Today’s
Enlightening Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Malay,
Mongolian, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
In Aulacese
(Vietnamese) culture,
cải lương
(modern folk opera)
is a popular theater art
that dates back about
three centuries, when
the flourishing South
was a new land.
Among those who
settled in the South at
that time were musicians
from the royal palace in
the ancient capital Huế.
Since then, the kind
of ceremonial music
often heard in the palace
became more
widely known
among the populace.
Eventually, new songs
were composed.
Many amateur
musical groups were
formed, adopting music
and song as a form
of elegant entertainment.
From about 1912
to 1915,
the artists of these
musical groups began
to combine
gestures to their songs.
Since then,
a new genre called
ca ra bộ was born.
Performers conversed;
sometimes a song would
be used as dialogue.
Ca ra bộ continued
to develop to create the
theatrical art that is now
called modern folk opera.
The orchestra
for Aulacese modern folk
opera usually consists of
the six-string guitar,
the moon lute,
the pear-shaped lute,
two-string fiddle,
sixteen-string zither,
and monochord zither.
The themes of Aulacese
modern folk opera
highlight humanitarian
and moral values.
The dialogues
are profound,
the song lyrics and tunes
are rhythmic and rich
in melody.
These are some
of the reasons cải lương
(modern folk opera)
has an enduring place
in the hearts
of the Aulacese people.
In the Lunar New Year
2007, during an
outdoor gathering with
our Association members
in Formosa (Taiwan),
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was moved
to spontaneously
sing a folk opera song
“Spiritual Practice
is a Source of Blessing”
written by
Mr. Viễn Châu,
which she knew by heart
since her youth.
We now invite you
to listen to an excerpt of this
folk opera song through
the voice
of Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Kneeling down, she sobs
in the main hall
of worship
As the temple bell sounds
the hour of prayer
O young devotee, why
do you wish to be a nun?
Finding comfort
in the scriptures,
and acquainting yourself
with spiritual practice?
But how can you
achieve enlightenment
when earthly traces
are still evident on your
seasoned countenance?
Are you
rid of worldly debt
or are still entangled?
Did you
renounce the world
because glory and fame
have lost their appeal and
life seems like an abyss?
Or was it because of
a fleeting moment
of jealousy and distress
that you intend
to hide yourself
behind the temple’s gate
to bury your grief
and forget your sorrow?
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc (Vietnam),
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share
the beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The modern folk opera
“The Legend of Quan Yin’s
Bridge Building”
was adapted from
a Buddhist story,
about Quan Yin,
a great Bodhisattva
who listens always to
the prayers in the world
to save whomever
sincerely believe in her
saintly compassion.
The tale also shows
that Quan Yin’s blessing
isn’t just material
but also spiritual,
depending on the wish
of each individual.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 1 of
the Aulacese modern
folk opera
“The Legend of Quan Yin’s
Bridge Building,”
by playwright
Thanh Kim Huệ.
This opera will be
presented in 2 episodes,
with performances
by Thanh Kim Huệ
as Quan Yin Bodhisattva,
Thanh Điền
as Lữ Đồng Tân,
Quế Trân as Bạch Liên,
Hoàng Nhất as Vi Đà,
Trinh Trinh as Tiểu Mai,
Hữu Tài as Boatman,
Minh Béo as Tấn Hỉ,
Hiếu Cảnh as Nobleman,
Mai Thành as Rich Man,
Hiếu Hiền
as Rich Man’s Son,
and other artists.
Thank you for joining us
on today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Please stay tuned to
Supreme Master
Television.
Words of Wisdom
is coming up.
Take care, and we’ll
see you next week.
Oh, poor villagers!
What shall I do to help them?
Lạc Dương River is vast
and the water flows
swiftly.
How can a small,
frail boat survive
when tempests rise?
What should I do
to help the villagers
escape mishaps and
cross the river safely?
Seeing
unfortunate plights,
I couldn’t be at ease.
How can I stand by idly
at such
a frustrating situation?
Doesn’t Heaven have
any pity for the poor,
decent people?
O God and Buddha,
please save us.
Bless us through miracles.
Help me find a way
to save people
from dangers.
Brother Tấn Hỉ,
please help me
think of a way to
put an end to the perils
so that villagers may
cross the river safely.
You’re really good,
I must admit.
I stood behind you,
but still you knew.
I’m also thinking
but couldn’t figure out
anything.
I think about it
from night to morning,
from inside my house
to out the door,
from the third to the
fifth watch at night,
but nothing comes out
of my head.
I think back and forth,
be it wise or foolish,
good or bad,
yet I end up giving up.
You scared
my spirit away!
Very good is it! Geesh!
Thinking so much to
end up with no solution.
And still talking about it!
Miss Tiểu Mai,
why do you
keep making fun of me?
I did think about it, really.
You did?
Did you come up with
a way?
Not yet. Let me tell you.
Thinking is one thing,
finding a solution
is another thing.
But I didn’t see you
think at all,
I only saw you sleeping.
When did I sleep?
You just made it up.
That was when I was
contemplating. You see?
I close my eyes,
but I always think
and imagine.
You probably thought
I was sleeping then?
Not at all.
I was closing my eyes,
but if anyone talked, I...
You wouldn’t hear
anything, right?
You always sneer at me.
I’d hear it, but
a word here and there.
You two are probably
verbally incompatible.
You fight as soon as
you meet.
It’s been like that.
But if I’m away
just a little bit,
she’d run looking for me.
How unfriendly!
Who’d care to look for you?
I feel that you two aren’t
compatible, is that right?
That’s right.
I think so too.
Then I have this idea.
What is the idea?
Miss Tiểu Mai should
move to live
in another village.
If you two don’t see
each other, there won’t
be fighting anymore.
Good idea!
Impossible!
What a bizarre idea!
If Tiểu Mai moves to
another village,
I’ll move with her.
That’s strange!
Because without you, I
have no one to fight with.
That’d be so boring!
So we must keep fighting
for fun, right?
Correct!
But I’ve already told you.
We’re incompatible.
If we’re incompatible,
then...
I don’t want to see
your face.
Brother Tấn Hỉ,
Miss Tiểu Mai,
please stop arguing.
Instead, we should try to
think of a way
to help the villagers.
How can I think?
She’s holding my hand.
A girl holding
a guy’s hand!?
How infuriating!
Let go!
All right then.
Let me continue to think.
Ah! I found a way.
What is it?
I forgot already.
How could you?
You yelled too loud,
so I forgot.
What to do now?
Speak softly,
so I can remember.
Say it again.
What is it?
I remember now.
How funny!
If people talk softly,
I remember right away.
For the villagers to be
safe and sound, then...
Then what?
Oh goodness, be quick!
You’re making me
anxious. Speak!
Yelling again!
I forgot again.
Speak!
That way is...
What way is that,
brother Tấn Hỉ?
Don’t cross the river,
then they’ll be safe.
That was not charming!
All right.
Let me think then.
Ah, I found it.
What is it, brother?
Build a bridge.
Good idea!
Actually,
that was my idea.
I thought of it already
but haven’t yet said it,
then you said it first.
How great! What a fib!
Fibbing, yet adorable!
Someone likes me,
that’s good enough.
That’s a good solution,
brother Vi. ( But...)
But what...?
Where’s the money?
Where’s the money?
There’s none.
Where’s the money?
You have money?
No, I don’t.
I feel sad all of a sudden.
Our villagers are so poor.
For such a vast river,
the bridge must be
very long.
Where do we find
the money to build it?
So what’s the use?
We think of
all these bright ideas,
but don’t have the means
to carry out. (What?)
I forget.
Brother Vi is
a stone engraver.
A bridge built by him
is surely very good.
You’re skilful.
But however skilful I am,
I also need money.
Without money,
no dreams will come true.
Sad again!
Let me tell you two.
I have this idea.
What is it?
I heard that
the Quan Yin Temple
on Phổ Đà Mountain
is very miraculous.
How about we sincerely
pray to Quan Yin
for blessing so that
our wish will come true?
Yes, that’s right.
Brother Vi,
you should pray to
Quan Yin Bodhisattva.
Who knows?
She may be touched
by your sincerity and
help you fulfill your wish.
I respectfully bow to
the Compassionate One
who listens to cries
and rescues beings.
I now sincerely
pray to you that
my wish be fulfilled
in helping villagers
overcome their hardship.
I can’t stand idly
watching the villagers
in trouble.
I pray for your help,
O Great Compassionate
and Merciful One,
to rescue sentient beings!
Quan Yin Bodhisattva
be praised!
Quan Yin Bodhisattva
be praised!
Riding
the auspicious cloud,
I listen to the thousand
sounds of wind.
Someone is praying,
whose sincerity has
reached the blue clouds.
His affinity probably
has ripened.
I’ll help a blessed soul.
He’s been benevolent
for thousands of lives
which entitles him
to a reward now.
So kind and sincere he is.
I must hasten to help
a soul of good affinity.
I’ll take him
to the heavenly realm
to help me safeguard
the Buddha’s Dharma,
so that the torch
of compassion
will illuminate
the suffering world.
Greetings, Elder.
Could you help take me
across the river?
You want to cross
the river at this time?
Yes.
You’re probably from
far away, aren’t you?
Yes.
I came here to find
an acquaintance,
but he’s not home.
So I want to go back
right away.
You’re probably
from the capital?
Yes, I am.
It’s very dangerous
to cross the river
at this time.
Why is it so, Elder?
You’re not from here,
so you don’t know.
In autumn, Lạc Dương
River often becomes
stormy unexpectedly.
So there are people
who die every year
when their boats capsize.
Few people dare
cross the river during the
rainy season like now.
Is there any way to
overcome it, Elder?
It’d be very inconvenient
for people here
if it’s like this forever.
When people have
an urgent need to
cross the river,
how can we make it safe
for them?
Even as a seasoned
boatman,
I still feel worried.
Every time it’s stormy,
I dare not row
across the river.
How troublesome!
It’s difficult to travel
back and forth because
there’s only one way,
and this part of the river
is so dangerous.
It’s been like this
for years without
any improvement.
We can’t help even if
we wanted to.
We can’t just give up
and leave it to chance,
can we?
What else can we do?
We want to pray
but our prayer is unlikely
to reach Heaven.
So the villagers just
give up, Elder?
Actually, there’s
a young man named Vi
in this village.
He’s also very concerned
for the villagers,
so he submitted a petition
to the royal court for aid
in building a bridge.
That’s very good!
It’s a great idea.
But what happened, Elder?
The court responded that
due to an increasing
number of disasters
all over the country
in recent years,
the court’s treasury
has dried up.
They said that it’d take
at least a few more years
before they can assist us.
So that idea
didn’t work out.
Yet the young man Vi
didn’t give up hope.
He packed up to go to
the upper district,
then knocked on the door
of every District Chief
and those with
wealth and power
to ask for help.
But after learning of
the huge cost of
bridge building, they
immediately refused.
He was disappointed and
sadly came back home,
but he’s still not at ease.
What a pity
for the kind-hearted man!
The rich men
in the district have
plenty of money,
yet they shook their head
when asked to do
charity work.
Those people would
spend any amount of
money without hesitation
in the pubs and
on beautiful girls.
I’m so frustrated
every time I think of it.
O Elder!
If we’re to build a bridge,
it’d cost a lot of money,
right, Elder?
Of course!
I heard from Mr. Vi that
it takes a large sum of
money to build the bridge.
Yet people here
are dirt poor.
So bridge building is
just a dream.
So, a large sum of money
is needed
to build the bridge.
Let me see how to raise
this amount of money.
Ah, Elder!
Yes!
I found a way already.
What is it, Miss?
It’s like this.
Father... O father!
What’s the matter, son?
You’re aged, soon to die,
and still want to
get married.
Besides, you have
too many wives already,
and still want more.
Are you so blind
that you see nothing?
Yes.
I indeed have
many wives. (Yes.)
But they’re all so old
with bad habits even.
I feel suffocated when
I’m reminded of them.
But you’re aged
and weak already.
Can you manage it?
Leave it to me, son.
You’re too talkative.
You’re so strange, father.
For the charity work
to make merit such as
building bridges,
repairing roads and
assisting the needy
and disabled, you
wouldn’t give a dime.
Yet you bring
a whole trunk of gold to
compete for a wife.
And there’s no guarantee
that you’ll succeed!
I said to leave me alone.
What do I get from
giving out money freely?
At least in a contest
like this,
I still have a chance to
win and marry a young
and beautiful wife.
Oh my!
You have not
much strength left and
not much longer to live,
yet you don’t dedicate
to building merit.
The fortune teller already
said that you won’t
have a casket
for your burial later.
Still, you don’t worry
about it.
You’re casting a bad
omen on me, aren’t you?
Aren’t you, son?
Not at all.
Listen...
If you weren’t
so demented, you’d be
in big trouble with me.
Oh god!
I’ve led such
a kind and virtuous life,
why did I give birth
to such a son?
O Mister,
why blame him,
a mentally imbalanced
man?
You’re the most famous
person in this village.
Who wouldn’t know that?
Only you understand me.
That’s right.
You rank first
in every category.
Yeah. For example...
No one is richer than you.
Correct!
No one has more wives
than you. (Correct!)
No one is more cunning
than you.
No one is more deceitful
than you.
No one...
No one is more wicked
than your father.
What? Hey, hey!
My father is
the District Chief.
He has nothing to do
with you that
you sully his name!
The innocent he judged
to be a criminal.
That’s correct!
A criminal who bribed
was declared innocent.
Why not?
But what are you here for
today?
To take a wife
or to wed a husband?
What…what?
You meant to say
I’m not a man? Did you?
How did you know it
so well? Excuse me!
You’re old but still have
a lot of nerve, don’t you?
You’re dead wrong!
This man already has
two kids and two wives.
Today I want to have
the third wife,
is that okay with you?
Men of the same mind
flock together.
The wedding boat
has arrived.
Oh god!
What a beautiful
young lady!
I must have her
as my third wife.
And I, I must marry her.
This is the last wife
of my life.
Respected aristocrats
and noble men!
Let me remind you
of the contest rules.
The requirement is that
my granddaughter
Bạch Liên will stay
in the boat.
Each of you will throw in
a tael of gold.
Anyone whose gold
touches my granddaughter
will have her
as your wife.
It’s very easy, isn’t it?
So easy! Very easy!
It’s so easy. (Very easy.)
The contest begins.
I’ll throw first.
I’ll throw first.
I’ll throw first.
I’ll throw first.
What a silly old man
you are! I’ll throw first.
I, I…
Be quiet!
You’re fighting with me?
Fighting for a wife!
Fighting for a girl!
Playing jokes with me?
Listen now!
This is
the fairest arrangement:
My father throws first.
What a clever boy!
I haven’t seen you being
smart for a long time.
Yes, grandpa.
Respect the elders,
you’ll enjoy a long life.
What a fair decision!
How strange!
A few days have passed,
how come I still don’t see
the person I need to bless?
Why is it the villagers
all gather in that place?
Strange!
It’s
Quan Yin Bodhisattva
sitting on that boat.
Why did she descend
there?
She even disguises as
a young woman sitting
on a boat for contestants
to throw their money
to have her as their wife.
What’s the reason?
Ah, I understand now.
Quan Yin Bodhisattva
wants to raise funds
for bridge building,
and at the same time,
to save a person
who has enough merit
and affinity.
She’s indeed very wise,
accomplishing two tasks
in one move.
I must bow in admiration.
On this occasion,
I’ll assist her
in attaining her goal.
Greetings, Mister.
Greetings, Elder.
I’m from the nearby
village on my way here
for some business.
I saw the villagers,
aristocrats and noblemen
competing
in a money-throwing
contest for a wife.
What fun!
But... why don’t you
join them?
Have you seen that girl?
Yes, I saw her.
She’s about
20 years of age
with unsurpassed beauty.
But, young man!
Take a closer look at me.
What do you think?
What do you mean?
What I meant is...
That lady and I,
are we well matched?
Why do you laugh?
I look like this but
I’m still very young.
I’m only 80 years old.
Comparing with
that heavenly beauty,
I’m on par with her.
Is that right?
Just tell me.
Why do you hesitate?
I’m right, aren’t I?
I find that
despite your old age, you
have a youthful spirit.
Age 80 is not really old
when you’re still more
vigorous than anyone.
Even as a young man,
I’m impressed.
Only through
a long distance,
can one tell
if a horse is great.
Exactly what I meant.
Don’t misjudge
my old age.
A 20-year-old might not
be my match.
But, young man!
Let me tell you this,
don’t laugh at me.
I want to have a wife
very much,
but the problem is...
What’s your problem?
I want to compete
for a wife
but have no money,
so how can I
join the contest?
Let me whisper to you
a request.
Do you have money?
Let me borrow some.
If I win the contest,
I’ll have a beautiful wife
and her dowry as well.
I’ll then return you
double.
What do you think?
Money I have but...
But what?
Speak quickly!
I have just a little.
It’s all right.
Just give it to me.
Consider it as
doing charity for me
to have a wife. Okay?
All right!
Here, just take it.
That’s all you have?
So little!
But it’s all right.
I’ve reconsidered it.
In case I win the contest,
I must marry her.
After marrying her,
I must take care of her.
And I’m old already.
The thing is
I don’t want to die soon,
though I’m old.
If I marry her now,
I probably will pass away
within 3, 4 days.
Here, I’m giving you
back the money.
But, young man!
What do you
save the money for?
To be honest with you,
I’ve just saved a little.
It’s not much, just
more than 10 gold coins.
I wish to save enough to
build a bridge for people.
How much does it cost
to build a bridge?
According to my estimate,
I need a lot of gold.
But I only have
more than 10 coins,
so I feel troubled.
How much money can
you save each month?
I can save just one coin
per month.
One year I can only save
12 coins.
Heaven and Earth!
Then in order to have
enough money to build
the bridge, you probably
have to wait until
your back is bent and
teeth are gone.
I’m also aware of that,
but I find
no other alternative.
It’s very easy.
Why don’t you
participate in that contest
for a wife?
If by luck you succeed,
you’d have a wife.
Wouldn’t it be better?
Frankly, I don’t want to
be tied down with family,
so I’m not interested in
competing for a wife.
You’re really strange!
All young men are after
beauty and passion.
They can’t turn away
from beautiful girls.
Yet, you said
you’re not interested.
Are you thinking of
becoming a monk?
I just want to be alone
because I often carry the
world on my shoulders.
Having a family
will be burdensome.
This is what I think:
why don’t you go
compete for a wife?
If you’re lucky to throw
money at the target,
you can ask that lady
to use the money for
building the bridge first,
and think of marriage
later. Who knows?
You may find yourselves
in love with her
by that time.
Then it’d not be too late
to get married. Right?
That is a very good plan!
Let me go try my luck
then. Let’s go, Elder!
Ladies and gentlemen,
it’s been several days,
yet no one has reached
the right target.
But, that’s fine.
Perhaps the affinity is
awaiting the blessed man.
Please continue.
Oh god!
How come they all
went to the empty space?
Why did I fail again and
again to hit the target?
My money is all gone!
Oh god!
It’s nothing.
You could go on
for a whole month
without making a dent
in your total possessions.
What you have there
is nothing!
Old but naughty!
You talk like
I’m your father.
He became rich
from taking bribery,
so you won’t run out of
money, throwing for
the whole month, right?
But for me,
throwing that much
pained me already.
Hey, hey!
Don’t you insult
my father!
Don’t sully
my father’s name.
Are you finished?
Fighting! Arguing!
You people have a lot of
free time, don’t you?
Can I throw now?
Great! Very well!
Look, son!
You’re still
young and strong.
Throw it for me,
all right?
Here, throw for me.
If you make it,
she’d be my wife,
not your wife, all right?
Dear, dear, dear...
Dear what?
My family is discussing,
don’t you see?
You sounded like
I’m women-crazy..
It’s you who is, not me.
Dear, dear, dear...
What else?
Listen, dear.
What is it?
Do me a favor.
I can tell by your look
what you want.
What favor? Say it!
Here. Take this.
Throw it for me, please.
It’s my gold.
Throw it
right at the target.
When I get married,
I’ll reward you with
a trunk of gold.
Look! Be wise, son.
I’m your father.
Throw my gold,
you hear?
O dear, dear!
Here is my gold, dear.
Excuse me!
Let me think
for a moment.
Throw for me, son.
One is filial duty,
the other is gold.
What should I do
to fulfill both?
Ah! I know what to do.
You two, please move
for me to do something.
Look here! Look at me!
One, two, three!
What?
That will simplify
matters.
Oh god! He’s killing me.
My money is all gone!
Now
it’s this young man’s turn
to throw the money.
Please stay away.
O Heaven, please
help him make it.
Throw it!
Look there!
It’s right on the target,
O Elder.
He’s made it!
I’ve made it, Elder!
Wonderful! He’s made it!
O Elder!
I have the fund to
build the bridge now.
Today’s
Enlightening Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Malay,
Mongolian, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
In Aulacese
(Vietnamese) culture,
cải lương
(modern folk opera)
is a popular theater art
that dates back about
three centuries, when
the flourishing South
was a new land.
Among those who
settled in the South at
that time were musicians
from the royal palace in
the ancient capital Huế.
Since then, the kind
of ceremonial music
often heard in the palace
became more
widely known
among the populace.
Eventually, new songs
were composed.
Many amateur
musical groups were
formed, adopting music
and song as a form
of elegant entertainment.
From about 1912
to 1915,
the artists of these
musical groups began
to combine
gestures to their songs.
Since then,
a new genre called
ca ra bộ was born.
Performers conversed;
sometimes a song would
be used as dialogue.
Ca ra bộ continued
to develop to create the
theatrical art that is now
called modern folk opera.
The orchestra
for Aulacese modern folk
opera usually consists of
the six-string guitar,
the moon lute,
the pear-shaped lute,
two-string fiddle,
sixteen-string zither,
and monochord zither.
The themes of Aulacese
modern folk opera
highlight humanitarian
and moral values.
The dialogues
are profound,
the song lyrics and tunes
are rhythmic and rich
in melody.
These are some
of the reasons cải lương
(modern folk opera)
has an enduring place
in the hearts
of the Aulacese people.
In the Lunar New Year
2007, during an
outdoor gathering with
our Association members
in Formosa (Taiwan),
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was moved
to spontaneously
sing a folk opera song
“Spiritual Practice
is a Source of Blessing”
written by
Mr. Viễn Châu,
which she knew by heart
since her youth.
We now invite you
to listen to an excerpt of this
folk opera song through
the voice
of Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Kneeling down, she sobs
in the main hall
of worship
As the temple bell sounds
the hour of prayer
O young devotee, why
do you wish to be a nun?
Finding comfort
in the scriptures,
and acquainting yourself
with spiritual practice?
But how can you
achieve enlightenment
when earthly traces
are still evident on your
seasoned countenance?
Are you
rid of worldly debt
or are still entangled?
Did you
renounce the world
because glory and fame
have lost their appeal and
life seems like an abyss?
Or was it because of
a fleeting moment
of jealousy and distress
that you intend
to hide yourself
behind the temple’s gate
to bury your grief
and forget your sorrow?
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc (Vietnam),
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share
the beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The modern folk opera
“The Legend of Quan Yin’s
Bridge Building”
was adapted from
a Buddhist story,
about Quan Yin,
a great Bodhisattva
who listens always to
the prayers in the world
to save whomever
sincerely believe in her
saintly compassion.
The tale also shows
that Quan Yin’s blessing
isn’t just material
but also spiritual,
depending on the wish
of each individual.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 2 of
the Aulacese modern
folk opera
“The Legend of Quan Yin’s
Bridge Building,”
by playwright
Thanh Kim Huệ,
with performances
by Thanh Kim Huệ
as Quan Yin Bodhisattva,
Thanh Điền
as Lữ Đồng Tân,
Quế Trân as Bạch Liên,
Hoàng Nhất as Vi Đà,
Trinh Trinh as Tiểu Mai,
Hữu Tài as Boatman,
Minh Béo as Tấn Hỉ,
Hiếu Cảnh as Nobleman,
Mai Thành as Rich Man,
Hiếu Hiền
as Rich Man’s Son,
and other artists.
Feeling sympathy for
the good-hearted people
who often
encountered mishaps
when crossing the river
in times of high tides
and winds,
the stone carver Vi Đà
tried all ways to obtain
money to build a bridge,
but to no avail.
At last,
he earnestly prayed to
Quan Yin Bodhisattva.
Recognizing Vi Đà’s
sincerity and his great
merit accumulated
from many lifetimes,
Quan Yin Bodhisattva
descended on Earth
to help him.
She manifested as
a beautiful young lady,
Bạch Liên,
who opened a contest
with the condition that
anyone who could throw
his gold right at her
would be allowed
to wed her.
Many rich men and
noblemen failed
to make it.
Meanwhile, Vi Đà, with
the aid of Lữ Đồng Tân,
one of
the Eight Immortals,
threw his only gold coin
right on Bạch Liên.
Thank you for joining us
on today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Please stay tuned to
Supreme Master
Television.
Words of Wisdom
is coming up.
Please tune in
next Thursday for the
Aulacese film entitled
“For Gold, For Silver”
by screenwriter
Nguyễn Đông Thức.
So long for now.
Brother Tấn Hỉ!
I’m here.
Why are you breathing
so hard, Mai?
I’m exhausted!
Goodness!
It’s just a short run,
and you’re tired already.
I’m standing in one place
but almost feel tired
just the same.
Stop teasing me!
O brother Tấn Hỉ,
the bridge has been built.
From now on, villagers
can cross the bridge at ease.
No further need
for the ferry.
No more worry
of big storms and waves.
I’m so happy, Tấn Hỉ!
How about you?
Happy.
How come you don’t
look cheerful at all?
I feel happiness inside.
I don’t like to show it.
If you want me to show it,
then here it is.
I’m so excited, Mai!
All right, put me down.
Be careful, I may fall.
Thanks to brother Vi
for mobilizing the help of
young men in the village,
so the bridge
was completed early.
O Mai! I’m so excited.
I’m so happy!
I’d smile at anyone
I encounter.
I’d greet anyone I see.
I want to hug and kiss
anyone I meet.
It’s taken so much effort
to finally have it done.
What joy could be
greater than this!
Thanks Heaven and Earth!
People will be safe,
no more fear of mishaps.
But there’s something
I’m wondering about.
What is it?
It’s about brother Vi.
He joined the contest
to throw gold for a wife.
After he won the contest,
he promised
to think about it
after the bridge building.
The bridge is now built,
but he doesn’t seem
to care about marriage.
Do you find it strange?
I do!
I also wonder the same.
Very strange!
But this is what I think.
Perhaps he’s still
occupied with something,
so he hasn’t had the time
to think of marriage.
I feel sorry
for Miss Bạch Liên.
Any young woman would
wish to soon get married.
Having waited for
a long time, she’s probably
anxious and sad.
Wow! You must have
read her mind, right?
I’m impressed
with your ability
to know what she thinks.
O Tấn Hỉ!
What is it?
We’re both women,
so I understand
how she feels.
Any young woman
would hope to meet
her lifelong companion
for protection, because
a girl is to get married
when she grows up.
A simple life
in a thatched house
yet filled with happiness.
Husband and wife
live in harmony
until their old age.
You don’t realize that
we women don’t need
riches and honors.
As long as two hearts are
on the same path,
paradise is right here.
What you said
makes me think again,
and I find it to be strange.
Brother Vi is a good man.
Miss Bạch Liên is also
a good person.
Together,
they double the goodness.
Why does he
keep delaying it?
Why would he?
Why would he?
Why would he?
Let me ask you, why?
Why?
Why?
Do you want to know?
Yes.
We must find out.
Good idea!
I don’t know what to say
to make you
understand my feeling.
I understand.
You feel shy
and embarrassed,
but who wouldn’t?
Talking about marriage,
any young man
would be bashful.
So, I’m very sympathetic
to you.
You promised me
that when the bridge
is completed,
you’ll plan our marriage.
Now that the bridge
is built, and villagers
are all delighted,
my heart is also stirred
with emotion.
I’ve waited long for
a matrimonial union
and dreamt of
our lifelong togetherness.
But respected Miss,
please understand
that I haven’t yet planned
on getting married.
There are still many things
to take care of,
so I’m reluctant.
There are still many things
that I need to shoulder.
In this world,
everyone takes care of
his own business.
Why bother to
waste your time in life?
Let’s exchange
our betrothal vow.
What would be happier
than two souls
merging in love?
O Miss,
you’re a young woman
of gentle nature
and exceptional beauty.
How about you look
somewhere else?
There are definitely
many rich aristocrats
and noblemen who are
willing to stand in line.
No. I could care less
for wealth and glory.
I just need
a compatible companion.
You’re the only one
I adore since long ago.
I just wish
to tie a matrimonial bond
with you.
My dear,
I’ve planned out everything.
Once we get married,
I’ll give birth to 10 children
one after another to
bring joy to our family.
How wonderful it’d be to
spend our lives together
with our children
and grandchildren!
One big happy family
under one roof!
Some cry for their dad,
others for their mom.
Our home will be bustling
and very joyful.
Early in the morning,
you’ll feed the children.
At night,
you’ll sing them to sleep.
If they keep crying,
you’ll take them out
for a stroll.
Though it’s tiresome,
the fun is immeasurable.
O God!
What you said makes me
shiver with goose bumps.
If I spend the whole day
taking care of the family
and crying kids, then
how will I have any mind
to help the world?
I don’t want
to think for myself;
I just want to help others.
How could you speak
without thinking?
Why bother to take care
of other people’s affairs?
Just care for yourself,
your wife and children.
That is true happiness.
People in this world
are all like that.
Why should you
do any differently?
If anyone suffers,
it’s his or her problem.
A person’s lamp shines
for his home only.
I earnestly ask you
not to refuse.
Join me to tie the knot
of our mutual affection.
Although
I don’t understand much
of the profound
spiritual teachings,
I do know that
this world is transient.
Sorrow follows happiness.
Nothing lasts forever.
My goodness!
How foolish
this man Vi is!
If it were me,
I’d grab the opportunity
and wouldn’t bother
to talk long-windedly.
You sound like
you like that girl a lot,
don’t you?
Yes. I mean no, I don’t.
I just said it
to ease my frustration,
but I’m interested
in another person.
Someone else?
Who is she?
Someone who is always
near me, yet it feels like
a thousand miles away,
because as soon as
I open my mouth,
she’d scoff me.
Who is that person?
She’s someone
who has a cute
slightly open mouth
and darting eyes that are
full of tender emotions.
I love her, I adore her.
I miss her
while eating, drinking,
going to the market.
I miss her even more
when I sleep at night.
My God! Are you all right?
I’m fine.
I just want to cough.
But who is
that lucky person?
Do you want me
to reveal it?
Yes. Tell me! Who is that?
She is…
Who?
She’s Tiểu Mai.
O Tiểu Mai! It’s you.
It’s me?
Yes.
I’m fainting! Is it true?
How come
you are conscious again
so quickly?
You must swear for me
to believe you.
I swear now.
If I lie to you, then
the hammock would break
when I lie on it,
the rice would burn
when I cook it,
I’d be choked
when I drink water,
my sandals
would fall apart
when I wear them,
my shirt would be worn
inside out when I put it on,
I’d eat wormy potato
when I have it, and
the bridge would collapse
when I cross it.
Let me take back
the last sentence.
Erase it, okay?
Don’t cast a bad omen
on the newly built bridge.
I know I was wrong.
That’s why
I asked to take it back.
So, Miss... I mean,
dear Mai, do you
understand my feeling?
Do you get it?
I do.
What do you understand?
How dull-witted!
Don't you know
that I'm calling you?
She suddenly walks away
and waves her hand.
Oh! She’s calling me.
Tiểu Mai! Tiểu Mai!
Ouch! Tiểu Mai, Tiểu Mai!
Wait for me!
There you are! Hi brother.
Greetings, beautiful lady.
Greetings, Elder.
The bridge is completed.
I’m so happy.
I haven’t seen you
for a long time, how come?
I’ve been busy.
I was busy begging
around the district palace.
Have you two finished
planning your wedding?
Why didn’t you
let me celebrate with you?
You like it very much,
right?
Well, you’ve helped him
build the bridge already.
What else
are you waiting for?
But respected Elder...
O Elder, I’ve tried
to convince him, but he
doesn’t want to go along.
How come? Is this lady
not beautiful enough
for you?
No, not that.
But... Because...
You see!
No why,
no but, no because!
I haven’t met anyone
like you.
It’s rare to find
such a strange person.
I feel really uneasy.
Why don’t you
care about it at all?
She’s a beautiful lady.
Marry her right away!
What are you waiting for?
You two are
a perfect match!
A talented gentleman
to wed a fair lady.
If there’s any
unresolved issue, tell me.
Actually... I just don’t like
to start a family.
What? How come?
Do you plan
to become a monk?
It’s not that.
Since I often
shoulder public affairs,
I’d make her sad
if I marry her.
O God! How frustrating!
You’re making me mad!
If I were your father,
I’d give you
a good beating.
How come
you’re standing still
without stirring?
Are you all right, Elder?
I’m fine.
I like to stand like that
to pose for fun. So?
Does my standing posture
look nice?
You’re so jovial in nature.
Quan Yin,
I’ve done you no wrong.
Why are you making me
lose face like this?
Lữ Đồng Tân,
if you keep interfering,
I won’t forgive you.
I was just joking for fun.
All right, leave now!
Don’t tease me anymore.
It’s too tiring to pose.
Well, I won’t
tease you two anymore.
I’ll take leave now.
Good bye, brother.
Farewell, lady.
Good bye, Elder.
You see? Everyone wants
to see us soon become
husband and wife.
This life is so short,
we must fully enjoy
our sweet happiness.
Why are you
so unrealistic?
Or you think
I’m not a good match,
that you keep refusing me?
Don’t you love me?
It’s because I feel for you
that I don’t want
to make you suffer.
When I was young,
I often heard
my mother say:
O son, a woman endures
much hardship!
The hardship of pregnancy,
of bringing up
and feeding her child.
Giving birth is like
crossing a vast river or
sailing the immense sea
all alone.
The trials are indescribable!
After giving birth,
if the child is healthy,
what joy is greater
than that!
But if the child is often ill,
the mother
suffers the most.
Feeling pity
for a woman’s lot,
I dare not create a karmic
(retributive) bondage.
A woman’s fate
has always been known
to be full of bitterness,
but that’s the plight of
all women in this world.
I vow to dedicate
my whole life in hardship
because of you.
I’m thankful
for your deep affection,
but I’m sorry
to disappoint you.
As a man who aspires
to roam far and wide,
I just want
to devote my life
to helping all beings.
If I’m
to hang around the house,
bound by an ill wife
and hungry children,
that is not what I aim for.
Please don’t be angry
and sad.
I’ve told every piece
of advice I could.
Be calm
to reflect upon the truth.
This world is ephemeral
like drifting clouds
and faint illusions.
What a noble heart behind
that rustic appearance!
He hasn’t read any
Buddhist scripture, yet
he understands it so well.
A pure heart transcends
the mundane world.
You’ve cut off the bondage
of romantic love
and attachments
from this time forth.
You’ve sown
this good affinity
infinite lifetimes ago.
The tree is laden
with ripe fruits today.
Delighted,
fairies play music
in congratulations.
Even pure gold
can’t match that heart.
How blessed is the one
who has accumulated
enough merit!
I’ll take you
across the fairy shore
to the land of
never-regressing Saints.
On Earth, one may lose
one’s goodness
due to adversities,
yet as soon as one repents,
a peaceful realm
is manifested.
I’ve said all I could.
Please do not refuse.
I’m determined
to join you in marriage.
If you keep refusing,
I’ll end my life here.
No, no.
Please don’t do that,
gentle lady.
Coercion and pleading
won’t go anywhere.
No, I’ve made up my mind.
Where will you
run away to?
Please Miss,
I apologize to you
a hundred times.
Please allow me
to take leave.
Turn around to see
who is standing
in front of you.
Quan Yin Bodhisattva!
Could that young woman
be you in disguise?
Yes. I disguised to
test your righteousness.
Since you have
a good affinity,
I descended here
to save you. Very good!
Your determination
to help the world
is strong indeed.
I’m very pleased.
Thanks
to the root of goodness
that the tree
has blossomed flowers,
which made me manifest
here to free you from
the cycle of reincarnation.
How pleased I am to find
such an upright gentleman!
I bow to Quan Yin
for forgiveness.
Please pardon my mistakes.
Not knowing it was you,
I’ve spoken
many careless words.
I sincerely ask
for forgiveness,
O Great One of
Mercy and Compassion.
I don’t blame you at all,
so don’t feel sad.
It was just a test
to find a person with
deep affinity to goodness.
Praised be a man
of great aspiration who
vows to help the world,
forsaking his personal love.
I vow
to dedicate my whole life
to help people,
regardless of hardship.
I respectfully implore
Quan Yin Bodhisattva
to guide this sincere soul.
I wish to deeply understand
the miraculous Truth
and be liberated
from this world of
vicissitudes and suffering.
I’m delighted that
you’ve now accumulated
enough merit and affinity.
Since you vow to
follow me wholeheartedly,
I accept you as
my disciple from now on.
I’m deeply grateful to
Quan Yin Bodhisattva.
I vow to forever
follow you to safeguard
the Truth teachings.
Excellent! Your affinity
has fully ripened now.
I’ll have you serve as
Dharma Guard General.
From now on, I confer you
as Vi Đà Divine General,
one of the Four
Great Heavenly Generals
to help me protect
the Buddha’s teaching
life after life.
I’m deeply thankful to
Quan Yin Bodhisattva’s
boundless grace.
Be committed
to your spiritual practice
to soon attain
full enlightenment.
Now, follow me
to Phổ Đà Mountain.
Order obeyed.
Noble is the heart
that transcends
the mundane world!
He lives in the world,
yet his mind is untainted
by the world.
A lay person,
he’s a renunciate at heart.
He’s not concerned
with personal enjoyment
but devoted to
helping people build merit.
That is also
a method of practice.
He desires
not fame and honor,
yet longs only
to help the world.
How many in this world
are comparable to him?
His example
of righteousness sparkles
like a shooting star.
A Dharma guard,
he protects
the Buddha’s teaching.
Vi Đà Heavenly General,
his name shines in glory.
Sentient beings
are eternally grateful to
Quan Yin Bodhisattva’s
boundless grace.
Praised be
Quan Yin Bodhisattva!
Praised be
Quan Yin Bodhisattva!
Praised be
Quan Yin Bodhisattva!