During
Her discourse at the dinner, Master talked about Her interactions
with Her pets. These lively and brilliantly narrated stories left
everyone deeply impressed by the cleverness and agility of the animals.
From them, we also gained a true sense of all sentient beings being
equal and having the God Nature within. Master's deep sensitivity
and compassion were even more evident when She spoke of seeing reports
about animals used in rescue work at the 9-11 disaster site in New
York, and learning that they had performed their great deeds of service
without the benefit of protective footgear. Master said it broke Her
heart to see these dogs walking "barefoot" on sharp pieces of broken
glass and possibly chemically polluted debris at the site, while the
professional rescuers worked with their bodies fully protected. The
rescue dogs, for the sake of accomplishing their mission and pleasing
their owners, were willing to lay down their lives. Conversely, many
human beings treat dogs carelessly and without love. The world should
reflect on these words of Master to develop a more humane attitude
toward all of God's creatures.
Master
also said that She prefers happy movies, though some sad films are
also very good and educational. Regarding the movie recommendation
lists published in the News magazine, Master said that they are only
meant to introduce to us the movies that She has watched and has found
to be suitable for our viewing; She does not mean that we should adhere
strictly to these lists in selecting movies.
Heavenly
Christmas Celebration
on Earth
During
the afternoon meditation session on December 24, Master came wearing
a light green casual outfit and white trousers, and entered the meditation
hall with a pink Molluccan cockatoo perched on Her arm. She walked
around the hall to let everyone see the cockatoo, and to let the bird
know that humans also have their benevolent side. Although this cockatoo
had suffered much misery before meeting Master, he is now obviously
very happy and contented. When he saw someone he liked, he would say,
"I love you!" or "Beautiful bird!" He would also
bury his head in Master's arms when he got scared, just like a kid
who is shy about meeting strangers.
Many times
during the retreat, many initiates found their gentle and pure qualities
awakened as they watched Master's indescribable kindness and loving
affection for Her animal friends flow forth naturally.
That evening,
we enjoyed a leisurely, sumptuous Christmas meal on the beautiful
green meadow by the lakeside. The Christmas celebration began after
dinner, as everyone poured into the main hall. The stage was surrounded
by Christmas gifts that initiates had brought for exchange. Amidst
applause and cheers, Master appeared accompanied by several special
guests, Her colorful birds and dogs! The Saints, angels, heavenly
beings, humans, deities, birds (represented by the parrots), and land
animals (represented by the dogs), were all present for the occasion.
However, our good-humored Master also remembered to appoint representatives
for the marine animals -- the crocodiles in the lake next to the main
hall! It was indeed a combined heavenly and earthly gathering that
benefited the whole universe and bestowed love on all living beings.
After
entering the hall, Master first walked around with Her beautiful cockatoos,
and introduced each one. Next, Her attendants, leading two huge, handsome
dogs, ran a lap around the hall, which made everyone laugh heartily.
This was the most brilliant and extraordinary act of the evening,
and was especially exciting for the children sitting in front of the
stage!
Next,
a variety of performers exerted their greatest effort to put on one
of the best retreat entertainment programs ever. The animals seemed
to enjoy the show very much, and occasionally, the birds even chirped
a few words of encouragement in their own language! Master's smile
and the loving looks She gave to the performers provided them with
confidence and inspiration. One of the most uplifting performances
was by a group of teenage initiates who integrated spiritual practice
with modern music and dance. Their ethereal voices reverberated in
such perfect harmony that they seemed to be singing as one! Throughout
the evening, Master watched each performance appreciatively.. At the
end of the program, She congratulated the performers and asked the
audience to applaud the MCs for their excellent work.
