Through the use of state-of-the-art technology, our modern Master blesses sentient beings around the world.

~Supreme Master Ching Hai

Master's Words

Most Blessed Beingsin an Era of AdvancedVisual Communication

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai during an Internet videoconference, August 3, 2002(Originally in Chinese)

I am very happy that we have this opportunity to see each other through the Internet; so, we can get together to discuss questions related to spiritual practice. We truly have great blessings to be born in this era, when we can pursue spiritual practice easily and expediently, and have all kinds of conveniences. Although we can't meet in person, we can talk to each other like this. This is really comfortable; we are really blessed! Let's be thankful to God! (Applause)

Apart from that, we ought to be more diligent in our spiritual practice. This does not mean just crossing our legs and meditating; we always have to remember our noble ideal and remember God. Care not about fame, gain, wealth or the good or bad qualities of other people. Also, do not pay too much attention to your physical needs, or be deceived by the desires of your minds for fame and gain. We only need to persist in spiritual cultivation, and then we will be increasingly able to forsake these material things, and become nobler people.

We should endeavor to be monks of modern times -- monks in civilian clothing -- because we are blissful and unrestrained at heart. Regardless of what people say, we will still know ourselves and know who we are. Only this is most important; only then will we be people with the greatest blessing. Others may praise or insult us, but it does not mean anything to us. The main thing is that we know ourselves and we know our own qualities. Only this is the happiest blessing. It is only we spiritual practitioners who can have this kind of blessing, which cannot be acquired through wealth. Once we have it, we will never lose it because no one can steal it from us. However, no one can bestow it upon us, either. We can only earn it through spiritual practice, and then we will be able to keep it and use it. In this sense, we are truly the most blessed people in the world!

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest DVDs

<In English + Subtitles in 22 Languages>

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

In this talk, Master not only interprets the true meaning of an enlightened Master's teachings and power, but also expounds on other interesting topics, such as:

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes

<In English>

734 The Touch of a Master
International Christmas Celebration at the Florida Center, USA, December 26-27, 2001

735 The Courage to Change
International Christmas Celebration at the Florida Center, USA, December 28-30, 2001

<In English + Chinese Subtitles>

669 The Mercy of God
Lecture in Cape Town, South Africa, November 27, 1999

664 The Law of Karma
Group Meditation at the Marriott Hotel, New York, USA, 
August 4, 1999

<In English + French Subtitles>

656 Spirituality Shines in Adversity 
Lecture in Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 1999

648 The Way to End the War
Lecture in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 5, 1999

671 To Be Enlightened
Lecture in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 21, 1999

<In English + Korean Subtitles>

395 Love Is the Only Religion
Interview with a Reporter from Radio KLDE, Houston, Texas, USA, November 14, 1993

656 Spirituality Shines in Adversity 
Lecture in Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 1999

<In English + Dutch Oral Translation + Korean Subtitles>

647 Experience Heaven on Earth
Lecture in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, May 9, 1999

<In English + Bulgarian Oral Translation + Korean Subtitles>

651 Fill Life with Love and Wonder
Lecture in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 18, 1999

<In English + Hungarian Subtitles>

491 The Devil's Mother-In-Law
Group Meditation at the Hsihu Center, Formosa, July 15-16, 1995

671 To Be Enlightened
Lecture in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 21, 1999

<In English + Norwegian Oral Translation + Hungarian Subtitles>

661 A Life in Unity with God
Lecture in Oslo, Norway, June 2, 1999

To order Master's publications, please contact:

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd., Taipei, Formosa
Tel: (886) 2-87873935 / Fax: (886) 2-87870873
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Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.

Please visit our book shop's website to download our catalogue and summaries of the contents of Master's latest publications: http://www.smchbooks.com/  (in English and Chinese)

Feature Reports

A New Link in Master's Global Communications Network: Video conferencing with Initiates!

By the Los Angeles News Group

[Los Angeles] On July 21, 2002, an exciting new era in worldwide communications between Master and disciples began with the first-ever videoconference involving our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai and initiates from Los Angeles, Austin and Ohio in the United States, Nepal and Macau in Asia, and Austria and Poland in Europe.

On the day before the videoconference, initiates from the Los Angeles Center received a message that Master would be "calling" the Center on Sunday, but did not anticipate that Master would arrange a videoconference to make Her "call" more exciting and fascinating for everyone, even initiates in other cities and parts of the world. Prior to the conference, the L. A. technicians worked feverishly to set up a video screen and projector, a computer and telephone hook-ups to make the videoconference a reality. Meanwhile, a large crowd came for group meditation, as local brothers and sisters looked forward to hearing Master's voice in person for the first time since the celebrations for Her in May of this year. The L. A. Center's meditation hall was filled to capacity with fellow practitioners who eagerly awaited the sound of Master's loving voice.

When the technical details were in order, Master began the conference with the humorous and warm question, "Are you practicing well, eating and sleeping well?" to which the L. A. audience responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!" She then began answering initiates' questions.

The first question was: "Is there any way to direct disciples to use our power from spiritual practice to lift our world to a level that people can communicate without language, in order to reduce misunderstanding, even wars, among each other?" Master replied that we need to meditate more, but it is not possible that everyone will attain the same level; hence, we experience misunderstanding. People's levels are not all the same so humans repeat the same mistakes and stray from the Truth. However we should refrain from worshipping or judging others. Until we have all reached the level of telepathic communication, we have to be tolerant - love always prevails and we can come back together some day.

Another sister asked, "Recently there have been more wars, fighting and natural disasters in the world. What should we do to help the situation other than meditating more?"

To this question, Master replied that Love is the only solution, but most people conceal their love in their hearts and withdraw it; otherwise, everyone was born in love. When we interact with others we become hurt emotionally, remember these experiences and harbor negativity. We have wars because we always live in the past. Instead, we should be like animals and live in the present. Also, children do not remember what was done to them a minute ago. The past and present influence our future and so we become unhappy. People live in the past in their practice also, and forget to become Saints. So the world has to forget the past - past hurts and bad events, and learn and grow from them. This is how we can stop war, fighting and struggles. But we still live in the world, and most people do not practice as we do; so even if we practice well, we still have to share their sorrow and misunderstanding. We need to practice peace and know how to contact peace at any moment by meditating harder in order to generate a noble atmosphere within ourselves, and transmit it to the world.

A young American initiate was concerned about pets and wondered, "As we grow spiritually, is it possible to learn to communicate with animals," and "where do animals go when they die? Are our pets elevated spiritually because of our practice of meditation?"

Master reminded her that communicating with animals is not the object of our spiritual practice: "We can communicate with animals at the soul level but mostly it is not necessary." Because animals are very simple, and if we practice well we can feel what they want or how they feel but that's not our aim or the goal of our practice. Do not concentrate on and wish for that. We don't need to do that, but in some types of emergencies it is possible. Regarding where pets go after death, Master said that they go to Heaven, where they came from. We all came from Heaven and we always go back there.

Next, a Korean brother stated that, once when he was meditateing at home he fell asleep and in his dream he saw a very bright golden Light and his body was pulled into it. He was surprised and didn't know if he should follow the Light, so he just recited Master's name and got himself out of the Light. He asked what he should do if this happens again.

In this case, Master gave the brother to relax and enjoy it and recite the Holy Names. It's a blessing event. The Holy Names thus will always be in his mind, so just relax and blend into the Light - the essence of our being.

The next sister who asked a question worked in a vegetarian restaurant and said she could not meditate as strongly on the Light as she could in the past, and wondered if the problem related to her diet or her work environment. This sister also said that her 17-year-old daughter enjoys doing good works for humanity but it is getting harder each day for her to meditate, and she hardly ever wants to go to group meditation anymore. The sister wondered what she should do to encourage her daughter.

To the first of these concerns, Master responded, "It's easier for some to concentrate on the Light and for some it's easier to meditate on the Sound. In your case, it's probably that you prefer something musical, so the Sound is always there anyway. It's easier for you to focus on it. And the Light is flickering, and depends on your concentration to come. Therefore, maybe you don't feel like you are doing very well." But you have to persevere. It's OK, just do your job, the portion of the time. And whatever happens, let God take care." And regarding the woman's daughter, Master asked, "Does she have fellow practitioners of her age to go to group meditation with? They can go with her and she will feel helped - sometimes the same generation has better communication. They might help each other."

Then another sister asked about dealing with a non-initiated family member who chooses to indulge in a negative lifestyle and says, "This is my life and I will experience and select my own path." She wondered if he could eventually be changed, or if he is just a lesson for her on her path of practice.

In answering this question, Master said, "Just ignore him and try your best, but if he doesn't listen, then you take care of your own life, and later he will come around; you must be strong yourself first, then people follow you, and if they don't, it's OK. Everyone has God inside! It's up to that God to decide what he wants to do with this life."

The final question of the day came from an Aulacese practitioner who asked, "God is an invisible power. When we walk, stand, lie down, sit, eat, drink and work, everything is in God. If I want to think of God all the time, what should I do? How can I know God's form so that I can think of God?"

Master's brief reply was, "Keep doing your meditation and you'll know it. Not everyone can detect God's essence within him or her.. It doesn't matter. God knows you're there. Sooner or later you will perceive Hiers presence everywhere; that's your aim and the goal of your spiritual practice."

After this answer, Master asked if everyone was happy and assured the audience that we would do more videoconferencing in the future. She then asked about several of the fellow practitioners She could see on the video screen, some of whom had practiced with Her for a long time. Master said that She appreciated the devotion of the long-time initiates, adding warmly, "Thanks for your unconditional love for me. It makes me feel very good and elevated." She added that She remembers people from the Los Angeles Center well because of their "elevating" love for Her, and joked with some of the initiates She has known for many years, assuring them that they would look younger on the video screen the next time we do a videoconference because the technical problems will be worked out!

Finally, the assembled initiates said in unison, "We love you," to which Master replied, "I love you, too!" And with this exchange, an "on-line reunion" between Master and disciples from around the world ended, to an enthusiastic round of applause by the Los Angeles Center audience.

Resonance

Reflections on Being One with the Universe

By brother initiate Frank Dong, San Francisco, U.S.A. (Originally in English and Chinese)

Before initiation, I had heard about "oneness with the Universe," but did not understand the term's true meaning. And after initiation, I repeatedly heard Master discuss the topic, but never did it have as great an impact on me as on July 28, 2002, when fellow initiates from San Francisco and other cities were blessed to see and hear Master in an Internet videoconference. During this short but cheerful communication, Master again elaborated on the concept of "oneness with the Universe," emphasizing the profound impact that practicing the Quan Yin Method has on our world and the entire cosmos. All of today's global advancements, She said, are directly associated with the blessings that spiritual practitioners bring to the world. Our diligent cultivation not only brings about a smooth and happy life for us, but also benefits all of humankind. And as the number of Quan Yin practitioners increases, the world will become increasingly uplifted, so that in the future, the Earth will be elevated to the level of other more advanced planets, and we will be able to communicate with them directly. Thus, Master again assured us that the Quan Yin Method is the world's peerless spiritual method!

After listening to Master's discourse, I was very happy that I had reached a deeper understanding of the idea of "oneness with the universe." It comes to mind that many phenomena in the world may be cited to illustrate the theory of "oneness with the universe." In fact, all things in the universe have their special characteristics and reason for being, and play different roles as arranged by God. For example, a car's engine, tires and steering wheel and all of its other components are indispensable parts of a whole, and they all play their own functional roles in making the vehicle run. So, no matter how efficient its engine is, the car cannot move if its tires are flat!

Also, if we look at our bodies, the so-called "temples of the soul," we can see that they each reflect a miniature universe. When we listen to lighthearted music, our hands naturally want to clap and our feet want to dance; when enjoying delicious food, we naturally feel satisfied; after watching a horror movie, we become excited, have nightmares or perhaps are unable to sleep. Some people are even inspired to commit crimes by crime movies! Thus, any physical dysfunction or impurity in our bodies, speech and thoughts will affect our whole being and bring us suffering. On the other hand, if everything is normal and pure, we will be happy.

This awareness has helped me to better understand the meaning of the term "oneness with the universe." I have also realized that everything Master has been telling us repeatedly is the Truth and is beneficial to us. Spiritual practice can benefit the whole universe because we are all integral parts of it! Nothing in the universe will vanish just because we are "blind" to it, nor will the eternal Truth be distorted or impaired by our "ignorance!" All we have to do is follow Master, practice diligently, keep our faith in God, and elevate our spiritual level, and sooner or later we will return to the eternal Homeland long yearned for by our souls, and resume a state of oneness with God! 

Letters between Master and Disciples

Soaring Beyond the Mundane World

By Convenient Method practitioner Steven Ceronie,

Johannesburg, South Africa (Originally in English)

The Panorama of Events section of News No.128 contained an article about fellow practitioners from Johannesburg, South Africa sharing Master's teachings at the Leeuwkop Correctional Services facility in May 2001. The gathering resulted in several inmates receiving the Convenient Method. Among them was a would-be initiate, who wrote Master the following letter while he was completing his last few months at Leeuwkop Correctional Services. When he was released from the institution, Master blessed the brother with a job as a male nurse. Below is a letter expressing his sincere prayer and unique experience of Master's great Love, Power and Wisdom.

 

Date: July 4, 2002

To the Most Divine Lady of the Universe, Supreme Master Ching Hai,

Let us not lead ourselves into temptation, but let us follow in the footsteps of our Beloved Master in loving, in caring, in being kind to others and in helping wherever we can.

One evening I was lying on my cot at the Leeuwkop Correctional Services facility thinking of Master, and I experienced the most divine, joyful dream - or was it a dream? Anyway, a non-initiate would never understand my experience and would probably think that I was out of my mind. I believed what I saw and I even spoke to a Catholic Priest and explained my vision to him. The priest told me that what I experienced was true.

Master, You lifted me out of this world and I soared up above the clouds, far beyond this world. I have never seen such beauty in my life - the beautiful, noble animals and the breathtaking surroundings in the heavenly garden where Master appeared to me.

In the center of my vision stood a throne covered in pearls and diamonds, on which Divine Master Ching Hai sat, smiling beautifully and waiting patiently for me. My words to Master were: "Am I welcome to see You here in this paradise?" "Oh, yes!" Master answered, in a very welcoming manner. I then said to myself, "God, is this true, what I see?" It was like an answer to my prayers. "Yes, Steven, follow the beloved Mother of the Universe and She will guide you and lead you to me and you will be blessed. Only good will come your way as you follow Master." I next asked Master, "Can I please stay here?" "No," Master Ching Hai answered. She went on to say, "Steven, my child, you are not yet ready." And she laughed at me, being somewhat amused and with deep love in her heart. Everything was very pure. I asked Master what I must do to come and stay. She answered, "Become more confident in yourself and do not love only some while detesting others." I thought to myself, "How does Master know all this?" She told me, "Your life was tough with your father and mother; forgive them. You cannot live on with all that hatred in you." I then said, "Thank You, Master. I will try my best." Master smiled and replied, "Don't try; just do it!" So I prayed, "Master Ching Hai, guide me, pray for me!" Once more Master leaned back and laughed Her special laugh.

After that, my mind became clear and I felt very good. I got down on my knees and forgave my father and then said, "Thank You, Master, for Your guidance and assistance. I believe in You. God bless You! I know that Your love for me will never die."

I am now a new person thanks to the Divine Master Ching Hai!

Steven Ceronie,
Leeuwkop, South Africa

Master Says

Make Use of Your Wisdom

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Seven-day retreat in Yilan, Formosa, August 12, 1988 (Originally in Chinese)

When we're independent, we're aware of our abilities, intelligence and shortcomings and thus know how to deal with them. Otherwise, we have no chance to use our wisdom, so it may become blunted. Hardships and uncomfortable or imperfect situations are just what benefit us most.

You should not think that crossing your legs and meditating is all there is to spiritual practice. No, it's not true! In this way, we cannot utilize our wisdom, which only makes sense when it's being used. Suppose you live in this way: You stay in the mountains and lock yourself up in meditation, which takes you to very high levels and beautiful visions, and then you eat after meditation, and go back again to your high levels. Does this kind of life benefit our society in the physical aspect? No! Does your wisdom benefit anyone? No! It's said that working is also a kind of Zen, and so are eating and sleeping.

Whenever you work, it's your inner Master who works, not your physical body. So, when working, we should be aware and bear in mind that it's our inner Master who works with our hands the whole time. For instance, if we see that there is no water here but there are many people who have to use the bathroom, the inner Master will think of a solution. This place should be enlarged; the grass over there has to be cut, and some more bathrooms and several faucets need to be installed.

Suffering Makes Saints

You always spoil yourselves, which is why your wisdom doesn't develop. You see, all the enlightened Saints throughout history have trained themselves or have been trained in unfavorable situations before getting enlightened. Even if they did not train themselves on purpose, they would be trained by the situations in their lives in order to become enduring persons.

You may find it hard to believe if I tell you all the hardships I have undergone since I was a child. You've heard that I was born into a well-to-do family and remained wealthy after being married, but these are just a part of my life. For example, people asked me, "Where are you from, Master?" Of course, I answered, "I'm from Au Lac." "What did your parents do?" I said, "They were doctors of Chinese Medicine." Then they asked, "Were you married?" and I said, "Yes." "Any children?" I said, "No." "What did your ex-husband do?" I said, "He was a doctor." Then they ask, "What kind of doctor?" and I said, "He was a dentist and a surgeon as well."

So people assembled these answers and wrote my biography. But the information in it wasn't complete. As for my "real biography," you wouldn't believe it. So it's enough to be like that; otherwise, it could make a big book! Actually, I have suffered much since I was very young, not because of the circumstances, but because I liked to train myself in unfavorable situations. At the time, I did not really feel any pain, but now when I look back, I find them very torturous!

Thus, in unfavorable situations your wisdom lights up, and becomes quiet and thoughtful, then you know what the Truth is. It's your real Self who thinks when you're thinking. And so does your real Self arrange these situations. Why? Because at such times you suffer from your previous karma, which was caused by you. For example, your true Self "arranges" that someone comes to punish you or scold you by creating an unpleasant condition. Actually, this is caused by your own karma. It's arranged in this way by your true Self.

Let's say you physically attacked many people in a previous life. If you're going to be liberated in this lifetime, the previously attacked people will complain in their souls, and you'll know it in your soul. Your true Self knows it by recording the condition with a special machine, which records everything in a fair way so you understand that you should let the previously attacked people seek revenge. That's the way it is. Therefore, you should know it's you scolding yourself when someone else scolds you, and you shouldn't blame anyone else.

Sometimes people come to see me, and look sweet and humble as if they prostrate themselves as soon as they see me. But I still scold them whenever I see them. You don't understand this, but it's OK, because you can't penetrate the subtle karma and ego, or the delicate causes and effects. You only see the superficial instead of the essential. That's why you think these people are good. On the contrary, some of you may look coarse outside, but are very good inside. We come to know about this after we spend some time with them. Have you ever had this kind of experience? (Audience: Yes.) That's what I said.

Nourish the Seed of Inner Wisdom

Nevertheless, we should not worry about this - no matter how the person is - good or bad; with ego or egoless, all will be liberated after practicing the Quan Yin Method. This is the best news. It's said in the scriptures that the seed of inner wisdom is planted at the first time you are awakened by the inner Sound. But most people have no idea what the Sound is or what "contemplate the original Self" means. You will understand this more and more after you believe in and practice the Method. The pressure on your shoulders will become lighter, and you'll feel more and more relaxed. This means that your seed of Wisdom is gradually growing and you will one day become a Sage.

The Quan Yin Method is too simple to be considered an ultimate method for gaining enlightenment. People would cherish the Method if it were more complicated. So, although Buddhist sutra chanting and pilgrimages require much effort (some of the Tibetan ceremonies require 1008 instruments in order to make a service for their Lord and are very demanding), many people are still fascinated and piously worship wooden statues.

You proclaim that I'm a living Buddha, but I don't believe it! You don't really know who I am. Because if you did, you wouldn't be as relaxed as you are when you come here. You would be different. But since my vibration is not too intense, you don't feel that a living Buddha is here. That's why some woman rolled her pants legs high and rested in an impolite way when she came here. Would you do that in a solemn temple? (Audience: No) As soon as people see Buddha's statue, they immediately chant, "Amitabha, Amitabha, Amitabha ...," and bow all the way in from outside the temple.

In countries like Thailand, Burma, Au Lac and Sri Lanka, there's a gate far away from the ashram. People have to take off their shoes before they enter and then go inside with bare feet; sometimes you even have to bow all the way in from the gate. It's already like this to bow only to a wooden statue. For the purpose of looking cool, some of you behave so vulgarly here, even before me. I recommend that you wear long pants so that you'll look more dignified. What sense does it make if you wear long pants and then fold them high? Why bother?

Ignorant Beings, Upside-down World

Thus, sentient beings are very ignorant. They show their respect in the wrong place and wrong way, and worship whatever is not deserving instead of what is deserving. Think about it with your wisdom. Is what I say true? Everything is upside down in this world. That's why Shakyamuni Buddha was hurt, attacked and falsely accused; Jesus Christ was crucified; Confucius was slandered and driven away from as many as six countries.

Nevertheless, in each and every temple, offerings of incense, flowers and fruit occur nonstop, and it's the same in any era. Some temples have only one statue, but they still make it into a solemn ceremony. Even if a statue of the god of the earth has its special honor, every day you can see people come in with fresh flowers, clean water and fragrant incense. And people do the cleaning voluntarily; sometimes they even bathe the statue, and do it very well. Many temples of the god of the earth are very big, and no one talks about waste or anything, but it happens to me, and I live in only one room.

And the god of the earth never stays in a hut like mine. It has to be put in a very solid place, which is colorfully decorated, carefully cleaned and filled with fresh flowers. As for my room, sometimes my attendants used to do the cleaning and leave the used water there for three days. At that time, there was no electric light so I used the water to rinse my mouth at night because I thought it was clean! This is a true story from my own experience. But you see there's always clean water before Buddha's statues in every temple, and the poor guy doesn't even need it. Don't you think this world is upside down?

Faith is the Origin of All Merit

So you should understand that the Truth is simple and you should cherish it. The more you cherish it, the more you understand it. The more you believe in my real Nature, the more you find your own real Nature within. You can never realize your own real Nature if you don't believe in an enlightened Master. If I'm not an enlightened Master, who is? None of you here can realize your own real Nature. Because you come to learn from me, if even I'm not an enlightened Master, who is? When can you realize your own real Self? Thus, the more we respect the Truth, the more quickly we find it and the more deeply we understand it. The more we believe in the enlightened Master who teaches us the Truth, the more quickly we find our own real Nature within. The more people we help to step onto the spiritual path, the more merit we obtain. So, I say," A spiritual practitioner has no merit if he only practices in mountain caves, because he doesn't benefit others." We receive wisdom from God but we don't make use of it to help others. So we say it's OK to practice spiritually as either a layperson or a renunciate. It's only best if we practice hard and truly want to benefit sentient beings - it doesn't matter if we've attained Sainthood or not. If we have good intentions, we'll become a fully enlightened Being, who looks like an ordinary person. As long as we fully realize our own real Self, we become a fully enlightened Being.

The Right Concept of Spiritual Practice

We should not be too serious about spiritual practice, but regard it as something interesting. Seriousness is something inside and is an eagerness to become an enlightened Being, which we all know, but should not show outwardly on purpose, as in dressing specially or displaying oneself solemnly, saying, "I'm practicing spiritually and care nothing! I must achieve sainthood. Everyone, leave me alone!" We should not behave like that. We should be natural.

Diligent practitioners are those who do not forget the "Truth" at any time, who really want to know their true Selves, and who really want to be liberated from life and death. They think about these things even at work. It doesn't necessarily mean they're reciting the Holy Names all the time. It's OK if they occasionally forget, but they truly want to be liberated inside and they think of everything related to spiritual practice, such as the Master, the Quan Yin Method, and the group of fellow initiates. They only want to become wise, enlightened people. These people are the diligent practitioners or those who are always in Zen.

Spiritual practice doesn't mean meditating all day long. If you're distracted during meditation, it's no use. Beginners concentrate more easily when they sit for meditation. Say if we stroll around and look at things we encounter and our attention goes outside, we forget to be concentrated. Therefore, when we begin to practice, we had better sit longer and be more concentrated. Then, afterwards, when we go anywhere else, we'll be concentrated inside at any time. At that time, even when we're not sitting, we won't be distracted. It's the same when we're working.

I've told you clearly that you can rely on each other among our fellow initiates, instead of relying on ephemeral worldly relationships, especially with those who aren't initiated. When it's time to leave this world, they'll go their own way, and we'll follow Master and the initiates. You shouldn't rely on those who cannot go with you at the time of departure. That's why we say, "Be one with the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha." The Buddha means the living Masters, the Dharma means the precious Quan Yin Method, and the Sangha refers to the whole group of our fellow practitioners. Sangha doesn't mean saints. It means "a group who seeks the Truth," "a group knowing the Truth." We should rely on them because they are our eternal friends.

Don't spoil yourselves too much; don't give others excuses to pity you. It's useless! There are many miserable people in this world. You're the most fortunate! Your life is comfortable enough! You have a living Master and the Quan Yin Method, and you're destined to be liberated in several years or an even a shorter time. But those people who don't practice the Quan Yin Method have to reincarnate again and again, and suffer a lot.

Master Tells Jokes

A Surprising Suggestion

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, USA, 
June 13, 2001 (Originally in English)

There was a couple who had been married for a long time, and one day, they were walking through the park together, when they saw a young couple sitting on a bench, kissing each other very passionately. So the wife said to the husband, "Honey, why don't you do that?" And the husband said, "How? I don't even know that lady!"

Please Reverse the Charges!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, USA
June 13, 2001 (Originally in English)

There was a lady who took a taxi home, and when the taxi driver approached her house she told him to stop, saying, "Okay, here, here is good." Then she asked the driver, "How much is it?" And the driver replied, "Ten dollars." Then, after searching in her purse for a while, she said, "Could you please go back 500 meters? I have only seven dollars on me!" 

Only In It for the Money

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, USA
June 13, 2001 (Originally in English)

There was a couple that was having an argument in their home over financial problems. And the wife finally got very mad, and exploded saying, "You should know that if it weren't for my money, this television set wouldn't be here. If it weren't for my money, that easy chair that you're sitting on wouldn't be here, either. And, if it weren't for my money, this house wouldn't even be here!" And then the husband said, "Are you kidding? If it weren't for your money, I wouldn't be here, either!" 

Please visit the following web sites to enjoy the original video versions of these jokes, and you may share the joy of Master's humor with those around you as well:
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/137/jk1.htm  (USA)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/news/137/jk1.htm  (Formosa)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.net/eng/news/137/jk1.htm  (USA)

Master's Wonders

A Meaningful Trip to Mainland China

By Sister Chung Wen-hong, Taipei, Formosa

Twenty Formosan fellow practitioners recently took a tour around Mainland China during their summer vacation, and through Master's blessings, we shared Her sacred Love and were embraced by many brothers and sisters "on the other shore." Below is an account of our travels.

Positive Power Helps Us through Customs

When one of our sisters was passing through customs, the officer checking her bags saw some copies of Master's News magazine that she had brought with her. As the sister silently prayed for Master's help, the customs officer asked, "What religion do you follow?" and she answered bravely, "We are not followers of any religion. My Master only teaches us to be vegetarian, meditate and do good deeds." Then, after leafing through some of the magazines, the officer smilingly returned all of them and gave the sister a smooth customs clearance.

"Coincidental" Meetings

One day, our tour guide took us to a shop that gave foot massages and dips using Chinese herbal medicine. Normally, fellow practitioners do not like being massaged, but through God's arrangement, this event helped us overcome our initial distaste, and allowed us to meet some people who had special affinities with Master. One of the sisters in our group knew acupuncture and had some knowledge of the body's chakras (energy centers along the spinal column and head). When she was chatting with the young masseur at the shop, she mentioned that we were all vegetarians and meditated daily. She also told him that practicing meditation can cause energy to surge through the chakras. To her surprise, a doctor of Chinese medicine who was sitting next to us became interested in our conversation so we gave him and the masseur some News magazines for a more complete explanation of our spiritual practice. Meanwhile, a waitress who had seen our interaction came over to request some magazines for herself and her friends.

On another occasion, we visited a crystal store, and as we were preparing to leave, a graceful young woman approached us unexpectedly. Knowing that we were vegetarians, she told us that her mother was also a vegetarian, and wanted to know about the person pictured on our pendants. We then introduced Master to her and she happily accepted Master's photo and the News magazines we offered. Before we left, quite a few other staff members also requested photos of Master.

In addition, several clerks in a tea store liked Master's picture, but since we had already given away all of our Chinese magazines, we gave them copies of the English version and invited them to visit the Quan Yin worldwide websites on the Internet. Another time, while we were taking a rest, we saw a young man playing a flute. Feeling an affinity with him, we gave him a photo of Master playing the mandolin, and told him about Her musical talent. A mother and her two daughters sitting next to the man were also attracted to Master's photo so we gave them an English News magazine. One of the daughters understood English and immediately sat down to read the magazine. How lovely they were, their faces shining with God's Love!

Breaking Old Habits

One day on the tour, we visited a high mountain lake, and afterwards we had to descend some steps on the mountain that were very steep, and one of the older sisters suffered from acrophobia (fear of heights). That day, she had used perfume with a very strong aroma, and one of the other sisters was allergic to the smell. It seems, however, that God had a special arrangement for them both. They happened to go down the steps together as the narrow stairway would allow only two people to go through at one time. Realizing that the older sister was afraid of heights, the sister who disliked the smell of the perfume had no choice but to help her down the steps while silently repeating the Holy Names. Before they realized it, they had climbed down the entire staircase, which consisted of hundreds of steps! While both repeated the Holy Names, one did not smell the perfume and the other had no fear of the height. Afterwards, the sisters were very happy that they had both overcome their deep-rooted habits.

Greeted by Pandas

On another day, we visited a panda park, where our travel guide told us that pandas sleep almost all day, and eat bamboo leaves and stalks when awake. He added that normally it requires very good luck for visitors to be able to see even six or seven pandas. But when we entered, almost every panda in the park came out to meet us. Some chewed on bamboo stalks, as if they were eating sugar canes. Much to our amusement, the smaller pandas climbed high in their enclosure and playfully rolled around large bamboo baskets with their paws. Perhaps they felt the distinctive energy of the fellow practitioners because more than fifteen pandas came out to greet us!

Our Tour Guide Becomes a Would-be Initiate

While on the tour bus, we asked our driver to play Master's Buddhist chanting and lecture tapes. Although the tapes were played for only a short period of time , the next day, the tour guide happily told us that he wanted to become a vegetarian because the previous night he had dreamed of being blessed by Master's inner Light form . We then introduced Master and explained some of Her teachings to him, and he decided to learn the Convenient Method. Next, a brother gave the would-be initiate a necklace bearing Master's photo, which he happily placed around his neck. The driver also requested a necklace so we gave him one as well, and he put it on immediately. We were very delighted that a new soul had joined our spiritual group! As we departed, we gave the tour guide our remaining vegetarian food, and hoped that he would continue following a vegetarian diet. When we learned that he needed economic assistance, we gave him a small contribution, which allowed him to feel our abundant love. When this would-be initiate saw us off at customs, he could not keep from crying, and our eyes were filled with tears as well. What a touching scene it was! 

A Miraculous Escape from an Air Disaster

Narrated by sister initiate Hsieh, Taipei, Formosa
Recorded by sister initiate Wang, Taipei, Formosa

I have two jobs. In the evening, I work at a night market, and in the daytime I am a tour guide with a travel agency. On May 24, 2002, I went to work at the market as usual, but my boss was in a very bad mood. She had lost NT$40,000 and searched every corner of the shop. Being unable to find the money, she became suspicious, went into a rage and fiercely scolded all the employees. I spent a great deal of time trying to explain to her that I was not involved in the case, and also helped her search for the money the whole evening. All our efforts were in vain, however, and my boss remained furious about the lost money.

It was already past midnight when I got home, and just then I remembered that I had been assigned to lead a tour group on a trip abroad the following day. However, the incident that night had totally spoiled my mood. I was so upset that I did not want to lead the trip. So I called the travel agency manager's wife, asking her to find someone else to replace me. She had originally planned to join the group with me, but since I was not going, she also cancelled her trip.

Then, on the afternoon of May 25, just as I was leaving for work at the night market, the wife of the travel agency manager called me and said, "The China Airlines flight carrying our travel group has crashed. The airplane disintegrated over the sea near Penghu. There are probably no survivors. Fortunately I didn't go because of you. I really have to thank you for that!" I consoled her for a while, then hung up the phone and went to work at the night market. When I walked into the shop, my boss smiled and apologized. She had found her NT$40,000 in the garbage bin!

I believe that all of this was incredibly arranged by Master. Otherwise, I would have been among the victims in the airplane disaster, and would not have been able to remain in this world to continue my spiritual practice. Being grateful to Master for saving my life, I will especially cherish my remaining years and practice more diligently to repay Master for Her grace.

Master Tells A Story

Master's Movie Corner

The following is a new list of movies for children of various ages, youth and adults as recommended by Master and categorized according to the standard US ratings indicated below:

(G) General audiences; all ages admitted.

(PG) Parental guidance suggested; some material may not be suitable for children.

(PG13) Parents strongly cautioned; some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Movies Acped by Real Persons.
PG-13 Music from Another Room (1998)
G The Country Bears (2002)
PG-13 Blue Crush (2002)
PG Stuart Little 2 (2002)
PG The Master of Disguise (2002)
PG Oh, God! (1977)
PG Mr. Magoo (1997)
PG-13 Mr. Destiny (1990)
PG Seems Like Old Times (1980)
PG Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002)
PG-13 XXX (2002)
PG-13 K-19, The Widowmaker (2002)
PG-13 The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
PG My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
PG-13 Minority Report (2002)
PG-13 The Bourne Identity (2002)
PG Like Mike (2002)

Selected Questions and Answers

Let Your Heart Be Your Guide

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Three-day Retreat in Los Angeles, California, USA, December 16, 1998 (Originally in English) Videotape No. 639B

Q: Please, Master, I would like to ask You, my mother and I have gotten some children to adopt who are orphans, and we want to get more. But people in Brazil from certain religions have told us that this is wrong because you can't change the karma of those children. How can I know if I am doing the right thing?
M: You are doing the right thing when it makes you feel good. (Thank You!) When your heart tells you it's good and it makes others happy, just do it; and don't worry about the karma. Jesus died; He probably didn't like it, but He felt good doing it. Because He did it for humankind, for His disciples, He didn't care.

Q: So we aren't causing problems or trouble for the children?
M: If they need you and you feel good and you can afford it, just do it if it makes you feel good. Because you also have to be able to live. If you want to adopt them and you can take care of them, then adopt as many as you can take care of and feel good about it. God never forbids you to do things like that. Even if you take their karma, so what? We are here to take karma. If we can, we do it, and we aren't scared.

Q: Thanks a lot.
M: Yes, do it; no problem. 

The Connection between Master and Sentient Beings

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, USA, May 11, 2002 (Originally in English)

Q: Master, I just wanted to thank You. We talked about the people who can't get off the Earth, or who can't find a glimpse of their true Self. Recently, my father passed away. I never had lost a family member before, and it was pretty hard. (M: I know.) Thank You.

He used to call You "the Asian Princess." That was his name for You because he had seen Your picture in my car. And so he knew that you were my Master. He was OK even though he didn't follow the path. One time, I was at my father's house and I had the sense that he was dying, and then before he died, he looked around and said, "Oh! That's the Asian Princess!" And I just feel so grateful that he at least has the taste of that freedom. He knows the freedom, even though he never knew he was looking for it when he was alive.
M: Oh, the Master takes care of him; no problem.

Q: Well, that's one of the greatest gifts.
M: He's not excluded; I told you already. If he knows the Master when he is alive, so much the better. But even if people don't know the Master, the Master power also takes care of them, and much more so if he knows and even likes me and gives me a name. (Master and everyone laugh.) "Princess" is not a bad name. I like that. That saved him! (Laughter)

Q: I just wanted to ask You, but I don't know how to put the question. How are we all related to You? Is it from previous lives? Because we have this strong connection. Did we follow You before?
M: Some of you did; some did not. But I cannot count. One, two. too many! Some of you have a connection, and some don't. Some of you have an indirect connection. Like OK, you read the sample booklet and throw it in the dustbin, saying, "Hocus pocus." (Laughter) Even a bad connection is still a connection.

Maybe it was a good connection, like if your friend followed the Master and you didn't abuse Her or say anything bad, but you didn't believe. But your friend prayed for you; for example, "Oh, please, she's so ignorant; help her." But because in that lifetime you were so stubborn, you didn't want it; also your time had not come. So the next time you come back, the Master follows you. You don't follow the Master, the Master has to follow Her promise to the disciple. (Laughter)

So, if you had a good connection before; for example, if you didn't believe in the Master but maybe you read a book and thought, "Oh, She's cute," or something like that, or you wondered who She was, or maybe the Master was there and you gave Her some water or something, then the Master will help you more, and it's easier. And the relationship is good when you are reborn again. Because you might not want to get liberated during that lifetime. Not all of your relatives want to be liberated. If they do, the Master will immediately take them. That's no problem. But you cannot force a God to go up there against their will, because we are all God. So we look like so many, but we are one God together. We're just separated. It's like a hand with many fingers, but it's still one hand.

So whatever a disciple wants, that's God's will. Because he's God, too. But the mind can interfere. So sometimes you want to, but the mind says, "Oh, no, no. Eat meat, drink wine. It's good for you, and have a boyfriend you don't like, and blah, blah, blah..." But at least if when you see the Master and you give something or you say hello respectfully, then even though you don't want to go back to Heaven in this lifetime - you're too busy enjoying your worldly heaven - the Master remembers that. So next time that's good karma that you have sown.

And then in the next life, when you come back, you meet the Master, and you feel something familiar. And whatever She says, you believe. Because you already have the impression from the last life. And that's good karma. Or maybe your relative or friend believes in a Master, but you don't want to because your soul doesn't want to go yet. But then the next time you're ready. And the Master comes, and you believe right away. Because you already have good karma or a good connection.

But bad karma is very difficult. Sometimes the Master has to suffer in this life in order to save that person. Even if it's a bad connection, it's still a connection. Any connection lasts and lasts until it is resolved in a good way. 

Sympathy Is Also A Prayer

Q: Master, I don't pray a lot for myself. Life just happens and I meditate. And if it's not positive, I meditate more. But I have a question about praying for others. There're often bad circumstances happening to people we love, or people we don't know, and we say, "Oh, let's pray for them." (M: Yes.)

So I sit down and think, "OK, I'll pray for them." But then I think, "But they're God, and they chose this and they might learn something from it." Anything I ever perceived as bad that happened to me was a tremendous learning experience. I changed and grew in so many ways. So I can't say it's bad. And I think that might be true for them, too. So my question is, how can I use prayer to help people? And what does it sound like?
M: If you feel like praying, then you should just pray automatically. At that time, you can't help yourself. Because you're praying not just for them, but also for yourself so that you can bear that situation.

Q: You comfort yourself.
M: Yes, because sometimes you see people suffer so much, you can't do anything else but pray, "Please, do something, if it's Your Will." Or at least you can pray, "Please, whatever happens, let him benefit from it so he can learn and know You better." But who cares? They will all know Hirm in the end.

Q: I think to pray, and then I think, "Just meditate."
M: You have to! You have to pray.

Q: I don't know what to say. Because I think, "Whatever's happening, they're going to know more; it's going to be more of the Path."
M: Then that's OK. If you realize that, then don't pray. But if you have to pray, you can pray. If you don't want to, don't pray. It depends on you. If you think God takes care of everything anyway, then you don't have to pray. But your sympathy is already a prayer. Do you see what I mean?

Q: OK. I do feel all of those feelings. But I'm not sure about making a request. I don't feel comfortable with that.
M: Yes, you wish somehow that this person didn't suffer so much and that he didn't have to go through this. Nevertheless, he has to. You see it, that's all. Sympathy is also a prayer. Because the moment you think of that person with love and sympathy, you transmit your good thinking. And who is it? It's God in there. God looks upon the suffering of Hiers own and Hes feels sorry, from Hirmself.

Q: Maybe the best prayer is just "Love, love, love."
M: Yes, yes. That's a prayer, yes. 

We Are All Part of the Universe's Great Work

Q: Master, I heard You say on a tape that sometimes a great soul can separate, and that You were collecting all the souls back to Yourself. Is that different than 'God is everything?' Can it also be a great soul? And I just remembered that on the tapes, because I felt so connected with You that I thought maybe You are collecting all of Your Self unto Yourself in some way.
M: Possibly.

Q: Can one great soul be so much and then collect others unto itself again? Is that different than God as just one great Being encompassing everyone? That's what I thought you meant.
M: That's another one, yes.

Q: But it was so beautiful that I just wanted to know if it's true.
M: In a sense, it's true. Because we're all but one. It's just that we have to play different parts in order to make up the whole. The body needs the fingers and toes and eyes and nose. The whole body cannot be just one big nose, for example. (Laughter)

Q: So when they see You, they feel very much at home, like coming back to You as souls.
M: Yes. Some of them have been part of the great work, like a group consciousness, working for the great cause. So they come back again to do the same thing, or to further evolve themselves by doing a better thing.

Q: Because I feel so at home .
M: Yes, but after initiation, whoever comes and is sincere will feel at home. Because we all have the same goal and we're all one. We've become connected again, because we have never been separated. So if you're connected, then you feel you are me, or at least a part of me. That's normal. The Master, of course, can divide Himself or Herself into thousands, millions of beings and make the whole world. But it's not only that.

Q: The Master does that?
M: Also, yes, sometimes the Master has to take some of Her/His own 'dividedness' in order to help Him/Her with Their work. So whoever you see working a lot, who is sincere and has good experiences, must be one of the small parts of the Master.

Q: I just want to say, thank you for helping in all the bad moments of my life. That's it.
M: The bad moments or the best moments?

Q: The bad moments and also the best moments.
M: OK.

Q: Thanks.
M: You're welcome. Thank God! 

Helpful Tips

How do we take care of bugs and insects in order to keep our houses clean and hygienic? Master recommends the following practical tips, which are also good for the environment.

Natural Insect Repellent

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, 
Fresno Convention Center, California, USA, June 23, 2001 (Originally in English) Videotape No. 711

You should just clean your house thoroughly with water and vinegar, 50/50. This will disinfect and deodorize everything, and neutralize all the odors that attract insects. Clean whatever is infested once and for all, put it in the sun, shake it out and clean it every day or as often as possible with 50 % vinegar and 50% water. You should use more vinegar, if possible, if you can bear its smell. And you have to spray your window frames and door frames with an insect repellent, a harmless one, outside your house. Then the insects won't come in later. Otherwise, they will keep coming in all the time. You should spray them once a week or every once in a while, and then they won't come in. And you must keep yourself washed and clean and hygienic. Then they won't have the grounds to breed in your house.

Great Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, February 11, 1996. (Originally In Chinese)

The insect that kills the greatest number of human beings is the mosquito; it kills millions of adults and children each year. The number of human beings killed by mosquitoes far exceeds that of any wars, natural disasters or assassinations. This tiny but extremely vicious demon kills at least four million people every year! Many people get all kinds of strange diseases because they are infected by the mosquito.

We have to protect ourselves, because there are more mosquitoes in the world than we could ever kill! We could not kill them all even if we wanted to so don't be "silly" ("kill" and "silly" in Chinese have a similar pronunciation.); we should just endeavor to protect ourselves. Cover your children with mosquito nets when they sleep, just like you would cover a wok (Master and everyone laugh), and let them sleep inside. You can do the same for the bigger kids as well - it's convenient.

You don't have to kill the mosquitoes, just use mosquito nets and window screens! Your window screens are most inviting -- with mesh holes so large that even I could go through them. (Laughter) I heard that even Master's transformation body can go through those small holes, not to mention mosquitoes.

When buying window screens, choose those made of a fine mesh to prevent the tiniest mosquitoes from entering. There is a type of screen made of very fine mesh that can stop mosquitoes while still maintaining ventilation. What's the use if the mesh holes are so big? At night, mosquitoes can see very clearly from outside the mesh just as though they were looking through binoculars. So in they go. They say, "Since the door is open, I'll just go in easily."

Even when you have installed window screens, do not switch on the lights too early. Try to see things with your naked eyes or use a flashlight, and switch on the lights later in the evening when the mosquitoes have gone to sleep.

About five to seven in the evening, it is dinner time for mosquitoes (laughter), so there are plenty of them around. They disappear at about nine or ten! If possible, do not switch on the lights when they come out to eat. Switch on the outdoor lights instead of the indoor ones; so even if there were some mosquitoes inside, they will go for the light outside. Should you switch on the lights indoors, mosquitoes will come in even if there were originally none inside!

True Story

Ronnie and the Mysterious Pineal Gland

By sister initiate Sunya,Los Angeles, California, U. S. A. (Originally in English)

Two years ago, a lovely Aulacese-American family moved to Southern California and became members of the Los Angeles Center. At the time, the mother of the family and one of her two sons were initiated. However, she sincerely wished that her younger son Ronnie (not his real name) could also receive initiation. Ronnie, who was almost 15 when his family moved to California, was born with Down's Syndrome, a form of mental disability that affects his development so that his mental age is around six. Despite his so-called "disability," Ronnie is a very special, happy and naturally compassionate young man, and his love for Master is readily apparent.

A short time before moving to the Los Angeles area, Ronnie underwent surgery for cancer of the femur (thigh bone). During his post-operative stay in the hospital, he would awaken each day crying because of the severe pain he experienced in his thigh. One morning, however, Ronnie woke up smiling. His mom asked why he wasn't crying that day and he answered, "Last night, Master touched my leg and it doesn't hurt anymore."

This was not the first time that the inner Light form of Master had "visited" Ronnie. He said that She frequently appeared to him in his dreams, sometimes flying on phoenixes (legendary birds said to be able to regenerate themselves after being consumed by fire). Of course, Ronnie lacked the mental ability to create such a story and did not know the term "phoenix," but he described the animal in his dreams as a "big bird with a very long tail, like from here to the garage!" Ronnie also said that during these dreams he and Master would fly in the air and visit various planets.

On weekends, Ronnie often comes to the Los Angeles Center with his family, and as his mother and brother meditate, he watches Master's lecture videos on a wide screen TV in the Center's dining hall, often bowing reverently to Her image with folded hands. One Sunday, his older brother informed a contact person that Ronnie no longer wished to eat meat at school and had become completely vegetarian on his own accord. The brother felt that Ronnie was improving spiritually because he came to the Center so often.

Then, when Master visited Fresno, California for Her June 2001 lecture, Ronnie's mother submitted an application for his initiation. Ronnie was almost 16 years old at the time. However, during his pre-initiation interview with a Quan Yin messenger, his application was not approved. Later, the Quan Yin messenger suggested contacting the Foreign Group when Ronnie turned 16 to ask permission to teach him the Convenient Method. The Quan Yin messenger was not certain that Ronnie would be able to keep the inner teachings to himself, maintain a vegetarian diet when he was around other children and understand all the concepts involved in full initiation.

A few months later, right after Ronnie's sixteenth birthday, his mother again applied for him to be initiated. One of the L. A. Center contact persons then relayed to her what the Quan Yin messenger had suggested about the Convenient Method, and emailed the Foreign Group, which immediately gave its permission "to try to teach" Ronnie the Convenient Method.

The contact person responsible for working with Ronnie kept asking herself, "How can I teach him the difficult inner concepts related to meditation?" and requested Master's help in transmitting the Convenient Method to the boy. Next, she spoke with Ronnie's brother, who explained that Ronnie is a visual learner who comprehends the content of pictures but has no understanding of abstract thought. After realizing the nature of Ronnie's abilities, the contact person began a search of the Internet using the terms "meditation" and "teach" and found several articles that were very helpful. One consisted of a cartoon series on teaching meditation, with the frames going through a simple sequence of instructional steps, and another showed beautiful inner experiences. These articles were downloaded and printed out in full color.

Another helpful teaching aid came from a Formosan brother, who two years earlier had emailed the contact person a beautiful illustration of a child looking up to the heavens. This picture shows the cone-shaped pineal gland, said by ancient mystics and the French philosopher Ren‚ Descartes to be "the seat of the soul," and located behind the middle of the forehead in the geometric center of the cranium.

Two weeks after receiving permission to learn the Convenient Method, Ronnie was able to come to the L. A. Center with his mother and older brother for his special day. With pictures in hand, the contact person felt ready to teach Ronnie, and much to everyone's surprise, it took him only about three minutes to learn how to meditate! He had already learned how to sit properly by watching a portion of the film The Lion King about meditation. All the contact person had to do was show Ronnie the above-mentioned cartoons and pineal gland picture and give brief verbal descriptions of each. The pictures were most helpful in the teaching process, as Ronnie easily grasped the concepts with these simple visual aids. The pineal gland image helped Ronnie to understand where Master is located inside his brain, and in order to teach Ronnie how to concentrate on his Wisdom Eye, the contact person put a bindi (a dot traditionally worn by Indian women) on his forehead. The next thing that happened, however, surprised us all!

The contact person asked Ronnie if he was ready to begin meditating, and he immediately sat in the correct posture, closed his eyes and entered samadhi! He then stayed in this state until he was gently awakened at the end of the session. During Ronnie's Convenient Method instruction session, Master had bypassed his damaged brain and gone directly to his perfect soul. Despite his "handicap" Ronnie is actually very blessed, free and wonderful just the way he is. For as the Bible says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God"(Matthew 5:8). It is we so-called "normal" people, with our lifetimes of accumulated thoughts and preconceptions, who are laden with many obstacles! Now, Ronnie comes to group meditation with his family each Sunday and receives more blessings every day through Master's love.

We thank Master for teaching us a great lesson through Ronnie's pure and humble example!

Art and Spirituality

Interview with brother Joerg Schurig violinist with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra

(Originally in German)

Standing on one of the world's foremost musical stages, pouring his heart out through the violin strings with agile fingers, his sound serene and romantic, is Mr. Joerg Schurig of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Schurig began playing the violin at the age of five, and through a thirty year musical career has gained a profound ability to interpret music and the true meaning of life. Below is a recent interview with Mr. Schurig.

Q: Dear Joerg, I'm very happy to welcome you. Could you please introduce yourself?

Schurig: Yes, I'm also happy to be here. I am Joerg Schurig from Berlin, Germany, and I play the violin with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra.

Q: When did you start playing the violin and why?

S: I started when I was a child, at the age of five, because a friend of mine had started to play the violin abut two or three months earlier, and I was so excited about his first recital that I absolutely had to learn to play the violin.

Q: Later you studied both the violin and piano?

S: Yes, at a music college in Dresden.

Q: And in 1989, you came to Berlin.

S: Right, I came to Berlin when the wall was torn down. That was a good moment.

Q: I would also like to ask you which composer(s) you like most.

S: This is a good question. The composers I like most, we seldom play or do not play at all; I play in a concert orchestra, and we don't play Bach, for example. I like Bach very much, more than anyone else. Of course, there are always pieces or symphonies by other composers to which I look forward very much, and I'm very happy when we play them once every few years.

Q: And besides Bach, are there other composers that you like?

S: Oh, yes, Mozart, of course. He had an incredible spirit that he put into his music, one that you can feel again and again. His works were never just random compositions, and as far as I know, he never corrected what he wrote. And that's very interesting, because many other composers revised their pieces several times. But his works were apparently created in a whole piece, out of one inspiration, and he couldn't wait to write them down. Also, he always had too little time to write down the vastness that he had in his head or in his being. That's why he could accomplish so much in such a short time and leave it all to us.

Q: Which other composers do you especially like?

S: I like some pieces by Tschaikovsky very much and love to play his Pathetique Symphony, and Bruckner's works are also very beautiful.

Q: Anton Bruckner?

S: Yes, Anton Bruckner. For example, the fourth symphony of Bruckner is something I think everyone should listen to, because it's so beautiful, and the end of that piece - the last three minutes - are like coming from above. It's simply divine, very, very calm. Listen to it, if you can. It's very, very beautiful.

Q: How did you turn to spirituality? How did that happen?

S: Yes, I can tell you. In order to learn an instrument, one needs to pay attention. One has to be quite diligent and have some discipline in order to learn the technique, to get into this musical world, because if you don't have technique, you cannot go inside. After that, you should also have your own sound, which comes from your being, and it's what you put into the music that you're playing. For example, one pianist has a form of expression, strikes the keys in a different way than another pianist, so pianists are very different, and it's always interesting to see when they come to us and they play a piano concerto by Mozart or Beethoven, how differently they play it, like with a soft, wonderful touch, or flowing, or hard.

It's the same with violinists, and I can speak better for them. Violinists need to find their own sound and that's how they are. It's amazing, but it's also good that it's like that. The sound of one violinist is warm, and the sound of another is a little more energetic, just like their character traits. So, the technique is only a way to express yourself, to put your being into the sound. Many musicians like to escape into the musical world and shut themselves up. They like to live in there and close their eyes when problems come up, or when problems exist in the outside world. It's very easy then, but I think that's not the way to live.

And when you're working on stage, you often come into situations where you see in yourself what other things are there. For me, this is a request to know more about myself and to find out what other things exist, and that was the beginning for me in searching further, and finally becoming a better human being.

Because music can connect us, we can be ambassadors, and we can bring joy, but in order to change our environment and ourselves, we have to have a warmer heart, a more loving way to treat each other. And I think this is the best path that humanity can walk and this is also the reason that I came to our beloved Master Ching Hai.

I believe that music was given to us in order to make our emotions finer and to make us happy for a short period of time. I think that it is very important to develop our conscience, to investigate our thoughts, how we treat each other, and to develop further so that our hearts become bigger. I believe that this is the most important thing that we can do in this world, and I experienced Master Ching Hai as Someone who gives so much goodness, so much love, that it simply makes you cry. That was a great experience. I hope that we, as disciples, can develop so that we can really share love, not just the feeling but also the state, and then we can be happy to have been here.

Q: What attracted you most to Master and Her teachings?

S: I experienced the support of Her unconditional love. She really takes everyone into Her love, and She also has an incredible sense of humor, and She is very clear. It's the brightness and freedom that She expresses that drew me to Her.

Q: Did Master's artistic creations also attract you to Her?

S: Not in the first place because I didn't know about them when I first got to know Her. At that time I didn't know that She wrote. Later, I learned that She wrote poems, before and maybe still now, and the paintings, or some of Her paintings, I saw later, and Her wonderful voice, I also heard later.

Q: Do you like Her paintings?

S: I like Her paintings; I really like them very much.

Q: And the songs that She has composed?

S: Oh yes, I just heard two of them today. They seem to be a little sad, in contrast to the way I know Her from the videos. They're beautiful, beautiful. I like them.

Q: If you met Master personally, what would you like to tell Her or ask Her?

S: We will see. Now I don't know; there are many questions, but She has already answered some of them through other disciples. Questions like "Where do we come from?" and "Where do we go?" are not so urgent for me anymore.

Final Words by Mr. Schurig:

Everything we do is a mirror of ourselves. When we go on stage, it's of course also a mirror of ourselves. According to our feelings or the situation, we can experience nice or sometimes not so nice things. Everyone who is on stage knows this. And then we see different things that demand to be taken care of in order for us to go further. It's very good to love music, but I think there are also other things that we as human beings have to do. That's what I have experienced. It's important to experience a lot about yourself, as much as possible, and to share good things and become a better human being. To achieve this, we still have to learn. A conductor recently said that there are great musicians, but not every musician is a good human being. And every musician should think about this because he has been given the tools in order to give and to share. And when a person develops further, of course, he will be able to share more. 

This interview was broadcast in Serial No. 57 of the A Journey through Aesthetic Realms TV program. For online viewing, please visit:
http://ap.hichannel.com.tw/play?url_id=72989  (Dial-up - German)
http://ap.hichannel.com.tw/play?url_id=72988  (Broadband - German)

Panorama of Events

Compiled Report from Formosa

♪ nder Master's loving guidance and blessings, the Quan Yin family is growing larger and stronger every day. To harmonize and enrich the lives of fellow practitioners in Formosa, centers across the island held summer camps during the weekend holidays of July 26 to 28, 2002. Based on their experience from previous years, the camp coordinators designed special summer camps for different age groups - children, juveniles and the elderly. Each camp featured unique and enjoyable activities for participants, allowing them to relax both physically and mentally. In the blissful atmosphere of the camps, fellow initiates experienced Master's infinite love in a unique form.

2002 Old Pals' Gathering

The 2002 Old Pals' Gathering was held exclusively for elderly fellow initiates at the Westlake Resort, which is set in an enchanting landscape in central Formosa. About two hundred senior initiates (four were over eighty and twenty-one were in their seventies) traveled from all around the island and spent three wonderful days there.

The Gathering's diverse and enriching activities included seminars on topics such as life planning, social communication and health maintenance, supplemented by simple physical exercises and medical checkups. Recreational programs consisted of artistic performances, karaoke singing, walks in the woods and spas. The working team applied Master's teachings in specially designed entertainment and practical activities that fully satisfied participants by effectively integrating body, mind and spirit. The uniquely devised programs greatly impressed the media and planning departments of the Westlake Resort, which solicited relevant information from fellow initiates.

In addition to daily morning and evening meditation sessions, the Gathering's tightly organized program ranged from morning warm-up exercises to evening parties featuring a variety of themes. Participants quickly adapted to the tempo of the activities, and shyness gave way to cheerfulness and vigor, redefining the concept of "old age." The initiates had many novel experiences and quite a number left the Old Pals' Gathering greatly satisfied. Several elderly participants, who had trouble moving around and thus could not attend retreats, were especially happy to be able to attend this activity involving other fellow practitioners. And all who participated were very touched to experience abundant respect and love during the unique three-day event! 

(sp4-a1)Fellow practitioners from the medical profession offer health checkup services, and diagnose more than ten cases of latent illness.

(sp4-a2)As foreign retreats and travel are now being conducted more frequently, a practical course in international etiquette was arranged for fellow initiates at the Old Pals' Gathering.

(sp4-a3,a4)During an exquisitely designed evening party, an 87-year-old sister, the most senior member of the group, rises from her wheelchair to join in a chorus of folk songs that must have evoked many dear memories for her.

(sp4-a5) Morning flexibility exercises prepare participants for a day of vigorous activity.

(sp4-a6)Group discussions offer a chance to share experiences in life and spiritual cultivation.

Taishan Experience Camp

From finding food for survival to lighting a fire with knife and axe; from wilderness first aid to the use of knotted ropes; from jumaring (climbing with ascending devices and ropes) to a 100-meter vertical descent; from upstream hiking to a vertical drop into water, the 2002 Taishan Experience Camp fully satisfied youthful Quan Yin practitioners' longing for adventure, love of trying new things and desire for physical challenge. During the Camp, participants also learned the basics of rescue aid, self-help and wilderness survival.

The Experience Camp was held on the grounds of the Baling Sankuang Primary School at the foot of Mount Lala, and the glowing eyes and loud laughter of the young participants revealed that it was a highly successful experience for all. The Camp's most challenging event was the vertical drop into water, which involved jumping from a cliff over three meters high. The instructor, a member of the Supreme Master Ching Hai Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association formed by Formosan initiates, commented that it is difficult for untrained juveniles to accomplish this feat. Some of the young participants were somewhat hesitant and afraid, but they still did their best to overcome their mental obstacles, and strove to achieve their goal. This experience at the Camp helped them to develop a daring spirit in order to achieve breakthroughs as planned.

Apart from the physical activities at the Camp, the bonfire party on the first evening and the heartwarming "Light of Hope" party on the second evening were highlights that really made the young people jubilant. The Camp lasted for only three days, but their joyful and exciting experiences will remain beautiful lifetime memories for all the young participants. 

(sp4-b1,b4)Guided by a member of the Supreme Master Ching Hai Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association, young fellow initiates venture upstream hand-in-hand, sometimes creeping forward on their chests.

(sp4-b3)Under the guidance of their instructor, fellow initiates ascend like agile experts with the help of a jumar (ascending device).

(sp4-b5)In the course "How to Be a Happy Yogi," young fellow initiates contribute their ideas to come up with feasible answers to the instructor's questions.

(sp4-b2)Excellent performers receive commendation from group leaders during the closing ceremony.

The Paradisiacal Kingdom Summer Camp

July 26-28, 2002 will remain unforgettable days for many little fellow practitioners in Formosa. During this period, a group of future Buddhas arrived at Cheng Ching Lake in Kaohsiung in Southern Formosa to attend the Paradisiacal Kingdom (PK) Summer Camp held especially for them during their school vacation. Besides having a happy time eating and playing, the children made many friends who will be good companions on the road of spiritual practice. At the same time, they deeply experienced the loving sacrifices of the working team.

The three-day activity was meticulously designed to promote the wisdom, courage, confidence and endurance of the young practitioners, and to develop their team spirit, as well as their ability to be independent. Under the loving guidance of initiate members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association, all participants were required to cross eight obstacles in order to learn about rock climbing, mountaineering and related techniques.

At nightfall, the little initiates enjoyed barbecuing in the wilderness. Later, each of them lit a small candle and walked slowly toward a bonfire. Then, an exciting and beautiful night was spent around the glowing fire under a brilliant fireworks display.

Many looked forward to the water activities, which were held on the last day of the PK Summer Camp. Dressed in their swimsuits, the young practitioners moved swiftly and agilely through the water. In the game "Helping Each Other in the Same Boat," the participants learned to cooperate, developed team spirit, and received many gifts at the end.

After everyone enjoyed a delicious vegetarian meal prepared by the kitchen team, the three-day activity came to a close. Some of the young practitioners asked their fellow brothers and sisters to write their signatures on their caps. Some even cried as they were affected by the atmosphere of parting, and lingered at the venue, unwilling to go even when the working team members prepared to leave.

The sister who organized the activity observed that our compassionate Master took good care of every aspect of the event. For the entire three-day period, there was continuous rainfall in the southern part of Formosa, except in the area around Cheng Ching Lake where the Camp was held. No rain fell on the Camp although sometimes the weather was overcast with thick clouds. A heavy rain came only after all the fellow practitioners had left. Master's abundant love and blessings thus allowed the activity to draw to a perfect close! 

(sp4-c2)Delighted to see you and joyful greetings!

(sp4-c3)Rock climbing is the most popular yet most daunting event for the little practitioners. Being able to transcend habitual thinking and reach their peak of physical strength is their most satisfying achievement

(sp4-c4)Under the guidance of their instructors, the young practitioners are eager to accept different levels of challenges in the game "PK Passing Barricades."

(sp4-c5)After going through the challenges, the little practitioners amuse themselves by acting as fairies showering flower petals made of torn newspapers. When the petals fall like snowflakes, the young initiates exclaim and laugh excitedly.

Report from Hong Kong

Truth Pervades the 2002 Hong Kong Book Fair

[Hong Kong] From July 17 to 22, 2002, the annual Hong Kong Book Fair was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. The sponsoring agency, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, estimated that the six-day exhibition attracted more than 430,000 visitors, a number that was unprecedented in the Fair's history. As in previous years, local fellow practitioners seized the precious opportunity to participate in the Fair and share the Truth, and many earnest initiates joined the working team at the venue.

This year, the Hong Kong Center set up its booth in the Taipei Publishers Section of the Fair instead of in the religious section, in order to introduce a huge variety of Master's newly released publications and establish interaction with greater numbers of people. According to the sponsors, the most popular publications at this year's Fair were "self-elevation" books, demonstrating that, despite our extremely materialistic society, people are becoming increasingly concerned about spirituality.

Master's booth, permeated by Her teachings and love, attracted an endless stream of visitors, who watched videos, browsed through the publications, requested sample booklets and bookmarks and visited Master's Internet website. Many also subscribed to the on-line version of the News magazine. One child saw light radiating from Master's painting entitled "Debate," while a visitor from another spiritual group revealed that, when watching Master's videos, he saw Her image giving forth a merciful radiance. The exhibition of Master's publications at the Fair not only satisfied the yearning of many Truth aspirants, but also brought spiritual elevation to all our visitors. P

(sp5-1)Huge crowds of visitors attend the Hong Kong Book Fair.

sp5-2,3,4

Report from Korea

Finding Souls Eager to Go Home

[Seoul] On July 13, 2002, the Seoul Center held a video seminar at the spacious and luxurious J&J Vegetarian Buffet especially for the Goyang community, where few opportunities to share Master's teachings had arisen in the past. Despite hot, humid weather, fellow practitioners from other centers around Korea, and even from abroad, arrived to enthusiastically participate in the preparatory work.

On the day of the seminar, Heaven provided us with cooler than usual weather. And among the guests was a Christian who had seen Master in three dreams prior to the event. In his first dream, Master appeared in an elegant jade form, and in his second, in an imperial robe. He sought out many sources in order interpret the meaning of these experiences, and finally found information about Master on the Internet with the help of a priest, who described Her as a Prophet of our times. Around this period, the man also obtained a copy of Master's sample booklet. Later, he had a third dream, in which Master appeared in a brilliant Light form, which produced in him an extreme longing to see Her.

On the day of the seminar, the man's wife happened to visit the building where Master's video seminar was to be held, and immediately called her husband. Hearing the news, he was so overwhelmed that he rushed to the venue without even straightening his tie! The couple was very excited to participate in the seminar, after which they discussed many interesting questions and shared stories with the contact person.

Another guest came to the seminar after obtaining a flyer that had been left on a bus. He became very interested and called for further information, and this "chance" opportunity to join the seminar ultimately led him onto the path of eternal liberation.

Through such subtle arrangements, our merciful God continually guides and opens the door to Heaven for those sentient beings who have gone astray while on their way Home. 

(sp1-2)Attentive audience members watch Master's brilliant video lecture.

(sp1-1)After Master's video lecture, guests enjoy free vegetarian food prepared by local initiates.

Report from British Columbia, Canada

Sowing Spiritual Seeds in Kelowna

[Kelowna] Kelowna is a beautiful city nestled in green, forested mountains overlooking the crystalline waters of Lake Okanagan, and is frequently called "the California of British Columbia." The region is a great tourist attraction, and a wonderful place to live because of its beautiful natural setting and relaxing lifestyle.

Recently, local initiates had the great honor of introducing Master to the people of Kelowna and the surrounding area through a video seminar. Fellow practitioners from three cities (Vancouver, Victoria and Grand Forks) came to help a brother from Kelowna organize the event, and also went to some of the surrounding citi