Special Reports

Right from the very beginning of the retreat, Master spent every minute of Her time satisfying fellow initiates' longing to see Her. Two days before the retreat commenced, Master arrived at the hotel around midnight and immediately met with initiates for a short while. After breakfast the next morning, the initiates were delighted to meet with Her again in the dining hall. There She explained the main reason why a concert was being held after the retreat. Au Lac musician Nguyen Dinh Nghia and his family had performed in "The Evening of Music and Poetry" program during Christmas of 1996, and had been moved to find that all the profits from the event went toward contributions for former Au Lac artists still residing in their country. This discovery generated an interest on his part in the teachings of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Nguyen Dinh Nghia has since paid attention to spiritual development and also been inspired to compose spiritual music. A concert was thus scheduled for the 1997 Christmas retreat at his request so that he could realize his sincere wish to perform his new musical compositions in dedication to Supreme Master Ching Hai and the world before his retirement.

On the evening before the retreat, just as the initiation ceremony was about to begin, Master gathered all the initiates and would-be initiates in the meditation hall for a question-and-answer session. An attorney-at-law expressed concern about his career, saying that he often found himself in a dilemma over having to choose between his job and spiritual practice. Sometimes he was retained to defend his company in cases that he thought were unfair to the other party involved. Master said that as far as his job was concerned, he was a good employee and had to do what he was paid to do. However, he must choose between the two if it involved acting against his conscience. He could find a job with another company or open his own office and work only in defense of righteousness. He could work as a professor of law or perhaps even sell tofu. Master reminded us that we should remain childlike and not give up our inner peace and happiness for money, fame and prestige.

On the first day of the retreat, Master quietly joined us for the afternoon meditation session in the main hall. When night fell, it was time for the Christmas program. The stage was decorated with Christmas trees and colorful lights, while thousands of Santa's stockings and gift bags filled with candies and sweets were piled up on the front of the stage. Master and the audience especially enjoyed a rock-and-roll song composed, sung and danced to by a brother initiate. The lyrics were simple, yet sincere, expressing his deep gratitude toward Master. The initiate danced with light, nimble steps in a childlike way, making people feel like getting up on their feet and dancing with him. Master loved his childlike, sincere and fun-filled performance so much that She gave him blessed food -- not a mere handful but a whole basket. The last performance of the evening was also one of the favorites of the audience. It was presented by a group of Formosan initiates who sang and danced to the tune of the Christmas carol "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer". The program ended with the surprise presentation to Master of a huge piece of artwork -- a giant portrait of Herself constructed of more than 2,000 small pieces of fabric of different patterns and colors. The patchwork was so large that if one were to take a very close look, one would not be able to see Master's face. Instead, one would see pieces of fabric sewn together. This artwork was the fruit borne of love and effort over a long span of time.

What better way could there have been to spend a vacation than coming to this four-day international retreat? Not only could we be with Master every day, celebrate Christmas, and meditate with Her, but we could also listen to Her words of wisdom. Moreover, the retreat was held in one of the most well-known hotels in the U.S. capital, which afforded us a comfortable environment and loving treatment from both working initiates and hotel employees.

Those who deserve special mention are the initiates on the cooking team who provided us with excellent vegetarian food, beautifully arranged and decorated on large elegant serving plates. The initiates serving in the dining hall dressed up in bright red or blue vests, each donning a hat. Even the trash cans were "dressed up" in sparkling white "outfits" with red bows and ribbons.

On Christmas Day, Master held a series of question-and-answer sessions for different groups of initiates, and patiently answered their never-ending list of questions one by one. One initiate brought up the controversial topic of the lack of vitamin B12 in the vegetarian diet. According to many physicians and dietitians, only red meat contains this vitamin, and long-term deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause brain damage.

Master answered the question by asking the many members of the audience who had been vegetarian for more than ten years if any of them suffered from brain damage. She also joked about it, saying that perhaps we all had brain damage, which was why we abstained from meat eating, smoking and drinking, and why we had traveled to Washington, D.C. to meditate during Christmas time. She noted that these people were living testimony and that their answer came from personal experience without their having to learn it.

However, for those who might still be troubled about a deficiency of vitamin B12, Master accepted suggestions from the audience who recommended the intake of algae and seaweed, which are rich in vitamin B12, as well as vitamin B12 supplements. However, an initiate was quick to point out that we should make sure to purchase vitamins that are not derived from animals.

One new initiate spoke of the loving and immaculate care he had received from his wife, who is a longtime initiate. He was so touched that he went on a vegetarian diet with her and finally decided to get initiation at this retreat. He expressed deep gratitude toward his wife who made it possible for him to be "awakened" at the initiation.

In response to this, Master happily remarked that it was exactly what She had been teaching us to do, and this woman had truly followed Her teachings and set a good example for us.

One brother initiate recounted the story of his elder sister-in-law who was not a fellow initiate nor a vegetarian; however, she had great respect for Master and had deep faith in Her. Every time she left her house or immediately upon her return, she would join hands and bow to Master's picture. At one time a diagnosis indicated she had terminal cancer, stage four. Cancer cells had spread all over her body and many lumps had appeared on her neck and breasts. Doctors could do nothing but tell her to go home.

This initiate and his wife suggested that she pray to Master. After a few months of sincere praying, all the lumps disappeared and she was healed completely. The doctors could not believe their eyes. It was a strange phenomenon that they had never witnessed before. After her recovery, the woman immediately became a vegetarian and waited for initiation.

Master humorously said that She should open a clinic which would earn more money than Her present job. However, She reminded us to practice the Quan Yin Method only if we wanted to know God and be liberated, not if we wanted to cure illnesses.

The next day, Master reminded everyone about the things to keep in mind during meditation and also told us the secret to dealing with problems with meditation. On the last day of the retreat, She told us that although we have to do our job in this world, we can still enjoy the bliss of samadhi. We should bring love home, take care of our families, and establish good interpersonal relationships. Most importantly, Master emphasized that initiates should always be aware of keeping their actions, speech and thoughts pure, as well as meditating diligently, and having a deeper understanding of Her teachings so that we can make spiritual progress.

The initiates listened carefully to Master's lectures and, before they realized it, the retreat had come to an end. The retreat ended on a musical note with an unforgettable performance at the DAR Constitution Hall on the night of December 27. Many well-known artists and musicians performed for the concert, "A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms". Initiates partook in this musical feast of the century before returning home, fully recharged by Master's deep insights, love and blessings, and already feeling nostalgia for the sea of infinite love and beautiful melodies they had experienced at the retreat and concert.

Reverberating with Heavenly Music A spectacular concert was held at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. two blocks away from the White House on the evening of December 27, 1997. This "A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms" was a blend of the traditional and contemporary arts that bridges East and West and transcends cultural and language barriers, giving the audience a unique, original and unforgettable artistic experience.

Among those attending the concert were the guest of honor Supreme Master Ching Hai, and other distinguished guests, including US Senator Mark Katz and his wife; Ms. Kieu Chinh, star of the hit movie Joy Luck Club, and chairwoman of the Au Lac Children's Fund; Mr. Jim Delgado, director of Volunteer Services and acting secretary of the General Office, Department of Veterans Affairs; Attorney Susan Allen, president of the Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and her husband, Attorney Paul Allen; Attorney Maurice White, division chief, Administrative Office of the US Courts, and his wife; Attorney Benjamin Wu; Ms. Ruth Wong; Dr. Mike C. Chen; Dr. Wenxiong Huang and his wife; and Dr. Arthur Wu and his wife. An audience of over three thousand filled the concert hall to partake in an unforgettable feast of beauty for the eyes, ears and spirit -- in the musical event of the century.

The concert was conceived by a distinguished Au Lac musician, Nguyen Dinh Nghia, better known as the "Magic Flute". Nguyen Dinh Nghia has spent a long time studying the performing techniques and manufacturing art of Au Lac tribal musical instruments, and later began crafting self-styled instruments with self-improved skills. He has developed his own superb style that has given a modern dimension of musical excellence to the mystical sounds of authentic tribal instruments. In 1994, Nguyen Dinh Nghia won the Individual Artist Award from the Governor of Maryland as the state's Best Musician in Musical Instrument Performance. He had reached the pinnacle of his artistic career.

At the end of 1996, Nguyen Dinh Nghia and his family were invited to perform at the concert, "An Evening of Musical Performance and Poetry Recital," organized by the Artist's Association in California. There he witnessed Supreme Master Ching Hai, a versatile artist and spiritual teacher, contribute all box office receipts to Au Lac artists who had faded from people's memories. Nguyen Dinh Nghia was deeply touched by this humanitarian deed, and after reading Supreme Master Ching Hai's spiritual teachings, was filled with even greater admiration for this legendary lady.

At the same time, he was pleasantly surprised to discover that Supreme Master Ching Hai had become an inspiration in his artistic life, enabling him to open up an entirely new musical realm on a level far beyond his previous attainments. He achieved major breakthroughs in his awareness and application of the sounds of various musical instruments. He was also greatly inspired in terms of musical creativity, which elevated his performance and composition skills to a spiritual realm of unique beauty. Hence, Nguyen Dinh Nghia especially planned this musical event to express his reverence and appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai.

This grand gathering featured 25 world-renowned musicians and singers, including "The Beethoven of Au Lac," Pham Duy, American New Age musician David Arkenstone, singer Dalena, who performed in The Phantom of The Opera, and many other celebrated singers, movie stars, composers and lyricists. An exhibition of Supreme Master Ching Hai's artistic creations was held in the lobby of the Constitution Hall before and during the concert. The exhibition featured paintings and poems written in new lively styles, fabulous and superbly designed Celestial Jewelry, and dozens of gorgeous Celestial Clothes. Visitors to the exhibition were full of praise for Supreme Master Ching Hai's all-embracing and outstanding artistic talents.

"A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms" was an artistic feast presented by a galaxy of distinguished talents and brilliant stars. Rich and colorful in content, the evening's performance reached climax after climax over a seven-hour-long period that kept the audience captivated till its very end.

The stage was decorated with exquisite images of classical Greek angels and graceful Eastern flying Apsaras. This, plus the wonderful and ever-changing stage lighting and stereo sound effects, and a giant video screen on either side of the stage that projected the performance live, added to the audience's enjoyment of the show.

The show opened with a touching address by Mr. Pham Duy, followed by a performance by twelve little angels dancing in lively and ingenious steps choreographed to the tune "My Love" composed by Supreme Master Ching Hai. The curtain on "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms" was thus raised in a bright and joyful atmosphere.

The next to come on stage was Dalena, who sang the song "I will Forever Love You," written and composed by Supreme Master Ching Hai. Her clear and melodious voice expressive of deep feelings relayed God's love for all, tugging the heartstrings of the audience. It was at this point that a spiritual and musical journey unfolded for all those present.

When New Age composer David Arkenstone presented his most recent work, his fresh and fluid melodies led the audience into his dreamlike musical stories. The atmosphere of warmth and spiritual elevation flowing between the audience and performers struck a chord deep down in David Arkenstone's heart that he spontaneously played four additional tunes, one of which was especially dedicated to Supreme Master Ching Hai. His performance was as natural as that of a newborn baby. He repeatedly expressed that he felt highly honored to be able to take part in this concert. Down with a heavy flu, he had originally planned to leave right after his performance. But he enjoyed the harmonious and uplifting atmosphere so much that he stayed to watch the program till the very end and then joined the other performers on stage in a farewell tribute.

About halfway through the concert, Director of American Veterans ¡¹

Suddenly, I felt fingers rubbing gently on my forehead causing light to turn into waves in my head. Light was running as a wave on the reefs, splashing on a ceiling in front of my wisdom eye, splashing all over the place, and then light dripped down like water from the ceiling into my forehead. Many waves went by, one by one, separated by clear blue light, and afterwards turned into running light and disappeared.

Thank You, dearest Master. Your love for us is so strong no one could ever imagine it. Your presence for us is like when a small child is lost, scared and cold outdoors, and then his mother comes to him. All suffering is gone when they meet in a river of tears again. All we can do is love our neighbors, and love all there is, very dearly like You do us. Then when we see you in all, we will be able to love similarly. Yes, we can do to others as you do to us and soon the Earth will melt with love.¡¹

Indeed, about one week before Christmas, with help from my colleagues, I received consent from my boss to take the leave. My colleagues were so deeply touched by the sincerity of fellow practitioners toward Master that they began to read Her sample booklet and News magazines, and even tried the vegetarian diet.

This was my first Christmas in the United States, yet I had the chance to join the international retreat, to see Master, and bathe myself in God's light. No words could possibly describe my excitement and bliss. Master, let me thank You again for making my dream come true! This is Your best Christmas gift for me!¡¹

During the meditation session, when my mind is in complete calmness, I realize that I have different layers of consciousness. One departs from my body, going in a pair with my spirit that is wandering all over nothingness. This consciousness of mine learns spiritual lessons from the Truth that only can be visibly recognized in the plane of non-being. This is exactly as Master has taught us: "Our Wisdom Eyes can only develop at maximum when our mind is in perfect tranquillity."

The second consciousness remains with my body; it makes me aware that I am practicing meditation with other initiates under the loving and caring Master's guidance. Therefore, I am taught by experience that each one has more than one layer of consciousness.

Before the meditation session is over, Master's chanting from the tape recorder is usually played. My second consciousness receives this message and then immediately sends it up to my spirit that comes right down back into my body. Then I have the impression that abundant bliss and joy are pouring into me. I am intuitively aware that my spirit has experienced the mercy and universal love of God and obtained the infinite inner treasure that is the spiritual civilization of God.¡¹

Soon after that, a member of the working staff led all the people in our section, row by row, in an orderly way to the empty seats downstairs. We were given VIP seats in the front, and Master was sitting right behind us. Normally, we could never get such good seats even if we fought for them. So, God did not waste any time in testing us on what Master had just taught us during the retreat!¡¹

In the afternoon, sitting in the hall and feeling really sick, hardly able to keep my eyes on Master, I thought, "If only I had some blessed food." Looking up at Master's picture, I asked for help.

Just then, I noticed a dropped blessed candy bar about to be trodden under foot in the aisle. My answer had arrived! I quickly "rescued" it, and began to feel better.

Later in the evening, as I was going to the meditation hall after dinner, my roommate handed me a plastic cup with some food, and said, "By special instruction, this is for you." It contained the leftovers of Master's own meal -- blessed food of blessed food! More answer than I ever would have hoped for!¡¹

Early the next morning, I awoke suddenly to find my wisdom eye lit by a soft radiance. In the middle was a crescent moon, its outline so very beautiful that it defies comparison with the rigid and unrefined moon of the outside world.

This fantastic vision remained for a time. When it disappeared, I sat up, wondering why this beautiful crescent moon looked so familiar. Suddenly I realized that this exquisite shape, especially the slender and gentle points at the two ends, looked exactly like the ethereal hand that Master stretched toward me the night before.¡¹