Special Reports

Blessed in
the True Meaning
of Christmas

 

Compiled by Singapore News Group
(Originally in English)

Upon hearing that Master would meet contact persons from around the world for a Christmas retreat in Paris, the France Center disciples jumped into action. With temperatures forecast to be as low as -3 Celsius and over 200 guests expected, the Center was transformed into a smartly decorated and insulated homey abode ready to celebrate the next few days of Golden Year 4 with our beloved Master.

During the retreat, practitioners were blessed to spend time nearby Master as well as meditating. A long meditation session was held during the day and also through the night; there was no sleeping time. Master mentioned that in the future, retreat venues may not have a place for sleeping so we should be accustomed to the concept of meditating throughout the night.

Maintaining Happiness and Devotion to God

Each day during the retreat, Master delivered a number of discourses to different groups. Mostly, She told jokes, saying that She wanted us to smile and be happy more and more. At times, She expounded on Kabir’s poetry. A number of topics were raised for discussion such as relationships and love, and devotion to God, putting our mind on God every second and in every situation around us.

When talking about relationships Master advised us that husbands and wives should respect each other more, treating each other as you would a guest. She mentioned that love is not enough; we should welcome our spouse warmly when he or she comes home, serve drinks and food and look after him or her. We have to work hard at relationships, especially the small things like not leaving socks around, cleaning up after eating, taking care of our appearance and hygiene, and talking together rather than watching TV or reading the newspaper.

During one of the conversations on eating (Master always joked that She was being given too much yummy food), Master related an experience from Her time in the Himalayas, of “temptation” through delicious and fragrant samosas sold in a local shop. Master said She bought one after another until She had eaten five in all! She was so upset with Herself that She didn’t eat for several days to make up and discipline Herself. This led Her to remind us of what the Prophet Muhammed said: “Possession leads to desire. Desire leads to transmigration.” This is also the reason that in Chinese Feng Shui we do not build the kitchen in the middle of the house – otherwise everyone will be obsessed with food!

Throughout the retreat, the gowns Master wore sparkled brilliantly in colors of light blue, red and golden yellow. For every occasion She surprised us with a refreshing hair style and beautifully designed dresses.

A Lovely Santa Sends Season’s Greetings to the World

On Christmas Eve Master appeared as a Santa Claus with an adorable red hat trimmed in white veggie fur. She greeted us and the Supreme Master Television viewers, sending everyone joyous Happy Christmas wishes. Initiates sang culturally diverse Christmas songs for Master, recited poetry, and delighted everyone with humor. Master announced that She had invented Her own herbal wine, which She would like to share with us in the future. She also hinted at an array of new sauces and products created for Loving Foods. This news surely caused everyone’s mouth to water in anticipation!

When speaking of animals, Master noted that in many cases animals come back for a noble purpose - to protect a human or do a good deed. She mentioned, however, that the animals have limited means to develop their nobility, and humans are very privileged to have so many chances for noble thoughts and deeds.

 

Caring Reminders for Our Spiritual Progress

Overall, Master encouraged us to practice very diligently in our meditation. She thanked everyone for their efforts in trying to help the world, especially through Supreme Master TV. She said that our continued contributions will surely make a difference on a personal level, to improve our own spiritual progress.

In speaking about global warming, Master encouraged us to continue praying to God for love and peace, and to hope governments will change quickly. Giving the example of countries like the Philippines that have banned their weapons, Master applauded them, suggesting that we use armies for public good. She quoted the Essenes in “turning swords into ploughshares” - that is, turning weapons into farm machinery to provide nourishment rather than take life.

She constantly advised and reminded us to simplify life - share our lodgings and responsibilities. Clear our debts. Meditate more and sleep less. Eat less and more simply, and conserve our energy for meditation. Remember to recite the Holy Names at every moment - for example, even when having a conversation, at the end of each sentence.

As the final day of the retreat drew to a close, we reluctantly departed, enlivened and blessed by this event to celebrate Christ’s birth. We felt very content inside and yet also determined to cultivate ourselves in taking greater action to help each Center in the world support God with more passion and dedication to help save this Earth.

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