Feature Reports

After a warm reunion dinner with family members on New Year's eve, fellow practitioners proceeded to Hsihu carrying their luggage to join a retreat with Master, which was a most meaningful event to begin the new year. They were extremely delighted to have the blessing of celebrating the Chinese New Year with Master, and rejoice the celebration of the 3rd Anniversary of Ching Hai Day on February 22nd. Though the weather was cold, and there was continuous rainfall, thousands of fellow initiates both local and from abroad meditated in the retreat as calmly and peacefully as usual. They were grateful to God for blessing everyone with this nectar rainfall, which filled them with heavenly bliss.

The first day of the retreat was New Year's Day, and the merciful Master gave everyone a beautiful surprise. The models in the Celestial Clothes show-windows had put on new Celestial Clothing of the latest designs, which brightened and attracted everyone's eyes! The most special items were the fourth series of Celestial Jewelry that Master designed exclusively for children. Exquisitely and cutely styled, the collection included "God's Children," "Little Bodhi," "E.T." and "Maitreya Buddha". They were crafted in gold and inlaid with various gems; the designs were graceful and lovely. Anyone who saw them couldn't help praise them. There were also the "Sun" that symbolizes father, and the "Moon" that stands for mother. Master said that when the children wear them, they are reminded to be filial to their parents. Master noticed the active and vivacious nature of the children, so the fourth series of Celestial Jewelry was sturdily made to prevent them from being damaged when the children are playing. Everyone greatly admired Master's loving consideration.

Spiritual Practitioners Should Not Be Too Stubborn

That evening, Master wore a white dress with a red print, and Her hat was tied with a red scarf under Her chin. The festive look of this uniquely styled outfit enlivened everyone's spirit.

Master told us a story about Jei Zi Tui who lived in the Spring and Autumn Era of ancient China. Jei Zi Tui was meritorious for helping Jin Wen Gong (Prince Wen of Jin State) to get to the throne. However, he abhorred working with the king's corrupted colleagues, so he lived in a hermitage with his mother deep in a mountain, and refused to accept the reward from Jin Wen Gong. To force him to serve in his court, Jin Wen Gong ordered the mountain be set on fire, thinking that Jei Zi Tui, being a filial son, would definitely flee from the mountain fire with his mother. Unexpectedly, he embraced his mother and both were killed in the fire, leaving a most regrettable page in history. To commemorate him, Jin Wen Gong made wooden clogs out of a tree on the mountain, and would say "Zu Xia" (these two words literally mean "under the feet," but is a Chinese way to address someone respectfully) whenever he put on them, to remember Jei Zi Tui.

Master said that the Chinese sometimes worship the wrong heroes. Jei Zi Tui was unreasonably stubborn to reject the reward. Had he accepted the reward, his mother could live a better life. Instead of providing a rich life for his mother, he embraced her to be burnt to death with him. He was indeed unfilial! Besides, Jin Wen Gong resorted to using this trick only because he loved talented people. By burning himself to death, Jei Zi Tui hurt Jin Wen Gong's admiring heart, and made him feel miserable for the rest of his life. Therefore, we cannot say that Jei Zi Tui was loyal to his king and loved his country.

He once fed Jin Wen Gong with his own flesh when his king was in danger, he preferred to live in a hermitage, and he despised wealth and fame -- these were indeed virtues. However, he was most ignorant to sacrifice the lives of his mother and himself due to his obstinacy!

Master advised us that spiritual practitioners should not be too stubborn. Some people often abuse God's name, claiming that everything is arranged by God, even illnesses which need medical treatment by doctors. The truth is, God has also arranged doctors to heal illnesses. Master's words reminded the fellow disciples to be always on the alert on the spiritual path, and to avoid falling into the trap of going to extremes.

Protect The Faith Of The Monastic Practitioners

It drizzled persistently on the second day of the New Year. Master told the guards to direct fellow initiates to find sheltered areas from the chilling rain to meditate in. They split into many groups some went to the underground building in the Rainbow Garden, some to the old meditation hall where Master's publications are displayed, some to Tai Yin meditation hall and others to the empty area near the Celestial Clothes exhibit. Master also gave special instructions to take good care of the aged. Fellow initiates acted very fast and with good cooperation. Master came many times to give us lectures. She was received by thunderous applause when She gracefully appeared at the underground building in the Rainbow Garden, wearing a white coat, white hat and a narrow long turquoise color skirt. Master bombarded the fellow disciples with jokes, elevating their souls amid laughter and humor. During Her discourses that day, Master told us that infinite merit is incurred by encouraging or allowing other people or one's relatives to become monastic practitioners. As Master's mission is very difficult, people who help with Master's work must have great perseverance to continue. Therefore, it is very important to protect the faith of the monastic practitioners, which is everyone's responsibility.

People who work with Master should endeavor to mix with the multitude in order to spread the teachings to them, and help them fit into the life style of the Quan Yin Method. However, it is not easy to find monastic people who will devote unreservedly. Master then read a passage in which the Buddha praised monastic devotion.

Realizing Master's painstaking effort and love in training the monastic disciples, everyone was moved to tears. Master said, "You can meditate with better concentration after being washed by my tears!" To teach sentient beings, Master's silent tears are as vast as the oceans, and are infused into each heart to water the young spiritual plants, to help them grow strong.

Do Things With A Loving Intent

During the 4-Day Retreat, through telling us stories, Master reminded us that spiritual practitioners must be patient. When the time comes, we will know that the words of a saint can protect us, and see us through ordeals. Master hoped that fellow initiates would listen to Her teachings with their wisdom, instead of just imitating Her actions.

It is bad to do things without really benefiting others! For instance, when helping the old folks in the homes for the aged, the destitute families or the homeless, we should render help to them naturally, and not do it just to satisfy our desire to show off. The seniors did not need any make-up, but they were forced to put it on.

The purpose that Master taught us to put on make-up was to protect our family life, and not to emphasize the material. It should be done as natural as wearing a raincoat on rainy days. Should our marriage encounter obstacles, our daily life and spiritual practice would both be affected. We help people in order to give them warmth, and practical aid. Do things with a loving intent, and not to satisfy our ego. Otherwise, instead of earning merit, we will create karma and let the maya of arrogance grow in us.

After the evening meditation session, Master appeared before us in a grayish blue pant outfit. She reminded us that we are only visitors on this planet, and will eventually leave one day. Only when we have realized the ephemerality of the physical body while we are living, then we seek the eternal. The Quan Yin Method -- the secret way to liberation, is unknown to most people. Therefore, we are always living in pain, and need Master to take us back to the eternal abode.

Master humorously imitated the way we doze off when meditating, to illustrate that if all of us can become one and do the same thing, we won't sometimes come up with bad thoughts; all undesirable thoughts will disappear. Hearing Master's words, fellow initiates burst into loud laughter!

The Importance Of Humbleness

Master also told us a story with a profound meaning: Archangel Michael told a person practicing meditation, that he was assigned a great mission to save sentient beings.

The meditation practitioner replied to the angel, "I think you have made a mistake. I have no virtue; I don't deserve this!" The angel then left.

Master said that this angel was manifested by maya (the negative power) to test the spiritual practitioner. Fortunately, this practitioner had no greed for fame or profit.

If we do, we will attract demonic obstacles to us. The Maya King will fake the enlightened Master to mislead the anxious and careless practitioners. He will tempt them, test them, and lead them astray from the spiritual path. The devil will brainwash us and tell us we have attained complete enlightenment. Therefore, humility is very important. We must maintain our pure sincerity to avoid being fooled by any traps. Be humble in actions and in our hearts.

When the Quan Yin practitioners reach a certain level, they will become spiritually very sensitive, and will not be easily deceived by outer things. However, we must still always be careful.

From Her pocket, the lovely Master took out the tiny note book that She always carries, and taught us to be prepared with pen and paper, so we can promptly note down inspirations emerging during meditation.

Master said that when we meditate, answers to our problems will surface; the God within will tell us what to do. If we do not note it down, we may forget very quickly. To help disciples in their practice, Master imparts all Her useful tricks to us.

After the discourse, Master strolled around the venue blessing everyone. Touched by the spirit of the disciples' sincerity to meditate, braving the severe cold, Master said, "I cherish your love very much!"

On the third day's afternoon, while fellow initiates were immersed in a serene meditative ambiance, Master came! Again She fed us the supreme spiritual food. She revealed why the Quan Yin Method is so hard to acquire: it is reserved for people who forsake everything to seek the Truth. There are plenty of spiritual practitioners, but few of them ever find the true spiritual path. Appreciating Master's kind reminder, fellow practitioners treasure their blessings even more.

The retreat would end the next day! The scheduled time to retire to bed had passed, yet fellow initiates were reluctant to go, and insisted Master tell them more stories. When the children wouldn't go to sleep, Mother Master also couldn't rest.

Answering the longing of disciples, She again came down to tell them stories. She put lots of candies in the basket of Her golf cart; the disciples were extremely blessed to be able to sit around Master listening to Her stories, and also enjoying the candies.

Rejoicing In The Ching Hai Day Celebration

On the fourth day of the New Year, the Ashram was even more beautifully decorated to create a warm and festive mood. Beneath the eaves were hung many classical Chinese lamps; on the trees there were attractive floral ornaments and artistic characters to wish everyone a wonderful New Year. At the entrance of the Rainbow Garden, the lovely mice greeted and wished everyone "good luck in the year of the rat". As the retreat ended, guests started to pour in and this made the Ashram more lively. The Ching Hai Day celebration was about to begin!

On February 22, the Third Anniversary Celebration of Ching Hai Day, many guests and VIPs congratulated Master at the Ashram. They included: Mr. Daniel E. Milla and his wife and daughter -- Ambassador of Honduras in R.O.C.; Mr. Lin Xi Hou -- National Congress Representative; Madam Jiang Yu Mei -- wife of the Director of Chang Hang Transportation Company under the Chang Rong Group; Mr. Lin Bing Yiu -- Director of the Youth Entrepreneurs Society; Mr. Rong Zi Hao -- Director of International Life Line; Mr. and Mrs. Wu Bo Bun -- Chief of Keelung Health Bureau; Mr. Ku Mu Xian -- Chief of Hsihu Hsiang in Miaoli; the wife and son of Mr. Zheng Man Qing -- founder of the Zheng Tzu thirteen styles Tai Chi Chuan; Mr. Wang Xia Chang and his wife Madam Zhao Bi Zhu -- President of R.O.C. Enterprises Management Association; Mr. Kao Ji Yuan and his wife -- Executive Director of the Taiwan Ecological Art Foundation; Mr. Liu Wen Chao -- TV host of Zhen Xiang News Network; Mr. Liu Yi Wai -- reporter of China TV; reporter Hsu Su Nan from Zhong Yang Daily News; reporter Hwang Rui Dian from Liberty Times; reporter Li Jia Jing of the English Chinese Economic News Agency; and many others.

The Ambassador of Honduras, Mr. Daniel E. Milla with his wife and daughter, came all the way from Taipei to Hsihu Center joining Supreme Master Ching Hai to celebrate the Third Anniversary of Ching Hai Day and the Chinese New Year. Accompanied by the Courtesy Group, they appreciated Master's works of art including Her paintings, Celestial Clothes, Celestial Jewelry, Longevity Lamps and others. They couldn't help tremendously praising Master's artistic talents.

Joyous music and the noise of firecrackers could be heard everywhere in the Center -- Master was coming down! Escorted by the auspicious dragon, She walked around the venue to wish everyone a happy New Year. Master then gave little stuffs toys that had been decorating Her golf cart to the little and big children.

Resounding in everyone's ears were the words of blessing from the enlightened Master: "An auspicious New Year to every one! Auspicious! Auspicious! I wholeheartedly wish that everyone will be successful and propitious in everything!"

To bring good luck, the green dragon danced in among the crowd as if it was flying in the sky. The celebration program of Ching Hai Day began amid warm applause.

Dressed in exotic costumes, fellow initiates from Singapore presented a traditional Malay dance, bringing joy and auspiciousness to the occasion. Au Lac initiates from the United States sang "Happy New Year" in chorus; their voices were so beautiful, as they sang from the depth of their souls. Everyone was deeply touched. A Spanish Dance by the Formosan initiates was vivaciously performed -- and very romantic. Australian initiates sang a song entitled "Mary's Lullaby" in soprano and bass, in which they piously expressed their gratitude to Master.

In "The Awakened Magicians" by the German initiates, the magicians were fed up with playing with magical power, so God sent them a message about Master. Hence, they read Master's sample booklets happily, and were intoxicated in Her holy love. The lyrics of the accompanying song: "Though separated by a thousand miles, I can still perceive Your graceful image. Though separated by a thousand miles, I can still feel Your divine love caressing me," deeply touched everyone's heart. Finally, the magicians manifested a small banner with the English word "CONGRATULATIONS" on it; even Master was touched and applauded them.

Accompanied by seemingly esoteric and remote music, two Indonesian initiates presented a classical dance. A Korean sister performed a traditional fan dance with superior skill. She wore a bride's costume with a classical white blouse and a loose red skirt. With a huge fan in each hand, she danced beautifully and nimbly, winning thunderous applause.

Peace To The World And Joy To The Universe!

There were many congratulatory telegrams from overseas and within the country. Political personages and friends from many countries, and fellow practitioners from throughout the world all wished Master a happy Ching Hai Day, and thanked Master for bringing a message of peace to the world. Governor Arnie Carlson of Minnesota, U.S.A. and his special aide Mr. James. Franklin also sent congratulatory telegrams. Mrs. Barbara Finch -- Administrative Aid to the Governor of the State of Iowa, U.S.A., expressed in her telegram that she was extremely touched by Master's sincere contribution, and she wholeheartedly thanked Master for helping disaster victims all over the world, and in bringing peace and enlightenment to people. Mr. Morato -- Consultant to the President of the Philippines, and Chairman of the Philippine Sweepstake Charity congratulated Master, and said that he would pray for Master. Mr. Ashok from India, on behalf of the Indian spiritual practitioners, hoped Master would be filled with God's grace on Ching Hai Day, and would have Her dream realized. Among the overseas telegrams was one sent by Mr. Naran -- the Indian Consulate in Indonesia. Those sent within the country included Mr. Xu Shuei-Der -- General Secretary of the Central Committee of Kuomintang in Formosa; Mr. Lin Yang-Gang -- candidate running for Presidency, and he praised that Master's righteous deeds have brought great merit to Formosa and her people which is indeed a blessing to the residents of this island. In her telegram, Legislator Chu Fong-Chi thanked Master for conducting the International 4-Day Retreat to pray for world peace, thus bringing blessings and peace to the whole world and to the two sides of the Formosa Strait. Telegrams from other VIPs included: Mr. Huang Zuen-Chiu -- Advisor, Office of the President; Mr. Wang Jin-Ping -- Deputy Chief of the Legislative Council; Mr. Lin Hong-Zong, Mr. Lin Yuen-Shan, Mr. Wang Zi-Hsiung; and Madam Huang Zao-Shuen.

The happy day was approaching the end, and the rain was still falling. Master said, "In India, rainfall represents God's blessing. In the last few days, God has blessed us a lot!" (There was loud laughter and applause.) "I am grateful to the guests who put aside their work to celebrate this wonderful occasion with us. Let us wish that there will be peace to the world, and joy to the universe!"

At that moment, fireworks soared into the sky; the sound of music and rain cheered up every soul. Fellow initiates and guests alike bathed in the blessings from the enlightened Master and God, and enjoyed a meaningful celebration of the Chinese New Year.

This was the first time to participate in a retreat at Hsihu Center for Mr. and Mrs. Huang Shih-Jang from Bangkok, Thailand. As the car was speeding toward Hsihu, the feeling of "a prodigal son returning home" got stronger by the mile. In Thailand, brother Huang often heard other initiates describing the Hsihu Meditation Center... about how "good" it is. He kept sketching the outline of the Center in his mind while he was on the plane.

The moment he set his feet inside the gate, he felt so natural, free, pure and simple! Fellow initiates were so friendly. Where else are you going to find such a large family like this? This large family may be composed of members of various skin colors, languages and backgrounds; but they all have the same goal -- to follow the greatest living spiritual master, Supreme Master Ching Hai, to be liberated in one life time.

This strong will power melted away the barrier between earthlings of different races and languages. It also melted away the awkward feelings that strangers often encounter. Master's saintly love is so profound, broad and delicate.

The colorful lamps and decorations everywhere in Hsihu brought about the joyous atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. This Chinese immigrant couple from Thailand had not celebrated Chinese New Year for more than 60 years! They treasured this opportunity to celebrate the New Year with Master. They repeatedly expressed their commitment to overcome any obstacles to come back to Hsihu Center for a retreat when there is another opportunity.

It was windy and rainy during the 4-day retreat. Brother Huang felt it must have special meanings. According to Thai custom, when it rains during business dealings, opening grounds for construction, or taking business trips, it is a sign of good luck.

He said that the colder it was, the more he could feel the heat as a result of meditation. He never felt it when he was meditating at home in Thailand. The vibrations from doing Quan Yin especially made him feel good and radiated throughout his body. He finally understood why initiates from all over the world would fly to Hsihu when they hear about a retreat.

Some flew half way around the world, dragging their clumsy luggage without feeling tired. This is also proof of Master's power. Fellow initiates from throughout the world are full of experiences each time. Brother Huang feels that Hsihu is a sacred place, the temple of God. Thank God that Master gives us so much spiritually and materially.

To sister Shiraishi Etsuko there is nothing more meaningful in this lifetime than attending this "Ching Hai Day 4-Day Retreat". She was initiated on the eve of the Lunar New Year and immediately participate in the International 4-day Retreat. Her first experience of a retreat was truly unforgettable.

Sister Shiraishi's Tai Chi Chuan instructors, a couple, happened to be initiates. That's how she got a copy of Master's sample booklet. After reading the booklet, she was eager to know more about Master. Therefore, she came all the way from Japan to Hsihu to be initiated. In Japan, there are many places teaching people about methods of meditation. "Meditation" wasn't foreign to her at all. She had understandings about meditation, but after coming in contact with Master, she believes that the "Quan Yin Method" taught by Master is the true method of spiritual practice.

An enlightened master like Supreme Master Ching Hai, is extremely rare to encounter even in thousands of lifetimes. Deep in her heart, there is a realization that this is not the first lifetime she has been with Master. It seemed that she had known Master in her previous life; but because of her hesitation, she missed the opportunity to be initiated and liberated. This time she is determined to take advantage of the opportunity to reach fruition in order not to waste this lifetime.