STONE CAVE
Supreme Master Ching Hai lived in a small mountain cave during a retreat. A small tent was set up inside the cave. There was a wild papaya tree outside, along with a stove made of stones for cooking tea. However, the painting ended up like this. No one could understand its meaning without Master's explanation.

Originally, Master wanted to name it "The Tunnel"; not any tunnel of this world, but the "tunnel of light" observed internally by spiritual practitioners. There are some blue stars in the picture. Later, Master felt that this title was too serious, so She changed it to "Stone Cave".

It became even more difficult for us to understand after Master used this title. However, after Master's humorous explanation, the fellow initiates viewing the painting all broke out in laughter. Didn't Master often say that we are all "big stones"? The cave is our wisdom-eye. This painting depicts the supra-worldly light that a bunch of "big stones" like us perceive during meditation. Master said that it is impossible to reproduce the beautiful inner light perfectly with the coarse materials of this world, but She has done Her best.

In order to fully appreciate this painting, you have to look at it in a unique while. You will find the colors of the lights changing. If we view this picture with sufficient concentration, we will find it easier to focus our attention during meditation.
Ping Tung Mountain, Formosa. November-December 1990.

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