Music and Poetry
 
Loving is Sharing: Supreme Master Ching Hai's Auspicious Affinity with the United States      
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Where, where are you going, my winter sun? Won’t, won’t you miss me Stay’n on this side of the sea?

Where, where have you gone to, my tender moon? How, how I miss you Stand’n on this side, water blue!

I wish we could sail To the same destination. I want to break these chains... Oh! My desperation!

Where, where are you now, my only one? (Original verse: Where are you now, my everything?) Won’t someone hold you When you wake up crying?

When will I see you, my only one? Won’t someone tell me If you will ever return? When will I see you, my only one? Won’t someone tell me If you will ever return?

Togetherness and separation, happiness and sorrow: both aspects encompass the nature of this life. The human fate continues to be stifled by worldly attachment, and delusions, making it difficult for us to disentangle ourselves from the ties that bind.

I wish we could sail To the same destination. I want to break these chains... Oh! My desperation!

When, when will I see you, my only one? Won’t someone tell me If you will ever return?

Where, where are you now, my only one? Won’t someone tell me If you will ever return? If you will ever return?

Thank you for being so kind.

That's wonderful. Supreme Master Ching Hai. Bravo! Bravo! Beautiful! That's really putting somebody on the spot. For a tiny girl, you certainly have a beautiful voice. What wonderful lyrics! I think this was very special tonight. Wasn't it wonderful and dear of her? I mean... (Yes.) I would have been scared to death. She did a beautiful job. I can't believe she did that. They told me just tell her it'll be easy, but you know that's very scary. I was very proud of her. Wasn't she wonderful? She sings beautifully.

With her immense wisdom and compassionate vision for the Earth, Supreme Master Ching Hai has been a constant source of light and love in our planet’s evolution. Renowned around the world as a spiritual teacher, Supreme Master Ching Hai is also esteemed as a renaissance artist.

The soul of an artist, of a true artist, in my opinion is to be in touch with the Divine. When you are put in touch with the Divine, that inspiration flows through you and touches the people that are observing the art, feeling the art, touching the art, that puts them in touch with the Divine. Very few people can do that.

It’s just a blessing and no one can tell you how it’s done. Mozart was touched. Supreme Master Ching Hai was touched, she can’t help it.

I think she has a gift. First of all, it’s her inner soul that’s coming out. She is a very peaceful person. She is a loving person. She wants the world to come together, as we all do. She wants to see that we can save our world by love and inspiration through music and art.

So her dreams are all of our dreams.

And she is quite inspired. She is a very good poetess, she writes very lovely poetry.

Master Ching Hai, I admire you, I respect you and it’s good to be your friend as well, and all the goodness that you’re giving the world by preaching the word of love and peace and that’s really what life is about.

Master Ching Hai is a terrific poetess.

It takes a lot of heart and a lot of soul to be a good poetic writer. She does it so naturally, you wouldn’t think that someone actually didn’t teach her, but most probably God taught her. He gave her that gift.

When you deal in truth, you penetrate people. And she dealt with truth.

Since her childhood, Supreme Master Ching Hai has been writing profoundly heartfelt poems. She also composes songs and is an accomplished painter, whose works are presented in diverse media such as oil on canvas, pastel, and watercolor. She is a designer of exquisite jewelry, fashion, lamps, and interior decoration. A loving caregiver of animal friends, Supreme Master Ching Hai also designs dog and bird houses, beddings, and apparel.

Furthermore, Supreme Master Ching Hai is the author of three #1 international best-sellers: “The Dogs in My Life,” “The Birds in My Life,” and “The Noble Wilds.” These books feature lovely photographs by Supreme Master Ching Hai of her blessed animal companions and the beauty of our natural surroundings. They have been translated into several languages and introduced at book launches in various countries.

In July 2010, the epic comedy-drama entitled “The King & Co.”, for which Supreme Master Ching Hai personally wrote the screenplay and directed via remote control, premiered internationally. This humorous tale enthralled audiences with its wit, charm, and insight, while informing them about the deadly harms of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and addictive drugs.

Supreme Master Ching Hai is obviously a Supreme Master in terms of really being focused and dedicated to studying what is the essence of life and how it should be shared, and how it should be empowering of other people and how it really is the epitome of, humanitarianism. And Supreme Master Ching Hai expresses that in her success. Through art, she paints. She's a lover of animals, she promotes this.

She makes beautiful art, she stirs our souls, she stirs the world in a positive way. When you see her art, you think of love, of peace, tranquility, our humanity, infinity, and spiritual enlightenment. She inspires us to care for one another; she inspires us to love all living beings on this Earth. And we are all inspired in our own and unique way.

I looked at Supreme Master’s picture book. “The Noble Wilds.”

And since I’m a photographer, that’s my other passion and my hobby, and I looked at some of the pictures and the pictures were beautiful. Hummingbirds and whatever little birds she had following. And I looked at the plants and see her walking in the plants and her pets, and I was looking at the book and it’s just like television.

And when I finished looking at all the books with the pretty pictures and words, I felt better. And I was like, “Wow, all that from a picture book.”

It's amazing when somebody can do more than 3 or 4 things and do them great. To be a poet, an artist and just to be able to handle all of what she does, the charity work and all of that stuff, it's pretty amazing. And if anybody looks, Google this, you can see a list that is longer than most people's lives already. I also really admire her for the treatment of animals, to me is a real issue, and I love animals. I think that people should be more aware of the other creatures that inhabit the planet with us and treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

The prolific works by Supreme Master Ching Hai provide an independent source of earnings for her humanitarian contributions worldwide. Over the past two decades, Supreme Master Ching Hai has donated more than US$28 million globally to assist where needed, including for humans, animals, and the environment. In the United States alone, the sum to date exceeds US$4 million, not including donations that Supreme Master Ching Hai has made anonymously.

From the depth of her compassion for the precious inhabitants on this Earth, Supreme Master Ching Hai shares her creative gifts from the heavens to bring comfort and contentment. She also offers practical and material support to those in need.

I find her an extraordinary person. The kind of time and love that she gives for all of her humanitarian efforts and her artistic efforts is really remarkable and unusual that not that many people have that combination of instincts and impulses as she does.

I’d like to thank her for her worldwide work which is ongoing and which does so much for so many people. I think that she’s unique and remarkable and has so much to give, which she is giving. Some people have a lot to give but they don’t. And others try, but they don’t have a lot to give. And that’s very admirable but she has both, and that’s very unique, and the fact that she is able to do that is a great gift to me and to everybody. I’m grateful.

I think Supreme Master has a lot to offer the world. And she is obviously on her mission. And people love her.

You can’t say enough about her talent, but what I think is even more important is her humanitarian aspect, because you know there are a lot of talented designers out there in clothing and fashion and the like, but I think to pour your money back into doing good for the world and really not seeking credit for it, I think it’s unbelievable. So I think that’s what was really inspiring about her.

Since over a decade ago, Supreme Master Ching Hai's elegant poems have been set to music and arranged by Oscar and Emmy-winning composers. In December 1998, as a moving tribute to her, these works were world-premiered at a benefit concert entitled “One World...of peace through music” at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, USA, which has been home to internationally renowned award shows such as the Oscars, the Grammys, and the Emmys, among many others.

The concert brought together over 100 prominent Hollywood entertainers, including an outstanding 65-piece orchestra comprised of distinguished musicians who regularly perform for the annual Academy Awards. The night of the “One World...of peace through music” concert, over 6,000 audience members were taken on an awe-inspiring journey of beautiful music, poetry and drama, hosted by renowned actress Debbie Reynolds and the charismatic John Moschitta Jr., a World Guinness record-holder as fastest talker.

During this benefit concert, Supreme Master Ching Hai also presented contributions to representatives of two highly respected organizations known for their commitment to serving children: Mr. Marc Cohen, President of the Starlight Children's Foundation; Ms. Shoshana Grammer, regional director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; and Mr. Mike Driebe, St. Jude’s board member.

We are delighted to be a part of the celebration on behalf of the Starlight Children's Foundation and part of “One World...of peace through music”.

We are gratified to be part of Supreme Master Ching Hai organization and your donation to us. We thank you for allowing us to be part of this wonderful evening.

The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and St. Jude have something in common, and that is our love for children and our dedication to each other. Through this we make miracles happen, and tonight you've made miracles happen for these children. And I thank you very, very much.

I would like to represent all of you to offer a little contribution to these two great organizations who take care of the children without condition, without wanting any reward. But God will know, God knows their effort. So this is from you to them. I just signed it on your behalf.

“Dear St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in best wishes for the children, I would like to sincerely give a humble contribution, a humble contribution of US$150,000 to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thank you for your efforts in serving such a noble cause. Yours truly.” Supreme Master, on behalf of the scientists, the doctors, the volunteers, and the staff at St. Jude, but most especially the children, thank you so much for your generous support.

Thank God. Thank you so much!

“Dear Starlight Children's Foundation, in best wishes for the children, I would sincerely give a humble contribution of US$100,000 to the Starlight Children's Foundation. Thank you for your efforts in serving such a noble cause.” The Supreme Master, on behalf of all of the children of the Starlight Children's Foundation, which number over 500,000, we thank you very, very much for your generous contribution.

You are generous.

The memorable “One World...of peace through music” concert was a marvelous opportunity for Hollywood stars and American entertainers to become acquainted with the noble works of Supreme Master Ching Hai. Footage of Supreme Master Ching Hai's personal appearances at grand Hollywood galas offers a rare glimpse of the enlightened Master's loving presence among the stars.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the world’s premier center for treating and researching terminal childhood diseases, was one of two recipients of Supreme Master Ching Hai's generosity at the “One World...of peace through music” concert. A few months after the event ended, the National Executive Director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Mr. Richard Shadyac Sr., personally wrote a letter to invite Supreme Master Ching Hai to attend their 19th Annual Hollywood Gala held on March 4, 1999 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Much supported by celebrities and prominent figures across the nation, these Hollywood galas are held for the important cause of curing fatal childhood illnesses. Both Mr. Shadyac and the Vice-President of St. Jude, Jerry Chipman had the opportunity to meet Supreme Master Ching Hai to convey their gratitude. St. Jude also printed Supreme Master Ching Hai’s picture in the Angel section of their souvenir book. For entertainment, star comedian Dennis Miller stirred the room with laughter and five-time Grammy winner James Taylor performed his greatest hits through the years.

Among the VIPs who greeted Supreme Master Ching Hai were famed television host of the United States longest running syndicated talk show Phil Donahue; dinner co-chairs Tony, Terre, and Marlo Thomas, the three children of Emmy Award-winning actor Danny Thomas and St. Jude’s founder; Hollywood film director and producer Tom Shadyac, whose credits include movies such as “Patch Adams,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” and “Liar Liar”;

film director, producer Georges Chamchoum; Dr. Ching Hon Pui, one of the leading medical researchers in the nation; Maxine Moshay, executive director of the Amie Karen Cancer Fund for Children, and actor Steven Seagal, the star of such popular movies as “Under Siege,” “Executive Decision,” and “Above the Law,” and his companion Arissa Wolf. Steven Seagal was particularly surprised and impressed upon learning of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s artistic talents. Out of spontaneity, Supreme Master Ching Hai gave Mr. Seagal and Ms. Wolf each an SM Celestial ring that she designed herself. Amazingly, the rings fit them perfectly!

The following year, in 2000, co-chairs Marlo Thomas, Terre Thomas, and Tony Thomas cordially requested Supreme Master Ching Hai’s presence at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 20th annual Hollywood Gala. Supreme Master Ching Hai was very touched by their sincerity; however, she was unable to attend due to a busy lecture tour schedule. She thus conveyed her love and well-wishes by way of several representatives. Those who had the pleasure of meeting Supreme Master Ching Hai the previous year extended their warmest regards.

To the Supreme Master, I missed you this year. We had a wonderful time last year, and I loved your album. I found it inspirational not only for the music but for the message it conveyed to the soul, and I pray next year that you'll be with us. Thank you. God bless you. She is so filled with love. God bless you. I do the same thing as the Supreme Master does. We bring peace and joy to children of the world.

Halo Master. From the beautiful part of our country, California, I say that it's been a year since I saw you last, I trust that you are well, and I assure you I am surrounded by so many of your devotees here in Hollywood. Happy New Year to you.

Supreme Master, how are you? I want to show you I've learned to meditate. Watch! I haven't learned to do it for very long yet, but I'm working on it. I miss you, I wish you were here and God bless.

My best to Supreme Master and I think of her very fondly and remember with a lot of joy my experience on stage with her that night accepting the check for the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It was a wonderful experience and I certainly hope I will have an opportunity to meet with her again soon... Please let her know she's in our thought and prayers.

Greetings to you, Supreme Master, from Shoshana Grammer from the regional office of ALSAC (American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

From your heart you've given so much to the children, and you've created a lot of miracles for the children with your generosity and with your good thoughts and prayers going their way. We are very, very appreciative of what you've done for us in the past, and we look forward to you having a long life and you sharing your long life with the children of St. Jude to give them a long life as well.

We watch her TV show. The essence of the Supreme Master is really pure and her heart comes out in an international language, and we get the good feelings and the calmness and the love and her inspiration to us and somehow she's got a universal language, so we love it. We enjoy it and even my seven and three year old love watching it with us, so we are bringing them up with listening to the Supreme Master and even they'll click around instead of watching their cartoons and say, “The Supreme Master!” and we all watch it,. So she's really come into our lives and into our hearts, and we are better people because of that.

Starlight Children’s Foundation, the second beneficiary of Supreme Master Ching Hai's generosity at the “One World...of peace through music” concert, is founded by actress Emma Samms, known for her work in famous television series “General Hospital” and “Dynasty,” and her cousin, film producer Peter Samuelson to brighten the lives of seriously ill children through entertainment and wish-granting programs.

The Foundation held its 15th Anniversary Gala “The Magic of Starlight” on October 28, 1999 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. Ms. Laurie Goldman, the Executive Director of Starlight Children's Foundation, wrote a letter to personally invite Supreme Master Ching Hai to attend the gala. An official invitation was also sent to Supreme Master Ching Hai from dinner co-chairs Oscar-winning actress Kim Basinger and CBS executive Les Moonves.

As a token of gratitude, Starlight Children's Foundation reserved a full page in their annual gala book to highlight Supreme Master Ching Hai’s contribution to the Foundation during the concert “One World...of peace through music”. Although extremely busy with another world lecture tour, Supreme Master Ching Hai graciously reserved some time to attend Starlight’s gala. The President of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Marc Cohen, greeted Supreme Master Ching Hai with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Supreme Master Ching Hai was then accommodated with a seat especially reserved for her at the Head table. The program opened with mistress of ceremonies Swoosie Kurtz, followed by Marc Cohen’s speech, in which he expressed his sincere thanks to Supreme Master Ching Hai for her kindness to the children. The entertainment included performances by multi-Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and award-winning singer and actor Davis Gaines, well-known for his performances as the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” more than 2,000 times.

Among those who had the opportunity to meet Supreme Master Ching Hai included Golden Globe and Emmy-winning producer, director and actor Martin Sheen, who has starred in many acclaimed films and television series such as “Apocalypse Now,” “Badlands,” “The American President,” and “The West Wing.”

Martin Sheen and his lovely wife Janet later invited Supreme Master Ching Hai to their beautiful Malibu beach home, where the family enjoyed a delectable vegetarian meal and a wonderful time together with her. As souvenirs, the Sheens presented Supreme Master Ching Hai with special boots as a symbol of her travels in the Himalayas during her Truth-seeking years and a treasured shirt which actor Martin Sheen had donned in his starring role during the filming of the critically acclaimed “Apocalypse Now.”

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Swoosie Kurtz, who has acted in “Reality Bites,” “Liar Liar,” and “Dangerous Liaisons,” was overwhelmed with appreciation for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s generosity. Upon hearing of Swoosie’s admiration for her unique gloves, Supreme Master Ching Hai affectionately gifted her the elegant pair of gloves as a souvenir. Prior to leaving, Supreme Master Ching Hai visited 3 terminally ill Starlight children and lovingly gave each one a gift bag consisting of a teddy bear and a red envelope with lucky money.

After the gala, Starlight Children’s Foundation engraved Supreme Master Ching Hai’s name onto a Fun Center as a token of appreciation for her dedication to the children. The unit was placed in one of the largest and most reputable children’s hospitals, the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. This Fun Center is one of the entertainment programs that Starlight provides to help the children through their difficult times during medical treatment.

I would, just on behalf of the Starlight Children's Foundation and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, like to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for donating among other things, this Fun Center. Also many of the things the Supreme Master has done for Starlight, we've granted a lot of wishes, we've done children's activity network events, we've granted hospital wishes. We've done a lot with the generosity of the Supreme Master.

It's really nice to receive these and as you know, we have many kids that are here. So it's always great to have something as wonderful as these activity centers because many times, the kids are not allowed to leave their floor, or leave their rooms, so it gives them something to do while they're getting their therapies. So we want to thank you so much because it really is appreciated by all of our families and our children and the nurses.

I got admitted today for chemo... cancer in my blood... leukemia. Hi Supreme Master. Thank you, Supreme Master, for the Fun Center.

Following the “One World...of peace through music” concert, Supreme Master Ching Hai’s art and humanitarianism became widely known. In light of the marvelous evening, the 27th Annual Telly Awards honored Supreme Master Ching Hai with the Silver Statuette in 2006 for the melodious masterpiece, “The Peace Seeker,” presented at the concert. The symphonic portrait featured Supreme Master Ching Hai’s heartfelt poetry set to music by Oscar- and Emmy Award-winning composer Fred Karlin.

In addition, founder and executive director of the Los Angeles Music Week, Margie Evans, a renowned singer herself, heard of admiration for Supreme Master Ching Hai via the Professional Musicians’ Union, whose members had performed in the orchestra at the “One World” benefit concert. Moved by Supreme Master Ching Hai, she honored her during the 9th Annual Los Angeles Music Week in December 2002 with a crystal plaque.

Although Supreme Master Ching Hai was unable to attend the reception at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, she sent representatives to convey her gratitude. Also during Los Angeles Music Week, the City of Los Angeles recognized Supreme Master Ching Hai with a Certificate of Commendation signed by Los Angeles Mayor the Honorable James K. Hahn and presented by City Council Member Wendy Greuel. Supreme Master Ching Hai gifted 100 “One World…of peace through music” books to local students at the Los Angeles Children’s Day following the award ceremonies. Moreover, she donated US$4,000 in lessons and instruments for underprivileged students with musical aspirations.

Her music is helping me to advance. Her book “One World … of peace through music” is also helping me to advance. So I position from a prophet in the Bible. Whatever state I’m in, I’ve learned to be content, I know how to abase and abound

That’s what she’s helping me do through her music, her love. Supreme Master Ching Hai, thank you for being you. For many people throughout the world you have touched, you will never know all the people, but I hope something I do in the future will show you that I have finally gotten the message. I might not ever see her in person but I feel her spirit. That’s why I think of her work.

In addition to sharing her love and resources in many humanitarian endeavors, Supreme Master Ching Hai also encourages beautifying our world with the arts. Many prominent Americans have been appreciative of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s steadfast support and requested her presence at other celebrated occasions.

On March 21, 1999, Supreme Master Ching Hai was invited to attend yet another star-studded event, the Oscar Gala “Night of 100 Stars,” held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The invitation to Supreme Master Ching Hai was warmly extended by Edvard Akopyan, the Ambassador of Lomar and the President of 21st Century Entertainment. This 8th annual event was attended by over 150 Hollywood stars, including past Oscar winners and nominees, to show tribute to the Academy Awards and to support Martin Scorsese’s The Film Preservation Foundation, which is committed to safeguarding the nation’s treasury of past motion pictures.

The board members of The Film Preservation Foundation include illustrious directors Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, George Lucas, Robert Redford, and Sydney Pollack. One of the first stars to meet with Supreme Master Ching Hai was famed actress Stella Stevens, known for her roles in “The Poseidon Adventure” with Gene Hackman, “Girls! Girls! Girls!” with Elvis Presley, and many more.

Thank you so much. I love your outfit, too. It’s so beautiful. I do want to see more, more.

I’m very simple.

Yes, very simple. Very traditional, very classical.

In front of all the big movie stars, I have to be simple.

Well, simplicity is the essence of style.

Throughout the evening, many celebrities approached Supreme Master Ching Hai including Golden Globe-winning actor Kevin McCarthy, with over 200 television and film roles including “Death of a Salesman”; actor Mark Hamill, who starred as Luke Skywalker in the original “Star Wars” trilogy; actor Robert Davi from the classic family film “The Goonies” and the TV series “Profiler”; Oscar-nominated actor Tony Curtis, who starred with Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like It Hot” and Sydney Poitier in “The Defiant Ones”; four-time Golden Globe-nominated actor David Carradine, known for his starring roles in the television series “Kung Fu”;

Oscar-winner and multi-nominee Rod Steiger, who starred in “The Pawnbroker” and “In the Heat of the Night”; multi-Oscar nominated actress and director of the silver screen Diane Ladd; famed singer and actress Connie Stevens, who has performed for many US Presidents at the White House and sang on tour with Bob Hope; Vincent Schiavelli from “Ghost,” “Batman Returns,” and “James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies”; Ken Huthmaker from Entertainment Sports Television; Peter Nygård, international fashion designer and sponsor of the Oscar Gala; Oscar-nominated actress Karen Black from “The Great Gatsby” and “Five Easy Pieces”; and actor Henry Silva from “Dick Tracy” and “Above the Law.”

This is Supreme Master.

How do you do, sir?

My pleasure.

You’re so nice. I know him, too. All my favorites tonight, my God!

Supreme Master Ching Hai’s divine way of being and her faith in humanity – God’s precious children – have encouraged stars and others alike to walk on the same path of peace and love.

Among the talented performers who had the chance to share Supreme Master Ching Hai’s vision at the “One World...of peace through music” concert was the Pasadena Boys Choir. Founded in 1925, the Pasadena Boys Choir is the oldest civic boys choir in the United States of America. The choir has performed and toured throughout the country as well as abroad and gained an exceptional reputation for its program of excellence. The Pasadena Boys Choir has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and other prominent groups and artists.

After the benefit concert “One World... of peace through music,” Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$10,000 to the Pasadena Boys Choir scholarship fund, as well as another US$10,000, gifts and red envelopes of lucky money to each of the boys. John Barron, the director of the Pasadena Boys Choir, was thoroughly surprised and touched that his prayers for the scholarship fund were answered. Mr. Barron expressed his thoughts on the “One World...of peace through music” concert and Supreme Master Ching Hai’s works in an interview on May 6, 2001:

She had made a very generous gift to the choir, to our scholarship fund, it benefited a lot of boys. But this other gift plan, I was not aware of and I hadn’t said anything to the kids, so they were not expecting this, so they were absolutely amazed as they were today, those beautiful bags are so artistic and colorful again. We made the distribution and said, “Well, his is a very special gift from Supreme Master Ching Hai.” And then we distributed the red envelopes and they were absolutely flabbergasted. I don’t think any of them have ever had that kind of experience before.

I also was incredibly impressed, with her art display and her fashion work and the jewelry and the paintings, and so many mediums, in which she creates. I can’t get over how she turns out such a volume of creative work, and all first-class, all so beautifully expressed. It’s truly remarkable when we look around our world and we see special people like Supreme Master. It really is a lesson for all of us in giving of oneself.

Do you remember seeing Supreme Master Ching Hai at all?

It was really nice to see her, like I thought she would be really like big, but she was a small person with a lot of love.

Thank you for everything that you have done. It’s just so amazing, what you have done for this world.

To express their appreciation, the Pasadena Boys Choir, under director John Barron, performed several songs on May 6, 2001 as a special dedication to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

We would like to dedicate this song to Supreme Master Ching Hai with all our love.

Some say love, it is a river That drowns the tender reed. Some say love, it is a razor That leaves your soul to bleed.

Some say love, it is a hunger, An endless aching need. I say love, it is a flower, And you, its only seed.

It's the heart, afraid of breaking, That never learns to dance. It's the dream, afraid of waking, That never takes a chance.

It's the one who won't be taken, Who cannot seem to give. And the soul, afraid of dying, That never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely, And the road has been too long, And you think that love is only For the lucky and the strong,

Just remember in the winter Far beneath the bitter snow, Lies a seed, that with the sun's love, In the spring becomes a rose.

Let's wander slowly through the fields, Slowly, slowly through the fields. And touch the leaves that touch the sky, Just you and I through fields of joy. All trouble slowly fades away, Slowly, slowly fades away; I hold your hand inside my hand, Across the land through fields of joy. The sound of music that we hear, The blend of colors in the air; All cities, mountains disappear from view, All truth of beauty near to me and you; With you through the fields, The fields of joy.

Besides guiding others through “the fields of joy,” encouraging them to cultivate inner peace and self love, a virtue that Supreme Master Ching Hai espouses and exemplifies is altruistic devotion. American veterans, those men and women who have sacrificed so much, sometimes even putting their lives on the line, have a special place in Supreme Master Ching Hai’s heart.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

I’m very honored to be here today.

Even though I’m a spiritual person, I am very grateful to stand here today due to the sweat and blood, and sacrifice of many distinguished young heroic personality.

And I would like you to know that even though some of you have gone, but we will see each other again. There is something greater than physical life and that I know, and all your sacrifice will never go unnoticed, and will be rewarded by the Almighty. I just had an operation and after the operation I was thinking of you so much, and I just want to say to you I’m grateful, and war is sometimes inevitable, even though nobody likes war.

I pray that one day our world is peaceful, so that all your heroic talent, all your enthusiasm will be used in rebuilding our world, and protecting what is right in a peaceful way. I have planned to offer US$200,000 for the veterans who need, or the children of them, who have no one to take care of, or whatever situation.

Shortly after her attendance at the Los Angeles Veterans Memorial Service, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$200,000 to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Also in appreciation of veterans, in 1997, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association organized a spectacular concert entitled “A Journey through Aesthetic Realms.” It was held at the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., two blocks away from the White House, on the evening of December 27.

A blend of traditional and contemporary arts, this concert bridged East and West, transcending cultural barriers and offering the audience an unforgettable artistic experience. The two beneficiaries at this concert were the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Vietnam Children’s Fund.

Attending the concert were the guest of honor Supreme Master Ching Hai and other distinguished guests, including Director of American Veterans & National Coalition of Homeless Veterans Mr. Mark Katz and his wife; Aulacese (Vietnamese) famed actress and co-chair of the Vietnam Children's Fund, Ms. Kiều Chinh; and Mr. Jim Delgado, Director of Volunteer Services and acting Secretary of the General Office, US Department of Veterans Affairs. An audience of over 3,000 filled the concert hall to partake in a feast of beauty for the spirit in this unique musical event.

There are many things that America, your country has done for us and the world and we can never do enough to express the gratitude and our deepest, humblest thankfulness for all the sacrifice that your sons and daughters have done in order to protect the peace of the world at the best as you can. We have just done some very, very tiny part of what we wish to do and what everyone else wishes to do. We just join hands.

So, since we are here, at the grace of the organizers and all the beautiful guests and government permission in Washington D.C., we'd like to take this opportunity to represent the gratefulness of the world to America and her citizens for every great and small sacrifice dedicated to the human race. We wish to contribute a little solid, material comfort to some of the great work that you're doing, to the veterans. We have been doing these in some degrees all these years, and tonight, since we have the opportunity, please be gracious and accept some share of gratitude from us among the world citizens. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much. It is certainly an honor and a pleasure for me personally to be here to represent the Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Hershel Gober, and the Department of Veterans Affairs and I gratefully accept your tremendous generosity and support of America’s veterans. In doing so, I would like to express our appreciation to Supreme Master Ching Hai, to the International Association, and to each of you here this evening for helping to honor the special men and women who had sacrificed in service to their country.

The amount is US$100,000.

I, too, am moved by this. It's US$100,000 as well and far be it for me to say anything that this money will do for the people of Âu Lạc (Vietnam). Thank you very much. Supreme Master Ching Hai. Louis Fuller, Terry Anderson and I, we are co-chairs and founders of Vietnam Memorial Association. On behalf of Lou and Terry and the children, thank you very much.

Americans themselves are known to be generous and kind-hearted people. Some US-based charities, in fact, are solely devoted to helping citizens outside of the nation. In 2006, Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly contributed US$65,000 in financial support to six US-based non-profit organizations whose goals are to better the lives of the children in Âu Lạc (Vietnam). One of these recipients was the Blind Vietnamese Children Foundation.

For me, the Supreme Master Ching Hai, she’s done a lot of work that’s amazing. Today I have seen all kinds of work that she has done right here, so that’s valuable. I really appreciate that. Master, I thank you very, very much for the donation check of US$10,000 here to help the foundation in service of the blind children in Âu Lạc (Vietnam). May God keep you in good health, peace, and joy.

Giving It Back to Kids, founded by Robert and Dorothea Kalatschan in 2002, has helped build homes for low-income families in Âu Lạc (Vietnam).

I’ve been learning quickly that Supreme Master Ching Hai’s got quite a heart, quite a heart. She’s not really there to proselytize. She’s there to help people and get to them to live their fullest in God, from what I understand. I want to thank Supreme Master, thank you for what you’ve done to help us to help the children in Âu Lạc (Vietnam). It’s going to influence and impact children’s lives for generations – not just once, but for generations.

Supreme Master, I just want to thank you for the incredible opportunity that you’re providing for us to help these children. And I’m touched by your generosity and certainly your action. Thank you for providing yet another sign that we’re on the road that we should be on in accordance with God’s plans. Thank you for the opportunity.

Supreme Master Ching Hai also donated to Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam, Prosthetics Outreach Foundation, Vietnam Children Assistance Program, and Vietnam Relief Effort.

On behalf of our organization, and on behalf of the children in Âu Lạc (Vietnam), and all of our people, all of the people, who assist our organization, I’d like to thank Supreme Master for this US$10,000 donation. It’s hard to express how much good this money will do. It will save children’s lives, it will change people’s lives. It will change families’ lives.

I really want to thank Supreme Master for her gift, and I understand it’s coming from her personally, which is even more astounding. We were very surprised, when the call came and we heard that, “You are going to be receiving US$10,000.” What we are going to do is we will use these funds to help men, women and children in Âu Lạc (Vietnam) get the artificial limbs that they deserve. Thirty individuals will have chance to restart their lives because of this generosity.

I was really moved by the charitable works that Supreme Master Ching Hai does, in specific, what she did during 9/11. This is a person doing good, and she hasn’t expected good, recognition; that’s not her purpose. Her purpose is to get more people to help, and she’s done wonderful work in that regard. And I’m very appreciative of the donation that our foundation is receiving.

We’re very grateful to the Supreme Master for her generous donation of US$20,000 to the Vietnam Relief Effort and that donation will go and touch many lives. Her generosity will help many, many people in Âu Lạc (Vietnam).

Throughout the years, Supreme Master Ching Hai’s dedicated efforts on behalf of others’ happiness are offered without any conditions in return. Her invaluable assistance has brought comfort and enrichment to the lives of many of her beneficiaries.

Earlier in today’s program you have enjoyed “Farewell Song,” music, lyrics, and vocals by Supreme Master Ching Hai, at the benefit concert “One World... of peace through music” on December 18, 1998, organized by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA. Orchestral arrangement was by composer Peter Boyer. We have also listened to “Some Say Love,” written by Amanda McBroom, and “Fields of Joy,” composed by Michael Kamen and Hal Fredericks, with vocal performance by the Pasadena Boys Choir on May 6, 2001 as a special dedication to Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Born in 1970, Professor Peter Boyer is Helen M. Smith Chair in Music at the School of Arts and Humanities, Claremont Graduate University. He is an award-winning American composer, conductor, and professor of music whose prolific works have been performed over 250 times by more than 90 orchestras. He has conducted recordings of his music with two of the world’s finest orchestras, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia. He is also the recipient of seven national awards, including two BMI Awards for young composers, the First Music Carnegie Hall commission, and the Lancaster Symphony Composer’s Award.

While best known for his orchestral piece, “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” Boyer is also esteemed in the film and TV industries, having written musical scores for The History Channel, Warner Bros., Paramount, and other major film companies. Composer Peter Boyer has set Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poetry to music and arranged one of her original compositions titled “Farewell Song.” He shared his thoughts on Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poem “Love Melody IV.”

I’ve taken this poetry and tried to find the essence of what it’s about, which seemed to be about love and longing and commitment, and try to reflect that somehow in the music. I feel that there is some sort of a connection between her visual art and her poetry in that it tends to have a very simple, direct sort of emotional kind of quality to it. And I think that can be found in the poetry as well.

Amanda McBroom is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter, having been described as “the greatest cabaret performer of her generation.” Her songs have been performed by famous artists such as Bette Midler, Leanne Rimes, Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, Barbara Cook, Anne Murray, and Harry Belafonte. Ms. McBroom’s own renditions of her beautiful compositions have been highly lauded. She also co-wrote many of the songs for “The Land Before Time” film series. As an actress, Ms. McBroom continues to make appearances on a number of popular television series, and has contributed her melodious voice to children’s cartoon shows.

Michael Kamen, born in 1948, was a prolific film and television composer, performer, musical arranger, orchestrator, and producer. Mr. Kamen provided the scores to numerous popular movies such as “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” “Highlander,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and many more. He co-wrote the Bryan Adams' song “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” which became the #1 song in the world in 1991 according to Billboard's Top 100 Hit Songs for that year.

The multi-talented artist was also instrumental in bringing about the 1994 Great Music Experience at Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan, in aid of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On this occasion, he composed and conducted an overture for 350 performers, including 200 Buddhist monks and 35 Kodo Japanese drummers. During his eminent career, Mr. Kamen was the recipient of three Grammy Awards, an Emmy, two Golden Globes, two Ivor Novello Awards, and an Annie Award.

Hal Fredericks was born in New York, New York. A gifted artist, his works include co-composing the music and lyrics of “Fields of Joy” with Michael Kamen. He also created pieces performed by Lenny Kravitz and New York Rock and Roll Ensemble. Mr. Fredericks has acted in notable movies such as “Two Gentlemen Sharing,” “Ironside,” and “The Flying Nun.”

Thank you for watching today’s A Journey through Aesthetic Realms: Music & Poetry. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television for Vegetarian Elite. Please join us on Saturday, March 26, 2011, for part two of our two-part tribute, “Loving is Sharing: Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Auspicious Affinity with the United States,” as we learn more about Supreme Master Ching Hai’s additional deeds of generosity and caring consideration for the noble-hearted Americans.

From residents affected by devastating natural disasters to the voiceless animals, from the non-profit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to the animal protection group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, we will feature some of the many to whom Supreme Master Ching Hai has offered her kind support as together Americans create an ever-brighter tomorrow. Due to our program’s time limitation, we can only highlight a portion of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s humanitarian work in the United States.

Be sure to tune in to Supreme Master Television on Saturday, March 26, 2011, right here on A Journey through Aesthetic Realms: Music & Poetry! May you and your family be blessed with happiness and harmony.

Please tune in to Supreme Master Television today for part two of our two-part tribute, “Loving is Sharing: Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Auspicious Affinity with the United States,” for more of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s message of love and humanitarian efforts.

I am the Ocean of Love Come to Me I am the River of Life Bathe in Me

Of course we are always together in our heart, we all know that, but know that I always hold America dear in my heart. I truly mean what I say, thank you for being Americans.

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