While On The Path
Sincerity Leads Us To A Real Master By Sister Initiate Cho Ok Ja, Pusan, Korea (Originally In English)

Many years ago, I was devoted to the Buddha by some affinity with an old Buddhist monk. Each time I entered the sermon hall, where I saw the old monk praying, I always helplessly shed tears, unaware of my own yearning.

Looking down at my children one night as they lay asleep, I thought that they would turn out well as long as I was devoted to the Buddha's teachings. Thus, I always took them with me every Sunday when I went to the temple, because every week there was a ceremony for children.

I followed a great monk and was ordained. Each day I bowed three thousand times. Not long afterward, my daughter and son joined me in my three-thousand bows routine. For seven long years, I devoted myself to the Buddha's teachings, yet I was not contented.

One night, after I fell asleep due to the exhaustion of crying so hard, I dreamed a wonderful dream. In the dream there was a lovely lady, so beautiful and vivid, full of brilliant light. She drew me to her chest, patted my back comfortingly and said, "You may say whatever you want to me. I couldn't say anything but just cried my heart out. In those days, my tired body and soul only wanted eternal rest; but I couldn't because of my children.

During the 7-day ceremony of the well-known Kum Kang Retreat, I prayed earnestly that my children and I would be guided to the master who would teach and guide us to the true path. Master must have heard my prayer for immediately after the ceremony, I saw an automobile waiting for someone outside, who then offered to take me to call on You who came from the Himalayas. And so, I was initiated.

After initiation, one night in my dream, Sung Chul, the great monk who had already entered nirvana, told me, "Don't have any doubts. Follow Supreme Master Ching Hai on the true path. Excited and thrilled, I went to Pusan Center to join in the group meditation. It was then that I had another shock of my life. In the Center on the wall, there was the picture of Master, the beautiful lady who, a long time ago, had come into my dream, and embraced me when I was exhausted and feeling hopeless.

Choked with tears, I then realized that Master would appear in different clothing, according to the needs of sentient beings. Now that my children are initiated, Master will take care of them; and finally, this motherly heart is able to rest.

Dear Master! I have troubled You so much. I cry my heart out when I see You singing on the videotape at the group meditation, sacrificing Yourself wholeheartedly for the numerous sentient beings. You are so magnificent, yet suffer so much for the karma of mankind. Master, how will I ever be able to repay You for Your boundless love and grace?

The Way To Heaven -- The Wisdom Eye Sincerity Leads Us To A Real Master