D. Recognition by Formosa and the International Community

For years, members of The SMCHIA have been silently conducting voluntary social service work, considering it to be their obligation. Nevertheless, their achievements have been widely acclaimed and acknowledged by many countries. For example, the U.S. Government bestowed on Supreme Master Ching Hai the World Peace Award, the World Spiritual Leadership Award, and Honorary U. S. Citizenship. Hawaii and six Midwestern States in the US initiated Ching Hai Day, and Hawaii erected a bronze statue of Supreme Master Ching Hai in a local park. She was also awarded the Star of Noble Life award in Thailand, the Award of National Construction in Cambodia, the World Citizen Humanitarian Award in the Philippines, and Honorary Citizenship with a Key to the City in Manila.

In Formosa, because of its long-term concern for prison convicts and parolees, and its efforts in social education, the members of The SMCHIA have been appointed "Honorary Probation Officers" of the Public Prosecutor General's Office. The group also was given the "Minister of Justice Award" in 1998 and 2000. In addition, in 1999, The SMCHIA was commended by the Minister of Justice as a meritorious association for participating in cultivation and protective activities in prisons, and was given the "Prime Minister's Award" and other commendations, as well as letters of gratitude, and reports in newspapers and other media.

E. Conclusion

The SMCHIA is a group of civilian spiritual practitioners that for many years has conducted international voluntary charitable work to help disaster victims and the needy. This shows that after being uplifted by spiritual cultivation, one gains a deeper sense of mission toward society, has a firmer conviction and enthusiasm about participating in volunteer work, and thus is able to serve the multitude with utmost sincerity. In this way, one is able to provide efficient service to society in the most considerate way. Supreme Master Ching Hai often says, "We must water the tree by the roots." This means that in doing anything, if we first develop our love, the power of wisdom from within, and a correct concept, everything will naturally go well. The charitable work done by the SMCHIA is indeed a good example of this process in action.

(The author of this article is a supervisor of social workers at the Christian 9/21 Community Reconstruction Center.)

Notes and References:

Note 1: Please refer to the biography of The Supreme Master Ching Hai in each of "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment" books

Note 2: The Quan Yin Method, the essence of Supreme Master Ching Hai's teachings, is also the essence of all religions throughout history. Quan Yin means to contemplate the inner Sound. The inner Sound inside us is the True Self, the God Nature. It is called "The Word" in the Bible. Shakyamuni Buddha also spoke about the Sound, describing it as the "sound of a drum, a bell" (Lotus Sutra Chapter 19: Fa Shih Gong Te), and "the sound of Brahma, of ocean waves, and many sounds of the world beyond" (Lotus Sutra Chapter 25: Universal Door). In the Hindu scriptures, Krishna also claimed that He Himself was the Sound in the Ether. When Prophet Mohammed saw the Angel Gabriel in the cave at Gare-Hira, He also heard a voice (the Sound). Lao Tze described the "Tao" as the "Great Sound"--the big sacred sound (Tao-te Sutra Chapter 41), which cannot be heard by the external organs of hearing. This Sound is the inner Sound. It has also been called God's Word, Logos, Shabd, Tao, the Sound Stream, Naam, and the Celestial Music. Besides contemplation on the inner Sound, contemplation on the inner Light is another important aspect of the Quan Yin Method.

Note 3: The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No.21, 1992, p.18 & 11.

Note 4: The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 43, 1995, p.36.

Note 5: Please refer to P.249 of "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment", volume 1, 1998. <Chinese version,>.

Note 6: The story "A Monk of Gold Treasure", spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at Hsihu, on May 24, 1992.

Note 7: The topic "The Truth of Facts" spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai at Hsihu on August 5, 1991.

Note 8: The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 38, 1994, p.56.

Note 9: Report on "The Work Journal of the Philippines Disaster Rescue" in The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 14, 15 and 16, 1991.

Note 10: Report on "Aid for Earthquake Victims in Turkey" in The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 105 p.43.

Note 11: Report on the "Love and Aid to 9/21 Jiji Earthquake Disaster Victims" in The Supreme Master Ching Hai News No. 106 p.39 & News No.107 p.44.

Note 12: Summary of a speech given by the Magistrate of Hsihu Hsiang, during a ceremony for a fire engine contributed by the Supreme

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