regarding ONE'S RELIGION OR PRESENT MASTER


Q. Once one becomes initiated, does one need to denounce one's religion?

M. No, no, no. Please not. We say that within initiation, you don't need to change your profession, you don't need to change your way of life, you don't have to change your religion, No problem, don't change anything. Just eat vegetarian, that's all.

.....

Q. Jesus is no longer on this planet earth. Does he have power to reach to those who believe in Him now? Can we have two masters at the same time? A master who left this earth and a master who is still on this planet earth and will leave this earth?

M. Yeah. We can. We can. Fortunate are those who meet the masters who are still living but who also are the inner master at the same time. But also while you meet the living master, you can also meet the ascended master if you reach up to the level where Jesus resides at this moment, you can see Him. Many of our disciples saw Jesus and many of our disciples saw Buddhas. Isn't that so? Are there any disciples here...? Is that not true? Yeah? (Fellow initiates say : Yes!) Oh, they say "Yes". Anyhow, sometimes the Buddhists will see Jesus or Mother Mary and sometimes Christians will see Buddhas or Mohammed.

.....

Q. Is it okay to receive initiation from more than one master?

M. Yeah, it's okay. But why is it necessary? For example, if your master has already taught you the light and sound within you, and you are satisfied and you're making progress with that path, then you don't have to be initiated by another master who will teach the same method. But nevertheless, if you are not completely satisfied and you would like to have more, I mean you are more convinced in some other master, of course you may do so.

.....

Q. Would you consider initiating someone who has been initiated by another Master?

M. I would, but only if that person truly believes that I am more able to take her or him to a higher level and faster. Otherwise, it is better to stick to one's own Master, if one still feels much attached, and has much faith in that Master. If you believe that your Master is the best already, then don't change. If you still have doubt, and if you still have not gotten the light and sound which I have mentioned, then you should try. Because the light and the sound are the standard measurements for a real Master. Anyone who is not able to impart you immediate light or sound, is not a real Master, I am sorry to say. The road to heaven is equipped with light and sound. Just like when you dive in the sea, you have to be equipped with an oxygen mask and all that. There are things for different purposes. That is why you see saints with a halo of light around them. That is light.

.....

Q. Previously I was devoted to another master to whom I am indebted for his grace. I also took a serious oath in front of God. I only realize the outstanding superiority of the Quan Yin Method now. Will I be punished by God if I leave that master?

M. If you fully understand the pure purpose of spiritual practice and desire to progress by practicing a method that will give you eternal liberation, but your teacher cannot teach you such a method, then of course you should find another teacher who can truly bring you into the lineage and give you the proper guidance on the right path.

Actually, if a master of any belief is incapable of leading sentient beings to liberation, we should look for another master. A real master should be able to transmit the correct method to you, initiate your wisdom, and enable you to attain the Truth, henceforth to return to the kingdom of God. It is just like a ship, the chief function of which is to bring us to the opposite shore. After we reach the other shore, we don't need it anymore. We must not cling to that ship and forget about the real objective.

Let's take another example. When we graduate from primary school, our teacher should allow us to be promoted to junior high school and then high school. We should not feel that we have disappointed or betrayed our primary school teacher just because we have been promoted to senior high school.

.....

Q. Does one have to give up all other teachings, gurus, etc. when initiated by Master Ching Hai? If one doesn't become initiated, can one still pray to Master Ching Hai and receive Her blessing?

M. You don't have to give up your teachings and your teacher; I told you already; nor religion, you don't have to give up religion neither. For example, I am initiated; I still talk about Bhagvad Gita. I still talk about the Bible, the Buddhism and all the things, all the masters, even past masters. So I didn't give up anything! I just enrich myself with more wisdom, more knowledge from different masters, past, present and maybe future. The future masters, you can meet in the higher sphere because they have not yet descended on Earth, but while in meditation, you can see the future masters as well and learn from them. So you lose nothing; you only gain. Okay? If you are not initiated and you pray to the so-called Master Ching Hai, I don't know if She helps you or not? You have to ask Her at that time. (Master laughs) Maybe She does; may be She doesn't. It depends on how sincere you are and your karma.