Wherever
Master goes, She asks the local initiates about the customs, traditions, and
cultural background of the people. She is very careful and accords due respect
to the local government and community. She even pays attention to details
of protocol. For example, She asks what would be the best time to hold a lecture
and how late it should last, and She is always careful not to disturb the
neighborhood. Master always puts Herself in other people's shoes, follows
local conventions, and tries Her best to get along with others.
Her presence
makes others feel that spring has come and brings a positive aura of happiness.
To those in misery or in need of help, She shows Her mercy towards them. She
inquires about their well being and whether they need financial assistance.
One cannot help being moved by Master's selfless acts.
Master is
strict with us, but is even more demanding of Herself. In whatever She does,
She sets an example for us to follow. She works with concentration so Her
energy is well focused, and no matter what She does, She does it very well.
In 1993, Master's
World Lecture Tour began in Indonesia, but when we arrived, a presidential
election was in full swing. The government had imposed martial law and there
were many restrictions as to how we were permitted to conduct the lecture.
Master used this situation as an opportunity to give Truth seekers invisible
blessings and comfort, and to teach the disciples a lesson in fearlessness.
When I saw Master teach disciples in Her selfless way, sometimes having to
use tears to wash away the dust in the hearts of the initiates, I was so touched
that I had tears in my eyes as I worked.
Knowing my
mind, Master said to me, "I'm just a little woman and I'm not afraid. You
are a big man. What are you afraid of?" Her great fearless and positive power
awakened me. I had practiced martial arts, karate, and Tai Chi Chuan for 31
years and have taken part in over ten thousand large and small competitions,
yet fear lurked deep within my heart. A few words from Master rid me of the
fear I had had for years. From that day on, I have never cried or felt frightened
again. I want to say, "Master is the best teacher! One glance from Her, one
movement, one gesture, one behavior, and even Her atmosphere are all designed
to teach and awaken us."
Since my childhood,
whatever I have learned, I have done so with concentration. I have also been
very respectful towards my teachers. I respect Master Ching Hai the most because
She is an enlightened Master. Because I had practiced martial arts from a
young age, I have a strong and serious personality. This changed after I started
learning Tai Chi Chuan, a softer form of martial arts. Then, after initiation,
my personality changed even more. It almost changed my whole life. Now whenever
I see anyone who is sick or suffering, hungry or unhappy, I feel uncomfortable
and experience what they feel. I feel very fortunate to have received initiation
from Master.
In 1993, I
accompanied Master to only three countries on Her world lecture tour, but
I learned so much and made such great spiritual progress. My whole life changed.
I even practice Tai Chi Chuan differently. It has become an exercise of inner
control of mind and thoughts, a combination of spiritual practice and health!
Truth-Sharing
: Observation And Growth
