The Songs, Compositions, Poetry and Performances of Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan), Part 7 of a Multi-part Series

Paradise is a place of peace and happiness; a celestial realm with the melodious sound of the flute that transcends worldly ties and allows us to listen to the story of the heart since time immemorial. “Spring’s tender visit on verdant grass In the woods, a couple of fairies play the flutes Solitude echoes in the sound of music Melancholy permeates in this remoteness… Lovely fairies by the stream’s source, with tresses flowing Spruce trees whisper on the lone hillock Behind the mountain pass, rosy clouds hang still Trees bask in sunlight, as afternoon’s reluctant to leave. In the cerulean sky high above, lo! Two white cranes fly back to paradise Two white cranes fly back to paradise Soaring high, reaching the farthest clouds With the birds, the flute sound ascends Then descends to the stream near the enchanting fairies Soaring high, reaching the farthest clouds Lingering close, resonating by lush green trees Soothing as a sweet amour Charming as a fay dancing in the air Gentle zephyr in the celestial land The grief of fairy Ngọc Chân carried to a distant shore...”

The heart always hopes for a rhythm of harmony, but life always brings about separation. What remains are moments in reminiscence of the tender time with the beloved. “You are like a bird's silhouette Soaring through hundreds of provinces I’m immersed in the nocturnal mist Evanescing into a forgotten night! You are like the moonlight Illuminating distant paths I am like the morning star Belated and dim! From ancient times you have returned Why is love so fleeting like clouds? I'd rather we find each other in our dreams – Words of love so simple Hands so familiar and warm Time, oh time! Lulls love's shadow on lonely night I'd rather we find each other in our dreams Your love was so tender Your whisper so passionate You are like the sun Reflecting the imprints of glory I am like an orchid Withdrawn and void of fragrance! You are like a passing ferry Ever drifting from the riverbank And I follow rivulets of winter rain On the lonely hillside, wandering From ancient times you have returned Why is love so fleeting like clouds? I'd rather we find each other in our dreams Words of love so simple Hands so familiar and warm”

Where can we find the Beloved among the myriad of stars and endless life cycles? Although space is boundless and time eternal, perhaps the day of union will still arrive, for in this vast universe, we have never really been apart. “My Love is far away Hes still remembers who am I? Separated by the Milky Way My longing's river deep, mountain high My Love is far away Hes still remembers who am I? Long nights, yearning for my best Friend Dreaming of the Milky Way Oh! Hey, hey, any passerby Any passerby Please stop and tell me where Hiers Kingdom is Do you know the Way? My Love from far away Where Heaven and Earth unite From immemorial time Leave me alone, longing! Again and again I wander Through thousand galaxies and worlds, Through myriad deaths and births Searching for my Lover My Love's far away ever My heart longs for You ever!”