Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 73

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A Little Message:
In speaking of God, or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a He.
She + He = Hes (as in Bless)
Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm)
Hers + His = Hiers (as in Dear)
Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will
to suit Hirmself.

Within and without, Master is the paramount example of Truth, goodness and beauty to people.

~ Supreme Master Ching Hai

Master's Words
Bravely Practicing The Path Of The Bodhisattvas

Master Says
Following An Enlightened Master One Will Never Fall

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai at Hsihu Center, Formosa,
Sept. 15, 1991(Originally In Chinese)

Have you noticed that all the guardian deities in the temples look very fierce? They have menacing faces! But why? It is because they were demons before they became guardian deities. You can read in the Buddhist scriptures some stories about how the Demon King or demons devoted themselves to Shakyamuni Buddha. They vowed to become guardian deities in order to redeem their previous sins, so that their levels would be elevated, which enable them to practice becoming Arhats and Bodhisattvas. It is impossible to jump directly from the level of the demons to that of Bodhisattvas; the gap is too big! Having been demons before, they must first change into good humans, and then further become Bodhisattvas or Buddhas. Before they can be born as good humans, they have to go through the stage of guardian deities to redeem their sins. Once they have become good humans, they can immediately jump to the level of the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. If they really have strong faith, and can find an enlightened master and a good method, of course they can climb to the level of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas quickly. To achieve this, the demons must go through the stage of being humans. For instance, we cannot go directly into the university from primary school; we have to go through the stages of secondary school and junior high school. Humans are similar to the junior high school students, who upon graduation can go to university. Primary students can only go to secondary schools.

It is the same with the demons who are used to evil habits. Their level and thoughts are inferior to the humans. Though they have great magical powers, those are merely magic. They don't have the benign nature and wisdom of the humans, so they cannot become humans right away! To become Bodhisattvas, they must first become humans. The heavenly warriors and guardian deities look so horrible because they have just been promoted from the level of the ferocious demons. If they cannot even change their outer appearances, you can imagine their inside qualities. They look menacing outside, because they are fierce inside.

Why do the snakes and tigers look so vicious and fierce outside? It is because they have identical inner quality. After death, ferocious people will become tigers and snakes. Those crafty people always like to "bite" (Master laughs) or harm others with tricks, so they will become snakes. Even when they become humans again, they are still poisonous.

In mystical legends like "The Meritorious Book Of The Gods," or other historical stories, you may read about some pugilists who practiced the highly poisonous skills. With a slight movement, or just by moving close to you, they can make you unconscious, dazed and poisoned. These stories were true, because the negative force is very strong, and can be infected to others. These people are poisonous throughout, and you will be poisoned just by being close to them. When you get close to some people, you may feel their deep, deep desires for lust, fame or wealth. Suddenly, you will also be a little affected too. Sometimes, you get close to some people who have strong desire for fame and wealth and listened to some of their words, though you originally have no desire to do such things, suddenly you feel like doing them. But this desire will leave you when you go home. The negative force can affect people deeply. Mostly, people who don't practice spiritually have a very poisonous atmosphere. They have strong desires for fame and wealth, and are overshadowed by an intense negative force.

In the pugilistic novels, you can read about the Taoists practicing poisonous skills. With a flick of their hands, their enemies were poisoned. This is true! Without having to move a limb, they can poison you just by getting near you! It is true that the senior practitioners of the poisonous skills have great poisonous power. It is so intangible that we can't see it, but the influence is there. Invisible influences are even more powerful! We can guard against visible ones, but not the invisible ones. We are not aware! Without any preparation at heart, we are easily contaminated.

I teach you to always reflect on the Tao, on spiritual practice, on liberation, and always remember to recite the Holy Names. This is a way to protect ourselves. Since we don't know who is who, it is safer to always be on guard. We don't know who is who, and in fact we shouldn't bother knowing who is who. Why should we know? A tiger is a tiger, and a kitten is a kitten. They are what they are, and why should they concern us? Anyhow, we still have to protect ourselves against possible influences.

We don't want to stay here as ignorant human beings any longer. We prefer to become superior sentient beings. Even if we cannot help others, it is fine that we can help ourselves. We are tired of this world. It is not our ideal abode; we want to live somewhere else. For instance, you have already graduated from primary school, so you have no reason to linger around there anymore. You should look for your classmates in the secondary school, study with them, encourage each other, and exchange experiences and ideas with them. You shouldn't stay in the primary school where you can learn nothing, and will be pulled down to their low level instead. They will keep asking you questions or talk about primary school matters. Even if you are not affected, you wouldn't have time to think about your studies in secondary school. This is simple logic. For example, I can speak English very well, but I spend all my time with people who speak poor English. Eventually, I would forget my English. Even if I didn't forget, I wouldn't have the time to use it.

Similarly, why do we have to go to group meditations, and to hang around with our fellow practitioners and virtuous people? Only then can we realize our level, and what we should do. If we always mix with people who are lower in level, naturally we will regress! Even if we can avoid the influence, we wouldn't have time to think about high level things! We busy ourselves with inferior matters, and our attainment gets stuck there and becomes useless. Even if we can keep our attainment, we have no chance to use or develop it. Isn't that right? (A: Yes!) We are not being discriminative, but things of the same nature attract each other!

Do you know why I have been so strict with you lately, and tell you to vow before you enter to the group meditations -- "I have not violated the precepts. I have kept a pure vegetarian diet. I sincerely come to seek the Truth..." It is because you are still new on the spiritual path, and you are not stable enough. What makes it even worse is that you mix with chaotic people! Whom can you protect when you can't even protect your own life? Therefore, we don't want to force those who have no intention to pursue spiritual practice. Forget them, even though they are initiated.

I initiate all of you without discrimination, because you request it. If you can't carry on with your practice, then stop coming here to annoy us. I have no desire for fame and wealth. I won't think that it is better to have more disciples, or love hearing people say: "Wow! There are so many people going to their group meditation each time." What is the good in having more people? If they are not diligent, they will only annoy or contaminate the other fellow practitioners. It would be more terrible if they deliberately offended the precepts. So, let it be if they don't want to practice anymore; I have to protect the good seeds.

For instance, you have a basket of delicious fruit, but one or two among them is rotten. If you don't discard them, the other fruit will also become rotten later. Or when a few leaves on our tree are being eaten by insects but we don't pick them off, very soon the whole tree will be infested. To get rid of the insects, you must bear to part with the half-eaten leaves. The insects will lay eggs on the leaves. If you don't pick them off, the whole tree will be destroyed later.

Therefore, we have to be incisive in spiritual practice. I am not being strict. What good can it do me? No matter what, they have been initiated; and yet I have to take the trouble to give them other forms of education. Let society educate them; let karma temper them; they will recover one day. However, they cannot mix with you. They are being too loose. They think everyone can go in, whether or not they are good in spiritual practice, strict in keeping precepts, or observe the vegetarian diet. If this is the case, you might as well mix with everyone, and there is no need for the initiation. Then you are free to come and go, or to become a vegetarian or not, and I would feel more relaxed.

However, this is not the way! Spiritual practitioners should be honest. I can't deceive you like this, nor do I want to be deceived by you. I am a straightforward person. Good or bad, I will say it clearly. I cannot tolerate ambiguity or equivocation; this is not being incisive! So, don't blame me for being strict. I do it for your own good. You might see me scolding someone very fiercely sometimes, but I am not being vicious. The really vicious persons are those who kill, defame and malign people! I am not being ferocious in rectifying your faults. Do you want me to stop doing it? (A: No!) Can you refrain from washing a dirty cloth just because it is very pretty? Of course you have to wash it; you have to rub it briskly to clean the dirty spots! The dirtier it is, the harder you should wash it. Isn't that right? (A: Yes!)

While On The Path height

Narrated By Brother Initiate Lee Ming-qian, Taipei, Formosa
/Recorded By Brother Initiate Lin Jin-feng, Taipei, Formosa
Brother Lee Ming-qian, majoring in law, provides legal services for businesses. Before he was initiated, brother Lee had been a vegetarian for many years and had practiced other spiritual methods. But deep in his heart, he was certain that he had not yet found the true method. So he never stopped searching for the path to the Truth. Only until he had come in contact with Supreme Master Ching Hai's Quan Yin Method was his inner longing for the Truth finally satisfied.

Before he was initiated, brother Lee thought that spiritual practice was a process of accumulated learning. He kept thinking everyday whether there were any hand movements that he had not tried and whether there was any method that he had not learned. He always felt that he had not learn enough. However, after he was initiated, these concepts transformed gradually. He came to understand that learning blindly here and there would bring no results. In the mean time, the sound current of the Quan Yin Method quickly cleansed the intellectual hindrances that he had built up over the years. So he felt more relaxed both physically and mentally, became ever joyful and satisfied.

When he was just initiated, his family members, relatives and friends tried to deter his faith in the Truth in every possible way. However, with his firm belief in Supreme Master Ching Hai, he insisted on his choice. When the people around him saw that his belief was wholehearted and that he could not be talked out of it, they did not bother him anymore.

After practicing for a period of time, brother Lee noticed that he could do things more quickly, and when he undertook important tasks, he was able to handle them.

After he joined the guard team, he found that participating in the work of serving others helped him progress more quickly. Many of his deep-rooted personal habits changed. Occasionally, he became sluggish in his spiritual practice. However, because of the work, he had more chances to correct his old habbits. In the past, he attended the local group meditation only when he "had time". Since he has been participating in the guard work, he had to be on duty in shifts. So he often attended the group meditations on his own initiative due to the need of his duty. Therefore, he became more stable in his practice, and it also became easier for him to attend meditation retreats. These results were all unexpected when he started to participate in the work. Moreover, the process of asking his company for vacation to attend meditation retreats became smoother.

Once in a seven-day retreat, brother Lee joined the kitchen team. Due to the large number of people attending the retreat, a large quantity of food was needed. Quite often when it was close to the time for eating, the kitchen staff could not deliver the food on time. Brother Lee noticed that Master meticulously sensed that the kitchen staff were still running around. She would then find some excuse to continue talking to people or stay in the forest meditation hall lecturing longer. Surprisingly, as soon as the kitchen staff delivered the food, Master would drive off in Her small golf cart. Then it was just the right time for the people to eat.

Hence, brother Lee truly experienced that, when he devoted his efforts to the group, he could more easily feel Master's loving blessings; and that, if he managed to find time to participate in Master's work to the best of his ability, he not only could develop his own ability, but also could elevate his inner spirituality. He was deeply grateful for the various lessons that Master had arranged for Her disciples.

While On The Path height

By Young Sister Lee Yi-Jun, Taipei, Formosa
The process for me to meet Master was not exciting and earthshaking, and it would not move people to tears. It was only a part of my spiritual development which could not be more ordinary.

My father was a sincere Truth seeker. Therefore, whatever was beneficial to his spiritual practice and within the scope of his ability, he would try to do it with all his efforts and did not expect anything in return. However, he had never attained the so-called "high level". The first time he heard Master speak at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, he got initiated, with no hesitation at all, after the lecture.

He started to be a vegetarian when he was very young, but he was not a strict one. After he was initiated, he switched to a pure vegetarian diet immediately. Although my mother was not initiated at that time, she was not oppose to it at all. Instead, she also went on a vegetarian diet. Since then, my father often told us some of Master's stories and teachings. In the beginning, I could not understand those profound teachings at all. Later, bit by bit, I came to understand them. My mother and I were gradually influenced, became pure vegetarians, and wanted to be initiated.

Then my mother met a fellow initiate who ran a traditional Chinese pharmacy near our home. She often went there to say hello to them.

The two families became more and more acquainted, familiar with each other. The sister initiate who owned the pharmacy often taught my mother how to cook various delicious vegetarian dishes. She also introduced us to many other fellow initiates. My mother and I understood more of Master's teachings and our faith in Master became deeper. Soon after, we were initiated.

In the beginning when I was initiated, I clung too much to inner experiences. Hence I could not obtain what I expected even when I meditated diligently. Therefore, I became more and more sluggish in my practice. That was only for a period of time. After I went through that period, I started to meditate diligently again. I noticed that whenever I encountered difficulty, as soon as I broke through it, I would feel that I had made more progress and understood Master better. Hence, I would have more faith in Her. So I think that breaking through difficulties is a very precious experience and lesson that we should learn.

I rejoice very much that, when I encountered difficulties and adversities, I did not go through hardships and frustrations like some other fellow initiates did, and that I did not have to be like the ancient people who had to climb mountains and cross rivers to seek the Truth and to find the Truth only after experiencing innumerable trials and tribulations. I am truly very fortunate! Although the process of seeking the Truth and pursuing my spiritual practice was very ordinary, Master has said, "We do not have to experience hardships and deprivation to pursue spiritual practice." Therefore, I feel that it is not bad to practice and live like I do, and that to be ordinary is an ordinary pleasure.

An Unspoken Understanding Between Master And Disciples
The Pleasure Of Being Ordinary > Master Says height="60" width="571">

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Santimen 7-Day Retreat, Formosa
April 1, 1990. (Originally In Chinese, Unabridged)

Brahma's Net
Being spiritual practitioners you can help a lot of people. Any people related to you are also related to me. Anyone related to me is related to the grand spiritual order. I am not working alone; I have many colleagues in heaven and on earth. We are connected like a network. Therefore, the relationship with one of us extends to the whole group. For example, some people might die in a traffic accident or by assassination, or by committing suicide. Yet, just because they have seen you once, have an acquaintance or relationship with you, or have heard the Master's name, they will be saved and taken to another sphere when they run into trouble. (Applause)

What will happen to them after they are saved? They have a different destiny from those unfortunate people! They will be taken care of in a special place -- just like being treated by special doctors and nurses in a hospital. This resembles the situation when a person is injured in an accident. Someone who notices it, and there's a telephone, will call the hospital to send an ambulance. The injured one is rushed to the hospital to be resuscitated. In the same way, people who are related to us -- the spiritual practitioners -- will also be saved. At their dying moment, the angels come to greet them. Or, someone special might come to take them; it depends on the individual situation.

Our working staff members are many in number, and are designated to receive the souls of people who die of different causes: people killed in disasters, by assassination, by committing suicide or who die of normal causes. Some are specialized in greeting those who practiced the chanting of the Buddha's name, or took care of superior spiritual practitioners. No one is neglected. We just press the corresponding button according to your situation, then someone will come to receive you. It is very convenient. "Brahma's net" is extremely vast, and overlooks no one. However, if you have no relationship with any spiritual practitioner, or you have not practiced spiritually, you might be neglected. No one will care about you, and you will suffer for millions of years in vain! People who go to hell, or the solitary souls, are those who never have any relationship with spiritual practitioners.

Different sentient beings are treated in different dimensions. Human beings do not only live on this planet; we are related to heaven and earth. Before we become a Buddha, both heaven and earth will take care of us. However, we must first be connected to them. If not , we are like living alone in a remote village, without a telephone, electricity, friends or neighbors. After we die, people will not discover our dead body until after a very long time.

The Care System Of The Creator
We know that there is a very efficient care system in society. For instance, when we are sick, our neighbor will send us to the hospital. With a telephone call, a doctor or a nurse will come to our house, or an ambulance will take us to the hospital. However, we could be neglected by this system if we live alone and have no friends. No one knows that we are ill, perhaps because we have no telephone at home, or because we are too weak, too old or too ill to take care of ourselves. Therefore, we are neglected. It is not that the system does not care for us, nor that the government has failed to set up a system to handle emergency patients. Similarly, the Creator has set up many systems. Each spiritual practitioner has their specific duty according to the level that they have attained. Even after they leave this body and go to heaven, they still have duties. They will be assigned a job according to their ability and spiritual attainment. After we have become a Buddha, we may choose to work or not. Before that, everyone has their own duty, and we must work to elevate ourselves. Actually, we don't work just for elevating ourselves. Being spiritual practitioners, after we have gone to heaven, we will take pity on this miserable world, and want very much to help. We volunteer to help; no one ever forces us. Anyway, we also benefit from our work. We earn more blessings, and our level of attainment gets higher. Without participating in this work, our blessings will be exhausted after a while, and we will drop down to suffer as a human being again. We may even fall to hell, or become an animal, an insect, a frog, and all sorts of sentient beings.

By working within this system in heaven, it is as though we are insured too. Working for others is working for ourselves, and the same applies to the situation in this world. This is why I often say, serving others is serving ourselves. Don't ever think that we are helping people. We are given the opportunities to earn merits. However, do not think about the merits either! You will have them naturally; they will be less if you think of them.

We have all types of staff members, and so numerous in number that they fill the universe. They help the world a lot! However, they can help us only after we are dead. After death, we don't have the physical body and the brain anymore, so it is easier for them to help us. In a different environment, and receiving direct help from them, we will believe. Now we are in another situation living in this world and having this physical body. How can we believe even if some beings come from above and tell us things about the future? The levels, worlds and beings that they talk about are all strange to us here on earth; so it is difficult for us to believe. The scriptures often mention many different worlds. There are so many because each world has a specific function. However, if they can only help us after we die, it would be too tiring and burdensome for them! So many people die everyday. Some of them still embrace their bad thoughts after death and refuse to change, and make it a very difficult job for the beings in heaven! It is a very slow process educating people in heaven. Therefore, some beings have to sacrifice themselves. They come to this world to teach humans to change their way of thinking, and to communicate with their life-saving power. Then people can save themselves, and save a lot of trouble for the heavenly beings. Furthermore, through the process of their self-rectification, they will also improve the world's ambiance. By having relationships with those who have been corrected, other people do not have to be corrected anymore in heaven, or at least they won't be overlooked by the life-saving net. Therefore, the work on the earth is the most important.

Since ancient times, many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas sacrificed themselves to come and share our suffering and pain. They do the same senseless actions as we do, and eat the same tasteless food without spirit as we eat. They live a boring life with us just to remind us to start correcting ourselves while we are here.

When one person has corrected himself, several people benefit! Some doctors and nurses work only in the hospitals, and their job is to treat patients suffering from illnesses or pain. They render treatment only when the patients come to them. Some of their colleagues are more self-sacrificing in spirit. They go to the backward and poor places to educate the people there. They take along medical supplies and teach the people how to give inoculations, how to take care of themselves hygienically, and immune themselves from diseases. While easing people's suffering and pain, they also save a lot of hard work for their colleagues in the hospitals. Similarly, some Buddhas and Bodhisattvas also come here to heal the problem from the root. When our world is sick, the whole universe will be troubled. If we are healthy, the universe will feel relieved. The heavenly beings will feel lighter in burden, because we also help here. If they have no contacts on earth, they cannot give us help from heaven, even if they would like to help. Like what I have just said, the system cannot care for someone who is lonely, who has committed suicide, or is poisoned spiritually, if he has no relationship with spiritual practitioners. They cannot pick him up; they will lose him! Even worse, he will be stuck in a very deep place, and it takes an extremely long time to save him. So, it'll be too slow. If the person has a relationship with spiritual practitioners, he would fall inside the "net" and be rescued easily. It is because the relationship has been established! It is just like when I can find your address by looking up your name in the telephone directory, or by checking the registration number of your car. It is very easy!

Therefore, we do not practice only to benefit ourselves. Discernibly, we will benefit many people -- anyone who is related to us. Therefore, the meditation is very important in the Quan Yin Method. It is crucial to get the initiation from the Master, but it is also important to maintain this communication system. Meditation is the most important! Never mind if you are not very clear about some moral or customary issues. Take it slowly, it is not serious, only that you may feel uneasy at heart. You will not degrade; with the Master around, you won't fall very deep. If your mind is in harmony, you will feel much better. If we have too much conflict with social customs, we cannot practice spiritually. An unstable mind will affect our spiritual cultivation. We can't meditate stably, and our guilty feeling will pound on us until we cannot bear it anymore. If we can't stand it, it is impossible for us to attain a high level. Our wisdom cannot develop if we are pessimistic in mind. So, just take care of those moral issues as much as possible, and do not blame ourselves too much. They are not really that serious. What I mean is, all the worldly concepts, moralities, precepts, scriptures and religions are not really superior. The further we keep away from them the better. Just do our best to be in harmony, but do not indulge too much in them. Otherwise, we cannot break through, and we will have a knot in our heart -- still attached to what is right or wrong. But before you can do it, be surrendered! Contemplate diligently on the Sound, meditate more, and be brave; you will realize it later.

As human beings, if we have no wisdom and do not practice spiritually, we are more or less like an animal! There are two types of influences that we may receive -- one is inferior and the other superior. When we have communication and a relationship with the supreme ideal, we are standing on the superior side. From there we send out light to illuminate this body, which will also affect the world, and be related to the world.

If we practice the Quan Yin Method, we have contact from this side to the other side, and we can receive superior power sent from above. For those people who don't practice the Quan Yin Method, they are mostly affected by influences from the inferior aspect, from society or from lower worlds like the astral level. That is why most of their prayers cannot reach God. Their prayers are intercepted by beings in the lower dimensions, who will then help them. They do help, but people will owe them a lot for the little service that they render. When these people die, they will take them to their world to control them, make them slaves and servants. Even when they return to this world as humans, because of this relationship, they will be captured again. This is how people keep transmigrating within the three realms.

I have over-praised them by mentioning all the three realms! Most of them are only entangled with the astral beings, though there are superior and inferior astral beings. Even spiritual practitioners are of no exception. Only by practicing the Quan Yin Method can we transcend this dominating power, and attain the Supreme Power beyond.

Why do you see the Light at the time of initiation? Why do you continue to see the Light, and feel very comfortable and rescued? It is because the Master has erased your lowlevel influences that you have collected from your previous lives, and which have been recorded in you. The Master also connects you to the Supreme Power. From that day onwards, you are no longer subjected to inferior influences, but only to the superior ones.

Why do we often encounter tests before or after our initiation, or even during the time of initiation? It is not the Master testing us; they are influences from the inferior beings. They are jealous. The most severe obstacles usually come before the initiation. It is already fantastic that people can come to the initiation! The negative force creates so many barriers on the road by making many things happen. There are still many obstacles after the initiation, because they are furious. They know they cannot seize us anymore, yet they make a big fuss. They will use our relatives and friends to annoy us, and hinder us from pursuing spiritual practice. They also make us doubt our method, our Master and our fellow initiates. They only let us see the bad side and not the good side. We may even see the good things as bad. Though our previous influences have been cleansed, a faint tinge remains. When we run into a similar situation, it may emerge again.

If we are not truly sincere in seeking the Truth, the inferior powers will come again to grab us, or annoy us. They do not really want to capture us, but they want to control us again. They are only "beginning" to do it, and we already feel great pain and distress. You can imagine how much worse it would be if they really succeeded in seizing us. They are only besieging us, and we are already in such great trouble.

To Rely On Oneself Is The Best
Most people can get what they pray for, but that also depends on what type of force you are related to. The saints of all directions and times, the angels or Maha-Bodhisattvas belonging to the life-saving net or system, are always near us; but so are the evil beings from the negative force. Depending on which side we have prayed to, we will get help from that side. Most people get the "blessing" from the inferior beings, because they are not connected to the Supreme Power.

Therefore, we must always be thinking of the life-saving power. However, even when people are very sincere and reach a superior power, it is still not God! They are only the working staff in heaven who respond to people's prayers. The God power is within us, and the best thing is to contact with this power. Otherwise, whenever we pray, we are relying on other people and not ourselves.

We get in touch with this power at the time of the initiation. Therefore, we must always remember Hirm, remember our Supreme Power, the Supreme Master -- our own enlightened Master, our wisdom. If not, we are being controlled either by the good power or the bad power. Even if the good power is helping us, it cannot help much. The most it can do is to help us earn more money, and avoid some minor mishaps. However, if we are exempted from some minor mishaps, sooner or later we have to compensate for it; it is only a matter of time! Having earned more money today, we will lose some tomorrow, next year, or next life. We have no way to bypass the law of karma, so we have to compensate for everything. It is different if we are initiated. We truly get what we want, because it is obtained from the Supreme Power. The Supreme Power is limitless and almighty, so we can never exhaust It. Whatever we have obtained from It, It won't take back. If we get what we want from the good power, we have to repay eventually. It is disastrous if you get it from the bad power, because it charges high interests.

So, it is better that the initiated people not pray for anything. In case the bad power overhears our prayer and comes to help us, what would we do? Even if our prayers are heard by the good power, it is still troublesome receiving help from them. We still owe them something. The best way is to pray to the Supreme Master -- our Supreme Power, or pray to God. However, we had better not pray for material things. As most people pray and receive help from either the good or bad powers, these powers will continue to help them after they die, depending on which power they have got in touch with.

We, the initiated people, have no need to pray or ask for anything. The great wisdom -- the Supreme Master within us -- will take care of us. The inner Master will take good care of us. It is better that we don't pray for anything, and just live day by day. We just meditate everyday and pray that we will have greater faith, and attain the great wisdom quickly. Don't pray for other material things. Spiritual practitioners definitely will not die of hunger!

> You May Not Know height="60">

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Raising Center, Cambodia
July 21,1996 (Originally In Chinese)

When we help people, we may not be doing them good. Conversely, we could be ruining their sense of independence. Relying on others, they become weak. It is best for us to rely on ourselves.

People in the world are adverse to children working. They think this is abusing children. The truth is, children who work at an early age have high IQs, according to the scientists. Not that we deliberately force children to work, but they have no choice under the circumstances. They are forced into becoming smart, and to fight for their living. When the situation requires, they cannot say that they are children, and they don't know what to do. No one else will think for them, so they have to think for themselves.

Therefore, the homeless and wandering children are always clever, and can do things very fast! Of course, occasionally they might do something bad, but it is only because they have to fight for their existence. They are so smart that they are astute at even stealing. Our children are no match for them. (Laughter) The best they can do is to steal from us. (Master laughs.)

Therefore, you should train your children when they are still young. Let them share in the chores, teach them the value of money, and educate them by giving them rewards -- that it is an honor to be able to work well and fast. When they grow up, they will associate the work with glory, the heartwarming feelings, and love and praise of their parents. It will become their habit when they grow up. If they are not trained in childhood, it is impossible to do it when they become adults. It will be too late to train them after they reach thirty -- really impossible. They do not deliberately want to dilly-dally or to be sluggish, but they just can't adapt to it. It is a very slow process rectifying their system from the root.

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Diligent Children Score High IQs
An Enlightened Master Always Acts At The Best Time
The Real Heaven Is Within Us > You May Not Know height="60">

Narrated By Brother Initiate Yang Yuan-Pin, Taipei, Formosa
Recorded By Wu Zheng-Ru, Taipei, Formosa
I often follow Master and work closely with Her, so I realize that Master is always doing things at the most appropriate time. When She decides that a job is best to be done at a certain moment to benefit more people in the future, She would find someone to do it promptly. That is why She sometimes does things very differently from the general guidelines of worldly people.

One midnight, Master suddenly told a brother initiate to go and buy some vegetarian ham. That brother wondered how he could buy any as all the shops were closed at such a late hour. To his surprise, soon after he drove out, he found that the door of a vegetarian food store was still half-opened. He accomplished his mission smoothly, and wholeheartedly marvelled at Master's "magnificent" power.

On another occasion, Master instructed that a construction work be started in a certain place. Several days later, the disciples had not yet finished the work, and Master suddenly told them to stop. It is because the best moment to do a job must be well grasped, and it must be finished in time. When the auspicious moment has passed, all efforts then become futile. That was why Master made the decision and stopped the work immediately.

Superlative Speed In Reading
Besides educating the disciples with Her acts and speech, Master would sometimes use incredible methods to help the disciples get rid of the ego that stands in their spiritual path.

Once, a brother initiate travelled with Master on the airplane, and sat next to Her. Proud of his competence in English, he immediately started to converse with the air-stewardess, concerning meals and other arrangements. He used to have a notion that, compared with his proficiency in the language, the English that Master used in Her lectures was very simple and plain. Then, something unexpected happened. Master took the English magazine that he had just finished reading, and then turned the pages and read the whole magazine very quickly. No reading experts on earth could match Her lightning speed, and the brother initiate was awed. Even more surprising, Master began to discuss the topics and contents in the magazine with him in detail. All his pride and ego derived from his knowledge in English vanished.

Obviously Master had perceived his arrogance. This incident fully exemplified how a great spiritual practitioner edified a stubborn disciple in an incredible way, and with Her superlative inner power far beyond our imagination.

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Diligent Children Score High IQs
An Enlightened Master Always Acts At The Best Time
The Real Heaven Is Within Us > You May Not Know height="60">

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation In Thailand
January 2, 1994 (Originally In English)

We should always remember we have heaven inside and that never goes away, never ever. Whenever we forget, try to remember again; pull yourself inward again; and then you feel such a peace, tranquility and comfort.

That, no one can ever take away from you. That is the real heaven, not to run away above the stars the way I sang to you last night. That is only for the non-initiates, or the not-very-high-level practitioner.

In the beginning we have to tempt them with some kind of cakes or something so they'll say "Wow, I have heaven. Ya, sure, there are heavens, but like every other place. Nirvana heaven is not for you to reside in permanently. It's not a private property. Nothing in the universe should be a private property or permanent residence, thing like that; because that is no good. Then you get stuck there. Even if you have a beautiful nirvana, you'll get stuck there all the time. What a boring Buddha! Attached to Nirvana.

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Diligent Children Score High IQs
An Enlightened Master Always Acts At The Best Time
The Real Heaven Is Within Us > Center Events height="114">

Recorded By Little Stone, The Supreme Master Ching Hai News, Nantou, Formosa

Every beam and pole of the colorful and bright Nantou Center comes from Master's holy love and blessing.

It's been more than a year since the commencement of the Nantou Center construction. From the choosing of the location to the actual construction, our fellow initiates have been making every effort to build their own group meditation center. Now the construction is close to completion. Seeing the fruit of their perseverance, fellow initiates have satisfied smiles on their faces, because they realize what is meant by the Biblical saying "Whoever sows in tears shall reap in joy." In retrospect, they have turned a once barren piece of land on the hillside into a Shangri-La. Every brick and sapling came from the selfless devotion of everyone involved. It also demonstrated the inconceivable magical power of the Quan Yin Method, which turned a group of unskilled people, who could not even use their tools properly, into real specialists.

A serene environment along with the cuisine of love is an enjoyment found only in heaven.

What is more important, however, is that everyone in the process of working found their own "hard rocks" deep inside -- the ego. They dug them out, discarded them, paved the land with fertile spiritual soil and then planted beautiful flowers of wisdom. As the construction developed, their inner wisdom grew stronger.

Thanks to Master, everything has been so tactfully arranged and taken care of. Without the guidance of Her wisdom and the baptism of the inner vibrations, these "rocks" would have been buried deep in our minds' forever, hindering our spiritual practice without us ever noticing them.

Heartwarming traditions have been ongoing ever since the Nantou Center was established, making everyone feel at home. What most people look forward to are the monthly major group meditation at the Center. In addition to the morning fresh air, the chirping birds, the fragrant flowers and joyful samadhi, there is always the lunch feast, which is fervently expected by the "big" and small kids alike.

Sisters in the kitchen leave no talents unexplored. Their love, skill and artistic designs give every dish unequaled color, taste and aroma. The desserts and other delicious dishes, like the "Flying Buddha" or the "Vegetarian Chicken Sticks," amid the beauty of well-laid tables and bright sunshine, are no longer just morsels for the mouth, but supra-worldly enjoyments for the heart as well. Looking down the hill at the hustle and bustle of the world, a sister was inspired to write, "Here in heaven we savor the cuisine, down on earth we belittle the bustle."

How fortunate we have been to meet an enlightened Master, to practice the supreme method, and live a serene and meaningful life ever after. Thank you, Master, for leading us in building this paradise on earth, and for giving us the blessing to perceive this celestial Truth, goodness and beauty. We believe this is just a beginning. From now on, we will try to apply our wisdom to daily life as much as we can, and spread the message of the Quan Yin Method to the ones with affinity. Let's make a paradise of the earth and spend every second of our lives in heavenly delight.

 
Letters Between Master And Disciples

By Fellow Initiate C. Sradaputta, Jakarta,
Indonesia (Originally In English)
Dearest Supreme Master Ching Hai,

With Your loving guidance during my meditation, I have seen superb and spectacular big buildings, so tall like Western-made churches and cathedrals. All of them were shining very bright, as if made of white gold. The ceilings were so beautiful; they were made of gold and precious jewels: rubies, pearls, emeralds, etcetera. Some of the walls were made of glittering diamonds -- so big. And some rocks were like crystals -- so clear and sparkling like diamonds on top. The roads were all made of diamonds -- so beautiful and all glittering. I did see, on two occasions, pools of water; one where the water was golden and the other, so clear and with small waves that it made the water glitter as if diamonds were floating on the surface. Only after reciting Your holy name was I allowed to drink from a beautiful golden vase the golden water and the clear water on different occasions.

My whole body trembled after drinking the holy waters and I felt moments of ecstacy and rapture.

Thank You, Supreme Master Ching Hai, for showing me a beautiful and spectacular Buddha's land and allowing me to taste those precious holy waters.

Your would-be initiate
C. Sradaputta
Jakarta, Indonesia

Aphorisms height="60"> Aphorisms
By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In Chinese)
＊ After we organize ourselves, we will be able to help others.

＊ Whatever it is that you want to do, go ahead if it is right. Do it clearly and face yourself and your own feelings frankly.

＊ We have to come to this world to learn to be perfect, so we need to possess every quality there is and learn how to use them in the middle way.

＊ When we change our present, we change our future as well.

＊ Everything we do has to come from love to be natural.

By Sister Initiate Xie Shu-E, Jiayi, Formosa

When the wife of a good friend of mine was pregnant and close to her due date, I asked her whether she wanted to read some of Master's publications. She was delighted and said yes.

So I gave her about a dozen News magazines to read. Since then, Master's blessings have been caressing her like a breeze.

One day, she carelessly twisted her waist and could not stand up. She cried on the spot because of the pain. That evening, it was still very painful so she could not sleep. At that time, she remembered Master and asked Her to help ease her pain.

Gradually, she fell asleep and went into a dream. In her dream, she saw Master pulling her up from a very dark place . The next morning when she woke up, she felt very comfortable all over her body and the pain in her waist was gone.

Soon after, she went into labor. During her labor pains, she prayed to Master for help. As expected, she easily gave birth to her baby. In a dreamy state, Master's image appeared to her. She saw Master smile at her kindly and tell her, "You have given birth to a loving child."

These wonderful experiences inspired her and her husband to pursue spiritual practice with Master. With Master's blessings, this new born infant truly has 'spread the Truth,' and has created in advance the environment for its future spiritual practice.

Baby Makes A Subtle Connection Between Master And Parents
Timely Comfort

By Sister Initiate Xie Shu-E, Jiayi, Formosa

One day, after watching Supreme Master Ching Hai's lecture on Channel 4, my cousin called me. She knew that I had been practicing meditation with Master so we arranged a day that we could visit Hsihu Center together.

My cousin's boyfriend drove us and everyone was in high spirits. When we were half-way there, my cousin asked us if her boyfriend could smoke, to which neither my sister nor I objected. But just as my cousin was passing a cigarette to her boyfriend, Master's voice from the tape that was being played in the car said: "Don't smoke. Try to quit it gradually." My cousin was surprised and in embarassment she withdrew her hand, which was passing the cigarette.

On the way back, we played Master's tapes once again. My cousin, who lost her mother a year ago and was still grieving, heard Master say: "If your mother passes away, don't grieve too much. Instead, be happy for her. After initiation, all your five generations are liberated, so don't feel too bad. All right?" Upon hearing that, tears streamed down my cousin's face and all her accumulated grief was released.

Merciful Master, Your timely, loving words always bring comfort to the souls of numerous sentient beings.

Baby Makes A Subtle Connection Between Master And Parents
Timely Comfort

JANNA - Thailand (Originally In English)

Everyone seems to emphasize manner.
I alone seem to be lost!
Or are they just hiding their true nature,
Behind a hypocritical faVade?

They dare not laugh.
They dare not cry.
They dare not say the things in their mind.
Riding in two boats,
Saying it's hard to decide!

Neither ya!
Neither nein!
People do whatever they like
For selfishness sake.
Then say: "Oh, sorry.
I really can't help it.
Even if I trample on your heart and feelings,
They're your own 'self-created' things.

By the way -- you can blame God
(The poor guy is just perfect for this sort!)
But I must do my bidding --"
So fake and phoney,
Their actions are so strange and funny.
But somehow
It brings tears to my eyes.

Why do I have to mind
Whatever people do or did?
Why can't I just ignore it
And be happy,
Go on with my own destiny --
Whatever it will be --

People are the way they are.
Why fret!
But ...
The tears
Are shed
By ... themselves!
When I am alone in bed,
When I have no one
Whom I can talk to.

The world is full of people.
Why not just spare a right one for me!
I feel so lonely
I couldn't even cry,
Tears are dried
Heart is emptied.

Who knows
What is destiny
What is reality
You are you
Who is me?

What it is that called memory,
Which emanates the joy and sadness?
Why all this misery?
Yesterday never comes back
Tomorrow is uncertainty.
What am I to do
In such a time of great upheaval
When wounds seem never to heal
When pain seems eternal
And Salvation is just a fancy promise...

I couldn't even quit
The Cruel game!

Mr. God (if He ever exists)
Must be a cool stupid!
(Sorry for the irreverence)
Can't help it!
In times like this,
Can not think of any better term.

Let Him die
Let Him go where He likes
Just couldn't care less
He is utterly useless
I hate the guy.

He sits somewhere in paradise
Laughing at our tears and sweat,
Bleeding and pain.
And we thank Thee profoundly for Thy Grace.

If You ever want to know:
I hate
The whole creation!
It brings so much pain and frustration
So much sorrow and stress
Ah yes! Little happiness
You miserly old mighty --
We couldn't care less.
Do what you please
Cause we are helpless
Victims of destiny...

Then we are blamed for whatever happens to our lot
Innocent is the Herr Gott.
Oh! Yes we know --
You are the best of all
And we are just wretches!
Born in sin and go to hell after death.
If we dare say something against or not believe in Thee

Oh! Come on! Set us free
From Your graceful bondage.
Can You just love and not condemn us?
The Cross of Your Mercy
Is too heavy
For us mortals to carry!

You don't have to do anything for us
So there is no favour
That we have to so dearly pay our debt.

You gave everything,
But woe to the one who touches.
It costs anything that our poor brain can figure and beyond
So where is the fun,
Where's the grace...?
And the eternal damnation and Hell and more.
Oh no,
Thanks a lot.
What an awful God
You must be.

Even just thinking of You,
I want to flee.
Help!
Help me!
If You truly exist,
Help me know Your real identity.
I'm tired,
Tell You truly.
Of all and more!
I'm so hopeless
Couldn't even pray...

The Hypocrite Letter To A Vampire What Kind Of Protection

C.H (Originally In English)

Every now and then you open a blood-bank-account
By retearing the old wounds from the "exes",
And stab the new one(s) in their souls!
So you can feel proud
To see the innocent and trusting ones again lost, and
Stumbled in the love-battled-field and collapsed.
I can imagine your haughty smile
With your cute protruding teeth!

Oh my good-looking!
Do you think
You can live
Forever!
Messing around with people's heart and true amour,
Sending them to the abyss of a trusting courtship?

Let me tell you:
You can do whatever you wish,
Cause you're the only one who decides the course of your life.
However,
The representation that you created of yourself will stay
Long long time
In your subconscious!
And it will be difficult to clean off
Should one day
Again, you want to become noble and reclaim your glory.
Then you'll suffer the anguished memory
Of the hell that you've created!
There isn't any God to judge or help you,
For you are that very God!

Don't be proud and satisfied too soon,
Nor talk so loud as if you're the king of this nation
On the peak of your conquering strategy and force!
You'll cry even louder and in more remorse!
This, I personally guarantee,
And assure you.
Wait, my beloved,
Till the deliberated inflictions come pounding back _ thousand strong!
You know by now, the final retribution:
The law of cause and effect.
Do not tamper with it,
Honey!

The important point is:
What you want to be
How you want others to see
The person that represents your highest,
Your noblest and your most cherished
Image of the God within you.

Otherwise,
To tell you the truth,
We will all soon perish,
From this world where we come to love
And cling to as the only place of survival.
But No, No! Life is eternal
And there are much to learn from it.
You become lower or higher
With each choice (or non-choice) you make!

I love you!
So tell you for your own sake
Make not an as..hl (you know well!)
Or a bast.. (you know too) of yourself.

After some time people will forget
But you'll feel
Deep down in your heart
That you, your speech and the ways you act
Are not alright..

Well! Take care
Good luck
And good bye!...

The Hypocrite Letter To A Vampire What Kind Of Protection

C.H (Originally In English)

With what kind of protection
You want to shield your relatives and friends
Against God?

With your feeble moral standard?
Your half-witted intelligence?
Your contaminated and preconceived thinking?
Your Ph.D?
Your title or your limited finance and energy?
Or anything else, worth to speak of?

Oh foolish scholar,
Educated arrogant idiot!
Does it feel good
To be a temporary hero?
But you and I know
At the end you'll be a big Zero,
Just a domesticated labourer
At the most!

Then laugh or cry
You alone will have to bear your lot
No one would ever know
The pressure and loneliness of your soul!
God alone (perhaps me too)
Understands this!...

I pity you
With truthful sadness:
You think you hurt me,
But the one who gets hurt is you!

I feel sorry
Because I know:
You only pretend to feel good.
You build up some momentary fantasized excitement and happiness,
Just to look "cool"!
Just to save your pretty face:
While suffer in silence the subtle menace
Of the masked controlling near ones!
Oh God helps you! God helps you...
My poor fool!

Amen.

The Hypocrite Letter To A Vampire What Kind Of Protection
Introductory Book Note

IF ANYONE COMES TO ME AND DOES NOT HATE HIS OWN FATHER AND MOTHER AND WIFE AND CHILDREN AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS, YES, AND EVEN HIS OWN LIFE, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
Bible --- Luke 14:26

Anthony de Mello was a Jesuit priest and the director of the Sadhana Institute of Pastoral Counseling in Poona, India. He is the author of Sadhana, The Songof the Bird, The Heart of the Enlightened, Taking Flight, Wellsprings, and Awareness. The Way to Love is a never-before-published collection of the last meditations written by Anthony de Mello before his untimely death in 1987.

Take a look at the world and see the unhappiness around you and in you. Do you know what causes this unhappiness? You will probably say loneliness or oppression or war or hatred or atheism. And you will be wrong. There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head, beliefs so widespread, so commonly held, that it never occurs to you to question them. Because of these false beliefs you see the world and yourself in a distorted way. Your programming is so strong and the pressure of society so intense that you are literally trapped into perceiving the world in this distorted kind of way. There is no way out, because you do not even have a suspicion that your perception is distorted, your thinking is wrong, and your beliefs are false.

Look around and see if you can find a single genuinely happy person -- fearless, free from insecurities, anxieties, tensions, worries. You would be lucky if you found one in a hundred thousand. This should lead you to be suspicious of the programming and the beliefs that you and they hold in common. But you have also been programmed not to suspect, not to doubt, just to trust the assumptions that have been put into you by your tradition, your culture, your society, your religion. And if you are not happy, you have been trained to blame yourself, not your programming, not your cultural and inherited ideas and beliefs. What makes it even worse is the fact that most people are so brainwashed that they do not even realize how unhappy they are -- like the man in a dream who has no idea he is dreaming.

What are these false beliefs that block you from happiness? Here are some examples. First: You cannot be happy without the things that you attached to and that you consider so precious. False. There is not a single moment in your life when you do not have everything that you need to be happy. Think of that for a minute. The reason why you are unhappy is because you are focusing on what you do not have rather than on what you have right now.

Another belief: Happiness is in the future. Not true. Right here and now you are happy and you do not know it because your false beliefs and your distorted perceptions have got you caught up in fears, anxieties, attachments, conflicts, guilt and a host of games that you are programmed to play. If you would see through this you would realize that you are happy and do not know it.

Yet another belief: Happiness will come if you manage to change the situation you are in and the people around you. Not true. You stupidly squander so much energy trying to rearrange the world. If changing the world is your vocation in life, go right ahead and change it, but do not harbor the illusion that this is going to make you happy. What makes you happy or unhappy is not the world and the people around you, but the thinking in your head. As well search for an eagle's nest on the bed of an ocean, as search for happiness in the world outside of you. So if it is happiness that you seek you can stop wasting your energy trying to cure your baldness or build up an attractive body or change your residence or job or community or lifestyle or even your personality. Do you realize that you could change every one of these things, you could have the finest looks and the most charming personality and the most pleasant of surroundings and still be unhappy? And deep down you know this is true but still you waste your effort and energy trying to get what you know cannot make you happy.

Another false belief: If all your desires are fulfilled you will be happy. Not true. In fact it is these very desires and attachments that make you tense, frustrated, nervous, insecure and fearful. Make a list of all your attachments and desires and to each of them say these words: "Deep down in my heart I know that even after I have got you I will not get happiness." And ponder on the truth of those words. The fulfillment of desire can, at the most, bring flashes of pleasure and excitement. Don't mistake that for happiness.

What then is happiness? Very few people know and no one can tell you, because happiness cannot be described. Can you describe light to people who have been sitting in darkness all their lives? Can you describe reality to someone in a dream? Understand you darkness and it will vanish; then you will know what light is. Understand your nightmare for what it is and it will stop; then you will wake up to reality. Understand your false beliefs and they will drop; then you will know the taste of happiness.

If people want happiness so badly, why don't they attempt to understand their false beliefs? First, because it never occurs to them to see them as false or even as beliefs. They see them as facts and reality, so deeply have they been programmed. Second, because they are scared to lose the only world they know: the world of desires, attachments, fears, social pressures, tensions, ambitions, worries, guilt, with flashes of the pleasures and relief and excitement which these things bring. Think of someone who is afraid to let go of a nightmare because, after all, that is the only world he knows. There you have a picture of yourself and of other people.

If you wish to attain to lasting happiness you must be ready to hate father, mother, even your own life and to take leave of all your possessions. How? Not by renouncing them or giving them up because what you give up violently you are forever bound to. But rather by seeing them for the nightmare they are; and then, whether you keep them or not, they will have lost their grip over you, their power to hurt you, and you will be out of your dream at least, out of your darkness, your fear, your unhappiness.

So spend some time seeing each of the things that you cling to for what it really is, a nightmare that causes you excitement and pleasure on the one hand but also worry, insecurity, tension, anxiety, fear, unhappiness on the other.

Father and mother: nightmare. Wife and children, brothers and sisters: nightmare. All your possessions: nightmare. Your life as it is now: nightmare. Every single thing you cling to and have convinced yourself you cannot be happy without: nightmare. Then you will hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters and even your own life. An you will so easily take leave of all your possessions, that is, you will stop clinging and thus have destroyed their capacity to hurt you. Then at last you will experience that mysterious state that cannot be described or uttered -- the state of abiding happiness and peace. And you will understand how true it is that everyone who stops clinging to brothers or sisters, father, mother or children, land or houses...is repaid a hundred times over and gains eternal life.

News No.73 Contents Photo Collection Master's Words International Reports Front Line Spot Light While On The Path Master Says You May Not Know Center Events Letters Between Master And Disciples Aphorisms Master's Wonders Poem Introductory Book Note Pearls Of Wisdom Spiritual Interlude Elevation Of The Soul

lf we want to stay away from the terrifying atmosphere of the world, we need to concentrate within. That's why we have to meditate everyday to cleanse the contamination. When we join the group meditation, we are together as one, thinking only about the good, positive, pure and wonderful power, so we will feel very comfortable. When you come to the Center, don't bear negative thoughts. Don't bring your garbage here. Don't bring your trouble or anything troublesome here. You would contaminate your fellow initiates if you do.

--By Supreme Master Ching Hai during European Four-Day Retreat,
April 28, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)

*Knowing something is different from really feeling it. People in this world do not feel the ephemerality of it, not at all. A real spiritual practitioner, however, has a very clear feeling about this. He cherishes every moment he has, because he has no idea how much longer he will live. He would not be able to eat or fall asleep as long as he has not solved his problem, which is getting enlightenment and understanding the universe. Most people do not act this way. That's why they can't make very much progress in their spiritual practice.

*lf we are the children of God, we should not be afraid of difficulties. No matter what situation we are in, we have to live strongly and make improvements instead of waiting for other people to do it for us, or waiting for God to change the situation. We have our own hands, legs and mind. God has given us these tools for our use. So don't always say we leave everything to God's decision.

--By Supreme Master Ching Hai during Phnom Penh, Cambodian Three-Day Retreat,
March 24, 1996 (Originally In Chinese)

Narrated By Sister Initiate Lily Huong, Taoyuan, Formosa
Recorded By Law Sze Ki, Supreme Master News, Taoyuan, Formosa Once, wnen fellow practitioners gathered together in Zhung-Li to board the coach to go to Hsihu for a big group mediation, it was noticed that an elder sistr initiate who usually boards this coach was missing. Therefore, fellow practitioners decided to wait for her for five mimutes. Even then, she did not come after five minutes; in order not to delay the fellow practitioners, the driver was asked to start. However, the driver could not be found! Meanwhile, the old sister appeared on the other side of the road, and the driver also came back. Because he had gone to buy breakfast, the old sisitr could catch the coach and everyone was relieved. An elder brother was then seen with his hands together in prayer to thank Master sincerely. This sence was very touching to me.

Older fellow practitioners treasure very much the chance to practice. Even in being able to catch the coach, people could well feel this elder sister's joy and happiness.

I reminded myself at the same time that I should not be sluggish in practice because of the long journey; that I should not be bound by work or all sorts of excuses not to attend group meditations; that I should treasure every blessing that I possess now, allowing me to practice! > height="60">Elevation Of The Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai Latest Videotapes
<Special Edition>
◇A Path To Love Legends (I--1,2)
At Hsihu Center, Formosa 1996.3.1 & 2

<In Au Lac language>
◇The Power Of Love
Group meditation at Raising Center, Cambodia 1996.7.21

<In English>
◇Believe In The Inner Master
Group Meditation at Raising Center, Cambodia 1996.7.30

<In English with Thai subtitles>
◇Thai's New Year Festival
Bangkok, Thailand 1996.4.21

<In English with Chinese subtitles>
◇Shiva's 112 Ways of Concentration
At Hsihu Center, Formosa 1995.12.24/27

◇The Devil's Mother-in-law
Evening Group Meditation at Hsihu Center, Formosa 1995.7.15 & 16

<In English with Au Lac subtitles>
◇Master's Holiday
Evening Group meditation at Hsihu Center, Formosa 1995.6.19

◇Mastership Is The Most Lonely Position
Group Meditation at Hsihu Center, Formosa 1995.7.4-6

<In Chinese>
◇Three Fundamental Issues In Life
Group Meditation at Hsihu Center, Formosa 1995.12.10

<In Chinese with English subtitles>
◇Renounce The Desire For The World But Not The World (II)
Dragon Boat Festival 3-Day Retreat at Hsihu Center 1995.6.2-4

◇Use Meditation Power To Purify The World (I)
Moon Festival 3-Day Retreat 1995.9.8

<In Chinese with Indonesian subtitles>
◇Living Life On The Middle Path
Group Meditation at Surabaya, Indonesia 1993.3.4

◇The Value Of Freedom
Chin Hui Garden, H.K. 1994.4.19-22

●Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Audiotapes
Spiritual Songs Special Edition III

winter is approaching!

Let Supreme Master Ching Hai's infinite wisdom and love bring warmth to your soul. Greeting the spring, summer and autumn, having imbibed the great teachings from Her lectures delivered throughout the world in recent years, is the most wonderful gift to oneself.

The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment Book V, English version, and Chinese version Book VIII have just been published. Touch the deepest essence of your inner being and inspire your eternal longing for the Truth.

* The Way To Save The World From Doomsday
* Wake Up From Your Dream
* Rely On Yourself

... and many more heartwarming and soul elevating discourses.

To order Master's publications, please contact: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd. Taipei, Formosa.
Tel: (886) 2-87873935 Fax: (886) 2-87870873
E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org
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Please visit our bookshop's website to download our catalogue and summaries of the contents of Master's latest publications:
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Bravely Practicing
The Path Of The Bodhisattvas

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
At Hsihu Center, Formosa
September 15, 1991 (Originally In Chinese)

It is not easy to get close to me. If you are contented knowing nothing or are laid back, then it is fine. In case you want to quickly become a Buddha, get liberation, attain the Truth, and realize many things, then it would be very difficult. Your mind cannot stand it; it is not accustomed to becoming a Buddha or Bodhisattva. When I teach you how to become a Buddha or Bodhisattva, you should work speedily, be responsible, and be persistent in doing your work despite what time it is, day or night, even when you are sleepy or hungry. Then you cannot stand it, because you are not used to it.

In this world, we are used to the practice of working for five days and then resting for one day, or working in the daytime and sleeping at night. The situation of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is different. They have to stay alert all twenty-four hours to handle the intangible work. Sometimes it's also the same with tangible works. It is all right to skip sleeping for several days! They won't care if they are physically tired or not, and will work whenever necessary. They wouldn't think: "Now it is time for me to rest. Today is Sunday, Moon Festival, New Year's Festival. Today is my birthday." You will be even busier on those days, because more people will pray to you, and want to see you. When they have holidays, they love to come and see you. The intangible work goes on round the clock despite what time it is!

You can't hope to attain the level of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas if you are unwilling to do their job! You sit on the king's throne, yet you do nothing to manage the country, and know nothing about politics. It can't be like that!

Spiritual Practice In Mexico Blooms

Under Master's Loving Care [Mexico City] After a long and anxious wait, Convenient Method practitioners in Mexico received the news that they would get initiation soon. Everyone was very exited! When the Quan Yin messenger arrived, bringing to them Master's love and tender care, they were deeply touched.

After the initiation, fellow practitioners decided to look for a new place for group meditation. A sister initiate sincerely offered her house to be used as the meditation center.

When everything was ready, fellow initiates enthusiastically renovated and tidied up the house. They worked happily in close cooperation because they would have a new place to meditate in. Their work was accomplished when they put up Master's paintings. Now, the Mexico Center has, for the first time, a small but pretty Supreme Master Ching Hai Art Gallery, and people who want to know more about Master's teachings are invited to appreciate Her paintings with us.

Earnest to let more people know about the Quan Yin Method, fellow practitioners gave out flyers throughout the city. It was really a great success judging from the immense response. A very sincere young couple visited the Center and said that they had been searching for Master for three years.

Fellow practitioners also invited their family members and relatives to share Master's teachings. In the meditation Center there is always an atmosphere of peace and tranquility; everyone benefits tremendously.

Delightful surprises never end. The Costa Rican contact person visited the Center in Mexico City and showed interest in their growth and progress. He also expressed his interest in UFOs, and before he left he asked the fellow practitioners to attend a UFO meeting. Everything was perfectly arranged by Master. When fellow practitioners arrived at meeting venue, some people in the corridor were already asking for Master's sample booklets. A sister initiate gave the person in charge of the conference a sample booklet, and he said, "I know Her!", while pointing to Master's picture. He was the UFO expert who was responsible for the International Conference on Extraterrestrial Technology and Spiritual Practice at the Costa Rica Center in April this year. When the people nearby heard him, they also asked for sample booklets.

A group of people got so interested that they decided to visit the meditation Center that night. They asked many interesting questions and decided to apply to learn the Convenient Method. One of them was already a vegetarian, and he was permitted to take the initiation shortly thereafter.

The fellow practitioners are both surprised and delighted to see their Center has grown a lot in such a short time, and they are sincerely grateful to Master for Her tender love and care. Now there is group meditation everyday at the Center, and there are many people awaiting the initiation!

UFO Expert Looks For Enlightened Master

Lately in Mexico there has been a great number of UFO sightings all over the country. It was predicted that a lot of UFOs will visit our planet in the near future, since the earth is going to enter a new golden age. The enlightened masters, it is said, are cooperating with beings from other planets that are part of an intergalactic confederation, to raise the vibrational frequency of the people of this planet. At a UFO Conference there were many people waiting for initiation. Among them was the UFO expert who attended the UFO Conference in Costa Rica several months ago. He is also the director of a very famous international magazine called "UFO Contact". He himself invited us for an interview and was interested in knowing more about Master.

The fellow practitioners told him that Master has told us that extraterrestrial people are our brothers and sisters. We must be prepared to welcome them by raising our vibrational levels. Hearing this, he closed his eyes, held Master's picture and said, "I want to know more, I want to learn, please tell me everything I need to know." Then he offered fellow practitioners a space in his magazine and time on his radio program about UFOs, in which they could talk about Supreme Master Ching Hai. He also commented that he needed people like our fellow practitioners to work with, in spreading a message of peace and love to our brothers and sisters around the world, so that one day the people of earth would have further contact with people from other planets.

Several fellow practitioners were invited by him to attend a UFO Conference in Morelia City in the State of Michoacan, Mexico to spread Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings. All the participants in that conference were given a sample booklet. The event was a complete success. Many people came to ask for related information at the end of the conference. The local TV station interviewed some fellow practitioners and offered to produce a special program about Supreme Master Ching Hai to introduce Her to the Mexican people.

Mexico Formosa Japan U.S.A.

International Reports

Bringing The Truth Deep Into The Daily Life [Kaoping] In order to allow the Quan Yin Method and Master's teachings to penetrate deep into the general population, the Kaoping Center decided to extend their "tentacles" of Truth into the crowded night markets. Several sites were selected in Kaohsiung and Pingtung for the commencement of this `Preaching the Truth in night markets'.

Fellow practitioners in Kaoping, Formosa tried a new method: "Preaching the Truth at night markets".

In the process of finding a suitable site in Pingtung, fellow practitioners could experience every now and then that Master's arrangement was always the best. Initially, fellow practitioners hoped to find a good site in the 'most frequented' area of the night market; however, there seemed no suitable place. Finally, without disappointing the hard-searching practitioners, a not too satisfactory site was found opposite the market on the other side of the road junction.

When everything was ready and Master's video was shown, fellow practitioners suddenly realized that the site was in the best location. As it was a little distance away from the market, Master's voice of truth was not disturbed by the noise of the loud hawkers and the people around. Besides, it was close to where people parked their cars; therefore, the result was even better. Some people were attracted by Master's voice after they parked their cars, and stayed to watch. Some individuals stayed around to watch the video and seemed to forget to go home. Some motorcyclists watched the video while they were waiting in front of the traffic lights and they were so attracted by the video that it seemed they did not even want to leave when the light turned green.

This activity allowed some lost sheep to find their way home. An initiate-to-be, Mr. Neuw, has been a vegetarian for more than ten years. He was selling medicine in a nearby market and had seen Master's lecture on Channel Four. When he knew that there was video Truth spreading activity, he immediately hurried to the site to see. After asking the requirements for initiation, he applied.

There was another initiate-to-be, Mr. Cheng. After quietly watching the video 'Lao Tze, Chuang Tze and Heavenly Music,' he told the fellow practitioners that he wanted initiation.

He said that although he had gone through numerous scriptures, knowing that life was short and that one should hurry to practice, the scriptures could not satisfy his doubts about life. A few days earlier, a colleague practitioner told him about the news of this activity. Therefore, he came to watch the video. After listening to Master's lecture, this initiate-to-be was extremely happy and touched. He felt as if the whole lecture had been specially geared for him. Particularly the questions raised by the audience, they were in fact the same doubts that he had in his heart.

Because Master had satisfactorily answered all the questions, he decided to become a vegetarian immediately and wait for initiation.

Fellow practitioners in the Kaoping Center tried a new method to spread the Truth. This activity not only brought the message of the Quan Yin Method into the daily lives of people, but was also a different learning opportunity to fellow practitioners. Fellow practitioners are looking forward to seeing more people with affinity step onto the path and go Home under Master's guidance.

Walking For Health Promotes Family Relationships
[Taoyuan] Knowing that fellow practitioners are busy at work all the time, and that they are also busy in all types of group meditation activities during holidays, practitioners realized their non-initiated family members might be neglected. The Taoyuan Center therefore chose a beautiful holiday to organize a family outing. They arranged a walk up a mountain in order to improve the communication between fellow practitioners and their family members. It was also hoped that through this activity, fellow practitioners could learn the spirit of serving others selflessly and to cultivate the atmosphere of working as a group.

Family members are the first object of love for practitioners. When the family is in harmony, the heart is more stable in practice.

Many thanks to God's for Hiers loving care, the weather on that day was good for walking and being outside. It was warm and sunny, with a cool breeze. Fellow practitioners participated enthusiastically with the whole family, both the old and the young. Children chased each other and laughed happily and innocently. So many heartwarming scenes could been seen.

The winding road up the mountain was like a dragon climbing up a hill. Walking and stopping on this road, everyone enjoyed Mother nature's great creation and had the feeling of openness and tranquility.

After reaching the destination 'Dragon Hill Rock,' fellow practitioners spread out to take a rest. Some meditated on the ridge of the hill while others made tea or lay in hammocks. It was so carefree and satisfying, as if in heaven. It was also realized that to relax is also a learning experience. When it was time to practice the 'method of solar plexus,' several practitioners brought out some well prepared meals for everyone to share. With a sense of gratitude, everyone enjoyed the food among the trees on the hill.

Also, fellow practitioners specially organized some performances and group games. All practitioners and guests had fun, and laughter was heard everywhere. The happy atmosphere enveloped the whole hill and vibrated in everyone's heart.

The activity ended after group games. Having cleaned up the environment, everyone said good-bye to each other. This successful family outing invisibly promoted concern and loving understanding between fellow practitioners and their family members. It's believed that when family relationships are solid, one will have fewer hindrances and progress faster in practice.

Mexico Formosa Japan U.S.A.

Treasuring The Merits Of Spiritual Practice
[Tokyo] Recently, after discussing Master's teachings following a group meditation, fellow practitioners in Tokyo read a letter from a fellow practitioner who had returned to China after his stay Japan. The letter, apart from stating some recent events, had stressed that fellow practitioners should treasure very much the blessings they have at the moment -- not only have they a center for group meditation in Tokyo, but they can also go on retreat to the small wooden house that Master had lived in before. Furthermore, they can receive the news magazine regularly. Therefore, the circumstances for practice are really full of blessings.

Fellow practitioners were much encouraged and deeply touched by the letter, and they once again realized that they should cherish the blessing they have.

As it was a national holiday in Japan, with Master's kind permission, the small wooden house was opened for the Japanese fellow practitioners to have a diligent retreat. Fellow practitioners from various places throughout Japan responded enthusiastically and many times the usual number of people participated. Even practitioners from Kumamoto, Kyushu came despite the long distance they had to travel. They shared their understanding about spiritual practice and everyone felt that they had to practice more diligently to help relieve the suffering of the world and minimize disasters. With this common understanding, fellow practitioners became more concentrated in their meditation. They bathed silently in Master's love and blessings and prayed for peace.

Realizing the need for more of Master's publications to be translated into Japanese, fellow practitioners decided to help. Apart from satisfying the Japanese fellow practitioners' thirsty souls, it also provided more of an opportunity for those searching for the Truth to come into contact and understand Master's teachings.

Fellow practitioners also drafted a plan to promote vegetarianism, hoping that more people would understand the benefits, not only the healthy aspect to body and mind, but also the environmental aspect because it promotes a harmonious atmosphere in the world by treasuring the lives of animal and even an economical uplift for the planet.

Although everything was still in the trial and learning phase, fellow practitioners were really glad that they could participate in this activity; to work together for the same ideal, and allow the super-worldly Quan Yin Method to take root on this island country, because they know it will eventually flower and bear fruit as it develops.

Mexico Formosa Japan U.S.A.

Spiritual Holistic Expo Radiates Holy Light [Pennsylvania] The fourth anniversary of the Spiritual Holistic Expo was held in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Fellow practitioners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania decided to participate in this activity to share spiritual information and their experience with others.

The booth for the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was the brightest in the Agriculture Hall. Master's holy books, videos, News magazines and sample booklets in multiple languages were displayed. Numerous videotapes of Master and Her wise teachings were played on the TV for both days of the exhibit, and Her loving voice and words of wisdom drew the attention of the visitors. Her omnipresent blessing power attracted many attendees positively.

Fellow practitioners in N.J., Pennsylvania, U.S.A. spread Master's holy teachings at a Spiritual Holistic Expo.

A vegetarian spiritual seeker felt Master's powerful energy and heavenly light all over. After that he sincerely wanted to register and learn the Convenient Method of meditation. Another vegetarian, a young man, stood in front of the TV set and Master's holy books, holding and reading the "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment Questions and Answers -- Book I." He was interested to know more about Master's teachings. Aspirants sincerely requested further information about Master, watched videotapes; and came to get sample booklets/News magazines. A number of people, after further understanding Master's teachings, also became interested in learning the Convenient Method.

Some visitors stood in front of the TV set exclaiming: "A very beautiful lady! Who is the lady on the TV?" Fellow practitioners in attendance informed them about Supreme Master Ching Hai's true teachings, the Quan Yin method of inner light and sound, as well as Her charitable works to serve the less fortunate people all over the world etcetera. They all very much agreed with Master's teachings and Her charitable services. Thereafter, they happily carried home with them sample booklets and magazines to share with friends and relatives.

Fellow practitioners also distributed invitations for the Open House at the Pennsylvania Center where they would be serving free vegetarian food. Everyone was welcome to attend this event. Fellow practitioners are all grateful for Master's guidance and blessing; we sincerely thank Master for allowing us this opportunity to serve our fellow brothers and sisters.

Mexico Formosa Japan U.S.A.

Front Line

By Lin Chiung Hung, Supreme Master Ching Hai News, Costa Rica

Throughout this activity,
the Costa Rican initiates realized that Master was with them
and is taking care of everyone, everywhere, at all times.

To facilitate televised spreading of Master's teachings, fellow initiates in Costa Rica wholeheartedly negotiated with a popular local television station, Channel 42, to broadcast Master's videos. Reporters from the station were very interested in our Center upon hearing that it had accommodated a UFO seminar earlier this year, and that many people had witnessed UFO's above our Center during the seminar. When they were told that Master was the savior of this era, they spontaneously offered to come to the Costa Rican Center to have an interview.

The reporters of the TV station arrived at our Center as scheduled. Among them was Alonso Comes who is very popular in the locality. With Master's boundless blessing, our fellow initiates, although unprepared, responded appropriately and naturally to the various questions from the reporters. After the interview, they photographed Master's paintings including: "The Stone Cave", "A Night View Of Yang-Ming Mountain," and "The Flowers Of The Heart Will Not Wither". All of them gave hearty praise to Master's artistic talents. In addition, they took pictures of Master's Celestial Clothes as well as Her recent large-sized photos.

The whole interview was quick and smooth, and was broadcasted on prime time on Saturday night. In the program, Mr. Comes invited whoever was interested in meditation or Master's teachings to our Center on Sundays to watch videos or learning meditation, which aroused a great sensation.

The following Sunday, our Center received many phone enquiries, which made the whole activity even more successful. Alonso Comes said he would visit our Center again in order to learn more about Master's teachings and to introduce them to more Costa Rican people. Privately, he revealed his liking for vegetarian food. He felt a profound interest in Master's teachings, and took many of Master's News magazines for further reading. Throughout this activity, the Costa Rican initiates realized that Master was with them and is taking care of everyone, everywhere, at all times.

Costa Rica is a devoted Catholic country; so many of the TV stations only broadcast Catholic messages. The interview held and televised by Channel 42 was really a delightful new beginning. Now every Sunday, a lot of people come to our Center to learn the Convenient Method or receive initiation, making it an even more lively place for spiritual practice.

Initiates responsible for kitchen work also take weekly turns cooking delicious vegetarian meals for the guests, who all say that vegetarian food is far more delicious than they had ever imagined. Furthermore, another meditation session has been arranged on Sunday afternoons for those fellow initiates who have to travel a long distance.
 

An Unspoken Understanding Between Master And Disciples
The Pleasure Of Being Ordinary