The 1999 International Moon Festival held at the Orlando Center from September 24-26 was a unique occasion in the experience of our Quan Yin family. All the initiates who attended wore colorful traditional Au Lacese, Chinese, Korean, Irish, Mexican, Costa Rican and other native dress, as well as pumpkin outfits, warrior uniforms, priest's robes and the like, which created a joyful and festive mood at the Festival. The creativity of the disciples was awe inspiring, and everyone seemed ready for a good time, a familial exchange of good feelings and an experience of Master's infinite blessings amid the natural beauty of the Orlando Center.

All the large trees at the Center were decorated with wide strips of paper in a variety of vibrant colors, and were hung with balloons, paper lanterns, tinsel and other decorations, as well as countless toys for the children. One could not help but feel happy and uplifted in such a setting.

Master came to see us during the afternoon! Wearing a coat embroidered with classical gilt patterns on it, She arrived escorted by a team of sedan chair bearers dressed as ancient warriors. Following the rhythm of the lion dance, Master slowly moved forward, as beautiful fairies sprinkled rose petals on the path She was to tread. At the evening gathering, Master changed into ancient Chinese emperor's attire to enjoy the beautiful moon and moon cakes with us. Even the full moon in the sky appeared bashful compared to Master's golden radiance!

September 25, 1999

Master came to the fair at lunch time and enjoyed some tea at the Chinese Tea Art stall. I was fortunate enough to find myself right in front of Master. She was wearing a pink classical European princess costume, and was talking to the guests in an elegant manner. I gazed at Master, and She gave me a gentle look every now and then. Never had I beheld from another person on Earth a look and expression so gentle and loving. Neither could I find another person who can talk in such a sweet, heavenly voice as Master's. The whole world was nonexistent, except for Master's look and countenance. At that most blessed moment, I felt I could die with no regrets. Oh! My eternal lover!

September 26, 1999

After the evening gathering, Master received fellow disciples from all countries by turn. With great compassion and patience, She answered all their questions, and blessed the new initiates and disciples who had problems. Finally, She said that those who were leaving that day might go on to the stage with Her; I was absolutely delighted! When Master was blessing me, I gazed at Her and saw that She was praying devotedly with eyes and palms closed. Her concentration and sincerity are several thousand times greater than mine! Master stayed with us until after nine in the morning; She had blessed many people. Feeling a little tired, I talked to a resident disciple by my side whom I knew, saying, "Let's go get some breakfast!" But she looked at Master passionately and said, "No! I will leave only after Master has left." Feeling her intense love for Master, tears nearly fell from my eyes.

At lunch time, Master came and moved around on horseback. She had been accompanying us since the gathering the previous evening, and had not had any rest until after nine the next morning. Besides, She had blessed many people. Riding on horseback, She looked exhausted and fragile. Sitting at a barbecue table and holding my bowl, I cried loudly, oblivious of the attention from the people around me. On the previous night, Master had told us that resident disciple Tong Li Shih had left this world, and that She had lost one of Her best friends.

She had expressed human emotions and was very sad. This incident made Her cherish more the moments She spent with us, because She did not know when we might be leaving Her.

This evening's gathering was the last one of the Moon Festival. Master appeared very happy watching the performance. When She looked back every now and then, I observed that Her expression was really innocent! And She looked at me tenderly several times.

Together with everyone, She sang many familiar Aulacese songs. The more She sang, the more delighted and energetic She became, and the louder She sang. I couldn't help wondering: She was so exhausted the night before and that noon, yet She suddenly seemed so refreshed and energetic. In this regard, I would like to quote a statement that a fellow brother once used to praise Master: "This Master is really 'not an ordinary person'!"

Time seemed to fly back to the good old days in Hsihu when Master roasted sugarcane stalks and sang songs with us. Master spoils us by incessantly giving to us more than we ask for. When She walked around throwing blessed food, She also sang a few Chinese songs. It was hard to imagine that after so many years, Master could still remember those songs, and She even remembered the lyrics clearly!

Then a contest broke out between the Aulacese and Formosan disciples; one moment it was an Aulacese song and the next, it was a Chinese song. That was great fun! Finally, when Master was leaving, the Formosan disciples sang a Formosan song, "Wait a While!" It was precisely the song to be sung at that moment! I couldn't help smiling.

Postscript

Each time Master came to see us, She always put on Her best makeup, and dressed Herself in Her most elegant and beautiful clothing to show Her sincerity and respect for us. During the Mid-Autumn celebrations, I could see that everyone had brought out their best and noblest aspect to demonstrate the quality of heaven. I have also decided to get rid of my habitual unwillingness to take the trouble to dress differently than my usual casual wear. Heaven is here on Earth!

We are One in Heaven and on Earth Mesmerized by Your Loving Songs