The True Accounts Of A Taoist-Chi Kung Master

Magical Powers Are Not Flawless The Quan Yin Method Is Perfection

Recorded By Fellow Initiate Yan, Mainland China

One Must Be Diligent In Spiritual Practice

An episode occurred during an initiation in mainland China. One of the initiates-to-be came for initiation with a child, who was not quite six years old yet, but insisted on getting initiated, too. The Quan Yin messenger told him to wait a few more months. The child wouldn't listen and started to cry very loudly.

At that time, a 60-year-old initiate-to-be sitting across from the child started to cry also. Everyone was surprised and puzzled by this sudden occurrence and asked him why he was crying so sadly. He answered while still crying, When I saw the child cry, I suddenly saw our previous lives. We were brother practitioners six thousand years ago, studying under Master Kuang-Chen-Tse on Kong-Tong Mountain. The little brother practitioner was very lazy, not very serious in his practice. He often fell asleep during meditation. Therefore, he has come back in this life to continue his spiritual practice. When I saw this, I couldn't help but cry loudly and uncontrollably out of sadness.

This elderly initiate-to-be, Liu, well-known in the world of Chi-kung. He has attained many special abilities, such as healing, exorcism, determining one's fortune, and predicting the future, etc. Even before he was born, a relative proficient in I-Ching had predicted that he would be guided by sages to follow the spiritual path. Brother Liu can not read much at all, but he is able to understand extremely difficult and ancient books like the I-Ching without an instructor. During the past several decades, he has continued to read literature concerning spiritual practice and to look for a worthwhile teacher to learn from.

When Chi-kung became popular in mainland China, practitioner Liu also practiced various types of Chi-kung. Although he has attained many special abilities, he was still not satisfied. One day, his son told him that there was a very peculiar tree growing next to a thousand-year-old grave and many people had gotten wonderful results by practicing there. He immediately went to that place. During his first visit, while he was meditating, a monk in a yellow robe with white light on his head taught him how to practice and opened his third eye for him. Brother Liu was overjoyed, thinking he had found the real teacher. Until one day, while he was practicing under the tree, a Taoist dressed in black came from the southeast direction, riding a beast with a single horn, and yelled out loudly, Why did you teach him Kung-fu? The monk in the yellow robe fled quickly.

Brother Liu realized that he had been cheated once again. This black-robed Taoist riding a one-horned beast was brother Liu's spiritual teacher six thousand years ago, Kuang-Chen-Tse. Since then, he has come from the southeast to teach brother Liu everyday.

Visualizing The Secret During Meditation

One day, brother Liu saw three suns during meditation. Two of them gradually set and eventually disappeared. The remaining one rose from the southeast and got closer and closer. A mirror suddenly appeared in the sun, and a shape of a person gradually appeared within the mirror. As it became clearer, he saw someone dressed like an emperor sitting on a dragon chair. At that time, he didn't know who it was. On one occasion, brother Liu received Master's sample booklet and video tapes. That night, he dreamed someone put circles of light on his chest. He felt very relaxed and comfortable. His ailing heart problem was completely cured without treatment.

What puzzled brother Liu most was when fellow initiates came to visit him. Brother Liu used to believe that his magic power was very great, and he had the ability to know in advance if someone was coming to visit him. He was very confident that no matter how high-level that visitor might be, he always could know ahead of time of the guest's coming. Except this time, not only could he not predict this event, but our fellow initiate knew that he was desperately searching for an enlightened master.

Coincidentally, one of the pictures on the cover of one of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines, given to him by our fellow initiate, was Master dressed in imperial attire. He immediately recognized that Master was the person who had appeared in the sun.

Practicing Magical Powers Results In Endless Obstructions

Since then, he had been filled with dharma joy, anticipating the coming of initiation. He was overjoyed when the fellow initiate informed him that in three days he would be initiated. However, something terrifying happened as soon as the initiate left. His family members saw his face, mouth and eyes all become crooked. The right side of his body became numb and his left side was heavy and sluggish. Somehow, he managed to raise his left hand and point to his meditation room where he kept Master's sample booklet. By then, his family was scared and confused. Fortunately, his wife understood what he wanted and brought Master's sample booklet to him. He was, then, able to recite Supreme Master Ching Hai . As soon as he recited Master's name, his crooked eyes and mouth returned to normal and his paralyzed body became nimble again.

After brother Liu got initiated, just as he had desired, the astral being still continued to try to obstruct his spiritual practice. It even tried kill him. Fortunately, Master taught us how to protect ourselves. As soon as he recited the Holy Names, the astral being fled, after promising not to bother him again. Without the protection of an enlightened Master, even if one struggled with all one's might, one still could not get rid of the annoyance of astral beings. Brother Liu is very thankful to have the great fortune to follow Master on the spiritual path.

After initiation, once during meditation, brother Liu saw his past relationships with Master. In his numerous transmigrations, three times, Master tried to liberate him, but each time he was in love with magical powers and didn't follow Master's footsteps. If he missed this opportunity again, he would have to wait many millennia. Now, he has gotten tired of the endless transmigrations and has realized that magical powers are not the greatest; they are only illusionary. The Quan Yin Method is the truly supreme, perfect and flawless method.

The Powers Of An Enlightened Master Are Quite Inconceivable

Another incident also made brother Liu extremely respectful of the inconceivable powers of Master. His wife normally stayed home to do house chores. Her ability to express herself was very limited as most village women. She couldn't recognize the different kinds of food stamps. She couldn't even tell the value on the face of paper money. Naturally, she didn't know how to use it. She didn't speak but a few words in an entire year. Whenever there were visitors, she would hide herself. Brother Liu had thought her level must be very low. Unexpectedly, after initiation, she became more open and her language ability improved greatly.

One day, brother Liu was playing Master's cassette tapes, and at the same time, closed his eyes to get a vision with his wisdom eye. He played each tape only three to four minutes then switched to another tape. However, when he was playing the third tape, his wife rushed in from the next room and said with annoyance, What are you doing? Why do you keep changing tapes?

What happened was that she was meditating in the next room. Each time brother Liu played a tape, she would get a different vision. Sometimes, she saw Master in a very beautiful place surrounded by numerous monks in yellow robes. They were paying full attention to Master's lecture. Another time, she saw beings dressed in white with luminous bodies. They were listening to Master's lectures with great respect. Each time, when she was enjoying the state of being one with heaven, she heard a ka-tsa and the tape was changed and her vision was interrupted. When this happened for the third time, she couldn't stand it anymore, so she came out to scold him.

Brother Liu was shocked when he heard this. His wife just got initiated a few months ago, how could she have abilities similar to his, one who has had so many years of practice. He was overwhelmed. He couldn't but surrender under Master's great powers. That night, he was taken to an even higher level. He couldn't remember the details, but clearly knew that someone told him, What you can still see is not yet the highest Truth.

The Conception Of Spiritual Practice Must Be Correct

Through this experience, brother Liu has realized two things. First, when Master gives a lecture, it's not just for the Earthly people to hear. In the universe, there are different levels of universes and beings listening at the same time. Second, this proves what Master has said, Whatever state you can still see, you are only half-way there. In truly high levels, there are no shapes or forms.

Now, he understands that Master was teaching him not get attached to or long for inner experiences. Otherwise, he would remain in the same level and not be able to progress beyond it; as it becomes an obstacle. He is very grateful to Master for Her timely reminder. He will no longer be attached to experiences in the future.

News 62 Index

Master Tells Stories

The Enlightened Fairies Trust Master's Power

Trust Master's Power

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
(Originally In Chinese) (December 12, 1990)

She was still trying to use her own power, not believing that the master would save her entirely. While asking for her master's help, she was still trying to struggle, not truly, sincerely asking for her master's help, not leaving everything for her master to take care. That's why her master didn't show up.

Most of the time, it's more difficult if we struggle with our own strength. Who is the Master? Actually, it's also our own power, the higher-self, the perfect self-being -- who knows everything, who is omnipresent, and can handle everything. If we use our own mind, we are just relying on that low conscious self -- just ourselves, our past experiences. For example, What should I do when I encounter a certain situation? How should I react when I encounter certain types of people? I have encountered this before, how should I take care of this? This is all using the past experience stored in our mind. However, you should know that sometimes the past experience is different from this one, because the situation is different. Sometimes, just a subtle difference will make it totally different.

The Enlightened Fairies

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
(Originally in Chinese) (March 4, 1990)

However, the King of Hell had one condition: During eating, one could not bend one's forearm. Normally, one should bend one's forearm in eating. The ladle was that long, the table was so far away, the forearm could not be bent, and yet they were told that they could eat everything. Those ghosts, astral beings complained, quarreled, scolded the King of Hell and then they were all gone! Only the fairies stayed behind to think about a method. In a second, they understood! They began to spoon-feed one another. Thus, there was no violation of the rule, no need to bend the forearm, and yet they were able to eat. There was a difference between the enlightened fairies and the ghosts.

When we take care of others, God will also take care of us. I can guarantee this. During practice, don't be afraid of losing business. One should learn the spirit of those fairies. The ladles were that long, and to spoon-feed each other must be very easy and lots of fun. They must have played happily. Everyone was laughing. But those ghosts went back with empty stomachs, very angry, and could not eat anything.

An enlightened person lives very comfortably, because we are able to see through things and think clearly. If we are not enlightened, maintaining our mood all the time, thinking that, I am the most important person, then there will be a lot of trouble! Thinking that there is no other people in the world, only me alone, we have to bear the sufferings; and happiness can also be enjoyed by me alone. In this way, this would be a nonsense realm.

News 62 Index

Readers' Letter

Calling Mother!

By Would-be Initiate Zhang, Beijing, Mainland China

Dear Beloved Master:

I used to be a student who gave my teachers and parents headaches. When I was in middle school, I had no desire to study and wandered around all the time. Thus, I hung around with bad company and led a nonsensical life. At that time, I even thought about dying, because I thought that living in this world had no meaning. While in vocational school, my attitude toward studying was even worse; not only was I truant from school, but I also started a youth gang and was its leader. We often went out to fight. Many children were frightened of me, and my teachers said that I was incorrigible.

Just at that time, I obtained Master's picture and sample booklet. From that point on, whatever I did seemed easy and enjoyable. Meanwhile, I was transferred to another school. After the final exams in my new school, I ranked twentieth in my class, but previously I very often failed all five of my main courses. It was really incredible! I suddenly felt Your greatness, Master. Your indescribable love won my respect. Therefore, I made up my mind to eat a vegetarian diet and be initiated.

My dad, mom and grandma also believe in You very much, especially my grandma. She has completely given her heart to You. Each time I feel my ego come out, I watch my grandma, and then I know that I have a long way to go. I will learn more about Your teachings, do more good things, remain a vegetarian, and wait for You to initiate all three generations of my family.

There are many more words that I would like to say to You, Master. At this moment, I miss You so much that it cannot be described in worldly language. I would like very much to see You immediately, get initiation, connect with you, hold Your hand, and say out loud, Mother!.....

Please come soon! Come soon! I wish You good health and that everything goes as You wish.

Respectfully Yours,

Your Son

News 62 Index

Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 62

Cover illustration: Seeing Your magnificent, luminous, appearance, even the grass and trees joyfully smile.

Selected Questions & Answers

Answered By Supreme Master Ching Hai

(Originally In English)

M: It's the misunderstanding of God's law. We have the free will to choose. Sometimes, when we descend into this world, due to circumstances, we collect many information and experiences; some of them are very good and useful, and some of the information and experiences are harmful and useless. If we are not strong, and we pick the bad one, discarding the good, then, of course, we are unbalanced, we are more inclined to the bad side. Then, we have more bad, we are trapped, and it becomes worse. The nobility and strength of the soul is weakened, until we become totally enveloped by evil, and act against the law of God. So, take heed that we choose the good information, and regain our strength of the soul.

Cling to God, pray to God for protection and for the opportunity to accumulate only goodness. We forget God. That is the problem. We do not call for help. We choose everything, decide everything on our own, like the children who do not take the advice of the parents. But, we can change. No matter how much evil, how much misunderstanding, the moment we understand, the moment we want to rely on God, the moment we want wisdom, the moment we want goodness again, at that moment, all the evil will fall away.

So, if we want to go back to God again, we just have to know our weakness and repent, and then there is an opportunity. If you want to prove God's forgiveness, then come for initiation. It will be proven to you that no matter how bad we have been, God always loves and forgives us. Immediately we will have light, and we will have the sound of God. That's the proof of Hiers unconditional love. - -

Panama, November 29, 1989

Q: Yes, I would like to ask You that because God is so pure, but we still commit sins, how can God dwell within us. If God dwells within us, definitely there is no more sin.

M: Yes. That's a paradoxical thing the Bible says. On one hand, it says we are so sinful, we are so bad. On the other hand, it says God dwells within us. So, I will advise you to come directly to Hirm and ask Hirm why. Otherwise, if I answer you, you will think I am a blasphemous. I am not God. How can I know that God dwells within you.

Q: Do you have the answer to it?

M: I could, if you press me, if you believe me. We were originally not sinful, and we never are. It's just our experiences in life, our interaction with other species of life that makes us react in different ways according to circumstances, and according to our judgement at that time, whether bad or good. Then, accordingly we feel that we have done that badly and we have done this wrong. Then we say we have sinned. And accordingly, we think we have done that very well and we think that we have merits. Maybe according to God both are merits or both are sinful. We can only know when we know God. Once we know God, we see differently; because we see with the eyes of God, with the eyes of indiscrimination, with the eyes of love and understanding.

Q: Do you mean to say that there are no evil spirits; because evil spirit is sin, which actually to You is an illusion?

M: Yes, there are evil spirits; but they are also illusion. Therefore, no sins; because sins are all illusions. But, as long as we live in this world, we cannot say, These are all illusions, so I can do what I want; because we still have a bad conscience from it, we have guilty feelings. Anyhow, even if we live in the illusionary world, we should behave also accordingly.

Why shouldn't we kill someone else because we know it is an illusion? He doesn't know it. He will suffer. Therefore, we have to spare other people's feelings and other being's feelings; even if we know it's all illusion. Avoid evil and do good, because it's good for other people. We have to live together whether you are enlightened or not.

Q: Yes, thank You

M: Just like you are a father. Do you have children?

Q: Yes.

M: Yes. Okay. When your children play with toys, you will not scold them when they break the toys into pieces, because these are nonsense. They are toys. They are plastic. They are childish. You even play with them and say, Wow! This car is beautiful, fast! It is a small plastic car and you run Voom! Voom! , and say, Wow! Beautiful and fast! You and I race together. And the children are happy. All the while, you know this is a children's game; but you don't criticize. You behave accordingly when you play with your children. Is that not so? Yes.

Malaysia, February 24, 1992

News 62 Index

A Child's Letter

Master Took Me To The Fun Fair

By A Young Friend, Fu Pei Wei, in Chia-Yi, Formosa

Although I am not yet initiated by You, Master, I always want to be closer to You. Whenever I think of You before I go to sleep, You will appear in my dreams. One time, as soon as You appeared in front of me, You took me to a fun fair by flying there. You kept me company when I played many games. You did not dare to ride the roller coaster, so I went on it by myself; and You still laughed cheerfully. Your laughter was so sweet and gentle.

From that moment on, I want even more to fulfill my wish of receiving initiation from You.

Wishing You good health and a long life, and that mankind on Earth would be saved.

Love,

News 62 Index

You May Not Know

The Tathagata State

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

(Originally In Chinese)

Do you know why it is called tathagata ? The meaning of tathagata is that one neither comes nor goes anywhere. Why is this so? The reason is that the tathagata comes and goes very, very quickly; but, it seems that he never comes and goes. Therefore, he is able to go many places simultaneously, and also to come back at the same time. Although there is no way to see where he goes, he can be seen in every corner of the universe at any time. So, he is called a tathagata.

When we were young, we played a game where we put a small ball into a bamboo hat, and kept the ball rolling around in the hat. When it rolled around slowly, we could see the ball's movement; but if the ball rolled very quickly, it seemed as if there were no ball. This is a matter of the speed of the ball. When a person has already become a Buddha, his vibration is different; he comes and goes very quickly. But, it seems that he neither comes nor goes. He is faster than light, faster than anything, even faster than our thoughts.

We all think that the speed of light is the fastest thing in this world. If there is thunder somewhere, we can see the flash within a second, because the speed of light is very fast. For example, a bicycle is very slow, and an airplane is much faster. Everyone knows that the speed of light is very fast, but Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are faster than light. However, they never need to move physically.

Sometimes, you may watch Kung-fu movies shown on TV or Kung-fu shows where they often have intentionally slow actions, so we are able to see the techniques used in the graceful Kung-fu movements. But, if the actions are too fast, we are unable to see them clearly. Some people's Kung-fu actions are very slow, and other's are very fast. For example, Bruce Lee's movements are very quick. Usually, before we even see him begin his attack, he has finished it. Some other people can perform a sword dance or do something else as quick as that.

A Buddha is even faster, so that ordinary people cannot see their actions when they come and go. Thus, we call them tathagatas. Therefore it is said, Zen is within walking, living, sitting, and sleeping.

We say, Zen is within walking, living, sitting, and sleeping. But, if we have not achieved the level where Zen is within walking, living, sitting, and sleeping, there is no way for us to have countless transformation bodies, and no way for us to be omnipresent. With a tathagata, although he is everywhere, he just stays in one place. He is supposed to be at the level where Zen is within walking, living, sitting, and sleeping, where he is both in and out of samadhi at every moment.

Similar to the game of rolling the little ball around in a bamboo hat when we were young, the ball rolled around too quickly so that we could not see it. Whether it was here or there, we could not tell. It rolled around very, very quickly; and just a while later, it seemed that the ball had disappeared and was not in the bamboo hat because the speed of the rolling was too quick.

Furthermore, the tathagata state is not the same as astral projection. Some people know how to get into a kind of samadhi very well. They can even remain in this state for several months or years. But, this is nothing to be surprised about; because they are still at the level where one can distinguish that they are sometimes in and sometimes out of samadhi.

At this level, there is still a door for getting into and out of samadhi. However, Zen has no door . Thus, its level is really high. That is why you often see an inscription no two doors when you go to Buddhist temples. This means the state where there is no inside and outside, no good and evil, even no world and no Buddha. But, you have to achieve this level of no two doors .

You should achieve the tathagata state so that you can go anywhere at any time, but also remain in one place. Everyone writes, No two doors, or Zen is within walking, living, sitting, and sleeping. But, no one understands the meaning of these expressions. This is not something that you can use the brain to understand. Instead, you need to achieve this state. However, after you achieve this level, you will still be a normal person. You will not think that you are a Buddha.

News 62 Index

Pearls Of Wisdom

Improve The Earth On A Large Scale

(August 4, 1991)
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
April 10, 1992 (Originally In English)
Excerpt from Leading The World Into A New Era.

We would do it in a greater scale, a larger scale. As we move along spiritually, we move along in helping the world, by beautifying the environment and by helping the poor and the needy. We have to help the whole world, not only one nation. That is our vision of the future. We must do it in our capacity.

So, all of you have to be ready. Whenever I call you, you must come and be prepared spiritually as well as physically. You must endure everything that everyone else cannot endure, do anything that everyone else does not want to do, and work in any field which brings benefit to mankind.

News 62 Index

Poem

Coming To The Rendezvous

By Fellow Initiate Cheng Ching, Singapore (Originally In Chinese)

 I know, That You have been waiting for me
 From the beginning of love,
 Under the Chin Dynasty clouds and the Han Dynasty moon,
 Surpassing the transmigration of life and death.
 You appear, as You vowed to, With Your parasol;
 And a thunderous voice reverberates throughout the planet.
 That shakes me up From my slumber.
 

Having heard the music of the pine forest At Nan Mountain at night, I hurried to go on my way. Dear Master, I have come To the rendezvous arranged two thousand years ago.

News 62 Index

Elevation Of The Soul

Audio Tapes of Supreme Master Ching Hai

 Group Meditation No. 67 (In Chinese)

 * The Secret Of The Pyramids
 Group Meditation at Hsihu Center, Formosa June 4, 1995 (1)

 * Magic Is The World Of Illusion
 Group Meditation at Hsihu Center, Formosa
 July 9, 1995

 * The Way Of Family Harmony
 Group Meditation at Hsihu Center, Formosa
 October 8, 1995 (1&2)
 

The Lastest video tapes of The Supreme Master Ching Hai

* The Importance Of Honest Living
 Group Meditation in Bangkok, Thailand
 September 18, 1994


 

(In English with Chinese subtitle)

* True Love
 Group Meditation in New York, USA
 April 13-16, 1995


 

(In English with Chinese subtitle)

* Journey To Africa
 August 9-14, 1995


 

(In Au Lac, Chinese, English subtitles)

Vo Tu Poems Out of deep affection from "Vo Tu", A
 feast of poetic poems for those with affinity
 

A hardcover edition has been published in both Au Lac and Chinese languages. Since then, it has been so popular that the publisher has not been able to keep up with the great demand coming from all over the world. In order to satisfy all the fellow initiates' sincere wish to have these marvelous poems, the publisher has decided to have Vo Tu Poems printed in paperback to let more poem-lovers experience the great love that Supreme Master Ching Hai has for all living beings in this world.

News 62 Index

Journey Through The Universal Network

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai

Seattle,Washington U.S.A.

(Unabridged, Originally in English)

This article was published in Central Daily News, Formosa May 1996

Opening Our Wisdom To Connect With The Universal Network

Our world is very, very beautiful compared to many other planets; that we know of or maybe not know of, just pretend that we know some. Scientifically speaking, there have been a few more planets that were discovered which are not as beautiful as ours.

So, we can congratulate ourselves for having such a little paradise where we have enough water, green and air. Even air, because in some of the planets, the air is not alive. Sometimes it is very contaminated, and the living beings can not even stay there.

Our world has been beautified day after day until we have reached today's comfort. We have a better kind of life with electricity, and with all kinds of civilized inventions. That is just about material comfort. Similarly, if our spirit, which is more important than the flesh even, were equipped with more of the very comforting instruments, then our life would be much better, still.

Our human body or our human life consists not only of the material appearance of the body or the thinking power of the mind, but we have also something beyond these two which is the spirit. The spirit, the wisdom or the supreme power which is within us is that which makes all things come to life and sustain them. Therefore, while we are so-called living, we can move, we can talk, we can think, we can love, we can investigate, we can do many things. But when the so-called spirit leaves us, then even if the same body exist, we can not do anything. So, if while living we learn to know this spirit, which is the dominating factor behind all our living activities, then, we will be wiser, more enlightened and, of course, more satisfied. Otherwise, even though we have a lot of comforts in life, and our civilization has reached such a height in the history, many of us are still unhappy

Many things we want to do in life, many ideals we want to fulfill, but we do not know how to begin. Even if we knew how to begin, we are not certain whether it is the true direction. Therefore, many times, we are unsuccessful despite all our sincerity, our prayers and our good will to serve the world at large. It is difficult to reach our goal. It is because we do not recognize the spirit, or the supreme power which is dormant in all of us. It's just like a person who has a great treasure in his house, and doesn't know where it is. Therefore, he can not make use of it for the betterment of his life.

I am sure all of us here, and most of the people in the world, long for peace, true happiness and beauty, inside as well as outside. But, why is it that most of the time, we spend a lot of money, time in some matters, but it can not be accomplished? It is because we do not approach problems from the right angle. It is because we do not use our supreme wisdom in all of our undertakings.

Actually, whatever we learn outside, the same with every of us, whatever we try to learn with the mind which is our super computer, we can not accomplish it in a hundred percent way. Besides, there are so many things to do in life, so many projects we want to accomplish with only the very limited power of this computer. Even though it is the best quality, sometimes, it does go out of order. When we put some wrong fuel in it, like too much whisky in one day, then it zig zags and doesn't work maybe for one or a couple of days; or we put too many drugs or something that is very detrimental to the thinking power of our computer. But if we do things with our great wisdom, with the central intelligent force which is connected with the whole universal network, then we can do many wonders, and yet we don't use any effort. This is what Lao-Tze called "Do without doing, action in non-action."

How do we accomplish this? It is very simple. All the masters in the past have promised us that whatever they do, we can do also. If they have become the Buddha (enlightened being), we can also become Buddhas; because whatever they have, or they had, or they discovered, we have also. All human beings are born equal. It is up to us to make use of our treasure or not. God, if there is one, would not push us; because we are the most respected creation in the whole universe. We are at the crown of creation, and our free will is absolute. Because God has made man in Hiers own image, therefore, man's will is God. Nevertheless, we have forgotten to use our free will, sometimes, to better our lives or to bless this world. Instead, we have abused this power; and therefore, many times have brought disaster into our beautiful planet, and then into our lives.

The difference between heaven and Earth, or heaven and hell is only a hair's breath apart. The only difference is our attention, we withdraw inward instead of spreading outside. Then, we know the kingdom of God. But most of the people think this is impossible, while the experienced practitioner of the path knows that it is very easy, very simple. Even children from six years old can do it; and old people, up to sixty, sometimes over, can even do it. Everyone can do it, because everyone has this power within themselves. Therefore, the Buddha said, "I and all beings are equal. How come they do not know it? And Jesus said, What I do, you can do better."

Better doesn't mean we will be higher than Him. Better means that in the future, we will be allowed more freedom to exert our power, to communicate this good message to a greater number of people; whereas, He was limited to only three and half years of preaching. We, in the modern time, can use a lot of the high technical developments in order to communicate to the masses. Therefore, He said, "What I do, you can do better." It's a prediction for a more liberated future, a more liberal future.

In the time of Jesus, the religious activity or the Truth was feared, persecuted, hidden from the mass of the people; because the politicians at that time feared anyone who had power would move the masses. Didn't matter if that power was for the good of mankind or not, that was just a power struggle. That's why in the ancient times, or maybe up to recently, we have not had much chance to know about spiritual secrets which are actually not secrets at all.

Many hundreds of years ago in Au Lac we had no electric lights. One of our ambassadors, or maybe a delegate from Au Lac, went to France to study. When he came home, he reported that in the west, people have the lamp upside down. Before we had the old lamp, which you had to stand on the table. But in the west, the lamps were all upside down and the water came from the wall -- the tap water. The king cut his head off. Because the king and the whole hierarchy, the whole royal household could not believe that truth, they accused him of blasphemy or not respecting the king, making a fool of the royal lineage. Not only was his head cut off, but that of many of his relatives and family members as well.

Such was the punishment in the old times for someone who was suspected of not being loyal to the ruler of the nation. Nowaday, luckily we don't have such injustice; the majority of the people in the world know that the upside-down lamp is very normal. Thanks God.

Many More People Will Be Enlightened

Similarly, many centuries ago, spiritual attainment or becoming enlightened was something very mystical, very impossible, a very far-fetched kind of visionary dream. But today, it is a very common theme that people sometimes even talk about in coffee shops, in the park, in the train or on the buses, etc. This is good. The age of our world has changed. We have begun to live in another kind of atmosphere where many more people will be enlightened, and peace will be more accessible to mankind. Let's hope that in the future generation, all the rulers of the Earth will not rule with armed force, but with wisdom and love; because all men are brothers.

The different countries are different rooms which the whole family has the right to share with each other, and to live with each other in harmony. As long as the majority of us are not enlightened and not using this super wisdom within us to take care of the world and to do everything, whether big or small, our world will not become what we dream or what we expect it to become. Therefore, the future of the world is in our hands. It's not only in the political figures of any great nation.

Even if there were one great king who ruled the whole planet, who had great wisdom like that of Solomon or King David of old, but if the whole mass of people were swimming in ignorance he couldn't do much. Therefore, when Jesus, Buddha or other masters were still living, because the communication was very poor, the enlightenment message was not very widely spread among the people. Even they had the son of God on Earth, even they had the Buddha, the world at that time was still chaotic. Today, thanks to the many wonderful inventions, we have a beautiful communication system and we have fast transportation methods. Therefore, many of the people of the world, thousands, billions of people have been enlightened through different saints, different messages from different spiritual schools. We can see the hope of the Golden Age in the horizon. Our world, many of the great conflicts between powerful nations have ceased somehow. Everyone can breathe a sigh of relief, because we do not fear much the third world war or fourth anymore, or at least for the moment.

It is because, this age, many of people have become enlightened and use the wisdom to bless the world or to enlighten the neighbors. One leads the others and then soon many, many more, the majority of the people will be living in the wisdom of their birth-right, and using it to bless the world, make it become heaven. Otherwise, doesn't matter how much we try, with our limited knowledge of books or experience in our field, we can only do a very small amount of service to mankind.

Jesus was great and is worshipped by the whole world up to now. It is due to His wisdom, the supreme wisdom within Himself. Buddha is still alive within the hearts of the people of the world. It is due to His supreme wisdom or the Buddha nature, which both of them stated that we also possess. We know all this, we have read all this, we have learned all this from many teachers, from many books; but we never wonder, How can I get it? Why don't I have it? The answer is, we do have it, we can have it, and we always have had it; but we do not know how to make use of it. We are too busy with the worldly knowledge that we learned from books, we are too proud of knowing many things; but the greatest wisdom we have neglected. It's just like the prince, the son of a king, who has forgotten his heritage and gone out begging for some morsels of food. It is very pitiful.

Then, we blame God for not helping us. We blame the Buddha for not blessing us. God and Buddha have already blessed us, have told us what to do; but we do, most of the time, the opposite. Even if, we just talk about the very simple precepts, like love thy neighbor or thou shall not kill , even that, many of us can not keep. God has prescribed the way of heaven, "If you love me, keep my commandments." If we did, our world would have become long ago a paradise. Now, if we blame God, we should think twice.

Wherever I go, many people ask me, If God is almighty, why doesn't Hes turn the world into heaven? Why didn't Hes make everyone better, become angels and so? Yes! Hes has told everyone to be angels, but we do not listen. We do not want to keep the commandments of God which can make our Earth become heaven. Why is it so? We know it, but we cannot do it. We cannot keep the precepts. It is because we lack the supreme power. We don't have the strength to resist so many of the temptation of this world.

Beautifying Our Life With The Light Of Enlightenment

That doesn't mean after initiation, or after enlightenment, you don't eat, you don't sleep, you throw away all your property. It is not the case. All the worldly-created phenomena, we can enjoy. We just enjoy more, because we know heavenly life -- that which enhances our life more. Just like before, we didn't have electricity, we didn't have electric lights. Our world still went on, but in a little bit more darkness. Now, we have electricity, we have lamps all over the place, and we can work all night long without any problem. That makes our life more comfortable and more enjoyable.

Similarly, our life here is already good. But, it would be best for us if we had enlightenment. Enlightenment means more light into our life. Not artificial light, but the light that is everlasting. Then, every activity and everything we do, we are very clear. Not clear at the level of the mind, but clear at the level of super consciousness. Therefore, we will always be in the correct direction. Even if we make mistakes, it is not a mistake. We will know it's just apparently so, but it's actually the plan of the universal brotherhood.

Many people fear that after enlightenment, they cannot do their business, that they may not be able to get married, or they will have trouble of any kind. But it is the wrong conception of enlightenment. Enlightenment should be, that we will be more beneficial to the world, more efficient in whatever we do, and more happy in our life. Enlightenment doesn't mean we have to spend our life in misery or in ascetic practice, smearing ashes all over the body and all that. You can do that if you are in India. It saves some cloth. But in the West we don't need to do that. Whatever we do, whether we smear ashes on our body, whether we shave our head, or we wear rags or beautiful clothes, it should be accompanied with enlightenment. And that is all we lack.

We shouldn't and we don't have to change our way of life. We just have to adjust to a correct way of life. We just have to add more light into our spirit. It's just like now, we add electric lights to our daily use. Once we have discovered electricity, we can use it in many, many ways. We can have television, radio, light, refrigerator, etc. Everything we want, it is available.

Electricity was not the invention of mankind. It was just a discovery. Similarly, enlightenment is not an invention of Buddha or Christ or it's not a gift from any master. It is a birth-right, it is an inheritance within all of us. Each moment we want to have it, provided we have an experienced friend to show us the first time how to do it, then we have it; and we can have it all the time.

Just like if you walk into a house, a new house or your house, and you don't know where the switches or the electric plugs are. It's very difficult to go around the wall, touching here and there, to try to find them. But, if someone who has been in that house and who knows where the switches are just tells us, then we can even close our eyes and do it everyday; because we know exactly where they are.

Most of us live in this life trying to go through the hard way, with the complicated method. Therefore, when we hear someone say, Enlightenment is easy. It is immediate. It's free of every obligation, we feel very reluctant to believe.

But why not? If the thing is already in your pocket and someone points it out to you, why is it so difficult? It was there all the time. In the Bible, it is even says, "The Kingdom of God is within you, and Seek first the kingdom of God and all the things shall be added unto you." Truly, it is like that.

We go through life, spending a lot of energy, time and finances, trying to find happiness and wisdom through different material means and through different gains in possession, love or business; but we never find it. As soon as we are satisfied with one point, we want the next one, and we will never stop. Deep down within our heart, there is always something that is not satisfactory, something empty. It is because our subconscious, superconscious, knows that we have missed the greatest part of our life. That is the supreme wisdom which is there for us to use. We should use it, if we want to live a true life and we want to experience true happiness.

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not on earth. My kingdom is in heaven." Where is that heaven? How do we get there? It is right here. We can get it anytime, provided we sincerely want it. If we do not see heaven now, in this life, who can be sure that we will get it after we die. Do you ever work for a company and the boss says, You just work on. After you die, I'll give you all the money you need. (Laughter) Would you agree to that condition?

You always believe in the hereafter heaven which you don't see. Therefore, you are invited to see the heaven on Earth. Seeing that, everything we see in this life is only a copy, a shadow of the real. Then, we enjoy and cherish even the shadow better, because we know the real is beautiful. Suppose you know a beautiful girl and you know her personally. Then, even when she comes near you, even just seeing her shadow -- you haven't seen the girl, she was inside the door, and the shadow was projected outside -- you are thrilled; because you are connected with the real person, and you know that is the shadow of "my beloved". So, you love even the shadow as well. You welcome the shadow also, because you know the shadow comes from your beloved.

See Through The Reality And The Illusion

Similarly, we have many things in life and we try to enjoy them; but most of the time, the enjoyment is very shallow and short-lived. Sometimes it brings another misery along. But, if we know the real happiness, then even in this life, the shadow of the real life, we also enjoy; because we know where from this life has come and we know even how to adjust the shadow to make it more real. Before, we did not know how to stand, where is the angle to make the shadow more beautiful. Now, we know. Then, we go through life contented, happy, waiting for the time to come that we can step into the eternal reality, leaving behind all this so-called suffering in the shadow world. If we do not know this real life while we are still here, it's very difficult to say whether we will know it after we leave this world. Because we don't know it, we come back again and again searching for this life, for the enjoyments that are never fulfilling, hoping to get it in the next birth, etc. Therefore, comes the reincarnation.

An enlightened person never reincarnates except of his own will for some noble purpose in order to help some other suffering brothers and sisters who are still mired in illusion. Most of the people reincarnate because of the pull of their previous tendencies from the past lives. They can't resist to be reborn because of the many unfulfilled desires, many ideals that have not been accomplished. But, using the limited knowledge, which is passed from one to another in the same world, recycled all the time, the same thing, we can't know the whole universe. We can't tackle the things from the root of its problem. It's just like we water the plants from the leaves and never the root. To be enlightened is to know the root of all things. Therefore, whatever we do is correct; and people will be also affected by us and turn into the light. Then the whole world will be bright.

Originally, when we first came here, we were living in light, happiness and glory. Then, after some time, we became entangled in the enjoyment of this world. To everything in this world, we became curious. We wanted to know, we wanted to taste, we wanted to touch, and we wanted to experience everything that was around us. Slowly, we got in contact with these material phenomena or appearances, we become more affected by the material side of nature, and we become more and more material. Eventually, we became mostly material and the light disappeared from sight. Now, the light didn't truly disappear or vanish. It just became enveloped in a gross material case. In order to find the light again, we have to break through the material barrier.

That we can do with a definite method. Just like every scientific thing, we have a method; then we can do it. Just like women can bear children and men not. Therefore, there is one way to enlightenment and the others are not so effective. The sages of old have discovered this method. Actually not discovered, the method was conveyed from heaven through different sons of God at different periods of time, to remind mankind of their glorious original state -- that they should not forget their origin and should not wallow in their suffering, which is unnecessary. So, we are here today to share with you this good news and very simple technique to break through the material cover, to get in touch with your true glory again.

Questions and Answers

Q: Why is the spirit hidden from us?

Why? Because we just look outside, and we don't look where the spirit is. Suppose I am sitting here and you're always looking at the back door. Would you see me? No, right? That's it. I'm not hidden from you. It's just that you don't want to see me, for example. Similarly with our spirit.

Q: If we are to live in a harmony, why have we created the fear that causes us to fight?

We do not create fear. We have fear because we do not have the power to resist fear. We have not known our greatest strength which is within ourselves. As soon as we know this, our fear vanishes. That's the best way to conquer fear -- to know our greatness, to know our strength, our super wisdom.

Q: Is there any difference between God and Buddha?

Yes, there is dif ference; but, there isn't any difference. God is the unmanifested aspect of the cosmic power. Buddha is the manifested one. Within the Buddha, there is cosmic power. The Buddha came from the cosmic power, and also possess this cosmic power.

Q: Please tell me about the role of evil in life.

Evil is an extra force that we have created together with other beings while having interrelationships in our life. For example, I am alone here having nothing to do and have no business with anyone. Suddenly, someone else comes. Then ask something, want to do something, then we have a misunderstanding. We create some very aggressive atmosphere and then that person probably punches me in the face.

Now, if I couldn't punch him back because of my weakness, I would try to remember that all the time, try to get any chance at all to give him back what he has given me, as a present. That breeds hatred. Hatred wasn't there in the beginning but it was created because of the interrelationship between me and that person.

That is evil. Originally, evil did not exist. Evil existed after we failed in our effort to keep to the positive side of our nature, after we failed to remember our goodness and forgiveness, after we failed the test of life.

We Can Create Heaven

Q: Is the creation of evil the play of the spirit?

No, I told you already. It's our own creation. So, similarly, we can create heaven if we want to. Every time, we extend loving kindness, tolerance and understanding to others, we create heaven.

Q: Does the ego need to open to this evil or integrate it?

The ego does nothing. The ego is evil itself. The ego is the feeling of individual pride, of self-arrogance. Therefore, we should not even bother about that. We should know our greatness instead of being proud of our little knowledge and accomplishments. Whenever we are proud of our little accomplishments or knowledge in this life, that is when the ego comes to take place of our spirit. This is no good for us. We should do without any sense of pride or asking for reward.

Q: For enlightenment, is service in love to humanity as important as meditation? Or is service more important or less important than meditation practice?

Both have to go hand in hand. We meditate because we want to do service better, we want to be clearer in what we do. Therefore, we'll be more efficient in our work, and more service to others. Without meditation, sometimes we have the very best intention, and we are willing to serve people, but we don't know what is the best way. Therefore, meditation is a helping factor to true selfless service.

Q: Is it possible to lead a life completely free from doubt and fear forever and if so, what does one need to do or not to do?

Fear and anxiety come only from darkness, from ignorance, from the fear of the unknown. Once we get to know the stable side of nature, the real side of our life, our fear and anxiety disappear. We only fear because we thought after this life, we have nothing. We only fear because we know only the ephemeral existence of this world. If we know that life is eternal, if we know that we are the greatest beings in the universe, we have no fear at all. So, I invite you to get to know yourself through the means of initiation.

Q: God is a concept, an idea, but it refers to that which is transcended and beyond words which are always qualifications of limitations. Infinite, universal and eternal life is only in the present. Eternity is an aspect of here. Now, thought and time block it from our experience of life. So, I think that we can only experience in the present. So, this life moment is the most important. What do you think?

Sure, but you do not experience it. You only repeat what other people say. Eternity is in the present time, it's true. For example: Now, I close my eyes or I don't close my eyes, I see reality, and I stay in the dual world at the same time. Therefore, I can say to myself and to you that eternity is here, now, present! But, as long as you don't see it, you only see the duality, you only see the material world. Therefore, here, now, past, present or future, it's just the same to you. The reality is different from this world, different from what we know since we were born into the material existence. So, if we don't see, we cannot claim the reality is right here and now. What we see around us now is not reality. Reality is something beyond this life, beyond what you see here, beyond the material bodies that we know. If we see it at the same time as we see this body, as real as seeing this body and this surroundings, then we can claim we see reality here and now, all the time.

Q: What will happen after death?

I know you sincerely want to know what happens after this life. So, I will try to explain to you even though I'm not completely dead yet. I'm half-dead. (Master laughs.) With the world tour and busyness, I'm always half-dead. Anyhow, what happens after death depends on you. For example, if we are very virtuous, correct, loving and kind while we are living in this world as a human being, then after so-called death, we are taken to a deserved mansion, which is called heaven; but this is not eternal. Because our merit is not eternal, the heaven corresponding with it is not eternal. To have eternal heaven we have to find the eternal source of merits, which is the greatest kingdom within us. Which is, itself, eternal merit.

Now, if in this life we are doing the opposite things, which are contradictory to the commandments of God and below the standard of humanity, then we probably have to regress to a lower level of consciousness, of existence in order to re-experience what we lack, what we must supply to our knowledge. After some time, we will be lifted up again to a human standard.

If we are better still, above human standard, then we will be asked and we will be lifted to heaven. The initiates are the ones who will enter the eternal kingdom and will not reincarnate again onto this Earth or to any other Earthly world.

Q: Dear Master, how can I get rid of bad thoughts?

To get rid of bad thoughts you have to replace it with good thoughts. It's very simple. You don't want to wear black, then throw it and wear white.

Q: Master please talk more about the Buddha nature within us?

The Buddha nature (our true inner self) is the so-called supreme master's power which moves the whole universe, which makes all things alive and beautiful, which makes us wise and loving, and which leaves our body lifeless after it decides to withdraw from it, or not to use that instrument anymore. If we know this Buddha nature, there is nothing that we do not know and there is nothing that we would desire.

That doesn't mean we become a wooden stick, a wooden statue. We have all things that human beings have. We have emotion, we have feelings, and we have the taste of enjoyment of beauty, of Truth and of virtue. But, the emotions that we have now are under control. We use them whenever necessary and we withdraw them whenever we want. That is the difference between the ones who know their Buddha nature and the ones who don't.

The ones who know their Buddha nature are always in happiness. Doesn't matter in what circumstances. He may be very poor, he may be very rich, he may be in a top political position, or he may be just collecting garbage; but he will be always absolutely free of anxiety and fear, always contented in whatever situation he finds himself in. That's the difference.

Q: How long must one meditate to reach enlightenment?

Enlightenment comes immediately. As soon as you sit down with the master and sincerely want it, it comes immediately. Before immediately event. Sometimes I have not finished the instructions, and people have already got enlightenment. Some people are in a hurry, they have no time to wait. (Laughter) But the meditation takes place daily; because we always want to be in the enlightened state, we always want to renew our acknowledgement of enlightenment, and also we want to strengthen it to expand until infinity. Otherwise, even if you meditate for one hundred years, you won't get any enlightenment. Meditation doesn't bring enlightenment, the master power does; because during initiation, or during so-called meditation in our method, you do not meditate. Meditation means effort, but in our way, it's effortless. You may sit there, sometimes even sleep, and enlightenment comes even then; or you will be enlightened during sleep. The master power will wake your soul while your mind is asleep, your body is at rest -- your soul will be awakened into the world of light and wisdom. Therefore, meditation is not a means to enlightenment; but for lack of vocabulary in this world, we have to call it meditation.

Actually, you just sit there, receive the grace of God, and acknowledge your own supreme power. There's no meditation, actually, that is involved; because anything that is earned, is a result of some kind of action, is still the worldly production, within the material framework. Therefore, our meditation is a non-meditation meditation -- effortless meditation. (Applause)

Q: Dear Master, I meditate thirty minutes a day but I cannot concentrate after ten minutes. Is it because of the heavy karmas that I have? Thank You.

No, it's just a habit. Most of us are so used to looking outside and paying attention to outer things. So, when we try to withdraw our attention inward, it's difficult. It's used to running out again. Continue, and then you'll improve.

Q: How can one who feels little love becomes more loving?

Get more enlightenment, and then we will be more loving. That's the purpose of enlightenment. Enlightenment makes us more loving, more tolerant, more understanding. That's the best outcome.

News 62 Index

International Reports

LA, USA Pusan, Korea Palawan, Philippines Bangkok, Thailand

Report From LA, USA

Whole Life Expo In Pasadena

The Whole Life Expo is a holistic gathering of psychic and health oriented people who come to share their gifts and help people. This special event occurs all over the United States with thousands of participants attending the expo. It was a blessing for both us and the visitors to have an opportunity to share Master's teaching. All the food sold on the premises was exclusively vegetarian which came from many different groups, including a group of disciples from the Supreme Master Ching Hai Restaurant in San Jose, California.

The Whole Life Expo also provided a variety of conferences and workshops given by many distinguished speakers in the field of human growth. Many enthusiastic spiritual seekers were impressed by Master's teachings and took some time to look at Her lecture playing on video tape or Her books and pictures displayed at the booth. Some people who had seen Her in previous expos, this time came by to ask about initiation.

Even though Master was not physically present, Her enormous blessing power was felt by many visitors. One child told us that this booth was the brightest of the whole expo. Many had perplexed expression on their faces wondering why they were so attracted to this booth and to this beautiful person (Master's portrait). One man kept coming back to the booth to put his hand over Master's pictures and books because he could feel the strong positive energy coming from these holy items. Another commented that every time he has attended the Whole Life Expo, he has felt the most positive, loving power coming from our Master's booth. Out of his enthusiasm and agreement with Master's teachings, this person took many sample booklets home with him to Hawaii to share with his friends and relatives.

In addition, a large number of people, after receiving the sample booklet and News magazines, were very interested in learning the Convenient Method of meditation and subscribed for the bi-monthly Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine. Thanks to Master's blessing and fellow initiates' cooperation, this event was an enlightening one for both the participants as well as the visitors.

Report From Pusan, Korea

Korean brothers, who had never done any cooking before, could also prepare delicious vegetarian meals which were colorful, aromatic and great tasting.

Surpassing The Concept -- Brothers' Cooking Competition

Wow! It's so delicious!

Such exclamations could be heard all over the Center. In Pusan Center, many fellow initiates gathered to celebrate the Korean's Fourth Anniversary. One of the programs was the brother practitioners' cooking competition.

Traditionally, Koreans are used to thinking that cooking is a woman's duty. However, under Master's influence and teaching, our Korean brother initiates have broken their old concept and come to the understanding that men can also cook. When the idea of the cooking competition was first brought up, most of the brothers immediately supported it. However, later they lacked the confidence and worried that they might not be able to do a good job. However, after the anniversary ended, they knew their worries had been unnecessary. During the competition, each brother initiate prepared one fabulous dish, and not one was the same as the others. When they displayed their work on the table, the dishes were splendid in flavors, looks and aroma. It made the whole competition look like a grand feast. All the winners received prizes from the judges. The first prize winner's dish was so good that it tasted and looked like it had been prepared by a professional chef. It was said that he had been practicing his culinary skill and cutting so much that he even got blisters on his hand. Nevertheless, in the end, the fruit of his practice was a beautiful and delicious dish. He truly deserved the award. The second prize was given to five brother initiates who worked as a team to joined the competition. The third prize winner mentioned that he had learned that women should deserve more appreciation and respect for their cooking everyday at home. He promised that he would provide more help to the sister initiates in the kitchen from now on. There was even a special prize for the oldest brother initiate who participated in the competition.

As a result of this competition, all the brother initiates who had participated were full of self-confidence. They even mentioned that in the future they are going to cook more creative and delicious dishes, so that at the next vegetarian feast they could show off their newly discovered talent. They exclaimed, We can do everything!

Later, some initiates got together and talked about their feelings and experiences. Not until then did they recalled that during the Formosan international retreats, there were a lot of brother initiates working in the kitchen. Why had they always thought cooking was not suppose to be a man's job? After the cooking competition, they learned that: it does not matter if we are men or women, as long as we want to do something sincerely, through hard work and practice, we will definitely succeed. Our Korean fellow practitioners really appreciated the Fourth Anniversary Celebration. Master had given them a chance to surpass their old concept.

It has been four years since Master's first visit to Korea to teach us the Quan Yin Method. Since then, we have set this date as our most important anniversary to celebrate our rebirth. Consequently, each anniversary has become a special learning experience for all of us. There are no suitable words that can describe how much love and appreciation we feel toward Master. The only thing we can say is, Thank You, our dear Master!

It's the awards ceremonyˇI The Korean brothers are thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Report From Palawan, Philippines

God's Love Is Ever Present

Concerned about the refugees, along with Reverend Tien from USA and Sister Pascal, Reverend Ramon Arguelles came to visit the refugees in the camp. They also visited the little meditation hall there. When they first saw it a wonderful first impression was reflected in their eyes from Master's great photos, the Supreme Master Ching Hai News and the sample booklets that were exhibited. They also had many questions about Master's teachings.

Inside the Palawan Camp, Father Raymond, Father Tien and Sister Pascal happily enjoy the delicious vegetarian food filled with Master's blessings.

The practitioners did not forget to cook for them some delicious and tasty vegetarian dishes. In addition, they also offered them precious spiritual gifts -- Master's video tapes, books and News magazines, which made the visitors so surprised and appreciative of those precious gifts.

There were many changes regarding the refugees' situation. The high commissioners in Manila, Philippines also came to visit the refugee camp in Palawan. When they visited the meditation hall, they were surprised to see the beautiful scenery and decor there. Consequently, they asked questions about Master, wanting to understand more about Her teachings, in particular, why we must be vegetarian and how to meditate to enhance our inner wisdom. Fellow practitioners answered their questions accordingly. They constantly praised the accomplishments of Master's teachings.

Afterward, they also toured the meditation hall, observing the garden and the way practitioners were working -- silently and systematically, following Master's example of working quietly, communicating with God all the time, to be Hiers instrument to beautify the world. They were quite impressed with the organization and management system. Everything that was done smoothly and efficiently was all due to Master's blessings.

Those people who work in the headquarters at Wescome and in the camp supervisor's office come now and then to the Center to receive a new copy of the bi-monthly Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine and to enjoy the tasty vegetarian dishes that are full of Master's love and blessings.

The staff from the Western Armored Division come to visit the refugee camp. Inside the simple and plain meditation hall, they enjoy a vegetarian meal prepared by fellow practitioners with love.

Report From Bangkok, Thailand

With Master's love as the menu, fellow practitioners prepare one delicious vegetarian dish after another.

An Art And Great Food Festival

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Bangkok, Thailand held an exhibition of Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings, as well as provided free vegetarian food to the public. The event was held on the grand opening day of the Jewelry Trade Center building in Bangkok. Fellow practitioners in Bangkok were willing to work hard in organizing this project -- assembling the equipment to display Master's beautiful and irresistible paintings and preparing the vegetarian food.

On the day of the event, everyone was ready and so excited to serve Master in spreading Her love and teachings to the people of Thailand. There were lots of people present at the exhibition. Some of them lingered around, admiring Master's paintings, which were exhibited on two sides of the hall around the building's atrium. At the same time, the vegetarian food stand was in the Food Center on another floor. Several kinds of foods were provided, including noodles, cakes, fresh fruits and a special drink. Furthermore, Master's sample booklets were the best gifts for those who have affinity with Her.

In the Jewelry Trade Center building, Master's multistyled paintings attract visitors to linger a little longer to appreciate.

The atmosphere at the exhibition was so exciting and happy. Some of the guests were surprised that vegetarian food could be so delicious. One guest came to us afterward and asked the cook how various dishes were made, especially the northern-styled vermicelli. He commented that he had never had it this delicious before, even though he was from Chiang Mai, one of the northern provinces of Thailand.

Some of the guests even asked us to open a vegetarian restaurant in the same building, so more people could come and enjoy the pure, clean and delicious vegetarian food.

All fellow practitioners who participated in this activity want to thank Master for this opportunity and Her help in arranging everything. Otherwise, it would not have been this successful. They all felt very honored and privileged to be able to help in spreading Master's teachings and the heavenly message to those earnest souls.

Report From Thailand

A Trip Of Love To The Refugee Camp

Following Master's instructions, fellow practitioners from Bangkok went to the Phanatnikhom Refugee Camp to deliver basic necessities and food, which were filled with Master's love, to the refugees. Upon witnessing the blissful smiles on the refugees' faces, fellow practitioners could not help but thank Master for allowing them the chance to learn the lesson of taking care of others.

The food delivered this time were those things most needed by the refugees. They included vegetarian protein, soy beans, sugar, peanuts, salt and milk powder for the children. The excess materials prepared by fellow practitioners were passed on to the administration of the refugee camp for storage in the hope that they would take good care of the refugees and distribute the materials to them when the need arises.

The Bangkok Center will continue to deliver Master's love to the Phanatnikhom Refugee Camp.

News 62 Index

Front Line

A Spiritual Journey To Bombay

By Fellow Initiate Abhay N. Singh, India (Originally In English)

Friendly Visit With Different Religious Groups

Bombay, the commercial capital of India, is actually the most westernized and cosmopolitan city in this country. It is a modern city, yet it is wedded to the cultural and religious traditions of the ages.

Modern Indian people living in such a hurried and competitive society can hardly afford to even think of searching for a spiritual path, sighed a venerable spiritual practitioner of Radha Swami. This spiritual practitioner was enlightened when she came to know that even living in a fast-paced modern city, our fellow initiates, who follow Supreme Master Ching Hai to practice the Quan Yin Method, have been regularly joining group meditation at least once a week. It is a good example, she expressed, that modern people can also enjoy a balanced harmonious life between material and spiritual comfort, as long as they have an experienced living guide to show them the know-how. You are all lucky children of God to follow a living Master and a beautiful One!"

While saying this to us, she picked up from her wallet a photo of our Master, which she got some years ago and has always been carried with her since then, showed it to us with a triumphant smile, and said, With Master's blessing, others might have trouble, but I don't.

This venerable practitioner also concisely introduced us to the main religious and spiritual groups to be visited. Although I have followed my own spiritual path, she said, I am honored to bring other truth-seekers to your Master. That is the humility commonly shared among those most pious Indian spiritual practitioners.

The first place we visited was one of the most renowned Hindu ashrams in Bombay, Arya Samaj Mandir. Here, Hindu pilgrims often congregated to perform religious rituals, have lectures or group meditation in its solemn, spotless prayer hall. Coincidentally, on the same day, its leading elderly members from different cities held its regular meeting to study the Vedas -- the oldest revealed scripture. Our fellow initiates were welcomed by their General Secretary, Mr. Sangeet Sharma, to join their holy gathering. To remove all darkness of ignorance and illuminate true wisdom is our purpose of studying the Vedas, said Mr. S. Sharma. He continued to say, The Vedas show us that all creation should be regarded as one universal body and all religions come from the same source. To come back to that original source, we need to follow the guidance of an enlightened Guru, instead of worshiping outer forms and images or blindly following any man-made religious dogmas.

Mr. S. Sharma also invited us to share Master's teachings with all their members. They all thought that Master brought the same essential teachings as are in the Vedas into the daily lives of modern people. It proves that your Master has taught you the true path of enlightenment, concluded one of its elderly leading members. At the end of their gathering, they held a holy ritual -- to remind themselves that as spiritual practitioners they should purify themselves and sacrifice for other people.

On the same afternoon, we were invited to visit the Rama Krishna Temple and were warmly welcomed by the administrator of the reception department, Swami H.G. Kapicades and other swamis. They were glad to know that in February of 1991, Master was invited as an honored guest by their headquarters to attend the international conference and anniversary celebration held in the City of God (their headquarters in West Virginia, U.S.A.) where She even gave lectures to many of their swami disciples. After exchanging spiritual books and teachings, they invited us to visit their gorgeous grand temple, reminding us of the glorious temple of God within everyone.

Unexpectedly, on the following Sunday, we received a friendly invitation from the Bombay Church of Christ to join their Sunday Service. Most of its members are young, open-minded intellectuals who have been enthusiastically propagating the teachings of Jesus Christ through the study of the Bible, especially the New Testament. After the Service, we also invited some of their Bible-talk co-leaders to our hotel to exchange different views on spiritual practice.

During our pleasant discussion, Master's words of logic and wisdom cleared the doubts they had in the study of the Bible; therefore, many of them eagerly applied to learn the Convenient Method. While practicing the Convenient Method, they all had good inner experiences. Some of them saw the inner light sparkling and shooting from all directions like a big parade of firework; one of them saw a brilliant beautiful lady (the manifestation body of Master) standing on a boat above a transparent ocean, calling his name a few times. The inner experiences convinced them that the true way of praying should come from being in the closet (the wisdom eye) and praying secretly, and that the true baptism should be done with 'fire'(the heavenly light). One of their co-leaders confessed, I believe the positive energy of enlightenment, obtained from daily practice of this meditation method, will sustain me to go further in fulfilling the Christian mission.

The East Indian's Open-Mindedness In Respecting The Truth

Apart from visiting spiritual groups, we also went to some academic and art institutes. We distributed sample booklets, as well as contributed Master's books to their central libraries. Most of the librarians were surprised when they realized that we had come such a long way to offer books of Master's spiritual teachings as gifts. We hope our readers will find the Key of Immediate Enlightenment in these holy books of your Master, said the administrator of David Sasson Library. We were impressed and surprised by the way Indian people respected all spiritual teachings.

For example, when distributing sample booklets at Bombay University, we stayed outside the main gate to do the distribution, because on campus there was an important national academic conference at which many renowned VIPs of different academic fields were present. However, about half an hour later, a gentleman wearing a tidy police uniform with high-rank badges came to us, saying, I am the chief of the police authority of this university. It is a divine thing that you are doing. Please come in to do your work properly. He also kindly suggested that we stayed longer until the conference was over, so that we could give Master's booklets to all the big shots . Before saying good-bye to us, he requested one more booklet, because his colleague had taken the one he was given.

A similar story happened at the local airport when its security policemen demanded a thorough check of our over-loaded luggage. As the luggage was opened, Master's photo on hundreds of sample booklets appeared before his eyes. We told him, This is the spiritual book of our Guru, to be distributed to the Indian people free of charge. So we gave him one. He received it with joined palms and respectfully pressed Master's photo on his wisdom eye. Thus, we passed through without any further checking.

Master's Photo Conveys Mystical Power

Master's photo helped us a lot in building good affinities with people, especially with those spiritual practitioners who have reached certain levels of self-realization. They immediately recognized who Master really is when coming in contact with the great magnetic field transmitted from Her photo.

While distributing booklets at the entrance of the Prince of Wales Museum, we met a Hindu swami, an expert in researching physiognomy, who had a small stall nearby. When we offered him a booklet, he gazed at Master's photo for a long moment and then began to ask many questions about Her. About an hour later, he came to one of our initiates, praising with his thumbs up, Very, very high Guru, and asked for some more booklets to be placed on his stall. Later, we found that when there were no customers around, he always fixed his gaze on Master's photo.

Once on the bus, a middle-aged lady seated opposite our fellow initiate kept looking at him and then she suddenly bowed to him with joined palms. Our fellow initiate felt puzzled by her action, but still came over to her with a sample booklet. Later, during the conversation, this lady explained that she has been practicing the art of channeling for many years and is able to see people's auras and feel their magnetic fields. The moment our fellow initiate got on the bus, she felt a strong magnetic field emitting from Master's photo on the necklace hanging on his chest, so naturally she bowed to Master's photo as a gesture of respect. Aside from asking some spiritual questions, she also expressed her sincere wish that one day she could meet Master in person.

Master's Love Permeates Bombay

Another story shows that even the sensitive birds can feel Master's blessing power. On the day of initiation held at a local hotel, a flock of pigeons had gathered on the balcony outside since early morning. It was not a common phenomenon because that hotel was located in the city center and was surrounded by tall buildings, where pigeons seldom stay or gather as a big flock. However, they even remained at our hotel the whole day long and dispersed after sunset when the initiation was over. Those lucky pigeons, which represent peace, also came to share with us Master's blessing power.

The second day after initiation, before leaving Bombay, we held a farewell group meditation with the Convenient Method practitioners on the grassy area in front of the Gateway of India where we enjoyed the cool sea breeze, rhythmic ocean waves and true inner peace.

We sincerely express our gratitude to Master for gifting us with such a rich, valuable spiritual journey in Bombay.

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Master's Wonders

Wonderful Encounter While Making A Pilgrimage The Quan Yin Method Is Truly Incredible!

Wonderful Encounter While Making A Pilgrimage

By Fellow Initiate Chang Sin-Fun, Nantou, Formosa

Before initiation, I remembered that I went on a pilgrimage to a famous temple in Puli. I bowed and prayed to the Quan Yin Bodhisattva to let my true-self be always present, having nowhere to come and nowhere to go.

Shortly afterwards, the temple organized a pilgrimage, I went, too. Verbally reciting the holy name of Quan Yin Bodhisattva, I knelt down once on every third step, making my way up the mountain. Half-way up the mountain, Master's manifestation body revealed itself, smiling while sitting on the fence. In a second, She changed into the absolutely brilliant Quan Yin Bodhisattva.

At that time, I only knew Master through Her books and sample booklet, introduced to me by relatives. Yet, I had such a wonderful experience. This surprised me so much that it was beyond imagination. It was later, when I was being initiated, that I realized what Master teaches is the same Quan Yin Method mentioned in the Surangama Sutra. I suddenly was enlightened that She must be the Quan Yin Bodhisattva and that She is omnipresent. Therefore, my prayer was granted.

The Quan Yin Method Is Truly Incredible!

By Fellow Initiate Ho May Wei, Tainan, Formosa

Now, I understand even more deeply that by practicing the Quan Yin Method one can achieve what is stated in the Quan Yin Bodhisattva's Miraculous Mantra, One will be away from disasters, physical misfortunes will leave, and all adversities will turn into dust. That is exactly the same as what Master said, Practicing the Quan Yin Method dissolves all karma. Through this serious accident, it was verified to me that the Quan Yin Method is truly incredible. Even the doctor said that I was most fortunate in my misfortune. Not only all my bodily functions were normal, but I was unharmed even after falling so hard on the ground on my head.

Everything Master says is absolutely true, especially about practicing the Quan Yin Method -- that it allows us to be liberated from our karma and frees our souls. I am most grateful to Master for Her being so compassionate as to initiate us into the Quan Yin Method. It prevents us from being bound by this world, which is filled with material desires, so that we can be free and at ease. As if wearing a pair of giant boots, we are not afraid of any thorns or waves and we can advance on the path smoothly.

May our revered and beloved Master and Her love stay on Earth forever, to purify our world; and may all those who have affinity be saved, so that they can practice the Quan Yin Method earnestly and turn this mundane world into the Pure Land.

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Media Reports

The Five Precepts made more relevant

<Bangkok Post> April 19,1996 Originally in English

The First Precept: Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking,or in my way of life.

The Second Precept: Aware of the suffering cause by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I vow to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals.

I vow to practise generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.

The Third Precept: Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.

I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.

The Fifth Precept: Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practising mindful eating, drinking, and consuming.

I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society.

I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programmes, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations.

I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practising a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.

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While On The Path

Flying In The Holy Light Master Helped Me Get Back My Confidence Touch Members Of The Family With Love And Sincerity

Flying in the holy light

By fellow initiate Liang Guo-Rui, Hsing-Zhu, Formosa

I believe that the author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull must be a very enlightened and spiritually evolved person; because, once we have tasted the happiness of spiritual practice, and realized our own real-self, we would know that no fame, wealth, honor or love between man and woman can be compared with the happiness of spiritual practice. There is nothing surprising or mysterious about knowing our true nature through the process of enlightenment. Therefore, if we step beyond our illusions about enlightenment, we will discover our real-self and achieve immediate enlightenment.

How can a caterpillar imagine that it will be able to fly one day? We think we are ugly and can only crawl on the ground. However, only Master knows that we deserve much better, that we are the later generations of beautiful butterflies and one day we'll spread our beautiful and splendid wings, flashing under the sunlight; just like the ugly ducking that became a beautiful swan and flew off in the vast blue sky. Thus, it is time for us to liberate our souls and fly freely.

Master Helped Me To Get Back My Confidence

By Fellow Initiate Chang Yuzu, Taipei, Formosa

One day, during meditation, Master's soft and beautiful dharma voice, making me feel so warm and intoxicated, was suddenly transmitted to me, Do not rely on others anymore! From now on, you have to trust yourself to have the ability, to have the confidence. With the clear appearance of Master's manifestation body, all my worries disappeared. My heart was so content and peaceful. All guilty feelings disappeared totally in no time! I immersed myself wholly in Master's great love. It was so warm, so light and so touching! From that time onward, I have had a great power supporting me inside my heart, and my mood has became more and more stable.

Many thanks to You, great Master! Your everlasting light brightens up the dark road, and consoles the aching heart. Your noble and elegant love allows the souls to highly develop; Your endless and limitless merits leads sentient beings to enlightenment and liberation.

Touch Members Of The Family With Love And Sincerity

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Wu Ting Yu, Formosa
Transcribed By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter, Chang Hsueh Yun

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Aphorisms

Aphorisms March 4, 1990

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In Chinese)

Sentient beings are too arrogant.

Arrogance is our most troublesome karma, our greatest obstacle.

One should take care of one's thoughts; don't let them go astray.

Human beings are noble beings because we can practice spiritually, we can find our Buddha Nature, and we can become Buddha. When we have found God within and seen the inner heaven, then we can say human beings are the noblest.

To seek the Truth, the most important rule is not to criticize others and to have an open heart . It's very important.

Never blame others, one should blame oneself. No matter what happens to us, it's the result of our own karma.

Place you heart on your wisdom eye. It will be very happy, it will understand many things, and it can help us go beyond the Three Realms.

When we are sincere, our ego will be reduced, the wall of ignorance will crack, then we will have many different visions.

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