Dear Supreme Master Ching Hai,

First, I would like to thank you for your lovely letter of November 6th. I was very touched that you would take the time from your busy schedule to write to me. It is obvious that you understand the mind, heart and soul of artists – as you are an artist yourself.

You most certainly don’t know much about me, as I (as an individual), am not important. However, like you, what I have stood and fought for is important. I dedicated many years of my life trying to win freedom of religion and freedom of assembly for ALL religious beliefs on this planet. For my stand for these basic human rights, I paid a very terrible price, both personally and professionally.

I do not know how many of my colleagues have written to you. If they have not, please take this letter as a “Thank You” from all of us who were blessed to perform in “Loving the Silent Tears” -- as I know the words that I write here are also a reflection of their feelings.

Supreme Master, I am writing to you to commend your wonderful followers. I have been singing since I am 4 years old. I have worked on nearly every continent on this planet, and have been privileged to meet kings and queens presidents and paupers. I have been blessed to have worked and to continue to work in every performance medium there is – and that worldwide.

In my very long and very varied career, I have NEVER come upon a group of people like your organization in Los Angeles. From my very first contact in May 2012 until this day, I have never been treated with so much love, caring and respect – anywhere on this planet. Every person involved in “Loving the Silent Tears” – from our producers; to our esteemed director, choreographer, the many composers and our musical director; to all the other performers; to the stage hands and technicians; and most certainly to all the international volunteers from your organization – worked EXCLUSIVELY from a place of love, giving and caring. We were cradled in a “cocoon” of loving kindness during our entire time in Los Angeles. There was no hostility, no criticism, in fact, no negative energy at all. That is UNHEARD OF in the world of commercial, professional theater.

I want to thank you, Supreme Master, for the teaching and techniques that you have given to your followers. Through you and your teaching, they have reached a level of understanding, that I have seldom encountered in my worldwide travels. They have duplicated the power of love, of positive energy and of giving – in a substantive and real way, that eludes most everyone on our planet. Not only have they UNDERSTOOD, they have put your teachings into PRACTICE. You have taught your followers very wisely and very well. From my point of view, you could find no better ambassadors for your philosophy than the wonderful people I met from your organization in Los Angeles. Every day, and in every way, they did ALL they could to live and act as an example of your teaching.

For me personally, “Loving the Silent Tears” was a tremendous gift, bestowed upon me from the universe. It was an enormous acknowledgement of all my years of struggle trying to make our society a better place for everyone.

It was an HONOR for me to sing your lyrics. From my own experiences, I could relate to your struggles on a very deep and personal level. It was an HONOR for me to use my talents to help you and your followers shine a light of hope, loving and understanding into the darkness of our world. It is so needed.

My only regret, was not having the privilege of meeting you in person in Los Angeles. I pray, that at some time in the future, I will have that great honor. God Bless You, and all those in your Organization worldwide. May you all continue to flourish and prosper!