Spiritual Strength in Crisis Through Interfaith Unity, Part 1 of 12, Nov. 6, 1993, Laguna Beach, California, USA

With a deep affinity for the United States, Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) has visited this country on numerous occasions, offering wisdom, hope, and humanitarian aid in times of need. In November 1993, while flying from Hawaii to Los Angeles after a four-day International Meditation Retreat, Master saw the tragic fires in southern California from the air and expressed Her utmost concern.

The wildfires in Southern California began on October 27, 1993, and was quickly intensified by strong winds. Cities like Altadena, Thousand Oaks, and Laguna Beach were the first to be impacted, with hundreds of homes destroyed and thousands of acres of land damaged before firefighters finally brought it under control.

Supreme Master Ching Hai immediately established a relief fund of 200,000 USD to support the fire victims, providing essential supplies and financial aid, which were distributed through various local fire relief agencies. Hundreds of Association members of all ages from around the world, who happened to be in the Los Angeles area after the four-day retreat, voluntarily joined the relief effort together with their local counterparts. Under Her compassionate guidance, they quickly mobilized, providing essential supplies and donating funds to support various humanitarian organizations like the American Red Cross, ensuring aid reached those in need.

On November 6, Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan), invited as a guest of honor, attended a prayer gathering in Laguna Beach, alongside more than ten spiritual leaders representing various faiths, including Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, and Hare Krishna, as well as non-religious spiritual groups. Together, they united in prayer for the victims, offering a powerful message of hope and healing, and reminding everyone of the strength that comes through unity in overcoming adversity.

We now invite you to watch part one of the prayer gathering entitled “Spiritual Strength in Crisis Through Interfaith Unity,” with Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) and other leaders of different faiths, in Laguna Beach, California, USA, on November 6, 1993, where community leaders of Laguna Beach, including Mayor Lida Lenney, Captain of the Fire Department Bob Scruggs and Reverend David Beadles from the United Methodist Church share some touching words on thankfulness and community spirit in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires.

Photo Caption: For the Love of Life, We Thrive!