The Secrets Of Master's Paintings

By Fellow Initiate Ho, San Jose, U.S.A. (Originally in Au Lac Language)

Most people studying the art of painting would be stunned by Supreme Master Ching Hai's works. In the field of painting, which form does she belong to? The answer is very simple: Supreme Master Ching Hai does not belong to any form, but at the same time also belongs to all forms.

"Retreat,Iris - The Flower In The Heart Will Not Wither" and "Simple Joy" belong to impressionism; "The Clown" and "Harmony" belong to cubism; "Moon Night" and "Paulownia Trees" belong to innocent form; "Ordinary Dream,Magnolia Tree" and "Desert Flower" belong to neo-classicism; New Era" and "Peaceful Time" belong to abstract, superficial and indescribable form.

There are many other paintings that cannot be classified. Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings combine all forms and methods, and transcend any content or techniques of the past and present.

Other amazing facts are that, Supreme Master Ching Hai has never gone to any art school or learned painting from anyone, and has never studied the painting techniques of any America or foreign painting masters, of the past or present. Besides, most of Her works were painted during Her world-wide lecture tours, in Formosa, Costa Rica, United States, Japan, Panama, Europe, Australia, etc. An enlightened Master lecturing throughout the world is so busy that there isn't even enough time to eat and sleep, where does She find time to paint? Furthermore, painting requires many cumbersome tools, and She never resides peacefully in one place waiting for Her inspirations to come.

Nevertheless, various oils, pastels and chalk paintings have been finished one after another, are of very high artistic standard, and generally acclaimed by art critics of the world. What they don't know is, this enlightened Master painter can even create time and space.

Even more inconceivable is Master's stunning speed of painting -- as fast as dreaming, thunder or lightning. As well, immediately the joy of creation emerges. Without a relaxed mind, how can paintings like "Night on Yang Min Mountain,Desert Flower" and "Hsihu Sunset" be accomplished? The ever changing sunset, the brilliant yet harmonious contrast in colours, the hazy late evening, the sky and the earth, mountains and trees, wind and clouds, all rest peacefully on the canvas.

Among Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings, there are some that seem to be unfinished, but that was actually done deliberately. They ressemble an innocent and cute little girl putting on her new dress. She is carried away by her joy and forgets to fasten one of the buttons. Supreme Master Ching Hai never limits the subject matter of Her paintings. A warehouse, several old books, sunshine, raindrops, rocks, clouds, sky, within and without, in heaven and on earth -- unlimited treasures fit to be painted. Even a tiny blade of grass in front of Supreme Master Ching Hai's tent could become a touching artistic masterpiece. Such an absolutely unique and strange composition -- grass covering the entire canvas, yet the sense of space is still there.

There is a hidden secret behind Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings: After each painting is finished, She "spoils" it slightly so as to make it not absolutely perfect. For instance, in "Moon Night," there is a red spot at the lower right corner. With careful observation, one can see that it is not a seal usually used by Chinese painters; it is only a red spot, as if it was dropped carelessly on the canvas. However, it warms up the whole picture! This is also a lesson teaching us how to accept this imperfect world, in our efforts to make it perfect.

Supreme Master Ching Hai carries the viewer from one miracle to another miracle, from one discovery to another, from one amazement to further amazements; and finally lets them realize God's greatness and love, the infinity of heaven and earth, the incredibility of creation and the subtle talents in each of us.