A Brief Biography of the Supreme Master Ching Hai

The Supreme Master Ching Hai

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Supreme Master Ching Hai is a world-renowned spiritual teacher, artist, and humanitarian, whose loving assistance extends beyond all cultural boundaries. Born in central Âu Lạc (Vietnam), Supreme Master Ching Hai studied in Europe and worked there for the Red Cross. She soon realized that suffering exists in all corners of the globe, and her yearning to find a remedy became the foremost goal in her life. She was happily married at the time to a German physician, and although it was a difficult decision for both of them, her husband agreed to a separation. She then embarked on a journey in search of spiritual enlightenment. Eventually, in the Himalayas in India, she received from a true Master the divine transmission of the inner Light and Sound, which she later called the Quan Yin Method. After a period of diligent practice, she attained the Great Enlightenment.

Soon after her return from the Himalayas, at the earnest request of those around her, Supreme Master Ching Hai shared the Quan Yin Method with others, encouraging them to look within to find their own divine greatness. Before long, invitations arrived from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa for Supreme Master Ching Hai (photo) to give lectures.

Supreme Master Ching Hai’s compassionate heart has also been reflected in her meticulous care for the less fortunate in different circumstances. The funding generated from her artistic creations has enabled the support of her mission of comforting God’s children in times of need.

More recently, Supreme Master Ching Hai has authored books that have become #1 international bestsellers, namely The Birds in My Life, The Dogs in My Life, and The Noble Wilds. These volumes reveal many insights into the deep emotions and thoughts of our treasured animal co-inhabitants, highlighting their gracious spirit and unconditional love.

Wishing to acknowledge others for their actions and influence toward developments of goodness in the world, Supreme Master Ching Hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in March 2006. Since then, she has also established other prestigious awards, such as Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World Hero and Heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award, and Shining World Invention Award. This honor is bestowed on individuals, nations, and organizations – such as the 2nd President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Drnovšek, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Save the Children – whose exemplary works have significantly contributed to the harmony, beauty, and sustainability of our Earth.

Supreme Master Ching Hai is among notable pioneers in our society today who wisely and courageously express concern about climate change. In fact, for more than 20 years, she has talked about preserving the environment. She catapulted the Alternative Living and SOS global warming campaigns to promote a benevolent lifestyle without animal products. “Be Veg, Go Green, Save the Planet” is now a well-known motto that originated from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

In our era, Supreme Master Ching Hai is truly a selflessly dedicated individual, tirelessly helping world citizens create a bright future for our beloved planet.

Some of the Master’s Worldwide Humanitarian Works

"The most important thing in this world,
regardless of our mission,
is to love one another.”
~ Supreme Master Ching Hai
Thailand, 10 September 1995

Alleviating human suffering has never been more critical to Supreme Master Ching Hai than at the present time. In fact, this was the reason behind her pursuit of enlightenment. Throughout the years, she has tirelessly traveled the world extending help to those in need. Her benevolent work has transcended all boundaries to reach the incarcerated, the elderly, the mentally disabled, the sick, the poor, the homeless, veterans, and victims of natural disasters. Her compassion has touched the hearts of millions the world over and has inspired others to form the International Association in her altruistic example.

Through meditation, she has realized many innate talents, which she expresses through artistic creations such as paintings, music, poetry, and jewelry and fashion designs. From the funds of her artistic creations, Supreme Master Ching Hai helps the less fortunate. Following is a brief overview of some of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association’s humanitarian and relief efforts
(partial listing):

Some of the Master’s Worldwide Humanitarian Works	(Amounts in US dollars)
Worldwide disaster relief - floods, earthquakes, fires, etc. ( Jun - Nov 2008)	approx. US$1,000,000
China earthquake relief in Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces (May - Sep 2008)	$328,600
Myanmar cyclone Nargis relief (May 2008)	$126,000
Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico Noel hurricane relief (Nov - Dec 2007)	$73,800
North Korea flood relief (Aug - Nov 2007)	$76,700
Peru earthquake relief (Aug 2007)	$70,100
IRC/Not on Our Watch Organization – USA Darfur humanitarian aid ( Jun 2007)	$200,000
USA Habitat for Humanity to build affordable homes for less fortunate (Feb 2007)	$20,000
Philippines Durian typhoon relief and humanitarian trip (Nov - Dec 2006) Fidel Ramos Peace and Development Foundation Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Polytechnic University of the Philippines Earthsaver’s Dream Ensemble St. Paul University Filipino Institute of Komiks Arts and Sciences The Commission on the Filipino Language	$430,000
Azerbaijan contribution to aid refugees (Nov 2006)	$22,000
Burundi contribution to Kamenge Youth Center (Sep 2006)	$30,000
Morocco Animal Rescue-Hanane Abdelmouttalib(Sep 2006)	$10,000
Âu Lạc (Vietnam) contributions to charities ( Jul 2006) Blind Vietnamese Children Foundation Giving It Back to Kids Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam Prosthetics Outreach Foundation Vietnam Children Assistance Programs Vietnam Relief Effort	US$65,000
Kenya well digging for drought relief (Apr - Oct 2006)	$96,100
Kashmir and Pakistan earthquake relief (Oct 2005)	$202,400
Katrina hurricane relief – USA (Aug - Sep 2005)	$92,700
Bulgaria flood relief (Aug 2005)	$20,000
Band Aid Charitable Trust – UK (Mar 2005)	$100,000
Costa Rica flood relief ( Jan 2005)	$41,000
Indonesia and Sri Lanka South Asia tsunami relief (Dec 2004 - Feb 2005)	$135,500
Iran earthquake relief (Dec 2003)	$70,000
Thailand aboriginal people of remote northern Thailand (Nov 2003)	$2,000
South Korea Maemi typhoon relief (Sep - Nov 2003)	$49,900
India purchase of seeds for farmers in northwestern India ( Jul 2003)	$29,900
Algeria earthquake relief (May 2003)	$153,400
Argentina flood relief (Apr and Nov 2003)	$29,000
Afghanistan refugees (Oct 2001)	$100,000
USA September 11 tragedy relief (Sep 2001)	$361,000
El Salvador dengue fever, less fortunate, and orphan assistance (Oct - Nov 2000)	$75,700
South Africa humanitarian visit (Dec 1999) World Religions Parliament to assist children in Durban Suryalanga Dance Company Zulu Children Dancers Kids Haven of Johannesburg Icamagu Institute in Transkei Xhosa people to enhance water supply system	$161,800
Formosa (Taiwan) earthquake relief (September 1999)	$439,000
Turkey earthquake relief (Aug 1999)	$135,000
Kosovo war victims through Int’l Red Cross (Jun - Aug 1999)	$100,000
Armenia humanitarian visit Komitas House of Chamber Music City of Yerevan Hayer Cultural Center Charity Fund City of Gjumry Gjumry Children’s Home Elderly House & Internet of Gjumry Vanadzor Orphanage Aznavour Pour LiArmenia Vanadzor Yerevan Special Child’s Home Holy Etchmiadzin Church	$250,000
One World...of peace through music benefit concert at Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA (Dec 1998) St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Starlight Children’s Foundation	$250,000
Honduras Mitch hurricane relief (Nov - Dec 1998)	$28,800
Sudan famine relief for war victimes through Int’l Red Cross (Sep 1998)	$99,900
AmeriCares – USA (Apr 1998)	$100,000
Canada ice storm relief ( Jan 1998)	$42,300
A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms benefit concert at DAR Constrution Hall, Washington DC, USA (Dec 1997) US Department of Veterans Affairs Vietnam Children’s Fund	$200,000
Chile flood relief ( Jul 1997)	$30,000
Rwanda war victims (Apr 1997)	$100,000
Charitable groups for winter relief – Formosa (Taiwan) (Nov - Dec 1996)	$767,700
Venezuela flood relief ( Jun - Aug 1996)	$33,400
Bangladesh tornado relief ( Jun 1996)	$10,000
North Korea 2,000 tons of rice for famine relief ( Jun 1996)	$526,300
Charitable groups and government – Dominica (Mar 1996)	$55,000
UK charities (Aug 1995) National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Action Aid World Wildlife Fund	$15,000
Chechnya and Bosnia contribution to war refugees (Feb 1995)	$100,000
Japan earthquake relief in Kobe and Osaka ( Jan 1995)	$124,700
Cambodia 6,000 tons of rice for drought relief (Dec 1994 - Feb 1995)	$1,632,800
USA Midwest flood relief (Feb - Mar 1994) Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Wisconsin state governments	$450,000
Medical research for cancer and AIDS – USA ( Jan 1994)	$100,000
USA fire disaster relief in southern California (Nov 1993)	$64,100
Spiritual practice group – Uganda (May 1993)	$55,000
Âu Lạc (Vietnam) flood relief in Long An Province (Dec 1991)	$220,500
China flood relief ( Jul 1991)	$331,200
Philippines Pinatobu volcanic disaster and flood relief ( Jun - Oct 1991)	$734,400
Aulacese (Vietnamese) temples – Germany ( Jul 1990)	$320,000
Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugee camps – Hong Kong (1990 - 1993)	$288,195
Formosa (Taiwan) contribution to less fortunate households, temples, county governments, and community organizations (1989 - 1993)	$366,282
And the list goes on...

Awards & Honors

In the spirit of service, Supreme Master Ching Hai epitomizes the virtue of collaboration based on genuine love and friendship.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has given much to our world, both spiritually and materially. Although she does not seek acknowledgment, in recognition of her selfless contribution, occasions government representatives and private organizations worldwide have presented Supreme Master Ching Hai prestigious awards on numerous occassions.

Among these were the Gusi Peace Prize (2006), First-place Silver for the 27th Annual Telly Awards (2006), Los Angeles Music Week Certificate of Commendation (2002), the World Spiritual Leadership Award (1994), World Citizen Humanitarian Award (1994), In addition, February 22 and October 25 have been proclaimed by government officials in the United States as The Supreme Master Ching Hai Day. Her dedicated aid to the world continues till this day, with millions of grateful hearts among leaders and people alike.

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Dignitaries & Artists

In her travels around the world for invited lectures and humanitarian works, for over two decades Supreme Master Ching Hai has been the most honored guest of countless dignitaries. From the Americas to Asia to Europe, across all continents, she has been warmly welcomed by leaders and individuals of diverse cultures.

1. Dr. Zdenka Cebasek Tratnik
Human Rights Ombudswoman of Slovenia (2008)
2. Barbara Žgajner Tavš Member of the Parliament, Slovenia (2008)
In 2007, UNESCO’s International Theatre Institute (ITI) extended an invitation to Supreme Master Ching Hai to attend World Theatre Day in Paris, France. World Theatre Day is an international event held on March 27 every year in which distinguished members of the theatre world gather to recognize the unique power of theatre in bringing peace and solidarity
to the world.

Supreme Master Ching Hai with...
3. Manfred Beilharz
President of Worldwide ITI
4. Ramendu Majumdar
Vice President of Worldwide ITI
President of ITI in Bangladesh
5. Jean-Pierre Guingane
Vice President of Worldwide ITI
President of African Regional Bureau
6. Jennifer M. Walpole
Secretary General of Worldwide ITI
7. Faynia Williams
Award-winning theatre & opera director BBC producer
8. Saeed Salem
National Theatre Manager for United Arab Emirates
9. Ali Mahdi
President of ITI in Sudan
10. Samira Makhmalbaf
Award-winning Iranian filmmaker

Supreme Master Ching Hai in the Media

SABC TV Cape Town,
South Africa December 1, 1999

World Convention on Reverence
For All Life Pune,
India November 11, 1997

French Radio Enghien Paris,
France January 27, 1997

Schweizer Radio DRS
Switzerland 1993

RFI Radio Paris, France,
January 27, 1997

Partial Listing:
• American Chinese News (Chicago, USA, 1994)
• Americus Times Recorder (Georgia, USA, 2007)
• Armenian Business Weekly (Armenia, 1999)
• Barev National Armenian TV (Armenia, 1999)
• Bijorcha TV (Paris, France, 1997)
• Chicago Times (Chicago, USA, 1994)
• Chinese American Voice (New York, USA, 1995)
• Chinese Radio Network (New York, USA, 1995)
• CNN (USA, 1996)
• DZRM Broadcasting Station (Philippines, 19 Mar 1992)
• The Earth Times Online Newspaper (Ireland, 2007)
• East Coast Radio (Ireland, 2008)
• Environmentally Sound Radio (New York, USA, 2008)
• FOX 2 KTVI TV Channel (St. Louis, Missouri, USA 2007)
• Go Vegan Radio (California, USA, 2008)
• Hayastan Newspaper (Armenia, 1999)
• Hayastani Hanrapetutyun Newspaper (Armenia, 1999)
• Heart and Soul TV series (South Africa, 1999)
• The Hindu national newspaper (India, 2007)
• Hippy Gourmet TV (California, USA, 2008)
• How2USA Magazine, cover article (USA, April 2008)
• Inch Vortegh Erb Newspaper (Armenia, 1999)
• International Chinese Radio (France, 1993)
• Iran TV2 (Iran, 2008)
• Iranian TV Network (Cape Town, South Africa, 1999)
• Irish Independent newspaper (Ireland, 2008)
• Jame Jam newspaper (Iran, 12 Nov 2008)
• KBOO Radio (Oregon, USA, 1993)
• KLDE Oldies Radio 104.9 FM (Texas, USA, 1993)
• The Independent Weekly Newspaper Sensation (Armenia, 1999)
• Interdimensional TV Show Channel 16 (New York, USA, 1995)
• KTVU San Francisco TV Channel 3 (San Francisco, California, USA, 1993)
• National Broadcasting Network (NBN) Television (Philippines, 2006)
• “The Novas Report”, KQSB 990 AM Radio (Santa Barbara, California, USA, 1995)
• RTV Slovenia TV (Radiotelevizija Slovenija) (Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2008)
• South African Broadcasting Company (SABC) TV (Cape Town, South Africa, 1999)
• KTRK TV Channel 13 (Houston, Texas, USA, 1993
• Le Figaro Newspaper (Paris, France, 1997)
• The Los Angeles Times (California, USA, 1998)
• Manila Standard Today newspaper (Philippines, 2006)
• Mehr News (Iran, 12 Nov 2008)
• New Time Newspaper (Armenia, 1999)
• New York Sino Radio Broadcasts (New York, USA, 1995)
• The New York Times newspaper (New York, USA, 2008)
• “Ona” and “Aura” magazines (Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2008)
• The Orange County Register (California, USA, 1998)
• People’s Power Press (Mongolia, 1998)
• Radio Enghien (Paris, France, 1997)
• Radio France Internationale (RFI) (France 1994)
• Radio Five On “Sunday Focus” (Thailand, 1994)
• Radio for Peace International (Oregon, USA, 1993)
• Radio Ici & Maintenant (Here & Now) (France, 1994)
• Republic of Armenia Newspaper (Armenia, 1999)
• Ser Newspaper (Armenia, 1999)
• Slovenske Novice Newspaper (Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2008)
• Spiritual Awakening Radio (USA, 2008)
• “Sun, Moon And Stars” Radio Program (Hong Kong, 1994)
• Tehran Times newspaper (Iran, 12 Nov 2008)
• The Temecula Valley News (California, USA, 2008)
• “Thirst for Life” (Philippines, 1991)
• Urartu Newspaper (Armenia, 1999)
• Vegetarian Association in Oregon (Oregon, USA, 1993)
• WJXT Channel 4 ( Jacksonville, Florida, USA 2008)
• Woman Today SAFM Radio (Cape Town, South Africa, 1999)
• World Journal (Chicago, USA, 1994)

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