“Namo Maitreya Muni Have compassion for all sentient beings in utter helplessness Divine halo enlightens the ignorant Descending on Earth to save those languishing!”
Life is a long dream, the continuation of a series of dreams, great and small. The silhouette of a bird on a lake eventually vanishes, only the tranquility on the lake surface remains, unobstructed and without concern. “On the lake, the silhouette of a swan flying Movement on the water reminiscent of the void in another lifetime.” And time continues in transient fantasies until the day when the heart becomes serene. At that time, the awakened soul and the joyful moon will overflow throughout the world.
“A cloud glides by the sky azure A scent of rain in the chilly wind On the lake, the silhouette of a swan flying Movement on the water reminiscent of the void in another lifetime Restless at night, mistaken a dream as life On a pillow, the moon gently shines late at night Mind in meditation for many long hours A mind at peace, an eternal dream”
During the 1997 Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Los Angeles, California, USA with Aulacese (Vietnamese) writers, artists and our Association members, Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited on stage to perform the folk song “Graceful Bamboo Tree.”
Master: This song is an Aulacese (Vietnamese) folklore which is composed into music by the master, Beethoven of Âu Lạc (Vietnam), Phạm Duy again. He said he wants to come back again because he has something to do here. I said to other people, “Okay, welcome.” I’m not going back. I don’t think so. I don’t like it. But sometimes it’s fun here.
OK, this song I sing because I want to dedicate it to him, the great entertainer of our time. He has made us clap, he’s made us cry, and he’s dedicated all his life to the noble melody of music. And now I will have the honor to sing for him. I know maybe for the first time, and he hopes not the last time. Also, this song, I dedicate to you.
This song is called “The Second Sister,” you know the Big Sister. In Aulac (Vietnam), we call God number one. OK? So, for anything else, the best could be only number two. You see? So, we don’t call the first sister “First Sister.” We call second. Second Sister. That’s why they call me “Second Sister.” No. I call myself Second Sister. Yeah? They call me Big Sister.
So, this song is about a person who is in love with the Second Sister. The first-born daughter of any family. And it’s a very beautiful and very lovable melody and lyrics. It’s just very simple, a simple expression of pure love of the countryside people. And he made it into such beautiful music that I hope I don’t shame him by my voice. Anyhow, I’ll try my best and one can only try one’s best. And I dedicate it to you so that whenever you miss the Second Sister, you can think about this song again. OK?
“Graceful bamboo tree Growing by the pond Second Sister is so beautiful wherever she may stand Second Sister is so beautiful wherever she may stand... Graceful bamboo tree Growing by the village communal house Second Sister is so beautiful even when she stands alone... Second Sister is so beautiful even when she stands alone... Graceful bamboo tree Growing by the pond I’m in love with Second Sister How could she have the heart to ignore me? How could she have the heart to ignore me?”
After a long while of separation, in the hearts of lovers all of Heaven and Earth seem to celebrate at the time of reunion. “The Earth is vibrant, Exulting in our reunion, An exhilarating day of dreamed happiness, Together as on our first meeting.” The atmosphere is in harmony with love, the cosmos enchanted by joyful songs, and life scented with flowery fragrance.
“I set out, Spreading my wings to the heavens. I am to visit you! The one I cherish... I am to visit you! The one I cherish...
The Earth is vibrant, Exulting in our reunion, An exhilarating day of dreamed happiness Together as on our first meeting. Let us not remember The nights of our distress, Because from now We are together Because from now We are together A long time... a long time!
Open arms, Profound, tender kiss, Together this night, Let's forget yesterdays And the rest. Together this night, Let's forget yesterdays And the rest.
We depart at sunrise, Return at twilight, Sing on full moon nights, Chorus on breezy days. Life is a fragrant flower garden, Oh, Mein! Life is a fragrant flower garden, Oh, Mein!”
Being aware that life is illusory and seeing clearly that human existence means entanglements and suffering, one started on the path, leaving behind transient illusions and inessential attachments to seek the Truth, to find the way to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
“I’ve been searching for the Buddha everywhere Casting aside riches and comfort, Leaving behind my possessions and beloved! Abandoning life like a roadside inn, Are but a comedy show – success and fame!
I’ve been searching for the Buddha’s return But mountains are high and the seas immense Where can Thou be? The world is in darkness and filled with misery Innumerable beings long for Thee.
Namo Maitreya Muni Have compassion for all sentient beings in utter helplessness Divine halo enlightens the ignorant Descending on Earth to save those languishing!”
