Master's TITLEQ. Please explain the differences among the enlightenment- master, Buddha, Bodhisattva. Which of the above fit You themost closely?
M.Fit me? I do not care what you call me. Call me what you want.You see, I'm a 'garbage collector'. (Master and audience laugh.)Yeah, I collect the humans' Garbage' and clean them, so that theworld will be in a better, harmonious atmosphere and people willbe in less suffering and more wise. I take their 'garbage' andgive them 'jewels', give them wisdom. I take their karma and sufferingand give them joy and happiness. So you may call me 'garbage collector'.No need such a big title like Buddha and Bodhisattva - scaresme to death. It denotes the glorious position. In fact, I onlycollect garbage'. Collect all the bad, negative atmosphere andyou know, all the things scattered here and there which make ourworld miserable and unbearable. I collect all these and burn themup, clean the world. May I help you? May I ask you also to helpme in this Garbage collecting' program by joining us to meditateon the positive power, on the God power which is almighty? Wecan clean all the sin, can bestow all the grace. This is my job.You may join also and become the same. No need for Buddha andBodhisattva, these sound too glorious and honourable. (Masterlaughs.)
In fact, we work very hard. Whoever reachesthis level and are commissioned by God are volunteers to helpsentient beings. We work very hard and we suffer. Not much gloryhere in this world. You might get glorified when you go back toheaven, go back to the Buddha's-land, but here in this world,there is not much for Buddhas.
..... M....Ching Hai means "pure ocean". Actually in India theyname it Vishudananda. I think I have to change my name into Indianname now to attract more Americans. (Master laughs) The otherday one of the American disciples said to me, "Oh, all theAmericans like Indian teachers only, so that's why You don't attractso many of them. You attract only the Au Lac people and the Asian."I said, "Okay! Why don't I change my name?" He said,"Do You have an Indian name, by the way?" I said, "Yes,I do, Vishudananda." (Master and the audience laugh.) That'sthe translation of my name. Anything "Ananda", Da DaDa, will do. (Laughter.) Sounds very much Indian. Now you maycall me, Ananda, Vishudananda. It sounds very Indian, right?
