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Sowing the Seeds of Poetry
Using the materials from the gatha “Thắng giải tâm về chuyên một niệm …”, only taking the available words and adding very few necessary terms (for example, Alaya Consciousness), according to the principle of association of ideas (ân → virtue, về → path, nguyên → true, sáng → clear, một niệm → one, loving-kindness from the heart), to create a new gatha. When checking the rules of tones, read the tones silently in your mind, correct any word that violates the rule (for example, flat-flat-flat-sharp-sharp-flat-flat → flat), and choose words that are both in rhyme and preserve the meaning (for example, do not use rarely used words like “tuyền trong” or “thanh trong”, but select natural words).
Practice the lục bát form (6-8 syllables, the 4th syllable is sharp, the 6th and 8th syllables are flat) to compose a transmission gatha, contemplate on giving a Dharma name and select qualities for each word (Nguyên Ân, Uyên Nguyên, Mai Nghiêm …), sending your aspiration through the name. When assembling the words:
- Use the available sources, do not add much from outside
- Maintain harmony of rhyme and meaning (for example: profound return to the gathering of myriad directions, clear stream water preserves the pure original source)
- Flexibly try out words, discard those that do not fit, calligraphy each stroke as the breath and presence of the mind.