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

Âu Lạc (Vietnam) is a nation that has a long-standing traditional culture. Aulacese music is very rich; since ancient times, there have been many musical instruments that move the soul with a wide variety of sounds like those of the copper drum, gong, lithophone, bamboo xylophone, cymbals and panpipe. In 2003, Elegant Music, a form of Huế royal music, was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage of the world.

Âu Lạc’s music represents the unique features of each region, for example, Quan Họ folksongs in the North, Huế tunes in the Central, and cải lương (modern folk opera) in the South. In addition, there are many other forms of music, including hò (work songs), lý (village songs), ceremonial songs, Aulacese classical opera, chèo traditional opera, Hồ Quảng opera, and so on. Indeed, music has been deeply instilled in the hearts of people in this beautiful country, and has been cultivated until this day.

Northern Âu Lạc has a folk art called xẩm singing that is very popular in the northern plains and midland. This genre, in the old time, was performed by minstrel bands.

In a gathering with a small group of our Association members some years past, Supreme Master Ching Hai was inspired to spontaneously compose and sing in the xẩm style a poem she had written in her late 20s in Germany. The poem was originally written in English which the poet herself translated into Aulacese.

We now invite you to enjoy an excerpt of the xẩm singing “We Don't Live More Than One Hundred Years!” composed and sung by Supreme Master Ching Hai.

I mean tonight I was nuts! But so what: Aren’t the rest of us!... Otherwise how could we carry on living, For life isn’t worth a thing!?

You know that I am still in love with you! But that has nothing to do... I cannot please everybody, So I will please me! That doesn’t mean you are not right; We all have only one life!

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

Chèo traditional opera is a folk theater art which originated from the regions near the mountains and from the plains of northern Âu Lạc. There are varied opinions about the beginning of chèo traditional opera: the earliest time is believed to be in 4th century BCE and the most recent is 14th century, at the end of the Trần dynasty.

Chèo is a narrative genre of folk theater, recounting stories through a combination of music, singing and dance. One of the unique features of chèo is a skillful portrayal of subtle gestures and movements. During festivals, people in the plains of northern Âu Lạc often look forward to watching chèo traditional opera. The lyrics are infused with folk poetry and proverbs; tragedies are usually counter-balanced with satires. Chèo is replete with the pure simplicity of the common folk, yet equally profound in meaning.

The chèo traditional opera “Tấm Cám” is based on a famous Aulacese legend, about Tấm and Cám, two half-sisters with opposite personalities. Similar to the fairy tale “Cinderella” from Europe, the story of “Tấm Cám” is widely told among the Aulacese people. It reflects the concept of “good people attract goodness,” and highlights mercy for the wrongdoers’ lack of awareness, allowing them to have a chance to repent and make amends.

We now invite you to enjoy the conclusion of the Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “Tấm Cám” by Lưu Quang Thuận,

with performances by Quỳnh Mai as Tấm, Thanh Hường as Cám, Mai Hương as Cám’s Mother, Văn Quân as the Prince, Anh Tuấn as Guard Thìn , Xuân Hải as Village Elder , Mai Trang as Miss Xoan, Huệ Liên as Miss Nụ, Kim Quế as Miss Mận, Mai Lan as Miss Điều, Kim Cúc as Elder Đa , and other artists.

In the previous episodes, Tấm was able to gather lots of vegetables but was tricked by Cám to be left with none, she cried in self-pity. To comfort her, the Buddha appeared and gave her a small goby for company.

On the day of the festival, not wishing to allow Tấm to go, the stepmother mixed the husked and unhusked rice so Tấm had to stay home. Once again, the Buddha appeared and sent sparrows to help Tấm sort the grains. The Buddha also gave her a beautiful outfit and shoes to attend the village festival. At the festival, in an archery contest, only the Prince succeeded in getting the target. During the bustling excitement, the Prince’s attendant found a pretty shoe someone had dropped in the stream.

The Prince ordered a shoe-fitting session; Tấm became his wife because the shoe matched her foot. One day, Tấm returned to her home village for her father’s anniversary of passing. The stepmother told Tấm to climb the tree to get some areca nuts but chopped it down to harm her. She then brought Cám to the palace to replace Tấm.

Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly sent gifts to the artists and professionals contributing to the Aulacese chèo traditional opera “Tấm Cám,” broadcast on Supreme Master Television. They shared their thoughts and expressed their appreciation for Master’s generosity and kindness.

The opera “Tấm Cám” is a popular legend of Âu Lạc. Perhaps the Aulacese from young to old all know the story “Tấm Cám.” It speaks of morality, way of life and human dignity which are especially valued by the Aulacese people; therefore, the legend “Tấm Cám,” though an ancient tale, still exists to this day.

This is the first time I watched a video that conveys some highlights about Supreme Master Ching Hai, but we can clearly realize Master’s noble heart toward humanity, including the animals and nature. She has a very compassionate, generous and very pure heart. We’re very touched by Master’s deeds for humanity in the world. On New Year 2010, on behalf of the artists and actors, I wish Master good health, peace and prosperity, and I very much hope to meet Master.

Opera actress Quỳnh Mai, in the role of Tấm:

Upon taking the role of Tấm, I felt that Tấm has a strong will and is perseverant. I think that if every person would try to overcome hardship then goodness will be waiting for us ahead. Today, having received gifts from Supreme Master Ching Hai, I’m really very touched by Master’s noble and very benevolent heart. I respectfully wish Supreme Master Ching Hai great health so as to carry out many beneficial works for the world. I would like to dedicate to Supreme Master Ching Hai the song “A Grain of Rice from Mai Village” from the chèo opera “Tấm Cám.”

A grain of rice from Mai village, my life is like a grain of rice in Mai village, waiting for a day when a shoe brings about a harmonious marriage. In my hometown, the stream meanders around the hill. O love, the stream meanders around the hill. In my hometown, the stream meanders around the hill. You follow the stream that leads you to the bridge. Our hometown loves Tấm. We watch Tấm leave us for her sweet bond of love. A path of life adorned with myriad flowers. The good bird has fully grown. It takes wing, flying far away.

Opera actress Quỳnh Mai and actor Văn Quân, in the role of the Prince, respectfully dedicated to Supreme Master Ching Hai a classic chèo song “A Gentleman Changes Not His Heart” from the chèo opera “The Tale of Lưu Bình and Dương Lễ”:

O darling! Keeping moral principles means knowing how to be flexible.

My love! As I leave you now, may Heaven witness my vow of faithfulness to you. Thinking of our time of tender happiness together, my heart aches upon our sudden separation.

I love my friend, wanting to share both good and bad times with him. Fear not your reputation be blemished as you take leave. Don’t bewail lest I feel even more worried. It’s painful to part with my love, yet I can’t be indifferent to my gentle friend.

I won’t forget my purpose. I just feel sad, thinking of the many winter evenings when I stand at the door longing for you. How distressing when spouses are apart! Summer passes, winter comes, I’ll be alone in my chamber. Youth withers away in pining and waiting. Our marriage is a lifetime bond. Faraway, would you know the depth of my heart?

As we part now, each will be at a different place. Hearing not your voice, seeing not your face, my eyes will brim with tears. As we bid farewell, I wish you harmony. My grief is untold; please remember to keep our principles.

Opera actress Thanh Hường, in the role of Cám:

I’m Nguyễn Thanh Hường. I’m truly moved seeing that Supreme Master Ching Hai is such a noble person. I feel that she’s like Mother Mary. Mother Mary offers her children whatever they lack, all the most beautiful things in this world. Reading the books, I feel that Master also loves the birds like her own children. I also wish that birds always have freedom.

When I see someone about to shoot a bird with a gun, I’d say: “Please don’t shoot, brother! That bird is very pitiable. I have birds as pets so I know, I love them very much. When you kill them, I feel my heart is crying as if it is me who would be shot and feel the pain.” I wish to dedicate to Supreme Master Ching Hai and all viewers a recital of the poem “Remember Me When the Rain Falls,” written by Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Together, together we've watched the rainfall. Together, together we've watched the rainbow.
Remember, remember those times together. Remember, remember those times together.
Wherever you go, remember me when the rain falls. Wherever you go, remember me when the rain falls. Wherever you go, remember me when the rain falls.
You know how lonely I must be, The rainfall wakes the memory of my faraway Country.
You know how lonely I must be, The rainfall wakes the memory of my faraway Country.
From the Earth, from the Earth we've waited for the rainfall. From the Earth, from the Earth we've waited for the rainfall. From the Earth, from the Earth we've waited for the rainfall.
Bring the news, bring the news, from our faraway World. Bring the news, bring the news, from our faraway World. Bring the news, bring the news, from our faraway World.
Remember, remember those times together, Remember, remember those times together,

I wish Supreme Master Ching Hai good health, happiness and prosperity and I hope that Master will bring many more beautiful things to all of humanity. I would like to dedicate to Supreme Master Ching Hai and all viewers a Quan Họ song. You’ve just listened to the artists’ chèo singing, and now I’d like to dedicate a Quan Họ song entitled “Our Meeting” to Master and all viewers.

Since we met, melody of love lingers in the air Dreams come and go night-long

I sit by curtain, gazing at the bright moon An oriole in longing

A lone swallow O beloved! When will we meet and be together again? When will we meet and be together again? Our love is beautiful and devoted. We form a harmonious bond, realizing an affinity from previous lives.

I’m Nguyễn Anh Tuấn. I’d like to wish Master good health in order to carry out many beneficial works for humanity and nature. The things Master has done, we like very much. We’d also like to dedicate to Master an excerpt from the song “A Fortune-teller Goes to the Market.”

Who has a better life than me in this world? Leisure is the only thing I have more than others. With a staff in hand and a mission on my shoulders, I wander around the nation No destination, so I never need to rush at all Slowly my staff traces the staircase steps Freely I go back and forth as I wish I couldn’t care less to make acquaintance or eye anyone A gentleman must live like one Be a real gentleman in this world I’ll wade through rocks and sail through hardships. The rich and the poor, I’m indifferent to both. Ba Vì, they said, is the highest mountain,

Yet it doesn’t seem all that high to me. Thanks to a life of leisure Playing music to entertain myself I only feign deaf and blind.

Opera actress Kim Quế, in the role of Mận:

I’m Trịnh Kim Quế. I’d like to say very sincerely that I am truly touched watching the video about Supreme Master Ching Hai. I only wish that Supreme Master Ching Hai has good health to continue her dedication to all of humanity.

I’m actor Xuân Hải. You’re watching Supreme Master Television. Please Be Veg, Go Green, Save the Planet.

I’m Nguyễn Thanh Hường. Greetings to Supreme Master Television’s viewers. I have here 3 books which I would like to introduce to you. The first book is “The Birds in My Life,” the second book is “The Dogs in My Life,” the third book is “The Noble Wilds,” all by Supreme Master Ching Hai. I’d like to introduce these 3 books to everyone. These are the 3 bestsellers on Amazon.com. I invite you to read them.

We sincerely thank all the artists and professionals who have contributed your talents and efforts to continue chèo, a performing art in the Aulacese cultural traditions. We respectfully wish you and your families all the best, happiness and much goodness in life.

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 film entitled “The Light of Truth,” screenplay by Mr. Võ Đình Cường. Farewell for now.

When you wash my husband’s clothes, dry them on the reed or the fence, not on the hedge or else his clothes will be torn.

Alas! How come a bird sounds so like a human? Her chatter makes me terror-struck all of a sudden.

She took my husband’s robe to wash. She handled the robe without care, hanging it to dry on the hedge. She didn’t find a pole to hang it carefully like I used to do.

Oh, oriole! The bird’s twitter tugs at my heartstrings. Lo, she’s gliding among the leaves. She perches on the lower branch, then flies to the higher branch. Where are you from? Your feathers are a shining yellow. You’ve come to a desolate garden. Do not fly away, sweet oriole!

I still remember that your robe is three hand-spans in width. A tangle of love and resentment, my heart withers as I watch your robe left in the sun.

Oh, sweet oriole! Hearing the bird’s heart-wrenching chatter, I feel tormented. Lo, the bird soared up to the high branch, then descended to the low branch. Just perch on the apricot tree. Please don’t go to the willow. The apricot tree branch nestles below the peach tree. O oriole, don’t be quick to hide amid the green leaves! O cherished oriole! If you’re my wife, fly into my sleeve’s opening so that we can be together.

O beloved oriole! Come stay with me and be my comfort day and night as if a love bond torn asunder is renewed. I’ve endured much grief and sorrow. O beloved oriole! Come live in a luxurious cage; enjoy fragrant drink, delicious millet in a jade bowl. O sweet oriole!

My child!

O Mom! He’s cold and distant wherever he sees me, yet he coddles the oriole in his sleeve. What kind of bird can win his love? I’m frightened upon hearing the bird’s chatter.

Tấm’s spirit is definitely taking this bird’s form. A bird or whatever, I’d still kill you. Within tonight, I’ll squeeze her dead and bury her feathers deep in the garden. I’ll live on and you’ll have to die.

Since losing the oriole, the Prince walks in and out in loneliness. By the old apricot tree, suddenly two bead trees grow with lush leaves. I put up a purple hammock there where he had peaceful naps at noontime. The tree shade evoked grief. As he sat on the hammock, his countenance changed to a healthy and youthful one as when he used to ride horses and shoot arrows. I was thinking this bead tree isn’t ordinary. Yet His Highness was only away for a few days, and the shade-giving tree is gone. I found out that the mother had the tree cut down and made a weaving loom now sitting on the veranda. She probably asked her daughter to weave in place of Lady Tấm. My God! They’re coming out!

My child, how do you like this weaving loom?

Oh, it’s beautiful!

The Prince was deeply in love with Tấm because she was good at work. Now, you should also practice to become skilled at it, then who could resist your charm? The Prince will be back soon. Now you sit here, weave beautifully and skillfully. Let me ask someone to buy you more thread.

Yes, Mom. I now live in a luxurious palace due to Heaven’s grace. I take this white thread, O beloved, I wrap it around me and bind us together. May our bond be more affectionate. This white thread, O darling, will bind us together in a youthful love. O beloved, the wind blows, sweeping away the silken curtain. You hold a piece of fabric woven with white threads. Living with love, you’ll be mesmerized. And that girl! You’re gone to the underworld. Your cold grave is covered with wild grass. So, leave your husband to me. Oh my! Why did the strong thread give out? The weaver’s shuttle turns chilly in my hand. The loom grinds its teeth; the fabric frowns. The bead tree wood looks as if bleeding.

Creaky, squeaky! What’s with the weaving? You took my husband. The loom is rocking in resentment. The strong thread of love is torn apart. Cám! I’m like the sweetly scented prairie, like the five-panel dress and the hairpin. Your mother and you are wicked at heart. I still come despite rain or shine.

O Mom! Sister Tấm...

What’s matter with you, sweetie?

Sister Tấm, now that you’re coming back, I tell you honestly: I swear I’m innocent. It’s my mother who is devious.

Why, child? It’s me, your mother!

No, no. It’s my vicious mother who killed you many times out of desire for honor and rank. She killed a kind sister whom I miss and love. I bow a thousand times to beg your forgiveness.

My child!

I bow a thousand times to beg your forgiveness. Mom incited me to commit sins. I often didn’t agree with her.

Wake up, child! It’s me, your mother!

O Mom! Tấm... I just heard Tấm’s voice from the loom. This loom isn’t an ordinary one.

Why do you keep talking in delirium? I don’t see anything. Oh, how come the garden is so windy today? I also felt pierced at my side temples. Is it raining with lightning or is it sunny? Soldiers? (Yes.) Take this loom and burn it down for me. Then collect the ash; wait until dark to dump it far away from the palace, as far as five bridges and ten shops away, you hear? (Yes.)

O gold apple, fall into my bag! It’s for me to smell, not to eat.

O Elder Đa! Are you going to the market? I’ll help carry the baskets for you.

Is that Điều? Just a moment! Let’s go, child! (Yes.)

While no one is home, I’m coming out to tidy things up to repay the elder’s kindness. A tender marriage shattered all of a sudden, leaving him in immense grief and longing. O beloved Prince, I passed away in the cold pond at home. The oriole tweeted a heart-wrenching tale. Your hammock ceased to swing as the bead tree perished. When the gold apple wafts fragrance, we will await each other again. Preparing the phoenix- shaped betel quid, I still pine for you day and night. O my beloved!

Just leave the baskets there for me, Điều. Go back first, child.

Yes, Elder.

How strange! Every time I went away, the house got cleaned and tidied Who cooked the rice? Who boiled the water? Who swept the house? Who made the phoenix- shaped betel quid? Who arranged the goods neatly? Is it human or is it Heaven and Buddha helping me?

O Elder Đa, are you home?

Is that you, Xoan and Điều? (Yes.) Come in here! (Elder!) What are you here for?

Do you know that it’s Tấm’s anniversary of passing today? We’d like to light an incense stick as an offering to our friend and ease our hearts. Alas , it’s already been one year without Tấm.

So where do you hold Tấm’s death anniversary ceremony?

At my house, Elder.

Come over to join us later, Elder!

Yes, go home first. I’ll be there in a while.

Yes, Elder. (Yes.)

I’ve traveled past a hundred shops and bridges. My legs are weary, yet my sorrow has not subsided. I’ve arrived at the countryside village.

This shop is thatched-roofed, bamboo- walled, with a pretty cynanthe vine. I tread the village road with a broken heart. But coming here, I feel light all of a sudden. Greetings, Elder!

Greetings, precious guest! Please be seated.

Thank you, Elder.

Have your drink.

Thank you.

Please enjoy the betel quids.

Thank you, Elder. A phoenix-shaped quid of betel wafting aroma in my hand stirs a deep longing in my heart. O Elder, who made this betel quid? Please tell me.

Ah... I’m here alone.

All alone? Did you make this betel quid? How come it looks exactly like the betel quids Tấm used to make for me? (Tấm?) O Tấm! Perhaps I miss you so much that any betel quid would remind me of you.

It’s been a year since you departed. The aromatic betel wrenches my heart. O Tấm! Today is your first death anniversary. I woke up at the fourth watch and set out with a heavy heart, finding my way to a very remote place. O Tấm, I tread downstream, then up the mountain pass, to this remote place. On my way, I saw a glimpse of someone and thought it was you by my side. Your smile adds charm to your rosy cheeks and pretty lips. O Tấm!

With deep love and devotion, whose voice touches my heart?

Tấm! Is that you?

Beloved Prince! (Tấm!) Darling! (Tấm!) My Prince, I’ve waited long for you. I had to make phoenix- shaped betel quids to ease my pining. O Prince! (Tấm!)

Is that you, Tấm? It’s Tấm, indeed. (Elder!) O Tấm, it’s you! You’ve revived. O Tấm! The Prince is here; you two are reunited now. Joy has returned to our village. Here and there, the singing and laughter make me feel young again. O villagers, come all in here!

Tấm is back to life now.

Sister Tấm! Sister Tấm! Sister Tấm came back to life. You’re really back, sister Tấm!

O sister Tấm! Separated from you for a year, we’ve wept many tears from missing you. Today, we planned to light a few incense sticks for your death anniversary. We’re surprised to see you still alive.

Sister Tấm!

I know the villagers still love me very much, so I came back to the countryside of old, back to the Prince and Elder Đa, to the girls of Mai village and lads of Lựu village. O Xoan, Điều, Mận, Nụ! I’m half happy, half self-pitying in our reunion, knowing not what to say first. The wicked Cám and her mother tried all kinds of ways to kill me.

Thìn! (Yes.) Bring Cám and her mother here for their punishment.

Wait, please stay calm, beloved Prince! I have come back to life. Heaven has eyes. It’d be better to let them repent themselves.

You have such a magnanimous heart. In the mid of joyous springtime, Tấm stepped out from the gold apple. The festival’s betel quids will need her skillful hands again. Now, with the drum, monochord and flutes ready here, let’s play music to celebrate: a shattered mirror is now restored!

A once shattered mirror, now restored. A once shattered mirror, now restored.