The Supreme Master
Ching Hai News No.86

Panorama of Events
JapanFormosa The Solomon IslandsHonduras
Brazil

Aphorisms
Aphorisms

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

Download 86
Files Online

When the worldly people got married, Their passion is somewhat cooled down. But when I'm betrothed to You, My passion only begins to glow!

-- "Silent Tears"

News No. 86
Contents

Special Reports height="279">>

By Los Angeles News Group, U.S.A. (Originally In Au Lac Language)

After being invited by the famous movie actress Kieu Chinh, Master attended the anniversary ceremony: "Kieu Chinh's 40 Years in the Movies" held by members of the performing arts. When She arrived at the venue, some fellow initiates, although not having been informed in advance quickly found out about the news, were waiting to greet Her. News reporters at the event also recognized Master, and without prior consultation, all turned their cameras on Her and shot unexpected and precious scenes.

Then Master was warmly escorted into the reception hall to meet Kieu Chinh and signed Her name in the commemorative guest book. She expressed Her admiration to Kieu Chinh and congratulated her on her achievements. Shortly afterwards, She was escorted to a dining table. Wearing a simple black but elegant self-designed evening dress, She chatted with the other guests. Her lighthearted comments added a nice touch to the topics at hand and brought happy laughter to those around Her.

Although Master tried to mix in with the people and not draw attention to Herself, all the singers and other famous members of the arts noticed Her and went to greet Her. Among them were musician Pham Duy, singer Le Uyen, female author Nha Ca, professor Tran Van An and news reporter Ly Kien Truc. Master also went to musician Pham Duy's table to offer Her regards to him and talk to his wife, Ms. Thai Hang.

After the ceremony, She talked to the fellow initiates there. She said that She had gone to the ceremony as Kieu Chinh's fan, with the sincere feeling of admiring Kieu Chinh's successful acting career. Master felt honored to see a successful Au Lac person in the international movie business. She said that we should express our support for those who have attained high achievements and encourage them to contribute more to the literature and art of humanity.

Master greets Madam Thai Hang, wife of musician Pham Duy (standing in the middle).

The female author Nha Ca (standing in the black dress).

  Master congratulates Kieu Chinh for her extraordinary achievements.

Professor Tran Van An.

Master sitting with guests at one of the tables.

<< Reporter Ly Kien Truc.

The movie star Tran Quang.

A Perfect Moon Reunion -- Celebrating The Mid-Autumn Festival With Master
Master Attends Film Actress' Anniversary Ceremony: "Kieu Chinhis 40 Years In The Movies"

Am I in a dream, rippling with its gentle waves?
Is it dawn or dusk -- why this light that fills my room?
Tonight the moon shines brightly, though I know not the reason.
Maybe it is You, my dear.
Come, hold me gently in Your arms,
Pamper me, kiss me,
And whisper into my ears.
The sound plays over the mountaintop,
And wafts across the boundless heavens,
Swirling and vibrating in the ether.
Dancing is Your huge crystalline figure;
Massaging me, the heat and light of the sun.
Like a dewdrop, Your kiss reaches deep into my soul,
Melting it into a thousand-petaled red lotus.
Everything lulled, I softly sigh,
Hearkening to the silent music from heaven.

Selected Questions & Answers height="75">

  >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation, L.A., CA., U.S.A.
July 20, 1997 (Originally In English)

Q: I want to ask about dimensions. There's a law in physics that says that energy, the lower vibration always has to go to the higher vibration. So I'm wondering when sometimes we mix with people that are not initiated and it affects our meditation, if that law is still true, that the lower vibration goes to the higher vibration?

M: No, no. The higher vibration goes down to the lower vibration. The low cannot go up, only the high can come down. Yours is coming down? What are you wondering about? Are you wondering whether it's going up or coming down?

Q: No. I'm wondering if our presence, sometimes because we're meditating, and we're initiated, is it helping the others to come up, or is it also bringing us down?

M: Well, both ways. In order to help them to come up, you have to first come down.

Q: I know sometimes it has affected me in my meditation, but I'm wondering does it actually bring my level down or is it just a natural karmic interchange with people that we mix with?

M: Well, if you talk in terms of business, then you've lost something. But then, you will be replenished again if you are strong enough. Sometimes if you are not strong enough then people drag you down for a long, long time. So make sure your reservoir always has plenty of blessings. That's why you must meditate every day, or else you would have become Buddha already, or you would have remembered that you are Buddha already. You would have no need to come here. No need to see me. You would feel no need whatsoever about anything anymore, if you don't have to give anything to people.

That's why we are here also. We can't just come to this world; take a lot of food; eat; do everything; then grow up until then; meet the Master, teacher, whatever; and then just say: "Okay, that's it folks. You are on your own." You have to do something, automatically. Just like the electric or water bills, they come automatically from your bank account because you've used them. Actually, the things we use from this world are material, but now we can only repay by spiritual. That's okay. We're all brothers and sisters. We give, it's fine.

Q: So sometimes if we feel that we've been pulled down a little bit, we should just meditate more and hopefully we'll go back up?

M: Yes, of course. Meditate more or let go. Let it be. This is the system that is the best system -- that the ones who have should give to the ones who don't have. It doesn't matter whether it's material or spiritual. That's the way it should be in every world. Our world is so depleted, so degraded, has so much suffering, because people don't give -- the haves don't give the have-nots -- even materially. That's why we're so miserable the way we are. So we should change. We can't change the whole world maybe. We change ourselves, at least our environment, so our brothers and sisters, we, live in heaven, heaven inside, knowing that we are good, knowing that we do the things we should do.

As soon as this world becomes the way we are right now, in terms of materialism only, our world will never suffer from hunger, want or disasters anymore. Even if there are disasters, we should help each other, very quickly. No one should be hungry in this world, if we follow the automatic system the way we're doing with our spiritual heritage.

We have blessings inside and we don't even think about it. Automatically, we give it to people. Sometimes, you go to the hospital or somewhere, visiting someone, and just by sitting there doing nothing, they feel better. Because you have the blessings with you, and they just deduct them. That's the system of the universe -- the haves must give to the have-nots.

That's the only way we can be God. That's the only way that God is, because it's love. There's nothing else except unconditional love in the universe. That is the most important. And if we can't learn that lesson, we never can arrive anywhere. We have to come back again and again, feel sorry and feel bad until we really do what we have to do. If we don't know, it doesn't matter. But if we know and we don't do it, we'll feel very bad. You know that.

Q: When I'm around other fellow initiates, it doesn't matter whether I can speak to them or not, whether they're Chinese, Au Lac or whatever, I feel really comfortable, like I'm at home and they're family. It feeds me. So I know naturally, just intuitively that being around disciples is more elevating to my spirit. And when I'm around people who are not initiated, sometimes I feel really drained. So I'm wondering is it harmful to my spiritual practice to hang out with people who are not initiated, or is it instead a natural process of what I'm supposed to be doing here in my practice in the first place?

M: Oh, just let it be. You can't avoid people. Besides, we don't practice to hoard all the blessings to ourselves. So just hang around. [Laughter] Hang with anyone that you have to. Be happy that you don't have only the non-initiates in this world, you have also the initiates. You have to look at it that way. Then you can come together again, comfort each other, help each other, and go out and give to the world, get kicked, get knocked, and come back.

We're lucky. We have a big family; we have people with whom we can share the same ideal, the same common interest, who understand us, who support and help us, and who are really honest and sincere with us. That is a great comfort. Other people out there, they don't have it. So, you should go out more. Let them know what a good person you are. Let them see that there are still trustworthy persons. Let yourself be an example, and they follow you or not follow you, that's their problem. Why hide? It's okay. Go hang around.

I go to all kinds of places. (Laughter and applause) I don't just hang around here. I'm happy to see you, but I hang around everywhere. What do you think? I stay in hotels, I eat in Denny's Restaurant, I go for coffee "n'importe quoi". I go to MacDonald's sometimes, eat chips and apple pie. Actually, I go anywhere. I don't even think that if I go here I'll have trouble or not trouble. I just go. Everywhere is God's place. Everywhere is your house.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
February 25, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

We often think that the scent of perfume in this world is beautiful. But actually it's not! The process is just an absorption of numerous little micro-organisms into our noses. Those who put on perfume are only absorbing countless complicated beings into themselves. That's the way our personality can become complicated. (It is like many people living in the same house.) It can be caused by the scent of perfume or some beautiful things.

You may not know that the world outside and the people who are beautiful in appearance may hurt us. Every time we smell some scent, no matter if it's from us or from others, it will provoke a thought, regardless of whether we knew we had or didn't have that type of thought. Everything we absorb through our six senses will excite some thought within us, and most of the thoughts produced from the mundane world are low level. The low level thoughts within us will then get connected to the low-level beings around us.

It's like electric waves. If it is transmitted it will be received by someone. So it is as if the beings are transmitting the signals and we are receiving them. If we open the same channel, then it will come into our being. Like we have a radio, and the radio station broadcasts 24 hours. If we turn off the radio, then we won't be able to hear it. As soon as we turn it on, we'll receive the signals again.

Anything that belongs to the six senses -- whether appearance, sound or taste -- will attract our attention. Then our brain will produce some thoughts. Good attracts good and bad attracts bad. Most of them no matter good or bad, it's still from the beings in the three realms. Our thoughts are related to many beings, which in turn attracts them. Look at those who gamble. They attract the astral beings who like to gamble. Those who like to drink alcohol attract those spirits who like to drink, so they get worse, and cannot give it up. It's the same way with gambling. Although they have a sense of guilt, know that it's not good for them, and want to stop it, they can't. It's because those invisible beings are more powerful than us. They have no physical body, so it's easier for them to control us. The more we're controlled, the more beings we attract. We can't possibly beat them on our own, so we become weaker. They use our bodies to eat, drink, and have fun.

So we had better not put on any perfume. That's why one of the precepts for monks or nuns is: Perfumes or cosmetics to adorn oneself are not allowed. There is a reason behind it. It's not that all precepts are old-fashioned and don't fit our times. No! Every time we smell these things, it will excite our desires. This is what we've learned over many lifetimes. For example, a good perfume means there's a beautiful woman, which then connects to lust related desires. So all of a sudden, it opens our subconscious minds. Like attracts like! Our open minds will therefore attract those beings with similar desires.

Some people have particularly strong desires. Those who like to gamble or like women, after they die will go to that kind of level. Spirits with similar desires live together. They will encourage each other more so that their desires get stronger, so it's hard to get away from them. When we open certain channels of thought in us, even just thinking about it, these beings will quickly sneak in. If it's a scent, they'll come in through the nose. If it's love songs, they'll come in through the ears. If it's sexual images, they will come in through the eyes. If you love to eat good food, they will come in through the mouth. Therefore, we have a saying "Vow to liberate these numerous beings."

Every day we absorb countless invisible beings inside us. They come in, occupy some of our being, and control us. So if we like to eat, we will like to eat more and more. If we like to gamble, we will like to gamble more. The same thing with drugs. It's all because they are controlling us, make us want more and more, and strengthen our desires.

These beings first create their capital city in us, then an administrative department, ministry of internal affairs, foreign affairs, et cetera. They gradually develop and expand within us, (audience laughs) and finally become a whole government that controls us completely. If there are all these different governments within different parts of our being, the forces from these foreign countries are controlling us, then you are not yourself anymore and you have lost yourself! We will be more and more a stranger to ourselves, since we cannot control ourselves but instead are controlled by our desires!

All those beings' desires are living inside of us, controlling our rights. Everyone shares a part of us and controls it. Then we are stuck completely. Some want money, some want food and drink, some want to make merry and have fun, some want to gamble, all kinds of desires. Some people have everything! This is the reason.

When you are initiated, you get rid of everything! I send all of them back. I say, "Bye, bye! Go away!" (Master and audience laugh) "This is not your place!" (Audience applauds) But sometimes they will resist, if they are more evil and mean. Like vicious people, they don't understand the law. Thus sometimes you see criminals beating up the police.

Similarly, although I represent the Truth and the higher levels and they're supposed to listen to me, but sometimes the evil beings do not. They are enraged that I took away their good things and thus they don't have anything to enjoy. Some even attack me because they are clinging to what they had. That's why sometimes I get affected by them and get tired. You know how tired you get when they attack you. It's the same thing when they attack me. They cannot attack you so they turn to attack me for interfering in your business. That's what happens when an enlightened Master takes away people's karma.

  height="60">

By A Fellow Initiate, Xinjiang, Mainland China>

Before initiation, I had been searching and struggling. I was exhausted on the road of spiritual practice because the way Home could not be found. At that time, my heart was really sad, homesick and full of lots of complaints. I begged and prayed to God Almighty, but there was no response. It was only after initiation that I realized that my dear Master had not forgotten me. From the far away Holy Land, You came to this mundane world to lead all the world's wanderers Home.

Not too long after initiation, I had an upsetting experience. I complained to myself that the path of practice was so difficult to walk. It seemed that I was the only one facing difficulties, with no one else to know that I was tired and suffering. I even envied the little children of the world because when they fall down, their mothers help them up. I also envied the people of the world because if they are in pain, they can lean on their relatives. But for myself, being tens of thousands of miles away from Master, I could only silently bear all the suffering and fatigue myself. When I bled, I had to take care of myself; and when I cried, I had to wipe my own tears. I felt totally helpless.

Then one day, when I was meditating in pain and suffering, a stream of love sprung up from my heart and consoled all the sadness and pain. At that moment, I realized deeply that Master was beside me and had never left me. Then, I understood that You had been bearing all the suffering for me silently: "Although the wounded one was me, the son, it was actually Master, the mother, who really bled and cried."

Dear Master, we are just like the wanderers who have been abandoned in foreign countries. How fortunate we are today that we are on the way Home with You. In the future, no matter how long the road is, we will never feel lost and lonely! Compared to the past, it's completely different. We are now very happy and satisfied. Being in Xinjiang, we do not have any particular thing to ask for ourselves. We only wish that You will look after Your body well for the sake of sentient beings and disciples, because You are like a pillar for us and You are our compassionate and yet strict parent. Sentient beings need You, and the disciples certainly need to be led by Your holy hands.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa
June 17, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

One of Abraham's descendants was Jacob, who had many descendants. When his country "Israel" was passed on to one of his descendants, his country became very big, famous, powerful and wealthy. At that time, there was another country called Egypt and the Egyptians started to be afraid of the Israelites. Therefore, the newly enthroned Egyptian king decided to deal with Israel before it was too late. He wanted to attack them before they would fight against his country.

So the king took all the Israelites back to be his slaves. He sent many fierce taskmasters to ruthlessly watch over the slaves. Each day, the slaves were forced to build houses and palaces with stones for the king and the royal family. They had to work from morning till night and couldn't rest. Although they worked hard, they still bore many children. Well! It was strange. So the Egyptian king was afraid and gave an order: "Cast all new born Israelite boys into the Nile and drown them."

★The Birth Of Moses

At that time, there was an Israelite woman called Joahebed. She had just given birth to a son. She had two children already -- a boy called Aaron and a little girl called Miriam. When the woman saw that her newborn baby was a boy, she was worried for his life. So she hid her baby in a small house for three months. However, the baby couldn't just lie there all day long and wouldn't always be a baby. What would she do if he grew up and ran around? So she kept thinking about it and then came up with an idea.

She found a basket and daubed its exterior carefully with pitch so that it wouldn't sink when it was put into water. She made the basket into a small boat and put her baby in it. Then she brought the basket to the river bank and hid it in high reeds. She let her daughter watch over it, because she knew that the king's daughter would come to take a bath there.

As expected, when the princess came to take a bath, she saw the basket. When she picked up the basket and opened it, she saw the baby in it. Oh! It was a very beautiful baby boy. She had never seen such a beautiful baby before. Although she knew that he was an Israelite baby, she liked him very much. It happened that she didn't have a child, so she took the baby home to raise it. She named him Moses. When she found the baby, she also saw Miriam, the daughter of the woman. Miriam went to the princess and said to her, "I'll find a woman to nurse him." The princess was pleased about this. Of course, the daughter went to get her mother to nurse the baby. Great! (Master laughs) It was truly convenient.

So Moses grew up in the palace. He learned all that he could learn there and he learned from the Egyptians very well. Gradually, he grew up and became a person who had good manners and who was handsome, tall and big. However, one day, he found out that he was an Israelite. Seeing that his countrymen were treated so ruthlessly by the Egyptians every day, he was annoyed.

One day, he saw an Egyptian soldier beating an Israelite worker and treating him cruelly. When the soldier almost beat the worker to death, Moses couldn't resist fighting with the soldier and in fact killed him. Oh! Moses was now in danger, and he was afraid that the king would create trouble for him. So he ran away into the desert and became a shepherd. He then married a shepherd's daughter and took care of his father-in-law's sheep.

★The Messenger Chosen By God

One day when he was taking care of the sheep, he saw a fire constantly blazing around a bush. However, it was strange that the bush wasn't burnt. He felt curious about it and went closer to have a look. Then there was a voice that told him, "Don't come near! Take off your shoes. You're now standing on holy ground." Upon hearing this, Moses was afraid. Trembling, he backed up a few steps and took off his shoes. Then the voice said to him again, "I'm the God that your ancestors worshipped frequently. Since I see that the Israelites are suffering a lot, I choose you to be my servant. Go to Egypt, free the Israelites, and bring them here to see me."

Moses answered hesitantly, "What shall I tell them? What shall I do? They won't listen to me. Please choose someone else!"

God said, "No. I've chosen you. Find your brother Aaron. He will speak for you." (He was more eloquent.) "However, I'll give you another language" (This meant the sound stream.) "This language, a special sound, will give you great magical power and you will be able to do anything with it." What God meant was that Hes could do anything with it and there was nothing that Hes could not do.

Then Moses and his brother Aaron went to the Egyptian king and said, "We have a demand. Our God said that you should let our people go into the desert and give them a farewell party."

The Egyptian king answered, "I don't know your God. What does your God have to do with me? What use is Hes to me? I won't let the Israelites go."

The king became more and more angry and unreasonable. He gave an order that from that day on no straw was to be given to the Israelites. The Israelites mixed straw with clay to make bricks. That was why the king gave the order not to give straw to the Israelites anymore. Instead he made them find the straw themselves. However, he still required them to produce the same amount of bricks as before. He deliberately made trouble for the Israelites.

Moses was very disappointed. He asked God for help. Then God said, "Just wait and see what I shall do to the hard-headed Egyptian king. I shall let him know that I'm God and I shall make him release my children. Now go to see the king again and tell him that if he doesn't free my children, I shall make many disasters for the Egyptians and Egypt."

Then Moses and his brother went to the king again. The king said to them, "You should show me your magical power to make me believe you." So Moses or his brother Aaron cast a rod onto the ground and then the rod became a serpent. They thought that this would be enough but some Egyptian wizards could also do the same thing. So the king laughed at them and said good-bye to them. (Master and audience laugh) He drove both of them away.

★A Very Stubborn King

Then God got angry. Because Hes said that Hes would make all kinds of disasters, many terrible things truly began to happen. Each time before a disaster happened, God warned the Egyptian king. However, he neither listened to God nor believed God because he believed in another god of war.

First, the water in the Nile became like blood-- red, dirty and smelled stinky. Then the fish in the river all died. This meant that the water had become poisonous. One week later, frogs were crawling all over the country. So the king asked Moses to take the frogs away. After Moses got rid of the frogs, the king still wouldn't free the Israelite slaves. Therefore, later, God sent many insects down to eat all the crops and destroy everything. There were insects, flies and damaged crops everywhere except where the Israelites lived.

At that time, the king cried and said, "All right! All right! You can go!" Then the insects disappeared. However, the king went back on his promise and said that they couldn't go. He always deceived the Israelites like that. Ordinary people all behave capriciously like that. So God sent another disaster. This time many cows, sheep and other animals died of pestilence. All the animals died except those that were where the Israelites lived. However, the Egyptian king still insisted on not letting the Israelites go.

Then another disaster happened. God made all the people in the country get painful and dirty boils all over their bodies. Even the wizards had boils. However, the king still wouldn't let the slaves go. Oh! This king was truly terrible. I don't know what his head was made of. His head must have been harder than our fellow initiates' heads. (Audience laughs) Fortunately, he didn't come to get initiation. (Audience laughs) Otherwise, what could we do with him?

Then Moses and his brother Aaron went to see the king again. They told the Egyptian king, "Now you've seen the power of God. If you don't listen to Hiers instructions and let the Israelites go, bigger and greater troubles will befall your country." Moses told the king, "There will be a typhoon tomorrow."

Truly! People had never seen that kind of typhoon. Well! It destroyed everything and killed all the animals. Of course, nothing happened where the Israelites lived. Right after this, many locusts appeared all over the country except where the Israelites lived, of course. The locusts ate up all kinds of things and all the green plants. Then there was no sun for three consecutive days. It became very very dark everywhere, except where the Israelites lived. (Master and audience laugh) Maybe the Israelites were initiated. It might have been.

At that time, the king began to feel frightened. However, he still wanted to bargain with God and didn't want to release the Israelite slaves. Well! He was so strange. How could this kind of person become a king? Even until that time, he still wouldn't let the Israelites go. Then an even more frightening thing happened. In one night only, the eldest sons of all families suddenly died, including the eldest prince who couldn't escape even through good fortune. This happened as well to the eldest sons of the Egyptian lowest class slaves. Of course, the Israelites were not affected by it.

The next day, the Egyptians couldn't wait to drive the Israelites away, because they couldn't bear it anymore and couldn't do anything about it. What happened was already too much for them. If they kept the Israelites one more day, they would have more disasters. So they were frightened. They not only drove the Israelites away, but also gave them many gold and silver vessels, good material for clothing, good clothes and good food upon the Israelites' request. However, by the time the Israelites had walked half the way, the Egyptian king changed his mind and sent his army to try to capture them.

By then, the Israelites already had come to the ocean. There was no road in front of them and there was the Egyptian army chasing after them. So the Israelites were scared and cried. Moses waved his hand over the ocean and God sent a wind from the east that suddenly made the ocean part. The Israelites quickly ran across the ocean. When the Egyptian army chased them and were crossing the ocean, it closed and all of them were drowned. Therefore, the Israelites all escaped.

★Settled In The Desert And Began A New Life

The Israelites were not slaves anymore. They had money and food. When they came to the desert, they sang and danced very happily and had a banquet to show their gratitude to God. They worshipped God, sang for many days, and kept dancing. After a period of time, they forgot their miserable lives of the past, but began to complain and miss Egypt. They forgot God but thought about onions, fish and meat. They said, "Well! The fish in Egypt tasted good. Oh! The watermelons in Egypt were juicy. The onions in Egypt were delicious!" (Master laughs) They even missed onions. For them, onions were more important than God. They said, "Oh! Don't forget the cucumbers there. Well! What can we eat in the desert?"

Since they had eaten all the food, they started to complain. They forgot about the rods that had beaten them in Egypt before. They forgot about the fierce hearts of the Egyptians. They even forgot the time that they shed tears, sweat and blood, and were beaten almost to death and oppressed. They only thought about food and drink. They began to blame Moses and Aaron for taking them to this remote place where there was no food to eat. Of course they had water to drink. When God took them to the desert, Hes produced water in the wilderness. However, the Israelites were not satisfied with that. They all complained, "Oh! We'd rather die in Egypt than die of hunger here."

When God heard their complaints, Hes told Moses, "Tell your people that I shall give them everything that they ask for. I saved their lives. How can I not provide food for them to eat? Do not complain too much. Today I shall give them a lot of food. Tomorrow I shall give them bread. Each morning, I shall make food for them to eat. However, on Friday I shall give them double the amount, because I shall take a break on Saturday and you won't have to work either." So Moses conveyed what God had said to the people. That night, God truly gave them many things to eat. From that day on, each morning, bread and other food appeared for them. They just lived on like that. They wouldn't starve to death and didn't have to work.

However, they encountered another problem. Since the sun was very hot, they didn't have enough water, so they complained again. Upon hearing this, God told Moses, "Go to such-and-such place and hit the stone with your walking staff. Then water will come out." As expected, water did come out. There was enough water no matter how much they drank. It was no problem. The author of the story writes, "They shouldn't have tested God!" Even though they did, God forgave them and gave them food to eat and water to drink for forty years. Hes took care of them like this every day. Hes gave them food to eat and all they asked for, because Hes wanted them to believe in Hirm. Gradually Hes taught them to have faith in Hirm so that they wouldn't have any more problems.

I don't know why God liked the Israelites so much and had such patience. Hes gave them food to eat for forty years and gradually taught them to have faith in Hirm. However, do you think they would have faith? (Someone answers: "They would.") For how many days would they have faith? All right, whether they had faith or not, I'll tell you about it next time. If we have faith in God, we'll have everything. People will suddenly give us food, come to chat with us and resolve our problems and difficulties. All these will be done by God. If we truly have faith in Hirm, Hes will take care of everything for us, no matter whether it is a big or small thing. Hes truly will.

★God's Grace Is Infinite

Otherwise, how can we take care of ourselves? Where are we from? Do you know that? You don't know it at all! You also don't know where you'll return to. Some people know it and some don't. Those who practice more and have attained higher levels know it. Those who don't practice much don't know, but only have some ideas about it and know that there must be a safe place for them to go. Now we've repented and been saved. Even if we did something bad in the past, it's no problem, because we were ignorant at that time. Now we've been enlightened and know that we should repent. So God will forgive us and help us.

Although there were so many Israelites, God took care of the whole country for forty years. It was even in the desert, and yet Hes bestowed everything on them, not to mention living in a city. Why won't Hes take care of us? It's just that our situation isn't urgent and we can take care of ourselves. So God doesn't have a hand in it. But Hes has been silently taking care of us. If Hes hadn't done it, we wouldn't be alive. Even if people in the world who don't believe much in God occasionally have difficulties and ask God for help, Hes will help and do it for a long time. However, later we forget and complain again. Then we'll have difficulties again.

The reason that we have difficulties sometimes is because God wants to remind us to look for Hirm inside: "It'll be all right if only you ask me! Why don't you call me?" Hes lets the situation develop and forces us into difficult circumstances where we have nothing to depend on; when doctors can't even cure us, and our relatives and friends can't help us. Only at that time, will we kneel down in front of God and beg for something. Hes is waiting for us! Hes has many gifts (Master laughs) and will give them to us at any time, but it's a great pity that most people don't believe in Hirm.

★One Person Practices,
Many Generations Are Blessed

Why did God take care of the Israelites so well? It was because their ancestors practiced spirituality and believed in God. The Israelites were Noah's descendants. Remember that in the stories of Noah and Abraham, God promised to take care of their descendants. That's why we say that if one person practices, his five, six, seven, eight or one hundred generations will be liberated. God will take care of our many generations, not only this one. That's why even though the Israelites didn't practice spirituality, were not even vegetarians, and they thought about God for a while, then about fish for a while, God still took care of them.

God is very merciful! If your father believes in Hirm, Hes will take care of you and your children, because Hes is very merciful and generous. Hes gives us things endlessly. Unless we truly refuse Hiers love, then Hes can't help us. Because of these stories, the Israelites believed in God very much. Each time God appeared, Hes would remind them: "I was the God worshipped by your ancestors!" This means the inner Master's or God's loving power. Since God promised to take care of their five or six generations of descendants, Hes just continued to do it. But later, the descendants became more and more degenerate and did more and more excessive and unforgivable deeds, so their merit and loving power became less and less, and gradually disappeared.

One day another person who practiced well emerged from their country and reminded the people to believe in God again and to be connected with God. Then God promised to take care of them again. Otherwise, why did God love the Israelites so much? It was because Noah, Abraham and his wife worshipped God, so his sons, grandsons and later generations also received the bounty. That's why people say, "If one practices spiritually, his nine generations will go to heaven." Those stories are not ordinary. Even the Israelites knew them. Although the Israelites didn't have a master now, they continued to believe in God because of these stories. It was just that they couldn't communicate with God. So it was a pity. Some Israelites may have been able to communicate with God. If they found a master and the method, they definitely could; but not everyone in the country could.

Even until now, the Jews still roam about in many countries and not every country welcomes them. This is because they haven't really been able to communicate with God. Besides, they've done many nonsensical things and killed too many, which doesn't comply with God's rules. So their merit has been greatly reduced. God doesn't seem to take care of them much. Besides giving them a lot of money, Hes doesn't give them many other things. God has said that since they did many bad deeds, they wouldn't have their own country for a long time and would become a roaming race. That truly happened and it's recorded in the Bible. If the Jews can really find God like their ancestors Abraham and Noah did, they will definitely regain their position and their country's reputation.

★Those Who Truly Believe In God Are Rare

Most of us haven't learned to believe in God. That's why we have many problems. Sometimes we say that we believe in God, but we don't. It's just like when you say that you believe in me, but you don't. How many of you believe in me? Very few! When you're tested a little, you'll be different. If I personally test you, you'll be even more different. When I scold you, how many of you are glad about it? Raise your hands and let me see. Right! Only two or three people are. It's good that you're honest. I admire you for this merit, (Master and everyone laugh) to be true to people and not to deceive others. Only those who were truly glad about it raised their hands. (Master laughs) There were only five, six, seven or eight of you. As for the other people, you may become angry; but do not be angry for too long. (Laughter) The longer you're angry, the less your merit will be. Remember to repent after you calm down, all right?

Ordinary people can beat and scold you, but why can't I do the same? Sometimes gangsters have nothing to do with you but when they see you, they beat you. You don't dare to do anything to them and don't dare to get angry, but beg them for your lives. (Laughter) I've saved your lives and taught you many things, but you get angry when I scold you only once. This is a contradiction within human beings.

Therefore, you say that you believe in me, but you don't believe in me for long and don't believe in me much. Your faith is very thin. (Master laughs) It'll break when touched. It's hard to take care of your faith, but that's why you should take care of it. The more faith you have, the more comfortable and happier your lives become. Then when you encounter any situation, your faith won't shake, which is a very comfortable state. However, I know that it's hard to attain this state, so I have to train you. God took good care of the Israelites and gave them all kinds of food to eat for forty years, but they still had problems. Later, God had to slowly teach them to believe in Hirm.

By Sister Initiate Ruisi Ge, Taipei, Formosa

A big midnight fire during the Mid-Autumn Festival destroyed illegal dwellings under a bridge in Hsindian, Taipei, where some Formosans lived. More than twenty houses were burned down completely and more than a hundred and seventy people were suddenly left homeless.

Learning of this unfortunate news, the Hsindian rescue team of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Taipei immediately organized a group to help the victims, while several fellow initiates went to find out what the victims needed most.

Upon arriving at the disaster area, we found that some kind-hearted people had donated new and used clothing and numerous two-person tents. After inquiring, we learned that what the victims needed most was underwear and bigger tents. Therefore, our rescue team immediately went shopping and in a very short time bought four-person tents, aluminum insulated ground pads, adults' and children's underwear, socks, flashlights, batteries, slippers, milk powder, baby bottles and other items. We also prepared "The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment" sample booklets and latest News magazines.

When we sent these items to the disaster area, Ms. Jinmei Zhang, President of the Hsindian Women's Association, received us and thanked us for our prompt and much needed help. We were only afraid that we had come too late. We thanked them for giving us this opportunity to learn how to love our brothers and sisters. We also told them that our Master always tells us to be prepared at all times so that we can help needy brothers and sisters promptly.

Deeply touched, one of the victims held a fellow initiate's hands tightly and kept saying, "Thank you! Without your help, we don't know how we would have survived, because our houses were burned down and we have nothing left." Holding his hands tightly, we gently told him that God had heard his call for help. We also brought some spiritual food and assured them that they would find great comfort in reading it. Hearing this, he held our fellow initiate's hands more tightly and wouldn't let go.

By the evening, some of the fire victims had begun to read "The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment" sample booklets and the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines. We bid farewell to Ms. Zhang and another lady who had also received us. When we were leaving, they told us in unison, "You're really rare. If all people were like you, the world would be in peace." It is true. If people can love their neighbors and always prepare to be good helpers of God, there would be no more disasters in the world and what people would exchange with each other would be only God's love and grace.

Emergency Aid Expenses For Fire Victims
In Hsindian, Formosa

A Feast Of Beauty

At Supreme Master Ching Hai's Painting Exhibition In Nepal

Reported By The Nepal Work Team

Pure Hearts and Beautiful Souls

On Krishna's birthday, the streets of Katmandu were filled with news about Supreme Master Ching Hai's "Feast of Beauty". The exhibition was held on the same day. Besides displaying Master's paintings and longevity lamps, there was also vegetarian food tasting and the broadcasting of Master's videotapes. Early before the exhibition started, our work team from Hong Kong and Formosa arrived in Katmandu. With the friendly assistance of local people, the work team accomplished the distributing of leaflets, sample booklets and advertisements in a very short time.

The noble and spiritual Nepalese people attentively watch one of Masteris videotapes.

On the streets, fellow practitioners got along well with the Nepalese. No matter whether they knew us or not, due to their kind and pure natures, which are like those of children, the Nepalese enthusiastically and naturally helped us. When the local people received the leaflets, they immediately held them with both hands and bowed to Master's picture. Many people, upon receiving the leaflets, immediately sensed that Master was God and the Buddha incarnate.

A Nepalese teenager followed our fellow initiates all day long to put up posters and distribute leaflets. He also helped us to explain our objectives to a store owner and our wish to leave a poster on the front door of his store. After reading the sample booklet, the store owner gladly allowed us to put the poster up and hoped that he could keep it to worship after the exhibition.

At the service desk, Nepalese people longing for spiritual knowledge enthusiastically ask for more information.

The vegetarian food offered at the venue impressed the Nepalese people, many of whom are also vegetarian.

In the hotel where we stayed, there was also a small exhibition of Master's works of art. Since we held a vegetarian food tasting event every day, we had to lease tableware from the hotel's kitchen. A hotel employee helped us each day to display Master's books, with translation into Nepalese at the service desk, and to talk about vegetarian food at the food tasting event. He even put up posters for us. After several days of work, he was tired, but he was just as happy as our fellow initiates. Later, we discovered that he was the manager of the hotel restaurant and has been a vegetarian for more than ten years. When the exhibition started, he immediately applied for initiation. Each day he returned to the hotel, and despite being tired, he kept asking our fellow initiates spiritual questions, and longed very much to see Master.

The hotel owner normally lives in Varanasi, India, and returns to Nepal only for business. However, he especially came for Master's painting exhibition and the initiation, after which he returned to India. Many of the hotel employees, including the owner and managers, attendants and cleaners, applied for initiation. They also promised to change the restaurant into a pure vegetarian one.

During the exhibition, the hotel employees worked as hard as our work team members. On the day of the initiation, since many hotel employees were being initiated, the hotel had to be closed for the day. The owner sincerely wished that the initiation could be held in the hotel, and his wish was actually realized.

Showing Profound Affinity,
Master Touched People's Hearts

Since the first day of the exhibition happened to be Lord Krishna's birthday, it was a national holiday. Local people brought along their families and friends to the exhibition to enjoy Master's works of art. Besides the painting and longevity lamp display, there was also a big vegetarian food tasting activity, which was like a national banquet. According to the local people, there had never been an exhibition like this in Nepal before, so it was very special.

At the press conference, fellow initiates introduce Master's extraordinary works of art to the media.  

After the press conference, a specially appointed reporter from the BBC, U.K. makes further inquiries about Master's achievements.

The Education Deputy Minister was invited to make a speech at the opening of the exhibition and to cut the ribbon. Many television and newspaper reporters came to cover the event and many writers, artists, poets, potters and painters attended. People flooded into the gallery. The books circulation area and information desk were crowded.

Everyone enjoyed the paintings as if they were being bathed in Truth, virtue and beauty. When they attentively listened to explanations of Master's paintings, they kept shaking their heads in agreement and sighed with admiration.

One female artist liked Master's paintings very much, stating that they were the best, most realistic and most spiritual paintings that she had ever seen. She believed each painting showed different artistic concepts and stimulated different forms of spiritual inspiration. One journalist liked the painting "Discussion" and stood in front of it for quite a while. He also admired Master's wisdom and transcendental views.

During the exhibition, many would-be initiates happily came to help. One would-be initiate was quite enlightened and said, "Everything is run due to God's power, and everything comes from God."

When a fellow initiate was explaining the meaning of Master's painting "Peaceful Night," some Nepalese people excitedly said, "Yesterday we saw a scene in the sky exactly like this painting. It had the same radiant circle of light and form. We have never seen such a scene before." This made them understand more easily that Master's paintings are different from ordinary paintings.

The color, aroma and taste of the rich vegetarian food was perfect, so it stimulated people's appetites. The local people were surprised and wondered how vegetarian food could have such rich variations. Most eat very simple vegetarian food. Therefore, they were all interested in learning how to cook the different vegetarian dishes.

One woman returned several times wanting our recipes. Another woman even wanted to attend our cooking classes. Some people came to the exhibition when they heard about the vegetarian food tasting activity. Only after they had come, did they realize that there was also a painting exhibition. Later, they even wanted to learn meditation. Therefore, serving vegetarian food is also a way to spread Master's message.

Each day before the exhibition opened, there were people waiting outside. They came to see the paintings and then watched Master's videotaped lectures. They did not want to leave even when we wanted to close the doors and put away the chairs. Only after we turned off the television did they stand up and help us to put away the remaining chairs. They told us that they would come again the next day; they were truly sincere and lovely.

Some people helped us to carry things and corrected our misspelled Nepalese words. They kept telling us that if we needed them for anything, they would be most willing to help. They truly liked to serve others. The women all looked graceful and elegant and were dressed in a noble and dignified way. They are gentle and shy by nature, which gave us the feeling that we were in a country of saintly people.

People from different religious backgrounds -- Muslims, Lamaists, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. -- attended the exhibition, and many applied to learn the Convenient Method of meditation or to get initiated. Although the Nepalese people have different spiritual beliefs, they came together to learn the meditation and the way to open their inner wisdom. They respect each other and get along well like brothers and sisters. In this country, we sensed the holy union of all religions.

One day a college professor told us that he felt very fortunate to have received one of Master's sample booklets. After carefully reading it, he was very glad, and knew that Master was the one whom he had been searching for, for a long time. He had followed many masters and learned many different methods, but was not satisfied. He always wanted to find a Master who was truly powerful and completely enlightened. Now that he had found one, he was very happy. During the exhibition, he helped us a lot with translating and contacting people. Seeing his satisfied and open smile, we were also glad that he wanted to join our big family.

Master's paintings attracted many artists as well as many spiritual practitioners because Her works of art are so spiritual. While Master's videos were being shown, one artist, an ordinary looking old man, sketched a sister initiate and finished it in only a few minutes. The sketch was so well done, it was amazing.

In this ancient country that is not rich economically, the people are rich spiritually. If you run into anyone on the street, that person may well be an artist or spiritual practitioner.

An Artist Who Is Considered A National Treasure
Highly Praises Master's Paintings

On the last day of the exhibition, a college professor in aesthetics who is an artist and is considered a Nepalese national treasure came to see the exhibition. Many well-known Nepalese painters and artists are his students. Among those who came with him several were famous artists. While enjoying Master's paintings, the professor kept sighing with admiration and explaining to the other artists that Master's paintings were delicate, subtle, superb and highly skilled. He felt that they described extraordinary realms and possessed a rich spirit.

Among the many paintings displayed, he liked "Cleaning The Pond" the most. He said, "A really good painting may not be understood by everyone. For example, `Cleaning The Pond' is a rare masterpiece. So one must carefully judge it and sense its profound and implicit meaning. A painting should express the inner reality, but does not have to be exactly the same as the real thing, because a painting is different than a photograph since it has life. The most beautiful quality of a painting is that it can reflect the reality within. Food can be sour, sweet, bitter or spicy, and so can a painting. Sometimes one has to use dull colors and a natural technique of drawing to express the inner reality.

When people see Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings, they may think that it is easy to paint and that they can paint the same way. In fact they cannot, because they do not have experience of the inner realms. Besides, Supreme Master Ching Hai very naturally and perfectly arranges the scenes in Her paintings, and matches bright and dull colors very well. She has also signed Her name in different places, which results in different effects. Her paintings are quite extraordinary. I really like them very much and highly praise them."

Many reporters were invited to the press conference of the "Feast Of Beauty -- Supreme Master Ching Hai's Art Exhibition". Among them, a specially appointed reporter from the BBC, U.K., covered the event and inquired about the meaning and purpose of conducting the painting exhibition. After a fellow practitioner explained our objectives to her, she was very interested in finding out more about spiritual practice, meditation and how to develop one's inner wisdom.

She asked, "Can anyone discover their inner Almighty Power through meditation and create outstanding paintings like Supreme Master Ching Hai has done?" She praised Master as a great guru, believing She is a great spiritual teacher with a high level of artistic talent that creates works that express Truth, virtue and beauty. Being a female too, she felt honored and proud. She said, "Supreme Master Ching Hai is the most successful, the highest and the most perfect example for women." She then asked many questions about spiritual practice, and kept asking us to inform her should we have any similar activities in the future, because she wants to cover such events for us.

After the exhibition, due to Master's blessings and having been bathed in the Truth, virtue and beauty of Her works of art, the whole of Katmandu reverberated with a highly elevated spiritual vibration. Nepal, a Shangri-La with a beautiful and noble culture, seemed full of old souls who are ready to go back Home. Because of their deep affinity with Buddha, they are very familiar with Master's teachings and like them very much. We hope that these noble children of God will return to the holy Home soon.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
February 20, 1996 (Originally In English)

There was a hermit. He had only books in his house, a cushion to meditate on, a sleeping bag to cover in winter, a Quan Yin cloth, a loving hat and an initiation ID card. So actually it sounds like he had a lot, but when you count, you know, he had absolutely nothing. And poetry and MTV -- "I'll Forever Love You," something like that. Nothing else. No chair, no bed, no table, no kitchen, just very few necessary for living things.

There was a passer-by who came in and visited him. Seeing his room was all bare of necessities, he asked him, "How do you live like this? Where is your furniture?"

So the Quan Yin practitioner, the disciple of the Supreme Master Ching Hai Tze asked the guest, "Where is yours?"

So the guest said, "But I'm only a visitor here."

The Quan Yin practitioner said, "Me too!"

We are all visitors on this planet. We're all passers-by. We're all tourists in this wonderland; and one day we'll all have to go Home. No one can stay forever, and everyone knows that. Including myself, I think I'll live forever. We all have this illusionary dream about eternity. In fact, the body cannot endure eternity because it is made of perishable materials. One day it will perish. But life continues forever, doesn't matter where and how. So make sure we remember this; or else after we die, we will find out too late.

It's not late for you because you already know the secret of eternal life. Without this secret no one can ever walk over the threshold of life and death and be free. That is the wisdom since ancient times. No one can change that. Just like clouds, no one can change them. Just like water, it's the way it is, no one can change it.

So there is the law of crossing birth and death, that is the Quan Yin Method. If we don't know that, too bad, no one can help us. That is the only secret and the most important secret that every being should know. But sadly most beings don't know. That is why the world is suffering like it is and has continued so since time immemorial. That is why the Master, the messenger of the Truth of God will always have to come here again and again, in order to suffer with them, then to lift them back to where they should belong, and lead them back to their House, to their original place where they can be safe and happy forever.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
Dec. 23, 1995 (Originally In English)

There was a priest. He cultivated a beautiful, large, lovely, fresh, green, flowering garden. He loved flowers, so he spent a great deal of time in caring for them so that his garden blossomed with life and all kinds of colorful flowers of choice. But then some weeds grew in the garden, such as dandelions.

These weeds actually taste very nice if you want to eat them. The tender leaves of dandelions are very very good in salad. I used to go for walks in Germany, when I was still there, to the countryside with a basket. When I came back, the basket was full of weeds, wild plants like dandelions or something else, I can't remember the names. Maybe what Milarepa used to eat -- nettles. Some leaves are very prickly if you touch them, but you can eat the heart of nettles and many other plants along the countryside. Then I made beautiful, fresh, nourishing salad.

In the garden of the man, he loved flowers of all kinds, so he planted a lot of flowers. But the dandelions were always there invading his country, his garden. So he tried all kinds of means to get rid of the weeds, but he could never ever succeed. The weeds were always there.

So he was very fed up and he asked all kinds of experts what to do about the weeds. No one had any clue. Then one day, someone recommended to him a Father Superior in another monastery, "He has never turned anyone away without a solution. He must, probably, have a solution for your weedy garden."

So here went the priest, "bon-bon-bon-bon," over there. He asked the Abbot, the Father Superior what to do about the weeds. The Father asked him, "Do you weed them out?"

He said, "Yes, I do every day. But they grow again the next day, even more."

"Did you put some of that stuff like chemicals?"

"Yes, I did, but after some time the dandelions got used to the chemicals and then they grew fatter, greener and lusher than before."

So the Father Superior continued asking him if he used all kinds of expertise methods to weed out the dandelions from his garden.

So, the priest said, "Yes, Yes. I did this, did that, did everything; and the dandelions are still there."

So the Father Superior sat there with the man for a while, meditated, and maybe prayed to the supreme Father in heaven. After a while, the Father Superior told the priest, "Okay, if you can't get rid of them, then you have to learn to love them."

Sometimes we have a lot of weaknesses on our spiritual path and in our daily lives. We try all our best to get rid of them. If we can, well and good. If we truly, honestly try our best and we can't get rid of them, it's fine. If we cannot, learn the dandelion way. Love them and just ignore them. Don't fight with them. Just do our job. Just look at the other flowers that you like. Try to develop other qualities in yourself that are more suitable for a practitioner, are more beautiful for your personality. Just ignore the weaknesses. Maybe they'll die alone. If not, and no one looks at them, then you just forget them, like they don't exist. It's difficult but you can practice.

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Cassettes

(re-edit version)

CL001A(In Chinese)

* Master Does Not Belong To Any Religion (1,2)
Keelung, Formosa Oct. 26, 1988
* What Religion Does Master Belong To? (1,2)
Keelung, Formosa Oct. 27, 1988
* Is It Possible To Attain Immortality? (1,2)
Taichung, Formosa Nov. 15, 1988

CL001B

* Why There Is Conflict & Slander Amongst The Religions? (1,2)
Taichung, Formosa Nov. 16, 1988
* The Life Of An Enlightened Master Is Always In Danger? (1,2)
Taipei, Formosa Nov. 17, 1988
* Master's Emphasis On Sharing As A Meaning Of Charity (1,2)
Taipei, Formosa Nov. 18, 1988

CL003

* Attain Buddhahood Is The Highest Ideal (1,2)
Kaohsiung, Formosa Dec. 14, 1988
* How To Get A Happy Spiritual Realm After Death? (1,2)
Kaohsiung, Formosa Dec. 15, 1988
* Other Methods Of Spiritual Cultivation Prior To Practicing Quan Yin Method (1,2)
Kaohsiung, Formosa Dec. 16, 1988

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes

* Love Is The Only Religion
Texas, U.S.A. Nov. 14, 1993
* The Different Aspects Of God
Singapore Sep. 27, 1994
* Master's Holiday
Hsihu, Formosa June 19, 1995
* Forever Young
Hsihu, Formosa June 27, 1995
* Maya's Test On A Living Master
Hsihu, Formosa June 29, 1995
* Europe International 3-Day Retreat (1): Appreciate The Value Of Initiation
Hamburg, Germany Aug. 25, 1995
* Be Humble To Your High Position
Hsihu, Formosa Nov. 3, 1995
* The Deepest Love Is From Within
Raising Center, Cambodia July 19, 1996

* How To Be A Good Husband
Raising Center, Cambodia July 23, 1996

(In English With Korean Subtitles)

* Europe International 3-Day Retreat (1): Appreciate The Value Of Initiation
Hamburg, Germany Aug. 25, 1995
* Europe International 3-Day Retreat (5): We Are Always Together
Hamburg, Germany Aug. 25, 1995

(In Chinese With Korean Subtitles)

* Europe International 3-Day Retreat (2): Right Concepts Are As Essential As Spiritual Experiences
Hamburg, Germany Aug. 25, 1995

(In English With Portuguese Subtitles)

* Hawaii International 4-Day Retreat (1): The Elevation Of Spirits
Hawaii, U.S.A. Oct. 22, 1993

(In Chinese With Indonesian Subtitles)

* One Must Have Faith In Master To See God
Hsihu, Formosa January 8, 1995
* The Way Of Family Harmony
Hsihu, Formosa Oct. 8, 1995

(In English With Indonesian Subtitles)

* Walk The Way Of Love
London, U.K. April 20, 1995
* The Unsurpassed Benefit Of Taking Refuge In The Buddha
Hsihu, Formosa Feb. 17, 1996

To order Master's publications, please contact:
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd.
Taipei, Formosa.

Tel: (886) 2-87873935 / Fax: (886) 2-87870873
E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org
ROC Postal Remittance Account No:19259438(for Formosa orders only)
Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.

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

 >

By Brother Initiate Ha Cam Tam, An Artist, San Jose, C.A., U.S.A.
(Pastel, 33 x 45cm, Hsihu, Formosa, Oct. 1990)

With the hot color, the "Golden Dragon" fruit, that are an Au Lac specialty, appear very lively, although "Homesick" is a still-life painting. The composition denotes a very different, unique, unorthodox type of painting, as are other paintings from the talented Supreme Master Ching Hai.

One "Golden Dragon" fruit is set behind another one that is shown cut into halves, displaying two similar circles close together. Several leaves, green but warm, lie peacefully in a wicker basket. The vigorous color of the leaves mixes with the soft outline of the basket to form a very concrete and romantic composition.

The two circular pieces of cut fruit present an image of the sun and moon, that either hints of the infinity of time and space, the brilliant light of dawn, or the tender light of the moon at night. Looking back again, the pulp of the fruit in a light velvety color forms the background for the tiny, shiny dark seeds which look like glistening stars. The sweetness and freshness of the fruit takes the viewer back to a rich and prosperous land filled with fresh, scented flowers and sweet fruit next to a blue water river in western Au Lac, where most of the delicious and precious fruit of the country are grown.

The "Golden Dragon" is a very special tree; it may be considered a tree as well as a vine because it has a very thick and strong vine-like stalk, which resembles an image of a blue dragon flying up into the sky. Its skin is a red-violet color, decorated with green leaves like a tiara worn by a queen; a beautiful crown carefully crafted by the hands of God.

The "hot" color makes the green leaves look warmer; the grayish, light purple color of the fruit's pulp is like the "hometown" which the lost stars return to. The rich character of the Au Lac land is only humbly shown; in effect, it really zealously touches the viewers' hearts. Each person's soul reveals that our true Home is that immortal world of moons and stars. The Golden Dragon fruit softly reminds us like the words of our mother, like a proclamation from God who solemnly advises us to return to love.

Looking at the painting "Homesick," we naturally feel a warm and familiar feeling that brings us back to a wonderfully pleasant peace. All reasoning totally ends, all arguments completely subside. We float into the dream of the current of poems and music formed by color and sound. The painting "Homesick" delivers these wonderful elements to the souls of each one of us to help us realize God's greatest creation, and the goodness and beauty which has always been within us.

 >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, 4-Day Retreat, London, U.K.
August 26, 1997 (Originally In English)

It's not that you have to see me every day. No, you don't. You should not. You have to live your life independently. You have to develop your own way of living and your own way of discovering the wisdom of the universe. You have to live. It's risky, make mistakes sometimes; but it's fun. It's growing. If I have to decide everything for you and teach you every little thing every day, you're finished. You'll never grow. It might look peaceful, it might look very easy, simple-like, but it's not the way to grow. So, do not be afraid of mistakes, do not be afraid of responsibility, do not be afraid of experimenting with life. It will help you. It'll help you to have fun, to know yourself.

Do not always ask for a peaceful life, a worry-free life, because that also means no responsibility. No responsibility means no mistakes and no mistakes means no growth. Don't ask always to be with the Master and the Master takes care of everything. That's no fun either. That's boredom. We have to be adventurous also. We have to take initiatives, we have to make decisions ourselves in order to test our wisdom -- where we've gone, how we've grown. We can't just rely on the Master for everything. You have to learn to be a master too -- at least a master of yourself, your destiny. Of course, it's more risky that way but then it's more exciting. Don't live a boring and dull life. Live your own style, it's fine with me. As long as you keep the precepts, meditate, and grow in compassion and love, nothing can go wrong. You don't harm anyone, but you do experience your life, live your life. Don't be too over-disciplined. Too over-disciplined can kill you. Be flexible.

>

The moment we make the decision of doing good or bad, or to avoid doing bad or good, that is a very important moment. If at that moment, we decide to do the good deed, no matter how difficult the test, we will remain absolutely fixed towards the right direction. If we make the correct decision like that often, we will become stronger and go towards the right direction every day. Also, we will get rid of more and more of our bad habits and become a better person. If when facing the moment of decision, we do not have the will to go towards the right direction, then we will go astray. If this happens often, we will become weaker and weaker, and do more and more bad things, strengthening the bad habits.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Taipei, Formosa
March 2, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

To be a noble being is the only choice. To walk forward doesn't matter how difficult, to fly upward doesn't matter how far, how high, we just have to try again and again, until there is nothing but goodness that resides within us, until we recognize nothing but the Kingdom of God within ourselves.

The Kingdom of God is not the palace that is shining with gold, silver, diamonds, rubies and all kinds of precious stones. It is the purity, the loving kindness, the compassion, the peace of mind. That is the Kingdom of God. If we carry this Kingdom of God within us, then wherever we go we will always feel that we are in heaven.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
June 5, 1995 (Originally In English)

Whatever happens in our lives, it is a kind of maybe unbalance between the negative and positive. It is the negative force at work and that we have to reckon with. So we have a choice between the negative and positive. It's very simple. Every time we think negative, switch back to positive. Every time we want to speak negative, switch back to positive. Every time we want to hate someone, think twice and switch it to love because it doesn't help you to hate someone.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Los Angeles, C.A., U.S.A.
Nov. 6, 1993 (Originally In English)

Don't compete with others; don't long for profit and fame; don't be mean and calculating, be forgiving instead. People may have treated us badly but we should treat them well and love them. Such is the heart of a child. If we can preserve this heart of a child -- no matter how old we have grown we are still God's children -- we won't go to hell or fall into undesirable situations. Our lives will be smooth; at least our hearts will always be happy. We will face any problem cheerfully. No obstacles will make us feel frustrated or worried as we can overcome them. We will easily forgive others, and we will feel very free. We may be rich or poor, our position may be high or low, and despite where we are living or whom we are staying with, we just won't mind. Such is the heart of a child. It is not that we cannot be a child again after we have grown up.

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa
July 23, 1990 (Originally In Chinese)

Report From Japan > height="43">"Umbrella 2000" Painting Exhibition >

[Tokyo] In the "Open Space" of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine (Issue 79), there was a report about a renowned Indonesian artist named Lucia Hartini (or "Tini") and her thought provoking painting giving us a revelation about the future called "Umbrella 2000". Tini was invited to participate in an art exhibition, the Indonesia-Japan Friendship Festival, which was held in Akasaka, Tokyo. She brought with her the "Umbrella 2000" painting that she completed before her initiation, and other paintings called "Silent Prayer I" and "Silent Prayer II" that she completed after her initiation.

"Umbrella 2000"

The institute that organized this Indonesia-Japan Friendship Festival held a press conference. Many Japanese initiates also went to the exhibition venue to appreciate the paintings. When Tini saw us before the press conference, she showed us her paintings. One initiate who thought there was only the famous painting "Umbrella 2000" started to cry out of joy when she saw two additional paintings, both of Master, hanging in very prominent places. We all appreciated Tini bringing this great message from Indonesia so that more Japanese could know about Master and establish a good affinity with Her. She humbly replied: "I have to thank Master for everything."

During the exhibition, the Japanese translation of the article "Umbrella 2000" from the News magazine (Issue 79) was provided for people who stopped to admire the paintings. When Tini was being interviewed, she gave the reporters the translated article and introduced the character in the painting, Master.

She told us that after initiation she has a wealth of inspiration, and also finishes her works much faster than before. While looking at the painting of Master sitting on a lotus meditating, an initiate saw Master's white robe moving with the wind.

We asked Tini to stand in front of her paintings of Master for us to take a picture, before saying good-bye to her. The weather bureau had forecast a sunny, clear day, but only when we came out of the exhibition venue did we realize that it had poured during the press conference. Everything in the dusty world seemed so clean and pure after the much welcomed rain, just like the meaning that the art exhibition had brought to Japan.

By invitation, the well-known Indonesian painter "Tini" exhibits her paintings: "Umbrella 2000, " "Silent Prayer I, " and "Silent Prayer II" in Japan at the Indonesia-Japan Friendship Festival.

"Silent Prayer I" "Silent Prayer II"

Celestial Jewelry Glitters
At The Japanese Jewelry Fair

[Tokyo] The Japanese Jewelry Fair was held in Tokyo, and this was the first time that numerous pieces of jewelry designed by Master were exhibited in Japan. There were plenty of applicants for exhibits. Our application was selected. It must have been Master's blessing that made it possible. Also, surprisingly our corner booth was located near the entry/exit point, and very close to a rest area.

Apart from Master's Celestial Jewelry, which represents Truth, virtue and beauty, being displayed, Master's Fashion Show and Au Lac Poetry videotapes were also shown. Consequently, the atmosphere of our booth was totally different from others. There was heavy rain on the night of the opening day and on the following day too. The nourishing nectar rain made fellow initiates believe that Master would come to the fair. Therefore, we rented a quiet meeting room for Master to rest in if She came to grace the fair. As well, the room was used by working initiates to meditate and to rest.

The fair ended very well and there was a closing party. We went to the first floor after the party where there was a rainbow light show (which was created by a combination of light, music and water falling). Periodically, showers of changing colored lights came down from the ceiling. Together, fellow initiates looked at the spectacle. When the showers turned into a gold color, we all deeply felt Master's presence, feeling She was showering love on us. The light was gracious, magnificent and very gentle. It seemed to be saying: "I am always with you." Our eyes were filled with tears and we embraced each other.

Japan Formosa The Solomon Islands Honduras Brazil

Report From Formosa> height="92">A Colorful Summer Outing (1):
A Group Fun-Day In Lo Tung Sports Park
>

<Northern Formosa> One Sunday in summer, fellow practitioners of the Quan Yin family in northern Formosa, with their families and friends, went to Lo Tung Sports Park in Yilan to attend a fun activity convened by our various Centers.

Since it was during the summer vacation, many youngsters and teenagers participated earnestly. They could be seen everywhere on the sports field. God was very kind that day; the weather was fine and all the sporting activities arranged could be held smoothly.

In the afternoon, many more fun activities continued. During the basketball match, fellow practitioners displayed their brilliant skill which was comparable to professional players. Shaded beneath the trees, adults and children together enjoyed singing songs and playing games; their bursts of laughter were loud enough to reach heaven! Launched from the lovely green lawn, colorful kites soared into the sky. Some people played with frisbees, while others preferred to sit down and paint pictures. Others took a rest in the "Maple Valley", to enjoy a lazy summer afternoon. People swam and played in the water, while others meditated with their eyes closed. The whole scene was a panoramic view of a relaxing summer day.

The final and most welcomed program was the tug-of-war. Competitors, old and young, as well as the cheering crowd, were equally involved in the excitement.

When registering for the events, each person was issued a "hero merit card," on which a stamp would be placed after finishing each activity. Whoever participated in all of the events would be the hero/heroine of the day. At sunset, during the awards ceremony, there were really many heroes and heroines, old and young included, who had succeeded in participating in all the activities despite the scorching sun. The day's event finally concluded with the exchanging of gifts.

A Colorful Summer Outing (2):

Camping Activity At "Jin Xian World"

<Taoyuan, Hsinchu> Towards the end of the summer vacation, after the "Painting Activity," the Taoyuan Center convened a self-development camp at "Jin Xian World" in Guan Xi. The event was co-convened by the Hsinchu Center, and the purpose was to enable relatives, including children, of fellow practitioners to get together, since they normally cannot go to the Centers.

During the day, everyone relaxed at the camp site that was covered by a veil of clouds, listening to the singing of birds and insects, and enjoying being purified by the forest's unpolluted atmosphere. In the evening, a great variety of programs were performed by fellow practitioners, who exerted their talents trying to entertain everyone. The evening party ended amidst a chorus of songs that expressed a longing for Master.

After tidying up the place, the camp site became a group meditation venue for hundreds of people. With the sky as their roof, they sat on the ground seeking the inner worlds. Meditating in the open, surrounded by mountains and the forest, they felt especially free and tranquil, as if they were unified with the universe. Despite the noise of karaoke from other groups who pitched their tents nearby, the atmosphere in the camp site where they were meditating remained serene and peaceful! The next day, activities continued until the afternoon. Before leaving, everyone checked and tidied up the environment, restoring a clean and natural look to the area.

Guests and fellow practitioners alike, after relaxing their bodies and minds, were totally satisfied and happy. This event touched the hearts of fellow practitioners, and it also helped our group to give a positive impression to the guests. This was all due to Master's constant teaching, which helped fellow initiates to put aside their egos, and to serve the multitude with love and devotion.

A Colorful Summer Outing (3):

A Summer Camp For Children Of The Quan Yin Family

<Nantou> With the coming of the summer vacation, fellow practitioners of Nantou held a unique summer camp for children. Their purpose was to let the young children of God of the Quan Yin family relax a little, and to educate them through recreation.

Activities were based on two objectives. The first one was to develop a habit of meditation. Every day in the morning, and before going to bed each night, there was a scheduled group meditation session to help them assimilate spiritual practice into daily life. The second objective was to develop independence. Regardless of age, they had to wash their clothes, tidy up the environment, and handle all kinds of everyday problems themselves.

The first day began with an orientation of the environment. The young saints learnt how to tie knots, set up clothes-drying facilities, and were given some knowledge about the surrounding plants. After that, they had a big feast of delicious "vegetarian steak," and at the same time learnt something about western etiquette.

From the second day onwards, under the protection of Master's love, they went on adventure trips. They first went by car to a stream and raged a water battle in it. When they were hungry, they set up fires to enjoy a barbecue. Having water games and a barbecue, these children of God were like fish in water, laughing all day long.

Over the next few days, they learned how to sculpt clay, paint, visited a science museum, strolled the streets, and dined in restaurants. These may seem to be everyday activities, but they served the purpose of rectifying some improper ideas and behaviors of the children.

While enjoying the mountains and water, the children were awed by the firmness and gentleness of nature. At the bonfire parties, they expressed their clever, innocent and energetic natures. Through the clay sculpting activity they had a chance to show their vast imaginations. In competitive games, they learnt how to work with a cooperative spirit. Their laughter, so innocent and pure, deeply touched the hearts of the adults, who truly realized that: "Heaven belongs to the children." Fellow practitioners were very grateful to Master for this delightful inspiration during the summer vacation, which bestowed infinite bliss upon Her old and young children alike.

Japan Formosa The Solomon Islands Honduras Brazil

Report From The Solomon Islands

Master's Teachings Are Spread
All Over The Solomon Islands

<Honiara> In recent years there has been little rainfall on the Solomon Islands, creating great difficulties in the drought affected regions. However, to everyone's delightful surprise, it began to rain on the afternoon of the first day of an annual exhibition where Master's teachings were introduced. In fact, the rain did not stop until late that night. The rain had not only relieved the drought in the water-shortage areas, but also had eliminated the dustiness at the exhibition venue.

Each day various videotapes of Master's lectures were played at the exhibition. Large crowds always watched the tapes whenever they were being played. Moreover, visitors packed the entrance of our booth. When children heard the song "Go! Go! Go!" during the Celestial Clothes Fashion Show tape, they danced and clapped. Everyone's heart was united in harmony by Master's love; people danced and ascended to heaven in their hearts.

After watching Master's tapes, a gentleman claimed repeatedly that Master would change him. He eagerly left his address because he wanted to receive the News magazines and a sample booklet. A Christian man highly praised Master's teachings and fully supported vegetarianism. He said that many Christians were vegetarians as well, and commented that it was correct. Another man from a very large local Christian organization said that their doctrine is very consistent with Master's teachings. For instance, they had strict rules for those who joined, such as refraining from eating crab and shrimp, and from drinking alcohol and smoking. After reading Master's sample booklet, he expressed his desire to learn how to meditate, and also fully agreed with vegetarianism.

Through word of mouth, news spread that there was a Formosan lady (the Quan Yin messenger) spreading the Truth, so during the exhibition almost all the local Chinese people came to visit our booth. Even though the exhibition only lasted for a few days, it offered an opportunity for people from all over the Solomon Islands to hear about the teachings of a true Master.

Many people, particularly some students, loved the pictures of Master in Her various outfits. After offering them the pictures, seeing that they would treasure them, they happily accepted them reassuring us that they would value them greatly. Each day, crowds of children came to see the pictures of Master and recited Her name at the same time. Their faces looked so pure. It is true that heaven belongs to innocent children.

Everyone's first reaction when they saw Master's pictures was that they were of movie stars or pop singers. Upon learning that they were of one person, they became even more surprised, and kept asking the Quan Yin messenger: "How can this be possible?" Gradually, after acquiring some knowledge about Quan Yin meditation and Master's teachings, they showed great interest in it, commented that it was new to them, and expressed their desire to read more of Master's books. Seeing the young generation was so open to Master's teachings, one would really feel that the future of these islands would be positive.

Japan Formosa The Solomon Islands Honduras Brazil

Report From Honduras

Spreading The Truth In San Pedro Sula

<San Pedro Sula> San Pedro Sula is the second largest city in Honduras. In order to let the local people know about Master and the Quan Yin Method, a Quan Yin messenger and fellow practitioners specifically went there to organize a video-lecture seminar. Before the seminar, we visited several newspapers. We also distributed many leaflets to people on the streets. As the local people are very friendly, and together with Master's blessing of love, everyone was particularly courageous. There were no feelings of strangeness or fear, even though it was our first time in this country.

A few days before the seminar, several newspapers advertised the event free of charge. Many people made phone inquiries. On the day of the seminar, Master's teachings touched the hearts of many people who were seeking the Truth. Many applied to learn the Convenient Method of meditation and gained more correct concepts towards vegetarianism. Reporters from Diario El Tiempo and El Nuevo Dia also came to cover the event.

The sincere, enthusiastic support expressed by some visitors gave us a particularly warm feeling. Some visitors came from groups that attempted to make contact with extraterrestrials. After viewing Master's video, they took it back to their group for other members to see. They also applied to learn the Convenient Method of meditation.

Incidentally, we contacted Miss Farah Robles, the producer and chairperson of a morning television program broadcasted on channel eleven. She had read about Master in the newspaper. After discovering that the Quan Yin messenger could speak Spanish, she invited the messenger to the station for an interview. During the interview, she aired excerpts of the World Spiritual Leadership Award Ceremony in Chicago where Master was honored, Master's lectures and the fashion shows. Both Miss Farah Robles and Mr. Eduardo Coto, the other chairperson, liked Master's teachings very much.

After the interview, they both felt happy and full of the bliss. On inquiring more about Master's teachings, everyone understood more clearly about the importance of keeping the five precepts and being vegetarian. Later, Miss Farah Robles began a vegetarian diet and hoped that more programs featuring vegetarian cooking and their benefits would be produced in future. When the interview was aired, many people phoned the television station, hoping to get more information about Master's teachings. Even the station's camera team applied to learn the Convenient Method.

There were lots of experiences after the activity. One person dreamed that he saw a saint whose whole body was surrounded by yellow light. After learning the Convenient Method, some people saw different colored lights. Even a nine year child, who out of curiosity peeped through the gap in the door to see the adults meditating, also saw that the darkened room was bright with light.

Master's teachings, like a clear spring, have nurtured the hearts of those seeking the Truth. Every time fellow practitioners spread the Truth, they witness the miraculous power of God's love that makes many impossible things possible. From each and every one of these precious opportunities, we deeply realize the truth in what Master has said: "God is the omnipresent power of love. Therefore when we are doing things with a loving heart, God will help us."

Japan Formosa The Solomon Islands Honduras Brazil

Report From Brazil

The Grand Opening Of
A Vigorous New Center

<St. Paulo> In pace with the continuous spreading of the good news about the Quan Yin Method, more and more spiritual practitioners who long for the Truth join our group. Since the original St. Paulo Center was no longer big enough for initiates, we looked for another ideal place. This became a matter of extreme urgency for our fellow practitioners. Through Master's merciful blessing and arrangement, we finally found an old house. After being remodeled by our fellow practitioners, the house has become a serene and beautiful spiritual Center. It is located at the midpoint of the south-to-north subway. Because of the spacious area and perfect facilities there, it is also an ideal place for us to introduce Master's teachings to people.

Fellow initiates appreciate Master's grace. In order to cherish and redirect this holy love of God back to people and let more Brazilians know the good news about attaining liberation, we carried out a series of activities to spread the Truth. These included giving vegetarian cooking classes once a month; offering free, finely printed Chinese and Portuguese vegetarian recipes; holding a meditation retreat every month; regularly conducting seminars on the Quan Yin Method featuring Master's videos, and the like.

After the activities of spreading the Truth, we had greater numbers of fellow initiates and initiates-to-be. But most important is that we deeply realize that the more we work, the more relaxed and lighter we become physically and spiritually and the closer we come to our inner wisdom. This is just as Master has frequently said: "When one works, the one who truly benefits from it first is oneself."

Through Master's blessings, we have rented a vegetarian restaurant as our site to spread the Truth. There, we have met many Brazilians who have been on a vegetarian diet for many years. They agree with Master's teachings and many of them have requested to learn the Convenient Method of meditation.

Once during the teaching of the Convenient Method, a Brazilian personally experienced Master's intangible great love. Being touched, he cried deeply. Some people also have clearly perceived a circle-shaped inner light. These miraculous responses have shown Master's omnipresent love and made our fellow initiates gain more faith and experience during the work.

After this series of activities, we found that many Truth seekers are still lost and unable to find the door of Truth. This makes us feel the importance of acting as helpers of God to introduce the best means of returning to the Kingdom of God, so we dare not be sluggish. We wish that more people in this country would establish an affinity with the living Master and become good instruments of God so that Brazil would become a holy place for spiritual practice.

Japan Formosa The Solomon Islands Honduras Brazil

Panorama of Events
JapanFormosa The Solomon IslandsHonduras
Brazil

Aphorisms
Aphorisms Master's Words Don't Miss The Fun Of Growing Up Pearls Of Wisdom Pearls Of Wisdom While On The Path The Miraculous Quan Yin Master Says How People Regress! Special Reports Grand Spiritual Gathering -- Summary Of The Third European 4-Day Retreat
Echo -- The Most Beautiful Feeling Of My Life
The Surprise Of Trying New Things Master Tells Jokes Lucky Dog Where Am I? Misunderstood
Whose Dog? Master's Wonders The High Voltage Cable Miracle Master Is Not Alone Center's Events A Return To Hsihu Center -- Our Home
Echo -- It's Really Great To Be Home Again! Spiritual Interludes Inner Connection Media Report An Au Lac"Messiah" Feature Reports A Perfect Moon Reunion -- Celebrating The Mid-Autumn Festival With Master
Master Attends Film Actress' Anniversary Ceremony: "Kieu Chinhis 40 Years In The Movies" Poem Embrace Selected Questions & Answers The Universal Law Of Sharing You May Not Know The Secret Of The Scent Of Perfume Spiritual Correspondence Missing The Compassionate Mother Bible Story The Exodus Love In Action Consoling The Formosan Fire Victims Front Line A Feast Of Beauty At Suma Ching Hai's Painting Exhibition In Nepal Master Tells Stories We Are Only Visitors In This World
The Story Of Dandelions Elevation Of The Soul Elevation Of The Soul Supreme Art Master's Painting "Homesick"

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

Download 86
Files Online  

When the worldly people got married, Their passion is somewhat cooled down. But when I'm betrothed to You, My passion only begins to glow!

-- "Silent Tears"

News No. 86
Contents

While On The Path

By Brother Initiate Doan, Bao Lac, Au Lac
(Originally In Au Lac Language)

Dear Master,

First, I would like to pray to the Buddhas of the ten directions so that I would be able to speak strong and sincere words: That people who have an affinity and longing for the true teachings will be able to practice this method in order to be liberated from human existence that's full of sufferings.

Who would believe that a drifting vagabond, who has been dragged through many jobs to make a living is a faithful, genuine Catholic who saw the transformation body of Jesus Christ radiating brilliant light at a young age? But living in this world of misery, I have already violated the five Buddhist precepts.

There was a time when I was lost. Then my uncle lent me a book -- "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment" -- to read which in my awakened sub-conscious mind, I found Master's explanations of different realms very exciting. At that time, I was working as a mechanic on a fishing boat. But deep down in my heart, I knew that if God and Buddha let me practice for liberation, They would help me change my job.

I personally experienced what Master has said: That if one has found the Kingdom of God, all the handling of other affairs in the mundane world will be made easier. It is because all the Buddhas of the ten directions will protect the people who are on the right path of practice -- the Quan Yin Method. Not only will their wisdom be opened, but also their level of compassion and courage will be increased manifold.

I don't know what to do to repay You for the hard work that gives You so much pain and suffering because of the ignorance of sentient beings. I realize that there is only You to correct the misconceptions of ignorant sentient beings. All I know is to try to practice as much as I possibly can in order to become useful and to serve humankind to prove that the Quan Yin Method is indeed the right path.

Finally, I would like to present to You an inner experience I had some days after I got initiated.

By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In Chinese)

A perfect person knows his good points and shortcomings. He subdues the shortcomings, puts them aside or controls them properly, to be used only when necessary. The good points he will continue to develop, to benefit others and himself. Such is a perfect person.

By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In English)

Whatever we speak will give a vibration; and accordingly what we say, good or bad, will affect upon us again.

There's nothing we cannot solve with faith in ourselves or in the Master power.

Outer appearances do not necessarily reflect our inner level; it is most important to know whether our mind is pure and not wavering.

If you have to talk then talk about God, something beneficial, something that vibrates positively in the air and contributes to the harmony of the world as well as to your spiritual progress and those of your neighbors.

We want to step beyond human life to become a saintly being, beneficial to the whole universe, That is the meaning of being a righteous person. That's the only purpose.

People who have worked hard since a young age or who try to work hard whenever they can, they are more clever, sharp, very fast and very clear-sighted; because they have practiced a very long time. So, practice makes masters, because both of the jobs are similar. Most of the circumstances you can judge, if you are used to diversity.

I also have had this experience, because since I was young, I loved to work. I loved to be of help. We had servants in the house, but I always ironed my own clothes, washed my own clothes. I even brought water for my parents to take baths and cooked tea for my father. Sometimes I learnt to cook and I took care and helped the servants voluntarily. We had about three, four servants at that time. No need for me to work, I always liked to work. Probably that's why I am good at many things, just because I am used to adjustments.

For example, if you do something a long time, sometimes you don't need to measure, you just look and you know how much is needed. It's very fast. The same with many other things, the more you use your brain, the more it will become alert and intelligent. Otherwise, you just become more and more stupid and then regress into stone or tree. That's how people regress. So don't ask me how people can become animals or regress to a lower nature of life. They make it that way. They make themselves that way.

There was a story about a man in Formosa. He is a kind of medium, he can go to hell or to heaven. That man was very pure from childhood -- ate vegetarian. He never married and he meditated. He also knew about me. When I first became famous in Formosa and appeared in public, he also came to have a look, he pressed himself on the window. Since that day, he doesn't do medium work anymore. He said: "Great Master has come. We have to stop all this work in respect to Her. We don't need to do all this work anymore." He had about two hundred thousand strong followers. He just dropped it. He went to hell and he went around the world to check out. Sometimes went to heaven -- maybe it was not very high. The things he recounted when he came back or during the voyage, I know to be true. So, he must have been very genuine.

This guy went to hell. He recounted and someone else at the time took notes of it and he made some books about hell. One story about hell was like this, very simple. Oh! Not hell, about our human life was like this. He was walking around and saw many things in this world with different eyes -- probably astral projection. He saw a couple, just walking on the street, jumping and dancing by the way to rock and roll music, and just so happy. Happy, jumping around like that. Suddenly, they came across a pig sty. The mother pig just happened to have given birth to piglets. These two souls were kind of attracted into this business and they became pigs just by dancing and not paying attention to where they went. That was one story.

Another story about hell, how people became pigs and animals. Many people who die, who do not have enough merit to be born as humans again immediately or to be born in heaven, will be in so-called hell for a while. They will be punished or something terrible done to them to clean their karma, burn out all the bad things, cut off all the immoral ulcers from their souls, so they can be born again. The king of hell will give them an audience and ask them what is it that they want now -- what kind of position they want, and what kind of life they want to lead -- as now they will have the privilege to be born as humans again.

One by one, they answered. Some of them said: "Oh! I am so happy to be free of hell now. I am sure that I am going to be a human being, very honored, very happy and going to be a very good person. For example, I want to serve and I want to do this." Then they will give you a good position like being a nurse, doctor or whatever to give you a good chance to serve people.

Another person said: "Oh! Since I have been in hell very long -- very terrible, miserable -- now I want to enjoy life. I want to have beautiful surroundings, beautiful clothes and a lovely voice so that I can sing and charm all the females. I should have a beautiful abode next to a river and should have plenty of food so that I don't have to earn money to get it."

The king of hell said, "All right." So he told his subordinates, the devils, to bring him exactly what he needed. So what did they bring him? A beautiful, feathered bird, such shiny feathers. That's what he wanted. He wanted beautiful clothes, no need to earn them. So he had them fixed permanently. No need to wash even, no trouble. He didn't want a troubled life; he wanted just to sit there, eat, drink, and sing. So they gave him a big, beautiful, feathered body and a nice voice, so he could sing all day long. Then placed him next to a tree in the forest -- a lot of berries, wild fruit and beautiful surroundings. He had drinking, eating, beautiful feathers, and nothing to worry about. That was what they gave him. Exactly according to what he wanted. So do not blame God for our position. It is what we wanted.

Another guy also came up from hell and wanted a similar thing. "Wow! I have always been burned in hell and my flesh looks like it's all gone. I'm skinny and burned out. I want to get fat and even fatter. Looks like a lot of blessings to be fat." Most people think to be fat and big is a kind of meritorious life. "I have had such a hard life in hell, I want to make up for it now. I want to just eat, drink, sleep, and get fat. I have been very skinny up till now because all the fire in hell drew out my blood, burned all my fat and flesh. I want people to serve me, bring food up to my door, up to my mouth even. I don't want to go anywhere, don't want to earn money for it. Give me that kind of life! Then I don't have to worry about food, clothing and everyone serves me."

The king told the subordinates to bring his "outfit" for this life. Do you know what it was? A pig's skin. They put it down for him and he immediately became a pig. After that he drank a kind of liquid and forgot everything about his past life; he just enjoyed being a pig. Every day people brought food to his mouth, washed him, brought drinks for him, and made him fat. He didn't have to do anything at all. That was the kind of life that he wanted, so he got it. Otherwise, how can you have a human life; doing nothing, no responsibility. You get food and drink brought to your mouth, without doing anything. Do you think there is a human life like that? No. So they had to give him a pig's life to satisfy his desires. That was very justified because it was according to what he wanted.

Your Father gives you. Is that not so? Whenever you knock, you shall be given. Now that you often ask, you'll be given. If you ask for the impossible thing, you get the impossible life. That's what it is.

That's how many people run into trouble and are born into lower levels of consciousness. Just because of the misconception, just because they want things for nothing, just because they want to go against the law of karma here in this world. Once we are above the law of karma, then it's okay, we are in heaven, we're in nirvana. Whatever we want, it will be supplied; we don't even need to want. But when we are still in the Three Worlds -- with physical bodies, physical needs, physical demands -- we have to make also physical contributions. That's why the Bible says: With the sweat of your brow, you earn your bread. No other way. We have been in Eden, we have been in heaven, but we left the circuit. Now that we are in this world, we have to obey the law, take care of ourselves, and our businesses.

Freedom doesn't mean that you fly in the sky; I stay here, I open the mouth, and wait for the berries to come. Freedom means that you have great responsibilities. Means no one should have to tell you what to do, but you know what to do. You have freedom by choice if you know everything; what to do and take care of your life and your work. No way before. If you still let people tell you what to do because you don't know what to do yourself, then you are not free. Doesn't matter how much you want to be free, you are not, because you are bound within your own ignorance. You let your mind cheat you into thinking you are free and you are okay. But you are not.

So there is much work for you to do and your level is up to you. Even if I take you to the fifth and you are not up to it, you are still on the first; even if I am, for example, a university professor but you are still at the kindergarten state: if I take you to the college by my own power and position, what do you do there? You cannot do anything. You don't understand. Even if I love you very much, I cannot help you to be intelligent at such an age.

So it's up to you. Try to polish your own power, manner and way of life. You have to know, you can choose whatever you want. But then, do not blame anyone if you are not free, if you are not progressing, if you are not respected, or if you are not good for yourself. That's all. Otherwise it doesn't concern anyone, what kind of life, what kind of level you choose to be in.

Grand Spiritual Gathering --
Summary Of The Third European 4-Day Retreat

By News Group From England

The Third European 4-Day Retreat

With Master's loving blessing and our fellow initiates' vigorous preparations, the Third European 4-Day Retreat finally began in London, the capital of England. In London, the weather in August was very pleasant. The retreat was held at Brunel University, which is a beautiful environment with flourishing lawns everywhere that makes everything cool and fresh. In the center of the campus, a pond full of blooming lotus flowers elevates the campus to a higher level of beauty as if in heaven.

The fellow initiates from 18 European countries arrived at this beautiful campus for this long-anticipated spiritual gathering.

On the first evening of the retreat, our Master, who had been longed for by many, graced the meditation hall. She arrived in a light yellow skirt with a white blouse and a black, floral scarf. She touched the fellow initiates with Her gracefulness and overwhelming beauty. Like withering seedlings finally blessed with rain, fellow initiates, who had been longing to see Her day and night, were gratified the moment their eyes met Master's, the moment of spiritual communion.

By the end of the first day of the retreat, the translation facilities were still not properly set up, so Master took the opportunity to highlight some of the problems to fellow initiates when they work. She reminded us not to put too much emphasis on superficial matters but to concentrate on more important aspects. She used the example of everyone fully dedicating themselves to decorating the stage while neglecting the translation facilities, which were more important for fellow initiates. These problems have occurred many times before and we always try to excuse ourselves in the same manner by saying, "This is the lesson we have to learn." Master said that indeed we should learn lessons of various kinds, however, we cannot afford to learn the same lessons repeatedly for years without growth.

Later Master heard that there were many fellow initiates who had been longing to see Her but had missed this rare opportunity because of visa problems. She deeply regretted that even though this world is such a small one, it is full of restrictions. She said that only by returning to heaven could we truly be liberated. Master's heartfelt discourse greatly fortified the fellow initiates' determination to practice diligently, and to return Home swiftly.

The next afternoon, Master came to the meditation hall again and announced that She would have lunch with everyone. Fellow initiates jumped with joy at the news. She tasted each dish and said that there was a great variety in the food and that it was very nutritious. She was so motherly. Fellow initiates were happy to be with Her and enjoyed the delicious food and Her infinite love. What a scene of ambiance and sweetness in our happy family!

After the evening meditation, Master once again satisfied the initiates' wishes to see Her. Seeing that everyone was just coming out of samadhi and still carrying a meditative demeanor, She cheered up everyone with several jokes. She was like a comedian, making everyone burst into laughter with only a few words.

Afterwards, and with great patience, Master answered various questions related to spiritual practice. One of the initiates used to practice several different methods, but she had to quit because they were too many complications. Fortunately she finally got acquainted with the Quan Yin Method, which is easy to practice, as Master has said: "The Quan Yin Method is the simplest and the ultimate method."

Beginning on the third day, Master met with fellow initiates in small groups -- English, Au Lacese, Chinese and Europeans, respectively. She allowed initiates to raise questions concerning their spiritual practice. The mild drizzle and pleasant atmosphere coupled with Her answers, which were full of love and wisdom, had not only cleared up the doubts in the hearts of the initiates, but also granted them direct blessings. All the initiates' puzzling questions disappeared instantly.

Master came to the retreat venue to visit the initiates every day. Fellow practitioners from all over Europe were grateful and cherished these opportunities since they rarely have the chance to be so close to Master. Listening to Her humorous discourses, having lunch with Her, and meditating with Her while She recited the Holy Names, we were truly the most blessed group of people in the universe.

Fellow initiates were all overwhelmed by the power from being with a fully enlightened Master. It was truly beyond their imaginations. Master's discourses were highlighted with a constant awareness to the most subtle details -- a glimpse of eye contact, a simple hand gesture, Her explanations to questions. What was revealed was Her true enlightenment through Her natural demeanor, along with Her understanding and patience, and Her stylish and elegant way of dressing. By how and what She teaches, fellow initiates broke through their obstinate opinions and were liberated from their complicated concepts. The more we are with Master, the more we understand that enlightenment is both within and without, accompanied with harmony and simplicity. For most, after personally meeting Master, it became much easier to correct misconceptions and adjust the so-called imbalance between spiritual practice and daily life.

The most direct message that Master delivered to everyone was: "Relax!" and then you will naturally be at ease. Every of Master's words and actions has taught everyone of us many things which are just right for us. All these discoveries were a delightful surprise for us.

Those who were unable to participate in the 4-day retreat requested to see Master, so on the last day of the retreat, She kindly met with them and other initiates and guests. In Her talk, She addressed spiritual questions that they were concerned about. Master categorized masters into three types: One kind is the external master. They have only a physical body, no transformation bodies, and are limited to helping their disciples with external situations. The second type is the inner master. They are past masters but without a human body. Their disciples can only communicate with them through meditation. The third type of master is a combination of the other two. These masters have both a human body and transformation bodies, and their disciples are able to interact with the master both from within and from without. This type of master is the most rare. Everyone present was deeply touched by knowing how precious it is to meet a living master!

Many people requested initiations after hearing the humorous and wise discourse from Master. She immediately consented. These new born enlightened beings were full of joy. They felt so fortunate that after going through various difficulties in life, they had at last found the true Master and acquired the genuine method of spiritual practice.

The pleasant 4-day retreat concluded with Master waving farewell to everyone. The moments with Her are so spiritually uplifting, happy and fulfilled. Every fellow initiate was full of bliss and love. The supreme blessing from Her has deeply changed our hearts. We will take this Godly gift back to our families, friends as well as share it with everyone around us.

Echo -- The Most Beautiful Feeling
Of My Life

By Brother Initiate Reuben, U.K. (Originally In English) >

This was my first retreat that Master also attended. I enjoyed this experience and felt so enriched by the event. Some moments were so funny; the atmosphere was light and joyful, and laughter flowed easily from many hearts when some brothers and sisters told jokes.

It was amazing to be in the company of so many wise and loving beings; I felt I learned a great deal from listening to fellow initiates conversations. I also felt I progressed very quickly. I think it was because Master removed a lot of my mental hindrances. At some moments, I really understood that the practitioners of the Quan Yin Method are my brothers and sisters; and following this realization, that all human beings are brothers and sisters.

I understand more now that Master knows us inside. I knew it in theory but I hadn't experienced it before. Several times when Master was talking She mentioned something which answered my question and put my mind to rest, without me asking anything; or chose an example to explain Her point which corresponded to my situation.

Seeing Master was the most beautiful feeling ever. Her eyes sparkled so brightly and filled every corner of my being with love. My ability to love others has grown massively. God's love, Master's love is in me and flows naturally to others. Thank You Master for showing me how to experience this beautiful, wonderful thing.

The Surprise Of Trying New Things

By Sister Initiate Karin Ebner, Austria (Originally In English) >

Whenever I attended a retreat, I used to admire those who volunteered to be guards, sacrificing the precious meditation sessions just to stand there -- often even having to stand facing away from Master.

At the first European Retreat in Hamburg, Germany, Master remarked that we could never repay what those people -- guards or workers in the kitchen -- have contributed. But we could do the same next time. These sentences went deep into my heart. I felt very ashamed about my laziness but I thought that I would not be able to do such a job.

This year, when I registered for the 4-day retreat in London, I just told the contact person that I would like to help with the work during the retreat or before, but I did not join a particular working group. I wanted to leave it like that and surprise myself as to which kind of work I would get.

The days before the retreat went by peacefully. I spent my time meditating and helped here and there. But it looked like I would just meditate at the retreat. I began to feel disappointed and thought, "Well, maybe it would have been better to say clearly what kind of job I wanted to do. Seems like I won't get the chance to join a working group now." Soon after I thought this, a sister of the working team asked me if I would like to work as a security guard. "Oh, yes!" So I unexpectedly found myself being one of those much admired guards, realizing that I not only could do the same as those "great beings" but that I even liked it!

This work gave me a joyful feeling and deep satisfaction. And most amazingly, even though I could not attend all meditation sessions, I did not miss them! I just appreciated the rest of the meditation time more, feeling that I really deserved to sit and enjoy meditation with so many saints!

This experience proved to me that one should always try new things, and also that jobs considered dull and tiring can turn out to be the most fulfilling!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa,
Feb. 21, 1996 (Originally In English)

There was a couple whose dog had died, so they buried it in the dog cemetery and then went home. Neither of them said anything. But after a while, the husband put his arm around the wife's shoulder and said: "I'm sorry darling. I know I haven't been very good to it -- the dog; but now that it has died, I feel kind of sorry. If you really feel very bad about it, I will consider getting another dog for you. But to be honest with you, I don't love dogs. If it hadn't been for my love for you, I wouldn't have had that dog for one second."

The wife turned around and looked at the husband: "What?! I thought it was your dog!"

When they moved in the new house, the dog moved in too, the day of their marriage. Both thought that the dog belonged to the other. So that was a lucky dog.

Lucky Dog Where Am I? Misunderstood Whose Dog?

 >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Hsihu, Formosa Dec. 23, 1995 (Originally In English)

After a person died, he went to a beautiful place. The person at the gate looked at his ID card and then brought him to a very beautiful villa with lakes, flowers and everything surrounding it, a big garden, birds singing, dogs barking, ducks quacking. Everything was perfect.

After a while, someone else took him to another place so that he could have more enjoyment with delicacies like cakes, candies, blessed food, and all the beautiful international cooking for him to sample. After that, they took him out to maybe a night club, so that he could see the dancing or dance himself.

After a while, they took him to another place for just enjoyment -- listening to music, watching theater, and things like that. Many days went by and on and on like this -- always eating, sleeping, making merry, and nothing else.

So the man began to feel a little bit "itchy". He said, "Well, can you give me some work to do? I'd like to do something."

The attendant was very sad and said, "I am sorry. We have no work for you here. With this I cannot help you."

So the man said, "My God! If I have nothing to do, this could be like in hell."

So the attendant said, "Where do you think you are now?"

Lucky Dog Where Am I? Misunderstood Whose Dog?

 >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Laiyi, Formosa Nov. 26, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)

A person went into a restaurant. He ordered coffee and bread. When the waitress gave him the cup of coffee, he started to put in sugar and milk. Oh! There was no spoon to stir with! That person was in a hurry -- it was in the morning, he wanted to eat something quickly so that he could hurry to work. Seeing that the waitress was rather pretty, he felt a bit embarrassed to be straight forward. Therefore, he said very gently: "Oh Miss! This cup of coffee is very hot. If I stir it with my finger, wouldn't it be too hot?"

What he meant was that he wanted a spoon!

That lady was also very courteous. She smiled very sweetly and then went away without saying a word. She came out, wiggling her hips, and brought him another cup of coffee. Then, she said to him: "This cup of coffee won't be too hot!"

Lucky Dog Where Am I? Misunderstood Whose Dog?

 >

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Laiyi, Formosa Nov. 26, 1995 (Originally In Chinese)

One day, a person went to open the door when the door bell rang loudly. He greeted a friend whom he had not seen for a long time. So, he invited him in. There was also a very big dog standing beside his friend. Oh! Very big and very dirty as it was a rainy day! The dog's four feet were full of mud. Since the dog was standing beside his friend, the man could not do anything! Besides, he had not seen this friend for a long time. So when he saw the dog follow his friend inside the house, he did not feel comfortable about saying anything. Actually, he himself did not like dogs, especially such a big, dirty dog.

After going into the house, the dog saw the man's beautiful bed and jumped onto it to have a nap. Oh! The man could not bear it! Really could not! But, there was nothing he could do. At the end, when he bid farewell to his friend, the dog was still lying there and did not want to go. Finally, he could not bear it and said: "Why don't you take your dog? It has already dirtied my bed, isn't that enough?"

But the friend said: "Ha? I thought it was yours!"

Lucky Dog Where Am I? Misunderstood Whose Dog?

 >

By Sister Initiate Dorothy K. Sakata, Hawaii, U.S.A. (Originally In English)

My husband and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all You have done, and are continually doing for us here and now as You guide and elevate us to God consciousness.

Yesterday, my uninitiated husband Ray was called to the University of Hawaii to do some emergency high voltage cable splicing work. He was going to take his regular electrical knife but his inner guide told him to take his rubber insulated knife.

He went into the underground manhole and put his knife into the area where it was burned away. There was a loud explosion as more than 4,000 volts of electricity went through his right thumb, his right arm and into the center of his heart. But because he had his rubber insulated knife, he was able to release it. Otherwise the high voltage of electricity would have continued to go through his heart, his left arm, his left hand, into the cable and back through his right side in a continuous circular motion. Evidently, the wrong circuit was turned off and the workers were astounded to see this miracle as he came out uninjured.

As Ray told me this story, he said somehow he was not afraid. And as he looked at Your picture that he keeps in his truck, he knew You were responsible for this divine miracle. We both were deeply grateful and silently thanked precious Master Ching Hai as I thought to myself, "Master does without doing again."

In Oneness and with our hearts overflowing with thankfulness.

 >

By Sister Initiate Ping Hsin, U.K. (Originally In English)

I have just come back from my first four-day retreat in England and have had the best time ever. It was like a big family gathering with our beloved Mother, Sister and Friend. Master Ching Hai is all those things, but most of all she is the Master of all Masters.

At the retreat She knew my every need and granted me many wishes. I would like to thank Her so much for letting us get so close to Her.

I had many wonderful experiences at the retreat, both inner and outer. Every time Master was with us I saw different Buddha's and past Masters around Her. It seemed She was never alone. I felt so blessed while I was having these experiences.

During Master's talk with the English initiates, I sat very close to Her and asked Her, "Was I dreaming or was everything I had seen real?" I even asked Her if She was really with us. She replied, "You're not dreaming, enjoy it."

On the last day of the retreat when Master was on the stage, the public was allowed to come in and see Her. She was talking about Jesus and He suddenly appeared above Her. I started shaking and tears filled my eyes. And as Master was leaving She shook my hand and gave me some sweets. I told Her that I saw Jesus and how overwhelmed I was. She replied, "They all come to my house." Then I thanked Her for a perfect retreat.

I feel as if I have known Master before, in a previous life; and I am so glad that I have met Her again after a long search. My children came to see Master on the last day and felt very happy. They could not believe that they actually saw Her in real life. On the way home I felt like I was floating; floating in Master's love.

A Return To Hsihu Center -- Our Home

Recorded By Taipei News Group, Formosa

When the MC announced at a group meditation gathering that Hsihu was to be re-opened, the meditation hall was shaken with thunderous applause. Knowing that God had answered our earnest prayers to return to our home, we were too excited to keep ourselves from passing the message around.

It was a brisk autumn day with a cool gentle breeze. Crowds of initiates, with cushions on their backs and joyful expectations in their hearts, headed for their home in Hsihu, Miaoli, from which they had been long separated, like innocent children. On the way to Hsihu, a rural scene unfolded before us -- the familiar fields remained green and cows grazed as leisurely as they used to, reminding us that our old home was not far away.

As we arrived at the Center and walked through the entrance, colorful lanterns and ribbons hung from the top of the gate, as well as from which two red paper dragons bravely looked down on us. Inside the gate colored paper cut into various patterns added to the richness of the scene. The Quan Yin family members, left drifting for almost a year, were finally back to their old home sweet home.

The Nectar River ran as usual, only the surrounding trees had become more dense. The trees in the meditation forest hall were a real forest now. We sat in the forest and enjoyed this heavenly bliss, while Master's big photo cast gracious looks, blessing the guests and fellow initiates.

The Rainbow Garden remained a paradise for children at play; the Zigzag Bridge still accommodated initiates in their leisurely walks. For the new initiates, Hsihu had not diminished in her beauty; even a tiny blade of grass was cherished. Many of the buildings were gone, but fellow initiates had learned the ephemerality of this world. What could be more valuable than the serene and peaceful atmosphere in the Center? We have this paradise for us to hold grand group meditations on the holidays and to pray for the stability of world's situation and for world peace. This kind of brotherhood in which we support and help each other is the affinity most worthy for us to cherish in this world.

The kitchen staff set up a makeshift shelter on the basketball court and began preparing the delicious and unforgettable pots of food. During lunch, guests and fellow initiates sat in the shade enjoying their Buddha meal. Before long, loudspeakers broadcast a message that Master had just phoned to say hello. Exultant as we were, we were equally able to appreciate the longing feeling we had all experienced in missing each other. For the past year, we had been millions of miles away from Master and fellow initiates had not been able to gather for a major group meditation for a long time. The recent disastrous rainstorms in Formosa showed that this world needed more positive energy, making the island-wide major group meditations even more precious and necessary.

After the rest, initiates went to the bamboo forest for meditation. The waving trees rustled in the refreshing gentle breeze. Initiates fell into deep samadhi, totally forgetting their existence. Looking at the diligently practicing fellow initiates, it was as if the saints in the Purple Bamboo Forest had emerged before us. (The Purple Bamboo Forest was where the Quan Yin Bodhisattva used to meditate.)

Over the years, it was Formosan initiates that Master had accompanied and taken care of the most. After this separation and ordeal, every one of us has become more mature and more independent, and many initiates felt that the external destruction had not influenced their inner peace and wealth.

With Hsihu re-opening, not only do initiates have one more group meditation venue, but the working staff have more chances to serve the public and cultivate their spiritual practice. Through this experience, God has reminded us of the ever-changing quality of this mundane world; made us grow out of our attachments and appreciate whatever we have now; and as well, that our human body is also an ashram. As long as we apply Master's teachings to our everyday lives and pursue spiritual practice diligently, everywhere can be the Pure Land and every place can be an ashram.

Echo -- It's Really Great
To Be Home Again!>

By Brother Initiate Zhang Bing-Ling, Yilan, Formosa

Ever since I knew that we could visit Hsihu again, I waited anxiously for the day to come. Finally, the Sunday came and I got into my car early in the morning. Filled with bliss, time seemed to pass by particularly fast. In no time at all, I had reached "home"!

After one year, Hsihu, the old home had no shelters left to shield us against the wind and rain, yet every fellow initiate came with a glowing face. Our faith has become even stronger, and we cherish more this paradise after its calamity. We make sure that every precious moment is spent in seeking the Truth. The trees in the main Forest Hall have grown taller and stronger, extending their branches and leaves as if to welcome everyone to meditate. As usual, fellow initiates meditated quietly under the trees, while the peacefulness of the songs of chirping birds in the background perfectly portrayed the tranquillity within us.

When we were meditating in the Bamboo Grove, a breeze gently soothed the leaves, as if encouraging the children of God to meditate diligently. After a while, we received the news that Master had phoned us. This boosted our spirits even more. The whole Center was filled with a exaltation. Extremely excited, I felt a tremendous power spring up from deep within -- reverberating the supreme love and blessing from our compassionate Master.

I recalled what Master advised us at the Sydney 4-day retreat: "We'll always have problems in this life, I tell you; so just accept them and do your best. Do your best all the time...." And also, "In doing anything, we can always accomplish it with love and devotion...." With these encouraging words in mind, I felt even more cheerful. Despite what terrible frustrations and setbacks we may encounter in life, we still have to maintain a firm faith in the Truth, and do our best with love and devotion. There is no need to complain. The best way to repay Master's grace is to maintain a positive attitude under any situation, and work hard to cultivate a part of the Pure Land.

So intimate and serene is every tree, every plant, every leaf, and every sound of the birds and the insects in Hsihu. I just couldn't help exclaiming loudly in my heart: "It's really great to he `home' again!"

  height="72"> >

By Sister Initiate Ho Yu, Formosa

A sister initiate passed away not long ago. At the time she was departing from this world, I was talking about her with another sister initiate who was a very good friend of hers. She said that she wanted to visit her. However, the next morning this sister was told that the friend had passed away.

While I was talking with this sister, I had a vision of the deceased sister appearing above us. She had a radiant smile, and I saw bright light and heard a strong sound current. I didn't know she had passed away, but obviously she couldn't wait for us to visit her, so she visited us first.

All the initiates who had worked with her when she was alive thought she was lucky to leave this world so soon, while they had to remain here struggling. Shortly afterwards while we were meditating, we saw the deceased sister working for Master in another world, just as we are in this world. Ah ah! Although lucky to leave this world, the work in the other world was just the same. Moreover, being able to work for Master is really a blessing.

An Au Lac
"Messiah"

--The coming of a Messiah has been prophesied. Disciples of an Au Lac enlightened Master called Supreme Master Ching Hai, who is revered as the "Supreme Master," believe She is the savior who will appear at the time of unprecedented destruction at the end of this century. This was predicted in ancient Korean texts.

Most enlightened Masters, gurus and prophets are men; very few are women. Supreme Master Ching Hai, of Au Lac descent, is one of the rare female enlightened Masters. In Chile, where many spiritual methods can be found, She already has the first batch of disciples. It is very easy to recognize them, because they all respectfully wear the photo of their Master. One disciple believes: "This can always remind us of Master's love and teachings, and is also a way to show our gratitude. We are grateful to Master, who through the inner light and sound, gives us inner peace and a blissful life."

What exactly is this inner light and sound?

"The inner light and sound is a means to connect us with God, and so liberate us from suffering. It allows us to become more loving. With the help of this light and sound, we can easily observe the five precepts: refrain from killing (which is why we must be vegetarian), telling lies, stealing, sexual misconduct, and taking of intoxicants (including gambling, alcohol and drugs)."

Since we wanted to know more, our cordial friends invited us to their Center, where a Quan Yin messenger from Formosa who was spreading Master's teachings was temporarily living. She is one of the many Quan Yin messengers who live in Formosa but go to different countries to spread Master's teachings. There was hardly any furniture in the Center, but there were plenty of Master's photos and prints of Her paintings. There we met the Quan Yin messenger and some other practitioners.

Nothing is mentioned about the age of the Master in Her brief biography. We only know that She was born into an Au Lac family with deep Catholic and Buddhist roots. During the Vietnam War, She worked for the Red Cross abroad helping asylum seekers. She was once married. Later, with the consent of Her husband, She left home seeking the Truth in the Himalayas, where She attained enlightenment.

In this brief biography, we also learnt that an astrologer had predicted Her success in attaining the Truth.

What is the importance of astrology?

"Even when Master was a child, an astrologer predicted that She was an extraordinary being, a very noble and virtuous person with great talent. Those were the words of the astrologer, but Master doesn't care about astrology or mythologies of any kind. Instead She stresses: `We are the ones who create the future.'"

There are prophecies predicting the coming of Jesus Christ and other enlightened Masters. Was the coming of Supreme Master Ching Hai predicted by any of the prophets?

"Just like Jesus Christ, the Buddha and other saviors, the coming of Supreme Master Ching Hai has been predicted by many prophets. One detailed prediction is in the Ger Anh Record. This book was written in the sixteenth century, and has become very famous because many prophecies in it have been realized."

Nan Shih Gu, a prophet who specialized in astrology, geomancy, and the Book of Changes, warned us of destructive changes towards the end of the twentieth century: "A tiny object that looks like a head but without legs (which means an atomic bomb) will explode in the air and create a sea of fire, dimming the sun and moon."

According to the prophecy, the poisonous gas created will incite an unprecedented massacre. Then a Savior coming from the Kingdom of God will appear. This Savior will appear on a small island called Hsihu, south of Korea.

She (the Quan Yin messenger) pointed out that Hsihu, Formosa, is south of Korea, and is the place originally specified in the book.

Supreme Master Ching Hai claims that She follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. However, Jesus Christ taught us the idea of eternal life, while She talks about transmigration. Why would there be such a contradiction?

"Transmigration means: When people act against God's will and so create karma, they must come back life after life to repay it. Only after they have cleared all the karmic debt can they have eternal life. Every person is entitled to eternal life; it is only a matter of time! For instance, people kill just to satisfy their palates which is against God's commandment of not killing, so they have to take the retribution: 'As you sow, so shall you reap'. Until they have repaid the karma, they are not able to enjoy eternal life. Whether you believe it or not, accept it or not, this is how transmigration functions, and such is God's law."

The definition of food was described very clearly in Leviticus in the Old Testament, and in the Acts of Apostles in the New Testament, yet nothing was mentioned about vegetarianism.

"It is most important for us to realize that for many centuries there have been many messengers from God who continuously come, bringing God's teachings and messages; teaching us the right way to live in love, peace and harmony, and to respect the laws of the universe and the commandments of God. These messengers from God left their teachings in the scriptures, such as the Bible, the Koran, the Tao Te Ching, the Bhagavad Gita and Buddhist scriptures. Unfortunately, some of the contents of these scriptures have been changed in the translation of them."

"The importance of a vegetarian diet is based on the commandment of not killing. This commandment is in the Bible and all the great scriptures. Since it specifies 'no killing,' there couldn't be any other explanation. Besides, Jesus Christ was born into a vegetarian family, and He spent almost twenty years with the Essenes who were vegetarians for thousands of years."

What is the role of the Master? What does She offer disciples?

Some people in Chile are practicing the Quan Yin Method, a meditation method based on the
contemplation of the inner light and sound.

"Her aim is to teach us to become contented, honest and virtuous. She offers us a free meditation method by which we can practice to attain enlightenment, and to become wiser and more compassionate. This method doesn't discriminate with respect to gender, social status or religious belief. Everyone can practice, it's very simple. You don't have to forsake your job, social life or course of study. All you have to do is to sit down and contemplate on the inner light and sound," the Quan Yin messenger earnestly explained.

The above is some information about this Au Lac enlightened Master. Apart from being in the arena of enlightened Masters that's dominated by men, Her charitable acts and Her status as a fashion and jewelry designer make Her outstanding.

-- Celebrating The Mid-Autumn Festival
With Master height="330">

Responding to everyone's earnest request, the Superstar of the Universe goes on stage to sing.>

By Los Angeles News Group, U.S.A.

The Los Angeles Center organized a two-day retreat, initiation and an evening performance party to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, and specially invited Master to the reunion which everyone attended. Our loving Master delightfully accepted. Moreover, in order to satisfy those longing souls from all over the US, She particularly allowed fellow initiates from other States to come to see Her.

Once receiving the news, even though it was of very short notice, initiates and non-initiates from all over the USA, and some neighboring countries too, including Canada and Mexico excitedly rushed to the Los Angeles Center. With the help of God's blessing, their airplane tickets were even quite inexpensive!

After the first day's meditation sessions, everyone had dinner then began getting ready for the party. Suddenly, Master appeared at the Center, giving everyone a tremendously wonderful surprise, especially those from afar. A sister initiate from Chicago, who has been an initiate for several years without having the opportunity to meet Master even once, had countless fantasies about her first meeting with Her.

In reality, what she saw was a sporty white convertible car suddenly stop in front of her. In the driver's seat sat a chic lady in a white top and a pair of black and white checked overalls, wearing a pair of fancy color-changing sunglasses. Wondering who drove into the Center like this, the sister took a closer look at the lady and realized that She was the long-missed Master. The sister couldn't help but praise with great delight in her heart: "This is truly the Master of the Year 2000!"

Also a would-be initiate from Chicago saw Master for the first time and she commented: "Master is so cool!" Truly, Master's surprisingly stylish appearances offer disciples extra enjoyment whenever they see Her, adding more delight and joy to every meeting.

Stepping out of the car, Master was immediately surrounded closely by the overwhelmed crowd. She requested everyone to be natural and normal, saying that She wished to become one of us, so She could enjoy the time with everyone freely without pressure. Soon afterwards, accompanied by a couple of fellow practitioners, She took a walk through the Center. Upon seeing that a large wooden-framed picture of Her was for sale in the Book Circulation Center, Master asked the initiates beside Her: "How come it's so expensive?"

When someone answered: "Because the frame is very expensive," Master burst into laughter, and said to everyone present: "Did you hear that? Because the frame was expensive, I am not!" Instantly, She taught us a lesson about having an ordinary mind.

Later Master went to a bench where people were sitting having their dinner. She cordially greeted a new American sister initiate from New York who was so happy to see Her for the first time that she started to cry. Master sat beside her to chat. Others gradually crowded in front of them, and automatically sat down. Our Master, who always fulfills sentient beings' wishes, had to pick up the microphone and began chatting with everyone.

When asked why She drove Herself, Master humorously talked about Her experiences of taking driver's license tests. After She failed for the first time She refused to talk to Jesus for several weeks. Then She mentioned a joke about getting married to Jesus as told by Mother Teresa. Naturally, though casually talking about such things, She invisibly blessed the late Mother Teresa and Princess Diana.

Later, Master told everyone that She watched TV commercials late the previous night, and found the "secret" of how to become rich: By giving away free pagers to people on the street one can become a millionaire in no time. This made everyone burst into laughter.

Then Master commented that for those who attained enlightenment, they did not need to strive or struggle for money or anything. When necessary, whatever they needed would come automatically. Master has never tried hard to make money, but She always has money to help those in need. So enlightenment is the best because whatever is needed comes without effort.

It's like Master's paintings. She has never studied how to paint; however, She simply paints whenever She feels like it. Each painting of Hers only takes a few days or even a few hours. And every painting is a success, done in a completely different style. Yet for other famous painters, even striving their entire lives, they could only paint in one or two styles. Others can easily tell that the whole collection is by the same person. Master said that it is the best if we can make use of our inner creativity which is infinite, and that only creating is what we truly like to do, like painting. We enjoy it for the pure pleasure of creating without any purpose.

As Master talked with a natural flow, it gradually became dark. The bright moon ascended into the sky. She said that in Au Lac, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a children's festival and that we adults should all regain a child's innocence so that we can go back to the Kingdom of God or the Buddha's Land. If we can learn from children their acceptance of being content with their existence, living in the present and enjoying every moment, then even if UFOs appear in front of us now we wouldn't care about them. Later Master said, "See you later," and left us for the time being. Everyone finished their meal and prepared for the party

.

The party began. Master arrived in a beautiful, self-designed pink dress and in Her gracefulness, She looked like the descending Goddess of the Moon. Her charming and elegant demeanor was truly beyond description. Accompanied by thunderous applause and cheers, Master repeatedly greeted everyone in Her unique, graceful and cute manner. The whole venue was filled with a festive atmosphere of excitement and happiness.

The program began. All the performers including the MC's were all children fellow initiates. The programs included solos, trios, choirs, traditional Au Lac dances, tap dance, Italian dance, as well as instrumental performances including piano solo, zither solo and flute solo. Many of the moves in the dances were inspired by the children's meditations and choreographed themselves.

An American sister from New York sang an American song entitled "The Apple of My Eye" for Master to express her love for Her. Smiling, Master said that it was she who was Her "Apple of My Eye". The performances of the young artists kept Master, honored guests and everyone present in fits of applause and cheers. Many of the honored guests were professional artists; however, they were deeply impressed by the performances given by these young Quan Yin practitioners, and praised highly their talents.

Honored as the "Beethoven of Au Lac," musician and composer Mr. Pham Duy recites his exquisite work. He moved the whole audience with his superb performance.

  Hollywood star and director, Mr. Joseph Hieu narrates the story of his struggles in the performing arts industry.

The party was also highlighted by the special performances given by many honored guests. Pham Duy, the famous Au Lac musician and composer, who was acclaimed as the "Beethoven of Au Lac" by Master, offered to perform his unfinished Au Lac Opera "Kieu". The opera "Kieu" was created from the famous long narrative poem called "Kieu" that was written by the famous Au Lac poet Nguyen Du several hundred years ago.

According to Master's introduction, the poem is a masterpiece in Au Lac classical literature, and is the most beautiful ever written in history. It tells about the true story of a beautiful girl from a noble family who experienced a miserable and complex life. Master specially translated the main points of the poem for everyone. Throughout the play, Mr. Pham Duy wholeheartedly interpreted the meaning of the music using body language and facial expression, enabling the audience to vividly experience a poetically depicted, sadly touching, yet beautiful story.

A Hollywood movie star and director, Mr. Joseph Hieu told some stories of how he struggled in Hollywood for success. At the end, he said that to his own great surprise, on this full moon night, he found his true idol -- Suma Ching Hai! He further explained that years ago he went back to his home country, Au Lac, and visited his aunt and her husband, from whom he got to know about Master for the first time. Moreover, he found out that what made his aunt and uncle continue to live despite the great oppression and their poverty, was a cassette recording of one of Master's lectures. Although the cassette had poor sound quality due to frequent copying, they carefully transcribed each and every word from it, and read the transcription to him.

At that time, Joseph Hieu said that no matter who this Master was, She indeed had a deep sense of humor that kept these suffering people living for the next day! When saying this, his voice was choked with emotion and his eyes became red. He thanked Master on behalf of his aunt and uncle. Master lovingly comforted him and gave him a lot of blessed candies. That night, adults all seemed to become like children. And all the children performers went to Master for blessed candies.

Poet Phung Minh Tien recites the Au Lac poem "The Moon Of Reunion".

Another honored guest, the famous Au Lac songwriter Thu Ho, whose most famous song is "Motherland," told two jokes. He praised Master for Her versatility in writing lyrics to music, composing music, singing, writing poetry and painting, et cetera.

Another poet Phung Minh Tien talked about how 2,500 years ago, Buddha said that the moon was round. Just because of our different viewing angles from the east or west, we think it is a crescent or full moon. And today, science has proved that the Buddha was correct. Mr. Phung was touched by the harmonious atmosphere of oneness at the party, and specially recited an Au Lac poem entitled "The Moon of Reunion" dedicated to poetess Suma Ching Hai and everyone present.

Singer Phuong Vu (a fellow initiate) and his daughter Bao Tran sing for everyone. The famous Au Lac singer Le Uyen and Master were just like old friends when they met.

The singer and fellow initiate, Phuong Vu, accompanied his daughter, Bao Tran (also an initiate), on the electronic piano as she sang Au Lac songs. Master joined in the singing with her. Soon after, Phuong Vu invited Master to sing while he played the piano. When Master got onto the stage after repeated invitations, She humbly said that it was not Her turn yet, since the famous Au Lac singer Le Uyen had not sung yet. So Master invited Le Uyen onto the stage.

Le Uyen has known Master for years, and likes Her a lot. She asked if she could give Master a kiss to make everyone jealous of her. Of course Master granted her request and gave her a kiss too. She also complimented her on her clothes, saying they were pretty and exquisitely tasteful. Then Master simply sat at the edge of the stage watching Le Uyen sing a song written and composed by her and her husband, and an Au Lac folk song requested by fellow initiates.

Throughout the evening, Master taught us a lesson in humility through Her actions. Under the stage lights, Her innocent, fully absorbed countenance, and charming gracefulness enthralled everyone. Even Le Uyen, while singing, couldn't help but look at Her and went to hold Her hands.

Master stands to applaud the performers.

Finally, accompanied by the thunderous applause from fellow initiates and guests, Master stood on the stage! She said that in front of those Au Lac artist giants, She was only "the second oldest sister," which is also the title of one of the Au Lac songs composed by Mr. Pham Duy that She sang. Later, after earnest requests from fellow initiates and guests, She sang Her self-composed English song entitled "I Will Forever Love You!"

The grand finale of the party came when all the children who had performed held a lit candle in their hands, extending thanks to Master, followed by their singing "I Will Follow Him" that was dedicated to the guests and fellow initiates. Everyone present was full of bliss. Children were the happiest when Master and the honored guests went onto the stage to distribute nicely packed Mid-Autumn gifts to every performer. Even children who did not perform got gifts or blessed candies and cookies from Master personally, so that they could have a sweet and unforgettable Moon Festival.

Even though the performance had ended, the gathering to admire the moon while eating moon cakes had just begun. Everyone gathered in the dining hall to get their share of blessed candies, cookies, fruit and of course the moon cake. All the faces looked like those of children, lit up with happiness. Our lovely Master changed into light-colored casual clothes and came to the dining hall to mix with the crowd. She stood in the line for Her share of the moon cake. Once recognized by initiates, who surprisingly exclaimed, "Master!" She made a funny face and then went to another spot. Finally Master went through the crowd while everyone happily ate. Then She went to the kitchen to have a meal with the honored guests.

The happiest Mid-autumn Festival ever for the children.

Oh! It was truly a full moon reunion! What a perfect Moon Festival!