| Supreme
Master Ching Hai eNews No. 146 |
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======= Contents =======
uElevation of the Soul |
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A
Little Message: News No. 146
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Elevation of the SoulSupreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes751 <In Chinese and English + English and Chinese subtitles>
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Love in ActionReport from Quebec, CanadaThe Quebec Center's Relief Project is Gratifying for AllWhen flash floods recently devastated Quebec, Canada, our merciful Master immediately instructed local initiates to launch relief activities in the affected communities. So on the evening of August 13, 2003, Montreal initiates completed the purchase of relief supplies, packed them into boxes, and rented two vans to transport the items to victims in various cities. The following morning, the relief team left the Montreal Center for Warwick, the first city on its list. At the Warwick City Hall, the initiates met the mayor and introduced Master to him and his staff members, who recalled Master's charity in 1998 when She generously donated US$50,000 during the ice storm in Quebec. (Please refer to the News # 91) The mayor said that he was impressed by Master's charitable acts and thanked Her for bringing comfort and hope to his people in this time of need. When the affected families arrived, the relief team told them that Supreme Master Ching Hai cared deeply about their situation and had asked that Her love, concern and gifts be brought to comfort them during this difficult period. The recipients were very happy to accept Master's assistance, being especially grateful for Her financial help, which came from afar, and was conveyed by people who were genuinely concerned about their welfare. Some of the needy families in Warwick had many children to look after, while others had lost their homes, furniture and clothing in the flooding. The flood victims had requested only the necessary clothing to wear to school and work, and never expected that the Association would bring large quantities of vests, jeans and shoes in the exact sizes they needed, as well as underwear and nutritious food. The people of Warwick also received much more from The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. For example, a family with two children and twin babies was given baby clothes, baby food and a baby carriage. While distributing the supplies, the initiates could perceive the recipients' happiness through their smiling faces and the loving atmosphere that pervaded the City Hall. When accepting Master's loving concern and gifts, the flood victims of Warwick were very happy, and beautiful smiles shone on their faces. (Third from the right is the mayor of Warwick) photo: love5-1-146.jpgAfter their visit to Warwick, the relief team traveled to Chesterville and was received by the mayor's representative, Mrs. Lise Cote. People had arrived beforehand to receive their gifts, and they were impressed that help had arrived so quickly. For instance, some families had asked for dehumidifiers the previous week, and did not expect that they would receive them within a few days. As they opened the envelopes forwarded by the initiates and displayed the financial aid inside, surprised smiles appeared on their faces. In response to Master's timely gifts, the Montreal Center received a thank-you note from Mrs. Jean Paul Poisson of Chesterville, expressing her sincere gratitude, especially for Her financial help. (Please refer to the letter of appreciation below.) Also, some of the mayor's staff members were sincerely interested in Master's humanitarian work, and asked numerous questions. We then gave them a brief introduction to Supreme Master Ching Hai along with some sample booklets, a portfolio describing Master's charitable activities and the video Walk the Way of Love. Captions: Flood victims in Chesterville receive necessary materials and financial aid forwarded by relief team members. love5-2.jpgThe last relief stop was the Tingwick City Hall, where simple, outgoing Mayor Paul-Emile Simoneau, his wife and his secretary were very supportive. Mr. Simoneau's name was mentioned in many newspaper reports on the flood; as he did his best to inform the press about his constituents' situation and ask for external help. Mr. Simoneau received the relief team workers and flood victims in his cabinet room, where the initiates thanked him and his staff for their prompt assistance, which accelerated the relief process. The initiates introduced Master and explained the purpose of their trip, as many of the local residents listened with emotion. One man even left the room temporarily because he could not hold back his feelings. In addition to taking care of their basic necessities, the relief team also delivered Master's financial help. Before departing, the victims came and shook hands with the team members, and one man, being still very emotional and not knowing what to say, even came up and embraced the volunteers. Thus, in silence, everyone knew that Master's care and love had deeply touched the hearts and affected the inner being of the relief recipients. The work team then stayed to talk with Mayor Simoneau, telling him more about Master's work and ongoing efforts to alleviate earthly suffering. After the distribution of supplies was completed, the Mayor's staff informed the initiates about some other families who had asked for help. Thus, another relief trip was planned for the following week. On behalf of his citizens, the mayor of Tingwick (Third from the right) expresses sincere gratitude and regards to Master Ching Hai for Her compassionate aid. photo:love5-3-146.jpgSecond Trip to Aid VictimsOn August 22, 2003, the relief team conveyed Supreme Master Ching Hai's love and concern to more flood victims in Chesterville and Tingwick, based on their requests. At 4:30 PM, the volunteers arrived at the Chesterville City Hall, where the recipients, including some families with many children who truly needed assistance, expressed deep gratitude for Master's timely financial contributions. The mayor's representative gave special thanks to Master on behalf of the flood victims, saying that she had learned about Master through the portfolio the initiates had left behind on their last visit. Knowing that She designs gracious fashions and also maintains Her own worldwide relief fund, the representative added that Master is very beautiful and talented. In addition, the newspaper La Nouvelle et L'Union reported that Master's loving actions had enhanced solidarity among the people in this region of Quebec. At Tingwick, the relief team was again impressed by the devotion of Mayor Simoneau and his wife. The couple greatly assisted the initiates by informing families of the team's arrival and by their overall willingness to assist the community in time of need. One young couple was in a desperate situation because they had lost all their possessions in the flood. However the initiates comforted them, promising to assist them financially and thus help them get back on their feet. In his speech before the team members left, Mayor Simoneau sent his warmest regards and thanks to Master, adding that his city would hold a recognition and fund-raising day on September 6, 2003 to thank the groups that had helped them through the difficult period of the flood. He invited The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to join his citizens on this special day, thus showing his profound gratitude to Master. Special Day in TingwickAt 8:30PM on September 6, 2003, the Montreal Center relief team members were welcomed at the entrance of the Tingwick Community Hall by Mayor Simoneau and his wife, who were very happy to see them. The Mayor had reserved two tables for the initiates, and during the event, he, his secretary and the citizens in attendance were wonderful hosts, caring for and entertaining everyone with great attention. In addition, the name of Master and The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association were highlighted on a thank-you board among other sponsors of the flood-relief effort. The residents of Tingwick are good-hearted people who lead godly lives, and thus they supported each other during the flood disaster by offering used furniture, stoves and other merchandise for auction, using the revenue earned for the flood victims. At one point during the celebration, a woman came to the initiates' table asking if it was Master Who had recently helped her city during the flood. After she learned of Master's instructions to quickly send Her love and care to the people of Tingwick, the woman sincerely thanked Her and The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for their contributions to the flood victims. While chatting with the initiates and his staff members, Mayor Simoneau also praised Master for Her generosity and charitable deeds, adding that he is ready to go to the United States at any time to meet Master and thank Her personally. (The interview with Mayor Simoneau will soon be available for on-line viewing on the Sun TV program A Journey through Aesthetic Realms.) The Quebec initiates are grateful to Master for Her ongoing assistance and reminders about spiritual improvement, and for giving their Center the chance to work together and learn to share Her love with others when they needed it most. Expenditures for
Quebec Flood Relief Aid by
Report from British Columbia, CanadaMaster's Love Rebuilds Countless Lives from the Ashes of DisasterThe summer of 2003 was the driest in recorded history for British Columbia, Canada. Temperatures ran high and there was no rain for months. In August alone, more than 300 forest fires broke out in the province, caused by the careless disposal of cigarette butts. The Louis Creek community in the beautiful area north of Vancouver was virtually wiped out (65 buildings including a saw mill were destroyed), 238 homes were burned in Kelowna, and a number of houses were burned and many more suffered smoke damage in Barriere. In response to the fires, our merciful Master donated US$50,000 with special instructions to provide comfort to those in greatest need who had been overlooked by other relief organizations. The Canadian government declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, and many residents were evacuated and given financial aid by the government and local charitable groups. Ten thousand people were moved to the nearby city of Kamloops, where most stayed in motels, their room, board and clothing allowances being covered by the Red Cross and the provincial government. After assessing the situation, local initiates went to Vancouver, where they rented and filled a large truck with relief materials before returning to Kamloops to contact the evacuees staying at the various motels in the area. Then each individual or family received a parcel containing food, drinks, fruit and a sample booklet, and all were very happy to receive this loving support from Master. Next, the work team tried to reach those in the greatest need; namely, families that had lost their homes and that were not covered by insurance. The initiates found that by dropping their preconceived ideas and letting Master guide them, they could readily find these people. For example, the initiates saw one frightened and unhappy woman at a motel who had been living in her sister's house, which burned down in the Kamloops fire and was thus ineligible for government support. With few financial resources of her own, she could hardly pay her rent at the motel. Coincidentally, the initiates had purchased a small trailer at an excellent price, and it was exactly what the woman and her family needed. Upon receiving the gift, the woman was overjoyed and extremely grateful for Master's love, feeling that receiving the trailer was truly a miracle (photo 1).The work team then visited the Red Cross in Kelowna, and on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, expressed gratitude for its support to the evacuees. The team also made a financial contribution to the organization to help in its very important work. Of course, the Red Cross representatives were touched and delighted at Master's compassion (photo 2).The relief team found that most of the people in the affected areas had animal companions that they dearly loved. The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a foster care program and its Kamloops branch took care of many such victimized animals, including horses and cows. The SPCA staff fed the animals, gave shelter to those that were without foster families, and provided them with medicine and loving attention. The initiates visited the SPCA and were so impressed with the love and devoted care given to their animal friends there that they made a financial contribution, which was highly appreciated (photo 3).The relief team then left Kelowna and headed for the Louis Creek/Barriere area to determine what types of aid the affected families needed most. For many, it was cash and for others schooling for the children. The initiates responded by giving the fire victims financial aid and purchasing school supplies for families with school-age youngsters. Among the families visited, the initiates' attention was captured by the head of one household, who seemed to be kindly but also deeply distressed. About a week after the visit, the man called to say that he had tried all available organizations, but none could help him with a vehicle that he needed to get back to work. Due to the infinite generosity of our beloved Master, the initiates were able to buy a truck for the man at a very reasonable price. His boundless gratitude was evident as with sincere emotion he said, "I hope the Master realizes we're sincere. This is God-sent. Every day of my life until now, I've been getting up at 5 A.M. to work to take care of my family. Now I can again take care of my family, and I'd be happy to work seven days a week. Other relief funds are not set up to deal with people from the heart like Supreme Master Ching Hai does. She takes people's inner soul to heart, and wants to help mend the heart as well as the material level." The relief team also purchased a car and three trailers for four families to resolve their transportation and lodging problems and thus resume their normal lives. One elderly couple said that they prayed every day, but their house had burned down and they had no insurance. They were living temporarily in a small trailer and were worried about the cold and discomfort of spending the winter in this makeshift home. When the initiates helped them rent a place for the winter, the couple's joy knew no bounds. "I read the Bible every day. I pray every day. Now God sends us help. No one does that. I believe your Master is God," said the old man (photo 4).In another case, the head of a family whose house had burned down was going through the rubble to see if he could salvage anything. He found only one page of the Bible that said, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Indeed they have been comforted! Our beloved Master not only provides for the material needs of Her children, but also blesses people with infinite love. The residents of Louis Creek will never forget the kindness and compassion of a woman they have never met - Supreme Master Ching Hai. Some said, "It's a miracle." And one man told us, "When all hope was gone, your Master gave us a way to start our lives again. Now I know that I must care for others the way your Master has cared for us." Thank You, Master, for Your infinite love and meticulous care of every living being. photos: love6-1,2,3,4,5,-146.jpg Expenditures
for Aid and Relief to Fire Victims in British Columbia, Canada
by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Photo: love6a-146.jpg
Report from IndiaMaster's Love Brings Happiness and Prosperity to India's Drought-stricken NorthwestOver the past few years, northwestern India has suffered from an ongoing drought, and the situation deteriorated this year. Thus on Master's instructions, fellow initiates from many countries travelled to the region in April to render aid, distributing relief materials at that time, and in June, helping villagers in the Barmer District of Rajasthan to build water tanks and consolidate wells. (Please refer to News Magazine No.144 for details.) In response to requests by local residents, fellow initiates returned to the area in July with an ample supply of seeds for the planting of crops. Soon after their arrival, the volunteers were greeted by delightful rain showers from Heaven. Thick clouds gathered and the sky grew dark above Barmer. Then lightning flashed, brightening the heavens as peals of thunder roared across the sky. Soon, rain fell and continued for several days, bringing life back to the region's moribund fields. Local residents saw bushes and trees turn green for the first time in more than four years after the debilitating drought, as the weather-worn faces of farmers beamed with happiness. While Heaven bestowed rain on the thirsty land, fellow initiates promptly purchased seeds for the poor farmers in the districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer. With assistance from Mahila Mandar Barmer Agor (MMBA), a local organization, seventeen members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association quickly distributed the seeds to the farmers, working continuously for three days to ensure that the supplies were received in time for sowing. The volunteers conducted the allocations either in local villages or from distribution centers. Over three thousand farmers received packages of seeds of bajra (millet), mung beans, moth beans and cluster beans. The farmers showed great respect as they received their allotments and paid reverence to a photo of Supreme Master Ching Hai that was on display. In addition to the seeds, fellow initiates also provided the people with nectar for the spirit - Master's sample booklets. When fellow initiates visited the farmers a few days later, they learned that the seeds had been sown the day after they were received. In some villages, sprouts were already apparent, and in one field the seedlings had already grown five to ten centimeters tall! The abundant rainfall before and after the distribution operation spurred the germination of the seeds, not only watering the fields but also filling up wells and underground water storage tanks that could sustain the villages for three years. Local residents thus deeply appreciated Master's timely gifts! photos: love3-1,2,3,4,-146.jpg Expenditures
for Northwest India Agricultural Seeds and Sample Booklets Contributed by
Photo: love3a-146.jpg
Report from KoreaMaster's Loving Contribution to Firefighters Involved in the Daegu Subway DisasterUpon learning of the devastating subway fire in Daegu City, Korea on February 18, 2003, our compassionate Master presented relief funds totaling US $30,000 to the victims. Korean initiates were deeply touched by Master's great love, and contacted the City's Red Cross and Victim's Union to offer the gift, only to be told that it was not needed because US $60 million had already been donated by the public and six months had passed since the fire. But we firmly believed that because Master instructed us to offer the money, there must be some group in the area that was truly in need of Her blessing and help. Then, after investigating the matter, we were informed that some of the firefighters involved in the rescue efforts had been hurt and were still receiving treatment for their injuries. These dedicated civil servants were used to aiding the public and expected nothing beyond their normal salaries in return. However, as they came to realize that Master's offer expressed Her unconditional love for them, they opened their hearts and accepted the gift. Thus, touched by Master's loving heart, on July 26, Deputy Fire Marshal Kim Shin-Dong opened the lecture hall of the Daegu City Fire Department headquarters for a special ceremony to receive Master's contribution, along with gifts including bedclothes sets and Master's publications. These items were beautifully wrapped in decorative boxes to lift the firefighters' spirits and wish them a peaceful rest and recovery. In a warm, gentle atmosphere of love and friendship, Korean initiates also supplied vegetarian noodles and healthy beverages to participants after the ceremony. During the event, we gave to each firefighter a "Letter of Appreciation for Dedicated Service to Humankind," recognizing them for their selfless dedication to the public. Firefighters in Korea are wholly committed to public service without expecting additional reward and are not compensated while recovering from job-related injuries. Thus Master's caring contribution and recognition served to open their hearts and gave us a chance to convey Her love. An additional benefit resulting from this special event is that South Korea has now planned to launch a disaster relief team to help firefighters in similar situations in the future. This shining example of Master's compassion is a real inspiration for all who were touched by the occasion. Touched by Master's loving contribution, the Daegu City Fire Department headquarters holds a special ceremony to receive Her unconditional Love. (photo:love2-1-146.jpg)The shining example of Master's compassion is an inspiration to all who were touched by the occasion. (photo:love2-2-46.jpg)Korean initiates supplied vegetarian refreshments to entertain participants after the ceremony. (photo:love2-3,4-146.jpg)
Expenditures
for Firefighters Injured
Photo: love2a-146.jpg
Report from Hong KongA Miracle through Master's Blessing at a Home for the ElderlyIn our competitive society, senior citizens are often a neglected
group. So with the desire to bring Master's love to their elderly friends,
Hong Kong Center initiates paid a loving visit to the Jianian Nursery at
the end of August, 2003. Hong Kong fellow initiates visit a home for the elderly. (photo:love4-1-146.jpg)
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Place |
Date |
Description |
Amount |
Appendix |
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Penghu |
2003.05.23 |
48,000 3M N95 masks contributed to the Penghu Hospital, the National Armed Forces Penghu Hospital, and the Penghu County Fire Department to aid in SARS-prevention efforts (please refer to the News #144). |
240,120 |
A |
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Taipei |
2003.06.09 |
Due to the government’s urgent lack of medical supplies in conducting anti-SARS efforts, a total of 63,000 3M N95 masks flown in from the US were contributed to frontline medical workers in Formosa’s hospitals on May 24 and June 9 through the Executive Yuan’s Department of Health (please refer to the News #144). |
1,272,086 |
B |
|
Tainan |
2003.07.23 |
Visiting inmates, holding a spiritual seminar and teaching meditation at the Mingte Labor Prison (supported by fellow practitioners) |
0 |
NIL |
|
Tainan |
2003.07.26 |
Support for the City Environmental Protection Bureau’s efforts in cleaning the beach on the Golden Coast in Southern Taiwan (supported by fellow practitioners) |
0 |
NIL |
|
Tainan |
2003.07.31 |
Visiting inmates, holding a spiritual seminar and teaching meditation at the Tainan Prison (supported by fellow practitioners) |
0 |
NIL |
|
Miaoli |
2003.08.03 |
Cleaning the Miaoli No. 28 Highway in cooperation with Hsihu village’s environmental protection efforts |
3,200 |
C |
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Changhua |
2003.08.21 |
Donating spiritual books to the Changhua City Library and Changhua County Bureau, to benefit local residents. |
3,910 |
D |
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Tainan |
2003.08.28 |
Visiting inmates, holding a spiritual seminar and teaching meditation at the Tainan Prison (supported by fellow practitioners) |
0 |
NIL |
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Total |
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NT$1,519,316 |
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Table 2: Relief funds given to needy households in
Formosa from May to August 2003 (Currency in NT$)
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May 2003 |
June 2003 |
July 2003 |
August 2003 |
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Place |
Number
of house-holds |
Amount |
Number
of house-holds |
Amount |
Number
of house-holds |
Amount |
Number
of house-holds |
Amount |
Appendix |
|
Keelung |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
|
Taipei |
6 |
16,000 |
6 |
16,000 |
5 |
13,000 |
5 |
13,000 |
2 |
|
Taoyuan |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
1 |
2,000 |
3 |
|
Hsinchu |
2 |
6,000 |
2 |
6,000 |
2 |
6,000 |
2 |
6,000 |
4 |
|
Taichung |
4 |
14,000 |
4 |
14,000 |
4 |
14,000 |
3 |
11,000 |
5 |
|
Nantou |
7 |
26,000 |
7 |
26,000 |
7 |
26,000 |
7 |
26,000 |
6 |
|
Chiayi |
1 |
3,000 |
1 |
3,000 |
?/font> |
?/font> |
?/font> |
?/font> |
7 |
|
Tainan |
1 |
4,000 |
1 |
4,000 |
1 |
4,000 |
1 |
4,000 |
8 |
|
Kaoshiung |
3 |
10,000 |
3 |
10,000 |
3 |
10,000 |
3 |
10,000 |
9 |
|
Pingtung |
3 |
10,000 |
3 |
10,000 |
3 |
9,000 |
3 |
9,000 |
10 |
|
Taitung |
2 |
8,000 |
2 |
8,000 |
2 |
8,000 |
2 |
8,000 |
11 |
|
Penghu |
2 |
5,000 |
2 |
5,000 |
2 |
5,000 |
1 |
3,000 |
12 |
|
Sub-total per month |
33 |
$106,000 |
33 |
$106,000 |
31 |
$99,000 |
29 |
$94,000 |
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Grand Total NT$405,000 |
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Dear Firefighters,
We sincerely appreciate your brave rescue work and the spirit of sacrifice that you showed during the Daegu subway disaster.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association is a worldwide organization that not only practices spirituality but also carries out global charity and relief activities. For humanitarian purposes, we provide unconditional support to anyone, anywhere who suffers due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, famine, poverty, and the like.
Not long after the Daegu subway disaster, the Korean branch of the Association donated relief money to the victims. Recently, Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Association's headquarter learned of the disaster and sent additional relief funds. Accordingly, we tried to determine if there was anyone still in need, and came to realize that you were injured while rescuing others and were still receiving treatment.
Each day, we are continuously exposed to unexpected danger from accidents as were you firefighters injured while rescuing others, even at the risk of your own lives. Your efforts were a good example of humanitarianism and deserve the respect of the world's citizens.
However, being preoccupied with the suffering of other victims, our society did not show enough respect and appreciation for your noble courage. Thus it is our honor to say thank you on behalf of all the people of the country. Please remember that the international community sincerely appreciates and praises your devoted work.
We hope our gift can help to hasten your speedy recovery. All human beings are brothers and sisters, and depend on each other for support. Our small gift is just an expression of appreciation and comfort for your noble service and sacrifice to humankind. Our offer is unconditional, so you need not feel indebted. Please contact us if we can be of any help in the future.
Once again with deep appreciation,
The Supreme Master Ching Hai
International Association
I am writing this letter to thank You for showing Your care in bringing assistance to the flood victims of Chesterville.
My family and I very much appreciate Your gifts of a dehumidifier, healthy food and especially Your financial help of CA$200 in cash, which has allowed us to pay our immediate expenses.
We can never hear enough about the good deeds and generosity of people like You, who think and care about the well-being of others.
Thank You many times. I will pray so that You always have hope to continue Your work. There are still good hearted people in our topsy-turvy world!
Mrs. Jean Paul Poisson
Chesterville, Quebec
Members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association visited Daegu Fire Headquarters on July 26 and gave donations and gifts to twelve firefighters injured in the subway disaster of February, 2003. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association is an international organization that practices meditation and carries out loving activities such as relief work.
An American philanthropist recently brought help to flood victims in Chesterville, Tingwick and Warwick. The gathering with the victims of Chesterville took place on Thursday, August 14 at the office of the municipal secretary, Lise Cote.
Each family received a dehumidifier, one box of essential goods and sweets, and a monetary gift CA$200.
Five families from Chesterville that were victimized by the flooding benefited from the generosity of this philanthropist, Supreme Master Ching Hai, who is originally from Au Lac, and whose name means "pure ocean.""Our spiritual master Supreme Master Ching Hai, who resides in Florida, learned about what happened in Bois-Francs while listening to the news. We are twelve disciples from Montreal, Quebec and Victoriaville, who responded to Her request to visit the victims, comfort them and bring them help to alleviate their situation while they await the government's aid," explained Hugues Rivard, a disciple from Montreal.Another disciple from Montreal, Nghia Nguyen, added that it is important for us to help each other in order to share our unconditional love: "We should bring hope and assistance to make suffering people's lives easier."
Hung Nguyen, the main organizer of the humanitarian activity, gave CA$200, a dehumidifier and one box of essential goods to each family. Madame Ching Hai creates artwork as well as elegant clothing designs, and uses the revenue to help the less fortunate and disaster victims around the world. This is the second time She has been involved in helping the people of Quebec; during the ice storm in 1998, She offered CA$70,000 to the victims. Being very surprised to witness such an initiative, the gift recipients of Chesterville enthusiastically expressed their gratitude in acknowledging this beautiful act of solidarity from these unknown visitors. It's a pure coincidence that this act was noted and made public here.
On September 10, 2003, the Canadian weekly magazine Thoi Moi and the monthly magazine Tham My (September edition, p. 72) presented reports on the flood relief activities in Quebec conducted by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. (Originally in Aulacese)
Letter of Appreciation--This Letter of Appreciation is presented
to The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for its generous
donation of surgical masks to help medical workers in their fight against
SARS and for their distinguished contributions to the control of the epidemic.
- from Chen Chien-jen, Minister of the Department of Health, Executive
Yuan, ROC (July 30, 2002) (photo: love1-1-146.pg)
Certificate of Appointment--The Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association is hereby appointed by the Formosa Hualien District Court
Prosecutors' Office to be an executive organization handling the reeducation
of reprieve cases starting from the year 2003.
Note: Since 1994 The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
has been conducting monthly visits to parolees and prison inmates in Formosa.
The Association's efforts have been recognized by local judiciary bodies
and have received many commendations from the Ministry of Justice, the
Judicial Yuan (the Judiciary of Formosa's central government) and the
Taiwan High Court.
The most important things in this life, in our principles of spiritual practice, are loving others, loving ourselves and being liberated from all hatred, prejudice, criticizing attitudes and negative thinking. And once you're already liberated in this lifetime, you'll surely go to a higher level. Because these are the negative things, the burdens that bind us to this physical world or within the Three Worlds. If we have none of that, we're liberated while living. That's most important, not visions or sounds. These are only the food to support our well-being.
There was an art exposition, and the artist who painted the pictures for the exposition asked the gallery owner whether anyone had been interested in his paintings. So the owner said, "I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that there was a gentleman interested in your paintings and he asked me whether your artwork would increase in value after your death, just like that of many other artists. So I said, yes, of course, it would. According to your potential, your paintings will, of course, increase in value after your death. So he bought fifteen of them altogether. That's the good news." Then the artist asked, "What about the bad news?" And the gallery owner replied, "The guy who bought the paintings is your doctor."
There was an idiotic guy who wrote a letter and put a stamp on it and everything. Outside the envelope he wrote, "To my Brother, the Engineer in Saigon." When his friend looked at the envelope, he said, "My God, why did you address the envelope like that! How will anyone be able to find your brother?" So the first guy said, "You idiot, I only have one brother who's an engineer!"
A mother gave her kid two dollars and said, "One is for you to do with as you want, and one is to put in the box in church for God."
So the kid went around and was playing with the dollars, and then one of them went into the river. She couldn't find it so she said, "Sorry, God! Your dollar's gone!"
Please visit the following websites to enjoy the original video versions of these jokes, and you may share the joy of Master's humor with those around you:
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/146/jk1.htm (USA)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/news/146/jk1.htm (Formosa)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.net/eng/news/146/jk1.htm (USA)
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