◎By Sister Initiate Rachel Sumner, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
(Originally In English)

I encountered many obstacles in my attempts to attend the 5-day retreat in Long Beach, California. When I saw Master for the first time, I knew every lesson I encountered was worth it. Her presence moved me to tears. She looked like a beautiful Bodhisattva, dressed in pink with sparkling jewelry, with the lightest, most radiant energy I have ever seen.

As she walked down the aisle and came close to me, I stuck out my hand so that I could receive blessings from Her touch. Master, sensing my longing, touched my hand and stopped to talk to me for a minute. Looking into Her eyes was like staring at God, and Her sweet perfume lingered on my hand even after She had left the room. I felt that I was in heaven.

Later, I asked another initiate who sat next to me, if Master had touched her (Master had touched several initiates who held out their hands). The fellow disciple told me she did not put out her hand in order to spare Master the pain She feels when touching others. Our heightened emotions at the retreat affect Master because She is so sensitive. Forever giving of Her love, Master touches us, despite Her great sensitivity, in order to satisfy our longing to be connected to a great master.

Realizing this, I vowed not to demand such physical attachments from Master. Being in Her presence made me already feel so loving, peaceful and harmonious.

The next time Master passed me at the retreat I remembered my vow and put my palms together as She passed. To my surprise, Master gently placed Her hand on my cheek and caressed my face like a mother who does for a small child. Her eyes were filled with the truest love I have ever seen and She said with great compassion, "It's okay."

Master had not only responded to my great longing to touch Her but had gently and compassionately washed away my fears and guilt of putting Her in pain. She always knows what we need at all times. She gives us everything unconditionally in the hopes we will give ourselves and the world the same love She transmits to us. We are truly blessed.