Construction Comments Group Meditations Make You Grow

1. International Reports

   Peru|Costa Rica|USA|Canada|Cambodia|China|Malaysia|Formosa

   Aphorisms

   Spot Light

   The Secrets Of How Master Attained The Tao

   You May Not Know

   A Righteous And Brave Little Girl Who Saved Her Father The Way to Keep Our Body And Mind In Good Condition

   Feature Reports

   The Supreme Family Celebrates Christmas|A Christmas 3-Day Retreat Spreading Love And Peace
   |An Unexpected Discovery|Life Is No Longer Empty|The Feeling Of Coming Home
   |Zen Enlightenment In The Rainbow Garden|Was It An UFO Joing The 3-Day Retreat
   |The Miraculous Hsihu Heaven|Walk The Proper Path|The Immaculately Caring Mom

   Center Events

   The Heavenly Rainbow Garden

   Master Says

   God Takes Care Of Everything

   Poem

   A Heart From A Previous Lifetime|The Yearning

   Selected Questions & Answers

   All Attachments Fall Apart After Enlightenment

   Master Tells Stories

   The Secret Way To Archieve Immortality

   Master's Wonders

   Master And Disciples Are Joined At Heart No need To Worry
   Divine light Converts The Daughter-In-Law Mysterious Devine Light!

   Pearls Of Wisdom

   Work Directly With The Wisdom From Within

   While On The Path

   The Teacher Of Teachers|Mom's Good Girl

   A Reader's Letter

   Please Don't Forget Angola

   Elevation Of The Soul

Feature Reports>

The Supreme Family Celebrates Christmas A Christmas 3-Day Retreat Spreading Lov% And Peace
An Unexpected Discovery Life Is No Longer Empty The Feeling Of Coming Home
Zen Enlightenment In The Rainbow Garden Was It An UFO Joing The 3-Day Retreat
The Miraculous Hsihu Heaven Walk The Proper Path The Immaculately Caring Mom

The Supreme Family Celebrates Christmas

By Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Permeated with joy, the whole of Hsihu seems to be singing Christmas is coming - a day of reunion, a moment for gratitude. From each corner of the world, children are rushing to Hsihu, throwing themselves into the arms of the Mother.

The "Family" embraced its children with infinite love, and prepared some heartwarming presents. The first release of the "Supreme Kitchen - International Vegetarian Cuisine" was good news for vegetarians. Ever since Master demonstrated Her culinary skills, fellow practitioners have been anxiously waiting for the cookbook to be published, so they can learn Master's unique secret ways.

The "Love Hat" was another thoughtful gift. It is rainproof, windproof and protects the ears which are sensitive to the cold. With a further thought that it represented Master's love, tremendous blessings permeated one's body from head to toe.

In the Publications Area, fellow initiates appreciated the newly designed Longevity Lamps, and Master's photos. They also carefully chose Christmas gifts. Their thoughtfulness added boundless feelings of friendship to the gifts.

The first day of the retreat was the day of Winter Solstice in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Amplified by a cold current, the day was really chilling and windy.

The "Love Hat" displayed its function in time. Wearing the "Love Hats," fellow initiates moved happily about in the open as if telling the world that it represented Mother's love. Wow! Everyone looked so satisfied and proud wearing it.

Fellow initiates used all their heat-packs, sleeping bags and covered themselves with one layer after the other, making themselves look like mini Mongolian tents. Once they had packed themselves nicely, they wouldn't move for fear that the freezing wind might find a hole to go through. As a result, they meditated solidly and peacefully, which was another kind of blessing.

When returning to the campsite at night, some initiates found their tents had collapsed in the wind, so they had to gather their spirit to rebuild their "Zen temple." These people, accustomed to city life, had to learn how to live in harmony with nature.

It Is A Beautiful Thing To Meditate Together

Master said, "It is a beautiful thing to meditate together!" So, She joined us at every meditation session to bless us. At the right moment, She would announce, "Meditate on the Sound now!", and She also reminded us, "Before going to sleep, meditate on the Sound, so you can sleep warmly and comfortably."

At dinner time, She always appeared driving Her mini car, to make sure that these big babies had eaten to their satisfaction. Master said humorously, "You should be concentrated when meditating, and do not open your eyes; otherwise, your Initiate Identity Card will be gone. However, you may look now, as much as you want. Those who don't look now will have their Identity Cards taken away."

She didn't forget to tell us children, "If you are not serious in your practice, I will fight you Tiger Style." Master reminded everyone that spiritual practice is the rightful duty of a practitioner. Even when we are having fun, we must not forget the noble ideal even for a split second.

In this rare reunion, Master acted like a loving mother doing Her best to satisfy, pamper, and bombard us with endless jokes.

This group of blessed children enjoyed Mother's bedtime stories every night. Like a magician, Master took out some bits of paper - Her notes, and called them books of wisdom. Then She pretended to catch some inspiration in the air, and inserted them into Her wisdom eye, after which She would begin to tell stories, sharing Her wisdom with us.

Master said, "Sometimes we have a lot of weaknesses, and if we truly have tried our best and we can't get rid of them, then learn to love them and just ignore them. Don't fight them. Try to develop other qualities in yourself that are more suitable to a practitioner, that are beautiful for your personality."

Be A Giver

When we want to live in harmony and peace with others, then we must be round, and should not be so square. Master really admires the lay people for being able to live with a lot of people, which She finds difficult to do. Some people think that it is difficult to live alone as the monastic practitioners do, but to Master, the real hardship is to live with many people.

Master encouraged us by saying, that spiritually, we should be "givers" and not "takers." "That's why," Master said, "We must earn our own bread, because we are provided with tools and intelligence, can work and serve others. When we meditate together, we provide, we bless people in the world."

The following evening, Master told us Lord Shiva's story, letting him spend Christmas eve with us. To the Indians, Lord Shiva is the God of Destruction, but He only destroys the negative things, does not destroy any beautiful aspect. Lord Shiva was too much advanced for the people of his own generation to understand so they called Him the God of Destruction. Master said that He only destroys garbage. Not only the visible garbage, but also the invisible that we keep in our heats.

Acting in a lighthearted way, Master asked God to give Her inspiration so She could accomplish the task which Hes didn't want to do. The topic of the evening was the conversation between Lord Shiva and his soul mate. The truth is, the lady was as enlightened as He was, and she only asked questions for the sake of His disciples, to have the opportunity to listen to Lord Shiva's wisdom. Traditionally, Indian females are very humble; they would not say they were enlightened even if they were.

Master mentioned that Lord Shiva addressed his soul mate in very endearing and graceful terms, and this is the way all the husbands should speak to their beloved. Lord Shiva's words were always so sweet and romantic, unlike the way of speaking of this era. Master wants us to learn to speak in such a beautiful way.

Lord Shiva's Secret Method Of Concentration

The essence of the conversation was how to concentrate. Some fellow initiates complained that they didn't have enough time for, or could not concentrate on, their spiritual practice. Since we are not meditating all twenty-four hours, we must concentrate on, whatever we are doing. This is the meaning of the "eighty-four thousand methods".

When meditating, think with total concentration imagine that you are the Light, place your whole attention on your nerves that are as delicate as the threads within the lotus itself. If you cannot still your mind so quickly, then imagine that the Master is around you, imagine that the Supreme Master within you is all over the universe and then enter that spiritualized personality of the inner Master. Remember Master's love is omnipresent. When we cannot meditate, think about your pure true being. With this thought, we can enter samadhi.

Finally, Master ended this discourse with silence, indicating that silence is the best means of communication. Master said that people are used to listening. During the meditation, no one should speak a single word. In the silence, God's love and wisdom poured down on us as if we were soft and wordless plants receiving a new life from God when spring comes.

When leaving, Master put on a pair of furry white ear-muffs, and said that She looked like a good student preparing to go to school. Truly, Master has always been God's best obedient child.

Each day, everyone lived quietly and meditated comfortably, as contented and relaxed as vacationists.

The brisk cold wind persisted throughout the three days, but the coldness was dispelled by Master's love, and the zealous support of the fellow practitioners. Under the protection of many saints and enlightened beings, four thousand people polished their inner selves. Radiating their saintly light against all the stars in the sky, the Heavenly Kingdom was indeed at hand!

Master Is The Most Charismatic Santa Claus

"Jingle bells! Jingle bells!"

At noon on Christmas Day, the whole Center was flooded with the delightful sounds of music. Small bells hung on the trees were singing sweetly in the wind. The azure background on the stage, contrasting against the snow white decoration, depicted a northern scene. Guests poured into the Center continuously - the performance program at each celebration is always a high light that everyone look forwards.

Amid the Christmas music, Master appeared in Her mini car, now functioning as a snow sled but without any reindeer in front. However, there was a group of Santa Clauses behind, and they travelled all around the forest castle distributing candies everywhere they went.

Under the sunlight, candies in various colours shimmering like handfuls of stars sprinkled on everyone. Fellow practitioners earnestly fought to grasp these descending from the sky blessings, and of course, the most important thing was to catch a glimpse of the loving countenance of Mother Master. With dainty steps following the music. Master was the most charismatic Santa Claus.

The Joyful And Amusing Christmas Program

An "extraterrestrial" Santa Claus, who used love like electricity, performed a funny dance that brought a warm atmosphere to the whole place. Other Santa Clauses threw candies to the crowd while dancing to the music. It was so funny that everyone on and off the stage melted into one.

The jazz dance performed by the young initiates was as great as the performances by their older brothers and sisters. The Taipei fellow practitioners offered a beautiful Au Lac rumba dance which was dedicated to Au Lac -- the land that God is concerned about. A cello and violin duet, once performed in the National Music Hall, was also presented.

The Indonesian initiates introduced a tropical mood, they sang two Jakarta folk songs. Although the audience did not understand the lyrics, they suddenly applauded loudly because they heard three words common to all languages - The Supreme Master Ching Hai.

The gentle and beautiful dance by the Au Lac initiates from Los Angeles won everyone's heart. This extremely brilliant "Sword Dance" demonstrated the heroic spirit of females, which is absolutely equal to that of the males.

The violin sonata, "Song of a Wanderer" by a Taichung initiate voiced the feelings of one after initiation -- the soul doesn't have to wander any more after meeting Master. The Au Lac comedy, "Plump Snow White" pointed out that all the joys in this world are fleeting, only enlightenment can bring eternal bliss. The Taoyuan initiates also contributed a light and lively contemporary dance. Finally, everyone present sang, "Hallelujah" together, showing their gratitude to Master for bringing them miracles of love and peace.

Christmas Celebrations Are To Remind Us Of Our Homeland

Originally, the program was to be concluded by Master's words of blessing, but Master was on the verge of crying and could not speak because She was thinking about the tedious task of masters in teaching people. Finally, filled with emotion, Master reminded us to remember the sacrificing spirit of Jesus Christ every Christmas, and to do our best to imitate His selfless spirit of giving. Only then is Christmas day meaningful.

Originally, Christmas is for celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ, but Master thinks that this day is really His "death day." When one comes to this world and gets into this bodily cage, the soul is considered dead. Only when we leave this world, or when we meditate -- leave this body, traverse the world, and soar high to heaven, then it is our birthday.

At least once a year, Christmas, lets us think of our homeland, and remind ourselves to go home quickly. The initiated people should pray sincerely to God, the Buddha, to help us progress faster in spiritual practice, and to elevate us to higher levels.

Those not initiated should pray to their most beloved spiritual teacher to help them to free themselves from this bodily prison sooner, because it has confined us for too long. This cumbersome physical body makes us live in a bad mood everyday and feel unhappy as we do not know that a better world is right before our eyes. Master blessed us this Christmas so we could make greater progress, think of our homeland more intensely, and return to our original home soon.

It was dinner time, so Master wished everyone an enjoyable meal. Before eating, She said to thank God for so generously giving us His beloved son who was handsome and full of wisdom. On this day two thousand years later, we are still graced by His teachings and love.

Gifts were exchanged during dinner time, and many people got what they had longed for. Again, Mother Master conveyed Her immaculate love to us through these small things.

Feedback

A Christmas 3-Day Retreat Spreading Love and Peace

By Fellow Initiate Li, Tainan, Formosa

The Christmas 3-Day Retreat ended, but it was not until I returned to my office that I realized that this was the most peaceful Christmas I had ever had in my life. Really, in the newspaper, the international news mainly reported little touching stories from different countries, and on people praying for peace on Christmas eve. But I was suddenly enlightened when I meditated during the lunch break. It was because of You, Master, leading us in the Christmas 3-Day Retreat, that the power of peace permeates the whole world through fellow practitioners of every country.

Thank You my Lord, thank You Master. I am very touched and full of gratitude.

An Unexpected Discovery

By Fellow Initiate Chang, Taoyuan, Formosa

For the recent 3-day retreat most female practitioners pitched their tents in the back mountain tent area. Carrying their luggage, and dragging their heavy feet, they reached the newly developed site panting.

After the tents were pitched, we hurried downhill for the group meditation. Just as I sat down, I noticed I had forgotten to bring something. God! I had no choice but to walk that dreadfully "long journey" again.

When I went back to the camp site, Master's assistant was also visiting this "remote corner". He was talking to Master on the cordless hand telephone. From his words I could tell that Master cared a lot about this newly developed tent area for the females. Although Master has to handle a million things each day, She never overlooks any matter, which is really admirable.

Having got what I wanted, I left immediately and trod downhill warmed by Master's love. I no longer felt that the road was long; all I had was a heart full of gratitude.

Life Is No Longer Empty

By Fellow Initiate Mary, Munich, Germany (Originally in English)

Before I knew Master, I basically did not know what was the meaning of life. Now, my life is full. Getting up early in the morning to meditate becomes a moving force for me each day. I have more courage to try new things. Master has made me realize a lot and I have peace within. In fact, the problems of the world come from ourselves. Only after learning how to love oneself then one knows how to love other people.

In the Center I felt no pressure, no worries or troubles. The international retreat let me feel the real feeling and miracles of being part of one whole family of the world.

The Feeling Of Coming Home

By Fellow Initiate Karin, Munich, Germany (Originally in English)

Hsihu Center is like a heaven. It feels like coming home whenever I visit. In fact, I was a very introverted person. After meeting Master, I feel She has opened and guided my interpersonal relationships. She has given me confidence to get close to people, to make friends, and She has closed the gap, which was due to a lack of communication, between me and my parents.

The step by step teaching and guidance from Master has made a lot of improvements in my life and it has opened for me a new start.

Zen Enlightenment In The Rainbow Garden

By Fellow Initiate Siu, Taipei, Formosa

For the recent 3-day retreat, Master was especially kind to allow female fellow initiates to put up their tents in the children's heavenly playground - the Rainbow Garden. In the big Rainbow Garden there are various beautiful flowers, plants and trees. The stones, no matter big or small, were painted beautiful colors. Even the toilets, wash basins, drinking fountain and garbage bins were all painted in brilliant colors and decorated with lovely cartoon figures. The sculptured cement animals were also painted in colors that children like. There is also the swinging chair from Cinderella's pumpkin chariot for people to have a rest.

After seeing the various facilities of the Rainbow Garden in detail, fellow initiates were deeply touched and moved by the benevolent and loving way that Master teaches and cares for children. Master has always looked after all the big and small children in every detail, and provides the best service at the most appropriate time.

That the female initiates were allowed to put up tents in the Rainbow Garden was really an ingenious arrangement by God. They were secretly shown how to care for their children, also God's children, in a better way.

Furthermore, the large underground area, where children usually ride their toy cars, also became a sleeping area for the female initiates during the three-day retreat. The male initiates put up their tents in the bamboo forest, which is usually used for meditation.

Such an ingenious and timely use of space made one feel and understand the limitless wisdom of enlightened beings in looking after such a vast number of sentient beings so compassionately. This makes one feel so grateful to them.

Was It An UFO Joining The 3-Day Retreat?

By Taoyuan News Group, Formosa

Early morning on the second day of the retreat, sister Lin was walking quickly down the hill to join the group meditation. On the tree-shaded little path that goes from the back mountain to the Main Hall, she looked occasionally up at the starry sky. Suddenly, she noticed an exceptionally big star. As she watched it attentively, the triangular and cone shaped "star" started to emit light, and then it flew speedily back and forth between the Big Dipper stars. Like a great painter of the universe, it painted randomly in the vast and boundless cosmos. The fantastic phenomenon lasted for a good while, as if it was joining the several thousand fellow practitioners in the retreat to celebrate a Merry Christmas.

The Miraculous Hsihu Heaven

By Fellow Initiate Patrick, Paris, France (Originally in French)

I work for the government doing horticultural work. I feel very touched and surprised every time I come to Hsihu Center! Hearing from fellow initiates that the Dragon Boat Lake, designed by Master, was finished in one week gave me a miraculous feeling because of the gardening work I do.

I had been to Hsihu one year ago. The Forest Meditation Hall at that time did not have too many shady trees. This year it's already green and there is shade everywhere. That the trees could grow so quickly is really amazing!

Another inconceivable thing is the work of the kitchen staff. With so many people at the meditation retreat, the entire kitchen staff were not only quick but also quiet. When the fellow initiate cooks were seen at work there seemed to be no need for any language, and yet they were very well coordinated. The work in kitchens is usually loud and noisy but in the center it was so different.

Master has been setting good examples for us everywhere. On seeing how Master takes care of us, we can learn how to take care of other people, fellow initiates and our families.

Walk The Proper Path

By Fellow Initiate Lo, Taoyuan, Formosa

Upon entering the Center for the recent 3-day retreat, the first thing I saw was Master's instruction: "Walk on the proper paths; do not walk on the dirt or wrong paths made by others."

At first, I didn't feel it would be hard to comply with this instruction. However, in actuality when it was more troublesome to walk the proper path, because it meant taking a long route to reach my destination, I was often tempted to take the time-saving route. Whenever I had to make such decisions, a familiar feeling would always emerge in my heart.

Right! This instruction is also applicable to our spiritual path. To the secular mind, the proper path is not always the most convenient one. However, by taking the easy way out, though convenient, we may act against our principles. Master reminds us not to be tempted by temporary conveniences. The only shortcut on our spiritual path is adhering to Master's instructions.

The Immaculately Caring Mom

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Taoyuan, Formosa

The Christmas 3-Day Retreat was nearing its end so there was a continuous reverberation of "Farewell Master!" from fellow disciples. When Master's car drove past the bamboo grove, She kept waving to the fellow initiates on the right side, the bamboo forest, and only stopped when Her car turned onto another road, from which She could no longer see the fellow initiates.

Suddenly, from the highest spot in the bamboo grove, fellow initiates were still shouting: "Farewell Master!" I thought perhaps Master could not hear it. However, as soon as my thought emerged, I saw Master's car stop again. I observed the whole scene clearly, and tears soon filled my eyes. I thought: "Master! You are really immaculately caring! "

On the way home, the tears kept flowing incessantly, even until I went to sleep.

News Magazine #54

Center Events

The Heavenly Rainbow Garden

By A Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Master always hoped to have a place in the Center for children to play in - a place where happy, joyful and positive things are represented.

After the completion of the Dragon Boat Lake Park, Master began to plan the children's dream heaven - the Rainbow Garden. Fellow initiates and the resident disciples at Hsihu would help with the construction.

It started when Master saw the metal air vents on the top of the Dragon Boat Lake Park. She said, "If these metal vents were painted different colors, they would become windmills." Not long after that, we had colorful windmills.

Master also designed the stone stools placed over the air vents to protect them. Fellow practitioners can sit on them to meditate. They are both practical and extremely beautiful.

A few days later, Master told us that we could paint the path in the Rainbow Garden different colors, then it would look like a rainbow when viewed from above. That is how the Rainbow Path came into being, and Master named the place "The Rainbow Garden."

Even the washrooms in the Rainbow Garden are colorful ones. They just might be the only washrooms in the world at the moment that are so colorful! This is also one of Master's creative ideas, so that the children find it interesting even when they go to the washroom.

There were piles of sand bags lying at the roadside, which no one knew what to do with. Master said, "Pile these sand bags up so that children can have fun climbing up and down." She also gave instructions for the sand bags to be painted in various colors and patterns, which resulted in the present, unique playing apparatus. It is simple, safe and fun. It also solved the problem of the unused sand bags. Master said, "The sand bags can still be used if there is a need for them in the future." That really was Master's magical power - one thing, many uses!

There were many stones scattered around the Rainbow Garden. Master personally gave instructions to "clothe" them with colorful art work. After it was done, it looked as if many precious stones had emerged from the ground in the garden, giving people a new, fresh impression. Also, after Master's instruction to spray colorful designs on the dull looking gravel, the appearance of the garden was enhanced even more.

The stone animal figures in the garden were originally to be bought from outside. Because nothing suitable could be found, Master said, "We can make what we want ourselves!" Then, throughout the process of making the iron frames, weaving the wire mesh, putting on the cement, coating them with paint, and adding the finishing art work touches, Master was on hand to oversee. She even painted some of the animals Herself.

When the project was completed, various cute and unique looking animals were "born." Not only is the dinosaur not scary, it is charming. The pig is lovely, and the deer is handsome. Indeed, they look as if they are animals from heaven.

Discarded tires were picked from local car repair shop and painted in bright colors for swings and sand dune protecting fence.

Master said, "There should not be any black color in the Rainbow Garden." She gave special instructions for the tires near the sand play areas to be painted, and did not say whether white or light brown sand should be used. This was the one detail She wanted the disciples to decide for themselves. However, Master was greatly disappointed because the disciples used black sand, which has been changed to white after Master's correction.

Master said, "Even without spending much money, as long as we make an effort, we still can let children have great fun."

News Magazine #54

God Takes Care Of Everything

Spoken by The Supreme Master Ching Hai

Munich Center, Germany

August 18, 1995

(Originally in English)

I am always happy when I am in Munich. I don't know why, but it's maybe my home town. Except my birthplace in Au Lac, I have never stayed anywhere as long as in Munich -- non-stop. Maybe because it's my second home.

Congratulations on your beautiful Center! God has blessed you so much, and God has loved us so much, including myself -- a very humble servant. God has blessed me to have the honor to serve you, Hiers children. God has blessed us to be always together in harmony and peace; and then whatever we want, we need, Hes always gives us, without asking. So, we must always thank God in our hearts that Hes is so good to us, and we should also pray sincerely for those people who have less fortune than ourselves.

Remembering God Is Our Duty

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. That is our duty -- very simple, very pure and very effective. Then everything else will come along, without even we asking.

You have so experienced? (Audience: Yes.) Me too. I never ask that Hes gives me the talent to do the painting. I never ask that Hes gives me talent to design the clothes or to design the jewelry so that I can take care of myself financially and help the other people as well. I never ask anything but everything just comes. And sometimes too quickly. I have to organize myself in order to receive all the blessing without wasting any.

The Heavenly Treasure Is Within Us

Do you have any questions? It's also good that you don't have questions. The more we meditate, the fewer questions we have. Even some questions are not important anymore. After we meditate we know that nothing is so important and we just feel happy and blissful. When we're happy and blissful, nothing matters, really; and we don't think with the mind so much.

When a person is happy, even at a very mundane level -- two persons falling in love, between a man and a woman, you still feel very happy and blissful. You don't care where you stay, what you eat, what kind of clothes you wear, or what kind of comfort or discomfort you have. It really doesn't matter anymore.

Similarly, we become even more blissful and more happy if we are intoxicated inside. Then we don't have anymore questions really, we don't care. Even if we don't know too many technologies in the world, what is the newest invention, who is the newest movie star, and what is the newest building in the world, we're still not affected by anything. We're just happy, with love from God alone.

That is the purpose of our lives -- to find this love, and then we're satisfied. All of you know this already, so I don't think I should talk too much. Without this love from God, we're just miserable. We continue to be miserable all the time, keep wanting, taking, and greedy. We take all kinds of harmful drugs, sometimes alcohol and all kinds of things in order to make ourselves happy. But then we'll be worse, we'll have more trouble because we don't have the true happiness.

That's why we must meditate on God, and if we cannot, the master power always gives us someone -- some messenger, in order to guide us, help us to remember how to meditate on God correctly. Meditate on God, otherwise you'll meditate on money, you'll meditate on girlfriends or boyfriends. It's also meditation, but different effect -- bad effect. (Laughter)

A lot of people meditate on different things. The businessman, he meditates on his enterprise. The politicians, they meditate on their reputations and careers. And the womanizer, he meditates on beautiful girls, and things like that. So, it's different concentration. Concentration we all have already. The only thing we have to do is to change the object of concentration.

Change The Object Of Meditation

Instead of meditating on all these ephemeral things, like money, fame and ephemeral pleasures of this world, we just switch to meditation on God, and then everything else will come along, even beautiful women will come too, (laughter), money and everything.

I did not come to God for money or for fame. But because I'm so concentrated on God Hes gives me everything, and that is the proof of my concentration, that is the proof of my devotion to God, and that is the proof for you and anyone else. That you know: Seek you first the Kingdom of God, and everything else will come to you. The money I make, it's like it comes from heaven. I don't even do much work.

The people outside sometimes they work a lot and they don't earn that much money. I can't spend all this on myself. I give it to other people, or sometimes buy some Centers for people to meditate together. It depends on what is requested at that moment. So, really, if we always devote our lives and concentrate our love to God, everything we need will come. Everything, absolutely everything, without effort. I make no effort. You know how long it takes me to paint a picture, or how long it takes me to design clothes? Everything comes along just because I don't care for these things. I just care for God and then everything belongs to God. If I care for God, everything belongs to me too, very simple and logical.

You remember the story of a king in India? When he gave everything in his possession to the people, they could come and take whatever they wanted. Everyone came and took this and they wondered about the lamps, and took some jewelry. Some people tried their clothes on; and some people took the cutlery or silver or golden vessels, anything like that. Everyone was so happy to take something of their own taste, and they thought their possessions were very beautiful and precious treasures form the king. But they only had one or two things of his whole possessions, but not all. One girl, she came straight to the king, and she said, "I want you." And everything belonged to her -- the whole kingdom and the king himself.

The same thing happens to us when we only want God and nothing else; everything else will belong to us, definitely, hundred percent. I am living proof. I am always happy because God always looks after me, Hes never leaves me in any want, anything that I really think I need I will have.

The Best Gift From God

Actually I don't need anything. After all, I realize I need nothing. Finally, we have no desire anymore. If we meditate more and more, finally we know that we don't need anything. But even if we don't need anything, God will see to it that every necessary thing we will have in life. I think as you meditate along, day by day, you have also noticed this miracle. Everyday is a miracle for us, and we're happier and more loving everyday. That is the best gift from God.

If Hes gives us also financial blessing, it's all right. If Hes gives us something like loving relationships as a blessing, it's all right. If Hes gives us more houses, more cars, we accept. Everything God gives is all right. We don't go on to say, "Oh, God, I don't want material things. This is not what I want." It's okay. If Hes gives us anything, that's all right. And we share with everyone else, and this is okay.

That's how the world will become a 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. That is the future vision of our planet. That's what we should always try to strive to achieve.

One day it will be so. Let's pray for that. And if it is not so, at least the world of our own environment is peaceful, is happy, and is harmonious. Yes, our world with our husbands, wives, our neighbors, our children, this is our world, our planet. It's always blissful, happy and harmonious, at least. That is a world that is important to us too, because our world is the most important foundation.

Without our world, the big world, the big universe doesn't exist. Without one brick of this world, the big world would not exist. The world exists by many bricks put together, so every brick is important.

So, our small world -- our small unit of family, of friends, of neighbors, is very important. That's why if everyone of us takes care of our small world, then the big world becomes peaceful alone. No need for anyone to go to Geneva and have a big meeting, drink a lot of champagne and coffee, and eat a lot of beef in order to talk about world peace. If every unit of the family takes care of its inner peace, if it gets in contact with God and gets this everlasting, unconditional love, then the world will have peace. There's no need to talk. That is an ideal picture, ideal vision for our planet, and for every other planet in this universe.

God Takes Care Of Everything

That's what is God's will. That's what God wants us to understand. It doesn't matter what, doesn't matter how long it takes us to understand, God will allow the time, the instruments, the information and the way. God will allow the way. God will make the way. God will provide the way for us, as long as it's necessary for us to understand these fundamental things about our lives and its connection with the universe.

We have an eternity to learn but we can have it right now. That's what we have through the method of the light and the sound. We have it immediately. Otherwise, we could wait and wait and wait through mistakes, through miseries, through sorrows and through transient happiness until the day we learn.

So, that's why God sends someone, some messenger, to remind us that we can have it quickly and immediately; as from ancient times it has always been so. That's better if you already don't wait, you've already got it. But tell your friends, if they want to wait for eternity, it's all right with God, too. (Laughter) God has a lot of patience, far too much!

With this inner meditation and contact, we will soon discover that everything is arranged, everything is okay under the sun. God takes care of every minor detail of every being's life. That's why we're happy. That's why we are satisfied. That's why all the sorrows and miseries in this world cannot affect us because we know the Truth, the one and only Truth, the solid Truth - that God takes care of everything.

So, I think we have to thank God every time that God gives us the opportunity to learn the fastest way, to understand the Truth which erases all of our miseries; because the Truth really will set us free. The only thing that sets us free is the Truth. If we don't know that, we always worry. We always feel terrible: Why is there misery? Why is there someone troubled? Why is there a disaster? Then, because we don't know, we worry all the time and we try to take care of every little thing. But we can never take care enough, because everything goes with the universal plan and we are just a small particle of the cosmos. We always worry like we are God. We try to arrange the world's peace. We try to do everything in our lives in order to achieve what we think we must. Then we forget, only God's will will be done, not ours, because we don't know anything.

Only when we meditate on God -- directly contact with God through the light and the sound, then we know. We know everything without even learning from anyone, without reading books, without reading newspapers. We understand deeply, profoundly and everlastingly. You know everything if you meditate regularly and diligently. There's nothing I need to teach you, nothing anyone needs to teach you at all, because you are your own master. Everyone has God inside and everyone knows that.

So the more we come back into our own wisdom and master power, the more we know. It's a very natural way of teaching. It's not teaching by verbal language. It's teaching from inside. It's so simple. We feel sorry that the worldly people don't know. It's so simple like the air we breathe; so simple like the water that we drink. The Truth and the way to the Truth are so simple, but the worldly people, they are so used to complications. They are used to expensive things and hard to get things. So, when anything is offered so simply, quickly and unconditionally, they don't understand.

You see how the people work in the world. They work eight hours, ten hours, fifteen hours, eighteen hours. Just for what? Just to have a roof over their heads, just to have two or three meals a day, a few clothes to wear, and maybe a vehicle to move around in order to work. And they work so hard for these very basic, minimum necessities of life. People are used to hardship. That's why people cannot believe in anything that is free, anything that is simple, anything that is so direct and unconditional.

That's why it's our duty, if we want to take this duty, to remind the people and to try our best with all the loving kindness that we receive from God to make people realize that the best things are always simple and always unconditional. We prove it by our living standard, by our moral quality, by our loving kindness which is visible to everyone. We must show God's love through our way of living, through our own behavior, through our devotion and love to God, and through our devotion, love to all mankind. That's how our preaching works, not by verbal languages, but by examples.

News Magazine #54

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 54

Cover illustration: Beneath Your loving countenance there is the noblest soul.

Construction Comments Group Meditations Make You Grow

1. International Reports

Peru|Costa Rica|USA|Canada|Cambodia|China|Malaysia|Formosa

1. Aphorisms
2. Spot Light

The Secrets Of How Master Attained The Tao

1. You May Not Know

A Righteous And Brave Little Girl Who Saved Her Father The Way to Keep Our Body And Mind In Good Condition

1. Feature Reports

The Supreme Family Celebrates Christmas|A Christmas 3-Day Retreat Spreading Love And Peace
|An Unexpected Discovery|Life Is No Longer Empty|The Feeling Of Coming Home
|Zen Enlightenment In The Rainbow Garden|Was It An UFO Joing The 3-Day Retreat
|The Miraculous Hsihu Heaven|Walk The Proper Path|The Immaculately Caring Mom

1. Center Events

The Heavenly Rainbow Garden

1. Master Says

God Takes Care Of Everything

1. Poem

A Heart From A Previous Lifetime|The Yearning

1. Selected Questions & Answers

All Attachments Fall Apart After Enlightenment

1. Master Tells Stories

The Secret Way To Archieve Immortality

1. Master's Wonders

Master And Disciples Are Joined At Heart No need To Worry
Divine light Converts The Daughter-In-Law Mysterious Devine Light!

1. Pearls Of Wisdom

Work Directly With The Wisdom From Within

1. While On The Path

The Teacher Of Teachers|Mom's Good Girl

1. A Reader's Letter

Please Don't Forget Angola

1. Elevation Of The Soul

Selected Questions & Answers

All Attachments Fall Apart After Enlightenment

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai Quan Yin Restaurant, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

November 14, 1993 (Originally in English)

Q: How do we begin to rid ourselves of all our attachments that might keep us further away from our spiritual path? Can we become more selfless, and not want to have this and be this?

M: Yes. It's difficult if we water the plant from the leaves and not the root. The basis of all this misunderstanding, ignorance and greed is because it came from the root -- that we have not opened the power of understanding. Therefore, we misunderstand and we think money will make us happy. We are seeking the Truth which is the eternal happiness. But then we misunderstand, we think money will make us happy, or beautiful girls will make us happy.

The true thing that makes us happy, that we seek, is the true happiness. It's the Truth. It's our real spiritual power, the real God self! But because we don't know that, so we keep wanting this, that and the other. But as soon as your real source of understanding is opened for you, then you understand differently. You will say, "Ah! This is what I want, not that!" Then all these things will fall apart! You don't need to do anything to it! Just like you water the plant on the root and then all the leaves will be green.

Old Or New Karma?

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai At A Group meditation, Hong Kong

February 20, 1992 (Originally in English)

Q: Suppose I'm doing something. How do you know it's karma causing you to do it or you're making new karma?

M: It's hard to tell now because we are very deep into the trouble; so just try the best to avoid what you can avoid and to finish what you have to finish -- what you can not avoid. You can tell, also sometimes, whether it's a new or old karma, like this. If something happens to you and you can not avoid it, doesn't matter how much you dislike it, that is the old karma. Surely the force of karma is forcing you to do these things. Something you can avoid, but you like to do it by your own will, then you know you're creating trouble, new karma. You know that is wrong and you can avoid it, but you still want to do it; then you know you're getting into trouble. If it's a good thing, of course you do it and forget it, thinking that it's God who is doing a good thing to benefit others through you; then it's fine. But you know it is a wrong thing and you still deliberately wanted to do it even though you can avoid it, that is a new karma and surely you'll have trouble.

News Magazine #54

Master Tells Stories

A Secret Way To Achieve Immortality

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Oct. 27, 1995 (Originally in Chinese)

Once upon a time, there was a person in China who often told people that he knew a secret way to achieve immortality.

The emperor of Yan State sent his attendant and chancellor to look for this person, who knew about immortality, to bring him to the royal court, so as to learn his secret way. However, that attendant was much like our Quan Yin messengers here, or my attendant! He went very slowly. Instead of driving a Mercedes Benz or a Buick, he drove a Yu Long, so he went very slowly. Oh! He was not driving a Yu Long even, he drove a horse-drawn carriage. Thinking even that was too luxurious, he rode a horse. Later, he thought even a horse was too much, so he simply went on foot! It was so slow, so slow!

He enjoyed all kinds of pleasures throughout his journey, and was sidetracked to Paris and many places. Therefore, he took a long time to reach the place of the man who knew the secret way to achieve immortality. Because he was too slow and too late, the man was dead. (Laughter)

The emperor of Yan State was furious. (Master pretends to be angry.) You know, it was just like when I roar, but he was even worse than I because he didn't practice the Quan Yin Method. (Laughter) He didn't roar as loud because I have the chi through practicing the Quan Yin Method. I can roar much louder than he did. It is great fun to be angry this way. (Laughter)

The emperor was so angry that he wanted to execute the attendant. Then, a chancellor begged the emperor to forgive the attendant and spare his life.

He said to the emperor, "In this world, all human beings strive to live, and fear death. If we kill this person because of a way to achieve immortality, this is against our ideal. Besides, the person who boasted that he knew the secret of immortality is dead -- he could not save himself. That means his secret is useless! Therefore, please do not kill our useful person for a useless man."

The emperor of Yan State felt that his words were reasonable, so he started to chant the Holy Names, observe the Five Precepts, and followed Supreme Master Ching Hai's principal of not killing! (Laughter)

At that time, there was another state called Qi. There, a person named Hutzu had also heard about the man who knew the secret way to achieve immortality, which he was also keen to learn. When he knew about the death of this man, he was extremely frustrated, and cried sadly.

His friend Futzu laughed loudly and said, "You stupid fool! That man said he knew the secret of immortality, yet he is dead now. Can't you see that he was actually a fool? What are you crying for? This shows that you have no wisdom, and have no idea about what you want to learn."

Hutzu retorted to his friend Futzu, "Futzu, you are very wrong! Some people know some secret ways, but they do not know how to use them, so they cannot use them. There are also some people who know how to use the secret ways, but they do not know where the true method is being imparted.

"For instance, previously in Wei State, there was a person who was an expert mathematician. When he was dying, he imparted all his calculation methods to his son. This son heard all of it, but he couldn't calculate as well as his father. A person from another place came to this son and asked to learn the calculation methods. When he went home, he could calculate exactly like the father, and solve any mathematical problem accurately. He simply acted according to the words of the son, who didn't know about mathematics, and practiced them step by step. As a result, he did it as well as the deceased father.

"The man who knew the secret way to achieve immortality might have known the method himself, but he didn't use it or practice accordingly. It would have been wonderful if we could have learnt the secret way from him, and practiced it ourselves!" This is what Hutzu said.

Do you think he was right? Is it right? (Applause) So it is with the Quan Yin Method. Is it not so?

Observing that you can sit for such a long time -- sit for ten hours without moving, and have such good experiences, it shows that this method is the right one. This secret method is orthodox. So, if you can carry on practicing by following Master's instructions, you cannot go wrong!

Sometimes, I send Quan Yin messengers to teach you, then you practice by following the verbal instructions of the Quan Yin messenger. It does not matter if I am not there. Just follow the method to meditate, and you can have very good experiences. Is that right? (Answer: Yes!)

The Quan Yin messenger may not be superior to you in spiritual practice, so you don't have to worship him. When some Quan Yin messengers were sent to your countries, especially Au Lac or mainland China, the people there could not see me in person so they worshipped the Quan Yin messengers.

Once when a monastic disciple went to mainland China, all the inhabitants of a village took the initiation. As she entered the village, everyone prostrated to her - what a spectacular sight! No one ever prostrated to me in Miaoli Village. (Laughter) Not even a dog. (Laughter) Perhaps a kitten did! It is because she walked in this way.

It was even more funny in Au Lac. There they did not only prostrate to the Quan Yin messengers. Even when some of our lay fellow practitioners went back to Au Lac from U.S.A. - who had only seen me once, the people there also prostrated to them. (Laughter)

Don't worship those people! Worship your original nature instead; worship the almighty Master power within, which is originally latent in us.

Through the Quan Yin messengers and proper practice of the method taught by Master, we can definitely attain the Tao that we aspire for. However, though we say it this way, the method is not the most important! Our electric power inside can only be activated when there is a live current transmitted into us.

The truth is, this person just happened to know this secret method; perhaps he learnt it from a Master who had attained the Truth. Therefore, it is all right for another person to learn from him.

Take our Quan Yin messengers for example. Not all of them have attained the Truth, but when they transmit the method to you, they are doing it according to Master's instructions. The Master is still here! You will definitely reap fruit by following the method taught by Her, and this has been proved.

In mainland China, Au Lac, Tibet, those remote countries or places where the Master cannot go due to political reasons, the fellow initiates there, after they have received the transmission from the Quan Yin messengers, also have great power and many incredible experiences. Therefore, it is not a rumour, the benefits are true.

These secret methods are not to be found everywhere. Why no one else, except that old man in Yan State knew about the secret of achieving immortality? And, why did he die despite his knowing it?

There are two explanations. First, perhaps the people of Yan and Qi State misunderstood his words about immortality. Immortality doesn't mean that our physical bodies will exist forever, but that our souls will be liberated in eternity. When we have attained the state of no birth and no death, no destruction and no deterioration, no contamination and no purity, then we are really immortal. However, when ordinary humans hear about immortality, they will think of the material aspect. Therefore, they were disappointed upon knowing about the death of that person, or they laughed at others for trying to learn immortality from him - "If the teacher himself dies, why are we learning from him?" I think this is a more accurate explanation.

Another explanation is: perhaps that person had learnt the secret method, but he didn't practice it. Perhaps, there really was a way for people to live without getting old, live for several thousand years, or tens of thousands of years. We should not jump to conclusions about what exists and what does not. Before we really know, don't deny anything. Should we really not know, then we say we don't know. If we know, then we say: "Yes, I know."

If that person knew the way to achieve immortality, then why did he have to die? Perhaps because he didn't continue to practice according to the method his Master taught him, or he didn't practice this method seriously; so he gained no result. This is also very possible.

For instance, many people know how to practice Tai Chi Chuan, or how to dance Tango, Rumba or Cha Cha, which they can learn from books. The first step is with the right foot, the second one is with the left foot, and then turn left, and then right, forward, reverse, and so on. He knows it all; he has the illustrations of the dance steps. However, he does not practice it, or he practiced for only a day or two, and doesn't go to the club frequently to dance, so he forgets. However, he knows the method, and he has the illustrations of the dance steps. It has been written clearly how to dance; which kind of music is for Cha Cha, which is for tango - he knows it all. If we obtain these illustrations from him, we can practice them. Perhaps it is not really perfect, but once we learn the basic steps, we can practice and get better.

Maybe we can practice with an expert, then we will improve further. Later, adding our intelligent personality, and demonstrating our talents, we can dance even more beautifully.

Why during that time in China, only that person was known to know the secret way to achieve immortality, and no one else knew the same method? Perhaps it is just like our Quan Yin messengers - not every place can have several of them. For instance, there are only one or two Masters, and not many of their disciples are capable of transmitting the method, and it is not always possible to send dozens of them to each place. Of course, there are many Quan Yin messengers here at the headquarters, but only one Quan Yin messenger can be allocated to each country. Therefore, it is very difficult of know about them.

Furthermore, owing to the visa formalities, the long distances or because they are required at the headquarters, they cannot stay at that place for a very long time. This is why, at that time, in that country, people hear that "only that person knows." (Applause)

News Magazine #54

Master's Wonders

Master And Disciples Are Joined At Heart No need To Worry
Divine light Converts The Daughter-In-Law Mysterious Devine Light!

Master And Disciples Are Joined At Heart

Narrated by Fellow Initiates Chen and Lin, Tainan, Formosa

Recorded by Tainan News Group, Formosa

One evening, brother Chen went to burn a pile of dead wood. After pouring gasoline and igniting the wood, a great fire instantly appeared. The wind made the great fire jump high. Unable to escape in time, brother Chen was engulfed by the great fire and his hair was burning. Within a fraction of a second, a layer of cool air covered his eyes and only the left side of his face and left arm were burned.

During those dangerous and frantic moments, he thought he was going to die. Within that critical time, he understood clearly that Master had saved his life. Furthermore, his eyes were totally unharmed.

When medical treatment was sought, the doctor said to brother Chen: "You will not possibly be able to sleep tonight. You will be in great pain." But surprisingly enough, he slept very well that night and did not feel any pain.

After a few days, brother Lin returned from overseas. He went to brother Chen's home. After seeing the bandages on his face and arm, and discovering what had happened, he understood why Master had asked him to bring back some ointment.

He explained: " A few days ago, we followed Master to visit a castle. That night, Master suddenly said that Her legs were burning and hurting, just like they were being burned by fire. She asked the attendant to find someone to buy some ointment. After buying the ointment, the attendant helped Master to apply it. Feeling a bit cooler and more comfortable, Master then said: effective. You can buy some more. Fellow practitioners in your country might find it useful.'"

When brother Lin reflected as to what time that night Master felt the pain, it was exactly when brother Chen was sleeping comfortably.

After listening to this, brother Chen felt hurt in his heart. He could not bear to let Master be hurt. However, our bodies and souls are intimately connected with Master. Just like a mother, Master bears all the pain and sufferings of Her children.

Brother Lin said with great emotion, that we disciples are usually not sensitive enough. Master's every word and every action has meaning. It's only that we do not understand and hence cause obstacles for other beings. This incident made him understand that in every second, a Master is bearing the sufferings of sentient beings.

No wonder Master once said: "Being a Master is the most terrible thing in the whole world. No one could possibly understand the sufferings that a Master has to bear. The Master has to taste personally all the sufferings of beings."

No Need To Worry!

Narrated by Initiate Fulin, Hsinchu, Formosa

Recorded by Hsinchu News Group, Formosa

Recently, I went to South Africa to collect the proceeds from the sale of my house there. Only when I arrived did I find that the person who had translated for me had forged my signature and stolen all the money from the sale.

A total stranger in a foreign country, and incapable of speaking any foreign language, this incident struck me like a thunderbolt. Panic-stricken, all I could do was telephone back to my family in Formosa, crying, pouring out my grief, and asking for help.

During the day, I hired another translator to help me find a lawyer and report the case to the police. In the evenings, I cried until I could hardly sleep, and couldn't meditate in peace. After a few days, I felt myself nearing the edge of collapse. I could only pray to Master in my heart: "Master, I am at a loss as to what to do about this case regarding the house, nor can I still my mind to meditate. I am going crazy. Master, please tell me what to do through Your guidance in Your books."

After praying sincerely, I casually turned the pages of a News magazine that had been on the bedside table, and saw some letters in bold, large print: "Master's almighty power takes care of everything. The Master power is always looking after us, we really have no need to worry."

Although I am not a literate person, Master's message was straight forward to me - "No need to worry!" The heavy burden on my chest was instantly relieved. When I was unable to calm my mind to meditate, it was just like Master giving me a tranquillizing shot. I went out of the house, looked at the night sky, and knelt down to thank Master.

The outcome of the case was exactly as Master had indicated. The person who stole my money appeared to make a compromise with me. I took back all the money, plus interest for the few months.

The people who handled the case - apart from eating vegetarian food with me, also asked me about Master's teachings. The sample booklets and News magazines that I brought with me were all asked for.

I know the outcome of the matter was entirely due to Master's taking care of me. Trying to handle the problem with one's own ability is really limiting and ignorant. If we believe and rely on Master wholeheartedly, there is really no need to worry!

Mysterious Divine Light!

By San Jose News Group, U.S.A.

(Originally in English)

The San Jose Meditation Center is located on a vast wooded hill. Our neighbors have told us that this area has not been disturbed by civilization. There are big trees over a hundred years old next to exposed granite rocks; and in the springtime, the whole area is covered with multi-colored flowers. The mysterious and divine atmosphere of the area is also reflected in our hearts. Master has truly given the San Jose practitioners a "Buddha Land" full of spiritual vibration.

Early one morning, after coming down the hill where we did our meditation, because the meditation hall was not yet ready, we were greeted cheerfully by one of our American neighbors. He asked if we saw anything up on the hill. We replied that we had not. He proceeded to recount the following story to us.

He said that in the early morning, while he was out checking his horses, he saw a bright light radiating down from the sky onto our property. He had never seen a light of such intensity before. It was so bright and crystal clear that he had the sensation of being lifted from the earth.

At first, he thought that it was the headlight of a police helicopter shining down, but this light was a thousand times brighter. Furthermore, the sound roaring from the sky was not that of a helicopter because it was rather diffused and warm. To record the miraculous phenomenon, he rushed into his house, grabbed his video camera, and rushed back outside. But when he came back outside, the light vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.

In the morning he recounted that event to his wife and children. They were happily surprised.

He thought the light may have been a manifestation of Jesus, and asked us what we thought of the phenomenon. One of us replied, "Congratulations!" and then we said our goodbyes to our neighbor. We left full of joy and we were thankful for our Master's love and power.

Around the last week of September 1995, we had a special group meditation one evening with a Quan Yin messenger while she was visiting the San Jose Meditation Center. To keep the meditation room quiet, some practitioners who felt the urge to cough voluntarily went outside to continue meditating. Among them was our young fellow initiate Ma. Around the end of the meditation, all the practitioners who were meditating outside saw a bright light in the sky radiating down onto our meditation center, just like the one our neighbor had seen previously. The light moved from the meditation hall to the library to the children's hall, and then back to the meditation hall. It then disappeared.

Ma recounted to us, emotionally and in all seriousness, the incident that she and the other fellow practitioners had seen with their own eyes. Her face gleamed so that it seemed to still reflect the divine light. We were so happy that we almost burst into tears.

News Magazine #54

Pearls Of Wisdom

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

March 25, 1992 (Originally in Chinese)

All day long we look outwards at both good or bad. We are influenced by the outside and forget to focus our attention inwards. Therefore, we do not succeed in most of what we do. Concentration is the secret of success. The more we meditate and focus our attention, the more smoothly we can carry out whatever we do.

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

December 3, 1995 (Originally in Chinese)

Why do I sometimes push you to work so hurry, so quickly? It's because in this way you cannot use your brains to think, but rather do your work directly with the wisdom from within. Then you work faster. When you begin to think, to ask others, to talk, to chat, to discuss, that's when you go wrong.

Spoken by The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation, Paris, France

August 15, 1995 (Originally in English)

We live in this world for many, many, many, many thousands of lifetimes, and we collect a lot of enemies. Sometimes we make mistakes and we disturb other people, we make other people suffer, or we kill other people. So, this life it comes back. If this time we don't protect ourselves with the power of God, then everything can harm us because millions of billions of troubles are waiting for us.

If we are protected by the power of God, then we are stronger in spiritual practice. Then we can even help our enemies from different lifetimes and elevate them also, instead of letting them attack us, and make both our enemies and ourselves drown in the circle of transmigration.

News Magazine #54

While On The Path

The Teacher Of Teachers Mom's Good Girl

The Teacher Of Teachers

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Taipei, Formosa

I appreciate deeply how difficult it is to be a teacher since I became one. I now understand how much love and patience one has to give to teach groups of innocent children, until they grow up and understand things in life.

In the course of teaching children, I have also learned my own lessons. Unwittingly, the children reminded me to be humble, at ease, happy, etc. Not being very good at showing my feelings, I look just like a "miserable Buddha" at a glance. My students always reminded me, "Teacher, you have to smile more often! You look better when you smile!"

Master has also told us to be cheerful at all times and to make a happy atmosphere for others. Gradually, I have learned to put down my position and blend in with the students, to listen to what they have to say, and to deal with everything in a humorous way.

In the past, whenever I was troubled by the students' problems, I always avoided facing the true causes of the problems and put the blame on myself for not putting enough effort into meditation.

Nowadays, I reflect upon myself. Apart from feeling that I have not done well enough in my meditation, I also take out the treasure that I always take with me - Master's book of aphorisms. I read it and look for the wisdom within to solve the problem.

Once, I opened the book at random, and on that page it said, "We can be good in our spiritual practice, but we still need to be skilful at handling matters in this world." I suddenly felt so ashamed. I came to realize that I did not put my heart into solving a problem, in finding a good way to deal with it; but only complained and kept running away from it. Like timely rain, Master's words dissolved and enlightened me - this stubborn stone.

I gradually learned not to complain during work; to accept all my lessons gladly and to seize every opportunity to learn. In order to teach the children well, I vigilantly and constantly remind myself to set a good example. At the same time, I also deeply appreciate the toil You undergo, Master. You offer immeasurable love and patience to each of Your children while they are growing up. You are my best example!

Whenever my students point at master's photograph on my desk and asked me, "Who is this?" I always reply proudly, "This is the Teacher of teachers!"

Mom's Good Girl

Narrated by Initiate Chen, Taichung, Formosa

Recorded by Taichung News Group, Formosa

After initiation I was too excited and too straight forward, which made my mother complain a lot: "It is strange. How come you are so weird after being initiated by The Supreme Master Ching Hai? You don't even come home during vacation." One time she even threatened me: "Don't let me see your Master's stuff, otherwise I will..." I was so scared I moved all my belongings to Taichung and left nothing in my mother's house in Taipei.

After practicing more and understanding Master's teachings, I started to change myself. The relationship between my mother and I became more harmonious, and I went back home more often. Every time I went home I stayed with her, we talked and sometimes I told mother Master's short stories. The way I spoke had also become gentle and sweet like a child.

Gradually mother changed too. In the beginning she was absolutely against my vegetarian diet, and never wanted to try vegetarian food. Now she buys me vegetarian food and eats it too.

When she applied and got my passport for me, she told me seriously: "Put your passport behind The Supreme Master Ching Hai's big photo, then it will not get lost."

After I got my motorcycle license, having failed at the first attempt, she said, "You probably ate Master's blessed food, so you passed the test."

After looking at Master's art collection album, she admired: "Your Master is so talented. Can you be that talented?" From then on, she never criticized Master.

Recently I asked mother: "Don't you feel I behave better after being initiated by Master?"

Mother said, "That is because you have grown up."

But only I understand that Master has helped my mother find her own good daughter!

News Magazine #54

A Reader's Letter

Please Don't Forget Angola

By Would-be Initiate Jorge, Zimbabwe (Originally in English)

Dear The Supreme Master Ching Hai,

I come from Angola, an African country completely destroyed by civil war over a period of about 20 years. The majority of the people in Angola are physically and morally destroyed by this long period of war.

Since I became a member of this association and receive the The Supreme Master Ching Hai News, I have been learning so much through Master's lessons. Really You have become my best teacher. I never have had such good lessons about life, like now. So, I want to be the one who will introduce the Quan Yin Method of meditation in Angola, because meditation will be very helpful for our emotional stability.

During all these years of civil war, people forgot how to love each other, how to have hope for the future, and how to think positively. Many of my compatriots were born in the bush and grew up in the bush with a gun. Now that the war is finally going to end, I think that our The Supreme Master Ching Hai, with Her generosity, will accept to give us the positive energy to rebuild our country.

Dear The Supreme Master Ching Hai, we need Your best lessons about how to forgive each other and how to remove all killing tendencies that make our lives miserable, as a result of these twenty years of war.

Please, The Supreme Master Ching Hai, don't forget Angola!!

News Magazine #54

The Secrets Of How Master Attained The Tao

to the resident disciples, Hsihu Center, Formosa

December 3, 1995

(Originally in Chinese)

There are several secrets of how I attained the Tao. First, I am very considerate towards others. Second, I greatly respected my teachers. From primary school to high school, many teachers liked me. Perhaps it is because I respected them very much, and they felt it within. Maybe I have something, I don't know. Perhaps I have affinities with them.

After growing up, I followed many Masters. Although they were not very enlightened, I still followed their instructions completely. There was not the least bit of disrespect in me - no resistance.

Do you think my Masters treated me very well? No! They would sometimes scold me. Compared to our level now, they were just like primary school teachers, but then I was a primary school student! They were not particularly nice to me. I helped and offered a lot to them, yet sometimes they would scold me, or hurt me greatly with their words, saying that I was nothing.

For instance, after I was married, the first words that my female Master said were: "You do not deserve to marry him." (Master laughs.) She said I didn't deserve to marry my husband. She said, "Only your girlfriend deserves to marry him." We had already married, but she still said these things.

I told my Master, "My girlfriend is a married woman. She got married before me. Otherwise, I would listen to you and let them get together, as they deserve each other more." From then on she ceased to comment further. However, I was not angry at all. I didn't say, "Master, how can you speak like this?"

I feel you are different in this respect. I am not blaming you, I just want you to know the secret.

The Difference Between Master And Disciples

Sometimes, we think our spiritual practice is very good already, because occasionally I send you out to give lectures. After coming back, you feel: "I have graduated. Master graduated in six months, I can make it in six years at the most!" You become different after coming back! Consequently, you hurt yourself. You think you are very good, but you are not that good!

I also think that you are very good, and this is the strange thing! I am the greatest fool in the world, therefore I am often hurt, frustrated, and disappointed. It is because I also think you are very good, so I cannot figure out the difference between you and me.

Sometimes I know. When I stay or work together with you, then I realize there is really a big difference. Otherwise, I am not aware. If there is no work, I totally forget that you are disciples. We look alike and are of a similar age; some people are even older than I am. I cannot imagine the differences between you and me. I think you are just like me, and we can understand each other; so I keep on talking. In the end, no one understands, so I really cannot stand it. I sit there feeling very frustrated. It seems that I am the only one in the whole world who can understand myself, and I really feel sorry.

Since ancient times, it seems that the Enlightened Masters can hardly communicate with people. I feel I am also one of them. It can only be done with great effort. You don't understand even very simple things; not until I have talked for a long time. You obstruct yourselves too much! You're too complicated - still thinking that it should be like this or that. Very complicated, very complicated.

You don't understand, yet you don't want to learn from others. You don't want to learn from the teacher for fear of losing face: "I can do it alone! Let me do it myself!", just like that, and then you make many mistakes.

With introspection, you will find many shortcomings in yourself. I also check myself everyday, but I do not find any faults. (Master and everyone laugh.)

Completely Become A Tool Of God

Since I am totally devoted to doing God's work, I virtually have no choice. I cannot control my actions, or the situation. Even if I dislike it very much, I still have to do it. Since I have offered all of myself, why should I keep anything? I cannot say, "I don't like this one because it doesn't suit my character, and that thing will ruin my reputation and make me look awful." This is not the way to do God's work.

Just like a mechanical shovel, it goes wherever you direct it. It will dig wherever you direct it to dig. The mechanical shovel cannot say, "I am not in the mood today, I don't want to dig there." It must work in whatever way it is operated to. It is only a tool, and so is Master. I have completely become a tool of God, with no individual existence at all.

The moments that I treat you badly are actually when I am treating you well. When I treat you nicely, it is still human emotions, fearing that you cannot stand it! I think that is the proper way to treat people, and you will feel more comfortable that way. Actually, that is really "human" behavior. When I am really frank with you, very straightforward and without restraint, then I am really treating you well - you're being handled directly by God.

However, you would have died long ago if you were handled directly like this everyday. Not a single soul would remain here. So it is necessary to do things with a little ego. If I let God handle you everyday, even I could not stand it! My body and mind would not be able to take it, because they would be used with too much intensity, too much!

If you kept stepping on the accelerator - did not let the car rest or stop, and maintain a speed of 170 mph even when turning a corner, that would be very exhausting, and you would be very tense.

Now and then, we have to remember we're humans and relax a little. Have a barbecue, or chat about some lighthearted topics, this is also very important. Just like a house, we can only use it when it is empty inside; we cannot if filled with cupboards or valuable furniture.

Your Heart Must Be Simple And Pure To Attain The Tao

A character too rigid or too strong is not desirable. It is not necessary to win every time. You should know how to be reasonable and flexible, instead of always trying to prevail over others, or become better than the teacher. It is good to be better than the teacher, but it is still too early. At the moment, none of you are better than the teacher! I tell you frankly, not that I am arrogant, but I want you to know that you have to introspect yourself, endeavor to adjust and train your inner wisdom and character, and find out where your shortcomings are.

However, it is also bad to always hide behind your shortcomings. It is too negative, too self-despising and too pessimistic. It is not enough just to know about our faults! We have to rectify them, stop doing them, and behave in the opposite way to compensate for them.

Knowing your faults doesn't mean blaming yourself, shutting yourself in a cave, holding a "closed-in retreat" everyday in there; becoming a turtle after nine years and boring people to death when you come out. (Laughter) It doesn't mean keep blaming yourself, suffocating yourself; but you should try to climb up and change, and act in the opposite way. This is real penitence, instead of only punishing yourself with kneeling; this is only part of it. The best repentance is to stop the negative quality altogether, act in the reverse way, and make positive contributions. This is the secret to sainthood - the heart will become more simple and purer.

Even though now I say that it is useless worshipping the wooden Buddha statues, I was very sincere in worshipping the Buddha ten years ago. Because I have worshipped enough, I know it is useless. My Masters told me to worship the Buddha and buy a Buddha statue - any statue that I liked. I thought the Maitreya Buddha was more magnanimous. I was right, I really need it now. (Master and everyone laugh.) He was also very cheerful. I had greater need for these qualities, so I bought a statue of Maitreya Buddha.

That day, my Masters held a ritual to welcome the Buddha statue into my home. They burned incense, worshipped, and then told me to make a wish. I made only one wish: "In the future, if I could help anyone, I would be willing to do so, but please do not let me know consciously that I have helped." It has really come true now; I never know whom I have helped. My Master said if the incense burns then curls, that means the wish will come true. It really curled, so I believed it worked!

My Master said I also had to recite some sutras at home. I wanted to chant the Medicine Buddha Sutra, but he wouldn't let me. He said, "You have not yet reached this level, just chant the Great Mercy Mantra." It was a long time after that that he gave me the Lotus Sutra to chant. They chanted very loudly, and asked me to do the same at home. I was also told to buy a wooden fish (a round wooden instrument to accompany the chanting) and tap it everyday. I was very serious, and got up very early to do the chanting.

In the early morning, my throat was hoarse, so I had to drink plenty of water. The chanting was to be repeated in the evening too. Usually, lay people are not that serious, and it was enough to chant once. However, I was very sincere then, and would do anything my Master told me to do, even to such an extent. Unlike now, I have difficulties getting you to do anything. It is hard getting you to move a stone, never mind worshipping one.

So, I want home everyday I bowed to the sutras, chanted the sutras, and worshipped the Buddha; and I did have experiences. You will have experiences when you are very sincere. I had so many experiences that I cannot talk about them all.

I asked my Master why it was necessary to chant the sutras so loudly. I said, "Do I have to chant so loudly even at home?" He said, "It is better to chant loud, so the invisible beings are also benefitted."

I believed Him, and I chanted very loudly until I lost my voice. I even left the windows open, fearing the invisible beings could not come in. (Master and everyone laugh.)

Can you imagine? I was thirty then, not three years old, yet I was so naive! Whatever my Master said, I would do. Perhaps, exactly because I was so dumb, I realized some Truth. Very smart people like you can hardly attain the Tao. You are full of ideas, your minds are too smart, too cunning, and know too much!

Once, in winter, the snow outside was higher than a person, and it was very cold. Yet, fearing the invisible beings could not come in, I opened all the windows and dared not even lower the curtains, to show my welcome. Invisible beings do not need to come in from the windows but I thought, "what if some of them cannot come in?" Besides, it seemed as if they were unwelcome if I closed the windows and curtains, then they might not dare to enter. I even apologized to them, "I cannot open the door for fear of disturbing the neighbors." (Master and everyone laugh.)

Listen To Your Master, God Will Be Touched

Listen to your Master - whoever he may be, you cannot go wrong. God will be touched. Observing this person is so dumb, God will protect him, let him understand something. Otherwise, what will happen if he remains a dumb person all his whole life?

Therefore, God always takes better care of dumb persons. We should be dumb when we ought to be dumb. Do your best when you have work to do; use your wisdom when you have to use it, and do not use your wisdom when you are supposed to be listening. We have two ears but only one mouth. However, you seem to have grown two mouths and one ear, (Master and everyone laugh); or they have grown them in the wrong place. As soon as I tell you something, it's exhaled very quickly and seems to vanish, leaving little effect.

When many people come here, they still embrace their own preconceived notions, concepts and ideas. They feel that they are great, and love to pull Master down. It is better to pull yourself up than to pull me down to your level. Of course, it is more comfortable to pull Master down, so you feel closer to me: "She is exactly like me!"

However, this is bad for you. I can always climb up or come down, but I must tell you the truth to fulfil my obligation as a teacher. I know, deep inside you understand very clearly, but it is only your mind struggling. You should identify the purpose of your coming here and don't listen to your mind. Otherwise, both of us will be very tired, having to battle with the mind.

I am always fighting your minds, which is extremely tiring. Each time I think about a certain person, I feel his mind fully packed with this or that, blocking my way to his soul. The mind is guarding the entrance tightly. It is very exhausting! Okay! Everyone understand now? (Answer: Yes!)

News Magazine #54

Master's Words

Construction Comments Group Meditations Make You Grow

Construction Comments

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai

Hsihu Center, Formosa December 3, 1995 (Originally in Chinese)

Sometimes you are not positive with your replies or in what you do. You should know how to make a comment. For instance, I told the Pingtung Center to use paint or P.U. (kind of a floor finish) to beautify the appearance of their center. They might have felt that there was a better way, but they did not speak up. They merely said, "P.U. is too expensive!" And they stopped at that. That is not the way we should comment. If they felt that they were experts and they knew a better way, they should go on and suggest to me that there is a better, cheaper and quicker way - not just criticizing, "It's too expensive, no good, lousy". There were no truly constructive opinions.

Most people can only criticize and they cannot contribute. That is where they go wrong. I make criticism as well as contributions. Only in this way is a comment useful! What is the use of criticism only? Anyone can make one. Using your month to speak is the simplest thing to do.

Whatever we say, our brains record. With all the "It's lousy, no good, too expensive!", no fresh information can fit in. Continuing to be negative, we get lower and lower. The more negative we are, the worse off we become. We recite our own negative mantra to curse ourselves. That is why it is bothersome to be your teacher. I am affected and collect a lot of karma, because everyday you keep using the negative power and qualities for me to hear or see.

For example, when I ask on the phone if someone is in, you could say, "Oh! Master, she is not here. Can I ask her to call You back later? Is there anything I can do for You or for her?" Is that not better than simply saying, "She's not here!" (stop dead) or "She went to the toilet." (stop dead here too)?

Group Meditations Make You Grow

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai

Group Meditation, Paris, France

August 15, 1995 (Originally in English)

That's why I tell you go to group meditation, because here you have the truest friends. Then if you have problems, or maybe sometimes you make mistakes, because of many friends, they can talk to you, and they love you, encourage you. You will come back again to the correct direction. Having group meditation is just like having an unconditional good friend or a good beloved; and we all grow together, we share together some problems and happiness. This is very good for the human psyche, even not talking about spiritual practice.

So you see why we have to practice now, or why we must go to group meditation; because we are weak. Sometimes we go alone and if someone tempts us, we will fall. But if we go as two, three or four persons together, and if we want to be tempted, our friends say, "No, no! It's no good for you. Come back!" That's why we must have friends to practice together.

In this life everything is like that, even with politics. If a man wants to be president, he must collect a lot of followers who have the same ideal as he has, and who support him. Everyone knows that. Otherwise, do you think one person alone could create a particular movement? Or could one person alone change the whole of a country? There must be a lot of people to support! So, when we blame one person, we have to think more! It is a shared ideal, it is a responsibility of a lot of people, not only one or two men.

So it's the same with every ideal, the same with every goal we reach for, we must have supporting friends in order to go the same way. So when we fall, when we are weak, our friends will help us, or carry us. So, we must have friends. That's why we must have group fellow practitioners to encourage each other, because this is like a big family. When you come in and you meditate together you also share the spiritual energy together, not only the mundane problems; and then everyone just connected together. The stronger ones help the weaker ones, and then we have less weaknesses. Then we can come together at the same level. Everyone is happy. You are cleansed, and you become happier and happier; and you feel lighter and lighter everyday.

News Magazine #54

International Reports

Peru Costa Rica USA Canada Cambodia China Malaysia Formosa

Report From Peru

Spreading The Quan Yin Method In An

Ancient Spiritual Country

Mr Jose Luis, a program host for Radio National in Peru, introducing Master and the Quan Yin Method in the lecture hall at the radio station

The Argentinian fellow practitioners and the Quan Yin messenger recently visited Peru - a spiritually developed country. Since the ancient Inca civilization advocated vegetarianism, many Peruvians are vegetarians, and can easily accept Master's teachings.

Several seminars held by the Truth-Spreading group were all fully attended. After the video lectures, many people requested to learn the Convenient Method, or enroled for the initiation.

During their stay in Peru, two radio stations repeatedly invited fellow practitioners for interviews. In an one hour interview program, they introduced Master, mentioned the awards She has received, told of Her efforts to elevate the spiritual level of the world and relieve the world's suffering disaster victims, and so on. During the interview, many members of the audience telephoned the radio station wishing to know more. Some even went straight to the radio station to ask questions or request the initiation. Their sincerity and earnestness was truly touching.

The hosts of the two radio programs later learnt the Convenient Method. The host of Radio National even invited the Quan Yin messenger to his home to teach him and his wife meditation. When practicing the Convenient Method meditation he perceived brilliant and beautiful white and pink light, which made him raise his thumb and exclaim, "Wonderful!" Immediately he decided to become a full vegetarian. Many other staff members at the radio station are also practicing the Convenient Method.

One of the major newspapers in Peru, the Expreso, and another paper specializing in culture and art, the Salud, both printed articles on prominent pages about Master. The News editor of Salud asked us to give them more information and material about Master so they could continue to report in the future.

Channel Four TV also invited us for an interview, and broadcasted the video footage of Master receiving the World Spiritual Leadership Award in the United States.

Before leaving Peru, the last video lecture was held in a vegetarian restaurant, and the producer of Channel Seven TV was there to cover the event. The producer asked many profound questions and was greatly interested in and convinced by Master's teachings. He hoped to report on Master in the future. Later, he learnt the Convenient Method, and told us that he had a very good experience.

Meanwhile, in Peru, many people earnestly enroled for the Convenient Method and initiation. A would-be initiate practicing the Convenient Method was so anxious that she flew all the way to Formosa for the initiation.

The vedio lecture seminar received cheers and enthusiastic applause from the audience

The first person to have received the initiation in Peru - a fellow sister, has been a vegetarian since childhood. She was interested in all spiritual paths, and often eagerly helped any spiritual group coming from abroad. However, she never became a member of any of them until she met Master. After the initiation, she had plenty of experiences, and was filled with bliss. She hopes Master will go to Peru soon, because this is the unanimous prayer of many of her compatriots. Lots of them have written letters requesting Master to visit Peru.

A university professor repeatedly thanked us for introducing Master and Her noble ideal to Peru. He is hoping to spread this good news to every Peruvian, so that everyone can practice together to make Peru become a truly highly spiritually developed country, restoring the glory that the ancient Inca civilization symbolize.

One of the biggest newspapers in Peru, the Expreso, and another newspaper, Salud, printed reports on prominent pages about Master and the awards She has received.

Report From Costa Rica

An Exhibition Of Master's Art Creations

Recently, an exhibition of The Supreme Master Ching Hai's artwork and videos was held in San Jose, Costa Rica. The exhibition was presented in the newly built FANAL Museum. Fellow practitioners displayed more than a dozen reprints of Master's paintings, providing a rather romantic, spiritual feast for the visitors. The public were much impressed by the delightful pictures and the deep spiritual explanations of the different pieces.

Master's big poster and pictures were displayed, giving all those who were there a feeling that She was indeed present. Her Buddhist chanting recording was played in the background throughout the whole exhibition, creating a sublime, loving and friendly atmosphere. Fellow practitioners also prepared an exquisite buffet of vegetarian dishes for the passers-by. They could hardly believe such delicacies had no meat in them.

Videos of Master's public lectures were projected in an adjacent cozy little theatre. On stepping in, the audience were overtaken by the high level of energy that was being emitted. It created such a sense of peace and tranquillity, that people did not wish to leave. Even at closing time, some people were still reluctant to go home.

The atmosphere was so good that fellow practitioners decided to meditate there. On receiving the sample booklet, many people read it immediately. They liked it and so they also bought some of Master's books, pictures and other items.

At the end of the exhibition, quite a number of people applied to practice the Convenient Method. When they were taught the Convenient Method, because of Master's blessing, many people could smell a strong scent of sandalwood. This enriching experience brought more confidence to fellow practitioners and determination to organize more similar activities in the future to promote Master's teachings and vegetarianism.

Report From Ohio, USA

Welcoming New Members Of The Quan Yin Family

Recently, there was an initiation at the Ohio Center. Before the initiation, a fellow practitioner had a few dreams of Master's manifestation body coming to bless the center - preparing it for the initiation. In the dream, the fellow practitioner also saw some other invisible beings wanting very much to follow Master's teachings. Master's manifestation body also instructed this fellow practitioner to clean up the environment and described the preparations needed for the initiation.

During the initiation, the new initiates as well as other disciples present had experiences. Even the children who received half initiation could also hear the beautiful holy sounds, proving that the Quan Yin Method is suitable for everyone. Through Master's power, even children can easily get enlightenment. The disciples could feel the presence of Master's boundless love inside the initiation room.

After the initiation, everyone sang 'Happy Birthday' to the new initiates. A new initiate from Europe felt so touched by Master's love that she cried with great happiness. Tears poured down her cheeks like rain. She could not sing - 'Happy Birthday to the New Borns' to herself, because she truly felt that she was reborn.

Each new initiate received a bottle of nectar water and a bag of blessed candies and cookies. These precious gifts had been brought home for the new initiates by practitioners who had attended the seven-day retreat in Hsihu.

After that, everyone enjoyed the delicious vegetarian dishes that had been prepared so delicately and with so much love. The new initiates were so surprised by the great variety of vegetarian food that they asked for recipes and signed up for vegetarian cooking classes at the center.

After dinner, a question and answer session was held. The new initiates asked many questions about spiritual practice and how to deal with the outside world after getting initiated. The atmosphere was full of love and had a relaxed feeling.

A few days after the initiation, a group of initiates followed up on the new initiates to make sure that they knew how to fill out their spiritual diaries. This concern and loving care made the new initiates feel that they were part of the Quan Yin family.

Report From Hawaii, USA

A Show Spreading Peace And Love

Fellow practitioners of the The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, Hawaii Center, participated in the "Annual Food And New Products Show" at the Neal S. Blaisedell Center.

While video tapes of Master's lectures were continuously played on a TV, practitioners happily distributed Master's sample booklets and News magazines. Master's photos and paintings were also displayed.

There were long lines of people waiting outside the exhibition center an hour before admission time. People passing by our booth recognized Master immediately from having seen Her on channel 25 every Saturday afternoon.

The lecture being showed during the exhibition was "We Cannot Have Peace Until All Is At Peace" (Portland, Oregon, U.S.A., December 1993). A lady that was watching attentively was so impressed that she requested to buy that tape to watch at home.

An old man asked how could he become happy. After hearing the wonderful ultimate benefits of the Quan Yin Method, he accepted the sample booklet with great interest.

In the corner opposite our booth an exhibitor was so attracted by Master's smiling face, she found herself staring at Master's photo whenever she had spare time. When fellow initiates offered her the sample booklet and News magazine she was so delighted that she couldn't wait to read them, and said that as soon as the show was over she would enjoy them.

The most frequently asked question was, "When would the Master come to Hawaii?".

Although Master wasn't physically present, Her omnipresent love and blessing was always there throughout the exhibition to fulfill the longing desires in the hearts of those souls who are now receiving seeds of wisdom.

Report From Calgary, Canada

A Spiritual Date

Looking down from the inside of the plane, the entire vast and neat city of Calgary was sighted. Quan Yin messenger did not realize that there was such a big city in Canada. Later, she discovered that Master had quietly arranged a prelude to this spiritual date with Calgary a long time ago.

Aided by a fellow practitioner who is practicing the Convenient Method, the Quan Yin messenger smoothly found a temporary place to stay. The lady of that home is a devout Christian. She told us that in the Bible, Hebrews Chapter thirteen it says: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some thereby have entertained angels unawares. We could not help smiling when we heard that. If this was not Master's arrangement, what else could it have been?

Before we started out, we got in touch with a local lady, who is a follower of Yee Quan Tao, and a long-time vegetarian. She had read Master's books. It so happened that she was on holiday for a week.

Through their enthusiastic help and recommendation, we promptly secured a place for the lecture at the Calgary University. Under the care and arrangement of Master's almighty power, even in the snowy early winter, we were very warm and positive inside as we organized the promotion work.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Quan Yin messenger asked everyone to pray that they would receive the best benefits from the gathering. From the people's attentiveness to Master's teachings and the waves of laughter, we knew that Master's love had already filled their hearts.

After the gathering, many people registered to learn the Convenient Method and decided to start a vegetarian diet, in preparation for their initiation.

At first some fellow practitioners worried about not having enough help. In fact, whatever Master arranges is always just right. All of the fellow practitioners know from experience that when we sincerely serve others in their search for the Truth, our lives shine brilliantly, and at the same time, this spiritual brightness will in turn light up even more bright lights.

Report From Phnom-Penh, Cambodia

The Active And Lively Phnom-Penh Center

The Phnom-Penh Center has developed tremendously since it was established a year ago. In front of the Center, there is a beautiful garden. Everyone who walks by seems to be very attracted to the Center, even monkeys. Children often slip their hands through the gate to pick flowers. Some soldiers who live next door sometimes come to the Center to take pictures in the front-yard. They look like very cute and innocent children when having their photos taken.

Sometimes the students of the language class come earlier than their class time, taking this opportunity to browse at Master's photos and News magazines. They even remember Master's spiritual songs and hum a few lines.

Laughter always resounds in the classroom. Every day is a happy day for teachers and students. The students usually leave the classroom with blessed smiles on their faces, as if they have reaped enormous benefits within and without. Sometimes on holidays, or when we have additional classes, they still come, showing their eagerness to learn.

The recent Ching Hai Day 7-Day Retreat was the first retreat that the Cambodian initiates had ever attended. When they came back they praised that the retreat was most rare and precious, and felt they had improved in many aspects. They became more confident in their spiritual path.

The Center's book circulation area has been renovated to become a more spacious and beautiful area. Coincidentally, the renovation work was finished just before the Center held a vegetarian dinner. Fellow practitioners could bring many guests to share Master's teachings, and to tie good affinities.

Previously, all the fellow initiates in Cambodia were from foreign countries. Recently, the first local Cambodian disciple has joined us. When he was practicing the Convenient Method, he saw Master's manifestation body come to save him in his dream. Therefore, he has strong faith in Master and the Quan Yin Method.

An Au Lac initiate residing in Cambodia recalled that before she had met Master when Master visited Cambodia a year ago, she had a vision of Master in her dream, so she went everywhere looking for Master, and finally got a sample booklet. After seeing Master, she and her five children all came for initiation. Although they are very poor, and live very far from the Center, they still manage to attend group meditation once a month.

After only passing by the Cambodian Center, an African would-be initiate is now a vegetarian, and is waiting for initiation. Each weekend, he is always the first to come for the Convenient Method group meditation, and to ask spiritual questions. When reading about Master's trip to Africa in the News magazine, he was very surprised and delighted, and hoped that Master would visit his home country, Ghana. He hopes to spread Master's teachings in his country to help elevate his compatriots spiritually.

Report from Jiangsu, China

Master's Manifestation Form

Guarding Initiation Venue

In Jiangsu, some people have been waiting for initiation for a year or even longer. They prayed everyday to Master, begging for an early initiation, so Master responded to their heartfelt longing.

When the designated Quan Yin messenger arrived in mainland China, the would-be initiates cried with joy. Some of them missed Master so much that they cried uncontrollably when they saw the Quan Yin messenger, because they felt as if they were looking at Master.

Owing to their sincere longing, many people had very good experiences during the initiation. Some perceived extremely bright levels; some saw stars, the sun, the moon, the manifestation form of Master, or Quan Yin Bodhisattva. Some people even saw the Heavenly Paradise with their eyes open - identical to the "paradise on earth" mentioned in the scriptures.

A new initiate had very good experiences even when practicing the Convenient Method. One day, she and her husband went to meditate on a hill near their place. Soon after they sat down, she heard the manifestation form of Master tell her, "You have an ashram in your home." Hearing these words, she immediately called her husband and told him, "Master said that our house is an ashram, so we don't have to meditate here on the hill any more."

Her husband also often has good experiences. One day, when he came home from work, when an initiation was being held at their home, he saw a gigantic, and resplendently dressed manifestation form of Master standing in front of the entrance way, watching the pedestrians and traffic on the street. When he walked into the backyard, he also saw a tremendous manifestation form of Master guarding the door of the house. She did not leave until the initiation was over. Therefore, his faith in Master has become even stronger.

When there is an initiation, regardless where the physical form of Master is, Master's manifestation form is always there for the occasion to bless the whole venue.

Report From Penang, Malaysia

Lots Of Fun In Developing The Center

Graced by Master's infinite love, fellow practitioners in Malaysia now own a Center in the serene and natural southwestern region of Balik Pulau, in Penang. Fellow practitioners from various places, including Ipoh, Alue Setar, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, gather at the Penang Center each month on pre-arranged days, to tidy up the Center. When working, fellow practitioners look after each other, and are closer than brothers and sisters.

Master's immaculate care is always there. Many times, it was still raining before they arrived, but the rain stopped when they started to go up the hill to the Center. All the tree branches and leaves were washed and cleaned. The cool and soothing breeze protected practitioners from the scorching sun, and the mosquitoes and insects.

The only exceptional incident was when a fellow practitioner was careless while cutting grass. Some bees were disturbed and started to attack her. While fleeing down the hill, she kept reciting the Holy Names and praying to Master to save her. Later, when the worried fellow practitioners examined her, amazingly, there were no traces of any stings. Everyone knew that it was entirely due to Master's blessing.

During the noon break, some practitioners meditated while others picked ripe nutmegs from trees and take home with them to make juice or jam which would be shared with fellow practitioners.

As they left at sunset, everyone was in high-spirits and showed no signs of fatigue. Fully charged with Master's blessing, they blissfully went home.

Report From Penghu, Formosa

Vegetarian Cooking Contest

As a warm-up to the promotion of vegetarianism in the community, Penghu Center's Activity Planning Group recently held a cooking contest. Enthusiastic initiates busily began setting up the contest and dining areas very early in the morning. The participating brothers and sisters worked hard, trying their best for the contest. Every taster held remark cards and the recipes to grade each contestant.

After the contest was over, even though the initiates' taste buds were satisfied, they didn't forget to give marks for the food after they had tasted it. They discussed and judged the food so enthusiastically, just like experienced experts. When the results were determined, the first three winners were awarded grand prizes and all other contestants were given smaller prizes for participation.

From this contest, everyone learned that a good cook should know how to explain clearly the method of cooking, as well as how to combine the ingredients and present the food. They also learned that courage is needed to put things into action.

Dining is an important time when the family gets together. When cooking for family members, one should do it with love and care, and learn more about the excellence of various types of cooking.

Report From Taichung, Formosa

A Heartwarming Truth-Spreading Night In Dongshi

In winter, towards the end of the year, the Preaching Vehicle from Taichung, for the first time, parked in front of the Old Railway Station in Dongshi for a heartwarming Truth-Spreading activity. A new approach of spreading Master's teachings was used -- advocating the healthy vegetarian diet and introducing environmental protection ideas at the same time.

Different types of delicious teas were served. Many heaters were used to make the guests feel comfortable while watching the videos in front of the preaching vehicle. Spectators were warmed inside and out as they relished the spiritual nourishment.

The benign and pure-minded residents of Dongshi were greatly interested in vegetarian cooking; they earnestly asked for recipes. Suddenly inspired, fellow practitioners decided to put the recipes inside the sample booklets and News magazines, as they distributed them to the people. They were very delighted to receive them.

When looking at Master's photo, a guest said, "This is the most beautiful spiritual Master!"

News Magazine #54

Aphorisms

Aphorisms By Supreme Master Ching Hai

The Master is your own original nature, not the physical body of another person. Your practice is not good enough, so you don't understand; you think that Master is another person, or that Master scolds you because She is angry. Not so! It is you scolding yourself; it is your karma emerging, and you cleansing yourself. Therefore, everything is created by the mind!

If we meditate more and more, finally we know that we don't need anything. Everyday is a miracle for us, and we're happier and more loving everyday. That is the best gift from God. (Originally in English)

When you observe any goodness in yourself, develop it. When you observe any bad points in yourself, rectify them. Look at the positive aspects. It is not enough to just rely on meditation alone.

It is insufficient to just listen to Master's teachings; you have to put them into practice after hearing them. Learn how to distinguish between good and evil, true and false; and use Master's teachings in your life. Otherwise, you will be influenced by your ego, your desire for profit and fame, or the society outside; you won't be able to even control yourself. Once we get used to these kinds of behaviors, it is too late to change.

God is here if we are wholehearted. What does wholehearted mean? It is having sincerity, humility and one hundred percent faith in the power of the Most High.

In this world, apart from our spiritual practice, there is no other place or power that we can rely on. Violent martial arts and nuclear bombs can only destroy people, not win them over.

News Magazine #54

You May Not Know

A Righteous And Brave Little Girl Who Saved Her Father The Way to Keep Our Body And Mind In Good Condition

A Righteous And Brave Little Girl Who Saved Her Father

A True Story Of SM's Childhood

By A Resident Disciple, Hsihu Center, Formosa

We often get to know about many saints and great people through stories or recorded material; to know how they used their wisdom and compassionate hearts in their childhood to bravely overcome circumstantial difficulties and hardships that they encountered.

Now, this story takes place when Master was small, when She was about nine years old. Let us learn together from this example.

Master grew up in Au Lac. She had a father who was a doctor with very good medical skills. Diseases that could not be treated by other doctors were successfully treated by him. He was also very compassionate. Very often, poor patients were not charged. After the patients recovered from their illnesses, they often expressed their gratitude to him by sending him sugarcane, sweet potatoes, vegetables and various local products which they had grown themselves.

Master's mother was kind, wise, diligent and quick in her work. Apart from looking after the family, she was also successful in doing some business. Therefore, the whole family had an affluent, stable and calm life.

One day, someone suddenly wrongly accused Master's father of being involved in political activities. Quickly, Her father was locked up for investigation. The investigating officers could not find any evidence linking him to the political activities, despite repeated attempts. However, he was not released, continued to be kept in prison.

At that time, Master and Her mother often took some food and solace to Her father when they visited him. Seeing that Her father was physically hurt and had lost his freedom, Master was deeply grieved. She understood very well that Her father, who only practiced medicine to save people, was unjustly accused.

After going home, whenever She met someone She could talk to, She would tell them that Her father was innocent and was a victim of a wrong accusation. Although they could not possibly help in any way, it did show Master's love for Her parents and courage to speak and fight for justice, even when She was still young.

During this time, Her pregnant mother was due to give birth. Unfortunately at that time, they were cheated in business and lost all their money. Furthermore, after giving birth to her younger sister, her mother did not receive good care and developed postnatal complications. Fluid accumulated in her abdomen so it became quite distended. It was very painful and there was no money to seek treatment from any doctor.

At only nine years old, apart from looking after Her sick mother and helping to look after the newborn baby, Master also had to go to the market to buy food. Because of a lack of money, She could only buy a few vegetables each day. Life was really very hard.

On the third day, seeing that Her mother was groaning in pain, that Her sister was weak and had no one to look after her, that there was no money at home, that She was still young, and that Her father had lost his freedom, Master knew that if everything continued there would be no hope for Her family. Therefore, She decided to get Her father home.

At that time, Her father was sent to a larger prison, very far away from their home. The determined Master, with Her little body which experienced travel sickness, managed to reach Her destination after changing vehicles several times. She spoke to the guard at the gate, telling him of the difficulties at home and of Her wish to see the superintendent of the prison so She could beg him to release Her father because he was innocent.

The guard at the gate was very sympathetic to Master's situation. He asked Master to wait and said he would tell the superintendent. However, time kept passing. Eventually, the greatly anxious Master could not help but cry out. She cried and made a lot of noise about wanting to see the superintendent to ask him to release Her father. Finally, Her crying was heard by the passing superintendent who came over and asked what had happened.

The superintendent listened carefully to the small, but very lovely little girl that stood before him. This little girl told of Her father's injustice, of the seriously ill mother with no money to seek treatment, of a younger sister born only three days ago with no one to look after her, and that she was still so young. She begged the superintendent to release Her father so he could take care of the family.

The young and friendly superintendent was deeply moved after listening to Her. Looking at this dust covered girl - only nine years old yet courageous enough to take on a long trip alone, he said: "I'll ask someone to bring Your father here immediately."

On seeing that Master's father was very scholarly, and after reviewing the records, the superintendent understood that there must have been some mistake. He immediately released Her father by granting him twenty-four hours freedom to go home to take care of the family, but then he had to report back to the prison.

The superintendent jokingly remarked that Master should stay behind as a hostage until Her father returned. Master immediately replied: " I am useless for your here. My age is too young. Besides, I have to go back to take care of mother and my younger sister. I cannot stay." After listening to this, the superintendent laughed and agreed that Master could go home together with Her father.

With very good medical expertise, Her father treated Her mother's illness immediately when he got home so that her condition improved rapidly. After dealing with all the family problems, Master's father went back to prison on time.

After a few days, Master's father was suddenly released unconditionally. In order to show their gratitude and to remember the upright and compassionate superintendent, Master's parents used the superintendent's name, "Quang Trung" (*), to name Her newly born little sister.

From this story, we know that although Master was young at that time, with a pure and sincere loving heart toward Her parents and courage, She was able to move human beings and heaven to make the superintendent become a good tool of God to help Her family reunite and have a bright future together.

* Quang Trung is a boy's name. In Au Lac especially, only a boy is given this name, never a girl. Just like

in America, John is a boy's name. It was solely out of gratitude that Master's parents gave the youngest sister this name.

The Way To Keep Our Body And Mind In Good Condition

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at a Group Meditation, New Jersey, U.S.A.,

June 24, 1992 (Originally in English)

Even though we might be very hungry, but it doesn't mean we sit and eat all day. Doesn't matter how hungry you are, you eat some amount only. You have to do other things, and even digest and eliminate it in order to take new food. So the energy we get from food or the spiritual blessing we get from meditation, we have to let it flow out and renew it everyday, everyday, otherwise we won't grow.

If a child drinks two bottles of milk, say two litres even, and then he stops there, so that's it, keeps it. If he exercises, if he plays, the milk will get digested, and all the energy will be gone. Then that's a waste of the two litres. It's not correct. He has to play because he gets the energy from milk. But then he has to drink again milk and then he can play. Then by exercising, by drinking, by playing, he grows up.

The same with spiritual issues. We have to let it flow out. And also with food. Because we eat, we have to digest it, and we also use some of it for our muscle energy. That's how we keep our body and mind in good condition.

News Magazine #54