A Sacred and Magical Journey of the Heart and Soul — By Anisha Desai Fraser

The most recent PGSG Advanced Retreat at Pangu Ranch in December was the most profound weekend journey, perhaps of my entire life. The teachings were the most detailed account of both Master Ou’s experience and his instructions on how to have a very high morality and noble love. What struck me most was how group practices throughout the weekend allowed me to apply these teachings almost immediately. I could feel with more clarity, the two sides of me struggling, having a conversation with one another that was impossible to ignore. And somewhere in there I could also feel Master Ou’s steady, firm, yet deeply loving guidance and encouragement. I could feel how group practice was helping me analyze, in detail, the right choice, helping me broaden my heart and perspective, allowing me to apply the teachings in action, to both my immediate situation and also my life beyond. Through this experience I learned much about myself and the process of transformation.

For instance I realized that I truly don’t know what unfairness and fairness really are and that I needed to be more humble in this regard. One of Master Ou’s lectures opened a doorway to my soul and led me on a small journey of my life. The continuous “unfair” treatment I experienced as a child without knowing how to transform that pain left me with a deep hopelessness and sadness. However after meeting Master Ou in 2004 and understanding the importance of improving relationships, I made a decision to go beyond myself and my feelings about what had happened. As Master Ou spoke at the retreat, I felt heartened, observing the path of my progress in this life and it’s unfolding. I could also see where I am still lacking in this humility and how I can practice this even more with other family members and even strangers.

And though somewhat uncomfortable, as all growing can be, it happened within an ocean of Love and I was left with a feeling of hope and encouragement. Pangu Ranch is a truly magical land, unlike any place I have ever been, seen or felt. Being there makes the future human world seem more real, allowing this coming reality to feel much closer. The varied fruit trees and flowers, all planted with meticulous affection show their most beautiful aspect at all times, bearing a sweetness and fragrance that can only be the result of Master Ou’s and his student’s hard work, diligent efforts, cultivation and faith. I was transported to a different kind of existence- one in which all relationships with humans and nature have a stronger potential and ability to exist in harmony and for one another, feeling the umbrella of true and deep love from Pangu, Master Ou, and his family.

This intimate experience provided a truly harmonious way of living and learning. The deeply sacred land and surrounding nature lends to deep healing and profound introspection through the obvious and subtle guidance of our teacher, beloved Master Ou Wen Wei.