayed in many hotels in many countries, She said that this one is truly the best. Most unusual was that every room was equipped with a fax machine. Also they were especially careful in not disturbing the guests; if they needed to notify the guest of something, they would leave a note instead of phoning. Therefore, Master felt very peaceful and comfortable while She stayed there. As well, they did not accept tips from the guests, because they felt it was their duty to serve.

The door attendant at the hotel, Mr. Akiyoshi Hashimoito, left people with an unforgettable impression due to his courteous and meticulously gentle service. Upon Master's arrival and departure, he would always place a special wooden box by Her car for Her to step on as She got in and out of the car, because he was concerned that the jeep had a high step. At that time, he didn't know who Master was. He respects and provides meticulous services to everyone equally.

Master said, "Even though this person has an unprestigious position, he does it exceptionally well. Therefore, he deserves to be commended. Not only great people receive recognition. He was not the hotel manager, but only a doorman. However, when he performed his work, he did so seriously, as if a king were taking care of his country, meaning that he respected his job and was very confident. This made Master really respect him. It is not necessary to work at a great job in order to feel that we are important. As long as we dedicate ourselves one hundred percent in doing any job, then it is correct."

The Brave People Who Are The Eyes And Ears Of The Public

During the presentation of the awards to the outstanding journalists, Master said that being a journalist was a special job, which not only required talents in writing, but also courage. As if being the eyes and ears of the public, journalists not only need to be good in listening and observing, but also in writing. To report faithfully is a journalists' duty and pledge. If they make factual news reports that benefitted the world, they would gain merits, and if their reports were untrue, then they might incur negative karma.

The Most Courageous Journalist Award - Ms. Li Yue-Ning of the Broadcasting Corporation of China, Formosa. Undaunted by difficulties and adverse opinions, Ms. Li produces a program entitled, "The Quan Yin Method", and broadcasts a series of the Supreme Master Ching Hai's lectures. Telling the truth takes courage. Her wisdom and courage is indeed worthy of praise. Ms. Li is about to immigrate. She sincerely hopes that Master will give Her consent to continue to produce and broadcast radio programs on Her behalf in North America.

The Most Compassionate Journalist Award - Mr. Al Santoli, a journalist from Washington D.C., U.S.A. Mr. Santoli bravely reports the afflictions imposed on refugees, seeking fair treatment for them. His humanitarianism practices in arousing the world's conscience, which he sees as his duty, indeed deserve praise and admiration.

Master commended Mr. Santoli's sacrifice of his time and energy, and perhaps risking his own safety, for the sake of helping the refugees. He could not be present that day because he was busy with his engagements, making reports on the refugees and giving them help. He helps the refugees not because they are his fellow compatriots but purely because he wants to help humankind.

Mr. Santoli made an acceptance speech over an overseas phone call. He said that it was his great honor to receive Master's endorsement for his efforts in the pursuit of suitable and humane solutions for the refugees and orphans from Southeast Asia. He sincerely described the direction of his work in helping the refugees. He hoped to be able to meet with Master in Washington, to discuss new plans to assist the refugees.

The Most Enthusiastic Journalist Award -- This honor was shared by Mr. Fang Hua of R.F.P.I. France, and Mr. Jean Claud Carton, General Secretary of the Here & Now Radio Station, France.

Mr. Fang Hua could not come to Formosa due to a problem in his visa application. He humbly said in an overseas phone call that what he did was merely a little bit of work that a person of the news media profession should do, and it was nothing that warranted a commendation.

Being a Chinese afar from home, in a country that speaks a different language, and successful in reporting the truth in the news that influences Europeans' spirituality and moralities, is indeed a great achievement.

The Here & Now Radio Station is a spiritual radio station, held in high regards by the public for spreading the truth and inspiring spiritual development.

The Most Responsible Journalist Award -- Mr. Suprihadi, reporter and editor of the Indonesian Harian Surya News. Unable to obtain a visa to come to Formosa in a short time, Mr. Suprihadi expressed by fax his gratitude to Master and the Meditation Association for awarding him such great honor. He also humbly said that he was merely stating the truth to the Indonesian readers. It was a surprise to him that he was awarded.

The Best Truth Supporting Journalist Award -- Mr. Son Chung-Mu from the Inside the World Magazine, Korea. Having travelled to the U.S.A., Mr. Son could not attend the ceremony. He sent a fax message praising Master for leading Her disciples to give contribution to the world in 1994. He hoped that in the new year there would be even more efforts and activities to protect the world and to help the needy and the suffering. Receiving the award was an encouragement to him to engage in more and better endeavor.

Mr. Hong Chao-Feng, Host of the "Sun, Moon and Star" program, Radio Hong Kong, was presented the Most Faithful Journalist Award. Ms Wei Wu, reporter of the World Daily News, Thailand, was presented the Fastest Reporting Journalist Award. Ms. Chen Bi-Hua, reporter of the Formosan United News received the honor of the Most Outstanding Reporter Award for her down to the point and beautifully written reports, which quickly and accurately voiced justice and the truth.

Poet of the Year Award

Ms. Hwang Yueh-Chen from Formosa and Mr. Andrew Nicholls from Singapore were both presented this award for their poems, "Creation" and "God's Perfect Creation". Fellow Initiate Andrew has great talent and an elegant style in writing. He offered another new poem he composed to Master at the event. Master lovingly encouraged, "If fellow initiates practice meditation diligently, so that they progress spiritually and develop their wisdom, then it is the best gift, the best poem."

Charity Earns Merit For Society

The warm event was coming to an end. With words of wisdom, Master once again explained that the purpose of this event was to publicize the good people to the world. Through the reports in the news media, videos and cassette tapes, which reach far and wide, there would be wonderful examples for the world to follow, so that it would become even more loving and beautiful.

From this ceremony fellow practitioners appreciated even more Master's deep love and good intentions for Formosa. From launching the "One kilogram of rice saves an entire nation" to the commendation award ceremony, Master created chances to give merits to the government and people of Formosa. In Her speech, Master said, "I am contented with my life, and I don't desire any merit at all. However, to certain nations or races, it would not be useless to have more merits. For example, earthquakes and typhoon often occur in Formosa. If we help other countries more, we can bring forth merits and share with the compatriots who need them. I am very glad to see the personnel from the Formosan government displayed such enthusiasm to help us. Not just because they helped us that we are grateful. We are grateful on behalf of the compatriots in Formosa, happy for Formosa, to have this opportunity to add so much more merit to the country. Of course the country will prosper more, develop further and become better. Helping others is helping oneself. We must not say that having done so is good enough. We can go on, to earn even more merits, to develop the country more, so that our nation, government and race are even more respected internationally."

The Perpetual Mission

Good people need to be honoured and praised. They have done numerous good deeds that could not be expressed in an award. Benevolence should be practiced at all times, in our speech, thoughts and actions. This event of profound meaning is the beginning of anther perfect mission that cannot be punctuated by a "period".

(I) Group Awards

Mr. Li Tseng-Chung, representing the Depart-ment of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Formosa, accepted the award.
The Poet of the Year Award also went to fellow Initiate Andrew from Singapore.

Mr. Lin Win-Shown, representing the Food Bureau, Formosa, accepted the award.

Mr. Chung Chen, representing the Central Trust of the Republic of China, Formosa, accepted the award.

Letter of Appreciation from Mr. Tsai Mao-Chang, director of Central Trust of China, Formosa.

The Japanese Interchange Association in Formosa accepted the award on behalf of the Japanese Government.

Mr. Chen Wen-Dieng, representing Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., Formosa, accepted the award.

The Taipei Branch of the Thailand Trade and Economy Office in Formosa was presented of the Model Consulate Award.

Operating Chief, Mr. Nishikawa Noriyuki and Director, Mr. Yamazaki Goro accepted the Model Hotel Award on behalf of the Okura Hotel in Japan. (front left 2,3)

(II)Individual Award

The best Diplomat in the World Award - Mr. Nimitr Ajchariyakitisakool, Thailand.

The World's Best Civil Servant Award - Mr. Chen Wen-De of the Department of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Formosa.

The Most Efficient Department Head Award - Mr. Hwang Ching-Ho of the Provincial Food Bureau, Formosa. Mr. Li Tseng-Chung accepted the award on his behalf.

A handwritten letter of appreciation from the director of the Provincial Food Bureau, Formosa, Mr. Hwang Ching-Ho.

Excellent Leadership Award - Mr. Lai Zong-Biou of Central Trust of China, Formosa.

The World's Best Shipping Company Manager Award - Mr. Chen Wen-Dieng of the Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., Formosa.

Concierge of the Year Award - Mr. Akiyoshi Hashimoto, of the Hotel Okura, Japan.

The Most Courageous Journalist Award - Ms. Li Yue-Ning, a program producer and host at the Broadcasting Corporation of China, Formosa.

The Most Faithful Journalist Award - Mr. Hong Chao-Feng, the host of the "Sun, Moon and Star" program, Radio Hong Kong. (right side)

The Most Compassionate Journalist Award - Mr. Al Santoli, a journalist from Washington D.C., U.S.A. (left side)

The Most Enthusiastic Journalist Award - Mr. Fang Hua of R.F.P.I., France. (left side)

The Most Responsible Journalist Award - Mr. Suprihadi, a foreign reporter and editor of the Indonesian Harian Surya News. (right side)

The Best Truth Supporting Jaurnalist Award - Mr. Son Chung-Mu director of the Inside the World Magazine, Korea. (right side)

The Most Enthusiastic Journalist Award - Mr. Jean Claud Carton, General Secretary of the Here and Now Radio Station, France. (left side)

The Poet of the Year Award went to fellow Initiate Hwang Yueh-Chen from Formosa.

A True Account Of A Miraculous Person

The Legend Of A Taoist (Part II)

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Hu
Nantou, Formosa

Recorded By Resident Disciples,
Hsihu Center, Formosa

Taoist Hu was an optimistic, simple nature child. He was mischievous, intelligent and had a strong sense of justice. He liked to help out anyone being treated unfairly. Even now, in his old age, he is still the same way. It truly is like the Chinese saying, "It is easy for a nation to change its ruler, but it is difficult for a person to alter his nature." Perhaps it is because of his character that all his life he has run a Taoist temple to help the public, the kind of work that demands a lot of one's effort but offers little reward in return.

Working With Water Spirits To Earn One Hundred Silver Dollars

Among the many incidents in his life, there are some that he remembers well and likes to relate to others. One of them that occurred when he was a child, is the story of working with the water spirits to earn one hundred silver dollars.

In his home town, a village in Yung Ching, where he spent his childhood, there was a place called "Water Ghost Pond". Disturbing incidents caused by the water spirits frequently occurred around this pond, and so no villagers dared to go near it. Especially at night, it even became a forbidden area for the villagers. One evening the villagers gathered as usual, to have tea and chat. They were talking about mysterious and ghost stories, when the local wealthy man said, "If anyone dares to pick some leaves from the banyan tree by Water Ghost Pond, I will give him five cents for every leave." Of course none of the villagers dared to take up such a risky challenge. (At that time, the Japanese ruled Formosa, and five cents was a lot of money.)

Taoist Hu was not afraid of ghosts because he had had frequent encounters with invisible beings since he was a child. So he said to the wealthy man, "Are you serious about what you just said?" "Of course!" the wealthy man replied without hesitation. So Taoist Hu set out for the banyan tree by Water Ghost Pond. Once he got there, he saw many water spirits gathered under the tree. Taoist Hu said to them, "I've come here tonight to pick some leaves, because someone in the village said that he will pay five cents for each leave. This tree is too tall for a child like me to pick leaves off it, so please give me a hand. You can help me by pulling the branches down so that I can pick off the leaves. Tomorrow I will have money and I will buy a lot of paper money, biscuits and candies for you."

So he worked with the water spirits and earned over one hundred silver dollars. That was quite an unforgettable income in his life as a "poor Taoist", especially that he was barely a teenager then.

Chivalrously Expelled Poison Specialist

When Taoist Hu was young, his father often entertained in his home people from all walks of life, from both sides of the law. Once a so-called "Tang Shan traveller" from Mainland China came to stay with them. This man was a specialist in poison. During his stay, he often went to the so-called wine clubs and poisoned the hostesses there. He waited quietly for a chance to put poison on the towels, with which the hostesses, unknowingly, used to clean their faces. Later when their faces began to fester and rot, he spread the word that he knew how to heal that kind of illness, and people would come to him for a cure.

The hostesses relied on their beauty to attract people. Now that their faces were ruined, of course they were very anxious and willing to pay any cost for a cure. Later, they gradually realized that it was a trap set by the Tang Shan traveller to make money. However, fearing that he would use poison on them, they dared not do anything but curse him behind his back.

Because the Tang Shan traveller was staying in Taoist Hu's house, the reputation of his family became jeopardized. One day Taoist Hu could not bear it any more and asked his father, "The uncle staying with us is very bad. He hurts people in order to make money. Why do we continue to let him stay in our home?" His father replied wearily, "I don't know that he really does things like that; he did not admit it when I asked him. I can't tell him to leave without having any evidence."

So Taoist Hu began to watch secretly how the Tang Shan traveller picked herbs and prepared the antidote. When he learned how to make the antidote, he stayed home and waited for the hostesses from the clubs to come for treatment. Then, instead of advising the Tang Shan traveller, Taoist Hu gave them the medicine free of charge. Later, the Tang Shan traveller could no longer make any money by his crooked means, so he left.

Master had once jokingly said, 'Praising others unnecessarily is also a kind of poisoning. It can poison people's humility, consequently their arrogance and ego will emerge. In the end, they have to come and bother me for an antidote." So Master asked fellow practitioners not to praise each other the way outside people do. Instead, you should protect each other. From then on fellow practitioners at Hsihu Center joked and gave the title, "the patriarch of the Poisonous Dragon Lake", to those who liked to give sweet talk and flattery to others.

Master Foretold Her Three Visits To The Taoist Temple

In 1989, a few months after his first vision of seeing Master, Taoist Hu had another vision. During meditation while in the state of samadhi , he saw Master's manifestation body. He asked Master when would She have time to visit him again. Master replied, "I will come to see you within three days." Sure enough, on the second day Master came to see him, bringing with Her even more monastic disciples. It happened that there were many guests in the Taoist temple. When Taoist Hu saw that Master had suddenly arrived, he was very surprised and hurriedly asked all the guests to leave, so that he could welcome Master and the over thirty monastic brothers who accompanied Her.

It was also the year when Master started to lecture publicly, and the number of people who followed Her to practice drastically increased. However, Taoist Hu had not yet officially received initiation, becoming Master's disciple. Several months later, when Master visited Taoist Hu's temple, Ming Hu Kung, for the third time, Taoist Hu asked Master the moment he saw Her, "A few days ago, during meditation, Your manifestation body told me that You would come in a few days time. I asked, 'About what time will You come?' Your manifestation body only smiled and waved, but did not reply. So this time I did not know when You would come." Master replied, "If I want you to know, you will know! If I don't, you won't! Why do I have to tell you in advance every time?" That made everyone present burst into laughter.

The Time Was Ripe To Become A Disciple

Not long after Master's third visit to the Ming Hu Temple, in a situation where Taoist Hu was the least prepared, he finally received initiation and formally became Master's disciple.

In the early days, Hsihu Center admitted only fellow practitioners and was not open to the public. Master did that in order to protect the tranquil atmosphere of the Center, so that when fellow practitioners went there for group meditation, they could concentrate on their meditation and receive great blessing. Master did not want the Center to become like the tourist attraction temples outside, which were crowded by curious, wandering tourists and polluted by people's meat eating, drinking and smoking atmosphere. Under such circumstance, how could fellow practitioners meditate in peace?

However, the general public in Formosa already had a bad conception about centers of spiritual practice. They do not have much respect for the tranquil atmosphere of spiritual centers. Therefore, Hsihu Center made a rule prohibiting visits from outsiders. However, it created misunderstandings with the people outside as well as with fellow practitioners' friends and relatives. They thought that something mysterious that could not be revealed to the public was taking place in the Center. Eventually, to nullify the unnecessary misunderstandings, Master opened the Center and allows guests to come on Sundays.

One Sunday soon after the Center was opened, Taoist Hu joined some fellow practitioners and went to Hsihu Center to see Master. It happened that there was to be an initiation that day. A fellow practitioner advised him to take the opportunity to apply for initiation. He was not prepared at all. He only had five thousand NT dollars on him. So he said to the fellow practitioner, 'Oh, no! I didn't know that I can receive initiation today. I haven't prepared any red packet." The fellow practitioner replied with a smile, "Master never accepts any red packet (money) for initiating someone to be Her disciple." Not believing what he heard, Taoist Hu went to ask other fellow practitioners if that was true. Of course the answers he got were that it was true. Feeling very comfortable, he went to apply for initiation. (According to Taoist Hu, out of the more than twenty masters he had followed, only master Peizhung Liu of the Kunlun Sect and Master Ching Hai did not accept any red packet (fee for the service) for initiating people to become their disciples.)

Witnessing An Incident In Another World Led To Tears Shed For Master

That day, at the initiation session, while Taoist Hu was sitting with others waiting for Master to arrive, he closed his eyes and meditated. Suddenly he had a vision of a scene that made him shed tears of agony. He saw Master giving people initiation and paying off their karma for them. The initiation caused their debtors to appear. In order to take on the bitter karma of the disciples, Master's manifestation body was beaten black and blue. She was almost beaten to death. As Taoist Hu could no longer bear to witness that and was about to lend a helping hand, Master stopped him and said, "This is something I need to undertake for my disciples. You do not have to interfere." So Taoist Hu could only stand back and watch Master being tortured.

Taoist Hu said that he rarely wept in his life. Even when his father died, he did not shed a tear. But during this meditation, he cried for more than an hour. With tears flowing endlessly, he was not aware of Master entering the hall or everyone applauding to welcome Her. Only when Master patted his shoulder, as She passed by him, and said, "Why are you crying in such sorrow? Do not cry any more," then he, being quite astounded, stopped crying.

After the initiation, Master distributed blessed food to the fellow practitioners. Hundreds of people were busy trying to catch the blessed food that Master was throwing. Seeing so many people rushing to get the blessed bags, Taoist Hu was puzzled. Not only did he not know what blessed food was, he also could not figure out why that sugarless, tasteless popcorn in the bag was so precious. He was intrigued, so he closed his eyes to "investigate"! The moment he closed his eyes, he saw Manjushri Bodhisattva on a lion's back by the popcorn, blessing it with the light radiated from His hands. All the blessed popcorn emitted white light.

Then he understood what "blessed food" was, and why fellow practitioners cherish it so, rushing forward to receiving it like a treasure as Master threw it out. So as not to miss the opportunity, he ran over to join the crowd to catch the flying blessed food. Perhaps it was because he had great supernatural powers or maybe his inner inconceivable power of "greed" emerged, otherwise, how could an elderly person of over sixty years, who had no experience in catching blessed food, easily catch two packages?!

Since receiving initiation, Taoist Hu has always practiced earnestly. Also, he often talks about how grateful he is to his old master, master Peizhung Liu, for his guidance. If it was not for his prophecy and arrangement for him to practice in the mountains, how could he have met Master Ching Hai and acquired this supreme Quan Yin Method?! Of all the masters he has met, only these two are truly capable and wholeheartedly and unconditionally teaching their disciples.

--To be continued next issue--

Master's Words

Good Deeds Have Happy Results

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jan. 5, 1995 (Originally in English)

Help others is helping yourself. It's a pity that not all people in the world know this. That's why in the New Year's day, we made an awarding ceremony, so to remind the people of this country (Formosa) and of the world the noble action of charity, because only being charitable and loving can one rescue oneself from misery in the later life to come. If one has not met a Master to be liberated in one life time, one must be reborn again, and it is better to be reborn in a plentiful environment with not so much suffering in lacking of comfort like food, clothings, house, shelters and every other necessity of life.

Therefore, I encourage other people to practice charity, not because I need them to help me to help others, but it is for themselves because they need them! Because they never know whether next life they have enough merit to live such a comfortable life again like they do in Formosa now, so it's better they continue to sow the good deeds. That is if they don't see any Master.

When one sees the Master, whether one do good deeds or not good deeds, one still practice meditation and the merit is enough to liberate you, we don't have to come back again to enjoy good or bad life, so no problem. (Applause)

Aphorisms

Special Report On Aiding The Au Lac Refugees

The Vietnamese boat people are not only a problem for Hong Kong and other first asylum countries. It is also an issue that is to be solved together by the whole world, with brotherly love. Has the compassion of the world really reached the bottom line? Transforming their love into action, many Representatives of the U.S. Congress have expressed their concern, and urged the President of the United States and the United Nations to expand their awareness about the plight of the boat people. The human rights of the boat people should be respected, and a more desirable alternative for their resettlement should be reached.

Like a warm current in the cold of winter, this affirms that the torch of love will never be extinguished and that the dark night of conscience will eventually pass away!

Center Events

Making A Home With Ingenious Hands And An Enlightened Mind

By Fellow Initiate Tran,
Palawan, Philippines
(Originally in Au Lac language)

Detained in the refugee camp, the fellow initiates are not as rich materially and spiritually as the people in the free world. However, they are nourished by Master's endless stream of love and ever emerging wisdom, resulting from their spiritual practice. Even though they are in a detention camp, they still have been able to actively and optimistically transform this distressful environment into a paradise on earth. The Palawan meditation center has become a precious and tranquil pure land.

The Quan Yin messenger and the fellow practitioners in the camp together have designed and constructed an octagon pavilion. Wooden benches were ingeniously built along the lower level edge. Sturdy and functional, they are useful for meetings, dining, or resting. The upper level is neatly enclosed by bamboo strips. The open bamboo windows are decorated by plants potted in coconut shells, simple yet neat. At night it then becomes a tiny corner for the male disciples to sleep.

As able as the males, the female fellow practitioners have neatly transplanted many big trees near the house. Besides being enjoyable to look at and providing cool shade, the trees also make the environment look gentle, natural and green. In the scorching afternoons, adults and children alike crowd around the well, to take a bath and have water fights. They are truly happy in this clean and quiet home which they have created together.

Having decorated the pavilion and cleaned up the surroundings, fellow practitioners hang up a majestic portrait of Master. Under the soft and beautiful moonlight, everyone celebrates joyfully. Seemingly able to perceive the warm atmosphere, even the flowers and plants emitted a special fragrance, creating a feeling of joy, as if sharing Master's love with everyone.

Elevation Of The Soul

The Master's Latest and Precious Book. Special Edition Of The 1992 7-Day Retreat In San Di Mun, Formosa. (English Version)

Good experiences come when we relax - the unique style and distinctive feature of this 7-Day Retreat. Through the silent imbuing power of nature, Master let the fellow initiates enjoy and relax in the mountains and waters play in the water, rest in hammocks, meditate, barbecue...etc. Everything was carefree and natural. Blessed by Master's love, everyone's innocence and simplicity of childhood was restored, and they experienced in practice the ultimate happiness of nirvana.

This book includes all the fascinating talks in English & some Chinese that took place during the retreat: "The Open Love Affair - How To Be A Considerate And Desirable Mate", "Make Friends With Your Mind", "The Supreme Spiritual Ancestry" "Self Confidence and Inferiority Complex" ... etc. Do you still remember these brilliant discourses? In all these chapters Master presents, in Her own special way, unique insights into the nature of life and the meaning of existence. It will definitely capture the eternal memory and light of wisdom for you.

How fortunate we are to have a spiritual Master who we can talk freely with and who has the deepest and most interesting appreciation of life. Everyone should read this inspiring book and share it with their relatives and friends who want to know more about Master and Her teachings.

The Latest Video Tapes Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai

(In English With Chinese Subtitles)

(In English With Korean Interpretation)

(In Au Lac Language)

(In Chinese)

The Latest Audio Tapes Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai

E64 (In Chinese)

Front Line

Realization Of Self-Confidence
The Great Event At The Indianapolis International Festival

By Fellow Initiates, Indiana, U.S.A.
(Originally in English)

The International Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. is an annual event hosted by the Indiana State Nationalist Council. With Master's blessing power, the Indiana Center fellow initiates made use of this event to spread Master's teachings. During these several days, over 10,000 visitors stopped by our exhibition booth where Master's pictures, sample booklets and video tapes were displayed.

The entire process was fully supported by fellow initiates from the neighboring area. One sister enjoyed working wholeheartedly for the exhibition even though it was just prior to her critical Ph.D. qualification exam. To her great surprise, the professor offered her an open-book examination which was very unusual. Fellow initiates knew clearly that Master had granted her this unexpected favor.

Everything went amazingly smooth, making us fully aware that it was not us but Master who worked. Everyone collaborated very well, and made full use of our talents. We felt that Master was always with us, blessing and helping us, and that we benefitted greatly from this opportunity. Through this event everyone made progress and gained the confidence that we could do everything successfully if we totally devoted ourselves to Master.

Self-Confidence

When preparing the application for the exhibition booth, we discussed the possibility of tailoring our contents to this year's theme, "sports and games," in order to obtain approval. However, with Master's blessing of wisdom, we decided that we should just let the organizers know exactly what we intend to do. The outcome was more than we expected - not only was our application approved, but one of the organizers also showed great interest in knowing more about Master and Her teachings as well. After reading Master's sample booklet, both the organizer and her husband wanted to learn the Quan Yin Method.

Sleeping Zen

The festival area was a really noisy place. An exhibitor from another booth who was tired stopped at our booth and suddenly felt like taking a rest. Fellow initiates kindly allowed him to take a nap behind the booth curtain where Master's voice from the video tape could be heard much clearer, and that was where we meditated between shifts. After the nap, the man came out full of energy. He was very attracted to Master's teachings. He mentioned his experience that he did not like to get involved with anything related to religion, since his family was driven nuts by a religious group forcing them to be followers.

As he looked at the cover pictures of the sample booklets in various languages displayed on a piece of cardboard, he told us that there was something that made him feel elevated, purified and full of bliss. It was not Master's beautiful dresses but something deeper than the pictures. While reading the sample booklet, he felt energy radiating from it. He expressed his desire to learn the Quan Yin Method. The following day, both the exhibitor and his wife came to our booth. His wife had read Master's sample booklet and wanted to know more. They asked for more sample booklets because they wanted to introduce the Quan Yin Method to other friends. The exhibitor also commented that what we were doing was good for people and it was nice to see our fellow initiates' dedication.

Wonderful Arrangement

During all these years, the midwestern centers have regularly visited each other during the monthly one-day retreats and have encouraged each other a lot spiritually. Besides this, they have offered each other help whenever anyone of the centers needs it. Our Indiana Center is relatively new, unlike other centers where there are a lot of Au Lac fellow practitioners, so we wished to let more Au Lac people know about Master. Even though the booth numbers were assigned at random, we were so delighted to see that the Au Lac booth was just across from ours. Naturally, this was another of Master's wonderful arrangements.

A lot of Au Lac people visited our booth, and showed great respect for Master. One gentleman asked for a big pile of sample booklets to distribute to his friends and relatives. Some young students had long talks with our fellow initiates. After getting to know Master's teachings, they felt that if everyone would follow Master to practice the Quan Yin Method, everyone would become perfect, and the world would become a paradise. After reading the booklet they said that they would like to learn the Quan Yin Method and start the vegetarian diet right away.

Even though he has never been to our center before, one Au Lac person, after watching Master's video tape, eagerly drove around to look for our center in order to get more information. Our center is located in a new neighborhood and can not be found on the map. Nevertheless, he set out to look for the center with sincere faith. Thanks to Master's help, he spent only a few hours to find it. It was a miracle! Several days later, he came again. He told us that everything Master says in Her books and on the video tapes is the Truth. Master had answered a lot of questions that he had had for years.

The seeds have been spread. Dear Master, we know that You will take care of everything else.

The Natural Health And Fitness Expo

By Fellow Initiate Tran, Ottawa, Canada (Originally in Au Lac language)

The "Natural Health and Fitness Expo" is held once a year in Ottawa. It gathers under one roof many natural food caterers, spiritual groups, cosmetic products suppliers and other organizations that beautify life from both within and without. Entering for the first time this year is the "Quan Yin Method", the "true method", in which one truly cultivates one's body, mind and spirituality, and leads a life of truth, virtue and beauty.

Everyone noticed the ingeniously decorated booth, done by the fellow practitioners. A dignified and noble photograph of Master stood out eye-catchingly on a royal blue screen background. On either side of it were notice boards explaining the initiation and the five precepts. Beside the books in English and French, the main local languages, there were also many other languages on display to completely fulfill everyone's needs. The E-mail account number was also printed on the books to add one more means for people to come in contact with the Quan Yin Method. Once the set up was completed, fellow initiates meditated together. They prayed for Master's blessing so that the exhibition would be a success and more people would come to know Master's teachings.

As soon as the expo began, Master's photographs attracted the attention of the visitors. A great number of them stopped by the booth. The beautifully printed sample booklets and News magazines were admired so much that they were reluctant to put them down. Upon learning that they were offered free of charge, they were most surprised and delighted, and repeatedly expressed their thanks. Some friends, after reading the explanation of the five precepts, suggested that they be displayed in schools, to start teaching the children moral behavior when they are young, and then society would definitely be better, and the country even more stable.

As the second day was a weekend, even more visitors came to the exhibition. A representative from a vegetarian club at a university also came. He was the person who interviewed the Quan Yin messenger in a vegetarian feature program on the radio in Ottawa, and who invited Master to give a lecture at Carleton University last year. He mentioned that vegetarianism is widely spread in that university, and that there is a vegetarian club which holds monthly meeting.

The next day, although it was raining, waves of visitors still continued to come. One little girl took a sample booklet in a foreign language that she could not understand, because she liked Master's photograph on the cover. Her young elder brother asked for an English version and stated that he would read all of it. Having a look at the sample booklets displayed, fellow initiates came to an understanding in their hearts, of the reason why Master has so many different appearances. A Hungarian took some sample booklets in Hungarian to send to his family. When he realized that there was also a liaison practitioner in Hungary, he was most surprised that there was no place too far for the Quan Yin Method to reach. The neighboring booth was run by a local religious newspaper. Fellow practitioners took the initiative to advertise in it information about Master and the Quan Yin Method, so that even more people would have an opportunity to come to know this method.

The last day, when fellow practitioners arrived at the booth early in the morning, people who wanted to have the last opportunity of getting the sample booklets were already waiting there. Not only was the exhibition a great success, but during this period of time, fellow practitioners worked happily together and held group meditations each day. They all feel that the more they work for Master, the more progress they will make in their spiritual practice and the more they will understand, care and love the people around them.

After the exhibition, enquiries poured in continuously. Many people registered to be on the mailing list for the monthly News magazine, so that they could better understand Master and the Quan Yin Method. Among them was an Ethiopian man who read about Master in a newspaper. He said that he had been searching for the Truth for a long time. Although he had practiced yoga, he was not satisfied. After coming in contact with Master's teachings, he began a vegetarian diet. He requested initiation, and asked for some sample booklets to send back to his relatives in his home country. There were also people who made enquiries via E-mail requesting more information about Master and about learning the Convenient Method.

When a Canadian saw Master's photographs, she felt that Master gave her a sense of security, as if She was her own mother. She was very excited to hear that her application to learn the Convenient Method was approved. She could not hold back her tears when she was taught the Convenient Method. Another sincere Canadian was delighted after getting in touch with Master's teachings. She revealed that she had been a vegetarian for more than a decade. She liked Master very much, and felt that Master's teachings were very good and correct. She hoped that she could follow Master's example, and deeply believed that she could develop her wisdom and talents after walking on the path. Once she read from a book, a prophecy of an enlightened master coming to this world to unite all the religions. After gaining an understanding of Master's teachings, she was absolutely sure that Master was that enlightened Master. She is presently practicing the Convenient Method and waiting for initiation.

This working opportunity brought us even more joy. We expect that the seeds that Master sowed will all bloom and bear fruit. In the future, the fellow initiates in Ottawa will continue to exert their best efforts, with Master's bounteous love, to spread the teachings and the Quan Yin Method, to the world.

The Quan Yin Method Sets Foot In Scotland

By Fellow Initiate Loh, Oxford, U.K.

Taking the opportunity of participating in the Spiritual Practice Exhibition, fellow initiates went for the first time to the cold and remote city of Livingston in Scotland, to spread the Quan Yin Method and Master's love.

Fabulous Magical Efficiency

Arriving at the exhibition venue, fellow initiates found that there were no facilities to hang up Master's photographs and prints of Her paintings. Working flexibly and resourcefully, they searched everywhere for any available and suitable materials. Utilizing their wisdom and ingenuity collectively, they managed to finish the decorating within a short time; the booth turned out to be the most attractive and brilliant among all the exhibiting booths.

An Encounter Of Great Affinity

On the first day of the exhibition, a local young couple came to our booth with great excitement telling our fellow initiates their experience. Several months ago, they indirectly acquired a copy of Master's sample booklet from a relative in England. After reading it, they found Master's words to be very logical, and wished to investigate Master's teachings further. On the evening prior to the Spiritual Practice Exhibition, they suddenly felt a strong impulse which prompted them to make a telephone call to our branch center. They learned about the time and place of the exhibition, so they went there especially to find out more about Master and the Quan Yin Method.

A Living Enlightened Master Is The Genuine Scripture

There was a female spiritual practitioner who has practiced and been a vegetarian for more than ten years. She was also a participant in the exhibition representing the spiritual therapy center being run by her. Capable of reading people's auras and facial features, she was immediately attracted to Master's large portrait when our fellow initiates put it up. She looked at Master's photograph meticulously, and then declared to our fellow initiates that Master is a great enlightened person. She said, "There is tremendous white light radiating from Master's photo and Her eyes, and the light is filled with love. Master's facial features in particular show a pure and flawless quality!"

After reading Master's sample booklet, the lady excitedly came running to tell our fellow initiates about her experience. She claimed that, before, when she was sleeping, very often in a state of half dreaming and half awake, her consciousness would drift away from her body and travel in the heavens. She found that there were different levels and realms in heaven, but she could not find any support or explanations in the scriptures. Only after she read, in the sample booklet, Master's lecture "Mystery of The World Beyond" given at the United Nations, did she become enlightened.

The exhibition lasted just a few days, but many people continued to call the branch center afterwards for further information. This is really a good beginning. In this cold northern country, the Quan Yin Method has warmed the hearts of the local people like the sunshine in winter.

Feature Reports

Love Permeates Singapore

Combined reports by the Singapore lecture coordinating team

The irresistible power of the Truth moved all before it. Singapore's recent lecturing activity was a splendid experience for all those involved. The whole country was buzzing with excitement because of Master, whose sacred love enveloped everyone everywhere.

The Asian Garden, Infinite Future

Singapore is a clean and green country, where the law abiding people live simple, modest and honest lives. The government discourages the citizens from smoking and drinking. Half a year ago, it advocated Singaporeans to be a vegetarian. Surprisingly and coincidentally, a few days before Master's lecture, by using all main media channels to reach the people, the Singapore government used good health as the reason to encourage people to be a vegetarian. The government's dissemination of this idea just happened to coincide with our work to help spread the concept of a vegetarian diet speedily into the Singaporeans' minds before Master's lecture. This invisibly helped many Singaporeans receive the blessings of listening to an enlightened Master's lecture. This verifies what Master has previously said: "If the leader of a country is practicing spiritually and becomes enlightened, he uses his wisdom to lead his people to do things which are beneficial to sentient beings; thus, greater blessings would be bestowed upon the country." Imagine if they were to encourage people to practice the Quan Yin Method - the future prospects would make Singapore an even more flourishing country.

Today, Singapore initiates have increased many times, holding group meditations frequently and diligently, under a harmonious atmosphere. The preparation of this lecture has brought their talents and organizational efficiency into full play through hard and serious work, thus achieving the best result. When Master arrived at the airport and met the Singapore initiates waiting for Her, She praised them by saying, "You have grown up!". What delighted Master was not the increased number of initiates, but the way in which they had used the wisdom acquired from their practice to successfully perform and perfect their work. Moreover, everyone tried their best in preparing the lecture and to bring the greatest benefit to their compatriots, their country and even the whole world.

Telecasted Live

It was a long time before the lecture was to begin. Many people had begun to entered the venue continuously, and earnestly took Master's sample booklets and News magazines. Only a little while later, the main entrance was congested by the enormous crowd. At the publications counter, people were zealously purchasing Master's photos, cassette tapes and books. That was indeed an outstandingly warm sight in Master's lectures throughout the world. In the area where Master's fairy clothes and heavenly jewelry were being exhibited, the Singapore people also revealed their highly taste for the arts. Many of them exclaimed delightfully: "Oh! So beautiful!" They kept praising Master's creative talents and esteemed that She is really a brilliant talented enlightened Master.

With the crowd continuously pouring in, the guard at the entrance had to temporarily stop them several times. Not only was the large venue filled to capacity very early, but also the hall where Master's lecture was to be telecasted live, and any empty space in the Fairy Clothing Exhibition area. The prepared materials, even those in Thai and Au Lac languages, were all taken. Noticing the longing and disappointment of the people in not getting a sample booklet or News magazine, the working staff immediately started taking down their mailing addresses, to be able to send them the materials as soon as possible. Even though the people were worried that they would not be able to enter the lecture hall, they behaved in a very orderly manner. A father pushing a pram in one hand and holding a little boy with the other hand also waited patiently without making any noise. The only sounds were those from the enquiry service counter, and from the video tape of Master being playing. People who could see the television were watching attentively, while others who stood further away were listening with concentration. The order was good both inside and outside the venue.

Master has arrived and passed through in the sedan chair, a passageway naturally appeared in the congested hall. The audience simply stared at Master with unblinking eyes, and kept admiring Her beauty. At that moment, they really behaved like our fellow practitioners. Master's appearance had unified everyone present!

Interesting Highlights In the Lion City

By A Fellow Initiate, Taipei, Formosa

The lecture was an overwhelming success, the audience was enormous, much greater than expected. Besides the main lecture hall, reserved space was not enough to hold the audience. Consequently, fellow initiates had to immediately rent another big hall. It was not office hours for the screen projector companies and we were worried. Just then, much to our surprise, Mr. Wang, the venue manager offered projectors to us, so that everyone could see and hear Master. Mr. Wang was not an initiate, yet he eagerly supported Master in spreading the Truth. His sincerity deeply touched our fellow practitioners.

By Fellow Initiate Hou, Taipei, Formosa

After the lecture, Master left. At that time some fellow practitioners on the stage started distributing the things blessed by Master, throwing them in bunches to the people in front of the stage. Everyone was like a child, eager to grab the falling flowers, candies and biscuits. I saw one little blonde girl laughing blissfully and childishly as she raised her arms high, leaping to catch the candies and biscuits as they flew through the air. I was deeply touched by this scene! Something that could only happen in fairy tales or children's cartoons. Master made the dreams of the children come true!

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Taipei, Formosa

Immediately after the international three-day retreat in Hsihu, fully charged with Master's love, we quickly packed our bags and flew to Singapore. On our way there, a fellow sister was very sick with influenza. However, when she arrived at the hotel and the lecture venue, noticing that there were not enough workers, she immediately started to help with the work, acting fast and lively. Her previous ill appearance wearing mask, scarf and lots of warm clothing was completely disappeared within a few minutes. The next day, we found this fellow sister fully recovered. She is perfect proof that the limitation of the physical body can be overcome.

By Fellow Initiate Hwang, Taipei, Formosa

Johore City, Malaysia is very close to Singapore. Brother Chen who lives there volunteered to help advertise Master's lecture in the local newspapers. The happy result was that many local people enquired by telephone. A lady excitedly said that she saw Master's photo in the newspaper emitting brilliant golden light. She strongly believes that Master is a real living enlightened Master. In order to provide opportunities to awaken souls longing for liberation, we will continue, with our greatest effort, doing the work of spreading the Truth, no matter how difficult and how much work it may be.

By Fellow Initiate Hwang, Taipei, Formosa

After the lecture, the clean up lasted until dawn. Some fellow brothers then took a taxi to where they were staying. The driver happened to be one of the many who tried to attended the lecture last evening. However, he was not even able to squeeze into the hall with the live telecast, so regretfully he left. Early the next morning, unexpectedly, he had two of Master Ching Hai's disciples as his passengers. He was extremely happy and highly praised Master as the only spiritual Master who make him believe. The entire trip, with sincerity, he kept asking the fellow initiates questions, trying to know more about Master's teachings. Deeply touched, he firmly refused to accept the car fare, and blissfully bid farewell to them.

By Fellow Initiate Jiang, Taipei, Formosa

The day after the lecture, fellow initiates excitedly got on a tour bus to go to the Singapore Conference Hall for the group meditation. However, the driver had "accidentally" driven them to the Strait Trading Building. Only when they had alighted did they realize it was the wrong place. At that moment, they met a group of Korean fellow initiates who had also come to the wrong place, and were extremely anxious not knowing the whereabouts of the group meditation. So, this driver, who had been unjustly blamed had really unknowingly acted as a wonderful tool for Master.

All of fellow initiates there then went to wait at a taxi stand; they were very anxious as the time was almost up. A bus slowly approached them, the driver offered to take them directly to the conference hall. Having got on the bus, they found there were just the right number of seats. Naturally, they also arrived just in time for the group meditation, thanks to Master!

The More We Work, The More Enlightened We Become

By Fellow Initiate Lai, Canada

After attending the International Three-Day Retreat at Hsihu Center, Formosa, I was very fortunate to join the lecture coordinating team, and flew to Singapore in advance. We started working as soon as we arrived, doing anything that needed to be done and helping out in whatever way we could. Sometimes, we were assigned a job that we had never done before, but we still mustered up enough courage to undertake it. Incredibly, once you have bravely accepted the assignment, Master's blessing floods in continuously. You receive immediate enlightenment, and know exactly what to do from within, so naturally the job is accomplished smoothly!

I could feel the more I helped with Master's work, the faster I grew. It was because the work provided me with endless enlightenment and opportunities to learn. After that it seemed that the path before me got broader, and that my journey of life became smoother. I also noticed clearly that while participating in Master's work, because we carefully followed the guidance of our inner wisdom, we left our deeply embedded, bad habits of many lives far behind us.

In the coordinating team, there was a brother initiate who came all the way from Switzerland and had stayed at the meditation center in Malaysia for several years. He had been helping out quietly in the team. Be it an important or small task, hard work or not, he always finished the job at hand before he said anything. Afterwards, he never forgot to ask, "Is there anything else?" I believe that he must have received a lot of invisible blessing from Master through his participation in Master's work. The more he understands, the more he loves to work. From my work, I also truly understood Master's words, "In whatever you do, you must decide quickly and act quickly. Only then can you receive the best reward."

By Fellow Initiate Li, Taipei, Formosa

Since childhood, I have never taken one step off the land of Formosa. It seemed even more unlikely that I would do so after I followed Master to practice spiritually, and became a so-called "spiritual practitioner", a vegetarian who meditates and has few desires. I thought that I would neither wish to nor be willing to travel abroad. Unexpectedly, through Master's ingenious arrangement, I had been to several countries in six months! Master always puts me in the most suitable place, at the most appropriate time, to learn the lesson that I needed to learn the most.

By Fellow Initiate Xu, Taipei, Formosa

Helping with Master's work is indeed the best key for us to mature, and to receive abundant blessings! I recalled that when I had plenty of spare time, as a student in the United States, I should have, theoretically, practiced a lot of meditation. The truth was that sometimes I could not even pacify my mind. After joining to do the work of spreading the Truth this time, I was so exhausted by the work sometimes that I felt that I could not do any meditation. However, to my surprise, I did meditate very well, and very stably! Very often, I experienced the comfortable feeling of entering samadhi as I started to work! Also, the more I concentrated on my work, the more comfortable this feeling became. I truly appreciated what Master said, "Love is looking in the same direction, not looking into each other's eyes."

From the almost ten days of work, I also felt deeply that we must practice sufficient meditation! Many times, I encountered obstacles in my work because I had not meditated enough. I am very grateful to Master for giving me an opportunity to grow through working, and I hope that fellow practitioners will all cherish the chance to participate in Master's work.

By Fellow Initiate Li, Taipei, Formosa

My state of mind changed from "fresh and exciting" to "ordinary and appreciative" from the first time I joined the coordinating team, at Master's lecture in Thailand, to this time in Singapore. My inner growth in this period could hardly be expressed in words, and my heart was totally filled with gratitude.

Being a graphic designer, I tend to be opinionated. However, through the work, I gradually learned how to forgo my self ego, so as to accept and comply with others. The important point in our work is not demonstrating our talents, but achieving the best effects for the whole design. I learned how to compromise and cooperate with others. Also, in my dealings with people or matters, I became frank and sincere, thus exposing all my latent, bad qualities for rectification. The more you are corrected, the faster you learn!

Sometimes I was physically exhausted after working for long hours on an urgent job. As long as I thought that Master might still be working at that time, so I dared not be sluggish and spurred myself to gather more spirit. Furthermore, our work for the lecture preparation was only for a limited time. However, Master is always busy and tired. She takes no notice of the toilsome long journeys and travels everywhere, because every corner of the world needs Her. When I was exhausted, I could appreciate even more the physical suffering of Master, be it one millionth of it!

By Fellow Initiate Lu, Taipei, Formosa

As a new spiritual practitioner, I always try to seize any opportunity to see Master. During my participation in several of the overseas work of spreading the Truth, each time Master gave me some lessons, which were completely unexpected but absolutely necessary.

Initially, I joined because I wanted to "help". In the course of working, I gradually discovered that I was actually being trained and corrected, through fellow practitioners or through my own reflections due to the setbacks that I encountered. I worked with different fellow practitioners each time, and was delighted to find that each had their own clever way of making progress in their spiritual practice. From them, I learned how to successfully use the wisdom acquired from my spiritual practice in my daily life.

The day after the lecture, Master attended the group meditation and answered the questions of the new initiates. Her answers were so concise and perfect that I could only admire with amazement! While I was listening attentively, I realized that Master was also providing solutions to the doubts I recently had. The feeling of happiness in me was hard to describe. Master knew us, and pampered every one of us. She listened patiently while She guided us, and we had nothing to fear.

When the question and answer session had finished and before Master left, She lovingly reminded the fellow practitioners, "Don't forget your noble ideal!"

Going home on the airplane, I felt myself having advanced a step further. While missing Master deeply, I again reminded myself to be more diligent, not disappoint Master!

Master And Disciples Enjoying At The Tang Dynasty Village

Combined reports by the coordinating team, Singapore

To celebrate the success of Master's lecture, the Singaporean fellow practitioners had especially prepared a unique dinner party at the Tang Dynasty Village, to have a joyful evening with Master.

Fellow practitioners received the notice shortly before the dinner that they were to be dressed in ancient costumes to give a delightful surprise to Master and everyone. Furthermore, they would also have to give a stage performance. Excitedly and nervously, they started to rehearse.

Arriving at the entrance of the Tang Dynasty Village, they were cordially ushered into an ancient Chinese world, the Tang Dynasty. Everywhere one could see replicas of ancient shops, pavilions and houses, artificial hills made of stone, ponds and bridges. As it was approaching the Chinese New Year, there were many exquisite Chinese lanterns on display. Parts of the Village were still under construction, but it was opened early especially for Master's dinner party. So, it had an early inauguration.

When Master arrived, the whole place filled with thundering applause and cheering. The warm and joyful atmosphere had reached its peak. Master was wearing a costume like that of a Ching Dynasty emperor; one attendant at Her side was dressed as a princess of the Ching Dynasty, the other as a gallant general. Accompanying them were the many fellow practitioners, dressed up as various officials, impressively and enthusiastically cheering Master on. Their costumes and the decor of the Tang Dynasty Village, each enhancing the other, made one feel as if one had entered a time tunnel.

Master said that She was very tired and did not want to put on these clothes. However, when She saw how serious the fellow practitioners' acting was, especially the frightening appearance of the army officials, She thought that it would be too dangerous if She did not change into an Emperor at once! What happened just in case She was mistakenly slashed by them, She promptly changed into an emperor's outfit that was borrowed on short notice. As for the officials, normally they would move their eyes here and there while being on duty as guards. However, this time they were so serious that they did not laugh even when they saw Master. (Only Master laughed.) Their every move was so natural. It was truly great acting! It must be due to the memories of their previous lives.

As the performance was about to begin, the master of ceremony respectfully invited Master to give a talk. Master said with delight, "It is very nice here, beautifully designed! The ancient Chinese dressed beautifully, very close to heavenly beings' outfit. It would be wonderful if we could live here every day, holding retreats, one after another. Wouldn't it be nice?" The fellow practitioners cheerfully responded with loud applause. One of them remarked jokingly, "First we get the boss here for initiation." Everyone burst into laughter. Master said, "Well, getting the boss here for initiation is what he said, not mine." Master also wished the Tai Ho Restaurant in the Tang Dynasty Village a prosperous business, more and more guests and that they would make a big profit, etc., giving them a lucky greeting.

The first performance was a comedy performed by the Formosan coordinating team, who were dressed as ancient officials. They earned warm cheers from the audience, and concluded their performance by wishing Master long life after long life! Except for a modern dance by Formosan fellow initiates, and the "goddess dance" that was performed in ancient costumes, all the other wonderful programs were especially arranged by the owner of the Tang Dynasty Village.

Since all the programs by fellow practitioners were prepared in a very short time, the performers were very concerned about the quality of their performances. However, as soon as they got into their costumes, they were all magically transformed into the characters of the show; their movements and expressions were natural and realistic. Therefore, when the M.C. announced the beginning of the show, they felt quite at ease and were not at all nervous.

The goddess dancers seemed rather shy, but Master commented empathetically, "They started to rehearse only minutes before the show. Besides, they have just been distributing sample booklets and fliers, so it is difficult for them to change their action into the graceful goddesses within a short time. So please be understanding!" Master's humor relieved the fear of the performers, and added a perfect conclusion to the program.

The brilliant show and the sumptuous dinner, enhanced by Master's glowing humor, made one forget the time. We believe that the evening was a very special and memorable experience for everyone who attended!

News Magazine NO.42

Photo: Everyone's heart embraces the same noble qualities. Master is the perfect manifestation of our noble ideal.

1. International Reports

   Singapore/Formosa/Korea/Japan/Hong Kong/Cambodia France/Australia/Canada/USA/Express News From Cambodia

2. Master Tells Stories

   Everything Is Created By The Mind Someone who Is Even Greater Than Master

3. While On The Path

   Master Has Always Taken My Hand An Extraordinary Thanksgiving Day Liberation Is My Only Wish Don't Be Too Anxious In Making Requests To Master

4. You May Not Know

   The Doctor of Love Rare To Be So Ecstatic To Greet The Future Of The Earth ...

5. Poems

   My True Home Not Fast Enough

6. Master's Wonder

   Miraculous Tales At A Hotel Two Accounts of My Experiences

7. Aphorisms

   Growing Up By Doing Loving Actions

8. Between Master And Disciples
9. Spot Light

   Love Makes The World More Beautiful

10. Master's Words

    Good Deeds Have Happy Results

11. Spiritual Interludes

    Door Guardian And Stranger Visitors A "Delayed" Enlightenment Loving Consideration

12. Feature Reports

    Love Permeates Singapore Interesting Highlights In The Lion City Master And Disciples Enjoying At The Tang Dynasty Village

13. Media Reports

    Taichung Evening News & Various Newspapers in Formosa A Live Hot Line Talk Associated Evening News, Singapore

14. Special Report On Aiding Cambodia

    Disaster Relief Donation From The Supreme Master Ching Hai

15. Front Line

    Realization Of Self-confidence The Natural Health And Fitness Expo The Quan Yin Method Sets Foot In Scotland

16. Center Events

    Making A Home With Ingenious Hands And An Enlightened Mind

17. A True Account Of A Miraculous Person

    The Legend Of A Taoist (Part II)

18. Special Report On Aiding The Au Lac Refugees

    Letters of U.S. Congress Los Angeles Times The China Post, Formosa

19. Elevation Of The Soul
20. Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.42 Published: Jan 25,1995
Published by: The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations

Special Report On Aiding Cambodia

Statement Of Income and Expenditures - Cambodian Relief First Stage

December 12, 1994 to January 12, 1995

Unit=NT$

ITEM INCOME EXPENDITURES BALANCE APPENDIX

Donations from Disciples of the Supreme Master Ching Hai     $ 45,212,617.00
Donations from the Public                                       4,138,136.00
Newspaper Advertisements                                 
Central Daily News                                               $ 62,400.00  
China Times                                                        47,628.00
United Daily News                                                  47,628.00
3 3,000 Tons of Rice  
         First Payment (US$40,000.00)              1,056,220.00
       Second  Payment (US$659,300.00)            17,352,776.00
        Shipping                                   2,761,240.00
     Notary                                           90,000.00
     Rice Fumigating Fee                             126,000.00
     Insurance (US$2,932.20)                          77,407.00
     The Central Trust of China's Processing Fee     119,525.00
     PE Bag Zincograph Fee                            12,600.00
     Customs Agency Fee                                2,500.00
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                    $49,350,753.00       $21,755,924.00  $27,594,829.00

Note:1. In the first stage of the disaster relief efforts to Cambodia, 2 tons of rice were received in addition to the monetary donations. Therefore a total of 3,002 tons of rice were sent to Cambodia.

2. Part of the balance of the donations was used to purchase an additional 3,000 tons of rice, which will be sent to Cambodla.

3. After purchasing a total purchase of 6,000 tons of rice, including both stages, the present account of the Supreme Master Ching Hai for disaster relief has a balance of more than 700 million NT dollars. It is to be used to help the poor and the needy in various parts of the world.

International Reports

Report From Singapore

The Supreme Words Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai Overwhelm The Lion City

It's a great honor for Singapore to be the first stop on Master's lecture tour this year. With the support of overseas and local initiates, an enthusiastic work campaign was launched. The sample booklets and fliers were not limited to the busy districts, but extended systematically to various communities at different times of the day, spreading the good news of Master's lecture to all walks of life. Master's photographs were displayed in the MRT (metro) stations and major commercial centers. The news of the lecture was widely published in the newspapers and broadcasted on the radios. Posters were put up everywhere throughout the country. Fellow practitioners were totally devoted to waking up the sleeping souls, so they would not miss this lecture by a living enlightened Master which is extremely hard to come by even in aeons of time.

According to the observations of the coordinating team, besides the Chinese, the East Indian people also welcomed and accepted Master's teachings. Many of them, after having read the sample booklet, highly praised Master in the presence of the coordinating team. The Muslim Malay people who used to be more conservative acted very open-mindedly this time, eager to take the sample booklets. Obviously, the teachings of the Truth have reached their inner souls.

An Exceptionally Successful Gathering

The lecture venue was the largest conference hall in the World Trade Center. There was also an exhibition of Master's works of art in the adjacent hall. On the evening of the lecture, the audience poured in like a river. The hall was soon filled. The several thousand seats that were placed in the exhibiting hall for people to watch the large TV screen were also fully occupied within a few minutes. A guard at the entrance remarked emotionally that, observing the enormous crowd of compatriots rushing to attend Master's lecture of the Truth, and realizing that their souls would soon be saved, he was extremely happy and had tears flooding his eyes.

After both the lecture and the exhibition halls were fully packed, an endless stream of people still continued to come. To prevent accidents, the glass doors had to be temporarily closed. Watching the yearning faces pressed against the glass doors, with anxiety and longing in their eyes, it was really touching to know there are still so many Truth thirsty souls in this prosperous city! With the help of the venue management, another large exhibiting hall was opened to accommodate the crowd. Although it was only an empty hall with no seats, the waiting crowd still hurried to enter and watch Master's lecture on the large TV screen. Some of them humorously remarked to the coordinating workers, "You should have arranged the lecture at the National Stadium!" (Which accommodates tens of thousands of people.) They are grateful for their good advice!

At the World Trade Center, the longing of thousands of people for Master's arrival had condensed into a gigantic and electrifying ambiance, which reached its climax when Master arrived. It burst into extreme delight and bliss. The overture of the lecture was three traditional dances performed respectively by Malay, Indian and Chinese dancers, representing the three major ethnic groups in Singapore.

After Her fascinating discourse, Master left ample time for the audience to ask questions. Her humorous, meaningful and wise answers won the thunderous applause of the whole audience. To satisfy the thousands of people waiting in and outside, Master left the venue being carried high in a sedan chair, so that everyone could see Her. There were waves of cheers and greetings from the crowd which Master responded to with Her loving and compassionate gaze and waving hands.

After Master's departure, fellow practitioners shared all the blessed food with everyone there. Like happy children, the audience rushed to grab the blessed items being thrown from the stage. All the flowers, candies and biscuits soon disappeared, by the zealous audience. It was touching to see how they cherish the blessed items from an enlightened Master.

The Newly Joined Force

Love Permeates Singapore

A large number of newly initiated, convenient method fellow practitioners and initiates-to-be joined the Singapore fellow practitioners that evening.

The initiation commenced after midnight. Despite working all day, Master still came to bless the new initiates. Then She went to see the new convenient method practitioners, dispelling their doubts and answering their questions almost until dawn the next morning. Disregarding Her exhaustion, Master refused to sit down throughout the whole session so that everyone would be able to see Her. There is absolutely nothing that can compare with Master's love and mercy!

Master was present at the group meditation the next day which included around a thousand new and old initiates. Complying with the request of the disciples, She also joined them at the dinner party the following evening.

Singapore might be a small place, but it is truly endowed with tremendous blessings having been graced with Master's lectures three times. Beside attending Master's lecture on the Truth, local fellow practitioners were also honoured to have had the opportunity to help in the coordinating of Master's lecture, thus gaining further progress in their spiritual cultivation.

Report From Hsihu, Formosa

The Great Mother Has Come Home

Upon learning that Mommy Master would come home, the resident disciples at Hsihu Center were all jumping for joy. Suddenly, the joyful atmosphere, like the fragrance from the flowers that can not be suppressed, pervaded every corner of the center and everyone's smile. Promptly everyone joined their efforts in tidying up the environment, to give their home a clean and fresh look to welcome kind mother's return.

That evening everyone gathered at the front gate. Greeting Master has always been an exciting and sweet experience that is vividly remembered. Master's car finally arrived. In a purple floral patterned Japanese kimono, Master looked most beautiful and elegant. Having been away for a long time, She chatted with the disciples along the way, telling cheerful and funny jokes, which comforted their immense longing!

Inside the meditation center certain last minute preparations for the three-day retreat were still going on. So Master drove Her cart and visited each of the places where the disciples were working. She then promised to tell us stories and meditate with us during the evening group meditation sessions. The fellow practitioners from Formosa and abroad who arrived early for the three-day retreat, were surprised and delighted to find Master already at the center. They all silently felt in their hearts that they were extremely fortunate.

The Three-Day Retreat

A record-breaking number of people attended this three-day retreat. The number of fellow practitioners that came from different countries also increased. The ever expanding "Supreme family" indicates that both ends of the earth are like neighbors, and that the entire world is beginning to share the same goal. At the group meditations in the evenings, Master especially caringly received the brothers and sisters who came from afar, to satisfy the longing of these distant travelers.

On New Year's Day, there was an awards ceremony, that had profound meaning, to praise those good persons and good deeds that Master encountered during Her lecture tour or other activities that She performs. In order to commend them, for their spirit of fulfilling their responsibilities and their sincerity to serve, Master especially presented awards to them as encouragement. Master said, "We have many wonderful people in the world. If we wish to beautify this world, we must encourage these good people, and let more people in the world know about them. Then everyone will follow their good examples, and our world will have more and more such wonderful people."

The parties awarded included several government and civil organizations from Formosa, Japan and Thailand. In Formosa especially, many organizations and individuals exerted great efforts to support the Supreme Master Ching Hai's "One kilogram of rice saves an entire nation" disaster relief efforts to Cambodia. In two weeks donations were collected for more than three thousand tons of rice, which was then smoothly loaded onto a ship. The normal procedures, from ordering the rice to delivery, generally take months to complete. However, based on the spirit of - giving relief to a disaster is like fighting a fire - the government departments made exceptions to the rules, overcame countless difficulties, and worked with the highest efficiency, to smoothly expedite the working procedures of the relief rice. This meaningful and distinctive action is indeed an example of supreme cooperation between a government and its people to save a neighboring country.

During the presentation of the awards to the journalists of the year, Master praised that good journalists, as the eyes and ears of the public, should be courageous in giving true reports. The awards included "The Most Faithful Journalist Award", "The Most Courageous", "The Most Enthusiastic", "The Most Compassionate", "The Most Outstanding", "The Best Truth Supporting" and "The Fastest Reporting Journalist", etc. During the ceremony from Master's profound and sincere award-giving words, and the recipients' humble acceptance speeches, one couldn't help but naturally feel the warmth in humanity and the wonderful experience of truth, virtue and beauty. Especially from the point of view of spirituality and consciousness, everyone greatly benefitted.

The next day, at the end of the retreat, Master took the opportunity to teach the fellow initiates to pay attention to their demeanor, and to earnestly learn to be considerate of others. She hoped everyone could be sincere and natural in everything they do, and not just act superficially. That evening, Master once again gathered with the fellow initiates from abroad. She listened attentively to the questions they had in their spiritual and everyday life, and patiently responded to each of them. The pleasant meeting did not end until early the next morning. All of the fellow initiates from abroad were touched and encouraged by Master extra care and love towards them.

Although the three-day retreat ended, Master continued to stay at the meditation center, and fellow initiates' reluctance to leave was shown on their faces. Master allowed them to stay at the center, but reminded them to take advantage of the rare opportunity of not having to work, to practice earnestly and meditate more each day. Wherever Master stays, that place is full of joy and hope. The new year for Formosa has indeed got off to a good start!

Report From Taoyuan, Formosa

Spreading Love At A Garden Party

On a sunny and warm winter holiday, Yee Kuang Kindergarten at Lung Tan held a garden party, called "There is Love on Earth", to commemorate "International Family Year" and to raise funds for nurseries and homes for the elderly. Many residents from the community attended. Fellow practitioners from Taoyuan also participated. They prepared over ten vegetarian dishes and desserts for the visitors. All the practitioners serving the food wore masks and head scarves, and happily served the many people who came to taste the vegetarian food.

People kept commenting about how delicious the vegetarian food was. Some enquired about the recipes while they had a taste. Some even said that on their way to the party they had heard people asking each other if they had come to try the vegetarian food. The bustling scene filled everyone there with delight. There was an interesting episode that happened. After a lady found out about the sample booklets, she hurried to get her parents-in-law to come to get some. As it turned out, one of their relatives from Beijing had recommended to them that they should read Master's books. Master's name has spread far and wide in Mainland China, which also brings benefits to the people of Formosa. "The wheel of Truth really turns wonderfully."

As the party was coming to an end, the fellow practitioners' enthusiasm remained as high as ever. They sorted the donations gathered that day, counted the portion of funds designated for the nurseries and homes for the elderly, and deposited the balance into the Disaster Relief Account.

Report From Korea

A Fruitful Painting Exhibition Festival

Fellow initiates in Pusan, Korea, for the first time, held an exhibition of prints of Master's paintings to remind people of the child-like purity and inner beauty in their hearts. The exhibition was held in Pusan Station, which is located in Pusan's city center. Everyday during the exhibition, people continuously flowed in as if it were a Pusan citizens' festival, and all day, videos of Master's lectures were playing in the venue. The visitors were very interested in Master's books and video and audio tapes. There were not enough sample booklets and magazines to distribute to everyone.

Many artists visited the exhibition. They seemed to really enjoy Master's paintings, especially one very old and experienced painter who said, "Nowadays many artists create paintings, but it is difficult to find really good paintings. Compared with other paintings, Master's are so pure and refreshing, not complicated. Only one with a pure heart like a child can do this."

At the exhibition venue, many people watched videos of Master's lectures, and many of the biggest newspapers reported this activity. KBS Radio even came to the venue several times to conduct interviews about the exhibition. MBC TV came especially to video Master's paintings to broadcast on their cultural TV program, which then attracted more people to come to see them. Consequently the exhibition had to be extended several days.

One Christian missionary who had just arrived in Pusan from a World Religion Conference earnestly came to aquire some information about the Supreme Master Ching Hai. He was very thankful to God for letting him know about Master. Besides this story, there were hundreds of other anecdotes that happened during the exhibition. Fellow initiates knew that everything was due to Master's grace; thus the painting exhibition in Korea had positive results.

Before Christmas, Seoul fellow initiates also held another grand art exhibition in the capital city. The results were as abundant and as joyous as the first. The exhibition lasted more than ten days. Not only was this event seldom seen locally, it also made a very deep impression upon the Korean compatriots.

Report From Japan

Surprising Gift On The Silent Night

On Christmas Eve, Master quietly arrived in Tokyo, bringing the best Christmas gift to the fellow initiates there. Although they were not informed in advance, there were several occurrences foretelling the arrival of the joyful event.

A few days before Master's arrival, the fellow initiates went to the new local center to clean up the place. Having their own center has been the wish of the Japanese fellow initiates for many years. As they walked out of the door after cleaning, they looked up at the stars in the sky as usual, and saw an amazing sight! In the clear deep sky, the full moon was surrounded by a large, beautiful, brilliant ring of light. The scene was exactly the same as in the painting Master made while staying in the mountain cabin several years ago when She was in Japan. Only later, did fellow initiates learned that Master would arrive in Japan that night. The intuitive moon seemed to have perceived the message and was joyously pouring out its beams of light!

Master happened to arrive in Tokyo the day of the initiation. When the fellow initiates were meditating, they felt a blessing power much stronger than usual, and some even perceived brilliant celestial lights. However, at that time, no one knew of Master's arrival in Tokyo. It is obvious that wherever a great enlightened saint goes, the atmospheric energy of the area changes accordingly and is filled with heavenly blessings.

While Master was in Japan, She talked about daily life, about the good habits of being tidy and sanitary. While this may seem to be a minute detail, it actually is a big matter reflecting the inner aspect of the spiritual practitioner. Her words were a timely reminder for many of the fellow initiates.

After years of Master's infinite loving care, the fellow initiates in Japan are growing stronger, and their country is also sharing the blessings. They are especially happy that they finally have a local center! Master quietly arrived, as if it had been preplanned, just in time to celebrate the opening of the new center. Master is truly omniscient; She responded to everyone's wishes and has brought boundless light and hope to the land of the cherry blossoms.

A Blessing To Kyusyu

The Japanese fellow initiates wish to spread the Quan Yin Method to all parts of Japan and share God's blessings with their people. Therefore, they spent their hard earned vacation traveling the long distance from Tokyo to Kyusyu to distribute sample booklets and magazines. On the way, they passed through several major cities in Kansai and formed affinities with many people.

When they came through Takamatsu, Sikoku, they stayed over night at the home of brother initiate Fujiwara, who is an expert in Go (a Japanese chess game.) After practicing the Quan Yin Method, Fujiwara made such progress in his Go strategies that he, a third level player, defeated an eighth level player in a recent Go competition. This experience made him realize that the Quan Yin Method truly holds the greatest power to open and develop one's inner wisdom.

While the fellow initiates were distributing sample booklets at the University of Kyusyu, they met several Chinese students there. They introduced the Quan Yin Method to the students and gave them Master's sample booklets and magazines. The students were very grateful to have received such precious gifts that they warmly invited the fellow initiates to their dormitory for further discussion.

The next day, they went to other places in Kyusyu to distribute more sample booklets. The people in Kansai are very pure and kind. Whenever the fellow initiates passed the message about Master and the Quan Yin Method to the people, by giving them the sample booklets, they all gladly accepted gladly, whether they were Japanese, Chinese, Indian or American.

As the fellow initiates were leaving Kyusyu, it started to rain. According to the reports there, the Kyusyu area had been suffering from drought for half a year already; the government even had to shut off the water supply to the entire area at night. Now due to Master's love, the long awaited rain finally came. It was such a great blessing for the residents there.

Report From Hong Kong

Enthusiastic Responses At The Industrial Products Exhibition

The Industrial Products Exhibition, which had not been held for some years, was recently revived, creating an outstanding event in Hong Kong. Waves of people packed the exhibition. There were hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Vegetarian House of the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations in Hong Kong participated in the event as a food retailer. It also advocated a sonorous slogan, "Pure vegetarian - the first step to save the world. Pure vegetarian - the first step in becoming compassionate and generous".

A television was set up at the booth, which continuously showed Master's MTV video tape. Her wonderful songs and beautiful rhythms blessed the venue throughout the day. Their booth was across from the one that was selling stamps with the first-day's postmark to commemorate the event, so the many people queuing there had a chance to watch Master's video for a long time. The place where fellow initiates offered the free samples of vegetarian food, the selling of the vegetarian food products was a great success.

Fellow practitioners had printed Master's lecture, "The Way To Save The World From Doomsday", in the form of a leaflet. They were distributed, together with the sample booklets and information on vegetarianism, to the people passing by their booth. The visitors' responses were unexpectedly enthusiastic, which kept the fellow practitioners very busy passing them out. Having Master's blessing, all the fellow practitioner were full of energy. They did not feel tired at all even when they had to work for a long time. They were all especially pleased when they saw the great response from the public.

The most pleasant surprise happened a few days later. A lady came to the Vegetarian House and said that she is the director of several homes for the elderly. After visiting the exhibition, she was interested in letting the elderly in the homes try a vegetarian diet. She hoped that our fellow practitioners could give her some help. From this feedback, fellow practitioners are all very glad that vegetarianism has spread widely into the everyday life of the public.

Report From Cambodia

Three Thousand Tons Of Rice Have Arrived

Last year Cambodia was the victim of a major flood due to the overflowing of the Mekong River. Master was very concerned about the suffering of those people as if She was one of them. She immediately sent an emergency relief team - mainly of fellow initiates from Formosa and some initiates from various parts of Asia - to help the victims. As of now, the first stage of the relief work has been completed. During this period, the relief team, under the total support of Premiere and Mrs. Ranariddh and the government, distributed material necessities such as rice, sugar, scarf, clothing and Master's sample booklets as spiritual food. Their efforts reached the following provinces in Cambodia: Bangtong, Shiji, Bangfayang, Madewang, Bolomain, Canla, Luoli, Chazhen, Tujiao, Bangzhen....

The second stage of the relief work is about to start. The main effort at this time is to distribute rice to relieve the starvation of large numbers of people in Cambodia. A severe drought in their country has caused large crop failures.

Ever since the Supreme Master Ching Hai launched the activity entitled "One Kilogram of Rice Can Save An Entire Country," initiates and compassionate people from all over the world have been responding with strong support. Aided lovingly by the government and the people of Formosa, the first three thousand tons of rice have already been collected and shipped to Cambodia. Each grain of rice contains Master's love and blessings. The cargo expected by the Cambodian people arrived smoothly at the destination a few days ago. The relief workers will quickly distribute the rice - a symbol of friendship in adversity among nations and loving fellowship on Earth - to the victims to relief them of their present predicament and to wish them speed in overcoming this difficult time safely, so as to enjoy good health and prosperity in the near future. (*Another three thousands tons are to be on their way to Cambodia.)

Report From Paris Center, France

Family Gathering To Celebrate Christmas Together

The Paris Center held a joyful family reunion party on Christmas eve specially for the children and family members of the initiates. Not only was there a Santa Claus, one of the initiates dressed up, but also many Christmas gifts were prepared for the children and for everyone. There were also plenty of delicacies and all sorts of French desserts to enjoy. This was a special opportunity for those initiates with children to get to know each other. In the fast pace of daily life, initiates had a chance to enjoy a relaxing moment, deeply appreciating the warmth, happiness and harmony of the big practicing family.

Report From Brisbane, Australia

Exhibition Booth A huge Success

Fellow initiates from Brisbane participated in the "Body, Health and Harmony Exhibition," which turned out to be a huge success. Several thousand sample booklets were distributed. Many people, including other exhibitors, were attracted to Master's lecture video as it was being played in front of the booth. Following the exhibition, many further enquiries were received. Since then, many people have asked to learn the Convenient Method, and most of them have started vegetarian diets in preparation for initiation.

This exhibition proved to be a very effective way of spreading Master's teachings, and the fellow initiates are keen to participate in similar activities at other exhibitions in the future.

Report From Perth, Australia

Health and Lifestyle Exhibition

Each year a health and lifestyle exhibition is held in Perth for several days. The event attracts over ten thousand people. This year, for the first time, the Perth Center participated in this exhibition.

Thanks to Master's blessings, it happened that the neighboring display-stand was large, giving them more wall space for displaying. They used it to hang a large photo of Master, and accentuating it with a spotlight, so many guests could see Master's photograph from far.

When a man came into the booth with his female companion, he felt compelled to sit and watch Master's video lectures. After some time the man's companion wanted to leave, but he still stayed and continued to watch and listen to Master's words of wisdom. The man said he could feel Master's love very strongly in the booth. He also mentioned that several years ago he had followed a spiritual master but slowly had lost interest. There was no doubt that after coming into contact with the omnipotent Master Ching Hai the man's spiritual yearnings were once again rekindled.

Another couple, who said they were very sensitive to psychic energy, also said they could feel a warm comfortable vibration as they opened Master's magazines. The woman said the energy sent a powerful tingling sensation through her hands and arms. The couple kept on looking at Master's beautiful paintings, and watched Master's videos for some time. They showed much interests in Master's teachings. The woman continued to say that whenever she encounters negative energy she usually has to remove herself immediately, but being surrounded with many of Master's paintings and books, she felt very comfortable and happy.

One young man, a pure vegetarian, who was helping at the exhibition, had previously heard about meditation on the inner light and inner sound. After he knew about Master's precious teachings, he decided to apply for initiation. A few days later, he and some other would-be-initiates received Master's permission for initiation and joined the spiritual group of Quan Yin practitioners.

The exhibition was a great opportunity to introduce Master's teachings to thousands longing for the Truth. Thanks to Master's blessings everything went smoothly which allowed many more people from Perth to know who the Supreme Master Ching Hai is.

A Visit To A Refugee Center

In the far north of western Australia, over one thousand kilometers north of Perth, at a place called Port Hedland, there is a refugee detention center where almost a hundred Au Lac and Chinese asylum seekers are kept. A Quan Yin messenger and several fellow initiates decided to visit this camp.

The first refugees to come to the shaded visitors' area were a young teenage Au Lac girl and an even younger Au Lac boy. Both were shy to talk in the beginning and apparently didn't know what to do with the unexpected visitors. Fellow practitioners gently and lovingly explained what the visit was about. A few minutes later more refugees cautiously came over to the visitors' area. All of them looked young and were very polite. A Mr. Khanh explained that the conditions at the Port Hedland Camp were very good and the officers treated all the refugees with respect; they all lived in air-conditioned quarters, had sufficient food to eat, access to medical care, offered daily English classes, and would go out regularly to the beach with an officer. But as Khanh explained all this good care is little compensation for the one thing that all of them long for, freedom.

The refugees eagerly accepted Master's booklets and magazines - it is very rare for them to receive reading material in the Au Lac language. The bag of new clothing that the fellow practitioners had brought for them was also soon empty.

At first most of them were keen to talk about their personal experiences and also to find out more about Master and Her teachings. Some had heard of Master before, when they were at other camps in southeast Asia. Some explained that this was a particularly anxious time for them, because the Australian Government had just passed new legislation stating that any asylum seeker who was refused refugee status in another country could not apply for refugee status in Australia, and that the legislation would be effective several weeks before it was actually enacted.

But as time passed, there was less and less talking as their attention became engrossed in Master's booklets and magazines. At that moment Master's precious aphorisms appeared to have penetrated the heart of the camp and the souls of the refugees. A peacefulness enveloped the camp and Master's sublime blessing power was as tangible as the refreshing sea breeze that blissfully swayed the trees.

One Au Lac man spoke of his long search for the Truth. He didn't care with what name the Truth was wrapped, he simply wanted to know what the Truth was. Perhaps after reading Master's books and magazines, this sincere man's search would end.

Before leaving, the fellow practitioners promised to send the refugees some of Master's video tapes. The fellow practitioners who live reasonably close to Port Hedland said they would arrange more visits to the camp or to take the refugees out for day trips. Everyone was happy with the outcome of the visit, and delighted that Master's message is reaching more and more people and helping to improve many, many more lives.

Report From Ottawa, Canada

One-Day Retreat & Christmas

Deeply appreciating Master's words, "Group Meditation has great power", and that it greatly benefits fellow initiates spiritually and physically, the Ottawa center, besides having a time slotted for weekly group meditation has also arranged, one weekend per month, as the monthly 'one-day retreat'. At present, each month fellow initiates in Eastern Canada can take part in the one-day retreats, in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston. The local centers take turns each hosting one retreat per month. This way fellow initiates have choices. They can arrange themselves to go to these places for a one-day retreat according to their own convenient after working hours schedule.

At the end of the year, fellow initiate, thinking of those unfortunate compatriots, specially prepared some basic food for children and sent it to one of the local food distribution center for the poor. When we contacted the person in charge, we learned that the amount of food they had, had been very low the few months before Christmas, but their regular food recipients were quite high in number. The food was a timely help for them. They were very grateful to the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations for the donation and later sent a letter of thanks.

Report From Montreal, Canada

Christmas Party

The warmth of Christmas unites people's hearts. On this beautiful night, fellow initiates organized a party at the Vegetarian House. Family and friends of fellow initiates and convenient method practitioners were invited to come. The joyous atmosphere at the party allowed everyone to forget about their worldly problems, as if they were in a paradise filled with love and harmony. People of different races, nationalities and religious backgrounds all came together to share this happy moment.

During this sweet and joyful celebration, fellow initiates didn't forget the many Au Lac brothers and sisters who are still in miserable situations. In order to pay respect to those courageous souls, donations were collected, symbolizing brotherly love and care. Under the brilliant light of Master's holy love, everyone enjoyed an evening filled with love and joy!

Report From San Diego, USA

Opening Ceremony Of The Branch Center

As the San Diego Center was about to be completed, fellow initiates were joyously making preparations for the opening ceremony. Even though recently it had been raining on and off in San Diego, fellow initiates were all very confident that on the opening day the weather would be fine and everything would go smoothly.

As expected, the weather was fine on that day. A few hundred fellow initiates and VIP guests from the local government attended the ceremony. The first event was the opening speech by the coordinator telling the friends at the venue, "Although Master could not personally attend, Her omnipresent love and blessings are constantly protecting all the people throughout the world. If you want to understand Master more, you can experience Her wisdom from Her illuminating talks. You can also realize Master's elegant, perfect and compassionate qualities of God Almighty from Her paintings, music, lamps and designed clothing." He also said, "Master sets a personal example by using the talents developed from spiritual practice in daily life. She also teaches Her disciples to decorate the world with outer and inner beauty, so as to encourage the world to progress more towards truth, kindness and beauty."

Fellow initiates then gave a simple introduction to the Quan Yin Method and the goals and activities of the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations. They then shared the benefits they have gained personally from practicing the Quan Yin Method transmitted by Master, stating that it is the same immediate enlightenment method transmitted by the Zen Patriarch Bodhidharma, which is the most high, the fastest and the safest method. It is also the only method allowing people to be liberated from the cycle of birth and death and to return to Nirvana. Besides spiritual development, this method of practice also brings a positive outlook to the lives of the fellow initiates, thus they can fulfill their duties to the family and society better.

After the simple yet solemn opening ceremony, fellow initiates accompanied the VIP guests and friends to visit the center's book display area and Master's various artistic creations. Lastly the guests were offered a vegetarian meal. A pure vegetarian diet is the best interpretation of people's ideal of world peace. The invited guests received Master's boundless, saintly love, some of whom have already started to practice the Convenient Method.

Looking ahead, the Center will not only follow Master's instructions to show concern to the brothers and sisters who needed help, but also will diligently disclose to the world Master's contributions to world peace and righteousness.

Report From Los Angeles, U.S.A

A Walk-a-thon for the Refugees

A walk-a-thon activity in support of the Au Lac refugees' rights took place at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley, near Los Angeles. The fund raiser to provide legal aid for asylum seekers in Southeast Asia was organized by LAVAS, a Virginia-based nonprofit organization. Donation pledges were also taken to help cover expenses in processing immigration applications to third party countries; because many of the refugees were still stagnating in the camps.

Fellow practitioners from Los Angeles and San Diego, wearing green vests imprinted with the Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Association's logo, took part in the walk-a-thon activity, and many of them pledged donations. Attention also went skyward as a small plane with a streamer announcing the walk-a-thon for the refugees flew overhead and around the densely populated area. Many people driving cars responded to this meaningful activity, but because cars already filled every available parking spot around the park, they could not park their cars to join the walk-a-thon, and could only honk their horns to indicate their solidarity.

The walk-a-thon officially got underway following the final remarks by invited V.I.P. guests. Within minutes, long strings of banner-waving and singing walkers began maneuvering along the marked route in double file; thousands of people completed the route. Within the hearts of the participants was the hope that through this kind of activity, people's concern and concrete help for the Au Lac refugees present would be evoked to help them obtain real freedom as soon as possible.

Christmas Holiday in the Hospital

Before Christmas Day, a group of fellow practitioners from Los Angeles visited the Veteran's Hospital in Loma Linda, in hopes that through their entertainment they could bring a happy atmosphere to every corner of the hospital and thus provide spiritual encouragement and comfort to the suffering patients.

Many folks came to the performance in their wheel chairs. Among them was one man who was sitting on a movable bed. He sat patiently at the back of the hall awaiting the performance. All of the programs were intended to bring joy and a happy atmosphere of God's love to everyone. After the performance, one elderly person was so touched by the warmth and love brought about by the performing team that she said in a broken voice to a fellow practitioner, "You have filled my heart with joy! I burst into tears when I saw your performance!'

As the climax of the visit, fellow initiates distributed gift bags filled with candies and Master's sample booklets and magazines, and gave warm Christmas wishes to people in every room in the hospital. As the fellow practitioners were leaving the hospital, they were given great praise and shown deep appreciation by the hospital staff members, many of whom expressed their sincere wishes for an early return trip by the fellow practitioners. What a wonderful experience full of joy and love that Master allowed the participating initiates to experience while helping the less fortunate, especially during this happy Christmas holiday season!

Report From Atlanta, U.S.A

New Concept For Environmental Protection - Be A Vegetarian To Save The Earth

The initiates took to heart Master's reminding words in Her lecture at the Japan Airport "The Way To Save The World From Doomsday" (see News magazine No.38). They feel that to be a vegetarian is the first step in spiritual elevation, so they contacted the local vegetarian society and made, with their permission, a hundred copies of the videotape "Diet for a New America". The label "supplied by The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations, Atlanta Center" was attached to the videotapes, which were then supplied, free of charge, to the libraries, vegetarian restaurants and shops selling natural health foods in Atlanta, for public circulation. It is hoped that more people could become aware of the facts of the benefits of being vegetarian for environmental protection.

Near the end of the year, in the cold season, the Center responded to Master's call of a kilogram of rice activity to help relieve Cambodia's disasters. Donations were gathered to offer our warm feelings for our brothers and sisters overseas. As the Christmas heartfelt candles were burning, the initiates love also shone with the candles to light up the Home for the homeless in Atlanta. Fellow initiates generously opened their pockets to donate. Daily necessities and Master's sample booklets, as spiritual food, were given as a means of sharing love and care with them.

Report From Dallas, Texas, U.S.A

Thanksgiving With The Homeless

On Thanksgiving Day this year, fellow initiates of the Dallas Center shared a very special moment with the downtown homeless. Initiates distributed delicious vegetarian box lunches, bags of toiletries, blankets and fresh fruit to these needy brothers and sisters. Even more importantly, the initiates distributed Master's love and kindness through sample booklets and magazines with warm smiles, handshakes and camaraderie.

The initiates worked quickly and efficiently to prepare for the event. One disciple went shopping at a wholesale outlet to buy items at discount prices. Others packed the items neatly. Still others travelled to the downtown area to find the most suitable places to meet the homeless. The night before, fellow initiates stayed at the center working all night to prepare the food for Thanksgiving Day. That morning, after group meditation, the initiates packed everything up in a small caravan of vehicles. Even though the day was cold and gray, warmth and light shone in everyone's hearts.

The homeless joyfully accepted the small gifts of love offered to them. Many were also interested in Master's sample booklet and wanted to learn more about Her teachings. During the time together, many of the initiates listened to the stories the homeless told of how they came to live on the streets. Other initiates went with some of the homeless to see how they lived in boxes in the alleyways. It clearly was a learning experience for all those involved. It's very precious that the love for one another as a family brought everyone into this good friendship.

As the tiny caravan made its way out of the downtown area, the homeless and the initiates sincerely waved goodbye to each other. The eyes of the initiates were brimming with tears. They had learned that no matter how small things might seem to be, they carried a precious meaning of, true love and compassion. The initiates were very grateful to Master for giving them this opportunity to learn and experience so many valuable lessons!

Report From San Francisco, U.S.A

Meal With Love

San Francisco initiates served a delicious hot meal, of vegetarian fried rice, fried noodles and spring rolls, to one thousand veterans and homeless people in San Francisco. The veterans and homeless people were very touched, some of them even cried and said that they had never been served such a delicious meal in their lives.

Fellow initiates worked really hard to cook and serve the veterans and homeless people even though it was raining and most of them got wet. As they worked, inside each of their hearts, they felt that Master was blessing them as well as the food.

They thank Master that each time they work together, they learn how to love others more than themselves and also how to sacrifice for others. This only comes as a result of Master's great blessing.

Report From Florida, U.S.A

Giving Surprises To Friends In Prison

Fellow initiates sent several hundred packages of gifts, with a sample booklet, candies and cookies inside each, to the prison near Orlando. The packages were distributed to the prisoners at lunch hour. The prisoners were very happy when they received the gifts and they joyously wished one another Merry Christmas. Fellow initiates also left behind some of Master's magazines, cassette and video tapes. Many started to read the sample booklets right away and inquired about the local address for correspondence. One instructor in the prison told fellow initiates that he was brought up in a Catholic family and thus was suspicious of religion and started drift away from any religion. Yet after reading Master's sample booklet, not only was he very interested, but also promised to play Master's video tapes for the prisoners.

This group of friends never expected, besides the once a year visit from the Salvation Army, that another organization would care for them. Being very moved they collectively drew a Christmas card and presented it to the fellow initiates. They also called the coordinator the next day to say thank you. Fellow initiates will continue to perform this kind of meaningful activity so as to sow seeds of love and wisdom in every corner of this earth.

Express News From Cambodia

The Rice Shipment To Aid Cambodia Has Arrived

"Most grateful to the Supreme Master Ching Hai for sending three thousand and two tons of rice all the way from Formosa." At the rice receiving ceremony and press conference held on January 14 by the Cambodian Municipal Government, the delegate representing the first and second Prime Minister expressed, "The reputation of the Supreme Master Ching Hai is well known throughout the world. Besides aiding the Cambodian people, She also helps any nation or people in need. She is the most perfect model for the people of the world. Here I would like to wish the Supreme Master Ching Hai and all Her disciples be blessed with fortune!"

According to international law, a commercial freighter waiting for inspection takes about two days before it can drop anchor. However, under the instructions of the Prime Ministers, the ship moored immediately. The delegate also related the regards of the Prime Ministers to the hard work-ing staff on the ship that carried the rice. Extra workers had been used day and night to help with the unloading to shorten the working days, so that the freighter would be able to return as soon as possible.

At a garden party, fellow practitioners from Taoyuan use eye-catching posters to arouse the concern of visitors toward the Cambodian disaster victims.

Between Master And Disciples

Master Mommy, We Have Grown Up In Your Love

By Fellow Initiates, Indiana, U.S.A.
(Originally in English)

Master coming to Washington D.C. was the best news to Virginia fellow initiates. It meant they could see Master again. No words could describe their excitement. Master delivered Her boundless love to everyone in different ways, thus everyone felt most contented. Seeing Master Is The Best Gift

One sister saw Master emanating gold and silver light which lit up the whole meeting hall. In every precious opportunity that she met Master, she received Master's holy blessing. She truly was intoxicated feeling that Master was with and within her at all times. She felt Master in everything, in the clear blue sky, in the trees, in the fallen leaves and even in the 'shu-shu' sound made by her shoes when she walked. For several days because her whole being had melted into the ocean of love and was immersed in ineffable happiness, she couldn't help crying whenever she heard Master's voice on the cassette or saw Master's pictures. She experienced the feeling of becoming one with the whole universe, reuniting with everything.

Brother Lu also said that every time he sees Master, She always silently gives him some of the best gifts. Sometimes it would take a while, even a couple of months, for him to realize it. Through initiation Master gave him a brand new life enabling him to see the light and brightness of the world, as well as in himself, in a way he never ever saw before.

When he physically met Master for the first time in Denver, Colorado, he experienced heavenly bliss and Master's power. The second time he met Master in Hawaii, his soul was pulled out of its winter by Her. At the 3-day retreat in Chicago Master bestowed upon him heavenly energy enabling him to do a lot of things he had never imagined he could do before. This time in Virginia, he neither expected nor thought of anything, just looked at Her eyes all the time like a child. He felt great contentment. By the time he got home he realized that our Holy Mother had granted him a great gift - peace of mind!

Growing Up In Your Love

Because brother Pi worked as a security guard in the hotel where Master stayed, he was not able to attend any of Master's lectures. However, that was Master's best arrangement. He used to cry like a lost child whenever he had hindrance in meditation or in daily life, or when he missed Master. This time, as he had been longing for, he had the opportunity to have a very nice conversation with a Quan Yin messenger. Master also gave him an unforgettable glance at the time She was leaving the hotel. Even with just that, he experienced the greatest blessing from Master. Master does not neglect one single disciple! Even when She is not well, looks tired, and has a tight schedule, still She takes care of all Her children as always, and always will. He was so touched and later realized that it was time for him to grow up. That was exactly what everyone else felt about themselves.

Brother Wu always felt happy to see Master. However, in addition to the immeasurable joy, he felt pain in his heart when he saw that Master was tired by running about for the Au Lac refugees and heard that She was mistreated for the sake of the Au Lac refugees. This made him understand better how unimaginable the suffering all ancient masters had to endure in order to save sentient beings.

After Master left the venue, fellow practitioners gathered in front of the stage to take the blessed fruit, candies and flowers. At that moment he was standing very close to the blessed food and could get as many as he wanted. However, realizing that he was on duty as a guard, he thought he should not take advantage of his position for personal gain. He only hoped in his heart that his wife would take some for him. As if she knew his thoughts, she did indeed take a double portion. Going outside the hall, she and another sister met two would-be initiates from Chicago who did not obtain any blessed food. Without hesitation they shared with them.

Watching this, brother Wu suddenly had a feeling of Buddha's unselfish love and compassion. He felt that it was Master who was giving the food. Later he asked his wife what made her do so. She could not recall anything. She was not thinking but just doing what Master would do. From this we realized that, being in such a spiritual mood our souls had become elevated and were one with Master.

Answering Without Being Asked

A sister had a very good inner experience on the first day of the 3-day retreat in L.A., but not on the other two days. She was going to ask Master about this at the meeting. The outcome was, during the lecture, Master had answered all her questions.

Master's words flowed so naturally. She answered in such a way as if She had known the questions in the hearts of everyone present. Almost everyone felt that there was no need for any more questions. They also realized that Master's time in this world is very precious and we should not bother Her with low level questions. All the answers will come when we meditate well and the problems will be resolved gracefully and silently if we pray sincerely.

Grow Up, Let The Inner Master Work

On our way back home, we had a group discussion in the car. The discussion also included the lecture Master gave in Japan September, 1994: "The Way To Save The World From Doomsday". Everyone had a strong sense that we were born into this world to strengthen our spirits and to accomplish certain missions, especially at this turning point in the century, when our planet is facing its greatest crises. What Master is doing and leading us to do now is not only to help the refugees but to save ourselves, to help us grow, ultimately into the Kingdom of God. If we accomplish any assignment from Master, we will obtain the greatest love and blessings from God. We should not only work hard on it, but also work without any ego, that is, to do whatever She leads us to do without any questions, doubts, thinking and judging with our own minds.

The only way to achieve this is to practice harder, to become one with Her. As we grow up on the spiritual path, our egos will diminish, hence our inner Masters can use our perfect inner wisdom to accomplish our missions. We must also learn to make full use of our talents, knowledge and social status in this world to fulfill God's will.

Cherish Our Affinity With Master

How lucky we are to live at the same time as Master in this world so that we can go to our eternal home under Her guidance. We need Her, this planet needs Her. As Her disciples, the only way to show our love to Her is to be good disciples - practice harder, grow faster, work more for Her without ego. Only by doing this can we keep Her longer in this world. Let's act now, and pray sincerely, during meditation, for Master's health.

Media Report

A Live Hot Line Talk

The Supreme Master Ching Hai Had A Telephone Interview with Radio Five On "Sunday Focus"

(Originally in English and Thai)
December 23, 1994

During this live interview, the host of the program revealed her inner true feelings. With sincerity, she cordially invited Master to stay in Thailand permanently. Master felt deeply touched by the piousness and love of the Thai people. Before leaving Thailand, Master was most reluctant to part.

Q: Hello. (M: Hello.) Yes, it's nice to have You on the radio program, on Radio Five. We have Dr. Mano Kuratana as a translator. We'll ask the questions in Thai and Dr. Mano will translate them into English.

M: Khob Khun Kah (Master says 'thank you', in Thai), thank you.

Q: The first question - when did You start to be interested in seeking the dharma or the real Truth?
M: I do not really remember when, but it must begin since the childhood, in childhood.

Q: How long did it take You to attain the real Truth, from the beginning when you first started to seek the real Truth? M: Oh, there is also not exact number of years. But I guess it's kind of building up after many years, since you begin to ask yourself the first questions. Where do I come from and why I am here, and things like that. So it takes perhaps, for some persons perhaps takes a life time, but I don't know exactly when and how long. It just intensified more in the thirties of my age. In the years after the 28th to 30, something like that, it intensified and then it bore fruit at that time.

Q: Attaining the real Truth, is that a miracle or how does one know that he has attained that level?
M: Actually, it's very difficult to explain in the human language, and in fact there is no such thing as a degree or an examination that You could say that I have a paper or something to prove it. It is something within that is awakened, and then makes you know many things, makes you know that you really understand the self nature of human beings, you really understand the real person behind each, every being in this universe.

Q: Before you reached the real Truth, did You have a lot of obstacles and hindrances?
M: Yes, but at that time I did not always know that these are the obstacles, because in this life, every of us also experience hardship and difficulties at one time or another. So I just took it as it belonged to life. So it didn't really matter much, I just continued with my search.

Q: There are a lot of methods in this world, why did You choose or accept the Quan Yin Method as your practice?
M: Yes, I have also practiced many different methods before I realized this Quan Yin Method is the one which offers you the quickest and the highest level of self-realization. That's why I announce it to whoever would like to share the fortune, like I did.

Q: She would like You to explain the composition and the real principal of this method?
M: Okay, actually there is no written method, but there is a so-called method, because at the time of initiation, the so-called teacher or friend, can help the people interested to know the Truth, open their own inner power to recognize their own Buddha nature. And this method is not a verbal one, it will be transmitted in silence. But then when it is done, the interested seeker will have realized a part of their enlightenment. For example we see brilliant Buddha's light or can hear some teaching directly from the Buddha, can see the self Buddha nature. Of course there are some helping factors, such as a guide or the teacher will tell the disciple how to sit and how to relax and where to pay attention to, but all these amount to nothing if there is no power behind the method.

Q: Because it cannot be transmitted by words, how do You transmit it? M: First, the teacher must realize his own true self and then it will be done automatically in a different level of existence, in a different level of consciousness. It means the consciousness of the teacher and the disciple will be connected, and then something is done which we cannot explain in the verbal language. For example we cannot explain the love between a couple or love between a mother and a child, but nevertheless it exists and both of them understand.

Q: Where is the wisdom eye and how do You open it? M: All these are very abstract matters, but I try very hard, I will try to explain in our ordinary language, and I hope I can make it clear. The wisdom eye is not exactly an eye; just because after it's open we can see many things in the universe, and we can see the Truth without having to rely on language and any sutras or scriptures or any teaching. And there is a center of connection between ourself and the power of the universe. It's located in the middle of our mind. But it is not really physical, and from there if we look through to in front of our forehead, in the middle of our forehead, it's around, just about one inch in the middle of our forehead and above the eyebrows, then you will see the true nature of the universe. And in the modern time we can liken the opening of the wisdom eye to some kind of like a electromagnetic, electronic device. You know, you can even open a television from afar or close the light from afar without even touching. It's kind of you don't even see anybody touch the button, sometimes you just walk into the door and the door opens, and some other things, like you have to use manual wise, you see? So the opening of the wisdom eye is more or less very abstract, and it can be likened to electromagnetic things, electronic things and no handling of physical matter. That's why the teacher doesn't have to be physically present where the student is; can do it from thousands, millions of miles away, and it happens, it still works all the same. It's even faster and more efficient than electronic or remote control because the remote is limitless.

Q: Would You like everyone in this world to practice the Quan Yin Method, and why?
M: Only because we suffer so much. If the people are happy with their life and they don't suffer, and they keep the kind of, for example Buddhist precepts or the Christian precepts - like we don't kill, we don't tell lies, we don't harm other people, we don't gamble, we don't take drink and drugs, things like that - then it's not very much necessary for everyone to practice. But because people mostly very suffer, even if they are rich and highly positioned they still suffer, therefore, if each one of us in the world can practice Quan Yin Method, of course it's better for them. Because the people who practice Quan Yin Method have such an inner happiness that money or position can never equal, can never exchange for it; and it is lasting, nothing can change it.

Q: If one attains the highest level after practicing the Quan Yin Method, what would it be like, and have any of Your disciples attained that? M: If one attains the highest level in Quan Yin practice, then one becomes like Bodhisattva Avolakitesvara, you know, Quan Yin Bodhisattva, who can hear everything, can see everything, and can help people in different corners of the universe, without having to be near them or without having to know their names or person. And this is of course the goal of every follower of different religions, to become omnipresent, to become a source of blessing for all the suffering beings. And some of our disciples have attained near this kind of level, but they are very humble. You will not be able to discern them. It's just sometimes other disciples can tell, or during meditation then you can see, who is which level.

Q: She would like to ask You about the concept of the cycle of birth and death. She is wondering if after we die is there nothing or do we have to be reborn again?
M: There is definitely not nothing, but whether we are reborn again or not, it depends on what we do in this life, whether we have realized our true self or not yet. If we realized our true self, then there is no more rebirth, unless we choose to be reborn again for the sake of other people.

Q: What is the reason behind not eating eggs and we can drink milk? M: We can drink milk, yes we could, no problem about milk because we don't have to kill the animal for milk. About the egg, even if it's not fertilized egg, it still contains a kind of symbol of life and death, born and reborn, and also the egg has the potential of attracting the negative energy. Perhaps you would read or know or heard that many of the magicians, they use the eggs to attract the negative entities from some of the possessed persons. Therefore we do not like to attract the negative force into ourselves, because now we try to reach the positive nature.

Q: When we open our wisdom eye, how do we use that wisdom in our daily lives? What is the advantage of opening the wisdom eye? M: Of course when we have realized our wisdom again, then of course we can use it for every aspect of our life. For example we become more loving, we become more tolerant, we become more wise in our daily work, as well as the dealing with all the difficulties in life. And such a person will be a great help to family, himself and his company, his nation as well as this world. A wise and virtuous, at the same time, person is always useful everywhere.

Q: There are a lot of people in Thailand who are Chinese, and they have a tradition of offering food to their ancestors or the spirits. Usually they offer a pig's head or duck or chicken, which are animal meat. Should they change their offering into vegetable or into fruit? M: Of course that would be better for their ancestors.

Q: Do they have to change?
M: No, they don't have to. Of course, we should not force our opinion upon other people. They have to do what they want. It is just because you asked me. Most of the people are Buddhist, even the Chinese most of them are Buddhist. Then if they read the Earth Store Bodhisattva Scripture, then inside that Buddhist scripture, it is stated clearly that, at the death of any person, or at the birth of any person there should not be any killing of the animal, otherwise the merit of the dead person will be lessened, and the life of the mother and child at the birth would be lessened in merit; it would be more difficult for them. It would be always better to be offering in vegetarian food. Even after they die, if they want to be filial, they should offer always vegetarian; it's better for the soul of the departed. It is stated in the scripture of Buddhist. It is called Earth Store Bodhisattva Scripture. If they want they can read it again. It is stated that if a person just died and the relatives kill chickens or pigs, something like that, to make offering for them, and if that person is suppose to go to heaven that will delay their going to heaven, and if that person has already heavy karmic debt, you know, did bad things in life, that will even have more punishment on him, and then the dead person, because of the killing from the relatives, for him, for his sake, must go to deeper hell or lower existence, more suffering existence.

Q: We have heard that You have studied a lot of religions in this world. What religions do You use most in principal? M: I think I use more of Buddhist scriptures, because I travel a lot in Asian countries and most people are more familiar with Buddhism. But when I am in the west, I would use perhaps the Christian or something like that in order for them to understand.

Q: How many disciples do You have now and in which country do You have the most disciples?
M: I think, we can not count in number, but You can say, maybe over hundred thousand or maybe million of them, and many of them are in Formosa, because I stayed there many years, a long time.

Q: If someone has taken the initiation already and after that they cannot practice or do what they have promised, is it a big sin and can they quit being a practitioner?
M: Sure they can, anytime. It's difficult to be a disciple but it's easy to quit. It's just that they stopped at that level they attained, and do not progress if they don't sincerely want to achieve a higher level, and if of course they committed sin, then they also would be handled like everyone else.

Q: We would like to know the story about "Ching Hai Day" on October 25th. Where does it come from and are there any activities on that day? M: Because we have helped a lot of the American people, when they have disaster, the flood disaster, and in different other areas like AIDS or cancer or homeless persons or children, things like that, so the American government decided to give me some award and also they named, actually two times. One is October 25th by the state of Hawaii and another is the 22nd of February by six other states in the midwest. But I think the disciple just choose the first day like 25th of October and they celebrate like that each year. They want to celebrate each year like that in different parts of the world.

Q: Is it Ching Hai Day all over the world? M: For our disciples and probably for some of the victims, yes, but not for everyone. Maybe after I die, yes. (Master laughs)

Q: Can You remember the past life, and can You tell the future? M: Ah, sometimes, if necessary yes, but we don't always spend our time dwelling in the past, nor that it's necessary always to have to predict the future, because whatever come will come. A practitioner does not worry about the past and also does not worry about the future.

Q: They have heard that You have been to Thailand before, twice, and this is the third time. The first two times, there wasn't much news or advertisement, but this time there is a lot of advertisement. After You have given a lecture, is there a lot of result that You are satisfied? M: Both times were very satisfactorily, with or without advertisement, both times were packed, the lecture always packed with people; some people had no seats and they had to go home. It just happened that this time because the press decided to honor me, which I don't deserve, so many people know. But I think the Thai people are very hospitable and nice, so if I refuse it would hurt them, their feelings, so I just accept and represent all of the good people in the world, to accept.

Q: What activities do You do in your daily life? M: Oh, many things, I answer questions of the disciples, of people, of guests sometimes, and I reply letters, and I sometimes check the books that the disciples have transcribed from tapes, so in order to produce. Sometimes I designed clothing to, for beautifying the world, or design jewelry, or sometimes I paint, or sometimes I do some other artificial designs. And sometimes I go swimming, if I don't feel well. And sometimes, apart from meditation, I receive guests of honor, like the statesmen from governments and other people of high position like that, or I visit them and accept their questions for advice or exchanging some view of humanitarian ground, things like that, or helping the poor people, or going to see the disaster places in order to see what we can do for them or trying to get some finances for them or things like that.

Q: If we wanted You to stay in Thailand permanently, would You accept? And the last thing we would like You to do is to say something to bless us, all the Thai people, please.
M: Oh, I am very touched at the invitation, but I am not a free person. I do whatever the universal plan assigns me to do and go wherever I am asked to go. For the present I have about thirty countries on the waiting list, which I have not yet answered. I love Thailand the most; that everyone knows is my favorite country, and I of course, I would like to spend a lot of time here, but I don't think I can promise to stay permanently. But nevertheless, I am very touched with all my heart at the loving kindness of the Thai people, and especially just now the invitation from the speaker. I thank her very much.

Q: Finally we have to say thank You very much. It has been my great honor to have had You here on my program. Thank You very much again. M: It's our honor, Buddha bless you and your country.

Q: Thank You very much.

Media Reports

Associated Evening News, Singapore Monday, January 9, 1995

An Ever Changing Nun Teaches Meditation

A Gifted And Talented Woman From Vietnam

The Supreme Master Ching Hai, age 45, from Vietnam, is a spiritual practitioner who once took retreat in the Himalayas. She believes that through meditation and enlightenment, one can perceive one's real self and a high level of wisdom, like Herself. She speaks many languages - English, French, German, Chinese, Vietnamese. She is talented in many ways, such as in designing clothing, jewelry, ancient lanterns and fans. She can also paint, play musical instruments, compose music and songs.

Whenever She attends formal occasions, She always puts on eye - catchingly colorful gorgeous dresses designed by Herself. She believes that an enlightened person does not have to be bound by "the image of a monk." An enlightened person in "the image of a layman" can get along better with the mass.

The Supreme Master Ching Hai has arrived. She will speak at 8:00 P.M. tomorrow on a subject entitled "Immediate Enlightenment, Liberation in One Lifetime" at the Harbor Pavilion in the World Trade Center.

As Beautiful As The Empress

When She lectured in Chicago, She wore a long, white gown with a white scarf covering Her face, looking like a beautiful goddess from the world of an Arabian fairy tale. In Thailand, She wore a bare shouldered golden evening gown, with pure gold accessories on Her forehead, neck, upper arms, wrists and waist; looking so beautiful like an Empress of Thailand! When She came to Japan, She put on a kimono with layers of embroidered silk. Her endless appearances attract more interest in Her being-"the nun with hundreds of transformations," and "the Quan Yin Bodhisattva with a thousand faces."

Designed Within A Few Minutes

One of the Supreme Master Ching Hai's disciples, told the reporter that the great enlightened Master has many talents. Besides designing clothing, She also designs jewelry, fans and lamps; She composes music, songs, draws paints, plays the piano, Chinese zither, mandolin and harp, etc. All of this beautiful music and these works of art were done by the Master in a matter of minutes.

With Professional Quality

The finished works of art are truly of professional quality. The color, the arrangement and the overall design fully express the effect of merging the tough and the gentle together, creating a delicate tenderness that is appreciated by all.
The disciple said, "Master feels that by wearing graceful outfits, it reminds us of the noble and perfect qualities within us, which helps us reach the state of truth, virtue and beauty."

A Gathering To Spread The Truth Attracted Thirty Thousand People

The lecture given by the Supreme Master Ching Hai at the Harbor Pavilion in the World Trade Center attracted an audience of more than thirty thousand.

THE CHINA TIMES Formosa December 25, 1994

No Discrimination Among Religions On Christmas Eve

The Helpless Elderly Receive Loving Kindness

The Meditation Association visited the Heng An Nursing Home For The Elderly yesterday - bringing overwhelming warmth [News from Taipei] To bring a Merry Christmas to the old folks in the homes for the elderly, volunteers from the Taipei Meditation Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Association in China visited the fifty-six grandpas and grandmas in the Heng An Nursing Home For The Elderly on Sui Yuan Road, on the morning of the 24th. The old folks were touched to tears by the sincere concern of the volunteers. Some of them kept grabbing the hands of the volunteers and would not let go. The atmosphere was most touching and full of overwhelming warmth.

The reason for this visit to the elderly on Christmas eve was the fact that many lonely persons were lacking love and concern in this joyful Christmas season. The meaning of Christmas is not just fun and joy. It is also a time for spreading love, and learning the undiscriminating love of Jesus Christ. Therefore, volunteers from the Association's Taipei Branch Center, together with four Santa Clauses came to distribute to the old folks specially prepared box meals, gifts, and the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines and sample booklets.

During the visit, the volunteers carefully helped the disabled elderly to take their meals, chatted with them, and together watched the video tapes showing the activities of the Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Meditation Association. They also helped each of the old folks put on a brooch bearing a photo of the "Supreme Master Ching Hai", which conveyed the love and concern of the Supreme Master Ching Hai for them. Although Master is busy giving lectures abroad and could not personally come to visit the lonely elderly, She cares about them very much. Therefore, She has instructed Her disciples to make frequent visits to the old folks, bring them God's and Buddha's love, filling the emptiness in their hearts. The scene of the elderly folks all smiling, happily accepting the brooches with Master's photos on them and reading the magazines and sample booklets attentively, showed that the love of God and Buddha had reached deep into their hearts.

Seeing the Santa Clauses appear, some of the old folks cried, some laughed, and some clapped and sang together. It seemed as if childhood had once again returned to them.

An old lady who cries every day, show scarcely found smile on her face that day. She even went back to her room to change her clothes, wanting to play outside. Another old lady caressed the face of a volunteer in the way that a mother treats her own son and daughter. She considered the volunteers as her own children.

Many of the elderly folks could not express their feelings with normal speech, but the true communication of feelings among human beings is conveyed with invisible love. Without many words, the loving expression in their eyes and their gestures were sufficient to connect the volunteers and the old folks, heart to heart. Many elderly were with tears in their eyes, they just held the hands of the volunteers and would not let go. That moment clearly depicted both their happiness and their loneliness.

The administrator of the Heng An Nursing Home For The Elderly, Mr. Hu Xi Xian, appealed to all sons and daughters, never to forget to visit their aging parents during the festivals, which are the times they need the most loving care. Do not let them wait in vain.

At intervals, the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Association in China" conduct an activity series called "There Is Love Among Humans And Care On Earth". The purpose is to care for the weak and helpless people in society. They have also conducted such activities as the "Care For The Homeless Garden Party", visited the centers for the homeless and the inmates in the prisons, and conducted an environmental protection activity called "Clean The Mountains And Waters".

Media Reports

Taichung Evening News, Formosa
Jan. 8, 1995

The Supreme Master Ching Hai Led The International Three-Day Retreat To Pray For World Peace

"One Kilogram Of Rice To Save A Nation" Commendation Ceremony For The Compassionate Relief In Helping the Neighboring Country - Cambodia

[By Reporter Mei-Hui Wang /Kaohsiung] At 11 a.m. on New Year's Day, 1995, the Supreme Master Ching Hai, the recipient of "The World Peace Award", held a "Cambodia Relief Commendation Ceremony", at Hsihu Meditation Center, Maoli, Formosa, to present awards to groups and individuals who made outstanding contributions in the disaster relief activities, and to thank the governments and kind people of various nations for their enthusiastic support and response to the recent relief efforts. Among the guests present were representatives from twenty nations, and a consulate and government officials from many nations. The Department of Agriculture, Executive Yuan; the Formosa Provincial Food Bureau; the Central Trust of China; Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd. of Formosa; the government of Japan; the Thailand Trade and Economic Office, etc. all sent representatives to accept awards.

The recent disasters in Cambodia, caused by floods and droughts, left millions of people without any food. When the Supreme Master Ching Hai learned about the news, She immediately instructed Her disciples all over the world to do their best to help; She launched a relief activity, "One Kilogram Of Rice To Save a Nation". The Supreme Master Ching Hai's disciples in Formosa led the way by donating three thousand tons of rice. With the full support from the Department of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, the Formosa Provincial Food Bureau, the Central Trust of China and Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., the rice was promptly purchased, loaded, and shipped to Cambodia scheduled to arrive on 10 January, 1995. The Supreme Master Ching Hai said that the actions of these organizations fully displayed lofty traditions of the Chinese - a concern for justice and a willingness to help those in need.

In response to the activity, the Government of Japan had already donated twenty thousand tons of rice to Cambodia, and promised to give them more rice donations in the future. Besides helping Cambodia, Japan is also Au Lac's top aid donor country. Japan has also sent representatives and provided medicine, food, transportation and other aid to Tanzania, Rwanda and other nations stricken with disasters. A representative was sent by the Government of Japan to receive an award at this ceremony. Others who received awards included a consulate, hotel personnel who display great enthusiasm in serving others, and honest and responsible individuals from the news media. The Supreme Master said, "Anyone who wholeheartedly exerts his best effort in doing his part, regardless of the position of his job, is worthy of people's respect."

Being grateful to the Formosan authorities for their ardent support, and to the people in many fields worldwide for their enthusiastic responses to the relief activity, the Supreme Master Ching Hai especially took time from Her very busy schedule to return to Formosa to host this relief commendation event. From December 31st to January 2nd 1995, disciples of the Supreme Master from all over the world gathered at Hsihu Meditation Center for an "International Three-Day Retreat". Almost four thousand disciples from twenty countries attended. For three days they meditated with their revered Master, and prayed for world peace.

During the event the Supreme Master Ching Hai said, "Helping others is actually helping ourselves. I am contented with my life and do not want more blessings. However, to the people of many countries, it would be useful having more blessings. For example, Formosa is often affected by typhoons and earthquakes. When we help others, we can bring our country blessings. I join the people of Formosa in being grateful, and I am happy for Formosa to have had this opportunity to bring blessings to their country, so that the country will make more progress, become more beautiful and prosperous, continue to develop even further, and possess even more blessings!"

The Group And Individual Awards Are As Follow:

The Group Awards

To the Central Trust of the Republic of China, Formosa Provincial Food Bureau, the Department of Agriculture of Formosa and Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations are very grateful for their responses to the Supreme Master Ching Hai's appeal. With great efficiency they quickly carried out their superiors' compassionate instructions and enthusiastically provided their co-operation, so that three thousand tons of rice for disaster relief could be released and delivered smoothly. They made exceptions and granted timely approval in the purchasing of the rice, which fully demonstrated the Chinese national characteristic of helping those in need.

Mr. Li Tseng Chung, who represented the Department of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, accepted the award. He said in his acceptance speech that he held great admiration for Master's compassionate deeds in saving the world. He went to the occasion filled with gratitude, willing to be educated, so that he might learn from Master about how to be compassionate. He often watched Master's videos, and twice attended Master's lectures at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. He totally agrees with and admires Master's teachings.

Mr. Chen Wen Dieng, the manager of Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd. accepted the award on behalf of his company. He said that it was due to the full support of the Department of Agriculture and the Formosa Provincial Food Bureau that enabled the three thousand tons of rice for the disaster relief to be quickly loaded onto a vessel on December 31st, 1994. It was scheduled to depart on January 2nd and arrive in Cambodia on 10 January, 1995. He said that all his colleagues were very sincere and did their best in executing various procedures in this matter.

The Central Trust of the Republic of China worked with great efficiency, which allowed the various procedures for delivery of the rice to be completed in a very short time. Their representative accepting the award, Mr. Chung Chen, said, "On December 12th, a disciple of the Supreme Master Ching Hai applied to our export department regarding the relief activity, and advised us that it was an utterly urgent matter. When I heard that, I immediately told my colleague that we should act quickly and give our full cooperation. Saving people is like fighting a fire; there should not be any delay caused by bureaucratic procedures. Previously, our rice was shipped abroad to earn money. This time, it was for the relief of a disaster, and I found it truly meaningful."

Mr. Lin Win Shown, the representative of the Food Bureau accepting the award, said that during this relief activity they did not work with official documents. Once they received the phone call for the purchase of the rice for the relief, they immediately started to pack the rice, choosing only the finest and flawless grains. He said, "It is our great honor to handle this matter for the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her disciples, because we hope that there is food not only for our fellow compatriots in Formosa, but also for the people of other countries of the world."

During the 1994 New Year's holiday, the Taipei Branch of the Thailand Trade and Economy Office responded to the urgent visa applications of hundreds of fellow practitioners from all over Formosa, enabling them to quickly obtain visas to visit Thailand, to be together with the Supreme Master Ching Hai. Their fast, most efficient and ardent spirit to serve, as well as their consideration towards others was most touching. The Supreme Master Ching Hai said, "I hope that the world will have more consulates, like that, who truly provide convenient service for people. Actually, there were originally no boundaries in this world. I wish that one day people of all nations can freely travel to their neighboring countries without visas, and that the world becomes one family."

Ms. Mizuhara, the representative from Japan accepting the award, said that during recent years, due to Master's visits to Japan and Her guidance to many of its people to practice meditation, many corrupted officials have disappeared, and righteousness and honesty are found more and more each day in the political scene. What was more wondrous was that prior to one of Master's visits to Tokyo, there was a sudden power failure, and everything came to a halt. After Master's arrival, the power was promptly restored, and all operations ran smoothly again. Also, during Master's stay in Japan, the traffic accident rate was almost zero. The activities held by Master's disciples in various parts of Japan to clean the environment had changed the atmosphere in those places; tension gradually subsided, and was replaced by peace and serenity. From these incidents one can see that Master had given, invisibly, great help to Japan. The Government of Japan felt that it was a great honor to have the opportunity to support Master's recent disaster relief activities.

Awards to individuals were presented to: Mr. Nimitr Ajchariyakitisakool, Secretary of the Thai Foreign Minister - The best Diplomat; Mr. Chen Wen De from the Department of Agriculture, Executive Yuan

The World's Best Civil Servant; Mr. Lai Zong Biou from the Central Trust of China - Excellent Leadership; Mr. Hwang Ching Ho from the Food Bureau - The Most Efficient Department Head; and Mr. Chen Wen Dieng from the Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd. - The Best Manager Of Shipping Companies.

Mr. Nimitr, the Secretary of the Thai Foreign Minister, the recipient of the Best Diplomat Award, expressed his deep regret for not being able to accept the award in person. He especially made an overseas phone call to extend his profound gratitude to the Supreme Master Ching Hai, and to welcome Her to visit Thailand again.

The Awards For The Journalists Of The Year

During the presentation of the awards to the outstanding journalists, the Supreme Master Ching Hai said that being a journalist is a special job, which requires not only talent in writing but also courage. As if being the eyes and ears of the public, journalists need to be good in listening and observing, as well as in writing. To report faithfully is a journalists' duty and pledge. If they make factual news reports that benefit the world, they gain blessings, and if their reports were untrue, then they might incur negative karma. After listening to Master, the journalists felt that their responsibilities were even greater.

The recipients of The Journalists Of The Year Award were Ms. Li Yue Ning, the program producer and host of the Broadcasting Corporation of China, Formosa. Ms. Chen Bi-Hua, reporter of the United News, Formosa; Mr. Hong Chao Feng, the host of the “Sun, Moon and Star" program, Radio Hong Kong; Mr. Al Santoli, a journalist from Washington D.C., U.S.A.; Mr. Fang Hua of R.F.P.I, France; Mr. Suprihadi, a foreign reporter and editor of the Indonesian Harian Surya News; Mr. Son Chung-Mu, director of the Inside the World Magazine, Korea; and Ms. Wu Wei, reporter of the World Daily News, Thailand.

Ms. Hwang from Formosa and Mr. Andrew from Singapore were also presented with "The Poets Of The Year" Award

Both "poets of the year" received special honors for their beautiful compositions and unique poem styles, which describe the wonderful bonds between spiritual practice and creation in nature, in heaven and on earth. During the event, a poem that had just be written was recited to express the deep, sacred love between Master and disciples. The Supreme Master Ching Hai presented them lamps and prints of Her paintings that She had designed and created. She also cordially explained the profound meanings of Her artistic work - an innocent and pure love for heaven and earth, and an undeviating faith and pursuit for the Truth.

To celebrate the New Year there were entertaining programs during the commendation ceremony. They brought about a joyful atmosphere. Among them the graceful dance performed by the Au Lac (Vietnamese) sister initiates, who wore traditional Au Lac costumes and held fans in their hands, won loud applause from the audience. They represented the traditional elegance of the Au Lac women. The Supreme Master Ching Hai highly praised their beautiful and graceful bearing.

The young initiates' lively dances filled the occasion with an endless joyful atmosphere for the new year. Other disciples of the Supreme Master Ching Hai recited poems, performed music, and sang songs that they had composed, to express their love and gratitude to Master. In their melodious songs, they also conveyed that due to the love in this world, there is hope for a better future. The wonderful performances entertained thousands of guests, and also revealed the many talents of the spiritual practitioners.

The government officials were invited by the Supreme Master Ching Hai to tour Hsihu Center. They were most impressed by the river and the gardens, which the Supreme Master designed and had built in three days, under Her supervision. In a relaxed and warm atmosphere, the New Year's Day event came to an end. In the light of the setting sun, the guests started their journey home, taking with them an abundant spiritual harvest and the Supreme Master's blessings. The new year will be most assuredly one, filled with hope.