At the end of Golden Year 3 (2006), Duisburg Center was blessed two times by the visits of Supreme Master Ching Hai. With the announcement of Master’s forthcoming visit in December, initiates, full of energy and pleasant anticipation, set to work for this long-sought moment. Within the shortest time possible the center was tidied up and lovingly decorated. Initiates from all over Germany were invited.

On December 16 – we could hardly believe it – Master appeared!  Everyone sparkled with indescribable joy and happiness. We meditated diligently and Master visited us frequently during the meditation sessions. She told us lots of jokes. The atmosphere was very pleasant and filled with happiness. Our Master emphasized the importance of selflessness and humility and that we should behave like saints. Master was very happy with our center and highlighted the delicious food.

Upon Master’s departure She assured us that She would come back. Many initiates stayed until Christmas to celebrate our traditional Christmas retreat. Yet no one expected that something even bigger was waiting for us: We got the message that there would be a European retreat at Duisburg Center for the New Year! In order to make possible an unforgettable retreat for initiates from all over Europe, several working teams were immediately set up.

On New Year’s Eve, Master arrived and appeared in the center’s meditation room, blessing all with Her presence. She looked very elegant “wearing” a golden Christmas curtain and adornments from the Christmas decorations in Her room. In high spirits, we celebrated an unequaled turn of the year with our most beloved Master.

On the first day of the New Year, Master came several times to visit us during our meditation sessions. She spoke about an Arabian television channel that had started broadcasting its program in English in order to show the world the beauty of Arabian culture, thus demonstrating one more step to bring different cultures together for a life in harmony and peace.

Master also talked about the absurdity of the still continuing armed conflicts in the world. She remarked that it is unbelievable that a human being who was brought up with love and dedication might have to become a warrior because of the war in his country and then might be annihilated by a tiny bullet in a matter of seconds. Such a death on the battlefield freezes the soul in a shock-like state for hundreds or even thousands of years. War belongs to a vicious circle that has to be stopped, no matter what it may cost. Soldiers should become peace-soldiers and help those in need. Time is short now, while other higher developed planets are waiting for the Earth to evolve. We should tackle urgent issues such as the change of global climate now, together.

Master expressed Her hope that the New Year will be a year of peace news, and that the peace agreements accomplished in the past year mark the beginning of a development towards peace in the whole world. Seeing us coming from all over Europe and sitting in harmony and peace together, Master remarked that we are all connected telepathically. Our group is an example for the world in the sense that peace and harmony are possible. What we can accomplish in a small group can be accomplished in the whole world.

That evening, we enjoyed the beautiful sounds of music as initiates from all over Europe performed instrumental music or songs, or both. Master and everyone listened attentively to the heartwarming and uplifting musical pieces. Several were moved to tears by the beautiful melodies. This was already an exceptional evening, but then we received the most special musical interlude of all: Late in the night Master came and sang lullabies for us. Those were unforgettable moments. She told us how Her dogs were brought into sleep that way. We listened with devotion to the beautiful voice of our Master, and then meditated the whole night.

The following day we started as usual with a nourishing breakfast provided by the kitchen team, who had worked very hard throughout the whole retreat and always provided delicious international dishes. Master stayed one more day with us, visiting with us in the meditation room and answering our questions. Then Master had to leave. As always, it was difficult for all of us to accept that this retreat with Master was over. But reflecting on the wonderful days we had, our hearts were filled with gratefulness.

<<	Contents	>>
Refer this page to friends