Story World

Memories of the Early Years —

The Divine Love between Master and Disciples

In any season, when a retreat or major group meditation is being held, the kitchen is always the “hottest” place in the venue because everyone working there is as busy as a bee. 

One summer, after recently becoming a monastic practitioner, I was adjusting myself to not being able to enjoy Master’s talks, which She gave each Sunday at that time at the Hsihu Center, because of my assignment on the kitchen staff. One Sunday morning in the kitchen, everyone was busy washing and chopping vegetables as usual, preparing lunch for the future Buddhas attending group meditation that day. Then, just as the kitchen team was preparing to serve pans of delicious food, I suddenly heard cheers coming from the fellow initiates. Knowing that Master was coming to speak to the initiates, I kept my eyes open. Although I could not listen to Her discourse, I thought it would be nice to at least catch a glimpse of Her. And I soon saw Master approach in a light blue costume of an ancient style, looking extremely graceful and beautiful, as if She had just descended from Heaven. She walked closer and closer and unexpectedly strolled into the kitchen despite the risk of getting dirty. 

A resident disciple was frying some food at the time and Master picked up a piece to taste it. Then She “fed” the resident with another morsel. Thinking that it was a rare opportunity not to be missed, I promptly yelled, “Master, I want one, too!” Another resident  was cleaning pans next to me and I told her, “Stop cleaning those and come quickly.” Seeing what was happening, other people also flocked around, so like a loving Mother pampering Her children, Master fed each of us, and the food She placed in our mouths brought sweetness to our hearts. 

In such casual ways, Master often supplies Her disciples with boundless surprises and joy. To give another example, sometimes after group meditation at Hsihu, She would treat us to tea, songs or informal talks, providing moments of relaxation for everyone. On the subject of balancing times of work and relaxation, Master says, “The string of a musical instrument will break if it’s pulled too tight. And if it’s adjusted too loosely, the sound is not good. So the tension must be just right to generate the most beautiful sound.”......Next Page

Master's Aqua Blue Eyes: 1985
Tasting a Loving Bite: 1991
A Humble Offering to our Beloved Master: 1995