Spiritual Correspondence

By Brother Initiate T. Tran, LA, U.S.A.
(Originally In Au Lac Language)    

Our Dear Revered Master,

I am now over 50 years old, but after serious introspection I've realized that my life became meaningful and worthwhile only after I got initiated. Even though previously I did try to practice spirituality, I only followed others without having the self-confidence and strong belief that I was practicing the right method like the one under Your guidance. Now, I write You this letter to tell people that Your teachings have indeed brought limitless benefits to disciples. Consequently, countless disciples have been reborn and their lives have become more meaningful.

I had to seek refuge in the USA in 1975 and my education was interrupted because of the fall of Au Lac. Having the feeling of one without a home and country, being stranded in a foreign land with little knowledge of English, I suffered through months and years of darkness. Gradually, I felt torn apart by the discontent and my hatred of life. I became so hot-tempered. Any time I tried to climb out of my problems I fell back without any foot hold to be disheartened once again. I felt that if this situation continued I would definitely end up in either a mad house or jail.

I often blamed myself or society, and believed life was meaningless. I sought help in many churches of different religious faiths. Sometimes I went to the temple to practice meditation but I only ended up feeling greater disappointment. I once considered giving up, telling myself, "Oh well! Just forget everything and try to make a lot of money then go back to Au Lac to enjoy life." But You came at the right time to save me.

While watching a videotape of Your lecture for the first time, I was determined to become a pure vegetarian in order to prepare myself for the initiation given by You. During these days I so longed and thirsted for Your teachings like a man desperate for water having been stranded in the desert. So I bought many audio and videotapes.

As soon as I sat in my car, I turned on Your audio tapes. When I came back home I watched Your videotapes. In my home, people criticized and slandered You but I ignored them because of my complete faith in You. I feel that even the highly venerable monks are unable to convince their disciples to become vegetarian but Your power is indeed omnipotent. By only watching Your videotapes or reading Your books one can become a vegetarian in order to follow You to practice meditation.

Many friends of mine are Catholic. After only watching Your videotapes they immediately became pure vegetarians and are prepared to apply for initiation and follow Your spiritual path.

Dear Master, after initiation I was reborn. The book of my life has begun a new chapter. Even during the first few months, I was able to feel how it was to be liberated in this life. Thanks to Your teachings and blessings I was able to rid myself of all deep anger and hatred, and was able to realize clearly that all that happens to us is created by ourselves and not by other people. Moreover, my envy and lust have become less and less. Now, I am very grateful to You that I have no desires, except only to fully understand Your teachings and to bring Your teachings and Your shining example to greater use in daily life. I long to understand You more, day by day, to be closer to You, and to be more attuned with You in the spirit of spiritual practice.

Being able to get initiated and to practice meditation with You is the greatest fortune I have ever had in many thousands of lifetimes. I vow to practice diligently in order to repay the debt of four gratitudes owed by a human being. Especially to indemnify Your boundless love, Your diligent and hard work while You are teaching us.

I pray to God Almighty and to the Buddhas of the ten directions for their blessings that You will always stay healthy, young and pretty and full of determination. I also pray that all Your work, Your infinite compassion, Your transcendental wisdom and Your shining example will illuminate every corner of the sky and ocean, and indeed the entire universe.

Very Respectfully Yours, T. Tran