Special Reports

As the Chinese New Year is approaching,
each household is decorating their home anew,
having family reunions around
the hearth, and relishing the joy.
Supreme Master Ching Hai remembers
and is concerned about the poor, the sick,
the aged, the helpless and the homeless people;
and worries whether they have
sufficient clothes and food. Therefore,
She especially instructed fellow practitioners
throughout the world to prepare
New Year's gifts and to visit the refugee camps,
old folks homes, orphanages and
underprivileged in their communities. With
Master's generous financial assistance and
Her boundless love, the objective is to convey
warmth to these brothers and sisters during
the New Year Festival.
Supporting Master's appeal of love,
fellow practitioners put their
compassion into action,
and realized that the whole world is one family
and that all beings are one.
(Continued from last issue)

Report From Hong Kong

New Year's Presents For The Refugees

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Fong Ho-Der, Hong Kong

Master, who has always cared for and loved the Au Lac refugees, instructed the Hong Kong disciples to bring New Year's gifts to the asylum seekers in the local refugee camps, as in previous years, to share the holiday joy with them. For this purpose, Master sent money to purchase the needed items.

We obtained permission from the High Island Refugee Camp to give presents to all of its residents. Fellow practitioners had already collected all the gifts which had been ordered earlier and delivered to the Wangjiao Center. After group meditation, fellow initiates formed groups to divide various candies into small bags, and pack other gifts (including a colorful towel, a container of biscuits and a can of tea) into individual packages, and put them into paper boxes.

Listening to Master's songs, the disciples forgot about their fatigue and worked diligently; in just a few hours they finished packing all the gifts, which altogether weighed three tons. Many new initiates who participated in the work were very happy and devoted. The gifts we loaded into a vehicle and driven to the distant High Island Camp at night. There everyone waited for the next day's visit.

When the gifts were distributed, each asylum seeker obtained an individual package. Everyone was very happy; the children all smiled widely upon seeing whole bags of candies; and the adults' most favorite item was tea. Moreover, everyone was very grateful to Master for offering towels to them each year. Whenever they picked up their towels throughout the year, they could feel Supreme Master Ching Hai's love and mercy. After the gifts were distributed, the atmosphere in the Camp became very peaceful and harmonious.

A receipt from High Island Detention Center.

Report From Tainan, Formosa

The Warm Stream Of Love

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Huang Yei-Nan, Tainan, Formosa

Master's love is like a warm stream in a cold winter, warming impoverished families. During the period before the new year, under Her loving instruction, some needy families were visited.

One old lady was in her seventies. She lived on the vegetable leaves that were discarded in the vegetable market. After we conveyed Master's love to her, she said that she owed society too much and would rather earn her own living than be a burden to others. However, Master's sincere love moved her so much that she accepted a small package of crackers, the News magazines and a sample booklet. According to the neighbors, this old lady usually did not accept relief offerings and refused to be listed by the government as a welfare recipient. But this time, she felt Master's selfless love; thus willingly accepted the crackers and developed an affinity with Her.

In another case, a father and daughter depended on each other in order to survive. The father was old and in poor health, so he could only do odd jobs to support them. In order to help, his daughter, a high school student, was about to quit school to find a job. Gifts and Master's best wishes for a prosperous New Year were offered. The girl was very happy and kept asking why Master had chosen her family from among the many. We explained: "Because you have an affinity with our Master, She not only wishes you a Happy New Year, but also sends you a New Year's gift." Upon hearing that she had an affinity with Master, the girl delightfully accepted the gift and kept reading the News magazines. She was surprised at how lucky she was to encounter such a beautiful Master. A girl from next door came over and also liked Master very much. She kept asking, "If I practice the Quan Yin Method, will I be as pretty as She is?"

A young gentleman by the name of Wang, who lived with his mentally handicapped mother, had just lost his father. They were not only given material help, but the young man was also counselled that the best way to fulfill his filial duty was to meet a living master and practice the method of liberation. Such practice would benefit his family, friends and relatives. Master's timely love caused Mr. Wang to feel very grateful, and at his father's funeral he played Master's Buddha Chanting cassette tape to let Master bless his father's soul.

When a white haired lady in her nineties heard that Master wished her a happy New Year, her tears fell on Master's picture of the News magazine she was holding. We taught her how to recite Master's holy name, and told her that Master would take care of her. This moved her to tears even more.

In this activity following Master's directive to visit and comfort the poor, we found that besides material help, poor people need more love, care and spiritual support. We learned a great deal through this activity!

Report From Taichung, Formosa

Comforting The Poor And Approaching The Truth

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Tsai Ju-Luen, Taichung, Formosa

Before the Lunar New Year, fellow initiates paid an advanced visit to the poor families in the Taichung area, and corresponding to their poverty level, gave them loving care and assistance.

The local government already has a budget that provides material relief for the poor. But spiritually, only true loving care can comfort their souls. Initiates took the opportunity during their second visit to these impoverished families, to bring with them gifts filled with Master's love and sincere concern, such as foods and other daily necessities. These activities brought heartwarming feelings to the poor families.

Through the visit, I found with surprise that some families live in poverty with ease. Thus the words of the folk adage, "Live in poverty with ease and enjoy approaching the Truth," became more meaningful. These people's minds are not as chaotic as those of ordinary people. They are calmer and closer to the Truth. Master uses this means to teach us another lesson. I also reminded myself to bring audio tapes to those old people with poor eyesight, so they can enjoy Master's marvelous voice and spiritual teachings.

Report From Nantou, Formosa

Being Grateful And Cherishing Blessings

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Lin Shen-Hung, Nantou, Formosa

Since Master advocated the activity of 'sending warm feelings to needy people in the cold winter,' the Nantou Center carried out this activity. With certain groups taking care of certain areas, each of the fellow initiates had a chance to participate. In the process of investigating who needed help, and what would fulfill their needs, fellow initiates learned a lesson of true love and concern for those in need. Before the second phase of visiting activities, fellow initiates carefully bought, packaged and labeled specific items needed by each family, hoping to give them a warm surprise in the cold winter.

During the charity visits, fellow initiates learned about the firm and indomitable vitality of these old people, who led a poor but very dignified life by gleaning and collecting scraps, or tilling land. They were deeply touched by our charity visits and expressed their great appreciation. Master's love made them laugh and regain their long lost sense of happiness.

Through this activity, fellow initiates from the Nantou Center experienced breakthroughs in all aspects of their lives, and learned a finer and broader lesson about love than they had ever learned before. They became more understanding and appreciative, and cherished their good fortune. We are extremely lucky to have met a living Master who can teach us the Quan Yin Method! Now, we disciples should encourage each other, make the best use of our limited lifetimes, and practice more diligently.

Report From Changhua, Formosa

Each Day Is A Miracle

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Wei Bi-Zung, Changhua, Formsoa Even when we are warm, have enough food, and are in times of joy, Master never forgets the suffering and destitute people.

Upon receiving the directive to "Convey Warmth In The Cold Winter," Changhua Center fellow practitioners immediately went into action investigating, purchasing, and liaising with the appropriate people. The Neighborhood Chief enthusiastically provided us with a name list, and even led us to visit the destitute households.

Carrying along gifts and the Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines, fellow practitioners conveyed Master's divine love and teachings to these friends in distress. Hearing the fellow practitioners' stories of their gratitude towards Master, bliss and light began to shine from those originally dim and sad looking faces.

A disabled old man happily said that several years ago, he attended Master's lecture in Changhua. He never imagined that at this most distressful moment of his life, Master's boundless love and blessing would grace him and give him so much joy.

This loving visit, apart from sharing Master's holy love with more people, was also a good chance for fellow practitioners to learn some lessons. Master once said, "After initiation, each day is a miracle." Observing these unfortunate beings suffering from illnesses and adversity, in contrast to our peaceful, happy and blissful lives after the initiation, we must praise that this is the greatest miracle, and also the best experience.

Report From Chiayi, Formosa

A Year End Party At The Old Folks Home

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Su Mei-Chen, Chiayi, Formosa

To carry on with the "convey warmth in the cold winter" activities, fellow practitioners from Chiayi delightfully visited the Ji Mei Benevolent Home, to hold a warm and lively Year End Party for the old folks there. Fellow practitioners who were assigned to perform were grateful to Master for giving them this opportunity to spread love to those in need.

The Year End Party began with a chorus singing "Green Mountain High". The little initiates all dressed-up enhanced the festive mood of the occasion. Their cute and lively actions and innocent expressions amused the old folks so much that they continuously took photos of them. These little angels injected a new childish heart into the seniors, which made them laugh heartily.

At appropriate moments, the host would recite some of Supreme Master Ching Hai's aphorisms, or repeat some jokes told by Her. In a lighthearted and joyful way, Master's words of wisdom were infused into the hearts of the old folks.

Reporters from the Ju Lo Mountain in Chiayi also came to cover the event, and the footage was broadcasted that evening. The reporter Jiang Hua-Ting expressed that, she had read Master's News magazines and watched Her videos. Greatly impressed by, and in agreed with she easily understood and accepted Master's teachings. She thought that it was very valuable for such a good spiritual group to mingle with all walks of life, thus allowing more people to understand Master's "simple but profound" teachings.

Superintendent Yan of the Ji Mei Benevolent Home was very grateful to the fellow practitioners for finding time to entertain the seniors. He said that it was the most lively and splendid occasion, and he sincerely hoped that our group would visit them more often.

After the gathering, fellow practitioners distributed to each senior Master's magazines and some snacks. Watching the old folks leave with contentment and bright smiles on their faces, fellow practitioners deeply realized that the Quan Yin Method is truly the greatest method! It is a method that "benefits others and ourselves," and that opens our wisdom and our latent talents. So true are Master's words: "The more we contribute, the faster we will progress." Apart from being a great spiritual Master, Supreme Master Ching Hai is also an educator and artist of life.

Stepping out of the Home, the wind was chilly, yet our hearts were warm.

<Attachment> Zhung Hwa Daily News, Formosa February 15, 1996 Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Conveys Warmth In The Cold Winter, And Entertains The Old Folks Of The Benevolent Home With Songs And Dances [Su Ta An reporting from Chiayi] Yesterday (Feb. 14) at around eight o'clock in the morning, about thirty members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association -- Chiayi Center, led by their contact person, went to the Benevolent Home of the Ji Mei Society in Chiayi. With songs, dances, comic cross talks, and stories, they entertained and also presented New Year's gifts to the seniors who seldom have contact with the outside world. A warm atmosphere pervaded the venue during this "convey warmth in the cold winter" activity held by the Association. Yesterday's activity was the first time that this group has comforted the old folks in the Ji Mei Society. According to the members of the Association, they will give more concern and care to the seniors in the future. While the program was being performed, the old folks also enthusiastically joined the performance on the stage. Everyone had fun together, and forgot their usually not so interesting and routine lives. Some members of the Association exerted their best efforts in yesterday's performance, because they wanted to entertain the over a hundred seniors in the Home. Some of them told stories in a cheerful way, some gained laughter with their funny cross talk. To return the courtesy of the guests, the home also arranged some performances on the stage. The whole venue was filled with a heartwarming atmosphere.

Report From Taitung, Formosa

To Love Others Is To Love Ourselves

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Shi Fu-Yin, Taitung, Formosa

The atmosphere of the Chinese New Year is getting intense, and the weather in winter is ever changing. The merciful and loving Master, sympathetic with the situation of the destitute families, instructed all local Centers to carry out a winter relief activity. She also encouraged fellow initiates to join in.

Filled with spiritual bliss, the fellow initiates of Taitung Center set off in high spirits in a car fully loaded with relief materials and money blessed with Master's love and mercy. Their cordial and meticulous concern warmed the hearts of the lonely and helpless old folks; they also gave spiritual support and consolation to orphans, widows or those who have had family mishaps. Each time they bid farewell to each other, both parties were filled with gratitude, and tears of emotion were often seen.

We are grateful to Master for letting us develop our love through participating in this charitable activity; we also realistically experienced "greater happiness in giving than in receiving". On the return journey, fellow practitioners exchanged insights, and deeply reflected on Master words: "To love others is to love ourselves."

A heartwarming scene of "parents" and "children" - Taipei fellow practitioners feeding elderly people at a rehabilitation home for the elderly.

Report From Ilan, Formosa

A Lesson Of Love

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Chen Mei-Lan, Ilan, Formosa

At the end of a group meditation session at the Ilan Center, the contact person announced Master's instruction: Ilan disciples should go to visit elderly widowers and widows. On that day disciples gathered together at a specific time. With gifts, wool blankets, canned food and red envelopes filled with lucky New Year's money, as well as a list of elderly people to be visited, they started their engine in a light rain. A tape player was also turned on, and Master's voice filled the air, saying, "These are all lessons for us to learn!" The disciples knowingly smiled to each other. We were confident that with Master's arrangement this unknown mission would grant us an opportunity to apply our inner wisdom to practical ends.

Leaving the city, our vehicle entered a network of crisscrossed and winding country roads. Upon entering Daochen we encountered the first elderly person we planned to visit. After we had greeted him and explained our intentions, the old gentleman smiled brightly and accepted our gift, which was filled with Master's merciful love. Being curious and friendly, one after another, the neighbors and friends of the old gentleman inquired about Master and requested News magazines from us.

Another elderly man Mr. Lee, was in his eighties and blind in both eyes. He had a habit of listening to a Buddhist chanting and scripture reciting program on a local radio station. Upon realizing the purpose of our visit, his heart was deeply touched by Master's love and solicitude, and his face brightened and was brimming with happiness.

During our mission, which lasted several days, the vivid images of these elderly people made a deep impression on the disciples. Having witnessed the inevitable natural life processes of aging, becoming frail, and illness, we were reminded again that we should treasure every minute of life and practice diligently. Thanks to Master's loving arrangement, this mission strengthened our determination to practice. From now on, the journey of Truth seeking will be more fruitful!

Reporter From Ilan, Formosa

Bright Light On A Cold Night

By Supreme Master Magazine Reporter Yo Tai-Xin, Ilan, Formsoa

On winter evenings, Master frequently thinks about the homeless. So She instructed us to take care of and show concern for them. Some sister disciples from Ilan bought sleeping bags and food, and prepared "red envelopes" with lucky New Year's money and Master's News magazines; then got ready to visit the homeless.

One night, after they met together, broth ers and sisters began looking everywhere for homeless people while struggling against a chilling wind. But the homeless were not in their usual hiding places such as the railroad and bus stations. They were forced by severe weather to find warmer places. Just as they were wondering where to find these homeless people, a brother found one in a public lavatory. Thus, the first gift of the night was handed out.

It was extremely quiet on this chilly night. Most of the town's residents were already asleep and dreaming in their warm beds. However, those without homes were curled up, hiding under small overhanging shelters struggling to survive in the cold weather. Only Master's meticulous love could warm their bodies and nurture their souls. The initiates distributed gifts and necessities to each street person they could find - their eyes still foggy with sleep. Being in the twilight state, they thought it was another beautiful dream. How on Earth could anyone still remember them? Only a living enlightened Master would send them warmth and comfort their lonely souls!

The whole downtown area was searched, and all the gift they had brought were distributed. The night sky in Ilan was brightened because of Master's boundless, selfless love.