The Supreme Master Ching Hai eNews Magazine No.118

Master's Words

Develop Your Own Personality

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Six-day International Retreat, Young Dong Center, Korea, May 12, 2000 (Originally in English)

Sometimes you have to understand, you take what's necessary, and in different situations, you have to do it right. Don't always do everything that Master says. What I say is what I know. You yourself have to be flexible and learn your own way and do your own thing, so that each one of you retains your own individuality, without everyone becoming a Ching Hai copy. It's very boring. I don't like copies. I like you to develop the way you are, just like a rose next to a lily. So not everyone becomes half-rose, half-lily. I don't even know what kind of flower that is!

It's better if you are what you are. Because you are unique. And that's what makes us special, what makes the world beautiful. That's what God wants. Creation has to be different, has to be very colorful. Don't just copy what I say or what I do. You have to know what is good, what is right. Different country, different custom. Before, for example, one time I highlighted my hair, and then the next week also everyone highlighted their hair -- the monks even! (Master and disciples laugh), some of them. And then, I remember I shaved my hair, and a lot of people shaved theirs. And then I leave my hair long, and everyone leaves their hair long, even men. And then when I cut my hair, people cut their hair, too. It's so funny. Don't do that, okay? You don't follow a master because of their way of life. Everyone is different. You follow the teaching, so that you can develop your own wisdom.

Anyway, do what you want. If you feel fine with that, it's okay, too. It just looks funny. It's like some people learn with Japanese monks, and then they change their houses all into Japanese stuff. And people learn with an Indian monk or Indian master, and they change their houses into all Indian. You know, they wear Indian clothes, decorate their houses like Indians, and eat Indian food, (Master and audience laugh) Too bad, just to become like the master. But it's not from outside. So sometimes, in everything, if you follow to the extreme, it's no fun. You have to know freedom of expression, freedom to grow, freedom to be yourself. I want you to be yourself, a better self only, not a copy of me. Because I do things that look good on me. But when you do it, it doesn't look good on you, because you are different. I cannot copy you and still look good. And you cannot copy me and still look good.

You have to be yourself, completely free of all kinds of prejudice, preconceived ideas, all kinds of tradition or anything that is not good for you. You have to always think: "In this situation, what shall I do? Or what would the Master do?" It is different! So, learn the method, have the same wisdom, but use it in different ways. It's just like electricity. It is the same, but you use it in different ways. It's not that just because we have electricity we light here, and then you light everywhere. The fridge and the cooker, we also have to use. God makes different personalities for different reasons, and you are fine. You just refine yourselves, but don't change to copy exactly like everyone else.

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Center Events

Gratitude to Master on the Millennium Christmas-Happy Yogi-Marching into a New Era

Christmas is a time for thanksgiving!
Thank God,
for sending Master to us to take us to liberation.
Thank Master,
for giving us the Hsihu Center,
so that the Quan Yin Family can come together
and practice diligently.
Thank our fellow initiates,
for together supporting
and maintaining the Hsihu Center.

Entering a Fairyland - The Hsihu Center

To convey Master's love and concern for fellow initiates, and to let fellow practitioners, their families and guests enjoy a spiritual and joyous Christmas, the Hsihu Center and various other Formosa Centers organized an exquisite celebration with the theme "Thanksgiving on the Millennium Christmas" held on Christmas Eve (a Sunday). Blessed by Master's love, working team members from Hsihu and other Centers fully demonstrated their innovative ideas with very beautiful festive decorations, a great variety of games and delicious snacks, specially enhanced by Master's New Year's greeting of love received by fax. All who attended the occasion that day enjoyed themselves to the fullest by playing, eating, watching and listening to Master's videotapes and various performances. Absolutely contented in body and soul, all were extremely grateful for God's grace.

Many guests graced the event that day, and the number of participants exceeded six thousand. From early in the morning, waves of people began to pour into the Hsihu Center, and were warmly greeted at the main gate by comic characters featured in The Supreme Master Ching Hai News, including "Iron Teeth", "Big Square", and "Little Bodhi". Impersonated by fellow initiates, these full size cartoon characters shook hands with the guests and were dear darlings of the children, many of whom could not resist going up to embrace their lovely arms and legs. It was truly an amusing scene! Warmly welcomed were many Santa Clauses dressed in red outfits and wearing big white beards. In their bags they had many secret gifts, which were given to any child who requested one.

Fairy tale characters and fascinating Christmas decorations turned the tranquil and solemn Hsihu Center into a paradise like those only found in fairy tales. It was lively and warm, but also full of peace and joy. Especially impressed were people who were visiting the Hsihu Center for the first time. Also invited to come and share in the fun were the young children of an orphanage, which had received aid from The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association.

Even the grandpas and grandmas in attendance looked as excited as the youngsters did. Dazzled by the colorful booths designed by fellow initiates, they admired them incessantly and had their fun at one booth after another. The enchanted radiance of happiness glimmered in the eyes of all the guests and fellow practitioners, both children and adults.

Master's Blessing

The formal opening of the celebration occurred at ten o'clock, when guests and fellow practitioners all gathered at the Forest Main Hall. The master of ceremonies led everyone in a silent prayer of thanks to God, and then read aloud Master's fax, which had been written in Her own handwriting: "Dear children of God, wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year." Everyone held their breath while listening intently to each word. Through the loudspeakers, Master's blessing reached deep into the heart of everyone present. Suddenly, the forest became an ocean of reverberating love, in which everyone was immersed.

The program that followed was a video lecture session conducted by a Quan Yin messenger (Note). He first shared his insights about spiritual practice with everyone, then played one of Master's lecture videos for the guests, followed by a Convenient Method training session for those who were interested to learn.
Note: On the third Sunday of each month, a video lecture program will be held at the Hsihu Center, conducted by a Quan Yin messenger, and the Convenient Method will be imparted afterwards. Fellow practitioners may invite their friends and relatives to attend.

A Very Popular Garden Party

A garden party featuring delicious vegetarian food, which had been long awaited by many, finally started at eleven o'clock! More than thirty traditional snack booths from all over Formosa supplied a large array of aromatic and attractive food free of charge, satisfying the palates of food lovers. Some people could not stop praising the food booths of their preference. Among all the snack booths, the deep-fried fermented bean curd booth from Hsinchu and the stir-fried vegetarian oyster booth from Tainan drew long lines of almost a thousand "customers". To the guests who were non-vegetarian, the great variety of vegetarian recipes was really amazing!

Apart from free foods for consumption on the spot, vegetarian cakes and various other foods were also available for purchase to bring home. A real attraction was the serving of gourmet tea brewed in The Heavenly Dragon Imperial Tea Pot. Many true fans of Master's artistic creations lingered around the S.M. Celestial exhibition area, unwilling to leave. There were retreat utensils specially designed for Quan Yin practitioners, who found them just right for their purposes. A collection of classic and elegant cotton costumes also attracted many tasteful people. All these wonderful booths made the garden party a very crowded and colorful event.

Funny World in the Rainbow Garden

The Rainbow Garden was scheduled to open at eleven, but many children had been waiting in a long line from very early in the day. After much urging by the children, the game booths finally opened.

There were over a dozen booths featuring different games. Some were large in scale, tense in atmosphere, and taxing to one's physical ability. Some emphasized intelligence, while others tested the children's observational skills, patience, or concentration. There were also various innovative events, such as a costume party, where contestants competed in terms of glamor. Also worth noting were several traditional children's games that reflected the ideas and wisdom of ancient people, for example, bamboo-wind-thunder, riddle solving, kneading flour dolls, top spinning, and others. Parents who originally came to accompany their children also couldn't resist the fun and joined in the games. Their laughter flooded each corner of the Rainbow Garden.

While having great fun, the kids immersed themselves completely, and the Rainbow Garden became their paradise and Heaven!

Come and Browse God's Bulletin on Earth

To help fellow initiates cope with the fast pace of conveying God's message in this electronic age, the News Group designed and prepared a special video show at noon that demonstrated various ways of browsing the Internet. Their objective was to teach people who were not familiar with Internet tools to make use of the multimedia Quan Yin Web sites, so as to read the News magazines, study Master's teachings, and appreciate Master's artistic creations. Through the audio and video clips on the Web sites, it was also possible for them to listen to Master telling stories, or enjoy the thrilling programs of live concerts.

At the Publication Circulation Department, one could find all kinds of spiritual nourishment that was highly cherished. A steady stream of spectators surrounded the booths displaying Master's books, audiotapes and videotapes, prints of Master's paintings, Master's photos and other items. To enhance the learning process with more fun, at 1:00 P.M. the Publication Circulation Department conducted a spiritual teaching quiz, giving out many prizes while introducing valuable teachings. The event attracted a great crowd and many people joined in the quiz.

Performances Extending from the Interior to the Exterior

With its light and melodious music and beautiful dancing, the fantastic sight of paradise descending from Heaven; thousands of guests were stunned by the prelude to the Happy Yogi fashion show.

On the stage, fellow initiates wearing the Happy Yogi clothes embroidered with the S.M. logo, representing enlightenment, looked very spirited and vigorous. Particularly striking was the Happy Yogi family show, in which parents and children looked joyful together in their Happy Yogi clothes. The Happy Yogi collection is available in various designs for different seasons, amply denoting Master's rich creativity.

Though not professional models, the fellow initiates performing managed to fully utilize their body language to convey the liveliness and comfort of wearing Happy Yogi clothes. Their joyous and cheery radiance touched everyone present.

At two in the afternoon, the Millennium Christmas celebration program began, featuring both beauty and goodness. The comic drama "Tang Bohu and Chiu Hsiang" from Jiayi was really amusing; A fellow initiate from Changhua co-operated with a guest and played the South Chinese flute, which made people feel very cheerful. Young initiates from Taichung performed a drama entitled "The Origin of Christmas", in which the child playing the role of the Virgin Mary looked very kind and peaceful, while other actors were equally splendid. Fellow initiates from Kaoping showed us their great dancing skill and exotic costumes in a native dance of the Taiya Tribe, which again proved their reputation as the champion of dance in the seven prefectures and cities of southern Formosa.

Thank Master for Everything

God's divine love and grace was obviously reflected in the contented and blissful smiles on the faces of fellow practitioners and guests at the Hsihu Christmas celebration. Thank You, Master, for Your blessing! Being filled with a harmonious and warm atmosphere, the day's activities concluded at four in the afternoon amid the ethereal sounds of spiritual music.

On this divine day, we commemorated a past Master - Jesus Christ -- for His supreme sacrifice, and at the same time, we are grateful to a living Master - Supreme Master Ching Hai. It is Master Who reminds us of our Inner Wisdom, continuously connects us with God's Grace and Light, and lets us share the joy of spiritual growth with each member of the Quan Yin family. Master, we thank You for everything, and wish You good health always!

To view the Happy Yogi fashion show and Celebration video clip, please visit the following websites:
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/118/ce.htm
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/ch/news/118/ce.htm

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Master Says

The Perfect Example of a Great Saint

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, Dec 24, 1990 (Originally in English)

Two thousand years ago, a great being was born among us. He is so great that we have no words to praise Him. Only God knows His greatness. We mortals cannot understand. We can understand only when we become as great as He is.

Now we often ask ourselves, "Why is it that Jesus had to die so quickly when He had just reached the peak of glory in his mission, that is, to spread the message of God?" If He had not left the earth in such a short time and in such a tragic way, probably, His name would have been forgotten by now. God sacrificed Him in this way so that the whole world would remember, so that we would treasure a messenger of God, by whichever name he came.

Since ancient times, our world has always been in trouble. People always err and forget God. So, God always has to send messengers to remind us. But Jesus was one of the most remembered because of His greatness, and also because of His very short stay with us, and the way He left us and was resurrected. Now we say, "The great Son of God, He had such great power and did so many miracles. Why didn't He change His own destiny? Why did He have to die in such a tragic way?" But He had to do it, otherwise we would not be shocked out of our sleep. We would think the world is forever or the Master is forever.

There were also some other Masters before Jesus, but now people do not remember them as much as we remember Jesus. When we remember Jesus, we remember God, and we derive some blessing because Jesus was the Son of God. In other words, Jesus was God personified on earth. He had to leave us very early. He had his purpose. He wanted to shock us out of our slumber.

Many thousands of years later, we are still shocked, if we remember this story, because of the ephemeral nature of our existence on earth. Even the Son of God had to die! Everyone must go, eventually. If even a man as great as Jesus cannot preserve this ephemeral body and also cannot be protected from the violence and ignorance of the people of this world, how can we feel safe? That is why He submitted Himself to the punishment which He did not deserve. He suffered for the sake of everyone!

If we say Jesus used His blood to wash away our sins, it is not exaggerating. It is the truth, because each time we think of Jesus, we learn something. At least we remember the ephemeral nature of our world and our body, or at least we learn humility, because such a great one had to suffer in such a way. He was so humble that He surrendered Himself to God and said, "Whatever God wills must be done!" Otherwise, He could have escaped. We know that He had a lot of magical power, including the power to be invisible, but He chose to obey God's arrangement. So when we think of Him, we can say, "Who are we to be proud, to forget God's will and not to surrender?" But these lessons are hard to learn. If all people can learn these lessons well, then Jesus' sacrifice was worthwhile and we are worthy to be His followers and worshippers.

Follow in the Footsteps of Jesus

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Washington D.C., U.S.A.
December 24, 1997 (Originally in English)

Don't forget Jesus. He also worked very hard two thousand years ago, so that today we can enjoy a very, very special festival to remember God. Even though He doesn't teach us anything right now, He did. He sowed the seeds of spiritual cultivation and reminded us of the way Home. And now we follow in His footsteps. So to remember a great teacher like this is a proper way. We should sit and pray to God, and realize our Self, and to be one with Jesus again, be one with Christ. This is the best Christmas. That is, the proper ... the most proper Christmas celebration, and it should be for everyone on this planet. Really, they should all do it like this. We can also enjoy a very beautiful Christmas with no blood on the table.

Transform Violence into Peace

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Santimen, Pingtung, Formosa
December 24, 1992. (Originally in Chinese)

At Christmas time, we make use of this opportunity to thank God, Jesus Christ and all the saints for bestowing upon us so many superior teachings, which make the people on Earth become better and better. At the same time, we also pray to the Supreme Power to bless the people on Earth, let there be world peace, and let everyone become very benevolent and virtuous. Finally, we will reduce all the dynamite to firecrackers, so that on festive occasions we can set off fireworks and firecrackers to warm up the atmosphere, and carry everyone to heaven.

Regarding all the things in the world, there is originally no good or bad; it only depends on how we use them. Take dynamite, for example; it can be used to make fireworks or firecrackers for children to play with, and for us to enjoy. If the world is in peace, we can set off firecrackers every day that sound very much like bombs, but which bring us tremendous fun and joy. But if we put the dynamite in bombs, though they sound more or less the same, they are extremely terrible! They are too much for our body and mind to stand, and also endanger our lives.

Spiritual practitioners and non-spiritual practitioners use the same material, same mind, same body and intelligence, but spiritual practitioners bring us happiness, bring peace to the world and stability to the family. However, the same mind can also be used to destroy the world, devastate the planet, or terrorize the whole of humankind. That is why there is nothing truly good or bad in the universe. It is bad when we use it wrongly, and it is good when we use it in the right way.

The Real Meaning of a Gift

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, February 6, 1991
(Originally in English)

Many people just give gifts without even liking to give. They just give because Christmas is coming, because it is the New Year, or because she is my mother, because she is my daughter, because he is my friend, because he is my husband, etc. And people just buy any kind of thing sometimes. And that's very burdensome, for the buyer as well as the receiver. Because you only receive like a skeleton, without any soul, without any affection in it. And we all know this. And it's bad! It's not a good habit to exchange gifts, even though it is Christmas or New Year's, if we have no love in it, if we don't do it with sincere well wishing, or sincere affection. Mostly, people don't do it with love. They are too busy to have affection. They are too busy to think about whether they should put in affection or not. The affection has gone out the window. When Christmas comes, most affection's gone.

It is a very good custom to express our feelings through gifts. But sometimes, if we have our full heart in it, even one rose is enough. Otherwise, people just want to show off their generosity, and buy a big bouquet, and still it doesn't mean anything. Therefore, sometimes, I often hear people outside say, "Ah! Christmas is coming; it's a terrible time. I haven't bought this for that person. I haven't bought that for this person." It looks like a burden. It's not a feast of love. And it's not an occasion to celebrate our bonds of friendship. But it's a burdensome time. It's a very tiresome period of the year.

People do it just to discharge their obligations toward each other. But they do not really understand the significance of the season, and of the actions and gifts. That's why it makes such a boring job, to go shopping at Christmas or New Year's. All rush, rush! So many things to do, so many cars to drive or ride in, so many gifts to wrap, and all kinds of things. It's very difficult to have affection in such a rush. Therefore, you know, at Christmas time, people just stuff each other's houses with all kinds of nonsense, all kinds of unnecessary toys and stuff that normally we would not even think of buying for ourselves. And sometimes, people make a joke, or maybe it's a true story, that sometimes you find your own gift coming back, returning back to you after a circle of friendship. And you just have a good laugh. And sometimes, this gift is the very thing that you wanted to get rid of, and it came back to you full circle.

So, maybe sometimes some of you are disappointed that at Christmas I don't write you any cards. Or when a beautiful cute daughter is born, I never buy you anything, or give you any presents. But I really can not think of these things any more. I don't know what to buy for you. And I don't really know if you need it. Now, if I ask you, "Do you need it or not?" you will say, "No! No! Master, I don't need it." And I know it's true, too. Because you cannot fool me about these things. So, why should I bother to go to the department store and run up and down many staircases looking for a cute little thing. And maybe you don't like that color for your daughter. But just because I gave it to you, and it's your Master's, you have to wear it on her, to show off. And maybe the button is too tight over here, or too large over there, and you force the child to suffocate inside the dress, just because Master gave it to you, for a lot of blessing, or something, I don't know what kind of nonsense, and then it's just burdensome for you. But I don't do this kind of thing. That's all. Not because I don't love you or your daughter. I just think you can take care of yourself. If you needed it, you would come to me and ask. Except in an emergency, if you came here, and you had nothing to wear, or you were cold and there were no shops around, and it was too late, or something, I'd probably give you my clothes to wear, but that doesn't mean it's an obligation. It's full of love. There are no expectations. With anything I give you, you can be sure that I have no expectations. Not receiving gifts from people just denotes that we should be always content with our lot, and never expect people to run after us with their attention, showering on us their material substances. We have to always be content with what God assigns to us. That is the meaning of not receiving gifts. It doesn't mean that you should refuse anything that people give you with love, or from your mother or your relatives, or such things. Just be natural. Just use your discrimination!

Let the Christ Spirit Shine!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, California, U. S. A.
December 28, 1996 (Originally in English)

Jesus was born at Christmas so that you give each other something each year at Christmas. You can do it any day, or make an excuse even. Or your birthday, instead of asking people to buy presents for you, buy presents for the poor people that you know. At Christmas, instead of waiting to get presents, buy presents for people that you know, on the street even, or people you don't know, also. If you go out and seek out the homeless, give them presents. That's the best Christmas.

That's why people buy gifts for Christmas to celebrate the love that Christ has imparted to us, to celebrate the unconditional way He sacrificed for mankind. So we can do that on any occasion to remind ourselves of the loving-kindness within us.

Hug your colleague! Tell her she is good, she is okay, because she sometimes has an inferiority complex; has a problem of her own. Forgive the one who always hates you and picks on you - buy her a present, compliment her on her dress, make her feel happy as a human being. They can hate you, they can make trouble for you, but you have to always be kind and loving. Their way is hatred and revenge; your way is kindness and love. We have to choose our own way despite the situation.

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Panorama of Events

Report from Australia

Conscious Living Expo 2000

[Perth] With Master's love and blessings, the Perth Center was once again invited to attend the "Conscious Living Expo 2000". This is a rare opportunity whereby Masters' teachings can reach hundreds of people over a period of just four days. This year's Expo proved to be bigger and brighter than those of previous years, with truth seekers filling the venue every day. This year our stand was located almost opposite the entrance, so we were in full view of newcomers to the venue.

Many people came to our stand to listen to Master's video lectures, which were played continuously. Nearly all who came near were amazed that Masters' magazines and sample booklets were distributed free of charge.

We wait patiently now as Master's seeds of wisdom work their wonders.

Report from Japan

Asian City Festival 2000

[Tokyo] On November 18 and 19, the "Asian City Festival 2000" was held at Hibiya Park near the Imperial Palace. This Festival was created for the purpose of gathering people from various Asian countries together, promoting friendship, and introducing Asia to people from around the world. Each participating country's folk dances and music were announced on stage, while specialties and delicious foods were provided at booths.

Japanese fellow practitioners set up two booths, one to display Master's books and videotapes, and the other to serve vegetarian foods. The booth for Master's books and videotapes was beautifully decorated, to introduce Master, and videotape lectures by Master in Japan were televised.

At the booth for vegetarian foods, spring rolls, dumplings with vegetable stuffing, breads and cakes, which had been prepared one week before the Festival, were sold out.

In addition, we also served as volunteers for the event, and were in charge of collecting and sorting garbage, as well as guiding cars in the parking area.
For the festival, all of the working initiates wore 'Happy Yogi' vests designed by Master, which served as a uniform. We did our best to introduce Master's teachings and the vegetarian diet at this event.

caption(sp2-1-118.jpg):Japanese fellow initiates participate in the 'Asian City Festival 2000' to introduce Master's teachings.
caption(sp2-2-118.jpg):Fellow initiates serve as volunteers in collecting and sorting garbage at the venue.

Report from France

Sowing the Seeds of Wisdom

[Paris] Each month local initiates hold a video seminar for the inhabitants of Paris. Last week, we held such a seminar, and this time a Quan Yin messenger was present. For most of the people in the room, it was the first time they had heard about Master. After watching the first video, they asked for the second one, featuring a session of questions and answers.

Obviously, they were interested in Master's teachings. After the video presentations, they asked numerous questions of the Quan Yin messenger regarding vegetarianism and how they could be initiated and practice the Quan Yin Method. some people stayed to learn the Convenient Method right after the question and answer session. They asked for initiation. One woman didn't feel ready to become a full vegetarian, but right after learning the Convenient Method she said that she would be a vegetarian from that day on, because she was eager to be initiated.

Report from Canada

Wonderful Beginnings on the Path

[Chatham] During this past summer we were given two festivals and one seminar through which to share Master's Eternal Wisdom in Chatham, Ontario, besides the Wambo Festival in nearby Wallaceburg.

We would like to thank Master for the blessings we gained through the opportunity to share Her teachings during Chatham's major four-day event of the year, The Festival of Nations. The main focus of this event is to promote multiculturalism through music and ethnic foods.

On the first day of the Festival, a tremendous storm cloud passed over the city, and the subsequent torrential downpour lasted ten minutes. Then the sun came out with a smiling face through heavy clouds. Next, two glorious rainbows appeared over the city, and since the storm clouds were still active, flashes of lightning could be seen within the double rainbow. This was a true sign that Master was cleansing and blessing the area.
Many touching stories arose during this four-day activity. For example, two brothers from London, Ontario drove down to enthusiastically help with the booth. And a couple of children who had been hanging around the booth volunteered to distribute flyers for us.

We learned much through our experiences at these events, and more spiritual seeds were sown in the hearts of local people during these activities, as well. Thanks to Master's blessing, we experienced a wonderful beginning on the path of learning how to share the Truth with other people.

caption(sp4-118.jpg)Fellow initiates from Canada introducing the gospel - God's Truth - in Chatham, Ontario.

Report from Ohio, U.S.A.

A Meaningful Thanksgiving Dinner

[Cincinnati ] On November 23, Thanksgiving Day, approximately 200 people at a homeless shelter in Cincinnati were served a delicious, first rate Thanksgiving dinner, which contained all the elements of a traditional Thanksgiving meal - except that it was completely vegetarian. The dishes, all hand-prepared, were abundant in both variety and quantity: Everything from veggie turkey to mashed potatoes and gravy, spring rolls, baked beans, corn, pumpkin pies and apple pies were served. Combining efforts for four consecutive years in putting together this meal were the Midwest Centers of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association - Ohio and Indiana.

Since it was unusually cold that day, with the temperature dropping to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, hot tea and coffee were also served to warm up everyone at the shelter. Furthermore, each person was given a gift package containing a beautiful, brand new sweater, along with a bag of candies. Everyone was very satisfied and happy. Not only did they get plenty to eat, but they also received gifts that they did not expect.

Normally, the people at the homeless shelter are given old clothes that have been contributed by other organizations. This was the first time they had all gotten brand new sweaters, with each person free to select the size that fit them.

During our time at the shelter, everyone took part in the warm and friendly atmosphere. Many people wanted to have their pictures taken with our group. Many also showed their appreciation by hugging us and wishing us lots of blessings and rewards from God.

When it came time for us to go, the members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and the homeless people all felt reluctant to say good-bye. The smiles on the people's faces were a warm reminder that serving others is really serving God, because we all truly are God inside.

caption(sp5-118.jpg):
Fellow initiates share God's divine love with the homeless of Cincinnati, Ohio on Thanksgiving Day.

Report from Formosa

Thanksgiving Charity Fair

[Tainan] On November 19, the Tainan Center participated in a charity fair at the Tainan Justice Park. The theme of the fair was "Hearts of Honor, Police Dedication, and Solidarity between the People and Police." The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association attended this activity, which was held by the Chang Jung Christian University to express encouragement and gratitude to the Tainan police for maintaining the social order. Many groups from different sectors of society also joined in this meaningful activity. The kitchen group of the Tainan Center prepared very tempting and delicious vegetarian food and snacks, which attracted many visitors. The meals were sold out an hour before noon and the day's proceeds of over NT$15,000 (approx. US$550) were contributed to the police family fund in thanks to the police officers for their dedication and sacrifices.

caption(sp6-118.jpg):The Tainan Center participates in the thanksgiving charity fair.

Report from Formosa

Restoring Natural Beauty to Tainan's Beach

[Tainan] After Mid-Autumn Festival beach cleaning activity, the Tainan Center held a similar activity along Tainan's Golden Coast on December 16. Since the event fell on a weekend, many fellow practitioners earnestly participated, some coming with elderly and young members of their families to help clear garbage. A mobile broadcast unit drove along the coastal highway, attracting passersby with its musical programs and Master's photos. Colorful balloons printed with the words "Immediate Enlightenment - Eternal Liberation" were given away to tourists. Participants worked eagerly together to clear the garbage and restore the natural beauty and charm of the beach.

Report from Sweden

Body and Soul Exhibition 2000

[Stockholm] Initiates from the Stockholm Center participated in the Body and Soul Exhibition held in Stockholm on November 25 and 26, 2000.
People who visit the Exhibition usually have strong spiritual inclinations. This year, many who were drawn to our booth happily took Master's sample booklets. Some commented that they had known about Supreme Master Ching Hai through previous Exhibitions and Her books. They even recommended that their friends read about Master.

One man, who was especially discerning, mentioned to our initiates that, in his opinion, of all the exhibitors who took part in the event, the only one that had any real value was Supreme Master Ching Hai's Teachings!

caption(sp8-118.jpg):Fellow initiates participate in the Body and Soul Exhibition, introducing Master's teachings.

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Master Tells Jokes

A Stupid Child

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
October 3, 1998 (Originally in Chinese)

There was a father who endeavored to make his child understand what harm drinking might be to one's health. He brought two cups, one of which he filled with water and the other with wine. Next, he got two roundworms and into each cup he put one roundworm. The roundworm in the water not only stayed alive but also swam here and there in the cup. But the roundworm in the wine passed away in no time. The father said to his child, "Just look! Have you figured out the result of drinking wine?" "Yes, now I see, Dad." " What did you learn ?" "Drink, and no roundworms can live in the stomach," replied the child.

Please come the following web sites to enjoy the original audio versions of all the jokes and you may share the joy of Master's humor with those around you as well.

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/video/joke/118
http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/light_sound/jokes/118

The Way to Chase Away Chickens

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
October 3, 1998 (Originally in English)

A man had a beautiful garden and flower beds, and all kinds of nice things that he planted in his garden. But there was one problem. His neighbor always let his chickens loose, and they ran over to reach the garden to dig out the roots and eat the flowers and make a mess everywhere. And he told his neighbor to keep the hens within his fence. But the neighbor said, "I don't believe in this kind of restriction, imprisonment. I believe chickens are also the creation of God, and they have the right to go wherever they want." And so he just let his chickens run all over. And the chickens loved the flowers and the corn and all the things that the neighbor planted. And so they would visit his garden often.

But then one day one of his friends came back, and saw that the man had all the flowers and everything that he planted still in order! So the friend was very surprised: "How did you do that? How did you convince the neighbor to keep the chickens out of your yard?" He said, "Oh, that's easy. I just hid a dozen eggs in my flower bed, and one day I let my neighbor see that I was collecting them." After that the neighbor kept his chickens to himself.

SOS

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
October 3, 1998 (Originally in English)

There was an airplane that was having trouble. So the pilot radioed to the tower at the airport and said, "Pilot to tower, pilot to tower. Mayday! Mayday! I am 300 miles from land, 600 feet over water. I am running out of fuel. Also, my engine is on fire; my instruments are having trouble, and my copilot is having a heart attack. Please instruct me about what to do." So the tower said to the pilot, "Tower to pilot, tower to pilot, repeat after me: Our Father Who are in Heaven..."

The Way to Keep Away Flies

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. October 3, 1998
(Originally in English)

There was a customer who came and asked a waiter in a cafeteria: "Oh, tell me, Susan, how do you keep all the flies out of your coffee shop?" So she said: "I just let the flies taste the stuff."

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Front Line

Nine Drops of Love

By brother initiate Jacky Chantraine, Brussels, Belgium (Originally in English)

Estonia is a small republic of only 1,500,000 inhabitants near the Baltic Sea that has been independent since 1991. The Estonian language is similar to Finnish and Hungarian and is part of the original language spoken by people in the area of the Ural Mountains in Russia. The official name of Estonia is "Eeti".

Knowing a few weeks in advance that I had lectures to give to Finnish students in Helsinki, I decided to go one day to Estonia to distribute some of Master's sample booklets, as I know that Master has not yet traveled to that country. It was impossible for me to carry many sample booklets to Estonia, because I also had to carry a large amount of educational material with me. But I had to decide which language was the best. Sample booklets in Estonian do not yet exist, and Russian sample booklets were not available to me. After looking at the web information on Estonia, I discovered that 26% of the country's active population has a university education and that English is widely understood by the younger generation, so I took sample booklets in English.

The distance between Helsinki and Tallin (the capital of Estonia) is only 80 kilometers; both cities are only separated by the Gulf of Finland. When the weather is good, it takes only one hour and 40 minutes to cross the sea by express boat; but when the sea is iced over, large boats have to break the ice, and the trip takes more than three or four hours. Happily for me, on that late November day, the weather conditions were good.

When I arrived in Tallinn, the weather was cold and the water on the streets had turned to ice. The old town of Tallinn (Vanallinn) appears as a jewel: The city is still as it was in the Middle Ages, and medieval walls still surround it. But I asked myself where I should distribute the nine sample booklets that I had brought with me, which I called "the nine drops of love." No one in Estonia had heard of Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Quan Yin Method, and I did not want to hand out my booklets randomly, without knowing if people would be interested in reading them.

Then I let myself be guided by the "karmic wind." I walked here and there in the medieval city, and an inner voice told me several times: "Not here; it's not a good place" or "Wait a little while longer."

During my walk in the historic city, I noticed two little bookstores, and entered the first one. The Estonians there were not used to receiving free books, and so the salesman asked the manager to come over to speak with me; after a short discussion, he agreed to take the sample booklets to give to his clients.

Then I entered the second shop, located on Voorimehe Street, and asked the manager to accept the remaining sample books. He was as surprised as the other manager, but finally agreed to show Master's booklets in the small corner of his shop where religious books were displayed.
Only nine drops of love were distributed in Estonia, but I am sure that the number is not significant. The ocean of love is made of millions of drops, and each is important; only the beginning of the process is of importance.
It is the same in agriculture. Nine seeds can lead to thousands of flowering trees if the karmic wind blows in a good direction. Who will read these sample booklets? Who will perhaps change his life after reading one of them? Perhaps one of the readers will be the first Estonian contact person in the future.

During my way back to the harbor where the boat was waiting for me, the same words came back to my mind: "Nine drops of love ... nine drops of love ... "

caption(FL1-1-118.jpg):Medieval walls around the historic city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

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QYM

Cherish This Moment to Practice

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Szechuan, Mainland China
Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

Towards the end of 1999, I was excitedly and busily preparing to attend the Millenniums Retreat in Thailand. One day, when I was walking on the road, a short man came over and said to me, "Sister, sister! Are you going to the Thailand Retreat?" "Yes!" I replied. "Please remember to ask Master to tell everyone to redirect the merit from their meditation to me, so as to help me elevate to a higher realm. Although I am already staying in a beautiful place, I want to go to a higher dimension very much. When I was alive, I was too busy doing business and earning money. I didn't practice diligently, and I now regret it very much ! Please do me this favor."

I was puzzled, so I told another sister about this incident. She took me to the home of a brother initiate who had recently passed away, and showed me his photo. It was him all right! This incident reminds me that life is so ephemeral that we ought to cherish and make good use of every moment of our lives right now. Surely I will not be sluggish in doing my daily meditation anymore.

A Delightful Surprise

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Hsinin, Mainland China
Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

The circumstances did not allow some of Mainland China initiates to join the Thailand Millenniums Retreat on time. When we finally arrived, Master had already left, and each of us cried with sorrow. That day, we traveled with a tour agency and visited the palace of King Rama V. Since we were all feeling low, no one wanted to go in except one sister. Very soon, she dashed out and told us to go in quickly, because, she said, Master was seated inside. We rushed in, and there we saw Master (Her manifestation body) sitting high on the throne. We sat down and meditated on the spot, elated at Master's tremendous love and blessings. Our tour guide was absolutely puzzled. "You people are really strange. Just now, none of you wanted to come in, and now none of you wants to go out!"

I Have the Light!

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Hsinin, Mainland China
Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

My daughter is not initiated, but has some supernatural abilities. Since I have been following Master to practice spiritually, each day when I go out, she says, "Daddy has light!" And when I come home in the evening, she says, "Daddy's light has disappeared!" When we go to bed in the evening, she tells us that there is an angel dressed in white on my side, and by her side is a dreadful-looking angel dressed in black. It scares her, she says.
She can see all kinds of light in everything related to Master, especially Her photos. A Quan Yin messenger brought us some water from the Nectar River in the Hsihu Center. I bought several bottles of mineral water, preparing to mix the water with the nectar water and then share it with fellow initiates. My daughter came home and asked for some water. I gave her a bottle of mineral water, but she shook her head. Instead, she pointed to the nectar water from Hsihu, Formosa and said, "I want this water that has light."

One day, I brought home some blessed food from an initiation ceremony, and my daughter said, "It is very bright!" and ate it all! She then looked in the mirror and exclaimed, "I have the light! I have the light!" Ever since a Quan Yin messenger came to Hsinin, my daughter has had more chances to eat blessed food. Now she is able to hear the Inner Sound, and can hear sounds in any part of her body to which she directs her attention.

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Group Meditation Events

Seven Newly Established Centers in Peru
By brother initiate Edgar Nadal, Lima, Peru (Originally in Spanish)

In May 1999, a Quan Yin messenger came to Lima and brought us many opportunities for growth. The arrival of the messenger also brought a new look and atmosphere to the five meditation Centers that existed in Peru at the time. The Quan Yin messenger visited the provinces in the mountainous southern region. Master's teachings were conveyed in various areas through the hosting of many video lectures. Each lecture was packed with people, and everyone attending showed great interest. Many registered to learn the Convenient Method, most of them young people.

Though the stay of the Quan Yin messenger was quite short, it nevertheless brought us many important revelations. So fellow practitioners tried to put them into action. Soon after, we were instructed by the Quan Yin messenger to continue introducing Master's teachings through video-lectures, and to teach those who were eagerly waiting to learn the Convenient Method. We could feel the glory of Master's holy Love shine again over this land. Earlier, brothers and sisters in the provinces we visited had been telephoning constantly to inquire about the time when the Convenient Method training would occur, and the moment had come!

So, beginning from July of 1999, we hosted six video-lectures in Abancay in Apurimac Province, and Chincha, Huanuco, Barranca, and Chimbote, as well as the capital city of Ica Province. With Master's blessing, each event was successful from start to finish. Each lecture attracted numerous local people, and many were eager to register for the Convenient Method. The most inspiring thing was that in every place we went, many local fellow initiates and would-be initiates provided their homes for use as group meditation Centers. Since June of 2000, when we finished the Truth-sharing activity in the capital of Ica Province, the total number of meditation Centers in Peru has grown to eleven.

In October of 2000, a fellow initiate contacted us and expressed the hope that we would bring Master's teachings to Pasco City, a well-known mining town located in the highest region in central Peru, more than 4,400 meters above sea level. The climate in the area is extremely cold, with snow all year round. Then three brothers, full of confidence in Master, began their journey.

Very fortunately, we had enthusiastic help from the owners of a local vegetarian restaurant, a couple named Torre Justiniano. They provided us with the facilities needed for our activities. On the day of the lecture, the sun shone warmly. Most of the attendees were university students and engineers from the local mines. Some came with their whole family. After viewing Master's lecture videos, attendees started a lively discussion. One of guests said he was grateful for Master's wonderful work of conveying Truth and saving humankind, and that such spiritual assistance was most needed by modern humanity. He continued by saying that he had been a vegetarian for five months. The reason was that he had been living in this city for fourteen years and, due to the lack of oxygen in this high mountainous area, he had acquired a disease caused by high red blood cell levels. After a period of treatment, he was suggested to stop eating meat and change to a pure vegetarian diet. Now he was back to his normal condition. This guest, together with many other attendees, registered to learn the Convenient Method. He also requested initiation. From that day on, the 12th meditation center in Peru was founded, right in the home of Torre Justiniano.

Dear Master, thank You for blessing us with the power and love to convey Your teachings of wisdom in the beautiful land of Peru.

caption:
(gm1-2-118.jpg)Pasco City, Peru
(gm1-5-118.jpgHuanuco, Peru
(gm1-3-118.jpg)Chimbote City
(gm1-1-118.jpg) Ica Province, Peru
(gm1-4-118.jpg)Chincha City, Peru

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A Lighthouse in the Darkness

Counseling Service for Inmates - A Dialogue with Life

[Hualien] On November 17, 2000, the Hualien Center of The SMCH Association and the Hualien Branch of Taiwan After-care Association jointly offered a counseling service workshop - "A Dialogue with Life" - to express love and concern for inmates at Hualien Prison. The activity was intended to guide the inmates to conduct a dialogue with life, so that they could observe the rigors of life and the unyielding will for survival that is common in all of creation. This approach was meant to rekindle an undying love for life in the participants.

About three hundred female inmates took part in this one-day activity, which featured a slide presentation to illustrate the meaning behind conducting a dialogue with life and how myriad beings display the life-force, each having its own special role, way of existence, and unavoidable ordeals that it must face. For examples, big trees, tiny blades of grass, birds, insects, and fish all have their individual means of survival. When they encounter difficulties in life, they display the ingenious and incredible functions that Creation has bestowed on them.

We also taught the female inmates the Convenient Method of meditation, hoping to help them emotionally adjust to personal vicissitudes and setbacks, and thus embark on a new life.

Cultivating to Surpass Oneself -- Learning Together to Create a Bright Future

[Hualien] The Research Department of the Hualien Prison hoped that the Prison's inmates, upon being released from jail, could take on a new attitude toward life. The Ministery of Justice also hoped that, after leaving prison, the inmates would gain a better understanding about learning from their spouses and accommodating each other's emotions. For these reasons, and also because some female inmates wished to learn the Convenient Method, local initiates went to the Hualien Prison to conduct a seminar entitled "Cultivating to Surpass Oneself - Learning Together to Create a Bright Future", and to impart the Convenient Method of meditation.

The Prison's three superintendents, along with staff members from the Research Department, greeted us very courteously at the entrance. Since the event fell on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, we brought with us two hundred portions of vegetarian snacks for each person in the prison. Due to the space constraints of the venue, only inmates from one factory in the female prison could enjoy this seminar, which was aimed at fostering spiritual growth.

During the seminar, we used a question and answer format to elaborate on how to facilitate accommodations between husband and wife, the interaction between parents and children, and the harmony between mothers and daughters-in-law. Many real cases were cited to help everyone understand these issues better. The atmosphere was very relaxed, with frequent bursts of laughter.

After the seminar, the inmates were taught the Convenient Method of meditation, which hopefully will help them to open up their infinite wisdom and love within, and thus learn how to surpass themselves. All of the new Convenient Method practitioners had wonderful meditation experiences. Afterwards, we prayed together for peace in the world, in society, in their families, and finally, for them. Some of the participants could not hold back their tears during the session. After the group prayers, we served each inmate a box of snacks, while encouraging them to bundle up and take good care of their health.

Finally, we waved and bade farewell to all of the inmates. In our hearts, we wished that they would soon embrace a new future under a free sky.

caption(love2-1-118.jpg):Visiting the Haulien Female Prison, and conducting a seminar and Convenient Method teaching session.

Sharing the Truth in Kaohsiung Women's Prison

[Kaoping] The Kaohsiung Women's Prison is situated in the Xiaogang region of Kaohsiung City in Formosa. The Prison is a large facility for women, with about seven hundred and fifty inmates. For some time, other religious groups have carried out spiritual work in the Prison. Similarly, The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association has been engaged in spiritual work in Formosa's prisons for many years, and these activities are deeply appreciated by various sectors of society. So recently, the Kaohsiung Prison's authorities opened its doors to welcome local initiates to hold a Truth-sharing program there.

When we arrived at the Prison, the authorities sincerely greeted us. On seeing their warmly decorated venue, our fellow initiates could feel their heartfelt attention to detail. The program started with singing led by sister initiates, whose warmth and passion immediately narrowed the distance between the working staff and the inmates. Next came the beautiful songs of the initiates' choir and a skilled dance performance. The inmates applauded the wholehearted performance of the sisters with continuous clapping. The venue was immersed in a harmonious atmosphere, with uninterrupted sounds of laughter.

After the performance we played two of Master's videotapes, 'Walk the Way of Love' and 'One World ... of peace through music.' The whole venue became warm and harmonious with the blessing of Master's love. Afterwards, a Quan Yin messenger imparted the Convenient Method, and all the inmates learned very attentively, with many in tears.

After the seminar, the deputy warden of the Prison represented the authorities in receiving our gift of Master's books, audiotapes, and other items. She also spoke affirmatively of the spirit and love of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Finally, fellow initiates distributed Master's sample booklets and blessed food to the inmates. This work of sharing ended with the warm applause of the inmates and their reluctance to part from us.

caption(love4-2-118.jpg):Deputy warden Ms. Hsu Tsui-fang represents the Kaohsiung Women's Prison in receiving a gift of Master's videotapes, audiotapes and books.

caption(love4-1-118.jpg):Saying good-bye and parting reluctantly to the warm applause of the inmates.

Spiritual Counseling and Anti-drug Seminars

[Taoyuan] Drug abuse has been on the rise in Formosa as the concept of social ethics has become blurred, and pubs and dance parlors have become increasingly popular. In an effort to discourage the rampant use of drugs, the drug rehabilitation center of the Taoyuan Women's Prison launched an anti-drug education program to help inmates better understand their effects and refrain from using them. Prison officials sought the assistance of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and asked us to hold a seminar for the inmates. In response to this request and the Ministry of Justice policy of encouraging society to participate in prison edification work, on September 26 and October 17 respectively, we conducted group spiritual counseling services at the Taoyuan Women's Prison and held anti-drug seminars at the Prison's drug rehabilitation center. One fellow initiate, who was also a medical college lecturer, held an enlightening discussion on drugs, the physical and mental impairments caused by drug abuse, and related preventive measures.

These activities were highly successful. On both occasions, several hundred inmates attended the spiritual counseling services in the women's prison. Fellow practitioners assimilated Master's teachings into the discussion, encouraging the participants to develop their inner power and wisdom, and cultivate a proper concept of life and its values. Initiates also guided them through integrated exercises of the body and mind to prepare them for real-life practice. Many participants raised personal problems for discussion, and after the event, revealed that they had identified a direction for their future and would better cherish their close relatives.

The objective and professional lecture given by the fellow initiate at the anti-drug seminars was coordinated with the presentation of vivid, animated pictures. Participants found encouragement in his parables, learning that they should still give themselves another chance, regardless of their past. They also found hope in Master's aphorism: "Repentance and humbleness are very important, but even more important is our love for ourselves." They realized that they should not give up on themselves, but should, instead, face their future with an optimistic spirit.

Fellow practitioners conveyed Master's love and concern to the participants, and consulted them on their wish to learn the Convenient Method. Although the participants had not been keen on attending other routine contemplation and meditation sessions previously, they showed great interest in Master's Convenient Method of meditation. They learned the technique and meditated. Most found comfort in meditation and felt that the time passed very quickly. In response to the many questions they raised regarding spiritual matters and medical knowledge, our fellow practitioners gave the most detailed answers possible. When the initiates reluctantly bade farewell to the participants, the prison authorities expressed great affirmation of our group and fellow practitioners, and hoped that we could visit them often in the future.

caption(love5-1-118.jpg)Teaching the Convenient Method of meditation to inmates at the drug rehabilitation center of the Taoyuan Women's Prison

Combined Report on Truth-sharing in Formosa's Prisons

Prison inmates around the world always experience the special concern and love of Supreme Master Ching Hai. In the eyes of Master, they are merely victims of our era, a group of children of God battered by the causation of this secular world. In 1989, Supreme Master Ching Hai visited convicts in the prisons of Ilan and Hualien, giving them encouragement. Like the sunshine in winter, She melted the hearts of hundreds of inmates within minutes.

Master once said that many of those put behind bars might be the most intelligent group of people on earth. Having no place to utilize their talents and abilities in a proper way, they were forced to go astray due to individual situations and circumstances. Had they turned their energy around to practice spiritually and benefit society, their achievements and contributions would have been be unlimited.

As such, even during the busy schedule of Her world lecture tour, Master did not forget about caring for them, asking Centers worldwide to convey Her care and love to inmates in numerous places. For many years, fellow practitioners around the world have continuously brought Master's divine love and care into prisons. Hundreds of soul-elevating seminars have been conducted, and inmates have been imparted the Convenient Method of meditation. These activities have had a great positive influence on the inmates in pacifying their emotions, and purifying their minds, which subsequently will make the society more peaceful. The significant results of this work have been highly acclaimed and acknowledged by many governments and prison authorities.

Besides reporting on the most recent prison seminar activities in Formosa, in this issue, we have also included a brief report on such activities conducted by various Formosa Centers in past years for readers' reference. We wish that all prison inmates in the world will soon walk on the path of brightness.

* From 1994 to 2000, hundreds of soul-elevating seminars were conducted in prisons.
* Commendation issued by the Minister of the Ministry of Justice in Formosa for our enthusiastic participation in convict edification. (A)
* In 1998, the Hualien Attorney's Office invited The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association to be their Honorary Observer for two years.
* In 1999, counseling work in the prisons included caring for inmates, inspiring them to create a better life, and teaching them to meditate to gain inner peace. Results were good, and occasionally they wrote to thank us. The following commendation were issued by the relevant departments:
1. A medal of "Edification for New Life, to Create Peace" awarded by the Premier of the Executive Yuan. (B)
2. A commendation for "Excellent Performance in Protection and Disciplinary Work" awarded by the State Public Prosecutor General's Office, High Court of Formosa. (C)
3. In 2000, again commended by the Ministry of Justice in Formosa for eagerly participating in edification work. (D)

capion:
(A)love8-4-118.jpg
(B)love8-1-118.jpg
(C)love8-3-118.jpg
(D)love8-2-118.jpg

Excerpt from Kinmen Evening News, Formosa, August 26, 2000

Members of The SMCH Association Visited The House of Universal Brotherhood and Kinmen prison Yesterday
Spiritual Seminars and Recreational Activities Brought Life and Warmth to Inmates

[Kinmen, reported by Tung Sen-pao] Members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association presented an excellent entertainment program to senior citizens and orphans at the House of Universal Brotherhood and Kinmen prison in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere yesterday.

Director Yen En-wei of the House of Universal Brotherhood observed that the visit was a blessing for Kinmen, especially since The SMCH Association is widely known for its readiness to assist socially disadvantaged groups in Formosa. On this recent trip to Kinmen, initiates presented an outstanding performance prepared by volunteers, and also contributed NT$10,000 (approx. US$300) to the House of Universal Brotherhood for the purchase of food. Their spirit of helping and of providing relief to the needy sets an exemplary model for society.

Director Yen expressed his highest respect to The SMCH Association with the hope that it will continue to hold similar activities at Kinmen more often, and acquaint the inhabitants with the benefits of meditation.

During the trip, members of The SMCH Association introduced the Quan Yin Method and imparted the Convenient Method of meditation to inhabitants of the House of Universal Brotherhood and inmates at the prison, thus helping them walk from their gloomy past toward a new life and bright future.

caption(mr3-1-118.jpg):
Newspaper caption:
Members of The SMCH Association visit the House of Universal Brotherhood, present brilliant dance and vocal performances, and encourage children to join in recreational activities. [Photo by reporter Tung Sen-pao]

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Love in Action

Start-up of Spiritual Consulting Groups

I might be a stranger to you, but please trust me with peace of mind.
When you are traumatized in body and spirit,
I will give you a hand just in time and accompany you as you go through your ordeal.

Members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association engage in disaster relief work, hoping that they will be able to use their professional knowledge to help victims to recover in body, mind and spirit, and accompany them as they go through their ordeal or crisis. Upon discussing the start-up of nation-wide spiritual consulting groups in Formosa, local contact persons stressed the need for training in professional know-how and skills, and recommended a fellow initiate, who has more than twenty-years of clinical therapy experience, to be in charge of training the group members.

These spiritual consulting groups are supposed to function after catastrophes, using their professional knowledge and skills to render timely help to victims who are traumatized in body and mind, and give them the mental self-reliance to relieve their physical and mental stress over time. Making use of empathy techniques, they will try to invoke sympathetic exchanges between themselves and victims, so that they can further understand each other's feelings. This process involves unreserved listening, wholehearted acceptance, and complete renunciation of one's self, so as to acknowledge a catastrophe's impact on victims in terms of actions, speech and thought.

After the initial stage, the spiritual consulting group will not use professional counseling and psychological consultation or introductory analysis. But, depending on the needs of the victims, we might still choose to refer them to professional counseling organizations or social welfare consultation units, so that they can obtain further help. From various Centers in Formosa, we have selected a number of fellow initiates to be members of the spiritual consulting group. They observe the five precepts and a pure vegetarian diet, and know more about the meaning of life after following Master to practice spiritually. Touched and enlightened by Master's personal education and inspiration, these initiates have gladly followed Master in participating in relief work around the world. As proven by their past experiences, many of our fellow initiates, after being tempered by Master, have been reborn, becoming stronger both within and without, and able to fully use their potential to accomplish tasks that they have never attempted before. All of these volunteer initiates continually bear in mind Master's teachings, and are willing to try thinking and acting nobly.

On the day of their spiritual therapy training seminar, over three hundred fellow initiates from all over Formosa gathered in the Rainbow Garden of Hsihu Center, and listened and practiced seriously. There had been some concern that the initiates might be shy during the seminar, but everyone managed to act candidly, coordinating their pure and outspoken speech with their body language. They were very clear about what they should do and what the taboos were. The course was conducted in a joyous atmosphere, yet it received the undivided attention of all. During the role playing session in the last forty minutes, fellow initiates were so immersed in using what they had learned that those playing victims and comforters both cried loudly, as they seriously and unreservedly conducted a dialogue with life. Even the course instructor, sister Yang, was moved! This group of fellow initiates was permeated with inner bliss, and played their roles with their best effort.

Formosa! We are ready! Charged with Master's loving power, we offer our utmost sincerity in striving hand in hand with everyone to create a bright future.

Note: The course instructor, sister Yang, has been the Supervisor and Chief Secretary of probation work for the International Lifeline, (a suicide prevention organization), hostess of counseling programs on several radio stations, the recipient of many years of clinical therapy and skills training, and a researcher in professional planning. She has also been a consultant for in-service training programs, college students and social organizations, a lecturer on selected topics and a member of the R.O.C. Red Cross.

Photo(without caption):
love0-1-118.jpg
love0-2-118.jpg
love0-3-118.jpg

caption(receive1-118.jpg):
Receipts for Activities of Love in Action in Formosa (July -- October, 2000)

caption(receive2-118.jpg):
Receipts for Activities of Love in Action
in Formosa (July -- October, 2000)

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Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Audio Tapes

E75 (5 tapes)
<In English + Turkish Oral Translation>
Pacifying The Mind
The Middle East and Africa Lecture Tour,
Istanbul, Turkey, November 20, 1999

<In English + Hebrew Oral Translation>
To Be Enlightened (1) (2)
The Middle East and Africa Lecture Tour,
Tel Aviv, Israel, November 21, 1999

<In English >
Be a Torch Bearer for God (1) (2)
The Middle East and Africa Lecture Tour,
Johannesburg, South Africa, November 25, 1999

E76 (4 tapes)
<In English + Zulu Oral Translation>
The Invisible Passage Way (1) (2)
The Middle East and Africa Lecture Tour,
Durban, South Africa, November 26, 1999

<In English>
The Mercy of God (1) (2)
The Middle East and Africa Lecture Tour,
Cape Town, South Africa, November 27, 1999

Special Selected Edition
(New, Never-before Published Tapes)

<in Chinese>

CE4 (4 tapes)
Universal Love and Compassion is
The Way of Spiritual Practice
Hsin Dian, Formosa, July 5 / September 6, 1987

Clearly Identifying Maya's Influence
Hsin Dian, Formosa, August 9, 1987

Dreams and Spiritual Practice (1) (2)
Hsin Dian, Formosa, August 30, 1987

To order Master's publications, please contact:
"The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd." Taipei, Formosa, ROC
Tel: (886) 2-87873935 / Fax: (886) 2-87870873 / E-mail: wisdom@m2.dj.net.tw
ROC Postal Remittance Account No: 19259438
Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd.

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Video Tapes

<In English>
686 The Reunion of Souls
Lecture in Auckland, New Zealand
April 27, 2000

691 Illusion is a Reflection of Reality
Lecture in Manila, Philippines, May 3, 2000

696 Freedom Beyond the Body and Mind
Six-day International Retreat at the Young Dong Center, Korea, May 9, 2000

697 The Fish Strawberry
Six-day International Retreat at the Young Dong Center, Korea, May 10, 2000

698 A Master Incognito
Six-day International Retreat at the Young Dong Center, Korea, May 12, 2000

700 The Living Saints
Six-day International Retreat at the Young Dong Center, Korea,
May 11, 2000

701 To Impart the Great Teaching
Six-day International Retreat at the Young Dong Center, Korea
May 12, 2000

702 True Progress is World Peace
Six-day International Retreat at the Young Dong Center, Korea
May 14, 2000

703 The Inner Telepathy with a Master
Six-day International Retreat at the Young Dong Center, Korea
May 16, 2000

704 1999 Moon Festival
Florida Center, U.S.A.
Performance Day 1, September 25, 1999

<In English + Sri Lankan Oral Translation>
687 The Light Keeper
Lecture in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 29, 2000

<In English + Malay Oral Translation>
688 Love is the True Essence of Life
Lecture in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 30, 2000

<In English + Nepalese Oral Translation>
689 Enlightenment and Ignorance
Lecture in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 1, 2000

<In English + Japanese Oral Translation>
693 Wisdom and Concentration
Lecture in Tokyo, Japan, May 7, 2000

<In English + Korean Oral Translation>
694 Life Continues Forever
Lecture in Seoul, Korea, May 8, 2000

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Spiritual Information Desk

The Secret Defense of Spiritual Practice

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Six-day International Retreat
Young Dong Center, Korea
May 12, 2000 (Originally in English)

Disciple: I was initiated last Sunday at the Hsihu Center. After I received the Holy Names, I started to practice the Quan Yin Method. When I heard the Inner Sound, I was so surprised that I told others. Since then, even if I try to concentrate on the Sound, I can't hear anything. So, since that time, I hear nothing at all, because I was so excited that I talked about it.
Master: You told people?
D: Yes, there was a sister beside me...
M: Oh, yeah?
D: So I spoke about it to her. She said you shouldn't say anything. So I was to blame.
M: Congratulations! (Master and audience laugh) Yeah, now you have to work very hard.
D: Is it going to take time before I...?
M: Yeah, it is going to take time.
D: Yeah?
M: Yeah, so that you learn to keep your mouth closed. But I don't blame you guys, because it's so new. The first day of initiation, sometimes it looks like your whole head is full of thunder, or the whole ocean is contained in there. It's never happened like that before in your whole life. Anything that you hear is so new and so loud. And of course you feel very excited. But you should learn. I told you, everything I tell you is good for you, not because I forbid you, or anything. So next time, whomever, before they get initiated, tell them, "Please, please keep your mouth shut." Otherwise, they might lose the experience, lose the thought transference, because they leak it out.

Even the Holy Names, the reason I tell you not to recite them at random or not to give them to people is because you should not leak them out. During initiation, they are protected. All the guardian angels stay outside, so the negative force cannot get near. They love to hear the Holy Names! So if you recite them out loud anywhere, or tell people, you attract the negative enemies. They love it. It is fine, they love to come near, but when they come near, they don't observe also, and they trouble you. They are attracted to you, and you are not strong enough to withstand them. Sometimes, you have a little trouble. And even if I just recite them out loud to you only sometimes; I don't do it all day long. This world is like that. The positive attracts the negative; not attracts it, but they like to go near. So whatever is good for you, you should keep it. Keep it for yourself. The quieter you keep, the stronger your experience. If you say it when in front of the Master and when you are protected, it is different. But if you talk at random sometimes, it is not good for you.

Because this method we learn is from Heaven; it is not from earth. The power is from God and is meant to take us Home. But this world, although it's also a creation of God, is only a reflection of God's creation. It is the world of maya, of a different domain, different control. So we are like spies here. We are like in the "Enemies of the State" (a movie's title). So we have to keep ourselves, our identity and everything, quiet. Like we are all the same, but when we walk out on the street, people don't know. That's the best. If they know you, some of them will make trouble for you. And they have made trouble for all the masters, in the past and present, because they know they are masters. They have the motive to make trouble for them. But because they don't know who you are, they don't make trouble. That's why we keep quiet. Since ancient times, many masters, many openly teaching teachers, all have had trouble. But as a practitioner, if you keep quiet, you are okay. It's the same for you. If they know too much about you, they can make trouble, too.

But because you just say you speak for the master, they don't really take you seriously. If they know all your experiences and everything else, then they know you are highly developed, and they can make trouble, too. You know the maya force, so we keep quiet. Everything from Heaven belongs there, belongs inside; everything outside, belongs outside. Just like if you go into the enemy's country to work for your government, if you reveal your identity and your power from that government, like you are the trusted secretary of the president, or a secret agent of the FBI, to go into a different country to do research for something, if you reveal your identity, you're in trouble. All the spies, the powerful spies, work quietly. They have all the information that could change the world in a second. But they don't ever let anyone know, not even their wives. You read sometimes in the newspaper that some of the spies have been discovered, but their wives do not even know anything! This is true. They don't tell their wives. They don't tell anyone. They work alone. Sometimes, the same agents work together, but they do not even know each other, because they are so secretive. And that is the way it is for us; we are in this world like that. We have to work quietly.

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While on the Path

From Misunderstanding to Realization

By sister initiate Rachael Ann Adari, Bet Herut, Israel (Originally in English)

My husband received initiation in August 1997 at a London retreat, and at the time I opposed his interest in the Quan Yin Method, because I thought he was getting involved in a cult.

My husband became a vegetarian overnight, practiced the Convenient Method every day, and had an abundant appetite for anything "Quan Yin Method." He watched Master's videos, listened to audio tapes in the car and at home, and read Master's books. All of this took me by surprise, especially the book reading, as in all the years I had known my husband he had never finished a book. It was obvious to me that his interest was very real and that his full initiation was only a matter of time.

He couldn't wait to receive approval for his initiation after he had filled out the application form, and within two months he was on the phone to the London Center to find out why his application was taking so long to process. Finally, he was told that Master was coming to London to give lectures and that there would be a retreat.

This was a dream come true for him, as it meant that he could be initiated by Master, and that he didn't have to wait the usual three months between application and initiation. I became very insecure and angry, because thought I had lost him forever, and believed he would become so involved in his meditation and spiritual practice that he would have no time for me or our new son. I even thought about getting a divorce. It seemed inevitable that we would separate, since we would no longer have anything in common, no middle ground. I couldn't find a balance, as he was rocketing away along his spiritual motorway and I was taking the scenic route on the quiet roads.

He was a new initiate, so he wanted to talk about his new life, his new discoveries, all the time, all day, every day, and it became too much for me. He sounded like a preacher, until one day I told him my thoughts on separation and he calmed down. I think my initial fear was that we would be worlds apart in our thinking, but because he didn't talk about his meditation or about his practice, it was like I almost forgot about my problem with the enormous change that had taken place in his life.

Time passed and he became a different person; he was more compassionate and patient, saw the world with bigger eyes, and gained a quiet determination that I admired. The changes I saw in him were subtle, but add subtle change to subtle change and then add a few more subtle changes and the result is a different person; he was someone I loved and admired very much.

Slowly, slowly I started to ask questions, watched some of Master's videos, and even read a few pages of some books and agreed to listen to Master's tapes while driving with my husband in the car, until eventually I met a few initiates and learned the Convenient Method. I practiced as much as I could, but at the time we had just had a new son and I found it difficult to meditate every day.

My husband persuaded me gently to try as much as I could; he was very supportive, just what I needed. Eventually, I received initiation in June 1999; it had taken two years of slow realization, but eventually I made it. Master works Her wonders in all kinds of ways, and thanks to Master I now enjoy life to the fullest with my husband and son.

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Master's Words

Develop Your Own Personality

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai Six-day International Retreat, Young Dong Center, Korea, May 12, 2000 (Originally in English)

Center Events

Gratitude to Master on the Millennium Christmas-Happy Yogi-Marching into a New Era

Master Says

The Perfect Example of a Great Saint

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, Dec 24, 1990 (Originally in English)

Follow in the Footsteps of Jesus

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Washington D.C., U.S.A. December 24, 1997 (Originally in English)

Transform Violence into Peace

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Santimen, Pingtung, Formosa December 24, 1992. (Originally in Chinese)

The Real Meaning of a Gift

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, February 6, 1991 (Originally in English)

Let the Christ Spirit Shine!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, California, U. S. A. December 28, 1996 (Originally in English)

Poem

The Ocean of Divine Love

By sister initiate Hsiung Yi-chu, Tainan, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)

Panorama of Events

Report from Australia

Conscious Living Expo 2000

Report from Japan

Asian City Festival 2000

Report from France

Sowing the Seeds of Wisdom

Report from Canada

Wonderful Beginnings on the Path

Report from Ohio, U.S.A.

A Meaningful Thanksgiving Dinner

Report from Formosa

Thanksgiving Charity Fair

Report from Formosa

Restoring Natural Beauty to Tainan's Beach

Report from Sweden

Body and Soul Exhibition 2000

Master Tells Jokes

A Stupid Child

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. October 3, 1998 (Originally in Chinese)

The Way to Chase Away Chickens

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. October 3, 1998 (Originally in English)

SOS

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. October 3, 1998 (Originally in English)

The Way to Keep Away Flies

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. October 3, 1998 (Originally in English)

Front Line

Nine Drops of Love

By brother initiate Jacky Chantraine, Brussels, Belgium (Originally in English)

QYM

Cherish This Moment to Practice

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Szechuan, Mainland China Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

A Delightful Surprise

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Hsinin, Mainland China Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

I Have the Light!

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Hsinin, Mainland China Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

Group Meditation Events

Seven Newly Established Centers in Peru By brother initiate Edgar Nadal, Lima, Peru (Originally in Spanish)

Master's Wonders

The Flying Child

By would-be initiate brother Ji, Mainland China (Originally in Chinese)

A Lighthouse in the Darkness

Counseling Service for Inmates - A Dialogue with Life

Cultivating to Surpass Oneself -- Learning Together to Create a Bright Future

Sharing the Truth in Kaohsiung Women's Prison

Spiritual Counseling and Anti-drug Seminars

Combined Report on Truth-sharing in Formosa's Prisons

Excerpt from Kinmen Evening News, Formosa, August 26, 2000

Members of The SMCH Association Visited The House of Universal Brotherhood and Kinmen prison Yesterday Spiritual Seminars and Recreational Activities Brought Life and Warmth to Inmates

Love in Action

Start-up of Spiritual Consulting Groups

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Audio Tapes

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Video Tapes

Spiritual Information Desk

The Secret Defense of Spiritual Practice

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai Six-day International Retreat Young Dong Center, Korea May 12, 2000 (Originally in English)

A Little Message

Greeting a New Era -- A Spiritual Song Contest

While on the Path

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Six-day International Retreat, Young Dong Center, Korea, May 12, 2000 (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Washington D.C., U.S.A.
December 24, 1997 (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Santimen, Pingtung, Formosa
December 24, 1992. (Originally in Chinese)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, February 6, 1991
(Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, California, U. S. A.
December 28, 1996 (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
October 3, 1998 (Originally in Chinese)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
October 3, 1998 (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A.
October 3, 1998 (Originally in English)

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A. October 3, 1998
(Originally in English)

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Szechuan, Mainland China
Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Hsinin, Mainland China
Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

Narrated by a fellow initiate, Hsinin, Mainland China
Recorded by a Quan Yin messenger

Seven Newly Established Centers in Peru
By brother initiate Edgar Nadal, Lima, Peru (Originally in Spanish)

Members of The SMCH Association Visited The House of Universal Brotherhood and Kinmen prison Yesterday
Spiritual Seminars and Recreational Activities Brought Life and Warmth to Inmates

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai
Six-day International Retreat
Young Dong Center, Korea
May 12, 2000 (Originally in English)