Hsihu Center, Formosa
Today, two strangers came to visit Hsihu Center. Since it was not a Sunday, they were not allowed to look around inside; but they did not feel disappointed. On the contrary, they praised this kind of serious and tranquil way of practice. Besides purchasing some Master's books, they also talked about the reasons of their visit.
One of the visitors loved to study all sorts of scriptures. He had learned an esoteric kind of practice from a master and had obtained some experiences. But he was still not fully satisfied hoping to find a more ultimate and complete method of practice.
One day, as he was staring at the bookshelf full of scriptures feeling that none of the books would be able to answer his inner dilemmas. Suddenly, he noticed the sample booklet "The Key To Immediate Enlightenment" which had been put to one side a few years ago. He picked up the booklet and flipped through it without any great expectations. Much to his surprise, each word uttered by Master was like a key opening up every doubt in his heart. "Right! These are the Buddha's real teachings! The true meaning of the ancient Buddhism!" After spending a few days cross-checking with the other scriptures, he knew that he had come across the Supreme Method. Filled with joy, he immediately invited his good friend to accompany him to our Center.
Although they could not enter the Center, they were still very pleased, and they quietly walked around the outer perimeter of the Center. From their words and actions, it was not difficult to see their sincere, cherishing and appreciating attitude.
By Resident Disciple Liu, Hsihu Center, Formosa
Ever since Master started working so hard, travelling around the world to spread the Truth and help the refugees, we, the residents at Hsihu Center could no longer be by Her side to listen to Her teachings as we used to do. Although our daily schedule remains the same as before and we still meditate in the morning and evening, we seem to have more quiet time for reflection. There were many things Master taught us before which we could not understand and did not want to know at the time. However, during this period of Her absence, Master gave me answers to many of my questions.
I remembered one time when I brought some documents for Master's review. As I entered the cabin there were several foreign initiates present, so I nodded my head as a greeting to them. Later, Master went to another room for something and left us there by ourselves. While waiting, one of the sister initiates asked me, something like, "Would you like some tea?" I immediately replied, "No, thanks!" with what I thought was perfect English.
When Master came back into the room, She gave me some instructions about something. Quite out of the ordinary, She spoke to me in English, and at very fast pace in a stern manner. I was so nervous that I could not understand a word of it! "How come?" I thought. "At least, I should be able make out a few words!" At that time, I really could not understand. Master knew my English was poor, why did She speak to me in English?
Not until six months after Master has gone abroad did this enigma suddenly come to light. I realized that Master wanted me to learn the lesson of truthfulness - to say what we have, instead of pretending to have what we don't, and to be truthful instead of fooling others and ourselves. Looking back, I remembered my mannerism as I replied to the sister initiate, it was indeed as if I spoke excellent English, but actually....
The moment when I understood completely Master's intention, my heart pounded and the gratefulness that I then felt could not be expressed in words! Without being chopped by Master's wisdom sword, I don't know how much longer I would continue to hide the malevolent qualities that are buried deep within myself; and when would I ever realize my inner self as the most truthful, most virtuous and most beautiful.
By Resident Disciple Chen, Hsihu Center, Formosa
One day, going out on an assignment with some fellow sisters, we parked our car near the house of a fellow initiate. After leaving the car, we found one of the back-seat windows was not tightly closed. We first thought that it was not a big deal. However, the fellow sister that drove the car felt it was not quite right. So she went back, opened the door, and closed the window. She made an insinuating remark: "Just to protect other people."
Master taught us that even though we may not care very much about some
things, we should still protect the thoughts of other people and not provide
them with opportunities to incur karma. Therefore, we should always be
careful about our speech, behaviour, ways of dressing and so on. This is
to protect others as well as ourselves.