After visiting Supreme Master Ching Hai’s personal abodes around the world, we’ve observed that Supreme Master’s preferred choices of residence are small in size, are close to nature, and most importantly, have spiritual values. As Supreme Master Ching Hai says,
“The smaller the room, the less trouble and you have fewer things, and you just feel you are in control of everything. The big house, you just run around, don’t know where things are, and cleaning and washing all day long. And spaced out in your heart. The smaller the house, the better concentration.”
“Nature is helping you a lot. Or even with animals, easier to concentrate than with the crowded city. Fresh air. Sit under the tree. See, the Buddha sat under the tree and became enlightened. Go and get a tree and hug it or something.”
“Wherever is given to me, whatever, and it is for spiritual reason, I would stay. If I know a place is spiritual, no matter what, even if it doesn’t have anything there, even no house even, I would bring a tent there and stay all by myself. Even no facilities, nothing. Everything in my life is just for that category, for spiritual practice only, for improvement in spiritual practice. For myself and for everyone as well.”
Master also once lovingly gave us valuable advice on how to make our own homes the best place possible for ourselves and our loved ones.
“Just enjoy what you have, accept what you have. That is the simple life. Simple life doesn't mean you have to live in tents. If you have a palace, live in a palace. If you don't have a palace, okay, just live the way you want. Just in your house, whatever your house, that is your life. Just keep a simple heart; you just accept everything, but keep it clean and cozy and tidy for the benefit of your health and the health of your family, that's all.”
“If you can help it, make your own quarter nice, clean, bright, and enough air. Well, sometimes you cannot help it. You cannot help it if your house is beautiful or ugly, big or small, but you can help to make it look clean and tidy. The same in meditation center also. Whatever not necessary, don't keep it. And whatever you have, keep it clean, nice, and keep it in repair, so everything looks... at least reflecting your standard of practice. The cleanliness inside has to also be expressed outside, too. I lived in tents or sometimes very simple houses but very, very clean. Every corner! No dirt, and very bright.”
