Story World

 

A Heavenly-like Retreat
in Paris

 
By sister initiate Alenka, Slovenia
(Originally in English)

In the evening of October 24, Golden Year 4 (2007), I went to the Paris Center to join the silent retreat. I was so happy to be able to see the other brothers and sisters again and of course, I was hoping to see Master if it was God’s will. Before I went to Paris, I read Master’s book Secrets to Effortless Spiritual Practice and silently prayed to God, “Dear God, can You please give me the strength so that I become dead to the world during the retreat.” And Hes granted my wish and much more -- Hes gave me Heaven too.

When I arrived at the Center, I found a place to sit in the tent. Soon the great news came that Master was there! Although, it was a little cold that morning, I told myself, “It’s better to be here, where I am near Master than anywhere else.” The next morning, Master held a videoconference with Formosa. Even though She was very busy, She still took the time to see us here and there. As usual She put on beautiful clothes for us. But one of them was special for me. It was yellow and Master radiated light as bright as millions of suns put together and shone upon the universe.

In the middle of the tent was the room where Master gave lectures. Every time She went to this room, She would take a detour to allow everyone to see Her. One day, a sister came to ask me if I had been in the lecture room. I said no and that it was fine to stay where I was. However she urged me, “Don’t worry about the comfort of the physical body, when you have a chance to see the Almighty.” So I went with her and thought how stupid I was. But I was so settled down that I didn’t desire anything at all; I just enjoyed wherever God seated me. After a while Master came. She read us poems and then explained their meaning. I learnt a great deal. All the brothers and sisters took turns to sit in the room to see Master.

 

The atmosphere of the retreat was heavenly, with everyone so nice and friendly. Although there wasn’t a lot of space, we managed without any problem. Thank You Master for giving us such a wonderful retreat and for showing Heaven to me. Thank You from the bottom of my heart!