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The Supreme Master Ching Hai Receives The Honorary Award Of "Star Of Noble Life"The Press In The Weekly News Association in Thailand invited Master to Bangkok to accept the honorary award of "Star Of Noble Life" to honor Her outstanding contribution to mankind. The award was presented by Mr. Kriengsak Meesrisak, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs of Thailand. After the award ceremony the Supreme Master Ching Hai met with those present and the President of "The Press In The Weekly News Association" of Thailand for a press conference. After the conference, Master donated two hundred thousand Thai dollars to a scholarship fund for poor students. Receipts are shown in the attachment.
Summary Of A Great EventA Round-The-Country Lecture Tour Of ThailandTo satisfy the longing of many souls, Master made the first "round-the-country" lecture tour of Thailand, disregarding Her own body fatigue. The journey covered several thousand kilometers, including both north and south Thailand. Four lectures were arranged within a short period of time, in Songkla, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Since this was a great event in Asia, and the lecture schedule was so tight, fellow initiates from all over Asia happily flocked to Thailand to help in the preparation work for the lectures. All those fellow initiates coming to attend the lecture and to see Master also enthusiastically joined in putting up posters and distributing leaflets and sample booklets, so that none of the souls with affinity and longing to return home would be missed, and God's light could shine in every corner. Master has often praised the Thai people for their simplicity and kind nature. The respect and reverence they show from their hearts towards an enlightened Master is also rarely seen in other countries. Although Songkla and Khon Kaen are both remote places, the lecture halls which could accommodate thousands of people were completely packed. The earnest longing of the souls for Truth is the same no matter where they come from. Although it was the first time Master had come to those cities, the Thai people's admiration for an enlightened Master immediately manifested when Master entered the hall. Ladies in traditional Thai costume showed their welcome to Master by respectfully scattering fresh flower petals in front of Her and by offering a dance to the living Buddha (a fully enlightened being). Their sincere reverence was unforgettable. Chiang Mai is the old capital of Thailand. It has a rich Buddhist cultural atmosphere. When the initiates distributed the leaflets and sample booklets on the streets, and saw how the local people joyously treasured them, they felt deeply that the tiring work and distant travelling was worth while. On the day of the lecture, the hall filled up quickly. Even though the working staff continuously added chairs to accommodate the ever increasing audience, they still did not have enough chairs to meet the demand. In the lecture, Master especially mentioned that the atmosphere there was very nice, and extended the lecture time for them. The lecture at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok was even more grand. Master's posters were seen on every street. The whole city was filled with bliss, as if a dharma meeting for both heavenly and human beings, was about to occur. On the day of the lecture, Master appeared in an elegant Thai dress sitting on a royal sedan chair; it was like the reappearance of a magnificent and awe-inspiring scene from the Buddha age. The guests and initiates were all bathed in this splendid atmosphere and their souls uplifted. Besides the perfect lectures most worthy of praise, the glorious exhibits of Master's works of art outside the lecture halls were also dynamic: the fairy clothing, jewelry, painted fans, etc.. Those rare artistic creations complemented by the matching graphic art and greenery looked so beautiful as if they were something beyond this mundane world. There manifestations of heavenly truth, virtue and beauty received continuous praises from the onlookers. Immediately after each lecture, Master always gave initiation. Besides blessing the new initiates, Master also compassionately explained and answered the doubts and questions in their hearts till midnight. She also arranged a group meditation the following day to satisfy the new initiates' souls and give them encouragement. Master ignored Her own bodily fatigue working for the well-being of the sentient beings. We wish fellow initiates would develop and flourish everywhere, with the hope that Thailand would become a more spiritual country with both inner and outer beauty!
A Friendly Visit From A Special Delegation Of The Cambodia GovernmentAfter Master had successfully completed Her lecture tour in Thailand, She specially invited fellow initiates and the propagating groups, from all countries, for a meal. Master and disciples enjoyed the relaxed reunion and shared a good time together. The initiates, before they went home, received such love and care from Master, making the trip to Thailand an unforgettable one. Coincidentally on that day, a special delegation from the Cambodia government came to visit Master. Among the visiting officials were Mr. Ted Ngoy, Vice President of the Emergency Relief Committee; Mr. Kang Y, of the Cambodian Central Bank; Mr. Suon Sothy, Prime Minister's Secretary; Minister Nhim Vanda and Mr. Ponna Rith, Secretary to the Minister. The purpose of their friendly visit was to express gratitude to Master on behalf of the Prime Ministers and the people of Cambodia, for Her charity and help in the flood relief effort. During the meeting, it was disclosed that the Cambodian people were almost starving due to the present drought in their country. Master extended Her infinite loving care. After learning they urgently need 300,000 tons of rice, She immediately said She would launch an activity to collect rice donations from all the people abroad apart from our own donation. Master also offered the delegation concrete solutions to the current problems in Cambodia's foreign relations, economy and national security. Master particularly emphasized the importance of keeping national stability and peace. Members of the delegation expressed high respect and gratitude to Master for Her compassionate concern for all sentient beings and Her outstanding enlightened viewpoints on world issues. Her wise opinions could bring a bright future to Cambodia. The delegation presented Master with a gift, a traditional wood relief sculpture. Master praised the delicate craftsmanship on this rare artistic creation. She was deeply touched by the sincerity of the Cambodian government.
Philippines
A Three-Day Retreat Of Prayers Commemorating the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day"In order to welcome the arrival of the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day" which represents the ideal of universal peace, fellow initiates in Palawan, a tiny corner of the world, also held a diligent three-day retreat to pray for the refugees in the camp and all the unfortunate people throughout the world, as well as to wish that the spirit of world humanitarianism and love would greatly expand. During the three-day retreat, fellow initiates not only meditated inside and outside the main hall, they also went to the seashore to meditate. The cool and refreshing air by the sea made fellow initiates feel very relaxed, clean and pure. The meditation time passed by very quickly. Only at sunset, with the remnant sunlight illuminating the mountains, did the fellow initiates get up and return. The joyous "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day" arrived on October 25. With the help of the Quan Yin messenger, fellow initiates worked together to bake "love cookies" full of Master's blessings to share with the children in the refugee camp, and also to prepare delicious food to entertain the guests. Besides the friends in the neighborhood, all the teachers and students in the camp, the representatives from Van Duc Temple also came to the center to take part in the celebration of the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day". The festivities were very warm and joyous. Entertainment programs showed the fellow initiates' feelings of appreciation and their respect towards Master, who is busily traveling around the world to help and save sentient beings and to promote world peace. The entertaining programs of songs and dances, because they communicated their true feelings, made the night's atmosphere warm and serene. They received warm rounds of applause. This small refugee camp became part of the joyous atmosphere of the whole world celebrating the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day". Fellow initiates in Palawan performed traditional songs and dances and prepared vegetarian food in celebration of the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day".
Clean Up The Environment; Befriend The NeighborsActivities like this gave examples to the residents in the area reminding them to keep their homes and neighborhoods clean, as well as developing a friendly atmosphere among the neighbors.
Visiting A Home For The Elderly With LoveDuring the holidays, fellow initiates visited the Provincial Nursing Home For The Elderly in Changhua, Formosa, and brought along Master's love for those who needed loving care. The Nursing Home is situated on Bagua Mountain, with fresh air and a serene surrounding. After listening to the purpose of their visit, the head nurse was delighted to give fellow initiates an introductory tour of the Home, briefing them on the current admissions. According to the head nurse, the most earnest desire of the elderly in this Nursing Home is to have spiritual security. That is why they often have monks or nuns come from the temples to give lectures and to comfort them. There are chapels in the Home for the Catholics, the Christians and the Buddhists, to comfort their spirits. When the fellow initiates offered to provide videos of Master's lectures for the elderly, the head nurse gladly approved. They also gave her the sample booklets, magazines and gifts they brought for the elderly, and inquired about any future assistance the Home might need. As fellow initiates prepared to leave, they watched the elderly move about in their wheelchairs in the clean and spacious hallways, ever so slowly along the path of life. On the right side of the wall were a few words of encouragement: "Even though the sun is setting, still it lights up the entire sky with brilliant colors." We believe that through this loving visit, Master's light will give the elderly the most brilliant colors of their lives.
Love Binds Us In OnenessIn response to Master's love and concern for the sick and needy who are alone in society, fellow practitioners went to the Saint Francis Home For The Elderly in Ilan - a clean and tidy little world of its own. The arrival of fellow practitioners put the old people, spending their twilight years there, in high spirits. When fellow practitioners put the bracelets representing Master's love on them, Master's love reached out to these strangers' hearts, and the warmth deep down in their hearts was once again shown. One of the old folks, accompanied by the fellow practitioners, even sang happily along with the music from the karaoke. A happy and warm atmosphere filled everyone. Love had melted the shyness and the boundaries. Upon learning that the birthday of several old folks was a few days away, fellow practitioners gladly promised to visit them again on that day. Lastly, to express concern for them, money and everyday use items were also given. Before they left, the staff at the home warmly invited the fellow practitioners to come back again! Thank You Master, for giving fellow practitioners this opportunity to visit them. From the longstanding volunteer workers at the home, fellow practitioners could see loving concern and selfless giving. From the perplexed and helpless elderly, they could see the ephemeral nature of this world and the importance of spiritual practice. Their faith in spiritual practice had thus become even more steadfast. Fellow practitioners from Ilan bring Master's love and concern to the elderly in the Home.
There Is Love In The WorldLater, fellow initiates tidied up around the hospital and distributed Master's sample booklets. Our meditation center also talked to the city authorities to unconditionally help clean up any part of the city that need cleaning.
Master Arrived Early!The cool, October breezes in Madrid make the temperature just right. It's the golden time of the year which the people love the most. After hearing about the upcoming initiation at the Madrid Meditation Center, initiates from Valencia arrived in Madrid a few days early to have group meditations with the Quan Yin messenger and over ten would-be initiates. Fellow initiates and the Quan Yin messenger discussed Master's teachings and shared experiences as a result of their spiritual practice. They all felt they had benefited a lot. On the morning of initiation during meditation, an initiate saw Master sitting on top of a lotus flower, floating in the clouds towards the center. The initiation wasn't until that evening. Master had arrived early to give Her blessings! Thus, fellow initiates felt even more energetic in preparing for the initiation. They all felt Master's love and were full of indescribable happiness. During the initiation, initiates, new and old, all felt an abundance of Master's blessings and love. To celebrate the rebirth of the new initiates, the meditation center specially prepared a delicious vegetarian meal. Peace, harmony and bliss filled the room. All initiates were immersed in Master's light, fully satisfied both spiritually and physically.
A Really Living BuddhaThe day after the initiation, initiates from Valencia eagerly invited the Quan Yin messenger to visit Valencia. Within the few days in Valencia, the Quan Yin messenger not only attended a party given by both the Valencia Branch Center and the Vegetarian Association in Spain, but also held a few discussion sessions to introduce Master and the Quan Yin Method in a simple but profound way. Because of the interesting subject and its contents, in each session, people signed up to learn the Convenient Method. Some of them had very good experiences; they were deeply touched. One said, "I can't talk about my inner experiences, but I'd like to say something: Master really is a living Buddha (fully enlightened being)!" They are now studying Master's books day and night, eagerly awaiting initiation.
Repaying Society In ActionThe Quan Yin messenger also accompanied the initiates in Valencia to local hospitals to distribute Master's sample booklets. The hospitals were full of sick and helpless people, suffering greatly. Seeing such miserable conditions, fellow initiates deeply felt that they should appreciate what blessings they already have and treasure Master's abundant grace.
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In response to Master's instructions about the "Clean Mountain & Clean Water" activity, the Quan Yin messenger together with the fellow initiates took to the streets to clean up. For many initiates, this was the first time participating in such an environmental clean up activity. During the few hours of cleaning up, they not only did not feel tired, they even felt full of energy. Under the blessings of Master's love, fellow initiates, besides accomplishing the street cleaning job smoothly, they also distributed many sample booklets, gaining good responses from the local residents. Through this cleaning activity, fellow initiates learned the meaning of diminishing one's ego and repaying society. They especially appreciated Master's way of using various means to improve their spiritual growth.
Celebrating The "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day"Three-Day Retreat TogetherIn commemoration and in celebration of the first anniversary of the "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day", a day of glory and honor, fellow initiates in the United States, with Master's kind permission, held a wonderful three-day retreat. From many states they came to attend this special event. The retreat took place at Lake Perris Park located in San Bernadino County. Under the magnificent natural beauty and tranquility of the park, fellow initiates meditated calmly, enjoying the peaceful and serene bliss while immersed in holy communion with God. A large, white tent was set up on the open lawn as the meditation hall. Surrounded by mountain ranges overlooking the colorful horizon, it stood proudly against the emerging foggy lake. The usual daily schedule for retreats was followed. During the resting hours, some enjoyed the natural beauty of the park under the shady trees, while others enjoyed the autumn sun on the lawn. Graced with Master's love, the fellow initiates were exhilarated with inexpressible joy. Besides diligent meditation practice, there was a relaxing evening camp fire. Amidst the cozy and warm atmosphere, everyone surrounded the crackling fire, happily enjoying the delicious food, chatting, singing, and watching other fellow initiates' wonderful performances. Although Master was not there physically, everyone felt Her presence and was spiritually recharged by Her blessing power. We were over flowing with Her divine love. The three-day retreat was over in a breeze. The park officials were quite pleased with us because of our cooperative and cordial manner. We respected the environment by cleaning up and complied with the park rules. We thank Master for this unforgettable "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day" Three-day Retreat!
Blankets Donated To The Flood VictimsAfter the flood subsided, Houston disciples brought blankets and went to the hardest-hit areas, where low income persons reside and were badly affected by the flood. They stopped at the first house in the area and the owner informed them that the Mayor had just been there donating mattresses. However, all their belongings were wet or destroyed by the flood, including warm clothing and blankets. They said: "The Mayor gave us mattresses, but no blankets. Do you have any for us?" After learning the Houston disciples had arrived with several vans loaded with blankets, one woman thanked Jesus Christ for answering her prayers. Fellow initiates knew in their hearts that all of this was, once again, Master's arrangement. They smiled inside and thanked Master for guiding them at the right time to the right place with the right supplies, fulfilling the true needs of the flood victims.
Whole Life ExpoThe Whole Life Expo was held in Manhattan Center, New York City in mid November and was attended by different religious sects and spiritual organizations. The New York Branch Center had rented a booth there. They displayed Master's paintings and publications, and showed video tapes of Master's lectures. Fellow initiates, one after another, volunteered their services to distribute sample booklets and News magazines, as well as to introduce the Quan Yin Method and Master's teachings. They also answered the questions raised by the visitors at the exhibition. Since this international gathering for spiritual practitioners is held only once a year, there were many different kinds of participants. Because of Master's blessing power, fellow initiates worked very smoothly during this exhibition. They often noticed people in deep concentration reading Master's sample booklet or The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment. Also, there were people lingering around the TV screen broadcasting Master's lectures, reluctant to leave. A lot of people asked for the telephone number and address of the branch center before their leaving. It is believed there will be more and more people with affinity come to learn this ultimate method which can lead people beyond this world to liberation.
Thanksgiving Day BanquetThe New York Branch Center held an unique banquet after Thanksgiving Day. The banquet was originally planned to be a farewell party for a fellow initiate who was going to be transferred by the United Nations, to work in Guatemala. However, due to the enthusiastic response from participating in the Whole Life Expo held earlier, this farewell party was expanded to become a big vegetarian promotion banquet open to the public. Fellow initiates worked cooperatively to decorate the banquet hall. Master's pictures and paintings were hung on all the walls, and Master's video lectures were played continuously. The long banquet table was full of a wide range of Chinese, Western and Au Lac delicacies prepared by our fellow initiates. Not only the excellent appearance, smell and taste of the food, but also the splendid array, variety and delicacy of the vegetarian dishes amazed and shocked the non-initiate guests. Apart from tasting the delicacies, they were also very interested in Master's teachings and enthusiastically asked many relative questions. Everyone either stood or sat on the floor to enjoy this delicious vegetarian meal and at the same time shared Master's teachings and Her boundless loving power. This warm and cordial atmosphere was a great contrasted to the freezing cold weather outside. This bountiful banquet was concluded with a feeling of thanksgiving. They also deeply believe that Master's teachings will soon be spread smoothly in Guatemala.
Helping Friends In NeedFellow practitioners learned from their friends that an Au Lac refugee, who came to the U.S.A. from the Philippines, unfortunately passed away. His wife and several children suddenly had no one to depend on for their, originally poor and meager, livelihood. They did not even have any money for the funeral service. Although the local fellow practitioners are neither great in number nor wealthy, in the spirit of helping anyone in need, they did their best to help. They promptly contacted the Los Angeles Branch Center and worked out a plan to raise funds. Fellow practitioners also meditated together and prayed to God to bless the soul of the deceased. Then they got in touch with the social welfare department, so that the family of the deceased would be taken care of in the future. Within days, arrangements for both the survivors and the deceased, were settled. The local Au Lac Association was very grateful to "The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations" for both their monetary and physical help to strangers. Due to this incident, many people in the local Au Lac Association came to know Master, which made fellow practitioners most happy. Since practicing the Quan Yin Method, fellow practitioners deeply feel that they have become more relaxed in their everyday life. However, should a situation require it, their prompt actions enable them to do what is necessary efficiently. Of course, it is most important that everything be left in Master's hands, and let the great wisdom and great power of the universe take care of it. The fellow practitioners world-wide are just like extended eyes and hands, which can see any corner that needs help, working together helping each other, offering everything necessary. This feeling of oneness is like the Quan Yin Bohdisattva (enlightened being) with a thousand eyes and a thousand hands!
"United Nations" InitiationAlthough many of the fellow initiates came from different cultural backgrounds, yet because of Master's holy love, everyone was united in the Truth, so harmonious and warm, like family members. On this special day, we thanked Master for cleansing our past karma which had accumulated over so many lifetimes thus enabling our souls to obtain liberation in this life.
Vegetarian Seminar In PhoenixFellow initiates in Phoenix attended a special Conference on Vegetarianism. This conference was sponsored by the Concerned Arizona for Animal Rights and Ethics (C.A.A.R.E.) group. The purpose of this group is to encourage people to act more lovingly towards animals and to promote vegetarianism. Representatives from the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations Vegetarian House were invited to set up a booth at the venue, to introduce and promote vegetarianism to those in attendance. Although the conference was not a spiritual event, it did offer people many good reasons to become vegetarian. Doctors and dietitians provided health and nutritional information on vegetarian diets. The keynote speaker was a well-known dietitian. People were interested in Master's teachings, books and Her meditation techniques. They were also amazed at the variety of appealing dishes the Vegetarian House offered. For many people, it was the first time that they saw the many and varied types of conveniently packaged vegetarian simulated products.
Spiritual Practice Needs A Living Enlightened MasterLast year when Master was invited and came to Montreal, Canada for a lecture, he attended the lecture with his friends. He was very impressed by Master's presence. Master looked so graceful and yet so supremely dignified, he was intrigued. At that time, in order to test if Master is a true enlightened Master, he tried physically to force his inner power on Her to see what level of power Master has. Consequently, he hurt himself, he felt a lot of pain in his chest as if his heart was on fire. As soon as he stopped, the pain stopped. He immediately apologized to Master in his mind. After that he saw light coming from Master, as if showering him with white flower petals. This experience was wonderful. He felt immense gratitude towards Master, as he now had the answers which he had been longing for, for many years. Since then, he often thinks of Master, and sees Her in his dreams. He recalled what his previous master often said to him, that it is smoother and easier to progress on the path with the guidance and help of a living master. He is now waiting to get Master's permission as soon as possible, to be initiated and become a Quan Yin practitioner.
A Retreat In Celebration Of The "Supreme Master Ching Hai Day"
Start With Ourselves - Love In ActionToronto Center organized a food and clothing collecting activity. Fellow initiates brought nice clean used clothing, as well as dry and canned food to the center. These donations were then given to the needy. A fund raising event was organized by the fellow initiates in Canada to help the flood victims in Au Lac. This was the worst flood ever to hit Au Lac in over the past ten years. The funds collected were sent to Au Lac via the Au Lac Embassy in Canada.
Put The Lessons Of Love Into PracticeIn our modern life of haste, fame and profit, Master's great love waters and nourishes the spiritually arid sentient beings without discrimination of nationality or class. All people in need of loving care are comforted. The trip to a nursing home for the elderly was just another one of the countless lessons of love waiting to be put into practice. Bringing with them flowers and Master's sample booklets and News magazines, fellow initiates paid a prearranged visit to a nursing home, starting their comforting activity. The supervisor of the home welcomed them warmly. With the assistance of one of the professionals there, they visited the rooms one by one. They cordially asked about the well being of each patient, gave them Master's sample booklets, and explained the merits of practicing the Quan Yin Method. Even though the nursing home was well equipped, with technically advanced medical instruments that can prolong people's lives, it could not cure them of their spiritual needs. The elderly people looked dejected, worrying that the god of death would suddenly descend upon them. Only memories or conversations about their glorious past brought some light and pride back into their faces. They wished that they could get to know Master and be liberated spiritually, so that they could enjoy heavenly peace and happiness and be more carefree in this world. When they talked with the supervisor again, they found that he already knew about Master's teachings. A few days ago when he entered samadhi during meditation, he saw the Quan Yin Bodhisattva (enlightened being) sitting on a lotus flower informing him of today's visit. After hearing that, fellow initiates were deeply touched, very happy and full of heartfelt love and gratitude towards Master. |