| The
Supreme Master Ching Hai eNews Magazine No. 125 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Teach
your hearts to love all small and insignificant things!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
uSupreme
Art uPoem A Little
Message: News No. 125 Supreme ArtMy "Moon Night" ExperienceBy brother initiate-to-be Ko Young-do, Seoul, Korea (Originally in Korean)After attending Master's lecture in Seoul on May 8, 2000, I became anxious to become enlightened. Although I did not learn the Convenient Method at that time, I bought the book "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment Volume 1," and after reading it, found that I could see three-dimensional visions whenever I closed my eyes. The scenes were so amazing and real that it was like watching a three-dimensional film. While in bed one day, I heard whistling sounds and the surging of sea waves. I saw a woman holding up her right hand, wearing a tall hat, and emanating silvery light. When she moved toward me, I intuitively felt that she might be Master. Then I felt a spurt of energy on a spot which I later learned was the wisdom eye. I felt as if I were flying through mid-air. Suddenly I was afraid and wanted to quit, and my soul came back. I had never had such an experience before, so I did not know that I need not be afraid. In November 2000, I finally learned the Convenient Method. When I saw Master's photo on the front cover of the News magazine, I realized that it was Her manifestation form that I had seen in my vision. As long as we have affinity with Master, we can see Her manifestation body or experience the inner Light and Sound, even before receiving initiation or practicing the Convenient Method. Several months after I learned the Convenient Method, I went mountain climbing and felt fresh and energetic. At the top of the mountain, I began meditating in the wind, and felt myself go through a tunnel and saw scenes flash by. Then, a small light came toward me. As it grew bigger and stronger, a house of crystal appeared. Master had mentioned the crystal houses in a videotape that I saw at a group meditation session for Convenient Method practitioners. "In some heavens above, there are crystal houses. They look like houses but give no sense of confinement. Beings can penetrate their walls, because they are soft, comfortable, and transparent, and do not block the vision," Master said. She also added, "Many people today have constructed buildings with huge glass panes. These are more like those in the civilized worlds above. Those who designed these houses have a different inner insight and wisdom. In their subconscious, they remember that they once lived in these kinds of houses and loved it." The buildings in Korea today are very similar to future structures and subway stations portrayed in science fiction movies and comics. I like these buildings and am at home around them. Perhaps this is because of my inner experience. On the crystal house's right side, a beautiful light was shining as brightly as the Sun. Once, I saw Master's oil painting called "Moon Night" at the local meditation center. Its portrayal of a vision coincided very much with my experience, except that I did not know how to express it. I have heard people say that we see intense Light when we become enlightened. I thank Master and the Quan Yin Method for my experience. Without Master's help, I could not have had that experience. I was in an ecstatic state, but the vision soon disappeared, probably due to a lack of spiritual practice on my part. We have inner experiences when we become relaxed through daily practice. Although it is difficult for me to be in constant samadhi, this brief experience has convinced me that the Quan Yin Method is the best path for me. Now, I do everything by this new standard of spiritual practice. I am beginning to realize that wisdom is not rigid knowledge; rather, it can be flexibly applied to every situation, just as water changes its shape to suit the circumstances.
Panorama of EventsReport from RomaniaTogether We Can Do Anything[Bucharest] Fellow initiates from Hungary's Budapest Center have always felt very lucky to have a wonderful and strong center. However, since this has been the only center in the region for several years, a Quan Yin messenger and we decided to hold a video lecture in Bucharest, the capital of neighboring Romania. The initiates translated one of Master's videotaped lectures into Romanian; designed flyers, posters, and other materials in the local language; and found a perfect venue for the seminar. Through Master's blessing, all the preparatory work proceeded according to schedule. Then, on July 14, 2001, the lecture was presented. The guests listened attentively with great sincerity, and the event ended on a successful note, with half of the people staying behind to learn the Convenient Method. They also gave us their addresses and phone numbers for future contact, and agreed to receive initiation together. From this seminar, we learned that there is no need to fear when transmitting the Truth. We also learned that together, we can do anything. Thank You very much, Master, for this precious opportunity to share Your teachings! We are ready for the next test! Report from Michigan, U.S.A.A Spiritual Milestone in Detroit[Detroit] On July 7, 2001, local initiates held the first-ever video seminar featuring Master's videos in the city of Detroit, entitled "Face Life with Courage and Walk the Way of Love." Detroit is the seventh largest city in the United States and has a population of five million. Its average crime index is twice the nation's overall index; and its household income is half the national average. Most of the families are single-parent households, and the percentage of children going on to higher education is less than the national average. At a happy reunion with Master at the Florida Center in early June, we heard Her mention Detroit in a joke three times. This gave us the inspiration and desire to hold a video seminar in this old and needy city. We felt very strongly that we should bring Master's love and blessings to the people of Detroit. Before the seminar, many brothers and sisters came to support us. For example, one brother in his early seventies drove over five hours round-trip with his family to join us. His daughter, who had just recovered from near-death surgery, also participated in the preparation work. She was still weak but kept her condition secret and worked with us all day! Also, a Russian couple who had just received initiation at the Florida Center in June, and had been members of the Quan Yin family for less than two weeks, not only came to Detroit to distribute flyers with us, but also went to their local whole food store to distribute flyers! We were deeply touched by their love for others and faith in our Master and the Quan Yin path! At the video seminar, Master's words of humor and wisdom captured everyone's attention and opened every heart, as God's love and blessings poured forth generously! Following the video presentation, the participants asked many sincere spiritual questions. And when the Convenient Method transmission was completed, a brother asked the new practitioners how they felt after their first experience of meditation. Most smiled with very happy and satisfied looks in their eyes. Since the seminar, we have continued to receive phone calls and inquiries about the Quan Yin Method. The residents of Detroit are still haunted by the bloody riots of the late 1960s. Visitors to the city can easily see many abandoned and dilapidated buildings and houses, not only on its small streets but also near its major freeways. Although the shadow of fear remains in the hearts of the people, through this video seminar, Master's message of Truth has brought spiritual light into their lives. We believe that this city will have a brilliant future starting from the beginning of the new millennium! Report from Puerto RicoA Heart of Love[Camuy] Although the initiates in Puerto Rico missed Master very much, they were unable to travel to Orlando to see Her in June. Not long afterwards, we received a phone call from a brother at the Ohio Center, saying that he had been to Orlando and Master had given him some blessed candies for the initiates in Puerto Rico. We invited him to the group meditation that we had planned to have with the San Juan Center initiates here in Camuy the following Sunday, and he flew to Puerto Rico to join us. After group meditation, we had vegetarian Puerto Rican dishes and received this surprise gift of love. Although we were unable to meet personally with Master, we could still feel Her love and grace through the blessed candies. For this, we thank our beloved Master very much. photo:sp6-125Report from AustraliaThe Mind, Body, Soul Festival[Melbourne] The Mind, Body, Soul Festival 2000 was held recently at the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings. This annual event attracted tens of thousands of visitors, who browsed through the many attractions and participated in various physical and spiritual activities. Initiates from the Melbourne Center decided to have a booth at the Exhibition because we wanted to reach out to those searching for the Truth. Our work team efficiently set up the booth and many of us took turns throughout the three days of the Exhibition to answer spiritually hungry, searching souls. We gave away thousands of Quan Yin Method pamphlets to visitors, in which were included advertisements about a follow-up seminar, to be held the following week, if they wished to learn more. At the seminar, personal testimonials were given by initiates, and a large screen video was shown in an auditorium. After the meeting, invitations were extended to everyone to participate in learning the Convenient Method. Most of the people present answered the call, while some indicated that they were eager for initiation. Then, the guests mingled and shared conversation in a casual and relaxed atmosphere over light refreshments. photo:sp2-125
Report from FormosaCooling Off from Summer's Heat at the Juvenile Experience Camp[Taipei] In July 2001, following the successful 2000 Dolphin Island Summer Camp that won widespread praise from young fellow practitioners and their parents, the Taipei Center held a three-day "Juvenile Experience Camp" for junior and senior high school student initiates in Formosa. The venue was the Fushan Elementary School in Taipei's scenic suburb of Wulai. Activities on the first day included the great-earth five-game contest and an evening welcoming party featuring rock singing and dancing. Also that evening, a special seminar was held between a Quan Yin messenger and the young participants. During the session, the messenger raised a number of topics and encouraged free discussion and exchange of views. When discussing the impact of their vegetarian diet on friendship with peers, many participants shared positive experiences. Their unanimous conclusion was, "As long as we are brave and firm, knowing that vegetarianism is the noblest choice, then our schoolmates around us will gradually change their way of thinking and even support us." Regarding the problem of maintaining a balance between meditation and school work, some thought that, as long as they meditated and did their best in their studies, Master would take care of the rest. Others said that they had become noticeably more efficient in their studies after practicing meditation. Since the topics for discussion were closely related to the daily life of the participants, they were very eager to speak, thus creating a lively atmosphere. The "Upstream Adventure" on the second day was the most important activity of the Camp. Against the natural background music of running water, participants strove together and helped each other to overcome the roaring water and rapids with the help of ropes fixed along the stream by the working staff. Their watery expedition was adventurous and exciting, and all enjoyed themselves to the fullest. When the participants finally reached their destination, they rewarded themselves with a barbecue by the stream. That evening, a bonfire party and birthday celebration were held. The dazzling bonfire illuminated the happy face of everyone present, as fireworks and rockets lit up the night sky. Cheerily, the campers performed campfire and indigenous dances, all of which painted a colorful picture of joy and fun. On the third day of the Camp, an exciting and unforgettable water balloon battle took place! Work team members had prepared several hundred water balloons. And as soon as the signal was given, everyone became engaged in an enthusiastic water battle; even the cooking team members took up water hoses to join in the water fight! They chased each other around, having fun by making each other wet and joining in the deafening outbursts of joyous laughter. After the game, everyone worked to clean up the area, not only restoring the playground to its original appearance, but making it even cleaner. The three-day activity was soon over, and reluctantly, the campers set off on their way home, filled with Master's love and sweet memories of their camp experience. photo:sp5-1,2,3.
Fun Summer Camp by the Seaside[Taichung] From July 20 to 22, hundreds of fellow practitioners from different places around Formosa participated in the "Ocean Heart--Happy Summer Camp" at the Ta-an Seaside Resort in central Formosa. This summer camp included a children's recreation camp, a learning-to-grow camp, and a happy parents-children camp. The activities ranged from drama performances, dances, morning prayer by the seaside, to an evening bonfire, and various recreational programs. There was also a course on human communication and a session for the sharing of spiritual insights. For the little fellow practitioners, there were games like posture creativity and building sand castles. Every one of these activities was exquisitely designed for the full enjoyment of each participant, while the working members cherished this opportunity to learn and grow. The summer camp was held at an open venue where anyone could enter. The outside people, attracted by the enormous fun and joy of the fellow practitioners, were filled with envy and were curious to know which group we came from. Some of them even wanted to join in the fun and games. On the third day, we arranged a beach-cleaning operation participated in by about a thousand people. In half an hour, fellow practitioners had completely cleaned the beach. We also shared with the local tourists a video screening of "One World...of peace through music" and a video of Master's TV program--A Journey through Aesthetic Realms. photo:sp3-1,2,3,4.
The Wonderful Mom Healthy Vegetarian House[Kinmen] Amidst the thunderous roar of firecrackers and cheering, the long-awaited Wonderful Mom Healthy Vegetarian House opened in Kinmen on June 2, 2001. During the process of establishing the restaurant, local initiates were greatly impressed by the many earnest fellow practitioners from all over Formosa who came on their own initiative to extend their support. Through our joint efforts, the Vegetarian House was at last established. In Kinmen, it is very difficult to find a restaurant that serves pure vegetarian food. Therefore, the birth of the Wonderful Mom Healthy Vegetarian House was a delightful surprise to local residents! In the month since its opening, the restaurant has been frequented by a number of patrons, including soldiers, monastic people, and working people, all of whom are absolutely impressed by its delicious food and serene and harmonious ambience. In the Vegetarian House, a Publications Circulation Corner allows fellow initiates to disseminate Master's teachings while advocating a vegetarian lifestyle. caption(sp4-125): Through the love and support of many fellow initiates from around Formosa, Kinmen now has a restaurant where people can enjoy pure vegetarian food.Spiritual InterludesPutting Others before OneselfBy brother initiate Sunny, San Francisco, U. S. A.Ever since I began following Master to practice the Quan Yin Method, under Her indiscernible edification, I have noticed some incredible changes in my daily life and social interactions. Everything is going miraculously smoothly. Unknowingly, I have been treating everyone friendly. I have become more willing to share with others and feel more unrestrained in body and mind. One day, I bought some fresh fruit of varied sizes and states of ripeness from Chinatown. Usually, I would keep the best for myself, and share the rest with other people. Each time I did that, I would feel full of "bliss" and "love". This time, I changed my habit of first reserving the best fruit for myself, and let others choose first. When the choicest fruit was all picked by others, I was a bit upset and thought, "Why were they so discourteous? They picked precisely the fruit that I wanted to keep for myself!" Most probably this disheartening experience was the retribution for my "conditional sharing" in the past! My being upset over the lack of understanding and inconsiderate way of others made me think, "These few pieces of fruit costing less than a dollar have imposed on me great attachment and bondage!" I just couldn't figure out the reason! Finally, I got the answer in meditation: What we cling to is not the value of the object, but our die-hard habits accumulated through many lifetimes. So I decided to change this undesirable habit. On another occasion, I bought two types of peaches and put them together, including a big red one that I loved most. That day I was mentally prepared; even if someone took my favorite peach, I would still be happy, because spiritual practitioners ought to love others as themselves! Surprisingly, the last peach that remained was the favorite one I had already "renounced"! It was like a reward from Master. Whatever the reason, only when we can renounce will we be willing to give. Only when we are willing to give will we beget. This is an essential lesson that we have to learn in order to forsake the ego. We do not need to worry about not being able to renounce, but should worry instead about not knowing that we have to renounce. We should not worry about not being able to do it, but worry instead about not wanting to do it. Our spiritual cultivation is to practice Master's teachings. When we can truthfully put Master's teachings into action, we are close to Sainthood! We rarely notice that there are precious truths in insignificant
daily-life experiences. It's no wonder the ancient Zen masters said,
"Walking, resting, sitting, sleeping; everything is
Zen." Be Introspective and Humble!By a fellow initiate from Hebei, Mainland ChinaI once received a deep revelation from my motorcycle, while repairing it. My motorcycle had been running with insufficient power for a long time. Although I performed a few rough checks, I could not find the problem. I did not seriously deal with it until the motorcycle broke down completely. When I finally made up my mind to remove the exhaust pipe for a detailed check, I was shocked! The pipe was almost completely blocked by carbon deposits that left only a tiny channel for the exhaust to pass through. No wonder it had been running with insufficient power! At that moment, I felt very ashamed and learned a lesson in humility. Looking back, it had been years since I had cleaned the carbon deposits, and I had not expected such a serious blockage. When I first began riding the motorcycle, I did the maintenance work on it regularly. But gradually I began to slack off and didn't care much about it as long as the motorcycle would still work. Even at the time of maintenance, I just did it superficially. That was why the motorcycle finally broke down. Our spiritual practice is just like that. If we don't have as much sincerity as we did when we were new initiates, we become sluggish. If we don't habitually check our body, speech and mind, it is hard for us to receive blessings from God, and therefore we cannot become uplifted. If we don't have the courage to face and acknowledge our weaknesses, it is impossible for us to find out where we are stuck. From this experience, I have learned that when I reflect deeply inwardly, the difficult problems emerge in a natural way, and the reason that I had not been able to see them was that my self-examination had not been careful and complete. As far as I am concerned on this matter, the serious situation of the motorcycle shows that I have much room for inward improvement. I would not have been like that on the outside if I had been perfect on the inside. Therefore, it was due to my lack of introspection and humility, my habit of doing things imperfectly, always seeking an easier way and always being busy warning others without knowing the dangers within. I take this opportunity to offer this incident for reference to our fellow initiates, and hope that on our spiritual path, we will remain cautious at all times and purify ourselves in all aspects whenever possible.
Spiritual Cultivation and Daily LifeEveryday Spiritual GrowthBy sister initiate Tang Zu-ying, Taipei, FormosaI deeply regretted having missed the Penghu summer camp last year. Therefore, I was determined to enroll my son, a fellow initiate, and myself in this year's summer camp. My initial motive was purely to participate for the sake of my child. However, from the very moment of our arrival at the camp, I found the whole event extremely meaningful and unforgettable. I have no idea since when, deep in my heart, I have had the strong desire to liberate myself; I wished I could laugh with all my heart; I wished I could run freely in the wilderness.... This summer camp fulfilled all my wishes. Under the guidance of the work team members, I felt every cell in my body come alive instantly during the first morning exercise program, since I had not done such vigorous exercise for a very long time. The afternoon program was an even more vigorous aerobic dance session conducted by a fellow sister, in which I experienced more profuse perspiration. Although all my muscles protested, I really enjoyed aerobic dancing with the other fellow initiates. It was very touching to me that all the fellow initiates cast away their reservations and shyness, moved their bodies and limbs vibrantly, and fully enjoyed a happy holiday arranged by God. The camp venue was by the seaside, so naturally, there were many water and beach games. While playing, fellow initiates displayed their pure nature. Though most of us were not young, our childish hearts were still there to let us indulge in the games with concentration. For several days after the event, whenever I recalled all that happened during the games, a smile would appear on my face. Surprisingly, I also discovered that my swimming skills had progressed a lot, and I can now swim the breaststroke, which I had not mastered before! This must be a benefit of practicing the Quan Yin Method. In addition to all the dynamic activities, fellow initiates arranged many programs related to spiritual cultivation, including sharing spiritual insights, enjoying a sand spa on the beach that relaxed both body and mind, singing spiritual songs, and watching inspirational movies. I cannot find words to describe the intense emotions I experienced at those moments. Very often, my tears just flowed like a broken dam. This summer camp gave me both laughter and tears! We have often heard that "Walking, resting, sitting, sleeping; everything we do in daily life is spiritual cultivation." However, we usually do not know what this really means. To me, that was merely a spiritual revelation that only advanced spiritual practitioners could realize. However, through frequent participation in service work, especially during this event, I have realized the truth of this statement. By constantly focusing our attention on the wisdom eye, we can truly receive Master's blessing. Spiritual practice does not mean only crossing our legs to meditate. If we do not get involved in the activities or work of our group, it is difficult to measure our level and discover the latent abilities still hidden within us. Besides, observing the work team members serve fellow initiates with great devotion was another touching source of inspiration for me. I am truly thankful to Master for giving me so many opportunities to learn and grow! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M | Magnificent, magical Master, |
| A | Amazing Mother; |
| S | Sacrifices She makes, |
| T | Tender love She has, |
| E | Extraordinary Power, |
| R | Rays of Light She creates. |
| C | Compassionate and caring She is, |
| H | Humorous always, |
| I | Interesting, inquisitive mind |
| N | Never lets you down. |
| G | Graciousness and goodness She has. |
| H | Heavenly being |
| A | Always with us |
| I | In times of need and longing. |
How I wish to become a humble seed,
Letting You sow me anywhere.
How I wish to become a rainbow,
Bridging the way back to Your Homeland.
How I wish to become mountains and rivers,
Displaying the Truth, virtue and beauty
That You bestow on me.
How I wish to become boundless space,
Melting into Your infinite love.
In mid-April, like a cool spring rainfall, Master appeared at the Florida Center. At that time, Florida was suffering from the worst drought in a hundred years. There were even restrictions on water use and a ban on all fires. The fruit trees at the Center had all turned brown and died, and everyone was wondering when it would rain.
Then Master came. As soon as She arrived, She invited all the resident disciples to Her house. Master was wearing a plastic suit that covered Her whole body and holding a large white dog in Her arms. She told us that the dog was sick, since She had found him at an animal shelter. We could hardly believe our eyes. Over the years, we had become accustomed to Master's high standards of cleanliness. Wherever She went, everything would become spotlessly clean. To find even one speck of dust in Her room would be an amazing sight. And there She was, holding a sick and slobbering dog right up to Her face. Over the next few weeks, Master adopted more unwanted pets, including birds. (She meant to free the birds into the wild as soon as they had healed their wings). Her immaculate house became like the movie "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"-full of all kinds of creatures, making noise night and day, and even sleeping in Her bed!
Master's pets are not just ordinary pets. She treats them like Her own children. She hugs them, plays with them, and talks to them in the most loving manner one can imagine. She always knows if they need to go outside, and when they come back they are cleaned at once with diluted lemon juice. She gives them special dog toothpaste, dog eye drops, "dog everything." And Master feeds them Her own food with Her own hands. Perhaps it is not correct to say "Her" food, because the dogs eat it first! Master eats their leftovers.
Truly, it is like a fairy tale, where animals are just like people. When Master talks to them, they respond just like people do. Master explained that since She took them from the animal shelter, they had gradually changed and become very spiritual beings. She also told us how She talks to them. If they are good, She speaks in a very high voice, and if they do something wrong, She speaks in a lower voice. Usually, though, She does not use Her voice at all-She just sends "pictures" of what they should do, and they understand right away.
Master also took care of the neighbor's pets. When She first came, a neighbor's dog came to the Center. Master immediately sent him home, after having his eye discharges wiped clean. We had been feeding him and so he kept coming back, Master says that it was not right to take someone else's dog, even though the neighbor did not take good care of him. And She sent the dog home with a brand new dog bed, along with dog medicine, dog eye drops, a vegetarian dog-bone, and many other things for dogs that he needed! She later went back to the neighbor's house for a "follow-up visit".
She takes care of animals just like Dr. Dolittle, (the movie character with a gift for communicating with animals.) Any creature that comes to Her house receives full treatment. She even took pity on the big, ugly vultures that came and made a mess of Her yard, giving them food every day.
Master has also made friends with all the neighbors around the Center. One day, a neighbor had a fire in his backyard, and Master immediately called all the resident-disciples and led us right up to the frontline, telling us how to distribute water and dig firebreaks. With Master's guidance, we succeeded in containing a section of the fire. The fire then spread to other areas, though, and the minute it got too big, Master called everyone out. She gathered us together to make sure that we were all okay, and explained that She had only instructed us to go inside because there was no wind.
The resident disciples went home to enjoy some cold drinks, but Master went back to the site of the fire to give water and gifts to the firemen. Then She checked up on all the neighbors in the area. That evening, a neighbor family had no electricity, so Master immediately offered them a place to stay in Her own trailer by Her house. She explained later that we could not do much to stop the fire, but the important thing was that we had fulfilled our duty to "love thy neighbor."
That was just one occasion, but every day something different would happen. One day, Master took us to a roadside diner. When we entered, the waitress was not very polite and would not let Master bring any animals into the restaurant. Later, when she was walking by Master's table, she noticed that there was a bird on Master's napkin. Master smiled sweetly at her, but the waitress gave Her a very disapproving look. Then the waitress discovered that Master had brought a dog in Her shopping bag, so she gave Master more stern glances.
Finally, Master said, "What's wrong? You look so bad, like you are having a bad day or something?" Then the waitress said in a very tired voice that she had been told to work a double shift, even though it was a holiday. Master then announced to the disciples in the restaurant, "Nobody should give this lady any trouble. She's having a bad day and has to work a double shift!" Next, She took the waitress' hand and kissed it. The waitress kept looking at the floor, but then she couldn't help breaking out in a big smile. So Master said, "Wow! You look so beautiful when you smile!" and started to say many loving things to the waitress, who turned bright red and ran behind the counter, covering her face with her hat. Master had won her over with love and kisses!
Above all, however, Master was concerned about us, Her disciples. From the day She came to Florida, She tried to find a place for disciples to come see Her, and so we could have a comfortable place for retreats. Every day for many weeks, She drove all across Florida to look for land, sometimes returning late at night. Many times She was disappointed, because someone had given Her false advertising, or changed the price, and She had to sort through all kinds of conflicting information about permits, regulations, etc. She said that maybe God just wanted her to run around Florida because of the drought problem. Indeed, from the time Master came to the area, it had rained almost every day, so much so that the local newspapers were at a loss to explain it. All of our fruit trees, which had been dead to the root for many months, suddenly sprouted green leaves.
During this time, there was a lot of pressure on Master. Many disciples
were hoping to see Her, especially on Her birthday, and Master was
sometimes brought to tears. On Her birthday, She was still working.
We had prepared a barbecue that evening to celebrate, and Master came
to join us. She told jokes, sang songs, and shared Her food with everyone.
Q: How can we help others who have addictions to overcome them?
M: Like to drugs and alcohol? You should just encourage them if they want to, but they've got to help themselves. And if they're trying to help themselves, you should encourage and support them as much as you can. But only they are the ones who can help themselves. You just stand by, support, and encourage. It's very difficult. But if they really want to break a habit, it takes three weeks. Any habit can be broken in three weeks. So tell them to hang in there for 21 days. Then it's done, whatever it is. You can break anything in three weeks' time if you persist every day up to 21 days. If they can survive until that time, they will be finished with their addiction.
Q: What specifically should they do for those 21 days?
M: Abstain. Abstain from whatever gives the addiction. For example, if they are alcoholic, they should abstain from alcoholic beverages. Clear the refrigerator; stay away from drinking friends. Don't even dream about a bar; even in a dream, don't go near! Don't circle around the liquor store. Anywhere they go shopping, they should just close their eyes and go directly to where they want something. For example, if they want butter, they should put their blindfold on and go directly to the butter only. And don't look right or left, because there will be alcohol everywhere.
Meanwhile, they should substitute alcohol with the things that they like second-best, but are harmless. For example, if they love to watch movies, they should just watch them every time. If they like, they can chew chewing gum, to keep their mouth occupied. They can keep drinking: Any time they want to drink alcohol, they should just grab milk, soy milk or juice, as a substitute. And, if they used to drink alcohol from a certain bottle, they can put milk in that bottle and keep drinking from it. Substitute something that is also stimulating and interesting but not harmful. They should go to a lot of sports activities and meet with friends who are very supportive. They can see the doctor, change their environment, and maybe change jobs. Or, if there's no need, maybe they can change something in their lifestyle. For example, if they have always wanted to play football but have never really taken time to do it--they can just do it now, you know, anything to occupy their time for the 21 days. And then they will forget all about it.
Friends are important, but good friends only. They should steer clear of their drinking friends. Of course, they can go to a yoga class or go swimming. Spiritual practice does help tremendously, such as yoga or meditation. Substituting the lower desire for a higher one makes them feel more elevated and worthwhile.
Most people drink because it's become a habit. Also they feel that life is so boring that they keep drinking, and the more they drink, the less activity they have. Then the less activity, the more they're bored. And so it continues, like a devil's circle. They have to substitute this habit for something better. They have to think for themselves; for example, what made them feel good before, in their whole life, from childhood until now? What kind of activities gave them the most pleasure? Note it down, "Number 1." What kind of people gave them the best support and happiness to be with? Note that down, "Number 2." What kinds of places gave them a very, very good time, like a comfort zone of good memories? Note it down, "Number 3."
And then they should make sure they have all these things at this time; it's very important for them. Then their lives will be happy, fulfilling and interesting. They will have enough strength and aim to go forward, in order to forget their bad habit also. By just sitting there, trying to suppress themselves with no other substitution, they will kill themselves. It can be very, very tough. But if a person is so busy that at night he comes home and "drops dead," even if alcohol is put right in front of him, he won't have a chance to even grab it. He may try to, but he will fall asleep already in front of the bottle.
It's similar for all of us, not just for addicted people. If you are having a tough time or going through a period where you're depressed by anything, like maybe a broken heart, a love affair that just ended, or an unsuccessful business-anything that disappoints you or makes you depressed-just find a substitute for it right away. Sit down and think back as far as you can remember: What made you happy before? Who made you feel good? Which place triggered the best interest or feeling in your life? Go there, if possible. Meet those people who have common interests with you and who are good for you, who make you feel confident, make you feel loved, supported, and "buddy-buddy." And do the things you used to do or you wanted to do, or that you've already tested and know they make you feel really good. So go for those things; busy yourself with all those interesting things and interesting people and interesting places. And then you'll have no time to even think of alcohol.
Most of the time we drink or smoke because we're bored or we're anxious and we worry. The reason we're anxious, bored or worried is because we are without the people we love and like; we are without the activities that interest us and give us pleasure; we are in places where we are depressed and where we don't like the environment. So, the more you are depressed in that environment and without friends and without interesting activities, the more you drink or smoke or whatever. Hang on through the tough time. Twenty-one days are guaranteed to break any habit whatsoever, twenty-one days at the most, every time. You can break any habit in 21 days.
So you know why Shakyamuni Buddha went to sit under the Boddhi tree for 49 days? He was just making sure! (Master and audience laugh) Jesus also went to the desert for 49 days. Why 49 days? Seven sevens or seven threes. Remember how God made the world in seven days? He made a mess of it, but at least it was in seven days. So we can repeat this cycle with many of our activities in life, if we want to achieve something. That's why sometimes we have a seven-day retreat. We could have it longer, but now we are having it. Whoever has time can just stay longer: 21 days or 49 days, and become a Buddha instantly. After a month and a half, the Center will be full of walking Buddhas (Audience laughs). Why not? In Tibet, the Buddhas (Tulkus) are running all over town. It means they have living Buddhas everywhere, so we can make some here. (Applause)
There's a trap, however. When you are in this kind of depression or in need of something, it is very, very difficult to get up and go to the places that give you pleasure, to contact the people who make you feel loved and supported, or to go do the activities that bring you happiness. But do it! You just have to try it once. And once you get there, you'll be happy you did.
Just tell people that. You have to make the effort just to begin; that's it. The beginning is important. Once you begin, you will continue, because you will have all the pleasure and happiness again. You won't remember the bad habits. You might still remember, but your day is now full of activities and interesting people--you do this, go there, talk about this, make jokes, hang together, have a party, and have fun. Then you don't have time to think too much. You do think maybe, but less intensely than when you have nothing to do, with just a boring job and boring home to come to, and you're friendless and lonely--that will kill you. Nobody can step out of an addiction that way, without support, without the happiness to substitute for it. You need people who interest you and make you feel good, places that bring you pleasure, and healthy activities that interest you or make you feel happy.
Q: How can we abandon the selfishness inside our hearts?
M: Slowly and through the practice of the Quan Yin Method. If we practice this Quan Yin Method, it means we are in touch with God's power and only God's power can help us in any way. God's power will give us everything we need, give us tolerance, give us unselfishness, and give us wisdom and love. We're selfish because we don't have enough love. We're craving for love. We feel that no one loves us--not enough, so we have to hurry up and love ourselves more. We think we have to make up for ourselves in this way. That's all. We practice this Method, and we are in the presence of God. We feel we are loved and we are loved by our Master, by our fellow practitioners, by God, then we just feel very secure. And we don't need any more selfishness. It will leave us automatically, naturally. It may not be in one day, but shortly.
Selfishness is a form of love, of loving ourselves. At least you love yourself. You must learn from there. If we know how to love ourselves, later we will know how to love others. If we do not know how to take care of ourselves, if we can't learn how to be comfortable, how to make ourselves comfortable, how will we know how to offer the same kind of love to others? So this is only a kind of lesson that is very useful later, when our love expands from self to others.
Two people were going fishing. They went a long way to buy the equipment, bait and a video camera. Then they drove to the seaside. The roads were bad, and their car was badly damaged, with dents here and there. Most of their equipment was damaged, too.
After they reached the seaside, they caught only one fish. One of them said, "Business was really bad today. Do you know how much we spent on this one fish alone?"
The other answered, "Of course, I do. We spent two thousand dollars on just this one. It is a little too much!"
The first person then said, "Good thing we didn't catch more, or the costs would have been even higher. Two thousand dollars for one fish!"
There was a man who was very religious. He believed in God very much. But he also believed in donuts very much. He ate a lot of donuts. And he got very fat. And he swore to God that one day he would get off of donuts and never touch donuts again. And he decided to go on a diet and eat healthy, and become slim and handsome.
So he tried to change his route to work. He drove on another route instead of his old route, on which he had to pass by the donut shop every day. Therefore, if he didn't see the donuts, he wouldn't get too tempted. So okay, that's good. This went on for some time, two months. And he never touched a donut again; he never went to that shop again.
But one day he accidentally went back on that old route again. He drove along it and saw the donut shop. And he said, "Oh, my God. No, no!" But then he thought, "Oh! It might be God's will." (Master and audience laugh) He was a very devoted Quan Yin disciple. He thought, "Oh, maybe God wants to reward me for all the effort I made all these months. Maybe Hes wants me to eat some donuts today." Okay, then he prayed in his heart. He started to say, "Oh, dear God, if it's really Your will, let me find a parking space right in front of the entrance. Then I will know that it's Your will." So, of course, he found a parking space right in front of the entrance, after a dozen times driving round and round the block. That's just like us. Everything is Master's arrangement!
Please visit the following web sites to enjoy the original video versions of these jokes and you may share the joy of Master's humor with those around you as well.
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/125/jk1.htm
(USA)
http://Spiritual-Discovery.org/eng/news/125/jk1.htm
(USA)
[Benin] Fellow initiates from Benin, West Africa recently launched a meditation center and book circulation office in their capital--Cotonou. Last December, they also formally established The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in their country, whereupon they began to broadcast Master's teachings on the radio each day to convey the message of the Quan Yin Method to their compatriots. The Cotonou Center is open Monday through Saturday for fellow initiates and visitors interested in watching Master's videotapes, or reading Her books and News magazines. Each day, visitors and would-be initiates come to the Center to ask or learn about Master's teachings. In addition to attending regular group meditation sessions, fellow practitioners also come to the Center in their spare time to recharge themselves by meditating at additional sessions.
The Center is permeated with wonderful spiritual vibrations, which often make people forget the time. One would-be initiate, a businessman, used to ask materially related questions when he first began learning the Convenient Method. Thus, his financial problems hindered his spiritual growth. However, after several months' of practicing the Convenient Method, he changed considerably. Master's love deeply attracted him. Once, after watching Master's videotaped lectures at the Center, he seemed to be purged of all his worldly troubles and sorrows. He wanted to return to work but was reluctant to leave the Center, which is very tranquil and peaceful. So, he sat on the steps outside for a long while and felt so good that he could not help stepping back inside to read one of Master's books. When he finally decided to leave, he sat down on the steps again, silently enjoying his inner spiritual delight and his first experience of liberation and contentment.
Fellow initiates' countless spiritual experiences within and without are the pillars that build their confidence. This fact is demonstrated by the example of an initiate who practiced the Convenient Method before the Benin Center was established, and used to attend group meditation at the Togo Center each Saturday. When his wife decided to follow Master as well, he took her to learn the Convenient Method at the Togo Center. By the time group meditation ended that evening, it was already nine o'clock, and the couple could not find a taxi at the local station. There happened to be a mini bus leaving for Cotonou, so they got on, but the bus driver kept everyone waiting while arguing with a colleague. Eventually, the passengers lost their patience and got off the bus. But because they couldn't find another bus to take them to their destination, they finally returned to the mini bus. The couple had to squeeze into the front seats beside the driver, for they were the last to board.
However, the driver refused to take them and ignored their reasoning and persuasion. The couple was forced to get off the bus, and waited for more than an hour. They began to complain in their hearts, as they had two young children waiting for them at home. After another long stretch of time, a taxi finally showed up. On their way home, the couple saw the mini bus that they had originally intended to take. It had crashed and the front seats had been destroyed. At that moment, they suddenly realized that Master's incredible power had protected them from this predestined calamity.
[Kpalime, Togo] The Kpalime Center was the second center to be established in Togo, West Africa. Located to the northwest of Togo's highest mountain, Pic d'Agou, it is a secluded, serene place with sufficient water but without the hubbub and disturbance of the city. Outside the Center is a large, lush forest and a view that extends far into the surrounding mountains, making one feel delighted and relaxed.
This house at Kpalime was once in ill repair and the weeds around it grew densely from a lack of proper attention. Some of the trees around it were scorched and the road in front of the house was bumpy. The local fellow initiates thus decided to show their "human magical power", and transformed the dilapidated structure into a prosperous looking place. After a thorough cleanup, the fellow initiates also beautified and "greened" the Center with fresh and lively plants. A new paradise for spiritual practice was thus created!
During the renovation period, an accident occurred, but fortunately, through Master's blessing, a disaster was averted. Two brothers were living at the Center, where they cleaned each morning, and gathered dry grass and leaves for burning on the ground outside. One day, as usual, they finished their morning cleaning work and burned the collected garbage. Then, they went back to the Center to watch Master's videotapes. The rainy season had passed; the air was hot and the land was dry. About fifteen minutes later, the brothers suddenly heard the crackling sound of a fire. They rushed out and were so shocked that they couldn't help sweating upon seeing the blaze, which had almost reached the neighbor's house. The fire spread quickly in the strong wind, nearly extending to a nearby farm office and wooden utility pole.
The brothers were terrified and hurriedly threw buckets of water onto the fire, but it seemed to be out of control. There was no fire brigade in the area, so they had no choice but to call the police for help. The policeman who answered, however, kept inquiring about trivial details. They did not know what to do because the only things in the area were a lot of grass and trees. One of the brothers, feeling anxious and guilty, rushed into the meditation hall, knelt down in front of Master's photo, and with tears streaming down his face, prayed for Her help. (The man seldom cried, but when he described the situation to the Quan Yin messenger, his eyes became teary again.)
A while later, he went outside to check the situation, and was astounded to find that the fire had been completely extinguished. The flames had stopped three meters from the neighbor's house, the farm office, and the utility pole. Dozens of pineapple plants, mango trees, banana trees, and a huge lawn had been burned to the ground. A sheep had been tied to a pole in the lawn at the time, but the fire had merely circled around it and left the sheep and the surrounding grass untouched. The two brothers sincerely thanked Master for alleviating the disastrous situation in time. Otherwise, the results would have been terrible.
Now the Kpalime Center is neat and beautiful. The local fellow practitioners and would-be initiates come there regularly to watch Master's videotapes and attend group meditation. New Truth-seekers continue to visit the Center as well. In addition to the luxuriant flowers and trees around the Center, various fruit trees have also been planted. It is the mango season now, and the luscious fruits make one's mouth water. We do believe that, with the "irrigation" of Master's love, the spiritual seeds we sow will soon bloom and bear fruit in the near future, like the fruit we grow at our Center.
The 40-acre New Jersey Center is located in the mountainous northwestern part of New Jersey, U.S.A., about two hours' drive from New York City. When spring comes to the Center, flowers in resplendent colors welcome us. In the fall, the leaves turn red and the mountains put on a golden coat. And when the cold winter sets in, the falling snow creates a different kind of scenery.
The harmonious atmosphere at the Center attracts numerous wild animals, and it is not unusual to see them moving among the trees. Bears are our most frequent visitors. Deers and their new-born fawns also stroll by occasionally, as do other wild animals.
Master purchased this site for the New Jersey Center in the winter of 1990. Since then, She has stayed there briefly on several occasions. In 1992, under Her guidance, the meditation hall was expanded and a parking lot built in the woods in a very short period of time. However, it was not until these two jobs were accomplished at God's speed that we realized Master was using the occasion to awaken and make use of our infinite potential. Thank You, Master, for everything You have done to help us grow up.
In 1999, Master visited the Center again, and said that She wanted a perfect spiritual environment for the initiates. Out of loving and compassionate concern, She sent a dozen resident disciples from the Florida Center to help with the construction project; and together we built a new forest meditation hall and created more parking space in the woods without cutting any trees.
We built a stream, later named the "River of Love", symbolizing Master's endless flow of love for all sentient beings. A fountain called the "Wisdom Eye" was also erected to remind us to focus inwardly. Each time disciples come for weekly group meditation or a retreat, they are surprised by the new scene at the Center.
Our center plays an important role in providing spiritual resources, including video, book and magazine services, to fellow initiates. It also supports activities held by other centers, such as video seminars, weekly group meditation sessions, and two-day retreats on important occasions. The New Jersey Center is a lighthouse beaming out Master's teachings to people in the northeastern part of America. And through Her blessing, the Light and the Truth will continue to be transmitted to people in the area.
As the Chinese saying goes, "It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to tutor people." After 12 years, the trees at the Center have grown tall and strong. But through Master's blessings, fellow initiates do not need a hundred years for spiritual attainment! We owe it all to Master for teaching us this wonderful method of gaining immediate enlightenment. The New Jersey Center is indeed a paradise bestowed by God, and we welcome all members of the Quan Yin family to visit us!
With his palms closed and seemingly anxious to express himself, he pronounced each word distinctly
in not so fluent English: "Perhaps, tonight, God wants to give you ... a present!"
Recently, while distributing sample booklets at a booth in a city street, I met an unusual man. As I was preparing to close the booth, he held tightly onto Master's magazine. My legs were already numb from four hours of standing at the booth, and I was desperate to leave, especially after being pestered by two beggar women. (Note: There are many beggars in the country I was visiting, and like most people, I was tired of frequently giving them alms.) Thinking that he was from the same gang as the beggar women, I rudely snatched the magazine from his hand and put it into my handbag. Surprisingly, he remained unperturbed. Still speaking slowly, he articulated these words: "Must you really go?" Then, he quickly helped me pack, his movements being very much different than the way he stammered.
Later, he showed up at the video seminar I was holding in the area, but throughout the 90-minute screening, his head was bent over the vegetarian food I had prepared for the occasion. Even as the instruction session for the Convenient Method began, he was still holding his plate and relishing his food. I was upset by this behavior and even felt a little contemptuous, saying to myself, "So, he is really a member of the beggars' gang. He even dares to eat in such a manner at a 'sacred congregation' like ours!" After the Convenient Method meditation session was over, the participants gave a warm response, following me and enquiring about the address of the venue for future gatherings. This man also followed me and asked for the address, but I ignored him. After the seminar, several people escorted me back to my residence, and we had a hearty chat along the way, so I did not notice when the man disappeared.
The next day, I was humming to myself while preparing snacks for a group meditation session at my dwelling. Suddenly the doorbell rang. It was the man I had met the day before right at my doorstep! In amazement, I shook my head and held my hands up, saying, "Today, today no group meditation!" Sensing my fear and hearing my senseless remark, he asked calmly, "Why?" Since I could not tell a lie, I had no choice but to let him in. "Gosh! Now I was letting a perfect stranger into my house. What would I do if he were up to something bad?" I noticed that I was trembling and prayed hard to Master from deep within my heart. Remembering the voracious way the man had eaten the day before, I asked him reluctantly, "Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?" He didn't disappoint me. "Well..., it's okay; I can eat a little bit," he stammered.
It turned out that none of the people who had promised to come for group meditation showed up. So, while serving the man my exquisitely prepared food, I thought, "I spent two hours cooking--all for you!" Suddenly, a warning resounded from the top of my head: "It is precisely because of your contempt for him that he has to come back again to eat your food, in order to give you a chance to compensate!" It shocked me out of my fear, and I started to concentrate on my wisdom eye and observe the behavior of this stranger.
Before he started to eat, he toyed with the cutlery, seemingly deep in thought. Then, he said in fluent English, "I eat very slowly because I have only seven teeth. What others take five minutes to consume, I need half an hour to eat." He even analyzed the process of mastication to me, just like a professor giving a lecture.
My face flushed, for he had read my mind! To conceal my embarrassment, I quickly went to play a videotape. I had only one tape in Russian, and had already played it at the seminar. So he asked, "Do you have any other tapes?" I thought, "Yesterday, you just concentrated on eating and didn't even raise your head to watch it! What's the problem with playing the tape again?" But anyhow, I chose an English lecture tape, which was my favorite. After a few minutes, he said that his English was poor and wondered if I could play another tape. Then he added casually, "But maybe you want to watch this one."
I couldn't believe my ears! My limbs were numb as I searched for another tape. Then he made another remark: "Do you happen to have a videotape on Master's life?" His words sounded more like a reminder than a request. My heart trembled and I thought, "I have just received a tape entitled 'Journey to Africa' from Moscow. How does he know?"
In the video, Master is shopping in a leisurely way at a market, quite unlike Her image on the lecture stage. Mr. Wanderer remarked, "It's Master! She is so simple, just like a child!" He loved the tape, and slid down from his chair to the floor, sitting the way an Indian disciple does before his revered Master. He looked back at me, as I sat in a big sofa. "This is better; I like a simple life," he said. I was shocked again, and promptly spread out the carpet and gave him a cushion. These had been prepared in case a lot of people came, and as it turned out, the preparation proved worthwhile. While watching the video, he commented that the photography and editing were not bad, and said that he had once been a photographer. As he watched the video with undivided attention, his dusty face took on a saintly, radiant glow.
I watched him from the corner of my eye. He had not finished his meal, but he also wanted to view the video. So, in a well-bred manner, he used his fork to rearrange the food on his plate, which he obviously cherished. I was introspecting about whether I had shown a contemptuous manner when I served him the food just moments earlier, and tears silently rolled down my cheeks. Extremely ashamed of my snobbishness and blindness, I silently turned away to wipe my tears.
The tape ran its length, but the man was still eating. Again, I became impatient and said, "Carry on with your meal. I will meditate first." I spoke with the dignity of an "apostle." He raised his head, looked at me, and said softly, "I thought you wanted to cry!" His words almost made me cry out loud.
When he finally finished eating, he came over and said to me humbly, "Now I am ready. Will you please tell me how to meditate? I didn't hear clearly yesterday." When I gave him the verbal instructions for the Convenient Method, his expression was like that of a Ph. D watching a primary school pupil reciting a chapter. His face glowed, and I cannot remember how I managed to say it all.
He sat humbly on the floor, like an innocent child waiting for God to descend. After the meditation session, he told me his miserable story. He was a follower of Hare Krishna, and had been a vegetarian for twenty-five years. During the turbulent years in his country, he had fallen victim to religious persecution, and then was framed by gangsters. As a result, he was deserted by his family and had to depend on others, earning his daily bread by distributing the Bhagavad Gita (an Indian sacred text referred to as 'the Hindu Bible'). My life in our heaven-like ashram was completely different and I had never seen such hardship. Not knowing how to comfort him, I blurted out, "Meditation can solve any problem!"
Observing that I was at a loss for words, Mr. Wanderer changed the subject. "I came here today to tell you how I feel about Master. I have heard lectures by other renowned masters, but none of their words touched me. However, after you gave me the sample booklet the other day, I could not sleep that night. I read through the entire book, and felt a very strong energy. Master's teachings suit me well, and I know She is no ordinary person."
Before leaving, he took out a small drum, beat it adeptly and sang, "Hare! Hare Krishna!" Because Master had once taught us to sing this tune, I softly sang along with him. Suddenly, I seemed to have returned to the good old days when I was an ignorant, worry-free and dumb disciple at Master's feet. It had been a long time since I felt so relaxed; again my eyes became wet. He piously sang several songs, absolutely engrossed in praising God. Silently, I prayed to God to bless this devout disciple.
I asked him why he did not look for another job, and he said, "I am willing to carry this cross. I am not completely enlightened, but I share with people everything I know." How beautiful is such a spirit of sacrifice! In contrast, I, a disciple of the "Living Christ," might grumble just because a journey is exhausting or I experience obstacles. His words were truly a very effective reminder for me. The master that Mr. Wanderer believed in had left the world, and he had not secured inner communication, while we Quan Yin practitioners have much inner experience and receive loving care from the physical form of Master. Unable to forget the hardships She endured during Her quest for the Truth in the Himalayas, Master is always concerned about the daily necessities of the messengers, not wishing us to undergo the suffering that She did. Wherever we go, arrangements are always made for fellow practitioners or friends to receive us. Compared to the other apostles throughout history, we are like children from a wealthy family enjoying studies overseas.
Out of sympathy, I was going to offer the man some money. But on second thought, what was so bad about being poor? This was the life he chose. I observed his gentle magnetic field and complete compliance with God's will. This was the invaluable treasure that God had bestowed on him and no one could take away. I have traveled to many places and met all kinds of people. Some were very rich, but they always complained about their slightest ailment. Our innocent Mr. Wanderer was far richer than these people. And his solemn attitude toward life was even more awesome!
It was getting late, so Mr. Wanderer picked up his only belonging, a haversack containing several copies of the Bhagavad Gita. He carried it on his back, as if he were bearing a cross, and walked toward the door. Suddenly, he turned around, and with palms closed and seemingly anxious to express himself clearly, he uttered to me in broken English, word by word: "Perhaps, tonight, God wants to give you ... a present!" I was again shocked, but to hide my feeling, I deliberately pretended to be indifferent, and said casually, "I know! There is a present every moment." He laughed, and that mysterious radiance lit up his face again. "Thank you for this wonderful evening!" Again he closed his palms and bowed. "Only Master!" He said.
Then it was my turn to stammer. It was not until he was about to go out of sight at the turn of the staircase that I was able to utter, and not without difficulty, "Thank you! Thank you very much for your love!" I had spent a long time pondering his words! Mr. Wanderer heard me and paused for a brief moment. Having confirmed that I understood, he said nothing more, held tightly onto the "cross" on his shoulder, and left without turning his head.
That night, it was my turn to be sleepless! On my mind was what Master has often said: "I send them out not to deliver sentient beings, but to deliver themselves!"
We should give a reward to anyone in any way, for example, to the homeless people. I do that all the time. When I see someone, sometimes I turn the car or make a U-turn on the highway, just to give them something. Sometimes my driver complains, "That's difficult! It's inconvenient." I say, "Yes, for us it's very inconvenient, but for that man it's even worse. Can you imagine how much more inconvenience he has to endure every day? Compared to our inconvenience, his is very great. So, just turn." On the highway sometimes it's difficult, of course. But considering his inconvenience, ours is very small. We can always make two more minutes for a person like that. We can always go through a little inconvenience just to help someone out. And it feels good when you do that. It feels good when you defeat your own laziness or excuses; knowing what you want to do, you do it. It feels good.
Should you feel yourself not being compassionate enough, then train yourself, starting at home, for instance. Usually, when you have some good food, you eat it first without considering other people. Starting from today, first ask other people whether they want it. Or, previously, you often gave priority to doing things that you liked. Starting from now, first ask other people what they like, and then do it for them; give consideration to yourself after everyone else. That's it--it's very simple!
"The Lost Memories" is a precious collection of
thirty-nine romantic poems written by the Supreme Master Ching Hai
during the 1970s. This period of Her life was one of love and loss,
joy and heartbreak, longing and satisfaction, and search and
discovery.
The journey on the path of Love portrayed in this volume encompasses a
wide spectrum of sensations from intense passion to deep reflection.
Each poem is filled with rich imagery and lyricism resonating with
thoughts, feelings and experiences common to all of humanity. Sweet
memories rekindled by falling leaves, a lost bird wending its way
homeward, the sound of raindrops--all are expressed with the utmost
simplicity and tenderness. Master's innermost feelings about romantic
love, human relations, spiritual devotion, and the ephemeral nature of
life are revealed with both power and charm.
Woven into the book's wide range of emotions is a consistent theme
that forms a gentle backdrop for each poem: the omnipresence of Divine
Love, the inspiration for Master Ching Hai's lifelong search for
Truth. Through these tender poems, Supreme Master Ching Hai brings us
new hope that, although our existence may be intertwined with joy and
sorrow, rapture and suffering, peaks and valleys, the way back to True
Love is always at hand.
We hope that "The Lost Memories" will remain a constant
companion through the years, being by your side during each high and
low point, and helping you find peace, love, and spiritual insight on
your life's journey.
To enjoy more vivid pictures along with the poems from the new
book, please visit:
http://www.spiritual-discovery.org/eng/publication/books/memory/index.htm
(USA, in English)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/125/es.htm ((USA,
in English)
<In English + Chinese Subtitles>
688 Love Is the True Essence of Life
Lecture in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 30, 2000
<In Chinese with Japanese Oral Translation>
CG71-2 A Story about Love (Parts 1 & 2)
Group meditation in Japan, July 15, 2000
Please contact:
"The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd.",
Taipei, Formosa.
Tel: (886) 2-87873935
Fax: (886) 2-87870873
E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org
ROC Postal Remittance Account No: 19259438 (for Formosa orders only)
Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.
Please visit our bookshop's website to download our catalogue and summaries of the contents of Master's latest publications:
http://www.smchbooks.com/ (in English and Chinese)
For more than a decade, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association (SMCHIA) has been performing voluntary humanitarian work, rendering aid in many areas of the world, and its efforts have been appreciated by the governments and citizens of many countries. The Association's high efficiency in mobilizing relief workers and materials is especially remarkable. In this article, we will explore the SMCHIA's convictions behind its humanitarian work, its efficiency in mobilization, and other topics. The following might be useful as a reference for others involved in voluntary humanitarian work as well.
The SMCHIA is a spiritual group founded by international disciples of the world famous spiritual master--Supreme Master Ching Hai (Note 1). For many years, the SMCHIA has been doing its best to help disaster victims and needy people around the world. The Association's development of highly efficient voluntary social service methods is closely related to its convictions.
1. Belief and Realization that "All beings are one"
Members of The SMCHIA are all Quan Yin Method (Note 2) practitioners. Through the practice of meditation, they realize that every being is an integral part of the Universe. Based on this conviction and the realization that "All beings are one," the group's spiritual practitioners naturally become concerned about all the beings around them. When parts of the "one" are suffering, spiritual practitioners help them immediately, just as when part of one's body is injured, one tries to heal it immediately. In this way, the voluntary services of the SMCHIA arise naturally.
Supreme Master Ching Hai so teaches Her disciples: "Since we have been in this world we have owed much to this world for the food we eat and the clothes we wear. Of course, everything comes from God and God is the only person we should be grateful to. Nevertheless, God has used many instruments, and should these instruments become somehow damaged or out of order, we also have the obligation to repair them. So there is no need to say, "Everything comes from God and I need not worry about anything. I have no obligation." We do. So when we help other people, like the poor or refugees, we actually repay, we actually just do our duty. There's nothing to talk about or no excuse not to do it." "We provide for the people and God will provide for us. That is the way of working in the universe. If everyone works like that, the system of the world will run very smoothly, and no one will ever lack anything. But because we do not work this way, the world is in such a state of wanting." (Note 3)
2. The Conviction about "Effective Service"
Meditation is the most important daily lesson for the practitioners of the SMCHIA, helping them to offer more effective service to society, because their inner wisdom and love develop continuously through meditation. Supreme Master Ching Hai teaches her disciples: "We meditate because we want to do service better, and we want to be clearer in what we do. Therefore, we become more efficient in our work and give greater service to others. Without meditation, sometimes we have the very best intentions and we are willing to serve people, but we don't know what is the best way. Therefore, meditation is a helping factor with respect to true selfless service." (Note 4)
This conviction clears up the general misunderstanding that "Spiritual Practice" means practicing in seclusion at home or in a temple, severed from the mundane world. On the contrary, spiritual practitioners are more inclined to give a helping hand to needy people, because spiritual cultivation lets them truly feel others' misery as their own.
3. Give without Giving and Do without Doing
The attitude of The SMCHIA toward voluntary social service is "do it naturally," and "do without doing." Supreme Master Ching Hai reminds Her disciples, "When we render a service, we have no idea that it is "I" who is doing charity, or whether it is beneficial to "me". We do it completely out of a natural attitude that springs forth from our inner being. If we give to people on one hand, but expect blessed reward in return, this kind of charity is of very little meaning." (Note 5)
The Supreme Master Ching Hai further explains, "We are born without anything, and yet we have many things, such as food, drink, and clothing, and as we grow up, we breathe in oxygen, and take a lot from society. Therefore, it is not a big deal if we give or offer something; this is only a cycle of natural exchange." "It is just like we are returning things from God to God." (Note 6) "All things in the Universe are for everyone to use; no one is giving things to others." (Note 7)
The Supreme Master Ching Hai especially warns Her disciples: Even if almsgiving gains merit, if you help one person and then tell another person intentionally, the merit is neutralized; and if you again deliberately tell one more person, then you owe a merit instead. Therefore, our intentions must be pure when giving alms.
4. Respect the Recipients
The SMCHIA emphasizes the importance of "respecting the feelings of the recipients of help and their dignity". Association members avoid making recipients feel like they are being helped, or are inferior to others. On the contrary, help-givers naturally have a grateful attitude toward recipients, because their situation has given them a good chance to learn how to love. "Some of them (recipients) are saints. Some have practiced very well, to a very high level. They have sacrificed their attained position and descended as refugees in order to help the world." (Note 8) This kind of profound spiritual reflection is the driving force behind the "respect the recipients" service attitude of spiritual practitioners.
1. Highly Mobile
The Supreme Master Ching Hai teaches Her disciples to "expect that the world is peaceful, and no disasters will happen," to always keep their thinking on a positive note, and to do the best rescue work possible, should a disaster occur. So, in every corner of the world, whenever it is known that help is urgently required, the disciples quickly reach unanimity in mobilizing considerable manpower and financial and material support, going deep into the affected areas at the most critical times to accomplish missions of urgent rescue.
For example, in 1991, the Mount Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines erupted, resulting in more than a million casualties and homeless victims. The SMCHIA immediately launched a large-scale relief project, which was much appreciated by the government and people of the Philippines. Volunteers from the Association risked their lives, venturing into villages only five kilometers from the volcano, to render help. Due to poor transportation and the heavy risks involved, even local relief groups dared not go to these villages. (Note 9)
Similarly, after the 1999 earthquake in Turkey, upon hearing news of the disaster, the SMCHIA in Formosa bought and packed relief materials in two days, accomplishing their work with the greatest speed. They contributed tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and warm blankets, weighing over fourteen thousand kilograms, and filled about eight hundred and twenty-eight large boxes. With enthusiastic assistance from their country's Department of International Organizations of the Foreign Ministry, the relief materials were delivered to the affected area by China Airlines and Turkish Airlines. (Note 10) The SMCHIA in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and the U.S.A. also took action to contribute to the Turkish earthquake victims.
After Formosa's earthquake in September 1999, upon hearing the unfortunate news, Supreme Master Ching Hai quickly telephoned to express Her concern, and instructed Her disciples to begin immediate relief efforts. Knowing that good cooperation with the government was the best way to rescue quake victims, the disciples promptly contributed money, in the name of The SMCHIA, to the special account set up by the Ministry of the Interior Department at the Central Bank Treasury for relief of quake disasters. They also promptly set up temporary relief centers in Nantou and Taichung. Association members from all over Formosa soon joined the relief team. Working speedily and cooperatively, they prepared mobile toilets, tents, sleeping bags, mineral water, food and daily necessities, which were efficiently delivered to victims in the affected areas. On the very night of the earthquake, the Association had already delivered numerous tents to some of the affected areas, solving the accommodation problems of some victims just in time.
The rescue team formed by Association members from Nantou was the first to report to the Nantou Municipal Government, and along with other participants, formed the first rescue group on the scene. Other Association members also formed relief teams in order to reach many affected areas. They especially considered the needs of the people in remote regions where the Government and other civilian groups might not be able to provide immediate help by car, such as places deep in the mountains that were isolated due to rough tracks and damaged roads. From the 23rd to the 25th of September, many of these routes were still gravely threatened by falling rocks. However, disregarding the dangers, the SMCHIA members traveled on foot, carried relief materials on their backs and delivered timely relief to the helpless victims. Medical teams formed by dozens of members in the medical profession also ventured deep into the affected area to help victims. More than forty light trucks moved back and forth to deliver the relief materials gathered by Association members from various cities. A team of excavation vehicles was also formed to support the rescue work, helping the government to open roads, clearing debris on the streets and in collapsed buildings, leveling the ground for the police station to set up a temporary office, and unblocking the roads between villages. (Note 11)
From the above examples, we can see the efficiency and power of the SMCHIA in initiating and mobilizing voluntary services, because the Associa-tion's members have the spirit of helping others, as if they were helping themselves.
2. Extensive Range of Services
The SMCHIA has done a wide range of voluntary social service work, which falls into the following categories:
(I) Emergency Disaster Relief
In past decades, The SMCHIA has rendered help to those suffering from natural disasters in many parts of the world; for example, the volcanic eruption in the Philippines, the drought in northern Thailand, the floods in southern Thailand, Cambodia, Au Lac, the Middle-west and other states of the USA and Mainland China, the ice storm in Canada and the earthquakes in Kobe, Japan, Turkey, and Formosa, to mention just a few. As soon as a natural disaster strikes, members of The SMCHIA deliver relief supplies, money, medicine, and medical personnel to the disaster-stricken area in the shortest time possible, until they have accomplished their mission of disaster relief and care for victims in regard to body, mind and soul. Or they may make monetary contributions through other charitable organizations to support their relief work.
(II) Helping the Needy
The SMCHIA gives regular aid to destitute households, with relief funds being delivered monthly to the homes of the needy. In addition, its members often visit orphanages, old folks' homes, etc. to provide material and spiritual comfort. Sometimes they seek out vagrants wandering the streets and provide them with basic necessities, such as sleeping bags, blankets, overcoats, underwear and food to help them through the cold winter.
(III) Concern for the Imprisoned
The Supreme Master Ching Hai has constantly shown deep concern for inmates in jails and prisons. It is Her belief that many people locked in prisons comprise a group of the earth's cleverest people, however they have no way to make use of their abilities and intelligence, and their power is not utilized in the right way. Therefore, they are driven by circumstances to become "fallen angels." If their power were directed the other way around toward spiritual practice and benefiting society, their achievements and contributions would be immeasurable.
In 1989, Supreme Master Ching Hai paid a personal visit to the prisoners confined in I-lan and Hualien Prisons. Also, The SMCHIA in various countries often visits local prisons and teaches prisoners a simple method of meditation to help them attain peace of mind. The Association in Formosa has conducted hundreds of spiritual seminars in prisons throughout the island and the outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen, and Green Island. From the following example, only one of many, it is obvious that these seminars have had an enormous effect in edifying the prisoners.
A prisoner with the surname of Liau, who had committed major crimes, was sentenced to serve a long term at the Tainan Prison. In 1991, when members of the SMCHIA visited the Prison, he came to learn about Master's lecture on the value of life, was deeply moved and hence became a vegetarian. Furthermore, he learned how to meditate, became amiable and benevolent, gave up smoking and drinking, and never carried any contraband in prison. He thoroughly obeyed the Prison authorities, and made good use of his skills in plumbing, which won him commendations from the warden. Because of his excellent record, he was released from Prison after thirteen years of imprisonment, and works in society again. After coming back to the normal world, he has strictly observed the precepts of spiritual practice, abided by the law, worked hard as an honest citizen, and earnestly devoted himself to volunteer work.
(IV) Free Medical Services
The SMCHIA has frequently held free medical consultations in many areas of Formosa, including remote aboriginal villages in Taitung, Wanluang Hsiang in Pintung, Miaoli City and Hsihu Hsiang in Miaoli, and Green Island. Many times, as invited by the Sports Committee of the Executive Yuan, they also have provided free medical consultations and emergency medical services at the Thousand Person Hike and other activities.
The SMCHIA free medical service team consists of medical professionals, including traditional Chinese medical doctors, Western medical doctors, clinical laboratory specialists, and nurses. In applying western medicine, blood testing equipment, urine testing strips, an electrocardiograph, an abdominal ultra-sound scanner, professional eye-examination instruments used by ophthalmic experts and portable dental equipment prepared by dentists, the team's services include medical consultations, medical education, and illness examination and sorting.
(V) Environmental Protection and Beautification
Years ago, Supreme Master Ching Hai instructed Her disciples to engage in protecting and beautifying the environment and in restoring the beauty of nature. Thus, over the past several years, members of the SMCHIA have spent Sundays and holidays in restoring and cleaning up the environment, planting trees, cleaning up mountains and rivers, freeways, parks, and the coast, and clearing garbage deposited on the sea bottom. The SMCHIA in Formosa was given a certificate of gratitude by the Environmental Protection Administration of the Executive Yuan. As the Magistrate Yang Hsiu-hsia of Hsihu Hsiang said, "The SMCHIA in Formosa has adopted highway 28 in this county and made it so clean that there is not even a single piece of trash on it. What is more, they have come with their own vehicles and sorted and disposed of the garbage in a better way than we could ever have conceived of."(Note12)
(VI) Concern and Help for Asylum Seekers
Supreme Master Ching Hai has long made the utmost efforts in giving relief to asylum seekers around the world. She has been to refugee camps in Hong Kong and the Philippines to visit Aulacese asylum seekers, contributed large quantities of supplies to refugees in various countries, and stood up for their human rights. She also has contributed Her help through organizations like the Red Cross to war-stricken and famine-stricken refugees in Rwanda, Chechnya, Sudan, and Kosovo.
For years, members of The SMCHIA have been silently conducting voluntary social service work, considering it to be their obligation. Nevertheless, their achievements have been widely acclaimed and acknowledged by many countries. For example, the U.S. Government bestowed on Supreme Master Ching Hai the World Peace Award, the World Spiritual Leadership Award, and Honorary U. S. Citizenship. Hawaii and six Midwestern States in the U.S. initiated Ching Hai Day, and Hawaii erected a bronze statue of Supreme Master Ching Hai in a local park. She was also awarded the Star of Noble Life Award in Thailand, the Award of National Construction in Cambodia, the World Citizen Humanitarian Award in the Philippines, and Honorary Citizenship with a Key to the City in Manila.
In Formosa, because of its long-term concern for prison convicts and parolees, and its efforts in social education, the members of The SMCHIA have been appointed "Honorary Probation Officers" of the Public Prosecutor General's Office. The group also was given the "Minister of Justice Award" in 1998 and 2000. In addition, in 1999, The SMCHIA was commended by the Minister of Justice as a meritorious association for participating in cultivation and protective activities in prisons, and was given the "Prime Minister's Award" and other commendations, as well as letters of gratitude, and reports in newspapers and other media.
The SMCHIA is a group of civilian spiritual practitioners that for many years has conducted international voluntary charitable work to help disaster victims and the needy. This shows that after being uplifted by spiritual cultivation, one gains a deeper sense of mission toward society, has a firmer conviction and enthusiasm about participating in volunteer work, and thus is able to serve the multitude with utmost sincerity. In this way, one is able to provide efficient service to society in the most considerate way. Supreme Master Ching Hai often says, "We must water the tree by the roots." This means that in doing anything, if we first develop our love, the power of wisdom from within, and a correct concept, everything will naturally go well. The charitable work done by the SMCHIA is indeed a good example of this process in action.
(The author of this article is a supervisor of social workers at the Christian 9/21 Community Reconstruction Center.)
Notes and References:
Note 1: Please refer to the biography of The Supreme Master Ching Hai in each of "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment" books
Note 2: The Quan Yin Method, the essence of Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings, is also the essence of all religions throughout history. Quan Yin means to contemplate the inner Sound. The inner Sound inside us is the True Self, the God Nature. It is called "The Word" in the Bible. Shakyamuni Buddha also spoke about the Sound, describing it as the "sound of a drum, a bell" (Lotus Sutra Chapter 19: Fa Shih Gong Te), and "the sound of Brahma, of ocean waves, and many sounds of the world beyond" (Lotus Sutra Chapter 25: Universal Door). In the Hindu scriptures, Krishna also claimed that He Himself was the Sound in the Ether. When Prophet Mohammed saw the Angel Gabriel in the cave at Gare-Hira, He also heard a voice (the Sound). Lao Tze described the "Tao" as the "Great Sound"--the big sacred sound (Tao-te Sutra Chapter 41), which cannot be heard by the external organs of hearing. This Sound is the inner Sound. It has also been called God's Word, Logos, Shabd, Tao, the Sound Stream, Naam, and the Celestial Music. Besides contemplation on the inner Sound, contemplation on the inner Light is another important aspect of the Quan Yin Method.
Note 3: The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.21, 1992, p.18 & 11.
Note 4: The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 43, 1995, p.36.
Note 5: Please refer to P.249 of "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment", volume 1, 1998. <Chinese version,>.
Note 6: The story "A Monk of Gold Treasure", spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at Hsihu, on May 24, 1992.
Note 7: The topic "The Truth of Facts" spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at Hsihu on August 5, 1991.
Note 8: The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 38, 1994, p.56.
Note 9: Report on "The Work Journal of the Philippines Disaster Rescue" in The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 14, 15 and 16, 1991.
Note 10: Report on "Aid for Earthquake Victims in Turkey" in The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 105 p.43.
Note 11: Report on the "Love and Aid to 9/21 Jiji Earthquake Disaster Victims" in The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 106 p.39 & News No.107 p.44.
Note 12: Summary of a speech given by the Magistrate of Hsihu Hsiang, during a ceremony for a fire engine contributed by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to Hsihu Hsiang on October 25, 2000. The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 117, p.31
Professor Ruaan Zhi-sheng believes that the actions and speech of Supreme Master Ching Hai often shatter boundaries and rules, and that She offers a new message and new choice to the general public, religious researchers, and spiritual practitioners.
[From Kaohsiung Reporter Yao Tsu-shun] Supreme Master Ching Hai has countless disciples around the world. Her unique way of preaching has evoked such extensive comments and discussions that even the highest academic institutions in the country, the Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University (NTU), have conducted intensive research on Her and expressed tremendous praise for Her. NTU Professor Ruaan Zhi-sheng believes that Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method offer a new message and new choice to the general public, religious researchers, and spiritual practitioners.
Professor Ruaan said that the materials from the SMCHIA and the lectures he has heard delivered by the Supreme Master Ching Hai have given him a very special impression of both the Master and the Quan Yin Method. He considers them to be unique and of an "alternative" category. From his observations, he finds that the actions and speech of Supreme Master Ching Hai often shatter boundaries and rules, as they do not conform to social norms. For this reason, it is very difficult for people to understand and categorize Her according to existing concepts and customary rules. In the eyes of worldly people, Supreme Master Ching Hai is very different than other religious leaders.
In his research, Professor Ruaan has also found that Supreme Master Ching Hai can converse in Chinese, English, Aulacese, and even German and French. In Her lectures on all five continents of the world, She has proven to be well-versed in all major religious scriptures and can easily expound profound doctrines in simple terms of common usage. The Supreme Master Ching Hai gives initiation to Truth-aspirants of any ethnic group or religious background, without demanding that they give up their original faith. She imparts a supra-worldly method of liberation, but is also very concerned about worldly suffering, conducting disaster relief and charitable activities when and where the need arises.
Supreme Master Ching Hai teaches the Quan Yin Method, a simple method that seems to be new but is believed to be the most ancient and magnificent form of meditation, Professor Ruaan said. She requires Her disciples to strictly observe the Five Precepts and a lifelong vegetarian diet, and to meditate two and a half hours each day. They are also encouraged to practice the middle way, to refrain from going to extremes, and to pursue a life of Truth, virtue, and beauty. While She gives lectures on the Truth, She also writes poems, composes songs, plays musical instruments, recites poems, sings songs, paints, cooks vegetarian cuisine, and compiles vegetarian cookbooks. She is also a fashion and jewellery designer. She has held art exhibitions, and even fashion shows and musical events in several major cities around the world. People thus have difficulty detecting Her spiritual traits, and are even sceptical about Her being a spiritual practitioner.
Professor Ruaan pointed out that Supreme Master Ching Hai offers financial assistance and is committed to helping the world's neediest people in both material and spiritual aspects. However, She does not build temples or churches, nor does She accept offerings. Disciples everywhere would love to have Her stay with them as long as possible, but She prefers to wander around the globe without a fixed abode, not willing to be tied down to any single place. Furthermore, with Her intense compassion for humankind, She helps people with all Her heart and effort, yet She occasionally reprimands them out of Her profound love for them. For this, She has been called "the Master who reprimands people." At a time when people are pessimistic about the last stage of the Dharma, or trembling with fear about the coming of doomsday, Supreme Master Ching Hai speaks in high spirits of a new age unfolding for humankind. Although it is said that She attained ultimate enlightenment deep in the Himalayas, She asserts that it is not necessary to practice asceticism in the mountains after receiving initiation, because enlightenment can be attained by practicing at home.
In his research report, Professor Ruaan points out that Supreme Master Ching Hai has attracted thousands of disciples and has them fly around the globe to attend international retreats. This is even more impressive than traveling islandwide on Formosa. Her gatherings are attended by thousands of people. Very often She has to meet political leaders in different countries while conducting charitable or relief work. However, She claims to be naturally shy, and prefers a free, easy, and simple life. Depending on the occasion and the country She is in, She wears gorgeous, self-designed clothes or the traditional attire of the country She visits. She appears in different styles and forms, like a woman with a thousand looks, for which She is often misunderstood and criticized. Nevertheless, She continues to act in Her own way, enduring it all in silence and playing Her role. She claims that the method She imparts is the most ancient one, yet She gives people a very modern impression. She even expects Her disciples to become modern spiritual practitioners.
Professor Ruaan said that all these unique, transcendental, and uncommon manifestations broaden the view of the people and baffle them as well. The temporary confusion and doubts of worldly people are understandable, but undeniably, Supreme Master Ching Hai teaches people to perform good deeds and elevate themselves in both material and spiritual aspects. There is no negative trait in Her. For the general public, religious researchers, and spiritual practitioners, Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method have at least offered a new message and a new choice. This is an absolute benefit for all.
An open and pluralistic society welcomes all kinds of harmless new things, and Supreme Master Ching Hai has brought to it a brand new sensation, said Professor Ruaan. Her various unique contributions have provided more free choices for society, enriching and adding color to the social culture. In addition to thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai, he also asks Her to say a few good words to God for the people of Formosa and Mainland China, as well as the whole of humankind.
[Report from Yao Tsu-shun, Kaohsiung County] The Laiyi Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association (SMCHIA) yesterday sent a medical team comprised of doctors specializing in Chinese and Western medicine to offer free medical services in Hsinchih Village, Wanluan Rural Township, Pingtung County. Many fellow practitioners also demonstrated their neighborly love by cleaning up the environment near the Center. Village Chief Wang He-ching and the local inhabitants highly commended the charitable deeds of Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Center's outstanding contributions to the local community.
The free medical services offered by the Laiyi Center yesterday were part of several routine sessions of free medical consultations for the local inhabitants, and the number of those receiving assistance is beyond estimation. The eight-member medical team included doctors of Chinese medicine Wu Yen-hua, Chang Yen-lin and Li Jin-Chin; doctors of Western medicine Huang Chien-hsiung and Chen Chui-wen; physiotherapist Chang Chao-chien; and pharmacists Wu Wang-jen and Chen Hsiu-lin.
Hsinchih Village has 445 households and a population of 1,600 living in its four districts: Nungchang, Hsinchih, Laoteng and Mingfa. Except for the commercialized district of Nungchang, residents of the other three districts are mainly engaged in agricultural activities. Therefore, most of the young men have moved away, leaving behind mostly middle-aged and elderly people. In this typically senior district, about 60 percent of the villagers are over fifty, and their average age is fifty-two.
Being an older community, Hsinchih has a large demand for medical resources. Thus, it was only to be expected that the medical team from the SMCHIA would be highly welcomed by the residents. When the team arrived at the Nunchang Community Development Center, they were warmly greeted by Village Chief Wang and his wife Wu Li-yu. Mr. Wang's earnest promotion of the event drew large numbers of local people , including former Village Chief Li Hao-yi, to the community center early in the morning. The consultations proceeded in a warm atmosphere.
Mr. Wang expressed great admiration for SMCHIA's enthusiasm in serving the public; including road-sweeping activities, environmental beautification, and frequent dispatches of medical teams to serve the local people. During festivals, SMCHIA distributes relief funds and other provisions to destitute individuals. Even more touching is the fact that whenever the Mid-Autumn Festival arrives, SMCHIA shares moon cakes with the villagers, creating for them a festive atmosphere. The Laiyi Center also invites the local inhabitants to its fairs.
What deserves special mention is that many disabled residents who have difficulty going to see a doctor also received medical consultations. Some of the people were so deeply touched by the compassionate deeds of the Laiyi Center that they have become fellow practitioners.
Typhoon Toraji swept over Formosa on July 30, 2001, severely devastating its central and southern regions, as well as the eastern county of Hualien. The torrential rainfall brought on by the typhoon washed away soil that had already been loosened by the September 21, 1999 earthquake! Within just a few hours, water rushed down the mountainside, setting off a debris flow, destroying houses, farms, and beautiful landscapes, and turning several areas into raging streams of muddy water. The disaster also caused heavy casualties.
As soon as the wind subsided and the rain slowed, fellow practitioners from the Nantou Center ventured into several afflicted areas. The volunteers quickly identified the most urgent needs of the disaster victims, set about purchasing rice, mineral water, powdered milk, instant noodles, dried food, and other necessities, and began packing the supplies at 2 a.m. on August 1. By 11 a.m., the supplies had already been delivered to the Shuili and Hsinyi Temporary Disaster Relief Command Center.
Meanwhile, fellow practitioners from the Hualien Center rushed to Fenglin to help victims clean up their homes. Another group of practitioners visited injured victims at the Hualien Munroe Hospital to convey the loving concern of Master and fellow initiates, and to distribute relief funds. In heavily hit Tahsing Village, fellow practitioners visited victims to offer food and mineral water. They also conducted an onsite survey to determine the number of destitute households, and contributed relief funds to help them through the difficult time. A licensed rescue team formed by professionally trained fellow initiates received a request from the Kuangfu Township disaster relief command post to go deep into Tahsing Village to render spiritual comfort and support to victims.
After determining the conditions in Miaoli county, fellow practitioners from the Miaoli Center decided to concentrate their relief efforts in the three severely devastated townships of Chuolan, Tai-an and Tahu. In less easily accessible areas, due to their traffic having been cut off, the Miaoli Center asked the township offices to provide information on the affected households before visiting them to learn more about their situation, and offer relief funds on behalf of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. The volunteers made sure that timely, loving concern and material support from Master and God were extended to the families of those who had lost their lives in the disaster, and to the dozens of households whose homes were completely destroyed.
Typhoon Toraji did not cause great damage to the northern region of Formosa. However, the local fellow initiates remained on high alert on the day the typhoon struck. In the early morning of July 30, they received calls from the Hsichih, Keelung Fire Department. The Chinese Amphibious Rescue Society, formed by fellow initiates, immediately dispatched a team of sixteen professionally trained rescuers, together with their most up-to-date amphibious rescue vessel, to the Hsichih Fire Department and the advance command post in Keelung's Paifu district. However, Typhoon Toraji did not take the predicted course. Instead, it struck Hualien on the eastern coast, as well as central Formosa. The rescue team members immediately proceeded to the central region to offer their support, but were forced to remain on standby in Taoyuan because traffic to the area had been cut off.
In the central county of Chiayi, heavy rainfall led to a rapid rise in the water level, and river banks were submerged under what appeared to be a vast sea. Upon receiving news of the flooding, fellow practitioners from the Chiayi Center promptly set up a rescue team and set off for the most severely affected rural township, Chungpu. Fortunately, the government had already deployed several hundred soldiers in the area to help victims rebuild their homes. Fellow practitioners left their contact phone number with the various village offices, just in case the affected households needed material or spiritual support.
Remark: Due to the fact that the relief work is still in progress, expenditures and receipts will be published in a future issue of the News.
Please go to the following URLs for a live news report about this event:
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/125/love.htm
(USA)
http://Spiritual-Discovery.org/eng/news/125/love.htm (USA)
Table 1: Expenditures for Charitable Activities in Formosa, May and June 2001 (In NT$)
|
Place |
Date |
Description |
Amount |
Appendix |
|
Miaoli |
2001.05.06 |
Sweeping the Miaoli No.28 Highway, in coordination with
environmental protection work by the Hsihu Township Office (volunteer
work) |
0 |
|
|
Tainan |
2001.05.25 |
Spiritual seminar and recreational activities for inmates
at Tainan Prison, May 3 to May 25 |
1,540 |
A |
|
Tainan |
2001.05.27 |
Cleaning the Tainan Golden Coast in coordination with the
Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau’s related campaign
(volunteer work) |
0 |
|
|
Chiayi |
2001.06.08 |
Spiritual seminar, meditation teaching, and recreational
program for inmates at Chiayi Prison |
0 |
|
|
Tainan |
2001.06.18 |
Spiritual seminar and gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival
for inmates at the Tainan Juvenile Rehabilitation Center |
1,200 |
B |
|
Kaohsiung |
2001.06.20 |
Visit to inmates at the Kaohsiung Juvenile Rehabilitation
Center, spiritual seminar, and gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival |
3,900 |
C |
|
Hsinchu |
2001.06.21 |
Visit to mentally disabled residents at the Huakuang
Intellectual Development Center, Kuanhsi Township, contribution to its
development fund, and gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival |
25,128 |
D |
|
Taipei |
2001.06.28 |
Maintenance of Night lighting facilities for the Taipei
Municipal Lungshan Junior High School (June 9 to Sept. 8) |
30,000 |
E |
|
Total: N T$61,768 |
||||
Table
2: Relief Expenditures for Needy Households
in Formosa for May and June 2001 (In NT$)
|
Place |
May
2001 |
June
2001 |
Appendix |
||
|
No.
of Households |
Amount |
No.
of Households |
Amount |
||
|
Keelung |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
|
Taipei |
8 |
23,000 |
7 |
21,000 |
2 |
|
Taoyuan |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
3 |
|
Hsinchu |
1 |
3,000 |
1 |
3,000 |
4 |
|
Miaoli |
2 |
6,000 |
2 |
6,000 |
5 |
|
Taichung |
8 |
26,000 |
8 |
26,000 |
6 |
|
Nantou |
6 |
23,000 |
6 |
23,000 |
7 |
|
Chiayi |
1 |
3,000 |
2 |
5,000 |
8 |
|
Tainan |
3 |
11,000 |
2 |
7,000 |
9 |
|
Kaoping |
5 |
18,000 |
5 |
18,000 |
10 |
|
Taitung |
4 |
10,000 |
4 |
10,000 |
11 |
|
Penghu |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
12 |
|
Subtotal |
41 |
NT$129,000 |
40 |
NT$125,000 |
|
|
Total:
NT$254,000 |
|||||
Expenditures
for charitable activities in Formosa for May and June 2001,
as shown in Tables 1 and 2, totaled NT$315,768 (approx.
US$9,568.73).
The Wonderful Mom Healthy Vegetarian House
Address:
2nd Floor, 45 Fu Hsing Road,
Jinhu Township,
Kinmen County,
Formosa, R.O.C.
Tel.: 886-82-332349
For detailed information about other vegetarian houses around the
world,
please visit:
http://www.godsdirectcontact.com/vegetarian/veg.html
"A Journey through Aesthetic Realms" TV
Program Videotapes
E-mail: art&spirituality@Godsdirectcontact.org
Fax : 1-413-751-0848 (USA)
News Group:
E-mail: lovesrc@Godsdirectcontact.org
Fax: 1-801-7409196 or 886-946-728475
S.M. Book Department:
E-mail: divine@Godsdirectcontact.org
Fax: 1-240-352-5643 or 886-943-802829
(You are welcome to join us in translating
Master's books into others languages.)
Spiritual Information Desk:
E-mail: lovewish@Godsdirectcontact.org
Fax: 886-946-730699
S.M. Celestial Co., Ltd.
E-mail: smcj@ms34.hinet.net
Tel: 886-2-87910860 \ Fax: 886-2-87911226
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association Publishing Co., Ltd.
Taipei, Formosa.
E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org
Tel: (886) 2-87873935 \ Fax: (886) 2-87870873
LA Center Bookstore
E-mail: vole@earthlink.net
Fax: 1-909-738-9992
Liaison Practitioners Around the World:
http://godsdirectcontact.com/eNews/english/cp.htm
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw (Formosa; in traditional
& simplified Chinese, English)
http://www.smchbooks.com (Formosa; in English and Chinese, SMCH Book Store)
http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.com
(Singapore; in English)
http://www.GodsImmediateContact.or.kr
(Korea; in Korean)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.or.kr
(Korea; in Korean)
http://www.GodsImmediateContact.org
(Japan; in Japanese)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.or.id
(Indonesia; in Indonesian)
http://members.mweb.co.th/godsdirectcontact/
(Thailand; in Thai)
http://www.Spiritual-Discovery.org
(U.S.A.; in simplified & traditional Chinese, English)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com
(U.S.A.; in Spanish, French, English, simplified & traditional
Chinese)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/aulac/
(USA, in Aulacese)
http://www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/media.html?who=Suma%20Ching%20Hai
(U.S.A.; in English)
http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.net/
(USA; in English)
http://www.godsimmediatecontact.net/aulac
(USA; in Aulacese)
http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.org/video/
(USA with Windows Media Video & Real Video; in Multi Languages)
http://www.GodsImmediateContact.tripod.com
(USA; in English)
http://www.contactDirectAvecDieu.org
(France; in French)
http://godsdirectcontact.rma.cz
(Czech Republic; in Czech)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org
(Canada with Real Audio service; in English, Aulacese)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.de
(Germany; in German)
http://www.Direkter-Kontakt-mit-Gott.org
(Austria; in German)
http://freespace.virginnet.co.uk/smch.ma/Godsdirectcontact/Persian.htm
(UK;In Persian)
http://www.extra.hu/kozvetlen_kapcsolat_Istennel
(Hungary; in Hungarian)
http://Godsdirectcontact.bizland.com/
(Sweden, in Swedish)
http://www.geocities.com/godsdirectcontact_2000
(Poland; in Polish, English, Aulacese)
http://www.contactodiretocomdeus.com.br
(Brazil, in Portuguese)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/IhavecometotakeyouHome
(in English)
(Book order--I Have Come To Take You Home)
News Group: lovesrc@Godsdirectcontact.org
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/ch/service/service.htm
(Chinese)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/service/service.htm
(English)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/au/service/service.htm (Aulacese)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/english/service.htm (English)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/spanish/service.htm (Spanish)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/chinese/fan/service.htm (Chinese,
traditional)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/chinese/jian/service.htm (Chinese,
simplified)
Traditional Chinese:
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/ch/news/125/index.htm
(Formosa)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/eNews/chinese/125
(U.S.A.)
http://www.Spiritual-Discovery.org/ch/news/125/index.htm
(U.S.A.)
Simplified Chinese:
http://www.Spiritual-Discovery.org/gb_chinese/news/125/index.htm
(U.S.A.)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/eNews/chinese/125/index_gb.htm
(U.S.A.)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/gb/news/125/index.htm
(Formosa)
English:
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/eNews/english/125
(U.S.A.)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/125/
(U.S.A.)
http://godsimmedatecontact.net/news/news125/
(U.S.A.)
http://www.Spiritual-Discovery.org/eng/news/125/index.htm
(U.S.A.)
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/125/index.htm
(Formosa)
Aulacese:
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/aulac/news/
(U.S.A.; VNI,VPS,VISCII and VNU fonts)
http://godsimmediatecontact.net/aulac/n125/
(U.S.A; VNI font)
Spanish:
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.com/eNews/spanish/ (U.S.A.)
Korean:
http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.or.kr/news/125/index.htm
(Korea)
Japanese:
http://www.Godsimmediatecontact.org/kannon/news/newsindex.htm
(U.S.A.)
Indonesian:
http://www.godsdirectcontact.or.id/news/news125/i125.htm
(Indonesia)
Thai:
http://members.mweb.co.th/godsdirectcontact/ (Thailand)
French:
http://www.contactdirectavecdieu.org/News/index.html (France)
German:
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.de
(Germany)
Portuguese:
http://www.contactodiretocomdeus.com.br (Brazil)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/publication/sample/sample.htm
http://www.direkter-kontakt-mit-gott.org/download/index.htm
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/sample/
-- END --