(Originally in Au Lac Language)
An Au Lac lady, who has hundreds of thousands of disciples scattering around all over the world, is well regarded by leaders and politicians of many countries and praised by the State Governors of the United States. I had never met Her before until last week, when I was invited along with a few newspaper reporters, and those from the literary and artistic circles in Little Saigon, to attend a cordial gathering at a vegetarian restaurant in Alhambra. The invitation came from Master Ching Hai's disciples.
To be honest, I had heard of and read about Her before in newspapers, but I really did not believe very much in them, and perhaps I did not have much good feelings for Her either. Apart from pondering like others: just another story of superstition and evil ways in which paganism is preached for the purpose of financial gains, and such a story could not possibly occur in this civilized age. These rumors had aroused my curiosity and created in me an urge to come and see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears.
The restaurant, with more than 200 seats, was fully packed. Many people had to stand. Apart from a number of American organizations such as the Cancer Association in Los Angeles (came to present some souvenir to the Master), the Health Protection Association at Orange County etc...the rest were mainly Her disciples, friends, those from the literary and artistic circles, and Au Lac journalists such as Ly Kien Truc from the "Au Lac People" (Bao Nguoi Au Lac), Pham Minh from the "Love" (Tinh Thuong), Nguyen Huu Chung ("The Crane" or Con co), Vu Boi Quang Khoi ("The Tomorrow Daily" or Ngay Mai), Nguyen Luong (San Diego), Ho Quang Phuoc ("Little Saigon" or saigon Nho), Tran Dong Phuong ("The Horizon" or Van Hoi Moi), Vien Linh, Solicitor Tran Son Ha, Nguyen Kien, Comedian La Thoai Tan etc... and a number of electronic media from other countries. I recognized, among Her disciples, a number of well-known faces who used to hold high positions in the former government of the Republic of Au Lac, most of them are intellectuals.
After a few hours chatting intimately with the Master, all the preconceived ideas that we had brought along with changed. All the fabricated stories about Her such as: whoever having seen Her will be enchanted and stupefied, and do whatever they are told. Some even warn not to eat nor drink anything She offers... and most important of all is Her political point of view.
Then it was conversation time, Master answered all the questions from the reporters thoroughly and modestly regarding Her activities in helping the refugees in the camps for more than ten years.
Mr. Ly Kien Truc (The Au Lac People's News) started asking questions about the aid that Master had provided for the refugees.
Master revealed that for the past few years She had been working quietly sending Her disciples to the camps to find a way to help them. "This is my foremost concern, which has brought me many sleepless nights, thinking and looking for a way to help our fellow countrymen, our blood relations. But I will never tell unless asked, like today."
Then it was The Tomorrow Daily's turn: "I came here out of curiosity and my wish to learn more about Master. And my only purpose is to seek Master's help for the refugees who are currently in the most difficult situation after the decision by the UNHCR in Geneva last month. We need contributions from everyone to deal with this issue."
Master said She had been looking for an island for the refugees for the last few years. Once She thought everything was ready to be finalized, but at the last moments, they rejected it because of political reasons. "I am willing to spend a few million dollars to purchase an island for our fellow countrymen so that they have a place to live freely, without being forced to return to their home country. That's what I long for everyday."
Q. Master, if You can do that, every Au Lac person will be forever grateful to You. I think that with Your ability, Your reputation and kind loving heart, the attainment of an island anywhere in the world (even if it was in the wild Africa, our fellow countrymen would still be willing to go, rather than having to return to their home country.) although very difficult but not at all impossible to realize. M. If so, I will try once more. I was afraid that they would blame me later on if I got them into a land of poverty. Please pray for me. A year ago, I proposed to purchase a small island in South America for the refugees. I thought everything was done, but who would have guessed, two months ago, they rejected the proposal at the last minute because of political reasons. The countries belonging to the UNHCR use the excuse of the lifting of the trade embargo by the USA, rendering the regulations of political asylum no long exist. And if people in Au Lac saw that there was an island still accepting refugees, they would gather to leave by the dozens, who would be able to take care of them then?
Q. I think that, Master, You could answer the UNHCR that with the strict screening process, the decision to strike out the regulations of Au Lac refugees in 1995, and in addition, the US lifting of the trade embargo, I am sure that the number of boat people will be greatly reduced, and we can just take care of those who have already left the country.
After that it was a question from a journalist regarding the aid to Au Lac. Master revealed: "The Au Lac Communist Government doesn't like me very much. They arrested and imprisoned my disciples who were there to help the flood victims in Central and Southern Au Lac. We also provided assistance for the leprosariums, orphans of the ex-servicemen of the former Army of the Republic of Au Lac, the blind children, the training of monks and nuns at the Buddhist temples etc. But they still make it very difficult for us. We now have to proceed with these relief works quietly and secretly.
I have never wanted to mention these unfortunate incidents. However, since I have the opportunity today to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you, and since you have asked, how could I be not telling you.
After the entertainments performed by Her disciples, She chanted some of the poems written by Herself as well as some of the songs She composed Herself in very fashionable rhythm like the Twist, A Go Go. The verses of the songs aim at praising God and glorifying Love (Love of people, love of God). All Her disciples were absorbingly and joyfully dancing and singing along with Her. Even the elderly ladies above seventy years of age, with their eyes glittering and reflecting happiness and joy, were clapping and waddling to the rhythm of music. (Never have I seen such a scene before.) Laughters and clapping roared at intervals, spilling everywhere an atmosphere overfilled with joy and love.
Another surprising and interesting thing was that Master always spoke and answered questions in a simple and yet profound way, most of the time very humorous too.
Mr. Pham Minh, a reporter from "The Love" (Bao Tinh Thuong) and also a member from the Inspection Committee of the South Californian Community requested that Master provide financial assistance so that the Community Welfare Section has the means to proceed with their work. Master happily accepted the request and asked him to send Her documentations and Master would be willing to do the work. That was the most extraordinary function I have ever seen, which lasted for almost 6 hours; and was filled with laughters and love. If going to work early the next morning was not a concern for a number of people, the function would probably have lasted longer... (It was Monday night). It is not known how Her disciples were trained but they were all affable, happy and kindhearted. Despite Master being very open, simple and "very funny", Her disciples were still very respectful of Her. The majority of Her disciples were very young and well-educated. There are cases where the whole family are followers, and they attend functions every week, are always happy being together like this as if a big family (a disciple of the Master told me).
Mrs. Ho Hau said: "Everyone in my family follows Master. Since then I feel that my mind is at ease, and my life has completely changed, no longer worried or depressed as before."
Mrs. Nguyen Mai said: "Whenever Master goes on a lecturing tour, there are always tens of thousands of people come to the lectures. They are very respectful towards Master. I am extremely proud. Master also paints beautiful pictures. Some of them were sold at hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the money is used to help victims of natural disasters everywhere. Master pities the refugees in the camp very much and often helps them. That is the foremost concern of Master."
Supreme Master Ching Hai, Who Are You?
-A passionate patriot? A talented politician?
-A multi-talented artist in music, poetry, painting?
-A compassionate individual specialized in helping the needy?
-A religious revolutionist?
But above all, Master is the only Au Lac lady who is able to inspire admiration and respect in many people wherever She goes.
Someone who is highly respected by politicians and leaders of various nations. Someone whom many State Governors from the United States have presented with sculptured statues of Herself as a token of their gratification.
That day a lot of people attended the function and they all shared the same feeling.
Let's wait and see what She will be doing in the future for the misery-stricken refugees and the country of Au Lac.
The main reason for me to come here and write this article is none other than trying to find those with TALENT, WILL, and LOVE for our country so that we could UNITE, SIT TOGETHER, TO REBUILD OUR MISERY-STRICKEN but FOREVER DEAR MOTHERLAND.
The Tomorrow Daily --
Honored by the awards of three American Presidents, the Supreme Master Ching Hai held a press conference at the Heavenly Grace Vegetarian Restaurant in Monterey on 14th, at 7:00p.m.
There were also elaboration on the chain of events including Hawaii proclaiming Oct. 25, 1993 as "The Supreme Master Ching Hai Day", the Award of Merit to World Peace and the Honorary Citizenship issued by Hawaii, and the erection of Master's bronze statue in the Honolulu City Park.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai, who is in Her forties, was born and raised in Au Lac. She once lived in Formosa for some time. She has studied in England, France, Germany and Switzerland. Since childhood, She has been a vegetarian and worshiped Buddha's teachings. Her mother was a Catholic, but Her grandmother was a pious Buddhist.
The essence of the Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings are wisdom, enlightenment and Truth. Citing scientific theories and God power the Supreme Master Ching Hai provides wonderful and profound explanations of the divine Truth.
Teachings of the Buddha are boundless, so is the ocean of suffering. Whoever has questions about Buddhist teachings may consult Her disciples by telephoning (818) 445-3577. (Photos and article by Jun Dah Yuo.)
(Originally in Au Lac Language)
The Supreme Master Ching Hai
Winning the heart of the Au Lac Media
at a "pleased to meet you'' night-out in early spring
The chief editor of The Crane News (Bao Con Co); Poet Vien Linh; Phung
Minh Tien, Chief editor of The Tomorrow Daily (To Bao Ngay Mai); Mr.
Pham Minh, Reporter of The Love News (To Bao Tinh Thuong) and Committee
Member of Inspection and Consultation of the Au Lac Community in
Southern California; Secretary general or Our newspaper (Van Hoi Moi);
Chief editor of the Au Lac Times; Ly Kien Truc, Reporter from the Au Lac
People's News... all share a common viewpoint: "We all came here with a
lot of questions... However, we now have nothing else that needs to be
cleared up."
Los Angeles (VHM): Before departing for the Philippines to visit the Au
Lac boat people who are currently encountering difficulties in a number
of refugee camps, Master Ching Hai had met with a group of Au Lac,
American and Chinese journalists and electronic media last Monday, March
14, 1994, at a cordial vegetarian banquet in a Chinese restaurant in
Alhambra, Los Angeles.
At 7:00p.m. sharp, Master Ching Hai arrived as scheduled, a jungle of cameramen and videomen were working frantically amidst the roaring applause, from over 300 people, thundering like the firecrackers exploding in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
In response to the love and longing of everyone, Master Ching Hai, in a blue costume which was designed by Herself and an elegant blue evening hat, went from table to table to greet and shake hands with everyone. Unable to control her emotion, professor Nguyen Mai, Chairperson of The Association of The Development of Traditional Au Lac Literature, who was sharing our table, exclaimed spontaneously: "Such a lovely lady!"
(Originally in Au Lac Language)
A Portrait Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai
On The Night Of The Vegetarian Banquet
Alhambra: At the Vegetarian banquet organized for the guests and a number of journalists from south California in the evening of March 14, 1994 in Alhambra, Los Angeles, the Supreme Master Ching Hai, who has just been awarded with the title of "World Spiritual Leadership" by the five Governors from five of the states in the United States, declared; "Follow your own paths, practice your own religions, I am here tonight, not to preach or to give a sermon, but to share the joy and happiness with you."
The Supreme Master Ching Hai had appeared in front of more than 300 guests including, especially, many journalists, writers poets, and reporters from a number of Au Lac newspapers and magazines from South California, Throughout the five hours of gathering, everyone noticed that the occasion did not seem to be shadowed by the usual suspicious and heavy atmosphere of a press conference; instead, it was filled with roaring applauses and laughters, brought about by the directress, actress, and the "magnificent comedian"---the Supreme Maser Ching Hai. So much so that, Ms. Nguyen Mai, President of The Development of Traditional Au Lac Arts & Culture had to exclaim: "to live without laughter is to live a life no longer worthy of living."
Master said: "For the past ten years, I have been on my feet travelling from one country to another, to knock on the doors of all the leaders of those countries that are temporarily sheltering the refugees."
The last question from Ly Kien Truc was if Master had any intention of going back to preach in Au Lac? Master Ching Hai replied that She had not had such intention.
After that, the banquet began with many vegetarian dishes, and entertainments performed by Master Ching Hai's disciples. Perhaps the most jubilant and exciting part was the act performed by the comedian La Thoai Tan; standing on the stage in front of a portrait of Master Ching Hai dressed beautifully in a golden outfit, he told some of the most humorous stories and had everyone convulsed with laughters. Mr. La Thoai Tan was very praiseful of Master Ching Hai's great sense of humor. He said that he had to admire and respect Her as a Master.
In reply Master Ching Hai said that to live in this world, we must know how to laugh; those who do not know how must be suffering from constipation. Master Ching Hai also offered to compose poems impromptu, in reply to any poems composed by the guests; sing in response to those who sing; or tell funny stories in response to any humorous tales.
After Receiving The "World Spiritual Leadership Award"
From The Governors Of Six States In February
The Supreme Master Ching Hai
Visits Her Disciples In The Los Angeles Area
[By our reporter] The Supreme Master Ching Hai, who was presented the "World Spiritual Leadership Award" by the governors of six states in the United States in February, recently held a press conference at the Heavenly Grace Vegetarian Restaurant in Monterey, and met with Her disciples from the Los Angeles area.
It was the first time that the "World Spiritual Leadership Award" had been issued for the last ten years. This was also the first time that the Supreme Master Ching Hai had received such awards, and She took the opportunity to propagate the Quan Yin Method, so that more people could be enlightened along the way.
When the Supreme Master Ching Hai was answering questions at the press conference, She revealed that She was from Au Lac, and has lived and preached in Formosa for a period of time.
She always cares and helps Her Au Lac compatriots, visiting many governments to ask them to accept more Au Lac refugees.
She frequently makes donations to charity organizations around the world. For instance, during the flood disaster in the Midwest last year, She called for donations from fellow practitioners, gathering a total amount of US$170,000 for the six Midwest states. When the governors of the six states presented the "World Spiritual Leadership Award" to Master, they also proclaimed February 22nd as "The Supreme Master Ching Hai Day". President Clinton of the United States particularly sent a congratulatory telegram, commending Her compassionate contributions to the refugees of the world and the disaster victims in the United States.
(Originally in Au Lac Language)
A Night Of Gathering
For The Supreme Master Ching Hai
(Reported by Tran Van Luu) In a delightful atmosphere, which was not short of intimacy and understanding, the Supreme Master Ching Hai had met with a number of journalists from Southern California, friends and relatives, and Her disciples at a vegetarian restaurant in Alhambra, about 200 km north of San Diego.
Taking place in the evening of March 14th, 1994, the event has created a deep impression and an excellent understanding between the journalists from Southern California and the Master whom the followers of Quan Yin Method believe to have been completely enlightened, all-capable and all-knowing; the Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Taking the opportunity, Mr. Ho Quang Phuoc of the Little Saigon (Saigon Nho) reported something he had heard about, according to him: "Master's disciples are vegetarians, and they don't want their family to eat meat, as meat cooking brings unpleasant smell. Because of this, the family has unfortunately lost its harmony creating friction between husbands and wives, parents and children."
The Supreme Master Ching Hai said that that was "nonsense". Turning to the disciples She asked: "Anyone here whose family are not vegetarians, stand up! Or raise your hands!" (A number of disciples raised their hands) "See! See that! No one is forbidding anyone!"
The Supreme Master continued: "Maybe there are a couple of people, however, I have always advised them to be considerate, as I know that arguments are unavoidable. The whole family has been having meat together for a long time, and now all a sudden, you become a vegetarian, misunderstanding is surely unpreventable. When we have accustomed to vegetarian food, the smell of meat becomes unbearable. Just like those who smoke, after we have quit smoking, the smell of smoke will also make us uncomfortable. However, feeling uncomfortable does not mean that we could forbid or sneer at them."
To answer the question from writer Vien Linh, President of the Au Lac Overseas Writers Association: "Is composing music or writing poems a form of meditation?" Master said that She, too, saw it that way.
When we are concentrating intensely on a certain task or a certain problem, we are meditating. She said that when we are writing or composing, our soul quieten down to a certain degree deep inside us, only then could our inspiration and creativeness come to live. In India, well-known teachers or enlightened masters consider writers and poets as "half saints"; for they are already half a saint.
Mr. Ly Kien Truc, reporter from the "Au Lac People & Century 21 Daily News" (Nguoi Au Lac va The Ky 21) revealed that he was very touched by the humanitarian activities that Master Ching Hai had extended to help the victims of the volcano eruption in the Philippines, and the flood victims in the Midwest states of America. And from this he felt that the problem of Au Lac had been neglected. Mr. Ly Kien Truc asked: "Have you thought of, firstly, those refugees currently living in the refugee camps in South East Asia; and, secondly, those who have been imprisoned in Au Lac because of their fights for human rights?"
To answer this question raised by the representative of the "Au Lac People's News" (Nhut Bao Nguoi Au Lac), the Supreme Master Ching Hai explained: "I have been travelling to more than ten different countries, knocking on the doors of the authorities and appealing to them to open their doors for the refugees."
"We have already submitted plans and programs of resettlement with a deposit ranging from one to five million US dollars, and in accordance with the requirements of each country, every month we are paying an additional three to four hundred thousand US dollars to pay for food and skill training for the refugees. My only condition is to help only those who have been "screened out", meaning those who did not meet the refugee status requirements."
Master Ching Hai said that usually they just do the works and have no contact with the media "We only tell if asked. We do not intend to hide or ignore anything. I do not ignore Au Lac people at all. Of those places that I have contacted, they all said that: "If we allow this or that group to stay, or give them a good life, then the Au Lac people will continue to fled their country and die at sea."
Regarding those refugee camps in South East Asia, Master Ching Hai revealed that: "For the last few years I have been continuously sending people to the refugee camps to comfort our countrymen, to see if the conditions in there are not too difficult, and also to help provide food." (We have documentation to prove it).
As for the assistance of our countrymen in Au Lac, Master said: "They (the communists) don't like me very much."
She informed that She had once organized relief efforts to help the flood victims in Western Au Lac, and another time in Central Au Lac, they had, in both occasions, made things very difficult for us, and according to them both were simply "a matter of misunderstanding."
Mr. Ho Quang Phuoc, editor of The Little Saigon, had asked the Supreme Master Ching Hai's permission to address Her as "Master" although he was not Her disciple. In a cautious and sincere voice he said that he was deeply touched to hear Master frequently use the words "Au Lac". After hearing the confirmation from Master that things in Au Lac are now a lot more difficult than before, "the sufferings began in 1975", Mr. Ho Quang Phuoc talked about "the position between the Nationalists and the Communists", should we allow the Communist regime to exist forever, or should all the Au Lac people join hands together to overthrow them?
The Supreme Master Ching Hai: "We spiritual practitioners do not advocate the extremes; but the Communist regime 'perhaps has not won the hearts of the people', that's why there have been waves of people fled the country after 1975.
Mr. Phuoc then read out the four verses of a poem and asked Master for Her comment:
-"Sweep clean the temple, close the door -Draws his golden sword, on his horse, the monk charges afore -Clear the debt of the country, avenge the family and all -Return to the hermit door, talk to the Buddha!"
To which Master replied: "That is your right."
Journalist Pham Minh, Public Relations Officer for the South Californian Au Lac Community, reported on the work performed by the Public Relations Group, which included work done for the refugees belonging to the H.O. categories, who have just arrived in the United States. He expressed his opinions and asked for Master's assistance.
Journalist Vu Boi Quang Khoi reported on the work of the LAVAS Organization, which is providing legal assistance for the refugees, and asked for Master's support.
In both cases, Master said that She would not refuse to help. "If you sincerely want to help our fellow countrymen, then we too, will not be stingy in not sincerely giving you assistance."
Everyone at the meeting was jubilated and gave a passionate applause to praise Master's spirit of mutual assistance.
Apart from asking questions, a number of journalists also expressed their opinions on several misunderstandings, or their "antipathy" towards Master in the past. But the meeting has cleared all these misunderstandings.
The entertainment program with performances contributed by those present had created roaring laughters and deafening applauses. Vien Minh and Phung Minh Tien read and chanted poems, a lady disciple sang the Au Lac folk song "The Black Horse" (Ly Ngua O), a Formosan disciple whom the Supreme Master Ching Hai called "Chi Ba, Chi Ba Tau", sang "Welcome Spring"; an American disciple, John, sang "The silk dress of Ha Dong" (Ao Lua Ha Dong) and "The Last Minute" (Phut Cuoi), and many more.
The comedian La Thoai Tan especially contributed with many funny stories. However, when he was requested to go up to the stage for the second time, he had to admit: "I've come up here just to admire Master's talents. As for that which is called "to cheer up everyone", our Master here is the real Master. It is not easy to make people laugh, to make them angry is easy, but to make them laugh is extremely difficult."
Apart from Her sense of humor and petty cleverness, which make people laugh instead of making them angry, the Supreme Master Ching Hai also has other talents such as singing, composing poems, painting, fashion and lantern designing. Although it was already past eleven o'clock, but under the persistent begging and pleading of the disciples, The Supreme Master Ching Hai had chanted a couple of poems, "The Will of The Prisoner", which was written by Herself in Munich in 1978 before She became a nun; and "Passing by Someone's House".
Master Ching Hai also sang, happily and freely, many spiritually elevated songs "Love me! Love me! I am your Glory; Follow me! Follow me! And I'll set you free!"
(Originally in Au Lac Language)
I was present on the night of the news club pertaining to the Supreme Master Ching Hai, listening attentively, my eyes and ears wide open. I am not a professional reporter, and I am seldom active with the journalists' circle, so I did not recognize all of the participants there. Despite the six large tables (seating 60 people) reserved for the journalists, reporters, and artists, there was not an empty seat to be found. I did not write a formal report nor literature expressing my own point of view, because the journalists present were of greater experience; their style was without a doubt priceless in value, and they were sure to express the events clearly and effectively.
The city of Alhambra was pretty far from San Diego; without traffic, it would still take 2 1/2 hours by car. Determined to attend this event, I witnessed an exciting journey to and from my destination.
A journey towards the proposed goal and then a return, Chi Lan, a blade of grass drowned in the midst of the vast variety of flowers had been thinking of what? Do you want to know?
Is leaving home a journey, a "leading dreamboat traveling to a strange land" (Dinh Hung poet) hoping to encounter a happy meeting? Does leaving mean emancipation, elevation of the soul, flying above the modern perplexed life to restore one's self and to be liberated from eternal misfortune?
To reach a goal, just aim in the direction and step forward. In the long, rugged pilgrimage, one ought to shrug off the ups and downs of life, and sever all attachments to ensure the smoothness of the trip. That is the way of the sage. Only few attains, the majority fails. Many believe in following the majority, but in reality, the few is respected. As in the school, only the few exceptionally stronger students will be admired, the rest will not receive much attention. This misfortunate group gradually gets worse, and they, in fact, are the majority in the society. Intelligence is a valuable blessing. A successful educational system is one which brings up the less fortunate and places them into a more favorable status. To know this is one thing, but to carry it out is still in waiting.
On the 14th, Au Lac Times, the art work was brought to the printing company to be printed in Santa Ana. The following day, newspapers would be shipped to San Diego to be distributed. It was not as easy for me as that sage, who works smoother. The workload could not be yielded to anyone else. Given this, I accepted my duty to finish this burden, and worked so I could go straight to Alhambra earlier. How wonderful to be able to pay the "graceful" debts and to reach the goal all in one effort. To deserve happiness, we must have virtues, but it is often said (In Au Lac language) that virtues are obtained by asceticism. On the path of virtues, but still always near misery. Anyone who still contains much karma, who is still so much attached to the point that he can not attain communion is proved to have not received the realization of blissfulness. Mankind has been struggling hard to lift himself up from the muddy environment which has been created by himself, for himself, and as well as for each other. Man cannot isolate, sever, or cut himself off from this ephemeral world. On the contrary, he must accept it, welcome it, and transform it. Life, is jagged as a rocky cliff, but man has sworn to accept and cope with the condition; thus he must fatefully make the best of it to ensure harmony.
On the way to the meeting, it was hard to speculate on "deep subjects," for reality proposed many unfinished duties to be accomplished.
I came to the meeting 15 minutes earlier. This was enough time to prepare for the camera, and check batteries. The three rolls of film were also ready. The invitation card this time did not include the sentence "please do not bring camera and cameorder to the meeting hall" as usually stated. The disciples said that no pictures were to be taken or recorded. This was only allowed for the journalists and reporters during this special occasion. I observed the parking lot full of cars; there were many people who came early.
After the American representatives had offered awards to the Supreme Master Ching Hai, She personally went to each journalists' table to ask or answer any questions instead of using the podium. Her style of conversation is very interesting. She also has an air of grace causing people to feel easy and relaxed.
Master uses simple words to express Her meanings. She understands people easily and allows others to simply understand Her. She easily merges with others and has a spirit of the sage. After the question and answer period, a vegetarian meal was served. Master did not sit at Her designated seat but mixed with the journalists to enjoy the delicious dishes. She gave gifts "red envelopes" (Chinese tradition) for the lunar New Year occasion.
Conversation, story telling, poem reciting and singing lasted until midnight at which time Master bid farewell. Her countenance was still lively and cheerful, without the sign of fatigue; Her voice was still full of energy.
She assured us that we would meet again very soon at a place which would be even bigger than here. She instructed the disciples to buy 100 of each kind of newspaper (the papers of the reporters present) once they were published and transfer them to all the refugee camps.
00:30 - I found the exit very easily and pretty soon was on the freeway going back home. There were two and a half hours of solitude on the highway to think of the meeting had just ended. Because I just started my car and drove a little distance, my heater was not yet warm. The thermometer indicated that it was about 45 degrees F outside. The coldness I experienced on this long trip reminded me of the days I spent wandering along the Charles river; Boston being on this side of the shore. Anyone who comes to Boston experiences the poetic feeling when they go to the Museum of Fine Arts. There they can personally see for themselves the great painting of Gauguin, which he had created around 1897: "Where did we come from? Who are we? Where will we be destined to go?" The painting tells about the eternal mystery of the relationship between human beings and the universe. Gaze at it, stare until the traces of this mystery are revealed. Only with the unattached spirit and a heart of an artist (true sage) would you by chance be able to encounter the soul of the arts. Then you would perceive the divine power of the Creator. How many has enough wisdom to answer the three questions stated above? Only a true Master can show the way. "Follow me! Follow me! And I will set you free!..."
I'd like to invite to you to read this poem: "The Will form the Prisoner"
The Supreme Master Ching Hai wrote this poem in 1978, in Munich, Germany, prior to becoming a renunciate. Echoing (reading) from these words and lines, one can sense a feeling of distress and sorrow of the Au Lac people who were broken and troubled by the conditions caused by the war. The poem portrays a sad story of two brothers who are moving apart, forgetting the days that they lived and shared their lives together. This poem written by an innocent soul, has never been read to the disciples.
Having met you again after thirty years apart You have brought back victory with flying colors. One morning, the sun shone throughout the corners of the streets The heroic horns echoed from the city to the countryside.
The whole country sighs with relief.
There will no longer be blood shed filling the rivers!
The children are happily singing with the flying flags
Drenched with happy tears, wives wait for their long separated husbands.
Following the footsteps of the crowd, longing for reunion
I tried to look out to find your face.
I awakened after thirty years of sleeping dreams!
I wondered if you're like me, uncertain and confused?
However, you turned your face away just like a stranger.
Your steel voice pierced people's cars
Imprisoning brothers, you harmed neighbors and relatives.
Whaling and crying are echoing throughout the terrified country.
In prison, I recalled our good time in the past You and I were happy together for many years. No, no, no! I can never believe nor understand. Whatever changed you and caused destruction to the very foundation of life!
In darkness, I imagined thousands of patriots, Floating aimlessly in remote seas and strange lands, Seeking freedom, they gambled with the only life they have! Begging for mercy and food in foreign lands.
I feel ashamed with the entire world
My heart hurts deeply thinking of the four thousand years of our civilization
I'd rather die in this dark prison
Than living, carry the same name as you on this planet!
Although the poem portrayed a picture of sorrow and depression, the spirit of the one who lives overseas is still burning with love and hope, the hope in people's heart, the hope in justice. The light of the camp fire is bright enough for one to see the faces of those who gather around. Let alone the light of a burning heart and the wisdom eyes. One can see the Supreme Master Ching Hai through the light of these two light sources. She quietly showed the way to the Tenth door, the nearest door that leads to the highest wisdom of humanity. How can one comprehend the meaning and recognize the hidden treasure lying behind the cover of this physical body?
Follow me! Follow me!
The car quietly swallowed up the distance of the long journey. There were four lanes on the highway. Chi Lan was travelling on the second. On the third lane there was another vehicle. Both cars were heading for the same destination; somewhere beyond the eye could see. Although each had its own way, each chosen a different path; both would end up at the same place. Whoever travelled faster would reach the destination sooner, the one who was slower would arrive later. It would be extremely absurd should they stop to fight and argue about which vehicle was of better of worse quality.
When our country was under Chinese occupation, we had to pay tribute to them in the forms of precious products, sometimes even people; physicians, soothsayers, locksmiths, Buddhist monks, just to name a few. Human tribute was a form of learning for the Chinese. Apart from being keen in learning, their use of talents is also worth noticing. When they saw a talent, they would treasure and make good use of it; even if that person was a prisoner, they would still offer him an important job. For example, Mr. Le Trung, also known as Ho Nguyen Trung, brother of Ho Han Thuong, was appointed Minister of Defence by the Chinese. Well, just a recollection of past excellence to bring us encouragements. The Chinese would highly respect heroes. If a Au Lacese is admired, loved, and respected by the Chinese, it is because, in their eyes, the person is a hero, of great talent and virtue.
Whenever a person has been identified as a hero, the Chinese would follow him respectfully and affectionately; without discrimination as to his social class, sex or ethnic origin whatsoever.
This heroic characteristic is quite identical with that of us Au Lacese people. The inmost feelings of the Chinese Formosan or the overseas Chinese are no difference from us overseas, Au Lacese at present. They are certainly sure that they cannot return to their home country by the means of... guns in their hands but only by the spiritual life full of love with the absence of hatred or killing between consanguineous people. Wars always sow death and grief and devastation.
Take a look again at the painting by Siquoiros depicting a lonely panicking child sitting among the devastated remains of Hiroshima, you will be sobbing and stunned when facing the nonexistence inside the writhing suffering existence. There is no frontier, no skin color, no ethnic difference in spiritual matters. So, an enlightened Master belongs to no individual but to all mankind?
A friend of Chi Lan from Canada told her that in Ohawa, the capital of Canada, there was a street named Saigon and recently, a residential quarter built with funding from the government had been named Van Lang Restaurant Quarter. The street leading to this Quarter was also named Van Lang. Au Lacese residing in the locality...also feel warm in their hearts when they are strolling on a street hearing the first National Name of their home country.
If we now use the term "Back to our very origin" we would be mistakenly labelled as using the "Vietnamese Communists". The word "Vietnamese" has rather widely been abused, to name a few such as Vietnamese traitor, Vietnamese Communists, Vietnamese residents in a foreign country)... So, the term Van Lang or Au Lac indicates our very origin, is it not so, my dear friends? Using these two terms is to affirm the thoughts of "The falling leaves will eventually reunite with the base of the tree stock", then it is not necessary to call for "going back to our very original source" anymore.
The sixth General meeting of the International Pen Clubs held recently in September, 1993 in Spain received an unexpected visit by Salman Rushdle, the writer who has been given a death sentence by Iran because of his masterpiece The Satanic Verses. He was protected by an extremely tight security measure, he attended the meeting and gave a talk in the meeting hall for almost 2 hours. Despite the death hanging over his head, he was always optimistic, sometimes he even told wily jokes with full sense of humor.
Should one ponders over it, joking willingly also manifests warm sentiments and strong feelings of attachment; only when can a person just than can he forgive easily, effortlessly overcome sadness, worries and sufferings inflicted on their victims.
"Saigon now has changed name, just as you had your surname changed that year. Saigon hides her smile in her heart, expresses her love only through a glance of the eyes. Saigon now... makes strenuous efforts to nurture a smile. A smile, how rare it is. The smile is rare in one's adopt country as it is in Saigon.
Even at the threat of longing his own life, Salman Rushdle can still laugh. But the Au Lacese with their unbroken chains of fateful catastrophes, the smile here is a smile of a withering flower, it is not an individual smile but one of their destiny..
"Laughters come again after extreme sadness." Now that one can laugh again. Sufferings and griefs have been "washed away", laughing is a dose of tonic which increases one's energy and wisdom so as to help one "find out the hidden spirit which has instructed her to guide our people throughout the history. This is not to encourage pessimism or optimism, the complex of inferiority on superiority... but this is to enable us to foresee our people's role in the long journey of Mankind and our final destination in the history.
Au Lac is now causing a state of upheaval throughout the world. She is talked about everywhere, national or international wise. Every nation in the world is rushing towards Au Lac. The itinerary on which she is quietly following is dim and cold and immense and endless. Is she actually heading towards the future or is she going back to the past? Is she standing standstill or is she preparing for a great leap forward? Is she willing to sacrifice for a cause or is she being made a tribute for unknown plots? To put her in the frame work of the world, we shover at the realization that the itinerary on which the whole world has been taking is also dim, cold and immense, there is no possibility of any light at the other end of the tunnel..."
In the background of the transition period which is so negative, anything positive, or appear to be surpassing will be a saviour, so we hope! To surpass means super human and only a super human can save living beings and the Savior must be a true practitioner who has reached total enlightenment.
On the way back, Chi Lan increased the speed. The highway was very wide and its length is endless. Suddenly she was overcome with joy when she recalled what happened, all the female disciples of the Supreme Master Ching Hai were in their very beautiful dresses, it looked like they were attending a wedding. It was very Au Lacese. This brought to her mind the verses of the song sang on the 25th of October in Honolulu: "Mother Au Lac! Dear Mother Au Lac we swear that we shall keep our home beautiful." The way - to serve mankind, to beautify life and to bring joy to life. It is not a way to impoverish and limit life, to make life a prison itself.
The speedometer indicator was swaying past Number 85. Pretty fast. The car was travelling smoothly suddenly Chi Lan started reducing the pressure on the accelerator to reduce the speed as the she saw the high beam of the oncoming truck, flashing up several times. After years on the road on long distance night trips to transport newspapers and magazines, Chi Lan had learnt to monitor an alert frequency: Of the demimonde of long distance truck drivers, there are lovely ways of communication which are unknown to many. Say, the Signal she hid just received was a valuable alert one: It means "Get back to legal speed limit because the caps are setting an ambush ahead." The vehicle was travelling at 55 miles per hour and she observed both rides for verification. Well, it's true, a police vehicle was seen at the edge of the forest on the right facing the highway.
On the way home, it is not possible should one wants to travel faster. It is not an easy journey back home. There are tests to overcome, ambushes to avoid. However if we listen carefully to catch the right frequency, clearly see dangerous points then we are still free, relaxing and artless, we have nothing to lose, nothing to look for, nothing to be attached to. Forget our self, forget others; forget things; there's only nothingness left; there's only unending love. Taking gourd to the market, supporting oneself with a care on the way home; the sellers of alcohol or of fish will all become Buddhas should they be taught...
Religions are a necessity for mankind and society, because they lead mankind to the Truth. However, religions so far have had only a negative effect and the Church was taken advantage by the clergy. On many occasions did they become a political tool of many governments.
We Au Lacese people have religious beliefs and respect the Almighty. Despite being the Almighty God, he is not cut off from human beings. On the contrary, God is seen as a close relative who shares life with human beings. The almighty God has become a member of the family to live through together the moments of sadness, of joy and to bear the sufferings with the people. The Au Lacese, as far as ideology is concerned, they are not prejudiced. Life is very simple, every thing is considered ordinary, they do not exaggerate the importance of anything, nor do they over-venerate or over-worship any object. They advocate "Familiarization" of every external objects. The Au Lacese also intend to "Make Worldly" religions and Saints so as to introduce the way to worldly life in a practical way, to be close and to be able to communicate with them, to let God reside in human beings. A God who goes in company with man to guide man to the world of the way.
Jean Jaures has written: "In reality, throughout the history of human beings and, it is also correct to say that throughout the history of the universe, with all of its planets and their suns, there have never been
The actual life is the life of iniquity and human beings have lost themselves in this worldly life. Human beings' endurance of this life is but a waiting for an opportunity to reject it; being content with it is just to wait for a day of rebellion. Silently do they let go past the boiling wish to restore their very initial entire self and dream of an everlasting life. In their minds, and hears, they know the eternity is not outside, nor is it at the end of their destiny, or in any other lives. The eternity they are missing, they want to restore it immediately in this lifetime, they want to be instantly revived in the very original Entity.
In the life drama in which they are witnesses and also victims of ever changing situations, the Au Lacese are waiting for a person in whom they have entrusted their love - waiting for a close acquaintance but still unfamiliar - or are they waiting for a close and familiar acquaintance but they have never met him once, or are they waiting for a stranger but already feel very close and affectionate to him?
Such a person is his own image, they image of a life of "real existence", the image of a warm, peaceful and cheerful home which will lighten their today's life burden.
In reality, this dream person is the image of one's true self. The dream of a home in the distant past, of the restoration of the true original self; of merging with one's self; of communicating with one's self - there is no ritual, no mantra, no system, no religious preaching.
In the far distance, rains and lightings in the open sea.
I am in wait for whomever being my friend, come to me.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai
goes to the Philippines to discuss with President Ramos for a solution.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai, lately recipient of the World Spiritual Leadership Award from the Governors of the six U.S. Midwest States, flew from the United States to Manila. Her goal was to help the Au Lacese refugees in Palawan, and trying to stop their continuous suicides in protest of the forced repatriation to Au Lac. To save their precious lives, the Supreme Master Ching Hai had even forsake the reception of receiving the honorary key from Phoenix City, Arizona, and other banquets and honor awards.
Due to flight delays, the scheduled meeting with President Ramos on March 18 and consequently other appointments thereafter were postponed repeatedly. Although his staffs have made new arrangements, many unexpected cancellations and postponements led to the abortion of this historical meeting. On that morning of March 25, Master had arrived at the President's Palace accompanied by Senator Alvarez, and President Ramos had also come back on a helicopter. However, at the last moment due to an emergency meeting he could not have a long discussion with Master. He especially appointed his Secretary of Public Works, General Gregorio Vigilar to represent him. The Supreme Master Ching Hai gave General Gregorio Vigilar a proposal project on aiding and relocating the refugees, for submission to President Ramos. She also explained in details about the project.
During Her stay in Manila from March 18 to 25 Master visited the poor in Manila suburb, but the main topic was that the Supreme Master Ching Hai met many political personages discussing the problem of the refugees. The included: Mr. Manuel L. Morato (Chairman of the Philippines Charity Sweepstakes) (also president's adviser), Mr. Tony Abaya (President's adviser), Senator Heherson T. Alvarez, Mrs. Imelda Marcos, and the American Consul Mr. Peter Spalding and twelve congress women (Mrs. Gina DeVenecia, CW Laly, CW Larvel Trinidad, CW Carmen Cita Reves, CW Ocampo, CW Tvgong...). Master explained to them the situation of the refugees, and they responded supportedly and cordially. Chairman Morato expressed that he could feel Master's sincerity and compassion for humanity, especially the suffering refugees. He also wished to introduce some high officials to the Supreme Master Ching Hai, so as to help the refugees deciding to go or stay, instead of repatriated compulsorily.
On March 21 morning, there was an impromptu major press conference at the Mac Arthur Hall in the Manila Hotel where Master was staying. About 50 famous reporters from many major TVs, radio stations and newspapers attended. The Supreme Master Ching Hai revealed that when the United Nations cease to defray for the living expense of the Palawan refugees, She is willing to pay the basic feeding and living expenses of the 5,000 Au Lacese refugees in Palawan. Her message were aired on TV. Radio and printed in the Newspapers nationwide.
On the evening of March 23 not being able to book tickets the Supreme Master Ching Hai flew to Palawan on a chartered flight visiting the refugees there. However the management of the camp feared responsibility, did not let Master see all the refugees because of security reasons, as President Ramos was coming to Palawan for a meeting that day. The Master and Her disciples could only have a brief meeting with them before leaving. The refugees leaned against the wire fence near the entrance to see the Master off. Hearing their feeble and helpless weeping, the Master's eyes were wet. On the same evening in Manila, the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation presented a special award to the Master for Her contributions to the well being of the refugees and other victims around the world. There was a glorious assembly of celebrities and political personages: Vice Governor Josie Da La Cruz of the Province of Bulacan; Bulacan mayor Neneng Nicolas; senators; congress persons; basketball star Bennie Paras etc. However, the Supreme Master Ching Hai forsook this great moment of honor and flew all the way to Palawan, just to comfort the suffering refugees. Nevertheless, the Foundation and assembly rewarded Master absentedly with one of the Master's disciples.
On the morning of March 24 when Master was about to leave Palawan, President Ramos was holding a meeting at the Asia World Hotel where Master was staying. Due to many reasons, they still failed to meet each other. Nonetheless, the lady of the Governor of Palawan was happily meeting the Master, and they talked about the problems of the refugees cordially. Master gave her a replica of Her own painting as a gift.
(Originally in Philippine Language)
Asian Living Saint and world-renowned philanthropist Supreme Master China Hai of SMCH Meditation Center of Formosa visited the Philippines for the third time to witness the progress of a substantial portion of the Filipino populace that She had helped. Akin to such a purpose is the Supreme Master's undying commitment to the cause of the Au Lac refugees who are currently residing in the Philippines.
As is in Her past visits, the Supreme Master brought along Her great and noble heart that yearns for service to mankind. She immediately assessed the condition of Au Lac refugees, who for the past three years, have been denied official refugee status by the United Nations High Commissioner for the Refugees (UNHCR).
Master Ching Hai expressed sympathy for Her Au Lac brothers and sisters. Aside from the usual package of financial assistance, She tried to caress their wounds with prayers, soothe their hurt emotions encouragement and heal their growing bitterness through counsel of good faith.
"I am truly saddened by the helpless situation of the Au Lac refugees in Puerto Princesa City", said Master Ching Hai. "All of them escaped from Au Lac because they want to free themselves from the shackles of deprivation but they are now suffering from the humiliation of being told to go back to where they come from". Master Ching Hai's comments came in the light of widespread news reports that the refugees are resorting to suicide to flee from depression caused by the cruelty of refugee living. Says Master Ching Hai; "The SMCH Meditation Center is asking the Philippine government to join us in our crusade to bring the Au Lac refugees back to the normal flow of society. Let us nurture them to health and their proper mental and emotional disposition so that when they decide to finally return to their motherland, at least we know that we had helped them prepare for such an eventuality. Let us help in bringing back the human side of the boat people".
As per Master Ching Hai's proposal, the Meditation Center will provide a far-ranging and expansive livelihood program for the Au Lac refugees in the Philippines. This program will give these people employment and at the same time also provide ample employment opportunities to Filipinos whose qualifications fit the nature of the said program.
Supreme Master Ching Hai first visited the Philippines in 1991 when the country was still reeling from the havoc wrought by the fury of Mount Pinatubo's explosion. Initially, Her 1991 visit coincided with Her mission to give financial assistance to the boat people of Au Lac who are temporarily roosting at the Refugee Processing Center at Morong Bataan and the Refugee Camp in Palawan.
But the initial visit served as a sort of an eye-opener for Master Ching Hai. For while She saw the sorry plight of the boat people, She also witnessed the tragic fate of the victims of Mt. Pinatubo and other calamities such as earthquakes and typhoons.
The calamity victims received a total of P30 million from the Supreme Master Ching Hai. Initially, the Filipino victims received P6 million in cash. This is exclusive of the tons and tons of assorted goods that Ching Hai's monks distributed to calamity strtickened areas.
For all these, the Supreme Master refused to take sole credit. Humbly, She said that the amount that went to the welfare of the calamity victims were dole-outs from people gifted with equally noble hearts. "This assistance is a gift from kindhearted people who have instilled within their hearts the commitment to serve" Master Ching Hai noted. "All these aids are but coursed through us to ensure proper distribution to those who are in need".
The Supreme Master considers as Her most touching experience in Her last visit Her meeting with the family of Cecilia Masagca. She said the visit to 11-year-old Marcelo Masagca's grave pulled at Her heartstrings tremendously such that She immediately felt what the Masagca family had gone through. The Ching Hai-Masagca encounter is so memorable in that the Supreme Master once again showed that from every tragedy, each man is gifted with the power to rise from his tragic experience; So that in the end he will finally savor the blessings of the Creator.
For Supreme Master Ching Hai, material assistance is temporary in nature and therefore not lasting. What She considers as the most important assistance is that which caters to the spiritual upliftment. Because this assistance knows no boundaries, knows no limit, knows no end.
(Original in Au Lac language)
The Supreme Master Ching Hai
Rendering Help To The Au Lac Refugees
In Hong Kong And The Philippines
Our press received some photographs and information about the Supreme Master Ching Hai. The information describes the aiding operation of the suffering Au Lac refugees in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
To our knowledge, all the Au Lac refugees in Southeast Asia are facing mental oppression, and repatriation.
Our press strongly supports all individuals under mental oppression, not only because the Supreme Master Ching Hai is an Au Lac lady. All Au Lac people, citizens of all nations, and influential persons in the society are obliged to help the suffering people.
(Originally in Philippine Language)
The Supreme Master Ching Hai Submitted To President Ramos The Proposed Project Benefitting The Palawan Refugees
If there's a group of people whose sad and sorry state continues to strain the universal consciousness and the world's collective conscience, it has to be the Au Lac refugees.
Largely unfed, uncared for and denied official recognition by the United Nations, these refugees currently exist in the swirling vacuum of subhuman conditions. To their credit, they continue to struggle to reclaim their inalienable right to life and self-preservation, even if their present situation refuses to lend even a shimmer of a brand new hope. Amid the furious storm, however, they find it in their hearts to wage a gallant fight.
But their gallantry can only take them so far. For where can they draw sustenance for their already gasping breaths? Where can they draw strength to sustain their weakened limbs? Where can they derive inspiration to counter what is already a pervading sense of drift...and grief that permeate their whole being?
It has been two decades now since the momentous fall of Saigon, but many countries still hear the faintly fading knocks of compassion and commiseration in their hearts. Something in their conscience tells them that the boat people of Au Lac must be helped. They must be "made fully human" again. For theirs is a brave, good and noble fight. They left their motherland because they can't accept as a matter of conviction the ascent of a hated regime in the leadership of their nation.
After the holocaust that was the Au Lac War, the Au Lac people found themselves psychologically hurt, physically abused and emotionally humiliated before the bar of international judgement. They were battered from all directions first before they were helped. Out of the estimated two million Au Lac refugees who survived the treacherous waves of the vast sea, another two million or maybe even more have been swallowed by the raging ocean.
Yes, it has been two decades since the sage of the boat people had begun. And today is but a rehash of their old experience. Those two decades seemed not to have passed at all. They failed to bring any sensible direction to the lost people of Au Lac.
Presently, thousands of refugees are scattered over thousands of refugee camps situated all over the world. All of them are begging for help. All of them sounding out the hoarse and muffled cry of "SOS."
The Au Lac people in the Philippines are experiencing no less. Though The Palawan refugee camp continues to host at least 4,000 Au Lacese boat people, the government's decision to send them back to their mother country stays. As a matter of fact the Morong Bataan refugee center had already been closed. Coupled with the phaseout of the Palawan center by 1995, this could be a gloomy forecast of things to come for the Au Lac refugees.
But ask any Au Lacese refugee and they would readily answer that to return would not be that easy. Homecoming is not even the term. No red carpets would be rolled out. No garlands or leis of welcome would be offered. Only more pain and the burden of having to carry the heavy cross of sufferings at the calvary of a despised regime.
"It is easier to leave Au Lac even if it means death and a painful parting with our native land", quipped an Au Lacese engineer who now resides in Palawan. Though already an accomplished professional, he had chosen to leave behind the dark future looming against the gloomy horizon of the communist regime.
"I can't bear to see the inhumane treatment they are imposing on the people. They make it a point to punish, as a matter of cruel practice, those who oppose the existing abuses of the operating system". The engineer requested us to conceal his identity inasmuch as he does not know what will be the corresponding punishment in fine or physical abuse that the regime may dealt on him once he returned to his motherland.
Still, another 28 year-old Au Lacese man seems resolved on what to do when arm-twisted to return to his native shores. "Death would be a much sweeter punishment than returning to Au Lac", he said forcefully.
Taking these into proper context, the decision to dose various refugee camps in different parts of the world by 1995 may yet be the final nail on the refugees' coffin. The decision is too hasty, and in this writer's view, too cruel. The UN failed to comprehend the fact that the closure order is tantamount to suicide for the boat people; equal to the demise of their cherished dreams and aspirations.
Unfortunately, the UN High Commissioner on Refugees had long decided on the issue. The processing of refugee papers for qualified Au Lacese had already grounded to a halt. It seems that the UN had closed the refugee issue permanently. Once and for all.
There are two types of refugees. One is political. And the other, economic. The first escaped from Au Lac because of ideology. The second kind bolted the country because of poverty.
Both types of refugees have a common denominator. They both fled from an unjust and overbearing, rigid system. They both braved the dangers posed by the sea. And they both landed on foreign shores badly needing care and humane treatment.
It is for these reasons that the Supreme Master Ching Hai, spiritual leader of the world-renowned SMCH Meditation Center in Formosa, had been unremitting in Her worldwide crusade promoting the welfare and the well-being of the Au Lacese refugees. In fact, She had an open proposal to the different leaders of countries where the Au Lacese people sought refuge, which, if worked out by the SMCH and their respective governments, may give the Au Lacese a respite from their bothersome woes.
In presenting this proposal, Master Ching Hai intimated that "the Au Lacese will not necessarily be propped up by aid for a lifetime. We will just help them prepare for a better future".
According to the Supreme Master, "to coerce the Au Lacese to return to the land of their birth at this point in time is fraught with danger." "What needs to be done", Ching Hai said, "is to prepare them for it. We must teach them to be strong so that they can choose wisely when the time of reckoning finally comes. If they would ever elect to return home let us help them return expeditiously. But if they still don't want to, then let us support them till they have peace in their lives."
The UNHCR closure order of refugee camps worldwide has caused depression among the ranks of the boat people. It has resulted in the suicide attempts of not a few refugees and the hunger strike of many. Others have lost their sanity while a sizable number have chosen to escape and face the dangers of life. Inevitably, they would have to confront the harsher reality Death.
These discouraging reports about the suicidal tendency of the refugees have been quite painful to Master Ching Hai. Preaching brotherly love and human compassion She had appealed to the leaders of different countries to "open their arms and accept these suffering people as their own countrymen". She had embarked on the gargantuan task of convincing these leaders that Her refugee proposal had merit. That it is humane and democratic. That Her meditation center is more than ready to shoulder $100 million for 50,000 refugees in different parts of the world.
"There are too many lives, too many children, too many men and women who need to be saved. Too many refugees yearning for care and emotional and medical attention from those who have the capacity to give them," Master Ching Hai noted. "Let us be partners for their development as a liberty-loving, God fearing people. Let us, with the help of God, preside over their redemption", She added.
To give justice to Master Ching Hai's proposal, we had deemed it appropriate to publish a worthwhile part of Her proposal, on the success of which, hinges the alpha and omega of the boat people's lives.
Following is a substantial art of the said proposal which the SMCH had presented to former President Corazon Aquino and which now awaits action on the table of President Fidel V. Ramos. This proposal, if viewed in its best lights, may yet be the much-anticipated savior the Au Lacese people are waiting for.