A Humble Offering to our
Beloved Master: 1995

On the day when Master’s office at Hsihu was formally inaugurated, the resident disciples prepared a large array of biscuits, candy, fruit and other blessed food, and earnestly awaited Her arrival. Then, as a round of welcoming applause broke out, we saw our weak, exhausted Master walk up slowly, Her body supported by a disciple. It then occurred to me that just the previous day She had returned from a trip abroad and had hardly had any rest before being urged to cut the ribbon at the inauguration ceremony. When this thought sank in I felt my heart ache. 

Each piece of lumber for the office, an exquisitely built wooden bungalow, had been cut, sandpapered and painted with care by the disciples. The building was a humble gift to express our gratitude to Master for Her incessant toil on behalf of humankind. We sincerely hoped that it would provide Her with a place to work and rest, sheltered from the wind and rain. 

Feeling the disciples’ great devotion and earnestness, Master said, “Initially, I wasn’t prepared to accept such a big present from you. However, your sincerity has touched me. Today, I accept your offering so that in the future people will know how well my disciples treat their Master.” 

After that, Master said jokingly, “Am I entitled to have such a big gift just because I’ve been your teacher for ten years?” I happened to be standing next to Master so I casually replied, “It’s very reasonable.” Then Master continued, “Really? Do your worldly teachers receive such large presents after ten years of teaching?” and I responded mischievously, “That depends on how they teach!”  

To my surprise, Master was so humble that She immediately looked very shy, and I was too embarrassed to say anything more. But, in fact, for Her disciples, an offering such as the Hsihu office is not adequate payment for even one-billionth of the tremendous grace that Master bestows on us each day of our lives!

Master's Aqua Blue Eyes: 1985
Tasting a Loving Bite: 1991
A Humble Offering to our Beloved Master: 1995