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

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News No. 84
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Spiritual Interlude height="82"> >

Narrated By Sister Initiate Wanru Li, Jiayi, Formosa
Recorded By Brother Initiate Zongjin Yang, Jiayi, Formosa

I am a housewife and take care of almost all the house work at home. When I heard that there would be a retreat in Australia, I worried about the problem of leaving my family for up to nine days. My husband, who is also an initiate, said that he could take care of the children. But when I thought about my husband who does not do much house work, taking care for the little children, I felt uneasy attending the retreat.

The day to go for the retreat finally came. Before I left, I asked the brother initiate who saw me off to take care of my husband. He jokingly said, "How can I take care of him? Master will take care of him. Don't worry!"

Of course, I enjoyed the heavenly happiness of being with Master during the retreat. When I came home, I was even more amazed. Although he had to work the whole time, my husband was able to take good care of the family, and even did a better job than I would have. This experience made me realize that if I had not learned to let go of my attachment, my husband would not have had the opportunity to reveal his quality of independence. I really feel grateful to Master for letting my family learn and grow together as a result of this all encompassing meditation method.

The Smart Wife Learning To Put Down The Attachment
Recognize Our Own Value Spiritual Interlude height="94">

By Sister Initiate Mi Lien-Na, Hsingchu, Formosa. >

Once at Hsihu I went into the kitchen to help. I only know how to chop vegetables, and how to eat a lot! Really a lot! When we were on the roadside seeing Master off on Her way back up the mountain, I was restlessly thinking: "I did so little, but ate so much. I'm really a big rice bucket!"

Master looked back at us on Her way up and said with love: "You are all the best!"

I was looking around thinking: "All these fellow initiates are the best, only I am the worst. I should really seriously review myself!"

But who would think that Master at that moment would look back at me and say: "You are all the best and the most special. Compared to people outside, everything you do is from your sincere heart. It's not for any fame or fortune. You are truly special. I am deeply touched by you!"

Then I realized that also included me!

Sometimes we really blame ourselves too much and don't recognize our own worth. I was overwhelmed with joy to have a living Master encourage and teach us in person like this!

The Smart Wife Learning To Put Down The Attachment
Recognize Our Own Value You May Not Know height="60">

By Sister Initiate Lin Xiu Ling, Taoyuan, Formosa >

Master has repeatedly told us not to eat eggs, because they are Yin (negative) in nature, and attract negative energies. Besides, there is half of the life force in an egg.

One day, while browsing the TV channels, I by chance saw a program on the Discovery Channel about a group of scientists who were conducting an experiment on eggs. Usually, a supermarket would buy several thousand cartons of eggs (each containing ten) each time. We never know whether they are fresh; we are only told that we should keep them in the refrigerator.

The scientists selected a supermarket for their experiment. It took five days to sell all the eggs. The scientists bought eggs on different days and injected a germ in each of them. They kept the eggs under the same temperature and for the same period of time. When they later examined them, they found that a thousand germs had grown in the eggs bought on the first day, while 10,000 germs had grown in those bought on the second day. In eggs bought on the fifth day, a hundred million germs had grown in them.

The scientists told the reporter, "Eggs should not be eaten because they induce cancer. They are also not beneficial to our body."

The reporter said, "I will cook it before I eat it, so what does it matter?"

The scientists answered, "You are only eating the corpses of millions of germs, so how can it be nutritious?"

I can also prove that eggs are Yin in nature. Before I was initiated, I already had great faith in Master, and was observing a vegetarian diet. I was pregnant then, but the doctor thought I was suffering from malnutrition because he observed that my abdomen was too small during the periodic examinations. My husband bought me two eggs for nourishment. I was foolish and took a bite of each egg, after which I felt very strange and wanted to vomit, but couldn't.

I had a terrible nightmare that night. I seemed to have gone to the nether world. There was a lane with houses on each side. There was a funeral going on in each house, and everyone was crying. The houses were white, so were the clothes of the people as well as their faces. That depressing atmosphere was really unbearable. I was so frightened that I woke up trembling and perspiring.

These nightmares tortured me for a week, until I ate some of Master's blessed food at my younger sister's (a fellow initiate's) home. Then the situation improved, and I no longer dreaded going to sleep. From my unfortunate experience, we can see how heavy the Yin energy is in eggs!

Bible Story height="60"> >

There was a village named Ramathaim-zophim. It was located in a hill near Jerusalem. Here lived a man called Elkanah and he had two wives. One was called Peninnah and she had many sons and daughters. The other wife Hannah did not even have one child and she felt sad about this. Although she knew that her husband loved her more, she still felt very sad.

Every year her husband would take the whole family to a place called Shiloh to worship their so-called God. After their worship, they would have a party and everyone would assemble in the temple. The wife that had many children would be surrounded by her children. But Hannah was always alone.

Seeing that the other wife was surrounded by so many people, Hannah looked at herself and felt more sad than before. When the feast finished, she left the party and walked alone to one corner. She felt very bitter and told God in her heart that she was very sad. Then she prayed: "If the Lord gives me a child, then I will let him serve the Lord all his life."

God had heard her prayer, just like Hes had heard any of our prayers. However, priest Eli, when he saw this wife, thought that she was drunk. This wife said to him, "Priest, do not think that I am a wicked woman. I am also not drunk. I only feel very unhappy, very grieved." Then she told Eli about her circumstances. Eli then said to her, "If you want to have peace, you can pray to the Lord to grant you the child that you are yearning for." Having heard the priest's words, Hannah wiped her tears and felt better after going home.

The Lord really replied to her prayer and gave her a very beautiful child. She named him Samuel. Hannah said, "When my little child is a little older, I will bring him to Shiloh to become a monk. He will stay there all his life to serve the Lord. This is what I had promised Hirm." She really did keep her promise and brought the child to priest Eli, saying, "This is the child that the Lord has granted me in response to my prayer. Now, I give him to you because I want to give him back to God. Please take good care of him and train him to work for the Lord." A few days later, their family returned to Ramathaim-zophim. Samuel was left behind with priest Eli.

God knew that to be separated from her own child was a very painful and very difficult decision for Hannah. But Hes did not disappoint her. With the passage of time, Hes granted her three more sons and two more daughters so that she could make use of her motherly love to take care of more children. Every year when they went to Shiloh, Hannah would go to see her little Samuel and brought him clothes that she had made herself by hand.

Samuel had now grown up to be a very lovely child. Anyone who saw him loved him. Now that Priest Eli was old, he very quickly had to prepare his children to minister the temple of God. However, Eli's children were unlike their father. They were all greedy and had no love nor respect for God. God warned Eli that Hes would not give the job of a priest to people like his children. The Lord said: "I will choose a priest. This priest must be loyal to me, listen to me, and do everything that I request."

One night, Samuel was sleeping in the temple of God. At that time, he was somewhat awake and he heard someone calling his name. Samuel ran to Eli, but the old priest had not called him. A similar thing happened again. Then Samuel asked Eli, "Are you calling me? I am here." But Eli had not called him.

However, the old priest knew that it must be the Lord calling Samuel. Therefore, when the voice came again the third time, Samuel answered because Eli had taught him what to say when he heard the voice again. At that time, Samuel said to the Lord, "Speak, for Your servant hears." The Lord said to Samuel: "I want to punish Eli's children. No one from their family can become my priest!"

The next morning when Eli asked Samuel what God had said to him, Samuel did not tell Eli what the Lord had told him the night before. The old priest then commanded Samuel to tell him. Reluctantly, Samuel had to tell him. Having heard that, Eli felt very sorry. However, he said, "Let the Lord do what seems right to Hirm."

After a while, Israel had a battle with a race called the Philistines. Israel sent a special box, an 'ark' to Shiloh. The ark contained God's power and they thought that the little box would bring them luck in the battle field. Therefore, Eli's two children brought it to the camp. However, the box seemed to be of no help to them, the Philistines still won the battle. Not only that, they got hold of the holy box and also killed Eli's children. Eli was now very very old and was almost blind in both eyes. When he heard the terrible news of the defeat, he broke his neck.

The Philistines returned to their city in glory and placed the holy box in their temple of the 'Dagon' (the Dagon was a Philistine idol) as a symbol of victory. The next day, their idol -- the statue of the Dagon -- fell down before the holy box and the nose was broken. They put the statue back to its original place. However, it fell down again the next morning. This time, it was completely broken. Then, plague started to spread throughout the city. Everyone was very scared. They said, "The God of Israel is starting to work now. Let us quickly get rid of this holy box!"

Therefore, they sent it to a place called Gath. However, the plague still continued to spread. This time, the Philistines were very worried and confused. They discussed with their sorcerers and priests, "We have to send this box back to Israel quickly. As well, there should be some present as an offering to God." They were now afraid of the God of Israel, thinking that Hes was the real God with unlimited power.

Some wise people in their race gave the following advice: "Only by doing this can we be saved. You have to remember what God had done to the Egyptians before!" Therefore, they sent it by putting the box in a cart pulled by two bulls. Then they waited to see what was going to happen.

The two bulls were very tame. Just like being trained, they brought the box across the border and walked straight to a village in Israel called Beth Shemesh. When they arrived at the village, the people rejoiced at seeing God's holy box back. By this, the Philistines knew that the God of Israel should be well respected.

Do you know what was the most touching part of this story? It was the woman who was yearning very much for a child. Because of having no children, she felt so lonely, painful and was teased by others. Then she ran to God and cried. Even after having longed so much, the little child was offered to God after being born! When I see someone offer their child to God, I am very touched. One could only do this when the heart is the most pure. If it were us, probably we couldn't let go because it is really very difficult to do so. Getting one after such yearning and then offering it to God. However, because she had offered one, therefore she got five children.

That's why it is said that we should not be greedy. We also should not think that when we get something then it is supposed to be like that. One really can't say! Never forget God, then we will have everything. If we want to get something, then we have to know that everything belongs to Hirm. When Hes gives us, we should not think that it is ours. If we need to use it, then use it. When other people need to use it, it could also be shared. It would be best if we offer everything to God. The more we offer Hirm, the more we will have.

Just like with her child, she could have said, "I offer to God but no need to give. Offering just in my heart is enough." Are we not also always like this, "It's good enough for me to have the intention! God knows my sincerity. It's the same wherever it is! When my child is here, he also belongs to God. Since everywhere belongs to God, then being next to me would also mean belonging to God! Then simply put him next to me, God is omnipresent! Since Hes is everywhere, it would be enough for Hirm to know that I have the intention to offer!"

It's not the same, because the love between a mother and a child is very deep. To be really separated from the child is different. Also, to be able to put down the heart and offer the child to God is really different. Wasn't it said that: "To say it in the heart is good enough, then no matter where he is all would belong to God. It's the same whether he is in the church or at home." It's not the same. When we give a total offering from the heart it is not the same as just saying it. If we are able to put down our heart or not able, it's not the same! Because of this, God was touched and then gave her five more children. Originally she had no children and there was no hope. Eventually she had six!

This is not just a matter of children, it's all the same. If we are not greedy and we can put down everything, then we will have more. Really, this is my personal experience. I have not given anything that I have not been able to get back! Besides, I do not even think about it and then it comes back. It really comes back by itself!

Just like a story I told you before: When a farmer went to cultivate the land, he dug up a jar. He took it out to have a look. Oh! It was real gold and glistening. He put it to one side and continued to cultivate. After that, he went home and told his wife, "Hey! You know what? Today I dug out a jar of gold! It's full and very shining."

His wife said, "Where is it? Where?"

He said, "It is still in the field. I dug it out and put it to one side."

The wife said, "You are so stupid. Why did you leave it there and not bring it back?" Then she continued to scold him.

He said, "Ayah! If it is really meant for us according to our fate, it will 'crawl' here! Only when it crawls to my door then I will think that it's mine, because digging it out doesn't mean it's mine!"

Maybe that person had practiced the Quan Yin Method so he was like that. One would not think like that if one didn't practice the Quan Yin Method.

The wife was aggravated to death after hearing that. She couldn't say anything because the field was rather far away from home and the path was not that easy to walk. The farmer comforted her, saying, "It doesn't matter. If it is ours, it will 'crawl' to our door."

He really said 'crawl'. Using a word like this is more fun! Otherwise, how can gold crawl?

While they were talking to each other, there happened to have been two burglars outside and they heard everything. Originally they wanted to steal their things. Having heard the story, they were very happy and did not want to steal their small things! They hurried and ran to the field to take the jar of gold. When they got to the field, there was really a jar. They said, "Ayah! Our fate is so good. We will be billionaires!" The two of them sang and danced for a while and then opened the jar to have a look. Oh! Inside there were only snakes! Not one piece of gold! They were scared to death and closed the jar immediately. Then they left it there and quickly ran away.

The next morning, the farmer went to the field again. After cultivating the land, he saw that the jar was still there. He opened it and saw that the gold was still inside. He closed it and left it there. Then he went back to tell his wife, "I just want to tell you, the jar is still there. It wasn't stolen. Old woman, you just worry too much!"

The wife was very agitated and said, "Why did I marry such a stupid husband, not bringing the gold back? Why do you just keep looking at it over there all the time?"

The farmer said, "No hurry! If it is ours, I tell you, it will 'crawl' to our door!" He continued to say that.

It happened that the burglars were outside, wanting to hear what was the matter with them. Therefore they were also much agitated after hearing that, "He thinks the snakes are gold! Okay, we'll just let it 'crawl' to your door!"

Both of them then ran to the field. Seeing that the jar was still there, they opened it and that it was full of crawling snakes. They said, "All right, we'll let it 'crawl' to his door!" Then they laboriously took the jar to the farmer's door and left it there. Before they put it down, they looked very clearly into it again to see if it was really gold or snakes. Then, they very happily hid themselves and waited for the drama the next morning.

On seeing the jar in the morning, the farmer said, "Hey! Old mama you see! I told you that it would 'crawl' to our door!" When the jar was opened, both of them could see that it was full of gold. They then took it and became rich.

The two burglars could not believe it and continued to watch. At last, they could not bear it and asked them, "How did you turn the snakes into gold?" At that time, it was really gold, not snakes. Before, when the two burglars saw it, it was snakes.

Then the burglars spoke frankly to both of them, "It's really surprising. Why did we see snakes and when you saw it, it was all gold?"

The farmer then said, "Ayah! Because it belongs to me that's why it changed like that. It 'crawled' to my door! I really didn't want it."

Then the farmer felt sorry for them and gave them one or two pieces. At that time, what they were holding was real gold. If they had opened it themselves, it would have been all snakes.

Why do I tell this story? The meaning is that it's good enough for us to be natural in our work sometimes. There is no need to push too hard. Therefore, some people who try very hard still can not earn much money. On the other hand, some people basically didn't bother about money and the money just keeps coming in, and can not be used up. It's all because people have fate.

To us practitioners, we have God. Meaning that our highest wisdom, God will take care of everything for us. If we believe in Hirm, our life will be more comfortable. No matter under what sort of circumstances, we can live very freely and won't worry too much.

Just like Jesus Christ knew that He would soon be crucified. Though He could have run away, He still accepted it! He understood clearly and told His disciples beforehand, "After a while, you will not see me!" Yet He still accepted the arrangement, although this was not a happy thing. Because we have faith, practice, the unhappy circumstances will be less. Because our hearts are consoled, we have insurance, have a sense of security, have a kind of courage, therefore we can face problems more bravely. It's not that we escape the unavoidable problems of this world.

We can never avoid the things of this world. Even if your driving technique is the best, sometimes you still might have a car accident. It's not that your driving is no good, it's because someone else's driving is no good. It's not that you are drunk, it's others who are drunk. Sometimes your car is no good. For example, the tire is perforated, you ran over a stone, some animal bumped you, or someone suddenly ran in front of your car, so that you could not brake the car in time, et cetera. All these could happen. Therefore, it's really hard to be a human. If there is no faith, no practice, ayah, I don't really know how you can get through the days in your life!

Why do all of you like to practice with me? Because you get some benefits! Just like when you get ill and need an operation. Although it's painful, you still have to go. Without that little while of pain, it would be even worse later. Then, after the operation, you still need to recover and take care of yourself. It's not that after the operation all is well. Similarly, we also need to train ourselves through work. After accumulating many experiences then we can get what we want. Therefore in practice, you cannot always ask me to give the sweet and bright side to you only. This is also no fun!

Even in such a comfortable and full of fun place like the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve still felt bored, so bored that they had to listen to the snake and ate the senseless apple! The taste must have been no good, there was nothing good to taste! With so much fruit, what did they lack that they had to eat that one? Everything was theirs. Only the fruit of that tree could not be eaten. But still they could not bear it! Because it was so boring, even when they had so many things, they still wanted something else, just wanted to change the scene.

Therefore when we practice, sometimes it is very difficult. I know this. Sometimes, the faith decreases, because the things we asked for we are not able to get, thinking that God is not taking care of us, that the Master power doesn't care, et cetera. Not really! Because sometimes what we requested is not good for us.

Just like the apple that God asked not to be eaten. It was not because Hes wanted to reserve the apple for Hirmself. It was because it was not good for them! After eating that, then really the mind changed and became different. Both of them became impure and complicated. They started to know what was shame, and started to say what was good, what was bad, and made a mess. It was unlike when they were like children, so pure and so happy.

Similarly, our brain wants many things and it does not mean that everything is good for us. Therefore, sometimes when we ask for some lousy things and we can not get them, then we blame and say, "God is not taking care! Master is not listening to my prayer." It's not like that! Even I have to work according to rules. I cannot avoid things like operations. Like a doctor, if he needs an operation then he has to be operated on by others. You cannot say that because he is the best person to operate, then when he gets ill he should not allow the other person to operate. He cannot operate on himself!

Just like Master Vimalakirti, sometimes he got ill. Then people asked him, "Why are you sick?" He said, "Sentient beings are sick, therefore I am sick." He could not be without sickness! Sometimes, he had to get ill to let others know that he is the same. Otherwise, everyone would think that being a Master means you can avoid all kind suffering from birth, getting old, being sick and death. It's too good! Then everyone would want to become a Master because of this and not have the courage to be a human, thinking that one can avoid one's responsibilities or avoid human suffering.

Therefore, most of the so-called Masters suffer. They have to show some of their sickness and suffering so as to console the sentient beings. Everyone is the same! Then when we are sick, we would remember that even our Master got sick, so what about us? If a Master is too happy every day, people would wonder, "Is he made from iron or copper? Because he is different from us, that's why he can practice. I am different from you, how could I possibly practice!" It's the same! The bodily structures are the same.

The real Master is very ordinary, just the same as you, and has everything. It's only that he can use what he has in a relatively good way. The average person has the same, but uses it in relatively not so good ways. For example, we have human emotions. A Master who has reached the Tao has also human emotions. But he uses the emotions to help others, to be compassionate to others, to let others know that he can understand them since he also has it himself. He can accompany others and simply chat with them. After chatting, the feelings are deeper and it would be easier to liberate them. We ordinary people use this human emotion to bind others and ourselves.

Therefore, though it is the same thing, the use is different. Like money, two people have the same amount of money. One uses it to scare others, to force others' wives, pretty ladies, to bribe people and to do other senseless things. On the contrary, the other person uses that money to help the poor and do something good. The value of money is the same, but the use is not.

Samuel The Tower Of Babel Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
May 30, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

Now the time of the deluge had passed. Noah had lived to be eight hundred years old, and had many sons, probably thousands of them! The book says that Noah and his children cultivated the land and grew grapes on it. His children had many children, who in turn had many more children. There were generations upon generations. Before long, there were too many people, and many families had to move somewhere else. If they didn't, there would not be enough grass for the livestock. Because all of them spoke a very simple language, they understood each other very well, so it was easy for them to cooperate on any project or task.

Some of them moved to a place called Babylon, where they invented a way to make bricks. They learned to fire the bricks making them hard and strong. They also learned how to adhere the bricks together with an ancient material very much like the cement we have today. This way they were able to build houses.

One day, one of them said, "We should build ourselves a very large city and in that city a sacred tower, as big and tall as never before, so we can make a name for ourselves." Nonsense! (Audience laughs) They wanted to build it to become famous. Then everyone in Babylon agreed, thinking it was a very good idea. From then on, everyone worked very hard to build the Tower of Babel.

God began to observe their work from heaven. Seeing the walls getting taller and that human beings were having more opinions and becoming busier in their minds, God knew there would be trouble. Human beings started to think too much, and their egos and mundane notions were expanding. At that time, human beings began to believe they were deities and were capable of everything. Therefore, before they finished the tower, God came up with an idea. Hes thought that if human beings spoke different languages, they would not understand each other and therefore wouldn't work so aggressively.

Then God began to confound their languages and sent people to different corners of the world -- to the north, south, east and west. Some settled on the coast and some on the islands. Some moved to places very far away. Some went to Egypt, some to Africa and others to Arabia.

Noah's descendants multiplied and became more and more. Each lineage generated many more men and women. Each of the families grew larger and larger. Finally they became nations. In each nation, people spoke a different language. From then on, they were unable to work together or communicate with each other.

So far, every time people think of the Tower of Babel they are reminded why people speak so much babel, which means they "blah, blah, blah" a lot. The word babel means speaking like children babbling, so the tower was named the Tower of Babel. Like what babel implies, we always speak too much.

This is a story about God and Noah's descendants. There is a moral to this story and we can learn from it. What is it? The more comfortable human beings become, the less they think of God. Back when their parents were still alive, everything was very simple. Everyone lived in the ark and remembered God all the same. Not too long after, God gave them comfortable lives. There were no floods, no punishments and no reminders; so they began to feel they were great.

Sometimes when we live a more comfortable life, we become more fanciful, just like Eve the Idiot (Sounds similar in Chinese) and Adam the Bold (Sounds similar in Chinese.) When they were still in heaven, they were carried away by their illusion, thinking that they did not have enough and that they should be like God. But what's the point of being like God? It was just an apple that they didn't have, and they were tricked into doing a foolish thing. They already had the whole world and the whole of heaven to themselves. They were happy every day and had whatever they wanted; but they still wanted to be like God. How foolish they were! No wonder God punished them by sending them down to Earth. Only in this way could they learn their lessons. Then they would know: "The life before was good; it's painful now," and they would begin to cherish it. They had already had everything except one apple, but they still coveted it to be like God. What egos they had! Hopeless!

Therefore, we have to reflect on ourselves once in a while. When we live a good life, we should not fantasize too much; or else we would regret it later when it would be too late to come back. Usually in a comfortable life, people are likely to forget, and do unpleasant things or things they shouldn't do. Therefore, even in a relaxed and happy situation, we should not forget, indulge or pamper ourselves and end up getting weak and unable to survive in more difficult situations. Instead, we should keep our courage and maintain a balanced heart.

Samuel The Tower Of Babel

Bible Story Spot Light height="115">

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation, Singapore
April 26, 1997 (Originally In English)

Relying on yourself is the best, really, because the Master is inside. Try hard, get in touch with him, then you'll solve every problem. That's the way of the Masters. That's what the Master is there for. It's not just the physical body. I'm just here as a friend, to tell you what to do, to show you the way that you've forgotten. But it's not me that you should rely on. It's yourself, you have to.

Everyone must rely on themselves. The Buddha said you have to light your own torch, walk your own way. That's the way it is. Just rely on yourself, think hard, go inside, meditate.

While in meditation, try to keep a note pad beside you because a lot of ideas, a lot of answers come and you'll forget later. I tell you, I forget too. Sometimes when I meditate there are a lot of problems or something that I receive, so I note it down. Sometimes I'm lazy, too comfortable to write it down. I think I will remember because it's such an easy and small thing, but I forget completely. Does it happen to you? (A: Yes!)

So (laughter) get up! Why? Because they are things from heaven. That's why we're stupid. That's why the whole...(Laughter) Don't tell them. Shhh! Just between me and you. They do have a sense of intuition inside, just like this (Master snaps Her fingers), when they sleep or when they think hard. But if they do not write it down, they do not take notice of it, or they think it's just a passing thought, they forget.

Three days ago, something came and I forgot all about it. I am still trying to remember and I cannot. This is the inner Master telling you. That's why if we don't notice, we don't go inwards all the time, we forget what we should do in the world, we forget God's will. That's why we err, that's why we make trouble, that's why we cannot solve all our problems. Not that the Master doesn't tell you. Really, we forget. Even just one fleeting thought like that, and we forget immediately after half an hour of getting out of meditation. How would we remember our past life, our glory in heaven, our original Home, our wisdom, our greatness? How? Everything makes us forget in this world. We have forgotten since we were young already.

There is a true story which always touches my heart and always make me want to cry. Sometimes I do cry. It goes like this. There was a four-year old girl who requested to talk with her newly born brother alone in the room without the parents. The parents were very surprised, but consented. So they stepped outside. Nevertheless, they tried to listen, why the girl wanted to talk to the brother alone, and how could a girl talk to a newly born infant? They just listened, eavesdropped on the kid. This is what they heard. The four-year old girl asked the newly born brother in a very gentle voice, she said, "Beloved one, please tell me what God feels like. I've begun to forget already." You see, that's the problem with us.

As always, it makes me want to cry. Can you believe how a kid feels, how lost she feels when the good thing that she has begins to fade away, and she can't control it, she can't get it back. And the more we grow, the more we forget.

We don't suffer that much actually, just when we were young, when we began to forget. That is when it hurt the most. That's why kids, when they go out, they cry. They feel that it's so harsh outside. Apart from their environment it probably hurts their physical being.

The first contact is also the cry of the soul, because inside the womb they are more protected, they are more with God. They have noses, eyes, ears, everything; and they live in the liquid bowl and they don't feel anything. They're not fish but they can swim inside; and they can turn upside-down, inside-out, wrong way and they don't feel anything, because they're blissful inside.

That is when the mind doesn't move. That is when the preconceived ideas, the brainwashing system does not alter our consciousness, so we're still complete in ourselves. We don't need anyone, we don't need company, we don't need friends, we don't need any luxury to feel good. That's why in any situation we just feel good; because we were the soul, we were the Master then, we're still with God.

So if we try to remember that state of being, we'll feel happy again. At least for a while. At least the one-tenth of our day that we spend in the blissful company of God's purity. Otherwise, we just get more and more burdened with the garbage of this world and that's how we became the way we have become, or the way the people have become. They try to get substitutes -- drink, drugs, women, money, power, position, fame -- just to substitute for the things they've lost.

So the people in this world who are greedy, who are vicious, who are ambitious, who are trying to get anything for themselves, who are selfish, are not to be blamed also; they're just desperate. But it happens that they did not create enough merit in the last lives for them to be able to meet a friend, a guide to show them the real way to happiness so they have to find it themselves through all kinds of means and sometimes, stumble and harm themselves. So we feel sorry for the people of the world, not really hate them, not really blame them for what they are. Just that they're very unlucky.

We are more lucky. Even if we lose all the money, we can earn it again. We can live a simple life. We don't worry that people look upon us as a poor person, no bank account and no Cadillac, whatever. We don't care anymore, because we have the blessing power that has been awakened in us again. So meditate, so we'll feel less and less attached to the fame, name and opinions of the worldly people; so we'll feel happy.

But other people, even if they have the money, they're not happy. Even if they have everything, they're not happy. Sometimes the money and the fame even harm them more than do good. They have money and they play the fool. They get AIDS, they take drugs, and they harm themselves, physically and mentally. When they're reborn again with such a muddled kind of mind, they will be a lesser being next time.

So money is not everything if you don't handle it well. I tell you to earn money just to be independent. Also we can share our wealth and our power of earning with other less fortunate people. It's good to be successful but we all know that it's not the goal of our lives. It's different from the money-grabbing people. That makes our mentality very, very disturbed. If we earn money just for the sake of being comfortable and share it with others, it's not uncomfortable at all. If we gain, we feel happy. If we lose, we're not that miserable. We know it's nothing. That's the good thing about meditation -- we find ourselves. (Applause)

Supreme Art height="99">

Reflections On Observing A Set Of Master's Celestial Jewelry
Entitled "The Hidden Force Connection" > The Hidden Force Connection

Narrated By Brother Initiate Taiyi Chen, Taoyuan, Formosa
Recorded By Sister Initiate Hsiuching Wang, Taipei, Formosa

When ancient Masters tried to describe the Truth, they usually explained it through words and language. Few of them did it through celestial jewelry, celestial clothing and paintings as Master does. In this way, Master has turned the Truth into a visual art, made it easier to understand and apprehensible at a glance, and related it closely to daily life. Therefore, appreciating Her celestial jewelry is like reading the Buddha's scriptures.

Master's teachings coincide with those of all past and present Masters who have attained the Truth. All of them have mentioned that through spiritual practice, one can find one's inner Kingdom of God, Buddha Nature or True Self and one can rid oneself of greed, anger and infatuation, and regain the ethos of the precepts, meditation and wisdom, which are from the Kingdom of God or Nirvana. After a comprehensive study of this issue, I have realized that when we attain the inner Kingdom of God or Nirvana, we must practice from inside out, and from the upper to the lower. Only in this way can we attain perfection.

What do I mean by "from inside out" and "from upper to lower"? In "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment (Volume I - Chinese)," Master mentions, "A human being has seven bodies." The True Self is in the very core of our being. One must first attain the "Hidden Force Connection" in order to develop inside and outside as well. This is what I mean by "from inside out."

Master has also said, "The part of our body above the wisdom eye is the pure land, the Buddha's land, and the rest is the impure land." As stated in the "Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment," the course of spiritual practice is to progress from the purification of thought to the purification of physical organs, and then to the purification of visual perception. This is what I mean by "from upper to lower."

The set of celestial jewelry entitled "Hidden Force Connection" has a crescent moon that looks like an abstract design of a person looking over another person. Three pieces of opal are inlaid in it. The middle one represents the wisdom eye and the other two pieces on the left and right are like two physical eyes. Another two pieces of opal tied to the crescent moon by gold chains represent a body and four limbs. So I can extend the meaning of Master's design as follows: When one finds the inner Kingdom of God, God's Light will continuously illuminate one's whole body through one's wisdom eye.

I can also interpret this in another way: When we are connected with the great energy of the universe, God's Light and love will bless the whole world through us. Just as Master says, "Changing ourselves is changing the world." As long as we are "connected with the hidden force" every day until we attain complete enlightenment, our souls will be purified gradually and our world will enter a brand-new Golden Age.

Humorous Wisdom height="50">

By Yu He, Taipei, Formosa >

One day, a Christian man came to the Celestial Clothes Shop to look at the celestial jewelry.

He saw a set designed by Master emitting gold powder.

He kept grabbing the powder in the air while saying,

"Gold powder is coming out of the jewelry. It's coming out."

The fellow initiates who were working there were not surprised by his actions.

When he came and asked the fellow initiates the name of the set of jewelry,

he was told it was called "Seeing with the Soul".

Certainly it was appropriate because this man was obviously seeing this with his soul.

Everything has been created by ourselves. So if we want to live a happy life, we have to create a happy atmosphere.

~ Supreme Master Ching Hai

The Supreme Master
Ching Hai News No.84

Master Tells Jokes
*An Excellent Use Of Books
*The Reason For Not Getting Divorced *Cherishing Words As Gold *Now I See

Master's Words
*Everyone Has The Responsibility To Maintain The Pure Atmosphere Of The Meditation Center

Panorama of Events
* Panama *Australia *Nepal *USA

Spot Light

*Listen To The Heavenly Message And Rely On Yourself

Poem

*The Gentle One

Aphorism

*Aphorism

Bible Story

*Samuel * The Tower Of Babel

A True Story

*True And Sincere Appreciation
* Master's Love Is The Eternal Treasure Selected Questions & Answers *Recognize The Role Of Maya

Master Says

*Purify Ourselves First!

Media Reports

*Soundless Sound -- The Tone That Fills The Cosmos *El Dia Daily News, Chile

Special Reports

*Master Is Here *Master's Latest Photographs

Master's Wonders

*Manifesting Innumerable Buddhas In The Light * Having You Taking Care Of Me All The Way

Spiritual Correspondence

*Liberation In This Life

Between Master And Disciples

*Intolerable Sorrow

Love In Action

*The Supreme Master Ching Hai Relief Team Helps Flood Victims In Chile

Pearls Of Wisdom

*Pearls Of Wisdom

Spiritual Interlude

*The Smart Wife *Learning To Put Down The Attachment * Recognize Our Own Value

You May Not Know

*Eggs Are Cancerous, Don't Eat Them!-- Scientists

While On The Path

*How Can We Not Join Group Meditation?! *The Most Meaningful Mother's Day
*Come To Master

Supreme Art

*The Illumination Of The Buddha's Light Reflections On Observing A Set Of Master's Celestial Jewelry Entitled "The Hidden Force Connection"

Humorous Wisdom

*Seeing With The Soul

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News No. 84
Contents Panorama of Events height="60" width="565">

Report From Panama

Spreading The Good News
To Our Countrymen> Fellow initiates in Panama presenting one of Master's videotaped lectures at Jose Dolores Moscote University, introducing the good news of enlightenment to their compatriots.

A videotape lecture entitled "He Who Has Realized God And The Messiah Of God," that Supreme Master Ching Hai delivered in Costa Rica in 1991, was shown to the Panamanian public on Sunday. The presentation was held at the Jose Dolores Moscote Auditorium at the University of Panama.

The fellow practitioners in charge of planning this event were able to confirm that whenever love guides us in our work to convey to others Master's teachings, we acquire great strength. We can work for hours on end and yet be overflowing with energy.

We had to print the materials as soon as possible for distribution, and it usually required a minimum of one whole week. Since the time was quickly approaching, we decided to photocopy the pamphlets but were not successful since Master's photograph came out much too blurry. We were advised to try a printer specializing in this type of printing.

We were assisted by the owner who immediately recognized Master because he had already read the sample booklet a friend of his had given him. Thus, he told us he would copy the photo by printing it; and the job would be finished the following day. We were truly grateful for everything being arranged in such a special way.

Actually, by the next day we were already distributing the pamphlets. One of the fellow practitioners told us that while he was distributing the sample booklets, he placed one in his shirt pocket and every single person who passed him would stare at Master's photograph sticking out of his pocket. No one could pass by Her inadvertently. He was extremely happy to be able to show Master's photograph to everyone crossing his path.

When the video-lecture was over, the Quan Yin messenger responded to the many questions raised by the public. At the end, many people requested to learn the Convenient Method as well as to receive initiation into the Quan Yin Method of meditation. Many people came from places quite distant from Panama City. Among them were two young girls from Colon. One of them said that she had been praying and reading the Bible for three consecutive days, asking God to guide her, to protect her, to keep her safe from any temptations, and to grant her a lot of love. To her surprise, she unexpectedly received a pamphlet about the video-lecture and she felt moved in her heart; so she came with a friend. After having visited the Center, they are now anxious to learn the Convenient Method, and later the Quan Yin Method. They have already started the vegetarian diet.

During the days following the presentation, many phone calls came from people who were not able to attend but who wished to learn more about Master's teachings. Among them, a gentleman telephoned from the city of Chitre, about four hours drive from the capital. He said that even though he had not been able to attend the video-lecture, after having read the advertisement in the newspaper and seen Master's name he felt She was a true and great Master; and despite not knowing Her teachings, he is positive these are of a very high level. He was keen for us to present a video-lecture in Chitre City, offering himself to arrange all the necessary details, including paying the rent for the venue.

In this type of activity, Quan Yin practitioners have the opportunity to share pleasant moments together, as well as achieve their sincere wish to spread Master's teachings to all their fellow countrymen.

Panama Australia Nepal USA Panorama of Events height="60">

Report From Australia

Building Cultural And Spiritual Bridges >

<Melbourne>It was an honor for Melbourne practitioners to once again participate in the Mind-Body-Spirit Festival in early June at Melbourne's Exhibition Center.

During the Mind-Body-Spirit Festival in Melbourne, Australia, many people read Master's teachings with great interest.

The audience responded enthusiastically, with many people eagerly requesting the sample booklets and News magazines at our display booth. Many sincere inquiries regarding specific differences between the Quan Yin Method and other meditation techniques and spiritual paths were made.

At a time when many people find spirituality becoming increasingly commercialized, many were genuinely impressed by the fact that Supreme Master Ching Hai offers these precious gifts in the true spirit of divine love, freely, and without obligation.

Overcoming challenges prior to and during the international festival, our brothers and sisters built many cultural and spiritual bridges while working diligently to introduce the good news about the Quan Yin Method to spiritual Truth seekers in Australia and as well those from other continents.

Panama Australia Nepal USA Panorama of Events height="66"> Report From Nepal

Purity Of Heart Is Close To The Tao >

On first arriving in Nepal, I perceived the simplicity and kindness of the local people, who always welcome the brothers and sisters from overseas or neighboring countries with hospitable treatment and friendly smiles. The sincerity with which they treat others is not only close to the Tao, but is also the reason why they have always been blessed with love from God and the saints.

The several local fellow initiates are sincere Buddhists who are as pure at heart as children. Before they got to know Master's teachings, they had already been on a vegetarian diet for several years, convinced that those who walk on the path of the saints should not harm the lives of other sentient beings. They also feel that Master's perfect teachings and meditation Method belong to the dharmic lineage passed down from any past or present enlightened gurus. Because of their purity of heart and firm belief in Master's power, they had very good experiences at the time of initiation and saw Her in transformation forms as well.

Panama Australia Nepal USA Panorama of Events height="60"> Report From Minnesota, U.S.A.

Spiritual Expo >

<Minneapolis> Fellow practitioners had a booth to display Master's books and tapes at the Whole Life Expo in the city of Minneapolis in the hope of spreading Master's teachings and the Quan Yin Method. A few days before the opening of the expo, a sister in her dream had seen Master come and arrange the booth.

Thanks to Master's invisible blessing power and guidance, the booth attracted much attention from the visitors. Before the opening, some people had already come to inquire about the sample booklets. When the expo was about to end, a man who also had a display booth in the expo on meditation came to get a sample booklet. He said that he had felt the overwhelming power radiating from our booth.

During the several days of the expo, there were nearly one thousand people who requested sample booklets and News magazines. Quite a lot of people registered to receive the bi-monthly News magazines.

Panama Australia Nepal USA

Aphorism

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In English)

Anytime we think negatively about someone we lose some of our Self,
we lose some of the light,
we lose some of the heavenly happiness that normally belongs to us.

We have to thank God
every time that Hes gives us the opportunity
to learn the fastest way,
to understand the Truth
which erases all of our miseries;
because the only thing that sets us free is the Truth.

Cultivating ourselves is very, very important
and it is truly the only way.
If we want to cultivate the world, if we want to help the world,
we must truly cultivate and improve ourselves. There is no other way.

People think, "Oh! I love you," and then it will be forever.
No, no.
You have to nourish it by devotion, by daily renewal,
by appreciation of each other's value and loving kindness,
and help the other partner to develop that best quality within him or herself.
That's the true marriage.
That's the true partnership.

Whenever someone angers you
or you feel anger towards someone,
don't put all this anger on that person.
Just remember the Holy Names
and try to center yourself as much as you can.
If you forget, okay;
when you remember, try to be centered again
and forget that person.

As soon as you become centered within yourself, love will flow.
Then you will forget the anger.
You will think it is a small matter
and it's easy to love thy neighbor
or love thy enemy. Master's Words height="152">

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Group Meditation, Singapore
April 26, 1997 (Originally In English)

The group meditation center, the retreat, are the places for you to come and reinforce your self-realization and to make up for the sometimes lack of effort in your home due to work or any other things. It's not the place where you come and wink at each other and try to get someone else's -- opposite sex or same sex -- attention, depending on what kind of tendency you have.

I understand fully your physical, emotional and mental needs. But don't use the Center or the retreats for such kinds of flirtations or this will bounce back on you, because people can smell it and later they'll lose respect for you. Then something will happen. It'll come out that you are not allowed to go on retreats or to group meditations. Then you'll blame that person, you'll blame the Master, you'll blame the headquarters, you'll blame the contact person, or whatever. No one is to blame but yourself. You have to take care that you're pure.

I have nothing against falling in love. I don't like flirting. I don't like people who play with other people's sincere, raw and honest emotions. You're playing with a human being's raw emotions and mental tranquility. You're not just playing with a guy, a fool, a stupid one, an ugly one or one who no one wants. Don't play like that.

Don't rely on your face or your beauty, because God will take it away very soon if you abuse it. If you abuse your physical power to cause suffering to anyone, you will get it very soon. So be careful. Take care that you're pure and then everything will become nice for you.

Remember, it's not only for Singaporeans. It happens in many Centers. I don't mean everyone is like that; the majority are not. Just sometimes, in some cases; and you forget who you want to be and what you are. So choose the more noble way of bearing better character. Be representative of more beauty and goodness and then everything just happens naturally.

Falling in love is a very beautiful thing, provided that it's mutual. Don't force people and don't try too hard. The harder you try the more repulsive people will feel, because it's just like a torch light -- you're searching everywhere and people just try to seal themselves from your smell (laughter) and your searching light. When you're too obvious, you exude a kind of repulsive energy that people just run away from. And whoever comes to you is not sincere because they don't love you. They know. They just want to use this kind of pastime, temporarily, just to abuse you, and then later you have more troubles than you started with. You will be more lonely than when you started.

Take care of your inner beauty and then everything will come. "Seek you first the Kingdom of God and everything will come to you." If it doesn't come, it's fine. You're liberated. (Laughter and applause)

Be sincere with yourself and whomever you're dealing with. Don't flirt, don't try to show off your whatever physical appearance. It doesn't last long. You just cause more troubles for yourself in the long term if you try to attract people with your outer appearance, and not with your sincerity and mutual attraction. It's different. Don't forget what you want to be and what a great person you are. You have to represent, outwardly, all the goodness, noble qualities, sincerity; and the people who approach you will be sincere and nice.

While On The Path height="91">

By Sister Initiate Huang Eou-Leu, Tainan, Formosa >

Recently when I returned to Chiku Center for group meditation, I couldn't help thinking how I used to ride my motorcycle there whenever I was in bad mood or encountered obstacles. At about one kilometer from the Center, I could feel the blessing power coming to me at intervals. As soon as I arrived at the front gate I became so relaxed and joyful. I couldn't be depressed anymore and it seemed that all the troubles and obstacles were left outside the gate.

Later, I had the opportunity to stay for a longer period at Chiku Center. I meditated both in the morning and in the evening. I took only two meals a day and made handicrafts during my free time. After my body and mind had been purified, I didn't even want to go out of the Center. Sometimes, when there wasn't any food left, I didn't even think to go to the market. I just picked some wild vegetables around the Center. Life was easy and comfortable.

Quite often fellow practitioners came during the day to mediate and enjoy the peace of the Center, including those who could not attend the regular group meditation sessions due to their work. When I saw practitioners come to meditate even though it wasn't the normal group meditation time I really felt happy for them.

After having been a resident for a period of time, I could appreciate more the benefits and beauty of the Center. The ordinary way of life and the blissful energy in the Center is just like that in heaven. It was great on group meditation days, especially in the evening when the time for group meditation approached. The energy became strong and powerful. I felt that all the saints had come to bless the Center. Heavenly guardians and gods also came to join the group meditation, and they would never be late.

Many of the residents and those fellow practitioners who often come to the Center all experience the wonderfulness of the Center. It's so incredible and beyond any description. We all treasure very much the time spent there.

It is no wonder that Master has said emphatically that even if you have to set aside one hundred worldly duties, you should join the group meditations. How can you give up the chance to mediate together with saints and heavenly beings? How can you not cherish every minute and second during the precious group meditations?

How Can We Not Join Group Meditation?!
The Most Meaningful Mother's Day Come To Master While On The Path height="118">

By Sister Initiate Xiaohe, U.S.A.>

My parents came to know about Master several years ago when they went to Europe. At that time, they were not ready; so they did not follow Master to pursue spiritual practice. My sister and I were initiated by Master in the USA by another chance experience.

From then on, we started to encourage our parents. However, because I did it anxiously with my ego, they initially had different opinions about maintaining a vegetarian diet, meditating, and following Master. Even so, as parents who had doted on us, they respected our choice.

When they came to the USA to visit us, they maintained a vegetarian diet with us and studied Master's teachings as well. But when they went back to Mainland China, they could not adhere to a vegetarian diet, particularly my father.

Their situation remained like that for several years until after the two retreats in Cambodia last year, when my sister and I went back to Mainland China to visit them. With Master's blessings and the support of local initiates, we finally convinced my mother. She made up her mind to observe a strict vegetarian diet. Seeing that her two daughters who had given her a lot of headaches for many years had become more considerate, better behaved, and had overcome many weaknesses after practicing the Quan Yin Method, she understood more about Master's power and the Method; so she wanted to pursue it herself.

She waited until the five-day retreat in the USA last Christmas and then made a decision at the last minute to come to the US to see Master and get initiated. With Master's help, everything went smoothly. She met Master on the same day that she arrived and was initiated shortly afterwards. During that time, my father, who normally could not go without meat, suddenly did not want to eat meat and became a vegetarian. This surprised both him and the people he knows.

After my mother was initiated, she stayed in the US. She lived with me, and our lives were full of miracles. The place where I lived was more than one hour's drive from the local Center. Since I did not have a car and did not have much money, we had to rent a car or take a bus to go to group meditation once every few weeks. So we prayed to Master for help. It happened that a family's baby-sitter wanted to go back to Mainland China, so the family were keen to find someone to replace her. Therefore, my mother got the job. However, she had to take care of her transportation by herself and we could not afford even an old car.

However, very soon, through Master's arrangement, we got a new car. After that, I gave my mother a ride to and from work every day. Every weekend, my mother and I happily went to group meditation. My mother was able to be in contact with other fellow practitioners and they encouraged each other to practice diligently. She has made great progress, so my mother and I feel very grateful to Master.

When we heard that there was going to be a four-day retreat in Australia, we felt excited and wanted to go. But the airplane tickets were expensive. So we again prayed to Master. As a result, three airplane companies offered big discounts at the same time for tickets to Australia. Even the travel agent was surprised and told us that they had never seen such big discounts. Because they were at a special price, one had to purchase the non-refundable tickets almost immediately.

At that time, we had not obtained visas to Australia. Since we held mainland China passports, staff at the Australian Embassy told us that my mother would have to go back to Mainland China to apply for a visa. However, my mother was very determined to go to the retreat, so we bought the plane tickets anyway. We sent our visa applications to the Australian Embassy, and our visas were granted the following day.

When my mother quit her job, the family kept her until several days before she left for Australia. Only at that time did she come to know that the previous baby-sitter who had quit her job was not able to go back to Mainland China. This situation allowed my mother to earn just enough money to cover all the expenses for the retreat. These miraculous arrangements made my mother marvel and she realized that every wish is granted and everything becomes smoother after following Master.

My mother, my sister and I boarded the plane together to go to Australia. That was the first time that all three of us traveled together on such a long flight and for a meditation retreat as well. The fact that this retreat happened to be held on Mother's Day and Master's birthday meant a lot to us.

From childhood, the rebellious and childish personalities of my sister and I made my mother worry and cry many times. Now we have become better and better under Master's guidance. My mother finally feels totally relieved. From her personal experiences, she knows that Master has been taking care of us with more patience, consideration and love than she did. Besides, Master will take care of us both visibly and invisibly until eternity.

Being brainwashed into atheism for many years and having experienced many twists and turns, my mother has at last successfully attended her first international retreat and has become completely convinced that Master is truly an omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent living saint.

From the beginning, the weather during the retreat was very windy and it rained heavily. But once the retreat was over, it became calm and clear. My mother truly experienced the strategy and tactics of a saint and Maya. During the retreat, the wind and rain always stopped or lessened at breaks and meal times.

My mother said that Master truly has magical power. For example, she has suffered from a serious chronic illness for a long time. But each time when she was in Master's presence, she felt that Master was curing her and absolving her of her karma. Master once said that practicing the Quan Yin Method is the most filial thing a sibling can do, and my mother has had deep experiences of this.

A sister initiate from Formosa whom my mother had met during the retreat told her that she envied her because she is fortunate to have two daughters who are very filial. The sister is the only initiate in her family, and her husband and children are not on a vegetarian diet. Upon hearing this, my mother was deeply touched and felt that she was indeed very fortunate to be able to practice the greatest meditation Method with a living Saint because of her daughters; and be able to be liberated while still in this world.

My mother has always loved us deeply; but in previous years we had difficulty communicating with each other, and were not in harmony for a long time. This was an attachment which bound and entangled us. The lack of a mutual understanding caused great psychological pressure and we always wanted to escape it. My mother often felt rejected and hurt. Both of us were tired and suffered. Now we have gradually learned to love each other unconditionally.

The power of Quan Yin has made our relationship more and more harmonious and has turned us, worldly mother and daughters, into fellow initiates who can communicate spiritually and promote each other's spiritual practice. Moreover, it has allowed us to have the greatest mother of the universe -- Supreme Master Ching Hai! Thank You, Master!

On Mother's Day, I felt an irresistible impulse to sing a song that my mother taught me:

Mothers are the best in the world.

Children who have a mother are very fortunate,

Lying in their mother's arms

And enjoying the happiness....

May all mothers and children in the world love each other harmoniously, find the Supreme Mother, and be immersed in Her holy love!

How Can We Not Join Group Meditation?!
The Most Meaningful Mother's Day Come To Master While On The Path height="89"> >

By Brother Initiate Gilbert Rivera, Ohio, U.S.A. (Originally In English)

Last winter, I had the opportunity to receive a sample booklet about Supreme Master Ching Hai. Agreeing with all the teachings, I became interested in Her message.

With help from the local meditation center, I viewed more videos, read more books, and listened to numerous audio cassettes. The more I listened and viewed the videotapes, the more I believed that I have an affinity with Master. Soon I became a vegetarian and learned the Convenient Method of meditation.

I prayed every morning and evening during my meditation so that I could receive initiation soon. To my great surprise I received an answer. One evening while reading one of Master's books, I heard a voice say: "Come to me." I did not think much of it and continued reading. The next evening I was reading one of the News magazines and again I heard the same voice say: "Come to me." It was very real and I could not believe that such an experience could happen to me.

I called an initiate and told him about what had happened. I thought that he would laugh at me or think I was crazy. But he listened carefully and advised me to prepare for a journey to go see Master, because he believed that She might be in Australia during the international retreat. However, he said, "You may or may not see Her and you may or may not get initiated." It meant that I had to take a chance.

I did not have a passport and the retreat in Australia was to start in a few days. I wondered how I could get a passport in such a short time since people had said that it would take a few weeks to get a passport and visa. I prayed to Master and began to process the paperwork to send it by overnight express. Master stepped in once again to assure me that I could go to Her. I was very surprised to receive my passport in a few days.

The next step was to send my passport to Washington so that I could get an Australian visa. I thought I would definitely miss my chance to go because it usually takes a week to receive the visa. When I called the American embassy in Australia, they informed me that if I were to fly Qantas Airlines I would be able to get my visa over the phone in five minutes.

There was one problem however: The price of the ticket was very expensive because of the short notice. It was a true test for me. I have never paid such a high price for a plane ticket in my life. But I took the chance. I faxed my flight details to the Sydney Center and left that same day.

When I arrived in Australia, I disembarked and waited for a few hours. There was no one there to meet me, and I began to wonder if I had made a terrible mistake. Had the Sydney Center received my fax? I did not know what to do. I walked over to the phone, but had no Australian coins to make a call. I held onto my picture-pendant of Master and asked Her for help. While praying, I just followed the information signs at the airport without thinking. Suddenly, within ten footsteps I saw two people holding a picture of Master. I felt instant relief and walked up to them and asked, "Are you looking for me?"

They looked at each other and said, "Who are you? We're here to pick up two initiates from Japan. We know nothing about you."

I introduced myself and we all knew that Master had arranged not only for the pick up of the Japanese initiates, but also for me. I was very happy to follow them to the retreat site!

At the campsite, I was told I could not stay because there were no plans for an initiation. So I stayed outside and waited for Master. I did not have a sleeping bag or a tent; but one initiate who had escorted me from the airport helped me to buy a sleeping bag and other things I needed to stay outside the retreat campsite.

There was also a Canadian man who was in the same situation. We became friends because we had the same desire for initiation although we had not been vegetarians for three months. After we heard that Master had arrived at the retreat site, our anticipation grew. At least we would have a chance to see a living Master in our lifetime.

We were very happy to know that Master had agreed to let the two of us receive initiation. When we received the news, it was a further confirmation that She had guided me to Australia. I feel very privileged to have been initiated during this special celebration of Mothers' Day and Master's birthday.

Having become a new initiate, I was allowed to sit near Master on the stage. I cannot forget this precious moment. Sitting near Her and seeing the love and compassion in Her eyes are experiences I will always cherish. Master, you said to me, "Come to me." Yes, I have come to You. Please take me home.

How Can We Not Join Group Meditation?!
The Most Meaningful Mother's Day Come To Master

By Would-Be Initiate Erwin Szebik, Etobicoke,
Ontario, Canada (Originally In English)

Your melodic voice expresses true feelings and is music to our souls.
Your radiant smile communicates love for others.
Your gentleness melts my Germanic-Hungarian severity.
Your loving-kindness makes our lives meaningful.
Your child-like spirit expresses great joy.
Your compassion and understanding eases the pain and suffering in our lives.
Your humor makes us laugh and releases our tensions.
Your friendliness encourages us to be friendly.
Thank You for sharing Your peace with us.
We love You in Canada.

Poem Selected Questions & Answers height="105"> >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation, LA, CA., U.S.A.
July 8, 1997 (Originally In English)

Q: Master, in one of the News magazines recently, You said at the beginning that there was no Maya, only the Buddha wearing a mask to be the Maya. Is that the Maya now or is it still the Buddha wearing the mask?

M: What do you think? What is this question for?

Q: I don't care about me or about people but when You do good things for us, we always have obstructions ahead. So I am wondering whether that is the Maya doing a bad scene to prevent You from doing everything for us?

M: Of course there is a struggle here, because Maya is just another force trying to keep the people here. And the Buddha is another force trying to uplift people, because the people who come here are the ones who want to remember they are God. But if it's just so simple -- you just get a mother, come into the womb, become a baby, and then grow up to become a Buddha -- then it's so easy, so cheap; then what for you have to even come to the physical body? So there must be something, like a test in the school.

The teacher who gives you very difficult tests is also the one who teaches you every day, who loves you, and who guides you in every step of your education. But it has to test you, whether you've become strong enough, whether you've understood it, whether you've grown up, whether it was beneficial for you. So Maya is just a test. If you fail the test then you fail, then you have to begin again and sometimes it's more difficult. Every time you fail a test, it's doubly difficult next time. And if you fail the third time, it's six times more difficult. So be careful every time with your actions, speech and thinking; don't fail the test.

Whatever is good for other people, good for you, you know you must do it; and there's not even any "in case" and "suppose" about it. Just do it if you can do it; and don't listen to the Maya, the mind telling you, "Oh! Think of yourself first. Why are you doing that? You have your life to take care of. Forget about her, forget about them, forget about everyone else except yourself. Just do what you want right now regardless of how many people suffer." If you listen to that voice, you fail. If you listen to your soul, you'll pass with flying colors. So Maya is no problem, the problem is you, is us.

Suppose you go to school and there are no tests, no exams, then what for? How do you know if you're good or not? All the people in the Olympics and all that, they have to pass their tests also. It's very difficult to pass the tests, and they would say, "Oh! That's Maya," most of the time. It's very very difficult. Often we fail. Only once in a while we succeed in standing up. Once we can stand up, wow, we feel the real difference in progress. We feel we have been uplifted to a much higher level; we feel, wow, like a burden has been lifted from our shoulders and we'll be stronger, more clear and more proud of ourselves. Try it! I have tests all the time also. I do.

Q: Since you are Buddha, and if the Maya tests You, is there a way to know the Maya is testing You?

M: No, it doesn't test me straight away. It puts a lot of disciples' troubles in front of me. If it tests me, I just say get lost, I know you. It just tests my attendants, my disciples, my loved ones, my friends, relatives; brings that person's troubles; and in turn it troubles me. That should be enough. It never tests me alone, no! It knows me. (Applause)

For example, I want to go to group meditation, and then probably I have only one driver or one attendant at the time. Normally we don't have any problems with each other but suddenly just before I go to group meditation, all kinds of problems come. Maybe he's sulking, maybe he is thinking of going home, maybe he is thinking of his girlfriend, maybe he is thinking to go somewhere else instead. Just makes a lot of noise, a lot of trouble, anger, then argument and all that. Then walks or drives away somewhere else leaving me alone there.

Maybe I am late for group meditation, maybe I couldn't come at all, maybe I'm so tired and exhausted after trying to win him back onto the right path. Just to rescue one person alone sometimes can be very exhausting. Because that person is next to me, all the force of Maya is on him. So I have to help him; and in helping him, I am exhausted. Then I can't go to you or I come late or I come with a big head or I come with no mood at all to talk. That's the way it works, it doesn't test me.

Nothing can test me. How? Money, give me money so I'll stop being a Master or what? Give me a lover so I'll stop, no! I cannot. Even give me money, okay, I'll accept it; but I'll continue my work. (Applause) Give me a husband, okay, come work with me. What now, make me become a president? Make me sick? Okay I'm sick, fine. I'll go to the doctor, take a needle and all that, and then I'll get up to do it again. It can only stop me for a while and not for long, it knows it. So all these sicknesses and troubles on my part are not Maya's tests, they are tests through my disciples, through my close ones. It's always like that, a hundred percent of the time like that.

So even if it doesn't make me sick, through the disciple it can make me sick, make me worry, make me sleepless, make me hurt. Then I get sick, and that also can in turn hinder my work or make me weaker for my work, make me work with effort, with suffering, I have to try to overcome. That's all. How else can it test me? The Maya can't do much. Even if it kills me, that's the worst. Then I'm free.

Wow! Talking about Maya, I know it every day. It just hides behind some of my people, it never comes face to face with me, never. But I know it is somewhere. The problem is most of the disciples are Maya themselves. Like attracts like.

If you're strong and good, how can Maya attract you, how can Maya use you. You know immediately that you're doing wrong to yourself, to the Master and to the public; then you stop. But they don't know, they think they're doing good. They help the Maya to trouble me, many times. So you can see whether a person is weak or strong by seeing his actions or her doings. You know right away who he is helping, who he is working for, who the boss is.

Anything that works to help the public or the Master, that is the work of the Buddha. Anything that goes against that for any reason at all, it's the Maya. It's very simple. You see it right now, but you don't see it when you're around me; because that's the time the Maya will dig out the Maya in you, and use it. Now it's laying asleep under control.

So you know how much Maya there is when you come face to face with a test; when you have to work for the public; when you have to sacrifice your ego, your time, your physical being and your likes and dislikes for the benefit of other people. At that time, then you know how much Maya you still have in your body, in your mind. Otherwise, you never will know.

Nothing changes. It's just you have it inside and the Maya or the Buddha quality comes when the time, when the situation comes. When it's required, that side of nature comes out. Then you know how much Buddha nature and how much Maya nature you reveal to yourself and to other people to see.

Everyone can become Buddha. It's just that they don't choose to be, that's all. They choose the easy way, the habitual way. That means they take care of themselves first. To take care of yourself is very very good, it's a good duty; but not at the expense of everyone else. That is disastrous, that is when you're really working for the devil.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation, L.A., U.S.A.
July 5, 1997 (Originally In English)

Whatever you do here or anywhere, eventually the benefit will come to you. Whatever we do good to people, we think good about people, the benefit eventually is ours. That's why I ask you to think positive, speak positive, and do positive things. That's the only thing we should do if you want any good out of this life, to balance, to make our life better than before.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Remember that. If your mind is filthy, dirty, and you think everything is filthy, dirty, even sex becomes dirty to you. It's a gift from God. If it's no good, God didn't make it. But it must go with love. If you love someone, that is a kind of celebration of the love between you -- if you want to celebrate it that way, if you want to express it that way. But don't think anything dirty about it, don't try to abuse people just for the sense of pure control or possessiveness, then abuse the gift of sexual pleasure from God.

If two people love each other when they marry each other, it's their business. And if you marry each other and love each other, nothing is anyone else's business. You can make love to each other or don't make love to each other, it's your business. It's your entire right -- the way you try to express yourself, the way you choose to express yourself. We choose to express ourselves in many different ways. If our mind is pure, everything is pure, as long as we don't hurt anyone, as long as we have faith in God that everything God arranges is good for us even though it doesn't look good at the moment.

For example, like this afternoon I asked one of the brothers whether his wife had come back. He said no that she left him for good, but then he has another better one. Of course he had to suffer a little meanwhile. Sometimes we think it's bad for us, but it's not. I told you that if God takes something away from us, Hes will give something. We have to have enough mind power, wisdom and the openness of the heart to appreciate when Hes gives us something new to experiment with, to have a new adventure, new challenge, new power of creativity.

Don't just sit there and sulk, "Oh, my last one was better." It might not have been better. She might not have even liked you. Maybe you feel it was better because it was the past. Every time, everything we think about the past, we cheat ourselves -- we think the past was good. I tell you truthfully, living in the present is the best, because the present is all we have. Even if the past was truly beautiful, even if your mind doesn't cheat you in thinking the past was beautiful -- like your past wife was better or your past lover better -- it's still the past. We don't have it. Cleopatra is gone. So you might just as well be satisfied with the Mrs. X that you are married to.

Share Only The Beautiful Things With Others

Most of the troubles in our lives we make ourselves. We imagine a lot of garbage because we have preconceived ideas about how the situation is and how it should be because of our past experiences. Then we just fix our idea on that and demand that things happen the way it was or the way we think it should be. Then we make our lives miserable. If we'd just be open to new challenges, receive God's gifts every moment -- anything with new curiosity and new enthusiasm -- and work together with whoever is next to us to bring happiness to each other, then everyone is an angel. Every moment is paradise.

But we have too much garbage. If you have garbage, check yourself and throw it out, don't bring it to the Center and share it with people. We like to share food, love and enlightenment but not garbage. Every time you bring any garbage in this Center, you are doing yourself a great disservice, not to talk about all your brothers and sisters here.

This is a place where you should come to feel love, blessings, togetherness, everything that is positive; because you maybe not have them at home already. You have enough quarreling at home, you have enough negative things at home, you have enough bad thoughts about people at home, you have a lot of suspicion at home.

When you come here, even if you have that, pray to the Master, pray to God, the inner power to cleanse it for you. At least you bring that and share it with people. Do you bring your garbage and share it with your neighbor or whatever at home? No. If you share, you share spring rolls, vegetarian Pho (Au Lac food). You don't bring the garbage from your rest room to the neighbor and say, "Here it is. Please look at it. Do you ever do that? (A: No!)

The same with mental garbage. Come here and gossip about who is bad and who is good. It's no good for you. Garbage should stay where it belongs. As fast as possible throw it away. Never share it with people. It's no good, why do you share? Most of the things we talk or think about are not true anyhow, because you don't know how karma works. You just see the surface of things, like this guy treats that guy bad. But you don't know that last life he treated him worse even.

I have told you so many thousands of stories to demonstrate, to teach you; but you must learn it, you must digest it, and put it into practice. Don't listen here and let it come out there. Don't just sit here like an idiot, and don't think, don't better yourself. Clean yourself before you clean anyone else.

In my life, I haven't said I am perfect or anything; but I face myself every day without shame. I have nothing that I cannot tell you. So make your life like that. It's more comfortable for yourself.

There's no need to poke into the neighbors' business and even share their garbage, negative sometimes mostly untruthful information, dragging each other down. What's the use? Suppose really that person is bad, you gossip, you talk to a man and say, "Oh, he's really bad." Both of you agree he's bad. So what's the good for you? Does it make both of you better? (A: No.) You share the garbage that he has even if he is bad.

Suppose the neighbor has a lot of garbage, and both of you go to that garbage can and say, "Look here, this is the neighbor's, these are full of garbage, let's both take it and examine it." What good does it do for you? Then you take the neighbor's garbage to your house and examine it, and that's all there is. And you know that from beginning already, you don't even need to examine it -- it's garbage; and it belongs to the neighbor. You don't even have to talk about it, you don't have to discuss it. It is so plain, so simple that it's garbage. So leave it where it is. Is that clear to you? (Audience says, "Yes". Applause.) You know it is a garbage can, it's full of garbage, and you still poke your nose in it, dig your hand in it, smell it, and smear it. "Oh, it's really garbage, isn't it?" (All laugh) Isn't that stupid? If any man does that, do you think he is stupid? (A: Yes.) But you do that all the time. Don't laugh, isn't that true?

A Garbage Collector

Sometimes you dig also into my garbage. I've told you that I have a lot of garbage. I have never cheated you. Everything you have, I have. I collect it so that you're clean. I collect it so that your house smells nice. Don't criticize my garbage if I even have it. Don't smell it. Let me take care of it. I'll take care of it in my time. I'll dump it where it belongs, I'll destroy it so that you're clean, beautiful, nice, hygienic and healthy. Don't criticize my garbage. (Applause.)

This is the mistake that many of you make. It's okay with me, but there are many things that are not okay with you. For example, you smell like garbage, you look like garbage because you carry it around, and people know you are garbage if you collect it. It's not your job. We have a lot of garbage collectors out there on the streets. You pay them because they are doing their job. Don't do their job, you have better jobs to do. Be happy that someone else collects the garbage for you. Why do you snatch it from them, and even examine whether it is really garbage or not? It is. You know already.

I have never cheated you. I told you I have a lot of karma. That's why I am often sick, I am often in trouble for nothing, I am often in bad shape, bad reputation. Even the people I've helped have turned against me. The things that I do good, people use that against me, personally also -- a lot of things. A lot of newspapers write bad things about me which are 100% garbage, not true at all.

So if you know already I have a lot of garbage, don't come around me, don't come near. Stay away. Keep yourself clean and pure. Even if I am full of garbage, it's okay, it's my problem, it's my job. Don't look. I've never cheated you and said I am always okay. I am not okay.

I am a sacrificed garbage can. Anyone can dump anything into it, and I have to digest it and take care of it. It's very painful sometimes. I don't have to go through it but I do. That's okay with me because I don't look at garbage as garbage. I have the way to digest it, make it into fertilizer, and turn it into beautiful flowers. But you don't do that, you don't have the means to. You were not born to do it, so just stay away. Leave the garbage to me. Leave the garbage to your own neighbor whoever that is. Keep yourself clean and pure. That's your prime duty. Your duty is not to be born to look into neighbor's garbage or into my garbage. You have enough with your own problems.

Suppose you have done everything to make yourself pure and clean. Then be happy. Be happy that you are now not in war. Why criticize the people who died in the war zone? Be happy that you are not there. Be happy that your hands and legs are still intact, you're living in a peaceful country, and you have enough money to live a decent life. Be happy. Don't criticize the poor people who are uneducated, who are homeless, and all that. Just be happy with what you have and don't criticize people who don't have even that.

Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder

But we never know. Most of the things we see are not truthful because it is our mind that sees things, that makes things not clean, that makes things not pure because we are not pure, we are not clean. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Remember that. So whenever you see someone impure, check yourself. Whenever you see someone bad, check yourself. Whenever you see someone dirty, check yourself. If you're really clean and pure, then be happy, be proud, walk your beautiful way, and pray for the ones who are less fortunate or pray for me. I don't need but you can.

There's something that's not okay with you, that is No. 1. And No. 2, if you bring all that garbage into the Center, you damage the beauty of this holy place where people come expecting the best, the most uplifting blessing so that they can carry on with their duty, with their heavy laden burden when they go back home. They can deal with problems, with the garbage at their house, so they don't come here to deserve the garbage that you throw around. If ever you have poisonous thoughts in your mind, then pray to God, to the inner Master to cleanse them. Don't blame it on anything else and don't believe in that.

Negative things are never true because God is not negative. How can God create anything negative? Everything negative comes from our devil mind. Everything God created is perfect. We just make everything topsy-turvy, turn everything into bad because we are taught that way, we accept other people as our own opinion. We learn it from other books, say this is no good, that is no good. Then we believe in it, and we make it into no good. So be careful what you read, be careful what you take into your system and make your own. Be careful what you believe, whether it is really good.

You have to examine it. Examine even everything I say whether it is good for you or not, whether it is logical or not. If not, you just reject it. Really. Just tell me that what I am saying is garbage. You have to examine everything before you take it into your own system and make it become yours. Otherwise, it will be damaging. If you take some garbage, some bad system and you make it into a belief, it becomes yours, it's fixed, it's forever; and you die there, you are trapped there. You cannot be free. Thoughts, systems, conceptions, all these can trap people.

How many families are unhappy because the husband, the wife believe that sex is sinful? Meanwhile, they cannot help it. They are so unhappy, they inhibit each other, and they make their lives hell. Does God want your marriage to become hell like that? Does God want two people who love each other to feel guilty, sinful all the time like that? What for? What does it serve God over there? All these conceptions do a lot of harm to people. I'm just citing one example. Every other thing you have to examine yourself, I can't just chew all the food and feed it to you. It's no good for you.

You have to be clever. Meditate, polish your wisdom so that you can be more clever. Then you can judge yourself what's good, what's not. But you have to examine carefully, honestly without any judgmental attitude, without any preconceived ideas. So pure as a child, looking at a flower as it is without judging, "Oh, this is white. It's not red. It should be pink, I like pink. I don't like red." Red is okay. Pink is also okay. Okay or not okay is your own mind's problem. Your soul doesn't discriminate.

Pay Attention To Your Life, Make It Pure And Positive

So we have to be very careful how we live our lives because everything we think generates something. If it's negative, it generates a negative atmosphere. It attracts bad luck to us, to the people around us; and everywhere we go we bring it with us. Like if you carry a bag of poison and it's leaking. Anywhere you go, will that poison you and will it poison anyone who comes near you? It will.

Poisonous thoughts are more poisonous than poisonous films or any substance. Be careful what you think. If it's really no good, discard it right away, recite the Holy Names, keep yourself centered, purify yourself, enjoy the blessings that God gives you every moment that you are living. Be thankful that you are healthy, you're alive, you have a good place to come and relax, you have good friends like these, and you have a good friend like me. (Applause)

I have never asked you to do anything for me personally. Everything I do for you is free, willingly and lovingly. You always ask me, "How can we repay You, Master?" Don't. You don't have to repay me anything. Just clean yourself, mind your own business, and let me do mine. That's very simple. Because if you keep looking at my garbage, you cannot improve. If you're looking at the neighbor's garbage, you're doing yourself a disservice. That's all. I don't forbid you to look into the neighbor's garbage or to do anything that you like to do. But you have to think whether it is good for you or not.

Every time you think negative about some people, is that comfortable for yourself? No. Already no good, no need to believe my words, you examine it. Every time you are angry with someone, think bad about them whether true or not, who is the one who is the most uncomfortable? The first, No.1, ourselves. Yes. So very simple.

It's very easy to keep ourselves in control. Just look straight inside, recite the Holy Names, and pray every time that the Master helps you. Helps you, gives you loving thoughts right now or replaces the bad with the loving ones. That doesn't mean sometimes you don't get angry if rightfully you believe like that. Just express yourself if you really believe like that.

Like if you are angry with that person and tell him the reason. But you have to examine first whether it's true, whether it's logical, and whether it's worth it. If you are angry because he made you angry, tell him. At least, give him a chance to clarify it or clear the air with you. Don't just think and judge that person by your own personal experience, low or high level of consciousness, fix him there, and then go to talk to someone else about him without him even knowing what you are talking about. The third guy is even more helpless. He just sits there listening to all the garbage. He doesn't even know anything about it. Then maybe the third guy talks to the fourth guy. Oh God, then the whole Center is full of garbage.

Sometimes you don't talk about it but you think about it, also no good. You had better pray to God at that moment and say, "Take away this poison from me," or else you poison everyone around you; because thoughts, deeds and speech are all the same. They are powerful, especially when we have concentration. It's very tiring when sometimes the karma comes and you have to clash with someone. In the morning you look at yourself, your face looks black. Something poisonous is inside you. Released is some poison that makes you feel very tired, get old quickly, and not look so fresh and young anymore. So keep yourself pure and positive. It's best for you.

Unless you can't help it -- like you have to live together with the person and that person causes trouble, both of you misunderstand-- then you have to clear it with each other. But that is not like thinking negative about someone who doesn't even know anything about you, who doesn't even know that you think negative about him, and maybe the thing you think is not true. Even if it is true, you don't know how karma works. You don't know what God has arranged for that or this person, for what purpose. You know nothing.

So better just shut up. Shut the mind, recite the Holy Names, and think positive; because you don't lose anything if you think positive. Every time you think negative, you lose. That's all. It's for yourself. It's not that I forbid you or God will punish you. Your life will be much better if you always try to think positive about everyone.

Honesty And Trust Are The Keys To
Maintaining A Marriage

If you have some problem with your close one, then sort it out with him or her alone. You have no right to talk bad about your partner, whether it is true or not, to another person. You violate his personal private privileged honor. And if you love that someone, then it's really bad. You really disgrace him or her by doing that, because sometimes you misunderstand him or her.

Even if it is true, maybe he did not intend to do that. It's his habit, or he thinks doing that is good for you. But then it's no good for you because you don't like it. You have to tell him or her alone because that's where you have to work, you can't work with the third person. If you live together like husband and wife, you have to work things out together. Trying not to gossip about him or her because suppose later he or she heard about that, your relationship would be gone, finished. He or she can not forgive you. The trust is broken.

If you live together as husband and wife, you must have trust in each other, you must know you can turn to him or her in times of trouble, and he or she will protect you, will honor you, will protect your honor; not that he will sell you out at any moment to anyone. And you don't even know who that is, you don't even know what they are talking about, and half of the things are just in their own heads, it might not be true.

It's difficult I know that, but try. That's the only way to do it. I mean there's no other choice anyhow. Any other choice brings you trouble. You can try any other choice you want, but then it will bring you trouble. Then you will find that this is the only choice we have to live with.

We have to live truthfully and just take care of whatever it is -- our own business. We have enough problems with ourselves, with our partner, with our children. No need to take care of his or the neighbor's. Don't you think you have enough, or not? I can give you some of mine. Free. I have a lot, left over and to spare.

Whew, talking about garbage. If you really love it that much, come live with me. Be my boyfriend, and then I'll share with you a lot, even voluntarily. You don't even have to ask, I will give it. If you live next to me, you will see it. How can you live next to a person and not see the garbage. Just follow me and then you'll know what garbage really is. Sometimes you will suffer too if you wish to know what suffering is. So be happy that you are not with me, your life is peaceful and normal.

A really normal life is a blessing, don't fantasize. If you have one partner, one lover, try to work with that person because it is workable. In the long run it will work.

I don't see any marriage as easy, even the so-called happily ever after ones. Have you seen any problem-free marriages or partnerships? No. Today I ate with my primary school teacher. He told me voluntarily that he has been observing since he was young up till now that no marriage is ever trouble free.

Because he was surprised when he was young why adults were fighting all the time, so he kept observing and checking everyone, every couple that he knows. He has never seen one without rubbing and polishing, then afterwards they are okay. Maybe still not okay, but then they get used to it; they are getting better because they are getting used to it.

A married couple came to a master and said, "Oh Master, our marriage is in so much trouble, please help us. Can you tell us that it is really worth it? Should we continue?"

The Master said, "Don't worry, I guarantee everything will be better in the future. You will feel better soon."

So the husband asked, "Oh how soon could that be?"

He said, "Maybe ten years, twenty years."

Then the couple said, "You mean at that time we will live happily ever after finally? We'll have no more problems, no more quarreling?"

The Master said, "No, no. It will be the same. It is just that you'll get used to it and then you won't feel so bad." (Laughter.)

It's just habits. Everything you just get used to it, and you don't feel so bad anymore.

Go Beyond The Habits And Represent The Qualities
Of Truth, Beauty And Goodness

Husbands and wives quarrel also because of the mind. It records all kinds of garbage information and whenever the situation is nearly the same, it puts out the same stuff, husband and wife or partner quarrel again. You know it's almost always the same story, same mistake again. So even if you quarrel with each other a lot, do know that it's just the mind that is making trouble or the karma.

Karma means the things that have been recorded in the mind. The deeds that you did before, the consequences, the mind records it; and then next time it puts out the same. So do love each other beyond the mind, beyond the physical contact, beyond the sex, beyond the troubles. You have to love with the love of God, with the enduring kind of love and unconditionally. Then it will last and it will sail over troubled water.

If you keep looking at the trouble in your partner all the time or in yourself, then you just make the problem bigger. Try hard and work together. That doesn't mean you ignore anything that the partner annoys you with or his or her habits. You talk about it. Hate the habit but not the person. Throw away the bad qualities but not the person. Everyone has to have something to work with, that is what we are here for, that's what life is all about. It is difficult but it is not impossible. I, myself, try to be an example of it. So you, yourself, also try to be an example for yourself. Alright. Be happy.

Master Says

Soundless Sound --
The Tone That Fills The Cosmos

From "Yoga International" Magazine, Issue 36 July, 1997 (Originally In English)

"Yoga International" is a bi-monthly spiritual magazine published by a non-profit organization called the Himalayan International Institute that promotes world peace and harmony between religious traditions. Published in the U.S.A. and distributed world-wide, the magazine covers all aspects of what is regarded as Eastern spiritual practice, including meditation. In the June/July issue an article about Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method entitled "Soundless Sound" was featured.

Supreme Master Ching Hai repeatedly says that the Quan Yin Method is not Her invention; that in fact meditating on the inner Light and Sound was perfected by all the great Masters of the past. Throughout the ages, the practice has been called many different names depending on the culture within which the living Master lived. Surat Shabd yoga is one name that Indian Masters have used. It is difficult to question not only the ancient universality of the practice but also its scientific substance, as the following article attempts to show.

"The knower of the mystery of Sound knows the mystery of the whole universe."

- Hazrat Inayat Khan

Most readers would be aware of the different forms of popular yoga, namely: Hatha yoga, Jnana yoga, Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga, Raja yoga, Mantra yoga and Laya yoga. Regardless of the differing emphasis one tradition of yoga places over another, all should have the same goal. That goal, put simply, is to separate the individualized soul from mind and matter, and unify it with the universal Soul (God or Brahma). There is, however, one other ancient yogic tradition (some would go so far as to say the most ancient), which generally speaking is lesser known, but which aims for a no less noble objective. That tradition is called Surat Shabd yoga, or the yoga of the celestial Sound Current.

Those precious beings who have mastered this form of yoga profess that the universal Soul manifests Itself into two primary elements, a lightless Light and a soundless Sound. Although these two spiritual elements mirror the relationship between mundane light and sound, in so far as light is sound of a very high vibrational frequency, they are not equivalent. Because the Light and Sound are part of the universal vibratory continuum, if one is able to contact the Sound Current then one is surely on the road to the Light that all the great past Masters spoke of.

In fact, throughout history many great figures have made this distinction between worldly sound and a wondrous celestial Sound, which at higher vibrational frequencies is believed to have enchanting musical attributes. For example, the ancient Egyptian Plotinus, who is regarded as the founder of Neoplatonism, said: "All music, based upon melody and rhythm, is the Earthly representation of heavenly music." Pythagoras believed that we are constantly in contact with the "Music of the Spheres," which fills our inner ears from the moment of our birth. And the famous fifteenth-century Indian mystic and poet, Kabir, wrote extensively about mysterious "Unstruck Music" which delivers the soul into a state of enchanting rapture:

There falls the rhythmic beat of life and death:
Rapture wells forth, and all space is radiant with light.
There the Unstruck Music is sounded; it is the music of the love of the three worlds.
There millions of lamps of sun and of moon are burning:
There the drum beats and the lover swings in play.
There love-songs resound, and light rains in showers;
and the worshipper is entranced in the taste of the heavenly nectar.

Although often unscrupulously edited, or misunderstood by well-meaning translators, major religious scriptures still contain references to this heavenly Sound. For example, in the Gospel of Saint John the divine Sound is referred to as the Word: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) This was substantiated when the late Dr. Edmond Bordeaux Szekely, philologist, archaeologist, and co-founder of the International Biogenic Society, accidentally came upon secret Aramaic texts in the Vatican, which date back to the third century after the death of Jesus. Dr. Szekely translated a revealing document called the "Essene Gospel of Peace" in which the following appears: "In the beginning was the Sound, and the Sound was with God, and the Sound was God."

Almost two decades of meticulous research convinced Dr. Szekely that Jesus was a member of the highly respected Essene spiritual community and therefore would have had intimate knowledge of their spiritual tradition. As he relates in The Essene Jesus, "There was the Essene Brotherhood at the Dead Sea which planted the Essene Tree of Life, whose highest branch was represented by the Essene Jesus."

There are numerous other references to the divine Sound in the Bible. For example, from the Book of Revelation 14:2: "And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpers playing on their harps."

In Buddhism's Surangama sutra, Buddha Shakyamuni agreed with his fully enlightened disciple, Manjushri, when he deemed the divine Sound method of meditation to be the only way to Nirvana: "All the Brothers in this Great Assembly, and you too, Ananda, should reverse your outward perception of hearing and listen inwardly for the perfectly unified and intrinsic sound of your own Mind-Essence, for as soon as you have attained perfect accommodation you will have attained Supreme Enlightenment. This is the only way to Nirvana, and it has been followed by all the Tathagatas (saints) of the past."

The Upanishads, the vast ancient Indian philosophical treaty, uses the terms Sabda Brahman, Akash Bani, Nad and Sacred Word, among others, to refer to the primal Sound. For example, the Hansa Naad Upanishad states: "Meditation on Nad or the Sound Principle is the royal road to salvation."

Muhammad perceived the divine Sound in the cave at Gare-Hira, and the original Sufis called the divine Sound, Saute Surmad, which means "the tone that fills the cosmos."

Lao Tzu described the Tao, or Way, as "unimpeded harmony," and the source of all things. He also wrote about the Great Tone "that goes beyond all usual imagination." Chuang Tzu, who lived some three hundred years after Lao Tzu, also expounded the merits of contacting the spiritual Sound when he said: "Hear with the mind instead of the ears; hear with the energy instead of the mind. Hearing stops at the ears, the mind stops at contact, but energy is that which is empty and responsive to others. The Way gathers in emptiness; emptiness is mental fasting.

"If you have your ears and eyes penetrated inwardly, and are detached from conceptual knowledge, then even if ghosts and spirits come after you they will stop..."

In the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is Sikhism's holy book and possibly the most complete scripture available today, the terms "Unstruck Melody" and "Word" are often used to refer to the divine Sound:

Blessed, Blessed am I, that my God is my Spouse,
Within whose Court Ringeth the Unstruck Melody (of the Word).
Night and day, I abide in Joy, hearing ever the Music of Bliss:
Yea, no more in this state is Pain or Sorrow, neither birth nor death.

Furthermore, many ancient cultures, including the Aztecs, Eskimos, Malayans and Persians, also support the notion that the universe has its origin in Sound. Australian Aboriginals also believe in Songlines or the "Way of the Law," which sang the world, and everything in it, into existence. A modern day physicist would use the typically prosaic phrase "Big Bang" to describe what certainly must be essentially the same phenomenon.

Indeed, the considerable scriptural evidence of a primal Sound or Vibration is supported by scientific evidence which recognizes that the basis of all matter is vibration: "All of Nature exists as a vast oscillatory spectrum. . . That sound shapes matter and imparts structure was unarguably demonstrated by Swiss scientist Hans Jenny in the 1960's. Using electronic sound oscillators and sophisticated photographic equipment, Jenny documented the reality of wave phenomena underlying matter (a new field he called cymatics) by filming the instantaneous shaping effects of tones, music, and vocal sound on various substances. . . spread on a metal plate. He meticulously catalogued the symmetrical, geometrically perfect structures and elegant sound mandalas that resulted from directing hundreds of different frequency and rhythmic combinations, from single tones and intervals to complex musical harmonies, through the plate."

Even more recent developments in the field of vibrational/sound therapy have produced some remarkable results, clearly indicating the significant effects of vibrational frequencies on living organisms. As author Larry Dossey relates, "A child psychologist recently reported his experience with an 11-year-old boy who was diagnosed as a catatonic schizophrenic. The child had not uttered a word in seven years. In one session with him, the therapist played Bach's `Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring'. The boy began to weep. When the music ended he announced through his tears, "That is the most powerful music I have ever heard; now I can speak!"

If worldly sound can have such profound effects on our states of consciousness there can be little doubt about the potency and spiritual significance of the celestial Sound.

As my own master, I believe Supreme Master Ching Hai has perfected the ancient art of Surat Shabd yoga after finally finding Her master in the Himalayas, from whom She received the mastership transmission. Her incredible search for a master, which spanned several countries over many years, was punctuated with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The trials She endured made Her steadfastly resolve to make this ancient yogic tradition easily accessible to all sincere seekers of Truth. While many may find it difficult to comprehend the concept of a transcendental Sound and, moreover, appreciate the spiritual significance of this Sound, in a few simple words Supreme Master Ching Hai so aptly explains:

"The worldly sound is very important for our sensual and mental comfort, but the supra-worldly Sound draws us back to God."

"This inner Sound is the Great Creative Force of the cosmos. It is a Vibration that sustains and nourishes all things. Its manifestation in the outer world can be heard as the natural melodies such as the sound of the wind, the water, the birds, insects, et cetera. . . There are more subtle and higher Sounds which are inaudible to the mortal sense, because they vibrate in the higher dimensions. . . . To catch these higher Sounds we must raise our own levels to those worlds beyond our senses."

The key to raising one's level of consciousness to perceive the divine Sound is finding a living spiritual master who can genuinely initiate spiritual seekers. Initiation is necessary to fully awaken one's God-nature or master within. After initiation one needs to meditate, according to the master's instructions, on the Light and the Sound each day to make continued spiritual progress.

A second and equally important role of the living master is to accept the past-life karma of their neophytes. Hence the master must take on a physical body to suffer the karma that would normally befall their students. Without this incredible sacrifice by the master, the neophyte's karmic burden would be too heavy to escape the endless cycle of rebirth. As Supreme Master Ching Hai observes, "While a living Master is on Earth he takes on some of the karma of the people, especially those who believe in the Master, and even more-so those who are disciples of the Master. . . .Therefore, the Master suffers for the disciples, and for mankind at large, in his lifetime. . . he might be sick, he might be ill, he might be tortured, he might be nailed on the cross, or he might be slandered."

Furthermore, the master's omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent qualities protects the initiate at all times because, once initiated, an eternal, spiritual link is established between the master and initiate until mastership is attained. This ensures the numerous pitfalls along the spiritual journey are avoided. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus alluded to the precarious nature of the spiritual journey when He said, "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Matthew 7:14)

Although not as well known as other yogic traditions, the yoga of the celestial Sound Current is regarded by some to be the highest tradition. The compelling written evidence from ancient, wise philosophers and past great spiritual masters certainly supports such a view. While therapists are only recently discovering the healing effects of worldly vibrational frequencies, for thousands of years the great past masters have imparted the one unified Truth and the one path of celestial Sound and Light through which to assimilate this Truth. The fundamental unity of their message derides the superficial divisions that have taken root in the minds of influential, but sadly misguided, religious fanatics throughout the ages. Since the past masters are no longer with us, a living master is the key to experiencing this Truth and to contacting the divine Sound that pierces the dark layers of consciousness to uplift the soul to a supremely blissful spiritual reality within us all, where, we are told, the Light of millions of lamps of sun and of moon burn eternally.

Supreme Master Ching Hai is a female meditation master who espouses the essential unity of all religions and initiates sincere spiritual seekers into the ancient spiritual Sound and spiritual Light meditation practice, free of charge. She calls the practice the Quan Yin Method because She gave her first public lectures in Taiwan almost a decade ago (Quan Yin is a Chinese term that means contemplation of the vibration). Supreme Master Ching Hai's initiates agree to a life-long commitment to basic ethical codes of conduct, including the adherence to a lacto-vegetarian or vegan diet. She has meditation Centers in more than 40 countries.

For Further Reading:

Soundless Sound -- The Tone That Fills The Cosmos
El Dia Daily News, Chile

Media Reports

A Relief Operation Of Love

El Dia Daily News, Chile
Tuesday, July 1, 1997 (Originally in Spanish)

Mayor Lorenzo Torres of Paihuano (middle) receives a donation of $US 2,000 as a relief fund.

Mayor Lorenzo Torres of Paihuano City told us that, their area has received much help in these few days from the Government, Police Department, Public Welfare Department, professors, private organizations and the general public. Furthermore, last Friday, they received from representatives of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association 400 bags of relief materials, US$2,000, 100 blankets, assorted medical supplies and even candies for the children in the disaster areas.

Supreme Master Ching Hai Gives Help To Disaster Victims

El Dia Daily News, Chile
Sunday, July 6, 1997
Photo: Mayor Fernando Guaman (right)
having his photo taken with the relief team.

Members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association visited our city, and promptly rendered relief to the disaster victims. Mayor Fernando Guaman greeted the relief team and expressed gratitude for their benevolent actions to the victims. The representative of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association said that the intent of their visit was to help anyone in need.

After the meeting, Mayor Fernando Guaman, on behalf of the Vicuna area, once again expressed his sincere gratitude: We will never forget your loving actions.

Soundless Sound -- The Tone That Fills The Cosmos
El Dia Daily News, Chile

For Further Reading:

*Berendt, J.E., The World is Sound: Nada Brahma,
(USA: Destiny Books, 1983), pp. 38, 171 and 174.

*Chatwin, Chatwin, Bruce, The Songlines
(London: Pan Books Ltd., 1988), p. 2.

*Ching Hai, Supreme Master, The Key of Immediate Enlightenment (Book 1), (Taiwan: Supreme Master Ching Hai International Assoc., 1991), p. 85.

*Ching Hai, Supreme Master, I Have Come To Take You Home
(USA: Supreme Master Ching Hai International Assoc., 1995), pp. 76 and 126.

*Chuang Tzu, see Cleary, p. 87.

*Cleary, Thomas, The Essential Tao
(USA: Harper & Row, 1991).

*Dossey, Larry, Meaning and Medicine: A Doctor's Tales of Breakthrough and Healing, (USA: Bantam Books, 1991), pp. 143 and 145.

*Hansa Naad Upanishad, see K. Singh, p. 40.

*Hans Jenny, see Leviton, p. 44.

* Hazrat Inayat Khan, see Berendt, p. 38.

*Leviton, Richard, Rhythm, Harmony and Healing (Sydney: Australian WellBeing, 1994 annual edition no. 54).

*Singh, Dr. Gopal, trans., Sri Guru Granth Sahib,
(India: Gur Das Kapur & Sons, 1964), Vol.3, p. 804.

*Singh, K., Naam or Word (USA: Ruhani Satsang, 1994).

*Sufis, see Berendt, p. 38.

*Surangama Sutra, see K. Singh, p. 62.

*Szekely, Edmond Bordeaux ,The Essene Jesus,
(USA: International Biogenic Society, 1977), p. 5.

*Szekely, Edmond Bordeaux, Essene Communions with the Infinite,
(USA: International Biogenic Society, 1979), pp. 26 and 27.

*Tagore, Rabindranath, trans., Songs of Kabir, (Canada: International Biogenic Society, 1989), p. 22. Soundless Sound -- The Tone That Fills The Cosmos El Dia Daily News, Chile

Master Tells Jokes height="85">
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Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Yang Min Mountain, Taipei, Formosa
October 31, 1992 (Originally In Chinese)

Once there was an egghead with his servant. One day, he told his servant to bring some books. The servant took two or three books that he considered to be the most famous, but the master said, "Not enough." The servant got one more book, but the master still said, "Not enough! Go get three more."

After the servant did this, he said, "Now that's it." The servant asked, "How can you read so many books in such a short time? You kept saying 'not enough,' 'not enough.'"

The egghead replied, "I'm not reading them. I'm using them as a pillow."

An Excellent Use Of Books The Reason For Not Getting Divorced
Cherishing Words As Gold Now I See Master Tells Jokes height="75"> >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Laiyi Center, Pingtong, Formosa
November 26, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)

A couple told their friends, "Ah, we've decided not to get divorced."

The friends were glad, saying, "Oh, really? That's great! Congratulations! But why did you change your mind? Didn't you tell me last week that you two had a deadly feud to settle?"

The wife replied, "Yeah, it was originally like that, but now we've decided to stay together just for the sake of the children."

Her friends were very touched and responded, "That's right. That's the way it should be. But why didn't you think about the children earlier?"

The couple said, "Oh, it was different before. Only after we were getting divorced did we discover that neither of us wanted to raise the children alone."

An Excellent Use Of Books The Reason For Not Getting Divorced
Cherishing Words As Gold Now I See Master Tells Jokes height="60">
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Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation, Kaohsiung, Formosa
April 14, 1989. (Originally In Chinese)

Once there was a child who had lived to be seven without ever having spoken one word. His parents thought he was dumb. They took him to a doctor, but were unable to find out the reason why he wouldn't speak. No matter what they tried, he did not say anything.

One day, as the child was eating soup, in the middle of the meal he suddenly exclaimed, "Ayah! Too much salt!" (Master and everyone laugh.)

Everyone was startled, "Ah! Aren't you dumb?"

"What!" he replied. "Who is dumb? I think you're dumb!"

His family wondered and asked, "Why didn't you say anything for the past seven years, and now all of a sudden you begin to talk?"

He replied, "There had never been anything to complain about! But whoever cooked the food today, put so much salt in it. How can anyone swallow something like this!?"

An Excellent Use Of Books The Reason For Not Getting Divorced
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Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Laiyi Center, Pingtong, Formosa

November 26, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)

Once there was a husband who had been out of a job for a long time. One day he rushed home and told his wife exultantly, "Good news, good news! I've just found a very good job working eight hours a day, five days a week, with a whole month of vacation each year, a very good salary and the boss is so nice!"

His wife was so happy for him. She hugged him, kissed him, and asked, "When will you start work?"

The husband replied, "No, the job is for you."

An Excellent Use Of Books The Reason For Not Getting Divorced
Cherishing Words As Gold Now I See

Master's latest photos

Master Suffers For Sentient Beings,
While Disciples Meditate Diligently For Her

By Singapore News Group (Originally In Chinese & English)

In late June, on an early Saturday morning, while a group of initiates were meditating for Master, She unexpectedly came to the Singapore Center. Her surprise visit delighted everyone. She humorously assured disciples that they were looking at Her physical body, and not Her manifestation one. Master personally gave blessed food to those present, and treated them to vegetarian cakes.

After orchestrating this delightful surprise, Master visited the Singapore Center again several hours later. Obviously She couldn't have taken much rest between the two visits. She ignored Her tiredness just because She wanted more disciples to see that She was all right. She bombarded them with humor and lightheartedness, trying to cheer them up. Nevertheless fellow initiates noticed that She had lost some weight. It was not difficult to imagine what ordeals Master has gone through in shouldering all our karma. How can we ever repay Her eternal grace? However, Master just humbly thanked the initiates for praying for Her.

After a cheerful conversation, She meditated with everyone for a while. But, She soon realized that the disciples would prefer to have their eyes open than closed when She is with them, so She asked a fellow brother to take some photographs of Her with the whole group. She then walked straight into the crowd, and expertly directed the photographer as to how to find the best angles to include as many people as possible.

Having satisfied everyone, it was time for Master to leave. But, before She did, She gravely reminded us not to bring any unhappy things in life or karmic problems to the Center, to avoid contaminating the spiritual atmosphere. She emphasized again that the Center is our last refuge in this world, so it is most important to protect its purity.

Though very reluctant, fellow initiates had to part with Master. A fellow initiate reflected: "Previously, I always hoped to be near Master, and would only feel happy when She touched my head or hands. Now I know this is wrong! We should hope instead that She will be forever healthy and happy, for this is the real happiness that we can derive from Her."

Surprise On Independence Day

By Los Angeles News Group, CA, USA. (Originally In Chinese & English)

Independence Day is the happiest day for Americans. National flags fly everywhere, and the whole country rejoices. Without any notice, Master suddenly visited the Los Angeles Center on Independence Day, bestowing a delightful surprise on fellow initiates!

Surprise On Independence Day!
Master has come to the Los Angeles Center!

Master first had a look around the LA Center, including the canteen and the main hall. When a fellow initiate saw Her car, he noticed a very pretty lady sitting inside. He thought that perhaps this lady had come to the wrong place. Only after She had finished inspecting the Center did he find out that this pretty lady was Master. She then summoned all the resident disciples and told them what improvements should be made to the Center. Extremely delighted with Master's presence, everyone promptly carried out Her instructions.

The good news of Master's arrival spread very fast. Fellow practitioners in the area, including those from the nearby Centers in San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose rushed in to see Her. Master's visit definitely highlighted the festival atmosphere.

Since it was a long weekend, many Centers had arranged a 1- or 2-day retreat to celebrate the occasion. Fellow practitioners in Texas, Minnesota, Arizona and other places also acted very quickly. They canceled the retreats and entertainment programs, and came to Los Angeles by plane. Amazingly enough, their airfares were cheaper than those of later flights.

Master was very happy to see them, and She was also delighted by their prompt action. That evening, the Los Angeles Center was filled with cars, while the hearts of fellow initiates were filled with bliss. Master looked great, which made fellow initiates feel relieved. Master mentioned that when She was in Singapore, She saw the Singaporean initiates meditating diligently round the clock. She asked God what they were praying for. God said that Hes didn't know. So, She asked Her attendant what they were doing. The answer was: "They were praying for Master's health."

Jokingly, Master said that, to answer our prayers, no wonder God had to let Her fall ill and stay in the hospital for a while before She could recover. It was only to fulfill our prayers, She originally was not ill. Master had only requested us to pray for Her task at hand, not for the longevity of Her physical body.

From this, She taught us that whatever we pray for would come true sooner or later, depending on the situation and how many people were involved. So we should make sure that we know what we want, and be consistent. Otherwise, God doesn't know how to help us and we get ourselves into complicated situations if we keep changing our minds.

Master lovingly satisfied everyone's desire, and answered the unspoken questions in our hearts. She granted an initiation on the Sunday due to the would-be initiates' sincere requests. One American would-be initiate from LA wanted to receive initiation from Master when She personally came to LA, so she did not come for the previous initiations. As a result, this time she was not informed. Originally, she was supposed to go on a vacation with her family in the mountains, something she particularly enjoys. Yet, for some unknown reason, she chose to stay at home alone for the whole holiday weekend. Amazingly enough, the sister initiate who introduced her to Master's teachings found out about the news of Master's arrival, so she immediately called the would-be initiate and took her to the Center for initiation.

When the Quan Yin messenger was just about to start the initiation, Master unexpectedly arrived to say "hi" to the would-be initiates, and thus totally satisfied the heartfelt desire of this American would-be initiate.

Among the new initiates this time was a famous Au Lac singer named Phuong Vu and his wife, Phuong Thao. He sang Master's poems at the Long Beach International 5-day retreat. Master cordially greeted them and blessed them at the dinner afterwards.

A fellow initiate had some misunderstanding about Master because the fellow practitioner who introduced him to Master had gone to extremes in spiritual practice. Subsequently, this fellow initiate did not have enough faith in Master and Her teachings. This time, he finally had the chance to see Master in person. To his surprise, he found Her to be a very flexible, humane, reasonable and a charming person. Therefore, he was convinced that Her teachings, both imparted by Her actions and words, are superlative. He is now determined to meditate diligently and adhere to the teachings.

From this example, we came to the understanding that each of us could be a Master's representative. If our concepts of spiritual practice are inaccurate, we will mislead others and make them misunderstand Master. All the while, Master has been teaching us to practice the middle way, to be ordinary and to fulfill our obligations to our families and society. If all fellow practitioners can really carry out Her teachings and become shining examples for the world, it would be much easier and smoother for Master to accomplish Her mission in the world.

On the third evening, Master told us stories about Her time in the Himalayas. They were as dramatic and sensational as a novel. Everyone sat around Her mesmerized by Her narration. Master is really talented in telling stories. She can make people feel as if they are in the story, just like watching a movie.

She mentioned the Lake of Immortality. Alexander the Great once wanted to drink from this lake. Just before he did, a very old man stopped him, and asked him why he wanted to become immortal. Alexander the Great told him that he wanted to conquer the whole world and enjoy the power. The old man asked him to look at him. He had drunk the water and lived a very long time, so long that he had no teeth left, only an old and ugly body. So, what is the use of being immortal? Master joked vividly about the toothless old man, inducing thunderous laughter from everyone.

Next day, Master let everyone ask questions. She also asked if there was anyone who wanted to become immortal. A fellow sister raised her hand, and Master asked her why she wanted this. The profound question and answer between Master and the disciple pinpointed many worldly illusions and preconceived ideas, which were indeed worthwhile for us to think about.

When asked about the nature of Maya, Master explained that Maya normally is not easy to be detected until we embark on doing something benefiting the multitude. Only then can we see how Maya works, and realize our own level. Tests are essential for spiritual cultivation, and Maya is doing just that to check our spiritual level.

Finally, Master told everyone to take a rest the next day, to take good care of their families, because they had seen Her enough in those few days. Of course we were reluctant, but it was already very precious being able to be with Master for several days. Forever lingering in our hearts is this memory of heavenly ecstasy.

Much to our surprise, the compassionate Master again visited the Los Angeles Center a few days later. That was indeed our greatest honor because we never dreamed that we would see Her again in such a short time. On this occasion, as usual, She bathed us with Her humor and left us intoxicated in the ecstasy of samadhi. She also reminded us solemnly: "Whoever does not practice or leaves the Quan Yin Method should continue to keep the five precepts in order to be reborn as a human being again. Otherwise you will be born as an animal." Hushed whispers came from the crowd. Master continued: "When (with lustful desire) you looked at the neighbor's wife it does not mean that you did not violate the precept -- you did. You must purify your thoughts, actions and speech. Keeping your mind pure is most difficult.

For people who have the bad habits of smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, looking and lusting at beautiful girls, committing adultery, or eating meat, etcetera, at first there are only a few cells in their bodies having this habit. But if they don't try to recite the Holy Names to correct their bad thoughts right away, then gradually it will spread to many cells, then the whole body. At this point, their minds will be so weak that they cannot control their bodies and the bad habits becomes addictive." Master even restated the five precepts and reminded us of their meanings again.

In the evening, She repeated Her promise to give liberation in one life to any of us who sincerely practices the Quan Yin Method and keeps the five precepts properly. She firmly stated: "I never refuse anything that I can do for your benefit. No sacrifice is too much for me! Is it?" We all agreed: "Yes."

Master continued: "Because I want to finish my job before I leave and not come back to this world again, whoever follows the teaching of Ching Hai will be liberated in one life." Master raised one finger and repeated to the crowd: "One life!" Initiates from every corner of the meditation hall clapped and shouted: "Yes, Master!" Many people cried tears of joy, because they sensed the feeling of truly being liberated.

During these few days, fellow initiates have been awakened by Master's words of wisdom and love. Her Love Power has opened all our hearts. There is a sweet smile on every face, and all of us treat each other more cordially and lovingly. It is Master who has brought us all into the Quan Yin family so we can enjoy an enlightening freshness from heaven while we are still in this polluted and suffering world.

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Narrated By Sister Initiate Huang Yue-Hsia, Pingtong, Formosa
Recorded By Sister Initiate Wang Ruey-Zhen, Pingtong, Formosa

A Deity Guided Me
To Find An Enlightened Master

I am illiterate. Due to arrangements by my mother, I was married. My husband was a good person and didn't drink or smoke. However, shortly afterward, we acquired several Buddha statues for our home and for no particular reason I was chosen as the seance medium to get rid of other people's troubles. This brought us a lot of karma and there was no peace at home after that.

My husband then started drinking and became violent. He would throw things, beat the children, and scold people. My daughter left home because she couldn't bear it. She was gone for several years without a trace. The deity could only tell me that she was fine, but could not make her come back. I cried almost every day worrying about her. I asked myself why could I help others, but was unable to help myself and my family? I am not greedy, and I do not do anything bad, but trouble comes to me continually. Why is heaven treating me this way?

My husband and I made our living selling vegetables. We had a truck to transport the vegetables. Once we had a car accident, and the other party was seriously injured. In order to compensate that person financially the truck was confiscated. Being jobless, whenever my husband drank, he would blame me for not taking care of our family properly. This made me feel so hurt. I felt that life was meaningless and started contemplating suicide. But I could not forgo my son. Under great distress, I asked the deity for help.

During my sleep, I saw the deity Master Chi-Gong. He said to me, "My dear disciple! Don't kill yourself. Your troubles are over. Go look for a living Master. Only She can help you. She lives in Miaoli, Hsihu. All you have to do is recite: `Ching-Hai Wu Shang Shih' five times, then you will find Her."

After that, I suddenly woke up and mentioned this to my husband. He did not believe me and said, "It's too far away. You can fly there. How can our old beaten-up truck go as far as Miaoli?" So I prayed to Master in my heart, "Namo Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih, where is Your ashram? I've decided to look for You. Please help me."

At midnight, my husband suddenly sat up in bed and said, "Get ready, tomorrow we'll leave early in the morning to look for Supreme Master Ching Hai."

When we got to Hsihu, Miaoli, we did not know how to get to the ashram. I wanted to ask someone, but my husband wouldn't let me. He even teased me, "Didn't you say all you had to do was say 'Namo Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih' five times, then you'd be there? Hurry up and say it!" So I closed my eyes and recited, "Namo Ching Hai Wu Shang Shih, where is Your ashram? My husband brought me here to look for You. Please guide us on our way."

Strangely enough, my husband just kept on driving towards the ashram. After awhile he said, "Here we are!" I opened my eyes and it truly was the ashram.

There was a nun sweeping a path. I went up and asked her for help, and she said, "This is indeed Hsihu Center, but Master is abroad. Also today is not Sunday, so it's not open to the public." Because of the rules, we could not go in to visit. So we had to drive back home and wait for the coming Sunday.

My husband invited some of his friends to come with us to Hsihu on the following Sunday. I also registered for initiation on the same day. When the initiation day came, I asked my husband to take me to Hsihu, but he didn't agree. He said I should fly there myself. So I had to ask for Master's help for him to take me. At midnight, my husband sat up in bed again and said, "Okay, let's go to Hsihu."

When I was preparing my pictures and ID, my husband said, "Don't bring mine. I'm not getting initiated."

I said, "I'm not forcing you to." I don't know why, but I still took his ID with me.

When we got to the ashram, the nuns separated those who wanted initiation and those who were just visiting. But my husband just kept on walking with me without talking. When a nun asked him if he wanted to get initiated, he asked me if I brought his ID. I said yes, so both of us got initiated on the same day.

Immediately After Initiation
Master Again Took Care Of Us

On our way home after initiation we were in a bad pile-up on the highway. Three vehicles crashed. The front of our car was ruined, but both of us were fine. However, the car in front of us didn't seem to be damaged, yet the occupants had to go to hospital because they had concussions. Everyone there was surprised that both of us were okay. They kept on saying, "This is strange."

I said quite naturally, "We are initiated, but they are not." Really, we had Master's protection, and that's why we were okay. Master really loves her disciples a lot.

Thank You Master
For Taking Care Of My Family

After initiation, my husband still just sat around at home with nothing to do. I asked for Master's help to find him a job and make him happy so he wouldn't complain. Strangely enough, shortly after that, someone recommended him to work on a cleaning team and as a permanent staff. I really appreciate Master's help.

I didn't know what to do myself since we were not selling vegetables anymore. Coincidentally, across the street, there was a store front for sale. With the help of a fellow initiate, we bought it at a low price.

I wanted to open a vegetarian restaurant. A lot of people said I couldn't do that for long, but I answered them firmly, "All I have to do is hang a couple of pictures of Master on the wall, and play Her Buddhist chanting tapes and videotapes for the customers. I would not cook anything that I wouldn't eat myself. I'm sure it will be okay."

It was true! Master took care of everything. My business got better and better. I am often too busy. The customers have said that Master is helping me. I hope that in my hometown there will be more and more vegetarians and more and more initiates. Now, there are really quite a few initiates.

Master takes care of my family in every way. My son often had disturbing dreams. One day, after Master's lecture in Ping-Tong, I asked for two posters of Her to take home. One of them I put on the door of my son's room. The next day my son said to me, "Master's poster is really useful, the invisible beings are not bothering me anymore."

My daughter had been missing for several years by then. When I meditated I asked Master, "Please help me and have my daughter come home!" One evening while I was meditating, I received a phone call. It was my daughter! She cried and said, "Mother, I suddenly miss you very much! I am now in Taipei learning cosmetology. In my dreams, someone said to me, "'Go home quickly, your mother is calling you.'" Master helped me find my daughter. I'm really thankful to Her.

With Master's Blessings,
I Have Had Very Good Meditation Experiences

I remembered when I participated in the seven-day retreat at San-Di Men, I felt like I was not as good as the others. I did not dare go near Master. Later, when I saw Her blessing the foreign initiates so lovingly, I couldn't help but cry and crawl over to Her. I said, "Master, I am illiterate, and I cannot speak Mandarin." Master extended Her arms and pulled me up. I felt a tremendous energy going through my body like an electric current. It made me feel so comfortable and unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Master hugged me and comforted me without being concerned that I am ugly and poor. I was so touched! That night when I was meditating, I saw Her in a very beautiful garden sitting on a lotus surrounded by other big, beautiful lotus flowers.

An enlightened Master's blessing power is certainly different from all others. It works immediately. I must quickly tell people in my hometown to practice the Quan Yin Method. Where can we find a method better than this?

A Family Reunion Because Of Master

After practicing the Quan Yin Method, I no longer worship the deities and Buddha statues. Now everything is safe and sound. Before my son often dreamt about his grandfather wearing rags and looking very desperate as he went to him. But after initiation, Master liberated our ancestors, so they never appeared in his dreams anymore.

My daughter has come home also. With Master's help we bought a house near the market for her to open a beauty salon. Now she is also initiated. Our whole family's reunion and our good fortune is all due to Master. I am truly grateful and I will practice diligently to repay Her for taking care of us.

True And Sincere Appreciation Master's Love Is The Eternal Treasure

A True Story A True Story height="60">

Narrated By Would-be Initiate Liman Wu, Gaoping, Formosa
Recorded By Sister Initiate Wanren Wu, Gaoping, Formosa

Although I had switched to a vegetarian diet only two months before and I had never seen Master, from the moment that I accepted Her, Her loving power kept pouring into the bottom of my heart like tidal waves. This triggered a new turning point in my life.

I recall ten years ago, my life was like a dream. I could not even think about such things as spiritual practice. Ten years ago, I came to know sister initiate Hong and worked in her beauty salon. At that time, I established a good friendship with her. Afterwards, struggling in the ephemeral mundane world, I experienced the joy of getting married, giving birth to children, and establishing my own business. I did not know then that ten years later, I would be divorced and close down my business. So now with a broken heart, together with my son and daughter, I went back to sister Hong and continued to work in her beauty salon, which made me feel as if I had gone back to the old days.

Sister Hong treated me like her daughter. She gave me Master's books and videotapes to read and watch, which comforted my saddened heart. Then I switched to a vegetarian diet and decided to get initiation. Master's boundless love, as the silent ocean, touched my being every day. I got rid of my sadness and began to feel peaceful.

Because of the toil and struggle in my life, I developed a lump in my abdomen. At the time of surgery, I felt nervous, but suddenly I remembered what sister Hong told me: "You can pray to Master for anything." Helpless, I immediately prayed silently and recited Her name. After only a few seconds, a white light appeared in front of my eyes and I was taken to a cross-road. One road led to hell, where there stood two angels of death, and the other led to white light. I immediately ran towards the white light. Suddenly, the white light turned into a beautiful world of wonder. Then Master took me around in spirit. I cannot say how nice and peaceful I felt.

After I woke up, the surgery was over and I was resting in the recovery room. However, I felt as if it had only taken a few minutes. That was how Master helped me face the surgery without worry and fear.

Three days later, I was released from the hospital and the surgical wound healed quickly. As I was resting at home, it rained heavily all over Formosa for several days. I did not have anything else to do but lean against the balcony and look at the dark clouds in the sky. Suddenly I had an impulse to paint. I took out the watercolors and brushes that my daughter used in school and began to paint, releasing my emotions. In fact, I had no idea at all about what I would paint, but my intuition seemed to know. I kept painting without stopping and finished two paintings in one afternoon.

I could not explain why I had painted such pictures, but I could sense the excitement and emotion in them. Then I hung the pictures above my bed. That night, I dreamed that Master came to see me, wearing the white robe and shining cloak in the picture that I painted. She even held a bamboo stick with a gourd hanging on it. She looked exactly the same as in the picture. (I had never seen a picture of Her wearing such an outfit before.) She smiled and told me, "You can tell the fellow initiates the story of these two pictures."

While waiting to be initiated, I longed to see Master every day. My longing resulted in Her giving me special care. I often dreamed of Her coming to comfort me; we met each other in such harmony.

Now I no longer feel lonely and helpless. In the future, I shall have Master to accompany me on my walk through the dream of human life. I feel very grateful and joyful. I also wish that fellow initiates would truly cherish what they have -- Master's love -- the eternal treasure!

True And Sincere Appreciation Master's Love Is The Eternal Treasure Master's Wonders

By Would-be Initiate Ms. Bi Lian, Mainland China

Fortuitously, I received a copy of "The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment (Volume Two)" from a friend. After reading the book, I decided to become a vegetarian and follow Master to practice the Quan Yin Method. Since then, I've waited for my time to arrive when I will be able to get the initiation.

During this time of waiting, I went to a meeting held by my previous Chi Kung fellow practitioners who earnestly invited me. At the gathering, we shared our ideas about different paths and then the topic changed to karma and vegetarianism. When they asked me why I needed to become a vegetarian, I answered them according to Master's teachings.

There was a sixteen year old boy there who had acquired supernatural powers after practicing Chi Kung for only a few months. He could read anyone's past and future. Out of curiosity, I asked him about my past which he read accurately. When I continued to ask him about my future, he closed his eyes and entered samadhi. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and said, "I can't speak anymore. Heavenly secrets should not be revealed!" I didn't press him further.

As we were leaving after the gathering was over, this young man suddenly asked me: "Do you have a Master?" Since I was not yet initiated and I had only been a Buddhist lay devotee, I thought he wanted to know the Master whom I was devoted to. I told him I have, but he wanted to know whether I had a male or female master. I told him I have both. He asked me, "Can you take me to see Her on Sunday?"

I didn't understand what he meant, so I asked him why.

He said: "Just now when I was about to answer your last question, your Master suddenly appeared and forbade me to answer. Therefore, I dared not say anymore."

I was shocked to hear this, so I asked him what the Master had actually said. He told me that She had said: "You have already talked too much, shut up!" He said: "She was very serious when She said this, and then She suddenly disappeared. She is terrific! She must have incredible power to be able to appear to me while I was in samadhi. I must see Her." (This young man attained great supernatural powers after practicing Chi Kung for just a few months, so he was very proud of himself, and looked down upon the average Chi Kung Masters.)

I continued to ask him: "What did my Master look like? What was She wearing?"

He said, "She was thin, and wore a nun's robe."

I asked, "Was Her head shaved?"

He said, "Yes."

From his description, I couldn't recall having a female Master who had such great power. Therefore, I made an arrangement with him to show him photos of all the monastic Masters I had encountered.

Several days later, I went to visit him with a good friend. Unknowingly, the photos that I took to him included my only photo of Supreme Master Ching Hai in Her early days, wearing a nun's robe. This was given to me by a fellow initiate. I showed him all the photos of my previous masters. He commented on some of the photos: "This person has some power, but he is not the one!" I showed him the photo of my only female Master, but he said: "No! No! She has no power at all!" Finally, I revealed a big photo of Supreme Master Ching Hai. He immediately said: "Yes! She is the one! Though She looks a little bit fatter in this photo, I am sure She is the one!"

He asked me who She was, so I told him: "She is Supreme Master Ching Hai, a living Buddha." He then examined the photo carefully and exclaimed: "Fantastic! The power of this Master is truly great. I can see uncountable golden rays emitting from the photo, and in each golden ray there are innumerable saints."

My friend asked me what this phenomenon was. I told her: "This is known as manifesting innumerable saints in the Light, an incredible power that only belongs to one who has reached the level of Ju Lai (a fully enlightened saint)."

On the way home, I told my friend: "I have had a great harvest today. I have confirmed that my future Master, Supreme Master Ching Hai, really has incredibly great power, and that the Quan Yin Method that I am going to practice is the highest method. Throughout the years, I have practiced many methods, have very sincerely worshipped the Buddha morning and evening, and recited the scriptures; but none of these things could solve my problems from the root, could not liberate me from the agony of transmigration. Only the Quan Yin Method, and only Supreme Master Ching Hai can give me liberation from birth and death."

I told my friend firmly that I wouldn't practice other methods anymore, nor would I continue to worship in the temples. I am determined to practice the Quan Yin Method, and I am waiting for Master to give me the initiation and transmit the Method to me. Be there a mountain of knives or a sea of fire ahead, I definitely will not turn back!

Manifesting Innumerable Buddhas In The Light
Having You Taking Care Of Me All The Way

Master's Wonders height="138">

By Brother Initiate Huang, Melbourne, Australia >

I am a fellow initiate who was initiated in Beijing, Mainland China. Not long after being initiated, I came to Melbourne, Australia. Having Master take care of me all the way, even though things might not have been smooth in the beginning, the results have been all perfect. So I especially write this letter to express my gratitude to Master for Her loving care.

At Beijing International Airport, about to leave China, I was unable to get a boarding pass as the flight attendant told me that my ticket was unconfirmed. I felt anxious, so I immediately recited the Holy Names and prayed to Master for help. Finally the flight attendant said that there was an available seat and I could now get a boarding pass. I was very happy. In fact, that was only the beginning of Master's ingenious arrangements.

When the airplane arrived at Shanghai, the passenger next to me alighted. When passengers boarded again, a Mr. Zhang from Shanghai sat in the seat next to me. Since my ticket was unconfirmed, I did not get the vegetarian food I had ordered. So at meal time, I did not get a proper meal. Mr. Zhang felt curious about it and asked me why I was on a vegetarian diet. At that moment, I was able to introduce Master's teachings to him.

Since this was my first trip to Australia, no one would be at the airport to meet me. I took out the News magazine, which had the address of the one and only vegetarian restaurant in Melbourne, and asked Mr. Zhang how to get there, to find our fellow initiates. After reading the address, Mr. Zhang said that he originally lived in that house and later sold it to our fellow initiates to open a vegetarian restaurant. So he actually knew these fellow initiates. Therefore, after we arrived at the airport, he gave me a ride to the place. Shortly afterwards, sister Liu from Beijing gave me a ride to my friend's place. Everything worked out perfectly.

When I think about what had happened, I feel that it was truly inconceivable. There are millions of people in Melbourne and there were hundreds of seats on the airplane, but Mr. Zhang and I coincidentally boarded on the same day and sat next to each other. If it was not Master's great power, then who else could make such an ingenious arrangement?

Before I left home, I did not pray to Master, but She still took good care of me. This highlights what Master has said, "Sometimes you don't pray to the Master, but when the Master helps you, don't refuse it."

After I arrived in Melbourne, I faced the problem of looking for a job. Normally, it's very difficult for a newcomer to find a job in my profession, even after months. I was trained in traditional Chinese medicine in Mainland China, so one would expect it would be even more difficult for me to get a job in a Western pharmaceutical company. At that time, I remembered what Master had said, "If your request is reasonable, the Master will definitely help you." So I prayed to Master to help me find a job.

On the same day, I found the telephone number of a pharmaceutical company in the telephone book. So trying my luck, I called the company for a job. That was my first job-search telephone call and I immediately got an interview. At the time of the interview, the company manager said that there was no vacancy, but that he would try to figure out what work I could do for him. Later it was arranged for me to work in the laboratory. The pay was good. Wow! I found a job in only ten days. That was truly incredible! I knew that Master had helped me by squeezing me into the company.

Since my work was in Sydney, the next thing was to look for a place to live. There were no apartments near my work, and all the houses were big with expensive rents. So on my first day, I lived with my manager; on the second day, I lived with a Chinese colleague; and on the third day, I had to live in a hotel. That night I looked at newspaper ads and found a place with a rent two to four times cheaper than the one near my work. I was very happy about it. Then I opened the News magazine and saw the question and answer section from a Paris group meditation. It was entitled "A Master Is One's Friend Through Life And Death." At that time, I was very touched and kept crying out in my heart, "Thank You, Master! Thank You, Master!"

The next day, after work, I took a taxi to my new home, but the taxi stopped after only a few minutes of driving. I asked the driver why and he said that we had arrived. I suddenly realized that the place was only a short walk from my work!

After arriving in Australia, I have had many such incidents. I cannot express how grateful I am to Master even with hundreds and thousands of words. The only thing that I can do is to practice diligently and work through my karma in order to repay Her for Her holy love!

Manifesting Innumerable Buddhas In The Light
Having You Taking Care Of Me All The Way

News No. 84 Contents Panorama of Events Master's Words Aphorism While On The Path Poem Selected Questions & Answers Master Says Media Reports Master Tells Jokes Special Reports A True Story Master's Wonders Spiritual Correspondence Between Master And Disciples Love In Action Pearls Of Wisdom Spiritual Interlude You May Not Know Bible Story Spot Light Supreme Art Humorous Wisdom Back to Main Menu

Spiritual Correspondence height="60">

By Brother Initiate T. Tran, LA, U.S.A.
(Originally In Au Lac Language)

Our Dear Revered Master,

I am now over 50 years old, but after serious introspection I've realized that my life became meaningful and worthwhile only after I got initiated. Even though previously I did try to practice spirituality, I only followed others without having the self-confidence and strong belief that I was practicing the right method like the one under Your guidance. Now, I write You this letter to tell people that Your teachings have indeed brought limitless benefits to disciples. Consequently, countless disciples have been reborn and their lives have become more meaningful.

I had to seek refuge in the USA in 1975 and my education was interrupted because of the fall of Au Lac. Having the feeling of one without a home and country, being stranded in a foreign land with little knowledge of English, I suffered through months and years of darkness. Gradually, I felt torn apart by the discontent and my hatred of life. I became so hot-tempered. Any time I tried to climb out of my problems I fell back without any foot hold to be disheartened once again. I felt that if this situation continued I would definitely end up in either a mad house or jail.

I often blamed myself or society, and believed life was meaningless. I sought help in many churches of different religious faiths. Sometimes I went to the temple to practice meditation but I only ended up feeling greater disappointment. I once considered giving up, telling myself, "Oh well! Just forget everything and try to make a lot of money then go back to Au Lac to enjoy life." But You came at the right time to save me.

While watching a videotape of Your lecture for the first time, I was determined to become a pure vegetarian in order to prepare myself for the initiation given by You. During these days I so longed and thirsted for Your teachings like a man desperate for water having been stranded in the desert. So I bought many audio and videotapes.

As soon as I sat in my car, I turned on Your audio tapes. When I came back home I watched Your videotapes. In my home, people criticized and slandered You but I ignored them because of my complete faith in You. I feel that even the highly venerable monks are unable to convince their disciples to become vegetarian but Your power is indeed omnipotent. By only watching Your videotapes or reading Your books one can become a vegetarian in order to follow You to practice meditation.

Many friends of mine are Catholic. After only watching Your videotapes they immediately became pure vegetarians and are prepared to apply for initiation and follow Your spiritual path.

Dear Master, after initiation I was reborn. The book of my life has begun a new chapter. Even during the first few months, I was able to feel how it was to be liberated in this life. Thanks to Your teachings and blessings I was able to rid myself of all deep anger and hatred, and was able to realize clearly that all that happens to us is created by ourselves and not by other people. Moreover, my envy and lust have become less and less. Now, I am very grateful to You that I have no desires, except only to fully understand Your teachings and to bring Your teachings and Your shining example to greater use in daily life. I long to understand You more, day by day, to be closer to You, and to be more attuned with You in the spirit of spiritual practice.

Being able to get initiated and to practice meditation with You is the greatest fortune I have ever had in many thousands of lifetimes. I vow to practice diligently in order to repay the debt of four gratitudes owed by a human being. Especially to indemnify Your boundless love, Your diligent and hard work while You are teaching us.

I pray to God Almighty and to the Buddhas of the ten directions for their blessings that You will always stay healthy, young and pretty and full of determination. I also pray that all Your work, Your infinite compassion, Your transcendental wisdom and Your shining example will illuminate every corner of the sky and ocean, and indeed the entire universe.

Very Respectfully Yours, T. Tran Between Master And Disciples height="118" width="75%">

By Sister Initiate Huong Feng-Lan, Tainan, Formosa > height="118" width="25%"> >

Master has mentioned Her sweet past with Her husband before She became a renunciate. Though She speaks about this in a relaxed and cheerful manner, as if She is sharing a dear memory with us, I always feel very sad. Master has mentioned how She discussed with Her husband beforehand Her desire to leave home, and how Her husband suffered and cried; but She never speaks about Her own feelings. She only tells us: Now that we can practice the Quan Yin Method at home, there is no need for us to imitate Her action of leaving Her beloved husband and forsaking the world to seek the method of liberation.

Master's narration might sound cheerful, but being a woman myself, I can hardly withstand my heartfelt sorrow each time I hear Her speak about this. My only consolation is believing that, Master is so great precisely because She can endure what ordinary people cannot.

Recently, in the Supreme Master Ching Hai News (No.78), I read an article entitled "Love and Spiritual Poetry" written by the poet Mr. Thu Phong. In this article, he commented on two of Master's poems written before She left home. Here is the excerpt of them:

An Unexpected Day
(Traces of Previous Life II)

...We soared together the everlasting land.
A thousand words halted between our lips.
In loving embrace our passion radiated,
Warm scented breath wafted over the entire existence...

Acceptance
(Traces of Previous Life II)

...I remain here with you
Because the wind is cold outside,
And where else could I go.
Life's a long lonely road, besides.

It's just the human's lot.
Like birds who must live in pairs,
Like animals who must have their lairs,
I too need a mate...

Reading these two poems, the long untouched wound in my heart bled again, and I couldn't help crying! How could one remain unmoved by such an anguished separation?

I picked up the Vo Tu Poems and read them again. It was not difficult to detect the sadness of leaving and the pain of lingering hidden within the verses. It reminded me of Master's visit to Munich, Germany, one of the many stops on Her worldwide lecture tour in 1993. Master lived there for a couple of years with Her husband before She left. A fellow practitioner who provided the accommodation for the working team told us that Master was an old acquaintance of their family, and that his uncle was a close friend of Master's family. When Master was about to leave home, She and Her husband had a talk at his uncle's home, and Master's husband was so sad that he cried many times.

From this poem, we can observe more of the dear love between the intimate couple:

I love you
(Wu Tzu Poems)

...I love you as I love myself,
Like I love the mountains, rivers and continents.
Tomorrow, when we part, who will shed tears?
To repay your love, I bow to you.

God knows when we will meet again,
Perhaps when our hair grows white, our love grows old.

Wish me high, to heaven I soar!
Wish me the whole Earth, I level!

For the ideal of seeking the Truth, a couple very much in love, parted. This pain is really intolerable! Like you and me, Master has also experienced the emotions of love, and silently endured the agony and struggle in Her heart. Her purpose is to protect Her disciples from tasting the same bitterness and from going through Her painful experience.

Now we can maintain our marriage and take care of our families, while practicing spiritually to attain liberation. How grateful we are to Master for revealing Her poems to us, so we can have a better idea about the inner thinking of an enlightened Master in seeking the Truth. Naturally, we will cherish more of what we have now.

Love In Action height="60">

The Supreme Master Ching Hai
Relief Team Helps Flood Victims In Chile
>

By The Santiago News Group, Chile (Originally In Spanish)

The Chile Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was not indifferent to victims of severe flooding that hit the country this month. The disaster was caused by continuous and torrential rain, and the whole country was seriously affected. To make the situation worse, before the heavy rains a persistent drought lasting five years had already victimized thousands throughout the country. The Government declared seven of the thirteen States as disaster areas, and announced that they had taken all possible measures to cope with the emergency.

Mayor Fernando Guaman G. of Vicuna brings the relief team to a village immersed in mud.

When Master learnt of the tragedy, She immediately instructed fellow initiates in Santiago to help the regions most severely affected. With oneness of mind, initiates in Chile and Brazil cooperated together to raise $US 30,000, which they used to buy about five tons of food (including noodles, rice, sugar, flour, tea, salt, soup, milk and candy), blankets, medicine (i.e. aspirin and cough syrup), personal hygiene items (i.e. soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste), and clothing (i.e. disposable diapers, socks, clothes).

In Lampa, near Santiago, the relief team distributed five hundred relief bags. Vehicles of the relief team managed to overcome the adverse road conditions to render timely and efficient help to many isolated and helpless families. They were all very grateful to our compassionate Master, who gave them a helping hand when they needed it the most.

The second relief operation was launched deep into the northern region of Chile. The team, traveling in several vehicles, set off from the Santiago Center, taking with them over a thousand bags of relief material: 100 blankets, 200 bags of clothes, medicine and personal hygiene items.

Mayor Fernando highlights Master's loving actions to the villagers.

It took them eight hours to reach Vicuna City near Coquimbo. Vicuna was the most severely affected city in this region. The Mayor of Vicuna, Mr. Fernando Guaman G., led fellow practitioners to a village, which unfortunately had been submerged by muddy water. In a school, which temporarily accommodated the victims, the relief team distributed the materials to over a hundred victims who had lost their homes. With candies in their hands, the children danced joyfully. During our time spent with Mayor Fernando Guaman G., we were impressed by his compassion towards his people as if they were his own children. He also very much admires and agrees with Master's teachings.

Finally, the relief team reached another small village in Paihuano. Accompanying us was a television reporter from Canal Telenorte. His original intention was to cover the efforts of another relief team, but he decided to cover Master's relief effort in Paihuano instead.

Here, fellow practitioners donated 800 bags of relief material and blankets that would be shared among nine villages in the neighboring disaster area. Also, fellow practitioners donated $US 2,000 to Mayor Lorenzo Torres as a relief fund. The Mayor was about to visit the flood victims, but he was frustrated by a lack of relief materials. The relief team arrived at his office just in time, and so his problem was solved.

When the gifts arrived, and the victims received the relief materials, their expressions reflected their happiness, gratitude and surprise.

While the relief team was still working in the northern region, a person from Lampa called the Santiago Center expressing gratitude for our help the previous week. He also requested us to come again, because many people there hadn't received any food. Therefore, after returning from the north, fellow initiates in Santiago got ready to launch another relief operation in the two heavily affected regions around Lampa. They prepared sufficient food, Master's sample booklets and the necessary items for each family. Two hundred households benefited from Master's loving help.

On the way, we visited a school that accommodated over a hundred victims. They were receiving help from other groups, but the children had not been considered. Therefore, we left several boxes of candy for the children, which delighted not only them, but also the adults. Thanks to God's arrangement, all work was accomplished smoothly and joyfully in one day.

As a result of this relief operation, which was efficiently coordinated by the fellow practitioners from Brazil and Chile, the Chilean people have received Master's boundless love and care. Fellow practitioners are grateful to Master for giving them a chance to develop selfless love, and learn how to serve others as if serving themselves. Through this personal experience with a natural calamity, we are reminded that we must care and love each other. Disasters are not that terrible; what is more terrible is forgetting to put our love and compassion into action! We should cherish every chance to send our love and concern to others. Only then can we gradually become one with God.

Pearls Of Wisdom height="60">

>

This is a world that is important to us, because our world is the most important foundation. Without our world, the big world, the big universe doesn't exist. Without one brick of this world, the big world would not exist. The world exists by many bricks put together; every brick is important. So, our small world -- our small unit of family, of friends, of neighbors -- is very important. That's why if everyone of us takes care of our small world, then the big world becomes peaceful alone.

~Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Munich, Germany
August 18, 1995 (Originally In English)

Only faith can bring things into actualization, because actually we are God, we are Buddha already. Help is always there. We don't even need help. If we are the Buddha, we know what to do. So believe it. If you cannot believe in your own Buddha nature, then believe in the Master Power, the Master's Buddha nature. Then that will help you.

~Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Cambodia
July 10, 1996 (Originally In English)

The more luxurious a life we live, the more we owe other people. If we can live a simple life, we have to thank God for not deeply involving us with other sentient beings. Because we live a simple life, we are more relaxed and the atmosphere cannot bother our minds, so we feel happy and comfortable. There are some people who live a more complicated life, so their minds are more complicated and bothered too. They have to struggle a lot for existence. There is too much competition, and they compare themselves with others, wear sophisticated clothes and eat sophisticated food; so they owe a lot to other sentient beings.

There is nothing that comes without trouble, but some things bring additional, unnecessary trouble. Therefore, the more we use them, the more unnecessary troubles and worries we will suffer.

~Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
May 30, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

When we possess the great wisdom, we also possess numerous miraculous powers. But at that time, we have so much, too much, that we might not even know how much we have; and things just come out of us automatically without us intentionally doing anything. That's why the saints do things without doing.

~Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Montreal, Canada
April 17, 1993 (Originally In English)

Spiritual Interlude height="60"> >

Narrated By Brother Initiate Ying Yi, Taipei, Formosa/
Recorded By Sister Initiate Yin Yu, Hong Kong

Brother Ying Yi was initiated two and half years after his wife. After his wife was initiated, she always put Master first in everything.

"In the beginning, I was not used to that," said the brother laughing. But she (his wife) worked on him cleverly, and gradually changed him. So finally, he was also initiated.

Soon after she was initiated, she told him that she would be on a vegetarian diet but would still cook meat for him. He agreed. After a while, she told him that she felt uncomfortable when cooking meat, so she said that she would only buy cooked meat for him. He agreed with this, too. After a few months, she said that she could not stand the smell when he was eating meat and suggested that he eat meat only when he was out. She suggested that at home he should eat vegetarian food together with her. He felt that that was reasonable, so he agreed again.

Gradually, he increasingly adopted a vegetarian diet and began to feel that it smelled bad when others ate meat. Being subtly influenced, he became a total vegetarian and was eventually initiated by Master!

The Smart Wife Learning To Put Down The Attachment
Recognize Our Own Value

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Share Only The Beautiful Things With Others

A Garbage Collector

Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Beholder

Pay Attention To Your Life, Make It Pure And Positive

Honesty And Trust Are The Keys To Maintaining A Marriage

Go Beyond The Habits And Represent The Qualities Of Truth, Beauty And Goodness

El Dia Daily News, Chile Tuesday, July 1, 1997 (Originally in Spanish)

Supreme Master Ching Hai Gives Help To Disaster Victims

For Further Reading:

Honesty And Trust Are The Keys To
Maintaining A Marriage

Go Beyond The Habits And Represent The Qualities
Of Truth, Beauty And Goodness

El Dia Daily News, Chile
Tuesday, July 1, 1997 (Originally in Spanish)