Through
the centuries, rare individuals such as Jesus Christ are born, whose
basic mission is the spiritual development of humanity. However, there
are many who remain unknown. Some preach publicly and are known to
select people, yet the rest remain completely unrecognized.
In
various times, they have been called by different names: "Master",
"Enlightened", "Holy Mother", etc. One of these
select few is Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Master
Ching Hai will never be called a living saint. She is a woman, and
most Buddhists believe that a woman cannot be a Buddha. She is of
Asian origin, and many people in the West are sure that their Savior
will resemble them. But those who are lucky enough to know Her know
who She is.
Those
who have had a chance to meet or work with Supreme Master Ching Hai
love Her, for She lives a message that walks the way of love. A renowned
humanitarian, artist, and spiritual leader, Her love and assistance
extend beyond all cultural and racial boundaries.
A
month and a half ago, Supreme Master Ching Hai visited Armenia, Yerevan,
in particular, at the invitation of Nadezdha Sarkisian and organized
by the Sharm Company. Master Ching Hai's visit was amicable, and yet,
at the same time very productive. She was introduced to our history,
culture, and habits. She was surprised and affected by the insufferable
conditions in Armenia.
During
Her stay in Armenia, She lectured at the Komitas House of Chamber
Music of Yerevan, where an exhibition of Her artistic creations was
also held - clothing designs, paintings and other works of art. She
visited our Echmiadzin Cathedral, which impressed Her immensely. She
admired the old Armenian architecture.
During
the reception in Her honor, She shared her impressions, and was mainly
touched by the condition of the orphanages and elderly homes and decided
to help them.
And
so, Master Ching Hai's delegation carried out its mission in Armenia.
I was invited as a reporter to witness this honorable mission and
to have the opportunity of describing later to our readers all the
kindness this woman spreads around Her.
The
first city we visited was Gjumry. In the Mayor's office, we met the
Governor of the Shirak region, Shirak Petrossyan and the Mayor of
Gjumry, Michael Vardanyan. They received the delegation members in
a warm and friendly atmosphere and thanked them for their visit. The
Mayor shared that Supreme Master Ching Hai's visit had been a great
occasion for them, and that they sincerely hoped for another meeting
with this wonderful woman. Master Ching Hai's representative explained
that Master was not able to come Herself and assured the Governor
and Mayor that She is always thinking of Armenia. As soon as She finished
Her tour, She decided to send Her representatives to carry out the
mission in Armenia. The representative presented a check for US$100,000
for the reconstruction of the Gjumry Church. Then we visited the orphanage
where Supreme Master Ching Hai had personally donated US$5,000 in
cash.
The
next city we visited was Vanadzor, where Master Ching Hai had provided
US$10,000 for the local children's home. The next stop on our visit
was the elderly home named after Charles Aznavour, where we presented
a check for US$10,000.
A
meeting was scheduled in the Cathedral where we delivered a US$20,000
check to His Holiness Garegin Nersisyan. His Holiness expressed his
gratitude by saying, "It's very pleasant to know that there are
people in the world who are thinking of those in need. I have heard
a lot about Supreme Master Ching Hai but never have had the chance
to meet Her."
In
return, the delegation members expressed their condolences concerning
the death of the Archbishop, Garegin the First.
In
Yerevan we visited the Mayor's office where we presented a US$30,000
check. The final stop on our mission was the office of Nadezdha Sarkisian's
Hayer Cultural Fund. Her group had captured the heart of Supreme Master
Ching Hai, who decided to help the talented children of the Hayer
Cultural Center with a contribution of US$20,000.
Thus,
finishing their benevolent mission, the members of the delegation
left Armenia with satisfaction. Supreme Master Ching Hai's greatness
cannot be expressed in words.
For
some people, Supreme Master Ching Hai is a mother and for others,
a father. For yet others, She is a beloved woman. In any case, She
is the best friend in the world. She was here to give without receiving
anything, but only to take our sorrow, pain, and grief away.
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