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According to Master's instruction, in the cold of winter, just before the Chinese New Year, fellow initiates in Formosa engaged in an activity called "Bring The Warmth Of Spring To The Frigid Winter" with great enthusiasm.
Within a few days, initiates in Taoyuan, Houlong, Changhua, Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Tainan and Pingtung visited a few hundred destitute people to inquiry about their living conditions and needs. Over half of them were elderly people living alone. Some of them were physically handicapped. They were poor and had no one to depend on. They lived in shacks in the mountains or in thatched cottages in remote places. Some made shelters under the extended parts of a house or building. When fellow initiates visited them, some of them were speechless, their eyes brimming with tears. Some gave lots of blessings to the visiting initiates. Some grabbed the initiates' hands and talked touchingly about their stories, as well as expressing their appreciation for the initiates' concern.
After the initial visit, fellow initiates began the relief work. They supplied money and the most urgent daily necessities to those needy people. The next jobs were to repair their shelters and to provide them with medical care.
A deaf, elderly man was sitting on a chair when initiates went to visit him. He said, "I am just waiting to die.” His lonely words were so touching and full of grief. After initiates expressed their intentions with the sign language they just made up, the elderly man was in tears. A few days later, they brought the supplies to him. He started crying. He bowed to salute the initiates and accepted the gifts. He held Master's sample booklet in his hands and each time he read "Ching Hai", he would bow in tears. All the initiates there were also in tears.
Without resentment or regret, an optimistic elderly woman was taking care of her invalid son, who was injured in an auto accident. She had believed in the Quan Yin Bodhisattva all her life. Her faith was so touching. Several times she had seen the Quan Yin Bodhisattva walk out of the statue and shine light upon her to comfort her. When she saw the initiates, she was very touched and said, "Your Master must be a Buddha, the Quan Yin Bodhisattva must have sent you here." Fellow initiates travelled over mountains and hills to some remote groups of people and carried gifts and news magazines to bring Master's saintly love and teachings to those people. Master had arranged this activity so that those withering souls could have the opportunity to receive the grace of an enlightened Master.
The participating initiates all realized that physical health is ever changing. They felt that they should "appreciate and treasure happiness while it lasted". One initiate said that before initiation, he just worked every day to make a living and never thought about those suffering friends. It was Master's doing that the essence of his life had broadened. The young initiated children that accompanied them also learned a valuable lesson in loving others.
Besides material assistance, sharing Master's love and blessings and cheering people's spirit were the most joyful things. When we saw those sullen faces brightened and become full of hope after the visit, the initiates knew that Master's love had entered their hearts and souls!
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Center in Taipei held its group meditation as usual, to welcome the New Year with a reminder to practice diligently and not to forget their noble ideals. After meditation there was a party for families and friends of the initiates to enjoy. On that day the meditation center was beautifully decorated and lots of blessed fruit and food were prepared.
On New Year's Day, many of Master's beautiful new photographs and joyful new video tapes were made available. Many initiates happily purchased them to enjoy with their families at home during the New Year holidays. This way, they not only took care of their family members, but it was also as if they were spending the New Year with Master. Fellow initiates were thankful to Master for taking care of them so well.
During the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Hong Kong fellow practitioners launched an activity of giving each Au Lac refugee a New Year's present. Everyone happily went on their way donating, purchasing, coordinating, and so on. Unfortunately, after contacting the local officials, they found that, of the tens of thousands of refugees in Hong Kong, they would only be allowed by Hong Kong authority to give the presents to the several thousand at the Man Yee and Kai Tak camps, and a time limit was set for delivery.
Fellow practitioners purchased seasonal items as presents. After having a group meditation, they started wrapping and packing the presents. Everyone was together under one roof working cooperatively with high spirits until early the next morning. The next day, several tons of presents were loaded onto trucks, all prepared to be delivered to the camps. The compassionate Master seemed to know that what the Hong Kong initiates had done was not enough. She sent US$20,000 to them and phoned all the way from Miaoli to instruct them to buy more gifts for the refugees. Everyone was very grateful for the love and consideration that Master showed to the refugees and fellow initiates in Hong Kong. As a result, with Master's blessing and an even higher morale, they continued to work through the night, eventually finishing so that the presents could be delivered on time. Fellow practitioners were moved by all the grace from Master and the guidance and correction given by Her at critical moments. Fellow initiates in Singapore, Thailand and Philippines also conducted the loving activities of distributing gifts to the refugee compatriots in their countries, in response to Master's wish to share our love with the unfortunate brothers and sisters.
The Tokyo Center immediately received Master's words of consolation about the disaster, and Her instructions to start the relief work. The fellow practitioners wasted no time in forming a rescue team and went to help the victims in the affected area. Realizing the local fellow practitioners were lacking both in manpower and experience, Master summoned dozens of relief workers from Formosa, consisting of doctors, nurses and trained first-aid worker. (Mostly are residents from Hsihu.) Upon arriving in Tokyo, the relief team gathered tons of various relief materials in only one day. They split into many groups operating in the disaster area. Day and night racing with time, they worked hard in the shortest time rendering the most efficient relieving and lifesaving help. Later, other relief materials including tents, sleeping bags, 'no water needed' shampoo and warm clothing were airlifted from Formosa and distributed to the victims in large quantities.
In a few seconds, a disaster inflicted by nature took away innumerable lives, and destroyed a great part of the standing structures. This truly shows that the world is ephemeral and illusion; all things being only dreams. The only eternal refuge for human beings is their search for the inner realization and wakening, and the immortality of their souls and spirituality. Besides offering material aid and spiritual support to the victims, fellow practitioners everywhere were also silently praying for the victims. It is their hope that through meditation, the gentle atmosphere of the world would be sublimated, thus eliminating further catastrophes.
In the friendly company of a few policemen, fellow initiates then went to the UNHCR office, and held up big protest slogans for everyone to see. The few hour peaceful sit-in took place opposite the front of the UNHCR office. After being nourished for a while, by the blessing from the sit-in, they went to the office to give them the petitions and other important information. The UNHCR press agent cordially invited them for a discussion. They had quite an interesting exchange of different points of view concerning the refugee problem. The atmosphere was very constructive, obviously due to Master's blessing.
The eye-catching effect of a group of people silently praying and meditating was highlighted by the fact, that they were very determined in their sit-in unmoved by the rain, for a lofty ideal. People showed their support in action. One young man was so touched that he shouted, "They are indeed meditating!”, as if he was reminded of something long forgotten. He also eagerly asked for information about meditation and happily received a sample booklet.
Through their activities, fellow practitioners showed the people with affinity that, in all this running around in life and with all these outer things, one must get in contact with a higher ideal and with inner peace in order to find true happiness.
After hours of sitting, nearly everyone was totally soaked. But as they left, they were laughing happily, as if they had been sitting in the sunshine. This reminded people of one of Master's sayings, "Whenever it rains, remember Me. The rain is like a blessing from heaven. The rain is like the connection message from heaven to earth.
While doing this activity, fellow practitioners learnt many lessons on "giving from the heart, without fear". They learnt to overcome their inner hindrances and face their ego, which was indeed an extra benefit in their spiritual practice. Moreover, a very good result was achieved in spreading the teachings; in this way the fellow practitioners were greatly encouraged.
Everyone made dumplings together; some fellow practitioners prepared excellent dishes, which they were experts at making. Within a few moments, the table was filled with dishes of delicious vegetarian food, which were highlighted by their outstanding color, smell and taste. The host, being a bachelor, was overwhelmed with admiration.
After finishing the meal and drinking tea, some people proposed that they sing songs to liven things up. French love songs, Swiss mountain songs, Chinese and American folk songs, and Au Lac songs that Master has sung come forth one after another, creating a very warm atmosphere that brought people together. After the party, fellow practitioners discussed spiritual practice and knowledge. They also discussed Master's teachings from a scientific perspective. Several of the practitioners, without prior consultation with each other, said that they felt that Master was there and had sung with them. Even though these comments were surprising, they added a greater touch of warmth to the festivities.
The response was encouraging from the first day. One Hungarian phoned for more sample booklets for those who he knew wanted to learn meditation. After he came to the Center and talked with the Quan Yin messenger, he decided to follow a vegetarian diet and applied for initiation. Because of the continuous distribution of the sample booklets, almost every day the Center received phone calls from spiritual seekers of all different walks of life. The seeds of the Quan Yin Method have been planted in this snow-covered land. When the spring breeze blows over this land and gives life to it, the people here will then be in their full glory, graced by Master's divine love.
Fellow initiates from dozens of cities all over America arrived at the center early to help tidy it up. Everyone worked joyfully with all their might and means. During the 3-day retreat, in an orderly manner, everyone gracefully savored the joy of their practice. Although Master did not personally conduct the retreat, fellow initiates understood that as long as they are sincere and practice meditation diligently, Master's blessing is omnipresent. The response from the 3-day retreat was very good. Many initiates had abundant experiences and their hearts were filled with tremendous peacefulness and satisfaction. Other than meditating diligently, fellow initiates also sincerely wished Master good health and prayed for world peace in the forthcoming new year. Fellow initiates hoped that with Master's loving blessing, every nation and every person would become more loving so that the world would be elevated to a higher level.
On New Year's Day, there was a delightful party around the campfire. Fellow initiates sat around the blazing fire exchanging experiences of their practice, enjoying a vegetarian barbecue, and watching the programs performed by initiates from various states. Accompanied by the music of Master's songs, everyone danced and sang together in joy and harmony.
The 3-day retreat was over all too quickly. Fellow initiates brought home with them their abundant spiritual harvests. They hoped to have other retreats on future holidays, to decorate their inner mansions and to beautify the external environment of the Center with a state of elegance and tranquility.
As per last year, fellow practitioners in Houston distributed woolen blankets to the homeless throughout the city on Christmas Eve, sharing with them Master's warmth and love.
Several hundred homeless people lined up on the sidewalk to receive Master's loving gifts. The fellow practitioners and the homeless people interacted in a loving, friendly and warm caring atmosphere. After the distribution of goods, a friendly stranger, who had warmheartedly helped to maintain order during the event, lifted a box of leftover sample booklets onto his shoulder with a big smile and carried it to another area where a great number of people were gathered. This unexpected gesture of friendship made the fellow practitioners feel that there was a feeling of love that permeated all of humanity. They also felt that after this event, the people who have a strong affinity will see each other again.
Furthermore, the Los Angeles Center is broadcasting Master's teachings on Au Lac Radio (FM 96.7) from seven to eight o'clock every Saturday evening. The broadcasting area covers Orange County and southern California. The program content consists of news about the activities of the Meditation Associations, Master's lectures in Au Lac language, Master's songs and correspondences between Master and disciples. Everyone is welcome to tune-in.
Recently the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations Vegetarian House in Arizona was honored as the "Best Vegetarian Restaurant" in the Phoenix metropolitan area by the News Times, the second largest newspaper in Arizona. The public can find information about the Vegetarian House in the well-known annual review book of the best restaurants. Phoenix Television Channel 3 and radio station KTAR talk show also took the initiative in reviewing and broadcasting information about the existence of the restaurant. After frequent recommendations by various news media, the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations Vegetarian House has become a signpost recognized by a good number of people in Phoenix.
Visitors have said: Upon entering the International Supreme Master Ching Hai Meditation Associations Vegetarian House, they can feel an atmosphere of love and friendliness. Some vegetarians have travelled long distances just to enjoy the restaurant's pure, tasty food and amiable atmosphere, where there is no smoking, no alcohol and "nice vibrations." Many yogis have also become regular customers of the Vegetarian House.
Besides being characteristic for the pure vegetarian food served, it also provides spiritual information in response to the many spiritual inquiries. Many people establish an affinity with Master from being there, and start on the path of spiritual practice.
However, several days later in a phone call to the contact person, the pastor said that to his surprise, his family and friends all encouraged him to become a vegetarian. It seemed like Master had been blessing him in a mysterious way. After being a vegetarian for a period of time, he requested initiation. At present, this friend, the pastor, is excitedly awaiting Master's transmission of the "Dharma", the initiation.
After the booklet distribution, there were a number of people who called to enthusiastically express their deep inner feelings and request more information about Master and the Quan Yin Method. The most touching is the story of a Zairian who had migrated with his family to Canada years ago. Although he had been practicing another method of meditation, he was never spiritually satisfied. All these years he kept searching for the true path. By chance, one day his wife brought home a copy of Master's sample booklet and delightfully exclaimed, "A female can also become an enlightened Master! When he read the transcript of Master's lecture given at the United Nations - "the Mystery of the World Beyond", he realized that it was not something beyond reached. With total concentration, he immersed himself in Master's sample booklet until early the next morning. He then wasted no time calling fellow practitioners, asking to purchase all of Master's books in English. He announced that he had finally realized his life long dream of getting spiritual guidance!
Several days later, he declared to our fellow practitioners that he had no intention of wasting time and his precious human body anymore, so he firmly decided to receive the initiation. He even referred to Master's books and said, "If Master is not a fully enlightened being, She could not have possibly elaborated so distinctly and concisely on the higher level worlds. In such a short period, he realized that he was experiencing a drastic change which was hard to describe. It was also his wish to spread Master's teachings to the staff and students in the school where he was teaching, and even to those in his home country.
In the same way, fellow practitioners will try their best to publish information about Master in other magazines, introducing this supreme Quan Yin Method to more people interested in spiritual practice.