Traveling along Roxas Boulevard on my way to work has always
been a part of my daily routine. It was during one of those
typical mornings that I caught a glimpse of the advertisement
hanging on one of the streetlight posts. The poster read: "Ocean
of Love Tour - Experience the Divine - Supreme Master Ching
Hai". I was stirred by the message conveyed through the
announcement, and eventually I decided to participate in the
event.
May 3, 2000... Grand Ballroom of the Manila Midtown Hotel...
a 30-minute drive from my place of work. Along with a few of
my office-mates, I scurried over to the venue, and luckily managed
to get through the big throng of people. We were overwhelmed
by the vast number crowding the hall, and began to worry that
we might not be able to find seats near the stage. But we were
fortunate to find ourselves in a corner of the ballroom that
had a good view of the stage and, of course, of the Supreme
Master.
Having the primary and trivial intention of just seeing Master,
I caught myself fascinated by the insights that She imparted
to the very enthusiastic and high-spirited crowd. It was a night
filled with sharing, lessons, and festivities, with teachings
on unity, inner peace, and love. Supreme Master Ching Hai gave
the audience a chance to ask questions that She addressed with
wisdom and prudence.
"I am the only person responsible for who I am... I am
the master of my own life..." In this dynamic and fast-paced
world, we often overlook our responsibilities to ourselves,
and more so to our brothers and sisters who need our help. It
is though this lecture that Supreme Master Ching Hai was able
to set a good example for the Filipino people, by Her teachings
and Her acts of charity.
My personal encounter with Master made me realize that it
is possible to achieve unity in diversity, and inner peace despite
adversities...
**
Special Report on 2000 Lecture Tour:
Manila, Philippines