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A Little Message:
News No. 209
As a creator of artistic designs as well as a spiritual teacher, Supreme Master Ching Hai loves all expressions of inner beauty. It is for this reason that She refers to Vietnam as "Au Lac" and Taiwan as "Formosa." Au Lac is the ancient name of Vietnam and means "happiness." And the name Formosa, meaning "beautiful," reflects more completely the beauty of the island and its people. Master feels that using these names brings spiritual elevation and luck to the land and its inhabitants. |
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Master’s Poem
The Real Love By Supreme Master Ching Hai, April
2011 (Originally in English)
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| Master’s Words
Be Selfless and Unconditional All the Time
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Cancún, Mexico, December 9, 2010 (Originally in English) (DVD#923)
Just be natural, be wise, be unconditional all
the time, Be selfless all the time, always unconditional. Never want to profit from any situation for yourself. Then you’ll get more than you expect. Always be selfless and unconditional. That’s the way of the working of the universe. If you want the Sun to bless you, then remember the Sun’s quality. He gives all the time and never asks anything from you. The Moon, the stars, the trees, the air – always ask nothing. That is the way we raise our consciousness and that’s how we can bless others, if we can be unconditional and selfless. There is no “I” to give, no “I” to take. That’s the best. If you still want to take even my blessing, you’re low. Okay? Low level. Just let it be. Naturally what’s yours will come. What naturally comes to you, then keep. Don’t try to grab anything. It is very uncomfortable for the person that you want to grab, and it’s bad for you, very bad. I mean, character-wise already, don’t have to talk about spiritual blessing or level. Just be natural, be wise, be unconditional all the time, like the Sun, the Moon, the sky. Be big, be grand, be limitless: Then you are that. Don’t ask me to bless you. Bless yourself. Bless yourself with all these noble qualities, with the limitless power of love. Don’t be small; don’t be a beggar. Because you will be blessed. You are blessed all the time, 24 hours, 25 hours. Never worry that you don’t get blessing. Even if you don’t see the Master, you get blessed because the Master knows what you are doing. Don’t try to push, don’t try to always exhibit yourself in front of the Master so as to get more blessing. You’re wrong. You don’t get it that way. Or even if you do, it’s very little compared to what you will get if you don’t do that, if you just do your job. We are all here for one purpose: to help the world and to do our job together. But if you just try to get something for yourself, then it is out of our group already, out of our principle. For example, if you’re assigned to do something, then just do that. We are noble, we are God. We don’t do this stuff. Not because I am strict, but I want you to be the God that you are. I don’t want you to be this kind of petty thief or beggar, even for spiritual blessing. You are blessed anyway, especially when you don’t grab it. You’re blessed all the time, by remote control, by the Sun, by everything. Even if you are not blessed, so what? You have the Quan Yin Method already. You bless yourself. We are one. We don’t beg for anything. You are one. You are me. What’s mine is yours. I told you already, so you know what to expect. And you know me very well. I don’t want the un-God. I expect you to be the perfection, because I know you are the perfection. I only want Gods around me. God female, God male, God gay, lesbian God, big God, small God, fat God, skinny God. I don’t care. Have to be God. Okay? (Audience: Yes.) I love all types of Gods, but must be God. All right. We have to work together. You drive with four wheels. I always say this. Four wheels have to drive together in the same direction. If one wheel wants to drive south, and the other three have to go north, do you think it will do? (Audience: No.) No. We have to be like one system. One. you have to do your job, I do my job. When we have time, we’re together like this. It’s excellent. Work is different. When we work, we have to do the job, and then we will have the reward after. Or not reward. Who cares? You have to wake up. It’s not the time to play baby anymore. We have to grow up now, be a man, woman, be the protectors of the planet, and work together with me, not work for me. Not work because of me. Not work because you want to see me or get blessing from me. No, no, none of all that rubbish. We are born with blessing power already. No need to ask anything more. Just meditate, do your noble job. That’s the big blessing to yourself, because that means you’re grown up. Means you’re noble, you’re a saint. You don’t ask for any reward. How can any saint be bigger than that? Then you congratulate yourself. And I will love you forever. Whenever I see you, I’ll say, “Come here, please. Come, come see me.” Yes, I’ll do that, if you work for others unconditionally. I love you so much. Believe that. Even if I don’t see you, I love you, and you will feel it. But if you want to grab me and try to use any job or position just to get my attention or nose into my stuff or try to eat me alive, you get nothing. Understand? (Audience: Yes.) Be a God, be thankful for all the blessings that you have.
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Korea
Distributing the Book From Crisis to Peace Nationwide
By Korea News Group (Originally in Korean)
[Korea] Since the publication of Master’s book From Crisis to Peace: The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer, our Korean initiates have printed 170,000 copies and conducted a nationwide distribution campaign. They go to busy streets, metro stations and even slaughterhouse areas to pass out the books, presenting the publication to workers in city halls, district offices, public libraries, schools and community centers. The initiates have also made arrangements with many online vegan stores to give their customers the book free of charge with each order. In addition, they have taken part in major events such as Meat-Out Day, Earth Day, and the 2011 Seoul International Book Fair, thus allowing Master’s publication to reach more people. Along with Master’s appeal letters, they have mailed the books to experts and leaders in fields such as politics, education, media, legislation and religion, as well as to livestock farmers, fisheries, animal-food processing businesses, and leather-and-fur companies. At more than 40 Loving Hut restaurants in Korea, the customers have responded positively after having received Master’s beautiful, informative book. Some have even called our local Centers to express their thanks. On one occasion, Association members even dissuaded a man from going into the cattle-farming business! The initiates hope and pray that after reading this book, more and more people will quickly adopt the organic vegan diet. VegeDoctor Inaugural Ceremony and Vegan Seminar [Seoul] To celebrate the founding of VegeDoctor, the first Korean vegetarian doctors’ organization, an inaugural ceremony was held on May 21, Golden Year 8 (2011) at the National Assembly Memorial Hall in Seoul. VegeDoctor, which consists of physicians, dentists and Asian-medicine practitioners, promotes the plant-based diet to enhance public health, respect life and safeguard the earth’s environment. The 300-seat Memorial Hall was filled to capacity for the event, and the participants listened with attentiveness. Most VIPs also remained to the end and afterwards enjoyed a vegan dinner. The event was aired on several TV channels and covered by many newspapers. We thank VegeDoctor for taking the initiative in promoting the cruelty-free, healthy, vegan diet. May Heaven bless all the group’s members in their inspirational efforts to make Korea a vegan nation! Seoul International Book Fair 2011 From June 15 to June 19, 572 publishers from over 23 countries came to the COEX exhibition hall to participate in the 2011 Seoul International Book Fair. Among the participants were our local Association members, who displayed a selection of Master’s publications at one booth and decorated another with beautifully carved swans and ducks that attracted many children and youths. During the five-day Fair, the initiates’ booths were packed with kids making clay animals and their parents watching Master’s DVDs. The event was thus a great opportunity to promote the message of protecting our animal friends, who have much love and many noble qualities to share with us.
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Japan
Loving Hut Received Favorably in Japan
By Tokyo News Group (Originally in Japanese)
[Tokyo] In September, Golden Year 8 (2011), fellow initiates from the Tokyo Loving Hut had the good fortune to begin selling frozen vegan food and lunchboxes at the prestigious Matsuzakaya Ginza Department Store. The number of customers purchasing the items has increased daily and almost all have been non-vegetarians. After three months, the nutritious, affordable lunchboxes gained a remarkable reputation through word of mouth, and many customers have even asked for copies of the Go Veg to Mitigate Climate Change DVDs. Moreover, in December the Imperial Palace in Tokyo ordered 13 vegan lunchboxes from Loving Hut for members of the World Peace Prayer Society, who are also part of the Imperial Palace Volunteers Group. Members of the Group are regularly selected from among honorable citizens across Japan to perform clean-up work at the Palace, and have the privilege of meeting the Emperor. Later, the Group’s contact person, Madam Akiba, enthusiastically thanked the initiates by phone, praising the food as being delectable and full of love, and expressing her wholehearted support for the restaurant’s ideals. She also sent a thank-you card and placed more vegan-lunch orders for the volunteer groups scheduled to work at the Palace in April and May 2012. In a country where the plant-based diet is still uncommon, it is a great honor for the Loving Hut to be chosen by the Imperial Palace to provide vegan food to these respected citizens. The initiates are deeply grateful to Master for Her love and blessing.
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Hong Kong
Sharing the ‘Going Vegan to Save the Earth’ Message
By Hong Kong News Group (Originally in Chinese)
Warm Response at a Book Fair [Hong Kong] From July 20 to 26, Golden Year 8 (2011), the 22nd Hong Kong Book Fair was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracting nearly 950,000 visitors. Members of our Association’s Hong Kong Centre took this precious opportunity to share the Be Veg, Go Green to Save the Planet message. The Centre’s exhibition booth drew much attention with a dazzling display featuring Master’s books, Love of Centuries and From Crisis to Peace: The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer as well as presentations of Master’s video lectures and other information on environmental protection. Many people requested copies of From Crisis to Peace and the Healthy Vegan Era magazine. Also in demand were Master’s News magazines and sample booklets, signifying an elevated consciousness among many of the visitors. During the Fair, more than 9,000 copies of From Crisis to Peace and 17,000 copies of the Healthy Vegan Era were distributed. Hopefully, the enlightening information contained in these publications will encourage many to make the positive change to the earth-saving vegan lifestyle. Promoting the Plant-based Diet at a Campus Fair On November 19, Golden Year 8 (2011), the Hong Kong Center was again invited to participate in a campus fair held by Shatin College under the English Schools Foundation. Besides serving fresh, vegan snacks for charity sale at our exhibition booth, we also shared the message of World Vegan! World Peace! with the participants, many of whom were interested in the vegan diet, purchased the delicious snacks, made inquiries or read the information on display. Such events show that more and more people are becoming interested in switching to the plant-based diet for health reasons, and also to protect the environment and the lives of our animal friends.
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The Philippines
Celebrating Peace and Love at the 2011 Gusi Peace Prize Ceremony
By Manila News Group (Originally in English)
[Manila] At the 10th annual Gusi Peace Prize Award Night held in Manila, the Philippines in November Golden Year 8 (2011), the year’s laureates and other distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the pursuit of peace and respect for human life. A charitable organization that recognizes individuals and groups around the world for their selfless service to humanity, the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation honored 20 recipients for putting into practice founder Barry Gusi’s inspiring motto: “We live for peace because of love.” In their acceptance speeches, many of the laureates shared their thoughts and experiences on how humankind can achieve lasting harmony. For example, Mr. Shri Mayankote Kelath Narayanan, Governor of West Bengal, India, said, “Without peace you can’t prosper. Hindu philosophy talks of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, that ‘the world is one family.’ The message is that this is one world, one planet. We need to hand over this to our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren in a manner that their lives will be as nice, or even better than ours.” 2006 Gusi Peace Prize laureate Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to the ceremony but was unable to attend due to Her busy schedule. However, She supported the event by sponsoring its two banquets, where vegan fare was served to over 1,200 local and international guests at a five-star, VIP welcome dinner at the InterContinental Manila Hotel on November 23, and at a buffet following the award ceremony. In addition, over a thousand boxes of delicious, vegan take-away food were prepared for other guests and the working staff. These loving gifts, conveying the message, “Peace begins on our plate” were in line with the event’s theme. The welcome dinner began with a video of the Supreme Master discussing why peace can never be achieved as long as humans follow the meat diet. “A completely peaceful world must be a vegan world where all beings live in peace and not fear one another,” she said. Amazed that plant-based foods could be so delicious and satisfying, more than 600 event participants from different walks of life and countries expressed great interest in veganism and requested help in holding seminars for their groups or people. The guests were also pleasantly surprised by the gift bags they received from Supreme Master Ching Hai, which contained some of Her insightful books and informative materials on the vegan diet and other solutions to climate change. On the evening of November 24, the Gusi Peace Prizes were presented before an audience of 3,000 guests at the prestigious Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The award ceremony was enlivened by cultural performances and a fantastic vegan reception served by the Convention Center caterer, Via Mare. With the assistance from our Association members, Via Mare successfully catered its first vegan affair. Their owner, managers and the chefs expressed great surprise at the quality, range and tastiness of the foods prepared and requested assistance from our Association to create vegan options for the regular menus at their catering outlets. The guests were also delighted to experience such fine vegan cuisine, partaking in a wide selection of cocktails and a buffet of over 20 dishes, while watching Supreme Master Television programs on the healthy vegan lifestyle and sharing their thoughts and feelings on world peace. The Via Mare’s manager, Ms. Diane Rosales, tearfully described a wonderful dream she had had two nights earlier, during which Supreme Master Ching Hai eased her concerns about catering for the large number of VIP guests at the event by helping her with organization and food service. Our deepest thanks go to Ambassador Barry Gusi and his wife, Dr. Evelyn Gusi, who have stayed true to the pursuit of peace by honoring the world’s peacemakers, and expanded the concept so as to encompass love for all living beings. Our thanks also go to Supreme Master Ching Hai and the dedicated catering teams for supporting this wonderful event so as to make the dream of a vegan world come true. To watch the 2011 Gusi Peace Prize Awards event as covered by Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1931.php To learn more about Gusi Peace Prize International, please visit: http://gusipeaceprizeinternational.org.
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Formosa
Nationwide Efforts Promoting Going Vegan to Save the Planet
Compiled by Formosan News Groups (Originally in Chinese)
[Formosa] Due to the ever-escalating problem of global-warming, Supreme Master Ching Hai has become deeply concerned about the well-being of our planet and her inhabitants. Thus, at several international climate-change conferences She has appealed to Earth’s citizens to help solve the crisis by adopting the organic vegan lifestyle. Master has also written letters to clothing and food producers who use animal-based materials, urging them to abandon this cruel method of production and switch to the compassionate use of sustainable, organic agricultural products to bring peace and joy to the world. More than 200,000 copies of the letters have been mailed or personally delivered by fellow initiates to people in these industries. Motivated by Master’s great compassion, Formosan initiates have stepped up their efforts to share the Be Veg, Go Green, to Save the Planet message. In addition to distributing thousands of SOS flyers and instructional materials, including the book From Crisis to Peace: The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer, they have also held seminars and The Noble Wilds Photo Exhibitions for school groups, businesses and organizations. These efforts have been warmly received and have generated considerable interest in going veg to save the planet. Below are some examples of developments that point to a growing love for the earth and greater respect for life in Formosan society. Vegetarian Lunches Well Received in Schools The Formosan Ministry of Education has encouraged schools at all levels to offer vegetarian lunches to students once a week. As of 2011, the suggestion had been accepted by 93 percent of Formosa’s schools, with the rate reaching 100 percent in 11 counties and cities. Seventeen of these schools now provide two or more vegetarian lunches a week. Caption: Mr. Lin Tsong-ming, Deputy Minister of Education Government Departments Take the Lead Formosa’s Environmental Protection Agency has asked local governments to launch a weekly vegetarian lunch initiative, the success of which will be considered in the Agency’s assessment of local environmental efforts. The Tainan Environmental Protection Bureau has set a great example with more than 95 percent of its employees eating vegetarian lunches. The Kaohsiung City Government now mandates that only vegetarian meals be served at Monday meetings and has instructed all departmental directors and school principals to take the lead in promoting Meatless Monday. Celebrities Join the Campaign On October 23, 2011, the eve of United Nations Day, the Taiwan Heart Organization, founded by former Vice-President Annette Lu Hsiu-lien, held the Green 21 Carnival at the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. Citizens and groups concerned about the environment were invited to participate in the event. The idea was to integrate the strengths of the public and corporate sectors as well as social and religious groups to share the United Nations’ appeal for Three Less—eat less meat, drive less and waste less—and to encourage people to act accordingly to save Formosa and the planet. Ms. Lu also established the Green 21 League of Taiwan to advocate Be Veg, Go Green, to Save the Planet, and named the year 2012 Formosa Green Year One to encourage all citizens to support the Three Less lifestyle. In addition, the former VP organized a green, healthy banquet for a thousand guests to enhance public awareness of the livestock industry as the main driver of global warming and to inform people about eating less meat. Caption: Former Vice-President Annette Lu demonstrates vegetarian cooking at the Green 21 Carnival held at the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. Deputy Minister of Education Lin Tsong-ming has been promoting the vegan diet at universities across Formosa. In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 2011 Global Buddhist Congregation in India, Mr. Lin shared his experiences in this effort and received a warm response from the event’s 900-plus delegates from 46 countries. A longtime vegetarian, Legislator Lin incorporated the Be Veg, Go Green, to Save the Planet message into his election platform. His appeal for compassion won the support of many voters, and we congratulate him on his re-election to office. Several Formosan enterprises have committed themselves to promoting organic farming, leading the country to a new stage of sustainable agriculture. Also, many performing artists and entertainers now follow a plant-based diet and boycott the use of animal fur, based on their love for our fellow beings, and for environmental and health considerations. Many media outlets have also made it their mission to promote the vegan lifestyle. For example, three times a week, Miaoli Cat Beaver Radio broadcasts programs on spiritual teachings and Be Veg, Go Green, to Save the Planet, presenting stories about wonderful people and events as well as inspirational lectures by Supreme Master Ching Hai. Kaohsiung Happy Radio interviewed our fellow initiates on topics related to global warming, while also introducing Supreme Master Television and the humanitarian work being done around the world by Her and The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. The SOS logo designed by our initiates appears daily at the top of the front page of the Penghu Daily News, which also carries information urging people to Be Veg, Go Green, to Save the Planet. The Penghu Times has published many public announcements from the local Environmental Protection Bureau on Be Veg, Go Green, encouraging citizens to work together to save their homes and planet Earth.
A Warm Welcome for Former Philippine President Ramos
By Taipei News Group (Originally in Chinese)
[Taipei] During a recent visit to Formosa, Gusi Peace Prize laureate and former President of the Philippines, Mr. Fidel V. Ramos, graciously accepted an invitation from The Supreme Master International Association to attend a European-style vegan dinner at the Da An Organic Complex of Loving Hut in Taipei. The list of honored guests for the event, held on March 8, Golden Year 9 (2012), included Formosa’s Deputy Minister of Education Lin Tsong-ming and his wife, as well as many distinguished Philippine dignitaries. While enjoying the sumptuous feast, the guests heard musical performances by our Association members. Mr. Ramos showed a keen interest in the dishes served that evening, asked for detailed information on the ingredients and requested that notes be jotted down for him in English. Our Association members also celebrated Mr. Ramos’s 84th birthday in advance with a huge vegan birthday cake, non-alcoholic champagne, and birthday gifts including Amoura Night Lights. To express his gratitude for the warm reception, Mr. Ramos later wrote a letter to our Association, stating, “Indeed, the humanitarian work which your Association has done over the years and continues to do, has touched, saved and uplifted the lives of thousands of people in the Philippines and other countries. While our work to serve our country and people is far from over and new challenges will continue to confront us, it is comforting to know that there are organizations like yours, which we can depend on, for the attainment of our common aspirations of enduring peace, shared prosperity, and a better quality of life for all our people.”
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Austria
Loving Hut Inn Wins PETA’s Progress Award
By Austria News Group (Originally in German)
[Carinthia] In August, Golden Year 8 (2011), Austria’s first vegan inn, Loving Hut, located in the southeast of Carinthia on Lake Klopein received the distinguished People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Germany Progress Award 2011 for being the country’s “Most Animal-Friendly Inn.” The Proggy or “Progress” Awards celebrate advancement for animals in economics, culture, science and diet, as well as assist in creating more compassion and respect for animals in society. Loving Hut Inn’s philosophy is not to use any animal products whatsoever: from the feather-free bedding in the rooms to the faux-leather sofas in the lounge and the 100% plant-based fare at the hotel buffet. PETA states that “Loving Hut” shows many who are not yet vegan that an animal-friendly lifestyle can be diverse and delicious. In addition, the vegan inn spares countless animals a life of torture in factory farms. Since its opening, guests at Loving Hut have been giving enthusiastic reviews. They are especially pleased that not only is the cuisine fantastic, but that healthy, vegan food is also available for their canine companions. One customer commented, “The rooms have such a wonderful, friendly atmosphere that you simply have to feel good here. And also everything is very, very clean and you can enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Klopein. It’s really a place that I can recommend to everyone for their vacation.” Another said, “It’s a paradise and I really must emphasize again: Everything without animal suffering! That’s the most important thing for us!” To receive the Award, one of our Association members from Germany visited the PETA Germany office and was warmly welcomed by Ms. Kutscher and the second chairman Mr. Ullmann. Both expressed the importance of veganism and mentioned that Loving Hut Inn is not only a great vacation spot for veg heads, but also a terrific place for non-vegetarian/vegan people to get to know more about this compassionate way of living. Our representative also had the chance to have a little tour through the PETA Germany office to see the exciting work that they do, and was greeted by all their staff members including two very playful vegan dogs. The staff at Loving Hut Inn felt very honored and delighted to receive such a prestigious award and was greatly encouraged to continue spreading the vegan message. We also thank PETA for their tireless efforts, and are deeply grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her great inspiration to work toward the noble ideal of World Vegan and World Peace!
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South Africa
Spreading the Vegan Message at the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
By Durban News Group (Originally in English)
[Durban] From November 28 to December 9, Golden Year 8 (2011), approximately 16,000 delegates from around the world participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in the beautiful coastal city of Durban, South Africa. The Conference participants advanced implementation of the Convention and Kyoto Protocol, the Bali Action Plan, and the Cancun Agreements, as well as agreed to adopt a universal legal covenant on climate change no later than 2015. To bring the urgent “Be Veg, Go Green 2 Save the Planet” message to the delegates and decision makers, a group of our Association members from around the world conducted a wide range of activities during the event. Active Veg Campaign At the ICC our Association members set up a booth in the public exhibition area. They took the opportunity to serve delicious vegan food samples and to hand out informative climate change leaflets there as well as in markets, on the streets and at a tent on the beach front. The visitors showed great interest in learning about the earth-saving diet and many volunteered to distribute the crucial information in colleges and libraries. Some said they had heard of Supreme Master Ching Hai through Her 1999 lecture tour and several inquired about initiation. Joining other environmental advocates and groups, our Association members participated in the “We Have Faith” Multi-faith Mass Rally and in various gatherings at the Speaker’s Corner. Singing the “Be Veg” song and carrying large banners, their presence was felt and warmly received on the streets of Durban. In addition, a special “Cyber Café” was established to provide the public with vegan food and a large selection of publications on climate change. At the Café, approximately 200 enthusiastic police officers and personnel were served a delicious vegan lunch on December 5, and the birthdays of several captains were celebrated with vegan cheesecakes. Each officer was given related global warming leaflets and a copy of Master’s book From Crisis to Peace. Deeply impressed by the event, one official later asked for more promotional flyers and T-shirts, planning to bring them to remote areas of the country. The schools, libraries and universities visited by our Association members responded positively to the vegan message, agreeing to distribute the information to 89 libraries and make Master’s book From Crisis to Peace available to university students and staff. “Veganism to Save the Planet” Gala On December 1, our Association members hosted the special gala “Veganism to Save the Planet” at the Olive Convention Centre. Approximately 400 guests were served a sumptuous, five-course vegan dinner while being entertained by acclaimed Zulu singer/songwriter Tu Nokwe, the renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, an enthusiastic South African Boot dance, cultural dancing, and original compositions by Canadian singer/songwriter Sylvain Lamy. Many dignitaries attended the event, including the Director-General of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mr. Nhlanhla Ngidi; His Majesty King Setlamorago Godfrey Thobejane of Bapedi in Limpopo; the Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of South Africa, Professor Harold Herman; and Kenya’s Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, the Honorable Dr. Noah Wekesa. Distinguished guest speakers for the evening included the Honorable Maneka Gandhi, animal advocate, former Minister of Environment and Forests, and current Member of Parliament for India; Dr. Daniel Maingi, a vegan Kenyan scientist, and executive director of Biowatch and the Animal Welfare Network of Africa; and Mr. Stephan McGuire, co-producer of the award-winning documentary, the “11th Hour” and co-founder and President of Coalition For A Sustainable Africa. Dr. Kirk Smith, IPCC scientist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, although unable to attend, joined the Gala via a video greeting sent from UC Berkeley. Footage of Master’s inspirational speech was played in the evening, in which She encouraged all to be vegan now instead of waiting for the development of sustainable technology, and called on leaders to guide the planet to a noble, virtuous, life-saving and planet-sustaining path. At the press conference afterwards, Mrs. Gandhi and Dr. Maingi answered questions from the media. Many guests from the Gala said they were inspired and ready to make a shift to the vegan diet. They were astounded at the quality of the food as well as the variety of dishes and flavors. Mrs. Gandhi and Mr. McGuire, who have been long-time vegetarians, decided to take dairy out of their diet! The Gala was covered in a detailed article by South Africa’s major financial newspaper, Business Day. Entitled “COP-17: A Message from the Master,” it spoke highly of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s concise message, and brought greater awareness that the vegan lifestyle is the fastest, most efficient solution to the climate crisis. In an interview with Supreme Master Television, His Majesty King Setlamorago Godfrey Thobejane said, “Once we start taking this and understand the significance of shifting our way of life into this veganism, I think we can save the planet. The meat that we love so much, it’s a life threat; it threatens our lives. Leaders from all categories need to start taking serious this particular campaign without any waste of time.” During the entire UNCCC in Durban, our Association members distributed over 20,000 SOS flyers, 26,000 informative climate change DVDs, 24,000 copies of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s book From Crisis to Peace, and more than 40,000 servings of tasty vegan fare. This momentous event once again reunited our Association members from around the globe and with gratitude and blissful hearts, they extended our Master’s love and concern for the planet.
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| Pearls of Wisdom
We Cannot Become a Saint Without a Loving Heart
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, International Gathering
in Europe,
December 17, 2008 (Originally in Chinese) Anyone who loves others more than him or herself must be a Saint or a Bodhisattva. No matter what path you practice, you will surely attain a very high spiritual level. To love others more than yourself is the greatest secret. It doesn’t matter if you love other people or animals. If you can sacrifice yourself for others, then you are at the Bodhisattva level. There’s no mistake about it. It doesn’t matter who you are. No matter how you feel about your spiritual practice, or how long you’ve been practicing, as long as you have this kind of love, you don’t need to ask. If you can sacrifice yourself for others or die for others, you will definitely be promoted to a high level. If you don’t care about others and only care about yourself, even if you’ve practiced for years and you’ve worn out your bottom, or even if you’ve sat there motionless for hundreds of years, it’s still useless. Love is very important because God is love. If we have love, we are one with God; we are the same.
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| Pearls of Wisdom
The Blessing of Heartfelt Gratitude
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Cancún, Mexico, December 16, 2010 (Originally in English) (DVD #923)
You’re very lucky. You know everything – spiritual blessing, sunshine blessing, wind blessing, tree blessing, animal blessing. Every day, thank everything. Because even if you don’t thank them, they also don’t care, but the more grateful you are, the more you get. You know why? Not because they give less, but because you’re grateful and then your attitude changes. You’re humble, you see, and your vibration changes; you go to a higher level. And the higher you go, the more blessing you can absorb. That’s it. So, gratefulness doesn’t mean that the animals or the trees or the sun or the deities really need you to say thank you in order to give more. It’s not like that; they don’t care. They give without condition. Animals, trees, and plants, they give without condition. But the more grateful we are, the more they’re in tune with you and with all that surrounds us, and are blessing us because we’re humble. Humble means no ego; no ego means the divinity shines more. The divine within you is more, a higher percentage than the ego, so you’re more connected with goodness and divinity, and you get more blessing. The condition is in the heart.
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| You May Not Know
How to Get the Most Blessings
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Cancún, Mexico,
December 5 and 9, 2010 (Originally in English) The Preciousness of a Human Life We’ve
all heard that human life is precious. Buddha said that it’s easier
for a turtle to go all the way from the bottom of the ocean up to the
surface and meet one random little piece of wood that’s passing
by with a little hole in it than to become a human, meaning to have a
human birth. You may have heard that, but you don’t know how precious
it is. I am going to put it here mathematically, so you know how many.
Heaven does have points to classify who is who. We humans are very, very
precious.
Blessings Offered by Higher Beings, Spiritual
Practice, Nature and More
Blessings from the Animals
To view Supreme Master Ching Hai’s message, “How to Get the Most Blessings,” please visit: http://www.suprememastertv.com/tw/blessings/
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| You May Not Know
The Great Blessing of the Sun
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, “The Love of Centuries – Love is Eternal” Concert Celebration of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Poetry Collection, Cerritos,
California, USA, April 10, 2011 (Originally in English)
Let me tell you a secret, a very special secret that nobody has probably ever told you. If a person, good at heart, does no harm to no one, not necessary that he does good to anyone, but just does no harm, and if he follows a vegan diet – even starting from old age, I don’t care when – and if every day he just looks up to the Sun and asks for blessing, asks for upliftment spiritually, he will attain a very high spiritual level, possibly the Fifth Level even. If a person is not a vegan and still looks in the Sun and asks for blessing, asks for upliftment spiritually, then he gets only Third Level. I’m sorry to say that. That’s a big difference. That’s two levels’ difference. It’s not just two levels different, it’s just that the Fifth Level is the ultimate of liberation for humankind who are born on this planet. And the thing is, it’s not that the Sun discriminates between what you eat. The Sun doesn’t really care. The Sun is there without judgment, just to bless people, just to make people happy, just to make things grow and to make the planet happy. But if we are vegan, that means we have less burden, and our God nature is less covered. And that’s why it’s easier for the Sun to lift us up to the Fifth Level. When we are on this planet, the Sun is the only one that could do this. For example, all beings are blessing us, as I have mentioned already in other lectures. I don’t want to tell you now, but all beings are blessing us, including animals, trees, rocks, mountains, rivers, lakes and seas. But for example, if a person who is vegan sits on the beach every day and looks into the sea or bathes in the sea, maybe half an hour every day, and asks for the sea to bless him or to uplift him spiritually, then that person will attain Third Level only. So the Sun is great, great, great.
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| Master Says
A New Year of Compassion:
Practice the Teachings of the Sages —Special Message from Supreme Master Ching Hai
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, worldwide broadcast videoconference
with Supreme Master Television staff and global audience, Los Angeles,
California, USA, December 31, 2011 (Originally in English) (DVD#993)
First of all, I want to wish all of you and the audience and the world a very, very happy, lucky, vegan New Year. And I think I have tried everything. I don’t know if anything else I should say because I have said a lot already. It’s not what I say, it’s what we apply. And it’s not only what I say, it’s also if anyone listens or not. But nevertheless, it is New Year, and since you request, we say something. One more time won’t hurt. Even Buddha has already said everything. Buddha has tried his best to sacrifice everything for us. Jesus gave up his life for the world. Also, Guru Nanak, Mahavira, Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, etc. So many Masters, so many great saints and sages have told us everything already, New Year or old year. It’s not just because of the New Year that we should be happy and celebrate, but we should start like a new resolution, a new lifestyle, if we haven’t tried it in the past year. Every time it’s the New Year, we should make a vow to begin our new life. Everything that we don’t like about the past year, from ourselves or from our environment, we should change. All the sages have told us already to live and let live, and to love all beings as oneself. This is a time to begin to reflect whether we have done that or not. The Buddha, Jesus, and all the Masters have told us to live a compassionate life, yet when we commemorate Buddha’s birth even on that day, many Buddhists still have lunch eating dead animal flesh. At Christmas, or often at any Prophet’s birth celebration, many still do the same, killing and making suffering for humans and animals, because humans misinterpret; they misunderstand all the loving messages of the Masters, either knowingly or unknowingly. All other sages and saints have endured hardship and sacrificed everything to remind us of a more compassionate way of life. I hope in the New Year, all of us try to vow to do our best as well to follow their example, to repay their kindness, to save our lives and the lives of all on the planet. It is our duty, actually, to do that. Because you see, disasters happen everywhere nowadays. Every time you turn on any television, it’s only about war or disaster, most of the time. It just breaks my heart to even watch TV. We cannot say, “It’s okay in my area or my country, there’s no disaster. I celebrate New Year, nothing happens.” It happens elsewhere. And you will always ask me, like everyone else would ask me, “Why… Why does it happen in Africa? Why doesn’t it happen where I live?” It’s because we are all one. You see, the whole world community is connected. So disaster doesn’t necessarily break out in a particular place. It breaks out elsewhere, somewhere that already has some potential for disaster, or in vulnerable areas. For example, if you eat something that is not good, the pimple breaks out on your face. It’s not breaking out, maybe, in your stomach, or on your hand, or in your mouth, because you keep putting the food in it, but it breaks out on your face. Or if you have a digestion problem in the stomach, it affects your brain, and you get a headache. Or if a mother smokes while pregnant, the fetus inside her womb suffers from poor blood circulation, for example. Or, when he or she is born, the baby has sometimes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as we all know very well. And if the parents are smoking in the house, the children sometimes have trouble. Even if not too much in youth, after 50 years of age, they have trouble with the lungs or breathing system. So the consequences include long-term effects. Thus, if we continue with the killing of man and animals, then disasters will break out elsewhere or right where we live, personally affecting us, our family or the surroundings or the neighborhood. Remember, in the Bible, the story of David the King: He forced the wife of one of his subordinates to become his wife and then killed the husband, and Heaven punished with disaster for his country. That is even stated in the Bible. But how many Christians would consider that as the law of cause and retribution? That is the law of cause and retribution. That is the, “What you sow, so shall you reap.” So there’s no need to say it’s only Buddhist doctrine that says that, or Jainism or Sikhism or Hinduism or even Islam. All the Prophets have told us to do good things and be good, but would we try now to follow their example? Since this may be the last time I have the chance to speak to all of the world audience via multi-channel television, and in this way, I might as well tell you all this. Because we are all one, there’s no differentiating where the problem will break out. If somebody does some bad things here, the problem might break out elsewhere. So do not keep asking me why disasters happen in poor countries. People in poor countries suffer more because these are vulnerable areas. Just like your face is more sensitive, so if your digestion system is no good, you have pimples all over your face. Your face doesn’t eat anything. Your face doesn’t have anything put on it, just nice and nutritious cream, or not; but even then, the pimples break out on your face because you don’t have enough purity in the blood, because you have a digestion problem, because you eat too many things that are not good or are not constructive to your blood’s purity. And sometimes, you eat something in your mouth, but your liver has problems. And sometimes someone has a cut here, but then he has infection elsewhere. It goes into his liver. Or the person smokes here on his mouth, but his lungs will have cancer, for example. And if he eats meat too much or too much fat and so on, the heart will have problems. It’s because the whole body is one. Similarly, the whole world is one. So, disaster will happen here, or it will happen there. It’s the same. It’s a warning for humanity as the consequence of actions that we took. I have also done my best all these years to try to remind everyone of the same message, that we have to be loving and kind. Probably I have said more than enough of what should be said. So it’s up to everyone now to decide the course of their lives, which are also linked to all others’ lives and to the survival of this planet. I do pray at the New Year’s Eve that everyone chooses the wise path of the saints and sages, which is love and respect for all beings on the planet, so that they themselves will also be loved and respected in Heaven, now and hereafter. By the way, I thank all of you who wrote to me about the changes in your life, that you have turned back to your own Self, your glorious and original Nature, which is loving kindness. I thank all of you who are bettering your own life and in turn bettering the world by cleaning up society with your own example by, for example, quitting smoking, stopping gambling, refraining from intoxicants, choosing vegan, helping others in any way you can, etc. I thank all of you for all that, the audience and the world’s people, the leaders and citizens of the world, all alike. I pray God to bless your sincere effort to be good and do good and continue in this noble way of life. This year, I did not have the heart to celebrate Christmas while knowing that again and again, billions of innocent animals of all kinds, from the sea to the forest, are massacred for this occasion. Jesus was a compassionate Master, the Son of God, and we who follow Jesus should be the same. Also, there’s so much turmoil in the world, it just wouldn’t help my heart to feel happy in any way. I was, at Christmastime, in the mountains, very deep in the mountains. There was no water, no electricity there, and I meditated day and night before Christmas, and also after Christmas. It’s just because at the New Year I thought, Okay, I’d go down to the city where there is a little facility to contact you, talk to you, maybe for the last time. I don’t mean last time-last time, but when we’re together like this, and also that I could talk to the whole world like this, maybe for the last time. And then we all will have to go into deep meditation. We have talked enough. I mean, everyone has grown up and understood things. We don't have to talk a lot in order for people to understand. It is the practice of the knowledge. It’s not the talking much. Anyone who has a caring heart would understand my message, even spoken once, because they cannot also bear all this suffering caused to humans and animals alike. You know very well. So, and by the way, for the Supreme Master Television staff around the world, and in the headquarters there, I thank you all. It has been a privilege to be working with you all these years. Together, maybe we have caused a little good change in the world. Too little, too little for us to celebrate anything; but for whatever little change we have caused in the world, I thank Heaven and all of you for your good effort. May God bless you forevermore. Thank you, forever. I also congratulate those who have realized that life is not just about getting a diploma, getting a job or getting married, begetting children, and then die. So, though this is what our system seems to emphasize and encourage for everyone, life does not start here when we are born, or end when we are dead. And enlightenment is only the beginning. Congratulations also to those brave and wise beings who float above all shackles and temptations designated to ensnare the pure souls into physical, emotional, and mental slavery, to so much sorrow and trouble that they forget their true great Self, forgetting to soar higher into the higher spiritual dimension, forgetting to go back Home to their great original Abode. Again, I tell you, enlightenment is only the beginning. The journey will continue, full of wonder and miraculous encounters and discovery for those who truly want to know the miracle of life, and the real love from the universe and from your heart. I take this opportunity to remind all fellow beings, here and elsewhere in the universe, to continue striving for noble ideals, the lofty goals of peace and unconditional love. Even if you fail, please try again and again, until you succeed. And succeed you will, sooner or later. The sooner the better, because you will know things that you never thought you would know before, when you uplift yourself into a higher spiritual understanding. You thought you knew already everything – some might think like that. No, no, no. Even I don’t know everything yet. I mean, how much can our brain accumulate and digest? Even if I know everything, I have to take out some that I need every day. I cannot sit here and say, “Now I know everything already.” I cannot know everything at one go; It’s all in store for us. We have to meditate deeply in order to realize the spiritual splendor and treasure that we have within ourselves, that has lain dormant there, life after life, unused, or very little used. I wish all of you good luck with the new start for betterment in the New Year, and I embrace you all with my love and best wishes. I will continue to meditate and pray for us all. Love love. Oh, by the way, please, all of us, at least our Association members, please be more diligent in your spiritual practice. Forsake all else except the necessary duties to your families and the world. Save time for meditation for World Vegan, World Peace. I love you all−disciples and non-disciples, animals, trees, rocks, and the planet−I love you all, so much. Even if I don’t see you again, you are all in my heart, and in my meditation and in my prayers. Happy Vegan New Year, to you and to all! And I love you very much. I love you all with all my heart. To watch the Supreme Master Television program with Master’s New Year 2012 message, please visit: http://video.suprememastertv.com/daily/2012.01.02/BMD1936.wmv
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| Shining World Hero Award
Warriors for Freedom of the Press
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
By Paris News Team, France (Originally in French)
Reporters Sans Frontičres, RSF, is a French non-profit organization with international presence. Under the motto “Don’t wait to be deprived of news to stand up and fight for it,” RSF has defended freedom of information on a daily basis since its inception in 1985. Their mission is many-fold, which includes inform, act, and support. Firstly, their researchers who each manage a region or a topic, write up and release reports to inform people of their findings on incidents in the world where the freedom of press is violated. Secondly, they take action on the findings to defend reporters in the field as well as to correspond and meet with the authorities or governments in question. And lastly, they offer help, financial and/or material support, to reporters and media in difficulty. Commenting on the importance of their work, RSF’s General Director, Mr. Jean-François Julliard said, “This fight is essential to us, because without the freedom of the press there will be no democracy. We think that the freedom of the press is the most important, that it must be profoundly defended. We do not have a corporatist approach, we do not have an association of reporters. We defend the freedom of the press in a sense that it is the people’s essential right. We defend the right of people to have access to free information.” In recognition of RSF’s nearly 30 years of remarkable work and achievement in the field, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored this respectable organization with the Shining World Hero Award, together with a contribution of US$150,000 in support of their noble endeavors. These were presented to Mr. Julliard by our Association member on June 16, Golden Year 8 (2011) in France. In Her letter, Master wrote, “This Award is presented in recognition of the dedication and bravery of all reporters risking their lives on duty, and for your organization that supports them by promoting greater freedom of expression for the world’s media. Your enlightened leadership is courageously safeguarding human rights and the fundamental principles of journalism – paving the way to a brighter and better world.” Mr. Julliard expressed his deep gratitude and resolution to Master in response: “We are very touched by this Award that you are giving us today. It is very important to us, but most importantly, it encourages us to continue and carry on with our actions, namely our actions to defend journalists who work on issues regarding the environment, who try their best through their articles, their reports, to protect the planet. I think this is a cause to which you are particularly bound and sensitive. So this Award shows us how useful our work is, and it prompts us, pushes us to always defend more the right to inform. So thank you for using this Award to encourage us to continue in that direction.” In addition, Mr. Julliard noted in the thank-you letter that Master’s funds will enable the organization to help imprisoned media members and their families as well as update its annual report on press freedom and the environment. May Heaven bless RSF and its respected journalists and staff for all their noble endeavors to ensure the media remains free to disperse vital information on global warming and many other critical issues. We pray that our world will soon be awakened and through accurate reporting from the free press, individuals can make life-saving choices that will help sustain our planet. Caption: Thank-you letter from Mr. Julliard for the US$150,000 contribution from Master For more information on Reporters Sans Frontičres, please visit: http://en.rsf.org/ To watch the interview with Mr. Julliard covered by Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1794.php
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| Shining World Hero Award
Brave Divers Rescue a Grey Nurse Shark
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By Florida News Group, USA (Originally in English)
On February 27, 2010, Scuba Works dive-shop owner John Dickinson was on a dive with his friend Chip Garber, a former emergency veterinarian, to a wreck called “The Princess Anne” off Palm Beach, Florida, USA, when they saw an emaciated shark lying on the sea floor with a Frisbee-like plastic ring around its neck. The Grey Nurse shark appeared to be discolored and to have lost weight because the plastic ring which covered its gills prevented it from eating. Knowing exactly what to do as an experienced veterinarian, Chip decided to help the shark. He approached the injured Grey Nurse from behind, while John stayed close to record the event for all to see and learn from. Chip grabbed hold of the plastic ring and gripped the shark in a bear hug. He then maneuvered the plastic ring to get it off the shark’s neck. A few minutes later, the Grey Nurse happily swam away. This incident is just one of the many tales of marine animals being harmed by man-made debris released into the ocean. The folks in the area have also witnessed such tragedies as a sea turtle being caught in a plastic six-pack can holder, and sea birds being choked by plastic bags. Because of the alarming situation of ocean water being polluted, many divers in the area have been very vigilant in keeping the water free of man-made debris to protect the marine life. In recognition of their compassionate bravery in assisting an injured Grey Nurse shark, Chip Garber and John Dickinson were honored with the Shining World Hero Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai. The award ceremony was held at John’s Scuba Works dive shop on June 7, Golden Year 7 (2010). In addition to the crystal plaque, representatives of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association also presented them with custom-tailored, warm Hero Jackets and a selection of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s publications. Master also gave them these loving words of encouragement: “In this rescue you both showed heroic courage, truly admirable compassion, and wisdom in recording the plight that marine life faces as a result of human waste.” Chip and John thanked Master for extending to them the honor and privilege of being recipients of this prestigious award and expressed their concern about the man-made debris damaging the life and beauty of our marine world. Let Chip and John’s story be a reminder for us all to preserve the environment and treat other species with consideration and loving care. May all marine life flourish in natural harmony and balance. Caption: Mr. John Dickinson (left) and Mr. Chip Garber with their Award plaque To watch Supreme Master Television’s interview with Mr. Chip Garber and Mr. John Dickinson, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1415s.php To read more media coverage on their heroic deed, please visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/05/scuba-divers-wrestle-shar_n_487141.html
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| Shining World Hero Award
A Hero Saves His Canine Friends During a Typhoon
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By Kaohsiung News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
On December 23, Golden Year 7 (2010), our Association members from Kaohsiung Center presented, on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, the Shining World Hero Award to Mr. Chen Shueh-jen for his heroic action in saving more than 400 canines when a typhoon swept through southern Formosa earlier in September. Many years ago, Mr. Chen built the Aranya Dog Sanctuary on a piece of farmland in Gangshan. He wanted to express his respect for all life by providing a refuge for our homeless animal co-inhabitants. The sanctuary is now home to more than 400 dogs. When Typhoon Fanapi brought heavy rainfall last year, water rose four meters high and quickly submerged the sanctuary. Instead of fleeing for his life, Mr. Chen chose to stay and single-handedly transferred his 400 canine friends to higher ground. In spite of the cold and wet conditions, they survived two long days before being rescued, thanks to half a bottle of mineral water and some dog food. Upon learning of Mr. Chen’s heroic act, our Association members visited Aranya and contributed vegan dog food for his canine friends who had just survived the ordeal. Mr. Chen told our Association members that respecting life is not merely a slogan but an ideal that has to be realized through action. He established the sanctuary as an educational venue for learning to respect life, so that more people could understand that animals are—and must be treated as—our equals. For his courageous and selfless action, Mr. Chen received the Shining World Hero Award and a contribution of US$10,000 from Master to assist with the reconstruction of the sanctuary. On behalf of his canine friends, he expressed his deepest gratitude to Master for the timely gift that would help him complete his project. We are thankful to Mr. Chen for embracing the noble ideal of building a warm haven for his beloved dogs. May he and his canine friends be forever blessed with Heaven’s love and grace. Caption: Mr. Chen Shueh-jen’s receipt for the US$10,000 contribution from Master To watch the presentation of this Award on Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1743c.php
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| Shining World Heroine Award
A Royal Defender of Animals: Her Highness Princess Maja von Hohenzollern
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By Hamburg News Group, Germany (Originally in German)
Born in Dresden, Germany, Her Highness Princess Maja von Hohenzollern is internationally renowned for her devotion to bettering the lives of both humans and our animal co-inhabitants. As a TV host, entrepreneur, designer, author and humanitarian, Her Highness works tirelessly to help animals and to inform the public about the direct link between animal welfare, environmental protection and alleviating world hunger. She currently lives in Spain, has adopted 11 dogs and three cats from the streets and has saved the lives of hundreds of other animals. In 2009, Princess Maja received the European Animal Welfare Award. Out of respect and love for our fellow beings, Her Highness also observes a meat-free diet and is committed to spreading the word about the destructiveness of animal agriculture. With an unbelievably large number of stray animals still being killed in Europe, Her Highness is calling on the European Union to ban the euthanizing of stray animals and to enact other animal-protection measures. As an ambassador for the European Animal and Nature Protection Association (ETN), She campaigned vigorously for closure of the animal-killing station, ‘Stupini’ in Romania on September 2011, and thus saved 600 dogs. For her outstanding work in improving the lives of Europe’s animals, Her Highness was honored with the Shining World Heroine Award by Supreme Master Ching Hai. During an award ceremony held in Hamburg, Germany in the presence of journalists and guests on July 28, Golden Year 8 (2011), our German Association members presented the Princess with a beautiful crystal Award plaque, a €10,000 check from Master to support and further Her Highness’s noble work, a Heroine jacket, a selection of Master’s DVDs and books including the #1 international best-seller The Noble Wilds, an organic tea set and a painted cup. In Her Award letter to the Princess, Master wrote, “Since we reap what we sow, the doors of Heaven are surely open wide for You and we pray that a sparkling gold stream of blessings showers down upon You, and fills Your lovely heart and mind with the most exquisite peacefulness and bliss.” Princess Maja was deeply touched by the Award, saying, “I am glad that my commitment, my efforts for animals have found international approval, as far as America, as far as Asia, and moreover by such a person. My heartfelt gratitude and also my deepest respect to Supreme Master Ching Hai.” In a follow-up letter, Princess Maja graciously informed our Association that Master’s funds will be used to support a large-scale spay-and-neuter initiative being organized for stray dogs in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Princess will personally travel there with a team of veterinarians, who will also train local veterinarians in the latest surgerical techniques as well as provide medical care to the canines. Master further contributed US$30,000 to support the Princess’s urgent project to halt the transporting of stray dogs from Thailand to Âu Lạc for meat. She sent the following sweet note to the Princess: “Your Royal Highness, such an honor to know you, Princess. You are a true royal inside out. May all blessing be forever in your life. With all my love and respect, ♥♥ Ching Hai.” In a special message to Master, Princess Maja said, “We both are part of a network, in which we raise our voices together, our voices for animals, our voice for a life of dignity, for respect, for life, for the interaction of people with each other.” The Princess also mentioned that she feels close to Master and regards Her as a soulmate, because they share many things in common such as artistic creativity and a love of animals. “I look forward to our meeting each other someday. I am sure that will happen. No matter where, let me know,” she added. We applaud and celebrate the kindhearted deeds of Her Royal Highness Princess Maja von Hohenzollern, a defender and protector of the meek and helpless. We also extend our sincere respect and thanks to her for her steadfast commitment to safeguarding and bettering the lives of our beautiful animal co-inhabitants. Caption: To watch the interview with Her Highness Princess Maja von Hohenzollern
featured on Supreme Master TV, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/AW1828.php
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| Shining World Honesty Award
The Outstanding Integrity of the Pakistani People
By Indonesia News Group (Originally in English)
Islam teaches people to be truthful and maintain a sound moral standard. Mr. Essa Khan, an ordinary man from Pakistan represents just that. While cleaning and doing a routine inspection of a room at the Gilgit Serena Hotel in July of last year, Mr. Khan who has worked at the hotel for 20 years, found US$50,000 in a safe-deposit box that had been left behind by a Japanese guest. Without hesitation, he notified the hotel management of the money and the General Manager, Mr. Rashid Uddin, was able to contact the guest and return the funds the next day. Due to this extraordinary act of honesty, Mr. Khan was called “the real face of Pakistan” and declared a “national hero” by government officials and the Punjab Province Governor. Mr. Khan, on the other hand, simply said, “I have a responsibility as a human being, as a Pakistani, a Muslim. I never thought about keeping the money.” In recognition of his honesty, virtuous character and trustworthiness, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored Mr. Khan with the Shining World Honesty Award, along with US$1,000. On September 8, Golden Year 7 (2010), members of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association from Indonesia traveled to Pakistan to present the Award. Mr. Khan also accepted many gifts, including Supreme Master Ching Hai’s No. 1 international bestselling books, The Dogs in My Life, The Birds in My Life and The Noble Wilds. Master commented to Mr. Khan in the Award letter, “It was a simple act but one that clearly defines your character of virtue and trustworthiness – surely a treasure that outshines all worldly possessions.” Bravo! Mr. Khan, you have made your country proud! You are a true inspiration to our world. May Allah bless you and all your loved ones with joy, peace and stability. To watch the interview with Mr. Khan covered by Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1619.php
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| Shining World Compassion Award
Dr. James Rolfe’s Afghanistan Dental Relief Project
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By Los Angeles News Group, USA (Originally in English)
Dr. James Rolfe, a 71-year-old dentist from Santa Barbara, California, is the founder and current head of the Afghanistan Dental Relief Project (ADRP). Back in 2003, to bring relief and healing to the people of the war-ravaged country of Afghanistan, Dr. Rolfe took whatever equipment he could carry on his back and then traveled long distances until he eventually reached the remote and mountainous Wardak province, where most had never even seen or heard of a dentist. His tireless work to help especially orphans and widows soon gained the trust of the locals. In return, he found the people of Afghanistan to be proud and noble and felt they deserved better care. Enduring setbacks and adversity that would test even the resolve of a much younger man, Dr. Rolfe has managed to return a number of times since that first visit, forsaking comfort and even risking his life to provide free dental services to the thousands who have come to his clinic on the outskirts of Kabul. He also came up with the ingenious idea of transforming old shipping containers into dental labs equipped with chairs, x-ray machines and other necessities. Through his persistent efforts and the cooperation of the Afghan people, these labs were put into operation. Thus, the Kabul Dental Clinic and Training Center was born, treating patients and also providing an education for Afghanistan’s first native dental assistants, clerical workers, hygienists and laboratory technicians. In recognition of Dr. Rolfe’s unprecedented selfless endeavors, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored him with the Shining World Compassion Award and a US$30,000 contribution to help further his noble work. Both were presented to him in Los Angeles, USA on December 4, Golden Year 7 (2010) by our local Association members. Dr. Rolfe, who has used almost a million dollars of his own pension fund for the ADRP, was overjoyed at our group’s visit and was deeply touched by the recognition and overwhelming support. Tears were in his eyes as he listened to the loving and beautiful letter from Supreme Master Ching Hai, which stated, “Words fail to convey the depth of our respect and admiration for the courage you have shown in this epic undertaking of love. Love always prevails where might has failed! May Heaven bless your endeavours and keep you safe in her loving embrace.” Holding the Award plaque to his chest, Dr. Rolfe graciously thanked Supreme Master for Her care and generosity, promising that Her contribution would be the seed money for expanding the Afghanistan Dental Relief Project’s mission to more areas. Later, Dr. Rolfe wrote the following heart-felt letter to Master, detailing the updates on the plan of ADRP and sharing his realization of the sacredness of life.
Heaven bless you, Dr. James Rolfe, for your loving dedication to the well-being of the citizens of Afghanistan. May your caring work benefit the many warm-hearted people of the nation, and inspire more to take actions of peace and love for an elevated world. Caption: Receipt and thank-you letter from Dr. James Rolfe for US$30,000 contribution from Master To watch Supreme Master Television’s interview with Dr. Rolfe, please visit: http://video.godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1668.php To learn more about the Afghanistan Dental Relief Project (ADRP), please visit: http://www.adrpinc.org/
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| Shining World Compassion Award
Street Sweeper Shines with Love and Generosity
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By Award News Group in China (Originally in Chinese)
To commend her charitable actions and sacrificing spirit in providing loving aid to people in poverty and young students in China, Ms. Li Yukun received the Shining World Compassion Award from Supreme Master Ching Hai. It was presented to her in her home on March 21, Golden Year 8 (2011) by representatives of our Association. In addition to a crystal plaque, a framed letter of appreciation from Master and some of Her publications, she also received a US$10,000 contribution from Master to support her noble work. Ms. Li expressed her wholehearted gratitude and steadfast commitment to helping people in need. “Having received help when I was in need, I should help other people as well,” Ms. Li recalled. Firmly embracing this belief, Ms. Li has hence changed her life and those of many others. Despite her meager income as a street sweeper, she has donated more than 100,000 yuan to disaster victims over the course of a decade. In recent years, Ms. Li noticed that many students were dropping out of university due to financial difficulties. Therefore, she started sponsoring university students in need of aid. She even bought newspapers to find out whether there were students who needed help and then offered assistance immediately. A student who personally visited Ms. Li to say thank you, was moved to tears upon finding that she was not wealthy and might be more poor than some of her beneficiaries. To help the environment and also to earn more income to fund her charitable work, Ms. Li also recycles materials. “Be generous to others, be frugal with ourselves.” This captures the essence of this beautiful person and her life. In order to help more people, Ms. Li tries to save every single cent. As stated in the letter of appreciation from Supreme Master Ching Hai, “People usually expect the rich to donate to charitable organizations and to help the poor, because they possess a lot that they can share. Although you Ms. Li do not have much money, you possess the noble spirit and virtues to which money cannot compare.” Ms. Li’s selfless and loving deeds have become known far and wide. Her immense love definitely inspires kindness in other people. Together we can create a more compassionate and brighter future for our Earth. Caption: Receipt signed by Ms. Li Yikun for the US$10,000 from Master
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| Shining World Compassion Award
Super Model Dedicated to Helping Ethiopian Children
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By Taichung News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
Born in Ethiopia, Ms. Anna Getaneh is blessed with not only a beautiful appearance but also a kind and loving heart. In 1993, she participated in a charity event held by Pharmacists Without Borders, visiting a refugee camp at Moyale on the border of Ethiopia and Kenya. There she was deeply saddened to see countless children and families in poverty and misery. Upon returning home, she resolved to do something for her compatriots. In 1997, she secured a 37-acre plot of land in the village of Aleltu, 55 kilometers from the country’s capital, Addis Ababa. There she founded a nongovernment organization—the Ethiopian Children’s Fund (ECF). The first initiative they launched in the village was the ECF Education and Development Program (ECF-EDP) to help children in remote areas receive an education. Its teachers embrace a vision of “Children First” in the belief that children should be free of the worries and economic pressures normally faced by adults. They should be allowed to grow up in a happy and carefree environment. Therefore, in addition to providing nutritious meals and health care to the young generation, the ECF feels the most important thing for children is to grow up under tender, loving care. On learning about the compassionate deeds of this charitable organization, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored them and Miss Getaneh with the Shining World Compassion Award, as well as contributing US$10,000 to support ECF’s noble projects. The Award was presented by our Association members on April 26, Golden Year 8 (2011) and Miss Getaneh especially found time amid her busy schedule to attend the event with her entire staff. Children from the ECF welcomed our Association members with a traditional dance and expressed their gratitude for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving concern with a special Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Miss Getaneh said, “I just hope one day I’ll have the honor to meet Her. I will make sure that I read the books and understand more about this wonderful work that is being done. I think in some way we have been connected now and it is wonderful for you to come and visit us, embrace us and give us this opportunity to help us grow. I really want to say thank you very much and I hope that She’ll be able to come and visit us one day as well. The children and myself would love to meet Her.” With sincere appreciation for Miss Getaneh’s selfless contribution, we hope that she will soon realize her dream of ensuring the most innocent of happy childhoods for all Ethiopian children. Caption: Receipt from Miss Anna Getaneh for US$10,000 from Master For online viewing of this Award presentation on Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1800.php
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| Shining World Compassion Award
Protector of the Endangered Formosan Black Bear
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By Kaohsiung News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
Mr. Lin Yuan-yuan was once a leading hunter for Formosa’s Bunun indigenous group. Now, he has dedicated his life to the preservation of endangered species, working as a mountain ranger based in the Nanan Station in Yushan National Park. Mr. Lin first became involved in ecological conservation more than two decades ago, when he was recruited by the park to be a ranger because of his familiarity with the habits and habitats of wildlife species and the changing conditions of the mountain forests. Since then, he has given up hunting and become an environmental hero, contributing to wildlife preservation and research. In 1996, the Yushan National Park Headquarters set up the Black Bear Preservation Task Force to protect and conduct research on this endangered species. With his extensive experience in the wilderness, valuable knowledge about nature and deep understanding of Black Bear habits, he frequently ventures into the rugged, dangerous mountains to help experts and researchers record the ecology of the Formosan Black Bears. His heroic endeavors have brought positive and long-lasting impacts on the continued survival of this endemic species. On August 26, Golden Year 8 (2011), on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, our Association members presented the Shining World Compassion Award to Mr. Lin for his outstanding achievements in protecting the Formosan Black Bear, his selfless efforts benefiting animals in need, and his wisdom in helping maintain the balance between society and nature. Mr. Lin also received US$10,000 from the Supreme Master to support his noble endeavor of wildlife conservation. He was very happy to receive this honor, thanking Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her encouragement. As a member of the Bunun indigenous group devoted to protecting the mountain forests, Mr. Lin embodies their spirit of love and respect for the environment. Following the ancient Bunun wisdom of living in harmony with nature, he is committed to protecting the mountains, forests and animals. The Bunun people and the Award presentation were covered by the Taiwan Indigenous Television network, which touched Mr. Lin very deeply. All the Bunun people present felt highly honored to see him receive this commendation from Supreme Master Ching Hai. In melodious harmony, they sang the world-famous Pasibutbut—a prayer inspired by the sounds of nature—to express their congratulations to Mr. Lin and praise the noble spirit of their ancestors in protecting the forests. Their high-spirited singing stirred the heart of everyone present. We thank Mr. Lin Yuan-yuan for his compassionate and unconditional dedication to protecting the forests and enabling people to understand that wildlife will flourish and prosper only if they can continue to live peacefully in their natural habitat. We pray that the Formosan Black Bears and other wildlife in the forests will live forever on Earth under our loving protection.
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To watch the presentation of this Award on Supreme Master Television, please visit:
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| Shining World Compassion Award
The Greatest Philanthropist in China – A Paragon of Wealthy Nobility
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By Taipei News Group (Originally in Chinese)
Mr. Chen Guang-biao is a successful Chinese businessman who made his fortune in the recycling industry. In January Golden Year 8 (2011), he embarked on a special trip to Formosa to express his appreciation to the people and entrepreneurs of that beautiful island nation for their generous donations and aid rendered to mainland China in times of disaster. Feeling that those Chinese business owners blessed with wealth and good fortune ought to reciprocate to help disaster victims and those in need in Formosa, he invited more than 50 entrepreneurs from around China to join his endeavor. On January 31 during his stay in Formosa, our Association members presented to him, on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, the Shining World Compassion Award, commending him for his selfless contributions to society, his superb generosity and his charitable acts that have inspired many people. Mr. Chen grew up in poverty; his elder brother and sister both died of starvation. Very often, his parents had to borrow money to pay his school fees to assure him of an education. It was then that he determined to change his fate through his own efforts. On becoming a success, he always remembered to care for the destitute and underprivileged. Mr. Chen generously contributes more than half of the annual profits of his company to aid organizations and has received the China Charity Award for six consecutive years. Even more commendable is the fact that he has pledged to give his entire wealth to charity when he leaves this world. The Award presentation was held at The Grand Hotel in Taipei, Formosa. After listening attentively to our Association representative read Master’s Letter of Appreciation, Mr. Chen expressed deep gratitude to Master for bestowing on him such a great honor. He humbly pledged to work harder to reduce the gap between rich and poor, and hoped that his limited charitable actions would inspire rich people around the world to use their wealth to help the less fortunate. He appealed to entrepreneurs worldwide to remember—during their quests for prosperity—their obligations towards society and the environment, and that they definitely must not sacrifice the ecology of our precious planet on which the survival of our future generations depends. He encouraged everyone to strive together to protect the Earth and bring about world peace. In his interview with Supreme Master Television, Mr. Chen pointed out that parents, as the first educators of their children, should teach them to be grateful and loving as well as to fulfill their social responsibilities. He said that the exemplary conduct of his parents is the reason why he has become the greatest philanthropist in China. He might not be the richest person, but he has tried to instill the concept of love into his children. When his son was only three-years-old, Mr. Chen began taking him along to learn how to share love and do charitable deeds. He urged people around the world to protect the environment and live a low-carbon lifestyle. He emphasized that the plant-based diet is a good way to save the planet and the organic vegan diet is the most environment-friendly way of life for humankind. Through his monetary contributions to the needy, he hoped to inspire people to be “charitable to others,” but the lasting charity is to be “charitable to the Earth.” Mr. Chen Guang-biao’s great compassion and generosity in caring for those in need is truly admirable. We believe that his noble actions will definitely inspire more people to do the same, and thus create a brighter future for humankind.
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For online viewing of the Award presentation ceremony on Supreme Master Television:
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| Vegan Elite
Dr. Neal Barnard—A Living Embodiment of the Hippocratic
Oath
By Award News Team (Originally in English)
Neal Barnard, M.D. is a vegan nutrition researcher, best-selling author and the founding president of the US-based non-profit organizations The Cancer Project and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). Following his training as a physician and psychiatrist, Dr. Barnard began to investigate the impact of diet on health. This in turn revealed the benefits of plant-based nourishment. Today, he is a prominent advocate of the low-fat vegan diet as the foundation of mental and physical well being. Founded in 1985, PCRM has evolved into a nationwide organization of doctors and laypersons who promote preventive medicine through good nutrition, while campaigning on behalf of issues such as ethical research. The organization is also actively involved in raising awareness of the benefits of a plant-based diet through such projects as the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program along with seeking to amend to federal dietary guidelines. The Cancer Project was created in 1991 to inform the public about the role of the plant-based diet in prevention and recovery from the disease by providing comprehensive information as well as vegan nutrition and cooking classes. As an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Barnard has been the principal investigator for several studies examining the links between food and health, including a US National Institutes of Health-funded study showing that a low-fat, plant-based diet can actually reverse diabetes. Much of his work has been published in top scientific and medical journals. Dr. Barnard is also the author of over a dozen books on nutrition that have collectively sold more than two million copies, with countless people who have regained their health due to his research and published works. He is often interviewed by the media for his perspectives on diet and health issues and is one of America’s most sought-after experts on diabetes prevention and reversal. His latest book, 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart: Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol, and Dramatically Improve Your Health, is based on the PCRM program that shows those wanting to slim down how to do it quickly with plant-based foods that not only control appetite but also increase energy levels. Hollywood actress and vegan Alicia Silverstone wrote the book’s foreword. Since 2011 Dr. Barnard has been touring the US, explaining the principles of this weight loss plan in free one-hour lectures to maximum capacity crowds. With compassion for animals one of its top priorities, PCRM is also active in working to end animal testing in the medical field. The organization recently succeeded in stopping a Michigan, USA animal shelter from selling stray dogs for lethal experimentation in medical research and is currently campaigning to halt the suffering and death of pigs in a Mississippi, USA medical school.
Toward More Humane Laws: PCRM Legislative Fund Following Dr. Barnard’s receipt of the Shining World Compassion Award, Supreme Master Ching Hai offered US$50,000 to PCRM’s Legislative Fund in support of its ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare through changes to US government policies. This contribution was made as part of an event organized in February Golden Year 8 (2011) by Ms. Elizabeth Kucinich, Director of Government Affairs of the PCRM Legislative Fund. Ms. Kucinich, who herself is a vegan and is also the wife of vegan US Congressman Dennis Kucinich, had invited Master as a special guest to the occasion. Although Master could not attend in person due to Her very busy schedule, She sent a representative to present the heartfelt contribution. Ms. Kucinich later sent a warm letter of thanks to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her kindhearted generosity. She wrote: “Our efforts continue to build on all fronts with regards to our work to end research and medical training using animals, and to work to create a great campaign to promote farm subsidy reform... I have great visions for this campaign. Your continued support of our work is so gratefully appreciated. Thank you again.” Dr. Neal Barnard also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Supreme Master Ching Hai for the gift to the PCRM Legislative Fund, saying, “I would just like to thank you so much for really being an inspiration to so many people and for your support of the work that we are doing.” We extend our deepest gratitude to you, Dr. Neal Barnard, for your courageous endeavors to present lifesaving truths about the healthy vegan lifestyle, as we also salute Ms. Elizabeth Kucinich and the PCRM Legislative Fund for advocating the passage of humane laws in the United States. May your compassionate work continue to be endowed with Heaven’s blessings in bringing us all closer to World Vegan, World Peace.
To learn more about the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, please visit:
For more information about 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart: Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol, and Dramatically Improve Your Health by Dr. Neal Barnard, please visit: www.Amazon.com Caption:
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| Letter of Appreciation
Saving the Seals Together
By Award News Group (Originally in English)
Native to the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, Cape Fur Seals are threatened by an annual hunt for their fur, which involves the slaughter of 86,000 baby seals and 6,000 adults, as well as family separations and severe disruption of colonies. Many groups and individuals around the world have raised concerns about the brutality and ecological effects of this carnage, second in scale only to the Canadian hunt, which claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of Harp and Grey Seals each year. To address the imbalances, cruelty and abuse that plague this beautiful species, Mr. Francois Hugo founded Seal Alert SA (South Africa) in 1999, after his first rescue of a ten-month-old Cape Fur Seal. As a major advocate for these loving animals, the organization rescues and rehabilitates seals in need of help as it works to re-establish their habitat and general safety. A significant advancement toward this goal was made in 2008, when Seal Alert SA was successful in securing a 27-nation European Union ban on all seal products originating from Namibia. Upon learning of Mr. Hugo’s noble work, Supreme Master Ching Hai offered Her support for the organization, and in November Golden Year 6 (2009) honored him with the Shining World Compassion Award (see News 205 for detailed report), along with a contribution of US$200,000 to aid in his courageous efforts to end seal hunting in Namibia. With the generous kindness of Supreme Master Ching Hai, Mr. Hugo was able to create the only seal rescue facility of its kind on the African continent. As part of his long-term efforts to assist in restoring their communities, he also secured a change to South Africa’s national policy. The new guidelines stated that Cape Fur Seals would no longer be banned from returning to island homes they had fled many years earlier due to intensive hunting. In 2011, Master contributed an additional US$150,000, sending Her “best wishes for (the seals’) peaceful well being and relatedly that of our world.” In one of Her letters to Mr. Hugo, She wrote, “As the seals say, ‘One day all species, both human and animal, will look upon each other as brothers and sisters.’ We pray for that day with all our heart and tears with you.” Deeply touched by Master’s compassion and encouragement, Mr. Hugo replied, “It is clear you and the seals have been communicating directly with each other, for the timing in all the universe of such a further grant could not have come in a more appropriate time to help legally save them as a species. I am truly shocked beyond words, at your unseen ability and gift, to speak (for) and see those needing your help.” Over time, Mr. Hugo has continued to express his gratitude as well as keeping Master updated on news about the progress made through Her funding, including building a baby-seal nursery, constructing a new floating jetty and walk-on ramp, repairing the group’s catamaran and purchasing new motors. “Thanks to you, Seal Alert is now the most equipped seal-rescue response facility of its kind in the world,” Mr. Hugo declared. Following advice given by Supreme Master Ching Hai to work together, Mr. Hugo commissioned an opinion from legal experts in oceanic law based on his past 13 years of research. Their opinion was then sent to all heads of state in Namibia, with an unprecedented decision that followed, allowing a complaint to be filed by Seal Alert SA that would be investigated by the Namibian Ombudsman at the highest level in government. At the September 2011 Seal Conference, attended by representatives from many organizations, Namibian Ombudsman Advocate John Walters launched a public assessment, taking the first step to help end the slaughter of millions of seals. Moreover, Mr. Hugo has learned that a new Cape Fur Seal colony has been expanding on an island off the Angolan coast, and other groups of seals have been returning to South African waters that are now safer due to the government’s suspension of seal hunting and Seal Alert’s restoring campaigns. With great excitement, Mr. Hugo informed Master in a December 2011 letter of the amazing changes he had witnessed: “It was like Seal Alert had suddenly become a magnet for all the sick and injured seals, and with it brought waves of positive changes that clearly the universe was sending.” In addition, a seal statue was erected in Her honor at the Seal Alert SA rescue center. As his letter stated, “Facing north to the seal slaughter fields in Namibia and forever looking after the seals at the centre, the inscription reads, ‘Supreme Master Ching Hai – May You Forever Watch Over Cape Fur Seals.’” Affectionately addressing Master as “the Cape Fur Seal’s mother,” Mr. Hugo added, “You made positive thought into positive action that is bringing change to an entire species.” In January 2012, as She commended Mr. Hugo’s devoted perseverance to protecting the innocent and vulnerable animals, Master contributed another US$100,000. This support, according to Mr. Hugo, has lifted a huge financial worry and enabled him to focus on bringing further attention about the seals’ urgent plight to both the media and the government. God bless you, Mr. Hugo and Seal Alert SA, for your diligent efforts to preserve the precious Cape Fur Seal. And thanks also for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s attention and assistance toward this compassionate cause, as we pray that the year 2012 will see the end of the unconscionable act of seal hunting, and may the day soon come when all beings live fearlessly and peacefully with one another. Caption:
To learn more about Seal Alert SA, please visit:
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| Selected Questions and Answers
Hope for Humankind and the Planet
Through Meditation and Prayer
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Videoconference with Her Excellency Lu Hsiu-lien, Hsihu Center, Formosa,
August 16, 2011 (Originally in Chinese)
Ms. Lu: A lot of problems are happening on the planet. Master, according to your insight, is there any safety concern related to natural disasters to which we should pay attention in the near future, like by the end of this year? SM: It is very chaotic right now. We have all kinds of natural disasters. If we don’t have earthquakes, we have typhoons; if not typhoons, we have floods; if not floods, we have droughts; if not drought, we have heat waves. If not that, there is still another great danger, which is the Sun. The Sun may change itself, which will have a major impact on us. If solar flares arise, or if too much heat is sent to us, then we don’t need to talk about other disasters on Earth. There is also a very strong energy sent to us from the universe. Ms. Lu: Scientists say that at the end of next year, or in the following year, there might be a big solar eruption. Is this what you are referring to? SM: Yes. There is also a kind of energy sent to us from the depth of the universe. Ms. Lu: Is it good or bad energy? Is it destructive or constructive? SM: It is probably destructive. It is because we cannot withstand this kind of energy. Earthlings are too weak. Only if the entire planet changes to a vegan diet and everyone takes care of his/her inner moral standard, can we withstand this energy from universal eruptions. Ms. Lu: Humans have too much bad karma (retribution). Is that what you mean? SM: Yes, yes. Also the Sun – if we don’t have moral power, no science or technology can protect us. That’s why I have been reminding everyone to return to his/her inner virtuous Buddha Nature or original benevolent quality. But it is not that easy. Ms. Vice President, you know it very well, and that’s why you advise people to eat less meat, if not cutting it off completely. I cannot tell people to eat less meat only. Ms. Lu: So in other words, Master, are you not very optimistic about the future of humankind? Is that right? SM: We still have hope. It cannot be hopeless. That’s why I continue meditating more than 10 hours every day, almost all day, all night. Sometimes I have a one- or half-hour break because I need to take care of myself and my dogs, to clean the house, for example like that. Otherwise I meditate all the time, praying for Heaven’s protection and also reminding people from inside to return to their original Self, which is compassion, and which is Buddha Nature. To remind all people of this aspect from inside, I have to communicate with them through meditation. Outer speech is only a little bit effective, not completely. The power of meditation is more effective, because inside we are the same. Our souls are the same; our Buddha Nature is the same. That’s why inner communication is more effective. Also we are asking all spiritual practitioners and non-practitioners in the whole world to meditate every day during various common times, or at any time. We should meditate and pray. This is the message we are promoting on Supreme Master Television. On the one hand, we are reminding people with the spoken language, and on the other hand, we are communicating with them inwardly. I still keep my hopes up. We still have hope. To view Supreme Master Ching Hai’s message asking that people across the globe join in World Vegan, World Peace meditation hours, please visit: http://www.suprememastertv.com/worldvegan/
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| Spiritual Tips
Simplify Life: A Way to Improve Our Spiritual Practice
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Cancún, Mexico, December 15, 2010 (Originally in English) (DVD#945)
Fruits are good for you. Fruit or juice, fruit juice. And it’s very acceptable for the body. We eat cooked food because we are used to it. Since we were babies, everyone gave us this kind of food, and then we got used to it. Even meat and fish: we were not born to eat them, but we got used to them. So it’s better that we train our new habit, that’s all. Even at home, if you want. Nothing’s forbidden by me or in our group, except anything that causes suffering to others, animals or humans. But it has been many years now, so it’s about time that we grow up. I also grow up. We grow up together. And then we change a little, to better habits, to a more simple life. Because even normally when I am at home, I don’t eat that much like here. But they cook a lot, and it’s good also because I entertain the guests like the journalists, and just show them it’s really very abundant, and that even vegan food is tasty. They say they like it, and they’re going to be vegan from that time on already. But for me now, if I eat so much like that, I feel very, very tired. It’s almost like a sacrifice. So later, if we have to entertain people, we push out those who still like to eat cooked food, to sit with them. Those who are very willing to sacrifice. (Master and everyone laugh.) Fruit is very good for the body. It’s accepted easily, without any defense. You can eat fruit and drink juice and things like that. But go slow, go slow. Even though fruits are more acceptable to our body’s defense system than vegetables, don’t go so quick. Don’t go too fast or extremely. Maybe three days fruit and two days cooked food, or two days other food, two days fruit, and then slowly. Or one day a week and then slowly two days, three days. Like that, so the body has more time to adjust. Maybe it’s safer. Listen to your body’s demand also. If no good, the food is always still there for you. (Master and everyone laugh.) No problem. Just eat simply. Simplify life, so you’ll have more time to meditate. Because mostly we cook in the morning or at noon, when it’s the best time for meditation. I think you can understand now. When people first get initiation, I just tell them to be vegetarian, and they’re already saying, “No. How?” But now I think you’re grown up, and I think you can understand what I am saying better. Yes, I’m sure you understand. You’re grown up now. I don’t need to baby-feed you anymore. Also, now that we have a lot of brothers and sisters, we have this supporting energy and atmosphere, so that you can accept new, better ideas, a better lifestyle, and better habits. Remember, I taught you how to breathe. Twenty times, 30 times, or 50 times a day like that, it’s fine. It’s also giving you extra energy and nutrition. Remember before, I taught you to breathe in deeply and out before your meditation, a long time ago. This is also very helpful to your health and a long, long life, and it’s extra nutrition. At the time of initiation, I say take a deep breath in and out before you meditate. Use that also, every time you remember, not just before meditation. Later, you’ll take a longer deep breath in and longer out. The more you do, it becomes a habit. So that will help you also.
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| Story World
Master’s Loving Comfort for Inmates on Death Row
By sister initiate Lin, Taichung, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
Who
will listen to that cry from the innermost? In March 1990, during a time when Master and all the monastic disciples were on retreat in Houcha Village in Formosa’s Pingtung County, Master quietly visited two inmates on death row at the Taichung Detention Center, whom the contact person and I had met previously. From their relatives and friends, the two brothers had come to know that Master was imparting a method that could bring liberation in one life. Still in their prime, these two were young and daring, but one misstep had regrettably cost them their lives. Though they yearned to follow Master in spiritual practice, their lives were coming to an end. We felt very sorry for them but did not know how to comfort them. All we could do was to relate Master’s message to them: “They cannot be initiated by me and practice spiritually in this life, but I guarantee that they will reincarnate as humans next life.” One early morning that month, the contact person suddenly called and told me to meet Master at the detention center, and he informed me of the location of Her car. Although I had time to meditate for an hour before going there, I felt restless and my intuition told me that I must go right away. Arriving there, I found a comfortable spot and closed my eyes to meditate. Suddenly, a bright light appeared before my eyes. I thought that it was my inner vision, but when I opened my eyes, I found that it was the headlights of Master’s car. I was both surprised and delighted to see that She had arrived early, as well as grateful that I had trusted my intuition. Originally, it was not convenient for Master to go out during the retreat. However, She felt the anxiety and yearning of the two brothers awaiting execution, so She came Herself to visit, offering loving solace and promising that they would reincarnate as humans and have the chance to practice spiritually. Master also gave some blessed food to the prison staff in appreciation of their efforts to care for the inmates. In addition, She earnestly reminded the superintendent to get more rest and not to overexert himself. Master’s visit lifted the somber atmosphere at the facility. When the wardens walked out with Her, their faces were aglow with warm and peaceful smiles as they chatted courteously with Her. They looked completely different than when we first arrived. In the eyes of the masses, the two brothers were murderers whom everyone would avoid, but Master saw them in a totally different way. She has always been very much concerned about prison inmates, many of whom are very intelligent people. It is because they are unable to fully access their intelligence and abilities that they fall victim to circumstance. Master once said, “Most bad children are actually not that bad, neither are most murderers and outlaws. They turn bad only because no one has taught them good things; they have only been taught bad things. In school, moral conduct is seldom taught. Children are taught to memorize mathematics, history and so on, so that they can graduate quickly, find a job and earn money. They are not imbued with ideas about morals, responsibility and contributing to society.” This trip to the detention center showed me how Master is such an example of what She teaches by always giving unconditionally. I thank Her deeply for letting me witness the immense, undiscriminating love that a living Master has for all sentient beings.
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| Vegan Era
Loving Hut Express in Redcliffe
By sister initiate Tracey, Redcliffe, Australia (Originally in English)
It is with much enthusiasm that I share a story of the great positive changes happening in my hometown of Redcliffe, Australia. I know that Master and the whole universe have been supporting me in the endeavor of introducing the loving vegan diet to the local community. After handing out leaflets with the SOS message in my surrounding suburbs for many months, I decided to gather some funds and do my very best to set up a simple market stall that could represent Master’s Loving Hut style. After applying for the necessary food licenses and receiving the full support of my local council, I turned up at the community market place one Sunday, edging my way in with dairy-free muffins. News of the Loving Hut Express stall spread quickly, and many locals who had never been exposed to vegan food flocked to see the muffins that needed no eggs or milk. The whole day, the atmosphere was truly positive, including an angel musician Master seemed to have positioned near me who kept mentioning the Loving Hut Express on his microphone, bringing more and more people. Journalists from the area newspaper turned up, and I was in the paper the following week, with the headline “Vegan Food with Love.” I sold 170 Loving Muffins on the first day out and gave away the same number. In the following weeks, I surrendered everything to Master and with God’s grace, many unfavourable situations were turned to my advantage in the end. As customers began arriving in growing numbers, I used all the money I made to offer a greater variety of food choices as well as information to present to them. With Master’s presence always very evident at the stall, everyone loves it. I have been witness to people having their day uplifted just because of their visit to this little place of Love. I have settled in a more permanent location now, and the stall owners around me are now eating my food and constantly giving me the thumbs up. Some have even asked that I not be moved because they say they have wonderful days being able to look across at the lady who is always smiling. With the increased popularity, my daughter has offered to run the stall every second weekend so I can attend group meditations fortnightly. She has also emptied her home of all meat products and is raising her child as a vegetarian. Both of us also have the tireless, enthusiastic support of my husband who assembles the stall and removes it for us every week. In addition, people have begun ringing me at home, requesting delivery of frozen food so they can have it during the week. I make vegan cheesy chicken pies and sausage rolls in traditional Australian style, which are in great demand. I have been contacted by a university that wishes to be able to purchase these foods to sell to all of the students. There have also been many orders for special occasion cakes. In addition, the local paper has called me twice, asking if they could advertise for me, free of charge. In May Golden Year 9 (2012), my vegan peace pie was accepted by a mainstream grocery store for wholesale in response to great word-of-mouth stories. Within five minutes of being placed in their store on the first day, the pie started to sell. I now have a website up and running at www.peacepies.com.au to reach more customers. Every day there are more positive stories to tell and I feel I cannot remember them all. I work through the night cooking the food so I can meditate as best I can in the day, and this is my life now. My hometown is going through a major overhaul; the streets are being repaired and there is a new and fresh look coming. I keep seeing within myself that when all the rubble is cleared away, there will be a Loving Hut cafe standing there in all it’s glory for all God’s children to enjoy.
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| Special Reports
The Real Love—Supreme Master Television’s 5th
Anniversary Celebration
By Supreme Master Television News Team (Originally in English)
Commemorating five years of global broadcast with Master’s infinite love and guidance, Supreme Master Television held its 5th anniversary celebration on August 27, Golden Year 8 (2011) in Pasadena, California, USA. Greeted by our international Association members in vibrant traditional costumes, a sold-out audience of over 3,000 dignitaries, celebrities, and the public filled the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, a venue known for hosting prestigious events ranging from Broadway musicals and world-class ballet to the Prime Time Emmy Awards. As a grand two-part event, The Real Love featured a new Broadway-style musical inspired by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s true life story of love and selfless sacrifice. Also showcased were the enduring talents of iconic American singer/songwriter Don McLean (“American Pie,” “Vincent”). Supreme Master Ching Hai, who was invited as the guest of honor, joined the event via videoconference. Viewers worldwide were also able to tune in through Supreme Master Television’s live broadcast. The spectacular show was hosted by five charming veg actors: multi-Emmy nominees Grant Aleksander (All My Children) and Ed Begley, Jr. (Living with Ed); actresses Kristin Bauer (True Blood), Elaine Hendrix (The Parent Trap) and Hayley Marie Norman (Hancock). “The power of the arts to move and inspire us transcends languages and borders. From the stage of a performance hall to the oil canvas, artistic expression takes countless forms. It brings us together, helping us reflect upon who we are, where we have come from, and what lies ahead... American artists have developed unique and innovative styles, both treasured within our shores and loved by a global audience. Please accept my best wishes as you take part in this rich tradition.” These beautiful words came from His Excellency US President Barack Obama. Other notable government officials also sent congratulatory messages, including guest speaker The Honorable Curren Price, Jr., State Senator of California, who presented a certificate of commendation to congratulate Supreme Master Television on its anniversary. Caption: Congratulatory letter from US President Barack Obama. An Extraordinary Production and Golden Casts All the song lyrics of The Real Love were based on Master’s profound poems, with music contributed by five esteemed US composers: Oscar and five-time-Emmy winner Bill Conti (Rocky), Oscar winner Al Kasha (The Poseidon Adventure), Emmy-nominated musician Doug Katsaros, Tony and Emmy winner Don Pippin (Oliver!), and Oscar and two-time Grammy winner David Shire (Baby). Mr. Kasha, who had a chance to read many of Supreme Master’s poems and lectures, was inspired to tell Her life story through a musical. He stated, “It is with great admiration to Supreme Master Ching Hai that I compose music and musicalize her beautiful, moving, poignant poetry. She is by far, a true spiritual communicator to the world... with her message of peace and love that transcends time.” With award-winning actress Joanna Ampil cast in the lead role of Thanh, The Real Love traces the steps of Supreme Master Ching Hai from Her early life in Germany as a householder through Her subsequent journey to the mystical lands of India. The musical’s 38-member cast included Tony Award winners Daisy Eagan and Cady Huffman playing Thanh’s close friends Greta and Elsa, respectively; Tony nominees Adam Pascal and Robert Torti as Thanh’s husband Rolf and his colleague, Klaus, as well as Oscar-winning Shirley Jones and actor Dick Van Patten as Thanh’s parents-in-law. Joanna Ampil said, “I have played some amazing parts, and this would have to be at the top. It’s a real story; I’m playing a real person here. And it’s been such a wonderful journey for me BECAUSE FOR THIS PARTICULAR PART, I’VE TURNED VEGAN. So that in itself is a gift.” Actor Robert Torti said, “... I feel very blessed. Because I think that’s the only reason I got here. And I hope I can do it justice, do her words and her life justice.” The musical began with the magnificent feature song, “The Real Love.” Based on Supreme Master Ching Hai’s verses penned in April 2011 in light of recent conflicts erupting around the world, it makes a deeply heartfelt call for peace on Earth. The music was composed by Don Pippin, with guest star performers that included Tony-winning singer Betty Buckley (Cats), Italian classical/pop star Filippa Giordano, Oscar-winning actress Shirley Jones (The Partridge Family), Tony winners Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish (both stars of Billy Elliott the Musical), Emmy-winning singer Faith Rivera, noted actor and singer Tom Schmid, and soprano Lynne Wintersteller, as well as The Real Love chorus and orchestra. Reflecting on Thanh’s spiritual pursuit, actress Shirley Jones said, “She [Supreme Master Ching Hai] is an incredible, incredible human being. She truly gave up the love of her life for the love of other people and other animals. And I just think she’s got to be a saint really, has to be.” As the story of The Real Love continued to magically unfold, Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poetry formed the lyrics of each musical number to highlight the deep sentiments in every scene. The stirring tale’s conclusion was met with a standing ovation and many audience members were moved to tears. One guest, composer Stormy Sacks shared, “It’s an amazing story for someone to fall in love like she did and then to have to leave that to follow a greater path. What a lesson.” Caption: Special Guest of Honor – Supreme Master Ching Hai Following the musical, the guest of honor, Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke via videoconference and conveyed Her heartfelt thanks to all involved in the production. She said, “I can never thank all of you enough for your incredible loving dedication and support to art and love. This is the real love, your love.” In Her speech, Supreme Master Ching Hai described conditions that could lead to human annihilation as She urged everyone to expand their love—toward the animals by being vegan, and toward the Earth by going green—to ensure our safety within the universe. Master said, “Every kind of love will emit some beautiful positive energy to protect us, and to protect loved ones and something around us. So if each one of us gives more love into the surroundings, extending it more, a little bit further than family, with enough of that love, we will make up for the 100% love power needed to dissolve the greatest threat to our survival. I already saved 99%, but the 1% is absolutely important. It’s from you, your 1%. Please, give more love. … Be vegan, make peace. That’s all we have to do, and love.” Deeply moved by Master’s words, casting director Beverly Pomerantz stated, “I really didn’t know much about Supreme Master Ching Hai, and it was unbelievable. When I was listening to her, it brought tears to my eyes because she was so heartfelt and emotional.” Film producer Steve Lee Jones shared, “I certainly think the highlight is hearing an enlightened Master speak, and seeing her live on the video feed, and observing someone who is an enlightened Master, who is in a full meditative state while speaking in the material world—incredible.” Similarly touched, voice actress Teresa Ganzel (WALL-E, Monsters, Inc.) said, “I was so relieved when she continued on. Remember when she said, ‘Is my time up?’ If we hadn’t heard the rest of what she said, I mean that’s where really the gold came. When she was speaking about us turning into hybrid creatures by putting animals into us, and that we’re not really human when we do that, I’d never heard it expressed that way. And that really stuck with me.” Supreme Master Ching Hai further expressed Her loving care through offering generous contributions of US$35,000 to each of the six charitable organizations: ChildHelp, EarthSave, Environmental Media Association (EMA), Greenpeace, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and United Way Worldwide. The checks were given by VIP audience guests including two-time Oscar-nominated actress Carol Connors and The Honorable Mayor Howard Fishman of Hermosa Beach, California, USA. Accepting for EarthSave was the organization’s founder and bestselling vegan author John Robbins, (Diet for a New America) who said, “Thank you very much, Supreme Master Ching Hai… This gift will enable us to continue to grow our Meals for Health program and reach more and more people who need it. And I want to thank all of you who are here… for your commitment to living in a way that expresses your compassion.” ChildHelp founder and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sara O’Meara also stated, “It’s wonderful. It is the real love.” Caption: Receipts and thank-you letters from EarthSave, Environmental Media Association, ChildHelp, Greenpeace, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and United Way Worldwide for the financial contributions from Supreme Master Ching Hai The five celebrity hosts then shared their inspiring personal experiences on how they became vegetarians and vegans. Finally, guest star and acclaimed musician Don McLean performed some of his most well-loved songs, including “American Pie” and “Castles in the Air.” Before beginning the all-time classic “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” he said, “Master Ching Hai loves this song, so I’m doing this for her.” Master graciously stayed and sang along with the American musical legend, and at the end bid a loving farewell to the audience. After the show, celebrities and the public alike enjoyed a sumptuous vegan banquet catered by Loving Hut and One Veg World restaurants. They were also treated to a marvelous art exhibition titled “Blossoms of the Light,” featuring the uplifting, versatile and creative works of Supreme Master Ching Hai from the past two decades. On display were paintings, fans, Longevity Lamps, Celestial Fashion Clothing and Celestial Jewelry, including Master’s most recently designed collection, “Planet Cool.” Life-sized paper-mâché likenesses of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s adopted canine companions as well as the swans featured in Her #1 best-selling book, The Noble Wilds, greeted the guests. Master’s spiritual teachings and messages regarding the vegan solution for saving the planet were also available to visitors through impressive multi-media displays. Caption: Celebrities and the public alike enjoyed a sumptuous vegan banquet Veronique, one of the event attendees, shared her thoughts about the impressive art exhibit: “As soon as I got here, I felt this amazing love in the air. Honestly, I had no idea Master Ching Hai was so talented and she could do so many things. I knew she was artistic, I didn’t know the extent of her arts and on seeing so many pieces of paintings or photographs… the jewelry, the clothing, and the lamps, the books. What a tremendously talented person she is, not just a beautiful teacher, but her arts. Wow! I mean everybody has got to see her arts. It’s filled with light, love, it’s beautiful and you can tell where her heart is in her art. Because her art is really, it’s the image of the soul.” We are forever grateful for Master’s ever-present love, guidance and inspiration and pray that Heaven blesses Her abundantly as She continues Her compassionate mission of elevating our planet and bringing joy and peace to all beings. We also thank all the talented and pure-hearted artists for sharing the life story of an enlightened Being through their excellent performances and expressions. With Heaven’s grace, may they continue to bring uplifting and noble messages to humankind. Caption: Congratulatory letters from government officials of the United States Widespread Media Coverage Prior to and after the exciting 5th Anniversary celebration of Supreme Master Television through The Real Love, US and international media interest in the form of announcements, reports, and interviews were reaching the public via print, radio, Internet, and television. These included USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, ABC Channel 7, NBC Channel 4, Cable News Network (CNN), American Movie Classics (AMC), Turner Network Television (TNT), Hollywood Bowl Magazine, K-Earth 101.1 FM radio station, Laemmle Theaters, LA Weekly, The Washington Post, and many more. The event was also featured in international publications, from the Philippines to Australia to Formosa. Here are a few highlights: Sold
out tribute...world premiere of the musical “The Real Love.”
Supreme Master TV has made an impact on the Hollywood
scene.
It’s a phenomenal creative company.
An art exhibition of the creative works of Supreme
Master Ching Hai is open to event attendees free of charge, before and
after the show… Her refreshing artistic style is famous for rekindling
sparks of joy and tender love inside viewers’ hearts.
This
amazing musical, concert and art exhibit is a must-see for everyone. In
addition to the stars performing, many stars will be attending this event.
We’re lucky to have it [“The Real
Love”] coming here to Pasadena.
Ed Begley is going to be the MC. Music is by
Oscar winners Al Kasha, Bill Conti, Grammy winner David Shire, Emmy winner
Don Pippin, Emmy nominee Doug Katsaros. … Vegan banquet! See, people
don’t realize how good vegan food can be.
That sounds like a lot of work just for one performance.
But you know that’s… I always seek out those things that have
very, very short runs. It’s the only opportunity you’ll get
to see them. Because the energy is such that they’re putting everything
into it. It’s like opening night and closing night on the same evening.
TheRealLoveMusic.com. Well that’s something to see, and unique in
itself, as just described. And one time only, so you’ve got to be
there for that. Absolutely.
Over 3,000 people gave a rousing standing ovation
for the world premiere of “The Real Love,” a new musical which
brought together some of the biggest names of Hollywood and Broadway onstage
at the Pasadena Civic. As a reporter, naturally I am curious and wondered: How did these prestigious Oscar, Tony, and Grammy-winning composers come to set her poetry to music?… By the end of the evening, I knew the true answer: love – to “glorify love” as Supreme Master Ching Hai said in her speech. The love that Supreme Master Ching Hai has for humanity and the animals is unparalleled. Her unconditional heart draws those with a special affinity and like-minded artistic natures to her worthy cause and uplifting story.
Having returned to Australia, I have a sense of renewed pride in being
an Aulacese (Vietnamese) living in this world stage, knowing of a fellow
countrywoman who is so respectfully lauded and loved by those of all nationalities
and backgrounds. I also have hope for the future of our planet, knowing
that there are people like Supreme Master Ching Hai who are wholly committed
to preserving it, and for that, we are all grateful.
Artists and Guests Share Impressions of The Real Love Many artists, celebrity guests, and public attendees shared with Supreme Master TV their thoughts, insights, and impressions of the event and Master’s message about love. The following is a selection: Shirley Jones (Oscar-winning actress): “To do such an incredible musical, it was a short time. Usually it’s a lot longer, Broadway is months and months. But I have to tell you that the people that were involved, all of these incredible writers and lyricists and musicians—and they’re all top-notch—we had the best possible people.” Don Pippin (Tony and Emmy-winning composer): “I would love to share these words with Supreme Master Ching Hai. Bless you, Lady, for writing a property like this and sharing it with the world, and allowing us to compose music to your poems … If I were in her presence, I certainly would express to her my great appreciation for her caring about performers and the importance of recognizing what we do. Bless Supreme Master Ching Hai for having that attitude toward artists. We need it. It helps us to be better.” Al Kasha (Oscar-winning composer): “I realized that her [Supreme Master Ching Hai’s] life was a musical. The three great musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein dealt with two separate worlds coming together. So those are the ingredients that Supreme Master Ching Hai had, a separate calling in her life than her husband Rolf. [It] gave her the strength of a heroine, and that’s why she’s a hero in my eyes. And I believe it was fated that I met her. I’m very, very blessed. It was miraculous that you did this show as quickly as you did. Somehow God’s grace made it work. You made me a big believer that it [could] be done in three months and come out as beautifully as it did. God did it.” David Shire (Oscar and two-time Grammy-winning composer): “It’s a wonderful story for a musical, actually. It’s like none other that I’ve ever seen. And that’s what you want for a show, something that’s surprising. So I’m looking forward to the next one. I want to congratulate the Supreme Master for another wonderful anniversary celebration for a wonderful television station, Supreme Master Television.” Faith Rivera (Emmy-winning singer): “Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai, just thank you, thank you for existing. Thank you for coming so boldly into the world with your mission of love and peace that is touching so many. It has meant a lot to me to be a part of your project, to be in your energy.” Filippa Giordano (Italian classical/pop singer): “It’s very nice because the lyrics that Supreme Master wrote are very special and so true.” Dick Van Patten (Veteran actor, Eight Is Enough): “I just respect her [Supreme Master Ching Hai] so much for her whole thought and the wonderful things she does for animals. I think she’s giving of herself and that’s so nice to see. It’s so generous, and I appreciate her very much.” Elaine Hendrix (Actress, The Parent Trap; vegetarian): “This is an extremely elaborate event. It wasn’t just a musical, it was a musical and a presentation and a concert and a coming together of like-minded people for a very noble purpose, to share love and compassion.” Carol Connors (2-time Oscar-nominated songwriter/singer): “This was one of the most beautiful, inspiring moments.” Florence Larue (Grammy-winning singer): “Usually I am on stage. So I am absolutely thrilled to get to be in the audience and hear this wonderful music.” Cary Brown (3-time Emmy-winning filmmaker; 41st California State Assembly District Delegate; vegan): “The production value is incredible. This was a modern interpretation of her songs, her poems, and it captured the mood and the romance of the story. The last number (“The Peace Seeker”) was beautiful, and I was in tears.” Don Wuebbles, PhD (Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois; Nobel Peace Prize laureate): “As an expert in our human effects on climate, I just want to share with her [Supreme Master Ching Hai] that I really appreciate her leadership in trying to bring that message to the world. The science is all too real. To have someone like her that is trying to give the right message to people is really, really outstanding.” Michael Lerner (Oscar-nominated actor): “Supreme Master Ching Hai is a remarkable lady. I mean, she is very holy but not in any formal religious way. I was very impressed by that. And I thought all the performances were amazing. I thought Master Ching Hai’s speech was wonderful, and very illustrative of the musical, her passion for love.” Warmhearted Letters Exchanged about The Real Love In admiration for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s message of peace and Her life of service, composer Al Kasha proposed that Her story be told through a musical, with Master’s lyrical poetry forming the basis of the songs. The following are excerpts of cordial letters exchanged between Mr. Kasha and Supreme Master Ching Hai. On August 17, 2011, Mr. Kasha respectfully sent Her a letter of invitation to attend the musical:
In Her letter of reply, Master wrote:
After the event, Mr. Kasha wrote another letter to Supreme Master Ching Hai to express his heartfelt thoughts. The following is an excerpt:
This was accompanied by a letter to Supreme Master Ching Hai by his wife, Ceil Kasha:
In response to Mr. and Mrs. Kasha’s sincerity, Supreme Master Ching Hai wrote:
Supreme Master Ching Hai also received a heartfelt letter from award-winning actress Ms. Joanna Ampil, who played the role of Thanh in the musical. The following is an excerpt:
In Her letter of reply, Supreme Master Ching Hai wrote:
To watch a special review titled “The Real Love Musical: Inspiration, Devotion, Celebration” on Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://www.suprememastertv.com/mp/?wr_id=207&page=1#v
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The Love of Centuries: Love is Eternal--Celebrating Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Poetry
By Los Angeles News Group, USA (Originally in English)
On April 10, Golden Year 8 (2011) over a thousand guests attended “The Love of Centuries – Love is Eternal” concert at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center in California, USA. The event was an international celebration of love, communicated through song, dance and art. Many of the evening’s performances were based on works from Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poetry collection The Love of Centuries. Walking along a golden path over flowing water to a dome at the Center’s entrance, the guests were transported to a realm of beauty filled with Master’s artwork, including paintings, jewelry, lamps and clothing designs. Also, outside the venue, vegan hors d’oeuvres and cookies were served under the warm California sun. The Cerritos Performing Arts Center thus welcomed visitors with celestial creations reminding them of their true home. VIPs in attendance included Westminster City Councilmember, Tri Ta, Bob Linden of Go Vegan Radio, author Richard Greene, named one of the Greenest Heroes at the Cancun Dinner Gala, and Chris de Rose, founder of the animal-welfare group “Last Chance for Animals.” Many dignitaries from around the world also sent congratulatory messages via video, including Mr. Jaime Hernández Zaragoza, the Mayor of Cancún, Mexico and Mrs. Maneka Gandhi, Indian Member of Parliament, former Minister of the Environment and creator of the Indian Department of Animal Welfare. As a guest speaker, renowned vegan filmmaker and author Lionel Friedberg gave a moving speech entitled “Love and Poetry.” Regarding Master’s poems, Mr. Friedberg said, “The Love of Centuries is filled with tenderness, with concern, with compassion. There’s great depth in what she writes. Her words carry messages of happiness, of the vastness of the universe, of glad tidings and of inner serenity.” And speaking of meeting Master in person, he fondly recalled, “She exuded love, love in all its forms: warmth, kindness, understanding, affection, and a deep connection to the very pulse beat of Mother Earth. The Love of Centuries is the work that stands as a tribute to the elevated soul who wrote it.” Animal communicator Dexter Del Monte also described her experiences with the divine nature of animals and their role in helping humans move from the darkness to the light, saying that animals want to help humans live in the present, surrender and trust: “They do not judge us, even when we kill and eat them, and they offer pure, divine, love. If we treated others like animals treat us then the world would be a wonderful place.” In addition, Aulacese scholar Mr. Lý Kiến Trúc offered his insights on The Love of Centuries, and animal communicator Billie Dean discussed her interactions with animals, which reveal that our fellow beings are far more intelligent and telepathic than we realize. Ms. Dean conveyed a message from the bluebirds and hummingbirds who came to her while she was drafting her speech. She said they wanted to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her tireless work to create a change in humankind’s awareness about animals, and said that a new light is shining on Earth, but humans are taking a while to catch up. The animals also have a vision of profound peace for all species on our planet. The audience was then mesmerized by inspiring musical performances by talented artists from around the world. South Korean songwriter Excellent Soo sung “A Puppy’s Heart” accompanied by the vegan Rainbow Dream Chorus. Dancers dressed as puppies provided a joyful background for the song. Composer Robin Chiang wrote and performed music for Master Ching Hai’s poems “Precious Stars” and “Moon of Mine,” sung in Chinese and “Song 4 the Sun,” sung in Spanish. Soaring music and celestial singing were the highlights of “The Love of Centuries” composed by Grammy Award winner Bill Cunliffe, and performed by soprano Giorgia Fumanti, who presented another song, “A Word with the Buddha Stone-Statue.” Mr. Cunliffe said that the words reminded him of the people of Japan who had recently suffered through the tsunami, particularly the line “Cry no more.” He prayed that things return to normal for the Japanese people, and that the Buddha can smile again. Also gracing the stage were singer Marie-Josee Rose Lavoie who performed “To Prince” in French, with guitar accompaniment by the song’s composer Sylvan Lamy, and Tony Award-winner Karen Ziemba and Emmy-nominee Doug Katsaros who sang “It Is Not So, My Love” and “Old Lover,” two original compositions by Oscar winner Al Kasha. In addition, the dance “Dreaming of Dunhuang” was brought to life by the Asian Arts Talents Foundation; “A tribute to past Poets and Musicians” was performed by Robin Chiang and Jung-yi Alice Hsieh Daugherty on piano and flute; soprano Kerry Walsh sang her own compositions “The Ideal Beloved” and “I Am,” and the Korean Three Drum Dance “Sam Goo Woo” was performed by the Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute. Master Speaks of Poetry and Reveals Secrets of the Sun Supreme Master Ching Hai joined the concert via video conference to the sound of thundering applause and cheers. Dressed as a Native-American girl, Master spoke about the nature of poetry, saying, “We don’t make poetry, we draw it from the air, the atmosphere, our hearts.” She explained that not only is love vital but also love poetry, because it brings us together on the planet. Love reminds us that we are all from the same essence. She emphasized that we can never have too much love in the physical domain, and that for this world the best thing is love. While answering a question from Ms. Janice Belson about the love of the Moon, stars and Sun, Master revealed a secret of the universe: If a person who is good at heart, who does no harm and who keeps a vegan diet looks up at the Sun every day and asks for spiritual blessing, he will reach a high spiritual level, possibly the Fifth level; while a person who is not vegan will only reach the Third level. She added that being a vegan means we have less burden and our God nature is less covered so it’s easier for the Sun to lift us to the Fifth Level. Raw-food advocate Chef BeLive Mr. Brian James Lucas asked Master about all the political unrest occurring in the world, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Africa. With deep sympathy, Master said that leaders are always in danger of going astray due to flattery, being told the wrong things, and not having a strong spiritual foundation. But to have good leaders we need to be good ourselves. In regard to acts of vengeance, Master emphasized, “Vengeance is never the answer. Vengeance will create more suffering in the long run. When God declared that ‘vengeance belongs to me,’ Hes meant do not take matters into your hands. Let the universal law take care of it. So peace is the only way. Forgive each other so that God will forgive us. Make peace with each other so that peace will prevail.” She also sent a powerful message to all those involved in war: “Please stop for a moment and consider. Do not be fooled by the negative force, which seeks to control our mind and stirs up hatred between us so that the war game will start and never end. Do not stay trapped in the madness of all that, which was meant to enslave our souls in the dark realm. It will never take us to Heaven if we kill, no matter what. Get out of war; get out of cruelty; get out of all that is not love and kindness.” Finally, Master recited Her new poem “The Real Love,” and reminded everyone to do whatever they can to bring peace to this planet. The closing song Go! Go! Go! was highly inspirational and compelling. The song’s lyrics and music and the voices of the singers caused the audience members’ spirits to soar as they applauded, stood and participated in singing with the performers to take action, “Go for it!” and save planet. The venue was then filled with love, joy and a sense of hope. Afterwards a beautiful vegan dinner was served to the guests who lingered late into the night enjoying conversation with friends both new and old. Guests and Artists Share their Concert Experiences Vegan telepathic animal communicator Dexter Del Monte, USA: “Just walking in that dome that was built with all her designs and books, I could just feel her energy and it brought tears to my eyes. She is a loving presence and I would just love to meet her. What an inspiration!” Puerto Rican-born pop singer and vegetarian Elisa Meri: “I feel honored to be performing a song that just gives back to the Sun, something that we take for granted. There is a line in there that says when you are feeling down, look up at the Sun. I love that line. So I will be definitely tuning in on that.” Art director for the Assyrian Aid Society Paul Batou, USA: “I love her poems, I love her message, the message of love. That’s what the world misses these days, like we see nature is destroyed by wars, and human beings. Supreme Master Ching Hai, her message, I wish everybody could hear it and honor it.” Tony Award-winning singer Karen Ziemba, USA: “I think she’s an enlightened human being. She has had a calling, and she is fulfilling that. And the rest of us are benefitting from that and learning from that, and wanting to take her lead.
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Glorifying Earth with Heavenly Love and Beauty – Celestial Art and The Love of Centuries: Aulacese Edition Premiere Concert
By Los Angeles News Group, USA (Originally in Aulacese)
To celebrate the premiere of the Aulacese (Vietnamese) edition of two books: Celestial Art, a compilation of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Heaven-inspired art pieces and designs, and The Love of Centuries, Her most recent exquisite poetry collection, a concert was held on May 29, Golden Year 8 (2011), at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Organized by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, the conference was attended by about 1,500 guests and featured insightful speeches by esteemed guest speakers, as well as wonderful performances by acclaimed singers, renowned composers and talented dancers. Despite Her busy schedule, invited guest of honor Supreme Master Ching Hai made time to attend the event via videoconference, during which She expressed Her heartfelt appreciation for all artists and their precious contributions to our world. On behalf of the President and faculty of the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Associate Professor Dr. Laddawan Na Ranong graciously welcomed everyone as she wished the conference great success. Commenting on Celestial Art, the famed Aulacese caricaturist Nhữ Đěnh Ngoạn, also known as painter Nhím, expressed his admiration for Master’s extraordinary and diverse artistic talent. He said Master’s creations revealed Her wealth of knowledge in terms of culture and the arts. In addition, he said, “The book also reveals that Master is always living in harmony with nature, with the peaceful and simple lives of all beings.” Poet and playwright Nguyễn Thị Hồng Ngát shared her thoughts on The Love of Centuries. To help readers fully appreciate the beauty of the verses in the Aulacese language, she suggested the poems be recited aloud to hear the melodious, rhythmic arrangement of 4-word, 5-word and free poetic styles, with special attention given to the six-eight rule that the poet Supreme Master Ching Hai had strictly applied. She ended her speech with Master’s poem “I Am,” because in her opinion, this profound and humorous poem represents Master’s philosophy, worldview, and poetry: “I am a politician without a platform. I am a King without a throne. I am a soldier without weapons. I am a victim without justification. I am a fighter without enemy. Friends and foes, they’re all within me!” Musician Trần Quang Lộc has created many songs from Master’s poetry such as “Only Wishes” and “Since I’ve Loved You.” In his speech, he remarked that Master’s poems represent the voice of the heart as he said, “They are the love of a Master that is reserved for sentient beings who are still lost in the illusions of the mundane world of sorrows.” He went on to convey his gratitude for the chance to soar high with the remarkable lyrics carried in Her choice of words, and expressed his admiration and appreciation to Zen Master and Poet Supreme Master Ching Hai. The audience was treated to a night of magnificent and uplifting international performances that included dances from Âu Lạc, Thailand, South Korea and China, as well as songs adapted from Master's poems: “The Love of Centuries,” composed by Phạm Duy and sung by Duy Quang; “To the Love of My Lives” and “The Fragrant Path,” realized by composer Quang Dũng and sung by Hồng Lę; “Bird of Paradise,” by musician Trần Đěnh and performed by the Cỏ Lạ band; and “A Word with the Buddha Stone-Statue,” by musician An Thuyęn and performed by the vegan singer Hồ Quỳnh Hương. Our Association members from Formosa also presented a marvelous Celestial Clothes fashion show. The climax of the conference came when Master appeared on screen, greeted by enthusiastic and welcoming applause from the guests. Looking elegant and youthful in a pink outfit, Master told everyone a simple yet profound tale She said that She made up especially for the artists of this world. At the beginning of the Creation, God had made two groups of people: the artist group and the non-artist group. The artist group became so involved in creating things and beautifying the world that they didn’t have time to support themselves financially. On the other hand, the non-artist group was busy making money, opening banks and enjoying material comfort. Hearing of the plight of the artists, God made a third group, the “art lovers,” who not only could earn money but also supported the artists. Master ended the story, saying, “So God was very pleased with Hiers arrangement and the artist people were also very, very mightily happy.” She said she hoped that there would be more art lovers in the world, so that the artists during their lifetime are provided the basic necessities for human comfort and dignity. Feeling overwhelmingly touched by these special people through personal encounters in many expos and conferences, Master highlighted the saintly quality of the artists as She said She wished everyone in the world would have a chance to know an artist in person: “Not just appreciating their work, but their extraordinary kind heart, their high level of gentleness and their exceptional talents which brought smiles to the world, which bring sunshine into our lives, which comfort us when we are in trouble and sorrow. All this should be appreciated and supported in whatever means possible by individuals and the society at large, so that they can contribute more to our world and secure their comfort materially for their life while they’re working to beautify this planet.” While answering questions from vegan musician Minh Hŕ and vegan composer Thái An about the qualities of celestial art and the difference in artistic value between the work of an enlightened artist and that of an ordinary one, Master further explained that when artists are in tune with Heaven, their creations will naturally carry Heavenly blessings, which will in turn make people feel happy, touched and elated. For example, Her Celestial Jewelry might be a reminder of the Divine inner wonders, while Her Longevity Lamps not only illuminate with physical light, but also can reawaken the spiritual splendor within. She encouraged all artists to take care to elevate themselves so that they can be more in tune with the Heavenly creative force. Then their work and their beings will bring upliftment to people and benefit all in different directions, even before they put their thoughts onto canvas, into musical notes or into sentences of poetry. Master praised Dr. Ngô Đức Vượng, a biologist who has been vegan for almost 30 years, for his artistic contributions as a scientist, saying that these also remind of our original nobility and the loving quality of Heaven. She pointed out: “Biology of our planet is great art. The whole planet is a great art, the great Creation. So everything we love in this life is the love of art. So biologists or otherwise, it’s the same – all art lovers.” Artist Nông Vĩnh Quang, a vegetarian, asked Master what an artist can do to reduce the effects of global warming, to not only give meaning but also spiritual value to life. Master replied that artists can voice their concerns and opinions through their creations; bring their feelings to the turbulent world to awaken humanity’s dormant divine nature. Above all, She emphasized that artists should first heal themselves of all inflicted wrong concepts and of wounds sustained by wrong actions and influences. Then they can also heal the world. Though not able to be present physically, several VIPs from around the globe sent their greetings via video clips, including Kang Yuan, poet and Chair of the Kang Yuan Culture & History Workshop from Formosa (Taiwan); Silvana Andrade (Vegan), journalist and founder of the ANDA News Agency of Animal Rights from Brazil; Stijn Bruers (Vegan), author and animal activist from Belgium; Nguyệt Oanh (Vegetarian), journalist from Âu Lạc; and Victoria Moran (Vegan), international speaker and bestselling author of Creating a Charmed Life from USA. The concert concluded with the song “Let’s Love,” adapted from Master’s poem into music by musician Minh Hŕ, and performed by singers Hoŕng Hiệp, Phan Ngọc Luân, Hồng Lę and Hồ Quỳnh Hương and all participating artists, with an overwhelming response from the audience. We thank the prosperous and hospitable country of Thailand, especially the Royal family and government agencies, for extending their warm welcome to host such a beautiful event. We are also grateful to Master and all artists in the world for bringing the glory of Heaven to Earth, to comfort the souls of people and to remind us to return to our true Home! To watch Supreme Master TV’s coverage on this book premiere, please visit: http://video.godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/EE1768j.php
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World Vegan, World Peace: A Conscious Choice
—an Enlightening Discussion with Supreme Master Ching Hai
By Illinois News Group, USA (Originally in English)
With God’s grace and the collaborative efforts of our Association members from different centers in the US, Formosa, South Korea and Canada, on August 11, Golden Year 8 (2011) the conference World Vegan, World Peace: A Conscious Choice was held at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Broadcast live on Supreme Master TV, the event featured an interview via video link with the guest of honor, Supreme Master Ching Hai. Speaking with Her were Commissioners Patricia Horton and Frank Avila of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, along with Mr. Avila’s beloved wife Sherry, who is a teacher and award-winning docent for the Loyola University Museum of Art. Commissioner Avila, with over 40 years of experience as a professional engineer, is an elected official of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. He is an active participant of the Water Environment Federation and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. Both he and his wife are vegan and are passionate about issues concerning the environment, climate change and health. Together, they have produced many Chicago Access Network TV (CAN TV) shows with such topics as, “How Does the Environment Impact Our Health?” and “The Future of Clean Water.” Upon learning about Supreme Master Ching Hai and through watching Supreme Master Television, Commissioner Avila came to know of Master’s great love and concern for the less fortunate and all beings in our world and has said that She is like Mother Teresa. The Interview On the day of the conference, the venue was radiantly transformed, thanks to Master’s blessings. In his opening speech, Commissioner Avila spoke of his responsibilities as a commissioner for the district that treats wastewater for the entire greater Chicago area, as well as ensuring the safety of water supplied by Lake Michigan. He said that since God has given us an abundance of precious resources in this Great Lakes region, we have an obligation to protect those resources. He shared from his personal life that his wife encouraged him to be a good example and that with her assistance he became a vegan about seven years ago. Since then his health has improved significantly and now, even in his seventies, he sings and dances quite well – all thanks to the plant-strong diet. In sharing Her insights and abundant wisdom, Master expressed Her admiration for Commissioner Avila’s hard work and high moral principles that She said not only guide his endeavors but have also shaped this great nation of America. Master said, “Loving kindness and virtuous living protect us and our world. The wider we extend our circle of loving kindness, the wider we will be, the wider we will have the shield of protective positive energy around us.” She called upon all caring people to be vegan and to pray and meditate for “World Vegan, World Peace.” During the interview, Master exchanged ideas with Commissioner Avila, Commissioner Horton and Mrs. Avila and answered questions on a wide range of topics that included love, peace, the environment and current affairs in the United States and around the world. In response to Commissioner Avila’s question about how Master would teach teachers to teach the children so that when they grow up, they already know how to protect our planet, Master said, “Actually, all of us have to be teachers. We are supreme teachers. We have the Supreme Power within us. Our father, God, is the Supreme Teacher.” She further highlighted the importance of children learning and following the Five Universal Peace Principles that are central to all religious orders of this world:
Master suggested that all school curriculums include these uplifting moral values, which will then be reflected back to us, and we will be happy and have true peace. While elaborating on the issue of water shortage and use, Master praised the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for the wonderful job they are doing in treating wastewater to maintain the health and safety of over 5 million people in Cook County through impressive engineering, high-class facilities, diligent management and hard work. She also saluted Commissioner Horton for her dedication to bringing people safe water and for all she has done to help improve the lives of the less fortunate. Commissioner Horton has been honored with the Presidential Award for her efforts in alleviating poverty and for her work with disadvantaged women in Chicago that helped 5,000 women start their own businesses. Raising the topic of reducing Medicare costs as a way to decrease the US budget deficit, as well as a heated debate occurring at the time about healthcare reform in the US, Commissioner Horton asked Master how we can change people’s focus from sickness and medical treatment to living in a way that prevents sickness as we promote health instead. Master affirmed that it’s crucial for the public to acknowledge that prevention is better than cure. “The government can do a whole lot by giving people references through newspapers, broadcasting, television, radio and Internet to share valuable information about the preventive way to share a happy and healthy life. The vegan diet can reverse and eliminate all kinds of diseases, even cancer, diabetes and heart diseases... The country will grow strong, if you have healthy people.” As a poetry lover, Mrs. Avila was very touched by Master’s poem, “Please Don’t!” from Her poetry book, The Love of Centuries. After reading excerpts aloud from this poem, she asked Master how to make people understand that war is not the solution to conflicts and to please explain the best way for countries to protect their uniqueness, spiritual and moral values, as well as material possessions. Master said that the best way for all countries to safeguard themselves is by helping fellow nations to grow and develop. Quoting the famed US President Abraham Lincoln, who once said, “I destroy my enemies by making them my friends,” Master went on to explain, “We should use our power and financial privilege to extend humanitarian rather than military help or even aggressive action to those weaker and developing nations. Then enemies would fade.” And with such a policy, Master said, “People in the world will respect and cooperate with each other, or with the powerful nation, not out of fear of strong military force, but out of respect and love.” Commenting on the “My Plate” campaign launched by US First Lady Michelle Obama, Master applauded it as an improvement from the standard diet of the past, because it emphasizes more plant-based eating than ever before. She said it would be best if all governments would recommend recipes based on compassion and for moral, virtuous and God-like qualities as well as health. Pointing out that leaders must be courageous enough to provide correct information and help reverse outdated myths about the meat and dairy industries, Master said that ultimately, the government’s policies “must promote and subsidize organic vegan farming and stop subsidies for the animal industry… Subsidize life and health, not disease and death.” At the end of the conference, with deep emotion and tears in Her eyes, Master shared with the audience Her latest poem dedicated to Her beloved special dog Hermit who passed away just a few days prior to the event. She said, “For all the dog lovers in the world, I know how they feel.” There was barely a dry eye in the auditorium as the audience, deeply touched by Master’s profound love for Her companion, listened to the poem. The Entertainment The entertainment for the conference was spectacular, with performances by many brilliant vegan or vegetarian artists from several different countries. The artists included Chicago Sings for Planet Earth, a newly formed teen choir group; Jāma Jandroković, accompanied on the piano by Mr. Robin Chiang; Alex Arndt, the brilliant young singer-songwriter who lit up the stage along with Ms. Yvonne Smith, lovingly known as The Traveling Vegetarian; Sanoeth Schulze, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Brazil; Moria Greyland, an award-winning Celtic; and Gayung Shin, a young, talented vegan singer from South Korea. Our Association members from Taichung, Formosa performed an inspirational dance. Also delighting the audience in both English and Japanese was the Sipa Baled Clone Band. With great anticipation, the audience welcomed the legendary Dick Gregory, African American comedian, actor, author and recording artist. Since 1961, he has remained one of the most influential civil rights activists, philosophers, anti-drug crusaders, vegans and advocates of healthy living of all time. Mr. Gregory has been credited for introducing vegetarianism to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s son, who went on to influence his mother Coretta Scott King, to become a vegan. On stage, Mr. Gregory lit up the room with his witty jokes and words of wisdom on the topic of diet. He said, “When you change that diet and you find that real love locked down into here (the heart), fear goes out the window ... When we leave here, understand that we have the power to change this planet.” In his last remarks, Mr. Gregory stated to Master, “Your message is getting through.” Feedback Master’s message of love and compassion for all beings touched everyone at the conference. Commissioner Horton expressed her admiration, saying, “I’m going to take this message to everyone that I know. And if it just changes one life, one life like it has changed mine, we are moving toward saving our planet, saving our environment and towards veganism.” Commissioner Avila expressed his strong support for Master’s proposal that governments should ban the killing of animals, just as governments ban tobacco right now. Guadalupe Nieves - Assistant Director of the Office of Event Services at the University of Chicago, told our Association members that the conference made her realize the many reasons to become a vegan and that she would start adopting the vegan diet. She also commented that this conference was one of the most impressive collaborations she had been privileged to be a part of. On his way to the airport, Mr. Dick Gregory mentioned to one of our Association members that although he had been all over the world in the past 60 years with every sort of person and organization, he had never seen an organization like ours. He said that our members had smiles, were not selling anything and were not asking for or even accepting donations. Everyone was quietly, efficiently and in a relaxed, happy manner taking care of their own duties. He also said Master’s message was one of only love, informing people about how to be more loving to others, how to do more to help those in need and how to mitigate suffering and save our planetary home. We thank Commissioner Horton, Commissioner Avila and his wife Sherry Avila for making the conference their top priority. They spent hours working together with our Association members get the message out in the best way regarding the critical state of our planet. We wish that many more people will be inspired toward such collaborative efforts so that our planet will soon be transformed into a vegan paradise! To watch the conference coverage by Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW1809j.php
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Hsihu Welcomes Dignitaries and Former Vice President Speaks with Master via Videoconference
By Taipei News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)
On August 16, Golden Year 8 (2011), former Vice President of the Republic of China, Her Excellency Annette Lu Hsiu-lien, visited the Hsihu Center along with a former Senior Advisor to the President, the Deputy Secretary General of the Thai-Taiwan Business Association and twelve representatives from the Taiwan Federation of Business and Professional Women. The visitors were sincerely welcomed by members of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. Former Vice President Lu warmly greeted and shook hands with our Association members. Accompanied by our Association representatives, the dignitaries toured Hsihu, making a special visit to the cave where Master formerly resided and meditated. Her Excellency was deeply impressed by Master’s simple, thrifty lifestyle as the representatives explained why Master refuses to build temples and accept offerings. The Association members also shared their experiences in providing worldwide disaster relief and medical assistance. Pointing out the severity of recent natural disasters, Her Excellency emphasized the need for humankind to be vigilant, while humbly acknowledging that she has much to learn, especially from our Association’s highly experienced, professional relief teams. She also expressed her hope that we can all work together to form a stronger force in saving the Earth, and brought a gift set of two cups for Master called “Era of Peace and Prosperity Unfolds as the Lotus Blossoms.” On behalf of Master, the Association members then presented Her Excellency with the Millennium Lotus Celestial Jewelry. Next, in a blissful atmosphere, Her Excellency and Master engaged in a cordial exchange of views via videoconference. Master welcomed Her Excellency and praised her as a living Bodhisattva for promoting efforts to save the environment and the planet and protect the people despite her busy schedule. Her Excellency asked Master about the progress that has been made to save the Earth through the plant-based diet and what more needs to be achieved. Master responded that much remains to be done in many areas. As the vegan diet is still a new concept to much of the world, people find it difficult to change their habits and thus need more time to adapt to a meat-free lifestyle. However, if more world leaders would openly support the vegan diet as Her Excellency has done, the impact would be greater and the transformation could be achieved more quickly. Her Excellency mentioned that she now hosts only vegetarian dinners and explains the benefits of the plant-based diet to her guests, in hopes of persuading them to change their lifestyles, adding that her dream is for all restaurant owners to ask their chefs to learn to prepare meat-free dishes in order to promote plant-based living. When asked about the frequency of natural disasters, Master spoke of the current chaos and occurrence of earthquakes, typhoons, floods, droughts, and heat waves, stating that another grave danger is that the sun is undergoing a change. If a solar flare occurs or the sun emits too much heat, there will be no need to talk about other catastrophes on Earth. Besides, there is an immense, destructive energy coming from the depths of the universe, which can only be stopped if the whole planet goes vegan and society’s moral standards are improved. Then Her Excellency asked if Master was optimistic about the future, and Master replied that there is still hope, which is why She meditates more than ten hours a day, praying for Heaven’s blessing for humanity and reminding everyone from within to return to their original, virtuous nature and benevolent qualities. The connection is more effective through the power of meditation, so She asks all spiritual practitioners and non-practitioners around the world to meditate together every day to pray for Heaven’s protection. After the videoconference, the distinguished guests were treated to a sumptuous feast of organic vegan delicacies exquisitely prepared by our fellow initiates. Most of the guests said that the delectable, healthy feast was comparable to a national banquet and if it were available each day, everyone would become a vegan and the Earth would be saved. Her Excellency Annette Lu then lauded our Association for its disaster-relief and rescue efforts, charitable work and many talented members. Before leaving Hsihu, the guests received gifts from our Association, including vegan moon cakes, organic foods, Master’s publications and DVDs, and brochures on the vegan diet. The grand reception for our honored guests concluded with a warm farewell.
Captions:
For online viewing of the videoconference between Her Excellency Annette Lu and Supreme Master Ching Hai on Supreme Master Television, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW1808.php
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Supreme Master Television’s Farewell
(Originally in English)
January 2, Golden Year 9 (2012) marked the final day of broadcasting for Supreme Master Television. Each day around the clock for the past five years, Supreme Master Television has accompanied global viewers through the offering of free-to-air constructive and wholesome programming. Conceived by and graced with the loving guidance of Supreme Master Ching Hai and Heaven’s blessings, this unique TV channel had the precious opportunity to reach many corners of the world via satellite, cable TV, Internet and various other modern-day communication methods. With earnest hopes of helping to bring long-lasting peace, joy and upliftment for the Earth’s citizens, including our animal co-inhabitants, Supreme Master Television has faithfully been among the voices of conscience and consciousness advocating for a greener and more compassionate planet. Through collective efforts involving the kind cooperation and assistance of government officials, dignitaries, celebrities, international artists, and experts in diverse disciplines, as well as the dedication of Association members, some positive fruits have been borne, both visible and invisible. It has been a remarkable five-year journey for all! Commemorating the five-year anniversary of Supreme Master Television, US Congressman and vegan Dennis J. Kucinich wrote: “In a world where the focus sometimes seems to be on humankind’s inability to work together to support life on our precious planet, the educational and inspiring programs featured on Supreme Master Television offer hope and encouragement to those who choose to nurture humankind’s most noble quality.” A Heart-to-Heart Talk with Supreme Master Ching Hai Following the final airing of Supreme Master Television, Master held a videoconference with Supreme Master Television staff in Los Angeles, USA, conveying both comfort for global viewers’ sadness and Her own sense of loss at seeing the five years of programming end. “I also felt very sad, because suddenly the TV just went black, you know?” Master said. “And I’m sure it is because the whole world also feels sad. It’s really overwhelming.” She commended the diligence of the worldwide staff over the last few years, saying She felt proud that Supreme Master TV was really top-notch. Master gently explained the reason why the programming was coming to an end: “First of all, Heaven says stop. Also, for all the staff to rest and to meditate, because meditation is very good for the world. We have been reminding them, and now they have to do it also. There is also a certain extent of how much we can do.” She added, “We still continue to do charity work whenever we can. It’s just that we don’t have Supreme Master Television anymore. It’s also a good thing. Sometimes we talk too much, but it doesn’t mean people listen.” Expressing Her heartache at the helplessness of so many beings in this world, Master said, “I keep telling the Maya of this world that this world is hell. Whatever he created is no good. Everything he does is no good here, for everybody, for the animals, for the humans. All these temptations and traps and tricks make people lose their purpose and cannot even defend themselves. And then everyone contaminates everyone else. It is really a pitiful state of being, to live in this world, animals or humans.” She went on to encourage all Quan Yin practitioners to devote more time and energy to deep meditation, reminding that enlightenment is only the beginning. As for Herself, Master said that meditation is the most important thing in the world; the rest is secondary. For that purpose, She could bear any condition with minimum food and shelter, and even sometimes without electricity or water. Master clarified the meaning of purity: “Remember in the Bible, it says, ‘Except you become a child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God’? That means purity. Purity is the state where you don’t desire anything. You’re not into this world for anything, not for gain or for anything at all. Not even a teeny-weeny little bit... Most people in this world, they’re only pure to a maximum of about 90%, because of too much contamination and not enough time to clean, to meditate. The higher you go into the Kingdom of the spiritual abode, the purer you become.” Master mentioned that with intense practice, Her purity percentage has reached 1,700% of a maximum 2,700%, and Her health has also been thankfully restored more than halfway to the invincible state. “That’s why I tell you that you have to meditate more. You get more things; you don’t just see a few visions and hear some music,” She said. “And now, if you don’t have to rescue people, then you have to recuperate yourself and clean up... You have to recover. You have to be healthy again, and then, you have to retrain yourself to be stronger, in case you have to rescue people again.” At the end of the conference, Master revealed the locations of Heaven Portals that are now present in Centers around the world and their Spiritual Blessing Power in percentage points. Letters from Viewers Within just hours of the announcement of Supreme Master Television’s final broadcast, countless messages through email, Facebook and Twitter arrived from global audience members who expressed their gratefulness as well as their reluctance to see it end. Here are a selected few:
We thank Supreme Master Ching Hai, the extended staff of Supreme Master Television, and all noble-minded friends for their extraordinary efforts to share the constructive information presented on the channel. May we each continue to strive toward the shared goal of World Vegan, World Peace.
To watch the farewell conference with Supreme Master Ching Hai, please visit http://suprememastertv.com/farewell/
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The European Launch of From Crisis to Peace: The Organic
Vegan Way is the Answer in Multiple Languages
By European News Team (Originally in English)
In celebration of the publication of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s book From Crisis to Peace: The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer in multiple European languages, an international conference highlighting the importance of the vegan lifestyle, the largest of its kind in the region, was held on October 30, Golden Year 8 (2011) at the beautiful Amphitheater in Association Immobiličre de l'Ecole Militaire (ASIEM), in Paris, France. Key to the event’s theme was the book’s message about the uplifting and planet-saving benefits of vegan fare, with language versions that included English, Spanish, Dutch, French, Hungarian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, and Swedish. The conference was attended by several hundred guests and was also broadcast live via Ustream for global viewer access. Hosting the event were the radiant French actress Evelyne Christ-Dassas and Mr. Tobias Leenaert, director of the Ethical Vegetarian Alternative (EVA) of Belgium, which initiated the first European Meatless Day in Ghent. Caption: The videoconference was also broadcast live and interactively on the Ustream platform. An array of eminent speakers shared in person and via video message their first-hand experience as well as comprehensive research demonstrating the multi-faceted benefits of the organic vegan diet. Citing its significant effect on not only health but also the environment, the economy and ethical compassion, they all shared the view that the most effective and efficient way to resolve our current planetary crisis is to adopt the cruelty-free lifestyle. Mr. Renato Pichler, who leads the Swiss Union for Vegetarianism, is president of the European Vegetarian Union and vice president of Animal Party Switzerland, spoke about the adverse economic consequences of meat consumption. Presenting compelling scientific data, he explained the damaging impacts of animal-based food production and consumption on water, land, and air as he encouraged European governments to support farmers growing vegetables or fruits rather than continuing to subsidize meat and milk production. In his presentation, Mr. Jim McNamara, Educational Director of the Organic College in Limerick, Ireland, introduced this unique school that provides students with conceptual knowledge along with hands-on experience in organic growing and sustainable development. He stated, “Organic is a message of hope. It embodies the craft of growing and the wisdom and philosophy of many millennia. It requires patience, renewal and most of all witnesses that will share with others our creative collective intelligence. The gains for being such effective witnesses and working co-operatively are not just for the human family, but for all creatures on this fragile Earth.” Mrs. Margaret Langerhorst of Austria, who with her husband runs a successful organic vegan farm (http://www.gugerling.at) described their switch to the vegan lifestyle from a background of livestock and dairy farming after realizing their compassion for the animals. They and their five children are now all healthy vegans. Mrs. Langerhorst lovingly shared tips with the audience on how to carefully develop layers of compost from plant matter and other material, to ensure the health of the soil and harmonious growth of plants, which she noted are the basis for the existence of both the animal and human kingdoms. She said, “Life brings us to awareness where we realize that love and gratitude are the gates to bliss. This awareness contributes to peace in all being.” Acclaimed German designer Christian Vagedes, who is also president of the Vegan Society of Germany as well as author of the book veg up: die veganisierung der welt (“Veg up, Veganizing the World”), delivered a powerful and inspirational speech in which he called on everyone to have the courage, imagination and compassion to shift to a plant-based lifestyle. He said, “If we are to stop destroying the rainforests, get a grip on hunger in the world within the next fifty years and save our oceans from being fished empty, if we really want to drastically reduce CO2 emissions and come to the aid of our biosphere, then we need no longer discuss whether veganization is daredevil or visionary, but need to discuss when to make a start.” With positive vision, he reminded the audience of the more than 500,000 vegans already in Germany as he pointed out, “All this should not frighten us, but encourage us and give us hope, for we will succeed, even without banquets and politicians. For love is the force that overcomes all in the universe, and the idea of veganizing arose from the love of all life.” Other speakers included vegetarian Dutch film director Ms. Karen Soeters, whose deeply moving documentary Meat the Truth has been much-lauded around the world; Dr. Jérôme Bernard-Pellet, French vegan physician and co-founder of Apsares, Association of Health Professionals for a Responsible Diet; Ms. Deborah Brown Pivain, manager of Gentle Gourmet, the first vegan bed & breakfast guest house in Paris and president of the annually celebrated Paris Vegan Day, promoting the plant-based way of life; Mr. Fréderic Freund, vegetarian French director of Aid to Animals in Abattoirs (OABA), an organization working to end the cruelty of animals being sent for slaughter; and Princess Maja von Hohenzollern of the European Animal and Nature Protection Group (ETN) and 2-time honored recipient of the European Animal Welfare Award. Greeting the conference participants via video message were Mr. Pierre Rabhi, famous French writer, philosopher, organic farmer and founder of Colibris (Hummingbird), Movement for Earth and Humanism, as well as Mr. Jean Montagard, French pioneer chef of vegetarian cuisine, who described the first national vegan cooking competition that he co-organized in France. Caption: French vegan physician Dr. Jérôme Bernard-Pellet receives the Green Vegan Hero Award along with Appreciation Letters from our Association representative. As presented by a representative for Supreme Master Ching Hai, all the prestigious speakers received either the Organic Green Vegan Hero Award or the Green Vegan Hero Award as well as Appreciation Letters in recognition of their courage, unprecedented work and vision that has contributed to the awakening of many fellow humans toward ending the pain and suffering of our animal friends. Ms. Michele Scharapan, the famous French vegan pianist, then delighted the audience with her wonderful music. Having given concerts and performed in international festivals throughout North America, Africa, and Europe, Ms. Scharapan takes her message of animal rights wherever she goes. When one of Association members sang as she played John Lennon’s song “Imagine,” the touching atmosphere moved all the participants to join in song together. In addition to this notable series of presentations, a wonderful photographic exhibition also displayed highlights of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s book, The Noble Wilds. Guests were then treated to an abundant delicious vegan buffet, with many people offering positive feedback on the food, exhibition and conference. Some said they were happy to participate in this first international event on the organic vegan way of life in France, while others pledged to immediately switch to the plant-based diet. Some also conveyed their interest in learning the Quan Yin meditation method. Mr. Leenaert commented that he felt a very strong love during the event, which was reflected on the peaceful, smiling faces of all the attendees. Impressed by the success of the event, many conference participants from different organizations and fields expressed their intention to cooperate with our Association on future projects to spread the vegan message. We thank EVA for co-organizing this important occasion and appreciate all the distinguished guest speakers for sharing their crucial information, time and love on the compassionate organic plant-based diet. May the book From Crisis to Peace reach readers in all corners of the world, with people everywhere adopting the vegan lifestyle to save the Earth.
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The Love of Centuries Book Premiere, Mongolian Edition
By Ulaanbaatar News Group (Originally in Mongolian)
To celebrate Earth Day and the release of the Mongolian edition of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poetry book The Love of Centuries on April 22, Golden Year 8 (2011), our Association members in Mongolia organized a meaningful event at the Ulaanbaatar Loving Hut restaurant, featuring a live videoconference with Master, vibrant entertaining programs and a complimentary vegan dinner. The event, co-sponsored by Vegan Youth Union, Vegan Children Union and “Veggie World” magazine, was broadcast live via Supreme Master TV to millions of viewers around the world. Many dignitaries and VIPs graciously attended the event, including Mr. Lombo Erkhembayar, Urban and Rural Development Policy Advisor to the President of Mongolia; Mr. Garidkhuu Bayarsaikhan, Member of the Mongolian Parliament and Environment, Food and Agricultural Standing Committee; Mr. Davaasuren Bolor-Erdene, Senior Expert of the Law Department of the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of Mongolia; and Mrs. Gaigal, Head of Green Area Division of the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of Mongolia. Over 100 guests were representatives from more than 50 NGOs and media such as the Mongolian Trade and Commerce University, the Ulaanbaatar “Songdo” Clinic Hospital, and the Mongolian National Broadcaster/Radio. After a presentation entitled “Global Warming and Its Impact on the World and Mongolia, and the Solution” given by Mrs. Nyamkhuu, Manager of Doctoral Education and Training at the Academy of Management, several guest speakers shared their thoughts and insights on the most effective way to mitigate the climate change crisis - the plant-based diet. Following that, Master answered questions from guests regarding environmental protection, loving animals and the way to avoid disasters such as the ‘zud’ or extreme snowy winter that had attacked Mongolia. Master encouraged the Mongolian government to support crop-farming alternatives, like organic vegan farming or other means of livelihood for livestock farmers. She was happy that the intelligent Mongolian people are realizing the health benefits of plant-based foods which can be substitutes for the traditional ones like cheese and mutton. She applauded the Mongolian government for establishing a moratorium on the death penalty to respect life and prays that this courageous and benevolent law can be extended to the innocent animals. Master once again called on everyone to do their part, “So simple: just be vegan to bring the merciful energy onto our world so that all humans can work together to earn enough spiritual points, so we can change our destiny. Like all other planets, we must evolve as a civilization and learn to live in love, dignity and peace with each other, because if we don’t, we will lose the privilege to keep our precious Earth, which we call home.” The conference was concluded with traditional Mongolian singing, dancing and instrument performances. Many guests were profoundly transformed by Master’s message and love. One said, “When I saw Master on the screen, I felt great inspiration from the bottom of my heart and I cried. I think it’s a great honor for me that I am living in the same era in which a Grand Master lives.” Another commended on The Love of Centuries, “This book is one which you can’t stop reading, because every word, every letter, every page of this book shows you how to love others… It’s very magical.” Let’s pray that with Heaven’s grace, the hospitable and pure-hearted Mongolian people will embrace the compassionate lifestyle and live in good health, happiness and peace. To watch Supreme Master TV’s coverage on The Love of Centuries book premiere, Mongolian edition, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/WOW1718j.php
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| Master Tells Jokes
How to Tolerate Humans!
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, International 4-day retreat, Paris, France, December 27, 2007 (DVD #819)
A hen complained to a cow, “Humans are intolerable. They use contraceptives every day, but let us lay eggs.” The cow replied, “So what? They drink my milk every day, but nobody calls me ‘Mommy.’”
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| Master Tells Jokes
Both Sides of the Fish Tank
Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, International 4-day retreat, Paris, France, December 27, 2007 (DVD #819)
A mother pointed at a fish tank and said to her daughter Mary, “Look kid, this is a human-eating fish.” So, in the fish tank, the mother fish said to her small one, “Look kid, this is a fish-eating human.” To enjoy the original sound track of this joke, please visit:
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| Love in Action
Japan
Comfort and Hope for Quake-hit Japan
By Formosa, Japan and Korea Relief Teams (Originally in
English and Chinese)
On the fateful day of March 11, 2011, the Pacific coast of Tōhoku was rattled by the most powerful earthquake in the history of Japan, measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale. It triggered a massive tsunami with waves up to 10 meters high, and a series of accidents at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant complex. According to the Japanese National Police Agency, over 15,800 people lost their lives, nearly 6,000 were injured, and about 3,300 people were missing across 20 prefectures. The country’s infrastructures such as roads and railways suffered severe damage. Japanese former Prime Minister Naoto Kan said, “In the 65 years since the end of World War II, this is the toughest and the most difficult crisis for Japan.” Hearing of the tragedy, Supreme Master Ching Hai pledged US$80,000, while conveying Her deep sorrow and prayers. Our Association members around the world also contributed a total of US$100,000. Very quickly, our local Gunma and Tokyo fellow initiates formed relief teams. Further assistance came from our Formosan Association members as they arrived in Tokyo, with our Korea team on standby ready to procure emergency items on notice and to continue the relief work when the Formosa team returned home. Ibaraki Prefecture On the early morning of March 15, Association members from the Gunma Center arrived in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture with water and other relief supplies, which they distributed with SOS flyers. The lives of local citizens were disrupted due to the collapse of roads and buildings as well as utility outages.The relief team also shared Master’s book, The Dogs in My Life, with the people and tried their best to fill the hearts of the distressed citizens with hope and optimism. Iwate Prefecture On March 16, the Formosan relief team joined the Gunma team and traveled north to the worst-hit areas in Iwate Prefecture. They were given permission from the government as the first NGO to enter the disaster areas, upon presenting their Swiftwater Rescue certification from the International Rescue Instructors Authority (IRIA). Rikuzentakata Their first stop was the city of Rikuzentakata, where more than 2,000 people were reported to have lost their lives or were missing. Over 70 percent of the houses were destroyed and about 10,000 people had taken refuge in government shelters that supplied food and water provided by the neighboring communities. Mayor Futoshi Toba, who lost his wife in the tsunami, set aside his personal tragedy to coordinate efforts in bringing comfort to his people. Mr. Shirakawa, Chief of the General Affairs Department, Rikuzentakata city, prepared a list of items that were very much needed by the relocated people. Accordingly, our Tokyo relief team purchased the supplies which included underwear, slippers and personal hygiene items. On March 18 the supplies were delivered to Rikuzentakata, a nine-hour journey, by our Formosan and Japanese teams. The Korea relief team also shipped supplies by air. Our Association’s timely response earned much gratitude from Mr. Shirakawa, who was deeply touched by Master’s generosity and concern for the Japanese people. As the relief teams went about their work, they received the following encouraging message from Master:
Ōtsuchi As more roads were cleared, the joint relief team headed to Ōtsuchi, another hard-hit coastal town in Iwate Prefecture, where citizens had lost all their possessions to the tsunami. Mr. Okamoto from the Disaster Countermeasures Center requested clothing, diapers and other items on behalf of the affected people. Working efficiently, our relief team managed to deliver the essential items into the hands of the people on March 24. Ofunato The town of Ofunato was also devastated by the tsunami. Despite their own plight, Mr. Hiroki Shida, the head of the town’s Akasaki district, urged our relief team to offer priority assistance to Rikuzentakata, which he said had suffered greater losses and destruction. Only when he learned that aid had been provided to Rikuzentakata did he ask for rice, clothing and mattresses that would help people cope with the cold weather and intermittent snow. The deliveries were swiftly arranged to arrive in two batches within the next four days. The grateful recipients put their palms together to express their appreciation and respect to Master. One said, “I am very thankful that people around the world are working together to support us. I feel that the Earth is really one family.” In Ofunato, there was a widespread, true story about the president of a plywood company who had sacrificed his life to save his 140 employees. When the tsunami was approaching, he ordered the employees to flee towards the mountains, while he himself patrolled the premises to make sure that no one was left behind. Sadly he lost his life to the raging waters. The relief team was deeply touched by the noble spirit of the Japanese people, which shines in such times of trouble. On April 4, the relief team from Korea returned to Ofunato with more supplies of rice, clothes, blankets and other essentials packed together with SOS flyers. These requested items were delivered to the Akasaki warehouse and a shelter at Kamaici Commercial High School, along with 80 copies of The Dogs in My Life. In response to receiving the relief materials, Mr. Shida said, “This place is very blessed among many affected areas.” He expressed his support for the idea of stopping global warming through the vegan diet and decided to help promote this message to all the local citizens. Miyagi Prefecture Iwanuma The small city of Iwanuma has the tradition of gifting illustrated books to infants when they reach eight months. Responding to a special request, our local Association members and those from Formosa drove through muddy roads to deliver 100 copies of The Dogs in My Life to the Mayor of Iwanuma, Mr. Tsuneaki Iguchi, and Mr. Hirai Mitsuaki, Chief of the Disaster Prevention Section. Both officials and the young children were delighted with Master’s special gift of love. Hashikami and Kesennuma On March 24, our Gunma relief team drove through the night to deliver food, medicine and hygiene supplies to the citizens of Hashikami. Warm clothing and oil heaters were especially appreciated as the weather remained cold. When children received The Dogs in My Life, their faces lit up and their eyes sparkled. The relief team also provided an ample supply of Japanese food and seasonings together with the books to a senior citizens’ home that had been turned into a temporary shelter in Kesennuma. Minamisanriku On March 28, braving the heavy snow, our Gunma relief team arrived in Minamisanriku, a resort town that had lost most of its houses and half its population to the tsunami. Though still grieving the loss of their loved ones, the people thanked the team for bringing medicine, warm socks and heat packs, which were especially appreciated by the elderly under the dire circumstances. Seaweed toppings that were a regular addition to plain rice were welcomed as a delightful luxury. In spite of the challenging situation, people at all three of the shelters visited by the team considered The Dogs in My Life the very best gift from Master. Ishinomaki Next, the Gunma team made a 12-hour journey to Ishinomaki, a town that had been submerged when the Kitakami River breached its banks under the onslaught of the tsunami. As in other communities, citizens there were trying to establish a normal routine in their temporary homes. Warm and sanitary items were highly appreciated, as were the SOS flyers and Master’s spiritual sample booklets. People thanked Association members for their thoughtfulness in bringing band-aids, fever-cooling pads and common cold medicine, as well as vegan food for dogs, many of which had gone hungry for days. In May, the team also sent US$10,000 to The Emergency Disaster Animal Relief Headquarters in Tokyo. Let’s pray that with God’s love and blessing, the distressful situation eases for all those affected and that such extreme disasters are minimized through our conscientious efforts to care for all beings. May the noble and generous Japanese soon recover from the disaster to rebuild their lives on the foundation of lasting peace, love and harmony with nature. Caption:
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International
Association for Earthquake
Typhoon Victims Receive Timely Relief
By Gunma News Group, Japan (Originally in Chinese and English)
Typhoon Talas caused widespread devastation as it hit the islands of Japan on September 3, 2011. The prefectures of Wakayama, Nara, and Mie experienced severe damage and heavy casualties as landslides and floods swept the area in the wake of the typhoon. Association members from our Gunma center immediately provided material relief to townships isolated by the disaster, especially those most severely affected. Fortunately, prompt restoration actions reopened traffic routes to these places allowing vital supplies to be quickly delivered. Not long after, they received notification that all relief supplies had reached their destinations. When they found out that inhabitants of Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture were still awaiting the arrival of material relief several days after the typhoon, they promptly purchased emergency items such as bottled drinking water, sandals, batteries, diapers, and baby wipes. These were delivered to Tanabe together with Master’s sample booklets, SOS Climate Change flyers, and global warming information material. We are wholeheartedly grateful to Master for giving us this opportunity to serve as God’s instruments to convey Master’s love to the affected areas. We also pray that all people will adopt the compassionate vegan diet to minimize such catastrophes.
Extending Christmas Gifts and Kindness
to the Homeless
By Gunma News Group (Originally in Japanese)
For many around the world, Christmas is the grandest, warmest holiday of the year, but for the homeless, it can be a cold, lonely time. So on December 10, Golden Year 8 (2011), our Association members from the Gunma Center organized their 15th annual Special Christmas Project and distributed gifts to homeless people in two major cities in Gunma Prefecture. The gifts included vegan Christmas snacks, bread, fruit, new underwear, and “fortune-bags,” containing warm coats, gloves, scarves, hats and shoes. The members also travelled around the cities on foot to offer medicine and hand warmers to the needy. The recipients, including the physically challenged and senior citizens, were moved to tears by the love and care shown by the Association members and gave them words of encouragement. Some cordially hugged the members, and a gentleman who had just been released from jail said, “One day I will certainly return this blessing that you are giving to me.” Another said, “You are the real saints. This is what only saints would do!” The medicine turned out to be precious gifts for those who were suffering from flu or diarrhea. With the cats and dogs they encountered on the streets, the members also shared vegan food. Throughout the project the Association members felt that they had been guided to the right individuals, and were deeply grateful to learn a divine lesson of love at Christmastime.
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| Love in Action
The Philippines
Sending Comforts to the Fire, Flood, Tropical Storm and
Typhoon Affected
By the Philippine News Group (Originally in English)
Fire Relief in Makati City On April 19 2011, a fire, likely caused by an overheated electrical appliance, swept through a community in Makati City in the Philippines, completely destroying approximately 900 houses and leaving about 2,700 families homeless. Two weeks after the fire, the displaced householders were happily surprised to receive large relief packages from our local Association members. The relief effort was conducted through Supreme Master Ching Hai’s inspirational guidance and loving contribution of US$6,000 for the purchase of emergency items. Through the assistance of Madam Loida Pangilinan of the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development, our Association members were able to distribute hygiene items and ready-to-eat food to more than 300 families at an evacuation center on May 2. For the evacuees, it was the first time that they had received large amounts of relief materials. Master’s unexpected gifts moved some recipients to tears of happiness and gratitude. On May 5, the team undertook a five-hour journey to a remote area in Rodriguez municipality, Rizal Province, where they distributed relief packages to relocated families late into the evening. The team members were pleased to find that many displaced families had returned to their original communities or moved into government housing projects. Flood Relief in Cotabato Province In mid-June, our Association members from the Philippines and Formosa rushed to assist people threatened by rivers swollen due to heavy rain from Typhoon Songda, which swept over Mindanao, the Philippines’ second largest island. With help from local officials and volunteers, the team used Master’s contribution of US$15,000 to purchase food and other relief supplies, from which 4,100 packages were prepared for distribution in Pikit, the area in Cotabato Province with the largest number of displaced households. Navigating boats over fields submerged in seven feet of water, the relief team distributed the provisions to the most vulnerable families in eight Pikit districts. People expressed deep gratitude to Master and appreciation for the SOS fliers explaining the cause of the aberrant weather conditions that had severely damaged their farming operations. On June 28, hours of heavy rains caused what’s said to be the worst flooding to hit Mindanao island’s Davao City in recent years, affecting about 15,000 families. Our Philippine Association members quickly distributed emergency supplies such as mosquito nets and blankets to the needy with an additional US$10,000 fund from Master. Flood Relief in Albay Province On July 27, Nock-ten intensified into a severe storm, with heavy rains and strong winds causing rivers to flood and affecting over 800 villages in 20 provinces. Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately contributed US$10,000 and on August 5, a relief team of Philippine and Formosan Association members travelled to Albay Province, one of the most devastated areas in the Bicol region, to render aid. With the warm-hearted support of local officials, especially Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer Mrs. Yolanda P. Guanzon,the team delivered relief packages containing food and hygiene items to 3,800 families. Based on information provided by Mr. Gregorio H. Ricarte, Mayor of the Municipality of Oas, the team also gave 4,200 pesos (approximately US$100) to one of the area’s most damaged schools for the purchase of urgent supplies. The recipients were moved by Master’s unconditional love, saying Her greatness and benevolence never fails to touch their hearts. Tropical Storm Relief in Ilocos Norte Province To assist and convey Master’s sympathy to those affected by tropical storm Nanmadol, which struck northern Luzon Island at the end of August, our Formosa team conducted a relief operation in early September, using Her contribution of US$10,000. Focusing their efforts on one of the most severely affected provinces, Ilocos Norte, the team visited 13 villages in the municipality of Dingras and distributed 2,415 packages of much-needed supplies, and then went to three other villages in the vicinity of Laoag to hand out 380 packages. The local people expressed great joy and appreciation upon receiving the gifts, and felt comforted by God’s boundless love and care. Flood Relief in Maguindanao Province On September 24, flooding in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao on Mindanao Island claimed at least one life and displaced over 150,000 people. Water rose to chest level, especially in the upstream areas around the Liguasan Marsh and Lake Buluan. Deeply concerned about those affected by the flood, Master sent US$15,000, along with Her love and heartfelt prayers. On October 2, our Formosa relief team, assisted by local officials, distributed 2,000 food and hygiene supply packs to the needy in the remote Datu Montawal Municipality, where no aid had had been given. A local radio station reported on the relief effort and a journalist from NDBC Media interviewed one of our team members, who discussed why the vegan diet is the best way to diminish weather-induced disasters. In addition, the remaining 50,000 pesos (approximately US$1,200) was given to the Batungkayo Elementary School. The School’s principal and teachers were delighted to receive the unexpected gift, which will help them rebuild walls and purchase new chairs and blackboards. Typhoon Nesat Relief in Navotas City On September 27, Typhoon Nesat struck Luzon with tremendous force, as heavy rains and flash floods affected approximately 64,000 people of the island. Upon hearing of the event, Master immediately allocated US$10,000 and our local Association members worked with the Formosa team, which had just completed relief efforts in Maguindanao Province, to provide urgent aid. On October 6, along with volunteers assembled by the Navotas City Social Welfare Office, the team supplied 2,700 relief packages to the most vulnerable families in 15 villages. The recipients conveyed their deep gratitude to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her timely assistance. Tropical Storm Banyan Relief in Visayas Province On October 13, tropical storm Banyan struck the Philippines, displacing approximately 2,600 people and causing nine to lose their lives in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Bearing Master’s loving concern and US$15,000, our Formosa relief team arrived in Manila a week later and joined local Association members in rendering aid in Visayas Prov ince, the area that had suffered most severe damage. Based on information from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD), the team prepared 4,000 relief packages containing food and personal hygiene items. Despite the heavy rains, on October 24 and 25 the team members distributed 3,250 packages to households in 38 villages and entrusted the remaining packs to the CSWD to be delivered to needy people of remote areas. Seeing the recipients’ happy faces, the relief team members felt God’s loving care and comfort for the disaster victims. Tropical Storm Washi Relief on Mindanao island At the end of December, the number of fatalities from flash floods caused by tropical storm Washi, which swept away entire villages in southern Mindanao Island, rose to more than 1,250. In addition, over 60,000 were rendered homeless, including more than half the residents of the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Master quickly allocated US$8,000 for a relief effort and on December 26, a team of our Formosan Association members travelled to Iligan city, where 28 villages were damaged and more than 11,000 families were affected. Based on information provided by Ms. Agnes C. Main Gat, who was in charge of arranging relief supplies for a local welfare organization, the team bought a large supply of rice cookers, frying pans and kitchen utensils and delivered them via military truck to three schools serving as temporary shelters. The affected families were extremely grateful for the timely aid sent by God. The Association members thank Master for inspiring them through Her example of selfless service to others, and pray that Her loving assistance has helped the Philippine people stand on their own feet again.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for 2011 Fire, Flood, Tropical Storm and Typhoon Relief Work in the Philippines
Description Amount
(PHP) Receipt Fire
Relief Work in May: 338,719 A Flood
Relief Work in June and July: 1,067,308 B Flood
Relief Work in August: 422,026 C Tropical
Storm Relief Work in September: 421,857 D
Flood Relief Work in October:
Food
(cooking oil, sugar, salt, vinegar, soy sauce), soap, cash contributed
to Batungkayo Elementary School, transportation and packing fees 644,480 E Typhoon Nesat Relief Work in October: 442,593 F Tropical Storm Banyan Relief Work in October: 649,680 G Tropical Storm Washi Relief Work in December: 346,402 H
Total
4,333,065 *Throughout the
relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation,
food and accommodations. |
| Love in Action
Âu Lạc
Easing Suffering with Loving Aid
By Aulacese Relief Teams (Originally in Aulacese)
Due to the worsening effect of climate change, in 2011 several natural disasters occurred consecutively in different parts of Âu Lạc. Being deeply concerned about the welfare of the people, Supreme Master Ching Hai provided a generous fund to assist our local Association members with relief operations. Extreme Weather Relief In addition to the unusually cold weather that struck the area in early 2011, the people of Quảng Phú village, in the Cư Jút district, of Đăk Nông province in central Aulac endured destructive flooding and drought. Unable to afford the cost of rebuilding their collapsed houses, many people were living in temporary makeshift bamboo huts. With the US$9,000 contribution from Master, our local Association members purchased 3,000 kgs of rice, 155 boxes of instant noodles, along with 15 wheelchairs and some metal corrugated roofing sheets to make those affected by the disasters more comfortable during this tragic time. On the morning of June 27 at a local church, a large crowd received supplies from the relief team with excitement and joy after the parish priest Anton Nguyễn Phi Hůng said a prayer to thank God for sending Hiers messengers to help the people. The team also provided cash assistance to households that had suffered greater loss. The following day, 15 needy patients were each given a wheelchair. In August, the team prepared about 278 packages that included a variety of food, blankets and school supplies and distributed these to several villages in Quế Sơn district in Quảng Nam province as well as to Hương Trŕ district, Hương Thủy town and Běnh Điền town in Thừa Thięn-Huế province. Additional cash was given to the destitute households. Upon receiving Master’s gifts, many people repeatedly thanked Her and wished Her good health. Tropical Storm Nock-ten Relief After tracking a path through the Philippines and China, tropical storm Nock-ten hit north-central Âu Lạc creating landslides in the coastal areas. Thankfully, 300,000 people had already been evacuated through the responsive efforts of local officials. Some 2,500 hectares of rice and other crop fields were inundated. The storm also brought heavy rains further south which halted shipping services across the Qiongzhou Strait. Our Association members contributed US$1,300 in addition to the US$6,000 relief fund provided by Master and travelled to Sa Pa town and Chải Mông village of Tả Van town on July 12 to distribute food, mosquito nets and clothes to the affected people. On August 17, in Đồng Văn town, Quế Phong district of Nghệ An province, the relief team handed out 60 packages of much needed items to the local citizens. About a month later, they took a motorized boat and distributed more supplies to 58 families who were living on the rooftops of their inundated homes. Soon afterwards, they sent food and clothes to the needy villagers in Phú Sơn town, Thanh Hóa province, whose houses had been submerged by a flood. Flood Relief in the Central and Northeastern Regions In mid-September, floods caused by prolonged rainfall affected the central and northeastern regions, submerging over 70,000 hectares of rice and other crops while damaging some 1,700 homes. Fatalities were reported in An Phú district of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. More than 5,000 hectares of rice crops were destroyed in central Thanh Hóa province, with Tĩnh Gia district hardest hit. Master immediately provided US$15,000 for relief aid and our local Association members prepared 610 packages, each containing food and some cash, which they distributed to the residents of Phú Hữu, Vĩnh Lộc, and Vĩnh Hậu towns in An Phú district, An Giang province. The recipients were very happy to receive this timely assistance and conveyed their thanks to Master. Typhoons Nesat and Nalgae Relief From the end of September to the middle of October, floods continued to wreak havoc and cause heavy damage to some areas in Central Âu Lạc, as a result of typhoons Nesat and Nalgae. Hundreds of villages became inaccessible, isolating thousands of citizens. Transportation in the provinces of Quảng Běnh and Quảng Trị was delayed due to flooded and damaged roads, and more than half of the crops were destroyed. Expressing Her deep sympathy, Master offered relief assistance of US$10,000, which our local Association members used to purchase and distribute emergency packages to 500 families on October 20 in the towns of Kỳ Tây, Kỳ Thượng, Kỳ Hợp, Kỳ Lạc and Kỳ Nam as well as to the County Association for the Blind, with the help of local officials and the County’s Fatherland Front. Each package contained rice, noodles, vegetable oil and a blanket. They also distributed 150 packages to needy families in Cẩm Hŕ town, Cẩm Xuyęn county, Hŕ Tĩnh province, and another 100 to those in Triệu Độ town, Triệu Phong county, Quảng Trị province. Flood Relief in the Southwestern and Central Regions In mid-October, the worst flooding to hit the nation in over a decade submerged nearly 70,000 homes and damaged almost 22,000 hectares of rice and subsidiary crops in the Mekong Delta region. An Giang, Long An and Đồng Tháp were among the most affected provinces. In the central regions, over 23,500 homes were inundated in the provinces of Quảng Běnh, Quảng Trị and Thừa Thięn-Huế, with more than 5,000 residents from Quảng Trị and over 1,300 households in Quảng Běnh having to evacuate to safer regions. Mudslides also affected a number of homes in Nghệ An province. Sending Her love and heartfelt sympathy, Master provided a total of US$15,000 for aid, with US$8,000 used for relief work in the Southwestern region and US$7,000 for the central region. On October 25 and 26, our local Association members quickly went to An Hiệp town in Châu Thŕnh county, Đồng Tháp province; Khánh An town in An Phú county, An Giang province; and Vĩnh Bửu town in Tân Hưng county, Long An province to distribute 600 packages containing food and cash assistance to the poor families, who were very touched and comforted by the kind gesture. From October 28 to 31, our relief team distributed another 600 packages to the destitute people in the Hňa Sơn town, Lương Sơn county, Hňa Běnh province; Phong Běnh and Quảng Lợi towns of Thừa Thięn-Huế province; and Trường Xuân town of Quảng Ninh county, Quảng Běnh province. The citizens were very happy and thankful to Master for bringing them love and warmth at this difficult time. With our prayers for the protection of the gentle Aulacese people, we thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her attentive support. May such severe weather disruptions soon ease through humanity’s kinder regard for one another and the adoption of gentler lifestyles to heal our ecosphere. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Extreme Weather, Storm, Flood and Typhoon Relief Works in Âu Lạc
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| Love in Action
Thailand
Flood-stricken People Thankful for Urgent Relief
By Bangkok News Group (Originally in Thai)
With heavy rain that began in southern Thailand in late March 2011, floods and mudslides had affected two million people by April, claiming more than 120 lives. Over 100 districts across ten provinces were declared disaster zones as 146,000 hectares of farmland were damaged, while communications and power supplies were disrupted. Upon hearing the tragic news, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$12,000 for urgent necessities, and Bangkok Center Association members immediately organized a relief effort. On April 4, they braved dismal conditions in traveling to Phunphin District of southern Surat Thani Province. There, they distributed drinking water, food and clothing, which were received with deep gratitude for Master’s love and concern. A few days later, the team returned to the area with more emergency items, which they handed out to 500 people who had been evacuated from flooded homes. As soon as roads were sufficiently repaired, the relief team journeyed to two severely devastated districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. On April 22, with help from the Councilor of Theppharat, Mr. Taweechok Somkao, they provided ready-to-eat vegan foods and supplied construction materials and kitchenware to the people staying temporarily at local schools and police stations in three villages in Sichon district. The following day, they proceeded to four villages in Nopphitam district and with assistance from the Councilor of Krung Ching, Mr. Pon Chan Jum, they delivered emergency food packages to the local people, many of whom had walked as much as 10 km to receive the aid. A few months later, heavy rains hit again, this time devastating regions in the north and northeast. Along with hundreds who perished, over 25,000 people were treated for flood-related illnesses, while 28 provinces were declared disaster areas, and tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land were damaged. Upon hearing of these latest flood disasters, Supreme Master Ching Hai on August 8 offered US$15,000 for urgent necessities. Although hampered by water levels that reached as high as four meters in places, on August 25, our Association members from the Bangkok Center traveled to Pak Khwae and Ban Kluai subdisdricts in Sukhothai Province, where members of about 1,000 households happily received the vegan food supplies and drinking water they handed out. The following day, they went to Bang Rakam District in neighboring Phitsanulok Province, going from home to home on a boat provided by the District president to distribute packages of emergency supplies to families isolated by the floods. As overflowing rivers and mudslides triggered by the deluge continued to take their toll, the relief team organized another three-day effort in mid-September. They brought food and sanitation supplies to affected families in Nam Pat District in Uttaradit Province; and to Bang Phai Subdistrict, Phichit Province; as well as several different areas in Sing Buri and Chainat provinces. Young children were delighted at the gifts of candy, while adults eagerly read the SOS flyers that informed them of ways to avoid such unfortunate disasters in the future. On October 19, our Bangkok representatives arrived on Loi Island, located in the then swiftly flowing Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya Province, to offer food and drinking water to the residents of Pradanam Village as well as families temporarily sheltered at two local temples. A week later, a military truck transported our relief team through the floods to distribute nourishing plant-based food supplies to affected households in Pathum Thani Province near Bangkok. All of the people were thankful for Master’s loving aid, and many of them promised to keep a plant-based diet once they learned the root cause of such calamities. We pray for an end to such distressing conditions through our more benevolent care of the environment. Caption: Letter of Appreciation from local government official
Expenditures
by Supreme Master Ching Hai for
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| Love in Action
Cambodia
Alleviating the Suffering of the Disaster Stricken
By Aulacese Relief Team (Originally in Aulacese)
Rainstorm Relief In May 2011, an intense rainstorm in the Samraŏng district of Takéo province, Cambodia destroyed 12 homes and damaged over 40 others, with two people sustaining minor injuries. Also, in neighboring Kandal province, lightning in Leuk Daek district claimed the lives of a married couple. Upon learning of the events, Supreme Master Ching Hai conveyed Her love and prayers, along with US$5,000 in relief funds. On June 24, a relief team from Au Lac went to Leuk Daek and brought 50 aid packages containing food, sedge mats, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, blankets and clothing as well as some cash assistance. To the more destitute families, the team provided extra supplies and cash. The recipients were deeply grateful for Master’s concern and heartwarming gifts, and the local government and Red Cross presented our Association with a certificate of commendation. Flood Relief At the end of September, flooding caused by relentless rainfall since August, swept through 12 Cambodian provinces and cities, forcing over 5,600 families to be evacuated to higher ground. The rain also caused the Mekong River to overflow, affecting more than 7,800 hectares of rice fields. Our compassionate Master immediately provided US$10,000 in funds to support relief work, which was carried out in early October by a team of Aulacese Association members in the provinces of Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and Prey Veng. The team distributed 300 packages of much-needed supplies to help alleviate the suffering of the affected households. We pray that the lives of the Cambodian people may soon be returned to normal, and that such weather extremes subside as our more conscientious actions help lead the citizens of this amazing planet toward a vegan world.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
*Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation, accommodations and food. |
| Love in Action
Hong Kong
Caring for the Homeless in Wintry December
By Hong Kong News Group (Originally in Chinese)
In December 2011, as temperatures in Hong Kong fell drastically, our local fellow initiates quickly purchased warm clothing, and on December 10 distributed the items to the homeless, mainly in the area of Shamshuipo. While distributing the clothing the initiates found that the recipients were greatly in need of food. So within days they again visited their homeless friends in Shamshuipo, this time providing fresh fruit, candy, biscuits and vegan burgers, along with Master’s sample booklets and News magazines. Through these caring actions, the initiates sincerely wish that the underprivileged of Hong Kong felt the warmth of God’s love.
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| Love in Action
India
Loving Aid for Indian Flood Victims
By India Relief Team (Originally in English)
Days of incessant rainfall signaling the arrival of the 2011 monsoon season caused severe flooding and landslides in Nepal and parts of India, claiming at least 20 lives and affecting hundreds of thousands of people. In India, the states of Bihar and Assam were devastated, as swollen rivers overflowed their banks, submerging villages and farmland. Sending all Her love and prayers to the region, Supreme Master Ching Hai asked our local Association members to offer support to those affected and contributed US$25,000 to meet their emergency needs. Darbhanga, Bihar On July 17, 2011, our Association’s India relief team flew to Bihar’s capital, Patna, and then traveled by car to the Darbhanga District. After speaking with local practitioners, the team bought enough clothing, staple food items and snacks to fill 1,100 aid packages. The team then traveled by road and boat to the District’s Kusheshwar Asthan Block, where more than 3,000 families were affected. The relief packages were distributed to the most severely impacted households and elderly residents, while the children received school bags and stationery. Master’s generosity and concern for the flood-affected people in such remote parts of India attracted much attention from the local media, such as the Patna edition of the Rashtriya Sahara newspaper. North Lakhimpur, Assam On August 3, the relief team arrived in Guwahati, Assam’s largest city, and began buying relief supplies. Early the next morning, another 1,100 packages of emergency provisions, prepared overnight, were loaded onto a truck and the team travelled to North Lakhimpur, where they were met by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, whose office assisted the team in distributing the emergency packages to people in shelters and remote villages. Hopefully, through Supreme Master Ching Hai’s unconditional love and heartfelt support, the distress of the flood-affected people will be eased and such extreme weather events will soon be averted through humanity’s greater care for the environment. Expenditures
by Supreme Master Ching Hai
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| Love in Action
Nepal
Meeting Needs with Genuine Care
By Nepal Relief Team (Originally in English)
Extreme Weather Relief In early 2011, to help the local people cope with the cold weather, our Association members distributed US$4,000 worth of urgent necessities to over 230 families in the village of Haripur. A few months later, Master lovingly allocated another US$10,000 to help prevent mosquito-borne diseases in the summer. When they arrived in Haripur on April 24, our Association members from the Kathmandu Center received a warm welcome from both young and old villagers. Everyone was happy and grateful to receive mosquito nets and staple food items packed in different-sized packages based on family size. The next day, the team visited Tinthadia, another impoverished area in the Sunsari District and distributed mosquito nets to 44 families. Upon returning to Haripur, the workers continued to hand out relief packages, aiding another 32 destitute and elderly people. Touched by this timely support, local officials wrote letters of appreciation to Master for Her unconditional support and the team’s selfless efforts. Landslide Relief Days of incessant rainfall in early July 2011 caused floods and landslides as rivers swelled quickly, claiming at least 20 lives in northeast India and mountainous western and central Nepal. Several villages in Purtimkada VDC (Village Development Committee) in Nepal’s Rukum District were among the worst-damaged areas. Crops and houses were destroyed and approximately 105 families were displaced. On July 29, after travelling by plane and walking for nine hours, three of our local Association members arrived in Purtimkada. After assessing the needs of the people and with the help of other Kathmandu initiates, they used Master’s US$10,000 relief fund to purchase 125 tents and 200 mattresses. On August 6, in the presence of local officials, the team distributed the tents and bedding along with food supplies to about 132 families and also gave NPR5,000 to each household that had lost a family member. The next day, the team continued with the relief work by assisting a further 95 landslide-affected families. The relief operation attracted the attention of the local media, with several newspapers and TV and radio stations reporting on the events. With hearts full of gratitude, the local officials sincerely thanked the Association members for their noble work and warmly presented them with a framed appreciation letter. Earthquake Relief On September 18, a powerful earthquake that registered 6.9 on the Richter scale, followed by two strong aftershocks, rattled northeastern India and Nepal, triggering landslides, destroying buildings, and forcing people in many cities to flee into the streets. Three of the fatalities, including that of an eight-year-old girl and her father, occurred in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, when a wall of the British embassy collapsed. Master immediately contributed US$10,000 to assist with relief work. From September 22 to 30, four of our Kathmandu Association members travelled along narrow, difficult, roads to bring relief packages containing rice, pulses, salt and cooking oil to 293 families in five VDCs. The local people were deeply grateful for the help they received from the relief team, local officials and the Red Cross. We pray that Heaven will bless the Nepalese people with resiliency and warmth, and hope that they will truly begin to understand the positive effects of being more kind and loving toward all our fellow beings.
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| Love in Action
Pakistan
God’s Love Shines on Flood Victims
By Formosa Relief Team (Originally in Chinese)
From July to mid-September 2011, many places in Pakistan were stricken by floods triggered by continuous heavy rainfall. With heartfelt concern for the victims, Supreme Master Ching Hai allocated relief funds totaling US$40,000, and instructed our Association members to render material support and extend God’s loving concern to the flood-affected and those in war-torn areas. Two Formosan relief teams were quickly dispatched to render relief and convey Master’s love to local residents. In July, many households in the mountainous Muzaffarabad region, 50 km northeast of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, were stricken by floods caused by torrential monsoon rains. One of our relief teams reached Islamabad on August 5 and purchased 386 blankets. As Muzaffarabad is in a restricted area, local Association members helped with distribution of the blankets. Upon receiving the heart-felt gifts, which were greatly needed due to the cold mountain weather, the recipients expressed sincere joy and gratitude. On August 17, the other Formosan team visited the Kurram IDP Camp situated in a war zone where there were heavy casualties, and distributed 2,650 kg of rice and other food items to the needy people. Four days earlier, torrential rain had again stricken many areas of Pakistan, triggering floods that affected a million people in the southern region, most of whom were short of food. On August 19, our relief team reached Karachi, the capital of Sindh Province, and distributed 5,375 kg of rice to more than 500 households in the heavily devastated district of Badin. In early October, our team again returned to Pakistan and travelled to flood-affected areas in the remote southwest region, conveying Master’s loving care and aid to the victims. On October 4, the team members reached Vehari District in Punjab Province, where over 10 days of heavy rainfall had destroyed homes and farms on which the local people relied for their livelihood. The team promptly purchased and distributed wheat flour to 2,100 households. Overcome by tears of joyful relief, the anxious, hungry people expressed gratitude for Heaven’s blessing and thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her love and assistance. On October 6 and 7, our team returned to Badin District in Sindh Province, where approximately 900,000 people were still homeless and living in great difficulty. According to the victims, the heavy rains had persisted from July to September, destroying homes and leaving farmland untillable. Choked with tears, the people said that up to that time our Association was the only group to have entered the area to render aid. With teary eyes, hands folded and bowing deeply, the recipients expressed their appreciation to the team members for coming so early to help them. The team had purchased and distributed over 10,000 kg of wheat flour to more than a thousand households. Observing the recipients’ contented smiles and sincere gratitude for God’s grace, the team members felt deeply moved. Many of the people were puzzled about the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as those that had affected their area, so our team also shared information on how to counteract global warming through the compassionate vegan diet. Hopefully, through God’s continued grace, the flood waters in the affected regions receded quickly, so that the inhabitants could prepare for the winter with peace of mind. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Flood Relief Work in Pakistan
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| Love in Action
Bangladesh
Disaster Victims Find Solace in Master’s Love
By Formosa Relief Team (Originally in Chinese)
Flood Relief A week of heavy rain that began on July 20, 2011 severely affected the southeastern districts of Bangladesh, especially the remote area known as Cox’s Bazar. At least 200 villages were flooded, leaving 200,000 inhabitants stranded and forcing 3,200 households to evacuate their homes. Supreme Master Ching Hai conveyed Her sincere concern and prayers to the displaced people and contributed relief funds in the amount of US$10,000. She also asked our Association members to reach out to the neediest residents of the affected areas, so on July 27 a team of Association members from Formosa arrived in Bangladesh to conduct a relief effort. Assisted by local officials, the team met with the district's government leaders and traveled to Cox’s Bazar to assess the victims’ situation and needs. With the relief funds, the team purchased emergency materials, including rice and potatoes as well as sanitation and personal-hygiene items for distribution to affected households in the districts of Teknaf, Ukhia and Ramu. While conveying Supreme Master Ching Hai’s concern and love, the team also provided local inhabitants and officials with SOS climate-change flyers and related materials to help them understand the cause of weather-related disasters and their solution: the organic vegan diet. The people responded earnestly and expressed their deepest gratitude to the Supreme Master for Her compassionate help. Cold Front Relief In late December 2011, a severe cold front struck northern Bangladesh, causing many residents, especially children, to perish due to a lack of warm clothing. As of December 26, 91 people had succumbed to the severe weather. Upon learning of the situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately allocated US$10,000 in relief funds and instructed our Association members to render aid in the affected areas. On December 31, our relief team from Formosa arrived in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, and with help from two local Convenient Method practitioners, purchased 1,000 thick, warm blankets. Accompanied by the local brothers, the team distributed the blankets to people in Kurigram District on the first three days of the new year. The six sub-districts covered by the team included Tilai in Bhurungamari, Royganj in Nageswari, Kaliganj, Kedar, Kachakata and Newashi. In addition to the joyful smiles on their faces, the people expressed their gratitude through their body language. During the relief work, the team members witnessed the devastating effects of global warming. Hopefully the whole world will soon come to recognize this hazardous situation and quickly adopt the vegan diet to bring an end to the current global crisis. Expenditures
by Supreme Master Ching Hai
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| Love in Action
Australia
Bringing Love and Comfort to Humans
and Animals in Need
By Brisbane News Group (Originally in English)
Flood Relief in Queensland Beginning in December 2010, the Queensland state of Australia was hit by a devastating series of floods which forced thousands of people to evacuate and caused estimated damage totaling AU$30billion. Three-quarters of the state was declared a disaster zone. Supreme Master Ching Hai quickly contributed a US$10,000 relief fund and on January 5, 2011, our Association members from Brisbane Center prepared and delivered over 500 relief packages to the Dalby relief center and the Western Downs Council Depot. Each package contained food, beverages, towels, band aids and utensils as well as booklets and flyers on climate change. The staff at the Dalby relief center, which provided temporary housing for homeless families and their pets during the crisis, greeted our Association members with excitement and thanked them for the additional fresh fruit, vegetables, vegan dog food, candy and chocolates. On February 4, after the unprecedented deluge spread to the capital city of Brisbane, our Association members visited Animal Rescue Queensland to assist with their efforts to care for rescued and flood-displaced dogs and presented them with AU$2,000 for vet care, vegan dog food, leads, collars and medicine. Looking for areas of unmet needs, our Association members gave a further sum of AU$600 to Rydges Pet Resort, which had taken in six foster dogs and presented a total of AU$4,900 to five volunteers who had been looking after flood-affected wildlife, such as possums and joeys (baby kangaroos). All the recipients were also given copies of Master’s book The Dogs in My Life and other publications. Ms. Simone Hewitt from ARQ wrote the following letter to Master,
expressing her group’s heartfelt gratitude:
On March 21, our Association members visited the small inland town of Grantham that had been dramatically and severely damaged in a flash flood from heavy rains in January. About nine people lost their lives, several were missing, and many homes were destroyed leaving the township desolate and consumed by grief. From Master’s relief fund, Association members presented a cheque of AU$2,500 to each of four families that had suffered tremendous loss. Each family also received a gift bag of books, DVDs and chocolates in addition to enjoying a delicious vegan lunch lovingly prepared by our Association members in collaboration with officials involved in the ongoing local relief and support effort. Cyclone Yasi Relief On February 3, 2011, while Brisbane was still reeling from the floods, disaster hit the state of Queensland again; this time in the north. A category 5 storm - Cyclone Yasi - the largest in the nation’s history, struck Australia’s northeast coastal region. Around 170,000 households lost power as the area was lashed by winds reaching 300 kilometers per hour and waves up to 9 meters high. Damage was estimated to be more than that caused five years earlier by tropical Cyclone Larry. Thanks to early evacuations by the government, tens of thousands of residents had been safely transferred to shelters before the full force of the cyclone struck. With deep concern, Supreme Master Ching Hai quickly arranged a US$10,000 relief fund. On March 21, a team from our Brisbane Center arrived in Innisfail, one of the worst-affected areas, to provide aid. With the full support of Ms. Kim Agli, the Community Relations Officer of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, the team quickly purchased supplies of bedding, blankets, clothes, animal goods, kitchenware, mattresses, basic furniture and appliances as well as camping stoves and gas cylinders, and distributed the items according to the needs of the people. Our group was touched to see some community members spending hours in the extreme heat and adverse conditions to help others, despite their own grief and material needs. Many expressed sincere gratitude for Master’s timely assistance. Our appreciation goes to the Queensland and Australian governments for their protective measures and to the warm-hearted Australian people for caring not only for their fellow citizens but also for the helpless, disaster-affected animals. May such damaging events subside through our more compassionate actions toward the ecosphere. Expenditure by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Flood and Cyclone Relief Work in Australia
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| Love in Action
New Zealand
Mending the Spirit of the Quake-Battered Communities of
Christchurch
By New Zealand Relief Team (Originally in English)
February Earthquake Relief On February 22, 2011, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake devastated the second largest city in New Zealand, Christchurch. Many buildings collapsed, and power and telephone lines were knocked out, while burst pipes deluged streets with water. About 65 people lost their lives and many more moved to emergency shelters in the city. It was the country’s worst disaster in the last 80 years. To provide timely aid to the affected people, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately contributed US$20,000. Our Association members in New Zealand also contributed NZ$11,900 and formed a relief team to travel to the quake-stricken area on February 25. Working with a local shelter in New Brighton, an eastern suburb of Christchurch, they were able to serve about 700 hot meals each day to the thankful members of the hard-hit, surrounding communities and nearby neighborhood for nine days. The fresh fruit and potable drinking water they provided were especially appreciated and many people were interested in learning about the vegan solution to the crisis of global warming. Some decided to reduce their meat consumption, with one lady affirming that she would become a vegetarian. Slowly, power and water supplies were restored and supermarkets re-opened in the community. The relief team members then visited another shelter set up at a local primary school, which offered relief to people and families who were still in need. During the following three days, they served meals and provided a variety of food and basic necessities to those affected. The organizers of the shelters were amazed at Master’s generosity and repeatedly expressed their gratefulness for such wonderful support. The team also shared SOS flyers with everyone and talked to them, young and old from different cultures, about the benefits of the vegan diet. On March 14, they visited Cat Rescue, which cares for many abandoned or injured cats, and offered them a 100kg supply of vegan cat food and a financial contribution of NZ$1,400. The director of the shelter, Ms. Sacha Dowell, who is a vegan, thanked Master for Her timely gifts, which would help in the recovery and re-homing of the lovely felines. In addition, the relief team also contributed NZ$1,000 each to two rescued-dog groups. The funds would ensure the dogs received important veterinary treatment after the quake, while they were waiting to find new homes. June Earthquake Relief On June 13, two large aftershocks measuring 5.7 and 6.3 on the Richter scale, again struck the already battered city of Christchurch, causing another major physical and psychological blow to its citizens. With Master’s loving contribution of US$15,000, a relief team composed of our Association members from around the country arrived in Christchurch on June 18 and immediately joined in a community effort to clean up the badly damaged streets. Over the next five days, the team worked closely with several community volunteer groups and supplied a total of 25 quality heaters, 190 warm blankets, socks and hot water bottles to the needy families. One family with 11 members living under one roof was so touched and happy to receive the timely aid that the grandmother framed a picture of Master, which she keeps in her room and shows to others. Our Association members also delivered vegan food supplies, clean drinking water, medical and sanitary supplies and other relief items to two small, locally operated church groups that had been giving assistance to the affected people since the last earthquake. Furthermore, to another dog rescue shelter which had been overwhelmed by the numbers of homeless dogs after the quake, the team lovingly contributed NZ$2,053. Thrilled to receive the gift, the staff at the shelter said the funds would help to pay emergency vet bills. Wherever they went, our relief team received very positive and enthusiastic responses from the local people. Many shops and businesses offered them big discounts for goods and supplies they purchased. Let’s hope that through God’s blessing, the beautiful city of Christchurch will soon return to normal and the kind-hearted people will once again enjoy their peaceful lives.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Earthquake Relief Work
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| Love in Action
Ghana
Caring for the Flood Affected in Ghana
By Accra Relief Team (Originally in English)
Flood Relief in the Akim West District In late July 2011, devastating rain and storms caused extensive flooding that damaged property, farms and houses and displaced approximately 12,500 inhabitants along the Birim River in Ghana’s Eastern Region. On hearing news of the disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai provided US$10,000 in relief funds and sent Her love and prayers to those affected. On September 27, a relief team from our Accra Center arrived in the badly damaged area of Kade, in the administrative quarter of West Akim district, to distribute urgently needed items. Along with officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and members of the local media, our team travelled to six flood-affected communities in the district and distributed food, blankets, poly mats and clothing. The recipients were delighted to receive the supplies, and expressed their gratitude to Master for Her generous gifts. Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye Osae, the District Chief Executive and a long-time environmental-protection advocate, expressed support for Master’s work and invited our Association to collaborate in an effort to raise public awareness about the causes and effects of climate change. Flood Relief in Accra At the end of October, floods following torrential rains swept through Ghana’s capital, Accra, displacing thousands and leaving residents marooned on rooftops. Many buildings were destroyed and power outages became widespread as major roads and bridges were submerged. On November 19 our local Association members used Master’s loving contribution of US$10,000 to purchase and deliver emergency supplies to needy residents in the communities of Weija 1, Akwasa Electoral Area (Weija 2) and Sowutuom, with the help of Mr. Mamud Azumah, Deputy District Coordinator of NADMO. Mr. Azumah thanked Master for Her generosity and said that Hers was the first aid that his district had received since the disaster occurred. The recipients were joyful to receive the items and sent Master their best wishes. Our relief team members were grateful for Master’s blessing and protection, which had allowed them to successfully complete the distribution work despite unfavorable weather conditions. They also prayed that such calamities would soon be alleviated through humanity’s more considerate care of our shared planetary home.
Expenditures by Supreme
Master Ching Hai
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Sudan
Allah Sends Timely Comfort to Sudan’s Needy
By the Africa Relief Team (Originally in English)
January Flood Relief In July 2010 days of torrential rains brought major flooding to Sudan’s Red Sea state, where villages near Tokar, 150 kilometers from Port Sudan, bore the brunt of the disaster. Police Chief Ali Sukar of Agige District said that although state services were rendering aid and searching for the missing, additional help would be appreciated. Upon hearing of the situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai conveyed Her sincere sympathies and prayers, and provided US$8,000 in relief funds. On January 24, 2011, a group of our Association members from Formosa went with Mr. Ali Sukar to the affected area and delivered enough bags of sorghum to feed 12,000 people. Both the recipients and the government officials of Port Sudan expressed their thanks to Allah and Master for the much-needed supplies. April Flood Relief On March 17, 2011, another flood destroyed approximately 38 houses in the city of Tokar and damaged crops in nearby villages. With an additional US$8,000 contribution from Master, our Formosan Association members travelled to the affected area on April 5 along with Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission and delivered enough sorghum for 13,000 people. Local village heads and government officials thanked Master for the timely aid, saying that it was the first assistance they had received from a foreign team that year. For both relief efforts, the team members paid approximately US$10,054 from their own funds for travel expenses, and for the transport of the food. We pray for the stability of the Sudanese people and that such devastating conditions will be minimized as humanity’s increasing compassion helps to restore our planet’s ecological balance. Caption: Receipts in the amount of SDG49,920 US$16,259) for 530 bags of sorghum delivered by the relief team
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Angola
Timely Aid for Flood Victims
By fellow initiates from China (Originally in Chinese)
In March and April 2011, many places in Angola were flooded due to nonstop, heavy rain. Complying with Master’s instructions, a group of our Association members from China promptly contacted the Angola National Rescue Center and were informed that Benguela Province was the most heavily stricken region and was in desperate need of help. Our relief team arrived in Benguela on May 20 and, accompanied by the Commander of the National Rescue Center, went to the affected areas to assess the situation. Floods from rising rivers had washed away the crops and food was in extremely short supply. On May 21, using the US$10,000 in relief funds provided by Master, the team purchased 477 bags of rice. Upon learning about their work, a Chinese company in Angola offered a truck for the relief team’s use free of charge. Escorted by Mr. Jose, the rice, along with 3,000 SOS flyers, were delivered to five accommodation centers, where people cheered with joy upon seeing the truckload of urgently needed rice. As the team members left, the people waved farewell and repeatedly expressed their gratitude.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
Conveying the Gift of Love to the Flood Affected
By Bulgarian Relief Team (Originally in Bulgarian)
In December 2010, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the surrounding area experienced the worst flooding in a century, causing local officials to declare states of emergency. The flash floods led to the evacuation of 40,000 people, many of whom needed shelter and other assistance. Although the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) helped approximately 2,400 affected people, the agency warned that the victims would continue to need help in the following months. Concerned about the suffering people, Supreme Master Ching Hai provided US$11,000 to assist our Bulgarian Association members in conducting relief work in the country. Directed by the local Red Cross, the relief team visited a village in the city of Bijeljina in April 2011, where about 100 people were in need of assistance. With the cooperation of Red Cross volunteers, who kindly provided transportation and translation service, the team distributed emergency supplies and cash to the grateful recipients. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood Relief Work in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Brazil
Helping the Flood Affected
By Brazil Relief Team (Originally in Spanish and Portuguese)
First Relief Effort Due to weeks of torrential rains and flooding that swept Brazil in mid-January 2011, over 700 lives were lost, 300 people went missing, and approximately 14,000 were displaced from their homes. According to the United Nations, the event was the second largest natural disaster ever to occur in Brazil, and local officials said that the force of the water and mud that struck the region had permanently changed its topography. The most devastated areas were the mountain communities of Nova Friburgo, Teresópolis and Petrópolis in Rio de Janeiro state. With a contribution from fellow Association members, a relief team from Brazil and Paraguay was formed to render aid in the city of Nova Friburgo. Then, with help from the local community, the team purchased food and supplies, which were assembled into 400 packages and distributed to the needy on January 21. Upon learning that the conditions in Brazil had worsened, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent US$65,000 to assist in the relief work, while expressing Her sorrow and prayers for those affected. In February, a team of Association members from Brazil, Costa Rica and Colombia returned to Nova Friburgo, and after learning from local officials about the people’s most urgent needs, delivered more food and supplies to several shelters in the city and nearby villages. The relief team took this opportunity to share SOS flyers with the people and explain the importance of adopting the Earth-saving vegan diet. The recipients shed tears of happiness and thanked Master for Her timely aid, saying they would pray to God for Master’s health so that She could continue helping people around the world. The relief efforts were covered by local TV channel TV Zoom, which also invited the team members to give a vegan cooking demonstration on March 5, to show people how easy it is to prepare plant-based food, and to discuss the issue of global warming and the benefits of the compassionate vegan diet. Our Association members also shared the SOS message with the congregation at an evangelical church and prayed for all those affected by the disaster. The relief team next flew six hours across the country to Săo Luis in the state of Maranhăo, where they met with Colonel Robério from the city Civil Defense Bureau to assess the disaster situation. The team then prepared 900 packages, each containing enough food to last a family for 15 days, as well as 1,200 hygiene-and-cleaning kits, and distributed the items to families and shelters in the most devastated cities of Trizidela do Vale and Pedreiras, with help from local officials. The team later purchased additional special cleaning kits for the shelters, in an effort to help prevent the spread of disease due to lack of hygiene. They were touched to see how Master’s love had brought smiles and comfort to those enduring such difficult circumstances. During their visit, the team also had the chance to bring the SOS message to seven local TV stations and to share related informative materials with many journalists, who promised to make the public aware of the important information. Second Relief Effort Due to prolonged torrential rains in April 2011, Brazilian officials declared a state of emergency in seven cities throughout the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. According to Civil Defense officials, nearly 36,500 people across ten cities were directly affected, with 100,000 being left without power, and thousands becoming homeless due to the floods. With Master’s loving contribution of US$25,000, our local Association members went to two of the most devastated cities. In Novo Hamburgo, with help from the City Office of the First Lady, they distributed 350 food baskets and 320 sets of winter clothes for children up to 15 years of age, and in Săo Lourenço do Sul handed out food baskets, towels, pillows and bed sheets, as well as toys and sweets for the children, with assistance from several churches. Caption: News coverage of our Association’s relief work by local newspaper Jornal NH Third Relief Effort At the beginning of August, heavy rains again caused flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, displacing thousands of citizens and damaging buildings and infrastructure. With Master’s kind contribution of US$15,000, our Association members from Brazil and Paraguay distributed a total of 700 relief packages in the most affected cities of Săo Sebastiăo do Caí and Montenegro with help from local officials. Later, the Brazilian relief team went to the municipality of Eldorado do Sul and handed out an additional 243 food packages to the residents of five communities, who had lost their homes and banana plantations to the rising Ribeira River. The recipients were deeply comforted by Master’s loving care and the children were happy to receive some sweets. Fourth Relief Effort On October 4, our Association members from Săo Paulo and Paraguay traveled to Santa Catarina state and visited Rio do Sul, one of the cities most affected by the heavy rain that had occurred in early September. The entire city was practically under water. About 300 families had to go to municipal shelters and the city hall declared a state of emergency. Master lovingly provided US$8,000 in aid, while sending Her love and sympathy. The relief team distributed 200 mattresses, 100 bed-sheet sets including pillowcases, along with food and clothes. The recipients were overjoyed to receive the gifts, especially the mattresses, because the rainwater had soaked all their possessions and they could find no place to sleep but the floor. We are grateful for the efforts of the Brazilian relief personnel and all the others working to ease the conditions of the disaster-stricken people. With our sincere sympathy for the lives lost, we pray that the affected residents are graced with resiliency and a swift return to their normal lives, as we strive to restore the stability of the ecosphere through more compassionate regard for all beings. Expenditures
by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association
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Colombia
God Answers the Prayers of the Flood Affected
By Colombia and Costa Rica Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)
First Flood-Relief Effort In April 2011, unprecedented heavy rains caused the worst flooding in Colombia’s history. According to Colombian officials, 93 people perished and 69,000 became homeless as of April 25 due to floods, landslides and mudslides, which paralyzed infrastructure and caused massive damage throughout the nation. Visiting the severely affected region of Rio Negro, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos pledged funds for the rebuilding of 300 homes and announced that the government would provide 20 tons of humanitarian aid. In the first week of May, a relief team formed by our Costa Rican and Colombian Association members arrived in the flood-ravaged city of Yopal. With Master’s generous contribution of US$15,000, the team visited local supermarkets and purchased enough food to feed 700 families for a week. Together with the secretary of the local government and the Yopal police, they delivered the food to 17 communities in the municipalities of San Luis de Palenque, Mani, Nunchia and Pore. The households with many children and elderly members were especially appreciative because heavy crop losses had wiped out local food supplies. Travelling by car for many hours on bad roads, our relief team was also able to bring aid to other remote areas. Upon the team’s arrival, some people cried, because they had been praying to God for help in their critical situation, and knew that their prayers had been answered. They said that Master was an angel from Heaven who had come to Earth to help those in need. Second Flood-Relief Effort In the first week of November 2011, our Costa Rican and Colombian relief team flew to Sincelejo, the capital of the Department of Sucre, to help those severely affected by heavy flooding. After consulting with government officials, they arranged for a car and small boat to bring them to the areas most in need of help. With Master’s loving contribution of US$15,000, the team went to a local store and purchased enough food to feed 800 families for a week. With the assistance of the kind store owner, they delivered the provisions to several remote communities in the municipalities of Sucre, San Benito Abad and Caimito. The villagers who had lost their homes and crops to the floods were deeply grateful to Master as they had been short of food and had been praying for help. They felt Master’s sincere love and comfort, which brought much joy to their hearts and faces. Third Flood-Relief Effort With more landslides and floods bringing greater distress to the lives of local people, Master provided another US$10,000 in relief funds and our Association members from Costa Rica and Colombia flew to the Department of Choco in early January 2012 to help the devastated families. Thanks to the loving assistance of the Director of the Red Cross of Choco, Mr. Vitalino Panesso, and Mr. Rafael Bolańos, an official for the Regional Committee for Disaster Prevention and Response, as well as several volunteers, the team visited many remote communities by car and boat and delivered food to 860 families. All the households, especially those with children and elderly members, expressed deep appreciation for the timely gifts. The relief team was touched to see the people’s faces transformed by Master’s love. As we pray for the steady recovery of the people of Colombia, may weather extremes such as the floods they experienced soon dissipate through humanity’s more thoughtful stewardship of the ecosphere.
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| Love in Action
Bolivia
Supporting Disaster-Affected Communities
By Bolivia Relief Team (Originally in English and Spanish)
Flood and Landslide Relief Due to continuous, torrential rains across much of Bolivia from January through March 2011, a national emergency was declared by the government. The resultant floods and associated landslides affected approximately 70,000 people in six of the nation’s departments. Many lost their homes, along with all their belongings and crops. On March 10, a relief team formed by our Association members from the United States, Chile and Peru arrived in Bolivia with Supreme Master Ching Hai’s US$18,000 loving contribution. Using the funds, the team purchased relief supplies and visited many shelters in one of the most devastated departments, La Paz, providing emergency aid to 1,191 families. Besides food and personal hygiene ítems for the households, school supplies and cookies were given to the children, who jumped around happily upon receiving the gifts. The grateful recipients clapped, shed tears of happiness, and hugged one another, while thanking Master and saying that She was an angel sent by God to help Bolivia.The relief team members felt privileged to have been given the chance to learn a valuable lesson in selfless love. Cold and Snow Relief In July 2011, the normally dry highlands of Potosí in southwestern Bolivia were struck by the heaviest snowstorm in two decades, stranding thousands and destroying crops in rural communities. Upon hearing of the extreme cold and snow conditions in the area, Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly sent US$20,000 to help the families in need. A relief team of our Association members from Costa Rica accepted the funds and left for Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, where they undertook a ten-hour journey by bus to Potosí. There the team learned from local officials that 5,800 families had been affected, but the government only had the capacity to help a quarter of the households. Arrangements were then made to purchase food for 1,140 families in the indigenous communities of Colcha K and San Antonio de Esmoruco. With the assistance of staff members from the Office of the First Lady of Potosí and with transportation provided by the government, the team traveled to remote villages widely scattered along the borders of Argentina and Chile, some of which were six to seven hours traveling distance from each other. Thanks to the translators that accompanied them, the team members were able to communicate with the predominantly Quechua-speaking villagers, who were greatly surprised by the support, the first they had ever received from an outside organization. With joy and gratitude that was deeply touching, the people sent hugs and their most sincere love to Master, along with the message that She is “the best person in the world.”
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching
Hai and Her International
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| Love in Action
Guatemala
God Sends an Angel to Assist with Quake Relief
By Costa Rica Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)
On September 19, 2011 a series of four earthquakes, measuring between 4.5 and 5.8 on the Richter scale, struck Guatemala’s southwestern coast. The tremors were followed a day later by a large mudslide in the northwestern department of Huehuetenango. Several casualties were reported as evacuation and rescue efforts were launched. With Her love and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent an emergency fund of US$10,000 to our Association members in nearby Costa Rica, as well as instructions to render timely aid to those affected. Our Costa Rican relief team then traveled to Guatemala and met with representatives of the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) in Cuilapa, Santa Rosa. After a preliminary assessment of the people’s needs, the team bought staple provisions, including rice, beans and corn, for 600 households. Once the supplies were packed, with the help of local volunteers, the team visited the communities of Cerro Chato, Media Lengua, La Esperanza, Llano Grande, Los Chilitos, and La 46 in the Municipality of Santa Maria Ixhuatan, and Cuesta Chiquita, Renacimiento, and Agua Sarca in the Municipality of Cuilapa. The impoverished, flood-affected families were deeply grateful to Master for Her help, love and comfort, with the mothers and elderly being especially overjoyed to receive the food, which was sufficient to last for many days. “Now I don’t have to die, because God listened to my prayers and sent an angel to help me,” said an old lady. “Tell Her that She is a very special person and that we are truly happy that She has such a big heart.” Expenditures
by Supreme Master Ching Hai
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| Love in Action
Honduras
‘Food from Heaven’ Meets Urgent Needs
By Honduras Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)
According to the United Nations World Food Programme, Honduras is one of the countries most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, which frequently contribute to food insecurity. Beginning in September 2011, prolonged, heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, flooding large parts of this Central American country. Thousands of families were evacuated and many lost their homes to raging waters and devastating mudslides. With love and compassion for the Honduran people, Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately sent US$10,000 in relief funds to help meet the needs of those affected. In early October, a relief team made up of our Association members from neighboring Costa Rica and Colombia arrived in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. There they met with General Silva, Head of the Honduras Fire Department, and learned that 7,000 families had been affected in the worst-hit region, the Department of Choluteca. Thanks to General Silva’s efforts, our team was able to quickly organize a relief effort with assistance from Choluteca Governor Vilma Aguilar, the Fire Department, the military, and the local Boy Scouts. Staple foods, such as rice, corn flour and spaghetti were purchased, packaged, and distributed to 1,200 of the neediest families. As rain continued into the second week, another 9,000 households were displaced in Choluteca, bringing the number of disaster-stricken families to 16,000. Many places became inaccessible as roads were flooded and riddled with potholes. Fortunately, our Association’s relief team was already staying near the critically affected areas and could offer urgently needed help. At that time, a second relief team of Association members from the United States arrived to assist in the work. Master contributed an additional US$15,000 for the Honduran relief effort, which helped address the people’s most basic needs. Food supplies were then purchased and distributed to 3,400 families in Choluteca, the most devastated municipalities in El Paraiso, Soledad and Liure, and the most severely affected community in Valle Alianza. Emergency provisions were also delivered to a nursing home, a home for the disabled, a drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation center, and two institutions serving children of destitute families. For those who had not eaten anything for many days, it was like “food from Heaven.” Our US centers also sent a medical team in response to Governor Vilma’s request for medical aid, particularly for those who had fallen ill in temporary shelters. The team brought medicine and a US$13,500 contribution from our US centers, offering free treatment that eased the physical discomfort and lightened the hearts of the ailing. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Flood Relief Work in Honduras
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| Love in Action
Dominican Republic
Material Aid and Spiritual Blessing
By Costa Rica Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)
In early August 2011, Tropical Storm Emily brought severe rainfall to the Caribbean region, including the Dominican Republic, where nearly 7,000 people were left homeless, and 56 communities were isolated as roads and bridges collapsed. Then, barely three weeks later, hurricane Irene forced another 1,000 Dominicans to evacuate their homes. Upon learning of the situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$15,000 in relief funds, and with Her blessings, our Association members from Colombia and Costa Rica formed a relief team, which travelled to the Dominican Republic to offer aid to those affected. The team organized a relief effort with the assistance of Mr. Luis Reyes, Director of the Santo Domingo Civil Defense. Then, thanks to the selfless dedication of local volunteers, food packages were quickly prepared and the team distributed the items to 850 families in the communities of Cambita Garabitos, San Antonio, Muchas Aguas, El Tablazo, La Jainera, La Suiza, Jamei and La Enea in the Province of San Cristobal as well as 400 households in Juan Guzman and Kila 4 in the Province of Santo Domingo. The villagers in remote, mountainous regions, which could only be reached by crossing a swift-flowing river, were overjoyed to see our relief team. In Santo Domingo, a man enquiring about the food distribution experienced a profound blessing from Master. “Can you feel Master’s presence here? She is really here with us at this moment. I can feel her presence among us,” he exclaimed. All the people, especially the elderly and mothers of young children, were deeply touched by Master’s compassion and loving concern. Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Tropical Storm Relief Work in the Dominican Republic
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| Love in Action
Chile
Reaching Out to Those Affected by Chile’s “White Earthquake”
By the Santiago Relief Team (Originally in Spanish)
In July 2011, inhabitants of the southern Araucanía region of Chile struggled to dig themselves out after a severe snowstorm left up to three meters of snow in some areas. Considered the worst such event in three decades, the storm was nicknamed the “White Earthquake” due to the difficulty in getting aid to those in need. In the town of Lonquimay, over 6,500 residents were trapped in their homes after the snow reached levels of 2.3 meters. Conveying Master’s love and heartfelt prayers, a relief team of our Association members from Chile’s capital Santiago visited Lonquimay from August 6 to 9 to provide emergency aid to local residents, who are mainly members of the Pehuenche ethnic group. After consulting officials from the Municipality of Lonquimay and Hogar de Cristo, the team decided to reach out to families living in the higher elevations of the Andes. Through God’s grace, the skies cleared when the team set out, and with help from the area’s Municipal Emergency Manager, Ms. Ximena Ibacache, they distributed food and supplies to 21 families. The recipients were deeply moved by the loving atmosphere of the relief effort, and the community leaders asked the team to return later for a meeting, so they could hear more about Master and Her message of love. During the meeting, the team presented the Mayor of Lonquimay, Mr. Guillermo Vasquez, with Master’s letter to world leaders, Her book, From Crisis to Peace, and other publications. We pray that extreme weather events such as the Chilean snowstorm diminish as humanity strives to live in peace with nature and animals, as is the tradition of the pure-hearted Pehuenche people. Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Winter Storm Relief Work in Lonquimay, Chile
Love in Action
China
Master’s Love Brings Comfort to Disaster Victims
and the Needy
Report compiled by fellow initiates in China (Originally
in Chinese)
Earthquake relief in Yunnan On March 10, 2011, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Yunnan Province, causing 25 deaths, injuring 314 people and affecting the lives of 350,000 residents of Yingjiang County. On March 18, local fellow initiates approached military relief workers and expressed their wish to help the needy in heavily affected areas that had yet to receive aid. With the workers’ assistance, our group then travelled to several devastated towns and villages and distributed rice, rapeseed oil, and information about the plant-based diet. We also provided 11,500 yuan in relief funds to elderly citizens in desperate need. Flood relief in Anhui In June 2011, a series of severe floods inundated Xiuning County in Anhui Province. Our compassionate Master reminded local fellow initiates to do their best to help the victims, so on June 25, we journeyed through heavy rain to bring Master’s love and aid to severely affected Canxi Village with help from the local government and civil affairs department. Fifteen needy households each received 2,000 yuan in relief funds and were encouraged by our good wishes. We also distributed 300 yuan to each of the 30 senior citizens living at a home for the elderly, with the hope that they would survive the hard times and enjoy peace for the rest of their lives. Flood relief in Sichuan In September 2011, numerous cities in Sichuan Province were struck by flooding, with the most severely affected being Tuxi in Qu County, where all the houses were submerged and many households were struggling to make ends meet. Upon hearing news of the disaster, Master immediately instructed our Association members to organize a relief effort, and with the local government’s help, our relief team distributed rice, noodles, and mineral water to the residents, earning commendation from the local TV station. To convey Master’s love and concern, we also contributed 15,500 yuan in cash to more than 200 students at a junior high school in the town of Sanhui. Helping needy people and animals In addition to offering help to human disaster victims and the needy, our fellow initiates also extended emotional support and material aid to animal shelters affected by the flooding. We sincerely wish that, with God’s blessing, we can all soon bid farewell to the current difficult times and live happier, more peaceful lives. Charitable
and Disaster Relief Expenditures in China (Currency: RMBĄ)
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| Love in Action
Caring for Our Brave and Loyal Canine Friends
(Originally in English)
Dogs show their noble qualities and work miracles by risking their lives to save humans out of unconditional love. Trained search-and-rescue dogs, with their acute sense of smell, swiftness and agility, often serve on the front lines locating people missing after natural disasters, lost children, injured hikers and others, being ready at a moment’s notice to bravely endure the elements and save lives. Many people around the world were deeply moved when they viewed TV reports about these intelligent canines locating trapped victims in the aftermath of the 911 tragedy in the United States, and the Sichuan earthquake in China, despite the danger they faced. Regarding canines’ loyal service to humankind, Supreme Master Ching Hai says the following: The dogs walk in the sharp, broken glass or anything like that, even chemical leaking or anything, or germs or danger. These are precious dogs. They have been trained for years. And they’d even lay down their life for anyone at command. You have to protect those dogs. To show Her loving support for our loyal canine friends and their human partners, Supreme Master Ching Hai has generously contributed approximately US$80,000 to more than 75 search-and-rescue centers in 21 countries. Her loving gifts have been delivered by our fellow initiates, who have also produced programs featuring the training and work of these noble rescue teams. To watch these programs, please visit www.suprememastertv.com. Contributions
by Supreme Master Ching Hai (from October 2009 to January 2011)
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Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai and Her International Association for Other Relief Work and Charitable Contributions around the World from November 2010 to January 2012
Country Date
Description
Amount Appendix
Local Currency
USD
Cuba Nov.
2010 Food
(rice, beans, cooking oil, spaghetti and sugar) for families affected
by tropical storm Nicole
16,316 A
Somalia Dec.
2010 Cash
contribution to CARE USA to support drought relief
15,000 B
Iran
Feb.
2011 Food
(rice, cooking oil, tea, sugar, noodles, etc.) for the flood affected
9,000 C Sep.
2011 Food
(rice, cooking oil and flour) and detergent for 105 families in
4 villages affected by the earthquake
6,100
Peru Mar.
2011 Food
(rice, corn, soy milk, oats, salt, energy bars and water), and
soap for the flood affected
PEN
5,313
1,993 D
Indiana, USA Mar. 2011 Vegan
dog food and financial support to assist the Animal Rescue Fund
after the flood
381 E
Myanmar April
2011 Medicine,
water, tarpaulins, blankets, mats and clothing for the earthquake
affected
THB 100,000
3,333 F Nov.
2011 Cash
contribution, roofing materials and clothing for 225 flood-affected
families and 5 schools
MMK 7,583,000
9,722
Alabama, USA April
2011 Cash
contribution and supplies (soap, baby diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste,
gloves, etc.) for the tornado affected
19,830 G
Australia April
2011 Charitable
contribution to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to mark the occasion
of Prince William’s marriage to Miss Catherine Middleton
50,000 H
United Kingdom April
2011 Charitable
contribution to Save the Children UK (Master also sent Her best
wishes to the loving royal couple)
50,000 I
Turkey May
2011 Food,
drinking water and toys for earthquake-affected families
TRY
541
344 J
Namibia May
2011 Food
(maize, four, cooking oil and sugar) and water for the flood affected
NAD
61,775
9,346 K
Massachusetts, USA June
2011 Toasters,
detergent, utensils, baby formula, diapers, seasonings (sugar,
mustard and soy sauce), hygiene supplies, clothing and 1,100 vegan
meals for tornado-affected shelter residents
1,491 L
Mississippi, USA June
2011 Food,
hygiene supplies, towels, blankets, duct tape, flashlights, sleeping
bags, diapers, baby wipes, cleaning supplies and financial contribution
for the flood affected
11,108 M
Alberta, Canada July
2011 Cash
assistance to the Edmonton Humane Society and the Alberta Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for animals affected
by wildfire
CAN
9,524
10,000 N
Mexico July
2011 Food
(rice, salt, flour, beans, sugar, crackers, cooking oil and water),
soap, diapers, and cash contribution to the people affected by tropical
storm Arlene
MXN
154,048
13,853 O
Texas, USA Sep.
2011 200
relief packages containing sleeping bags and hygiene supplies,
along with 100 boxes of vegan food for those affected by wildfires
5,726 P
New York, USA Sep.
2011 Cash
contribution, food (bread and fruit), socks, towels, sleeping
bags, etc. for the flood affected
4,237 Q
Japan Sep.
2011 Drinking
water, sandals, batteries, diapers and baby wipes for those affected
by Severe Tropical Storm Talas
JPY
154,373
2,012 R
Nigeria Sep.
2011 Food
(rice, tomatoes, semolina and salt) and mattresses for the flood
affected
NGN 1,286,500
10,015 S
Nicaragua Oct.
2011 Food
(rice, beans, sugar, cooking oil, corn flour and candy) for the
flood affected
9,802 T
Thailand Jan.
2012 Food
(soy milk and cookies) and blankets for those affected by severe
cold weather
THB
66,725
2,224 U
Total
US$261,833
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| Love in Action
Expenditures
by Supreme Master Ching Hai and The Supreme Master International Association
for Charitable and Relief Activities in Formosa Total Amount in Tables 1 and 2: NT$1,178,561 (US$40,000)
Table 1. Charitable and Relief Activities （Currency: NT$）
（Currency:
NT$） Month Description Amount Appendix 9 households (Taipei 3, Taoyuan 1, Miaoli 4,
Taichung 1) 39,000 A
February 9 households (Taipei 3, Taoyuan 1, Miaoli 4,
Taichung 1) 39,000 B
March 9 households (Taipei 3, Taoyuan 1, Miaoli 4,
Taichung 1) 39,000 C
April 9 households (Taipei 3, Taoyuan 1, Miaoli 4,
Taichung 1) 39,000 D
May 6 households (Taipei 1, Taoyuan 1, Miaoli 3,
Taichung 1) 24,000 E
June 7 households (Taipei 1, Hsinchu 1, Miaoli 3,
Taichung 1, Yilan 1) 27,000 F
July 7 households (Taipei 1, Hsinchu 1, Miaoli 3,
Taichung 1, Yilan 1) 27,000 G
August 7 households (Taipei 1, Hsinchu 1, Miaoli 3,
Taichung 1, Yilan 1) 27,000 H
September 7 households (Taipei 1, Hsinchu 1, Miaoli 3,
Taichung 1, Yilan 1) 27,000 I
October 6 households (Taipei 1, Hsinchu 1, Miaoli 3,
Taichung 1) 24,000 J
November 6 households (Taipei 1, Miaoli 3, Taichung
2) 24,000 K
December 6 households (Taipei 1, Miaoli 3, Taichung
2) 24,000 L Total 88 households
NT $360,000
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| Supreme Art
S.M. Celestial Jewelry Series XIII
Designer: Supreme Master Ching Hai
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| Supreme Art
S.M. Celestial Jewelry Series XIV
Designer: Supreme Master Ching Hai
* For the full catalog and multimedia introduction to the S.M. Celestial Jewelry series designed by Supreme Master Ching Hai, please visit: http://www.sm-celestial.com/
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| Elevation of the Soul
Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Latest Sample Booklets
Tajik edition Georgian edition Kazakh edition Kyrgyz edition Turkmen edition
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| Elevation of the Soul
From Crisis to Peace: The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer New edition in other languages
In addition to previously available editions in English, Spanish, Chinese, Indonesian and Korean, editions are now available in French, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Portuguese, Aulacese (Vietnamese), Thai and Japanese. This book is also available online in 14 languages, with more in production. For details, please visit http://www.crisis2peace.org/
The English edition of “From Crisis to Peace” is now available in an electronic version for mobile reading on smart phones and tablet computers. Please download at the following URLs:
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| Elevation of the Soul
Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Latest DVDs
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