Spiritual Interlude

Once, while the guards were making posters, a young sister initiate came and offered her help. I casually asked her whether the wicker for the decorations looked better wound tighter or looser. The young sister replied, as she kept winding a wicker, "Adults are so tensed all the time. We should wind the wicker looser, then they would find it relaxing and nice to look at."

I was taken aback for a moment. Of course it is good when we exert our best efforts to complete our work, but if we could be like the young sister, who knows how to relax during a pressing situation, then we could surely be closer to perfection in everything we do. The young sister was only six years old. From her candid and sincere words, one could tell that Master's considerate love had been quietly planted deep in the heart of this future Buddha.

Do Not Give To Others What You Do Not Want

Narrated By Fellow Initiate Chen Wong-Hu, Hsinchu, Formosa

Recorded By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Liu Pei-Shin, Hsinchu, Formosa

Some time ago, brother Chen Wong-Hu was feeling very awkward about everything he did. He ran into difficulties in just about everything. Even his favorite automobile became a problem. He took it to a repair shop several times, but no specific reasons for the problems could be found; and as soon as he drove it out of the shop, the problems would return. His car was an imported luxury model which normally did not have such problem, so brother Chen wanted to sell it.

Shortly after, brother and sister Lee went to visit him. During the course of their conversation, they mentioned that one should read Master's books, watch Her video tapes, and listen to Her cassette tapes often. The next day, after brother Chen finished meditating, he casually picked up a News magazine and read the article entitled "Master's Secret of Attaining enlightenment". In the article She said, "Do you know how I attained enlightenment? It's because I always think about others. You are still stuck there, saving all the good things for yourselves, grabbing the best food for yourselves..."

Brother Chen suddenly understood; he realized that he was trying to sell his car with unknown problems to others. It was not good conduct, especially for a practitioner. He had encountered some difficulties and didn't want to resolve them, yet he was willing to give them to others. This is indeed a wrong attitude.

After coming to this understanding the knot in brother Chen's heart was released. He suddenly felt relieved and clear. He was determined to find out what the problem was, no matter how much money he had to spend. The next day, he took the car back to the same shop and it only took the same mechanic a short time to find the problem and solve it!

Brother Chen learned many lessons from this experience: give the best to others; listen to Master's tapes and read Her books more often; and apply Her teachings in daily life. Whether it's dealing with other people or reflecting on oneself, we must behave with utmost sincerity.

Everything Master says is very significant. If we are not careful, we may miss the opportunity to know many secrets!

Be Gentle Toward Others

By Initiate Lee Yong-Shiang, Hong Kong

I used to be very rude. Although I am a girl, neither my speech nor deeds are usually very gentle. Even when I was working with the publications group, I made a lot of noise while moving books, not to mention when I did housework. I even made very loud noises when I walked, never considering that this might bother others.

During a 3-day retreat early last year, Master was walking among the disciples after a lecture. A guard called out to Master in a very loud voice, which totally startled Her. Imitating the tone of the guard, Master shouted, "Watch out! There are people in front Master!" At first all the initiates were shocked, then they burst into laughter. Master said that if you want someone's attention, you should speak in a very soft and gentle tone; talk in a low voice and don't be rude; learn to be gentle and smooth over the rough edges.

After some introspection, I found that I did have many rude qualities that needed improving. Determined to learn how to be more gentle, I began paying attention to my surroundings, tried to work quickly and quietly, and spoke and treated people gently. Gradually, things around me became gentler.

When we are around other people, and they can feel our gentle atmosphere; they won't react in a rude manner. Rude people will become gentler because of you. After creating a gentle environment, your heart will become more and more soft and you will be more warm toward others. When you are soft, your movements will be light and quick, and there won't be loud noises when you work. There will be serenity. Things at home will also last longer. When there is tranquillity, you will not feel irritated and it will be easy to enter samadhi when you meditate. Remember to walk softly, so that you won't disturb fellow practitioners in meditation.

Master uses every opportunity to teach us to cultivate our good qualities; change our rough vibrations, and raise our spiritual level. Therefore, the more we learn from Master, the closer we will be to the qualities of heaven.

Beautiful Within And Without

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Wu Zin-Ru, Taipei, Formosa

Fellow sister Tsu wears Master's photo everyday. One day, the owner of a garment shop told her, "I saw a lady today who was also wearing a photo of Supreme Master Ching Hai, but her appearance was very much different from yours!" After further enquiry, sister Tsu realized that this fellow sister was very badly dressed. Then, she understood that, though outer appearances do not necessarily represent the inner spiritual level, having tidy and clean attire easily evokes good feelings from others.

As modern communications shorten distances between people, we can act as Master's proficient tools to help people tie an affinity with Her. Furthermore, in recent years, Master has designed many exquisite Celestial Clothes and Jewelry; and often uses Her words and actions to encourage us to live a life of Truth, beauty and virtue, hoping disciples will become beautiful within and without.

Through outer, elegant qualities of fellow practitioners, people with an affinity will first feel comfortable associating themselves with Master and our group; and then later further deepen that affinity. Possibly, in the near future, they may even join the Quan Yin Method group.

Happy Sitter

By Fellow Initiate Wu Mu-Ya, Taipei, Formosa

When my local meditation center informed me that I was to be the baby-sitter during group meditation, I was very excited yet unsure of myself. Having no prior experience, I was worried about whether I could handle this job; but I was excited because of the opportunity to serve fellow initiates!

I felt more relaxed when I arrived at the center and saw the lovely young initiates. After reading the instructions carefully, I realized that to be a good baby-sitter, one must have a lot of patience and selfless devotion.

During the two hours of group meditation, I performed many chores almost nonstop, including preparing the dessert to be served after meditation. Because I have never been a good cook, I was a little worried about whether my cooking would suit everyone's taste. To my surprise, they all said, "Tastes good!" I was thrilled!

Although the baby-sitting job was hard, I had many positive feelings about it. Even though I was sometimes confused, if I settled down and asked the inner Master for help, everything would always turn out perfect.

One young initiate suddenly had a fever and cried for his mother. I held him and said, "Don't cry. Mommy will be here soon. Master will bless you and your pain will be gone!" Soon he stopped crying and after a little while, he even volunteered to be the "little sitter" to help me keep order. What a lovely little Bodhisattva!

Looking at these cute little angels' faces and seeing the satisfaction on the faces of fellow initiates enjoying the food after meditation, my inner joy could not be described with words. Thank You, Master, for giving me the opportunity to learn and to serve!