During this talk Supreme Master Ching Hai tells a story from the Buddhist sutras about a boy who made sincere offerings to the Buddha.

The boy, who lived in the city of Savatthi, was extremely poor but became a servant so that he could earn money to make offerings to the Buddha and his reverend monks. Due to the merits derived from these offerings to the World Honored One, the boy was reborn into a rich and powerful family. From the time of his birth, he could speak and remember his past life. When he grew up he went to the Buddha and asked for permission to become a monk. After a period of spiritual practice he attained the level of Arhat. Through this story the Supreme Master reminds us that offerings are not measured by their value but by the sincerity of the giver.

To clear up any misunderstandings, the Supreme Master also explains the meaning of the three qualities of pure meat referred to in the Buddhist scriptures, along with the true intention of the Buddha. She says, "The difference is not about what kind of meat you eat, pure or not pure. The difference, the main point, is the suffering of that animal."

In addition, the Supreme Master says that in our worldly lives most of us are busy with nonsensical actions and forget to pursue the greater purpose of existence. We should appreciate our precious human bodies and focus our efforts on getting to know more about our real, powerful inner Self.

1. Those who made sincere offerings to the Buddha gained immeasurable merits, despite the fact that the Buddha never truly desired anything. The Buddha had magical power by which he could manifest objects for himself. He didn't even need food or other so-called necessities.. He would just go around and let people make offerings to him so that those who were sincere acquired immense merit, and attained enlightenment in their current or future lives.
2. If you perform good deeds for another, it means that you’re good. Whether the deeds benefit that person or not, you’re the first to benefit, because others see that you’re good and have a good heart.
3. Do monks and nuns need to wear tattered clothes to show that they have renounced the world? Master says that she feels truly sorry for those who judge people by their appearance, instead of by listening to the lectures.
4. Why do the Indian people greatly respect Naga Yogis?
5. Master says, "To have this human body is great," so how should we use it to good effect?
6. "Children remember a lot of things. They are more in contact with God until they become older." Master describes her childhood experiences of seeing angels and hearing the melodious communication among the stars.
7. What can we do without using eye drops if something gets in our eyes? Master shares some tips.
8. Our bodies become worn out from service in the world, as well as from anxiety, responsibility, stress, and karma, thus affecting our meditation. It's OK to take a rest, but Master encourages disciples to try their best to meditate more and practice more diligently if their bodies allow it.