Spiritual Interludes

Letting Go

By Resident Initiate Chiang, Hsihu, Formosa

One winter day, I drove Master to Yang Min Mountain, arriving at dusk. As it was cold and foggy on the mountain and there was no hot water, taking a bath was definitely not a pleasant idea. Suddenly, Master called me, "Tong X, you may take your bath now." Therefore, with the determination of braving death, clenching my teeth, concentrating on my wisdom eye, I enjoyed the freezing taste of a cold stream water bath.

To my amazement, as I bathed I felt warmer and began to enjoy it. Having finished the bath, a refreshing, clear and calm current flowed within me. I took a deep breath, inhaling the cool and fresh mountain air. I could vaguely sense the divine bliss. When I returned to Master, She looked at me with a witty and mischievous expression, and then said, "Isn't it cool and refreshing?"

Master blessed me through this incident, teaching me how to let go my habit, how to break through the limitations of the mind. Challenging my own self and conquering my acquired habit was a wonderful experience in realizing the inner almighty power.

The Wonderful Effect Of The Buddhist Chant

By the News Group, Ilan Centre, Formosa

While driving on the way to Hsihu Center for group meditation, a resident fellow sister from the Ilan Centre suddenly asked, "Brothers and sisters, do you always listen to Master's Buddhist chant?" She then spoke of her insights derived from listening to the Buddhist chant. "Besides purifying the atmosphere, it also elevates the spirit for meditation. Previously, whenever I was feeling lazy, I would listen to the Buddhist chant, then I could gather my spirit and meditate very stably. When I was a new monastic disciple, Master often told me to listen to the Buddhist chant each time I was moody. I would soon feel better and my emotions pacified."

This also reminded us that, some fellow practitioners in illness felt their pain much relieved and their soul comforted when listening to Master's Buddhist chant. Also, the best help we can render a deceased relative is playing for them Master's Buddhist chant, which is rich in blessing.

Of course, the greatest benefit is that it reminds us to practice diligently, and strengthens our faith. Many thanks to Master for Her meticulously love and intention, using all kinds of appropriate methods to benefit and take care of fellow practitioners and other people.

Beauty

By Fellow Initiate Hung, Taichung, Formosa
Inspired after attended the banquet in Singapore.

Man's beauty is not from the good looking clothes he wears.

This realization comes only after knowing Master.
There is inner "beauty" which we can also wear.
It is not the clothes which make us beautiful.

When Master said,
"I'll walk around only if all of you dress up more beautifully."
I secretly and shyly stuck out my tongue,
Because
My heart was still not simple and pure enough.
Man is beautiful because he clothes himself
with simplicity and purity.
Or, should we say
True beauty depends not on the clothes or hats worn.

(Editorial remark: This was indeed "an accidental enlightenment". What Master actually meant on that evening was that She would walk around the scene for everyone to see if "She" was dressed more beautifully. However, the author's wrong interpretation led him inadvertently to this enlightenment. So, that was another masterpiece by the mischievous inner Master.)

Index News #43