Taipei, Formosa

A Joyous Opening and Gratifying
Ching Hai Day Celebration

On October 25, 1993, the US government conferred on Supreme Master Ching Hai the International Peace Award along with Honorary Citizenship, proclaiming October 25 “Supreme Master Ching Hai Day” in recognition of Her humanitarian work and contributions to world peace. On October 25, 2003, the tenth anniversary of Ching Hai Day, Taipei fellow initiates held a grand inauguration of the newly established Love Ocean Arts Center. Besides celebrating the formal opening of the Center, they also prayed for the light of peace to shine forever throughout the universe and for Master’s infinite love to embrace the Earth!

The display walls of the Love Ocean Arts Center shone with beauty and profound spiritual meaning as bulletin boards entitled “Traces of the Lotus Feet” presented a concise, concrete account of Master’s touching journey over the past decade as She led Her disciples in devoted worldwide work for humanity. The boards recorded the Supreme Master’s love of life and unending efforts to uplift the physical, mental and spiritual condition of Her fellow human beings. An exhibition of Master’s artistic creations was also a focus of visitors’ attention as huge eye-catching pictures and text clearly revealed the limitless inner talents of the Sage. Other elements of the display included information on our enlightened Master’s numerous achievements in promoting spirituality and world peace, and a record of Her awards reflecting Her divine love and benevolent deeds.

On its inaugural day, the Love Ocean Arts Center bustled with joy and enthusiasm as the Celestial Clothes and Celestial Jewelry showrooms attracted great attention with their brilliance and grace. Guests also lingered in the exquisitely decorated spiritual bookstore, where Master’s publications were on display. In addition, visitors lavishly praised the wide array of vegetarian delicacies offered at the health food booths. During the event, an elderly couple gazing at a large photo of Master concisely expressed everyone’s heartfelt feelings: “Supreme Master Ching Hai is like the loving Mother Earth. Her shining eyes look at us and bestow on us a joyful energy. We feel a warm stream filling our hearts—so cozy and warm!” Several residents of the Gold and Silver Twin Star Building (where the Arts Center is located) asked a fellow initiate receptionist, “It’s so peaceful and uncompetitive here as if it were Heaven. May we come every day to enjoy the art work and refresh ourselves?” This question highlighted the multi-functional purpose of the Love Ocean Arts Center. The fellow initiate then told them the Center’s hours of operation and invited them to visit its website.

Many Formosan celebrities were among the visitors to the Center’s inaugural celebration, including Mr. Gu Min, Director of Formosa’s Legislative Yuan Library, who said the following in his opening speech: “The Love Ocean Arts Center is not only an arts center, but also a place to open one’s spiritual life to joy and comfort. Congratulations on the opening of the Love Ocean Arts Center on Ching Hai Day. Let us spread our love far and wide!” Board Director Liu of the Gold and Silver Twin Star Building spoke next, saying, “Looking back at the empty dullness that was here before this place was rented, and comparing it with its abundance and variety today, we’re happy to see the change. Some residents were once worried about the crowds and noise, but now they should know that their concern was unnecessary. I believe we’ll be good neighbors who show mutual help and cooperation.” Miss Sharon Wu, President of the Rong Hwang Lions Club, then said, “Supreme Master Ching Hai is a great Master who elevates people’s spirit and quality of life. She is also the spiritual teacher for whom I have the greatest respect and admiration. The opening of the Love Ocean Arts Center today is another merit of Master blessing the citizens of the world. We sincerely wish that the Love Ocean Arts Center will prosper and benefit more people with affinity!”

Another distinguished visitor, Zen poet Mr. Yang Ping, established a deep affinity with Master in January 2003 during the exhibition of Her paintings at the Taipei Municipal Social Education Hall. In lauding Master’s work he said, “From the display walls of the Arts Center, I have read about a great Master’s many efforts to save the world and deliver its people. They provide a Saint’s testimony not only for you Quan Yin family members to read carefully, but also through which the general public can realize Master’s love, devotion and determination in delivering sentient beings. Through the Love Ocean Arts Center exhibit, I believe the public will gain a higher and more accurate assessment of Supreme Master Ching Hai.”

Mr. Frank W. Stevenson, a professor of English at National Taiwan Normal University, who has long been interested in meditation and spiritual cultivation, was also attracted to the Center. He showed a deep interest in Master’s method of spiritual elevation and asked for relevant information about the Quan Yin Method for further study. Moreover, many visitors asked to learn the Convenient Method.

The Supreme Master Ching Hai Day opening celebration was a lovely beginning for the Love Ocean Arts Center, which now offers a regular, long-term channel giving the general public more exposure to Master’s teachings and artistic creations. As one resident saint who attended the event said, “Let’s share Master’s love with people, manifest Heavenly truth, virtue and beauty in the world, and let every visitor enjoy elevation of body, heart and spirit.”

Love Ocean Arts Center website:
http://www.loveocean.org