Formosa/Japan/Hong Kong/South Africa/Canada/USA/Costa Rica/Mexico

You May Not Know A Master Also Has To Fight Inherited Habits A Trip To Monaco

Master Says The Story Of A Fighting Cock/The Wisdom Of An Old Beggar Woman

Children's Letters Love Is Our Origin

Aphorisms

Pearls Of Wisdom

While On The Path Rescuing The Heavenly Seat! As You Think, So Shall It Be Positive Power Could Change The Fate Of The World

Spot Light Revealing The Secret Of The Ancient Pyramids In Egypt

Poems Praising You - Mother Of The Universe From The Heart So Long, New York

Spiritual Interludes Transportable Pyramids/Purity

Media Reports

Master's Words Let Go Of Your Small Self And You Will Be A Master

Master's Wonder A Celestial Fashion Show By Heavenly Beings The Real Chanting Of Buddha's Name Master Always Helps

Front Line Pilgrimage Of The Modern Hsuan-tsang

Selected Questions And Answers Love Others Wholeheartedly

Between Master And Disciples The Ecstasy Of Being One

Feature Reports [1] Mother's Day Special Column

Feature Reports [2] Suma Ching Hai's Birthday Party In Monaco

A True Account Of A "Wonder-Person" Person The Reforming Of A "Natural Born Killer"

A Little Message

Elevation Of The Soul

Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

Master's Words

Select Virtuous And Talented People

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai during a group meditation, Seoul, Korea April 16, 1994 (Originally In English)

People should search for genius, not rely only on the government and the politicians. The actual voting, election should be recommended by the people. The people really should select who are the ones and make a list, and then all the people can approve it or not approve it. It could begin in school already. The teacher and the parents should know the tendencies of the students, who is good for what and select from there. The people should select their own candidates. And then the selected candidates should not have to pay any money from themselves. If he has money, he can pay; if he doesn't have money, the people should support him. In that case, the talented and virtuous people do not have to have the money to serve their country.

But I think it's difficult. The people of the whole planet must rise in consciousness in order to be able to do this. Most of us do not care who is elected, who is not elected. Many people don't even read newspapers. Some watch TV. But I have discovered that sometimes TV is controlled by the government, and newspapers are freer. So we can read newspapers and watch TV both. I have discovered many times there's a lot of news printed in the newspaper but not allowed to be broadcasted on TV.

Most of us, we do not really care. Then we cry when something happens -- something bad has been done by government. And we accept it, whatever sometimes the government does for us. But most of us do not really participate very actively inside, with the government and with the deciding factors of our country. So sometimes, most of the people don't even know: "How come that congressman is there? Okay, then we'll vote for him." We don't care where he has come from, don't care why he is running. If he runs, then it's okay. Maybe he's good-looking, he talks nice, then we vote for him. That's it. This is decided not really by all the people, but just by a group of people. Maybe Labor Party, Democratic Party, Free Party or Not-free Party, they decide it for you. Many people don't join any party. They don't even care who is in what party. Then they cry, blame the government, blame God, blame everything, blame the weather, when something is wrong with the government, or the government is wrong.

Therefore, we cannot blame only the politicians. We have to blame ourselves too because we don't really care for our country. We don't really care for the planet. We just let it be. Whoever has the money, whoever has the way to run for elections, let them run and then we just vote because there are only two or three. It's not too much choice, so we just vote for one and hope for the best. Sometimes we vote also because we have to vote. Some people don't vote or vote blank, nothing inside. It also may be correct because they don't think any of them are worth it. Maybe they are right. But then someone has to be there. So the most voted person wins the election. In many of the countries, they always complain afterward that the election was not fair, the cheating, and blah, blah, blah. Sometimes people think we don't need a government. Actually, if we all practiced virtues and wisdom, no need of a government, no need for police, no need for an army. Saves a lot of money and a lot of paperwork. But as it is, maybe there is still a need for a government.

Master's Wonders

Jesus Christ

Hands Me To You

By Would-be Initiate Liu, Taegu, Korea (Originally in Korean)

I am a Catholic living in Taegu, Korea. I have not yet been initiated. At the beginning of August I went to an old temple in the mountains for a one month retreat. In the mountains, I received Master's book. Before I read it I prayed to God, "If this book contains the Truth, please let me accept it." I also prayed to You, " This is Your book. If it contains the Truth I have been seeking, please help me." Then I turned to the first page of the book. Immediately, my head felt like it was being struck by thunder and it also felt like it was conducting electricity. Tears fell as I was reading the book.

First Experience

While meditating, I eventually saw Jesus Christ - He handed me to You. You were wearing a white dress and white hat. Doubts arose within me and I immediately recited loudly Jesus Christ's name and also Your name. After reciting more than ten times, both of You did not disappear. You looked at Christ and said, "Look! Your disciple's doubts are so great." Christ heard this and started to laugh. Then You looked at me and said, "From today onwards, I will teach you."

Suddenly You flew gently and sat in the midst of the universe. The place You were sitting started to vibrate like waves. From the top of my head, I heard the sound of church bells and my whole brain was vibrating. You told me, "Remain in the sound stream vibration." But this poor child started to doubt again. However, this time I dared not recite loudly, instead I only secretly recited the names of Christ and Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih. Both of You were still there.

You saw through me. Shaking Your head, You said to Christ, "How could this disciple of Yours have such a heavy, doubtful heart." Christ started to laugh again. The sound stream in my head was still there. The ringing of bells grew louder and kept on changing. Then I said, "All the pain, failures, and defeats suffered all my life, I am putting them down." After I had finished saying that, Master put on a black robe made of thick net-like material. It looked very heavy and Her footsteps became unsteady. I continued to say, "In this life of mine, all the painful suffering that has occurred within human relationships, I am putting them down." Master then put on iron armor like a medieval warrior. It looked so heavy. Master staggered for a few steps and fell down. Then it started to rain. I said to You, "It is raining!"

You said, "Right! The rain will cleanse everything and will create the new. You should be cleansed too."

I was very moved, and thankfulness flowed out from my heart. But I thanked Christ first, "Jesus Christ! I thank You. I am no one, yet You did not desert me. Today You handed me into the hands of a great living Master. I am really moved. I love You."

You said to Christ, "Your disciple is very loyal to You." He started to laugh again. The ringing of the vibrating bells hovered in my head for many days.

Second Experience

While meditating, I was cooking for both of You. Christ ate dry rice. You ate rice broth with a red sweet potato in it. Both of You ate together.

Third Experience

Master was wearing a golden colored dress and hat, and was sitting on a chair. Some fellow initiates were gathered around You. I was also sitting on the ground near Your right. Looking at the black shoes You were wearing, I was thinking of comparing the size of my feet with Yours. I thought that Your feet were smaller and it would be impossible for me to fit the shoes. I was only thinking inside but You saw through me. You gave Your right shoe to me and said, "Try it on!" I put it on. It fitted perfectly and felt very comfortable!

Fourth Experience

I was sitting at the front of a two wooden-wheeled horse carriage. Master was sitting at the back. There were no oxen, no horses, it was moving by itself. All these were the most vivid experiences I ever had.

Now my heart is really suffering. Already I cannot stand my own blindness and ignorance. I have been waiting for You for a very long time! It has been a very painful search for me. Master, please let me be initiated and let me have a chance to participate in this seven-day retreat and stay by Your side for a few more days to let me have more time to see You.

Master, I believe You must know that I have been yearning so much to see You. I have already fallen in love with You! I trust You! I'm yearning to be initiated soon. I also thank Master for all the arrangements You have made for me.

Unexpected Blessing

By Fellow Initiate Lee, Tainan, Formosa

One Sunday as I was browsing around the exhibition areas in Hsihu, I came across something wrapped in plastic wrap on the counter. Out of curiosity I picked it up and realized that it was one of Master's belongings which was on sale for charitable purposes. I put it down quickly and went to have my meal.

Afterwards, I went to the forest meditation hall to meditate. Remarkably, I was able to do Quan Yin meditation continuously for two hours. After some thought, I realized that this great blessing power came from me touching Master's hand towel which was wrapped in the plastic wrap. Wow! Master's blessing power is quite inconceivable!

Master's Chi-Kong

One afternoon during the "Mid Autumn 3-day Retreat", I was meditating in the Red Pavilion. After a short while, Master came down to give a discourse. The cool breeze was so soothing that it made me drowsy. My eye-lids closed and my head leaned to the side. I thought, "Master, I'd like to sleep and listen to You at the same time. Okay?"

I rested my head on my knees and fell asleep for just a moment. Master suddenly made two coughing sounds on stage. Although She was some distance from me, Her second cough carried such powerful "Chi", which rushed into my right ear and shook me up. I was immediately awakened to concentrate on Her lecture - not daring to doze off again.

Master once said, "Every word of an enlightened master is very useful." In fact, Master is more than that. Even a cough from Master is very meaningful.

Dad's Recovery!

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Kaohsiung, Formosa

One morning, I was chatting with my sisters in the living room. Suddenly, there was a shout from my father in the kitchen. It was shocking - "Dad had had a stroke!"

We took turns to take care of dad when he was in the hospital. We also meditated diligently at the same time.

A few days later, the doctor told us: "The peripheral nerves of your father's four limbs are still active and sensitive. This is rather uncommon." Within only a few days, father's speech ability started to recover and he was able to move his four limbs gradually. Thus, he was discharged and continued his rehabilitation at home.

It was only after coming home that our father told us about some incredible happenings. On the morning of the stroke, dad was walking up nearby Firewood Mountain as usual. However, he felt he needed to use double the usual effort in taking each step. Having a personality that dislikes giving up in the middle of something, he continued to climb up patiently. At that moment, Master's face appeared very clearly in front of him several times. It seemed that Master wanted to stop him. Therefore, he stopped, rested for a while, and went home.

Thank Master for Her warning so that my father returned home safely before the onset of his illness. Otherwise, on the freezing cold morning, with hardly any people on Firewood Mountain, the consequences of the stroke would have been unthinkable.

The next day after the onset of the illness, while sleeping in the morning, father vaguely felt that a person in a white dress was examining his condition and was also repeatedly massaging his more seriously diseased left leg. Those parts being touched by Her were particularly sore. His instinct told him that She was Master. Soon after this, father was discharged from the hospital!

Dad has now been initiated. He is very grateful to Master. Master saved him even though he was not a disciple. Besides, Master used Her manifestation body to take care of him, to treat him, and to help him to go through this karmic difficulty safely. Master once said that just because we are concerned about a person, She will take care of him or her.

Many thanks to Master again for accepting my father for initiation, allowing him to be liberated in one lifetime and enjoy the love of a living Bodhisattva.

The Manifestation Body Of Master Appeared In Penghu

Related By Fellow Initiate Wong, Penghu, Formosa Recorded By A Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

"Countless miracles to talk about, and endless love to be grateful for." These words are most appropriate to describe brother Wong's feelings now.

The affinity tied between Master and brother Wong started with a fantastic encounter thirty-four years ago. Born and educated in Penghu, brother Wong was a student at a junior secondary school thirty-four years ago. One day he went alone to play at the Quan Yin Pavilion in Magong, Penghu. Near the fountain in front of the Pavilion, he saw a very noble person dressed in a curious style. Unknowingly, he exclaimed in his heart: "Master! Master!"

He then walked around the fountain towards that person. Very soon, Master appeared before him and asked him cordially, "How old are you? Have you taken your meal?"

Brother Wong replied, "I have eaten already." Master continued to say, "Take a rest at noon; take a break."

Brother Wong was deeply impressed by Master's appearance. He recalled: "She was wearing a round, dark blue colored hat and had short hair. She also wore a classic styled vest - the buttons of which were made of cloth. The vest and the hat were of the same color. Her trousers were a plain light color, with a pair of nun's shoes on Her feet. She was not wearing any make-up; there was even some perspiration on Her face." Brother Wong had never seen any clothing in this design, and it is still vivid in his mind. Love and care emanated from Her, and Her noble deportment and elegant quality was implanted deep in his mind. Ever since he saw Master that time, he missed Her very much and always longed to see Her again. This feeling persisted even when he joined the National Armed Services, fading only a little after he got married and moved to Formosa.

Brother Wong remembered when he was sleeping at home that night that he dreamt about Master whispering in his ears, "I am an Au Lac monastic practitioner." According to calculations, Master was then only about twelve years old. How could She have appeared to brother Wong in the physical form of a forty year old and talk to him? This was truly incredible!

Only after he had received the initiation did brother Wong notice one of Master's photos, which looked the same as the master he saw thirty-four years ago. He was extremely delighted, and has been wearing this photo of Master on his chest since then; feeling so complacent, so very proud, contented and happy!

The Saviour Of Our Time

He was devoted to Christianity since the age of twenty-seven, a sincere Christian. Several miracles occurred before he eventually found Master, when he was forty-eight. At the age of twenty-eight, he was working at a construction site. One day he was injured in an accident - hit in the abdomen by a huge barrel weighing over a thousand catties (680 kilos). He felt severe pain and then fell unconscious. Just as he was about to collapse, he suddenly saw a person appear who held him. That person was petite, wearing a robe and holding a stick with a radiant cross hanging on it. The person's whole body was emitting light. He thought it was Jesus Christ who came to save him but he found out that he was wrong. He thought that was the end of him, believing his internal organs must have been seriously damaged. However, after a medical examination at the hospital, it was found that he was suffering only from slight injuries.

After the initiation, a fellow sister gave him a huge portrait of Master, which he felt looked very familiar. Then he suddenly recalled the accident which happened twenty years ago. So, it was Master who saved him! The only difference was that, in the photo, a water gourd was hanging on Master's staff, while it was a cross in his vision. He thought perhaps God observed that he was a Christian so Hes showed him a cross to let him know that the Lord is always protecting him!

After getting married and fathering a child, brother Wong worked even harder to sustain his family. In the daytime he worked as a plumber and electrician; in the evening he drove a taxi to earn more money for the family. Those were bitter days. Not owning a house, they had to live in rented accommodation everywhere.

One day, when he was going to take his taxi out to work, he found the car had been vandalized - sprayed with paint all over. He was so sad and agitated that he prayed very sincerely to Jesus Christ, "Oh, Lord! I am so hurt. Despite working hard day and night I don't even have my own house, and I could not even keep my car from being vandalized. Please bless me and give me a house soon."

When he was sleeping that night the Lord appeared to him looking just like the person who saved him last time. However, this time, the body of this Lord was as gigantic as a small hill. The Lord spoke to him in Latin, "I love you! I shall forever love you!" Although the words were in Latin, he could understand. Nevertheless, he still asked the Lord, "Oh, Lord! Why don't you speak to me in English or Chinese?" On the next night, the Lord appeared to him again and repeated the words in English. And then, on the third night, the Lord talked to him in Chinese, "I love you! I will help you find a house." On the fourth night, the Lord appeared again and told him, "I love you. Tomorrow go out on the bike with your son and just wander about. I will point out where your house is."

The next morning, brother Wong delightfully took his son out on his motorbike and wandered aimlessly. As they approached Cheng Qing Lake, both father and son were shocked to see a big hand appear in the sky and point to a vacant piece of land ahead, saying, "The house you want is here."

They immediately knelt by the roadside, crying and exclaiming gratefully, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!"

Brother Wong said, "If some people had happened to pass by and see us, they would have thought that we were nuts."

After the miracle vision vanished, brother Wong went to look at the place and found that it was only a wasteland full of wild grass. He felt very strange, and so left the place on his motorbike. As they passed by a property sales office, he suddenly stopped the bike and walked in. He said boldly to the boss of the company, "I want to buy a house!"

Observing his poor and shabby appearance, the boss said to him, "If you are really keen to buy one, I shall sell one to you for 1.9 million N.T. dollars."

Having worked hard, brother Wong had saved over three hundred thousand N.T. dollars. Since the savings were sufficient to pay for the first instalment, and the price was so cheap, he consented to buy the house. He had not the slightest idea as to the location of the house that he was buying, yet he simply bought it without knowing why. Then, the boss sent someone to lead him to the site, and it happened to be the vacant land which the Lord had just shown him. And, the house that he bought was exactly on the spot where the finger of the Lord had pointed to. Overwhelmed by gratefulness, he again knelt on the ground, and kept exclaiming, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!" The man who led him to the place was totally stunned.

Although the days were bitter when brother Wong was striving to establish his career, he never lacked spiritual comfort within. He always felt the Lord's merciful love taking care of him at all times.

Once, he was in financial difficulties so he prayed to the Lord for help. A few days later, when he was driving the taxi, he drove a man to his destination and charged him about thirty dollars for the trip. However, the man gave him over three thousand dollars. When brother Wong received the money he immediately turned around and told the passenger, "You have given me too much money!" But the man had already vanished without a trace. He thought that the Lord must have heard his prayer and sent this man to give him the money.

The Fabulous Encounter On Channel Four

The year 1994 was the most exciting year in brother Wong's life. During the Lunar (Chinese) New Year Festival, he took his son to tour Buddha Light Mountain - a Buddhist sightseeing spot in Formosa. As the never ending stream of tourists flowed before his eyes, suddenly, two female monastic practitioners emerged from the crowd - glowing with vigor and elegance. They drifted past him and completely caught his attention. He then recalled that one of them was the Au Lac monastic practitioner whom he met thirty-four years ago in Penghu. Although She was then clean shaven and wearing a monastic robe, he could still instantly and definitely recognize Her. Totally stunned, he stood there motionlessly absorbed in memory. When he became alert again he tried to look for the two female monastic practitioners, but they had already disappeared.

After he saw Master appear on Buddha Light Mountain wearing a monastic robe, he suddenly realized that he could not eat meat any more when he began taking his lunch. Any meat disgusted him. Naturally, he was very anxious to know the whereabouts of this monastic practitioner (at the time he didn't know She was Master).

Shortly afterwards, he was watching TV's Channel Four at home when he suddenly saw the program of Master's lecture, which made him extremely happy. After watching the program, he immediately phoned to ask where he could find Master. He then hurried to Master's Book Circulation Center in Fengshan district and bought all Master's lecture books to study at home. As he read Master's books, he became increasingly amazed and was as excited as if he had discovered a new continent. He received the initiation very soon.

After the initiation he knew that Master had given up wearing monastic attire for quite some time because She wanted to educate Her disciples and break the ignorant attachments of sentient beings. She wanted everyone to know that the essence of monastic devotion is the intent of the heart, and not any superficial form. To pursue spiritual practice one must find a true Master and the true Method which can enlighten one's inner soul, which is the real objective of spiritual practice. Without a correct method and a good master, one may be dressed in rags; be clean shaven; meditate all day long without going to sleep; or take only one meal in two days, but remain unenlightened within. There is no way to deceive people on this point.

Then, how to explain the incident when brother Wong saw Master at Buddha Light Mountain? Later, it was known that the other female monastic practitioner who appeared with Master was one of Master's monastic disciples. According to records, Master was actually not in Formosa then. These miracles astounded his mind and soul.

Master's peerless wisdom dissolved brother Wong's previous misconceptions towards religions. He understood that God and the Truth have no boundaries or discriminations. When Jesus Christ walked on Earth, so-called Catholicism or Christianity did not exist; when Shakyamuni Buddha was alive, there was no Buddhism. All the struggles between religions and sects originated from the ignorance of humans who created troubles for themselves. This is not the will of God, or the Buddha.

Master's Love Saved A Neighbor

After understanding Master's teachings, his heart was filled with indescribable cheerfulness and bliss. His faith in the Lord was ever firmer than before because he understood that he had found the 'true Lord on Earth'.

One day, he was working in the shop when a woman living on the opposite side of the street came to ask him, "Do you have time to fix the water and electrical problems at my home? However, my husband is in a bad mood as he suffers from a chronic disease. He has already chased away three plumbers and electricians. Are you willing to come?" Brother Wong promised to give it a try.

Upon reaching her home he learnt that the woman's name was Liu and that her husband, Mr. Chen, had been suffering from the effects of a stroke for the last eighteen years. During this time he had undergone two kidney operations and his condition was deteriorating. In the last few years he could not even control the passing of his urine, or turn or move his body. Fortunately, his eyes and ears were still functional and he could still speak with some effort.

While working at their home, brother Wong accidentally noticed a pendant with Master's photo kept in a cabinet. On enquiry, he found that the mother and sisters of Mrs. Chen had been Master's disciples for years. They had given her this pendant to be worn by her husband. However, Mrs. Chen was all the while an atheist - she believed only in herself and totally rejected religious concepts about transmigration, karma and so on. Naturally, she did not believe in Master either. She was absolutely baffled by her relatives' adoration of Master and thought that they were very superstitious. For five years, she had often harshly defamed and criticized Master in front of her mother and sisters.

Having grasped a clear picture of the situation, brother Wong told Mr. and Mrs. Chen frankly that he was also a disciple of Suma Ching Hai, and then told them about all the miraculous stories in his life. After listening to his stories their views towards Master changed. Brother Wong continued to say, "Although we have met each other only for the first time today, I wish you would listen to me just once. I will teach you how to recite Master's holy name. When you encounter any difficulties or suffering, you may pray to Master for help. Give it a try, maybe your illness will improve. In teaching disciples, our Master never solicits any money. She only teaches people to be life-long vegetarians and to observe the five precepts strictly. She then teaches people to meditate to find their Buddha or God within. You don't have to worry about losing anything. Even if you do not get any miraculous response, at least you have not been cheated. At the most, you have been cheated only into becoming a vegetarian and a virtuous person who keeps the five precepts, that is all."

Touched by brother Wong's compassionate and righteous speech, Mr. Chen started to sincerely recite Master's name: Namo Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih. Suffering from such a grave illness, everyone was getting tired of caring for him so he was quite desperate. At only the third recitation, his tears started to flow uncontrollably and then a beam of warm light suddenly shone on him. He was as emotional as a helpless victim drifting in the ocean who suddenly sees a life-saving ship. Brother Wong was equally touched to see this and he volunteered to give him a photo of Master to be hung by the bedside. He also gave him Master's Buddhist Chanting tapes, which Mr. Chen listened to continuously all day long. He even started to switch to a vegetarian diet.

After about two months, Mr. Chen looked more lively and reddish; his health had improved, and so had his temper. He was not easily enraged any more and he became more cheerful. Each time he saw brother Wong he would keep praising, "It is great listening to the Buddhist Chanting! Really great!"

After about three months he could even get out of bed and walk. Although his movements were still not very nimble, it was an incredible miracle for a patient who had been bedridden by a stroke for the past eighteen years!

The happy couple went to brother Wong's home kneeling and bowing, wishing to express their gratitude. Brother Wong told them gently, "You should thank Suma Ching Hai because I am only a tool. All glory goes to the Lord. Just like me, the Lord has bestowed innumerable miracles and graces upon you. So, you don't have to thank me."

Observing the miracle concerning her husband, who now practices the Convenient Method, Mrs. Chen also followed Master to practice. However, after the initiation she faced strong objections from her two sons. Sister Liu observed that the way her sons objected to her spiritual practice and vegetarian diet, and their critical remarks towards Master, were exactly the same as what she had done before. Her heart was overwhelmed with shame and embarrassment, because previously in her ignorance, she had offended Master so much by what she had said about Her. She could only reply to her sons with, "The words you are saying now are identical to what I used to say to your aunts. The day will come when the time is ripe, then you will know who Master is."

The Tumour Vanished Miraculously

Sister Liu's younger sister once told her a true story: "Before I was initiated, I once went to Hsihu Center just to accompany mother. I virtually did not understand Master then; at the most, I was only curious about what Master really looked like. At that time, a tumour bigger than the size of a thumb had grown on the back of my ankle. I had not been able to get rid of it for two years. That day, when Master was strolling around to see the fellow practitioners and guests, a guard escorting Master unintentionally stepped on my foot with the tumour. It was very painful, so I turned around furiously to scold him. As I turned, Master was already by my side. She looked at me and my anger subsided. The next day, my tumour reduced to half its size, and then completely vanished in a few days. Only then did I realize Master's fantastic power, so I followed Master to get the initiation."

When sister Liu heard her sister talking about these miracles before, she would simply scold her for talking nonsense or telling myths. She never expected that these miraculous incidents could happen to her too!

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/mword.html was not found on this server.

You May Not Know

The Fairy Tale King - Ludwig II

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai
during a Sunday Group Meditation
in the Forest Meditation Hall,
Hsihu Center, Formosa
Sept. 10, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)

The King In Seclusion

When Ludwig II, the King of Bavaria (Germany), was alive people said that he was insane. Therefore they locked him up somewhere, and a few days later he died. After taking a stroll by the seaside, he died! I feel that he was assassinated but history has recorded that he committed suicide, and even his doctor also committed suicide. It's strange! If he committed suicide, why were two gun shots heard?

If a king really was insane, how could he build such beautiful castles with the interiors decorated as beautiful as in heaven? Not only did he build castles, he also built theaters so that the musicians whom he highly respected could play there. All the buildings were very glorious and highly artistic.

He was a man of great wisdom, and his words and behavior had the air of a spiritual practitioner. He said that one day we would be able to fly in the sky, that swans would pull our carts, and that we would not have to drag along our heavy body and so would not get tired. He talked about what is in heaven. His castles depicted the heavenly realms. That is why people later called him the fairy tale king.

Due to the political situation at his time, Ludwig II did not like to cooperate with others in Germany. So people could only say that he was insane. When the doctor declared that he was insane, Ludwig II asked the doctor, "How do you know whether I am insane? You have never seen me and you have never had conducted medical cheek-up about me. Is it not strange?"

Because he desired neither fame nor fortune, it did not matter whether he was seated on the throne or not. He felt that he was in prison. Therefore, he often moved his abode. He did not stay in the splendid palace but went to places very, very remote.

Can you imagine in the nineteenth century, he going to a very remote place. One had to cross a lake so big that it was like an ocean to reach the place he lived. He went to a very remote mountain. In the nineteenth century it was not easy to travel by road. The boats were not very advanced either. It was really inconvenient to ship building materials there. But then he often looked for such remote places. It would still be very difficult to go to see him nowadays - could not wear high heels if one was going on foot. (Master and all laugh.) One would have to climb mountains and so forth.

Therefore at that time, some people said that he was a king who retreated to practice. I feel that he might not have been insane. Only the politicians had to say that he was like that in order to get rid of him. Then they could find another person to be the king who would listen and cooperate with them. It was all politics.

A Solitary Swan That Longed For Home

Ludwig II was a very good-looking person. He seemed intelligent and beautiful and never treated others badly. He was very good to his subordinates. According to the historic records passed down by his subordinates, he was a very nice person. Maybe Ludwig II fell in love with a princess, but the princess married the King of Austria; so Ludwig II could not bring himself to marry another person. He stayed in solitude and then built castles. He longed for 'home', and talked about the things in heaven everyday. People said that those things did not exist and that he must be insane to talk about things such as carts pulled by swans. He liked swans very much because he felt that swans represented purity and beauty.

We know that also. When someone has attained the fourth realm, people in the spiritual world call him a swan (hansa). When someone reaches the fifth (pronounced "Wu" in Chinese) realm, of course he is Wu Shang Shih ("the Supreme Master" in Chinese) the Fifth Realm! (Master and all laugh.) I am not talking about you, I am referring to that Ching Hai. (Audience laugh and applaud.) It's just a joke.

Ludwig II was very fond of swans. He practiced spiritually. While he was dying, he still told the people beside him that if they were to make requests to God, to find God, they must not indulge in materialism. He said that the majority of people lived like animals - without noble ideals and without noble wisdom. How could someone who said these words be insane?

Also, he was very fond of music. He liked many wonderful things. He had enough wisdom to build such beautiful castles with the interiors decorated like fairy palaces . However, I would not want to live inside them. Once inside, it is so bright and shiny. How could you close your eyes? If I lived inside, I would quickly cover everything with black cloths, then I could meditate better. (Master and all laugh.) When it is too bright it is not easy to find the light within us. (Master and all laugh.)

Perhaps it was because he was depressed - having lost his lover - that he kept building material things like houses and all that in hope that perhaps one day the princess might come back and stay with him. He felt that since she was a queen and very beautiful, he should build the kind of castle that would be worthy for her to live in. Ludwig II always told her that. But that queen was also a very responsible person. Being married and having her country somewhere else, she could not return.

Because they grew up together and perhaps treasuring such a deep love for her, Ludwig II was not able to have any kind of relationship or whatever with any other girls. Once he was engaged to be married to her sister, but he kept postponing the wedding to tomorrow, to the day after tomorrow, to next year. Eventually, being pressed by people, he said no (Master and all laugh) and canceled the engagement.

A Person Must Attain

Enlightenment To Not Mislead Others

Therefore, records in history and the facts are not necessarily the same all the time. When we read history, some stories, or the scriptures, we should judge carefully for ourselves. Otherwise, we will mislead ourselves and then mislead others because we feel that our understanding is right. Then it becomes even worse. It is best that if we don't understand then we remain quiet. Wait until we are truly enlightened and have gained a complete understanding, then we can explain or teach others. Okay! (Applause)

The Mystical Tale About
The Human-Headed Fish

By A Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

During a casual chat with Taoist Hu (a fellow initiate) one day, he mentioned an incredible incident which he had encountered several days ago. He said: "A few days ago, the son (a Taoist priest) of a former fellow brother in the Kun Lun Immortal Sect came to visit me in Wushe. He told me that a friend of his was suffering from serious mental shock. As he could not help him, he wanted me to go and take a look. His friend went fishing with some other friends last week, and one of them caught a big wu guo fish. They immediately roasted the fish and ate it. Suddenly, they heard the voice of an old woman asking: "Is the meat of the fish tender and delicious? " Searching for source of the voice, they found that the roasted fish was speaking. They were frightened to death, and one of them really died of fright the next day!"

Then, I recalled having read this incredible news article published in the Liberty Times (see appendix) several days ago. Taoist Wu continued to say: "I then inscribed some mantras for `overcoming fright and pacifying the mind' and gave them to him. I asked him to advise his friend to refrain from killing and eating meat in the future! Only a vegetarian diet is safe, otherwise he has to eventually bear the retribution from these killings and meat eating. Very often, some unexplained mishaps or incurable diseases happen to us, that are caused by the animosity of slain sentient beings, which we kill to eat their flesh."

Talking about the karma of killing, Taoist Wu told us another real story: During the year he was initiated, while he was meditating one day, the local deity, the mountain god, and a hundred year old gigantic Jin (spirit) snake appeared to him.

The local deity entreated him urgently, "People are using bulldozers to build a road in Mountain Lu. Will you please go there and stop them. They will hurt a Jin snake who has been practiced for a thousand years? Disaster is befalling it. It might be heaven's will, but please try to help and save it from this predestined mishap."

Taoist Wu immediately replied, "Since this is heaven's will, how can I help it escape?"

The local deity said, "Please do your best! Even if you cannot save it, at least save the female snake!"

Coming back from samadhi, the Taoist immediately went to the construction site to investigate. When he reached the site, the workers had gone off duty and only the bulldozer was there. He found out that the workers would rest for a few days and it was not definite when they would resume working. The Taoist could do nothing but go home.

Several days later, a villager came in a rush to tell him that the bulldozer had dug up a huge snake weighing fifty Formosan catties (34 kg). Taoist Wu was alarmed by his words, and exclaimed in his heart, "Oh! No!"

He hurried to the site only to find that the huge Jin snake had been killed - hit by the bulldozer blade on the head. Suddenly, he heard some workers yelling, "There is another one!" Immediately, all the workers charged forward, despite the Taoist's great effort to try to stop them.

Finally, the other snake was also captured. It was a female snake weighing about thirty Formosan catties (20.4 kg). Taoist Wu advised the workers, "This Jin snake has practiced for over a hundred years; you must not harm it."

Most of the workers were oblivious to his words, and saw only the profit from captured snakes before them. Fortunately, one of the workers was more benevolent and believed Taoist Wu's words. He used his own money to buy the huge Jin snake and saved it from being killed.

That day, more that a dozen workers delightfully cooked and ate the huge Jin snake that was killed. The next day, when several workers were driving downhill, their car strangely dashed off the cliff and all of them were killed. Within one month, several other workers were killed one after the other in car or construction accidents; some of them got acute illnesses and died overnight. All the workers involved were killed, except the one who bought the female snake.

The news of this incident was widely spread among the villagers in the mountain area. Unfortunately, though everyone knows the story, the slaughter of animals has not been stopped by this lesson.

[appendix]

Liberty Times, Formosa August 11, 1995. Phenomena of the society

A Fish With A Human Head That Speaks;
Five Tourists Are Frightened To Death.

Three Vomited And Was Sent For Medical Treatment; One Died Incredible The Next Day.
The Photo Shows The Terrifying Face Of An Old Woman.

[Reporter Tsai Li Kai reporting from Lungtan]

Mystical legends are plentiful. Recently, in Lungtan Hsiang, Taoyuan, a story of a "fish with a human head" is spreading widely. You may not believe that a roasted fish asked the people eating it: "Is the fish meat delicious?", but the photo proves it. Besides, the extraordinary encounter of the persons concerned makes this story even more convincing.

Here is the account narrated by Mr. Zheng, the Neighbourhood Chief of Lungtan Hsiang: One day in early April of this year, five people, including a young couple (the husband is a professional Taoist) from Chiayi Minsang Community, another couple from Tainan, and thirty-four year old Mr. Chen from Jiaxian, went for an excursion to a stream in Gangshan, Kaohsiung, to enjoy fishing and a barbecue.

The five of them drove near to the stream and Mr. Chen was responsible for the fishing. As evening approached, he caught a wo guo fish weighing almost four catties (2.72 kg). They immediately roasted the fish and began eating it. Just as they were enjoying the feast, suddenly, they heard the voice of an old woman speaking in Formosan, "Is the fish meat delicious? Is the fish meat delicious?"

No one was speaking then yet they heard the words: "Is the fish meat delicious?" Searching for the source of the voice, they found that it was coming from the roasted fish; its mouth was moving and speaking. All of them were extremely shocked and frightened. Three of them regurgitated all the food they had eaten. As the phenomenon was so uncommon, someone picked up a camera and took a shot of the fish.

The three who vomited that day were rushed to hospital for treatment. During the examination by the doctor, they told the hospital staff about the strange happening and swore what they had said was true. However, they were reprimanded for talking nonsense.

Another strange thing happened on the next day. Mr. Chen, who was responsible for the fishing, died mysteriously in his sleep, at the age of only thirty-four. The autopsy could not find the cause of death, so the death certificate recorded the cause as "cardiac arrest". The Chiayi man who was a professional Taoist was so shocked by the news that he went immediately to perform the "fright suppression ritual".

They suffered another big shock when the photo was developed. On the body of the fish, at the part cut open by chopsticks, there was the image of the face of an old woman. Her eyes, nose and mouth were clearly perceivable, which was really terrifying to see.

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/op6.html was not found on this server.

While On The Path

The Revelation Of
The Muni Pearl

By Fellow Initiate Lee, Hong Kong

During a 3-day retreat at Hsihu Center, I received the "Muni Pearl" that I had ordered last year. I was so thrilled with joy. After admiring Master's artistic design and the delicate craftsmanship with other initiates, I put it on a chain together with Master's photo-pendant and hung it on my neck.

The next day, we were preparing to go back to Hong Kong soon after the conclusion of the retreat. After the morning meditation, we were informed, "Master will take time to see the foreign initiates who are leaving today". As we were gathering under the mango tree, I discovered that I had lost my "Muni Pearl".

I rushed back to the camp area to look for it but to no avail. I was feeling very sad and miserable. I wanted to cry. I couldn't calm down even after seeing Master. After waiting so long for the "Muni Pearl", I was able to enjoy it for only a short moment. Although I had asked my inner Master to help, still I couldn't find it. I left Hsihu Center with a heavy heart.

At home, I emptied my "Infinite Light" bag and the "Muni Pearl" jumped out before my eyes. Wow! Lovely "Muni Pearl" how did it get into this topless bag!? I could only shout, "Master must have found it for me! Thank You, Master!"

I told my family about this miracle. My overwhelming joy could not be described. I was happy and thankful for the return of the lost "Muni Pearl".

After some reflection (about any attachment), I also felt bad and ashamed. I usually felt that I was fortunate to have met a saint and become a disciple of a saint at this old age. Even though I thought of Master often, I have not seriously followed Master's teachings in deeds. After being initiated for a few years, my love and deeds through the power of the Quan Yin Method have lagged far behind other fellow brother and sister practitioners. My bad habits, accumulated over scores of years, have not been overcome. The more I thought about it, the more ashamed I felt. I started to cry. I pleaded to Master for forgiveness. I repented to Master!

I hope that through the revelation of the "Muni Pearl", I will become Master's good disciple and a good tool in spreading Master's love to the people around me!

Soaring In The Sky Of Truth

By Fellow Initiate Lee, Kaohsiung, Formosa

Einstein has been my idol ever since I was a little child. The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where he had worked, is the very institute I curiously wanted to know about. The book "Who Got Einstein's Office?" introduces the spirit of the institute. It also describes some fascinating personalities of the scientists who have worked at this place. The book not only satisfies my curiosity, it also gives me much inspiration.

Although this institute is the most advanced place for scholastic study, it's not impeccable. From my experience after being initiated, I feel that the Quan Yin Method and Master's teachings will make up it's shortcomings and make the realm of academic research become more brilliant and dazzling.

The Institute for Advanced Study aims to be a hot-bed of pure theory. What the scientists at the institute search for is a true reality which cannot be apprehended simply by the senses. For Plato, to reach that reality, one has to close one's eyes, withdraw inward and think. How do the scientists in the institute try to reach that goal? They do so by thinking, imagining, and theorizing.

Yet our Quan Yin Method provides a perfect approach. We can comprehend the Truth directly and completely. Master's teachings have already stated that transcendental existence is not totally detached from the physical world. Moreover, we can realize the mystery of the universe only with a truly innocent mind.

I used to believe that I could know the Truth through the guidance of scientific knowledge. After I was initiated, I deeply realized that the wisdom cultivated from meditation can inspire my logical reasoning and I can learn the real science only through that wisdom.

Einstein was puzzled by quantum theory even till his death. The problem was rooted in the paradox of the notion of subjective consciousness and objective reality. He believed that there was an objective reality which couldn't be influenced by subjective consciousness. He tried to illustrate his belief by asking questions such as, "Does the moon exist only when people look at it?"

I think that the Quan Yin Method can offer some answers for the scientists. The above paradox will be solved when we reach the consciousness of being one with every being in the universe. In that state of consciousness the distinction between a small entity and a big entity will vanish. The differentiation between the individual self and the universal self, "me", and "others", will disappear, and an individual's inner state of mind will be harmonized with the outer surroundings. No doubt, similar paradoxes occurring in the scientific field will be clarified in the state of consciousness of being one with the universe.

Following Master on the path of spirituality can help us not only obtain a complete framework of abstract theory, but also verify the Truth in our everyday life. We can balance the difference between theory and reality; reconcile the conflict between subjectivity and objectivity.

Although scientists in the institute are outstanding intellectually, they still stumble and struggle on the road towards the Truth. Yet, if we the practitioners practice spirituality with Master diligently, we surely will soar in the sky of Truth even at home.

Live Earnestly

Without Losing The Light-Heartedness

By Fellow initiate Hsu, Taipei, Formosa

From experiencing the passing away of my mother, I learned to really respect life! I also started to be serious about the quality of life! Everyday, I reminded myself to live earnestly at every moment and I tried my best to manage everything well in a light-hearted way. However, in the bits and pieces of complicated matters, I lost control of myself, crossed the line, forgot to 'brake', forgot to 'change gears', and exhausted myself completely!

My bad habits were that I treated everything as urgent and I always kept pushing myself. I wanted to learn to relax and be patient. During each meditation, I prayed to Master to help me to break my habits. I constantly reflected inwardly and completed the practicing diary hoping for an early change. However, my personality was extremely hard to change. Whenever there was work or a mission, I would immerse myself in it and use up all my energy. Thus, day after day, my health got worse and this resulted in more torture.

One Sunday, I watched Master's celestial fashion show video at Hsihu Center. Following the to and fro steps of the models, together with the jumping movements of the musical rhythms, I seemed to place myself on stage, becoming one of the performers. I felt the wonders of putting on each and every piece of celestial clothing. While watching the introduction at the side of the video screen, I was suddenly deeply moved by the degree of Master's earnest life! The quality of life that Master was emphasizing was very fine and delicate! At last, I had a little bit of enlightenment -- put on smart suits for working hours; change to casual long gowns for walking; choose suitable clothing for shopping; use another set of designs for afternoon tea; take special sportswear and beachwear for outdoor activities; and at formal dinners, wear a gorgeous and romantic silk evening gown! To shock the world, don't forget the Ducks' Feet outfit!

I finally thought it through! You are such an ever-changing lady with a thousand faces! So unnecessary is a never changing impression for others! Through fashion, the image of a person can be changed. Wow! With so much variety and color, one can change and play different roles in one day. Fantastic! Why do I need to wear my work-day face to scare my family and friends hours after hours! I must try, by "designing" and "changing" to an "evening gown or casual wear", to change my mood to become more light-hearted and relaxed!

Apart from teaching us how to react correctly to every moment, I found that Master always treats each day in a positive way! Every time I went back to Hsihu, the Center became more beautiful. This gave great comfort and confidence to people. I very much like the lifestyle of Master. She always sets an example, leading us through Her actions. Only then can we be imbued with deep feeling and complete understanding.

Master! You are a perfect Master of life. I hope I can quickly learn how to change my 'outer coat of mood', swiftly and appropriately, according to circumstances! I also need to learn to enjoy the leisurely and elegant pace of life; to be full of hope each day; to try my best, but effortlessly, to achieve the best results! Many thanks to Master for teaching by example!

Poems

Living Buddha

By Fellow Initiate Nguyen, Sydney, Australia (Originally in English)

Dear Master
I know that You are a true living Buddha From the multitude of ways that You teach me And the way that Your tranformation body is always with me Wherever I go;

You are omnipresent
You guide and protect me
From hundreds of miles away.

You read my thoughts and search my soul You reprimmand us when we err
Your presence is felt strongest in times of crises You erase our imperfections
And show us the straight path should we ever stray; But in the end You always demonstrate Your Forgiveness.

Through turbulent times
My faith in Master only even grows
Master irons out the creases in our lives.

From Your child,
With Love.

After Initiation

By Initiate Huang, Taichung, Formosa

After initiation,
I am suddenly enlightened of life's true meaning. Peace, security, and fulfillment have descended upon me. Greed, jealousy, and anger
Have left me and surrendered one by one.

After initiation,
The Supreme Power guards me constantly. My heart opens wider and wider;
For me, for the country, for the world, And for the vast universe.

After initiation,
I've uncovered my perfect true Self.
The world is harmonious and wonderful.
All things and beings
Merge in the "Ocean of Love".

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/qa.html was not found on this server.

Spiritual Interludes

The Natural Beauty Of Hsihu Center

By Fellow Initiate Tsai, Taichung, Formosa

Under Master's wise and meticulous instructions, the warm, home-like Hsihu Center completed several beautiful renovation projects, including the zig-zag bridge, before the Moon Festival 3-day Retreat. Now, Hsihu Center is even more attractive.

My wish of having a walk on the zig-zag bridge finally came true. On group meditation day, life-guards were needed on the bridge for the children's safety. So I volunteered with longing because I was a certified life-guard.

Many lovely children excitedly admired the beautiful scenes from the zig-zag bridge. On the lake, the spray from several water fountains was spread all over with blasts of cool wind. Enjoying the sprays of the cool water, the children played happily. One child said that the water from one of the fountains sprang up and down like a jumping rope. But I felt that the ripples formed on the lake sometimes looked like Master's painting "Stone Cave" and sometimes looked like the piece of celestial jewelry designed by Master entitled "Tao". This might be because I liked Master's paintings and jewelry designs so much; but they did look very much alike.

Water from other fountains not only cooled the surroundings but also presented a perfectly brilliant afternoon scene. Even from the pavilion on the zig-zag bridge, we could see rainbow colors in the sparking lake water. Visitors exclaimed: "Now it is so lovely! Coming here is much more worthwhile than visiting some other landmarks!" Indeed, our Hsihu Center is becoming more and more beautiful!

When I wanted to have a look at the zig-zag bridge and take a walk on it, Master made my wish come true and let me be a bridge guard so that I could really enjoy it. Master not only took good care of Her beloved disciples, just like She took care of me, but also the guests brought by the disciples, so that our guests could take home with them refreshed souls as well as renewed spirits.

Ordinary People Are Vulnerable To Praise

By Fellow Initiate Sheila, Vancouver, Canada (Originally In English)

My job is teaching English as a second language. Every month the students of my school assess the teachers, as to whether they think that the teacher is doing a good job or not. My ratings were so-so, and I endeavored to improve them.

One month I got very good ratings from almost all my students. The next month my ratings fell to poor from almost all my students. I was shocked and then puzzled as to what had happened.

Suddenly, I remembered Master telling us how dangerous it is for Her to praise any of us, that our performance immediately changes from good to bad after Her praise. Then I understood what had happened, so shallow was my ego, that this little bit of praise had knocked me off centre, had "gone to my head". I became overconfident and arrogant thinking that I could do no wrong. My students quickly corrected me and told me just how wrong I could be!

I find that Master's teachings are invaluable in helping me to understand my very wrong habitual thought patterns in many life situations. Now I feel that Master has given me The Illuminated Guideline and it is up to my own intelligence to learn about my shortcomings from every life situation.

Thank You Master!

Homesick

By Fellow Initiate Kuo, Taipei, Formosa

Once I bought a reproduction of one of Master's paintings. It was a painting of a basket with an unknown fruit, entitled "Homesick". At that time I could not understand why it was named so. Not long after, a co-worker treated me to a fruit that I had never seen or tasted before. Its pulp was light grey in color and had some black spots in it. It looked familiar. The co-worker told me that it was called "dragon fruit". Suddenly, I realized, "Oh! This fruit comes from Master's homeland!"

Instantly, I understood - the longing from infancy to old age, life after life, in my soul and dreams is a taste of being "Homesick". I smiled with understanding.

Lovely Master, You silently gave me this heart-warming gift. I hung it on the wall opposite my bed so that it would remind me of You whenever I open or close my eyes - comfort my lonely soul. Far from heaven in a strange world, I, a drifter, walked into my dreams with "Homesickness" and a smile.

The requested URL /eng/news/51/sl.html was not found on this server.

Aphorisms

By Suma Ching Hai (Originally in English)

We are free to express our inner feelings, our appreciation, and move. As long as we move with the rhythm of the universe and know God all the time, everything we do is perfect.

Enlightenment doesn't mean we should all together eliminate the emotions. We just know how to use them.

Every time we meditate, we thank God first, we pray for the less fortunate, and then we remember God with all the sweetness and devotion.

After we meditate, we know that nothing is so important, and we just feel happy and blissful.

If we always devote our lives to, and concentrate our love on God, everything we need will come, everything, absolutely everything.

That's how the world will become paradise. Everyone shares with each other. Everyone becomes happier. Then no one will want to steal from the neighbor, to hurt the neighbor, or to do anything else, because everyone will be happy.

The only thing that sets us free is the Truth. If we don't know that we always worry.

Only when we meditate on God - have direct contact with God through the light and sound, do we know. We know everything without even learning from anyone, without reading books, without reading newspapers. We understand profoundly, and ever-lastingly.

The best thing is always simple and unconditional.

Unconditional and loving, that is the way everyone of us should lead our lives. With or without initiation, with or without the consciousness of God.

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/cl.html was not found on this server.

Elevation Of The Soul

Latest Video Tapes Of Suma Ching Hai
<In English>
" Follow Your Heart (I) (II) Group Meditation, Paris, France Apr. 28, 1995

<In English with Spanish Translation & Chinese Sub titles) " To Love God Is To Keep His Commandments (I) (II) The House Of Journalism, Panama
Nov. 29, 1989

<In English with Chinese Subtitles> " Be One With God's Wisdom
Lecture At The Blaisdell Center, Hawaii, USA Mar. 28, 1993

" Use Our Wisdom And Purity To Work
Group Meditation, Portland, Colorado, USA Apr. 11, 1993 Gathering at Denver Airport, Seattle, USA Apr. 9, 1993

" Zen Tales - A Ghost Story Group Meditation, Austin Center, Texas, USA Aug. 14, 1994

" All Religions Are From The Same Source Group Meditation, Marriott Hotel,
Washington D.C., USA
Oct. 29, 1994

" Have No Illusion About Enlightenment Lecture at Palace of Fine Arts,
San Francisco, USA
Nov. 27, 1993

" The Saintly Standard Group Meditation, New York, USA Jun. 20, 1994

" Love Is The Greatest Law In The Universe Lecture at Amara Hotel, Singapore Sep. 26, 1994

< In English with Korean Translation & Chinese Subtitles > " Believe In Yourself Group Meditation, Seoul, Korea
Apr. 16, 1994

< In Chinese >

" The Secret Of The Pyramids Group Meditation, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jun. 4, 1995

" Magic Is The World Of Illusion Group Meditation, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jul. 9 & 16, 1995

" The Immediate Enlightenment Bird (I) (II) Group Meditation, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jul. 18, 1995

The Latest Audio Tapes Of Suma Ching Hai <In Chinese>
CR15
" The Earnest Benevolent Prince The World Is A Stage For Our Play Ching Hai Day 3-Day Retreat,
Hsihu Center, Formosa
Oct. 23-25, 1994

" How To Get Blessings From God 1995 New Year International 3-Day Retreat, Hsihu Center, Formosa Dec. 31, 1994 - Jan. 2, 1995

" Auspicious Signs Of The Birth Of Master 1995 New Year International 3-Day Retreat, Hsihu Center, Formosa Dec. 31, 1994 - Jan. 2, 1995

" The Way To A Peaceful World 1995 Dragon Boat Festival International 3-Day Retreat, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jun. 2-4, 1995

" Renounce The Desire For The World But Not The World 1995 Dragon Boat Festival International 3-Day Retreat, Hsihu Center, Formosa Jun. 2-4, 1995

Front Line

The Truth Spreading Trip To Honduras

Making use of a free period, the fellow practitioners in Costa Rica set off to neighboring Honduras to establish affinities with the people there. The problems were, none of us could speak Spanish and the hotel rates were very expensive. So, how were we supposed to launch the Truth-spreading activities? Though we had not the slightest idea then, our faith was firm within, knowing that Master had already arranged everything behind the scene. It proved to be true!

By An Quan Yin Messenger in Latin America

Master's Almighty Power
Takes Care Of Everything

Several days before our trip began, a Honduran fellow initiate returned from Spain, staying in Costa Rica for one night during transit. He phoned us because he wished to visit our Center. Only then did we know that we had a fellow initiate who could speak Chinese and Spanish. He was fluent in both languages because he seldom stayed in Honduras and had to travel often. He was very happy to know that we were going to visit Honduras, and offered a big, unoccupied house for us to stay in. Therefore, our lodging problem in Honduras was solved.

Upon arriving in Honduras, the airport, having just been cleansed by heavy rain, gave us a refreshing and soothing feeling. Just after we had loaded the many pieces of heavy luggage into the car, a heavy downpour began again! All of us were alarmed. It was a torrential and persistent rain. Thank God! If this rain had come a little earlier, all our luggage filled with Master's books would have been destroyed!

This Truth-spreading trip was blessed with many miraculous responses right from the start, and Master's fantastic and timely arrangements were truly perfect! As if given a reassuring dose, the fellow disciples clearly realized that they were only tools. Master's power was taking care of us all the time; we had no reason to worry.

The Living Bodhisattvas

To make this activity in Honduras a successful one, several Costa Rican initiates, despite their limited financial resources, spent a great deal on the expensive air-tickets and travelled between Costa Rica and Honduras many times, helping with the translation and other jobs. Their sincerity was touching. To coordinate with the Truth-spreading schedule, they squeezed time from their busy schedules, temporarily putting aside their business to support the activities.

The owner of a vegetarian restaurant in the city had been a vegetarian himself for decades. He was very interested in Master's teachings, and was piously waiting for the initiation. Knowing that Master's video-lecture seminar was going to be presented locally, he was most delighted and gave his full support. Apart from helping with the renting of the venue and acquiring items required for the seminar, he even requested to put up the news about the seminar in his restaurant, so that the customers could know about Master.

There was a local yoga group, the members of which were conscientious and cheerful practitioners. They also advocated vegetarianism and would practice together every Sunday to pray for world peace. Their instructor was very open-minded. He invited the Quan Yin messenger to introduce Master's teachings and watch video tapes after their group meditation. While watching the tapes, he kept raising his thumb and said to the people close to him: "Good! Good! Very good!"

After the gathering, many people enrolled to practice the Convenient Method, or to get the initiation. They invited our fellow practitioners to visit them again so that they could ask their interested friends and relatives to participate.

A former radio station worker liked Master's teachings very much after reading the sample booklet. Upon knowing about the seminar, he offered to advertise it for us on the radio unconditionally. This amply demonstrated the broad-minded nature of the Honduran people. Although his lower limbs were disabled, he still went to attend the seminar and requested further materials about Master, which he was prepared to broadcast on the radio to reach people with affinity.

Seminar Overwhelmingly Packed By Sincere Truth Aspirants

Upon entering the venue of the seminar, each member of the audience read with delight and surprise the beautiful sample booklet and News magazine. They enjoyed them very much. In no time, the venue was entirely filled. Many people watched Master's videos standing, while others watched the additional television sets arranged outside the venue. Among the audience some had come a long way by airplane, one even came with great difficulty having his leg in a cast and being supported by crutches. Their firmness in seeking the Truth was obvious. The crowds sincere longing for the Truth touched the owner of a big company next door. He offered to lend us all the chairs in his building, and personally carried them to the venue.

After the seminar, many people stayed behind to enrol for the initiation and the Convenient Method. When learning to meditate using the Convenient Method, some people saw numerous radiant stars, just like what Shakyamuni Buddha saw after meditating for forty-nine days beneath the bodhi tree. Others saw very bright light. Some people had been practicing and seeking the Truth for decades, been vegetarians meditating every day, however they said they had never had such wonderful experiences.

The next day, people were still coming to the residence of the fellow practitioners, wishing to know more about Master's teachings, and to enrol for initiation. For the next few days, people who missed the seminar kept phoning to ask about Master's teachings, and to sign-up. They hoped we would be able to conduct a similar seminar again.

Having received the sample booklet and the News magazine, a gentleman spent the whole night reading them and was filled with heavenly ecstasy. The next day, he immediately called to sign-up for initiation, and to purchase all of Master's books. Many people called from very far away cities to ask about Master's teachings.

During the time we were waiting for Master's approval to teach the Convenient Method, every day there were people phoning anxiously asking for the result. Their eagerness was truly touching. Among the Truth aspirants, many were conscientious vegetarians who had practiced other paths for many years without much progress or many experiences. Encountering the supreme enlightened Master and the peerless Method this time, they forsook their previous methods without hesitation to practice the Quan Yin Method with total devotion. Having learned the Convenient Method, they promptly formed a vegetarian cooking class to research the preparation of nutritious, delicious, yet simple and convenient vegetarian dishes.

Getting Closer To Master!

After attending the seminar, a person had very good experiences when practicing the Convenient Method. He said that he felt himself getting very close to Master.

There was a lady who had been a vegan since she was born. Although her parents were meat eaters, she never ate meat. Her body was very pure and sensitive; any wrong food eaten would result in a repelling response within her. Ever since she received Master's sample booklet she has felt an unprecedented feeling of tranquillity, bliss, comfort and happiness. Her strong and positive intuition told her that Master would bring her 'home'. She is convinced that Master is the enlightened One whom she has been seeking and waiting for.

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/fr1.html was not found on this server.

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/fr.html was not found on this server.

News Magazine NO.47

Photo: Only a noble and Serene soul can truly appreciate the beauty of all things.

1. International Reports

   Formosa/Japan/Hong Kong/South Africa/Canada/USA/Costa Rica/Mexico

2. You May Not Know

   A Master Also Has To Fight Inherited Habits A Trip To Monaco

3. Master Says

   The Story Of A Fighting Cock/The Wisdom Of An Old Beggar Woman

4. Children's Letters

   Love Is Our Origin

5. Aphorisms
6. Pearls Of Wisdom
7. While On The Path

   Rescuing The Heavenly Seat! As You Think, So Shall It Be Positive Power Could Change The Fate Of The World

8. Spot Light

   Revealing The Secret Of The Ancient Pyramids In Egypt

9. Poems

   Praising You - Mother Of The Universe From The Heart So Long, New York

10. Spiritual Interludes

    Transportable Pyramids/Purity

11. Media Reports
12. Master's Words

    Let Go Of Your Small Self And You Will Be A Master

13. Master's Wonder

    A Celestial Fashion Show By Heavenly Beings The Real Chanting Of Buddha's Name Master Always Helps

14. Front Line

    Pilgrimage Of The Modern Hsuan-tsang

15. Selected Questions And Answers

    Love Others Wholeheartedly

16. Between Master And Disciples

    The Ecstasy Of Being One

17. Feature Reports [1]

    Mother's Day Special Column

18. Feature Reports [2]

    Suma Ching Hai's Birthday Party In Monaco

19. A True Account Of A "Wonder-Person" Person

    The Reforming Of A "Natural Born Killer"

20. A Little Message
21. Elevation Of The Soul
22. Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.47 Published: June. 25,1995
Published by: The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations

International Reports

Report From New Zealand

The First Three-Day Retreat
At The Auckland Center

Recently, there has been a gradual increase in the number of fellow initiates in New Zealand. In order to practice more diligently and to have a more solid foundation for progress on the path, fellow practitioners organized the first three-day retreat at the Auckland Center, after receiving approval from Master. Fellow practitioners from around Auckland and Tauranga areas participated enthusiastically. This was the first ever three-day retreat in New Zealand.

Putting down all the mundane matters, fellow practitioners meditated more than ten hours a day, as well as watched Master's videos. The atmosphere was so good that Master's blessings were always felt.

Many fellow practitioners in New Zealand have never seen Master before. Seeing Master's life on video was their only consolation. The yearning wish to see Master was in the hearts of the fellow practitioners.

A new fellow practitioner mentioned that she and her husband had traveled over thousands of miles from mainland China in order to receive initiation. She was very sick just before the trip. With undeviating determination and holding tightly onto Master's photo, she boarded a vehicle. She could not move while lying in the vehicle.

Surprisingly enough, upon arrival in New Zealand, she had become well. She was very grateful for Master's blessings, that they could receive initiation as they had wished for and be able to join in the three-day retreat.

Immediately after the three-day retreat another initiation was held. The number of new initiates is ever increasing. Under the nourishment of Master's love, this green country is revealing a new spirit in life.

Vegetarian Cooking Classes Enhance Good Taste And Good Health

Although the vegetarian diet is not yet very popular in New Zealand, many of the initiates-to-be who have been practicing the Convenient Method have overcome all the inconveniences of their circumstances and decided to keep the complete vegetarian diet and be ready for initiation. After group meditations for the Convenient Method practitioners at Auckland Center, vegetarian cooking demonstrations take place. All practitioners get together and discuss how to have a balanced diet with an abundance of nutrition.

When sister practitioners were able to fill a table with delicious dishes within a short time, initiates and initiates-to-be were very impressed. After trying the food, they couldn't help but praise each dish, being better than the non-vegetarian diet, not only for its taste but also for its nutritious value and the peace of mind.

Report From Paraguay

Gospel of Nectar Nourishes
Withering Souls

It had not rained for six months in Paraguay. Air pollution had become a very serious problem. Schools even closed as a result. Master's teachings brought nectar to Paraguay. It started to rain the night the Truth-spreading group arrived in Pedro Juan. In fact, it poured. The air was cleansed and the dryness disappeared immediately.

An initiate-to-be in Pedro Juan, waiting for initiation, was very sincere in keeping the vegetarian diet and purify herself. Not only does she see Master's manifestation body often, but also has started to write poetry. On the day of her initiation, she saw Jesus Christ appear brilliantly.

The video-lecture seminar attracted many Chinese immigrants. They liked Master's teachings very much. Many started keeping the vegetarian diet and practicing the Convenient Method.

East City is the world's second largest trade city. Too many material pursuits have deprived the spiritual aspect of the people's lives. The practitioners of the Convenient Method have been busy promoting the video-lecture seminar in the city. In trying to rent a venue for the event, the manager found out that it was for such a meaningful purpose, so he said, "If you charge nothing, we charge nothing too." Despite the fact that he had already rented the place to others, he gave it to us.

Soon, on the streets of East City, one could hear the good news about Suma Ching Hai's upcoming video-lecture seminar. One of the owners of the cars announcing the seminar was highly moved by Master's teachings. With a loud speaker, he added his own words to the public announcement. He spoke with sincerity to appeal to his countrymen to attend the seminar. His son, who often worked with the fellow practitioners, later learned the Convenient Method.

The manager of Journal Today (HOY) in East City was very impressed with Master's teachings. She placed the news of the upcoming video-lecture seminar in the most prominent place in the paper. She also added an article about Master and the seminar to the religion section of the paper. Later she also became a vegetarian and learned the Convenient Method. When she saw the light, she shouted with great excitement, "The inner light is intense - so bright!"

On the day of Master's video-lecture seminar, East City was bathed in rain of nectar. Mr. Villalba Romualdo, a reporter from a national broadcasting station, was driving an open Jeep on his way to the lecture hall. He had to drive off the road several times in order to take cover from the rain. He enthusiastically told the audience what a great enlightened Master Suma Ching Hai was. He also became an initiate-to-be. The video-lecture seminar smoothly delivered the Convenient Method to those who have been earnestly seeking the Truth. Committed to a complete vegetarian diet, they are now awaiting initiation.

The news of the seminar spread to the capital Asuncion by newspapers. Many came to ask for a seminar to be held in the capital city. One of the sister initiates-to-be had practiced other methods before without having any great inner experiences. While practicing the Convenient Method, she saw very bright light, which prompted her to commit to a total vegetarian diet and ask for full initiation. She followed the Truth-spreading group to Asuncion and introduced Master's teachings and the Quan Yin Method to her former spiritual teacher. Her teacher finished reading the sample booklet without taking a break and was deeply touched. She invited many people interested in spiritual practice to come to watch Master's video tapes.

The people of Paraguay are earnest, pure and simple. They are glad to share the good news of the Quan Yin Method with their countrymen. They are like torch bearers, they happily brighten themselves and their whole country with the light of God.

The manager of Journal Today (HOY) in East City, Paraguay, volunteered to publish the news of Master's Truth-spreading activities in the most prominent section of the paper, placing an additional article in the religion section.

Tomorrow, Sunday, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., a lecture will be held at the Fourth Theater in East City, in which some magazines, booklets, and photos of Suma Ching Hai will be displayed. Video tapes of lectures by Suma Ching Hai will be shown to the audience, after which a Quan Yin messenger will introduce the Quan Yin Method.

According to the members of this group, they were eager to spread this method of attaining enlightenment to all the Paraguan people, which would lead them on the path back to God.

Report From Costa Rica

Great Benefits Derived From
A 3-day Retreat Of Love

Costa Rica's National Day happened to be on a Sunday, so most people did not have to go to work. The Costa Rican fellow initiates decided to replenish their souls with a 3-day retreat. After being approved by our merciful Master, everyone cheerfully made preparations.

A fellow initiate once joined a 7-day retreat conducted by Master in Formosa and had benefited greatly. She was particularly impressed by Master's love, which she would never forget. Unfortunately, she could not go to the retreat this time because of work, but she was still hopeful and earnestly begged people to take over her duties. Due to her sincere longing, the inner Master helped. Consequently, she finally found someone to replace her so she could attend the retreat.

Another fellow initiate had never gone to a retreat before but he deeply understood the benefits and therefore longed to go. Hindered by transportation problems, he kept praying to Master for help. On the day of the retreat, just as it was about to begin, his elder sister suddenly drove her car to his place and entrusted it to him. He was extremely delighted and grateful for Master's help.

When the 3-day retreat eventually ended, everyone was filled with heavenly ecstasy and perceived the many benefits of having gone. For instance, a neighbour's cattle often intruded into the Center, consuming the flowers, grass, young plants and branches. The fellow initiates were planning to put up money to build a fence. On the day after the retreat, their neighbour voluntarily expressed his desire to build the fence.

The fellow initiates, while relaxing during the retreat, noticed that their wisdom had developed and that their thoughts were more positive. Many problems that they didn't know how to solve before have now found satisfactory solutions. Therefore, they wish to hold retreats more often.

Report From Los Angeles, U.S.A.

Love In Mexico

Inspired by Master's loving instructions to show more concern and care for the poor, fellow initiates from Los Angeles went across the border to the border city of Tijuana to help the needy by supplying them with food, clothing, as well as spiritual comfort.

It was a hot day when fellow initiates arrived in the shanty town that is situated between a cemetery and a garbage dump. Even before they stopped, a crowd began to form. Fellow initiates began distributing the food, clothing and Master's boundless love. The people gratefully told us that this location has improved a lot since fellow initiates began to go there to help these poor people.

Fellow initiates then moved to a nicer area of the city and showed Master's video in a vegetarian restaurant. On the way to the restaurant, a miraculous incident occurred. Some of the initiates got lost. Before long, these lost members stopped in front of a pharmacy to call for help. They found out that they had stopped less than a block from the vegetarian restaurant when the leader found them. Interestingly, one of initiates remembered, only when she saw the pharmacy, that she had been asked to buy some medicine in Mexico. She was grateful for Master's wonderful reminder which allowed her to get the job done.

The video and the discussion afterwards were great, all went smoothly. The attending Mexicans listened to every of Master's words and asked very good questions. Master's love continuously blessed each and everyone. Fellow initiates deeply felt that they received much more than they gave.

A New Focus

At The World Dance Festival

This year the renowned World Dance Festival was hosted by the Performing Arts Department at Palomar College, located on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The best dancers from different areas gathered to show off their unique talents and beautiful cultures. Fellow practitioners from the Los Angeles center were also invited to participate in this traditional festival. During the event, thousands of people were attracted to come and enjoy the most fabulous art entertainment of the year.

During the festival, there was an impressive introduction of Master and Her contributions to world peace, to the local performing art admirers. When the fellow initiates dressed in beautiful golden outfits appeared on stage, the Candle Dance began. Master's portrait, with Her dressed in the elegant, golden Thai imperial outfit, was projected on a large screen in the background. This amazing projection mixed with the moving candle-light from the dancers suddenly emerging from the total darkness of the stage and creating a magnificent scene full of celestial harmony, resulted in cheering and applause.

The delicious vegetarian food was also the focus of the festival. Thanks to Master's blessings, fellow practitioners from Los Angeles and San Diego Centers used the entire weekend to prepare the vegetarian food to offer to all guests during the performance intermission. Beautifully decorated tables, full of vegetarian food, were set outside the theater next to a poster of Master. They were surrounded by people of all ages who could not wait to try the exotic, vegetarian delicacies. Many anxiously inquired about the recipes, about information on how and where to get ingredients, as well as showed great interest in the vegetarian diet.

Fellow initiates were grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the public. To be able to follow Master's perfect example; to use love, wisdom and the ever increasing talents that emerge after enlightenment, to beautify the world, is the most joyful thing for them!

Report From Pusan, Korea

A Good Response

To A Vegetarian Symposium

Recently, the Korean branch of the Suma Ching Hai International Association organized a symposium to promote vegetarianism in Pusan, Korea. The response was overwhelming. Apart from promoting vegetarianism to beautify the world, the benefits of meditation were also introduced. Many Korean friends with affinities have now started to walk on the spiritual path together.

The most influential organization in Korea the "Environmental Movement Federations" and the largest and most well known environmental protection organizations all participated in this symposium. Other community organizations like Han Sal Rim (Revitalization For Oneness) Community, international spiritual organizations like "Ananda Marga of Korea" and "the Buddhism Newspaper" all participated in and sponsored this symposium.

During this symposium, there were deep discussions on various aspects and levels concerning why one should be vegetarian. Information on vegetarianism published all over the world was also provided. Professors from various fields as well as physicians were invited to lecture to the audience. Their talks were supported with slides.

The symposium's cartoon posters generated a very good response. The mass media all came to hold interviews. Several of the largest press companies specially reported the good news of the symposium. All the radio stations -- KBS, MBC, Buddhism Broadcast and CBS invited fellow initiates to participate in special programs.

During the interviews, they enquired about the teachings of Suma Ching Hai, the activities of the Suma Ching Hai International Association and the benefits of eating vegetarian food. MBC Television also made a live recording of the symposium and broadcasted it during a major news program. PSB Television also visited the families of fellow initiates and introduced to the public the healthy lifestyle of vegetarian families, the rosy-cheeked, strong children and lovely elderly folk. Some reporters even wanted additional interviews after the seminar.

Since the symposium was received in an unusually positive manner, fellow initiates wrote a book based on the findings of the symposium. This book was sent to universities, mass media and libraries so that people could use the material to get basic information on vegetarianism. The enthusiastic response of the mass media anticipates the imminent arrival of the era of vegetarianism and spiritual practice.

CHO SON DAILY NEWSPAPER September 16, 1995

International meditation group "Suma Ching Hai International Association" with "Environmental Movement Federations", "Han Sal Rim (Revitalization For Oneness) Community", and "Ananda Marga of Korea" joined together to sponsor a symposium on vegetarianism. They discussed the benefits of a vegetarian diet in all aspects: medical, health and nutritional, socio-economical and psycho-spiritual.

Report From Taoyuan, Formosa

The Community Garden Party
Attracted Many Guests

The Taoyuan Center held a Community Garden Party: to celebrate the completion of the new Taoyuan Center; to actively improve relations with residents in the vicinity; and also to provide the people in the community with a chance to come in contact with Master's teachings. The activity included: free medical consultations by traditional Chinese and Western doctors; serving vegetarian food; a brilliant variety show; and a lucky draw to entertain the guests.

The venue for the Garden Party was beautifully decorated. Some guests strolled to the Scripture Circulation Counter to read books they liked; some visited the Information Desk inquiring about Master's teachings; and others queued in the free medical consultation area. The booth where 'Love-balloons' were given away was most welcomed by the children, though many adults, still young at heart, also flocked to get one. The mouth-watering vegetarian food that was served attracted many guests who tried the delicious and exotic vegetarian foods one by one. Simultaneously, they could also watch video tapes advocating vegetarianism. The lucky draw and the variety show were the main events, providing delightful entertainment to fellow practitioners and the guests.

This Community Garden Party was one big step forward for the Taoyuan Center in attempting new methods of promoting Suma Ching Hai's teachings. The most important point was, all the fellow practitioners who participated in the work received a most precious gift - Master's infinite love!

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/md.html was not found on this server.

Not Found

The requested URL /eng/news/51/message.html was not found on this server.

Media Reports

The SM Celestial Spirit

From "Mademoiselle", Formosa October, 1995, No. 346

Suma Ching Hai's elegant, graceful and dignified Celestial Clothes designs -- expressions of love, purity and innocence. With the red and gold logo embroidered on each creation, the artist wishes to portray the harmony between the body of women and their spiritual nature.

A complete success, due to the meticulous care and attention given by Suma Ching Hai to all aspect of the creation. Nothing was overlooked. The overall designs, the appearance and the quality of the fabrics were carefully chosen to give comfort and safety to the wearer.

A. This three-piece suit is made with 100% silk, uniquely featured with a five angled, star shaped collar, and fish-tail skirt.

B. The fabric of these gowns is bamboo velvet. The neckline, sleeve cuffs and hem are trimmed with gold colored fabric (lurex metalic), overlaid with a delicate translucent embroidered fabric, creating a three-dimensional effect.

C. With multi-layers of rippling colored chiffon stitched to the sides of the dress, this ingenious design reminds us of the wings of angels.

D. This is a low-cut evening gown. A liberal use of dark and light colored chiffon decorates the neck and waistline. An unique feature of this gown is the six silk scarfs fastened to the skirt.

E. This outstanding cotton sportswear is created to ensure that ladies can move swiftly and comfortably without sacrificing their elegance during sports activities. This golf suit has been skillfully designed with openings in the front and near the hem of the pants for ventilation purposes. How unique and "cool"!

Designer: Suma Ching Hai

Master Says

Managing A Country And Pacifying The World Are Also Forms Of Spiritual Practice

Spoken By Suma Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa Sept. 10, 1995. (Originally in Chinese)

A Wise Person

Does Not Go To Extremes

Outer appearances do not necessarily reflect our inner level; it is most important to know whether our mind is pure and not wavering. Is that right? Therefore, Lao Tzu said: "Something that is too white will look unclear, and a person who is too virtuous will look flawed."

We may not be able to detect virtuous persons. Sometimes it is not very good if they go overboard. For instance, many ancient people, because of their blind loyalty to king and country, suffered greatly or even lost their precious lives. Too attached to their reputation of being clean, upright and virtuous, they sometimes went to extremes and hurt themselves without making any contributions to the country or society.

Take Bo Yi and Shu Qi for instance, why did they die of hunger? Only to protect their chaste reputations. Why did Qu Yuan jump into the river? Just to show his loyalty to a fatuous king. If it was a wise king, of course be loyal to him! You should protect him, support him, counsel him, and be loyal to him. However, one is a stupid fool to be faithful to a fatuous king. A loyal fool!

We spiritual practitioners must not go to extremes, or be too rigid. We should be flexible, and judge the situation with our wisdom to decide what to do. Sometimes, if we are too attached to reputation, to some virtuous aspects, or to a certain living style, then we are not really good spiritual practitioners, as we are short of wisdom. Rules, reputation and morals are there to protect people, instead of demanding people to protect them. Do you understand what I mean? (Audience: Understand.)

Many people were highly esteemed because they were loyal to their king and country, like Bo Yi, Shu Qi and Qu Yuan, but I feel that they were not that good because they had no wisdom. If it is not necessary, we should not harm ourselves, because the king is not the whole society. A fatuous king is not the entire nation and we should not limit our goals in life to him only. They did this perhaps because they regarded themselves too highly. If a stupid king won't listen to you then forsake him. Sometimes, you may also pretend to follow him, do things in his way, and then influence him later. Or, you may do good things in silence; do not present yourself as a very virtuous person. Who can stand you? The king is notorious while you have such a good reputation. Will he like you? (Audience laughs.) Will he listen to you? Will he spare you? Even if he spares you, he will not let you stay near him. Or, even if he lets you stay he won't listen to you. Right?

Therefore, if you want to help the world, save the world, then do not be attached to certain aspects. Simply observe the situation and help in whatever ways you can - in silence.

Guan Zhong, The Wise Prime Minister Who Benefited His Country And The World

Guan Zhong was a famous Prime Minister of Qi State. He behaved in the same way as the fatuous Qi Emperor. He did whatever the king did, and if the king was muddle-headed he was even more befuddled. Guan Zhong did not let the king "sense" his virtues, or give the impression that he was better than the king. That was exactly how he managed to reign in the country peacefully and successfully, and how he helped the fatuous king to benefit the people.

The people are the most important, not the king. You use him if you can. If you slay him, your reputation will be ruined. Just put him on one side, play with him, and teach him what to do afterwards. He will listen to you after he has confided in you. Besides, he sees that you are just like him - two idiots - (Master and everyone laugh) and takes you as his bosom friend. Because the two were much alike. Understand? When Emperor Huan of state Qi drank, Prime Minister Guan Zhong apparently drank even more. When Emperor Huan was dead drunk, it seemed as if the Prime Minister was in a greater mess. Deep in his heart, he knew the king extremely well. "One will be ever-victorious when he knows himself and the enemy thoroughly." Guan Zhong did not have to demonstrate his virtues or talents. He governed the country silently. The king was then not Emperor Huan, but Guan Zhong. It was better this way. (Applause.)

Although Emperor Huan was on the throne, Guan Zhong was the one who managed the country. Guan Zhong could pacify the world because he was very flexible, and could even make use of the evil people. He accommodated even the senseless, treacherous officials. Bao Shuya failed to do this, so he could not make a good prime minister. Bao Shuya was also a very good man, but too good, and too extreme. He loved the good people dearly. As to the evil persons, wow! He was not contented even if they were killed. (Master and everyone laugh.) He would possibly have slain them without blinking his eyes, so he could not rule the country as well as Guan Zhong.

Although Bao Shuya was a loyal and incorruptible chancellor, he did not benefit his country greatly. Guan Zhong messed about with parties, wine, tobacco and sex, just like the king did, but he benefited the country greatly and was the greatest hero.

We can learn something useful by reading history, not just by reading Buddhist scriptures or Master's lectures. If we have wisdom, we can learn from anything. Observe the way other people managed and pacified the country, and we will learn how to do it also. Understand?

Ruling the country and pacifying the world are exactly the same as pursuing spiritual practice to save sentient beings. There is no difference. The ways are the same, the strategies are the same, and the spirit of serving others is the same. If an ordinary prime minister can sacrifice his reputation for the country and people, then he is really loyal to the king and country. This is the only real loyalty. Without Guan Zhong, the State of Qi would have been swallowed up by other states long ago. King Huan could no longer sit on the throne, giving orders, and enjoying wealth and pleasures. Therefore, the really loyal Prime Minister was Guan Zhong and not those dictating, criticizing, and hurting the king with reproaches. They should do things silently.

Great Persons Conceal Their Talents

To manage the country and benefit the people, you should ignore your reputation even. Do not let people know that you are clean and upright, that you have great wisdom and talents to rule the country. Just do the work; do not explain or show off. Sometimes, it is better that way. Revealing too much of yourself to people, they will keep praising you. Sometimes, your morals are not perfect - you score only eight points but they award you twelve points, then you will feel irritated! Everyone is expecting more from you. Then, another person may praise you with fifteen points, while your worth is only half of it and you begin to have troubles. You become very nervous, doing things extremely cautiously and feeling uneasy. Since you are always trying to guard your reputation as expected of you by other people, you have difficulties working.

It is more comfortable to do things casually when people are not expecting much from you. People will think: This is the way he always is, no need to watch him. He is not serious, nothing great, no one wants him. He is filthy and casual, a mundane person, good only at enjoying pleasures; a useless person, just ignore him, don't pay any attention to him. He is not competitive. I am very virtuous and people will surely like me. That fellow is nothing.

In this way, you are free from competition, no one expects anything from you, and can do things smoothly. Do things indiscernibly just like laughing behind a mask, which no one can detect. Have you ever seen those masks, so dull and expressionless, covering everything except the eyes? No one can see you laughing or crying behind the mask. Similarly, while in this world, do not mind what other people think if we really wish to help people.

It is also easy if you really want to secure a good reputation. What you need is to make good advertisements, a good way of presenting yourself. Having paved the way for several years, people will come to know about your goodness. Then, if you wish to run for president, just for instance, it will be very easy. Should you really wish to run for president, make preparations well beforehand as if you have no such intention. You should go and pave the road by socializing with everyone, visiting all the temples, churches and organizations. By and by, people will nominate you. The whole country will see that you are the most virtuous, and rich in the demeanor of a spiritual practitioner. And then you will say, "Oh, please don't! It is so embarrassing!" (Laughter and applause.) When people insist on nominating you, you will say, "All right, but it is really embarrassing!" These are false virtues and a false reputation. The truly virtuous and reputable persons are often indiscernible because great persons always have their talents concealed.

Sacrifice Your Reputation

If You Really Love Your Country

Lord Wen of Zhou State was more virtuous than the king at his time. That king was really profane and greedy while Lord Wen was very generous. Later, he won the country and the throne. He could do anything better than the previous king, so people invited him to be the king. If Guan Zhong wanted to be a well reputed person, he could simply seize the throne from Emperor Huan of Qi State because Emperor Huan was notorious then. However, Guan Zhong did not do it. He did not wish to snatch the throne from others; he just wanted to benefit the country. What he truly loved was the country and not reputation, so he sacrificed his reputation even. For the sake of the country, he pretended to be even more befuddled than the king, so the king would not suspect him. His reputation was no better than that of the king, but that was how he managed to benefit the country.

Destiny gave you this king at that time, so what can you do? You would get a bad name by killing him. If another person stepped on the throne he might not be any better than Emperor Huan. Since Guan Zhong had won the king's confidence, he played the tricks accordingly and did his best according to the situation.

Fortunately the State of Qi had Guan Zhong, so the country was peaceful and later became almost the most powerful among the central states. What good was Emperor Huan? He was not worth a cent! His only merit was keeping Guan Zhong, and Guan Zhong's best trick was his ability to use this stupid king. (Laughter and applause.)

Besides using the king, Guan Zhong also used the bad officials by the king's side. He discriminated against no one, and that was how he got his way. He was really good. He was truly superb. It is not bad if we can learn from Guan Zhong in our spiritual practice! He was magnanimous. He was good, but not on the outside. That did not mean that he was not good within, he just did not want people to think too highly of him. He could accommodate anyone, and that was why he could rule the country and pacify the world successfully.

I think Guan Zhong was good! Sometimes, we can learn something from the ancient stories. So, when we comment on a person or want to realize someone, we must have wisdom to profoundly understand what type of person he is, instead of looking only at his outer appearance. We have to check the results of his deeds, of his actions, not only his behavior. Don't look at his outer appearance, look at his deportment, habits or ways of doing things. Outer looks often fool us; it is better to judge by the results of his deeds.

History did not give much credit to Guan Zhong, nor did his descendants enjoy any benefit from his reputation, power or property. He truly did everything for the people and not for a name in history. Therefore, his descendants enjoyed nothing from his reputation. He did not leave to his descendants any government position, power or financial benefits.

The later people also did not care much about the descendants of the prime minister; no one cared about him. It was because when Guan Zhong was alive the people observed very little virtue in him. All they could see was that he was enjoying pleasures just like the king. The king's name was already blemished, but his name was even worse than the king's. (Master and everyone laugh.) Do you understand?

Who could see through his outer mask, read his patriotic heart, and realize his loyalty? People of the world are very blind. Ordinary worldly people were not as good as Guan Zhong was, so they had no common quality that attracted each other. No one was his bosom friend, and no one could understand him. Therefore, people did not love or respect him, thinking he was only a flatterer to the king - patting the king's horse's nose, (Master and everyone laugh), and that he fooled around with the fatuous king for his own status and benefit. No one appreciated his talents in managing the country and pacifying the world, and his truly beautiful, clean, patriotic and loyal heart within.

The Golden Age Of Au Lac

In Au Lac, there was a prime minister who was as badly reputed as Guan Zhong. His name was Tran Thu Do, which is most probably strange to you. He was very famous. Everyone criticized him when he was alive, and history also discredited him. At that time, the king was crowned when very young, so the power naturally went to the prime minister. The prime minister even married the concubine of the former king. When the former king died, he married the concubine, out of love or out of ambition to control the whole court, it was never known.

The fact was he had complete control! As the king was ignorant, the prime minister decided everything. This prime minister was very stubborn so history criticized him as a dictator who threatened the young king and abused the court's power; and there were other accusations. However, if we read history carefully, we know that he was a very great revolutionary and democrat.

Nowadays, if we have a king and a prime minister, we call this a constitutional monarchy. Is that right? In that case, the king has not much power while the prime minister has great control. He was implementing a constitutional monarchy system then, but our Au Lac people were not used to it. To us, the king was the son of heaven. Whatever the king said was right; all the officials could only lower their heads and say, "Yes Sir! No Sir!" Therefore, we were not used to it, nor were the officials. He had too much power, and decided everything. The young king did not have a say. The king was so young and ignorant, if it were not for this prime minister Au Lac would not have been so peaceful then.

During that period, the country was prosperous in many respects. However, everyone criticized him as a dictator abusing his power and suppressing the king - all the accusations and no credit.

Even history recorded that he was bad. However, at that time, Au Lac was free and prosperous in many respects. If he were to listen to that senseless and ignorant king, how could he have managed the country? The nation would have been finished if he had obeyed the king! Sometimes, even when the king disagreed, the prime minister would still affix the seal. (Master and everyone laugh.) He affixed the seal himself, so everyone abhorred him.

The fact is he was really good. If he were bad, and since he had already married the concubine and grasped all the power in his hands, he could simply get rid of the king and sit on the throne! That was a common practice in those days. (Master and everyone laugh.) Very popular, especially in China, right? (Audience: Yes.) If the king was rather weak, and you happened to have some power, out you go! Then, the dynasty quickly changes, from sister Li to brother Wang! (Master and everyone laugh.)

Therefore, if Thu Do really wanted the throne or the power, he could get it quickly. The king was young, the power was in his hands and he was a powerful chancellor at the time of the former king. The former king had delegated all the power to him so that he could take care of the young king and the administration.

Read History Again With Wisdom

Thus, we see that Guan Zhong really had no desire for reputation because he discredited himself by behaving the way he did. He still kept the king there while he did everything. People abhorred him. In fact, we can see that he was a very good politician, by observing the results. Many accounts and comments in history make us - people of the later generations - think that some persons were bad, some persons were good, this one was virtuous, this one was loyal to the king, and that person was patriotic. We really need to read it over again and give it more thought. What actually happened might not be what was recorded in history. Besides, who were the ones writing the history? The officials, and they were only human beings, bearing prejudice, recording accounts with their own shallow wisdom, preconceptions and personal feelings including that of gratitude or resentment. Thus, we should not believe in history so easily; we have to use our wisdom. Should we really want to learn lessons from history, we have to analyze clearly to find out which persons were truly good and worthy for us to learn from.