The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 59

Cover illustration :Whenever You play music, the suffering mundane world receives the nectar of Your sound stream, cleansing the dust covered hearts of all sentient beings.

Master's Words The Best Offering

Aphorisms

You May Not Know |The savior Of The World At Hsihu|The Proper Help|The Four Levels Of stream Winners

Open Space |Set An Example As An Eternal Paragon For Human Beings On Earth|Music, A Way To Communicate

Pearls Of Wisdom

Special Reports Let Our World Become More Peaceful--A Collective Report On The "Meditation Week Praying For Peace"

While On The Path |I Have No Fear, For I Have My Master|Just Do It, Don't Think Too Much!|A Sharp Warning That Was A Good Experience For Me!

Feature Reports Master's Love Spread To The Commonwealth Of Dominica

Master Says The Way To Glorify God

Poem The Sword Of Wisdom

Spot Light The Noblest Intent Of Offering

Spiritual Interlude |Breakthrough To Happiness|Loving Encouragment

Master Tells Stories We Should Not Copy A Master's Outer Performance

Master Tells Jokes The Mouse Without Cheese

Master's Wonders |Master Took Me On A Tour Of The Kingdom Of God|Leave Everything To Master|The Superlative Strategist

Children's Letters You Are The Sweetest

A Reader's Letter The Noah's Ark Of Today

Relief Reports The Supreme Master Ching Hai's Relief Efforts And Contributions To The World

No.58 Magazine Menu Home Menu No.60

:::::::::::::: 0a.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Master's Words

The Best Offering

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 17, 1996 (Originally In English)

I enjoy the talents that God has granted me for the good cause of mankind. So many people come to me because of the clothing I designed, because my artistic tendency appeals to their artistic tendency -- appeals to their love of beauty. Some people come to me through the music because my music appeals to their inner nature, their own ability to produce music or to listen to music. Some people love my paintings so they feel acquainted with me and make an affinity with me and become fellow practitioners.

Therefore, from so many angles of abilities, God has drawn Hiers children to Hirmself, through my physical instrument -- for example like that. There's nothing that's useless. We must know how to use things, and then they become useful.

When I see the people offer things to the Buddha, and then they're reborn again and again with a piece of silk on their bodies or two coins in their hands, I'm afraid. That's why I don't accept your offerings. I would rather you offer it to yourselves and then let me help you take you out of this suffering sea forever. It would be the best thing that you have ever offered to any Buddha, enlightened Master.

But of course in each yuga (age), Masters use different ways to teach people. At that time, that man only offered two golden coins. If the Buddha did not accept, there would have been nothing else to offer. He didn't know yet (of the supreme teaching) or maybe the Buddha was in a hurry and the man only wanted to offer two golden coins and wanted nothing else to do with the Buddha. What else can you do?

Sometimes people offer me small things, I also accept. I accept their offering merits. Either I take it or not take it, it's the same; and I give them something else so that also creates an affinity without me having to take things from them. We will give them sample booklets or something like that. Then they slowly develop the mind for enlightenment. That would be best for them. That's why we spend our money not only on charity but also on spiritual charity. We print a lot of free booklets and News magazines in case people are interested. That is a gift to mankind that we can give. Better than the material charity we do.

:::::::::::::: 0b.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

International Reports

Report From L.A., C.A., U.S.A.

A Night Of Grace In Hollywood

During the Spring Festival, to continue the work of helping the homeless which had already been completed in the cities of Westminster, Venice and Santa Monica last time, fellow practitioners at the Los Angeles Center this time organized into two groups. Bring with them Master's divine love and blessings, as well as car loads of hot vegetarian meals, medicine, socks, sleeping bags and Master's sample booklets and magazines, headed toward Hollywood in the middle of a chilly night.

Upon entering North Hollywood, we stopped at a nearby park alongside a freeway overpass. Fellow practitioners scanned the entire area in hopes of finding the needy homeless brothers and sisters. Eventually, they were found in a nearby building. Fellow practitioners briefly introduced Master and gently offered them Her gifts of love. They were surprised and delighted to receive these unexpected gifts. As we were leaving, a couple kept saying thank you.

We continued our search, a man, to our joyous surprise, offered to help us find other homeless people. We followed his car to an abandoned office building and went inside to find half a dozen of them sleeping together under a big plastic sheet. Upon being presented the many gifts, they moved forward to greet us somewhat in disbelief. They repeatedly said thank you in a tone filled with gratitude mixed with a bit of surprise.

Along the railroad, we found a large group of wanderers sleeping together under a big tree as if they were of the same family. When they heard us approaching, many immediately got up and happily received us. They had nothing but a thin sheet of cloth wrapped around their bodies to keep warm. They were overjoyed upon receiving the hot vegetarian soup, Master's gifts of love and the brand new sleeping bags that would help keep them warm throughout the chilly nights. How considerate our Master is!

A man sleeping on a sidewalk bench quietly said, "Thank you!" It was as if he knew and was extremely touched by what had occurred that night -- how Master's warmth was conveyed to the needy.

It was almost 4:00 a.m. when we left the city still in deep slumber. With a smile full of joy and contentment on our faces, we thanked Master for giving us another opportunity to serve those in need with Her boundless love and compassion.

Report From Arizona, U.S.A.

Tying Good Affinities With The Living Enlightened Master

Upon receiving Master's instruction to help the poor Au Lac people who have just arrived in the U.S. under the protection of the Humanitarian Organization (HO), fellow initiates in Arizona immediately went into action.

After the needed items were purchased, we went to each family to distribute blankets, rice, rice bowls, soap, toothpaste, cough and flu medicines, cookies, Master's News magazines.

These families were very surprised to receive these gifts full of Master's love. Some were so touched that they were speechless. It had never occured to them that Master cared so much that She would send Her love to them through these gifts, something which they had never received from any other organization. They kept expressing their gratitude to Master, and wished Her good health.

Some said they already heard about Master when they were in Au Lac. Others wanted to know more about Her teachings, and asked for some video tapes. After reading about Master's life and the News magazines, they believe that Her teachings are very profound and truly represent goodness, beauty and virtue, exactly resembling their beliefs.

Master's arrangement was so amazing! We prepared just enough gifts for everyone! In some areas where only these poor Au Lac families lived, their neighbors also came over asking for gifts when they heard about our visit. Master's far-reaching power of love is truly incredible!

The souls of these people are dancing happily, realizing that they have secured good affinity with a living master. Some people called us afterward, asking us for our address so that they could later making offerings to Master when they have a chance. However, we explained to them that Master's help is unconditional, and She expects nothing in return. Their awe and respect towards Master intensified even more.

Some Au Lac families invited the fellow initiates to stay for tea and to chat with them; but because our time was short, we could only encourage them to study Master's teachings, be vegetarians, and to put morals values above the material things of this world. We also comforted them that we all had language problems and hardships when we first came to live in this strange land, but we overcame them all, just like they will eventually.

After this activity, Arizona's fellow initiates learned an invaluable lesson, a lesson of love and care to those less fortunate. We also felt that this world is truly ephemeral, and witnessed once again Master's power in action. For example, one fellow practitioner who had been sick for three days suddenly recovered from his illness after promising to participate in this activity. He was truly amazed by Master's fantastic blessing power.

Report From Boston, USA

The Experience That Comes Without Ego

Spiritual practice does not mean meditation alone. It is only correct when we adhere to Master's instructions! Many practitioners have wonderful experiences derived from meditation or from daily living; others have them from doing Master's work. However, only fellow practitioners who work for Master can truly experience the bliss of being one with the inner Master. Under Master's instruction to help the homeless people in Boston during the Lunar New Year, fellow practitioners there immediately started with the preparation work. On New Year's Eve, they distributed army blankets, vegetarian food, and hot drinks to these living on the streets.

It was extremely cold that night. The Boston practitioners divided themselves into three groups, reaching out extensively to the gathering places of homeless people in Boston, Worcester, Lowell and Springfield-the four major cities of Massachusetts. Without any prior on-hand experience in relieving the homeless, the Boston practitioners could only recite the Holy Names and pray to the inner Master. Soon enough, inspirations poured forth continuously, and their mission was accomplished smoothly and perfectly. Only those who participated in the work realized: we are only Master's tools, and the indescribable feeling of being one with the inner Master.

Words cannot describe this blissful feeling. The more we work, the more abundant are Master's blessings. I wish to share these egoless experiences and my insights with fellow practitioners.

Report From Ottawa, Canada

Paying New Year Visits With Master's Love

Following Master's instructions, we visited poor families in our local areas during the Lunar New Year. Fellow initiates worked together with social workers to help find the poor, needy families.

We received wholehearted support from the social workers who were in charge of helping the poor families and the newly arrived refugees in Ottawa. They told us that they had been wanting to do this kind of things for a long time, but the financial situation had prevented them from doing so. They felt very honored to be able to work with us to bring Master's love and help to the poor. The social workers also told us that due to government cutbacks in the past few years, financial assistance to the poor and needy families in Ottawa was also affected. Families with many children, in particular, need more support from charity organizations.

Besides the practical gifts of rice, noodles, milk, soy sauce, sodas and other necessary items for the Lunar New Year, fellow initiates also made delicious Au Lac rice dumplings, especially for Asian families. These small gifts brought back memories of their homeland, as well as communicated Master's precious love to them.

Through a telephone conversation with one family, we were told by the householder that this was the first time in many years that anyone had come to give New Year's greetings. There were moments when the householder felt so touched by Master's love and compassion that he became speechless. The next day, he told us that he couldn't sleep the night before and that he would like to know more about Master and our organization. He wanted to read Master's sample booklet and News magazines.

When we came to families with small children, the children were delighted to receive the gifts of Master's love. They shouted with joy, knowing that they would have rice dumplings for the New Year's celebration. Some families told us they had heard about Master's charitable deeds while they were in the refugee camps. Others said She had helped them in the past. They all wanted us to thank Her for them.

When we brought the gifts to one family, the woman was so touched that she was utterly speechless for a few minutes. She was even more touched when we, on behalf of Master, wished her a happy and prosperous New Year. As we were leaving, she still stood there in the cold with the front door wide opened to see us off. Master's love and blessing power kept her warm.

When we think of Master, of Her love and concern for sentient beings, we pray that these poor families will one day be awakened from this long dream, find the true purpose of life, and return to their homeland in heaven.

The more we know about these families, the more we realize how fortunate we are. Materially, we have enough food to eat and clothes to wear. Spiritually, we have an enlightened Master who has taught us the Quan Yin Method, a method of liberation. What great blessings we have! We thank the Almighty, our Master, for taking care of our lives, and for giving us a chance to learn the lessons of love through interacting with these unfortunate people. Each lesson from Master is practical and valuable to our spiritual development. Because of this activity we are determined to practice meditation more diligently. Thank You very much, Master.

Report From Vancouver, Canada

The Fantastic Great Love

Most of the fellow practitioners who were initiated this time in Vancouver had been vegetarians for decades; some were even life-long vegetarians who kept the precept keenly. Due to their faith and sincerity, they obtained Master's permission for initiation within a few short days, and were smoothly initiated.

Two days prior to receiving the notice for initiation, a lady already knew when the initiation was to take place; she even saw the scene in the Center beforehand. Some people experienced high levels of light and sound while practicing the Convenient Method. Others experienced Master's great unceasing love that inspired them to write some touching poems, as well as become more loving and magnanimous toward others - their attitudes toward family members changed for the better, and even moved the family members to pursue the Truth. Consequently, there were several couples among those who were initiated this time.

Fellow practitioners knew it was Master's loving power at work. The new initiates said that while reading Master's sample booklet, they truly believed that they could return to their original source just by following Her footsteps. Let us hope that, through Master's love, the old and new initiates will together elevate and beautify the world.

The Fantasy Playground

(Inspired By The Supreme Master Ching Hai)

By Fellow Initiate Cory Yeung, Canada (Originally in English)

Many of us

Clouded by the dust,

Mistook our training ground

For a fantasy playground.

Therefore linger here

For a thousand year,

Even when hungry and alone

We still refuse to atone.

Report From Sydney, Australia

The Garden Party Blessed By God

To greet the year of the Rat, 1996, the Au Lac community in Australia held a New Year's Garden Party at Warwick Farm where a great variety of booths were set up. People from all professions and walks of life joined the happy occasion to celebrate the New Year.

Apart from the stands established by the Au Lac community, other participants of this Garden Party included the Boy Scouts, the Health Club, YMCA, the Senior Citizens Club and many other organizations. Among them was the The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Our booth served vegetarian food and displayed Master's books, News magazines, video tapes and photos. Of course, the Quan Yin Method was also introduced. Of all the stands in the event, ours was the prettiest, attracting many spectators. A lot of people purchased Master's publications and requested sample booklets from the working members. The video tape of Master giving a lecture in a refugee camp was shown, and everyone loved the vegetarian food that we provided as well.

Days before the occasion, many fellow practitioners worried about the weather because it was forecasted that a storm was coming during the New Year period. They feared that the wind and rain would make it difficult for them to display Master's publications, in which case, the spectators would not be able to benefit fully. Fortunately, God lovingly responded to their sincere prayers, and on the day of the event the weather was fine and bright, enhanced by a cool breeze. It was more than ideal for everyone to enjoy the Garden Party. God's blessing overruled the Australian Observatory's forecast!

Report From Calcutta, India

The Infinite Charisma Of A True Guru

The largest international book fair in Asia was recently held in Calcutta, India. Thousands of publishers and book companies from various parts of the world participated in this grand event. It attracted an audience of more than 1.3 million. All the major newspapers in India reported this spectacular occasion. Some fellow practitioners in India felt that it was a precious opportunity to share Master's teachings with their fellow compatriots, so they enthusiastically gathered other fellow practitioners to help prepare for this event.

To have an exhibition booth in this international book fare, one must register at least five years beforehand. Due to Master's blessing, we got assistance from a well-known lawyer in West Bengal and finally succeeded in securing a booth. This lawyer had always been deeply impressed by Master's spirit in spreading the Truth throughout the world and Her humanitarian charitable deeds, caring for the needy. The person original assigned to this booth was deeply touched after knowing that Master's teachings are for the selfless purpose of elevating human souls. He was also willing to assist with us in the next year's book fair.

Fellow practitioners received warm responses from the visitors when Master's teachings were being introduced. Most people were astonished to receive the exquisite sample booklet, free of charge. Some spiritual practitioners from other paths realized that Master's teachings conformed very much with their religious beliefs, so they happily wrote down their names and addresses, hoping to keep in contact with us in the future.

Master's blessing power and Her formless teachings are beyond the limits of human language. Many visitors who saw Her photo for the first time said intuitively, "This Guru (enlightened master) must be very powerful." An interesting story that happened at the exhibition venue was a good indication of this. The manager of a book store wrote: My nephew is only two years old. I gave him a photo of the saintly teacher, The Supreme Master Ching Hai. He asked who was the person in the photo and I told him that was The Supreme Master Ching Hai. At that time, my nephew had no idea who Master was, but Master's name and photo had already been imprinted in his innocent mind. Now, whenever seeing Master's photo he says without hesitation "The Supreme Master Ching Hai".

We believe that in the future, due to Master's supreme wisdom, many native Truth aspirants in India will come to Her seeking the Truth.

Some people who befriended us at the book fair have already been initiated. Many more are practicing the Convenient Method waiting for the next initiation.

Report From Hong Kong

Master's New Year Gifts Bring Joy To The Refugees

Da Ya Zhou is a deserted island southwest of Hong Kong. During the past few years, the government had constructed refugee camps accommodating over six thousand Au Lac asylum seekers. The place is remote and the only means of transportation is by chartered ferries. Due to strict regulations, each person can only visit one family per visit. Therefore, not many asylum seekers in the camps have been able to come in contact with Master's teachings. However in these few years, many people have been keeping the vegetarian diet, practicing the Convenient Method, and are waiting for an opportunity to receive initiation.

For the past few years, during the Lunar New Year, fellow practitioners have followed Master's loving instructions, and brought New Year's gifts to visit the fellow brothers and sisters in various camps. Approval to bring gifts to the asylum seekers from the camp authority of Da Ya Zhou was sought many times, but rejected. However, a few days before the Lunar New Year, our request was approved and we were able to have the New Year's gifts send in to the refugees. Fellow practitioners were overjoyed upon receiving the news. Unfortunately, due to insufficient time, and the camp authority's failure to arrange for the ferry, they suggested that we send the gifts after the Lunar New Year. After a discussion, they consented that each gift pack may contain one pound each of candies, black melon seeds and a packet of tea leaves.

Fellow practitioners earnestly prepared the gifts after their return from the Lunar New Year 4-Day Retreat and the celebration of Ching Hai Day. Following a recent group meditation, more than eighty fellow practitioners worked diligently overnight amidst the sounds of Master's Buddha chanting tape, to pack the candies and black melon seeds into small packets, and put them into big plastic bags together with the boxes of tea leaves. These were then put into carton boxes. The job was accomplished by the next morning.

On the morning of their visit to the camps, fellow practitioners worked together to bring the cartons from the first floor to the roadside, which were then loaded unto two big trucks. They drove to the designated ferry pier as instructed by the camp authority and the goods were then unloaded and put onto the ferry. They were delivered to Da Ya Zhou that afternoon and distributed to every asylum seeker on the island.

According to the information provided by the camp authority, the asylum seekers were all overjoyed to receive the gifts from The Supreme Master Ching Hai. For days afterward, the adults were eating melon seeds and drinking tea and the children were eating candies everywhere in the camp. All of them were so happy. The asylum seekers even sent a representative to phone our fellow practitioners to thank Master on their behalf. They were grateful for the care and love that Master had bestow upon them.

Report Form Palawan, The Philippines

The Holy Land Carried Out The Truth

This Lunar New Year in the refugee camp was certainly very different from that of other years. The asylum seekers never would have believed that they could enjoy the festive atmosphere in the camp as they had this year.

Aside from the natural comfort of the beautiful spring flowers blooming by the roadside, the asylum seekers also had The Supreme Master Ching Hai's boundless love. Fellow initiates in the camp packed all gifts and placed them on a cart which was beautifully decorated with Master's noble pictures. This gift-loaded cart slowly left the meditation center on New Year's Day, rolling everywhere, bringing Master's love to everyone. Here and there, the clattered fire-crackers mingled with the sound of the drums from the dragon dance, enhanced the festive spirit.

Following Master's example and meticulous care, fellow initiates distributed the gifts to each family. This surprise gift out of Master's loving concern caused the asylum seekers' faces to beam with happiness and gratitude for Master. The police and staff at the camp also received Master's gifts to share in the joy of spring.

Following Master's instruction, the Quan Yin messenger and the initiates bought cookies and candies, and made hundreds of kg of jam including ginger, coconut, carrot, pumpkin and custard-apple to be distributed to the 2,300 camp residents. Even though all the food was prepared in only one week, with Master's blessing, the fellow initiates did not feel tired. In addition, they made 500 rice dumplings to be distributed to the initiates in the camp.

Fellow practitioners also prepared many delicious dishes for everyone at the New Year's party. The young initiates also joined in the festivities, performing several animated, cultural dances to entertain the visitors.

In addition, due to Master's versatile nature, fellow initiates were encouraged to demonstrate their talents and skills by turning the surrounding area into a beautiful new world. Attracted by the beautiful scenery, many visitors were given the opportunity to discover the truth of the universe through the Quan Yin Method. This little holy place in the camp truly cannot be overlooked!

On the first day of the New Year, reporters from the Palawan media visited the camp's meditation center. Impressed with the work of fellow initiates and the beauty of the Center, their cameras were constantly clicking, especially on Master's enchanting photos. The reporters also posed many questions about the Quan Yin Method and how to become vegetarian, finally admitting that this was a valuable aspect for them in their search for spiritual attainment.

Report From Bangkok, Thailand

New Source Of Water For Thai People

When Master came to know about the water shortage in the surrounding area of a refugee camp in Thailand, She mercifully made a contribution to start an underground water project. As instructed by Her, we also prepared more food and clothing to be given to the fellow initiates in the camp.

Fellow initiates from Bangkok were warmly greeted by the deputy chief officer when they revisited the Seekew Refugee Camp under Master's instructions (the chief officer at the time was on a trip to Bangkok.). After discussing the underground water project, and with Master's blessings, we were allowed to meet all the camp's initiates. Each practitioners was presented a package of gifts which included soy-beans, dry-noodle packages, vegetarian protein, biscuits, deep-fried seaweed, dried black mushrooms, chili paste, T-shirts, and shorts. All of them were extremely grateful to Master for Her loving concern, and repeatedly said, "Thank you!" Aside from The Supreme Master Ching Hai, no one could truly have understood the longing in the hearts of these asylum seekers.

Through this experience, we felt that these people were on their way back to their real home and would definitely have their true freedom in the undiscriminated "Ocean of Love".

:::::::::::::: 0c.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Aphorisms

By The Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In Chinese)

To live a happy life, we have to create a happy atmosphere for ourselves.

By The Supreme Master Ching Hai (Originally In English)

Everything has been created by ourselves.

Everything we seek now or later is what we want, what we created.

A man who grows above the physical level is a monk.

Everything's value depends on how much attachment we have for it.

Comforts really bind us.

:::::::::::::: 0d.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

You May Not Know

The Savior Of The World At Hsihu

By Fellow Initiate Pu Ji Yu, Seoul, Korea And Anh Cheng Pei, Pusan, Korea

Ger Anh Leftover Record is a very well-known Korean book of prophecy written in the sixteenth century. To date, a great number of prophecies from the book have been fulfilled. Therefore, some religious bodies in Korea are waiting for a world savior, who, it is said, will come from an island from the south.

The coming of "doomsday" has become a popular topic of conversation in various nations all over the world. American movies about the end of the world have been recently broadcasted by government and private TV stations in Korea, attracting wide public attention.

There have been many prophets in the world. It is amazing that many of their prophecies have been fulfilled. It seems that every nation, including Korea, has had prophets. In the sixteenth century, there was a prophet named Nan Shih Gu (1502 - 1571), who was an expert in astronomy, geology and the "Book of Changes." He wrote a book called, "Ger Anh Leftover Record", which clearly records the coming of a world savior at a time when the world is about to end. Part of the original prophetic text is translated as follows:

"A holy being from above appears in the times of doom.

Little does the world know about it.

The savior is the King of Heaven.

The King of Heaven himself descends on an island.

The savior on an island was from the south.

One of the islands in the South Sea is full of heavenly light.

Little does the world know about it.

A savior appears at Hsihu, and all the saints and mighty lead

their holy army to congregate there.

These celestial beings transform evil into the divine."

It is also mentioned in the original text that devastating chaos will occur at the end of the twentieth century. At that time a savior will emerge, save the world from its turmoil, and rebuild it to become a heaven on earth. Moreover, during the last days of the world, there will be a "little head with no legs" (an atomic bomb) that will explode in the sky and cause a sea of fire, darkening the sun and the moon! The poisonous gas dispersed will cause unprecedented chaos, and the majority of people will not survive. At that time a savior from the Kingdom of God will appear. Only those who listen to him will be saved. This savior will come from a place on an island south of Korea called Hsihu. As Formosa is an island located south of Korea, it is not difficult to see that Hsihu Center is the "Hsihu" mentioned in the original text.

It is truly remarkable that in the sixteenth century a prophet foretold the appearance of a savior from Hsihu, Formosa. The moment I read about the savior from Hsihu, I had a distinct feeling that the savior in the prophecy was our Master, The Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Not too many people know about this discovery. It was only shared by a few fellow practitioners, who all marvelled at it. Eventually we decided to let other fellow practitioners throughout the world know about it, so that we could further understand who The Supreme Master Ching Hai really is and verify Her holy mission on Earth.

According to the prophecy, the savior will unite all religions, guide this materialistic world towards a spiritual goal, and save the Earth from the turmoil of its last days. We feel that this is the "Golden Era" that Master has talked about. In order to reach higher spiritual worlds, we should overcome any obstacles or dangers on our spiritual path, until all our aspirations are fulfilled.

The Proper Help

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 17, 1996 (Originally In English)

We run around the world sometimes whenever we know about a disaster; or whenever we can help, we always help. Sometimes I'll help until there's the last penny in our account. It seems to look a lot to you; looks like I still have about three, four behind me, but it's not true. That is all we had at that time, but I know God will give again. So if necessary, I will give everything. If it's not necessary, we give whatever is needed or whatever we have, that's all.

So, when people are starving, you give them some money or bread. Not only a sample booklet of Master speaking at the United Nations, not only a Quan Yin Method advertisement, but money and bread. After he fills his stomach, maybe he will listen to you, maybe not; but don't expect anything. If he dies with a sample booklet (while hungry), he also doesn't know anything. If before he dies he doesn't read it, do you think he'll read it after he dies? (Master laughs)

The Four Levels Of Stream Winners

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 17, 1996 (Originally In English)

Stream winner -- that means he probably practiced the Convenient Method. He has conquered the currents of life and death, of transmigration; and perhaps during his concentration, while he practiced the Convenient Method, the Buddha probably blessed him and let him hear the sound current now and again so he conquered the stream, the sound current stream.

But for those people at that time, most of the masters never took people in one lifetime, not all of them. So many people would have to come back for seven lifetimes, and then they would get liberation. They'd meet another enlightened master, actually practice the Quan Yin Method, become disciples, then they'd be liberated. They are the ones who are supposed to be 'stream winners.'

Some people would come back four times after they'd encounter the Buddha -- enlightened Master. Maybe they'd just listen and rejoice in their hearts, be prepared to follow but then they wouldn't. Maybe next year, maybe after two years, or something like that. Then their sons would have grown up and they'd follow the master. Many people tell me things like that. They'd comment, "Wow, You are fantastic," or "You talk very nice, I like it. Everything You say is true, but I'm not married yet. I want to know what marriage is like." ( Master laughs.) "My son has not grown up and is not married yet. When he's married, I must drink wine and eat meat first to rejoice and then after that I will follow You. But then after that, another daughter is going to get married, then the daughter will give birth to another son, I have to take care of the grandchildren, and blah, blah, blah." I never see the man again. Perhaps I will sixty-one aeons later. (Master laughs.)

So someone who follows the master is called a 'once returner.' Of course you know very well, he returns once more, and then he'll be liberated. And others, 'never returners.' Now it's very clear that he will be liberated in this lifetime. This is the one that practices the Quan Yin Method diligently and wants liberation badly. Some become Arhats. That is even higher. The Arhats can teach people, can impart the blessing to them.

:::::::::::::: 0e.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Open Space

Set An Example As An Eternal Paragon For Human Beings On Earth

By The Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Wu Jing Zu, Taipei, Formosa

The book The Celestine Prophecy concluded, "Sometime in history one individual would grasp the exact way of connecting with God's source of energy and direction and would thus become a lasting example that this connection is possible."

Written by an American, James Redfield, this book was the result of the author's over two decades' research in spiritual and latent powers of human beings. The many levels of enlightenment described in this book testify that the theories of the Quan Yin Method are most scientific. When Quan Yin practitioners read it, they can relate to what is being said. The Quan Yin Method, as taught by The Supreme Master Ching Hai, is the most effective method that guides people through levels of enlightenment, transforming the defiled world into a pure land. The theories and descriptions of enlightenment mentioned in this book truly confirm Master's teachings, and are very familiar to the Quan Yin practitioners.

One important point that The Celestine Prophecy stresses is that, it is better to "Let your perception of beauty and iridescence lead your way." It also mentions, "During the last decades of the twentieth century...mystical consciousness will become publicly accepted as a way of being that is actually attainable...." and when people are connected with the energy they will feel something like excitement, then euphoria and then love.

Another crucial point that it emphasizes is, "Giving is really a universal principle. When we give, we receive in return. When we project energy into someone this creates a void in ourselves which, if we are connected (with the cosmic energy), fills up again. Once we begin to give constantly, we will always have more coming in than we could possibly give away."

Furthermore, it also goes on to describe a unique yet simple concept, "As we humans continue to increase the level of our vibration, an amazing thing will begin to happen. Whole groups of people, once they reach a certain level, will suddenly become invisible to those who are still vibrating at a lower level. It will appear to the people on this lower level that the others just disappeared, but the group themselves will feel as though they are still right there - only they will feel lighter. At some point everyone will vibrate highly enough so that we can walk into heaven, in our same form."

Finally, and most importantly,"Sometime in history one individual would grasp the exact way of connecting with God's source of energy and direction and would thus become a lasting example that this connection is possible."

Music, A Way To Communicate

By Fellow Initiate Sophie Lapaire, CA, USA (Originally In English)

Recorded from a French news program,

aired on March 7, 1996, called "Le Journal d'Antenne 2."

Ines is three hours old, she has had a difficult beginning with many blood tests. "She stopped crying, fascinated by soft music. She quieted down right away, and tried to see where the sounds were coming from, especially the bells and the flute, even though she was very hungry," reported a pediatric nurse at the Frejus Hospital (France) where this therapy has been implimented for four months now. It has been shown that soothing music improves ill and premature babies' health. Babies who are crying, quiet down right away and look for the source of the sounds. The effect on their heart and respiratory rate, as well as weight gains can be measured.

The Var General Council started the experiment. Musicians train staff to sing in such a way as to communicate with babies. "They don't understand words but they do feel the sound vibrations and our emotions." Communication means maintaining that emotion. These are not lullabies. They are meant to awaken the baby's senses. This way, the baby's treatment will be less painful.

:::::::::::::: 0f.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Pearls Of Wisdom

Impermanent Valuable Things

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center,

Formosa Feb. 17, 1996 (Originally in English)

Diamonds, rubies, gold or whatever it is, the value they have is the value we give to them, but it's not the true value. Suppose you're in the desert, have no water, and your camels are running out of food. Can you eat the diamonds? At that time, do diamonds have any value to you? No, you'll die beside the diamonds, and the diamonds cannot move, cannot do absolutely anything for you. So any material values in this world, only have importance because we give it to them. Otherwise, there's nothing here that's valuable.

Thus you see, some men love their woman so much that they would die, would kill for her but to other neighbors, she's nothing. Even if she came to his house, he would kick her out. He'd ask what are you doing here? He would not feel her appeal at all because she has nothing to do with him. She has karma with that person, with the one who would kill for her. So everything is related to each other through karma or through the value that we attach to the subject or to the person.

There's no real value in this world; but since we live here, we accept. We accept, but we must know so that we don't feel attachment for these transient things, really not valuable things. We must understand the root of all the values so that we can use them but should not feel attached to them. That's the reason why we must practice for spiritual wisdom. We must know so that we free ourselves from everything -- from material binding, from attachment to passions, from the binding of physical love even.

Our Concept Must Be Correct

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai at Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 20, 1996 (Originally in Chinese)

Sometimes, our concept of spiritral practice can go very wrong. we shoule not listen blindly to whatever a person says just because he is handsome or good looking. We must analyze clearly: bad results if we do not listen to him? We ought to analyze clearly before we do what he says. We cannot blindly follow him just because we like that person.

The Natural Way To Help Others

By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 20, 1996 (Originally in Chinese)

We help others, because when we observe others in distress, it is like we are in distress. This feeling should come genuinely from the heart. When we are cold, we immediately get a blanket, a meditation cloth or a hat to cover ourselves. When others are feeling cold, we also feel it. Even when we are warm and cozy, we cannot get to sleep if we think of the people suffering in the cold. First thing in the morning, we will try to help them quickly. When I help others, most of the time it is because I myself cannot sleep. So, I am also helping myself. If I don't help them, I will feel bad. To ease my distressful feeling, I have to help them, the faster the better. When it is done quickly, I am happy too! This is the natural way to help others.

Remember God's Commandments

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Honolulu, Hawali, U.S.A.

March 28, 1993 (Originally in English)

We have heard that everything is God's will. Even a hair falling down from our head is according to the Lord's arrangement. But why then do we have to suffer for what we do? As the Bible says, As you Sow, so shall you reap. Isn't that paradoxical? Isn't that too unfair for us? Well, it isn't.

It's just that we do not know how to use it or maybe we do not want to use it, because life after life we gave been used to the so-called easy way. We do what we feel like doing at that moment, we live our life according to the dictates of out habits and the collected information that we have throught out eyes, ears, nose, touch, etc. We have forgotten God's commandments.

The Soul Never Transmigrates

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Honolulu, Hawali, U. S. A.,

March 28, 1993 (Originally in English)

The soul never reincarnates, just our habitual thinking, our desires, our attachments that reincarnate. If we know the soul, if we are enlightened, if we know the connection with the whole universe, we are not reincarnated anywhere, we are always right there. We are never born, and never die.

The Quan Yin Method Erases All Karma

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Cneter, Formosa

Feb. 17, 1996 (Originally in English)

We must take care not to make new karma. Don't make a new reaction to pull us into suffering anymore. We must keep the precepts and keep vigilant day and night with our spiritual strength. Whatever we desire at the time of death, we get. That is a problem and not many people know about it. That's why they don't think they will fall into hell but they will. It's a pity.

Only the Quan Yin Method can rescue people from this desire. It doesn't matter what force of karma. If you practice the Quan Yin Method, it will erase everything. It makes you deaf to every other temptation and desire. It just lifts you right up from everything, just like a helicopter lifts a person right up from a sea of burning fire or a sea of freezing water. So it doesn't matter how much fire or how much water, you are ungarmed. That is the value of the Quan Yin Method.

:::::::::::::: 0g.html :::::::::::::: :::::::::::::: 0h.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Media Reports

Cutting The Lines Of Conflict

Central Daily News, Formosa, March 16, 1996

To dissolve the ever increasing tense relationship between the two shores, yesterday afternoon in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall square, a group of peace loving Quan Yin Method practitioners held a unique and meaningful event to symbolize "cutting the lines of conflict." Hundreds of people flew 'Peace Kites' and then cut the kite wires. This was to send the message of peace high with the wind to the opposite shore, hoping to dissolve the violent atmosphere that has been overshadowing us for a long time. (Article and photo by Tan Guan Seng)

We Only Want Peace

China Times, Formosa, March 16, 1996

Under the threat of waves of military exercises conducted by Communist China, yesterday afternoon in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall square, a group of peace loving people flew hundreds of 'Peace Kites' to send the message of peace high with the wind to the opposite shore. Towards evening, everyone cuts the kite wires, symbolizing cutting the lines of conflict, and hoped that the discord would end soon. (Photo provided by event co-ordinator, article by Han Tong Qing)

Boston Globe, USA, March 11, 1996

Some of the 5,000 followers of Ching Hai, who heads a folk religious movement, pray for peace during a sitin yesterday at a Taipei park in reaction to the Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. San Jose

Britain considers beef herd kill-off

Mercury News, USA, March22, 1996

Cattle affliction linked to humans British experts

probe brain disorder's relation to mad-cow disease

San Jose Mercury News, USA, March21, 1996

Time, USA, March 25, 1996

Is U.S. chicken really foul? An American consumer group charges that 25 of RAW CHICKENS harbor Salmonella and 90are contaminted with Campylobacter, a lesser-known but equally stomach-sickening and potentially deadly bacterium. The group's study blames the practice of immersing carcasses in a common got-water tank to loosen feathers; the report, disputed by the poultry industry, says the water is not hot enough to kill the bacteria and encourages them to spread.

:::::::::::::: 0i.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

While On The Path

I Have No Fear, For I Have My Master

By Fellow Initiate Huang Jia-Yin, Strasbourg, France

Master has been taking good care of me ever since I came to study in France two years ago. Because I have Master, I have been able to get enough courage and have had good fortune to face life in a foreign land, to deal with the pressure of studying in a strange environment, and accept the challenge of the unknown. Because I have Master, I have come to understand better the Truth about life and the true meaning of, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Two years ago in winter, I came to this beautiful and romantic nation. Paris is a city of the arts. There is a local meditation center. This was the best choice for my first trip to study abroad. For unknown reasons, I suddenly contracted acute anemia, which I never had in all my twenty years.

During my illness, I continued to attend classes and go to the meditation center everyday. I was even surprised that I can withstand over twenty hours of flying only to participate in the 7-Day Retreat in Formosa. I also played a role in a drama produced by practitioners from France. Strangely, ever since I saw Master on the first day of the 7-Day Retreat, my illness and waist aches vanished.

This reminded me of the miracles performed by Jesus in the Bible. Master didn't do anything and my illnesses were cured. Ah! Master! Thank You! Your miracles are miracles without doing! I was born a Catholic, so what I am trying to say is that what Jesus could do, You can also do, and even do it better without a trace.

Master, I adore You! Hallelujah! You not only take care of our souls, You also take good care of our bodies.

During Master's Celestial Clothes Fashion Show last year, my French was still very lousy. However, I was able to guide the work team from Formosa through the streets of Paris and to arrange living quarters for practitioners from other countries. Naturally, I was blamed for taking on too much responsibility while I was still not familiar with the city. But, I just wanted to help, especially when there weren't enough people to do the work at the beginning. I couldn't care too much how good my French was or how well I knew Paris, I only knew I did everything for Master and let God take care of everything!

My French improved noticeably after the fashion show. When I travelled with friends during the summer, I was able to discuss a complicated problem regarding ticketing mistakes with the supervisor of a train station. Meanwhile I sent out applications to universities in an attempt to enrol in some suitable course.

While I was waiting for a response, I endured a lot of invisible pressure. I had to meditate at least five hours a day in order to thoroughly relax and get through this most tense and unsettled period.

One day I received a phone call from the Dean of the Department of Theatrics at Strasbourg University inviting me to go for a written test and interview. After I had been accepted, I was still hoping to go to a university in southern France. Everyday I looked at Master's photograph and prayed, "I leave it up to You, but I would prefer to go to southern France."

One night I almost heard Master's voice say, "You going to Strasbourg has been predestined. Don't be too picky!" Since then, I dared not think too much. Submissively, I packed my bags and came to this beautiful city near the German border.

I really didn't quite understand why God sent me to this strange place without any initiates. I thought there must be good reasons, except I still didn't know what they were.

Fortunately, I have three great professors. When I was taking the exam for "The Study of Beauty in Theater," I stated some of Master's teachings. I thought my ability to express myself in French was limited, but I was an expert when talking about Master's teachings, which are suitable for any subject. Consequently, the professor commented, "Correct conception... can be argued further with more examples." Of course, I passed this test with flying colors.

There is a river named "L'Ill," which surrounds the center of the city. Many swans, ducks, sea gulls and pigeons live in it. The swans are very spiritual. Whenever I went for a ride along the riverside with my pink bike, which is covered with Master's photographs and aphorisms, a flock of swans would follow me although I had no bread in my hands. I couldn't help but assume that they came to look at Master's photographs. Pointing to the photographs, I said to the swans, "Come! Look at Master!" They seemed to understand me and swam towards me, tilting their heads to look at Master's photographs.

It snowed heavily a few days ago. In the falling snow, I rode my bike while looking at the silvery ground and the snow covered roof and tree tops. How beautiful! Not a bit aware of the danger of biking in the snow, I quietly enjoyed the baptism of my soul. Watching the floating snowflakes, I heard Master's voice singing, "Wherever you go, remember me when the rain falls..."

The next day, I went to the riverside again with my bike. The snow lay ten inches thick on the ground. The spiritually-minded flock of swans quickly swam towards me. They all looked at Master's photographs as if they were seeing an old friend.

This is a city with a peaceful atmosphere. Someone told me vegetarianism is widespread here. Even the swans long for liberation I think, not to mention the human beings. My intuition tells me there will be fellow initiates here in the future.

This place is about 500 kilometers from Paris. As a student, it's not convenient for me to attend group meditations in Paris. Yet I practice more diligently than ever. I dare not get lazy because spiritual practice and daily living are not always easy going. Only after many struggles can our wisdom grow. Therefore, I accept the hardships with understanding and don't feel miserable.

Believe in the "universal plan." Do not forcibly ask for something. Leave everything in God's hands. This is my strong belief after living in a relatively isolated place. There is nothing to be afraid of when you follow Master. Master always comes up with some small miracle which will make you laugh when you are ready to cry.

It is said in the Bible, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, but I want to say even more strongly: I have no fear, for I have my Master!

Just Do It, Don't Think Too Much!

By Fellow Initiate Yumiko Okawad, Tokyo, Japan

(Originally In Japanese)

I would like to express the sense of happiness and gratitude I feel from the bottom of my heart for being able to engage in the work of publishing the Japanese version of Master's teachings.

Since the international book fair in Tokyo in February, a brother of the book circulation group wished that the latest magazine could be published in time for distribution at the fair. At that time, I got a call from another brother in the translation group saying that after he received the latest magazine, he just went ahead to translate the "Spot Light" section, on his own initiative without discussing it with anyone.

Not long later, this fellow practitioner's younger brother, who is also a member of the translation group, said to me that he would like to translate edition 54 of the News magazine for distribution at the book fair. All of us felt Master's guidance inside, and tried our best to translate the parts which covered Master's speeches. We thought that even if we could not publish the magazine in time it was all right, but we knew that after all it was a challenge for us.

Then the task to work on edition 54 began immediately. In a short time and with only a few of us, we completed the task of love effectively because we all worked with one heart. Also, we received very enthusiastic cooperation from a platemaking company and a printing company. Finally the task was completed the day before the book fair was to open.

Master always teaches us through various ways. From this experience we learnt that we possess the ability to achieve anything if we put our wisdom to work. Usually we think too much, and possibilities become doomed to impossibilities.

It was indeed very hard to translate Master's teachings into Japanese. Whether the original text was in Chinese or English, the subtle meaning of the translations were often different. Having received inspiration and invisible blessings from Master, we were able to overcome barriers in languages. Perhaps the translation work was something that we needed to do.

With the availability of the texts translated into Japanese, we Japanese can learn and understand Master's teachings, and this helps us grow. This was really an important lesson for us. Completing the translation work quickly and accurately, we know that we are growing up. We are taught and elevated by the teachings of love, and are guided in the right direction. Continually feeling the unfathomable love, I devote myself to true spiritual practice and to Master's work.

Master, thank You very much!

A Sharp Warning That Was A Good Experience For Me!

By Fellow Initiate Chen Feng-Hua, Hawaii, USA

After I migrated from mainland China to Hawaii, I had the blessing to read Master's sample booklet, which led me onto the spiritual path. Like a street-light illuminating my road, the The Supreme Master Ching Hai News is like my good companion on the spiritual path.

I had no experience at the initiation, but I continued with the vegetarian diet, meditated everyday, and went every week to the group meditation. However, I still did not feel I was making any progress, and I couldn't figure out why. Whenever I was feeling perplexed and emotional, I would quickly pick up Master's books to study Her teachings, and also read other initiates' experiences. In this way, I managed to steady my mind and persist with the practice.

I always anxiously await the arrival of the News magazine each month. This evening, I received the News and read the Chinese edition immediately as I came up in the elevator. I was extremely delighted by the first article that I read: "A Spiritual World Really Exists!" written by a fellow practitioner from Shanxi, China. In it the fellow brother wrote that he had no experience at the initiation because he was expecting something miraculous, and so he couldn't maintain his ordinary mind. Feeling disappointed, his faith wavered. Later, he received encouragement from his wife's brother which helped him re-establish his faith, and subsequently he had very good experiences.

This article pointed out what was wrong with me, and gave me confidence. Isn't it so obvious that Master was guiding me to advance through this article? This was a sharp warning and a good experience for me. News magazines are good companions and bright lamps guiding the road on my spiritual path. I enthusiastically shouted that The Supreme Master Ching Hai magazine is now biweekly!

:::::::::::::: 0j.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Feature Reports

Master's Love Spread To The Commonwealth of Dominica

By The Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Huong Thao, Miaoli, Formosa

Master's love and blessings continues to reach every corner of the world. Recently, the well-known beautiful Caribbean had the honor of welcoming a living master to one of its largest islands, the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Responding to the sincere invitation of the Consult-General and Vice Consult-General of the Consulate of Commonwealth of Dominica in Hong Kong, Master made a four-day trip to visit the island of Dominica in the Caribbean.

On the day of the departure, the Consult-General, Miss Grace Tung, and Vice Consult-General, Mr. David Hsiu, especially came to the J.F.K. Airport in New York to greet Master, and accompanied Her throughout the entire trip. After a few stops to change planes, we got on a local jet plane to reach the designated island.

From above, Dominica fully portrayed its beauty, fulfilling its reputation as the natural paradise of the Caribbean. Surrounded by clear turquoise sea water, the island was dotted with high steep mountains, interlaced with the rich tropical forests and swift cool streams.

Upon arriving at Canefield Airport, the former President of Commonwealth of Dominica, Sir C.A. Seignoret, was already there waiting to welcome Master in the airport's VIP lounge. During the conversation with him, the discussion about the present situation of the island was raised. Master considerately asked if there was anything She could do to help. She was informed that recently the island was struck by two large hurricanes, causing some damage to the residents' homes along the water front. In response, Master made a contribution of $10,000US to the Dominican government to repair damages from the hurricanes.

That night, Master was invited to a Red Cross party at the house of the director of the Red Cross of Dominica, Mrs. Kathleen Pinard-Byrne and her husband, Kieron Pinard-Byrne, the senior partner of Cooper's & Lybrand, where She offered two checks of $5,000US each to the Red Cross for its youth programs, and to the Alpha Center for mentally disabled children.

The party ended in a joyous atmosphere when Mrs. Pinard-Byrne and the Director-General of Alpha Center, Angela McIntyre, acknowledged their receipt of Master's contribution and expressed their thanks to Her in front of everyone. At the party, the hosts had especially ordered some Chinese vegetarian dishes for Master and Her group members. Surprisingly, it turned out that all the guests loved the taste of vegetarian food and soon it became short of demand. Those who had sampled the vegetarian food for the first time were impressed by its rich taste and the wide variety.

The next morning, Master met with the President of Commonwealth of Dominica, Mr. Crispan Sarvrandor, at the Presidential Palace, where She expressed concern for the people of Dominica. The meeting concluded with Master making a contribution of $15,000US to three organizations specializing in helping the elderly.

The following day, the Vice Consult-General of the Dominican consulate took Master on a tour around the island. Dominica is a true paradise. Full of beautiful lakes, pristine waterfalls, and steep mountains the island also has a huge variety of tropical plants and flowers. Different kinds of fruit trees grow naturally in the forests, as agriculture is the mainstay of the islands' economy. In addition to the natural beauty and clean environment, the people are also friendly and hospitable. It is a great wonder to find such a heavenly spot on earth where nature is as it originally was and everything flourishes in abundance.

During Her visit to Dominica, Master visited the Deputy Prime Minister, Julius Timothy, who was also Minister of Finance & Planning, and Prime Minister, Mr. Edison James to whom Master presented four checks; $5000US was given to Gertude Roberts, the Minister of Community and Welfare, help finance the classes teaching women basic domestic servicing skills in the women's center; $5000US to the Caribbean Territory, for the purchase of tools and books for schools and youth technical centers; $10,000US for the educational trust fund and school books for poor children; and finally, $10,000US to the government to be used at their discretion for the repairs of damages due to the hurricane.

That evening, Sir C.A. Seignoret invited Master to a vegetarian dinner at a local Chinese restaurant where the food was reputed to be the best on the island. At the restaurant, they were joined by the Consult-General, Vice Consul-General, Deputy Prime Minister, one of the ministers and Mr. Pinard-Byrne. Sir C.A. Seignoret used this occasion to pay his sincere respect to Master and presented Her with a silver plate with the inscription: "The Supreme Master Ching Hai - Purifies Human's Hearts, And Brings Peace On Earth." (See appendix A)

Our short stay on the island ended when we set off for an early morning flight back to the States. Again, Sir C.A. Seignoret came early, waiting at the airport to see Master off. Appreciating this gesture of sincerity and hospitality, Master warmly thanked him and shook hands with him before boarding the small jet plane. The plane departed leaving the paradise behind, gleaming serenely and gloriously in the glistening blue water. It had the rare precious chance of being blessed by a true living master.

The Supreme Master Ching Hai's Contributions in Dominica

Item Amount

-----------------------------------------------------------

Red Cross (youth program) $5,000US

-----------------------------------------------------------

Alpha Center (mentally disabled children) $5,000US

-----------------------------------------------------------

3 senior citizen organizations $15,000US

-----------------------------------------------------------

Gertrude Roberts, Minister of Community $5,000US

and Welfare (Women's Center)

-----------------------------------------------------------

Government of Dominica (for schools and youth $5,000US

technical centers in the Caribbean)

-----------------------------------------------------------

Government of Dominica (Education Trust Fund $10,000US

and school books for poor children)

-----------------------------------------------------------

Government of Dominica (hurricane damage) $10,000US

-----------------------------------------------------------

Total $55,000US

-----------------------------------------------------------

:::::::::::::: 0k.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Master Says

The Way To Glorify God

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

March 3, 1996 (Originally In Chinese)

Emperor Xuan of Zhou Dynasty employed an animal tamer whose name was Liang Yang. He was very good at taming animals; even some very fierce beasts like tigers, lions, wolves, some huge animals, the pelican that specializes in catching fish, and other fierce animals like snakes, all become timid and obedient in his hands. When Liang Yang fed them, all the animals would behave themselves, no animals would harm him; they didn't want to harm him. The animals loved Liang Yang who kept them, and they cooperated very well and very peacefully with him. They reproduced very fast, and on time, so they grew quickly in number.

Liang Yang had some special tricks in keeping animals; even very benign and very fierce beasts could live together without biting or hurting each other. Emperor Xuan of Zhou Dynasty really liked the man. He feared that Liang Yang's secret method would not be continued after he died, so he told someone to follow him and learn his method. So a chancellor was sent by the king. When he asked Liang Yang about the method of keeping the animals, Liang Yang knelt and said to him, "My job is a very lowly job. How could I bother your excellency?"Mou Chu-Yang told him that he was under the king's order to learn, so Liang Yang slowly explained to him.

The Secret Way To Tame The Animals

Liang Yang said, "I tell you because I am afraid the king may suspect that I am hiding something from him. Actually, my job is so lowly, so ordinary that there is nothing worth talking about. To keep a tiger or any animal, we must know that, it will be happy if we follow its will; otherwise, it will be angry. Animals are similar to other beings; because they have blood and energy, they have a temper. When we comply with them, they behave; otherwise, they are angry. There is always a cause if they are angry. We have to find out the reason: Why are they mad? Why are they contented? If we are in harmony with them, they will not act against our will; they will cooperate. If animals suddenly become very fierce, it is because we have done something against their nature, habits or feelings of safety, so they are angry. For instance, I keep a tiger, but I dare not feed it a live animal. If I do so, it has to chase, catch and tear that animal into pieces before it can eat. Then its vicious nature will emerge again. Therefore, I never feed it with live animals; I dare not even feed him a whole animal body, not even a dead one. If I do, the tiger has to tear up the animal body with its claws and teeth, which will remind it of its animal instinct; the vicious quality will emerge again. Therefore, I dare not feed it in this way."Liang Yang would first cut the dead animal's body into pieces until it looked like chocolates, before feeding the tiger.

It is the same with us human beings. If we really cannot keep the vegetarian diet and go home to eat chicken, we should eat it after it is properly cut. However, it is better not to eat it. The food that we buy outside is always cut into many pieces, sometimes with added seasonings, bitter or spicy, and beautifully coloured until it looks like a biscuit. Therefore, most people do not have any guilty feelings when they eat it, nor will they feel nauseated. If they have to kill the animals themselves, watching it flap its wings, screaming in pain, they would feel very uncomfortable eating it.

It is because we human beings are higher in consciousness than the animals; we can distinguish good from bad, and we don't have to fight fiercely with other beings for our existence. We are very different from animals; we can think, we are more intelligent, and capable of making our life more beautiful, pleasant and comfortable. Animals have no choice due to their situation. In the kingdom of wild animals, if you don't eat it, it will eat you; you will starve if you don't eat. Unlike humans, animals cannot go to work, find a job to do, or choose to eat bean curd.

The truth is, God creates us vegetarians at birth. Look at the carnivores; they have sharp teeth and short intestines to excrete the flesh. We humans have very long intestines. If we are vegetarians, there won't be any toxic gases created by the meat in our intestines, which becomes rotten and has a bad odour.

The digestive systems of carnivores and herbivores are different. From this fact, we can see that we should be vegetarians in the first place. The digestive system of herbivorous animals are longer, and their teeth are flat. The carnivorous animals are given sharp teeth at birth by God. You can understand from this reasoning, and don't have to blindly believe my words.

Comply With The Will Of The Animals

Some zoos feed animals with living creatures, so they are never tamed; their vicious habit is enhanced. The zoos feed them live chickens, and I am against it. It is not only from a human point of view, but that the animals will become increasingly fierce, and even hurt people on some occasions.

We have often heard that the animals in the zoo would sometimes snatch children, or eat them when they accidentally fall inside. They may even hurt the adults. When the visitors are careless and get too close, they will be attacked, resulting in broken limbs or lacerations. Occasionally, the animals would even attack the people who feed them, because their feeding method is not correct.

They should all come to China to learn this method before they take care of the animals. Shall we tell them about this? When you observe people taking care of animals, show this to them. This might save their lives or maintain the benign nature of animals, and safe guard the public too. This is not bad! These ancient scriptures are very useful.

So, how did Liang Yang feed the tiger? Tigers are supposed to be the most fierce. He said, "Feed it when it is meal time. Observe its habits to find out when it is hungry and when it is full. Follow its nature to feed it at the right time, and with the right amount. The reason is, though tigers are a different species from humans, they love the people who take care of them, if they comply with their will, and know their needy moments."

"If a tiger bites or hurts someone who keeps it, it is because the person doesn't know what it needs, and acts against its will. So the tiger would hurt the person. Therefore, I dare not act against its need and make it angry, but I also will not follow entirely its vicious nature by feeding it with live creatures. I refrain from stimulating its underlying animal instinct, or from making it too happy or excited. If it is too happy, it will eventually get mad one day when it loses that happiness. It will continue to seek that happy moment; failing to succeed it will feel bored, frustrated and angry. When it is angry, it is even more unlikely that it will be happy. When it is too happy or too angry, too extreme or unbalanced, it definitely will hurt someone. Therefore, I dare not rouse its instinct."

Animals Are Also Originally Benign In Nature

He observed the middle way, exactly like us - the spiritual practitioners. Actually, most animals won't get mad. You may have read in the newspapers a story of a crocodile that saved a child. It held the child in its mouth and took him ashore to his father. Sometimes the crocodiles will save people. I read in the newspaper that some bears, when they saw a cat or other animal in hunger, shared its food with them. Recently, some Christian priests found several children, over ten years old, who had been brought up by a wolf pack. They had been missing since they were small. The wolves raised them, so they crawled on all four limbs like wolves, only not as fast. Some hair had grown over their body too. The wolves didn't hurt the children who lived all the while with them.

There were also children raised by a crocodile for over ten years, who were later brought back to human society. However, they still missed the wilderness where they were used to more freedom. Having lived with the animals for over ten years, they had gotten used to it! They thought that the crocodiles were their parents.

After they returned to the human world, they felt strange, frustrated and unhappy. They learnt to speak some human language, wear human clothes, act in the human ways, walk with two feet, and eat like humans. Nonetheless, they still loved to crawl on the floor, take off their clothes, and run around freely.

Some of the children escaped later! Some died in misery. After a few years, they couldn't live anymore. If these stories were true (proven by photos in the newspapers), not fabricated by the newspapers to boost sales, it indicates that even animals are benign in nature.

In fact, all living beings are originally benign in nature. Only when they have been provoked will they be afraid and attack us. You must have heard that, when you run into a snake, all you have to do is to remain motionless, then the snake will not bite you. It will bite if you run; it attacks because it is frightened. Even savage beasts, when they are not hungry, would not attack people. Most animals are afraid of people, instead of the people being afraid of them. They attack people only when they have no choice. These are the research finding conducted by people - not my opinion. I didn't do any research, so I don't know.

When you see any animal, better not get too close. Don't say that: Master said that they are gentle in nature! (Laughter) They are, but you have wisdom, so run when you see them. Don't try anything; don't recite the holy names and try to deliver them to liberation, please! (Laughter) We can't even deliver human beings, not to mention animals; don't dream about it! Liang Yang really knew the theory of 'the middle way' and natural harmony, so he could tame the animals.

He continued to say, "I have no intention of suppressing their inner needs or desires, so I do not provoke them. I am never agitated, and I often pat them to make them feel happy and contented. Therefore, all the animals and beasts take me as their friend and one of their kind. I do everything according to their will, so they wander about in the compound contented and happy; they won't miss the mountains and hills. Sleeping in front of my courtyard, they won't think about the deep caves and jungles. This is a very natural theory."

Live Our Life In A Middle Way

We also have some animal characteristics in us. As we have blood and energy, we often have temper. If we continue to surrender to our mind, we cannot change our habits, and we can never have peace and happiness. We should know what is enough, when to stop, and do not spoil our mind. When we are meditating, the mind may tell us to go and drink coffee. Having finished with the coffee, you ask it if you can meditate now. It will say, "Not yet! Now you should go to see the girls...."Then, we have no end to it! This mind simply loves to play, like a monkey. That is why we say: the heart is restless like a monkey, and the thought capricious like a horse. We are not to over control our mind or habit, but we also should not spoil it too much - this is the middle way. Let me advise you: don't blame yourself too much, nor should you practice in too ascetic a way. If we practice in an exceedingly ascetic way, our mind cannot stand it! Just like an animal, if you do not give it what it likes to eat, or if you fail to feed it when it is hungry, one day it will be angry and resist you. When you are off alert, it will claw or bite you. These incidents happen very often.

We have also to take good care of our body. Eat when you are hungry, and sleep when you are tired. Of course, you still have to meditate "by the way". (Laughter) What are you laughing at? I just tell you the truth. Every day, you have given the best eight hours to your boss, not to mention the two or three hours spent in travelling, which add up to at least ten hours. Having to put on make-up and clothes, and take a bath before you go to work, you need another one and a half hours, so it is eleven to twelve hours. And, you have to take meals - then it is thirteen hours; after adding in the eight hours of sleeping, how much you have left for God? If it is not meditating "by the way," what is it? And you still complain that two and a half hours' meditation is too much, and you can't stand it. Then you might as well transmigrate life after life, and come back again next life. You struggle for over ten hours each day just for a little monthly salary. You sell yourself for just a few thousand dollars! When you die later, you cannot take them along. You know very well that you have to leave one day, and all that you have must be left behind - not even a single penny can be taken along, yet you carry on selling your life for it.

Your tiny bit of meditation is for earning your future blessings, and for the soul elevation of your five, six, seven, or eight generations. Nevertheless, you complain. So, what is it if it is not "by the way?"

We have only twenty-four hours in each day; you have taken twelve hours, and then spent four more hours watching television, chatting on the telephone, reading newspapers, seeing friends, drinking coffee, and shopping with your wife...and there are birthdays, death days, festival days, wedding days, chaotic days and many other days. How much time is left? According to my calculations, you hardly have an hour left. Then you still take the opportunity to doze, instead of genuinely offering God the two-and-a-half hours. Hes can understand anyway, never mind!

Meditate Diligently

We do our best and meditate as much as we can. I won't force you in this aspect; I can only advise you. The more diligent you meditate, the clearer and more tranquil your mind will be. Only then can you handle your important or trivial matters. It is not for my benefit that I ask you to meditate.

When your atmosphere improves, the country and the world also become better. Do you think it is good if every person has a killing atmosphere? When you are pure and have kept the precepts clearly, your conscience is stable. When a person is stable in conscience, naturally a peaceful atmosphere will be generated. He fears no one, he won't be nervous, he has nothing to hide, and his conscience is absolutely at ease. You will feel comfortable seeing him. Certainly, this atmosphere affects the surroundings. If more people have this good atmosphere, the world will have peace. There is no need to talk about big things like heaven or hell, retribution or Buddhas; the power of influence of our own atmosphere is great enough.

When you see a fierce person, you are naturally and immediately terrified. Before he tries to kill you, your legs are already shaking! The tiger doesn't have to kill you; you are terrified just by seeing it! When you see a monk, you will feel that he is benevolent and trustworthy; you feel safe to entrust all your secrets to him. When you see a witch, you immediately recognize him even if he doesn't harm you. You are frightened to death just by seeing him, because he has very strong thoughts, very vicious thoughts. What we will perceive is that this kind of people can do all kinds of vicious things. Sometimes, when we see police officers on the street, the feeling is different from when we see other people; we will slow down the car, (laughter) and automatically become nervous.

Each person will emit a different type of awe-inspiring atmosphere or aura, depending on their individual mission. You all say that you are scared of me, but I am such a benign and beautiful person! (Master and all laughed.) Why are you afraid? It is not fear, but respect. Some people tremble when they see me, but I haven't done anything! I am such a nice person. Perhaps my vibration is stronger, I don't know. You know, because you can feel it.

People who will be frightened are those who have done something wrong, failed to keep the precepts clearly, or didn't meditate enough. Good practitioners will be happy to see Master, and have no fear. If you are afraid of me, you are exposing your inner situation to others! Therefore, you better be more diligent in your practice and meditation, mind more about your inner morality, then you will feel that I am your friend when you see me.

Why should you be afraid? I never feared anyone, why should I? I have met many important personages, but I was not afraid of them - they were afraid of me. (Laughter and applause) Why should we be afraid if we have done nothing bad? When our conscience is clear, which can be opened to show everyone, then we fear no one, not even death, because we know ourselves perfectly.

We only fear that we don't know ourselves; we do not fear if other people know whether we are good or not. Knowing we are good is the best. However, even better is that even we ourselves are not aware of it. Just like the flower, it doesn't speak, but it is pretty; like the sun, it doesn't speak, but it radiates power of life. When we reach this level in our cultivation, we have no more ego! Then, we fear no one - not because we are very good, but because we do not know whether we are good or not.

So, let it be! Sleep when we are tired, and eat when hungry. The same also applies to our spiritual practice. Don't go to extremes and torture our body and mind; God didn't create us to be tortured. Besides, we are Hiers children. Think about it clearly. If you are not God's child, then it is your own business. I know I am. (Laughter)

I don't know if you came from another source. However, I'd have great suspicion about your obscure origin. If God didn't create us, who else did? Think about it! Who but God could have created all beings? Do you think that there are two Gods? One mother married to two husbands? It's impossible!

So, we are all from God. All of creation are from God, including the trees and animals. This is beyond argument. No philosophy can argue this truth. Who else except God, the Lord of all of creation, could have created us? Therefore, we are very precious.

Since we are all God's children, we have more reasons not to torture our brothers and sisters, including the animals. They are our younger brothers and sisters with weaker and younger souls. They have not yet developed themselves to the level of humans. We observe a vegetarian diet out of compassion. We cannot bear to see them suffer. Though we do not slaughter them ourselves, we can imagine their pain. Our concept must be correct. Vegetarianism cannot bring us enlightenment. If it was possible, the cows would have become enlightened beings long ago! So would the rats and rabbits too!

We will have to wait. We should not become vegetarians because we want God to forgive us, nor should we torture our body to gain God's recognition. Hes looks down upon these people, I tell you the truth. I have asked Hierm before, and Hes said it is not the way. (Applause)

Asceticism Is Not Logical

Some people practice in very irrational ways. They have holes all over their body due to nail punctures or sleeping on a nail bed. Sometimes, they hang upside down on a tree; or, they will eat the nauseating excreted matters to torture themselves, just to show God how much they love Hierm. How on earth would God eat those things? If I were God, would I like to get close to people who drink urine and eat filth? Would you like it if you were God?

If God is the noblest being, Hes will prefer to have noble children. Hiers children should be very high-classed, at least like you. We ought to glorify God with our good examples, and make offerings to Hierm with our pure and beautiful acts, speech and thoughts, within and without. Only then we deserve to be Hiers children. How is it possible that God's children eat feces like animals, hang themselves high, murder themselves, or chop and cut their own flesh? Would God ask you to do this? If God told us to do this, I will refuse Hierm, and put an announcement in the newspapers: "I don't want You!"(Master and everyone laugh.)

Is God so senseless? Could there be such a senseless God? (Answer: No) We humans also should not be so senseless. Even our parents cannot bear to see us injured or harmed, not to mention God. How can Hes be so senseless?

Practicing with the wrong method, even if we torture ourselves for hundreds or millions of years, is still futile. It is because the idea is wrong. We don't know why we practice in this way. We don't know that God is the power of love. God wishes us to be glorious. We are Hiers children. Hes can't wait to help us. How is it possible that Hes would torture or harm us, and let us suffer from injury, pain and bleeding?

If our concept is incorrect, our spiritual practice can take us to the position of the King of Maya at the highest. Since our concept is one of illusion, naturally we will become the King of Maya. We can never attain the supreme position, sitting next to God, or become a Buddha. When the concept is one of illusion, one will become a devil; not one with two long teeth and screaming loudly but the concept of the negative power.

I can see it clearly now. Before I didn't, I used to think that those people are also great. I cannot sleep on a nail bed; I feel more comfortable sleeping on a softer bed. (Laughter) In winter, I cannot sleep if I am not warm. Otherwise, how can I work? It is also all right for us to sleep on a nail bed. We can do it with some training!

We humans have great latent power, and we can train ourselves to do anything we want. That is why many people can walk on a steel wire, or hang on a tree the whole day long without feeling anything. They can even put dozens of hot stoves around them under the hot summer sun, in order to offer themselves to God by the Ganges River. We can live like animals if we wish, but this is regressive. God wants us to progress. Only animals eat those filthy things.

God created plenty of food for us. Did the Bible say: I created the feces and urine as your food? (Answer: No) Hes said: "I created many beautiful plants and fruits to please your eyes and nourish your body. These are food for you."Didn't Hes state clearly that these are our food? (Answer: Yes) Right on the first page of the Old Testament!

The Old Testament Bible also didn't tell people to eat meat. The Catholics should be clear about this point. God didn't state: I created the animals as your food. Hes said: "I created the trees, fruits, vegetables, and these shall be your food."Hes also said: "And for each type of creature on earth, I have created different kinds of food for them."

The food for humans are the plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables. Hes said, "We should teach the animals, take care of them, and educate their souls to grow."Hes never said that we could kill the animals to eat; the animals are not listed in our menu! (Laughter)

Pursue Spiritual Practice Logically

Whatever Master teaches is not only logical, but also conforms with any of the eastern or western scriptures. We should observe carefully to avoid falling into superstition. Only then we know how to answer others when asked why you follow Master. You don't follow me because I am the Buddha. It was you who called me Buddha. In Sanskrit, Buddha means an old person, an elderly grandpa. I am so young and beautiful, yet you call me grandpa. This is an insult to me! (Master and everyone laugh.) It is not a glorious position; I have no desire for this reputation.

Don't believe me just because I am a special person. You believe people's words only when they are logical. You don't blindly believe just because I say it, but because my words are logical and beyond dispute. If this is what you are doing, then you are very foolish!

This path is the only correct one - there is no other way. It is beyond dispute, so you are convinced. This is very logical. Whoever says it makes no difference. We listen to someone not because he is a great person or a Master, not because he is adored by the whole world, or that he is the president; it is impossible.

Our body is so precious, and our soul so rare. We are God's children, so we must not sell ourselves cheaply and randomly to other people. Do not let their garbage becomes our own. Our mind is not a garbage station where anything is accepted. We accept only good things and reject the bad. If my words are illogical, you have the right to doubt me. You may tell me, though I doubt that I have said anything wrong. I am very humble, I just speak the truth. (Laughter and applause)

:::::::::::::: 0l.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Poem

The Sword Of Wisdom

By Would-be Initiate Wu, Mainland China (Originally In Chinese)

Everyone says that the world is an ocean of light,

Why can I see only darkness?

I must penetrate the heavy curtains of fog,

Master! Please quickly give me the Sword of Wisdom!

Holy Torch

I know it is I who bind myself tightly,

Despite all struggles, I fail to set myself free.

Grant me a Holy Torch, will You please?

Burn the rope that, from the beginning, ties me!!

Buddha's Chanting

Listening to the sounds of Your music,

The injured one,

Leaps into Your divine pure spring,

Feels the caress of Your love.

Following Your sound current,

I strive upstream,

Seeking the source of love.

:::::::::::::: 0m.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Spot Light

The Noblest Intent Of Offering

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 20, 1996 (Originally In Chinese)

Your actions may look very much like Master's actions, but there is actually a big difference. We are not performing experiments with the poor and destitute people, or playing with them like toys. Only when we act out of love can we do things naturally. Even then we are not earning any merit, not to mention when we despise others, or use them to satisfy our ego and our wrong concepts. In this way, we are not earning merit but creating bad karma instead.

There was a man whose business was very prosperous; he followed his Master's instructions, so his business got better and better. Since he became exceedingly wealthy, he went to thank his Master, and asked, "Master, now that I have so much money, I don't know how to use it. I want to help other people, but I don't know how to do it. Will Master please advise me?"

He didn't receive a reply from his Master, but was told to go home. When he came next time, he asked the same question, and again received no answer. On the third time, he said, "Oh, please say something Master! Whatever you tell me, I will do accordingly."

His Master was "backed up against a wall," so he sighed three times, and then told him, "I don't know what I should tell you to do. If I tell you to make offerings to the temples or churches, I am asking you to feed the greedy monks. If I tell you to give money to your relatives, it is harmful -- not helpful at all to your spiritual practice. If I tell you to use the money to help poor people, your ego will emerge -- absolutely not beneficial to you, as you will think that you are great. However, I think it is still better for you to help the poor people, because at least they will get benefit. (Master and everyone laugh.) Though you do not benefit from it, those in need will."

You see! Helping the needy is not good for us. Do you understand my words? Don't imagine that we are doing meritorious deeds, and we will have blessed rewards. It is very difficult! There is scarcely anyone who has the noblest intent in making offerings. Whenever people give anything, they always have a little demand. They know they are giving and think that they are great. Before they have earned any merit, they are trapped by the devil of arrogance! Therefore, it is a very dangerous thing for us to help others.

Even when I help people, I also fear that my ego might emerge (everyone laughs); but I tell myself, "Never mind, it doesn't matter even if I hurt myself. As long as the poor benefit, then it is fine!" Therefore, I don't care much about whether my ego has emerged or not, or whether I am hurting myself or incurring karma. I don't care.

We must do everything clearly, otherwise the result will be different! I've never told you that you should give alms to earn merit, have I? (Everyone answers: No!) Have I ever deceived you? (Everyone answers: No!)

I have often told you some funny stories about giving alms. These few days, I have been telling some stories to the foreigners. Here is one of them: A person had given two coins to the Buddha. As a result, life after life, for sixty-one aeons he was always born with plenty of money. Each time he opened his hand there would be two pieces of gold in it, so he enjoyed wealthy lives for sixty-one aeons.

Sometimes, when I go outside, the hawker selling cabbage wants to offer vegetables to me, but I dared not take them. (Master and everyone laugh.) I am afraid that the hawker, for the next sixty-one aeons, will always be born with two cabbages in her hands, and will never get out of this business of selling vegetables. Therefore, I dare not take them.

Some time before, when I went outside the Center on Sundays, I see them selling vegetables along the road. Whenever they see me, I'd comment that some of the vegetables looked beautiful. They would say, "I would like to offer them to You, Master! Please take them!"

I did take his goodwill to give him blessed rewards, but I still paid. In this way, the two of us will not be born with two cabbages or carrots in our hands. (Master and everyone laugh.) We could never finish eating them! Even if we sell them, it is very boring selling vegetables for sixty-one aeons!

A beggar once offered the Buddha a piece of ragged cloth. In return, he always had a napkin below his chin each time he was born. I don't want ten, not to mention one. (Everyone laughs) Having to stay in the illusionary world life after life, you don't want it even if you were given ten thousand napkins, not to mention only one. Isn't that right? When there is cause, there is effect. However, karma is really funny sometimes.

:::::::::::::: 0n.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Spiritual Interlude

Breakthrough To Happiness

By Resident Disciple Dou Hsi, Hsihu, Formosa

Almost every time when I encounter an obstacle, or when things do not happen as expected, I blame heaven, Earth, the people, the circumstances, the environment, the regulations -- everything, including myself.

But when I breakthrough the obstacle, or when I become somethat enlightened in a certain aspect, I cannot help but be most grateful to the people, the event or the subject that I had blamed before. It is these things which aid me in my spiritral development. They push me to be more diligent in practice, and to understand more and remember my own nature in all sorts of circumstances; reminding me that 'Me' is not those good or bad qualities --'Me' is complete, perfect and flawless.

Then I understand what is wisdom. Although the 'Me' is perfect, the me in reality still needs to be encouraged, to be introspective, and to peel off layers of inappropriate habits that encase 'Me' in a hard shell.

Now, everything has become so close, so beautiful and so bright. Many thanks to Master's great wisdom and love for allowing me to grow everyday and get closer to the Truth.

Loving Encouragement

By Fellow Initiate Hong Chu-Sen, Taichung, Formosa

It was not until I had received initiation from Master that I learnt to do business legally for the first time in my life. I began to import porcelain. Although the business stabilized very slowly, my conscience was very peaceful. Looking at the exquisite tableware, I had an idea: "How nice it would be if these fine wares could be taken to Hsihu." However, all the while, there was no opportunity for me to do so.

Several months ago, the liaison practitioner at the Center phoned me to tell me that Hsihu wished to borrow some tableware for some photos. When fellow practitioners came to my home to get the tableware, I was extremely touched. To be frank, though, my mouth was laughing but my eyes were swimming in tears.

Responding to the earnest request of disciples and of the multitude, our loving Master recently instructed the Hsihu publication group to release a cook book entitled "The Supreme Kitchen," which I have bought. Turning to a page of First Courses, I immediately recognized something familiar that was filled with avocado salad and sitting pretty on the paper. As I continued to turn the pages, more familiar items appeared, as I had wished. I smiled with gratitude.

This is a special love that Master gave me -- encouragement to spur this once very bad child to practice more seriously, just like the beautiful tableware holding the fresh and tempting food.

:::::::::::::: 0o.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Master Tells Stories

We Should Not Copy A Master's Outer Performance

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Rainbow Garden, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 22, 1996 (Originally In English)

There was a master who trained his disciples in wisdom. Some of the people came to the master and wanted to be trained in wisdom. So he said, "Yeah, of course to be a future master, future Buddha, we must be endowed with at least two gifts. There are many important qualities for a future Buddha but there are two important gifts that one must have in order to advance quickly in spiritual practice."

So the disciples asked him, "What are they? What are these two gifts?"

The master said, "The first is the power of endurance. Endurance means you endure anything that other people cannot. The second is the power of observation -- look, look, look."

To demonstrate, the master immediately told the attendant to bring in a bowl with a lot of filthy things inside, that once you even smelled it you'd want to vomit. But the master was very unmoved. He put his finger inside the bowl of very filthy, disgusting things; full of the things that you don't even want to look at -- maybe straight from the rest-room. He put his finger inside, then took his hand and put his finger in his mouth. His face didn't move, just like the wall in front of you or me.

So the future Buddhas surrounding him were very eager to try to show the master that they were qualified to be his disciples. So all of them came, put their finger in the bowl and then put it in their mouths, and managed not to move their faces. No expression of disgust or anything.

The master laughed and said, "Congratulations, you have passed one test but not two. The one test that you have really passed is the test of endurance. But the second test you failed because you didn't have the power of observation."

The disciples said, "Why?"

The Master then said, "I put this finger in but I put the other finger in my mouth."

He put the index finger in the filthy bowl but he put the middle finger in his mouth. (Laughter) The disciples didn't see anything. They put the same finger in the bowl as they put in their mouths.

So you see what it is now. Those are the stupid disciples. That's the way many of the disciples. They just copycat the master. Copy anything, anything, anything; then they make the fool of themselves. That's the trouble, so we don't copy anyone. Even the master wouldn't copy anyone. If we want to be like the master, then we don't copy anyone. Everything is original because each one is endowed with the power of creativity. Everyone can create everything, according to his and her ability and artistic tendency.

We don't have to copy anyone, including the Buddha, the master or the Patriarch of the whole world. That is why you see many masters they don't look like the others. The Patriarch Hue Nen didn't look like the Buddha and didn't act like the Buddha. Jesus didn't act the same as Lao Tze. Lao Tze again didn't do anything that resembled Krishna, et cetera. So if we copy the master or we expect the master to look like the one that we read about in the Bible, or the one we have imagined in our head, then we never can find a master. We shouldn't find the copy, we must find the original. The master is always original. We don't want a copy, do we?

So in our spiritual practice, we must always be vigilant. The master does things differently, sometimes very, very differently. We just look like that, and then we think we can do it -- touch the head, touch all over, like I told you yesterday. Looking in the eyes, giving candy -- candy we can buy even more. Things like that. It is not the outer performance from which you can judge whether that person is a master or not, it is something inside.

:::::::::::::: 0p.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Master Tells Jokes

The Mouse Without Cheese

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb 21, 1996 (Originally In English)

There is a story about a mouse. You know a mouse? The tail like that, loves to eat cheese and cakes like you. He had found a piece of cheese, cheddar -- gorgeous, delicious. He was going to enjoy it in his own little hole and just before he reached many other mice came and tried to snatch it from him. They had a big fight with each other to try to snatch the piece of cheese from him. He fought as hard as he could, but finally gave up. They, some of the other mice, took the pieces of the cheese from his mouth and ran away. The other mice chased after the new one. So, the mouse, the first one, the owner of the piece of cheese, sighed and said, "My God! Well, I lost my piece of beautiful cheese, but at least I regained my peace."

:::::::::::::: 0q.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Master's Wonders

Master Took Me On A Tour Of The Kingdom Of God

By Fellow Initiate Nguyen Thu Hong, Sydney, Australia

(Originally In Au Lac Language)

After initiation, I have no unnecessary anxieties. Everything has been well arranged. Just like what Master has often said: Living becomes very easy, secure and free. Before this, I used to restrict myself to live by a fixed timetable and I had to race against the clock in order not to delay doing any work. Now it is so good that everything is arranged by Master and I have more free time than before. There is no more rush and no more worries.

What Master has gracefully given to me is really too much. I want to thank Her with the highest esteem and sincerity. She gave me a lot of experiences, including waking me up every night to meditate. I am often fully immersed in meditation until dawn.

There have been a lot of miraculous experiences during my meditation. For instance, Master took me to the Kingdom of God twice. The first time was very dangerous. When I thought that my body was about to be pulverized, Master immediately sent me to a safer place.

I saw Jesus Christ during His last supper. The second time, I saw Jesus Christ lecturing to disciples on a high mountain. I saw that the corner of the Lord Jesus' robe was floating, and that His lips were moving. I then immediately remembered Master's words: Lord Jesus is in a level closer to the Kingdom of God, lecturing to people who are more highly evolved. This is indeed correct!

Every time I saw Lord Jesus, I wanted very much to stay with Him. So, He allowed me to look at Him for a very long time.

Master also took me to heaven to look at flowers. The flowers in the heavenly garden were fresh, beautiful and charming. They danced rhythmically. It was really wonderful. I looked at them happily and silently. At the same time, I also paid homage to the genius of God.

One time, I was taken by Maya to a deep valley, maybe to clear up some old karma. There was no feeling of fear. I recited Master's name and then an intense golden, yellow light immediately blazed forth and I returned safely. I am very grateful to Master for saving me in time. I stayed in the light for a long time and saw the white light turn into silver threads, hanging above my head.

Another time, Master took me to see the Thousand-handed Buddha. I was situated very close to Him. When I saw Him, I immediately knew that this is a great Buddha. He was very authoritative. Then, I saw a whirling pair of hands slowly extended out, followed by another pair. The turning became faster and faster. I thanked Him with the highest respect. I thanked Him for the many blessings that He had, through His grace, bestowed upon me. He allowed me to understand that He has been busy saving sentient beings without ever stopping.

At that time, the manifested body of Master also appeared in hundreds and thousands of different clothes of different colours -- lecturing here, relieving suffering there, caring for the refugees, etc. My heart was filled with infinite reverence and boundless love for Her.

I had truly hoped to see Master at Hsihu on Ching Hai Day on the 25th of October last year. However, I didn't go because of some business. Nevertheless, during meditation, Master took me to participate in the festivities. I saw the happy crowd in Hsihu, and a sedan carrying Her, exactly like what I have seen later on video. The difference is that in the vision Master was radiating very bright light. All the monks also had light surrounding them. That night, I heard a church bell ringing non-stop, after which I heard very harmonious heavenly music which I have never heard before in my life.

Once, Master took me to hell to save a relative of mine from bitter punishment. I felt limitless gratitude. Master also let me see flooding in Au Lac and in Australia. Because of the vision, I knew five to ten days beforehand the place and time of these events. Together with my mother we prayed for the sentient beings' safety.

With highest regard, I present to Master the fruits of my practice in this past period. All are precious lessons guided by Her great effort. I am willing to follow Master's guidance diligently every minute. Most submissively, I wish that Master will continue to bless me, so that I can progress quickly on the path.

I sincerely thank You Master, and most respectfully wish Your holy body good health. May You be young and live long, and continue to teach disciples and save all sentient beings in the world.

Leave Everything To Master

Narrated By Fellow initiate Chen Sau-chin, Taoyuan, Formosa

Recorded By The Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Law Shih-Ki, Taoyuan, Formosa

Some time ago I had the fortune to go to Hsihu to help pack the News magazines. During the work, a brother asked who could drive a truck. Having more than ten years experience of driving trucks, I went at once with the brother to the car park.

I sat in the driver's seat and used my habitual method to change the gears. Surprisingly, the truck would not reverse. I prayed to the inner almighty Master for help. Suddenly, there was a flash of lightning in my mind and I automatically shifted the gears in another direction, and the truck went into reversed as I wished.

More wonderfully, the originally very narrow-looking road suddenly became a lot wider. Consequently, I felt very comforted and safe driving.

In doing Master's work, if one relaxes and leaves everything to Master, the work will miraculously become smooth. This experience can hardly be described in words. Work normally requiring two days unbelievably finishes in one. I truly believe that if one relaxes and leaves everything to Master, then one can become Her good instrument.

The Superlative Strategist

By Fellow Initiate Lin Bi-Yuan, Tainan, Formosa

Concerned about its safety, our great Master is constantly blessing this world. Her attainment is absolutely complete and all encompassing, and each aspect of Her attainment gives forth infinite and astounding power. She is an artist who beautifies the world, and can be a stern Bodhisattva who can make the most stubborn person submissive. In times of war, Master becomes a great strategist, talented in deploying military forces. However, Her strategy is used to defuse crisis of war invisibly.

I was so touched that day when I was informed by fellow practitioners of the World Peace Meditation activity. My hands were holding a newspaper while my tears kept pouring down. Our great Master, the loving Mother of all sentient beings, was silently sacrificing for us. Blessed by Master, I was much reassured.

I got up early to meditate that day, and sincerely prayed for God's grace. Later, I layed down for a little while. Half asleep, I heard Master's voice penetrating heaven with a force that shook the mountains and rivers. Her words were spoken in a cosmic language (I didn't understand it, but I was definite that it was no worldly language) that lasted about one minute, and the force was as tremendous as thunder to the ears. Later, it was followed by voices of many men speaking in English: "Yes! Yes! Yes!" -- obviously they were not Chinese. Then I fell asleep. The next morning, I read the headline in the newspaper: United States Sending Aircraft Carriers To Defend The Formosan Strait. Oh! Our great Master, do people know of Your great efforts and love?

:::::::::::::: 0r.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Children's Letters

You Are The Sweetest

By Young Friend Kimberly Hoang, Age 9, Seattle, USA

Dearest Beloved Master,

I love You, Master, with all my heart. I am nine years old. I am in third grade. I am suppose to adopt a story and tell it to the class. I have chosen, "Little Princess Will Soon Grow Up" on The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 50, and I also adopted, "The Shortsighted Teacher" on The Supreme Master Ching Hai 34.

I picked those stories because they are very funny. I like them very much! Thank You for Your lovely stories. I have not read some of them because I missed out on a few books. Thank You, again! You have done many things for me. One of the thing You have done for me is, when I was sick, I didn't feel well. But then I had a dream that You were singing my favorite song. When I woke up, I wasn't sick anymore! Thank You very much! I hope I can go with You! I love You, Master,please tell more stories!

By Young Friend Kathy Hoang, Age 7, Seattle, USA

I think of You every day,

I miss You every night.

You are always right,

I dream of You every night.

You seem so kind and You are.

You never let me behind.

If I smell You with my nose,

You will smell more better than a rose.

Candy is sweet and sugar is too, but You are the sweetest.

And I love You!

:::::::::::::: 0s.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

A Reader's Letter

The Noah's Ark Of Today

By Mr. Huang Si-Yuen, New Zealand

The Most Honorable The Supreme Master Ching Hai,

Many thanks to You, and I wish You good health.

It is very fortunate for me that in this life, I have the chance to read Your publications and listen to Your teachings on audio tape. I am especially grateful to You and the meditation center for regularly sending magazines to us from thousands of miles away.

It was a coincidence that I got hold of one of Your sample booklets. I put it away for a couple of weeks; but when I did open it, I went through the whole booklet nonstop. Immediately I rang up the contact person in Tauranga and asked for more information about You.

I was born in a peasant family on the outskirts of Canton, mainland China in 1964. During my childhood I did quite a lot of bad things like shooting birds, fishing, and catching frogs. I came to New Zealand at the end of 1989. I had a few jobs and then I went to do some study. Now I am working in a government computer department in a place called Hastings. I am in charge of the computerized financial system. There is a lot of pressure and it's very tiring. However, it is nothing compared to Your burden.

I started to be a vegetarian two years ago after having some contact with Buddhism. Before that, my life was in a muddle, not knowing the sin of eating meat and killing. In this life alone, as far as I can remember, I don't know how many visible sentient beings I've hurt. I'm lost for words when I consider my past lives and all the invisible beings that I have harmed.

After reading Your books, I know that Your Quan Yin Method is the Noah's Ark of today. But only the initiated can get in easily. I pray and beg for the great compassion and mercy of The Supreme Master Ching Hai so I can receive initiation to help me to be liberated from lifetimes of cows, horses and countless transmigrations. I pray that the people of New Zealand could have the great merit and affinity to listen to Your dharma teachings and get the method from You.

"When this moment has passed, life is also finished. Since life is ephemeral, where is happiness?"

If You permit, we are willing to follow You to any corner of the world to receive initiation.

Once again I wish good health and hope that everything happens exactly as You wish!

Cordially,

Huang Si-Yuen

:::::::::::::: 0t.html :::::::::::::: Multimedia Version

Relief Reports

October 1995 - March 1996

The Supreme Master Ching Hai's Relief Efforts And Contributions To The World:

Description Income Expenditure Appendix

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contribution from The Supreme Master Ching Hai US$ 232,138.71

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contribution from The Supreme Master Ching Hai US$ 46,019.30

International Association

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hong Kong:

Visit to High Island Refugee Camp US$ 9,690.00 See appendix 1

Visit to Da Ya Zhou Refugee Camp 15,950.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Macau: Visits to Holy Mother,

and Christian Church Elderly Homes 755.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thailand: Visits to refugee camps

and prisons 2,703.00

contribution for digging 3 wells 6,400.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indonesia: Visit to refugee camp 10,225.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Singapore: Visit to refugee camp 1,238.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cambodia: Contribution to dig 60 wells 40,000.00 See appendix 2

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Formosa: Urgent relief to the needy

people throughout the province 14,701.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Giving Warmth in the Cold Winter activities 23,451.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contributions to charitable groups:

Heng An Elderly Home, Taipei 982.00

Sen Yin Charitable Society, Kaohsiung County 364.00

Living Buddha Charitable Merit Society, Kaohsiung 364.00

Kaohsiung Volunteer Workers' Society 1,309.00

You An School for the Disabled, Miaoli 3,438.00

Family Aid Center, Miaoli 386.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippines:

Helping the victims of Pinatobu

eruption to rebuild their homes 30,000.00 See appendix 5

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Palawan Refugee Camp:

Giving aids to the needy people 5,500.00

Contribution of necessities, medical

supplies, and milk for children 35,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

India:

blankets and food for poor people 2,113.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

United States:

Contribution to Heal-ne (Dr. M. Dennis Paul) 5,000.00 See appendix 3

Contribution to AIDS service groups

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Giving Warmth in the Cold Winter activities:

Sandiago 700.00

San Jose 7,000.00

Boston 1,761.27

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aid rendered to H.O. Au Lac people:

Los Angeles 10,000.00

San Jose 10,176.16

Arizona 3,000.00

Houston 4,441.28

Relief to flood victims in Oregon 15,000.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canada:

Giving Warmth in the Cold Winter activities 1,215.30

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Africa:

Medical supplies for orphanages in Benin 10,000.00

Books and teaching materials for children

in St. Clare Children's Center, Uganda 4,360.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

England: 445.00 See appendix 4

Visit to an Elderly Home in London

Visiting the homeless people 490.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total US$278,158.01 US$278,158.01

Our Liaison Practitioners Throughout The World

Headquarters: Hsihu Center, Formosa P.O. Box 9, Hsihu, Miaoli Hsien, Formosa, R.O.C.

RS.Africa: CapeTown Mr. & Mrs. Ching-Yang Lu 27-21-610784 Johannesburg Mr. Ching Tsung Ku 27-11-6162423

:::::::::::::: 59.html :::::::::::::: Plain text , << ,>> , Magzine Menu , Home Menu

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 59

Cover illustration:Whenever You play music, the suffering mundane world receives the nectar of Your sound stream, cleansing the dust covered hearts of all sentient beings.

&ltInner Cover 1> &ltColor Page 1 2 3 4>&ltInner Cover 2>&ltBack Cover>

Master's Words The Best Offering

Aphorisms

You May Not Know |The savior Of The World At Hsihu|The Proper Help|The Four Levels Of stream Winners

Open Space |Set An Example As An Eternal Paragon For Human Beings On Earth|Music, A Way To Communicate

Pearls Of Wisdom

Special Reports Let Our World Become More Peaceful--A Collective Report On The "Meditation Week Praying For Peace"

While On The Path |I Have No Fear, For I Have My Master|Just Do It, Don't Think Too Much!|A Sharp Warning That Was A Good Experience For Me!

Feature Reports Master's Love Spread To The Commonwealth Of Dominica

Master Says The Way To Glorify God

Poem The Sword Of Wisdom

Spot Light The Noblest Intent Of Offering

Spiritual Interlude |Breakthrough To Happiness|Loving Encouragment

Master Tells Stories We Should Not Copy A Master's Outer Performance

Master Tells Jokes The Mouse Without Cheese

Master's Wonders |Master Took Me On A Tour Of The Kingdom Of God|Leave Everything To Master|The Superlative Strategist

Children's Letters You Are The Sweetest

A Reader's Letter The Noah's Ark Of Today

Relief Reports The Supreme Master Ching Hai's Relief Efforts And Contributions To The World

:::::::::::::: a.html :::::::::::::: Plain text

Master's Words

The Best Offering

Spoken By The Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa

Feb. 17, 1996 (Originally In English)

:::::::::::::: b.html :::::::::::::: Plain text

International Reports

LA, USA Arizona, USA Boston, USA Ottawa, Canada Vancouver, Canada Sydney, Australia Calcutta, India Hong Kong Palawan, the Philipplines Bangkok, Thailand

Report From L.A., C.A., U.S.A.

A Night Of Grace In Hollywood

A man sleeping on a sidewalk bench quietly said, "Thank you!" It was as if he knew and was extremely touched by what had occurred that night -- how Master's warmth was conveyed to the needy.

Report From Arizona, U.S.A.

Tying Good Affinities With The Living Enlightened Master

Upon receiving Master's instruction to help the poor Au Lac people who have just arrived in the U.S. under the protection of the Humanitarian Orga