Activities Special Events February 22 - The Day Of The Supreme Master Ching Hai | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On the evening of February 22, 1994, the Supreme Master Ching Hai, a world spiritual leader from Formosa, received the "World Spiritual Leadership Award" at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago. Nearly two thousand attended the spectacular event, which was hosted by the Governors of six Midwestern states and Mr. Hung kwang Chen, Chief Secretary of the World Cultural Communication Association. A joint proclamation was made by the Governors of the six states, and the 22nd of February was designated "The Supreme Master Ching Hai Day". In view of the serious conditions and the inhabitants' great losses from the flood disaster in the Midwest last year, the compassionate Supreme Master Ching Hai launched relief activities by Her disciples. Practitioners from the U.S.A. and Formosa donated US$170,000 for the relief of the flood victims to six states in the Midwest: Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota. The Supreme Master Ching Hai has always been quietly doing charitable deeds all over the world, helping countless disaster victims and refugees. She also travels around the world to spread the Quan Yin Method, to elevate the spirituality of mankind. She truly deserves to be awarded the "World Spiritual Leadership Award." The World Spiritual Leadership Award - Glory from Earth to Heaven
Two thousand disciples from all corners of the world responded to the invitation and then attended this great dinner party.The Supreme Master Ching Hai was presented the awards by high officials from all six states on behalf of their Governors. More than two hundred of the guests invited were prominent government officials, celebrities from society as well as journalists. During the ceremony, each state presented the Supreme Master Ching Hai with a specially made bronze bust of Herself. There are now five busts which will be placed in public parks or public places to be revered by the people of the states.
Mr. Paul D. Schleer, the representative for the Governor of Missouri state, was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He said that to represent the governor in presenting the award to the Supreme Master and also be the master of ceremonies of such an important event made this the most memorable evening of his life. He then read out the congratulatory messages from President Clinton and former Presidents Bush and Reagan and first lady. In his message, President Clinton said, "Supreme Master Ching Hai is a living example of world peace and love for all, especially Her help for the refugees and the many suffering people in the U.S.A." Mr. Hung Kwang Chen, Chief Secretary of the World Cultural Communication Association, made a speech in the ceremony. He introduced the Supreme Master Ching Hai, who comes from Au Lac, and said how She spent a number of years, after having finished Her studies in England, searching for the Truth, and eventually attained perfect enlightenment by practicing the Quan Yin method. Her extensive knowledge and transcending power in spirituality more than qualify Her as a spiritual Master for the people of the world. Her charitable deeds are done purely out of compassion. Her willingness to accept these awards is only for taking the opportunity to spread the Quan Yin Method, so that even more people can be enlightened, and the world be more benefited. Mr. Chen emphasized that it was the only first time in a decade that the "World Spiritual Leadership Award" had been presented, and that only a person who had made great contributions to the world such as the Supreme Master Ching Hai was qualified to receive it.
The representatives of the Governors of the six states each gave a speech, extending their gratitude and the highest respect to the Supreme Master Ching Hai. They also read a proclamation that designated the 22nd of February as "The Supreme Master Ching Hai Day". Then, together with Mr. Chen, they presented the Supreme Master Ching Hai with the "World Spiritual Leadership Award" cup, and 5 bronze busts of Herself, to receive Her blessing. Lastly, on behalf of the Republican party of the U.S.A., Mr. Hung Kwang Chen presented 2 medals to the Supreme Master Ching Hai, one for Her relief efforts in the flood disaster of the Midwest, U.S.A., and another for aid in the Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruption disaster in the Philippines. Afterwards, the Supreme Master Ching Hai gave an acceptance speech. She said that Her followers and Herself never expected any recognition or rewards for anything that they do for the people of various nations around the world. She felt that such warm-heartedness and courtesy that She was given for Her efforts in the relief of the flood victims was hard to refuse.
After the award ceremony had concluded, the celebration began. There was an abundance of entertainment for the evening. Disciples from different parts of the world presented dances, songs, dramas and music symbolic of their various traditions.
After the performances by the disciples, the Supreme Master Ching Hai could not refuse the warm and earnest request of the applause of all the guests, and She went on the stage to sing one of Her own compositions, "The Ocean of Love". This extraordinary spiritual leader displayed Her multi-faceted talents. Her songs are not only beautiful, but also profound in their meanings, and touch people's very souls. Her voice is so clear and perfect that it has the quality of a professional singer. Lovingly encouraged by the guests, the Supreme Master Ching Hai continued to sing several of Her compositions, which were rich in spiritual taste, and in rock and roll rhythm. Then, Her followers crowded around and even on the stage. Everybody clapping their hands and singing in chorus with Master. The scene was warm and merry. The party did not end until after one o'clock in the morning. It was a thrilling event which combined spirituality and concern for the society, and provided a significant purifying effect to a world which is more and more inclined towards materialism.
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