In an ethereal valley purified by rain, Fallen petals everywhere, little blooms on the bushes, The grassland stretches like a green velvet carpet dotted by white blossoms. Cool is the night, and bright is the moon in the silvery sky. Against a black velvet curtain, clusters of stars shimmer. The symphony of great nature echoes in our ears. Once a valley like any other, now a paradise in heaven, Awesome is the beautiful landscape.

White-robed Goddess Sings in The Valley,
Blessing the Hills With Gold Light and Heavenly Sound

Brother initiate Li of South Korea has a fascinating story to tell about his purchase of the Center and preparations for the international five-day retreat. While preparing to buy a selected spot in the mountains, in his dream, brother Li saw a geyser bursting forth from between some rocks. A giant spiritual tortoise was sitting atop a hill and, standing beside it, was a beautiful lady dressed in a white traditional Korean costume who was emanating brilliant light. Her profile could only be seen vaguely as blissful tunes flowed joyfully from her lips in superb harmony with the melodious, high-vibration sound current streaming down from heaven. When brother Li awoke from his dream, he knew it was a message from God telling him that he should purchase this blessed land very quickly.

This vision soon materialized. Master arrived at the Center in a white Korean costume and alighted from Her car directly in front of the tortoise-shaped hillock. She inquired about the progress of the construction work, and jested that, by the time fellow initiates have walked up this hill, the road would be leveled without much ado. Many Korean initiates had heard about this strange dream, so when they saw it enacted in real life, they were exalted and fully convinced of Master’s almighty power.

Brother Li revealed how he and other initiates had failed to find an ample supply of water when drilling for an underground source. However, when they shifted to another spot near the tortoise mound, a natural spring gushed forth, just as it did in the dream.

Legend has it that this land was a sacred place of spiritual practice. Since ancient times, only spiritual practitioners have dwelled on this pristine wonderland, free of human habitat and industrial pollution. The air is fresh and the water is pure enough to be drunk without filtering. Wildlife abounds in the rich foliage of the valley, where edible wild vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms grow in abundance. Although the annual rainfall has been scanty, this changed soon after the land was acquired by fellow initiates. Much to the amazement of the local inhabitants, the rainfall increased appreciably, nourishing the forests on the hills.

Fellow initiates offered free medical services and vegetarian feasts in nearby villages during the construction work. Master’s deep respect for the community and its religious faith was evidenced in Her instructions that a temple be built in which the local people could worship the Buddhas of their choice. To prepare for the upcoming international five-day retreat, Korean initiates made time to work together on construction projects and other preparations. They leveled the land, opened up roads, planted pretty flowering bushes on the steep hillsides, and suspended resplendent lotus lamps from the trees. All these efforts bespoke their delight in welcoming the children of God from around the world.

The meditation hall was erected with plastic covers traditionally used for grape patches. As Master remarked, people grow grapes under these coverings, but here we grow saints. On May 5, Master visited the working staff in the meditation hall before the retreat formally commenced and praised them for getting the Youngdong Center ready in such a short time. Contact persons, invited to sit on the platform with Her, discussed issues about their respective Centers.

Quan Yin Bell And Drum Reverberate;
Retreat Ends On Meritorious Note

Dong-Dan-Dong-Dan! An earthly paradise, Korea’s Youngdong Center opens
to the reverberating beat of drums and the gong of bells.

It was a warm sunny morning on May 6. Master looked adorable in a magnificent and exquisite Korean costume sewn by Korean disciples. Wearing a golden crown on Her head, She struck the bell and beat the drum to mark the inauguration of the retreat. Korean resident disciples then struck the bell 36 times and the drum 72 times. The ethereal sound reverberated throughout the valley in a touching moment for all. Over the next few days, Master invited groups of fellow initiates to sit with Her on the platform while She answered their questions about spiritual practice.

The classically romantic atmosphere adds a special note to Mother’s Day and Master’s Birthday celebration.

The retreat ended at noon on May 10. When the Transfer of Merit verses were sung, Master inched Her way through the crowd blessing everyone. "It’s not easy climbing Mount Sinai," She said humorously of the strenuous walk around the meditation hall that is set on a steep slope. That afternoon, initiates donned their best clothes while numerous ceremonially dressed guests arrived to partake in the Buddha’s Birthday and Mother’s Day celebrations. With a red flower tucked behind Her ear, Master appeared in a crimson, royal Korean costume with black vest and golden brocade on the front. Greeted by thunderous applause, She was escorted into the venue by two ladies wearing ceremonial Korean costumes. On the VIP seats on either side of the platform, Korean monastic practitioners who had come in admiration of Master formed a most striking group with their tidily shaved scalps and gray monk robes. In addition, a group of the members of Korean Woman Entrepreneurs Federation; Mr. Kwak Seong, the conductor of Pusan Philharmonic Orchestra, the representative of Mr. Kim Geun-Soo, Mayor of Sang Ju city, the representative of Mr. Kim Jae-Yeol, the chief magistrate of the district, and Mr. Kim Woon-Sik, the village headman also participated in the celebration.