The Holy Mother's Divine Love Infuses Florida, U.S.A.

By the U.S.A. News Group (Originally in English)

Mother's Day has a very special meaning for fellow practitioners around the world, and they missed Master deeply as this important day approached. Just as their longing was being intensified by the sweet fragrance of spring carnations, a delightful and unanticipated message informed them that they could go to Florida in the United States to spend a Mother's Day festival with Master

Fellow Practitioners and gurests from centers in America, Canada, the UK, France, Hungary, Ireland, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Korea, Formosa, and Hong Kong happily stayed at the Florida Center from May 10 to 12 to celebrate Mother's Day and Master's Birthday.

On Friday, May 10, the sisters and brothers on the working teams combined their efforts, and all arrangements went smoothly, supported by Master's Love and Grace in the special atmosphere of the Florida Center. Thus, the disciples accomplished in hours what would normally have taken days. By Friday evening, the Center was already adorned with many beautiful decorations, including hundreds of helium-filled balloons that floated like little guardian angels above poles that dotted the landscape. Festive balloons also formed an arch above the Center's gate and extended all the way to the meditation hall like a colorful rainbow. Along with the balloons were hundreds of plants and flowers, as well as pinwheels that spun in the wind and sparkled with the sun's reflected light.

A Delightful Rendezvous between Master and Disciples

On the morning of May 11, during the first meditation session, Master entered the Meditation Hall, as quietly as an angel from the clouds. She began to speak softly, asking us jokingly, "How was your sleep?" and then shared some touching stories about Her encounters with a veterinarian who had taken care of Her dogs and birds.

During the second session, Master discussed ways of dealing with neighbors, saying that She applies the maxim "Love Thy Neighbor" many times while living in Her worldly residences . Since She moves very often, She meets many and varied neighbors. However, human beings often do not understand Her loving heart and good will when She offers them help or gifts. Instead, they frequently suspect that She is up to something, and can not believe anyone can be that good.

Master told us that we would have an "easy" retreat this time, because our time together was brief, and assured us that we would see Her a lot, get plenty to eat and not "have to" meditate much! Since it was a Mother's Day celebration, Master created such a lighthearted, loving atmosphere that everyone felt very comfortable and happy. It was truly as if we were walking in a heaven created by Her!

On the same day, Master paid us an unexpected visit around lunchtime, and spoke to disciples in a warm, friendly manner, but with Her usual knack of revealing deep insights. Master first observed the beautiful weather, which She said meant that we were receiving much blessing. She then went on to say that we needed more blessing in this world, that America had been hit hard of late, and that the Tao dictates that sometimes things must get worse before they get better.

Then Master began talking about inviting a group of disciples to Her house for lunch. Of course, at that moment everyone became extremely excited and cheered! She reassured us that all the retreat participants would get their chance to see Her. She first invited the "snowflakes" (Caucasians) and "chocolate chips" (Black initiates) for lunch, and then "the cornflakes" (Asians) from various countries, in separate groups, for dinner and tea in the evening and at night.

During the lunch with Master at Her house, tears welled up in the eyes of many who felt deep love and appreciation for the infinite generosity of our beloved Teacher and Friend. The talk between Master and disciples was informal and very spontaneous. One disciple who has been with Master for some time said that she still fears falling off the path. Master reassured her by saying that this fear is good; it only intensifies our determination to search for the Truth. It also gives us a healthy concern about Maya, since one can never be sure what form Maya may take.

During this exchange between Master and disciple, what was most amazing was the complete transformation of one of the disciples' expressions during the conversation. At the beginning, she was very depressed. Her eyes were downcast and her face seemed to take on a darker color. But by the end of the conversation with Master, her face was infused with joy. She was smiling and laughing as she looked directly at her beloved Mother. Not only was the sister herself blessed, but so was everyone who watched this miracle of healing from the living Buddha!

Mother's Day and Master's Birthday Celebration

On Sunday, May 12, Mother's Day dawned clear and cool, as initiates meditated contentedly and later enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the gentle Florida breeze. Then, in the afternoon, everyone dressed up in fancy attire and traditional costumes for the days' performance, and waited earnestly for Master's arrival. After a while, She entered the Meditation Hall from a rear door, preceded by four lovely young sisters who served as flower girls. As the audience members turned to look at Master, they quickly noted that Her beautiful chiffon gown with its peach-colored wrap precisely matched the dresses worn by the flower girls! The effect of this color-coordinated procession was breathtaking, and the audience broke into thunderous applause.

The MC then gave a dedication to Mother's Day and Master's Birthday, and the performances began. Master gave encouraging smiles to many of the first-time solo performers. After one sister's dance, Master not only gave her blessed candy but also plucked a fresh rose from a nearby bouquet and placed it in the disciple's hair. Master also enjoyed the spirited dance performance "Son of Man" by a group of young children who promised Master in their song that they would be strong and use their knowledge to become wise.

The performances concluded with Master graciously agreeing to come to the stage and cut a beautiful multi-tiered birthday cake that had been prepared by the kitchen staff. In closing, Master stood and gave a poetic speech that resonated so strongly in many people's hearts that She could hardly continue amidst the applause. Here is part of what Master said:

If I am wise,

It's because of your intelligent questions.

If I am confident

It's because you give me so much support.

Most important of all

If I am younger every year

It's because you want me to live forever!

These beautiful words brought tears to our eyes and softened our souls, as many of us resolved that we would try to be more worthy of Her love.

After Master left the Meditation Hall, everyone went to the food area to enjoy the abundant cake and other refreshments provided by the cooking team. Master came to see us again that evening, inviting the newly initiated people to come to the front and sit beside Her. She also saw the Chinese disciples. Although many people departed that night, some stayed on to relax and enjoy Master's presence over the next few days.

Because of Master's absolute and unfailing love and generosity, our time with Her seemed much longer than just a few days. During the retreat, Master came to see us many times each day, morning until night. We experienced so much love and care from Her the whole time that we were able to completely forget this mundane world. And, although many of us had to return to the ephemeral concerns of daily life, the time we spent with Master will remain as timeless and precious as Heaven in our hearts.

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Vegetarian Houses Around the World

Oregon, U.S.A.

Sarang Korean Vegetarian Restaurant (provides both western style and Korean style foods)

Address: 706 SW Hurbert St., Newport, OR 97365, USA

Tel: 1-541-265-5803

For detailed information about other vegetarian houses around the world, please visit: http://www.godsdirectcontact.com/vegetarian/veg.html 

Love in Action

Report from South Africa

Master's Blessings Continue to Flow in South Africa

In 1999, the Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to attend the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Cape Town, South Africa. When Master arrived at the conference hall, a group of native Xhosa people warmly cheered and welcomed Her with traditional songs and dances. Later Master talked with the group and kindly inquired about their needs. They replied that their housing facilities were in dire need of repairs, and that they were experiencing a severe shortage of bathing facilities. Master immediately instructed that the amount of US$52,000 be contributed to the group to help their villagers make the necessary improvements. Master then bestowed another $52,000 on the Icamagu Institute, one of the Parliament's organizers, to be used in various construction projects in the native community. These funds were received by Ms. Nokuzola Mndende on behalf of the Institute.

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The Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to lecture in South Africa and was warmly welcomed by the Xhosa people with songs and dances.

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A thank-you letter from Ms. Nokuzola Mndende to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

The opening ceremony of the Icamagu Institute in Transkei, South Africa was held on March 16th 2002. This information and resource center resulted from the vision of Ms. Nokuzola Mndende. Its purpose is to unify and re-integrate into the lives of the people their traditional African religion and culture, which were uprooted during the colonization of Africa. These traditions carry the original face and identity of Africans everywhere.

The dignitaries at the ceremony included a king, who is also a minister in the government, several local chiefs, a representative of Supreme Master Ching Hai from the Cape Town Center, and invited speakers. All speakers at the ceremony stressed the importance of Omanyano (unity), Ubuntu (harmonious human relations) and Camagu (appreciation and reverence for the Divine). The attendees were all profoundly grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her generous donation. They also commended the establishment of the Icamagu Institute. A speaker in his early 60's spoke of the empowerment and liberation of African religion, saying that he was astounded to witness the present realization of these visions.

Amid the high-spirited dances, singing and instrumental accompaniment, many youths came up to the microphone and challenged the assembly with words of truth, love and principle. After the ceremony and entertainment, everyone enjoyed a dinner and festivities till late into the night.

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Master Ching Hai with Ms. Nokuzola Mndende, founder and officer of the Icamagu Institute.

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The opening ceremony of the Icamagu Institute founded by Ms. Nokuzola Mndende.

While on the Path

A Miracle at the Surrey Retreat

By brother initiate Shahid Mahmood, Ipswich, England (Originally in English)

After returning from celebrating Christmas with Master last year, I vowed to try harder to practice this year. First of all, I vowed to attend all the two-day retreats at the Surrey Center on the third weekend of each month, and also to take my wife and children to the one-day retreat on the first Sunday of each month.

Last year was a difficult one for me, since I became lazy several times with my meditation, and kept trimming it down to two hours because I woke up late. I would also miss the two-day retreats, putting lesser matters first.

At one two-day retreat, a brother told me that there would be a three-day retreat over Easter. As soon as I heard this, a thought flashed through my mind that it was too soon and that I would never be able to go. As soon as I had this negative thought, I told the brother and vowed to "definitely" attend the retreat. So it was settled in my mind.

Later I kept my vow and did come to the retreat. As soon as I set foot in my car in the morning, I knew that I had done it! I enjoyed three whole days of meditating, reading, learning and watching Master's videos in the embrace of Her wisdom and love, along with copious amounts of delicious food and cakes, advanced tai chi exercises, and plenty of hearty laughter. The Surrey Center, with its peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, is truly a heavenly place for relaxation and spiritual practice.

The first four sessions of the retreat were a struggle, as I kept falling asleep during the sound meditation, my body ached and I kept changing position. Although my mind was completely scattered in ten different directions and chattered uncontrollably, I patiently continued.

Afterwards, I finally tasted the sweet nectar of blissful samadhi. I sat in a chair, where normally I would fall asleep because it was too comfortable, but my whole body was full of energy. I meditated and my mind was single-pointed and concentrated. Everywhere I looked, there was Light. During the Sound meditation, my body was relaxed and happy and I enjoyed sitting in the Sound peacefully and lovingly, and experienced its tender infusion. After that session, all of my inner and outer struggling disappeared, and I became joyful and confident while looking forward to the next session.

One of the brothers at the retreat had a wheat allergy, and so the cooking team brothers and sisters carefully prepared wheat-free food at each meal for him. On the last day of the retreat, one of the sisters prepared a trifle, dessert containing cakes covered in custard and topped with cream and fresh strawberries! She made two enormous bowls, enough for about fifty people. We all made slurping noises and rubbed our stomachs as we lined up for our share of the dessert. Then the brother who was allergic to wheat came excitedly into the kitchen, but looked slightly disappointed when he saw the trifle. We suggested that the meditation might have cured him of his wheat allergy. So he took a large helping of trifle and started to eat, and amazingly enough, remained fine! Each of us gasped, "It's a miracle. He's cured!" as we rolled around, laughing loudly!

The 2002 Easter retreat at Surrey was a fun and happy time with my true spiritual family. I experienced so much joy and blessing through the retreat that I can hardly wait until the next one! When I got home, I felt that I was really full of love and understanding, and my practice was on a high for many, many days afterwards.

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The baptism of Sound and Light fills initiates' faces with spiritual radiance during the three-day retreat at Surrey.

Master's Wonders

Master's Love Softens the Toughest Hearts

Narrated by Sister Hsu, Taichung, Formosa

Recorded by the Taichung News Group

People normally consider a luxury car to be a sign of prestige and high social status. However, to sister Hsu, owner of such a car, the admiration of passersby is nothing but a form of psychological pressure. In her opinion, no matter how luxurious a car is, it is just a means of transportation. This is shown by a recent event in sister Hsu's life.

One night a few months ago, sister Hsu happily drove some of her family members to a park to do some exercises. After they arrived, the family members disembarked, leaving sister Hsu the last one to leave the vehicle. Just as she was getting out of the car, two men forced her back in at gunpoint and told her to drive away. As she drove, she asked, "Where do you want to go? What route do you want to take?" But the men simply sat in the car looking tense and nervous.

In this emergency situation, which seemed like a scene from a movie, sister Hsu began to pray for Master's help, and meanwhile turned up the volume of Master's tapes playing on her car's tape deck. The car soon became filled with Master's tender voice and waves of love. Sister Hsu then started talking to the men, saying that material things are not important. The men wondered how she could remain so calm, and if she was a gang leader. She next introduced herself as a disciple of the Supreme Master Ching Hai and said that she was a vegetarian who kept the Five Precepts. She said that if they needed money, she would give them the car and not notify the police. Then, at an intersection, she reminded them to fasten their safety belts, or the car might be stopped by the police and they might not be able to do what they had set out to do. She also advised them not to commit any more crimes. "Do you think that money is all we need?" they agitatedly asked. And sister Hsu replied, "My Master is great, and her teachings are wonderful. If you want to become vegetarians and practice spiritually, you will become contented and happy at heart, and will not demand too much money."

The two men listened to Master's teachings and chatted with sister Hsu for a while. Originally, they had planned to take her to Taipei in northern Formosa, but instead sister Hsu drove the car aimlessly through the central city of Taichung for 45 minutes and returned to the park. When the men left, one of them said, "Perhaps it is because your Master wants to deliver us that we met you today. You should do more Buddha chanting in the future." She said, "Yes, I will, and I will ask Master to bless you and protect your spirituality." Then the two men left, taking only a mobile phone from sister Hsu.

After the incident, the sister's family members were worried, and her friends called to comfort her. But she felt calm, both mentally and physically, and her heart was filled with love. She knew that it was Master's blessings that had helped her to remain so composed during the emergency. Were it not for Master, who dissolved the karma, she could have had no chance of escape! Master was able to make use of the situation to enlighten the robbers with her incredible wisdom, plant a spiritual seed in their hearts, and at the same time give sister Hsu's family members an opportunity to learn the benefits of spiritual practice. Sister Hsu considers herself to be very lucky to have received Master's omnipresent protection and to have developed infinite courage from practicing the Quan Yin Method.

Poem

Missing Dearest Master in the White Flower Grove

By fellow initiate Chaolu, Taipei, Formosa
(Originally in Chinese)

Rambling on a path strewn with fallen flowers,
Delicate, pure, and, tender
Are the dancing petals,
Just as Your footsteps, one after another,
Gently moving before me.

A quiet sweetness floats
Down the meandering path.
With closed eyes,
I am immersed in Your carefree air.
The dancing blossoms fly softly around You.
Your sweet smile is permeated with refreshing fragrance.

On my way to the back hill,
Your graceful figure accompanied me.
My mundane heart rose instantly to clear nothingness,
Stretching toward the boundless universe....

Moving forward,
I am free of worry and emotion.
There is nothing but You....
Eternal light penetrating my heart!

Center Events

Experiencing God's Grace in Building the Austin Center

By brother initiate Robert Yuan, Texas, USA (Originally in English)

Today, seven years after Master modified this meditation hall, it is still the best place for meditation at the Austin Center.

In July of 1995, Master and six resident-disciples made a surprise visit to Austin and set the course for the development of the Austin Center. Seven years later, our fellow initiates continue their spiritual development while working on various projects at the Center.

The first phase of Master's work consisted of cleaning and disposing of unusable items and trash, which included fellow initiates' excuses, lack of dedication and laziness. Through the construction project, Master pointed out our weaknesses and excuses so that we could clean up our spiritual practice.

Master cut down the old cattle pens and stumps on the Center grounds in order to provide a clear view of the surrounding scenery. I realized afterwards that like the physical environment, we live with many obstructions in our lives and do not take the time to clear them away. After a while, they become a part of our lives and obstruct our perception and judgment. As at the Austin Center, each of us should first clean up our inner trash and remove our inner obstacles so that we can have a clear path in order to reach our final goal.

During the next five weeks, Master used Her creative powers to transform broken objects and structures into useful masterpieces. Fallen storage sheds were transformed into beautiful gazebos that disciples have been enjoying for many years. Even today, fellow initiates can be found there, meditating throughout the night or enjoying the scenic view and tranquility of the afternoon. Sitting in the transformed gazebo, we realize that Master teaches us that every object and being has our creator's innate characteristics, and it is up to us to seek out its true beauty and usefulness.

Once during a casual conversation, Master instructed us to plant bamboo in selected areas, and three or four years later we found its true usefulness. Bamboo is the only non-native plant at the Austin Center that continues to grow with vigor and vitality. We have tried other plants to bring diversity to the area but none have thrived as well as the bamboo arranged by Master. This bamboo not only brings tranquility to the Austin Center but also offers privacy by blocking our neighbors' view. In addition, we observed that these plants effectively cool the surrounding area, offering shade and moisture to an otherwise desert landscape. We could not help but marvel at Master's ability to recognize the useful characteristics in all beings and objects, and Her ability to use these qualities to their full potential.

Master then transformed an old cow stable into a mediation hall that could accommodate up to three hundred fellow practitioners to meditate. We have added more gravel foundation since then, and during initiations we roll out an outdoor carpet to enhance fellow practitioners' comfort. Although we now have an indoor meditation hall, a few diligent practitioners can still be found in the converted cow stable on weekends, meditating and enjoying their inner experiences. This building is also the primary site for our initiation sessions.

Before Master left, She instructed us to complete the Crescent Moon Pavilion She had designed. This structure was a water tank for cattle until She sawed off part of the wall. It took several years and numerous reminders from Master before we had enough courage to finish this project, which took more than six months to complete. It proved to be the most difficult we had undertaken up to that time. We would often work from evening to the next morning to avoid exerting ourselves in the hot summer sun. The Pavilion faces a freshly mown lawn that can accommodate three thousand fellow practitioners, and will be a prime spot for future entertainment activities if Master returns. Three crescent moons are embedded in the structure, and a fourth can be seen when the sun casts shadows on the interior base.

Master left Austin in August 1995, giving us examples that we can still learn from while continuing our spiritual development. Years have passed since Master came to our area, and during that time spiritual practitioners have also come and left their creations for others to enjoy. The dining area is a fine example of many disciples' creative efforts in different phases of the Center's renovation project. A small group of disciples one day decided that we should decorate this space with colors, so they created a large spiritual painting for all to enjoy. We have since added floor tiles and decorated picnic tables and park benches to transform the dining hall into a reception area for our guests. In addition, we recently renovated the kitchen and outfitted it with professional restaurant equipment.

Our most recent project is building "Heavenly Dream Bungalows" for older disciples. These small buildings keep insects out while allowing a continuous flow of air into the living quarters. Many fellow practitioners meditate in these bungalows and can feel the love and dedication that the disciples show while concentrating on their work.

The more projects we work on at the Austin Center, the closer we feel to Master and the more we understand Master and Her teachings. The more we look at the work Master left for us as an example, the more we understand the power of creativity and harmony. And the more we work on such projects, the more we realize our internal strength, creativity and wisdom, giving us greater confidence and humbler characters.

Each Sunday, disciples quietly gather for group meditation, after which they can stay in the kitchen area to have lunch, talk to visitors or merely enjoy the special atmosphere of the Center, before returning to the world and its heavy demands. There is a sense of belonging at the Austin Center, but also a sense of freedom to be yourself. We can only be very grateful to have a holy place like this, permeated by Master's grace and blessing, where we can retreat from the world into the privacy of our surroundings, and bathe in God's infinite light and love.

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Many secluded campsites provide enough space for thousands of fellow initiates to pitch their tents.

Tenth Anniversary of the Quan Yin Method in Korea

By the Korean News Group

(Originally in Korean)

On March 17, 2002, many Korean initiates gathered at the Young Dong Center in Sang-ju to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the coming of the Quan Yin Method to Korea.

Fellow practitioners from all the Korean centers usually gather at Young Dong for group meditation on the first and third Sundays of each month. This time, however, there was one more special reason for their coming together. March 2002 marked the tenth anniversary of Master's first lecture in Korea, and hence, the public introduction of the Quan Yin Method into the country. Coincidentally, the Quan Yin messenger who had helped to arrange that first lecture was in Korea again, and was able to join in this meaningful celebration.

For the grand occasion, many initiates from all over Korea performed songs, poems and dances, filling us with joy and happiness. We also held a special celebration for those who had received initiation following Master's very first lecture in Korea ten years ago. They expressed their heartfelt feelings and gave infinite thanks to Master for giving them the chance not only to meet Her, but also to practice with Her.

One fellow initiate recited a poem, describing to the audience how much she appreciates Master's arrangements. She said that sometimes even though the situation seems very bad, Master always arranges everything perfectly for us in the best, wisest and most compassionate way. This should remind us of the spiritual fruit and growth that we have attained through Master's love and blessings. Thank you, Master, for Your care!

When the performances were almost finished, one older sister narrated a true event that happened ten years ago, when she was initiated. Three years before her initiation, she was praying at a temple and saw a bright being dressed in yellow descending from the sky. At the time, she did not know who the being was. But three years after her initiation, she had the chance to join a group meditation session in Taiwan. At that time, Master appeared in that same yellow outfit, and the sister realized whom she had seen in her vision!

Her story was nothing new to many of us, because countless initiates from around the world have had similar experiences. However, this story once again reminded everyone that there is a meaning behind all of Master's actions. The magnitude of what She does for us is so immense and infinite that there is no way we can measure it! We sincerely thank you again, Master.

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Local initiates gather at the Young Dong Center to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the introduction of the Quan Yin Method into Korea.

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A Quan Yin messenger and fellow practitioners who were initiated ten years ago cut an anniversary cake in celebration.

Master Tells A Story

The Golden Deer -- One of the Buddha's Previous Lives

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Seven-day International Retreat, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 14, 1996

(Originally in English) Videotape No.548

This is a story called "The Golden Deer." There are a lot of "golden" stories inside (Master refers to the book She is reading from) but I just picked this one. I don't know why; maybe I like deer. This is the story of one of the Buddha's previous births. When you hear of anything being "golden," it refers to the Buddha. So I have no need to try and introduce it.

A long time ago, there was a very wealthy businessman who lived in Benares. He had only one son whose name was Mahadanaka Ananda. This means a person who knows only money. This is a very bad name. Because "Ananda" means bliss. So perhaps he derived bliss only from money, or perhaps it was a nickname.

Since the time he was young, his parents spoiled him very much, because he was the only son. So he grew up with no knowledge except that of singing, dancing, feasting and making merry with his friends with money from his parents. And when he came of age, his parents found a wife for him. Then shortly afterwards, they died. And after their death, the youth spent all his time with his idle good-for-nothing companions, passing whole days drinking and gambling.

As a result, his father's money quickly vanished, and the young man was forced to borrow money from other people, but he had no means of repaying his debts. He never knew how to work to earn money, and he never knew how to keep it. Perhaps he wasn't taught how to be economical. Perhaps his parents were at fault too, because they should have taught him how to be a human being, and not just how to be the son of a wealthy person.

So because he owed a lot of money to different people, they constantly came to his house and pressed him. He became very desperate with fear and worry and did not know what to do. Finally, he decided upon a plan of action. He was very, very depressed and desperate, so he called all his creditors and told them that he had a treasure buried near the bank of the Ganges. And if the next day they would come with him, they could all go and look together for the treasure. And then he would repay all his debts to them.

So all the creditors were very happy and followed him to the river's bank. He tried searching here and there, and everyone followed him, even though he seemed perplexed as to what he was doing. But this guy intended to commit suicide; all this was just for show. So when he came to a place in the river with a very fast current, he just jumped in. All the creditors were very horrified and helplessly stood by. No one dared rescue him because the water was very swift.

When they saw that he was completely gone, all the creditors sadly returned home. They thought he was dead and drowned. Because he had been swept away very, very far in a very swift current. And they didn't see him anymore downstream; therefore they left. But when his unconscious body flowed down the river, he passed by a flowering grove and mango tree forest. And a deer that was very beautiful and fleet footed lived there, away from the rest of the deer herd. His skin shone like burnished gold, and his feet looked as if they were polished with lacquer. His horns were like spirals of silver, and his eyes glittered like precious gems.

He was nibbling some tender grass roots when he heard wild cries echoing through the forest. Running down to the river's edge, he saw the unfortunate merchant's son struggling in the water. At once he called out, "Wait! Do not be afraid! I am coming to save you." So he plunged into the river, and swimming strongly against the current, reached the man. Then the deer put the man on his back and brought him safely back to shore.

But the merchant's son was very exhausted, and collapsed. For three days and nights, he was unconscious, and the deer nursed and fed him with wild fruit. When the man recovered, the deer said to him, "Now I will lead you out of the woods and show you the road to Benares. But I ask you one favor. Please don't tell the king or any of his nobles that a golden deer lives in this forest. Because they will come here and try to catch me if they know." So the merchant's son readily promised, and the deer put him on the road to Benares.

That morning, Queen Kama, wife of the king of Benares at that time, had a dream. In the dream, she saw a golden deer speaking in a human voice. She thought to herself, "Surely there must be such an animal. Otherwise I would not have dreamt about it." So she went to the king, Brahmadatta. She told him about her dream and that she desired to possess such an animal. Otherwise, she would die.

This is a trick of the woman. She would die sooner or later anyhow, so what's the big deal? But the king, like most men on this planet, was also very stupid. (Laughter) He was very afraid of his wife, that maybe she would really die. If she died for the king it would be very understandable. But if she died for a deer, however golden it was, it just sounded funny. (Laughter) But the king bought it. Anyhow, that's just to let you know that you are not the only ones who are so stupid, and who the real boss n the house is. Even in Buddha's time it was the same. So I don't know why the women of today are wasting their time, demonstrating and giving speeches for all kinds of women's rights and women's equality. Women have never been equal to men. They are superior to men! I don't know who should be fighting for equality. So tell all these stupid women to stop it. Don't degrade us. We are superior; what are they fighting about equality for? (Laughter)

So now, the king immediately sent for his sages and asked about this golden, precious and very rare deer. And his wise men replied in the affirmative: "Yes, there is such an animal." But they didn't know where the deer lived. So the king ordered a richly decorated elephant and told the herald, "Take the elephant and a thousand pieces of money and go to all parts of the city. Proclaim that whoever can bring me news of a golden deer shall get both the elephant and the money as a reward." Now you know who the boss is, right? He immediately spent all this money for his wife. At that time, maybe she was already old. But maybe her power as she got older was even stronger.

So the herald mounted a white horse and rode through the city proclaiming aloud the king's order. The merchant's son, who had just entered Benares, heard the news and went up to the herald, saying, "I can bring the king news of the golden deer that he seeks. Take me to him." And the herald took the merchant's son to the palace and requested an audience, saying, "Sir, this man says he knows where a golden deer can be found." So the king was very delighted and asked the merchant's son to bring him there.

Then the king took a very large troop of soldiers and the informer, and set out for the forest where the golden deer dwelled. When they arrived, the merchant's son said, "Sir, within that clump of flowering mango trees dwells the golden deer that you seek." So the king told his men, "Surround the grove and keep your bows and arrows ready. On no account should you let the deer escape." And the king rode a horse himself to go and capture the deer just for his beloved wife. Now can you see what it's like to be a king, and what for? (Master and everyone laugh.)

The deer, who had been resting under the shade of a tree, heard the noise and was instantly alerted. He rose to his feet and saw the king standing at a distance with the merchant's son and a group of courtiers. He thought to himself, "I shall be safe where the king is, so I shall go to him." That's what the golden deer thought, so he ran to where the king was. Swift as the wind, he ran toward the king. But the king immediately raised his arrow and prepared to shoot. Because he thought that if the deer was wounded in the leg or something, it would be easier to capture him. But the deer called out very loudly, saying, "Great King, stand still. Please do not let your arrow fly."

The king was very astounded by the clear ringing tones of the deer's voice, and he dropped his arrow and bow. The soldiers and other people also crowded around in amazement, for none had ever heard a deer talk in human language before. So the deer went up to the king and asked him in a voice that was as sweet as honey: "Who brought the news to you, oh King, that I was to be found here?"

So the king pointed to the merchant's son and said, "He did." The deer then turned his head to the traitor and said very sadly, "It would have been better to pull a wooden log out of the river than to rescue such a person as you." So he scolded the betrayer. The king was very surprised and asked the deer, "What wrong has he done to you?" And the deer replied, "Your Majesty, I saved this man's life when he was drowning and brought him to safety and nursed him for three days and three nights back to life. And I told him not to tell anyone where I was to be found, and he promised me thus. Now, because of his ungrateful act, I am in danger." It was because he loved gold and money that the merchant's son sold out his rescuer.

On hearing this, the king became extremely angry. He turned to the merchant's son and said, "You have repaid a merciful deed with base treachery. For this, you shall die." So he raised his bow and arrow and held it ready to shoot the traitor. But the merchant's son was very afraid and trembling in every limb. He fell on his knees and begged for mercy.

Seeing his plight, the deer was moved with pity and said to the king, "Please let him go. Do not have the blood of this wretched being on your conscience. Give him the money that you promised him, and send him away." The king hesitated for a while but finally listened to the deer's plea for mercy. And he said to the merchant's son, "You owe your life twice over to this noble deer." Then he said to him, "Depart from here at once, and never return to my kingdom again or you shall be executed." The merchant's son straight away took to his heels and vanished into the depths of the forest, never to be seen again.

Turning to the king, the deer, who was not only noble but wise said, "Great King, the cry of jackals and birds is easily understood. But the words from man are often full of guile. You may think that a man is your friend but you will find that he has betrayed you." The king marveled at the wisdom and intelligence of the deer and decided to grant him a boon. "Tell me what you wish, Golden Deer. And it shall be yours. Whatever you wish, even if I lose my kingdom for it, I will grant to you."

The deer thought carefully and said, "The boon I ask, great King, is that all the animals in your kingdom will be forever free from danger." The king was moved by the compassion of this golden deer and consented. And he made a proclamation that whoever harmed any animal in his kingdom would be punished severely, from that day forward. So the king and the golden deer returned to Benares, and Queen Kama was overjoyed to behold the handsome deer with the coat of gold that she had seen in her dream. She listened with delight while the deer spoke to her in a human voice that sounded like the tinkling of a silver bell.

For many days, the golden deer remained in Benares with the king and queen. The city was decorated, and festivities were held in honor of the animal. Then he returned to the woodland grove where he had dwelt for so long. There he spent the rest of his days in peace. (Applause)

It's a good story. If we human beings can imitate even a small part of the noble qualities of this golden deer, then our world will become paradise. But sadly, many of us always try to grasp everything for ourselves, in every circumstance. Even in spiritual practice, we still cannot stop being greedy and selfish, trying to snatch spiritual blessing at the expense of others. This is even graver than trying to snatch property or possessions from other beings in the mundane world, because we are already on the spiritual path. So whatever we take, we must earn ourselves. We can ask for blessings, guidance and help whenever we need it. This is OK when the need arises or when it's necessary, but never at the cost of other people's happiness and convenience. Try to remember this.

In every situation in life, we must always be considerate and fair-minded. It's not that I ask you to always sacrifice yourselves, even if it's for other people's happiness or gain. But at least play fair. Because if we as practitioners cannot play fair, how can we expect the world outside to be fair to us or to be a fairer place for everyone to live in? So if it is not fair here, I cannot believe that you will be fair outside to other people. And I cannot accept this kind of disciple, especially after you have been studying a long time with me already. Even if you are a newcomer, I still don't have an excuse for you. Because you have available to you videotapes, audio cassettes, books and everything. You cannot tell me that you are new so you don't know anything. Your soul knows what is right and what is wrong. That's why you came.

If you want to turn yourself into a fox, that's your problem, but not at the expense of the assembly. You don't come here to steal the blessings of the whole group. You don't come here to compete with each other for the best seat in the theater, like outside people. Even outside people, if they want the best seat in the theater, they pay for it! They are fairer out there. So you pay for the best seat with your spiritual practice and with your earning efforts. Don't try to steal anything here, because I know. I know what belongs to whom. If you try to steal here, you might just as well throw the Five Precepts away and not bother to come any more. Because this is the place where you should be the most exemplary of your spiritual status. If you can't show me here, where else will you show it?

We should never forget our dignity and our noble purpose everywhere, for whatever price. If we practice well, if we love the Master and love God, God knows. The Master knows, for sure. You can see from the deer story that even the deer is better than many human beings. So we should learn from all these golden animals. We don't care whether they were Buddha's previous reincarnations or not; their actions bespeak their inner spiritual achievement. So don't be too proud that we are human beings, if we are not up to it.

Actually, I don't know why we should be proud that we are human beings. For example, I read in the newspaper, I hear on the radio, and I see on TV about so many noble animals that rescue people. They rescue their own kids, even at the expense of their own lives. There was one picture of a cat. She was totally burned, blind and scarred all over because she came back four times into the fire of a burning house to rescue four of her kittens. She was burned and blind and beyond recognition. But she brought them all out to safety, this cat.

A cat is very independent. After she is pregnant, I think she doesn't get help from any male or father cat. She raises her children alone. And I have seen many cats in our surroundings sometimes who do all these beautiful things for their children. I saw one bringing beautiful food - I'm sorry, this is not a very beautiful thing to say - but I saw her bring the best food, like a mouse or some other big food for her children. And she just caught flies, insects or any small thing to eat for herself. I don't approve of a non-vegetarian diet, but I cannot reason with a cat. And I am touched by her devotion. Because a cat can only eat this, and she did her best to provide nourishment for her children while eating garbage for herself. I saw it with my own eyes. I would not scold her for eating non-vegetarian food or killing mice. I am only very moved by her love.

This picture is still vivid in my mind every time I think about cats. So I don't know why we human beings treat animals so cruelly, most of us, and think of them as low-level beings. I think many animals are very noble. They are so noble and so loving to their own kind, as well as to others. And sometimes you see a cat or a dog swimming in a very dangerous river to rescue his friends. Be it a human friend or a dog friend, or a cat's friend, they do that - at the risk of their own lives. But not many of us human beings dare to do this. When we see a situation that's dangerous, we don't risk our life. But when animals see danger, they still risk their lives, out of love.

So if we human beings cannot return to this natural instinct of basic compassion and love, which the animals still possess, then we should feel more sorry for ourselves than proud of ourselves. And that is the reason we must be vegetarian, because the animals are truly noble. They truly possess the human quality and a soul within them, just like we do. So I think it's also good when we learn from the animals. It's not that we learn to become an animal, but their good qualities we should remember so that we don't feel ashamed of being lower than animal standards.

We should rise to the noble position of a saint. To do that, we must possess compassion and love and understanding and unselfish sacrifice at all times, be it in retreat, at home, in a supermarket or anywhere else, even in the forest where no one else can see us and no one else is there to record our good deeds or to praise our noble efforts. We must always be noble alone, because we alone know what we are. And God knows.

Pearls of Wisdom

Animals Are Our Friends

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Harvard University, USA, February 24, 1991

(Originally in English) Videotape No. 155

If we want to truly lead a life of "Love thy neighbor," our neighbors should include our animal friends, especially since they harm us in no way. They only beautify our lives; they are loving, and they make our lives more lively, colorful and interesting. We should preserve them, watch them, love them and enjoy their presence. God has made it clear; Hes says, "I made all the animals to befriend you and help you."

Share the World with All Beings

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, the San Jose Vegetarian House, California, USA, June 30, 1994 (Originally in English) Videotape 437

Actually, this world belongs to everyone, including the animals. That's why we follow a vegetarian policy. Because this world has come into existence due to the force of the thinking power of all the beings that exist on this planet. We wanted this place, so it exists, including the animals. But when we came into this world, we thought it belonged to us. Everyone thought it belonged to themselves. Therefore we started to get rid of the other 'aliens' - the red, the black, the yellow and so on.

The red wanted to get rid of the white. And the white got rid of the black. And then the black and the white and the yellow got rid of the animals, and so on. And so we have forgotten that we are the co-owners, not the sole owners of this world. That is why we should not kill animals, should not eat them and of course especially should not kill any other beings. But in the name of politics, national love or religion, sometimes we kill. And we justify our killing with many glorious excuses.

Actually, this is not the right thing to do. Because we kill today and in the next life we're killed. Therefore wars always continue in our world, and then we always wonder why. But there is nothing to wonder about. When we sow something, we reap the fruit thereof. Even the Bible says so - "As you sow, so shall you reap." And for those of us who have not suffered the effects of war or any other conflicts, that means we have not sown the seeds of violence. So if we continue to keep it that way, even if we do not practice meditation, even if we do not worship God officially or registered-wise, then we will be born again as a safe, secure, healthy human being. Because we have not planted the seeds of damage, of war or of violence.

All Living Creatures Are Equal

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hsihu, Formosa, December 27, 1995

(Originally in English) Videotape No. 519

From ancient times until now, the Asian people, especially the Chinese and Aulacese, think turtles are very sacred animals because they live very long. And sometimes they understand things, so the people dare not kill these animals.

Of course, there is some truth in this. Just like before, Aulacese fishermen worshipped dolphins and friendly whales. Because sometimes during storms and dangerous situations like typhoons, a whale or a dolphin would help them guide their boat and even push the boat back to safety. Sometimes they pushed the human beings who were drowning in the water back out of the water. Therefore, animals such as this were never killed. And if one happened to die accidentally or if its death was known, the fishermen or those people who swam in the sea for that reason would make a tomb for the whale or the dolphin and worship it day and night.

So there are some animals that are extremely intelligent. There is no doubt, and we know it, too. Even pigs or house pets are known for their qualities of faithfulness, loyalty, friendliness and helpfulness in times of trouble. Many of your newspapers print articles about miracles done by animals. For example, a dog rescues children from a burning house or a pig runs many miles to get aid for his owner, even though a moment later the owner might cut his throat. Or a horse stays with the tomb of his master until the horse's death, and never eats anything. Or a dog will never leave the tomb of his master, etc. There are a great many things like this.

So it is not odd that humans sometimes think that animals are better than themselves. It could be true, in some aspects. After all, all beings are created by God anyhow, so why couldn't they have the God spark inside them as we do? Just because they're in a different form and use a different language doesn't mean they are in any way less worthy than we are. African people may be black and speak an African language, but that by no means says they are less worthy than the white Americans or yellow Asians.

Aphorisms

Spoken By Supreme Master Ching Hai,

N.J., USA, June 24, 1992 (Originally in English)

Videotape No. 259

Animals are there for a reason. They are also inhabitants of the earth; we have no right to kill them. I've heard some people say that their research has found that animals sometimes heal people's sickness, probably because of their love. That's why many people like to keep dogs and cats, despite the inconvenience and the attachment that they bind people with. But because they are so loving and probably so soothing somehow, people feel good and keep them.

Master Says

Love Your Pets as Yourself

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Florida, USA, June 6, 2001

(Originally in English) Videotape No. 714

If you have a dog, you have to treat him at least like yourself -- with good hygiene, food and love. He's like a member of the family, only different looking. Every time we take the dog out to relieve himself on the grass, we must pick up the 'deposit.' Or we should have plastic ready to catch it, so it doesn't spread any dirt, disease or filth to other people or to other dogs. If your dog is sick and he relieves himself everywhere and other dogs step on it, those other dogs will get sick, too. And so every time we bring him out to relieve himself, when we bring him back in, we should clean his whole body. I will show you how.

For example, you can get a kitchen towel or any towel. This one (Master shows the towel She is holding) is too small, but it's just for demonstration. A kitchen towel is tougher. It doesn't tear. So on the dog, you have to clean everything, because it might smell or stink. Clean the whole body, up and down and so on. First, clean his leg. (Master cleans Her poodle) And then clean his paw, and then all four paws and the pee and the poo. And then he can come into the house. Because then, whatever disease or bacteria he accumulated has been de-sanitized. I use lemon water, but you may have other things.

Use lemon water or vinegar water to clean the house, so the house doesn't have chemicals in it. Because the dogs sleep on the floor, and they lick the floor when they eat and drop their food. If they eat off of something you cleaned with chemicals, they die or they get sick. And then you spend either the whole money or the whole time for the doctor bill, or you throw the dog out.

This is a problem with a lot of people. They punish the dog for their own stupidity, carelessness and lovelessness. So, many dogs end up in the animal shelter when it's not their fault at all. It's the human's fault and stupidity. Many humans don't deserve dogs. Sometimes I'm driving outside and I see pickup trucks in the summer heat of Florida; the people put a couple of dogs in this roofless bed behind the pickup truck. There is nothing to hang on to; it's just metal. And then they get too hot. They run all around and sometimes fall down behind the truck.

Maybe they get used to it. I don't know how long they have to be used to it. But they probably have headaches when they come home. And they cannot tell you if they have a headache. If you sat in that pickup truck all that long distance, you would have a headache, too. And you even have long, big hair to cover yourself. Those dogs are such poor dogs. Some dogs have short hair; some don't even have hair. When I see this, I think humans don't deserve dogs. Dogs are so loving, so kind, and so faithful. They would die for you. They lay down their life for you whenever danger comes. Their guarding instinct comes out, and they would die for you, any time, with no regrets!

But some humans don't deserve dogs, really. So it breaks my heart every time I see people treat animals this way. At the same time, if someone says you are an animal, it is a curse. It means you are very low, bad and stupid. But can you imagine anyone more stupid than we are sometimes?

Some of us are stupid. Of course, some dogs are raised to live outside. But still, you have to take care so they don't have fleas. There are preventive medicines; they don't even cost that much. Once a month, you can apply some worm medication and flea medication, and he will be free of suffering. Once a month, that's it. Or, there are shampoos to keep him flea-free and things like that. But it's better to prevent than to kill. We don't want killing. Even worms or fleas, we don't want to kill them.

So just prevent it by keeping the dog healthy and clean. Because outside, even though the grass looks good, sometimes it has bacteria or worms or eggs attached to it. So then, if we bring the animal into the house, our house is exactly as dirty as the outside. Many of you also walk with shoes in the house, and that's how the dog gets sick, too. It's not your shoes that are dirty. It's the things you pick up outside that make your shoes dirty. And then you bring them into the house. Sometimes the wheels of your car also pick up things like feces or urine from a sick dog outside. And then when you bring it into the house, your dog licks the floor or your shoes and gets sick.

So if you want to have animals, make sure that your house is so clean you could sleep on the floor, so clean you could lick the floor and feel comfortable. You can clean your house with half vinegar and half water. Fifty-fifty. Clean with it all over, for sanitizing and deodorizing. So if the dog happens to pee there, he will not smell it again. Because if he smells his pee, he will pee in that place again the next time.

These are just some examples. But if you want an animal, you'd better study first how to care for it. You have to study whether that particular animal is suitable to your personality and your lifestyle, also. That's one of the reasons people throw dogs or cats away, because they are not compatible. They have a hyperactive dog when they are weak and feeble, like an old lady who couldn't handle it. Or a very messy dog that they don't train and don't know how to handle. Or a very playful dog with people who don't like to play or don't have time to play. And then they throw away the dog, because they think the dog is bad, bad, bad.

So there are many different types of dogs or animals that could be suitable for you. But you have to study before, also to find out whether taking care of that dog or cat is too much for you or not. Then, if it is too much, you'd better not take it. You have to be honest, that's all. It's not that you don't love all animals equally. You just have to know how to love and which one to love, so the love doesn't turn into trouble and then pain for both of you. Because the last time, one of you gave my dog away and then you let that dog run away and get lost. And it broke my heart for a long time.

So if you get an animal, you have to commit, no matter what. And if you can't, you have to find him a good home. Wait to find him a good private home. Advertise in the pet shop. They will find a good home for your dog. And give him away; don't sell him. Give him away as a friend, as a gift. Someone will like your dog. You can describe his personality, what he likes and what he doesn't like. And there will be one person who is suitable for that kind of dog. They will pick him up in time.

Don't give your dog to the pound, because they will kill him in one day. Sometimes they do! It's not always one day, but from one day to one week. The maximum is two weeks. So he won't last long there. If that's what you want, it's okay. But make sure you know. I want to make sure you know that your animals can be put to death in as quick a time as one day in the pound. But some shelters are "no kill." You could also give your dog to that kind of shelter. Describe everything about the animal's personality so that later the shelter can match him with people who would love to have that kind of personality.

There is always a solution. Don't throw away your animals, because they are living beings, just like us. When you look into the eyes of an animal, sometimes you will realize, "We are equal. We are the same." And that feeling will send shivers all over your body, and will give you an enlightenment that you would never dream of having. I told you that animals can teach you -- also flowers, trees and everything. See how well he behaves. (Master gestures toward the poodle sleeping on Her lap) How can anyone throw away this kind of dog? He is so loving.

Selected Questions and Answers

Ahimsa -- Extending Love to Our Animal Fellows

Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Helsinki, Finland, May 30, 1995

(Originally in English) Videotape No. 663

Q: Many people despise animals and just abuse them or utilize them, exploit them, consider them of less value and torture them. I love animals and I wish You would show in Your speech, if possible, the value of animals.

M: Yes, that's why I advise people to be vegetarian. We do this to extend our love to our lesser brothers and sisters who are more defenseless and weaker than we are. In the Bible, God said, I made all the animals to be your friends and your helpers. Hes did not tell us to eat them.

Q:  Can I be happy with God, even if I am not a vegetarian?

M:  You know the answer yourself. As you sow, so shall you reap. If we cause suffering to any being in any form, directly or indirectly, we can never feel completely guiltless, and therefore we cannot be completely happy. We can only be happy to some extent.

The Sentient World of Animals

Giving Loving Attention Equally

By would-be initiate Herman Ong, Penang, Malaysia (Originally in English)

My experiences with my dogs, with whom I share my life, have taught me valuable lessons concerning the nature of animal's emotions. About three years ago, I adopted a dog from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and named him Morgan. I showered him with much attention and love, and he was very happy and obedient. One year later, however, during the Chinese New Year holiday, due to the loud noise created by my neighbors' firecrackers, Morgan became disturbed and ran away. As I was very sad, I hunted around and acquired a new dog, and called him Beige, although later I found Morgan and brought him home as well.

Beige was very ugly, while Morgan was a handsome black and tan mixed Alsatian. However, Beige proved to be very obedient and faithful and effectively met my needs - agreeing to eat dry dog food and guarding my house very well, while Morgan wanted only tasty food and was very playful. So naturally, I began showing less and less attention to Morgan and more to Beige. This went on for a while until Morgan began sitting with his back toward me (showing his dislike), and also becoming very nervous and unconfident.

These experiences taught me that dogs have emotional natures just as humans do, and so raising dogs is similar to raising children. During the two years when I showed less consideration to Morgan (due to the fact that I thought dogs do not need much attention), I failed to realize he was observing how much love and care I showered on Beige. Thus slowly, in his years of growth to adulthood, Morgan became nervous and confused and could not understand why I was showing him less and less attention. Like an abandoned child, Morgan felt neglected and, although a dog, was all the while looking up to me like a father (he was a puppy when I acquired him). However, due to the circumstances, I showered a disproportional amount of care on Beige, and this adversely affected Morgan's development, shaping his present personality. Today, Morgan is very nervous and has never understood why he is the less favored one.

The lesson I derived from this experience is that, to a certain extent, dogs can sense and react to emotions and are very sensitive creatures. It would certainly do a great deal of good if all dog owners could care for their dogs equally and treat them with respect, both emotionally and physically. Dogs show many emotions, just like we humans do, for instance, jealousy, anger and confusion. Perhaps when we recall that dogs are also in the reincarnation cycle as human beings are, this is not surprising after all.

Stray Dog Medical Team

By sister initiate Hsu Chi-wen, Taipei News Group, Formosa

On a certain Saturday morning, I visited the Taipei Municipal Heng-an Nursing Center and observed six "dog doctors" on a mission. These animals were the first to be trained by the Formosa Animal-Assisted Activity and Therapy Association. On that day, Ms. Yeh Ming-li, associate professor of the National Taipei College of Nursing (NTCN) and other nursing staff members from the College were there ready to welcome the dog doctors and their owners.

This animal-assisted therapy program for dogs is a two-year project undertaken by Professor Yeh Ming-li in cooperation with Formosa's National Science Council. Depending on the condition of the patients, Ms. Yeh arranged a specific dog for an elderly patient, and the two partners would meet every Saturday for a 16-week period of animal-assisted therapy (AAT).

"AAT is a target-oriented method that uses special and suitable animals in medical treatment. The medical and nursing professionals diagnose a patient's illness, determine the AAT needed, and then counsel the patient on making a recovery with the help of an animal. The program does not encourage patients to raise pets or to train service animals such as guide dogs for the blind. The whole idea of AAT is to strengthen interaction between people and animals so that patients can improve in their physical and mental state, social relations, and spiritual growth," said Professor Yeh.

The Taipei Municipal First Children's Development Center, working in cooperation with the Formosa Animal-Assisted Activity and Therapy Association, found that about 20 to 30 of its young polio victims improved noticeably in terms of bodily mechanisms, rehabilitation and communication abilities through contact and play with dog doctors. A dog doctor even succeeded in making an autistic child smile and be more willing to open up to people.

Chen Hsiu-yi, director of the Association, expected more dog owners to enroll their pets for the dog doctor training program, which is offered free of charge. This public service requires the cooperation and continuous devotion of the dog owners, who have to accompany their dogs to their weekly sessions with patients in order for the therapy to work. After three years of effort, Director Chen now has 28 dog doctors at her service. However, there are more medical institutions ready to receive AAT service and more dog doctors are needed.

When we observed the one-on-one activities between the elderly patients and the dog doctors accompanied by their owners, I perceived the sincere love of the owners and felt the loyalty that bound the dogs to them. Moreover, I found that the elderly patients were entirely immersed in the loving and trusting relations between humans and dogs, and gave natural expression to their emotions. For example, one enthusiastic grandma swung her disabled body and almost got up from her wheelchair as soon as she saw her dog doctor appear. Its name was "Yo-yo" but the grandma forgetfully called it "Dou-dou," much to everyone's amusement. Apparently the elderly lady had dressed up especially for this meeting because she had been looking forward to her weekly session with her dog doctor!

Out of curiosity, I asked Chen Hsiu-yi about the possibility of stray dogs joining the service team, for it would give them the right to demand a dignified existence if they could serve society. And Chen welcomed the stray dogs to join the program free of charge. As she noted, dog doctors that have received professional training can judge whether their owners are right for them and able to win their complete trust! Dog owners must be committed, patient, and able to promptly correct their dog's improper behavior. Trained stray dogs would prove equally competent for the task, said Chen.

The Taipei Municipal Institute of Animal Health (TMIAH) is conducting a three-year project in cooperation with the Formosa Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy Association. For each of the six-month programs in the project, 20 stray dogs will be selected from animal shelters, and volunteers will be openly solicited to accompany the dogs in the training. The stray dogs will first be adopted by the volunteers, and free training will be provided to both the dog doctors and their owners. The first "stray dog medical team" is expected to be formally established in Formosa within three years. Chen also said that if the dogs from the animal shelters can be trained to be dog doctors, it will help people recognize the value of life for stray dogs, enhance relations between dogs and humans, and protect the stray dogs' right to live.

Note: Anyone interested in AAT social service and in becoming a member of the stray dog medical team is asked to contact the Formosa Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy Association for detailed information on dog adoption and training.

Tel.: 886-2-2392-4860, contact person: Miss Tsai Pei-yun

An2-3-134.jpg

Grandpa Chuang brushes Bear's hair with his stiff fingers with the help of the dog's owner.

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An elderly lady with a speech impediment tries to talk to her dog doctor Win-win.

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2A dog owner asks dog doctor Bear to shake hands with Grandpa Chu.

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A dog owner encourages Grandpa Chang to pat dog doctor Yo-Yo with his atrophic hands.

My Amazing Animal Friends

By sister initiate Aler, Miaoli, Formosa

There are many squirrels in the mountains near my home, and I have always wanted to make friends with them. One day a squirrel was hopping on the trees outside my house, so I took an apple and waved to him, suggesting, "Come and get it." But he just looked at me. I then put the apple on a bamboo stem. At night when I returned, I found that the squirrel had eaten half of the apple, and the next day it was all gone.

On another occasion, my sisters and I found a baby squirrel in a ditch that was soaking wet. We took him home, dried him with a hair dryer and then fed him milk each day. Soon he was able to hold a guava by himself and chew on it with gusto. We named him 'Chi-chi' (two syllables with no special meaning in Chinese) and found that he wasn't afraid of people and liked to climb up and down our bodies. We were very happy to have him around. When Chi-chi grew up a bit, he loved to explore outside in the daytime, but would always return at night. The first time he returned, we were watching a videotape and when we saw him, we all cried out happily, "Chi-chi is back!" and then hurried to get him some food. When Chi-chi grew older, he went to live with other squirrels. Perhaps because his squirrel friends taught him to guard against humans, after a while he refused to play with us like he had before. But each day he still came back for apples, guavas or other fruit we left out for him. Sometimes he would also bring along his friends.

Each day, little birds also came for the fruit we prepared for Chi-chi. On this Lunar New Year's Day, I was having breakfast under a tree when a group of birds flew near. Before we had even placed the fruit on the tree, the birds began chirping loudly, calling attention to their presence. I hurriedly offered them some apples, and told the others in the kitchen, "The birds are shouting, 'I'm hungry! I'm hungry!'" They thought that I knew the birds' language, but I told them it was only my own interpretation. So someone joked, "Perhaps today they are saying, 'Happy New Year!'"

On another occasion, a neighbor told me that squirrels were getting into her house and stealing her fruit when she was not around. I said that during the past few months I had been putting pieces of fruit on a tray outside my door as decorations, and the squirrels never touched them. Actually, I was feeling a bit complacent. I felt I was special because I had protection. However, when I returned home that day, I found my whole tray of fruit overturned, and some of the fruit had squirrel bite marks on it.

The incident with the squirrel was meant to remind me of the power of thought. Whether positive or negative, once a thought appears in our minds, it will materialize. For example, when I was talking about the squirrels' stealing fruit, they actually came, especially as I was also in the mindset of showing off. This is just like having one's protective shell punctured, allowing the negative force to rush in. The lesson I learned in this case was to be forever vigilant.

Elevation of the Soul

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Latest Videotapes

<In English>
729 Greatness Is Following Your Ideals
Master Talks to Resident disciples at the Florida Center, USA,
April 18/21/25, 2001

730 Communicating through Love
International Christmas Celebration at the Florida Center, USA,
December 25, 2001

<In Aulacese>
731 The Strength of Many Hearts
International Christmas Celebration at the Florida Center, USA,
December 25, 2001

<In English + Dutch Oral Translation + Korean Subtitles>
647 Experience Heaven on Earth
Lecture in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, May 9, 1999

<In English + Bulgarian Oral Translation + Korean Subtitles>
651 Fill Life with Love and Wonder
Lecture in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 18, 1999

<In English + Korean Subtitles>
656 Spirituality Shines in Adversity
Lecture in Dublin, Ireland, June 7, 1999

Media Reports

Liberty Times, Formosa April 28, 2002, Sunday

Spectacular Inauguration of the Amphibious Rescue Society -- Rescue drills and helicopter evacuation

[Reporter Hsieh Wu-hsiung, Fuhsing] The Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association formed by a local civic group held its official inaugural ceremony under the Lofu Bridge in Fuhsing rural township yesterday. For this occasion, members of the Association performed a series of waterborne rescue exercises, many of which called for the use of difficult techniques such as vertical helicopter landing and rubber dinghy maneuvering through rapid waters to save people. Their brilliant performance greatly impressed many people frolicking in the nearby water.

The Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association was established independently by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, and is the first rescue team to be recognized by the National Fire Administration since Formosa's Disaster Prevention and Control Law was enacted. Yesterday's pre-flood amphibious rescue exercises were inspected by Director Hsieh Lu-chuan of the Taoyuan County Fire Department.

The drills included rescue rubber dinghies moving in formation, a vertical landing by a rescue helicopter, evacuation of victims by amphibious vehicles, saving people in rapid water through the use of rubber dinghies, vertical evacuation of victims, use of a rope-gun, setting up a rope-bridge over a valley or stream, vertical descent from great heights, and a display of advanced earthquake rescue equipment.

Among all the equipment on display, the most eye-catching was the "Supreme Master Ching Hai - Ocean of Love I," an amphibious rescue vehicle designed and developed by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, based on many years of experience in rescue work. The rescue vehicle is designed to evacuate victims from flooded areas and transport them to safety without delay.

Note: The inaugural ceremony of the Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association and its amphibious rescue drills received extensive coverage in the three major Formosan newspapers. In addition, Formosa's four terrestrial television networks-Taiwan Television, China Television, Chinese Television, and Formosa Television, as well as cable TV networks such as TVBS-N, Sanlih Television, and Great Love Television, reported on the event in their evening news broadcasts.

Interesting video coverage of this event is available for viewing in serial No. 53 of the A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms television program at: http://137.hichannel.com.tw  (in Chinese).

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Well-trained members of the Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association cross a river with ropes. (Photo by reporter Hsieh Wu-hsiung)

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United Daily News: All members of this amphibious rescue team are pure vegetarians.

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China Times: The inaugural ceremony of the Chinese Amphibious Rescue Association.

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Media Reports: A Revolutionary Reportis Lazuli -- Lapis Lazuli Light World Magazine August 1998 issue

Timely Vegetarian Diet Saves Dogs

Written by Chiang Chun (Originally in Chinese)

First, let me explain why this article is revolutionary. From the scientific standpoint, by common knowledge or even by its dictionary definition, a dog is a carnivorous mammal, a domestic canine that is kept to guard premises. Its teeth and gastric acid (whose level is eight to twelve times that of humans) are designed for quick meat digestion to avoid decay in the alimentary canal. These facts seem to contradict the concept that a dog can improve its health through a purely vegetarian diet. Thus, had I not personally conducted a lengthy experiment and observation on the subject, it would have been difficult for me to erase the great doubts in my mind about a purely vegetarian diet for dogs. I hope that our readers will be able to sweep aside their longstanding preconceived ideas as well.

I love dogs, so I researched with great effort and my experiments have been successful. My dogs can testify to the value of vegetarianism for dogs; they are my proof. I even saved the life of someone's dog -- a huge animal affected by skin disease for more than four years - by changing it to a vegetarian diet. His condition was ten times worse than that of my own dogs, and no veterinarians or medications could help him. In the beginning, the dog's owner scoffed at my suggestion to feed the dog vegetarian food, and refused to give it a thought. I had foreseen this obstacle, so I devoted more love, patience, and perseverance to try to convince him. Finally, he agreed to let his dog follow a vegetarian diet on a trial basis, and more than one month later, the dog was completely healed! I was delighted to see him relieved of his prolonged suffering. This is why I am writing this article, for I want all the dogs in the world to be sound and healthy, without suffering from their long-standing illness.

I call on all dog lovers to abandon their preconceptions and try the effective cure I developed through painstaking experimentation, so they can save many medical fees and much time. But most important of all, they will not have to watch helplessly as their beloved dogs suffer from disease. At such times, pet owners are often manipulated and exploited by veterinarians. For example, I have a friend who had an old dog that suffered from a serious skin disease. Although she spent twenty-six hundred US dollars on its treatment, she failed to save its life. The doctor pronounced the animal's disease incurable.

At that time, three of my older dogs had the same disorder. The oldest one even had many tumors on his skin. Fortunately, our veterinarian was more conscientious and moral, saying that it would be futile and too dangerous to perform surgery on such an old dog. As for my other two dogs, the small patches on their bodies grew larger. This continued for two years, and from my friends' experience, I knew that the vets could not help much, and the dogs would suffer a great deal. I racked my brain trying to find a good way to save the dogs. Finally, it dawned on me that, whether it is a dog or human that is sick, the best treatment is to have it follow a vegetarian diet.

In the beginning, I fed my dogs what I ate. Each day I would cook a large pot of food to be shared with my grandchildren. (That's what I call them.) Two weeks later, the affected areas on the dogs' bodies became dry, and they stopped licking them. Another two weeks went by, and new hair began to grow on their bodies. Their disease was completely healed within a month. For the oldest dog, the one that the doctor refused to operate on, the tumors became smaller and no new ones appeared. Today, all my dogs are healthy and lively.

Next, let me discuss the simple and nutritious vegetarian food I prepare for my seven pets. During the first three months, they ate exactly what I ate. However, one inconvenient thing was that, while I was away and I entrusted them to my neighbor's care, they were fed dog food (which may not vegetarian). Therefore, each time I returned from visiting my relatives in Formosa (which never exceeded two weeks), my dog grandchildren always showed a recurrence of their skin disease, and it would take them about a month to recover. To solve this problem, I conducted careful research to find appropriate food for them that did not require cooking, and after a period of experimentation and observation, I obtained satisfactory results. Now the dogs are healthier; my experiment has saved me much trouble and has freed me of worry when I go on trips.

Suggested ingredients to feed a dog for one day:

1 cup quick cooking oats

1/4 cup 100% soy flour

1 tablespoon soy lecithin

1 tablespoon wheat germ

1/4 to 1/2 cup green vegetables, carrots, seaweed (Dogs prefer blanched vegetables and seaweed, but keep a small portion aside and shred it for them to eat raw.)

Mix the above ingredients, and immerse in a suitable amount of water for about 30 minutes; then the food is ready to be served.

Notes:

1. When soy flour is cooked with water, it becomes soymilk. It is very fragrant and the dogs love it. So I let them eat raw soy flour only when I am away.

2. If possible, it is very nutritious to feed dogs assorted legumes. I often feed them cooked pinto beans, lentils, black eyed peas and peanuts. When legumes are cooked until soft, they are suitable for dogs to digest and absorb.

3. In principle, you should feed your dogs a purely vegetarian diet, but the diet must consist of sufficient starch, protein, oil and vitamins. Canines' nutrition requirements are similar to those of humans. However, do not give them milk, cheese, eggs, fish, meat or heated oil.

Addendum:

Some time after I submitted this article, I had two experiences that really thrilled me. A dog suffering from skin disease had had an ear disease since childhood. The ear smelled terrible, and the dog became very fierce because of the pain. It would not even let veterinarians treat it, although it had suffered from this disease for many years. We tried everything we could to help it, but nothing worked. Finally, to our amazement, after eating only vegetarian meals for six months, the dog's ear disease was healed. However, when the animal once secretly ate meat, its ear disease recurred, and took quite a while to heal again.

Regarding my old dog that had many tumors on its skin, after taking up a vegetarian diet for eight months, the large tumors became small, and the small and medium-sized tumors burst. Once the blood and pus had been excreted, the tumors vanished.