TITLE: My Will & A Day Like Today
AIRDATE: Saturday, August ８, ２００９

Tears for Future Lifetimes (Gi?t L? Cho Ngan Sau) Words & Music: T? Cong Ph?ng Vocals: Ng?c Lan On moss-covered path, your footprints fading Saddened for tomorrow, a romance fleeting Like yellow leaves, falling quickly Autumn’s passing by indifferently Seeing each other only brings more pain and harder rain Rain on my smiles, rain in your heart Your tears will flow for thousands of years. Reaching back in time, I find but A sky full of clouds drifting, my lone shadow wandering On desolate veranda, leaves scatter still Hearts wither with each passing autumn Seeing each other only brings more pain and harder rain Rain on life, rain leaving us wordless Your tears will flow for thousands of years. Tomorrow when we part, I ask of you forgiveness Though life has lost its youthful luster Tears of torment on this arid heart My existence ? O poignant！ Sad melodies fill this lifetime My sorrow, sky high, your world, a pouring rain A weary life left to run its course My beloved’s image dimmed with passing autumns Tears in my heart, tears on my lips Love for a time, parted for the whole life Your tears will flow for thousands of years. Life may have less joy than sorrow. People may not only lament for their fate today but also grieve their lot for thousands of years. Yet, time is unending. Footprints of the past are moss-covered and faded; romances quickly wane like indifferent autumn rains. Happiness is brief, love fleeting, yet memories linger till the end of one’s existence, giving life cherished moments that seem to have dissipated since long ago. Tomorrow when we part, I ask of you forgiveness Though life has lost its youthful luster Tears of torment on this arid heart My existence ? O poignant！ Sad melodies fill this lifetime My sorrow, sky high, your world, a pouring rain A weary life left to run its course Tears in my heart, tears on my lips Love for a time, parted for the whole life Your tears will flow for thousands of years. One passes through this life with both happiness and sorrow, with separation coupled with reunion. Yet an eternal farewell will come eventually. All the love, friendships, tears and smiles will be bequeathed to the world, with abandonment and acceptance. What remains for one’s beloved will just be verses of melancholy dreams, some prose of nostalgia, and laments of a broken heart. 『But important are my poems！ Please darling, keep all of them. It’s for you that they are made, From sleepless nights and broken dreams！』 That is all one could leave behind, a souvenir from a foolish heart and from a time of tender passion. Yet in this transient world, life and death are but ephemeral. If I die tomorrow, All my properties become yours. You are my next of kin, No one else in the whole world！ Here I write my will, My hands trembling, my heart thrilled！ Mr. So and So... by this name Heir of the inheritance. Fingerprints on everything I possess, Left behind with anguished passion. Here is a list of my property: A few decent clothes, a safe empty, Poems and books, never once published, No diamond, less any jewelry！ But important are my poems！ Please darling, keep all of them. It’s for you that they are made, From sleepless nights and broken dreams！ You can be sure then, I am happy. This world has nothing to offer me, Since the day you left; Life, crawling toward death valley. I know, it’s crazy and useless, It’s nonsense and foolish, I know！ But my heart, my very heart, Also belongs to you！... You can keep it with the inheritance, If I die tomorrow, if I die soon, What’s the difference, one day more or one year less？ Who cares if I die tomorrow or if I die soon？... If I die tomorrow, All my properties become yours. You are my next of kin, No one else in the whole world！ Here is a list of my property: A few decent clothes, a safe empty, Poems and books, never once published, No diamond, less any jewelry！ I know, it’s crazy and useless, It’s nonsense and foolish, I know！ But my heart, my very heart, Also belongs to you！... You can keep it with the inheritance, If I die tomorrow, if I die soon, What’s the difference, one day more or one year less？ Who cares if I die tomorrow or if I die soon？... If I die tomorrow, All my properties become yours. You are my next of kin, No one else in the whole world！ Here is a list of my property: A few decent clothes, a safe empty, Poems and books, never once published, No diamond, less any jewelry！ I know, it’s crazy and useless, It’s nonsense and foolish, I know！ But my heart, my very heart, Also belongs to you！... You can keep it with the inheritance, If I die tomorrow, if I die soon, What’s the difference, one day more or one year less？ Who cares if I die tomorrow or if I die soon？... What’s the difference, one day more or one year less？ Who cares if I die tomorrow or if I die soon？... Please pause with us for a moment to enjoy nature’s fresh air on our beloved Earth. A Journey through Aesthetic Realms: Music & Poetry will return shortly. Welcome back to today’s A Journey through Aesthetic Realms: Music & Poetry. Love is as wondrous as the mystical moon and stars; it is a realm of paradise for those in love. 『A day like today I want to go Somewhere far away where the sun glows With only you, my beloved, And no one we know...』 Love may come and go, yet even being together only for one brief day would make our surrounding more romantic and enchanting. 『O my very own！ How I long to be with you, Comb your silk-like hair through my fingers, Feel my dreams come true.』 A day like today I want no friends, No chocolate, no television, Only you, my beloved, And your arms to curl in！ O my Fruhling！ (spring) How I long to be with you. Every night I think I’m no longer living. A day like today I want to go Somewhere far away where the sun glows With only you, my beloved, And no one we know... O my very own！ How I long to be with you, Comb your silk-like hair through my fingers, Feel my dreams come true. A day like today everything seems gray. Will you still love me When others have run away？ O I am so lonely As one could never be. I am so verzweifelt (doubtful) As one could never believe. A day like today I want no friends, No chocolate, no television, Only you, my beloved, And your arms to curl in！ A day like today I want to go Somewhere far away where the sun glows With only you, my beloved, And no one we know... O my Fruhling！ (spring) How I long to be with you. Every night I think I’m no longer living. O my very own！ How I long to be with you, Comb your silk-like hair through my fingers, Feel my dreams come true. A day like today everything seems gray. Will you still love me When others have run away？ O I am so lonely As one could never be. I am so verzweifelt (doubtful) As one could never believe. A day like today I want no friends, No chocolate, no television, Only you, my beloved, And your arms to curl in！ A day like today I want to go Somewhere far away where the sun glows With only you, my beloved, And no one we know... O my Fruhling！ (spring) How I long to be with you. Every night I think I’m no longer living. O my very own！ How I long to be with you, Comb your silk-like hair through my fingers, Feel my dreams come true. A day like today everything seems gray. Will you still love me When others have run away？ O I am so lonely As one could never be. I am so verzweifelt (doubtful) As one could never believe. Earlier you’ve enjoyed the song 『Tears for Future Lifetimes,』 music and lyrics by composer T? Cong Ph?ng and vocals by singer Ng?c Lan. Next was 『My Will,』 a poem written by Supreme Master Ching Hai in Germany in １９７９, under the pen name Phi Van, originally in English, and recited by artist H?ng Van. This poem was set to music by composer To Thanh Tung and presented by singer Thuy D??ng, excerpted from CD 『To My Younger Sister.』 Lastly, 『A Day Like Today,』 a poem written by Supreme Master Ching Hai in １９７９, in Germany, originally in English, and recited by artist Thuy Vinh, excerpted from CD 『The Lost Memories I.』 The poem was adapted to music by composer Tr?n Quang L?c and performed by singer Quang Minh. To Thanh Tung has written more than １００ songs throughout his successful career. His first song was 『H?ng Ng? in My Heart,』 composed in １９６３. Composer To Thanh Tung has set to music some of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poems, released in CD 『To My Younger Sister,』 which has been well-received by music lovers. L７３７-７４９ In an interview conducted by 『Women’s World Weekly Magazine,』 composer To Thanh Tung shared his thoughts about the poetry of Phi Van (pen name of Supreme Master Ching Hai in her teen years): 『My music has always focused on the topic of love, but this poetry book is about reflections and outlooks on life. Therefore, it can be said that adapting these poems to music was a turning point in my career.』 In appreciation, Supreme Master Ching Hai sent gifts to composer To Thanh Tung, who has earnestly contributed his musical melodies to our world. H?ng Van is among the most famous poetry reciters in Au L?c (Vietnam) and also a well-known folk singer since the early １９７０s. H?ng Van’s sweet and gentle singing and reciting voice lingers in the hearts of listeners through such poems as 『The Hues of Antigone Blossom,』 『Words of a Courtesan,』 as well as folk songs like 『Song of the Mountain Pass,』 and 『Song of the Black Horse.』 As affinity led her to Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poetry, she has expressed Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poems so movingly poems such as 『Why Am I Still in Love？』 『Waiting for You,』 『Asking My Love in Yonder,』 and 『How Can I Forget...』 During Christmas １９９６, the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association organized a benefit concert in Long Beach, California, USA in support of Aulacese artists residing in their homeland. Up to this time, Supreme Master Ching Hai continues to lovingly send New Year gifts to Aulacese people in need, including artists. During those occasions, our Association members had the pleasure of visiting and brought Surpeme Master Ching Hai’s gifts to Ms. H?ng Van. She had sung in dedication to Supreme Master Ching Hai a song entitled 『The Moon River』 to express her gratitude for Master. Ms. H?ng Van said 『Though we are thousands of miles apart, I always think of you as a highly revered Master.』 Thuy D??ng has an expressive singing voice, adored by audiences especially through romantic ballads. She has released a CD album titled 『Timeless Love Songs』 that includes popular songs such as 『Last Love Song』 and 『Violet Evening.』 Following are some thoughts by vocalists Van Khanh and Thuy D??ng about the song 『In Memoriam』 from 『For My Younger Sister,』 a CD album in which composer To Thanh Tung adapted to music the verses of poet Phi Van (Supreme Master Ching Hai’s pen name in her youth). After composer To Thanh Tung suggested to us some ideas about the content of the song, I felt that a person could be so compassionate to others. This song also communicates that life is very short, therefore we should offer each other the best. From that, I’ve understood more about life. When I sang this song, I felt tranquil, and that has helped me and Ms. Thuy D??ng express it well. Thuy D??ng and I wish to thank the poet for such highly cultured verses. I feel that it brings peace to people’s heart. Once again, Thuy D??ng and I would like to thank poet Phi Van and composer To Thanh Tung for sharing with everyone a very beautiful and meaningful song. Thuy Vinh is an outstanding poetry reciter from Au L?c (Vietnam). Her heartfelt recital voice has been admired by generations of poetry lovers. Thuy Vinh also is a poet, with her first poetry collection being 『Alluvial Time.』 Tr?n Quang L?c was born in １９４９ in Gio Linh, Qu?ng Tr?. He graduated from Hu? National Conservatory of Music in １９６９ and has written more than ５００ songs of various genres. Tr?n Quang L?c’s famous songs are 『Come Home, My Beloved,』 『Could That Be You, Autumn in Ha N?i？』 and 『This Song for You.』 In the Year of the Cat １９９９ and the years after that, Supreme Master Ching Hai has always lovingly sent Lunar New Year gifts to Aulacese (Vietnamese) writers and artists, among whom is composer Tr?n Quang L?c. The composer has released 『Tr?n Quang L?c’s Collection of ５０ Selected Songs』 which includes a number of songs adapted from the poetry of poet Phi Van, the pen name of Supreme Master Ching Hai during her youth. I’ve composed several songs from poet Phi Van’s poems. Each song created is like one of my children, so I only wish that the union between poetry and music will bring to this world many beautiful and elegant songs. In any case, these songs are due to the poems, so I’d like to send my respectful greetings and appreciation to poet Phi Van. Quang Minh’s performing style and warm voice are very much admired by audiences. After years of performing on stage, with a deep dedication to music, Quang Minh is especially known for singing romantic songs. Thank you for watching today’s A Journey through Aesthetic Realms: Music & Poetry. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television for Vegetarian Elite. May the grace of the Most Compassionate be with you and your family. Farewell for now. Thank you for watching today’s A Journey through Aesthetic Realms: Music & Poetry. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television for Vegetarian Elite. May the grace of the Most Compassionate be with you and your family. Farewell for now. Understanding each other's hearts, The silent grief is left unspoken！ Now one remains alone in life Counting each day silently passing by River winds around the capital city Sailing boat at dawn, feeling carefree Serene Perfume River, enfolded in misty smoke Forest wind glides with the boat Foliage still bathed in dew Mountain flowers harmonized with tranquil clouds Boat’s returned, but the melody unfinished In the east, the day’s just dawning. River winds around the capital city Sailing boat at dawn, feeling carefree Serene Perfume River, enfolded in misty smoke Forest wind glides with the boat Foliage still bathed in dew Mountain flowers harmonized with tranquil clouds Boat’s returned, but the melody unfinished In the east, the day’s just dawning. You’ve just listened to the poem 『Sailing on Perfume River at Dawn,』 written by Emperor Thi?u Tr?, an Aulacese (Vietnamese) monarch known for his literary talents. The Perfume River is one of the twenty beautiful sights in the ancient capital Hu?, which inspired King Thi?u Tr? to pen verses in 『Twenty Sceneries of the Capital City.』 This poem was carved on a stone stele in １８４３, and remains to date in Phu V?n Lau monument. 『Sailing on Perfume River at Dawn』 describes a boat leisurely traveling on the peaceful Perfume River in the morn, when the foliage is still dew-drenched, a vision of serene beauty under Heaven and on Earth. This poem was recited today by artist Thu H?ng.