The Songs, Compositions, Poetry and Performances of Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan), Part 18 of a Multi-part Series

Spring will bring warmth to all beings, to all the lonely hearts, or sorrowful life situations. Spring is reflected in the thousand blossoming flowers and on the serene smile of the merciful Lord. “You've returned to admire the rose blossom Gazing up to the Buddha, His smile was all embracing. All the flowers brighten with the arrival of spring. Carefree and self-contented with all the mundane gossip.”

“Gradually spring has returned Its fragrance warms the heart, making the soul carefree Spring comes to beautify our life ‘Peach blossoms of yesteryear still tease the winter wind.’ You've returned to admire the rose blossom Gazing up to the Buddha, His smile was all embracing All the flowers brighten with the arrival of spring Carefree and self-contented with all the mundane gossip Hands clasped in whispered prayers Light-hearted and carefree, to survive criticisms Whereto did the water flow, thousands of years before? Blue sky, white clouds... oblivious to life’s sorrow Spring returns, along with the months and years With the fragrance of virtue perfuming the world The return of spring brings all the joy Bestowing overflowing gladness on humanity.”

Any conflict will come to an end. That is the returning day of the soldier, to be welcomed by the love of his gentle mother, fellow villagers, fields and rice paddies. From that point on, he shall rebuild on top of ruins. He shall forget all hatred and regrets to create a new life in peace.

“He returns one day, limping along the levee path to the bamboo grove Golden sunlight shines brightly Smiling vegetable garden in the front yard welcomes him home Mother slowly finds her way to the pond Holding on to his shirt, lest it’s a dream? Regretting that her vision was lost from years of waiting.

On his returning day, in the merry kitchen He recounts the life of a protector of the nation with all his heart’s devotion; How often his heart led him home while faraway At twilight, he walks outdoor The nocturnal garden dimly lit, fields deserted, ridges eroded! Overcome with emotion, sobbingly they nudge him to go tend the rice paddies in early morning.

Upon his return, it's been ten years since blossoms pined for him Flowers often age quickly when they lack tender caress! Children are playing beside the buffalo herd Their morning songs echo over mulberry fields Aimless breeze grieving for the dead sings with melancholy.

Someone recounts: Do you remember the story of a young woman? O soldier, how come a happy family was ruined? Be neither angry nor regretful for spring has arrived all over our homeland Don’t be shy when we meet in the deserted field.

Upon his return there’s a farmer on his crutches, ploughing Loving him, upon his return, a young buffalo helps him wholeheartedly. Upon his return, rice and corn vie in singing outside the gate Cool breeze and bright moon, O returning day, a wounded veteran lives a peaceful life.”

The world continues to change, and so must love. Everything has retreated into the past; the ancient love melody has lost its joyful cadence. Everything will fade away and become distant as a dream. What remains is our encounter with fleeting circumstances, which in turn awakens our consciousness.

This poem, though also is in a romantic sense, Master weaves higher and sophisticated Aulacese (Vietnamese), plus regal and extraordinary intensive terms, inventive use, rarely seen in Âu Lạc (Vietnam) literature. So elegant, strikingly lofty to breathe in the air of ancient royal expression energy and difficult to resemble translation. Master admitted that even She would find it not an easy task, quite challenging to translate the real nuance herein! As the following composition doesn't include several lines from the original poem, we will have Master's own recital to fill in these verses for our viewers enjoyment and as reference.

“When one returns, it seems love has faded Promises of affection vanished into oblivion In the ancient capital citadel, a lover’s hesitation In the high tower, another ponders her fate.

Like tears the mist glimmers in the firmament Alluring smiles dissolving in the sound of raindrops on the pavilion At night, one’s slumber in anguish immersed Heart throbbing like the ebbing candle.

Once upon a time, a regal robe was donned Golden gait, silver pen, a joyous union with the royal beloved But now, the illusory dream is gone A butterfly’s fantasy, wings fluttering in the wispy nebula.

From fleeting dreams of reigning all kingdoms Castles and citadels in ruins, sorrow thus transmigrated Alas, tender love was lost in the gushing strong wind and parting clouds Fragile flowers withered on the distant autumn hill.

Once upon a time, you had loved me Youth and beauty sweetly shared, now all is empty Gradually awakened from a dream since eternity Suddenly illuminated and rediscovering our true identity.”

“Sing Hallelujah to the Lord”