Today’s Enlightening
Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Japanese, Korean,
Malay, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
Filmmaking
was introduced to
Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
at the end of 1890s.
It began to thrive in 1923
with the first movie
co-produced
by the French and
the Aulacese based
on the masterpiece
“The Tale of Kiều” by
literary great Nguyễn Du.
Embracing
the modern technology
of our world's civilization
and combining it
with a diverse artistic
foundation inherent in
the country's traditions,
Aulacese filmmaking
nowadays continues
to develop to
enhance the nation's
cultural landscape.
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share the
beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The film “The Eyes of
Prince Kunala” recounts
one of the previous lives
of Shakyamuni Buddha
during the reign
of King Asoka.
Prince Kunala was a
loving and forgiving soul
who wholly submitted
to Heaven's will.
Those virtues were
the shining marks
of an enlightened saint
that touched the hearts of
and garnered the praises
and respect of Heaven
and humans alike.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 1 of the film
“The Eyes
of Prince Kunala,”
screenplay written by
Kim Thoa,
directed by Xuân Cường,
and produced by
Diệu Giác Temple.
It will be presented
in three episodes,
with performances by
Công Hậu as
Crown Prince Kunala,
Diễm Hương as
Princess Consort Madhavi,
Thái San as Prince Alan,
Hồng Diễm
as Princess Sabana,
Nam Anh as King Asoka,
Y Phụng as Second Queen
Tishyaraksha,
Nguyễn Đình Thơ
as Prime Minister,
Thạch Ngà
as Bodyguard Rai,
Công Thế as Kamathi,
Huỳnh Phú as Vedas,
Thương Tín as Masoud,
Minh Thư as Devi,
Quốc Thịnh
as Deputy General,
Hồ Kiểng
as Royal Physician,
Trung Nhân as Governor,
Đức Hiền as Eunuch,
Uyên Trinh as Attendant,
Ngọc Đặng as Yogi,
Minh Ngọc as Physician,
and other artists.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
sent gifts and her love to
participating in
the modern folk opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube,”
aired on Supreme Master
Television.
Last week,
we’d shared their
expressions of gratitude
for her loving care.
And now,
we’re pleased to continue
our interviews with
artists and professionals
contributing
to the art of Aulacese
modern folk opera.
Set designer Trường Quang:
Supreme Master Ching Hai
saw the opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube.”
Master knows about me,
Trường Quang,
and gave me gifts.
Thank you, Master,
for remembering me.
This gift is very valuable
to me.
If there is an opera
or something I can do,
I will try to help Master.
Traditional musician
Lâm Nghĩa:
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
Respectful greetings,
Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Today I’m very honored
that Master thinks of me.
I’m now 66 years old
and have spent all my life
to preserve the Aulacese
modern folk opera
because this art
has imprinted deeply
in the hearts and
minds of the Aulacese.
We can’t be without it.
I also sincerely thank
and wish
Supreme Master Ching Hai
longevity to help
the devoted artists.
I now wish to
respectfully dedicate to
Supreme Master Ching Hai
a song entitled
“Drum in the Night,
Missing the Beloved”
by musician Cao Văn Lầu.
Actor Đức Vinh
in the role
of General Commander:
Respected Master,
I’m actor Đức Vinh.
Today I’m honored
to receive gifts from
Supreme Master Ching Hai
for my family.
It’s so precious
that Master thinks of the
homeland, of us artists.
On behalf of some artists
in Âu Lạc (Vietnam),
I’d like to
thank Master greatly.
I hope that from now on,
I can listen to
Master’s teachings
and feel all of Master’s
generosity and love
for us artists.
I wish Master
abounding health.
May Master have
many disciples
and the entire world
supports Master.
Costume specialist Cố Đô:
First, I’d like to
thank Master Ching Hai
for the gifts.
I contributed in the opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube.”
Master has seen
and knows about it.
I’m certain there will be
an opportunity
to meet Master.
Thank you so much, Master.
I’m ill right now, so I
can’t talk to Master much.
Actress Bạch Lan
in the role of Fairy:
I’m actress Bạch Lan.
I respectfully greet Master.
I’m very happy.
Good affinity has brought me
Master’s gifts.
This is the happiest
occasion in my life.
I’ve heard about the books
that Master wrote.
I’ve seen
Master’s pictures.
Master is so beautiful!
May good affinity lead me
to meet Master to listen
to Master’s teachings.
This is probably
my most treasured book.
I respectfully wish
Master great health,
forever young
and beautiful.
Actress Bình Tinh,
representing the late actor
Đức Lợi’s family,
has shared as follows.
I’m actress Bình Tinh.
My respectful
greetings to
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
I’m the late actor
Đức Lợi’s daughter.
My father performed
as the King in the opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube”
that Master has seen.
Today I received
Master’s gifts.
I’d like to accept these gifts
for my younger siblings
and myself to enjoy
Master’s blessing,
but above all it
is for my dad’s soul to be
at peace and liberated.
I’ve heard a lot
about Master’s eminence.
I’m very fortunate
that today I’m able to
speak to Master.
I greatly appreciate
Master’s love for my family
in particular and for
all the artists in general.
I’m very touched by
Master’s boundless love
for everyone,
not just us artists.
I respectfully wish Master
abounding health always
and all fulfillment.
I hope very much
to meet Master one day.
Lighting specialist
Trần Văn Lâm:
First, I thank
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
It’s invaluable
that I receive your gifts
on the lunar New Year
occasion.
Whatever I contributed
to the opera was
due to my love for this art.
I also wish to
offer my efforts
so that people may enjoy
a perfect opera.
I wish Master
a happy, healthy, and
prosperous New Year.
My respectful
greetings to
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
I’m actor
Châu Thanh Hoàng.
My Dharma name is
Pháp Thiện
at the Pháp Hoa Ashram
of Ấn Quang Temple
and Artists’ Temple.
I thank
Supreme Master Ching Hai
for the gift.
I’m sincerely
thankful to Master
and wish
Supreme Master Ching Hai
and Buddhists everywhere
a healthy, peaceful and
prosperous New Year.
Amitabha Buddha.
I’d like to thank
Supreme Master Ching Hai
for sending me gifts
and money.
I wish Master good health
always and longevity.
I’d like to thank
Master Ching Hai
for your compassion
in helping artists,
including myself.
My respectful
gratitude to
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Đăng Khôi
December 16, 2009
My name is
Nguyễn Hồng Thái.
I’m a musician
who performed in
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube.”
I would like to thank
Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I’m very grateful to Master
for giving me
lunar New Year’s gifts.
May Master have
abundant health.
Thank you, Master.
I’m musician Hồng Thái.
You’re watching
Supreme Master
Television.
Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
I’m artist Trường Quang.
You’re watching
Supreme Master
Television.
Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
I’m actor Đức Vinh.
You’re watching
Supreme Master
Television.
I’d like to recommend
all friends worldwide to
be veg,
go green,
and refrain from killing.
Live in harmony and
have love for the animals
in this world
who live around us.
I’d like to suggest
that you keep it like that,
so that we humans can
live with ease.
I’m actress Bạch Lan
of Huỳnh Long
Modern Folk Opera
Company.
Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
I’m actress Bình Tinh.
I respectfully greet
all the viewers
currently watching
Supreme Master
Television,
which broadcasts
around the world.
I wish that everyone
Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
I’m Hoa Mỹ.
My respectful greetings
to viewers of
Supreme Master
Television,
broadcasting worldwide.
Please, Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
We sincerely thank
all the artists and
professionals who
contributed to the opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube,”
broadcast on
Supreme Master Television.
We wish you and
your family peace
and blessing in the love
of Buddha and Heaven.
May the precious
modern folk opera genre
keep developing
to exalt noble values in
the hearts of all people.
Thank you for watching
today’s Enlightening
Entertainment.
Please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
May wisdom and love
be the guiding torch
for all beings.
Farewell for now, and
we’ll see you next week.
Once upon a time in India,
there was a kingdom,
not very large
but prosperous
and rather populated.
The king of this country
was Asoka.
To strengthen
and expand his kingdom,
he spent his youth
fighting many battles.
When he grew older
and heard
the Truth teachings,
he became a kind-hearted
and peace-loving person.
King Asoka’s first queen
was Queen Padmavati.
Unfortunately,
Queen Padmavati
passed away early.
That misfortune wasn’t
just for King Asoka
and the court alone,
but for the entire nation.
Everyone grieved
the Queen’s death.
Greetings,
Crown Prince Kunala.
How do you know
I am the Crown Prince?
Your Highness,
this humble subject
is very old,
so I know many things.
Not only do I know
you are the Crown Prince,
I also know
you miss the Queen,
so you’ve disguised
yourself to escape
from the palace.
I also know that
the King is worried
and has sent people
looking for you.
I also know that...
What else do you know?
I also know that you are
doing a useless thing.
Sitting under the tree shade
to contemplate
and forsaking worldly
attachments is a happiness.
But sitting under the tree
to grieve a deceased mother
then blame Earth
and Heaven for
not letting her live with
you forever is useless.
Useless?
Right.
Because it does no good.
The Queen already
passed on.
Countless people
in this world died,
are dying, and will die.
Even you and I will die.
If there’s birth,
there’s death.
Instead of
grieving your mother,
you should contemplate
upon it.
Reflect deeply about it.
Why did you snatch him
from me?
Don’t squeeze,
or you’ll kill him!
He’s mine; you play
with other things.
Alan,
return it to your brother!
I’ll give you
something else. Alan!
Friends, let’s go
play on the rocks.
Good idea,
Your Highness.
Kamathi, Vedas,
let’s play horse race;
it’s more fun.
Good idea!
Farewell.
See you tomorrow.
Farewell. Don’t forget,
Your Highness.
His Highness is back.
Madhavi!
My prince!
Madhavi,
I missed you so much.
Did you wait very long
for me?
It’s been two months
already. But did you
enjoy your trip?
Somewhat, thanks to
Kamathi and Vedas.
What’s the matter,
Your Highness?
May I know
what bothers you?
People still live in misery;
it’s different
from the luxurious life
in the capital.
Many elders and children
still go begging for food.
I’ll spare his life,
so the court knows
that the poor farmers
in Taxila aren’t against
our honored King Asoka
and the righteous
Crown Prince Kunala,
son of compassionate
Queen Padmavati
who was the god mother
of Taxila’s farmers.
Long live Kunala!
Go back to the court
and report everything
you witnessed.
It’s thanks to
Crown Prince Kunala
that your life is spared.
Go away!
Kunala has come to
visit you, Royal Father.
It’s my erring for
not being at your side
when you fell ill.
I understand, Kunala.
Be at ease!
Thank you, Royal Father.
All dismissed!
I need to talk to
the Crown Prince alone.
How do you feel,
Royal Father?
I’ll send people
to find the best doctors,
and I’ll go myself to look
for precious medicine.
You’re a filial son.
I just feel uneasy
because every time
I close my eyes, I see
a vision of your mother.
She blames me
for favoring Second
Queen Tishyaraksha
and not caring for you
wholeheartedly.
What you have done
for me is as immense
as the heavens and sea.
I think that is
more than enough.
Kunala, I’m really at ease
to have you
succeed the throne.
You’re virtuous and talented.
But at the same time,
I’m worried.
What are you concerned
about, Royal Father?
Your noble heart –
that’s what
I’m concerned about.
When you were young,
each time you sang,
I felt light-hearted and
all my worries dissipated.
Sing for me with your
wife playing the music,
Kunala!
Yes, Royal Father.
As long as Kunala
is still alive, the throne
can’t go to my son Alan.
I’m not yet capable
of ruling a nation.
My brother Kunala
is the worthy one.
Be quiet!
Take a look at yourself!
Are you not a gentleman?
Just sit on the throne.
You’ll know
how to rule right away.
Second Queen is very right.
Your Highness
shouldn’t be too modest.
How can the Crown Prince
equal you in talent?
When I married
my daughter Sabana to you,
I also hoped for this day.
In childhood,
life wasn’t as I dreamt.
Separated from Mother,
I felt empty and lonely.
Then I remember
her sweet lullaby
and her warm caress
in my innocent days.
How I long for
gentle Mother ever since
I was in the cradle!
When I lost her,
sweetness turned
into bitterness.
Years passed;
I grew up with
Father’s tender words.
Your Highness Sabana.
You startled me!
What’s the matter?
I venture to say this.
Please forgive me
if it displeases you.
Go ahead.
You haven’t yet
forgotten about
Crown Prince Kunala?
How dare you say that!
What’s Kunala to me?
You must remember
that I’m
Prince Alan’s wife now.
That’s why this
lowly person asked you
to forgive me beforehand.
Life experience allows
this aged woman to see
through your feelings.
You still love
the Crown Prince.
His singing still haunts
you as it did when
you first heard him
during a spring festival.
I don’t want anyone
to remind me of that
anymore. I hate Kunala.
That’s why I need to
speak up so Your Highness
can forget him
once and for all.
For the more hatred
you harbor,
the more withered
your heart becomes.
Prince Alan loves you
very much.
That is your happiness.
If you want to continue
as my attendant, then
be quiet! Otherwise...
Yes, Your Highness!
I heard you clearly.
Close all the doors!
I don’t want to hear
anymore.
In childhood,
life wasn’t as I dreamt.
Separated from Mother,
I felt empty and lonely.
Then I remember
her sweet lullaby
and her warm caress
in my innocent days.
How I long for
gentle Mother ever since
I was in the cradle!
When I lost her,
sweetness turned
into bitterness.
Years passed;
I grew up with
Father’s tender words.
Love is priceless;
how can one repay
deep kindness?
Lo, beloved country
with vast mountains,
rivers and seas!
Lo, riverbank’s
golden sand and birds
singing at sunrise!
My soul is mesmerized
still by the soothing
lullaby at twilight.
In tears,
I gaze at the horizon,
longing for my homeland.
Thinking of my parents,
my heart pines for them.
Suddenly, I understand
that life is ephemeral.
Alas! I blame no one.
All yearning now
is just a dream.
Why did you stop singing?
Kunala, where are you?
I’m here, Royal Father.
It’s I who ordered
the Crown Prince to stop.
Why?
Respectful greetings,
Your Majesty.
Be at ease! Just report
if you have an issue.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I’ve just received
an urgent report.
Masoud is leading
the farmers
toward Taxila city.
Who is this Masoud that
dares to go against me?
He’s a bandit notorious
for killing people
mercilessly.
If it were not for his
excellent martial art skills,
my bodyguard
wouldn’t be able
to come back alive.
Your Majesty, it’s truly so.
He declared arrogantly
that he fears nobody
except one.
Who?
That’s our Crown Prince,
Your Majesty.
Kunala? Of course!
Who can surpass Kunala
in this entire kingdom?
Royal Father, when
Mother was still living,
I went with her to Taxila
to pacify people
and met Masoud.
He’s an industrious farmer
and a very
admirable knight.
But how do you explain
the fact that more farmers
are neglecting
the court’s rice fields
to escape with him
to the forest and build
a base for rebellion?
Is that true?
It’s indeed so,
Royal Father.
Taxila’s farmers are
facing hunger and misery.
They ask for changes.
We can’t yet conclude
that they’re rebellious.
This needs
to be re-examined.
I think you should order
Taxila’s governor to meet
with the farmers and
listen to their wishes.
Your Majesty,
why must a vast and
famous empire like ours
lower ourselves
to negotiate
with those farmers?
Second Queen
is absolutely right,
Your Majesty.
I humbly think
this trivial matter
isn’t worthy of
the court’s concession.
If we negotiate once,
we’ll have to do it
again and again.
So what is your plan?
We just need to send
a seasoned troop to ask
those impudent people
to explain their actions.
Royal Father,
there’s no need to send
a whole troop there.
I’ll go there alone.
Please don’t!
They’ll harm you.
Don’t worry, dear.
I’ll come back safely.
If you went with
an escorting troop,
then I’d agree.
Otherwise...
I don’t go there to kill
so I won’t need soldiers
to escort me.
I only go to meet
with Masoud
to resolve the farmers’
justified requests.
All right,
let me think it over.
If you’re determined,
I dare not speak against it.
I just feel something
shady in this matter.
But if I don’t go there,
a massacre
will be unavoidable,
and the victims
are none other than
the innocent farmers
and our Royal Father.
You’re confident that
you can solve
Taxila’s problems?
I’m very certain
because Masoud
isn’t a bad person.
Besides, their demands
are all reasonable.
I understand.
But I feel uneasy letting
you go there alone.
Rest assured.
Kamathi and Vedas
will accompany me.
Tomorrow,
take turns to go back
to the village to gather
more food and horses
to prepare for the
upcoming tough battle.
Who do you think will
lead the court’s army?
Whoever the commander is,
he’s sent by the court
and surely won’t make
concessions with us.
The only thing to do is
to fight to the last person,
the last drop of blood.
If Crown Prince Kunala
is with them,
will the situation change?
Crown Prince Kunala
is tied fast to the throne.
They’re the same anyhow;
we can’t trust them.
His Majesty
has announced that
Kunala will go to Taxila.
That means he’s heading
for his demise.
The throne will go
to our Alan for sure.
What if he’s able
to overcome it?
Please don’t worry.
Even with three heads
and six arms,
he can’t escape
the death traps
I’ve set out on his path.
If my bodyguard Rai
can’t kill him,
we’ll let Masoud
do that for us.
Surely, Masoud
won’t let Kunala live
because this rebel resents
the court to the bone.
I have a suggestion.
I wonder if Your Majesty
would agree to it.
Tell me.
By two different routes,
Kunala and Alan
will arrive at Taxila.
Each will have
his own way to deal with
the rebellious farmers
led by Masoud.
Whoever defeats
those insurgents, then...
(Then what?)
From that, you will see
clearly the commanding
and ruling skills
of your sons.
There’s rarely a suitable
opportunity to test them.
Madhavi,
it’s fine to stop here.
Regat!
Yes, Your Highness.
Escort the Princess back
to the palace.
Yes, Your Highness.
Kunala,
letting you go alone,
I’m so worried.
I want to follow you
to Taxila.
It’s a long trip through
perilous mountains,
with the bandits in wait.
You can’t possibly take it.
I think the Prime Minister
and Second Queen
have ill will.
I intuitively feel
some foul play.
Sweet Madhavi,
I’m very touched
by your love for me.
But should mishap
befall me,
I’ll calmly accept it
because it’s the bad karma
I must bear in this
human incarnation.
Madhavi,
open your wisdom eye
to realize that Truth.
Only then can you reach
the pure realm of peace.
I’ll do as you say.
May the gods bless
and protect you.
Regat,
escort the Princess back.
(Yes.) Kamathi, Vedas,
let us go.
Please go back,
Your Highness.
Chief, we’ve received
an urgent report.
The court’s army
is heading to Taxila.
They divide into two wings:
One led by Prince Alan;
the other by
Crown Prince Kunala.
What is the size
of their troops?
Alan’s group gathered
many soldiers from
the cities he passed by,
while Kunala
has only 3 people.
3 people?
Yes. Kunala
and two courtiers.
Will there be disguised
reinforcements
following them?
No.
Anyhow,
we must be careful.
Order everyone
to prepare to fight!
Yes.
I need someoneto watch
Crown Prince Kunala’s
every move.
Would you consider
your younger sister?
I’m only afraid that
when you meet
Crown Prince Kunala,
you’d have
no more spirit to fight.
Your sister isn’t used
to thinking highly
of the opponent.
I hope so too.
Remember,
I don’t want to lose
a good soldier like you.
I’ll bring Kunala back alive.
“There’s an important issue
I wish to speak to you
in private.
Only Your Highness
will meet with me.
Walk back 100 steps
behind you.”
I’ve done exactly
what you asked.
Now,
tell me who you are?
Why are you
following me?
Turn around please.
Sabana!
You still remember me?
I’ve dropped everything
to follow you,
the one I’ve vowed
to dedicate my life to.
Kunala, I’m passionately
in love with you.
Leave everything behind.
We’ll elope to
the mountain together!
Sabana, we’re not young
anymore.
You’re now the wife of
my brother Prince Alan,
and I’m the husband of
Princess Madhavi.
But I don’t love Alan.
The one I love is you.
Because you didn’t
return my affection,
I had to accept Alan
as my husband.
Kunala, I think
we still have time
to build a life together.
Sabana, I thank you
for thinking of me.
But I can’t
be your love mate.
Moral principles
don’t allow any of us
to do that.
Return to the capital.
I have to go to Taxila.
You can’t go there.
They’re setting up traps
to harm you.
I heard my father
and Second Queen
scheming to kill you.
Really?
You didn’t concoct
this story to slander
Second Queen
and Prime Minister?
Sabana, thank you
for informing me
of this important news.
Then why do you still
hesitate to go with me?
We’ll avoid everyone
and live happily together.
Sabana, I need to go
to Taxila right away.
If Alan gets there first,
thousands of farmers’
lives will perish.
Thank you, Sabana.
May you be blessed.
May you meet
with much good luck.
We’ve traveled
for a long time
and need to rest.
We can’t delay!
The farmers’ lives
are in danger.
Look, Your Highness!
Do you know who they are?
Are they the bandits?
No. I think that was
one of the many traps
that the Prime Minister
sets up to harm us.
Why would he
want to do that?
Because they will benefit
from that.
First is to slow us down.
Second is
to get rid of Kunala.
How about
the masked person?
Why did he save us?
I also ask myself
which party
that person belongs to?
Vedas, are you done?
Eat quickly;
we must set out.
But it’s too dark;
how can we find our way?
My heart is on fire.
It’d be great if we could
get to Taxila right now.
Then we could stop
Samarat’s army in time,
stopping the massacre
of the farmers.
To me, this matter
can still be resolved
by other ways.
When alive, my mother
once took me to Taxila.
Thanks to that,
I had a chance
to meet Masoud.
I’ll find a way
to persuade Masoud,
and, on behalf of
my Royal Father,
fulfill the farmers’
legitimate wishes.
That way, there won’t be
any bloodshed,
and Taxila will have
lasting peace.
What you said
makes a lot of sense.
Today’s Enlightening
Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Japanese, Korean,
Malay, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
Filmmaking
was introduced to
Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
at the end of 1890s.
It began to thrive in 1923
with the first movie
co-produced
by the French and
the Aulacese based
on the masterpiece
“The Tale of Kiều” by
literary great Nguyễn Du.
Embracing
the modern technology
of our world's civilization
and combining it
with a diverse artistic
foundation inherent in
the country's traditions,
Aulacese filmmaking
nowadays continues
to develop to
enhance the nation's
cultural landscape.
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share the
beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The film “The Eyes of
Prince Kunala” recounts
one of the previous lives
of Shakyamuni Buddha
during the reign
of King Asoka.
Prince Kunala was a
loving and forgiving soul
who wholly submitted
to Heaven's will.
Those virtues were
the shining marks
of an enlightened saint
that touched the hearts of
and garnered the praises
and respect of Heaven
and humans alike.
Last week, we learned of
Crown Prince Kunula;
in his youth he had
the auspicious affinity
to meet a sage
who helped him
overcome the grief
of losing his mother.
Growing up in the love
of his royal father,
Kunula was a benevolent
and virtuous prince.
During that time,
a group of farmers
was uprising against the
Prime Minister’s oppression.
Meanwhile,
the Second Queen
plotted to harm Kunala
in order to
seize the throne
for her son, Prince Alan.
To spare calamities
for innocent citizens,
Prince Kunula requested
to meet
the farmers' leader Masoud
to negotiate, unaware
that perilous traps
await him on the path.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 2 of the film
“The Eyes
of Prince Kunala,”
screenplay written by
Kim Thoa,
directed by Xuân Cường,
and produced by
Diệu Giác Temple,
with performances by
Công Hậu as
Crown Prince Kunala,
Diễm Hương as
Princess Consort Madhavi,
Thái San as Prince Alan,
Hồng Diễm
as Princess Sabana,
Nam Anh as King Asoka,
Y Phụng as Second Queen
Tishyaraksha,
Nguyễn Đình Thơ
as Prime Minister,
Thạch Ngà
as Bodyguard Rai,
Công Thế as Kamathi,
Huỳnh Phú as Vedas,
Thương Tín as Masoud,
Minh Thư as Devi,
Quốc Thịnh
as Deputy General,
Hồ Kiểng
as Royal Physician,
Trung Nhân as Governor,
Đức Hiền as Eunuch,
Uyên Trinh as Attendant,
Ngọc Đặng as Yogi,
Minh Ngọc as Physician,
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 be graced
always with joy and faith
in Providence.
Farewell for now, and
we’ll see you next week.
Your Majesty, you don’t
like this dance troupe?
I’ve searched and
selected the best dancers
in the country
for your enjoyment.
It’s not that I don’t
appreciate your love.
I’m worried about
my two sons’ well-being.
Have you any news of them?
The governors of the cities
that Prince Alan passed by
send us reports everyday.
As for
Crown Prince Kunala...
What of him?
No one has any news
of the Crown Prince.
It seems that he wants to
keep all his activities secret
and let no one know
about it.
Including me?
I dare not say so.
Crown Prince
is an obedient son.
I think he wouldn’t dare
go against orders.
There must be a reason
that he finds it hard to tell.
Kunala is driving me crazy.
Since he went away,
I can neither eat
nor sleep well.
If he were like Alan,
I wouldn’t worry like this.
Too noisy! Stop it!
Your Majesty, how come?
Samarat!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Find me
a different entertainment.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I’ll reward 5,000 rupees
to anyone
who can overtake me!
Stop the horses!
Your Majesty!
Are you all right?
We’re in trouble!
How is His Majesty?
At the moment,
His Majesty’s life
can be saved, but...
What?
His Majesty will be
paralyzed and bedridden.
You’re the most skillful
doctor in the kingdom,
and you can’t save
His Majesty?
If I could offer my life
to His Majesty, I would.
But I’m helpless
in healing His Majesty.
I’ve utilized
all my medical knowledge
to cure our revered king,
but I couldn’t
make his limbs
function normally again.
Now everything will just
depend on one person.
Who?
It is you, Your Majesty.
Your meticulous care will
prolong the king’s life.
You don’t need to
tell me that.
I know what I must do in
His Majesty’s misfortune.
You may leave now.
My gratefulness,
Second Queen.
Your Majesty.
You need not
feel despondent.
This is the golden
opportunity that
the gods have given us.
Call Prince Alan back before
Kunala learns about this.
I haven’t forgotten that.
But right now, I can’t
think of anything else
but His Majesty’s illness.
Instead of summoning
the Prince back,
you should go find
and bring the world’s
best doctors here
to cure His Majesty.
Royal Mother,
I have an idea.
I wonder
if it’d help you at all.
Tell me.
Not long ago,
at a grand banquet
for foreign envoys,
I heard
the Chinese envoy said
that their acupuncture can
make a paralyzed person
walk again.
Is that true, dear?
That was just what I heard.
I’ll find out about it.
I have to do my best
for His Majesty,
even if I must tread up hill
and down dale.
May you be well,
Your Majesty the Queen.
Where are you going?
What is this?
I heard that Royal Father
is ill, so I came to visit.
These are Royal Father’s
favorite dishes that
I personally prepared.
His Majesty no longer
needs those foods.
I’ll take care of
the royal meals
to prevent mishaps.
But may I go in to inquire
on Royal Father’s health?
Go back, Your Highness!
His Majesty was upset
with the Crown Prince,
that’s why this happened.
Now if he sees you, he’ll
only become more upset.
I...
It’s all right.
Your Majesty
needs not feel uneasy.
This is my duty.
You endure hardship
from morning to night
because of me.
I really feel bad for you.
If anyone can heal me,
I’ll offer that person
half of my kingdom.
His Majesty has just
made a statement;
you people are
my witnesses, all right?
Yes.
What are you going to do
with this impossible case?
I won’t ask Your Majesty
for half a kingdom,
I’d just ask that
you grant me one request.
What is it?
I’d like to be king
for one day.
What makes you
have such a funny idea?
Why won’t you govern
half a country
but just want to be king
for one day instead?
Because
during that one day,
I can rule over
the entire kingdom,
from Somaraja pass
to Caituk desert,
from Bayaret sea
to Tunbai lake.
An interesting
one-of-a-kind idea.
All right, I accept.
I’d like Your Majesty
to put your pledge
in writing and stamp
with the imperial seal
so people can believe it.
Sabana,
summon Samarat here!
He will draft
the document.
Yes, Royal Father.
Sabana, send people
to the guest house to
bring the Chinese doctor
here immediately.
Yes.
Why are you inviting
a Chinese doctor here?
To cure Your Majesty’s
illness with gold needles.
I had people
go to the East to their
magnificent capital city
to bring back
the best physicians.
I understand now
how much you love me.
If I’m cured,
you won’t be king
just for 1 day,
but 10 days, 100 days,
1000 days.
No.
I just ask for one day,
from sunrise to sunset.
Devi is back!
Devi’s back to
sing and dance for us.
Devi, please sing for us!
Not yet.
It’ll be a cheerless
evening then.
Why is it, Devi?
Sing for us, please.
Don’t worry.
I’ll probably sing tonight.
I thought you couldn’t
make it back.
Why not?
You didn’t meet Kunala,
right?
On the contrary,
I brought Kunala here
to see you.
Where?
You’re not kidding me,
are you?
You’ll meet Kunala
at Biva lake tomorrow.
Very well.
If you can make me
walk normally again,
I’ll reward you greatly.
Also, I want you
to teach my son,
Crown Prince Kunala,
this secret technique.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Prince Alan can also
learn this method.
But Alan isn’t
as adroit as Kunala.
I thought His Majesty
had already
forgotten Kunala.
I was surprised today
that he kept speaking
of Kunala.
My bodyguard Rai
just reported to have seen
Kunala by the Biva river.
He’s about to meet Masoud.
Alan, why are you
always behind Kunala?
Samarat,
have you finished
drafting the royal decree?
It’s done, Your Majesty.
Excellent!
I just need one day.
Father,
what is Second Queen
planning to do?
I also don’t understand.
We come here
with good will,
to be your friends,
without any bad intention.
You shouldn’t
have done that!
What if they attack us?
Masoud never attacks
unarmed people.
Which of you is the
Crown Prince Kunala?
I am.
Chief Masoud is waiting
for Your Highness.
This way, please!
Who is that?
Where are they from?
They’re dressed so elegantly.
How handsome!
Our local people
can’t afford
that kind of clothes.
They must be royal officials.
They definitely
aren’t local people.
Court officials look
different, obviously.
Why are they here,
I wonder?
Chief, we’ve brought
Crown Prince Kunala
here for you.
Masoud, my friend,
I’m very happy
to see you again.
It’s been over 10 years
since I went on
a pilgrimage to Taxila
with my mother,
Queen Padvamati.
I haven’t forgotten that,
but I don’t want
to talk about the past.
You and I
were friends before.
I took you on a tour
around Taxila city
so that you could witness
people’s suffering.
I remember it.
I thank you, Masoud,
very much.
Thanks to it that I learned
of things different
from what the royal tutor
taught me in the palace.
Because of that, I come
here unaccompanied
by troops.
Not true. That’s just
a plot set up by the court.
I’ve gotten the latest news
of Prince Alan’s army.
On one hand,
you come here to negotiate;
on the other hand,
Prince Alan gathers
forces to attack me.
Kunala,
if I didn’t think of beloved
Queen Padvamati,
godmother of
the Taxila people,
I’d have beheaded you
already.
You’re right.
I vow on my mother’s spirit
that I have nothing to do
with Alan’s army.
That is Prime Minister
Samarat’s scheme
to break up
our friendship.
When I learned of that,
I rushed here
day and night.
How can I believe you?
You said that you come
here for peaceful talks
but secretly
stab me in the back.
Masoud, please trust me.
I’ve never had
such a thought.
On behalf of
Taxila people’s lives,
I don’t allow myself
to trust you.
By Queen Padmavati’s
sacred spirit,
I’ll grant you a favor.
Go away and never
return here again!
How can I make you
believe me, Masoud?
Present a proof!
Respected Chief,
the court’s army
is heading here.
Retreat into the shelter pits
and wait for my order!
Masoud,
I’ll now bring you
a proof of my honesty.
But who will be the witness?
I will.
Good.
Prepare to enter
their hiding place.
Let’s rest here for a while
and wait for
Taxila’s governor’s
troops to arrive.
Prepare for combat!
Wait! That man looks
like my royal brother.
Alan,
what are you doing here?
By His Majesty’s order,
Prince Alan is here
to suppress the rebels.
Your Highness,
please step aside
for the soldiers
to perform their duty.
Turn back immediately.
Don’t advance any further.
By His Majesty’s order,
I have negotiated
with Masoud.
Everything
has been resolved.
You intend to go
against royal orders?
Soldiers! Advance!
Your Highness, take it!
Stop it!
I’ll spare your life,
but I won’t tolerate
your disrespect.
Alan, go back to report
to Royal Father
that I have already
convinced Masoud.
You’re really talented!
When are you going back,
Royal Brother?
Tell Madhavi that
I’ll be home soon
when the lotus blossoms.
Take care, Royal Brother!
Thank you, Masoud,
for supporting me.
Why didn’t you
kill that crook,
Your Highness?
I don’t kill those
who lose their swords.
Devi, you’ve lost already.
An upright gentleman
never strikes
a defenseless person.
This young woman has
rescued me many times
on my journey here.
Your Highness, we may
resume our negotiation.
We’re always by your side,
Your Highness,
against Prime Minister
Samarat and
Second Queen Tishyaraksha.
They’re the ones
who manipulate
the court’s affairs,
raise taxes and
harass innocent people.
Friends, rest assured.
As long as I’m alive,
I’ll be your good friend
and protect you.
Let the gods
witness our vows!
To you, Masoud!
To you, Your Highness!
To Masoud!
In the deep-green prairie,
sparkling sun
shines on lovers.
A young man gazes
at his sweetheart,
mesmerized.
A morning dewdrop
glistens on a verdant leaf,
tender like a lover
calling out:
“Let us love each other;
don’t ever be separated!”
Songs of romance
send words of affection
in the wind:
Never shall I
part with my beloved.
In love, I silently pine
through the long,
lonely night.
O young lady
with deep blue eyes,
you’ve given me
many beautiful dreams.
Since you come
into my heart,
you’ve brought poetry to life.
Why are you evading me,
leaving your heart forlorn?
Know you not longing
will wither both hearts?
It’s late, Your Highness.
Why haven’t you rested?
Why are you looking for me?
I just happened
to pass by here.
Tomorrow, everyone
will leave this place
to return to Taxila.
Farmers will work
on the fields again.
Blacksmiths will work
on their tools again.
Everyone has
his or her job to do.
And Devi,
what are your plans?
I... I don’t know.
I only know to use the sword,
sing and dance.
How about I volunteer
to be your bodyguard?
I don’t need one.
But I think
your dancing is nice.
Just nice?
When I return to the capital,
I’ll recommend you
to the dance troupe.
For now, I need to close
my eyes for a while.
Can you not sleep tonight
for me?
What do you need
from me?
Ah, have a seat here.
I’ll teach you meditation.
It’ll help you
feel light-hearted and
dispel all turbulent illusions.
I don’t want to learn it.
The more active the mind is,
the more fun.
I’m passionately
in love with you.
Please bestow upon me.
I can grant you
any gift you want.
Shall it jewel
or silken fabric?
No, I don’t need those things.
I only need your love.
Devi, romantic love
is not a favor
that we can grant.
I admire you very much.
You’re a rare heroine.
But my life is tied to Madhavi.
The princess is awaiting
me day and night.
Devi! Devi!
I don’t know how to
repay your hard work.
Your Majesty,
it’s an insignificant thing.
Being able to attend
to you myself,
I feel very happy.
Without you,
I’d have become disabled
– alive but like dead.
Samarat!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Second Queen once asked
to be king for one day.
We can proceed with that.
The imperial seal
is in your hand.
You can issue
any decree and it will be
implemented
across the kingdom.
What are you planning to
proclaim, Royal Mother?
I’ll issue an order.
It’ll allow all your wishes
to be carried out.
Please tell me,
Royal Mother.
Behead Kunala!
For what reason,
Royal Mother?
For robbing Alan
of his throne.
I won’t let you
kill my brother.
You’ll send the entire
kingdom into chaos.
People would revolt.
You’d be king by then.
Order to have
all rebels massacred.
Violence will hush up
those lowly commoners.
My royal brother
didn’t resort to violence,
yet he still prevailed.
I also want to be like that.
Be quiet! Alan, I’m so
disappointed in you.
My greatest wish in life
is to see you
as an emperor.
You’ve just stamped out
all my hopes.
Alan, you’ve killed me.
Do you know that?
Your Highness,
what Mother plans
for you is appropriate.
You shouldn’t sadden her.
Why do you humble
yourself to Kunala?
Only if you’re emperor,
will I become
the nation’s matriarch.
All right,
do whatever you wish,
Mother.
I just ask for one thing:
do not kill
Crown Prince Kunala.
Otherwise,
even ten thrones,
I couldn’t care less.
But... how can I seize
the throne when
Kunala is still alive?
Your Majesty, there is a way.
Masoud, I’ve submitted
a request to Royal Father
to appoint you
as governor of Taxila.
Thank you, Your Highness.
But I can’t be an official.
An official must learn
many things.
Governor,
read His Majesty’s
decree for all to hear.
Kunala,
receive the royal order!
His Majesty,
Emperor Asoka, decreed:
“Crown Prince Kunala
was sent to Taxila
to eradicate
the rebel Masoud,
but he’s conspired
with the insurgent
against the court.
Instead of eradicating
the rebels,
he’s even rewarded
the criminals without
the King’s knowledge.
I hereby strip Kunala of
his title as Crown Prince.
I’d behead him
to get rid of an unfilial
and disloyal son,
but considering our deep
father-and-son bond,
I’d reduce the penalty
to destroying his eyes
to make an example
for others.
By Royal Orders.”
Kunala,
you are under arrest.
Let me warn you:
If anything happens
to His Highness,
I’ll burn down
this Taxila city.
What a rebel!
How dare you
be disrespectful?
Masoud, be calm.
This is my private matter.
Before following orders,
I’d like to see my
Royal Father’s decree.
Your wish shall be fulfilled.
It’s indeed
Father’s imperial seal.
But why?
What happened to him?
So? Do you believe now?
Soldiers, take him away!
Brothers! Advance!
Stop!
Everyone, please stop!
Masoud, stop!
Everyone, retreat now!
I don’t want to be
branded as opposing
my father because of you.
We’re with you,
Your Highness.
I think this is just
a misunderstanding.
My father
will find out the truth,
and I will return to you.
Take him away!
Your Highness!
Your Highness,
you will return!
Kunala,
you will return to us!
Your Highness,
you will return.
When do we
execute the order?
Within today.
I’m afraid things will not
be as easy as we think.
If we take him
to the execution ground,
we will confront riots
for sure.
The farmers think of him
as their savior.
Stop!
Throw him off the horse!
Whoever plucks out
Kunala’s eyes will be
rewarded one gold coin.
So? You people
are afraid of him?
Well, two gold coins then.
What do you say?
I’ll do it. (You?)
I’ll do it!
Give me the money!
You only get the money
after I have Kunala’s
eyes in my hand.
Do it! Stab!
One gold coin for one eye.
Why aren’t you doing it?
I... I can’t stab.
I’ll do it another way.
Anyway is fine.
Hurry up! (Yes.)
Please forgive me,
Your Highness.
I really don’t want
to do this,
but my wife and children
are starving at home.
If my eyes can bring life
to your family,
it’d be so great blessing
for me.
Please go ahead.
Ramat! Ramat!
You’re leaving me too,
Ramat?
O Ramat!
Madhavi is waiting
for me right now;
all my loved ones are
awaiting news from me.
Do you understand?
They’ve made me
a disabled man.
Ramat!
Where are you going?
Brother, may I ask
if you saw a tall,
long-haired person
in royal garments
walk by this way?
Yes, this way.
Thank you.
O Uncle, have you seen
a person in royal garments
pass by here?
Yes, this way.
Thank you.
Have you seen
a tall person in a royal
outfit walking by here?
Yes, he went that way.
That way? (Yes.)
Thank you.
There are horses’ hoofprints.
It’s this place.
Your Highness!
There are people’s
footprints. This way!
Go! (O Kunala!)
Your Highness,
where are you now?
Kunala! (Kunala!)
There! His Highness!
Kunala! Your Highness!
Your Highness!
How come you are like this?
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
Your Highness!
We’ll revenge.
I’ll revenge for Kunala.
Kunala is now blind
as Her Majesty wished.
Well done!
To reward your dedication
and the feat of arms
you’ve accomplished,
I’ll report to His Majesty
to confer you
as Imperial Guards
Supervisor.
I’m grateful, Prime Minister!
My gratefulness,
Your Majesty the Queen!
Kunala!
You’re back!
Ramat!
Ramat!
Who are you?
How do you know
the name Ramat?
That should be my question.
I’m Princess Madhavi.
Madhavi! I don’t find you
any better than me.
Why is it that Kunala
always talks about you?
Do you know
where His Highness is?
Lead me to him;
I’ll reward you.
His Highness’ horse!
That’s right.
Why is he lying so quietly?
Who killed him?
Ramat!
Why did you leave me?
O Ramat!
Your Highness!
Your Highness, only gods
could have led you here.
I’m sorry; I wasn’t
informed in advance.
Today is my first time
meeting Your Highness.
I’m Masoud,
and this is Devi,
my younger sister.
Where is the Crown Prince?
I want to see him.
Your Highness,
the Crown Prince...
He’s still as fine as
he has always been.
He’s not like your
Crown Prince anymore.
What happened to him?
Devi! Please come with me,
Your Highness.
The rest, please stay here
to bury Ramat.
After you, Your Highness.
You must brace yourself,
if what you see
isn’t as you thought.
No matter what happened
to His Highness,
he’s still my Kunala.
Rest assured, Masoud.
This way, please!
Is it you, Madhavi?
Yes, it’s me.
But why are you staying here?
O! Your eyes!
Why is it so?
How did you become
like this?
It was just an accident.
How come
you endure alone
and don’t let me know?
We’ve spent the
happiest time together.
How could I be
indifferent to your pain?
Don’t cry, Madhavi.
That’s the fate
I must undergo; there’s
nothing to lament about.
Things are fresh and green,
then wither.
The seasons alternate –
sunshine then rain.
That is the natural law
of change.
Happiness is followed
by suffering,
misfortune then prosperity –
the usual ups and downs
of a human life.
Embrace it all,
like the Ganges accepts
everything tossed into it
by sentient beings.
I heard the Crown Prince
is about to return to
the capital, is that right?
I plan to follow him,
but he doesn’t let me for
fear of being discovered.
That’d be very dangerous.
He hasn’t set out
on the road yet;
let’s go back first
to check things out.
Good idea!
May you be safe
on your trip, Your Highness.
But let me say this:
if any unfavorable thing
happens to you,
we’ll resume our fight.
Have faith in me, Masoud.
I’ll bring justice and love
to all.
I’m taking leave now.
How can you deal with
the Samarat’s camp?
Let me go with you.
I’ll give you a hand.
Thank you, Devi.
Masoud needs you
more than I do.
That’s right, Devi.
You shouldn’t bother
His Highness.
He has Princess Madhavi
to care for him already.
Farewell, Your Highness.
Farewell, Princess.
Adieu, Masoud!
Adieu, Devi!
Madhavi, are you all right?
Let’s find a place to rest
and continue later.
This is a wild desert,
without a single tree.
I’m fine.
I’m only worried for you.
Let’s try to go
a little farther, all right?
Madhavi! Madhavi!
Water! I’m thirsty!
If my life is to end now,
please let me rest
peacefully here
with my beloved wife.
But if I still have to
undergo trials to share
Truth teachings,
please let me live
like anyone else.
‘
What’s the matter, dear?
It’s going to rain.
Madhavi,
Heaven has responded
to our sincere prayer.
Kunala!
Madhavi! Madhavi!
Who are you?
I’m the lord of this forest.
Don’t talk too much.
Where’s the money?
We’re commoners;
where do we find money
to offer you?
No money?
Then this beautiful lady
is good enough.
You dare?
Why not?
Let me go!
Let her go! Madhavi!
Let her go!
Stop it!
Thank you very much,
Devi.
I already told you.
You couldn’t make it
without me.
It must be our affinity then.
All right,
let’s travel together.
Very good!
But we can’t go like this.
Attention, everyone!
On His Majesty’s
birthday celebration,
he allows anyone with
fun entertainment
or exotic displays to
perform in the palace.
Whoever pleases
His Majesty will be
greatly rewarded.
Hear ye… Hear ye…
In the deep-green prairie,
sparkling sun
shines on lovers.
A young man gazes
at his sweetheart,
mesmerized.
A morning dewdrop
glistens on a verdant leaf,
tender like a lover
calling out:
“Let us love each other;
don’t ever be separated!”
Songs of romance
send words of affection
in the wind:
Never shall I part
with my beloved.
In love, I silently pine
through the long,
lonely night.
O young lady
with deep blue eyes,
you’ve given me
many beautiful dreams.
Since you come
into my heart, you’ve
brought poetry to life.
Why are you evading me,
leaving my heart forlorn?
Know you not longing
will wither both hearts?
Beautiful!
Anything better?
This is the best dance
troupe in the kingdom.
Your Majesty, I just
made a tour outside
and saw many
new and fascinating
entertainments.
Bring them in for me.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Stay away!
What’s going on?
You folks performed
very well.
I’ll take you to the palace
for a golden opportunity.
But whom
will we perform for?
For His Majesty,
of course!
Listen, if you get a huge
reward, don’t forget me!
If that’s true, I’ll offer
you all that I’ll be given.
Hurry up!
Long live Your Majesty!
Be at ease!
Begin to perform for me.
Our gratefulness,
Your Majesty.
You may start.
Yes, Your Majesty.
On Your Majesty’s
birthday celebration,
and upon learning that
you are a kind father,
I’d like to dedicate
to you a song
I composed myself.
In childhood,
life wasn’t as I dreamt.
Separated from Mother,
I felt empty and lonely.
Then I remember
her sweet lullaby
and her warm caress
in my innocent days.
How I long for
gentle Mother ever since
I was in the cradle!
When I lost her,
sweetness turned
into bitterness.
Now living in darkness,
I weep in longing
for my parents.
Love is priceless;
how can one repay
deep kindness?
Blinded now,
I cannot find you, Father.
Mother’s deceased;
Father’s distant away.
My heart is torn
from missing you;
tears of grief
stream the night-long.
In tears,
I gaze at the horizon,
longing for my homeland.
Thinking of my parents,
my heart pines for them.
Suddenly, I understand
that life is ephemeral.
Alas! I blame no one.
All yearning now
is just a dream.
Suddenly, I understand
that life is ephemeral.
Alas! I blame no one.
‘
Who are you?
How come you can sing
like Kunala, my son?
Royal Father,
it’s me, Kunala.
You lowly commoner!
Do you know
what you just said
is blasphemy?
Guards! (Hold it!)
Arrest him!
That voice is indeed
Kunala’s,
but my son isn’t blind
and emaciated like this.
Royal Father, if you can’t
recognize Kunala as
his looks were destroyed
by corrupt officials,
you can still recognize me,
Madhavi.
What?
Insolent!
Troublemakers!
Soldiers!
Stay put!
No one is allowed
to touch them.
Royal Father!
You’re indeed Madhavi!
But... how did you
end up like this?
Don’t cry, Madhavi!
And who is that singer?
It’s the Crown Prince.
What? Kunala?
Royal Father!
Kunala, my son!
Who harmed you?
Tell me who it is.
I’ll have him beheaded
immediately.
Was it the rebels
in Taxila?
Royal Father!
We’d never do such a thing.
Samarat and Rai colluded
to harm His Highness
and even Your Majesty.
It’s Your Majesty
who issued the order to
sentence Crown Prince.
Be quiet! Impudent!
Soldiers! (Yes.)
Royal Father,
that is the truth.
Your seal was
on the royal decree.
I... Second Queen!
I remember now.
Did you do it?
No... I...
Who else could it be?
Who could steal
my imperial seal?
Son!
Royal Father, I did it.
Alan!
No, I don’t believe what
just you said, my brother.
You’ve been
very kind to me.
You have a pure heart.
Alan, I didn’t expect you
to be so terrible.
I now strip you of
the title and merits that I
have bestowed upon you.
Soldiers! (Yes.)
Your Majesty,
if you want to punish,
then punish me.
Alan is completely innocent.
You?
I did that out of love
for my son.
I can’t believe
you are so wicked.
Kunala,
one reaps what one sows.
State the heaviest penalty
they deserve for the crimes
they committed.
Second Queen,
Prime Minister, and
Guards Supervisor Rai,
I spare you
the death sentence.
Kunala, why did you
forgive them?
Because it’s just
my own bad karma.
In previous lives,
I sinned against others.
Now I must reap
the consequences
of what I sowed.
Is that true, Crown Prince?
How about your eyes?
You can’t see this world
anymore.
That’s also a bad karma
that I must pay
for what I did.
In a previous life,
I was a hunter.
One day, I went hunting
with a friend and came
upon a flock of goats.
Why bother to cage them!
Just kill them all
and bring home;
isn’t that more convenient?
That’s easy,
but to keep their meat
fresh long enough
to sell and eat gradually
is difficult.
You’re right.
I have an idea. (What?)
I’ll poke each of them blind.
One of those goats might
have been Tishyaraksha,
Samarat or Rai.
Now, I feel light-hearted
as I’ve paid them that debt.
‘
How can I believe
what you said?
May the Buddhas
attest to my words
and restore my eyesight.
His Highness’ eyesight
is back!
My Prince!
O God! Kunala, my son!
Your eyesight
is restored? O son!
Congratulations,
Your Highness!
The law of cause and effect
is inevitable.
Realizing that,
King Asoka passed
his throne to
Crown Prince Kunala.
Kunala ruled with virtue
and brought peace
and contentment
to his people.
After stabilizing the empire,
Kunala entrusted the
throne upon Prince Alan,
his half brother.
He and his wife Madhavi
then left the palace
in search of the Truth.
That was one of
Shakyamuni Buddha’s
past lives.
Today’s Enlightening
Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Japanese, Korean,
Malay, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
Filmmaking
was introduced to
Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
at the end of 1890s.
It began to thrive in 1923
with the first movie
co-produced
by the French and
the Aulacese based
on the masterpiece
“The Tale of Kiều” by
literary great Nguyễn Du.
Embracing
the modern technology
of our world's civilization
and combining it
with a diverse artistic
foundation inherent in
the country's traditions,
Aulacese filmmaking
nowadays continues
to develop to
enhance the nation's
cultural landscape.
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share the
beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The film “The Eyes of
Prince Kunala” recounts
one of the previous lives
of Shakyamuni Buddha
during the reign
of King Asoka.
Prince Kunala was a
loving and forgiving soul
who wholly submitted
to Heaven's will.
Those virtues were
the shining marks
of an enlightened saint
that touched the hearts of
and garnered the praises
and respect of Heaven
and humans alike.
In previous weeks,
we learned of
Crown Prince Kunala;
in his youth he had
the auspicious affinity
to meet a sage
who helped him
overcome the grief
of losing his mother.
Growing up in the love
of his royal father,
Kunala was a benevolent
and virtuous prince.
During that time,
a group of farmers
was uprising against the
Prime Minister’s oppression.
Meanwhile,
the Second Queen
plotted to harm Kunala
in order to
seize the throne
for her son, Prince Alan.
To spare calamities
for innocent citizens,
Prince Kunala requested
to meet
the farmers' leader Masoud
to negotiate, unaware
that perilous traps
await him on the path.’
We now invite you
to enjoy the conclusion of the film
“The Eyes
of Prince Kunala,”
screenplay written by
Kim Thoa,
directed by Xuân Cường,
and produced by
Diệu Giác Temple,
with performances by
Công Hậu as
Crown Prince Kunala,
Diễm Hương as
Princess Consort Madhavi,
Thái San as Prince Alan,
Hồng Diễm
as Princess Sabana,
Nam Anh as King Asoka,
Y Phụng as Second Queen
Tishyaraksha,
Nguyễn Đình Thơ
as Prime Minister,
Thạch Ngà
as Bodyguard Rai,
Công Thế as Kamathi,
Huỳnh Phú as Vedas,
Thương Tín as Masoud,
Minh Thư as Devi,
Quốc Thịnh
as Deputy General,
Hồ Kiểng
as Royal Physician,
Trung Nhân as Governor,
Đức Hiền as Eunuch,
Uyên Trinh as Attendant,
Ngọc Đặng as Yogi,
Minh Ngọc as Physician,
and other artists.
At the royal place,
the King met with
an accident,
leaving him paralyzed.
The Queen invited
a gifted physician
who was able
to heal the King.
To reward her,
His Majesty granted
the Queen the privilege
of ruling the nation
for one day,
according to her request.
Seizing this opportunity,
the Queen planned to use
her power to execute
Prince Kunala as
he was on his way back
to the palace.
Prince Alan refused
to ascend the throne
if his mother were
to harm his half brother.
Eventually,
the Queen acquiesced
with the Prime Minister’s
scheme.
She decreed that
Prince Kunala’s eyes
be taken out.
In the face
of this misfortune,
Prince Kunala
was taken care of
by the leader Masoud and
his younger sister Devi
at their camp base.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
warmly sent gifts
to the artists
and professionals
in the film “The Eyes of
Crown Prince Kunala,”
broadcast on
Supreme Master Television.
They expressed their
appreciation toward
Master’s loving care.
Director Xuân Cường:
Respected
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
I am director
Xuân Cường and I have
received Master’s gift.
Thank you, Master.
December 25, 2009
Xuân Cường
Actor Công Hậu,
in the role of
Crown Prince Kunala:
Respected
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
I’m actor Công Hậu.
I participated in the film
“Legend of
Shakyamuni Buddha”
and another film
about a previous life of
Shakyamuni Buddha,
“The Eyes of
Crown Prince Kunala.”
Today, it’s a great joy
for me to learn
about this program.
I think I can do
many things for it.
I hope very much
to meet Master some day,
to be able to speak
to Master and understand
more about the program.
That would be
a great honor for me.
As the lunar New Year
is approaching, I, as well
as many other people,
respectfully wish Master
much good luck,
good health and
may Master accomplish
all that Master wishes
in sharing the Truth.
To me, Master’s wishes
are my wishes too.
Công Hậu is a movie star
well-loved by audiences.
He has appeared
in over 100 films
and more than 50
made-for-television dramas.
Currently, he is moving
toward directing.
He shared his thoughts
about vegetarianism,
love for animals, and
environmental protection.
To me, preserving
and protecting the
environment is necessary.
I think being vegetarian
is very good.
When I participated in
“Legend of
Shakyamuni Buddha,”
in the role of Buddha,
and “The Eyes of
Crown Prince Kunala”
about a previous life of
Buddha, during the time
I was filming
both of these films,
I was vegetarian.
No one made me do that,
but I wanted
to purify myself.
While eating vegetarian,
I really felt many things
have changed in me.
For example,
the most trivial change
I could see was temper.
Sometimes something
can make you very angry,
but when you are
vegetarian,
you can let it go.
And a number of illnesses
too. Near my house,
there is an older gentleman
who eats vegetarian
and he lives very long.
He doesn’t have
any illness, to be exact.
Therefore, I think
being vegetarian
is very necessary,
because it will benefit
people and does no harm
whatsoever.
I love animals very much,
especially dogs, cats,
those who are closer
to us and live with us.
I love them very much.
As I understand,
sometimes in a previous life,
those animals
could be humans,
and the people living now
may become animals later.
I realize that
and feel much love
for the animals.
We may have a pet as
a dog, a cat, a chicken,
especially the dog,
the cat, the pig.
I don’t know what you think,
but I myself find
that many times
when we talk to them,
they can understand
and can listen to us.
That means
they could have been
human previously;
they understand everything.
Since my youth,
I already avoid killing
to the best of my ability.
If we humans in this life
understand that,
we’d love the animals more,
because they are
very close to us.
For example,
there are pigs or cows
that when people are
about to butcher them,
sometimes I see them cry.
When we see that,
we feel pity for them.
So through this program,
I hope that you will
love animals more.
Actor Công Thế,
in the role of Kamathi:
Greetings,
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Today, I’m honored
to learn about Master.
Although
I haven’t met Master,
I admire Master very much.
I’m very grateful
to Master for your gifts
to the actors/actresses.
On the occasion
of the lunar New Year,
I’d like to wish Master
good health for your
mission concerning
the spiritual
and earthly aspects
of sentient beings.
Actress Minh Thư,
in the role of Devi:
Greetings, Master.
First, I’d like to
wish Master good health
always. Today,
I received Master’s gifts.
I am very touched
and grateful
that Master thinks of me
as well as all the brothers
and sisters contributing
to the film “The Eyes of
Crown Prince Kunala.”
On this occasion and also
on the lunar New Year,
I wish Master abounding
health and a happy,
prosperous new year.
I think every person
should take
the responsibility
of protecting
the environment
because each citizen lives
in the environment.
I wish very much that
our environment becomes
better, cleaner
and more beautiful.
Actress Uyên Trinh, in
the role of the Attendant:
Respected
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
I’m actress Uyên Trinh
who participated
in the film “The Eyes of
Crown Prince Kunala.”
I have received
Master’s gifts.
I’m very grateful
and sincerely touched
because Master
has thought about those
in the film
made over ten years ago.
Please accept my deep
gratitude and respect.
Uyên Trinh
‘
Assistant producer
Long Hải:
I would like to thank
Supreme Master
Ching Hai
for remembering those
contributing to the film
“Crown Prince Kunala,”
a precious Buddhist tale.
I’d also like to wish
Supreme Master Ching Hai
great health.
At the moment,
environment
is the essential issue
of the world today.
Let us,
together with
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
help to preserve
the environment in order
to keep our world
clean and peaceful.
Thank you
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
Costume specialist
Kim Phụng:
Greetings,
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
We’re the crew
for the film
“Crown Prince Kunala”
about 20 years ago.
Now, there’s someone
remembering our efforts,
we are very happy.
We also wish Master
good health and
longevity in order to help
everyone to move toward
goodness and beauty.
Cameraman
Phạm Đức Dũng:
Respected
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
I am cameraman
Phạm Đức Dũng.
I have received
Master’s gifts.
I would like to thank
Master very much.
December 25, 2009
Phạm Đức Dũng
I’m film actor Công Hậu.
You are watching
Supreme Master Television.
I’m film actor Công Thế.
You are watching
Supreme Master Television.
Please Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
I’m actor Long Hải.
You are watching
Supreme Master Television.
Please Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet.
I wish you good health.
I’m costume specialist
Kim Phụng.
You are watching
Supreme Master Television.
Be Veg,
Go Green,
Save the Planet!
We sincerely thank
all the actors, actresses,
artists and professionals
who have contributed
to the film “The Eyes of
Crown Prince Kunala,”
a good reminder for all
about the noble spiritual
values and goodness.
May Buddha and Heaven
bless you and your
families with contented
lives in wisdom and love.
Thank you
for your company
on today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
Please tune in
on Supreme Master
Television next Thursday
for the Aulacese chèo
traditional opera
“The Golden Areca,” by
playwright Trần Đình Ngôn.
Farewell for now.