Special Report

November 22nd marked the opening of the World Convention on Reverence For All Life convened by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Pune, India. This Mission is headed by their spiritual leader, Dada J.P. Vaswani, who is revered as one of the seven great saints in India today. Among the invited participants, including many dignitaries, doctors and spiritual leaders from around the world, was Supreme Master Ching Hai who was asked to address the delegates.

Wearing a brilliant golden colored traditional Indian sari, Supreme Master Ching Hai arrived at the venue escorted by four deva-like guards. Before the people in the venue realized that She is a great Master, they were already dazzled by Her infinite radiance. One thing worth mentioning was that, Master looked so dignified and exquisite in Her sari that no native Indian ladies present could match Her. When Dada J.P. Vaswani met with Master on the VIP stage, they started an intimate conversation for over ten minutes. Though it was the first time they had ever met, they were like old friends or kin reunited.

Indulged in their heart to heart and wisdom to wisdom dialogue, they were oblivious of the hundreds of people present. Finally, they both got up holding hands and walked to the front of the stage to address the VIPs. Before leaving the stage, Master humbly bowed to Dada J.P. Vaswani, who reacted promptly and knelt down to Master. Disciples of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission quickly came forward and lifted both of them from the floor. Everyone present was stunned by this unexpected scene, and they were deeply touched by the humbleness and truthfulness of these two great saints.

After this thrilling encounter, the ambiance in the venue completely changed. Everyone became very respectful toward Master and even playfully nicknamed Her the "Sweet Master". Wherever She went, Master was always surrounded by a huge crowd, asking to talk to Her or take photos with Her. As a result, she had no chance to eat or rest at lunch time, not even at the tea breaks.

On the second day of the Convention, Master wore another beautiful and graceful sari, purple in color. When she spoke, everyone was delighted by Her humorous words, which differed to the serious way other speakers delivered their talk.

Incidentally, She and Dada J.P. Vaswani were the only two who addressed the audience whilst sitting, other speakers gave their speeches standing. That afternoon, having been invited by the convenor, Master presented awards to each of the distinguished speakers, which included many doctors.

As Dada J.P. Vaswani, had repeatedly sent gifts and invitations to Master asking to see Her again, Master went to visit him at their Center that evening. Dada J.P. Vaswani sent his attendant to pick Her up at the hotel. At their Center, they had especially arranged a group of lovely children to sing and dance to welcome Master. On this second meeting, the two saints again held each other's hands and looked at each other's wisdom eye in deep silence.

In a very natural manner, Master gave him a set of Celestial Jewelry, which will be auctioned for cancerpatients' treatment in a nearby hospital, and donated US$12,000 to the hospital established by Dada J.P. Vaswani that provides free medical service to the poor and needy. In return Dada J.P. Vaswani gave Master a watch, some Indian spices and a lucky charm. This touching rendezvous lasted over an hour.

The Chairman of the Convention kept urging Master to attend a cultural show that evening, (the show was performed by a group that was not on the convenor's original list. Master didn't stay to watch.) Dada J.P. Vaswani earnestly hoped to see Master the next day, commemorating the birthday of their founder, Sadhu Vaswani. He even invited Master to be the chief guest of the event and to give a discourse. (Master left a videotape in Her absence.)

On the third day, thought Master was no longer present at the Convention, Dada J.P. Vaswani asked one of his disciples to deliver a speech paying tribute to Her, stressing that the most precious result of this Convention was the presence and blessings of Supreme Master Ching Hai.

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