[Hsihu]
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, to celebrate the
arrival of the new millennium, Formosan initiates held their first three-day
retreat of the millennium at the Hsihu Center.
At
the start of the retreat, initiates felt their hearts grow warm as they
received red envelopes (a Chinese traditional offering containing money)
blessed with Master's love. A persistent spring drizzle prevailed throughout
the retreat, as though God were showering a sweet rain of nectar on
the participants. This was a manifestation of Master's New Year's message
for us: "May the blessings from the Most High shower upon you and
your loved ones." Due to the chilly weather, people at the Center
could be seen wearing Happy Yogi winter clothes and Happy Yogi Loving
Hats designed by Master. Everyone wore a happy smile and wished others
the very best for the first spring of the new millennium.
During
occasional moments of fair weather, members of the art and design team
beautified the Center by hanging red and yellow lanterns high in the
air to remind initiates to always keep their inner light shining. Swaying
beside the lanterns in the breeze were strings of firecrackers and colorful
paper-cuttings of Celestial Jewelry, which together created a warm atmosphere
commensurate with the New Year's festival.
The
third day of the retreat fell on a Sunday, and the Hsihu Center was
opened to all fellow practitioners and guests from around Formosa, who
also received red envelopes symbolizing good luck from Master. Around
noon, over a dozen booths for such diverse games as riddle guessing
and ring-toss were set up along the main entrance to entertain both
initiates and guests. The drizzle did not spoil the fun, as participants
enjoyed themselves along this children's fun street. Initiates and guests,
while seeking shelter under flower-like umbrellas, joyously left their
footprints in the mud. It was not until four in the afternoon that they
reluctantly left, completely charged with Master's intense love.
