Cleanliness Is Saintliness

Fellow practitioners clean the streets and parks near the Johannesburg Center.

[Johannesburg] Johannesburg initiates rent a huge hall from a Buddhist group to use as their center. From a physical standpoint, the location is beautiful, being right on top of a hill with a 360 degree view of the city. However, the surrounding neighborhood is rather poor and the streets near the center are frequently littered with garbage. And often, parties go on outside during our group meditation sessions, with loud music and people drinking profusely, having a very merry time. Many of the practitioners often joke about enjoying the group 'party' instead of concentrating inwardly during meditation.

We decided not to move the location of the center just yet, but rather to beautify it, as an example of cleanliness for local residents. On a number of occasions, we have arranged environmental cleanup days, which involve fellow practitioners cleaning the streets and parks near the center. Equipped with cleaning materials, our Association's yellow and green coats, and a small backpack containing sample booklets, we have often been approached by neighbors inquiring about our group who are grateful for our clean up efforts. Some have even offered to help us clean. When the parks are clean, more of the younger children come out to play, as their parents feel it is safer for them.

Once, two young girls approached a fellow brother and took a sample booklet. They told us that they are not normally allowed to visit the park because it is so dirty and that they had come that day because we had cleaned it up. One of the girls said, "I think it is very good, what you are doing, because my mom tells me that cleanliness is saintliness. Now we can enjoy the park". One of the practitioner's daughters, who is not even initiated, always comes to help, as she likes to see the parks clean. This demonstrates how others can be influenced by our own goodness and sincerity, as Master often teaches us by Her shining example.

 

Sharing God's Message at Leeuwkop Correctional Services

Inmates at Leeuwkop Correctional Services attentively watch Master's video.

[Johannesburg] In May of 2001, thanks to God's perfect arrangement, Johannesburg initiates were able to visit Leeuwkop Correctional Services, a prison situated in a peaceful area in the northern part of the city. We had tried to go to the prison previously, but were unsuccessful. However, it took just one God inspired phone call at the right time for all matters to run smoothly and to ensure a successful visit.

We first held a meeting with the administrative staff, introducing our association and Master's teachings, and afterwards showed the video, "Walk the Way of Love" and a video of Master's lecture in Johannesburg during Her Middle Eastern and African tour in 1999. During the presentation, the audience remained quiet and attentively engaged in Master's words and silent blessing. Afterwards, we answered many sincere questions and later returned to the prison to teach several administrative staff members the Convenient Method and distribute vegetarian sandwiches.

We then arranged for each prisoner to receive the sample booklet, "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment." About 1500 inmates reside at Leeuwkop Correctional Services, and a few weeks later we held a seminar to address interested inmates. Many who attended were fixed on Master with rays of hope beaming from their eyes. And the questions that were asked proved the sincerity and simple hearts of many of the so called, "prisoners." One fellow practitioner offered 1500 pairs of socks to the prison, which were then distributed to the inmates. We were touched to see the happy faces and smiles of gratitude when the inmates received these seemingly insignificant gifts. Due to time constraints and limited space, we had to return later to teach the Convenient Method. We believe that this was Master's arrangement so that we could ensure the inmates' sincerity.

Now we visit Leeuwkop prison each week for a question and answer discussion, video showing, group meditation and Convenient Method transmission. At a recent session, one inmate stood up in front of the whole class to affirm his faith in God's power transmitted through the "Divine Goddess" Master Ching Hai, whereas when he first came into contact with Master through the sample booklet and video seminar he had many doubts.

We thank you, Master, for this wonderful opportunity to spread God's message in a place where it is most needed and appreciated.

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