News 75, You May Not Know

Watching Movies With Master

By T. Free

In the afternoon, the sun seemed to be idly making its rounds. Dear brothers were dragging themselves around in highest "devotion," like poker-faced reincarnated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas , trying to digest the karma of having eaten too much. All of a sudden, the rallying sounds rang among the tranquil mountains, "Meet at the usual place. Time for watching movies." A brother passed the message from one side of the mountain to the other, for fear that he would miss any ill-fated Bodhisattvas and incur heavy karma for this. (We can never thank him enough for his kindness.)

Magical changes transformed these ascetic arhats' faces, make engouh to icebergs melt and spring flowers blossom. Suddenly, our muscles were not sore and our backs did not hurt anymore. Everyone rushed to the destination in lightning speed, where milk tea and blessed food gladly awaited our presence. "Master, I love you so much!" Everyone appeared composed and quiet on the outside, but inside their hearts were beating faster than ever, anticipating - "What will we be watching today?"

Having received our disorganized thought waves, Master would sometimes deliberately keep us waiting by telling the attendants to have us meditate for a while first. Then we would learn that we had been too noisy. Concentrating within seriously like a Buddha statue, we prayed to God, "Sorry, Master. We know we have been too noisy, but... please. We really want to watch the movies." Who else could know the disciples better than Master? Walking in brisk footsteps, Master would finally appear. (To be honest, the moment we saw Master, all thoughts of thoughts disappeard.) "It was time to develop our observing ability." Which one should we watch first?" Our democratic Master always left the decision to us. First we give a show of hands, like gentlemen. But when it came to the point of indecision, we had to resort to "force". The two sides would send out their top fighters - "Paper, scissors and stone!" Well, in every game there are winners and losers, and we just had to accept our destiny as it camd. "Camera!" Roll'em!

Judge "Bau-Kong's" Teacher

Occasionally, X-rated scenes would turn up on the movie screen, and Master would promptly tell the video person to fast-forward the video. In the meantime, She would crack a joke by saying, "Just to protect the little kids." She would also remind us to recite the Holy Names. Master watched movies with us. She told us that watching a movie was not just for fun or sensual pleasure as it might be for other people. As long as we observe attentively, we can learn a lot. When our attention was led astray, Master would re-direct it to where it should be, and highlight the solemn moral of the story. When watching films on life, Master would not praise the good guys or criticize the bad guys simply according to the plots as we usually did. She would analyze how it was the environment that turned an otherwise benign person into an outlaw. With Master's enlightened comments, many unresolved ancient mysteries came to light, and justice was done. She could have been the teacher of judge "Bau-Kong'"s teacher.

At times when we asked for one video after another, Master would occasionally stay up late "unraveling the mysteries" with us until we had had enough. It really worked! After that, no one dared suggest watching videos - only for a while.

Master knew very well what the children brought up in this world are fond of. She wouldn't spoil or prohibit us, but watch movies with us. Even though there was so much paperwork from Centers all over the world that She had to take care of and there were always trivial things that She had to deal with, the loving Master Mommy still made time for us children and accompanied us in our leisure time, using entertainment as a form of education. Oh, what bliss to have such a modern Mom.

Dear readers, if your children ever hound you asking for a movie, go and choose some videos to watch with them. We will recommend a few movie videos Master has watched with us. They will love you for it!

Copyright © The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
All Rights Reserved.