Seventh Stop
Academia Sinica
, Formosa
May 6,
2000
Master
attended a seminar "Supreme Master Ching Hai, Quan Yin Method, and
the Chinese in Southeast Asia",
held at the Academia
Sinica.
Although Master's
itinerary was very tight for Her lecture tour in Asia and Oceania,
She still attended a seminar at the Academia Sinica from ten to
twelve noon on May 6 on the topic of "Supreme Master Ching Hai,
Quan Yin Method, and the Chinese in Southeast Asia". This was
among a series of seminars discussing the relationship between
religions and the Chinese people around the world. Academia Sinica
is a world-renowned organization in national academic research.
The conveners of this seminar were the Southeast Asia Research
Project from the Academia Sinica, Taiwan Religious Institute,
Central Broadcasting Corporation, Overseas Chinese Research Group
of the Contemporary History Research Faculty from Academia Sinica,
and Chinese Interdisciplinary Association. People taking part
in the seminar included professors from Formosan universities,
research fellows and associates from Academia Sinica, media professionals,
and elite personnel from many fields.
In the seminar, there was an introduction to
Master's charitable and preaching activities in Asian countries
including Formosa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore,
Philippines, Aulac, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Hong
Kong and Mainland China. A printed copy of relevant material was
also provided for reference.
The various questions raised by the guests, in
counterpoint with Master's wise and humorous answers, created a
lively seminar of brilliant discussion. A participant from the
Central Broadcasting Corporation asked Master why She was ordained
as a Buddhist nun when She first came to Formosa, but later resumed
the status of a lay practitioner. Master replied that She hadn't
finished Her destiny as a monk in previous lives, so She had to
continue with monkshood for some time in this life. Another question
was: since Master does not receive any fees from members, then where
does the enormous amount of money that She contributes to relief
funds come from? For instance, Master contributed ten million NT
dollars to the Internal Affairs Department on the next day of the
9/21 quake disaster in Formosa. Where did this money come from?
Master's answer was that, when the disciples are enlightened, their
Buddha Nature within is awakened. When they are aware of people in
disasters, they unhesitatingly and generously contribute their money
and effort, and render their help promptly. Besides, She has been
designing Celestial clothes and Jewelry that everyone can order and
purchase. Not being a lavish spender, Master often manages to save a
lot of money very quickly to launch preaching or charitable
activities to benefit sentient beings.
Many people were curious about how Master could
impart the Quan Yin Method to people in different regions of Asia
who speak different languages. Master explained that the Quan Yin
Method is not transmitted by verbal teachings. At the time of
transmission, no language is necessary; it is transmitted by the
power of the Enlightened Master. Therefore, even people from
different ethnic groups and cultures can immediately experience
enlightenment. And so the learning of the Quan Yin Method has
created a sensation in Asia.
Someone asked that, since the practicing of Quan
Yin Method can eliminate wars, wouldn't it be more effective if we
let all the national leaders practice the Quan Yin Method? Master
said that She agreed with the idea, but because She looks just like
an ordinary woman, it is often difficult for Her to get close to the
national leaders. Besides, it is not always possible for politicians
in power to arrange to see the people that they want to see. Master
said She hoped that more people would devote themselves to spiritual
practice, meditate together in retreat and pray for peace. In this
way, we can also achieve the peace that everyone longs for.
After the seminar, the hosts followed their
usual practice and presented a lecture fee to Master. Master was
very touched by their sincerity. That was the first time in over a
decade that Master had ever been awarded an honorarium for Her
discourse. Master returned the money to them immediately, as a gift,
to help with the expense of the seminar. Lasting two hours, the
seminar was warm and interesting, and especially meaningful in
academic research.
Taoyuan, Formosa