Today’s Enlightening
Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Japanese, Korean, Malay,
Mongolian,Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
In Aulacese
(Vietnamese) culture,
cải lương
(modern folk opera)
is a popular theater art
that dates back about
three centuries, when
the flourishing South
was a new land.
Among those who
settled in the South at
that time were musicians
from the royal palace in
the ancient capital Huế.
Since then, the kind
of ceremonial music
often heard in the palace
became more
widely known
among the populace.
Eventually, new songs
were composed.
Many amateur
musical groups were
formed, adopting music
and song as a form
of elegant entertainment.
From about 1912
to 1915,
the artists of these
musical groups began
to combine
gestures to their songs.
Since then,
a new genre called
ca ra bộ was born.
Performers conversed;
sometimes a song would
be used as dialogue.
Ca ra bộ continued
to develop to create the
theatrical art that is now
called modern folk opera.
The orchestra
for Aulacese modern folk
opera usually consists of
the six-string guitar,
the moon lute,
the pear-shaped lute,
two-string fiddle,
sixteen-string zither,
and monochord zither.
The themes of Aulacese
modern folk opera
highlight humanitarian
and moral values.
The dialogues
are profound,
the song lyrics and tunes
are rhythmic and rich
in melody.
These are some
of the reasons cải lương
(modern folk opera)
has an enduring place
in the hearts
of the Aulacese people.
In the Lunar New Year
2007, during an
outdoor gathering with
our Association members
in Formosa (Taiwan),
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was moved
to spontaneously
sing a folk opera song
“Spiritual Practice
is a Source of Blessing”
written by
Mr. Viễn Châu,
which she knew by heart
since her youth.
We now invite you
to listen to an excerpt of this
folk opera song through
the voice
of Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Kneeling down, she sobs
in the main hall
of worship
As the temple bell sounds
the hour of prayer
O young devotee, why
do you wish to be a nun?
Finding comfort
in the scriptures,
and acquainting yourself
with spiritual practice?
But how can you
achieve enlightenment
when earthly traces
are still evident on your
seasoned countenance?
Are you
rid of worldly debt
or are still entangled?
Did you
renounce the world
because glory and fame
have lost their appeal and
life seems like an abyss?
Or was it because of
a fleeting moment
of jealousy and distress
that you intend
to hide yourself
behind the temple’s gate
to bury your grief
and forget your sorrow?
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.
Respected viewers,
this week and next week,
we are honored to present
the world premiere of the
Aulacese (Vietnamese)
modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),”
specially based
on the poem
“Words of a Piglet”
written by
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in her late 20s, through
the adaptation of
musician Thái An
and playwright
Hoàng Song Việt.
A vegetarian
since her youth,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
highly values the life
of all beings,
be they family pets or
birds in the wild,
humble tiny insects
or powerful animals
like elephants, bears and
others who unfortunately
have been captured
for human entertainment.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
has always felt
much sorrow for
the plight of animals
facing heartless treatments.
Therefore,
since her youth, she has
written poems reflecting
sentiments of our animal
co-habitants, such as
“A Puppy’s Heart,”
“Words of a Hen,” and
“Words of a Piglet.”
Furthermore,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
is also the author
of three #1 international
bestsellers.
“The Dogs in My Life,”
“The Birds in My Life,”
and “The Noble Wilds,”
originally written
in English, have been
translated into
several languages such as
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
Polish, Korean,
German, Mongolian,
Indonesian, Russian,
Japanese, French,
Spanish, and Chinese.
Her dedicated efforts
are reminders to
human beings of the
noble qualities and love
of our animal friends,
who always sacrifice
themselves, offer loyalty
and forgiveness,
and bring wonderful gifts
into our lives.
Unfortunately,
the current fate of our
animal friends on Earth
is full of miseries.
Every year, 140 billion
animal co-habitants are
killed to supply the meat,
egg and dairy industries
all over the world.
In the United States alone,
more than 100 million
pig friends are
slaughtered each year.
That is not to mention the
millions of animal friends
being killed in
laboratories every year;
millions of dogs and cats
killed in shelters
for stray animals; and
many animal friends who
die from being tortured for
“entertainment”
in the circus, bull fighting,
cock fighting,
horse racing,
dog racing, and so on.
In past decades,
during her lectures
around the world
Supreme Master Ching Hai
has always advised
Earth citizens to return
to the path of love
and to stop the killing.
In recent years,
due to the urgency
of climate change,
she has compassionately
responded to requests
to speak in many
videoconferences and
answer questions from
the public about the most
effective solution
for now and the future.
Her message, simple yet
profound and accurate
in every aspect,
from science, economy,
health, to spirituality,
has become a slogan
enthusiastically supported
by distinguished
organizations and
individuals in society
including scientists,
government officials,
medical professionals,
artists, athletes,
and celebrities:
“Be veg, go green,
save the planet.”
Durng the launch of the
Aulacese (Vietnamese)
edition of
“The Birds in My Life”
in Pathumthani, Thailand
on October 11, 2008,
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
as author
and guest of honor,
addressed
via videoconference
questions from
the audience including
Aulacese scientists,
physicians, professors,
and artists about
the importance of
animal friends on Earth.
Because
these helpless animals,
they don’t do anything
to harm us, but
only bring joy to beautify
the life of humanity.
To take it a step further,
they also show us
unconditional love.
One should not commit
acts of cruelty,
like confining animals
in such anguishing
and miserable conditions.
But humans
haven’t yet understood,
thus, they continue
to do those things.
So, we hope that one day
the whole world
will awaken
and love and care
for one another, including
all the innocent animals
so that Heaven and Earth
have mercy on us and
spare our lives, as well as
the lives of our children,
so that
the planet can survive
for everyone to enjoy.
Indeed, saving the planet
is considered humanity’s
top priority today.
In early June 2010,
the United Nations
Environment Program
called upon the world
to switch to a vegan diet
to save the Earth.
Mr. Achim Steiner,
Executive Director
of the United Nations
Environment Program,
explained the disastrous
consequences
of livestock farming.
He said,
“Two broad areas are
currently having
a disproportionately high
impact on people and
the planet’s life support
systems - these are
energy in the form of
fossil fuels and agriculture,
especially the raising
of livestock for meat
and dairy products.”
In the report titled
“Assessing the
Environmental Impacts
of Production
and Consumption,”
researchers clearly stated,
“A substantial reduction
of impacts would only
be possible with
a substantial worldwide
diet change, away from
animal products.”
The fact that
a United Nations agency
urgently requests
humankind to implement
“a substantial
worldwide diet change,
away from animal products”
reflects the ultimate goal
of saving this planet
from self destruction.
Right from
the beginning, animals
were never meant
to be food for humans.
In addition, animals also
have their own thoughts
and overflowing feelings.
Please now join us
to listen to
heartfelt sentiments of
an animal friend
very close in our lives
through the verses of
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in the poem
“Words of a Piglet.”
The day I met you first
Was the day of my birth
Pink and round,
me oh so plump
With Mom I gaily frolicked.
Lovingly you looked at me
Praising, “Oh,
so round, what a cutie!”
Every day
you came by to visit
Bringing cool water and
delicious veggie treats.
Mommy and I
were so touched
Your kindness
worth more than gold
I lived a peaceful life
Under your care
and protection
Growing more plump
with each passing day
Just eat, rest and play…
So lovely
was this early morn
As clouds were drifting
across the sky
Cuddling together,
Mommy and I
Unaware of
the befalling tragedy!
Two brawny young men
Strong like tigers
and elephants
Squashed my tiny body
Flat into a cage of horror!
There was no way
to escape!
O God,
what purgatory was this?
I wailed in fear and terror
Mom, oh Mom,
please save me!
Oh caretaker, please
come protect me quickly!
Rescue my life,
I’m still at a tender age!
Mom was crying out
in sorrow
Tears of desperation
filling her eyes
The immense Heavens
cannot contain
This horrendous
emotional pain!
My caretaker turned away
Hands busy counting
a stack of money
Haplessly I rolled around
in the car trunk
Breaking heart
more painful
than bodily misery!
The two young men
bantered:
“This piglet will be so tasty!
Tomorrow
we’ll slaughter him
To celebrate the birth of
the wife’s newborn baby!!”
Oh, how ironic this life
My soul is shattered
Tears flow in my heart
Like blood running
in rivulets.
I thought you loved me
Nurturing me to maturity
But all this was a sham
For you,
it’s just profit and gain!
Tomorrow my body
will be cut to pieces
My flesh and bones
turned to sheer torture
Just so people can laugh
in merriment
At their happy feast
and gathering.
To your children
and others’ too
I wish them all long lives
So the family
can stay together
Not endure
the same fate as mine…
I pray the whole family
lives nobly
To be human
in many lifetimes
And never
be reborn as pigs
Paying forever
karmic debts!
Alas, good-bye life…
I ache for my
gentle suffering mother
In tears I am overcome…
Oh, Mommy!
Mom…Mom…
You have listened
to the poem
“Words of a Piglet,”
written by
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in her late 20s.
These moving verses
have been adapted into
an Aulacese (Vietnamese)
modern folk opera titled
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)”
by musician Thái An
and playwright
Hoàng Song Việt, and
directed by Mr. Lê Lộc.
This opera will be
presented in two parts
and performed by
Outstanding Artist
Mr. Tấn Giao as Nam,
Ms. Như Quỳnh as Giao,
Mr. Tiểu Bảo Quốc as Tự,
Ms. Thy Phương as Gia,
Mr. Hữu Tài
as the Elder Fairy,
Ms. Hồng Thủy
as the Mother Pig,
and Ms. Yến Nhung
as the Pig Caretaker.
Thái An is
a famous composer who
has written and arranged
music for over 3,000
modern folk operas,
feature films, and plays.
He was born in Kiên Giang,
southern Âu Lạc,
and is a vegetarian.
Regarding
the modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma (Retribution),”
Mr. Thái An said:
“I had the inspiration
to write the opera
after reading the poem
‘Words of a Piglet’
by Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Through this opera,
I would like to offer
viewers a message:
Let us love
and protect all species.”
Collaborating with
musician Thái An
in the modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma (Retribution)”
is Mr. Hoàng Song Việt,
a noted playwright who
has won gold medals
in festivals for
stage performances
with such operas as
“Dragon and Phoenix,”
“The Tale of Kim,
Vân and Kiều,”
“A Companionless Tree,”
“Spirit of Jeweled Poetry,”
and
“Not Sand and Dust.”
At present, playwright
Hoàng Song Việt has
adapted and composed
more than 20 operas,
garnering many awards.
His operas
have brought glory
to many young artists.
Lê Lộc is one of
Âu Lạc’s leading directors.
Graduated from
the College of Literature,
majoring in
linguistics and literature
in 1985, he has directed
hundreds of works of art
including Aulacese
modern folk operas,
movies, modern music,
and traditional songs
of nostalgia (vọng cổ).
Director Lê Lộc shares
his thoughts about
the modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)”:
“In a busy society full
of worries about money
and earning a living,
this is an opera
which conveys a very
good moral education;
it recommends that
people be vegetarian
and virtuous,
loving one another.
This opera should be
promoted widely
so everyone can see.”
Thank you for your
company on today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Up next is
Words of Wisdom.
May your life be filled
with joy and divine grace.
Farewell for now.
Oh joy, a farmer’s life
is poor but happy!
To the orchard
in the morning, then
the paddy in the afternoon.
A farmer’s life is carefree
and peaceful,
even with just rice,
vegetables and pickles.
Roaming leisurely
on the river – what
could be a better bliss?
Oh Heaven and Earth!
Woe is my foot!
O Giao! O wife!
Honey, you’re back?
How are you, love?
Would you like some
fresh tea I just made?
What for!
I just stepped on
the pig’s manure again!
Why don’t you tie it
in the back?
What for are you letting
him wander in the yard?
Let him go, sweetheart,
so you don’t have to
clean the house and
take care of him all day.
Honey,
you’re talking strange!
It’s fine if we didn’t
choose to raise him,
but since we did,
we must take care of him,
and he’ll also
keep us company
in this remote forest.
I don’t need him
to entertain me.
You and I have been
together for a few years.
Even though
we’re childless
and the house is empty,
but there’s a warmth
of love and affection.
Our simple meals come
from collecting firewood
and cultivating corns
and potatoes,
but our married life
is harmonious.
Understanding
your loneliness,
Heaven gave us a piglet
to care for and
keep us company.
I also feel happy to have
an animal companion
in our home.
I already told you
many times.
I don’t need him
to be my friend.
I’m happy already
with your company.
You bring this
bothersome thing home
and one day...
I’ll leave for good
to let you stay with him
for the rest of your life.
How could you say that?
You’re my husband.
We’re always together
in good and bad times.
He’s just a piglet getting
lost in the deep forest.
You stubbornly
argue with me
no matter what I say.
Since the day you carried
this piglet home,
at night I’ve been
losing my sleep.
During the day,
he rummages the house
from front to back.
He runs freely as if
it’s an uninhabited place.
From every nook
and cranny all the way
to the veranda, he leaves
nothing untouched.
I’ve told you again and
again that he’s an animal,
but you keep carrying
him in your arms.
Even at night, you
hold him like your child.
I’m really sad!
We’re dirt poor
and have no neighbors.
So there’s no fear
of disturbing anyone.
From dawn to dusk,
we receive no visitors,
so why should you worry
that we live with a pig?
But I’m so annoyed,
because the pig
irritates my eyes.
I’ll tie him up later
and give him to a friend.
O honey,
since I followed you here
to live together
in a thatched hut
by the deep forest
amid the whistling
mountain wind
and far-stretching mist,
my life is indescribably
sadder than that
of a wild animal.
I cultivate potatoes
in the morning
and gather dried firewood
by the foothill
in the afternoon.
I carry them with
my hands and shoulders
to the market to earn
a little money, then return
to the wild forest.
I care for my husband,
without dreaming
of a rich life.
Our meals are just cold
rice and salted cabbage,
but our married bond
is warm.
Though enduring
much hardship,
I never regret.
Poor as we are,
I’m happy that we’ve
never once disagreed.
You’ve never wronged me,
so my love for you
is always deep.
But since you brought
that piglet of yours home,
I feel belittled and
abandoned, you know?
It’s a pity for me
that you said so.
My love for you
is witnessed by God
and Buddha.
I give you one
last chance to consider:
Either you choose me,
or you have
only one choice.
You’ll live with the piglet,
and I’ll stay in the back
of the forest.
If you want
a harmonious family,
there’s no other way.
You must abandon
your own liking
to find a common voice.
As long as
I still hear the squeals
of that little animal,
I feel like
my love is shattered.
If you think you can’t
go along with me,
then from now on,
we go separate ways.
Nam, how can you
say that to me?
You know that
you’re everything to me.
If you leave me,
how will I manage to live
in this remote place?
You know too well
what I want.
If you can’t
go along with it,
there’s no reason
for me to linger on.
How can you be
so insensitive and have
no understanding for me?
My love for you can’t be
shared with this piglet.
One last time:
Are you going to do
as I say?
I love you.
But please let me explain.
I...
No. That’s your choice.
Now I have to finish
hoeing the field.
If I still hear the sound of
that piglet when I return,
then don’t blame me.
Nam!
Please listen to me. Nam!
O piglet!
I love you so much.
Do you miss
your parents?
I love you because
you’re like me.
You have no relatives
and live alone
in a remote mountain.
Because I love you,
I got scolded, you know?
If I let you go,
how can you survive
in this isolated forest?
But if I try to keep you,
I’ll have to endure
the scolding from now on.
I wish you could hear
what I say.
I wish you could understand
how I feel now.
O piglet, you heard
and understood what
I just said, didn’t you?
Oh yes, I’ll feed you.
I’ll raise you.
Time passes quickly.
With a lush patch,
full of vegetables
in the backyard,
together with the rice
and potatoes in the field,
I’ll give you
a comfortable life.
We’ll keep each other
company so that the house
won’t feel so lonely.
Though poor,
we live peacefully,
contented with
humble food every day.
Forget your lot
as a lone animal.
Life is a river flowing to
distant unknown places,
rising waves of vicissitudes,
and changing
its direction many times,
without realizing
how deep the dale is.
You and I are
but the same species,
not knowing whether
we’re happy or sad.
Seeing your lonely fate,
I was touched.
Why do we live here
like wild animals?
We’re two different souls,
having the same
bitter feeling
about our murky future.
You’re hungry, aren’t you?
Let me give you
some sweet potatoes.
Here, I don’t know
how much longer
I can take care of you.
Well, we just live
day by day then.
When done eating,
you must sleep.
Don’t run into things
carelessly, all right?
Now, I’ll go collect
some firewood.
I’ll be back with you
in a little while.
Bye bye, piglet!
O Giao! Sweetie!
Where on Earth
is she going?
I raised my voice
with her a while ago.
I wonder if
she’s mad at me.
Well, I’ll make it up with
this bunch of bananas.
Uh oh... my goodness!
What is it
that’s sticking out?
O God, pig manure again!
You’re really too much!
Today I’m going to catch
and give you away,
no matter what.
You’re finished!
You’re trying to run away?
Stop! Stop!
Mr. Nam! You’re
very tired, aren’t you?
Have some tea
and feel better.
Thank you.
I’m going to catch him
this time by all means.
That pig is so scared
of you already.
Kindly forgive him.
I’m so mad!
How can I forgive him?
You see,
the pig kept sneaking
from the front gate to the
back door all day long.
His feet were smeared
with dirty manure.
Then he came
lying next to me.
If I screamed, he ran off,
then returned.
My house, my furniture...
everything is so stinky.
I understand.
The piglet
was not considerate,
so he made you angry
and lose your appetite
and sleep.
But you’re exhausted now;
you have no strength
to chase after him.
Have another cup of tea,
then lie down and rest.
When you feel better,
it’s not too late to resume
your chase, right?
Oh God!
I’m so upset because
I couldn’t catch him,
and you told me
to stay calm
and take a rest. How?
Only when I catch him
will my inside
stop boiling.
Fine, then go ahead.
Your legs are unsteady,
your mouth is dried out
from thirst.
I’m afraid that not only
can’t you catch the pig,
you even bring trouble
upon yourself.
What you said
makes sense.
I’ll leave you alone
for now.
Wait until I feel better!
I’ll show you
what I’m made of.
Not everything
will go our way.
Fortunately, this matter
is as small as a pig.
If it’s as big
as filling the sea
or patching the sky,
I’m afraid you will fail
with such a temperament.
Well, just rest,
then go home later.
I... How strange!
How come I suddenly
feel so sleepy after
drinking this bowl of tea?
Go ahead and sleep.
Bye now.
Where is this?
How strange it is!
I’ve never set foot
in this place before.
Anyone here?
You woke up already?
Where is this place?
And you…
I remember meeting you
at the shrine at noon.
This is the Fairy Mountain.
Not everyone can
come here, except
for those with affinity
whose worldly conduct
is comparable to that of
a spiritual practitioner.
You’re a farmer
living a poor life
but you have a good
and sincere heart.
You’ve led a life
irreproachable
by Heaven and Earth
and thereby
created good karma (retribution).
What did you just preach?
Is the Good Karma (Retribution)
scripture from
the celestial realm
or on Earth
that I’ve never heard of?
What is good karma
(retribution)?
Why am I here?
Why did you do that?
I just need to know about
collecting firewood and
cultivating potatoes.
As a farmer who is busy
everyday selling
firewood to earn a living,
you couldn’t possibly
grasp that human life
has its present and future.
Your story sounds
so fairy-like and vague,
I couldn’t understand
at all.
I wish to ask of you
just one thing:
Please send me back
to my wife.
What you consider
a vague fairy-tale
will become a reality,
just like the breeze that
sent you into your nap
at noon.
You didn’t see it at all.
Human life is similar,
not any different
from a breeze.
Distant past lives
can’t be perceived
with physical eyes.
You’re now a reincarnation
from past lives.
That vague philosophy
will soon be clear to you.
I don’t want to hear it,
nor can I understand it.
What I’m waiting
to find out is
my piglet’s whereabouts.
As a highly
knowledgeable person,
you certainly know that
very clearly.
Now close your eyes,
son. Relinquish
all six earthly desires.
As if you’ve attained
the heavenly eye,
I’ll help you see clearly
your previous
and future lives.
The day I met you first
Was the day of my birth
Pink and round,
me oh so plump
With Mom I gaily frolicked.
Lovingly you looked at me
Praising, “Oh,
so round, what a cutie!”
Every day
you came by to visit
Bringing cool water and
delicious veggie treats.
Mommy and I
were so touched
Your kindness
worth more than gold
I lived a peaceful life
Under your care
and protection
Growing more plump
with each passing day
Just eat, rest and play…
See? See that?
I wasn’t wrong
in what I said.
The newly born piglet is
plump and such a cutie.
Congratulations! Wow!
What a good breed!
Later he’ll grow big
to be like his mother –
less fat and more meat.
The market has a great
demand for that kind.
We’re notable dealers
in the pig business,
so much praised
by people everywhere:
“Sister Gia
is a caring person;
she’d offer to buy
at a higher-than-market
price for the poor.
She’s also wholeheartedly
concerned,
helping with medicine
for newly born piglets.”
I lend people money
to buy more milk.
I show them
the right kind of
treatment for sick pigs.
My wife is like that!
She sympathizes
with those in hardship.
Even when the pigs are sick,
she’d buy them
to help people out.
Once payment is made,
the slaughterhouse
is ready.
Because if people
throw the pig’s corpse
on the street, they’d surely
lose their investment.
I know you two
are very kind-hearted.
Besides doing trade,
you routinely
go to the temple,
give alms and fast
to accumulate merit
for the future.
You also recite scriptures
and chant Buddha’s name
every day.
I admire and esteem you,
so I invite you over
to celebrate with me.
And the piglet,
I’ll save him to only sell
to you when it grows up.
Thank you for saving it
for me.
I buy at high price;
easygoing in weight
and measures,
unlike novice traders,
who not only buy
at dirt cheap price but
also cheat on the weight.
So the deal is
considered sealed.
The important thing is
that we keep our word.
I’ll visit now and then
to check when
he has enough weight
to leave the sty,
so that you get the money
sooner and I can enjoy
the extra merit.
Yes, yes, all right.
Please come inside
for some tea,
brother and sister.
How adorable!
Who’s adorable?
I just praised...
this breed of pig.
If this pig is served
on the table,
even heavy drinkers
would be tipsy.
You watch out!
No! No!
Mom, what are you doing?
I’m determined
to do everything to get
you out of this place.
But how can you, Mom,
when your life now is
no different than mine?
You’re also confined
by them.
What happens to me
doesn’t matter.
I just feel sorry that
you’re still very young.
I have only you in my life.
If anything happens to you,
how can I live on?
O Mom!
Tell me, am I a being?
Why are you asking
so strangely?
You’re my son, of course.
No. I meant,
am I a human being?
I... I don’t know.
That question should be
for me to ask.
I don’t know
if I’ve been a human,
but my love for you is
so sacred and so deep.
When I heard people
planning to harm you,
I felt pained as if
my skin were split
and my flesh cut.
How can I help you
escape this dark life,
when the knife
is dangling in waiting
to split your skin
and cut your flesh?
Humans only suffer when
disasters come suddenly,
not like in my case.
Hearing you scream
before your execution,
I’d stand tormented,
watching you being skinned.
Your love for me
is bright and pure,
yet weighed down
with sadness.
I was born only to
bring you more grief.
Why do humans
so heartlessly
create more grave sin
to fill this world
with laments?
Their future retribution
is a muddy swamp.
Worldly people commit
more wrongdoings.
Fumes of resentment
rises up to the ninth heaven.
Foreseeing our time
of separation,
I swallow my agony
and strain myself to raise
you to the last minute.
Even if I die first,
I’ll feel contented
because I’ll have fulfilled
some of my inner wish
in requiting a deep bond
of affection.
If you were to leave soon
I’d feel less regretful.
Upon our separation,
you’ll pay off your
karmic debt as an animal.
Alas, your words are
so heart-wrenching.
Only those in this situation
could understand
an animal’s life.
I’ll accept my lot
however it is.
I just wish that
you’ll become a human
in your next life.
My poor son!
Please have a drink!
What do you think?
What I said was true.
This is a good breed!
It takes just a few months
for him to be meaty.
I guarantee you’ll be
completely satisfied.
That’s right!
No need to tell me,
I know.
I’m expert on pigs.
With my touch,
goodness, these pigs
grow incredibly.
You don’t know
my wife’s expertise.
If she wants a pig
to weigh heavy or light,
she just pulls the scale
all the way.
My wife knows
all tricks of the trade.
Who beats you
into confession?
I forgot, I forgot.
What a chatty man!
Sister, talking about
frauds in trading,
that’s for the nomadic
merchants, those without
homes and neighbors.
They owe no one
any debt of affection;
they have no kindness
and righteousness.
They just come and go,
attached to nothing.
So they don’t think
of their conscience.
They’d do anything
that’s profitable
without hesitation.
With unscrupulous
trading practices, they’d
cheat honest people.
They’d sell ten times
the price they buy
to satisfy their greed.
But we are long-time
acquaintances.
Aside from doing business,
we’re considerate
of one another.
My wife was
telling the truth.
Please feel at ease.
We’re neighbors;
no one would do that.
We do need money,
but kindness
is more important.
We’ll help each other
in time of hardship.
Not only we never cheat
on the scale,
we buy at a higher price
than others do.
With you, we don’t
overemphasize on profit,
but only wish that
we’re both benefited.
I know he was just kidding.
Since all this time,
I’ve heard him praise you
as a very honest person.
That’s why I hold you
both in high regards
and also have faith
in your pig trading skill.
The thing is...
I already promised
to sell you this pig
but I’m afraid
I can’t keep my word.
Why, why is that?
I’m too poor,
so I don’t know
if I can afford to
raise him to maturity.
Oh, I thought
it’s something serious.
If you need money,
I’ll sell you bran on credit.
Later, I’ll deduct it
from the sale.
There’s no loss.
Right? Right?
That’s right.
It’s only good to aid people
when they’re poor.
Who’d need help in richness?
Don’t you worry!
Don’t worry!
To be honest, I really
love to raise pigs.
That’s why I trouble you
this time only.
No problem!
If I’m short of money
midway, please help me.
For sure!
Now, just raise the pigs
without worry.
If you’re out of bran,
just come to me.
I’ll provide the bran
and record it.
When the pig is mature,
we’ll weigh him
then deduct the money
you owe for the bran.
We have money,
you put in the labor.
We help one another
and we both benefit.
Right?
What do you think?
So?
If that’s okay with you,
I thank you very much.
No need for thanks.
Don’t think about it,
darling.
We’d be very happy
to help you.
Don’t thank us;
it sounds so formal.
It’s not only you.
Sáu’s wife from
the upper hamlet,
Hai Thàng’s wife
by the Uncle Shrine,
and Tư Đắng’s wife
from Narrow Ditch,
all are raising pigs
using our money.
And now it’s you.
Ouch! Oh God!
What’s the matter, brother?
Are you hurt?
No, no!
There’s an ant, a big ant.
That’s settled then.
Don’t worry. Just come
over for the bran.
If you need money,
just say so.
We’ll lend you.
We’re neighbors.
I’ve made offerings
to the temple
for a lot more than that.
All right, we’re going
home now, sister.
We’ll see you later.
Yes, bye now. (Let’s go!)
How sad to leave!
Bye bye.
Yes. Let’s go!
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.
In Aulacese
(Vietnamese) culture,
cải lương
(modern folk opera)
is a popular theater art
that dates back about
three centuries, when
the flourishing South
was a new land.
Among those who
settled in the South at
that time were musicians
from the royal palace in
the ancient capital Huế.
Since then, the kind
of ceremonial music
often heard in the palace
became more
widely known
among the populace.
Eventually, new songs
were composed.
Many amateur
musical groups were
formed, adopting music
and song as a form
of elegant entertainment.
From about 1912
to 1915,
the artists of these
musical groups began
to combine
gestures to their songs.
Since then,
a new genre called
ca ra bộ was born.
Performers conversed;
sometimes a song would
be used as dialogue.
Ca ra bộ continued
to develop to create the
theatrical art that is now
called modern folk opera.
The orchestra
for Aulacese modern folk
opera usually consists of
the six-string guitar,
the moon lute,
the pear-shaped lute,
two-string fiddle,
sixteen-string zither,
and monochord zither.
The themes of Aulacese
modern folk opera
highlight humanitarian
and moral values.
The dialogues
are profound,
the song lyrics and tunes
are rhythmic and rich
in melody.
These are some
of the reasons cải lương
(modern folk opera)
has an enduring place
in the hearts
of the Aulacese people.
In the Lunar New Year
2007, during an
outdoor gathering with
our Association members
in Formosa (Taiwan),
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was moved
to spontaneously
sing a folk opera song
“Spiritual Practice
is a Source of Blessing”
written by
Mr. Viễn Châu,
which she knew by heart
since her youth.
We now invite you
to listen to an excerpt of this
folk opera song through
the voice
of Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Kneeling down, she sobs
in the main hall
of worship
As the temple bell sounds
the hour of prayer
O young devotee, why
do you wish to be a nun?
Finding comfort
in the scriptures,
and acquainting yourself
with spiritual practice?
But how can you
achieve enlightenment
when earthly traces
are still evident on your
seasoned countenance?
Are you
rid of worldly debt
or are still entangled?
Did you
renounce the world
because glory and fame
have lost their appeal and
life seems like an abyss?
Or was it because of
a fleeting moment
of jealousy and distress
that you intend
to hide yourself
behind the temple’s gate
to bury your grief
and forget your sorrow?
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.
Respected viewers,
this week,
we are honored to present
the conclusion of
the world premiere of the
Aulacese (Vietnamese)
modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma (Retribution),”
specially based
on the poem
“Words of a Piglet”
written by
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in her late 20s, through
the adaptation of
musician Thái An
and playwright
Hoàng Song Việt.
A vegetarian
since her youth,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
highly values the life
of all beings,
be they family pets or
birds in the wild,
humble tiny insects
or powerful animals
like elephants, bears and
others who unfortunately
have been captured
for human entertainment.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
has always felt
much sorrow for
the plight of animals
facing heartless treatments.
Therefore,
since her youth, she has
written poems reflecting
sentiments of our animal
co-habitants, such as
“A Puppy’s Heart,”
“Words of a Hen,” and
“Words of a Piglet.”
Furthermore,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
is also the author
of three #1 international
bestsellers.
“The Dogs in My Life,”
“The Birds in My Life,”
and “The Noble Wilds,”
originally written
in English, have been
translated into
several languages such as
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
Polish, Korean,
German, Mongolian,
Indonesian, Russian,
Japanese, French,
Spanish, and Chinese.
Her dedicated efforts
are reminders to
human beings of the
noble qualities and love
of our animal friends,
who always sacrifice
themselves, offer loyalty
and forgiveness,
and bring wonderful gifts
into our lives.
Unfortunately,
the current fate of our
animal friends on Earth
is full of miseries.
Every year, 140 billion
animal co-habitants are
killed to supply the meat,
egg and dairy industries
all over the world.
In the United States alone,
more than 100 million
pig friends are
slaughtered each year.
That is not to mention the
millions of animal friends
being killed in
laboratories every year;
millions of dogs and cats
killed in shelters
for stray animals; and
many animal friends who
die from being tortured for
“entertainment”
in the circus, bull fighting,
cock fighting,
horse racing,
dog racing, and so on.
In past decades,
during her lectures
around the world
Supreme Master Ching Hai
has always advised
Earth citizens to return
to the path of love
and to stop the killing.
In recent years,
due to the urgency
of climate change,
she has compassionately
responded to requests
to speak in many
videoconferences and
answer questions from
the public about the most
effective solution
for now and the future.
Her message, simple yet
profound and accurate
in every aspect,
from science, economy,
health, to spirituality,
has become a slogan
enthusiastically supported
by distinguished
organizations and
individuals in society
including scientists,
government officials,
medical professionals,
artists, athletes,
and celebrities:
“Be Veg, Go Green,
2 Save the Planet!”
During the launch of the
Aulacese (Vietnamese)
edition of
“The Birds in My Life”
in Pathumthani, Thailand
on October 11, 2008,
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
as author
and guest of honor,
addressed
via videoconference
questions from
the audience including
Aulacese scientists,
physicians, professors,
and artists about
the importance of
animal friends on Earth.
Because
these helpless animals,
they don’t do anything
to harm us, but
only bring joy to beautify
the life of humanity.
To take it a step further,
they also show us
unconditional love.
One should not
commit acts of cruelty,
like confining animals
in such anguishing
and miserable conditions.
But humans
haven’t yet understood,
thus, they continue
to do those things.
So, we hope that one day
the whole world
will awaken
and love and care
for one another, including
all the innocent animals
so that Heaven and Earth
have mercy on us and
spare our lives, as well as
the lives of our children,
so that
the planet can survive
for everyone to enjoy.
Indeed, saving the planet
is considered humanity’s
top priority today.
In early June 2010,
the United Nations
Environment Program
called upon the world
to switch to a vegan diet
to save the Earth.
Mr. Achim Steiner,
Executive Director
of the United Nations
Environment Program,
explained the disastrous
consequences
of livestock farming.
He said,
“Two broad areas are
currently having
a disproportionately high
impact on people and
the planet’s life support
systems - these are
energy in the form of
fossil fuels and agriculture,
especially the raising
of livestock for meat
and dairy products.”
In the report titled
“Assessing the
Environmental Impacts
of Production
and Consumption,”
researchers clearly stated,
“A substantial reduction
of impacts would only
be possible with
a substantial worldwide
diet change, away from
animal products.”
The fact that
a United Nations agency
urgently requests
humankind to implement
“a substantial
worldwide diet change,
away from animal products”
reflects the ultimate goal
of saving this planet
from self destruction.
Right from
the beginning, animals
were never meant
to be food for humans.
In addition, animals also
have their own thoughts
and overflowing feelings.
Please now join us
to listen to
heartfelt sentiments of
an animal friend
very close in our lives
through the verses of
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in the poem
“Words of a Piglet.”
The day I met you first
Was the day of my birth
Pink and round,
me oh so plump
With Mom I gaily frolicked.
Lovingly you looked at me
Praising, “Oh,
so round, what a cutie!”
Every day
you came by to visit
Bringing cool water and
delicious veggie treats.
Mommy and I
were so touched
Your kindness
worth more than gold
I lived a peaceful life
Under your care
and protection
Growing more plump
with each passing day
Just eat, rest and play…
So lovely
was this early morn
As clouds were drifting
across the sky
Cuddling together,
Mommy and I
Unaware of
the befalling tragedy!
Two brawny young men
Strong like tigers
and elephants
Squashed my tiny body
Flat into a cage of horror!
There was no way
to escape!
O God,
what purgatory was this?
I wailed in fear and terror
Mom, oh Mom,
please save me!
Oh caretaker, please
come protect me quickly!
Rescue my life,
I’m still at a tender age!
Mom was crying out
in sorrow
Tears of desperation
filling her eyes
The immense Heavens
cannot contain
This horrendous
emotional pain!
My caretaker turned away
Hands busy counting
a stack of money
Haplessly I rolled around
in the car trunk
Breaking heart
more painful
than bodily misery!
The two young men
bantered:
“This piglet will be so tasty!
Tomorrow
we’ll slaughter him
To celebrate the birth of
the wife’s newborn baby!!”
Oh, how ironic this life
My soul is shattered
Tears flow in my heart
Like blood running
in rivulets.
I thought you loved me
Nurturing me to maturity
But all this was a sham
For you,
it’s just profit and gain!
Tomorrow my body
will be cut to pieces
My flesh and bones
turned to sheer torture
Just so people can laugh
in merriment
At their happy feast
and gathering.
To your children
and others’ too
I wish them all long lives
So the family
can stay together
Not endure
the same fate as mine…
I pray the whole family
lives nobly
To be human
in many lifetimes
And never
be reborn as pigs
Paying forever
karmic debts!
Alas, good-bye life…
I ache for my
gentle suffering mother
In tears I am overcome…
Oh, Mommy!
Mom…Mom…
You have listened
to the poem
“Words of a Piglet,”
written by
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in her late 20s.
These moving verses
have been adapted into
an Aulacese (Vietnamese)
modern folk opera titled
“A Tale of Karma ##(Retribution)”
by musician Thái An
and playwright
Hoàng Song Việt, and
directed by Mr. Lê Lộc.
We now invite you
to enjoy the conclusion
of the modern folk opera
titled “A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),”performed
by Artist of Merit
Mr. Tấn Giao as Nam,
Ms. Như Quỳnh as Giao,
Mr. Tiểu Bảo Quốc as Tự,
Ms. Thy Phương as Gia,
Mr. Hữu Tài
as the Elder Fairy,
Ms. Hồng Thủy
as the Mother Pig,
and Ms. Yến Nhung
as the Pig Caretaker.
Thank you for your
company on today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Words of Wisdom
is coming up.
Please tune in
on Supreme Master
Television next Thursday
for the Aulacese chèo
traditional opera entitled
“The Third Princess” by
playwright Trần Trí Trắc.
May your life be filled
with peace, happiness
and noble love.
We bid you farewell for now.
Last week, we learned
about a married couple,
Nam and Giao, who
lived happily together
in a thatched house
by the woods.
However,
ever since Giao
brought home a piglet
who lost his mother
and took care of him,
her husband
has been displeased.
One day, in his frustration,
he was determined
to catch the piglet
and give it away.
In his pursuit of the piglet,
he perchance
encountered an elder,
the manifestation of a fairy,
who offered him
a cup of tea that
made him fall asleep.
In a strange dream, Nam
saw that in his last life,
he was a piglet living
in the loving protection
of his mother
and his caretaker.
But when the piglet and
his mother found out
that the caretaker
only raised the piglet
just to sell for money,
they felt deep suffering.
What were you doing?
Why did you get mad
all of a sudden
and pinch me in front
of a stranger?
What do you mean
“all of sudden”?
Nothing happens
“all of sudden,” you hear?
I almost forgot
about it already.
I already let it lie buried
in the grave of the past.
It’s you who re-ignited
the flame of fury
in my heart.
You plan to be
“a horse accustomed
to the old way”?
You can’t label a man
a horse
like you do a woman.
Be quiet! You argue?
Look, you got jealous
for no reason.
This is just business,
work for food.
Sure. Who works
without food, right?
It’s a waste to lose this deal.
You keep bringing up
the old tales.
Who brought it up?
Who?
Wasn’t it your mouth
which brought it up?
Right. Because
I just remembered.
What did you remember?
What?
Me, I already forgot it.
I tried to forget
your wrongdoings so we
could live in harmony
and work together
for our future. (I know.)
And you... (What?)
Maybe you still wait
for an opportunity
to escape my notice
and repeat the past?
You’re always jealous
and picking on me.
That was a long time ago
and you make it
sound like new.
Those things were of
the past but this is
happening just now.
What just now?
If I wasn’t firm
to stop you, you’d
commit it again easily.
I’m mad at you. (What?)
In the future, when
you go do business,
just go by yourself.
Why bring me along
and get all jealous?
I want to, I like to.
So what?
If I leave you at home,
you wouldn’t make
trouble somehow?
It happens even when
I’m right next to you,
much less when
I leave you home alone!
Let me tell you.
Sáu’s wife from
the upper hamlet,
Hai Thàng’s wife
by the Uncle Shrine,
and Tư Đắng’s wife
from Narrow Ditch,
you allegedly
helped them raise pigs
as an excuse.
You said you visited
them to pass
on your experience.
What experience?
Raising pigs’ experience
or hanky-panky
experience?
Just those people.
You know
I stopped already.
What about those
I don’t know?
Then I keep. (You keep?)
No, no. I quit.
So there are others, right?
Who? Where?
(No, no more.)
Speak! Are you going
to tell me?
Take it easy.
You scare me
out of my wits.
Don’t yell;
I have a weak heart.
What heart? Speak!
What’s wrong with you?
You asked trick questions,
making me answer
in confusion,
then you get jealous.
There’s no one else.
Now you’re always
with me everywhere I go.
You’re right
next to my skin,
how can I do anything
to make you jealous?
I’m so tired of this!
Let me forewarn you.
If you repeat this time,
we’ll go separate ways.
I’ll have nothing to do
with you anymore.
What are you doing?
Oh God! How wonderful!
How dare you talk
like that!
Woe to you! (Ouch!)
Woe to you!
Wife, wife! It hurts!
I’m just kidding.
We just joke for fun
once in a while.
All right, forgive me.
I wouldn’t dare again.
From now on,
if I’m involved
with anyone else,
you can divorce me.
Remember what you said.
Of course.
Let’s go home!
So lovely
was this early morn
As clouds were drifting
across the sky
Cuddling together,
Mommy and I
Unaware of
the befalling tragedy!
See that? The piglet
has grown up now.
He looks so chubby
and delicious.
Delicious!
Keeping my promise
with you two, I didn’t
sell to anyone else.
Yesterday,
a dealer came asking,
but I didn’t sell to him.
I’m intent on reserving
the pig for you.
You should save it for me!
I know you’re someone
who keeps her word.
My husband wanted
to buy the big ones
in the other village.
He already put down
the deposit,
but I didn’t agree.
You’re our friend,
so I give you priority.
But it’s unfortunate for you.
In the past few days,
pigs’ prices have dropped
sharply.
It’s dropped a lot, sister.
We merchants just
manage to keep our trade,
because lately
we’ve made no profits.
No profit at all.
On our luckiest days,
we’d just break even.
My husband was
telling the truth, sister.
These days, pigs’ price
dropped severely.
It’s right during
a vegetarian month;
no one cares for meat.
If you can hang on
till next month,
you probably will get
a better deal. How sad!
What do you think?
What do you think?
I feel so sorry for you.
Yes, very pitiful!
We’re trying to buy.
What now, sister?
Please understand
my situation.
I’m desperate for money
lately.
I bought bran on credit.
Now people know
my pig has matured.
They pressure me
to pay my debt.
Last night, I calculated
very carefully.
This time,
I’m in for a big loss.
I know your difficulty,
that’s why my husband
was thinking of
buying the pigs
from the upper hamlet.
How about this?
You give me some discount.
Then I’ll weigh the pig
immediately to send him
to the storehouse
this morning.
How’s that?
Oh, no! (What?)
Please reconsider.
I’ll be in trouble
to sell at that price.
Don’t you see?
From the upper
to lower village,
where can you find such
a fat, round, fleshy pig?
You bring this pig home
and wait until your
baby’s first birthday,
then cut him up, offer
to the altar and celebrate
with the neighbors.
After this, you’ll receive
a lot of praise.
Actually, I already
thought about that,
but unfortunately pigs’
price has dropped so low.
I dare not take a risk;
my wife will scold me.
What an unpalatable
thing you said!
I’ve always been
a gentle person.
Oh God!
What you said
may make her think that
I stand in the way.
If you think it’s profitable,
then go ahead and buy,
but don’t be quick
to blame me.
I’ll do as you say;
profit or loss,
it’s your problem.
See that? Because
I pity your situation,
so my wife and I
end up fighting.
But if I leave you,
I also regret. (What?)
I mean, we have no heart.
But if we buy
at that price, poor us!
Because you wanted
to help me, you two
got into an argument.
To be honest,
I feel so uneasy.
Fine. Go ahead
and weigh the pig.
Weigh?
That’s the way to go!
Let’s do that.
Weigh, honey!
All right, let’s weigh him.
What did you say?
You see? (What?)
Thanks to me,
you got a low price.
We’re in for a big profit
this time. (Hey, hey!)
What?
Keep your voice down.
If she hears us,
she’ll change her mind.
I forgot.
Let me call my assistant
waiting outside to come in
and help my husband
to catch the pig.
Let him do it.
O Tám! Come help me
catch the pig.
You’re here
to catch a pig but so slow
like a turtle. Quick!
Hurry, son!
Good pig! Sweet pig!
Get into the cage
to go home with me,
and I’ll reward you
a pot of boiling water.
I mean, a pot of bran.
Two brawny young men
Strong like tigers
and elephants
Squashed my tiny body
Flat into a cage of horror!
There was no way
to escape!
O God,
what purgatory was this?
O God,
what purgatory was this?
Be understanding, all right?
Now you must go
to another place.
Don’t be mad at me.
Ouch! Oh God!
You betraying pig!
How dare you bite me!
I’ll beat you dead.
I’ll beat you dead.
Stop it! Stop it!
Don’t beat him.
He’s mine now.
Tám!
Go wait for me outside.
What a betraying pig!
He dared to bite me.
I must beat him.
You pig! I’ll beat you.
Enough! Enough, sister.
He’s my pig now.
You can’t just do
whatever you want.
I already paid for him.
You’re holding my
money, can’t you see?
The deal is already finalized.
If you accidentally
kill the pig,
what are we to do?
That’s right.
My husband is correct.
The pig is ours now.
If you overdid it,
and the pig died,
you have to compensate
ten times his value.
Where do you get
the money to pay me?
I’ve worked so hard
to raise this pig.
I’ve lost skin and bone to
be able to sell him to you.
I wouldn’t expect that
everything changed
right after payment.
How frustrating for me,
a pig farmer who
works hard all her life!
The money I made
was nothing
compared to my labor.
On top of that,
I’m scorned by people.
The animal I raised
also settled his debt.
I’m going to quit
raising pigs from now on.
Oh God!
It hurts so much!
His bite hurts so much!
Don’t cry, honey!
Be good, love!
I mean,
I feel so sorry for you.
Go dab on some
medicated oil, sister.
The pig just bit you
a little.
What’s the big deal?
(Big deal.)
“The rich getting
a finger cut is like
a beggar having
his body split.”
Well,
it’s getting late already.
Who has time
for all the whining?
Carry the pig to
the storehouse. Go!
I’m leaving now.
What?
Remember to save
the next pig for me.
Hurry up! Let’s go.
Okay.
Well, we’re going home.
I wailed in fear and terror
Mom, oh Mom,
please save me!
Oh caretaker, please
come protect me quickly!
Rescue my life,
I’m still at a tender age!
Mom was crying out
in sorrow
Tears of desperation
filling her eyes
The immense Heavens
cannot contain
This horrendous
emotional pain!
My caretaker turned away
Hands busy counting
a stack of money
Haplessly I rolled around
in the car trunk
Breaking heart
more painful
than bodily misery!
The two young men
bantered:
“This piglet will be so tasty!
Tomorrow
we’ll slaughter him
To celebrate the birth of
the wife’s newborn baby!!”
I told you many times
already.
Just ignore
what farmers say.
They worked hard
to raise the pigs and
had to sell dirt cheap.
Who wouldn’t feel
heartbroken?
If it were you,
I’m sure you would scold
and throw people
out of the house.
What? I hate how
she’s sticky like malt,
bargaining back and forth
like a kid.
She’s lucky that
I bought her pig.
If it were other pig dealers,
she’d be buried alive.
I know that.
We buy fast and at
lower prices than others.
That’s the important thing.
They can say
whatever they want.
We do whatever
is profitable for us.
Of course!
You argued with them
for every word.
It’s the way of women
and children, indeed!
Well, we’ve won big time.
Why talk anymore
about it?
Now, what do you plan
to do with this pig?
This pig here.
What is there to discuss?
The knife is sharpened
and ready over there.
I really regret losing him.
Can you re-think this?
We’ll make a lot of
money selling him.
What money?
I already invited
all the pig dealers.
We can’t go back on them.
But I feel it’s a real waste.
You just want
to please your palate.
Your wife and children
must endure
the loss of money.
You’re always like that.
I’m tired of it!
It’s our child’s
first birthday,
and you even calculate
gain and loss.
I’ve craved for this pig
for a very long time.
Look at his legs!
Goodness! They are firm
just like yours.
Oh legs!
Look, how adorable!
I’m intent on
making blood pudding.
I haven’t had a drink
with friends
for a few days already.
My arms and legs are
too shaky to do anything.
I take care of
this family’s income
all by myself.
I need to enjoy,
do you understand?
Don’t treat me
like a servant.
You haven’t gone to the
market for two weeks.
Soon I’ll become
a hungry ghost, you know?
How can you say that?
If I save money,
it’s for your children.
In case we won’t be
in business later,
or it’s hard
to make a profit,
where’s the money
to buy you food?
You always find
all kinds of excuses
about the family
to be stingy with me.
(That’s right.)
Today’s party isn’t just
for me to enjoy alone,
but to celebrate our
child’s first birthday.
No matter what I say,
you still want to
slaughter this pig soon.
Fine, fine.
Do what you want.
If I keep talking,
you’ll say
I’m against your wishes.
I’m too tired!
There!
How adorable you are!
All these years
I’ve lived with you,
this is the first time
I’ve heard something
pleasant from you.
Why don’t you go check
if the water is boiling yet?
What are you
standing there for?
If the water has boiled,
then bring it here for me.
Watching this
delicious-looking pig,
I’m drooling.
I can’t stand it!
Troublesome! Wait a bit!
Don’t! Don’t do that.
Please don’t kill me!
I don’t want to die.
I don’t want to die.
I was born
only to be your friend.
Don’t boil the water,
and don’t sharpen the knife.
I don’t want to die.
I really don’t want to die.
Though my look is
different than yours,
though you can’t
understand my speech,
though I don’t have
pretty clothes
to cover a wicked heart
nor do I know
how to make money
and devise inhumane
schemes,
please give me your love
and let me live out
my entire life
in this borrowed form.
Let me pay my debt in
this suffering existence
to return
to a human form.
Who’d understand
my words?
Though in an animal form,
I think and feel
like a human.
Please don’t end my life
unjustly!
My God! What a loud pig!
You’ll die soon;
why are you screaming
so much?
You’re shouting
your last words?
Shouting your last words?
Screaming?
Near death and still wailing!
What an unlikeable face!
Where are you?
Wife! (Yes.)
Bring the boiling water
out quickly for me.
Hurry up! The fire is
probably going out.
Easy! What’s the rush?
My hands are getting
burned here.
I just asked you that much.
What burning?
Just for that, you’re so slow.
How come
you’re so quick at putting
money in your pocket?
Who wouldn’t?
I speak your mind,
so you stand there laughing.
Look at you laughing,
goodness!
Hold this pig for me,
will you?
All right, here!
Hold him a little bit.
Hold him down!
He struggles so much.
How can I...
Goodbye, pig!
Come back as a human
next life, son.
Yeah. Be a human
next life, son.
Oh, how ironic this life
My soul is shattered
Tears flow in my heart
Like blood running
in rivulets.
I thought you loved me
Nurturing me to maturity
But all this was a sham
For you,
it’s just profit and gain!
Tomorrow my body
will be cut to pieces
My flesh and bones
turned to sheer torture
Just so people can laugh
in merriment
At their happy feast
and gathering.
To your children
and others’ too
I wish them all long lives
So the family
can stay together
Not endure
the same fate as mine…
I pray the whole family
lives nobly
To be human
in many lifetimes
And never
be reborn as pigs
Paying forever
karmic debts!
Alas, good-bye life…
I ache for my
gentle suffering mother
In tears I am overcome…
Oh, Mommy!
Mom…Mom…
Oh, Mommy!
Mom…Mom…
Don’t! Don’t kill me!
I don’t want to die!
I don’t want to die!
Nam! Nam! O honey!
Wake up, honey.
There you are!
Where are you going,
looking panicked?
You’ve been
sleeping here, but I kept
searching for you.
I thought you were
mad at me about
the piglet and left me.
I’m so happy
to find you here.
We’ve been together
for a few years
as a poor couple.
In times of sickness
or hardships, we never
left each other’s side.
How could I leave you
just because of
such a trivial matter?
O honey!
How come you are
perspiring all over?
Do you have a cold?
Let me take you home
and give you
a steam bath of herbs.
O honey, I had a dream.
That miraculous dream
revealed to me
my past life.
It’s like the miraculous
light that illuminates
my ignorant mind.
I know clearly who
I was in a previous life.
O, how amazing!
It’s the most beautiful
dream in my life.
I understand I’m really
not this physical body.
In a very distant past life,
I was an animal.
After a tragic lifetime,
I reincarnated as a human.
What you said sounds
so strange to me.
How complicated and
pitiful is a human’s life!
I don’t fully understand it.
Please explain to me
thoroughly.
Is it because
you’re falling ill
so your dream
was full of illusions?
Well, listen to me
and go home soon.
I’ll prepare medicine
for you.
No. In a deep dream,
I went back to a past life
when I was a piglet
suckling my mother’s
milk and still heard
the human voices.
I lived fully
a non-human life,
experiencing
the joy of animals
and the agony
of having my flesh cut
and my skin split.
After a life
full of vicissitudes,
I understood clearly
the animals’ sad plight.
And my dream today has
let me realize the truth,
so I learn to cherish more
the lives of all beings.
If what you said
is the truth,
it’s also a miracle remedy
helping me become
a more benevolent person.
That dream has
allowed me to grasp
what is happening.
I feel sorry for my life
and for the piglet that
I have rejected
and driven away.
Your words make me
happier than being
offered gold and silver.
I love the piglet like
my own flesh and blood.
Those days when
you got angry, scolded
and dismissed him,
I was pained like my
own child was rejected.
I pity him
being an orphan,
having no parents.
In chilly windy nights,
he has but a ragged cloth
to cover himself.
Hearing his wailing
like a child crying,
I feel tormented as
if he’s a small child
in our family.
From now on,
I promise you that
we’ll take care of him
together because
he isn’t simply
a non-sentient species
but a living being as well.
Thank you
for understanding
and sharing with me.
From now on, under
our poor thatched roof,
we husband and wife
will find happiness.
What’s the young couple
so happy about?
May this old man
share some of it?
O elder, I’ve realized
a great and
wonderful truth today.
I cherish life more.
I love my wife more
and I love the piglet too.
Earlier this morning,
you still chased after him.
Why do you change now
all of a sudden?
O elder, I was wrong
in my way of
looking at the animals.
After my dream,
for the first time
in my life I feel that
the piglet should be loved
instead of rejected
and driven away.
Within that tiny
physical form
lies the trace of
a human’s past life.
I hope that humanity
soon awakens
to respect the life of
all beings around us.
Unfortunately,
not everyone in this
world is blessed with
a miraculous dream
like you.
So people continue
to be immersed in the
sea of sin and ignorance.
Their speech,
their actions,
and their meals are
all tainted with sin.
Yet they think they are
practicing spiritually,
purifying themselves,
and doing virtuous deeds
in Heaven.
Because of this,
the transmigration goes
on to bitter retribution.
My thinking is simple.
If we do good deeds,
we’ll reap
good consequences.
If we sow bad karma
(retribution),
we’ll surely receive
unfavorable results.
What we sow,
so shall we reap.
That is the law of
cause and effect.
But once we fully
grasp the law of
cause and effect,
our deeds will become
more benevolent
and in the next life we’ll
reap all the goodness.
Thank you for
helping me understand
more about the law of
cause and effect.
I now know how to avoid
suffering in future life.
If you can think like that,
you’ve already grasped
the root of retribution.
I’m sure that
from now on
your life will be better.
I wish the two of you
live happily and be able
to fulfill your wishes.
We’re very grateful to you.
Thank you, sir.
All right, I’m going home.
Let’s go, honey.
Yes, love.
Wait, my piglet is over there.
Let’s go home,
my little piglet.
O piglet! Let’s go home.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
has sent gifts,
her love and well-wishes
to the artists
and professionals
contributing
to the modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),”
broadcast on
Supreme Master Television.
They expressed
their appreciation for
Master’s caring concern.
Playwright
Hoàng Song Việt:
First, I like to extend
my respectful greetings
to all viewers.
Regarding the opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)”
which I wrote, I think
it’s a very normal thing
in our lives.
Whatever we do
will bring us
some consequences.
The difference is that
we know how to discern
right from wrong,
good from bad to
conduct ourselves in life.
Right understanding,
right judgment,
and right action will
bring us good results.
Wrong understanding,
wrong action,
and wrong conduct will
bring us bad consequences.
According to Buddhism,
it is called retribution.
That's what the opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)” wants
to remind those of us
living in this present life.
Examine ourselves
and find for ourselves
the path to a good,
righteous and honest life.
Regarding vegetarianism,
aside from avoiding
killing as Buddhists often
remind one another,
people who eat
vegetarian may have
other purposes, such as
to protect their health,
to purify the body,
or to avoid eating
too much protein.
Not only people
but animals, pets, birds,
as well as
nature around us,
all have their own souls.
Therefore, when we
do something which
affects others around us,
we immediately need to
think whether our action
is helpful or harmful.
I was very surprised
to receive a gift from
Supreme Master Ching Hai
who thinks
of the humble effort I
contributed to this opera.
I’m deeply touched by this.
I would like to convey to
Supreme Master Ching Hai
my most sincere
gratitude.
And hopefully,
if affinity allows,
I’m very willing to
collaborate with Master
on other operas.
I respectfully send
Master my gratefulness
and best wishes
for Master’s health.
Artist of Merit Tấn Giao,
in the role of Nam:
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
First, I would like to send
my best regards
to Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I’m very happy
to talk to Master.
I would like to wish Master
good health and
wish Master good luck
always in life, as well as
abounding happiness.
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)”
was based on the poem
“Words of a Piglet.”
I played the main
character in the opera,
and I was very touched.
In my opinion, I think
an animal also has thoughts
and feelings.
I feel it’s similar
just like us humans.
When I played that role,
to be honest,
I was very moved.
My feeling seemed
to blend in with that
of the artistic staff
and filming crew.
I felt close like
we were family.
When the program
editors invited me to join,
I was very glad and
immediately accepted the
role without any thought.
I found that this opera
is very good. And I was
determined to convey it
in such a way that would
help viewers realize
very clearly that
if we do bad things,
we will receive
bad consequences.
I think in this world,
the law of cause and effect
is very close.
An animal is
just like a human.
We should not reject them,
eat their flesh,
or whatever.
I think if we do cruel things,
we will get back
cruelty in return.
I also hope that this
opera will be a success
with the public, a total,
wonderful success.
I thank you very much.
Due to limited time,
in next week’s program
we’ll continue with
genuine words from actor
Tiểu Bảo Quốc,
actress Yến Nhung,
painter Phương Tần,
and studio secretary
Nguyễn Đình Trực,
as well as
the artists’ call for
“Be Veg,
Go Green
2 Save the Planet!”
We gratefully
appreciate all artists
and professionals
who contributed
in the modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),” which
conveys a message of
peace, bringing numerous
benefits to the multitude.
We wish you and
your family abundant
blessings in Divine grace.
May the field of modern
folk opera as well as
other traditional arts
continue to thrive to
illuminate noble qualities
within each of us.