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News No. 81
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Recently Supreme Master Ching Hai made some amazing and insightful comments concerning the lost books of the Bible. She said, "Transmigration is another word for reincarnation. It is a very Eastern term. You don't hear it that often in the Bible, because the Bible is also not always complete, as all of you know. It has "transmigrated" for 2,000 years or some time, so some things may be missing there. The true Bible is locked up somewhere and we are never allowed to see it. But some of the newly-dug from ancient sites _ the Bible in some part has come out, and some of it mentions reincarnation." (Supreme Master Ching Hai News #60)

Based on my exploration of the lost books of the Bible, I find her comments to be quite accurate. During the last 200 years many ancient Jewish and Christian documents have been rediscovered in the Middle East. And, I should mention that some Christians have been curious about apocryphal scriptures and have preserved some of these "other books" of the Bible for 2,000 years. Many other interesting collections of psalms, letters (epistles), gospels and revelations have survived the centuries, even though only a small number of open-minded seekers have valued their spiritual wisdom.

I want to share with you my encounter with the books of the other Bible. I want to impart to you information about books of mystical poetry, discourses on gaining enlightenment and other amazing documents which might be very helpful to you on your spiritual journey. It's time that this knowledge is revealed so anyone can know how to find the lost or hidden books of the Bible!

A long time ago when I was involved in making a major study of the Bible (the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament), I noticed that Catholic Bibles contain several additional books that aren't in the Protestant Bible. These books are called "the Apocrypha" in the Protestant tradition. Although the original King James Version of 1611 AD did contain these books, it seems that Protestant Bible societies took them out of the Bible a couple hundred years ago to make smaller, cheaper Bibles available to the masses. Today most Protestants think of these disputed books as "Catholic" but, the truth of the matter is the books of "the Apocrypha" for millennia have also traditionally been included in the old Bibles of the Greek Orthodox, Syrian, Russian, Armenian, Egyptian and all other ancient churches.

Translations of most of these books were also found amongst the Dead Sea Scrolls. The original Greek translation of the Old Testament made in Alexandria around 200 BC also included these other books -- books that have now vanished from the Protestant Bibles in the US!

From my perspective, the two most interesting books of "the Apocrypha" are The Wisdom of Solomon and The Wisdom of Sirach -- two very large collections of proverbs and wise sayings very comparable to the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. Many people think that the Bible as we know it was put together by Jesus and the apostles during the 1st century AD but, that's definitely not so! For a longer period of time than the US has been a country -- for centuries -- the early Church had no such concept as a closed canon of scripture, a collection of books that they viewed as the "final" or "only" revelation concerning spiritual matters. Rather, Christians during that creative period felt free to compose new scriptures, psalms, odes, proverbs, letters that they felt were inspired, and other documents of a spiritual nature. This was during the early years when Christianity had living apostles and saints, and Christianity was a much more supernatural religion; a mystery religion that put a great deal of emphasis on experiencing the Kingdom of God, or the spiritual realm.

RIGGING THE CURRICULUM

Christianity, like other religions, underwent the process of "mainstreaming" -- settling down or crystallizing -- into a standardized, organized faith. The mainstream consciousness came to believe that "the age of the apostles and prophets was now past." So, since masters and saints (who acted as oracles of the Divine) were no longer being recognized by the masses, some people started to look to past masters for guidance. Christianity entered the stage where the Book became the master, the Book became the guru. The state church of the Emperor Constantine created a fixed list of books which would serve for all time as the rule of faith. They also made lists of books that were to be weeded out of circulation, no longer to be considered as scripture. This process of canonization and censorship, for the most part, happened during the fourth century. It was during this time that most of the "other books" lost their status as scripture. Only a small number of books made it into the this fourth century Bible and sadly, many important mystical books were left out.

   EXAMPLES OF DELETED SCRIPTURES

Many years ago when I was reading the New Testament book of Jude I discovered an amazing quote -- a quote which opened me up to the other books of the Bible. Jude, in verse 14 of this short book preserved in the New Testament, quoted from the book of First Enoch 1:9. He also quoted another found in the Hebrew scriptures called the Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs. I was amazed to find out about the existence of these other books and decided that if Jude, during the 1st century, had access to them, then I wanted to check them out myself! So I started to collect apocryphal writings once considered to be scripture.

The term "apocryphal books" has three basic definitions: 1) secret or hidden writings of an esoteric nature; 2) books not considered inspired by the church but are, nonetheless uplifting to read; or 3) fictitious writings or fantastic stories. In existence are hundreds of apocryphal books representing all three categories. I've tried to collect all of the available apocryphal writings and have found a number of important books amongst them that contain absolutely essential spiritual instruction.

The Books of Enoch were found in some Ethiopian Bibles and among the Dead Sea Scrolls. They describe the heavenly journeys of Enoch, the prophet, through the Seven Heavens! Like Hermes Trismegistus of Egypt and the great Medieval mystic Kabir from India, the Jewish prophet Enoch described his visions of the higher planes.

   THE ODES OF SOLOMON ?NEW TESTAMENT PSALMS             

Out of all the apocryphal writings I've collected, I think the Odes of Solomon is the most beautiful. It is the would-be book of New Testament psalms! The Book of the Odes has been described as the first known hymn book of early Christianity. One scholar said of the Odes, "Here are some of the most beautiful songs of peace and joy that the world possesses." Bentley Layton in The Gnostic Scriptures says that the Odes were considered to be inspired scripture and were chanted by Christians who lived in Syria and Mesopotamia about 2,000 years ago. A follower of the Unity School of Christianity published an edition of the Odes a few years back and created daily affirmations based on this ancient book. These ecstatic hymns remind me of Sufi love poetry in the tradition of "the lover and the Beloved". Many have adopted the practice of meditating upon the Odes and report being brought to a deeper level of devotion (bhakti); being caught up in a love-affair with God, the Ocean of Love. That's also been my experience.

"There is no hard way where there is a simple heart,
Good thought finds no wounds,
Nor is there any storm in the depths of illuminated thought.

Surrounded on every side by the beauty of the open country,
one is free of doubt.

Below
is like above." (from Ode 34)

"Open your ears, and I shall speak to you;
Give me yourself, so that I too may give you myself."(Ode 9)

"He filled me with words of truth
that I may speak the same.

Like the flow of waters truth flows from my mouth,
and my lips reveal its harvest,

and it gives me the gold of knowledge
for the mouth of the Lord is the true Word
and the Door of His Light.

And the highest one gave the Word to His worlds,
which interpret His own beauty,
recite His praise,
confess His thought,
are heralds of His mind,
are instructors of His works.

For the swiftness of the Word is ineffable
and like His statement are its swiftness and sharpness.

Its course knows no end,
it never fails, it stands.
Its descent and its way are incomprehensible.

Like His work is its end
for it is the Light and the dawn of thought,

and through it worlds converse...

The mouth of the highest one spoke to them
and he was made clear by His Word.

The dwelling place of the Word is man
and its truth is love." (Ode 12)

The Book of Odes even contains some passages which describe the feminine aspect of the Godhead! "

I rested on the Spirit of the Lord and She lifted me up to heaven,"

   THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARY MAGDALENE                     

The Gospel of Mary was one of the ancient books found in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, Egypt. The preeminence of Mary Magdalene in this Gospel gives one example of the leadership roles of women in early Christianity. Mary is described as an apostle, equal in every way to the twelve apostles and part of the inner circle of Jesus. But more than that, Mary was a kind of spiritual successor to Christ, taking over His role as the spiritual teacher of the other disciples. In every way, the text affirms that her leadership of the other disciples is based upon superior spiritual understanding.

As a recipient of the secret teachings of the resurrected Christ, Mary, in her Gospel teaches the other disciples spiritual knowledge and gives detailed accounts of her visions and travels through the higher planes or heavens accompanied by the radiant form of her Master, the resurrected Christ. She relays to the other disciples the spiritual instructions, the words of Christ that she heard during these encounters, which probably took place during times of deep prayer -- long periods of meditation.

    THE ACTS OF PAUL AND THECLA                          

Speaking of women apostles and saints in early Christianity: The Acts of Paul and Thecla, is the record of the life and times of Thecla, a follower of Saint Paul, the apostle. This book is brimming with accounts of many supernatural and miraculous events during the life of Thecla, very much calling to mind the Desert Fathers and Mothers of Egypt.

This book describes Thecla as "an apostle of God," who, sometimes traveled and at other times lived a monastic life in a cave. She was also a spiritual leader and teacher who instructed people "in the oracles of God". The text records that "many of them abandoned this world, and lead a monastic life with her." She was so highly esteemed that a temple was erected and dedicated to her!

   THE BOOK OF PISTIS SOPHIA (FAITH-WISDOM)             

After studying the four Gospels of the New Testament I became very curious and puzzled about how each of them concluded. Each of them only devotes a short chapter or two to the teachings and activities of Christ after the resurrection. Logically, wouldn't you think that if someone rises from the dead, that this would immediately become the central, electrifying event that becomes the main focus, if not the obsession of the writers to record these events with extreme detail? Wouldn't you think that the words and deeds of the resurrected Christ would deserve to be the focus of many chapters, if not entire books? And yet, the New Testament simply (and cryptically) says that "there were many other things that Jesus did," and that "He continued to appear to the disciples and instruct them about the Kingdom of God."

Apparently the post-resurrection teachings of Christ were regarded by the disciples as private or advanced, meant only for those followers who were ready for a deeper commitment to contemplation and the spiritual journey. Though they are more difficult to find, there are other documents that do contain post-resurrection teachings including: The Book of the Resurrection, The Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Thomas, Dialogue of the Savior, The Gospel of James, The Books of Jeu, The Letter of Peter to Philip and The Book of Pistis Sophia (Faith-Wisdom).

The largest Gospel ever discovered, Pistis Sophia, was brought to London from Egypt and purchased in 1772 by A. Askew, a London doctor and collector of old manuscripts. The book was published and one of its most famous readers was the great poet-mystic William Blake, who was greatly influenced by it.

This text does document that there was a time when some Christians did believe in the concept of reincarnation and the preexistence of the soul. Like St. Paul's "Damascus Road experience" recorded in the New Testament, Christ is said to have appeared to His followers from inside an incredibly brilliant light and many rays of light. Many interesting dialogues between Christ and His initiates are recorded in this document -- about eleven years-worth! Pistis Sophia also contains many beautiful hymns and prayers. Though reincarnation is mentioned as a reality, the goal of the teachings was to liberate souls from material captivity, reincarnation, the wheel of fate and encumbrances of darkness. Ignorance of the spiritual world was to be replaced with spiritual freedom and souls were given the ability to travel from Earth to Heaven via the Holy Stream of Light: "Seek, all of you, after the Light, so that the power of your soul that is in you may live. Do not cease seeking day or night until you find the mysteries of the Kingdom of Light, which will purify you, make you into pure light and lead you into the Kingdom of Light." This inner vision took place during periods of solitude and contemplation (meditation).

   THE NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY UNEARTHED IN EGYPT!

A number of ancient mystical books were discovered near the city of Nag Hammadi in Upper Egypt. This almost 2,000 year old "time capsule" (a large sealed storage jar containing parchments written in the Coptic language buried by monks during the fourth century) now known as the Nag Hammadi Library, has set in motion a spiritual revolution. Buried under the sands of Egypt for centuries, these censored and forgotten scriptures from the early years of Gnostic Christianity may impart to spiritual seekers of today, knowledge of several mystical traditions that once existed in the West. This ancient library contains spiritual discourses from Christian, Gnostic, Jewish, Pythagorean, Hermetic and other spiritual movements. What have been returned to us are the teachings of various mystics, Gnostics who initiated their students into the "Mysteries of the Kingdom of Light," and wrote down descriptions of their otherworldly journeys into inner space. One of the most talked about books of the Nag Hammadi Library is The Gospel of Thomas, a collection of the spiritual sayings of Jesus on gaining enlightenment.

   SAYINGS OF JESUS ABOUT THE LIGHT AND SOUND               

The Gospel of Thomas is a "sayings Gospel," a collection of the proverbs and parables of Christ about discovering the Kingdom of God. The theme of these sutras of wisdom is that the Supreme Being is Light, our soul is made of Light, and that by contemplating the Living Light we can reenter paradise.

In the Book of Thomas it is recorded that Jesus was a Master who taught His disciples that "we have come from the Light, from the place where the Light came into being by itself...there is Light within a person of Light, and it shines on the whole world;" and "if one is whole, one will be filled with Light." Also, "He who will drink from my mouth will become like Me; I myself shall become that person, and the hidden things will be revealed to that person." The image of drinking from the mouth of Christ is describing the process of listening to the Sound, Word or Cosmic Voice of God which transforms the listeners, transporting them to the higher or hidden realities. The quotes are from The Gospel of Thomas, Marvin Meyer, published by Harper Collins.

   LIGHT MYSTICISM OF THE GNOSTICS, THEN AND NOW

One of the central teachings of Gnostic saints was the experience of the inner Light. In fact, having visions of divine Light is a universal experience. People around the world in all cultures have recorded visions of Heaven and encounters with "the Light within". Many have eloquently described in their sacred texts encounters with Light coming from beyond the darkness. Many saints and mystics, including those who wrote various Nag Hammadi texts, describe God or the Supreme Being as a GOD OF ALL-ENCOMPASSING, PURE, BRILLIANT LIGHT. They also believe that we, as souls (our true spiritual identity) are "sparks of the Light," that we are, in reality, "Children of the Light".

The experience of Light mysticism (seeing inner Light) takes place during one's time of contemplative prayer, or meditation. "The rays of primordial Light that illumine purified souls with spiritual knowledge not only fills them with benediction and luminosity; they also, by means of contemplation of the inner essences of created things, lead them up to the Noetic heavens. For this reason Saint Neilos says, "The intellect's proper state is a noetic height, somewhat resembling the sky's hue, which is filled with the Light of the Holy Trinity during the time of prayer." (The Philokalia, Volume IV, writings of Greek Saints, Faber and Faber Books)

"God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness." And, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (The New Testament)

"Understand what the Great Light is." (Nag Hammadi Library In English, Harper Collins)

"I AM the Light that is over all things." (Gospel of Thomas)

"Then we went up to the sixth heaven. And I gazed up on high and saw a great Light shining down on the sixth heaven." ("The Apocalypse of Paul," Nag Nammadi Library In English)

It says in The Dead Sea Scrolls _ A New Translation, Harper Collins, "From the Fount of His Knowledge has my Light shot forth; upon His wonders has my eye gazed."

Also, "Your Holy Spirit illuminates the dark places of the heart of your servant with Light like the sun."

Further to the East, the medieval Saint (Sant) Kabir said, "The light of the soul is equal to that of sixteen suns."

The Mandaean Religion of Iraq has many beautiful hymns and prayers to the Light, and visions of Heaven that often resemble NDEs (modern day near death accounts): "His Light illuminates and His radiance irradiates all the worlds, and the divine beings who stand before Him and shine in their radiance and in the radiance of the Great Light which rests upon them."

Pistis Sophia is published by E. J. Brill Books. Enoch, Odes of Solomon and Thecla are found in The Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden, Meridian, an imprint of Penguin Books. The Books of Thomas, Mary, James, and others are found in The Complete Gospels, Polebridge Press. An excellent anthology of apocrypha that I highly recommend is The Other Bible, published by Harper Collins! Other good books include: The New Jerusalem Bible (with the Apocrypha), Doubleday; and, The Nag Hammadi Library In English, Harper Collins Books.

As you can see from this brief sampling of apocryphal scriptures, the books that were left out of the fourth century Bible tended to promote personal spiritual experience and contemplation. This earlier spiritual tradition was never fully embraced in the West and that is the reason, in my view, why these other books were left behind.

Long ago, a great poet-mystic said, "The god of time (maya) has put a cover over the teachings of saints and thus concealed them from humanity."

For more information and to receive a free book list of translations of these "lost books" of the Bible, write: James Bean, PO Box 7, Newport, Maine 04953-0007 USA.

The Thread that ties us to the Truth is the thinnest thing I have ever seen. Its infinite delicacy is a marvel to behold. It is so easily lost among the gross and subtle threads, strings and ropes of our minds that bind us to this world and all lead nowhere. It is truly a miracle that we find It for just one brief moment in a lifetime.

All religions teach us to remember God. We are proud if we can meditate on God for just an hour each day. Yet those that have the Thread remember God every moment of every day, and more. There is no comparison between those who are Awake and those who are not.

This Thread is made of Light and Sound, and something else. It is always there, waiting to be found. If you search for it in an ordinary way, you will find only endless illusions. Beware. These illusions will consume you.

Where does your mind take you, my friend? What thought are you thinking right now? It doesn't really matter what you think, or how hard you try. Your chance of finding the Thread, the Truth, or God without the Grace of an Awakened One is very small indeed. Poem

By Brother Initiate Stephen L. Gorad, NewYork, U.S.A.
Written in Shanghai, Mainland China July 24, 1995 (Originally In English)

By Sister Initiate Tsuchiya Mika, Gunma, Japan (Originally In Japanese) While On The Path height="1344">

I am an African American by birth. In America, I am blessed with the illusion of my separation from society. The racism I have spent a whole life facing has given me a separation that many black people despise. It has taught me that, wherever you find yourself find blessings. It has taught me patience, endurance and real love. It has taught me that each man walks alone, but should not feel lonely.

I was not looking for enlightenment, a spiritual path or something to do with my time. My mind was focused on a wide variety of directions regarding business. I was introduced to Master's teachings in a passing conversation, and have followed what I found ever since. I have noticed that since I have stopped drinking and eating meat, I no longer suffer from wild mood swings. I notice that I don't feel sluggish, weak or catch colds easily. When I went shopping, I was startled to find out how materialistic I had become, and how easy it is not to see that.

Since I have focused on following the five precepts, it is easy to understand right from wrong because it is no longer about what legal wording I use, but my ability to be honest. I don't rely on others to judge me, or to provide approval. I recognize things as they really are, and respect them. I am learning my faults, and seeking my higher Self.

I have noticed since I began meditating that I have a very calm, personable and attractive person living within me. Suddenly I have time in my day, hours within my minutes and little attachment to circumstances. I notice that I feel "faraway" and at the same time richly intimate with people. I am still not balanced, but I am becoming whole.

I have always regarded myself as a business professional, and an entrepreneur. It is hard to imagine being able to help as many people or to touch as many lives as Supreme Master Ching Hai, coming from as far away as She has come. That in itself is a kind of miracle to me. She teaches me on many levels how Truth manifests, how to remain ordinary, how to present myself and openly walk the road available to all initiates.

I am deeply thankful. I am looking forward to my initiation.

"The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are." -- Marcus Aurekius

By Would-be Initiate Keith Sylvain, Colorado, USA. (Originally In English) While On The Path height="60">

◆ It's better just to be ordinary, but this is not to pretend to be. We should reach that state in which we are ordinary but we do not even feel that we are ordinary.

◆Your faith must be stronger than your fear, that is the lesson. Because Buddha is always stronger than the negative power, so if you are with the Buddha, you don't fear.

◆ God is all pervading love. So whenever we do things in love, God will help us.

By Brother Initiate C. Sradaputta, Jakarta, Indonesia (Originally In Indonesian)

Dearest Master, I have seen Your manifestation body so many times, but this is the first time that You transformed into so many at the same time on one occasion. First You wore a white dress and then a red one. When You were standing at the front, You threw to each of us small blessed silver packets. After a while, dressed in white and gold -- very elegant, You sat on a very beautiful chair. You sat there smiling -- so beautiful, grand and poised like the Queen of Queens. I was so happy and a feeling of bliss, ecstasy and rapture filled my whole body. I could not help crying. Since I was afraid to disturb our fellow practitioners who were actively meditating, I went out and cried all the way to my room. After a while, I returned and I could see that You were still with us. Master, although You were so far away, since all of us were very sincere and true in our efforts to search for the Kingdom of God, You showed Your unconditional love by visiting and blessing all of us during this wonderful retreat.

Dearest Master of all Masters, how can we ever, ever, not follow Your instructions wholeheartedly, after all that You have done for us. Thank You, dearest Master.

Master's Blessing During The 4-Day Retreat In Pacet, East Java, Indonesia
Cardboard Box of Love > height="60">

By Sister Initiate Siao Tong, Taipei, Formosa Master's Wonders

During one seven-day retreat at Hsihu Center, I was a member of the working staff. Consequently, I went there early to help organize the event.

Towards the end of the preparations, the group leader gathered all members to remind us of our duties. Then she pointed to some empty big cardboard boxes and said, "These boxes have been blessed by Master. If your camp site isn't flat, you can take a box and lay it beneath your tent." Seeing that the boxes were being taken away one by one, I intuitively felt that one of them belonged to me. However, my camp site was quite flat so I thought that I should not be greedy. Therefore, I did not take a box. Two days later, I noticed that there was one box still there. Believing that it must have been meant for me, I took it to place beneath my tent.

Normally I cannot fall asleep easily in unfamiliar surroundings. The fact that I am also slow made me afraid that I would miss the early morning group meditation sessions, therefore I was too nervous at night to sleep soundly. I woke up every half hour and hence felt very exhausted during the day. Naturally, I was worried that I would waste the precious opportunity of the retreat by falling asleep during meditation.

However, the day when I placed the precious blessed cardboard under my tent, I felt that I had something to rely on. Before sleeping, I sincerely knelt down on the cardboard, put my palms together, and prayed to Master, "Please wake me up very early tomorrow morning so that I can brush my teeth and wash my face before everyone else wakes up, enabling me to walk leisurely to the distant group meditation area." After I prayed, I was very confident and went to sleep with a peaceful mind.

The next morning when I woke up, I looked at my clock and found that it was ten minutes before the group meditation starting time. Staring at the small alarm clock, I could not believe my eyes! I was really shocked. I jumped up, grabbed my toothbrush and meditation cushion, and quickly ran out. I rushed to the meditation area so fast I nearly missed it. But I was not late. Amen! I looked around and found, hey! that the place where I usually sat was still available and waiting for me! When I placed my cushion there and got ready to "doze off" as usual, I was surprised to notice that my mind was very clear and my whole body felt very comfortable. Looking up into the dark blue sky, I saw many stars glittering and the sky was remarkably clear and bright. Thinking back to how I ran all the way, I remember feeling as light as a swallow. I ran so quickly that I felt as if I was flying. I remember I slept so soundly that night and did not even dream. It was incredible! I think that the Monkey King must have had the same experience as I had after he ate the ginseng fruit.

As a child I was weak and often sick. So that was my first time experiencing good health and even being able to meditate with a peaceful, clear mind. This, I know, is due to the supreme grace bestowed upon me by Master.

 Master's Blessing During The 4-Day Retreat In Pacet, East Java, Indonesia
Cardboard Box of Love
> A compiled report by the initiates from the Kentucky, Indiana
and Ohio Centers, U. S. A.
(Originally In English) Love In Action height="60">

Soon after forming disaster relief teams as per instructions from Master, the Centers in the Midwestern United States were faced with their first challenge - the Great Ohio River Valley Flood of 1997, which swept through Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. The flood drove tens of thousands of people from their homes and damaged over 90,000 residences, causing numerous deaths.

The Midwest rescue team enthusiastically gives the Red Cross a helping hand in packaging needed items for the flood victims. We also visited a Red Cross shelter in Cincinnati. I can remember the people's faces as I walked into the shelter. They looked very sad and lonely. We distributed food and personal necessities, played with the children, and comforted the adults. One elderly lady that I met really touched me. She had lost her brother and was very depressed because she had to go to his funeral but could not find appropriate black pants to wear. She kept going through all the piles of old clothes that people had donated. She looked as though she was on the verge of a mental break down. We comforted her as best we could. Besides the "care package," we gave her some money so that she could buy flowers for the funeral." Another fellow initiate from Ohio recorded his impressions after helping with the relief effort: "The loss of innocence was evident on the faces of some of the flood victims. Some had the look of resignation, as if this disaster was just one more link in a chain of hardships. They seemed to have the attitude that life had treated them unjustly so what difference would another injustice make. Others expressed the look of being betrayed, as if God had forgotten them. "Sometimes it is difficult to have faith amidst ruin. But on the other hand, disasters may be what one needs to regain one's faith." Our rescue team also visited Falmouth, the Kentucky town that was hit hardest by the flood. The power of the flood waters destroyed everything in its path, as it overturned cars, tore up the land, and leveled homes. Consequently, Falmouth was transformed into a ghost town, void of children's' laughter, infants' cries, and the hustle and bustle of adults scurrying here and there. Many people had lost their homes, their accumulated "treasures," and their loved ones. Their town, without electricity, looked cold and forbidding. Our hearts were filled with deep sorrow. When we arrived at Falmouth about a week after the flood, we discovered that some of the town's citizens had already started the courageous task of rebuilding their lives. There were many people still staying in the town's main Red Cross shelter because their homes had been completely destroyed. The Head of the Red Cross warmly welcomed us and expressed great appreciation for the "care packages" we brought for the people. Upon learning that bath towels were badly needed, we immediately went to buy them. It was late at night and most of the stores had already closed. With Master's guidance, we were happily surprised to find a store that offered what we needed. We immediately delivered the bath towels to everyone in the shelter the next day. At the same time that the great flood hit the Ohio Valley, there was a major fire in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Fire burned down most of an apartment building leaving over 150 people homeless. Initiates immediately donated money and materials for the victims.

Flood victims families show their excitement over gifts provided by the Midwest rescue team. We thank Master for inspiring us to help all the disaster victims and at the same time for helping us learn about ourselves. We also thank Master for protecting Her children. Even though the flood was devastating, none of the fellow initiates in the Midwest were hurt. The Great Flood of 1997 was a tremendous tragedy. In its wake lay the ruins of generations of memories, of personal "treasures" accumulated over a lifetime, and for some, their fragile faith in God. But it also provides a beginning, a new hope and a new adventure. For some, the suffering may spark the deep longing to return Home. Through the suffering, some may find Master at last. We initiates deeply hope that it would be so, that other souls join our big Quan Yin family.
> Cinema Scene Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
Japan, October 18, 1993 (Originally In Chinese)

Have you seen the movie called "Always"?
The story is about a pilot who loved flying. His job
was to save his colleagues trapped by huge
forest fires.

To put out the fires, sometimes firefighters have to chop down trees to create a fire-break, to stop the fire from spreading to another hill. However, if the wind changes direction, they could be put in a very dangerous situation. When they call for help, the aviators nearby come to make a route with mud and sand for them to escape.

This pilot got killed when he tried to save his partner who went with him on a mission to save firefighters. His partner's plane caught fire. Trying to save him, the pilot's plane also caught fire and he got killed. When he died, an angel came to receive him. He explained to him: "When you were flying before, there was someone guiding you, and that was why you were so courageous, and had the ability to overcome so many ordeals. Now, it is your turn to take up this responsibility and guide the new pilots..."

Though it is only a movie, it doesn't mean the story is total fiction. We've often heard that, ordinary people, good people or some very special people, have angels protecting them. They are what we call guardian angels who are designated to protect certain people. It is also mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures. A person who observes the five precepts will have five guardian angels. One for one precept, two for two precepts. So you have five guardian angels if you keep five precepts. Consequently, your life will become smoother and there will be fewer obstacles. You will also live a happier life, be more relaxed, and seldom suffer from calamities or illnesses. Therefore, this movie is not entirely groundless.

After that pilot died, he continued to protect the new pilot. How did he do that? By staying by his side! The new pilot didn't know about his existence, but he tried hard to communicate with him through telepathy. Later, the new pilot received his messages, and gradually improved in his job.

Similarly, we spiritual practitioners can also communicate with many people. You might not have reached the state of "being one with all of creation," yet you will sometimes receive signals from certain people. For instance, when someone likes you or wants to see you, you seem to receive the message. Though your mind doesn't know, you will anxiously go to see him. Afterwards, you will find out that he really wanted to see you, or had something urgent to talk to you about, just for instance. Sometimes, when our relatives, friends or fellow practitioners unable to get in touch with us, we will also feel restless at home, or may even want to call that person on the phone.

Have you encountered such situations? (Audience: Yes!) These trivial incidents are not coincidences.

If you practice introspection and observe yourself, you will notice in which ways you have progressed. Don't mind only about your experiences in meditation! We have to develop every aspect to become a perfect being. I mean we have to be good in every way. If you only care about visions, then you will only develop your eye. (Master and everyone laugh) Your wisdom eye will grow bigger and bigger, until it pops out. (Master and everyone laugh) Therefore, we have to develop our ears, perceptions, the sixth sense, wisdom, intelligence and love, to make ourselves a well-balanced being.

Brother Xu Zi Han became a pure vegetarian, excluding milk and eggs from his diet, five years ago while still a teenager. Though he had never received any professional training, he is an ace in almost every athletic event at school. He can run 100 meters in 11.2 seconds; 200 meters in less than 23 seconds, and he is the champion at 400 and 800 meters. In the Taipei High School Competitions, he made it to the top three in long jump. He is also a member of the school volleyball team and famous for his endurance - easily doing one hundred laps in a standard sized swimming pool. Yet he is not an isolated case though he offers himself as evidence that a long-term vegetarian diet makes one's physical body even healthier.

By Brother Initiate Xu Zi Han, Taipei, Formosa

In Olympic Game competitions, "The Flying Fin" Paavo Nurmi broke over twenty world records in long-distance running and won nine Olympic gold medals. He is a vegetarian. Carl Lewis, winner of four consecutive Olympic gold medals in long jump, at the age of thirty-five became a vegetarian six months before his last Olympics on the advice of his dietitian. Does a vegetarian diet reduce one's strength as is commonly believed by people around the world? Well Nostradamus, the great French prophet of the sixteenth century, foretold in his book, "Centuries," that a deep-rooted aspect of human lifestyle will be shattered and that vegetarianism will gradually become the common practice in the new era.

In order to commemorate the Centennial Olympic Games that was held during the summer at Atlanta City last year, Time magazine invited professionals from all fields to vote for the greatest athletes in history. The athlete who received the second highest votes was Carl Lewis.

Vegetarianism Doesn't Affect
The Development of Teenagers

Another common misconception is: "Vegetarianism will lead to reduced strength."

Actually strength is the integrated performance of muscle power based on elasticity, reactivity, endurance, concentration, flexibility and coordination. The general notion that it is power alone is wrong. Therefore, this is a proof in itself. So, during adolescence, when we need nutrients the most, I began to maintain a complete vegetarian diet, omitting eggs, milk and all animal products - historically the traditional Formosan vegetarian diet. Not yet twenty years old, my physical performance may astonish many would-be vegetarians who have fears about a vegetarian diet, or even many meat-eaters who are proud of their physical condition.

Though I have never undergone any professional training, I am a top competitor in almost every athletic event at school. I've also had the opportunity to join the school snooker, badminton and baseball teams, but I didn't because they are only my hobbies and I have no intention to become a professional athlete. Even when I first became a vegetarian, I could do five hundred sit-ups without much effort. It is commonly agreed by the growing number of vegetarian athletes that the average endurance levels of vegetarians are higher than those of meat-eaters. When one sees a young Asian man only 175 cm tall, jumping up from outside the key and jamming the ball into the basket, thus displaying such strength and total coordination, one's misconceptions will be shattered.

Of course, this kind of impressive physical performance is not the goal that everyone pursues. Instead, it is only the "fruit" that one obtains during the process of loving and protecting life and moving towards the highest Truth; and each one will receive different kinds of "fruits". We cannot forget that a vegetarian diet is the prerequisite to walk on the spiritual path because it is the most practical way of showing our respect to all forms of life.

"Cleaning The Pool" combines an array of contracting colors. Indeed, all of Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings have a distinct calming effect like a bunch of blooming flowers. In a sense, She has created a whole new artistic language that can be compared to an uninhibited poem characterized by rich rhyming patterns and bold passion.

The scene depicted in "Cleaning The Pool," is of three people standing on the bottom of an empty pool, approximately an equal distance between them. They are working with cleaning equipment in their hands and there is a bucket by each person's side. Although they are cleaning the bottom of the pool, they appear as carefree as three people playing softball.

Where does the beauty of the painting rest? Is it in the simplistic title? Is it in the humble satisfaction, no doubt gained by the artist Herself? Or is it gleaned from the apparent praise from the public? No. Nor is it from the perfected technique, ordinariness of the scene, or the meticulous polishing that has created this painting masterpiece. For to create such an immortal painting, apart from deft color combinations and depth of artistic feeling, the most important element is the artist's mental state of being one with all creation. When one flows with all seasons, is totally immersed in the joy of nature, and is in complete harmony with all variations of colors, one does not even feel that one is painting at all, although others would recognize the overwhelming intoxication found only in the absolute bliss of creative inspiration.

Consequently, "Cleaning the Pool" is a grand combination of styles from all periods of time and all cultures. For example, the indigo and light gray colors on the bottom of the pool are reminiscent of the Chinese "wash" paintings. The different dark and light brown colors form many stones around the pond that twinkle like colorful gems. A few tufts of orange colored grass casually appear by the pool, like bright sparks in a moon-lit forest, making one feel a little anxious. The three figures who are cleaning the bottom of the pool are used to contrast all the other colors in the painting, creating the paintings focal point that serves as its climax. Such color contrast was often used by European abstract painters like Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Toulouse-Lautrec, etc. Anyone familiar with the works by these great artists would naturally understand.

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

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Supreme Master Ching Hai Latest Videotapes

In English With Chinese Subtitles

◇ THE UNSURPASSED BENEFIT OF TAKING REFUGE IN THE BUDDHA
Group Meditation Hsihu Formosa Feb. 17, 1996

◇ THE GOLDEN SNAIL
Buddha's Birthday And the International 7-Day Retreat (8),
Phnom Penh, Cambodia May 11-17, 1996

Supreme Master Ching Hai Latest Audiotapes

CG14

◇ THE NOBLE IDEALS OF MONKS & NUNS
Group Meditation Hsihu, Formosa Jul. 1. 1989

◇ PROTECT YOUR OWN FAITH
Group Meditation Pingtung, Formosa Jul. 19. 1989

◇ DO NOT FORSAKE MASTER'S LOVE
◇ WHO IS REALLY BRAVE? (1,2)
Group Meditation Hsihu, Formosa Jul. 23 & 29, 1989

◇ A REVELATION OF A ROSE
Group Meditation Hualien, Formosa Jul 27, 1989

CG15

◇ ONE MUST HAVE THE HUMAN BODY BEFORE HE CAN
◇ PRACTICE SPIRITUALLY
◇ WHY GOD CREATED CHINESE PEOPLE
◇ WHY THE TIBETAN ESOTERIC SECTS EAT MEAT (1.2)
Group Meditation Hsihu, Formosa Jul. 20 & Aug. 20,1989

◇ GOD'S CREATIVE POWER
Group Meditation Hsihu, Formosa Aug. 13, 1989

◇ UNCLE MA'S ATTAINMENT OF TRUTH
Group Meditation Hsihu, Formosa Aug. 27, 1989

◇ THE "TRUE SCRIPTURE" IS WITHIN OURSELF
Group Meditation Hsihu, Formosa Aug. 27, 1989

To order Master's publications, please contact: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd. Taipei, Formosa.
Tel: (886) 2-87873935 Fax: (886) 2-87870873
E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org
ROC Postal Remittance Account No:19259438 (for Formosa orders only)
Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.

Please visit our bookshop's website to download our catalogue and summaries of the contents of Master's latest publications:
http://smchbooks.com/(in English and Chinese)

Color Pages 1, 2

[Korea] Fellow practitioners in Seoul rejoiced in knowing that Master was coming for the opening ceremony of the Seoul Vegetarian House. Mr. Yong-jae Lee, spokesman of the Mayor of the City of Seoul, Mr. Cho Soon, and Director General of Public Information of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, went to the airport to receive Master.

Quite a number of fellow practitioners and guests from various places came to the Vegetarian House to see Master. Fellow practitioners wearing traditional Korean costumes sincerely welcomed Master by sprinkling flowers on the path on which She walked before formally opening the Vegetarian House.

Following this, there was a dance performance by the very young fellow practitioners as well as a flute performance. An instrumental of Master's Buddhist chanting music and Her song, "I will forever love you" was also presented, which moved many people to tears. Even Master had tears in Her eyes. She glanced around compassionately and there was no need for any words to be exchanged between Her and the disciples.

After the performance, Master had a meal with fellow practitioners and sampled all the dishes. She also gave gifts to the guests and blessed candies to everyone. All fellow practitioners were very grateful to Her and wished that She could stay longer in Korea. In the evening, at the Seoul Center, Master answered all the questions raised by guests and fellow initiates. Everyone appeared blissfully satisfied.

The next day, Master visited the Taejon Center and meditated with fellow practitioners, transforming the whole Center's magnetic field. Later, She went to Chon Ju for the opening ceremony of the recently relocated Center. After the ceremony, Master meditated with fellow practitioners, then later gave an enlightening talk during which She reminded us to have a natural and free attitude in life.

On the third day, Master met the Mayor of Seoul, Mr. Cho Soon, for more than an hour amidst a harmonious atmosphere. Master said: "The Mayor of Seoul has a good-looking dignified face, just like a saint of this age."

The accompanying Quan Yin messenger said: "Mayor Cho is very much loved by the Korean people. He is upright, honest and has a good name for a Korean -- Bau Chin Tien*. Besides, citizens call him the god of the mountain because he likes climbing mountains."

When Master saw a photo of Taebaek-San Maek in the Mayor's reception room She said: "Very mysterious mountains, just like the Himalayas." About Koreans, Master said: "Korea has many people like the Mayor of Seoul. Therefore, there are no big moral issues and the country enjoys prosperity due to the economy... I like Koreans and I feel very relaxed."

The Mayor replied: "I hope, for the spiritual enlightenment of the Korean people, that Supreme Master Ching Hai can come more often to Korea to lecture..."

The following day was the opening ceremony for the Pusan Vegetarian House. Fellow practitioners, their friends and relatives, and guests waited inside for Master's arrival. There were also some curious members of the public who waited along with the others to see Master.

In the evening, Master appeared amidst cheerful applause from fellow initiates. Everyone's spirit was elevated by Her noble and elegant smile. After the opening ceremony, Master blessed the restaurant for prosperity and hoped that there would be more and more vegetarian houses in Korea.

During dinner, Master had the opportunity to talk to the guests. Among them were special guests from India, Catholic nuns, Buddhist monks and nuns, journalists and many others. They raised various kinds of spiritual questions. Master reminded us of the importance of family members, saying we had to look after them with the spirit of sacrifice and love. Also, She said that by being a very good example our family members would gradually understand us.

Master's detailed answers reflected Her love and greatness, and this was very touching for fellow practitioners. She said that because we were connected inside with each other and that our souls were one with Hers, therefore we were always together. Fellow practitioners also understood from working experiences that if we are helping each other with the same ideal, God will be with us.

During Master's visit to Korea, fellow practitioners and their relatives all received Her boundless love and blessings. We are most grateful to Master for this most precious gift for our souls despite Her very busy and tiring schedule.

*Bau Chin Tien was a very well known legal minister in China, who is remembered for his courage, wisdom and highly ethical character.

Dear Master Supreme Master Ching Hai,

I understand that You are planning to visit Korea. I have heard about You from Yong-jae Lee, my spokesman and the Director General for Public Information of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

I would like to meet You during Your stay in Korea. I would appreciate it if You could fix the place and time of our meeting at Your convenience.

Sincerely yours, CHO Soon, Mayor, The City Of Seoul

Korea Singapore Australia Formosa United Kingdom

  Panorama of Events

[Singapore] It was Good Friday and being a public holiday, the Singapore Center took the opportunity to organize a family day picnic. All relatives and friends of initiates and Convenient Method practitioners were invited to participate. Everyone was encouraged to bring their own dietary specialty and to share their culinary skills.

Fellow initiates started arriving at the designated spot early in the morning and began meditating. The day's activities started with a talk about nutrition, given by a fellow initiate specializing in health and body fitness. The speaker mentioned all the important minerals and vitamins in the vegetarian diet, and cleared up some myths about it. Everyone especially the non-initiates benefited from the talk and some even stayed behind to further understand nutritional concerns about the vegetarian diet. The children meanwhile enjoyed themselves in the playground.

Then unexpectedly, the highlight of the day came, Master Ching Hai in a light and carefree dress, riding in a trishaw! Everyone was elated upon seeing Her, and all gave Master a very warm welcoming smile.

As noon was approaching, everyone gathered around Master. She chatted, joked, and laughed with everyone. The relaxing atmosphere enabled us to clear up lots of doubts about our practice and way of life relating to family members of initiates. A wife of an initiate told him that she was puzzled how Master could read her thoughts in the session by answering her questions immediately as she had them. The brother initiate just smiled and reminded her of the all-pervading power of the living Master.

The whole session lasted about an hour then Master left. Not only was a wonderful time had by all, but Master also gave something to everyone. The children all received a traditional gift of money in Red Envelopes, and the grown-ups Master's showered with infinite love and compassion.

Korea Singapore Australia Formosa United Kingdom

Panorama of Events

[Sydney] Since March this year, fellow initiates in Sydney have vigorously undertaken a series of activities to spread Master's teachings, wishing that more souls longing for liberation would recognize the Supreme Method.

March 10th was International Women's Day. It was also Clean Up Australia Day. Fellow initiates were divided into two groups. One group rented a booth to participate in the celebrations for Women's Day that were held in Domain Park, and took this great opportunity to spread Master's teachings. The other group participated in the Clean Up Australia Day event and voluntarily cleaned Domain Park and Hyde Park, which are both located in the middle of Sydney.

On March 22nd and 23rd, fellow initiates held two seminars introducing the Quan Yin Method. One seminar was targeted at Westerners and the other at the Chinese community. To start with, participants watched one of Master's videotaped lectures. Then we answered their questions. Finally, they tasted delicious vegetarian food prepared by Au Lac disciples. Fellow initiates and the participants freely talked about spiritual practice, cooking vegetarian food, and other aspects of Master's message.

A large number of people attended both seminars and the atmosphere was friendly and harmonious. Both Western and Chinese participants asked many good questions about spiritual practice and liberation. The Chinese seminar was advertised by a Sydney Chinese Radio Station, which resulted in many people attending.

After the two seminars, many people signed up to learn the Convenient Method. Some were very eager to get initiation. There was a Westerner who had been on a strict vegetarian diet for only two months that said she had a very strong desire to receive initiation, so she asked whether she could get initiated sooner. Her eagerness for liberation was really touching.

It has been four years since Master first came to Australia to give a series of lectures. During these four years, fellow initiates in Australia have learned many lessons through spiritual practice and spreading Master's teachings. Therefore, they feel much spiritual progress has been made. During these years, the number of fellow initiates has increased and the mutual understanding between initiates of all nationalities has improved. We cooperate with each other with tacit understanding and more harmony like a big, happy family.

We hope that more people can come to know Master's teachings and taste the heavenly nectar.

Spreading Master's Teachings At
The Au Lac New Year's Festival

Visitors at the Perth Au Lac New Year's festival mingle under Master's compassionate gaze.

[Perth] At this year's Au Lac New Year's festival, the Perth initiates exhibited Master's paintings and pictures, as well as displayed sample booklets, pamphlets and magazines. The area also had large colorful posters of several of Master's aphorisms. A visitor was drawn to one of the aphorisms: "Repairing and changing ourselves is repairing and changing the world." The visitor repeated the words then added, "It's so true," as the words seemed to make an indelible impression on her soul.

The other side of the New Year's festival booth was set-up to sell food and drinks. Fellow practitioners worked hard to prepare a variety of vegetarian Western-style food. Many people lingered at the front of the booth while they ate, and many bought second rounds. A typical comment was, "It's wonderful! The vegetarian chicken burgers taste delicious. What are they made of?" As usual, when people were told the food was made from soy beans they thought it unbelievable that soy beans could be made to taste so much like meat.

Every year the Perth Center participates in the Au Lac New Year's festival in order to spread Master's teachings. All fellow practitioners worked closely to plan and organize the event. No matter how challenging the situation may be, we always try to remain positive and happy in spirit, working together to make the event a success with the help of Master's blessings.

Mother Nature Regains A Fresh
And Clean Look

Perth initiates participating in the annual "Clean-Up Australia Day".

This year's "Clean Up Australia Day", the Perth Center had more than 40 volunteers, including initiates, their families and friends. They cleaned up a stretch of a major road within the same suburb as the meditation center. Since Master has called Herself a "garbage collector" because She accepts the past-life karma of all initiates, picking up other people's rubbish is excellent training for spiritual practitioners. Furthermore, undertaking such a public task is yet another way of helping transform our planet into a Pure Land.

Korea Singapore Australia Formosa United Kingdom

Panorama of Events

[Taipei] Spring time is ideal for relatives to get together. Therefore, fellow practitioners from Keelung, Taipei, Taoyuan and the northern regions of Formosa held a major family day of activities on Youth Day at the Dan Shui Seaside Recreation Area.

Everyone felt relaxed and cheerful as they strolled barefoot on the sandy beach, looking at the bluish ocean extending into infinity. Far from the concrete jungles, businesses and household chores, it was the ideal time and place to relax and have fun with friends and relatives. Reverberating across the seaside was Master's beautiful taped voice singing Her ethereal poems, which purified the whole place and transformed it into a paradise on Earth. Everyone was intoxicated, and forgot about all their worldly worries. Tourists visiting the beach also had the good fortune to hear Master sing.

The organizing group planned many entertaining programs that enhanced the peaceful beach event. There was a barbecue at the garden area which attracted many tourists who were very curious about the great variety of delicious vegetarian food products. Many of them made inquiries about the food and even purchased items at the information counter.

On the beach, young fellow practitioners had great fun building sand castles and floating in the water, while others perspired profusely playing beach games. Both the competitors and cheering spectators enjoyed themselves to the utmost. Actually, the main aim of the games was not winning or losing, but to encourage individual effort for the good of the group. Therefore, the games helped everyone to realise "the tremendous power of a group when united". If members of a group can maintain the same goal, same spirit and same rhythm, they are unified and invincible.

The day's brilliant program concluded with an exchange of gifts. Coincidentally, all the gifts brought by guests were received by fellow practitioners, while those brought by fellow practitioners were received by guests. The beautifully packaged gifts that were prepared by fellow practitioners included Master's audio and video tapes, books and other precious items. Incredibly arranged by God, these presents fulfilled their purpose of introducing a great Master to sentient beings, and everyone seemed to get the most suitable gift.

A family day of activities held at the beach organized by fellow practitioners of northern Formosa.

In the evening, after meditating on the beach, beautiful fireworks radiantly decorated the night sky, reflecting our glorious inner nature of spiritual practitioners. Then fellow practitioners from Keelung prepared to launch traditional "sky lamps". Written on these red, yellow and white paper lamps were everyone's sincere wishes. All helped to launch the sky lamps, accompanied by the brilliant fireworks. They soared straight to Heaven. Everyone wished that the people of the world would have blessings to pursue spiritual practice soon, and attain a state of mind as peaceful as the sky lamps themselves.

Vegetarian Cooking Classes Launched!

[Taipei] To help fellow initiates learn how to use vegetarian food products and to prepare nutritious, delicious dishes, the Taipei Center specially invited the Chef of the Tang Tang Vegetarian House, Mr. Sotome Osamu (a Japanese national) and his wife Su Tang Tang (a fellow sister) to start a vegetarian cooking class. The venue of the class was the kitchen of the Joy Vegetarian Plaza. There was an earnest response from fellow sisters who loved cooking, and they wasted no time to enroll.

The theme in March was "Family Dishes From Various Countries". At the first lesson, and within a very short time, the instructors succeeded in teaching us how to cook several practical and easy-to-learn dishes. These included a refreshing apple and spinach salad, tofu steak, and tomato and lettuce soup.

We enjoyed learning and eagerly looked forward to the time when we could taste the wonderfully prepared food. Unanimously the two instructors were praised for their ability in knowing how to cook dishes from various countries. They could cook dishes without using MSG, which were prepared easily, without sacrificing the nutrition, and retained the original tastes of the ingredients. Therefore, the finished products were delicious, refreshing and nutritionally well-balanced.

Many of us later made the dishes at home, which received high praise even from the non-vegetarian members of our families. We hope this kind of activity promoting vegetarianism can help more people to be vegetarians, thus reducing the "killing" karma. Master has said that if all people become vegetarians, this world could be sustained longer and there wouldn't be any hunger in the world. So let's start by learning how to prepare vegetarian meals.

Spiritual Feast In Spring

[Jiayi] This March, the Jiayi Center participated in two activities held by local social groups, hoping to let more Truth aspirants have the chance to join the path of spiritual practice. Coincidentally, there was a downpour of blissful rain before each event began. After the thunder and rain, all the cells in everyone's body seemed be refreshed by the soothing atmosphere.

The first activity was convened by the Chinese Youth Corps who invited the Jiayi Center, a Branch of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, to be their associate convener. The theme of the event was "Extend a helping hand from your heart, to care for and accept disabled compatriots". The purpose of the activity was to raise funds for the disabled, and the Jiayi Center responded by giving a monetary contribution.

The program included a "Garden Party of Love," tickets for which were given free to disabled persons. There were free health check ups, a blood donation clinic, disaster and fire alarm exercises, information and demonstrations about garbage recycling and material recycle operations, et cetera. A lot of people were attracted by these activities.

Fellow practitioners prepared delicious vegetarian dishes to serve guests, and they also decorated the venue beautifully with Master's photos, paintings and lamps. Taking the opportunity of having a large crowd, the publications group played Master's lecture videos, and introduced Her teachings to those who were interested and who stopped to watch. Master's sample booklets and News magazines were also distributed free of charge to the guests.

Fellow initiates from Jiayi spread Master's teachings during an event convened by the Shi Xin Cable TV Network.

The second activity, held on Youth Day, was convened by the Jiayi Shi Xin Cable TV Network. The event was broadcasted live and the network conducted an exclusive interview with the Jiayi Center. In detail, fellow initiates explained the objectives of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, Master's teachings and the charitable activities launched by Her. We hope these activities will motivate society and therefore attract more people to join community work, as well as pursue spiritual practice to benefit the whole world.

Korea Singapore Australia Formosa United Kingdom

Panorama of Events

[Oxford] Late March was an enchanting spring in Oxford, with flowers everywhere. During the Easter holidays, fellow practitioners in Britain organized a two-day retreat at the Oxford Center. Fellow practitioners from various places in Britain participated enthusiastically. Some came from very far away. One sister even came by train and bus all the way from Edinburgh, Scotland.

As quite a number of fellow practitioners had sore waists and aching backs before and after meditation, the fellow practitioners in charge got an idea from a previous News magazine issue and arranged for everyone to do some exercises every morning and at midday after meditation to limber up their bodies and remove the aches and pains.

On the first night of the retreat, there was a "spiritual questions and answers contest". Chaired by the Quan Yin messenger, everyone was very enthusiastic to answer all sorts of questions. All correct answers got a point and everyone was rewarded accordingly after the contest. Many new initiates played happily but the contest also enabled everyone to grasp, more accurately, spiritual concepts. Therefore, this allowed us to achieve two purposes through the one fun activity.

In the afternoon of the second day, after meditating on the Light for half an hour, fellow practitioners meditated together on the Sound continuously for three hours. Most initiates said that the effect was very good and wished to try this again in later retreats so as to make greater progress.

The kitchen staff also made good use of their talents and prepared lots of delicious food, receiving acclaim from everyone. The happy two days passed quickly. Everyone packed up after dinner and was very grateful to Master for having blessed us with such a happy and worthwhile Easter holiday.

Korea Singapore Australia Formosa United Kingdom

Letter Between Master And Disciple

By Sister Initiate Rujiao Li, Mainland China

Dear Master,

Recently my younger brother passed away. Seven days later, his youngest son (who is eight years old), was guided by You to Heaven in his dream. He perceived a bright "colored crystal shining Heaven," and took a walk with his father on the very, very beautiful crystal ground. His father instructs him to grow up to be a filial and righteous person.

After he woke up, he clearly described his dream to his mother, and this made all his family very happy. Thank You, Master! Although my brother was not initiated, You still take such good care of all my family members. This again has confirmed Your promise to Your disciples that "After one is initiated, one's five generations will be elevated."

During all these years after initiation, through Your grace and spiritual guidance, I have regained my faith and understanding about life. I have had two serious falls, and each time the accident was resolved by You ensuring I was not injured, even though I am 59 years old.

Whenever I am troubled by worldly matters, I always pray to You to help me overcome the human qualities of greed, anger and infatuation. Then I feel extremely peaceful, happy and grateful. I am determined to follow You to pursue spiritual practice and become a good tool of Yours.

I feel that You are with us all the time and are blessing every disciple. I remember several years ago when I visited an Au Lac refugee camp, we encountered difficulties many times at the gate. At those times, we prayed to You for help. Then in an instant, we were able to enter the camp without any obstacles. This personal experience made me realize that You are the Buddha and You always help and bless us whenever we sincerely pray to You.

Oh, Master! When I meditate, I often wish You good health. To be able to have a living Master bless this world is my and sentient beings' greatest merit.

I respect and love You forever!

  Spiritual Interludes

By Tong Bu Huei

In a movie that we watched together with Master, there was a little boy who thought every day about the little sister in his mother's womb. He hoped it could be born as soon as possible. He could hardly wait and made a wish: "After my little sister is born, I'll give her all my toys. I'll protect her and not let anyone mistreat her." But after she was born, he got jealous seeing how his parents loved her, so he forgot the promise he made.

When his sister wanted to play with his toys, the little boy angrily took them away from her. During this scene, the camera paused for a while, showing the innocent little sister with a red nose and tears in her eyes. This deeply touched me.

I see myself acting like that little boy -- when coming into this world I forgot about the promise made before I was born. Before we came here we had all the confidence, but unexpectedly the world changes and nothing is the same! We are no longer conscious that we are all one. We each enter a separate body, making us more and more distant and unfamiliar. So in order to protect 'our own' rights and interests, we guard ourselves from others. We forget that before we came, we made a pact: No matter what the conditions, we shall love and support one another.

In the "Vo Tu Poems," the poem "I Love Thou," the first verse reads: "I love you like I love myself." This is the clearest and simplest interpretation of true love. After all, we love ourselves the most, so all we have to do is extend this love and imagine others as extensions of ourselves! Open up your heart, accept "our" different forms; carefully observe how each and every 'self' works hard at trying to communicate with 'our self'. With this attitude, even an iceberg can be melted. To see 'our self' love 'our self' or be upset with 'our self' is rather humorous!

Once, for reasons I've forgotten, I was suddenly very critical of a brother initiate. I thought that 'he' didn't treat 'me' right. But Master immediately granted me an unforgettable lesson. Right after I thought that way, the image of the brother initiate kept coming into my head, even during meditation. The more I hated it, the more his face appeared. Like a bad joke, I couldn't get rid of it. I was very irritated! Only after I calmed down and when my spirit was brightened with a heightened sense of love, did the image disappear.

No wonder Master said, "Loving others is like loving yourself." At the moment we forgive others, we are actually freeing ourselves!

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Master's Words
Be Your Great Self

Aphorisms
Aphorisms

  Panorama Of Events Korea Singapore Australia Formosa United Kingdom Letter Between Master And Disciples Enjoying The Grace Of The Buddha Every Day Spiritual Interludes Loving Others Is Like Loving Yourself Front Line Joyfully Spreading Master's Teachings Introductory Book Note Supreme Master Ching Hai's Commentary On Excerpts From Kahil Gibran's: The Prophet - Chapter On Giving Charity Media Reports Singapore-Malaysia Weekly, Hong Kong Chieu Duong Daily News, Australia HINDI VASI Newspaper, India
"Jewelry's Four Seasons", Japan Between Master And Disciples Words From My Heart - To Master Master Says The Garden Of Eden Biblical Story
Don't Take The Devil's Apple Selected Questions & Answers Spiritual Practice Is Not A One-Way Street Pearls Of Wisdom Pearls Of Wisdom You May Not Know The Lost Books Of The Bible Poem The Thread While On The Path Holy Love Manifests Miracles Spiritual Journey Toward Recognizing My True Self Master's Wonders Master's Blessing During The 4-Day Retreat In Pacet, East Java. Indonesia Cardboard Box Of Love Love In Action Supreme Master Ching Hai Rescue Teams Help Flood Victims Cinema Scene Always Beautiful People & Beautiful Events Vegetarian Strong Men Of Modern Times Supreme Art Supreme Master Ching Hai's Painting "Cleaning The Pool" -- A Harmonious Combination of Western and Eastern Styles Elevation Of The Soul Elevation Of The Soul

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Download E81 Files Cover Illustration: To bring spiritual enlightenment to the Korean people, the Mayor of Seoul, Korea, Mr. Cho Soon, during his talk with Master, sincerely hoped that She could give lectures in Korea more often.  

News No. 81
Contents

By Ottawa News Group, Canada (Originally In English)

Appreciating the invaluable benefits of the Quan Yin Method, the Ottawa initiates continue spreading the Good News in their city. Many people came to visit our booth at the last Health and Fitness Expo. A few weeks before the exhibition, our initiates wrote an article for a local spiritual magazine to introduce Master's teachings. People contacted the local Center for more information, requested sample booklets, or even came to visit our booth. This event also sowed the spiritual seeds for the forthcoming months.

Fellow initiates from Ottawa, Canada spreading Master's teachings during the Chinese New Year's festival.

Following Master's instructions to help the needy and the poor in our local area during the Lunar New Year and the winter months, initiates contacted local social workers to get the names of those who are in need. Some of these families had recently migrated to Canada. Initiates distributed scented rice, canned milk, dumplings, New Year assorted "sweet-meats" and other necessities to those families before the beginning of the New Year. We also shared with them the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines and sample booklets. People sent many thanks to Master for these New Year's gifts on this very special occasion.

Initiates also participated in the Au Lac New Year's festival. Although this event was mainly for the Au Lac people in the region, many Canadians participated as well. At one time, we had to send initiates back to our Center to get more English News magazines and booklets. We also took the opportunity to introduce Master's poems and the music composed from Her poems. One week later, we participated in the Chinese New Year's celebration for the first time in many years. Initiates from Montreal who can speak Chinese came to help.

Echoes--
There was much interesting feedback after the above events.

For example, one spiritual healer contacted us shortly after the Health and Fitness Expo to get a sample booklet. Then a few months later she inquired about initiation. Her spiritual teacher had already told her in January that she would have a new teacher soon and Master's name was actually mentioned. Her present teacher also told her not to open Master's booklet until she wanted to be a complete vegetarian. Although she did not read Master's booklet the energy from it helped her in changing her diet. When she decided to be vegetarian, she read Master's sample booklet. After learning the Convenient Method, she told us the "angels of darkness" came and said farewell to her. They told her their mission was complete and left her.

One Canadian Convenient Method practitioner brought his friends to the Chinese New Year's festival to introduce Master's teachings to them. He told us Master's teachings had made a big impact on his life. He became more loving, more content and calmer. He regularly comes to the group meditation sessions and is currently enrolled in a vegetarian cooking class.

He also introduced Master's teachings to one of his friends who is currently in prison for life. Although there are very strict prison regulations about reading materials such as newspapers and magazines, the Supreme Master Ching Hai News reaches his friend each month without any problem.

This reminded us about our fellow initiate in another Canadian city. He works as a prison chaplain and expressed his touching feelings after reading the story by Korean brother Kim, who was also in prison. He said that the prison could become like an ashram if everyone had the right mind. Maybe in the future, Master's News magazines and Her teachings could be known to more inmates in Canadian prisons.

Besides these above mentioned activities, the Ottawa initiates now have the opportunity to serve others by distributing the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines. By doing the work, we have come to appreciate very much all the work that goes on before Master's magazine reaches the recipients. A working team has been formed which now sorts, packs and mails the magazines within one or two days after receiving them. We sincerely thank Master for all Her help and blessings.

You don't need anything, don't ever feel that you need anything. Do not hang on to this mother attachment you had when you were a child. We should grow up. We need nothing. Even if we die, so what! Everyone dies one day. But now we will not die because we have found eternal life. Even if our cover material is destroyed, it's nothing. It's only an apparatus. If your car is kaput, you buy another one. When our body is gone, we create another -- in time, when the time comes, when we need it. We have creative power, so fear nothing.

If you think I am worthy of being your master, then learn from my example. I am not proud to tell you this. I just tell you the truth at the sacrifice of my image that you might think I am arrogant. But I have to tell you everything, so that you learn fast. I have long ago forsaken my reputation, because many people still misunderstand sometimes. Despite all my sacrifice and selfless service, still people misunderstand. Sometimes the new disciples also. I've long ago become used to no reputation, because I don't need it. Reputation is also excess garbage, because our soul is God, is one with God. God is the most glorious being. So, who can damage God's reputation?! Not with all these empty newspaper words or empty television screen. It's nothing.

So, have no fear because we have nothing to lose. We have never had anything because we have everything. We never lose anything because we have the whole universe. When you stay in a house, that is your house. So, when we stay in this universe, it's our universe. Even from an intellectual stand point, we are the master of the universe. So do not look down upon yourselves, and remember who you are. You need nothing. You beg nothing. You only give. You give from your energy, from your good quality, from your Godly quality. So don't worry about every little thing that bothers you. Nothing bothers you if you don't let it.

Do not identify yourself with the little problems that the world gives you. They are just like dust that cling on your body when you're walking on the road. You can leave it there, or you can shake it off. So, it's up to you. But don't always complain if you want to leave the dust there. Be your great Self! I rely on this great Self, therefore I did the things I did. Your great Self, my great Self, only one great Self. That is what we call God. There is no other God besides this. So try to find this God, rely on this God all the time, and don't worry about the dust. We can always wash it with the Light and the Sound.

I hope you will understand how beautiful you are. I think many of you already feel this after the initiation, or felt it during the initiation. Some of you still can't catch up. But do not forget this. Be a God on Earth! Walk like God! Do things like God! Talk like God! Do everything that is good and beneficial to others. Talk about everything that's good and beneficial to others. Think about everything that is good and beneficial to yourself and others. Don't dirty yourself with all kinds of low level thinking, speech or actions. That is below your dignity. Remember, you are great gentlemen.

Even though you are ladies, do not act the way weak children do, because you are not weak. Don't believe you are weak, and make an excuse to get sympathy from others, because it's also garbage. You have too much baggage already. How can God want sympathy? What for?

So, I hope you will find the way to walk like God. When you feel down and discouraged, you think of me -- that I am not stronger than you, I don't have a good background like you, I am not born in a great country like you. And I can do the things I did. So you can.

  Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
Tainan, Formosa (Originally In Chinese) 1990.5.5  Introductory Book Note

This is about giving charity. The Prophet said:

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

If you give away your wealth, this is considered very small, it is nothing great. When you give of yourself, that is true giving. I don't know how a person can give of himself? Do you know? Let's see how he did it then I can explain:

"For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear that you may need them tomorrow? And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the over-prudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?"

Your property is something that you keep and protect carefully, because you fear you might need it tomorrow. But maybe nothing will happen tomorrow! What can tomorrow bring us? Just like a cautious dog that buries the bone in the sand, so that not a single trace can be found. The dog follows its owner to worship the mountains, so it buries the bone there. How can it find the bone later?

"And what is fear of need but need itself?"

He said that when we fear that we might need something tomorrow, there is actually no power in what we fear; the power is in the fear itself. When we are frightened, the fear itself is the most dangerous thing, and not what we are afraid of. The fear is more dangerous than what is going to happen; because at that time, we've lost our courage. Losing our courage is more dangerous than anything that is going to happen. Maybe that thing might never happen. When we are in fear, maybe it will happen, maybe it won't; but at that time, we already feel very bad. It doesn't have to happen, yet we already feel bad enough.

For example, suppose there is a person who is sentenced to be executed in two weeks. If you tell him now that he will be shot two weeks from Sunday, wouldn't he feel miserable for the entire two weeks? It is better to tell him on the last day, or don't even tell him at all -- just shoot him, for example like that. He still has to die, but his suffering will not drag on, as if he were shot every day. This feeling of terror, frustration, depression and sorrow is what he would experience every day.

"Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?"

When we are in fear, we are like a person who has a well full of water but worries that one day the well might dry out and he might die of thirst.

We Chinese have a story too, "The man of Qi worries about the sky." Every day this man worried and feared that the sky might eventually fall.

"There are those who give little of the much which they have; they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome."  

Some people do give away part of their possessions to others, but they have some secret intentions when they give. They like others to recognize their kindness, and to praise them. Therefore, no matter how much wealth they give away, those things that they give are not pure, not pure enough. Doesn't this sound like, "to give without giving is the true giving" in Buddhism?

This person went to America from Lebanon, yet he spoke about something that is also oriental. This shows that all fully enlightened beings talk about similar things. Jesus Christ also said: When you give with your right hand, do not let your left hand know. Even the left hand is not allowed to know.

"And there are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty. There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward."

There are other people who have very little, but they will give whatever they have, everything they have. They have faith in life and God. They don't think that God will let them lack anything on any day of their life. That means there is always something for them. They are not worried that they might have nothing tomorrow. For these people, their treasure chests are never empty, because they believe in God's love, and believe that life is always full of whatever they need.

These people, when they give, they give wholeheartedly, very happily and without regret. When these people give, their joy and happiness are their rewards. There are some people who expect something in return whenever they give. But he said that when we give happily, the state of happiness and joy is itself the reward. Yes, it really feels good, very good. When we give, help others, and make them happy, we also feel great. Sometimes, we will dance, sing, and feel beautiful.

There are some people who expect something in return whenever they give. But he said that when we give happily, the state of happiness and joy is itself the reward. Yes, it really feels good, very good. When we give, help others, and make them happy, we also feel great. Sometimes, we will dance, sing, and feel beautiful.

"And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism."

Some people feel bad when they give. They give with a reluctant heart, and this kind of sad feeling baptizes them. Perhaps it will gradually make them feel better by doing so. Even if they feel miserable and bad when they give, it is better than nothing. (Laughter) Meaning take it slowly.

The first time you give, you might feel very bad; the second time, you might be more used to it -- less bothered by it. (Laughter) The third time, the annoyance reduces a little more, and the fourth time you will be used to it -- no more bad feeling. Then the fifth time, maybe you will feel more happy and joyous. You'll think that this is what should be done, and there's nothing to be talked about. Learn it slowly.

Just like all of you who meditate. Of those who came for the 7-day retreat, some came just for the retreat; some came because they wanted to become a Buddha; some came because of others, because of their wives or followed their husbands to come here; some felt bored having nothing to do at home because their fellow initiates had gone away. (Laughter) Having no one to chat with, so they also came.

This may be the case for the first time. The second time will be slightly better, and the third time -- forget it -- everyone goes to meditate, so we follow, no matter good or not. Then, even those who wish to go out and chit-chat, when they see the others are so diligent, they'll feel embarrassed. (Laughter) So we learn slowly like this. That is why every 7-day retreat is useful. Even if I don't say anything special, or do sensational things to surprise you, it will be very helpful for you because of your diligent meditation.

"And there are those who give and know not the pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue; they give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into the space. Through the hands of such as these, God speaks; and from behind their eyes, He smiles upon the Earth."

When some people give, they don't know whether they are happy or sad. They do not chase after happiness. They are not really aware that they are giving. They don't care that the merit of giving is great. When they are giving charity, they are like the roses or wild flowers blooming in the deep mountains -- their scent naturally permeates the sky, everywhere. They don't think of anything. Through the hands of these people, God gives us true gifts. Through the mouths of these people, God really speaks to us. Through the eyes of these people, God really smiles upon the people of this world.

Normally, people smile with their mouths! How can we smile with our eyes? This is beautiful! Yes, we can. Sometimes, when we look at a person, we know that he is smiling at us. No wonder when people fall in love they look into each other's eyes. (Laughter)

"It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; and to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving."

When others ask for something from us, we should give. If we give before we are asked, it will be even better. But when we give, we have to give with understanding and not just give blindly; meaning we should observe what others need, and give before they ask. It is better this way. We should know why we are giving, not just give blindly because we have too many things.

Some people are too shy to ask because they are not sure whether we can give them those things. They don't know whether we have what they need and whether we are willing to give. It never occurs to them that we are people that they can rely on, people that they can ask from what they need. Perhaps we are not their good friends, or people whom they remember or know.

We should observe who needs what. If they really need, we give; then forget about it. The more generous people will look for the needy people and give them what they need. To the givers, the happiness and joy they get is a million times greater than those who receive.

"And is there aught you would withhold? All you have shall some day be given. Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'."   

He keeps asking if there is anything that we need to keep for ourselves, whether it is really worth it for us to cling to and to keep for ourselves. Anything we have, we will have to give one day. Therefore, give in charity now. We should give. Let the season of giving in charity be ours and not our successors'.

Meaning if we give in charity now, the merit is ours. Why should we let someone else get it? Of course, we do not think of the merit when we give, but why let others have this happiness and joy? Why should it be our neighbor? Why not us?

"You often say, `I would give, but only to the deserving.' The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish."   

You always say, you will give but only to those who are worthy. The trees in your garden do not say that, and the animals do not think this way. They give because they want to live. If we cling to something and keep it, that means we will die. This is also very logical.

When we were staying in Xin Dian, some farmers living nearby owned a tangerine orchard. They often asked their friends to come and pick the tangerines. They also invited us to pick some. At that time, we did not do anything for them, so how could we take their fruit? However, they explained: "Master, please pick the tangerines. If you don't, next year not as many tangerines will grow." They pleaded with us.

"Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and his nights, is
worthy of all else from you. And he who deserves to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream."

He means that anyone who can stay alive is worthy of receiving your offering. Don't worry whether anyone is worthy or not. If God gives him one more day or one more night, you can give to him on that day or on that night. You can give to anyone. Anyone who is worthy to swim in the sea of life is more than worthy to swim in your little stream.

He meant, it is no big deal for us to give a little bit. God has given so much to all of us; God gives us life, and lets us use everything in this world. So, it's nothing that we give a little to others! Why should we calculate so clearly who's worthy, and who's not. Oh, this is beautiful!

"And what desert greater shall there be, than that which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity of receiving? And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?"   

He says that never mind who is worthy, and who's not. The act of receiving is most deserving of the merit, because to accept things from others is itself a merit, a courageous and a very generous act. Why? Because we have to forget our ego, our reputation and our discrimination in order to accept things from others with ease. Therefore, he thought the person who takes is also generous, and has a heart of giving. This is beautiful! (Applause) And it also takes courage.

Really, don't we feel sad if we offer something to people and they don't accept? (Audience: Yes.) So they have no choice but to accept so as to make us happy, no matter if they need it or not. When we are in the mood to give, and if they accept, we will be happy. So, the person who accepts is very generous. (Laughter and applause)

Just now he mentioned that everyone is worthy, and if they can accept our things, they are worthy and courageous enough. Then he asked further that if you think not everyone is worthy of your giving, have you ever asked yourself who are you? Who are you to let people strip bare their self-respect, just to show you their worthiness? Why should they report to you what they are worthy of? Beautiful! Why should they strip themselves to let you see the part of themselves that is worthy? He wrote it very beautifully.

"See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving. For in truth it is life that gives unto life, while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness."   

He means we should first look at ourselves to see whether we are worthy to be a good tool for giving. In fact, it is life and the love power that give to them! It is not from us. We think we are the ones who give, but actually, we are just the witnesses. Meaning we are only there to observe, like watching a movie. Through us, God and the loving power give to them; it is not we who give. Therefore, we should not care about who is worthy who is not. We should worry if we are worthy to be a good tool for giving. Isn't it beautiful? Audience: Yes. (Applause)

"And you receivers -- and you are all receivers -- assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives. Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings; for to be over mindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the free-hearted Earth for Mother, and God for Father."

He also mentioned that we shouldn't say who is the recipient. All of us are beggars, and all are recipients. Where do we come from, and what have we brought along? When we were born, we didn't even have a piece of cloth. In fact, all of us are the ones who receive, so no one needs to be so appreciative. That means, we don't have to create a serious atmosphere of appreciation. If we do this, we are only putting pressure on ourselves and the ones who give, thinking that there is now a debt and feeling of gratitude between us.

In fact, it is the life force of God that gives. We should use these gifts as "wings," to elevate both the ones who give and the ones who receive, meaning to uplift their levels. If you keep reminding yourself of the kindness of the person who gives, meaning remembering the debt, this shows that you doubt the intention of the ones who gave. The ones who give should understand that the Earth is their Mother and God is their Father, meaning nothing belongs to them! The people who give should be this generous, and understand this clearly. If the receivers cannot forget the debt and the kindness, and are forever grateful, this means they don't trust the generous hearts of the givers. (Applause)

It is so comforting listening to these words. Measure your own heart and see whether you have reached this level. If you have, you will feel comforted; if not, you have to climb, climb to the peak, so that when you give you are neither happy nor sad. Give just because you want to give, with no intention. Give, because you are honored to be God's tool in giving. 

Singapore-Malaysia Weekly Issue No.175, Hong Kong Jan. 25, 1997

Cows Save Farmer From
Being Attacked By An Enraged Bull

A fifty-four year old Welsh farmer, Mr. Dante, escaped being trampled to death by an enraged bull thanks to his herd of milk cows.

On that eventful day, Mr. Dante went to the farm to nurse an injured calf. He was concentrating on cleaning the wound of the calf, so he did not notice a sexually aroused bull, weighing 3,000 pounds, was charging at him at full speed. By the time he had turned his head, the bull had already rammed into him, hurling him and his motorbike thirty feet into the air. He fell heavily onto the grass and felt a sharp pain in his back.

Enduring the pain, Mr. Dante ran desperately trying to escape the mad bull chasing after him. Thinking that there was no escape, he simply closed his eyes and lay on the ground, waiting for the heavy bull's hooves to trample on him.

Surprisingly, nothing happened. When he opened his eyes, he saw his six beloved milk cows surrounding him, protecting him from the mad bull in all directions.

Withstanding the pain, and under the protection of the milk cows, Mr. Dante crawled on hands and knees for two hundred yards. Only when he was sure that there was no longer any danger, did he dare to go back to his home half a mile away. The doctor diagnosed that he had fractured ribs, injuries to his lungs and back, plus many minor injuries.

The milk cows saved Mr. Dante's life. As a reward, he bought the best fodder for them.

Singapore-Malaysia Weekly, Hong Kong Chieu Duong Daily News, Australia
HINDI VASI Newspaper, India "Jewelry's Four Seasons", Japan

Chieu Duong Daily News, Australia, Saturday March 8, 1997 (Originally In Au Lac Language)

Supreme Master Ching Hai
International Association Participates In
The "Clean Up Australia Day"

On Sunday March 2nd, 1997 over 150 members of Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Sydney participated in the "Clean Up Australia Day" that was sponsored by the Federal Government, who called upon every citizen to come out and help.

This was an important day because it was launched by the Federal Government with the participation of many high ranking officials such as the ministers and state governors. They appealed to all citizens to keep the environment clean and to make Australia a beautiful country.

It is known that over the last few years the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association has participated in these public clean up events in areas like Pyrmont, Ultimo and part of the Royal National Park, and has been greatly commended by the local government. An official greeted the group of initiates participating in the clean up work with words of enthusiasm: "Welcome the new citizens of Australia." Another official commented, "Although I have not met your Master yet, through your spirit and actions, we know this is a good organization."

Also on the same day, over seven thousand people attended the Women's Festival in Domain Public Park where the group of initiates was assigned to work. The festival staff reserved for the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association one of 90 booths to display its arts and crafts, spiritual and cultural items because they realized that Supreme Master Ching Hai is a world renown, Au Lac lady who was honorably presented the World Spiritual Leadership Award by the six governors of the Midwestern States in the U.S.A. in 1993. A big crowd of people came to get free copies of sample booklets and News magazines in order to learn more about the Quan Yin Method. Many inquired about Supreme Master Ching Hai and the schedule of video presentations and public lectures.

Singapore-Malaysia Weekly, Hong Kong Chieu Duong Daily News, Australia
HINDI VASI Newspaper, India "Jewelry's Four Seasons", Japan

Printed in the Indian Newspaper: HINDI VASI Feb. 23, 1997

"When We Are Near To God,
We Are Happy And Content"

(Originally In Hindi)

Spiritual people have now come to a conclusion: Only enlightenment will change the future of this country. It is true that when we are far away from God we are unhappy. Those who are near God, only think of benefiting humankind. Formosan spiritual master Supreme Master Ching Hai only brings benefit to humankind. That is Her goal in life. Supreme Master Ching Hai is a great master. Under Her guidance one can grow spiritually and become enlightened. She has neither expectations nor any attachment in doing Her work. She is the one who can change the future of Formosa.

Real happiness is not found in cars, bungalows or material things; but rather in inner happiness. A contented mind with an inner love for God, can achieve happiness near God. One Urdu poet, Galab, said, "When a drop of water merges into the ocean, it is one with the ocean." In the same way as the drop of water, when we merge with the Supreme Soul, we can be happy and peaceful.

Singapore-Malaysia Weekly, Hong Kong Chieu Duong Daily News, Australia
HINDI VASI Newspaper, India "Jewelry's Four Seasons", Japan Media Reports

Japan "Jewelry's Four Seasons"
Issue No. 191

S.M. Jewelry From Formosa: The creations by designer Suma Ching Hai have a unique spiritual style. The pieces shown below were designed for children. A special durable material was used so that they would not be easily damaged during play. (Originally In Japanese)  

Singapore-Malaysia Weekly, Hong Kong Chieu Duong Daily News, Australia
HINDI VASI Newspaper, India "Jewelry's Four Seasons", Japan Between Master And Disciples

By Brother Initiate Hardi, Surabaya, Indonesia (Originally In Indonesian) 

Our great Master, You have come from afar to bring us a mirror. Gently You took my hand and led me to stand in front of the magical mirror. How amazed I was when I saw my own image -- only to find that I have so many faults! I used to think that I was perfect.

Oh! Master! How grateful I am to You. Through thick and thin, You always give me guidance, awaken me from the wayward way, and help me reflect on my deepest ego. How merciful You are to have once again affirmed my faith, and saved me from regressing. You have given me the best potion to overcome ordeals, namely, piety and devotion brought about by my quest for the true Self!

Oh! Master! I absolutely believe that I can improve my meditation, both in quality and quantity, because it is the best weapon to fight my battles with in life.

Oh! Master, my Savior! Please help me to always keep my faith and longing alert!

In deepest remorse, and in tears, I shall end this short prayer. Amen!

  Master Says
Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa, May 27, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

Adam And Eve           

A long time ago, when God created the universe, Hes created our world. Hes created day and night, the stars and moon, as well as the sky, the oceans and the land. Hes created birds that flew in the sky, fish that swam in the oceans and animals that roamed the land. God was pleased at the sight of Hiers creation. As the universe was meant for human beings, Hes started creating man and woman. God made Adam and Eve and had them rule the world, which included the plants, birds, animals and fish. Hes gave them a beautiful place to dwell, where there were cool streams, shady trees and a variety of fruit. That was the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were delighted with all they had, except for one thing that God had forbidden -- the eating of the fruit from a special tree. If they ate it, they would die. Adam and Eve obeyed God and lived as Hiers friends.

However, there was someone else who had his mind set on ruining God's world. One day as Eve passed by this special tree, she heard a sweet serpent voice calling her. (The Westerners give the snake a bad name, saying that it always looks for a chance to seduce human beings. They have embodied Satan in a snake.) Anyway, the tree was named "the tree of good and evil knowledge." The voice told her, "Look at the wonderful fruit! Your mouth must be watering. Taste it, and you will become very smart, as smart as God has ever been." Upon hearing the serpent's gentle voice, Eve forgot about God's warning, because she wanted to become as smart as God and do whatever she wanted. She reached for the fruit and ate it. Then she saved some for Adam.

That was where things began to go wrong. God knew what Adam and Eve had done, because no one could ever hide anything from Hirm.

From then on, they were no longer God's friends. Hes asked them to leave the Garden of Eden. They had once lived such happy lives in the garden, where they had walked and talked with the Lord. Now the angels stood on guard at the gate of the garden with swords in their hands, never to allow the return of Adam and Eve. They had to work very hard till they were exhausted. Now they experienced pain. What was worse, God gave them a most horrible message, that they would age little by little, and eventually die.

After they left Eden, Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel. Cain grew up to be a farmer, cultivating the land and growing grain on it. Abel was a shepherd, taking care of his father's sheep. At harvest time, Cain offered part of his crop to God in gratitude, while Abel offered a flock of sheep. We know both are very good gifts, but we can't give them in exchange for God's love, because Hes knows what we really are. Abel was a righteous man, so God was very much pleased with his gift. Cain was jealous and angry. He hated his younger brother Abel, and God did not like his gift as much. One day in the field, Cain rose up against Abel and slew him, believing no one witnessed it. But God did, Hes punished Cain by driving him and his family away forever. A world once so attractive was thus brought to ruin.

Do you understand the story? It's not that eating one piece of fruit brought about all this misfortune, but that we know what's right and wrong and have the right to make choices. We shouldn't do what we know we shouldn't. If we do know but still do it deliberately, we will make a mess of our life, turning it into something complicated and painful. The fruit was just a symbol of what we shouldn't do. Following God's instructions means acting in a reasonable way, and not harming other people for our entire life. Even if you have not taken up spiritual practice, you may well have done yourself and the world a big favor by staying on a vegetarian diet and keeping the precepts. It's the same with my students. We choose to do what we should and avoid what we shouldn't.

God's Wishes Are Not Extraordinary           

God had taken such good care of them, gave them every kind of food or pleasure. There was nothing else they needed, which implied God's love knew no boundary. Where else could anyone have lived such a carefree and pleasurable life without having to work? All they had to do was have fun. Did God ever ask anything extraordinary of them? Never. All Hes said was, "You may eat anything, but that tree is mine. Leave it for me. You shall not eat from it." But they didn't even spare that one. Not that they were starving. Was there anything they needed that they didn't have? God had only one requirement for them, but they weren't able to do it. Hes created so many things for their pleasure, but they still made mistakes. Today we are in a worst situation, tantalized and forced to drift in the ocean of suffering. Our world is full of distresses like birth, aging, illness and death. But at that time they knew no illness, aging or death. They didn't even have to fight for their bread. All they were asked was just one tiny favor, which they actually fell short of fulfilling. What came from God's mouth, they disobeyed, not to mention what it would have been like had it been from my mouth. What would it have amounted to? They knew very well that God had created everything for their enjoyment. They knew Hes was their master and that Hes offered them whatever they wanted except the fruit of one special tree, yet they decided that they must eat it, of all things.

As a matter of fact, there was nothing special about the tree. It was just like any other tree. But God wanted to see if they could keep themselves from eating the fruit for Hiers sake, but they failed even such a simple request. They turned a deaf ear to God, yet they listened to the serpent! It was a serpent, of all beings! The words of a serpent were more important than those of God? Now you see, if anyone should fall into the circle of transmigration, there is absolutely no one else to blame. If this story is true, we can't put the blame on God anymore. Hes was so nice and hospitable to human beings. Hes asked for nothing, only the keeping of a tree for Hirmself. But they had to get the fruit of this very last tree. They had faith in everything but God. They even believed in a serpent and ate what they shouldn't have. Not until they swallowed it did they realize what sufferings they had created for themselves, and what was good or bad. By then, God had also known that they hadn't had enough faith, and that they didn't deserve to be Hiers friends.

There are many things in this world, each a different price. For example, if we buy a diamond, we have to pay a huge amount of money, but we don't have to pay that much for gold. We pay even less for a piece of silver. A piece of iron costs us a few hundred dollars, but gold of the same size may cost ten times more. Similarly, if they wanted to be God's friends and enjoy whatever there is in Eden, they had to follow the rules. If they couldn't even spare a tree, how could they live there? People have to respect each other if they are to stay together. I may have a request for you and you may have one for me too, and we just have to cooperate. That's the moral of this story, not that God really wanted something from Adam and Eve. God thought that if Hes gave them everything but no rules, it would be monotonous and boring. Therefore, Hes granted them everything but this tree, just for variety. Alas, they didn't understand this, and wound up listening to a serpent rather than to God, their benefactor. That's disgusting! So they went 'kaput' after they followed the serpent. If you think more highly of a serpent than of God, you surely don't deserve to be a friend of Hiers, do you? You have betrayed Hiers trust and spoiled the cooperation between you and Hirm. You want your own way. You don't respect Hiers opinion, even though it has not harmed you at all. With so many things in your hand, what else could you possibly want? So that's the ego, the eagerness to be as great as God.

Beware Of The Ego          

If you weren't as great as God, so what? It's good enough to live in Eden. Every day, you have enough to eat and wear. You have whatever you want, but you still want to become God. What for? We human beings always have this troublesome ego. We want to be the king, the highest and the best. That's why we have been cheated into this world of hustle and bustle. We earn a lot of money to be richer than other people; we use a lot of make-up to look prettier than others; we buy expensive clothes to look better, too. Everyone races against each other. The better we are, the harder we race because there always seems to be someone ahead of us no matter how good we are. This biblical story is not just about a piece of fruit; it has a moral. The ancient teachers, for fear of trouble, didn't dare put things in a straightforward way, so they used various parables to get the ideas across to the people. If you read this book, "The Bible Stories," that's all you need. This book has selected quite a few good stories. Good, but simple. Even children can understand them.

Even by reading this story, you can feel how horrible and inconvenient it was for ancient people to pursue spiritual practice. Most of the time, they were envied and in danger of being captured of killed. The spiritual practitioners must have been better, wiser, smarter and more talented than ordinary people in every way, so they were very much envied and in danger. Just reading the Bible, you will know how hard it was to practice in the past.

The first story of the Bible has given us many good points to ponder and study. It's not just a matter of fruit; it's a matter of discipline, mutual respect, cooperation and ego. Adam and Eve didn't want to follow the instructions. They just wanted to be greater than others, even God. But they were pretty stupid in their attempt. If they really wanted to surpass God, there must have been some other way. They could have asked Hirm, "Why are You so great? Can You tell us how You did it?" Being so great meant God must have had Hiers own virtues and ways of practicing. Hes couldn't have become what Hes is in one day. So they should have told Hirm their wish. Stealing behind people's back is by no means a good quality. God had treated them so well, but they ended up doing nasty things behind Hiers back. That's human beings!

The Greater The Goal, The Higher The Price          

I have told you, everything has a price. As you follow me in your spiritual practice, you have to obey strict rules. But you get something in return. You know this very well. Otherwise, why are you still here? Buying gold is different from buying iron. If you want to get something, work for it. Take me for example. I underwent an operation some time ago, but that was not the end of it. I had to work my muscles and nerves for three to four hours a day to help them recover because of the anesthetic and the surgeon had sutured them. If I hadn't exercise them they would have become stiff and gone on strike. I was told that I'd have almost, if not complete recovery after working the muscles three or four hours a day for six months. Similarly, if it is a higher goal that we are after, how can we not work hard every day? This is a rule that we just can't ignore. You may know it very well, but you haven't worked very hard. Still, you have gotten something in return, but not as much as a hard worker. It is more difficult to obtain worldly things. For example, you have to pay hundreds of thousands of NT dollars for an operation, and you feel very terrible afterwards. For the first few hours, you are unconscious. After you come to, you will discover a lot of tubes all over your body. It's a painful mess. On top of that, you may not yet have recovered completely. The suffering continues, because you have to exercise for several hours a day. Nothing in this world is simple or free of charge.

It seems that God's offer is easier. Hes created the whole Garden of Eden solely for the two of them, except for one single tree. However, they took even that. That means man is never satisfied, no matter how much he has been given. So if anyone should treat you badly or walk out on you, don't always think that you must have done something wrong. Probably it's just another human being with an insatiable heart, demanding one thing after another. Have you ever noticed that our mind is really nasty? It keeps bothering us all day long. Once we have settled for one thing, it says, "No, I want that one too." Thus we are always busy with a lot of things. That's why we have to examine it and keep a spiritual diary. We have to watch closely to see whether it really needs something. If it doesn't, don't comply with it. The more you give, the more it demands and the busier we get, although we may never figure out what makes us so busy. For example, you may have accumulated a lot of stuff in your house, which you don't use even once a year. Sometimes it was used only once after you bought it, and then it was forgotten forever. There are many things like that.

Don't Mistake A Lack Of Discipline For Freedom           

If we make our lives simpler, they won't be complicated anymore. We have to watch our minds carefully, to see what they demand, how they get what they demand, how they bother us, and how they get hold of us. Once we have made a clear analysis, we will have better insight. We have to be strict with ourselves, observing ourselves as if out of our bodies, and ask, "What do you want this for? What else do you want after you get this? How much time, money and effort do you have to pay for it? What can you do with this?" Probe deep into these questions, or else we might become slaves to our own minds while still believing that we are free enough to do whatever we want. No, that would be undisciplined, not freedom. Freedom means doing something when you need to, and not doing it when it's wrong. On the other hand, doing what our mind tells us to do is just pampering ourselves. We can never improve in this way.

It will only do us good if we are strict with ourselves, not with other people. Nothing is free of charge in this world. We have to work very hard to get what we want. We have to be strict with ourselves, very strict, to acquire the characteristics and level that we pursue. If we just want to pamper ourselves, that would be too easy. We might just as well follow what our mind dictates and believe it's freedom. No one would interfere, no one would care; we ourselves wouldn't care either. But that's wrong. That's slavery, not freedom. The whole world is upside down. It always finds my rules and teachings difficult to accept, even though I'm telling the truth. People think I'm too harsh on them and they can't stand it. They want to do whatever they want because that's easier. But where does this easy way lead us? We are accustomed to walking the easy way, regardless if it's right or wrong. Because it's an easy and comfortable way. We keep walking on and on and never want to turn back. To keep on going is more convenient than to turn our car around, even though we are actually getting farther and farther away from our destination.

It's all right to keep going, but we have to first make sure that it's the right way. Just because it's a big freeway it doesn't mean we always have to take it. If our home is in the other direction, we have to make the necessary turns or even turn our car around, no matter how hard it is. We can't speed on and on just because it's a big freeway, nor should we give up because it's a narrow path. If we give up, we will never get back to where we want to go. Freedom is not going straight ahead all the time -- stupidity is. The difference lies in the lack of self-control. Irresponsible people may look just like those who have freedom, because they do whatever they want and they believe they are free. No, that's being negligent of one's duty, and they are being too easy with themselves.

So now you see. This Garden of Eden story is not just about a piece of fruit. It's a parable which tells us that it's not easy for us to obey others. When people tell us not to do something, we have to do just that. Our mind always messes things up this way, doing what it is warned not to do. That's why Adam and Eve listened to a serpent just because of one piece of fruit. They knew how nice God had been to them, giving them the whole world for their use, but they were not grateful. They believed in the hypocritical serpent and ate what God had told them not to. We shouldn't steal anything from our benefactor no matter how attractive it seems. If we really want it, we have to tell him. They were given the whole world, but they were not satisfied. They were told not to eat the fruit, but they ate it anyhow. The moral is: it's not easy to keep ourselves in line, because we always listen to the bad guys.

Introspect At All Times           

There are two people inside us: one is the good guy, the other is the bad guy. The serpent is the bad guy in us. We know we shouldn't do something but we still allow it to happen -- carelessly, or even intentionally -- because we don't have enough wisdom or good judgment. Therefore, we have to examine ourselves every day in order to know what our mind demands. Is it really necessary, or is it just a mountain made out of a molehill? Something to consume our time which could otherwise be spent in thinking about what we really need? Sometimes when we go grocery shopping, we get carried away by the advertisements outside the shops and forget about the important things we have to buy even before we reach the store we have set out for. We hang around and buy this and that. Later we may run out of money, the store may be closed, or we may forget all about it. Anyway, we end up coming home with lots of useless things, and nothing we intended to buy.

Now that you have read this story, you can figure out why some people treat us badly even though we have been very nice to them. Even God can't satisfy human hearts, how can we? That's what human beings are like. So we have to keep ourselves from becoming like that. We have to remember this story and remind ourselves not to become that kind of person. But it's very difficult, because we make mistakes very easily and we like listening to the "serpents". There is no one worse than those with a sweet tongue. That's why we Au Lac people are afraid of sweet people. Be careful when someone speaks sweet words to you. Sugar and candy don't do us any good. Sugar spoils all the vitamins we consume -- so I was told. So now you see why those who have high sugar intake, or have a lot of sugar in their coffee, look very nervous -- because they don't have enough vitamins. Besides, too much sugar causes tooth decay.

Sweet thing doesn't help us. We will put on weight, get high blood pressure or heart disease if we have too many cookies. They are fatal diseases. So sweet things are no good at all, and neither are sweet words. But the whole world is fond of sweetness. That's the trouble. Had the serpent's words not been so sweet, stupid Eve would probably not have taken the fruit. But as they were sweet, she bought them and ate the fruit; then dragged her husband down as well. Because of this story, people believe women are like serpents, in that they all seduce men. I dare not say it's wrong, but who was the original seducer?

The Latter Part Of Eden           

When Adam and Eve fell to Earth, they were captivated by worldly pleasures and virtually forgot about repentance. Since then, they have been mesmerized. Intoxication alone is still acceptable, but why are they so ferocious? It is because of what I have just told you. When they wanted to eat a fruit in Heaven the fruit would drop into their hands. Such things never happen in this world. You shake the tree with all your might or even use a hook, and the fruit still won't come off. So, they began to rack their minds, trying to conceive of a way to get a lot of fruit in the most civilized and speedy manner. They got some inspiration from the power of the rains and storms. They saw the trees wavering in the wind, so they imitated and blew at the trees. The trees didn't move an inch. Then they began to practice Chi-kung and energy exchanging. At first they could only bully the small trees. As their Chi grew stronger, they affected the bigger trees. Consequently, their faces started to look flushed, and their voices also became very loud and coarse. Previously, they didn't have to speak in Heaven. Everyone could communicate by telepathy and understand each other's thoughts.

Here they had to learn from the animals because they wanted to defend themselves. It was still all right when they first came here; but later, the animals smelt them and threatened to eat them. Terrified by the roaring animals, they didn't know what to do. So, because the animals roared, Adam, Eve and their children also began to roar. Observing that they were more fierce, even the tigers ran away -- it worked! Their method worked. So they continued and became more fierce, just like tigers and lions. If we sometimes see people who are very fierce, you know that was how they first learnt it. Originally, they practiced it to protect themselves, but gradually it became a deep-rooted habit. That is how we became like we are today -- fierce and raucous Buddhas. If people still remembered what they were like in the very beginning, they would speak in a softer manner. When they don't remember, they roar. So now we know it is only our habits that make us speak softly or loudly.

Then came the whistling sound of the wind, very much like the rumbling sound of tigers and lions. However, Adam still couldn't talk to his wife, because they didn't have to speak in Heaven. As soon as other people thought, they understood. Not a word was required. When they fell to Earth, their power was gone. It was different when they were deprived of the blessing power. Once they left this power, they got lost in the secular world. Therefore, they needed to speak. Then they felt the shame that estranged them from each other. They dared not hold each other's hands or do anything. It was not the same anymore. So, they began to charm each other. In doing so, they had to learn from the animals, because they could no longer communicate inside, and they didn't know how to speak either. They observed the animals and imitated their voices. That was how they learnt their A-B-C's.

Having no one else to learn from, they could only imitate the chaotic behavior of the animals. When they were up there, they learnt from God, from the immortals, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings), which was much more elegant than the human world. When they first came, there were no other humans, because they were our ancestors. They didn't have an enlightened master to teach them here, so they had to teach themselves. However, their wisdom had been severed and forgotten! As soon as they left the spiritual center, they got lost and couldn't return. They were intoxicated by passions and sensual pleasures! The secular world is full of worries which made them forget their wisdom, so they had to take care of themselves. Having no teachers, they learnt from the wind, the rain, the fearful thunder, the sun, and the extreme phenomena of hot and cold. They learnt everything from nature. They also learnt from the animals, how to protect themselves. Sometimes they were not really angry, but when the tigers came roaring, they also roared. They imitated them so well that they started to look like them. They were not really fierce at heart, but sometimes Adam would forget and roared even at his wife. His wife also roared back at him. So the two acted in the same way. Human language was initiated from there, which was a compilation of animal sounds.

We shouldn't blame ourselves really; we should blame God for giving us such a severe punishment. Anyhow, God is impatient in the first place. Hes has the greatest patience, but Hes is also the most impatient. Hes is the most merciful, but also the most apathetic. Hes has two faces. Hes is the most Yin and the most Yang; the most gentle and the most forceful. This is what makes Hirm so interesting.

It is similar in our world. If there is only sunshine every day, we cannot bear it, and the crops will not grow. We need rain. However, if it rains constantly. It is very inconvenient for us who live in tents. So, both are essential. However, although we are aware of the law of the Yin-Yang equilibrium, it is still unbearable when the effects come to us. We know there are rainy days and sunny days; there is winter and summer. Nevertheless, we often complain about the hot, sticky and humid weather of summer. When it rains, though we know it is essential for agriculture, we still cannot stand it. Especially when we are having a 1-day or 7-day retreat or gathering. Everyone is completely wet, the steel cups are filled with rain water and cannot be used to drink Oolong tea. (Laughter)

The same also applies when we encounter trials in our spiritual cultivation. The Master has told us a hundred and eight times that there ought to be trials, and that we should keep a balanced mind, see good and bad things as the same, and take praise and reprimand equally. However, when we are being scolded, we still pull a long face, feel hurt, and show all our protesting gestures. One here and one there, with many little signs. We show all our hands and feet in protest -- against whom we don't know, even when there is no one watching us.

History Of The Earth           

Actually, there weren't any extreme climatic conditions on our Earth. There weren't any hot summers and cold winters. There might have been some rain, but not so distressing. Our climate used to be more pleasant. There were sunny days and rainy days, but it rained only when necessary. It was not that cold and humid, and it would dry when the sun came out. Summertime was not that hot. Our climate now is a result of a war that we waged against Heaven. We didn't listen to God, and wanted to challenge the angels just after we had learnt a few things. Therefore, they destroyed our weapon system with another powerful weapon, and locked us up in here. That is why we cannot get out of the three realms. The angels set up a protective layer surrounding our Earth, just like the magical spell that confined the Monkey King. We are imprisoned by this invisible control. Every moment, the beings in Heaven are observing us, and they won't allow any of us to advocate revolutionary ideas as we did before! That is why the machines we have now are lousy ones; we cannot invent really good things.

But we have started doing it again. In the last century, we have built atomic bombs based on our past-life memory. Instead of feeling remorseful, we are creating trouble again. Therefore, the angels are monitoring us continuously, and they keep warning us with a chain of calamities. Besides, our resistance also generates a destructive power that will destroy ourselves. When we are angry, don't we feel heartache, physically irritated? When we are in trouble and cry, don't we feel very exhausted just like when we are exhausted from working? (Audience: Yes.) This is how we are hurting ourselves.

At that time, the angels prepared to destroy us. Their attack was so forceful that the Earth was struck slightly off its orbit, which resulted in the extreme hot and cold climate of today. After that, the angels locked us here. In addition, we ourselves generate this kind of ambiance, so we live and die by ourselves. Although God has confined us here with Hes magical spell, Hes still keeps an eye on us, fearing that we might sneak into Heaven. Some people tried to liberate themselves through meditation, but they ended up being possessed. Who are the devils? They are the guardian angels. Observing us trying to escape, they think we are trying to revolt and fight again, so they push us down. When we come back, we are like an idiot, separated from our soul, extremely confused, and unable to recognize anyone. People call this "being possessed".

They forbid us to go up. So, if we get out ourselves, they regard us as revolutionaries, and take prompt action to keep us from ruining the universe. We are under constant observation, and we cannot go up alone without the guidance of an enlightened master. However, there are some very sincere people, so the Buddhas often come to teach and encourage us: "We know where you are hiding. Quickly come out and surrender; you don't have much time. You will be forgiven. This is the final warning!" Some enlightened beings go out and put up posters, distribute leaflets and sample booklets just to edify us. There are people who really repent and want to be liberated from life and death. They really want to get out of this barrier. If we are truly sincere, we can enroll, observe a vegetarian diet for three months, then a master will come and accept us. This is the initiation. Other people still cannot go out! Here we are just like prisoners. Some prisoners behave better, and they are not that evil in nature. Their offense is light, and they truly repent and behave well; so they can be released when a lawyer comes to help them. This is what happens to the initiated people. If we truly want to get out of jail, the Buddhas will open the gate and take us out. Other people are not allowed; they must first repent, and stop producing atomic bombs. Only a small group of people who really repent and want to get liberation can break through this intangible barrier.

We are not supposed to go out. If we stealthily escape, there will be graver consequences when we are caught. We will be condemned to a small cage where we can neither stand nor sit, and forbidden to talk to anyone. Similarly, those who attempt to seek liberation by themselves will face an even more tragic end. They will become more strange than before. Originally, they could still understand something. After they meditate by themselves, they do all sorts of hand and feet mudras and talk nonsense. Their minds become confused and run amuck. Like the prisoners, if we escape and get caught by the police, we will be treated more harshly than ordinary inmates. We will be chained, locked up in a small place. There is no light -- very dark. Severe criminals are jailed there, and they are not allowed to talk with anyone. The situation is worse than before we escaped. The initiated people are those who are sincere about getting out. If you are not really sincere, and you have cheated the Buddhas, later you will be thrown in and locked up again. The enlightened beings have nothing to lose; it is we who have to bear the consequences.

The two-and-a-half hours of meditation each day is to remind us, and to let God know that we are very sincere, that we are determined to go out. God tests us to see if we always remember or not. We have only said once: "I want to go out!" One stateent is nothing. Besides, there is no proof. It is not enough! Therefore, we must repeat it every day. Because we were so bad before, God wants to make sure that we are truly sincere this time. For two and a half hours each day, we have to recite: "I want to go out. I want to go out. I really want to go out. I am determined to go out!" It is the same when we want to marry someone. It is not enough just saying: "Doctor So-and-So, I want to marry you!" We have to show it by our actions, present gifts, and chant every day: "I really want to marry you. I definitely want to marry you." Furthermore, we have to prepare for the wedding ceremony to show our sincerity. We must work towards that, step by step. Similarly, we have to meditate for two and a half hours each day and keep chanting until we are "married" to God.      

The Garden Of Eden Biblical Story Don't Take The Devil's Apple

Adam and Eve ate just one apple, yet they incurred so much karma. Do you have any idea how much we have eaten in our lives? We have eaten everything including cows, horses, chickens, ducks and pigs. How can we endure so much karma? Adam and Eve shared only one apple, each taking only one half of it, but ended up falling from Heaven down to Earth. Then they had to endure great pain, tiredness and hardships to earn their bread. Their descendants, generation upon generation, were involved in this karma as well, not to mention the additional karma we create by ourselves. What I mean is, anything that is not given by God bears karma. Its price and interest are beyond imagination. That's why we have to offer the food to God and recite the Holy Names before each meal in order to cleanse the karma. Otherwise, we would be eating the devil's apple. Later he will ask a lot in return.

That apple was actually created by God and placed in Eden. Why is it that nothing carried karma in Eden but this apple? Since they were all from God's creation, why must this apple, of all things, bear such a high price? It's because God had not granted it to them. They stole it, so it wasn't blessed by God. They listened to the devil, so it was blessed by the devil instead. Not that God had to be fierce with them; not that God had the heart to punish them, but that they belonged to the devil once they had eaten from him. At least they became his subordinates, tools, relatives or friends. In addition, they lost the privilege of being God's friends.

If they had informed God in advance, things would probably have been different. God might have said, "Well, since you want it so much, all right. Feel free to take as many as you want." There wasn't anything that God couldn't do; but because they ate it furtively and received the blessing from the devil, they brought disasters upon themselves. Similarly, if you follow me and practice, you will have to keep a vegetarian diet and meditate for two and a half hours, but it's no big deal. There are other people who eat vegetarian as well. Besides, they eat only one meal a day, live in graves instead of mansions, and meditate eighteen hours a day. Yet they have received nothing from all this effort! What does your two-and-a-half-hour amount to anyway? And you might eat several meals a day, consuming more food than non-vegetarian people do!

However, why do you still benefit from it? It's because you get the blessings. It's because you are doing it correctly, and God has accepted you. Hes promised, "Okay, if you do these things, I will give you this and that." However, if you do it alone, who will ever know what you are doing? For example, suppose there is a boss who runs a very big store. He hires you to take care of his business. Then even if you have no customers coming to you for two or three days, you will still get paid; because he has made a deal with you by saying, "If you work for me, I will pay you this amount of money each month. You'll get health insurance, I will take care of your security benefits, you'll get a pension when you're old, and there's special financial assistance when you're ill." Later, the deal is done, and you have to look after the store. It doesn't matter if there isn't a lot of work to do. You'll even get additional money when you're sick or have an accident. You still get paid even if you haven't sold a thing. However, if there is someone who hasn't been hired by the boss, will he get paid for standing in the store for fifteen years? Will he get anything for staying awake all day and night looking after the store? No! Who cares if he stands there by himself? Similarly, God has Hiers own system in this world, and some people work on Hiers behalf. If we get in touch with them, they will introduce us to God so we are connected with Hirm. If we just follow ordinary people's footsteps, or even the devil's footsteps, we won't do ourselves any good even when we have done as much, if not more. You get benefit because we are connected with a totally different system.

The Garden Of Eden Biblical Story Don't Take The Devil's Apple

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Paris, France, January 24, 1997
(Originally In English And French)

Q: We must work outside spiritually, but we cannot always choose our work and our boss; and sometimes some bosses are not honest and they force us to follow them because we work for them. They exploit us, they want money, and we have to follow. How can we consolidate this with spirituality? Because if I could work twenty-four hours a day for You I would do it, but I have to earn money.

M: You don't have to work twenty-four hours for me. Meditate two and a half hours for yourself and that will be enough. Regarding your question, you don't have to follow the boss, you just work for the boss. You do your duty, you perfect your job, and you earn the money that's assigned to you. Whether the boss is honest or not, you don't care, because you don't really know if the boss is honest or not. If you know and if you feel uncomfortable, you leave, you seek another job. To be a boss is also a very difficult position. As you have the pressure from the boss and the job, he has the pressure from his job, the environment and the connecting aspects with his position and his business. He has to struggle in the world of great competition to survive. Sometimes he's forced to do things that he might not conscientiously like to do. So we do not really know. Just forgive him if he is wrong, and do your best in your job.

To be a boss is very difficult, I can tell you. If you make one mistake, you might lose millions of dollars, the whole company will be closed down, and thousands of people will be out of work. So sometimes the responsibilities and pressures upon the boss are enormous. Maybe we should understand the boss better.

Q: Just to know what You think about the combination of aggressiveness and the fact of being an initiate. I'll explain to You. If you are obliged to be very aggressive in your profession -- for instance if you have to defend other colleagues, if you have to make negotiations with the government and so on, you are obliged to be aggressive to defend the people. After that you sometimes feel very wrong, because you say, "Okay, I am an initiate. All this day I was very aggressive, it was very bad." But I am aggressive for the good things, you know, to defend people. So, is that compatible with the initiate's philosophy?

M: If you have to work in the world, sometimes it's unavoidable in some situations to be more kind of go-getting or you can say aggressive. But we can't help it. Sometimes people do not take sweetness for an answer, do not take a reasonable attitude for a kind of friendship or nobility. They take it as a weakness. So they like to meet people who are more forceful, who are more straight to the point, and are not afraid in anything. So in that case, you have to use the weapon that they demand.

We are spiritual practitioners. Doesn't mean that we always have to use only one kind of weapon or one kind of attitude. It would be like a one way street! The worldly people they need a lot of streets and a lot of ways to go here and there, you can't just use a one way street forever. So aggressiveness or sweetness you have to use accordingly.

Do not blame yourself. Whatever you use for success is alright, as long as you don't harm the opponents by your hatred, by your real vicious intention to damage other people's reputation, wealth or position. You have to do what you do. You have to do what you have to do in order to attain what your job demands, and that is your duty, no problem. Just like when we have children, sometimes the children are bad and we have to use some kinds of authoritative measures to deal with them, in order to put them back into line. 

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Hsihu, Formosa July 4, 1995 (Originally In English)

We use both physical and spiritual strength to beautify our life, and to beautify wherever we go. Whether it's hell, whether it's Earth, whether it's Heaven, we make all into Heaven. That's our job. That's the way we have to be. I think that's the way of a saint.

The only thing we can do is to be good examples so that other human beings can follow our foot steps and have benefit for themselves. Then we become one bigger family, and bring Heaven to Earth. That's the only thing, the best thing we could do in this life or any other life.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Hsihu, Formosa July 11, 1995 (Originally In English)

Even though we follow a so-called spiritual practicing path, we must check ourselves all the time, we must be sure that we don't follow materialistic spiritualism. Because we follow a path in order to gain more power, then we can control others or we can take things from the universe, from all the people without knowing any satisfaction, this is the same path with the magical power and all kinds of materialistic practice. Even though you follow a righteous path, you must always check yourself, make sure that we don't follow it for some personal, material gain and loss, fame and name, and all these kinds of things.