The Supreme Master Ching Hai personally rang the bell to start the Seven-Day Retreat and explained the sacred meaning of ringing the bell and the Seven-Day Retreat. Musical instruments such as gong and bell are invented by spiritual practitioners who have heard the inner sounds. They made these to remind people of the sounds within. Ringing the bell before the retreat is to wake us up to our duty in life, which is to practice and to contemplate inwardly upon our self-nature. We are busy everyday and have not much time to really concentrate on meditation. Therefore, the Seven-Day Retreat is a precious opportunity for us to start again to be more diligent , more confident, and more firm in practicing the Tao.

The Supreme Master Ching Hai also told stories of an Indian Master and Her disciples, which reveals how meticulously the Master took care of Her disciples. This Master would not only create special situations to teach the disciples lessons, but also taught them how to treat their families, friends, spouse, and children. She taught Her disciples everything, and took care of them in every aspect. In front of Her, the disciples often forgot worries and always felt a protecting power around them. Therefore, everyone had a fearless spirit.