While On The Path

True Relaxation Practicing Without Attachment I Am A Happy Shepherd's Dog Let's Become One

True Relaxation

Narrated By Sister Initiate Mei-Shui Hsu, Kaoping, Formosa

Reported By Supreme Master News Reporter Yet-Cheng Hwang, Kaoping, Formosa

Sister Hsu never liked time schedules. So, after becoming a Quan Yin practitioner, she took on a more relaxed lifestyle. However, when she came to Cambodia to join in the development work, she discovered the true meaning of "relaxation".

At the work site, sister Hsu was grouped into the grass-cutting and road-paving group. Never had she done any heavy labor before and had absolutely no idea what a lawn mower was. After a crash course of a few laborious days of work, she handles the lawn mower like a pro, enjoying herself immensely. For a woman who had never lifted anything heavier than her steel cup, to become a very efficient "super woman," the change amazed even herself. Better yet, Master not only let her know that she could do it, but even allowed her to serve others.

Sometimes, after a hard day work, when she gets back to her tent, she finds time and energy to learn English from other fellow practitioners. It surprised her for in her past "relaxed" lifestyle, she could never find time to do that. After some thinking, sister Hsu understood her past attitude: She only work when she wanted to work, otherwise she just relaxed; life was "lax" and "spontaneous". However, after a few days in Cambodia, she realized that, because everyone totally and orderly put their mind and effort into the job and work as a team, that even when there was a lot of work to be done, it could be completed easily and efficiently.

"Especially when your whole being is tuned into the work, it makes you feel carefree and relax when the job is done. Then I realized that 'relax' means the feeling of no guilt and burden," sister Hsu commented.

After a few days of work, sister Hsu had changed her attitude to a more aggressive one. She hoped that after this trip to Cambodia, she could bring this discovery back to Formosa and apply it to daily life. Thanks to Master she was given this opportunity; the lesson she has learned is invaluable.

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Practicing Without Attachment

Narrated By Sister Initiate Yang, Mainland China

Recorded By Supreme Master News Reporter Lin-Tao, Taipei, Formosa

Ever since initiation, sister Yang found herself feeling like a child; everyday is a happy day for her and she also smiles a lot, even when she had an argument with her husband. She just prayed to Master and meditated, and her problem was gone in an instant. She realized then that being a spiritual practitioner does not mean no suffering or no happiness. When the suffering comes, we can let go easily, and when happiness comes, we don't cling to it; so that our soul will not get stuck in one corner. Only then can we be free and at peace.

Attending the Grand Opening Celebration of the Raising Center and this international retreat was the very first she had ever participated in since her initiation. Seeing Master in Cambodia, she felt Her infinite power and boundless love. Under Master's guidance, fellow practitioners worked and lived in harmony; they get what they need and live up to their potential and are self-motivated to work. When she attended her first barbecue, she was ecstatic as prior to this she had only seen them on the videotapes. It also touched her deeply when she saw how fellow practitioners cared and looked after each other, just like in a family.

It is very difficult to practice in mainland China. However, by having faith in Master and the Quan Yin Method, it was possible for her to attend this retreat. Many fellow practitioners who could not come tearfully reminded those who could come to express to Master how much they want to see Her.

Sister Yang's dream came true; seeing Master in person made her feel warm all over. She sincerely thanks God for this wonderful arrangement.

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I Am A Happy Shepherd's Dog

By Sister Initiate Lao-Liang, Taipei, Formosa

I have been initiated for many years. When I think back to the time before initiation, everything was like a dream.

In my childhood, I was a carefree kid, not afraid of anything. The only thing on my mind was to play hard. But, sometimes in my memory, it was not all playing. It was nights with the sky full of stars, and me looking at the dark blue sky far above; it was me alone, lying on the lawn or on a tree branch enjoying the quietness and solitude. My classmates thought I was beyond their understanding. But actually, I myself did not even know what I was searching for.

After my graduation, my peaceful heart had been affected by the surrounding people. They suffocated me with their greed, anger and attachment. Thus, I could only use the worldly materials to hypnotize myself.

I met a couple, who were doctors, during my trip to Europe. Their humility and harmonious attitude made me feel as if they were part of my family. When I got to know them more, I found out that they were Master's disciples. Later, a friend of mine was also initiated by Master. He enthusiastically showed me Her reading materials, and surely Master's teachings would quench my thirst for spiritual nourishment. My heart was screaming: "Oh, yes! This is what I have long been searching for."

After my initiation, the omnipresent Master has been visibly and invisibly teaching me. Now I understand that life is like a play on a stage; all sentient beings are Buddhas. Suddenly, all my sorrows disappeared; thus, making my mind clearer and more open.

I truly appreciate Buddha's blessings and caring from all brothers and sisters. I have promised to devote myself to helping others in their spiritual practice. Ever since then, I have been tested and trained by different kinds of tasks, one after another. I have tried hard to learn my lessons, improve myself, and to get rid of my bad habits. My Homeward trip has given me such a wonderful feeling! I wish more people would be liberated and start on their journey back Home.

In the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus said: "I am a good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep also knows me." Just like Jesus, our Master is our beloved shepherd. I wish I could be the shepherd's dog, helping Master to herd the sheep to the green pastures and to find the lost sheep to come Home. I feel so happy whenever I think of this because I am a happy shepherd's dog.

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Let's Become One

By Sister Initiate Yi, Pusan, Korea

(Originally In Korean)

Preparations for the performance were a big deal to Pusan fellow practitioners in order to celebrate the opening of Raising Center. Despite difficult situations in which some performers were already very busy, they still tried to find some time to practice their dance together. Finally, they could give their performance to Master, the guests and many Cambodian people.

Brother Lee reflected, "Standing on stage, we were encouraged by Master's waving. So, we were able to relax and have confidence to perform. Participating in the flag dance made me realized the importance of logical and practical thinking and actions. The ego would lead to obstacles in the flow of the work as a whole."

"We discussed and practiced all night long, but it was so difficult for people to agree on anything," Sister Hong remembered, "No matter what we do, to be one is one of the most difficult and one of the most important things. To be one, I think, requires sacrificing time and comfort as well as emotions and thoughts."

We practiced wherever we could: On the roof of the Pusan Center building, in the basement, parking lots or elementary school playground. Also, whenever we faced lots of difficulties, Master always helped us with Her loving blessing. For example, one night before the performance, there was a lack of harmony among us; we had no confidence, felt sad. In silence, we asked for Master's help. Then suddenly one sister got a good idea which encouraged us greatly. I shouted inside, "Thanks, Master." Although the performance was brief, we couldn't have danced well without Master's love and lots of loving concern from our fellow practitioners.

Sister Ryu commented, "I saw elderly sister initiates practicing very hard despite their bodily pains (legs and spines). This helped me realized that I, too, could overcome physical difficulties."

Through this performance, we realized that the spirit of cooperation, sacrifice and being united is the element of success. Many thanks to those fellow practitioners for supporting us silently. With their help, we were able to perform without any hitch. Furthermore, we thank Master for Her loving blessing, giving us a chance to learn such a lesson so we could improve ourselves on the path of spiritual practice.

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