While On The Path

Ever since Master started to design clothing, each time when I walk on the streets and see the clothes in shop windows, I feel that my aesthetic judgement has improved; and I also naturally think about God -- Master.

Recently, Master taught us how to beautify ourselves properly in five minutes after getting out of bed, and this was an important lesson in aesthetics, housekeeping and etiquette. Now, whenever we get out of bed, we think about God, and receive the infinite blessing from Hierm, because this five-minute make-up method was taught to us personally by God -- Master.

She cooks, She cuts and arranges fruit, She sings, and She dances; and with great compassion She allows Her life to be recorded on video tape for everyone to see. Therefore, we have learnt many wonderful skills which are useful for this world.

So, no matter what we are doing in daily life - cooking, cutting fruit, or doing anything, we are close to Her. Regardless of our spiritual level, and no matter how heavily we are burdened by worldly chores, we always spontaneously think about Her.

I remember Master once said, "If you really miss me, you would have attained great enlightenment long ago."

To help us always think about God, Master put forth great effort doing all kinds of things. Innumerable enlightened Masters have come and gone, and they all had boundless merits; their slightest gestures were recorded in scriptures. Nevertheless, which of them have so selflessly helped their disciples? Which of them have so unreservedly spread the Truth? Which of them have so easily let sentient beings discover their most noble traits?

Oh! With such boundless courage, She is willing to shoulder the karma of the whole world! And, with such infinite grace, She gives us the blessings to be Her disciples! Aphorisms By Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In English) The purposes of our spiritual practice are to open our wisdom, help all sentient beings, and uplift the power and civilization of the world.

Last year was the most gratifying year since I received initiation many years ago. I didn't win a lottery or run into tremendous good luck; but what occurred was that two of my classmates respectively began to practice the Convenient Method, one of which has already been initiated. My good friends of yesterday have now become my fellow practitioners. Oh, Master! You truly love us dearly.

Although we were old friends of over twenty years, we had no contact in the last few years. Suddenly, they eagerly looked me up, because they wanted to borrow Master's cassette tapes and go to Miaoli to see Her. They immediately registered for the Convenient Method on their first visit there. Amazed, I asked them why they suddenly decided to join our practicing group when they could easily devote themselves to other masters without having to keep so many precepts. Both of them gave the same answer: "Observing that a smart person like you have followed Supreme Master Ching Hai for so many years, we knew that this Master must be an exceptional one. You have lived perfectly well all these years on a vegetarian diet and pursuing spiritual practice; when your parents died you did not fight over the family property, and you willingly gave up the position that you earned through over a decade's efforts; you have now become more happy and cheerful; obviously your spiritual path has brought you great benefits and no harm. Among our group of old friends, you are the pioneer in spiritual practice, and we wish to join you now that our time has come."

I was really surprised to hear their words! Indeed, after initiation, our speech and behavior are observed carefully by our relatives and friends, which also gives them a frame of reference when later they choose to practice spirituality. It may not be effective to deliberately spread Master's teachings verbally. Instead, we can attract others to pursue spiritual practice naturally by our manner as spiritual practitioners. I deeply realize that Master's teachings are not only to be propagated by words, but also through our every action in daily life.

After each meditation a joyful, powerful force stirs every cell in my body. The beautiful melody and vibration of the sound reverberates harmoniously in every bone and ligament, immersing me in the fountain of "supreme consciousness" and joy. I feel a oneness with God as the wavelike love force continuously flows. I truly realize the deepest meaning of the universe - all is but a game of hide-and-seek with God.

Through the Quan Yin Method taught by Master, I knock on the "door of joy" and grasp the true meaning of "eternal life". Embraced by the tender loving care from Master - the Head of the Quan Yin Family - I constantly bathe in happiness. Whenever I feel I have reached the summit of happiness, She always pushes me to an even greater blissful state, and more surprises. I can only shed a few tears deep within my heart in spontaneous appreciation. I sincerely call out to You, "Dearest and most gracious Master, I love You. Thank You for everything!"

Our limited language is not sufficient to express our adoration of the boundless Quan Yin Method. It is beyond shape and form, beyond spirit and intelligence, beyond conception and body.

In a state of total tranquillity and silence, I've found the origin of life, entered the world of perfection, and obtained true wisdom. Now, I can serve selflessly, with an egoless, clear heart.

New hope for the new year: I sincerely give my best wishes to those Truth seeking brothers and sisters, hopeful that they will create an affinity with the living Master and practice spirituality for liberation. For those who are already in the "Quan Yin Family," I hope they will follow Master's teachings, keep the precepts, attend group meditations, and practice diligently.

I realize that all experiences and good deeds come from Master's blessings and God's mercy. Any discrepancy is the result of neglect in the individual's practice. I hope that he/she will try hard to break through. Whenever I think of Master's words: "Remember we once tearfully promised God that when we are born as human beings again, we will make great contributions to mankind," I gather my courage and continue on the spiritual path.

For someone who has been addicted to tobacco for over a decade, quitting smoking seemed almost impossible! I am so grateful for Master's love, which helped me sever this bad habit without any difficulty.

After I was initiated, periodically I tried quitting smoking. In my sleep one night, I saw Master's transformation body. At that time, all kinds of emotions exploded in me, and I pressed myself against Her knees. I blissfully looked at Her, and felt both extremely excited and ashamed. I kept saying, "Master! I know I am wrong! I am sorry!" Like a loving mother, She counselled me in a reprimanding and exhortative manner, "This should be the last pack! Don't smoke anymore after this one, okay?"

I answered with certainty, "Okay!"

Again, like a mother teaching Her child, Master said kindly and softly, "Now that you have promised me, you must do it!" Upon waking up, I was in an unusual state of calm and bliss.

The next afternoon, I was supervising work on a construction site. I counted the remaining cigarettes in the pack, but I put them back in the case as I didn't feel like smoking. When I came home from work, I couldn't find that pack of cigarettes anymore, and I laughed happily.

Since then, I have not smoked another cigarette, nor even thought about smoking, and I am truly grateful for Master's positive power.