Our Gratitude To You!
Dedicated To All Fathers
A father is a big tree in the wilderness, protecting the security and health of the whole family. He is a huge umbrella in a storm, sheltering the family from the wind and rain. As Father's Day approaches, reading true stories by initiates who are fathers, children, and single fathers enables us to understand better our God-given roles, granting us the opportunity in this life to perform as ones who emit loving power.
There is an aphorism in the Buddhist scriptures that says, "When one sees all the sentient beings, it is as if one is seeing one's parents. When one sees one's parents, it is as if one is seeing all the sentient beings." Master has also said that, before descending into this world, we, our relatives, and friends, all pledged to pursue spiritual practice together. But they have forgotten their promise! Toward these sentient beings who are close to us, we should be more patient and caring.
On the special occasion of Father's Day, let us present these moving stories to all the great fathers, particularly the Supreme Matriarch of our Quan Yin family. Happy holiday, Master!
Maturing With The Buddha's Children
Recorded by Fellow Initiate Zheng, Taipei, Formosa
It is not exaggerating to say that brother Wu is bringing up children for the Buddha! Brother Wu and his wife sister Yang were early initiated disciples. Bit by bit, the stories about their children and Master have accumulated enormously over the years. He still remembers clearly an incident that happened long ago when Master was constantly travelling all over Formosa giving lectures to spread the Truth.
It was raining one Sunday, the day of the large group meditation. Both brother Wu and sister Yang wanted to have a good meditation at the Center, so they decided not to bring their children along, although their children also wished to see Master. At the meal break, Master appeared to see everyone present. She noticed that brother Wu had not brought his children, so She said, "Of course you adults want to see Master, but the children love to see Master too. Don't come to see me again if you do not bring your children along." Hearing these words, brother Wu immediately put down the stainless steel cup that he was holding, and raced back home to fetch the children. He drove speedily all the way, and kept repenting to Master for having neglected his children's feelings and longings. Master's discourse at the main hall had concluded. As there was a lecture in Hualien that evening, time was running out. However, after telling the Quan Yin messengers to depart for Hualien, Master still lingered in the main hall, slowly strolling around, as if waiting for something. Brother Wu and his children eventually arrived at the Center just as Master was coming out of the main hall. She was very delighted to see the children, and specially shared a piece of candy with him. Yes, the children belong to Master -- the Buddha's children; the parents only take care of them and serve them temporarily for the Buddha. This incident gave brother Wu and sister Yang the best lesson in parenting. Actually, teaching the children is teaching the parents themselves. Brother Wu commented, "Just as Master has said, children are very pure, and are like mirrors. Very often, their behavior is initiated by imitating their parents. Now, whenever certain situations arise, I will first stop to review my actions and their influence, engaging in self-examination. The fact is, parents continually educate themselves through the process of teaching their children." "When teaching their children, parents are often affected by past experiences and interactions with their own parents during childhood. Sometimes, we even unintentionally repeat the teaching styles of our parents, regardless of whether they are good or bad. This is the habit or karma pointed out by Master." With the help of the Quan Yin Method, brother Wu has deeply realized the importance of breaking through old habits and of accomplishing the role of a father. Besides spiritual practice, children still need the companionship of other children their own age. Brother Wu does not restrain his sons from participating in social activities. For instance, he said the following about his sons' visits to classmates' homes: "I call the parents beforehand, and tell them that our kids are vegetarian, and if it's convenient, the parents are always willing to prepare some veggie food, or I myself prepare some food for them to share with everyone there." |
As children start going to school, they are inevitably influenced by schoolmates or the outside world. For example, they may ask to buy unwholesome comic books. To handle such a problem, brother Wu will first communicate with his children. Basically, he respects the children's decisions. However, when necessary, he will read with the children, give them explanations, and help them learn to judge by themselves. Brother Wu has said, "It is similar to cases when Master accompanied us to see movies, and explained the stories to us. Besides, children practicing spirituality are broader in mind, happier, and more at ease. Therefore, it is much easier for parents to communicate with them." After practicing spiritually, brother Wu has realized the wisdom necessary for role-playing; in various situations, he needs to play different roles; as a result, he seems very neutral. In front of his children, he alternately plays the role of either dad or mom, according to the needs of the occasion. Similarly, in dealing with the husband and wife relationship, he sometimes plays husband, and sometimes wife. He and his wife respect and show consideration for each other. Brother Wu said that they tacitly share the family responsibilities, such as housework, and child raising. He also frequently wears an apron and uses cooking utensils, happily playing the role of househusband. The Wus are veteran workers in the field of education. Observing the tremendous number of problems affecting youth today, brother Wu believes that they are mainly due to the immaturity of parents. Unable to release their own mental pressure, they project it onto their children; on the other hand, they may not have enough love, or not know how to properly express their love and concern for their children. Sometimes, parents may even impose too many expectations and demands on their children, due to their own desire for fame and wealth. Thus, naturally, problems will arise. Truly, if we do everything while relying on our insignificant human love, the role of father and husband is really a heavy burden. However, with the help of the love of Master--the Omnipotent Father, it is an easy job for brother Wu to fulfill his duty as a householder, who 'matures with the Buddha's children.' |
Master's Love
Surpasses A Father's Thousand Words
I remember that after I was first initiated into the Quan Yin Method, I could not wait to convey Master's teachings to my children. Although I often used to remind them to read Master's books and watch Her videotapes, things turned out to be the opposite of what I had expected.
Now, six months after initiation, I feel that I have changed. I no longer have the attitude of one who is trying to save sentient beings. I have come to learn that Master's teachings about self-cultivation, the maintenance of family harmony, the management of state affairs, and the pacification of the universe all mean giving naturally through a silent transforming influence. Meanwhile I now understand Master's saying, "Do not try to save people with your ego."
My oldest daughter has begun to have her own views on religion, preferring Christianity. When she first stated her religious inclination, I supported her instantly and provided her with pertinent books and information; although before initiation, Christianity was one of the religions that I had rejected most vehemently. After initiation, besides being moved and persuaded by Master's loving power, I also began to feel distinctly the love of Jesus Christ. Now I respect and honor Christianity, Buddhism, and other religions such as Islam. Even a stubborn person like myself was, thus, naturally transformed!
In addition, my children have stopped thinking of their father as having an adverse attitude towards religion, because I am now able to point out the good aspects and essence of any religion. Master has enabled me to understand that all beings are one. We should turn inside to search for our true Master, instead of worshipping external forms and idols.
I believe that as long as we meditate and observe the precepts, we function as tools for Master; and the resulting positive atmosphere and vibration will naturally affect our children in beneficial ways. Especially, I feel in my heart that the greatest love of all is the love of Master, the love of God. This love, which comes from the ultimate source of life is more powerful than a thousand of my own words as a father.
Practice Happily As A Father
With A Mother's Duty
There is a brother from Tainan. Whenever you see him, he always has a smiling face. He diligently goes to group meditation and participates in work for the Centers; one can often see him driving his van, together with fellow practitioners and his children, and joining the provincial group meditations held in Laiyi Center, Shin-Hwa Center and Taipei Sun-Yeh-Shen Memorial Hall. Normally during group meditation in the local Center, his children all meditate in the children's room, and do their homework. This brother and loving volunteer initiates mothers to take turns looking after all of the children of the fellow practitioners, so that those who have kids can meditate in the hall with peace of mind.
When he was asked about how he teaches his children, he answered, "I try my best to let my children be free, not to bind them. Strangely enough, since they have been initiated, whenever they do something wrong outside of home, I always know. So I tell them, 'Whatever wrong things you do, Master will know, and I will know too, so you should not do any bad things from now on.' The kids thus have really become more careful. Sometimes, in the past when they were very naughty, I used to beat or scold them. Once, I punished them strictly and beat them. Later at a group meditation, Master told us that we should not teach children by beating or scolding them, but with love. Since then, I seldom punish them like that any more." "After initiation, the kids are much easier to communicate with. They have been behaving themselves since initiation. And when I do not teach them in a proper way, the inner Master immediately guides me, and meanwhile helps me to meet the demands of life." With the guidance of both the inner and outer Master as super 'counselor' of his children's education, he stated his views on practicing on this path as both a father and mother. He smiled happily and said, "So far so good! I feel so at ease without any pressure. On matters of practice, as a father, I must be a good model for my children, so as to help them walk on this path. That's why I try my best to take the children with me to group meditation."
To help his children be independent and not rely on others, this brother gets up very early each morning, makes breakfast, and lets the children take care of the rest on their own. Then they walk to school by themselves. The brother said, "Now my children are used to getting up early. They don't depend on me to transport them to and from school, so I can save this time for meditation."
"Seeing that my children have been able to easily switch to a vegetarian diet, I have realized that the reason we reincarnate again and again is that our minds and habits bind us. It's impossible to break through the mind's control without spiritual practice. After beginning to follow a vegetarian diet, the more I meditate the fewer desires I have. I also feel more relaxed." He said that before practicing the Quan Yin Method, he used to care about material things very much; but since being initiated, he has Master inside, and his spiritual level is elevated. He has ceased to rely on material things; God is the only one on whom he can rely .
Through his practice, he has changed a great deal, both internally and externally. Since first stepping on the great path of the 'Quan Yin Method,' his life has become more substantial and meaningful, he is more helpful to others, and he has been able to play the role of a single father more easily.
The Change In My Father
My father works in the insurance business. A few days ago a client asked that he visit his house to explain for a second time the details of an insurance policy. Without saying anything, father immediately finished typing the policy and delivered it. Unexpectedly, the client again misunderstood the contents of the policy and fiercely scolded my father. My father did not know what had happened, but recited the holy names silently and apologized with a smile, promising to check for mistakes in the policy. All this made the client feel embarrassed.
This incident has shown our family how father really changed after initiation, with respect to his temper and way of speaking. As his immediate family members who live with him on a daily basis, we may not notice very clearly this change. However, as Master once said, a mother who holds her child every day may not know the child is gaining weight; only a long time later will she suddenly discover that the child has already grown up.
We initiates are the same as children, who grow stronger each day, changing bit by bit here and there, visibly and invisibly. If, after initiation, you look back at your old self, you may be surprised by the transformation in yourself!
A 'New' Father
Compiled by Fellow Initiate Zheng, Hong Kong
"Do the right thing at the right time. In this way you will not deprive yourself of the opportunity to be with your children. If you can always make your children feel they are in paradise and play with them on very intimate terms, they will respect you and want to become closer; they will say, 'I love you, Dad. Can you play with me?'" This is what brother Lo had to say about being a good father.
Before his initiation, however, brother Lo possessed the traditional practical attitude of Hong Kong people, and only cared about making money. So, he seldom interacted with his lovely twin daughters, let alone play with them. Thus when they saw him, they looked like frightened mice seeing a cat. But after brother Lo began his spiritual cultivation, he changed his former habits by spending time and becoming one with them. Because he became more peaceful and free from worry, he was able to think about things from a child's perspective, and learned to be considerate and loving toward them. He put himself in the role of a child to get close to them, played joyfully with them and made them happy. Gradually, the children found that their father had become very lovely, and said, "We love Daddy very much because Daddy loves us."
Now, when brother Lo returns from his office, his sweethearts are always waiting for him with enthusiasm and respect. They do not even want to go to bed until he is back home.
Another result of brother Lo's spiritual practice is his acquisition of superb cooking skills. Before he did not even know how to cook, but now he has a knack for producing delicious dishes from scratch. Because of this, even his wife, who eats meat, asks him to cook for her and has gradually become interested in a vegetarian diet.
"Thy touch can turn any stone into gold, can turn all devils into gods and goddesses."* For brother Lo's twin girls, Master has no doubt changed their respectful but distant father into a darling "new" father.
*From 'Silent Tears', by Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Father And Children
Fellow Practitioners
Recorded by the Kaohsiung & Pingtung News Group, Formosa
Before initiation, I always hoped to try my best to help my children establish a better future. Inevitably, I expected a lot based on my own thoughts. Therefore, when an outcome did not match my ideals, my emotions surged accordingly and I used to live in agony.
After initiation, my desires for fame and wealth faded away naturally, and I began to live in an easy-going way. Whether it be wealth, health, or children, etc., I leave everything to God. I can now put down, with a peaceful mind, the heavy burden that I used to think was mine. As my children were initiated by Master before me, our relationship was changed from 'father and children' to 'fellow practitioners,' and we now respect each other. We are currently living in greater harmony than when there was only one-way 'respect' and 'authority.'
I am very grateful to Master for imparting the Quan Yin Method to me, and helping me to understand all these things!
My Contented,
Happy Old Father
My father is beyond the acceptable age for initiation into the Quan Yin Method. Although he could not be initiated, he said that he will still commit himself to a vegetarian diet and also practice the Convenient Method for life. He is very grateful to Master for granting him this opportunity to practice.
Master has responded to my father's sincerity and faith in Her by showing loving care for him. Whenever he goes to Hsihu Center for meditation, merciful Master walks around the entire grounds after the discourse to bless everyone there; each time She gives an abundance of love and blessing to my father -- sometimes a smile, sometimes an extra look, and sometimes a kind greeting -- to bestow on him spiritual plenty. As a result, his spiritual practice has progressed.
We take this opportunity to say, "Thank You, Master!"
Children's Father's Day Gift
I work in the profession of civil engineering. My life-style used to be heavily loaded with bad habits and social activities, and I was terribly addicted to smoking and drinking. I often came home extremely drunk, and distressed my family with the unbearable smell of alcohol and nicotine on my breath. This terrible atmosphere separated me further and further from my children, but I was oblivious to their silent protests.
After receiving initiation by Master, I determined to quit all of my bad habits. From then on my children gradually accepted me, and our relationship became more loving and harmonious. That feeling was really wonderful.
Shortly afterwards, my children were also initiated. Our whole family grew stronger together through following Master's teachings. I quit all of my bad habits except smoking, because of my addiction of over twenty years. Each time I wanted to smoke, I would make up some excuses or reasons to do so, compromise with the habit out of ignorance, and wantonly put Master to one side. Although Her manifestation body had granted me special blessing in my dreams, my willpower was quite feeble; thus I still could not free myself from my addiction! As I could not quit smoking after initiation, my children were very disappointed and upset with me.
Many times they talked to me, crying, "People ask us whether our father is still smoking? Spiritual practitioners should not smoke. We are lying if we deny, and if we say "Yes," the family will lose face. How are we supposed to answer them?" Gradually, the children lost faith in me.
Just before Father's Day last year, I finally resolved to get rid of this frustrating affliction, and vowed to quit! And triumph I did! For over a year, I have successfully endured a bitter struggle each time my smoking itch recurred. It was all due to Master's divine love, which gave me faith and courage, so that I could face my children with dignity and persist in my resolution. After all, quitting smoking was the only thing that they expected of me. Fortunately, I did not let them down; as their father this success brought me the greatest delight. Furthermore, my health has improved, and I no longer need to hide my inferiority and shame over being dishonest when I face fellow initiates.
When I first followed Master, my intention was very pure, only focusing on spiritual practice. Nevertheless, it ends up that Master takes meticulous care of all aspects of my life. Her Grace extends to my business, my family, and even my employees. On the eve of Father's Day, again I thank Master for Her boundless love, and for blessing me with such merit and favorable conditions for carrying on with my spiritual practice.