|
Master's
Wonders
|
 |
In the sixteen years since my initiation by Master, I have heard countless miraculous stories about fellow initiates and their relatives who have passed away. Now I would like to share a similar story with everyone.
My grandma was ninety-five this year. Sixteen years ago, she used to go to Hsintien (Master's first center in Formosa) with us to listen to Master's discourses. Grandma was as pure as a child, so she was very much loved by Master, who always joked with her and made her happy. Just like all of us, Master also called her "Ah Ma," which means grandma in Taiwanese. Since her daughter, grandson, granddaughter and great-grandson were all fellow practitioners, Master consented immediately when Grandma requested initiation. She was eighty-six then.
After her initiation, Grandma seemed to be born anew and became another person. She had previously suffered from senility and was very forgetful. After her initiation, however, her memory improved considerably. Also, she had not been in good health and often had to take medicine and receive injections. But after being initiated, she grew stronger physically.
In July 2002, howere, Grandma slipped and fell, and had to be hospitalized due to a bone fracture. One day, not long after being discharged from the hospital, she was taking a bath with the help of family members, and strangely, they found that she was smiling and looking upward the whole time. Then, after dinner, Grandma rested in a chair, still smiling and with her eyes directed up. She was oblivious to the people talking to her, but continued smiling. Suddenly, she took a deep breath and passed away. This was really a fantastic way to die! She was just an ordinary old lady, yet she could pass away with a smile while seated, just as did old Master Kuangchin (the most respected Buddhist monk in Formosa, who practiced asceticism for over 70 years and died while seated). It was truly inconceivable!
Master has told us that when we fellow initiates pass away, Heavenly saints come to greet us, and the splendor of Heaven appears before our eyes. Obviously, that was why grandma kept looking upward and smiling. If it had not been for the irresistible beauty of the superior realm that she saw as she was leaving this world, she would not have passed on without any lingering feelings! Because she used to be very concerned about the younger generations, and even went to the Hsihu Center once to ask Master to persuade her grandson to get married soon, for fear that the family name would not live on.
Regarding initiates leaving the body, Master has said, "At the time of initiation, I have already booked a ticket to Heaven for you. When the time comes, I will take you up to enjoy yourself." No doubt, our fellow initiates are the most fortunate beings on earth. Following Master in spiritual practice is safer than being covered by ten thousand insurance policies. The demise of my grandma helped me realize deeply that the greatest filial piety is "receiving initiation and practice spiritually," and the most terrible ignorance is "not believing in Master and not practicing spiritually." I hope that this story will be an inspiration to us all!
