That day, I received a phone call from an initiate in an emotional state somewhere between delirious and ecstatic. In a rush of excitement she informed me that we had to leave for London immediately, as Supreme Master Ching Hai was arriving that evening. I made arrangements to leave for London, as soon as possible , and in my usual way accepted the situation without any particular emotional attachment. Yes, I wanted to see the Master, yes, I wanted to receive my initiation but I would accept whatever happened. We left Chester in the north of England and drove for hours through one rainstorm then another. Soon the fellow initiate's excitement was so contagious that we could hardly concentrate on the dangerous driving conditions. We talked incessantly all the way to London and arrived at the designated location a little bit late. The place was buzzing with anticipation. Not long after we arrived, Master walked in the door. I shall remember that evening again and again as the start of my journey home.

I believe that the years before, when I thought I was on 'the journey', were merely a preparation for it. I had the good fortune to be sitting right in the front, at Master's feet. As I stared up at Her face I was overcome by a feeling long forgotten, the innocence, trust and unconditional love of a child toward her mother.Goodness and love seemed to embrace the whole room.The world outside ceased to exist as we floated on a sea of love. Master's love is like rivulets flowing from an inexhaustible source of water.Like the flow of a river, till it reaches the source, it cannot be stopped, instead it increases more and more. The flow of love was so potent that I felt liberated from the influence of the illusionary world.

I remember reading once, that liberated souls are completely indifferent to matter. I believe the Master was born on this Earth for the well-being of all people.She does not live for any selfish reason, but for the welfare, development and joy of others. Master's only interest is to guide us back home. Her physical body is a shelter for others.She provides a transcendental love service for those of us fortunate enough to follow Her.

If I never see Master again, having only seen Her once, I shall never forget that evening, when overpowered by feelings of happiness, my heart was alive with love. Master You are like the sun, Your love can travel everywhere, and like the air Your love is all pervasive, penetrating our inner being with peace. You've taught me that only with patience and perseverance can we realize our goal. We must not trivialise or accept the superficiality which has become commonplace in our daily lives. We must look beyond face value to the beauty within. And lastly, we must remember that when we search for enlightenment and eternal light, love comes with it.