Although this little interlude occurred a long time ago, it still comes to my mind frequently and warms my heart.

The Japanese fellow initiates who were planning to attend the 1995 Ching Hai Day International Retreat decided to prepare a dance performance for the celebration. For this performance, we decided to dance to the tune of Yamagata Pref's folk song "Hanakasa Onto" and I was assigned the job of recording the music for the dance.

Normally, when I listen to Japanese folk songs, I do not find anything special about them. However, as soon as I played this music, I could hardly stop my tears from falling. To me, it was not simply a Japanese folk song; rather, it was a Japanese composition that bore a significant meaning and was to be presented to our beloved Master and Quan Yin family.

We did not know whether our dance would be good enough to be performed on stage. We had heard that the performing skills of fellow initiates from other countries were of considerably high standards; and the initiates spent a lot of time practicing so they were well prepared for the occasion. Photos published in the News magazines testified to that.

Since we had decided to participate, we felt that we had better practice our dance well. We gave no thought to the possibility that we might be eliminated in the screening process. Therefore, after group meditation each Sunday, we got together and practiced the dance. Fellow initiates who were unable to attend the retreat for various reasons quietly sat around and gave us encouragement. In the beginning we were stiff and out of practice and could not follow the music, but practice makes perfect. We improved over time and were even able to correct minute errors in each other.

In order to buy bamboo hats for the dance, we had to go to Asakusa, which is well-known for its folk arts and crafts. A brother initiate from Mainland China was returning to his country very soon, yet he volunteered to go to Asakusa with me and helped me carry about a dozen bamboo hats.

Although I had been in Japan for quite a long time, I was often at a loss and could not avoid making mistakes when it came to the details of Japanese culture. The Japanese fellow initiates had told me specifically to buy red Tasuke cloth and have it cut into two long strips for tying kimono sleeves, but I misunderstood them and had the cloth cut into short, wide pieces. So I bought a needle and thread to fix them before our group gathering.

On that day, a sister initiate from Mainland China came early and, without knowing the reason why, brought with her a pair of spectacles which she did not usually bring. With much sincerity, she sewed the Tasuke. Previously she had envied those fellow initiates who were able to attend international retreats, because she could not go due to visa problems. So she rejoiced at the chance to sew the Tasuke. While sewing, she thanked Master for giving her this honor.

I suddenly realized that even though I did make a mistake, yet the donning of the Tasuke with these stitches symbolized the union of those fellow initiates who were attending the retreat and those who were not, and that they would all be celebrating Ching Hai Day together in Formosa.

Two sister initiates attending the retreat and who were the most proficient dancers of the group had to fly to Formosa before the scheduled time. Incidentally, they were just in time for the performance screening. When fellow initiates learnt that they had passed the screening, they were excited and grateful for Master's ingenious arrangement.

Fellow initiates busied themselves getting our dance costumes and accessories ready before our departure. Another sister who was waiting to receive initiation worked overnight to sew white lining for brother initiates and red lining for sister initiates¡¦ costumes. Then, with the good wishes of all the Japanese fellow initiates, we set out for the retreat.

During the retreat, we got together every day to rehearse the dance again and again, silently thanking Master for giving us the opportunity to perform on stage and to express our gratitude, respect and love for Her on behalf of all the Japanese fellow initiates. All we wanted was to add a Japanese air to the Ching Hai Day celebration.

Following the celebration, Master gave a lecture in the evening related to the performances of fellow initiates and announced a list of awardees who would be recognized for their performances. She emphasized that the honor was being conferred not merely on the basis of proficiency and excellence. Although some disciples were stiff and there were moments of embarrassment due to their amateurish performances, their sincerity to perform for Master and everyone was also a factor of consideration. Our dance, "Hanakasa Onto," unexpectedly made the list of award-winning performances!

Dear Master, You are truly omniscient and omnipresent! Our performance lasted only five minutes; however, You knew just how sincerely we fellow initiates worked behind the stage from the beginning of our preparation right through to the announcement of the award. You are truly a living saint! As long as we sincerely follow Your instructions and practice diligently, You will take good care of each and every one of us every minute and every second of the day.

On And Behind The Stage The Latent Qualities Of A Poet Mother And Child, Heart To Heart