Center Events

Master brings messages of beauty to the world not only through music, paintings, clothing designs and food, but recently She has also added color to our living space with flowers and plants.

The Supreme Master Gardener

When the beautifying project began, resident disciples lacked a proper understanding of horticulture and aesthetics, so quite a few good flowers they planted were ruined. Finally, Master came to help.

At seven o'clock one morning, right after group meditation, when our egos had not yet time to emerge, Master gathered all the sisters who had planted the flowers. She personally demonstrated to us how it should be done. She gave instructions by "casually" pointing Her umbrella to the remaining plants, and we immediately planted them.

When all the flowers were planted, they really looked lively and naturally arranged, blending in completely with the environment. To create an impression of being vast and abundant, there were a few small, well-arranged bunches dotted in between — an amazing and intriguing touch.

The International Garden was our first "month long test". Maybe we are familiar with objects in one and two dimensions, but those of three dimensions in this area of expertise were new to us. Together with fellow initiates from various nations, we took our first step by laying a flagstone walkway.

Master gave us plenty of room to exercise our creativity. Apart from following a few principles, we could work freely. For example, we needed to maintain a natural appearance and avoid damaging the terrain. We tried to use the contour of the land and be one with nature — this type of design is of the highest standard. Also we had to ensure that it would be convenient for people to walk around. The choice of plants needed to give an aesthetically green and shaded effect. As for planting big trees, the tall fruit trees needed to have priority over other varieties because they are practical and provide plenty of green. Also, they offer shade from the sun, and fellow practitioners can hang hammocks on them. Paths needed to be lined with plenty of fragrant flowers which bloom in various seasons so that the air would smell nice and refreshing, and then embellished by small flowers that are quick and easy maintain. The colors and aesthetic impression needed to be rich and abundant. Combinations of many colors can make a place look lively and energetic. Master quietly taught us a great deal. We observed attentively and learned gradually.

When we first began, a sister used her experience in floral arranging to plant flowers. Somehow, the result did not look polished or natural; there was a certain artificial quality to it. A few days later, when she put down her old concepts and let her inner master teach her how to plant flowers, her style became much more relaxed.

Master is a flower arrangement teacher of the highest calibre. She teaches us from within and makes us understand that aesthetics need to be developed from inside and cannot be achieved through mundane training or analysis.

When Master plants flowers the varieties are not important to Her. With Her ingenious arrangements any kind of flower can blend in with others, while each displays its own special features. Sometimes there are so many that it looks like a sea of flowers. Other times there are only two little flowers standing on their own, as if they are chatting quietly to each others, which also looks lovely.

Sing Love Songs To Flowers And Plants

Planting is only the first step in the beautifying process. The most important thing is how to look after the flora. They are most sensitive. When you look after them attentively and with love, they will be healthy, beautiful and prosper. Therefore, Master said that we should be in a good mood when we take care of flowers and plants, and sing love songs to them. When we do not give out a good atmosphere, we must not go near them, otherwise they might be affected and get deflated, and their 'chins will fall on their chests'.

Master told us that flowers and grass are very delicate, so when we water them we should water their roots or their surfaces gently like falling rain. When sweeping a lawn, we should use a soft broom, or else we might negate other people's efforts in planting and maintenance. Vegetation can feel your love. By singing happy songs a brown lawn will turn green. When they are thirsty give them water and they will be very happy. You can even feel that they have enough water. Such a feeling of being at one with flora is indeed a happy one.

Master's love is so fine that it reaches the flowers and grass. If someone steps on the plants, Master would feel pain in Her heart. The flowers and grass in the Center are especially sensitive, so when you come to the Center you must never step on the flowers and grass near the paths. We should change our rough qualities to become more loving and gentle.

Master also said, "If we cannot feel another's pain, if we cannot understand another's feelings, we are still far away from the Tao." Cultivating and looking after flowers and grass is the best way to begin cultivating and developing our sensitivity.

As for the loose soil that is easily washed away, Master taught us to plant a lot of marigolds close together so that the ground could not be seen and the roots would hold the soil together.

The purpose of cultivating plants and flowers is to beautify a place. Therefore, once the gardening work is finished, we should tidy up without a trace. This is the key of how we should work, which Master taught us.

A Considerate Design To Maintain Space

Master also told us, "Planting a row of large trees is not the way to cover a building. It is like telling people that there is something behind the trees."

When designing, care should be taken to maintain individual space. Heights and thicknesses of plants should vary. When beautifying a simple, rough wall, holes can be bored into the concrete ground in which climbers can be planted. Mint planted around the home repels mosquitoes, and can also be used to brew a cup of tea, which is relaxing and pleasant, when we return in the evening. Also, a lawn is flat, so why not plant some creepers to create a three dimensional effect. Creepers can also beautify tree branches that are cut or withered.

When planting trees near a house, we have to be certain about the direction the roots grow and the way tree branches develop so as to reserve sufficient space for them to grow. As shown in the well known book, "The Little Prince": too big a tree can crumble the little Prince's planet.

Respect nature, learn from nature and integrate into nature. These are the principles of the universe for all in creation to exist happily together. If people can harmonize with nature's pulse, and love and help each other, then life will be smooth and comfortable, and mankind and all in creation can live as one.

Master not only teaches us to always beautify the world, but She also carefully reminds us to create a tranquil atmosphere for our neighbours, and to make our environment more serene and beautiful. Here are some ideas about environmental protection that Master reminds us of.