To receive an award from an enlightened Master is such a special honor in the whole universe. The implications of the awards were also unusual, truly unprecedented. We present here in this issue a summary of this ceremony that is so filled with the glory of humanity. It not only serves as an record for the future, but also as a beautiful example to enhance the world.

During the hunger relief efforts for Cambodia, the Formosan government, namely, the Central Trust of China, the Food Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture played a major role in demonstrating the spirit of helping the needy, which has long been a part of Chinese culture. These government agencies made special exceptions, allowing immediate purchase of large quantities of rice with discount price. While working with the highest efficiency, they throughed out all the problems to allow the grain to be shipped out quickly within two weeks. This helped relief the sufferings of millions of hungry people in Cambodia.

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Chung, the representative from the Central Trust of China, said that when he learned of the emergency to purchase rice for hunger relief, he had a sense of doing it immediately because saving lives is most important. He said that in the past, the export of rice had always been for profit; this time, however, it was totally for disaster relief, thus making it especially meaningful. He said that the entire process was a combination of the love and efforts of many people.

The representative from the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Li, said that he has a very high regard for Master's compassionate actions in saving the world, and that he had come here with a heart filled with humility and gratefulness. He said that he watched Master's videos often and had attended Master's lectures at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall a few times.

When Master presented an artistically carved wooden plaque to Mr. Lin, the representative of the Food Bureau, She said, "Carved on the plaque is a bowl of rice, symbolizing the most important food for human beings. When we are willing to give to others, it shows that we have plenty of love within us. We want to thank your department for helping us help the suffering Cambodians."

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Lin said that the compassionate act of helping our brothers and sisters worldwide, to have food to eat, is what we should all do, and that he felt honored to have been able to participate in this activity. He mentioned that the Food Bureau normally operates through official documents; however, this time, due to the urgent situation, they by passed all the red tape and worked from the telephone calls, they choosing the best quality rice for this shipment.

As Master presented the certificates of appreciation, She said, "We have especially written on the certificates the help you have rendered. Although we should not talk about the compassionate acts that we have done, but because the ones being helped should remember, therefore, we especially wrote them down to express our thankfulness." As a token of expressing Her sincere and deep gratitude, Master presented Her self-designed, lotus shaped Longevity Lamps as gifts.

Besides the group awards, there were individual awards given to Mr. Chen Wen-De of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Lai Zong-Biou from the Central Trust of China, and Mr. Hwang Ching-Ho of the Food Bureau. They eagerly helped and cooperated; their earnest and courageous attitude truly set the best example for all civil servants. When they accepted the awards, they were all very humble, not taking any credit for themselves. They stated that it was only their duty to help. Master's gifts and love were very much appreciated.

Master also presented the Japanese government an award to honor their loving action of giving twenty thousand tons of grain to help relief the hunger in Cambodia, helping Au Lac, being its top aid donor country, (see appendix 1) and for sending Peace troops medical aid, transportation and food, etc. to Rwonda and Tanzania. Ms. Mizuhara, receiving the award on behalf of the Japanese Government, said she had observed that ever since Master taught many Japanese disciples to practice meditation, the atmosphere of the entire country has changed; it has become politically more honest and socially more calm and peaceful. At one time, when Master was staying in Japan, the nation's traffic accident rate was almost zero. Regarding this, she was especially grateful that Master had brought to Japan great blessings, which may or may not be tangible.

The Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., Formosa, generously shipped the relief grain caring little about the profit. The manager of the company, Mr. Chen, truly tried his best to provide service with a loving heart; he truly set an honorable example, something to be remembered by the other overseas shipping companies. He was the recipient of The World's Best Shipping Manager Award. When he heard that the Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her disciples were wholeheartedly involved in this international relief effort, he was very touched. He felt very honored and accepted the opportunity to help with a sincere heart. Master presented him with a diamond shaped Longevity Lamp, representing eternal love, and a plaque carved in a shape of a ship of compassion.

During the 1994 New Year holiday the Thailand Trade and Economic Office in Formosa made an outstanding effort. Despite the year-end holiday, it extended its office hours to allow several hundred fellow initiates and guests to obtain visas to be able to be with Master in Thailand. Such ardent service, spirit of sacrifice, and kind, bright and efficient manner are really worthy of praise and respect. The award given was for The Model Consulate. Master hopes that the world would have more consulates like this, that truly serve the people. In fact, the world should not have boundaries. It would be better if all the nations were like brothers and sisters. We hope someday, consulates will not need to place seals on the document, and that we may visit our neighboring countries at any time.

The secretary of the Thai Foreign Ministry, Mr. Nimitr Ajchariyakitisakool, is sincere, humble, positive, enthusiastic and respectful of spiritual practice, and because of his manner, he has created the international community, a good impression of Thailand. Therefore, he was presented The Best Diplomat In The World Award. Master said, "This secretary of the Foreign Minister is very dedicated to his job. Whenever Master goes to Thailand, he always dispatches police troops as escorts, and personally takes care of the administrative procedures for Master. By dispatching police officers to lead the way, he helps save much precious time for Master. Moreover, Master is not the only one who receives such special service; whenever foreign government officers came to visit, he personally receives them at the airport, regardless of their ranks or positions."

The Okura Hotel in Japan is a model hotel in the international hotel business; its accommodations, the manner of their employees and the cleanliness of their restaurants are all outstanding. Because Master has stayed in many hotels in many countries, She said that this one is truly the best. Most unusual was that every room was equipped with a fax machine. Also they were especially careful in not disturbing the guests; if they needed to notify the guest of something, they would leave a note instead of phoning. Therefore, Master felt very peaceful and comfortable while She stayed there. As well, they did not accept tips from the guests, because they felt it was their duty to serve.

The door attendant at the hotel, Mr. Akiyoshi Hashimoito, left people with an unforgettable impression due to his courteous and meticulously gentle service. Upon Master's arrival and departure, he would always place a special wooden box by Her car for Her to step on as She got in and out of the car, because he was concerned that the jeep had a high step. At that time, he didn't know who Master was. He respects and provides meticulous services to everyone equally.

Master said, "Even though this person has an unprestigious position, he does it exceptionally well. Therefore, he deserves to be commended. Not only great people receive recognition. He was not the hotel manager, but only a doorman. However, when he performed his work, he did so seriously, as if a king were taking care of his country, meaning that he respected his job and was very confident. This made Master really respect him. It is not necessary to work at a great job in order to feel that we are important. As long as we dedicate ourselves one hundred percent in doing any job, then it is correct."

During the presentation of the awards to the outstanding journalists, Master said that being a journalist was a special job, which not only required talents in writing, but also courage. As if being the eyes and ears of the public, journalists not only need to be good in listening and observing, but also in writing. To report faithfully is a journalists' duty and pledge. If they make factual news reports that benefitted the world, they would gain merits, and if their reports were untrue, then they might incur negative karma.

The Most Courageous Journalist Award - Ms. Li Yue-Ning of the Broadcasting Corporation of China, Formosa. Undaunted by difficulties and adverse opinions, Ms. Li produces a program entitled, "The Quan Yin Method", and broadcasts a series of the Supreme Master Ching Hai's lectures. Telling the truth takes courage. Her wisdom and courage is indeed worthy of praise. Ms. Li is about to immigrate. She sincerely hopes that Master will give Her consent to continue to produce and broadcast radio programs on Her behalf in North America.

The Most Compassionate Journalist Award - Mr. Al Santoli, a journalist from Washington D.C., U.S.A. Mr. Santoli bravely reports the afflictions imposed on refugees, seeking fair treatment for them. His humanitarianism practices in arousing the world's conscience, which he sees as his duty, indeed deserve praise and admiration.

Master commended Mr. Santoli's sacrifice of his time and energy, and perhaps risking his own safety, for the sake of helping the refugees. He could not be present that day because he was busy with his engagements, making reports on the refugees and giving them help. He helps the refugees not because they are his fellow compatriots but purely because he wants to help humankind.

Mr. Santoli made an acceptance speech over an overseas phone call. He said that it was his great honor to receive Master's endorsement for his efforts in the pursuit of suitable and humane solutions for the refugees and orphans from Southeast Asia. He sincerely described the direction of his work in helping the refugees. He hoped to be able to meet with Master in Washington, to discuss new plans to assist the refugees.

The Most Enthusiastic Journalist Award -- This honor was shared by Mr. Fang Hua of R.F.P.I. France, and Mr. Jean Claud Carton, General Secretary of the Here & Now Radio Station, France.

Mr. Fang Hua could not come to Formosa due to a problem in his visa application. He humbly said in an overseas phone call that what he did was merely a little bit of work that a person of the news media profession should do, and it was nothing that warranted a commendation.

Being a Chinese afar from home, in a country that speaks a different language, and successful in reporting the truth in the news that influences Europeans' spirituality and moralities, is indeed a great achievement.

The Here & Now Radio Station is a spiritual radio station, held in high regards by the public for spreading the truth and inspiring spiritual development.

The Most Responsible Journalist Award -- Mr. Suprihadi, reporter and editor of the Indonesian Harian Surya News. Unable to obtain a visa to come to Formosa in a short time, Mr. Suprihadi expressed by fax his gratitude to Master and the Meditation Association for awarding him such great honor. He also humbly said that he was merely stating the truth to the Indonesian readers. It was a surprise to him that he was awarded.

The Best Truth Supporting Journalist Award -- Mr. Son Chung-Mu from the Inside the World Magazine, Korea. Having travelled to the U.S.A., Mr. Son could not attend the ceremony. He sent a fax message praising Master for leading Her disciples to give contribution to the world in 1994. He hoped that in the new year there would be even more efforts and activities to protect the world and to help the needy and the suffering. Receiving the award was an encouragement to him to engage in more and better endeavor.

Mr. Hong Chao-Feng, Host of the "Sun, Moon and Star" program, Radio Hong Kong, was presented the Most Faithful Journalist Award. Ms Wei Wu, reporter of the World Daily News, Thailand, was presented the Fastest Reporting Journalist Award. Ms. Chen Bi-Hua, reporter of the Formosan United News received the honor of the Most Outstanding Reporter Award for her down to the point and beautifully written reports, which quickly and accurately voiced justice and the truth.

Ms. Hwang Yueh-Chen from Formosa and Mr. Andrew Nicholls from Singapore were both presented this award for their poems, "Creation" and "God's Perfect Creation". Fellow Initiate Andrew has great talent and an elegant style in writing. He offered another new poem he composed to Master at the event. Master lovingly encouraged, "If fellow initiates practice meditation diligently, so that they progress spiritually and develop their wisdom, then it is the best gift, the best poem."

The warm event was coming to an end. With words of wisdom, Master once again explained that the purpose of this event was to publicize the good people to the world. Through the reports in the news media, videos and cassette tapes, which reach far and wide, there would be wonderful examples for the world to follow, so that it would become even more loving and beautiful.

From this ceremony fellow practitioners appreciated even more Master's deep love and good intentions for Formosa. From launching the "One kilogram of rice saves an entire nation" to the commendation award ceremony, Master created chances to give merits to the government and people of Formosa. In Her speech, Master said, "I am contented with my life, and I don't desire any merit at all. However, to certain nations or races, it would not be useless to have more merits. For example, earthquakes and typhoon often occur in Formosa. If we help other countries more, we can bring forth merits and share with the compatriots who need them. I am very glad to see the personnel from the Formosan government displayed such enthusiasm to help us. Not just because they helped us that we are grateful. We are grateful on behalf of the compatriots in Formosa, happy for Formosa, to have this opportunity to add so much more merit to the country. Of course the country will prosper more, develop further and become better. Helping others is helping oneself. We must not say that having done so is good enough. We can go on, to earn even more merits, to develop the country more, so that our nation, government and race are even more respected internationally."

Good people need to be honoured and praised. They have done numerous good deeds that could not be expressed in an award. Benevolence should be practiced at all times, in our speech, thoughts and actions. This event of profound meaning is the beginning of anther perfect mission that cannot be punctuated by a "period".

Mr. Lin Win-Shown, representing the Food Bureau, Formosa, accepted the award.

Mr. Chung Chen, representing the Central Trust of the Republic of China, Formosa, accepted the award.

Letter of Appreciation from Mr. Tsai Mao-Chang, director of Central Trust of China, Formosa.

The Japanese Interchange Association in Formosa accepted the award on behalf of the Japanese Government.

Mr. Chen Wen-Dieng, representing Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., Formosa, accepted the award.

The Taipei Branch of the Thailand Trade and Economy Office in Formosa was presented of the Model Consulate Award.

Operating Chief, Mr. Nishikawa Noriyuki and Director, Mr. Yamazaki Goro accepted the Model Hotel Award on behalf of the Okura Hotel in Japan. (front left 2,3)

The World's Best Civil Servant Award - Mr. Chen Wen-De of the Department of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Formosa.

The Most Efficient Department Head Award - Mr. Hwang Ching-Ho of the Provincial Food Bureau, Formosa. Mr. Li Tseng-Chung accepted the award on his behalf.

A handwritten letter of appreciation from the director of the Provincial Food Bureau, Formosa, Mr. Hwang Ching-Ho.

Excellent Leadership Award - Mr. Lai Zong-Biou of Central Trust of China, Formosa.

The World's Best Shipping Company Manager Award - Mr. Chen Wen-Dieng of the Hsin Chien Marine Co., Ltd., Formosa.

Concierge of the Year Award - Mr. Akiyoshi Hashimoto, of the Hotel Okura, Japan.

The Most Courageous Journalist Award - Ms. Li Yue-Ning, a program producer and host at the Broadcasting Corporation of China, Formosa.

The Most Faithful Journalist Award - Mr. Hong Chao-Feng, the host of the "Sun, Moon and Star" program, Radio Hong Kong. (right side)

The Most Compassionate Journalist Award - Mr. Al Santoli, a journalist from Washington D.C., U.S.A. (left side)

The Most Enthusiastic Journalist Award - Mr. Fang Hua of R.F.P.I., France. (left side)

The Most Responsible Journalist Award - Mr. Suprihadi, a foreign reporter and editor of the Indonesian Harian Surya News. (right side)

The Best Truth Supporting Jaurnalist Award - Mr. Son Chung-Mu director of the Inside the World Magazine, Korea. (right side)

The Most Enthusiastic Journalist Award - Mr. Jean Claud Carton, General Secretary of the Here and Now Radio Station, France. (left side)

The Poet of the Year Award went to fellow Initiate Hwang Yueh-Chen from Formosa.