Spiritual Interludes

I currently teach English in a Business School whose standards and requirements are getting higher every year and dealing with demanding students who all come from different backgrounds and have different needs and expectations. It can be very challenging. Taking a retreat break from all of this was really wonderful. Even the early morning rise was not difficult since we knew we were going to greet a great state of meditation. The chimney fire and friendly care helped us to feel at home and "return home" more easily. I was able to step back and look at things in a different way.

I also realized that things such as community life, sharing everything, and doing one's utmost to follow the precepts was greatly beneficial and fulfilling. These are true values and standards one should stick to in order to cope better with everyday life. Another detail about the retreat was the rain that sent us Master's blessings and help. Was it a good sign that this retreat would be followed by many others? I sincerely hope so.¡¹

November 11th was the second anniversary of my son's initiation with Master. I was away on a business trip overseas and was unable to celebrate the occasion with him. When I returned to Hong Kong on November 12th, the first thing I said to him was, "I am so sorry I could not make it home in time to celebrate your birthday with you." My son appeared exhilarated and in high spirits. He said, "I now truly understand what the initiation birthday is. Master gave me candies in my dream." When I saw the contented look that brightened up his face, tears fell from my eyes. During the many years that we have lived together, work has often taken me away from home. Since his initiation, he no longer complains. Instead, he has become more understanding as he revels in this love from our Mommy-Master.

Every moment, my son and I are immersed in the vast ocean of our Mother's love. Thank you, dear Mother! However strong the wind and turbulent the waves may be on our path of spiritual practice, we yearn to grow and mature in defiance of any harsh conditions as we make our way toward the other shore in unfaltering devotion. Only by doing that can we requite our Mother's love.¡¹

A little over three years ago when I first came into contact with Master's teachings, I barely noticed my surroundings as my conciousness was often clouded with negative thoughts, drugs and depression. To me, the world seemed like a chaotic, pitiful mess. Two years ago, just before and then after my initiation, I began to notice things I had previously overlooked. I was fascinated by nature and the process of growth in the spring time. Bird song and flowers became something that I would stop to appreciate, often with a childlike grin. This spring, I am filled with an ever increasing amazement as I detect in the trees a luminescent quality that I would have previously believed undetectable with the human eye. When one begins to see the true nature of things, even the ordinary and mundane become beautiful!¡¹