If
these magic moments had been recorded by astronomical instruments, they
would have kept the scientists busy, for man's knowledge and theories of
physics are inadequate for analyzing such "extraordinary" phenomena.
Natural science may not be able to explain these things, but human science,
considering human beings' rich feelings and resourceful imagination, may
be prepared for it. Here, let us call to mind the renowned Chinese poet
Li Bai, who often "raised his glass to invite the Moon." Books
of every culture mention natural scenery, such as the Sun, the Moon, the
stars, mountains, rivers, rain, and snow in connection with deities and
spiritual knowledge. Descriptions that seem to be mythical may not necessarily
be so. Perhaps these were genuine experiences of the ancient people.
The
Chinese often use the Sun and Moon in congratulatory remarks or celebratory
expressions. One such example is to say that "the Sun and the Moon
celebrate together." Previously, I had thought that these idioms were
too common and stereotyped; I never used such descriptions because the feeling
seemed to be "fake." However, the first time I heard Master say
"Welcome" (the Chinese expression literally means "We are
happy to greet the arrival of your light "), I was suddenly shaken
by the beauty of this expression. The phrase has been in everyday use for
a very long time and has become a common greeting for customers arriving
at stores. The true spirit of the phrase has been lost over the centuries,
however, and it has become lifeless and vulgar. For me, it was Master who
gave new life to this greeting. And this is how I now greet people riding
in my car or visiting my home. I really mean it when I say it, for I have
found the truth and beauty behind it!
The
same is true for this phrase-"the Sun and the Moon celebrate together."
I now realize its origin and meaning. Ancient people had great hearts that
could contain the whole universe. If we look at the world from a narrow
angle, surely we will not understand the profound meaning of this expression.
After
initiation, we come closer not only to the Sun and Moon, but to everything
else in the universe as well. I can recall February 23, 1994, the day following
the International Retreat in Chicago. Our group of Taipei initiates had
to stay two days after the Retreat because of a change in our flight arrangements.
So a one-day tour of Chicago was arranged for us. We had just attended the
International Retreat and the Ching Hai Day award presentation, and felt
very contented. If we had any regrets at all, they were about the weather.
Most of us, being from the Earth's subtropical zone, had never seen snow
before. Thus, before we departed for the retreat, extensive coverage by
international news and weather reports about a snowstorm in Chicago greatly
troubled us, and scared some initiates away from the event.
Who
would have known that from the moment we disembarked from the plane, Chicago
would experience fine weather with bright winter sunshine, and no snow or
strong wind! This sudden weather change was a pleasant surprise, and we
indeed felt lucky. But we were leaving this North American city the next
day, and thought it would be romantic to see snow. "It must be beautiful
to have snow!" many said, as they yearned for it in their hearts.
Actually,
there had been a beautiful snowfall during the award presentation ceremony,
for when we came out of the venue in the early hours of the morning, we
saw the ground covered with silvery flakes. The snow was several inches
deep, and every one of us was excited at this scenery. I remember that many
initiates played with the snow under the moonlight, and since none of us
had ever had this experience before, we felt happy, even though we were
half frozen.
Well,
we had seen snow after it had already fallen, but as we sat in the tour
bus, it was not romantic at all to see it melting in the streets of Chicago.
A sister initiate murmured that it would be a pity to fly back to Taipei
without seeing snow actually falling. Her words aroused echoing sentiments,
and we all agreed to ask Master to bestow some more snow. Wow! Within a
short while, snowflakes began falling outside the bus window. The snow got
thicker and thicker on the ground. When the bus drove by a huge lake in
the suburbs, we saw many pointed rooftops and white conifers along the road.
These beautiful scenes appeared just like the Christmas snow in a fairy
tale. Everyone was very contented.
