That day, during the grand opening, Master's vegetarian House with its sharp and bright-colored sign, and the many congratulatory baskets of flowers at its doorstep, was especially eye-catching and had attracted much attention. Master's photograph on the sign overlooking the many passers-by appeared to be so affable and kind. It reminded people of that sentence in the Buddhist scripture, Pu Men Pien: "Looking at the sentient beings with merciful eyes".
The opening ceremony began at noon, with a lion-dance and the ribbon-cutting ritual. There was a full house of honorable guests and fellow initiates. The atmosphere was delightful and joyous. As everyone was savoring the different kinds of vegetarian delicacies, they talked about how the House was started. A television set had been positioned facing the street and Master's UN-lecture video was screened. The warm and cheerful occasion had attracted many neighbors and onlookers. They came to admire the House's elegant layout, and accepted sample booklets from the fellow initiates. As we looked on, the happy occasion inevitably brought memories of the planning and preparation of the House.
The Preparation Went Smoothly With Master's BlessingsBecause of the frequent requests from fellow initiates around the world, Master eventually agreed that vegetarian houses could be set up to popularize vegetarian food and spread Her teachings. So fellow practitioners started to plan actively. With Master's blessings, the initial operating expenditure was successfully raised. The next step was to look for a suitable shop. Hong Kong is notorious for its high cost of land. The rent of a good-location shop is staggering, and as for the purchasing price, it is quite intangible. Nonetheless, empty shops are very hard to come by and the competition is fierce. It's not that you can buy a shop whenever you want. While everyone was trying hard to look for a shop, Master already, secretly had something in store for them. As if it was a miracle, a fellow initiate recommended a shop at a busy location, and yet it was situated in a quiet street. "Prosperous but tranquil", it was also close to public transport, an ideal location indeed. In addition to the shop downstairs, it also had an attic which could be used as an office, storeroom and a place for the non-initiates to practice the Convenient Method. The fellow initiates were very thankful of Master's arrangement in resolving such a difficult problem in such a natural way! "The Supreme Master Ching Hai Vegetarian House Co. Ltd." has now been properly registered, and other administrative requirements have also been partially completed. Open For Business Before New Year's Eve!Next, it was renovation time. One of the initiates is a commercial architect. He quickly developed a two-dimensional draft, so that the work could get started straightaway. In order for the shop to be open in time for the New Year, so that more people could have the opportunity to try vegetarian food, everyone joined in with the work actively and eagerly. Several fellow initiates were willing to work on a full time basis, and many others volunteered to work unpaid. The staff members were so excited that they quickly busied themselves with the job and had it completed just in time! Thanks to Master's arrangement, a renovator, who is a friend of a fellow initiate, provided assistance. To make sure that things were not only beautiful but also practical, the whole renovation was redone afresh. Most of the experienced renovators shared the view that it was impossible to get the job done before New Year. However, with everyone working overtime and with Master's help, the major parts of the renovation were completed one day before the New Year's Eve, and the House was ready for business from that day! |
A Versatile EstablishmentDuring the New Year festive season, the Vegetarian House was open everyday, so that people from all directions, young and old, men and women, who went to visit their relatives at the New Year, could come in to have a look around or to make purchases. The shop was neatly and beautiful prepared. From different kinds of vegetarian ingredients to instant vegetarian dishes; exquisite, pure and clean vegetarian food or produce from around the world, all were readily available; with the best available service. As soon as we stepped inside the Vegetarian House, we came face to face with a large and elegant photograph of Master. Next to the door was a glass cabinet with Master's books and other publications neatly on display. A television set inside the shop screened, all day, videos of Master's wonderful lectures for passers-by and customers to enjoy. Shelves were full of Master's books, audio and video tapes, and sample booklets and news magazines of various languages. Reproductions of Master's paintings were also on display. There were also chairs for visitors to rest on. Since its grand opening, the House has attracted the custom of many visitors and fellow initiates. Whenever an interest in Master's teachings has been shown, the fellow initiates have happily gone out of their way to introduce, explain and answer any questions. The atmosphere is most amicable. There is talking and laughter, and everyone is so friendly! "The Supreme Master Ching Hai Vegetarian House" has become the best location for everyone to get to know Master. An Honorable Work OpportunityIn the darkness of the night, the glass windows of the Vegetarian House shone even brighter. Everything seemed so warm and clear. After the shop was closed, more than ten fellow initiates had a group meditation at the office and meditation room in the attic. The establishment has made the spreading of Master's teachings so much more convenient, and more and more people are being made aware of the benefits of vegetarianism. This meaningful tasks has had an encouraging start. The fellow initiates are very thankful of Master's arrangement, in giving them such an honorable job! |