Special Reports

The working area was a dangerous one itself; there were still some land mines buried beneath the ground from the war. One time, when brother Lin was instructing the truck driver to unload the soil at a pre-determined site, and as the vehicle was moving to and fro, there was a sudden loud 'boom!', followed by the scattering of mud 45 degrees from one of the tires. Although fully covered with mud and a bit scared by the explosion of the mine, he remembered Master had said, "After practicing, a big disaster becomes small." A few days later, also at the time of instructing another driver, brother Lin's leg was pierced by a flying wooden splint. He smilingly said, "This is a 'wood mine'." Although there was some pain in the leg, he still walked around everywhere to check the progress of each construction site; because deep in his heart he understood that this was due to Master's care -- that these disasters which he had experienced were minimized. When asked whether they would be frightened, both brothers simultaneously said, "Here, there is nothing to be afraid of." Really, with Master's protective power, no matter where the fellow practitioner is, it would be safe. As Master has said, "This world is ephemeral. Most people die in their beds. What could we be afraid of?"

The supervisory work looks easy. However, it was a great pressure to maintain quality work and to take care of the workers. Because there were often hundreds of Cambodian workers at the site, both brothers Lin and Lok had to instruct them directly and compassionately in doing the more difficult kinds of work. When some workers got sick or injured, they had to take them to see a doctor at once, to apply some medication to the wounds, and give them Master's blessed foods to console them. Both brothers said, "Just like a nursing mum." Sometimes, the Cambodian people would be so touched, that they would embrace them. Apart from being surprised, they felt more deeply the simplicity of the Cambodian people. This reenforced their belief of 'serving others'. Now, there are more Cambodian people wanting to come to Raising Center to help cultivate the area.

In the Bible, it is said, "What you have done to the smallest brother, is done to me." To be able to become the instrument of God, Buddha and Bodhisattvas to take care of God's children and to help them become a rich Buddha's country again, fellow practitioners felt deeply honored.

ĦiSpecial ReportsĦj========================

Knowing that carpenters were needed in the development of Raising Center, brother Chen naturally stayed behind after the retreat. This was like an arrangement made by God. He said that he feels no pressure working at Raising Center, and the life is simple and natural. Even though he does not have much money, with a specialized skill he makes enough to support his whole family. Later, he plans to grow vegetables and live the ideal life he always wanted. Moreover, brother Chen felt that the karma changes especially fast when working here. For example, it is unavoidable to have some conflict or misunderstandings when working with people. However, whenever this happens, he understands that what he has projected very soon returns to him, and he uses these experiences to enable him to understand his own subtle faults and to be able to correct them.

Brother Xie expressed that in the first two weeks, he was always sick and unaccustomed to the new surroundings; but later, everything improved. He is now more spirited, open and detached than when he was in Formosa. It is still difficult whenever the karma starts to be cleansed. However, at times like that, he always perseveres by remembering Master's greatness and his own desire to follow Her to help the Cambodian people flourish economically, and through the encouragement and understanding of fellow practitioners: "No matter how difficult the situation may be, you will eventually conquer it." He also remembers what Master has said: "The safest way is hiding in the Tao (Truth)." Furthermore, he discovered that after meditation, people come to help solve his problems, or to find the tools for him that he needs. Therefore, he has begun to deeply understand that many problems are simply the result of a struggling mind.

Brother Chen further commented that the present state of Cambodia is like that of Formosa about thirty or forty years ago. When he sees the Cambodian people, he uses smiles and love instead of words to communicate with them. The silent love closes the gap between them, too. Master had asked fellow practitioners to prepare some technical courses for the locals so that they could learn some special skills. From this brother Chen is able to understand Her hardships in teaching fellow practitioners, and further learned the lesson of patience, especially when he has to supervise the local people. Through Master's love for Cambodia, She is giving Formosan fellow practitioners an opportunity to express their gratitude to Her for Her devotion in teaching them all these years.

Brother Xie feels that the Cambodian Center is just like the United Nations, with fellow practitioners from different countries working together, learning from each other; although on the outside they speak a different language, but inside the tacit agreement is excellent. He is confident that the thirty thousand acres of land will be well developed through the help of fellow practitioners by building houses, stores and factories. This endeavor will provide Cambodia with many job opportunities and will stimulate the local economy. It is also a good challenge for the fellow practitioners' pioneering spirit. Making something out of nothing, and creating prosperity from desolation are the best kinds of magical power. Both brothers Chen and Xie have gained a lot of experiences through cooperating better with others. It's also the best example of "to help others is helping oneself."

Time passes quickly; the sun has set and one can feel the cool summer breeze gently caressing the land. Where stands the third building, with its gray tile roof between the blue sky and the green grassland, the scene is replete with a delicate sense of grace, elegance and harmony. We believe that under the love supported by all, with the combined strength of fellow practitioners, the dream of a golden age will soon become a reality.

ĦiSpecial ReportsĦj========================

Having experienced the suffering of the civil war for many years, this country severely lacks materials and medical care. Once, when we made a house call due to the illness of a highway sentry, resident soldier's wife, we drove along the highway to look for the place. Because it was during the rainy season, both sides of the highway became marshy with weeds all over the place, and there was no so-called street or road that we could look for at all. Following the soldier's directions, we saw several houses. However, it was difficult for us to imagine that these were actually houses? -- four wooden sticks supporting several pieces of broken congo grass, which were barely enough to serve as a roof. They didn't have any furniture, pots, pans, and walls. A simple and crude wooden bed was all that they had. While being covered with only a thin sarong, the patient very weakly lay on the bed, shaking and groaning. They were too poor to have clothes and shoes. Most of the neighboring people's children were naked despite the rain and sunshine, and walked in the mud with their bare feet. Another time, we went to see a sick soldier guard. When we wanted to give him an injection, he was scared, covered his eyes, and hid away. Those soldiers all looked so majestic with the long-barrelled guns, but they had never seen a hypodermic needle. This scene might have been funny, but it made us felt sad as well. What tribulation and suffering the lives of these Cambodian villagers have! What a blessing God has given to the children of the Quan Yin family!

We have lived here for almost a month. Only through our contact work involving medical care can we truly experience why Master loves the villagers dearly. After suffering for almost thirty years, these souls finally have obtained the tender love of God. Since we are all children of God, when they are in such desperate need, I finally realized my responsibility and what we can do for them. Master, we earnestly hope that You lead us with Your boundless compassion and love! Your supreme caring is the best medicine for these unfortunate villagers and land!