While On The Path

Putting Everything In Your Hands Heaven Does Exist The Strength Of The Soul

Putting Everything In Your Hands!

By Resident Disciple Susan Manturuk, Hsihu, Formosa (Originally In English)

Recalling the days prior to coming here, my life, which was full of stress and uncertainty, became very clear. I was able to see and say good-byes to friends and family, whom I rarely got to see. I also paid all my bills. My deepest gratitude goes out to Master for Her blessings that silently made the best arrangements for my becoming a resident disciple at Hsihu, and enabled me to look forward to a brand new life ahead.

After my arrival at Hsihu, I was put up in a comfortable guest room. It was close to the bathroom and the blessed candy, and I like it very much. However, when I was accepted to become a resident disciple, I was told to move to the back mountain and live with other resident disciples. I really didn't want to move; but since I had decided to put my life in Master's hands, I did so the next day, together with several Au Lac American sisters.

Every time I climb that mountain, I am reminded that in life we will have our mountains to climb; and if we give up, or don't at least try, how will we know what we can accomplish in life. I know now there isn't anything that I wouldn't try. With Master beside us every step of the way, how can we fail if it is Master's plan. When a person fails at something, it's when they are trying to run the show themselves. It was much easier for me, turning myself over to Master and letting Her direct my life.

Heaven Does Exist

By Fellow Initiate Ha Cam Tam, San Jose, CA, USA

(Originally In Au Lac Language)

The sight of Hsihu Center at night was so serene and holy, as if it was a heavenly experience. The bright, colorful tents in different sizes in the Bamboo Forest like giant flowers, filling it with the happiness of the New Year.

I was helped delightfully by the residents there with every little thing, and also taken care of with each meal. I asked myself: I have just been initiated a little more than two years, haven't yet done anything beneficial for anyone, why does Master love me so much? I looked around at the camp area of fellow initiates from around the world. Ah! They were also taken care of like me. That put my mind at ease. I silently thanked Master and could not help but shed tears. The blissful feelings rose like the surging tide could not be stopped even if I wanted.

During the 3-Day Retreat, Master's teachings filled Her disciples with awe and wondrous amazement. Even all of the

Suddenly, I felt a close connection between human beings and nature, between the movements of stars and the leaf just fallen on my shoulder or the one already asleep on these pebbles. I could perceive from inside, the door that had been tightly closed for many thousands of years, now opened, and all the lights shining brightly. Everything became so clear and comprehensible. I knew that Heavens existed on this earth and inside each one of us. I also knew very clearly that all the things that we have affected in a positive way in life, due to keeping a vegetarian diet and the five precepts, are helpful to ourselves and others.

If we are able to do something beneficial for others on the road of our spiritual practice, it is all due to Master's tremendous power. Without a Master, we can not live, neither can we accomplish anything!

The Strength Of The Soul

By Fellow Initiate Chiu Nulin, Taoyuan, Formosa

Prior to my initiation, there were many things that caused me to be unhappy. Although in others' eyes I was both independent and strong, and often praised; but there was a dark corner in my heart which people did not know. However, after receiving initiation, my life changed drastically. On one hand, I have more love and patience for my family; on the other,

Now, I like the way I am because I know every person's Self is great and noble, including mine. My life is not perfect or trouble-free, but I have received strength in my heart and know how to deal with the various problems in life. What a wonderful feeling that is!

News 60 Index

Poem

My Bosom Friend

By Zuzi, A Resident Disciple In Hsihu, Formosa

        God is too busy,
        My letter is still among the pending files.
        The comets pass by too hastily,
        To catch the words of my long prayers.
        The soul network with friends,
        Often fails to function properly.

        Only You, Master!
        Pulsate with my soul,
        Comprehend all my thoughts,
        Know all my feelings,
        And take care of everything.

        You know me better than I do.
 

News 60 Index

Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 60

Cover illustration: H. M. the King of Cambodia (center) receives Master personally at the Royal Palace as a guest of the kingdom. They took a picture together (first right Royal Minister Ta Saroeun).

Readers' Letter

Heart To Heart With Your Holy Heart Prayer Of The Soul

Heart To Heart With Your Holy Heart!

By Fellow Initiate Anjila, South Africa

How are You? Each time I bathe in God's light and sound, I always wholeheartedly thank Hirm for the tremendous love and grace that Hes has bestowed upon the Earth, in giving us Hes most beloved daughter, who selflessly offers us this method of liberation.

Your being, vast as the ocean, warms each soul longing for liberation; Your compassionate love of a mother pervades the entire universe; and wherever I am, I can always feel Your omnipresent love. Innumerable words cannot express my gratitude to You. I can only repay You with the merit of my spiritual practice. Through meditation, I understand the profound mystery of the universe. Willingly, I let droplets of love dissolve into the world, and shine my feeble light onto the ocean of people surrounding me.

Dear venerable Master, I firmly believe we will meet one day. There is a line in an ancient Chinese poem, "I doubly miss my kin at festival times." However, I deeply feel, "I am doubly thankful at festival times." Let me once again thank God for Hes enormous love, thank You for Your compassion, and thank all of creation for their sustenance.

Living in South Africa, but having come from mainland China, my family and I miss You very much. We wish You good health and auspiciousness in everything!

Love,

Anjila

Prayer Of The Soul

By Mrs. D. P. Skelton, South Africa (Originally In English)

Dear Master,

My name is Debbie Skelton. I am 32 years old. Although my life has been generally unremarkable, I have spent a great deal of it searching for enlightenment by trying out different meditation methods, reading books, and joining religious organizations. Thus far, there has been no reliable method of attaining that realm.

After a while, it seemed to me that although there are many people willing to tell wondrous tales of rebirth into God's Kingdom and insights into heavenly mysteries, this blessed state was somehow reserved for them alone. The rest of us ordinary mortals have to sit around and hope like mad that if we faithfully practiced certain rituals, we would eventually be "spotted" by some heavenly force and be transported into a state of bliss.

Well, it never happened to me no matter how hard I visualized, prayed, meditated, etc. I even got to thinking that either these people had overactive imaginations or otherwise they were just making fun of or wasting the money of gullible idealists.

Despite this, hope springs eternal in the human heart! One day, several months ago when I was at work, (I work in the library in a city) I saw a booklet lying on someone's desk entitled "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment." I thought, "Ha! Now they are promising the impossible." I walked off rather crossly. But for some reason I was later drawn back to the little book. After having read the contents, my tune changed entirely; as I was amazed to discover that although some of the concepts were quite foreign, on the whole, You were offering on a plate exactly what I had been looking for all these years. You also offered a concrete promise that even an ordinary person, born without any special spiritual favors, could attain it on certain conditions.

Soon after this, I went to a book selection meeting and to my surprise I found another one entitled, "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment - Questions and Answers I." This had apparently been donated to the library, so I quickly made arrangements to acquire the second book. After having studied them thoroughly, I eventually made the commitment to follow the five precepts, and contacted the nearest liaison fellow practitioners regarding initiation.

I do sincerely long for spiritual awakening -- to be reborn into God's Kingdom, learn Hiers will, and strive towards becoming a fully "enlightened" being. This I wish to do for myself, my family and the world; as I believe it is high time that all humanity start taking responsibility for themselves. I would, therefore, like to follow the light of those who have gone before me; and perhaps, in some way, act as a beacon for others who shall follow later.

Thank You very much for reading this letter. I would be honored if You could let me have any information regarding initiation. Thank You most of all for not only enlightening us, but also for promising to transmit the light. Although I know that I lack the understanding of how fully precious and unique this gift is, I still wish to express insofar as I am able, my heartfelt love and gratitude towards You for Your work on Earth.

Love,

Debbie

P.S. I wrote a poem to try and communicate a little of how I feel.

Prayer Of The Soul

                                  The soul groans
                  Blinded by its own ignorance
   Trapped by its own contorted efforts to struggle free
         Must it exist in this eternity of errors
                                Or is there a way
        Past the dead paths, the empty words?

          The soul waits for the day it will rise
          Ignited by God's blazing radiance;
                        Dancing in the pure light
                Like a prism refracting the sun's rays;
         The myriad colours expressing endless
                  Kaleidoscopes of creativity
                        Born of love and wisdom
           Drawn from the one Great source.
 

News 60 Index

Pearls Of Wisdom

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
March 3, 1996 (Originally In Chinese)

Knowing we are good is terrific. However, even better is that we, ourselves, are not aware of it. Just like the flower; it doesn't say a word, but it is pretty; like the sun, it doesn't speak, but it radiates the power of life. When we reach this level in our spiritual cultivation, we have no more ego! Then, we fear no one; not because we are very good, but because we do not know whether we are good or not. So, let it be! Sleep when we are tired, and eat when hungry.

If our concept is incorrect, our spiritual practice can take us to the position of the King of Maya at the highest. Since our concept is one of illusion, we can never attain the supreme position, sitting next to God, or become a Buddha. When the concept is one of illusion, one will become a devil; not one with two long teeth and loud scream, but one with the concepts f the negative power.

The Truth Is Near When One Thinks Of The Truth

Karma Is Near When One Thinks Of Others

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai At Hsihu Center, Formosa

August 7, 1991 (Originally In Chinese)

When we think of a person, whether he is beside us or somewhere else, we are still very lonely. It is because we are not connected with our true Home. We are separated from our true master, so we are cut off from the source of love.

When we think of a person, we are no longer on guard, and any bad influence can come to us. Times like these are the easiest for the influences from this world to interfere with our magnetic field. Then we feel the "collective karma" of loneliness and are affected by the atmosphere of this world. Otherwise, we wouldn't be. If we take shelter in the Truth and defend ourselves properly, no karma can seize us, nor can it get close to our magnetic field.

Spiritual Practice Beyond "Body, Speech And Mind"

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai At Wan-Hua Temple, Taipei, Formosa
September 1, 1986 (Originally In Chinese)

We will still be at a very low level, if we only purify our "body, speech and mind". We should go beyond the world of "body, speech and mind" to reach a higher level. "Body, speech and mind" are still within the three realms, because thought comes from the brain, which is created in second realm. Therefore, the mind is not perfect and is not the highest level.

Why does the "mind" come from the brain? For example, when I see a person, I know she is a girl. How do I know she is a girl? It's because accumulated knowledge from my past experiences gives me the "conception of a girl". Therefore, I know she is a girl. From this we know that the "mind" learns from the three realms.

If we want to surpass the three realms to learn the supreme, profound and delicate teachings, we must first let go of our "body, speech and mind". To start spiritual practice by controlling our "body, speech and mind" is correct; but we must let it go in the future. We cannot take it with us to the Western Paradise, the Kingdom of God or other high level worlds.

News 60 Index

Master's Wonders

A Beautiful Dream Comes True Crushed Face The Transformation Master Is Always Around Secrets Behind The Celestial Clothes

A Beautiful Dream Comes True!

By Fellow Initiate Chen Hui-Min, Tainan, Formosa

In my dream, there were many fellow practitioners gathered at a banquet. With great joy, fireworks continuously lit up the sky; many congratulatory messages from distant worlds were also projected in the sky, as if done by laser beams.

I am so grateful to Master for blessing me with Her divine love, and I will practice more diligently to make myself deserving of this special glory more often.

Crushed Face

Narrated By Initiate Chang Yu-Jieh, Taipei, Formosa

Recorded By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Chang Shueh-Yun, Taipei, Formosa

One day while she was meditating, she thought about the old kitchen cookware. Although they were still in good working order, they were dirty and hard to clean. It would be better just to throw them away and get new ones! Otherwise, it could be very embarrassing when they have friends and relatives to dinner.

The next morning, sister Chang dreamed that she was riding on the back of a strange beast, one that looked like an ox and a horse with red curly hair like a camel. Several children brought some colorful beast eggs and put them in front of her. While she was concentrating on those eggs, a loud noise that sounded like broken bowls and plates awakened her.

When she went to the kitchen to take a look, she found the fallen hanging cabinet and a pile of broken glass, spices, etc., on the floor. It was an eyeful of debris. She felt lucky that she wasn't in the kitchen at the time. Otherwise, she could have been hit by the large, fully packed hanging cabinet. The outcome would have been unthinkable... She felt a chill down her spine. Normally, that was the time for her to prepare breakfast. Therefore, she was very grateful to Master for the dream which kept her away from this disaster.

This reminded sister Chang about what happened a few day ago. She was thinking about accepting a task at the meditation center. She thought the more she did, the more chance for mistakes. In case she made a mistake and was scolded, it would be very embarrassing. It would be better to not take the job.

That day, something strange happened. As a school teacher, when she walked into her first classroom and the whole class stood up and was ready to bow to greet her, a male student pointed at her and said, "The old beast is here again!" This surprised the entire class! That male student was even more surprised! As she walked into her second classroom, one usually quiet male student suddenly shouted at her for no reason. Her dignity as a respected teacher for twenty years was gone forever. She couldn't get over such a shock for a long time.

This time, the loud noise of the fallen cabinet awakened her. Because she was always concerned about losing face, Master used the incidents of the students and the fallen cabinet to crush her unnecessary ego and face-saving attitude.

The Transformation Master Is Always Around

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Hsu, Ning Shiah, Mainland China

Recorded by Hsihu Resident Yetze, Formosa

Whenever the transformation Master was not around, Maya would disturb her, even try to trick her by appearing as Master. She concentrated on her wisdom eye and recited, "My Master is the greatest enlightened being in the universe. She is omnipresent..." Then, Maya's form fell, rolled around on the floor, and crawled out the door. Therefore, she longed to see Master's transformation form all the time, and the transformation Master let her know that She is always around to protect her.

Once she couldn't see Master's transformation body so she prayed inside and the transformation Master appeared. She was very pleased and moved closer to kiss Her. Master turned Her head and became the Sixth Patriarch and stared at her as if to say, "I am a man. Dare you kiss me?" The Sixth Patriarch told her that he was very busy and disappeared.

She didn't give up and continued to sit under the table. A short while later, a pendant fell right into her hand. She was so thrilled because it was exactly what she wanted, the photograph of Master in the image of the Sixth Patriarch. Certain that Master is an omnipresent living Buddha and was the Sixth Patriarch, she said, "I definitely will practice diligently in order to repay Master for saving my life."

Secrets Behind The Celestial Clothes

By Fellow Initiate Chen Min-Hui, Tainan, Formosa

Without spending a lot, I bought in this world,my genuine heavenly outfit; it was indeed very cheap!

News 60 Index

Master Tells Jokes

Our Faith In God

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai At The International 4-Day Retreat,

Hsihu Center, Formosa Feb. 22, 1996 (Originally In English)

"Oh God, at least You are there, no? I have never prayed to You before, but today I am praying. Please come and help me. Please!"

Nothing happened. God didn't say anything or maybe Hes wasn't there.

So he continued again, "Oh God, please don't be angry with me. I know I never called You during my life, but at least I am calling You today. I believe in You, don't I? That is why I am calling You, no? If I didn't believe in You, how would I call You? Please come quickly and help me."

Nothing happened. God didn't say anything.

So there came a voice from somewhere, "Everyone says that when they are in trouble."

Then the person said, "Oh no God, not me, not me. I really believe in You. If You help me, I really will, I promise."

God, the voice, said, "Alright I'll give you a chance. Now, let go of that branch, and then I will save you."

The person said, "What!? Do you think I'm crazy?" That's how he believed in God.

This sounds very similar to some of our disciples, "I believe in the Master, but what? You tell me to do that, what for?"

News 60 Index

A Brief Message

Good News For Vegetarians!

The Essential Vegetable Protein

There are two types of protein: animal protein and vegetable protein. Soybeans, chick peas and snow peas are some of the source of vegetable protein. Keeping a vegetarian diet does not simply mean eating fried vegetables. Protein should be included to complete the nourishment a person requires.

Dr. Miller thought that we only need to eat cereal, beans, fruit and vegetables to get all the nourishment we need to maintain good health. According to Dr. Miller, "Bean curd is 'meat of no bones'." As soybean is very nutritious, suppose if people could only eat one kind of food and they ate soybeans, they would be able to survive longer. (This is an excerpt from the chapter "Why Must People Be Vegetarian" in Supreme Master Ching Hai's "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment I" and sample booklet.)

Preparing a vegetarian meal is the same as cooking a meal with meat, except that vegetarian protein ingredients such as vegetarian chicken chunks, vegetarian ham or vegetarian meat slices are used in its place. For example, instead of cooking "saute shredded meat with celery" or seaweed soup with egg," we can now cook it as "saute shredded vegetarian meat with celery" or "seaweed soup with bean curd sheets."

If you are in countries where these vegetarian protein ingredients are not readily available, you can contact the local center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and we will provide information on some main suppliers and vegetarian house for your reference. (Please see table 1.)

As to how to cook vegetarian food, you may refer to The Supreme Kitchen, published by Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, or any other vegetarian cookbooks.

Note: Dr. Miller was a vegetarian his entire life. He practiced medicine and treated the poor in the Republic of China for forty years.

Table 1:

Main Factories
--------------
PURE BROTHER CO. LTD.
2F, No. 10, Lane 306, Fu-Der 1st Rd.,
Si-Tze Cheng, Taipei Hsien Formosa
TEL:02-6949946     FAX:02-6849804


SHIN-DER ENTERPRISE CO. LTD.
No. 551, Yuong-Ping Rd.,
Yang-Mei Cheng, Taoyuan Formosa
TEL:03-4815287     FAX:03-4815265


The Infinite Light Healthy Vegetarian Food CO. LTD.
No. 5, Kong-Cheng Rd.,
Liu-Du Ind. Area, Keelung Formosa
TEL:02-4515191     FAX:02-4515537


Main Vegetarian House
---------------------

America
(Supreme Master Ching Hai Vegitarian House Arizona U.S.A.)
Address: 4812 N-7th Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85013 U.S.A.


ston>
Name: Quan Yin Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: 56 Hamilton Street, Worcester MA 01604 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-508-831-1322
FAX: 0021-508-752-2061


Name: Life & Light Vegetarian Food Company
Address: 119 Elm Street, WEst Newton, MA 02165 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-617-630-8101


California>
Name: Bo De Vegetarian House
Address: 646 8th Street, Oakland CA 94607 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-408-254-4939


CA.>
Name: S.M. Trading Company
Address: 330 Cabrillo Road, Arcadia CA 91007 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-818-445-3577
0021-818-574-5714
FAX: 0021-818-574-9282


San Jose>
Name: Supreme Master Ching Hai International Associations Vegetarian House
Address: 520  East Santa Clara Street, San Jose CA 95112 U.S.A
TEL: 0021-408-292-3798


Name: White Lotus
Address: 80 North Market Street, San Jose CA 95113 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-408-977-0540


Name: Wise Garden
Address: 43691 Mission Bivd, Fremont CA 94539 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-510-249-9473


Georgia>
Name: Cafe Sunflower
Address: 5975 Roswell Rd. Suite 353, Atlanta GA 30328 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-404-256-1675
FAX: 0021-404-256-1675


Houston>
Address: 10804-E Bellaire Blvd, Houston TX 77072 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-713-498-7890
FAX: 0021-713-498-7972


Ohio>
Name: Food For Thought
Address: 212 East High Street, Lisbon OH 44432 U.S.A.
TEL: 0021-216-424-9608
FAX: 0021-216-424-3775


OCEANIA Australia Melbourne>

Name: Wholly Vegetarian Cafe
Address: 11 Brighton Street Richmond Vic 3121 Australia
TEL: 002-613-428-9653


IA Malaysia>
Name: Pusat Makanan Sayur-Sayuran Litevon Vegetarian Center
Address: 82 Lorong Hullon, 10050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
TEL: 002-604-228-9601
FAX: 002-604-262-6909


Indonesia Surabaya>
Name: Supreme Master Ching Hai International Associations Vegetarion House
Address: JL Ngaglik No.31 Surabaya Indonesia
TEL: 002-62-31-362501


Hong Kong>
Name: Public Vegetarian House
Address: Ground Floor 703 Nathan Rd., Mongkok Hong Kong
TEL: 002-852-23-948614


Name: Supreme Master Ching Hai International Associations Vegetarian House
Address: G/F, Kui Shing Building, 296, Sai Yeung Choi St North,
Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
TEL: 002-852-397-8208
002-852-309-7306
FAX: 002-852-397-8005


Formosa>
Name: Joy Vegetarian Plaza Wei Teng Enterproses LTD. CO.
Address: B1, No 172-1, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Formosa
TEL:
FAX: 02-930-4973



Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

Headquarters:
Hsihu Center, Formosa
P.O. Box 9, Hsihu, Miaoli Hsien, Formosa, R.O.C.

 

News 60 Index

International Reports

Phnom Penh, Cambodia Bangkok, Thailand Singapore Gansu, China Liluah, India LA, USA Sydney, Australia Warsaw, Poland

Report From Cambodia

The King Sincerely And Joyously Welcomed The Nation's Guest

Upon official invitation of the King of Cambodia, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Varman, Master returned to Cambodia to visit him and the First and Second Prime Ministers (H.R.H. Prince Norodom Ranariddh and His Execllency Samdech Hun Sen, respectively). The three major television stations in Cambodia had eagerly reported these meetings; as well as our retreat, praying for world peace.

Master first arrived at the Royal Palace to meet H. M. King Sihanouk. He received Master in a very sincere manner and presented a silver urn to Her as a gift. H. M. the King had specifically explained that the lotus on the cup represent the spirit of the Buddha. Master then present a Celestial outfit, designed by Her, to H. M. the King to be given to H. M. the Queen. H. M. King Sihanouk was very enthusiastic and opened it immediately. He praised Master's talent in fashion design, and was very thankful for Her contributions to the people of Cambodia. Prior to Her visit with H. Ms. the King and Queen, Master sent a disciple to bring gifts to them -- Her self-designed Celestial Jewelry and a Longevity Lamp. In response, H. M. the King sent Master a thank you letter. (Please refer to appendix 1, pg. 26)

That afternoon, His Excellency Samdech Hun Sen, Second Prime Minister, had specially sent the Provincial Governor and his army guards to invite Master to come visit him in his new mansion. Both the Second Prime Minister and his wife showed great respect for Master and invited Her to sit in the seat of honour. During the conversation, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen expressed his gratitude to Master for Her timely and practical help to Cambodia. With Master's rice contribution to the Cambodian people, a canal was built (Ching Hai River) for irrigation.

The next day, after repeated invitations, Master visited H. R. H. Prince Ranariddh, First Prime Minister. She presented Celestial Jewelry, perfumes and medicine as gifts to him and an elegant Celestial outfit to H. R. H. Princess Marie. Master's love and concern for their health deeply moved the Royal couple.

The First Prime Minister said, "The Cambodian government is also trying its best to help the people and the country, such as building schools, temples, etc. The aim is to raise the living standard of the people."

In regard to the benevolent policy of the Cambodian government, Master said, "We will try our very best to continue to help Cambodia and its people." (For details, please refer to "Spot Light," pg. 22)

Report From Thailand

Being With You Is Like

Bathing In A Gentle Breeze

Fellow initiates in Thailand were very excited to know that Master was coming to visit them. She first went to Chiang Mai where She was warmly welcomed at the airport. That evening, She invited all the fellow initiates to have ice-cream with Her, and answered all their questions cordially and intimately. The atmosphere was full of love and warmth.

The following day, Master invited all initiates to have dinner with Her at a vegetarian restaurant. A lot of people, including relatives and friends of fellow initiates, went to this exclusive and meaningful dinner with Master. Some initiates who had met Master for the first time that evening, burst into tears. Master said humorously that there were so many people at this dinner and if we were going to have dinner like this everyday, there would be more people willing to practice. In a very joyous atmosphere, one fellow initiate's daughter played a Thai musical instrument for Master during dinner which was highly appreciated by Her. That evening, there were many people who wanted to get initiation.

Later, Master went to Bangkok where a lot of fellow initiates were waiting to welcome Her in the VIP room. Among these were some fellow initiates from Shanghai who had never met Master before. When She arrived, all the initiates from Shanghai just could not help bursting into tears and crying very loudly. Their first encounter with Master was the most meaningful event in their lives.

Master tried to comfort them and promised to meet them again at the group meditation the next day. Due to Master's indescribable love and compassion, She even came to meet fellow initiates during the group meditation for the following two days. All the disciples were very touched by Her kindness and patience in trying to save sentient beings with Her unconditional love. During Her stay in Bangkok, more than dozens of would-be initiates were able to receive initiation.

After that, Master traveled to meet disciples in Hat Yai, which is in the southern part of Thailand. When Master arrived, She was also welcomed by fellow initiates from Malaysia. A number of people had a chance to learn the Convenient Method and some got initiated that evening. Master came to see them again the following day before She left the country.

The love and compassion Master has for disciples is very touching. She helps and encourages people, solves all their problems, and answers all the questions with patience and love, like a mother who nurtures her own children gradually; so that they will become mature and responsible adults one day. The only thing we can give Master in return is to practice diligently.

Report From Singapore

A Delightful Surprise At The Airport

Fellow practitioners in Singapore were very happy to know that Master would pass through Singapore on Her way to Cambodia to conduct the retreat. They really treasured this opportunity to see Her. Even though it was anticipated that She would arrive after midnight, several hundred Formosan and Singaporean fellow practitioners still waited earnestly, hoping to see their beloved and venerated Master. When She eventually arrived at the airport after midnight, She was warmly greeted by thunderous applause and fresh flowers. She smiled and waved in response to their sincere longing.

Although Master's travel schedule was tight, She squeezed in some time to talk to fellow practitioners at the airport. We could see that She was exhausted after the long flight, yet She sacrificed Her resting time to meet with us. Master said that She was very surprised to find such a large crowd waiting to welcome Her. She expressed Her thankfulness to all the fellow practitioners there, which filled our hearts with joy and bliss. In Her blue dress and matching a blue hat, with Her hair tied back in a pony-tail, Master looked exceptionally pretty and graceful. Her radiance and warmth tightly gripped the heart of every fellow practitioner present.

Master highly praised the hospitality of the Singaporean people who had taken good care of the fellow practitioners in transit. She encouraged them to maintain this quality. When Master was about to leave, all the fellow practitioners were reluctant to part with Her. As She was leaving, they were already anticipating the next meeting with Her; and hoped this day would come very soon.

Report From Gansu, China

Become A New Person After Initiation

Before her initiation, a fellow sister would be out of breath after just walking a short distance; when the temperature dropped slightly, she would wrap up entirely except for her eyes; whenever she encountered any setbacks, she would throw things. Due to her physical condition, she laid in bed most of the time.

Later, a colleague invited her to make a pilgrimage to the hills. She bowed at every temple and prostrated to every monk and nun she saw; nonetheless, her life was still as meaningless as an empty shell. One day, she received a copy of Supreme Master Ching Hai's sample booklet which she embraced tightly as she cried her heart out. Her soul knew that this was the real Master she had been looking for.

After initiation, busily engaged in doing Master's work, she often worked until midnight without feeling tired. Now, she wears a normal amount of clothing even in the cold winter; she laughs when people scold her; she sleeps much less, because more time is spent in meditation. Only the power of the Quan Yin Method could make her become a new person after the initiation.

Some time later, her husband also became initiated. One day, while having a meal with the family, he suddenly cried out. Pressed for the reason, he revealed that he saw Master giving a lecture with many monastic disciples by Her side. The vision was so touching and magnificent that he had cried out in ecstasy.

On another occasion, he promised the Quan Yin messenger to help at the initiation venue. However, when it was almost time, he was still hiding at home watching Master's video tapes, after which, he entered samadhi. Suddenly, he saw Master walked out from the television screen and spoke to him sternly, "Get to work quickly!" He was shocked and awakened, and quickly rushed to the initiation venue to help.

Report From India

Holihai, Holi Guruma Ching Hai

On Holi, the grand "Color Festival" in India, people within their own community gather to participate in Holi. They visit each other's houses, carrying gulal (color powder) and water to drench each other. Gulal, made of various colors, is freely sprinkled on the wet hair and faces to celebrate the festival.

Out of respect and gratitude, the residents in the community of Liluah also invited our fellow initiates to play Holi with them. Liluah is located in Howrah District, West Bengal, where many of the poor and the homeless were relieved from suffering in the cold winter last year through Master's help. Therefore, walking along the streets, one would see many of the residents wearing a necklace with Master's photo. They wear it everyday because they believe it is a gift of blessing and protection from God. (Please see the thank-you letter from the Liluah Bharatiy High School.) Not knowing the fellow initiates' individual names, local residents, especially children, just joyfully exclaimed, "Holihai, Holi, Guruma Ching Hai." (Happy Holi Festival, Mother Guru Ching Hai.) Others who heard of Master's name also crowded around, sprinkling gulal on our fellow initiates as a gesture of friendship and welcome. During that moment, the exclamation of joy, accompanied by giggles and laughter of children and adults, echoed in all the corners of the streets.

That afternoon, after playing Holi, our fellow initiates were invited by young residents to join a friendly cricket game. All players were divided into two teams, "Liluah Boy" and "Supreme Master Ching Hai Team." The "Supreme Master Ching Hai Team" triumphantly defeated the "Liluah Boy" with a big margin of runs at the final quarter of the game.

At sunset, all residents went home to celebrate the festival with dancing and singing, while various kinds of delicious food were freely served. Our fellow initiates also took this precious opportunity to serve some friends and relatives with the rare delicacy of Master's teachings, a video tape which showed wonderful programs of disciples enjoying happy moments with Master during international retreats. Many of the audience were surprised to know that during our holy gatherings, fellow initiates not only enjoyed spiritual blessings through Master's lectures or silent meditation, but also totally relaxed themselves performing dances and singing on stage, swimming in a river, or having bonfires and barbecuing in the evenings, like children in natural surroundings. "It really makes spiritual practice more colorful, more interesting in this way," some members of the audience couldn't help exclaiming to us.

After watching Master's tape, fellow initiates and Convenient Method practitioners organized a group meditation, during which they enjoyed the cool evening breeze, the enchanting moonlight, as well as the inner heavenly light and sound.

Thank You, dear Master, for granting us such a wonderful Holi Festival. "Holihai, Holi, Guruma Ching Hai!"

Report From Los Angeles, USA

Enlightened By Master's Love

Following Master's instructions, the working group at the Los Angeles Center went to help the homeless once again. Everyone in the group was extremely excited to have a chance to extend Master's love to those in need.

A group of cars left for the city of Hollywood in the middle of the night. Eyes wide opened, everyone looked for people living on the streets. The first one we found was sleeping on a bench by a bus stop on Beverly Boulevard. His sparkling eyes expressed joy as fellow initiates conveyed Master's loving concern to him. Hot soup, vegetarian hamburgers, a sleeping bag, a sample booklet and magazines were then offered to him. Overwhelmed by Master's love, he just couldn't stop saying "thank you" until we left.

Later, we decided to go to Chinatown. Upon entering this landmark area of Los Angeles, one of the cars was reported missing as it took the wrong exit to downtown. That missing car somehow ended up finding a lot of homeless people, and in no time, presented all the gifts of love to these needy people.

We also went to Santa Monica. A long time had lapsed and we were still unable to find a single homeless person. When everyone began to pray for Master's help, suddenly several wanderers were found sleeping at the corner of a store. These people, after receiving Master's gifts of love, then helped us find more souls. We all deeply felt the pain endured by these unfortunate people and wished that we could give them all we had. We hoped that they would get enlightenment through Master's love.

Before dawn we headed toward downtown Los Angeles to complete our task of extending help to the homeless. We were all filled with joy and contentment, thanks to Master's boundless love. We felt as if our love had been enriched with this valuable experience of "giving". Thank You, Master, for giving us this wonderful opportunity to be part of Your love to others.

Report From Australia

Spiritual Practitioners Should Set An Example For Society

Australian initiates set a good example by participating earnestly in the " Clean-Up Australia Day."

The weather forecast for the "Clean-Up Australia Day" predicted rain and generally bad conditions. Still, fellow practitioners participated enthusiastically in this meaningful activity. The site they went to usually only have a couple dozen people, but due to their presence, there were over one hundred cleaning up the area.

After the clean-up, fellow practitioners invited all the other participants to a vegetarian meal that they had prepared. This was the first time these people tasted vegetarian food and they loved it. They were very curious about the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and asked many questions, to all of which fellow practitioners provided appropriate answers. Then, they asked for further information and whether they could have some of Master's books. To fellow practitioners, that was another unexpected fruitful result.

Recently, Master once again instructed fellow practitioners to set a good example for society. During the course of their response to the "Clean-Up Australia Day," fellow initiates in Sydney deeply appreciated the concept that spiritual practitioners should indeed set examples by their actions. In time, people around them would be influenced.

While fellow initiates were cleaning up, people on the beach where they were working came and helped them. Although these people were originally there to have fun, they just felt compelled to help. This was one of the great things about the clean-up, it affected people who normally do not think about the environment, and deeply implanted the concept of environmental protection in their minds.

Report From Poland

Blessed Are Those Who Long For The Truth

Recently in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, an interesting festival took place. Among the groups who participated in this festival was a group of Poles from all over the country who had personally experienced the state of clinical death, which interested a lot of people. Representatives from the press, radio and television stations were also present. Thus, a documentary film of this gathering was produced.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Polish fellow initiates decided to present Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings by distributing leaflets and sample booklets. Visitors at the festival were very surprised to discover that such a nice booklet, Supreme Master Ching Hai's sample booklet "The Key To Immediate Enlightenment," is free. They were happy to bring it home. Some of them had heard about Master before, but they didn't know how to contact us for more information. Now, they had an opportunity to get in touch us with again. Many of the guests initiated long conversations in order to deepen their knowledge and to share their own experiences.

Master's teachings touch the rich soil and were received with real interest by the people who long for the Truth and the unknown world, and were able to acquire gospels from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

News 60 Index

Spiritual Interlude

A Colorful Life Is Good The Peerless Wonder Of The Supreme Kitchen Cookbook Loving Others Means Loving Ourselves

A Colorful Life Is Good!

By Fellow Initiate Chang Xue-Yun, Taipei, Formosa

My teaching career of many years has made me accustomed to a constant life
pattern -- just make a pony-tail out of my hair, and casually put on some lipstick. In
this way, over ten years have passed, and not knowing since when I have been conferred
the title "Ah Mo"(old lady) by the pupils.

One day in Hsihu, Master demonstrated to us the "five-minute easy beauty" course and the
aesthetic secrets about attire coordination. Then I realized: One silk scarf, a hair clip or a hairpin
can make me become so pretty and much younger. This is marvelous! A silk scarf can be used
as a waist belt, a kerchief, or a shawl; why have I never thought of this?

When I went home, I put all my accessories in one drawer and tried to coordinate the
brooches, hair clips and scarves. Each day before I go out, I now put on a five-minute simple
make-up -- outline the eyebrows, dust the cheeks with powder, and brush the eyelashes. Imme-
diately, my facial details become more distinct and lively. Looking into the mirror, I couldn't
help admire these changes in myself. No wonder my colleagues often commented recently,
"You look more charming everyday!"

Walking into the classroom, the students would give me a "dazzled" look,
followed by their murmurs, "Our madam looks younger everyday!" or "I
love to attend madam's lessons." I have even become more self
confident.

Appreciate Master's meticulous education, while
walking on the spiritual path, we can also be a daz-
zling and charming modern character.

The Peerless Wonder Of The Supreme Kitchen Cookbook

By Fellow Initiate Chen Hui-wen, Jiayi, Formosa

I immediately bought a copy of The Supreme Kitchen when it was released. The first recipe I tried was Master's acclaimed dish -- Good Wife's Tofu. God! This gourmet dish really belongs only in heaven. Not only is the preparation very easy, it also tastes wonderfully refreshing -- which really cannot be expressed in words. Since then, all the ready-made foodstuffs were "forsaken". I can hardly swallow any food cooked with those imported frozen vegetarian products. Therefore, my problem in cooking vegetarian meals was solved.

Master has said that healthy and light food are especially beneficial to spiritual practitioners; because after eating these food, our spiritual bodies can drift upwards more easily. We are thankful to Master for considerately publishing The Supreme Kitchen for Her disciples, which is fully charged with Her love. Therefore, as we eat each dish, inside, our spiritual body will become more stable and sound.

Loving Others Means Loving Ourselves

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Jan Li-Hua, Jia-Yi, Formosa

Recorded By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Chen Hui-Wen, Jia-Yi, Formosa

Master's magnificence and perfection really cannot be expressed in words.

News 60 Index

Aphorisms

By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally in Chinese)

If we truly ask for it, if we really have the courage, longing and sincerity to ask for it, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) of the ten directions would help us.

When we are sincere, our ego will be minimized, and the wall of ignorance will crack open. Then, we can see many different levels.

Instead of only worshipping the enlightened Master everyday, we should become enlightened Masters ourselves.

We are really lonely when we are separated from our true selves; however, we don't feel that lonely when we are separated from others.

After changing ourselves, we still have the karma; but it is as if we don't have any. It is because our power is tremendous, our patience strong and our faith very firm; no one can shake us.

Only when we have rid ourselves of our preconceived ideas are we able to meet the enlightened Master.

When we are thinking of serving others, we will somehow forget about ourselves.

If we still demand something, or our heart is still attached to a certain place, we will be used by the King of Maya. When we have no more fear or demand, we are content with anything we have, even if we have nothing, then there won't be anymore traps. And we will not be afraid of any turmoil.

News 60 Index

Media Reports

We Are Stepping Into The Golden Age More Signs That Foetus Decides Birth Date Orphaned Piglet Leads A Dog's Life French Doctors Identify First Mad Cow Disease Case Are The Continent's Cattle Sick? Cat Risks Life To Save Kittens The High Health Cost Of Eating Meat

We Are Stepping Into The Golden Age

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. (Originally in English)
This Article Was Published In The Central Daily News, Formosa. Apr 1996

Meditation or contemplation is just another kind of opening our sincerity and longing to be a kind of receiver for the abundant blessing and love which is always present throughout the universe. Perhaps sometimes coincidently or through the arrangement of the highest intelligence, we feel more blessing in some places or in encountering someone special. Maybe because that someone is also in the same frequency with us, in the same sincerity, longing and openness to God like we are. At that moment, the two united forces experience the blissful feeling or the so-called awakening.

Many of our people in this world think they are okay. They don't need to change their lives, don't need to do anything, don't even need enlightenment. Therefore, they don't search for it. Even if the teacher or a good friend, unconditional out of love and devotion, comes to them -- to their door, they still reject him.

That's what makes our world the way it is, still now. We have not learned the unified power. Many of us have not learned yet to use the greatest blessing that is in abundance everywhere in the universe, just have to stretch out our hand and fetch it, and everything in our life will become smoother -- all our desires.

We Are Not Okay

Many of us always blame God, or blame circumstances or situations that are unfavorable to us. Many things we ask are not given. We blame the society, sometimes the governments or our parents, even our schools, anything we can lay our hands on. But if we stop to think deeply or fairly a little bit, we should think: What do we contribute to the society, our nation, the world at large to make it become a better place; instead of waiting for it to be better by itself, which is sometimes impossible.

God doesn't create us here so that we just lay in our rose bed everyday, waiting for bread and butter. We are here to learn -- to learn to grow as well as to learn to use our limitless power of love and creativity in order to make a better world wherever we happen to be incarnated. If we do not learn to do this, then we have to return again; and that is what people call reincarnation. The unfulfilled desires or the unfulfilled mission, which is dormant within us, will be always awake inside, reminding us time again and again that we have not yet finished our job.

Many people think that we are okay, we are doing right; but we aren't, we are not truly okay. One fifth of the population of this world is hungry. Another large portion of the population, our brothers and sisters, are undernourished. That is according to scientific research, it's not from me. You can read that in the newspapers or demand for the proof. Many portions of our beautiful planet are still suffering under war, conflict, violence and many other disasters -- man-made or by nature. It's because we are not okay.

Even sometimes, we can't do our hair alone, just to talk about small things; we don't know how to clean the house properly; sometimes we can't even help some people in need the way they want it. We make more mess out of our good intentions. Even if we want to help, we can't. That's why many projects are failing, many good leaders have become kind of almost useless, despite their very, very best intentions to help the world and their people. Why? Because we are not okay. We are not okay the way we should be okay, not the way we think we are okay.

If everything, many things in our life go wrong, if many of our desires go unfulfilled, if our next-door neighbor suffers, or if we suffer in any way, that's because we are not okay. It is time that we faced up to our own shortcomings, our own accumulated, undesirable habits in order to reshape our beauty, our Godly nature; so that we can do what we want to do in perfection, or at least, near perfection. At least, don't make a mess out of our good intentions whenever we want to help or we want to better ourselves, our family or our environment.

Enlightenment Is The Way Of Life

Enlightenment is not an advertisement from our disciples for you or anyone to come and just to research, or maybe curiously see what's going on. It is a way of life, it is a survival fact. It is a necessary ornament in our life here and after.

If we have any religious beliefs we know there is life after death. If we don't have any religious beliefs, we should know that there is life after death, because there is a lot of medical research on death, near-death or after-death experiences. This kind of information is available to us nowadays, in abundance. Many books about enlightenment and about bettering our inherent powers, etc., are available in the markets. These are good for us; yet in a sense, not always that good. The Americans, the ones who read a lot and love to read, are very intelligent. They hunger for knowledge so they read a lot. I read a lot, too -- before, between and I still continue to read. It is because sometimes I have to know what's going on, what's the trend in the society in order to respond to it or to explain -- to kind of solve some of the doubts which result from these books or intellectual food.

Why I said this, is that sometimes all this information is not always good for us. Because we love to read, we eat everything from the intellectual supermarket, and sometimes we have indigestion or we stuff our brain with all kinds of intellectual information without truly having personal experience. So, we think we know. "Oh! Yes! I know, Yogananda -- the light. I know what it is, Sanmat -- light and sound. I know Master Ching Hai. She teaches the same. So I don't have to come and listen to Her."

It's not that we come to listen. We must come so that we have the true experience, if we already did not have; if we had some portion of the enlightened experience, but we do not know how to go further with it, how to nourish it, or how to live with it or to integrate this enlightened wisdom into our daily productivity in order to serve the world.

Make Our World Into Heaven

We must make our world into heaven, not run to heaven; because everywhere is heaven. God created only heaven, until we messed about with our computer brain -- kaput one; I mean damaged, or not very in order. Enlightenment is the way to put ourselves back in order. It's not a kind of far-fetched heavenly mythology the way we think, but it is just daily experiences of our great resource of love and wisdom, which God bestowed upon us before we arrived in this physical dimension. If we think that heaven is somewhere high above the clouds, then we are in trouble; because we have to wait at least sixty or a hundred years in order to go there. With suffering and all kinds of misery in this world, we don't have to do that.

Life is meant to be joyful for the children of the most high. If you are the children of the king or the president, now you go to school, how do you feel? You have guards, you have a special Rolls Royce, you have all kinds of privileges -- even all the school look upon you with reverence, love, admiration, envy and many things. You feel you know your status.

In the Bible, it is stated that we are the children of God, and He's king of all kings. Now, we live in this kind of life and we worry about pennies, everything frightens us -- even just a bullet, that big. One thousandth of your weight could frighten you into losing your sense of dignity and even begging for your life. We'd do anything just to be alive, just to keep this physical body functioning. This is not a life of dignity. This is not the life of children of God, if we truly understand what God means. God is the owner of the whole universe and we are the children. Can you believe it?

Just talking about it and never knowing it, is not the way of enlightenment; and we think we are okay! As long as there is one person suffering in this world, as long as there is still war and famine going on in our neighborhood, we are not okay; because we share the responsibilities of this house that we live in. It is a big family, extended; because we can't live together in one room, and we don't have to. We need variety. We need different talents in order to make the world colorful and interesting. That's what God wants us to do.

We have so much talent, each one should contribute something. Even with all our talents we can't contribute as much as we want or we can not be as useful as we'd like to be; because we are not yet okay. We lack something. We lack the true wisdom, the true love which lays sleeping within each of us.

Use God's Love And Power For The Best

There shouldn't be any master; there shouldn't be any teachers; there should be only spiritual friends, spiritual brothers and sisters; because we inherited the same portion of great wisdom from God. There is no difference between any master and any of the audience who sits here, and no difference between him and any child or any older citizen; because we all have the same portion of love and power within ourselves. If we don't use it, it's the greatest waste on earth. It doesn't matter how much we recycle materials, we still waste. The greatest waste is that we don't know we have wisdom, we don't know we have God's power, we forgot that we are the children of God.

It's okay, you say you know it already, you read the Bible, everyone knows they are the children of God. But, what makes the difference whether you know that or you don't know that? Because you are just the same as yesterday, you don't truly know. You only intellectually heard about it and that makes the difference.

If anything I said today makes sense to you, it is because I recognize this wisdom within myself and I know you have that within yourselves. It's just you don't want to use it. You reject it, you deny it, or you feel too inferior about yourself. We didn't do anything that wrong. If you did or if we did, it was because we did not know. Now it's time to know what is the righteous thing to do, so we can change very quickly. How much time do we spend everyday in order to take care of this body? We know it won't last long, but still it's necessary to take care of it. Now, if we don't take care of our real body, then we are in even more trouble.

Most of the suffering in this world is due to ignorance of the greatness of our position. No other reason! Because we're ignorant of it, we identify ourselves with the habits that we learned from maybe TV as a youngster, or maybe from neighbors, from books. We do many things that our conscience within us tells us that: this is not correct; but we still do it because many people do it. Then we run into many problems. Sometimes, we know we shouldn't take drugs, for example, but we feel empty within ourselves, we feel frustrated. Sometimes we have talents, we don't know how to use them, or where to use them. Society sometimes rejects us for some prejudices -- race problems or our appearance doesn't please them. So, we fill this void with all kinds of cheap substitutes which, in the long run, ruin us mentally, physically and spiritually. It is because we do not know that we are great, or how to make use of our greatness.

I'm not here to collect your money, tell you what to do, or make you into any condition that is difficult for you. I just want to help you find your great wisdom, your greatest ability again, in order for you to better your life. Because when you better your life, I better my life, too; and my children, my friends' children, my sisters' and brothers' children, we have a better and better environment to live in because we are all connected with each other.

Suppose you don't keep America clean and safe. Could I sit here and talk to you? So, we owe each other everything. Suppose the farmers don't grow any crops. Even if we have money, can we fill our body with nutrition? No! So, we owe each other everything. I can not say that I come to teach you anything. Please don't have this notion despite all this supreme what... nevermind, because we are all supreme. We came from the supreme source before we descended into this physical body and we'll go back to the supreme source when our time comes. There is no denying our supreme status. If you don't want to acknowledge it because you are humble, or because you feel you are not up to it, it's up to you; but I don't want to deny my status because I know. There's nothing arrogant about it. It's just admitting you are -- without any pride, without any fuss, without false humility, because false humility is also false; it's not true.

We should be true, beautiful and virtuous in spirit, speech and actions. That is a perfect human being. Even if we don't want to follow this method of immediate enlightenment, we can try other things; at least to think, so that we can focus back again within ourselves, to remember who we are, and to truly understand the sentence that we are the children of God, or for Buddhist, we all have Buddha nature within ourselves. That means we are equal to the Buddha, instead of worshipping the Buddha.

We should worship in the right way -- to recognize ourselves so that the Buddha (enlightened Master) has less work to do. If we truly want to worship a Buddha or any saint, we should become one; so that they have less burden, less worry and one more companion to uplift mankind.

That's why some people don't like it when I say, "Don't worship the Buddha. Be one!" and I can show you how to be one. I can make a Buddha. Not by sculpturing or carving, but by pointing into your own Buddha qualities; and you have to recognize them day by day until you're fully convinced. There is a way to recognize them; face yourself until you're fully convinced that you are Buddha. That is the time when you are equal to all the Buddhas (enlightened beings) in the ten directions and three periods of time -- past, present and future.

Changing Ourselves And Change The World

We are stepping into the Golden Age, so we have to change. We have to leave behind all these old useless conceptions of how a saint should be; or we should leave behind the dark thinking, the negative expectations of the world and ourselves. Do something!

We start from ourselves, we clean our house. If our house looks filthy, we clean it first. If there's anything we don't like about ourselves, change it! Replace it with more positive, more virtuous qualities. For example, before, when we saw any homeless person we didn't bother about him. He could stand there on the highway for hours under the sun, wanting to work for food. You'd say, "Oh! No! I can not take a stranger into my house. That's dangerous!"

Yes, but we could give him food. We don't need to ask anything from him. Then sometimes we pass by a homeless person, we feel nothing. We don't want to help because of our slow reaction habits, so we don't help him. When we get home, we feel something is wrong. "I should have helped." But then we cover it up quickly, "No!" and watch television or do other things.

We don't want to listen to our conscience, that's why the world will never get better. If it is the case, whatever we think makes the world better, at least a more comfortable place for ourselves and neighbors, we can share. Begin with sharing, then we will feel a subtle change in ourselves -- more love will pour into our consciousness. We will be aware of something, that is the beginning.

That's why the five precepts are just a suggestion that we should change some of the corners of our life which we do not like. It's not that we should feel so guilty or blame ourselves, should we fail some of it; but it is a goal so that we go forward. For example, we try to be more loving instead of violent or angry; be more giving instead of trying to take; we should be more faithful to our partner instead of having another mistress, or it could be mister. (Master and audience laugh.)

You always blame the man, I don't know why. There are women also, who want to play Madam butterfly (laughter), flying from one flower to the next. There are two kinds of flowers -- male and female flowers. You know that! These brighten our world more and create a more calm atmosphere around us so that makes us better. That is all good, also a kind of meditation. We meditate anytime anyhow in our life. We just meditate mostly on the wrong things. So now, we just use that meditation power, switch to the right thing, that's all. When we think too much about how to make money at the expense of other, that is also meditation; we meditate on money. (Master and audience laugh.) We use all our concentration power, or our mighty thinking power in order to get that piece of paper, and on that piece of paper is printed "In God we trust." (Master and audience laugh.) Isn't that paradoxical?

Our God is money sometimes! (Master laughs.) You see, "In God we trust" means we have to know God. If we don't know God, how could we trust. It's very easy to say, "In God we trust," but how? Who is Hirm? What does Hes look like? What did Hes do for me? What will Hes do for me that I have to trust Hirm? So, we must know that is what enlightenment offers. We have to be enlightened in order to know what God is, who Hes is, and what does Hes do to help us everyday in all details of our activities. That is the thing we know after enlightenment. We know more and more.

If we did know God before, in some of the blessed incidents; then we know Hirm more and more everyday through a meditative attitude, through a very scientific way of maintaining our enlightened awareness. If we are enlightened once or twice, we still feel not yet there. If someone is hungry for a long time now, and you give him just a little bit of water and bread, will he be satisfied? Of course not.

Only God Dwells Within Us

So, immediate enlightenment means you have a taste of enlightenment and then we tell you how to nourish it, keep it everyday, and expand it until you truly know the whole spectrum of enlightenment -- know your real self. That's when you know God, because only God dwells within us.

Does the Bible say there are two persons dwelling within our temple? Did Jesus say that? Did Buddha say there are two Buddhas inside -- one is Buddha and one is a mundane person? Did He say that? No! No Bible, no scripture says there are two persons in this house, in this body. So, who is that inside? Only God!

If we cast aside, we overlook our habits, our accumulated knowledge of mundane nature, then there is nothing there except God. The habits, the knowledge, the PhD person, is not the real self; we were not born with it, and we will not die with it. So, this 'only real one' is God, our true self; but most of us have forgotten. (Applause)

You keep asking me, "How can we have immediate enlightenment when we meet you?" You are already enlightened before you met me; just you don't know it and you forgot, because you identified yourself with Mrs. so-and-so who works eight hours a day, who has three children, who gets angry sometimes, and who is loving sometimes. All this is not you. You just accumulated it, you just reacted to the environment and the necessity of the time; but it's not you. We were not born with all these.

So, what is it that make us the way we are? It is God-power and it's all over the universe. It's in the air. It's everywhere that we walk, everywhere that we stay. It just happens to be housed in this instrument, in some of the instruments, and it houses itself just like an electric power. It houses itself in a bulb of light, in a refrigerator or in some motor generator. The electric power is all over. It's the same power everywhere. It houses itself in some instruments only; therefore, the God-power is housed within us.

We are one of the instruments that happen to contain the God power for a while. Catch it, just like a current of water flowing from a waterfall or from a mountain very high. Someone happens to dig a hole or a swimming pool, get the water into it, and the water comes in and out again, connecting it with the river. The water in the pool is the water from the river.

In Hong Kong, we dug a swimming pool, actually we didn't dig it. Where I stay, is a mountain. You'll be surprised to know Hong Kong has mountains, very quiet, next to hundred-story buildings. You just walk five minutes out and you see the whole Hong Kong; and you turn in five minutes, and there is a retreat mountain with all fruit trees -- green, beautiful and quiet. That's where I stay in Hong Kong.

Now, we have a kind of mountain, so there are many levels, terraces. You see level after level. So, between the two different levels we surrounded it with rocks and cement, and made it natural looking. We led the water from the stream nearby into the pool. And under the lower layer, I grow vegetables -- big ones; that is when I have time. I don't always do that. The water from the swimming pool when I swim will go onto the vegetables, so I don't have to work too hard.

The water just goes in and out all the time, and it is always fresh; because we clean it now and again, to take out all the moss, the green stuff that covers our pool. We put a lot of big pebbles, shining and beautiful like ornamental pebbles. They're cheap, one dollar for ten kilos; but beautiful. They were put in the water, and sometimes become covered with green, so we wash them.

The fish come in also. They are very expensive fish. They sell it for about twenty-two hundred US dollars for one fish; but that big. It can grow that big (laughter), but not much different. He is a kind of very stupid pea fish. So, the fish surprised me one day. He is supposed to be a stupid fish -- very slow and does nothing; but because they are a rare species now, many people want to catch them and buy and sell them. We don't. We don't make money out of that, we protect them. No one can come in our territory and take, because our territory is filled with this fish. I could be a millionaire in no time (laughter), opening a fish market.

Now, this fish is very special. On top is dark brown, underneath has bright orange spots -- under his stomach, hands and all that; and he can swim in the water as well as go on the dry land. He can survive on both, that's why people like him. I thought he was a very stupid fish; but one day he surprised me, because they can talk with each other lovingly, just like a loving couple. One was kind of angry and turned around, and he just kept following. Just stopped in front and looked him in the eyes, and did like this. (Laughter and applause.) Like when you want to make up with your lover when she is angry. That one! Just like that! Can you believe it? I was so touched, and thought, "My God, I'm sorry. I apologize for thinking that you are stupid (Master and audience laugh), as you make a better lover than we." So, after a while, the female agreed. Then they both swam with each other and had no more of this argument.

One day he surprised me more, because he's a very slow action fish, stupid-like. Like this, very slow in the water. When I came to the pool, I saw one of them. I was surprised, and said "Hey! You there, come up!" Just a joke, you know. Then he came up. Then he zoom like this to me where my hand was, he touched, and he went down back again. I said, "Hey! Can you understand me? Then come back again." He did (as requested) three times in a row just to show me that he is not stupid. (Laughter)

Now, I spend all day repenting to God and apologizing to this creature. Fancy being a supreme Master and didn't know the fish is intelligent. (Master and audience laugh.) So, I feel very bad. But it was good, there were other witnesses with me; not that I made up a story at all. (Master talked to Her attendant) You remember the fish, it came from the pool three times. Yes! Yes! He was there and he tried to go and fetch the movie camera. But when he (fish) saw the black eye of camera looking at him, he said, "Uh, uh! I don't want to be on TV." (Master and audience laugh.) He didn't want to be famous! Probably he was scared, and I thought: That's right! That's right! I told him, "Don't photograph him in this way, because people will catch them more, make commercial out of it, and they will be in danger." They are already an endangered species.

He is very intelligent, you see. He knows when to come up, when not. Three times he came in a row in one minute. I said, "Come up!" and he came right away. Then he went back down and I said, "Come up again," and he came. Just right where I am, not to sideways. Just zoom like this, straight!

Love For All Beings From Being Vegetarian

So, after you see all these things, it's good not to eat fish or meat. Actually, if we can love a dog, why not love a cow or pig; because they are the same. (Applause) This is one of the reasons why we should be vegetarian, love for all beings, extending love. Enlarge our love, enlarge ourselves, to the whole universe. We shouldn't even cut the flowers or eat vegetables, but still we have to do what is minimum, what's less suffering. The flower when we cut it, it can sprout again and make more flowers. Vegetable when we cut a branch, it can sprout a few more branches. So, it's not that bad.

Even though all beings have feelings, plants have the least feelings, because ninety percent of the constitution of vegetables is water. That's why they have less consciousness than animals or human beings. We human beings are a combination of many things, and that gives a good environment for intelligence to activate. For example, even though you are very intelligent, you need a good computer in order to program some intelligent things, some distinguished program.

Similarly, God-power needs this body which is a composition of different elements, in order to manifest inside into the outer world. That's why we have more feeling, more intelligence, because God-power can make use of many of the tiny instruments within ourselves in order to spread out the blessing, the message and the intelligence. In the plant, God-power cannot do that, because there are not enough instruments. That's all. Just like the bulb here. If the electric bulb is a 100-watt, then its electricity can be brighter than in a 20-watt. If we damage the 100-watt bulb, it is more expensive, more of a waste than a 20-watt bulb. This is why we try to economize. This is why we should eat the least conscious thing possible, like vegetables. Is that logical to you? Is that okay? (Audience: Yes.)

I don't try to push you into guilt or things like that, but we discuss the possibilities of why and how. That's why to kill a human being is the most terrible crime, to kill animal is second to it, and a plant is not much. They can grow again, even from the root. But the animal, even if you cut only half of its head, won't grow again. Therefore, we have to believe things when they're logical; not because it's the guilt-inflicting theory or because we have to do that because some of the teachers say so or some of the religions say so.

I do not feel that we are unintelligent beings, that we could swallow anything, especially the Americans. They are no-nonsense folks. They don't just eat anything. So, we have to tell them whatever is logical. Even if people do not accept it today, they can think about it later. Sometimes I believe also, that during the course of my speaking, sometimes it's too fast -- you sometimes listen to one sentence and you miss the next, and also it's difficult. So, if you want to listen again, you can get the tape. All the tapes we sell are without profit. It's like a good quality empty tapes, because we don't believe in selling God for profit.

We make profit otherwise, by mundane talent like dress designing, lamp producing, painting pictures. All these things we are allowed to make. It's our mundane talent, so we get the mundane profit; but not to sell God for profit. We don't even collect money, get a member's fee; or anything to do with God's teachings; because it's all free for every of Hiers children. It was free for me. It will be free for everyone, as long as I can afford it. If I cannot afford, then I stop. Very simple!

Now, can you see why we are God? God-power is omnipresent, is all-pervading everywhere; and we are just one of the beholders. Just like my swimming pool -- the water came from the nearby stream, led in by a pipe; and we have a hole underneath or on top so that it will flow out again into the river without stopping a portion of the water. The water in the pool, even though it's surrounded by stones and cement, is still water from the river and is connected in some other way.

If our swimming pool is blocked from connecting with the spring for some reason, then we have to unblock it. Maybe the pipe is blocked, the pipe is damaged, or the hole is blocked; so we have to unblock it. Enlightenment is the unblocking of our obscurity to our own nature, to the God connections within ourselves, and to the whole power of the universe. (Applause)

Questions & Answers

Q: What are Your views on transmigration?

M: As I have mentioned earlier, transmigration is another word for reincarnation. It is a very Eastern terminology. You don't hear it that often in the Bible, because the Bible is also not always complete, as all of you know. It has 'transmigrated' (Master laughs) for 2,000 years or sometime, so something may be missing there. The true Bible is locked up somewhere and we are never allowed to see it. But some of the newly-dug from the ancient sites -- the Bible in some part has come out, and some of it would mention reincarnation.

For example, I just remember one part like someone asked Jesus whether He was the reincarnation or continuation of the last prophet like Elijah or such and such and such. They mentioned about two, three previous prophets before Him who had already ascended. So, Jesus did not answer yes or no. If the question, the conception about reincarnation was wrong -- that a prophet even reincarnated to help the people, then He would have said, "No, no, never. No reincarnation." But He didn't answer. Probably He answered yes, but He was a very soft-spoken person. (Master laughs.)

You see, afterward there was no correction on that question. And as I understood: That about over 2,000 years ago, at the time of Buddha and Jesus, etc., when you are silent on some topic, that means you agree. If people ask you, sometimes three times, and you are silent, or if you have an invitation from a disciple, and you are silent, that means you accept it. So, in that case, we can have a glimpse of some segments of the Bible about reincarnation. Otherwise, it's difficult to prove that.

As you have read in many books about Jesus, that He has been in India and Tibet, and studied with Buddhist teachers and so on, so for Him the theory of reincarnation must have been very familiar. So, we would be surprised if He didn't teach that to His disciples. Maybe the Bible, some portions of it, are lost. Sometimes translation not accurate, and everything like that; because at the time of Jesus, was very chaotic ?the situation.

He had to sometimes hide for His life, and the disciples practiced in fear. So, not all the things Jesus taught would have been recorded. Also, He taught only three-and-a-half years before He was terminated. How can He have taught everything in such a fearful and limited circumstances, as well as a handful of disciples? It was very difficult.

Transmigration is nothing very difficult to understand. For example, we live day to day. Yesterday you wanted to do something and you could not or you didn't finished it. So today, you wake up, you try to finish it or try to find a way to do it again. Anything we have not finished in our life, and at the time of leaving this mundane world, we still desire, we want to do it, and we feel very sorry that we have not finished it, then surely this desire is the powerful force that will give us another chance to do it again. So, we will be again and again given the physical instrument to do, to exercise our God-power in this world, to manifest our wisdom into this world until one day we finish our desire, and we are done with all our jobs. Then, we'll go back home.

That is the situation of the people who desire enlightenment. They feel they have nothing more that they want to do in this world. Maybe their mission is finished. It has just naturally push them into the position or into the state of mind of wanting to go home. They don't know where home is and what that is, but they want to return to the source. That is when people want enlightenment. Therefore, people say, "When the student is ready, the Master will appear." You can't force enlightenment upon people. Therefore, Jesus couldn't force. Buddha couldn't force it. Not all the people in India were enlightened at the time the Master was alive. Not all the Jewish people were enlightened at the time Jesus was there. So transmigration stops when we feel that we want to go home -- nothing in this world interests us anymore.

As long as we still feel interested in something, and we couldn't finish all this in one lifetime, that means we still want to stay in this world. It's just a compelling force that we can not help. Therefore, enlightened and unenlightened persons are all alike. But the enlightened person lives a better life, smoother, more wisdom. He can do many things with less effort.

Many people ask me, "How can You be a master -- You go around the world, lecture, and take care of disciples in different countries, and still paint, compose music, sing songs, make songs, and all that?"

I say, "Why, it's easy. It didn't take much time to paint. A few hours to compose music -- I composed twelve songs in four days. No big deal! Write poems and anything. When you're truly inspired and have time, you just do it very fast. Right? To design clothes, this didn't take me ten minutes, no problem.

But before I was a little bit enlightened, everything was difficult. I didn't even have an idea to paint. When I painted in my high school class or somewhere, I can't remember, I like to paint a horse and it looks like a turkey. (Master and audience laugh.) So, my teacher said don't bother wasting the paint, I'll just give you the mark (laughter), something like that.

Q: Is our subconscious mind a link to infi- nite intelligence?

M: The subconscious mind is a kind of bridge. It's not the real self yet. It's a bridge to the infinite intelligence. That is correct.

Q: How do we face problems and suffering in front of us?

M: Whatever we can eliminate, try to eliminate. If we cannot, then pray to God to help us overcome or for that person to overcome the suffering. Get enlightenment, above all. It's easier to digest all this suffering and easier to think of the way to help, when we are enlightened.

Q: Do you believe that God guides us all the way since we were born?

M: Yes, but do we heed Hirm? Do we ever hear Hirm? If we do, many of us wouldn't have run into difficulty; and our world wouldn't have been the way it has been or the way it is now. So, we have to open first our power of understanding. We have to reconnect ourselves with God in order to hear Hirm, to know what Hes wants us to do, to know the correct way.

That's why we offer the connection with God again. That's called enlightenment, finding the Kingdom of God, or whatever you want to name it. We can't just list the whole list of terminologies -- enlightenment, get back to your Buddha-nature, become Buddha, go back to the Kingdom of God, know yourself, know God, God-realization, self-realization, etc., so we say enlightenment and immediate.

Q: Jesus said He is the only way. If He was open-minded, He would have said, "Well, I am the way Buddha is, so too, Krishna."

Audience answers: I just think that Jesus or that "I" they were talking about was omnipresent and omnipotent. (Master: Yes, yes.) Therefore, it boils down to His love and wisdom. So, Jesus said that "I", meaning "love and wisdom, omnipresence, the God-power" is the way. (Applause)

M: It's just like, for example, Krishna, said: Love Me alone, and "Me" is capitalized. Follow Me alone. Surrender all unto Me, then your life will become better and etc. Buddha said the same thing. Follow the Buddha, and don't follow anyone else. He means the real self, the omnipresent, the almighty power which at that time probably manifested mostly in that "electric pole" (means in Buddha Himself). (Master laughs.)

Just like the electric power is brightest in this light at this moment, and all the other lights are a little bit dim. It means, you have to have faith in that electricity, but not necessarily in light. Because the light was very bright, electricity was most at that time. You go near the light, so you can read, you can see all the things, and recognize yourself in the mirror if you want to make- up, for example. It doesn't mean you have to believe in this light, but in the electricity that houses that light.

So, every living master that houses the power of God, God can use any, anytime because God is not so limited. Hes is not so poor to have only one son. Please! Hes has so many ways and means to bring Hiers children into Hirmself. Don't you think? (Audience: Yes.) (Applause)

I wish to send you all the love I can just to help you to open up. But if we do not yet have good affinity, then you can wait. Meanwhile, study the Bible, believe in God, believe in Jesus. It's good for you. Study the Bible doesn't mean you know the words only, but put that into action. For example, the Ten Commandments, we should try to abide by them. That is the good way of a Christian.

Before I got enlightenment, I slept with the Bible every night. I looked at it every time I was in trouble. Without the Bible, I couldn't sleep. Sometimes, I alternated. In the morning, I would read the Buddhist scriptures that comforted me and sometimes lifted me up into some kind of very blissful state. It helped also. If you truly revere the Bible, you deeply believe in it, and study it very sincerely, it helps you immensely.

We are just talking another alternative way should you be interested. If not, please just believe in the Bible and try to keep the Commandments. Put all the loving things that God teaches you into action. That's all.

More Signs That Foetus 'Decides' Birth Date

Bangkok Post, Saturday March 30, 1996

The latest research, on rhesus monkeys, suggests that the fortus monitors its own developing systems and sends out a signal that sets off labour in the mother.

Scientists are looking into this mechanism to help understand premature labour, which can lead to the death or disability of the baby, and also to develop better care for women who go past their expected due date.

"The possibility that, in normal human pregnancy, it is the foetal brain that controls the duration of pregnancy is an exciting one," said Dr Peter Nathanielsz of Cornell.

The research was done at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Mt Sinai Medical School.

A group of brain cells that controls the foetal lamb's adrenal gland, setting of a chain reaction of hormones that eventually stimulates the mother's cervix to dilate and the uterus to contract -- labour.

Live monkeys were delivered seven days later. In the control group that received a placebo the mothers did not deliver for 20 more days.

More work must be done to learn how the human system works, but Nathanielsz said the studies were exciting.

"It would be of great survival value if the foetal brain can act as a "computer" taking messages from several vital developing systems, such as lungs, kidneys and other parts of the brain, to compute the level of maturation and act accordingly."

Orphaned Piglet Leads A Dog's Life

Bangkok Post, Wednesday April 3, 1996

Stuffed the orphaned piglet scrambles for a place alongside his adopted brothers and sisters and mother Amber, a dingo-cattle dog cross, in Perth, Australia. Stuffed, who suckles Amber along with the pups, was rescued from a slaughter house by Western Australian farmer Geoffrey Blight.

French Doctors Identify First Mad Cow Disease Case

Thailand Sunday Post, Apr 3, 1996

French doctors have identified a case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Desease comparable to those which sparked the recent "mad cow" crisis in Britain, a senior health official said on Friday,

Jean-Francois Girard, the government's chief medical officer, said the case indicated that a new strain of the brain-wasting illness CJD reported by doctors in Britain is not limited to that country, but warned it was far too early to talk about an epidemic.

"This adds to the English cases, and confirms that this is a European problem," Girard told a press conference. "We cannot say there won't be other cases, but we cannot start talking about an epidemic either."

The case involved a 27-year-old man in Lyon, central France, who died in January. His symptoms were identical to those of 10 British cases which doctors said indicated a new strain of CJD that may be linked to "mad cow" disease, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy(BSE).

The Lyon case was revealed in the French press last week, but at that time scientists said they could not link it to the British cases until they had carried out more tests.

Girard said Friday that the similarities with the British cases were confirmed after pathological tests. He said their data had been compared with that of the British doctors who found the 10 cases which sparked the crisis.

The British study behind the scare centres on 10 cases of CJD detected over the past two years. Eight of the victims have died, while the surviving two are 18 and 31, and have had the disease for six months and 23 months respectively.

The average age of those affected was 29, compared to 65 for traditional CJD, and the life expectancy was between eight and 23 months, compared to a much shorter four months for the classic strain.

Are The Continent's Cattle Sick?

Time, April 8, 1996

Reported by Michael Brunton/London, Bruce Crumley/Paris and Rhea Schoenthal/Bonn

The main argument for such claims is that since 3.35 million British cattle were exported to the rest of Europe Between 1986 and 1995, and thousands of tons of possibly contaminated feed were also sold, it seems odd that Britain has suffered more than 160,000 BSE cases while the toll is so tiny in other countries: 206 reported cases in Switzerland, 31 in Portugal and just 16 in France.

Last week Tory M.P. Paul Marland asked agriculture miniser Douglas Hogg to send investigators to the Continent "to study what's known there as 'staggers' and manganese deficiency, which is actually BSE under another name." Hogg said he suspected there were more Continental BSE cases "than have been disclosed."

The brain of a possibly BSE-infected cow from Brittany is examined in a French laboratory

While Marland feared E.U. partners might "do down our industry for the betterment of their own, "little hard evidence backed such claims. French agficulture minister Philippe Vasseur insisted that each animal in France "has its own identity card--we know where they are, where they have been and what parents they were born to."

In Bonn, Hans-Joachim Batza, an animal-protection expert in the Agriculture Ministry, said suggestions of a cover-up were "wrong, brazen and unfair." Batza pointed out that in Germany, as in France, Holland and most other E.U. countries, farmers are compensated at current market value when they report suspect cows. By contrast, British farmers had in the past received less than market value for destroyed stock--sometimes only 50- meaning that they rather than their E.U. neighbors had rason to hide sick animals.

German beef eaters, however, may have been less reassured last week after watching a TU documentary on the case of Margrit Herbst. In September 1994, Herbst, a veterinarian at a big slaughterhouse in northern Germany, estimated that about one in a thousand of the cows she saw was possibly infected with BSE. She based this on 21 cases fo cows she suspected of having the disease. Herbst said her superiors ignored her report. She was sacked for speaking publicly without authorization and was sued for defamation by the slaughterhouse. In January a court in Kiel threw out the action against her and agreed that some animals "reached consumers without the further necessary tests."

E.U. agriculture commissioner Franz Fischler distilled the problem into two sentences: "There is no evidence that there is a link between BSE and 'human brain disease'. There is also no evidence that there is no link." That analysis was no help to the Continent's consumers, who are now protected from mad British cows, but perhaps are looking at their own herds with suspicion. -By Rod Usher.

Cat Risks Life To Save Kittens

Time, April 8, 1996

NEW YORK: In a motherly show of courage, a cat raced into a burning building to rescue her five kittens, one by one.

And then with her eyes blistered shut and her paws burned, she made a head count of her young ones, touching each one with her nose to make sure they were all safe.

The heroics of the cat nicknamed Scarlet have truned the once-homeless feline and her brood into the most coveted kitties in an animal shelter. While they recovered from their wounds on Sunday, more than 700 people had called seeking to adopt them.

The High Health Cost Of Eating Meat

Bangkok Post, Monday April 8, 1996

By Jane E.Brody NYT News Service

A spokesman for the American Medical Association, however, said he had "very serious reservations" about the methods used to come to those conclusions.

The authors of the analysis, Dr Neal D. Barnard, Dr Lil Howard, are all members of the Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine, an organization in Washington that promotes vegetarianism. They linked regular consumption of red meat and poultry, in particular, to significant increases in the risks of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder disease, overweight and resulting osteoarthritis, food poisoning and cancers of the colon, lung, ovary and prostate.

The analysis was published in the November 1995 issue of Preventive Medicine, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Health Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to research on preventive health measures. The researchers estimated the health costs of the nation's current omnivorous diet at $28.6 billion to $61.4 billion (715 billion to 1.53 trillion baht) a year.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr Randall White and Suzanne Havala said "the money we spend to treat these conditions, often called diseases of affluence or overnourishment, could help meet the basic health care needs of those currently uninsured." In fact, the authors of the journal report concluded, "the combined medical costs attributable to smoking and meat consumption exceed the predicted costs of providing health coverage for all currently uninsured Americans."

National nutrition and health experts are urging Americans ot reduce their dependence on meat. The "Eating Pyramid" issued several years ago by the Federal Department of Agriculture suggests two to three serving daily of a high-protein food like meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. It defines a serving as only two to three ounces (about 55 to 85 grammes) of cooked meat, fish or poultry. Even the meat industry has become more tempered in its dining advice, suggesting that Americans choose lean, will-trimmed meats and four-ounce portions.

Dr White, who said he had been a vegetarian for 17 years, and Ms Havala, who is a consultant to the Baltimore-based Vegetarian Resource Group, which promotes vegetarianism, maintain that "the cost of the American way of eating has become unsustainable.

While the diseases of affluence and overnourishment cied in the journal report occur among vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike, "they occur at lower rates among those who eat fewer animal products," the editorial writers noted.

The researchers did not offer physiological explanations for these findings beyong pointing out that "when meat is incluede in the diet, plant products are necessarily reduced." They added, "The health effects of an omnivorous diet may result from the presence of meat, the displacement of plant foods, or both."

The researchers said that there were no large studies available to enable them to analyses separately the value of including fish in an otherwise vegetarian diet. Seafood consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of heart and other blood vessel diseases.

In preparing their analysis, the authors examined studies of large groups of people in the United States whose living habits were comparable except for their meat consumption patterns.

In general, about half the people were vegetarians, most of whom consumed eggs and dairy products but not red meat, fish and poultry. However, in their smoking, exercise and alcohol consumption habits, all of which can strongly influence health, they were not notably different from the meat eaters studied.

Yet in every study examined, meat eaters had higher rates of costly and sometimes fatal health problems.

Dr Roy M. Schwarz, group vice president for professional standards of the American Medical Association, said the study did not specify whether factors kike age, sex and genetic history of the people covered in the studies had been taken into account. All such factors could affect health.

"I just have a very difficult time believing that they have controlled for all these diffeient factors," Dr Schwarz said.

But Dr Barnard, the researcher, said the estimated health costs were conservative because the meat eaters in the various studies were not heavy consummers of flash foods and because the researchers had examined only seven health risks for which there were strong data.

Vegetarians tend to have cholesterol levels that are 9 percent to 32 percent lower than those of meat eaters, and vegetarians' levels of artery -damaging LDL cholesterol are 7 percent to 37 percent lower. Just six weeks on a vegetarian diet can reduce an omnivore's total cholesterol level by 3 percent to 11 percent and lower LDL cholesterol by 4 percent to 17 percent. Other studies have shown that for every 1 percent drop in total cholesterol, there is a 2 percent decline in the chances of suffering a heart attack.

The researchers cited studies of various population showing that men and women who consumed beef, pork or lamb daily had about a three-fold higher incidence of colon cancer when compared with people who consumed meat products less than once a month. Even lung cancer rates are significantly lower among vegetarians, whether or not they smoke, according to the analysis.

But perhaps the most costly meat-related illness, the report said, is diabetes, with an estimated $14 billion to $17.1 billion (350 billion to 428 billion baht) a year in excess medical costs "attributable to meat consumptition."

News 60 Index

Front Line

The Quan Yin Method Shines Brightly

On The Land Of The Ancient Inca Empire

By Quan Yin Messenger Dongze, South America

When the Quan Yin messenger arrived in Peru, fellow initiates enthusiastically arranged several TV seminars. The people of Peru are pure and simple, and it seems that Peruvians have long been ready to accept Master's teachings. In addition, fellow initiates from Argentina joined in this activity. The entire activity, through Master's blessing, was carried out as smoothly as though God had conducted Hirmself.

Two of the seminars were held in Lima's City Hall. The mayor, Mr. Fernado Andrade Carmona, has been a vegetarian since childhood. After reading Master's sample booklet, he immediately granted us an interview, requested information on Master, and said that he and his people would be greatly honored if Master personally came to visit Peru. In addition, when he learned that we needed a large-screen TV for the upcoming seminars, he tried his best to help us acquire it.

On another occasion, the arrangement was even more wonderful. There was no translator with us when we tried to contact the people in authority. However, when we met another mayor, a member of the Municipal Council, Mr. Luis Rafael Vargas Quintanilla, stepped into her office at the same time and voluntarily translated for us. After the interview, he went with us to the Center to learn more about Master and Her teachings. While watching the video tape "The Mystery of the World Beyond," he was deeply attracted by Master's simple and elegant bearing. When Master explained the different spiritual levels beyond this world, he felt that his spirit was uplifted. He went into a kind of samadhi state, remaining like that for the whole day. This was an experience that he had never had before.

This gentleman had practiced spiritually on his own for almost twenty years. He also went to India to visit many masters, and studied many different philosophies. Last year, he realized that he needed a spiritual guide. The morning after he translated for us, he asked his servant to prepare vegetarian food for him. With Master's blessing, from that day on, he naturally and effortlessly became a vegetarian. Master's power works endlessly, invisibly helping and leading ready souls to find the path to the Truth.

During this period, when the TV lectures were being broadcasted, several radio stations invited us to have interviews on their programs. They also broadcasted the seminar schedule. An anchorman from one of these programs, "Radio Miraflores," was very serious. Before the interviews he carefully, and in detail, inquired about and understood Master's teachings with his own profound and perceptive insight, which enabled him to successfully introduce Master's teachings to the public.

At Radio National, several of the anchor- people had been practicing the Convenient Method. Upon hearing that the Quan Yin messenger had arrived in Peru, they invited us to introduce Master's teachings. Right then and there, as we went for the interview, many people registered to learn the Convenient Method, and at the same time, interviewed us.

The response to these seminars was very good; at the last seminar, there were no empty seats. Some brought their family members, and some physically disabled people even came to the venue in wheelchairs. Others received the news about this activity through radio and immediately and earnestly wished to learn the meditation.

Several days prior to attending the seminar, when she looked at herself in the mirror, one lady saw an intensely strong light like sunshine appear in front of her chest. In the center of the light she saw the image of a little oriental lady who was moving around and continuously changing her clothing and hats. While moving in a very elegant manner, the lady smiled at her.

At the seminar, as she watched Master's video tape, she came to realize that Master was the oriental lady she had seen. She immediately affirmed Master's power, and requested to learn the Convenient Method.

After the seminar, many people applied for initiation and to practice the Convenient Method. For the next several days, people kept calling us to learn the Convenient Method and to inquire about Master's teachings. When practicing the Convenient Method, some saw light and some heard the inner sound stream which they mistook for music being played; they later inquired about purchasing tapes of this music.

A reporter and program producer from Channel 5 TV in Lima had been a vegetarian and practiced meditation for many years. As soon as he acquired a sample booklet from a friend, he immediately contacted us. He hoped that Master's spiritual teachings could be spread via the mass media and hoped Master would soon come to Peru.

There are too many stories and too much feedback to be recounted here. The souls of the Peruvian countrymen have been nourished by Master's love and we believe that the spiritual civilization of this ancient Inca empire will restore its brilliance.

News 60 Index

Spot Light

The Lotus Blossoms Upon The Saint's Arrival

By Supreme Master Magazine News Group, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Heartwarming Rendezvous Between King Sihanouk And Supreme Master Ching Hai

Upon the earnest invitation of the King of Cambodia, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Varman, Master returned to the Lotus Kingdom once again. On the day that Master returned, a rain of nectar graced the drought-inflicted Cambodia. Lotuses were blooming in abundance in the ponds. Watching the rare sight, joyful smiles appeared on the faces of the Cambodian people. Most likely their souls were also elated by the return of the living enlightened Master.

During Her visit, Master presented a gift to H. M. the King for the Queen, Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, an elegant Celestial gown designed by Herself. King Sihanouk eagerly opened the box to appreciate its splendor. He greatly admired Master's talent in designing and praised Her for preserving the beautiful tradition of glorifying God. H. M. the King commented that Cambodia has also been doing the same, so they both have the same ideal. (Prior to the visit with the King and Queen, Master sent a disciple to bring gifts to them -- Her self-designed Celestial Jewelry and a Longevity Lamp. In response, the King sent Master a thank you letter. Please refer to appendix 1.) Then, he sincerely presented Master a silver urn. She was greatly impressed by the delicate and exquisite carving on the silver masterpiece; the King explained that the lotus on the cup represent the spirit of the Buddha. Master was happy for Cambodia for being able to preserve this national quintessence until today. She also told the King that people rely on traditional culture for a higher living standard.

During their cordial conversation, the King repeatedly thanked Master for Her contributions to the Cambodian people. Master replied humbly, "We should be grateful to God -- the highest Buddha, because I am only the instrument. Cambodian people are also my own people. I am only carrying out the will of the highest Buddha in serving your country. Please thank the highest Buddha; we are grateful to the highest Buddha."

Later, the King led Master and Her retinue to a room where historical pictures were exhibited. Enthusiastically, King Sihanouk explained each of them to Master. These pictures depicted the construction and post-war renovation of schools, hospitals and houses in many provinces. From the pictures, it could be seen that the King and Queen often inspected the construction sites. Their loving concern toward their subjects was most obvious. The benevolent bearing of this great patriarch and matriarch was truly revealed in the way they love their people as their children.

Master greatly admired the King for serving his people in such a humble manner, and asked how the King could accomplish so much in just a few decades. The King explained that he had established a construction team named "Papa," which is responsible for building all kinds of facilities for the people; and upon the completion of which they would invite the people to move in. Since the King is so kind to his people, they often do not call him "Your Majesty," but "Papa" instead, in a loving way. The King remarked jokingly that, if the people were given money instead of houses, they might have spent it all. This is a clear indication of the King's wisdom.

King Sihanouk also presented a book of the history of his life efforts in rebuilding the country. Turning these historical pages, he explained them in detail, each of which were filled with his love for the Cambodian people. When pointing out his mother in the photo, an expression of nostalgia unmistakably appeared on his face. Master was touched by the King's profound sentiments and friendship. She lovingly accepted this great historical album. Every word of the conversation between them was about the happiness for the Cambodian people.

Master prayed that the highest Buddha would bless Cambodia. She further expressed Her willingness to do Her best to support the King to help the people. How fortunate is this Lotus Kingdom to have the care and blessing of the living Buddha (enlightened Master) and the benevolent patriarch; the country will surely blossom into prosperity.

Cambodia Is Truly A Buddha Land

That afternoon, Master visited the Second Prime Minister, His Exellency Samdech Hun Sen, at his new residence after having been sincerely invited by him many times. To show his sincere veneration, the Second Prime Minister sent the Provincial Governor and Royal Guards to welcome Master, as if receiving a national guest. Upon arriving at his residence, the Second Prime Minister and his wife humbly offered the seat of honour to Master.

During their conversation, the Second Prime Minister told Master that Her assistance to their country had always been timely and practical, unlike some who only verbally promised to help and have yet to fulfilled it. He truly realized Master's selfless intent in helping his country -- for instance, drilling sixty wells, building schools, conducting Chinese and English classes, and donating rice to relieve the flood and drought victims. Especially meaningful was that, aside from donating rice, Master also gave crop seeds to the people so they could independently plant crops. In conjunction with the seeds donated by Master, he had especially built a canal (Ching Hai River) to facilitate irrigation.

The Second Prime Minister deeply appreciates and admires Master's love, wisdom and kindness. As he truly wants to benefit his country, he kept imploring Master in many ways to stay in Cambodia to help develop and build the country. His sincerity is truly touching. He also told Master why he moved to live in the rural area. It was because he worried about his people when they came to the capital. They were not familiar with crossing big streets and roads. If he lived in the capital, it would be very inconvenient to the people when they came asking for help; they might not come because of this reason. In order to get closer to the people, and for their convenience, he moved to this new home. This really showed his love for the people.

Master told him, "Your new home may be simple, but your heart is truly glorious. In fact, this is your office and not your home, because you work here eighteen hours each day to make the people happier. It is really rare to have such a prime minister. Perhaps Cambodia has already gone through so many great sufferings, therefore, Heaven is moved to send saintly and good leaders to your country. I strongly believe that your country will become prosperous very soon, and the population will also increase. A country should rise in love, not war."

Master also presented the Second Prime Minister a set of Celestial Jewelry -- "Mountain and River" designed by Her. His lady also received a set of Celestial Jewelry and one of Master's Celestial outfit -- an evening gown. With a sweet smile, Master gently touched the exquisitely made outfit. The couple were deeply touched by Her immaculate care and considerate friendship.

The Second Prime Minister's lady is also a very compassionate person. In cooperation with the Cambodian Red Cross, she takes care of victims of disasters and render them prompt assistance. Since she used to be a nurse, many patients often come to the Second Prime Minister's residence and are cared for personally by her. She expressed her hope of establishing training classes for sewing skills, which Master promptly supported with practical action -- She donated US$20,000 to the fund, and praised the Second Prime Minister's wife as being beautiful within and without.

During the conversation, the Second Prime Minister humbly asked Master's advice on managing the country with wisdom, and repeatedly and sincerely expressed his faith in Buddha. Touched by his kind intent of always putting the people first, Master naturally gave him some precious suggestions. She commented that the system of the Cambodian government is a good example for the world -- having two outstanding prime ministers serving the people together. She was very happy for Cambodia to have these great leaders.

The Second Prime Minister told Master that as a child, he was taught by his family that children must be sufficiently fed before they would listen to the Buddha's teachings. Therefore, he holds onto this belief, and wishes to live closely with the people instead of living high above them. Touchingly and emotionally, he told Master that She is truly merciful to always give Her helping hand when Cambodia needed it most. He said that one has only to mention Supreme Master Ching Hai's name and everyone knows who She is.

The Second Prime Minister warmly requested Master to stay for the approaching Cambodian New Year, and to pray for the peace and stability of Cambodia.

Master replied, "We have been doing that all the while. I like Cambodia very much; the government system is very good, the country is free. Anyone can come in, stay here, or apply to extend their visas; no limit and no one will interfere. I really love this intelligent administrative body that is so wise and rich in the spirit of the Buddha. This country is truly a Buddha Land."

A Beautiful Friendship Beyond Words

Upon accepting the invitation from the First Prime Minister, H.R.H. Prince Norodom Ranariddh, Master visited them the next day. On that occasion, Master wore a white Au Lac ceremonial dress with a dragon embroidered on it. She looked extremely noble. Arriving at the First Prime Minister's residence, with his secretary leading the way, Master first closed Her palms to pay respect to the Buddha's statue in the visitor's room. Then, the cheerful First Prime Minister and his lady, Princess Marie, greeted Master. The scene was so cordial and harmonious, as if they were intimate friends who had not seen each other for a long time.

Master presented the First Prime Minister gifts which included Celestial Jewelry, perfumes, among other things. She also presented the Princess a graceful Celestial gown to be worn on ceremonial occasions, which the Princess happily displayed to the reporters present.

In return, the First Prime Minister and the Princess presented to Master a silver urn. The Princess explained that, in Cambodia silver urns are used for holding flowers to be offered to the Buddha. Master also considerately gave some special eye medicine to the First Prime Minister. She understood that he always had to face the public, so his eyes would easily be hurt by the flashing lights of cameras. Master told him that She also had to face the camera lights which often irritated Her eyes. She was using this eye medicine to protect Her eyes. The First Prime Minister was most thankful to Master's meticulous concern, and he immediately translated the conversation into Cambodian to let the reporters know Master's loving intent. The Princess personally offered tea to Master to show her respect.

During their conversation, the First Prime Minister mentioned the many developments of Cambodia in recent years. Master also mentioned what She saw; for instance, the increase of traffic, the people getting wealthier, and the country becoming more prosperous. During the conversation Master offered the First Prime Minister a US$20,000 check for building schools. In addition, when Master discovered that the Princess had helped a lot of orphans, She generously also offered her US$10,000 to continue helping them.

Master then shared Her Wu Tzu Poetry Anthology with the Prince and Princess. When they saw the photos of Her previously making pilgrimage to Thailand and Burma, they were very touched by Her firm sincerity of leaving home to seek the Truth. Like dear sisters, Master chatted with H. R. H. the Princess about daily life.

After their delightful meeting, the Princess saw Master off at the entrance, and offered Her a fruit basket as a farewell gift. Their beautiful friendship is beyond words. H. R. H. the Prince sent a thank you letter to Master after this rendezvous. (Please refer to appendix 2.)

Thank You Letters

Appendix 1: A thank you letter from His Majesty Preach Bat Samdech Preach Norodom Sihanouk Varman to Supreme Master Ching Hai (originally in French).

Appendix 2: A thank you letter from H.R.H Samdech Krom Preach Norodom Ranariddh to Supreme Master Ching Hai

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Special Reports

Be A Person With Opinions A Spiritual Group Propagating Peace A Shocking Education A Survey Of Introspection Cleansing The Soul And Introspection

Be A Person With Opinions

By Resident Disciple Yau Lin, Hsihu, Formosa

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Master's Arrival Brings The Blessing Of Rain

In the past few years, Master has helped Cambodia in many ways -- with donations of rice for the building of schools, etc. Recently, there was also the digging of sixty wells to help provide water for drinking and irrigation for people in remote areas.

The sudden arrival of many fellow practitioners over a few days time was a rare occasion for the local community and attracted a lot of attention from the local people. When they saw Master's photos worn by fellow practitioners, they all spontaneously put their palms together to pay respect. They are a very simple and friendly people.

Master had said that a real practitioner, no matter where he goes, would bring benefits to that place. After only a few days of mediation, Phnom Penh, which had been experiencing drought, had a sweet downpour of rain (very unexpected for this time of year). The citizens leaped with joy. Children were dancing and singing in the rain. The blessing of rain announced Master's arrival. According to fellow practitioners who had come previously to help with the distribution of donations to disaster victims, there were also two days of continuous rain in the dry season just before Master came to Phnom Penh last time.

During the retreat, Master suddenly appeared and the familiar and touching greeting of Her voice could be heard. In surprise and happiness, eyes wide opened, I thought I was seeing Master's manifestation body. It was the waves of hands clapping that convinced me that Master had truly arrived. She had been very busy all this time and was a little bit tired after all the travelling, but She was lighthearted and delightful. She chatted with us about what She had seen and done on those few days, pacifying the hearts of fellow practitioners.

Be A Good Example

Master had just come from Dominica. It is a very spiritual country. The President and people had received Her in a very friendly manner. During Master's three-day stay, they enjoyed vegetarian meals together with Her, voluntarily becoming vegetarian afterwards. Master said it is very important to be a good example. You have to insist on what you believe or what you like inside your heart, then people will follow.

Master, in Her welcome to us, said Cambodia was Her previous home. There was a vision by a fellow practitioner that She was the Queen of Cambodia two thousands years ago. Now, after reaching the Truth through practice, She is returning to carry and help Her people to enlightenment. Master, Herself, also feels very close to and familiar with this country. She said, "This country is just like my country."

The Ideal To Serve Sentient Beings

After a little rest, Master came to the group meditation again in the evening. She talked about a story of a son with piety, illustrating the fact that human beings are affected by the environment and also by the movement of the planets and stars. But for us, practitioners, these influences would be less. The more one practices, the more stable one becomes and thus would not be as much influenced. Because our lives have changed and we are not walking in the same track, we can decide anything. What we do now has already surpassed the law of life and earth, but our ideal is to serve other people. Originally, God wanted to let Master go. However, the prayers of fellow practitioners were so strong that after some consideration, God said Master was still to continue Her work, to suffer. That this special retreat could be organized was wholly due to the deep compassion and empathy that Master has towards sentient beings. Fellow practitioners were all most grateful, and felt so fortunate to be able to be with a real Master.

The next day, Master walked around the place to give blessings. She was very happy that we could find such a large and cool place in such a hot country for fellow practitioners to meditate. She said, "It is very hot here, but it is also very cool, and the people are very kind." Fellow practitioners also felt that the people were friendly and the atmosphere was very light and happy. Master told us that work done with a happy heart would be done better and the inner development would be better also. Many people are not successful because they are too serious. When one is too serious, one's mind becomes too narrow, too crowded and too enclosed in a corner. If we do things just like a hobby, then we will feel very relaxed, the mind will be more open and more ideas and creativity will be generated.

When it was time for lunch, Master, with great joy, went to the dining area to give blessings. Fellow practitioners were overjoyed to have a meal with Her. Master told the kitchen staff to put the seasonings on the table. She also told us that there was no chemicals in the vegetables and fruits. On hearing this, we had more of an appetite.

Be A Person With Opinions

During this retreat, concerning independent thinking, Master broke the old and hard concepts. She encouraged us to have our own opinion and to use our wisdom. In the past, when fellow practitioners were facing problems, they would usually deal with them saying, "Give it to God," or "Let Master decides!" But Master said, "It is not easy to discuss with God. Hes likes to test us. Hes said you should try hard, using your own spirit of practice and merits to overcome problems. We, ourselves, should try first. On seeing this, God would feel a little embarrassed, then Hes would give us a hand. Hes gave us the ability to conquer. We, ourselves, have to try hard, for example in meditation, helping other people, helping world peace. Hes gave us the instruments. We, ourselves, have to do the work." This is the real meaning of helping ourselves and getting help from God.

We like Master because She has Her own personality and views. We have to learn this also. "Here we need those who are more independent, those who have their own opinion, and know how to work. Not those that just lie there to be taken care of by Master. Then I will run away." Master also said, "In order to make a person like us, we have to be more interesting, more lively, more flexible, quick and have your own opinion. Whether your opinion is correct or not, it does not matter! So long as you have your own opinion is all right. Don't just wait for others and observe others every time."

Thus, fellow practitioners were alerted and awakened. We cannot rely on Master for everything. We have to have our own opinion, be responsible, and use the wisdom of practice to present ourselves with courage.

Use Free Will Wisely

Concerning free will, Master had a deeper analysis. No matter what we decide to do it will have its effect and consequence. In fact, there is no right, no wrong; but we have to be responsible for what we are doing. We have to think carefully beforehand. This world has several choices. The universe is not that fixed. You have to see what you want to do, how much you want to take upon yourself, how many missions, and you make it yourself. It is all right as long as you are not hurting other people. God's will is quite extensive and we can choose ourselves. If everything is predetermined, then it is too meaningless. We can change, but this free will sometimes hurt many people, and make us reincarnate again and again. If we use this free will to make a wrong decision, we, of course, have to be responsible. If the decision is good, the result will also be good and we will be rewarded with good fruit. If the result is no good, we have to bear greater responsibility and do more hard work. If the decision is bad, then we have to come back to correct the areas where we went wrong. Without a doubt we have to choose good ones, because it is good for us and others.

Concerning the keeping of an ideal, Master also used a story to advise us that before we change a decision, we have to ask ourselves whether the reason is correct or not. There was a lama who wanted to train a successor and asked another great lama to send him a disciple. The great lama chose and sent five disciples to him. Many people asked him, "Why are you sending five when the lama requested only one?" The great master said, "If we are fortunate enough, only one will be able to reach there." Really, in a few days' journey, four of them were kept in other villages due to various reasons; and only one was able to reach the destination according to the original plan and became the successor.

Master said, "Every person has a reason for throwing away his ideal, aim or goal. Any reason is very logical. Sometimes, it was falling into a trap of Maya's logic. Just the same, to him it is very logical. Any reason is good; but we have to ask ourselves, is that reason real? Is it really that important?

Every Thought In The Tao

Master once again reminded us that the world is ephemeral and we should be quick in our practice. All of us know that we will die sooner or later; but no one really feels like that. We are busy everyday to do our great mission. Knowing is not the same as feeling. So, God has to send us some disaster, some sad circumstances to give us a scare, so that we will have the real deep feeling that the world is really not an eternal place.

If a person is really practicing, he will feel very clearly and treasure every minute. Every moment he will not feel safe as long as he has not reach the answer, and he will not sleep and eat safely and comfortably. His quest would become bigger and bigger. Everyday, his spirit is still pursuing the big question, because he does not know whether he will continue to live. The question has not been solved. What this means is that one is still not fully enlightened, still does not fully understand the ways of the universe; then, he can not eat or sleep well. Most people are not like this and, therefore, there is great advancement.

Every teaching from Master, just like the fresh nectar spring, enlightens and inspires our spiritual thinking and concept. When the retreat was concluded, fellow practitioners were singing praises about this exceptionally wonderful and profoundly rewarding retreat. Only a great Master with such power could give us such an extraordinary learning experience. Everyone of us are looking forward to Master's grace to give us another chance to learn and to be exhilarated!

A Spiritual Group
Propagating Peace

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Mu Lin Hsihu, Formosa

In just a few days, almost two thousand "bodhisattvas" poured into the country to join the retreat, which was an unprecedented and spectacular event in Cambodia. The media was immediately attracted; several chief editors from the press who had briefly studied Master's teachings came quickly after hearing the news. They wanted to know more about this spiritual group practicing the Quan Yin Method.

Two reporters from Cambodia Today also came, Sokpov and Puthpor, one of them being a Christian. He thought that Master's elaboration on the Bible conformed greatly with the Christian doctrines and the Truth. He also agreed that Master's teachings were magnanimous and liberal in nature.

He commented, "I have never seen such a big congregation where everyone selflessly prays for world peace." He further expressed, "I am so happy that this group has chosen our country to meditate and pray for peace." He then took many different issues of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News, and with great joy, left.

Feedback

A Shocking Education

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Huang Wuwu, Taipei, Formosa

Recorded By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Hsu Chiwen, Taipei, Formosa

After receiving the news about the retreat, I left home with simple luggage. Feeling relaxed, I looked forward to a new situation and lessons.

The situation at the retreat site was much better than I had imagined. The host brothers worked quickly to provide a place with central air conditioning, allowing us to meditate in a cool environment, as well as hygienically prepared delicious food. Those initiates who had visited this place before were even more amazed by Master's wonderful magical power, which provided us with the best even in a place that lacks so much in the material sense. Initiates believe wholeheartedly that wherever Master is present, that place can be turned into a heavenly pure land!

I realize that while following Master's teachings, we must train ourselves to have extraordinary courage, wisdom in making independent judgments, strong will power, and complete detachment derived from absolute faith. We should continue to think positively all the time, and maintain the spirit of introspection. In addition, we should also sustain a rapid allegro rhythm, and the ability to act quickly.

Because Master has a super universal perspective, She needs practitioners with a magnificent world-view to be one with Her. She has said that we should be vigilant at all times to avoid many harmful influences! This special retreat reminded me of many details that I had failed to pay attention to before! Thank You, Master for letting us experience them in person; everything is indeed communicated in silence!

A Journey Of Introspection

By Fellow Initiate Cheng, Yuling, Taipei, Formosa

Knowing The Meaning Of Gratitude

Not long ago, I had an extremely vivid dream that I still remember as if it had just happened. In the dream, the entire world was falling apart and everyone was searching for every possible way to survive. Also in the dream, I came to know that there would only be thirteen people who could survive the tragedy.

Near the end of the dream, a cruel, ferocious, man-eating monster appeared. In this critical life and death situation, a not-so-handsome but very merciful creature also appeared. The creature had a long electrified tail, which was the only weapon that could overpower the monster. Anyone who was touched by the tail would evaporate. At that moment, there were only a few people who were hiding behind the creature. Most ran far away and tried to hide behind others, to avoid becoming "innocent victims" in the battle.

All of a sudden, a burst of light appeared, and the merciful creature vanished together with all the people hiding behind it. At that time, Master's voice came from the sky and said, "They are saved because they know the meaning of gratitude, and are wholeheartedly faithful." And thus, exactly thirteen people were saved by Master.

The Glory of Love

Master asked, "What can one do to be patriotic?"

This question gave me a big shock. I thought I loved my homeland very much. Only now do I realize that there is no one who loves my homeland more than Master. She is willing to sacrifice Her reputation as a trade-off to ensure Her children's absolute safety.

Disregarding Her own fatigue and the things that people have said about Her out of ignorance, Master has tried many, many different ways to resolve the difficulties that Formosa has faced.

I thought I loved this small island very deeply; but only now do I realize that it is not the economic miracle or the democratic reform experienced over several decades that truly glorify this land, it is Master's deepest and boundless love that ensures Formosa's continued prosperity.

Cleansing The Soul And Introspection

Narrated By Cambodian Fellow Initiates Jinshan Chen, Wenjian Liu,

Changwu Wang and Lina Yu

Reported By Supreme Master Magazine Report Xiao Douzi, Cambodia

When fellow initiates who attended the retreat arrived in succession by airplane, it was not easy to rent local vehicles. However, through Master's blessing, everything was arranged properly. More surprisingly, the retreat was not during the rainy season, when the weather would normally be unbearably hot. However, on the second day of the retreat, a major torrential downpour occurred, the like of which had seldom been witnessed even in rainy seasons. The local soldiers were so happy that they fired their guns into the sky to celebrate this occasion. Fellow initiates all felt Master's great blessing power.

What moved local disciples the most was the Formosan initiates' love, esteem and devotion to Master. Previously, local disciple brother Liu had not practiced diligently; but after attending the retreat where he witnessed the disciples' warm sincerity in supporting Master, he couldn't help but fax to his wife telling her, "We don't lack anything materially, we should try harder to pursue our spiritual life."

In addition, after the retreat, sister Yu discovered that the TV set she had brought to the retreat site, which originally had poor color (with yellow and white mixed on the screen, resulting in images looking like wax figures), and didn't improve even after it was repaired, became so perfectly color-tuned that even the scenery looked very clear. When this TV came back from the retreat site, even its sound quality had improved also. Thus, sister Yu decided that this TV was to be used only for playing Master's tapes, and for future retreats she would offer all of her family's electronic equipment for their use.

Brother Chen, after being corrected by Master, changed his rude behavior and habits that had accumulated over forty years and made obvious progress in his meditation. Sister Wang, on the other hand, realized that previously she thought she believed in Master very much; but when tests came she discovered that her faith was not one hundred percent, and thus became determined to practice with more humility. Through this spiritual cleansing, all Cambodian initiates greatly benefitted, visibly and invisibly. Faith firm, we expect a better tomorrow for Cambodia.

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