[Korea] Fellow practitioners in Seoul rejoiced in knowing that Master was coming for the opening ceremony of the Seoul Vegetarian House. Mr. Yong-jae Lee, spokesman of the Mayor of the City of Seoul, Mr. Cho Soon, and Director General of Public Information of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, went to the airport to receive Master.

Quite a number of fellow practitioners and guests from various places came to the Vegetarian House to see Master. Fellow practitioners wearing traditional Korean costumes sincerely welcomed Master by sprinkling flowers on the path on which She walked before formally opening the Vegetarian House.

Following this, there was a dance performance by the very young fellow practitioners as well as a flute performance. An instrumental of Master's Buddhist chanting music and Her song, "I will forever love you" was also presented, which moved many people to tears. Even Master had tears in Her eyes. She glanced around compassionately and there was no need for any words to be exchanged between Her and the disciples.

After the performance, Master had a meal with fellow practitioners and sampled all the dishes. She also gave gifts to the guests and blessed candies to everyone. All fellow practitioners were very grateful to Her and wished that She could stay longer in Korea. In the evening, at the Seoul Center, Master answered all the questions raised by guests and fellow initiates. Everyone appeared blissfully satisfied.

The next day, Master visited the Taejon Center and meditated with fellow practitioners, transforming the whole Center's magnetic field. Later, She went to Chon Ju for the opening ceremony of the recently relocated Center. After the ceremony, Master meditated with fellow practitioners, then later gave an enlightening talk during which She reminded us to have a natural and free attitude in life.

On the third day, Master met the Mayor of Seoul, Mr. Cho Soon, for more than an hour amidst a harmonious atmosphere. Master said: "The Mayor of Seoul has a good-looking dignified face, just like a saint of this age."

The accompanying Quan Yin messenger said: "Mayor Cho is very much loved by the Korean people. He is upright, honest and has a good name for a Korean -- Bau Chin Tien*. Besides, citizens call him the god of the mountain because he likes climbing mountains."

When Master saw a photo of Taebaek-San Maek in the Mayor's reception room She said: "Very mysterious mountains, just like the Himalayas." About Koreans, Master said: "Korea has many people like the Mayor of Seoul. Therefore, there are no big moral issues and the country enjoys prosperity due to the economy... I like Koreans and I feel very relaxed."

The Mayor replied: "I hope, for the spiritual enlightenment of the Korean people, that Supreme Master Ching Hai can come more often to Korea to lecture..."

The following day was the opening ceremony for the Pusan Vegetarian House. Fellow practitioners, their friends and relatives, and guests waited inside for Master's arrival. There were also some curious members of the public who waited along with the others to see Master.

In the evening, Master appeared amidst cheerful applause from fellow initiates. Everyone's spirit was elevated by Her noble and elegant smile. After the opening ceremony, Master blessed the restaurant for prosperity and hoped that there would be more and more vegetarian houses in Korea.

During dinner, Master had the opportunity to talk to the guests. Among them were special guests from India, Catholic nuns, Buddhist monks and nuns, journalists and many others. They raised various kinds of spiritual questions. Master reminded us of the importance of family members, saying we had to look after them with the spirit of sacrifice and love. Also, She said that by being a very good example our family members would gradually understand us.

Master's detailed answers reflected Her love and greatness, and this was very touching for fellow practitioners. She said that because we were connected inside with each other and that our souls were one with Hers, therefore we were always together. Fellow practitioners also understood from working experiences that if we are helping each other with the same ideal, God will be with us.

During Master's visit to Korea, fellow practitioners and their relatives all received Her boundless love and blessings. We are most grateful to Master for this most precious gift for our souls despite Her very busy and tiring schedule.

*Bau Chin Tien was a very well known legal minister in China, who is remembered for his courage, wisdom and highly ethical character.

Dear Master Supreme Master Ching Hai,

I understand that You are planning to visit Korea. I have heard about You from Yong-jae Lee, my spokesman and the Director General for Public Information of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

I would like to meet You during Your stay in Korea. I would appreciate it if You could fix the place and time of our meeting at Your convenience.

Sincerely yours, CHO Soon, Mayor, The City Of Seoul