Letters Between Master And Disciples

Boundless Holy Love Master, Mother Of Our Souls

Boundless Holy Love

By Fellow Initiate Maritza Leone, Panama

(Originally in English)

I want to send my best wishes to You, and the never-ending hope of You coming again someday to Panama.

I am now writing to You in the name of a friend named Anita, whom since first hearing about You has accepted You. She wants to thank You from the bottom of her heart because she feels Your grace around her all the time, and You saved her son from dying in a car accident not long ago.

Now she is having a hard time because her husband abandoned her for another woman. Under such difficult circumstances, she remembered You and stopped eating meat. She doesn't know how, but when she remembered You she suddenly decided to stop that kind of diet.

At that time, I suddenly called her when I heard about the bad news regarding her husband. She was surprised and felt that You had sent me to call her. Really, when she was in need I called her, and we were amazed at this. I think she is sincere in her heart and because of that You help her always.

When she told me that she was being disturbed by black magic, I told her to wear a pin with Your picture on it always. That night she slept peacefully. Since that night, the pain has stopped and she feels good. She wears the pin with Your picture always.

She is reading the book, "The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment" Volume 1, in Spanish, and has asked me to tell You that she hopes You accept her the way she is. She asked me to write this letter to You to tell You what happened and to give her best wishes to You. I had told her that if she really wants to help herself she must be prepared to receive the initiation; because it is the best treasure that God gives us to contact Him, and that this is the real liberation that You offer to us.

Oh! Dear Master, it is very wonderful how You help all our friends, how You help Your little children. Although physically we are so far away, inside we are one with You. Thank You. You are the most wonderful being and energy. I have no words to say, but thanks for coming to this Earth!

With a big hug and kiss to You,
Yours, Maritza

News 56 Index

Master Tells Stories

Spiritual Practitioners Should Provide For Themselves

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

December 23, 1995 (Originally in English)

The next day again, God also fed the fox through the tiger. The man was thinking that he was somewhat enlightened now. He said, "Ah, we have to depend on God. We must trust God, then Hes will provide everything for us."

So he dropped his business, forgot his wife and kids, and didn't even go to Hsihu Center for group meditation anymore. (Laughter) He just sat there in the forest, tried to surrender to God, and hoped that God would bring provisions to him. He sat there, meditating on God; and he didn't even recite the Holy Names or 'Namo the Supreme Master Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih Supreme Master Tzu's' name. (Laughter)

He said, "I just trust God. Why should I recite anyone's name? I trust God, I love God, I believe in God, I fear God; that's enough for me. I surrender everything to God."

So he sat there. He waited for maybe butter and cakes, bread, cheese, tofu to arrive.

First day, nothing came, so he continued to sit there. He said, "God is testing my faith." He sat there another day. Second day, no tofu even appeared and no cabbage grew from the earth in front of his nose. Nothing happened, so he thought, "Oh, God must be testing my courage and my belief." Of course I'll show Hierm my faith, my surrender ability and my unwavering, unshaken trust in God. So he sat there again and kept waiting.

Third day comes. Nothing happened. No butter, no bread, no cheese, no tofu, no cabbage, no carrots, not even water in the form of rain. Slurp, slurp. Now, he felt the test from his throat, his stomach, his limbs; not from God necessarily, but from all over his body. All the spare parts of his body began to try not to spare him. (Master and all laugh.) So he was deeply suffering and trying to think, what happened.

He prayed to God, "Please don't test me any further, I truly trust You. I really surrender to You. My faith in You is unshaken. It can never die."

So there came a voice from heaven, or maybe from his stomach, I don't know. (Master and all laugh.) It said something like this, "Oh, you stupid fool. Why do you learn the way of a disabled fox? Wake up. Walk the way of the tiger."

Well, we can be monks too, but we should work. Do some little thing for our living. That's why I told you, we must earn our own bread; because we are provided with tools and intelligence. We are not disabled foxes. If we were, maybe God would provide for us. But since we are not disabled, why should we walk the way of a disabled animal? We should walk like a lion, tiger, elephant, horse. We should be the provider and not the beggar, not the receiver. That's the way of life.

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. We have intelligence, we should use it. 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. Intelligence, knowledge, we should use, just to deal with daily life in this mundane world. The wisdom we keep for ourselves. We can use it for a greater, more noble purpose like getting other people enlightened, or getting ourselves more power so that we can help those in need. Like healing without healing, knowing without knowing, helping without helping, blessing the world without even a trace of arrogance, and without a trace of credit for our part. That's the way we should be.

So today, tomorrow or everyday we meditate; this is just like walking the way of the tiger. We provide, we bless, we don't ask, we don't beg.

I think God, angels, enlightened beings, are doing their part already. They are getting their jobs done. Now we have to follow their footsteps and do their jobs too - not always praying for ourselves or begging for this ephemeral life. Whenever we truly need something we may pray for it; just for that necessity so that we can go on with our spiritual life, but not forever being a beggar in the spiritual kingdom.

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Poem

How I wish

By A Would-be Fellow Initiate, Shen-Chun, Mainland China

(Originally in Chinese)

        How I wish that I could become a white cloud,

                                Drifting to the wide hill top of my home town.

        How I wish that I could become a light breeze,

                                Conveying the gentle greetings in my heart.

        How I wish that I could become a bouquet,

                                Softly sending out a sweet fragrance.

        How I wish that I could become a butterfly,

                                Fluttering after Your holy footsteps.

        How I wish that I were the little, painted pebble in Your hand,

                                To receive Your touch of "turning stone to gold".

        Oh! My kind Mom!

        How I wish... How much I wish...

        To be with You!

 

News 56 Index

Master Tells Jokes

The Disillusioned Dream About Marriage

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
February. 4, 1996. (Originally in Chinese)

I asked her: "Who was that person?"

She answered: "I don't know! I just saw him." She said that the man was very good looking. So I began looking for him everywhere, but I couldn't find him.

Later, wherever I went, I took her with me and asked her: "Look! Is that him?" (Audience laughs.)

She then told me that the man had a moustache. So when I saw someone with a moustache, and he was tall, handsome and had a fair complexion, I always asked her if that was the guy.

I asked her if he was a Westerner or an Oriental man.

She said: "He looked to be of our kind." But what is our kind? Even talking about marriage, she would connect me to the Chinese! She would not let me go anywhere else. Even in her dream she would not let me go.

She said: "He seemed to be Chinese, and very good-looking."

I said: "Really? Okay! Let's go look for him. (Audience laughs.)

So wherever we went, we would ask each other: "Well, is this the one?"

Because I saw some very good-looking men who did not have a moustache, I would secretly add a moustache on the picture of his face and then ask her: "Is this the one?"(Laughter) She would say: "He doesn't look like that one. That one was thinner...," and things like this.

So I tried. It turned out that - do you know? Oh! When we started to talk for the first time, it was very romantic of course! However, his breath was full of the smell of onion and garlic (audience laughs), and I couldn't bear it. But I thought, let it pass! Maybe he has a cold today and had to take medicine to cure himself.

I heard that onion and garlic can cure a cold. It is true, but they are just one of the ingredients in the medicine. You do not simply eat garlic just like that! Some people are very lazy and eat it raw.

Our first meeting was very romantic, just the smell wasn't; but that's okay, I forgave him.

When we talked the second time, I saw that he had bits of salad and green vegetables stuck between several of his teeth. (Audience laughs.) Oh! Well, I let it pass again.

We should not be that intolerant! I could make him brush his teeth, and it would be fine. No need to be picky! I then thought I could maybe catch him on the day that I taught a beauty class, and make him attend for a trimming. I thought it would be fine like this, so I did not say anything.

Later, the third time we talked - gosh! I found that we couldn't communicate at all. For example, we had very good things, but he said that they were not good. Yet the unclean things outside which were very bad, he would say they were very good. Things like that.

Then I gave up. I told the attendant that even though he had a moustache, we should "shave" him off. (Master and audience laugh.)

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A Reader's Letter

Dissolved In The Ocean Of Love

By Mr. Tsai, Tainan, Formosa

Venerable Supreme Master Ching Hai,

I was blessed for being able to have made several pilgrimages to the pure land of Hsihu Center, and each time I got closer and closer to You. At one point I had the impetuous desire to touch Your clothes, but I managed to keep a distance because I was ashamed of my impurity, and feared that I might contaminate Your dignified, pure and holy light.

I was a heavy smoker. However, strangely enough I had no desire to smoke when I was in Hsihu. This enlightened me: smoking is a habit, but environments can generate a certain atmosphere which restrains the habit. "Quit smoking in one day" - I went to Hsihu only once, and benefitted immediately!

I have listened to Your song, "The Ocean of Love" innumerable times. Each time I couldn't help shedding tears as I was extremely touched. It was as if I were buried in an unfathomable abyss, exploring and struggling in darkness. Just as I was about to suffocate, a dawn light suddenly appeared. That feeling, that excitement, can hardly be described in words. Master is like a brilliant lighthouse, guiding lost ships back on course towards home.

I long to read Your discourses more often, and hope that I can forever follow Your light and teachings.

I wish You infinite longevity!

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The "Saint's Symptoms"

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai
Hsihu Center, Formosa
February 4, 1996
(Originally in Chinese)

The name of this person was Long Shu, and he went to see a doctor named Wen Zhi. I think Wen Zhi was born in the Era of Spring and Autumn in the Warring States. Long Shu went to see Wen Zhi, a very famous doctor who could cure any illness. Someone said that he once cured Emperor Wen of Chi State in the Era of Spring and Autumn in the Warring States. Emperor Wen suffered from an unknown disease. He went to consult Wen Zhi, who didn't prescribe any medicine to heal him but only made him angry, and his illness was cured! Have you heard this story? (Audience: No.)

Long Shu consulted Wen Zhi, "Your medical skill is so wonderful this the whole world knows. Now I am suffering from a strange disease. Will you please treat me?"

Wen Zhi said, "Of course! But first let me know what is wrong with you. Tell me about your symptoms."

Long Shu then explained, "I don't know the name of this disease, or from where it came. The situation is this: I have been living in my village for a very long time, but now I find myself feeling alienated. I feel myself as a total stranger, having no deep relationship with anyone.

"For instance, when people in my village all praise me, I don't feel honored. When people in other villages insult me, I also don't feel upset. Even when I get some precious things, I am not delighted, nor do I feel agitated or sorry when I lose something. I feel that life and death are the same! I could even die tomorrow. I see no difference between wealth and poverty. The worst thing is that I see people the same as pigs. (Laughter) I also see myself the same as them a pig. (Master and everyone laugh.)

"I live in my house as if staying in an inn. I live in my village as if living in a foreign country it doesn't feel like my hometown.

"Apart from these strange habits and thoughts, I also have many shortcomings. For instance, I look down upon positions, fame, palaces and governments. I think they are just common things for which I have no respect. I have no fear of punishment life, death, goodness or evil; all of these things do not touch me!

"Therefore, I cannot help my country, or be loyal to the king. I cannot maintain close relationships with relatives and friends, nor can I handle my children or wife. I cannot educate them or mix with them. Unable to think in the same ways as my wife and children do, I find it hard to live with them. I cannot manage my wife and children, nor can I manage the servants and maids in my household."

"I am perplexed! Do you know what type of illness this is? Can you cure me?"

Doctor Wen Zhi then told Long Shu to turn around and stand in a brighter place under the sun, so that he could observe him with his heavenly eye. Then he yelled loudly, "Oh! I saw it!"

Long Shu asked him, "What have you seen?"

"I saw your heart."

Long Shu asked, "What about my heart?"

"Your heart is square and fair, spacious and empty, very much like the heart of a saint! The six apertures are open, only the last one remains blocked."

Perhaps it was because this aperture was not opened, he didn't know what was wrong with himself. If the last hole had also been opened, he would have been certain about his own illness.

Long Shu then asked, "What kind of disease is this?"

Wen Zhi explained, "In this era, people regard the wisdom of a saint as an illness. Perhaps this is what you've got. If you are really infected with the "Saint's Symptoms," my medical treatment will be futile on you!"

Do you understand? (Answer: Understand!) (Applause)

I also don't know what his illness was, but it is fine if you know. Do you really understand? Do you really know? Good grief! How do you manage to understand? Perhaps you are similar to him. Is that right? Are you all saints, so you understand each other? Maybe this is the reason. However, when I ask you to forsake your wife and children, and come here to help Master to spread the Truth, you would say, "I can't do it!"

Perhaps you have transcended the level of this person! He couldn't maintain relationships with relatives and friends, but you are more advanced; you have such close relationships with your relatives that you cannot forsake them. It is easy to talk, but difficult to act.

As an after thought, perhaps we are all similar because many people have these symptoms. I seem to have these symptoms, but I am not a saint. Perhaps I have been infected!

There are many types of illnesses in the world! For instance, people who indulge in meat eating, smoking, drinking, and sexuality, will incur a specific disease some hard to cure diseases, like AIDS or others! Then, when you go around outside, and use other people's bathrooms or toilets, sometimes you may also be infected with that disease, though you have not indulged yourself.

When people exert themselves excessively, they may get a lung disease. If you had a relationship with them, or got too close to them and were in contact with them for a period of time, you would also get the disease.

I am not a saint! However, it seems that I've also got the "Saint's Symptoms". Who is the one who dared to infect me, raise your hand and show me!? (Laughter) You should acknowledge your own faults! Don't pretend that you don't know. Do you? (Laughter)

Normally, I only interact with you. I never go anywhere and socialize with other people. Therefore, if I ever got any disease, it must be you who infected me. Who is the one? You dare not admit it now that you know it is a disease. (Master and everyone laugh.)

It must be you who infected me. Otherwise, why would I have become like this? Previously, I also loved to stroll on the streets, go shopping, or find someone with whom to dance or sing. Otherwise, I would feel very lonely.

Now I feel nothing even if I sleep all day long. If you had not come, I would carry on sleeping, and only get up to eat when hungry. One, two or three meals I eat when I feel like eating, but most of the time I don't.

Most probably I've got this disease, now that I have no special feelings towards my relatives and friends. Not that I do not love them! I love them as much as I love you. However, love remains love, and it vanishes when it should. I love them dearly when they are here, but I forget them immediately when they are gone, and don't even need to wait till tomorrow. As soon as they turn their backs, I also turn. (Laughter)

Perhaps Long Shu was a spiritual practitioner! Do we become like him after we have pursued spiritual practice? It seems to be the case. Haven't you? (Audience: Yes.) Oh! So you are the ones who infected me. Now you finally admit it.

I was not like this before; well, perhaps a little bit. However, it is getting worse. For instance, I used to hate something, but then I stopped hating it later. I just don't mind anymore!

Anyone may come or go as they want, I won't be very upset! You too would only be upset for two or three days. (Answer: Yes.) Not as much as before. Previously, we would suffer a lot when we lost something, or failed in our business. Now we don't mind too much; we won't blame others or heaven, but will work harder instead.

So, there were saints in the Era of the Warring States, not only in Miaoli now! (Master and everyone laugh.) Don't think that you are the only saints in China. They existed long ago.

I have told you, the method of spiritual practice exists in every age; the problem is whether or not we have the affinity to study under an enlightened Master. If we have an affinity with a certain enlightened Master, we will follow that Master.

Perhaps Long Shu practiced spirituality in his previous life, so he came back only to complete it. Maybe he had reached the fourth level, (Master laughs) so there was only a little way to go!

Had the doctor told him to look for an enlightened Master, he would have been cured! Only one more aperture to open; once it was opened, he would have been immediately enlightened, and would not have felt that he was sick.

Perhaps initially he didn't think himself as being ill, but he was in contact and associating with people, and everyone told him: "Why are you so odd, so unemotional and aloof?"

Being unemotional and aloof is not the same as treating people badly. All of you, after listening to this story, should not behave like pieces of ice, (laughter) and then proclaim this is the "ice quality" of saints. (Master and everyone laugh because Chinese words for ice (ping) and quality (ping) are almost similarly pronounced.)

I notice that some people do have this "ice quality" ice cold personality when talking to people, and do not seem to pay attention at all. When people ask them something, or whether they understand or not, they don't answer even if they know. Or, they would respond very slowly. People ask them on the first day of the month, but they don't answer until it is the fifteenth. (Laughter) This is really awful.

Besides, people are very busy sometimes, and have many things to do; they don't have time to tolerate your sluggishness. These kinds of people must rectify themselves. Theirs is a sickness of ego. They love to make things difficult for people, and love to hear others begging them. They desire constant attention from people, so they deliberately delay their response. They don't reply, or do it very slowly, thinking that they are very great, very elegant. This is not elegance, this is being stupid and senseless!

Perhaps for the first few times, people may feel embarrassed, and will continue to implore you politely, and maintain a relationship with you. Gradually, they will get tired of you. Since there are so many people on Earth, why should they go to you a senseless and sluggish piece of ice? Do you understand what I mean? (Audience: Understand!)

Therefore, being unattached to the world doesn't mean that we should detest the world! Long Shu was sick in that he was not attached to his relatives, friends, or his hometown and country. However, he was not aloof, only that he was in a very ordinary and calm state of mind. He didn't deliberately make things difficult for people, or demonstrate that he was a saint; nor did he act coldly, or speak very slowly unable to finishing one sentence in half a month.

He also didn't deliberately refuse to reply or respond when people sought his help. He didn't say, "What do you want? Could I possibly help you?". Unlike some people, instead of sincerely and promptly rendering assistance to people, they talk extremely slowly for half a day, as if something maybe karma, has got stuck in their throat. (Master and everyone laugh.)

Perhaps they have just descended from the snowy mountains. Maybe they are great masters from the snowy Himalayas. (Master and everyone laugh.) They want people to realize the intensity of the cold! I really dread having relationships with those cold and aloof people. They deliberately act very sluggishly to attract people's attention, so that people have to beseech them.

In fact, this is a serious disease of heavy ego and an inferiority complex. If a person is confident, he would not behave like this; he will act frankly and earnestly. There is no reason to "um and "aw". Maybe he (or she) hanged himself (herself) previously, and the impression extends to this life; the rope is still tightly tied around a certain spot, so he (she) cannot speak. (Laughter)

We humans have plenty of illnesses, but we often do not think that we are sick. Long Shu thought that he was ill, but actually he was not. Many of us think that we are all right, but we are actually sick.

We should be aware of where our illness lies. Others may be able to correct us several times, but we must know where our illness is, and save ourselves quickly. If we cannot save ourselves, then consult books, or find someone to help us, instead of doing nothing. If our fault is not rectified, we have to come back next time, with or without following an enlightened Master. It is because we cannot forsake that corner, and keep clinging to it, using it as a weapon to make things difficult for others or to win their attention. Then, we have to come back!

The law of this world is very impartial you get whatever you want. Even the enlightened Master cannot force you to get liberation, unless you want it yourself! The doctor also cannot force you to take medicine, or forcibly operate on you without your consent. Right? (Audience: Yes!) Even if you cannot make the request because you are unconscious, your relatives can speak for you. It means that you have consented in the first place. It can only be done with your consent.

If you deliberately cling to your faults, you have to come back next life, and may not meet an enlightened Master! Then, you will also run around like Long Shu, carrying a heart with six open apertures, not knowing what is wrong with you. And, it will be very difficult to open the seventh.

All of you should reflect and quickly rectify your faults, if any. If you do not rectify it today, you have to do it tomorrow or the day after anyway. The longer you delay, the more serious the trouble, because the interest multiplies. The bad habit will become strong and entrenched, then it will become more difficult for us to eradicate. Good day! (Applause)

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Selected Questions & Answers

Unexpected Grace Will Come Anytime!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Berkeley University, U.S.A.

October 13, 1989 (Originally in English)

Q: What does one do if one cannot just sit down and meditate?

M: Then stand up, walk around for a while, wash your face, or take a shower. Take a walk and come back again; try again. Don't give up. When you meditate everyday, it's not that everyday you get good refreshment and results; but you must do it everyday. You must do it whenever you can because God's grace doesn't make a rendezvous with us; doesn't make an appointment with us, saying, "Tomorrow I will come to give you peace, tomorrow I will give you a vision, tomorrow I will take you to the third Heaven." No, no, no. It comes anytime, any second, even when you least expect it. So you just have to persevere with whatever technique you meditate, and pray to the Godhead within us, the most high within us to guide, to help, to sustain, to bless us. Everyday we must meditate, with or without success. And anytime, maybe tomorrow, maybe the next minute, you get it. Just don't give in. Just like when we open a shop to sell things, you never know when the customers will drop in. You have to open all day long and wait. With or without customers, we have to open. Sometimes the last customer comes and buys the whole shop, or half of the shop.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai At Pang Suan Kaew Hotel, Chiang Mai,

Thailand. December 4, 1994 (Originally in English)

Q: Is it necessary to pray before doing the meditation?

M: Yes, we can; but it's not necessary. Meditation is the deepest prayer, through which you get anything you want. Anything that is good for your spiritual and physical well-being will automatically come your way, whether you pray or don't pray for it. That's why the life of a Quan Yin practitioner is full of contentment and satisfaction - he wants nothing. The more he practices, the less he wants. The more he practices, the less he prays. Seek you first the Kingdom of God, and all the things shall be added onto you.

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The Origin Of The Yellow Robe

Hsihu Center, Formosa

Dec. 31, 1995

(Originally in Chinese)

No wonder the monks in ancient times always wore yellow clothes. (Laughter) Even the kings wore yellow clothes - they dreaded being possessed! (Laughter) It seems that the color yellow is quite useful in expelling evil. Perhaps the devil absolutely hates yellow because it is ugly! (Master and everyone laugh.) Should you wish to become ugly, then wear yellow clothes. People who are possessed may wear yellow clothes. Also, face south when you meditate, and do the same when you sleep. I mean head to the north and feet to the South. This helps a little bit. In addition to reciting the Holy Names and meditating, find several persons to help you chant the Holy Names. After having been purified, then put on yellow clothes. (Master and everyone laugh.) I fear that our Center will be full of yellow clothes later. (Master and everyone laugh.) Even my eyes will become yellow, including myself!

Wearing yellow and sleeping with your head pointing the north is not good enough; you have to elevate your morality, and especially your wisdom. We should know that within us is the Buddha-heart, the quality of God; it is impossible to have anything diabolical inside. Do you understand? (Answer: Understand.)

However, we tend to forget when we sleep, so the devil will sometimes come to annoy us. Perhaps we had some animosities with him last life. To avoid this, we can wear yellow clothes when we sleep, (laughter) and face south. However, do this only for a period of time. Otherwise, your family will be horrified, and say: "My God, he is already wearing yellow clothes, only his head is not shaved yet. What if he were to become a monk?" (Master and everyone laugh.) You don't have to do this all the time.

My opinion is that the ancient people wore yellow to expel evil, but the later generations do not properly understand. In some places, the monks wear red; in other places they wear white or blue. It is due to the different traditions in different places. They have forgotten the ancient and original reason.

In olden times, there was originally no monastic tradition, only some spiritual people who grouped together to practice their method - ways to expel the devil, or summon the rain and wind, and so on. Or, they only longed for tranquillity, and contact with God. On and on, people who wanted to leave home imitated them by living together to avoid sexual relationships. They thought this was more effective.

Some practicing methods demanded abstinence from sexual relationships, some abstinence from eating meat, some abstinence from taking certain kinds of food or alcohol, some of them wanted to prevent their morality from sinking. Later, when people observed that they got some results by practicing together, they realized the color yellow must have some effect in withstanding carnal influences. Therefore, they also wore yellow. When other people saw that they looked radiant and spiritual this way, they too followed their dress code.

Therefore, since times, the monks always wore yellow clothes. However, when Shakyamuni Buddha came, He told His disciples: "It is all right, as the customs and traditions in each country are different, wherever you go, follow the people there and wear what they wear."

From then on, disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha wore different clothes when they went out. In Tibet, their clothes wear red, with only a little yellow on top. (Master laughs.) In China, they wear black, or blue if they are more advanced in their practice. When they become a senior monk, then they can wear the yellow robe.

In fact, the color yellow was only meant for expelling evil. The robe was not something to be awarded to advanced practitioners. Afterwards, people regressed in their practice, but clung to their clothes instead. They said, "Hey! Only a senior monk can wear the yellow robe!"

It remains the same in many places. Being a newcomer, you can only wear black. With a little promotion, you can wear brown; further up then you wear blue. (So you went from black to blue!) You can wear the yellow robe only when you have reached the status of Head Monk. When I just began to practice, I met several Buddhist monks and nuns in Germany. I said, "Your clothes are so beautiful and fresh looking. May I wear some like them for a while?" (Master and everyone laugh.)

My female Master told me, "Hey! Don't talk nonsense! (Master and everyone laugh.) How can you wear our clothes? Do you know how many years we had to practice before we could wear these clothes?"

I said, "OH! I see!" (Laughter) There are many other traditions. For instance, wow! A patched monk's robe made of six strips of cloth is great, while one made of four strips is nothing. Being a female, I can never wear a patched robe in Au Lac. Fortunately, I took vows here in Formosa China and can wear it. (Laughter) One becomes a Master very quickly in Formosa. (Laughter and applause.)

Previously, when I was ordained in Formosa I wore the patched robe. That was why I became a Master so quickly in Formosa. I would never have made it in Au Lac! (Master laughs.) There, females are never allowed to wear the patched robe.

In ancient times there were no such dress codes. Being new monastic disciples, Shakyamuni Buddha told all His monks and nuns to dye their clothes, and that they must not wear white.

Later, many of them went to preach in other countries, and they reported to Shakyamuni Buddha after they came back: "When we went out wearing yellow clothes, people felt that we were strange, and would not listen to our preaching. Observing our bald heads and yellow clothes, people treated us like monsters, and fled when they saw us."

Therefore, Shakyamuni Buddha said: "It is all right, just follow the traditions and customs of that country."

The truth is, as they practiced longer, so it was no longer important whether they wore yellow or not. They had sufficient power, so there was no need to expel evil with the yellow clothes. Shakyamuni Buddha said that it was not important. As long as they could go out to preach meant they were okay. Any clothes they wore were okay! However, the troublesome thing is, later people kept hanging on to those clothes and forget the essence of spiritual aspects!

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Master's Words

New Year, New Person!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
(Originally in English) January 3, 1995

Similarly, now you begin to order your body and mind to do what you want, but according to the highest standard, then it will listen. The body is yours, the mind is yours, the brain is yours, it's up to you to give it information and orders.

The reason why we couldn't do anything before, or we are failures is because we didn't give enough orders to the brain as to what to do, and the brain cannot tell the cells what to do. So it continues to order in the old way. Sleep, drink, eat, produce children, work, and die.

Now we can do all that, not that we eliminate any of that; but we can do more useful things than just sleeping all the time or eating, and then finish our life. You can eat more simply - cook a quick meal.

Like this dinner, I just put some vegetarian protein in the pan, fried it with olive oil; and I put some tomatoes and chopped some of the green peppers, chopped some celery or fragrant herbs; then I put some salt, a little sugar, little Maggi; and poured it on top of the hot rice in dishes. That's it. Then I told my brain to tell my hand to put it in my mouth. All together it takes about ten or fifteen minutes.

Sometimes people elaborate a dinner for three hours. That can be done sometimes, but not all the time. Otherwise, we spend all our time in nonsense activities which can be used for some better things - more satisfactory for us, more useful for the society, and more fun.

Above all, wherever you go try to have fun; and don't repeat the same mistakes all the time. It's very boring. People can forgive us, but not every time. They can forgive us, but they cannot be interested in us when we make the same mistakes all the time. So we try not to make the same mistakes all the time. If people told you already they don't like that, don't do it twice; that should be more than enough. You should always remember that. If you don't remember, write it down: "Don't do this again!" Or you write the opposite.

For example, instead of saying "Don't walk north", you say "Walk south." Be more positive if you can. Instead of saying "Don't talk too loud," you say "Talk quietly, talk gently, or talk in a lower voice." Then repeat it yourself a few times. See if you can do it. If not, you repeat it again, and try not to always bore people with the same mistakes.

And no saying that, "I am bigger and greater." No, no, no. If you are wrong, you apologize. Whatever you did last year that you didn't like, make a list of it in the opposite. For example, "Eat too much candy," and now you write out, "Drink a lot of water."

Don't dwell on the word "candy" inside. When you see the word "candy" you remember, "Oh, candy!" And you forget the word "don't". The mind is like that. When you see the word "don't," you see also the word "candy". You know what I mean? So maybe "don't candy" at the same time. So better you put it in the opposite terminology, it will help you.

Whatever you like to do, when you think it benefits yourself and others, try to do it this year. Make a list of what you want to do and do it. Admit your mistakes and apologize if you do wrong. If you don't do wrong, you don't have to apologize; just forget it. No need to argue too much, it wastes your and other people's time. If you can, explain it; if they don't believe, forget it. There's no big deal.

Try to meditate more of course. Every time -- walking, sitting, sleeping, working, break hours and everywhere try to always concentrate on your wisdom center, recite the protecting names, and this will help you a lot.

No need to always sit and see visions. If you improve, you will see everywhere that you have improved. Your love, your intelligence, your creative ability, your integration with people, your understanding of all other things - that is when you progress. No need to sit there and wait for the light all the time. Maybe the light comes, but then you don't see it; you are busy snoring. Or the sound comes when you're snoring, but it's so loud that you cannot compare with it.

The world will continue to exist if we meditate more. Try to generate positive energy without even thinking to do that. We do without doing, that's the best way.

News 56 Index

Spiritual Interlude

A Word From The Heart Master's Creative Invention
Whatever You Do Is For Yourself Fellow Practitioners Are Members Of One Family

A Word From The Heart

By Fellow Sister Chen Mei-Li, Chiayi, Formosa

(Originally in Chinese)

 In those days that You were in Hsihu,
 I would never miss each and every Sunday that I could visit.
 I like to admire and appreciate Your beauty and elegance
 From the most appropriate distance.

 When I was practicing poorly,
 In dreams, You would stare at me with Your bright eyes,
 Letting me know that I should improve.
 When I was as simple as a child,
 In dreams, You would embrace me like a mother,
 So warm and sweet.
 When I needed help,
 In dreams, You would hold my hands tightly like a friend,
 And gave me power.

 You are the bright lamp in the bitter sea, illuminating me.
 
 You are the best guide, leading me to the other shore.
 

Master's Creative Invention

By Fellow Brother Pan Meng-Ling, Hong Kong

It was because the contact person from Mexico raised the problem of a lack of space in their centre, that Master humorously suggested that one might try to design boxes for fellow practitioners to wear. When piled one on top of the other the problem of space would be solved. At that time, the contact persons from all countries looked at each other and laughed, feeling that the shape and size of the object was rather abstract and vague.

Once again, Master's vision surpassed those of Her fellows, and is unlimited. Anytime, anyplace, Master's visions are vividly fulfilled and revealed for beings to attest. (Attached: Photo from Sing Tao Daily News, Hong Kong.)

Whatever You Do Is For Yourself

By Fellow Sister Liang Tien-Lan, Taipei, Formosa

Master has also said that She does not need us to do anything for Her. She allows us to do the so-called, 'Master's work' to train us to work swiftly and mindlessly, thus enabling us to quickly surpass the level of the mind and elevate our vibrational levels.

From my personal experience, it was really like this! Last year I joined the Lecture Translating group in Taipei to learn. Later, I was appointed to ask brothers and sisters to collect phrases and terms related to practice from Master's English publications and create a reference handbook for the translating group.

From the work I learnt that when we were working wholeheartedly, the blessings from the inner Master are ceaseless, and the invisible uplifting inside is the best reward. No wonder Master said: "Whatever you do is for yourself." Growing through working. Mm! I like this feeling.

Fellow Practitioners Are Members Of One Family

By Yu Tai-Hsing

Supreme Master Magazines Reporter, Ilan, Formosa

Indeed, during this period, there were also some fellow practitioners from abroad who helped with the work. Despite differences in language, we could still help each other and work without encountering any obstacles; and we cooperated happily! "Language" seems to have little use in our "Big Quan Yin Family". Everyone deeply felt, "Without speaking any words, the work was done smoothly. Without holding any conversations, our hearts communicated. Without using any language, all of us were closely united by Master's great love!"

This is a most wonderful experience. This kind of wordless understanding is more wondrous and precious than any rare treasure.

A Wonderful Way To Deliver People

While planting trees at Hsihu, brother Yu Cheng-Chu said with regret, "I have a younger brother, who is tall, strong and handsome. He is talented and successful in his career. It is a pity that he doesn't listen to one word of Master's teachings. Giving deliverance to sentient beings is indeed very difficult. We might as well give up!"

"Master engages in many activities in order to establish affinities with sentient beings. We should also act according to the situation. Those whom we find cannot relate to Master's teachings, we can let them enjoy Master's musical compositions with instruments such as the harp, piano, zither, electric organ or mandolin. Master's powers will act invisibly. Their karma will lessen gradually, and then they will naturally accept Master's teachings and become fellow initiates. There is no need for us to think about delivering people. People will spontaneously be delivered. Never think that "I" deliver people. In fact, everything is due to Master's power."

All the fellow initiates who were there planting trees felt that this is true. It is really a wonderful way to deliver people; one that is easy and does not cause any hard feelings.

News 56 Index

International Reports

Berlin, Germany U.K. Palawan, The Philippines Shanxi, China
Taoyuan, Formosa Miaoli, Formosa Penghu, Formosa

Report From Berlin, Germany

Master Displays Her Almighty Power At The Esoteric Fair

Fellow practitioners in Berlin recently participated in this year's Esoteric Fair, which received a strong public response. Master's voice which generated an immensely strong, clear and indeed, even miraculous flow of energy, was the focus of attention.

This year, though everything was different, all the other exhibitors in addition to the spectators, highly acclaimed Master again.

Fellow practitioners could feel Master's fantastic power pervading the venue. In the exhibition hall, a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere reigned. Many visitors who came to our booth commented on it. And many of them noticed that this energy could especially be felt at our booth.

In the morning, before the fair opened, and in the evening, after closing-time, all the other exhibitors picked up a sample booklet. In this way, Master's presence was at nearly every exhibiting booth.

A young female exhibitor, who was just beginning to show an interest in spiritual matters, had many questions. After receiving a free sample booklet, she began to walk away only to turn back after several steps. Her face beamed with joy. The first sentence she had read had given her an answer to one of her questions. After we confirmed her that this was exactly how things worked in the spiritual domain, she went contentedly on her way again, only to once again come back and report that she had received another answer. This time she wanted more publications, and her heart was overjoyed.

There was another exhibitor whom we meet every year and who has all of Master's books, some videos and one of Her posters. This exhibitor told us that she and her husband have a strong affinity with Master. On the very first evening, after the fair had closed, she came to our booth and, feeling a little embarrassed and unsure of herself, asked us a question: "Was there a special layer of luminous paint on Master's poster which made it glow in the dark?" After we negated this, she told us, repeatedly shaking her head, that the poster radiated light at night.

The next evening the woman asked if she could have the poster we had put up at our booth after the fair concluded. She wanted to put it up for the benefit of the visitors who came to her house where she held meditation and seminars about crystals. Later she informed us that the phenomenon of the light had also appeared in her husband's bedroom. This even happened in front of strangers, whom she had mentioned the phenomenon to. So visitors often convened in the bedroom to observe the light.

Since she has been present at esoteric fairs in Berlin and in other cities in Germany for many years, she knows many exhibitors. Many other exhibitors whom she told about the miracle of Master's photos emitting light also approached our booth to find out more about Master. Therefore many people called us to register for initiation, or to ask many questions about Master's teachings.

Report From U.K.

Spreading The Truth In "The City Of UFOs"

Brighton is located on the south coast of England and has always been a well-known tourist attraction in Europe. In the last decade, frequent appearances of UFOs near the city drew attention from UFO researchers, who established a special research organization there. "Why is it that UFOs are fond of this place?" has become a hot topic of conversations.

In the middle of January, our branch Center in U.K. took the rare opportunity to participate in the Holistic Health & Psychic Fair held at the Town Hall in Hove, a town near Brighton. A variety of Master's beautiful publications were displayed at our booth, which became the focal point of the event. As it was the first time that the local people came in contact with these wonderful teachings, the Quan Yin Method and Master, almost all the visitors at the exhibition asked us for sample booklets.

Many of them were surprised to receive such an exquisite booklet free of charge, and expressed their gratitude. The reason being that almost all the exhibitors at the event charged, and some of them were very expensive. This poignantly revealed Master's love, compassion and understanding for sentient beings.

During the event, the organizers especially invited fellow practitioners to give a brief talk so that those who were coming in contact with Master and the Quan Yin Method for the first time could gain a better understanding. In the talk, fellow practitioners briefly introduced Master, and then showed one of Her video tapes.

The talk was scheduled for only a short time but the audience was still attentively watching the video tape when the time was up. So it was extended until the end of the video.

Afterwards, all those who had attended expressed that they were impressed by Master's talents and beauty, and the Quan Yin Method. They said that they would contact our branch Center to learn and practice the Quan Yin Method.

Our neighboring booth, "Sky Search," was a local organization specializing in UFO research. When their organizer, who is also responsible for their organization's magazine, learned in a discussion he had with our fellow practitioners that Master began to give lectures on the subject of extraterrestrials and UFOs a long time ago, he strongly believed that Master is someone who has attained great enlightenment. He also agreed totally with what Master has said: "Extraterrestrials have long wanted to interact with us. However, we must uplift our spiritual level before we can communicate with them." This organizer also hopes to keep in touch with us.

Fellow practitioners from U.K. went to "The City Of UFOs" to spread the Quan Yin Method for the first time.

Report From Palawan,The Philippines

Everything Is Due To Master's Love

Caressed by Master's holy love, fellow practitioners in the Palawan Refugee Camp are efficiently and optimistically launching all sorts of activities to serve and help people in need.

Each day, they prepare food to serve several hundred people in the camp who are interested in trying vegetarian dishes. Occasionally, they even prepare some exotic vegetarian dishes for a change.

In the camp Center, they make gluten and tofu themselves and grow a variety of vegetables. Blessed by Master's love, they are having a rich harvest.

Master is greatly concerned about the nutrition and medical problems in the camp. As instructed by Her, fellow practitioners supply milk to hundreds of children, several times a month, which provides them with essential nutrients. They also distribute medical supplies to people who are sick and in need of care. The Center has prepared some simple medical supplies for patients who must work and cannot see a doctor.

Though the school in the Camp has closed, teachers and students persist in organizing classes in this challenging situations, so that the children will not forget their mother language. Thanks to Master's love and compassion, the children now have text books, instructional materials and also a newly renovated playground. The children are extremely excited to have a place where they can play everyday.

Fellow practitioners do not forget Master's directive: to help people who need care. Every month, they go to the hospital to comfort patients, and hand out sample booklets, magazines and milk. On occasions, such as holidays, they prepare some French bread sandwiches and rice to share with needy people living nearby. Sometimes, they visit the prison, taking Master's love to the inmates, and distributing rice, personal utensils and Master's spiritual food to them.

Recently, all the Filipino people on Palawan Island have been able to view Master's lectures on television each Saturday evening. There are already some would-be initiates who are on a strict vegetarian diet, and practicing the Convenient Method while awaiting initiation.

Report From Shanxi Province, China

Obtaining Enlightenment Through Initiation

While a young initiate from Shanxi was watching one of Master's video tapes with his mother before having received initiation, a burst of energy suddenly projected from the screen, and directly penetrated his wisdom eye. Since that time, he has been able to see some unimaginable things.

After his wisdom eye was opened, he could easily see spiritual energy and color emanating from everyone around him. Among non-practitioners, few emitted light; however, he noticed that those who practiced the Quan Yin Method all had lotus flower petals and light around their whole bodies, according to their level. He discovered with greater surprise that every picture of Master, large or small, had stars, suns and moons on them; and Master's whole body emitted extremely brilliant heavenly light. Moreover, he had never seen anyone's wisdom eye opened as widely as Master's, which was as gleaming and piercing as Bodhidharma's wisdom eye.

During initiation, he saw that almost everyone who was initiated at that time gave off white light. Because of Master's almighty blessing power, everyone's spirit was uplifted to a higher level.

In another case, a sister initiate, suddenly saw during meditation that three enlightened beings appeared in a contact person's home, which made her feel very puzzled. Exiting samadhi! She headed to the contact person's home to pay a visit.

After inquiring, she came to know that an initiation had occurred during the time she was meditating. Three would-be initiates received initiation at that time. This experience confirmed what Master has said: "Those who have received initiation have already become enlightened."

Finding A True Living Master

A non-initiated spiritual practitioner from Shanxi practices meditation regularly. Once during meditation, his spiritual body went to higher realms. Suddenly he saw an enlightened being giving a discourse, so he stayed and listened. During the lecture he learned that this enlightened being had already descended to the world to save sentient beings. As he looked down, he found that Shanxi, China was radiating strong light. After coming out of samadhi, he then started off to that certain place to look for this enlightened being.

He asked everyone if they knew the whereabouts of an enlightened being. Then one day, someone told him that a very famous master was staying in a certain temple. He immediately went there to visit the so-called famous master; however, it was not the one he had seen in samadhi. Several days later, someone told him again that a very high level spiritual practitioner would come there. He then hurried to see the practitioner, but was disappointed once more.

Suddenly one day, while feeling disheartened, he met a fellow initiate who introduced him to Master's teachings, and gave him a sample booklet. When he saw Master's picture, he was shocked to discover that the enlightened being he had seen in the higher realms turned out to be Supreme Master Ching Hai! Providence does not let down one who puts forth his best efforts, finally leading him to his master!

Report From Taoyuan, Formosa

A Practical Lesson On Manners

Held During The One Day Retreat

Recently, on a holiday when Hsihu Center was closed to the public, the Taoyuan Center held a one day retreat. Apart from encouraging fellow practitioners to practice diligently, it was held to improve the manners of staff at the Center. They even held an intensified course on social etiquette for members on duty.

As Taoyuan Center is situated near Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport, it often has to receive foreign initiates and guests. Therefore, the course also included: etiquette when receiving guests, talking on the telephone, and making whomever is received feel more comfortable.

Before the course concluded, the trainees participated in a mock exercise. All of them actively volunteered to get on stage to practice conversing politely based on their personal experiences. Fellow practitioners watching responded with understanding smiles.

Apart from training fellow practitioners to speak more gently and openly, which is essential for the front-line work when spreading the Quan Yin Method, this course also carried out Master's directive: "Cultivate good manners. We should let politeness begin with us."

Promoting A Vegetarian Diet

At The "Love Your Children" Garden Party

Visitors enjoying the vegetarian delicacies at the Taoyuan Center Booth.

Recently, fellow practitioners from the Taoyuan Center's Vegetarian House participated in the "Love Your Children" Garden Party where they actively promoted vegetarianism. With Master's loving blessing, it was sunny that day, and moreover, our fellow initiates luckily obtained the largest booth.

The warm winter sun attracted many guests to the Garden Party. We remembered that at the same time last year, Taoyuan Center's booth was also crowded with visitors, and our food supply fell short of demand. This time, some former customers who remembered our delicious vegetarian food, found their way to our booth again.

After sampling various dishes cooked in different styles and offering divergent tastes, they were satisfied, joyful and full of praise. In addition, Master's News magazines near the table offered them the best spiritual food, thus enabling them to obtain a bountiful harvest both inwardly and outwardly.

That day happened to be one on which a visitor was on a vegetarian diet. He was delightfully surprised when seeing our fellow initiates' vegetarian booth. His daughter, who had come with him, was originally not interested in a vegetarian diet. Unexpectedly, after tasting our food, she came back asking for another bowl of it.

After our fellow practitioners had packed up the booth, a little child came. Holding his mother's hand tightly, he told them that he had not eaten enough a moment ago and was not satisfied.

While witnessing the fact that modern families are gradually becoming fascinated with the vegetarian diet, we fellow initiates gained tremendous assurance in the growth of the vegetarian population and the arrival of the era of vegetarianism. We appreciated Master's blessing power even more, which allowed our participation in this activity to be smooth and successful.

Report From Miaoli,Formosa

Restore The Great Earth To Its Original Look

To carry out Master's directive to beautify the world, fellow practitioners from Miaoli Center and the resident disciples from Hsihu Center hoped to give a new fresh look to the environment before the Chinese New Year. Therefore, they went out together to clean and protect the environment.

That day, the air was refreshingly cool - neither chilly nor hot, and it was really comfortable to work in such weather. In our hearts, everyone knew that it was Master's loving blessing!

The section of the road that we adopted for maintenance was on a hillside. The road surface was very clean, but there were big heaps of fallen leaves on the roadside. Also, among the wild grass was a lot of rubbish casually left by people, which had to be dug out and taken away. The situation seemed to reflect our inner condition -- that we have hidden in ourselves many inconspicuous and undesirable qualities, and we must face them honestly and bravely, so that we can rectify them and improve.

As the road was long, and there were plenty of fallen leaves to be cleared, the work progressed very slowly. A fellow sister was suddenly inspired to use large abandoned tarpaulins instead of the thin and fragile plastic garbage bags. Subsequently, the efficiency increased, and we managed to finish the job on time. Having accomplished our assignment and fulfilled our obligation, everyone felt relieved and happy.

Fellow practitioners from Miaoli Center and resident disciples from Hsihu Center carrying out regular cleaning of the environment.

Report From Penghu, Formosa

The Tears Of The Holy Mother Fall On Ding Wan

Recently, fellow practitioners from the Penghu Center visited Ding Wan prison once again. The same lukewarm weather prevailed, and fellow practitioners were full of joy. Fellow practitioners no longer regard the prison as an unfamiliar place, and they believed that the process of spreading the Truth, with Master's blessing, would be most meaningful. When fellow practitioners noticed the flowers and plants nurtured by the inmates were bright and tidy, a prison officer remarked: "In fact, there are many talented inmates!" Fellow practitioners believe deeply that not only are they talented, but that they also have beautiful hearts!

On this occasion a fellow initiate brother, who is a reformed drug addict, talked to the cigarette and drug addicted inmates about his personal experience. He said, "If one person gets addicted to drugs then the whole family will be affected." Despite being strong willed, he could not escape the influence of friends and the environment because of his addiction. Fortunately, he met Master, got initiated, and worked in the Center. After a few months of being totally cut off from outside negative influences, he found that he was never lost again.

The sincere story of this brother's journey made the audience feel Master's great and boundless power. The miraculous change of this famous figure of organized crime was of great interest to the inmates. In order to make the atmosphere of spreading the Truth lighter, fellow practitioners prepared some songs to teach the inmates. Since there was a sister who had been broadcasting weekly programs for inmates, the song, 'Tears of the Holy Mother' was already very familiar and well remembered by them. The singing evoked a particularly close feeling.

With the permission of the prison officers, some of the inmates went on stage to sing together with the fellow sisters, shortening the distance between them. Everyone felt a bonding of friendship. After the meeting, every inmate was given a meal box and Master's News magazine. Many very eagerly asked for photos of Master. Fellow practitioners sincerely hope that every inmate will find peace of mind and get enlightened from Master's power, to liberate their souls!

Inmates singing together with fellow practitioners to praise the Holy Mother Master. With friendships well-established, there was a distinct sense of closeness.

News 56 Index

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

August 11, 1991 (Originally in Chinese)

We must always react quickly, so that we can protect ourselves, and get accustomed to the faster vibration. Sometimes, Master will suddenly tell you to do something. It is good to do it immediately because karma also comes suddenly. We must be trained to always be ready! Then, when karma or disasters come unexpectedly, we won't be frightened and stuck there not knowing how to react.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

September 29, 1991 (Originally in Chinese)

Thoughts are very important. When we think nobly, the whole universe admires, loves and serves us; and waits for us to visit their place. When our thoughts are not noble, not glorious and not as generous as the enlightened ones, we become ordinary sentient beings. This is what is meant by: "All is created by the mind!"

Sometimes you may think: it is merely a thought, it is not very important. No! It is very important. As human beings, our actions, speech and thoughts are interrelated. If the atmosphere generated within us is not one of purity and benign practice, or is dishonorable, it will be expressed in our actions.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

December 24, 1991 (Originally in Chinese)

The purpose of keeping the precepts is to make ourselves stable; it is not definite that they will protect anyone. However, when we are protecting ourselves, naturally others are also protected; because they won't collect our karma through scolding us, hurting our feelings, beating, or humiliating us. If they were to reap any retribution later, it would have all been initiated by us.

Therefore, if we are pure in actions, speech and thoughts, we are not only protecting ourselves, but also the other party or any other people around us as well.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai At The Group Meditation In Hualien, Formosa

July 27, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)

People who have plenty of time may not be diligent practitioners, because they think they have a lot of time! "It is all right to take it slowly. I can always meditate later!" They are inclined to become like this. Conversely, people who are busy tend to treasure their moments of meditation. Therefore, don't complain that you don't have enough time. It is not true! Endeavor to arrange your time, check your timetable, and see what is really necessary -- which work is truly worth doing, which person you really need to see, and whether you must address a certain matter. Then we can save time and work.

Whatever we have arranged to do, do it simply, promptly and concisely; then we have a lot of time

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

August 25, 1991 (Originally in Chinese)

The more we practice, the more alert we should become. Otherwise, we will easily be trapped in one aspect of our practice. We develop new aspects in our practice everyday. If we are trapped in a certain aspect, we cannot move onto the others.

Therefore, in spiritual practice, we must not sink to a certain level. This is why the Diamond Sutra says: Forsake all attachments to reveal our true nature. If we are still attached to a certain achievement, we cannot develop further!

News 56 Index

Aphorisms

By Supreme Master Ching Hai

We are really enlightened only if we are flexible in our spiritual practice. We should act flexibly according to the situation, so that we don't get the "Zen symptom"!

Being scolded by people is being praised by them!

Before we become a fully enlightened being, we must first become human. After we have become a good human, then we will become a fully enlightened being.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai

(Originally in Chinese)

When you practice well, a few words from you can give great blessing to others. Looking at him could give him many opportunities to tie an affinity with the Almighty. These are your magical powers.

Magical power is: wherever we go, we cleanse the filthy atmosphere there. Magical power is using our hands to make a flower vase out of useless material, cultivating a vacant land into a fertile field, or transforming a dry wasteland into an orchard. These are our magical powers.

When a depressed person with a deep inferiority complex comes to seek our help, we should help him. Help him to become a high-spirited and self-confident person with an ideal; one who is no longer disappointed in himself or wants to jump off a building. This is our magical power; and this is "giving alms of fearlessness," just like the Quan Yin Bodhisattva.

By Supreme Master Ching Hai

Whatever you have to do, do it well. Devote yourself entirely to the work so you don't waste time.

To progress faster in spiritual practice, we must forget ourselves; be the lowliest person and do the dirtiest, the most unwanted work.

Meditation is also work. At that time, we are getting our spirit's food supply and energy replenished for us to go out and fight again tomorrow.

News 56 Index

Master's Wonders

The Story Of Wraping Sushi The Power Of A Master And That Of Disciples Is Different
Mother's Graduation Ceremony Quan Yin Bodhisattva Descends To The World
The Longing For Group Meditation Fulfilled

The Story Of Wrapping Sushi

Narrated By Fellow Sister Ling Shu-Hui, Chiayi, Formosa

Organized By Chen Mei-Chen Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Chiayi, Formosa

Once when sister Lin was going to participate in a seven-day retreat, she asked her mother to look after her children, and also to help wrap the sushi. As her mother was not initiated, unavoidably she mentioned some small matters at home while she was working. Sister Lin said to her mother: "One has to concentrate on thinking about Master during one's work and recite Her name. Otherwise, today's sushi will not sell well."

Lin's mother did not want to believe this and still continued to chatter. Besides, she said, in a unbelieving tone: "I don't really believe you."

Usually, the sushi wrapped by sister Lin is white, bright and makes people's mouth water. However, the sushi wrapped by Lin's mother at that time was dark and dull. As expected, on the evening of the same day, there was a phone call from the Vegetarian House: "The sushi is not selling well, don't wrap too many."

After coming back from the seven-day retreat, sister Lin worked as usual. When she was wrapping the sushi, she recited the Holy Names. As a result, the sushi once again became one of the best selling products at the Vegetarian House. From this, she understood what Master has often said: A person's thinking power has a very great influence. It was certainly like that!

Master has also said: "One thought in our mind could affect the whole universe." Therefore, we have to try our best to avoid generating negative thoughts at all times. We have to be alert; have good, kind and positive thoughts; so that a good atmosphere can spread throughout the world.

The Power Of A Master And That Of Disciples Is Different

By Resident Disciple Su Ho, Hsihu Center, Formosa

One day, he encountered a dangerous situation when meditating, so he promptly prayed to Master for help. The very instant that he thought about Master, he saw Her descending gracefully through a high window in the Bell Tower with a Quan Yin messenger.

As soon as Master appeared, the danger subsided; everything dissolved in the warm, peaceful ocean of love.

However, it was not a case of Master forgetting the disciple and flying away alone, but rather that She often uses different ways to educate sentient beings in different situations. The knot in the monk's heart was untied.

The power of a Master and that of disciples is different. For example, when conducting the initiation the power is from Master - the Quan Yin messenger is only an instrument. Whatever fantastic deeds that disciples do depends entirely on Master's compassionate and almighty power.

Mother's Graduation Ceremony

Narrated By Fellow Sister Huang Tsung-Hui, Taoyuan, Formosa

Recorded By Hung Chiu-Mei Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Taoyuan, Formosa

After a little rest, my mother went through another check-up and the leukocyte count had decreased. We felt assured there would be no problem; and the doctor stressed again that there was no serious problem. He said that my mother could be discharged after the IV drip was finished, and that we should come again the next morning for an out-patient consultation.

The worry experienced by my family members eased, and I silently thanked Master for Her care. However, as I began to feel relieved, Master showed me a vision while I was taking a rest and meditating. The vision message was: "Mother is going to pass away!"

Waking up from the dream, I hurried back to mother's bedside, only to find that she was in good condition, and looking spirited. She even ate some breakfast, and definitely did not look like a person who was about to die. However, the vision was so distinct that I didn't know what to do! I could only quickly find a chair, sit down, and meditate by her bedside; and leave everything to Master.

Mother Passed Away Easily

At midnight, my second sister-in-law and I helped mother to the toilet. Upon coming out, mother said that she felt very tired, and wanted to take a rest. Just as she sat down, we saw her exhale heavily three times. Just like that, right in front of us, with our hands still supporting her, she passed away! The doctors and nurses rushed in to resuscitate her. They queried and looked at each other in exasperation because they couldn't find the reason why.

Finally, they had no option but to tell us that they had done their best. We were so shocked, amazed, and touched - Master has taken care of everything so perfectly and incredibly.

When we went again the next day to get the death certificate, the nurses were still talking about the incident. Though the doctors had all the records on the desk, they didn't know how to complete the forms as they were overwhelmed with doubts.

Relatives And Friends Moved

By The Auspicious Appearance

Even though we have over ten initiates in the family, most of them are scattered in many places; and we hardly knew any fellow initiates who lived nearby. However, the next day more than ten fellow initiates, whom we had never met, came continuously from many places to meditate at our home. Our relatives and friends were very touched by their cordial visits.

They brought Master's love to our home, and made the atmosphere obviously change into a calm and peaceful one. Continuously blessed by the sounds of Master's Buddhist Chanting tape and the meditation of fellow initiates, mother's face began to look soft, and the color changed from slightly pink to rosy. Eventually, there were two distinct crimson spots on her cheeks, which looked like make-up. Her eyes were lightly closed like she was sleeping. Had we not seen it with our own eyes, it would have been hard to believe that she could have such an auspicious appearance!

Even the funeral customs were simplified under Master's loving influence. Everything went so smoothly, as if it was the way it should be. I felt so ashamed then! Though I had been initiated for many years, it never occurred to me that, with a selfless and sharing heart, Master's love could be spread throughout the world. Convey it to each sprouting seed, and each heart will be elevated into ecstasy! I promised myself that from now on, I would selflessly and actively participate in any of the Center's work, and be a competent instrument for Master to use.

Master's Love Lengthened Mother's Life

On the day my mother passed away, my eldest sister-in-law, who was not initiated, told my niece that once she had gone to a temple to have her fortune told, and the temple caretaker told her that mother could only live to sixty-five, but her life span was extended up to now due to her virtuous deeds. This reminded me of the occasion when I first took my parents to Hsihu.

Innumerable Bone Relics

On the day of the cremation there was another amazing story which stunned everyone there. The cremation held before ours was of a person from another spiritual group. With great effort, they looked for relics in the cooled ashes, and finally under everyone's expectation one was found. They delightfully took it to be appraised by an experienced person at the crematory. Unfortunately, the result was negative, which disappointed them very much.

After my mother was cremated, and before the ashes cooled, my eldest sister exclaimed loudly that there were relics! Everyone rushed forward to look, and we found many green jade and transparent pieces among the bones. Some of them were still growing like coral. We couldn't resist picking them up.

My eldest brother didn't believe it. He thought that it was already great if there were a few pieces, but believed it impossible to have innumerable pieces of both big and small relics.

We took them to the crematory staff for appraisal and the result was positive. Hearing the news, the former group came over quickly to see what the relics looked like, and asked who was cremated. We said, "Any disciple of our Master, Supreme Master Ching Hai, would have this!"

Totally amazed, they exclaimed, "Wow! This happens even to the disciples!"

Plenty Of Experiences In The Family!

When we meditated together on the day mother departed, my brother-in-law saw Master take mother with Her. On the third day, when my second sister meditated at home, she also saw Master take mother's arm, and walk slowly upwards. (My mother's legs were slightly handicapped.) They went through a gate into a vast and bright square with palaces, and then Master disappeared. Mother became very young. She was wearing a traditional Chinese blouse and trousers with floral patterns, with two long pigtails, and was agilely running around.

Later, she saw mother holding a bag, walking back and forth outside another door, as if waiting for someone. After a while, a person, riding on a unique gliding vehicle, came and said, "I am late because I had to handle something. It is almost time. Let's go quickly!" Then they entered another door, and mother changed into a dress made of a light transparent material or something like that.

When mother's body was being taken to the crematory, my third sister meditated on the way and saw fireworks being launched into the sky above, as if it was an evening celebration. How wonderful it was!

On the night that mother passed away, our old great aunt dreamt about taking her to play at the seaside even though my mother seldom went there when she was alive.

My third sister-in-law saw mother in her dream standing on a boat by the sea. The vision was so clear. She had the same dream two days later, only this time the boat had sailed far away. Master arranged everything perfectly. When the relics appeared, the incredible fact convinced all our relatives and friends that Master had taken mother to a superior realm.

Through mother's elevation ceremony, we've had indescribable feelings and unforgettable, marvellous experiences. Everyone in our family seems to have grown into a new person, and the sluggish ones now practice diligently. Even those non-believers were awed; some of whom are even awaiting initiation!

In the limitless space of time, Master's wheel of dharma is ever revolving to wake all sleeping souls. I hope that more members in my family, and more people with an affinity will soon share with us Master's almighty love!

Quan Yin Bodhisattva Descends to the World

By Fellow Sister

Hsu Ho-Tsui, Kaohsiung, Formosa

Several days before my father-in-law's death, my daughter was hospitalized due to a continuous high fever. I stayed in the hospital to take care of her.

On the night when she fully recovered and was checked out of the hospital, I came back home feeling exhausted in body and spirit. After I paid my respects and wished good health to my father-in-law, I went upstairs to rest. I tossed and turned in bed, and could not go to sleep. Half asleep, I seemed to hear someone calling me. I forced my eyes open and saw a seemingly transparent figure. At that time, thinking that I dreaming, I closed my eyes and went to sleep.

The next morning, I learnt that my father-in-law had passed away. He left this world in just one night.

After being initiated by Master, I sincerely prayed to Her to take care of my father-in-law. Once, in a dream, I saw a vivid image of Master in white, as ethereal and beautiful as Quan Yin Bodhisattva. Floating in the air, She stretched out Her hands saying: "Follow me!" Just as miraculous as that, my father-in-law's spiritual body flew directly towards Master, while I stood on the balcony waving good-bye to him. I kept this event to myself.

Then, at last year's "Ching Hai Day" celebration, when Master appeared like Quan Yin Bodhisattva, I stared at the scene feeling that it was incomparably intimate and familiar; and suddenly I was enlightened! It turned out that several years ago, Master had already shown me this scene in a dream. The excitement and gratitude that arose in my heart were greater than anything that can be described by language!

The Longing For Group Meditation Fulfilled

By A Fellow Initiate, Shan Xi Province, China

Soon afterwards, he went back to his hometown to practice spiritually in seclusion. As there were no fellow practitioners there, he had to practice alone for quite a while. Feeling the loneliness of having no one to meditate with, he earnestly spread Master's teachings; and with Master's blessing and loving guidance, soon dozens of people requested initiation.

The place for the initiation was the home of a fellow practitioner in another village, where there were plenty of Master's photos, full of love and compassion. In every photo Master was dressed differently. He loved every one, and embraced all of them.

Later, he saw Master's manifestation form appear wearing a white dress, and emitting bright light. He cried wholeheartedly as tears rolled down his cheeks. He heard Master say with a chuckle, "Don't cry, you can now have group meditations."

The blessing power continued for more than half an hour. This wonderful experience always urges him to practice diligently. He deeply understands that Master is omnipresent, and is never separated from us.

The Mystery Of The Goddess From The Moon

During the Mid-Autumn Festival several years ago, sister Liu was picking sweet corn in the field when she suddenly raised her head and saw a Goddess gracefully descending from the full moon. She looked familiar and beautiful. Sister Liu was stunned and thought it was an hallucination, but the goddess spoke to her and said: "Would you take me to your house? I will go there often if you wish."

Sister Liu was delighted and answered, "I welcome you to come anytime you wish."

Then, like a flash, the Goddess returned to the moon.

Not long after, sister Liu went to offer incense in a temple. There she received a sample booklet from a fellow practitioner and deeply believed that Master was the living enlightened Master that she sought. Later, her wish of getting the initiation was fulfilled. However, she was still mystified by the Goddess from the moon, until one day she saw a video of Master dressed up as Chang Er (which means Moon Goddess). She immediately recognized the Goddess whom she saw several years ago was Master.

News 56 Index

Front Line

A Diverse Exhibition Of Master's Teachings

At The Taipei International Book Fair

By Li Yen-Feng Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Taipei, Formosa

A Multifarious Presentation Of An
Omnipotent Enlightened Master

In recent years, Master's styles of spreading the Truth have been manifold and ever-changing, to suit different levels of the multitude. Supported by various Centers throughout the Province, the Taipei Center also decorated the exhibiting booth in an innovative way based on a manifold design, and on the concept of "instilling art into daily life". This was an application of Master's teaching: "To beautify the world, first instil art into daily life."

With the objective of presenting "a multifarious exhibit," the ingenious fellow practitioners of the art team used large acrylic boards to display: "Supreme Master Ching Hai's Life Sketch," "World Disaster Relief - Love Pervades the Five Continents," "The Most Beautiful Tunes From God," "Restoring Truth, Beauty and Virtue To The Glorious World," "Spiritual Inspirations From Heaven" and "A Diet of Love and Wisdom".

Master's visible and invisible work, and Her creative masterpieces which included music, painting, a cookbook, Celestial Clothes and Celestial Jewelry, all were displayed to spectators to let them appreciate these things leisurely and in detail. This was a joyful experience for the heart, eyes and ears.

At the venue there was a Compact Disk Listening Area that allowed guests to enjoy Master's songs and music through earphones. Intoxicated by the high fidelity heavenly music, many people were reluctant to leave. Some of them simply closed their eyes and savored the enchanting melodies of God.

Attracted by Master's numerous creations, people with individual needs found themselves drifting into our exhibiting area. Fellow practitioners in charge of Master's publications abandoned their old concept of only selling Master's books and promoted themselves to "Art Revelationists," and guided spectators to each display area, so that people could tie affinities with Master in a most peaceful and blissful atmosphere.

Billions Of Manifestation Bodies

And Billions Of Appropriate Methods

The Center especially reproduced several large photos of Master to be placed at prominent spots in the venue, hoping that more sentient beings with an affinity could "have a look at the enlightened Master". As expected, these huge photos became the focus of attention for reporters and spectators as they clicked their camera shutters.

Another effective tool in spreading the Truth was a big TV screen. Taking the advantage of the good location, a gigantic TV screen was set up at the cross junction of the exhibiting booths, and Master's videos were shown continuously.

When the video tape of Master's lecture at the United Nations called, "The Mystery Of The World Beyond," was being shown, a tremendous crowd was attracted, and caused severe traffic congestion for the nearby exhibiting booths. This really showed that people are thirsting to understand the Truth, and seeking liberation.

During the exhibition, fellow practitioners on duty experienced many things that touched them deeply. Two years ago, Master kindly allowed fellow disciples from throughout the world to hold a "Pray For World Peace" International Seven-Day Retreat at the Asia World Hotel in Taipei. A gentleman visited Master's painting exhibition at the venue, and deeply felt that the ideas conveyed by the paintings coincided with his thoughts. He was greatly impressed, but he never thought he would meet our group again at this book fair. He said that if it hadn't been for Master's fantastic arrangement, he wouldn't have had another opportunity to appreciate Her spiritual odyssey.

A security staff member at the venue also came to know about our group several years ago at a vegetarian food fair. That time, Master showed him visions in a dream. At this book fair, he felt as if Master had come personally to remind him of that incredible experience, and asked fellow practitioners to help him resolve his doubts regarding spiritual practice. He is certain that Master's Quan Yin Method is "the ultimate goal of all paths".

There was one interesting incident: the side gate next to our exhibiting booth was closed and guarded by a security officer. When he first saw the big photo of Master wearing white Quan Yin Bodhisattva attire, he thought we were exhibiting wedding gowns. Realizing the mistake later, he was very embarrassed and kept apologizing to us. However, this misunderstanding provided us an opportunity to introduce the Quan Yin Method to him. Fellow practitioners were awed by Master's wisdom in saving different sentient beings by using different appearances.

Master's Almighty Power Wonderfully Arranged Everything

Originally, it was only a book fair. However, in order to "display Master's teachings in the most beautiful way and with the best quality", with the devoted cooperation of all fellow practitioners, it became a highly successful activity for spreading the Truth.

From the initial preparatory work to the cleaning up after the event, all fellow practitioners who participated unanimously agreed that everything was being impelled by the Master power.

Before the event, fellow practitioners still thought that they were "doing Master's work". However, while participating in the work, they realized practically that Master had already arranged many situations to provide lessons for people to learn.

Preparing the exhibiting booth on the first day, a fellow practitioner responsible for Master's publications wondered why only a small corner was allocated to books since books were the main theme of fair. However, in the next few days, she observed that many people were discovering Master's teachings or tying an affinity with Master either because they were interested in the cookbook, fascinated by the spiritual music, absorbed in watching Master's videos or attracted by the beautiful Celestial Clothes. She then understood: Master's every action and word is a spiritual teaching. Hence, she was freed of her previous preconception.

Another fellow practitioner mentioned that at one point she was responsible for the photo display at a previous book fair, and had put her favorite Master photos in the most prominent spots. However, shortly after, an old lady approached her and asked if there was any photo of Master wearing Japanese attire - exactly like the one that she put under the table! Then she realized she had not been acting selflessly. She also understood that all of Master's things are good since each person has their own favorite image of Master. We must not confine Master with our preconceived ideas, which will only limit us and hinder other people from tying an affinity with Her.

During the book fair, the design of the exhibiting booth was changed everyday to accommodate the needs of different people. Actually, Master was behind all these alterations, impelling everything with Her omnipresent power. During the whole process, we knew that if we could regard ourselves as instruments, forsake our egos, and work sincerely, every task would naturally be accomplished smoothly and on time.

All the fellow practitioners who took part in this activity realized that all of Master's work in spreading the Truth is prearranged by God; and it is a blessing to be able to participate and to be used as a instrument. It is always Master's blessing power that takes care of everything. When participating in Master's work, everything is unique, and each instance provides a valuable lesson for us.

The rich variety of artistic creations by Master deeply evoke people's inner quest for "Truth, beauty and virtue".

News 56 Index

Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 56

Cover illustration: Master's warm smile brings the brightest wish for the new year

You May Not Know

A Master Delivers People According To God's Will
The Origin Of The Yellow Robe
Surpassing The Path Of Immortality And Following God's Way!

A Master Delivers People

According To God's Will

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

(Originally in Chinese)

As in the case with flowers, if we look after them more, they will have bigger blooms and a longer life. However, we cannot keep them blooming forever so that they never wither; there is no such thing. No matter what kind, flowers wither and die, and by then they smell awful.

However, we can make suggestions. For example, when we see incidents of violence, we can oppose them, as long as we do so in a non-violent way. We should never change the world's plans in our own violent way. Maybe we can succeed by doing so, but it creates another cause and effect, which binds us life after life in the circle of transmigration. You kill him and later he kills you, back and forth, and no one is liberated from the bitter sea. Therefore, we say that we should not inter

Therefore, it is very difficult in this world. It is the same for any Buddha or Master who comes down. They can reason with people and talk about logical matters for them to hear. They would never, for the sake of finding disciples, use any improper means, such as violence, deceit, supernatural powers. All these never work because they are not natural. Anything that is not natural does not work, because it perpetuates causes and effects.

The Origin Of The Yellow Robe

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai At Hsihu Center, Formosa

Dec. 31, 1995. (Originally in Chinese)

No wonder the monks in ancient times always wore yellow clothes. (Laughter) Even the kings wore yellow clothes - they dreaded being possessed! (Laughter) It seems that the color yellow is quite useful in expelling evil. Perhaps the devil absolutely hates yellow because it is ugly! (Master and everyone laugh.) Should you wish to become ugly, then wear yellow clothes. People who are possessed may wear yellow clothes. Also, face south when you meditate, and do the same when you sleep. I mean head to the north and feet to the south. This helps a little bit. In addition to reciting the Holy Names and meditating, find several persons to help you chant the Holy Names. After having been purified, then put on yellow clothes. (Master and everyone laugh.) I fear that our Center will be full of yellow clothes later. (Master and everyone laugh.) Even my eyes will become yellow, including myself!

Wearing yellow and sleeping with your head pointing the north is not good enough; you have to elevate your morality, and especially your wisdom. We should know that within us is the Buddha-heart, the quality of God; it is impossible to have anything diabolical inside. Do you understand? (Answer: Understand.)

However, we tend to forget when we sleep, so the devil will sometimes come to annoy us. Perhaps we had some animosities with him last life. To avoid this, we can wear yellow clothes when we sleep, (laughter) and face south. However, do this only for a period of time. Otherwise, your family will be horrified, and say: "My God, he is already wearing yellow clothes, only his head is not shaved yet. What if he were to become a monk?" (Master and everyone laugh.) You don't have to do this all the time.

My opinion is that the ancient people wore yellow to expel evil, but the later generations do not properly understand. In some places, the monks wear red; in other places they wear white or blue. It is due to the different traditions in different places. They have forgotten the ancient and original reason.

In olden times, there was originally no monastic tradition, only some spiritual people who grouped together to practice their method - ways to expel the devil, or summon the rain and wind, and so on. Or, they only longed for tranquillity, and contact with God. On and on, people who wanted to leave home imitated them by living together to avoid sexual relationships. They thought this was more effective.

Some practicing methods demanded abstinence from sexual relationships, some abstinence from eating meat, some abstinence from taking certain kinds of food or alcohol, some of them wanted to prevent their morality from sinking. Later, when people observed that they got some results by practicing together, they realized the color yellow must have some effect in withstanding carnal influences. Therefore, they also wore yellow. When other people saw that they looked radiant and spiritual this way, they too followed their dress code.

Therefore, since ancient times, the monks always wore yellow clothes. However, when Shakyamuni Buddha came, He told His disciples: "It is all right, as the customs and traditions in each country are different, wherever you go, follow the people there and wear what they wear."

In fact, the color yellow was only meant for expelling evil. The robe was not something to be awarded to advanced practitioners. Afterwards, people regressed in their practice, but clung to their clothes instead. They said, "Hey! Only a senior monk can wear the yellow robe!"

It remains the same in many places. Being a newcomer, you can only wear black. With a little promotion, you can wear brown; further up then you wear blue. (So you went from black to blue!) You can wear the yellow robe only when you have reached the status of Head Monk. When I just began to practice, I met several Buddhist monks and nuns in Germany. I said, "Your clothes are so beautiful and fresh looking. May I wear some like them for a while?" (Master and everyone laugh.)

My female master told me, "Hey! Don't talk nonsense! (Master and everyone laugh.) How can you wear our clothes? Do you know how many years we had to practice before we could wear these clothes?"

I said, "Oh! I see!" (Laughter) There are many other traditions. For instance, wow! A patched monk's robe made of six strips of cloth is great, while one made of four strips is nothing. Being a female, I can never wear a patched robe in Au Lac. Fortunately, I took vows here in Formosa China and can wear it. (Laughter) One becomes a Master very quickly in Formosa. (Laughter and applause.)

Previously, when I was ordained in Formosa I wore the patched robe. That was why I became a Master so quickly in Formosa. I would never have made it in Au Lac! (Master laughs.) There, females are never allowed to wear the patched robe.

In ancient times there were no such dress codes. Being new monastic disciples, Shakyamuni Buddha told all His monks and nuns to dye their clothes, and that they must not wear white.

Later, many of them went to preach in other countries, and they reported to Shakyamuni Buddha after they came back: "When we went out wearing yellow clothes, people felt that we were strange, and would not listen to our preaching. Observing our bald heads and yellow clothes, people treated us like monsters, and fled when they saw us."

Therefore, Shakyamuni Buddha said: "It is all right, just follow the traditions and customs of that country."

The truth is, as they practiced longer, so it was no longer important whether they wore yellow or not. They had sufficient power, so there was no need to expel evil with the yellow clothes. Shakyamuni Buddha said that it was not important. As long as they could go out to preach meant they were okay. Any clothes they wore were okay! However, the troublesome thing is, later people kept hanging on to those clothes and forget the essense of spiritual aspects!

News 56 Index

Center Events

Beautifying The Center
In Three Days

By Shen Hsiu-Feng Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Tainan, Formosa

A long time ago, Master instructed fellow practitioners to start developing the Sin Hua Center. Several fellow brothers began the work silently, with occasional help from fellow practitioners during holidays. The work continued for over a year, and the slope was levelled; but then nothing was done to beautify the spot and make it green.

Several days ago, Master suddenly went to the Sin Hua Center, and saw that bare strip of brown earth. She immediately instructed fellow practitioners how to carry out the beautifying work, and insisted it be completed in three days.

That evening, the liaison practitioner called an urgent meeting to relay Master's directive to fellow practitioners. Everyone offered their ideas, and discussed how to efficiently turn the barren land into a paradise.

The next day, they bought more than a thousand plants and trees and some sod. Fellow practitioners immediately formed many groups which took care of the kitchen, horticulture, transporting, digging holes, and cleaning work to ensure the highest level of efficiency would be achieved. Everything went according to Master's fantastic arrangements and verbal instructions, all the work began smoothly.

During this time Master also helped them to develop their latent talents. Fellow sisters who had never touched a hoe before were digging up earth or filling in holes speedily and systematically. Fellow practitioners, who had no knowledge of horticulture, quickly designed how the plants, trees, etc. were to be arranged. Everyone worked closely together and succeeded to broadly outline the whole construction plan on the first day.

That afternoon, Master suddenly appeared among the crowd, bestowing an unexpected and tremendous delight on fellow practitioners! Master inspected everything and gave further instructions concerning the work. She was supposed to leave after delivering the blessed food that She had brought, however, reluctant to part with fellow practitioners, Master invited each of them to come forward to personally receive the blessed food. Fellow initiates were overwhelmed and deeply touched by this unexpected blessing.

After this brief but happy gathering, Master had to leave. Before getting into the car, She reluctantly repeated: "I am leaving! I am leaving now! I really must leave now!"

Fellow practitioners were truly grateful to Master, who in spite of Her busy schedule and the inconvenience of travelling, did not forget to bless and care for each of the fellow practitioners personally, as well as the Center. Therefore, everyone pledged to complete the beautifying work of the Center perfectly, to repay Master for Her meticulous concern.

News 56 Index

Special Reports

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Boundless Compassion Is Forever Illuminating Each Corner Of The World- Delivering WAnticipated New Year Gifts
Anticipated New Year Gifts The Fragrance Of Rice Dumpling Pervades Palawan
Concern For The Homeless The Whole Wolrd Is One Family Cherish The Blessings That We Have Now
Master's Incessant Love A Chance To Develop Love Love's Warmth Is Everywhere On Earth
Cheer Up! Friends! Comforting The Poor And Helpless With Loving Words
Respect All Elderly People As Our Parents Reflection

Supreme Master Ching Hai's
Boundless Compassion
Is Forever Illuminating
Each Corner Of The World

Her Holy Love Soothes The Pain Of
Injustice And Suffering

Supreme Master Ching Hai remembers and is concerned about the poor, the sick, the aged, the helpless and the homeless people; and worries whether they have sufficient clothes and food. Therefore, She especially instructed fellow practitioners throughout the world to prepare New Year's gifts and to visit the refugee camps, old folks homes, orphanages and underprivileged in their communities with Master's financial generous assistance and Her boundless love. The objective is to convey warmth to these brothers and sisters during the New Year Festival.

Supporting Master's appeal of love, fellow practitioners put their compassion into action, and realized that the whole world is one family and that all beings are one.

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Great Compassion Conveys Warmth
To The Whole World In The Cold Of Winter Thailand

Delivering Warmth And Compassion

Amidst The Freezing Cold Winter

By Daosiri & Vipha Supreme Master Magazine Reporters, Bangkok, Thailand

It was a freezing cold winter. The poor and the elderly needed more love and better care. Fellow practitioners from Bangkok and Khon Kaen Centers especially brought knitted clothing to Ban Pakan and Ban Wang Khon Daeng of Seechompoo District, and Na Fai and Huay Muang of Poophaman District in Khon Kaen Province, in the northeastern region of Thailand, to deliver Master's love.

During each distribution of clothing, fellow practitioners introduced Master and the Quan Yin Method to the locals. They did so because they believe that liberation is the one and only method by which the soul can be kept always warm, eliminating poverty and cold.

When people were queuing up happily and blissfully to receive the clothes, which were full of Master's love and compassion, the air was also full of Master's love. Fellow practitioners who were there were filled with bliss and deeply understood Master's words: "To give is happiness."

Delivering clothes in winter, not only made one feel the warmth among people, but it also helped to develop the loving hearts of fellow practitioners. Remembering our beloved Master, what She has painstakingly taught us through words and by example, fellow practitioners were all willing to be good instruments and bring Master's love and compassion to every corner of the world.

Anticipated New Year Gifts

The Chinese New Year is approaching, and the disciples in Thailand heard good news from Hsihu that Master kindly instructed fellow initiates to send gifts and especially Her greatest love to asylum seekers in Thailand for this joyful festival.

Upon hearing this, many fellow initiates were enthusiastic about contributing to this meaningful activity. Candies and biscuits were brought to the center in bulk, and all fellow initiates who came to the group meditation united and happily helped pack them for the asylum seekers.

Many expressed their sincere intention to take the gifts to the refugee camps; however, since the vehicles have limited space, only a certain number of initiates could do this.

There were three refugee camps which were visited. The first one is in Panus Nikom District, Chonburi Province; the second in See Kiew District, Nakorn Ratchasima Province; and the third in Na Po District, Nakorn Panom Province.

When the gifts of Master's love were taken to the Panus Nikom Refugee Camp in Chonburi, we were warmly received by the chief officer. Fellow initiates explained to the camp officials and to the military officers that our Master is very kind and compassionate, and has expressed Her sincere generosity to many people all over the world. We mentioned that She has a lot of disciples in various countries including America, Europe and Asia. Furthermore, we said that the reason that She is giving some gifts like candies and biscuits to asylum seekers this time is because of the Au Lac/Chinese New Year and that they represent Her love to these asylum seekers.

Finally, the head of the camp summoned all the asylum seekers to receive Master's gifts. He also let us distribute the gifts to them directly. Everyone, including new born children, obtained a bag of Master's gifts filled with love and blessings.

The next day, two separate groups of fellow initiates went to the other two camps in Nakorn Panom and Nakorn Ratchasima in pick-up trucks, fully loaded with things that we had already prepared.

At the See Kiew Camp, we met the chief officer and gave him a formal letter from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. He and other officers were also given the presents from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

The chief officer said, "Please send my respects and regards to Supreme Master Ching Hai too."

Some Au Lac asylum seekers who are volunteer workers in the office came to help us unload the candies, biscuits, etc. They were glad to see us again.

When they saw the candy boxes, one of them said, "Oh! These must be gifts for the Au Lac/Chinese New Year's Day," as if they knew in advance that there would be gifts from Master for this upcoming festival. It implied that deep in their hearts they always think of Master; Her love and kindness has always been there to encourage them.

We, as messengers who brought them the greatest love and kindness from Master, were glad to see them happy with Her gifts. It was like falling rain soothing their dried and lonely souls.

We hope Master's love and blessings will elevate their souls and take them to superior worlds to enjoy the true freedom, returning to their heavenly home. We realize that all of us are learning lessons, which we cannot avoid, under diverse circumstances.

Thanks to Master's peerless love and supreme power, which guides us to our true nature and enlightenment, we are able to diligently and sincerely practice so we can help ourselves and others.

Palawan, The Philippines

The Fragrance Of Rice
Dumplings Pervades Palawan

By Nguyen Hoanh Dat Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Palawan,

The Philippines (Originally In Au Lac Language)

According to Au Lac tradition, people prepare rice dumplings with green beans for the Lunar New Year. As the UNHCR has severed its aid to the Palawan Refugee Camp in the Philippines, people in the camp had difficulty preparing for the Lunar New Year.

Representatives in the Camp wrote to Master asking for help. Upon receiving the letter, compassionate Master immediately instructed a Quan Yin messenger to take some money and go help them. Apart from buying the green beans as requested to resolve the dilemma, other traditional Au Lac food will be provided continuously before the New Year.

Master's love has embraced all the asylum seekers in the camp, and they definitely will have a happy and abundant New Year Festival this spring.

San Jose, U.S.A.

Concern For The Homeless

By Ha Cam Tam Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, San Jose, U.S.A.
(Originally in English)

Through Master's great love, some time ago on a Sunday, our practitioners at the San Jose Center, California, organized a gift and food distribution to homeless people at Saint James Park in San Jose City.

The flyers and posters advertising the location and time of this event were distributed a week earlier, so on the day there were many homeless people who assembled at the park ahead of time. They stood in a long line waiting for us. Their ages varied from very young to very old. The young ones stood with their parents.

The gifts consisted of blankets, warm clothes, cotton sacs and vegetarian food well packed in a foam box. Some people who finished their food quickly asked for more because they loved the taste.

A reporter interviewed us and therefore helped Master's blessing to spread widely.

There were hundreds of homeless. Everyone was happy to have the gifts, food and Master's sample booklets. Many of them thanked Master, and asked about Her, the Quan Yin Method and the Convenient Method.

With Master's blessing, our fellow practitioners worked hard to bring happiness and some necessities to needy people in this cold season. Not only did the homeless benefit; but fellow practitioners also received tremendous love from Master.

<Letter of Appreciation>

From: Western District Headquarters, Palawan Refugee Camp, the Philippines. (Originally in Au Lac Language)

Dear venerable Supreme Master Ching Hai,

We, the 34th Administrative Committee, have just received the 390 kilograms of green beans, which You kindly provided for our compatriots to prepare rice dumplings for the 1996 Lunar New Year Festival.

On behalf of the 34th Administrative Committee and all the Au Lac asylum seekers currently living in the Palawan PFAC Camp in the Philippines, we wholeheartedly thank You for Your love and concern in this new spring season.

Again, we wish You good health, and eternal blessings through God's boundless grace.

Ngo Cong Ca Chairman, 34th Administrative Committee

Feb. 2, 1996 at PFAC.

Taoyuan, Formosa

The Whole World Is One Family

By Lo Shih-Kai Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Taoyuan, Formosa

With the Chinese New Year approaching, our compassionate Master instructed each center to offer care to the underprivileged. Therefore, fellow practitioners from Taoyuan Center formed many groups to visit needy people in various places.

Subsequently, they found that behind those locked doors on the streets, there are many unnoticed, unhappy, suffering people awaiting the helping hands of the kindhearted. Jobless and with no relatives, these people live in abject poverty.

They have one main thing in common - a discontented soul. Therefore, apart from giving them material help, fellow practitioners also introduced Master's teachings to them.

An old woman, over seventy, deeply felt Master's love and said that she would go to the Center to see Her.

Whenever carrying out Master's assignments, fellow practitioners always gain deep insights, and they treat the work as a most precious spiritual lesson.

With open minds and arms, we try to help our neighbors in distress. In doing so, we are fulfilling Master's ideal: "the whole world is one family," and appreciate the boundless compassion of God.

More importantly, these opportunities allow more people who have never seen Master to benefit from Her blessings.

Hsinchu, Formosa

Cherish The Blessings That We Have Now

By Liu Pei-Hsin Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Hsinchu, Formosa

Upon receiving Master's instruction to care for the poor, initiates of Hsinchu Center immediately prepared various materials and conducted a thorough investigation by visiting destitute households in need of assistance. They hoped to bring to these destitute families, forgotten by society, warmth in the cold winter and good luck in the new year.

Fellow practitioners visited the destitute families carrying with them Master's love and gifts, and they found that there were many needy people living in broken down abandoned houses.

When fellow practitioners distributed bags of coats, blankets and milk powder to them, they delightfully smiled and wholeheartedly accepted them.

Fellow practitioners also helped them to clean up the environment, and briefly chatted with them. They found that most of these poor families were victims of: divorce, single parent, mental retardation, having no children, loneliness and senility, and seriously illnesses. Their situation was aggravated because no one would take care of them. Some of them even came from formerly rich families.

Observing this tragic scene, fellow practitioners deeply felt the ephemerality of life, and their determination in spiritual practice became even firmer.

A cold current happened to sweep in during those few days, and Hsinchu is famous for being a "windy city". The freezing wind really chilled people to the bone. The poor families still had shelter, but fellow practitioners were greatly concerned about the homeless on the streets.

Apart from preparing the items that they took to the poor families, fellow practitioners considerately prepared some sleeping bags for the homeless. When everything was ready, they set out at midnight to make the visits.

The homeless were found in parks, and all they had was a blanket and a cloth on the ground, in which they had wrapped themselves entirely. Waking up, they were too cold even to speak, but they were extremely touched when receiving Master's gifts of love.

There was an old man who was over eighty, who even crawled out from his blanket to shake hands with us to express his gratitude, when he received this unexpected New Year's gift. This activity brought Master's love to the needy people, but it was also a lesson for the fellow practitioners who participated: to spread Master's love, and cherish the blessings that we have now.

It is our great blessing earned through many lives that we can follow Master to practice in this life. We only hope that the whole world will know of this good news from heaven, and enjoy it with us!

A poor householder smiles when receiving the clothing and food distributed by the Hsinchu fellow practitioners.

Hsihu, Formosa

Master's Incessant Love

By Wen Ti Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Hsihu, Formosa

Due to Master's concern for the poor, weak and elderly, resident disciples from Hsihu visit poor families in the neighboring mountainous area every month, and take along daily necessities and cash donations. Master's blessing and divine love is also conveyed.

As the Chinese New Year is approaching, Master cannot forget these people in poverty and specifically instructed us to buy and take more New Year's gifts to console them. Also Master instructed to buy gifts for all other centers to take to their home districts to distribute to the needy - only in remote areas or the foreign countries, all the centers have to buy gift themselves either from the money taken from Master's products or pay in advance and re-imburse later with Mster's accountant in Hsihu Center, Formosa etc.

Most of the places we went to were small and remote villages. Though the road was steep and had many bends, it was paved, which made travelling easier. Even some small paths with little traffic had been broadened. According to fellow sisters who had been there before, these were great improvements. This shows that wherever an enlightened Master goes, great blessings will come to that place.

The folks in these few households, who have been living there for generations, are honest people. Their way of living is simple, and they have very little contact with the outside world. Therefore, they have pure hearts, and work hard in a practical manner. Even at the age of eighty, some of them still work in the fields. They are healthy, content, happy with their situation, and don't compete with anyone.

Master has said that God cares most for those pure at heart. These ordinary and simple people are so innocent, they can easily receive Master's power without any hindrance. Though this place is rarely visited by people, God's grace shines deeply within the hearts of the inhabitants.

A fellow sister who came along said with deep feelings that she always felt Master's light is nurturing our compassion through these needy people. Superficially, it seems they owe us their gratitude, but it is Master motivating us in the background. We only go to these remote places because of Her. It is Master who is transmitting love throughout the world.

When we set off to visit the old friends in these poor families, the winter sun that we missed for a long time, came out and shone warmly, as though Master's love was illuminating every family.

Heavy jackets were brought for the men, and elegant casual clothes for the ladies. There were also blankets, food, New Year gift of money and greeting cards. We tried our best to fulfill everyone's needs. Master especially instructed us to enquire carefully about what else they needed, and to wish everyone a happy new year.

They were very happy to see people from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, and told us cordially about their current living situations.

There were two brothers - the younger one looks after his elder brother who has had a stroke. A fellow sister told them the secret of using blankets which Master taught us: first cover head and shoulder and wrap around the whole body with a thin blanket. Then add a thicker cotton one on top. This way one can have a warm and comfortable sleep.

Their neighbors were also aware of our visit so the small house was soon filled with people. Everyone knew that Master is their good friend.

A woman, over eighty, held the News magazine and said, "Oh! I know this Master! I feel very good reading Her books." She invited us to go there everyday. Upon leaving, she said, "You people are really caring and warm towards others."

Another old lady kept smiling at us as if we were her relatives, and not strangers at all.

An old person, with tearful eyes, held his hat against his chest to salute us. He told us he has seen Master on Channel 4, and repeatedly thanked us.

Master has often told us that one's physical condition and one's spirituality are not related. The best proof was a woman who, though handicapped, was deeply connected with Master inside.

An old lady happily trying on clothes, which were some of the New Year's gifts from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Chiayi, Formosa

A Chance To Develop Love

By Li Shih-Yuan Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Chiayi, Formosa

To expedite the conveyance of Master's love to the poor, fellow practitioners in Chiayi worked in two groups. In the Chiayi area, besides referring to the list of poor families acquired from the city government last year, they also received the new statistics for this year, and the visiting activity was launched promptly the next day.

In the Yun Lin area, the responsible fellow initiates were inexperienced and didn't know how to begin. Coincidentally, a fellow sister was working at the Family Help Center, and they were going to conduct a year-end visit the next day. Therefore, the inexperienced fellow practitioners worked together with them, which Master must have incredibly arranged.

Before the visiting activities were launched, most fellow practitioners thought that there should not be many needy people because the current economic situation in Formosa is quite good. However, after working for several days, all those who participated became heavy at heart. They never realized that there were so many families with financial difficulties, and living in broken down, old and filthy small houses. Old people were lying on beds suffering from prolonged illnesses. In many households, only the helpless and sick elderly were left.

A fellow sister said that she has been living in that area for decades, but if it were not for Master's instruction and this activity she would never have known that there were so many destitute households close to where she lived.

Each person visited was highly blessed, because apart from getting material help they also saw Master's photo and heard Her holy name. Some of them started reading the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine as soon as they received it. Although they were now in financial difficulties, their souls had already been touched by God.

Master always uses every opportunity to break our preconceptions, develop our compassion, and to let more brothers and sisters get on the Quan Yin Method ship, which sails towards liberation.

Chiayi fellow practitioners convey Master's love to unfortunate and destitute families

Penghu, Formosa

Love's Warmth Is Everywhere On Earth

By Chao Chiung-Chuan Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Penghu, Formosa Penghu is an remote island far away from Formosa. As there are few employment opportunities, a large portion of the population has moved away. Consequently, old aged people lack the care from their children, both materially and mentally.

Those who are lucky can get welfare money, but in some inconspicuous corners there are always some lonely and helpless old folks fading away with the years, without anyone ever being aware of them (except Master!)

Firstly, we obtained information from the municipal government, then we ourselves searched for poor families forgotten by society.

Based on the information acquired, we visited households one by one to find out what their practical daily needs were, and made a detailed list, including minor items like toothpaste and soap, and big items like refrigerators. Amusingly, an old gentleman wanted a suit!

According to the requirements, fellow practitioners purchased blankets, thermos bottles, and other necessities. When making the purchases, there were also many heartwarming incidents.

When a shop owner heard that the blankets purchased were to be given to the poor, he promptly took us to the wholesaler, without earning any profit for himself. When we were buying clothing, the shop owner insisted he donate a set of clothes too. Many similar incidents happened, which made fellow practitioner realize that love's warmth is everywhere on Earth. When our love and compassion are evoked from deep within, the influences both visible and invisible, will also be very profound. While making visits and distributing gifts, fellow practitioners learnt many lessons. For example, there were two destitute old women living together in a broken down home, but they cherished their environment and kept everything tidy and clean. They were content and happy at heart, unlike most destitute families who were disconcerted by their inadequate material and mental conditions. Many were resentful and subsequently made themselves suffer more.

This reminded us of Master's advice: "Be content, and we will always be happy! We should become a cheerful enlightened being instead of a miserable one!"

Visiting these helpless, elderly people in destitute families is a precious lesson for us to develop our love and compassion. After this activity, we resolved to spend greater efforts to search all over Penghu for poor householders beyond the coverage of social welfare. We hope that more people can receive love's warmth from Master.

Hualien, Formosa

Cheer Up! Friends!

By Yang Li-Yen Supreme Master Magazine Reporter,

The "Home of God's Love" Counselling Center is situated in the rural area of Hualien, and their building and equipment are crude and simple. The Counselling Center accommodates youngsters and adults, who after drug rehabilitation, also require physical and mental rehabilitation before they can resume normal lives in society.

To enact Master's compassionate directive to assist the poor and helpless, the Hualien Center promptly gathered plenty of clothing from fellow practitioners, and delivered it along with socks and several crates of food to the "Home of God's Love," upon knowing that the Counselling Center urgently needed warm clothing for the winter.

When the fellow practitioners arrived, Pastor Bao and his wife greeted them cordially, and were most thankful to Master for Her love and concern. Mrs. Bao showed the fellow practitioners around the Home, and shared with them the bitter and hazardous process of how they strived with the youngsters and adults undertaking drug rehabilitation. Some of these friends in the Home greeted our fellow practitioners very cordially when they met.

On the return journey, fellow practitioners were still thinking about these friends who were rehabilitating, and prayed in their hearts: "Cheer up friends! Never give up before you succeed. We have brought you Master's light of kindness. During your tormenting drug rehabilitation, Master's heavenly light will definitely bless and help you to keep your faith, and overcome the addictions."

Carrying Master's great love and plenty of warm clothing, Hualien fellow practitioners go to visit the "Home of God's Love" Drug Counselling Center.

Yilan, Formosa

Comforting The Poor And Helpless With Loving Words

By Yu Tai-Hsin Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Yilan, Formosa

Before this winter's relief operation was launched, most fellow practitioners, being inexperienced, thought that it would be very time consuming to locate destitute people, whom they had never met, in the vast rural area.

Unexpectedly, everything went smoothly. Almost every group managed to deliver Master's love and Her gifts to needy people very quickly. This rectified their misconception, and taught them a good lesson.

In addition to giving needy people gifts and money, fellow practitioners also comforted them with loving words. They chatted with them to ease their frustrations, and briefly introduced Master's teachings to them. They also suggested that they recite Master's name frequently, which would invite blessings from all the enlightened beings to help them and ease their suffering, so that they could spend their remaining years cheerfully under Master's merciful love.

Almost all the people that a group of fellow sisters contacted were old folks confined to bed due to prolonged illnesses, and were not cared for. Some even lived alone in the mountains. The fellow sisters were deeply gratified for having the blessing to meet and practice under an enlightened Master, thus free from suffering in this life and the next.

Among the aid recipients was a young man who suffered from a severe skin disease. Being extremely ill-tempered, his heart was locked tightly and he rejected any communication with the outside world. After the fellow sisters counselled him patiently and introduced Master's teachings to him, his darkened face began to brighten up slowly. We believe the turning point in his life has come and that he is heading towards a brighter future.

While visiting, whenever we failed to locate a certain person, some good-natured soul would always appear to give us guidance, and help us accomplish the mission. This made fellow practitioners deeply feel that Master's blessing is always present.

For instance, a group of fellow brothers spent a great deal of effort locating an address, but the old person was not at home. Just as they prepared to leave, the alarm of their car suddenly went off automatically, so they hurriedly tried stopping it. The alarm eventually stopped by itself, and the person who had guided them previously came back and told them the old person had come home. Such a coincidence can only be explained as Master's almighty power at work.

Another group of fellow practitioners drove a long way but failed to find an old woman living alone. Perplexed, they parked the car outside a shabby looking house. As it transpired, the owner of that house was the old woman that they had been looking for, and she had just come home!

When the fellow sister talked to her about Master, she piously gazed at Her photo on the magazine cover, and smiled delightfully. It showed that she liked Master very much. Although lonely and with no one to depend on, this old woman became very cheerful and optimistic!

With Master's help and blessing in the background, this activity was accomplished successfully. We are grateful to Master for giving us this "lesson of love," and letting us realize how lucky practitioners of the Quan Yin Method are. We will cherish the blessing of being able to practice in this life even more.

Taipei, Formosa

Respect All Elderly People As Our Own Parents

By Chen Yu-Lin Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Taipei, Formosa

As the winter sun shyly showed its face, the warmth swept away the overcast weather that overshadowed Taipei for the past few days. Carrying Master's love, and bearing in mind Her directives and teachings, fellow practitioners from Taipei went to visit the Hang An Elderly Rehabilitation Home on a hustling and bustling Saturday afternoon.

Amid the Spring Festival music, fellow practitioners distributed New Year's Red Envelopes (contains lucky New Year's cash) to each old person, to commence the visiting program. The venue temporarily set up on the ground floor was immediately filled with joy. Our working members divided into many groups, and brought the old folks from different floors, either by hand or in wheelchairs.

Next to the elevator landing, fellow sisters of the make-up team skillfully beautified the appearances of the elderly folks. They shuttled among the elderly cutting their fingernails, applying nail polish for them, and also combing and styling their hair. In a matter of minutes, all of them looked fresh and spirited, as if they had changed into new people. For them, going to beauty parlors and putting on make-up are things of the past! Traces of tears could be observed in the eyes of some grandpas and grandmas. (A good lesson learnt from Master's beauty session!)

God's meticulous love transcends space and time. The old folks behaved like children, and just sat quietly to let the team members transform their appearance, while excitement could be detected on their faces.

For the occasion, fellow practitioners also prepared many performances to entertain the elderly. They clapped their hands in rhythm, and even those who were disabled nodded their heads. Some of them even eagerly went onto the stage to display their singing talents - reliving past glories from their younger days. On and off the stage, everyone enjoyed each other's company, while some simply started reading the magazines or sample booklet, word by word!

After the performance, fellow practitioners wheeled the old folks back to their respective floors to enjoy snacks and meals specially prepared for them.

For the disabled ones, fellow sisters patiently fed them while chatting, which made the old folks enjoy their meals more. Fellow practitioners carefully wiped spilt food from the old folk's mouths, and paid great attention to their needs and words.

Respect all elderly people as our own parents. These old folks are not strangers, but our own kin. Several fellow sisters who had lost their parents were especially meticulous in caring for the elderly, and made them smile cheerfully.

Unconsciously, fellow practitioners seemed to have forgotten the differences in age and the reservation between strangers. Instead we could see many harmonious scenes of "parents" and "children" all happy together.

Fellow practitioners didn't forget to comfort and talk to the old folks who were confined to bed because of illnesses.

At first, many grandpas and grandmas looked nervous and uneasy, but they slowly relaxed in the cordial atmosphere, and even laughed heartily. Eventually, they could unreservedly appreciate our love for them, and were reluctant to see us go. If it was not for love, how could one explain this dramatic change from rejection to acceptance, from strange to familiar, and from refusing to lingering.

Superintendent Chen said that she had never seen the old folks in the Home so thrilled, and she hoped fellow practitioners would visit them more often. She also marvelled at the extraordinary organizing ability and good intent of our group. This kind of activity is very rare.

Another staff member, Supervisor Li, asked us how we managed to mobilize so many people to do one thing, and accomplish it so perfectly.

Fellow practitioners explained to her: "It is entirely due to the loving blessing and meticulous teachings of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Master always teaches us to do things with total concentration, and endeavor to do them perfectly!"

Under the skilful hands of the make-up team, the elderly put on a fresh new look.

Remark: After visiting the Hang An Old Folks Rehabilitation Home, Taipei fellow practitioners will continue, visiting destitute households and homeless people. Reports on further activities will be published in future issues of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News.

Reflection

By Fellow Brother Yang Han-Yung, Taipei, Formosa

It was extremely meaningful for me to take part in the charitable activity before the Lunar New Year comes. It was the first time I had ever been to an old folk's Home.

Observing the heartfelt bliss on their faces, and the sincere compassion and patience of the fellow practitioners who volunteered to help, I was truly touched. I know I must try harder to learn from their devotion and sacrificing spirit.

Previously, I didn't know how to express my sincerity at the right moment, but I have learned a great deal through participating in this activity. It was so comforting and heartwarming being able to offer our love to the old folks. This is my best experience ever since I started participating in various activities. Thank You very much Master!

News 56 Index

Media Reports

China Times, Formosa Business Week, U.S.A

China Times, Formosa Feb. 4, 1996

Conveying Warmth In The Cold Winter
Supreme Master Ching Hai Takes Another's Hunger As Her Hunger

Leading Volunteers From The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
Distribute Daily Necessities To People, And Hope Others In Society Will Join The Activity

Braving the severe cold, electric heaters, blankets and other necessities were delivered to destitute households in urgent need. Their action filled the community with warmth, and touched people's hearts.

In the past few days, a cold front pervaded Formosa. As the Chinese New Year is coming, the poor in many places are bracing themselves and preparing to suffer a cold winter. Many charitable groups have joined the "Conveying Warmth In The Cold Winter" activity, thus allowing the needy families to have a happy Lunar New Year.

Among these groups, volunteers of the International Association led by Supreme Master Ching Hai repeated their usual practice and delivered electric heaters, blankets, nutritious food and other necessities to underprivileged households in the towns and villages in north and south Taoyuan County as the Chinese New Year approaches. These families were facing starvation because of sudden disasters or other mishaps.

Therefore, the International Association, seeing another's hunger as their hunger, and another's drowning is their drowning, promptly provided the necessary money and materials to ease their difficult situations. They worked silently, liaising between the government and the applicants in urgent need.

Volunteers from the International Association also said that they launched this "Conveying Warmth In The Cold Winter" activity in order to motivate other individuals and groups in society to join this charitable action.

Meat Eaters Take Care Due To

The Prevalence Of Mad Cow's Disease

Not anymore, nine years after scientists first identified bovine spongiform encephalopathy, publics fear that the mysterious BSE agent might infecting humans have reached a fever pitch. Two Britain teenagers died--in April and August--of a brain-devouring ailment eerily similar to BSE. Called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, this nasty human malady has been around for decades: It killed choreographer George Balanchine in 1983. But it normally afflicts only tiny numbers of middle-aged and elderly people. In Britain, however, CJD fatalities not are only occurring among the young, but have doubled NO MORE LIVER. Such scary statistics have raised fears that BSE can pass from cattle to humans. The government already bans the use in foodstuffs of cow brains and certain other organs, in which BSE is most apt to lurk. Now, some top Britain scientists and doctors want the ban extended to additional organs. European farmers are asking their government to halt imports of Britain beef. And thousands on English schools have removed beef from lunch menus.

Other countries, including the U.S., share Britain's concerns.

This much is known about the Britain epidemic: Cattle were probably afflicted after being fed ground sheep carcasses infected with scrapie, a sheep disease similar to BSE. In 1988, after cow started dying, the government banned the use of cattle and sheep in animal feed and ordered the slaughter of any beast with BSE symptoms. But seven years and 150,000 BSE cases later; 300 cows a week coming down with the disease. Most perplexing: Cattle born after 1988, witch presumably didn't infected feed, have contracted the disease.

BUM STEER. The European Union also has banned the feeding of cow and sheep carcasses to animals. But the U.S. has not done so, complains Richard F. Marsh, a University of Wisconsin animal-health professor, despite many cases of sheep scrapie.

The seeming increase in CJD may result from better reporting of cases. But Sheila Gore, a biostatistician at Britain's medical Research Council, says more worrisome the deaths of the two teenagers. There have been only four other recorded cases of CJD among teens in Europe and the U.S. Still, given the long incubation period for the disease, "it's going to be many years before the we know if human health has been compromised," says Dr. Will Patterson, a British public-health specialist.

News 56 Index

Magical Power

Creates Self-Cheating Illusions!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
Hsihu Center, Formosa

July 9, 1995
(Originally in Chinese)

The World Is a Maze

This world is created by a person who has great magical power, and we have been lured into it. Thus now we use this Quan Yin Method as a tool to dig a door out of it. There is only one door, very small, very difficult to walk through. Following a guide, you can get out without danger. Otherwise, this maze is full of traps, and dangerous, tempting tricks and paraphernalia; so we cannot get out of it. It is like a maze, the more you walk, the more confusing it gets. It's like shifting sand - the more you move, the deeper you sink. This is the situation of our world.

This person who possesses the greatest magical power, just a little bit less than Buddha, is Maya. He has no compassion, that's why he has made this world for himself with which to play. We foolish people got pulled into it, or just passed by and were enticed by him. Now we cannot just walk out.

Originally we did not do anything wrong. Later we did worse and worse. Doing bad things would of course make things worse; doing good things would also make things bad, because we are in the maze ourselves. Whatever merit we get is just in the theater, it totally has no connection with the outer world.

What good things can you do in a maze? You build a big palace, you save certain people or animals - these are all illusions also. You can't just walk out of a maze, no matter what you do it's useless. No matter what you do, you can't derive merit.

Enlightened Masters Don't Use Magical Power

Previously, Emperor Wu of Liang State built many temples, and then went to ask Bodhidharma how much merit he had earned. Bodhidharma said: "None!" The Emperor was a stupid person, and even got mad at him. Bodhidharma was telling the truth but truthful words offended the emperor's ears. Being an unenlightened Emperor, he sent him away.

Later, the Emperor heard from someone who had more wisdom that Bodhidharma was great, was a real enlightened master. Then he regretted what he had done and invited Bodhidharma to come back, but he refused!

Most masters can ignore us. If you want, you follow him; if not, he is not bothered either. He won't lose anything. He knows that sentient beings are difficult to teach. Why should he trouble himself?

He will not chase after us, we should chase after him! Sometimes we can't catch up with him. He just lets it be, he doesn't care. He leaves the opportunity for the later people, or lets us get fed up ourselves -- life after life, after one thousand, two thousand or twenty thousand years, then we ourselves begin to seek, to climb up.

So he does not worry, does not care. Neither will he bother to interfere with us, as we won't gain merit doing this, because we are in the maze. What does it have to do with him whether we have merit or not in a maze?

It is not that the masters are arrogant, but simply that their thinking is different from ours. He is a very free person. He is at ease. How can we bind him? How can we make him beg us all the time. We are the prisoners ourselves! We should beg the person outside to save us. How can he beg us to ask him to save us? Life and death are our business, he is liberated already!

Learning Magical Power Delays Realizing The Truth

That's why I tell you not to learn magical power. It can change our life, but just changing our own life, the plan for the whole world will not change.

Like when we get tired, get sick, we take some drugs, and lay down and become anesthetized, so we won't feel the pain. Then we imagine our bodies become very beautiful! We become queens, Miss Universe or whatever. It turns out that by the time we wake up, everything has remained the same.

The whole world will not change because of our imagination, it is only that our illusions cheat us. How much can we cheat ourselves? This depends on how much imagination we have, how great our magical power is. In fact nothing has changed. You imagine that for five years you are a king and do many successful things. Five years later, you wake up and find yourself still a beggar sitting there.

Everything remains the same when your illusions break. The whole world doesn't change, we just entered a world of imagination, which we have created for ourselves, just like having a dream. Practicing magical power is self deceiving, it is totally useless.

When the time is up, after the illusions break, it is worse than before; because we have lost our valuable time in pursuing that illusion, instead of using that period of valuable time to seek the Truth. We lose several days, weeks, months or years, just living in the world of imagination, and did not use that time to meditate on the Truth, to know our real nature; so we lose even more. What if we die in that period of time? We have nothing left! Magical power cannot change heaven and hell, that is the trouble.

The Futility of Magical Power

Magical power cannot change our karma. It can only cheat us and let us live in the world of illusion for a while, so it is useless. In a world created by magical power, you seem to have become a very wealthy person who owns everything. Your neighbors also seem to change with you! They respect you, have dealings with you, do business with you, and so on; but those are also part of the illusion. The neighbors did not change in reality.

We ourselves build a theater, then we play inside. The real people are not there. Those who play are not real people either, they are illusionary. It's like when we have a dream, we can do everything, but when waking up we have nothing. Magical power is like having dreams, its time is longer perhaps.

Magical power cannot change any of our karma, merit or life; so learning magical power is useless. The more you cheat yourself the more trouble you have. Then we lose even more -- we go astray and have wrong concepts. It takes a very long time before we can go back to our starting point, let alone to the place of Truth.

For instance, originally we are at position zero here. If we move to the right, we can find Truth. Now we not only don't go to the right, but instead go to the left, for the sake of illusion. So we go further and further. When later we want to look for the Truth, we still need to go back to point zero in order to start from there to go right; not sure even if we can find the path to the right. We waste a lot of time. If we die in the middle, we will have nothing. We are further away from that point zero, from Truth.

News 56 Index

While On The Path

Son, We Have The Same Best mom! Take Care Of Every Day With Love
God Is Glorified Because Of You! The Perfect Backstage Chief Editor

News 56 Index