Australian Government Receives Master's Loving Award

On May 22, Golden Year 3 (2006) Australian initiates representing the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association presented Master's precious gift, "The Shining World Leadership Award," to the Australian government through representatives at the Prime Minister and Cabinet's office in Canberra.

Western governments are renowned for being overly bureaucratic with lots of red tape, yet with God's grace local initiates were able to find the right department and obtain preliminary approval by the Australian government in just two days. Not only was the response quick but very courteous. In fact, the government representative within the Awards and Culture Branch was so helpful that it made us feel humble and honored to be able to deliver such a precious gift. In addition to the award, we also gave the representative a small sample of Master's teachings so that the Australian government could better understand who we are. It included Master's poetry, "One World of Peace through Music," and the book "I Have Come to Take You Home." All were accepted with much gratitude.

The Award was respectfully and lovingly given to the Australian government for displaying compassion in state-sponsored endeavors, for placing the principle of universal love into action both domestically and internationally, for exemplary care for its citizens and neighbors, and for improving the quality of human life. The reasons for this award include, but are not limited to, the medical, educational and technical aid to people throughout the Pacific region and even as far away as Africa and the Middle East. Domestically, Australia cares for her citizens by providing first-rate public health care to all, regardless of status or wealth. Additionally, the Australian government makes enlightened use of the mass media, using television to promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle for children.

As Master has often mentioned, enlightened leadership of governments will create a bright future for the world and all humanity, so we are very happy and honored to have brought Master's loving support and encouragement to our government. And we wholeheartedly wish that all the leaders around the world would learn from each other the positive actions they implement for the benefit of their citizens and the global community.