The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association Publishing Co., Ltd.

	Master says, "Few of us are satisfied with the mundane world but we need to continue working out our worldly karma whether it's pleasant or not. We're here for a purpose and later we'll be permanently reunited with God in Heaven. So please be patient and continue to live in this world. Try to do something you like to make your life more bearable, more interesting. Don't fix yourself in one idea or whatever life you think is ideal. Don't wait for life itself to make you interested because it will be difficult if you just sit and wait. Do something; go out, find a new hobby, job, friend or fellow initiate to talk with about interesting things. Read an interesting book, a spiritual book. Make your life interesting."
	Life is characterized by countless emotions and stresses. Sometimes we can overcome them but other times we find them hard to endure. How should spiritual practitioners handle such distressing situations? Is meditation the only solution?
	When difficulties arise repeatedly, how can we tell whether they are caused by past karma or by new karma that we have knowingly or unknowingly created?
	Do you wish to know how to overcome Maya's temptations? Master says it is not a battle that involves triumph or defeat but a series of trials that test our sincerity in pursuing spiritual practice in order to contact with our great, true inner Self.
	Do you know how to maintain balanced development with respect to inner cultivation and outer activities? Master says that we can continue doing what we did before initiation as long as it does not violate the Five Precepts or hinder our practice of meditation and study of Her teachings. Master also says that in Her daily life, apart from meditation She reads books, takes care of Her pets, etc. For example, we do not neglect our personal hygiene just because we wish to practice spiritually.
	Master says, "It's good to know that you have an 'ego' because it makes you aware of your shortcomings. It shows you that you're beginning to have a sense of shame and you know what you need to do to improve. This is one thing that deserves celebration."
	Regarding the secret method or shortcut that will take us back to our Home in Heaven more quickly Master says, "The key is your attitude and concept. Do not be attached to this world. Simply fulfill your obligations and do what you need to do, but your heart should not be attached to these things. In order to help the mind distinguish our true Home from our temporary abode in this fictitious world we have to rely on meditation. Only meditation can help us to distinguish more clearly between the two. This is the key to seeing Heaven even while living in this world."
	If we are affected by outer influences or other negative forces and cannot concentrate on our spiritual practice, what should we do? Here is Master's advice.
	Master says, "Human beings' minds are clouded by so many secular things that we don't recognize God even when we see Hirm, and even think Hes is the devil. We initiated practitioners know the right way to contact God yet our minds are still hindered by our perceptions of good and bad. Therefore, if you cannot often see Light during meditation, don't be anxious. It's not that you aren't serious in meditation, but that your mind is causing trouble."
	God is omnipresent. You do not see Hirm only in meditation. Simply focus your attention on your wisdom eye and you can feel Hiers omnipresence.
	What posture should we adopt in practicing meditation--one that is comfortable or one that helps us concentrate? Master says that there is no fixed rule in this regard, and that we should simply try to find the posture that yields the best effect for us.
	Master once said that some people who come into this world can reach enlightenment very quickly, but others are ignorant and not easily enlightened. If this is true, will world peace ever come? In Her brilliant discourse, Master tells us why this arrangement exists and when world peace will arrive.
	After having been initiated for many years, how can we maintain our ardor for spiritual practice? Master gives us some wise advice on this question.
	Master says, "Meditation is not doing business. Don't calculate or expect too much. Your spiritual level will not rise automatically as you lengthen the duration of your meditation sessions; that's your mind calculating. Don't think about what will happen next; just let it come naturally, be relaxed and then you will gain more."
	Master once said that we sometimes have spiritual experiences even in our dreams. How can we tell whether we are having a spiritual experience or just an ordinary dream? Master elaborates on this point.
	Why must we have a body and mind to live in this world? Can't we just have souls as we do in Heaven? What is Master's reply to this question?
	Why did God not perform more miracles to attract the attention of people in a more obvious way? Master says that Jesus already performed many miracles, and although many believed in Him He was still crucified because people's minds were contaminated. Only when we are ready will He manifest before us.
	What should we do if we make very little progress although we practice diligently? Are we hindered by karma? In this discourse Master encourages fellow disciples to persist in practicing with devotion.