Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai
At Hsihu Center, Formosa
September 15, 1991 (Originally In Chinese)

It is not easy to get close to me. If you are contented knowing nothing or are laid back, then it is fine. In case you want to quickly become a Buddha, get liberation, attain the Truth, and realize many things, then it would be very difficult. Your mind cannot stand it; it is not accustomed to becoming a Buddha or Bodhisattva. When I teach you how to become a Buddha or Bodhisattva, you should work speedily, be responsible, and be persistent in doing your work despite what time it is, day or night, even when you are sleepy or hungry. Then you cannot stand it, because you are not used to it.

In this world, we are used to the practice of working for five days and then resting for one day, or working in the daytime and sleeping at night. The situation of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is different. They have to stay alert all twenty-four hours to handle the intangible work. Sometimes it's also the same with tangible works. It is all right to skip sleeping for several days! They won't care if they are physically tired or not, and will work whenever necessary. They wouldn't think: "Now it is time for me to rest. Today is Sunday, Moon Festival, New Year's Festival. Today is my birthday." You will be even busier on those days, because more people will pray to you, and want to see you. When they have holidays, they love to come and see you. The intangible work goes on round the clock despite what time it is!

You can't hope to attain the level of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas if you are unwilling to do their job! You sit on the king's throne, yet you do nothing to manage the country, and know nothing about politics. It can't be like that!