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Commentary on New Year Poems of the Year of the Horse
In the moment of tender sadness when the son departs with great aspiration, though we long for the familiar, we must allow the path leading to happiness to continue. Those who remain need to recognize not to bind the energy and aspiration, but to use their whole heart to support the journey afar.
- A moment of tender sadness – a soft, vulnerable moment, but one cannot stay there.
- Yashodhara – the feeling of regret but letting go of Siddhartha.
- Supporting the one who leaves with love, instead of clinging uselessly.
Vietnamese youth in the years 1940–1945, from enjoying carefree play, awakened to the suffering of the nation, and many departed for their ideals. The heroic image of Jing Ke and the verse “the wind blows chillingly, the water of the Yi River is icy cold… the warrior leaves and does not return” became a symbol of noble sacrifice and steadfast spirit, inspiring loyalty and courage in the younger generation.
Both the revolutionary path and the monastic life require an environment that nourishes ideals. From the image of the sun in the bitter melon to wrapping gifts, sending relief medicine, each verse of poetry and “embracing the sun” in the meditation hall are ways to keep our love and energy from being depleted. Mindfulness when eating a meal, looking at a basket of vegetables and seeing the sun still beautiful on the full moon night, helps us overcome disappointment and maintain our aspiration for the long journey.