A Beautiful Way To Meet Master

By Fellow Initiate Richard, Indiana, U.S.A.
(Originally in English)

Although I have read many of Master's works, seen her numerous times on videotapes, and heard Her voice on tape recordings, the experience of seeing Her in person at the New York S.M. Celestial Fashion Show was truly breathtaking.

I felt a sense of electricity and anticipation as the Show progressed and the gorgeous models presented Master's celestial clothing with inspired grace and beauty. I had only been an initiate for a few weeks at the time of the Show, and felt like a newborn baby among all the older practitioners as they watched in anticipation of a visit by Master.

When She finally appeared after the models had displayed Her glorious creations, the sudden rush of energy from the crowd as people tried to get near the stage area to see Her up close was really overwhelming. I have never felt such spiritual upliftment in the presence of a master, although I have attended many conferences and meetings with teachers and masters from around the world. The power and inspiration that I experienced from the mere sight of Master will never leave me. Her tiny frame seemed larger and more glowing than the tall, beautiful models around Her as She emerged from backstage at the end of the Show.

She projected a unique quality of humility combined with total naturalness and mastery of her surroundings as She spoke to the crowd. This first image of Master in person as She expressed her feelings and humorous impressions will be with me as long as I live. She has a great sense of humor and down-to-earth nature that make me feel at home with Her, as though I've known Her for many lifetimes.

This feeling was carried over into the group meeting for initiates and guests held at the New York Center the day after the Fashion Show. I was lucky enough to sit right near Master in the front row as She spoke; and before She sat down, She walked just a few inches from me as She greeted the crowd. All the while, I felt a warm sense of brotherhood with Master, and identified with Her humorous and friendly style.

Never before in all my years of pursuing spiritual Truth have I met a teacher quite like Her! She is a "Master for the Ages" in the truest sense of the word, and I felt like crying as I saw Her in the flesh for the first time. Even now, as I write this report, I feel moved to tears knowing that I have finally found a master who can lead me to the Truth that I have been seeking all my life. I have tried many paths, but none has been as powerful and spiritually rewarding as practicing the Quan Yin Method. I thank Master from the depths of my soul for introducing Herself to me after a long and seemingly endless quest for the Truth, which began in the Catholic Church and has culminated in the path of a true Buddha, Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Break Through The Habits Of The Mind

By Fellow Initiate Wu, Taipei, Formosa

In the past, I have been truly negligent about courtesy. Master once said in a lecture that sometimes when we see each other, we greet Her as if we do not see Her at all, and this makes Her sad. Since I heard these words of Master, I have kept them in mind... I must greet Master when I see Her as though She is a good friend.

Once, when Master passed us, I was standing nearby. When She turned Her attention toward us, I was happy and very nervous. But when Master looked at me, I "greeted” Her with a blank face, which caused me to grieve. I repented in my mind to Her: "Master, I did not mean to do that; it is only that I forgot again. It's hard to change a habit; please give me another chance."

Recently, when I was working at Hsihu Center, Master suddenly appeared. I instantly put my palms together and nodded my head to greet Her and She responded with a nod. Master is very busy and has to take care of many things. But She does not neglect what other people regard as 'trivial.' In fact, the impact of such 'trivial things' on others is far-reaching.

Formerly, when I saw Master, I struggled in my mind because I felt that I was lousy. I did not know whether I should smile, repent seriously, or sneak away. I really did not know the most appropriate way to respond. This time Master's lesson about such a subtle matter bestowed on me a positive force so that I could break through my ingrained mental habits. I believe that Master's intention is to urge us to make courtesy a way of life so as to add a cooling atmosphere to the world, which is restless with anxiety.