The calling of the names of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do not come easily to the lips of many. Those who are truly strong in faith are very few. That is why the world is what it is today. It is in a state of great turmoil which reflects the states of mind of the human population. How can there be peace when illusion has cast a thick veil that covers the view before the eyes? The greed for material things and comforts, for sensual pleasures is so great that peace of mind has not been felt by most people. Hatred exists even in the hearts of the young and the respect for the old is gone. Cultivators are rare and guides are scarce so that those who practise virtues are seldom seen.

Human suffering is multiplying and a new breed of mankind is born. This is the time of hardship where the kindly ones are sought for and appreciated. For the love of mankind, practise and continue to do what little part you can play to draw people to the path of goodness so that the evils that human beings do can be distinguished and known to be bad. With dedication, with effort and strength, confidence can be won and there will be instances when things that come about will generate faith. Patiently guide the mind to a state of calm, recite the prayers slowly and meaningfully, read the scriptures with deep concentration, contemplate on the favourable conditions that you are now having, know the virtues and practise them with perseverance, avoid all evil ways, search your heart each day for evil tendencies that they may be cleansed; call on My Name and visualise Me before you, look not at the statues for things to manifest so as to increase your faith or you may be drawn to curiosity and even fear should the images respond to your silly thoughts, but treat the Altar as the holiest of place that you have found, know that the spirit of Kuan Yin can manifest at will whenever necessary but there is no need for the human eyes to see, seek that the spirit can be felt by your intuitive mind so that you can be caused to gain faith in the good practice that is selfless and good. There is no need to do more than necessary. When they come to speak to you, just listen, when they are sick, request for the water to be blessed and gave it to them; when they are low in spirit, comfort them with the good advice and examples from the teachings that you can recall; when they are lonely, befriend them and welcome them to join you in your practice to understand and appreciate being alone and to enjoy the company of the seekers. No noise need be emitted, just let the calmness settle within their minds and let them absorb the feelings of tranquillity so that aloneness can be joyful and meaningful. To those who need extra blessings, recite prayers on their behalf, organise the sick to sit before the Altar and have others around them to think well of them, to recite prayers for their well-being and benefit.

Let this room be a refuge for tired minds, for persecuted ones who seek solace and warmth. Be simple and kind to those who come. Be patient and be ready to receive them. You will know what is best that should be done. When your heart is heavy with feeling for these poor ones, know that this is the feeling of those who are sickened by the wickedness of the world, this is grief, this is pain, and this is the feeling that brings down one’s morale which may cause him to do silly things in life. It is also the feelings that I reflect in you. Enter into a state of prayers then, and think positively for their well-being. With true heart, wish them well and all things shall come into them. It is your state of mind that is important at that moment. It is your concern and your practice which draw them to the path of worship, that brings them confidence and faith, that matter most. Let them install Kuan Yin in their heart and mind so that they may turn their sufferings to advantages, that will clear their paths of waywardness and ignorance to the path of bodhisattvahood and wisdom.

How they fare from then on will depend on their effort, on their awakening, on your ability to interest them. It is a simple task that will require enormous faith and strength to perform. To become the one who can sit to do work in My Name is not that easy or the most pleasant task. It is a thankless one, it is an act of self-purification, of learning and of faith. Do not fail to gain wisdom in this lifetime so that this work may continue into the future lifetimes!

Tuesday, 30th October 1984 (10th Moon 7th Day)