When I heard about the upcoming musical, Loving the Silent Tears, I thought that since 2012 was such a unique and meaningful year, it would be a very special event. So I applied as a member of the working team at this extraordinary occasion. Also, I wanted to use the trip to Los Angeles to reflect on my 20 years of spiritual practice since being initiated. Before leaving, I gave myself a piece of psychological advice, which was to fully dedicate my body, speech, and mind to God, surrender to the situation, and not be picky about the type of work I did. In the end, God blessed me with a spiritual journey that I will never forget.

As soon as I arrived in Los Angeles, the first task I was given was helping in the kitchen. I had done all kinds of work since my initiation except being a kitchen helper, and it’s not my favorite job, so I initially wanted to resist. However, remembering one of my promises to God -- not to be picky about the type of work I did-- I immediately walked into the kitchen, fighting against my feelings! There I wiped the table, opened cans, washed vegetables, cut onions until my eyes watered, and eventually became the assistant to the main chef. As soon as I finished one task, I actively sought the next without idling for a second. Then at midnight, a member of the exhibition-team came to get me, saying that they urgently needed help. That was the end of my one-day lesson in the kitchen, where I had not disappointed myself and had been a good helper. However, little did I know that it was on the exhibition team that my spiritual training would truly begin!

On my first night on the team, the group leader reminded me, “The closer one is to God’s work, the more easily one’s negative traits come out! Please handle it wisely so that you don’t affect the work of the team.” Wow, my rebellious nature had been discovered! My mind was full of arguments and obstructive thoughts and I completely forgot about my promise to surrender to the situation. God had reminded me of this trait in time, but it didn’t go away at first. During the next few days, I made a great effort to change my thinking. To control the negative thoughts that arose, I kept listening to Master’s voice through my earphones and reciting the Holy Names so I could hear no sounds that were not related to work! I managed to barely pass the test. However, that was not the end of my trials.

My main job on the art team was to assist other workers. In the special area near the theatre designated as the exhibition hall, the team’s major task was to transform the place into a beautiful space for displaying Master’s art work. After the initial structures were erected, all the fine tasks of carpentering, painting and metal work were to be done by the assistants. It was a chance to practice attentiveness to detail, patience, and efficiency. I had always been proud of myself for being highly detail-oriented, but God taught me to also be humble through work.

At one point I was responsible for making “golden bricks” to be placed on the arched door that welcomed the guests. I spent three days patiently putting putty onto pieces of wood, polishing them, adding more putty, and then polishing the pieces again until no seams were visible on their smooth faces. I felt proud in the end, thinking, “How many people can be as patient and detail-oriented as I am?” However, when gold paint was sprayed on the pieces, the areas with putty stood out. Seeing this, I felt like I had been struck by lightning! Not only had I wasted my time for three days, I had also delayed the work that was to follow. Feeling regretful, I prayed to God for forgiveness and asked for a solution. After this experience, I carefully controlled my arrogance while working, knowing that God’s power was behind all the work and I had to become pure and positive to be one with God and act as an effective helper!

A week before the event, the art team began to enter the theatre to decorate, meaning that all the items crafted by the workers had to be in place and the countdown to the musical had begun. However, many important display tables were not yet finished. With most of the working staff moving to the theatre, I, along with some brothers who were carpenters and one who was a painter, had to finish all the remaining work by ourselves. Again, I prayed to God for help, knowing that the task seemed beyond my abilities. At that time, I came to understand the meaning of the phrase “surrendering 100 percent” and said to the inner Master, “I rely on You to complete the rest of the work.” Then suddenly I felt Master’s love and presence as if She were standing right next to me. As I began to cry, my hands and legs started to move quickly and I was able to think more quickly and clearly! We finished the work on time and I finally understood how to be a pure, efficient tool of God.

My thanks go to God for all the arrangements and training I experienced, as well as to the exhibition-team members who worked together to help me grow spiritually. I also congratulate all who endure trials and pass tests on the spiritual path.

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