Love In Action

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Trip To
Northern Thailand

By Wu, Peiyuan from Bangkok News Group

It's very cold in the mountain areas of Northern Thailand. Almost every winter there are people who die of the cold. As soon as Supreme Master Ching Hai heard about this. She sent the necessary sum of money and instructed the Thai disciples from local areas to prepare blankets, warm clothes, as well as rice, medicine, children's clothes and stockings, and to deliver them at the beginning of December. The local government was very touched when they learned that our group cared so much about the local people's needs. They willingly offered to make arrangements and notify the villagers to gather in one place to receive the rescued items.

December 5th happened to be the King of Thailand's birthday. The villagers, young and old, gathered at the square. The county governor of Maechaem started with an introduction of our group: "We are very thankful and touched that Supreme Master Ching Hai came to help our brothers and sisters." He then respectfully requested Supreme Master Ching Hai to speak. She said humbly that it was our great honor to have the opportunity to serve the people.

She commented that it was us who should be thankful for the opportunity to share Buddha's blessings, and for the King's reign of wisdom and love. Sincerely, She also wished for the King's longevity and Thailand's prosperity. Then, along with Supreme Master Ching Hai and fellow practitioners, the county governor and local staff distributed all the needed items to the villagers.

The second stop was Omkoi county. Because we didn't have enough children's clothes and the sizes didn't fit, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately sent fellow practitioners to make purchases from the local stores, giving them to the children who hadn't received theirs. Facing this oversight, She took the opportunity to point out to everyone that we should be thoughtful of others anywhere and at anytime. Supreme Master Ching Hai said: "As kids, we often hope to have new clothes to wear. If we got one but it was too big or too small, wouldn't we feel sad?" She reminded the staff that they were not careful enough. As everyone waved good-bye, we examined ourselves inside. After returning to the center, we had a meeting to discuss what had happened and sincerely offered ways of improvement, so we could be more efficient the next time. We stayed up all night to sort and count and package the clothes. Then in the morning, we delivered them all to other villages.

There were five places: Fang County, Maekha, Chiangdao, Mae Taeng and Sa Moeung.

When Supreme Master Ching Hai arrived, the local government officials came forward to greet us. They also introduced us as a group that keeps five precepts, maintains a vegetarian diet and practices the Quan Yin Method of meditation. Everyone expressed their sincere gratitude to our loving visit. She lovingly told the villagers that since it happened to be the King's birthday, our action was to express our gratitude to his wise care of his people. She also wished the King a long life, his country prosperity, and his people strength. "Lucky money" in envelopes was also present by Master to the elderly, the sick, women with children and those with special needs, for them to buy some nutritious foods and milk powder for the children and tonic medicine for elderly. (Master prepared these extra cash Herself for the most needy and poorest among the poor.)

Thank to Supreme Master Ching Hai's reminder yesterday, fellow practitioners discovered that that morning's trip went much smoother. She personally gave out candies and clothes to the children. They thanked Her with the innocence and happiness of children. With smiles on their faces, they rushed home with their gifts. Maybe they couldn't wait to tell their parents their wonderful experiences! When Supreme Master Ching Hai was about to leave, the county governor offered a big box of oranges to thank Her and everyone. (Master distributed them all to the poor villagers around Her.)

Supreme Master Ching Hai did not overlook the local staff and gifts were also given to them. The local clinics were provided with long-needed medicine and fellow practitioners were instructed to give the surplus clothes to orphanages and nursing homes.

We could now take a break from the two-day project; time to relax! Supreme Master Ching Hai understood our minds. She instructed the working staff to prepare a BBQ to be held in a place with beautiful scenery. Sweet potatoes, corn and Thai style salad were waiting for both Supreme Master Ching Hai and fellow practitioners to enjoy. During the BBQ, She old us the secret of success: Be attentive while working; because there is so much work, we need to shorten the work time so we can accomplish more.

The Thai fellow practitioners felt fortunate to have had the chance to work with Supreme Master Ching Hai and witness Her working spirit in action. We were very touched by Her love and care for all sentient beings at every moment. We earnestly encourage each other to be more diligent in our spiritual practice so we could have more strength to serve sentient being and be good instruments of God.

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Trip To Northern Thailand Consider Those Truly In Need! Supreme Master Ching Hai's Love For The Poor And The Homeless