Media Reports

To celebrate the inauguration of the Raising Center, a series of activities was held, including the inauguration of the Compassionate Heart Temple, Roof Installation Ceremony of the Healing Love Hospital, marvelous and enchanting performances by performers from many countries, and a compassionate free medical service. (Over a thousand patients came to this service.)

Many dignitaries and celebrities graced the event that day. Her Highness the Princess Marie -- Lady of Cambodia's First Premier -- arrived in the company of the ministers' ladies. Many venerable monks also came to wish a prosperous development to the Raising Center. Early that morning, joyous music started to reverberate throughout Raising Center. Villages from Kompong Speu, Clokta Seth, and the nearby villages came after hearing the news. With excitement and innocent smiles on their faces, they stood along the road which was fully decorated with the flags of Cambodia, waiting for the appearance of the honorary guest and Supreme Master Ching Hai.

There were thousands of guests from all over the world (members and non-members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association) who came to share the joy of this exceptionally meaningful day with thousands of local villagers and VIPs. The celebration began amidst the playing of the national anthem, and everyone respectfully stood to attention. After that, they paid respect to the high monks, and expressed their gratitude to the Buddha's blessing. Next, the respected governor of the province, Governor New Shitong, gave a speech. And amid the warm applause of all people present, Supreme Master Ching Hai went to the podium to give a speech to the Cambodian and overseas people. First, She thanked the Premier and his lady and the governor of the province for their support, which helped the construction of the Raising Center to proceed smoothly. She said, "Human are the same everywhere, with basic needs and love to share. Let's not think of benefitting Cambodia, but just mankind toward each other. Let's remember the Buddha's teaching of six perfections: Charity, precepts, patience, perseverance, meditation and wisdom. Let's try to achieve these golden goals through everyday tasks so that we are the real Buddhists or any other religion that we freely choose to follow..."

Supreme Master Ching Hai praised Her Highness the Princess who was much loved by her people, especially her humility which should be observed by everyone. In fluent English, the Princess thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her contribution to Cambodia, and she sincerely welcomed all the friends from many countries, and wished that they would have a wonderful time each time they come to Cambodia, and enjoy a happy stay here.

When installing the roof of the Healing Love Hospital, Supreme Master Ching Hai said that the best doctors in every branch of the medical field would be employed to provide the best service to the public.

When inaugurating the Compassionate Heart Temple, She humorously said, "The temple is small but the Buddha is big." The compassionate Supreme Master Ching Hai had prepared several thousands gifts and Her Highness the Princess graciously gave to the villager with Her love, and She invited all of them to enjoy the specially prepared program. The dances and singing performed by members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association were joyful and rich in national colors. They won warm applause from the whole audience, especially the province governor and his lady, who kept praising the brilliance of the program, and the talents and devotion of the performers. The traditional costumes of many countries from Europe, Asia, America and Australia broadened the view of the Cambodian people. To them, a Cambodian folklore was especially dear to their hearts.

After the performance, delicious vegetarian foods were shared with the public. At the same time, a compassionate free medical service was being offered at the entrance. More than a thousand local villagers received immediate treatment. Concerned about the health of the people, Supreme Master Ching Hai provided this free medical service as a heart-warming prelude to the impending opening of the Healing Love Hospital.

Under construction in the model development area of the Raising Center are the primary and secondary schools (High Thinking School in which hundreds of young Cambodians have already been enrolled) that provide free education, a commercial street, vegetarian restaurants, etc. A large number of investors are expected to come and inject a stimulant to the local economy. Under the blessing of the Buddha and the favorable views of people from all fields, the future of the Raising Center is bright and beautiful!