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 Third Princess”
is an Aulacese chèo
traditional opera based on
the legend of
the One-thousand-Eye
One-Thousand-Hand
Mother Buddha
in the treasure
of Buddhist folklore.
“The Third Princess”
recounts the merit
and virtue of King
Trang Vương’s
Third Princess,
who exhibited piety,
compassion,
and a boundless spirit
of sacrifice.
This tale is also
a wakening bell about the
dire retribution of actions
that harm virtuous and
true spiritual practitioners.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 1 of
the Aulacese chèo
traditional opera titled
“The Third Princess” by
playwright Trần Trí Trắc.
This opera will be aired
in 3 episodes,
with performances
by Ms. Vân Quyền
as Third Princess,
Mr. Hải Điệp as King,
Ms. Hồng Minh as Queen,
Mr. Quốc Anh
as General Ngưu Mã,
Mr. Ngọc Kình
as Physician Triệu Chấn,
Ms. Huyền Thanh
as Princess Diệu Âm,
Ms. Thanh Mạn
as Princess Diệu Thanh,
Mr. Vũ Ngọc as Clown,
Mr. Đoàn Vinh
as First Prince Consort,
Mr. Trần Hải as
Second Prince Consort,
Mr. Xuân Vượng as Abbot,
Ms. Thu Biên as Elder Nun,
and other artists.
Last week, we presented
the conclusion of
the modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),”
based on the poem
“Words of a Piglet”
written by
Supreme Master Ching Hai
in her late 20s.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
has sent gifts,
her love and best regards
to those who contributed
to this modern folk opera.
We now will continue
to share some thoughts
and feelings by artists
and professionals in the
art of modern folk opera
as well as their words
of appreciation for
Supreme Master Ching Hai’s
loving care.
Actor Tiểu Bảo Quốc
in the role of Tự:
I would like to convey
my greetings to viewers
of “A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)” broadcast
by the respected
and beloved
Supreme Master Television.
I had the honor of
participating in the opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)..”
In the opera, there were
scenes in which we had
to construct a pigpen.
Then we had to borrow
the little pigs,
or the mother pigs,
to film the scenes
from the screenplay.
While we borrowed
a little pig, the mother pig
in the pen was upset.
She wanted her baby back.
She tried to
break the stable.
She hit the fence.
She used her mouth
to bite the bamboo poles,
and the bamboo poles
ripped her mouth.
We artists realized
how determined she was
in demanding
her baby back.
That was a mother’s love.
Seeing her mouth bleeding,
we couldn’t bear it.
We told the film crew
to take it easy so we
could plead with her
and comfort her into
letting us borrow
her baby to film.
But while performing,
I looked over at
the mother pig
and saw her eyes
following her baby.
Her eyes were like that.
I felt very uneasy.
I couldn’t bear it.
Seeing such motherly love,
how could we
not be touched?
In the role of a pig dealer,
it's a part I had to try
to perform successfully.
But the way I felt about it…
In the scene of
my baby's first birthday,
I had to kill a baby pig
for a party with friends.
But when I was
holding the knife,
my heart was broken.
I knew it was pretend,
but I knew this character
was going to kill the pig.
And in the opera, there
were words expressing
the piglet's feelings.
As I was sitting there
listening,
I felt it in my heart.
I realize that animals
also feel pain when
people slaughter them.
They also know sorrow
and suffering,
just like us humans.
So after filming,
when it was time
for a meal and
the food was served,
if there was pork or chicken,
or any animal meat
in the food, the artists
probably couldn’t eat it.
Because in our hearts,
there was a feeling of
sadness and sympathy.
So I conclude that
as humans, in my feasts,
when I eat or drink or do
whatever to serve myself,
I think I won’t ever
kill again.
There are other ways
to serve the needs
of human life
without having to kill.
As humans, we are all
inclined to goodness.
We all have compassion.
So I hope that viewers
will not kill anymore.
I dare not advise anyone;
I just wish to share my
feelings with viewers.
I’d rather eat vegetables
and fruits to subsist
and pass the day.
I just want to say that
we humans also need
to eat to survive,
but we don't necessarily
have to kill.
I just hope that everyone
will love the animals
more and stop killing them.
I am Tiểu Bảo Quốc.
I’m very grateful
for Master’s gift.
On behalf of the artists
contributing to the opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),”
I would like to wish
Master longevity and
good health so that
Master’s heartfelt wishes
may be realized.
I hope Master will have
more operas such as
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),”
and we artists
will support Master.
We only hope
to contribute our humble
effort to do what is good
for the world
or for spirituality.
Actress Yến Nhung
as the Pig Caretaker:
Respected
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
My name is Yến Nhung.
I also took part in the
opera “A Tale of Karma
(Retribution),”
playing the role
of a poor woman
raising two pigs.
I like the opera very much.
Maybe that role
is well-suited for me.
Today I also received
your gift.
Thank you very much,
Master.
May everything go
according to your will,
and I wish you
good health always.
Studio secretary
Nguyễn Đình Trực:
My name is Đình Trực.
In the opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)” that has
just been completed, my
job was studio secretary.
I feel that the opera
has a very good theme.
It advises people to avoid
killing in their lives.
During the time
of making the opera,
the film crew
was very respectful.
It’s a spiritual opera,
so our film crew
was trying our very best
to do it.
And through the opera,
we would like to share
with viewers a message,
that as we live in this life,
we need to be kind.
There is a law called
the law of cause and effect.
What we sow,
so shall we reap.
Master also sent gifts
of appreciation
to the film crew.
I would like to take
this opportunity
to thank Master for
caring about our crew
and wish Master
abundant health.
Painter Phương Tần:
My reverent greetings,
Master.
I had the honor of
working on the modern
folk opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution)”
based on the poem
“Words of a Piglet”
by Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
During the course of
my work, together
with different groups,
the director, the film crew,
the production team,
and everyone, I felt
they were very happy.
Now I also received a gift
from Master;
I am very grateful
to Master.
Visual effects specialist
Duy Hòa:
Respected
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
thank you very much
for Master’s concern.
May all of Master’s
wishes come true on
the virtuous spiritual path.
D. Hòa
Musician Thái An,
executive producer
Thành Chiến,
actress Như Quỳnh
as Giao, actress
Thy Phương as Gia,
actor Hữu Tài
as the Elder Fairy,
actress Hồng Thủy
as the Mother Pig,
cameraman Quốc Kiệt,
makeup artist Tuấn Tú,
light specialist
Văn Trực (Tô Trực),
costume specialist
Bảo Ly,
and singer Bích Phượng
have contributed
to Supreme Master
Television’s
previous programs.
They also received gifts
and loving wishes
from Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I’m Artist of Merit Tấn Giao.
Greetings,
viewers of
Supreme Master Television,
broadcasting worldwide.
I wish to ask that everyone
Be Veg,
Go Green
2 Save the Planet!
I wish you all happiness,
joy and faith in life always.
Greetings, global viewers
watching
Supreme Master Television.
I think we should
Be Veg,
Go Green
2 Save the Planet!
Let’s carry that out
together! Thank you all.
I’m actress Yến Nhung.
You’re watching
Supreme Master Television
broadcasting worldwide.
Let's Be Veg,
Go Green
2 Save the Planet!
I’m Đình Trực,
studio secretary
for the modern folk opera
“A Tale of Karma
(Retribution).”
I would like to convey
my warmest regards
to viewers watching
Supreme Master Television,
broadcasting worldwide.
Let's 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.
Thank you for watching
today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Please stay tuned to
Supreme Master Television.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
We wish you and
your family peace
and happiness always.
Farewell for now.
Long live the King!
Be at ease!
I, Trang Vương, sit high
on the emperor’s throne;
my authority is renowned
far and wide.
I have but three
beautiful daughters.
Two princesses have
settled in marriage.
The Third Princess
still holds high her price,
waiting for
her prince consort.
I’ve made the choice.
That is a man of
both virtue and talent,
General Ngưu Mã,
head of the court.
Upon
Third Princess’ consent,
I’ll set the wedding day
and pass the throne on
later.
Respected Royal Father!
What is it, child?
My husband,
Prince Consort Triệu,
is ranked first
in literature in the court.
Why won’t you pass him
your jewel seal
and gold sword?
Respected Royal Father!
My husband is
second court subject
and ranked first
in swordmanship
in the court.
Is he not capable of
succeeding the King and
preserving the throne?
Every bird loves
to hear himself sing.
You’re only good at
backbiting people.
That’s kitchen literature!
Don’t be envious!
Father is still breathing,
and you already want
to take over the throne.
Who is fighting
over the throne?
Who else?
Greedy woman!
You two sisters
are very discordant.
So, what skills do the two
Prince Consorts have?
Respected Royal Father,
my husband has a gift
for spontaneous poetry.
My husband is talented
at archery.
How about
the Prince Consort
who is first in literature
compose a good poem
to entertain
our royal family?
Yes.
O honey, Father asked
me to compose poetry!
Just wave your
magic pen to humiliate
that girl Diệu Âm.
All right.
Show off your talent,
honey.
Respected Royal Father
and Mother,
a beautiful poetic inspiration
just came to mind.
I’ve just set it to music.
May I sing the poem...
What’s the poem?
“The Toad.”
Goodness! The Toad?
Very well. Sing it, toad!
A toad wanting to sing!
A toad, O toad!
Beautiful, honey!
The toad is God’s uncle.
That’s right!
When the toad
opens his mouth,
Heaven must rain.
The toad sits there.
(Sits there!)
The toad jumps out.
(Jumps out!)
The toad holds a flower
in his mouth.
That’s a toad.
A toad. (A toad.)
A toad. (A baby toad.)
Your Majesty,
First Prince Consort’s
poem is excellent indeed.
I’m an illiterate,
but I also wish to compose
a few parallel verses.
Go ahead, Clown.
His Excellency
composed the toad poem.
That’s right.
I’d like to respond
with the... (What?)
the crab poem.
Go ahead, Clown,
All right, here it is.
Heaven sends a rainfall,
crabs, shrimps,
shellfish and frogs
are all sent adrift.
Heaven sends a shower,
shrimps, crabs, shellfish
and frogs all scurry out.
It’s obvious that the crab
is the talented one.
As the crab raises
his nippers,
the frog utters
a frightened scream.
The frog then opens
his mouth wide.
He swells his cheeks,
turns up his eyes,
bragging about his wisdom.
He thinks his poetry
is unmatched.
Unexpectedly, this frog
just sheds his tail
and sneaks away.
What an insolent chap!
My poem is so exquisite,
and you dared say
it’s kid stuff.
How rude!
It’s Second
Prince Consort’s turn.
Respected Royal Father,
my husband would like
to demonstrate his skill.
I can’t shoot an arrow,
darling!
Just shoot, darling!
My husband
would like to begin.
Respected Royal Father
and Mother,
I’d like to prove my skill.
Where can you run
to escape
this arrow of mine?
Into that black cloud.
I did it!
O Second Prince Consort!
Your arrow didn’t go
through the cloud either.
Enough! Stop
all these crazy games!
If later,
our country is in peril,
whom can I rely upon?
Yes.
Summon General
Ngưu Mã to the court!
Please enter the court,
General Ngưu Mã.
I, Ngưu Mã,
First Court Official,
respectfully wish
Your Majesty longevity.
Be at ease!
I’m grateful to
Your Majesty’s kindness.
General Ngưu Mã! (Yes.)
At the court,
you’re a loyal subject.
I consider you
my kindred friend.
Today is my birthday
celebration,
won’t you be inspired
by the occasion
to spontaneously
compose a poem?
With Your Majesty’s
permission,
I’d like to comply.
“Trang Vương shrine
is surrounded by
auspicious five-color clouds.
Jeweled trees
and golden fruits shine
gracefully.
Lofty heavenly throne
boasts a lasting kingship,
once renowned for
seizing a hundred citadels.”
Excellent!
“Once renowned for
seizing a hundred citadels.”
Fantastic!
What about your
martial arts skill?
Show your talent,
General Ngưu Mã.
What you said
suits me well, my Queen.
So, let see you fence.
Your Majesty,
one must study Wu Qi
and Sun Tzu
in the art of ruling and
learn the martial skills
of Quách Nhĩ, Sào Do.
Soldier! (Yes.)
Bring in the prisoner
under death penalty!
Your Majesty,
this is the prisoner
about to be beheaded.
I have him here
to try showing
a strike of my sword.
Are you planning
to behead that prisoner
right here?
Please do not worry,
Your Majesty the Queen!
My sword goes smoother
than that of the headsman.
Hold it!
Today is my
birthday celebration.
I don’t want to witness
a bloodshedding scene.
Let him go back!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Order obeyed.
Soldier! (Yes.)
Take him away.
Well done!
You’re very good!
With your literary talent,
you’re worthy of
a high statesmanship.
With your martial arts skill,
you belong to the level
of masters.
I’ve made up my mind
to bestow upon you
the Third Princess’ hand
in marriage.
Thanks to His Majesty’s
wisdom that a hero
and a beauty join
in matrimonial union.
I’m deeply grateful,
Your Majesties
the King and Queen.
So where is
my youngest daughter?
She’s in the royal garden,
carrying a lamp on her head
to pray for the King
to become more
benevolent everyday,
the country to be prosperous,
and people everywhere
to live in peace.
Summon Third Princess
here!
I, Third Princess,
kneel before the throne,
wishing
the Emperor longevity
with many springs
and crane years.
My beloved daughter,
a precious
and fragile form,
why are you carrying
the lamp on your head?
Respected
Father and Mother,
my heart longs for
the sea of enlightenment
and the shore of liberation.
I pity sentient beings
for their wrongdoings
out of ignorance.
Pray that they turn
toward the light.
Third Princess, child!
You’re a princess
in the golden palace,
a lofty rose of royal lineage.
Your father
on the very high throne
is seeking a son-in-law
to succeed his noble
heavenly kingship.
Third Princess,
I’ve made up my mind.
You’ll join General
Ngưu Mã in marriage.
Amitabha Buddha be praised!
Love is a tie of retribution;
spiritual practice
is a source of blessing.
Pitying the world
immersed in misery
and distress,
I dare not think of
earthly pleasures
but vow to follow Buddha.
Impossible!
Ngưu Mã, your husband,
will succeed me to
govern the kingdom later.
Please understand me,
Royal Father.
Compassion is like
the bright golden moon.
Filial piety and loyalty
are like a cloudless sky.
I dare not dream of
fame and high position,
splendid dais and
luxurious palace.
I’m the King who
rules over people.
My word is a royal decree,
do you hear?
O Royal Father,
why tire your golden form
talking to her?
Filial impiety
should be punished.
Or perhaps she’s just
outwardly opposing,
but inwardly delighted.
Respected Royal Father,
going against the will of
one’s father is disloyal.
Isn’t she afraid
of people’s slander?
Respected Royal Father...
No asking, no pleading.
I’m already determined.
I wish to say that
I agree to get married.
What? You consent
to get married?
That’s King
Trang Vương’s virtuous
and filial daughter!
But if I must,
I’d like to marry
someone dedicated
to saving people.
He sympathizes
with people’s pain,
hears their lament,
and has pity on sentient
beings in hardship.
That man is...
Who’s that?
The physician Triệu Chấn.
What? Are you trying
to insult me?
Trang Vương’s
son-in-law, a physician,
will later succeed me
to rule the kingdom?
No!
Summon
Doctor Triệu Chấn!
I’m Doctor Triệu Chấn,
on my knees, awaiting
Your Majesty’s order.
Doctor Triệu Chấn!
Yes.
I know you’ve contributed
greatly to the country.
I now grant you gold,
silver and gems.
You must leave
the royal palace
immediately!
Your Majesty,
what offense did I commit?
What offense?
You’ve seduced
my daughter.
Now, leave this land!
Your Majesty,
Third Princess
is a young lady like a
jade leaf and gold branch.
I dare not covet
a high position
as to blight the
king-subject affection.
If Your Majesty wishes
that I return to my
homeland, I shall do so.
As for gold and silver,
I dare not accept.
I bid farewell for
thousands of miles apart!
Doctor, this is my fault.
O Triệu Chấn!
I thought that
from his high throne,
my kind father
would understand
his daughter’s feeling.
Unexpectedly,
we’ll be separated
by seas and mountains.
The royal court
loses a loyal
and virtuous subject.
Unable to requite
someone’s kindness
is another pain in this
ephemeral world.
With this one bow,
I bid you farewell.
Thank you,
my kindred soul;
we’ll be thousands of
miles apart from now on.
I bid adieu in tears
and vow to remain
a loyal subject.
Triệu Chấn!
Farewell, Princess!
Triệu Chấn! Triệu Chấn!
Court dismissed!
I’m asking you
one last time.
Will you marry
General Ngưu Mã?
Respected Royal Father,
if you won’t allow me
to choose my
lifelong companion,
I’ll devote my entire life
to spiritual practice.
These long tresses,
I shall offer to the
compassionate Buddha.
I’ll part with my youth
to dedicate my life
to good causes.
You’re such
an unfilial daughter,
daring to act disobediently
in front of your parents.
Soldiers! (Yes.)
Bring a sheet
of white silk here!
Here’s a sheet
of white silk.
I’ll let you handle it
yourself.
O child! My King!
Please have pity on her.
I’ll talk to her
behind the royal curtain.
She’ll know to obey
her Royal Father.
Having a regard
for your words,
I’ll spare her life.
Have her dismissed
from the royal palace!
I don’t want to see her
face for even a moment!
O King!
(Mother!) My child!
O mother!
I love and cherish you
like gold and jade.
(Mother!)
But how can I resist
your father’s order?
Just stay away
temporarily,
and I’ll try to
arrange something.
Mother!
O child, I wouldn’t
expect you to commit
a serious offense.
Tomorrow,
you’ll go far away.
From now on, we’ll be
a great distance apart.
When will I see you again?
O Mother, don’t be sad.
I pray that
Heaven be the witness.
In tears,
I bow to you and leave.
O child!
I’ll follow the way of
the Buddha and his monks.
Though
enduring scorching sun,
pouring rain,
or stormy wind,
I vow to save
suffering souls through
reciting the scriptures.
Third Princess, child!
Mother!
I recite the scriptures
diligently from dawn
to late night, avoiding
the red dusty life
and leaving behind
worldly troubles.
At this temple, I burn the
incense and light candles.
I recite Buddha’s name
for a tranquil mind.
Children!
Buddha be praised!
Have you struck the bell
and burned incense
on the altar?
Respected Master,
we’ve taken care of
everything.
Great lotus is offered
to the precious tower.
Aloewood scent wafts
from the incense urn.
Celestial fruits, betel,
and cinnamon fill the tray
of ephemerality.
You all are very good
and very industrious.
Nun Diệu Ngọc!
Buddha be praised!
Today it’s your turn
to meditate.
Recite all five chapters
of the scripture.
When the candle
on the altar is out,
go back to
the contemplation room
to enter samadhi.
Buddha be praised!
I’ll follow your
instruction, Master.
Children!
Buddha be praised.
Go in to prepare
the candle and incense
for nun Diệu Ngọc
to meditate.
Amitabha Buddha
be praised.
Beloved
fellow practitioners,
the Buddhas taught:
There are many thousand
kinds of “humans.”
Which “human”
is the most precious?
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
The most precious
“human” in the world
is “humane.”
Which human quality
is adorable?
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
Virtue is an adored
quality in the world.
We recite the scripture,
chant Buddha’s name,
pray to the Buddhas,
Bodhisattvas and sages
to send the light and
extend jewel arms
to lead beings
to the blessed land.
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
Who among
the saintly sages and
ancient saints has ever
collected gold and gems,
donned belt
and purple robe, fought
over fame and wealth,
boasted literary talent
and martial skill?
Like the flying crow,
running rabbit and fast-
turning weaver’s shuttle,
alas, how brief is life!
Focus upon the Land of
Bliss, continue to recite.
Master, I was kneeling
to recite five chapters
of the scripture.
I’m not used to it
so I haven’t
attained peace yet.
Please forgive me,
Master.
During samadhi,
did you see anyone
come to disturb
at our temple gate?
No, I didn’t, Master.
I only perceived
the sound of the wind and
a pervading fragrance.
So, your soul left
your body and returned.
I praise your
outstanding virtue.
Your spiritual path
still has many spikes
and thorns.
I advise you to be
steadfast and persevere.
I’ll follow your words.
What we sow
so shall we reap.
I just pray
to the wise Buddha for
support and blessing.
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
Now I ask you this.
Do not keep
the truth from me.
Are you Third Princess,
the youngest daughter
of Trang Vương,
who left home to practice
at Bạch Tước Pagoda?
Master...
When you first came,
I already suspected it
because of
your noble form,
your air of decency
and your extraordinary
intellect.
I wish to give you
serenity and peace of mind.
I don’t want to stir up
your hidden sorrows.
Now King Trang Vương
ordered a search
for his daughter
who seeks refuge
in my pagoda.
If you don’t tell the truth,
the renunciates will be held
accountable one day.
Respected Master,
your inquiry evokes
sorrow in me.
I’m indeed King
Trang Vương’s daughter.
Buddha be praised!
Because my Royal Father
forced me into marriage,
I had to hide here,
seeking refuge
in the Buddha.
O Heaven! Are you truly
the Third Princess?
I’ve heard of your virtue
from other renunciates
that you have the affinity
to attain enlightenment.
Because of King
Trang Vương’s misdeed,
you have to wander far
for spiritual practice.
Now, as a devoted
Truth seeker,
you’ve come here,
just remain here then.
Buddha be praised!
Though calamity
may befall me,
I just hope that you
practice sincerely and
attain enlightenment.
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
I’m grateful to you
and the renunciates
for helping me.
I vow to keep my faith
in Buddha’s path.
Buddha be praised!
Now,
with your permission,
I’ll go clean up
the meditation room,
then carry water
from the Fairy well
to prepare for
the vegetarian meal
after the ritual ceremony.
Soldiers! (Yes.)
Go search inside
the pagoda and bring
all renunciates out here
for me to identify.
Amitabha Buddha
be praised!
It’s a tranquil
secluded temple.
Why disturb a Buddha
worshiping place?
Listen, Abbot!
I obeyed King
Trang Vương’s order
to search this pagoda
for the Third Princess
who fled home
to seek refuge at
the Buddha’s place.
Rumor has it
that she hides
in Bạch Tước Pagoda.
Tell me if it’s true!
Is that true?
Report truthfully!
Come out here! Come!