Poems

Western Lake, In A Dream

 By Fellow Initiate Ho, Melbourne, Australia
(Originally in English, Au Lac language & Chinese)

Golden sunset,
Disappearing behind the
Western Lake;

Red leaves,
Falling on the path of
Late autumn;

Alone,
In steps of longing,
Wandering,
By the Nectar River
My brother often mentions.

All because,
At the dreamlike Western Lake,
There was You,
My dearest Master.

Bright light,
Penetrating darkness before dawn;
Nature,
Echoing melodies of heartfelt delight.

Even though,
Seeing each other only in a dream...

The misty Western Lake was
Distinctive,
And bright,
Bathing in the boundless ocean of love.

The dreamlike Western Lake
Has You,
And the bright light!

  • Hsihu (Hsihu Center) literally means Western Lake.

    ** The author has never been to the Western Lake (Hsihu Center). His brother mentioned in the poem was once a resident at Hsihu for a period of time. In this issue, the poem "In A Dream Last Night", was written by his brother.

In A Dream Last Night

By Fellow Initiate Ho, Melbourne, Australia
(Originally in English, Au Lac language & Chinese)

Last night, I dreamt of the Eastern wind.
Misty moon was hanging above the Western Lake.
Little Nectar River whispered.
Asked if I remembered
Those fast bygone days.

Last night, I dreamt of Your holy countenance,
Elegant and brilliant as always.
Majestic as in the old days,
Your holy garment was as white as snow.
Sitting solemnly,
You sprinkled sweet nectar of wisdom,
Nourishing my withered heart.

Last night, I strolled in the holy meditation hall.
Bodhi trees still standing high,
Strong and never subdued by rain or gale.
With cool shadows,
Guarding those who were in the blissful state of samadhi.

Last night, I dreamt of spiritual aspirants
Walking in the forest of the Western Lake.
Longing for enlightenment, wanting wisdom,
Working hard weeding the wild grass in their hearts,
In the cold wind of winter.

Last night, in the state of unconsciousness,
The wind started blowing,
Awakening the dreamer.
O my fellow practitioners afar,
When will we meet again?
Or is it like water running towards the East,
Raising lightly thy sword of wisdom,
Concluding the affection,
Of a classmate who used to study under the same window?

The Great Master

By The Supreme Master Ching Hai
(Originally In Au Lac Language)

One hair
Carries mountains of merit
One toenail
Lights up the entire earth!
Your descent
Redirects the destinies of the five continents
Your grace
Encompasses countless worlds.

Your arrival
Is what I've been waiting for;
Eyes of oceans
Deep with Love and Mercy,
Your light
Dignified and extraordinary,
Guiding lost souls
Back to the Original Abode

The whole universe
Cheers aloud: "Hurrah!"
Falling to my knees
My heart can speak no word;
Worldly eyes recognize not
Your venerable Beauty
Ordinary hearts know not
Your unparalleled greatness!

Why is it me
Gifted with such Blessings
When heaven and earth
Still lost and half asleep?
How many thousand years of practice
To come to such a day
To be near Your side,
Like green palms
Shading the desert
Ye, the protector of our Souls
With matchless power

Precious stones and pearls
In the whole universe
Cannot compare to a speck of dust
On Your holy feet.
In tears
I secretly pity the world
Heading toward
Such a road of sorrow!
You have already come
Yet they know not, hear not,
Their precious lives
Tortured in boundless suffering

I want to cast
Clouds high in the sky
Joyously call Your name
Amid winds and clouds.
Engrave Your name
On every morning star
Call the world
To wake up with the sun
Do come and listen
To the words of the Holy Saint
Do come and share
The delightfulness;
Do come and greet
The heavenly Light and precious Tone

The day when
The universe sings happily
To receive One and Only.

The day when
The Master, the Almighty Love
Returns the universe
To us all!
Rajburg, India

Index News #44