134/Center Events/Austin

In July of 1995, Master and six resident-disciples made a surprise visit to Austin and set the course for the development of the Austin Center. Seven years later, our fellow initiates continue their spiritual development while working on various projects at the Center.

The first phase of Master's work consisted of cleaning and disposing of unusable items and trash, which included fellow initiates' excuses, lack of dedication and laziness. Through the construction project, Master pointed out our weaknesses and excuses so that we could clean up our spiritual practice.

Master cut down the old cattle pens and stumps on the Center grounds in order to provide a clear view of the surrounding scenery. I realized afterwards that like the physical environment, we live with many obstructions in our lives and do not take the time to clear them away. After a while, they become a part of our lives and obstruct our perception and judgment. As at the Austin Center, each of us should first clean up our inner trash and remove our inner obstacles so that we can have a clear path in order to reach our final goal.

During the next five weeks, Master used Her creative powers to transform broken objects and structures into useful masterpieces. Fallen storage sheds were transformed into beautiful gazebos that disciples have been enjoying for many years. Even today, fellow initiates can be found there, meditating throughout the night or enjoying the scenic view and tranquility of the afternoon. Sitting in the transformed gazebo, we realize that Master teaches us that every object and being has our creator's innate characteristics, and it is up to us to seek out its true beauty and usefulness.

Once during a casual conversation, Master instructed us to plant bamboo in selected areas, and three or four years later we found its true usefulness. Bamboo is the only non-native plant at the Austin Center that continues to grow with vigor and vitality. We have tried other plants to bring diversity to the area but none have thrived as well as the bamboo arranged by Master. This bamboo not only brings tranquility to the Austin Center but also offers privacy by blocking our neighbors' view. In addition, we observed that these plants effectively cool the surrounding area, offering shade and moisture to an otherwise desert landscape. We could not help but marvel at Master's ability to recognize the useful characteristics in all beings and objects, and Her ability to use these qualities to their full potential.

Master then transformed an old cow stable into a mediation hall that could accommodate up to three hundred fellow practitioners to meditate. We have added more gravel foundation since then, and during initiations we roll out an outdoor carpet to enhance fellow practitioners' comfort. Although we now have an indoor meditation hall, a few diligent practitioners can still be found in the converted cow stable on weekends, meditating and enjoying their inner experiences. This building is also the primary site for our initiation sessions.

Before Master left, She instructed us to complete the Crescent Moon Pavilion She had designed. This structure was a water tank for cattle until She sawed off part of the wall. It took several years and numerous reminders from Master before we had enough courage to finish this project, which took more than six months to complete. It proved to be the most difficult we had undertaken up to that time. We would often work from evening to the next morning to avoid exerting ourselves in the hot summer sun. The Pavilion faces a freshly mown lawn that can accommodate three thousand fellow practitioners, and will be a prime spot for future entertainment activities if Master returns. Three crescent moons are embedded in the structure, and a fourth can be seen when the sun casts shadows on the interior base.

Many secluded campsites provide enough space for thousands of fellow initiates to pitch their tents.

Master left Austin in August 1995, giving us examples that we can still learn from while continuing our spiritual development. Years have passed since Master came to our area, and during that time spiritual practitioners have also come and left their creations for others to enjoy. The dining area is a fine example of many disciples' creative efforts in different phases of the Center's renovation project. A small group of disciples one day decided that we should decorate this space with colors, so they created a large spiritual painting for all to enjoy. We have since added floor tiles and decorated picnic tables and park benches to transform the dining hall into a reception area for our guests. In addition, we recently renovated the kitchen and outfitted it with professional restaurant equipment.
Our most recent project is building "Heavenly Dream Bungalows" for older disciples. These small buildings keep insects out while allowing a continuous flow of air into the living quarters. Many fellow practitioners meditate in these bungalows and can feel the love and dedication that the disciples show while concentrating on their work.

The more projects we work on at the Austin Center, the closer we feel to Master and the more we understand Master and Her teachings. The more we look at the work Master left for us as an example, the more we understand the power of creativity and harmony. And the more we work on such projects, the more we realize our internal strength, creativity and wisdom, giving us greater confidence and humbler characters.
Each Sunday, disciples quietly gather for group meditation, after which they can stay in the kitchen area to have lunch, talk to visitors or merely enjoy the special atmosphere of the Center, before returning to the world and its heavy demands. There is a sense of belonging at the Austin Center, but also a sense of freedom to be yourself. We can only be very grateful to have a holy place like this, permeated by Master's grace and blessing, where we can retreat from the world into the privacy of our surroundings, and bathe in God's infinite light and love. ........more pictures