The outcome of spiritual practice is not just spiritual enlightenment; it's not just individual happiness and blissfulness; it's worldly development as well.

~Supreme Master Ching Hai

♪ Master Tells Stories
The Truth Behind Fear - Zen Tales / Indian Tales

♪ Pearls of Wisdom
The Importance of Keeping Our Thoughts, Speech and Actions Pure/ Guiding Youth through Spirituality

♪ Story World
Animals Are Also God's Tools

♪ While on the Path
Always Keep Your Thoughts Pure

♪ Elevation of the Soul
Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes/ DVDs/CDs

♪ Group Meditation
2002 European Retreat/ Resonance from the 2002 European Retreat

♪ Cinema Scene
Reflections on E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial - Love Thy Good Neighbors

♪ Media Reports
Annual Vaccine Inoculations for Pets May be Too Frequent

♪ Spiritual Interludes
A Subtle Lesson in Love

♪ True Stories
My Decades-long Truth-seeking Journey

♪ Master Says
The Universal School

♪ Selected Questions and Answers
How to Cultivate Young Practitioners/ Usher Our Youth into the Golden Age/ Overcome the Distractions of Youth

♪ Spiritual Cultivation and Life
Dealing with Adolescence on the Spiritual Path/ A Letter to the Parents of Adolescents

♪ Science and Spirituality
Bridging Science and Spirit

♪ Between Master and Disciples
"Attending" to Master - Stories of Life with Master in the Early Years

♪ How to Contact us

♪ Quan Yin WWW Sites

A Little Message:
In speaking of God or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a He.
She + He = Hes (as in Bless)
Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm)
Hers + His = Hiers (as in Dear)
Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will to suit Hirmself.

News No. 138
Published: October 10, 2002
Founded: April 1, 1990
Published By: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association 
Publisher: Hsieh, Hsin Lin

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine is published on the Internet in the following languages: 
Aulacese, Chinese (in both traditional and simplified versions), English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai. Please refer to the "Quan Yin WWW sites" of the News magazine for related websites.

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Center Events

http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/special_report/2002moon/index.htm  (Formosa)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.net/eng/special_report/2002moon/index.htm  (USA)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.com/2002moon/index.htm  (USA)

Videoconferences between Master and Disciples

Report from Austria

A Most Blissful Morning 

[Vienna] When Austrian initiates heard the news that on September 8, 2002 it would be the Vienna Center's turn to have a videoconference with Master, they were completely overjoyed. Holding this conference meant a great deal to the Austrian brothers and sisters, because some months before they had just moved their center into a new location. Besides, several initiates were longing to communicate with Master in order to ask Her some "urgent" questions. 

The Vienna initiates also invited the neighboring centers to the conference. The brothers and sisters from Munich, Germany, and Budapest, Hungary thus came to share in this rare and happy occasion. 

The conference began at the scheduled time of 5:00 a.m., and the initiates first reported to Master about the new center, which is near the Vienna Forest in quiet and natural surroundings. Master was very happy to learn that God had given them such a good place to practice, and said that it sounded very ideal. The initiates also expressed their hope that they could use the new center to practice diligently. They wished to grow together in love, joy, and harmony in order to become better citizens of the planet. Master said that was the way all initiates should talk, think and act every day. 

Master then answered the initiates' questions, some of which had been on their minds for years. Now through modern technology and Master's love, they could finally ask Master for Her advice directly. Master listened very patiently, and frequently asked for further details. Her replies were of great comfort to the initiates, as She kept reminding them to rely on the Supreme Divine Power within, which can provide all the help and protection they need. 

Master also reminded the initiates to always keep in mind that the Quan Yin Method is the highest path, that each day they are with God, and that they should come to their center for spiritual practice, and not to socialize or gain profit as in a business. Most of all, they should not engage in spiritual practice for the selfish reason of only building personal power , but instead with full awareness, responsibility, understanding, gratitude and respect.

The atmosphere during the conference was very peaceful and wonderful, and before long the moment came when the Vienna practitioners had to say "goodbye" to Master, who comforted them that they will see Her again when She is online with other centers.

Sp12-138.jpg:A lovely display panel shows Master the Austrian initiates love for Her!

Report from Mexico

A Long-standing Desire Is Fulfilled 

[Texcoco] Over the past few years, Mexican fellow practitioners have been longing to see Master in person. However, due to financial reasons, not all Mexican initiates can afford to attend international retreats regularly or personally ask Master the questions on their minds. Thus, the brothers and sisters in Mexico were very excited to learn that Master would be granting them a videoconference on September 8, 2002. 

The night before the conference seemed to be unusually long, but the special moment finally arrived! Fellow initiates had come happily from different parts of the Mexican Republic to join in the event, and all of them dressed in traditional Mexican costumes to celebrate this meaningful occasion with our beloved Master!

The day began with a group meditation session, as all gathered in joyous peace to await the unique moment. As soon as they heard Master's voice transmitted from the other side of the conference and saw Her image on the Texcoco Center's video screen, they were so happy that they could not stop clapping. The extremely joyous atmosphere was beyond words!

During the conference, most of the questions the initiates asked Master had resided for a long time in their hearts, and so they were overjoyed at finally having the chance to ask them to Her personally and to hear Her wise answers. In addition, the Mexican disciples presented a poem and several songs to entertain Master and initiates around the world, as the atmosphere of the event remained very blissful. 

Thanks to Master for sharing with Your children this great encounter, which will remain deeply engraved in our hearts. Nothing in the world can be as great as the blessing of being with You!

Report from Quebec, Canada 

A Unique Experience - Live Videoconferences with Master!

[Montreal] The Montreal Center had been viewing the worldwide videoconferences with Master since the end of July 2002. Initially they borrowed the necessary equipment from a brother initiate, who is a computer expert. After three weeks of viewing the conferences on this system, the eager Montreal initiates put together more than enough money to purchase a fully equipped PC system with a high-speed Internet connection for the Center, and worked very hard to provide the most ideal conditions for everyone to enjoy their meetings with Master. They often hold group meditation sessions a few hours before the scheduled time to connect online with Master, giving the brothers and sisters an opportunity to connect with Her at the highest levels. 

During Her conferences, Master always lovingly and patiently answers all of the initiates' questions. Seeing Master online is like having Her with us in the present moment, and we still remember vividly the answers She has given during these live interchanges. 

The Montreal Center thanks Master for bringing miracles into the daily lives of local initiates, as well as the major miracle of letting thousands of initiates have a live conference with Her in their own hometowns. This is really an incredible way to benefit humankind at large, by teaching and blessing people from far away, through advanced technological tools.

Report from California, USA

Master's Universal Message "Goes High Tech"

[San Jose] For the past several weekends, live videoconferences via internet links have been conducted between Master and selected Centers throughout the world, with all other centers being able to simultaneously view the events. It is as if we have been holding an on-line international retreat each weekend! These live conferences bring fellow practitioners from all corners of the world together. With hundreds of thousands of people thinking about Master, and all focusing on God at the same time, tremendous positive power is thus being generated around the planet.

The San Jose Center currently has only low-speed dial-up modems. Therefore, the local fellow initiates decided to have their videoconference gatherings at the home of two initiates' homes, who have high-speed cable connections with computers connected to TVs and monitors in every room, as well as enough space to accommodate all the local disciples. Besides, since the beginning of September, San Jose's Vegetarian House has also been available for disciples to view Master's videoconferences. With this arrangement, we are able to listen to Master's wisdom every weekend. 

Fellow initiates from the San Jose Center are longing for the day when they may have the honor to directly communicate with Master and express their yearning and love to Her.

Sp2-1-138.jpg: Fellow initiates gather in an initiate's home, attentively watching Master's videoconference

Sp2-2-138.jpg: Fellow initiates thoughtfully listen to Master's words of wisdom at the San Jose Vegetarian House.

Report from Indiana, USA

An Internet Conference Brings Miraculous Blessings

[Indiana] Fellow practitioners from all of the Midwestern Centers of the Supreme Master Ching International Association (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio) were happy to gather at the Indiana Center on the weekend of September 1, 2002 for a retreat and Internet conference with Master.

In a relaxed manner, Master began the conference by telling the initiates about how She takes care of Her animals, letting everyone know how She shows Her love by allowing them to sleep on Her bed. She reminded the initiates that, like humans, animals have feelings and emotions, and that Her pets become "upset" with Her if She does not pay enough attention to them. Also, animals are much more intelligent beings than people think.

Then, before the question and answer session, initiates sang a song to show their appreciation to Master, Who then lovingly responded to all the initiates' queries and requests. 

One initiate offered to sing a song entitled "My Mother" that she had personally composed for Master. Her beautiful voice, combined with her love for Master, brought tears to the eyes of many initiates attending the conference. Also, a miracle happened while the initiate was singing this song for Master. The sister was born extremely nearsighted. Doctors had told her that she had a serious eye condition and that if she ever had certain problems with her vision she needed to seek medical help immediately. Otherwise, she could risk blindness. 

Just before the conference, the sister began having problems with her vision. And according to the medical advice she had been given, she should have gone to see a doctor then. But instead, she decided to stay focused on singing well for Master. And the miracle happened right after she sang the song. Her vision cleared up, and the problems she had been having were nearly gone. She blinked her eyes and could not believe that she could see so much better! 

No words can say enough about the miraculous blessings conveyed by Master through the Internet conference!

Sp7-2-138.jpg:Everyone is happy and lighthearted as the Internet conference begins immediately after the Indiana Center's two-day retreat.

Sp7-1-138.jpg:At the end of the conference, Master toasts with us and wishes that everyone will enjoy the cake prepared for the occasion.

Report from Korea

Enlightening Videoconferences

[Seoul] Local initiates were happily surprised when they learned that Master would be holding a videoconference with the Seoul Center on August 25, 2002. Not wanting to let this precious opportunity slip by, brothers and sisters from other centers in Korea also came to participate in the Seoul conference. A professional simultaneous interpreting facility was set up so that all could understand Master's words without wasting any time in translation. 

At the videoconference, Master, like the Mother that She is, patiently answered each of the initiate's questions, much to their satisfaction, and touched the hearts of all present with Her love and compassion. A number of initiates did not raise the questions they had intended to ask, for they were answered by Master's loving words to other brothers and sisters.

The Korean initiates feel deeply blessed after having greatly benefited from the various videoconferences between Master and disciples held in recent months. Many have become regular attendees at these weekend conferences and have made considerable progress in their meditation as a result. For example, one sister initiate happily commented that she can now focus her concentration on her wisdom eye twenty-four hours a day, even while at work. All fellow practitioners are filled with bliss in being constantly connected to Master, and look forward to their weekend Internet meetings with Her at the Seoul Center.

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Report from Australia

God's Arrangements Are Always the Best

[Sydney] Initiates from the Sydney Center were overjoyed to hear that Master would be holding a videoconference with them on September 1, 2002! The Center currently rents a high school assembly hall for Sunday group meditation and the videoconference was held there as well. 

After group meditation on September 1st, the initiates waited quietly and patiently for Master's call. Initially, the audio reception was not satisfactory, so the conference did not officially begin until after several testing calls and adjustments had been made. Finally, Master began the conference by saying, "Hallo*, everyone!" and when Her sweet, loving greeting came through the loudspeakers, the initiates cheered in happy response, though they were somewhat disappointed that Master's image did not appear on the screen. Master then comforted them calmly, saying, "Pictures don't mean everything," and She was right. The Sydney initiates were already very contented to feel Master's love and concern and to hear Her charming voice. When the conference was about to end, God gave the initiates a happy surprise - Master's beautiful figure suddenly shone from the screen. "Hooray!" the disciples burst out with loud cheers of joy. 

During the videoconference, God played a few jokes on the initiates and they experienced several emotional ups and downs. Thus they could feel Master's love even more profoundly, and Her beautiful smile and loving words left a deeper mark on their hearts. It testifying to the fact that God's arrangements are always the best!

* Master said that the term "hello" derives from the word halo, which means the light surrounding a saint or celestial body so, when giving a greeting, it is preferable to say "hallo" instead of "hello," which sounds similar to "hell."

Inspiring Events - When All Hearts Beat as One

During the videoconference between Master and Sydney disciples, Master suggested that the initiates speak directly into the telephone as the sound quality was not very good. When it was my turn to ask questions, I found that my voice could not be transmitted through the loudspeakers and the audience could not hear Master. The two contact persons then suggested that we end the conversation and call Master again one minute later, and Master agreed. However, the contact persons forgot that they did not have Master's phone number until after I had hung up. Just at that moment of anxiety and loss, the familiar sound of a phone ringing burst from the loudspeakers. Master had called back! I cried out in excitement and gratitude: "Master, You're fantastic! There's nothing that You don't know!" At that time, I must have been so happy that I sounded incoherent.

After the last question was answered, Master asked us with great concern if the connection had been fixed and whether we could see Her. I said no, but we already felt very contented to be able to hear Her loving words and feel Her profound concern. Just then, the two brothers in charge of technical arrangements whispered excitedly at my side, "We're about to make the connection. Please ask Master to give us another minute." I immediately pleaded with Master to stay online for another minute because we would soon be able to see Her on the screen. However, the picture still did not appear. Again I eagerly asked Master not to leave, and She felt our anxiety and quickly comforted us: "I'm here! I'm here!" I was deeply touched by Master's loving words and we all felt Her profound love for us. Finally, Master's beautiful image appeared on the screen, and all the fellow practitioners present cried aloud with joy, as many were moved to tears. The sincere feelings between Master and disciples at that moment were beyond human language. All that we wanted to say was conveyed in silence. What a wonderful experience!

Panorama of Events

Report from South Africa

The Joy of Setting up a New Cradle of Spirituality 

[Johannesburg] Surrounded by natural grasslands on a hill north of Johannesburg, the Gauteng Center is a picture of simplicity and perfection. Newly planted saplings dance in the breeze around the Center, and the vegetable garden, full of healthy greenery, is yet another product of careful attendance by the initiates living at the Center. 

Interior renovation, including painting, tiling and the installation of new light fixtures, is more or less completed through the enthusiastic participation and meticulous planning of local initiates. Of course, none of this would have been possible without Master's invisible arrangements.

On Sunday, August 25, 2002, after the first local retreat ended, an initiation session was held for the first time in the Center's meditation hall, which had been inaugurated with great pomp and ceremony on the same day. A number of enthusiastic brothers and sisters worked together to make the event a successful and joyous occasion. 

Initiates from Pretoria have recently joined the Gauteng Center, which is now the shortest distance away from Pretoria compared to other centers in the region. 

Wherever the initiates sit at the Center, enjoying fragrant green tea, eating pumpkin seeds and watching a beautiful sunset, they feel happy and contented in the embrace of Master's sacred love. And their hearts fill with gratitude at Her endless blessings, as they understand only too well that everything comes from the grace of God!

Sp9-1-138.jpg: In the Center's front garden, saplings grow vigorously through the initiates' meticulous cultivation.

(Sp9-2a-138.jpg, Sp9-2b-138.jpg): Gauteng initiates ingeniously design and complete interior renovation of the Center.

Report from Brazil

The Message of Truth Pervades Sao Paulo

[Sao Paulo] Being located in the Southern Hemisphere, Brazil is now in springtime, when all the flowers bloom. Recently, during this lovely season, fellow practitioners from Sao Paulo held a Truth-sharing video seminar, hosted by a Quan Yin messenger, at their local center.

What was special about this seminar was that most of the attendees were relatives or friends of fellow practitioners and already had some basic understanding of Master's teachings. So the audience members were exceptionally attentive while watching the videotape, and raised quality questions relevant to spiritual practice. Almost all of the attendees stayed behind to learn the Convenient Method, reaching a high percentage unprecedented in other seminars held by the Center. After meditating with the Convenient Method, the participants' faces glowed with contented smiles, as Master's divine love flowed into their hearts. The Sao Paulo fellow practitioners thus realized that they had completed another successful seminar!

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Report from the USA

Attending the Holistic Living and Art Expo 

[Missouri] On August 3 and 4, 2002, the Missouri Center, with great support from the Oklahoma and Kentucky Centers, participated in the 11th Holistic Living and Art Expo in St. Louis. Truth seekers from around the area created a warm and friendly atmosphere at the event, despite their different spiritual backgrounds. 

On August 4th, fellow practitioners held a video seminar at the Center's booth, which was adorned with colorful displays. After the seminar, about half of the attendees stayed behind to learn the Convenient Method. Many fellow practitioners perceived that the power of Master's love was permeating the area all during the Expo and seminar.

A reporter from the local newspaper the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, came to our booth on the first day of the Expo, and was overwhelmed by the information package we provided for him. The next day, one of his colleagues visited us toward the end of the Expo. After asking several questions, he was anxious to take a picture of the initiates, and was very pleased to also take a photograph of Master's picture.

(Sp5-1-138.jpg): At the Missouri Center's inaugural ceremony for the St. Louis Holistic Living and Art Expo, all the initiate participants stand hand-in-hand in a large circle.

(Sp5-2-138.jpg): A sister explains the contents of a folder prepared by Missouri Center initiates for interested participants

(Sp5-3-138.jpg): A woman signs up for the video seminar at the registration table outside the venue.

Report from Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Continuous Effort in Sharing the Truth

[Boston] In June 2002, fellow practitioners from the Boston area convened their first video seminar through their own effort at Harvard University. In August, they conducted another Truth-sharing seminar at the city library in Worcester, Massachusetts. During this event, Master's video lecture held the audience in rapt attention, and a technical staff member from the library became so absorbed in Master's words of wisdom that he stood inside the venue, watching and listening with undivided concentration. After the seminar, he borrowed a videotape that had been played at the seminar to watch at home, hoping to learn more about Master's teachings. 

The results of the August seminar were encouraging; 95 percent of the attendees stayed behind to learn the Convenient Method, and five registered for initiation into the Quan Yin Method. Boston's fellow practitioners are very grateful to Master for giving them the opportunity to share God's Gospel with local residents, as Master's love awakened many souls craving for liberation.

(Sp1-1-138.jpg, Sp1-2-138.jpg,)

Report from Formosa

Always Be Prepared

[Keelung] Due to its geographic location, Formosa is often hit by typhoons toward the end of summer and beginning of fall. This year, weather forecasters predicted that medium-strength Typhoon Sinlaku would bring torrential downpours to Formosa during high tide in early September, and its serious threat forced northern Formosa into high alert on September 6th. 

Fellow practitioners belonging to the Supreme Master Ching Hai Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association assembled that afternoon in coordinate their rescue preparations with those of the Taipei County Fire Department. Bearing Master's love, they arrived at the number one command station in the easily flooded areas of Hsichih to await further instructions. But thanks to God's mercy, Typhoon Sinlaku, a source of enormous alarm to local residents, edged northwards away from Formosa, bringing only large quantities of rainfall and less than expected levels of damage in its wake. Thus, on the afternoon of September 7th, the rescue team was relieved of its duties when its mission was declared complete

Sp6-1-138.jpg: Headline from Formosa's -- United Daily News, September 8, 2002: All 26 members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association take leave of their jobs to be on standby at Hsichih. Their valiant efforts during Typhoon Nari in September 2001 still remain in our memories to this day. 

Sp6-2-138.jpg: Members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association sit in meditation while on standby to carry out rescue missions should the need arise.

Master Tells Jokes

Wishful Thinking

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., 

June 11, 2001 (Originally in English)

There was a grandfather who came home with two blessed candies to give to his grandson. One was green and the other was red, and he asked his grandson, "Which candy would you like to have?" So the grandson took the green one. Just out of curiosity, the grandfather then asked the boy, "Why did you pick the green candy and not the red one? The red sure looks prettier." And the grandson said, "I picked the green one because green is the color of hope." So the grandfather said, "Hmmm. That's good. What are you hoping for?" And the grandson said, "I hope you'll give me the red one as well!"

(Jk138-1a.jpg, Jk138-a.jpg,)

Antique Car, Antique Date

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., 

December 28, 2001 (Originally in English)

A girl asked her friend Mary, "How was your blind date?" And Mary said, "Oh, it was horrible." Then the girl said, "Why's that?" And Mary said, "Well, he showed up in a 1932 Rolls Royce." The girl then replied, "Wow, that's a collectable, a very expensive car. What's wrong with that?" And Mary said, "The problem is, he's the original owner!"

Jk138-2.jpg

Potato Punishment

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., 

December 28, 2001 (Originally in English)

There was a man who went to a restaurant and ordered some food. After receiving his order, he suddenly called to his waitress and said, "Please, come here." When the waitress came, he showed her a potato on his plate and said, "This potato is very bad." So the waitress picked the potato up, spanked it, put it back down again and told the man, "Sir, if this potato makes any more trouble for you again, just call me."

Jk138-3.jpg

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/138/jk1.htm  (USA)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/news/138/jk1.htm  (Formosa)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.net/eng/news/138/jk1.htm  (USA)

Master's Words

We Are Catching Up with Heaven 

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, July 28, 2002 
Videoconference with the Houston Center, USA 
(Originally in English)

Many decades ago, when I wasn't on this "job" yet, I read in the newspaper that, one day, people would be able to talk together and even see each other's picture through the telephone. So this is what we have; the prediction came true. And soon we'll have much more exciting news. I'm not sure how we're going to realize it. But a lot of things you already know, like when I told you about the other planets where people don't need to carry babies in the mother's womb. 

In this world, we'll have the same thing. It won't take long. The technical advances are so awesome that we have no time to even catch our breath before something changes again! In Japan, I heard that they've already developed a kind of box in which they put some liquid that corresponds to the natural liquid inside a mother's womb when she's pregnant with a baby. And they'll try to raise the baby that way. 

So maybe in the future, if you want to have ten babies, it'll be no problem. (Laughter) For nine months, you can come see the baby every weekend or every day, whenever you have time, even after work. They can even make the shape of the baby, the way he or she looks, and choose the sex and whatever. It's very exciting; we're catching up with the advances of the higher planetary systems.

And right now we're also using laser and light to heal patients. Remember, in one of my earliest lectures in Formosa (at that time, I didn't even speak Chinese well) we mentioned the light therapy used on other, more advanced planets. Those scientists have been born on this planet now, and they're bringing their treasured memories with them. So they're making our planet a better place in which to live, as far as physical comfort is concerned. 

And also, maybe soon, or not very far in the future (we're talking about years only) we'll probably have flying cars and so on. And it'll probably be easier to see each other, with less traffic congestion. And we'll have a faster commuting service. 

All of this is very exciting for me, too (referring to Her view of Centers in a worldwide conference). Seeing your pictures right here, thousands of miles apart, is really good. So, it's because we're also practicing very well, thanks to you, all the beautiful, lovely, happy yogis. (Applause) All of this has to do with us. So as much as I'm excited about this news, I also want to thank you and many other groups of practitioners. Maybe they don't belong to our group, but they're also doing their meditation on the Light and Sound, or maybe some other less advanced techniques. But they're trying their best to contact God. And that's how we uplift the ambience of this planet. 

And so, because the planetary vibrational frequencies have been lifted up into the higher levels, those highly developed scientists from the higher planets are able to reincarnate into our world with less suffering, without losing much of their memory about where they came from. And hence we have such wonderful advances in technology nowadays, thanks to you.

This is beautiful. So we should continue to practice, even if we're not scientists or computer wizards or anything. But as long as we meditate diligently, to purify ourselves, our aura, our environment, we indirectly contribute to the progress of our planet. And that's really the great contribution we can make to our society. This is wonderful. So all the things you enjoy right now are not only the labor of the scientists and the laboratory people, but also the fruit of your own spiritual endeavor. 

It's so wonderful to see the outcome of spiritual practice. You see how we didn't have anything before! And suddenly, in just one-and-a-half decades, everything has developed and we even have a hard time keeping track of our technical developments. But you can see the difference.

So this is a practical outcome of our spiritual practice. It's not just spiritual enlightenment, it's not just individual happiness and blissfulness, it's worldly development as well. We're catching up with Heaven. We're catching up with the more exciting and more advanced planets. Can you imagine? And soon, if we live that long, we're going to be traveling to other galaxies, other planetary systems live: not just sending a robot, not just going to Mars to pick up some dirt, but going to some populated and spiritually advanced planets to say hallo. And we can even teach from here; we can even say hallo from here. And we can see each other from zillions of miles away, light years away. We can say hallo then like we're saying hallo to each other right now. Won't that be wonderful? (Yes!)

So keep on your Golden Path and never doubt for one second. You're on the right track. I guarantee it. (Applause)

Mt2-1.jpg

Letters between Master and Disciples

My Joy in Practicing the Quan Yin Method

By brother initiate Elad Jacob,Kumba, Cameroon 

(Originally in English)

I was fortunate to begin my spiritual practice as far back as 1972, when I began reading books from one spiritual school after another, searching for the ultimate Truth. I also contacted many spiritual Masters around the world through any means possible, and studied with them before and after initiation.

Most often, I found no satisfaction in the teachings of the various schools and spiritual masters that I contacted. This disappointed me greatly and gave me the feeling that something was lacking in my life.

Then, after thirty years of pursuing the Truth, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Supreme Master Ching Hai by a friend. I quickly began to communicate with the headquarters in Formosa and obtained some information. I also discussed Master's teachings with some brother initiates in Kumba, and was given a chance to be initiated into the Quan Yin Method.

Since my initiation, I have finally found the joy and peace that I had longed for for many years. Now the world appears to me only as a transient and illusory realm. Now, I know myself better, and I know why I am here on Earth. I also know what I have to do and where I am going. Thanks to the Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her gracious presence and guidance in fulfilling my lifelong wish!

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Poems

We're All One

By sister initiate Winnie, Hong Kong 

(Originally in English and Chinese) 

We're all One in the Ocean of Love,
With inner Light and Sound,
Thankful that true Life's been really found,
We soar high with Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Far beyond the stars, the sun and moon -
Back to our eternal Home soon! 
We're all One in the Ocean of Love,
With freedom, joy and peace,
Thankful in our hearts and at ease, 
We soar high with Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Far beyond the stars, the sun and moon
Back to our eternal Home soon! 
At Home, with plenty of room,
There's no more need to roam.
Brothers and sisters,
Let's sing a happy song in tune -
We're all One!
No need to ask for reasons why.
Just find the Guide,
Follow Her, merge with the Ocean of Love,
Be One with Her,
And all our answers will come, 
As we sing and rise,
Following our ideal - 
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
My Love.

With God's blessing, fellow practitioners around the world have been able to participate in videoconferences with Master and other centers through the advanced technology of the Internet. 'We're all One' is a song that has often resounded in my heart for some time. During the Hong Kong videoconference, I had a strong feeling that it could be devoted to Master as a poem. I was much moved by Her loving encouragement as I began to recite it to Her. The feeling was so enjoyable that before long I was swaying naturally. I felt like the gentle ocean waves rolling to and fro near the shore while also feeling like a child rocked in a cradle by her mother. This feeling of merging into the Ocean of Love was a very pleasant experience. I am extremely thankful to our compassionate universal Mother - the perfect example of wisdom and love! 

(po2-a-138, po2-b-138)

Master's Wonders

"Ah Ma" Passes Away with a Smile 

By sister initiate Juan Li-yu, Keelung, Formosa

In the sixteen years since my initiation by Master, I have heard countless miraculous stories about fellow initiates and their relatives who have passed away. Now I would like to share a similar story with everyone.

My grandma was ninety-five this year. Sixteen years ago, she used to go to Hsintien (Master's first center in Formosa) with us to listen to Master's discourses. Grandma was as pure as a child, so she was very much loved by Master, who always joked with her and made her happy. Just like all of us, Master also called her "Ah Ma," which means grandma in Taiwanese. Since her daughter, grandson, granddaughter and great-grandson were all fellow practitioners, Master consented immediately when Grandma requested initiation. She was eighty then.

After her initiation, Grandma seemed to be born anew and became another person. She had previously suffered from senility and was very forgetful. After her initiation, however, her memory improved considerably. Also, she had not been in good health and often had to take medicine and receive injections. But after being initiated, she grew stronger physically.

In July 2002, however, Grandma slipped and fell, and had to be hospitalized due to a bone fracture. One day, not long after being discharged from the hospital, she was taking a bath with the help of family members, and strangely, they found that she was smiling and looking upward the whole time. Then, after dinner, Grandma rested in a chair, still smiling and with her eyes directed up. She was oblivious to the people talking to her, but continued smiling. Suddenly, she took a deep breath and passed away. This was really a fantastic way to die! She was just an ordinary old lady, yet she could pass away with a smile while seated, just as did old Master Kuangchin (the most respected Buddhist monk in Formosa, who practiced asceticism for over 70 years and died while seated). It was truly inconceivable!

Master has told us that when we fellow initiates pass away, Heavenly saints come to greet us, and the splendor of Heaven appears before our eyes. Obviously, that was why grandma kept looking upward and smiling. If it had not been for the irresistible beauty of the superior realm that she saw as she was leaving this world, she would not have passed on without any lingering feelings! Because she used to be very concerned about the younger generations, and even went to the Hsihu Center once to ask Master to persuade her grandson to get married soon, for fear that the family name would not live on.

Regarding initiates leaving the body, Master has said, "At the time of initiation, I have already booked a ticket to Heaven for you. When the time comes, I will take you up to enjoy yourself." No doubt, our fellow initiates are the most fortunate beings on earth. Following Master in spiritual practice is safer than being covered by ten thousand insurance policies. The demise of my grandma helped me realize deeply that the greatest filial piety is "receiving initiation and practice spiritually," and the most terrible ignorance is "not believing in Master and not practicing spiritually." I hope that this story will be an inspiration to us all!

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Master's Manifestation Form Teaches Aerobics!

By a fellow initiate, Zhejiang Province, Mainland China

Several months ago, a classmate of mine gave me a few photographs of Master. I gave one of them to my niece, who was living with me, and hung it beside her bed. My niece is a chubby, six-year-old preschooler.

Two evenings later, just as we were preparing to go to bed, my niece suddenly started doing aerobic exercises. And while doing them, she carefully explained every move. I looked at her transfixed, and realized that they were the exercises that Master taught during the Santimen retreat in Formosa in 1990. I had watched the videotape of the retreat and it left me with a very deep impression. I then asked my niece, "Who taught you this?" She said, "Master taught me this morning in our kindergarten classroom before we had our snacks. At that time, Master whispered to me, 'You're a little too chubby. These exercises will be good for you.' So I learned them." When my niece was doing the action of riding a bicycle upside-down, she knew how to put her hands behind her back and said that in this way she could keep her inverted body straight and do the action correctly.

I then asked her, "How did Master come?" and she said, "Master came from the universe, first flying down like a rocket, and then floating down like a white cloud. She was wearing a white cap and a snow-white dress. When She entered the classroom, her footsteps were very soft. So neither the teacher nor the other children knew She was there." I next asked, "How many people came with Her?" and my niece replied, "One little girl came with Master. She's a foreign girl and both her parents had passed away, so Master took her in and brought her here with Her." I continued, "How tall is Master?" And she answered, "A little shorter than my mother; the little girl is shorter than Master but a little taller than I am. After teaching me the exercises, Master left quietly. My teacher and the other children didn't know that someone had been there." Then I asked, "Why?" And my niece answered, "No one was allowed to enter the classroom when we were having class. Master was like a white cloud, and that's why they didn't know She was there. They thought that it was a cloud."

Having heard about this beautiful and wonderful experience of my innocent and pure-hearted niece, I was deeply moved! It was an example of how Master meticulously takes care of my whole family. The gratitude I feel in my heart is truly beyond words!

Awakening Through Adversity

Narrated by sister initiate Lin Mei-fang, Taipei, Formosa

Recorded by the Taipei News Group, Formosa

Sister Lin still trembles with fear at the memory of the terrible fire that occurred in her neighborhood on Lunar New Year's Day 2002. She lives on a block with many four-storey buildings. On New Year's Day, the neighbors to the left of her house (the Hsu family), following the usual Buddhist devotional custom, made offerings and burned incense at the altar on the fourth floor of their house, before returning to watch TV in their living room on the second floor.

A short while later, the lights in sister Lin's house began to flicker and she smelled something burning. Her husband, brother He, a new initiate at the time, was alerted and rushed out to check. A neighbor living across the street told him that the fourth floor of the Hsu family's house was on fire! Brother He immediately rushed up to the fourth floor of the Hsu home and saw with horror that the altar where the offerings had been placed was in flames. The ceiling was also on fire, and the ceiling lamp and electric cables had already melted! The blazing fire had also distorted the house's sheet metal roof. Brother He and sister Lin tried to douse the flames with basins and buckets of water. But unfortunately, without fire extinguishers, they could not put out the fire with such small amounts of water.

Observing that the fire had gotten out of control, sister Lin rushed downstairs, shouting loud warnings to her family and neighbors to run for their lives. Suddenly, two strangers carrying huge fire extinguishers came and put them down at her front gate, and then left. Sister Lin's neighbor Mrs. Hsu next stumbled into her house, carrying an armful of house deeds, a jewelry box and other valuables, and entrusted them to her care. Mrs. Hsu was in sorrow and tears, and completely at a loss as what to do. Carrying one fire extinguisher in each hand, sister Lin then tried to reach her husband on the fourth floor. However, the extinguishers were very heavy, and the staircase was filled with smoke. In this desperate situation, sister Lin quickly prayed to Master for help. As she looked back and saw the Hsu family overwhelmed with grief, she asked them all to recite Master's name loudly. Sister Lin finally made it to the fourth floor and delivered the fire extinguishers to brother He. Later, fire engines arrived amid the shrieking sound of sirens. But when the fire fighters alighted and prepared to fight the fire, they discovered that brother He had already put out the huge fire single-handedly! 

Afterwards, Sister Lin recalled, "The two men who brought the fire extinguishers were total strangers. It was unlikely that they lived in the vicinity. Anyhow, I am grateful to them for bringing the extinguishers, without which brother He could not have put out the fire." What really puzzled sister Lin was why these two good men had not left the fire extinguishers outside the house that was on fire, but instead left them by her front door. The timing was just incredible! Worried about the safety of her family members, sister Lin had rushed downstairs warning them to flee. And just as she opened the front door, she saw the men arrive with the fire extinguishers. At that moment, sister Lin had also been praying in her heart that she could find fire extinguishers to fight the fire.

Even more miraculous was the fact that the flames had by-passed sister Lin's house, and affected the house of her neighbor on the right, burning a hole in their door screen and destroying their electrical wires. Unbelievably, although sandwiched between the two houses, sister Lin's house was virtually untouched! Not only were all her belongings on the fourth floor intact, but even her washing machine, which was placed against the wall of her left-side neighbor, was untouched. No one could deny that it was a miracle! Brother He and sister Lin were extremely grateful to Master for blessing their family so that everyone came out safely in this disaster, and for giving brother He the power to put out the huge fire without getting hurt.

Having experienced this fire, the whole family has gained even firmer faith in Master and the Quan Yin Method. Their daughter is now studying at a university. Since she is staying in a university dormitory, it is not convenient for her to meditate, and this deters her from receiving initiation. However, this incident left her deeply impressed by Master's infinite power. Meanwhile, she is diligently studying Master's teachings, preparing to first learn the Convenient Method, and subsequently take initiation. Sister Lin is especially grateful to Master for awakening a lost lamb through this incident, and thus fulfilling her wish to have a whole family of fellow initiates.

Aphorisms

Developing Positive Qualities

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Japan, July 10, 2000

(Originally in Chinese) Videotape No.706 

Do not be afraid of your fearful feelings because the more we're afraid, the stronger will these fearful feelings become. The more we think about something, the more powerful the thing will become. So, let's just think about "love." At all times, we should simply think about "love," the "love power," and always maintain positive thinking, then the Master Power will naturally take care of everything. Gradually, we'll get used to it and then there will be no more obstacles, and all our fears will vanish. We should trust the power of God and strengthen our faith in God's love power daily. Then, we will grow stronger and stronger.

Master Tells Stories

The Truth Behind Fear 

                                          -- Zen Tales - A Ghost Story

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, 

Group meditation at the Austin Center, Texas, USA, August, 14, 1994 

(Originally in English) Videotape No. 439

This is the night I will tell you a ghost story to test your courage, and see how you will sleep tonight. You will know, OK? 

Now, there was a very young and beautiful wife, who became sick and nearly died. She was on her death bed and told her husband, "I love you very much, and I don't want to leave you. Please, after I die, don't marry another person. You promise me! Okay? 

Then she worried that her husband would not keep the promise, so she threatened him. She said, "If you marry another wife, I will become a ghost and take care of you." It's terrible! That's what she said to her husband, "I will make you suffer, always, forever, and eternally!" So the husband was maybe afraid of the wife. But here (Master points to the book) they say, "respected the wife." We always respect the wife, do we not? We respect the wife, but we're not afraid! So the husband respected the wife and didn't think of remarrying another person.

But as God always makes trouble for human beings, he met another beautiful woman, younger, charming, sweeter and more attractive, and richer even! Rich! Oh, terrible! And she even loved him very much and maybe more than the wife. Oh, too bad! That was only three months after the funeral service. Now what can we do about that? 

So he got engaged to her. After the engagement (the engagement happened during the daytime), that night the husband saw the ghost of the wife coming. "Ah ha! As promised, here I come." She appeared in front of him and scolded him and nagged him, saying that he had broken his promise; that he did not love her; that he was not sincere; that he was a bad husband; that he had no conscience; that he was a lousy man; that he was a terrible human being; that he was not a virtuous Quan Yin practitioner, etc. 

Then the husband got very scared! Because this ghost was so terribly intelligent; she knew exactly what had happened between the husband and the new fiancée. She told him what time he did what with her, and what time he gave her what, and talked to her about what. She knew everything, everything! So he couldn't deny it. But he was very scared.

He was so scared that he could not sleep, he could not eat, and he dared not go to see his fiancée often. And their love affair nearly went on the rocks. So some people told him that he should go to a temple and talk about his suffering to a Zen master, and maybe the Zen master could help him. Oh, my God! The Zen master takes care of everything, including ghosts and marriage. 

So the Zen master truly helped him. He said to the husband, "Your ex-wife has become a ghost." (This we knew) "And she is very intelligent. So she knows everything that you did with your fiancée. Actually, you should respect such a ghost. But there is a way to drive her away. Now, next time if the ghost appears, you have to make a bet with her." The Zen master said that she knew everything; she knew too much already. But probably there was something she didn't know. If she answered incorrectly, then she should not come back and bother him any more. Then he could marry the one he loved.

Because she was dead! She could not serve him in any way. She could not cook for him. She could not take care of anything. So the husband asked the Zen master, "What can I do? What should I ask her?"

And the Zen master said to him, "Next time when she comes, take a handful of mung beans in your hand and ask her how many beans are inside. She surely cannot answer that. And then she will disappear. Because, if she cannot answer that question, you will know this is only an illusion of your own mind, your own conscience or your own imagination because you're already too scared, afraid of the wife and imagining, an illusion of your mind. If she doesn't answer, if she cannot answer, then you know it's an illusion and she will vanish."

So, the next night, truly, the ghost appeared. And the husband told her, "Oh, yes, you know everything. You are very intelligent; I cannot do anything about it." And then the ghost said, "Yes, I know. And I also know that today you went to see a Zen master and you talked about us."

So the man said, "Okay, since you know everything, now, can you tell me how many beans are in my hand?" As soon as he asked this question, the ghost disappeared. 

So you know, was there a real ghost? No! Then you shouldn't be afraid tonight.

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Indian Tales 

                      - Another Ghost Story

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at the Hsihu Center, 
Formosa, January 8, 1995 
(Originally in Chinese) 
Videotape No. 466

There was once an Indian woman named Devi. Indian people usually have sacred and great names related to God. A "Devi" is a female Deva (Heavenly being), and the name bears great meaning. Sometimes, Indians name their children after Indra (the mythological king of the abode of the gods) in hopes that they will be better humans.

This Indian woman Devi had a young son named Lahuve. The mother and child had to flee their home, which was occupied by an evil spirit that had killed many members of their family, including Devi's parents-in-law and Lahuve's six uncles. Therefore, she decided to take her teenage son away from the haunted house for they were the sole survivors in their family. Devi took her son to another place, where she ran a business for a living.

Several years later, Lahuve, now grown up, asked his mother: "Mom! Where did we come from? My friends always ask me this question and I don't know how to answer them. They want to know why we left our ancestral house." Indian people, like the Chinese, the Aulacese and other people in Asia, highly treasure their ancestral homes.

Thus, his mother told him this story: "In our old abode, eight members of our family were killed by a ghost. Fearing that we would be his next victims, I decided that we shouldn't live there anymore for it would bring us harm." And Lahuve said, "Well! What's so strange about people dying in a house? Where there is birth, there will be death. People die when their time comes. They have already died. Why should we leave our ancestral home? We should return; nothing will happen to us!" His bravery was so convincing that his mother finally consented. They then packed their luggage and went home.

Nevertheless, fear dwelled in Devi's heart. Every day, she would make offerings to the ghost before each meal, and Lahuve was very curious about her behavior. 

One day, Devi prepared one of her son's favorite dishes, and he wanted to have the ghost's share as well. Of course, his mother forbade him. So he asked, "Why? For whom is this food reserved? I like this dish very much and I didn't have enough." Devi said, "This is an offering to the ghost. He has already killed eight of our kin. If we don't offer him food, he will kill us, too." 

Lahuve was unconvinced by his mother's explanation, and said, "How could this be? Why do you pay so much attention to the ghost? He might not have been responsible for our relatives' deaths." Devi firmly believed that the ghost was behind the family tragedy, for her eight relatives had died one after another. But she had never seen the ghost; she just imagined everything. Her disbelieving son insisted: "Just let me eat it! There is no ghost!" He wanted the food very much, despite his mother's disapproval. She then said, "Please! Don't eat it, don't! Let the ghost have it. If you eat it, the ghost will kill you. What will I do then?"

That day, the ghost really came to enjoy the food. Lahuve sat there waiting for him to appear. When he did, Lahuve asked, "Hey! Ghost! Who are you?" and the ghost told him, "Young man, I am the third brother of your grandfather. After I died, I killed your grandfather and your uncles, because they robbed me of my wealth and let me die in poverty and pain. Therefore, I took my vengeance by killing them all."

Lahuve then asked, "What power do you possess?" The ghost said, "I am extremely powerful. I killed your uncles and grandfather as easily as you swat flies. No problem at all! I could have killed your mother as well, but she fled. Though she has come back, she offers me food every day, so I spare the two of you. Listen carefully. I can fly to Heaven, the abode of the angels, in an instant. I can also fly to the abode of the ghosts. Don't you think that I am terrific?"

Lahuve said, "If you are really so powerful, can you take me to the deities and angels?" The ghost said, "No, I can't." Lahuve said, "Then, can you convey a message to them for me?" The ghost said, "Sure! What do you want to say to them?" The young man said, "Please ask the angels how long I will live here? How old can I live to be?" The ghost said, "Okay, I will." Then he left.

The ghost came again the next day and said to Lahuve, "The angels said that you can live to the age of sixty." Lahuve asked, "Please ask them again if it is possible for me to die earlier, say around forty to fifty? Can I be killed earlier? If this is not possible, then can they let me live longer until I am a hundred years old?" The ghost said, "Okay, I will ask again for you." He then departed again to ask the angels.

The next day, the ghost came back and said to Lahuve: "I have conveyed your request to the angels, but they wanted me to tell you that it is not possible. You can die neither a moment earlier nor later, because the length of human life is predestined."

Upon hearing these words, Lahuve immediately swallowed the offerings set aside for the ghost and rushed into the kitchen. He picked up a big piece of wood, lit it, and used it to beat and chase the ghost away. He said: "If you do not get out, I will kill you; I will continue to beat you." The ghost displayed his deadly fangs and claws trying to scare them. Devi implored her son to stop doing that. But Lahuve said, "Mom! Don't you worry! The angels told me that we can't die any earlier or later. So, why are you still afraid of the ghost?" The ghost threatened to kill them both if they did not offer him food. However, he had also heard with his own ears the angels say that it is impossible to die earlier or later. Therefore, he had nothing more to say, and was beaten out of the house by Lahuve. After Lahuve had learned the truth, the ghost could not threaten him anymore, and the ghost was aware of that, too. (Applause)

If we have God and Buddha in our heart, will we still fear ghosts? God and the Buddha are the highest. If we are still afraid of ghosts, that shows we do not have enough faith in God or Buddha. Our faith is still too weak. Therefore, ghosts can only intimidate weaker people; they fear those people who practice spiritually and have stronger willpower.

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Pearls of Wisdom

Guiding Youth through Spirituality 

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Panama, January 27, 1991

(Originally in English) Videotape No. 145

When we grow up a little bit more and become teenagers, we always have various kinds of pressure: from school work, from competition with classmates, from girlfriends, boyfriends, or girl and boyfriends together and from family members as well. 

And sometimes we share the pressure of our parents, too, or that of our brothers and sisters if they have problems. Even if they don't tell us or if they only tell us a little bit, we perhaps know the financial situation of the family or the marital atmosphere between our parents, and so on. All of these things add to the pressure on our soul. And thus sometimes children feel suffocated. 

So children may take pills, take drugs or kill themselves. Or they may run away from home, or have all kinds of bad company just to escape the pressure. That's what they think, to substitute these things for the happiness that they have lost or that they cannot find. 

And I think the pressure on children is sometimes of a greater intensity than that on adults. Because when we're adults, we're more or less trained and more or less strong enough to be able to take of these problems. But children are a little bit sensitive, innocent and helpless; therefore, they don't know where to turn. And they don't know how to express themselves: They're fearful or timid and shy and all kinds of things. So I don't think being a child or being young is as terribly beautiful as people describe in novels. 

That's why when children do something wrong, it's not entirely their fault. It's the situation, the pressure of the society, the circumstances and the family background; there are many things put together. So it's lucky for those children who have good parents or a good family and who feel happy and loved within the family. I didn't feel it that much when I was young. But those who practice with their parents on the path of Truth are better, much better. They have inner comfort to rely on. And that will give them a lot of the strength and wisdom they need to grow and to survive the pressures of this world. 

Sometimes our parents or family members alone cannot give us enough satisfaction or inner strength to go through life. Because there are also many things we can't talk about with our parents. Parents have their own problems and their own pressures. Even if they wanted to love their children more or share more of their children's pressures, they could not by human effort do so in a complete way.

So I think all the children should come and learn the Quan Yin Method and eat vegetarian. And if they have problems, they can talk to me. That's better than going and talking to bad friends! I can be their father, mother, friend, lover, teacher or anything so that they will survive the young period. And then later, when they grow up, they can do things for themselves. 

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The Importance of Keeping Our 
                     Thoughts, Speech and Actions 

                                                                           Pure 

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Los Angeles, U.S.A.,

March 12, 1996 (Originally in English) Videotape No. 535

There are many ghost stories in China from earlier times; for example, Liao Zhai Zhi Yi (Tales of Fox Fairies and Ghosts, a book of Chinese ghost stories), and so on. Some of the ghost stories are not completely fictional; there is some truth in them. Because the human psyche is funny; it can create a lot of things. That's why people can have psychic power. 

It is said that, in Tibet you can practice devotion to a kind of deity. And then one day you will see the deity appear as a real person; you can create it. If you don't have a deity that you already like, you can create one in your mind: as a deity, a monk, a woman and so on. After a long period of practice, these imaginary personages will become real. And each has a reality and a personality of his or her own. And sometimes if you're not powerful enough to control this created apparition, it will even harm you. 

Similar to ghost stories, many things happen in our life because of our mind. So if people say, "Everything comes from the mind," it means that our thinking affects our living standards and everything around us. If you think the flu is contagious, you should know that the thought process is even more contagious than that. 

But there's no need for alarm. Besides reciting the Holy Names, you can pray to God, meditate and think all the time of the good side of things. You must check your psychological lifes as well, such as being too obsessed with some kind of idea. For example, if your body is very healthy, and you live in an environment that is always propagating or encouraging people to have intercourse with the opposite sex, then the cells in the body will sometimes listen to that message. 

So you have to keep your mind at a different level (Master points to the wisdom eye) and tell the cells the opposite. If you can't do that, then sometimes the bodily demands are greater than your mental ability to control them. And then sometimes you see a ghost appear to you, like a beautiful lady in your dreams or not in your dreams, making more trouble for you. In that case, you should know that this is a psychological apparition. It's not real. 

So in that case, if you want to deal with this kind of ghost, you can ask something that he cannot answer. Anything you think in your head, the ghost will know, because he is you. So make sure it's something that's puzzling. For example, if the ghost comes again, you can hold a handful of rice in your hand and ask him, "How many grains are inside?" and surely he can never answer; then he will disappear. In that case, you'll know it's your own psychological apparition that appeared to you because you suppress yourself too much. So try not to suppress yourself so much. Get married, or do something legal. (Master and everyone laugh.) So you don't have to make trouble for yourself and invite a ghost.

we have to check our thought processes. It's not the action alone that counts; it's the thought inside. For example, sometimes you hug someone, and if you love him or her, they will feel different than when you just hug out of social etiquette, like, "Yes, hallo, how are you?" And the other person freezes. So similarly, with the family relationship or husband and wife, don't think that you can cheat on her and she doesn't know it. She feels it. And there will be turmoil in the family; you just won't know why. You think that she doesn't know anything, that she's become moody these days or she's become lousy. It's not true. Inside, the knowledge is transmitted through space, through time, and is recorded. 

Everything is recorded. It's funny how we think that we're alone all the time. We're not alone. Everything is recorded and transmitted. For example, television and radio or CDs - they're nothing, just pieces of metal and plastic with everything recorded on them! How can the ether or God power not be able to record an even finer version than that? 

So we should be aware all the time of the naked visibility of our inner thinking, not to mention our actions, which are coarser and more visible. That's why we must always try to keep our thoughts, speech and actions as pure as we can control them. Because we'll affect the next person.

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Story World

Animals Are Also God's Tools

By sister initiate Aler, Miaoli, Formosa 

I live each day like a fairy in the mountains, surrounded by singing birds and fragrant flowers. In this mountainous setting, besides many lovely animals, there are also numerous snakes. In the beginning when I saw them, I would become frightened. But after a while I got used to them, and would simply let them pass by without trouble. Nonetheless, in my heart, I was still afraid of snakes.

One day, while talking to a friend, I mentioned that after following Master and practicing spirituality for a few years, I had improved in many ways, becoming more confident, steady and fearless. Then I added, "However, I am still very much afraid of snakes."

On returning home that day, I found a small poisonous snake on the stone wall outside my door. I immediately became frightened, ran into my house, and dared not try to catch it, for fear of being bitten. I hoped it would go away by itself, but when I had to leave, I found that it was still there. Then, a few hours later when I returned, the snake was still on the wall. That evening, I almost dared not go back home to sleep, but at last forced myself to take action, and procured a sack and small bamboo stick to catch the snake, if necessary. (The way to catch a snake is to pick it up with a long, narrow stick or rod, put it into a sack and then take it somewhere to release it.) Luckily, however, the snake was already gone when I returned. 

On another occasion, I was living temporarily in a house on a different mountain. One night when I entered my room and turned on the light, I found two little poisonous snakes inside. There was a channel for water pipes in the wall, next to the mountain slope, and a hole through which I could see the pipes. The hole looked ugly, so I covered it with a thin wooden board that did not completely seal it. That day, a snake came in through the opening near the board. When I entered, it tried to crawl back out, but could not because the board could only be pushed in from outside, but not the other way around. Then, behind the board, I saw the tail of another snake, perhaps trying to help its buddy escape. I broke into a cold sweat out of fear, and was beside myself. I then quickly packed some luggage and ran away to sleep somewhere else.

The next day the snakes seemed to be gone, and my neighbor came around to search the house to make sure the snakes had left. Wearing rubber gloves and plastic shoes and carrying a small twig, she meticulously examined the whole place, turning over all the cabinets and tables to make sure that the snakes had departed. Finally, she lifted a corner of the thin wooden board that covered the hole and found a snake curled up inside, flashing its tongue at us! My neighbor was very brave and moved the board, and then calmly looked at it, as I stood by, scared out of my wits. Next my friend suggested that I seal the hole snugly, since there were still other possible entrances for the snake around the edges of the board. So she helped me nail the board in place and then sealed it tightly with glue. My friend's calm manner was an inspiration for me. I think that her innate attention to details made her so courageous. 

Later I moved back to my original house, and for a while saw no signs of the snake that had appeared at my door. Once when I was out of town, I mentioned the snake to my friends and wondered if it was still living there. A few days later when I returned home, I was surprised to find a snakeskin on the wall outside. Perhaps the snake had heard my question and answered me with its action. It was marvelous!

When I examined the area around my home, I found that the rain had created many holes on the nearby mud retaining wall. These openings were ideal homes for snakes, so I decided to plug them with cement. But first I spread lime in the holes, so that if any little animals were living inside, they would move away. Indeed, that night I found a small green snake next to a tub outside my door. When I saw its tail, I ran into the house, put my computer near the screen door, and played Master's teachings on an MP3 for the snake.

When I woke up a few hours later, I switched on the light and found the snake still outside the door, with its head tilted toward my computer, near the amplifier. It was lying stretched out and motionless. At that time, the computer was playing a Buddhist chant sung by Master and disciples at the Yilan seven-day retreat. For a long time, the snake remained motionless, and I wondered if it was dead because a live one would have slithered away at the sight of light or humans. Then the chanting ended, and fellow initiates began to report their personal experiences. Only then did the snake move away, and I knew that it was not dead, but only in samadhi upon hearing the Buddha's chanting. I suddenly realized that snakes are also very lovely and spiritual!

I was really surprised! These snakes seemed to possess telepathy and knew what I was talking about even when I was far away. Whenever I mentioned them, they would appear. It never failed! Master once said that animals are also God's tools to help us improve ourselves. I really feel that this is true. My experience with the snakes taught me how to deal with things that I fear.

While on the Path

Always Keep Your Thoughts Pure

By sister initiate Ease, Taipei, Formosa 

In May 2002, I had the opportunity to attend Master's Mother's Day-birthday celebration at the Florida Center. A group of fellow practitioners remained after the two-day event, as did our merciful Master, who occasionally came to see and speak to us.

After Master's lecture on the afternoon following the celebration, a Korean fellow initiate unexpectedly stopped me as I walked by the health care center, and informed me that one of the other Korean sisters at the Center was seriously ill and needed a physician's help. Someone had told her that I was a doctor, so she asked for my assistance. The ailing sister was too sick to walk, and according to her husband, seemed to be having heart problems. I then rummaged through the cabinets at the health care center, trying to find any drugs that might be useful, but only found some aspirin. I next went back to my tent to get the medical apparatus I had brought with me, and followed the Korean fellow initiates to visit the ill sister.

The sister had a high fever and her body ached all over. Through a translator, she told me that she had begun feeling sick the previous day. Since she had symptoms of angina (recurring chest pain due to lack of oxygen to the cardiac muscle), another fellow initiate physician administered nitroglycerine under her tongue (a standard drug treatment for angina), an injection and oral drugs. A traditional Chinese medical doctor also treated her with acupuncture and cupping therapy (a method of applying suction cups to the skin to eliminate stagnant accumulation of toxins in the tissues). And through the fellow initiates' sincere care, the sister's chest pains abated. But the following day, her other symptoms progressed and could not be alleviated by oral medication. She next revealed to me that she also had systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory disease of the immune system). At that moment, I realized the severity of her condition, and told her that she should seek further treatment in a hospital if her health did not improve. While giving her further treatment, I advised her not to take cold baths. I worried for this sister as I thought of the enormous hospital bills and the language barrier she might have to face in the United States if she sought treatment for her illnesses. At that time, we could only pray for Master's help.

While praying, my "ignorance" also went into action, as I complained to Master in my mind, saying, "This sister came to see you with complete sincerity; how could you allow her to be so sick, especially at the Center!" I thus put all the blame on Master and completely forgot that it was we who always bring a lot of karma to Her. I even doubted if Master knew about the sister's illness.

After the therapy session with the sister, I went to the kitchen and was busy eating when I saw Master walking in my direction. Good heavens! As I thought of the complaints and suspicions I had expressed about Master just moments earlier, I wanted to slip away at once. Usually, I longed to be near Master, but not under such conditions -- wearing trousers that had been worn for three consecutive days without washing, and holding half a bun and a cone-shaped cup of water in my hands. I could not even put them on the table! I stood there, with the guilty conscience that I was being caught red-handed. When Master passed by, She was speaking and I only heard the isolated phrase, "…Control your mind!" These words precisely reflected my mood at that time!

Though I felt ashamed, it was still important to fill my belly. I took another bun, found a seat, and sat down to enjoy Master's talk. In Her lecture, Master mentioned that taking an occasional cold shower does no harm, and as long as we do some sunbathing both in the front and back of the body afterwards, we will recover our vitality. At that instant, I was filled with complete admiration for Master; for She handles everything so naturally without any sign of deliberation that one can only describe it all as "part of Creation." It is a shame that due to my low level of spiritual practice Master had to personally give me a lesson over such a trivial matter.

At four o'clock the following morning, when I arrived at the designated spot to take the bus to the airport, the ailing Korean sister and her husband came over to me. I could hardly believe the sister when she told me that all her discomfort had gone away in less than a day! I felt it must have been her sincerity, her confidence in Master and Master's power that helped her come through. I was also deeply touched by her thoughtfulness in coming to me so early in the morning just to tell me that she was fine and to relieve me of my worries.

This experience made me realize that there are no secrets in this world, not in our spoken words or actions, nor in our inner thoughts. If we think that there are, it must only be an illusion of the brain trying to deceive us. I pray that all fellow initiates can keep their bodies, speech and thoughts pure at all times so that we will not cause additional trouble or burdens for Master, Who has already given us so much!

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes

<In English>

736 The Illusionary Game of Life
Master's Birthday Celebration at the Florida Center, USA, May 11, 2002

<In Chinese>

737 Practicing with Ease
Master's Birthday Celebration at the Florida Center, USA, May 11, 2002

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Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest DVDs 

<In English + Subtitles in 21 languages> 

493 Appreciate the Value of Initiation 
European International Three-day Retreat, 
Hamburg, Germany, August 25 - 27, 1995 (Part 1)

"Initiation is an opportunity that occurs once in a million years. Being a human being is already very difficult, and in order to meet a real Master and get initiated into this Quan Yin Method is even more so. I cannot tell you, I have no human language to describe to you the preciousness of this method." 

In this DVD, Master offers profound insights into the preciousness of initiation, and reveals how we can receive the great power from God so that it may work for us every day. Master's words of wisdom reach deep into every soul. This is a discourse that fellow practitioners cannot afford to miss! Even for non-initiates, Master's message is like a great bell chiming at midnight to shock them out of their worldly delusions.

 

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest CDs

<In English+ Chinese Interpretation>

CD-CE01 
The Supra-worldly Therapy
Discourses in Formosa during the early years, 
August 3, 1985

This CD presents for the first time some of the brilliant discourses given by Master during Her early years in Formosa, before She began delivering public lectures.

Its main contents include the following. Why would a Master test a disciple by having him build and demolish houses repeatedly over seventy times, just to select a successor? And what was the outcome? And in another story describing the "transformation of karma," you will learn how a Master helps sentient beings turn their sixty years of karma into a dream. For some people who go to Heaven after they die, why is it that their consciousness is as inert as wood or stone? What kind of supra-worldly therapy do they need to become cured and awakened? How do the living beings on the superior planets create things? How can they heal traumatized souls in agony?

<In Chinese>

CD-CG01 
Master's Power Takes Care of Everything
Group meditation at the Florida Center, U.S.A., 
June 4, 2001

This CD offers rich and fascinating contents. The following are the main points of Master's discourses. Confronted with the ephemeral happenings of this world, how can spiritual practitioners develop a positive attitude to surmount such ordeals? How should we equip ourselves with knowledge and prepare ourselves psychologically once we have selected a pet animal as a companion? When we have to make an important decision in life but do not know how to do so, is there a good way to help us make the decision? If our sleep at night is occupied by incessant dreams, will Master still take us up to superior realms to learn our lessons? What is the proper attitude in handling worldly work or learning a skill? Is it sufficient to merely rely on meditation? Please don't miss Master's incisive discourse on the topic "We need to help ourselves before God helps us."

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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 
E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org 
ROC Postal Remittance Account No.: 19259438 (for Formosa orders only)
Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.

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

Group Meditation

European Retreat -- 
                              Continuous Surprises at the New Budapest Center

In the early summer of 2002, Hungarian initiates bought a tranquil little farm on the Hungarian Great Plains. The property is very conveniently located and boasts electricity and a practically unlimited supply of drinkable water pumped from a 60 meter deep well. The soil is very fertile, and thus excellent for agriculture. The farm originally had one brick, one adobe and a few wooden buildings.

After purchasing the farm, the initiates took six weeks to convert it into a meditation center with completely new electrical and water systems that can support retreats for many hundreds of people. The meditation hall is basically a roof structure made of three layers of reed supported by locust wood pillars. It gives good protection against both sun and rain (it was tested for both during a recent retreat). The initiates have also begun to build a main building. During the retreat this building was used as the kitchen, cafeteria and bookstore. Aside from these major construction projects, Hungarian initiates have also started many other undertakings, such as fixing the dirt road leading to the center, weeding, and building a large water reservoir (which can be converted into a swimming pool in the future).

The new Budapest Center was planned to be the site for the four-day European Retreat held from August 15 - 18, 2002 so the initiates had a deadline by which to complete its construction. At some points the task seemed very daunting. But with Master's blessing and the collective hard work of disciples from all over Europe, they finally made it. Day by day, the site slowly began to take the shape of a meditation center, and by August 15 it was ready for the retreat. Everyone knew that this miracle was possible only due to Master's blessing.

More than 200 disciples from 20 European countries attended the retreat, which began at 4:00 a.m. on the 15th. For a number of disciples, it was their first major retreat, and the serene atmosphere of the Center helped them have a wonderful meditation experience, as many reached new spiritual heights.

Then on the third day came a great surprise, the climax of the retreat: Master held a live videoconference with the disciples at the retreat! For some, it was their first chance to talk to Master directly. Since the Center does not have a fast Internet connection, a lecture hall was rented at a nearby university for the conference, and all disciples were taken there by bus. When Master's elegant image appeared on the screen, and Her charming voice was transmitted via the microphone, everyone was ecstatic! 

Master was more beautiful than ever! The conference lasted for 45 minutes, and Master answered various questions from the disciples. Everyone felt greatly touched by Master's love. Although the retreat officially ended at noon on August 18, many disciples stayed at the Budapest Center for several more days, and had a relaxed, joyful party on the evening of the 18th, enjoying many fun performances by fellow disciples.

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Resonance from the 2002 European Retreat 

Preparing for a Retreat is a Great Learning Experience

By brother initiate Thomas, France (Originally in French)

From July to August 2002, Hungarian initiates established a new center in Budapest, and a great number of tasks had to be accomplished before the start of the planned four-day European Retreat in August. So I decided to go to the site ten days early, and thanked Master for allowing me to join the working team responsible for the construction of the center's meditation hall.

We worked in rainy weather for several days, and one day as I worked, I occasionally dreamed of something warm to drink. Then, all of a sudden, I heard the soft voice of the team leader saying to me, "Thomas, take a break, some tea is ready!" I rapidly went down and could not believe that a cup of warm green tea, prepared by the team leader, was waiting for me! During this short but wonderful break, the brother reminded me with his lovely smile and shining eyes that, while working, it is essential to remain concentrated on the task at hand and not be distracted by wandering thoughts.

Positive Persistence Overcomes Obstacles

By brother initiate Eric, Benin, Africa (Originally in English)

After a recent videoconference with Master, the initiate responsible for its video recording told me what had happened before the conference began. When he arrived at the university where the conference was to be held, he realized that he did not have enough blank tapes and batteries to record the entire event. In addition, he was unfamiliar with the university's video equipment, and its technician was off duty because it was a holiday. Nonetheless, the brother insisted that the whole conference had to be filmed and kept that idea in mind, with the confidence that Master would help him overcome this unexpected obstacle, which appeared very complex because the time to react was extremely short. The brother faced many difficulties but persevered, and finally contacted a video company with an employee who was at that very time working at the university! The initiate quickly drove back and consulted the employee and finally solved his problems.

Thanks to Master for Her help and for the brother's strong willpower, which helped him to reject the negative thought of not being able to film the entire conference. I was really impressed by this story by the initiate, and said to myself, "Whenever I face such a tricky situation, I should remember this story and the brother's wise way of thinking and acting."

A Grand Harvest from the European Retreat

by fellow initiate Rastislav A. Kovacic, Slovenia (Originally in English)

During the four-day European Retreat, our meditation sessions began with the playing of Master's melodic Buddha's Chanting tape. The meditation hall was thus immediately filled with Master's blessing power. Previously, whenever I had tried to recite the Holy Names, I had trouble getting through the first one, and I could not even finish the second one. Ever since this retreat, however, I no longer have this problem. Thank You, Master, for Your compassionate support.

Master's Almighty Power Helps in a Border Crossing 

By the Hungarian News Group (Originally in English)

On the way to Budapest for the four-day European Retreat, a miracle occurred to a Romanian sister. As she was traveling to the Retreat in a bus full of passengers, the vehicle was stopped at the border between Romania and Hungary, and for some reason was turned back by the border guards. While encountering such a hindrance, the sister could not help but begin to repeat the Holy Names and pray to Master for help. Then, after holding back for a while, the bus driver suddenly made up his mind to try to go through the border checkpoint again, and unexpectedly, this time the bus went through almost immediately! 

After this experience, the Romanian sister was amazed at Master's almighty power and felt boundless gratitude to Her.

Cinema Scene

Reflections on E. T. -- The Extra-Terrestrial -- 

                                       Love Thy Good Neighbors

By brother initiate Lin Chengrong, Yilan, Formosa

The science fiction film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, which was a box office hit 20 years ago, recently came out in a new version. Directed by the world-renowned Steven Spielberg, the story is not only heart warming, but also thought provoking. The plot centers around an alien being from outer space making friends with a ten-year-old earthling named Eliot. They learn to communicate with each other and soon establish a warm friendship. Moreover, in order to help E.T. return home, many people give him their love and care, which demonstrates that human beings and aliens are able to love and help one another without discrimination. In contrast, many members of our often confused and chaotic society fail to show such care and compassion and thus have much to learn from the characters in this movie.

From the human perspective, E. T., the alien, appears funny and grotesque. However, he is kind-hearted, and intelligent, and like Eliot, possesses the pure heart of a child. Throughout the movie, they both think only beautiful, kind and positive thoughts, and ultimately are able to win the sympathy of other children. In their attempt to protect E. T., the children work together to hide him from the police and the adults in their community. The climax comes when they take E.T. in a bicycle entourage to a mountaintop where he can begin his journey home. At the most critical moment of the scene, E. T. has to use his supernatural powers, and suddenly, the children find themselves riding their bicycles on the clouds, thus escaping a police chase. This is a highly exhilarating and powerful moment! The film perfectly demonstrates that the spirit of peace and love transcends everything.

Master once talked about the issue of extraterrestrials as follows: "The aliens are not harmful. They are very, very good people, very intelligent, very advanced. We could use their wisdom and friendship to protect our planet and to advance into a better civilization. Some nations make mistakes. Sometimes they like to capture them, make trouble for them, make them die without help, and destroy their crafts in the name of science. I don't think these are very wise actions. I think we should change that and instead help them. We have to love our neighbor. It is taught like this, and the alien people are also our neighbors anyhow." (Excerpt from the article "The Aliens Are Our Good Neighbors," The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 53, spoken by Master at the Hsihu Center, Formosa, June 10, 1995, originally in English)

The most moving scene in the movie is when, in the still of the night, E.T. feeling lonely and helpless, looks up at the night sky and points at the stars with his finger, murmuring, "I want go home." But in the meantime, his face shows an expression of determination. This scene mirrors the experience of, us Quan Yin practitioners. We also long to return to our heavenly Home! The story of E. T. is only fiction. However, we, a group of true aliens from other planets, are acting out an even more heart-wrenching story on this worldly stage. Let us all return to our Heavenly Home through the guidance and help of a great living Master! 

(mv1-1-138, mv1-2-138, mv1-3-138, mv1-4-138, mv1-5-138, mv1-8-138)

Media Reports

Annual Vaccine Inoculations for Pets May be Too Frequent 

(Originally in English)

Scientific research indicates that most annual vaccine inoculations for pets are not only unnecessary, but also waste money and can be potentially deadly. Vaccines for the most important pet diseases last three years or longer, and so annual vaccine inoculations are needless, and can even put pets at greater risk of vaccine-related problems.

However, federal authorities do not require vaccine makers to show a vaccine's maximum duration of effectiveness. If you are a pet owner, you and your veterinarian should make the ultimate decision about which vaccines need to be given to your pet(s) and how often they should be administered, according to Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, a veterinary immunologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.

For further details, please see the following articles:

1) "Pets Don't Need Shots Every Year" by Leigh Hopper, Houston Chronicle, June 3, 2002, at http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/front/1387004

2) Dog and Cat Vaccinations...Too Many, Too Often?" by Dr. T. J. Dunn, The Internet Animal Hospital, August 26, 2002 at http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/vac.html

Helpful Tips from Master on Caring for Pets:

1. Wipe dogs or cats at least once a day before bed time all over their bodies and paws with a damp cloth or paper towel.

2. For two to three weeks, wipe with a water and vinegar solution (50/50 %), then with a damp cloth.

3. No chemicals should be used to wash or wipe dogs, cats, etc...

4. Dogs and cats should be given Worm Guard (for intestinal parasites), once every two to four months, and tick and flea prevention care, also once every two to four months.

Spiritual Interludes

A Subtle Lesson in Love......... 

By a fellow practitioner from Mainland China

One day, I was about to take a train home from a pleasure trip out of town. After I bought my ticket, I waited at the entrance to the train platform. Soon a young woman carrying a child came up to me and asked where I was headed. When she learned that we were both going to the same destination, she happily asked me if she could travel with me. This reminded me of my condition before initiation: I wanted to help others, but not everyone trusted me. However, after initiation, I have had countless experiences in which strangers place their faith in me. 

After I agreed to let her travel with me, the young woman told her mother, who came to see her off, saying that she could now relax and not worry about her daughter's safety. The mother seemed completely assured and asked me with a smile, "Please take care of them!" I then held the child as the young mother carried her luggage. We boarded the train together, and after finding our seats, sat down and chatted. I had a bottle of pure water in my bag, which I had placed on the luggage rack above the seats. I asked the young mother if she wanted some water, thinking that I would get it only if she did. And she said that she did not need it because they had water with them. Seeing how touched she was, I thought that I must be a very loving person. 

But after