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Heartwarming Rendezvous Between King Sihanouk And Supreme Master Ching Hai

Upon the earnest invitation of the King of Cambodia, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Varman, Master returned to the Lotus Kingdom once again. On the day that Master returned, a rain of nectar graced the drought-inflicted Cambodia. Lotuses were blooming in abundance in the ponds. Watching the rare sight, joyful smiles appeared on the faces of the Cambodian people. Most likely their souls were also elated by the return of the living enlightened Master.

When Master arrived at the palace, H. M. the King was already at the entrance to greet Her. He cordially shook hands with each member of Master's retinue, and requested to have a picture taken with Master. Suddenly, all the reporters rushed forward, jostling one another to capture this precious historical moment. Dressed in a golden yellow Au Lac traditional costume, Master looked most noble and magnificent. People in the palace couldn't refrain from asking each other, "Is She a queen or a member of the royal family?"

During Her visit, Master presented a gift to H. M. the King for the Queen, Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, an elegant Celestial gown designed by Herself. King Sihanouk eagerly opened the box to appreciate its splendor. He greatly admired Master's talent in designing and praised Her for preserving the beautiful tradition of glorifying God. H. M. the King commented that Cambodia has also been doing the same, so they both have the same ideal. (Prior to the visit with the King and Queen, Master sent a disciple to bring gifts to them -- Her self-designed Celestial Jewelry and a Longevity Lamp. In response, the King sent Master a thank you letter. Please refer to appendix 1.) Then, he sincerely presented Master a silver urn. She was greatly impressed by the delicate and exquisite carving on the silver masterpiece; the King explained that the lotus on the cup represent the spirit of the Buddha. Master was happy for Cambodia for being able to preserve this national quintessence until today. She also told the King that people rely on traditional culture for a higher living standard.

During their cordial conversation, the King repeatedly thanked Master for Her contributions to the Cambodian people. Master replied humbly, "We should be grateful to God -- the highest Buddha, because I am only the instrument. Cambodian people are also my own people. I am only carrying out the will of the highest Buddha in serving your country. Please thank the highest Buddha; we are grateful to the highest Buddha."

Later, the King led Master and Her retinue to a room where historical pictures were exhibited. Enthusiastically, King Sihanouk explained each of them to Master. These pictures depicted the construction and post-war renovation of schools, hospitals and houses in many provinces. From the pictures, it could be seen that the King and Queen often inspected the construction sites. Their loving concern toward their subjects was most obvious. The benevolent bearing of this great patriarch and matriarch was truly revealed in the way they love their people as their children.

Master greatly admired the King for serving his people in such a humble manner, and asked how the King could accomplish so much in just a few decades. The King explained that he had established a construction team named "Papa," which is responsible for building all kinds of facilities for the people; and upon the completion of which they would invite the people to move in. Since the King is so kind to his people, they often do not call him "Your Majesty," but "Papa" instead, in a loving way. The King remarked jokingly that, if the people were given money instead of houses, they might have spent it all. This is a clear indication of the King's wisdom.

King Sihanouk also presented a book of the history of his life efforts in rebuilding the country. Turning these historical pages, he explained them in detail, each of which were filled with his love for the Cambodian people. When pointing out his mother in the photo, an expression of nostalgia unmistakably appeared on his face. Master was touched by the King's profound sentiments and friendship. She lovingly accepted this great historical album. Every word of the conversation between them was about the happiness for the Cambodian people.

Master prayed that the highest Buddha would bless Cambodia. She further expressed Her willingness to do Her best to support the King to help the people. How fortunate is this Lotus Kingdom to have the care and blessing of the living Buddha (enlightened Master) and the benevolent patriarch; the country will surely blossom into prosperity.

Cambodia Is Truly A Buddha Land

That afternoon, Master visited the Second Prime Minister, His Exellency Samdech Hun Sen, at his new residence after having been sincerely invited by him many times. To show his sincere veneration, the Second Prime Minister sent the Provincial Governor and Royal Guards to welcome Master, as if receiving a national guest. Upon arriving at his residence, the Second Prime Minister and his wife humbly offered the seat of honour to Master.

During their conversation, the Second Prime Minister told Master that Her assistance to their country had always been timely and practical, unlike some who only verbally promised to help and have yet to fulfilled it. He truly realized Master's selfless intent in helping his country -- for instance, drilling sixty wells, building schools, conducting Chinese and English classes, and donating rice to relieve the flood and drought victims. Especially meaningful was that, aside from donating rice, Master also gave crop seeds to the people so they could independently plant crops. In conjunction with the seeds donated by Master, he had especially built a canal (Ching Hai River) to facilitate irrigation.

The Second Prime Minister deeply appreciates and admires Master's love, wisdom and kindness. As he truly wants to benefit his country, he kept imploring Master in many ways to stay in Cambodia to help develop and build the country. His sincerity is truly touching. He also told Master why he moved to live in the rural area. It was because he worried about his people when they came to the capital. They were not familiar with crossing big streets and roads. If he lived in the capital, it would be very inconvenient to the people when they came asking for help; they might not come because of this reason. In order to get closer to the people, and for their convenience, he moved to this new home. This really showed his love for the people.

Master told him, "Your new home may be simple, but your heart is truly glorious. In fact, this is your office and not your home, because you work here eighteen hours each day to make the people happier. It is really rare to have such a prime minister. Perhaps Cambodia has already gone through so many great sufferings, therefore, Heaven is moved to send saintly and good leaders to your country. I strongly believe that your country will become prosperous very soon, and the population will also increase. A country should rise in love, not war."

To celebrate the new home, Master presented him and his wife a print of Her painting "Hope," symbolizing the glorious future of the Lotus Kingdom.

Master also presented the Second Prime Minister a set of Celestial Jewelry -- "Mountain and River" designed by Her. His lady also received a set of Celestial Jewelry and one of Master's Celestial outfit -- an evening gown. With a sweet smile, Master gently touched the exquisitely made outfit. The couple were deeply touched by Her immaculate care and considerate friendship.

The Second Prime Minister's lady is also a very compassionate person. In cooperation with the Cambodian Red Cross, she takes care of victims of disasters and render them prompt assistance. Since she used to be a nurse, many patients often come to the Second Prime Minister's residence and are cared for personally by her. She expressed her hope of establishing training classes for sewing skills, which Master promptly supported with practical action -- She donated US$20,000 to the fund, and praised the Second Prime Minister's wife as being beautiful within and without.

During the conversation, the Second Prime Minister humbly asked Master's advice on managing the country with wisdom, and repeatedly and sincerely expressed his faith in Buddha. Touched by his kind intent of always putting the people first, Master naturally gave him some precious suggestions. She commented that the system of the Cambodian government is a good example for the world -- having two outstanding prime ministers serving the people together. She was very happy for Cambodia to have these great leaders.

The Second Prime Minister told Master that as a child, he was taught by his family that children must be sufficiently fed before they would listen to the Buddha's teachings. Therefore, he holds onto this belief, and wishes to live closely with the people instead of living high above them. Touchingly and emotionally, he told Master that She is truly merciful to always give Her helping hand when Cambodia needed it most. He said that one has only to mention Supreme Master Ching Hai's name and everyone knows who She is.

The Second Prime Minister warmly requested Master to stay for the approaching Cambodian New Year, and to pray for the peace and stability of Cambodia.

Master replied, "We have been doing that all the while. I like Cambodia very much; the government system is very good, the country is free. Anyone can come in, stay here, or apply to extend their visas; no limit and no one will interfere. I really love this intelligent administrative body that is so wise and rich in the spirit of the Buddha. This country is truly a Buddha Land."

A Beautiful Friendship Beyond Words

Upon accepting the invitation from the First Prime Minister, H.R.H. Prince Norodom Ranariddh, Master visited them the next day. On that occasion, Master wore a white Au Lac ceremonial dress with a dragon embroidered on it. She looked extremely noble. Arriving at the First Prime Minister's residence, with his secretary leading the way, Master first closed Her palms to pay respect to the Buddha's statue in the visitor's room. Then, the cheerful First Prime Minister and his lady, Princess Marie, greeted Master. The scene was so cordial and harmonious, as if they were intimate friends who had not seen each other for a long time.

Master presented the First Prime Minister gifts which included Celestial Jewelry, perfumes, among other things. She also presented the Princess a graceful Celestial gown to be worn on ceremonial occasions, which the Princess happily displayed to the reporters present.

In return, the First Prime Minister and the Princess presented to Master a silver urn. The Princess explained that, in Cambodia silver urns are used for holding flowers to be offered to the Buddha. Master also considerately gave some special eye medicine to the First Prime Minister. She understood that he always had to face the public, so his eyes would easily be hurt by the flashing lights of cameras. Master told him that She also had to face the camera lights which often irritated Her eyes. She was using this eye medicine to protect Her eyes. The First Prime Minister was most thankful to Master's meticulous concern, and he immediately translated the conversation into Cambodian to let the reporters know Master's loving intent. The Princess personally offered tea to Master to show her respect.

During their conversation, the First Prime Minister mentioned the many developments of Cambodia in recent years. Master also mentioned what She saw; for instance, the increase of traffic, the people getting wealthier, and the country becoming more prosperous. During the conversation Master offered the First Prime Minister a US$20,000 check for building schools. In addition, when Master discovered that the Princess had helped a lot of orphans, She generously also offered her US$10,000 to continue helping them.

Master then shared Her Wu Tzu Poetry Anthology with the Prince and Princess. When they saw the photos of Her previously making pilgrimage to Thailand and Burma, they were very touched by Her firm sincerity of leaving home to seek the Truth. Like dear sisters, Master chatted with H. R. H. the Princess about daily life.

After their delightful meeting, the Princess saw Master off at the entrance, and offered Her a fruit basket as a farewell gift. Their beautiful friendship is beyond words. H. R. H. the Prince sent a thank you letter to Master after this rendezvous. (Please refer to appendix 2.)