The Supreme Master
Ching Hai
News 107

Drops in the Ocean of Love
Creating a Happy Home

Master Says
The Essence of Our True Self

Photo Collection
Recent photos of Master
Master and resident disciples
God's Image

Mexican Hurricane Disaster Relief
Master's Love Blesses Hurricane Floyd Victims in North Carolina, U.S.A.
Sharing Love for Disaster Victims in Different Corners of the World
Love Lights the Way Loving Contributions from the Heart
Awakened by the 9/21 Disaster in Formosa
Relief Provisions for Turkish Earthquake Victims Receipt for "Love in Action" Activities

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©Copyright and Reprint Information

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You must practice with all your heart and soul in order to progress.

~ Supreme Master Ching Hai

News No. 107
Contents

The Supreme Master
Ching Hai
News 107

Drops in the Ocean of Love
Creating a Happy Home

Master Says
The Essence of Our True Self

Photo Collection
Recent photos of Master
Master and resident disciples
God's Image Panorama of Events Hong Kong Formosa Panama Argentina Ireland Germany
Canada Spot Light Protect the Noble Ideal of the QYM
A QYM's Temptations
Devote Yourself to the Romance of Godhood
Right Concepts About the QYM
Master Knows Everything
Master's Manjusri Sword Aphorism Aphorism Little Message Little Message Elevation of the Soul Elevation of the Soul Front Line TV & Radio Broadcasts about the Quan Yin Method Meditation on The Inner Light and Sound Master's Wonders All-Powerful Master
Buying Insurance to Heaven for Your Parents! Some Words with the Dead Poems of Immortality To Le Uyen Phuong To Thai Hang Special Report Master Joins Disciples for the Last Halloween of the Century Media Reports Viet Economic Daily News, U.S.A. Detroit Free Press, U.S.A Master Tells Jokes God Has Improved! Life after Death Wrong Bus! Love in Action Mexican Hurricane Disaster Relief
Master's Love Blesses Hurricane Floyd Victims in North Carolina, U.S.A.
Sharing Love for Disaster Victims in Different Corners of the World
Love Lights the Way Loving Contributions from the Heart
Awakened by the 9/21 Disaster in Formosa
Relief Provisions for Turkish Earthquake Victims Receipt for "Love in Action" Activities Story World Master Warms the Heart of a Semi-Victim The Immovable Cabinets An Extraordinary Night
A Miracle of "Skipping a House"
Thanks to Master's Protective Vibrations! Letters of Appreciation From Various Counties, Formosa Receipt Monetary Assistance to Mainland China Flood Victims

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Download 107
WWW Files Online You must practice with all your heart and soul in order to progress.

~ Supreme Master Ching Hai

News No. 107
Contents

Protect the
Noble Ideal of the QYM

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu center,Formosa
February 20, 1996 (Originally in English)

The Monkey-Monk

A long time ago, there was a monk who became a monkey. When the Buddha came into this world to preach the dharma, the Truth, there were many monks who studied under Him. There were some monks who had already attained sainthood, but many people did not know that. Other monks sometimes made fun of them because some of them didn't look very good and looked a little bit "funny". There was one monk who was very, very naughty. Every time he saw one of those monks running down the hill, he'd say to him, "You look like a monkey running down that hill." Because he criticized that monk - called him a monkey, for five hundred lifetimes, he had to be born as a monkey.

So take care, and don't laugh at the monks because between "monk" and "monkey," the only difference is two letters. Anyhow, if you make fun of an ordinary monk, maybe it is all right. But if that monk has already attained sainthood, then you'll be in trouble. You never know which monk has already become a saint or which monk has already attained a very high level of spiritual practice, so you had better take care.

Monks are Instruments of God

Especially the monks that I send to your country according to your request to teach you the dharma, you had better take care not to make fun of them, and not even try to attract them physically. According to Buddhism, if we try to waylay a monk who has been studying under a living Master, it is a very terrible sin. I will read some of the warnings for you. I have sent so many monks abroad and a lot less have come back; and you keep asking me for more.

I can't produce monks. I can only send you what I have, what God has sent me to serve you; and I can only train those who are able. Not every monk is able to memorize the teachings, especially the initiation process. Sometimes they are old, sometimes they are not very literate, and sometimes they are not good at teaching and theory. Maybe they are good at practice; maybe they are able to meditate a lot and have attained a spiritual height, but they are not very able to go out and preach to other people or to repeat the initiation procedure. So not every monk that comes here can I use for your benefit. Nevertheless, whatever good, intelligent monks I send you at the cost of my inconvenience and finances, even then, you still snatch them. Some of you, not all of you; most of you don't because you are already married, thank God!

When I say "monk," I mean "nun" as well; people snatch both. I don't know why, when there are so many people in the world, people have to snatch the monks and nuns, leaving me handicapped and wasting my time training new people. If there are any new ones at all, because you don't send them to me, you keep them for yourselves. You tightly keep your husbands, sons, daughters and wives, and then at the same time, demand that I send monks and nuns to teach you the dharma if I cannot go myself. Of course, it is difficult for me alone to go everywhere to teach you personally, so the monks and nuns are my ears, my eyes, my hands, and my feet to help me serve you. Nevertheless, sometimes you sever my limbs, my instruments, and make me handicapped. Then you complain that I don't send people to teach you, especially those countries like Au Lac or China, where I cannot personally go due to the political situations prevailing at the moment. Well, I suppose it will be much better in the future for the sentient beings' sake.

These less well-known monks can be more anonymous and go incognito to such lands to help you, but I send a lot out and I get few back. This is very inconvenient. It's a loss of business; if I send out five, I should get back ten. Mostly when people do business, they prosper; they get more interest and income as time goes by. But at the moment, this business looks like it doesn't bring a lot of profit. Well, it does, though. Perhaps I lose one monk and I gain about a hundred people. That's not bad, but then these hundred people cannot be used as monks or nuns; they are lay people. Therefore, it's also inconvenient for me.

I don't have that many monks. Besides, some of them have to help record the videotapes and audiotapes, and print the books and magazines for you. Do you think that all these things come from the sky, or you pick them from the snow or something like that? Do you think the videotapes and audiotapes are good all by themselves? No, they have to edit them and put all the good parts together. Sometimes they just record at random when I walk around, talk nonsense with you, make jokes, or something that is not very necessary for your practice. So, they have to edit them. Moreover, not every monk can edit the videos because of the sophisticated equipment. They have to learn for a long time. They have to have patience, have some idea about artistic setup, and they have to know how to use the machines as well. Therefore, there is a lot of work to do, and I don't have that many people. If you realize the amount of work that I do, you know how very difficult it is for me. Of course, I can have it easier. I don't need videotapes; I don't need audiotapes. I need nothing, and then it's easier. I don't need people.

The Anxiety of Waiting for Initiation

In addition, not all of these monks are angels. They also make trouble for me. They give me headaches and they make mistakes. The things that they should do, they don't; and the things they should not do, they do, et cetera. There are a lot of things that I have to bear, apart from training them; and as soon as I train them right, some people snatch them, for example like that. Then I lose one more hand, one more foot, one more eye and one more ear. The work becomes slower and many sentient beings, who have been very earnestly waiting for initiation, are obstructed. They must wait for a long time, and sometimes it is too long for them. They may die before initiation, you never know; life is ephemeral. They must be vegetarian for three months and who knows what will happen during the three months. Sometimes not only three months and then they get it; they have to wait for eight months or one year. If I don't have enough Quan Yin messengers to send, then they must wait longer, and you know what it's like when you keep waiting for initiation. Many of you must know the longing, the desperation, during the time you wait for initiation, because you know life is ephemeral and you might not get it before you leave this world. The time is so short; you might not have enough time to practice.

The world is in chaos because we do not carry out God's will. We obstruct it with our egos and then we make a lot of trouble for the Kingdom of Heaven to descend upon Earth. I wish that in the future, whenever I send a messenger to you, be it a monk or nun, and even though they are in lay clothes for the sake of convenience in travel and so you don't attach to the form or to the differences, that you respect them the way you respect me. Give them all the conveniences possible with respect and honor, not spoiling them, not giving them too much food or too much attention. Just give them what they need, whatever they request so that they can serve you better and they will have the encouragement and protection necessary for them to continue to do your work.

I am speaking to you as well as to all the future fellow practitioners. I wish, I request, I beg you to do this because a monk or nun is also born among us. They also have physical beings like you. They have physical bodies with physical needs and physical temptations. It is already very difficult for them to withstand all these temptations. It is difficult enough without you having to make more temptations, taking advantage of the position of going near them, helping them to drive a car, or helping them to cook a little meal. You weaken their resistance, make bad karma for yourself, and hinder a future Master from serving all other suffering sentient beings. I hope you understand for the first time, and for the last time. [Applause]

Protect the Sentient Beings' Precious Property

I have not requested at any time, that you become a monk or nun. I have never said anything like this. But should anyone like to dedicate their lives to the service of suffering sentient beings, you should honor, help, and protect them, so that they don't fall down into the pit of temptation. You should never make more trouble. You should never try to satisfy your own temporary lust or desire for physical contact, or even physical love, to pull them down to the lower level of consciousness just to make yourself happy, just to satisfy your selfish desires. I am not talking about whether you create sins from this or not. I am talking about your own conscience. A monk or nun can profit many people spiritually and uplift them out of the suffering of transmigration, from hell even, including your own parents, friends, wives, husbands and children. If you snatch them away for your own self, how many thousands of people suffer, do you know?

Do you ever think of the consequences of your actions because of your selfish desire to satisfy your own physical lust or physical desire? You take away sentient beings' dear, precious property, and you let many thousands of people suffer without 'light'. You already have the 'light'; you have already had everything given unto you, and you deprive thousands of others, or maybe even hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, including their deceased relatives and friends, and five, six, seven generations. You deprive them of the guidance of the Master and God. Do you ever think of the consequences? Do you ever feel compassion for these suffering people? I request you to think again about this.

I am not threatening you with karma, sin, hell-fire, and all those things. It doesn't matter what you do, the Buddha is merciful, God is compassionate. Hes will eventually save you. But you alone, if you have done damage to many thousands of people, it will bear upon your conscience alone; no one else will have to even judge you or tell you anything. You are a future Master, you have a conscience, and since your wisdom has been awakened, you know more clearly than other sentient beings. You know everything about what you should do and what you should not, so there is no one to even judge you but you yourself.

Reminders for the QYM

When I send them out to you, I tell them many things. I tell them not to sleep on your bed because they might pick up your physical vibrations; I tell them not to take anything from you because when you offer, you might not have a very clean intention. They do not know, and then this will affect them. I tell them not to take respect from you, not to let you bow to them because I am afraid that their ego will sprout up and become difficult for them to control. They fail in different ways: through ego, through physical temptations and through flattering praises. Everything makes them fail. And you just offer them anything that you should not, most of the time, just to get some selfish personal advantage: sometimes just so that they will treat you better; sometimes just so that you can have more information than other people; and, sometimes because of physical desires. Whatever it is, it is no good for them and for you.

I tell them many things. But when they go outside, they forget, and also they become weakened, surrounded by all the temptations. I tell them not to wear too beautiful clothes and not to make themselves up too much, both men and women, just because I don't want them to attract trouble for themselves. Nevertheless, some of them do; some of them misunderstand my good intentions. I have said to them: "I am the main actor. I wear different things; I do different things. You have a different role to play. You don't have to dress the same. You don't have to do the same." Just like in a movie, the main actor wears one thing, and the supporting actors wear different things. They don't have to wear the same clothes as the main actor, or they don't have to do the same things. Besides, even if I wear beautiful clothes, I know what to do with myself, and they don't. To some degree, I am stronger. But sometimes they misunderstand my good intentions, and sometimes you don't help them and you don't help me. You create more trouble than help, and that is why we have problems.

I would like to take all the world into the Quan Yin family to create heaven as quickly as possible, but there are so many obstructions. Everyone's physical body is already a self-obstruction: sometimes they get sick, sometimes they get tired, sometimes too much karma, and everything. And if they get more temptations from the outside, then it's very, very difficult.

When the monks and nuns stay here, they have better protection because they live alone. They live together, but do not have much contact with society. They do their jobs like writing stories, printing the magazine, or checking the books and transcriptions, and all that, so they are busy. People don't have much opportunity to be near them for a very long period of time, thus it's easier for them to keep to themselves and to concentrate. But when they go outside alone and have to deal with many hundreds and thousands of people, day in and day out, with the physical nearness, it is very difficult for them. They run into the magnetic fields of other people, which are at times not very pure, not very clean, and full of the pulling tendency, therefore it is very difficult for them to withstand. They sometimes forget to pray to the inner Master, or they are weak themselves and sometimes the past karma comes running back to them. If they forget the Master inside for any moment, they will be in trouble.

It is not only when I send them out that they are lost, but here too. There are times when people come to the Center and create problems, so it is very difficult for us -- for me and for the monks and nuns -- to do the work that you expect us to do. Yet, we cannot be selfish and shut ourselves in the caves and not worry about your suffering and longing for liberation. We must sacrifice; we must come out and do many things that we don't really wish to do. We have to make fools of ourselves sometimes. We have to lower our tastes in order to be in accord with all sentient beings, to make them feel near, to make them feel very familiar in order to teach them the higher way of life. But in doing this, at times we endanger ourselves. At times the monks and nuns lose their hold on the ideal of monkhood, of renunciation, of the sacrificial spirit, and they fall. It is not entirely their fault; you are also responsible, and me too. But as you know, even God does not force people. God and Buddha can only encourage people and protect them whenever they wish to be. But there are times when sentient beings don't wish protection. They wish to do the things that their physical bodies and desires are directing them to do, and they refuse help and protection from God. It happens.

Merits of Being a Monk

Okay, I will read to you some of the praises from the Buddhist sutras about people who are monks; who want to become monks; who let others become monks or encourage people to become monks; who help people to become monks; and who support people who are monks. So that you will know whatever I tell you is the truth. If you don't believe me, you can believe the Buddha.

"Exceedingly great and manifold are the blessings of he who has become a monk. Inconceivable are the blessings of he who has allowed his son, daughter, man-servant or maid-servant to enter the monastic life or has himself become a monk. The blessings of he who has become a monk or allowed others to become a monk far exceed the blessings of he who, by means of the virtue of charity, has possessed wealth for ten lifetimes, or of he who has been born for many thousands of ages among the six realms of the gods."

Do you hear that? There is more here.

"One may ask why this is so. It is because the virtue which is derived from charity will eventually become exhausted, but the blessings of becoming a monk go beyond the limits of time and have no end. Again, through the virtue of observing the precepts, one may become a sage who possesses the five supernormal powers, rejoices in the realm of God Brahma, or is endowed with extreme wealth. But the blessings of him who has become a monk of the teachings of an enlightened One are beyond conception, and the blessing of the bliss of nirvana is indestructible.

If one were to construct a stupa of the seven precious jewels so high that it'd reach the heaven of the thirty-three gods, the blessings from this would not equal those of becoming a monk. One may ask why this is so. It is because ignorant, unenlightened men could destroy the stupa of the seven precious jewels, but no one could ever destroy the blessings of he who has become a monk. If one desires the dharma of blessings, he must realize that there is no other way than by becoming a monk of the teachings of an enlightened One.

There is no dharma superior to this. It may be likened to a wise physician who heals the eyes of a hundred blind men and returns their sight to them. Or it is like a man who prevents a violent person from tearing out the eyes of a hundred men. Although the virtues of these two are beyond conception, the blessings of he who allows others to become monks or himself becomes a monk are even greater. One may ask why. It is because the first two, when they saved the sight of others, brought forth a worldly blessing only; the happiness had to do with the fleshly eye and material existence. But those who allow others to become monks or themselves become monks by aiding each other will gradually, in the end, attain the eye of supreme wisdom, and the self-nature of this wisdom eye will never be destroyed even until the end of the world. Through the blessing of his virtue, men and gods will rejoice in inexhaustible possessions and in the end will attain the bliss of enlightenment. It is because the dharma of the monk destroys the realm of Maya (meaning illusion) and causes the lineage of the Buddha to increase. It destroys virtueless, evil dharmas, and gives birth to virtuous teachings. It destroys the impurities and gives birth to the supreme work of virtue.

The Buddha has taught that the blessings of becoming a monk are higher than Mount Meru (a very high sacred mountain in India), deeper than the bottom of the sea, and more extensive than the firmament."

Do you know how big the firmament is, how limitless is the sky? That is the merit of the one who becomes a monk or allows others to become monks. These are the words of the Buddha. I am not trying to tempt you.

The Pitch-black Pit

"Grave indeed is the fault of him who obstructs or hinders another from becoming a monk. It may be likened to a man who enters a totally dark house in which he can see nothing, who falls into the pitch-black pit of hell. The result of this may be likened to all the rivers emptying into the ocean, thus sins accumulate within his being. It is like the great conflagration, which occurs at the end of a world eon when majestic Mount Meru is reduced to flame and ashes. The man will be totally consumed by the flames of hell. Thus, the blessings of he who allows others to become monks or himself becomes a monk are exceedingly great. He who becomes a monk becomes cleansed through the waters of the sutras (the holy books of the Buddha), and washed away are all the defilement, totally alleviated of the sufferings of birth and death, and he becomes a cause for the bliss of nirvana. Through discipline, he courses within the realm of the pure precepts, through the clear eye of the dharma, he sees the deeds of virtue and non-virtue throughout the entire universe, and through mindfulness, he treads the Eightfold Noble Path of the Noble One and arrives at the city of nirvana. He who allows older or younger people to become monks or himself becomes a monk great are his blessings."...

There is more, but I think that should be enough for you. That was the teaching of the Buddha.

It is very difficult to become a monk, especially today with all the material comforts, and we human beings have the very deep tendency to be attached to anything that we are used to. That is one of the great causes why we keep being reborn and reborn in the same world again and again. At the time of dying, we feel reluctant to leave whatever we are accustomed to living with. That is why not many people can leave home and become a monk, except when they have trouble with the family. That is why many Chinese people sometimes have the wrong view: monks and nuns are those who are very depressed, who do not love this world, who cannot live outside because they have trouble with family members or maybe their lover rejected them. Therefore, they come here or to the temple to become a monk. That may be the case with some of the people but it is not true with many other monks. They became monks because of their distinguished high ideals of sacrifice and service to human beings as well as to attain the supreme wisdom. These are the real monks and nuns and they are the ones that we should protect and venerate as the very precious jewels of the world. They are the 'light-bearers'; they are the rescuers of those in hell; they are the ones who spread the true teachings among humankind, lighting the torch in the darkness to lead all beings into supreme bliss and eternal happiness. These monks and nuns are hard to find. That is why we must respect, protect and help them, and never for one moment allow ourselves to have a thought of pulling them down or closer to us for our personal benefit or desire.

Be a Monk from the Heart

Furthermore, all of us, even if we cannot leave home to become monks and nuns, should be monks and nuns in our own homes. We should lessen our desires for material wants whenever possible; we should curb our tendencies to run after worldly profit, name, and fame for the sake of material enjoyment. We continue to do business but without attachment. We must do it in the spirit of being a provider for ourselves, our family, and society, and not because we do business to gain fame or to gain profit in order to make ourselves a very exceedingly luxurious life.

It depends on our inner conception how we do the work in this world. If our conception is correct, even if we do business or we rule the whole nation, it is still correct and we still can attain enlightenment. But if our conception is not correct, even if we became a monk, we are just a kind of hypocrite - only outside a monk; inside, perhaps a monkey.

The monkey is the mind and the lustful desires keep running all over the place inside of it. That is the monkey we should tame in order to become a true monk. Should we see someone who has attained the merit, the blessing of becoming a true monk, we must thereby help them, protect them, and do everything we can to always keep them in an exalted position for the sake of all sentient beings, including ourselves. To protect the monk means to protect yourself too, because if you attract him, if you make him fall down into the physical desires, then it's not only he who fails but also you. You are the one who falls as well, who creates a lot of heavy obstruction for yourself in the future. Whatever we do for others, we do for ourselves. So, try to remember this. Thank you. [Applause]

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
February 13, 1999 (Originally in English)

You think that when you live out there in the world, you have temptations and it's difficult to practice, but there are more here. There are more beautiful people here for you to look at. Once you want to come here, a lot of people want to get you out. A lot of people have fallen in love when they came to the Center. It's very, very famous for that. People especially fall in love very quickly with those close to me; my attendants and such. They look good, they look radiant, and they stand out. And the people who stay here, stand out inside. There is a fragrance about them; there's something about them that attracts people. The stronger your will, the stronger their attraction around here.

When outside people come here, they also fall in love easily because they are happy. Both are happy; and when they're happy, they look good. Everyone looks beautiful when they're happy. Happy people smile a lot and speak in a very lively and easy-going way. Everyone seems to be an angel, so their faces radiate a kind of attraction. Members of the opposite sex also feel the same way because they're also happy here. Then, very easily, they just meet each other and help each other. It's very romantic and very reliable. They seem to be very good persons to be with. When people see me, they all seem so happy, beaming with love and contentment; and everyone sees each other at their best in the Center. That's how they fall in love right here. That's how I have lost many residents. If you stay there and have a normal life, there are less obstructions than being a resident. It's very difficult.

Also, every time I send the Quan Yin messengers out, my heart jumps and I keep praying for them, "God, protect him, protect her." When they go out in the world there are a lot of things they have to deal with. They're not as protected as when they are here. If they are here, they already have danger, but they have group support and the protection of the environment, and they soon forget it. When they go out in the world alone, they come under so many attacks, emotionally, physically, psychically - a lot of things. So, think about it more.

Devote Yourself
to the Romance of Godhood >

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Youngdong Center, Korea, May 6, 1998 (Originally in English)

Q: If one is to be a monk to work for You, is it possible to have one's own business at the same time or are You very demanding?

M: I am not demanding; people are demanding. I don't think you have time as a messenger to do business; being a messenger is your business. You'll be consumed. We don't have enough people to send all over the place as it is. Even though I have a lot of people, it's still not enough. It's not that you just go, give the initiation, and then leave. You have to be there for a while, get used to being with people and let them ask you questions before and after, make some more human contact and get more confident. After being in that place, you should go have a rest and recharge yourself. Then after that you feel strong again, you will have an urge to go out and give of yourself again. We can't just do it forever.

Doing business is very stressful. You can't afford to be that stressed if you are a messenger of God. You have to have time for yourself, to think, to be yourself again, to go within yourself, to develop your inner qualities, to remember your inner qualities, to be like an artist, like a very leisurely person, very loving and stress-free. Then you can give. If you don't know pleasure, you can't give pleasure. If you don't have peace, you can't give peace.

So, if you want to be like a messenger, you have to prepare yourself. You have to have time for yourself. You can do a lot of other things, but not like conducting business, not like a fixed thing. You can paint. You can draw. You can write poetry. You can change your job: for example, you stay in the Center, and sometimes you can go out as a messenger and do more theoretical work;, then you can come home and do some computer work for yourself, surf the Internet, type a letter, run errands, clean the floor, or do whatever, just for a change, just to make your life balanced. But you should not have to be occupied with making a living. Otherwise, I think it might be a very tiring and very unloving life for you. You will lose the sweetness of a monk that people expect from you. All work is God's work. But some work demands more inner contact. The more you contact inside, the nearer you are to God. You have to be yourself. People who have more time for themselves in a very direct way are more romantic, more artistic. The same is true for the monk or devoted renunciate.

The reason why most monks or nuns don't marry is because married life is also very demanding. It makes you forget a lot of things and makes it very difficult to accomplish your work. Most people cannot handle it, that's why, and not because sex is no good! It's just a very powerful energy and most people find it difficult to handle once it's opened up.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
February 16, 1999 (Originally in English)

..... Being a resident doesn't mean anything. Even being a Quan Yin messenger doesn't mean anything. They are just workers. They are the working staff carrying messages and repeating my teachings to other people.

..... You should respect the Quan Yin messengers, but leave them alone. Don't worship their egos, and don't damage their spiritual practice by being over infatuated or by flattering with them. You should respect their job, but not their persons. Their persons have a lot of qualities that are not worth respecting. They have a lot to learn and a lot to polish. It is very good and noble that they have this intention and do the job for you, for the Master, but it's not that they are perfect. Some are good, some are not so good, and some are bad. But, it's no problem; you should just receive initiation from the Master through them. Good, bad, ugly, beautiful, it shouldn't matter to you. There's no need to have high expectations of these people, but be understanding, because the teachings come from the Master power, not from them. So, if they're bad or good, you shouldn't care. But, don't make them worse. Don't overcoat them with sugar and honey. They'll suffocate.

Six years ago, while on my way back to Formosa after working overseas, I needed to pass through another country where I stayed for one or two days. There I met two local fellow initiates who were very warmhearted and insisted on seeing me off at the airport. They said: "Your flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. Since we have time tomorrow morning, we can take you to visit Sea World. Would you like to go?" Due to their sincerity, plus the fact that there was no pressing work to be done at the time, I accepted their invitation.

The next day at noon, while leaving Sea World, we passed by some gift booths where I saw many lovely figurines in the shapes of dolphins and various animals. I thought of the several little monks who lived in Hsihu Center; if I bought some figurines for them, they would be very happy.

Just when I was about to pay for the items, the two fellow initiates paid for me before I had a chance. I told them, "No, you cannot do this because Master has instructed us that we can not accept offerings." But the two replied, "The figurines are for the little monks, and this is just a way for us to express our love to them." Not being able to persuade them otherwise, I finally accepted the figurines.

As we walked around the gift booths, I saw a hat that I wanted to buy because the sun was very strong. But the two fellow initiates again intervened and bought the hat for me. I tried my best to decline their offer, but they insisted on giving me the hat as a souvenir, telling me, "It's only a hat." Before I left the gift shop, a T-shirt with the Sea World logo printed on it caught my eye. Since it was a rare opportunity for me to do some shopping, I decided to buy the T-shirt. This time, the two fellow initiates also insisted on buying the T-shirt for me. Because I did not want to argue with them in public, I also accepted the T-shirt they bought me.

As the time for my flight was drawing near, we set off for the airport. On the way, the beeper of the brother who was driving rang. It was a call from the local Center. The brother said, "Let's take the Quan Yin messenger to the airport first. Then we can call the Center back later."

At the airport, as I was about to check in my luggage, we suddenly saw the local contact person rushing towards us. Still gasping for breath, the contact person told us, "Master just called and said 'Do not take anything from other people!'" Upon hearing Master's message, I was so startled that my face turned pale and my hands started to shake. The two fellow brothers were still saying, "It doesn't matter. They are only small gifts. If Master scolds, let Her scold us." Nevertheless, I removed all the gifts they had bought for me from my luggage and returned them to the brothers. Knowing that Master was very strict with Her disciples on keeping the precepts, I kept repenting in my heart.

In fact, similar situations had happened to me several times before, and I had made the same mistake over and over again, and my spiritual progress had been stuck for a long time. Master knew that it was difficult for me to get rid of this bad habit, which I had developed when I was in society, so She used this particular opportunity to remind me that I should be honest and not take offerings from anyone. From this experience, I truly understood better that Master knows everything. Sometimes She chooses not to intervene because She wants us to learn our own lessons. Thinking about Her greatness and the pains and efforts She takes to teach us, while looking at the bad habits I had accumulated life after life, I was filled with remorse for the mistakes I had made.

How fortunate we are to have such a great Master, who is always there to remind us of our shortcomings at the appropriate time. I prayed sincerely in my heart that I would be able to follow Her teachings more closely, practice wholeheartedly, and be Her good disciple!

I used to have a strong, passionate nature, yet by Master's and God's arrangement, I joined the monastic order and pursued spiritual practice. Ten years have flown by since then. Meanwhile, I have been able to abide by the monastic rules and live up to my expectations. Now that I think back, it all seems incredible. It invokes in me nothing less than the deepest admiration for Master's successful education and meticulous protection of us. Without Her, I could not have safely overcome the countless struggles and trials in my life over the years.

For example, I recall a Truth-sharing event overseas where we had a shortage of staff workers. As a result, a sister initiate and I often worked together until midnight. Perhaps it was a mutual interest or aspiration between us that led to mutual appreciation. We enjoyed each other's company and became very close, as though we were from the same family. Whenever I asked her for help, she would do her best to do what she could. Later, she would, on her own initiative, offer to help without my having to ask her. And this touched me deeply.

One day, I became aware that something was not quite right. Quickly I reminded myself that I was Master's monastic disciple and that I should be careful in body, speech and thought. However, things did not improve. Improper thoughts often arose in my mind. At this time, I thought of Manjusri Bodhisattva's wisdom sword that Master had once mentioned. I raised this sword but did not have the strength to bring it down. Without hesitation, I asked the inner Master for help. It worked. Not long after, an incident occurred where this sister initiate reprimanded me, which was very unlike her usual self. I immediately knew that Manjusri's sword had done its work. It had awakened me, pushing me out of the illusion before I got sucked deeply into it .

Master has said that there is nothing wrong with getting married. Even among masters, some are married, like Kabir and Marpa (Milarepa's master), who practiced together with their wives. However, Master has also shown me clearly that most ordinary married folks become immersed in material enjoyment and fettered in their little world of love. With only the other party in their hearts, they are unable to feel an indiscriminate love for all sentient beings. Often, they forget why they are here. They forget God. They forget their Master and the Truth. Eventually, they give up the noble ideal of a monastic life. They return to the mundane world to toil busily for their loved ones and families and earn their three meals a day, and are unable to complete their aspiration of delivering sentient beings. Such situations are unfortunate and regrettable.

During the past ten years, I have gone on from the forced control and suppression of the emotions and desires of my earlier days to an elevated consciousness, and now to a change in my appreciation of beauty, of beautiful people and things. How joyful and relaxing it is to enjoy them as the blooming flowers by the roadside! I often remember the warning in Taoist practice - cut the attachments as you notice them. More than that, we should protect ourselves against possible trouble, avoid creating improper situations for ourselves. However, if nothing works, the one last option is to seek Master's help. She will very willingly lend us Manjusri's wisdom sword and help us cut off all our attachments and troubles.

Aphorism >

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Malaysia, February 24, 1992 (Originally in English)

You have families, but you dedicate yourself and your whole family to the care of God. You are the caretaker of this family for God's sake; that's also renunciation. It's more difficult to renounce that way than to shave your hair and hide yourself in the temple. If you can do that, you are true saints.

Little Message

>

Due to the fact that many people kept asking Master directly about whether they could come to become residents, Master asked everyone to tell the others that those who want to be residents should go to their nearest Centers to be screened, or apply to headquarters and the person in charge will screen them. She said please not to ask Master directly, because when She is with us, She wants to reserve the time for initiates to ask about their spiritual concerns. Anyone who would like to come must have all of their affairs in order, including family matters, debts and the like. They cannot bring any problems to any Center. Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Video Tapes

< In English + Polish Subtitles>

260 ★ The Mystery Of The World Beyond

U.N., U.S.A., June 26, 1992

356 ★ Let God Serve Through Us

U.N., Geneva, Switzerland, April 20, 1993

357 ★ Perceive The Truth By Inner Wisdom

Geneva, Switzerland, April 21, 1993

473 ★ Walk The Way Of Love

< In English + Hungarian Subtitles>

260 ★ The Mystery Of The World Beyond

U.N., U.S.A., June 26, 1992

356 ★ Let God Serve Through Us

U.N., Geneva, Switzerland April 20, 1993

467 ★The Suffering Of This World Comes From Our Ignorance

Singapore January 10, 1995

< In English + Croatian Subtitles>

260 ★ The Mystery Of The World Beyond

U.N., U.S.A. June 26, 1992

< In English +Spanish Subtitles >

623 ★ Recognize Your Own God Nature

Univ. of California, Irvine, U.S.A. June 2, 1998

< In English + Chinese Subtitles >

658 ★ One World... Of Peace Through Music

Shrine Auditorium, L.A. California, U.S.A.
December 18, 1998

602 ★ Our Child Nature Is God

L.A. Center, CA, U.S.A.
September 13, 1997 & November 14, 1997

617 ★ The International 5-Day Retreat
Dealing With Obstructions and Tests (1)

Sangju, Korea Young Dong Center May 6~10, 1998

635 ★ Discover The Ashram In Your Heart

Lunar New Year Celebration, Florida, U.S.A.
February 13, 1999

647 ★ Experience Heaven On Earth

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, May 9, 1999

650 ★ We Are Here To Bless The World

Moscow, Russia, May 13, 1999

< In English + French Subtitles >

582 ★ Be Determined On the Spiritual Path (2)

Sydney, Australia, May 9, 1997 & May 12, 1997

< In English + Korean Subtitles>

496 ★ Europe International 3-Day Retreat (IV):
The Path Of Devotion

Hamburg, Germany, August 25-27, 1995

< In English + Turkish Subtitles>

473 ★ Walk The Way Of Love

TV & Radio Broadcasts
About The Quan Yin Method
Meditation on The Inner Light and Sound>

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Radio Programs around the World

All-Powerful Master

By sister initiate Guo from Ningxia, China >

I am an initiate from Ningxia China. Due to the numerous miracles that have happened in my family after my initiation during the last two or three years, my mother and two younger sisters also have gotten initiated one after the other following my initiation. My second eldest sister and nephew have begun to practice the Convenient Method of meditation as well. On January 27, 1999, around 9:30 in the morning, I got up after meditation and put everything in order. However, without knowing the reason, I strongly felt that I had not meditated enough for my spiritual food, and wanted badly to do more meditation. I was thinking about going to the supermarket that afternoon. I sell vegetarian food there, and wanted to see how much food was left at the store and if I needed to add to the supply. At the same time, I was thinking that I needed to meditate more.

All the initiates in my family felt my behavior was very unusual. About 11:30 in the morning, I could not bear it any more, so I just went ahead and sat on the bed to meditate. While I was meditating on the inner light, a message constantly came from within that I should give my brother a call, and let him help me check the goods at the supermarket. He is the only brother in my family, and runs a motorcycle repair business in the old town.

Time flew by quickly. When I woke up from my meditation, it was already 12:45 in the afternoon. I got off of my bed, holding a bowl to get some food. Suddenly, an idea came to my mind: I should quickly ask my little sister (also a fellow initiate) to call my brother and ask him to check the goods. My brother has rarely cared about or concerned himself with us, therefore, it has always been hard to convince my little sister to call him. But that day, she picked up the phone happily and swiftly. While she was on the phone with my brother, an invisible power kept on pushing me and I could not set my mind at ease. I took the phone from my sister. With positive power, I told my brother that the business was brisk, and he ought to check the store supply. My brother had never taken any interest in this before. Surprisingly, he happily answered "yes" without any hesitation. And after hanging up the phone, he borrowed a bicycle from a neighbor and left right away. Just within these several minutes, a white car drove up suddenly, crushed the door of my brother's store, and smashed everything to pieces.

Before my call, my brother, in the process of teaching two apprentices, was squatting down to fix a motorcycle in front of the door to his business. There were two adults and more than ten children about seven or eight years of age surrounding them and watching. When my brother went to check on the supplies for me, the two apprentices went inside an adjacent room and the group of carefree children disappeared. One of the two adults who had been watching went home to eat, and the other remained there. When the car crashed into the house, the two apprentices were safe in the adjoining room, while the remaining adult at the scene jumped onto an electrical pole by the side of the building, and by holding onto it tightly, also avoided any injury. The driver, who was drunk, was also safe, although his car was smashed into many pieces. My all-powerful Master saved not only one life, but the lives of more than ten people within a few minutes. My omnipresent Master used me as a medium to send away my brother and save him, his two apprentices, and more than ten innocent children and people who had been watching. Rarely had I had anything to do with my brother, but that day, departing from my normal behavior and without knowing why, I had called and asked him to help me. When my brother came back one hour later, he completely and immediately understood that all these things had been done by Master to save him. Taking Master's photo from his inner pocket, he showed the photo to others, telling them, "My younger sister believes in Her. It is She who saved me."

In the evening, my brother came back to our house, describing everything in detail and with strong emotion. He said with deep conviction that this had indeed been the work of the invisible, almighty power. Our entire family is deeply grateful to our Master. My brother asked us to get a pin with Master's picture for him. This miracle shook my entire family, and made me realize once again that the power of my omnipotent Master saves all beings and resolves everything. For fellow initiates who practice the Quan Yin Method of meditation, not only do our relatives benefit, but all our neighbors and the friends of our relatives benefit as well. Here, with my humblest heart, I suggest to all beings that God has arrived, and the Savior is already here. If we don't go Home with Her, when should we do so?! I hope that all beings in the world will join our Quan Yin family, and together receive and enjoy the grace of God.

Buying Insurance
to Heaven
for Your Parents!

By sister Caiyun Huang, Kao-Ping, Formosa

My parents lived in Ilan City. Last year (1998) just before the day of the Tomb Sweeping Festival, I suddenly received a phone call in the early morning telling me that my 89-year-old father was dying. I went home immediately and was in tears to find my father moaning and groaning on his bed because of pain. I knew his time was up because Master's manifestation body had come to inform me eight months earlier. Without a second thought, I played Master's Buddhist Chanting tape and my husband, also a fellow practitioner, and I meditated on each side of my father, praying for Master's blessings. Gradually, my father stopped moaning and went to sleep. The next day he was sent to a hospital, but the hospital refused to take further action. All the time, I kept reciting the Holy Names and praying to Master to cleanse my father's karma quickly. I also put Master's pictures in the pockets of my father's coat and trousers. Then my father passed away in just about two minutes, and I was very grateful to Master. I knew She had been taking care of him all the time.

After my whole family had meditated and recited the holy names for my father for a while, I saw many saints, including the Three Treasure Buddhas, standing side by side above my father's body, while Master's appearance changed from Quan Yin Bodhisattva to ladies with modern dresses. Five minutes after my father's death, my oldest sister, second sister and younger sister, none of whom were vegetarian, also saw all the saints and local gods worshipped in all the temples in Ilan passing by one by one like cartoon figures on my father's bed curtain. Later, my younger sister saw beautiful scenery and buildings where numerous saints lived that she had never seen before. The higher the saints lived, the bigger their figures were. Also, my father's bed curtain was full of light rising up to the ceiling. The light was so bright that our eyes could hardly stand it. The smell of sandalwood permeated the room. Master held a Dragon's Head crutch that radiated white light and started to cure my father's spiritual body. She also placed much jewelry on my father's body and as decorations on his coffin. She even found a perfect place with an excellent location for the tomb. Our ancestors sat on several dharma boats and rose up to the sky.

Since 2:25pm when my father passed away until 3:00am the next morning, my family had been meditating and reciting the holy names without stopping. My father's face became young and good-looking like a "handsome guy". On the third morning at 6:00am, we started to meditate again. At about 7:00am, I looked up suddenly and saw gold light raining down like speckles above our heads. I was very touched and happy that my family was receiving Master's blessing. My younger sister was able to see Master the whole time. My oldest sister also saw Master. She was so happy that she put her palms together and bowed to Master constantly. My third older sister saw Master sitting on a lotus flower with my father in Her arms, flying up into the sky. Master understood my third older sister's every thought. She then realized how great Master was, and repented to Master and decided to become a vegetarian and receive initiation. She used to love meat so much that she could not have a meal without it.

No one noticed when it started, but golden light expanded from my father's body and formed a screen as large as that in a movie theater. The light of the lower part was very bright with a golden lotus flower at the bottom. At its lower right corner were white and gold saints. Other saints, as many as those from Fo Guang Shan, one by one gradually rose up to the sky. The light at the top was not very strong. In the middle there seemed to be a stairway to the sky. Master's manifestation body sometimes came down from the stairs, and sometimes appeared in different places in different forms and outfits on the screen; truly, it was ever changing. Later I saw Master carrying my father in Her hands to a place like a beautiful and refreshing garden. My father lay resting on a big sun chair. And on the front side of the bed curtain, I saw Master dressing my father beautifully. His mustache was turned upward, and he was wearing a special hat and smiling happily.

At that time, a child said to me: "Aunt! Aunt! Look, Master is holding a white umbrella. There is also the little god Nezha." My second older sister saw that Master was in Emperor Qian Long's clothes, decorated with shiny jewelry. She also saw sea waves rush to the seashore and then rush back. The scenery was very beautiful. (On the same screen, at the same time, what we saw was different than what my second older sister saw.) And my younger brother said that Master was always there.

My eldest brother, who is 66 years old, believed that it was very difficult to be greeted by saints when one died. He said that, although my father worshipped the saints and sincerely tried to do charity, he was not a vegetarian and he did not meditate; therefore, it was impossible for him to be greeted by the saints through our prayers. But at 2:30pm when he came in the side door, he was stunned to see many saints standing around my father's picture. Grinning from ear to ear, he put his palms together and bowed 90 degrees to the saints, saying "Thank you, thank you." After this, my uncles, aunts, nieces and the children all saw the saints. Altogether, about twenty of us saw Master's incredible manifestations. We all were very happy and did not have any sad feelings.

Later, my younger sister and I saw a big golden Quan Yin Bodhisattva figure as tall as the roof, while Master's manifestation body constantly changed forms. We watched with our hearts filled with sincerity. Master was indeed very compassionate! The saints and Master's manifestation bodies continued to appear on one wall and all three sides of the bed curtain. The scenery lasted until 6:30pm when my father's body needed to be put into a coffin, and we had to take away the curtains.

My father's physical body was very soft. His face looked peaceful. More strangely, his stomach did not expand. Instead, his figure was in better shape than it had been while he was alive. My younger sister saw Master put some very precious jewelry on his stomach. All of our friends and relatives agreed that my father looked young and handsome. It had been 31 hours from my father's death to the time of placing his body in the coffin, and it was also quite hot. But my father's physical body was still very well preserved. It was indeed a miracle.

On the way home to Kaohsiung, as my husband drove, my third sister sat in the backseat of the car and recited the holy names. She even saw the top of the car disappear, and then Master appeared in the sky with my father, who was smiling happily. Master took care of my husband all the way home, until they had arrived safely.

Even after my father was in his coffin, Master did not leave. On the evening of the First Seven Days after my father's death, my second sister saw a white lotus flower above his coffin. During the Third Seven Days, my younger sister saw colorful fireworks in the sky. The colors were so beautiful that she had never seen anything like it before. It was really amazing.

On the 36th day, when my father was buried, the sun was shining, but we did not feel hot. The wind was blowing softly as our car radio broadcast Master's chanting. I was intoxicated in this atmosphere and knew that Master would take care of everything. On that day, my third sister saw that the road from my home to the mountain was paved with gold. Later, she saw my father standing before her in the form of Quan Yin Bodhisattva, with a halo around his head. All these experiences made me feel very touched.

Whenever I think of the beautiful things that happened after my father's death, I am moved to tears. I am very fortunate to have such a great and compassionate Master, Who made me a pious child who was able to repay her parents. I will never forget Master's blessing, and cannot say "Thank You" enough to Master.

Master has always told us during the time of initiation that five generations of our families will be elevated. Of course I believed Her, but I didn't pay much attention to it. I have read in the News magazines and heard from friends of the incredible experiences that fellow practitioners have had when their relatives have passed away. But I never imagined that when my father died, the scenery would be so grand! This experience touched me very much and made me deeply grateful. This might be only one of the great demonstrations of Master's power. I dare not keep it private. I hope that what I myself experienced and saw can be a witness to Master's power, thereby helping to strengthen the faith of our fellow practitioners and bearing testimony to the fact that Master's every word and action indeed affirm the saying, "Enlightened Master tells no lies". Through practicing the Quan Yin Method, not only do we ourselves benefit, but our relatives and friends are also elevated by Master.

Some Words with the Dead

By sister initiate Truong, Phan Thiet, Au Lac (Originally in Aulacese)

On January 2, 1999, my older sister passed away. I remember that she had spent that morning in a way that was quite different than her usual habit. Instead of meditating upstairs all morning, until about 11, then coming downstairs for her daily hygiene and breakfast, she got up and dressed very early. She put on a new outfit, checked herself in the mirror, and spent some time happily chatting with the kids and me. Then she went upstairs to meditate on the inner sound.

At 8:30 that evening, my younger sister went upstairs to dry some clothes and found my older sister in a kneeling position with her head down. The whole family soon realized that she had died. We had known for the past ten years that she had a serious heart disease.

After her funeral, my mind was incessantly occupied by the cause of her death. Whether I was washing the clothes, cleaning the house, or whatever, my mind was asking: "Wasn't it my fault for being too optimistic about her condition that stopped me from taking her to the medical center for proper diagnosis and timely treatment?" Then, in the midst of such thinking, a thought suddenly came to my mind. It was so overwhelming that I was unable to stop it. It came and went so quickly that I was able to recall just the overall content of the story, not the details and the specific words that were used. In general, it went like this:

"Here I am. I am standing by you in the same time and space even though you can't see me. I am so thankful for the affection that you have given me and all the things that you have done for me."

Sister, what realm are you in now?

"There's no realm at all. I am standing by you now in the same time and space. But, soon, in just a short time, I will be taken to a new and better realm by Master, where I will continue to practice to elevate my level."

Who told you so? Do you know what level you are at now?

"No, because I am not there yet. I will know only after I get there."

Sister, can you tell me what happened between the time I left you upstairs and the time you passed away?

"After you and the two youngsters had gone downstairs, I went to the front room to do Quan Yin. After doing it for a while, I suddenly felt a pain in my chest. I felt suffocated, as if my abdomen were contracted. But it lasted just an instant; I got out of my physical body very quickly. At that moment, I looked back and saw my poor physical body lying there motionless and fully realized that I was dead. I was shocked and dumfounded. It was 8:30 PM when I looked at the clock. Everyone was at work downstairs. The two little kids were innocently enjoying playing with each other. No one knew that I had died until our younger sister came upstairs to dry the clothes and found me there and let you all know."

How about your experience of death? Was it painful?

"I didn't know anything to feel painful about. No sooner did I feel the pain in my chest once, than I was out of the physical body completely."

Did you see light and hear sound as you left you body?

"No, because my spiritual level was quite low. It was normal as I already told you."

So, what was your spiritual level when you were alive?

"Very low. I only saw dim light and heard very low level sounds."

Sister, since I neither burned the clothes you left behind nor put them in your casket, are you sad? Are you cold? Do you feel uncomfortable at all?

"No. Presently, I am very happy in a hundred, a thousand ways. I am also at ease and at peace. The burning of the clothes would have no effect on me. Giving them to the needy would be more appropriate."

Do you feel okay that I gave your money to our younger sister and the needy?

"All that you have done is absolutely all right. If only you knew that all the material wealth in the physical world means nothing in the metaphysical one, perhaps you would give away all you currently have in exchange for easy spiritual practice. Because it is only through spiritual practice that one is able to elevate his level for eternal liberation. I hope that you will practice more diligently to elevate your level higher."

Do you need me to do anything to help or make any offerings to you?

"That's not necessary at all. Presently, I am extremely happy and at ease. If the family wants to make any offerings, then just go ahead, but it's not necessary."

Do you know hat elder Brother and my husband are currently at the cemetery building your tomb?

"I know everything. I am deeply touched, even though it is not necessary for me."

What was your cause and effect? How heavy was the karma from your past life that it effected such a pitiful fate as yours? Do you know why?

"I do. When the time comes, you will know, too. All comes from karmic relations. Since I now know about it, I no longer feel miserable."

(At that moment, my younger sister walked into the bathroom.)

"I was talking to our elder sister just now!"

"Is that right? How can you talk to her?"

"No. Don't tell her what I told you. Also, you should not ever complain about her at all, because I love her the most in the family. As far as mother is concerned, she is quite old. Soon, she will be like me. Don't complain about our mother much, even though I myself was unable to refrain from doing so when I was alive.You should not have frequent contact with the dead. Let them live in peace! Master is scolding you. Each realm has its own law. You should not violate it. Okay, don't ask me any more questions. I am leaving with Master now. Don't ask me any more."

Then there was silence. No voice responded in my mind, despite my continued thinking and questioning. My mind was left blank without one single message coming back in response. A moment later, a feeling of infinite sadness came over me. I had never before experienced such a terrible desolation of loneliness. It was as if I had both just lost the thing that was the most precious to me and also said farewell to the one whom I loved the most and would never see again. I was in that emotion of tragic sadness and desperation until evening, when my husband came back home from the cemetery. Then I felt relieved. For that whole evening and the next day, all of us sisters continuously heard the sound of the Buddha's chanting with Master's voice echoing throughout the house.

On the morning of the sixth day after my sister died, I got up to meditate. I remembered her and started asking questions in my head:

Dear Sister, where are you living now? What is that place like? Do you feel miserable?

Instantly, an overwhelming flow of thoughts came to answer my questions:

"I am now in a place very far away where it is quite good and blissful."

Why did you stop talking to me and where did you go on that day?

"I followed Master to this realm to continue my practice in order to elevate my level of consciousness."

Do you still meditate on the light and sound the whole day like when you were alive?

"Yes, of course. However, since I no longer have the physical body, the practice is a bit different."

What do you do every day? Who cooks for you? Do you go to a grocery store and kitchen to do the cooking and do you have a lot of time to do it?

"No. No one cooks for me. Each one has to take care of his own needs. In the metaphysical world, having meals and moving from place to place is not like in the physical world. Everything is thought forms. Meal preparation and moving do not take much time either. Everyone depends on the universal food supply and just takes enough for his own use. Each day I spend most of the time in practice. I use the remaining free time to listen to Master's lectures and travel around... It is very good and happy in this world."

Can you describe the beauty of the world where you are now living using worldly language?

"All right. If we refer to the imperial palaces of the worldly kings as opulent and luxurious, then the place where I live is much more beautiful and blissful. It is far beyond your imagination. But this place is only a small heaven. Perhaps Master will take you to visit places that are much more beautiful and magnificent than the place I live in. One thing I know is that God will bestow good things on all people who practice diligently. Your duty is to practice diligently; God will take care of the rest. Okay, you have asked me too much lately. Don't ask me any more questions. I have answered all your questions already; is there anything else?"

Please answer one more question. At this moment, do you miss your loved ones in the family? Do you miss the past world?

"Absolutely not! Well, that's enough. Don't ask me any more."

Nam Mo Supreme Master Ching Hai. I pray to the inner Master to let me know of our father's whereabouts. What is our father doing now? Where is he? Is he miserable or happy?

"He has been elevated."

Father, this is your daughter. Do you hear my voice? Where are you now? How is the place you live in? What are you doing now? Do you feel sad and miserable?

"I live in a very good realm now. I am happy and not sad and miserable at all."

What are you doing now? Do you practice spiritually?

"I do nothing, but just enjoy life. I do not practice for I have not had the affinity to do so. However, thanks to your practice, I am enjoying the merits of being taken to this better world."

Where were you before?

"I was in a dark world where it was neither miserable nor happy, but it was quite sad."

How long have you been where you are now?

"Since you began to practice."

Do you miss us?

"No, not at all. Everything has passed. Everything was just cause and retribution!"

Editor's Note: These true stories perhaps would make a better movie than "The Sixth Sense"?!!

To Le Uyen Phuong*

You have journeyed to another realm,**
To a pure land** of immortal peace,
Like the lotus abandoning "the bog",***
Like the moon leaving behind the clouds.
Recalling you in your gentleness,
"A sad day",*** a nostalgic heart...

~ Wutzu

*The late Le Uyen Phuong is a famous Aulacese composer and singer.
**Derived from his name, Uyen Phuong, in Aulacese.
***Phrase used in Le Uyen Phuong's music.

To Thai Hang*

Understanding each other's hearts,
The silent grief is left unspoken!
You return to nothingness,
I'm by the melancholy grave.
Our hearts even Mt. Everest** cannot divide,
In loving, our love is Eternal**...

~ Wutzu

*The late Thai Hang is a legendary Aulacese singer.
** Derived from the singer's name in Aulacese.

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Master Joins Disciples
for the Last Halloween
of the Century

Recently, a strong earthquake struck in the vicinity of Los Angeles, California, setting off rumors that a greater quake was yet to come. Traffic accidents occurred frequently and police car sirens, fire engines, and ambulances could be heard throughout the day. In the ensuing weeks, as Halloween approached, an unsettling feeling prevailed among many people concerning the coming of the new millennium.

Sensing this uneasiness, our omniscient Master suddenly graced Los Angeles with Her presence. This pleasant surprise not only had fellow practitioners rushing to the Center from Los Angeles and surrounding areas, but also brought supreme blessings to the State of California.

Master appeared at our Los Angeles Center around lunch time after the Saturday group meditation session on October 30th. She looked fresh and elegant in a milky white blouse and white pants that were matched by a pearl necklace and a pair of pearl earrings. Her curly, shoulder-length hair gave Her an absolutely gorgeous and stylish look.

Master greeted everyone cheerily, and then playfully stretched Her arms on the tree branches behind Her seat to relax Herself, as everyone burst into delightful laughter. An Aulacese initiate-to-be asked for a hug, which Master kindly granted, and then She listened to the sister whisper into Her ear for a while. The child and mother of a fellow initiate offered flowers to Master and requested initiation, and Master gave Her approval immediately. For two young sibling fellow practitioners who were having problems in life and spiritual practice, Master's patient responses to their long series of questions turned their tears into laughter.

In a special discourse to young initiates, Master said that She admired them as yogis because in such a turbulent world they still can be vegetarians and meditate. She added that with just a little more practice they will be perfect. Master encouraged them to discipline themselves in meditation and to do it just like breathing. There are only two things in life: correct things and incorrect things. Master said they should list what they need to do each day, take control of their lives, and discharge their responsibilities.

When a sister would-be initiate asked Master how to deal with stress in her teaching profession, Master commented to her that there is no gain without pain. Master advised her to do whatever she has to do and do it for fun. If she loses, she loses. Be a good loser and forget the job. Don't do it for the position. If she does, she will cheapen herself; instead, do it for the students' knowledge. If she gives the best of herself, the work will be fulfilling to her.

After satisfying our intellectual needs with Her loving and often humorous answers to our questions, Master granted permission for an initiation that afternoon. Later, She chatted casually with some guests and disciples outside the meditation hall. During the initiation, Master patiently taught the new practitioners how to recite the Holy Names. Then She went outside and distributed candy to each person present. One by one, Master personally gave the blessed candy to each disciple with Her own hands. Blessing each individual, She made each one feel like the most beloved one in the whole universe. Later that night, Master answered questions posed by disciples and then went to the dining hall to again bless everyone. Before leaving, Master encouraged us to meditate more, especially until the coming of the year 2000.

Sunday was Halloween and everyone dressed up in colorful and creative costumes as ETs, ghosts, figures from Star Wars, brides, and angels; some wore traditional dress while others donned costumes fully covering their bodies, along with masks on their faces. People were enjoying the food and festivities when suddenly we heard applause signaling Master's arrival. Were we ever surprised when the person wearing a long, purple robe with a full black mask who had been walking around in the crowd like everyone else turned out to be Master! She warmly greeted everyone, and with delight, we all laughed happily, while some of us were contemplating a subtler message: "Master came in disguise and only a few recognized Her. Likewise, many people in the world are waiting for the Savior, but She is already here. It's just that few people can recognize Her in this new earthly costume."

In a jovial mood, Master began tossing pieces of candy into the outstretched arms of the crowd. We yelled and cheered each time She threw some of the precious treats, and the atmosphere was alive with excitement. Master, perhaps caught up in the spontaneity of the moment, yelled and screamed with us, and we all became children again for one carefree moment when time stopped and heaven reigned on Earth.

Next, Master put on clown make-up in front of the admiring onlookers. Yes, our Master made Herself into a clown, making fun of Herself and amusing everyone in order to liberate them.

The Center's performance program lasted quite a long time, from afternoon till evening, with a break in between for supper. And Master endured the performers' lack of preparation with Her usual compassion and grace.

After a rigorous day, Master was obviously tired. She jokingly said that new "ghosts" from hell were exhausting Her. God knows how many souls She had just saved. The night ended with Master again distributing fruit and candy, infused with Her boundless love, to initiates and guests, leaving us in bliss and determined to meditate more to help Her save the world.

For those who may never have enjoyed Halloween before, this last celebration of the holiday in the Twentieth Century turned out to be one of the best times of their lives, all because of Master's love and blessings.

Viet Economic Daily News, U.S.A.
September 11, 1999

The Journey of
Supreme Master Ching Hai:
From Poetry to Art

Tran Van An (Originally in Aulacese)

About two years ago, I approached Supreme Master Ching Hai's poetry (collection "Traces of a Previous Life") with a very earthly curiosity: I wished to see whether the love poems of a female renunciate would be different or off-beat when compared to the writings of other women. And I was pleasantly surprised. I found that, like the work of other poets, Supreme Master Ching Hai's love poems are replete with life's emotions: joy, anger, love, jealousy, and the passion and bliss of young love's fiery flame. Yet, Her poetry also rises above society's preconceived notions. This break with conventional beliefs is indicative of a person in search of the true spiritual path. Indeed, it is this human quality that gives the reader pleasure and delight in Master's "Traces of a Previous Life." However, I could not find these same qualities in the paintings of the renunciate in the exhibition held at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium on December 18, 1998.

Before viewing the exhibition, I thought that the paintings would merely be a medium for the poet to express Her poetry in forms and colors. I had imagined that I would encounter brush strokes with thick, uneven angles; colors clashing with one other; splashes of black reflecting romantic but sorrowful nights; crescent moons symbolizing broken romance; and deep red strokes of lust exploding amidst puffs of clouds radiating the golden brilliance of the Tao.

But no! I could not detect even a single resemblance to "Traces of a Previous Life." Without a doubt, these paintings (produced from 1990-1994) represent a new, completely fresh artistic journey by their Creator. Everything reflects complete harmony, tranquillity and peace, with the scenery "borrowed" to describe the tranquil mental state of one in a type of earthly nirvana. Everything is painted in light and entrancing colors - the various shades of the lively green leaves now and then intermingle with vibrant red or humble earth-brown hues.

I also no longer saw the "humanness," the basic human emotions of happiness, anger, love and jealousy that were essential to "Traces of a Previous Life." Even the forms of human beings, of complex sentient beings, seemed to be absent from the canvases. I only saw two paintings containing human forms. One, "The Clown," in colored chalks, depicts the subject's dual faces, reflecting "sadness within, happiness without." The second painting, "Cleaning the Pond," depicts three characters: "Brother Kuo" who is color-blind. "Brother Chen" who has a crooked spine, and "Brother Yang" who is quite short. If the subjects' true characters are retained through the brushwork of the Artist, each of these human figures, from the clown to the brothers, is actually a medium for portraying the fun, humor and irrationality of the astral world - in short, the humor and contradiction in a human being's simultaneous existence and non-existence in the mundane world, along with life's emptiness. The clown laughs, yet cries at the same time. The right half of his body is painted in bright colors, while the left half is in sad, gray hues. At the same time, the three brothers obviously feel naturally happy and humorous about their own impediments.

Regarding the inner state of the Creator, the viewer no longer detects the conflict between "human life" and "spiritual life," as seen in "Traces of a Previous Life." Instead, the Creator's inner state appears to be in complete peace and serenity. Through all the paintings, the Artist-renunciate seems to have rediscovered a childlike freedom and spontaneity, a pure, liberated, angelic innocence.

Song of the Sea
Size 45 x 32.8 cm

Each painting is a glorification of a kind of bliss, a state of nirvana here and now. Each natural aspect of nature, each flourishing brush stroke, is like the prancing step of a bird, its sweet, melodious song rising amidst an effulgent dawn, or like the shimmering stars around a fresh and luminous moon. Even when on the Earth it is hailing, and thundering, the brush strokes dance vibrantly as if ready to burst forth with the heroic and courageous "Song of the Sea."

In "Moon Night," amidst the tranquil emptiness of night, even the trees growing on the hills are painted like children frolicking, as if wanting to embrace the radiance of the golden moon. The earthly state of happiness is sometimes expanded beyond mere sensory joy in nature. The scenery of "Filled with Grace" truly reveals a joy that comes from the heart. From a single flower on a vine, the Artist has painted hundreds more, creating an abundance of bliss on both the tree and its branches.

The Artist also enjoys a happiness derived from reminiscences of the past. The painting entitled "Nostalgia" does not evoke even a trace of the sadness of a person remembering his homeland or the sorrow of being away from home. On the contrary, upon viewing the work's Dragon Fruit, with its delicious white meat and purple-brown peel lying among verdant broad leaves, the viewer experiences only sweet and cozily intimate memories of the past.

Overall, Master Ching Hai's works depict a world of heartfelt tranquillity, liberating and contented, but also very alive and joyous. However, I also caught a glimpse of several paintings that appear to carry social messages. For example, in "The Stone Convention," rising above angry red and sand-like sentient beings, representing anger and frustration, are enormous impassive and boring boulders, their deep purple color representing the world's extremely insensitive leaders, the main causes of war and human corruption. The message here is perhaps a call for an open and expansive wisdom at the end of a dark tunnel, as in the painting, "Stone Cave."

If wisdom is slow to open, could it be the fault of the "readers" - people who read extensively yet do not understand, always debating and arguing for the sole purpose of creating more conflict in the world. This is perhaps the message of the painting "Argument", which presents two enormous books opposing one another with the title "#l" on their covers. The background of the painting is a layer of dark purple, surrounding an unbalanced table, symbolic of human society.

However, Master Ching Hai did not convey Her main messages when She created these paintings, but rather scribbled them on rocks deep in the mountains and jungles of Formosa around the same period. These messages consist of a few short words about Jesus, Buddha, human beings, or nature. When writing the messages on the rocks, the Artist/renunciate, bringing forth the "selfless" state of human beings and combining it with the "selfless" state of the rocks, harmonized humankind with nature.

All beings are one; this perhaps is Her main message, as well as the significance of the phrases "I and my father are one," "I am God," "I am Buddha," "The World is Me", or "The Tao is Silent." Words such as "peace, love, freedom, purity, perfection, wisdom, joy and humility" truly reveal the vision of the artist about an ideal world for humanity.

When writing messages on stones in the Formosan jungle about religion, morality, and social values, the Artist/renunciate walked further on a journey that is another milestone in shattering society's preconceived beliefs, similar to "Traces of a Previous Life". This break with convention is manifested in the bringing of Jesus into Buddha, humanity into rocks, and the tranquillity of Buddhism into the nothingness of Taoism, without abandoning Chuang Tze's joy and humor in life.

Editors Footnote: Professor Tran Van An presently is director of an educational establishment in Orange County, California, USA. Before1975, he served as Congressman of Gia Dinh Province, and was also Speaker for the Republic of Au Lac.

A Twist on the Wrist

A Simple Reminder of Faith Moves from Christianity to Buddhism

By David Crumm

This month, Jesus won't be alone anymore on the wrists of millions of spiritually minded Americans.

Ten years have passed since a Holland church began distributing wristbands labeled "WWJD" for "What Would Jesus Do?" The simple idea swept across the nation just as Americans were starting to feel more comfortable about publicly expressing their religious preferences.

It's a sign of the county's growing religious diversity that members of another faith are now thinking about wearing their spirituality on their sleeves.

This month, California-based Ulysses Press will start selling books and wristbands labeled "WWBD" - for "What Would Buddha Do?"

"I think it's a good idea," says the Rev. Sukha Haju Sunim, resident priest at the Ann Arbor Zen Buddhist Temple. "In Buddhism there's a real emphasis on being mindful about what we're doing in each moment of our lives."

Such simple reminders of a person's faith can become lifelines in overwhelming situations, says the Rev. Geri Larkin, another Ann Arbor Buddhist priest who has written two books on Buddhism.

Last year, Larkin also came up with the "WWBD" idea, independently of Ulysses. She didn't write a book about it or make wristbands. Instead, she embroidered the four letters on cotton handkerchiefs as year-end gifts for friends.

Recently, she carried a "WWBD" handkerchief on a grueling pilgrimage with her friend Haju to remote monasteries in the mountains of South Korea. "It was an incredibly difficult trip and I pulled out that handkerchief all the time as a wonderful reminder not to worry about what was ahead of me, " Larkin says.

Bryce Willett, marketing manager for Ulysses in Berkeley, Calif., says he hopes that his firm's $15 book and wristband will appeal to people from many religions backgrounds. Each book has a coupon to mail to Ulysses to receive the band.

"Does someone need to be Buddhist to read the book or wear the band? No, " says Willett. "That's the key to religious diversity today. Americans feel free to look for spiritual wisdom in many different traditions. They use different spiritual practices that they find meaningful. And the Buddhist tradition has a lot of good advice for people's daily lives."

The book, which will be featured in bookstores and in several national book clubs this month, offers 105 answers to common "WWBD" questions.

For instance, first thing in the morning, what would Buddha do about a coffee addiction? He'd switch to tea. It's more soothing.

When driving to work, what would he do about road rage? He'd "steer away from anger" and make sure he did not contribute to the problem by driving too aggressively.

However, it's debatable whether some of this advice will actually work on a nonspiritual plane. What would Buddha do if his boss complains that he's late? Well, he might say, "Time is now; now is both what and when. In this sense, we are always on time."

Franz Metcalf, the Los Angeles-based Buddhist scholar who wrote the book, chuckles over that line, too. "There is a certain grain of humor in that, it's true."

But he defends that basic principle. Buddhist employees do have responsibility to provide their employers with a good day's work - but, in the ultimate scheme of things, should our lives be ruled by the precise tracking of a clock?

"In our lives, there's both this ultimate level of absolute truth and this practical level on which we live. I think it's lovely if people can balance these two different views," He says.

However, achieving that balance is very difficult, says Larkin, especially when a person feels overwhelmed by life.

In late August, Larkin set off from Ann Arbor with Haju to spend a month touring 30 isolated Buddhist monasteries in South Korea along with two male Buddhist priests.

"It was so tough," says Larkin. "Here we were, these two middle-aged American women who didn't have a clue about the protocol in many of the monasteries. We were the first Westerners some of the monks had ever met - and we were the first women ever to go inside some of these monasteries. That meant we got many things about the protocol all wrong."

The idea was to deepen their understanding of Buddhism, but Larkin says she often found herself more concerned with simply staying alive.

"We were climbing mountains like the Alps in our Keds and Buddhist robes. Our backpacks would get caught in the trees. And we had to watch every step we took, because there were places we could easily slip off the path and fall to our death," she says.

Then it rained - and not just a shower, but a typhoon that lasted for days. "It was very hot already. These pouring rains and high winds came on top of that. It was really easy to get lost in worrying about how hot and wet and exhausted I was - and to wonder what I was missing back home on 'Ally Mcbeal' that week."

To calm herself, Larkin often pulled out her "WWBD" handkerchief.

Concentrating all of her senses on each step she was taking along the narrow paths helped calm her. Soon, she was climbing more easily and confidently.

"When people are stuck in tough situations," she says, "it's really important for them to find something that will help them stop the way they're thinking about their problems - and to start thinking about their situation in a whole new way."

A similar idea, from a Christian perspective, was in the mind of Janie Tinklenberg in 1989. At the time, she was a youth minister at the Calvary Reformed Church in Holland and was looking for a way to remind teenage Christians of their faith on a daily basis.

"I wanted to give the kids in my church something that would remind them that they were living their lives with a commitment to something special," says Tinklenberg, who now works for a church near Columbus, Ohio. In 1989, an advertising executive in the Holland congregation put her in touch with a wristband manufacturer. Kids loved the idea and soon the bands were flying out the doors of the church.

Tinklenberg did not expect her simple idea to explode into a nationwide Christian craze and now almost regrets that the "WWJD" bands became a fad.

"I think it diluted the message, " she says. "People were wearing these bracelets who didn't even understand what it meant."

She has no objection to Buddhists developing their own version. At this point, the Christian craze is winding down, she says.

It's fine that the Christian fad is fading, she says. "I want this to fade, so it will end up where it belongs - back with people wearing them who know what these little nylon bracelets really mean."

The Essence of
Our True Self

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai Budapest, Hungary May 24, 1999 (Originally in English)

We are not only this physical being, but we are a multifold being. We are great, great, greater than we could imagine ourselves to be. The deeper we go into the mysterious universal atmosphere, the more we can find out about ourselves: that we exist in many different levels of consciousness at the same time as we exist here and now on this physical planet.

Going to heaven doesn't mean we have to go anywhere, or die first. We might call it "dying", but we still can live and function in this world while seeing heaven or contacting God at the same time. By going through our different levels of Self, of consciousness, we can visit the different mansions of God, and then we will find that what the Bible says is true," We are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit lives within us."

It is wonderful to know that we are manifold beings, and that with a little practice we can see our higher Self anytime we want; and when we ascend into the highest level of our Self, then we can see God as well. We are also part of the Most High. When we go to the highest level, of course, we will see the essence of our true Self, which is God, because at that time, we don't have the human ego anymore. Consequently, in this same way we can avoid many of the unpleasant happenings in our lives. We can avoid a lot of suffering by ascending into a higher level of our Self and finding happiness there. When we come back to this physical level, even if we still experience mundane suffering, we will have become much stronger, much more spiritually awakened, and we can deal with our problems and our sorrows in a very easy manner. That's why the Bible says, "Seek you first the Kingdom of God and everything else shall be added unto you."

Suppose our house has many levels but if we have never ascended the stairs to see the higher levels, then of course, we do not know how much we have and how many rooms we have in our house. Jesus said, In the house of my Father, there are many mansions. This is a way of explaining the different levels of human existence. If now and again, we go into a higher level of intelligence, then when we come back to this physical world, we will become more able, wiser and happier; therefore, we will become a different being. We can feel as if we are living in heaven while discharging our duty on this physical planet. Most of the suffering, most of the burdens come from our lack of understanding about the higher part of ourselves, the part that is in direct contact with God. If we know the way to contact this higher part of ourselves, then we can contact God.

There are different departments in our absolute being that house so many wonders. Every level is different from another and every level consists of different things that we can make use of even for this physical life. All these levels of being of our Self exist at the same time. It's just that we do not have a connection with them. We have forgotten how to reconnect ourselves, and that's why we only have knowledge of the physical existence. No wonder we have no knowledge of other planets. No wonder we have no knowledge about heaven. No wonder we do not find peace easily with each other. No wonder we have to resort to war sometimes.

Bonuses of Spiritual Practice

We all know that only about five or ten percent of the human capacity is used. Where is the other eighty or ninety percent? It's going to waste. I am here to show you how to make use of your complete wisdom - the other eighty or ninety percent that is left dormant. And it's so easy that even children can do it. The more we have access to this greater part of our intelligence, the better a human being we will become. Moreover, it will never cost us anything because these things are our own treasures. Just like you have money in the bank but you have forgotten where your checkbook is, I just will point it out to you.

By going into all this remaining wisdom of our being, we will be able to understand the universe. We will be able to understand and know God and to communicate with Hirm directly and daily. The higher we go into the Kingdom of God, the freer we will feel; and the burdens of this gross material world will have less and less effect upon us. Even our physical well being will become better and better. Of course, we do not want to find God just because we want to cure our physical sickness but the bonuses also are there in abundance.

How to be a True Being

The happiness we feel inside after we have found God, we will not want to trade for the whole world. That's why the Bible dares us, "What is the good of a man who gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" To "lose our soul" means that we do not recognize our greatness; we do not know what else we are except this physical body and this physical way of life. The Bible also mentions that, "Whoever forsakes the world will gain it, and whoever runs after the world will lose it."

The purpose of the soul coming into this world is to find God and nothing else will make it happy until it finds God again. But when we are in this physical world and this physical prison of flesh, we forget our purpose of life because it is such an arrangement of the negative power. It will entrap us here with all kinds of pleasures and illusions, making us busy, making us suffer, and also making us cling to these ephemeral, temporary pleasures of the flesh and forget heaven. That's why no matter how many possessions we have, no matter how high our position in society, we are never truly happy here if we do not have spiritual nourishment at the same time. Just like a rich man who has a grand house with many rooms and levels, but if he always stays in the darkness of the basement, he will never see the sun; and he will never have a chance to see all the treasures that lie waiting for him in the other, higher levels of the house.

We are manifold beings: we are physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual beings. In order to be a complete human being, in order to be a Godlike being, as God made us in Hiers own image, we have to know our real Self, our complete Self. Lacking any part of ourselves, we will never be happy; we will always feel that there is something missing, but we do not know what.

In order to go straight to the highest heaven after we leave this physical body, we should know that heaven now, while living. We can visit heaven during our free time and then return to this physical body to fulfill our existence. Then we will know that we are not the physical body; we are truly God's children. It is not because we know that, but it's just the feeling inside, the merging together with the Universal Power, the Universal Oneness, that we will become a different being, a true being, a heavenly being on this planet. Then we will have nothing else but joy and happiness, even while living in this world.

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Contents   News No.107 Contents Photo Collection Panorama of Events Drops in the Ocean of Love Spot Light Aphorism Little Message Elevation of the Soul Front Line Master's Wonders Poems of Immortality Special Report Media Reports Master Says Master Tells Jokes Love in Action Story World Letters of Appreciation Receipt Back to Main Menu

God Has Improved!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai in Florida,U.S.A.
October 3, 1999 (Originally in Chinese)

Sitting in the arms of her father, a little girl was exploring the wrinkles on her grandpa's face. The old man was reading a newspaper and didn't pay any attention to her. After a while, the little girl asked: "Grandpa! Didn't God create you?" The old man answered: "Yes! Of course." The little girl continued to ask: "Didn't God create me, too?" The grandpa said, "You are right! God also created you." The little girl then commented: "Obviously God has improved a lot; Hiers products are now of a much better quality!"

Life after Death

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai in Florida, U.S.A. October 3, 1999 (Originally in Chinese)

A primary schoolteacher asked one of her students: "Do you believe in life after death?" The boy answered: "Yes, I do!" The teacher said, "Well, it is good that you believe, because your grandpa came to school to see me today, though you told me yesterday that you needed to take a day off to attend his funeral!"

Wrong Bus!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai in Florida,U.S.A. October 3, 1999
(Originally in Chinese)

A very drunken man fumbled his way onto a bus. With some effort, he managed to take a seat, but in his clumsiness, when sitting down, he bumped against an old lady next to him. The old lady stared at him angrily and cursed: "You'll go to hell!" The drunken man exclaimed: "Oh, I have gotten onto the wrong bus!"

Report from California, U. S. A.

School children walking to our food truck.

Fellow initiates caring for a boy in a makeshift medical clinic. height="149" width="63%" valign="top" background="images/107-o1-1.jpg">

Mexican Hurricane
Disaster Relief

<Los Angeles>When Master received word of the devastation caused by floods from two hurricanes that had struck the mountain villages of Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico, She immediately instructed the L. A. Center to form a relief team to bring US$30,000 in aid to those most in need.

On Monday, October 18, 1999, a group of L. A. initiates, including two that had retained their Mexican citizenship and one with the ability to speak medical Spanish and provide some medical services, flew to Mexico City, where we were greeted at the airport by fellow disciples from the Texcoco and Mexico City Centers.

The following two days were spent buying relief items. Luckily, the U. S. dollar was able to purchase a great many supplies! Tons of dry grain, canned goods, water, cereal, baby food, cookies, crackers, candy and other food items, as well as diapers, socks, shoes, heavy blankets and medical supplies were bought and loaded into two large trucks. Some marketplace merchants even contributed kilos of dried grain when they learned of our mission to aid the flood victims! We gave these people Master's photos as souvenirs. One merchant had tears in her eyes as she thanked us for this treasured gift.

Next, many local disciples worked day and night with us to prepare individual bags filled with goods for each family. Master's chanting music filled the air in the courtyard and gave everyone extra energy. Disciples meditated for four hours each day and silently recited the Holy Names while working on this mission of Master's Love.

Two large trucks were needed to haul all of the supplies bought in the marketplace. One of the truck drivers was a fellow initiate, who lived close to Puebla, one of the areas most affected by the flooding. The second driver also lived near the flooded areas. He fell in love with Master during this mission and drove his truck through areas where other truck drivers would surely have refused to travel! Both drivers were able to supply information concerning the areas of the worst flooding and directions about how to get the heavy supplies directly to the villagers most in need.

On Thursday, October 21, we began a five-hour journey to the first village on our itinerary. Our first stop was on the outskirts of a city that had been well supplied with food and clothing by the Mexican government. However, we found hundreds of mountain villagers in need of help; some who had walked for four hours were not given any food because they were not residents of this city. We set up our trucks on the outskirts of town and began distributing the supplies. Nighttime soon fell and we then had to resort to the light provided by only three flashlights. Villagers patiently lined up, waiting their turn for food. The air was very cold and we saw that many of the villagers were barefooted and wearing only thin clothing. Fortunately, we were able to provide most of these people with thick, comfortable blankets given with Master's love.

A medical clinic was then hastily set up in a dilapidated building. Here, we treated patients with everything from flu symptoms, eye irritations, sore throats, and hypertension to depression. Everyone wanted a sample booklet or flyer. Even the young children eagerly took Master's booklets and held onto them as though they knew full well that they had been given a rare treasure! It seemed to us that these unfortunate people intuitively knew who Master was, and in the darkness of this seemingly endless night of misery, a light beamed forth and touched their lives with Master's blessing power.

Over the next few days, from Friday to Sunday, we continued to travel to approximately six villages, while making countless stops along the road whenever we saw villagers in need of food and water. Some of the villages that we visited included Zacapoaxtla, Dos Rios and Tanamoroya in Teziutlan, Buena Vista and Atmoloni in Hueyapan, as well as Tlatlauqui and Aire Libre. On Friday, we stopped in a beautiful mountain village and again delivered food and supplies to hundreds of people in need. As we drove along the mountain roads, with Master's "Sing Allelujiah to the Lord" playing constantly, we admired the beautiful scenery but also witnessed the devastation caused by the floods. One large school building had been overrun with boulders swept along by the strong current of a swollen river.

At the second village on our journey, a middle-aged couple brought their beautiful young daughter to our medical clinic. The girl had epilepsy but because the family was so poor, they had run out of money to pay for her medication. During an epileptic seizure, the daughter had fallen face first into a fire that had burned most of her upper face! The injury was one year old but her face was still badly mutilated. Her eyes stared out without blinking because her eyelids had been burned off. We could only give the family some minimal supplies but added a few hundred USD so that they could take their daughter to a clinic and restart her seizure medication. We took the name and address of this family in order to refer them to a medical group called Medecins Sans Frontieres that travels to remote areas and treats patients in need free of charge.

In the next villages, hundreds of people were waiting to receive food, water and other emergency supplies. Many of the villagers came to us in bare feet that were calloused from years of walking without shoes. Most of them had aged prematurely due to lives of hardship and the constant lack of life's amenities. The villagers quietly lined up, as one of the village leaders called out the names of each family. Our third stop was probably the most organized. There our group was able to hand out hundreds of food items and other emergency supplies in a short period of time. Once again, the medical clinic treated dozens of patients, in addition to teaching about the importance of a vegetarian diet, nutrition facts and simple wound care.

On Saturday, we drove to what was to be our final stop before returning to the U.S.A. Village leaders there kept everything running smoothly. We watched the happy faces of the local children as they picked out brand new shoes for their tired feet. This time, we distributed almost all of our remaining food and blankets. We also depleted all of our medical supplies. That evening, we were treated to a special vegetarian meal of beans, tortillas and rice, and the village leaders opened up their homes to accommodate us. It was very beautiful and peaceful there.

The next morning, villagers again lined up waiting for the medical clinic to reopen. We found a few more supplies but only had enough time to treat the sickest of the villagers. One elderly woman told us that she had just lost her husband and all but one of her children. We hugged her and cried along with her. One of the village women came forth and took this woman into her arms, and then she was joined by the rest of the crowd. It was very touching. We gave the remainder of our supplies to a village nurse so that she could care for the children and the elderly. Then, waving goodbye to our newly made friends, we left, along with our caravan, down the mountain road and back to the Texcoco Center. It was sad to say "goodbye" but we were happy at the same time. We just wished that we had an unlimited fund of money, supplies and manpower to give to the suffering poor of this world. Luckily, however, we were at least able to reach these Mexican people with the loving vibrations of our almighty Master.

Report from California, USA

Master's Love Blesses
Hurricane Floyd Victims
in North Carolina, U.S.A.

<Los Angeles>Moving at speeds of up to 175 mph, winds from Hurricane Floyd destroyed many homes and devastated the areas of Tarboro and Princeville, North Carolina. After the actual storm surge had passed, floods completed the reign of destruction produced by Hurricane Floyd in North Carolina, leaving entire towns under water. Upon hearing news of the disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai made an urgent call for volunteers to go to the state to assist in local flood relief efforts, and generously contributed US $20,000 to fund this humanitarian mission.

Upon their arrival, members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association immediately set out for the most devastated areas, Tarboro and Princeville. The nation's oldest African-American community, Princeville, was completely submerged, and the water still had not receded. The National Guard was not allowing anyone into the area because it was too dangerous. Thus, officials could not even begin to look for those who were missing.

We began at the Tarboro High School, the most populated shelter in the state, where thousands of people were temporarily living. We spoke with the public affairs representative of the local American Red Cross, Ms. Carolyn Danks, and the personnel director of Edgecombe County, Mr. Mitchell Stensland, who were delighted to learn that we had come a long way to personally help distribute relief items and to provide comfort to the victims. Their own volunteers, as well as members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, worked side by side to unload a huge truck filled with emergency supplies that included water, towels, blankets, food, etc. We then distributed the relief items to the flood victims, who more than anything else, accepted Master's love into their hearts. We had also brought toys for the children that the Red Cross volunteers were overjoyed to see, since they had been waiting for a shipment that had not yet arrived.

It was touching to find that some of the volunteers' own homes were under water, yet they were reaching out to help their community and neighbors. They said that it was a way of healing for them. The public affairs representative said that it was wonderful to learn of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, which has the same noble ideals as the Red Cross, namely, to help others in need regardless of nationality, religion or background. They said they would include us in their newsletter to share information about our humanitarian work. We told them that Master puts what She teaches into action and this inspires us to follow Her example. Master's compassion and generosity caught the attention of NBC News as well. They interviewed members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and captured footage of our humanitarian work. Mr. Stensland asked for a sample booklet and our News magazine to gather information on our philanthropic activities for an article in The Daily Southerner, a local newspaper.

Next, we brought emergency supplies to the Edgecombe County Rescue Squad facility, where many victims also had come to receive relief supplies. We delivered a truckload of supplies filled with warm clothing and canned food items. The Rescue Squad members were very grateful since their supplies were running low. The rescue team members told us of heartbreaking events that had occurred during the flooding, such as one rescue where they had to cut a roof open and 20 people crawled out from the attic because the water level had risen too quickly for them to escape by any other means. There was another story of a couple who, along with their two children, had lost everything and were sleeping on a bare cement floor with only a thin sheet. The Rescue Squad members inquired about our organization, saying that Edgecombe County wanted to thank The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in its newsletter. We shared with them our Master's teachings that whatever we have we must share with others because we are all brothers and sisters in one big universal family.

Our last destination was Ebenezer Baptist Church. Although the residents of the area near the Church had been allowed to return to their homes, they were out of food. It was clear to us that Master had sent us to help them. The people were extremely happy to receive the canned goods that we brought, as their shelves were practically empty. We also brought them new clothes and water, since their belongings had been destroyed in the floods and the water system still had not been restored. The reverends, deacons, and victims warmly welcomed us into their church and hearts, and truly appreciated Supreme Master Ching Hai's generous help. Reverend Glenn Silver said it was touching to receive love and care from faraway places and that it was truly a blessing from God.

Supreme Master Ching Hai's love helped to mend the hearts of the victims and gave those who had lost their homes and loved ones the strength to begin rebuilding their lives. It was truly touching to see the tears of joy in their eyes and the bright smiles on their faces upon receiving Master's love. Many people told us that they would always remember the human warmth and kindness of Supreme Master Ching Hai, a person who, although She had never met them, had helped them in their time of urgent need. When we left, it was a beautiful day filled with sunshine and brightened even more by the smiles on the faces of those who had been touched by Master's love.

Expenditures for relief work in North Carolina, U. S. A. to help Hurricane Floyd victims, September 1999 (unit: US$)

  Expenditures: Food, clothing, household supplies, etc. $16,145.08 A1 Car and truck rental and gasoline $348.07 A2 Airline tickets for five people $2,425.25 A2 Miscellaneous $56.00 A2 Total $20,000.00 $19,010.40 $989.60

Report from Australia

Sharing Love for Disaster Victims

in Different Corners of the World >

<Sydney>On Sunday, September 12, 1999, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association's Sydney Center held a vegetarian food expo at Cabramatta High School to raise funds for the relief of earthquake victims in Turkey.

This project was overwhelmingly supported by local fellow initiates and their friends. Besides purchasing vegetarian food, many initiates also contributed money to a relief fund. A large portion of the income from this activity was transferred to the International Red Cross to help in the relief of Turkish earthquake victims. The remaining money was sent to a charitable organization helping war victims in East Timor.

In addition, on Saturday September 11, 1999, the Sydney Center responded to the invitation of the City Council of Fairfield, an area populated predominantly by Asian immigrants, to participate in the City's Multi-Cultural Expo. Sydney initiates set up a vegetarian food booth to help in fund raising for a local hospital. This expo was held in the complex of Fairfeld Hospital and was attended by large crowds of local residents. The Sydney Center made its presence felt by setting up two booths, one for the display of Master's books, audio- and videotaped lectures, and News magazines in English, Chinese, and Aulacese. The other adjacent booth was dedicated to introducing to the public a variety of vegetarian delicacies that were not only tasty, but also healthy for the body. Many people from all walks of life visited our booth to explore the books on display and enjoy the tasty, healthy and exotic vegetarian foods being offered. A majority commended our loving and compassionate Master's charitable activities and public lectures, for which She has arduously traveled around the world in the cause of enhancing humankind's well being.

This was not the first time the Sydney Center of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association had held a fund raising activity for Fairfeld Hospital. Last year, the Sydney Center also offered a moderate contribution to the welfare fund of the hospital in response to an appeal from the City Council. All proceeds collected from this fund raising event were sent to the hospital for its own use, as was done last year.

On October 17, 1999, the Sydney Center again held a vegetarian food expo at Cabramatta High School to raise funds for the relief of earthquake victims in Formosa and Mexico. Besides the above, a monetary contribution of $2,000AUD from fellow initiates was also made to Kosovo war victims through the Red Cross on April 21, 1999.

Monetary contributions by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association's Sydney Center to Various Areas of the World (Unit: AUD)

Love Lights the Way>

[Compiled Report] Master's grace shone over many needy households throughout Formosa last September, when their monthly relief funds arrived along with moon cakes and Her blessings for a happy Mid-Autumn Festival. Among the thankful recipients was an elderly woman from an indigenous tribe living in Nantou, central Formosa. She revealed that God has been taking care of her at home and treating her illness ever since she began receiving the monthly monetary contributions. In an act that is uncommon for the meat-eating indigenous people, she has increased her consumption of vegetarian food in place of meat. In addition, her two-year-old granddaughter often asks her to eat more vegetables and no meat.

For the elderly Mrs. Chen in Taichung, hypertension, heart problems, apoplexy, and neglect by her children had made this world a hell for her, driving her to attempt suicide several times. However, much has changed since the initiates began paying her monthly visits and showing their concern for her. She is now less attached to the physical form, but cherishes this human life and is hoping to complete her life's journey in a positive way.

Table 1

Expenditures for Charitable Activities in Formosa from August to September 1999

*note: number (1) and (21) are not receipts but activity reports.

Table 2

Relief Expenditures for Needy Households in Formosa from August to September 1999 August 1999 September 1999 Place Number of Households Amount(NT$) Number of Households Amount (NT$) Receipt no. Keelung 1 2,000 1 2,000 (24) Taipei 7 16,000 8 20,000 (25) Taoyuan 3 7,000 3 7,000 (26) Hsinchu 1 3,000 1 3,000 (27) Miaoli 2 6,000 2 6,000 (28) Taichung 7 14,000 7 14,000 (29) Nantou 5 11,400 5 11,400 (30) Chiayi 6 13,000 6 13,000 (31) Tainan 1 3,000 1 3,000 (32) Kaoping 3 7,000 3 7,000 (33) Ilan 1 2,000 1 2,000 (34) Hualien 2 4,000 1 2,000 (35) Taitung 5 10,000 6 14,000 (36) Penghu 2 4,000 2 4,000 (37) Total 46 102,400 47 108,400
Total expenditures for charity and relief activities in Formosa from August to September 1999,
as listed in tables 1 and 2 Amount to NT$553,080 (approx. US$17,284).

Report from Formosa

Loving Contributions from the Heart>

Fellow practitioners load relief provisions onto a van for speedy delivery to the affected areas. The campus of Chuhsiang Elementary School, Nantou County is filled with tents provided by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. The victims thank us repeatedly for these temporary shelters. The social services office of the Taipei Municipal Chunghsiao Hospital accepts relief supplies contributed by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.

After a devastating earthquake struck Formosa in the wee hours of the morning on September 21, 1999, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association contributed relief provisions valued at NT$3,797,648 to victims in the affected areas. Another NT$350,000 was contributed to the Earthquake Relief Fund set up by the Miaoli county government, and NT$970,000 in condolence funds and relief cash was delivered directly to the victims. These contributions totaled NT$5,117,648. [For details, please refer to the table (p49) and receipts (p52)]

[Taipei] Not long after the earthquake struck Formosa, the Taipei Center organized relief teams of fellow practitioners who rushed to the scenes where the disaster had struck to render help. In northern Formosa, a multi-story building had collapsed on Pa Te Road in Taipei City and two others had fallen on Min An Road in neighboring Hsinchuang. We formed two teams. One went to the social service office of the Chunghsiao Hospital to provide clothing, towels, and other daily necessities. The other team proceeded to Hsinchuang, where coincidentally, a fellow practitioner was living directly opposite the collapsed buildings. A temporary disaster-relief liaison post was set up in his home. Dozens of fellow practitioners joined the relief team, which worked cooperatively with the Taipei County Social Affairs Bureau. Fellow practitioners collected sleeping bags from the Taipei Center and purchased sport suits, jackets, flashlights, batteries, and other essential items for immediate delivery to temporary accommodation shelters in the disaster stricken areas. While a sad and mournful atmosphere prevailed over the many disaster scenes, initiates adhering to Master's teachings, constantly recited the Holy Names in their hearts as they carried out their rescue and relief work. They worked actively, quickly and without stopping until nine o'clock in the evening. Officials at the Taipei County Social Affairs Bureau expressed appreciation for the impressive and efficient assistance provided by our group.

At a national commemoration for the earthquake victims held in Linkou Stadium near Taipei on October 11, Formosa's President Lee and Vice President Lien, the presidents of the five branches of the Formosan government, representatives from all social sectors, and relatives of those who had died in the quake gathered to mourn the death of the victims and pray for spiritual comfort for those who had survived. A representative group of our fellow practitioners attended the event, silently reciting the Holy Names for the victims and praying that they would be blessed by God. In a simple but solemn ceremony, President Lee said that those who had died in the earthquake were noble saints and teachers who had taught us a lesson with their lives and had suffered the catastrophe for the 22 million people of Formosa. (The death toll was around 2,200.) He encouraged his compatriots not to lose their confidence while suffering, to gain courage from setbacks, and to join in a solidarity of hearts and strength to create an even brighter tomorrow.

[Nantou] Late in the night following the Formosan earthquake, we delivered portable toilets to Chungliao rural township. Because of transport difficulty, it was long after midnight when we finally reached our destination. Nevertheless, the person in charge of the quake stricken town of Chungliao guided us to a number of locations where the toilets were to be placed. One young person ran up to us and asked with great sincerity, "May I know what group you are from? We will pay you a visit to express our thanks when we have time!" We simply answered, "Thanks to Master! It was Master Ching Hai who sent us here!"

Early on the third day after the earthquake, we transported relief supplies to affected areas in Chungliao as fast as we could. On the way, a young man came to us seeking help for his small village where no relief workers had yet come. We gave all the supplies we had to this village that was in desperate need. When the villagers saw us, their helpless and dejected faces suddenly shone with the light of love and hope. As they thanked us, the young man repeatedly explained to them who our Master was and that it was due to Master's love that they had received this timely relief.

[Chiayi] Immediately after the 9/21 earthquake, fellow practitioners from the Chiayi Center followed Master's loving instructions to organize a relief team to join the main rescue operation.

At Touliu in Yunlin County, where several buildings had collapsed, a team of fellow practitioners visited the accommodation shelter before rushing to the sites of the disaster. Dozens of people were still buried beneath the debris and local rescue teams were working around the clock in efforts to save them. Fellow practitioners prepared hot meals for the local rescue teams, giving them indirect support as they worked throughout the night.

Although roads had been cut off in the mountainous areas, fellow practitioners still managed to bring water, tents, sleeping bags, and other urgently needed materials to seriously affected villages.

In Nantou County, site of the epicenter, the earthquake had caused the most severe and extensive damage. Therefore, during the following three days, the Chiayi relief team, with the support of fellow practitioners from all areas of Formosa, joined the relief operation organized by the Nantou Center. Our main assignment was to purchase and deliver relief provisions such as tents, sleeping bags, water, food, and clothing to the areas most urgently in need, based on the information acquired by the Nantou Center.

Expenditures for the 9/21 Earthquake Relief Effort from Disaster Relief Fund Special Account of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association

(September-October 1999)

Awakened by the 9/21 Disaster
in Formosa

By sister initiate Tao Wei-ling, Taichung, Formosa>

After a month-long earthquake rescue and relief effort in Formosa, attention has now shifted to the recovery stage. Thousands of houses have been leveled or rendered uninhabitable. People who have lost their homes and property face a difficult time ahead. Many have lost their loved ones and their jobs as well. Many are suffering great anguish and some have lost the will to live. The government is working with civilian groups to help the victims get on their feet again. They have arranged to pay death compensation, subsidies for fully or partially collapsed houses, and housing and living allowances to the victims. Other measures include psychological rehabilitation, medical treatment, environmental hygiene, education for children, and daily life assistance in the form of hot meals, clean water, and warm clothing. There is smooth coordination between the government agencies and private organizations, which consult with each other on ways to improve their services and assistance. The love within has been rekindled, pushing them to fully demonstrate the Truth, virtues, and beauty in their human nature.

The September 21 earthquake has brought much shock and lamentation, but I find that it has ignited the precious love and sincerity of the people. This marks the first step in our country's reawakening and spiritual revival.

Report from Formosa

Relief Provisions
for Turkish Earthquake Victims
>

After a severe earthquake devastated Turkey on August 17, 1999, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association immediately contributed tents, sleeping bags, quilts, sleeping pads, and other items to help the needy victims. The relief provisions were airlifted to the affected areas without delay. At the main hall of the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Teoman Surenkok, representative of the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei, accepted the relief supplies in a ceremony presided over by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of China, Mr. Ou Hung-lien. (For details, please refer to related report in News No. 105.)

Relief Provisions for Turkish Earthquake Victims (August 1999)

Total amount:

Receipt for "Love in Action" Activities

>

of a Semi-Victim

By sister initiate Yang Su-xiang, Nantou, Formosa>

I was planning to leave for Florida on September 22 to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with Master. Unexpectedly, in the early morning of September 21, my world turned upside down when I found myself in the area most devastated by the Formosan earthquake - the Yuchi mountain region. Amid pitch darkness and absolute silence, I could hear rocks tumbling down the hills and trees falling in landslides every now and then. I felt helpless and frustrated. I had never imagined that disasters could come as suddenly as a flash of lightning, and I had not yet seen Master! Immediately, I understood that the real meaning of "ephemerality" was being "too late"!

Having waited through this longest night of my life, early next morning, some local people and I gathered all the spades and tools that we could find and tried to clear a way to the outside world. With great effort, we managed to clear the nearby mountain path, but the water, power supplies and communication systems had been cut off. We had the sinking feeling of being trapped in the middle of nowhere.

"All right," I thought, "let me take a rest first!" In my sleep, I vaguely heard the sound of a motorbike. A fellow brother had come a long way from Chunghsing New Village to Yuchi and Puli to convey Master's concern and instructions for disaster relief. When I heard the word "Master", hot tears rolled down my cheeks and my heart came alive again. Later, during the days of working with the relief team, no matter how exhausted I felt, as soon as I remembered the message: "Master instructed us to devote all our efforts to disaster relief!" I would become revitalized. Disregarding how rough the road was or how deep the night, I did not tarry, afraid that I would cause a delay in the relief operations. My fatigue was gone, replaced by a heart filled with warmth. I could distinctly feel that Master was right inside me, and I was only a tool. All I want to say is: "It is really wonderful to feel that I am one with Master!"

During the relief operation, one incident truly touched my heart. It was nine o'clock on the evening of the earthquake. A man who had been listening to a local radio broadcast went out alone to purchase relief materials such as water, bread, and disposable eating utensils, and drove from Chiayi to Puli to deliver them. It was a long journey and the roads were rough. His enthusiasm and self-sacrificing spirit really touched me. I guided him to where the victims had gathered so that he could distribute the provisions. Looking embarrassed, an elderly woman asked me: "Do you have vegetarian bread? I am a vegetarian." Her question shook me like a reminder: "God takes care of everything". There I was, holding vegetarian bread in my hands! The woman did not have a single word of complaint, keeping her moral conduct high even in times of disaster. Could she be anyone else but a saint?

The Immovable Cabinets

Narrated by sister initiate Chen Bi-er, Nantou, Formosa
Written by sister initiate Chin Lan, Nantou, Formosa

Just before the "big shake" came, I was sitting at my desk practicing an almost forgotten skill - making dough figurines. We were planning to put on a demonstration of dough figurine-making at our booth during the Mid-Autumn celebrations in Florida. Counting the days and hours, that long anticipated day was near.

Suddenly, there was a big quake, and all my dough figurines wobbled and collapsed. A blackout followed! I ran outside as fast as I could, without even putting on my slippers. When I had recovered from the shock, I meditated in the courtyard, waiting for daybreak. Opposite my house, big rocks kept rolling down, creating frightening sound effects. My heart pounded madly; I was really frightened. I also was worried about my parents, who lived on the fifth floor of an old building. One of them had difficulty walking, and the other was suffering from a chronic disease. I worried about their safety. How I wished that I had a pair of wings so that I could fly to their side! However, my anxiety didn't help at all. Daylight broke at last. A family in my neighborhood was leaving the mountains, so I went with them, clearing the path for our descent. I was anxious to rush back to Nantou to see my parents.

Master's promise to take care of all those whom Quan Yin practitioners love and are concerned about was once again affirmed. My parents' house had been partially damaged, but everyone was safe. That knowledge allowed me to join the relief operation with peace of mind.

In my own house up on the hills of Shuili, after the power supply was restored, I found that all the electrical appliances were still working. It was incredible that a wooden shelf hanging on the wall and 140 cm above the ground was still in place. All the things on it - Master's blessed items, plates, Celestial Jewelry, Master's hair and other sundry items - were intact. Moreover, a 200 cm-high wooden cabinet holding Master's videotapes, audiotapes, and books remained in place, while the door of my house was displaced and an iron bed had toppled.

Master, I am truly thankful to You for all the trouble You have taken! These are the only words that I can find to express my feelings. If You are tired of hearing them, I have more heartfelt gratitude deep inside me which I cannot find words to express.

An Extraordinary Night

Narrated by sister initiate Chang Huai-yu, Nantou, Formosa
Written by sister initiate Chin Lan, Nantou, Formosa

Indeed, it was an extraordinary night. I had just received a loving gift - a bunch of "peacock flowers" from a fellow sister. Having rearranged and tidied up my house, I rejoiced secretly inside: "How relaxed and romantic my life is!" Now that the whole house looked new, I lay down comfortably on my sofa to enjoy a quiet and romantic evening, and to bathe in God's love and blessing.

I had no idea how much time had passed. I felt as if I were sleeping in a cradle, although I didn't recall playing a "lullaby" before I entered samadhi. I thought that perhaps the quake was only a reliving of experiences from my infant years. But no! This cradle began rocking more and more vigorously, in every direction and in every possible way. Was God playing a joke? I began to panic. "Is it time for me to go Home? But Master didn't come to notify me! Could I have missed it because I had been sleeping too deeply?"

From not too far away, I heard cries of fear and pain. At that moment, I could only remind myself to close my eyes, concentrate on my wisdom eye, and pray for Master's blessings. If it was really time to go, I only hoped that we could all leave in peace and bliss. After the first wave of the shock ended, I got up and found that all the cabinets had toppled, but nothing had fallen on the sofa where I lay. When I crawled outside, I found that the bathroom and kitchen on the other side had been leveled. Instinctively, I crawled back into the house and lay down on the sofa again. Then came another wave of vigorous tremors. Now all my romantic feelings were gone. I quickly sat up to meditate on the sound.

I don't know how much time had passed when I began to feel thirsty. Trying to find some water, I climbed up and was completely stunned! Except for the small additional room where I stayed, the entire house had collapsed and the exit was blocked. I panicked, not knowing how to get out. Then I heard a neighboring fellow sister call out: "Where are you? We are all in the square. Why are you hiding in here?" Only then did I realize my folly. "That's right! Why hadn't I thought of running to an open space when the earthquake struck?" In that emergency situation, all I had thought of was meditation. Had it not been for Master's protection all the while, this dumb disciple could never have been able to remain virtually unscathed from this disaster!

A Miracle of "Skipping a House"

Narrated by sister initiate Jian Yu-shuang, Nantou, Formosa
Compiled by Nantou News Group, Formosa

The house where my father lived was a traditional Formosan clay house. After the earthquake, all the neighboring houses had collapsed, but my father's house was the only one that had not been damaged at all. The neighbors said that this was because all the members of my family were meant to attain sainthood, so we were protected by God. If one climbed up on the rooftop, one could clearly see that the walls of all the neighboring houses had collapsed, but those of my father's house had not; the quake had simply skipped his house and affected all the other houses.

My own house was less than ten meters from a hill that was about 100 meters in height, not very tall. After the earthquake, the entire hill had shifted away. Due to the movement of the hill, either the neighboring houses had entirely collapsed and become uninhabitable or the ground had severely risen in some areas. However, the hill shifting had stopped about two meters from my house. This was really inconceivable! One who had not seen this miracle personally would find it hard to believe.

Thanks to Master's Protective Vibrations!

Narrated by sister initiate WuYao, Nantou, Formosa
Compiled by the Nantou News Group, Formosa

Sister Wu owns a vegetarian restaurant in Puli. A house safety survey following the Formosan earthquake concluded that all the houses on her street were unsafe and had to be demolished. Even the Nankuang Elementary School across the street was included. Only three houses escaped this unfortunate fate - sister Wu's vegetarian restaurant and the buildings on either side of it. Among these three buildings, hers was the least damaged. Although the interior had suffered some damage, it was nothing compared to the heavy losses of other people. Apparently, Master's vibrations had protected her and minimized her loss in this disaster. She realized that her playing of Master's Buddha Chanting and lecture tapes every day while she was working had had more than just a soothing effect on everyone; it had added a protective shield to her restaurant as well.

Letters of Appreciation
From Various Counties, Formosa

A letter of appreciation from Taipei County Magistrate
Su Chen-chang

To The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association

Although our county suffered less severe damage than did other central counties in the massive earthquake that brought unprecedented disaster to Formosa on September 21, we feel pain and sorrow at any loss of life or home. The timely concern and dedicated assistance that The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association has extended to our compatriots, from wherever you are and regardless of your relationship with the victims, has greatly helped our county government in its relief work and in minimizing the impact of this calamity. Your actions have testified to the brighter side of human nature. For this, let me express my most sincere appreciation on behalf of all our county residents. Thank you once again for your financial contributions and assistance, which have inspired the earthquake victims to rise up from the disaster and rebuild their homes.

With best regards,

Taipei County Magistrate Su Chen-chang
October 13, 1999
Appreciation letter from the town chief of Jiji Town, site of epicenter of the September 21 earthquake.

Appreciation letter from Taipei County Magistrate Su Chen-chang  

Appreciation letter from the town chief of Shuili Township, Nantou, Formosa

Receipt height="47"> 

Monetary Assistance to Mainland China Flood Victims>

In September 1999, a severe flood occurred in Mainland China. Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed a total of $120,000 US dollars for flood relief. The receipt from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is shown below. (Please refer to News #105 for more details.)

Geneva, 2 November 1999
Re: Voluntary Contributions

Dear Sir,

We would like to thank you very much indeed for the contributions received as mentioned below:

USD 19,980.00 dated 22.09.1999 - re: China Floods

USD 100,000.00 dated 22.09.1999 - re: China Floods

Please accept this letter as our official acknowledgement of receipt.

On behalf of both the beneficiaries and the Federation, we would like to say how grateful we are to you for your generous support.

With very best wishes, we remain,

Yours faithfully,

Stephen Ingles
Director of Finance

Panorama of Events

Report from Hong Kong

Hong Kong Initiates Eagerly Share the Truth

Video seminars on Master Ching Hai's teachings draw huge audiences in Hong Kong.

[Hong Kong] The screening of selected videotaped lectures by Master from Her European tour received an enthusiastic response from the audience at two large seminars held in Hong Kong this September and October. Inspired by the wisdom and convincing power of the lectures, participants asked many meaningful questions and received profound, satisfactory answers from the Quan Yin messenger in attendance. The events were made possible by the earnest and selfless efforts of fellow practitioners from the Hong Kong Center of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, who distributed more than 600,000 pamphlets and announced the seminar schedule through various media. Simultaneous interpretation of the lectures was provided in three widely spoken local languages. Both seminars ended on a successful note following a reception that included vegetarian snacks for the audience.

Hong Kong Formosa Panama Argentina Ireland Germany Canada Panorama of Events

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association presents a monetary contribution of NT$10,000 to the Kinmen Prison on an offshore island near Formosa. The Kinmen Prison Chief Warden presents a medal of commendation recognizing the assistance that The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association offered to inmates. A performance by little fellow practitioners at the Kinmen Utopia Family.

A visit with disabled senior residents at the Utopia Family.

Report from Formosa

A Blessed Trip to Kinmen

[Kaoping] Kaohsiung and Pingtung initiates in southern Formosa braved the turbulent waters of the typhoon season to visit Formosa's offshore island of Kinmen, where they held seminars at the Kinmen Prison, Kinhu Elementary School, and Kinmen Utopia Family on September 18 and 19. The first day of the activities began with no signs of the gusty winds and heavy rain of the previous day. The incredibly perfect weather was perhaps an arrangement by God in response to the initiates' sincerity and spirit of sacrifice.

At their first seminar at the Kinmen Prison, the initiates played a videotaped session of Master answering questions during a lecture, introduced the Convenient Method, and presented an entertainment program. Master's blessings lit up the venue with a warm and cheerful atmosphere. People were filled with bliss and moved beyond words. The initiates also made a monetary contribution to the prison and distributed sample booklets and moon cakes to the inmates.

The second seminar was held in the afternoon at the main hall of the Kinhu Elementary School, where several attendants asked to learn the Convenient Method. The following day, similar activities were held at the Kinmen Utopia Family. The event began with lighthearted singing and humorous remarks to warm up the atmosphere before the seminar. Initiates again offered a monetary contribution to the Utopia Family and moon cakes to its residents. Everyone enjoyed a delightful and meaningful afternoon.

  height="90">Report from Panama

Master's Video Seminar Graces Panama>

[Panama] Our beloved Master blessed the people of Panama by sending a Quan Yin messenger to bring news of the Light and Sound of God through an informative seminar. We chose the University of Panama for the seminar because people in the local area are familiar with the school and its location. The Faculty Chairperson at the University and her son were very interested in Master and Her teachings. During our preparation period, many wonderful things happened that confirmed how our beloved Master arranges things and takes care of us in all respects. Some initiates even felt a strong force emanating from Master's poster.

The seminar was excellent and the participants enjoyed it very much. Some guests applied for the Convenient Method and others asked to receive initiation into the Quan Yin Method. One of the guests told us that he had had a dream about Master and the next day, after work, had gone directly to The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Panama Center to request initiation. The people were delighted when the cooking team offered samples of delicious vegetarian food, and many enrolled in our vegetarian cooking classes.

A large number of people, including many University of Panama students, are practicing the Convenient Method and have had very good experiences, such as seeing Jesus Christ, Master, and the wisdom eye.

  height="73"> Report from Argentina

Sharing Master's Love on "Children's Day">

[Buenos Aires] In order to bring help and love in Master's name, fellow practitioners in Buenos Aires decided to celebrate "Children's Day" at the San Pedro nursery school.

The day before the event, we delivered bags and boxes full of children's and adults' clothing and pediatric medicines. The headmistress said that she was worried about the weather because the staff had been preparing many outdoor games for the children. Fortunately, due to Master's blessing, the next morning was cool and sunny. Fellow practitioners prepared a delicious vegetarian lunch and various egg-free cakes. Their priest and the founder of the home thanked us for Master's work. After a happy time of laughter, balloons and games, everyone left with a smile and hope in their hearts.

Video-Seminar in Buenos Aires

On September 11, a video-seminar was presented to introduce Master and the Quan Yin Method to the people of Buenos Aires. The event was held at the "Centro Cultural San Martin", a well-known and prestigious venue. In an interview by the radio station "Contacto," we were afforded the opportunity to speak about the benefits of the Five Precepts and of being a Quan Yin practitioner. The program host devoted thirty minutes of her program to Master's teachings and Her remarkable humanitarian works. On the day of the event, practitioners and their relatives all worked together in a harmonious and loving atmosphere. Three excerpts from Master's videotapes were specially chosen for the occasion.

After the tape presentations, the audience was encouraged to ask questions. Meanwhile, vegetarian food and drinks were served and greatly enjoyed by all. The visitors, delightfully surprised by the hospitality they received, came to realize it was a reflection of Master's love and the way She cares for everyone. The lecture was a great success; many whose sensitive hearts were touched by Master's sweet words requested to learn the Convenient Method.

It Was a Great Honor for Me...>

By Convenient Method practitioner Ann Madden, Ireland

[Dublin] It was a great honor for me (less than two months after learning the Convenient Method) to share Master's teachings at the Fifth Irish International Mind-Body-Spirit Fair. The exhibition took place at the RDS Dublin (the hall where Master spoke in June) during the Bank Holiday Weekend from the 23rd - 25th of October, and was certainly a great success from the point of view of those working at The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association booth. Huge quantities of sample booklets were distributed and a significant number of people expressed an interest in learning the Convenient Method.

Awareness of Master's existence has certainly been heightened in Ireland since Her lecture in June. Many individuals who came to the booth had attended the lecture and very much admired Her. Beautiful pictures taken at the RDS in June by a photographer for The Irish Times enhanced our display. The video we presented, which mainly showed Master's lecture in Dublin, also attracted attention.

From a personal point of view it was a privilege to be one of Master's representatives and to have the chance to introduce people to Her teachings and to the Quan Yin Method of meditation. I also derived great benefit from meeting a number of initiates whom I had not met before, and found them to be encouraging, generous, humorous and remarkable in their dedication to sharing the Truth. It is hoped that during the New Year celebration a group from The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, Dublin Center will participate in a similar event in Belfast (which is particularly in need of Master's blessings) and possibly Cork also. I certainly look forward to future opportunities to work for Master with fellow practitioners.

Ching Hai Day Retreat in Berlin -
"Oneness and Harmony"

By sister initiate Karin, Munich, Germany (Originally in English)

On October 23 and 24, 1999, the Berlin Center hosted a retreat for all German initiates. As soon as I was really determined to go, no matter what, I felt such a strong blessing power flowing through my whole being, that I felt overjoyed even at work and on the way home.

The retreat was held in a kindergarten. Even before it began, one could feel the very peaceful atmosphere surrounding the house and garden. I was overwhelmingly blessed with a very strong, clear sound current during the first meditation session, one like I had never consciously experienced before.

Especially throughout the entire first meditation session, I felt as if Master were physically present and did not at all feel separated from Her. The retreat made me experience exactly what it had promised: oneness and harmony.

By sister initiate Anja Hable, Berlin, Germany
(Originally in English)

To celebrate Ching Hai Day on October 25, designated by the U.S. government in Hawaii in 1993, the German disciples of Berlin were invited to attend a two-day retreat. The lovely location was a young brother's ancient kindergarten, a very nice building in the middle of a playground and garden. It was pleasant to have the children's atmosphere around us; it made one feel easy, like a child. Some of us even thought about our childhood again. Of course, we had sunny, warm weather, although this is very uncommon at the end of October in Germany. A day before the retreat, it was still very cold!

The atmosphere at the retreat was relaxed and joyful, and we enjoyed being together for more than our normal group meditation. For our physical well-being, the kitchen group cared for us with very delicious vegetarian food. Special friends interested in the Quan Yin Method were also invited. It was interesting because the local disciples had the chance to meet brothers and sisters from other parts of Germany. Some told us that they drove about two and a half hours each week just to attend group meditation at their nearby centers. Also, it was nice to see that we had many very young brothers and sisters with us. We hope this retreat will be the beginning of many retreats in Berlin during the next millennium, and we thank all the sisters and brothers who made it possible! Thank You, Master, because through You we could meet each other!

Report from Canada

See God While Living
through the Ancient Supreme Method of Meditation

A recent seminar featuring Master's video lecture in London, Ontario, Canada

[London, Ontario] Inspired by Master's European Lecture Tour, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association London Center held both English and Chinese seminars entitled "See God While Living through the Ancient Supreme Method of Meditation". Initiates distributed posters and flyers, covering the whole city. Large posters featuring Master's picture were posted on most of London, Ontario's main streets. Convenient Method practitioners also actively took part in the work. One person volunteered to distribute posters and flyers in five nearby cities that he passed through on his way to work. Another person who is a staff member at the local university contacted campus newspapers to print an advertisement. Besides announcing the event in major newspapers, and on TV and radio stations, initiates also broadcast the news on a free cable TV program, "Speaker's Corner".

On the day of the seminar, many initiates and Convenient Method practitioners came to help. Despite their tiredness, some came right after work. One lady, a Convenient Method practitioner in her 80's with physical difficulties, took two buses to get to the venue. Before it began, initiates and Convenient Method practitioners set up the seminar venue and cooperated well in conducting registration, food preparation and reception activities. During the question and answer session, the Convenient Method practitioners discussed how they felt after becoming vegetarians, and how vegetarianism is not as difficult as they expected, adding that they felt very good after pursuing this diet. All of those who learned the Convenient Method after the seminar have been regularly attending weekly group meditation and have expressed feeling a very strong blessing power during group meditation; they are now preparing for initiation into the Quan Yin Method.

By Sister Jin, Bul-sun at Taegu Center, Korea
(Originally in Korean) Drops in the Ocean of Love

Before I was initiated, I sent my children to a Roman Catholic church. By doing that I hoped that sincerity would take root in their hearts, helped by frequently hearing stories about the saints.

When I met my true Master and decided to get initiated, my kids asked me why I was not eating meat anymore. I said to them: "You see, dead bodies are in graves. I feel so terrible when I think of the dead bodies of animals in our stomachs." Afterwards, they had an opportunity to see the whole process of a living chicken being killed in a second, then baked, and sent to the dinner table. It scared them to see the killing and the spilling of blood. Soon afterwards, my two daughters came to hate the smell of meat and stopped eating it.

My younger child shed tears just from looking at the cover of the magazine with Master praying in front of the Au Lacese refugee camp. Her young soul seemed to understand the love and suffering of a True Master.

Since most of my family members were on a vegetarian diet, I thought I should satisfy their palates by supplying a bigger variety of foods. So I had to invent different dishes. I became very serious about inventing a new menu for each day. My elder daughter received initiation last year, with the approval of her father. My twelve-year-old younger daughter is waiting for initiation. There is a lunch program in her school, but with her teacher's approval, she comes home, which is nearby, for lunch. She feels very happy to have lunch with me and I do my best to wait and eat with her.

I find so much happiness in our family now. How can I ever express my gratitude to Master, who taught me to practice spirituality while fulfilling the responsibilities of family life? I always guide my children to appreciate their initiations, to love their true Mother, and to trust and follow Her to the end. And I always ask them to give meditation higher priority than homework.

I hope endless blessings from God will accompany the young initiates who have to bear a lot while practicing. I also hope that their souls will grow up to enter the Kingdom of God together.