Let us continue with “Part 1: Youth and Love for the Homeland” from the book “Love of Centuries,” by Supreme Master Ching Hai, starting with the poem “And One Day,” which reminisces about the hardship and sadness of war followed by an explanation of Supreme Master Ching’s painting “The Battle between Yin and Yang,” which details the illusionary nature of this world and the importance of finding an enlightened Master who can lead us to the eternal Truth.
Part 1: Youth and Love for the Homeland
And One Day (Và Một Ngày) “I went up the mountain one day To revisit the small hut In the woods of my childhood Where I used to bathe in the river source. It was during wartime Evacuated along with villagers Parents worked the stony field Protecting the young daughters A humble thatched hut by the hillside Away from falling bombs and flying bullets! I remember surviving on cassavas Bowls of rice often half empty I remember the freezing cold nights Leopards and tigers roared yardsides! I remember the late nights of radiant moons And the soft scent of fragrant orchids Jubilantly the cock crowed a new morn Like those days of peace! Here is where, with friends, I often Took refuge from the summer Sun Under branches so verdant Sharing a portion of sweet potato, golden. Childhood quickly gone Then peace came to the land But a deep bond was torn asunder Parted by a questioning river!... One day I went up the mountain Reminiscing my tender childhood Gazing at the hills and woods from days of yore And the traces of war blemish on my youth!...”
Supreme Master Ching Hai’s painting: “The Battle between Yin and Yang” “This work depicts two men playing the paradoxical roles of the Yin and Yang forces in human nature, caught in the world of illusion. Thus, they are engaged in a fatal duel of positive versus negative, the real versus the false. So engrossed in combat that they fail to realize the need to reconcile their differences and cooperate with each other in order to escape the mundane world, symbolized by the fire burning slowly around them. The figures are oblivious to the cold and aloof woman (an instrument of the King of Maya) contemptuously sneering, ‘You are under my control. I have all the time in the world to play with you. There’s no hurry. Take your time roasting slowly in the fire. Take your time enjoying this suffering!’ (Note: The fire in the background of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s painting is low, dim, and burning very slowly.) The painting reminds us not to be beguiled by the illusory world that seems so real. Only through spiritual practice in the footsteps of an enlightened Master will we rise above mundane illusions and find eternal Truth.”
Next, we are pleased to present “Part 2: Love for All Beings,” from the book “Love of Centuries,” by Supreme Master Ching Hai. The poem “A Puppy’s Heart” shows the unconditional love our animal companions have for us, their caregivers. The poem “Words of a Hen” shows the love that animal-people have for their children, their appreciation for a peaceful life, and their pain and anguish when people kill them to eat.
Part 2: Love for All Beings
A Puppy’s Heart (Lời Chú Vện) “I’m just a teeny pup But my love’s overflowing With full devotion to my caretaker For my whole life, I’ll never waver. Thank you for your generosity Looking after my humble life Giving me cooling drinks and yum-yum food A soft mattress, plus cozy blankets. In my heart, you alone exist My idol and master for life Every day waiting by the gate And guarding to keep you safe at night. Oh, how lovely you are My eyes on you dwell forever! Your hands, gentle and soothing, Brighten up my very being! I love you beyond expression When you’re gone, I feel so forlorn I love you till eternity If in your place, I should have to die If in your place, I should have to die In the end, I’d still happily smile... I love you till eternity Oh, how I love, love you so!”
Words of a Hen (Lời Gà Mái) “To the field I go this morn Standing tall, I greet the river and mountain With my young innocent babes In the pond we swim and bathe. Skipping along right behind Mama Young feathers with newly tinged hues Round eyes like tiny beans Oh, my babies, how adorable you are! For the corn and grains, we’re grateful to humans Every day, happy and carefree Fresh clear water and shady trees The green grass waves in the gentle breeze. Blue sky, wispy clouds, flowing streams Life is like a fairy dream Thank You, Lord Creator For these days of peace and wonder! Then came an unexpected calamity A net was suddenly cast upon me A flash of shiny blade A scream muffled in splattering blood! My babies are left behind Mama’s heart is torn and shattered! Please... shield... my... children... for... me... Don’t... kill... them! Oh my... precious... babies...”
“Love of Centuries” is free for download at SMCHBooks.com and has been published in Aulacese (Vietnamese), English, French, German, Korean, Spanish, and Mongolian.
