Aphorisms

By Supreme Master Ching Hai

Suffering is not created by circumstances; poverty does not make us feel pained. It is because we do not know that we are God that we are affected.

Only when the mind is relaxed, we can think freely.

When we serve the multitude, God also serves us. Such is the law on which the universe functions.

Anytime we are required to work, let us coordinate the work. Then, we will feel ourselves progressing in our spiritual life, and we will be more humble and tolerant. The more we work and contribute, the faster we will progress. There is no need for anyone to praise us, we know it ourselves.

Don't be so frustrated, just live every moment with all your heart. Whatever you have to do, do it with total devotion. Have faith in God and the grand plan of the entire universe.

If we serve with total devotion, we are forever in contentment, and feeling fulfilled. We won't think of demanding anything, as we feel we have everything in abundance. faith in God and the grand plan of the entire universe.

News Magazine #55

Media Reports

Central Daily News, Formosa La Prensa Grafica, El Salvador
Weekly World News, USA

This Article Was Published In Central Daily News, Formosa. Jan. 1996

Practicing Makes The World More Civilized

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Columbia University, N.Y., U.S.A.
Nov. 3, 1989 (Originally In English)

Well, brothers and sisters, you are the children of the Great Intelligence, the Great Wisdom. I suppose you do know something about yourself. Do you feel it sometimes ?the greatness within your own heart, the Father or the Mother, which is the Creator or what we call the Buddha Nature from which we came and to which we will return, if we so desire.

There is free will, absolutely free, for each individual to choose between this world and the higher kingdom. Most of the people prefer to stay here and some people prefer to go home; go back to the Kingdom of God or to the Buddha's Land. It's just that ?let us not be deluded about what we want. If we truly prefer to stay on this Earth, to be useful to humanity and the earthly citizens, then we must also consider some conditions, without which, our life, our sojourn in this world will not be very pleasant. And if we wish to go back to the Kingdom of God or to become a Buddha, to go back to the Buddha's Land, then we should also consider some factors which will enable us to go there.

Now let us first speak of the conditions which enable us to stay in this world and lead a comfortable, pleasant life, in case some people prefer to stay. Our planet is a very beautiful, 'spaceship'. We can say 'spaceship,' which carries a lot of sentient beings in mid air and circles around. Our planet gives us a lot of comfort and joy, gives us a lot of treasures, and sustains our lives through many ways and means. But then we also have a little duty towards our Mother Earth, to help her to remain in such a powerful position so that she may be able to help us.

Now, in order to do so, all the religions have taught us what to do. But if I may take the opportunity, with your permission, to remind you a little bit; also for the sake of those who will listen to the tapes of this seminar in the future.

Please do not have the opinion that I'll be your lecturer, teacher, master or whatever. Forget all about this. Just take me as your brother, sister, daughter; just a well-wisher, a sincere person, who would like to offer whatever she has in her best ability. It is just like if you are an engineer, then you try to help the society with your knowledge of techniques. If you are a doctor, then you try to help the society elevate by eliminating the suffering of humanity, treating their sickness, etcetera.

So, I was born with the tendency to have spiritual knowledge; and as much as I've attained some of this spiritual knowledge, I am obliged to feed it back. Just like what we have learned in college about machinery or medical treatment, we have to offer back again to the society later on. So I'm only doing my duty and I'm grateful to you that you have given me the permission and the welcoming atmosphere to do my job.

We Only Use Five Percent Of Our Intelligence

In order to put our society back in a pleasurable condition, we should also observe certain precepts and mutual respect and understanding. The way most of the people live their lives is harmful to themselves and harmful to other beings ?visible and invisible. If we do not believe in the invisible existence of other beings, at least we believe in the existence of our own race, humanity, and all the animals who are the citizens of the Earth.

Lately, there is kind of fashion, that people are becoming vegetarian; and that is a good tendency, because as we know, everything carries energy. Every action is registered. Nothing is lost, as far as we can prove by science. So if we have caused some violent condition, then the violent atmosphere will hang around us or our planet and that causes some disasters. That's why we always wonder, "How come there are so many wars?", "How come so many earthquakes, so many disasters are befalling our planet?".

Now there is nothing from nothing. The Bible states very clearly: As you sow, so shall you reap. Now we do not see what we have sown, we only see what we reap sometimes. It is because our intelligence is so limited. According to science we only use five percent of our intelligence. Now fancy we only use five percent, then how can we know so many things? There must be many things that we have not discovered, that we do not understand. So this we have to accept. There is no escape from this.

Two thousand, six, seven hundred years ago, the Buddha said to His disciples, Be careful about the water you drink. You have to filter your water before you drink and repeat some sacred words in order to avoid killing beings in the glass of water. He said there are 84,000 beings in a glass of clear water. Now 84,000 is not exactly 84,000. It is a way of saying plenty in Indian custom. So the Buddha said to the disciples that they had to filter their water.

In India, at that time, to filter water was not something very popular like we do nowadays. Now the Buddha had seen this already ? ahead of His time, that there are bacteria in the water. Of course the people in His time found it so difficult to believe Him, as they could not prove there are any sentient beings, or what we call bacteria, in a glass of clear water. But nowadays, due to scientific advancement, we can prove it so easily.

Great Practitioners Create A More Civilized World

It is good that our society today has became so advanced, so intelligent; the scientific research and hard, diligent efforts have brought a lot of comfort into our lives. Now we could wonder to ourselves: Why didn't we have these a few thousand years ago, all these electronic apparatus? We were not that intelligent. We were not advanced in science. So suppose there is a God, then why didn't He make people intelligent before? What happened to those God's children a few thousand years ago? Did God treat them like adopted children? Not the real children?

So you see, the advancement of our world has been brought about by the diligent effort of those so-called practitioners, the bearers of Light in this world -- the yogis, the realized ones, the mahatmas, the masters. Those greatest ones are more beneficial, are working in a greater dimension. But even the so-called less high level yogis, practitioners, bearers of Light, are also making their contribution to the whole atmospheric change in order to bring about our worldly condition today. If these practitioners of Light, bearers of Light, did not exist and had not been existing throughout the centuries, then our world would not have come to this condition as it is now.

So we are grateful to science and the discovery of scientists for all our comforts and all the advanced apparatus. They have brought comfort into our lives. But we truly forget what is the 'behind' benefactor, the invisible one, which brought about this condition. If these so-called practitioners or bearers of Light were absent from our world environment, then the world would become like hell. There would be no symbol of virtue, no examples of higher living, no light. It would be like a countryside without any electricity ?all dark, like in the olden days.

Therefore, what makes our world different from hell is that we still have Light-bearers; and what makes our world different from heaven is that the Light-bearers, the virtuous people are fewer in number. If there were none at all, it would become hell. Hell is the absence of Light, of virtues. If we have more Light-bearers, then our world would become heaven. That's what makes all the difference.

Everyone would like to live in comfort and in a heavenly world, but not all people make an effort to build a heaven for themselves and those surrounding them. So we should refer back to our religious scriptures like in Christianity, in Buddhism, in order to know how to build up a heavenly environment for our world. This I would not like to emphasize too much. Maybe it will bore you because you'll say, "I know all this already." You would tell me, "I know the Bible from the first page to the last. I am a Christian. No need to tell me."

And the Buddhists would also tell me, "I know the five precepts of the Buddha. I am a lay person, I took refuge in the Buddha, maybe 40 years ago. I have a dharma name, a Buddhist name ?special."

A Buddhist's name is like a Christian name, when you are baptized, I think you have a saintly name. Maria something, or Joseph something. According to Christian tradition, apart from your own name, you have a Christian name.

Now in Buddhist tradition it is a similar thing. When you take refuge in the Buddha, the sanga, and the dharma, you are also given a name. Some beautiful name like Perfect Light, Buddha's Light, Wisdom Light, Perfect Wisdom, Perfect Virtues, Liberation, Great Soul or whatever.

It is good to have these names, whether Christian or Buddhist. But, it's better if we live up to our names. If we are given Saint Francis, then we should try to read the biography of this saint. See what he did to become a saint, how he lived his life so that now he is revered throughout the centuries and throughout the world. If we happen to have the name Ananda ?Ananda means bliss, ecstasy, happiness, boundless joy in Sanskrit, according to Hindu tradition; then we should see to it that we also attain this bliss through virtues, through diligent practice in inner contemplation of our inner bliss.

Our real Self is that bliss, is that virtue and connection with God. If we forget our real Self, then we are very lonely and we suffer much arduousness in this world. Once we are connected with this real Self, things begin to take a turn for the better, and we will be more clear about which direction we take and what things we do to offer to ourselves, the society at large and also to the whole universe.

Everything we do affects everyone in this world and the next. Every religion mentions to us that all things, all beings are one in essence. Just like our body has many parts. If our hands hurt, it affects our whole body also. Just because the universal body is so great, and we the many beings in this great body cannot understand, cannot see the whole universal body, so we may not believe that our actions concern any other beings. Should we develop the kind of Celestial Eye, Wisdom Eye, we would see this for ourselves that we are indeed connected with all beings; and then we would be very careful about what we do. Jesus Christ, Buddha had developed this kind of Eye of Wisdom. Therefore they knew what are the laws of the universe; what to do in order to beautify our world, also to make our lives more pleasant, more comfortable and more suitable to our taste. Therefore they laid down the rules from the heavenly abode, about our behavior and the direction we should take in our daily living.

These rules are very valuable, what we call precepts or the commandments of God. Should we follow these, our lives would be much more smooth. But that is as far as the worldly connection is concerned ?the worldly contribution is concerned.

The Quickest Way To The Kingdom Of God

If we keep the precepts, we'd be nice to our neighbor, we'd love our enemies, etcetera, then the world would be in peace, be a nice place to live in, and would endure much more longevity. So if our world is peaceful, it would also affect our lives and we would also feel very peaceful. If we live in a house and the house is damaged or in not good condition, then our health and our comfort would be affected. Similarly, if we live in the world full of chaos and trouble, we'd have no peace. So to help the world is to help ourselves.

Now, that is only if we want to stay in this world. But if we want to go back to the Kingdom of God or to the Buddha's Land or to become Buddha, there are more subtle conditions and rules which we should know. Apart from keeping these precepts following a virtuous life, being tolerant and helping others, we should also be connected with the Kingdom of God.

What is the Kingdom of God? It is very easy to see, provided you are willing to give your effort and time and sincerely wish to be there. You can find the Kingdom of God through your own purity, sincerity and one-pointed devotion. But the best way, the quickest way, is to find someone who has already the access into the Kingdom of God and then you just follow. They just hold your hand and take you up.

Therefore Jesus Christ had to be born in this world in order to lead some of His contemporaries ?sincerest ones, God's lovers, back to the heavenly mansion. Therefore Buddha had to descend to this world in order to take up some of His devotees back to the Buddha's Land.

In every nation, in every period of worldly existence there will be always such personalities like Jesus or Buddha. And this is very good news. We worship Jesus and Buddha, and that is very good. But rarely do we know we could become as great as Jesus, as great as Buddha. That is actually the sole purpose of their coming into our world. That's why Jesus emphasized in the Bible, Whatever miracle I do today, you can do even greater tomorrow. He promised us. We can become as great as He was, even greater.

Buddha also said, You can all become Buddha, I have already become Buddha, you will become Buddha. No one has claimed the monopoly, the sole possession of Buddhahood. No one can do that. If anyone ever does, he doesn't know anything about Buddhahood and Christianity.

A true Christ is a power which can be handed down from one person to another. Just like you earn a lot of money, you can give away as much as you want. As true as we have material possessions, we can also have spiritual power ?the invisible possession which we can hand down also. It's not 'handed out' because we all have this inside ourselves. It only needs opening by an expert.

It is just like when we go into this room; we are not acquainted with the electricity board, with all the switches in this room. So we have to learn it by trying to discover ourselves, or we have to go the quickest way -- to the manager. The one who is in charge of this room, he knows everything. He has been here everyday. He knows where the switchboard is, which light is connected with which switch. It's the best way. So he can open it in seconds, put on the light and help you to connect with all the things that you need for today's seminar.

Awakening All Our Power Of Wisdom

Similarly, Christ or Buddha, they have known the Kingdom of Heaven. They have come and gone many times, if not many million of times already. So they can help us to also go there and make us comfortable with all the things we need. Once we come into this room and find the manager of this room, we can find all the things we need.

Similarly, Jesus has told us that, we should seek first the Kingdom of God and all the things shall be added unto you. The Kingdom of God is the inborn intelligence which most of us do not use. Just like I've mentioned many times already ?five percent of our brain power. Now if we have access to the whole brain power ?100 percent, we can do great wonders. Using five percent we can make airplanes, we can make rockets to go to the moon, to go to the galaxies, do many wonders, cure many sicknesses, and discover many great things, invent so many computers and machinery, and make fast cars and jumbo jets.

Now, 95 percent is still there unused. If we wake this power of intelligence up, then we will know so many more things, we can do so many more things, we can invent so many more things, we can create numerous things.

That is what it means by the Kingdom of God or the Wisdom of the Buddha or the Buddha Nature. But apart from that we still have much more. The subtle power behind this brain power is what we call Soul Power. That is our real 'face,' our real person. We have no doubt about the existence of a real person within our body; that we are not this physical body. The physical body is only a house to live in while we are in this world ?a hotel room. Otherwise, why when we die the body is still there and we cannot move anymore. So, it must be something else behind the body, behind the brain, that moves the whole machinery, thinks, walks, eats, and sleeps. That is our real Self.

Now the real Self is hidden behind the veil of what we call illusion or maya, in Sanskrit. Illusion is something of a play which makes us forget our real Self. It is just like when we watch television, films or theater performances so intensely that we forget ourselves. Then we cry, laugh, and feel sorrow and fear with the personages on the stage. We forgot that we are, maybe, the senators of the state, or the wife of a very important person. We glue ourselves to the screen, laugh and cry with those people, and get angry and excited. And after the theater or the movie is over, we wake up to the reality, to who we are, and we go home. We do not stay in the theater anymore and we do not glue ourselves to the television screen anymore.

Now the theater, the movies and the television are only temporary things and they can even attract people so much. You know the television addicts' problem. Sometimes you switch on and you can not switch off. It does not matter what it is, you just have to look. It's very fascinating, always changing, always making excitement and always new. And we sometimes forget our duties, our jobs, our work and we watch the television.

Our life is a greater stage and it's a longer performance. No wonder we forgot our real Self. Our life stage is more interesting even, more intense, more colorful, more dramatic and more enchanting than the theater performance. Therefore we keep glued to this screen of life and forget who we are. That's all there is to the illusion play. Once the illusion stops, the play stops. That's when we are awakened.

When we are awakened, we are enlightened. And if we are completely awakened and shake off all these impressions from the theater performance so that it doesn't make us feel sorrow, cry, weep, laugh anymore, then we say we have become like Christ or become a Buddha. We know it's all a dream at that time we are completely awakened; then we are mighty. We can control everything we need to control, but then we let everyone free as far as they don't want to be controlled. We let everything go but we can do everything we want ?not harmful things to people, just all good things.

Once we are completely awakened or enlightened, we have all the wisdom that is inborn within ourselves. With a little intelligence of our five percent brain power, we can create so many great things like the Empire State Building, so many advanced and wonderful apparatuses. With this inborn, new found wisdom, we can create heaven; We can create comfortable environments, life and all the things we wish.

Everyone Has The Power Of Creation

Some of you would have heard of the miracle performers in India, China or maybe America even. These are nothing of wonders. It's just that they use that creative power. They know more than the average person about how to use their own intelligence. Just as we can make use of our five percent brain power to create airplanes, boats, rockets, scientific apparatus, etcetera; we can use more of this creative power in order to create much more advanced, more wonderful and more unimaginable, excellent things. That's all there is to heaven, all the comforts and all the miracles. It's all creative power, and we have all this within ourselves.

Now, to use this creative power just to make some flowers, some oranges, candies is nothing at all. It's just a very little thing in the creative play of our brain power. The more we know, the greater things we can create. Scientists have created many wonderful machines and apparatus to serve human life; but if the scientists have more access into the Kingdom of Wisdom, they will create heaven out of nothing. Just as much as we use materials of this Earth to create spacecraft and all kinds of vehicles and apparatus, we can use invisible materials to create all kinds of things which we need for this life and the next.

Therefore Jesus said, Seek you first the Kingdom of God and all the things shall be added onto you. That's why Buddha forsook all -- the earthly kingdom, possessions and pleasures; because then He possessed much more property. He knew He was richer than any king on this Earth. Otherwise how could one just live a life of a beggar for 49 years when the Kingdom of His nation was at hand? He could at any time go back to His throne, become a great king, rule over His nation, and enjoy all the comforts. But He didn't return, because He was richer than when He left.

He had anything He wanted. He could go to any heaven, any land, any planet, any galaxy; and had all kinds of treasures, all kind of things that He wanted. But He didn't even want these. After we know all the secrets of the universe, after we possess all the treasures of the heavens, we desire nothing anymore. We become happy within ourselves; whatever comes, comes. We become like a child. We do not desire and the desires of this world will not burn our hearts any longer ?will not have anymore control over us. That is the advantage of becoming enlightened.

Only By Enlightenment Can One Truly Love Others

Many people also have the wrong idea, that if we want to become enlightened, or we want to practice, we must become a monk or a nun or go to the Himalayas. I did have that idea. I thought I must do it. But that was my stupidity. I wasn't enlightened then. You do not need to do that. We can live within our family life, carry on our worldly duties, and become enlightened at the same time. It is just like we can do so many jobs with our hands and our brain power. We can also do our worldly jobs and become enlightened.

With such a limited intelligence as we have now ?five percent of the brain power, we still can accomplish so many tasks. Just like if you are a physician, you still can grow your vegetables in the garden when you go back home, you help your wife clean the carpets even, or you can do all kinds of hobbies. Now fancy you have more wisdom, then you can just do more ?cannot do less. Don't need to forsake the world in order to do the will of heaven. You can only do more and offer more; you do not have to decrease your responsibility.

So Jesus said, Love your enemy. He didn't only preach from the lips. He really experienced that. After complete enlightenment you bear no hatred to anyone and you see things in a better light. You see why people do this thing to you, why people do that thing to that person. You will not have any guilty feelings for what you do and you will not have any hatred towards anyone who harms you, because you see the cause and consequences of all things in the universe. That's how we can leave hatred. That's how we can love our neighbor, our enemy. It's not easy to tell people to love their enemy and then they will love them. They understand the message, but to carry out the message is another thing. It's easy to quote from the Buddha and say, All beings are pure from nature. You have no sin. There is no bad, no good. But it is hard to convince someone not to feel guilty, because they do not see the cause and consequence. They cannot do things without the ego, and then they get blamed for it.

Once we are enlightened, we see things from a higher point, from a higher intelligence, and we see nothing happens by accident, or nothing is by our own doing. But it is hard to explain this to you. It's easier to get enlightenment than to explain enlightenment.

God Has Many Names

If we hear the name of Buddha or the name of the teaching in any scripture, we will have some merit, some virtuous merit, in order to be born in heaven again. Otherwise we go to hell. So people tell us, yeah? Now I don't believe so much in hell, but there is hell nevertheless. Just that I would not go there, so I don't believe in it.

There is the law of hell and the law of heaven. The law of hell is very low class law set up to catch people in their transmigration of this illusion. The law of heaven is that of gracious blessing and love, unconditional forgiveness, which will draw people back to the Kingdom of God or to the Buddha's Land to enjoy their deserved happiness and everlasting joy. The law of hell, or of this world, is governed by the king of maya, which is what we call the 'director of illusion,' the director behind the stage of the illusionary game. The law of heaven and Buddha's Land is governed by those gracious, loving, compassionate, merciful beings who are the co-workers with Almighty God or the Highest Buddha.

When we call God by different names it is all right. You may call your wife "my darling," "my apple pie," "my sugar candy" or "honey pie," whatever you want. Similarly, we have to allow people of different mentalities and different preferences to call God by different names. It is so logical. I'm so surprised that most people don't understand this and fight over the names. It's okay if you call your wife "cookie" and if the neighbor calls his wife "apple pie". It's the same thing. If we call God by the name of Allah, Jehovah, the highest Buddha Nature, the Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodha, the Almighty, the Beloved, the Father, the Mother, the Creator, God or anything else. What does it matter?

Therefore many people think that I preach many religions at once. No, no. I only preach one-- the religion of Truth, the religion of wisdom, the religion of love. What we call God Almighty or the Highest Buddha, is our own wisdom, our own survival power, intelligence, which we could use at anytime, if we wish to do so.

You Become Very Normal After You Become A Buddha

In case we do not know where to open the gate of wisdom, we may search for some expert. That's all there is to it, so simple, and so matter of fact. We don't need to make anything become so mystical, so difficult and so hard to believe and unreachable.

If I can reach this wisdom, you can. I have not proclaimed that I have reached the whole wisdom in order that you praise me or give me a lot of presents or something. I just say so in such a way as you would say you are a M.D., because you have graduated from a medical school and in order that people know so that they trust you and that you may help them. I say this in order to set an example for you, to give you hope, to give you inspiration, that you too can do it.

So, sometimes people criticize me for saying that my disciples always praise me, saying that I'm a Buddha, I'm a what and what, and what. For a long, long time I never said I'm what and what. But people always heard from my disciples, then they came and attacked me for what I did not say. "What? You are a Buddha? How can you be? How dare you be?" And so many questions like that arose many times.

So I'm fed up. I'm tired of being humble. I say, "I'm a Buddha. So what? What's the matter with it?" so openly. But after you've become a Buddha, you become very normal, very lovable, very cute. Nothing great, nothing very special happens, just that you discover your own treasure and your own power, and you use it. What is the big deal about discovering your bank account that you have forgotten about? There's no virtue, no great thing about spending your own money. Everyone knows that. Similarly, there's no great thing about discovering your own power and your own wisdom and using them for the benefit of yourself and for anyone who needs it. Apart from this discovery of your own wisdom and power, you are ordinary. You just add more power, that's all. Whatever other people do, you do. They walk, you walk. If they sleep, you sleep; they eat, you eat; they work, you work. It's alright. You're like before. You are now just extra-charged by extra power.

It is similar to the case of a medical student. After he has graduated from medical school, he becomes a M.D. Now, he didn't change anything, did he? The look, the outlook are the same, the friends are the same, his activities are the same, and his behavior won't change. What has changed is that he has extra knowledge, extra talent, extra abilities to help others, including himself and his family, with his medical expertise.

People make Buddha become a very mythological figure, a very great being, a very mystical figure, that no one can understand, no one knows, no one can touch, no one can see. And make Christ become the world owner, and no one else can attain His level. This is wrong. This is incorrect information.

Just because you have discovered your lost treasure, it doesn't mean you will change anything in your habits and behavior. You will not become a wooden statue or a stone Buddha. You will have similar feelings, you have the same power of reasoning, you still have the same capability to work in your job, if not better. You can serve the society with more power, more vigor, more clear-sightedness and more concentration. And apart from your physical ability to contribute your talents to society and the world at large, you have the invisible wisdom which can be manifested and used as the power to supply blessing, encouragement and joy to the people around you.

So, for these reasons we can see that no one should deny enlightenment, no one should deny the right to their own wisdom and power.

Now wisdom is something very intangible ?invisible, but it can be felt once you want to use it. We cannot see it but we can feel it when we turn on the light. We can use it when we turn on the fan, television or all the apparatus. So that's how we know electricity exists.

Now how do we know God, wisdom or the Buddha Nature exists? We know by the manifestation of this power. We discover this power and then we put this power into use. We use this wisdom for useful purposes, useful things. Just like electricity is invisible, but you can turn it into light, into the power for a record-player and use it in a refrigerator, fan and all kinds of useful things. Now if we have this inborn wisdom, we can use it and make it into anything we want, including to build our own heaven; then no need for God even.

Therefore, sometimes, people who are very enlightened or completely enlightened, for example, like the case of the Zen masters, after they get enlightened, they speak in such aloof terms like, "There is no God. There's no one." Or they say, "I'm just drinking tea," or something like that. They never express much emotion about God or the divine being. It is difficult to understand them and we may, sometimes mistakenly address them as a atheists; but it is not so.

Similarly in the case of the Buddha, after He was completely enlightened, He even denied that there's any God. But He used another name, Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodha. It means the highest Buddha.

Now the highest Buddha or the highest God are similar things. But the highest Buddha or the highest God live within us. That is the wonder of all wonders. That means what? Do you know? That means that we are God, we are Buddha. If the Buddha doesn't live in here, who else then? The owner is a Buddha, so we are the Buddha, we are God. But it's easy to speak, to tell, to repeat; it's not easy to realize that.

Therefore we humbly or arrogantly live everyday without realizing our true person. So we suffer, we feel burdened, we feel lonely, we feel desperate, we feel helpless. It is because we do not know our great status -- that is the real Self, the God or the Holy Spirit that dwells within ourselves. Know you not that you are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells within you. Also, Lo and behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.

And Buddha said, Buddha is in your heart. It means Buddha is within yourselves. Now if the Buddha is within yourselves, then we are the Buddha. What else? There's no one else in here, only Buddha lives in here. Then we are the Buddha, is that not so? If no one else lives inside, only the Spirit of God, the Kingdom of God, then we are the Kingdom of God, we are God. It's very logical, even without enlightenment. We can not argue about this.

So the next step is to find this Kingdom of God, to find this power of the Almighty which is hidden within ourselves. Now that I have found it, I might inform you. So if you want to find it, then I will offer you my service, free of any condition.

Questions And Answers

Q: When you attain enlightenment what happens to the personality?

M: Do you mean if you are a very angry person, will you become more calm? It happens. Yes, it affects our personality to become more perfect. Q: Buddha emphasized meditation, now Catholics struggle to learn meditation in a Buddhist way. In Catholic meditation we use some Bible, use the words to learn -- read, use word meditation. In the Buddha's way, meditation is emptying the mind. How we can use this way of meditation to reach God?

M: Now once we are enlightened, we know things differently, from the ordinary understanding. Before I also did not understand what was meant by 'emptying your mind'? What's the Kingdom of God? What's Buddha Nature and all these terms? It was so big for me. After enlightenment, everything is like a child's game.

Now in the Catholic tradition, some have meditation. You know that Christianity has many retreat centers, many hideaways, what we call secret orders. No one can enter even. What do they do? They contemplate, they pray, they meditate.

What's meditation? I'll tell you. After prayer or maybe worshipping God for long hours, our arms ache from tearing the beads apart and our knees are sometimes tire. So then we might just drop down and sit there or kneel there in silence, to have a rest; and at that time, God's instruction will come. That's meditation. We have to be quiet in order to listen. We always talk and God has no chance to tell us. So the prayer is the talking, the demand; and meditation is the listening. But most people just keep praying all the time or always make noise or always talk, and God has no chance to tell them what to do. No wonder their prayers are unanswered. God has no opportunity.

So the meditation is a must from a logical standpoint. Whether you are Buddhist, Christian, Muslim or whatever, I don't care. If you cannot make time to listen to God, then God can never be communicated with.

Even if you talk to a friend, you telephone, you talk and then you must listen. Even if you ask me, you must first ask, and then now you must be quiet so I have a chance to tell you.

So how can we treat God even worse than a friend. We keep talking all the time, and give Him no chance. So meditation is the time of quiet listening. That's all there is, and God will come.

Q: You say a genuine master should not perform miracles, yet Jesus performed miracles and healed people.

M: Remember what Jesus said to His mother: Why do you tell people that I can perform miracles? He was very reluctant to do this. Because His mother already told people to prepare water and leave it there, this forced Him to do it.

Many other's times He cured the lepers, He cured the sick people; but He waited until no one was there and went and told the person to get up and get healed. When He saw people come after Him then He immediately disappeared. Do you remember? He hid Himself. He didn't want to let people see. He also told the patient not to tell other people. But that person came out and told everything.

So even if masters have miracle powers, they seldom openly use it to attract the attention of the masses. They only want to attract the sincere seekers for the Kingdom of God. Because if you are after miracles only, then miracles are all you will have - not the Kingdom of God. But if you are after the Kingdom of God, you seek the Kingdom of God, then all things shall be added onto you. You'll have miracles and all things. Understand? Therefore most masters avoid attracting people by miracles, for fear that they will pay their attention only to that part of the God power and forget the whole.

Q: My life is in danger. Do you feel it?

M: I understand; but whether yours or mine, everyone is the same. Whether you know it or not, our lives are always in danger in any moment. So if you want to protect yourself, then get enlightenment. Use your wisdom to protect your own life. No one else can do it!

Q: To be a lifelong vegetarian, without meat-eating is prevent from killing. But can we eat eggs?

M: Eggs contain half of the life, and then they unite together and become a chicken. This is the first reason why we should not eat eggs. Now some eggs are unfertilized, but still they contain half of the life in them.

The second reason is that chickens they eat all kinds of worms with bacteria and disease. So when we eat them, the eggs are not that pure ?not good for our delicate system. The more we practice, the more we become very sensitive. It's dirty.

The third reason is that all the black magicians, witches, they use eggs to attract so-called dead souls, controlled souls. If we eat them, we also attract these souls to ourselves. So we add more negative nature to our own beings. It's not very helpful for spiritual progress, so we don't eat eggs.

Q: As the Buddha asked His disciples to filter the water, do we have to filter our environment and our actions so we may attain enlightenment easier?

M: Yes, we do! Therefore the emphasis is on keeping the precepts, the commandments.

Q: What do You think of astrology?

M: Doesn't change much. Doesn't help much. We have to change from a higher plane of consciousness. Not just by knowing what happens tomorrow. We have to change our life, our way of living in order to better our life and smooth our path ? not by consulting an astrologer; because he might tell you to avoid one disaster, but the next will follow.

You cannot always have an astrologer in your pocket. Whereby you have your wisdom all the time with you and this is the best 'astrologer,' the best guide to tell you everything. In the course of time, even he doesn't tell you.

It takes care of you even if you are not yet at a very spiritually perceptive stage. The Master inside will take care that you do not run into so much trouble, and smooth your path for you. That's the best thing to do; not to consult an astrologer.

Besides, once we are very highly developed in wisdom, we are above astrology. No one can read your palm any longer. No one knows under which star you are influenced anymore. Finished, you are above the stars, the sun and the moon. Nothing affects you.

Q: Why is there so much suffering in this world? Is there innocence involved in suffering?

M: No one is innocent. Except you are born again, you are not innocent. Born again means repenting our past misdeeds and promising God to lead a better life, a virtuous life. Then God's grace will descend on us, will help us, clean us, purify us, and make us become a child. Then you can say: "I am born again, I am innocent." After the initiation you can say you are innocent.

If you follow the virtuous path, then you will always be innocent; but not before that. We are burdened with the so-called original sin, or the past karma. We cannot say we are innocent. We, everyone of us, are responsible for the condition of our world today. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, we have done some damage to the world. We must repent. We must change our way of life. We must live in wisdom, in virtue.

Q: If there is only one God, Buddha, why are we God ourselves?

M: Because we are one; we are all one. It is an illusion that we are many. After enlightenment, you see we are all one. It's only one spirit, one unity, one great being in all of us.

Now for example, the sunshine, is it the whole? Sun rays are from the sun. It's a part of the whole. But because the sun has to shine in different directions to benefit in different aspects, therefore we have many sun rays. But we cannot say that a sun ray is a separate sun ray. It's an illusion to say a sun ray is a separate sun ray. It is not at all. Or it's an illusion, ignorant, to say that the waves are different from the ocean. Is it not true?

Q: What's wrong with occasionally having a beer or a glass of wine with friends?

M: It looks like nothing is wrong, but people start from there. People start from a glass of harmless wine and a beer with a friend, and become alcoholics. They couldn't suddenly become a alcoholic, no? It develops from a glass of beer, a glass of wine, and becomes more habitual ?take more and more and become possessed with it. So don't start. Don't play with fire. Also any drop of wine, anything that's alcoholic dulls your wisdom, kills your memory, takes you further from the truth, makes you forget who you are and disconnects you from the glorious path and your highest wisdom. Therefore we better avoid it.

Many people were born mentally damaged. It's due to them having killed their own wisdom with too many intoxicants in the past, like alcohol, drugs or such things. So, do not play with fire! We do not know how much we can control ourselves. No one knows until it is too late. All mistakes come from the overestimation of our control of will power. It's easy to say, but hard to practice. So better not to try.

Now you see the world is already very mysterious and foggy. Why do you want to add more confusion to your mind? Our vision is already blurred, already not clear. Why should we add more to our, unclear mind with alcohol or drugs.

Q: Why can't people control themselves sometimes?

M: I told you already. It's easy to control people, but not easy to control ourselves. It's because we do not learn controlling. Also it's because of the karmic setup which we do not understand. Some people we see for the first time, we fall in love with. We call this love at first sight. And someone we just met for one second, we want to start a fight with him. It's not that we do not want to control our emotion or anger, we just could not because of the karmic background. Maybe that person was in love with you before or made some nice, good impression in your mind. So when you met that person for the first time you feel overwhelming love and sometimes mistake it for love at first sight. It's affection from the past. The one whom you want to get into a fight with, it was maybe because in a past life he was angry with you all the time and troubled you a lot.

Q: Can an ordinary person, a worldly person, also get enlightenment? Can they attain the supraworldly state? Please explain, Master!

M: Of course! No one is an ordinary worldly person! You are only cheating yourself. The Most High is in your heart, so how could you be an ordinary worldly person? No one is an ordinary worldly person, but you deliberately make yourself one! We do not wish to know that we are the Almighty. Everyday, we just earn money, sleep, eat and raise children, and never seek anything else. It is all right to work, eat, sleep and to have children, but we should also be enlightened, we know why we are doing this, and know that we are the Most High. If you are not enlightened, and engaged only in worldly work, of course we will stay forever in the world, and forever an ordinary worldly person.

Nov.3,1989

A New Enlightened Being?

La Prensa Grafica, El Salvador Dec. 10, 1995

(Originally In Spanish)

Master Ching Hai is considered by Her disciples to be a divine messenger and the reincarnation of other great enlightened masters from the past. Through physical cleansing and deep concentration, Her method of meditation promises a quick and sure path to know God.

Although these Masters have thousands of followers, in the past few years there has appeared in China a woman who is considered by Her disciples as an "enlightened Master". Without professing any particular religion, She now has countless disciples around the world. Her name is Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Born to a well-off Au Lac family, Supreme Master Ching Hai enjoyed reading philosophical books at the age of seven, while other children were playing with their friends. According to reports, She was able to understand the philosophical concepts espoused by Buddha, Lao-Tzu and Confucius. If she didn't understand these books, she wouldn't have continued to read them, was Her answer to Her father, a naturopathic physician.

Her intense search for enlightenment brought Her to the Himalayas and Red Cross relief missions for refugees. She married a German scientist; but after a few years, Her desire for enlightenment overcame Her and She left home.

She practiced esoteric methods, Zen Buddhism and other doctrines; but Her search continued without bearing fruit. Finally, She met a Himalayan Master who initiated Her into the Quan Yin Method. This method is supposed to be the most ancient method on Earth, connecting practitioners with the spiritual light and sound which brings them close to God.

Supreme Master Ching Hai appears in public dressed in a robe in the style of a Buddhist monk. In a video of a conference given in Costa Rica six years ago, She showed that the image of an "enlightened being" does not preclude a lighthearted sense of humor, open to jokes and humorous examples.

"I do not speak against any religion, My mission in this world is simply to help people return to the Kingdom of God, to take them back to where they came from," She states while seated comfortable.

And to fulfill this commitment, She offers the Quan Yin Method, which in a few words consists of deep meditation in order to hear the inner sound and see the inner light. "But we do not perceive these with our normal human senses. When we are meditating, we can access the heavenly light and sound, and we can gauge our own inner level by the intensity of this light and sound," says a Chinese coordinator from Costa Rica.

It is a rare occurrence for a female master to appear, because history has only presented us with male masters. But times change. "Perhaps it is more practical for Her to come in the form of a woman. It gives Her the advantage of expressing beauty and virtues in a different manner than a man," states another coordinator from Costa Rica.

Although Quan Yin practitioners claim that it is not a religious doctrine, they do agree that it is part of the whole. "Without a method to meet God personally, any spiritual organizations can not function perfectly," says the Chinese coordinator in Costa Rica. They assure us that this method is nothing new and more than that, they have the belief that it has heavenly origins and even that Jesus traveled to India in order to practice it.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has such a charisma that Her disciples say, "There is no difference between Her and God because all of us as humans have God inside." They consider Her to be a divine messenger and the reincarnation of other great masters from the past. "In all periods of time there have been great enlightened masters so that all humans would be given the same opportunities. For this time period, She is God's messenger," added an initiate.

Her disciples assert that She is omnipresent so Her light bodies not only work on the Earth, but also on other planets.

This philosophy, which preaches vegetarianism and abstinence from other vices, extends throughout many countries. Each day Master has more initiates. El Salvador has just been included, and now there is another alternative for those who are seeking a "quick and safe path to know God". Her followers present the Quan Yin Method as the best path, because they say, in essence it allows you a quick way to know the God power that dwells within us all. It is simply a matter of discovering and developing it.

HERO DOG SAVES 273 CHILDREN!

Retriever swims 5 miles to get help for sinking ferry!

By MICHAEL ANDREWS/ Weekly World News

The school group was taking a ferry from Osthammar to visit a museum on the island of Aland when the boat struck the wreckage of an old fishing scow and sprung a leak.

"I thought we were doomed to a watery grave," said Liv Bergman, principal of Falun Elementary.

"In desperation, we decided to try a million-to-one possibilityˇG We wrote a note telling where we were. We trusted in a little boy's pet dog to make a swim and carry it back to Osthammar, five long miles away."

Amazingly, the courageous retriever, named Ole, braved the turbulent, freezing waters and struggled to shore. Within minutes a rescue boat was dispatched. All the crew members and passengers escaped save and sound.

The harrowing adventure began when little Hans Klippans sneaked his dog on board despite stern warnings from his teachers.

"The children were all told not to bring pets," says Mrs. Bergman.

"But I should have known that mischievous little Hans would try to get around the rules."

"Hans and Ole are inseparable."

"Ole was always following him to school and Hans often sneaked him into the classroom."

"No matter how many times we warned him, he was always finding new ways to smuggle him in."

"I'm known as a strict principal but I must admit this is one time that I am very glad a child break one of the rules."

"The ferry struck the half-sunken hull of a fishing boat. The collision tore a huge hole in our boat and I knew we were in big trouble."

Worse yet, the collision damaged the boat's radio, making it impossible to send an S.O.S.

"We decided to send a strongest swimmer.

"But none of the crew felt confident they could make the five miles.

"All of a sudden Hans stepped up with that eager dog.

"'Ole loves to swim,'he said.

"There is no time to debate the issue.

"The captain wrote a note pinpointing our exact latitude and longitude while Hans talked to Ole, explaining what he wanting him to do.

"I know it sounds crazy but I swear that mutt understood every word he was saying.

"We sealed the note in a waterproof pouch, tied it around Ole's collar and sent him off with our prayers.

A passing beachcomber saw the exhausted canine stagger from the surf, looked at the note and alerted the Swedish coast guard.

"I've never seen such a heartwarming display of courage," said ferry captain Borge Larsson.

"And I know there's never been a stronger bond between a boy and his pet. We literally owe our lives to those two and the communication they share."

One special sidelight to the storyˇG Mrs. Bergman has declared an exception to her "no pet" rule.

"From now on Ole is welcome to come to class with Hans anytime he wants to," she said.

This passenger on the Osthammar ferry says he owes his life to the heroic efforts of Ole.

Children watch as a ferry pulls away from a dock in Osthammar, Sweden.

News 55 Index

Infinite Space

The Most Effective

Universal Language

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Kao/Pin, Formosa

Immediately, everyone's attention was drawn to the starry sky. Then, something more unexpected and delightful happened: From the southeastern corner of the sky, two circular saucer-like objects, silver-white in colour, suddenly appeared drifting at high speed. Veiled by a transparent circle of light, they flew diagonally across the sky to the northwest where they abruptly vanished. Their movements were fast but irregular, dashing suddenly upwards or downwards, to the right or to the left, floating while rotating. More than ten fellow initiates saw them simultaneously.

Shortly afterwards, three silver-white flying saucers appeared flying in a straight line and on the same route. They turned in an arc at the midway point, and then disappeared in the northwest.

A fellow initiate suggested: "When we see them again, let us recite the Holy Names and try to contact the extraterrestrial beings in the UFOs!" As expected, four more UFOs soon appeared flying in a diamond formation, and much closer to ground level. We immediately recited the Holy Names silently to greet them. The UFOs seemed to have received our message and stopped for a while when they were right above us as if responding to us. Before disappearing, they even mischievously moved diagonally to change formation, as if bidding farewell to us! We continuously saw UFOs of similar shape in the next few days, sometimes one and sometimes in groups. Some got very close to us. When contacting them through reciting the Holy Names, we could feel intuitively that they were very friendly. We seemed to be speaking the same language, and greeting in silence brothers or friends whom we had missed for a long time. The feeling was both surprising and delightful, while also warm and touching!

Our Earth is one of the most blessed planets in the universe because an enlightened Master of the universe ?Supreme Master Ching Hai ?is here teaching the supreme method. Fellow initiates should cherish this blessing, practice assiduously to spread God's love, and help Earth return to the big universal family becoming a glorious planet.

News 55 Index

Master Tells Stories

News 55 Index

Master Tells Jokes

News 55 Index

While On The Path

A Spiritual World Really Exists!

By A Fellow Initiate, Shanxi Province, China

My Wife's Brother Was The Harbinger

One summer several years ago, my wife's brother came to visit me. He said, "Meditation may benefit your writing and thinking, or even change the way you see the world. Practice the Quan Yin Method!" He also gave me a photo of Master and the Key of Immediate Enlightenment sample booklet.

Master's book solved many of the doubts that I had about the world, and opened a window for me to understand the world and the universe. The light of wisdom penetrated my gloomy heart. I was really grateful to the Creator for giving me the chance to know Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method.

I was determined to become a vegetarian, change my life, and offer myself to the great power that creates the world. I was certain that Supreme Master Ching Hai was the greatest example of wisdom.

Finally, the long awaited initiation came. The intense longing for the Truth made me feel extremely grateful for this particular moment. However, my expectations of having a miraculous experience at the initiation made it hard for me to maintain an ordinary mind. I experienced nothing after the initiation, and was feeling very lost. As so many people described the visions and inner sounds that they perceived, I thought that it must be my own problem; perhaps I was not concentrated enough.

The Soul Goes Up

I went to sleep after the meditation. Shortly after lying down, I felt an energy bursting out from my body similar to the launching of a rocket. An enormous thrust made my spiritual body soar. Only then did I realize that humans really have an incredible spiritual body besides the physical one. I kept soaring upwards through the void, and I truly felt the cool air current when the spiritual body travels in space. I could see stars flowing past my sides. When I looked down to my unconscious physical body from high above, I was a little worried. Just as this thought emerged, I began to descend and returned to my physical body instantly. As if revived from death, the body was again conscious. This experience was really wonderful, and it also cleared up all my confusion.

Since then, all sorts of experiences, good and bad, have come to me according to the level of diligence of my meditation, and my observance of the precepts. Nonetheless, all of them indicate the existence of a spiritual world. I have been under Master's protection and guidance right from the moment I decided to practice. Life is really incredible. Spiritual realization let me experience a world that really exists, so I don't have to cling on to the intellectual world of books.

News 55 Index

Humorous Wisdom

By Hsihu's Big Sister

(Originally in English & Au Lac Language)

News 55 Index

Remember That We Are God

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai

To The Resident Disciples, Hsihu Center, Formosa

January 6, 1996
(Originally In Chinese)

Originally We Are God

Just like when a king goes to battle, or to investigate the situation of his subjects, he dresses himself as an ordinary person, in ragged clothes. However, he knows that he is the king, so he has no feelings of inferiority. Should some people capture him, or steal his passport and money, would he feel anything? Perhaps he would feel upset for a while; but he knows he can regain them later, because he is the king, the ruler of the nation, and the whole nation belongs to him.

During Emperor Chien Long's voyage to Southern China, he also ran into many difficulties, because he mixed with people like everyone else. However, later he would go back to being the king again, and his status would not be changed. His self-confidence would not vanish just because he had no money, neither would he turn into an ordinary person because he wore ragged or common clothes. His spirit could not possibly be contaminated by the commonplace environment and thus become common people too. Similarly, our only pain is that we do not know who we are. Think about it when you meditate, and you will know! All suffering will vanish; we will not be bothered even when someone scolds us, or treats us badly or nicely. They virtually cannot contaminate or influence us. Therefore, if some people still say others are bad, or complain about being mistreated by others, then they are wrong!

Master Is The Guide

I am different. Because I know you are walking on the wrong path, I drag you back. I scold you because I see it very clearly. I have walked that path before, so I know you will run into trouble if you waver to the right or deviate to the left. So I say, "Come back!" and drag you back. Therefore, I pull you back from everywhere, and keep tuning you. I keep grabbing and calling. When you fall down, I call you back, as if I were scolding people. The truth is, this is only a method of working. You don't know the way, yet you keep pulling each other downwards. I am familiar with this road; I know it is better to go by this way, better to go straight ahead, that you will fall down by leaning to the right a little bit and stumble if you deviate to the left a little bit.

I am not blaming anyone, I am not frustrated, I am not upset. I am only doing my job because I am the guide! Because you don't know who you are, you are frustrated, angry, blaming others, not contented, complaining and worried. This is different. Do not say that Master is exactly the same as us ?She also scolds people, She also gets mad. Not at all! It doesn't concern me at all.

As I am the guide leading the way, I must do my job perfectly. Some paths are very dangerous, very long, so I have to care about the people. Having to care for so many people, naturally I will be nervous. It would be strange if one didn't get nervous having so many children. (Laughter)

From that movie, you could see that so many things could go wrong when only six persons ventured out to explore the new area. Even an ordinary path is so difficult. The path going back to heaven is far more remote and difficult than hiking mountains. And you are not experienced. When the guide (in the movie) saw that the two kids were about to fall, he scolded and yelled loudly, "Don't do that!" Was he angry? Did he hate those two persons? No! Under such circumstances, it was his natural reaction. Understand? It would be odd if he didn't yell, if at that moment he was still speaking very gently and slowly. (Master imitated.) (Laughter) People were going to fall, yet he would be saying, "Please take it easy, okay?" Do you feel that would have been all right?

You all understand very well, only that you cannot make use of it. You always like to compare with others: "Master pampers him. I do the same as he does, why does Master say I am wrong?"

Do not compare with others, as the situations are different, the levels of the persons are different, and so are their states of mind. For instance, there is no hatred in his heart when he scolds you, but you are mad at him when you scold him. The actions look the same superficially, but the state of mind within is different. I observed it very clearly, so I scolded one of them but not the other. Don't say: "I scolded him just like he yelled at me, but Master only scolded and punished me not him. That is not fair."

You do not realize your own greatness because of your ignorance. Therefore, you easily get mad, hurt, frustrated, blame others, and easily shed tears. Should you know that you are the king, people's actions just cannot bother you. You wouldn't feel inferior and get hurt. Understand!? (Everyone answers: Understand!)

Eventually We Will Reach Home

The only difference is that some people know that they are one with God ?they are God, and this physical body is only the temple of God. Others do not know, so they suffer. Because they are suffering, the people who know have to painstakingly teach them. They won't suffer anymore when they also understand. But these people are few! Most people are in pain and they still struggle with the suffering. They do not ask themselves or think about the cause, the origin of this suffering.

Ignorance Is The Origin Of Suffering

The only cause of suffering is ignorance, nothing else -- not poverty, not wars or disasters. Nothing else can bring us suffering; the only cause is that we don't understand. Perhaps after getting enlightenment, our body still ails, and we are aware of the ailment. However, it won't make us suffer or feel that desperate. Therefore, the only cause of suffering is that we do not know who we are.

Why do so many enlightened masters spend so much effort teaching people? Because these people need it. The enlightened masters can still remember their own suffering before they are awakened; so they teach people with great compassion, telling them how to avoid the suffering: "I was also in this shape before. Now you follow me to do it this and that way, and the suffering will soon disappear."

An enlightened person does not need to teach anyone. He already knows, and he has "eaten" fully! Why should he care about anyone? However, now that he is well-fed, and knows how painful hunger can be, he "cooks" for those who are starving. Of course you are not obliged to cook since you have eaten enough. No one forces you to do it, but you sympathize with and pity them, knowing how painful it can be from your own experience. Therefore, you work hard to cook for them; it doesn't mean you need to do it.

Do Everything In The Middle Way

Enjoying pleasures is not our purpose in becoming renunciates here. However, occasionally, I let you enjoy some pleasures as appropriate. The strings on your musical instrument would break if they were too tightly adjusted. You would not be able to play it anymore, and it would sound awful. This applies to all kinds of things. Even an Olympic marathon runner would die if he were to run incessantly! Not even a champion can bear it. Do everything in the middle way.

Many people do not understand and question me for letting you enjoy pleasures here. Sure you should meditate and chant God's name all twenty-four hours. (Master and everyone laugh.) We can do it also, but everyone would be dead after one week! (Master and everyone laugh.) This is also good. Then we wouldn't have to clean the roof or build the walls. There wouldn't be any need for anything, not even the kitchen. This is also good. Should we do it this way? How about starting tomorrow? No food or drink all twenty-four hours -- no pleasures and no sleeping? (Everyone laughed and said: No!)

We can try it. Never mind! We will eventually reach home anyway. We work, we do our best to meditate, we endeavor to think of who we are; and this is enough.

Let me tell you, perhaps we are already enlightened! Why should we run so fast? Where can we push the enlightenment to? The enlightenment could be here, or in the rear. We keep running straight ahead, and get no result. Think carefully, see where the enlightenment is, and then grasp it. Don't close your eyes and only recite God's name everyday, not eating or drinking anything, just because you are anxious to become a Buddha.

Great Effort Is Required To Practice In This World

There was a person who lived in a practicing center, but was too lazy to do any work. He thought that he should meditate twenty-four hours a day worshipping God, and worldly work was not for him. "Digging earth, planting trees, preparing meals ?these jobs are too worldly, no way! Spiritual practitioners should be more holy and noble." Therefore, he left and went into the desert to meditate everyday. A week later he crawled back because he was hungry! It was nighttime when he knocked on the door. The chief monk would not open the door, and asked who it was. The person said that he was the so-and-so probationary monk.

The chief monk said, "Oh! That so-and-so probationary monk no longer exists! He has become a Bodhisattva or an angel. He is no longer in this world!" Then, the chief monk just locked the door and went to sleep, leaving the so-and-so probationary monk sitting outside for the whole night on the staircase.

It was winter, and he was very hungry and cold. The chief monk saw him again when he opened the door in the morning. The probationary monk admitted his mistake, and the chief monk said, "While you are still living in this world and have this physical body, you have to work and earn your own living." Then he understood.

We are not angels yet! Of course we can also go to the Himalayas eat air and drink ice water. (Laughter) One or two days later, we turn into ice (laughter) ?nothing to do, very simple. However, since we have chosen to practice in this secular world, we should exert greater effort in all aspects.

News 55 Index

Elevation Of The Soul

The Latest Video Tapes Of Supreme Master Ching Hai

<Spoken In English, With Indonesian Subtitles >

Have No Illusion About Enlightenment
Lecture At The Five Arts Palace, San Francisco, USA
Nov. 27, 1993.

The Paradoxical Nature Of Things
Group Meditation, Seattle, USA April 6, 1993.

The Exhibition Of Celestial Clothes Chicago 3-Day Retreat (Tape 1), USA
Feb. 19~22, 1994.

Grow Up And Be Yourself
Chicago 3-Day Retreat (Tape 2), USA
Feb. 19~22, 1994.

Life - Giving Spring Sun And Rain
Chicago 3-Day Retreat (Tape 3), USA
Feb. 19~22, 1994.

The Happy Practitioners
Chicago 3-Day Retreat (Tape 4), USA
Feb. 19~22, 1994.

A Blessing
Chicago 3-Day Retreat (Tape 5),
USA Feb. 19~22, 1994.

<Spoken In English>

Appreciate The Value Of Initiation
European 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 25, 1995.

The Path Of Devotion
European 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 26, 1995.

We Are Always Together
European 3-Day Retreat, Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 26~27, 1995.

<Spoken In English, With Thai Translation & Chinese Subtitles>

Temples And Churches Are Originally For Group Meditation
Group Meditation, Hat Yai, Thailand
Nov. 27, 1994 & Dec. 7, 1994

News 55 Index

Master's Words

Always Keep A Peaceful Mind

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Hsihu Center, Formosa Dec. 25, 1995. (Originally In English)

As soon as you become centered within yourself, love will flow. Then you will forget. You will think it is a small matter and it's easy to love thy neighbor or love thy enemy. Otherwise, if we keep rushing toward that person with all our anger, then we forget our real Self. We project all our energy to that person and then we, the practitioner, having a very good energy, just give it all to them even though with hatred. You've lost everything. You have emptied your pockets. You have thrown it at him just like when I throw candies to you. Do I still have any candies left in my pocket? No.

You have seen my mini-car with the big basket and you have seen me with a lot of big boxes sometimes, but all I do is throw it at everyone that comes near so that in the end I have nothing left. Whether I throw it with anger or with love, I still throw it at them. Of course when I throw, I throw with love. But similarly, if we throw anger at someone, that is still our capital as well. All our attention, all our energy is thrown at that person and the whole day's meditation or maybe the whole month's is spent; empty pockets. Then you have to start from A, B, C again. "Oh Master, please, I can not see anything, all black." Or maybe you can not hear anything, you become spiritually deaf and blind.

So actually, we cannot afford to be angry. Anytime, try to control, anytime, try to get back our center. Then spend it as you like. Don't be forced to spend by the power of anger, the power of grief or anything like that.

We can always save ourselves if we are centered all the time -- self centered, not selfish self-centered, stay always stable in the face of typhoons, hurricanes, etcetera.

It is very difficult to get along with our family members, neighbors and friends sometimes; but it is even more difficult if we don't try to get along. We will lose some of our power, our loving kindness and our enlightenment anytime we hate our neighbors.

Anytime we think negatively about someone we lose some of our Self, we lose some of the light, we lose some of the heavenly happiness that normally belongs to us. So if we can see clearly all this, we actually cannot afford to hate anyone.

News 55 Index

International Reports

France Japan India Philippines Formosa Ecuador

Report From France

A New Year's Ball Of Peace

Through practicing the Quan Yin Method, fellow initiates in France are always filled with bliss. Lately, because the Media have been talking about some unpeaceful incidents, fellow initiates of the Paris Center decided to hold a New Year's Ball to share with more compatriots their inner peace and bliss attained through spiritual practice.

The Center sent hundreds of invitations to fellow practitioners, readers of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine, and friends in society who had supported the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in helping the Au Lac asylum seekers, and with other activities. Their relatives and friends were also invited.

The New Year's Ball was held at the Overseas Chinese Cultural Center in Paris. In the lobby, there was an exhibition of Supreme Master Ching Hai's various publications. Right in the middle was a huge photograph of Master with Her smile and kind eyes greeting the guests. The main hall was decorated like a silvery fairy land. Two televisions were placed high above to show Master's video tapes.

As the music began, everyone, young and old, started to dance merrily following the rhythm. During the break, vegetarian snacks including sandwiches, vegetarian hamburgers and desserts, and drinks were served to guests, which were ideal for replenishing their vitality.

Children were not forgotten. A Children's Corner was set up especially for them. However, the kids seemed to prefer dancing with the adults. They shuttled in and out of the dancing crowd, sometimes bouncing happily hand in hand, filling the whole place with a cordial, joyful and relaxed atmosphere.

The Ball was led to a climax by the dance music created by Master and everyone was intoxicated in an ocean of love. Even after the Ball ended, people cherished the joy and wished they could have another happy gathering again. A guest said, "We have so many frustrations in work and daily life. I feel very comfortable being able to dance in such a relaxed environment tonight."

Master often teaches us that we should give relaxed, happy and secure feelings to others; give as much as we can, be it one day, several hours or just a few minutes. Through carrying out Master's teachings, fellow initiates can really experience this ecstasy of giving.

A gentleman stood apart from the crowd since the start of the ball, and just observed in silence. A curious fellow initiate asked him why, and he replied, "I have observed many groups, but your group is unique. You are very open. This evening, everyone here danced, enjoyed themselves tremendously, and were in harmony, as if you were from one big family." He continued to say, "I have read every issue of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News carefully." This gentleman noted the address of the Paris Center as he intends to visit.

The uninitiated husband of a fellow sister originally intended to come, take a look, and then go home. In the end, he stayed and danced happily, intoxicated in Master's vast and boundless ocean of love. Another fellow sister, who also brought her husband to the Ball, learnt that her husband withdrew his objections, and began to support her spiritual practice instead.

Many guests left their names and addresses, hoping to receive the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine. There were also many who wished to visit the meditation center to know more about the Quan Yin Method.

Among the VIPs were: Mr. Fang Hua, a Chinese reporter from the French International Radio and recipient of The Most Enthusiastic Reporter Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai, and his family; Mr. Nguyen Tinh Nhan of the Tin Tuc Monthly in France; Mr. Le of the Action Committee for Protection of Boat People.

Fellow practitioners of the Paris Center all agreed that this Ball was an opportunity to implement Master's teachings through practical actions; to learn how to develop their love and use their wisdom to benefit others with their practice; and to make their lives more beautiful, rich and colourful.

Report From Japan

A Spiritual And Vegetarian Feast

To provide the non-initiated relatives and friends of fellow initiates with an opportunity to get in touch with Master's teachings, and also to promote vegetarianism, fellow practitioners in Tokyo, Japan organized the showing of Master's lecture videos at the Shinagawa General Citizen Hall. They also prepared delicious vegetarian delicacies to serve guests after the video show.

The visitors that day were very earnest. Apart from the Japanese friends, there were also people from China, the United States, Pakistan, Cyprus and Formosa. Everyone watched and listened to Master's lectures attentively.

At the seminar many people said that Master's teachings are profound in content yet easy to understand. They could easily accept the teachings, which they felt would be highly beneficial for their daily life.

Upon entering the venue where the vegetarian food was served, everyone was absolutely amazed by the great variety of delicious, fragrant and beautiful dishes that fellow practitioners prepared with very limited vegetarian foodstuffs. While relishing the food with admiration, the guests didn't forget to ask for the recipes and the seasoning ingredients. There were Au Lac spring rolls, sweet rice dumplings, Western vegetarian cakes and Japanese sushi, as well as vegetarian pies and hot dumplings prepared by the Chinese fellow practitioners. The guests could hardly resist.

Previously, the younger brother of a fellow sister only knew that his sister was practicing spiritual cultivation through meditation. Having the opportunity to interact with our group, he was deeply impressed by the earnest and sincere attitude of fellow practitioners. He said, "It is more appropriate to say that you are a group of people who serve selflessly, rather than saying you are a spiritual group."

A Pakistani guest who was a vegetarian, found it very difficulty to get vegetarian food in Japan. Observing the sumptuous delicacies on the table, he humorously stated, "We met too late."

Fellow practitioners prepared a meal box for each guest so that they could enjoy the food leisurely at home. Intoxicated by the peaceful atmosphere, the guests were reluctant to leave even when the event was over. Some even stayed behind to help the fellow practitioners clear the venue, creating a busy and warm moment between hosts and guests.

In the short time between organizing the event and the event itself, fellow practitioners were totally concentrated on the same goal ?to introduce Master's great love to more people with an affinity. They cooperated from the beginning till the end. Illuminated by Master's heavenly light, they melted into one, and were filled with ecstasy.

While carrying out Master's teachings, they also had many experiences. They unanimously expressed their desire to actively convene more activities of this type in the future, to provide more chances for them to learn more and to grow faster.

Report From India

Heartwarming Blankets
Distributed In The Cold Of Winter

As Supreme Master Ching Hai knew that there were many poor people in India who had no warm clothing to resist the cold winter, She instructed the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to promptly remit money to India, so that the Quan Yin messenger could buy some woolen blankets and give them to the most needy people. When Mr. Patit Paban Pathak, Minister of Public Service and Industrial Rebuilding Department, heard about Master's charitable action, he expressed deep gratitude, and also helped with the work in every aspect.

This blanket distribution activity not only conveyed Master's love to the local poor, but also spread Her teachings to many people. Among the volunteer workers who helped with this activity, some of them have switched to a vegetarian diet, and are preparing for initiation. The wife of the Minister loved Master's teachings very much. A teacher even continuously read the Supreme Master Ching Hai News several times, and was absolutely convinced of Master's teachings.

Report From The Philippines

A Team Spreading Love And Joy

This past Christmas, poor countrymen in Palawan received gifts filled with Master's love. Although lacking materially, the inhabitants there, touched by Master's divine love, will forever remember that God loves them! The fellow practitioners in the camp beautifully decorated a cart with many pictures of Master, which greatly attracted people's attention. As the cart rolled away from the Center, fellow practitioners began to distribute rice, home-baked French bread, and bags of delicious vegetarian snacks, along with the Supreme Master Ching Hai News to people. This happy team brought surprise and delight to the local inhabitants, who continuously said "Thank You Master!"

Master's divine love radiated from the gifts, touching the hearts of the people. Their indescribable gratitude was wordlessly expressed by their childlike laughter.

Incessantly, the merciful Master bestows fantastic graces and bliss upon people, which ignite sparks of happiness in any circumstance. While distributing God's gifts of love on behalf of Master, fellow practitioners also bathed in the divine love.

Report From Formosa

The New

Celestial Clothes Plaza In Taipei

Apart from being able to appreciate Master's Celestial Clothes at Hsihu Center on Sundays, people can now also appreciate the beauty of some of the Celestial Clothes at the newly built Celestial Clothes Plaza in Taipei.

The new Celestial Clothes Plaza is situated in the Songsun district of Taipei, where transportation is convenient and cultural activities abound. This is good news for ladies who love elegance in fashion.

The new Plaza consists of display areas for the Celestial Clothing, Master's scriptures and vegetarian food. Master's beautiful large photos, various publications and prints of Her paintings create an exceptionally warm and elegant atmosphere in the venue.

On inauguration day there was an overwhelming crowd. The wife of the Neighborhood Leader said fervently that she was glad to have such a new neighbour, one who can satisfy both the eyes and taste buds of everyone.

Master's video tapes were shown at the entrance, attracting many neighbours. Some even reminded staff when a tape finished and a new tape had not been put in on time.

All the decorations, fixtures, electrical work and plumbing were undertaken by fellow initiates. Apart from those who had been designated work, on most days many fellow practitioners actively volunteered to help, as if it was another group meditation venue. Fellow practitioners are grateful to Master for Her fantastic arrangement, which has given them a place worth cultivating and can be shared by everyone. They also hope more people will subsequently have an affinity with Master.

Report From Ecuador

Sincere Offering Touches People's Hearts

When the Truth-spreading team arrived in Ecuador, they found that the Ecuadorian people were extremely earnest in seeking the Truth. Reading the advertisements introducing Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method in the newspapers, a lot of people made inquiries on the telephone. Many of them indicated that they would attend Master's video lecture seminar with their family, and spiritual practicing friends. The team members were greatly touched by the Ecuadorian people's cordial welcome and sincere longing for the Truth.

The video lecture seminar was very successful. After watching Master's videos, people eagerly asked many questions concerning spiritual practice. Their spirit of seeking the Truth was high and earnest, and many of them enrolled for the initiation or the Convenient Method while at the venue.

After enrolling for the Convenient Method, a lawyer told the fellow initiates of the Truth-spreading team that he hoped very much to spread Master's wonderful teachings to his compatriots, and he was eager to help with the work they were doing. He said he had been practicing for years and was seldom attracted by the articles regarding spiritual practice in the newspapers. However, he had a unique feeling when he saw Master's photo in the newspaper, and his underlying longing simply emerged spontaneously. He told himself: "I must go this time!" He felt Master's tremendous love power, and observed that Master is very sincere in offering to people this method of contemplating on ones inner nature. He was extremely touched.

The beautiful Celestial Clothing entice the ladies to the point that they are reluctant to leave.

Under Master's compassionate gaze in the photos, fellow practitioners joyfully roll a cart along the road distributing Christmas gifts.

Children in Palawan happily show the Christmas gifts that they received from fellow practitioners, and thank Master for Her love!

Guests were greatly impressed by the delicious, fragrant and beautiful vegetarian delicacies.

News Magazine #55

Spiritual Interlude

Master's Special Gesture The Breakthrough
A Precious Means Of Beautifying Oneself

Master's Special Gesture

By News Group, Taitung Formosa

After Master had left, I reflected carefully and noticed that She had just answered our greeting in an unusual way: Master held Her palms upright in front of the bridge of Her nose, with Her index fingers pointing straight at Her wisdom eye. Great living enlightened masters always using their actions to teach and remind us on our spiritual path.

The Breakthrough

By Resident Disciple, Hsihu, Formosa

Once, a few of us cooperated to plant some trees in the garden to provide more greenery and shade to our environment. A fellow sister suggested planting a huge Norwegian Fir right in front of my doorway. Though there were many small and large trees left over from the previous delivery, there were no fir trees.

To have a tree so huge and heavy carried over such a long distance was really too troublesome! Also, there were some concrete stairs underneath the earth at the location proposed by the sister. According to my usual self-limiting and sluggish habit, I would definitely have chosen any tree that was available, and put up with the convenient substitute. Besides, to cope with the limitation of the environment, I would have definitely avoided that concrete spot. However we could not have shade in the garden if things were done that way.

The fellow sister suggested I use a power drill to break up the concrete. She had worked in coordination with Master many times planting trees in various places, and they sometimes used a power drill to bore holes in the ground so that creepers could be planted to beautify the bare walls. Things which were obstructions to me didn't seem to exist in her eyes at all. Later, I realized that it was very easy to break open the concrete; it was definitely not as difficult as I thought it would be.

Now that the trees are planted, the Norwegian Fir happens to be my favorite. Whenever I watch it from a distance, standing beautifully upright and tall, and spreading out its lovely branches, I am always reminded to breakthrough the delusions and hindrances in my daily life and on my spiritual path!

A Precious Means Of Beautifying Oneself

By Fellow Initiate Teng, Mainland China

Two years after my initiation, a miracle occurred. It is the same old mirror, but the image I see in it is one with delicate eyelashes, compassionate eyes, and a bright and peaceful face. I laugh each time I look into the mirror, so you can imagine how happy I am.

Apart from helping people get enlightenment and liberation in one life, the Quan Yin Method from Master is also the most fantastic and precious method of beautifying oneself!

News 55 Index

Front Line

The Supreme Master Ching Hai Medical Team

Offer Love And Free Medical Services

Compiled By Supreme Master Ching Hai News Group

To celebrate the school's 50th anniversary, the Jian Tai Secondary School in Miaoli especially organized a "Loving Heart Garden Party" one Sunday. With love as the main theme, both teachers and students invited only sincerely compassionate groups to set up stalls at the party. The profits from the garden party were donated to the Yeou Anh Institute For Disabled Children and other charitable trust funds. The community counselling teachers often read Master's News magazines and regard Her very highly. Therefore, our group was invited.

Upon learning of this party of love, Master took the initiative and contributed thirty thousand NT dollars to establish a trust fund for the Yeou Anh Institute For Disabled Children. All the Formosan fellow initiates who are doctors and nurses responded enthusiastically. Apart from providing free loving medical service at the garden party, fellow practitioners from Miaoli also prepared a wide variety of vegetarian food, for the bazaar.

Principal Huang expressed: "Environmental protection starts from vegetarianism." Among the over forty stalls, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association vegetarian stall was the most creative. There was pungent tofu, gods soup, steamed dumplings, cool noodles, vegetarian tamale, taro balls and deserts. Everything was colorful, aromatic and delicious. Many students and adults rushed to buy the food with their garden party tickets.

The smiling faces of fellow practitioners and blessings from Master were the main reason that made our stall the most aesthetic one at the party. Apart from trying vegetarian food, visitors could also take Master's News magazines.

About five to six thousand people from all walks of life attended the function. This included the Miaoli Prefecture Chairman, Mr. Ho Chi-Hwei; new Legislative Councilor, Wang Su-Yun; and the "outstanding old boy" - Vice Generalissimo of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Huang Ching-Ying. Principal Huang emphasized in his opening speech that all the proceeds from the garden party would be donated to Yeou Anh Institute For Disabled Children.

When interviewed by reporters, principal Huang said that spiritual practitioners and religious groups were especially invited to this garden party, in particular the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association which has been spreading seeds of love both in Formosa and overseas in recent years, so that the students could cultivate more complete and harmonious personalities.

Even before the function was formally opened at 10 am, people came to make appointments for medical consultations. When Vice Generalissimo Huang Ching-Ying and his wife, and the executive secretary to the party organizer Mr. Pang Fu-Tien were strolling about the party, they especially spoke to every busy doctor and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

Principal Huang was very surprised at the varied skills of the medical team. The team consisted of famous doctors, and both Western and Chinese herbalists from various major hospitals all over Formosa. They included the chief consultants from the Rong Zhong, Chung Shan and Chang Gen Hospitals, and famous herbalists and acupuncturists etc., from various places. They provided professional services in numerous specialty areas including internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, dentistry, pediatrics and orthopedics. Apart from free consultations and medications, there was also a translation service in Hakka.

Legislative Councilor Wang Su-Yun repeatedly praised the busy doctors who were willing to sacrifice their holidays, and come from far away regions to contribute their love. She mentioned that she had seen pictures of our meditation center in the News magazines. She originally thought that such a beautiful place was probably somewhere overseas, without thinking that it was actually in Miaoli.

Those people who came for medical treatment felt that the charitable medical staff were friendly and went deep into their problems, so they were very happy. The doctors believed that the reason why they could have such an open and happy attitude during the consultations was mainly due to their daily spiritual practice according to Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings and meditation instructions.

The doctors also suggested to patients that in order to become healthy, apart from medical checkups, one should watch one's diet and eat more alkaline foods like vegetables and fruits everyday, avoiding animal products. They also suggested exercising everyday.

More than a dozen old people from the Ming Te Institute for the Aged came very happily for the free consultations. They especially liked the Chinese traditional medicine and expressed the wish that the Supreme Master Ching Hai medical team would go to their institute.

An old men, Mr. To suffered from a sporting injury for nine years. He was unable to extend his shoulder and elbow. After manipulation and cupping by a Chinese herbalist initiate there were immediate improvements. He happily said thank you many times and expressed the wish to come next time! There was another person, an old lady who had travelled a long distance by bus from Zao Chiao town. Her friend had been treated by the Supreme Master Ching Hai medical team with very good results, therefore, no matter how, she had to come.

Formosa Times Jan. 8, 1996

Supreme Master Ching Hai Medical Team Offered Free Medical Service At Garden Party. Huge Number Of Doctors On Site Just Like A Medium Sized Hospital.

After the consultations, the Chinese herbalists said that the adolescents were mainly suffering from allergic rhinitis and bronchitis. They suggested having more exercise to increase their energy levels. The middle aged people were over tired, thus affecting their metabolism. Therefore they usually suffered from insomnia, thirst, tension, headaches and tiredness. The doctors suggested that work and rest should be balanced, that one should have appropriate rest; the diet should be simple; smoking and alcohol should also be avoided. The aged usually had heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen and/or stomach problems. The doctors suggested eating less salty, preserved, fried or barbecued foods and additives. Appropriate exercise, they said, would also be beneficial.

Zhong Hwa Daily News Jan. 8, 1996

(Reported by journalist Yeh Tsang-Shou, Miaoli) Jian Tai Secondary School celebrated it's anniversary with a Loving Heart Garden Party. Principal Huang Jin-Bong said that the function was organized to echo the loving charitable deeds of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Master Ching Hai took the initiative of contributing thirty thousand NT dollars to the Yeou Anh Institute For Disabled Children. Therefore, together with groups that strive to spread love, compassionate services for environmental protection, drug abuse avoidance and blood donation were offered.

People Daily News Jan. 8, 1996

(Reported by journalist Chang Hsun-Teng, Miaoli)

Free Medical Service Received Good Reviews A Garden Party At Jian Tai Secondary School Mobilized More Than Seventy Doctors And Chinese Herbalists

The Supreme Master Ching Hai medical team mobilized yesterday more than seventy doctors and Chinese herbalists from various major hospitals in the country, together with pharmacists and nursing staff, to provide free treatment at the Loving Heart Garden Party at Jian Tai Secondary School. Apart from free consultations, there were also urine, ECG, and blood pressure test, and free medication available. Many people made appointments.

The doctors advised middle to elderly aged people not to use excessively hot water nor spend too much time in their baths; also to keep lighthearted all the time.

On the other hand, gynecologists advised women to eat more vegetables, which contain a lot of natural vitamins, and less oily foods to keep looking young. The Supreme Master Ching Hai medical team providing medical treatment at Jian Tai Secondary School yesterday received good reviews. (Photo by journalist Chang Hsun-Teng)

China Times, Jan. 6, 1996

Free Medical Treatment

The Supreme Master Ching Hai medical team was comprised of several medical specialist. Chief consultants came from Taipei Gen Hsin, Rong Zong, Chung Shan, Chang Gen..., and ether major hospitals. Famous Chinese herbalists and acupuncturists from various places provided professional services to the people. Hakka translation was also arranged.

News 55 Index

Master Says

The Excellent Examples

Set By Bao Su Ya And Guan Zhong!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
Jan. 7, 1996. (Originally In Chinese)

Two Talented Persons In A Turbulent Era

Previously, Guan Zhong had shot Prince Huan of Qi with an arrow. The wound was not fatal and Prince Huan of Qi faked his death. Later, Prince Huan of Qi became the King of Qi State, so Guan Zhong fled to another country. Bao Su Ya knew that Guan Zhong was a person of high calibre, so he quickly got him to come back to serve under King Huan of Qi in an important position. Bao Su Ya knew that Guan Zhong would make a good premier who was capable of pacifying the world, and China could not possibly be united and have peace without Guan Zhong. Therefore, Bao Su Ya used every means to save his friend and bring him back. He sent his subordinates to get Guan Zhong who was then taking refuge in Lu State.

A chancellor of Lu State detected Guan Zhong's great talent, so he advised the King of the Lu State: "Your majesty, you must not let this man go. If you do not use him, then kill him."

The King of Lu asked him why Guan Zhong should be used or killed?

That wise chancellor said, "Guan Zhong is a great talent in the world. If you let him return to the side of King Huan of Qi he will surely get a high position, and then you will be finished! If you don't want to use him, then kill him. Don't let him fall into the hands of other people; this would be very dangerous!"

Politics is really terrible. It is so rare to find a talented person. If you don't use him, why not let others use him? What does it matter? Perhaps they did not practice the Quan Yin Method, so they didn't know the spirit of sharing. They didn't have a noble ideal, that was why they behaved in such a way.

Having listened to the suggestion of this wise chancellor, the King of Lu decided to kill Guan Zhong; but the man sent by Bao Su Ya was even wiser.

He said, "If your majesty kills this man and returns his corpse to us, it is the same as you not returning him at all. This shows that you despise our king. Guan Zhong previously had shot an arrow at our King. Our King is determined to avenge this, lest he can't rest in peace." (This was merely a trick to deceive the enemy!)

"If your majesty refuses to hand over this fugitive to the King of Qi State, I am afraid there will be conflict between our two countries."

Hearing this, the King of Lu knew that he had no alternative, because his state was the weaker one. Besides, he had no excuse to kill a citizen of the other country. He could do nothing, even though he knew it was disadvantageous to him. The king and his chancellor could only tolerate it and send Guan Zhong back. Guan Zhong was really brilliant; he knew that the chancellor would surely chase after him to try to kill him, so he wrote many songs for the soldiers escorting him (as a prisoner) to sing. Singing songs while walking, they went very fast and that murderous chancellor of Lu State chasing behind, failed to catch up with them!

That was brilliant, everyone was astute. It would be great if we were as brilliant as they! Is there anyone here as good as them? Most probably none, I am the most astute. (Master and everyone laugh.)

Bao Su Ya successfully saved his friend, and Guan Zhong also saved himself in his prisoner's cart. The prisoner's cart stopped as soon as they entered Qi territory, and was immediately greeted by Bao Su Ya who heard that Guan Zhong had returned. He opened the prisoner's cart, and freed Guan Zhong.

Guan Zhong said, "You'd better not open the door before you have received the order."

Bao Su Ya said, "Don't be afraid, I will promptly recommend you to the King of Qi State."

Guan Zhong acted very humbly and said, "My master is dead. Having failed to protect my master, how can I have the face to see him in the other world?"

He felt ashamed to accept at once, so he needed some persuasion. He could not immediately say: "Okay! I am ready to be the premier!"

Bao Su Ya also acted as though he was fooled, and said, "Never mind, this is only a trivial matter. A talented person should take on an important position in serving the country and maintaining world peace, instead of clinging to a corner, to a deceased person. We should serve the whole world, and not only one or two persons."

He made Guan Zhong feel that he was of value, so he wouldn't want to die any more! Perhaps he really wanted to die, I don't know. However, if he really wanted to die, then why did he tell the soldiers to sing the songs and walk fast? (Laughter) Let's just believe in him!

Even A Wise King Needs The Help Of Able Premiers

Having come to a mutual agreement, Bao Su Ya then reported to King Huan of Qi: "I have to report two matters to your Majesty. First, for the benefit of the state, you should forsake personal and family feelings. In this regard, I feel sorry and deeply empathize with your Majesty. Regarding the other matter, I wish to congratulate your Majesty, because the greatly talented Guan Zhong has been rescued. From today, your Majesty will have the help of an able person."

King Huan of Qi said, "That man shot me with an arrow. I have not taken revenge yet - I still keep the arrow with me. How could I use him? When he comes back, I shall kill him and tear him into pieces."

Even though he was the king of a nation, he still could not forget a trivial animosity. Whoever had praised him, he would always remember. Whoever had spoken ill of him, their three generations would all be liberated (killed). (Laughter)

Most kings were narrow-minded, that was why they needed many virtuous and greatly talented people, high monks or spiritual persons, to advise them; the more the better.

However, most virtuous or spiritual persons disliked serving in the court, because they knew everything was an act in a play. They didn't want to act in there. They would occasionally when they were bored, but most of the virtuous and spiritual persons would not go into that inferno.

Fortunately, there was still Guan Zhong and Bao Su Ya there. Maybe they were destined to help the king as premiers; otherwise, the king could do nothing. He became the king because of his blessed reward, but he had not the virtues and wisdom to rule the country and the world. The premiers had the virtues, but they didn't have the blessed reward of the king. They only had the blessing to become premiers, which they used to help the king. In fact, they just came here to play a game ?one chose to be the king, the others chose to be the premiers.

It is similar to a movie ?one acts the main role, while the other one, though very famous, plays the supporting part. It doesn't matter, only that the pay is lower. (Laughter) There is not much difference. Without the supporting actor, the main actor cannot play his part. Without the main actor, the supporting actor is useless. The director is even more useless. Therefore, God is useless without us! Don't fear Hierm. (Applause)

Bao Su Ya said, "Loyal subordinates are always devoted to their masters."

At that time, Guan Zhong served only Prince Jeou (King Huan of Qi's brother who fought with him for the throne), because Prince Jeou was his lord!

"Of course, he shot your Majesty on behalf of Prince Jeou. If you can cherish and use him now, he will conquer the world for you, with the same arrow."

King Huan of Qi was absolutely delighted in acquiring such a person. Good for him that he later finally understood. As I have said, it is easy to be a king or a president, if they listen to advice! Through listening to the suggestions of the wise, intelligent and talented persons, one can stay on the throne for a long time, and rule the country in peace.

Similarly, being spiritual practitioners, if we do not listen to the words of the sages, or the teachings of ancient persons, how can we accomplish our trivial tasks properly? Since we don't know, we should listen to the teachings of wiser persons who know more. Since ancient times, any king who has good consultants and wise advisers is always intelligent.

The king does not have to be talented or wise. All he needs is humility, cleverness and willingness to accept the good advice from others, to be fit to be a king. Since it is so easy to be a king, would you like to try? (Master and everyone laugh.) Group together several wise persons, and you can become a king ?at home!

Heeding the advice of Bao Su Ya, King Huan of Qi spared Guan Zhong, but he didn't want to use him yet. Although Bao Su Ya told him that Guan Zhong had great talents, he didn't know how able Guan Zhong really was. He would only entrust the administration of the whole country to Bao Su Ya.

Bao Su Ya said, "No way! Your majesty has already bestowed enormous grace upon my whole family, and we have received enough for our living. We are extremely content and grateful. I am really not competent enough to manage the whole country. I cannot take on this burden."

King Huan of Qi kept pressing Bao Su Ya to accept, so Bao Su Ya said, "I really can't. Truly, I am well-versed in etiquette and regulations, and I also respect your Majesty very much; however, I cannot handle politics as well as Guan Zhong can. Should your Majesty put up with and use me, more harm than benefit will definitely be incurred. To have a virtuous and competent political administration, one must provide meritorious service to the king, bestow grace on the feudal lords, make the country stable, glorify the king and engrave his name in history. This is the task for an exceptionally able person, not an ordinary one."

He thought himself an ordinary person who was not competent enough.

"If your Majesty really seeks someone who can manage the country, Guan Zhong is the only choice. I can see no other better than he."

Bao Su Ya was really keen in his observation. It would be wonderful if we could have a person here like him. Should you see anyone like him, bring him to me. (Laughter)

Put Official Business Before Personal Feelings

King Huan of Qi had great faith in Bao Su Ya, because they had gone through thick and thin together, just like pals or brothers. Now that he had something good to offer to Bao Su Ya, he was rejected. Of course he felt very uncomfortable. He didn't trust anyone else.

Such is the way of we humans. We always like to maintain personal feelings with people who live with us, and with whom we have got used to. Therefore, we are always in emotional debt with each other, and cannot do things properly. We should be impartial in handling official business. Observing anyone with talents, we should recommend and use them for the good of everyone. It is wrong to use someone, just because they are our good friends, brothers or sisters! We often make a mess of our work because of personal feelings.

Many kings, because they loved and indulged in their concubines or beauties, had fun at the expense of their country, it led to the downfall of their empires. This has happened frequently since ancient times. It is good for spiritual practitioners to learn from these lessons. Before we become Buddhas, these strategies are quite useful to us.

Despite the repeated advice by Bao Su Ya, King Huan of Qi still hesitated. Finally, he said, "All right, let it be. Ask him to come, and let me test the calibre of his talents."

King Huan of Qi acted as though he didn't care, so Bao Su Ya told him that was not proper. "If a person is low in position, he cannot control a wealthy person. Without financial status, one cannot interfere with the problems of another wealthy family clan. A lowly person cannot even talk to the nobler persons, not to mention demand them to listen to you. If your Majesty needs Guan Zhong, considering the latent ability of Guan Zhong, you should give him the position of premier. You must treat him as your elder brother, or even your parents."

What do you think? You must treat him as your elder brother or parents before he would help you. No wonder you revere me as Shih-Fu (meaning teacher or father in Chinese).

Now I understand! (Laughter) For your own benefit, you give me all kinds of names, deluding profit and fame, and make me work like mad. I, this old fool, have been tricked! Only when I read this ancient story, do I realize that I have been tricked for a long time. From now on, let me call you Shih-Fu. (Laughter) Let's exchange jobs. (Audience said: No.)

Be Humbler As Your Position Gets Higher

Bao Su Ya continued to say, "Since you want him to be the premier, how can you summon him like calling a child, like any nobody or common person. This is not respectful but too careless. Guan Zhong is a person with exceptional talents. Your Majesty should pick an auspicious date to personally go and invite him."

It is not bad for a king to act so humbly. How many kings, politicians or national leaders in the world today can behave so humbly? Perhaps there are some, we don't know. It is great if there are any, and we congratulate the world. We are also happy for countries who have humble kings or presidents. If we have more of these kings or national leaders, our world will be more peaceful and comfortable. It is proper for a king to be so humble. The higher one's position, the humbler one should be. Since we are nobodies in this world, only like tiny sweet potatoes, we ought to be even humbler.

It is all right for me to be proud, (Master laughs and everyone applauds) because I am the Master! Most masters behave like this; otherwise, we do not look like a master. It is fun to act this way. I am very humble within, which you must believe though you cannot see it. (Master and everyone laugh.)

The Loyal, Upright, Virtuous And Wise Bao Su Ya

Bao Su Ya further advised King Huan of Qi, "Knowing that your Majesty treats virtuous and able persons so courteously, people the whole world over will admire and respect you greatly. Since your Majesty can forsake personal animosity for the country and treat able persons so kindly, eventually the whole world will be yours."

He spoke like a magical fortune-teller, and his words really came true. King Huan of Qi nodded and agreed with him. This King of Qi State was really very good, and it was only natural that he became the overlord of China afterwards.

From here, we can see that Bao Su Ya was truly of great character. He didn't fight for fame and wealth despite his great contribution to the country. Nor did he stifle talents, hide Guan Zhong, and speak ill of him. On the contrary, he spent a great deal of effort to rescue him, and offered him to his lord. Able to do this as an officer, one is the most honest and upright officer in the world. Able to do this as a human, one is the most virtuous and wise person in the world. Able to do this as a friend, one is a top-notch friend in the world. How wonderful if we could have more of these persons in the world. In your spiritual cultivation, remind yourself that this is the least we should do as a human being. Handle things with absolute justice, do not suppress or stifle talented people because of personal enmity. Let the country and the world grow richer and become more peaceful.

In this era, whoever has a little talent is in a relatively dangerous situation. This happened in many eras. Fortunately, there are still some people who know how to use able persons. Although Bao Su Ya claimed that he had not the least political talent, I feel that he was a very good person. Wise is the one who knows oneself ?one is ever victorious by knowing oneself and the opponents well. Since he knew his shortcomings, that showed that he was very good. He was perfect.

We think that perfection simply means sitting there, with eyes opened or closed, not moving no matter what happens; not reacting to any praise or reproach; having no feelings, no human relations, no friends, absolutely no human emotions, and so on. This concept towards perfection is wrong; otherwise, we can have perfection simply by putting a piece of timber or a rock here! (Laughter)

Perfect Persons Know How To Develop Their Good Points

A perfect person knows his good points and shortcomings. He subdues the shortcomings, puts them aside or controls them properly, to be used only when necessary. The good points he will continue to develop, to benefit others and himself. Such is a perfect person. When one is perfect, anything is good. There are no emotional feelings, and life becomes monotonous ?it is very boring.

Therefore, I scold you occasionally ?add some seasoning, and you also like it. (Applause) If you don't like it, I can leave it. I can act like a wooden Buddha. Each time you come, I can touch your head, and say, "Nice!" In fact, this is also good for me, and I will grow fatter. (Laughter)

However, as there are many of this type of irresponsible master in the world, and many wooden Buddhas in the temples, there is no need for me to act like one more. Our world needs a Buddha who is more capable of handling things, and more flexible. (Applause)

If the spiritual practitioners cannot do things as humbly and wisely as Bao Su Ya, they should be ashamed of themselves. There were such personages in China. Therefore, I remind you: It is better to learn from our predecessors than other people.

A sage once said: "When there are three persons walking with us, one of them must be our teacher." Perhaps all three are our teachers, as each of them can teach us something different.

Since Bao Su Ya praised Guan Zhong so highly, you must have thought that he truly admired and respected Guan Zhong. It was not necessarily so! He was a most magnanimous person who could put aside anything for the country. Later, Guan Zhong enjoyed worldly pleasure with the king all day long. The king's palace was extravagant and luxurious and so was Guan Zhong's residence. Bao Su Ya did not appreciate this quality so he often talked to Guan Zhong: "The king is so extravagant, yet as a premier you do not counsel him to be more frugal; on the contrary, only enjoy luxury with him. Why?"

Guan Zhong's idea was that, the king had toiled laboriously for many years. Now that he had got the throne, naturally he would like to take a rest and enjoy a little. That was perfectly all right. Although Bao Su Ya didn't argue with him, definitely he was not convinced within. He was a more conservative man, and he lived a simple life without so many luxurious items. He was not as cunning as Guan Zhong. His inability in this aspect obstructed him from sitting in Guan Zhong's position as premier. Although he knew it, human minds always cling to a certain thing; otherwise, it is not human! Therefore, he still often blamed his friend Guan Zhong for living too extravagantly and luxuriously, and inducing many other officials also to live extravagantly.

It didn't matter, so long as they could manage the country well! Many poor people live a tough life, but they also cannot manage the country or unify China, to let everyone live together in peace. King Huan of Qi might be a little extravagant, but what did it matter if he could handle things? He was the only one living lavishly in China. It did not make much difference. Even if he offered his entire wealth to the country, the country would not become more prosperous.

King Huan Of Qi - A Great Leader Of His Time

Though Guan Zhong and Bao Su Ya were very good friends, a gap still existed between their ideas. Being in this world, we should understand that, surely there will be times that we have some friction with our friends, but this is all right. We should permit everyone to have their own ideas and thoughts. Friends do not have to be identical, it would be too boring. Otherwise, it is better to stay alone, why bother to have friends? (Laughter) There is not much use. It is good enough that friends can agree on most ideas. Guan Zhong could tell what was important and what was not; he saw it very clearly, so he didn't reproach and stop the king even though he was a little extravagant.

King Huan of Qi was very frank. On their first meeting, he discussed with Guan Zhong how to manage the country, how to deploy military forces, and other things. Guan Zhong answered his queries fluently. King Huan of Qi did not rely only on Bao Su Ya's recommendation; only after he checked Guan Zhong's real calibre for himself did he give the post of premier to Guan Zhong, and even esteemed him as Zhong Fu, (Fu means father in Chinese, Zhong means very noble, very great), just like the king's father.

He admired Guan Zhong very much, and was also very frank with him. He told Guan Zhong, "I have a vice: I am fond of beautiful women. Is this harmful to the country?" Guan Zhong answered, "No, being fond of women will not hurt the country. Only the reluctance of listening to advice of the sages is harmful to the country and the world."

His statement was also correct. If the king was flawless, he would not need able persons. Everyone would have nothing to do since the king knew everything!

If a person is too perfect, his thinking will be very tense, and so cannot see things clearly. Bao Su Ya was not as astute as Guan Zhong, because he was too virtuous, too straight, too clean, too good and too perfect.

The Exceptional And Selfless Guan Zhong

Guan Zhong was different. He knew how to become perfect but he didn't care. He did whatever should be done for the benefit of the multitude. He didn't mind whether he was perfect, and was not restricted by perfection. He forsook the formula of adhering to narrow guidelines. He forsook all of them to serve the country. That was the difference.

So it was with the king. If he only managed the country continuously all day long, did not look at girls, did not touch any exotic food or liquor, nothing, how long do you think he could last? Three days at the most. He would die, or his mind would collapse, and would become an abnormal, unbalanced person. Then he would not understand anything, because he was too focused on one thing, and failed to take a wider view.

For instance, when we are sitting for the examination tomorrow, we cannot learn anything today. It is better to relax. Only when the mind is relaxed, then we can think freely. Can we figure out anything when our mind is too tense? (Answer: No.)

Therefore, the method of meditation is very logical. We are busy everyday, and our eyes, wisdom and mind are confined to a very narrow range, unable to find any answer. Can we see things clearly by getting too close? (Master places something next to eyelids.) (Answer: We can't!) There must be proper distance, space and time, so that we can handle many things.

This also applies to us, the spiritual practitioners. Previously, I didn't have so many disciples, so we pitched tents together. I lived on this side, while you lived over on. When some people saw me drinking tea, they had doubts and even criticized me: "It is strange! How can an enlightened master drink tea and chat?"

An enlightened master should exactly drink tea and chat. (Laughter) It is the unenlightened ones who dare not to drink tea or chat. Why can't I do it since I am enlightened? (Applause)

The teacher can go out to play ball, football or golf, or drive around for fun. He has graduated, and he knows everything. Even if there is something that he doesn't know, it is all right for him to practice slowly. The students must sit for the examination, and work hard on the homework. The teacher can arrange his time, and doesn't have to study hard like the students do. The teacher also has to work hard sometimes. He may have to read books at night to prepare tomorrow's lessons for the students. However, he doesn't have to work as hard as the students because he knows how to arrange his time. The students cannot make their own arrangements; they are bound by examinations and time.

Only By Relaxing Can One Think Well

However, it is also not proper to study too hard. Therefore, when we are meditating or having a seven-day retreat, there will be barbecues, performances, dances and so on. On festival days, we will put on beautiful clothes just for fun. We can still practice very well. Has anyone been affected? Please raise your hand to show me. Aren't you getting better? Have you had any progress? (Answer: Yes!) Occasionally, we may relax. Just remember to come back!

Even cattle and horses cannot endure excessively hard work, much less humans. Can you force them to work, plough the fields for twenty-four hours? Can they stand it? They will die. The same with machines, cars and airplanes. They also need time for maintenance and rest.

There was a United States president, who would take a day or two off when he was too burdened by national affairs. He'd just quit! Actually, he handled things better when he was on vacation.

Normally, when we have a problem, we keep thinking and pressing ourselves. Too anxious to have the job done, the result turns out to be bad. We might as well put aside the work and go to sleep or watch television. However, at those times, our subconscious is not watching the television; our soul, our wisdom is still working. When it is given time, it will slowly and invisibly tell us how to handle the problem. Therefore, we know what to do after watching the television!

I often do it this way. (Applause) I handle most of the things in bed. When in such beautiful and formal dress like now, I seldom handle anything. The real moment of doing things is when I am not working. Then, I have more time, and I am more tranquil. I am referring to the worldly affairs; for the invisible matters, at all times, I am always handling them. (Master laughs and everyone applaud.)

News 55 Index

Poem

YOU

By Young Friend Hsu, (14 years old), Mainland China.

                Many times, my tears shed in silence.
                  I thought, I was crying for You.
                                But, I was wrong.

                  Innumerable times, I gazed at Your eyes.
                         I thought, I love You the deepest.
                                        But, I was wrong again.

                         Each time, wordlessly I thought about You.
          I thought, You are the One whom I've been seeking for many lives.
                                        But, I was still wrong.

                                                   The truth is,
                           My tear drops rolled down  for "me";
                  I love You deeply because I love "myself" deeply.
           "I" am the One whom I've been seeking for many lives.

 

* "I" refers to the God within.

News 55 Index

Master's Wonders

Enjoy The Best Of The Heavenly Kingdom Within
Guided By Master's Transformation Body

Enjoy The Best Of The Heavenly Kingdom Within

By Fellow Initiate Yeou, Chiayi, Formosa

After praying, tranquillity permeated me entirely, and I felt intoxicated like being in the ocean of love. Coming out of samadhi, I realized that I had meditated for about an hour and a half, which felt like a short moment. Amazed by the immense blessing power, I phoned my friend early the next morning (a Quan Yin practitioner) and told him that I wanted to receive Master's initiation.

After my initiation, I often received Master's blessing during meditation. Therefore I told my wife, "You are my beloved wife, I cannot forsake you. If we want to pursue spiritual practice, we should practice the highest method and follow an enlightened master who will lead us together to liberation. Please switch to a vegetarian diet quickly and get initiation!"

My wife used all kinds of excuses to refuse switching to a vegetarian diet, so I could only leave her alone. Several days later, she cooked a pot of soup from fresh pork ribs, but she felt as if she was eating human flesh when she drank it. The next bowl also tasted the same. Observing this, I told her that it was time. She said, "Since it has turned out this way, I will start on a vegetarian diet and get prepared for initiation."

At the recent Christmas Three-Day Retreat, I heard the sound of the Buddhist Chanting tape coming from the kitchen so I just relished the bliss of the chanting and forgot my own existence. Suddenly, colourful heavenly light appeared and flooded the center. Within the colourful heavenly light, I saw the Primordial Heavenly Lord of Taoism descend to give a lecture. He was followed by Bodhidharma from the West, and then Quan Yin Bodhisattva also came and sprinkled nectar water over the place. I was in tears as I felt the compassionate blessings from the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions.

I hope that people with an affinity will join and practice the Quan Yin Method. Through practicing with Master, we come to know that the Heavenly Kingdom is within us.

News 55 Index

Pearls Of Wisdom

Learn To Decline with Humility! The Law Of Love, Forgiveness And Compassion

Learn To Decline With Humility!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Dec. 17, 1995. (Originally In Chinese)

I allow children to ride in my mini-car as encouragement to better themselves. Therefore, you must not have the wrong concept that you must sit in my mini-car, even if you have to squeeze and push. If you qualify, I will chase after you asking you if you want to take a ride. At that time you can say, "I do not want to!" (Master and everyone laugh.) Then you are terrific, is that not right? It may not do us any good by chasing after or demanding this and that all the time. We should contribute voluntarily instead of always asking for things. This is the correct concept. Therefore, teach your children from childhood, the spirit of patience, sharing and declining with humility.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Dec. 23, 1995. (Originally In English)

As long as we are still in this illusionary world, we should provide for ourselves, train ourselves, play with these tools, experiment with our ability and intelligence. Let's see what life has to offer, let's see what tomorrow will bring, with our intelligence and ability? We watch life growing inside us; we watch life changing with the seasons; we watch our tools bringing benefit to ourselves, our family and the society at large.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Dec. 23, 1995. (Originally In English)

Wisdom is one thing. Intelligence and ability are another. Wisdom we keep. Wisdom can never be taken away from us. Wisdom can never be trained, can never be defiled, can never be lessened or increased.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Jan. 6, 1996. (Originally In Chinese)

Anything that is wrong will remain wrong a hundred years later, if you do not rectify it. It won't become right just because you do not see it. Therefore, we must correct our mistakes. Just like when you are wearing clothing inside out, no matter where you are, wouldn't you try to wear it the correct way round? You cannot say that since you have been wearing it this way, and have travelled a hundred kilometers, "Why bother changing now?" If you don't change it, it will remain inside out.

News 55 Index

Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 55

Cover illustration:Beautiful, because of love. Master is the best example of being beautiful.

Center Events

Coloring The Land

By Resident Disciples, Hsihu Center, Formosa

The Supreme Master Gardener

When the beautifying project began, resident disciples lacked a proper understanding of horticulture and aesthetics, so quite a few good flowers they planted were ruined. Finally, Master came to help.

At seven o'clock one morning, right after group meditation, when our egos had not yet time to emerge, Master gathered all the sisters who had planted the flowers. She personally demonstrated to us how it should be done. She gave instructions by "casually" pointing Her umbrella to the remaining plants, and we immediately planted them.

When all the flowers were planted, they really looked lively and naturally arranged, blending in completely with the environment. To create an impression of being vast and abundant, there were a few small, well-arranged bunches dotted in between ?an amazing and intriguing touch.

The International Garden was our first "month long test". Maybe we are familiar with objects in one and two dimensions, but those of three dimensions in this area of expertise were new to us. Together with fellow initiates from various nations, we took our first step by laying a flagstone walkway.

Master gave us plenty of room to exercise our creativity. Apart from following a few principles, we could work freely. For example, we needed to maintain a natural appearance and avoid damaging the terrain. We tried to use the contour of the land and be one with nature ?this type of design is of the highest standard. Also we had to ensure that it would be convenient for people to walk around. The choice of plants needed to give an aesthetically green and shaded effect. As for planting big trees, the tall fruit trees needed to have priority over other varieties because they are practical and provide plenty of green. Also, they offer shade from the sun, and fellow practitioners can hang hammocks on them. Paths needed to be lined with plenty of fragrant flowers which bloom in various seasons so that the air would smell nice and refreshing, and then embellished by small flowers that are quick and easy maintain. The colors and aesthetic impression needed to be rich and abundant. Combinations of many colors can make a place look lively and energetic. Master quietly taught us a great deal. We observed attentively and learned gradually.

When we first began, a sister used her experience in floral arranging to plant flowers. Somehow, the result did not look polished or natural; there was a certain artificial quality to it. A few days later, when she put down her old concepts and let her inner master teach her how to plant flowers, her style became much more relaxed.

Master is a flower arrangement teacher of the highest calibre. She teaches us from within and makes us understand that aesthetics need to be developed from inside and cannot be achieved through mundane training or analysis.

When Master plants flowers the varieties are not important to Her. With Her ingenious arrangements any kind of flower can blend in with others, while each displays its own special features. Sometimes there are so many that it looks like a sea of flowers. Other times there are only two little flowers standing on their own, as if they are chatting quietly to each others, which also looks lovely.

Sing Love Songs To Flowers And Plants

Planting is only the first step in the beautifying process. The most important thing is how to look after the flora. They are most sensitive. When you look after them attentively and with love, they will be healthy, beautiful and prosper. Therefore, Master said that we should be in a good mood when we take care of flowers and plants, and sing love songs to them. When we do not give out a good atmosphere, we must not go near them, otherwise they might be affected and get deflated, and their 'chins will fall on their chests'.

Master's love is so fine that it reaches the flowers and grass. If someone steps on the plants, Master would feel pain in Her heart. The flowers and grass in the Center are especially sensitive, so when you come to the Center you must never step on the flowers and grass near the paths. We should change our rough qualities to become more loving and gentle.

Master also said, "If we cannot feel another's pain, if we cannot understand another's feelings, we are still far away from the Tao." Cultivating and looking after flowers and grass is the best way to begin cultivating and developing our sensitivity.

As for the loose soil that is easily washed away, Master taught us to plant a lot of marigolds close together so that the ground could not be seen and the roots would hold the soil together.

The purpose of cultivating plants and flowers is to beautify a place. Therefore, once the gardening work is finished, we should tidy up without a trace. This is the key of how we should work, which Master taught us.

A Considerate Design To Maintain Space

Master also told us, "Planting a row of large trees is not the way to cover a building. It is like telling people that there is something behind the trees."

When designing, care should be taken to maintain individual space. Heights and thicknesses of plants should vary. When beautifying a simple, rough wall, holes can be bored into the concrete ground in which climbers can be planted. Mint planted around the home repels mosquitoes, and can also be used to brew a cup of tea, which is relaxing and pleasant, when we return in the evening. Also, a lawn is flat, so why not plant some creepers to create a three dimensional effect. Creepers can also beautify tree branches that are cut or withered.

When planting trees near a house, we have to be certain about the direction the roots grow and the way tree branches develop so as to reserve sufficient space for them to grow. As shown in the well known book, "The Little Prince": too big a tree can crumble the little Prince's planet.

Respect nature, learn from nature and integrate into nature. These are the principles of the universe for all in creation to exist happily together. If people can harmonize with nature's pulse, and love and help each other, then life will be smooth and comfortable, and mankind and all in creation can live as one.

To All Center And Fellow Initiates:

2. Sounding of horn is forbidden.

3. Turn off the engine as soon as the car has been parked.

4. Take care to open and close the car doors quietly. Especially when closing the car doors, please press lightly, do not slam by force, as this will create a loud noise.

5. When getting in or out of the car, do not talk, play, or laugh loudly. Take good care of the children; don't let them run around making trouble and noise.

6. No one is allowed to sleep in the cars at night with the engines running to provide warm or cold air-conditioning. This produces toxic fumes and pollutes the air.

7. Garbage should only be disposed of in the litter bins or left in the car for later disposal at home.

Fellow initiates who have offended the above regulations for the first time will be forbidden to join the group meditations at the Center for six months. For second time offenders, their Initiate Identity Card will be confiscated, and they will be barred permanently from coming to the Center for group meditations.

** Fellow initiates should use these guidelines related to environmental protection in their daily life. Besides benefiting ourselves, we are also helping the society and purifying our living environment. Please remember to remind your relatives and friends too!

Note: Fellow initiates please make duplicates of this notice, to be posted in the Centers to remind fellow initiates and for their reference.

News 55 Index

Special Reports

A Rendezvous Of Beauty! Reverberations -- Master's Profound Lov%
Self-Confidence Restored Master Put On The Make-Up For Me!

A Rendezvous Of Beauty!

Ever since Master kindly consented that we may purchase
the Celestial Clothes, fellow sisters have constantly been dreaming of themselves
wearing them, and possessing Master's transcendental beauty,
which can elevate them to the heavenly levels. However, beautiful clothes
also need the enhancement of appropriate ornamental accessories, hair styles and
make-up. Therefore, the fellow sisters prayed silently: "How nice it would be if
Master would give us a lesson in cosmetology!"
Master read their minds. Recently, on a fine and sunny Sunday,
She personally conducted an "Instant Cosmetology Seminar" at the International
Garden, teaching the fellow initiates how to use minimum materials, and in a
short time, create different looks to match the beauty of the Celestial Clothes.

A Rendezvous Of Beauty At The International Garden

It was a warm and sunny afternoon. Several fellow sisters wearing Celestial Clothes, with a happy heart and a smiling face, went to an appointment of beauty with Master.

When She appeared wearing a long burgundy and blue dress, everyone clapped to praise our most beautiful Master. When seeing the fellow sisters wearing Celestial Clothes, Master smiled and said that they were very pretty, and asked them to walk around for everyone to see. Originally, Master intended to use these fellow sisters as models for the make-up demonstration. However, as they had already put on their make-up, Master demonstrated the various matching methods using Herself as an example.

Master's teaching was complete, from hairstyles, to make-up, the purchase of cosmetics, daily conditioning, colours, styling and accessories; from outer appearance to inner cultivation, She took care of everything. The amazing fact was, She finished the entire make-up application in five minutes. An enlightened person can use the wisdom derived from enlightenment on every major or trivial matter in life. Therefore, She does everything distinctly, meticulously and perfectly.

Master told us: Once we have grasped the three main principles, it is very easy to become beautiful. They are namely: simplicity, naturalness and utilization of resources. Complexity is often not high-class, while "simplicity" is graceful; "being natural" makes people feel comfortable, and not oppressed; "utilization of resources" means using accessories in different combinations, which is both creative and economical. About the colours of the clothing, it is better not to exceed three colours, and select accessories matching the colours of the clothing. One accessory may serve many purposes. For instance, a scarf can be used as a belt, or tied into a butterfly knot slanting on the shoulders, or even as a headband. The earrings can be used as brooches, shoe-buttons or cuff-buttons. Use each thing for many purposes to develop our imagination and creative power, and to achieve an aesthetic effect, while also considering the economical aspect.

When demonstrating the hairstyles, Master reminded the fellow sisters, besides often washing and conditioning of their hair, maintenance is also necessary when their husband is not around (so there is time for it). Only when we have good hair quality, can we style our hair easily. Master simply picked up Her hair, and counted -- one, two, three! She twirled three times, and then finished an elegant hair bun. With another casual twiddle, a ceremonial lady's style was formed, and a hair clip on each side added much life to it. On ordinary days at home, a ponytail is fine. The several hairstyles demonstrated by Master were each completed in one or two minutes. Those with short hair may wear a hair band to give a dignified look. A hair clip near each ear will make one look lively and fresh, while a silk scarf tied round the forehead looks modern and energetic.

"Complete Change Of Appearance"
In A Few Minutes

When demonstrating the make-up, Master further displayed Her incredible sensitivity to colours. She handled the blush powder like a palette; She brushed swiftly and finished the make-up application by counting to six! The first two touches were on the cheek bones; the next two on the forehead and lower jaw; the last two on both eyes. With one glance, Master could tell the skin quality of a person, and which colour suits her best. A listless looking and middle-aged fellow sister, after being made-up by Master, turned into a totally new person in five minutes. Everyone exclaimed: "Even the not so great ones become wonderful!" The fellow sister instantly laughed cheerfully, and thus enchanted her beauty. Master explained it was not the make-up that made her look pretty, but the colour had given her confidence to laugh. Then she could work more effectively, which subsequently gave her greater confidence, and made her prettier.

After putting make-up on several fellow sisters, Master noticed that none of them conditioned their skin. Consequently, their skin was dry and made the application of make-up difficult. So, She took the opportunity to teach them some conditioning techniques: Consult the experts when purchasing creams, and pick one suitable to your skin type, one which is less harmful. Basically, one bottle each of three following items: moisturizing cream, toner (to make the skin glossy), premake-up lotion (to protect the skin) and cleanser are enough. After bathing or washing hands, just wipe off the water with hands, don't dry completely, then apply the cream to nourish and moisturize the skin. Place the hand cream and the hand cleaning lotion together. After washing hands, condition them immediately; keep applying as you walk away, so you don't waste any time. Waking up in the morning, if there is still oil remaining on your face from the cream applied the night before, just pat lightly with facial tissues, then apply the powder directly to save the time of applying the premake-up lotion or moisturizer. Master also suggested that we can use fine quality hand cream for the face too, because the degree of damage done to the hands and face by the elements is similar. Wearing gloves when washing clothes and dishes can avoid damaging the hands from chemical substances. All these conditioning procedures can be done "conveniently".

A fellow sister expressed that her waist size was too big, which made her look awful wearing any clothes. Master answered, "Do not wear tight clothing then; wear what is suitable for you." She then asked another sister who was also "plump" to step forward for demonstration. Although she was wearing a loose and straight gown, under Master's guidance, she put on a waist belt and still looked pretty. Master said, "The Celestial Clothes are not designed for selling only, but more for demonstrating the true sense of beauty. Following these examples, we can learn to design and change, and to create a sense of beauty belonging to each individual. A piece of cloth, through the enhancement of various ornamental accessories, can yield different effects."

Master even suggested to us the way to live with our spouse -- the make-up is for letting the other party feel comfortable, to give a warm feeling of getting ready to serve. Though husband and wife see each other everyday, we should still always greet each other as if it is the first time. Look at his good points, and give true encouragement to him from your heart. In daily life, endeavor to cultivate yourself to be in step with your husband. The husbands should also respect themselves, mind their hygiene, and find time to help with the household chores. When there is an argument, make the quarrel productive, and find the basic cause of the problem. Don't just swallow the quarrel half way through, and leave a permanent knot in the heart. Rectify the situation when you have found the cause of the problem, and then forget all about it after the quarrel. Refrain from mentioning past situations. The success or failure of a marriage is related to karma. We just do our best to let our conscience rest in peace. Then, in case any problem arises, we won't blame ourselves for having not done well enough. Through this self-training, we will feel fulfilled, and this is the most important.

All fellow initiates listened attentively. Of course, the fellow sisters were eager to learn how to make themselves look more graceful; to the fellow brothers, it was also a rare seminar on art. Everyone was intoxicated in the knowledge of beauty.

Meditation Is The Best Conditioning Method

After the beauty seminar, Master went downhill and walked around. There She saw many children with dry skin. Master told the parents to take good care of their children; help them apply cream after bathing each day, so they would have good skin when growing up; skin care should begin from childhood. A fellow sister complained that the "marks of youth" on her face ruined her beauty. Master taught her to use an eyebrow pencil or an oil-based pen to create a "beautiful mole" -- the problem was solved in a second! Just don't mark it on a disastrous spot, and create a "disastrous mole". Understandingly fellow practitioners laughed heartily.

In fact, both the superficial beauty, and the inner cultivation need daily and incessant nourishment, to yield the fruit of beauty.

Master further reminded everyone: Apart from outer appearances, the loving warm feeling between people is the really lasting and steady beauty. Master said that, when She has the time to meditate more, Her skin becomes pinker and finer after the meditation, and look even better than putting on make-up. She loves to stay alone. She doesn't feel lonely, because She is content at heart. "Daily meditation is the best conditioning method, which makes one look twenty years younger."

Reverberations -- Master's Profound Love

Narrated By Sister Yeou, Taipei, Formosa
Written By The News Group, Taipei, Formosa

When Master arrived at the International Garden, the weather changed immediately. The warm sun appeared and swept away the gloominess of the cold winter. It was as if heavenly light shone, making people feel intoxicated as in a holy land.

Under the ingenious make-up by Master, the faces of those fellow sisters immediately beamed with radiance. In fact, it was not only the cosmetics that made them beautiful, because Master not only beautified their outside but their soul as well. Due to Master's blessings, the brilliance of their spiritual nature was revealed. After being enlightened by Master, our spiritual level becomes elevated, and gradually we know who we are. Naturally, we are more confident, and become more beautiful.

Master personally taught us how to make ourselves beautiful within a short period of time, for the purpose that fellow practitioners could have a harmonious family, and thus have no worries in their spiritual practice; also to let us understand that spiritual practitioners should not dress slovenly, neglect their outer appearance, and disgust others. Also, we should neither waste too much time nor be over attached in beautifying ourselves, as this might create obstructions in our spiritual practice. We were deeply touched by Master's profound love and kind intent.

Self-Confidence Restored

Narrated By Sister Lai, Yuenlin, Formosa
Written By The News Group, Taichung, Formosa

Master Put On The Make-Up For Me!

Narrated By Sister Lin, Taipei, Formosa
Recorded By The News Group, Taipei, Formosa

News 55 Index