News Magazine #42

Report From Singapore

The Supreme Words Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai Overwhelm The Lion City

It's a great honor for Singapore to be the first stop on Master's lecture tour this year. With the support of overseas and local initiates, an enthusiastic work campaign was launched. The sample booklets and fliers were not limited to the busy districts, but extended systematically to various communities at different times of the day, spreading the good news of Master's lecture to all walks of life. Master's photographs were displayed in the MRT (metro) stations and major commercial centers. The news of the lecture was widely published in the newspapers and broadcasted on the radios. Posters were put up everywhere throughout the country. Fellow practitioners were totally devoted to waking up the sleeping souls, so they would not miss this lecture by a living enlightened Master which is extremely hard to come by even in aeons of time.

According to the observations of the coordinating team, besides the Chinese, the East Indian people also welcomed and accepted Master's teachings. Many of them, after having read the sample booklet, highly praised Master in the presence of the coordinating team. The Muslim Malay people who used to be more conservative acted very open-mindedly this time, eager to take the sample booklets. Obviously, the teachings of the Truth have reached their inner souls.

An Exceptionally Successful Gathering

The lecture venue was the largest conference hall in the World Trade Center. There was also an exhibition of Master's works of art in the adjacent hall. On the evening of the lecture, the audience poured in like a river. The hall was soon filled. The several thousand seats that were placed in the exhibiting hall for people to watch the large TV screen were also fully occupied within a few minutes. A guard at the entrance remarked emotionally that, observing the enormous crowd of compatriots rushing to attend Master's lecture of the Truth, and realizing that their souls would soon be saved, he was extremely happy and had tears flooding his eyes.

After both the lecture and the exhibition halls were fully packed, an endless stream of people still continued to come. To prevent accidents, the glass doors had to be temporarily closed. Watching the yearning faces pressed against the glass doors, with anxiety and longing in their eyes, it was really touching to know there are still so many Truth thirsty souls in this prosperous city! With the help of the venue management, another large exhibiting hall was opened to accommodate the crowd. Although it was only an empty hall with no seats, the waiting crowd still hurried to enter and watch Master's lecture on the large TV screen. Some of them humorously remarked to the coordinating workers, "You should have arranged the lecture at the National Stadium!" (Which accommodates tens of thousands of people.) They are grateful for their good advice!

At the World Trade Center, the longing of thousands of people for Master's arrival had condensed into a gigantic and electrifying ambiance, which reached its climax when Master arrived. It burst into extreme delight and bliss. The overture of the lecture was three traditional dances performed respectively by Malay, Indian and Chinese dancers, representing the three major ethnic groups in Singapore.

After Her fascinating discourse, Master left ample time for the audience to ask questions. Her humorous, meaningful and wise answers won the thunderous applause of the whole audience. To satisfy the thousands of people waiting in and outside, Master left the venue being carried high in a sedan chair, so that everyone could see Her. There were waves of cheers and greetings from the crowd which Master responded to with Her loving and compassionate gaze and waving hands.

After Master's departure, fellow practitioners shared all the blessed food with everyone there. Like happy children, the audience rushed to grab the blessed items being thrown from the stage. All the flowers, candies and biscuits soon disappeared, by the zealous audience. It was touching to see how they cherish the blessed items from an enlightened Master.

The Newly Joined Force
Love Permeates Singapore

A large number of newly initiated, convenient method fellow practitioners and initiates-to-be joined the Singapore fellow practitioners that evening.

The initiation commenced after midnight. Despite working all day, Master still came to bless the new initiates. Then She went to see the new convenient method practitioners, dispelling their doubts and answering their questions almost until dawn the next morning. Disregarding Her exhaustion, Master refused to sit down throughout the whole session so that everyone would be able to see Her. There is absolutely nothing that can compare with Master's love and mercy!

Master was present at the group meditation the next day which included around a thousand new and old initiates. Complying with the request of the disciples, She also joined them at the dinner party the following evening.

Singapore might be a small place, but it is truly endowed with tremendous blessings having been graced with Master's lectures three times. Beside attending Master's lecture on the Truth, local fellow practitioners were also honoured to have had the opportunity to help in the coordinating of Master's lecture, thus gaining further progress in their spiritual cultivation.

Report From Hsihu, Formosa

The Great Mother Has Come Home

Upon learning that Mommy Master would come home, the resident disciples at Hsihu Center were all jumping for joy. Suddenly, the joyful atmosphere, like the fragrance from the flowers that can not be suppressed, pervaded every corner of the center and everyone's smile. Promptly everyone joined their efforts in tidying up the environment, to give their home a clean and fresh look to welcome kind mother's return.

That evening everyone gathered at the front gate. Greeting Master has always been an exciting and sweet experience that is vividly remembered. Master's car finally arrived. In a purple floral patterned Japanese kimono, Master looked most beautiful and elegant. Having been away for a long time, She chatted with the disciples along the way, telling cheerful and funny jokes, which comforted their immense longing!

Inside the meditation center certain last minute preparations for the three-day retreat were still going on. So Master drove Her cart and visited each of the places where the disciples were working. She then promised to tell us stories and meditate with us during the evening group meditation sessions. The fellow practitioners from Formosa and abroad who arrived early for the three-day retreat, were surprised and delighted to find Master already at the center. They all silently felt in their hearts that they were extremely fortunate.

The Three-Day Retreat

Award Presentation
New Year Celebration

A record-breaking number of people attended this three-day retreat. The number of fellow practitioners that came from different countries also increased. The ever expanding "Supreme family" indicates that both ends of the earth are like neighbors, and that the entire world is beginning to share the same goal. At the group meditations in the evenings, Master especially caringly received the brothers and sisters who came from afar, to satisfy the longing of these distant travelers.

On New Year's Day, there was an awards ceremony, that had profound meaning, to praise those good persons and good deeds that Master encountered during Her lecture tour or other activities that She performs. In order to commend them, for their spirit of fulfilling their responsibilities and their sincerity to serve, Master especially presented awards to them as encouragement. Master said, "We have many wonderful people in the world. If we wish to beautify this world, we must encourage these good people, and let more people in the world know about them. Then everyone will follow their good examples, and our world will have more and more such wonderful people."

The parties awarded included several government and civil organizations from Formosa, Japan and Thailand. In Formosa especially, many organizations and individuals exerted great efforts to support the Supreme Master Ching Hai's "One kilogram of rice saves an entire nation" disaster relief efforts to Cambodia. In two weeks donations were collected for more than three thousand tons of rice, which was then smoothly loaded onto a ship. The normal procedures, from ordering the rice to delivery, generally take months to complete. However, based on the spirit of - giving relief to a disaster is like fighting a fire - the government departments made exceptions to the rules, overcame countless difficulties, and worked with the highest efficiency, to smoothly expedite the working procedures of the relief rice. This meaningful and distinctive action is indeed an example of supreme cooperation between a government and its people to save a neighboring country.

During the presentation of the awards to the journalists of the year, Master praised that good journalists, as the eyes and ears of the public, should be courageous in giving true reports. The awards included "The Most Faithful Journalist Award", "The Most Courageous", "The Most Enthusiastic", "The Most Compassionate", "The Most Outstanding", "The Best Truth Supporting" and "The Fastest Reporting Journalist", etc. During the ceremony from Master's profound and sincere award-giving words, and the recipients' humble acceptance speeches, one couldn't help but naturally feel the warmth in humanity and the wonderful experience of truth, virtue and beauty. Especially from the point of view of spirituality and consciousness, everyone greatly benefitted.

The next day, at the end of the retreat, Master took the opportunity to teach the fellow initiates to pay attention to their demeanor, and to earnestly learn to be considerate of others. She hoped everyone could be sincere and natural in everything they do, and not just act superficially. That evening, Master once again gathered with the fellow initiates from abroad. She listened attentively to the questions they had in their spiritual and everyday life, and patiently responded to each of them. The pleasant meeting did not end until early the next morning. All of the fellow initiates from abroad were touched and encouraged by Master extra care and love towards them.

Although the three-day retreat ended, Master continued to stay at the meditation center, and fellow initiates' reluctance to leave was shown on their faces. Master allowed them to stay at the center, but reminded them to take advantage of the rare opportunity of not having to work, to practice earnestly and meditate more each day. Wherever Master stays, that place is full of joy and hope. The new year for Formosa has indeed got off to a good start!

Report From Taoyuan, Formosa

Spreading Love At A Garden Party

On a sunny and warm winter holiday, Yee Kuang Kindergarten at Lung Tan held a garden party, called "There is Love on Earth", to commemorate "International Family Year" and to raise funds for nurseries and homes for the elderly. Many residents from the community attended. Fellow practitioners from Taoyuan also participated. They prepared over ten vegetarian dishes and desserts for the visitors. All the practitioners serving the food wore masks and head scarves, and happily served the many people who came to taste the vegetarian food.

People kept commenting about how delicious the vegetarian food was. Some enquired about the recipes while they had a taste. Some even said that on their way to the party they had heard people asking each other if they had come to try the vegetarian food. The bustling scene filled everyone there with delight. There was an interesting episode that happened. After a lady found out about the sample booklets, she hurried to get her parents-in-law to come to get some. As it turned out, one of their relatives from Beijing had recommended to them that they should read Master's books. Master's name has spread far and wide in Mainland China, which also brings benefits to the people of Formosa. "The wheel of Truth really turns wonderfully."

As the party was coming to an end, the fellow practitioners' enthusiasm remained as high as ever. They sorted the donations gathered that day, counted the portion of funds designated for the nurseries and homes for the elderly, and deposited the balance into the Disaster Relief Account.

Report From Korea

A Fruitful Painting Exhibition Festival

Fellow initiates in Pusan, Korea, for the first time, held an exhibition of prints of Master's paintings to remind people of the child-like purity and inner beauty in their hearts. The exhibition was held in Pusan Station, which is located in Pusan's city center. Everyday during the exhibition, people continuously flowed in as if it were a Pusan citizens' festival, and all day, videos of Master's lectures were playing in the venue. The visitors were very interested in Master's books and video and audio tapes. There were not enough sample booklets and magazines to distribute to everyone.

Many artists visited the exhibition. They seemed to really enjoy Master's paintings, especially one very old and experienced painter who said, "Nowadays many artists create paintings, but it is difficult to find really good paintings. Compared with other paintings, Master's are so pure and refreshing, not complicated. Only one with a pure heart like a child can do this."

At the exhibition venue, many people watched videos of Master's lectures, and many of the biggest newspapers reported this activity. KBS Radio even came to the venue several times to conduct interviews about the exhibition. MBC TV came especially to video Master's paintings to broadcast on their cultural TV program, which then attracted more people to come to see them. Consequently the exhibition had to be extended several days.

One Christian missionary who had just arrived in Pusan from a World Religion Conference earnestly came to aquire some information about the Supreme Master Ching Hai. He was very thankful to God for letting him know about Master. Besides this story, there were hundreds of other anecdotes that happened during the exhibition. Fellow initiates knew that everything was due to Master's grace; thus the painting exhibition in Korea had positive results.

Before Christmas, Seoul fellow initiates also held another grand art exhibition in the capital city. The results were as abundant and as joyous as the first. The exhibition lasted more than ten days. Not only was this event seldom seen locally, it also made a very deep impression upon the Korean compatriots.

Report From Japan

Surprising Gift On The Silent Night

On Christmas Eve, Master quietly arrived in Tokyo, bringing the best Christmas gift to the fellow initiates there. Although they were not informed in advance, there were several occurrences foretelling the arrival of the joyful event.

A few days before Master's arrival, the fellow initiates went to the new local center to clean up the place. Having their own center has been the wish of the Japanese fellow initiates for many years. As they walked out of the door after cleaning, they looked up at the stars in the sky as usual, and saw an amazing sight! In the clear deep sky, the full moon was surrounded by a large, beautiful, brilliant ring of light. The scene was exactly the same as in the painting Master made while staying in the mountain cabin several years ago when She was in Japan. Only later, did fellow initiates learned that Master would arrive in Japan that night. The intuitive moon seemed to have perceived the message and was joyously pouring out its beams of light!

Master happened to arrive in Tokyo the day of the initiation. When the fellow initiates were meditating, they felt a blessing power much stronger than usual, and some even perceived brilliant celestial lights. However, at that time, no one knew of Master's arrival in Tokyo. It is obvious that wherever a great enlightened saint goes, the atmospheric energy of the area changes accordingly and is filled with heavenly blessings.

While Master was in Japan, She talked about daily life, about the good habits of being tidy and sanitary. While this may seem to be a minute detail, it actually is a big matter reflecting the inner aspect of the spiritual practitioner. Her words were a timely reminder for many of the fellow initiates.

After years of Master's infinite loving care, the fellow initiates in Japan are growing stronger, and their country is also sharing the blessings. They are especially happy that they finally have a local center! Master quietly arrived, as if it had been preplanned, just in time to celebrate the opening of the new center. Master is truly omniscient; She responded to everyone's wishes and has brought boundless light and hope to the land of the cherry blossoms.

A Blessing To Kyusyu

The Japanese fellow initiates wish to spread the Quan Yin Method to all parts of Japan and share God's blessings with their people. Therefore, they spent their hard earned vacation traveling the long distance from Tokyo to Kyusyu to distribute sample booklets and magazines. On the way, they passed through several major cities in Kansai and formed affinities with many people.

When they came through Takamatsu, Sikoku, they stayed over night at the home of brother initiate Fujiwara, who is an expert in Go (a Japanese chess game.) After practicing the Quan Yin Method, Fujiwara made such progress in his Go strategies that he, a third level player, defeated an eighth level player in a recent Go competition. This experience made him realize that the Quan Yin Method truly holds the greatest power to open and develop one's inner wisdom.

While the fellow initiates were distributing sample booklets at the University of Kyusyu, they met several Chinese students there. They introduced the Quan Yin Method to the students and gave them Master's sample booklets and magazines. The students were very grateful to have received such precious gifts that they warmly invited the fellow initiates to their dormitory for further discussion.

The next day, they went to other places in Kyusyu to distribute more sample booklets. The people in Kansai are very pure and kind. Whenever the fellow initiates passed the message about Master and the Quan Yin Method to the people, by giving them the sample booklets, they all gladly accepted gladly, whether they were Japanese, Chinese, Indian or American.

As the fellow initiates were leaving Kyusyu, it started to rain. According to the reports there, the Kyusyu area had been suffering from drought for half a year already; the government even had to shut off the water supply to the entire area at night. Now due to Master's love, the long awaited rain finally came. It was such a great blessing for the residents there.

Report From Hong Kong

Enthusiastic Responses At The Industrial Products Exhibition

The Industrial Products Exhibition, which had not been held for some years, was recently revived, creating an outstanding event in Hong Kong. Waves of people packed the exhibition. There were hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Vegetarian House of the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations in Hong Kong participated in the event as a food retailer. It also advocated a sonorous slogan, "Pure vegetarian - the first step to save the world. Pure vegetarian - the first step in becoming compassionate and generous".

A television was set up at the booth, which continuously showed Master's MTV video tape. Her wonderful songs and beautiful rhythms blessed the venue throughout the day. Their booth was across from the one that was selling stamps with the first-day's postmark to commemorate the event, so the many people queuing there had a chance to watch Master's video for a long time. The place where fellow initiates offered the free samples of vegetarian food, the selling of the vegetarian food products was a great success.

Fellow practitioners had printed Master's lecture, "The Way To Save The World From Doomsday", in the form of a leaflet. They were distributed, together with the sample booklets and information on vegetarianism, to the people passing by their booth. The visitors' responses were unexpectedly enthusiastic, which kept the fellow practitioners very busy passing them out. Having Master's blessing, all the fellow practitioner were full of energy. They did not feel tired at all even when they had to work for a long time. They were all especially pleased when they saw the great response from the public.

The most pleasant surprise happened a few days later. A lady came to the Vegetarian House and said that she is the director of several homes for the elderly. After visiting the exhibition, she was interested in letting the elderly in the homes try a vegetarian diet. She hoped that our fellow practitioners could give her some help. From this feedback, fellow practitioners are all very glad that vegetarianism has spread widely into the everyday life of the public.

Report From Cambodia

Three Thousand Tons Of Rice Have Arrived

Last year Cambodia was the victim of a major flood due to the overflowing of the Mekong River. Master was very concerned about the suffering of those people as if She was one of them. She immediately sent an emergency relief team - mainly of fellow initiates from Formosa and some initiates from various parts of Asia - to help the victims. As of now, the first stage of the relief work has been completed. During this period, the relief team, under the total support of Premiere and Mrs. Ranariddh and the government, distributed material necessities such as rice, sugar, scarf, clothing and Master's sample booklets as spiritual food. Their efforts reached the following provinces in Cambodia: Bangtong, Shiji, Bangfayang, Madewang, Bolomain, Canla, Luoli, Chazhen, Tujiao, Bangzhen....

The second stage of the relief work is about to start. The main effort at this time is to distribute rice to relieve the starvation of large numbers of people in Cambodia. A severe drought in their country has caused large crop failures.

Ever since the Supreme Master Ching Hai launched the activity entitled "One Kilogram of Rice Can Save An Entire Country," initiates and compassionate people from all over the world have been responding with strong support. Aided lovingly by the government and the people of Formosa, the first three thousand tons of rice have already been collected and shipped to Cambodia. Each grain of rice contains Master's love and blessings. The cargo expected by the Cambodian people arrived smoothly at the destination a few days ago. The relief workers will quickly distribute the rice - a symbol of friendship in adversity among nations and loving fellowship on Earth - to the victims to relief them of their present predicament and to wish them speed in overcoming this difficult time safely, so as to enjoy good health and prosperity in the near future. (*Another three thousands tons are to be on their way to Cambodia.)

Report From Paris Center, France

Family Gathering To Celebrate Christmas Together

The Paris Center held a joyful family reunion party on Christmas eve specially for the children and family members of the initiates. Not only was there a Santa Claus, one of the initiates dressed up, but also many Christmas gifts were prepared for the children and for everyone. There were also plenty of delicacies and all sorts of French desserts to enjoy. This was a special opportunity for those initiates with children to get to know each other. In the fast pace of daily life, initiates had a chance to enjoy a relaxing moment, deeply appreciating the warmth, happiness and harmony of the big practicing family.

Report From Brisbane, Australia

Exhibition Booth A huge Success

Fellow initiates from Brisbane participated in the "Body, Health and Harmony Exhibition," which turned out to be a huge success. Several thousand sample booklets were distributed. Many people, including other exhibitors, were attracted to Master's lecture video as it was being played in front of the booth. Following the exhibition, many further enquiries were received. Since then, many people have asked to learn the Convenient Method, and most of them have started vegetarian diets in preparation for initiation.

This exhibition proved to be a very effective way of spreading Master's teachings, and the fellow initiates are keen to participate in similar activities at other exhibitions in the future.

Report From Perth, Australia

Health and Lifestyle Exhibition

Each year a health and lifestyle exhibition is held in Perth for several days. The event attracts over ten thousand people. This year, for the first time, the Perth Center participated in this exhibition.

Thanks to Master's blessings, it happened that the neighboring display-stand was large, giving them more wall space for displaying. They used it to hang a large photo of Master, and accentuating it with a spotlight, so many guests could see Master's photograph from far.

When a man came into the booth with his female companion, he felt compelled to sit and watch Master's video lectures. After some time the man's companion wanted to leave, but he still stayed and continued to watch and listen to Master's words of wisdom. The man said he could feel Master's love very strongly in the booth. He also mentioned that several years ago he had followed a spiritual master but slowly had lost interest. There was no doubt that after coming into contact with the omnipotent Master Ching Hai the man's spiritual yearnings were once again rekindled.

Another couple, who said they were very sensitive to psychic energy, also said they could feel a warm comfortable vibration as they opened Master's magazines. The woman said the energy sent a powerful tingling sensation through her hands and arms. The couple kept on looking at Master's beautiful paintings, and watched Master's videos for some time. They showed much interests in Master's teachings. The woman continued to say that whenever she encounters negative energy she usually has to remove herself immediately, but being surrounded with many of Master's paintings and books, she felt very comfortable and happy.

One young man, a pure vegetarian, who was helping at the exhibition, had previously heard about meditation on the inner light and inner sound. After he knew about Master's precious teachings, he decided to apply for initiation. A few days later, he and some other would-be-initiates received Master's permission for initiation and joined the spiritual group of Quan Yin practitioners.

The exhibition was a great opportunity to introduce Master's teachings to thousands longing for the Truth. Thanks to Master's blessings everything went smoothly which allowed many more people from Perth to know who the Supreme Master Ching Hai is.

A Visit To A Refugee Center

In the far north of western Australia, over one thousand kilometers north of Perth, at a place called Port Hedland, there is a refugee detention center where almost a hundred Au Lac and Chinese asylum seekers are kept. A Quan Yin messenger and several fellow initiates decided to visit this camp.

The first refugees to come to the shaded visitors' area were a young teenage Au Lac girl and an even younger Au Lac boy. Both were shy to talk in the beginning and apparently didn't know what to do with the unexpected visitors. Fellow practitioners gently and lovingly explained what the visit was about. A few minutes later more refugees cautiously came over to the visitors' area. All of them looked young and were very polite. A Mr. Khanh explained that the conditions at the Port Hedland Camp were very good and the officers treated all the refugees with respect; they all lived in air-conditioned quarters, had sufficient food to eat, access to medical care, offered daily English classes, and would go out regularly to the beach with an officer. But as Khanh explained all this good care is little compensation for the one thing that all of them long for, freedom.

The refugees eagerly accepted Master's booklets and magazines - it is very rare for them to receive reading material in the Au Lac language. The bag of new clothing that the fellow practitioners had brought for them was also soon empty.

At first most of them were keen to talk about their personal experiences and also to find out more about Master and Her teachings. Some had heard of Master before, when they were at other camps in southeast Asia. Some explained that this was a particularly anxious time for them, because the Australian Government had just passed new legislation stating that any asylum seeker who was refused refugee status in another country could not apply for refugee status in Australia, and that the legislation would be effective several weeks before it was actually enacted.

But as time passed, there was less and less talking as their attention became engrossed in Master's booklets and magazines. At that moment Master's precious aphorisms appeared to have penetrated the heart of the camp and the souls of the refugees. A peacefulness enveloped the camp and Master's sublime blessing power was as tangible as the refreshing sea breeze that blissfully swayed the trees.

One Au Lac man spoke of his long search for the Truth. He didn't care with what name the Truth was wrapped, he simply wanted to know what the Truth was. Perhaps after reading Master's books and magazines, this sincere man's search would end.

Before leaving, the fellow practitioners promised to send the refugees some of Master's video tapes. The fellow practitioners who live reasonably close to Port Hedland said they would arrange more visits to the camp or to take the refugees out for day trips. Everyone was happy with the outcome of the visit, and delighted that Master's message is reaching more and more people and helping to improve many, many more lives.

Report From Ottawa, Canada

One-Day Retreat & Christmas

Deeply appreciating Master's words, "Group Meditation has great power", and that it greatly benefits fellow initiates spiritually and physically, the Ottawa center, besides having a time slotted for weekly group meditation has also arranged, one weekend per month, as the monthly 'one-day retreat'. At present, each month fellow initiates in Eastern Canada can take part in the one-day retreats, in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston. The local centers take turns each hosting one retreat per month. This way fellow initiates have choices. They can arrange themselves to go to these places for a one-day retreat according to their own convenient after working hours schedule.

At the end of the year, fellow initiate, thinking of those unfortunate compatriots, specially prepared some basic food for children and sent it to one of the local food distribution center for the poor. When we contacted the person in charge, we learned that the amount of food they had, had been very low the few months before Christmas, but their regular food recipients were quite high in number. The food was a timely help for them. They were very grateful to the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations for the donation and later sent a letter of thanks.

Report From Montreal, Canada

Christmas Party

The warmth of Christmas unites people's hearts. On this beautiful night, fellow initiates organized a party at the Vegetarian House. Family and friends of fellow initiates and convenient method practitioners were invited to come. The joyous atmosphere at the party allowed everyone to forget about their worldly problems, as if they were in a paradise filled with love and harmony. People of different races, nationalities and religious backgrounds all came together to share this happy moment.

During this sweet and joyful celebration, fellow initiates didn't forget the many Au Lac brothers and sisters who are still in miserable situations. In order to pay respect to those courageous souls, donations were collected, symbolizing brotherly love and care. Under the brilliant light of Master's holy love, everyone enjoyed an evening filled with love and joy!

Report From San Diego, USA

Opening Ceremony Of The Branch Center

As the San Diego Center was about to be completed, fellow initiates were joyously making preparations for the opening ceremony. Even though recently it had been raining on and off in San Diego, fellow initiates were all very confident that on the opening day the weather would be fine and everything would go smoothly.

As expected, the weather was fine on that day. A few hundred fellow initiates and VIP guests from the local government attended the ceremony. The first event was the opening speech by the coordinator telling the friends at the venue, "Although Master could not personally attend, Her omnipresent love and blessings are constantly protecting all the people throughout the world. If you want to understand Master more, you can experience Her wisdom from Her illuminating talks. You can also realize Master's elegant, perfect and compassionate qualities of God Almighty from Her paintings, music, lamps and designed clothing." He also said, "Master sets a personal example by using the talents developed from spiritual practice in daily life. She also teaches Her disciples to decorate the world with outer and inner beauty, so as to encourage the world to progress more towards truth, kindness and beauty."

Fellow initiates then gave a simple introduction to the Quan Yin Method and the goals and activities of the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations. They then shared the benefits they have gained personally from practicing the Quan Yin Method transmitted by Master, stating that it is the same immediate enlightenment method transmitted by the Zen Patriarch Bodhidharma, which is the most high, the fastest and the safest method. It is also the only method allowing people to be liberated from the cycle of birth and death and to return to Nirvana. Besides spiritual development, this method of practice also brings a positive outlook to the lives of the fellow initiates, thus they can fulfill their duties to the family and society better.

After the simple yet solemn opening ceremony, fellow initiates accompanied the VIP guests and friends to visit the center's book display area and Master's various artistic creations. Lastly the guests were offered a vegetarian meal. A pure vegetarian diet is the best interpretation of people's ideal of world peace. The invited guests received Master's boundless, saintly love, some of whom have already started to practice the Convenient Method.

Looking ahead, the Center will not only follow Master's instructions to show concern to the brothers and sisters who needed help, but also will diligently disclose to the world Master's contributions to world peace and righteousness.

Report From Los Angeles, U.S.A

A Walk-a-thon for the Refugees

A walk-a-thon activity in support of the Au Lac refugees' rights took place at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley, near Los Angeles. The fund raiser to provide legal aid for asylum seekers in Southeast Asia was organized by LAVAS, a Virginia-based nonprofit organization. Donation pledges were also taken to help cover expenses in processing immigration applications to third party countries; because many of the refugees were still stagnating in the camps.

Fellow practitioners from Los Angeles and San Diego, wearing green vests imprinted with the Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Association's logo, took part in the walk-a-thon activity, and many of them pledged donations. Attention also went skyward as a small plane with a streamer announcing the walk-a-thon for the refugees flew overhead and around the densely populated area. Many people driving cars responded to this meaningful activity, but because cars already filled every available parking spot around the park, they could not park their cars to join the walk-a-thon, and could only honk their horns to indicate their solidarity.

The walk-a-thon officially got underway following the final remarks by invited V.I.P. guests. Within minutes, long strings of banner-waving and singing walkers began maneuvering along the marked route in double file; thousands of people completed the route. Within the hearts of the participants was the hope that through this kind of activity, people's concern and concrete help for the Au Lac refugees present would be evoked to help them obtain real freedom as soon as possible.

Christmas Holiday in the Hospital

Before Christmas Day, a group of fellow practitioners from Los Angeles visited the Veteran's Hospital in Loma Linda, in hopes that through their entertainment they could bring a happy atmosphere to every corner of the hospital and thus provide spiritual encouragement and comfort to the suffering patients.

Many folks came to the performance in their wheel chairs. Among them was one man who was sitting on a movable bed. He sat patiently at the back of the hall awaiting the performance. All of the programs were intended to bring joy and a happy atmosphere of God's love to everyone. After the performance, one elderly person was so touched by the warmth and love brought about by the performing team that she said in a broken voice to a fellow practitioner, "You have filled my heart with joy! I burst into tears when I saw your performance!'

As the climax of the visit, fellow initiates distributed gift bags filled with candies and Master's sample booklets and magazines, and gave warm Christmas wishes to people in every room in the hospital. As the fellow practitioners were leaving the hospital, they were given great praise and shown deep appreciation by the hospital staff members, many of whom expressed their sincere wishes for an early return trip by the fellow practitioners. What a wonderful experience full of joy and love that Master allowed the participating initiates to experience while helping the less fortunate, especially during this happy Christmas holiday season!

Report From Atlanta, U.S.A

New Concept For Environmental Protection - Be A Vegetarian To Save The Earth

The initiates took to heart Master's reminding words in Her lecture at the Japan Airport "The Way To Save The World From Doomsday" (see News magazine No.38). They feel that to be a vegetarian is the first step in spiritual elevation, so they contacted the local vegetarian society and made, with their permission, a hundred copies of the videotape "Diet for a New America". The label "supplied by The International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations, Atlanta Center" was attached to the videotapes, which were then supplied, free of charge, to the libraries, vegetarian restaurants and shops selling natural health foods in Atlanta, for public circulation. It is hoped that more people could become aware of the facts of the benefits of being vegetarian for environmental protection.

Near the end of the year, in the cold season, the Center responded to Master's call of a kilogram of rice activity to help relieve Cambodia's disasters. Donations were gathered to offer our warm feelings for our brothers and sisters overseas. As the Christmas heartfelt candles were burning, the initiates love also shone with the candles to light up the Home for the homeless in Atlanta. Fellow initiates generously opened their pockets to donate. Daily necessities and Master's sample booklets, as spiritual food, were given as a means of sharing love and care with them.

Report From Dallas, Texas, U.S.A

Thanksgiving With The Homeless

On Thanksgiving Day this year, fellow initiates of the Dallas Center shared a very special moment with the downtown homeless. Initiates distributed delicious vegetarian box lunches, bags of toiletries, blankets and fresh fruit to these needy brothers and sisters. Even more importantly, the initiates distributed Master's love and kindness through sample booklets and magazines with warm smiles, handshakes and camaraderie.

The initiates worked quickly and efficiently to prepare for the event. One disciple went shopping at a wholesale outlet to buy items at discount prices. Others packed the items neatly. Still others travelled to the downtown area to find the most suitable places to meet the homeless. The night before, fellow initiates stayed at the center working all night to prepare the food for Thanksgiving Day. That morning, after group meditation, the initiates packed everything up in a small caravan of vehicles. Even though the day was cold and gray, warmth and light shone in everyone's hearts.

The homeless joyfully accepted the small gifts of love offered to them. Many were also interested in Master's sample booklet and wanted to learn more about Her teachings. During the time together, many of the initiates listened to the stories the homeless told of how they came to live on the streets. Other initiates went with some of the homeless to see how they lived in boxes in the alleyways. It clearly was a learning experience for all those involved. It's very precious that the love for one another as a family brought everyone into this good friendship.

As the tiny caravan made its way out of the downtown area, the homeless and the initiates sincerely waved goodbye to each other. The eyes of the initiates were brimming with tears. They had learned that no matter how small things might seem to be, they carried a precious meaning of, true love and compassion. The initiates were very grateful to Master for giving them this opportunity to learn and experience so many valuable lessons!

Report From San Francisco, U.S.A

Meal With Love

San Francisco initiates served a delicious hot meal, of vegetarian fried rice, fried noodles and spring rolls, to one thousand veterans and homeless people in San Francisco. The veterans and homeless people were very touched, some of them even cried and said that they had never been served such a delicious meal in their lives.

Fellow initiates worked really hard to cook and serve the veterans and homeless people even though it was raining and most of them got wet. As they worked, inside each of their hearts, they felt that Master was blessing them as well as the food.

They thank Master that each time they work together, they learn how to love others more than themselves and also how to sacrifice for others. This only comes as a result of Master's great blessing.

Report From Florida, U.S.A

Giving Surprises To Friends In Prison

Fellow initiates sent several hundred packages of gifts, with a sample booklet, candies and cookies inside each, to the prison near Orlando. The packages were distributed to the prisoners at lunch hour. The prisoners were very happy when they received the gifts and they joyously wished one another Merry Christmas. Fellow initiates also left behind some of Master's magazines, cassette and video tapes. Many started to read the sample booklets right away and inquired about the local address for correspondence. One instructor in the prison told fellow initiates that he was brought up in a Catholic family and thus was suspicious of religion and started drift away from any religion. Yet after reading Master's sample booklet, not only was he very interested, but also promised to play Master's video tapes for the prisoners.

This group of friends never expected, besides the once a year visit from the Salvation Army, that another organization would care for them. Being very moved they collectively drew a Christmas card and presented it to the fellow initiates. They also called the coordinator the next day to say thank you. Fellow initiates will continue to perform this kind of meaningful activity so as to sow seeds of love and wisdom in every corner of this earth.