The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 93

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Video Tapes

(In English)

Spiritual Life And Professional Ethics (Part 1)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

The Purpose Of Enlightenment (Part 2)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

Faith And Experiences (Part 3)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

Faith And Experiences (Part 4)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

The Methods Of Spiritual Improvement (Part 5)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

Working And Growing Together (Part 6)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

Do Your Best And God Will Do The Rest (Part 7)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

Eternal Care From A True Master (Part 8)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

The Benefit Of Group Meditation (Part 9)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

A Christmas Eve Celebration (Part 1 & 2)

International 4-Day Retreat, Washington D.C., U.S.A.

December 24-27, 1997

Our Child Nature Is God

Moon Festival, Group Meditation, L.A. Center, CA, U.S.A.

Sep. 13, 1997 & Dec. 14, 1997

Entering The Blissful Union Of God

Group Meditation in Singapore Center

April 26, 1997

(Re-edited In Chinese)

Make Use of Your Almighty Power

Lecture in Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Formosa

April 19, 1991

(Re-edited In Englsih)

Reincarnation is a Fact

Spiritual Inquiry by a News Reporter, Penang, Malaysia

February 23, 1992

(In Chinese with Korean Subtitles)

Introspection Of Conception (1)

International Ching Hai Day Four-day Retreat, Hsihu, Formosa

February 19-22, 1996

(In English with Korean Subtitles)

Surrender Everything You'll Have Everything

Group Meditation in Hsihu, Formosa

July 12, 1995

Wrong Conceptions Will Lead Mankind To Disaster

Group Meditation in Bangkok, Thailand

September 14, 1994

The Devil's Mother-In-Law

Group Meditation in Hsihu, Formosa

July 15, 1997

Heaven's Perfect Being

Group Meditation in Montreal, Canada

April 18, 1993

Realize Your Divine Self

Group Meditation in Cambodia

July 19, 1996

Silence And Acceptance

Group Meditation in Hsihu, Formosa

December 23, 1995

(In English with Chinese Subtitles)

Cultivate Yourself And Become A Real Human

Buddha's Birthday International 7-day Retreat (5), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

May 11-17, 1996

How God Replies Your Sincere Prayer (2)

European 4-day retreat (2), London U.K.

August 24-27, 1997

How To Give Without Giving

Group Meditation in Cambodia

July 21, 1996

Let Your Life Be Harmonious And Beautiful (4)

International 4-day Retreat, Sydney, Australia

May 9-12, 1997

Celebration on Mother's Day

International 4-day Retreat, Sydney, Australia

May 9-12, 1997

Cleanliness & Beauty Reflect Our Godliness

Group Meditation, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

July 2 & August 31, 1997

(In English with Spanish Subtitles)

Forgive Yourself

California, U.S.A.

November 25, 1993

Follow Your Heart (1,2)

Paris, France

April 28, 1995

::::::::::::::

HUM.TXT

::::::::::::::

Difficult to Find

a True Master?!

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa

Cartoon By Sister Initiate Wang Hsiang-ru, Taipei, Formosa

February 20, 1996 (Originally In English)

One person lost a note and was searching for it outside under the street lamp. A neighbor came to join him.

Both of them keep searching and searching, but found nothing.

"Where did you lose it? "

"I lost it in the house."

"Then why are you out here on the street searching under the lamp?"

"Well, because there is a lamp here. In the house, it is too dark."

::::::::::::::

INV.TXT

::::::::::::::

Contribution to AmeriCares Invitation

President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush / Founders of AmeriCares: Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. McCauley cordially invite the Supreme Master Ching Hai to the AmeriCares Gala celebration. Master is unable to attend, but She contributes USD 100,000 to AmeriCares to foster the organization's charitable goals.::::::::::::::

LOVE.TXT

::::::::::::::

Activities of Love Held At the Same Time

To celebrate the opening of five Loving Food Land chain stores in Formosa, the Tainan store held a bazaar which included vegetarian food sampling, a singing contest, parent-child fun games, a flea market, and auctions to raise funds for the Ta Juye Tong Xing Institute, an organization that helps former prison inmates integrate back into society.

Local cable television and communication companies also conducted interviews, filmed the activities, and broadcasted reports of the events.

In Ilan, fellow initiates made financial contributions and gift donations to nonprofit organizations including the "San Francis Home" for senior citizens, "The Home Of God's Love" orphanage, "St. Camillus Center" for the mentally retarded, and "Tsz Huai Yuan," a halfway house for adolescents.

China Daily News - Formosa Monday April, 27, 1998 [Reporter Su Yijie from Chiayi]

Chiayi Bazaar Draws Attention To Abused Children

Chairperson, Zheng Huiyuan, of the Family Helper Association expressed her appreciation to the many participating organizations, including the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, and other benevolent individuals for their efforts in ensuring the success of this activity of love.

Formosan China Daily News reports the related news.

Combined Report On Relief Work

With The Poor And Orphans In Formosa

Love Beautifies Life

An automobile accident left young Mr. Li paralyzed by spinal injuries, but with each visit, Formosan initiates have found him to be more cheerful, optimistic, and happy. He occasionally visits hospitals in his wheelchair to bring cheer to victims with similar injuries.

Ms. Lin has been a victim of chronic disease for years and as a result her lungs have almost stopped functioning. Despite her intense agony, she directs her love toward folding bright, colorful, and elegant paper swans.

Initiates inquire in concern about the students in Hualien receiving financial aid.

The Yunlin and Chiayi Centers in central Formosa recently participated in a bazaar featuring the theme, "1998 - Year of Concern for Abused and Destitute Children in Chiayi."

A former inmate and member of the underworld, brother Wu receives a warm response at the reformation center, while the young listeners pay close attention to his sincere advice.

A heart-warming "Feast of Love and Spiritual Seminar" for the young people at a Formosan juvenile reformation center

Monthly Relief Fund For Needy Households in Formosa,

April & May 1998

City/County No. of Households Amount(NT$) Receipt No.

Keelung 2 4,000 1 Taipei 24 50,000 2

Taoyuan 4 8,000 3

Hsinchu 2 6,000 4

Miaoli 11 24,000 5

Taichung 11 22,000 6 Nantou 16 42,200 7

Chiayi 12 25,000 8

Kaohsiung & Pingtung 8 17,000 9

Ilan 2 4,000 10

Hualien 16 22000 11

Taitung 16 27000 12

Total 124 251,200

::::::::::::::

MS.TXT

::::::::::::::

The Mysteries

of The Universe

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hong Kong

February 19, 1992 (Originally In Chinese)

Our Earth has a pretty advanced civilization. We have many tools and machines that can make our lives more comfortable. However, in the eyes of a spiritual practitioner, our Earth is not quite civilized enough. There are spiritual practitioners who can travel to other planets and worlds in their spiritual rather than physical form. They can observe other planets and worlds and perhaps learn something that could benefit the people back on Earth. Some people can do that; some have written books on their out-of-body experiences.

Myriad Civilizations and Realms

This is not new to the Buddhist tradition. Shakyamuni Buddha, for example, knew and introduced many other worlds and planets to us. He spoke of the Medicine Buddha's and the Crystal Buddha's world in the east, the Land of Amitabha Buddha in the west, and myriad worlds, as many as the sands of the Ganges. However, not all of these worlds are civilized or of supreme levels. Some worlds are more backward than ours. Some are not so backward but neither are they civilized. Some are more technologically advanced but they differ from this planet in their way of life and spiritual level.

For example, some worlds can manufacture UFOs that can travel very fast from one planet to another. Some worlds produce UFOs for export to other planets. Perhaps our Earth would be able to purchase a couple of UFOs some day. This is not impossible. In the past, we never dreamed that we would travel from America to Hong Kong. And before Christopher Columbus landed on America, no one had imagined that it existed. Similarly, we will be able to travel to other planets at a greater speed than UFOs. We can use our wisdom, our soul, our inherent energy, to send ourselves out, and we will be able to go anywhere we want.

I realize that our world has undergone tremendous transformation recently. Many things have taken place. However, we still lead stable lives and our Earth is still inhabitable. Some planets are in far worse situations. In UFO-producing worlds, for example, spiritual practice may not be very popular because the beings there are tightly bound by machines. In some places, there may have been an overproduction of robots made in such likeness to the living beings that one could hardly distinguish them from one's own kind. Sometimes, the beings become too dependent on and accustomed to using machines that they become estranged from one another and have difficulty communicating. They would rather talk to robots.

I am not here to recommend these worlds or claim that civilized worlds are better than ours. Some are good and some are bad. Except for the truly great spiritual worlds, others are pretty much like our Earth. They are just a little more, or a little less, civilized. Those of us who practice the Quan Yin Method would certainly prefer to go to the higher levels and become liberated from the worlds of reincarnation. Reincarnation is not unique to our Earth only. Reincarnation, hatred, war, and disputes are common to many other planets at our level. The situation is worse in some worlds because they are more developed, their weapons and poisons being more powerful, and their destructive capability even more terrifying. So our Earth is still quite dependable.

We know that many countries and places are not as good, peaceful, or prosperous as Hong Kong. It is not that God is unfair. If we human beings happen to encounter or be born into this kind of situation, it is because we have chosen the wrong path for many lifetimes or hundreds and thousands of years. We did not write this present situation from the time of our birth. If we practice spiritually, we will be able to see our history of many thousands, millions, and billions of years. A person's soul is very special and his history very interesting. One is more than what one is known as -- Mr. Wang, Mrs. Liu, or Charles. There is a long and great history behind everyone. This can be verified. There are many worlds in our universe. When we human beings die, we move on to another world. Death is not the end of everything. There are worlds where we can learn about our past if we go there. Even if we do not practice the highest method, we can see both our past and future. However, a great spiritual practitioner can only find his past, not the future, because he can escape from his past karma, and create and control his own future.

Some of you may be practicing spiritually and know about these things. You understand immediately when I discuss these topics. Perhaps you have had this kind of experience and visited the mysterious universe. Those who do not know about it may find it a little unfamiliar. However, this is no big deal for spiritual practitioners. Just like when you learn English, you can speak English. Those who do not learn English, of course, do not understand you, while those who do, understand you as soon as you open your mouth. You can question and answer each other in a lively and distinct way, whereas those who do not know English, cannot. This is just a question of knowing and not knowing. It is the same with the many sciences in our world. Some people study medical science and some study engineering. They become experts and understand what each other says and does, but outsiders like us do not understand them. Some sciences are supraworldly, such as those related to research on life on other planets and finding out about our past and future.

The highest attainment of a spiritual practitioner is what Shakyamuni Buddha and Jesus Christ called "liberation from life and death, and return to the Home." Where is our "Home?" It is in a very, very high world. I am not referring to the distance, but rather, to the highest supreme world. There is nothing on this Earth that can compare with it. We may not want to stay on this Earth and want to go back to the Source from where we came. A long, long time ago, perhaps thousands, millions, or billions of years ago, we came here, to live together, open up and develop this world, and share our feelings and experiences. Some of our experiences are good and some are bad. Good experiences make us better. Bad experiences sometimes make us better and sometimes worse. Many good and bad experiences are imprinted on our subconscious, which records behavior and experiences like a computer. If we record only bad experiences, then we become bad people. If we record only good experiences, we become good. This is a learning process.

Sometimes we make what we call free choices, which we refer to as free will. When we first came down to this world, we can judge which experiences we want to absorb, learn, and cherish, and which to reject. However, sometimes we neglect ourselves, become sluggish, and stop caring about what is good and what is bad. The experiences bind us and we react each time according to them. If we consider it a good experience, we react in a certain way; but when it is bad, we also react in the same way. It becomes a habit and as we become more accustomed to it, we react in the same way more and more often. Our reaction is the same when faced with the same kind of situation. This is what we call karma, or being trapped in cause and effect. This is a habit that has formed over many lifetimes. It is a natural reaction. We record it and yield the same output each time.

That is not our True Self; it comes only from our brain. Our subconscious is like a computer. When we enter the inner world, we can see our own computer and know about our past actions. This is no mystery. If we do not think our brain is like a computer, then how do we learn things? The evidence is very clear. We can learn! When we learn English, we remember English. If we learn Cantonese, we remember Cantonese. It is like a tape recorder, a computer that collects and releases the data. This means that there truly is a so-called computer inside us, which we call the subconscious. Death does not destroy this subconscious, because it is not a material thing; it is a spiritual computer. We may say that it is invisible, but that does not mean we cannot see it. It is invisible only to our eyes, our physical eyes. To our wisdom or heavenly eye, it is not invisible. What I have been talking about is not of a very high level, but it is difficult to talk about things of a higher level. (Master laughs) I talk about these ordinary things so that everyone can understand.

If you heard what I have just said, that some people can see the past and future, don't think that I am being mysterious. No. I am only referring to a kind of computer that we can see. A visible computer can be seen with the physical eyes, while an invisible computer can be seen with the invisible eye. The difference is that we use different tools in different ways. I don't think that there is anything extraordinary or mysterious about it. Maybe it sounds mysterious the first time we hear about it, but, actually, it is not. It is very scientific and very logical.

We have been going through reincarnation life after life, because we cannot, and do not know how to, delete things in this invisible computer.

We can erase things in an ordinary computer or robot. We can dismantle it and loosen its screws so that its hand goes here and its head goes there. Then the robot is gone. Or we destroy our computer by just pushing a button. It will be gone because it is only a material computer, a material machine. However, our inner computer (Master refers to the mind here) is more powerful because it is not material. Unless we know how to delete the information with an invisible method, it will remain with us life after life and attract us back. When we die, we will take the computer with us because it is not material. Our physical body will decompose, but not the computer or the soul. Our True Self still will be encased in another body.

Manifold Layers of The Body

We have many bodies of different levels. For example, the physical body is thick and coarse, visible and palpable. Another kind of body is sometimes visible to our physical eyes but is impalpable. There is yet another kind of body that we can neither see nor touch but which we can feel. We can see it if we attain a higher level. Then, there is a kind of body which is quite unlike the body. It is a brilliant light, a power, and a great love. That is our true nature, our True Self.

If our True Self has not shed its coarse outfit, the outer box or clothes (like the physical body), the computer will remain with us life after life because we still have a form, which may be invisible but it is visible in another world. Sometimes we hear about a person coming back to make trouble after his death. Sometimes he appears to some people. Such things do happen. They do. Although his physical body has decomposed, his soul is trapped inside his astral body. What we have here is the "physical body." There is another kind of body called the astral body. It is still a kind of encased body. Our true soul, or True Self, isn't like a body. However, if we attain a certain level, it is convenient for us to manifest a body. Then we can appear to people. However, this is different from the situation where the soul of a dead person appears to cause trouble.

I have mentioned earlier that our computer records many things and there is no escape from the experiences. This is because once we have had these experiences, we think that it is all there is. We come back life after life because these experiences and information are here waiting for us. Death is not the end. The information is still here. We come back again for the information because we are not satisfied, not having studied enough about certain things. We have desires that we have only half-fulfilled or just started to enjoy when we die. So we want to come back again and enjoy them with another physical body.

The science of this world is not very good. This microphone would have been unnecessary during lectures in another world. In some worlds where languages are not used, a Master just stands there like a beam of light. He seems to have a body with no fine details. He is just a brilliant beam of light, glowing and flashing for the audience to understand him. Those worlds do not speak many languages, so neither translation nor machines are necessary. On our way to the lectures sometimes, the car just lies down and refuses to move in the street. The machinery in this world isn't good enough. I hope that some day we can at least travel to other planets in UFOs to look at their machines, civilizations, or methods of spiritual practice, so we can bring information back for our people's reference. It'll be more convenient. I can only talk about it, but I can't prove it -- not unless you practice the same method I do. If you practice diligently, you will see the things I see. You will know that what I have said is true. There is no other way to prove it.

For instance, if I don't learn Cantonese from you, when you say which Cantonese poems or traditions are beautiful and interesting, or when you speak about Cantonese history, I cannot believe or understand you because I have not learned the same things you have. However, I will do my best to explain it all to you because I believe that your souls within understand me. Your inner wisdom knows, while the brain may not, but what makes human beings the greatest is that we have the inner wisdom. It is this wisdom that has brought us here for the lecture. It is this wisdom that told us that it is better to come. It understands many things that the brain doesn't, because the brain is just a machine.

For instance, some robots resemble human beings but actually are not human. We have heard about UFO explosions, or seen strange-looking beings left behind by UFOs or disembarking from them. These may not have been living beings but robots made almost identical to the beings. Sometimes we mistake them for something else. There may be a kind of tool that helps us distinguish robots from beings because their inner structures are different. They have mechanical features, screws and computer chips inside, and not hearts, lungs, and stomachs. They cannot digest food. This will tell us what they are. Once we get closer to the robots, we will discover that they have no emotions. They are not like living beings. They do not know what love is. They cannot love others. But they are very smart and can make demands, sometimes very serious demands. Let's stop talking about these things.

Erasing Recorded Data In

The Mind

Now, let me discuss how we can liberate ourselves from the computer that records all good and bad things life after life. There is a method for that. Those of us who practice the Quan Yin Method can erase the records. We can erase the good and bad things, keeping only what we need. This is the only way to forget influences from the past that will lead us to liberation. This is called liberation from life and death. Those of us who know how to use the computer can erase all the information we have input into a computer as soon as we press a certain button. The same goes for the invisible computer. If we know the way to do it, we can delete the information quickly. That is why we can be liberated in one lifetime and become enlightened. What does enlightenment mean? Why do we become enlightened when we erase the information recorded in the computer? The information in the invisible computer inside us has masked the wisdom and the Truth that we should know. Our brain is filled with information from the past which we have collected and learned on Earth. The true information, which we had before we came to Earth, is hidden behind the mess of information collected from many lifetimes. If we can delete the messy information, our true wisdom and True Self that we had before we acquired good and bad experiences will appear. It will shine again when we have washed and brushed off the dust that covers it.

Some worlds don't have many computers. They are only wealthier than our world. The beings there don't need to do anything for food or clothes. They can use their will power and desire to create these things. They can do it. But their worlds are not the state of nirvana or the land of the saints. We can call them leisure worlds where there is nothing to do.

You may ask me, "Well, you always advertise for other planets and tell people to go and live there. Why don't you advise people to stay on Earth? After practicing spiritually, can we still stay here?" Yes, you can. My only fear is that you cannot develop your talents well. We get into danger here when we do things differently from others. Sometimes when people discover a good scientific method or invent a good machine, or find a good method to save human beings, others may become jealous and cause them harm. A typical example is Jesus Christ, who was crucified after only preaching the Truth for a little more than three years. If you are a Buddhist, perhaps you haven't read much of the Bible. But I've read the Bible and I know that Jesus spoke the Truth. The history and the wars that were recorded in the Bible were not spoken by Jesus. The Bible is not the same as what He said. The Biblical records covered events dating back to the creation of the world - additions that were included in the Bible and not spoken by Christ. What I am trying to say is that even a person who spoke the Truth, who advised people to do good and keep the precepts, was still not able to live.

Nevertheless, there is still hope for us. If each one of us practices spiritually, we will all know the code of ethics and understand the philosophy of Confucius and Lao Tzu. If we work on applying it along with advanced scientific studies in our world, our Earth will not lose to any other planet, except for the very spiritually advanced ones. Our planet can attain a very high level because it is quite good. We can grow things here. We have many mineral resources, like diamonds and crystal. We have lots of diamonds. They will not be so costly if we are to open up all diamond mines on our Earth to the people. Women everywhere will be able to wear diamonds. It will no longer be expensive to wear just a tiny one on the fingers. We have many, many diamonds, but not many are currently available because of their high price.

We can make many good tools with diamonds and crystals. The beings on other planets use these minerals to produce machines that can make their lives very comfortable. They produce UFOs and do many things for their good health and to serve others. Originally, diamonds were not ornaments for the people. They were a very precious mineral that could be used to make good scientific and civilized machines and tools. We cannot make use of them at the present time. We do not have scientists who are good enough to invent advanced equipment by blending diamonds, crystal and gold, etc. We may have them in the future. If we get a chance to contact other planets and learn from them, then together with the wisdom and support of the Earthians, we can make our Earth magnificent. I also hope that the time will come soon when the people on Earth will have greater comfort.

Our Earth is better than some other planets. Some planets aren't as good as ours. Their land isn't as good as ours; they can't grow things; they have fewer minerals, less gold and fewer diamonds than we do. But they live in different ways. Their situation demands that they survive in different ways. Their way of life is not as good as ours. They can hardly compare with us in terms of comfort and natural lifestyle. Although their machines are more advanced than ours in certain aspects, they cannot compare with us when it comes to the comfortable and natural lives we lead, to the amount of trees, fruit and agriculture that we have. Of course, there are planets that are more beautiful than ours; however, practitioners of the Quan Yin Method do not want to go there. I am only giving you a brief introduction so you know about it. We have better places to go to. The planets that produce machines are similar to our Earth, but they are not spiritually advanced. Some spiritually advanced planets do not even use machines. They can travel without UFOs and are highly knowledgeable. They can communicate without language. But our Earth isn't that advanced. The most advanced machines that we have are rockets. We don't have UFOs yet. Perhaps we will in the future.

Ways To Improve World

Civilization

I think there are two ways to make our world more advanced. One way is to practice the Quan Yin Method, develop ourselves, and find our true wisdom so we can follow other planets. Another way is to import UFOs and go up to see other planets. Or it will be such a waste of our Earth. Our air is very good. There are many things in the atmosphere besides oxygen that we can utilize. Perhaps scientists will discover in the future that we do not need gasoline, coal, or electricity, and we can come up with a very fast airplane that uses natural atmospheric gases surrounding our Earth. We have many gases that we can use. Then our Earth will not be filled with the bad odor from many cars, which pollute the air and are bad for our health. Our Earth is rich in resources. Our soil is very good. If you do or want to do spiritual practice but don't want to go to other planets, fine. But you still need to practice to make our Earth better. If we don't want to live on Earth, but we practice spiritually, we will have greater wisdom, do our work better, and be more capable of serving society. Our future generations will benefit from it.

Each day, every one of us works long hours, eight or ten hours. Sometimes we become so exhausted that we cannot help society as much or as quickly as we would like. We who practice the Quan Yin Method can develop our abilities more. Even if we do not want to leave the Earth, it is good too because we can serve the world more. We can go to other worlds to learn, because we have no good schools here. At the present time, our Earth does not have great schools of science that teach advanced sciences. So we should practice the Quan Yin Method. If you have found a better method or are practicing a good method, that is fine. If you cannot find one, you can try practicing the Quan Yin Method and you will gradually develop your wisdom. Or you can go to other planets to learn, so that you can serve the world when you come back.

If we continue to lead stable lives and do a little work each day, I am afraid that our world will not improve quickly. Even if great scientists will come here from other planets to invent machines and educate us in many aspects, we still have to prepare ourselves in advance. We have to be prepared with a high level of wisdom so we can assimilate the advanced knowledge and sciences they will teach us. No matter what, we should practice the method of wisdom to develop and nourish our wisdom. Then we can do anything. That is why Confucius said that we should cultivate ourselves and establish family harmony before we can rule the nation and bring peace to the world.

We have all heard about self-cultivation, and we have all worked toward that. It is not that we haven't. We all do. Because we are human beings, we practice the human method. We try to be a good son, a good parent, and a good citizen. We try to do our job well. We serve the country and show filial obedience to our parents. We help others and refugees who are weak and in need. These are all ways of self-cultivation. However, there are more beneficial methods of a higher level, such as spiritual practice, the Quan Yin Method. They increase our understanding of how wise and capable we can become, how we can contribute to society, and how we can make our Earth better. If we don't feel like going to God's land, we need more talents to stay here so that we can serve the public and make the world more glorious and comfortable for future generations.

Our present world is not uncomfortable, but it is not comfortable enough. Some places suffer severe shortages, while others are too extravagant. We cannot depend entirely on science or money. For example, we all know how strong and powerful nations have collapsed despite their flourishing economy and advanced technology because they depended solely on them. We have seen that happen. So unless we dig out the eternal wisdom deep within us, no matter how blessed or civilized our country is, we do not know how long it can last. This is not very secure. Many big and powerful countries have fallen under economic breakdowns because we have not realized our greatest wisdom and capabilities. So I would like to contribute to you this method, which can bring back your great ability and wisdom so you can do anything with it. You can use it to dash to the Eternal Blissful World, the Buddha's land, Heaven, or the Kingdom of God. You can also visit other planets to do research. If you want to stay here to serve humankind, it is fine too. This is my way of introducing the Quan Yin Method. Of course, whatever the method we want to learn, there are requirements to fulfill. Here, our emphasis is on being a vegetarian to avoid negative reactions. Being a vegetarian is also good for your body, health, and mental state. (Master points to Her wisdom eye.) I want to allow you some time to ask questions. When you do, I will explain more.

Selected Questions and Answers

Q: Is there a way to prove what you said about alien planets as not being an illusion?

M: I don't need to prove it because I have explained it already. For example, we have enough proof already if we want to know whether there are other worlds. Some UFOs and aliens from other worlds have visited our world. Newspapers have carried reports on these things. There are movies and TV programs about them. There are also pictures of them. You read more newspapers than I do, so why do you ask me? You have to read only a little to know that other worlds do exist. Of course, if you want to know everything about those worlds, you have to go there yourself. For example, you have never been to London, but you want me to bring London over here to you. How can I do it? You have to go there yourself. For example, you have never been to the United States. But I have, so I tell you about it, and that there is a place called the USA, but you want me to prove it. How can I do it? Even it is hard to prove that the USA exists, not to mention other planets. However, we can prove it, because we have seen UFOs from other worlds, right?

Q: How do the beings in a more spiritually advanced planet survive without food? They have nothing to eat and things don't grow there. How do they live on this kind of planet?

M: This kind of planet has its own way. Its land isn't fertile and is poisonous because of earlier wars with other planets, when the rich land was destroyed and turned poisonous. But beings can live underground. They do not live above the ground. So sometimes we send rockets to some planets and we find no one living there. It is because the beings have hidden themselves. They use a scientific method to plant things. They also recycle. With recycling, they can use the same thing over and over again. Water can be used repeatedly. Air can be used and purified again and again. Their machinery is more advanced than ours, but they are less fortunate than we are. Some planets are drier and their climates are bad, so their lives are harsher. But their machinery is more advanced. In some aspects, they're much more advanced than we are.

::::::::::::::

MS2.TXT

::::::::::::::

The Different Working Systems In The Universe

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Youngdong Center, Korea May 9, 1998 (Originally In English)

Actually the system of working in this world is of course boring most of the time. Because of survival, a lot of people have to waste their talents, time and precious freedom in order to earn a living. That's what makes many workers miserable, because they feel they are forced to do it. They are trained to do only one job and they can't change. But the perfect system would be that each one should be able to work the way he or she wants, and not because of the money. But then everyone should be provided enough to survive and with everything else extra, then you do what you want.

In some of other more advanced societies in the universe, you don't have to work for a living. Everywhere they have like a common kitchen, a common store. Everyone can exchange their labor, exchange their work, their crafts for the goods that they need and even if they don't have any, they can also have something. But if they want extra, they have to strive in different ways, and each one just contributes his talents or his abilities to society. Not for the money, but for the pleasure of it, for the honor of contributing. And money doesn't exist in those societies because they don't need any. You are always provided with whatever you need in such highly developed societies.

People don't need much; they know what they need and mostly just the basics. The rest of the time they spend leisurely developing their own talents, their own hobby or whatever field they choose to develop. That's why the more they are free, the more they are developed. They don't have to worry about the material necessities like in our society. It's an entirely different system and people are happier like that.

Maybe in the future our planet will be in such an environment, maybe in 3000 years (Master and everyone laugh) when everyone is vegetarian and meat would be a kind of naughty,(Master laughs) break where they have a restaurant very far in a remote corner of the planet. You have to take an airplane to go there to eat a meal and come back. (Laughter) If sometimes you want to be naughty. (Master laughs) Meat restaurants will be rare like we have vegetarian restaurants right now. Right now it's the opposite. In many of the planets, other systems, I've heard that they're more ideal, more ideal than ours. Our system is very physical, very physical. Everything is concentrated on survival, money, property, houses and all that. But in the other systems, they don't need that; they are provided. Maybe you don't even need a car to transport yourself around. Maybe you need just a safety belt, or a small apparatus, a button, and you just put it on your body somewhere; you just click and then you go anywhere you want. (Laughter)

Somewhere else you don't even need that; you just ride on the clouds, or a lotus, a blade of grass or whatever. That's more convenient, no pollution needed. (Master and everyone laugh) Our society is very physical, very dense in thinking and in the way we live, very dense. Other planets, their thinking is so noble, so light, if you happen to go there and associate with them, you feel you have not a worry in the world. You feel elated for no reason. You don't even need to meditate to feel elated, you just feel like you're in samadhi all the time. Your mind, your body is light like a cloud. Not that you become like an idiot or (Master laughs) blank in your mind. It's just that everything becomes so simple, and easy. All thinking is with no effort. Everything you do is just so natural, so spontaneous and so loving, that you don't even feel you're doing it; and whatever you do you get satisfaction out of doing it, because you do it with love.

Not like in our system here, where we do it most of the time for survival. That's what makes the job hard. Many people don't like computers but they have to do it, because maybe that's the most available job at the moment, high paying and easy. Then once they have trained in that direction, it's difficult for them to train in another direction. They keep you eight, ten hours every day already; and once you go home, you're exhausted. You have no other alternative. You have no energy to want to change. On weekends you have to do shopping, cook, wash your clothes, wash dishes or go out with your girlfriend.

Thus we ordinary people meditate, so at least we can survive in this world. When you do whatever job you do, at least you have more energy, more inspiration to do it. Otherwise, it's even more boring if you don't meditate, more burdensome. Unless you're totally materialistic. (Master laughs) You don't feel anything. Just go, come, go, come, eight to five, eight to five, eight to five and then you don't think, you don't feel any burden, any suffering. It's work. Maybe sometimes like a machine. Yes! If we still have some soul, a kind of remembrance of our origin, then working from eight to five will kill us. Many times it kills people but they become dull, they just accept it and they don't want to think anymore. They just go on; that's why many people have to reincarnate -- because they can't think in this life anymore, they've devoted more than half of their lifetime to working, earning, survival, necessity. So they don't have time to think anymore. So they have to be reborn again, to think. (Master laughs) And maybe they don't have time to think again in that lifetime, so then they have to be reborn again, again and again. Luckily we don't have to, because at least we have space and time to think about ourselves.

The Effectiveness Of Meditation

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai

Youngdong Center, Korea

May 9, 1998 (Originally In English)

That two and half hours that you invest every day, this will work for a long time, for thousands of years, because the time you enter eternity during your meditation, time stops. It's not only two and half hours. It's thousands of years, eons of evolution, of development. You enter a different time and space zone. Like this you're recharged and you come back renewed. So you don't have to keep coming back another lifetime to be renewed, or to be yourself, because for every one of us to be born, the purpose is to learn to know yourself again. That's all. If we don't do it this lifetime we have to do it next lifetime and the next and the next. So if we have time now, two and half hours, we do it every day. That means already we're doing it for millions of years. Each two and a half hours you put in, do not think it's only two and a half hours and do not think it's too much. Each minute you put in represents a lifetime. Because in eternity there's no such thing as two and a half hours, or one minute. It's always eternity. We're only counting time because when we're trapped in time then we know it's time. Once we're out of the time, there's no time.

The time for meditation is very precious. It's your hundreds of eons of evolution squeezed together. Just like a concentrated chip for the computer. Just a little chip like this contains thousands, sometimes even millions of bits of information. So, it's not the size. It's not the time, it's not the number that we are accustomed to. The time of meditation is a completely different time, different space. So, the more you enter into this timeless, spaceless space (Master laughs) the better it is for you. The more you know yourself, the more you are free.

::::::::::::::

MT.TXT

::::::::::::::

Comply With God's Will

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,

Youngdong Center, Korea May 12, 1998

Originally in English

You go home and tell everyone not to sit there and pray for Master to come to your place or your country. That can be terrible for me all the time. Just let it be natural. You can come to see me. It's good. Don't always say every time I pass by, "Oh, Master, come to Au Lac! Master, come to China! Master, come to Hong Kong! Master, come to Thailand. Master, ..." And in Thailand, there are different provinces! Then, even if I come to Thailand, they say, "Master, come to Chiangmai! Master, go to Bangkok! Master, go... go, somewhere, etc. They are just demanding the impossible! They just talk; they don't even care how I feel, and how I can make it or not make it. All of this is pulling me apart. Just demanding, demanding and demanding! And I'm really so tired. Sometimes, there are just two or three disciples somewhere, and they don't even come to see me, but just sit there and demand miracles. "Master, if You come here, then I will know You are the real Buddha! (Laughter) Yeah! Then, "I'd never, never, ever follow anyone else, I swear!" Just like that. It's just illusion.

We have a lot of things in this world to do than just see each other. If you want to see me, then come where I'm available. Don't just sit there, demanding me to prove that I'm a Buddha. I've proven enough already! (Master laughs) And if I'm not the Buddha, then don't bother to follow me. No one forces anyone. There's no need for me to go there to prove I am a Buddha or to give you initiation at the exact time, exact place and exact day so that you will know I'm a proven Buddha. It is not possible all the time. There's no need for that kind of outer proof. You know who the Buddha is, don't you? Who? (Audience answers: You!) No! You. Right! (Master and all laugh) You! You! You are the Buddha, and if you don't know that, I cannot prove it to you. I cannot prove it to you; I cannot prove that you are the Buddha. If, after all my effort, you still don't know, then goodbye. Go where you want.

This is ridiculous sometimes, you make me so much trouble. I just go somewhere, and without even having time to develop or to help that place, then someone tries to pull me some other way, because here looks so good. "Master puts all Her efforts here; they have so much fun here. Why don't we have it in our place?" Things like that. And then I have to make so much effort, just to buy another place somewhere else and try to make it exactly the same, just for the outer satisfaction of your mind. Otherwise I live in hell! (Master laughs) I'm sitting somewhere and can't even have peace in my life or accomplish anything.

Sometimes you do things without thinking. Please think before you speak, before you demand, and before you think of what you want from me. It's better to think of what you want from yourself, what you can do for yourself, and not what I can do for you. It doesn't matter how much I can do for you, it's never enough. It's you who have to do it, because you live with yourself every day. You know what you want every day. And whatever you want, it's more in your reach to do it, because you are in control of your destiny and your life, and no one else. Even the Buddha or Christ cannot control it for you.

So go home, and bring this message to your people. Tell them "Leave me alone!" I come when I'm ready, when it is God's will. Don't pull me apart; don't tear me into pieces! I can't do it. I can't live like that, and serve you at the same time. We have only 24 hours a day, I told you, and there are only so many things I can accomplish physically, physically speaking. I'm already a very fast worker. I do three, four, sometimes ten jobs at the same time. I work for hundreds of people. I mean, (Master laughs) the effort of one person is sometimes equal to ten or 100 people already. I still can never be fast enough. Also the machine sometimes runs out of juice, out of petrol, out of... I don't know what -- just runs out.

See, last night, I just had some fun with you, and today, no more voice. Just a little thing like that! Just have some fun. We could have more fun. Why does the voice run out? What for? (Master laughs) And then, so much dust we made (Master laughs) causes coughing, running nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, things like that. "What for?" I asked my body. "What for do you do all these things to me?" "What's the use for yourself or for anyone?" No! No use, but the body still does it. Still reacts the way it is chemically arranged. So, there is nothing much I can do for you more than I'm already doing. Tell the disciples, your people, your friends, your wife, your kids, whatever, "Please go on with your life. Meditate. Find your own Buddha." If we have the time to see each other, we have the opportunity if it is God's blessing, then we will see each other, ok? If not, just do what you have to do, and I will do what I have to do. Don't try to tear each other apart, just for nothing, really . It's not necessary that you have to see me. It is, but if you can see me once in a while, ok. If cannot, too bad! You should be happy that I'm alive already, that you still have hope, that I don't die so soon! Suppose I die, then what? You don't even have hope to see me. So just hope, but don't demand. Hope, and it is different. I come in my own time, when it is God's will.

Can you imagine, with all the people in every different direction, always praying the same thing, how I feel? Even if I want to, can I even do that? I have the manifestation buddy, b-u-d-d-y. (Master laughs) Manifestation "buddy" which runs the errands for me all over the world. But you don't want to see him. My "buddy" is better than me, more efficient! He can run a million jobs at the same time, go in different places at the same time. Why don't you talk to him, do business with him? I can just be at one place at one time with this physical body, and do one of a few hundred things at one time; cannot do more than that.

I can't even have a home because of all of your demanding in different directions. I can't even have a home. If I have a home, it would be better for you, even. You can always come to see me when I'm there. (Applause) But I can't have a home if everyone wants me in their private home, or even in their hometown, at the same time, or different times.

As soon as I build something up so that everyone can come to see me and stay there as long as they want and see me until their hearts are content, then, someone wants to pull me somewhere else, "It's better in our hometown! You make an ashram over there exactly like this, in our hometown, yeah?" This is a selfish demand, you understand?

That's why always I just build something up, and then it's ruined -- destroyed, damaged, or taken away from us, because your power of thinking is very strong. But it's not good for everyone, including myself, to run around all the time. I cannot see everyone at the same time. If I have a place and I can stay there safely, I can do my office work for you and reply to your letters on time, and then you can also come to me at your own time when your situation allows, or when you want to. I'm always there. Isn't that better? Yes! (Applause) I always beg you not to demand ridiculous things and impossible things. But as human nature, I just tell you this, and I turn around and there's another person, saying, "Master, come to Au Lac. We will buy land over there!" and things like that. It looks like they don't understand what I'm talking about. Have to repeat it, repeat it, but there's always some new persons come, and then you have to repeat it again and again. So, please help me! You do the job! You tell everyone just to shut up inside, okay? And just do God's will. Whatever God wants, it will be done. Don't always try to run the universe. Don't run my life, run my job for me, by demanding ridiculous things all the time. Even if I want to, can I do that? Can I run around all the time and see everyone as they demand? Cannot! This is a modern time, so we'd better use our modern advantage. We can have airplanes, we can have all kinds of equipment, video, and all that. We can be satisfied meanwhile.

It's better that I have a home, and then I can go sometimes here and there on a fixed schedule. And everyone knows this time Master is not home, okay, we don't go there to see Her. We go to see Her somewhere else if we want to, but at least there is a place so people can come and stay and wait for me, you know. See me whenever they want to see me. It's convenient for you. It's better that I stay still and then all of you can come. If I run around, it's very difficult to catch me. Right? (Yes!) If I go to Korea, it doesn't coincide with your schedule, your financial situation, or your liking. You might not like to go to Korea at this time, things like that. Or your work doesn't permit you to come at this time, so you come another time. If I'm somewhere fixed or something like that, it would be better.

And of course, I would go out now and again to talk to the world if necessary, if it is God's will. But it would be better if I stay still. That's what I think. But I cannot do it if everyone keeps tearing me in different directions, pulling in different directions. It's very tiring to withstand all this power also, very tiring for me. Just as if I want to stand here still, and everyone is pulling me in different directions, you know what I mean? And I have to always toss and turn around. Can you imagine that? So help me to get the message to the people! (Applause)

Acquire A Faster Vibration

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica

Feb 2, 1991 (Originally In English)

When your vibration is very low and very slow and you think slowly, you work slowly, and you speak slowly, what can you do? What kind of work can you do? What kind of service can you offer? Your level is so low and your vibration is so slow. The lower the vibration, the lower the level of life. So you see that the stones are solid; they cannot move. The trees can move a little bit, but only with external help. Then we come to the insects that can move, and then the fish and other animals, but they think slowly still. But now we are human beings; we must be faster. We must have a higher frequency, a faster vibration; otherwise, we cannot catch up, we cannot go, we cannot grow up, we cannot develop, we cannot improve, and we cannot progress. We cannot stay slow like that all the time, like when we were animals, like when we were stones, trees, or insects. We are different now. We cannot cling to the older vibrations anymore. We must move fast.

Because we have been animals in our last lives, or stones and trees in our past history, that doesn't mean we need to be there all the time, that we need to stay at that level. We must know now that we're at a different level. We must move. We must improve. We must make use of this opportunity to think fast, to do things fast, and the energy must run faster. Then we can run faster, faster, faster, until we have vibrations as fast as the Buddhas and God, so that we can become one with them, be as intelligent as they; then we become God.

We cannot stay there and make excuses for ourselves and blame the Master for pushing us. I have to push you. Otherwise, you will stay there forever. I have to stir you up to life, make you work fast, think fast, speak fast. You have to raise your vibration up to a very faster level: faster, faster, faster, still. Intelligent people react very fast. They think very fast. And the Buddhas and the saints, their vibrations are very fast; therefore, they work very fast. They can work a hundred thousand jobs at the same time because their vibrations are so fast. So fast that they just look like they're not working at all, but they're working all the time, twenty-four hours, and at every kind of job at the same time. Because they move so fast, it looks like they don't move. That's why they say "doing but not doing," -- because of that.

For example, if I'm a slow person, it takes me maybe so long to give her a piece of candy. If she is also slow to receive, then it takes one minute to receive a piece of candy. Then I take my hand back again [Master demonstrates by very slowly handing a piece of candy to a practitioner and slowly withdrawing Her hand.] Maybe I take another piece of candy, give it to the next person, and with difficulty, I take my hand back. I sit here, [Master leans back in chair and sighs] very tired! [Laughter] Now you see, I'm working. [Master very quickly tosses a piece of candy to a nearby practitioner.] There's a difference. It takes about half, or maybe one-third, of the time that it took before. It's the same action, same benefit, same thing. In the first action, it took so long and required so much effort. And the second action, chuck, chuck, [Master demonstrates a quick hand movement], like this. It doesn't look like I do anything. Now for the time it took me to pass over two candies before, now I can pass over hundreds of candies, or at least ten candies. The faster, the more candies.

The Buddhas, or the saints of the greatest order, also work like that, but so fast that it seems to take no time to give these things and take back their energy, or take back their actions. So it's just like they don't work at all, just like they perform no action because it is so fast, back and forth, like no time, no seconds -- not even a split second. It's just like they're everywhere; they don't move at all because they move so fast, faster than any worldly imagination, faster than light. The saints can do hundreds, thousands, billions of things at the same time because they are so fast. They don't need any time to do anything. It looks like they're doing everything at the same time because they don't need any time at all. It looks like they are omnipresent, but it's actually the way of working like that.

Even in our time, with electronic help, we can speak to different persons at the same time if we use the same microphone, or use a communications system. It just looks like our voice is right there to the listener, even though they are thousands and thousands of miles away and across two or three oceans and hundreds of mountains. They still hear our voice just like we are there because the action of the electronics carries our voice so fast, just like we are there. Our voice travels so fast with the electronic help that it sounds like we are right there. So like this, you understand the actions of the saints: fast, thousands, millions, of times faster than that. They don't need to use electronics. They have a different system of energy, that's all.

So like that, you can have a little bit of comparison and you can understand the way of working of the Masters. It's just a multiplying of the speed limit, and that's all. Very simple. And people make it so mysterious and think it's impossible. Why not possible? It's very easy and a logical thing. Just a higher kind of civilization, that's all. Just like thousands of years ago, we didn't know of airplanes, we didn't know of telephones, we didn't know of television, and now we're more civilized. We have a different civilization and we have this system. If thousands of years ago, people heard of our system, they would say, "Ooh! We're angels. We are from heaven. We're a different people." No, we're just human beings; we're just more civilized. Masters are just those who came from the highest civilization of the universe, that's all. We have never heard of this kind of civilization, so we are a little bit shocked. But maybe later we learn with them, and we become used to it. We just join their circle, their intelligent circle, and their civilization, and we become used to it. It becomes very common to us, just like we pick up the telephone and think nothing about it anymore. We just dial the numbers and talk, and for us, it is very common.

Now you have become a little bit more used to the system so you just use the wireless telephone and connect with me all the time, no? [Master chuckles] And ask for what you want, and you got it. Our telephone system is worldwide, universal, universe- wide, costless, and takes no time. There is no need for an apparatus, no need for wires, no need to pay, and no need to ask for installation -- nothing. It never goes bad, never gets damaged, [Laughter] and you don't need to use any numbers. Everyone has a number but there's no need for numbers. If I had to remember all of your numbers in my head, I think my head would explode. [Laughter] And not only are you connected with the Master, you're also connected with each other. Sometimes you can know what the others are doing or asking, to benefit each other simply by thought, simply by inner communication.

::::::::::::::

MV.TXT

::::::::::::::

Contact

By Sister Anita

"Contact" is a science fiction movie about a determined, strong-willed scientist, Ellie Arroway, who devotes her whole life trying to make contact with other planets. With tremendous effort and against all odds, opposition, and obstacles, she contacts a planet named Vega that is twenty-six light-years away. Through this contact, she is sent many codes by which to build a transport to travel to the planet Vega.

Through trial and error, and with the collaboration of various countries, the transport is successfully built. Ellie then travels to Vega at the speed of light through what is called a "worm-hole." After making the trip, which never in her life could she have imagined, she cries in total bewilderment, "No.....no words.....no words can describe it! They should have sent a poet, it is so beautiful." Regrettably, however, when the scientist returned from her eighteen-hour journey, which lasted only a fraction of a second in Earth time, scientists and intellectuals did not believe her experiences because she lacked material proof to back up her story. Nevertheless, due to this experience, she became more enlightened in that she was given a new vision of humanity and of everything she had ever believed in as a scientist.

This is a movie to which all practitioners can relate. After viewing the movie, I believe that it is based on an inner experience of a spiritual practitioner. The worm hole that the scientist traveled through is similar to the tunnel of light experienced by many practitioners and those who have had near death experiences. Also, I believe that the scenes where the scientist saw the whole universe so magnificently with the surroundings seemingly in watercolor textures, and her departed father coming from nowhere into existence, are all true. I too have had a similar experience when meditating but cannot describe it or tell about it because it is indescribable. This is the reason that practitioners should keep their inner experiences to themselves. When described, others cannot perceive them in exactly the same way and the true beauty and essence are diminished.

However, when the scientist told of her experience, no one believed her. The problems that the scientist had with the unbelievers are understood and shared by all spiritual practitioners. This is because, through meditation, practitioners experience incredible experiences and visions beyond our capacity ever to imagine if we ourselves do not experience them as well. Also, these experiences are beyond this physical world. Thus, we cannot use physical means to prove them. Even the camera of the scientist could not record any of the events of her journey because the vibration of the surroundings at that moment was different, much higher. Therefore, unless we ourselves practice, all the inner experiences and realizations told by practitioners will seem like fairy tales. And it is such a pity that the whole world is looking for solutions and answers to all kinds of problems and suffering everywhere but within themselves, where lie all the answers.

::::::::::::::

MW.TXT

::::::::::::::

Experience Of "All Creations Are One"

By Sister Initiate Rachel Sumner, Denver, Colorado U.S.A.

(Originally In English)

Attending the 1997 four-day retreat in Washington, D.C. brought many blessings and much peace and wisdom to my spiritual practice. Master's infinite love, compassion, and patience touched me deeply. Her noble and saintly quality was reflected repeatedly in the meticulous care She took of Her children. Master did not overlook one detail when caring for us, whether it was physical, spiritual or material. Under Master's loving guidance, all the initiates were allowed to attend initiation one day prior to the retreat. Upon hearing this, I was sincerely touched by Master's thoughtful consideration of Her disciples.

While meditating on the light during initiation, everything suddenly became very dark in front of my wisdom eye. I felt as if I were traveling quickly through this dark space. Soon the darkness was transformed into a soft, white-golden glow that made me feel very calm and peaceful. The glowing light soon extended beyond my wisdom eye and encircled my head. The light continuously grew outward until I felt I had become pure energy. I could no longer feel where my physical body began and ended. Soon I felt that the light was not my own but belonged and was connected to everything. I could see a part of this light in every living thing. Upon this realization I was overcome with bliss and contentment. I truly understood when Master repeats Lao Tzu's message that "All creations are one."

Thank You, Master, for showing me a glimpse of my True Self. This world is really full of illusions, so-called boundaries and limitations. By the grace of Master's love and wisdom, I was shown the Truth.

::::::::::::::

MW2.TXT

::::::::::::::

Disneyland in Heaven

By Sister Initiate Xu Qionghua, Taichung, Formosa

Thanks to Master's blessing, on February 1997, I won a prize from my company for sales performance that was a pleasure trip to Disneyland in Japan. This was my first trip abroad, and since I had not seen Master for a very long time, I had a childish expectation that I might miraculously meet Her overseas. Each time I arrived at an airport, I looked around hoping that my dream would come true, only to be disappointed. On the last few days of my trip, I finally pushed aside my yearning and the regret of not being able to meditate at home and decided to enjoy my visit to Disneyland and to our company headquarters. In the coach, I always sat alone in a corner, enjoying my journey of light (meditation) and looking with homesickness at the vast sky in my heart. Deep within, I constantly sent electric signals to communicate with Master.

On February 28, we arrived at the foot of Mount Fuji. My colleagues were very disappointed when bad weather obscured the beautiful landscape. Having spent the whole day in the coach, everyone was exhausted and retired early. My roommates had been notified in advance that I would meditate before I turned in each night, so they had gotten used to it after three days. Miraculously, I had a wonderful vision after about two or three minutes of meditation. I could still hear my roommates in the bathroom and everything else went on as usual, but I felt that I had exited from my wisdom eye. Suddenly I saw the dazzling Milky Way appear before my eyes in a kaleidoscope of colors. The Milky Way sparkled in the sky; a crystal carriage driven by crystal white horses came toward me from afar. Overflowing with love, Master appeared in a crystalline white lace gown. She alighted from the carriage, took my hand and invited me into the carriage. Really! Master took me on a tour of the Disneyland in heaven!

Riding on Master's love power and in the flying carriage, I was mesmerized by the unique beauty of the Milky Way. At one point, a brilliant spot appeared in front, radiant with beautiful colors. Master's power carried me into the center of this brightness, and there was a dark and deep tunnel inside. We continued to advance; under the blessing of Master's power, I feared nothing but wondered whether it was the tunnel that Master had mentioned before. Later we arrived at a crystal palace. And in this translucent palace, I saw the Godhead (Master) sitting high above. I was emotionally moved when I went inside. Oh, God, I wish I could forever stay beneath Your holy feet! I was overwhelmed by Master's love.

When I eventually exited samadhi, I glanced at my watch; the whole trip had taken me only fifteen minutes. I was awed by the glory of the Disneyland in heaven, with which the Disneyland in this world can hardly compare. Master's power is truly omnipresent! In contentment, I pulled up the blanket and entered into sleep. This trip to Japan was a fantastic reward.

Upon returning to Formosa, I visited the local Center to look for the painting "Stone Cave" relevant to my vision. It proved that all of Master's paintings are full of spiritual revelations. For more than ten days after that, Master came to bless me almost every day. She came to fetch me in Her crystal carriage and took me on a tour of the Milky Way again and again, endowing me with Her infinite love that comes with spiritual practice. Each time, the manifestation body of Master appeared in Her great crystal form, guiding me and even gracing me with a wonderful dance in Her supreme love for me.

Unveil The Eye's Outer layer Of Illusion

By Brother Curl, Southampton, U.K. (Originally In English)

On March 1, 1998, I had a really wonderful dream about Master. I believe it might have been the kind of dream in which Master teaches you, although I'm not sure which parts of this dream were 'dream' and which parts were 'teaching'. I know that Master gave a lecture but I cannot remember that part; however, I remember the most touching part of the dream and that was when Master picked up a camera, or some binoculars, and pointed them at someone's eyes. Master commented, "It's easy." (Meaning that enlightenment is easy.) I saw the person's face, then we 'zoomed' in on the eyes. It was like moving closer to the eyes, but they didn't get bigger. The outer layers of illusions just came away and we saw many things being unveiled. As the layers came away, the nature of the eyes (or what was behind them) became more and more wonderful. During this time, I remember being very touched; I was crying in the dream.

As we moved closer, (more inward), we saw a lot of things, such as planets, moons, etc., until everything went black. Then I saw someone playing in black water who was crying. It might have been black water or tar. I remember wondering if the place was like an empty space for any kind of creation that you want to put there (called the Void in Zen), but also I thought that the place might just be a big mess. Later I thought that perhaps the Void, or empty space, was okay and that you can have fun there, create what you like, but that after you have created something, it can become a mess. Then we moved out and looked down on the black water from a long distance so that it seemed like we were looking down on a black pond. The person I saw in the water before was still there, only smaller. There was a person overseeing the black pond who sent some kind of waves along the water toward the one who was crying. I remember talking with this person about Master. It seemed as if the person knew Master well, or was working with or for Her. However, I woke up about this time.

All of this reminded me of a phrase, "The microcosm is the macrocosm," which means that the Self (small universe, micro-cosmos) is one with the Creation (large universe, macro-cosmos). If I were to analyze this dream I would say that Master took me out of the body, past the levels of planets, stars, moons, etc., up to a dark region at the top of Creation (the black water I saw). The person could be crying because of being trapped within his own creations, not realizing that it's just a game that he has created, and the person overseeing all this could have been sending waves (the inner Sound, a kind of wave/vibration) to the suffering soul.

::::::::::::::

OP.TXT

::::::::::::::

A Hard Nut Cracks

By Sister Initiate Huahua, Taipei, Formosa

I did not believe in ghosts, gods or miracles, and I measured everything in scientific terms. Fortunately, however, I subconsciously believed that there is a Creator in the universe. In early 1980, I began to feel that something was missing in my life. Life could not be limited to the false phenomena of birth, old age, illness, and death. I searched through books of philosophy and theology hoping to find an answer. However, none could clear my doubts and confusion. To make things worse, I did not believe that man had a soul.

It was in this paradoxical state of mind that I returned home from a temple one day with a portrait of Shakyamuni Buddha. I put the picture in my room for occasional worship. Perhaps God was moved by this action of mine. When I was taking an afternoon nap one day, I distinctly perceived two words: "Ching Hai." I woke up immediately and wondered what they meant. Could it be Qinghai Province in mainland China? But the word I saw was "Ching!" I scolded myself for this senseless dream, and then completely forgot about it.

Shortly afterward, I had another strange vision in my dream. I saw many sentient beings fall into an orderly line and walk silently across a shallow river to the other shore. The riverside was paved with pebbles. Countless numbers of people were crossing the river and I could not see the beginning or the end of the queue. I was among them. A monk in a short white robe was standing on the opposite shore, quietly watching the people cross the water. I could not see his face clearly.

On January 1990, not long after my father had passed away, I casually said to my mother, "If I could see just one ghost, I would believe that man has a soul, and I would have faith in a religion!" I had barely finished my words when a childhood vision appeared vividly in my mind. I did not recognize it during my younger days, but I realized then and there that what I had seen was an invisible being.

To save me, God had been looking for chance after chance to convince my obstinate mind. The time was ripe. Coincidentally, Master had just begun to share Her teachings in public. I became acquainted with Her teachings through a colleague, and attended Her lectures before deciding to request initiation. However, I had already wasted almost ten precious years!

After initiation, I had inner and outer experiences as my faith strengthened. I realized why I had fallen into this world; I also learned about my past lives and about the beginning of the universe. I saw that the universe had come from a stream of bright light and a big bang, just as the studies by scientists today assert. In another vision, I saw a dense conglomeration of extremely brilliant spots, exploding incessantly in all directions in the vast cosmos. My attainment is testimony to the truth behind the teachings of Master Ching Hai. If I had not practiced the Quan Yin Method, it would have been impossible for me to learn so much about the truth of life in such a short span of time!

Voyage Through The Universe

By Sister Initiate Liao Si-mei, Taipei, Formosa

I remember that agonizing moment in the abyss of life,

When by God's grace,

I met You, Master Ching Hai.

Sublimated instantly,

An unmistakable feeling of boundlessness,

free of cares and worries,

Immerses me in the ocean of love.

With my faith in You,

My phobias about this world have I overcome;

In worldly life,

You have given me many chances to learn and grow;

How wonderful is the feeling of spiritual evolution.

Yet, in the battle with the mundane world,

There are torments and agonies.

Believing that I can reach the Source by struggling upstream,

I practice diligently,

Overcoming obstacles and bottlenecks

On my way uphill.

Exalted at my spiritual elevation,

Never have I become sluggish.

Always have I reminded myself,

Ephemeral is this deluding world;

Only when ultimate liberation have I attained,

A blissful voyage in the universe can I enjoy.

::::::::::::::

PO1.TXT

::::::::::::::

An Ode To

Supreme Master Ching Hai

By Brother Initiate-to-be Zhou, Mainland China

Inspired By Reading "The Master From The Himalayan Cloud" (Based on an ancient Chinese poem "Sui Diao Ge Tou")

For eons I have craved,

To heaven I will soar,

Visit every sun, moon and star

Discern the whole universe.

Trapped in this deluding world

Are uncountable sentient beings.

The darkest night is unending,

Mercifully Her holy heart grieves,

Like falling pearls Her tears rain.

Radiant light

Fills the cosmos,

Illuminates sleepless nights.

As the sun and moon traverse the sky,

Emerges the ultimate Truth.

Greatest Master of our time She is,

Sowing seeds of perpetual bliss

And the whole world rejoices.

In golden light the great Earth shines,

Innumerable eons one can rarely find.

::::::::::::::

PO2.TXT

::::::::::::::

Renouncing

(Based on an ancient Chinese poem, "Reminiscence of Southern China")

By Sister Initiate Li Yazhen, Taipei, Formosa

Ecstatic in samadhi, nectar water I taste.

What a fantastic wonderland I have reached.

In the void of mind, gems of wisdom accumulate;

Why struggle for profit and fame?

::::::::::::::

PW.TXT

::::::::::::::

Heaven And Hell

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Singapore

March 3, 1992 (Originally In English)

We may liken hell and heaven or goodness -- I mean positive energy -- to energies. In the universe, all matter, all things, are created by energy, and we call that "Creative Force," or we might call it the "Creator." Because the energy has been scattered in different directions, all the energy has now scattered all over the place in the universe and become different worlds and different beings. These beings will acquire their individual states of thinking or levels of consciousness, and according to the inter-reactions among each other, they will generate another kind of energy.

This kind of energy, we will divide into two categories. The first one we can call "positive" energy, or we say God nature, heavenly force, or Buddha nature. The second category, we can name "negative" power, evil or dark force, or the opposite of goodness. Now, the goodness and the positive energy are side by side with the negative. Whenever any beings, be they devas, angelic beings, or earthlings, worldly people, generate goodness, tolerance, loving compassion, and cooperation with each other, then this energy will be categorized as good, the God force, or positive power. And then the more we think good thoughts, the more the beings generate this kind of goodness, the more positive power we have in our atmosphere, in our world. Whenever we or any beings generate hatred, bad thoughts, or any kind of negative tendencies, actions or speech, we add it to the negative storehouse of the atmosphere, which is what we call the evil force. This force will breed more hatred, more wars, and more disharmony in our world or in any world in which these people happen to reside.

So that is the reason we should always generate goodness in our thoughts, in our deeds. In thoughts, deeds, and what else? Speech, yes, to derive the goodness that we have sown. That is why in the Bible it is stated, "As you sow, so shall you reap," and in the Buddhist scriptures, it is stated that if you do good deeds, you'll get good results; if you do bad, then you'll reap the results thereof. Most scriptures mention the same things. In order to reach heaven, it is logical, now we know that we have to tune into goodness, to the positive part of the world. And the more we step into goodness, the nearer the goodness, the more we merge into this heavenly quality and the more we are near to heaven. The negative force may exist in our neighborhood, but it will not affect us. For example, we have lights in our house, neon lamps, and outside our house may be darkness, but when we step into our house and stay there, we can read, we can work, we can play, we can see our loved ones and all the surroundings. The darkness outside will not affect our light inside the house. So that is a very simple and a kind of basic explanation about good and evil, heaven and hell.

If the negative power is very strong, then it creates a kind of very condensed atmosphere. Whoever happens to be drawn into it by his own or her own actions will experience the so-called hell, where the most intense agonies, repentance, and guilty feelings will torture them until they have paid off the bad thinking or deeds that they have done before. We can avoid that. We can avoid this stage of agony, which is called hell, if we turn to goodness now.

There are two kinds of heavens. One is temporary and one is permanent. The so-called temporary heaven can be earned by doing good deeds, by avoiding evil, and by practicing religious penance or believing in some religion or the God of your faith, by prayers, reading scriptures, and trying to live accordingly as much as you can. Another kind of heaven, or kingdom, or what we call the ultimate Kingdom of God, is the permanent, eternal, everlasting one that requires more effort and that requires the grace of the Almighty, the God nature, or the God within us.

::::::::::::::

QA.TXT

::::::::::::::

Resurrection

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Youngdong Center, Korea

May 6, 1998 (Originally In English)

Q: I had an experience a couple of weeks ago when I was meditating. I fell forward and I kind of surrendered to that great power. I saw myself coming out of my body, but this way, down, down this way. I just wonder if that kind of leaving from the body takes me to the lower realm if I go down instead of coming up?

M: It's just your feeling; there's no down, no up in that dimension. But did you feel good afterwards?

Q: Yeah. But at that time, it's quite frightening. Fast speed and it was like going through a tunnel.

M: You went through the transmigration tunnel. You were dead for that moment. That's why. You came back to life. That's what a real resurrection is. It's good. No problem. Don't worry about it.

Why Do Masters Need Initiation

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.

December 14, 1997 (Originally In English)

Q: When the masters who are born as masters come to this planet, why do they need initiation or why do they need a master?

M: They don't need one, really. But do you remember what Jesus said? "Let the law be done." He was baptized by John the Baptist, and people also asked him the same question. He said, "Let it be done." Let the law be fulfilled -- the law of the physical universe. Suppose I come to the United States and I'm a British citizen, I have to obey the laws of this country even though they are a little different from England's. I have to drive on the right side, and not on the left side like England, or I will get into trouble, just to be like everyone.

And why not? It's no big deal to have a guru. Besides, if you have a guru, then everyone else also follows. If you have your master, they feel it's normal that way. If everything is too miraculous, it scares people also. Suppose I just drop down from heaven and say, "Here I am, the Supreme Master, blah, blah, blah..." I think people would not like it that much. They would think it was hypnotism; they'd think it was cheating, or the workings of the devil. You really can't. It's already bad enough that any master should take the physical form, any form of the physical body, because many people cling to that form. They think, "Oh, this is the form of the master, any other form is no good."

God cannot always appear right here in front of us in one form or another. Suppose Hes were in the form of Jesus; all the Buddhists would say, "No, no, not for me!" And suppose Hes appeared in the form of the Buddha, like many people would like to see, then the Catholics would say, "No, no, that's heretical," and things like that. It's very difficult. So we have to find the Truth inside; it doesn't matter whether the master has a guru or no guru. He comes here; he has to eat; he has to be born, and physically he has to grow up, has to study, and everything else is the same. So, it's the same with initiation.

Also it's good to be humble, to sit at the feet of someone, to learn to be a disciple first. It's no problem with the master. The master can be anything, so why not a disciple? Besides, another thing I want to tell you is that any master who comes to this world physically, all the memory, all the glory, and all the power, are wiped away from him after the age of maybe four or something. Then he doesn't remember anything. Like everyone else, he has to learn anew. He has to get the key again, the key from a living master, who hands over the key to him.

Q: Some masters, when they get initiated, they get self-realization very fast, in six months to one year, and some require years, all together twenty years, twenty-five years, and then they experience self-realization, even though they might be born masters. Why such a long time?

M: Oh, no problem. It's just their own wish to do that, just to show many different people that, okay, you don't have to be fast. Even me, I took twenty-five years, so don't worry about your own slow progress. It is just that the master is trying to show people, encourage people. For example, suppose I get enlightenment, realization, "great" realization in six months, and many people like it. A type of people who like that, quick, come to me and say, "Oh yeah, if She got it in six months, I can get it in six days!" (Laughter) Some people feel inferior if they take too long. If they look at some other master, either in the past or in the present, and say, "Oh, that master took twenty-five years to become a Buddha, so I'm okay. Even though I don't progress very fast now, look at that master. He was born as a master, and he still took so long." So it doesn't matter very much. That's one thing.

Another thing is that there are two kinds of masters. One master is made, and another master is born. The "born master" is quick. And the "made master" is like any of us here, who has been wandering so many centuries and thousands of lifetimes in this world. It's the first time he comes to realization and he endeavors to become a master. And it can be his destiny, his predestination. He's destined to be like that. And the other master is born by destiny, born with the glory of the master already, with all the power from the past, present, and future to bring to this world to do the work. So that's fast. There's no difference between being slow or fast, because we have all been masters in the past anyhow. It's just that some masters have realized it already long ago, and come back again as born masters. And some are just newly-made here.

Q: Some of the perfect masters, strong masters, sometimes never come out from the caves of the Himalayas. They continue to stay there, and only a small number of people can get the benefit from this.

M: Oh, that's the master's work. Who are we to tell the master what to do? Each master has his or her own destiny, or own mission to do. To sit in the Himalayas is just as good as to preach to the people. Some masters like to go out to share the joy with the people, and some masters just sit there and benefit others by radiation, by their presence in this world. It's fine. Some doctors become professors and teach in the university. Some doctors just work in the hospital. Some doctors retire and don't work. (Laughter & applause.) We benefit from the master not only in terms of the physical presence, but there are also good will and light from the master when he meditates in the Himalayas, or meditates anywhere. But of course it's more direct for those who have affinity with some certain masters, coming in contact with the physical master so they can realize it more quickly. And the other master sometimes sits in the Himalayas and mentally or spiritually supports the working masters. Everyone has his or her work; no problem with that.

Master Knows Everything

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Youngdong, Korea

May 6, 1998 Originally In English

Q: Is it correct to say that You know everything but You only choose to respond to some thing and another thing You just don't respond to, even though You know.

M: I also don't know. (Master and all laugh) These are very intellectual issues. You know, the mind is different from the soul. The body is different from the Master power. The body eats, but the Master power doesn't. The body sleeps; the Master power stays awake 24 hours. The mind responds, and the Master power just acts with knowledge; it doesn't react.

The Master power has to be above the body, outside the body and inside the body, in order to know everything at the same time . And if it's not really necessary, the Master power does not direct the mind to understand that, or to do anything. If it's really necessary, then the Master power will direct the mind to do something, to react to something physically. If not, the Master power just does it in the abstract sense, outside of the physical realm. Not that the body can understand. Not that you and I can understand. Not that the brain can understand.

The Master power works 24 hours nonstop. The brain can get tired, get overloaded, get exhausted because of too much information, too much stress or too much thinking. The Master power never does. So what you're referring to right now, whether I know or not know, refers to my brain. In order to know the way you think I should know right now, I have to use the brain to know the way you think. But that's also the brain's domain. Knowing is the Master power. The mind can be briefed about it, with a little information. It doesn't have to know.

If that thing is really important, the Master makes the mind react, makes me react. "Me," in the physical sense that you see. However the "me" who is the Master power always does something, always knows everything, but not in the physical realm. In the physical realm, if something happens, if something is necessary, then the Master power directs the body and the mind to do it for that particular thing, particular event, only. Not everything else that the Master does the body should know, or the brain should understand, because the brain and the body are limited. They'll burst, explode, become exhausted, be overpowered, cannot take too much. So, the Master power does things, not always with the body and with the brain.

Even the physical Master's body and brain can only take so much. Just like your car, it doesn't matter if you are a president or King of the Arabian world, you can't drive your car all day, all night, every day, every night. Even if it's a Rolls Royce, a Volvo, or a Mercedes, it needs a rest sometimes. It needs gas, it needs a lot of things. But actually, the Master's body is more than a car, of course. It's different. But it can get exhausted also, because of the law of the universe, the material law. So that's why I tell you, just take my teachings, do the meditation, and don't bother about what the body does or what I'm doing.

::::::::::::::

QA2.TXT

::::::::::::::

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Youngdong Center, Korea Mid-May 1998

Recorded By A Quan Yin Messenger

Q: Can an initiate's child learn the Convenient Method when he has already received half-initiation? How old should he be to learn it?

M: Don't teach children to meditate. Children may not learn the Convenient Method. If the parents are initiated, their children may receive half-initiation at the age of six or above, and full initiation at the age of twelve or above. Otherwise, they have to wait until they are sixteen to learn the meditation. (That means only those aged sixteen or older may learn the Convenient Method.)

Q: Can one meditate for more than half an hour if one is practicing the Convenient Method?

M: One daily half-hour of meditation is enough. It is safest this way. If one wants to meditate more, one may request initiation. For Convenient Method practitioners, thirty minutes is good enough. It means thirty minutes in total a day. It doesn't mean thirty minutes per session, or thirty minutes in the morning and another thirty minutes in the evening.

Y Y Y

Q: The third level is the world beyond cause and effect. Does that mean that one is completely beyond karma once one attains that level?

M: One doesn't have the past or future karma anymore, but will still have the fixed karma. Some of our Quan Yin Method practitioners have already attained the third level, and they are still in this world because of their fixed karma. But when they meditate or sleep, they are in the third level; this is just like having dual citizenship in this world.

Q: Does that mean when one reaches that level, one will not be affected by one's doings or incur karma?

M: Even when you have gone beyond cause and effect, if you deliberately commit new karma, or kill a person, you still have to bear the consequences.

Aphorisms

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai

(Originally In Chinese)

Seek the Truth more than anything else. This is concentration.

We should live each day as if it were the last day of our lives.

Accomplish all you have to do. Don't defer until tomorrow

anything that you can do today.

(Originally In English)

When we meditate, we try to ignore our weaknesses and sins, and

try to concentrate on the purity of the True Self,

on the higher note.

::::::::::::::

SL.TXT

::::::::::::::

Romanticism

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, Opening Ceremony Of Youngdong Center, Korea

May 6, 1998 (Originally In English)

This occasion is very sacred and also very romantic. (Master and everyone laugh) (Applause) I like a romantic atmosphere . Romantic doesn't mean only the loving atmosphere between two people, like a man and woman. Romantic is something that is very sacred, very noble, very poetic in the air, which we ourselves generate from within our heart when we feel very loving, very peaceful, very kind, very gentle, and we feel so good about everything, about everyone around us. We walk slowly, we talk gently, we think very, very nobly and poetically. That's what I call a romantic atmosphere. Today we have it. (Applause)

I think in the modern times, we have a lot of advantages, as I told you yesterday. We have airplanes, we have super electronic equipment, so that we can contact each other. We have television, and we have all kinds of conveniences afforded to us so that we can be here in a very short time and stay together and enjoy all this comfort. Even if we're not together, later we can enjoy the memories of this occasion at home through video tapes, television, audio tapes, and songs, as well as our own recording system in our brain. But nevertheless, in the modern times, due to this high technical development, it has somehow destroyed a little, if not a lot, of the romantic atmosphere of the old times, such as the clothes we wear, the way we walk, the way we talk together, the way we think, and the way we write and express our thoughts inside. It's not as poetic and leisurely, romantic like the ancient times. That's what we miss sometimes. That's what I miss a lot of times. And on such occasions, we bring it back.

I don't know whether we've forsaken our poetic nature, our romanticism, inherent inner beauty, or whatever we've done to ourselves, that nowadays most of the time we think more of finances. We think more of material comfort than the caretaking of our inside beauty or even our own representation outside of the inner beauty, such as nice clothes, walking with dignity and manners, talking with gentleness and sweetness. It's very difficult for all of us nowadays to talk even in a sweet tone, even if we want to, because everyone else talks in a harsh tone quickly and loudly. Sometimes I myself feel very lost in this world, I don't know how you feel. Not sometimes, often times, especially when I'm in a very poetic and romantic mood and I have to deal with the people who are less romantic or not romantic at all. Then I do feel lost, or that I've lost something that I don't know, just sadness. I feel kind of out of this world, born in a wrong world.

I guess you feel like that sometimes, don't you? Yes! So, why don't we all try to get that back. Not only during our meditation, but after, before, and all the time that we deal with people. I know it's difficult even for me. You know I write poetry. Even though in the old times when I was younger, maybe my poetry was not all that polished and perfect the way I would have liked it to be, the way I would like it to be now. I did not understand as much as I understand now. But still in my heart I'm a poet; and I like to be like poetry, like a dream, like romance.

But many times I have to face situations where my poet inside runs away from me, because I can't bear the crudeness of the reality outside. Then I have to talk the way other people talk, I have to act the way other people act, and so on. After that I just sit down, feel quiet and sad, feel as if I've lost some part of myself, feel as if I shouldn't have done what I have done, shouldn't have said what I said, because it wasn't me. It wasn't the way I like myself to be. But it's easier for you, perhaps as an individual, a not too famous individual, to try to get back your romantic, soft, gentle and sweet nature; and try to preserve it.

It's better that we preserve our real self, so that we like ourselves better. It doesn't matter if anyone else likes us or not. We have to like ourselves and that is very, very important. Otherwise, you go through life miserably and you're always on the defensive. Anything hurts you. Even though people mean well, you misunderstand. You hurt yourself and you feel low about yourself. That's not very good. So, let's try maybe from today to represent ourselves the way we want whenever possible. Don't let the habits of this world drag us into a different, rude, coarse kind of atmosphere in which we feel uncomfortable, in which we find ourselves very confined, very suffocated, very lost, and most often times, very sad. It is of course more convenient for us a lot of times to run around fast and to talk in a very irresponsible manner. (Master chuckles) But whenever we can, we should try to go back to the soft side, to the romantic side, like the way we have today. It's very nice to have a romantic atmosphere. Don't you think so? It feels good. (Applause)

That's why people fall in love. When we are in love we talk softly, we feel elated. But we can create that ourselves, too, every day; create this kind of romantic atmosphere and carry it in our pockets. Carry it around with us. So when people see you, it's like they see a flower, like they see the sun, like they see the moon. And they also may get infected by the romantic atmosphere.

It's difficult nowadays to tune in to the poetic atmosphere of the old times. But maybe sometimes we can try, just for a change, just to be away from it all, to be away from the hassle feeling every day, to be away from the rough atmosphere of the world. And feel ourselves again. It wouldn't be bad, would it? So, next time if you go on retreat, or if you come to see me sometimes, you can put on your beautiful dress, or bring one, at least. It won't hurt to bring one. It doesn't have to be expensive, or colorful, it can be white, can be any color that you like. Just when you put it on you feel soft, you feel gentle, you feel romantic, you feel very, very poetic, feel like a fairy, an angel, feel like you're in the celestial world. That's very good.

::::::::::::::

SP.TXT

::::::::::::::

Report From Togo, West Africa

In a news report on the recent establishment of the Togo Center published under the headline, "Supreme Master Ching Hai Is In Our Home," a local newspaper recounted the story of Supreme Master Ching Hai's quest for the Truth and introduced Her teachings to the local community. Two local radio stations also broadcasted regular programs on the Quan Yin Method and along with recitations of Master's aphorisms. As a result, many people have visited the Center to inquire about the Quan Yin Method, watch videotapes, read books, and request initiation or to learn the Convenient Method of meditation. Many have wonderful experiences to share even though they have just learned the Convenient Method, once again giving testimony to the omnipresent power of an Enlightened Master that can be felt by anyone pure and serene at heart.

Amiable, enthusiastic and pure at heart, fellow practitioners hold weekend or Sunday group meditations, often followed by out-of-town trips to distribute sample books and magazines. With Master's blessings, they try their best to occasionally travel to neighboring countries to share their bliss and joy with even more people.

Report From Arizona, U.S.A.

On April 5, initiates of the Arizona Center joined in a fair entitled "Foodstock," which was designated as a day of celebration to promote vegetarianism and protection of animal rights. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Vegetarian House was invited free of charge to be the main provider of food for the people.

Many people walked away with a News Magazine and a sample booklet in their arms. Some people just sat completely tuned into the TV screen, mesmerized for hours just listening to Master's lecture.

Report From Sri Lanka

When the Quan Yin messenger came to the capital, Colombo, she visited the Bhikshu Training Center on June 3, 1997 and met its old abbot and the monks in the temple.

A vegetarian feast was held on Aug. 22 to promote vegetarianism and to share Master's teachings. Consequently, many people learned the Convenient Method of meditation and received initiation from Master.

Report From Mexico

On February 28, a video seminar of Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings was held in Tuxpan, a small city north of Veracruz. It was announced via a press conference through the local newspapers, and news media, including "Dictamen," "Tlacuilo," "La Opinion," "Radio Calor 93", "Radio Azul," and local TV, also participated. The video seminar was held at the Regional Cattlemen's Union with the help of the City through the General Directorship of Museums and Libraries. Even though the auditorium was packed, with many people standing, they listened with so much interest and concentration that they did not seem to notice the intense heat.

After the video seminar, the Municipal Government of Tuxpan invited the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to participate in the "Tuxpan 98" Book Fair on March 25-31.

On the opening day, the Mayor visited each exhibition booth to thank them for taking part in this grand event and gave a commendation to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.

Report From Costa Rica

The celebration of Master's birthday was beautiful. We all had a lot of fun. I feel incredibly happy with the group, like a big family, and I love everyone because they all make me feel in some way like we are at Home again with our loving God.

~ Feelings of a Costa Rican initiate ~

Report From Melbourne, Australia.

The Melbourne initiates regularly prepare food and clothing for the homeless at the South Melbourne Community Center. To help them feel special, the homeless were served as if in the finest restaurant and the initiates also joined them at their tables to enjoy the meal with them. Many of the homeless were overwhelmed by the unexpected loving kindness. A very special and warm atmosphere made everyone feel like one big family and the guests graciously accepted the care and rewarded the initiates with their happiness.

The Melbourne Center also participated in the Mind-Body-Spirit Exhibition (June 6~9). Numerous spectators visited their booth, which kept them very busy. However, all were very blissful within.

Report From

Hsinchu, Formosa

Celebrating Mother's Day

The initiates expressed appreciation to all the mothers in the world, and to their most beloved, Master Mommy, for giving them everything, leading them steadily through the course of life, and brightening their spiritual path with joy and happiness.

Report From Central Formosa

Fellow initiates, young and old, in central Formosa happily volunteered to clean the streets of Tongxiao and the breakwater of Rich Autumn Garden in response to International Environmental Protection Day.

Many parents, setting good examples by their actions, also verbally instructed the young initiates on the importance of environmental cleanliness and ways to accomplish it. Little ones could be seen earnestly sweeping the streets and collecting the garbage. Even those who were too young to work served as supervisors, pointing at trash overlooked, making the work more fun, and raising its efficiency.

Report from Chiayi, Formosa

on April 18 & 19, the 1998 Lifetime Learning Exhibition was held in the Chiayi County Stadium in Potzu, central Formosa by the Chiayi County Government . The Chiayi fellow initiates participated in this exhibition, with the theme of "Developing Potential Capabilities Through Spiritual Revitalization."

The exhibition was separated into two parts: Dynamic performances and static display. Fellow practitioners won widespread acclaim for their brilliant and dynamic performances from the program sponsors, who found truth in the claim that this demonstration was only a small portion of the potential that can be developed through the practice of the Quan Yin Method.

For the static display, the Chiayi Center was allotted the first booth at the exhibition venue where Quan Yin messengers provided spiritual counsel and answered questions from visitors.

Sister initiates of the Celestial Clothes group were the epitome of graceful nobility when clad in the Celestial Clothes. On the second day of the event, the sponsors spontaneously broadcast, spiritual songs by the Supreme Master Ching Hai throughout the venue, bathing visitors in Her ocean of love. Delegates from the Potzu Tsai Puken Cultural Foundation requested sample booklets and magazines, and solicited regular contributions of articles from the Center to publish in their periodicals.

China Daily News - Formosa April 21, 1998

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Asso-ciation Raises Interest in Cleaner World and Elevation of Soul

China Daily News - Formosa April 19, 1998

Annual Lifetime Learning Exhibition Proves Interesting

Among the participants in this year's exhibition were the Yunlin and Chiayi Centers of a religious group known as the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. The Centers exhibited printed and audio materials on their selected theme, "Developing Potential Abilities Through Spiritual Revitalization," as well as spiritual works of art. The group is known for its concern for politically disadvantaged groups and frequent visits to prisons to edify the inmates. It also pays special attention to recycling and environmental protection, and sponsors monthly clean up activities in the vicinity of Jenyi Lake and Lan Lake.

Combined Report From All Of Formosa

Loving Food Land formally opened five chain stores around Formosa on April 25 and 26.

The chain stores opened with a series of activities varying from seminars on health issues to cooking classes and vegetarian food sampling.

Loving Food operations range from pure vegetarian bakeries to sales outlets that provide friendly customer service and free recipes year-round. Delivery service is also available.

In a stringent screening process designed to reassure shopper s who want only pure vegetarian foods, Loving Food Land food inspectors often visit factories and conduct careful analyses of the products.

On May 9, the first Loving Food Vegetarian Restaurant held its grand opening in Ilan. There is an unusual story behind the establishment of this restaurant. Initiates were looking for a suitable location when they came across a steak house next to the Ilan Cultural Center that was for sale. In negotiations with the owner, they learned that someone had already made an offer, but the owner was waiting for a buyer interested in establishing a vegetarian restaurant. He said that the Quan Yin Bodhisattva had appeared to him and told him not to allow meat transactions to be carried on at that place any longer. Perhaps it was the will of God that the initiates came to him that day!

Restaurant Address: 330 Min Zu Road, Ilan; Telephone: 9366071-2; First Floor: Loving Food Land Chain Store; Second Floor: Loving Food Restaurant.

::::::::::::::

SR.TXT

::::::::::::::

Birthday Celebrations For

An Enlightened Master,

And The Inauguration Of The Korean Youngdong Center

In an ethereal valley purified by rain,

Fallen petals everywhere, little blooms on the bushes,

The grassland stretches like a green velvet carpet dotted by white blossoms.

Cool is the night, and bright is the moon in the silvery sky. Against a black velvet

curtain, clusters of stars shimmer.

The symphony of great nature echoes in our ears.

Once a valley like any other, now a paradise in heaven,

Awesome is the beautiful landscape.

White-robed Goddess Sings in

The Valley, Blessing the Hills

With Gold Light and Heavenly Sound

Brother initiate Li of South Korea has a fascinating story to tell about his purchase of the Center and preparations for the international five-day retreat. While preparing to buy a selected spot in the mountains, in his dream, brother Li saw a geyser bursting forth from between some rocks. A giant spiritual tortoise was sitting atop a hill and, standing beside it, was a beautiful lady dressed in a white traditional Korean costume who was emanating brilliant light. Her profile could only be seen vaguely as blissful tunes flowed joyfully from her lips in superb harmony with the melodious, high-vibration sound current streaming down from heaven. When brother Li awoke from his dream, he knew it was a message from God telling him that he should purchase this blessed land very quickly.

This vision soon materialized. Master arrived at the Center in a white Korean costume and alighted from Her car directly in front of the tortoise-shaped hillock. She inquired about the progress of the construction work, and jested that, by the time fellow initiates have walked up this hill, the road would be leveled without much ado. Many Korean initiates had heard about this strange dream, so when they saw it enacted in real life, they were exalted and fully convinced of Master's almighty power.

Brother Li revealed how he and other initiates had failed to find an ample supply of water when drilling for an underground source. However, when they shifted to another spot near the tortoise mound, a natural spring gushed forth, just as it did in the dream.

Legend has it that this land was a sacred place of spiritual practice. Since ancient times, only spiritual practitioners have dwelled on this pristine wonderland, free of human habitat and industrial pollution. The air is fresh and the water is pure enough to be drunk without filtering. Wildlife abounds in the rich foliage of the valley, where edible wild vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms grow in abundance. Although the annual rainfall has been scanty, this changed soon after the land was acquired by fellow initiates. Much to the amazement of the local inhabitants, the rainfall increased appreciably, nourishing the forests on the hills.

Fellow initiates offered free medical services and vegetarian feasts in nearby villages during the construction work. Master's deep respect for the community and its religious faith was evidenced in Her instructions that a temple be built in which the local people could worship the Buddhas of their choice. To prepare for the upcoming international five-day retreat, Korean initiates made time to work together on construction projects and other preparations. They leveled the land, opened up roads, planted pretty flowering bushes on the steep hillsides, and suspended resplendent lotus lamps from the trees. All these efforts bespoke their delight in welcoming the children of God from around the world.

The meditation hall was erected with plastic covers traditionally used for grape patches. As Master remarked, people grow grapes under these coverings, but here we grow saints. On May 5, Master visited the working staff in the meditation hall before the retreat formally commenced and praised them for getting the Youngdong Center ready in such a short time. Contact persons, invited to sit on the platform with Her, discussed issues about their respective Centers.

Quan Yin Bell And Drum

Reverberate;

Retreat Ends On Meritorious Note

It was a warm sunny morning on May 6. Master looked adorable in a magnificent and exquisite Korean costume sewn by Korean disciples. Wearing a golden crown on Her head, She struck the bell and beat the drum to mark the inauguration of the retreat. Korean resident disciples then struck the bell 36 times and the drum 72 times. The ethereal sound reverberated throughout the valley in a touching moment for all. Over the next few days, Master invited groups of fellow initiates to sit with Her on the platform while She answered their questions about spiritual practice.

The retreat ended at noon on May 10. When the Transfer of Merit verses were sung, Master inched Her way through the crowd blessing everyone. "It's not easy climbing Mount Sinai," She said humorously of the strenuous walk around the meditation hall that is set on a steep slope. That afternoon, initiates donned their best clothes while numerous ceremonially dressed guests arrived to partake in the Buddha's Birthday and Mother's Day celebrations. With a red flower tucked behind Her ear, Master appeared in a crimson, royal Korean costume with black vest and golden brocade on the front. Greeted by thunderous applause, She was escorted into the venue by two ladies wearing ceremonial Korean costumes. On the VIP seats on either side of the platform, Korean monastic practitioners who had come in admiration of Master formed a most striking group with their tidily shaved scalps and gray monk robes. In addition, a group of the members of Korean Woman Entrepreneurs Federation; Mr. Kwak Seong, the conductor of Pusan Philharmonic Orchestra, the representative of Mr. Kim Geun-Soo, Mayor of Sang Ju city, the representative of Mr. Kim Jae-Yeol, the chief magistrate of the district, and Mr. Kim Woon-Sik, the village headman also participated in the celebration.

Fellow initiates presented an excellent program which explored the "profound" meaning of life and had Master often bursting into hearty laughter. The performance opened with the powerful rhythmic "Five-Drum Dance" by the Korean hosts. A group of young initiates presented the "Spring Flowers" dance reminding the children of God of the good times they had when they were little. A sister initiate from Switzerland sang a folk song while guiding the audience in exercises with her. Singaporean initiates presented the "Quan Yin Dance" featuring the thousand-hand and thousand-eyed Quan Yin Bodhisattva and Her Golden Boy and Jade Girl. A brother initiate from South Africa sang a self-composed ode to Master. Other outstanding programs included traditional Thai musical instruments, a modern dance from Formosa, and a folk song sung by a New Zealand sister. A unique comedy about six pugilist hermits from the United States earned showers of blessed candies from Master. The program ended with "The Buddha's Dream" drama performed by English initiates and a musical drama by Korean disciples depicting a fallen princess searching for enlightenment and the way Home. The Mother's Day and Buddha's Birthday celebrations formally ended as did the successful five-day retreat after Master cut the birthday cake for everyone.

Compassionate Master Stays

Another Week

To Meet Delayed Aspirants

On the evening of May 12, Master received departing disciples, allowing them to sit around Her and distributing gifts to each. She remarked that it was on this day, years ago, that She was born in Au Lac. No special arrangements had been made for the occasion since it had already been celebrated on Mother's Day. Nonetheless, Master requested the kitchen to prepare hot tea and snacks for a delightful gathering with disciples in the meditation hall. On this birthday of an Enlightened Master, many fellow disciples, like children trying to please their mother, competed with each other, sharing jokes, and singing ditties and songs to the accompaniment of the guitar. Led by Master, everyone sang and had a great time at this very special, relaxed and unforgettable evening on the birthday of our beloved Master.

As during retreat time, over the next few days, Master came every day to meditate and chant the Holy Names with fellow initiates and to meet with the new arrivals. Fellow practitioners and guests from around the world congregated Sunday, May 17 to hear Master deliver Her final discourse for this event. She remarked that Scientific discovery shows us that everything impossible today is possible tomorrow. We can do anything if we know how. Similarly, to tune into the Universal Power to get whatever we want from this great reservoir of energy and possibilities, we just have to know how. So, we have to tune into the vast reservoir of energy in order to nourish ourselves. As great human beings as we are, we have to bloom in full, spiritually, with the mind power, and with the body. Missing any of that, we are not fully developed human beings.

Postscript:

Master asked initiates to pray for Her so that She could continue Her work saving sentient beings. She requested that we always remain alert to help Her physically when She is working for our benefit. As an example, She cited an incident that occurred at the opening ceremony when She almost tripped over Her long skirt, but no one offered a helping hand. To emphasize Her point, Master recounted a story from ancient Thailand at a time when everyone was strictly forbidden to touch the queen. One day, the queen, in the later stages of pregnancy, was sailing in a boat when she fell into the water. Being forbidden to touch her, the people were afraid to save the queen and so they stood by and watched her drown. Master stressed that laws are made to protect us, and not the other way round. Even if we have to die to save others, we should do it. And as long as we are pure at heart, we should help Master without hesitation.

Master also requested that we relay a message to our fellow initiates. She asked everyone to refrain from demanding that Master visit any particular country or town since these requests add to Her pain and pull Her in different directions. The best way is to go where Master is available in order to see Her, but not to pray that She visit our place. Since Her comings and goings are in compliance with God's will, demands from initiates place added burdens and stress on Her and make Her feel as if She is being torn apart.

When Master was bidding us farewell, we could feel and somewhat understand the pressures that She suffers from the prayers of sentient beings. Internally, Master was in agony, undecided as to what She should do -- go or stay. She yearns for the free and easy lifestyle that we have, instead, She is constantly being dragged along by the karma and demands of sentient beings. Master was very sad when She said goodbye. As She tearfully looked back at us from the departing car, we could not stop the tears from rolling down our cheeks.

~ Dear brothers and sisters, please pray for Master always ~

A 96 years old grandmother from Mainland China made this pair of insoles for Master's shoes, hoping that Her feet would be more comfortable as She walks around on the Earth in Her endeavor to save people.

::::::::::::::

SR2.TXT

::::::::::::::

Notes on Building Youngdong Center

By Sister Hong Sook-hee, Seoul center, Korea (Originally In Korean)

Establishing Youngdong Center in Korea was truly God's work. During the time we prepared the retreat area in the mountain, one day when I was meditating at daybreak, I saw Master's manifestation body. She was in working clothes and pulling a vehicle to move things. She put an empty vehicle in front of me, saying, "Why don't you put the load inside this vehicle?" Setting up Youngdong Center always progressed with the help of Master's manifestation body, to be sure.

Being a human being and a disciple of a living Master were pleasure enough for me. Moreover, now I have had this great opportunity of participating in the holy work of God. Every second has been filled with happiness ever since we began the work on Youngdong Center.

Another time, before I went to Youngdong Center, I had a dream at daybreak. (Youngdong Center was just being completed). In the dream, Master was sitting in the middle of the stage in a white dress, surrounded by three enlightened beings. After I prostrated to Master three times, Master stood up, approached me, and held my hands. My tears seemed like an ocean because I couldn't stop them. The experience was so vivid, showing that we are doing the God's holy work.

Wisdom of the

Ancestors

By Brother Y.J. Yoo, Seoul, Korea

(Originally In English)

This is what happened during the opening ceremony of the Youngdong Center on the 10th of May 1998. Many VIP's, including the representative of Mayor of Sang Ju, as well as the people of the local village, were invited for vegetarian food and to see the opening ceremonies. All of the staff members were busy driving the visitors up the hill to the Meditation Hall. On the way to the Hall, one old man with a VIP badge exclaimed, "Do you know what my ancestors called this valley? They called this place 'hae gol.' It was called Hae gol."

He continued, "Do you know 'hae'? 'Hae' means sun. It is a pure Korean word. And do you understand 'gol'? 'Gol' means valley. Our ancestors' words always have wisdom, but sometimes it takes a while to understand. Now I know. I understand their wise words."

"What?" The driver asked the old man what he meant.

He answered emotionally, "The legend says that one day when the sun rises over this valley, thousands of people from countless countries will be gathered in this valley. It has come true."

"Sun Valley? It's a good name," said an officer from the city hall who was accompanying them.

The old man said proudly, "That's why people from Asia, America, India, and Europe -- all over the world, have come together here in this valley!"

When one Korean fellow initiate heard this story, he cried joyfully, "Everything was prophesied by our ancestors!"

The actual official name of the village is "Ho Um Li," which means "Happy Sound" and this is the "Sun Valley"! A perfect combination of light and sound for our new Center!

A Meditation Hall

In Heaven

By Sister Son, Nam-young , Youngdong Center, Korea

(Originally In Korean)

I was initiated three years ago at the age of 65 at the recommendation of a monk's daughter. My meditations were full of experiences from the second day onward. The following are those visions:

On May 7, during the meditation after lunch, I saw that all the world became a golden color. Buddhas were standing here and there on soft cotton-like places. I could see all of the Buddhas and Buddhist saints that I had seen before in pictures in the temples. I was totally dazzled by the widespread and bright golden waves. I felt like I was in a golden Heaven. After watching all the saints in this golden light, my sick legs were healed more and more so that I could go up to the tent area without much difficulty.

On May 8, during the first meditation, the Meditation Hall was extended gradually and endlessly. It became as big as the universe and turned into a green color. Then, sunlight started to beam into the hall. It was far brighter than daytime so that I opened my eyes, thinking that the sun already had risen. However, it was totally dark outside. As I closed my eyes again, the Meditation Hall continued to extend more and more. The Hall was so large that even all of the sentient beings in this world could get initiation and meditate together. Later, the whole world became a soft, cotton-like shape again. There was a very soft mountain that was almost covered with young monks standing in a row. They were walking up to get the true Method. Those monks appeared so graceful and soft.

On May 9, during the first meditation, Heaven became very blue just like the ocean. Wide, white lines formed the juncture between Heaven and the ocean. I felt the angels looking down and protecting us. I looked up for a while until I had a pain that formed in my neck. Then, I was just about to fall backwards, so I opened my eyes. But I closed my eyes again to enjoy the enrapturing scene more. The scene was still there and the protecting power was also still there. I felt that the universe is purified because we are protected by the vivid vibration. After a while, I saw all of the trees around the meditation hall turn into a golden color. The Meditation Hall looked like a playground where we could freely enjoy the blessings of Master.

On May 10, during the first meditation, all of our fellow initiates wore the hat of middle school students. Everybody was sitting facing Master who was on the stage. At the moment, all of us were students and Master was our teacher. It reminded me of what Master had said, "This world is a good school for us to learn."

I am definitely sure Youngdong Center is Heaven just as it is. Master and the heavenly saints have given us so many precious gifts and blessings. I appreciate Master so much for giving me the power to practice diligently.

Here Is Heaven

By Brother Initiate Frank Dong,

San Francisco, CA, U.S.A. (Originally In English)

The day before I left the Korea retreat, Master held a barbecue dinner party for us. Disciples from all over the world divided into several groups with each group working as a team to prepare the stove and cook its own food. The brothers and especially the sisters from Formosa were more skillful in this event. They had their fire ready first, and enjoyed their food the earliest! Some more "enlightened" brothers toured around the groups and found that each had its own special way of cooking. After the satisfaction of eating and drinking, we started to sing and dance with Master! From one group to another, the songs and jokes with Master were so touching and blessed that the whole experience was out of this world!

When I asked a brother who is from South Africa, "Where are you from?" He answered, "I'm from heaven!" I asked again, "'Where are you now?" " I'm in heaven," he replied! I couldn't agree with him more! Master has told us that heaven and hell are all created by us; it all comes from our minds. I sincerely believe that if only we follow Master's teachings and practice faithfully, wherever we are, we are in heaven!

Master And

Disciples Are One

By Sister Initiate Xum Brooks, Perth, Australia

(Originally In English)

To my dearest, darling and romantic Master, thank You very much for having me at the International 5-Day Retreat in Korea; it was one of the most beautiful Retreats that I've ever attended. I feel like I've received Initiation again, and directly from You. I will never forget the romantic atmosphere at the Retreat, especially the day You stood on the stage and recited the Holy Names for us.

I hope You are well now, and I pray to God Almighty to grant You good health; I pray to God Almighty to take my health and give it to You. In this world, I have one of the greatest treasures imaginable, that is, my health, and I would like to share it with You, because we are one, so whatever belongs to me, belongs to You, as well.

Darling Master, I am sorry that I called You the night I was sick; that night I was shivering in my tent, starting to have a sore throat, and said to You: "Oh, Master, I'm cold! I'm cold!" Then the next day I was so surprised to hear You ask us, "How many people have gotten a cold?" I raised my hand in nervousness, and cried to hear You suffer the pain, because You took the pain from us and suffered it for us. And now, I have come back home very sorry and promising myself that I will not call You when I am sick.

Please, my precious Master, share with me my health and recover quickly to go and save the world; a lot of people need You. (Besides my temporary cold, I am very healthy; I have no other problems at all.)

With much love and best wishes for Your health.

Inner Connection

By Sister Patrice Byrnes, Perth, Australia

(Originally In English)

My sister-in-law, Candy, and I arrived in Seoul, Korea, for the 5-day International Retreat. It was the first time for both of us to be at an International Retreat and to see our beloved Master. We pitched our tent early in the morning (12 A.M.) in the dark and fell asleep. Three hours later, at 3:00 in the morning, we were given a wake-up call to prepare for early-morning meditation (4 A.M.). We trekked uphill to the meditation hall. The vast hall was also on an incline. As Australians, we were seated at the front near Master's stage.

I had a displaced coccyx bone a few years ago which has left me with a permanently weak lower back. The incline position I was in was so painful and uncomfortable that I had no idea how I could last for three hours in this state. In total desperation I prayed within to Master and called the Master Power to please not forsake me and to help me. After the prayer, I do not remember a thing. I gently came around as the lights switched on after the meditation.

One early morning during meditation, I felt love surrounding me. I opened my eyes for a few seconds and saw Master seated on the stage in the dark, meditating and sending each and every one of us Her love. The love that emanated from Master's being was so overwhelming that tears rolled down my eyes as I drifted off into deep meditation.

Every day certain countries were called to sit on the stage with Master and allowed to ask questions. When we were called on the stage, I sat at the back wall of the stage resting my back. I was seated almost directly behind Master's chair. We were told to meditate: I repeated the Five Holy Names and silently communicated with Master inside, telling Her I had this question I wanted to ask, and to please help me as I was shaking with nerves. Master finally arrived and question time came. "Any questions?" Hands went up. Answers were given; I was still shaking inside, still talking to Master to help me ask this question. Master turned toward the side I was sitting and told the attendant to pass the microphone toward the group where I was sitting. "Give the microphone: there is a question here." I knew Master had heard me again, but I froze with fear. No one put their hand up: certainly not me (the culprit). Master asked three times for the microphone to be given as there was a question here. I missed my chance as fear overtook me. The session finished and we went to lunch. After lunch, we were told we could go back on the stage again, as Master had given permission to the same group to ask more questions. Silently I knew Master was giving me another chance. This time I put my hand up and picking up all my courage asked my question.

Every initiate has this connection with Master within. All we need to do is to keep our promise and vow we gave during initiation. Meditate two and a half hours minimum every day according to instructions. Keeping the vegetarian diet and the Five Precepts stops the mind from obstructing the Master Power to connect with us within thus keeping the line clear.

The Mystic of

Concentration

By Brother Initiate Lin Yenting, Taipei, Formosa

The Korean retreat in May of this year was the first time I served as a dharma guard at an international event. Normally one would have expected that dharma guards would have little time for meditation. However, this was the one time that I learned to increase my concentration and obtain satisfaction in having the greatest number of group meditation sessions with Master.

Early one morning during the retreat, I was standing guard at the back of the Meditation Hall when I suddenly saw Master move quietly onto the platform to join us in meditation. Immediately I felt a soothing air of comfort envelop the venue! A subtle ambiance tenderly caressed my face like a gentle wind lightly kissing the thin lace. How different it was from the coarse atmosphere that had hung like a thick, heavy blanket over the meditating fellow practitioners just a while ago.

The day was dawning. In the cozy atmosphere, white light pervaded the venue, increasing the visibility. Outside, a light rain was falling, but the drop in temperature did not make me feel cold. I seemed hardly aware of my own body consciousness. I do not know if I chanted the five Holy Names; my mind seemed to have stopped functioning! Then an episode occurred. A fellow brother who had just gotten off duty walked by. I asked him, "Master is here. Why are you still here?" Strangely, he said he had not seen Her. I pointed to the chair where Master was sitting in meditation, but when I looked again carefully, She was not there anymore! After six, again I saw Master coming into the main hall. I experienced the same feeling, atmosphere, and brightness as I had earlier. When I asked the other guards, they replied, "Master came only once! What did you see?" I could only tell myself silently, "Don't say a word."

At this retreat, I have come to understand what it means to "miss" Master, and to realize Her quality and the magnetic field She creates. Her vibrations not only soothe and comfort the people around Her; more importantly, they removed the obstacles that had long hindered me in meditation. It was that moment of meditation with Master that I, without anyone telling me, soared high, happily and naturally to this realization.

At the birthday party on May 12 following the retreat, I once again received a testimony to Master's vibrations. That night, we had a great time with Master, laughing and singing with Her. She walked around, leading us in song and melding us into one with no discrimination between self and others. "Now you have seen my Original Self..." -- this phrase from Her brought a smile to my face. That evening Master's blessing graced the venue the way it did earlier in the Meditation Hall. In the accompanying brilliant white light with which even thousands of watts of lighting cannot compare, the ambiance reached its highest climax. It was truly an evening beyond words!

Later I asked myself why I was so fortunate to have had these experiences. Personally, I think it began with my chanting the five Holy Names to increase my concentration on my responsibilities. This time, the experience came as soon as I focused my attention on reciting the names in sincere hopes of doing my job well. The experience disappeared as soon as I diverted my attention to exercising my duties with fellow practitioners. From this, I have also perceived the difference between Master and disciples. Master once said that She can communicate with Her True Self while working with Her physical body without getting distracted because She is always in the Truth.

To The Other Shore

By Johanna Hoening, Muenchen, Germany

(Originally In German)

I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in the past retreat in Korea and was given a very beautiful experience. Before one of the meditation sessions I had a little time, so I wandered through the tent displaying Master's designs. I stopped in front of the jewelry just to have a look. I had not the least intention of buying anything. The sister at the stand invited me to try something on. I felt a bit shy and answered that that kind of jewelry was much too elegant for my casual style. She was very friendly and smiling and almost urged me to try on a piece. When I was unable to decide, she simply followed my gaze and took the earrings that I had been looking at out of the case. I let her put them on me as she was so eager. After a look in the mirror, I gave them back and went to the meditation.

While sitting, I was given a glimpse of my True Self. It had left my body and was of an unblemished, radiant beauty. Dressed completely in white, the vision reminded me very much of Master's Quan Yin picture in which She is also portrayed beautifully in white with folded hands. For a moment, I was not sure if I was looking at Master or looking at myself, especially since the face was not clearly recognizable.

My body which I had left behind was like one of those rubber dolls that you often see on children's television programs. Although they are not really alive, they are always talking and are usually moving frantically. At the moment, though, it was like an empty shell and it seemed almost impossible to imagine that the perfect figure of light could be forced back into that ridiculous prison again. As I continued to observe her/myself, something on her right side began to shine and dazzle with incredible intensity, until the vision disappeared.

After meditation, I went happily to the stand to tell how the earrings had had such an effect. As I was standing there, another disciple was trying on a necklace from the same series. The same friendly assistant removed the boat from the necklace and placed it on her blouse, on the right side, to show how it could also be used as a brooch. Now I knew the origin of the divine sparkle in my vision and had a strong feeling that this jewelry was related to me, representing my vehicle to the other shore.

I am so happy and grateful to be able to experience again and again the subtle, creative ways in which Master teaches and brings us to Her, and pray always that in spite of all my weaknesses, She will never stop doing so.

Airport Anecdotes

By Sister Initiate Sun Xiu-lan, Taipei, Formosa

As we set out on our homebound journey after this retreat, some members of the working team were discussing visa problems with immigration officers at Seoul Airport when they discovered among the officers a strong curiosity and interest in the teachings of the Supreme Master Ching Hai. One of the officers had attended a lecture given by Master several years ago. When shown the Korean edition of the Supreme Master Ching Hai News, joy lighted up their faces and each requested a copy of the magazine.

While passing through the customs upon arrival in Korea, a fellow practitioner was questioned by a customs officer because he had not filled in his contact telephone number. Due to the language barrier, he asked for my assistance. Later I found that the officer was interested in learning more about our spiritual group and also yearned to pursue spiritual practice and attend the retreat.

::::::::::::::

SR3.TXT

::::::::::::::

Traveling Nonstop On The Journey Of Love,

Master's Trip To

Latin America Fulfills Initiates' Longing

The five-day retreat in Korea was followed by a one-week bonus retreat, marking an extension of this year's Mother's Day celebrations - the trouble of having too many disciples! (Just joking!) Just as the Korean retreat concluded, the heart of our Divine Mother was drawn to another shore by the longing of Her children in Latin America. Master, without much time for a rest, was on Her way to a reunion with the fellow initiates in Central and South America. Master had compassionately overlooked Her own fatigue!

Master's Trip To Mexico

Upon seeing Master, many Mexican fellow practitioners could not control their emotions and began crying in extreme bliss. Master said that our longing is like a string pulling Her here. Love is the most attractive power in the universe. Anything can be conquered by love. If the world leaders understood this power of love, they would never make war. Just "love your enemy" and then they will drop all weapons and surrender in no time. Master reminded us to stay in that love forever and forever. That's all we need.

The second day, Master gave initiation and answered questions from initiates. Words cannot describe all the wisdom Master shared with us in such a short reunion of two days. We felt very much like beloved children intoxicated with Her love and covered with a soft maternal breeze.

Master's Trip

To Costa Rica

To welcome the return of the Divine Mother, fellow practitioners in Costa Rica decorated the stage in the main hall, encircling it with all kinds of fresh fruit, banana trees, plants, and flowers to create a lovely countryside atmosphere. Further brightening up the decorations was the genuine bliss rising from the hearts of the fellow practitioners.

In sharp contrast to their usual romantic and leisurely lifestyle of everything can wait until tomorrow, fellow disciples had their first taste of anxiousness when waiting for Master's arrival at the airport. " Master is here! Master has arrived!" The shouts from fellow disciples created a stir in the humble-sized airport when they finally saw their long-missed dear Master appear in a simple, yet elegantly casual outfit. She was still Her beautiful self, except, as the disciples noted with a heartache, for a trace of weariness from the tiring journey. To satisfy the longing of Hiers children, God has rushed Master around as though unaware of the fatigue it brings to Her petite body. Upon reaching the Center, Master took a brief rest before coming out to have a chat with everyone. She laughingly remarked that She would never again dare to inform initiates of Her arrival time in advance, for She had felt as though She had been tossed and turned for two days. Even during the flight to Costa Rica, She had felt as though She was being barbecued alive by the energy generated by the disciples' longings.

It was a cool evening in the Costa Rican Center, and thin clouds hung around a radiant moon. The disciples sat around Master, singing piously for their dearest Mom and serving Her self-baked vegetarian cakes, which She savored and personally shared with everyone while praising the initiates for their culinary skills. At every gathering with Master, initiates are not only filled with love but also have their stomachs well satisfied. Master jokingly labeled initiates as "FBI" (food, beverage & "I"), meaning, "we have food, we have drinks, and we have Master!" The next evening, fellow initiates from other Latin American countries arrived to join the group meditation, which commenced with a question-and-answer session followed by meditation with Master.

The Sunday group meditation was held in the main hall on the hillock in the Center. In the afternoon, Master joined the initiates in meditation and led them in the recitation of the Holy Names. While answering questions from disciples, Master elaborated on the true meaning of "loving your enemy." "The ones who enslave us, the ones who kill us, the ones who obstruct us going back to God, they are all friends. We're all friends from eternity. Sometimes they also play bad guy - try to obstruct us, try to seduce us -- so that we get stronger, more resistance. So we have to understand this in order to love our enemies. The true forgiveness comes only when we realize that we are all friends in eternity."

Master comforted a sister initiate who was distressed by family problems by citing Her own situation as an example. Many people have misunderstood, insulted; or scandalized Master, yet there She was, nicely seated and wearing a smile on Her face. The trouble created by just one husband was hardly anything as compared to Hers! Master suddenly seemed to remember all the negative forces that pounded on Her like mountains and seas, and yelled, "Enough! Please!" Seconds later, Master resumed Her speech and provided further encouragement to the troubled sister initiate, "Everyone has their problem, not only you, and we have to try our best to use our wisdom to deal with the situation." Master mentioned earlier that She, too, had to overcome Her own likes and dislikes. She had to do many things that She disliked for the benefit and happiness of others. Obviously the hardships and agonies on Master's shoulders are a billion times heavier than what the disciples have to bear. However, She can quickly push aside these emotions and feelings, stand steadfast against any attack, and go on Her way.

Fellow practitioners have matured through these years. A filial brother asked Master whether the disciples could possibly share Her burdens. To this, Master replied that it is both impossible and unnecessary because it is not the job of the disciples. They may bear their own burdens when they become Enlightened Masters. There is plenty of karma in the world outside, so it is not necessary to share Master's burdens.

A sister initiate noted considerately that although Master is an Enlightened Master, She is still in the physical form of a female. Unable to bear seeing Master always rushing from place to place, she requested Her to settle down at a selected spot, and she would visit Her, no matter how far away She is. While grateful for her benevolent intent, Master explained that everything depends on God's will; but She also smiling said, "God's will also means, disciples' desire in their heart."

In the pitter-patter of a rain shower, Master left Her seat and walked toward us so we could take a closer look at Her. She told us that "whatever problem, try to solve it; and if you can not, then it'll also be solved in time." "Be happy that you can sit and meditate. No matter what the problem is, you are much better off than millions of people out there, billions, trillions. Everything will change by meditation and love..." Master truly awakened us with Her words of wisdom reminding us to dissolve our insignificant frustrations into happiness.

This reunion of a few days was far too short, but Master had been invited to deliver a lecture in Los Angeles and so She was on Her way again. There is no end to this journey of love! During Her stay in Latin America, Master devoted every second of Her time to the initiates and in caring for them. She departed on the morning of Her lecture in Los Angeles, without the slightest consideration of the need to rest after the tiring trip. She has given Herself 100 percent to serving sentient beings, and Her selfless love and spirit of sacrifice have once more melted the hearts of us.

Happy Reunion Within The Latin American Family

By Sister Initiate Silvina, Cost Rica

(Originally In Englsih)

When Master visited Costa Rica, it was a surprising, loving, and fascinating experience. Many people came from Panama, Chile, Peru and Puerto Rico. Some of them had not met Master in person before. We shared several days of meditation in a great atmosphere of peace that we had never before experienced. Everyone enjoyed Master's presence, like a big Latin American family.

We went to the airport to welcome Master. Since She had not been in Costa Rica for seven years, everyone was overflowing with happiness and joy to see Her again. It is difficult to try to describe those amazing days. Even nature felt Her great presence. It was like everything, the trees, flowers, and the birds were expressing their gratitude. Each day, each moment, was full of magical experiences. We realized that we were very, very lucky to be in Her physical presence again. We had been waiting for this chance for many years.

She received us and treated us with all Her compassionate love. She always gives us the best, the highest that She has. Some of us had questions about meditation practice that She patiently answered. Master never keeps anything for Herself; She offers all in order that we may grow. When She was leaving the meditation hall, She told us that we were very fortunate, much more fortunate than million, billions, trillions, of people outside.

Some of us realized that we must work harder to deserve Her grace, and return to Her even a little that She has given us. I think that we have the greatest and the most beautiful Master that there is. Thank You, Master, for Your patience and love!

::::::::::::::

Tk.txt

::::::::::::::

Entertainment Acts Management

P.O. Box 8095

Calabasas, CA 91372

818/928/8441

January 6, 1998

Supreme Master Ching Hai

1013 Ave de Pio Pico

Placentia, CA 92870

Dear Ms. Ching Hai,

Please accept my deepest gratitude for inviting myself and Mr. David Arkenstone to perform at the concert in Washington DC. The show was one of our best experiences in every way. The sound, lights and production were handled expertly, and we were treated with care and consideration throughout every moment of our stay. The additional bonus at the end of the night was especially generous, thank you.

It was wonderful to see the Vietnamese artistic culture, and to spend an evening with all the performers and the fine people of the Supreme Master Ching Hai organization. It would be our great honor to be considered for such and evening again.

On behalf of David Arkenstone, thank you again, and our heartfelt wishes for your continued success with your most admirable endeavours.

Kindest Regards,

DAVID EVANS

(Originally In Au Lac)

Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai,

It is our great joy to have had an opportunity to perform at the gala, "A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms" on last December 27, 1997 in Washington, D.C. Before working with the Association, we had known of You through the media and the "not so good" reports from many people about the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Since we wanted to see and hear the way the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association works ourselves, we accepted the invitation to perform.

We were aware of the following from the minute of meeting to the time of saying good-bye:

1. The sincere and warm reception.

2. Work was conducted diligently with discipline.

3. Food and lodging were served perfectly.

4. There were fewer breaks between scenes in the entertainment program thanks to frequent rehearsals.

5. A majority of artists conducted live performances as opposed to "lip syncing" (95% performed live, 5% lip syncing),

We realize that notable production centers such as Thuy Nga, Asia, until now have continued their productions using 95% lip syncing, and 5% direct singing. Thank You, Supreme Master Ching Hai, for elevating the standard of performance and helping artists to express their talent in a formal, yet noble, fashion as well as devoting great efforts to educating audiences of various ages, from adult to children and from many countries, so that they may enjoy the performances in a formal and noble way.

Another delightful surprise to us was the $200,000 donations by your Association to help two American Veterans Organizations, in addition to the monetary gift to all the performers after the gala. These actions are indeed rare. It is the first time we have seen a Master who "gives" more than "takes." We have not seen any religion or any organization in the world that has done such noble work!

On this day, although it has been more than three months since the gala, "A journey through Aesthetic Realms," these memories still lie deeply in our hearts as if they just occurred yesterday. Although we have performed in many places like Genk (Belgium), Holstebro (Denmark), Genosa, Milano (Italy), and now we return to Holstebro (Denmark), we decided to write these words to Supreme Master Ching Hai before becoming busier in the coming months for we will travel to London (England, April), Paris (France, May), Molin (Australia, June) Budapest (Hungary, July), Fribourg (Switzerland, August), Brussels (Belgium, September), Firenze (Italy, October), Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil, November), etc.

We are sorry that the time spent in Washington, D.C. was so brief that we were not able to meet Supreme Master private for exchanging intimate talk with each other. Many people have curiously asked us if Supreme Master has yet held our hand. When we said "yes," they immediately inquired if we have yet become infatuated? We have not yet become infatuated, but we love and admire Her for we see that she has trained many people to become more uplifted and loving.

Congratulations, and we wish Supreme Master Ching Hai abundant health to continue helping humanity and organizing galas with high artistic attributes in many places around the world.

Paris, March 31, 1998

Tran Quang Hai/Bach Yen

::::::::::::::

content.TXT

::::::::::::::

Contents

2 Master's Words

Comply With God's Will/ Acquire A Faster Vibration

7 Panorama Of Event

Togo, West Africa/ U.S.A./ Sri Lanka/ Mexico/ Melbourne, Australia/ Costa Rica/ Formosa

11 Master Says

TheMysteries Of The Universe/ The Different Working Systems In The Universe/The Effectiveness Of Meditation

17/38 Master's Wonders

Experience Of "All Creations Are One"/ Disneyland In Heaven/ Unveil The Eye's Outer Layer Of Illusion

20 Selected Questions & Answers

Resurrection/ Why Do Masters Need Initiation?/ Master Knows Everything

23 Special Reports

Notes On Building Youngdong Center/ Wisdom Of The Ancestors/ A Meditation Hall In Heaven/ Here Is Heaven/ Master And Disciples Are One/ Inner Connection/ The Mystic of Concentration/ To The Other Shore/ Airport Anecdotes/ Traveling Nonstop On The Journey Of Love, Master's Trip To Latin America Fulfills Initiates' Longing

34 Music & Life

The Day I Saw Your Face

35 Spot Light

Romanticism

36/39 Poems

An Ode To Supreme Master Ching Hai/ Renouncing

37 Cinema Scene

Contact

40 Love In Action

Activities Of Love Held At The Same Time/ Concern For Abused Children/ Combined report On Relief Work With The Poor And Orphans In Formosa/ Feast Of Love & Special Seminar/ Contribution to AmeriCares Invitation

44 Spiritual Information Desk

44 Aphorisms

45 Pearls Of Wisdom

Heaven And Hell

46 While On The Path

A Hard Nut Cracks/ Voyage Through The Universe

47/Back Cover Elevation Of The Soul

48 Letters Of Appreciation

49 Humorous Wisdom

Difficult To Find A True Master?

50 Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout

The World

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 93

Published: June 30, 1998

Founded: April 1, 1990

Published By: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd.

Address: 1F, No. 236, Song-San Road, Xin-Yi District, Taipei, Formosa, R.O.C.

Publisher & Chief Editor: Lin Ping Xing

Registered at the Government Information Office, R.O.C.

Under No. 8288

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News Magazine is published in different languages: Au Lac language, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Portugese, Spanish, Thai and is available upon request.

Also available on World Wide Web:

http://www.chinghai.org.tw/ (Formosa)

http://www.chinghai.com (Singapore)

http://quanyin.org (U.S.A.)

http://mason.gmu.edu/~lduan/indexl.html (U.S.A.)

http://www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/audiovideo-archive-sumachinghai.html (U.S.A.)

http://www.quanyin.com (Canada with Real Audio service)

http://members.aol.com/ChingHai/d_hpage.htm (Germany and in German)

http://mach.ulb.ac.be/~ifaybish/ (Belgium)

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/quanyin/ (UK)

http://www.bookzone.com/bookzone/10000190.peek.html

(Book order - I have come to

::::::::::::::

tk3.txt

total 182

-r--r--r-- 1 14282 Jul 15 1998 world.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 2843 Jul 15 1998 content.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 4420 Jul 8 1998 Tk.txt

-r--r--r-- 1 9105 Jul 1 1998 SP.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 2955 Jun 30 1998 LOVE.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 574 Jun 30 1998 HUM.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 3276 Jun 30 1998 ES.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 4118 Jun 30 1998 OP.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 4028 Jun 30 1998 PW.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 2355 Jun 30 1998 QA2.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 343 Jun 30 1998 INV.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 308 Jun 30 1998 PO2.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 6467 Jun 30 1998 MW2.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 3128 Jun 30 1998 MV.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 819 Jun 30 1998 PO1.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 6231 Jun 30 1998 SL.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 9408 Jun 30 1998 SR3.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 19378 Jun 30 1998 SR2.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 11466 Jun 30 1998 SR.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 10255 Jun 30 1998 QA.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 7654 Jun 30 1998 MS2.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 1762 Jun 30 1998 MW.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 28210 Jun 30 1998 MS.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 17276 Jun 30 1998 MT.TXT

-r--r--r-- 1 2497 Jul 8 1997 tk3.txt