News 105, Media Reports

From the Independent Weekly Newspaper Sensation, Armenia
July 1999 (originally in Armenian)

Supreme Master Ching Hai's Mission in Armenia
by Nana Stepanian

Through the centuries, rare individuals such as Jesus Christ are born, whose basic mission is the spiritual development of humanity. However, there are many who remain unknown. Some preach publicly and are known to select people, yet the rest remain completely unrecognized.

In various times, they have been called by different names: "Master", "Enlightened", "Holy Mother", etc. One of these select few is Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Master Ching Hai will never be called a living saint. She is a woman, and most Buddhists believe that a woman cannot be a Buddha. She is of Asian origin, and many people in the West are sure that their Savior will resemble them. But those who are lucky enough to know Her know who She is.

Those who have had a chance to meet or work with Supreme Master Ching Hai love Her, for She lives a message that walks the way of love. A renowned humanitarian, artist, and spiritual leader, Her love and assistance extend beyond all cultural and racial boundaries.

A month and a half ago, Supreme Master Ching Hai visited Armenia, Yerevan, in particular, at the invitation of Nadezdha Sarkisian and organized by the Sharm Company. Master Ching Hai's visit was amicable, and yet, at the same time very productive. She was introduced to our history, culture, and habits. She was surprised and affected by the insufferable conditions in Armenia.

During Her stay in Armenia, She lectured at the Komitas House of Chamber Music of Yerevan, where an exhibition of Her artistic creations was also held - clothing designs, paintings and other works of art. She visited our Echmiadzin Cathedral, which impressed Her immensely. She admired the old Armenian architecture.

During the reception in Her honor, She shared her impressions, and was mainly touched by the condition of the orphanages and elderly homes and decided to help them.

And so, Master Ching Hai's delegation carried out its mission in Armenia. I was invited as a reporter to witness this honorable mission and to have the opportunity of describing later to our readers all the kindness this woman spreads around Her.

The first city we visited was Gjumry. In the Mayor's office, we met the Governor of the Shirak region, Shirak Petrossyan and the Mayor of Gjumry, Michael Vardanyan. They received the delegation members in a warm and friendly atmosphere and thanked them for their visit. The Mayor shared that Supreme Master Ching Hai's visit had been a great occasion for them, and that they sincerely hoped for another meeting with this wonderful woman. Master Ching Hai's representative explained that Master was not able to come Herself and assured the Governor and Mayor that She is always thinking of Armenia. As soon as She finished Her tour, She decided to send Her representatives to carry out the mission in Armenia. The representative presented a check for US$100,000 for the reconstruction of the Gjumry Church. Then we visited the orphanage where Supreme Master Ching Hai had personally donated US$5,000 in cash.

The next city we visited was Vanadzor, where Master Ching Hai had provided US$10,000 for the local children's home. The next stop on our visit was the elderly home named after Charles Aznavour, where we presented a check for US$10,000.

A meeting was scheduled in the Cathedral where we delivered a US$20,000 check to His Holiness Garegin Nersisyan. His Holiness expressed his gratitude by saying, "It's very pleasant to know that there are people in the world who are thinking of those in need. I have heard a lot about Supreme Master Ching Hai but never have had the chance to meet Her."

In return, the delegation members expressed their condolences concerning the death of the Archbishop, Garegin the First.

In Yerevan we visited the Mayor's office where we presented a US$30,000 check. The final stop on our mission was the office of Nadezdha Sarkisian's Hayer Cultural Fund. Her group had captured the heart of Supreme Master Ching Hai, who decided to help the talented children of the Hayer Cultural Center with a contribution of US$20,000.

Thus, finishing their benevolent mission, the members of the delegation left Armenia with satisfaction. Supreme Master Ching Hai's greatness cannot be expressed in words.

For some people, Supreme Master Ching Hai is a mother and for others, a father. For yet others, She is a beloved woman. In any case, She is the best friend in the world. She was here to give without receiving anything, but only to take our sorrow, pain, and grief away.