Special Reports

Grand Spiritual Gathering -- Summary Of The Third European 4-Day Retreat By News Group From England The Third European 4-Day Retreat With Master's loving blessing and our fellow initiates' vigorous preparations, the Third European 4-Day Retreat finally began in London, the capital of England. In London, the weather in August was very pleasant. The retreat was held at Brunel University, which is a beautiful environment with flourishing lawns everywhere that makes everything cool and fresh. In the center of the campus, a pond full of blooming lotus flowers elevates the campus to a higher level of beauty as if in heaven. The fellow initiates from 18 European countries arrived at this beautiful campus for this long-anticipated spiritual gathering.

On the first evening of the retreat, our Master, who had been longed for by many, graced the meditation hall. She arrived in a light yellow skirt with a white blouse and a black, floral scarf. She touched the fellow initiates with Her gracefulness and overwhelming beauty. Like withering seedlings finally blessed with rain, fellow initiates, who had been longing to see Her day and night, were gratified the moment their eyes met Master's, the moment of spiritual communion.

By the end of the first day of the retreat, the translation facilities were still not properly set up, so Master took the opportunity to highlight some of the problems to fellow initiates when they work. She reminded us not to put too much emphasis on superficial matters but to concentrate on more important aspects. She used the example of everyone fully dedicating themselves to decorating the stage while neglecting the translation facilities, which were more important for fellow initiates. These problems have occurred many times before and we always try to excuse ourselves in the same manner by saying, "This is the lesson we have to learn." Master said that indeed we should learn lessons of various kinds, however, we cannot afford to learn the same lessons repeatedly for years without growth.

Later Master heard that there were many fellow initiates who had been longing to see Her but had missed this rare opportunity because of visa problems. She deeply regretted that even though this world is such a small one, it is full of restrictions. She said that only by returning to heaven could we truly be liberated. Master's heartfelt discourse greatly fortified the fellow initiates' determination to practice diligently, and to return Home swiftly.

The next afternoon, Master came to the meditation hall again and announced that She would have lunch with everyone. Fellow initiates jumped with joy at the news. She tasted each dish and said that there was a great variety in the food and that it was very nutritious. She was so motherly. Fellow initiates were happy to be with Her and enjoyed the delicious food and Her infinite love. What a scene of ambiance and sweetness in our happy family!

After the evening meditation, Master once again satisfied the initiates' wishes to see Her. Seeing that everyone was just coming out of samadhi and still carrying a meditative demeanor, She cheered up everyone with several jokes. She was like a comedian, making everyone burst into laughter with only a few words.

Afterwards, and with great patience, Master answered various questions related to spiritual practice. One of the initiates used to practice several different methods, but she had to quit because they were too many complications. Fortunately she finally got acquainted with the Quan Yin Method, which is easy to practice, as Master has said: "The Quan Yin Method is the simplest and the ultimate method."

Beginning on the third day, Master met with fellow initiates in small groups -- English, Au Lacese, Chinese and Europeans, respectively. She allowed initiates to raise questions concerning their spiritual practice. The mild drizzle and pleasant atmosphere coupled with Her answers, which were full of love and wisdom, had not only cleared up the doubts in the hearts of the initiates, but also granted them direct blessings. All the initiates' puzzling questions disappeared instantly.

Master came to the retreat venue to visit the initiates every day. Fellow practitioners from all over Europe were grateful and cherished these opportunities since they rarely have the chance to be so close to Master. Listening to Her humorous discourses, having lunch with Her, and meditating with Her while She recited the Holy Names, we were truly the most blessed group of people in the universe.

Fellow initiates were all overwhelmed by the power from being with a fully enlightened Master. It was truly beyond their imaginations. Master's discourses were highlighted with a constant awareness to the most subtle details -- a glimpse of eye contact, a simple hand gesture, Her explanations to questions. What was revealed was Her true enlightenment through Her natural demeanor, along with Her understanding and patience, and Her stylish and elegant way of dressing. By how and what She teaches, fellow initiates broke through their obstinate opinions and were liberated from their complicated concepts. The more we are with Master, the more we understand that enlightenment is both within and without, accompanied with harmony and simplicity. For most, after personally meeting Master, it became much easier to correct misconceptions and adjust the so-called imbalance between spiritual practice and daily life.

The most direct message that Master delivered to everyone was: "Relax!" and then you will naturally be at ease. Every of Master's words and actions has taught everyone of us many things which are just right for us. All these discoveries were a delightful surprise for us.

Those who were unable to participate in the 4-day retreat requested to see Master, so on the last day of the retreat, She kindly met with them and other initiates and guests. In Her talk, She addressed spiritual questions that they were concerned about. Master categorized masters into three types: One kind is the external master. They have only a physical body, no transformation bodies, and are limited to helping their disciples with external situations. The second type is the inner master. They are past masters but without a human body. Their disciples can only communicate with them through meditation. The third type of master is a combination of the other two. These masters have both a human body and transformation bodies, and their disciples are able to interact with the master both from within and from without. This type of master is the most rare. Everyone present was deeply touched by knowing how precious it is to meet a living master!

Many people requested initiations after hearing the humorous and wise discourse from Master. She immediately consented. These new born enlightened beings were full of joy. They felt so fortunate that after going through various difficulties in life, they had at last found the true Master and acquired the genuine method of spiritual practice.

The pleasant 4-day retreat concluded with Master waving farewell to everyone. The moments with Her are so spiritually uplifting, happy and fulfilled. Every fellow initiate was full of bliss and love. The supreme blessing from Her has deeply changed our hearts. We will take this Godly gift back to our families, friends as well as share it with everyone around us.

Grand Spiritual Gathering -- Summary Of The Third European 4-Day Retreat Echo -- The Most Beautiful Feeling Of My Life The Surprise Of Trying New Things