During
the recent Lunar New Year holiday, Mr. Do Thong Minh, a well-known Aulacese
native who has resided in Japan for many years, participated in the
anniversary celebration of the "Music & Poetry Center"
in Little Saigon, Orange County, California. A Ph.D. in literature,
Mr. Do has
written a Japanese-Aulacese dictionary and many other books. He is also
a special Japanese correspondent for the local station, Little Saigon
Radio. Mr. Do was interviewed by a fellow initiate during the celebration,
and excerpts from the interview are presented below.
Q:
As an editor, do you think that cultural activities
have any influence on spirituality?
A:
We have different ways of viewing it. The term
"culture," in a greater sense, may include part of spirituality.
We may consider spirituality to be the pinnacle of philosophy. Based
on the fact that people have different viewpoints, it covers everything.
Spirituality and culture should definitely go hand in hand. Most people
who have a highly developed culture also have a highly evolved spiritual
life.
Q:
When and how did you learn about Supreme Master
Ching Hai?
A:
I learned about Supreme Master Ching Hai and read a number of Her publications
perhaps eight to ten years ago. My first meeting with Her was probably
during a lecture in Japan in 1993. Frankly, if we talk about spirituality
or religion, there will be many different ways of thinking, and sometimes
my thinking is not necessarily correct. Therefore, I don't know how
to describe it appropriately. However, to many people, Master's work
in humanitarian areas, social welfare, and spirituality is extremely
beneficial to many. Thus, I think the continuation of Her work will
elevate the spiritual life and alleviate the suffering of the Aulacese
people, both natural disaster victims and others alike. Her work does
benefit a great many people in need.
Through
Her social and humanitarian activities, I see that Supreme Master Ching
Hai has made immense contributions almost everywhere. From the United
States to Au Lac, at any place where disaster has stricken, Her presence
has alleviated the suffering of victims. Even in Japan in 1995, when
the Kobe earthquake occurred, fellow initiates from neighboring regions
and even from the distant United States immediately arrived to extend
their assistance in the relief work. I believe that such social and
humanitarian efforts have alleviated the pain of needy people around
the world.
You have
just given us a book that looks elegant and noble, not only in appearance
but also in content, which is so rich. However, time and the fact that
the book is written in English do not allow us to finish reading it
immediately for detailed commentary. It is our great honor to know an
Aulacese person who is a great, accomplished poet, whose poetry has
become the lyrics for songs, and who has been internationally acclaimed
for Her superior talents. Perhaps, there has never been an Aulacese
who has achieved such success before.
We think
that poetry and music, regarded as a whole or as works of art, are of
the ultimate essence of humanity's thinking. Culture has many facets
but these arts express the subtle and innermost feelings of humankind.
Supreme Master's poetic works not only manifest Her humane nature but
also touch the hearts of humans deeply.
