Truth, Virtue And Beauty

Master Is The Perfect Representation Of The Essence Of Truth, Virtue AndBeauty

By Fellow Initiate Liu
(A Career In The Arts), Taipei, Formosa

Throughout history, the lives of most great artists, regardless oftheir spiritual attainment, have shown us that their accomplishments andlife circumstances were like both ends of a string - they could not be integrated. Artists such as Kawabata Yasunari, Van Gogh, Beethoven and Bachdisplayed unsurpassed talent yet their lives were not able to escape thetragedy of suicide, insanity, physical handicaps or early death. We are inheaven when we appreciate their works of art, but when we look into theirlives we experience hell. However beautiful and abundant the cherryblossoms are, they are gone in a fleeting moment. It is extremely rare forsomeone to be highly recognized for their artistic achievements and at thesame time freely enjoy a glorious, colorful life.

Master is an example of the "perfect product" of enlightenment. Shelives freely; Her actions and creations are a combination of life andartistic grace at their fullest. She is truly a practitioner and an artistof life.

Master Reveals The Perfection Of Spirituality, Art And Life

The artistic creations of humanity are consciously searching for"beauty in form" or "inner meanings." These creations usually express "fame,fortune, desire, life, death or redemption," and are still under theinfluence of the mundane world. In contrast, Master's creations arebalanced, harmonious, diverse and beautiful in form. They are also full ofmessages of joy from heaven and express a state of serenity andselflessness. They are far beyond the mundane physical world. WithinMaster's artistic creations, one can clearly see three aspects: Deepmessages for sentient beings, reminding them not to forget to practicespiritually; the state of samadhi that Master expresses in Her flowing andnatural style, without a word; and the ease with which Master merges art andspirituality into daily life.

These three aspects demonstrate a living Master's compassion and Her achievement of perfection in spiritual practice.

What Did Master's Perfect Creations Teach Me?

Creating art and spiritual fulfillment can appear to be like two endsof a string; if we bend the string in the center, both ends will meet at thesame point. An artist is made of seven parts of hard work plus three partsof talent. Most people throughout their lives can only reach the level ofan artisan. Master never studied painting, fashion design, music theory,architecture or horticulture, yet this has not hindered the full growth ofHer talent.

Master has said: "The more we are enlightened, the more developed ourtalents will be." We may not have been a born genius, but with innerenlightenment, we can develop the three parts of talent. Therefore, ourlives, work and creative talent will reach the essential balance between Yinand Yang as we walk the path of enlightenment.

 

An Enlightened Master Inspires My Creativity

To me, Master's fashion designs, musical compositions and paintings are unspoken teachings that touch my soul and prompt my concentration. They all represent Truth, virtue and beauty; like poetry, they captivate my entire being.

Master's Celestial Clothes are carefree yet have a powerful impact. Some bring forth the wonders of the universe, some integrate different ethnic cultures; the lines flow clearly, the designs are elegant, and the colors brilliant and alive.

Master's paintings have the same style. They are distinct yet delicate; within the innocence there is creativity; behind the calmness there is activity. As one mindfully studies the paintings, it seems that what is actually revealed isn't what one sees. When the painting seems quiet it isn't really calm, and when there is activity there isn't any movement. The style is free flowing and graceful. Master's musical compositions are no exception. From these examples one can see that the wisdom of a truly enlightened master is infinite.

I feel deeply that Master brings us onto the path, but the practice depends on ourselves. It may be a common saying, but one must have the merit to follow Master, understand Her compassion, and humbly receive Her blessings. Master has said: "Once the wisdom eye is opened, then we are able to truly understand the people, things and situations that surround us."

Master's creations remind me that even though I am a new initiate, I must rush to catch up with Her pace. By practicing the Quan Yin Method diligently, I receive pieces of enlightenment every day, and eventually I'll reach the great enlightenment. Not only will it help me advance spiritually and morally, but it also helps me cultivate my own potential at work. My diligent practice helps me and benefits others - so why not!?

 

Master Has Fulfilled My Dream Of Being An Artist

By Fellow Initiate Lee
(Architectural Draftsperson), Taipei, Formosa

For many years, I dreamed about being an artist, but due to financial reasons, I could not become a professional artist. Eventually, I went to work in the field of architecture, drafting three-dimensional views of the interiors of buildings.

My personality makes me always seek perfection. But I can only paint things life-like or create a beautiful shape with a very simple form. Occasionally I am wondrously inspired. Such artistic "sudden enlightenment" happened once or twice when I was outdoors and opened my heart to nature without the bindings of commercial influence. However, I did not know how to keep the innocent heart of an artist at all times.

Once I was looking at Master's paintings in the Laiyi Meditation Center when my uncle asked for my opinion as an artist. I lingered in front of Master's paintings in an intoxicated state directly attributable to Her works. I was astonished and speechless. I was so touched that no words could express my feelings! With the shocking feeling of finding an intimate friend, tears filled my eyes. For a long time, I have searched everywhere for teachers and attended art exhibitions, but never has my heart been so impressed.

Master's paintings fully expressed the vast world within my heart. It was like reading "The Key Of Immediate Enlightenment," and someone had spoken my thoughts for me. Worldly language can hardly express the thoughts in the mind of a living saint, yet Master's creations can really directly touch the depth of one's soul. I am most grateful to Master because She uses all methods to save sentient beings; otherwise, a "rock" like me, who only knows painting would perhaps ask: "When will I ever go home?"

 

The Best Interpretation Of Spirituality, Art And Life

I have been working in the fields of photography and marketing for over ten years. From a professional standpoint, I regard myself as possessing the talent and judgment of an artist. However, during the long creative process, in my mind I have often experienced the feeling of being stuck due to lack of inspiration.

After my initiation, I eagerly wanted to break free from all bindings in the world. I discovered that my "determination to be an artist" was really a set of heavy chains. Therefore I had a thought about not creating any more. During this period of time, Master was like a skillful watch-maker; breaking into my rusted skull and installing brand new parts. She made me realize that creation is the manifestation of one's inner and outer joy.

Now I have started again and intend to become a happy artist for life. From Master's painting's, music, celestial clothes and attitude toward life, I observe the highest expression of perfection in the merging of the body and soul as well as in the esthetics of creation. I would like to share some of my thoughts.