Supreme
Master Ching Hai, as She has affectionately become known to those
who have had the pleasure to meet or work with Her, lives a message
that walks the way of love.
A
renowned humanitarian, artist and spiritual visionary, Her love and
assistance have extended beyond all cultural and racial boundaries
to millions of people around the world, including the needy and homeless,
institutions of medical research on AIDS and cancer, war veterans
of the United States of America, the disadvantaged elderly, the physically
and mentally handicapped, refugees, and victims of natural disasters
such as earthquakes, floods, and fires.
Through
these works, we witness countless reminders of compassion, which is
the trademark of this caring lady and the international organization
that has grown out of Her loving example.
Supreme
Master Ching Hai once said: "Whatever we can share, we begin
with sharing. Then we'll feel a subtle change within ourselves - more
love will be pouring into our consciousness, and that is the beginning.
We are here to learn, to learn to grow as well as to learn to use
our power, our limitless power of love and creativity, to make the
world a better place wherever we happen to be."
Supreme
Master Ching Hai was born in central Au Lac. During Her early years,
She was often found providing help and comfort to hospital patients
and the needy. Above all, a burning spiritual quest since childhood
lead Her to different paths of God devotion. As a young adult, She
moved to Europe to study and continued there as a volunteer nurse
and translator for the Red Cross. She soon discovered that pain and
suffering exist in all cultures and in all corners of the globe, and
Her search for the remedy for these ills became all the more the foremost
goal in Her life.
She
was happily married at the time to a German doctor, and although it
was an extremely difficult decision for both of them, Her husband
agreed to a separation. She then embarked on a journey in search of
spiritual understanding.
Finally,
in the deepest reaches of the Himalayas in India, She found an enlightened
Master who imparted to Her the Quan Yin Method, a meditation technique
that contemplates on the inner light and sound. After a period of
practice, She became fully enlightened.
Soon
after Her return from the Himalayas, at the earnest requests of those
around Her, Master Ching Hai began sharing the Quan Yin Method, encouraging
others to look within to find their own greatness. People from all
walks of life found that through the Quan Yin Method of meditation,
they attained greater fulfillment, happiness, and peace in their daily
lives. Before long, invitations arrived from the United States, Europe,
Asia, and South America as well as the United Nations, beseeching
Master Ching Hai to present public lectures in their countries.
As
well as being a noble example of humanitarian aid, Master Ching Hai
also encourages people to beautify the world we live in. Through meditating
with the Quan Yin Method, Master Ching Hai has realized many latent
talents that She expresses through artistic paintings and creations,
music and poetry, and aesthetic jewelry and dress designs. These works
of art depict the inner and outer beauty of the cultures and peoples
She has met. In 1995, by public demand, Her clothing creations were
exhibited on the international fashion circuit, including London,
Paris, Milan, and New York. Sales from Her artistic endeavors have
enabled Master Ching Hai to create an independent source of funding
for humanitarian activities, highlighting Her noble love for all children
of God and our responsibility to those who are less fortunate than
we are.
Although
She does not seek acknowledgment of any kind, in recognition of Her
selfless assistance, Supreme Master Ching Hai has received numerous
awards from government officials and private organizations around
the world, including: The World Peace Award, The World Spiritual Leadership
Award, Award for Promotion of Human Rights, the World Citizen Humanitarian
Award, and the Award for Outstanding Public Service to Humankind.
(Mayor Fasi): "She brings love around the world where there is
hate. She brings hope where is despair. And, She brings understanding
where there is misunderstanding. She is the light of a great person,
an angel of mercy for all of us."
Supreme
Master Ching Hai is one of the truly dedicated people of this era,
helping others find and create a beautiful vision of the future. Many
great people in history have had dreams, and in Her own words, so
does Supreme Master Ching Hai: "I dream that the whole world
will become peaceful. I dream that all the killing will stop. I dream
that all the children will walk in peace and harmony. I dream that
all the nations will shake hands with each other, protect each other
and help each other. I dream that our beautiful planet will not be
destroyed. It took billions of years to produce this planet and it's
so beautiful, so wonderful; I dream it will continue, but in peace,
beauty, and love. Yes, that is my dream."
