I felt very honored to work in the kitchen during the three- day retreat. Fully outfitted from head to toe, I entered the kitchen and watched everything with interest. I saw that all the fellow practitioners, both men or women, who participated in the kitchen work, were all wearing caps to hold their hair in; gauze masks covering not only their mouths but also their noses; water-proof gloves that had to be changed as soon as they were perforated; galoshes; and aprons, making them look even more professional than professional cooks.
I think that you cannot find another place in the world, even in the most luxurious and fastidious hotels or restaurants, that pays as much attention to hygiene as does Hsihu's kitchen! Ignoring for the moment Master's blessing power permeating the food, and the unimaginable experiences that many fellow practitioners and guests have after eating dishes prepared by the Hsihu kitchen, just consider the fully outfitted kitchen staff and everyone will have a great sense of assurance about eating the meals that are colorful, aromatic, tasty and above all hygienic.
Master loves cleanliness and tidiness, and sets a good example Herself to teach us to develop these good habits. The fact that the kitchen staff pays great attention to hygiene and nutrition, and is capable of preparing delicious meals in a very short time, is a most concrete example of Master's patient teaching.
The harmony in the kitchen, which includes choosing, washing, and cutting vegetables; cooking and carrying dishes in big containers; replenishing dishes regularly; and so on, is the result of Master's long and painstaking effort in training us. Simply observing the dynamic kitchen work allowed me to feel that it is a cause for rejoicing to become a part of the operation.
What moved me even more deeply, was that once I had become part of the process, I could feel with certainty Master's respect for everyone. Because Master truly respects everyone, every Buddha, She teaches all big, small and incidental things clearly; not only to work highly efficiently but to be filled with love and joy while working!
Usually I greeted the many fellow practitioners from other cities by simply nodding and saying "Hi." Through the work experience during the three-day retreat, we cooperated and coordinated with each other in an harmonious atmosphere, thus adding much delight to the work, and becoming happy companions.
When preparing meal boxes for overseas disciples who were leaving, I thought of Master, and felt warm streams of tenderness, sweetness and joy springing from my heart, while praying that the foreign disciples could feel the abundance of Her love when they ate the meals.
Master told us that being able to participate in the kitchen work is a holy task. We should take care of fellow practitioners? stomachs. Satisfying their physical needs, this allows their minds to relax, and then they can practice with ease. So doing the kitchen work itself provides good rewards.
To my surprise, Master meticulously considered the kitchen staff when we were unable to watch the retreat performances with the others due to our work, and instructed the relevant disciples to give every staff member a free gift of the video tape of that day's performances, which gave us an even greater surprise!
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Master! How considerate You are!
Oh! Master!
How happy I am to be Your disciple!
Because of You,
I love God more and more.
Oh! Master.
God is Glorified because of You!
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Son, We Have The Same Best Mom!