Living away from one’s home village is oftentimes unbearable for those who have had so many sweet memories of the land where they spent their childhood. “It seems our village in the past Yellow flowers on chrysanthemum greens still blooming Cobblestone alleys, moss covered yards, and tiled ancient shrines In joy or sorrow, the landscape faithfully accompanied us. O home village, I still remember till this day.”
“Since the day you departed, I’ve longed to visit our native land Patiently she has awaited our return Through cycles of crescent moons and sunsets Since childhood, I had left the simple village hut, Then grew up and fell in love in the city Winds of nostalgia sweeping through wild grass In anguish, I remember the green bamboo grove It seems our village in the past Yellow flowers on chrysanthemum greens still blooming Cobblestone alleys, moss covered yards, and tiled ancient shrines In joy or sorrow, the landscape faithfully accompanied us. O home village, I still remember till this day A swinging hammock’s sound on summer afternoons Tales in the long night by the water well From a gliding boat resonate notes of sweet sadness. Rice and corn fields here, and there’s the paddy Countryside scent surprisingly exhilarating Each year, the trace of flowering season Softly carried by the wind for a visit. Half a lifetime away from the homeland Dim are my hopes to see it again! The old house’s gone, and the few friends All have left on their separate ways. I’ve been indifferent while on the road, Now just realizing that I have no home. Missing the countryside, nowhere to be seen, White clouds vanishing in a thousand directions.”
The memory of one’s past life is often saddening, even if it was a glorious time. One suddenly deeply realizes the ephemeral nature of physical existence and begins to earnestly seek true wisdom and liberation in order to regain our eternal glory in Heaven.
Passing by the royal palace Traces of consorts from a bygone era… Tender melancholy!
“My love, remember you not? Elegant footsteps like fuchsia lotuses, Ivory castles and jade pavilions, In the ancient capital, past love’s inviting embrace The lute song lingering in the evening palace
My love, remember you not? Silky bed, velvety pillows Soft lips radiant as autumn chrysanthemums Her beauty and grace For millennia, the nation enamored still…
It was just time… Soaring on the wings of vicissitudes The carefree goddess Smiled with delight Concerned not about the human dismal heart Or castle ruins!
A lonesome journey amidst constant changes Faded pebbles lined the road… Flowers brilliantly reflected earlier images In the pure lake from times of yore.
From the beloved empress’ Western Palace, Distant music echoed Her gentle hands played an enchanting tune Sandalwood aroma wafting ever lightly The emperor’s heart was mesmerized!
O the past… The golden days! Farewell memories… O the past… The golden days! Farewell memories…
I walk into the present, Rain streams through my heart!
O the past… The golden days! O the past… The golden days! O the golden days…”
This earthly world holds nothing that lasts forever; any grandiose scheme may be destroyed in a moment. A rosy heart one day is as happy as a song, but dies quickly when a blustery storm arises; human beings feel lonely and lost, wanting to escape the ephemeral life to find a place that is peaceful, carefree, and tranquil.
“Reminiscing an ancient fairy tale Once upon a time, the gods sympathized for humans still An age of innocence, when I dreamt of Heaven at night Life was beautiful, and reverie blithe.
I long for the days of my childhood Books from school, food and clothing by Mom and Dad. In melancholy moments, a god appeared in my imagination To bestow miracles and alter the situation.
Now that I’ve come of age, life seems full of turmoil With empty hands, my own future I must decide. The dream of old has taken flight For a distant land, the gods, too, have left humans’ side.
There are times when my sorrow is indescribable Life is deceptive, and people untruthful! I yearn for some faith to behold To nurture hopes, like when I was little.
If you have a spare god, please lend me one To rescue me from this dark realm This instant; don’t promise in a life to come, I shall languish in a slow demise, waiting!”
Human fate continues to be stifled by worldly attachments and delusions, making it difficult for us to disentangle ourselves from the ties that bind. In sympathy for our lot, the enlightened Masters have descended on Earth time and again, trying to free us from our shackles, but so many times They have shed tears of desperation, for saving human beings is never an easy task. “I wish we could sail To the same destination. I want to break these chains... Oh! My desperation!”
“Where, where are you going, my winter sun? Won’t, won’t you miss me Stay’n on this side of the sea?
Where, where have you gone to, my tender moon? How, how I miss you Stand’n on this side, water blue!
I wish we could sail To the same destination. I want to break these chains... Oh! My desperation!
Where, where are you now, my only one? Won’t someone hold you When you wake up crying?
When will I see you, my only one? Won’t someone tell me If you will ever return?”
Thank you for being so kind.
Ms. Debbie Reynolds: That was wonderful. Supreme Master Ching Hai. Bravo! Bravo! Beautiful! That’s really putting somebody on the spot. For a tiny girl, you certainly have a beautiful voice. What wonderful lyrics! I think this was very special tonight. Wasn’t it wonderful and dear of Her? I mean... (Yes.) I would have been scared to death. She did a beautiful job. I can’t believe She did that. They told me just tell Her it’ll be easy, but you know that’s very scary. I was very proud of Her. Wasn’t She wonderful? She sings beautifully.
