Panorama of Events
Report from Canada
A Precious Library of Spiritual Wisdom
[Vancouver] In order to help spread Master's precious
teachings, Vancouver initiates recently opened a library of Her
books and tapes in a small rented office in downtown Vancouver,
thus allowing interested people to borrow the materials and access
Master's wisdom in the comfort of their own homes.
We informed people about the library at recent seminars held in
two different parts of the city. Some guests who came to the
seminars and were interested to learn more, later visited the
library. Some found the flyers advertising the seminars after the
events had passed, but still phoned for more information. We were
very happy to be able to tell them about our library.
Report from the U.S.A.
The Truth Blossoms in St. Louis
[St. Louis] On November 4, 2001, Missouri disciples
organized a video seminar in St. Louis, where we introduced the
Convenient and Quan Yin Methods to the city's residents. Although
St. Louis is not home to any of the Missouri disciples, we felt
called to share the good news about a living Master in this city,
known as the Gateway to the West, and whose skyline is dominated
by a giant metal arch.
Master's love pervaded the event, and was especially evident in
the fellow practitioners who came from long distances to support
us with their devotion. We truly appreciated the opportunity to
learn and grow with each other by sharing Master's teachings at
this event, and hope to conduct more such seminars in the
future.
Report from Costa Rica
Vegetarian Cooking Classes
[San Jose] Fellow initiates in Costa Rica held Sunday
cooking classes at the local center on November 18 and 25, 2001.
The classes emphasized the importance of the vegetarian diet,
explained how to cook various nutritious vegetarian dishes, and
introduced common knowledge about hygiene.
Initiates and would-be initiates, as well as their friends and
relatives, attended the classes in high spirits, sharing the fun
of cooking and tasting the delicious dishes prepared during the
classes. The demonstrations ranged from Aulacese to Chinese and
Costa Rican cooking. The classes were conducted in a harmonious
atmosphere and surprised comments were heard from time to time.
For would-be initiates looking forward to initiation into the Quan
Yin Method, the classes enhanced their faith in the vegetarian
diet and inspired them to continuously stride forward in their
spiritual practice.
Report from Peru
Peru's First Retreat Surpasses All Expectations
[Trujillo] On October 6 and 7, 2001, fellow
practitioners from the Trujillo Center held their first retreat
ever. The chosen location was the district of Cachicadan, 2,800
meters above sea level in the Peruvian Andes. Calm and serene,
Cachicadan is untouched by materialistic civilization, and its
people are poor but happy.
During the two-day retreat, we were totally devoted to
spiritual practice. As an arrangement invisibly made by our dear
Master, everything proceeded marvelously in this beautiful place,
where an atmosphere of great tranquility prevailed, and there were
sunny days, starry nights, and therapeutic thermal baths with
pristine waters of up to 70 degrees Celsius 250 meters from the
retreat venue.
The first day of the retreat left us in bliss and contentment.
We all had wonderful experiences and intensely felt Master's
presence. All of the participants seemed transformed, looking very
beautiful and joyful. The second day was even more wonderful,
since we entered samadhi for the first time, and time flew by
quickly.
We were so happy about what we learned and experienced during
our time in Cachicadan that we decided to hold regular monthly
retreats in the future, but at a place closer to Trujillo, so that
more fellow practitioners can join us and enjoy the delights and
rewards of a retreat under Master's blessing.
Report from Japan
Sharing Master's Teachings and Delicious Vegetarian Food
[Tokyo] On November 18, 2001, fellow practitioners from
Tokyo held a video seminar at their center to share Master's
teachings and a variety of delicious vegetarian food with guests.
Hoping to attract a large audience, we placed announcements about
the activity on the Internet, and sent e-mail messages to selected
vegetarian groups.
The seminar began with a touching story of their spiritual
quest by a couple who are fellow initiates from the United States.
This was followed by a video presentation of one of Master's
lectures and a question-and-answer session, in which a Quan Yin
messenger answered various questions raised by the guests. In
response to the question "Why should we be vegetarians?"
A fellow practitioner specializing in Chinese medicine gave a
humorous and convincing explanation from the standpoint of his
profession. Vegetarianism is rather uncommon in Japan, where most
people have the misconception that a diet without fish, meat or
eggs is detrimental to health. The elucidation by our fellow
practitioners that day helped the guests realize the need for a
vegetarian diet from the viewpoint of medical science. It also
deepened the guests' faith in spiritual practice, and more than
half learned the Convenient Method that day.
Later, we invited the participants to sample the vast
assortment of vegetarian dishes lovingly prepared by our fellow
practitioners, We also held demonstrations of vegetarian cooking
and the art of drinking Chinese tea. Both guests and initiates
enjoyed the sumptuous food in harmony under God's love and grace.
Report from Korea
Vegetarianism Booms in Korea
[Ilsan and Jeonju] On November 11, 2001, Korean fellow
practitioners opened two new vegetarian restaurants, one in Ilsan
and the other in Jeonju. Although SM Vegetarian Buffet, run by the
Seoul Center to promote vegetarianism in Korea, suffered financial
difficulties in its first few years of business, it has continued
to operate and has gradually become famous due to growing interest
in the vegetarian diet. Vegetarianism has become increasingly
popular after a series of outbreaks of meat-related
diseases.
The biggest obstacle for Koreans in pursuing a vegetarian diet
has been a lack of vegetarian restaurants. But the recent
vegetarian boom has encouraged local fellow practitioners to open
two restaurants in Korea.
The J&J Vegetarian Buffet in Ilsan was named as an
abbreviation for double joy or "Joy and Joy." This
largest vegetarian restaurant in Korea was established as a
corporation and is operated by fellow initiates from the Seoul
Center to promote vegetarianism.
Its opening ceremony was attended by 500 guests and initiates.
Group reservations were made even before its opening and
vegetarian dishes prepared for 500 - 600 people were quickly
consumed. The guests praised the delicious vegetarian food and
expressed great interest in vegetarian cooking.
On the same day, the Healthy Vegetarian House was opened by
Convenient Method practitioners in Jeonju City. The restaurant is
spacious, with many tables, and some set outside the restaurant as
well. The opening ceremony, jointly held with the Jeonbuk Province
vegetarian movement, attracted many initiates and vegetarian
groups to the restaurant. During the day, vegetarian cooking
demonstrations and various vegetarian-related lectures were held.
After the opening ceremony, both guests and initiates went to
downtown Jeonju to promote vegetarianism.
The J&J Vegetarian Buffet prepares delectable vegetarian
dishes for joyful guests on its opening day.
Report from Formosa
Exhibition and Fair
[Hsihu] On November 18, 2001, the Hsihu Ashram held an
extraordinary fair that attracted thousands of fellow
practitioners and guests from all around Formosa.
The fair retained its much-welcomed tradition from last year,
featuring a sumptuous vegetarian feast of more than forty
varieties of traditional delicacies, snacks, and drinks. Other
special activities included an exhibition of the achievements of
Formosa's various centers, an entertainment program in the
children's Rainbow Garden, and a Convenient Method transmission
session.
The achievement exhibition featuring the Formosan Centers was a
brand new activity. Fellow practitioners devoted their utmost
wisdom to decorating the exhibition areas and displaying the
distinctive features of their individual centers. The textual
exhibits and illustrations gave the participants a clear picture
of the development and growth of the Quan Yin family throughout
the years. The Taoyuan Center even gave an exclusive web-based
presentation, and provided onsite VCD viewing. Their lively and
unique method of presentation attracted numerous guests to their
exhibition area.
This special event was also attended by a special observation
group from the medical school of Sweden's Uppsala University. The
twenty-two member group, led by a fellow initiate, participated in
the joyous event under arrangements by fellow practitioners. Since
they were highly interested in Chinese and alternative therapies,
one fellow practitioner familiar with Chinese medicine entertained
these guests from afar with a brief talk on the relationship
between spiritual practice and medical science, suggesting that
meditation is the best form of alternative treatment.
The fair began at 9:00 AM and ended at 2:30 PM. With Master's
blessing, it was held on a bright, sunny and gently breezy day, in
a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere filled with joyous laughter.
Everyone was grateful to Master for the happy and fruitful day.
Guests from the medical school of Sweden's Uppsala University
watch Master's videotape and visit the achievement exhibition at
the Hsihu Ashram.
Fellow practitioners with their friends savor traditional
vegetarian delicacies.
Sharing the Truth on the NSYSU Campus
[Kaoping] Situated on Hsitzu Bay in Kaohsiung, the National
Sun Yat-sen University was built in serene and beautiful surroundings,
set against a mountainous backdrop and facing the sea. As a renowned
university in southern Formosa, it has cultivated many talented individuals
for society. In order to elevate the spiritual consciousness of the
students, University authorities often convene soul-elevating seminars.
Thus, on November 17, 2001, Professor Lou Chi-chung, chairman of the
Graduate School of Evironmental Engineering, initiated a Truth-sharing
activity in cooperation with the Kaoping Center of the Supreme Master
Ching Hai International Association.
The day's event covered two main themes: art and spirituality.
In addition to displaying Master's artistic creations and
publications, delicious vegetarian food was provided for the
guests to savor. The video presentation covered Master's
participation in a seminar at Formosa's renowned Academia Sinica
in 2000. Other brilliant programs provided by fellow practitioners
included musical, choral and dance performances.
At the end of the activity, many guests and students asked to
learn the Convenient Method, and after the meditation session
asked questions for almost an hour. It was obvious that the
students were really keen in pursuing the Truth. We sincerely hope
that, under Master's blessing, they will find the true meaning of
life. Fellow practitioners were deeply grateful for God's grace in
helping them make this Truth-sharing activity a success.
Report from Australia
Master's Light Shines over Perth, Australia
[Perth] On November 11, 2001, the Perth Center held a
video seminar to help spread Master's teachings throughout the
city.
In preparation for the event, flyers were distributed during a
recent spiritual expo in which the Center participated. Also,
local radio stations in Perth announced the event through a
service called the "Community Switchboard," whereby
non-profit organizations may freely advertise activities to be
held in the community. We were also given free advertising space
in all of the community newspapers in the metropolitan area. It
seemed that as soon as a decision was made to hold a video
seminar, invisible wheels were set in motion, and all of the above
preparations were carried out incredibly smoothly and in a short
time. This surely illustrates that when we work with one mind and
are free from resistance by the ego, Master's power can operate
unhindered, and everything turns out perfectly.
The seminar began at 10:30 AM, and a two-minute silence was
observed (half an hour early*) in a prayer for world peace. This
was followed by Master's video entitled "Be a Torchbearer for
God." Everyone seemed to sit entranced for the entire length
of the video - including the question-and-answer period. Master
must have answered all the questions in the minds of the audience,
as no one had any questions after the video presentation, even
though we had a panel of brothers and sisters ready to answer
them. Many decided to learn the Convenient Method, and others were
eager to learn the Quan Yin Method.
The Perth Center is very small, but now with Master's loving,
guiding hand, we hope to blossom and grow as we look forward with
spirits soaring to our next seminar to spread the Truth.
*Two minutes of silence: In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th
day of the 11th month, the order was given to end the fighting in
World War I. Ever since, English-speaking countries have marked
this moment with two minutes of silence to remember the dead and
pray for world peace.
Report from Hungary
Truth-sharing and Spiritual Growth
[Budapest] Initiates in Hungary recently attained
notable progress in their spiritual growth and in the conveying of
Master's teachings, as two video seminars were held and the local
group meditation schedule was rearranged.
Truth-sharing Seminars
In mid-October, 2001, a Truth-sharing video seminar, held on
the suggestion of a local disciple, was smoothly convened in
Kaposvar, a major town in Hungary about 200 km from Budapest. The
attendees joined fellow practitioners in an enthusiastic
discussion, and about half learned the Convenient Method.
Earlier, during the summer, we had held a video seminar in
Bucharest, the capital of neighboring Romania, where there is
currently no center. At that time, we met a vegetarian woman in
Cluj-Napoca, another major town in Romania. She invited us for a
lecture, and it turned out that she was the leader of a meditation
group and knew many vegetarians. She was very excited to hear that
Supreme Master Ching Hai promises eternal liberation in one
lifetime through practice of the Quan Yin Method, and immediately
invited us to hold a video seminar in her area. She reserved a
lecture hall and arranged to spread the news, so that we simply
had to go and give the seminar on November 11, in a relaxed and
friendly atmosphere. Afterwards, more than half the guests decided
to learn the Convenient Method and expressed immense interest in
Master and Her teachings.
Extended Meditation Session
The Budapest Center held group meditation sessions three days
per week before the September 11 disaster. Then, after receiving
Master's request to try to attend group meditation more often, we
decided to let local initiates come to group meditation every
evening, and to "sleep over" at the Center so that we
could meditate together early the next morning as well. This new
schedule turned out to be quite popular. In addition to these
meditation sessions, on the last Saturday of the month, we now
have a whole day of meditation, so that disciples can even come on
Friday evening, and stay at the Center until Sunday afternoon for
a weekend retreat. The news of this unofficial retreat somehow
spread abroad, and for the last one we even had a sister from
Austria join us. We sincerely hope that there is no further war in
the world, but we now plan to maintain the new meditation schedule
permanently.
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