The Dragon's Auspicious Signs

By brother initiate Hsu He-yi, Tainan, Formosa

  Although in the past I studied many religious scriptures and Buddhist sutras, I never really understood their doctrines. Then, one day, I struck up a casual conversation with an elderly neighbor and was highly impressed by the miraculous incidents that he recounted about Supreme Master Ching Hai. I knew practically nothing about Her and asked him for some books that could help me know Her better. So, my neighbor lent me The Key of Immediate Enlightenment, Volume I, the very sight of which filled me with joy, and I read it whenever I had time.

   One day, when I was half-way through the book, I had a wonderful vision in a dream. I saw an auspicious gold and green dragon soaring high in the sky on the west side of my house, near my neighbor's residence. The dragon looked powerful and majestic as it circled around the house three times in a clockwise direction, with a silvery-gold fireball leading its way. Then, suddenly, my neighbors burst into joyful celebration as they lit firecrackers and congratulated me. I woke up and found that it was only a dream. Yet, I remained very blissful at heart to have seen this auspicious sign!

   After reading Master's book, I dared not eat meat anymore, because I felt I would be eating my own flesh. In addition, I successfully overcame my addiction to tobacco, alcohol, and gambling, and was extremely blessed to receive initiation on May 5, 2000, after listening to Master's lecture at the Taoyuan County Stadium. Previously, I had often attended social gatherings on the excuse of fulfilling my business duties. At these times, I consumed much meat and alcohol, and it was not unusual for me to come home completely inebriated. Though my family members are not initiates, they are overjoyed to see the drastic change in me after becoming a vegetarian and a Quan Yin practitioner. In fact, they are so grateful that they are planning to hold a thanksgiving ritual!