The Supreme Master Ching Hai eNews Magazine No. 144 ================================================================== If we just keep a vegetarian diet and follow a virtuous way of life, we will fear no sickness ~Supreme Master Ching Hai ======= Contents ======= ? Elevation of the Soul Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest CDs/ Publications/ DVDs ? Panorama of Events USA/ Thailand/ Formosa/ Canada/ Chile/ Germany/ Italy/ UK/ Australia ? PoemsThe Merciful Love of the Master ? Spiritual Information Desk Ask, and It Shall be Given to You ? Spiritual Interludes When We Listen, We Realize God is Everywhere ? Hot Topics: The Lifestyle of the Golden Era mAphorisms An Ideal Way of Life mPearls of Wisdom Make Use of Your Innate Defense System/ The Best Antidote for an Epidemic - The Quan Yin Method mMaster Says The Quan Yin Method Transcends Time and Space/ Omnipresence mSelected Questions and Answers Be Vegetarian to Avoid Disasters and Lighten the Body and Mind/ Cleanse Your Karma through Meditation/ Illness Is Also a Warning/ A Great Change Can be an Uplifting Experience mVegetarian Era Activate Your Inner Power of Immunity/ We Can Actually Live a Better Life/ Vegetarianism Makes You Healthier ? Master Tells Stories Being God or the Devil - Thinking Makes it So ? Media Reports Vegetarian Dog Food Now is Available/ Trucks Bring Timely Relief to Drought Victims ? Vegetarian Restaurants Around the World London, UK ? Beautiful People and Beautiful Events Life-giving Spring Breeze and Rain - A School Counselor Follows Master's Enlightened Example ? Front Line Formosa's Indigenous Wedding Exhibition ? Faith through Master's Artwork - My Journey from Disbelief to Understanding/ Entrust Everything to Master/ An Amazing Miracle ? Keep It Simple, Please!/ A Case of Delayed Profits/ Who's on Vacation? ? Story World Fighting SARS with Master in My Heart - a Nurse's Testimony/ Regarding Quarantine as "Retreat" ? While on the Path Experiencing a Pure Sense of Existence/ Here in India, I know You ? Love in Action India/ Argentina/ Formosa/ Africa/ USA/ Korea ? Algerian Embassy, Paris / Los Angeles Music Week ? Master's Words Meditating on the Light and Sound is Our Only Support ? Supreme Art Celestial Clothes for Summer 2003 ? How to contact us ? Yin WWW sites A Little Message: In speaking of God or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a He. She + He = Hes (as in Bless) Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm) Hers + His = Hiers (as in Dear) Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will to suit Hirmself. News No. 144 Published: July 20, 2003 Founded: April 1, 1990 Published by: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publisher: Hsieh, Hsin Lin The Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine is published on the Internet in the following languages: Aulacese, Chinese (in both traditional and simplified versions), English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai. Please refer to the "Quan Yin WWW Sites" of the News magazine for related websites. ================================================================== Elevation of the Soul Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Latest DVDs 737 To Practice with Ease The Florida Center, U.S.A. May 11, 2002 Are the unusual changes now occurring in the earth’s climate related to karma? How should we respond to a drought? Master teaches us a secret way to survive a drought by saving up water. Have you heard Master tell stories about the rise and fall of various planets in the universe? Can the wearing of beautiful clothes affect our mood? What is the secret to rapid progress in meditation? Why is it that some people fail to enter samadhi as easily as before even though they spend more time meditating? Some fellow initiates feel that they make no spiritual progress despite practicing for a long time. Is there any way to achieve a breakthrough? What situations may arise if we let our relatives know in advance about our departure from this world? What is Master’s response to an earnest request by disciples to remain forever in the world? And what are the conditions relevant to such a request? You will find detailed answers to these questions in this DVD. 739 Master’s Transformation Body The Florida Center, U.S.A. May 12, 2002 Master often encourages us to practice and meditate with diligence, but then why does She advise new fellow initiates against meditating too much? Some great Masters in the Himalayas have great miraculous powers, and are totally at ease with manifesting into numerous and varied bodies. How do they do it? How does humankind evolve in the natural cycle of the universal system? Is there any way to speed up this evolutionary process? What is the difference between the transformation body of Master that we see with our naked eyes, and the Inner Master that we see in meditation? Why is it possible for someone to see Master’s transformation body appear in flesh even in daily life? In addition to Master’s explicit discourse on these topics, many fellow initiates also share the incredible experiences of their own or relatives?encounters with Master’s transformation body. Please enjoy these remarkable stories with us. 741 The Millennium Eve Performance International Six-day Retreat, Bangkok, Thailand, December 31, 1999 On the evening of December 31, 1999, a grand Millennium Eve Celebration was held in Bangkok, Thailand to mark the opening of a new century and a new era in human history with an endless series of fascinating performance programs. In the final minutes of the evening, when our planet was about to enter the new millennium, Master led everyone in meditation, prayed for world peace and wished everyone a happy New Year. After the performances, Master concluded the Celebration with a humorous yet touching discourse. Apart from wishing everyone a smooth crossover into the new Golden Era, Master also predicted that we would have a beautiful, happy, and rich life ahead! A truly wonderful, joyous and soul-elevating atmosphere permeates this DVD! Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest CDs CD-EG146 The Virtues of a Good Neighbor (1 & 2) Group Meditation, the Florida Center, U.S.A., June 11, 2001 When we run into neighbors who are not very friendly or affable, what's the best way to deal with the situation? In this lecture, Master reveals an extraordinary method that can not only make us welcome among our neighbors but also influence these seemingly inhospitable individuals to become good friends. CD-CG02 The Power of Positive Thinking (1 & 2) International Christmas Celebration at the Florida Center, U.S.A., December 30, 2001 Master again reminds us of the importance of positive thinking. Even for people who do not practice spiritually, when they send good wishes or curses to people with all their heart, there is an effect, and even more so for us spiritual practitioners! That's why Master stresses that "the observation of precepts begins with thinking." CD-CG04 The Lesson of Sharing International Christmas Celebration at the Florida Center, U.S.A., December 25, 2001 The Four-day Christmas Retreat held at the Florida Center in December 2001 was truly a "Retreat of Love." Recorded on this CD is Master's discourse spoken in Chinese when She received the Chinese initiates during the Retreat. In addition to the exchange of emotional words of nostalgia and good wishes between Master and disciples, the CD also contains Master's explicit answers to spiritual questions raised by fellow initiates. CD-CL01 True Happiness Is Recognizing Our True Nature (1 & 2) Lecture in Hong Kong, May 2, 2000 Master delivered this lecture in Hong Kong in a straightforward and vibrant manner, which was very concise yet profound in meaning. Citing the examples of ancient sages and familiar phenomena from daily life, Master enlightens the audience about how to find true happiness and the great Wisdom within. Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Publications The Aulacese edition of The Key of Immediate Enlightenment, Volume 15 has been officially released! Th is great news for our Aulacese friends who are earnestly seeking the Truth. The book is a compilation of Supreme Master Ching Hai's discourses in Formosa in 1988. Its 23 chapters address a wide range of spiritual topics, and are brilliant, enlightening and worthy of thoughtful reading and attention. The Key of Immediate Enlightenment Volume One and Volume Six The Key of Immediate Enlightenment Volume One (Second Print) ================================================================== To order Master's publications, please contact: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd., Taipei, Formosa. Tel: (886) 2-87873935 / Fax: (886) 2-87870873 E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org ROC Postal Remittance Account No.: 19259438 (for Formosa orders only) Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd. Please visit our bookshop's website to download our catalogue and summaries of the contents of Master's latest publications: http://www.smchbooks.com/ (in English and Chinese) ================================================================== Panorama of Events Report from Hawaii, USA The International Emperor Shun Culture University Installs Supreme Master Ching Hai as Honorary Dean [Honolulu] From May 14-16, 2003, nearly six hundred members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association from around the world gathered in group meditation sessions to pray for world peace, and later attended a banquet to launch the Hawaii Overseas Chinese Association and the International Emperor Shun Culture University. The purpose in establishing the University was to carry traditional Chinese moral values and culture into the twenty-first century. Upon arrival, the initiates were greeted by artistically arranged displays of Master's paintings, posters, books, audio and video tapes, DVDs, Longevity Lamps, Celestial Jewelry and Happi Yogi Clothes. The meditation hall contained a beautiful stage erected and decorated by initiates with an oval portrait of Master, potted plants, bouquets of tropical flowers and a sky blue background bearing the words "Pray for World Peace." During the meditation sessions, initiates practiced with sincerity and high spirits as the atmosphere remained peaceful and elevated due to Master's blessing energy. Most participants said that it was a great honor to be able to attend the event and felt tremendous blessing from the recent elevation of the world's consciousness through Master's grace during Her recent personal retreat. After the last meditation session on May 16, the initiates dressed beautifully and then were transported to the New Empress Restaurant in the Chinatown Culture Plaza in downtown Honolulu. There they joined distinguished members of the local Chinese community in a celebration and banquet founding the above-mentioned institutions, and honoring Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her compassion and contributions to humankind through worldwide humanitarian work and teaching of the Quan Yin Method, whose principles are identical to those of traditional Chinese ethics. The grand evening commenced with an opening speech delivered by Dr. Hung Kwang Chen, the University's founder and president, who stated the school's key principles. During the subsequent ceremonies, Dr. Chen unveiled bronze statues of Emperor Shun and Supreme Master Ching Hai, who was installed as Honorary Dean. Afterwards a traditional dragon and lion dance ritual was performed for the success and prosperity of the new institutions. In Master's place, a representative gave a speech and accepted a certificate recognizing Her new title. Master Ching Hai was also presented with the Emperor Shun Award and the Golden Emperor Shun Trophy, which were accepted by a Quan Yin messenger on Her behalf as She was still in retreat for the purpose of elevating the world's consciousness. The banquet consisted of an elegant and delicious dinner accompanied by several performances, including traditional Hawaiian dance and nose flute presentations, a beautiful Korean folk dance, a Chinese tribal dance, a classical violin solo and others, providing guests with a wonderfully satisfying evening. Sp16-1-144.jpg , Sp16-2-144.jpg , Sp16-3-144.jpg Dr. Hung Kwang Chen unveils bronze statues of Emperor Shun and Supreme Master Ching Hai, and presents the Golden Emperor Shun Trophy and a medal of Emperor Shun Award to Master Ching Hai. Sp16-4-144.jpg , sp16-program-144.jpg The banquet venue and many delightful performances. sp16-10-144.jpg The local World Daily News also gave a report on this event on May 21, 2003. Report from California, USA Silicon Valley Again Hears Master's Message [San Jose] Following two successful local video seminars in February, 2003, initiates from the San Jose Center held a third seminar on April 12 at the Mountain View Public Library in nearby Mountain View, nestled in California's world-renowned Silicon Valley. The area abounds with computer scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, artists, academics, and most importantly, spiritual seekers, who provide a receptive audience for Master's teachings. On the day of the seminar, guests from the San Francisco Bay Area and other nearby districts quickly filled the conference room to capacity. During the video presentation, the sincere participants silently bathed in Master's words of wisdom and infinite blessings. And at break time, attendees enjoyed sampling delicious vegan finger-sandwiches, snacks, and drinks lovingly prepared by fellow initiates. As the seminar resumed, the Quan Yin Method and Convenient Method were explained in detail. The majority of the attendees chose to stay and learn the Convenient Method, and afterwards questions were answered to everyone's satisfaction. The newly blessed practitioners felt happy and left contented. Report from MI., U.S.A. Master's Teachings are Joyfully Disseminated in Michigan [Michigan] Initiates from the Michigan Center were delighted to have the opportunity to introduce Master's message at two events on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27, 2003. The Saturday event was the Body, Mind and Spirit Festival organized by phenomeNews (a spiritual-holistic magazine published in the U. S.), featuring over 200 exhibitors and advertised as the largest expo of its kind in Michigan. Master's loving message was presented through video lectures shown at the venue, and Her blessing power attracted numerous visitors to our display, including Festival participants from adjacent booths. Those who showed interest included a practitioner of Sufism, who, after watching Master's video for several minutes, placed his hand on the TV screen and exclaimed, "Yes, She's a Master!" The second event was the Earth Day Celebration, where Michigan Center initiates not only displayed Master's publications and presented Her lecture videotapes, but also offered pure vegetarian food for guests who visited the Center's booth. Fellow initiates who participated in these activities were very happy to witness the interest, love and warmth generated by communicating Master's love and compassion to so many people. Report from Thailand Master's Blessing Is a Great Prize! [Nakon Ratchasima] On March 30, 2003, out of a deep desire to introduce Master's teachings to sincere Truth seekers, Thai fellow practitioners conducted a video seminar in the city of Nakon Ratchasima (commonly called Khorat) northeast of Bangkok. Early on the morning of the seminar, the guests began arriving. Some of the participants, who were from an organization called the Teacher's Life Development Associated Group, had been invited by local fellow practitioners. The entire venue was full of Master's love and blessings as one guest shared his experience of a dream in which he saw an immense mountain where a lady was staying. We realized immediately upon hearing this story that he must have been led to the seminar by our beloved Master. After the videotape presentation about one third of the audience stayed on to learn the Convenient Method. One guest of 74, who had difficulty sitting for long periods, was able to participate until the end of the seminar. This was surely made possible by Master's blessing power. Additionally, two young students also received the Convenient Method. The success of the seminar resulted in opportunities for group meditation every evening, and vegetarian cooking classes on Sundays, thus benefiting both initiates and potential initiates alike. Sp3-3-144.jpg, sp3-4-144.jpg The Nakon Ratchasima seminar is filled with Master's love and blessing power. sp3-1,2-144.jpg Nakon Ratchasima residents absorbed in reading Master's flyers Report from Formosa A Splendid Scene from Heaven Appears in Parliament [Taipei] In appreciation of the earnest public service work done by Mr. Gu Min, Director of Formosa's Legislative Yuan Library, the Taipei Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association presented nine prints of Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings to the Library on the morning of April 23, 2003. Director Gu personally received the prints at the Library. Some of the prints were hung in the Library, brightening the venue and quickly becoming the focus of staff members' attention. The other prints were placed in the Legislative Yuan's Information Office, where passersby can get a good view of the pieces through large plate glass windows. Director Gu was especially interested in the painting "Harmony," observing that the contrasts between strong and weak and tough and gentle represented in the piece might be external themes, but they also reflect inner contrasts in the human spirit and mind. Mr.Gu added that the work inspires him in finding ways to arrange worldly matters, both strong and tough, weak and gentle, in realistic surroundings so as to allow them to exist in harmony. From 1992 to 1998, Director Gu, a world-renowned scholar with a global vision and concern for humanity, served as President of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Library Association, and is currently a standing member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, a group affiliated with UNESCO. During an interview with initiates, Mr. Gu expressed his eagerness to participate in activities conducted by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association because as he said, "It gives me extraordinary bliss and spiritual elevation! Each time I come in contact with friends from the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, they impress me with their sincerity and spirit of contributing unconditionally to others' welfare. I respect them as truly courageous people and heroes of society. We really need such individuals with the spirit of service to society." Director Gu perceives Master as a Messenger Who has come to spread God's message and bring new hope to the world in the Golden Age. In addition, Director Gu was certain that Master's paintings would bring positive energy to the Legislative Yuan: "The Legislative Yuan is a place for discussing major national issues and important projects affecting the people's lives, and its library is truly an open corner in the institution. The combination of spirituality and art found in Master's work will definitely make the place more perfect. In the midst of the bustling legislature, if people passing by can just look at these paintings for a few seconds, they will experience a brief moment of tranquility in their hearts. I believe that they will also feel a wonderful sense of inspiration and elevation, which will nurture their wisdom and help them handle worldly matters perfectly. Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings are ideal for serving this function." Koxinga Cultural Festival - A Celebration of Art and Spirituality [Tainan] On April 27, 2003, the Tainan City Government and the Tainan Art Center, in collaboration with the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, held the Koxinga Cultural Festival at the Center's Holiday Plaza. Approximately a thousand participants enjoyed God's divine love at this joyful celebration of art and spirituality, which featured an exhibition of Supreme Master Ching Hai's artistic creations, as well as various instrumental, vocal and dance performances. Distinguished guests included the Director of the Tainan Cultural Bureau, the Director of the Tainan Art Center and more than fifty Formosan celebrities. The event received widespread advance publicity from local newspapers and television and radio stations, including an exclusive interview with fellow initiates by the local "Voice of Victory" radio station, and an introduction to Master, the Quan Yin Method and Master's art exhibition. On the day of the event, Chinese artist Dr. Xu Qiao-shen painted a picture of beautiful plum blossoms, which he presented to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association as a gift. In addition, Mr. Chen Ji-shan from the Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Engraving Art Society and nine experienced calligraphers from Tainan demonstrated their skills by reproducing Master's aphorisms and several poems from the anthology Wu Tzu. After copying a verse from Wu Tzu, Mr. Chen went on to recite the poem, creating an exquisite aesthetic atmosphere. Master's artworks, including Celestial Clothes, Longevity Lamps, prints of Her paintings and poetry anthologies, along with Her musical compositions, were displayed in a gallery elegantly decorated with bamboo and orchids. The visitors were fascinated by the exhibit and rejoiced in the Heavenly impressions and vast ocean of love radiating from Master's art. The venue's huge projection screen and numerous television sets continuously showed videos of Master's lectures in countries around the world, and the grand concert - "One World . of peace through music," as well as footage recording Her numerous public-service efforts. Mr. Xu Geng-xiu, Director of the Tainan Cultural Bureau, and many distinguished guests visited the exhibition, and were very impressed by Master's immense and dynamic creativity, feeling inexhaustible love flowing from Her art works. Amazed by the mature painting skills displayed in Master's pieces, it was hard for participants to imagine that She was never formally trained in art. In addition to the exhibition, the Festival featured an outdoor performance entitled "Spring Sonata." Performers included famous artists from southern Formosa, Miss Wang Xin-xin from Mainland China, known as "the Queen of Nanyin" (a form of musical story-telling from southern China) and several renowned local multi-cultural performance troupes. Together these artists presented a wide variety of unique, high-quality programs for visitors. The Tainan Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was responsible for planning the event. Motivated by Master's love, local fellow initiates have long explored every corner of the city, putting into action their belief in spiritual cultivation and integration with society in daily life. Tainan initiates have shared Supreme Master Ching Hai's spirit of universal love through activities such as counseling in prisons, environmental protection and artistic projects like the Koxinga Cultural Festival. A video of this wonderful event was broadcast by Sun TV in Serial No. 46 of the A Journey through Aesthetic Realms TV program. For online viewing, please visit:http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/hichannel/index.htm (In Chinese, with English subtitles) The Love Ocean Arts Center Opens in Taipei [Taipei] In the past, due to a continuous increase in the number of fellow practitioners attending group meditation in Taipei and the difficulty of renting a suitable venue, the Taipei Center frequently had to find new sites to hold meditation sessions. However, through Master's blessings and the joint efforts of local fellow initiates, a new meditation venue named the Love Ocean Arts Center in the city's Da-an District recently became a reality. A joyful inauguration ceremony for the Center took place on April 27, 2003. The Center has an indoor court of approximately 1650 square meters and incorporates a multi-functional arts plaza, a spiritual information center, a meditation area and a commercial mall with a spiritual book shop, a food booth and Celestial Clothes/ Celestial Jewelry showrooms. The Center is open every day except Sunday. On the Center's opening day, contact persons brother Loh and sister Huang invited a resident representative from Hsihu to participate in a simple, warm and solemn inaugural ceremony. At the inauguration, the Taipei members of the Quan Yin Family were filled with Master's love and happiness as they also enjoyed musical performances and a sumptuous lunch of vegetarian delicacies, content in the knowledge that they at last had established their own "home." Most memorable for Taipei initiates were Master's blessings conveyed by the local contact person during group meditation a few months earlier. When Master received the construction blueprints for the new venue, She personally telephoned the contact person to express Her congratulations, saying, "I'm very pleased that you have found such a good place for the new Taipei Center. I am really so happy for you. Congratulations! The project you sent me is very good, excellent, and you may carry it out! The new venue and its construction will surely have my blessings. Congratulations again!" Meanwhile, sister Huang, who was beside the telephone, strongly felt the great love and blessings coming from Master as She spoke. Thank You, Master! We believe and sincerely pray that Your grace will bring prosperity to the Taipei Love Ocean Arts Center and to all the other centers around the world. Address of the Love Ocean Arts Center: B1, No. 5, Lane 30, Alley 78, Sec. 2, Fuxing S. Road, Da-An District, Taipei, Formosa Tel No.: +886-2-27066168 / +886-2-27062628 E-mail: tpe.light@msa.hinet.net Report from Ontario, Canada Helping Others Embrace Master's Inner Beauty [Chatham] On April 5, 2003, fellow practitioners from Canada had an opportunity to participate in the annual Women's Expo in Chatham, Ontario to introduce Master's teachings to local residents. Due to unpredictable circumstances, we had to decorate our Beloved Master's booth in one night! But thanks to a sister who was creatively inspired by Master's blessing, we made great progress in our efforts and were able to complete the project in time. The beauty of our booth and the wonderful smiling pictures of Master produced many happy faces and joyful exclamations from visitors. Overall, countless smiles were generated that day and it was an honor to represent Master at the Expo. Many of the guests who had never heard of Master before were impressed by Her beauty. Since She is also a beautiful soul with Heavenly ideals, after reading Her Quan Yin message they will hopefully embrace Her inner beauty as well! Report from Chile Introducing Master's Teachings at a Renowned Chilean Palace [Santiago] On March 25, 2003, a video seminar on the teachings of our dearest Master Ching Hai was held in Vi¤a del Mar, a city located one and a half hours by bus from Santiago, the capital of Chile. A sister initiate who was born in Vi¤a del Mar arranged for the seminar to be held in a meeting room of the famous Palacio Riesco, a building owned by the Vi¤a del Mar City Council. On the day of the event, a group of initiates arrived from Santiago to help with the preparations. Most attendees showed a great interest in Master's teachings, and two thirds remained to learn the Convenient Method of meditation after the seminar. Thanks to the good disposition of the Palace management, we were able to arrange a reunion of the participants, so that we can meet again and meditate in the same room in the future. Through this activity we once again witnessed Master's great blessing power, which supports us at every moment of our lives, and in every place we go. Report from Germany Local Initiates Celebrate the Ten-Year Anniversary of Master's Munich Lecture [Munich] On May 1, 1993, our beloved Master delivered a lecture in Munich for the first time. Exactly ten years later, on May 1, 2003, Munich initiates gathered joyfully with non-initiate friends in the house of the local contact person to celebrate the event's anniversary with a delicious vegetarian barbecue and buffet of Aulacese food. During the celebration, many initiates said that they had developed positively since beginning to practice the Quan Yin Method. And all are deeply touched by the omnipresent loving power of Supreme Master Ching Hai and cherish their good luck in having met such a great living Master. One sister who works as an actress recalled a touching incident that occurred while she was on a theater tour. After an evening's performance in a small town, she went with her colleagues to a Chinese restaurant to have dinner. Worrying that there would be no vegetarian items on the menu, and feeling frustrated, helpless and alone among her meat-eating friends, she angrily said to herself, "I'm a vegetarian!" Then like a ray of light emerging from the darkness, she heard the tender voice of a petite Chinese waitress who said, "Me too." Our actress sister quickly looked up at the waitress. Then they simultaneously asked each other, "Ching Hai?" and both replied, "Yeah!" Immediately the two women embraced as if they had met a trusted friend. And thus, through the omnipresent love of our dear Master, the actress sister surprisingly and wonderfully obtained a vegetarian meal in an unfamiliar town. Seeing how the initiates were happy in their hearts and loving in their actions during the anniversary celebration, some guests expressed their admiration for the light, buoyant lifestyle of the initiates and wished to join our group. After having practiced the Quan Yin Method for ten years, Munich initiates all feel a definite improvement in both the spiritual and mundane aspects of their lives, and joyously look forward to the next ten years and the even greater improvements they will bring. Report from Italy Spirituality Prevails at a Bologna Book Fair [Bologna] From April 2 - 5, 2003, the International Children's Book Fair, the largest event of its kind in the world, was held in Bologna, Italy. Fellow initiates from Paris took the opportunity to set up a booth promoting Master's publications such as Silent Tears and Master Tells Stories in this global arena. The initiates established affinities with children's book publishers from around the world and spread the good news of Master's teachings to God's "little children" in the Fair's Formosa Exhibition Hall. Faced with a vast and diverse array of children's books from many countries, fellow initiates presented promotional pamphlets and flyers to other participating publishers to inform them of Master's exhibition booth and facilitate access to Her message of Truth. When publishers from the Central Africa exhibition area heard of Master's African lecture tour, they were so touched that their eyes shone with a strong yearning to pursue spiritual practice. On Saturday, the last day of the Fair, most other exhibitors in the Formosa Exhibition Hall had packed up ahead of schedule, leaving the entire area to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Company. Since it was a holiday, visitors thronged to the venue as fellow initiates, grateful for Master's perfect arrangement, printed additional materials to share Her teachings and news about the Quan Yin Method, and redecorated the booth to attract more people. The sample booklets on hand were soon distributed, and visitors eager to receive more information left their addresses. One German visitor, who was heading for Austria, asked for the address of the Austria Center. Also, to everyone's delight, several bookstore managers and librarians from Bologna requested copies of Master's sample booklet, which they intended to offer for public reading so that more people in their city could develop an affinity with Master. Through their participation in Bologna's International Children's Book Fair, fellow initiates from Paris realized that as long as they have love and confidence while doing Master's work, they can become one with Her great omnipresent blessing power, and everything will be accomplished in time. Report from theUnited Kingdom Mind, Body and Spirit Festival and Video Seminar 2003 [London] The 27th Annual Mind, Body and Spirit Festival was held in London from May 25 ~ June 1, 2003. As in previous years, the London Center had a booth at the event and received a warm response when presenting Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings. Many were in awe not just at Master's teachings but at the love and positive energy emanating from the booth, and the wisdom and spontaneity displayed by the participating brothers and sisters as they spoke of Master and the Quan Yin Method. One visitor commented with surprise that after having walked around the Festival all week he noted that our corridor had remained busy throughout. Sample booklets, News magazines and other information, including invitations to attend an upcoming video seminar, were handed out all around the Festival venue. After receiving our messages, many were instantly drawn to the booth and showed a strong desire to learn more about Master's teachings, and so we invited them to attend the seminar. Then, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in June, the much-awaited video seminar was conducted at the Wembley Center in North London. Everyone in attendance was impressed by Master's wisdom as She individually touched different souls in Her own unique way, and many stayed behind after the video presentation to learn the Convenient Method. The response was extremely positive and we watched as our guests went home radiating peace and inner bliss. Report from Australia Master's Teachings Enrich the Spiritual Lives of Lismore Residents [Byron Bay/Northern Rivers]Byron Bay and Brisbane Center initiates recently conducted a video seminar introducing the Quan Yin Method at the Southern Cross University, Lismore. The seminar was held near a scenic lake and herbal botanical garden. For local initiates who were able to witness the richness and tranquility the seminar brought to the lives of many of their fellow beings, it was a great source of warmth and contentment. ================================================================== Poems The Merciful Love of the Master by fellow initiate Xiao-yu, Germany ( originally in Chinese) What You've attained Is what I've been yearning for. You ... in the past, On Your quest for the Truth, Shed silent tears to form an ocean. I ... today, As Your disciple, Am no longer ensnared by transmigration. The moment You look up and glance around, Thirsty souls are filled with bliss. With one sweet smile, You pour out infinite mercy and love.... In the prisons and refugee camps of the world, God's Light dispels all darkness. On that precious island in the southern sea, On the European and American continents, The Heavenly Paradise manifests before our eyes. Wave farewell to the past, Leaving behind every cloud. The gate of the future leads to the eternal palace, Guided step by step by Your lotus feet. ================================================================== Spiritual Information Desk Ask, and It Shall be Given to You ( originally in English) Due to the amazing benefits of modern telecommunications, fellow practitioners can write e-mails presenting their questions to the Spiritual Information Desk and receive quick responses, a process that is more efficient than using traditional mail. Even more remarkable is the way in which our almighty Master responds to Her disciples' inquiries. The following are two cases to share with readers. Case I: Suhendra, a Quan Yin practitioner and overseas student in Sydney, Australia, recently wrote the e-mail below to the Spiritual Information Desk about a physical phenomenon he was experiencing. The events that followed his inquiry were quite surprising. I am wondering why I have been experiencing a strong throbbing sensation in my lower eyelids for the past three or four months. At first I thought that I was too tired from work or study so I quit my job and tried to get more sleep. But, strangely, the throbbing in the skin of my eyelids is still strong for most of the day, every day. I just try my best to meditate despite having this feeling, even though recently I have not had enough time to meditate on both the Light and Sound. I also believe that my health is very good. I wonder if this is a sign from Master that something bad or good will happen to me. This is a really unusual problem, and I am begging for Master's help. I only believe in You, Master. Thanks very much for Your help, Master Ching Hai and brothers and sisters, and for your attention. The Spiritual Information Desk gave the following e-mail reply to the initiate's inquiry. Suhendra, your problem is not directly related to the Quan Yin Method. If the condition persists and bothers you, you should see a doctor. As a student who also works, your body may be feeling some stress. The best way to remove stress is to do more Sound meditation (in proper proportion to Light meditation). You mention that you have stopped working for a while and have been sleeping more, but that will not remove the underlying stress you suffer from and possibly do not notice. Attend group meditations in Sydney as often as possible; this will help make up for the short time you meditate at home due to your situation. Try your best to relax and pray to the inner Master for help. Remember that the most important thing in the world is our method. It's the only thing that we can take with us when we depart from physical existence. If you are determined to continue on the spiritual path, and if you surrender to God, you will not only feel better but your studies will improve. If you forget these things, God may occasionally remind you with physical symptoms so that you can better appreciate the difficult nature of living in this world. With Masters love. To this letter Suhendra replied: This is Suhendra who asked about the problem of the skin throbbing around my eyes. Thank You for reminding me about meditation, and also thank You very much, Master, for everything that You have given me now and forever. I would also like to tell You about something supernatural that happened to me. When I had typed my recent letter to You and then clicked to send my email message to Your address, at the same moment my problem disappeared completely. It was quite amazing! And then another unusual thing occurred. Two weeks later I lost my portable computer in a classroom that is always busy from morning till evening; so I did not expect to get the computer back. But the following afternoon I was able to find it, still in the classroom. I only can say thank You very much to Master and God for having blessed me so much. Once again, thank You very much, Master, God and brothers and sisters who have given me the answer to my question. May Master and God continue to bless us and this world, and everything on this earth. Case II: Dearest Master Ching Hai, Two days after I wrote my e-mail to You, I got the answer to my question in a dream. Within a week, I twice dreamed of Master, and She encouraged me to keep going. So since that night, whenever I have no lessons at the university I attend, I meditate six to twelve hours a day. Deep in my heart, I know that I began doing Master's work when I was born. So actually, wherever I am, I am always in the presence of people who really need my help. And I do everything according to Master's will, which is my purpose for coming to this world. I miss You, dearest Master Ching Hai, with tears, but please don't worry about me. I am learning how to first serve myself well, and I am tough enough to face everything. Happy Birthday, Master Ching Hai! Qi Xing Melbourne, Australia May 3, 2003 ================================================================== Spiritual Interludes When We Listen, We Realize God is Everywhere by sister initiate Aimee Fanton, Byron Bay/ Northern Rivers,Australia (originally in English) While visiting my mother recently at her home in a Christian community, I had the opportunity to make sweets for a celebration. As I began to cook, a crowd of children came over to help me, and we had a lot of fun making donuts with brightly colored icings. Among the children was a six-year-old girl who took charge of shaping the sweets. Later that night, as we gathered around an open fire, the girl sat next to me and we talked about what we had made. She told me that, actually, she had done nothing, as Jesus was within us at all times, and it was He who did everything. I was really surprised and touched by the girl's words, and felt blessed by how Master cares for me, and how She chooses others to teach me. I had a strong feeling that Master was by my side, showing me that Truth is like a stream, vibrant and alive, in the hearts of the pure, flowing on its course to touch many along its way. ================================================================== Hot Topics: The Lifestyle of the Golden Era Aphorisms An Ideal Way of Life If we just keep a vegetarian diet and follow a virtuous way of life, we will fear no sickness. ~Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai in Berkeley University, CA , U.S.A. October 13, 1989 (originally in English) Videotape No. 101 You’re the best doctor for yourself if you think positively and live a healthy, simple life. ~Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation in Singapore, September 29, 1994 (originally in English) Videotape No. 446 ================================================================== Pearls of Wisdom The Best Antidote for an Epidemic –The Quan Yin Method Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Pingtung, Formosa, November 2, 1988 (originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 15 This world has entered the Golden Age! The Golden Age is for spiritually advanced people to live in; the unsuitable ones will be gradually eliminated. That’s why you will see the occurrence of more and more diseases that had previously been unheard of. It’s clear that, in the world, if there’s no plague, there will be war; if there’s no war, there will be natural disasters or storms; it’s all because of our immoral actions; the karma is too heavy and the collective karma is too great! Therefore, if such collective karma can’t be erased by the death of one or two persons, it will become an infectious disease that can eliminate a great number of people. Life in this world is unreliable. We can’t rely on medicine all the time and sometimes even medicine can’t save us in time. God is very clever; Hes doesn’t just let us have the diseases we already know about but creates new diseases so that we’ll be forever running behind Hirm. We think we’re very civilized, but the King of Karmic law is even smarter. He can catch us as he likes, and we’re unable to react very quickly! We may die as soon as we have a high fever, and it will be too late to call a doctor. The doctor is also helpless and may be infected by the same disease. If those patients get this disease because their time is up, their karma is due, they may also go. But there’s no guarantee going like this; those who don’t practice the Quan Yin Method may not be saved in time if they go suddenly, and their souls will have nothing to rely on. We’ll die sooner or later, but it’s safest to have the "All-powerful Insurance Company" to rely on when we die. (Audience laughs and applauds.) Truly, we feel very secure when we practice the Quan Yin Method. Even if we have a disease, we’re not anxious, as we know there will be no problem. Our soul seems to be very calm and peaceful and we don’t know why we feel so peaceful and restful, but our wisdom, our soul knows, and we feel great! Make Use of Your Innate Defense System Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Group Meditation in Singapore, September 29, 1994 (originally in English) Videotape No. 446 Live a healthy, simple life ?simple living and high thinking. Always think positively. Even just thinking changes your pattern of living, changes your day, and changes your fortune. So always try to keep being positive. Then a lot of accidents, a lot of illnesses can be avoided. It’s very difficult if you’re a kind of doctor or nurse, or sometimes a social worker, to be positive all the time; because people come to you with their sicknesses, their problems, their very low thinking and depressive energy. But for ordinary people, you can always maintain your positive energy. Always think that God is around you, the Masters from the ten directions are always protecting you because it’s true. So try to take care of your defense system and don’t let it break down. Try to take care of your system by acting positively, thinking positively and speaking positively. It’s very simple. Even just thinking positively is already a tremendous help to you. ================================================================== Master Says The Quan Yin Method Transcends Time and Space Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, August 11, 1991 (originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 187b Spiritual Practice Repairs the Mind Although after initiation you’re liberated from birth and death, you still have to practice spiritually. Because if your mind doesn’t allow you to become an enlightened saint, it will be difficult for you. Your mind will tell you, "You, a saint? Don’t be ridiculous!" Or others might also say the same thing. Without self-confidence, it will be useless being a saint of any kind. Even if you’ve become a saint, what purpose could it serve? We still need to have a deportment that befits the superior realms. Before we’ve become well-trained or practiced diligently, our mind won’t be convinced. It will assume that we’re cheating, and refuse to let us ascend. It’s we who obstruct ourselves. So, we still have to diligently practice spirituality to thoroughly convince our mind and allow it to realize that we’re now different, that we really befit the status of an enlightened saint. Only then will it totally accept this status, and we’ll have no more problems. Spiritual cultivation is thus a process of repairing the mind. Life after life, the mind records too many undesirable things and ensnares us with a guilty conscience. That’s why we have to train and rectify it, illuminate it with Light every day, educate it and also brighten all our bodily cells. Every single bodily cell is imprinted with all the good and bad impressions, or karma, from many lifetimes. That’s why sometimes people only need to take a look at you or your body to be able to tell what you did in previous lives or what you’ve done in this lifetime. It’s because each of our cells, each vibration of our bodies, distinctively records all our actions, behaviors, thoughts and desires. We can’t cheat anyone. We’ve heard that after we die, when we go to see the Yama King (the King of Hell), we’ll see a mirror that shows the details of our entire life as clearly as we watch television, except that it runs very quickly and in a relaxed way. This is absolutely true. This is our personal "video recording" function. Therefore, spiritual practitioners can perceive and identify who is who, what they’ve done in previous lives, what they’re doing now, and what they’ll do in the future. Our personal record is encrypted in our bodies and in our mind, or in the atmosphere around us. Each of us ?whether we practice spiritually or not ?has such an aura. But the more we practice spiritually, the lesser this aura will be. Developing Protective Power by Continually Remembering Master Now when we mingle with people in society, we definitely run into such an atmosphere. The more we practice spiritually, the more sensitive we become. Don’t ever think that longer practice will strengthen your protective power. It will, but your sensitivity will also increase many hundreds and thousands of times. Do you think that Jesus Christ didn’t suffer when He was nailed to the Cross? He was in extreme agony! He felt greater pain than others because His body was different than those of ordinary people. He was highly sensitive, as all His bodily cells had changed completely. In this world, such individuals are in great danger, are very pitiful, very miserable and very helpless. Whatever we do ?good, bad, evil or charitable ?will become attached to our bodies and be distinctly recorded. Whether we’re spiritual practitioners or not, we can detect this if we know the secret method. So if we mingle with people in society, inevitably we’re sometimes contaminated by their auras. Our blessed rewards fly onto their bodies, even if they don’t want them. When you have two pipes or barrels full of water, one at a higher level than the other, the water will definitely flow from the higher to the lower one. So if you want to protect yourselves, to close off the water pipe, you should constantly recite the Holy Names. This is the only way. Sometimes there’s still some leakage because you forget that the Master is always by your side. However, as soon as you seek help, you’ll receive an immediate response. If it’s a matter of carelessness on your part, of course Master’s power will rescue you. But if you willingly do something bad, you do it despite knowing that it’s wrong, and you refuse to let me intervene, then of course I can’t help you! Don’t blame me then. You’ll continue to sink lower. It doesn’t matter if you forget about me, but don’t refuse me. Don’t think that you’re great and can solve all your problems by yourself. No! No! No! This world isn’t a place for fun. The positive and negative forces are almost equally powerful. They’re both aspects of the power of the Universe, which anyone can use. It only depends on where it’s being applied. The negative force is also very powerful. It’s not something that we can play or have fun with. This is one aspect of nature with which we should not casually meddle. Omnipresence Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, August 11, 1991 (originally in Chinese) Videotape No. 187b When we suddenly encounter a catastrophe or karmic hindrance, we’re shocked and can’t think straight. So sometimes you may hear monastic disciples say that I always ask them to do things suddenly. Being sudden is also good; karmic hindrances also come very suddenly, don’t they? Thus we ought to train ourselves to respond quickly at all times so that we can protect ourselves and get used to that vibrational energy. Then, when we later become an enlightened Master, we’ll be able to ascend to Heaven or descend to hell in no time at all. If, at such times, you still ponder whether it’s the right time to go to hell or Heaven, it’ll never work. The faster we are, the easier it’ll be for us to be omnipresent later. We won’t have to come and go; it will seem as if we had never come or gone because we’re so extremely fast that we transcend the worldly concepts of time and space. We simply connect different areas of space together, transforming them into the same point. It’s like an ant trying to crawl from one end of a piece of paper to the other; if we fold the paper, the ant can cross over in one leap. That’s the logic in transforming space; though there’s a different way to do it. There are secret tips to learning martial arts or any other thing; not only diligence is required. Under the same theory, the enlightened Saints have their own ways of doing things. They act extremely quickly without moving at all. That’s why they’re venerated as being "omnipresent," that is, motionless. They’re motionless, but they can accomplish anything and go anywhere. They’re present in every place without having to go there. Only this is true magical power; only this is the true supreme level in spiritual practice. It requires no effort! So sometimes you say that Master’s transformation body has been here and there, doing this and that, or saving you in this or that place, but actually I never went anywhere or took any action. Also, I never performed any mudras (ritual hand gestures). You can see that I haven’t moved at all! Have you, monastic practitioners by my side, ever seen me recite any incantations or perform any mudras? Never! Most probably at such times I’m sleeping, playing a musical instrument, playing chess, reciting poems, singing songs, planting grass or correcting someone. I could be doing anything. It requires no effort. Take the example of a tai chi expert, a brother initiate. He doesn’t have to lift his finger, yet anyone who touches him falls down. This is only when people touch him; he doesn’t touch them! Anyone who touches him accidentally falls down by himself. Some people have practiced martial arts to such a superior level that they don’t have to move their hands. They’re different than those who use a lot of force, kick fiercely and look rather brutal. When such people encounter someone more powerful, they’re brought down. For martial arts experts who use very little force, an opponent cannot bring them down. This is the theory of "softness subduing sheer strength." In the universe, softness always subdues sheer strength. Anything that has lesser strength but is more intangible, more formless and more pliable is more powerful. You see, air is vital to us, and dripping water can penetrate rocks. The longer the water drips, the deeper it penetrates. "Chi" ? the vital life force ?can sustain the body and even the whole universe. This invisible vital force ?the vibration of Sound meditation ?is even more inconceivable. Nothing is better because It’s the Mother of the universe and gives birth to all forms of creation. When we get hold of It, we’ll have all the secrets of the universe in our hands. Getting hold of the mother means getting hold of the children, and we’ll know where the whole family is. This is simple logic. It’s just like in the ancient battles, if the general was killed, the whole army would become like a headless snake, fall into complete disarray and be easily defeated. Similarly, all the scriptures that we study mention the vibration of the universe, the Sound, that is, the Tao, the original power. Getting hold of It means getting hold of everything. If we get hold of other things, for example, magical powers or intelligence, we’ve grabbed only one small part, one corner, but not the head. For humans or other creatures, once their head is caught, they’re doomed. Isn’t that right? That’s why we say that the Quan Yin Method is the best, the most original, the fastest and the highest. There’s nothing better. This is really true. No matter how much you research, this will be the ultimate conclusion. I’m very happy to have found this Method and that you too have gotten hold of It. We’re indeed very fortunate! ================================================================== Selected Questions and Answers Be Vegetarian to Avoid Disasters and Lighten the Body and Mind Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at Columbia University, New York, U.S.A., November 4, 1989 (originally in English) Videotape No. 102b Q: Please explain more about mass suffering. Are people guilty from before, and that’s why they suffer? M: No one is innocent. I’m not condemning anyone at all. It’s all a process of learning lessons. Learning is very painful. Once you’re awakened, however, you see things in a different light, and you know it’s all lessons. Look at the mass killing that we do every day in order to keep this body for a hundred years. How many lives have to be sacrificed ?all the fish, all the shrimp, all the chickens, all the pigs, all the buffaloes? Do you think all this energy will be dissolved without war, without suffering, without physical ailments? Everything we do is recorded in the air. Nothing is lost; it’s only diluted with a different energy. It’s only equalized by different actions, not lost. For example, if air has already become ice after being water, and if you want it to disappear, you have to put sun rays, a lamp, light or heat on it, in order to get it back into the form of air again. So if we’ve been killing, conducting mass massacres all the time, all these animals are suffering, and they also have consciousness, thoughts and hateful energy, all this hatred and fear condenses itself into a powerful energy and hangs around in the air. Too much of that will result in mass suffering. We have to pay for everything we use in this physical universe. Therefore, all the Masters emphasize following a vegetarian diet, which has the least cost to the various forms of existence. Animals have life, plants also have life, but they incur the least cost. Just like if you earn only a hundred dollars and you want to spend two hundred, of course you go into debt, and you’re in trouble. If you try to buy cheap things and satisfy yourself with the minimum cost to live, then you have no worries about debt. That’s why we choose the vegetarian diet ?fruit, nuts, milk or cheese. All these things have less crime, less consciousness within themselves. Now if you take milk from a cow, will the cow die? If you take a few nuts from the trees, the trees still have plenty of nuts to grow thousands more nut trees. They won’t be lost. If you cut a flower, or a branch of a vegetable, it will grow even more from that cut stem, even more vegetables will come out of it. So in this way, we know that the vegetarian diet is less harmful and incurs less cost. Cleanse Your Karma through Meditation Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Colorado, USA, April 10, 1993 (originally in English) Videotape No. 350 Q: Are pain and illness always the result of present karma? If so, how do we clean them out? M: We can clean them out by enduring them because it’s already too late to reverse the wheel of karma. But we can minimize them, lubricate them by being enlightened, by meditating on the perfection of the Father every day through the guidance of a teacher, through initiation. Then, we can minimize a lot of things. Illness Is Also a Warning Spoken by Supreme Ching Hai at Georgetown University, Washington D.C., U.S.A, April 14, 1993 (originally in English) Videotape No. 352 Q: What’s the purpose of epidemic diseases such as malaria, AIDS, etc. Are humans interfering with the natural process by trying to find cures for these diseases? M: Even you find some cures for these diseases, another disease will breed itself out. Only when human beings realize that they should surrender to God, to the Almighty Power which is within us, only when humans realize that in them there’s a great power to heal all diseases and that they should rely on this power alone will all diseases cease. All these things are warnings to tell that we should return to God. A Great Change Can be an Uplifting Experience Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 5, 1999 (originally in English) Videotape No. 648 Q: Do You think that there’s a change occurring in our time, specifically 1985 to the year 2010, that allows for a more global, larger change? M: Yes. This is a kind of uplifting. Because when a great quantity of spiritual energy gathers together or condenses in one period of time, there is more urging than usual. Especially when the planet may be in more turmoil, with more troubles, more turbulence, more war and more disasters, the grace of God is more urgent. Because more people pray for the grace of God in these times of need. The more that people sincerely pray, the more the grace of God will descend upon this planet. ================================================================== Vegetarian Era Activate Your Inner Power of Immunity Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at the University of California at Berkeley, CA., U.S.A., Oct. 13, 1989 (originally in English) Videotape No. 101 As we all know, most sickness comes from eating meat because of the antibiotics fed to animals, because of the anxiety that produces toxins in an animal’s meat. Because we eat all these antibiotics, our body loses its self-resistance to disease. Our body normally can fight disease, but because we’re fed so much antibiotic-filled meat, our body becomes weakened, and the resistance system goes out of order. Therefore, any kind of disease affects us and ends our lives. It’s a pity. Now, most people think that if we pray to Jesus or Buddha, that’s enough. But I think we should add to it meditation and a virtuous, wholesome way of life. Then we speed up our wisdom and liberation. For example, if we practice together in our method, which we call the Quan Yin Method, just listen to the instructions of God within, see the wisdom of God with a Heavenly eye and keep a vegetarian diet and a virtuous way of life then we fear no sickness. Many of our initiates overcome sicknesses overnight. I mean dangerous ones normally needing operations or resulting in death. Some people just come back from the death bed, out of the power of their virtuous life and the power of the Godhead that protects them. If we open this power within through a correct technique, then that power which we call the Buddha Nature or Buddha within us or God within us will protect us twenty-four hours a day, and will protect us even after we leave this body. We Can Actually Live a Better Life Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at a Group Meditation, Singapore, September 29, 1994 (originally in English) Videotape No.446 Nowadays many sicknesses, different diseases, kill people, about eighteen million a year. Because some of us also don’t take precautions to guard our precious body which has been given to us by God to do some mission on earth for some purpose, and also to realize our almighty power. We do something like smoking too much, drinking too much, eating too much flesh, inviting all these bacteria from the flesh into our systems, etc. All these killing factors make our lives a miserable time. Actually we could live a better life if we organized more, if we appreciated our body more. If we ate just nutritious food for our body, and ate not just because of the taste, and ate just a reasonable amount, then of course, our health wouldn’t be so greatly endangered. You see, most vegetarian people become healthier. Is that not so? [Audience: Yes.] Many of you became healthier after receiving initiation and switching to a vegetarian diet. Is that not so? [Audience: Yes.] Actually, the hospitals are full of meat-eating people (laughter). No problem; we can see the proof there. It’s not only because the vegetarian diet is healthy in itself, but because the vibration is very harmonious to our body whereas the vibrations of animals are not that harmonious, not so peaceful. Actually, it’s very easy to live a simple, healthy life. There’s not so much need for medicine, no need for so many injections. Many of us harm ourselves because we put poisonous substances into our bodies. Otherwise, if we know how to live a simple, nutritious, healthy life, we really don’t need doctors so much. And the doctor can have more holidays and both of us can stay healthy. Vegetarianism Makes You Healthier Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Boulder, Colorado, USA, March 9, 1991 (originally in English) Videotape No. 159 Nowadays, some so-called doctors are still very inclined to the old theory that people need meat to survive. But you can find plenty of books using research from other scientific work, and many other doctors who say that meat protein is harmful, toxic and bad for the body. And they have proven a thousand and one percent of it. So don’t listen to one theory alone and be convinced about it. We don’t need a meat diet, not at all. No one needs it. Actually, many people are cured of sickness after beginning a vegetarian diet. Is that courageous enough instead of listening to the other theory? We can be hypnotized into believing in one type of theory and convince ourselves of that theory, and then believe that meat is essential to us. But it’s not true. ================================================================== Master Tells Stories Being God or the Devil ?Thinking Makes it So Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Bangkok, Thailand, June 13, 1996 (originally in English) Videotape No. 553 There’s a story about the spirit of Cholera. One day he passed by a meditation practitioner and said, "Hallo, I’m going to China." And the Spiritual practitioner said, "Oh! You’re going to make trouble again!" And Cholera just smiled and flew away to China. So, about a month later, when Cholera came back from China, he just passed by again and said, "Hallo! I’m back." And the practitioner, perhaps a Quan Yin Method practitioner, said, "Oh, so you killed 50,000 people in one month?" And the Cholera ghost said, "No, no, only 25,000." He added, "The other 25,000 died from fear. I didn’t even have to touch them." So sometimes the actual situation is not as terrible as we imagine. And if we face it, it won’t be so bad. It’s just that if we’re very afraid and fearful and run away, we make a lot more trouble than if we just face it. We’ve heard it said by the Buddha: "I am the Buddha; you will be the Buddha; everyone is equal." So what’s the difference? Why are we not the Buddha? It’s just because we don’t think in the way of the Buddha; we don’t do things in the way of the Buddha. We don’t act in the way of the Buddha; we don’t live the life of a Buddha. The Buddha, He meditated, and then He was not attached to any possessions. People might have given Him a golden bowl for food or some beautiful silk for His dress, but even though he would take it or wear it, He was never attached to it. He always sacrificed His life and His time to teach other people. He used His time to remind people to set an example of the noble ideal of humankind, of a Buddha. And all the time, His mind and His thinking were always set on the Buddha, on the highest ideal, on the noblest goal of humankind and of the universe. He never thought of anything else, and He never feared anything. So Maya, the so-called negative force, came and bowed to Him. But here we sit and bow to the negative Maya. That’s the difference. Fear makes a lot of trouble for us; it pushes us below our dignity. So we have to choose a different way of life. If you don’t think of these negative things, they won’t exist. That’s why I tell you not to watch all those bad movies. Don’t watch ghost movies, and don’t go to see all those mediums. Then you believe, "Oh! There’s a ghost coming inside of him." And then you come home and think, "Oh! Maybe that ghost followed me home. Maybe the ghost thinks I’m handsome." Things like this affect us, too. But this is just our feeling; it’s not real. Sometimes fear and attachment stop us from doing many things that we originally could have done or would have been able to do if we hadn’t felt so afraid or weren’t so attached to more comfort and an easier way of life. So try to concentrate all the time on the Buddha, not on ghosts. ================================================================== Media Reports Vegetarian Dog Food Now is Available Report from Tainan, Formosa After several months of effort, Tainan’s Animal Quarantine Department has successfully developed a vegetarian recipe for animal feed, which is now undergoing production and is in the testing stage. At Tainan’s vegetarian dog food presentation seminar on April 16, 2003, Mayor Hsu Tain-tsair expressed his delight at this innovative product and hoped that it could be distributed throughout Formosa, so that dogs could eat healthier food and enjoy a longer life. He also wished that this development could translate into greater hope and care for all forms of life. According to the Animal Quarantine Department, many vegetarians have been deterred from keeping a dog because their pets cannot enjoy vegetarian food as they do. If the dogs could eat vegetarian food as their masters do, then both humans and dogs could experience the purity and serenity of their souls. Meanwhile, the Quarantine Department is appraising and testing the vegetarian feed to determine whether it suits the palate and nutritional needs of stray dogs. The study will soon be extended to determine its influence and impact on domesticated dogs as well. The Tainan Animal Quarantine Department welcomes inquiries from interested parties. The contact phone number is: 06-2130958 (Pet Management Section). E-mail: chou.chuan@msa.hinet.net or adc@mail3.tncg.gov.tw Media-india-jpg Trucks Bring Timely Relief to Drought Victims Rajasthan Pathrika, India April 30, 2003 (originally in Rajasthani) [Jodhpur, April 29, 2003] City mayor Mr. Rajath Kumar Mishra granted permission for a relief activity sponsored by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to be conducted in the Jodhpur area, and soon trucks began carrying food supplies to impoverished and distressed families victimized by the recent drought. During the project, Mr. Mishra felt deeply grateful for the Association’s assistance, and commended the activity as a noble and humanitarian effort. The SMCH Association provides timely help wherever people are in need or suffering from disasters. The ideal of the Association is to assist victims who require aid, and its activities are not restricted by time or national boundaries. Another governmental officer, Mr. Rajiv Jain, said that the Association supplied five trucks bearing relief kits to victims in the vicinity of Jodhpur, including Upkhand Jodhpur, Phipad, Falodhi, Osian and Shorghad, thus aiding thousands of suffering families in drought affected villages. Each truck carried eleven tons of relief supplies consisting of wheat, beans and cooking oil. Expenditures for Northwestern India Drought Relief and Aid Supported by Supreme Master Ching Hai (Unit: Rupee) Description Expenditures Receipt No. Food for victims in the Pali district 884,940 B1 Food for victims in the Jodhpur and Barmer districts 1,671,250 B2 Food for victims in the Jaisalmer district 1,317,750 B3 Transportation fees 92,505 B4 Miscellaneous (Banner construction: fabric, plastic tape, etc.) 40,504 B5 Underground water tanks 1,041,500 B6 Well-consolidation costs 337,500 B6 Transportation allowance for the Red Cross, Jaisalmer 25,000 Nil Telecommunications fee 3,745 Nil Total Rupee5,414,694 (=US$116,294.97) india-received-144.jpg ================================================================== Vegetarian Restaurants Around the World London, United Kingdom Joi Cafe: (also sells veggie frozen food) 14 Percy Street (off Tottenham Court Road), London w1, U.K. Tel: 020-7323-0981 Thai Veg 13 Islington High Street, London N1 (Agel Tbe stn ), U.K. Tel:020-7837-7767 Thai Veg 271 Muswell Hill Broadway, London N10, U.K. Tel: 020-8442-0558 CTV (also sells veggie frozen food) 22 Golders Green Road, London NW11 8LL, U.K. Tel: 020-8201-8001 Tai 10 Greek Street Soho W1, U.K. Tel: 020-7287-3730 Wai 32 Goodge Street, London W1, U.K. VegVeg 6 Kentish Town Road, London NW1, U.K. Tai Veg 81 Kentish Town Road, London NW1, U.K. Please visit the following website for other information about worldwide vegetarian houses (restaurants): http://www.godsdirectcontact.us/com/vegetarian/veg.html ================================================================== Beautiful People and Beautiful Events Life-giving Spring Breeze and Rain -- A School Counselor Follows Master’s Enlightened Example An Exclusive Interview with the recipient of the Taipei Excellent Teacher Award by the Taipei News Group, Formosa Sister Yang Shih-Jui, Dean of Studies at the renowned Taipei Municipal First Girls?Senior High School, and an educator with twenty-one years of counseling experience, has come to realize the true meaning of her career and family life through her spiritual pursuits and practice. On Teachers?Day 2002, sister Yang received the Taipei Excellent Teacher Award in Guidance and Special Education. One might ask: How does this exemplary educator of the country’s finest educational institute find the source of power to balance spiritual practice and mundane life? To answer this question, the Supreme Master Ching Hai News conducted an exclusive interview with sister Yang, who is more than happy to share her experiences with readers. Cherishing Blessings in Pursuing Her Ideals "There are several ways to teach people: Some seize the best opportunity to educate like a timely rain; some transform students according to their individual personalities so as to perfect their moral integrity." These famous teaching ideals espoused by sister Yang are contained in The Mencius (a foundational text of Confucianism). Her untiring and persistent teaching, counseling and guidance, which are based on her students?needs and aptitudes, won her the Excellent Teacher Award and high praise from Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (see photo). About this special honor, Dean Yang said humbly, "For me, being a teacher is the greatest honor and pleasure. I consider receiving an award based on my work to be an ‘extra prize.?It is my greatest happiness to be able to help teenagers and excel along with them!" The teacher-student rapport and trust that Dean Yang has developed over the years arise from her profound understanding and consideration of the needs of others. "Dean Yang was the instructor for our career guidance course and we learned a lot from her! She always wears an amiable smile," said a second-year student at the High School. "Whenever we see her, we want to run over and greet her loudly: ‘Hi, Dean Yang!? I think it’s probably because she always puts herself in our shoes and makes us feel she really understands us!" Such sincerity and closeness between teacher and students are further fruits of Dean Yang’s spiritual cultivation as she applies her spiritual insights to make her counseling work more successful. Enlightenment from a Spiritual Teacher Since childhood, Dean Young has longed for the Truth. "I often wondered if God heard my prayers," she said. "Were the stories in the Bible true? Why did I still feel empty deep in my heart? I had always hoped someone could give me the answer to these questions." She also recalled, "Being raised in a Christian environment, I enjoyed going to Sunday school and singing hymns. I had a very happy childhood there. When I grew up, however, I found that it didn’t satisfy me. Deep in my heart I was still filled with emptiness and perplexity. In senior high school, as I studied history, I became interested in Buddhist and Zen stories. But then another query perplexed me: Why can’t Buddhism be compatible with Christianity? Once, when I had already been a student advisor for a few years, I listened to one of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s lectures, during which I was greatly enlightened and realized that many different religions share the same origins! Besides, at the same time I was deeply touched by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s infinite love. I started my spiritual practice from that time, and now, fourteen years has past." For a teacher who views education as her lifelong aspiration, Dean Yang has an unusually deep understanding of and admiration for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s selfless devotion and supreme benevolence. On this topic, Dean Yang says, "I remember Master once saying that She has had no Saturdays or Sundays since She became a Master. Because Her disciples are more diverse and numerous than those of ordinary teachers, She has to totally sacrifice Herself in order to satisfy their needs. So She not only gives public lectures, offering tangible teachings for us to understand and absorb intellectually, but also instructs by example and practice, giving Her care and love according to each disciple’s demands. And this is something that other teachers cannot do. She offers us words of wisdom and meticulous concern that no other teacher is capable of! She treats all disciples with the greatest love. Her teachings, either in terms of verbal inspiration or spiritual revelation, are all the best. Master’s spirit of altruistic sacrifice and devotion is truly amazing!" "I still remember once after finishing a lecture, Master sincerely said to the audience, "I’m leaving. If you’re a Buddhist, continue to be a happy Buddhist. If you’re a Christian, be a happy Christian." I was moved to tears by these words! Master’s broad-mindedness was extraordinary. I could feel deeply that She was sincerely blessing each of us, and was profoundly touched by Her love!" Potential Tapped by Spiritual Practice and Applications in Daily Work Dean Yang has broadened her vision of education through spiritual practice, and has also applied her spiritual contentment and love to her work. When mentioning the changes she has experienced since starting to meditate, Dean Yang insisted, "Before beginning my spiritual practice, I was just an ordinary teacher making use of my professional knowledge and psychological training in my counseling work. But after starting to practice with Master Ching Hai, I gained a more profound realization of psychology, and since then I’ve been more able to apply this knowledge and utilize it appropriately in my job. Only with the greater love and patience that I gained through practice was I able to bring my academic training into full play!" How has Dean Yang relied on her experiences in spiritual cultivation to overcome challenges in her work after being initiated by Supreme Master Ching Hai? In response to this question she said, "Master once told us that from the day of our initiation we’re connected with God. I thus put each day in the hands of Master, go to work with the attitude of learning from my job, and see what I’ll experience that day. I majored in psychology and counseling so my work is usually associated with people who are troubled, and their moods often affect me. However, since being initiated and beginning to practice the Quan Yin Method, I’ve been able to face the unpredictable nature of my work and meet daily challenges with a happy mood. My attitude has become increasingly positive, and I look at life in a more natural way. As for my counseling work, which is contingent on my clients?frame of mind, the most common situation is to see an unhappy student come to ask for help, which often requires putting down a project or interrupting a meal or break to give assistance. Of course, at such times I might struggle a bit in my heart, but I then remember Master, compare my work with Her sacrifices for us, and realize that the slight inconveniences I experience on my job are nothing." "Everyone has times of fatigue and low spirits. So we can’t always be sure that we’re doing the best teaching for our students through our speech and actions." Dean Yang, who meditates daily, sincerely faces the challenges of her career and realizes that endless love and wisdom from within are the best guidance for both her students and herself. On this topic she says, "It’s very dangerous to live without spiritual practice! We don’t know what kinds of people, events or challenges we may encounter each day. As an advisor, I feel strongly about this as we are unlike other teachers who have routine courses and face the same students day after day. Although our students are required to make appointments before they come to talk with us, we have no idea which part of their psychic experience they will reveal. With some students, you never know why they suddenly appear on a given day. Under the circumstances, if you don’t maintain enough love and wisdom, how can you have good interactions with others? Looking back over the ages of twenty to thirty in my life, it was really a great risk! But now I feel very safe as I clearly experience my inner power by each day contacting God, contacting nature, which gives me the feeling that I’m continuously walking in the Tao. No matter what you do, you’ll feel this great power ?‘Hes?is supporting you, accompanying you, ‘Hes?is giving you the best guidance." The Expectations of Modern Youth The confusion of values in contemporary society has a deep impact on our youth as many wonder what course in life to follow. However Dean Yang points out a specific direction: "During adolescence, a student basically doesn’t have much confidence in himself and is still searching for self-identity. Particularly in modern society, people are confused about social values so it’s not easy for a student to find his or her own self or be certain about a direction in life! But we do hope our students or adolescents will gain self-confidence and easily discover their self-identity. I often encourage them to read positive books and see good films so as not to let their hearts become filled with too much sorrow, worry and violent or negative thoughts during this period of their lives; for these influences can affect their entire way of thinking. If students have their own religious beliefs due to family background or other circumstances, and understand that in nature there is a better and higher power to guide them and let them feel they are in the Tao at all times, I believe it will be easier for them to be more positive about themselves." Spiritual Practice Benefits Family Life A successful career woman often has a happy family life. In our visit with Dean Yang’s family, we felt the support and respect between her and her husband, and the inspiration and educational rapport between them and their children. As Dean Yang said, "My husband and I have always loved each other; however, since we began our spiritual quest, our love has grown deeper. There’s nothing that we can’t share. We’re more than friends. I feel very lucky to have such a good spiritual partner and to know that we can encourage and help each other on the spiritual path. We’ve learned to respect and love each other more since our initiation; so I’m able to treat our children with more flexibility, unlike many parents who care too much about their children’s school work and worry too much about their future, thus affecting the parent-child relationship." How does this "teacher mom’s" teenage son, who has been a vegetarian and spiritual practitioner along with his parents since early childhood, feel about his mother? In response to this question, he said, "What I like best is that Mom treats me like a friend. We can open our hearts to reveal our innermost thoughts. Our relations are not only like those between mother and son, but like that between friends who always know what’s in the other’s mind." When asked about the aspect of his family that makes him happiest, the young man said without hesitation, "I have a Mom who’s more ‘fashionable?than anyone else’s!" Conclusion Sister Yang has gained much wisdom from the perfect example set by Supreme Master Ching Hai, and has applied it both in education and in her family life. For years, she has felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Master, whom she has not seen for a long time. As she states, "I miss Her very much and hope that we can have more chances to see Her and listen to Her words as we did before. But Master takes care of us down to the very last detail as She is with us at all times, and so I feel Her love constantly." Sister Yang’s total faith in Master makes her feel stronger and more at ease than she was earlier in her life; the wisdom and love developed through her meditation practice are the sources of her motivation, enabling her to face the challenges of teaching and counseling in a more balanced way. This interview was aired on Sun TV in serial # 34 and 35 of the A Journey through Aesthetic Realms TV program: http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/hichannel/index.htm (In Chinese, with English subtitles) ================================================================== Front Line Formosa’s Indigenous Wedding Exhibition "Mountain folks ?God’s folks" is the term of endearment given to members of Formosa’s indigenous ethnic groups by Supreme Master Ching Hai. To a question by a Zulu guest during Her 1999 South African lecture tour about the wide variety of races in the world, Master replied, "Since God is colorful and talented, just like Hes created different kinds of flowers to please us, Hes also created peoples with different skin colors, and we should feel pleased about this." From May 3 to 28, 2003, the first Formosa Indigenous Wedding Exhibition was held at the Chiang Kai-shek Gallery of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. The Taipei Center of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association participated in the event, where Master’s artistic creations and more than sixty pure, colorful paintings by children from the island’s indigenous cultures were displayed. On May 2, at a press conference before the Exhibition’s opening ceremony, one guest said that she could hear the sound of soft, beautiful singing reverberating in the venue. On learning that no music was being played at the time, she felt that what she had heard was Supreme Master Ching Hai's singing since she had heard Master’s voice on earlier occasions. Fellow initiates believed that it had been our compassionate Master’s spiritual manifestation form coming to bless everyone. During the Exhibition, an art teacher said that after appreciating Master’s paintings, he noted that they were natural without signs of deliberate polishing, and that their mood and meaning were presented in a pure, simple way. He added that since he had previously known of Master only through media reports and thus had had inadequate information about Her, it was an honor for him to get to know Her better by viewing Her work firsthand. Another visitor, Ms. Tan, an overseas Chinese, came especially to learn about Master’s teachings, for she deeply admired Master’s love, which made no discrimination among people of various races, skin colors or religions. After a thorough discussion with the sister acting as receptionist, the guest very much agreed with Master’s teachings and requested many pamphlets before leaving. This year, May 24 happened to fall on a weekend and on that date an indigenous costume show and awards presentation ceremony were held at the venue. The show was very refreshing because of the sophisticated design and exquisite tailoring of the costumes worn by the models and the harmonious singing of three aboriginal performers. In addition, scholarships and grants were presented to indigenous schoolchildren, while workers who had long been involved in aboriginal cultural activities and arts received awards. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association not only participated in the Exhibition, but also provided many services such as decorating the venue, sponsoring research in indigenous arts, funding scholarships for outstanding indigenous children, and providing audio facilities and delicious vegetarian snacks. These efforts received a warm response from visitors to the Chiang Kai-shek Gallery, which radiated a loving light due to the social concern and support for indigenous people expressed at the event, which dispelled the gloom of the SARS epidemic in Taipei. Sidelights of the Event Connotations of Master’s Artistic Creations Ms. Wang Guangyu, executive director of a local community college, could hardly contain her tears as she gazed in appreciation at Master’s Longevity Lamp "Fire Extinguishing Fan." And when she walked toward the lamp "Protection Power," tears gushed from her eyes all the more. Ms. Wang, who is from a well-known Formosan family, has had a satisfying career and happy family life, but she had never experienced such a profound vibration in her soul as she did at the Exhibition. After an explanation by fellow initiates at the venue, she realized that the experience was the result of the supreme blessings derived from Master’s creations. Ms. Wang made many comments as she appreciated Master’s artistic works one by one. For example, she said that the subjects of the painting "Heavenly Flowers" were real, virtuous and beautiful flora that revealed to her the most beautiful side of life and that the work’s awesome power was beyond her comprehension. Also, "The Flowers in the Heart Will Not Wither" expressed the highest possible state of ecstasy. Similarly, "Longing" evoked a sense of spiritual elevation as if Master were guiding her to the highest realm of life, along with a deep inner experience that transcended words. "Stone Cave" revealed to Ms. Wang the window of the soul that clears up human blindness and confusion. In addition, Master’s bamboo lamp "Elixir Vase" was a very original masterpiece suggesting that Mother Earth gave birth to all creatures, and giving her a feeling of the spiritual beauty and unity of all things. Ms. Wang expressed her gratitude to Master for Her love in enlightening and elevating her soul in these brief encounters about the significance of Her creative works. A friend who came with her said that as a soul who refused to be polluted by the world, Ms. Wang had always been sincere and warmhearted, and it was therefore easy for her to be in tune with Master and feel Her love and powerful magnetic field. Elixir Vase Stone Cave ================================================================== Master’s Wonders Entrust Everything to Master Narrated by sister initiate Phan, Iloilo City Recorded by the Manila Center News Group, the Philippines (originally in Aulacese) For the past thirteen years, many Aulacese people have resided in Philippine refugee camps, and throughout this time our lives have been smooth and peaceful through Master’s blessings despite turbulence and pressure. In the year 2002, the president of Aulac met with the president of the Philippines to discuss sending the Aulacese refugees back to Au Lac. The meeting was reported on the daily newspapers, and upon learning this news, I became very concerned. In my anxiety, I remembered an event that occurred eleven years ago. The first time Master visited the Philippine refugee camp, She spent a great deal of time showing Her love to hospital patients and gave them comfort when they needed it most. One of the patients was a woman who had had longstanding heart problems and could have died at any time. She had to go to the hospital almost every day and was sad and worried for her young children who would have no one to care for them if she were gone. At this time, Master came to her bed, touched her on the head and said, "You’ll be fine!" Three years later, the woman’s illness flared up again and she had to be transferred to Manila for treatment. She felt that her body was dead from her heart down to her feet and called to Master for help. Then suddenly she saw a circle of light surrounding her body with extreme intensity for two to three minutes, and felt an electric current from above running very quickly down to her feet. A few days later, the woman’s health was restored and she was discharged from the hospital. Since then, every time she has run into trouble, she says, "Master, please help me! I have young children with no one to care for them, Master!" She then hears Master’s voice talking to her. Each time she thinks of Master, remembers Her and prays to Her, she sees Master appear with very clear and intense light. Even her three-year-old daughter also sees Master appear and calls out upon seeing Her spiritual manifestation form. But except for the mother and daughter, the whole household can not see anything. Since these experiences began, the woman has had a very good life. Recalling this story, I felt confident that Master’s power protects everyone, not just Her disciples and thought about my own case. I was Master’s disciple so of course She knew about my situation so why did I worry too much? I then decided to let Master arrange everything, felt a heavy burden falling from my shoulders and became relaxed. Whatever would come tomorrow did not worry me anymore. The refugee problem in the Philippines is still not resolved and on the surface we are not yet settled. But now I just let it be and understand that I cannot do anything for myself, but Master does everything for me. Each time I think of Master, I always feel peaceful and comfortable and try very diligently to practice spirituality as a way to repay the love She has given me. Finally, I want to express my highest love and respect for Master and say I miss Her very much. An Amazing Miracle Narrated by brother initiate Doan Nguyen, Iloilo City Recorded by the Manila Center News Group, the Philippines (originally in Aulacese) Once a disciple went to visit an initiate-to-be and on the way back got a ride from a friend who was not a disciple. Since it was a long way to his home, they had to drive overnight. They were traveling at high speed on a highway when everyone in the car was sleeping and the driver was also falling asleep. Suddenly there was a loud noise, and everyone in the car was shocked as it felt as though they were being tossed into the air. The car had run into an electric post and become completely crushed. The disciple crawled out from under the car and noticed that there was not a single cut on his body. He then helped pull the initiate-to-be and the driver out of the car. The initiate-to-be only had small scratches on one of his arms and the driver remained unconscious for fifteen minutes, then woke up with just a slight headache. When the chief of transportation and the police came to the scene of the accident, they were very surprised to see that the three men were fine even though the car had been totally demolished. The chief of transportation then embraced the disciple, and said that God had protected everyone in the car. He added that no words could express his feelings about the miracle, the likes of which he had never seen in his entire career in transportation. When the insurance company representative came, he saw that the car was beyond repair and decided to give the owner a new one. Earlier, when the disciple had come to visit the initiate-to-be, he saw that a pendant with Master’s picture had been left in a corner. He then put it around his neck, and when the accident occurred, he felt that there was a very strong energy protecting him. He knew that Master had been watching over him every moment during the accident and had saved the lives of everyone in the car. The disciple then felt ashamed since he believed that his practice was still weak and his behavior careless. He was very grateful for Master’s love and care during his recent trauma, and decided to practice harder. Everyone else was also very grateful to Master for protecting their lives, and for giving them the opportunity to continue practicing for liberation and enlightenment so that they will not have to come back to another life of impermanence and suffering. Faith through Master’s Artwork ?My Journey from Disbelief to Understanding by a would-be initiate, Mainland China My wife and I had always been a happy couple from the time we were young. We were a family that all our relatives and neighbors admired. But several years ago, my wife received the book, The Key of Immediate Enlightenment, from a sister initiate and our lives began to change. After reading the book, she decided to follow Master Ching Hai on the spiritual path and hoped that I would do the same. Although I could accept part of Master’s teachings, I did not believe in God and the concept of a soul and could not accept spiritual practice or a vegetarian diet because I was a materialist. I could not renounce this world and felt that being a vegan would prevent me from having normal relationships with friends and relatives. This was a matter of principle. Thus, the greatest disharmony that my wife and I had ever experienced arose in our married life. I thought of many ways to prevent my wife from getting initiated. I even spent tens of thousands of RMB (Chinese currency) on sightseeing tours around the country, hoping that she would give up the idea of spiritual practice. But this method proved useless. Eventually we made a compromise and agreed that she could practice the Convenient Method, which resulted in her missing an opportunity for initiation. I did not suspect then that she would become dissatisfied with the Convenient Method and increasingly anxious for initiation. As she became more and more earnest about her wish to be initiated, the conflict between us grew more serious as well. During that time, I experienced an anguish that I had never before felt in my life. I thought about divorce, but was afraid to hurt my wife and lose her because I loved her so much. The more I hindered her spiritual practice, the more she suffered, and the more hatred filled my heart. I hated her attachment to the Quan Yin Method, and I hated the sister who had given her the book, blaming her for bringing discord into our lives. Although I used every way I could to prevent her from doing so, my wife still received initiation in Korea without my knowledge. When I recall my behavior during that time, I find myself to have been absolutely ridiculous: an ordinary man wanting to fight God’s power. It was like an insect trying to stop a car. After my wife returned from Korea, I felt calmer and more at peace. I began to introspect on my behavior and, without questioning, followed her in maintaining a pure vegetarian diet, and renounced alcohol as well. Of course, all this must be attributed to Master’s immense love. However, I still could not join my wife on the spiritual path. Then in June, 2002, my wife bought two paintings by Master?quot;The Stone Cave" and "Hope." And within a week of her purchases, on consecutive nights I unexpectedly dreamt of Master taking me to beautiful realms. The most unforgettable memory was of Master taking me to a majestic hall, where there were only pillars but no roof. Brilliant golden light shone everywhere, and it was difficult to describe how splendid it was. Master talked to me like an old friend, saying that I should be open-minded and detached. She said that everything in life is our own choice and that we should live the way we want. On hearing this, I became very happy, thinking that Master understood me and was granting me freedom. A few days later, I dreamed of Master taking me through a black hole in the universe where countless shining stars flew past us. I felt that we were moving many times faster than the stars. When passing through the middle of the black hole, I saw a light like that in the painting "The Stone Cave," followed by dazzlingly white light. My feelings at the time cannot be expressed in human language. After that, I started to study Master’s teachings very carefully and understood deeply that everything Master says is true! Then I began to practice the Convenient Method and have had great experiences during meditation. Master often takes me to various beautiful realms and I now understand what real happiness is. My hatred toward my wife has changed into love, and we can find things to discuss about Master’s teachings every day. I am truly grateful to Master for giving me a happier family. Master conveyed power and wisdom through Her paintings, changing my beliefs completely so that I realize the omnipresence of the Master power! I am now eager to receive Master’s initiation as soon as possible. ================================================================== Master Tells Jokes Keep It Simple, Please! Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, October 1, 1999 (originally in English) A teacher asked his student, "Charles, why is it so difficult for you to learn how to spell?" And Charles said, "Because you keep changing the words all the time." A Case of Delayed Profits Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, October 6, 1999 (originally in English) A motorist was driving his motorcycle in Texas and accidentally hit a young cow and killed it. So the driver went to the farmer who owned the cow and tried to make it up to him, explaining that it was just an accident and that he was willing to pay whatever price the cow was worth. The farmer said, "It’s worth a hundred dollars now, but in six years?time, it will be worth eight hundred dollars. So I want eight hundred dollars, all right?" Then the motorist wrote a check for eight hundred dollars and gave it to the farmer, saying, "Here’s eight hundred dollars. I post-dated the check for six years from now." Who’s on Vacation? Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, October 6, 1999 (originally in English) There was a man who was walking to a train station with two friends at his sides. Because the train was delayed, the three of them sat down for a cup of coffee. And then they also drank some alcohol. After a while they forgot all about the train. So they drank and talked, and talked and drank. But then they heard the final announcement that the train was leaving so the three got up and ran. And the man who was walking between his two friends had drunk too much and fell a little behind and couldn’t catch up. The other two caught the caboose and went away with the train. Then the man, the one who had been between his two friends, stopped there and laughed and laughed again. Everyone around the man began to look at him and said, "What are you laughing at? You missed the train, you know?" And the man said, "Yeah, Yeah, I know I missed the train, but I’m laughing at my two friends because they had supposedly just come to see me off!" ================================================================== Story World Fighting SARS with Master in My Heart ?A Nurse’s Testimony by sister initiate Zhang Xuhong, Hong Kong (originally in Chinese) I am a nurse at a major public hospital in Hong Kong. One month after I was initiated on February 9, 2003, Hong Kong experienced one of the gravest crises in its history ?the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic. This outbreak increased my understanding of my vocation as a nurse and of the value of human life, and also taught me lessons about gratitude. Most of all, I experienced Master’s blessing and witnessed Her immense power. When the epidemic broke out, I was deeply saddened to see my colleagues infected by SARS one after another. In my twenty years as a nurse, I had never thought that my work would expose me to the risk of death, but in this case the only thing I could do was take the best possible care of my patients and soothe their hearts, hoping that they would recover soon. When the epidemic was at its worst, the medical staff drew lots to determine who should work in SARS wards to replace those who had fallen in the struggle or were too worn out to continue. Despite the strenuous fight I was engaged in against SARS, there was no trace of fear in my heart. I knew that I would be all right, being protected by Master’s love. I am truly thankful to God for blessing me with my nursing profession so that I can serve sentient beings. Through my work, I am able to send Hiers love and mercy to my fellow human beings at times of their greatest need for care and concern. When many medical workers had been infected by SARS and my colleagues were in low spirits, I prayed to Master to give us a place where we could all relax and soothe our minds. I am really thankful to Master for in early April the hospital set up a "heart nurturing room" for medical workers. Inside there is an abundance of spiritual books and music. The room also contains a place for meditation called "the quiet pavilion." It is really unbelievable that inside a hospital in the bustling city of Hong Kong, this small piece of "pure land" exists for the purpose of nourishing our hearts and spirits! In addition, knowing the benefits of keeping a vegetarian diet, I prayed to Master that the medical staff could have a chance to eat vegetarian. For this purpose I wrote a long letter asking the management committee of the hospital’s cafeteria to add vegetarian dishes to its menu. Thanks to Master’s grace, the authorities consented and immediately offered a vegetarian menu for all three meals each day. Master’s mercy also shone on my twelve-year-old daughter, who had previously been opposed to my vegetarian diet. About two weeks ago, she suddenly said, "Mum, I’m going to be a vegetarian from today onward. Is it okay?" I was really moved. I am thankful for Master’s compassion and love! With Master’s care and protection, Hong Kong has finally come through its battle against SARS. Those medical workers who heroically lost their lives did not die in vain. They completed their assignments from God and returned to Heaven to experience eternal peace. In the three months since my initiation, with Master’s blessing, my life has undergone many changes, and I feel extremely thankful! Hereby I share with everyone my experiences and Master’s love! Regarding Quarantine as "Retreat" by sister initiate Liyue, Kaoshiung, Formosa "If you should be so lucky as to be quarantined, I will certainly bring you food. Don’t worry!" Who would have expected that such a remark made as a joke would actually come true due to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Formosa? On receiving news that fellow practitioners working at a hospital had been quarantined due to the SARS epidemic, many fellow initiates voluntarily offered as much support as possible. Thanks to Master’s blessings, they were able to deliver some practical and useful materials, blessed food and drinking water to the nursing staff. All this was done quietly until people began to inquire repeatedly, "Which spiritual group do you belong to, that you are courageous enough to enter here?" When they learned that we were disciples of Supreme Master Ching Hai, they were very touched and expressed their gratitude to Master! It was indeed a coincidence that the materials sent to the hospital were just the right amount needed by the nursing staff. Master’s loving blessing is always just right to suit the occasion! Fellow practitioners love to joke among themselves while facing adverse or difficult situations with the greatest optimism. Thus, when such circumstances arose recently due to the SARS outbreak, Formosan initiates felt honored to have the opportunity to render assistance and encouragement to their brothers and sisters in "retreat" at the hospital. Spiritual practitioners do see things differently than others! Thus they can regard a quarantine as a retreat for spiritual practice. During such a retreat, no one would ever dare to disturb you, while you are also not allowed to go out as you like. During the whole process, the united, selfless, silent and loving sacrifice of the initiates was obvious and truly touching. Although such behavior is natural for spiritual practitioners, we initiates still remember what Master has often told us: "Helping others is helping ourselves." Thank You, Mama, for Your grace and for giving us the opportunity to learn another lesson in love. ================================================================== While on the Path Experiencing a Pure Sense of Existence by fellow initiate Pengfei, disaster relief worker in India (originally in Chinese) Before my recent trip to India to assist in Master’s drought relief project, I was often troubled by mundane affairs and aspired to live a free and easy lifestyle in which I could take care of my living expenses, minimize outside activities and thus help myself in my spiritual practice. However, being unable to distinguish between "needs" and "wants" in my life, I could never make ends meet. To my surprise, this seemingly difficult problem was easily solved after I returned to Formosa from India. While in India, our work team stayed mainly in the state of Rajasthan, which was plagued for several years by a severe drought that reached crisis proportions in the spring of 2003. Many parts of the state had suffered from inadequate rainfall for seven of the past ten years, and several areas had not seen any rain for four or five consecutive years. The local people thus lived a hard, simple life. Amazingly, however, the unbearable heat gave one a pure sense of existence. Here, there seemed to be no difference between "you" and "me"; social status and career success seemed of little importance (everyone’s status and position were more or less the same anyway). The greatest enjoyment for the people was to quietly wait until the scorching sun and heat departed at nightfall, and good friends could get together in small groups to leisurely drink warm milk tea or soft drinks and share the coolness of the night. My greatest pleasure during this period was to return to my living quarters after work and have a bowl of simple soup made of mineral water, noodles, vegetables and a pinch of monosodium glutamate (MSG). The concoction tasted just marvelous and I felt as if I were in Heaven every time I ate it. I even began to feel thankful for the MSG although I formerly used to shun it for health reasons. After several days of this "survival" training, I learned to be grateful for "the pure sense of existence" I was experiencing in India. In order to carry on, I learned to change some of my ideas and came to understand what was "essential" for survival and what was "surplus." In the past, the ability to make such a distinction was something that could only come by coincidence for me. So I had not expected it to naturally and miraculously emerge after returning to Formosa. Now, no matter what difficulties I encounter, my memories of life in India make them all easy to solve, and I can quickly make decisions about what to accept and what to reject in daily affairs. Thank God, a passage to India opened my wisdom eye about the nature of life and forever erased my anxieties. It was truly a rebirth! Here in India, I know You by fellow initiate Pengfei, disaster relief worker in India (originally in Chinese) For a long time before my initiation I had longed to know God. And when I saw all kinds of strange phenomena occurring in the world, my longing became more intense. Since meeting Master, I have had an indescribable and even stronger yearning for Master’s infinite love and a desire to understand God better. On the disaster-relief trip, we initiates went to India theoretically to serve and to "give" to others, but in reality, we were the ones at the receiving end. During the five-day 2002 Christmas retreat in Florida, Master patiently answered my question about such loving service. She said that when She serves children or takes care of animals, She feels a double sense of happiness: One is from within Herself, and the other is transferred from those She serves. Through Master’s loving answer, I came to realize that for most of my life I had been doing things with my mind, and so I became easily exhausted over the "endless" work I had to accomplish. Although I then discovered where the problem was, I still felt some regrets because I did not know all about the services offered by my local center and had little chance to experience the direct and simple opportunities for spiritual growth available there. Amazingly, this subtle feeling and wish in my heart, which I had not even perceived myself, was taken care of by Master and realized one year later while I was in India. Throughout the 40-day disaster-relief project in Rajasthan, the initiate volunteers rushed back and forth, overcoming countless difficulties before we finally delivered the food supplies purchased by the Supreme Master Ching Hai relief team to the starving drought victims. Also, we witnessed the completion of a reservoir and several wells, and the initiation of some local people by a Quan Yin messenger. During this process, I came to truly understand how God meticulously cares for Hiers children, and was overwhelmed by the vastness of divine love. Even though this activity was but a mere particle in the span of universal history, I sincerely believe that the seeds of love were planted deep in the souls of the Indian people through Master’s compassionate concern. Finally, I wish to offer my most profound gratitude to Master with these lines: Without You, I would not have known of the existence of God; The mysterious God reveals Hiers presence because of You; Your love benefits everything and reaches all beings; Thanks to You, I know that God really exists! (Written in India) ================================================================== Love in Action Combined Report on International Humanitarian Aid by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Love Knows No Boundaries Disasters Bring True Concern Knowing that over the past few months, a number of disasters have occurred around the world, causing many people to live in fear and apprehension, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately instructed members of the Association to conduct urgent relief activities. Amid these events, many individuals have transcended national boundaries and ethnicity to show true love and concern for humankind by helping others and bringing them infinite light and hope for the future. Related news coverage and Master’s enlightening discourse are available for online viewing on Sun TV Program serial No. 38, 41, 42 and 43 of A Journey through Aesthetic Realms. Please visit: http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/hichannel/index.htm (In Chinese, with English subtitles) Report from India Drought Relief and Well Drilling in Northwestern India Love5-1-144.jpg Nectar for the Body and Spirit Over the past few years, northwestern India has suffered from an ongoing drought, but the situation deteriorated this year as crops failed and people suffered from severe water and food shortages. On learning of the situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai directed fellow practitioners to carry out relief work in the villages near the four major cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pali and Barmer in the state of Rajasthan. Toward the end of April, 2003, approximately 40 fellow initiates from the U.K., Singapore and Formosa arrived in India and quickly purchased large amounts of staple foods for delivery to drought victims. The volunteers worked in three groups to coordinate distribution of the provisions with local governments and related organizations. When the first group of initiates arrived in Jaisalmer to discuss the relief work with local officials, they were overjoyed at the torrential downpours that fell for one whole hour in the city, which had not seen rain for a long time! At the end of the visit, the officials happily posed for a photo holding one of Master’s books. During the first week of May, with the help of the cities?mayors and local organizations such as the Red Cross and MMBA (Mahila Mandal Barmer Agor), the volunteers worked in scorching temperatures reaching 54 degrees Celsius to distribute the provisions to 10,500 families, thus temporarily resolving the local food shortage. The mayor of Jodhpur, Mr. Rajath Kumar Mishra, observed that it was the first time in many years that the region had received help and concern from a non-profit international organization. Before the relief team set out on its mission, he made special arrangements to hold a flag presentation ceremony to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her help. In addition, on learning about Master’s loving instructions to render aid to his people, Pali mayor Mr. Arun Purohit immediately arranged for local residents to help the initiates and thus speed up the operation. Mr Purohit also expressed his encouragement by personally seeing the relief workers off on their journey. When the relief work was completed at Barmer, the initiates learned that the local government had insufficient funds to build more underground water storage tanks and consolidate wells for the local communities. So the relief team immediately subsidized the purchase of materials to build 50 water tanks and consolidate 21 wells with the help of the MMBA. The water storage tanks in the community are designed to receive water from water vehicles in times of drought, and to store rainwater during the wet season. In order for local residents to be ready before the next rainy season, the construction work was stepped up so that it could be completed by mid-June, 2003. When finished, the project will benefit more than seven thousand people. The villagers were very thankful to Master for delivering them from the misery of having to walk more than ten kilometers daily across the desert to get water. Love5-8-144.jpg,love5-7-144.jpg, love5-14-144.jpg, love5-15-144.jpg, love5-2,3,4-144.jpg: Residents of Rajasthan state happily receive food supplies. love5-12-144.jpg, love5-13-144.jpg: To memorialize Master’s merciful actions, Barmer residents carved the words "Guru Ma (Mother-teacher) Ching Hai" on the newly built water tanks and consolidated wells. The Land of the Kings Bathes in the Grace of God As discussed above, fellow practitioners recently conducted relief operations in the state of Rajasthan, which means "Land of the Kings" in the local dialect. There ancient palaces and castles built in fine, classical style continue to stand tall, and one can tell from such architecture that the region is a place of high spirituality. When the practitioners arrived in Delhi, several young drivers from the area drove them to Jodhpur. On the way, one happily exchanged spiritual views with the initiates. During the three-week journey of relief work conducted by the group, the drivers were moved by Master’s love, and of their own accord donned the Association’s green vests worn by the fellow practitioners and pitched in to help with the relief operation. In the end, three of the drivers learned the Convenient Method while two received initiation and joined the QuanYin Family. In addition to distributing relief materials, the fellow initiates brought along spiritual nectar ?Master’s sample booklets. Some people who received the booklets immediately placed them against their wisdom eyes, and some began discussing them at once while others displayed them behind the windshields of their taxis. Children crowded in to obtain Master’s photo, and Master’s videos, originally broadcast indoors for the children, also attracted the attention of adults who were only too happy to stand and watch. Though life is hard for the people of Rajasthan, their longing for spiritual elevation is nonetheless intense. During the journey, the relief workers were scheduled to stay in a farmhouse known as the Raman Guest House, and the host’s brother-in-law was at the entrance to receive them when they arrived. He told the initiates that he had dreamed daily of Master in different forms and appearances, and also saw the fellow practitioners. So by the time they arrived, he was already looking forward to meeting these "old friends." It’s worth noting that many members of the MMBA, after working with the initiates for nearly a month, accepted Master’s teachings, realizing that the development of wisdom and love is beneficial to their charity work. Eight members of the group received initiation and voluntarily began translating Master’s teachings in hopes of sharing the message of Truth in India. During the relief operation in Rajasthan, the workers travelled more than a thousand kilometers, more than fifty local residents learned the Convenient Method, over twenty received initiation into the Quan Yin Method and innumerable souls were elevated by hearing Master’s name. During the Convenient Method session, many saw the inner Light of God, and some experienced the Light form of Master’s manifestation. Everyone had happy experiences, looking contented and swinging their heads vigorously back and forth to tell fellow practitioners, "I have seen God!" (Most Indians swing their heads sideways when they mean to express agreement.) Expenditures for Northwestern India Drought Relief and Aid Supported by Supreme Master Ching Hai (Unit: Rupe) Description Expenditures Receipt Food for victims in the Pali district 884,940 B1 Food for victims in the Jodhpur and Barmer districts 1,671,250 B2 Food for victims in the Jaisalmer district 1,317,750 B3 Transportation fees 92,505 B4 Miscellaneous (Banner construction: fabric, plastic tape, etc.) 40,504 B5 Underground water tanks 1,041,500 B6 Well-consolidation costs 337,500 B6 Transportation allowance for the Red Cross, Jaisalmer 25,000 Nil Telecommunications fee 3,745 Nil Total Rupee5,414,694 =US$116,294.97 Love5-5-144.jpg: A local Indian driver places Master’s photo and banner on a relief truck of his own accord. Love5-10-144.jpg: Local residents in Rajasthan discuss Master’s sample booklets. Love5-11-144.jpg: Youngsters are overcome with joy after learning the Convenient Method. Love5-6-144.jpg: Reporters from the Rajasthan state television station interview a member of the Supreme Master Ching Hai relief team in their region. Report from Argentina Through Master’s Love, the Light of Hope Comes to Santa Fe At the end of April, 2003, one of the worst floods in over 500 years struck the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. The inhabitants of the region, which is flanked by the Salado River on the left and the Parana River on the right, are usually prepared to face the frequent flooding of the Parana. However, on this occasion, as a result of continued heavy rain that lashed the northwest of Santa Fe, the Salado River also burst its banks in a matter of hours, inundating entire townships and flooding a third of the province’s capital city, also named Santa Fe, where whole neighborhoods were submerged under two meters of water. Completely caught by surprise, many local inhabitants could do nothing but take their children and escape from the swiftly and inexorably advancing river. Others only managed to climb onto the roofs of their houses, from which they were later rescued by other Santa Fe residents in boats. Most of the people of Santa Fe lost everything, even their loved ones. Apart from those who left on their own, more than 80,000 were evacuated and lodged in schools. The risk of epidemic and infection increased with the stagnant water caused by the flooding. But soon the solidarity of the Argentine people and international relief groups would manifest. On learning about the disaster, Master quickly proceeded to offer relief. First, two initiates from Brazil traveled to Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, with precise instructions from Master to assess the situation in Santa Fe. After comprehending the urgent needs of Santa Fe’s people, Master instructed that 3000 blankets, towels and bags of candy for the children be delivered to those most in need. In a related effort, the staff of a local medical laboratory had raised money and bought mattresses, blankets and food for the flood victims, but did not know how they would dispatch the goods. Perceiving Master’s divine love, they decided to entrust our association with distributing the supplies, which we willingly agreed to do. Then, imbued with a deep feeling of brotherhood and unity, ten initiates from Buenos Aires and two from Brazil arrived in Santa Fe. After days of intense effort, everything was arranged and the work proceeded smoothly, even in difficult to reach areas. With trucks full of Master’s sample booklets, blankets, towels and candies, initiates made their way over muddy roads into the province’s poorest neighborhoods, including San Lorenzo, Centenario, Fonavi and Las Lomas, which were dangerous to navigate due to the high waters. The initiates also visited the extremely needy Mocovies Indian communities. On receiving the sample booklets, blankets and candies, the inhabitants overflowed with signs of affection for Master, nodding as they learned who Master was and thanking the initiates with hugs and kisses. The people were moved because they knew that they were receiving not only material help, but also Master’s love and immense spiritual power. Adults and children alike asked for Master’s address in order to send Her letters of appreciation as they wanted to return to Her all the love She had bestowed on them. Parents showed their children Master’s photo and some youngsters spontaneously told us, "Send a kiss to the Lady from us." In one neighborhood, when a man carrying his little daughter received a blanket, he left the girl on the ground and, deeply moved, gave us his most precious treasure right off his back ?the jersey of his favorite soccer team. After we have finished our work, many people began to phone us to thank Master, explaining that they had spent a warm night because of the blankets they received. Others offered to work as volunteers to help us with the delivery and some had already read the sample booklet and wanted to join the Quan Yin Family. For all the initiates involved in the Santa Fe relief project, it was an unforgettable and wonderful experience to see Master’s Love in action, and an invaluable opportunity to work together as one in helping both our brothers and sisters in need and also ourselves. Through Master’s Love, hope and joy returned t