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.
Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
is a nation that has
a long-standing
traditional culture.
Aulacese music
is very rich;
since ancient times,
there have been
many musical instruments
that move the soul with
a wide variety of sounds
like those
of the copper drum,
gong, lithophone,
bamboo xylophone,
cymbals and panpipe.
In 2003, Elegant Music, a
form of Huế royal music,
was recognized
by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
as an intangible cultural
heritage of the world.
Âu Lạc’s music represents
the unique features of
each region, for example,
Quan Họ folksongs
in the North,
Huế tunes in the Central,
and cải lương
(modern folk opera)
in the South.
In addition, there are many
other forms of music,
including hò
(work songs),
lý (village songs),
ceremonial songs,
Aulacese classical opera,
chèo traditional opera,
Hồ Quảng opera,
and so on.
Indeed, music has been
deeply instilled
in the hearts of people
in this beautiful country,
and has been cultivated
until this day.
Northern Âu Lạc
has a folk art
called xẩm singing
that is very popular
in the northern plains
and midland.
This genre, in the old time,
was performed
by minstrel bands.
In a gathering
with a small group of
our Association members
some years past,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was inspired to
spontaneously compose
and sing in the xẩm style
a poem she had written in
her late 20s in Germany.
The poem was originally
written in English which
the poet herself
translated into Aulacese.
We now invite you
to enjoy an excerpt
of the xẩm singing
“We Don't Live More
Than One Hundred Years!”
composed and sung
by Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I mean tonight I was nuts!
But so what:
Aren’t the rest of us!...
Otherwise how could we
carry on living,
For life isn’t worth a thing!?
You know that I am still
in love with you!
But that has nothing to do...
I cannot please everybody,
So I will please me!
That doesn’t mean
you are not right;
We all have only one life!
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.
Chèo traditional opera
is a folk theater art
which originated
from the regions
near the mountains
and from the plains of
northern Âu Lạc.
There are varied opinions
about the beginning
of chèo traditional opera:
the earliest time
is believed to be
in 4th century BCE
and the most recent
is 14th century, at the end
of the Trần dynasty.
Chèo is a narrative genre
of folk theater,
recounting stories
through a combination of
music, singing and dance.
One of the unique
features of chèo
is a skillful portrayal
of subtle gestures
and movements.
During festivals,
people in the plains of
northern Âu Lạc often
look forward to watching
chèo traditional opera.
The lyrics are infused
with folk poetry and
proverbs; tragedies are
usually counter-balanced
with satires.
Chèo is replete with
the pure simplicity of the
common folk, yet equally
profound in meaning.
“The Singing Voice
of Trương Chi” is a chèo
traditional opera based on
a timeless love story
in the treasure of
Aulacese folk tales
about Mỵ Nương,
a young lady from
an aristocratic family,
and Trương Chi,
a boatman with a noble
singing voice and heart.
The tale about
the talented yet
ill-fated singer has been
the subject of
many poems and
musical compositions
until this day.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 1 of
the Aulacese chèo
traditional opera titled
“The Singing Voice
of Trương Chi”
by playwright
Trần Đình Ngôn.
It will presented
in 2 episodes,
with performances by
Phú Kiên as Trương Chi,
An Chinh as Mỵ Nương,
Khắc Tư as
the Prime Minister,
Mạnh Phóng as
the Village Elder,
Phúc Lợi as
Nobleman Hoàng,
Tuấn Kha as the Sorcerer,
Lã Khương as Guard Tốt,
Mạnh Huấn as Guard Binh,
and other artists.
Thank you for watching
today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
May you and your family
be graced with
happiness and love.
Farewell for now.
Immense are
the silvery water
and golden moon.
My love is like the waves,
yours the moonlight.
A carefree boat at midnight
carries the golden
moonlight to shore.
Leaving, would you
remember my love?
Waves are lapping
on the riverbank.
O beloved,
let us forget not each other!
The oars haven’t rested;
I still wait late into the night.
O my beloved!
Trương Chi! (Elder.)
I heard that
you plan to go
to the Western Palace?
What? You’re going
to the Western Palace?
Elder and villagers,
yes, I am.
I tell you honestly:
You should not go there,
son.
At the mandarin’s palace,
you’d incur more ill luck
than good fortune.
I advise against it.
Brother Trương Chi,
you’re just
a poor boatman.
Why would
the Prime Minister
summon you there?
The Prime Minister
likes my singing,
so he asked
for my presence
at the Western Palace.
People love your singing.
Let’s assume so.
But you go there to
accept praise and reward
or to sell your voice too?
That’s right.
You go there to accept
praise and rewards,
or to sell your voice too?
They have money
to buy precious things;
they may as well
buy your singing.
May I take leave,
Elder and villagers?
I must go
to the Western Palace
to find out if it’s true
that people in
luxurious mansions
also know how to
appreciate a lotus
in muddy water.
You should not go there,
son.
If you don’t
bow to authority
and bring out
your sweet singing voice
to flatter them,
you’ll be charged
for showing contempt
and being arrogant.
You may lose your head
because of
your noble heart.
The elder is right.
Don’t go, brother.
Please forgive me,
Elder and villagers.
I have to go.
Trương Chi! (Elder!)
In planning
a lifelong relationship,
don’t forget that
people’s hearts, though
sometimes like a vast sea,
are still strewn with
spikes and thorns.
Don’t forget that
people’s hearts, though
sometimes like a vast sea,
are still strewn with
spikes and thorns.
O son, being poor by fate,
don’t covet
someone else’s lot.
O son, being poor by fate,
don’t covet
someone else’s lot.
Thị Hường. (Yes.)
Have you finished
preparing?
Yes, I have.
You should help
your noble miss receive
Trương Chi courteously.
Yes, I’ve followed
Your Excellency’s
instructions exactly.
Mr. Trương
should be here soon.
Invite your
noble miss here for me.
Yes, Your Excellency.
What a pity!
She’s been lovesick
for Trương Chi’s singing
for days.
A noble young lady,
daughter of
the Prime Minister,
is pining for a boatman.
But I do not mind,
as long as my daughter
is cured of illness.
O child, I’ve gratified
your wish.
I’ve had Trương Chi
invited and you may
meet him right here.
I’m very grateful, Father.
I also came from poverty.
It is due to my diligent
study, then dedication
in a mandarin’s duty,
that I’m trusted
and promoted
by His Majesty.
Though the highest-
ranking mandarin
in the court now,
I haven’t forgotten
my time in hardship.
I dare not look down
on the labor class.
It’s just that
nobleman Hoàng came
asking for your hand
in marriage, and
the Deputy Prime Minister
is greatly favored
by His Majesty.
So it’s really hard for me
to refuse them.
O child, it’s not easy
to choose one from the
countless paths in life.
Human’s assent must still
have Heaven’s consent.
In marriage,
who wouldn’t depend
on affinity?
Respected father,
please allow me
to once meet him
whose singing resounds
amid the emerald river.
If fortunately it’s Heaven
and Buddha’s will,
please have pity and
make my wish come true.
If you truly love
the boatman,
I won’t be small-minded.
Han Xin was poor
but later in command of
many thousand soldiers.
Who knows?
The poor boatman
may later shoulder
national affairs.
I shall let you freely
decide for yourself.
I’m grateful, father.
Thị Hường! (Yes.)
Is it reality
or am I dreaming?
Is it true that he will
join me in a vow of love?
Please advise me!
What are the most
beautiful words to say?
Should I express
my intention or
let him take the lead?
Alas! I don’t know
what is right to tell you.
I’ve never made a vow
with anyone.
Please speak from
your heart, gentle miss,
then it’ll surely
flow beautifully.
Later,
in this Western Palace,
not on the deep
emerald water,
his singing will lull me
to peaceful sleep.
Garden blossoms
will be more fragrant
and colorful.
Yellow orioles will
fly away embarrassed
as their carol pales in
comparison to his singing.
Noble miss, you look
so beautiful today!
Not really!
My appearance
has withered due to
many forlorn days.
Noble miss,
the gray cloud
has dissolved;
the moon was dim
but now is bright again.
Flowers in spring breeze
are evermore enchanting.
Gentle miss,
here is the mirror; take
another look at yourself!
Lo, jeweled eyes!
Behold, fair tresses,
making you
all the more lovely!
Such love-yearning eyes,
fairies wouldn’t
easily possess.
On the emerald river,
he rests the oars to
sing for her who’s been
mesmerized and waiting.
She waits for him
to make a vow
under the moon.
You know,
his coming to me is like
spring returning
to flowers and leaves,
like the pouring rain
upon a barren field.
I’m beautiful? No, no.
How can I compare
to his singing?
Alas! What words can
fully express my feeling?
Know you not,
I still wait for you.
How I wish
to convey my longing!
Swallows flying
at sky’s end
as the Western veranda
tilts its shadow.
Knowing the singer, you
love him more ardently.
My heart is stirred with
yearning every evening.
Mesmerized,
you’ve become lovesick.
Respectful greetings,
noble miss!
Thị Hường! (Yes.)
Is it really him
who just comes?
Noble miss, your wish
has come true.
Look, noble miss!
Have courage and
go out to greet him!
Oh!
Noble miss! Noble miss!
Thị Hường! (Yes.)
Please ask him
to have a seat.
Precious guest,
my lady asks
that you have a seat
and she will receive you.
Please forgive me.
I... I’m weak and tired.
I’ve just caught
a gust of cold wind.
Please have a seat!
You don’t feel well today.
May I take leave
so you can rest?
Please don’t leave so soon!
When will I
ever see you again?
Today I invited you here
to thank you
for letting me enjoy
your singing which
resounds from the river.
My rural singing voice
isn’t worthy of
your golden feeling.
No. Your singing
is very beautiful!
Your singing is immense
like the sea, gentle like
a waft of breeze,
warm like a kitchen fire
in the winter, cooling like
the summer’s rain.
Your singing is sweet
like the scent
of orchid and lily,
crystal clear like
a precious gem.
When you start singing,
birds can barely fly,
and clouds are reluctant
to drift.
Even the sparrow
in the meadow
or the yellow oriole
in the shrine has to cease
twittering to listen
to your singing,
how would those
sentimental and
melancholy souls
not adore your voice?
Thank you, noble miss.
You’ve offered
beauteous praise
of my singing.
But I’m afraid
this boatman’s singing
doesn’t deserve
your compliments.
Perhaps it’s just
your imagination,
because how could
an unrefined country man
have any talent worthy
of jade and gold?
No. I didn’t imagine it.
Your singing voice
is like that.
I dare not look down
upon the labor class
and having always
admired your talent.
I know.
You would imagine
a sweet orange
to have bright red skin,
a fragrant lily to have
soft white petals.
Yet you’re surprised
to find an aromatic
and tasty water caltrop
to have an ash-like shell.
Reality and dreams
are two different things.
I... I’ve done you wrong
for bringing here
the reality that
ruins a golden dream.
No, no. Please
don’t think like that!
I invited you here
because I love your singing.
Please drink down
your cup in honor
of your voice.
Thank you, noble miss.
Having known now
the sweet, sour
and bitter tastes,
I feel no passion to
drink with you this cup.
Your jeweled words are
respectfully appreciated.
I bid you farewell.
The singing echoes
from the long river
amid strong tides.
A silhouette tilts
in the north-east wind.
Who would understand
how I feel?
The lyrics contain
seasons of rain and shine.
I... I invited you here,
yet I’ve displeased you.
I’m really at fault.
Here is a token of my gift
to celebrate the day
I meet an exquisite talent.
Please kindly accept it.
If you don’t think
my father’s residence
is small,
please come here
to water the flowers and
trim the hibiscus wall.
My father will
reward you greatly.
And I will be able
to listen to your singing
right in the
Western Palace,
not an echo from the river.
Do you agree to it?
I appreciate
your sympathy
for a poor person,
but I can’t sell my voice
to anyone nor can I
sell my dignity.
Even pure gold is spurned.
Noble miss,
respect can’t be measured
by gold and silver.
I’m sure that if only to
thank me for my singing,
you wouldn’t have asked
for me to come
all the way
to the Western Palace.
Regretfully,
I’ve turned out to be
a different person
than what you’ve been
dreaming of.
You’ve tried
to be courteous, but
your eyes quietly tell me:
“What for do you come here?
I just need your voice.”
Noble miss,
take another look!
The mirror has been
dropped and shattered.
I’ve lingered here
too long already.
I’d like to take leave,
noble miss.
The passengers,
the oars and the water
are probably waiting
for me now.
I wish you peace
and good health.
You loved and pined
for the boatman so much,
but when you met him,
you were indifferent.
Is that the truth?
It isn’t what I dreamt of.
His appearance is not as
exquisite as his singing.
Alas! Why does reality
have to be so harsh?
To whom shall I
consign my love?
He’s indeed a noble person
with respectable and
admirable demeanors.
Unfortunately,
his unsightly appearance
has obscured
his inner beauty.
Could it be that
all his charm has gone
into his singing voice?
Gentle miss,
he already came here,
why did you
let him go back?
You want a flawless jade,
but once having got
hold of this one,
you let it drop.
The mirror
was broken for real?
Is the mirror cracked,
or is my face
divided in two?
One half is gentle
and sentimental,
the other half is arrogant
and snobbish.
The mirror has shattered,
or the image of a faithful
lover has dissolved
with a beautiful dream?
Immense are
the silvery water
and golden moon.
My love is like the waves,
yours the moonlight.
A carefree boat at midnight
carries the golden
moonlight to shore.
Leaving, would you
remember my love?
Waves are lapping
on the riverbank.
O beloved,
let us forget not each other!
The oars haven’t rested;
I still wait late into the night.
O my beloved!
Trương Chi!
Not many people rise
to paradise in one step.
With wicked plots
and cunning schemes,
with clever tricks
and a bit of kowtow,
I’ll secure rank
and title some day.
Gem-studded palanquin,
luxurious mansion...
A golden dream!
I’ll go sightseeing
in a purple carriage
with pomp and splendor.
Many beautiful women
will serve me
intoxicating drinks
with their ivory hands.
What a thrill to be a man
of rank and to have
the commoners bow
at your feet!
O nobleman!
Serious trouble,
O sir! Sir, it’s serious!
What’s the matter?
The medicine...
What happened
to the medicine?
It’s burnt already!
O God!
You’re good for nothing!
Don’t you know?
It’s not easy
for the Prime Minister
to allow me to take care
of the ailing gentle miss.
Yes, I know.
My relationship with her
depends on
the medicine bowl.
But you let it burn
to shame me.
You...
Please, please
forgive me, sir.
Yes, I know, sir.
It’s said that
burnt medicine or
overcooked rice
is bad luck.
That’s right!
But to you, even when
the rice is good and
the medicine is sweet,
I still don’t see
any good luck. (What?)
I also heard this from
the noble miss’ attendant.
What did her attendant say?
She said that the
medicine was prepared
very meticulously
and brought all the way
from the Deputy
Prime Minister’s
residence. (Right.)
However the gentle miss
never took it;
she even showed disdain.
I regret the effort
of keeping my eyes
wide open
all dayand night.
I regret my effort
of serving you.
I regret my effort
of serving you.
Look, look! (Yes.)
You can only serve me,
all right! (Yes.)
Now, go wash the pot
and prepare another
bowl of medicine,
quickly! (Yes.)
Hurry up!
Wait! (Yes.)
Try to serve me
wholeheartedly. (Yes.)
If one day I can marry
the Prime Minister’s
daughter,
I’ll help you become
a waterway patroller.
Well, sir!
I wouldn’t dare. (Why?)
You incite me
to have high hopes.
It’d only make me
feel self-pity, lamenting
my own lot, O sir.
Listen! (Yes.)
I’m still alive and
you’re crying, that means..
O sir, it went like this.
Just now, when I sat
fanning the fire
for the medicine,
I looked outside and saw a...
A what?
A toad. Goodness,
it’s very stinky, sir!
I don’t see anything.
It’s sitting under
a taro leaf. (Is that right?)
He probably detected
the fragrant scent
from the noble
young lady’s dress,
wafting here all the way
from the Western Palace.
Really?
Yes. He saw that
the veranda there
is a thousand times
bigger than the taro leaf.
So he tried to climb up.
He jumped along the wall.
But woe to him,
the wall was vertical.
The toad kept climbing
up then falling down.
Falling down, he tried
to climb up again.
He kept trying... until
he was exhausted,
then he dropped dead.
(Really?)
Seeing all that, I felt
very sorry for the toad.
So I ran into the garden
right away, picked up
a dry willow branch,
and stuck it by the toad.
O God, help the poor toad!
You’re such a pious man!
Indeed,
a dead toad covets
a beautiful maiden.
An unemployed
homeless dreams
of sounding the village’s
night drum.
Do you know what, sir?
I was so busy
watching the toad
that I forgot the medicine
and let it burn.
Enough! You’re
only good at being glib.
Go clean up the pot
to prepare another bowl
of medicine! Quick!
Yes, I’ll go inside now
to prepare...
Be quick! (Yes, sir.)
How is it? Is it done?
All done.
I crawled under the bed
of the noble miss
and placed a charm
at its front foot.
But... it was
a very difficult task.
Something is wrong
with your charms lately.
Many charms have been
installed to no effect.
The Prime Minister
keeps using her illness
as an excuse to decline
my betrothal gifts.
And she keeps rejecting me.
Every time I went over
to ask about her health,
she wouldn’t let me
get close to her bed.
A beautiful woman
playing hard to get,
that’s normal, sir.
If she puts on airs,
you must play humble.
If she puts on airs,
you must play humble.
Even if you must
crawl under her bed,
do it anyway.
Bow to one person,
so that you can rule
many thousands of people.
If you want to be
the Prime Minister’s
son-in-law,
you’ll have to yield
at the Western Palace.
Right!
That’s why I had to
humble myself
to crouch under
a lady chamber’s curtain.
It’s said that
“a young man staying
with his wife’s family
is like crawling
under the pantry.”
Even if I had to creep
under the pantry
or crawl under the bed
to be the Prime
Minister’s son-in-law,
I would bear it.
Alas! High salary and
title are like a dream
of fame that keeps
hovering before my eyes.
Days of glory
are awaiting me.
Sir, while crawling
under her bed
to install the charm,
I heard her mumbling
to herself about
Trương Chi’s singing.
So the singing voice
on the river is more
powerful than any
love potion or charm.
Impossible!
She didn’t care
to look at the face of
that boorish boatman.
It’s correct that
she doesn’t like
that boorish guy,
but his singing
keeps stirring her heart,
evoking
many fancy dreams.
The noble miss aspires
very high, while
you haven’t got much.
Thus, for the love potion
and charm to be effective,
you must eliminate
Trương Chi’s singing
right away.
So, my opponent
is Trương Chi’s singing.
Fine! I’m the waterway
patroller in charge
of rivers in this area.
The area where he works
is the meritorious land
of the Deputy
Prime Minister, my father.
I’ll find a way to falsely
accuse Trương Chi,
then I can get rid of him
easily as putting my hand
in my pocket.
That’s right.
Why wait?
Let him go see Heaven,
finished!
Hold it!
No need to kill him.
Just forbid him to sing.
His singing keeps
weaving lofty dreams,
while I’m plain and coarse.
I detest Trương Chi’s
singing voice.
I resent Trương Chi’s
singing voice.
Guards! (Yes.)
Bring two sharp swords
here for me!
Here they are, sir.
Are they really sharp?
Yes, very sharp.
Try it out for me to see!
Try it out where, sir?
If Trương Chi refuses
to stop singing,
behead him immediately.
Immense are
the silvery water
and golden moon.
My love is like the waves,
yours the moonlight.
A carefree boat at midnight
carries the golden
moonlight to shore.
Leaving, would you
remember my love?
Waves are lapping
on the riverbank.
O beloved,
let us forget not each other!
The oars haven’t rested;
I still wait late into the night.
Hey,
Trương Chi the boatman!
Be quiet! You’re not
allowed to sing!
Come up here for
the waterway patroller’s
words of teaching.
That guy over there,
listen!
Who permits you
to ferry people?
Sir, my family,
for three generations,
have paddled
to ferry passengers.
I’ve paid docking tax
and ferry tax on time.
Your ferry business
is considered all right,
but listen to my question.
Who gives you the right
to sing?
Who permits you to sing?
Sir, people in this world,
when they couldn’t fully
express their excitement,
they’d move
their arms and legs; when
their lament couldn’t yet
relieve their grief,
their tears would flow;
and on moonlit nights
with cool breeze,
when their hearts are light,
they’d think about
worldly life and
feel inspired to sing.
To sing or not is
permitted by their hearts.
Insolent!
You gave yourself
the right to sing
anything you want?
Wretched! Now, are you
going to sing properly?
Just sing the song
“A stork, a heron,
and an egret…”
Just sing like that.
Right!
Just sing about goby and
dory, the kind of song
that lulls kids to sleep,
then why would anyone
forbid you?
That’s right!
Just sing like that,
why would anyone
forbid you?
I sing about compassion
in life and kindness
among humans,
for neighbors to care
for one another,
for families
to be harmonious,
for couples
to express true love.
Should that life-loving
singing be forbidden?
There you are!
It’s because that kind
of singing brings harm.
It makes a virtuous maiden
in her chamber
feel melancholy.
It makes a gentleman
on his horseback
feel discouraged.
Your singing
incites students
to think corruptly,
speak wrongly and
slight the sages’ books.
It induces
the country bumpkins
to desire good food
and beautiful clothes,
not accepting their lots.
Listening to your singing,
a servant is dissatisfied
with his master,
a precious horse turns unruly.
The land belonging
to my father and me
is flourishing
on wealth and glory,
but it could become
unfavorable
if we’re not careful.
You spoke
very strangely, sir!
We villagers are in love
with Trương Chi’s singing.
His singing
makes vegetation lush,
the water gentle,
and the village happy
and harmonious.
His singing is like
early morning air,
like a pure drop of rain,
like a white grain of salt
and sweet-smelling rice.
We villagers can’t be
without Trương’s singing.
Now, now!
It doesn’t matter if
you’re with or without it.
A land has its land god,
a river has its river god.
This region, within
10 square miles,
is the meritorious land
of the Deputy
Prime Minister, my father.
Above is the King
who rules
on behalf of Heaven,
below are my father
and I who lord
over this territory.
Therefore, besides
the royal court’s laws,
there are my and
my father’s regulations.
Listen to my dictate!
From now on,
the boatman Trương Chi
is forbidden to sing.
How could you forbid
unreasonably like that?
Poor and now
without the singing,
how can people live on?
Reasonable?
Your reason
isn’t as sharp as mine.
Guards! (Yes.)
Tốt (Yes.), Binh (Yes.),
sit right here
to keep watch.
As soon as he starts singing,
behead him. (Yes.)
Let’s get some sleep
to feel rested!
With one on guard
and the other sleeping,
we’ll end up
with only half a dream.
We can’t!
If we sleep now, and
Trương Chi starts to sing,
we’ll be finished.
Look over there!
Poor him!
He craves to sing,
so all day long he’s restless,
tormented and distressed.
What do you think?
As for me,
I feel so sorry for him.
O God!
If you feel sorry for others,
you’d only cause harm
to yourself.
O Binh! (Yes?)
How about we just
let him sing a little?
Impossible!
Look, he’s walking up
over here.
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.
Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
is a nation that has
a long-standing
traditional culture.
Aulacese music
is very rich;
since ancient times,
there have been
many musical instruments
that move the soul with
a wide variety of sounds
like those
of the copper drum,
gong, lithophone,
bamboo xylophone,
cymbals and panpipe.
In 2003, Elegant Music, a
form of Huế royal music,
was recognized
by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
as an intangible cultural
heritage of the world.
Âu Lạc’s music represents
the unique features of
each region, for example,
Quan Họ folksongs
in the North,
Huế tunes in the Central,
and cải lương
(modern folk opera)
in the South.
In addition, there are many
other forms of music,
including hò
(work songs),
lý (village songs),
ceremonial songs,
Aulacese classical opera,
chèo traditional opera,
Hồ Quảng opera,
and so on.
Indeed, music has been
deeply instilled
in the hearts of people
in this beautiful country,
and has been cultivated
until this day.
Northern Âu Lạc
has a folk art
called xẩm singing
that is very popular
in the northern plains
and midland.
This genre, in the old time,
was performed
by minstrel bands.
In a gathering
with a small group of
our Association members
some years past,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was inspired to
spontaneously compose
and sing in the xẩm style
a poem she had written in
her late 20s in Germany.
The poem was originally
written in English which
the poet herself
translated into Aulacese.
We now invite you
to enjoy an excerpt
of the xẩm singing
“We Don't Live More
Than One Hundred Years!”
composed and sung
by Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I mean tonight I was nuts!
But so what:
Aren’t the rest of us!...
Otherwise how could we
carry on living,
For life isn’t worth a thing!?
You know that I am still
in love with you!
But that has nothing to do...
I cannot please everybody,
So I will please me!
That doesn’t mean
you are not right;
We all have only one life!
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.
Chèo traditional opera
is a folk theater art
which originated
from the regions
near the mountains
and from the plains of
northern Âu Lạc.
There are varied opinions
about the beginning
of chèo traditional opera:
the earliest time
is believed to be
in 4th century BCE
and the most recent
is 14th century, at the end
of the Trần dynasty.
Chèo is a narrative genre
of folk theater,
recounting stories
through a combination of
music, singing and dance.
One of the unique
features of chèo
is a skillful portrayal
of subtle gestures
and movements.
During festivals,
people in the plains of
northern Âu Lạc often
look forward to watching
chèo traditional opera.
The lyrics are infused
with folk poetry and
proverbs; tragedies are
usually counter-balanced
with satires.
Chèo is replete with
the pure simplicity of the
common folk, yet equally
profound in meaning.
“The Singing Voice
of Trương Chi” is a chèo
traditional opera based on
a timeless love story
in the treasure of
Aulacese folk tales
about Mỵ Nương,
a young lady from
an aristocratic family,
and Trương Chi,
a boatman with a noble
singing voice and heart.
The tale about
the talented yet
ill-fated singer has been
the subject of
many poems and
musical compositions
until this day.
We now invite you
to enjoy the conclusion of
the Aulacese chèo
traditional opera titled
“The Singing Voice
of Trương Chi”
by playwright
Trần Đình Ngôn,
with performances by
Phú Kiên as Trương Chi,
An Chinh as Mỵ Nương,
Khắc Tư as
the Prime Minister,
Mạnh Phóng as
the Village Elder,
Phúc Lợi as
Nobleman Hoàng,
Tuấn Kha as the Sorcerer,
Lã Khương as Guard Tốt,
Mạnh Huấn as Guard Binh,
and other artists.
In the previous episode,
Mỵ Nương was lovelorn
for Trương Chi’s
singing voice
and became seriously ill.
Feeling sympathy
for his daughter,
the Prime Minister
invited Mr. Trương to
their private residence;
however the boatman’s
appearance shattered
Mỵ Nương’s dream.
Meanwhile,
nobleman Hoàng,
son of the Deputy
Prime Minister,
out of greed for fame
and fortune,
proposed to Mỵ Nương.
Upon learning that
she adored Trương Chi’s
voice, he used
all his power to forbid
the boatman from
singing ever again.
Get some sleep,
my friend!
A beautiful dream
will ease your sorrow.
Why bother
to keep pondering?
You look emaciated.
Go get some sleep!
You’ll feel better.
No one dies
if you don’t sing.
What makes you think so?
Have you two
ever seen that death?
Unable to hear
the singing overflowing
with human kindness,
people have to listen
the sound of
sorrowful lament.
Smiles will fade
from rosy lips
and tears will flow again
on sad faces.
People still live on
in their physical bodies,
but perish slowly
with the decline of
kindness and morality.
The river is hushed,
the water silently flows.
One isn’t far away,
yet it’s as
if he already passed.
Sweet river turns bitter.
Who makes my singing
choked with tears?
O God! It’s a frightening
prospect really!
How can people
carry on their lives
when the loving singing
ceases?
Trương Chi, you still
don’t want to go to sleep?
You still don’t want
to go to sleep?
The entire village
is still awake,
how can I sleep?
Without a covenant,
it became a tradition.
At this hour,
every house is tranquil,
the weaver’s shuttle
ceases to turn,
the rice pounding stops,
old men refrain
from their coughing,
and mothers comfort
their children to sleep.
All are waiting for
Trương Chi’s singing.
Yet for half a month,
I haven’t been able to sing.
I’ve betrayed the
villagers’ expectations.
No. We’re not here
to ask you to sing but
to stay awake with you.
Like you, we’re also
choked with grief when
deprived of your singing.
We’d rather come here
to share your pain
and resentment,
instead of lying sleepless
late at night
on a tattered mat.
Devoid of your singing,
we’re utterly sad;
we have neither interest
in working
nor dream of going
to the festival like
Miss Tấm who tried
on the flowery slipper.
Lovers’ vow
has become tepid,
and we’re indifferent
about getting married.
The village is quiet,
but it isn’t the solemn
hush to reserve
the vast Heaven and
Earth for the singing.
It is the silence that
shrouds the misty night
as if attending a funeral.
No. No. I must sing.
What about the ban
by the Deputy Prime
Minister and his son?
What about the sword
begrudging
the singing voice?
That’s right!
What about the sword
that begrudges the singing?
How can you possibly
sing, brother Trương?
No. Let me sing!
O brother guard,
don’t be afraid!
I won’t get you in trouble.
Let me sing!
Please let me sing one
last time to say adieu
to my home village
and my most
beloved people.
No. In that case,
I can’t let you sing,
then you won’t stay with
the river anymore.
No, O Elder!
I’ll remain with you
always.
I’ll stay with the crystal
clear river year-round.
These eucalyptus trees
will sing on my behalf.
The lush eucalyptus
gives fragrant leaves
for the poor country girls
to wash their hair with.
O willowy eucalyptus,
your leaves flow
gracefully like a girl
drying her hair
by the river.
O eucalyptus that gives
wood to support houses,
to erect a sturdy mast
and build the oars for me
to paddle steadily
throughout the year.
Remain with
our homeland,
remain with the river,
and sing on my behalf.
I’d like to entrust my
heart in the wind-swept
eucalyptus.
The scorching sun wilts
the areca nuts
causes the mulberry
to shed leaves.
I sing a lullaby
for rice plants.
I sing in every cloud
sending rain.
I sing for tears
to stop falling,
for the joy on your face
to disappear not.
I sing a lullaby
for the children
to have a beautiful dream
in the hammock.
I sing for the river
to flow amply
and ease the longing
of our homeland.
Trương Chi!
Tốt! Tốt!
You’re killing me!
Oh God!
Forgive me, sir.
Pardon me, sir!
You were supposed to
watch the medicine pot,
but you sat there,
dozing off.
If the medicine is burnt,
you’ll expire, son!
Sir, it happened that I sat
there and had a dream.
You dream
hen lying down.
No such thing
as sit and dream!
Oh, I was just dozing off,
then dreaming.
You were dreaming?
(Yes.)
What were you
dreaming about?
It was a wonderful dream.
If I tell,
you’d crave it too.
So you dreamed that
you became a mandarin?
A mandarin?
I wouldn’t care
for such a dream.
Or you dreamed that
you became a king?
Oh, no. I dare not dream
to be a king.
Then what did you see
in your dream?
I saw all bizarre things.
Bizarre?
Yes. But I’m afraid
you’d beat me,
so I dare not tell.
You have my permission.
I swear I won’t even
touch your body.
Really?
Would someone like me
trick you?
I don’t believe it.
You must let me
rub lime on you
so that this moustache
becomes twisted.
Insolent! You intend
to smear my face?
Never mind then.
Your face already
has dark spots.
I wouldn’t need to do that
anymore.
But you must
keep your word.
All right.
I just need your
bizarre dream.
Tell me about it!
I’ll tell you, yes?
I was staying awake
all night to
prepare the medicine.
My eyes were burning
and closed tight.
I tried to open them,
but they didn’t want to.
Then I dreamed.
You dreamed? (Yes.)
What did you see?
I dreamed that
I lost my way and
entered a wonderland.
I went to
a fast flowing river.
Before me appeared
a bridge named “Glory.”
Glory Bridge?
On the other side
of the bridge was
a magnificent castle.
On its large gate
was written “Riches.”
What? Riches? (Yes.)
Glory Bridge,
Riches Gate.
From inside came
the sparkling light
of gold and jewels.
Really?
And glimpses
of beautiful faces
glimmered.
O sir! (What? What?)
I thought this had to be
fairies’ abode.
Fairies’ abode?
I was mesmerized.
I was about
to run to the gate.
Then I saw a sign.
What was on the sign?
It said “Human above.”
“Human above,”
what does that mean?
I found out that the
bridge had two levels.
The higher level
was for humans.
Your dream was quite
interesting, indeed.
I thought for sure
that I was a human.
So I stepped right
onto the high level.
Then I looked down.
I looked down,
and I saw you crawling
right into the lower level.
(Really?)
I didn’t trust my eyes
anymore.
So I tried to look down
again to see
if it really was you.
Was that so?
I saw that you were
drunk and fell fast asleep.
All this time,
you made up the story
to insult me!
I must give you
a good lesson.
Respectful greetings, sir!
You’re back already?
Why? Your face is
all smeared with soot.
Never mind.
How was it?
The investigation task
I asked you to do,
did you have it figured out?
Sir, I went there
to check out and
discovered
an unusual matter.
It turned out the
eucalyptus tree can sing.
The eucalyptus can sing?
(Yes.)
But what does
a singing eucalyptus
have to do with me?
Well, the singing voice of
the eucalyptus is actually
that of Trương Chi.
Every night
it still reaches
the Western Palace,
causing Mỵ Nương
to feel more
bitterly sorrowful.
Not true.
I stay awake every night,
but I hear nothing at all.
How could your ears
and mine perceive it?
My ears and yours
can’t detect it?
Fine. Even if
it’s an entire forest
of singing eucalyptuses,
I’ll cut down,
much less a single tree.
Guards! (Yes.)
Bring two cleavers here
for me!
Wait! This time
you must be cautious.
Let me work magic
on a charm.
After that, I’ll dig up
all the tree’s roots
and install the charm,
only then can we rid
the problem completely.
Great!
Show your magic power
and stamp out that
singing voice for me!
Immense are
the silvery water
and golden moon.
My love is like the waves,
yours the moonlight.
A carefree boat at midnigh
carries the golden
moonlight to shore.
Leaving, would you
remember my love?
Waves are lapping
on the riverbank.
O beloved,
let us forget not each other!
The oars haven’t rested…
Why did the singing
end abruptly like that?
Something wrong
must have happened?
Or have any of us
misbehaved?
Did you girls
just play around?
No, elder.
We still kept quiet while
listening to the singing.
Whoever errs,
just stand up and
ask the eucalyptus
for forgiveness.
No one did
anything wrong?
Then why did the
eucalyptus stop singing?
In wistfulness, may I ask
the mountain wind
and cloud afar?
How heart-rending!
By the river,
the singing voice
of longing still echoes.
I’d like to ask why
your voice is silenced?
Your homeland
misses you deeply.
Alas,
such overflowing love!
O eucalyptus!
Villagers here
are still making
an honest livelihood.
We’re still the devoted
and loyal people.
Everyone loves
and misses you,
brother Trương Chi!
We still care for
the eucalyptus’ roots
and weed the area
around it. So...
What made you unhappy
that you stopped singing?
Look! It seems
someone from the palace
is coming this way.
Perhaps that’s why
the eucalyptus
stopped singing.
A noble young lady,
she must be Mỵ Nương.
If it’s indeed Mỵ Nương,
then she doesn’t deserve
to hear the singing.
The noble miss
is coming.
Let’s go home.
Noble miss, this is
the eucalyptus tree
I often told you about.
Oh, the eucalyptus
grows very tall!
From afar, I already
heard its singing
and I thought there was
a waft of sweet fragrance
in the breeze.
From the distance,
I saw many people
surrounding
the eucalyptus and
thought I heard the singing.
But now that I’m here,
it’s quiet in all four sides.
The tree is motionless,
the wind still;
those commoners
have left too.
Could it be that
I don’t deserve
to hear the singing?
O eucalyptus!
My lady stays in
the forbidden palace.
She risked coming here
without her
parents’ consent.
Please pity her,
O eucalyptus, and sing.
O eucalyptus!
I didn’t love the boatman
but I still need
to hear the singing voice
which has brought me
lofty aspirations,
and in my dreams,
I render my feelings.
You couldn’t love
the person, so you fall
secretly for his shadow.
Without Trương Chi’s
singing voice,
the shadow of
your dreamt beloved
also evanesced.
I don’t know
how to help you.
The eucalyptus tree
still won’t sing, and
the sun is about to set.
Noble miss, please go
home before it gets late.
No, no. Sitting
under the eucalyptus,
I feel so lightened.
I wish my father would
indulge the request of
this unfortunate daughter,
to have a secluded temple
built under the eucalyptus
where I devote my life
to reciting the scriptures
and Buddha’s name
to make merit
so as to pray for
Mr. Trương’s liberation.
Noble miss!
You plan to be a nun?
Impossible!
Wherever you hide,
people will drag you out
by all means
to love you,
to marry you, to cherish
and pamper you.
It’s not their intention to
cherish and pamper me,
but to use my father
and me as a means
to gain fame and wealth.
You know what?
Before my eyes
country men are
clumsy and boorish,
while the rich noblemen
are deceitful and greedy.
Whom should I marry?
It’s better that I leave
home and be a nun.
It’d be really beautiful
to have a small temple
at this place:
quiet, tranquil, far from
the mundane world.
I wish I can stay by
the eucalyptus forever
and listen to his singing.
He sang under
the waning moon.
Loving the river,
he often sang under
the waning moon,
missing the many
cherished and devoted
ones in his homeland.
Mỵ Nương!
You’ll never
hear the singing,
if you haven’t yet
realized your
misconception.
Trương Chi!
Noble miss! Noble miss!
Greetings, noble miss!
I was ordered by
the Prime Minister
to come here and
bring you back home.
Your jewel form
is ailing and frail,
but you come to an open
and deserted place
like this,
how can you possibly
avoid catching a cold?
I’d like to escort you
back to the palace.
I’ve had people bring
a hammock here
in your service.
Thank you for troubling
yourself for my sake,
but I don’t want
to bother anyone.
I came here myself, so I
can go back on my own.
Why? Noble miss!
I have the duty to attend
to your every need,
though it’s a short
distance home,
your lotus feet aren’t
familiar with the road.
A chamber-bound
virtuous woman
isn’t used to rising wind
and scorching sun.
I’d like to escort you back.
No, noble miss
will not go anywhere.
Her lady’s wish should
be honored above all.
Thị Hường!
You didn’t take care
of noble miss properly,
letting her set out
on such an arduous trip
without her parents’
permission.
You’ve committed
an offense thereby.
If you’re sensible, let me
bring noble miss back.
Guards!
Lift noble miss
onto the hammock,
take her home! (No!)
Thị Hường!
Noble miss!
Thị Hường!
Noble miss! Noble miss!
Thị Hường!
Noble miss! Noble miss!
Sir, noble miss was
carried home already.
Really? (Yes.) Good!
Sir, this is
the singing eucalyptus.
Guards! (Yes.)
Dig up all of the roots.
Gather every single leaf
and burn them all for me!
(Yes.)
Day after day, I lean
against the window,
yearning for the singing
coming from the river,
the singing echoing
from the emerald river.
Someone’s singing
makes me feel
a deep longing
and regret days of yore.
I blame myself
for not tying the thread.
Now that love is gone,
I feel a relentless torment.
O Mỵ Nương! (Father!)
You worry me so much.
After the court meeting
with His Majesty,
I was anxious to go home.
Then I learned that
you’d left
the Western Palace
for a sightseeing trip.
What a very risky venture!
O child, I keep you
in the forbidden palace
not to hide
a wholesome gem
to keep it high priced,
but because I don’t want
you to be in contact
with the outside world.
The capital is packed
with wanton and
extravagant people.
The countryside is still
pestered by the bandits.
Leaving this house,
you may either fall
into thugs’ hands
or be influenced
by the debauched.
Besides, you’ve been ill
for a long time;
you’re feeble like a baby
left in a storm.
Don’t you realize how
precious your body is?
But.. why did you
let nobleman Hoàng
seek me out,
when in fact he came
to force me home?
They lifted me
by the arms then threw
me onto the hammock.
It was supposed
to be high-class,
but it was no different
than carrying a pig
or a buffalo.
No. I didn’t ask
for anyone’s help.
When I came home,
I heard that nobleman
Hoàng had gone
to fetch you
shortly after you left
the Western Palace.
As I sent our people out
for you, I saw you
being carried home
on a hammock
by the guards from
Deputy Prime Minister’s
residence.
I really am surprised
that nobleman Hoàng
treated you that rudely.
Nevertheless,
I’m to blame
for making you worry.
Father, please be
generous and forgive me.
It’s all right.
Don’t think about it
and deplete
your mental strength.
O Father, since I went
to the eucalyptus tree,
I feel so light-hearted
all of a sudden and
much better physically.
Really? (Yes, Father.)
Heaven perhaps
has tied your fate
to Trương Chi’s.
How strange!
O child, I already
reported this story
to His Majesty.
Father, if you
reported the truth,
how can the Deputy
Prime Minister
and his son get away
from trouble?
No, I can’t be apathetic
to the unjust death
of an exquisite talent.
His disconsolate singing
seems to linger
on the emerald river
all this time.
How have I the heart
to ignore his soul’s
ceaseless questioning
of justice
and unrequited affection?
How regretful when
love was unfulfilled!
An ill-fated talent bore
an unjust death alone,
letting your heart wither
from sorrow
night and day.
If the King pities
a righteous
and talented man
as to confer a title
upon Trương Chi
and allow the villagers
to erect a shrine
by the river,
then year-round incense
burning will help
lighten his spirit.
But if the King
only listens to the Deputy
Prime Minister’s
defamation, then even if
I must resign my post
or lose my head under
the executioner’s sword,
I’m willing to accept it.
Father, please don’t risk
getting into trouble
because of me.
No, I do this not just
because of you,
but to ease my
conscience and fulfill
my duty as well.
I have faith in the King’s
righteousness anyhow.
If it was as my father
reported to His Majesty,
then building a small shrine
by the river
to worship the Buddha
will not be a problem.
O noble miss!
What’s the matter, sister?
The eucalyptus tree
was uprooted and its
every leaf was removed.
They burnt that
eucalyptus alive.
O God!
Noble miss!
Is there such a thing?
The eucalyptus
was thought to be
completely burnt,
but there is still a chunk
of its core
lying unscathed
in the pile of ash.
The core still remains?
(Yes.)
If the core remains,
the tree isn’t all lost.
Do you know of a way
to bring the core here
for me?
Noble miss!
Noble miss,
I know you greatly
treasure the eucalyptus,
so I’ve secretly
brought here a portion
of the core for you.
O God,
the eucalyptus’ core.
Alas! It wasn’t burnt,
and neither permitted
the ash to smear it.
Sweet Thị Hường! (Yes.)
Kindle for me
an incense stick. (Yes.)
I’d like to burn
this incense to show
my genuine respect.
If your spirit has gathered
in the eucalyptus’ core,
please witness
my sincerity.
O Trương Chi!
It wasn’t that
I betrayed your affection,
but it was due to
our tragic fate
that we couldn’t
join in marriage.
Oh! Do you smell
a sweet scent permeating
the whole room?
Sparkling light and
a fragrance fill the air.
O eucalyptus!
Please stay with me
forever
in the Western Palace.
O brother and sister,
having the eucalyptus core,
I feel overjoyed.
I love and trust you even
more as I look at you.
All my emerging
thoughts are of goodness.
I’ll stay in
the Western Palace
for the rest of my life.
I’ll live with the
eucalyptus core which
emits a sweet perfume
and wonderful light.
Noble miss,
the eucalyptus core
is indeed invaluable,
but I’m afraid
you can’t keep it
for yourself to cherish.
Why?
Because if the King
learns about it,
you’ll have to offer it
to the King, or if
the villagers find out,
you’ll have to
return it to them.
As with the singing voice,
this treasure
belongs to the world.
So...
what should I do now?
Brother Tốt,
please advise me!
Brother Tốt!
Please offer noble miss
an advice.
Ah! My father is
the most skilled turner
in the capital.
If noble miss
would be so pleased,
I’ll take home a portion
of the core.
My father will help
make for you
a eucalyptus cup so that
everyday you can drink
from it.
Wherever you go,
you can carry
that small cup with you.
Wherever you go,
you can take
the small cup with you.
Thank you,
brother and sister.
Brother Tốt,
please ask your father
to help make me a cup.
(Yes.)
Please send my sincere
gratitude to your father.
I’m taking leave, noble miss.
O Thị Hường!
Open all the doors
for the sunlight to
fill the Western Palace.
I’ll open all the doors to
fill the room with light
and human hearts
with joy.
Sunlight dissipates
all dewdrops
falling on the branches
for someone’s heart
like a shattered mirror
becoming whole again.
Oh God!
Is that nobleman Hoàng?
Yes, indeed
it’s nobleman Hoàng
in shackles.
But how strange!
Father!
It’s not strange at all.
One must pay
for his wicked deeds.
The flame that burnt
the eucalyptus had stirred
up the whole capital,
making many officials
angry and
people discontented.
His Majesty summoned
me for an enquiry,
and I told him
every detail of the truth.
The King deeply mourned
the loss of Trương Chi
and was outraged by
nobleman Hoàng’s acts.
He’s shown
his judicious ruling
by deifying the talented
man who suffered
unjust death,
permitting villagers to
erect a shrine by the river
and ordering
the imprisonment
of the one who
intentionally buried
the singing voice of love.
People must be
very gratified upon
learning of this news.
As for you, child...
It’s regretful that
the mirror has shattered!
The mirror shattered,
but I’m fortunate to have
the eucalyptus cup still.
O noble miss!
Something very bizarre
happened.
What is it, brother?
Nobleman Hoàng
was struck dead
by lightning on the road.
What? Nobleman Hoàng
was struck dead by
lightning on the road?
Yes.
It’s indeed retribution.
Brother Tốt,
about what I asked you...
Noble miss,
I already handed
the eucalyptus core
to the Prime Minister
to present to His Majesty.
And this is
your souvenir; I’d like
to return to you.
A eucalyptus cup!
I’ve never seen such
a small and adorable cup.
Your father is
very dexterous.
Please thank him for me.
Noble miss, this is a
bottle of pure rainwater.
I’m blazing
with thirst inside.
It’s the flame
which burnt down
the eucalyptus that
makes me fiery thirsty.
Noble miss, you have
the eucalyptus cup.
Please drink some water
for relief.
Oh, he has returned,
rowing a ferry inside
the cup.
Immense are
the silvery water
and golden moon.
My love is like the waves,
yours the moonlight.
A carefree boat at midnigh
carries the golden
moonlight to shore.
Alas! Your singing voice
torments me.
I’ve killed you.
I’ve unwittingly
harmed you.
It’s my nonchalance
that led to your ruin
by other people.
I’ve inadvertently killed
an exquisite talent.
I’ve unthinkingly
murdered a noble soul.
I’ve destroyed a love
unknowingly.
Oh, Trương Chi!
I don’t deserve to live.
Let me follow you
in death.
Mỵ Nương! Mỵ Nương!
What good is it
to follow me in death?
Please live in peace
and happiness.
One thing you must know:
Without Trương Chi,
there’d be no singing voice.
How could you
ardently love the voice
yet it seemed
you rejected Trương Chi?
O God! Until now,
I’ve yet to realize
that one simple truth.
Oh Trương Chi!
I’ve done you wrong.
O God!
The cup has shattered.
The cup is broken
without any of
its pieces found.
Did the cup shatter
because of
my falling teardrops?
Alas! The cup vanishes,
but the mirror
is whole again.
My face no longer
splits in two.
The cup vanishes
but my heart has returned
to goodness,
carrying Trương Chi’s
image and singing voice.
Leaving, would you
remember my love?
Waves are lapping
on the riverbank.
O beloved,
let us forget not each other!
The oars haven’t rested…
I still wait late into the night.
O my beloved!
Supreme Master Ching Hai
lovingly sent gifts to the
artists and professionals
contributing to the chèo
traditional opera
“The Singing Voice
of Trương Chi,”
broadcast on
Supreme Master Television.
They shared their thoughts
of Master’s kindness.
Playwright Trần Đình Ngôn:
I sincerely thank
Supreme Master Ching Hai
for your regard
and for sending me gifts.
I very much treasure
Master’s affection.
I’m very touched.
The noblest goal of artists,
is to move toward
humane values.
Aulacese folktales are
imbued with the spirit of
compassion, always have
an educational purpose.
Spiritual practice
is to perfect ourselves,
to perfect our society.
Director Trương Tấn Nghĩa:
I sincerely thank
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
I’m very happy to receive
Supreme Master
Ching Hai’s gifts.
To an artist,
the highest goal
is to somehow enable
viewers to recognize
the goodness and beauty
of a creative work,
as well as in everyday life.
Opera actor Phúc Lợi,
in the role of
Nobleman Hoàng:
On behalf of the artists
participating in
“The Singing Voice
of Trương Chi,”
I would like to wish
Supreme Master Ching Hai
good health,
peace and prosperity.
We’re very touched
and grateful.
Our ancestors often said
that “Food nourishes
the body, singing
nourishes the soul.”
Artists are ordinary
people like Trương Chi,
who use their voices
to make people happier,
and from that people
can do many good things.
I’d like to thank
Master Ching Hai.
Opera actor Mạnh Phóng,
who plays
the Village Elder:
Through introductions
about Master Ching Hai’s
works and based on
how I think and feel,
I’d like to sing an excerpt
by “Lưu Bình.”
We’ve come
to Welcoming
Fragrance Inn.
The place is cooling.
Let’s go in for a rest,
What an amazingly
enchanting scenery!
A boat’s drifting
on the river;
somewhere comes
the sound of flute
by a buffalo herder.
White herons
glide gracefully
over vast green fields.
The scent of yellow
comb orchid pervading,
have I lost my way
into paradise?
Land of the fairies knows
to tease the one
without affinity.
Seeing
the beautiful scenery,
I feel pity even more
for my drifting life.
Respected
Master Ching Hai,
I’d like to dedicate
this song to you
and the viewers.
Your work is very meaningful.
For all your abilities,
talents, virtues and ways
of working with the
international community,
I am very grateful.
I respectfully wish Master
good health always.
Opera actor Tuấn Kha,
in the role of the Sorcerer:
I received a special gift
from Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
She is highly
compassionate, loving,
and humanitarian.
And it’s from her heart.
She does not ask
for anything in return.
She is a person
I very much respect
and admire.
I would like to dedicate
to Supreme Master
Ching Hai and viewers
a poem that
I feel is very touching.
I would like to read one
of Master's poems
entitled “Friendship.”
It’s easy to win friends,
they are hard to keep.
Everyone knows it:
A true friend is always near
Even when the whole
world disappears.
Trust and reliability
Are the nourishments
to friendship.
On the contrary,
selfishness,
harsh resistance,
Being cold and haughty,
these are true
companion’s enemies.
So we should know,
there are only two things
to choose:
The one that keeps
friends another destroy
confidential trust.
In life,
have friends we must,
Then do take care,
that we treat others
The way we know
that is just and fair.
Loyalty and loving heart
are the noble virtues
That all wise men
cannot ignore,
For without them,
we are no longer human!
There is much more,
but let it be another chapter…
Just to cultivate these,
would now
be sufficient for thee!
Opera actor Lã Khương,
in the role of Tốt:
First,
my respectful greetings
to Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Today I have received
a gift from
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
I’m very proud
and touched.
I would like to wish
Supreme Master Ching Hai
and all viewers,
the best of happiness,
peace and prosperity.
I sincerely thank you.
Actor Phú Kiên as
Trương Chi, actress
An Chinh as Mỵ Nương,
and actor Mạnh Huấn
as Binh, all of whom
have appeared previously
on Supreme Master
Television, also received
gifts and best wishes
from Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
We sincerely thank
all playwrights, directors,
performing artists,
and other professionals
for contributing
your talents and efforts
to produce valuable
chèo operas and for
your continual concern
to preserve chèo,
a traditional performing
art in the Aulacese
(Vietnamese) culture.
We respectfully wish you
and your families
abundant grace in life.
We 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 a special Aulacese
modern folk opera
based on the poem
“Words of a Piglet”
that was composed by
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in her late 20s.
Titled
“A Tale of Karma,”
it is written by
playwrights Thái An
and Hoàng Song Việt.
Farewell for now.