Under Master's loving guidance and blessings, the Quan Yin family is growing larger and stronger every day. To harmonize and enrich the lives of fellow practitioners in Formosa, centers across the island held summer camps during the weekend holidays of July 26 to 28, 2002. Based on their experience from previous years, the camp coordinators designed special summer camps for different age groups - children, juveniles and the elderly. Each camp featured unique and enjoyable activities for participants, allowing them to relax both physically and mentally. In the blissful atmosphere of the camps, fellow initiates experienced Master's infinite love in a unique form.

2002 Old Pals' Gathering

Morning flexibility exercises prepare participants for a day of vigorous activity.	Group discussions offer a chance to share experiences in life and spiritual cultivation.

The 2002 Old Pals' Gathering was held exclusively for elderly fellow initiates at the Westlake Resort, which is set in an enchanting landscape in central Formosa. About two hundred senior initiates (four were over eighty and twenty-one were in their seventies) traveled from all around the island and spent three wonderful days there.

Fellow practitioners from the medical profession offer health checkup services, and diagnose more than ten cases of latent illness.	As foreign retreats and travel are now being conducted more frequently, a practical course in international etiquette was arranged for fellow initiates at the Old Pals' Gathering.

The Gathering's diverse and enriching activities included seminars on topics such as life planning, social communication and health maintenance, supplemented by simple physical exercises and medical checkups. Recreational programs consisted of artistic performances, karaoke singing, walks in the woods and spas. The working team applied Master's teachings in specially designed entertainment and practical activities that fully satisfied participants by effectively integrating body, mind and spirit. The uniquely devised programs greatly impressed the media and planning departments of the Westlake Resort, which solicited relevant information from fellow initiates.

During an exquisitely designed evening party, an 87-year-old sister, the most senior member of the group, rises from her wheelchair to join in a chorus of folk songs that must have evoked many dear memories for her.

In addition to daily morning and evening meditation sessions, the Gathering's tightly organized program ranged from morning warm-up exercises to evening parties featuring a variety of themes. Participants quickly adapted to the tempo of the activities, and shyness gave way to cheerfulness and vigor, redefining the concept of "old age." The initiates had many novel experiences and quite a number left the Old Pals' Gathering greatly satisfied. Several elderly participants, who had trouble moving around and thus could not attend retreats, were especially happy to be able to attend this activity involving other fellow practitioners. And all who participated were very touched to experience abundant respect and love during the unique three-day event!...Next Page

Events Datebooks To keep pace with the planet's ongoing spiritual elevation, the local centers of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association are holding more and more video seminars and other Truth-sharing activities worldwide. You are welcome to join in these activities with your friends and relatives. For the latest schedule