While On The Path

I had a fervent interest in seeking religious beliefs. Very often I read Buddhist scriptures and watched TV lectures by Buddhist monks, but I was never satisfied. Where and when could I find an enlightened master? The aspiration of meeting an enlightened master never left my mind for a moment.

One day I saw a new master giving a lecture on TV. After listening attentively, I was absolutely convinced by Her teachings. She was my dream master, it was easy to understand and get satisfaction through Her words immediately. I was extremely touched. Every day I turned on the TV punctually to watch Her lecture. Though I wanted to get to know Supreme Master Ching Hai better, I had no idea how I could contact Her. The program did not carry Her address or telephone number.

After some time, one day my husband and I went hiking and stopped by a temple on a mountain where we found many Buddhist books in a corner. As we browsed through them, we came across a copy of Master's sample booklet. Delighted and surprised, we exclaimed: "Isn't She the Master whom we watch on TV every day?" We took the sample booklet home and read it carefully, and in it we found the address and telephone number.

That very day, I contacted the Taipei Center and said I wanted to follow Master in spiritual practice. A sister told me how to find Master, and the prerequisites for initiation, including the vegetarian diet. I did not think that was very difficult, so I decided to observe a vegetarian diet and wait for initiation. Later, I felt that I could not wait any longer, so I went to Hsihu Ashram to receive initiation. Since then, an invisible force seems to have guided me along.

I set off that morning from Taipei in high spirit; that was the first time I visited Hsihu. On the chartered coach I looked out of the window, enjoying the scenery while feeling very excited. Upon arriving at Hsihu Ashram, I was dazzled by the scene that met my eyes. I had never seen such a beautiful ashram before. It seemed to be a paradise on Earth hidden behind ordinary surroundings. In the spectacular landscape were colorful flowers and green plants, awesome trees and chirping birds. Despite the large crowds, people felt so at home in the free and relaxed atmosphere that they were reluctant to leave. I requested the initiation that day, and as if answering my longing, Master had returned from abroad the day before! In my heart I longed to see the Master whom I had never met, but it was a Quan Yin messenger who conducted the initiation for us. It was strange why Master had not come to give us the initiation, and I was not very happy. After a while, Master suddenly appeared right in front of us. She was so beautiful that I could not believe my eyes. Like a goddess descending from heaven, She carried Herself so gracefully and elegantly, and I was stunned.

Master then greeted us: "Here comes the beauty! Someone would not feel assured if I didn't show up." She continued to say, "This Quan Yin messenger is capable of giving instructions." These words seemed to be meant for me, but it was incredible that Master could read my mind! My husband was initiated six months later, and the day after his initiation, Master left Formosa to preach abroad and did not return for a while. My husband and I felt sad and upset as though our Mother had abandoned us and stopped caring for us. Since I came to know about Master from the TV, I was not acquainted with any fellow practitioners. I felt so lonely and lost that I would sometimes cry in a corner. I had finally found my beloved Master and decided to follow Her in spiritual practice, only to have Her go abroad! I felt sad, helpless and frustrated!

Then came a turning point in my practice! One day I was inspired to go shopping at Loving Food Corporation, but it was closed when I got there. Suddenly I saw someone come out from the back of the store; I approached him and discovered that he was a brother initiate. He introduced me to a sister initiate who has since dissolved my loneliness by talking to me frequently on the phone. Undoubtedly Master has been guiding me. I was then a novice to spiritual practice, and this sister earnestly and patiently gave me encouragement, helping me to grow and advance on the spiritual path. To me, that was the most precious encouragement, and I was moved to tears.

However, this sister would always say humbly, "This is all due to Master's grace, arrangements and teachings. We ought to be thankful to Her." Truly we should be grateful to Master because She has given us so much. We must have confidence in Master and in ourselves, that we will definitely make it. Since the initiation, I have had many wonderful experiences and visions, and I am filled with bliss. What else can be more precious in life than this?¡¹

It may sound exaggerated, but because I cannot find a better way to describe my daily experiences, I have to use this unusual title.

We have often heard or read about how the Quan Yin Method benefits disciples, makes their lives easier and smoother, minimizes their pressures and setbacks, and brings them greater happiness and compassion. The recording and publication of these sincere experience have been a powerful inspiration and encouragement to me. Now it is my turn to share my experience with you all. Ever since I joined the Quan Yin family, I have had very good experiences. Thanks to Master's blessing, I have enjoyed the vegetarian diet and my daily meditation of two and a half hours. I have observed the five precepts and adhered to the teachings. Although I may not have tasted all the wonderful experiences in meditation, I know very clearly that "meditation" is the powerhouse that gives me the strength to put into practice Master's teachings and to pave my way "home".

I realize that while in this world, suffering cannot be avoided because of the karma accumulated in previous lives. At the time of initiation, Master has taken away all the karma of our previous lives, leaving behind only the predestined karma of this life so that we can continue to live in this world. And we will continue to suffer if we do not practice the Quan Yin Method diligently.

To me, the quality of life in this world falls somewhere between heaven and hell; life contains pain, pressure, setbacks, depression and ignorance. Fortunately, I have been liberated from these mundane elements of life ever since I have been following Master to go Home.

I feel that I no longer belong to this world, having risen above the constraints of time and space. I know Master is always with me. Whenever I am in need, She always answers all my doubts and solves all my problems. Since many people in the world do not enjoy the same quality of the life that I am living, I dare say that I am not in heaven or in hell, but rather, living a life of paradise in this world.¡¹