A Journey Through Aesthetic Realms: A Benefit Concert of Celestial Reminiscence, Part 9 of 18

We’re going to do a song now that’s a little more up. It looks like there’s a little dance floor here. I don’t know if anybody wants to dance. Anyway, this song is called “Out of the Forest and Into the Trees.” And I’d like to name my band for you, so you can remember them. Again, this is Don Markese on saxophone and flute. George Tortorelli on percussion and flute. This is Dan Chase back here on the drums. He likes drums. Chad Watson on bass guitar and piano.

How about a hand for this wonderful set here? Is this beautiful? I was around yesterday when a lot of people were working very hard. And my applause to you; it’s very beautiful. It’s a beautiful evening, and we’re proud to be here. We’re going to close with a song that’s kind of a celebration song for me. In a tribal kind of way, I guess. It’s called “Firedance.”

Good evening, [Supreme Master] Ching Hai. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to share with you a story about a person who leaves this world to enter the underworld to rescue loved ones from suffering. Now, a few of you might assume that this is about Orpheus and Eurydice from Greek mythology. But it’s not. I didn’t want to tell a story that only some of you know; I want to tell one that everyone could recognize. Actually, this is an allegory which applies to everyone at any time in our lives. As we live in this mundane earth, our lives are full of suffering and sorrow. We drift along and struggle in the river of life. And only a few of us will break through the current and reach the bank. However, as they stand on the bank, looking back at their loved ones with hearts full of love and compassion, they dive back into the raging river to rescue those still drowning in misery.

We will recognize these ideals in [Supreme Master] Ching Hai’s poem, “Eternal Beloved,” adapted into music by Thái [Tú] Hòa, performed by Thái Hiền and Duy Quang, accompanied by dancers of the [Supreme Master] Ching Hai International Association.

“I descended to this world, searching for you My eternal beloved, mired in this life of turbulence. Sailing the boat of Perfect Wisdom through the turbid sea, From the gate of birth and death to the purgatory! …”