Incredible Charismatic Power That Worries The Authorities

People call Her the Supreme Master Ching Hai. She is petite in stature, but Her mobilizing ability is extraordinary. One summon from Her and one thousand, five hundred disciples flocked to Hong Kong from all over the world. After the peaceful demonstration outside the Whitehead Camp, they moved to Tsimshatsui, launching a signature campaign. Her disciples were found at almost every junction, especially crowded near the three flag posts.

A team of security guards at the Ocean Terminal glared at them, maintaining a tight formation, keeping them within the boundaries.

After a whole day's activities, the group returned to their base at the Baptist Garden in Fanling. It was already 11:00 p.m., yet hundreds of them still gathered together in the dark. On a grassy patch they found a place to sit down where they excitedly awaited for the Master to come.

Finally She appeared, the petite Supreme Master Ching Hai, carrying a white umbrella. Accompanied by several 'significantly bigger' men, She walked onto the stage in the middle of the grassy patch.

"I am so tired today that I can hardly speak." Her words immediately attracted the thundering applause and laughter of a thousand people.

They called the gathering that evening, a "discourse", meaning a warm conversation with the Master.

Their meeting lasted half an hour. There was no religious ritual, only some people meditating on the ground. It was entirely different from ordinary religious gatherings.

This is not a religion, but the charismatic power is so great. This is really beyond our comprehension. Even the Hong Kong government is shocked. Feeling they are a significant threat to their authority, preventive measures have been taken against them.

A close disciple in Hong Kong said, "Until today, the Hong Kong government has not allowed us to serve in the refugee camps, nor will they accept our donations. We can only enter the camp individually to visit friends and relatives. We have no idea why the government is so frightened."

[A brief sketch of Master's life has been omitted here.]

"I am an ordinary person like everyone else. I eat when I am hungry, and sleep when I am tired. Each of us has our own expertise. I know something that is unfamiliar to you. If you wish to learn, I will teach you, just like a teacher." This is what the Supreme Master Ching Hai has said.

According to some of Her disciples, She has a group of working staff members called the "Quan Yin messengers". To follow Her as a disciple, one must go through the procedure of an "initiation". It resembles registration to enter a school. After this, one becomes Her disciple.

She has liaison centers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, U.S.A. and Europe. The one in Hong Kong is called the "branch center". The number of disciples is increasing everywhere. It is estimated that they have over a hundred thousand disciples throughout the world.

Where Does The Large Sum Of Money Come From?

She strongly stresses that She will not accept any donations from anybody. She meditates at least two and a half hours each day. She is a vegetarian, eats no meat, and is used to living in a "tent".

However, She recently expressed that She is willing to donate six million U.S. dollars to aid the boat people in Hong Kong, hoping they would not be forcibly repatriated.

So actually, where does the money come from?

Her explanation is: She loves oil painting, and is good in fashion design. "When the people know that I have newly accomplished works, they come to buy them." The money is earned by selling Her works of art.

The disciples acclaim Her as a fashion designer. Her way of dressing is indeed unique, which also adds to Her charm. Each time She appears, She wears clothing of various ethnic origins, blending the characteristics of the Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese and Chinese costumes very attractively.

This "wonderful person" of unknown whereabouts, staying in Hong Kong for a period of time, is putting the Hong Kong government on full alert. She simply smiled regarding this point, leaving us mysteriously bewildered.

[Shue Mei Lien, the editor, has modified part of this article.]