Steadfast in the Turmoils of the World By The Supreme Master Ching Hai in Bataan Philippine Refugee Camp. April 5, 1991(Originally In Au Lac Language)

The Au Lac Freedom Seeker

Au Lac's history goes back four thousand years, and never has there been a case where they had to leave the country to go begging for love and food from foreigners. This is the very first time, and it proves that your fleeing and quest for freedom is a legitimate one. Only those who do not have any wisdom, love or compassion would not be able to recognize that. It needs no explanation. The risk you've taken, fleeing for your lives in a tiny boat without food, water, fuel, money and security, seeking freedom should be enough to show the unbearable conditions under the communist regime. Only the deaf and blind would not understand this. In the past four thousand years of history, no one has ever had to leave the country. There were times when we encountered poverty, misery, wars, wicked rulers; not always at peace or wealthy, right? But has anyone left the country? Wars, thousands of years being overruled, a thousand years by the Chinese, a hundred years by the French, and then twenty to thirty years of Civil War, yet no one fled the country. Then why in times of peace, do we have to flee the country? That is the thing the world has to ask and answer itself. If they won't, then we have to let them know. The Au Lacese are very courageous; they risked their lives at sea, and killed themselves to glorify freedom. I'm not encouraging suicide, understand? It's a big waste. Because you've brought all of your valuables and skills with you risking your lives in order to come here, and then die. What a loss! Slow down and find a way out. Sometimes we have to pray so that the conditions will change, improve. You should console to your fellow countrymen, your relatives and friends with the things I've said. The sun will shine tomorrow. There are no endless nights, no days that shine forever. There is a constant alternating of positive and negative energy field. We must have hope in order to live. If we are dead, we won't know what is going to happen?

Diligent Practice Alters Fate

Therefore, the diligent spiritual practice of a person can alter the fate of the whole world, the universe and of themselves. The proof is that in the recent years, there are many different groups of meditators that have begun to eat vegetarian. Even the Americans, the Englishmen are vegetarian and practising meditation. Ever since I started preaching, a lot of Au Lacese have become vegetarian and have started to practice spiritually. Those refugees who have reached the free countries follow the spiritual path as well as those that are still in the camps. Even though the conditions are very unfavourable, lacking all comforts and food, they still keep the vegetarian diet.
There are so many people in the Hong Kong refugee camps that are practising my meditation method and keeping the vegetarian diet, and more than a dozen of them that have renounced and become monks. Because of spiritual practice throughout the world, the communist countries in Eastern Europe have collapsed. Gradually Au Lac and China will follow in the near future. Thus, we shouldn't lose faith. We should try to follow the spiritual path with the capabilities we have from within.
There is no way to avoid our own karma except by practising spiritually in order to change it. Therefore, Buddha didn't teach his child anything except to follow the spiritual path. Wouldn't allow his wife to do anything other than to practice spiritually. His son, barely nine year old, had already shaved his head to become a monk, his beautiful wife also became a nun. Why did he advise his son, Lahaula to become a monk instead of being a king? Because he knew that all the riches, pleasures, fame and power in society are nothing but illusion, like time passing by, like morning dew on a leaf. He knew that following the spiritual path, becoming Buddha is the only eternal way. Now, someone asks: "How can I become a Buddha by just practising. I have no hope so forget it!" That is just an excuse. You don't need to shave your head in order to do spiritual practice. You can practice at home. When Buddha was alive, there were four types of spiritual practitioners. The renounced men and women were called monks and nuns, the men and women who practised at home were called laymen, laywomen. That meant that they all practised. At anytime, there are always monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen.

Not Reborn As Refugee Again

Whatever method you follow, you should try your best to follow it until you get deep into Samadhi. That is when you attain the ultimate goal of that method. You just can't stand there commenting on which method is better. It's not necessary. Any given method is good. If you keep talking and never practice, then none of the methods are of any use. There are people who recite Buddha's name, kind of a meditation on the Buddha's name. They merge into Samadhi, merge into Buddha's land, and were able to see Amitabha Buddha. Now if you want to achieve this level, first you must follow the guidance of a true master; second, you must practice properly, must be a vegetarian, recite Buddha's name clearly. You cannot one day eat vegetarian, and the other eat meat; it would be very difficult for your practice. If you are not a complete vegetarian, becoming a Buddha is very hard, maybe only a fraction of it is gained. Some are vegetarians for only four days each month; they become Buddha for only four days and the remaining 26 days, they come back down here. Maybe you do it like taking a trip, right? For example, you live in Formosa and once a year you take a month's vacation, going to America for fun. So maybe you think it is the same, 26 days on this earth and then four days in Buddha's land. Being vegetarian for four days a month is not enough. If you want to become a citizen of Buddha's land, then you must be a vegetarian forever, you must sincerely, truly contemplate on Buddha's name, until you see Buddha, then you know you have gotten it. But seeing Buddha is not yet the highest level. At that time there's still the "I" that sees Buddha. When you become Buddha yourself, then that is a very high level. However, if I keep talking about this, you will think: "There she goes, preaching again, wanting us to become Buddhists, to practice spiritually." It's not like that, nothing like that at all! I only want to say that if you want to live a more comfortable life, not to be born as a refugee again in your next life, then you must start immediately. Don't wait until death comes, losing this precious body, then even if you want to practice, it's too late.

The Human Body Is Precious

I've tried so many methods already, have gone from heaven to hell, and have discovered that only through the human body can one practice and achieve spiritually, exactly what Buddha taught us before. Now, there is an exception. Those who practised during their lifetime and were not able to reach the Buddha's level yet, then when they die, lose their human form, they will go to different realms. There, their Master will continue to teach them and they'll still be able to reach the Buddha's level from there. But if we do not practice spiritually now, in this life, and have not met a true Master, then when we go to different realms, neither will we be able to find the way, nor will it be possible to practice spiritually. We must start from here and go up. Therefore, having a human form is a great blessing, very difficult to get a human form. So if you don't start now, it's a big waste, we will remain here in the future. From human form we can go to Buddha's land, Buddha's level. From other realms it is difficult to reach that. From human to Buddha is just like going from High School to University. But we cannot go from elementary to University, instantly.

Au Lac Is A Holy Land

You should take notice that Au Lac is a holy land; geographically speaking only. We have not yet talked about the spiritual aspect of it. Have you noticed the shape of Au Lac on map? What does it resemble? Does it resemble the letter S? Have you seen the shape of the symbol of Truth? It is a circle with an S shape in the middle dividing it in two, one side is white and the other is black. Have you seen it? It's kind of strange for a country to be shaped like that, resembling the symbol of Truth. Have you seen that picture? It's round, the symbol of Eternal Truth. A circle with an S shape down the middle, right? One side is white with a black dot and the other is black with a white dot. What do you call it? Oh, Yin Yang. The shape of Au Lac is similar, right? You see how good geography is. By just looking at its geometric shape, you can tell that Au Lac is a holy land with gifted skilled people. For these reasons, it is troubled with many trials, afflictions, to train, to discipline our spirit, our soul to be as bold, courageous, enduring and patience as the children of the "Heavenly Dragon."
From every misery hardship comes goodness, in every unfortunate circumstance there exists God's divine plan to make it better. Therefore, we now must accept our lives, away from our home, as they are. However, those living in this camp are the luckiest ones. This camp is nice, clean, seems elegant, and everything is provided for. The temple is big, the Buddha statue is grand, even the church is also very beautiful. You have everything including a courtyard to play ball. Entering this place, I feel like I'm in an model dream village in the sky, Heaven; it doesn't seem like a refugees' village. I have never seen any refugee camp that's as pretty as this. This is the most beautiful camp. The Philippine government and its people are very, very generous and good-hearted. Tears fell when I went on television thanking the Philippine government and people for their gracious attitude, their compassion towards the Au Lac people. Of course, there have been misunderstandings while working with each other, or due to the numerous people the quantity of goods is insufficient, or at times has not been pleasing for everyone. But, as a whole, the people and government of Philippines are very good-hearted, right? They've never treated the Au Lacese badly. Other camps are filthy, dirty. They don't care who you are. They overpower, rape, and do discriminating things to you. I dare not say this publicly in the world news fearing that the people from those camps might harm the Au Lac people, suppress them. I'm thankful their government has taken in the Au Lacese as refugees but I cannot forgive the irresponsible actions from the workers, the military-like-management there. We must be thankful for the good things, yet the things that are bad, we must say they're bad. Unfortunately, in this scorching time, this crisis, the more we talk about it the more it will do harm to the refugees. So in the mean time, I'll be patient, I will try to find a way to protect the ones that have been refused, see if I can reason with them so that they can stay or arrange a way for other countries to accept them. Therefore, we are forced to "sacrifice" those few that are being suppressed to save the many. Evidence of the suicides, being suppressed, I have it all. It will be used at the proper time in case of an emergency. That's our last resort, understand?

United Nations And The Refugees

I was also straightforward with the United Nations in saying: "We have proof of those bad, vicious, wrong actions. We could broadcast them. However, the reason that we haven't done it is because we want to protect your reputation and also because we are grateful for the help that you have given our people in the past ten years. These things that have happened are unfortunate and were not your intention, but because of it, the screening process was developed. And due to the slow processing of paperwork, strict rules and confining of the refugees inside the camps for too long, the people get agitated and thus an unpleasant environment is created." I suggested that they use the money to open up some kind of factory in the countries where the refugees are so that the Au Lacese will have jobs to be to able to support themselves and keep their dignity, instead of being dependent for food. No one can stand this; they all are very upset. We are not born to be a burden on society. Our principles would be damaged then and bad things would result.
I told the United Nations directly: "We know a lot of things, but we don't want to take it to any judicial system or say anything. The first reason is that we are still thankful to the United Nations and neighbouring countries for those years of assisting the many refugees in their time of need. We are very grateful and will always remember it. Secondly, it was not your intention. The third reason is that we don't want the workers in the camps putting more pressure on our people. So for now, we will keep silent. However, if you do not heed our requests, or continue to do those immoral things, then we will be forced to take action, bringing the truth to everyone."
I also want to let you know that I'm very grateful to the United Nations. Even though I argued or disagree with them on the refugee matters, I really admire the United Nations' generosity in taking charge to help the Au Lac people, the refugees, at the beginning of their hardships. I'm also touched by those countries throughout the world who went to great expense to feed and help the Au Lacese when they were destitute. Even though it's not enough, there are camps that do not have enough, life is miserable, but "a piece of bread in times of hunger is as much as a meal for the well fed." (An Au Lacese proverb). In representing the Au Lac people, I always acknowledge that fact and to not forget their good deed while debating with them. Whatever is good I'll say it's good, and whatever is bad I'll say it's bad. It's like a beautiful girl that has cancer, the cancer cannot be pretty, understand? The tumor cannot grow on the beautiful body and become nice and pretty. A beautiful person is a beautiful person, a tumor is a tumor; it must be removed! It goes something like that.

Launching A New Life

It's not that I'm neglecting or encourage you to disregard the favour from the United Nations and other neighbouring countries. We have to follow our Au Lacese tradition of being receptive to guests, friends, and always find ways to return the favour. You are one of the fortunate ones getting ready to go to a foreign countries, I have nothing more than to share the happiness with all of you. There's nothing left to say, no more tears to weep for you, the only thing left is overwhelming happiness. [Bataan is a transit center where Refugees are waiting to go to 3rd country for resettlement]
Just a reminder to you, if you want to hear, that when you're out there make the best of all of your skills, talents and time as well as your body, soul and mind to gather, study and merge in to a new life. Be a good citizen of that country to pay tribute to your second homeland, accumulate new customs that are righteous and beneficial for you and that country, and raise your children virtuously. Later on, if our country is at peace, we will return and be one of the pioneers to rebuild it, making it more heavenly and filling it with talented people. Our country has always been very prosperous and has never lacked food. The plants, trees are plentiful, the land is fertile. There are many minerals, resources all of which await your expertise, to be exploited upon returning, all await your money, assets to bring back and contribute to your homeland. You should never forget that you're Au Lacese. Even though we do not discriminate among the races, but each nationality has its own culture, responsibilities and should construct their own nation. A nation that's more civilized will affect the whole world. If every nation is self-sufficient, self-supporting and has close relations with each other, then the world will be rich, strong and peaceful, without any country invading, attacking one another for lack of food or the necessities in life. No outbreaks of war due to the stronger country taking advantage of weaker, more harmless country. Therefore, protecting your family is like defending for your country. Defending your country is like safeguarding the world. Do you understand? Freeing yourselves from the Communist regime is not enough. There are still many other duties.

Set An Example As A Good Citizen

You are the ones that God, Buddha, has arranged to be in the foreign countries to learn, study the rights and wrongs, and to increase your skills and wisdom. Later when you return, you will serve and help beautify the country, a very wondrous country, no other countries are anything like our country, Au Lac. You have to be good citizens, setting examples for others to respect, to follow, and not always remain a week citizen. If you say that you love your country, then make it better, brighter, right? It's not only important to fight and destroy communism. The second important factor, no less than the first one, is what to do once the communists are gone. Who will lead the country? What must be done to be better than the communists? Once they're chased out, the land will be empty and if no one does anything then it's fine! But, the communists will return because poverty still remains, the competitive selfishness is still there. As long as the uncivilized still exist, communist will be there. Do you understand? I'm not talking about religion at all. I'm talking about life. There is no one among you that are presently following my path so why should I talk about that! I'm just stating what your responsibilities are as a citizen. We are kind, gentle people who do not know how to fight battles, wars, kill people, therefore, we have lost to the communists' cunning schemes, sadistic tactics, but not because we are cowards. Do you understand?
You are ordinary, simple, too kind so that's why you've lost. Now, we're going to fight the war with our minds, hearts devoted with love for the country. We will use all of our skills and time to study the good things, refrain from luxuries, abstain from drinking and parties; we will not do things that are harmful to our bodies and minds, defaming our country. Our country is falling into ruins, the people are wretched. How can one sit there cheerfully toasting drink after drink, right? You must keep in mind, how can you be happy enjoying the materials of the world? I'm not forbidding you to drink. But you should think about it, how can one enjoy playing cards, doing those things, having the pleasures in life. You must uphold your mind, heart and soul, body, strength to perform good deeds, practice virtues, set a good example for those in the homeland who have not had the skill to go overseas to learn, and teach the people to better themselves. Those are the responsibilities of the people who have fled and are in the foreign countries.
It's fortunate that there is war therefore the majority of talented people get to go overseas. A long time ago, while there was still war, it was difficult for us to go to the foreign countries to improve our skills, right?

The Spiritual Practitioners
Are The Real Soldiers

Within the bad there exist the good. Just like roses have thorns, we can't always look at the thorns, we must gaze at the rose. We keep it fertilized not because we love thorns but because it will bear flowers, roses, so we ignore those thorns. We can trim the stem where the thorns are, but we leave the roses alone. Even though we keep the plant fertilized and the thorns grow bigger, we don't want to stop taking care of it because we want the thorns to be dainty. If we stop caring for it, the roses will also stop growing. That is how the good exist within the bad. This is not the time for us to sit here hating the communists or to call upon people to come and fight them. We must do something, prepare ourselves for when the communists disappear themselves. Then there's no other place for them to stand later on. So you see I'm also a fighter against communist, but in a gentle, harmonious, secure way; there's no way for the communists to influence the people that have followed me. That means the communists have lost quite a few members. In America, there are many that were with the communists. Now they all follow me, have received initiation, have become vegetarians. There are only a few that are still stubborn, that's all. It's a fight without actually fighting the communists, ending communism but without killing the people. It only changes them that's all. The ones that are practising spiritually are the real soldiers. Don't think that they don't know how to fight wars. They do, but with different tactics, more beneficial, long lasting, saving themselves at the same time as fighting.

Mentally Prepare To
Rebuild The Country

You could also do something similar. Increase your wisdom, knowledge and skills, widen your avenues of understanding in the world of freedom, so that someday when you return to Au Lac, you will be able to propagate sturdy, prominent concepts; concepts that are encouraging, progressive, enterprising for our people. Thus, there won't be any place left for the communists to stand anymore, right? Only when the people are weak, backward, without a firm belief in independence, then that's when they can be deceived and influenced by the communists. Once you're accidentally in, you can't get out. Right now, you have a crucial task. When you leave here, you must study conscientiously the advancement of technology, educate your children properly, what is right and wrong, so that it will be useful when you return. Au Lac will not always be communist. You have to mentally prepare yourselves to return and rebuild the country, understand? That's all, thank you!