A human being is a grain of sand, but the entire cosmos is contained within it. Although the heart may be small, it can contain the vast ocean. Amidst the constant turbulent waves and wind, amidst the expansive Heaven and Earth, amidst all the ever-changing aspects of the world, that grain of sand still nurtures an unending longing, the day of homecoming to the eternal Kingdom, to exist lightheartedly in the sphere of the Buddhas.
“I am a grain of river sand Flowing to the ocean, a universe immense To the distant horizon, my time is endless Clear water, white sand, a life unbounded
I am a yellow sand grain For thousands years more in the sea I remain Ceaselessly the waves into my suffering heart do leap O sea, can you help retain my true original color?
I am a grain of sand from the Eastern sea Restlessly seeking the path that is right just for me Gazing at the moon, the way home’s so clear Clouds float one direction, the wind in another does steer!
I am the vast ocean sand Been around all over the world But yet to find my homeland! How long must I be away? My hope faded not for that luminous day
I am a tiny sand grain For thousands years my faithful heart sustained Transcending all turbulence in this sea of life Who would read the verses of my inner journey?”
Life in Âu Lạc (Vietnam) is simple and people are still loyal to one another even when the land is parched. “Our hometown is a modest land, But rich in love and mutual support. Cherishing rice plants, we move beyond hardship. Couples are ever faithful to their initial loving pledge.” And on that very loving land, through rain and shine, with hearts of purity and devotion farmers have brought prosperity, peace and joy to their villages and country.
“Clouds float by. Onto the vast field, moonlight softly alights. Folk tunes resound from the village’s gate afar. Our hometown is a modest land, but rich in love and mutual support. Cherishing rice plants, we move beyond hardship. Couples are ever faithful to their initial loving pledge. Yesternight, breeze-rustled leaves awaited the graceful moon. Lullabies still echo tenderly, weaving a knot of sweet affinity. Caring for each other, we plow and cultivate in the deep rice fields. Steadily we water and sow, minding not hard work, with confidence that one day we’ll see a golden and fragrant harvest.
O my love, with you by my side, the crops are abundant. O my love, rain or shine, thanks to your work our field is redolent and ripe. O homeland, we shall forge a shining life. The two humble homes are joined to deepen neighborly bond, so that the next harvest shall yield thousands of precious rice bowls. Tonight, the lovely moonlight will shine for eons to come. O enchanting moon! Witness our vows of devotion in this lifetime. Loving each other, evenly we pound the rice for its pristine white. Tomorrow morn, carrying our bounty to the city, we share the heartwarming rice so all can live happily.”
Time keeps on flowing; today it’s sunny, tomorrow rainy. Everything is constantly changing. Today branches are green, tomorrow withered. Yet love remains, still waiting amidst a changing world.
“The sky is sun-filled as clouds turn rosy Clouds swiftly float as you’re touched with melancholy Rain still falls like the day you came to visit Clouds quietly stir the rising wind.
As I sit watching the mountain rain, there’s sadness in the misery and pain Out there leaves seem green still On the desolate river, ever-flowing tides in my heart.
As you wept one rainy evening on the tall peak, nothing was left but the enduring mist On the way home, you prayed for your dress to be rain-soaked Cascading poinciana flowers covered the path Rows of verdant trees huddled together.
Where I’m seated, clouds hover above How I long for your visit many an evening Our embrace has been frail Through months and years, heels worn out from wandering.
As I sit down, praying for bountiful rain, on both hands a lasting pain Reclining, I listen to a lullaby Life is transient; let not our hearts be indifferent.”
“I set out, Spreading my wings to the Heavens. I proceed to call on you, The one I cherish… The Earth is vibrant, Exulting in our reunion An uncommon day of happiness, Together as on our first meeting Let us overlook The nights of our distress, Because from now We are together A long time… a long time!
Vast, open arms A profound, tender kiss Together this night, Let’s forget yesterdays And the rest. We depart at sunrise, Return at twilight, Sing on full moon nights, Chorus on breezy days. Life is an aromatic flower garden Oh, Mein!”
