======= Contents =======

uMaster's Words
Be a Good Partner

uPanorama of Events
U.S.A./ Germany/ Korea

uEvents DateBook

uMaster Tells Jokes
Where Has the Turtle Gone?/ The Sandwich Mystery

uElevation of the Soul
Videotapes/ DVD

uHelpful Tips
Secrets for Lasting Meditation/ Warm Your Body from the Ears/ Self-made "Warm-keeping" Covers

uVegetarian Era
The National Vegetarian Campaign: Promoting a New Era of Health, Spiritual Practice and Respect for Life

uQuan Yin Family
The Ultimate Glory of Love/ One with Master

uPoems
From My Heart

uSpiritual Interludes
All in One/ To Please the Eyes of the People

uMaster Tells A Story
Living a Balanced Life Is the Tao

uMaster's Wonders
A Lecture by Transformation Master

uFeature Reports
Cultivate a Happy Marriage/ Marriage and Spirituality/ The Way to Reconcile Martial Conflicts/ Fulfill Your Obligations as a Marriage Partner

uAphorisms

uSelected Questions and Answers
Married or Not, Just Be Natural!/ Dealing with Affairs of the Heart/ Try Your Best to Keep up Your Marriage

uWhile on the Path
The Best Paragon of Partnership -- Master's Living Example/ Transforming a Marriage Enhances Spirituality/ My Spiritual Tutor/ Marriage -- A Good Tool on the Spiritual Path/ My Lessons Through Marriage

uPearls of Wisdom
The Essence of Marriage/ How Marriage Works/Choosing the Best Way of Life

uSpirituality and Science
The Miracle of Blessing Power/ The Power of Thoughts and Emotions made Visible

uLove in Action
California, U.S.A./ Formosa/ Expenditures for Various Activities in Formosa during November and December 2001 / Worldwide Relief Efforts Rendered by Supreme Master Ching Hai and the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, January to December 2001


uHow to Contact Us

uQuan Yin WWW Sites

uSupreme Art
The Supreme Brand in the Universe/ Celestial Jewelry Pieces "Anklet" and " Papa"/ Happy Yogi World

A Little Message:
In speaking of God, or the Supreme Spirit, Master instructs us to use original non-sexist terms to avoid the argument about whether God is a She or a He.
She + He = Hes (as in Mess)
Her + Him = Hirm (as in Firm)
Hers + His = Hiers (as in Beers)
Example: When God wants, Hes makes things happen according to Hiers will to suit Hirmself.

News No. 131
Published: March 1, 2002
Founded: April 1, 1990
Published By: The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association 
Publisher: Hsieh, Hsin Lin

The Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazine is published on the Internet in the following languages: Aulacese, Chinese (in both traditional and simplified versions), English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Thai. Please refer to the "Quan Yin WWW sites" of the News magazine for related websites.

Master's Words

Be A Good Partner

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, 
Florida, U.S.A., October 4, 1998
(Originally in English) 
Videotape No. 638

We expect our partner to be this or be that, to do that or do this. And when they don't do it, we're disappointed. When they aren't the one we like, we're disappointed and get hurt and all that, and we get out of the relationship. But the relationship is not meant for you to expect the other person to do what you want. It is for you to do what you want yourself, to be who you are, to show what you are, how good you are, how you want to be and what kind of person you want to be in that relationship or marriage. You might want to be a good wife, a "super-wife," the tolerant one or the faithful one. It's what you want to be in your role, and not expecting from your husband all the time what he's going to be, how he's going to act toward you or how he's going to talk to you.

But that's the problem with marriage; you've got it all wrong. You think, "Okay, now I've met him or her, and my life is changed. It's fantastic. He or she is going to make me happy." This is not true! You are going to make yourself happy or not in that relationship. But most of the time, we expect our partner to make us happy, to be the one that we like in our picture. And that's the problem. We forget to be what we want to be. We forget to make an idealistic kind of agenda for ourselves. Instead, we make an agenda for our partner, a kind of appointment or picture for our partner to fit into. And then both expect the same way, and that's why things fall apart.

We've got it all wrong. In whatever situation, we have to check ourselves only. What are we going to do with this situation? What are we going to be? What do we want to show? Which part of goodness do we want to present to the partner or to the world? It's not the partner who has to present us with anything. Whatever he or she wants to present, that's their problem. Our problem is just ourselves; it's always us. But most people, when they are married or when they have a partner or a friendship, they pay all their attention to the other part, the other half, and check it out: "Oh, he did it wrong. She did it badly," or "She's no good. He is not nice." Forget that! We have to check ourselves. We are the one who is important. Any relationship, any situation is for us to learn, not for the other person. The other person is only a catalyst, an excuse for us to exercise our power and our imagination about ourselves.

That's the problem. That's why marriages often don't work. So check out your marriage and revise it. It's not about your husband or your wife, but about yourself, what kind of person you want to be, or what you want to show him or her in this relationship. And if he reacts well to it, fine. If he or she doesn't react well to it, there's not much you can do about it. But just check yourself, see if you're still balanced, if you're still on a good track and if you are OK or not. And if he stays with you, he stays; if he leaves, he leaves. You can't do much. You cannot pay all the attention to him and then lose yourself and forget. Then the more you pay attention to him or her, the more you go wrong. And then, he or she criticizes more, and it becomes worst!

Please visit the following websites to enjoy the video-version of Master's words:

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/news/131/mt.htm  (Formosa)
http://Godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/131/mt.htm  (USA)

Panorama of Events

Report from Oregon, USA

Truth-sharing Seminar in the City of Roses

[Oregon] After weeks of preparation, on January 6, 2002, the Oregon Center launched a lecture seminar featuring Master's videos at the Central Library in downtown Portland. The program was very successful, and afterwards many participants decided to stay and learn the Convenient Method. The great success of the seminar was very encouraging.

One gentleman came to the Library a few minutes before the seminar and said he was there to look for a book about God. When he saw Master's poster at the door of the seminar room, he thought to himself that perhaps this was what God wanted him to do. So he came in, listened to the video lecture, and stayed on to learn the Convenient Method.

A woman was visiting Portland that week and told us that she had been thinking about meditation, and then saw the library's event schedule. When she noticed a free meditation lesson listed, she came in and learned the Convenient Method.

One sister recalled that two women entered while we were still busy decorating the venue. So she greeted them very warmly, and invited them to stay and share a moment with us. They showed little response to her warm greeting, so she played one of Master's videotapes for them. Surprisingly, both women stayed and joined the seminar, and both learned the Convenient Method afterwards. Before departing, they smilingly told the sister who had greeted them that they now understood what she meant by "sharing a moment with us."

Inspired by the success of this event, the Oregon Center has decided to organize similar lecture seminars on a regular basis, so that more people will be offered the opportunity to share Master's love and blessings, and move forward on the path to enlightenment.

Report from the Midwestern USA

Master's Love Brings Us Together

[Indiana] Although not large, the six Midwestern centers of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio, have many sincere and devoted members, who do not mind enduring long car rides to other states to attend special group meditation sessions. Americans often refer to the state of Indiana as the Crossroads of America, and after several years of driving among the local centers, Midwestern fellow practitioners feel the same way. The Indiana Center has emerged as the center where brothers and sisters from surrounding states reunite each month for a so-called "Midwestern two-day retreat."

With the help of our omnipresent Master, the Indiana Center is very fortunate to be able to house these fellow initiates who come for group meditation. Above all, the visits of Quan Yin messengers in past years have blessed and elevated the Center's atmosphere, and filled it with loving vibrations. The Indiana Center has thus become a pleasant get-away place for spiritual practitioners, as the two-day weekend retreats turn into monthly holidays, where initiates can gain extra "reserves" both physically and spiritually.

On Jan 19, 2002, disciples from the Midwest once again gathered at the Indiana Center for another two-day retreat. They came filled with Master's immense love from the Florida Christmas Retreat just three weeks earlier, and thus gathered with even more love, joy and peace than usual.

On this occasion, we held a special SM Celestial Jewelry show in the living room of the Indiana Center to display Master's jewelry creations. Many initiates who brought Master's jewelry took the opportunity to share with the group the beauty of each item, while one sister performed the role of MC.

With warm, delightful music filling the air, she introduced the "models" as they walked around the room displaying their jewelry, and interpreted each item's spiritual significance. The featured items ranged from small, brilliant rings to the magnificent Heavenly Dragon Teapot. The show was a truly breathtaking experience, as we were mesmerized while witnessing the beauty of each piece. Master's love and blessing were immeasurable!

Report from CA, USA

Showers of Love -- Chinese Expo 2001

[Los Angeles] The annual China Expo USA is one of the biggest fairs held by Chinese communities in the United States. It is a bridge for economic, cultural, artistic and spiritual exchanges between East and West, attracting several hundred thousand people each year. This year, the Los Angeles Center took part in the Expo, which was held during the busy Christmas season.

Since ours is a non-profit organization, our booth was scheduled to be set up in the "miscellaneous" area of exhibits. However, just two days before the Expo began, we received a surprise notification that we could move to the art exhibition area, and fellow practitioners were delighted, for we had prepared several of Master's artistic masterpieces for display.

During the three-day exhibition, we could feel that the entire venue was permeated with Master's blessings, as visitors moved around in an atmosphere of love and peace. Master's booth shone with the special light of spirituality. Its elegant and unique style attracted many visitors who stopped to appreciate our exhibit. Some earnestly inquired about Master's teachings or watched Her videotapes, while others purchased books or tasted the vegetarian food we offered. Our booth was the most brilliant and crowded at the Expo.

One visitor gave us a pleasant surprise when she told us that she was a fellow initiate from Sichuan Province in Mainland China, and had been greatly troubled when she was not previously able to contact our group or participate in group meditation after arriving in the US. Several exhibitors from other booths visited us frequently, and some acquired books or watched the videotapes being presented. They enjoyed their visits so much that they were reluctant to leave. Besides, some of the guests told us that they had watched Master's TV program "A Journey through Aesthetic Realms" and liked Master and Her teachings very much.

The China Expo USA ended on a successful note with Master's blessings. Through this activity, we hoped to share Master's teachings with the public and thus help the Light and Love of God shine over every corner of the world, so that we may all usher in a brilliant future hand in hand during the new century.

Report from Germany

A Fruitful Three-day Retreat at the Hamburg Center

[Hamburg] We sincerely thank Master for allowing us to organize a rewarding three-day retreat during the recent Christmas holiday. Although the weather was quite cold, German fellow initiates did not mind the long distance drives from the Berlin and Duesseldorf Centers to attend this event.

We always miss and love Master, our venerable Mother, and we were very regretful that we could not go to Florida to see Her during the Christmas retreat. Besides, we thank Master for blessing us so that we could successfully complete our retreat, during which we believe transformation Master accompanied us.

We will try to practice to show our appreciation for Master's love, and we wish Her the best of health during the coming New Year.

Report from Korea

Christmas Celebration at the Youngdong Center

[Youngdong] On December 23, 2001 a one-day retreat and Christmas celebration were held at the Youngdong Center. After 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM group meditation session, the celebration began with a cake cutting ceremony conducted by a Quan Yin messenger and local contact persons.

After fellow initiates enjoyed a special Christmas lunch, a Quan Yin messenger, dressed as Santa Claus, distributed gifts to the children. Then an entertainment program was presented by young initiates. All the audience members were very happy, and clapped their hands to accompany the youngsters' songs and musical performances.

The second part of the program consisted of performances by many other centers in Korea, and included a crane dance and Korean traditional instrumental pieces and songs. These lively and amusing presentations made the audience laugh non-stop. We sensed that Master was accompanying us and elevating our spirits throughout the entire show.

The following day, fellow initiates from the Youngdong Center went to visit and distribute rice and cakes to poor families living near the Center.

Caption:

1. Resident-initiates from the Youngdong Center, dressed in Santa Claus suits, hold candles and present a performance to entertain fellow initiates.
2. A Quan Yin messenger gives Christmas gifts to young initiates.

Report from Korea

Spreading the Truth at a Vegetarian Seminar

[Seoul] On January 20, 2002, a seminar entitled "Vegetarianism and Spirituality" was held in Seoul, and the Seoul Branch of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association was invited to share Master's teachings about spirituality and vegetarianism at the event.

The participants in the seminar were very pure and sincere in their desire to know God. However, they seemed helpless in some respects in fulfilling their desire.

To help them enhance their understanding, we first provided various vegetarian dishes for the participants to sample. While enjoying lunch, they attentively watched a special videotape about vegetarianism that we presented. They paid close attention to the presentation and exchanged their opinions on vegetarianism with each other. After lunch, a sister initiate gave a brief lecture about the benefits of a vegetarian diet. And then the manager of the SM Vegetarian Buffet, run by the Seoul Center, demonstrated vegetarian cooking methods. Most of the participants were very interested in vegetarianism, and expressed a desire to visit the SM Vegetarian Buffet.

Next, we played a brief video introducing Master, along with one of Her video lectures We also distributed Master's sample booklets and vegetarian pamphlets so that the seminar participants could contact us afterwards.

Events DateBook

To keep pace with the planet's ongoing spiritual elevation, the local centers of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association are holding more and more video seminars and other Truth-sharing activities worldwide.

You are welcome to join in these activities with your friends and relatives.

For the latest schedule of our Truth-sharing activities, please visit the following URLs:

http://www.Godsdirectcontact.org/seminar/  (U.S.A.)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/seminar/index.htm  (Formosa)

Master Tells Jokes

Where Has the Turtle Gone?

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Four-day Christmas Retreat in Florida, U.S.A. December 25, 2001 (Originally in English)

Once there was a rabbit and a turtle who lived together. One day, the rabbit had a big headache, probably because he had eaten too many carrots, especially genetically modified carrots. They are very big and filling, and God knows what things they put in there. So all kinds of mixtures that might not agree with each other were fighting in his stomach. And when the stomach doesn't have enough space, it goes up to the head. So the rabbit got a headache.

So he asked the turtle, "Oh, brother, could you please go to the pharmacy and get me some headache medicine, because my head is pounding? I went to a party last night where they served such big carrots, and I ate too many. I also drank some carrot juice, and I got a hangover. So would you please go to the drug store and get me some headache medicine quickly? Quick!"

So, from his room, the turtle said, "OK!" But then one hour passed by; then two hours passed by, then three hours, then four hours. And the turtle was nowhere to be seen. And the hung-over rabbit was just staying in bed, feeling such a headache that he got really mad. He said, "This is such a stupid turtle! Wait until he comes back here. I will give him a piece of my mind! I have such a terrible headache like this, and where is he? The drug store is only around the corner. Such a stupid guy!" Then, fifteen minutes after he had spoken, he heard a reply from the turtle's room. And the turtle said, "Now that you are talking bad about me like that, I am not going anymore."

The Sandwich Mystery

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, U.S.A., October 6, 1999 (Originally in English)

There were three construction workers. One was American, one was German and one was Irish, and one day they had lunch together. They opened their lunch boxes, and the American said, "Oh no, a tomato sandwich again. Oh my God! I don't understand my wife! I have been married for 20 years, and every day she gives me a tomato sandwich for lunch. Tomorrow, if I get one more tomato sandwich for lunch, I will jump from the fifth floor! And then the German opened his lunch box and said, "Oh, no, not again, a cheese sandwich again! I have been married for 15 years and every day she gives me a cheese sandwich. If tomorrow I get one more cheese sandwich from my wife, I will also jump from the fifth floor and die. And the Irish man also opened his lunch box, and said, " Oh, no! Today, a potato sandwich again! OK, if tomorrow, I get one more potato sandwich, I'll jump from the fifth floor. I'll jump with you, too.

Then, the next day at their lunch break, they had lunch together again. And the American opened his lunch box, and of course, he had a tomato sandwich. So, he jumped from the fifth floor. The German construction worker also opened his lunch box, and said, "What? A cheese sandwich again?" So he jumped, too. And then the Irish man opened his lunch box, and saw a potato sandwich. So he also jumped together with the two other guys.

Then, at the funeral of the three guys, the three wives met and talked to each other. And the American wife said, " I don't understand my John, you know, I mean he was always very good, and he never complained. He could have told me that he didn't like tomato sandwiches, and I would have made him anything else! Because the first day I made one, he said it was fantastic, so I kept making them. But he could have told me. And the German wife also said, "I don't understand my Johan. We've been married for 15 years, and everything was fine and if he didn't like cheese sandwiches, he could have told me. I would have made something else at any time. Why did he have to jump and die like this! I'm very hurt and surprised." And so the Irish wife said, "Oh, this is nothing compared to my grief. I don't understand my Jack, because he made his own lunch sandwich every day!"

Please visit the following web sites to enjoy the original video versions of the joke, and you may share the joy of Master's humor with those around you as well.

http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/eng/news/131/jk1.htm  (USA)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.org.tw/eng/news/131/jk1.htm  (Formosa)
http://www.godsdirectcontact.net/eng/news/131/jk1.htm  (USA)

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes

<In English and Aulacese + Aulacese Subtitles>
720 Monkhood Begins with Asceticism
Group Meditation at the Florida Center, U.S.A.,
June 4, 2001

<In English and Chinese + English Subtitles>
721 The Wisdom Eye
Group Meditation at the Florida Center, U.S.A.,
June 4, 2001

<In English>
723 Moon Festival Performance Day (2)
A Special Program at the Florida Center, U.S.A., 
September 26, 1999, Evening

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest DVD

<In English + Subtitles in 21 Languages>
676 A Parliament of the World's Religions
Cape Town, South Africa, December 1, 1999

To order Master's publications, please contact:

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd. Taipei, Formosa.
Tel: (886) 2-87873935 / Fax: (886) 2-87870873
E-mail: smchbooks@Godsdirectcontact.org 
ROC Postal Remittance Account No: 19259438 (for Formosa orders only)
Postal Account: The Supreme Master Ching Hai Publishing Co., Ltd.

Please visit our bookshop's website to download our catalogue and summaries of the contents of Master's latest publications:
http://www.smchbooks.com/  (in English and Chinese)

Helpful Tips

Tip1: Secrets for Lasting Meditation

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Seven-day retreat, Hsihu, Formosa February 13-18, 1989 (Originally in Chinese) 
MP3-4

What should we do if we want to meditate a lot and not feel tired? The secrets are: Talk less, don't look around, don't think of others' goodness or badness and just recite the Holy Names 24 hours a day. If you feel unstable in doing the Sound meditation, then recite the Holy Names for several minutes before doing the Sound meditation again. Should you feel any part of your body ache or become numb, just take no heed of it ! When you are in samadhi later, you don't sense that the whole body exists. Therefore, don't scratch around. When you get tired of doing Sound meditation, change your posture and do Light meditation. Your legs will then be very grateful to you for that. For they ache a lot and the head is taut from the previous posture. If you change your posture and do Light meditation at this moment, it will feel much better. So you should do the Light and Sound meditations alternately, and they will be helpful to each other and you can meditate longer without tiredness.

Some of our fellow practitioners can meditate for the whole night. It is because they do the Light and Sound meditations alternately. But don't do that too frequently and change your posture in five minutes, for this is useless. For the longer time you remain in the same posture, the better. The Light and Sound meditations are helpful to each other. When having sat for too long in Light meditation, and sometimes you feel tired and achy, you can change your posture and do the Sound meditation in this way. You will then feel much better, for there is seemingly something to rely on. This secret in practicing meditation is quite unknown to many.

Tip2: Warm Your Body from the Ears

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Four-day Christmas Retreat, Florida, USA, December 28, 2001 (Originally in English)

Buy a hat to cover your ears because the ears are very important. If your ears are warm, the whole body is better. Sometimes I have headaches because my ears are cold. If you have long hair, it's better. If it's too cold, bring two sleeping bags: one to sleep in, and one to cover outside. Because the sleeping bag is very insulated, and insulation is good; buy a good one. Or sometimes a simple one also helps, because the cover of the sleeping bag is meant for insulation. So if it's very hot, you can put the sleeping bag on top of your tent and open the window. Just leave the screen door open. When you sleep inside, at midday it's still very cool. And if it's very cold, you can spread the sleeping bag over the top of your tent to make it more insulated. It's much better. And cover your ears with that Loving Hat, and cover with a blanket. You can also cover your head like this (Master pulls a sleeping bag over Her head), and then sleep inside a sleeping bag. This makes a big, big difference.

And wrap another blanket like this, inside your sleeping bag, on top of your body. That also makes a big difference. I just cover with this a little bit and I feel complete, immediate relief for the ears, and it feels very warm. It really makes a big difference that you cover your ears. The women can put their hair down and still cover their ears; the men can cover with a hat. Because this is where you feel a headache. And sometimes the cold wind goes through your ears. Your ears are very sensitive inside. And they have a lot of nerves connected with the whole body and the head. So if your ears get too cold, it gives you a headache. And you have a cold and flu and everything like that. So it is better to keep your ears warm.

Tip3: Self-made "Warm-keeping Covers"

By fellow initiate Ah Sen, Formosa

Many office workers have trouble sitting for a long time during the winter time, as their knees and ankles become cold and sometimes even hurt. Yet many of us ignore the need to keep the lower half of our bodies warm, so it is no wonder that our feet begin to complain.

This problem is easy to solve. We can make a simple "warm-keeping cover" out of old socks and sweaters. First, cut open the front end of the socks (preferably woolen ones). The socks, with their L-shaped curvature, make excellent covers that are just right for our knees. We can also cut the sleeves of an old sweater to a suitable length and slip them around our ankles to make a pair of warm covers. Remember to hem the trimmed edges to prevent the wool from coming loose. As long as we take good care of our knees and ankles, we office workers will be free from aching joints in the winter.

Vegetarian Era

The National Vegetarian Campaign:
Promoting a New Era of Health, Spiritual Practice and Respect for Life

By the Korean News Group
(Originally in Korean)

Background:

While sharing Master's teachings with the public, fellow initiates often realize the need to also provide information on vegetarian cuisine. In Korea, where environmental factors make vegetarianism difficult to practice, the Quan Yin Method has to be promoted along with the vegetarian diet. Thus, in December, 2001, local centers around Korea launched a successful nationwide vegetarian campaign that received a sizeable response.

Fellow practitioners prepared many promotional materials on vegetarianism, including text and graphics, for roadside and lobby display. In addition, we also printed color pamphlets featuring Master's discourses on vegetarianism, relevant scientific studies, and articles on vegetarianism, the environment, love, and health. Finally, information and recipes on preparing delicious vegetarian food were also included.

We also produced a videotape containing television programs on vegetarianism, an introduction to vegetarian restaurants run by initiates, and an introduction to Master. In addition, the Seoul Center prepared a wonderful performance in which sister initiates dressed as animals to help people understand in a clever and humorous way how animals feel when they are consumed by human beings.

Below are reports from the local centers that participated in the program:

[Kwangju] On December 7, the nationwide vegetarianism campaign got off to a good start at a vegetarian restaurant in Kwangju. Fellow practitioners decorated the dining tables with beautiful flowers, candles, and balloons, and displayed a large poster expounding on Master's teachings about vegetarianism, along with Master's publications and vegetarian cooking material.

The activity commenced with a brilliant lecture on vegetarianism by a brother initiate, followed by a vegetarian cooking demonstration by three fellow initiates, whose dedication, professional skills and detailed elaboration fascinated the guests. These programs, as well as thirty delicious vegetarian dishes, changed the guests' rigid concepts about vegetarianism.

A Quan Yin messenger then gave a short talk, by which time we felt that God's blessings had permeated the entire venue. After the question-and-answer session, we introduced the Convenient Method, and many participants asked to learn it. As we removed the poster and decorations for future use at the other centers, we were pleased that this first event had proven to be an enormous success.

Caption: 
1. A sister initiate explains how to cook delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals.
2. Kwangju residents sample vegetarian foods prepared by initiates.

[Seoul] On December 8, the Life Festival was held by Green Korea United, a prominent environmental organization in South Korea, to promote vegetarianism, oppose genetically modified products, and advocate respect for life by protesting the use of animals in experiments. The Seoul Center participated in the vegetarianism section of the Festival.

Fellow practitioners set up a large tent to provide free vegetarian food, which was quickly consumed by the large crowds of participants at the event. The guests enjoyed the food, watched our videotapes, and examined our exhibits. Many visitors, especially the children, enjoyed dancing and taking pictures with our sisters who were dressed in animal-like costumes.

From our past experience, we knew that we might not obtain a quick response from visitors on the spot if we simply distributed Master's sample booklets on the street. So, this time we switched to a new format - providing entertainment shows and free vegetarian food, and found it was an excellent and natural way to share Master's teachings.

Caption:
1. Many promotional materials and vegetarian dishes are shared at the park venue of the Life Festival.
2. Our sisters, dressed in animal suits, attract young and old visitors alike.

On December 11, the second segment of the vegetarianism activity series was held in Seoul in conjunction with the Korean Federation for the Environment Movement (KFEM), Korea's representative environmental organization and the largest of such groups in Asia, with 73,000 members. Initiates provided a free vegetarian lunch for the 400 delegates attending the annual KFEM conference, who included well-known politicians, entrepreneurs and other regular members.

The conference began with an introduction to the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association by the master of ceremonies, who thanked us for the lunch. As the delegates enjoyed their food, we played our video on vegetarianism. After dinner, our sisters once again performed their animal play. One of our brothers, who is also a member of KFEM and other environmental organizations, briefly explained why we should be vegetarians. We also held an exhibition in the lobby, set up an information desk to answer questions about vegetarianism and the Quan Yin Method, and played Master's videotaped lectures and the veggie-campaign video. Each participant received Master's sample booklet, our vegetarian pamphlet, and flyers on our vegetarian restaurants and bakeries.

Through this campaign, our Association established excellent relations of mutual trust with these renowned organizations. In addition, our video on vegetarianism has been uploaded to the Korean Quan Yin Websites, and will soon be introduced to all KFEM members. Our articles about vegetarianism will be published in future KFEM newsletters, and we will also hold joint activities with KFEM in the future. This will help promote vegetarianism and Master's teachings among many members of the public.

Caption:
1. KFEM members line up for the delicious vegetarian food prepared by fellow initiates.
2. KFEM members simultaneously enjoy their vegetarian food and a performance by fellow initiates dressed in animal suits.

[Daegu] Through the concerted and dedicated efforts of fellow practitioners from other centers, the Daegu Center held a successful vegetarian promotional activity at the Golden Tour Hotel on the afternoon of December 8. This event was especially designed to introduce diverse vegetarian foods and share culinary skills with the public. A sister who is a cook from Formosa gave a cooking demonstration. Also, a special video was played during the event, providing information about vegetarianism.

About 400 guests attended the activity, far exceeding the number we had expected. We held an additional session so that everyone could participate. All the guests received Master's sample booklets and vegetarian pamphlets; many also purchased vegetarian materials for home preparation.

[Pusan] The Pusan event held on December 9 drew a warm response from about 400 guests, who fully packed the venue and listened attentively to a talk by a Quan Yin messenger and afterwards watched the video that was specially prepared for the activity.

The visitors particularly enjoyed a speech by a fellow initiate who is a physician, and who explained vegetarianism in terms of health, environmental protection, and respect for animal life. In addition, the Convenient Method was granted to those who requested it.

[Andong] Although we have only a small number of fellow practitioners at the Andong Center, we were determined to participate in the vegetarianism promotional activity this time, and were delighted that as many as 120 people came to the event on December 10, for the city of Andong has a very small population. In the tranquil atmosphere of the venue, the audience showed earnest interest in vegetarianism and meditation, and were surprised at the quality and variety of the vegetarian foods we presented.

The event turned out to be a great success, and many participants asked to learn the Convenient Method. The activity helped local disciples progress in their spiritual practice. We deeply thank Master for arranging everything for us.

Caption: A sister from Formosa demonstrates vegetarian cooking.

[Sangiu] Sangju City, where the Youngdong Center is located, held its vegetarian promotional activity at the Sangju Women's Center. Although there are few fellow disciples in the area, we tried our best to put forth a sincere effort, distributing flyers on the streets and issuing invitations to the heads of relevant government organizations.

As the event began, over 200 people arrived at the same time. First, we had a vegetarian cooking demonstration, followed by a talk entitled "Why We Should Be Vegetarians." Foods for sampling and display prepared by initiates were quickly consumed, as people showed great interest in our eggless cakes and meat-like vegetarian foods.

The mayor of Sangju City sent us a card of congratulations, while the leaders of several public organizations and women's associations, as well as city councilors and professors, attended the event, where we took the opportunity to share Master's teachings and concepts about vegetarianism.

We believe that the seeds of the Quan Yin Method were deeply planted in the hearts of local residents, as the participants were very impressed by our group's devotion. While the event was under way, many guests said that they were beginning to have a much more profound understanding of our Association. The head of the Women's Center assured us that they would be more than happy to lend us the venue again, should we plan to hold similar programs in the future. After the event, we presented all the surplus food and vegetarian ingredients to members of the Women's Center for their use during a visit to an elderly home the following day.

The government officials with jurisdiction over the region where the Youngdong Center is located deeply regretted not having been able to attend the event and asked that a similar event be held especially for them. So, another small vegetarian promotional activity was held at the Youngdong Center on December 27. Despite the small number of guests, we prepared several delicious vegetarian dishes, played Master's video, and gave them sample booklets and vegetarian pamphlets.

Caption: The vegetarian promotional activity held at the Sangju Woman's Center

[Taejon] To ensure the success of the activity in their city, Taejon fellow initiates met several times to discuss the details of the preparation work. We decided to hold the event at a hotel near the Taejon Center, so that it would be more convenient to make preparations and provide the guests with a cozy environment.

On the Sunday before the event, fellow initiates gathered at the Taejon Center to prepare the food. We also distributed 500 invitation flyers to our relatives, neighbors, the press and others. On the day of the activity, local disciples, together with initiates from other centers, joined in a sincere effort to help, and the venue was quickly filled with guests interested in vegetarianism. A lecture on the vegetarian diet and our cooking demonstration lit up the atmosphere. After trying the dishes, the guests could not stop exclaiming about how delicious they were.

A major radio company, MBC, and the local newspaper Choong Nam Daily both covered the event.

Caption: 
1. The Taejon community shows great interest in the vegetarian promotional activity held by the Taejon Center.
2. Curious guests relish vegetarian dishes for the first time.
3. Master's books and vegetarian cooking materials are on display, while fellow initiates earnestly answer questions from guests about meditation and vegetarianism.

[Chonju] The vegetarian activity in Chonju was held at the Healthy Vegetarian House run by the husband of a Convenient Method practitioner. Since he is chairman of the Jeonbuk Province Vegetarian Union, the leaders of many vegetarian-related organizations participated in the event. The mayor of Chonju City, Mr. Kim Wan Ju, also attended the event and joined in the discussion on vegetarianism. He showed personal interest in the vegetarian diet, and was very pleased to see such an event held in his city.

After watching the video on vegetarianism, representatives of the above-mentioned organizations introduced themselves before we proceeded to conduct a cooking demonstration and food sampling session. The guests enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere and praised the delicious vegetarian foods prepared by fellow practitioners.

Caption: 
1. Members of vegetarian groups in the Chonju area support the vegetarian promotional activity held by local fellow practitioners.
2. Chonju City Mayor Kim Wan Ju attended the event and joined in the discussion on vegetarianism.

You are welcome to visit the following URL to enjoy a spectacular videotape, especially produced by Korean fellow practitioners, featuring vegetarian food:

http:// www.godsdirectcontact.or.kr/vege/vegevideo.htm  (Korean)

Quan Yin Family

The Ultimate Glory of Love

By sister initiate Jian, Keelung, Formosa

In June 2001, I went to Thailand for a vacation. Before leaving home, I chose two pieces of celestial Jewelry to wear on the trip: the "Mama" ring and a bracelet called "The Ultimate Glory of Love." Since I hoped to pay a visit to the Bangkok Center, I also brought along my initiate's ID card. Throughout the journey, I could feel Master's blessing through these three treasures, and it was really marvelous!

Early on the morning when I arrived in Bangkok, I quickly called a local fellow initiate, sister Lin. Though we had never met, her voice on the telephone sounded very warm and cordial. When we met later at my hotel, the first thing sister Lin told me was that, although there had been many people in the hotel lobby when she arrived, she could tell immediately that I was an initiate. Upon seeing her, I was filled with inner bliss, and I told her about my wish to visit the local center. She then looked at my itinerary, and said that when the tour group went to the Chao Phraya River on the fourth day of my tour, she would come to pick me up and take me to dinner, and then we could join the group meditation. I was really delighted!

There were more than forty members in my tour group to Thailand, but I was the only pure vegetarian. The Formosan group leader told me that it was not easy to find vegetarian food in Thailand. However, all during my five-day trip, I was taken good care of by Master. The local group leader and tour guide, upon learning that I was a vegetarian, showed me unusual respect, and specially ordered vegetarian meals for my enjoyment. During the tour, I was served vegetarian cuisine in Chinese, Japanese and Thai styles, and was truly grateful.

On the fourth day, sister Lin and two other fellow initiates took me to dinner at a vegetarian restaurant, where the exotic Japanese dishes were very unique. Despite the language barrier between the two Thai initiates and me, thanks to sister Lin's translation, we felt as cordial as family members. After dinner, sister Lin took me to join the group meditation session at the Bangkok Center. The ground floor of the Center was an art gallery, displaying Master's creations. The elegant and noble ambience made one feel like being in Heaven. According to sister Lin, the Center was open to fellow initiates for meditation every evening. I was really impressed. It was no doubt a holy place.

Throughout my Thailand vacation, as I wore Master Mama's ring and bracelet, I felt Her supreme holy love, which made me blissful and contented within. How fabulous it is that Master blesses sentient beings through the Celestial Jewelry! Hopefully, more people with affinity will come to share Her infinite love.

One with Master

By brother initiate Vincent Nguyen, Virginia, USA (Originally in English and Aulacese)

One day, my brother called and said his colleague, who was chief editor of the radio program RFA (Radio Free Asia) in Washington, D.C., was going to invite a few Buddhist monks from France to his house for an interview, after the monks had attended a Human Rights Meeting at the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. He needed to prepare a vegetarian banquet for the guests and wanted to ask my wife to help cook some dishes for him.

Feeling that this was something she had to do, my wife prepared several dishes and delivered them to the man's house. The guests had a fine meal, and expressed high praise for the delicious vegetarian food. The man was very impressed with my wife's help, and later said to my brother, "I have met a number of Supreme Master Ching Hai's disciples, and all of them were very nice!"

I had always believed that other than daily meditation and keeping the precepts, whatever I did was my own business. But from this little experience, I came to realize that even though we disciples have the right to "do our own thing", others still look at us as representatives of Supreme Master Ching Hai, and evaluate Master through our actions. After initiation, we become one with Master, and whatever we do, good or bad, will affect and reflect on Her. Those people surrounding us will be influenced by Master's teachings - the concepts of Truth, Virtue and beauty - that we practice in our daily lives, and we ourselves will be elevated unknowingly at the same time.

Poem

From My Heart

By brother initiate Tony,
California, USA (Originally in English)

You are the foundation of my faith,
My shining north star,
Guiding my weary soul
Through the valley of the Shadow of Death,
Over and over again, at the cost of
Your sweat, blood and precious tears.
I am almost there, and can barely taste
Your immaculate light.
I can faintly hear Your heavenly voice,
And am almost there with You,
My heavenly Mother.
I am forever and eternally Yours,
My true and long lost love.

 

Spiritual Interludes

All in One

By brother initiate Wong Xue-wei, Michigan, U.S.A.

I used to be a person without any affection for animals, and at the mere sight of bugs of any kind in my home, I always rudely scooped them into a small bucket and dumped them onto the lawn outside, all the while flattering myself that I was being very merciful to these creatures.

In December 2001, I went to the Florida Center and took part in the four day Christmas retreat, during which I saw Master show enormous patience, care and gentleness toward Her pets. By contrast, I did not find in my own body a single cell that bore any feeling of oneness with other sentient beings. Faced with these birds and dogs, I had only the feeling of visiting a zoo.

On one of the days after the retreat, Master summoned almost all of Her birds to the stage. The only things that attracted my attention about them were their colorful feathers. Later, Master asked, "Who wants to hold the parrot?" and it immediately came to me that whatever Master offers must be full of blessing. Then I quickly went to the front and let a snow-white parrot sit on my arm. Though I did not really like it, when I felt the agitation of the bird, I spontaneously said to her, "We all love you!" On hearing this, the parrot turned her head slowly backward, with the appearance of being moved by my caring remark.

Since returning from the Florida retreat, I have noticed a distinct difference in myself when observing little creatures in my environment. While moving them out of my house, my movements have become much gentler, as if I am sending a friend home. In light of my experience at the retreat, I have come to realize that Master in fact adopts little creatures not only to save sentient beings, but also to elevate us spiritually and lead us back to an awareness of the oneness of all beings.

To Please the Eyes of the People

Brother initiate Low Chip Khoon, Singapore (Originally in English and Chinese)

Being a person who pays little attention to clothing, I did not fully understand Master's statement that She wears beautiful clothes to "please the eyes of the people." (among other reasons) Then an event occurred that shed light on this remark and increased my understanding.

In November 2001, a Safety Function was held at my company. My department had invited guests to attend this event, and I was assigned to be the master of ceremonies. During the meetings prior to the Function, the organizer repeatedly reminded the presenters (technicians who usually wear dark blue work uniforms to work each day) to dress beautifully for their talks.

On the day of the Function, I put on in my best clothes and went to work. As I entered my office, my colleagues were amazed and told me, "You look very nice in those clothes; you should wear such outfits to work all the time!"

"Are you going to a wedding?" someone jokingly remarked. The "ugly duckling" had, for a moment, turned into a swan!

When I reached the hall where the Function was being held, I noticed that everyone was dressed in their best clothing as well. A buoyant and joyous atmosphere filled the venue. The safety topics were presented in a lively manner, the slide shows were a feast of colors for the eyes, the quiz and games went well, and the participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The event turned out to be one of the best Safety Functions among all the departments in my company! Clothing does indeed make a difference after all!

Thus, through this experience, I came to understand Master's comment that She dresses beautifully to create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere to "please the eyes of the audience." I also found that when one wears nice clothes, one tends to be more refined and gracious in one's manner and thoughts. So, in the future, I will venture to wear fine clothing more often to "please the eyes of my friends."

Master Tells A Story

Living a Balanced Life Is the Tao

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, October 19, 1990
(Originally in Chinese)

You should pursue spiritual practice in a moderate way. It's OK to become a Saint tomorrow, so why must you rush to make it today? You have waited for many lifetimes, so what is the big deal in waiting just a few more days? The more you are anxious, the more you obstruct yourself.

In ancient times, there was a person who followed an Enlightened Master to practice. One day, he asked his Master, "Master, how many sincere persons like me can you find in this world?" His Master replied, "The universe is full of disciples like you." (Master and everyone laugh.) Still skeptical, the disciple asked again, "Master, I am truly sincere. If I were to renounce everything, including my parents, wife, children, relatives, and friends, then how many years of practice would I take to reach Sainthood?" His Master told him, "If you are diligent, you can achieve it in five to fifteen years." The disciple asked further, "This is too slow. If I refrain from eating and drinking, and even skip sleeping, and only meditate with my legs crossed twenty-four hours a day, when do you think I can become a Saint?" His Master said, "In this way, perhaps it will take you thirty to fifty years to become a Saint." (Master and everyone laugh.) Do you know why? He was being too anxious. Who did he think he was? Who cares whether he becomes a Saint or not? Who would need a person like him?

Shakyamuni Buddha was very magnificent, and India was a holy land. Lots of people were vegetarians, and knew that they should pursue spiritual practice. Yet, He delivered no more than several tens of thousands of people. Even after His departure, some people still defamed Him. Other religious sects said that He was a heretic, an evil practitioner, and a demon! Similarly, people also slandered Jesus Christ. The two of Them are still defamed by people today. It is because They were predestined to become Enlightened Masters, and were assigned by God to deliver people, so They had no choice but to come to deliver sentient beings. When sincere aspirants pleaded with Them to impart the Truth, They didn't have the heart to refuse, because They didn't want to break their hearts. Therefore, there is no big deal in becoming a Saint; eventually, everyone will become a Saint .

Shakyamuni Buddha used to have a disciple who didn't sleep even at night. It seemed that he meditated in the day and chanted the sutras at night, until later his eyes almost became blind. Shakyamuni Buddha told him, "The way you are practicing will soon make you Maya instead of a Saint. When you play the zither, and the strings are stretched too tightly, can they produce any sound?" The disciple answered, "No!" "And if the strings are too loose, will any sound come out?" He said, "No, none." Then Shakyamuni Buddha said, "The best way is the middle way."

Therefore, a balanced life is the Tao; an ordinary mind is the Tao. We should not crave for anything. Craving to become a Saint quickly is also a kind of greediness. We ought to be moderate in whatever we do. How can you demand a newborn baby to ride a bicycle? You may be anxious to see him grow up and become a capable person, but you must not rush him. He cannot even walk steadily, so how can you ask him to run? Even if he forces himself to run, he will soon fall down. When a toddler learning to walk tries to run, won't he fall down in just a few steps? As a result, he will break his nose and injure his body, all because he is too anxious.

We should first take good care of our mind. Check whether or not we have a pure and noble ideal, that we have reined in our greed, wrath and infatuation, that we are loving and patient enough to others, that we are magnanimous, understanding and generous enough to tolerate others' mistakes. When we have achieved all these things, it is still not too late to become an Enlightened Master or Saint. Before we have reached perfection, who can benefit from our becoming an Enlightened Master? We have not yet erased our guilty feelings, or cleared up our preconceptions and ignorance. Being still very narrow-minded, we cannot tolerate many people. Our love is still too insignificant to love a lot of people. Then what is the benefit of rushing to become an Enlightened Master? Even if all the Saints and Masters pour all of Their power into such a narrow-minded, agitated and ignorant person, what is the use?

Endowed with power but not love, one will become Maya. There is no significant difference between Maya and a Saint. Both have similar power, but the Saint has love, which Maya lacks. Maya is very selfish, demands everything and takes all. He only criticizes and never forgives. The Saint not only criticizes, but He also forgives. He criticizes when it is the right time to do so, in order to help people to progress, and let them realize their own shortcomings. When it is time to forgive, He will, giving people due encouragement to live on, without being burdened by heavy feelings of guilt.

To really become a Saint, we have to be perfect in every aspect, not just a particular aspect. If we are only magnanimous, but never criticize, then it is also no good! For instance, at times when you should criticize and educate people, you praise them instead, then you will only spoil them and ruin their judgment ability in spiritual practice. That's why I say, "One must be balanced in Yin and Yang to become a Saint." We should penetrate all aspects of this world. Living in the world, we still need to eat, sleep and interact with people; therefore, we ought to be normal. As to our inner level or spiritual progress, we should just keep it to ourselves, and refrain from revealing it through our outer deportment.

Master's Wonders

A Lecture by Transformation Master

By fellow initiate Dai, Mainland China

Last October, my elder sister lost the key for the double-security-lock of our house, and I did not change the lock immediately. One day, when my husband and I had gone to work, my father-in-law was alone at home and stepped out from the meditation room to find that the video in the dining room was playing one of Master's video-lectures. He thought we had gone to work and forgotten to turn off the video. He then sat down on the sofa and watched the video. (However, there was actually no videotape in the video player at the time).

A few minutes later, four strangers with the key broke into our house and walked into our dining room. One was about 40 years old and wore a large beard, and the others were about 20 years old. My father-in-law told them, "Hey, get away, I don't know you!" But they did not listen and even sat down on the sofa and watched the video together with my father-in-law, just as though they were invited friends. About one hour later, when the transformation Master finished the lecture, the TV turned off automatically. My father-in-law urged the strangers to leave and told them, "Master has finished Her lecture and it is time for you to leave." But they showed no response. My father-in-law then took out one of Master's books and started reading. Meanwhile, the strangers left without him realizing it.

When I came home at noon, I found that the security lock, which I clearly remembered having locked, was open. I then asked my father-in-law about it and realized that Master's transformation body had helped us evade a disaster. She had not only protected our lives and property, but also seized the chance to educate and save the souls of the intruders. Master once said, "Only by taking refuge in the 'Tao' can you be safe, and nowhere else is safer." This miraculous experience once again proved Master's words.

Thanks very much to Master for Her all-inclusive care. Our family members, all of whom are fellow initiates, heartily hope that people around the world will seize this precious opportunity and follow Master to practice spiritually to take refuge in the "Tao" and get eternal liberation in this lifetime.

Feature Reports

Cultivate a Happy Marriage

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 23, 1996 (Originally in English) 
Videotape No. 563

Normally, people say that the neighbor's wife always looks better. But I don't think so. Reports say that 90% of men would like to marry the same woman again, if they could. So don't fool around, feel sorry and become one of the 90%. That's why from the old times until now all the Masters recommended faithfulness and loyalty to one partner. Because they know you will feel sorry, anyhow.

It takes a long time to get on well with one person, a stranger. Whether it's a woman or man you love, he or she is a stranger to you. You have never known them before. Even if you knew them as a schoolmate or something like that, there's still something inside that you don't know about until you actually live together.

Because when you are dating, like boyfriend, girlfriend or fiancé, you share the same joys but you don't worry about the same problems. You part, you go home, and each worries about his own problems and takes care of his own responsibilities. You share only the joys when you're together. So things are different, rosier. And even if you quarrel a little bit, because of the distance and the need or the habit to be together, you get back together again and forgive quickly. But once you are living together, you have to share the same responsibilities and the same anxieties; then things go differently. It takes a long time to mature this loving relationship, to learn each other's habits and the deepest aspects of the other person's inside being.

This comes out with time. You get used to their shortcomings and "long-comings" and "late-comings" or "early-comings" home, and things like that. But it takes a long time to get used to it. And once you've created a good relationship with each other and have mastered the differences and matched it all up already, then it becomes like your own creation. Your relationship is your creation, so you feel good. Just like you have built a house for yourself. Even if it's not as good as the neighbor's house, or it looks different or some people don't like it that much, it's your house. And when you create it with your own hands, you love it. You feel that you are part of it. So that's why when you divorce a long-time wife or husband, you will feel miserable. And if you have to begin anew with another person, it takes another ten years, at least.

Well, I am still trying hard with all my "wives and husbands" here in the Center. I still don't know them yet. I am surprised all the time; they always give me big surprises. I can never tell if I know them all inside-out already. I know some parts of them but I don't know them all - their personalities, not the inner God quality. Also, I have attendants but sometimes when I change one, even if it's the worst one, I feel very bad. I have to teach them all over again and it's very, very tiring. And no matter how bad the last attendant was, she had some good points, too. I had become used to getting along with her bad and good points already; I knew how to deal with the bad ones and accept the good ones. And now the new shortcomings and bad habits are coming, and I have to deal with all brand new ones again. It's exciting but exhausting, too.

It's similar with wife and husband. Because when they first come together, they vow to stick together and sincerely want to build a nest together. They will put all their heart and mind into building the relationship and the home. They're very sincere. And so now, they become like a part of each other. Really, that's why we call them 'partner' or 'the other half' or 'the better half.' So after they part, it's like they're halves; they're halved into fifty percent. And generally they feel something is missing. To build a house with another partner would not be the same; to build another relationship would not be the same.

Every human being has good points and bad points; there will be something missing in each and every being you encounter. So sometimes you daydream that the next person is better, or the other half or the neighbor's wife is better, but it's not necessarily so. Research has shown that most men would like to re-marry the same woman, which just proves that the religions, the Bible and the commandments were right all along. Because everyone is God anyhow; whether it's this female God or that female God, it's still God. So we might just as well get used to one God. Each one just has different attributes to make them a little different. So lately if your relationship has gone sour, or if something is not good in the family, you must think again whether you really want to get rid of this woman or this man, or if you have made a mistake, and what would happen if she were really gone. So if you are really not sure, then just leave home for a few days, go on retreat or something like that.

People say the more you resemble your partner, the better the relationship. That means you like each other so much that you unconsciously absorb each other's qualities and become like one. Even your expression changes. It's just like dogs and cats and their owners, who look exactly like their dogs and cats. Because they love their dogs and cats so much, they imitate their expressions. For example, they kind of pull their nose to make it longer, like an elephant's, if they love an elephant. (Laughter) I have seen many people who love pets that look exactly like their pets. You know it; you've seen them, too. When people walk in the park with their pet behind them, you just can't tell who belongs to whom! They both look so much the same. And they both get along well, the dog and the owner.

It's similar in human relationships: The more you look alike, the more that means you get on well in the relationship. First, because you like each other, you look more alike; because the expression and the thinking are the same, and so your outer appearance changes. And that's why people, after they practice the Quan Yin Method, look more beautiful. It's natural. You want to become God, and God is beautiful. And you are moving toward a more God-like, more angel-like quality. That's why, when people look at you, they just feel you are beautiful, even if you're lame, if you're an amputee or you're bald, or you walk like a hunchback. Because the inner God quality shines; it's shining and shining and makes everyone feel very good. Because you look like God now. And God loves God; like attracts like.

So if a couple looks very much alike, they will love each other more and more every day. Because let's face it: We love ourselves the best. Is that not so? We take hours to look in the mirror and comb our few left-over hairs, and take care of a few strands of beard and things like that. We love ourselves, and that is correct. Problems only arise when we hate ourselves. That's the most sinful thing we can do. We are God. If we cannot love ourselves, no one else can. And if we don't love ourselves, it means we don't love God. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot love anyone else. It doesn't matter who tells you to love others before yourself, love thy neighbor and things like that. Love yourself first and then thy neighbor will be the same.

If you don't love yourself, you cannot love others in the same way. You don't know what love is. Only if you love yourself can you take good care of yourself. Then you know what the other likes, too - what it feels like when you really love yourself and take care of yourself, what is comfortable for you. Then you know how to offer the same to the next person, because you know what makes him or her comfortable. Everyone likes me, because I know how to take care of myself. I know what's good for me. And I love myself, as you can see. So when I take care of someone, he is smitten. Or she is smothered, and swoons out. I know just exactly what she likes because I know exactly what I like.

You see that whatever I wear you like, no? Because I know what to wear to make myself look good. I love myself. It's not that I spoil myself; I look good in anything, and it's not because they're expensive and not because my clothes don't look like yours. It's just that I know what suits me. I look good in almost anything because I just choose the one that suits me. It's not that I buy expensive things. I wear expensive things, too, but that doesn't mean expensive things make me look good. Anything makes me look good. And I look good in almost anything because I buy the colors that I like. I just have the feeling that it would be good for me. That's why it looks good. I love to make myself look good. If I spend the same money, why do I have to buy something that makes me look ugly? I have to take the same trouble - washing and ironing and taking time to wear and all the same trouble, then why should I pay money to make myself look worse? That's the principle.

So if I know how to look good and how to take care of myself, and if I happen to take care of someone else, if necessary, then that person must feel good. There is no choice but to feel good. I do not overdo it. Everything I do is just exact and quick. And it looks good and perfect and it feels good. Because I know how I like people to treat me. I don't like nonsense or taking a lot of time, overdoing things and smothering people. Just go right to the point.

So if you really can take care of yourself and love yourself, there is no one that you cannot take care of, and no one who does not feel comfortable around you, even if you don't take care of them. Because they feel you are just the kind of person they would like to be, very easy and exact and simple and never going wrong.

So love yourself; take care of yourself. But don't take a lot of time. Someone told me, "You always look happy and satisfied with yourself." I said, "Yes, I look good, and I feel good. I am good!" I just feel confident. Maybe I don't look like the best woman in the world, but I look good. So make yourself feel good. Pamper yourself sometimes, even if you are busy. And take time sometimes for yourself. Because you are the most worthy person on this planet. Everyone is. You have only your own worth to take care of; other people are worthy but that's theirs. So your worth is the most valuable. Take care of yourself because you are God. Be good, feel good and be noble. And go toward the goal of what you want to be.

Marriage and Spirituality

Spoken by the Supreme Master Ching Hai, at a Seven-day Retreat in Hsihu, Miaoli, Formosa, May 5-12, 1991 (Originally in Chinese)
Videotape No.165

When I talk to you about marriage and love, please do not think that I am going beyond my responsibility. No! I do it because you cannot go into Samadhi in your meditation if you do not have a happy marriage or good relations with your spouse. You feel inner anguish and emotional turmoil. Your mind is filled with all those things. You cannot even recite the Holy Names, not to mention entering Samadhi! At that time your partner is more important than the Master. But I do not blame you because such things are unavoidable. At that moment, you do not even want to go into Nirvana. Even if you do, you cannot because you are unhappy. I have gone through all this before, so I can be your teacher now. Such situations are difficult to avoid and control.

Of course, when we progress spiritually, we know how to deal with our loving marital relationships. However, there are some fellow practitioners who feel emotionally depressed and miserable inside. Therefore, I have to talk to you about worldly affairs because they are related to spiritual practice. When you are happy, you are in Nirvana. No matter who comes to you, you feel happy, and you can love anyone or forgive anyone or give anything to anyone. But when you are not happy, you don't want to do anything or take any responsibility. You can't, even if you want to, because you don't have the inspiration to do so. At that time, you are tired of everything and want to forget the whole world. That's why there is a saying that goes, "The Dharma exists in worldly affairs." Am I right? (Audience: Yes.) That's it. You have all experienced it.

Therefore, I often say that if you want to proceed smoothly along the spiritual path, you have to protect your emotions and your marriage. Those of you who are still single should protect your relationships with your loved ones as well, if you truly love each other. It will be too late if you try to make amends once you break up. Beautiful times do not last forever. You don't always meet someone you really love and want to share your life with. So take care once you find him or her.

Don't think that it is a trivial or worldly affair. No! No! People often feel lonely without a companion. Some can bear it, but most can't. So take care to protect it if you still need it.

Even small pearls are protected and cherished as treasures, let alone love! It could be very helpful to you. Though you should not be attached to it, you cannot ignore it, either. A car may not be a person like you are, or a part of you, but you still need it to come to Hsihu. It would be too inconvenient and time-consuming to come on foot. You can't say, "I come to Hsihu to practice spiritually and get enlightenment. Why do I need a car? It is only a physical vehicle. Just abandon it by the roadside!" You can't do that. It takes you much less time and brings you to me more quickly. You can save much time for meditation. Of course, you can come on foot, but it would take you several months, and I would have probably left by the time you arrived.

The Way to Reconcile Marital Conflicts

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Malaysia, February 25, 1992
(Originally in English) 
Videotape No. 219

Some people are wise from having experienced difficult marriages in the past. So they avoid marriage now, and maybe become monks because of that. They probably have had enough experience in marriage, and don't need any more experience in such study or experimentation. So they do not marry in this lifetime. They feel satisfied alone.

But if you are already married, try to stick with one partner. It doesn't matter how hard it is. For example, I heard that Tolstoy had a very difficult wife. And one day when he was talking to his friend, his wife was showing him up terribly. She was degrading him and making him feel humiliated in front of his friend.

So his friend said, "You are bigger than she is. She's only a small thing. Why don't you just show that devil what force you have and be done with it! How can you put up with all this?" Tolstoy said, "Shhh! Don't talk too loud. I tried that before, in the last life. That's why I have 'double income' now! I'd better not do it again, otherwise I will have triple income in the next life." He said, "I have to put up with it. Because if I do that again, I'll never get out." He knew it would be triple income and more, all the time. Therefore he tried to put up with it.

If you have a so-called terrible partner and you feel you need her after all, then it is your last life connection with each other. You have to pay for it. So try to bear it and do whatever you can, with all your might, to satisfy that person in order to pay the debt quickly. The best way to get rid of the enemy is make him your friend. The best way to get rid of a terrible wife is to please her, or a terrible husband is to please him, to submit to all his demands. And then he will become your friend.

Fulfill Your Obligations as a Marriage Partner

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, January 21, 1996
(Originally in Chinese) 
Videotape No. 523

Even though I teach you things about cosmetic skills and virtues to remind you that you should do your best to maintain yourself and express your esthetic aspects, this cannot guarantee that your marriage will definitely be happy and satisfactory. It is because karma may sometimes create situations that are different from our expectations. Therefore, if we have already done our best, yet our marriage is still unsuccessful, we should thank God for liberating us. There is nothing to complain about.

If we have not fulfilled our obligations in a marriage, in a case when it has failed, we will feel uneasy at heart. We will think that perhaps it is our fault, perhaps we have not done well enough, our cooking was lousy, or we didn't beautify ourselves to please the eyes of our husband. That is why we ought to do everything as well as possible. However, that doesn't mean that after we have done everything well, our husband definitely will not leave us. No one can guarantee this kind of thing.

In the same sense, if a husband is all-perfect and also very gentle, it doesn't mean that his wife definitely will not leave him. The causation and karmic hindrance in this world are really hard to determine. Therefore, doing our best to fulfill our responsibilities and obligations lets us have peace of mind. In case something really happens, our conscience will not feel uneasy. We can face our conscience candidly, because we know that we have fulfilled our duties, and have done everything that we should do well.

Therefore, it doesn't mean that after I have taught you cosmetic skills and virtues, your marriage is guaranteed to be a satisfying one. No one can guarantee this kind of thing. Most of the things in this world are ephemeral. Therefore, in doing anything, we just do our best to fulfill our obligations, just like when protecting our marriage. Then, whatever happens, we know that it is arranged by God, by destiny. We no longer need to expect anything, blame anyone, feel uneasy or sad, or be attached to anything. Besides, when we have done everything well, even if our marriage has failed, we will still have become a contented person. This is the most important thing.

Aphorisms

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Costa Rica, December 16, 1990
(Originally in English) 
Videotape No. 141

Marriage means partnership in trying to improve each other's life, trying to support each other's ideals, and trying to make our lives nobler.

 

Selected Questions and Answers

Married or Not, Just Be Natural!

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Three-day Retreat in Cape Town, South Africa, November 28-30, 1999 (Originally in English) 
Videotape No. 673

Q: Master, I just wanted to know if there is anything preventing people who are spiritual from taking part in married life because most people who are spiritual are single people as far as I know, such as priests and many others.

M: Oh, so priests are spiritual. Are you sure about that?

Q: They are religious; I can say that.

M: Okay. You can be single if you want, or you can be married if you want. There is no difference. But the difference is in how you handle it. Marriage doesn't mean you cannot find God. Otherwise, God wouldn't make man and woman, but God would make man alone or woman alone. Okay? Number one.

Number two, actually once you're married you get more used to that life, and you are even more concentrated on spirituality after awhile. Because you know what it is, you don't crave for it anymore, and after you live with your wife for some time you become friends. It's mostly like that. So single or married is almost the same in the end. But most people, when they are married, they are too concentrated on their partners and it's difficult to concentrate on God. That might be a problem. But if you know how to handle the energy of a relationship, that will help you even more spiritually, because you're happy physically and your mind is happy. When somebody loves you, you're happy physically, emotionally and mentally. So your spiritual life speeds up more. God doesn't invent love for nothing. It is all there is. Physical love or married love is a part of God's love; it's a replica of God's love. It helps you to find a greater love. Don't have an allergy to marriage. Just be normal. If you want to marry, marry. If you want to stay single, stay single.

Dealing with Affairs of the Heart

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Singapore, March 9, 1993 (Originally in English) 
Videotape No. 328

Q: Dear Master, how does a man cope when he's been married unhappily but then falls in love with another married lady?

M: You have to look to your own marriage and see whether it is absolutely not salvageable, amendable or improvable. Or whether you are seeking love in another relationship just as an excuse for your own pleasure. Because it's already troublesome enough to have one marriage. So it is better if we can take care of our marriage relationship. I know it's difficult; everything is difficult in this world. But that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Talk to your wife about where the problem lies. But don't talk to her about your affair, please. If you talk about that, there may be no more solution. It's alright; if you think it was a mistake, you may try to cut it down or forsake it. But talk to your wife about how to improve your relationship: where she is failing, or where you are failing, and where you need her attention or improvement, or where she needs you.

Talk to each other. Buy new presents for her; buy a beautiful dress for her. Adorn her with beautiful things; make her your beauty. Make her the beauty of your life, instead of spending time and energy on somebody else's woman. Because you don't possess her anyhow. It's better to take care of what you have, and not waste time and energy on other people's possessions. It doesn't matter how much you like the neighbor's car, you don't go and spray gold on it. Spray it on your own car! Take care of your car, because you drive the car and you need it every day. The car is necessary for you. The neighbor's car you can admire quietly, but don't spray gold on it. Don't look after it too much and neglect your car. One day maybe the driver of the neighboring car will drive that car away, and suddenly you will have to go without anything. Your car is in the garage, broken down, uncared for, and now you are in trouble.

So work for your marriage, if you think it's worthwhile. And then also, at the same time, respect other people's marriages. It hurts to forsake the things you love. But think of the other man. If you were in his position, would you feel happy? Would you not prefer your wife to be faithful and devoted to you? So make your wife a good wife, and make yourself a good husband. And make the neighbor's wife also become a good wife to her husband. That would be the best solution, if you don't find a better one.

Thank you for trusting me with your personal family problem. But this is also very important. If your heart is not peaceful, no matter how many wives you have, your business and everything will go wrong. It's better to be satisfied with what you have, and take care of it and beautify it. Make it more beautiful and more suitable for your taste. Just like you cultivate your garden and plant your roses, make what you have more beautiful for yourself.

Try Your Best to Keep up Your Marriage

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai, University of California, Irvine, CA, U.S.A. June 2, 1998 (Originally In English) 
Videotape No. 623

Q: What do You think of divorce?

M: It's bad; divorce is the last solution of a loving relationship. And it should not happen at all. But it's very difficult to work things out with each other, since men and women are very different. Men are cooler, more straightforward, simple, and women are more sentimental, more romantic. So the warlike and the beauty don't often mix well, but there are many ways to reconcile with each other. There is marriage counseling, and there are books about it. And there is, of course, meditation, which will reconcile a lot of differences. You'll see that both of you will change and get more loving, more understanding and less demanding. And that is if you both are at an almost similar level; otherwise you still have conflicts. But you will still love each other. You will not resort to divorce as much as the other people who do not practice inner peace. They will do it more.

I would not have divorced my husband if I had been enlightened at that time. I tell you, he was the best man, and he still is. But he's someone else's best man now. After enlightenment, you will learn to appreciate your partner more. A lot of a family's conflicts are erased after initiation, if husband and wife meditate together. It really helps because you realize you are both God. The love in you will spring forth, will magnify to cover all the differences between the man and the woman. You'll learn to love each other, and respect each other as God, even. Apart from the physical love, there is another, holy love that will bind you to each other, make you more loving, more responsible and more sensitive to each other's feelings and needs.

While on the Path

The Best Paragon of Partnership - Master's Living Example

By sister initiate Ling Gao, Illinois, USA (Originally in English)

I was initiated in 1995 and remained a single Quan Yin practitioner for five years. During that time, my life was very simple, being composed only of study and spiritual practice. Apart from my school work, I devoted all of my spare time to studying Master's teachings, meditating, participating in group meditation sessions, and going to see Master whenever possible. I felt I was progressing and growing quickly, and was a happy, single, carefree Quan Yin practitioner. I had never thought of getting married and actually did not think I would do so in the future.

In 2000, however, on a very unexpected day, I met my present husband on the way to a job interview. It was so called love at first sight. To me, it was more like a reunion with an old partner. We hit it off quickly, getting married after six months, and having a baby afterwards. Though my marriage happened all of a sudden, I was not unprepared. Deep in my heart I knew that this was how I had consciously chosen to live out my life: being successful in both spiritual and worldly affairs. I wanted to test my spirituality through my mundane life, and to apply the wisdom and happiness I obtained from practice to everyday existence to see if I could make "heaven" out of it.

My husband is not a fellow initiate, and I cannot say he is one hundred percent in support of my spiritual practice. But he respects my personal beliefs and is tolerant of my practice, which is good enough to give me the space and freedom to continue on my spiritual path. I also fulfill my part of the job, sometimes giving up group meditation to visit his parents with him on weekends. I occasionally go to church with my husband to let him know that I fully respect Jesus Christ, even though I am not a Christian. And I treat his friends well when they visit our home to show him that I am not antisocial, though my own friends are mostly practitioners.

Since getting married, I have given equal importance to both mundane life and spiritual practice. Actually, I find that I have to give them equal attention in order to make them work better. Practicing the Quan Yin Method gives me constant inner happiness and inspiration, which in turn influences and renews my marriage. My secure relationship with my husband gives me the peace of mind to practice spiritually. I know that if I focus on only one part of my life, however, I will eventually spoil both .

If one knows how to handle both the mundane and spiritual aspects of existence at the same time, there is no conflict between marriage and spiritual practice. Practicing one-pointedly without distractions becomes simple, but in the context of marriage it requires some additional qualities such as people skills, quickness in doing housework, the ability to be romantic, etc. Actually, Master has taught us all the details of acquiring these skills in Her discourses.

However, I learn more from Master's example than from Her verbal teaching. Master never withdraws from showing her tears and laughter; She gives hugs to people to show Her love, tells us exactly what She likes and dislikes, and always dresses nicely to please our eyes. She never says, "I quit" and never leaves us alone in the world, no matter how hard the situation is for Her. The way She treats Her disciples, lovingly and patiently, provides us with a good example of a how to treat our lifelong partners.

Transforming a Marriage Enhances Spirituality

By brother initiate Li, Mainland China (Originally in English)

According to the ideals of Confucianism, the pursuit of spiritual practice is meant to first perfect the individual, then one's family, one's country and finally the world. Buddhism also emphasizes benefiting and enlightening other living creatures. Family members are beings who have developed strong affinities among each other in previous lives. Thus, the family is a natural medium through which to expand one's spiritual practice.

The love created among family members who have spiritual understanding and the goal of enlightenment is not bondage. Instead, this kind of love can help one to break one's narrow mentality of selfishness. I always think that the family is a door through which to expand one's love beyond oneself, and work is a door to expand one's wisdom beyond one's comfort zone. Love and wisdom are the main targets of spiritual practice.

I am very lucky in this regard, for my wife is extremely intelligent and successful in her studies and career, and is also a very devoted companion. I have learned the meaning of unconditional love from her, and she has helped me to break through my shell of selfishness.

She was an atheist when we first dated each other about 12 years ago, when we were in college and I was practicing bhakti yoga (devotional yoga involving chanting and prayer). A few years later I began to follow Supreme Master Ching Hai and practice the Quan Yin Method. During these years, I tried to spiritualize my life without undue formality, so as not to appear weird in my wife's eyes. It took my wife seven years to become a vegetarian and practitioner. Eventually, she was initiated in 1997.

Since we have become fellow initiates, nothing dramatic has happened between us. We love each other in the same way as before and still quarrel with each other from time to time. But more wisdom has silently spread into our relationship, and occasionally, inspiring discussions related to Master, life, dreams, etc. occur between us. Nowadays, family love has become an inspiration for us both in seeking enlightenment.

At this point in my life, I have come to realize that, if I really care for my wife, I have to seek more wisdom and love. If I fail to gain wisdom, I may lead her astray, to a desolate life. If I fail to gain love, I may hurt her because of my imperfect personality. So my experience with my family is very positive with respect to my spiritual practice, and vice versa.

To conclude, Confucius said that a gentleman is different than others but is harmonious with them, while a mean person is the same as others but is in conflict with them. One should harmonize with others whether or not they pursue spiritual practice or vegetarianism. Do not force others to accept Master at once, and treat them with love and wisdom, then patiently wait until their time is due; that is the best way to guide them toward accepting Master and attaining eternal liberation.

My Spiritual Tutor

By brother initiate Sunny, San Francisco, CA, U. S. A. (Originally in English)

My wife was extremely happy this morning, because her wish to keep me from going to our center's weekly one day retreat had been fulfilled. She wrongly confirmed my mistaken idea that the day was Friday, so I unexpectedly missed the Saturday retreat!

Although my wife practices the Convenient Method, many of our concepts about life are totally different; for example, she always wants me to be very devoted to my work, but I am not as interested in making money as I used to be before practicing the Quan Yin Method. In her view, this attitude is truly a pity, and so she often scolds me. Even though her beliefs are different than mine, because I practice the Quan Yin Method, we still live together in harmony.

Each day, my wife challenges me in virtually every aspect of life, and as long as I maintain my ego, she immediately serves as my "hell", for whatever reason. But if I follow Master's teachings firmly and successfully, she allows me to stay in Heaven temporarily. Through her training, I have learned how to forgive, and have experienced how to love one's enemy. She chose me to be her life companion, and has ended up being my spiritual trainer without an ID! She contributes much to my spiritual practice, and has suffered while playing her role as my tutor. I suppose the way she treats me is just like the way Master trained Her monks in Miaoli. I sometimes think that she was assigned by Master to help me grow on my way Home. When I realize this, instead of complaining, I am truly appreciative.

Although she is not yet willing to be initiated, she happily cooks vegetarian food for me. She also sincerely supports my practice more and more as time goes on. This recent change in her attitude has really stunned me, since I never thought that a stubborn person like she is would switch to being a vegetarian after she recently got dentures.

A short time ago, she experienced the feeling of "death" during the extraction of 19 of her teeth in one operation. Her attitude about life has changed unexpectedly since then, and she has become interested in learning more about spirituality.

I know that Master is elevating her spirit, and remember that She once said, "A baby cannot run!" Everyone has his or her own level and timing, and I think sooner or later my wife will step onto the same path that I am following.

I have treated my spouse with Master's Love from the very beginning, and she has changed very subtly without my being aware of it. At times, I have felt so disappointed that I have wanted to give up on her, but my faith in Master's teachings has overridden my negative way of thinking. I have experienced the almighty power of unconditional love, and sincerely believe that my wife is God's messenger, sent to give me spiritual lessons. From her I have learned how to forgive with compassion, and how important it is to be patient and wait. Just because I strongly believe in the law of cause and effect, the incredible trials I have endured through her in this lifetime are my payment with interest for what I had owed her for many lifetimes in the past. With this awareness, I have found that to forgive anyone, including your enemy, is not very hard after all!

Marriage - A Good Tool on the Spiritual Path

By sister initiate Solange Mondesir, Nashville, Tennessee, USA (Originally in Spanish)

I was already engaged when I received initiation from Master, and since it had always been my dream to have a happy family, I decided to get married. Unexpectedly, what came after the wedding was a chain of problems. Once I began married life, I was sure that my husband would follow me in becoming a vegetarian, and even get initiated some day. But when the facts proved otherwise, I felt very depressed and agonized. Obviously, my previous expectations had been purely wishful thinking.

This frustrating situation inspired me to practice even more diligently, which I felt was the only way to make me feel better. I used every moment that I could manage to meditate. In this way, the Inner Master Power gradually changed me, and helped me to realize and accept my decision to have a family. Therefore, I had to face reality and be responsible. Master taught me to accept my husband and lovingly care for him.

With Master's intangible help, I have come to discover that marital life is not an obstacle on my spiritual path, but instead a very good learning tool. Through it, Master has changed me from within, rectified my originally selfish mindset, and let me put into daily practice Her teaching about unconditional love for all sentient beings. Now my family life has become increasingly happy. While taking care of my family, I feel very peaceful and serene, and am able to smoothly pursue spiritual practice.

Master's boundless love blesses us each day. Although my husband is not yet initiated or a pure vegetarian, he very rarely eats meat. Compared to his character in the past, he has changed greatly, and even supports my decisions to go on retreats. We have a sweet two and a half year old daughter, who loves Master dearly. She is a gift that God has bestowed on me. For this grace, I thank Master with all my heart. Had it not been for Her, my life would have been much different!.

My Lessons Through Marriage

By brother initiate Duc Vu, Indiana, USA (Originally in English)

During my teenage and early adult years, I dated many girls, while constantly searching for just the "right" one, a deeply romantic "soul mate", based on my expectations and imagination. However, despite some "close encounters", I never really felt love in my heart, but only continued to satisfy my male ego.

I knew a little bit about reading Chinese horoscopes, and at age 30, met a young lady (my present wife) who had a star sign indicating "good inner qualities" and many other signs suggesting that we would one day be husband and wife! So, few years later, we got married, but unfortunately, conflicts began to occur between us soon after! There was a great deal of upheaval, emotional pain and frustration in our family, even more so after our two children were born. Our minds functioned in totally different ways, due to our different backgrounds, personalities, likes and dislikes, etc.- we were complete opposites! We lived in the same house but were worlds apart. Then, after ten long years of struggling to keep our marriage together, we found one common thing between us: Supreme Master Ching Hai! My wife and I both loved Her immediately and sincerely wanted to practice spiritually. The following year, our entire family received initiation.

Master came into our family to warm our hearts. Since then, She has always been behind the scenes, teaching us to be more tolerant, patient and forgiving of each other. Through numerous experiences, the Quan Yin Method has softened our egos, and expanded our love, compassion, and understanding, which has brought my wife and I closer together. For example, one day, in a dream, I saw my wife walking away with her belongings. I suddenly felt very sad, as love welled up in my heart, and then I called her to come back. Luckily, she did! Master thus revived the love in my heart, gradually turning our family atmosphere into one of joy, love and peace. A common joke, but one that is rather profound says that if it weren't for marriage, men would go through life thinking they had no faults at all!

I finally realized that my marriage is truly a school where I can learn how to love, which I did not know how to do before. The Light and Sound meditation gives me inner instruction that changes me daily. Looking back over ten years of practicing the Quan Yin Method, I can not imagine the person I once was. I also understand now that no marriage relationship is "perfect," and without the need for constant hard work. It is a big part of spiritual growth, a building block to the next step on the spiritual ladder toward total enlightenment, something we must work on instead of expecting to be the way we want. I have come to see that communication between partners is always the most crucial tool for a good partnership. And the most common mistake in a relationship is one partner "assuming" or "interpreting" what the other thinks, says or does.

In 1998, I wrote the following poem as a supplementary marriage vow to my wife. I would like to dedicate it to all the husbands who once had a "wooden" heart like I did.

To My Wife:

Thank God for you!
Thank God for your love.
I am sorry for the way it was -
My ears were deaf,
My eyes were blind,
And my heart was closed!
Now it is alive.
I shed my tears ...
In happiness!
For whatever is left,
The coming years
Of my last journey,
They are for you
And you only, my dear!

Pearls of Wisdom

The Essence of Marriage

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 15, 1989 (Originally in Chinese)

There is nothing bad about marriage. It is not good only when some people use it as a means to indulge in physical enjoyment. If a couple can treat each other with respect, bear children to carry on the family name, live in peace and harmony, raise their children, take care of their parents, and serve society, then their marriage is good. It will encourage us and let us live in a stable atmosphere. It will give us a sense of reliability and warmth, as well as courage and an enterprising spirit to work and face the future. This kind of marriage is very good.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 23, 1996. (Originally in Chinese)
Videotape No. 561

There is good in both marriage and friendship in this world. The greatest advantage is that we can provide mutual help, and remind each other of the Self Nature within and the importance of spiritual practice. If there is any situation or relationship that can always remind us of spiritual practice and the Self Nature inside, it is a good relationship, with good affection and emotion.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Malaysia, February 25, 1992
(Originally in English)
Videotape No. 219

God is not so narrow-minded as to forbid us to love our husband or wife the way we used to. God is not so cruel as to separate loving couples in order to attain Hirm. We must enlarge our hearts to love God and also to include other beings, including our own family members. If we can love other beings who are distant from us and strangers to us, why can we not love our family members, our immediate loved ones?

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Singapore, March 10, 1993
(Originally in English)
Videotape No. 329

Personal problems, family problems, don't seem to belong to the spiritual field. But they do. Because what is the good of you, of me, teaching you to do meditation and to become a Saint while your life is in misery, your husband is in trouble and lonely, and your children are feeling unhappy because of a split family? And I already want to bring Heaven to you now, not hell. Therefore, everything you can use of this world to make your life better, to beautify your surroundings, and to solidify, to consolidate your marriage, then please use it, and do not be bound by it, but just use it.

How Marriage Works

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Five-day International Retreat, Long Beach, CA, U.S.A., December 28, 1996
(Originally in English)
Videotape No. 573

Marriage doesn't mean bondage and slavery. Marriage is just a partnership. Each one must encourage the other. Some people misunderstand, and that's why a marriage doesn't work. But you have to be the understanding one and try to reason. Only after numerous trials and trepidations and nothing works out might you consider, for your own spiritual development and safety, which course is appropriate for you and for him.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Five-day International Retreat, Long Beach, CA, U.S.A., December 28, 1996 
(Originally in English)
Videotape No. 573

So be the one that you desire to have, instead of having the one that you desire. Just be the one. If you want your husband to be romantic, why don't you be that way? Then he will learn, he will cooperate. Or if you want your wife to be nice and romantic, then tell her what you need from her, tell her what you like, or hint in a very special way. Work at your partnership and bring out the best in each other. That is the best.

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai Five-day International Retreat, Long Beach, CA, U.S.A., December 28, 1996
(Originally in English)
Videotape No. 573

Love, like trees and flowers, also needs watering every day, at least in the dry season. Otherwise it dies. People think, oh! I love you, and then it will be forever. No, no. You have to nourish it through devotion, through daily renewal, through appreciation of each other's value and loving kindness, and help your partner to develop the best qualities within him or herself. That's true marriage. That's true partnership.

Choosing the Best Way of Life

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Four-day International Retreat, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., December 24, 1997
(Originally in English)
Videotape No. 604

If you are single, you have a problem. If you are married, you have a problem, too. But being single, there is a little less of a problem, I must say, more freedom, and maybe more lonesomeness. When you are married you have more fun, but more trouble also. You pay for everything that you want to get in this life. And you have to be willing, either way. So make your own choice. It's not that if you are married, you cannot become a Saint.

Spirituality and Science

The Miracle of Blessing Power

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Four-day Christmas Retreat,
Florida, USA, December 26, 2001 (Originally in English)

Practitioner: There is physical evidence today that when you bless something, you change its molecular structure. I saw on the Internet that there is this Japanese scientist who took some water, like polluted water, for example, from a river in Japan. And then he froze it and magnified it 500 times. And he took a picture of it. The water that was very polluted had no shape; it looked like mud, just a big mud thing.

And then he went to a temple and asked one of the priests to bless the water, the same exact water, from the same sample. Afterwards, he froze the water, took a picture, and the muddy look of it became a beautiful crystalline structure. It's like a snowflake. And then he decided to continue the experiment. He took another water sample and put "Thank you" on the container of water; he taped the words on it. And then he took a picture of that water and it had a different structure, he got a different picture, like the water had a language.

And then he took the water, and he said, "Let's apply some music to the water." So he put the water near hard rock, heavy metal rock, really noisy music. And that water was all distorted, and it looked like it had faces in it. Then he took the water and he said, let's say, "Mahatma Gandhi," or "Mother Teresa" near it. And every single thought or every single word produced a different image. The water changed every single time, even the polluted water. So it's really amazing when we think about Master's blessing food, and even ourselves, that we do even change the structure of the food or the water. And there's physical evidence of this.

Master: You know, I'm very shy. When you ask too much about what kind of power I have, I have a hard time explaining it. So I probably just tell you that they like the food or they like the cakes or something like that. But you have to find out for yourself. I'm not a very good advertising agent. I rarely talk about things like that.

If I say something, I say, "the Master," or "the Master power." It's not me that I'm talking about. The Master or the Master power, that is impersonalized. But just for the physical evidence, any priest or anyone with good intentions can bless something and make it better than nothing. When someone with spiritual power blesses water, it has light. And you can see it. When you put two different waters here, one that's blessed and one that's not blessed, the one that's blessed will sparkle with light.

Kids, they will go to it, or dogs will go to it. You don't have to tell them which one is the blessed water. They will go and take it instead of the other one, because they can see the light. Not all kids can see; younger kids can see, and many dogs, they can see. They can see the spiritual auras of people. That's why some dogs bark at some people, but they don't bark at anyone else.

So there is such a thing as spiritual power or different energy from different people. Sometimes you go out to eat in some restaurant or somewhere, and even though it looks clean, you still feel dirty. That is the energy; there's some blessing power that's missing. So a lot of people bring food to the temple or to the church to ask the priest or the commissioner, the nun or the monk, to bless them. This does have some effect, even though these monks and nuns, maybe they are not really practicing Quan Yin or anything. But they are sincere, they're pure and they have some blessing power. So it does work, to some extent, but not as well as with an enlightened person, of course. But it's better than nothing, like the Japanese scientist showed. And when you say to someone, "Oh, bless your heart!" or, "May God bless you," it really has an effect. So, do say these things. Do wish people well.

The Power of Thoughts and Emotions Made Visible

By sister initiate Sophie Lapaire, San Jose, CA, USA (Originally in English)

At the recent Christmas retreat in Florida, a brother asked Master why it is that when Westerners come to take pieces of blessed candy or fruit they only take a few, quietly and politely, while the Asian brothers and sisters tend to be more aggressive and competitive, grabbing handfuls at a time. The brother proceeded to ask in a very cute way if there was something that the Westerners had not been told and were missing out on concerning blessed food. This began an earnest discussion in which Master replied that she is too shy to talk about what happens when she blesses the food, but that perhaps people feel it is so special because She only showers the food with goodness - good wishes of health, happiness, enlightenment and compassion. She added that, since She started her preaching activities in Asia, Asian practitioners may have had more time to test and experience the blessed food, so perhaps they appreciate it more.

This discussion reminded me of an article I had read a few months earlier on the Internet describing physical evidence that our environment is altered by our thoughts and emotions.

Messages come in all forms. Sometimes they jump at us when we randomly flip through the pages of a book, and sometimes they emerge in the words of a complete stranger echoing a question only we knew of. They have also been found in bottles that wash up on the shores of oceans. Even something as basic to life as water has an inherent intelligence through which it can communicate with us. Modern technology can now demonstrate that our thoughts and emotions can change not only our physical being, but even the world around us.

In the scientific world, unless an experiment is repeatable by an independent observer, its findings are considered invalid. So this is exactly what Dr. Masaru Emoto, a visionary researcher from Japan did. Through repeatable experiments he demonstrated that human thoughts and emotions can alter the molecular structure of water. Now, for the first time, there is physical evidence that the power of our thoughts can change the world within and around us. The ripple effects and quantum leap of this discovery are quickly spreading around the world. If you were a skeptic and needed proof, well, now you have it!

It all started in 1994 when Dr. Masaru Emoto took samples of water from various sources, froze a few droplets, examined them under a dark field microscope and photographed them. He experimented first with water from a pure source in Japan. The picture revealed a beautiful crystalline form. (Photo 1) He then did the same thing with water from a nearby polluted river. The result was a muddy, smeared pattern with very little structure. (Photo 2) He then asked a priest from a temple to offer a prayer to the polluted water sample and repeated the experiment out of curiosity. To his surprise, another beautiful crystalline structure appeared. (Photo 3) This experiment was repeated many times over with the same result. The researcher then exposed water samples to different types of music. Classical music always reflected beautiful patterns, (photo 4) whereas heavy metal or rock and roll created distorted, formless, smudged images, (photo 5) as if these types of music had destroyed the delicate equilibrium of the molecules. He continued experimenting, this time by writing words on pieces of paper and taping them to a clear glass container to see if anything happened. He tried using positive words like "Love" and "Thank you" (photo 6) and every time noticed a beautiful and delicate crystalline pattern. He tried "You Make Me Sick. I Will Kill You" (photo 7) and each time observed distorted, frightening, muddied patterns. He even experimented with names like "Gandhi" "Mother Teresa" (photo 8) and "Hitler" (photo 9) and the same kind of results occurred.

Dr. Emoto soon realized that everything in existence is alive and has a vibrational frequency, a magnetic resonance field, which is the source of energy behind the creation of all things. He was even able to measure this field using a Magnetic Resonance Analyzer (MRA). This research really explains why Sound meditation is so powerful. Not a day goes by when I do not realize that the few commitments we make to ourselves when we practice the Quan Yin Method are the fewest and simplest, yet the most powerful and transforming experiences we can have (and they have no side effects!).

After much experimentation, Dr. Emoto discovered that the most powerful combination of thoughts in terms of capacity to transform was that of "Love and Gratitude." (P hoto 10)

What makes this discovery so amazing is that we live on a planet covered by more water than landmass, and that the human body is largely composed of water. So if we have the power to change the structure of the medium we are made of by simply producing positive though patterns, we can restore not only our own health but that of everyone around us, and even the planet itself, with our every thought.

Think about what giving thanks and praying before a meal can do to your health. I used to believe that it was a good way to stop the mental business of the day and put myself into a more receptive space. Now I know that even the food I am about to eat will also be transformed.

If our purpose on earth is truly to bless it, then what better way is there for us to be vigilant and determined in maintaining the quality of our thoughts and emotions than the Quan Yin Method? This understanding truly brings a new meaning to the practice of self-mastery. Now we can no longer pretend ignorance or claim that it is a religious matter. And if sometimes when we feel tired we wonder if we really make a difference, we should think again!

Note:

Photo resource:

Photo 1 - Photo 9 :
From http://www.rainbowjaguars.com/hadoindex.html 
Photo 10:
From http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/nov1/cwater.htm 
For more information on this subject, go to:
http://www.rainbowjaguars.com/hadoindex.html 

Photo 1: Water from a pure source in Japan.
photo 2: Polluted water before praying
Photo 3: The beautiful crystalline structure of water after a prayer.
Photo 4: The crystalline structure produced in water by classical music
Photo 5: The crystalline structure produced in water by heavy metal music
Photo 6: The Crystalline structure produced by "Thank you" in Japanese.
Photo 7: The crystalline structure produced by "You make me sick, I will kill you"
Photo 8: The structure produced by "Mother Teresa."
Photo 9: The structure produced in water by "Hitler."
Photo 10: The crystalline structure of "Love and Gratitude."

Love in Action

Report from San Francisco, USA

Helping the Homeless during the Holiday Season

(Originally in English)

Rents are extremely expensive in San Francisco, where affordable housing is limited. As a result, the city has one of the highest homeless rates in the United States. In an effort to make the lives of the less fortunate brighter during the recent holiday season, fellow initiates from the San Francisco Center pooled their time, money, and resources to conduct a homeless relief project.

The activity was focused on a specific subset of the city's transient population -- those who are forced to sleep on the streets due to the shortage of homeless shelters.

Fellow initiates purchased enough materials to keep the homeless warm, and on the nights of December 2 and 16, scoured the city from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM in search of homeless people. Each one received a brand new sleeping bag, a warm sweater, gloves, socks, a warm box of food, and a copy of Master's News magazine to read. It felt good to see expressions of surprise, happiness, and joy on the faces of our less fortunate brothers and sisters as they received their gifts.

Being used to times of joy, merriment, and prosperity, it is very easy for us to forget how fortunate we really are. We are so accustomed to having the simple necessities of life that we often take them for granted. Helping our needy brothers and sisters reminds us that there is much to be grateful for.

Caption: In the early morning hours, fellow initiates from San Francisco seek out homeless people and provide them with warm materials and hot food for the holidays.

Report from Formosa

Medical Consultations and Haircuts for Tribal People

On December 30, 2001, a team of more than thirty fellow initiates from all around Formosa visited a remote Bunun tribe (a group indigenous to Formosa's Central Mountain Range) to provide free medical consultations and haircuts for local people at the Red Leaf Elementary School in Red Leaf Village, Taitung County.

Just as the initiates were getting everything ready, some local children were already lining up for their haircuts. But obviously, they were more attracted by the blessed food distribution desk. Clutching their precious packets of candies and cookies, they could barely conceal their inner happiness. The school staff member on duty, Miss Wang, helped us with translation, making the medical consultations much smoother for our doctors, who were also fellow initiates.

Senior citizens used a variety of gestures and spoke in the Bunun language, trying to express their health problems. When Miss Wang was too busy translating for the patients, brother Han, who for a long time practiced chiropractic medicine in Formosa's indigenous communities, helped to communicate with the patients in simple Japanese, which is spoken by some older Bunun people. His efforts solved the problem of not having sufficient translators. Through this experience, we realized even more why Master always wants fellow initiates to learn more foreign languages. "Sooner or later, we will become torch bearers of the world," She once said. Thus, every fellow initiate should be proficient in fundamental communication with people of other cultures.

Some visitors from outside the village also took this rare opportunity to ask our fellow initiates to treat them. When some guests joined us to taste the hot soup and vegetarian rice dumplings we had prepared, they were amazed to find that vegetarian food could be so delicious! So, in addition to offering free medical consultations, we also began promoting vegetarianism. We hope that these unexpected visitors will try following a vegetarian diet and join the ranks of those seeking world purification.

The activity was scheduled to end by noon. However, at the villagers' request, we continued the event for thirty minutes, so that those who could only come home at noontime would also have the chance to enjoy Master's love. With infinite bliss, we thank Master for Her grace, which gave us the opportunity to interact with so many local inhabitants. We hope that the Bunun people, with Master's grace, will quickly recover from their ailments, and soon find their real inner Self, which is forever free from birth, death, illness and suffering.

Caption: 
1. Sister initiates cutting hair for the Bunun people
2. Doctors among our fellow initiates diagnose local inhabitants' illnesses, prescribe medication and provide chiropractic treatments.

Table 1: Relief Funds for Needy Households in Formosa for November and December 2001 (Unit: NT$)