The
40-acre New Jersey Center is located in the mountainous northwestern
part of New Jersey, U.S.A., about two hours' drive from New York City.
When spring comes to the Center, flowers in resplendent colors welcome
us. In the fall, the leaves turn red and the mountains put on a golden
coat. And when the cold winter sets in, the falling snow creates a
different kind of scenery.
The harmonious
atmosphere at the Center attracts numerous wild animals, and it is
not unusual to see them moving among the trees. Bears are our most
frequent visitors. Deers and their new-born fawns also stroll by occasionally,
as do other wild animals.
Master
purchased this site for the New Jersey Center in the winter of 1990.
Since then, She has stayed there briefly on several occasions. In
1992, under Her guidance, the meditation hall was expanded and a parking
lot built in the woods in a very short period of time. However, it
was not until these two jobs were accomplished at God's speed that
we realized Master was using the occasion to awaken and make use of
our infinite potential. Thank You, Master, for everything You have
done to help us grow up.
In 1999,
Master visited the Center again, and said that She wanted a perfect
spiritual environment for the initiates. Out of loving and compassionate
concern, She sent a dozen resident disciples from the Florida Center
to help with the construction project; and together we built a new
forest meditation hall and created more parking space in the woods
without cutting any trees.
We built
a stream, later named the "River of Love", symbolizing Master's
endless flow of love for all sentient beings. A fountain called the
"Wisdom Eye" was also erected to remind us to focus inwardly.
Each time disciples come for weekly group meditation or a retreat,
they are surprised by the new scene at the Center.
Our center
plays an important role in providing spiritual resources, including
video, book and magazine services, to fellow initiates. It also supports
activities held by other centers, such as video seminars, weekly group
meditation sessions, and two-day retreats on important occasions.
The New Jersey Center is a lighthouse beaming out Master's teachings
to people in the northeastern part of America. And through Her blessing,
the Light and the Truth will continue to be transmitted to people
in the area.
As the
Chinese saying goes, "It takes ten years to grow a tree, but
a hundred years to tutor people." After 12 years, the trees at
the Center have grown tall and strong. But through Master's blessings,
fellow initiates do not need a hundred years for spiritual attainment!
We owe it all to Master for teaching us this wonderful method of gaining
immediate enlightenment. The New Jersey Center is indeed a paradise
bestowed by God, and we welcome all members of the Quan Yin family
to visit us!
