Our power is from the grace of God and is the great power of the Buddhas. However, most people don't realize this, so they can't use the power. Now we are practicing the Quan Yin Method, each day we get a hold of "something" which is very reliable and can be used to save our lives as well as others'. That "something" is your own treasure that you have forgotten for a long time. We have it in our nature. Only after I told you how to use it did you come to know it. You have been "beggars" for a long time and have become used to it.

How can you dare to do anything energetically?! But gradually,you will. Now you've already begun to do things more actively. You can go outside and speak out like those Ninja Turtles. Those turtles can talk! "Pizza!" Even though they can only say "pizza,"it is enough to scare others. Why? Because how can turtles even talk?

They are similar to you! You are the kind of people who never say anything. Why do you talk a lot now? Regardless of what you say, people are scared already. Since you've been living like turtles for so long, when you occasionally say one or two sentences, people are frightened to death. Therefore, your relatives and friends now look at you with different eyes and seem afraid. Sometimes when they're too afraid, they use violence to oppress you, just like when people are afraid of those turtles who have magical power. Do you think that those four turtles look like you? (Laughter) "Introspect! Introspect! Introspect! We should introspect!" Aha, this is the same as meditation! When we meditate, we introspect. The turtles shout, "Introspect! Introspect! Introspect!", which is just like meditation.

Why did they choose the rat as their teacher? That was symbolic. The author who wrote this story must have done spiritual practice so he knew about the transformation master. The story that he wrote was exactly the same as our stories. The turtles represent a kind of sluggish and stupid dummy. They're sluggish hard-heads. They have hard shells and thick skins. When they are first enlightened, they only know "Pizza!", which is very much like the blessed food that we have! When the teacher forces them to do back-flips as punishment, they slowly count, "One! Two!" and think that their teacher doesn't see them.

The movie states that a true Ninja is the highest Master of all creation in the universe; it's talking about spiritual practice; it's talking about God, but only in a different way. This movie was written by a spiritual practitioner so people could use it as a reference and know about spiritual practice. Sometimes we have to tell stories. Perhaps in the past, people didn't like spiritual practitioners. If a spiritual story was told explicitly, people would criticize it.

What does the rat symbolize? It means that the method is so good that even a rat (a no special person,) who sincerely learns it can become very good; can become a teacher or a Buddha, and can attain the Truth. Those sluggish turtles with thick skins can see the transformation master after they have meditated for a while. This also means that the method is very good.

When the turtles go out, other people think they look like monsters. That's for sure, because sometimes when people come to our place, they also look at us the same way as they look at animals in the zoo. They notice that we're different than them, so they truly can't get along with us. That's why the turtles simply hide in underground tunnels and would rather live in a gloomy place. They can't get along with other people. As soon as they go out, people catch them or attack them. This is the reason. We're also different than others. The turtles' situation is truly like ours. Now you understand it clearly?! [A: That's why we need a Master! (Laughter)]

I've been thinking for quite a while, why they chose a rat as the teacher. The rat only quietly learned a little bit. It wasn't initiated with the method formally. Although it learned with the master, later it did well in its spiritual practice. Only when we are in situations with many obstacles can we grow up. The world is very annoying. That's why we want to pursue spiritual practice and then grow up a little; otherwise, we have to live our entire lives like turtles.

It truly can be like this. It's just that those turtles are special and different than others. They grew up a little; their shells were bigger, their skins were thicker, and they were heavier. However, at least they did some spiritual practice and had some magical power. They would do only good things, not bad. If they didn't have the rat teaching them, they would have become bad.

Being very young, they could fall in love -- even turtles can be in love. This must be a joke! Truly! They're kidding themselves. When you watch this movie, you will know that they are exactly the same as you. If you still don't understand it, you should watch the movie again. You can watch some pure and simple movies. In fact, this movie isn't only about kung-fu.

The turtles might practice kung-fu, but they also do spiritual practice. It's difficult for us to stop our minds. If we put something in our minds and let it strive and struggle, we'll feel tired. Sometimes after you've watched a movie, you can't immediately let it go.

Occasionally, I let you watch. Some movies talk about principles of spiritual practice, human feelings or something related to you, so I let you watch. To watch a movie once in a while is harmless. It's good to relax yourselves, that is, to adjust ourselves. Don't be too tense. Sometimes when we're busy working and feel tired, our minds are tense. If we watch a funny movie in the evening, we can continue. We can do it sometimes, but not all the time.

It's because, even though we know the movie is okay, when we meditate later, the images will run around in our minds and it will take a while or a couple of days for us to forget them. It depends on how deep the impressions are! Any worldly thing can trouble us. However, it depends on whether you have a firm faith in the Truth or not. If you don't have it, even though I don't let you watch, you will watch behind my back or buy nonsense books to read, which have a similar effect. It depends on whether you want to watch them or not, whether you like to watch them or not, and whether you indulge in the movies or not. We will be influenced by whatever we see.

Sometimes when we read nonsense books, we keep thinking about them. Although we're not influenced by them, we keep thinking about them. Then our meditation time is delayed several minutes or several hours. It's already hard for us to meditate for two hours, but we will just sit there and keep thinking about Jing Yong (a famous Chinese novelist) or whoever, or the Ninja Turtles; then it will not be good for us. Since the movie about Ninja Turtles talks about spiritual practice and has a transformation master, I let you watch it. This means that they practiced the Quan Yin Method; otherwise they wouldn't see the transformation master. It's really funny that the turtles can attain the Truth and the rat can become a Buddha.

We have all kinds of animals here. (Master laughs.) We have rats, monkeys, turtles, pigs, roosters, ducks, cows and goats. (Master is referring to disciples born under these Chinese Zodiac signs.)

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Also Did Spiritual Practice American Shao-Lin *The Lion King *Babe Cinema Scene height="100">
  Supreme Master Ching Hai >

American Shao-Lin

What have we learnt from this movie? The first thing is humility -- do not show-off our "kung-fu" to everyone. The second thing is -- we have to fight if it is necessary. (Laughter) Yes! If it is beyond the limit of tolerance! Some people just won't change for the better if you don't beat them up; they just can't learn the lesson. Therefore, beat or scold them if it is really necessary. To be a good person doesn't mean talking sweet words all the time. No, no! When you see someone killing people right in front of your nose, would you still look on with folded arms and say: "I am a prize-boxer and I am not supposed to combat casually."

Humility doesn't mean stupidity. Do what you should do, and handle things according to the situation. Only then are you a real spiritual practitioner instead of a rigid idiot.

The Lion King

Little Lion's father told him, "I am brave when I should be, and only this is true bravery!" Similarly, when we are new to spiritual practice, we are always very anxious. Our spiritual cultivation is still not stable and our meditation is not very good, yet we go out and boast. People feel uncomfortable with us. This is not the way to preach the Truth. It is more important to first purify our actions, speech and thoughts, and fulfill our obligations. When we have perfected ourselves spiritually, people will follow us even if we don't say anything. We might be doing the right thing, but if it is done at the wrong time and in the wrong place, then it is futile. This is where we should use our wisdom. If you think you are very clever and do everything in a rush, then it is not good!

Babe

You'll never look at a pig or a ham the same way after watching this movie.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Also Did Spiritual Practice American Shao-Lin *The Lion King *Babe Eternal Melody height="174">

My friends! When your quest for the Truth is burning hot in your
heart, like Don Quixote, you will also march bravely towards that
remote yet irresistible ideal, oblivious of the scorns and insults
from worldly people. It might be an "impossible dream," but it is
worth giving it a try!

Words By Joe Darion /Music By Mitch Leigh    >

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear the unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go
To right the unrightable wrong
To love the purest chest from a far
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
 
This is my quest to follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march in to hell
For the heavenly core

And I know if I only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will be peaceful & calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
that one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

Supreme Art

(Oil painting
by Supreme Master Ching Hai)

The inspiration of this painting came from a patch of grass in front of Master's tent. Everyday She watched the blades of grass, so carefree, gently sway in the wind. In comparison, grass is so insignificant; and yet it seems to be so peaceful, blissful and unaware of all the worldly troubles. Contented, it simply carries on living everyday.

It would be better to admire this painting at a close distance, otherwise one might miss the fine and subtle color technique.

(Extracted from The Art Creations By Supreme Master Ching Hai)

 

By Artist Ha Cam Tam, CA, USA (Originally In Au Lac Language)

On the vast canvas of international painting, the works of art of artists are many. Countless paintings have been created with all kinds of techniques and materials, some conventional and some innovative. Therefore, many creations are just one of many in the world's "painting jungle," because the true value of a painting does not lie in the latest and greatest materials used, a new creative theme, the setting, the period of time depicted, or even the artist's life, etc. Instead, I believe the true value of a painting is measured in how the artists can effectively reflect their soul qualities in the painting. The soul qualities of the genuinely talented artist will therefore be accessible to anyone appreciating their composition, because it will have the capacity to touch the hearts and elevate the souls of viewers. Viewers will unknowingly receive an inner message hidden in the painting's beauty and experience indescribable joy transmitted directly from the artist's soul through the various colors.

For example, during Supreme Master Ching Hai's painting exhibition in Formosa, I had such a wonderful feeling while I stood before an oil painting entitled "The Simple Joy", created in Ping Tong (Formosa). Although the painting is small (34x45cm), it is very romantic. Supreme Master Ching Hai used a very unique design which I have never seen before in any other landscape paintings. This painting has no sky, or earth; and the small area of the painting is covered with strong strokes showing the fading and dominant colors of weeds and wild grass. At first glance, I noticed the grass and weeds harmoniously interwoven together, dancing in the morning wind. The emerald green grass, the same transparent green that is used in Master's Celestial jewelry, and the naturally noble straw-yellow edges of the leaves embrace the weeds like a family. But when I looked closer, the leaves and weeds were not there anymore, only a melodious hymn seemed to exist. Then, upon even closer inspection, I saw the weeds and the leaves dancing in the wind again. This array of feelings came so unexpectedly and so quickly they are unimaginable even to the sharpest and most imaginative of minds. That wonderful moment still lingers in my heart to this day.

The main color in "The Simple Joy" is the green glass color of old china, darkening and fading, appearing and disappearing, far and near. Deep under this precious green carpet are orange spots - speckled like a drizzle of rain. These orange speckles, though tiny and thin, have the effect of making the giant green background appear warm and romantic like the heart of any oriental poet.

This unique painting is strong and very daring, yet at the same time passive and innocent. The extraordinary coloring has a transforming effect. Truly, Supreme Master Ching Hai is a genius in the art of painting.

A lover of paintings once asked me: "How can you sense those sacred moments when looking at the painting?" I said: "If you wish to understand the painting, go to the exhibition. Your heart always longs to experience nobility and beauty, good paintings symbolizes these qualities." In my case, although I have participated in many international painting exhibitions, and I have seen many creations by famous artists from the East and the West, when I saw the painting "The Simple Joy" by Supreme Master Ching Hai, I realized that this is the greatest joy of a lifetime.

Song composed and sung by
fellow initiate Vilannie Huynh, U.S.A.

I'm  coming Home to You
In to Your loving arms 
Above the clouds, beyond the stars
Where I'll meet my true love again
For year I've wandered far  
For lives I've lost my way
You gave me light, and sang me songs

And showed me Home to You again
Winter was over, and spring has come
I feel Your love in the air 
How far till I'm away from Home can you tell?
how I have long for love.
How far till I'm away from Home can you tell
How I have longed for you

you paved my road with your love
And gave me strength to go on
you take me by the hand
o showed me home again
o sweet divine your loving smile
Dispels a thousand years of loneliness
A yearning Soul for fading light
the reason for my journey home reason for my journey home

Song composed and sung by fellow initiate Christina Tan, Singapore When I'm with You Master
The world seem like mine
I've found Your love
And feeling is fine.

I feel like a baby
When I look into Your eye.
I need Your love
and you came into my life,
Came into my life.

I've been searching
Such a long, long time,
I wish I could be with You
Side by side till I shine,
Cause a lonely time.

  I thank You Master
You shine upon my life.
You gave me hope
and I feel so right, feel so right.

I love been Searching
such a long long time
I wish I could be with You
Side by side till I shine,
Cause a lonely time.

I love You Master,
We are one together,
Bring me back, Back to my Home,
To my Home,
To my Home.

Spiritual Songs Special Edition III  In order to answer the thousands of ardent pleas from disciples, "Supreme Master Ching Hai Song Collection" has been published! Supreme Master Ching Hai Can Take Your Spirit To Visit The Au Lac Poetry Kingdom Elevation Of The Soul height="153"> >

"We can sing devotional songs to God and at the same time enjoy ourselves. God is not so miserable and artless. So we can practice meditation and enjoy our lives at the same time."

"I wrote all these songs because you love to dance. In case you have to dance, you dance with God."

Complying with the public's earnest requests, "Supreme Master Ching Hai Song Collection" has been published.

Now you can sing a song to yourself or occasionally to your relatives and friends to let them know that we spiritual practitioners aren't as serious as they perceive us to be, and that we are truly very happy and absolutely not bored when we follow Supreme Master Ching Hai in doing spiritual practice. When you are melodiously singing, lithely and gracefully dancing, you'll remember that God loves you very much!

Spiritual Songs Special Edition III  In order to answer the thousands of ardent pleas from disciples, "Supreme Master Ching Hai Song Collection" has been published! Supreme Master Ching Hai Can Take Your Spirit To Visit The Au Lac Poetry Kingdom

Elevation Of The Soul

The special edition of the videotapes "Traces of Previous Life -- I.II.III" with Chinese subtitles have been released (tapes with English subtitles are also available). Those who long to see the beauty of Au Lac poetry are blessed! Now you can enjoy the beautiful rhythm of Supreme Master Ching Hai's poetry recitation; through the translation, you can also be led to stroll in the beautiful artistic world of Supreme Master Ching Hai's poems in Au Lac language.¡]English version has also been published.

Spiritual Songs Special Edition III In order to answer the thousands of ardent pleas from disciples, "Supreme Master Ching Hai Song Collection" has been published! Supreme Master Ching Hai Can Take Your Spirit To Visit The Au Lac Poetry Kingdom

Panorama of Events   height="60" colspan="3"> 

[Portland] November 16, 1996 - One rainy day, fellow practitioners from Oregon Center gathered at the Homeless Serving Center in downtown Portland to offer food and clothing. Much preparation was done beforehand. Assisted by a local company called Oregon Realty, many warm clothes were collected and distributed to those in need.

The task was quite a challenge; some fellow practitioners even began preparing the food a couple of days before it was offered. The fellow practitioners involved were divided into four groups: one group gave out clothes at the door, the second distributed sample booklets to those interested, the third served food while the fourth cooked in the kitchen. Many people were shocked when they learned that the vegetarian "chicken" was not real meat!

Fellow practitioners felt very happy to bring some warmth, love and joy into the lives of several hundred homeless people. They also prayed that the hardships in the world would have a positive effect by quickly awaken more and more people and enabling them to turn to God for eternal peace and happiness. 

◎Oregon, USA  ◎Florida, USA  ◎Africa  ◎Thailand  ◎Korea

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>

[Orlando] Inspired by Master's appeal -- warm up the winter globally -- fellow practitioners from the Orlando Center contacted a Battered Women's Shelter and offer our time and some delicious vegetarian food.

Everyone met at a nearby public park. We arrived at the park before the appointed time, cheerfully set up picnic tables, spread out the tremendous quantity and variety of vegetarian food, and waited for the guests. Shortly thereafter, the guests, women and children, arrived. After greeting them with warmth and compassion and introducing ourselves, we ate together, talked, laughed, watched the children play, and felt blessed to have this opportunity to share God's love and learn and grow within ourselves.

Some courageously shared their personal stories, heartaches, fears and hopes for the future. We listened attentively and silently prayed for Master to guide and bless us as we independently traverse this sometimes rocky road on the journey called life. We spoke at length to the women about developing their own inner strength and wisdom and not having to depend on anyone else for what they think they're searching for.

As the afternoon flowed into evening, our feast came to an end. We thanked our guests for taking the time to come and join us in the park, and they in turn thanked us for the delicious food and for putting a little joy into everyone's life.

Thanks to God, a warm and wonderful time was had by all. Having extended ourselves, we had the opportunity to share our love and God's blessings and increase our compassion and unconditional love towards our sisters and fellow human beings in need.

◎Oregon, USA  ◎Florida, USA  ◎Africa  ◎Thailand  ◎Korea

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>

[Cape Town] To spread Master's teachings, our fellow practitioners are becoming more creative in finding friendly, caring and lovely new ways to reach people. As practitioners go from health shops to vegetarian shops to bookstores, they find it both a spiritually rewarding and growing experience. Most shopkeepers expressed a keen interest in Master's teachings and wanted more information.

Another project which is being finalized is the translation of Master's sample booklet into the African language. This will enable more people in South Africa to understand Master's message better. With God's blessings, the African sample booklet will go into print very soon.

Africa is sometimes referred to as the "Dark Continent". This term is now becoming outdated. Not only do we have the sea, the sun and Table Mountain here in Cape Town, we also have light - God's Light! Hiers Divine Light makes our city shine, leading more people to the Truth. So look out, there is Light in the jungle!

◎Oregon, USA  ◎Florida, USA  ◎Africa  ◎Thailand  ◎Korea

Panorama of Events   height="158" colspan="3">


>

[Chiang Mai] The ethnic people of northern Thailand are self-sufficient farmers, but most of them have no citizenship, live very primitively, and have no contact with the outside world. However, December 5 and 6 were doubly auspicious days for them because not only was it the King's birthday but also Master visited the mountain area to distribute essential items to make the winter months more bearable (the winter temperatures in the mountain areas of northern Thailand can be as low as 5 degrees Celsius).

Master visited the villages wearing traditional Thai clothes and She always received the traditional Thai greeting, "Wai," from the local government officers and residents. Her arrival was like a cool breeze and a timely rain, bringing blessings to all of the estimated six thousand families that were helped. Master was particularly touched by the innocence of the children and their unbridled joy at receiving new clothes.

A special barbecue allowed Master and fellow practitioners to relax after the hard work was completed. The officers who had actively assisted with the work were invited as the guests of honor. During the banquet, Master's entertaining humor brought much joy to the occasion.

◎Oregon, USA  ◎Florida, USA  ◎Africa  ◎Thailand  ◎Korea

Panorama of Events   height="60" colspan="3">

[Seoul] On October 26, the local Center organised a 1-day exhibition of illustrated poems called the Fall '96 Poem Recitation and Exhibition. This time of year chrysanthemums are in full bloom so the atmosphere was sweetly perfumed. The event, which was held outside the SM Vegetarian Restaurant in Seoul, exhibited creative illustrations of Master's poems as well as those of artistic fellow practitioners. There were two poems recitation performances as well as two singing performances - a daytime performance for fellow practitioners, their relatives and friends, and a night time performance for would-be initiates and others.

The event fell on Korean D-Day amidst glorious sunshine and of course the beautiful chrysanthemums. A few people were moved to tears during the poem recitations, so at the end of the day we lifted our spirits with a sing-a-long. This was a perfect conclusion to the Fall '96 Poem Recitation and Exhibition

>

◎Oregon, USA  ◎Florida, USA  ◎Africa  ◎Thailand  ◎Korea Spiritual Correspondence height="60">


By Sister Initiate Huang Qiong-hui >

Beloved Confidant Supreme Master Ching Hai:

I arrived in the alien land of Malaysia. As a new arrival, I encountered many difficulties and was unable to attend group meditation. Consequently, I became easily agitated. During my first month on this foreign soil, I was tempted to just pack up and go home. But in these moments of weakness, a thought would always come into my mind: Master has often said, "Everyone has to grow up. They cannot just stagnate." Each time, I would feel ashamed of myself. However, my yearning for home never ceased.

Two months later, the chance I had been waiting for came. I could return to Formosa for a holiday. I was thrilled. I poured out the many coins from my bag and began to count them. As my eyes took in the coins - big and small - scattered across my bed, oh, I felt just how familiar the scene was. It was this very scene that had appeared in my dream over and over again about a year ago. I would wake up perplexed from these dreams each time, wondering what currency it was, knowing that I had never seen it before. Finally, I understood. This was yet another testimony to what Master once said, "For those who practice the Quan Yin Method, even dreams are a form of experience."

In a matter of seconds, I felt that I was standing on surer ground. I decided to stay on, no matter what. I cheered myself up with Master's aphorism: "We must remain happy, regardless of the time and place. We must remain happy in times of difficulty or when plagued by sorrow." I resolved to face the situation squarely. Except for having to adapt to my job, there was no other matter that I had to take care of. Master had already made perfect arrangements regarding my food and lodging.

With this optimistic attitude, I have worked here for several months now and found that, by and by, I have fallen in love with this tropical, picturesque country. I speak poor English but need to converse in Malaysian and English at work. Nevertheless, it has been fun and this language barrier has been a frequent source of jokes between myself and my colleagues. The local people's simplicity and goodness of heart have made me feel so much closer to God.

In the early days of Her lectures, Master once said, "Whenever you run into any difficulty or have doubts while on the path of spiritual practice or along your life's journey, meditate more and look within yourself. You will find the answers and understand the underlying cause of your problem. If you have already done this and the problem remains unsolved (Master said with a smile), use your heart, concentrate, be sincere, and write to Master. Once your letter is completed, read it again. If you are satisfied with it, then tear it into pieces or burn it to ashes." Fellow initiates burst into laughter upon hearing this. I too took it as a joke like everyone else. It did not occur to me then that every word that comes from Master's mouth is meaningful and founded on Truth. She may put it in a humorous way but it is burning with Truth.

It was not until I was put to the most severe test in my practice and found myself weighed down by hardships, that for the first time since my initiation I wrote to Master for help. The incident gave true testimony to the fact that whatever Master says is the Truth, nothing but the Truth. By the time I had exhausted myself pouring out my heart in my letter, tears were already rolling down my cheeks. My elder sister (also an initiate) kept reminding me to go to bed. I woke up the next morning feeling so light-hearted as though all my frustrations and pressures had dropped off my shoulders and evaporated.

When my elder sister was making breakfast she asked, "Do you still need to send the letter?" I hesitated, not knowing what to do. I asked if she had the same experience. She replied with a knowing smile. I knew that Master had solved my problem for me, but I was still not completely convinced. I kept the letter for nearly a week until I was absolutely certain that all problems had been solved, that Master had heard me and helped me smooth out my troubles. Only then did I feel reassured enough to tear the letter into pieces. Oh, Master, when I poured my heart out to You in this letter, scenes from my past flashed across my mind one after another. All my feelings and longing for You gushed out as if from a fountain.

Under Master's care and grace, I have emerged safe and sound from trial after trial in the many years since my initiation. Even in times of great peril and utmost despair, I have been able to come through all in one piece. As in the case of my fellow initiates, my experiences - both within and without - are too numerous to recount. Each time I rise above yet another test, I feel from even greater depths of my heart.. When I first arrived in Malaysia, I was unable to attend group meditation because of my unfamiliarity with the land and lack of transportation. I came to appreciate even more those regular sessions back in Formosa when we could recharge ourselves. I realized then just how blessed the Formosan initiates are. In Formosa, I had often seen fellow initiates express their reverence for Master. At the time, I always stood by the side, keeping my distasnce from others. I thought that it was enough to communicate with the inner Master. I could not share the feelings or yearnings of the other initiates. Now in this foreign land, Master often comes to see me in my dreams. But somehow I seem to feel just a little bit incomplete. At this moment in time, I have come to realize at long last justhow blessed we are to be able to grow and mature under the protective wings of our loving Master.

Master, I realize just how blessed I am to be Your disciple. I will continue to do my daily homework and work toward becoming a good and sound instrument for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Let me pray for Your good health and success in spreading the Word so that more and more people worldwide can bask in Your glory and rejoice in the grace of Your blessings and merits.

May peace be with You always.  

Under Thy Loving Wings   Our Resident Friend At The Cape Town Center

Spiritual Correspondence height="190">    By Brother Initiate Danny Buitendag, Cape Town, South Africa
  (Originally In English)

>

Dear Master,

Here is a photograph of one of our "resident friends -- Mr.Squirrel" at the Cape Town Center. Although it seems idyllic, it is not really so. Squirrels are cute looking, but are aggressive by nature. It reminded me of something You said:

And even all things in this world,
which are beautiful and enjoyable,
are there to remind us of our true
happiness within, of our true Home.

Yes! True beauty and happiness reside within us. Thanks to You, Master, I now know where to look.

Love,       Danny Buitendag  
                    Cape Town Center

Under Thy Loving Wings   Our Resident Friend At The Cape Town Center ¡@
The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.76

Pearls Of Wisdom
Pearls Of Wisdom

Panorama Of Events
Oregon, USA Florida, USA
Africa Thailand Korea

  Spiritual Correspondence Under Thy Loving Wings Our Resident Friend At The Cape Town Center Front Line Making Vegetarian Fruit Cakes In Master's Shop Master Says Return Of The Prodigal Son Between Master And Disciples New "Stone" Documentary The Truth Is ... Follow Your True Nature Master Tells A Story Bible Story : The Angels Rescued Lot Saving Grace A Miracle On The Road Master's Words Freedom Of The Mind Master's Wonderland I Love Fairy Tales True Story Computer Prince Programmed For Breakfast Selected Question & Answers Jesus And Other Saviors! Introductory Book Note "Embraced By The Light" Media Reports Keep Away From Big Electrical Appliances Love In Action Supreme Master Ching Hai's Trip To Northern Thailand  Lending A Helping Hand  Supreme Master Ching Hai's Love For The Poor And The Homeless Cinema Scene The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Also Did Spiritual Practice American Shao-Lin*The Lion King*Babe Eternal Melody The Impossible Dream Supreme Art Reflections On "The Simple Joy" Elevation Of The Soul Spiritual Songs Special Edition III   In order to answer the thousands of ardent pleas from disciples, "Supreme Master Ching Hai Song Collection" has been published!   Supreme Master Ching Hai Can Take Your Spirit To Visit The Au Lac Poetry Kingdom

© Copyright and Reprint Information

Download E76 Files Free from prejudice, You paint life with an innovative brush;beyond any limitation, You cross all cultural barriers with unconditional love.

~ Supreme Master Ching Hai

News No. 763
Contents

Gunma Center is situated near the border of Gunma and Nagano Provinces. It is both a tourist shop and a meditation Center. Its customers are not only from the local area, but are also tourists and visitors who come to escape the heat of summer and ice skate in winter. At the moment, fellow practitioners at the Gunma Center are encouraging one another to practice diligently, and to bring Master's blessing to those people who visit the shop.

On the 10th of October, two shops close to the Gunma Center belonging to fellow practitioners were opened at the same time. It happened that that day was designated to be a national holiday in Japan to promote the health of body and mind. Coincidentally, the theme for the two shops complimented the holiday theme. One shop is called 'Forest Of The Agile Spirits' and sells mainly vegetarian food products. The other one, called 'Angels' Cookies,' is a tea-room serving eggless vegetarian fruit cakes.

Fellow initiate Yamazaki was initiated in May of this year. In preparing for the opening of 'Angels' Cookies,' he would like to share his experiences with everyone.

Yamazaki has always been interested in making cakes and cookies. For many years, he dreamed of owning a small shop. After graduation, he worked for a famous cake company in Tokyo in order to learn how to make cakes. However, during that time he became ill. A fellow initiate came to know that he fell sick when he was working in a place where a lot of eggs were being used. Maybe it was God's will. He, therefore, mentioned to Yamazaki, Master's teachings regarding vegetarianism. Yamazaki decided to try to be a vegetarian and make vegetarian cakes. Although he failed again and again, he never stopped trying.

After a short period of time, he received initiation. Soon after that, he began to create a greater and greater variety of vegetarian cakes. The dream of many years was coming to fruition, and he finally reached the stage of preparing to open his own shop. Theoretically speaking, as your dream day is on the verge of materializing, you should be happy, spirited and full of self-confidence. However, what occurred was that the cake recipes began to fail; Yamazaki's family didn't give him any of the support or approval that he needed; and the glass cabinet that was to be used for displaying the cakes broke and could not be fixed. To have it reinstall, it would have taken another twenty days to finished! With his hands tied at that moment, Yamazaki decided to give up his original plan of opening his shop together with the neighboring shop, 'Forest Of Agile Spirits'.

The second morning after he had decided to give up, the fellow practitioner who had introduced him to Master's teachings and had led him onto the path of spiritual practice phoned him: "If you are determined to open the shop, there will be a solution. You should not give up easily. The problem now is not the broken cabinet glass, it's your loss of self-confidence. The only way is to meditate well, remember Master's teachings, and put them into practice. This is the most important thing."

From that day onwards, he meditated for three hours with fellow practitioners at the Gunma Center. The first day he entered the Center, Master's teachings came to him loud and clear; he couldn't help but cry. He was crying and meditating at the same time. Later, fellow practitioners volunteered to take on the whole job of decorating the tea room. This way, he could concentrate on perfecting the vegetarian fruit cakes.

He worked late everyday. Early every morning he went to the Center to meditate. After five days, he not only had great results with the vegetarian fruit cake recipes, but all the interior decorating of 'Angels' Cookies' was also miraculously accomplished. All this without the help of professionals and even before the scheduled opening day.

"Making vegetarian fruit cakes in Master's shop" -- when fellow practitioners first said this, Yamazaki truly did not understand what it meant. Later, he deeply realized that he was only an instrument. If he surrendered everything to the Master Power, then he could easily and smoothly get the best results. Master's boundless love, through fellow practitioners, helped him find the best solutions.

Yamazaki said, "I just want to extend my most sincere thanks. Before, I only cared for myself and thought that only I was hard working. I never remembered to be concerned about or love other people. Now, in Master's shop, with the blessing of wholeheartedly being able to make vegetarian fruit cakes, I promise to prepare the best fruit cakes for every customer that Master arranges to come to the shop."

Ever since the shop has opened, the number of customers has been increasing. Among these have been some cake making professionals. All have praised Yamazaki's cakes, saying they are really delicious. Yamazaki's continues to work with great enthusiasm. His family have also changed their attitude and have taken the initiative to come to give a helping hand whenever they are free

Only When You Have Become A Child Again
Can You Enter The Kingdom Of God

When Jesus Christ grew up, He went out to preach and glorify God. He traveled to many places introducing the true doctrine to people. Here is a story told by Him when He was preaching in a certain region. The story was about two sons. Jesus Christ had no discrimination, and He treated everyone very nicely regardless of who they were. He often mixed with all kinds of people -- the poor, the sick, the elderly, the ugly, the beautiful and children. He loved all of them and had very good relationships with them. The people also loved and respected Him very much. Jesus Christ really pampered them, especially the children.

People from all walks of life brought their children to see Jesus Christ, and asked Him to touch their heads to bless them. Jesus Christ had many principal apostles, or you can say His good friends, who would bar the children from seeing Him if too many of them had come. "Please! Don't disturb Him! Why are you troubling Him like this?"

Then Jesus Christ would say, "No, no, no! Don't stop them. Let the children come. The Kingdom of God belongs to the children or people who have a pure heart like that of a child. Should we want to return to the Heavenly Kingdom, we must become as innocent as a child." Taking this opportunity, Jesus Christ told us that we must become like a child to return to the Heavenly Kingdom. We should not be too complicated. We must not mind too much about everything. Even when we have grown up, we still should preserve a heart like a child.

To fulfill our obligations to society, naturally we should go to work when we have grown up, get married, or study hard. However, we should keep our heart pure just like when we were small. Don't compete with others; don't long for profit and fame; don't be mean and calculating, be forgiving instead. People may have treated us badly but we should treat them well and love them. Such is the heart of a child. If we can preserve this heart of a child, no matter how old we have grown we are still God's children.

We won't go to hell or fall into undesirable situations. Our life will be smooth; at least our heart will always be happy. We will face any problem cheerfully. No obstacles will make us feel frustrated or worried as we can overcome them. We will easily forgive others, and we will feel very free. We may be rich or poor, our position may be high or low, and despite where we are living or whom we are staying with, we just won't mind. Such is the heart of a child. It is not definite that we cannot be a child again after we have grown up.

Children Can Easily Forgive Others

Jesus Christ was a big child, and so was Shakyamuni Buddha. They were very affectionate and pure _ not complicated in mind. Therefore, They didn't mind what people had done to Them. They wouldn't fuss about or remember enmities, nor would They try to take revenge. In His whole life, Jesus Christ only did good thing sand worshipped God. He never did anything harmful, or competed with others for power, wealth or fame. He taught people to do good deeds; He spread God's love to the whole world, and saved many souls.

Nevertheless, some people were still jealous of Him because He was too famous and loved by too many. Out of their love for Him, people revered Him as king _ the Great King. Worldly people think that being a king is the highest position on Earth, so we revere whomever we love as the Great King.

Consequently, the real king was jealous, and feared that Jesus Christ would challenge him and seize his throne. Jesus Christ was crucified due to this jealousy. However, He kept His child-like heart even when He was nailed to the cross. He begged God to forgive those ignorant people who didn't know the Truth. A child can easily forgive others, and will not harbor enmity against them.

Since Jesus Christ often mixed with all types of people, the so-called monks or monastic people at that time criticized Him. Each religion has their monastic people. For instance, the pastors and nuns of Catholicism and Christianity are monastic people, so they are respected by people. There are also Buddhist monks -- the bhiksus and bhiksunis. The Hindu monks are called swamis. Other religions also have their monastic people. Though they wear different clothes and live in different ways, they are regarded as monastic people.

Being monastic means that they have renounced everything for God, to serve God, and to spread God's Truth to the multitude. They put aside their human emotions and affections for their families, consider the whole world as their family, and see all men as their brothers. Their ideal is really noble and great, so they deserve our veneration.

We shouldn't revere only monastic people of our religion and not those from other paths. This is wrong! Of course, in every religion, there are some monastic people who don't understand this ideal, but seek money and fame in the name of their religion. They are not really monastic people. They wear the same clothes but their hearts are not the same. Fortunately, there is only a handful of them.

The Real Monastic People

Monastic people truly deserve people's admiration, not because of their outer appearance, but because of their inner ideal. They are really keen in serving the multitude, and their hearts extend to the whole world. This is why we admire and respect them, not because of their attire. It doesn't matter what clothes they wear because they have lofty ideals and are broad-minded. They care little about personal feelings, and they see the whole world as one illusion -- all beings are one; there is only one God, one Truth and one Tao. They want to spread this Tao to everyone, and to remind us this Tao is the only way that we should quest.

To these people who have severed their personal affections, we call them monastic people. Monastic or "leaving-home" means to forsake the binding affections of one's family. Every religion bears the same ideal to extend its heart, and go beyond birth and death.

When Jesus Christ was alive, some of the so-called monastic people (rabbis) of Judaism complained about Him. They criticized Him for mixing with prostitutes, beggars or very poor people who were the lowest in society. He mixed with them, made friends with them, and taught them some doctrines. The rabbis thought that was a shameful and inappropriate thing to do.

They thought that Jewish people were the best, so the teachings should only be imparted to the Jewish or people belonging to the higher classes, and not to the so-called lowly people who were despised by society.

In their opinion, the prostitutes were the untouchables, and they were so bad that their lives could never be changed. However, Jesus Christ could change them. He would, and He had the power. Any bad persons would change for the better after following Him, or after looking at Him once.

No One Is Good Or Bad

Good or bad people are created by the social circumstances. Someone might be a good person for many lives. Suddenly, if he was cheated in this life, or his family is separated because there was a war in his country; perhaps he suddenly lost his parents and so his security -- lost as in what to do, he becomes a so-called bad person. These kinds of people may become prostitutes, villains or even robbers, yet they may not be bad in nature.

If our heart is pure, it will shine with some polishing, just like gold. Gold is gold even if there are tons of earth burying it. When we first excavate a diamond, it is covered by a heavy layer of dust. After cleaning and polishing it, a diamond is still a diamond, and its value won't depreciate because of the dust.

Similarly, our Heavenly Kingdom or the innocent God nature within will never be contaminated by dust or karma. It is only our misunderstanding! Therefore, I often tell you that no one is a sinner to me. Only because our minds don't understand, so we cannot forgive ourselves and make a mess. If there is someone to remind us or tell us the Truth, we will know how to dispose of the karma, how to forget or change our so-called habits, then we will be exactly the same as the Bodhisattvas or Saints.

That was why Jesus Christ said that we are all God's children. However, we must revert our heart back to the state of an innocent child, and be determined not to submit to the bad habits again.

Two Sons

The monastic people then criticized Jesus Christ for acting improperly against the canon as He mixed with all kinds of people. Therefore, one day, Jesus Christ told them a story relevant to this issue. The story was like this: A person had two sons. The younger son demanded his father to give him his share of the family wealth, which his father duly granted him. Upon receiving the wealth, the younger son went out enjoying pleasures, traveling around the world, and spent all his money foolishly. Eventually he became penniless! Coincidentally, there was a famine at that time in his country, so everyone was starving. He went to work on a farm where many piglets were being raised. He was so hungry that when he saw the piglets eating the food in the trough, he wanted to fight for it with the piglets. He was very hungry and homesick.

One day, he talked to himself: "Oh! What an absurd life I am leading here. Even a laborer of my father has more to eat than I have now. They have more than enough to eat while I am starving here. This is illogical. It's about time I went home. I will apologize to father and tell him how sorry and remorseful I am for my ignorant behavior in the past, and that I was young and stupid. I will admit that I am not fit to be his son, then perhaps he will accept me as one of his workers. That would be fine too! At least I will have enough to eat." He kept telling this to himself on his way home.

Seeing that his son had returned, the father ran to embrace, greet and kiss him. He was so happy to see his child home again. He told the servants: "Quickly get some new clothes for my son, and bring him lots of good food and things to drink." The father was busy telling people to get the food, and then he said, "Come! We should celebrate." He told the servants and his family: "We should celebrate the return of my son. My younger son is home!"

Delightfully he prepared a big feast and invited everyone. When the older son came home, he was angry and jealous. He complained to his father: "I've worked for you for so many years, but you have never held a feast for me, nor have you given me any special things. Today you have all the best food and clothes for your rotten son. You also give him the best to drink, and even hold a big feast to celebrate his return. What is this all about?"

The older son angrily pressed for an explanation, so the father then said: "Don't be angry. You know very well that all my property is yours. There is no need to hold a feast for you because everything is already yours! As to why we have to celebrate today, it is because we originally thought that we had lost your brother. Now that he is found again, we have reason to rejoice."

The father had no discrimination. To him, his wealth was not as dear as his son, so he didn't mind spending a lot of money -- letting bygones be bygones. He was very happy to see his younger child come home safely.

So is God. Hes doesn't mind how great we have sinned, as it was all in the past. If we are sincere to repent and to be a good child again, Hes will welcome us Home. This is precisely what I am reminding you of all the time. Therefore, you can rest assured and don't be anxious. Our spiritual practice may be good or bad sometimes. Sometimes we see great Light and hear God's deafening Sound, but sometimes we seem to have nothing. It is because we are veiled by the so-called preconceived ideas, or our pure heart is affected by social influences. Then our guilty feelings will emerge again, and we will think that our sins are too heavy to deserve God's grace and love.

We Always Deserve God's Grace And Love

The truth is we are always worthy. How would God mind how much you have ruined Hiers wealth? Hes is the Creator. Hes can always create a wonderful and vast world or universe. Hes wouldn't mind. As we destroy, Hes creates again, no problem. For instance, we have killed human beings or animals before, or have broken the rules of the world, now we repent sincerely and ask for God's forgiveness. We humbly become Hiers slaves or servants, and meditate everyday.

If we can admit that we are God's children then we don't have to meditate. If we think that we are very worthy, we would be proud of ourselves and wouldn't repent, meditate, or check up on ourselves everyday. However, because we are still humble and are remorseful for our past karma, God will forgive us. We have the same position as those heavenly children who have not offended the precepts, nothing less.

Only because we are not Home yet, so we are still repenting here. When we reach Home and see Father, we are all the same. Hes will give us the best clothes to wear, the best abode in heaven, all the best things to enjoy, and an eternal life just like Hirm. Therefore, you don't have to rush. Prepare for it well while you are here; you can enjoy as soon as you reach Home.

One year, as autumn was drawing to an end, Master and disciples went into the mountains for a break. It was at dusk when we gathered in the bamboo forest, ready to bake chapatis. We started a fire and enjoyed the warmth as well as the sight of it; the atmosphere was loving and sweet.

There were some foreign disciples around Master. They and Master took turns telling jokes. Telling a joke might seem easy, but it did require some talent, especially when speaking in a foreign language, and it amounted to a test of language ability. Whether the speakers knew the trick could be discerned from the stare of those listening was unknown. But if they stared into the space, got lost in contemplation, or just chuckled dryly for a couple of seconds, we knew the joke teller still had a long way to go.

Our "Master of humor," on the other hand, was the Master of Masters in this field. As long as She felt like it, She could have the listeners laugh themselves into tears throughout Her lecture, and She could do that in several different languages. The international retreat was an even more spectacular occasion, where wave after wave of laughter, through the timing of translations, would spread among disciples from many different countries.

That day when Master and disciples were joking and laughing, casually She passed a slice of lemon to a disciple nearby. (Master once told us, baking chapatis with a little lemon juice on the top would make them taste better and help us avoid dehydration through baked foods.) No sooner had he received it, he put it right into his mouth and swallowed it whole, without so much as even peeling it. He then went on with his talk without a frown, as if nothing had happened.

Watching all this on the spot, I could have fallen on my glasses had I not strived to pull myself together. I kept thinking, "Master gave him the lemon to squeeze juice from, why in the world would he swallowed it?" I racked my fossilized brain, trying desperately to make sense of what I had seen, but couldn't figure it out. Finally, God took pity on this idiosyncratic fossil, fearing that it might be a loss to the "stone" circle if I should blow up my brains. Then something occurred to me, which made me broke into laughter: God lets all sentient beings have their own way. If that brother wasn't bothered by the sour taste, why should I care? What a rigid soul I had been! Besides, now I had another use for lemons.

Retrospectively, every time Master gave me an assignment, either one of "national importance" or just to pass a message, I would proceed with perfect awe and discretion. I would not even dare to take one deep breath, for fear that I might spoil God's grand deliverance of sentient beings, which is of life-and-death significance. Master has always been so democratic and amiable. Alas, my solemnity has always got on Her nerves, if not interrupted Her inspiration. Neither has ever been my intention.

On the contrary, some innocent fellow initiates have always been so easy-going but successful in their work with Master. I hope that Master will have more such disciples so She won't have to be exhausted as She often is. Now I know that relaxation does not interfere, but instead goes hand in hand, with concentration. How relaxed and burden-free people can be in the high spiritual worlds!

New "Stone" Documentary The Truth Is ... Follow Your True Nature Between Master And Disciples height="60">
By Hsiao-Yao Once during my visit to see Master, I heard two attendants chatting at the side. One of them said: "No matter how careful I am, Master always discovers my problems anyway..."

I walked hurriedly past them, but this remark made me think. It is true that in front of Master we cannot hide anything. Master often asks us questions or asks us to do something, catching us off guard. This trains us to respond instinctively so that we follow our true nature. This way, we spontaneously form good habits without having to think.

Once Master reminded us that we should greet each other and Her with closed palms since we often appear to be too serious and cold. On one occasion, I was in the back mountain looking for a brother regarding an urgent matter, so I had things on my mind. Suddenly I saw Master's mini golf cart appear in front of me. I greeted Her with my palms held together before I even had time to think. Master nodded and passed by! Before I knew it, She had almost disappeared from sight. I felt fortunate that I hadn't forgotten to be polite.

I'm using this example to explain why Master teaches us that we have to form good habits, and that we have to think good, speak good, do good, and listen to good things during our everyday life. This way, our good responses will come naturally. If not, we will just cling to our stubborn nature, unable to improve. Only by forming good habits can we reach the level of "the Truth is to follow our true nature" as described by Lao-Tzu, and "follow your heart's desire and nothing will go wrong" as spoken by Confucius. >

New "Stone" Documentary The Truth Is ... Follow Your True Nature

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa February 13, 1989 (Originally In Chinese)

To be famous is very easy, but to truly teach people is very difficulty. We have to really know our purpose and what we actually want, not just think about how to be famous. To be famous is too easy! That's why many people, after they've become famous, cannot walk back on the right path; they cannot leave things behind; they're afraid to lose face, even when they already know they have been walking on the wrong path. Being famous is too dangerous! We had better practice silently. When the time is up, the enlightened beings will take us out; then we can come out. Although we are not saying sentient beings, it is all right! Otherwise we are not even saving our own lives!

Following me to practice, you are the first pioneers! Therefore, you have to be disciplined, keep the precepts, and practice with me. You have to leave your own stubborn mind and your unpleasant habits. You and I have to set a good example, then people will believe in us. You should not talk too much. Trying to be a good person is enough! That means your Master teaches you the right method; takes you to walk on the right path.

  Master Tells A Story height="60"> >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
June 3, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

There was a person call Abraham. He and his wife called Sarah lived in the city of Ur. One day, God said to Abraham: "I want you to leave the city of Ur quickly and go to a very far away place. The place is called Canaan. If you follow my instruction, I shall make you the leader of a great country."

Sarah had no children. However, they very much believed in God and therefore did what Hes had instructed. They had a nephew called Lot. They brought along some servants, animals and some possessions and left the city of Ur.To leave their relatives, friends and all the familiar places to go to a very foreign country was very unpleasant to them; they had a hard time and hesitated about leaving. During the migration, they used camels and walked very slowly. The country was very far away. Nevertheless, they finally arrived. There they set up their tents.

From that day onwards, they lived very happily together. However, their herds and flocks - cows and sheep - continued to grow in number. Therefore, their location did not have enough water, and could not provide enough grass for them to eat. Gradually, they started to quarrel - "this land is mine," "that tree is yours," "this lake was mine and that was yours," "my sheep can drink but yours cannot". They started to quarrel for these things.

These people who quarreled were the servants who looked after Abraham's and Lot's animals. Since they quarreled, Abraham and Lot decided to separate. Abraham let his nephew Lot choose first where he wanted to go. He did not want to use his position as an uncle to overpower him and therefore he let him choose first. Lot decided to go down the mountain to the plain because there was a basin in the plain. There was water there as it was close to the Jordan River and it was close to a city called Sodom. Besides, it was very green looking and seemed to have plenty of grass. Since he thought that there was plenty of grass and water for his animals, he then walked away with his flock.

This decision meant that Abraham should stay on the very dry, bare mountain. The grass there did not seemed to be plentiful and the water there also seemed scarce. The basin that Lot was going to looked very abundant and all green. However, Lot's decision was wrong. Although the basin area seemingly looked good, there was something unpleasant which he discovered after he went there. This was that the people living in Sodom were proud, cruel, greedy and lazy. They had a very ferocious character. Very often many horrible things happened in Sodom. However, no one felt ashamed, no one would take care of such matters, and there was no one to protect the weak ones and to punish those wicked ones. However, God was very fair. Hes would not close Hiers eyes to such unfair happenings; Hes would not close Hiers eyes to allow those ferocious people, those who intentionally did wicked things to continue to act freely. Therefore, Hes decided to let the city of Sodom be punished since the people there did not feel ashamed of themselves and had done many evil things.

One day, the weather was very hot and Abraham was resting in his tent. He saw three strangers walking towards his tent. Abraham stood up to greet them; he invited them into his tent to rest and gave them something to eat. Since the visit was not expected, Sarah and the servant hurried to prepare some food. They baked some fresh bread and cooked some fresh food for their guests and also gave them milk and cheese. After eating, the three strange men started to explain why they had come.

At that time, both Abraham and his wife Sarah were old already. However, God gave them very good news. Hes said: "You have longed for a son. He will be born not too long from now." After hearing this, they were very surprised and happy. Although they were already old, but since they believed in God and God would not cheat them, therefore they knew that it was going to happen and so they were very happy. However, those three men also told them something which made them worried: God decided to punish Sodom and destroy it. Since their nephew Lot was living in Sodom they were worried. In Sodom, the only virtuous people were his nephew's family and some servants; all others were not good and God did not forget them.

God sent Hiers messenger to Lot's home and warned him of the coming disaster and told them to flee. However, Lot's family did not want to leave Sodom as they were living very comfortably there. There they had everything - rich in material and there was no lack of grass and water. They had become very rich there and life was very comfortable.

Therefore, they did not want to give up everything to leave. At the last minute, God's messenger had to push them outside the city to a safe place. When they were just outside, there was great fire in the city. They almost did not make it. Before they were far away from the city, the earthquake and fire had already started in the city. Falling from the sky, blowing up from the ground; the wind and fire seemed to come from nowhere and destroyed the city! The air was full of dust.

When it was already so serious, Lot's wife was still not willing to leave quickly. She was still hesitating and slow to move. She stopped to look back and therefore, she was killed. Her husband and two little children were not hurt. But the wife and all the others were killed because they did not listen to God and did not run quickly. They did not think it could be so serious and thought that it might be all right. They were still attached to their possessions, their homes; and consequently, they were all killed. Only Lot and his two daughters ran away safely. God rescued them.

God is the inner Master - called God or Buddha. When God wants to appear to us as a human being, Hes transforms Hirmself to be the inner Master. Otherwise, as God is omnipresent and great, how could we catch Hirm and talk to Hirm. It was the inner Master's instruction and they said it was God's instructions.

There were not too many tests in this story, but there were some. It was actually not a kind of test, God just spoke the truth. But because their mundane minds did not want to listen - thinking that these kinds of things would not happen: "It won't! Nothing will happen!" So their minds were slow to accept and then a lot of disasters occurred. It's all because we do not listen to the instructions from the inner Master.

Sometimes, we depend on our limited brain and ideas and then there are a lot of disasters. It's all created by ourselves. Therefore, Lao Tze said that troubles are made by ourselves. A practitioner, if being looked after by God, being looked after by an inner Master, usually would not have any serious problems. Even sometimes when they do happen, the inner Master would take care of them. It's when we don't listen to Hirm that we cause trouble for ourselves.

Just like in the story - Lot's wife, even when God had already sent people to warn them to leave quickly, she was still attached to their possessions. As a result, the possessions were gone but her life was also gone. When we have life, the human body, we can get back some possessions after a while. But when the body is gone, it's not useful anymore. So, sometimes most of us do not know what is of secondary importance and what is the most important. Just like those sent by God to deliver the warning, they seemed to be illogical. To tell them to leave their family, their relatives and friends, to leave their possessions - all seemed to be illogical to them. It was like asking them to do something bad, something wrong and detrimental to them.

Being attached to our possessions and homes is very common and seems to be very logical. However, it is those who use an urgent tone of voice to push you out who are really helping your life. What use are those who spend time to comfort you, to shake hands with you only to die together? Because Lot's wife was still attached when she left, was still squandering her time and looking back. She still wanted to go back. Those servants who sympathized with her died with her. Those who hastily pushed them out and raised their voices were the real saviors.

Sometimes we find it difficult to distinguish who is good and who is not good. It is because our mundane minds are used to sweet talk and do not use wisdom to judge. Many kings of old were the same. Since they listened to the sweet talk of those bad ministers, their kingdoms collapsed. Those good ministers were usually straight in their talk and very often were not placed in important positions by the king. Being a Master is just the same. Since the talk from others is so different, many do not wish to listen to the Master and relatively few people like the Master.

In USA there was a monk called Yogananda and he was very famous. He said his Master was very direct. He said if his Master was not that direct, his Master would have become the most famous teacher in India and had the most number of disciples. Since his Master did not always talk sweetly, the number of disciples was less.

He wrote in a book that there was a person who practiced the Quan Yin Method and had contact with the inner Master. One day, there was war in India and he ran quickly from the street into another person's home so that he could escape the bombing for a while. However, though the house was very big and not crowded, the family wanted to kick him out and pushed him away. They were very unkind to him and pushed and kicked him out, so he had to leave. He was rather surprised, "Why was it like that? Why was Master not protecting me? I have run for such a long way to find a family and go in to hiding, but I was kicked out." He was complaining all the way on his way out. However, soon after he left, the family received a 'bang!' and everyone inside was all killed by the explosion.

Sometimes we think that some situations are not good for us or are harsh to us. But after a while, we know. It's similar in this story. Those strange people went in to persuade them to leave their possessions, to leave their home and friends, and to leave their many flocks of animals. This seemed not to be good to them. However, it was the only way to save them. What was important was their lives and not their possessions.

Sometimes, we cannot understand how the inner Master works. We think that Hes should be very gentle to us everyday or that everything should be very smooth and good. It's not always like this. Sometimes the situation is not smooth, but after a while it becomes better for us. Therefore, we'd better not ask to have smooth sailing all the time, we should only ask the inner Master to do whatever is good to us. Whether it is smooth or not, it doesn't matter. After a while, it will become smooth. In our daily living, unavoidably we will encounter many difficulties and many situations that are not smooth. We cannot be happy everyday. If we are happy everyday, we won't treasure it. It's really like this.

Just like the story of the 'stupid' and the 'daring' who were living in the Garden of Eden that I told you last week. I called Eve and Adam stupid and daring. Being too ignorant therefore they were stupid. God had given her everything except an apple, yet she was still calculating and wanted to possess it. She stole the only possession left behind for God. That was no good and therefore she can be called stupid. Being too happy and too comfortable everyday, one would not treasure it and subsequently one would do silly things. If there were no lessons from society, no turbulent situations to educate us, we would never learn. In very good circumstances, one just lays there. Then, the spirit could not be strong, the body would not be good, and our disposition would be corrupted. Besides, there would be a very high sense of dependence and no humility. Therefore, no matter whatever difficulties we encounter, don't just think that it is not good.

By Brother Initiate Vencent Singson, Colorado, USA. (Originally In English) >

Several stories of initiates who are involved in incredible automobile accidents and come out of the incident with little or no injuries due to the Master's saving grace always amaze me. Little did I know that I would have my own story to tell to add to the list of miraculous incidents. In fact, there have been many great benefits I have received since initiation.

For example, once I was coming back from vacationing in Taos, New Mexico and was having a wonderful trip on my motorcycle - taking in all the sights and smells of the journey. Interstate 285 was a beautiful ride on the way back home but the last part of the journey was quite rainy and I was getting a little chilled while riding. My hands were getting numb and my boots were filling up with water. I did not want to stop since it was early evening and I wanted to reach home before the sun went down.

On my way past Evergreen, Colorado, I took a mountain curve and was just straightening the motorcycle when I saw a bull elk walk right into my path about 30-40 feet away.

Everything went on automatic from then on. I hit the rear brakes hard and the back wheel started to skid to the left. The motorcycle slipped down on it's right side and I fell off rolling on the ground. My big concern at that point was getting squashed by the cars behind me, but as soon as I stopped rolling, I got on my feet and saw that all the cars had stopped.

A couple of people helped me get my cycle off the road. Fortunately, there was a doctor and a fire chief driving in the cars behind me so they were immediately on the scene. They had me lay down and checked for concussion and treated me for shock. The fire chief had a radio so he dispatched an ambulance immediately. Although I felt that I was fine, the ambulance officers put a neck brace on me and strapped me down to a pallet, then took me to hospital. I really felt comforted by the fact that the help had arrived so fast, almost as if the event was supposed to happen and that Someone had arranged it so that I had all the help available to ensure that it was as painless as possible. The EMT and the doctor at the hospital checked me out and the diagnosis was only minor abrasions on both hands and one leg; also, one bull elk was saved.

My family and friends were relieved that it was not as bad as it could have been. I am convinced that if it were not for Master's protection, the bull elk and I would not have been able to walk away safely from that close encounter.

Thank You, Master, for Your saving grace.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
February 13, 1989 (Originally In Chinese)

We have to train ourselves to be humble and unhampered. Whatever Master teaches, just say okay to it. Whatever She does is Her job. What does it have to do with you? If She doesn't want you to go out, don't. And then see what happens. All we have to do is discipline our inner power, or the egoless power, rather than race against Master to see if She can ever find an excuse for scolding me. Don't you know that a master can scold his disciples for no reason at all? If you don't believe it, be a Master and see if it's true. It's very simple, so don't argue with me that I am wrong or illogical. What logic do we spiritual practitioners need? What can right or wrong mean to us? We make a lot of trouble because we are not free from our egos. As long as we haven't gotten rid of our egos, we still have a long way to go.

If we want to win a gold medal in the Olympics, we can't just stand there saying, "I'm sorry, your honor, but I am not feeling well today. I couldn't hear you very clearly. My leg was killing me." No one would listen to you. The referees and the umpires are not there to argue whether you are justified or have a good reason. They are there to decide who reaches the finish-line first. That's all they want. We have to train ourselves to be someone who wins, not someone who would waste his time arguing.

There is no arguing at that time. No one can be good or bad; nothing can be right or wrong. There is no "because," "so," "but" or "however" either. No one will listen to you at that time because there is no such thing in the Buddha land/Kingdom of God. You can't say, "I am but a short distance from the Buddha land. Let me in. Let me in." There are no words of argument and no competitive atmosphere in the Buddha land as there are in our world.

If we want to become an enlightened being, we have to discard those childish and silly arguments, as well as words like "I can't do this!" I have no idea how much longer you can practice with me. Because we count by the seconds. Only those who get there are the winners. Those who are a little way from it are a long way from it. We are to become enlightened beings and be liberated in one life.

That's why we have to be different from others. We who learn from the master will become masters at long last. We will become the best and perfect beings. We can't keep arguing or making excuses for ourselves.

And don't tell me other Masters or teachers aren't as hard on their disciples as I am on my disciples. They have nothing to do with us. When little kids play games, they are not very particular about the results. The Olympics, nevertheless, is no child's game. They count the seconds. If you win, you win. If you lose, you lose. There is no such thing as "almost".

Any method that is "almost" like the Quan Yin Method is still a far cry from it, and I know where the differences lie. Our Quan Yin Method is a big "ship" taking us to the other shore. If we see anyone in the ocean of suffering, we can pull him up and take him home, all because we're on a big "ship". Other methods just offer a wooden board. People hang on to it and drift in the ocean, but only end up dying a little bit later. That's the difference. It may seem to have saved our lives, only to let us bake in the sun a few more days before we finally drown. It doesn't really mean anything.

Well, sometimes I do think about retiring, because it's very difficult to deliver sentient beings. They are either stubborn or obsessed with their fame. After doing a little work, they feel they are an important person. How can anyone become a master like that? That's why many people practice but very few become masters. If we can't do well on the little things, the enlightened beings will not assign important tasks to us, since we are still working at the human level, not at the selfless one.

By Karin Ebner  (Originally In English) >

All children like fairy tales very much and I was no exception. Even later, when I was so-called grown-up, I sometimes still took refuge in fairy tales to comfort myself and to escape for a while into a world full of fantasy where everything is possible.

Since I came in contact with Master and the Quan Yin Method I began to read and understand those stories in a different way. I found Master's heavenly teachings everywhere. Maybe not at first, but often in between the lines. Therefore, those tales became very inspiring and more meaningful to me, maybe also because I began to see life more as a very funny story, just like a fairy tale.

I would like to introduce some German fairy tales from the brothers Grimm.

There was once a widow, who had two daughters. One was her stepdaughter, who was beautiful and industrious, and the other one, her own daughter, was ugly and lazy. She behaved most kindly to her own daughter; and made the other do all the hard work like a kitchen maid. So the poor maiden was forced out everyday onto the main road to sit by a well and spin so much that her fingers bled.

Once it happened that the spindle became drenched with her blood, so kneeling down by the well she tried to wash it, but unhappily it fell out of her hands and into the water. She ran crying to her dear stepmother and told her of the misfortune. However the stepmother berated her, and behaved very cruelly, saying, "Since you have let your spindle fall in, you must fetch it out again!"

So the maiden went back to the well, not knowing what to do. In her distressed state of mind, she jumped into the well to fetch the spindle. As she fell she lost all consciousness, and when she came to she found herself in a beautiful meadow, where the sun was shining and many thousands of flowers were blooming around her.

She got up and walked until she came to a baker's shop, where the oven was full of bread. The bread cried out, "Take me out, take me out, or I shall be burnt. I have been baked long enough." So she went up, and taking the bread shovel, took out one loaf after another.

Then she walked on further, and came to an apple tree, whose fruit hung very thick, and which exclaimed, "Shake us, shake us. We apples are all ripe!" So she shook the tree till the apples fell down like rain; and when none were left on the branches, she gathered them all together in a heap, and went on further.

Finally, she came to a cottage, out of which a woman was peeping. The woman had such large teeth that the maiden was frightened and ran away. The old woman, however, called her back, saying, "What are you frightened of my child? Stop a while here with me. If you will put all things in order in my house, then all shall go well with you. Only you must take care that you make my bed well and shake the covers vigorously so that the feathers fly; then it will snow upon the earth. I am Old Mother Frost."

Since the old woman spoke kindly, the maiden took courage, and consented to engage in her service. Now everything made her feel very contented, and she always shook the covers so industriously that the feathers blew down like flakes of snow. Therefore her life was a happy one and there were no evil words, and she had enough to eat everyday.

For some time she remained with the old woman; but, all at once, she became very sad and did not know what was the matter. At last she found that she was homesick and, although she fared a thousand times better than when she was at home, still she longed to return. So she told her mistress, "I wish to go home and if it does not go so well with me back home as here, I will return."

The mistress replied, "All right. Since you have served me so well, if you wish to return I will take you up again myself." So she took her by the hand and led her before a great door which she unlocked; and when the maiden was just beneath it a great shower of gold fell. Much of the gold stuck to her, so that she was covered all over with gold. "That you must have for your industry," the old woman said giving her the spindle which had fallen into the well. Thereupon the door was closed, and the maiden found herself upon the earth, not far from her stepmother's house.

As she came into the court, the cock sat upon the house, and called:

"Cock-a-doodle-doo!

Our golden maid has come home again."

Then she went in to her stepmother and because she was so covered with gold, she was well received. The maiden related all that had happened; and when the stepmother heard how she had come by these great riches, she wished her own ugly, lazy daughter to try to do the same.

So her daughter was forced to sit down by the well and spin; and in order that her spindle might become bloody, she pricked her finger by pushing a thorn into it. Then after throwing the spindle into the well, her daughter jumped in after it. Then like her stepsister, she came upon the beautiful meadow, and traveled along the same path. When she arrived at the baker's shop, the bread called out, "Take me out, take me out, or I shall be burnt. I have been baked long enough."

But she answered, "I have no wish to make myself dirty for you," and so she went on.

Soon she came to the apple tree, which called out, "Shake me, shake me. My apples are all quite ripe." But she answered, "You will do well to come to me. Perhaps one will fall on my head," and so she went on further. When she came to Old Mother Frost's house she was not afraid of the teeth, for she had been warned; and so she engaged herself to work for her. The first day she set to work in earnest, was very industrious, and obeyed her mistress in all she said to her, for she thought about the gold which she would present to her.

On the second day however, she began to become idle. On the third still more so; and then she would not get up in the mornings. She did not make the beds, as she was supposed to, and the feathers did not fly. So the old woman got tired and dismissed her from her service. This pleased the lazy daughter very much, for she thought, "Now the gold shower will come."

Her mistress led her to the door; but when she was beneath it, instead of gold a tub full of pitch was poured down upon her. "That is the reward of your service," said Old Mother Frost, and shut the door.

Then lazy-bones came home, but she was totally covered with pitch; and when the cock upon the house saw her, he cried:

"Cock-a-doodle-doo!

Our dirty maid has come home again." And the pitch stuck to her; and as long as she lived it never came off.

This story teaches us, like Master has said, that as long as our intentions are pure, the outcome of our actions will be pure too. And when we are pure, we will always get help when we need it.

For me, Old Mother Frost who helped the girl in despair is one of the heavenly beings. Because the girl's heart was pure, she was humble and ready to help, she was finally rewarded in abundance. It seemed to be gold that rained from heaven; but for me, it was also the girl's inner beauty that was reflected outside and protected her, so that even her evil mother could not help treating her nicely after she had returned home. Maybe her stepmother and stepsister only saw the material gold and did not know the true meaning of the treasure her daughter brought home. So her mother wanted the same for her own daughter thinking the outcome would be the same. But her own daughter's intentions were focused on the reward only and she was not at all ready to truly serve others. As we cannot cheat heaven, she could not stay long and got what she really deserved. Her ugly reward was just the reflection of her state of mind.

Similarly, Master has told us to be always careful about what we think, speak and do. We cannot really hide anything. Even if we can cheat other people for a while, at least some of the heavenly beings know our inside and finally we will get our reward.

THE TAILOR IN HEAVEN

One beautiful day God wanted to take a walk in the celestial garden and took all the apostles and saints with Him, so there was no one left in heaven except St. Peter. God commanded him not to let anyone in during His absence. Therefore Peter stood guard at the gate. After a while someone knocked. "Who's there?" Peter asked.

"A poor honest tailor," answered a thin voice.

"And what do you want?"

"Please, may I come in" he said.

"Honest indeed," retorted St. Peter, "about as honest as a thief on the gallows. You stole like a magpie, cut and cheated on customer's cloth anyway you could. You won't come to heaven. God forbade me to let anyone in until He returns."

"Be merciful," cried the tailor, "small patches that fell on the ground, that's not stealing and not worth writing about. Look, I'm limping, my legs are covered with blisters, don't send me back. Let me in, I'll do every kind of work: look after the children, wash nappies, wash and clean the benches on which they play, mend their torn clothes."

St. Peter was filled with compassion and opened the celestial gate wide enough so that the wasted body of the lame tailor could just slip in. He had to sit in the corner behind the door and St. Peter told him to be quiet and not draw attention to himself so that when God returned, He would not notice him and get angry.

The tailor obeyed, but when St. Peter went out of the gate for a moment, he got up and began to rummage about inquisitively in every nook and cranny. Finally he reached a place where there stood many beautiful, exquisite chairs and in the middle of them was a completely golden armchair set with glittering jewels. It was also much higher than the other chairs and placed before it was a golden footstool. God would sit in this armchair when at home, and from it He could see everything that was happening on earth.

The tailor held his breath, stood dumbfounded; but finally he could not resist his curiosity. He went up, and sat in the chair. Everything that was happening on earth was before him like on the palm of his hand. He even noticed an ugly old woman who was washing linen and clothes at a brook secretly place two veils to one side for herself. On seeing this, the tailor got so enraged that he caught hold of the footstool and flung it through the celestial clouds down onto the thieving old woman. But because he could not return the footstool, he stole away quietly from the armchair, sat down again in his place behind the door, and pretended that nothing had happened.

When God returned with His celestial entourage, He didn't notice the tailor behind the door, but as soon as He sat on His armchair, He noticed His footstool was missing.

"Peter, where is my footstool?" Peter did not know. "Did you let anyone in?"

"I don't know about anyone except the lame tailor who is still sitting behind the door."

God called the tailor before Him. "Did you take my footstool? Where did you put it?" He asked.

"Oh, God," replied the master tailor joyfully, expecting to be praised, "I threw it in anger at an old washerwoman on earth, because I saw how she was stealing two veils."

"Ah, you rogue," said God, "If I were to judge everyone like you, then what do you think would happen? How would things turn out for you? I would not have a single chair, bench stool, not even a poker, as I would have flung everything out at the heads of sinners. As of this moment, you can no longer stay here. You have to leave and find out, what is to become of you. For no one shall pass judgment here except I, God."

St. Peter had to lead the tailor out of the gate and because the tailor had worn soles and therefore blistered feet, he took hold of a stick and headed off for Waitingville where devout soldiers sit with empty jugs, and happily while away the time.

For me this story is teaching us that we should not judge others so quickly, because we tend to criticize exactly those weaknesses of others we ourselves have. Also, sometimes things look different after we have observed them for a while. The bad person turns out to be just a victim herself - a victim of bad circumstances perhaps, like the old washerwoman in the story. Maybe she was very poor and she just stole the two veils because she was desperate and had no other way to help herself.

Therefore this story reminds us, that before we criticize, condemn, or even want to punish someone, we should look at ourselves first observe the situation carefully, and not jump on anyone whose actions we dislike. Mostly we are not qualified to judge anyone.

Master has said that, we should not criticize others but learn to be better ourselves, and be a good example for others. This will be the best way to change other people as they will be influenced by us in a positive way.

The tailor was obviously not qualified for heaven as he was missing some of the heavenly qualities like truthfulness towards others and oneself, forgiveness, patience, etcetera. So even though St. Peter felt compassion for him and let him in, he could not stay long, as he could not behave. So he had to go and perhaps learn outside how to be better.

Its like when we practice. We can only stay in higher levels of consciousness for a long time when we are pure enough. Otherwise, even when we beg for mercy and we are pulled up by God's grace, we cannot stay there because having too many unheavenly qualities we drag ourselves down. So we have to be patient and change ourselves first; then we can stay in the higher realms without any problem.

Narrated By Brother Initiate Wu Kwok Fung
Recorded By Si Chai,
The Supreme Master Ching Hai News
Written In English By Alistaire Conwell, Australia >

Brother Wu has been a computer fanatic since graduating from the university. However, his small, but profitable, software company that he established with a friend made great demands on him both physically and mentally. The varied services his company provided to his customers often meant he had to forgo his daily meditation. The exhausting pace of life was too much for him to maintain, so one day he asked himself, "Do I need to live like this?" The solution to close his business was not easily made, however, he believed it was the correct one.

Coincidentally, when brother Wu turned his back on the computer industry, his entrepreneurial wife decided to invest in a street-vending cart that she purchased from a neighbor. His immediate reaction was one of shock because he considered street-vending a menial form of work and therefore a lowering of his and his family's social status. Fortunately, Quan Yin meditation ( which he now has more time for since selling his computer business ) was a fundamental factor in brother Wu swallowing his enormous pride. Although he still discovered this was even more painful than closing his computer business!

There were times when he had to sell food in the rain, and on one occasion he was completely soaked when all the water that had accumulated in the cart's plastic covering fell onto him. The brother Wu of old would have immediately lost his temper, but remarkably, on this occasion, he simply looked at his wife and they both broke into uncontrollable laughter like little children. There were even times when he came face to face with his former computer colleagues, who would, no doubt, have been quite surprised to see him selling food on the side of the street. Yet despite all these difficulties, brother Wu slowly overcame all his preconceived ideas about himself.

Having totally accepted his new career as a street vendor, brother Wu discovered he still had some "computer karma" to resolve because he was persistently invited to return to be a teacher in the computer industry by his former colleagues. Finally, he agreed to return, but not before he learnt some valuable lessons about being attached to one's career and image of oneself. Had he not learnt these lessons he would never have enjoyed his time as a street vendor.

Important lessons about the ego were also learnt by brother Wu whenever he worked at any of the meditation Centers. He realized that it was only when he genuinely let go of his preconceived ideas could he truly be receptive to the Master Power. He now understands that it is much easier to say one has complete faith in Master than to actually put that faith into action. Whenever he put his faith into action by being totally concentrated on the job, brother Wu discovered he could work for a much longer time. Conversely, whenever he made an excuse to interrupt his work, for example to meditate, or to be lazy, or to even do unnecessary planning, the work never went smoothly.

One lesson that Brother Wu shall never forget was when he won a lucrative contract with a software investment company. The work began smoothly and everything went according to schedule. However, halfway into the work, when the end was in sight, he began boasting about the deal to all his friends. Soon after, the investment company collapsed ! The wisdom of Master's words became all too apparent to him. How much more proof does one need as to the ephemeral nature of this world?

Fortunately, brother Wu didn't lose any money, but instead he gained yet another important lesson in life. Having changed career's twice, brother Wu believes Master ensures that the opportunity to learn is always there for us so we can slowly untie the "chains" of conditioning that most of us are bound by. He now knows our spiritual progress depends upon welcoming these learning opportunities so that we can courageously accept whatever situation we find ourselves in.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Sydney, Australia
March 17, 1993 (Originally In English)
>

 Q: Do You believe that the supreme Messiah of the universe -Jesus, the only begotten Son of God - said, "I am the way, the Truth of life. No man cometh to the Father but by me"; that no one can enter heaven, God's home, except by Jesus?

M: Yes, it's true. Every master said that. "Jesus" is the name of His body, "Christ" is His title. Every master should have this Christ power. Therefore, in a sense, Jesus never died. Jesus works through all the masters through all the centuries, through all the ages, to liberate and enlighten us. But the ignorant were still left behind. Jesus alone cannot enlighten us if He's gone. Of course He can, He can in some degree; but we are human, we can't get in touch with Him when He is in a higher sphere. Therefore, a physical master is necessary. But the Christ Power works through any physical master who is destined or posted to beat that time. Therefore, when Jesus said He was the only way and the only one, He spoke the absolute truth. But so does any master when the master is alive.

I know it's trouble clinging to the Bible. Same with many of the Buddhists. The Bible and the scriptures are excellent - excellent evidence of the past masters, but also excellent stumbling blocks for our intellectual attachment. I know it's very difficult. I only can wish you the best, and I can only be patient to wait until the time comes when you understand. The Bible is only a record of a super master who has graced our Earth, but what about those before Jesus and after Jesus? Those after Jesus probably would say: "Okay, we hear His name and we'll get redeemed." But how about the billion, trillion years before Jesus, there was no one to rescue them or what? The Father is so merciless just to send only one Son and only one time? Could Hes be so stingy, you think?

If Jesus really redeemed all of us, can you truly answer me why we are still ignorant? Many things we don't know, heaven we can't contact. Some people can. They prayed deeply and sincerely to Jesus; probably He'd appear to them and teach some of them, but very few. He didn't appear to all of us; but to our disciples He would, because we know how to contact Him. We can ascend to His level and get His teachings directly.

I'm not teaching anything different. If you would like to see Jesus and God, I just help you. If you would like to see the Buddha, I'll help you; only if you believe it, instead of clinging to the stories of the past great masters, most of which we do not understand.

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Suma Ching Hai has spoken to us many times about the book "Embraced By The Light" by Betty J. Eadie, commenting that this book was written for spiritual practitioners, to prove that everything She says is true. In this book, a mother of eight talks to us about her near-death experience and what she learned and saw on the other side of life. As I was devouring the book, I exclaimed joyfully: "My God, this book is so good! This book is so true! This book is so great! All that Supreme Master Ching Hai says is really true!" This book had the power to fill me with joy, love, understanding and acceptance of my life.

We should not judge ourselves as long as we do not have the knowledge to understand the true meaning of things. Nor should we make comparisons between ourselves and others, because we have chosen our own talents and weaknesses as tools for spiritual growth. We are unique and just perfect the way we are. We came here to learn how to love one another and to go back to the unconditional love of God. Here are some excerpts from the book when Betty, the author and main character, was shown the spirits/souls in heaven selecting bodies to achieve spiritual growth on Earth.

"After watching the spirits trying to corral these two young people together, my attention turned to other spirits making preparations to go to Earth. One exceptionally brilliant and dynamic spirit was just entering his mother's womb. He had chosen to enter this world mentally handicapped. He was very excited about this opportunity and was aware of the growth he and his parents would achieve. The three of them had bonded with each other and planned for this arrangement long before. He chose to begin his mortal life at his body's conception, and I watched his spirit move into the womb and enter the newly formed life. He was anxious to feel the great love of his mortal parents."

"Abortion, I was told, is contrary to that which is natural. The spirit coming into the body feels a sense of rejection and sorrow. It knows that the body was to be his, whether it was conceived out of wedlock or was handicapped or was only strong enough to live a few hours. But the spirit also feels compassion for its mother, knowing that she made a decision based on the knowledge she had."

"I saw the unconditional love of God, beyond any earthly love, radiating from Him to all His children. I saw the angels standing near us, waiting to assist us, rejoicing in our accomplishments and joys. But above all, I saw Christ, the Creator and Savior of the Earth, my friend, and the closest friend any of us can have. I seemed to melt with joy as I was held in His arms and comforted - Home at last. I would give all in my power, all that I ever was, to be filled with that love again, to be embraced in the arms of His eternal light."

If only Betty Eadie practiced the Quan Yin Method, she could experience this unconditional love again, even before dying!

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Narrated By Yang Fan Yi, Reported by Shi Mei Wei.>

Buildings in modern cities are mainly constructed of concrete reinforced by steel bars. The metal bars, being electrical conductors, are sensitive to the complex magnetic field of the Earth. Therefore, they can affect human beings with respect to their blood and energy circulation, and brain waves. This negative effect on people makes them feel tired, agitated, excited, easily angered and depressed.

Take a modern office for example. It is furnished with a great deal of equipment like computers, telephones, copiers and fax machines, which contain a lot of metal. Therefore, getting in touch with nature more when we have time can help balance our bodies and minds. When purchasing office equipment, it is best to use natural materials. For instance, try to use wood for office furniture and partitions.

Besides, our personal living space should always be well away from big electric appliances like refrigerators, air-conditioners, transformers and generators. The workplace of a company's executive officers should also be far away from such apparatus, to avoid being affected by electromagnetic interference, which can affect their business decisions.

Furthermore, we should keep at least 100 meters away from high voltage cables. The magnetic interference generated by them can be detrimental to the human body and cause illnesses. Relevant departments in the country are researching further in this field. We hope the authorities in charge of electrical power system designs will pay greater attention when erecting high voltage cables to avoid harming residents.

<A JOKE>

We were warned, "It's better to stay far away from large electrical appliances."

All the members of the News Group asked simultaneously,
"Then what should we do? We work with computers everyday."

With joy in his heart, a fellow brother said,
"Don't worry! Our radiation is stronger than the computers'!".

So it's the computers which needs to protect themselves, not us!

 >

Love In Action

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Trip To
Northern Thailand
 
By Wu, Peiyuan from Bangkok News Group

A collection of photos in this activity

It's very cold in the mountain areas of Northern Thailand. Almost every winter there are people who die of the cold. As soon as Supreme Master Ching Hai heard about this. She sent the necessary sum of money and instructed the Thai disciples from local areas to prepare blankets, warm clothes, as well as rice, medicine, children's clothes and stockings, and to deliver them at the beginning of December. The local government was very touched when they learned that our group cared so much about the local people's needs. They willingly offered to make arrangements and notify the villagers to gather in one place to receive the rescued items.

December 5th happened to be the King of Thailand's birthday. The villagers, young and old, gathered at the square. The county governor of Maechaem started with an introduction of our group: "We are very thankful and touched that Supreme Master Ching Hai came to help our brothers and sisters." He then respectfully requested Supreme Master Ching Hai to speak. She said humbly that it was our great honor to have the opportunity to serve the people.

She commented that it was us who should be thankful for the opportunity to share Buddha's blessings, and for the King's reign of wisdom and love. Sincerely, She also wished for the King's longevity and Thailand's prosperity. Then, along with Supreme Master Ching Hai and fellow practitioners, the county governor and local staff distributed all the needed items to the villagers.

The second stop was Omkoi county. Because we didn't have enough children's clothes and the sizes didn't fit, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately sent fellow practitioners to make purchases from the local stores, giving them to the children who hadn't received theirs. Facing this oversight, She took the opportunity to point out to everyone that we should be thoughtful of others anywhere and at anytime. Supreme Master Ching Hai said: "As kids, we often hope to have new clothes to wear. If we got one but it was too big or too small, wouldn't we feel sad?" She reminded the staff that they were not careful enough. As everyone waved good-bye, we examined ourselves inside. After returning to the center, we had a meeting to discuss what had happened and sincerely offered ways of improvement, so we could be more efficient the next time. We stayed up all night to sort and count and package the clothes. Then in the morning, we delivered them all to other villages.

There were five places: Fang County, Maekha, Chiangdao, Mae Taeng and Sa Moeung.

When Supreme Master Ching Hai arrived, the local government officials came forward to greet us. They also introduced us as a group that keeps five precepts, maintains a vegetarian diet and practices the Quan Yin Method of meditation. Everyone expressed their sincere gratitude to our loving visit. She lovingly told the villagers that since it happened to be the King's birthday, our action was to express our gratitude to his wise care of his people. She also wished the King a long life, his country prosperity, and his people strength. "Lucky money" in envelopes was also present by Master to the elderly, the sick, women with children and those with special needs, for them to buy some nutritious foods and milk powder for the children and tonic medicine for elderly. (Master prepared these extra cash Herself for the most needy and poorest among the poor.)

Thank to Supreme Master Ching Hai's reminder yesterday, fellow practitioners discovered that that morning's trip went much smoother. She personally gave out candies and clothes to the children. They thanked Her with the innocence and happiness of children. With smiles on their faces, they rushed home with their gifts. Maybe they couldn't wait to tell their parents their wonderful experiences! When Supreme Master Ching Hai was about to leave, the county governor offered a big box of oranges to thank Her and everyone. (Master distributed them all to the poor villagers around Her.)

Supreme Master Ching Hai did not overlook the local staff and gifts were also given to them. The local clinics were provided with long-needed medicine and fellow practitioners were instructed to give the surplus clothes to orphanages and nursing homes.

We could now take a break from the two-day project; time to relax! Supreme Master Ching Hai understood our minds. She instructed the working staff to prepare a BBQ to be held in a place with beautiful scenery. Sweet potatoes, corn and Thai style salad were waiting for both Supreme Master Ching Hai and fellow practitioners to enjoy. During the BBQ, She old us the secret of success: Be attentive while working; because there is so much work, we need to shorten the work time so we can accomplish more.

The Thai fellow practitioners felt fortunate to have had the chance to work with Supreme Master Ching Hai and witness Her working spirit in action. We were very touched by Her love and care for all sentient beings at every moment. We earnestly encourage each other to be more diligent in our spiritual practice so we could have more strength to serve sentient being and be good instruments of God.

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Trip To Northern Thailand   Consider Those Truly In Need!  Supreme Master Ching Hai's Love For The Poor And The Homeless

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Love In Action

Consider Those Truly In Need!

Recorded By Relief Work Team In Bangkok, Thailand

Master's Loving Advice

While we were busy packing medicine and clothing, Master suddenly arrived. She felt something was wrong and so asked us, "How do you know which sizes are for children when you are packing all the sweaters together? How are you going to distribute them?" Everyone was dumbfounded. "You have sweaters for children or not?" Master asked.

At that moment some answered, "No!"

She continued inquiring: "Who ordered all these things?"

Then one sister answered, "A Quan Yin messenger."

"Why did my staff have to do the work? Don't you Thai people know how to do it by yourself? Didn't you see there was nothing for children? I gave you over a million Baht as you requested; not even one penny less and look at what you've bought. Nothing for children! So what will the children wear? You want all the children to die of the cold or what? Did you think there weren't any children at all, only adults? All of you really have no love for children. You don't care whether they die of the cold or not!

"Why do you meditate, keep a vegetarian diet, and follow the precepts? It's just for show! All you do is criticize, gossip about other people -- even Master. If you think you are better than me, why don't you come out and do something better than others and me? Why hide yourself at home holding your wife or husband. Some persons in Bangkok resigned. Maybe they think it's more important to stay home holding their wife and husband; and to even criticize me. Why do I have to do all these things? They are your people; nothing to do with me at all. You just don't care for your own people. I have to read the newspapers to see what's going on, where the poverty is, and tell you what to do. Even then you have no love for the children."

THE BREAKDOWN OF Supreme Master Ching Hai'S ASSISTANCE TO NORTH THAI  
(Thai Baht)

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Contribution To The Poor, Orphans, Handicapped, The Old and Charitable Organizations in Formosa
November, 1996

Appendix

December 1996

<Appendix>

Detailed Descriptions Of Contributions To Formosa From Supreme Master Ching Hai In The Past Years

    Although Formosa is financially well off, Supreme Master Ching Hai still instructed fellow initiates to seek out those in need-- the homeless and poor families left out of the social welfare system--to help them directly or indirectly through charity organizations. She sell Her own works of art such as paintings, lamps, self-designed jewelry, clothes, etcetera to create a charity fund. Contributions have always been done silently. Upon the request from the public, we now publish the breakdown of these contributions. Aside from the regular printing and distribution of the sample booklets and magazines to spread the Truth, She also held meditation retreats in Formosa to pray for world peace and that of Formosa.¡]Refer to News #36¡B#40¡B#48¡B#50¡B#54¡B#57¡^

Events In Brief  Contribution
Amt. (NT$)

Remarks Contributions to impoverished families, people & organizations in urgent need throughout Formosa before 1994 9,523,332.00 Refer to News #31 for detail reports and receipts 1994     1.Environmental concerns: contributed ten garbage trucks to Pintong City Government 2,200,000.00 Refer to News #33 2.Visited and assited needy families on a regular basis and during the holidays, locations included: Miaoli, Douliu, Jilong, Taoyuan, Zhongli, Taizhong, Zhanghua, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Taidong    806,000.00 Refer to News #32 & 40 3.Hosted activities entitled "Love in the World": a. Visited the homeless, poor and disabled people in Taipei and Tainan b. Organized a vegetarian garden party to provide free meals to the poor. Money, winter clothes, and free medical services.
Volunteered service by the Supreme Master Ching Hai Int'l Assoc.   Refer to News #32 & 41 4.Assisted the government in environmental protection activities: picking up garbage, cleaning up the environment and act as caretakers of Chunghua Park in Taipei and city way #l19 and Chingkuo Raod in Miaoli. Cleaned scenic areas, public restrooms, reservoirs, and mountains area in Taoyuan, Nantou, Hsinchu, Taitong, Penhu, and Taipei (including Banqiao, Sanzhong and Waishuanxi). Volunteered service by the Supreme Master Ching Hai Int'l Assoc. Refer to News #32, 37, 38 and 41 5.Along with the local courts and Guardians Society in Hualien, Supreme Master Ching Hai Int'l Assoc. sponsored the "Purifying the Society" demonstration and prisoner-tutoring activities. Organized and hosted an antidrug, anti-pornography, and anti-violanece demonstration and conference.
Volunteered service by the Supreme Master Ching Hai Int'l Assoc. Refer to News #32,40 & 41 6.Cooperated with the World Culture Communication Association and International Federation for Human Rights in holding the International Human Rights Conference and publixhed the International Human Rights Proclamation to help the Au Lac refugees and reemphasized the spirit of world justice and humanity. Volunteered service by Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Refer to News #36 7.Set up vegetarian houses to advocate vegetarianism. Volunteered service by Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Refer to News #36 & 39 8.Truth spreading tour in forms of preaching vehicles and showing lecture tapes on cable television. Volunteered service by Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Refer to News #40 1995     1¡DSending Warmth in winter: contribution throughout Formosa. Items included rice, oil, cotton quilts, clothes, milk powder, foods and home electronics. 3,579,200.00 Refer to News #43 2¡DMonthly visits to poor families in Formosa. Distribution of assistance and holiday gifts in Taipei, Jilong, Taoyuan, Zhongli, Ilan, Hsihu, Taizhong, Kaohsiung, Taidong. Total of 12 items at each area.    507,310.00 Refer to News #44, 45 & 48 3¡DVisited paralyzed senior citizens in the Veterans Home in Hualien and distributed foods and house electronics. Volunteered service from Supreme Master Ching Hai Int'l Assoc., Hualien Center. Refer to News #45 4¡DOrganized medical groups to provide free medical visits to Wuhu primary school in Miaoli and Zhongli.  Volunteered service by fellow practitioners in Formosa. Refer to News #47 5¡DContinued environmental protection and caretaking activities: caretakers of Zhongzhen park in Penhu; cleaning streets in Taoyuan, scenery areas in Fuxing County, Taoyuan and the terrestrial scenic areas in Qingshui, Tatong County, Ilan, roads in the town of Taiping in Taizhong, the Temple of Confucius in Hsinchu, the holiday flower market, Hongmao port of the Qijing beach in Kaohsiung, Sheding Park in Kending, Naping Beach in Pingtong. Volunteered service by fellow practitioners throughout Formosa. Refer to News #46, 50 & 53 6¡EOrganized loving care and Truth spreading activities in prisons: two lectures in Taipei prison; six in Kaohsiung jail; one in the jail, one in minimum security prison and one in detaining house in Tainan; two in Taoyuan prison, one in jail, one in the minimum security prison and one in the aged people's home in Hualien; one in Ludao and one in minimum security prison in Taidong; two in Jiayi prison; one in the juvenile prison in Hsinchu. Total of twenty-one lectures. Volunteered service from the Supreme Master Ching Hai Int'l Assoc. Refer to News #48, 50 & 53 7¡ESupported Road construction in Hsihukou in Miaoli.   467,000.00 Refer to News #48 8¡EParticipated in the road cleaning activities.     80,000.00 Refer to News #50
1996     1¡DMonthly visits to the poor, orphans and senior citizenx. Made contributions and holiday gifts on a regular basis to areas including Jilong, Taoyuan, Zhongli, Hsihu, Taizhong, Ilan, Kaohsiung and Taidong.   383,600.00 Refer to News #56, 57 & 58 2¡DVisited the Family Help Center in Hualien and God's Love Orphanage, providing cotton quilts, winter clothes and foods.     44,000.00 (Hualien Center) Refer to News #58 3¡DVisited Sanxia Foreigners' Home and provided daily supplies, clothes and foods       13,612.00 (Taipei Center) Refer to News #70 4¡DPeaceful meditation at the Dr. Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall to pray for peace between both sides of the Strait.     73,091.00 Refer to News #58 & 59 5¡DLecture in prisons around Formosa and at Tainan Awakening Society: five in Taliao prison in Kaohsiung; five in the juvenile detention center in Yanchao; one in Yanchao detaining prison; one in Sanshan minimum security prison in Tainan; six in Tainan detention center; one in Tainan prison; and five in Tainan Awakening Society. Volunteered service by all Centers. Refer to News #56 6¡D"Sending warmth in winter" activities throughout Formosa.      633,177.00 Refer to News #59 7¡DAssisted charity organizations in Formosa: Hengan Elderly Home in Taipei, Sen Yin Charitable Society in Kaohsiung, the Living Buddha Charitable Merit Society in Kaohsiung, the Volunteer Workers Society in Kaohsiung, You An School for the Disabled in Miaoli, and the Family Center in Miaoli.
   184,761.00 Refer to News #59 8¡DOrganized a medical team to provide free medical services in Chientai High School in Miaoli. Volunteered service by fellow practitioners in the medical field. Refer to News #55

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Love
For The Poor And The Homeless

Everything started when we first received Master's instructions to organize a charity sale of Her personal belongings: Clothing, shoes, ornaments, etcetera. All the income from the sale was to be used to help the orphans and the poor in Formosa. Fellow initiates have always treasured all the things that Master has used and have always longed to have them. In addition, with an understanding of Master's care and love for the less fortunate, as soon as they heard about the sale for charity, all the fellow initiates came and all felt honored to assist with this big event. As of now, NT$30,772,485 (1,118,999 USD) has been raised. As well,the relief fund in Formosa currently amounts to NT$21,112,336(767,721 USD). Please refer to the appendix for details. (detail ledger)

Not long ago, the Au Lac refugees in Palawan, the Philippines were been benevolently accepted by the Philippines government. These refugees who have just regained their freedom received a contribution of fifty thousand USD from Master. This contribution will help them with their medical expenses and the rebuilding of their homes. (Receipts will be provided in the next issue.) Recently, an amount of three hundred thousand USD was contributed to mainland China to address the urgent need created by the severe hunger and cold resulting from the flood in Hunan Province. Detailed information on the contribution will follow. So far, the cash surplus is 1,278 USD. This will be used as required to help the poor and orphans in Formosa and all over the world, based on Master's instructions.

Activities in other areas    

Private Xin Yi Children's Home

Lending A Helping Hand

By Chiayi News Group, Formosa

As Formosa was hit by one cold front after another, the needs of the less fortunate because more and more evident. Wanting the help, Supreme Master Ching Hai sold Her personal belongings at a charity sale to raise funds for children of impoverished families as well as orphanages and homes for the elderly in Formosa. Fellow practitioners in Yunlin and Chiayi in central Formosa decided to work together on this mission of love.

First, the Yunlin relief team offered aid to thirteen families on a list provided by the local family welfare center. With the recommendations of the welfare center, each family received the type of assistance appropriate to their situation.

Chih Hung Disabled Children's Home

When the Chiayi center learnt that Nanhua Home desperately needed funding, fellow practitioners immediately paid a visit to the home, bringing with them gifts of fruit and money. This home was established to provide exclusive care to the seriously mentally disabled who no longer had control over the basic functions of the body. Some of the patients suffered from a number of disabilities. There were two brothers who were nine, but both lay in their strollers, their eyes appearing normal but were in fact unable to see. Their limbs were already showing signs of atrophy. Another patient was a five-year-old mentally handicapped boy, a victim of osteomalacia, who could neither sit nor stand.

Some of these patients had come from police stations because they were lost and didn't know their names or where their homes were. Most came from poor families. Nanhua Home is responsible for most of its own funding. Its staff has to raise funds while having to devote much time and patience to care for these patients.

From Nanhua Home, we headed for the Hsinyi Orphanage in Hsiluo. It was, as its name suggests, an orphanage as well as a day-care center for mentally handicapped children, established under government guidelines.

The director and staff of the orphanage were very open-minded, feeling that everyone should be tolerant toward each other and work hand in hand to create a harmonious society. As we bid them farewell, they asked us to visit them again.

Jiayi Prefecture Sacred Heart Children's Home

Our next destination was the Sacred Heart Home in Tungshih Rural Township. This home was founded by the Catholic church and now provides care for over a hundred seriously mentally handicapped children. To ensure that each child is well cared for, each staff member is responsible for only four children at a time.

A Filipino nun told us that the home was built entirely on government funding. Part of the living expenses for the children from low-income families is funded by the government as well. The home is responsible for all other expenses. However, an economic slowdown at the present time has seen a decrease in donations and more help will have to come from society if more patients are to be accommodated.

These devoted workers have demonstrated the Christian spirit of indiscriminate love. It is this selfless love that has inspired them to care for the children irrespective of creed and financial status.

The next day, we set out for the Ji Mei Benevolent Home, a home for the elderly in the urban area. When we arrived, we were greeted by its director and entire staff. The previous year, we had organized a party for the elderly here and the event turned out to be a success. Inviting us to hold another party this year, the director commented that our love and enthusiasm for public service is commendable.

After we had presented a gift of money to the Home, we visited Ms. Tseng, a single parent. Her husband had died, leaving behind his old parents, young children and a wife who was forced to become the breadwinner of the household. This was only the first of dozens of single-parent families that were visited. 

Taitung Christian Church An-Ni-Sa-Fu

A Journey On Lessons Of Love

In this last month of the year that is filled with warmth and hope, Taitung fellow practitioners responded to Master's reminder of "love and aid for the poor" by visiting three nursing homes in their county and presenting gifts of money to them.

The first was the Catholic Holy Cross Nursing Home in Kuanshan Town. Since its establishment in 1963, the home has cared for senior citizens who are seriously handicapped, paralyzed by stroke, or victims of Alzheimer's disease.

The second one was the Catholic Savior Children's Home in Shangwu Village, Tawu Rural Township. Since its establishment in May 1975, this nursing home has cared for the handicapped, the seriously mentally disabled, as well as young patients suffering from cerebral paralysis.

The third was the Christian Church An-Ni-Sa-Fu Children's Home in Peinan Rural Township established in 1969. It provides care for physically handicapped children and juveniles between the age of six and eighteen who come from low-income families in eastern Formosa.

 ◎Taitung ◎Ilan ◎Taoyuan ◎Hualien ◎Hsinchu/Taichung/Penghu ◎Taipei ◎Mainland China

Ilan Prefecture, St. Francis Home

Contented Despite The Poverty