On
Dec. 18, 1998, at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles,
the most magnificent concert of the century was held. The reception
that followed the concert was another splendid gathering, with the
night's superstar, the Supreme Master Ching Hai, being the main
focus of the party. Everyone was immersed in the elevating and loving
atmosphere, as well as feeling joyful because of the unprecedented
success of the Concert. Master cordially thanked the performers
for their talented performances and chatted easily with them like
old friends. Delightedly, they posed for pictures with Her.
The
venue also featured many of Supreme Master Ching Hai's artistic
creations, including the Celestial Jewelry, clothing, paintings,
and lamps. Many VIPs were amazed at Master's versatile artistic
talents and were very interested in Her personally as well. After
being introduced to Her paintings and jewelry designs, they commented
on Her ability to penetrate into the true nature of phenomena and
convey elevating messages through Her art works. Many requested
sample booklets and magazines in order to learn more about Master
and Her teachings.
Kerry
Walsh, a noted singer of new music, who sang Master's poem, "Love
Melody IV," composed by Peter Boyer, remarked that she knew
little about Master Ching Hai, but was deeply moved throughout the
Concert. Reciting a line from "Cannot Do A Thing With My Heart"
in the Symphonic Portrait, "The Peace Seeker," she asked,
"What can I do for the world? What can I do for my people?"
Then she added, "All my life I've tried to do something like
Master is doing. I have asked myself, "What can I do to make
a change? I am too small to do anything. Now I know that I can become
involved with these people to make a contribution. I hope to join
in more of these activities in the future. I really feel more satisfied
when doing such deeds." Commenting on Master's artwork, she
exclaimed, "Unbelievable! I've never seen anything like these
before. Wonderful!"
Stephen
Kalinish, a poet and songwriter for The Beach Boys' Family and Friends,
commented, "She is a sweet person, so wonderful. She has a
poetic soul, and is very humble...very humble indeed. She is God's
channel, and the love is expressed in language that human beings
can understand."
Diana,
aunt of the sister singers Carnie and Wendy Wilson from the Beach
Boys' Family and Friends, happily talked with our reporter. "She
is so talented. I am very happy to be here." Marilyn Wilson,
mother of Carnie and Wendy Wilson, said, "She (Master) is a
lovely person, very sweet, and very sincere." Both of them
(also sisters) said repeatedly, "We can't get over Her."
Randel
Kirsch, who plays bass for the Beach Boys' Family and Friends, had
watched the entire Concert. He commented, "It was a fun evening.
The concept of 'peace through music' is so cool. I watched the entire
"Peace Seeker" (composed by Academy Award winner Fred
Karlin) with my jaws open. The poems in between (the music) were
fantastic!" His wife, mother, and baby son had also seen the
show, and the family appeared radiantly happy. He commented that
by his participation in this event, he had done the right thing
for the world and the next generation.
The
event's photographers who were very devoted to their work said that
everything was amazingly beautiful that night. They enjoyed the
music as well as the paintings and other art works by Master. While
being interviewed, they were busily shooting Master's paintings.
Kristin, a photographer from "KLM Studio," told us, "I
have never met Master before, but after watching the tape 'Walking
the Way of Love,' and seeing Her tonight, I agree that She is a
wonderful person."
Dr.
Larry M. Timm, the event's coordinator and a full professor of music
at California State University Fullerton, and his beautiful wife
Carol expressed gratitude to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International
Association for making the Concert possible. Dr. Timm commented,
"It was the finest orchestra I've ever heard. The precision
and sound were perfect." He also said, "With its 6,000
person audience, the whole room was filled with joy; everyone was
in love. The whole show was flawless. All the entertainers were
very professional, including the MC's, the voices, Bill, Peter,
everyone. It's God's arrangement to bring people together. Music
is a universal language." When talking about Master extemporaneously
singing Her own song, Dr. Timm said admiringly, "She did a
great job!" Master's creative art works amazed both him and
his wife. Dr. Timm began to talk excitedly about Master, saying
"She is very down to earth, very genuine, as if you have known
Her for a long time, even when you first meet Her."
Truly,
as Academy award winner Bill Conti said in an interview before the
Concert, using music as a voice for peace is a wonderful idea. We
believe that through occasions such as these, the message of peace
will be imbedded in the deepest memories of many people.
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