The Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas

There are many grades of Bodhisattvas: First Grade, Second Grade ... Eighth Grade to Tenth Grade Bodhisattvas, and also the Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas. Mahasattvas are Bodhisattvas of the highest grade - the bosses of all Bodhisattvas.
However, there is another kind of Bodhisattva who does not seem to save people. We revere them as Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas. Their merits are as vast as the ocean - very pure and tranquil, so they are the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas. Their power is like the ocean and they work in absolute silence. Like pure water, no one can perceive their existence, though we are still aware of the manifestation form of the Bodhisattvas. The Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are superior to the Mahasattvas.
In the universe, there are many levels waiting for us to attain, and many positions for us to achieve. Therefore, being new to the practice, there is nothing we can be proud of. Possessing only trivial magical powers, some people boast arrogantly. What is the use of knowing a little bit about the past, present and future? Even if we know that the world will be destroyed tomorrow, we cannot change anything. As well, during the time between now and tomorrow, we would be extremely frightened, and wouldn't be able to sleep or eat. For those who do not know that the world will end tomorrow, at least they can sleep sweetly and enjoy twenty-four hours more of peaceful time.
Therefore, it is really useless to know about the past, present and future. To pave our future, we should begin with our present actions. In our daily life, endeavor to be a moral person, clearly observe the Five Precepts that I taught you: do not kill, do not steal, refrain from sexual misconduct, do not lie, and do not consume alcohol. It is enough to keep these Five Precepts strictly; no need to talk about too many commandments. Should you be able to keep the Five Precepts clearly, it doesn't matter even if you don't believe in me, do not practice the Quan Yin Method, or do not want liberation from birth and death. Even though you don't believe in me, you still have to be a good person, and keep the Five Precepts well; so that at least you can come back again as a human. Otherwise, there is no other way.
I have never taught you any bad things. You may not believe in me -- the person, but you should believe in my teachings. I only teach you good things. It is simple if you want to be a human being. Simply keep the Five Precepts strictly, then you won't have any trouble. By strictly observing the Five Precepts, even though you do not practice the Quan Yin Method, you can still be a human being. Otherwise, it is not easy to get the human body again.
The human body is very precious, without which we would not have the six sense-organs and the six senses, which are essential for our spiritual practice. Of course, we know the six sense-organs and the six senses are the most disgusting obstacles, but we must also use them in our spiritual practice. We cannot pursue spiritual practice without them. Understand? Truly, we don't need the ears to hear the inner sound, but how can we listen without ears? The visions in meditation are also not observed with the eyes; but without this body, we also cannot perceive, cannot see the Buddha's world. We would be ignorant about heaven or hell, or the Western Paradise. Therefore, the human body is very precious.
It is easy if you don't wish to become a human; it is only difficult if you wish to become one. However, it is even more difficult to become a Buddha. It is difficult enough just to become an ordinary Bodhisattva; but to become a Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattva, there are many more ordeals. To become a "Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva" -- a formless, supreme Bodhisattva, one must go through innumerable inconceivable, indescribable and severe tests, which are extremely difficult to pass. We may have transmigrated into this world millions of times, yet we have never heard of such severe tests; we could never hear of them.
If we have read extensively, we would have read about the great spiritual practitioners of the past, about the ordeals and painful sufferings encountered on their spiritual path. However, even the most outstanding and painful ordeals could not match those suffered by the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas, both in frequency and intensity.
The Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas are almost the same as the Buddha, except that the Buddha is "inactive" while the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas are "active." They travel the universe taking good care of it, and keeping it in good order. Their responsibility is to take care of the universe, while that of the Mahasattvas is to save human souls and bring them home. Whoever wishes to go to the Western Paradise should study under the Mahasattvas. They manifest themselves in this world to save people and bring their souls back to their homeland -- the Heavenly Kingdom, the Western Pureland.
You often chant the names of the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas, but without knowing who they are. Even if they'd appear before your eyes, you would not know. Only the Mahasattvas know who are the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas. Ordinary people could not possibly know, because they do not wish to reveal their level and power. They look very ordinary, very commonplace, more ordinary than any person. Even when they are in this world, no one knows that they are Bodhisattvas. They absolutely refrain from showing any magical power, and simply work silently, totally unnoticed by ordinary humans.
The work of the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas is different from that of the Mahasattvas. They absolutely refrain from intervening with people's karma, while the Mahasattvas do. They can save a person from hell and take him to heaven; or take any person, heavily burdened with karma, to the Western Paradise. In the same situations, the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas just observe on one side without taking any action. Their work is to take care of the functioning of the universe and maintain the existence of the universe. They don't save people. You may be starving to death or are being roasted by hell-fire, they are simply oblivious. To us, the ordinary humans, the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas may seem very cruel and remote; but they are not. It is only due to the different nature of their work.
However, it is not simple to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva; I don't think you can pass the trials. To become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, the training system that one must go through is extremely strict and severe. This agonizing training process cannot be described in words, and is totally unheard of and inconceivable by ordinary humans. Just like in the army, there are various types of training: infantry, navy, air force, spy, and the most risky--special task force. Trained even to kill enemies face to face, the training of the special task force is the most arduous. Right?
To become Bodhisattvas, different training is also required to attain different grades. Therefore, to become Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas, extremely arduous practice is required. Arduous practice alone does not make one a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, but it is essential to go through the most bitter training. Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are specially selected; we cannot become one just by wishing. Any spiritual practitioner who has not surpassed the three realms, has no hope of being selected.
All the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are selected in the fifth realm. No one can become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva within the three realms, as we still have to transmigrate. Our lessons in this world still have not been learned, so we won't be picked to undergo the most severe training. One must first become a Bodhisattva of the fifth realm, and be willing to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, before one is qualified for selection. However, once selected, one has to undergo the most severe training, which is even more painful and severe than the system in hell.
There are many levels in spiritual practice, and the road of cultivation is very long. Therefore, as a new practitioner, one should not boast and exaggerate. I tell you not to reveal your experiences to others for your own good, not for me. You can tell the whole country if you like, I will not be affected. You only hurt yourself by divulging your own treasures.
So, practice in silence; because we have to protect our level, and climb slowly to become Buddhas, Mahasattvas, and superior Bodhisattvas. If a new practitioner has some magical power, and goes out to advertise himself because he is not stable within, you should know this kind of person is unreliable. Upon seeing these people, an attained spiritual practitioner can tell that they are experiencing obstacles -- suffering from the "Zen Symptom" we often mention. People not suffering from the "Zen Symptom" will not go out bragging.
spiritual practitioners should be humble. The higher their level, the more humble they are and the more they fear that people may detect their level and power. Some people are still okay in the initial stages of their practice. However, after attaining a trivial level and having some experiences, they brag everywhere. They talk so much that they run into many evil obstacles. The higher their level, the more evil obstacles there will be.
Therefore, the most terrible mistake in spiritual practice is talking about experiences. Having talked too much, the experiences become distorted in nature, or they simply do not come anymore, leaving only illusions. It is because the concentrated power is wasted, and the spiritual ambience is damaged. Originally, the spiritual ambience is a protective wall. However, as one leaks out too much, the devil will dig a hole in it and enter. In spiritual practice, we dread boasting and arrogant attitudes. The prouder one is, the greater his trouble.
I also know that it is not very easy for a spiritual practitioner to believe in a master. Therefore, if you do not believe in me, it is not your fault. It is due to the atmosphere of this final stage of the Dharma. This is why the present era is called the final stage of the Dharma.
spiritual practice is indeed not easy. It is said in the Surangama Sutra: In the final stage of Dharma, if a person is truly sincere in his practice, though he might have only practiced a little, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will come and render great help to him. Unfortunately, few people have the sincerity and faith for serious practice. Most of them choose the easier and more relaxed way, reluctant to take the difficult and austere path. To practice our method, one has to be a vegetarian and meditate for at least two and a half hours each day. Besides, we are forbidden to kill, lie, commit sexual misconduct, steal and consume alcohol. To most people, this is too strict and arduous.
Even in this world, if one wishes to get a Ph.D -- become a doctor or lawyer, or to earn prestige in society, one must study assiduously. Isn't it true? Naturally, it must be more arduous for those who wish to become a Buddha or Bodhisattva, and be liberated from life and death in one lifetime.
In this final stage of the Dharma, for a little bit of our sincerity, the Buddha and Bodhisattvas will help us a lot. This is really great. Otherwise, your two and a half hours meditation is nothing really! Shakyamuni Buddha meditated all day long. Many people meditate for ten to twenty hours without gaining anything. If the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas did not help us with their power, we would get nowhere in our practice.
Actually, spiritual practice is not really so bitter; it is more difficult to eliminate the arrogance, and even more difficult to keep this big mouth from leaking. Arrogance and exaggeration are the most difficult to rectify. Practitioners who do not have much experience or progress in their practice are mainly hindered by their arrogance. They talk too much. They are still new to the practice, yet they talk so much.
Shakyamuni Buddha also forbade His disciples to brag. Maudgalaputra possessed magical power, but the Buddha forbade him to use it. I also give you the same advice. As you practice, magical powers naturally come, but you must not boast about them. If you have the power to read minds, better not to let anyone know. Otherwise, people will be afraid of you, fearing that you will read their mind whenever they come to see you. Then, no one would dare to come to see you. Right?
Should you possess other powers like "heavenly legs" or "heavenly eyes," keep it a secret too. Other people may harm us if they know about it. There are no advantages. Some people would be jealous, as they would hate us for being higher than them. If we talked about something that they dislike, they would think of ways to harm us with black magic. Just like Maudgalaputra. He loved using magical power, but eventually he was harmed by heretics with black magic.
Therefore, I have kept advising you and warning you not to reveal your spiritual level to others. Nevertheless, some people still cannot remove this shortcoming. Being part of their personality, it is very difficult to change them, and this causes great troubles. If we notice this type of person, better keep away from him, and do not listen to his words. Otherwise, you will be infected, as with an infectious disease.
When we live with a person with evil obstacles--you don't even have to live with them, just by sitting close to them, you are already infected with half his problem. When you go to visit a patient -- mix around and have contact with him, half his illness has passed to you. You have to accept half his karma. Otherwise, why do the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, when they manifest and come to this world, become ordinary humans after they are born? They first become ordinary humans, and then practice to become Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Although they are manifestations of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, they will still be contaminated by the world if they do not pursue spiritual practice.

Take Shakyamuni Buddha for example; you all know that He was the Prabhapala Mahasattva descending from the Tusita Heaven. His mission was to save the people on Earth. However, for thirty years after He was born, He didn't do anything to benefit sentient beings. He was a prince who didn't have to work, only enjoyed worldly pleasures everyday -- having no idea about spiritual practice.
When He was born, He could walk seven steps. Still aware of who He was, He said, "I am supreme, in heaven and on Earth." However, as He grew up, He also became ignorant, even more ignorant than ordinary people. Surrounded by so many pretty girls, He simply enjoyed the world everyday, and thought about nothing else. He was deliberately surrounded by a comfortable environment, badly pampered by His parents, and flattered by His subordinates. They kept Him from knowing any undesirable situations, and forbade anyone from reminding Him to pursue spiritual practice. Therefore, before He reached thirty, He was an ordinary human. He was the manifestation of a Mahasattva, and had attained Buddhahood long ago. Yet, when born in this world, He inevitably became an ordinary human.
Therefore, this world is really horrible. Without pursuing spiritual practice, even the one incarnated from a Buddha or Bodhisattva will definitely get lost. Therefore, under any circumstances, He must practice again.
You often ask me: "Doesn't every person have a Buddha-nature? Why are we still ordinary humans?" It is because, after coming to this world, we are "infected" and "delivered" by the ordinary humans. The world is just like an epidemic region. At first, only one person gets the disease. Soon it spreads to two or three persons. Then to more and more people, until the whole region is infected. Sometimes, all the people and even animals in a town are killed, not even a kitten or puppy can survive. So, infectious diseases are truly horrible.
Similarly, when the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas come to this world, they will also become ordinary humans if they do not pursue spiritual practice. Originally, we were all Buddhas, possessing a Buddha-nature. Then why are we not aware, and do not perceive it? It is because, we have been "delivered" by this world for a long time. Now that we have just begun to practice, how can we know immediately? However, through diligent practice, sooner or later we will become Bodhisattvas. "Those who practice will become Bodhisattvas; those who do not practice will become ordinary humans"--this logic is definite, and there is nothing else to be said.
You can see that even Shakyamuni Buddha took six years of practice to become a Buddha. Jesus Christ practiced for over a decade, and finally became a great Master. The Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng was already enlightened when he met the Fifth Patriarch Hong Ren, yet he had to hide himself and practiced for sixteen years, after the Fifth Patriarch Hong Ren had passed the Dharma to him. Bodhidharma did not deliver sentient beings during his time, because his power seemed insufficient still. (Master laughs.) No one listened to him, so he talked to the wall for nine years. I heard that because of his prolonged meditation, he could not walk afterwards. In later generations, we often saw his pictures portraying him walking--that was the image of his manifestation body for people to see.
The saying goes: "He who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and he who stays near ink gets stained black." Mixing with bad people, one will become evil; mixing with virtuous people, one will become virtuous; staying with learned people, one can learn something; staying with foolish people, one will also become an idiot. A person who speaks English fluently would also forget, if he has not spoken English for thirty years. To speak English one must practice everyday. If you stay with a non-English speaking person for a long time, later you cannot speak English, or cannot speak fluently.
Just like me, I do not speak Au Lac language very fluently now because I have not spoken it for a long time. I even have a problem with my English. (Laughter) However, there won't be any problem after I have stayed in the United States for a few days. However, if I carry on speaking Chinese everyday like this, thirty years later, perhaps I won't be able to speak English at all. So it is with spiritual practice. By staying with a certain type of person, you will eventually become like him. This is why one must be careful in choosing a real master in spiritual practice.
Now, do you still want to become Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas? (Someone answers: Yes.) Some people would immediately put on a long face just after a trivial scolding from me. How can they expect to become Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas this way? (Laughter) It is not simple to become this type of Bodhisattva. Once you have vowed to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, you are in great trouble. Even an ordinary master has so many troubles, can you imagine those of the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas?
In this universe, besides the Buddha, the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas have the next highest status. The supreme position in the universe is the highest Buddha, the Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi. Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are the second highest. They are above the laws of the universe. They go to heavens and hells just like we go to the markets to buy food. They go wherever they wish, and do whatever they like. Nothing else is more superior than they are because the highest Buddha is originally motionless -- the Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi is absolutely still. Therefore, in reality, the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are the highest.
Q: May I ask, Master, is there only one Buddha?
M: No, the Buddha means the power. For instance, in England, the Queen is of course in the highest position; but she does nothing, and does not intervene in politics. She is only a symbol of the supreme position. However, Mrs. Thatcher is the most famous, and every country knows about her. Any person in the position of the Prime Minister is always the most famous. She is more well-known than the Queen. Everyone is afraid of her, and she can do whatever she wants. Of course, the position of the Queen is supreme, but not as powerful as the Prime Minister. Right? The Queen does not go from place to places, does nothing, and will not change any laws. However, the Prime Minister has to do everything. She is very stern, and is sometimes rejected by other people. For instance, Mrs. Thatcher is famous for being a stern Prime Minister. People call her the Iron Lady because she is very staunch in attitude, and has great power. Even the Queen of England can do nothing about her. She can only advise her, "Please don't be so stern, try to give in a little bit sometimes." However, she simply won't give in. Isn't it the case?
So are the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas. In this universe, they have the highest power. Be more diligent if you wish to become one. However, I am afraid you cannot endure the most severe training system. Therefore, take it slowly. Become a Bodhisattva first, then climb slowly. However, if you vow wholeheartedly, one day you will definitely become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas. We can become what we are determined to be--this is definite. But, it may not be realized so quickly -- perhaps in the next lifetime, or several lifetimes later. However, if you are willing, you may eventually succeed.
Q: Will the Pure-Tranquil-Ocean Bodhisattvas come to this world?
M: Yes! Why not? They are everywhere.
Q: Will they have karma when coming to this world? Will they also be infected by this world? (Laughter)
M: No, They won't have any karma, nor will they be infected by the world.
Q: Do they also come to this world with their manifestation bodies?
M: They are different from the manifestation bodies of the Mahasattvas. They are the law, and they possess all their powers -- fully equipped with magical powers, and can become whatever they want. Their magical power, their power and their authority are always there. They are different from ordinary Bodhisattvas.
Q: In this case, I would like to become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva.
M: I know you want to be a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva, (laughter) but it is not that easy. Talk about it again when you have reached the fifth realm in your practice.
Q: May I ask, Master: do the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas have to go through the process of birth and growing up, when they come to this world?
M: It is not always necessary. They are different from ordinary Bodhisattvas.
Q: Do They come to the world only for their work?
M: Right! They come and go as they wish.
Q: But the ordinary Bodhisattvas must first be born when they come? Is that right?
M: Right! The ordinary ones must first go through birth, which the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas don't have to. They can transform themselves into anything they wish. Instantly, they can become a fly or a stone, but there is power within this stone or fly. Whatever they have transformed themselves into, they are fully aware that they are the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas. They vanish or come into being as they wish. They can transform themselves into a human or a dog as they prefer. However, this transformed dog is no ordinary dog, and is free of karma. When in the human form, they will not be infected with the karma from other people, nor will they be contaminated by the society. Whatever form they have taken, their consciousness is always fully awake. The Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are at the highest position. If there is really a highest God, then they are only slightly lower than God. God is number one, they are number two. Understand?
Q: Where do the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas receive their training?
M: They are trained in the superior dimensions.
Q: Will They remain forever Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas, or will they eventually become Buddhas?
M: They are forever Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas. They can become Buddhas if they wish, but they don't have to.
Q: Master, You said the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas are absolutely apathetic to outer influences. Suppose a sentient being happened to meet the manifestation body of the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas, will they help him?
M: They won't help.
Q: Why?
M: It is because there are other Bodhisattvas doing that job!
Q: But They can still save people by the way!
M: Why should they save you? The Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas have no relationship with you. They take care of the whole universe, not only one or two persons, or groups. They are different from the Mahasattvas.
Q: If They found a dying person, would they save him?
M: How can they save him? If you are not a doctor, how can you heal patients when they come to you? They cannot do this type of work. They are too busy to care about matters concerning one or two persons, or even the whole world. They are very busy, extremely busy! They have no time to care about one or two persons.
Q: Would Master please illustrate with an example, the severe training that the Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas would have to undergo?
M: This cannot be described in words because there is no such training system in this world. (Laughter) I have just told you that this training is more severe and painful than in hell. It is beyond your imagination.
Q: How can there be such evil things in the superior worlds?
M: These are not evil things, but essential training.
Q: Can every person become a Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattva?
M: This is decided by their selection. Once you are picked, they will train you slowly.
Q: Who makes the decision?
M: The Pure-Tranquil Bodhisattvas do. They select whoever they want, and we won't know about it in advance. We only know after we have been selected, because we will have to go through certain ordeals or sufferings. However, you won't be picked while still in this world -- this I can assure you. (Laughter) Talk about it after you have reached the fifth realm. You can only possibly be selected, after you have surpassed the three realms.

Managing A Country And Pacifying The World Are Also Forms Of spiritual Practice

 Spoken By Suma Ching Hai, Hsihu Center, Formosa Sept. 10, 1995. (Originally in Chinese)

A Wise Person

Does Not Go To Extremes

Outer appearances do not necessarily reflect our inner level; it is most important to know whether our mind is pure and not wavering. Is that right? Therefore, Lao Tzu said: "Something that is too white will look unclear, and a person who is too virtuous will look flawed."

We may not be able to detect virtuous persons. Sometimes it is not very good if they go overboard. For instance, many ancient people, because of their blind loyalty to king and country, suffered greatly or even lost their precious lives. Too attached to their reputation of being clean, upright and virtuous, they sometimes went to extremes and hurt themselves without making any contributions to the country or society.

Take Bo Yi and Shu Qi for instance, why did they die of hunger? Only to protect their chaste reputations. Why did Qu Yuan jump into the river? Just to show his loyalty to a fatuous king. If it was a wise king, of course be loyal to him! You should protect him, support him, counsel him, and be loyal to him. However, one is a stupid fool to be faithful to a fatuous king. A loyal fool!

We spiritual practitioners must not go to extremes, or be too rigid. We should be flexible, and judge the situation with our wisdom to decide what to do. Sometimes, if we are too attached to reputation, to some virtuous aspects, or to a certain living style, then we are not really good spiritual practitioners, as we are short of wisdom. Rules, reputation and morals are there to protect people, instead of demanding people to protect them. Do you understand what I mean? (Audience: Understand.)

Many people were highly esteemed because they were loyal to their king and country, like Bo Yi, Shu Qi and Qu Yuan, but I feel that they were not that good because they had no wisdom. If it is not necessary, we should not harm ourselves, because the king is not the whole society. A fatuous king is not the entire nation and we should not limit our goals in life to him only. They did this perhaps because they regarded themselves too highly. If a stupid king won't listen to you then forsake him. Sometimes, you may also pretend to follow him, do things in his way, and then influence him later. Or, you may do good things in silence; do not present yourself as a very virtuous person. Who can stand you? The king is notorious while you have such a good reputation. Will he like you? (Audience laughs.) Will he listen to you? Will he spare you? Even if he spares you, he will not let you stay near him. Or, even if he lets you stay he won't listen to you. Right?

Therefore, if you want to help the world, save the world, then do not be attached to certain aspects. Simply observe the situation and help in whatever ways you can - in silence.

Guan Zhong, The Wise Prime Minister Who Benefited His Country And The World

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Guan Zhong was a famous Prime Minister of Qi State. He behaved in the same way as the fatuous Qi Emperor. He did whatever the king did, and if the king was muddle-headed he was even more befuddled. Guan Zhong did not let the king "sense" his virtues, or give the impression that he was better than the king. That was exactly how he managed to reign in the country peacefully and successfully, and how he helped the fatuous king to benefit the people.

The people are the most important, not the king. You use him if you can. If you slay him, your reputation will be ruined. Just put him on one side, play with him, and teach him what to do afterwards. He will listen to you after he has confided in you. Besides, he sees that you are just like him - two idiots - (Master and everyone laugh) and takes you as his bosom friend. Because the two were much alike. Understand? When Emperor Huan of state Qi drank, Prime Minister Guan Zhong apparently drank even more. When Emperor Huan was dead drunk, it seemed as if the Prime Minister was in a greater mess. Deep in his heart, he knew the king extremely well. "One will be ever-victorious when he knows himself and the enemy thoroughly." Guan Zhong did not have to demonstrate his virtues or talents. He governed the country silently. The king was then not Emperor Huan, but Guan Zhong. It was better this way. (Applause.)

Although Emperor Huan was on the throne, Guan Zhong was the one who managed the country. Guan Zhong could pacify the world because he was very flexible, and could even make use of the evil people. He accommodated even the senseless, treacherous officials. Bao Shuya failed to do this, so he could not make a good prime minister. Bao Shuya was also a very good man, but too good, and too extreme. He loved the good people dearly. As to the evil persons, wow! He was not contented even if they were killed. (Master and everyone laugh.) He would possibly have slain them without blinking his eyes, so he could not rule the country as well as Guan Zhong.

Although Bao Shuya was a loyal and incorruptible chancellor, he did not benefit his country greatly. Guan Zhong messed about with parties, wine, tobacco and sex, just like the king did, but he benefited the country greatly and was the greatest hero.

We can learn something useful by reading history, not just by reading Buddhist scriptures or Master's lectures. If we have wisdom, we can learn from anything. Observe the way other people managed and pacified the country, and we will learn how to do it also. Understand?

Ruling the country and pacifying the world are exactly the same as pursuing spiritual practice to save sentient beings. There is no difference. The ways are the same, the strategies are the same, and the spirit of serving others is the same. If an ordinary prime minister can sacrifice his reputation for the country and people, then he is really loyal to the king and country. This is the only real loyalty. Without Guan Zhong, the State of Qi would have been swallowed up by other states long ago. King Huan could no longer sit on the throne, giving orders, and enjoying wealth and pleasures. Therefore, the really loyal Prime Minister was Guan Zhong and not those dictating, criticizing, and hurting the king with reproaches. They should do things silently.

Great Persons Conceal Their Talents

To manage the country and benefit the people, you should ignore your reputation even. Do not let people know that you are clean and upright, that you have great wisdom and talents to rule the country. Just do the work; do not explain or show off. Sometimes, it is better that way. Revealing too much of yourself to people, they will keep praising you. Sometimes, your morals are not perfect - you score only eight points but they award you twelve points, then you will feel irritated! Everyone is expecting more from you. Then, another person may praise you with fifteen points, while your worth is only half of it and you begin to have troubles. You become very nervous, doing things extremely cautiously and feeling uneasy. Since you are always trying to guard your reputation as expected of you by other people, you have difficulties working.

It is more comfortable to do things casually when people are not expecting much from you. People will think: This is the way he always is, no need to watch him. He is not serious, nothing great, no one wants him. He is filthy and casual, a mundane person, good only at enjoying pleasures; a useless person, just ignore him, don't pay any attention to him. He is not competitive. I am very virtuous and people will surely like me. That fellow is nothing.

In this way, you are free from competition, no one expects anything from you, and can do things smoothly. Do things indiscernibly just like laughing behind a mask, which no one can detect. Have you ever seen those masks, so dull and expressionless, covering everything except the eyes? No one can see you laughing or crying behind the mask. Similarly, while in this world, do not mind what other people think if we really wish to help people.

It is also easy if you really want to secure a good reputation. What you need is to make good advertisements, a good way of presenting yourself. Having paved the way for several years, people will come to know about your goodness. Then, if you wish to run for president, just for instance, it will be very easy. Should you really wish to run for president, make preparations well beforehand as if you have no such intention. You should go and pave the road by socializing with everyone, visiting all the temples, churches and organizations. By and by, people will nominate you. The whole country will see that you are the most virtuous, and rich in the demeanor of a spiritual practitioner. And then you will say, "Oh, please don't! It is so embarrassing!" (Laughter and applause.) When people insist on nominating you, you will say, "All right, but it is really embarrassing!" These are false virtues and a false reputation. The truly virtuous and reputable persons are often indiscernible because great persons always have their talents concealed.

Sacrifice Your Reputation

If You Really Love Your Country

Lord Wen of Zhou State was more virtuous than the king at his time. That king was really profane and greedy while Lord Wen was very generous. Later, he won the country and the throne. He could do anything better than the previous king, so people invited him to be the king. If Guan Zhong wanted to be a well reputed person, he could simply seize the throne from Emperor Huan of Qi State because Emperor Huan was notorious then. However, Guan Zhong did not do it. He did not wish to snatch the throne from others; he just wanted to benefit the country. What he truly loved was the country and not reputation, so he sacrificed his reputation even. For the sake of the country, he pretended to be even more befuddled than the king, so the king would not suspect him. His reputation was no better than that of the king, but that was how he managed to benefit the country.

Destiny gave you this king at that time, so what can you do? You would get a bad name by killing him. If another person stepped on the throne he might not be any better than Emperor Huan. Since Guan Zhong had won the king's confidence, he played the tricks accordingly and did his best according to the situation.

Fortunately the State of Qi had Guan Zhong, so the country was peaceful and later became almost the most powerful among the central states. What good was Emperor Huan? He was not worth a cent! His only merit was keeping Guan Zhong, and Guan Zhong's best trick was his ability to use this stupid king. (Laughter and applause.)

Besides using the king, Guan Zhong also used the bad officials by the king's side. He discriminated against no one, and that was how he got his way. He was really good. He was truly superb. It is not bad if we can learn from Guan Zhong in our spiritual practice! He was magnanimous. He was good, but not on the outside. That did not mean that he was not good within, he just did not want people to think too highly of him. He could accommodate anyone, and that was why he could rule the country and pacify the world successfully.

I think Guan Zhong was good! Sometimes, we can learn something from the ancient stories. So, when we comment on a person or want to realize someone, we must have wisdom to profoundly understand what type of person he is, instead of looking only at his outer appearance. We have to check the results of his deeds, of his actions, not only his behavior. Don't look at his outer appearance, look at his deportment, habits or ways of doing things. Outer looks often fool us; it is better to judge by the results of his deeds.

History did not give much credit to Guan Zhong, nor did his descendants enjoy any benefit from his reputation, power or property. He truly did everything for the people and not for a name in history. Therefore, his descendants enjoyed nothing from his reputation. He did not leave to his descendants any government position, power or financial benefits.

The later people also did not care much about the descendants of the prime minister; no one cared about him. It was because when Guan Zhong was alive the people observed very little virtue in him. All they could see was that he was enjoying pleasures just like the king. The king's name was already blemished, but his name was even worse than the king's. (Master and everyone laugh.) Do you understand?

Who could see through his outer mask, read his patriotic heart, and realize his loyalty? People of the world are very blind. Ordinary worldly people were not as good as Guan Zhong was, so they had no common quality that attracted each other. No one was his bosom friend, and no one could understand him. Therefore, people did not love or respect him, thinking he was only a flatterer to the king - patting the king's horse's nose, (Master and everyone laugh), and that he fooled around with the fatuous king for his own status and benefit. No one appreciated his talents in managing the country and pacifying the world, and his truly beautiful, clean, patriotic and loyal heart within.

The Golden Age Of Au Lac

In Au Lac, there was a prime minister who was as badly reputed as Guan Zhong. His name was Tran Thu Do, which is most probably strange to you. He was very famous. Everyone criticized him when he was alive, and history also discredited him. At that time, the king was crowned when very young, so the power naturally went to the prime minister. The prime minister even married the concubine of the former king. When the former king died, he married the concubine, out of love or out of ambition to control the whole court, it was never known.

The fact was he had complete control! As the king was ignorant, the prime minister decided everything. This prime minister was very stubborn so history criticized him as a dictator who threatened the young king and abused the court's power; and there were other accusations. However, if we read history carefully, we know that he was a very great revolutionary and democrat.

Nowadays, if we have a king and a prime minister, we call this a constitutional monarchy. Is that right? In that case, the king has not much power while the prime minister has great control. He was implementing a constitutional monarchy system then, but our Au Lac people were not used to it. To us, the king was the son of heaven. Whatever the king said was right; all the officials could only lower their heads and say, "Yes Sir! No Sir!" Therefore, we were not used to it, nor were the officials. He had too much power, and decided everything. The young king did not have a say. The king was so young and ignorant, if it were not for this prime minister Au Lac would not have been so peaceful then.

During that period, the country was prosperous in many respects. However, everyone criticized him as a dictator abusing his power and suppressing the king - all the accusations and no credit.

Even history recorded that he was bad. However, at that time, Au Lac was free and prosperous in many respects. If he were to listen to that senseless and ignorant king, how could he have managed the country? The nation would have been finished if he had obeyed the king! Sometimes, even when the king disagreed, the prime minister would still affix the seal. (Master and everyone laugh.) He affixed the seal himself, so everyone abhorred him.

The fact is he was really good. If he were bad, and since he had already married the concubine and grasped all the power in his hands, he could simply get rid of the king and sit on the throne! That was a common practice in those days. (Master and everyone laugh.) Very popular, especially in China, right? (Audience: Yes.) If the king was rather weak, and you happened to have some power, out you go! Then, the dynasty quickly changes, from sister Li to brother Wang! (Master and everyone laugh.)

Therefore, if Thu Do really wanted the throne or the power, he could get it quickly. The king was young, the power was in his hands and he was a powerful chancellor at the time of the former king. The former king had delegated all the power to him so that he could take care of the young king and the administration.

Read History Again With Wisdom

---

Thus, we see that Guan Zhong really had no desire for reputation because he discredited himself by behaving the way he did. He still kept the king there while he did everything. People abhorred him. In fact, we can see that he was a very good politician, by observing the results. Many accounts and comments in history make us - people of the later generations - think that some persons were bad, some persons were good, this one was virtuous, this one was loyal to the king, and that person was patriotic. We really need to read it over again and give it more thought. What actually happened might not be what was recorded in history. Besides, who were the ones writing the history? The officials, and they were only human beings, bearing prejudice, recording accounts with their own shallow wisdom, preconceptions and personal feelings including that of gratitude or resentment. Thus, we should not believe in history so easily; we have to use our wisdom. Should we really want to learn lessons from history, we have to analyze clearly to find out which persons were truly good and worthy for us to learn from. 

The Preciousness Of meditation

  Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai to foreign fellow initiates

in Hsihu Center, Formosa July 11, 1995 (Originally In English)

After a really good meditation session, you stand up like a saint, and no one dares touch you. If you really have a goodmeditation and sincerely practice, people sense that, and feel that, and they have nothing for you but reverence and love. And you have nothing at all written on your face except love and purity. And that I can see very, very clearly, like reading a book. Do you take notice? Those who meditate a great deal, and sincerely practice, you see their change? Yeah? That's why when you come here, you should, you ought to meditate all the time,

whenever you can. Not only sitting there meditating, but in your mind, you must concentrate. Don't try to find friends and,... idle gossiping everywhere. Even if I don't see you then, when I see you, I see. All the people see. It's written on your face very, very clearly. I tell you from all honesty of my heart. There's nothing you can hide, nothing at all. It's written on your face, in your eyes, on your forehead. It's a sense around your body, doesn't matter what kind of perfume you spray, no difference, really. So, very precious is the meditation.   

Rely On Yourself

 Spoken By Suma Ching Hai On Sep. 6, 1994, Hawaii, USA (Originally In English)

We don't learn for the other people to know. We learn so that we know and that we can bless the world silently by our inner glory and inner love. Just like every other science you know and study, you have to develop yourself. That's why the Buddha said: Rely on yourself and no one else. Of course He said that to see the Buddha is very rare, the greatest blessing, that in a hundred thousand eons you wouldn't have one. Not once in a life time but once in many life times you would see a Buddha. Probably the Buddha is in front of you but you don't see, that's the difference. Many people see, but they don't stare, they don't see anything. They probably look but they don't see. They hear but they don't listen, they don't understand.

And Jesus also said: No one comes to the Father except through me. But nevertheless, He didn't say that now you have seen me, you go home to sleep, and surely you'll go to heaven. No, right? He tells you self-cultivation, love your Father, love my commandments, pray in a closet, love your neighbor. Wow, it's a lot of work. It's not that He said: Okay, now that you have seen me, Jesus, you'll surely go to heaven. No! He didn't say that. A lot of work He told us to do. Even to His relatives, you remember? He said, Who is my relative? Who is my mother? Who is my sister? Only the ones who do the will of the Father are my relatives, my mother, my sister. He said: Oh I have no relatives except you. You know, he meant those who do the will of the Father, who love their neighbors, and who keep the commandments, who love the Father with all the heart, the soul and mind etc... Remember?

Even Jesus, before He became the world spiritual leader, He had to go into the closet, and meditate and pray. And He had to undergo the humility of baptism, even though if He knew He was the son of God, He wouldn't have to do that. He still has to go through everything like us, to show us that when we are a human being, we must work. And He tells His disciples to go out and spread the gospel. He said: Whatever I tell in secret, you go and preach on the house tops. But don't give pearls to the swine. Is it not so? Yeah, He also said that not every one could accept His teachings.

Come To The World

To Learn Love And Service

Mostly at any period of time of our earth, the people who truly love God are very rare. There are also different levels of God as well, and different levels of our beings. And as long as we are in this world and we do not learn to understand the issue of spirituality, then even though we go to heaven, because the love of the Father is immense... Yes, Hes will not discriminate. Really, you love Hirm, fine. You don't love Hiem, Hes loves you. But still, then we go up there and we have not developed; we're still the way we were before, a selfish, stupid angel... Oh! Not all the angels are good, that's why they have to come here and don this physical raiment. In order to study, to learn how to love others, how to do service instead of just sitting there and enjoying the bliss of heaven all the time.

And now we are given the opportunity to study in this school of life. If we do not take this opportunity and learn well, then we will be very regretful in heaven. No one else will tell you anything. You, yourself, look back at your life. At that time it will be very clear to you, like a mirror. And then you will feel very, very sorry, that you were so weak, that you were so lazy, that you were so attached to the material things that the Father gave you, only as a tools so that you could progress.

Instead, you cling to these tools and forget the mission, forget what you are here for. That's why many souls are wandering around in transmigration. They are earthbound because they are so much attached to this world. Even though the gate of heaven is always open, we don't want to go back.

God is powerful, almighty. There is nothing that Hes can not do. It's just that we don't have enough power of sincerity. That's why many of our prayers are not answered and we think God is not there. Ah, that is the trouble. Poor God is blamed for everything. All these wars, disasters, hunger and all these things, we just blame it on God, or the hierarchy of heaven that doesn't help us. Truly it's our choice, the choice of the people who go against the will of heaven and the law of the universe. These people will make wars and listen to the negative force in nature which we call Satan or devil. They are always there. That's how the negative world, this world, stays in balance. In the heavenly world, there's no need for this negative force to exist.

Self Judgement

In heaven, there is no good, no bad, and people sometimes do not think of sins the way we do. They don't condemn you.

So at the time of death sometimes it's you who condemn yourself. You will be very regretful that you did not do the best, that you shouldn't have done the other way. You know you should have, but you did not do. That's what will torment you after your death. And that's what people call “hell.” There is no God who stays there and passes judgment. It's just at the time of death, you'll be shown the low level. That is if we did not practice any true repentance, and if we did not truly lead a virtuous life the way it has to be. Then we will be shown a kind of, like movies, but so fast. The whole lifetime goes by in just a split second. You will see everything, but you understand. Even at such a quick speed, you understand everything that you have done, what is wrong, what is right. You know everything and then at that time you will cry. You will know that you have done wrong. You will not be given the opportunity again. Or for a very, very long time because there are so many awaiting to come to be human beings. So you are a long way on the waiting list, because you've already been given the opportunity. That is the so-called eternal hell or eternal condemnation. But of course, nothing is really eternal. It's just that for an unhappy situation or feelings, it seems a long, long time. And when we are happy, the time goes so fast. Because our sins are not eternally committed, our grief will not be eternally carried out. It's just that we feel it's so long. We feel so regretful that we have been given the opportunity to do good, to improve our knowledge about the creation, about our Father, how everything functions, how we should learn to love one another, and we did not take that opportunity. That's the problem. That will make us feel very, very sorry.

I wish that it wouldn't happen to you. I am sure it will not because you have been diligent in your search for the Truth, for your own original abode and for God. Of course in this situation, sometimes, our mind is weak, the body is also weak. Sometimes, we want to meditate a long time but the body's so weak, the flesh is so weak, and the will also weakens with the flesh. Therefore we have to study again and again. Make firm. Start again. Today I failed. I didn't meditate very well. Tomorrow, next day I'll make more effort. Always try to strive for better, better will, so that we can progress in spirit. And we'll become a stronger and wiser person in heaven.

It's not that everyone is the same in heaven. Even though God is just and fair, Hes loves all Hiers children the same way. But nevertheless, because we do not strive ourselves, therefore we just stay there. Just like children in the school, some are intelligent, some are diligent, some just go out and play, fool with girls or do other things, drugs and things like that. According to the circumstances, when they are too weak to resist, and too rebellious to listen to the parents, then they harm themselves and cause a lot of trouble for themselves. Of course, the parents will be affected and be miserable. But the most suffering person is themselves.

Overcome Unfavorable Situations

Similarly, when we come down to this world we are given all the tools, equipment and circumstances with which we can thrive and try to overcome the situation, overcome the hatred that is bred by the circumstances. Sometimes, we are put into unfavorable conditions, to see how we can love our enemies. But we often fail to love our enemies. We often give into our flesh desires and also the temptations of the surroundings to hate our enemy, just the way we were taught, just the way we're used to, not the way of heaven.

So sometimes we will fail, sometimes we'll succeed. And the more successful we are, of course, the higher the position in the hierarchy of the universe. And we will be given more opportunities in the heavenly system to do better work, more interesting work and more universal work, that we can develop immense talent that we never knew we had, even in the wildest imagination. We will be given leading roles in heaven, like teaching a lot of heavenly beings, and things like that. Or when we go to this earth, we will become like master teachers of spirituality or some special position, leading mankind into the Kingdom of God.

Take Hold Of

The Opportunity In The World

Otherwise, we don't have this opportunity if we're slack in this world, the only time we are in school. Do not think that you always are given the opportunity and come back again. Not always, not always. It is the generations, the DNA that stay behind. The information from that DNA, these desires and all this energy of the desires, that stay behind, that reincarnate. Not you the soul, the person, understand? There are so many souls waiting to go into this school. I don't have the space for you to always stay behind. You can do that, but you wait a long time. And meanwhile you suffer and suffer from your own sorrow. The love of heaven is there but you will feel very sorry for the things you have missed. Yes, you wish you could have done it again, you would have done it better, and you will do it better.

But then when you are given the opportunity again, you forget. That's the problem. That's why sometimes we have to come back to relearn, if we truly are good and merit that, or have a good opportunity to go down. For example, to come down here, you have to exchange it for something. For example there is a mission for someone to come down and help the world. And then you say, "Okay, I'll join. Please can I join? I do anything, anything.. anything. I promise, promise, promise. I won't be like the last time. Really no, no, no." (Laughter) All right. So of course heaven is always a trusting company. They give you a next job. But when you go down there instead of helping that person and that group to better the world, you do something else. Maybe even against them because you become forgetful of what you had promised before you took birth in this world -- all of us, all of us.

That's why you see the Buddha, thirty years before He became enlightened; Jesus also. You know what I mean? Not that they are born immediately and say, "I am the Buddha. I have to go and help the world." They forget. So, there are so many pushing opportunities from heaven, like disasters would appear before you, or someone else edging you from behind or pushing you, or some situation happens that you suddenly will feel awakened. Or some friend will come along, some beggars on the street even, reminding you of the ephemeral nature of this world. These beggars are also angels.

Sometimes the suffering is there to awaken us. Some people come to do some great mission. Some people come to do a small mission in order to earn the merit of being a human. They can be in school and earn the merit so that they can advance in heaven and have another opportunity perhaps to advance again.

Remember The Promise You Made In Heaven

I have often told you that the Au Lac refugees, they are there of their own will. They want it to be like that, so that they can awaken the conscience of the world about how terrible the refugees' situation can be; how war can affect people and many nations, not only one, for example like that; and to give the people who helped them, who gave them shelter, food, support and sympathy, the merit of love. You know what I mean?

When we love someone, we love ourselves. We really boost our glory. It's not that we help anyone, we help ourselves. Please remember this whenever you do something good. It is the will of heaven. It's good for you. You should do more good, be more loving, try to strive inside, use your wisdom. Don't be a sheep in the crowd. You have already stepped out of the crowd. You already have done much better. You understand? Trying to remember more of the promise that you made to the Father and the heavenly hierarchy before you came. That's why you came here!

You will remember through meditation, through contemplation on the wisdom from the light and the sound, who you are and what you're supposed to do to advance yourself. Because you are in contact with the supreme wisdom again, and you remember what is your mission and what you're supposed to do. That's why you always change for the better, because you remember the heavenly being that you are. That's why you change. You become better and better. You become more angel, more heavenly like. That's all your work. All right?

Of course the Master and the heavenly beings always stand by and help us. But if you don't do it yourselves, it doesn't matter how much help, it's no good. We have to do it ourselves first. And then the heavenly beings will help us. The Master power always helps us. 

Striving To Earn Money Is A Duty, Not A Sin

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai to the foreign initiates, Hsihu Center, Formosa (Originally in English) June 3, 1995

What you should detach is the attachment for power and fame, not to be detached from money and fame.

The thing is that we had better strive, strive to have a better life all the time, not because we are materialists but because life should have joy and abundance in all things and in all aspects. We do not have to give power and finance to the negative class of people. You understand what I mean? If, for example, the good people don't strive to make income for themselves or to have some power within a society then all the power and the finance go to the negative power, all the bad people. They will in turn control the good people and the good people can do nothing; can not even spread goodness. So to me, to earn money, to make a business, to strive in your life to earn a good standard of living for your family, yourself and your country is a duty, not a sin.

I do not encourage my people to stay in poverty, and to give all the power and finance to the negative system that has no morals, to people who have no morals, who have no responsibility, no feeling, and who have no sense of sharing with other people. For example, we who are practicing moral standards, if we have money we always share with other people. We help people in disasters, we help the victims, we help the refugees, we help the poor, we help the needy, we help the sick and the orphans and things like that. So, it's very good to have money, very good. It's not capitalism. It's the power of finance that we must have and also the power, sometimes, of social activities.

If you are a politician, you should stay in politics and be a good politician and fight for your country and for the standard of living of other people. If you are a businessman, you must be a successful one. Always strive to be successful. Earn as much money as God gives you and then you can share. Money is very easy to use. If you don't have it then you can say, "Oh well, I don't care about money. I'm a practitioner. Money for me is untouchable." You can not do that, you know? Can not have such an attitude like, you don't have then you're lazy to achieve and then you say,"Oh, no, I don't care. I renounce everything." It's not true.

In the old times, the so-called practitioners, they always renounced many things. It's okay. You can do that for a while. But I don't think you should do it all the time. No? Well, I think you can, why not? Everyone becomes monks, we eat the air (laughter) and drink the dew in the morning and afternoon. That's it. What do we need? Actually, the practitioners don't need so much. What we eat is just vegetables and what we wear doesn't have to be always beautiful, truly. We don't really care for outside appearances, we really don't.

Sometimes, I put some make-up on, wear some clothes, and after three or four days, I'm so happy just to go next to the river and wear nothing, just be alone and be natural. Sometimes, the make-up and the clothes make you feel tired. The outer requirement of beauty and decency sometimes makes you tired if you are not used to it. Especially for the practitioners, we just like to feel natural. Sometimes we even feel that having no hair, no clothes, and things like that would be very, very relaxing. But if we want to do it for the sake of beautifying the world or to work in the society, it's also okay.

So for us, the so-called practitioners, we really don't need material comfort. We really don't. And that's why it's easy for us sometimes to think,"Oh no, why should I earn money, I don't really need anything anymore." It's a very easy way out. But when we come to think about it, if we still live in this world, many people depend on us, our family, our children, our parents, relatives, and friends. Sometimes they need our help. If we are not in a position to help them, who will? Because only very rarely do people in this world want to help the poor and needy.

Truly the people in this world very rarely would give anything, even in ordinary circumstances. So that is the way of working of the negative power, to make the people become greedy and grasping. Whatever they have is mine, mine, mine. They never let go. Even when they have more than enough, more than they can ever count, more than they can ever recognize how much they have, they still want more. No one else can have it. Therefore, if the so-called good persons, positive people, like the practitioners of moral standards, the practitioners of the Way, the Tao, the Truth, don't have money, who will help those needy people? That's it. That's the difference. That's why we need to earn money and make good business. Not because we need it but because in this world we can make use of this useful equipment, money, power or political standpoint, then we can help the people.

Make The Best Use Of Power To Work For God

For example, if I am a president of the United States -- if, huh? (Laughter) -- then I would have taken in all the refugees a long time ago. The Au Lac people, the Cubans, the Haitians, the Chechnyans and the Bosnians, whatever. Then I would tell my people how to take care of them. I would tell you. (Applause) You would. Even if each one of us just take one of or two persons, that'd be fine and we'd take care in no time. It's just because we are not allowed to do that even. We don't mind any of us, any country, all of us, the practitioners, my fellow practitioners. I believe all of you, if I'd say one word, "Please take care of this person or this family," everyone of you in Korea, in China, in Au Lac, in Formosa, in America, in France, in England, anywhere, you would immediately do that. Is that not so? (Everyone answers,"Yes.") (Applause). And then we'd have no problem, really. Instead of feeding them in the camps, we would give them the money to start their businesses or training and then they'd be on their feet in no time. Later they'd help other refugees. Then the world would have no more problems, right? Yes, really no problem.

That's one issue, the refugees. Another issue is abortion. We don't have to kill babies. I have written to the United Nations and other countries and said that we don't have to do that. We can create a special social care system, let these children be born and then give them to those who have no child. At the moment, there are so many difficulties in adoption, so much red tape and bureaucracy. Many childless couples long to have children, not one but two, three, four adoptions; and any race, they like it. So why are we killing this rare species?

I think as long as we go on like this, we are killing ourselves. Later it's we, the human species, who become a rare species that must be protected. Now birds, many jungle creatures like lions, tigers already have become rare species. Later, human beings will become even rarer, because now no one can have two children, for example, in many countries. It's forbidden to have more than one child or more than two children, etc. And any other children have to be wasted. Kill them. This doesn't have to be, right! We can just exchange. You don't have children, I have too many, you take some. Very easy. Why not? That's two issues. Now, at the moment the world's two worst issues are refugees and abortion. I think it's very easy.

Suppose I am the president of some powerful country. I just want to tell you one example like that so that you know that social power and financial power are not to be renounced, as long as you live in this world. Not because we want them. Just because we don't want them, we have to have them. (Applause) If we give these powers to the people who want them, they always abuse them. Just because they want them so much, they will always abuse them whenever they get them. Just because we don't want them, so we can use them in a very fair, peaceful, and useful manner for the whole world. You understand what I mean?

So, the problem is that many of the so-called practitioners, they like to renounce. It's the easy way out. Like for me, it's also easy not to have to teach people or not to have to receive you here, having problems, etc. I do know. What shall I do? I don't always take the easy way out. You see what I mean? For example, I'm your teacher. I don't have to work. No, I don't. I don't really because I don't eat that much. So, wherever I want to go, I say, "Look, if you want to invite me, give me a ticket, give me a hotel, give me this and that." You'd do it immediately, right? (Audience: "Yes!")

Master Sets An Example, Practicing What She Teaches

Well, I don't take that easy and cheap way out, I do it myself. I earn my own money and I do it myself. Whatever really, really, truly I need, then I ask you, but just small things. For example, like a disaster somewhere. "Please go and check for me because I'm in another country now, I cannot go there. Go and have a look and if there is anything we can do, alright. Or if you can help them, help them. Or if you don't have enough finances or manpower, we will help you." It's always like that, right? It's actually asking you to help yourselves, to help your people, also to demonstrate your loving power and the wisdom that you have acquired through your daily meditation. That is all I ever ask of you.

I never ask you to do anything for myself, even though I could do that anytime. Is that not so? So, whatever I do, it's just like a teaching for you. I don't always tell you, "You do this, do that." You just look at my actions and that's enough lessons already. There's no need to teach you anything really. It's just because you come here now and again so you expect me to tell you things, talk to you about stories, and explain to you this and that. But actually, you don't need to ask me to say anything. I don't even need to tell you anything. Everything I do is just what I teach you. Everything I teach you, I do.

It's very easy to say, "Oh, I'm a master. Why do I have to do work? I don't touch money. I'm pure. I'm above all things. I never touch money -- let it contaminate me or pollute me." I can do that. All excuses are welcome. Most of the so-called gurus mesmerize the whole congregation of their so-called disciples, and tell them whatever they want, and they do anything. But I don't do that.

Whatever I teach you is really good and pure, and good for you, good for the society. And whatever I do is what I teach. What I teach I do, right? (Audience answers: "Yes.") (Applause) I just want to tell you that even I myself can have it easy. I don't. Just because I believe that I must have the power and the finance to help the world, not to take the power and finance of the world for myself. I have to give them the power and the finance they need, not that I take the power and the finance from them, for my own personal benefit and glory. So in that case, I work for my ideals and beliefs. That's why I also ask you to do the same, if you can and if you want to. Only if you want to, because I believe there is logic; but of course you don't have to do anything. If you believe the same ideal and you think it's logical then you do it. I just want to explain to you why, why we cannot shun money, why we cannot despise political positions, because they are good tools, they are good instruments to work for God, to work for the betterment of the world at large. Understand now. (Applause)

Many people think because I'm a Master, why do I still make money and all this? Of course, I know they say that, but because they're ignorant, because they're stupid. Otherwise, they can see why I do it. I don't have to. If I were to take just one hundred dollars from each of you, I'd become a billionaire in one day. No problem. I don't have to work. (Applause) So, because I am not a materialist, because I don't care for position and money, that's why I work. Not the opposite. If it were the opposite, if I cared for position and money, I'd always control you. I'd make each of you give me some money every month. Everyone would be willing to do it, is that not so? (Audience answers: "Yes.") (Applause) You'd give more than that, not just $100. Even if I took one dollar from each person, that's all, from all my followers, in one day I'd collect millions of dollars, understand or not? One day only. (Applause) And everyday everyone would give me one dollar only. What would I have? Do you know?

Okay. Now. If anyone asks you why I make money, you already know why. Just because it's the right thing to do. It's the correct way to live our life honestly, earning our money with the sweat and labor of our own talent and our own endeavor. We put our labor, our talent, our work, our time into the production and then we can earn the money and then we can give it away. If I really want money, oh, this is the stupid way to do. This is a stupid way for a Master who has millions of followers, to go and paint a picture for many days and blind Her eyes with oil colors or to cut materials to make clothes and then go all over the world to advertise in such a stupid way. You know what I mean? It's a stupid way. Most of the masters in the world never work. They don't have to, only me. I'm the most stupid one.

So, truly, if they think I am materialistic and want money and position, they're stupid. The people who think like that really misunderstand very, very, badly. Is that not so? Just in Formosa would be enough. I want everyone to give me one day one dollar. Formosa would be enough, I don't need all you foreigners. I don't. I can buy hundreds of Rolls-Royces. I could build a paradise for myself anywhere I want in no time. I can buy, no need to build, building takes too long. Who does that? Masters don't build houses. Can not touch these material things, right? I don't even need to touch money, just tell the disciples buy me a house or buy me a palace over there. Immediately, it would be done. No need to stay in Formosa, in Sweden, in Switzerland, in France. Any castle I fancy, I'd have it right away. Is that not so? Don't have to talk about foreign disciples, Formosa's enough, for example, yeah!

So it is stupid that I go and try to make money this way and then people think I will make money from you. This is a stupid way. If I'd try to make money from you then I'd just put it here. I don't have to go around the world like that, doing all kinds of things. So, now you know. If you still have any doubts in your minds, cut them out. It's no good for you, it will make cancer inside, a lump. It's very, very bad for your health, for your spiritual health.

The world is upside down. All the masters who don't work, who don't do anything, their disciples just offer to them anything and they praise them, "Oh, holy, holy, holy man. Never touch money, no material, nothing." It's not true. It could be. But this is just one of the ways, it's not the only way. It's not all the masters who like to do that. It's not all the people who don't touch money, who just sit there and let people feed them, who are holy. It's not that way. But actually, I think I'm doing the things a little bit stupid in people's eyes, because all the masters don't do that. The disciples feed them enough, really. Why do they have to work and do anything. But I want to give you a good example of all perfection development. You don't only develop a moral standard and wisdom but you also make use of that moral standard and wisdom in daily life. Express it.

Use Your Talents

To Beautify The World

If you have talent and wisdom, then you can do all things. You have to beautify the world and make money for yourself. Take care of your own living so you don't burden other people. And if you have really good moral standards, then of course you have compassion and love for all the needy and desperate beings. And of course, you would lend a helping hand to anyone, regardless of race, color, creed, beliefs, and religious system, even your own enemies. So, that's how we know. That's how other people know that we truly have wisdom and moral standards. Otherwise, how do they know? And how do they teach themselves? You tell everyone to do good things, to have wisdom, and then you yourself don't show anything.

Just like an English teacher. If you never speak English, you never write English, and you keep telling all the students, "You must yourself speak English. From today, whenever you see me that is when you learn from me. And then you just speak English by yourself because everyone knows how to speak English." But the teacher never shows any examples, never speaks even ABC, never writes down any English words, never speaks any words. So how do the students know that he is an English teacher at all. Maybe he's even deaf and dumb -- can't speak anything. Maybe he can not even read nor write. So, a teacher is not only as good as his word but must be as good as his actions. Is that not so? (Applause)

At least you understand me. Many of the people in the world they don't know. They think the opposite. If I sit here pretty and you all come with flowers, food, everything around me, and bow to me really flat on the floor, things like that, then I am a holy person. Because I don't do anything, I don't touch money, that's when I am holy. Really useless holy, yes. (Laughter) And the people who strive to do good for the world, with their own hands and efforts and work hard for it, then many people scold or criticize them, thinking they are materialistic and they want power and things like that. Power, I have enough already. Materials I could have anytime; don't say one day. Just one hour, one minute is enough. Just the time for people to take to put the money in, that's all. Each person one dollar I have enough to live my many lifetimes of reincarnations. Not only one life. I put money in the Swiss bank and then when I reincarnate again as the next Tulku (a high Tibetan lama), living Buddha, Rinpoche (another Tebitan term for a high lama), whatever, (laughter) I know where my money is. Other reincarnated lamas supposedly know their last lives, so they know everything that belongs to them from the umbrella to the beads. They are supposed to, no? You know, huh? Okay. It's very nice that I just put money in the Swiss bank, and if I remember that account number, it will help me a lot. (Laughter)

Don't Let The Negative Power Control You

We must work. God has sent us here with equal opportunity, power and talent. So, if we don't grasp the finances and the power from the world then all the negativity will grasp it. We are under their control. The negative power wins, and then we can't do anything, we can't complain and say that God doesn't help us. God does, God sends us here, sends you here and even gives you opportunity to study like everyone else, the same as the negative power. This is just like a competition, you know what I mean? Both have opportunity, talent, and ability to take the same thing.

So, if you renounce it, of course, then the negative power will take it. They said, "Sorry, we don't want it." And then in this world, if we have no power, no money, what will we become? Beggars, of course. That everyone can be, but mind you, nowadays, even beggars cannot survive. Many governments don't like beggars, you see, even if you want to beg. If you renounce everything that doesn't mean you are safe. You got it. Many put beggars in a home and you are not free to do anything that you want. You can't have this and you can't have that and you have to do many things not according to your will. And in the home you must eat meat and you cannot eat vegetarian, etc., etc. So, what do you do?

So, it's not that you renounce everything then the negative power will leave you alone or will give you peace. It's not true. Fight. You have no choice really. Take away your wrong conception about money and fame. What you should detach is the attachment for power and fame, not to be detached from money and fame. You know what I mean? The desire for it, that's what you should renounce, not the money and the fame, just the desire. (Applause) Now so many people who practice spiritually have this wrong conception. So now you should not have this kind of wrong conception any longer since I have already taught you and showed you why logically. Not that I force you to believe me talking nonsense, but it's really logical. Is that not so? Okay. Now you know.

Renounce The Desire Not The World Itself

So, don't laugh at our brothers and sisters who are in Parliament or who are in Congress. They are doing their jobs. They're doing fine. Many of our brothers and sisters are in high political positions, as well as very famous and successful businessmen. I never tell them to get out of them. If they get out, I even say,"Why, are you crazy?" Yeah! Some of our brothers and sisters, just after initiation, renounce. Don't become Congressmen anymore, don't run anymore, and don't do anything. I say,"What do you want to do now? I don't need such a useless person around me. I have too many already. (Laughter)

We renounce the desire for the world, not renounce the world itself. Because the world is a part of us, a part of our relatives and friends, brothers and sisters, so we can't renounce the world. That is the wrong word. We renounce the desire for anything in this world, that's all we must renounce. Then you do anything you want. Earn as much money as you can, be in as high a position as possible, and use your power and finance to help the needy people. That's the right thing to do.

A Saintly Mind Expects Nothing In Return

Spoken by Suma Ching Hai, at Hsihu Center, Formosa June 6, 1995 (Originally In English)

The retreat is over, so I think I'll let you go to sleep, you know, normal time. You don't have to meditate so long. You may go back to your tent and meditate longer, until you want to sleep. And in the daytime you may rest or meditate as you please, and follow the schedule here, like 4 to 7 and 6 to 9. Normally, you follow what is here. Sometimes summer and winter there is a slight difference in the schedule. So you're free, but try to meditate as much as you can; and don't gossip too much. If you have to talk then talk about God, something beneficial, something that vibrates positively in the air and contributes to the harmony of the world as well as to your spiritual progress and those of your neighbors. Whatever we speak, we'll give a vibration, and accordingly what we say, good or bad, will affect upon us again.
There are still many around. You'll stay a long time? Your family is okay? I told you if you have no obligations, family, children, job or any other duty, especially the family, the children, and the job.... If you have work to do, you must tell your boss before you leave or before you stay or whatever. You don't just go like this. Place yourself in other people's positions and then act accordingly. Don't be selfish and make a bad name for yourself and for our group.

Do Good Things Expecting Nothing In Return

We have to do good things in this world, not because we will have a good result, good karma. That is only for children, for the beginning, for the beginner of practice. Then they still need awards, merit, punishment, all these praises and blame. But as we go to a higher dimension, a higher level of consciousness, we forget all this. We do whatever to benefit other people and whatever is righteous according to our conscience. Not to expect anything at all in return.
If we look at the history of the world, not everyone who does the righteous things, not every act of kindness will be rewarded with the same level of goodness. For example, you look around, Jesus. All his life he tried to do good and be a good example of Godly qualities, but he had no fantastic reward in return. At least, I mean, when he was alive. And Buddha, he has done a great deal for the world and for his disciples. But he had a lot of slander, blame and curses, sometimes, even close to assassination. Gandhi, for example. He strived to do good for his people and his country. And to bring peace among religious believers in India, and what did he get in the end? A bullet. And many other people like Kennedy of America, Abraham Lincoln, etc., etc. All these good people. They sincerely tried to bring justice to the world and peace to human beings. But they all got a very tragic retribution for the good that they had done to the world. Politically speaking even, not only in religion. Like in Formosa here. Formosa is one of the founders of the United Nations 50 years ago. And now what do they get? They are kicked out of the United Nations, in preference to the Communism, which the whole world says is bad, and has to be eliminated, etc..., for example, blah, blah, blah, you know what I mean? So not everything that we do good will get the good things in return. So don't expect me to promise you that if you keep the precepts, if you eat vegetarian, I will give you all the power of protection so that your life will be smooth and have no problems, everyone loves you, no enemies, no sickness, no accidents, no diseases, no undesired accidents or anything like that. Understand? You keep the precepts, you do good things because it is the only way to be a human, be a worthy human being. Understand?
Surpass Praises And Blame
And moreover, if we want to step beyond human life to become a saintly being, beneficial to the whole universe, that is the meaning of being a righteous person. That's the purpose -- the only purpose. As long as you practice goodness and kindness, there will be always a negative power that tries to attack you, that tries to make you stray from your purpose and go in a different direction, sidetrack you. So it takes a lot of determination and principles to control ourselves, to check our way, to check our lives, so that we always go in the right direction without regret, without complaining when we don't have any good result out of this. Even I myself don't always have the correct result, and righteous result awarded to me. For one of the awards, or one of the praises I get a hundred slanders in return. You know what I mean? Just because you don't know about them doesn't mean they don't exist. Just because I don't care about them doesn't mean they don't exist. We do not take praise and blame very literally, very seriously. Therefore, we are not very affected by them. Doesn't mean I always get praises and smooth operation and cooperation from everyone. Even among disciples, there is no such thing as an easy way for a master at all. In fact, it's a way of great sacrifice and inner sufferings. Most of the people do not know. But still, despite all this obstruction and ungratefulness of mankind we continue to do good. We still continue to improve ourselves to do what is right, because it is right. Do you understand now? (Clapping) Because it is the challenge of this world that we always keep the way of God, we always keep the commandments of conscience. That's how we rise above all differences and all the praise and the blame to be a noble being.
Being A Noble Being Is The Only Way
Even though to be a noble being is a very difficult position and also very difficult to achieve, that's the only way. Or do we want to always sink into the lower existence, the lower thinking, the violent way of living or a very, very ignorant quality. Should we do that? (Audience: Of course not.) Right. You're right. So, that is the only choice, to walk forward doesn't matter how difficult, to fly upward doesn't matter how far, how high. We just have to try again and again and again, until there is nothing but goodness that resides within us, until we recognize nothing but the Kingdom of God within ourselves. What is the Kingdom of God? It is not the palace that is shining with gold, silver, diamonds, rubies and all kinds of precious stones. It is the purity, the loving kindness, the compassion, the peace of mind. That is the Kingdom of God. If we carry this Kingdom of God within us, then wherever we go we always feel that we are in heaven. So there is no need to yearn for the life beyond and to shun the opportunities to serve our brothers and sisters here on earth while we are still living. If we have already attained heaven within, whether we live or we die, it is ours. No one can take it away. But if we do not attain this, then even if we go to heaven, the outer environment of heaven may not even penetrate inside our darkened souls, and we still carry with us hatred, jealousy, bad, negative thinking, within our hearts. Then heaven is just another place in the universe for us, the same as everywhere because we have not changed ourselves.
Having Peace Within Us, Everywhere Is Heaven
So if we change, the situation changes. If we have heaven within us, peace within us, then everywhere is heaven, everywhere is peace. That's the purpose of being good, trying to do good, trying to be good, because that's the only choice. Unless we want to stay in hell forever. Well, then I don't know. That's very easy to do. To go to hell we don't have to try. There's no need for effort. It's the most easy way. Most crowded place. So I think it is better to go to heaven. Less crowded. More quiet. More room. More space. Everyone goes to hell, so why not we go to heaven? Just like in the cities, they are too crowded already. Why should we go there? So if we want peace and quiet and tranquility, we go to the countryside. There's more room, more space, the land is cheap and we are in a very green surrounding. It's good for our health and spirit, etc.
The same, huh? So I think we are very wise if we choose to go to heaven. Takes a lot of effort, maybe (clapping). It takes a lot of effort now, but if you want to try again later or next life, it's even harder. It adds up more garbage, more bad qualities, and more habits. It's difficult to clean. Now maybe we are already in the thousandth incarnation and if we come back again, one thousand and one, you know, and we come back again one thousand and two. Each life we accumulate more garbage and more bad habits. Then it's more difficult to kick off the habits. Right? So, however hard it is, try this time, try one time.

Pull Out Deep Rooted Habits And Hardness

You may think that you are already very clean and pure but I tell you, be careful. Don't think because we are vegetarian, because we keep the precepts, we are clean and pure. Not yet, not so easy. Watch yourself next time. Watch every moment, just one day. Spend one day watching yourself. See how you react in different situations. Watch carefully, then you'll know what I mean. Like some people they will come to me and they want to become monks and nuns, for example. I tell them no, you don't need. I don't want to tell them that they are not up to it. But I just tell them no need. Because even when they are with me, talking to me. . . For example, if a boy were talking to me, and then he hears a voice of another female coming to my room or coming to my place, immediately he brushes his hair. He doesn't know it even. I know it. You know what I mean? Or a girl, talking to me and then hearing a voice, only hearing the voices of approaching boys, one boy or two boys, doesn't matter whom. Immediately she also adjusts her dress, strokes her hair. (Everyone laughs.) Not the way we causally do it sometimes when the wind blows. In my office there's no wind, for example.
And many things that we ourselves do not notice, very, very trivial matters, very deep rooted and subtle habits that we don't know we have. You know what I mean? And many other things like love, compassion and sensitivity to the suffering of other people, we don't have too. For example, sometimes I watch movies with the monks and nuns, so-called monks and nuns here, huh? And many things in the film, sometimes about the war, sometimes about spiritual matters or sometimes about the things that are very touching in this world, like war, death, suffering and things like that. These things make me cry, or sometimes I am very shocked and very deeply touched. But to some monks and nuns, they just laugh away. Maybe they are at a higher level than me. No emotion. I have more astral feeling or what? (All laughed!)
But because I know it is a film, I don't see the film; I see the suffering behind, what they want to convey in the film. You know what I mean? It's not that I cry because the film person dies, I know that it is a film. I don't cry because that actor dies or loses an arm or a leg. But I am touched because of the suffering of this world which they try to portray on the film, which is very, very, very true.
But I saw some of my monks and nuns, they sit around and they just laugh because of some other incident in the film. I cannot laugh. Of course I am the one that laughs a lot. You know that. It's not that I don't know how to laugh, but in such a situation, I cannot laugh at all, and then I can sense some of them are so insensitive. So insensitive.
So these are the very subtle habits and subtle hardness that we have accumulated during many lifetimes and we don't even realize it.
Be Honest To Yourself
So make sure that you check out whatever undesired, deep rooted habit that you don't want to carry around with you. If you're comfortable with them it's okay with me. It's your garbage and not mine. But what I mean is that if we are truly honest within ourselves and want to improve and want to train our sensitivity to the suffering and to the happiness of others as well as to our own purity and well being, then we must always be vigilant. Always, always pay attention, otherwise it is easy to just pass the day, pass two days, pass three days, pass the whole life, in self indulgence, in bad habits and not get into a higher level of consciousness, not be able to understand a deeper meaning of spiritual life. You understand? And then we blame others, blame God, blame the method and blame the Master, blame everything. That doesn't help us. It is not true, I tell you. It is not true.
You can blame me, you can blame the method if you want, but that doesn't help you at all. It doesn't help you to get better. The best is for you to be honest with yourself and always be watchful of our deep rooted habits, and very undesirable affects that they have upon us. Always be careful.
I just told you a few examples. But there are a lot. I cannot even remember here. And of course I don't want to bring all the garbage to you. I trust that you are very intelligent and wise enough by now, to take from these examples some indications, enough so that you can check out yourself, other habits or other deep rooted karma that I did not mention. But you will recognize next time around, when you see them, when you sense them and when you watch them grow or creep into your life when you're not noticing. There are so many things. I cannot even remember and I cannot even tell you all. But you know, hmm, many small things.
Okay. From today you can go to sleep around 9:00, continue to meditate in your tent, then get up around 3:00 and meditate until 7:00, etc. Then in the daytime you rest, help around or cleaning. Try to concentrate all the time when you are working, and not to gossip and talk nonsense. Of course, no one will scold you or do anything, but since you are here you should profit from the free time and the environment and the atmosphere of the center to better your spiritual practice, understand?
In walking, sleeping, talking, sitting, laying down, always try to be concentrated on the wisdom center. In that way you speedily progress and then you will feel that. And the more you progress, the more encouraged you will feel and then the more you practice. It's a pity that we already have the method and we don't use it.
It is very conducive here for you to practice your meditation, no one disturbs you so much. Is that not so? So try to profit from it. Try to profit from the time you are here. That is all I have to tell you. Good-night. (Clapping) Thank you.