Today’s Enlightening Entertainment will be presented in Aulacese (Vietnamese), with subtitles in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.

Filmmaking was introduced to Âu Lạc (Vietnam) at the end of 1890s. It began to thrive in 1923 with the first movie co-produced by the French and the Aulacese based on the masterpiece “The Tale of Kiều” by literary great Nguyễn Du. Embracing the modern technology of our world's civilization and combining it with a diverse artistic foundation inherent in the country's traditions, Aulacese filmmaking nowadays continues to develop to enhance the nation's cultural landscape.

On Enlightening Entertainment, Supreme Master Television is pleased to introduce different forms of arts from Âu Lạc (Vietnam), as well as from other countries in the world, in order to share the beauty and cultures of the peoples on our planet.

The film “A Good Heart Changes Fortune” was adapted from an ancient Buddhist tale about a hard-working and kindhearted young man with an unfortunate fate. The story is a reminder of the unfolding of the law of cause and effect in the present life in which a person’s deeds could alter his or her past life’s karma right in this existence.

We now invite you to enjoy the conclusion of the film “A Good Heart Changes Fortune,” written by screenwriter Nguyên Chơn, directed by Châu Minh Xuyến, and produced by Hoằng Pháp Temple,

with performances by Quách Khoa Nam as Hưng Nhi and Hưng Bang, Mai Thành as Mr. Hai Thịnh, Diễm Kiều as Mrs. Hai Thịnh, Bích Trâm as Miss Mỵ, Trương Hoàng Long as Mr. Nghị Thanh, Uyên Trinh as Mrs. Nghị Thanh, Hữu Thành as Mr. Bửu, Lê Cường as Household Manager, and other artists.

In the last episode, Hưng Nhi, a diligent worker for Mr. Thịnh’s family, was beloved by everyone. Mr. Bửu, a fine astrologer and a long-time friend of Mr. Thịnh, came to visit from afar, at the time when Mrs. Thịnh happened to be seriously ill. From looking at Hưng Nhi’s appearance, Mr. Bửu disclosed that his friend’s family was troubled because of the worker’s unfavorable astrological features.

Mr. Thịnh thus reluctantly let go of his trusted servant. After leaving Mr. Thịnh’s house, Hưng Nhi was unable to find work despite much effort. One day, he found a bag of gold. Although penniless, he thought about the distress of the person losing valuable possessions and decided to bury the gold until he could return it to the owner.

Oh God, how can I live on like this? How frustrating! Woe is me, O God!

O brother! What makes you so distressed? What’s the matter?

O young brother, I’m so unfortunate. My boss gave me a bag of gold to provide relief for a village that suffers from hunger, flood, drought and loss of crops, but I haven’t done it yet. It happened yesterday like this:

O brother!

Greetings, sir! Please have a seat, precious guest! Are you here to spend the night or just for dinner?

Just to spend the night.

Very good! This is the most comfortable inn in town. Please follow me, precious guest. (Yes.)

Please rest here tonight. Please call me if you need anything.

Yes, thank you.

Have a good night, sir.

Woe to me! I’m finished this time.

So, the thief ran off already?

No. Hearing my shout, villagers divided into groups to search. They caught him, but the bag of gold wasn’t found because he dropped it in his attempt to escape.

Did he tell the truth?

At first, no one believed him, but later they had to because his statements were completely verifiable. While running away, he had no time to hide it or give it to someone else.

Then why didn’t people divide out to search for it?

I wandered about looking for it all night and for several days later but still couldn’t find it. It seems like the gold bag has made itself invisible. My fate is at its end now.

What if someone else picked it up after the thief dropped it?

I’m fated not to find it again, because who wouldn’t want the gold when he sees it?

That’s right! Everyone dreams of a happy and comfortable life. But I think you look rather well-off. Don’t you have enough money to pay them back?

With my sincere begging, my boss Mr. Nghị Thanh will surely forgive me, but I know I will lose his trust from now on. That’s what I regret the most. But there’s one thing that will bother me for my entire life.

May I know what troubles you?

People of the neighboring village are still very miserable.

O Auntie! I’m so hungry. I’m very hungry, Uncle!

Mister, we’re very hungry. Anything for my little sister to eat? My parents haven’t returned since this morning.

Mister, I’m so hungry.

Our entire village has lost the crops. Everyone is hungry. Your parents had to go to the neighboring village to ask for rice. We heard that Mr. and Mrs. Nghị Thanh are very kind-hearted. Your parents will probably bring back rice for you this evening.

Really, sir? (Yes.) Uncle, we’re very hungry. Anything for my little sister to eat? Stand up, little sister! Auntie, we’re so hungry. Anything for my little sister to eat?

O Dad! I couldn’t get any food.

O Dad, wake up, Dad!

O Dad!

Don’t leave us, Daddy!

Daddy!

O Dad, don’t leave us! Dad!

My boss told me to buy rice and bring to Hạ Village to help the poor and hungry who have lost their harvest. Many people there have perished from starvation already. People are waiting for me every second, every day. But I’ve lost everything now. What vessel could contain my sin?

If you don’t think I’m nosy, can you tell me how much gold was in that bag?

That everyone in this village already knows. Why would I hide from you? That bag...

Is it yours?

How could you have all this?

It’s all Heaven’s will.

I sincerely apologize to you. I almost mistook you for the thief’s accomplice. Heaven wouldn’t harm an honest person, indeed.

You know what, I was very happy at first when I found it. I thought Heaven blessed me. But then I reconsidered. The gold was wrapped very carefully, so I knew it belonged to someone. So I’ve hoped to return it to its rightful owner some day.

You’re young, but your merit is great. From now on, the life of Hạ’s villagers can be saved. I’d like to offer you a gold bar as a token of my gratitude.

It’s fine. If I wanted to take it, I’d have run off already. Don’t spoil my honesty. I’m leaving now, all right?

Wait! Where are you going in such a hurry?

Well...

Stay and have a simple meal with me. Let us pledge to be brothers. Will you accept me?

I have astrological features that harm my employer, so I end up miserable like this. I’m happy that you take me as your brother. I’m going then.

How about this? Let’s go take care of this task first for the boss. Later I’ll take you home to introduce to him. I’m sure he’ll accept you to work for him.

What if he doesn’t want me?

Don’t worry. I’m the household manager. I can take care of you for a few years. Let’s go!

You called for me, sir?

Yes. That task I entrusted you to help people, you’ve done very well, very commendably.

Thank you, sir.

Sir, the task you entrusted to me was carried out successfully thanks to a savior.

That savior is...

What happened was like this: That day after you handed me the gold to provide relief to the poor, I accidentally lost it. A young man found it and buried it. He then gave the gold to me when he met me. Now I return to report to you.

O Hưng Nhi!

Yes, brother!

Mister called for you. (Yes.) Come in quickly!

Greetings, sir and madam.

Your name is Hưng Nhi?

Yes, my name is Hưng Nhi.

Sit down, son!

Please allow me to stand, sir.

Son, he told you to sit. Go ahead and sit.

I heard the household manager talk about you. You really don’t have any relatives?

Since childhood, I haven’t known who my parents were. The villagers took turns to care for and raise me, but all people in my village were very poor. So, when I was 10 years old, I began to work as a servant for the wealthy.

You’re orphaned and poor, but you didn’t take the misplaced gold for yourself. How about this: We’re a childless family and wish to adopt you. What do you think?

I... I...

What do you think, son? You’re so kind to take me as your adopted son, I’m very grateful to you, but I’m a lowly and poor person. I’d be happy if you pity on me and let me stay as your servant. I... wouldn’t dare.

If the person who picked up that gold bag was someone else instead, the Hạ’s villagers would be hungry and very miserable now. They owe you a favor. The household manager owes you a favor. As his employer, I also owe you a favor. If one doesn’t care to repay a favor, he isn’t a human anymore.

Sir and ma’am, since a child, I’ve never had the happiness of having parents. Now you pity on me to take me as your adopted son, this kindness I will never forget.

Why, son!

I’m very grateful to you. No, no. Stand up, son. From now on, I wish to change your name to Hưng Bang. I hope your life will change to become brighter.

Remember, it’s Hưng Bang now, all right?

Yes. I’m grateful.

5 years later... O sir and ma’am! Young master has returned.

What? O missus!

Young master is back.

He’s home? (Yes.) Where?

Respected Mom and Dad, I’m back.

My son is an official now!

That I can have this day is all due to your kind efforts. Dad and Mom, please accept a bow from me.

Stand up, son!

You’re very good! You’re excellent, son! You studied very hard and practiced martial arts day and night. Now that you’ve become an official, we’re very proud.

O son, how come you are so skinny? They didn’t give you enough food?

No, Mom. It’s because the exam was very stressful, I had to practice everyday. Besides, there were many who were better in martial arts than I am, so I had to really focus to come first in the test.

I see now.

All right! It was a long and very tiring trip for you. Now, you and the others come in for a bath and rest. I’ll have a special party and invite all villagers to come to celebrate with our family.

That’s right, son. Go in!

Yes, Dad and Mom.

Elder brother!

Young master! You’re back? Sir... you’re an official now?

I passed the examination. Aren’t you happy for me?

Yes, I’m very happy for you, of course, but my hands are soiled now. I’m afraid the dirt and sweat will smear your gown.

Come on, elder brother! I was also a servant and sweated before. I don’t see anything dirty on you. All this time that I was in the capital for the exam, you took care of everything for me at home. That favor is already very great.

This is my true Hưng Bang.

My elder brother!

Have a drink, dear.

Let me.

Our son Hưng Bang has achieved success and status now.

How do you plan to arrange his marriage?

I’ve asked the village elders to find a good match for him.

Mom and Dad!

What is it you are carrying, son?

The other day, I heard that you like lotus seed pearl dessert. So today I sent a guard to the county to buy the ingredients and I personally prepared the dessert. I’d like to offer it to Mom and Dad. Please have some, Mom!

Thank you, son.

For you, Dad!

So tasty!

Very aromatic, isn’t it? You and I must be greatly blessed to have an official personally make dessert for us.

Sit down, son! (Yes.) How was your work in the public court today?

There were two trials in the public court today, but I resolved them satisfactorily. Enjoy the dessert, Mom and Dad, before it gets cold.

Son! (Yes.) It’s very difficult to be an official. You must be very just and honest. You must not commit wrongdoings nor oppress people. You must be very fair-minded, all right?

Yes.

Our ancestors said: “Having merit, one enjoys a life of great comfort.” Later when you retire, you will feel light- hearted and carefree.

I’ll follow your advice. I’ll try to be a good official. Please teach me more as needed.

You’re an official but still fulfill your filial duty; that makes us very happy. Later when we reach our ripe old age, we’ll be completely satisfied. There’s still one concern though.

What is your concern, Dad?

We want you to marry soon so that we can have grandchildren to hold.

Stop working and have a drink, son!

It’s all right, sir.

I’m trying to save this papaya tree.

It fell down, but it’s laden with fruits.

Mỵ prepared this drink. Have some, son.

Yes, thank you.

Try to save it, son.

Thank you, sir.

I’ll go back, all right?

Have some tea, Dad!

Tea, Mom!

Son. (Yes.) You want to say something, right?

Yes, I’d like to say that my life now is too happy. Sometimes, I thought I was dreaming. Yet I still have one concern.

Just tell us then. What are you concerned about?

I don’t know how Mr. Thịnh’s family is after I left. To tell the truth, that family was very kind to me.

So, do you wish to visit them? (Yes...)

I think you should visit them, because that’s human moral decency.

That’s right, son.

Thank you, Mom and Dad.

O Tư! (Yes.) The boat is here, son!

Climb in... And check the goods carefully for me!

The boat is here. What are we to do, sir?

Climb in and check the goods.

Yes, sir. I’m going.

Okay.

But... sir! Who is the lady you told me about earlier?

That’s Mrs. Bảy Cơ.

I see.

Go there and tell her to divide that share of rice into 40 portions to help the poor. She’s Bảy Cơ, remember that.

I’m going, sir. (Okay.) O God! I forgot something.

What’s that?

I think someone is looking for you.

Who is it, son?

I don’t know, but he looks very high-class.

He must be from the city, sir.

How many people?

They come in a big group.

Are there many of them?

So many.

Invite them in. (Yes, sir.) Invite them in.

They’re here already, sir!

This old man is very honored. Please have a seat!

I’m a servant. How would I dare sit at the same level as my master?

It’s you, Hưng Nhi. Is that you, Hưng Nhi?

Yes. It’s Hưng Nhi, sir.

O God! Hưng Nhi! I missed you so much, Hưng Nhi!

How are you, sir?

I’m very well.

I missed you a lot.

How are you doing lately?

I passed the examination, sir.

Really, son? You passed the exam? You’re an official already, right? (Yes.) I’m so happy for you! O wife! Hưng Nhi is back! You’re so good, son! I’m so happy for you.

O sir!

I’m so happy for you, son!

I have done you very wrong. Before, I believed in a friend’s words and mistreated you. Honestly, even a thousand apologies couldn’t erase my sin.

Don’t say so, sir. Perhaps that was the test in my life. I never resented you.

You know what? The other day, I heard about a very righteous and wise official. So now I know that official is you. I’m truly very fortunate!

Sir, from now on, please call me Hưng Bang because that’s the name my adopted parents gave me.

You don’t blame me, do you?

I forgot about the past already. Today I come back just to visit you and madam. Do you remember? You were very kind to me before.

I… Thank you, son. Your parents must be very blessed to give birth to such a good child like you. Thank you, son.

Sir, Mr. Bửu stopped by to visit you.

Really? Tell him to wait for me. All right, I’ll go inside.

Mr. Bửu?

Please have some tea, sir.

Leave it for me, son.

My old friend! Greetings, Mr. Bửu.

Greetings, brother.

Your family is doing well?

Thank you, brother. Yes, they’re still doing fine.

Have a seat.

Is Mỵ still working in the medicine room?

Yes, she is. (Really?) But to tell you the truth, she doesn’t work there regularly. (Really?) But to be honest, she has lucky hands or something.

Whenever she came to the temple to fill the prescription for the patients, they all recovered. So many people came to express their joy and gratitude, to be honest with you. Please have a drink, brother.

That girl is rather unusual! She doesn’t care for a grand house but would rather go to the temple to help people.

Actually, going to the temple has many benefits. At the temple, we listen to Buddhist sermons, then coming home, we live according to the Buddha’s scripture.

That helps a lot to create harmony in our community.

Certainly. ()Yes. If people don’t kill, steal, commit adultery, tell lies, or drink alcohol, what could be better?

Therefore, lately, I’ve tried to trim down my household business.

I’ve saved some time to go to the temple to listen to scripture recitals and recite Buddha’s name.

Really?

Every time I listened to the reciting of Buddhist scriptures in the temple, I went home feeling so light-hearted.

How wonderful!

What made you think of doing that? Because I never heard of you going to the temple before. Now, all of a sudden, you assist with temple work, recite Buddha’s name and help the poor.

It’s all thanks to Mỵ, my daughter.

She kept talking me into it, and I ended up listening to her. Thanks to her, I tried and now I’ve learned to care for the well-being of the multitude. Otherwise, I’d still care about my own business all day long and never think of the common good.

That is so great! You’re very blessed to have such a daughter.

That’s true. Please have a drink!

Bring more tea!

Yes, sir.

What is your job in this house? Sit here and have a chat.

I’m just a servant; I wouldn’t dare.

How long has he worked here?

I...

His astrological features aren’t that of a servant.

Try to remember him.

You have so many workers, how can I remember? But this young man... looks very familiar.

Familiar?

This person is quite familiar. That’s right! He looks like the one who had bad astrological features and you dismissed him before. But this young man’s astrological features are excellent!

These features belong to the wealthy and noble class.

Really?

Sure. These features... But these two men look exactly alike. Is it possible that they are the same person? But the previous bad astrological features were gone; these good features were formed by merit. Perhaps he saved lives or returned a large amount of misplaced money. Is that right? (Yes.) It has to be.

I’m taking leave now.

You’re talented in reading people’s astrological features. It’s marvelous!

You overpraised me.

So people’s astrological features can be altered. That’s really amazing, brother.

There’s a saying in the book of astrology:

A good heart

A good heart

forms good astrological features.

forms good astrological features.

An unkind heart

An unkind heart

destroys good astrological features.

destroys good astrological features. What does that mean?

It means a kind person with bad features will manifest good features because of his good heart.

And an unkind person, even with good features, will lose them because of his unkind heart.

Outstanding! You’re so good, Mr. Bửu!

How is it?

Sister Mỵ! (Yes?) Do you plan to keep coming to this temple? Don’t you think of getting married?

I probably won’t get married. (Why?) I’ll stay single so that everyday I can go help in the temple and care for my parents. To me now, this is great happiness.

Are you sure? What if you meet your love from the past?

That was over a long time ago. I don’t remember it anymore. Besides, I have work to do now. In the morning, I go help in the temple. In the evening I take care of my parents.

I’m with you.

Villagers cherish the river as though it were mother’s milk. Let the rice field be as lush as your love. You enjoy the singing, delight in my love. Why leave the village for tears to moisten your sad eyes? You’ve forgotten our vow and the melancholy lý tune, the song lyrics, and my affection too.

Leaving the village, do you remember the songs and trysts of yore on moonlit nights? You’re thousands of miles away from love. Which path have you traveled? My path is a heartbroken one.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has sent gifts to Hoằng Pháp Temple in sincere appreciation of the temple’s elaborate efforts to produce many films and modern folk operas with profound spiritual significance. The Venerable Abbot Thích Chân Tính stated that the purpose of the Hoằng Pháp Temple is to share Truth teachings to benefit the public and thus everyone is encouraged to widely share DVDs produced by the temple.

Director Võ Tuấn Hải:
I would like to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for the gifts she sent me and all the staff who contributed to the film “A Good Heart Changes Fortune.” I also wish that Master’s television station will expand evermore, so the whole world could watch more of Master’s programs about vegetarianism, the environment and Aulacese (Vietnamese) culture. I think vegetarianism is very good for our health. I think the benefit of vegetarianism is to protect the environment.

I can say that the vegetarian diet will make a person become gentler. I have a dog in my house. My family actually loves the dog and takes very good care of him. The dog also loves my family and he is very well-behaved. Every time someone comes home, he is very happy. I think all families that raise animals should love them and take good care of them as we take care of ourselves.

Assistant director Mai Dũng:
Greetings, Master Ching Hai! I was very surprised and very touched upon receiving your present because the film “A Good Heart Changes Fortune” has been out for some years already. Now I heard it was broadcast on Master’s television channel and Master also sent me a present. I’m grateful to Master and wish Master good health always for more good deeds for this world. I come from a Buddhist family.

I think if we eat vegetarian often, our health will be good, and if an actor can eat vegetarian, his physique will look better than if eating meat. When we eat vegetarian, we will love animals, commit less killing, and we will feel more peaceful than if we must kill an animal to eat all day long, for example killing a duck, a chicken, or even a fish. Sometimes when we think about it, we’d feel sorry for those beings.

Actor Khoa Nam, as Hưng Nhi and Hưng Bang:
Greetings, Supreme Master Ching Hai. I am Khoa Nam. I was very fortunate to participate as the main character. I thank Master very much for your gift. It’s a great encouragement for me. I’m very happy to know that our picture made it overseas and is being watched by friends across the continents. Not only that, I also received a gift, so it is a surprise and greater happiness. I’m very grateful to Master. I wish Master abundant health to carry out your dreams, your charitable work and good deeds.

Actress Bích Trâm, in the role of Miss Mỵ:
First, I’d like to greet Supreme Master Ching Hai. My name is Bích Trâm. I’m really very surprised that Master watched the film and fondly thinks of the actors and actresses in the movie. Although I haven’t met Master, I have received a gift from Master and I’m very touched to be loved by Master that much. I hope I will be able to meet Master in the near future. I respectfully wish Master great health and abounding good luck in life.

Actress Diễm Kiều, in the role of Mrs. Hai Thịnh
Buddha be praised! I am Diễm Kiều. I’m truly very happy upon receiving gifts from Supreme Master Ching Hai. I was greatly touched. I’m surprised to know that Master had that film broadcast for everyone to see, and Master is so compassionate to think of us actors and actresses. I sincerely thank Master very much.

Actor Hữu Thạch, in the role of Martial Arts Teacher:
Greetings, Master. My name is Hữu Thạch. I am one of the people who received Master’s gifts from overseas. First, I would like to say that I’m very happy. I wish Master abounding health. May all Master’s wishes for sentient beings come true, so the world will be a better place.

A vegetarian diet is good for health. Nowadays, many diseases are related to animals. A plant-based diet is good for our health in many respects. Secondly, killing leads to a world that loses its humane quality. Thirdly, those who are vegetarian are very gentle. Vegetarians treat one another differently.

Actor Huy Cường, in the role of Tenant Farmer:
Greetings, Master Ching Hai. I’m actor Huy Cường. Today, I received a gift from Master and I am very surprised. I acted in that movie four years ago, but Master still remembers each actor, regardless whether it was a minor or major role, so I’m very touched. I would like to thank Master very much. I also wish Master good health to continue propagating Buddha’s message to us.

Cameraman Châu Ơn:
Respected greetings, Master Ching Hai, My name is Châu Ơn (cameraman). I thank Master very much for your gift. I am sincerely grateful and wish that Supreme Master Television will expand evermore for everyone to watch and support. May 11, 2010 Châu Ơn

Actor Mai Thành as Mr. Hai Thịnh, actor Trương Hoàng Long as Mr. Nghị Thanh, actor Hữu Thành as Mr. Bửu, and director Nguyễn Quân have previously been featured on Supreme Master Television. They also received gifts and the very best of wishes from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

We sincerely thank the directors, playwright, actors, actresses and professionals in all areas, who contributed to the completion of the film “A Good Heart Changes Fortune,” as a reminder of the goodness within everyone and of noble moral values. May God and Buddha bless you and your family with a peaceful life filled with wisdom and love.

I’m film actor Khoa Nam. My respectful greetings to viewers of Supreme Master Television, broadcasting worldwide. And right now, let’s be veg, go green, save the planet.

I’m director Võ Tuấn Hải. My greetings to viewers of Supreme Master Television, airing around the world. Let us be veg, go green, save the planet.

I’m artist Mai Dũng. You’re watching a program on Supreme Master Television, broadcasting worldwide. Let’s be veg, go green, save the planet.

Thank you for your company on today’s Enlightening Entertainment. Words of Wisdom is coming up. Please tune in to Supreme Master Television next Thursday for the Aulacese chèo traditional opera entitled “The Singing Voice of Trương Chi” by playwright Trần Đình Ngôn. May you and your family be graced with harmony and joy. Farewell for now.