[Singapore] It was Good Friday and being a public holiday, the Singapore Center took the opportunity to organize a family day picnic. All relatives and friends of initiates and Convenient Method practitioners were invited to participate. Everyone was encouraged to bring their own dietary specialty and to share their culinary skills.

Fellow initiates started arriving at the designated spot early in the morning and began meditating. The day's activities started with a talk about nutrition, given by a fellow initiate specializing in health and body fitness. The speaker mentioned all the important minerals and vitamins in the vegetarian diet, and cleared up some myths about it. Everyone especially the non-initiates benefited from the talk and some even stayed behind to further understand nutritional concerns about the vegetarian diet. The children meanwhile enjoyed themselves in the playground.

Then unexpectedly, the highlight of the day came, Master Ching Hai in a light and carefree dress, riding in a trishaw! Everyone was elated upon seeing Her, and all gave Master a very warm welcoming smile.

As noon was approaching, everyone gathered around Master. She chatted, joked, and laughed with everyone. The relaxing atmosphere enabled us to clear up lots of doubts about our practice and way of life relating to family members of initiates. A wife of an initiate told him that she was puzzled how Master could read her thoughts in the session by answering her questions immediately as she had them. The brother initiate just smiled and reminded her of the all-pervading power of the living Master.

The whole session lasted about an hour then Master left. Not only was a wonderful time had by all, but Master also gave something to everyone. The children all received a traditional gift of money in Red Envelopes, and the grown-ups Master's showered with infinite love and compassion.

Korea Singapore Australia Formosa United Kingdom