Download - The Mindfulness Bell

may 2008 VIETNAM
18 May — Ha Long Bay
Today we went to Ha Long Bay. It’s so beautiful. We visited
the caves and walked up to the mountain, the scenery is unbelievable.
Every moment living in Vietnam made me appreciate the
beauty of this land even more. Lauren and I are sharing a room
with ocean view.
People here are simple and so loving. They are glad to know
that I’m Vietnamese. I thought after living in the U.S. for most
of my life, I had lost touch with my own roots but the first step in
Hanoi, I know I’m home, with my own brothers and sisters.
20 May — Proud to Be Both
We are in Hue now. It is much more quiet and tranquil, even
though our hotel is located in the heart of downtown. Meals are
served with many types of special dishes. The dining area is on
the balcony of the top floor overlooking the city and the Perfume
River. It’s so nice, especially at nighttime.
Yesterday we went to Tu Hieu Temple. Thay with his gentle
steps on the ground of his root temple brought tears to my eyes.
This trip is more meaningful for us because of the practice and of
his teachings. I’m forever thankful.
In the afternoon we visited preschools in the remote areas
of Hue. The children sang songs and danced for us. They live on
small boats or on stilt homes by the river. The living conditions
are very poor but they are full of laughter and big smiles.
Last night we went on a boat to celebrate Vesak. We chanted
and then released fish back to the river under the light of the full
moon.
This trip continues to nurture my deep connection to my
homeland and its beauty. I treasure my time here and just like Papa
said: “You should be proud to be an American, but never forget
your roots and your values.” He’s a wise man and I know in my
heart that I’m proud to be both.
24 May — Visiting Ancestors
Yesterday Lauren and I went to visit my parents’ birthplaces
near Hue with my relatives Chu Phu and Cu Chau’s children
that I have not seen for over forty years. We went to La Chu, my
father’s village, then later to Vi Da where my mother was born
ninety-three years ago. Being by my grandparents’ and greatgrandparents’
graves, I felt the deep connection to them, even
those I never met.
Early in the morning we walked on a narrow dirt road leading
to my grandmother’s last resting place. Both sides of the road were
rice fields ready to be harvested. The wet roads were so slippery,
Lauren almost fell into the ditch. We burned incense and touched
the earth three times to each of the tombstones.
Later, we went to Nguyen Khoa cemetery where my maternal
grandparents are buried. I knew that Lauren and I are the continuation
of our ancestors. There is no birth and no death. They are
in us, in our every cell, and in every breath we take. And I could
feel their love sent to us from above.
Central Vietnam is hot, with humid weather, and we were
dripping with sweat. But we looked forward to being with our
ancestors, so we just smiled and embraced the moment.
Today we visited the Emperors’ tombs and the Forbidden City.
When Chi Hoa, Mu Chuc’s daughter, found out that we were here,
she came to visit us in the hotel. She told us many stories about
my family and she warmly greeted us with deep true love.
1 June — Memories and Gratitude
After Hoi An we went to Da Nang, where I spent most of my
childhood and where I finished my education from elementary to
high school. It brought back many warm memories — of family,
friends, and the beautiful beaches. My Papa often took us to the
ocean so my sisters and I could play in the water.
Lauren and I took a tour to the Cham Museum. It has artifacts
that are thousands of years old. Then we visited my beloved math
teacher’s home — Mr. Bui passed away years ago but his lovely
wife welcomed us warmly. I sat there holding her soft hands,
and her heartbeat and mine became one. We did not say much,
but deep inside our love was interconnected. It was a hot, humid
day, and our visit was sweet. I was touched by her tranquility and
her kindness.
After that, we stopped to see my high school, Phan Chu Trinh.
I used to walk with my friends to class; we shared our teenage
years with so much laughter and silly jokes. Another stop was the
courthouse where my father worked as a judge for twenty years.
I could not find our old home in Da Nang because it’s now an
office building.
The last stop in Da Nang was My Khe beach. Lauren and I
were so happy when our feet touched the white sand and warm
water. It was a perfect day, the sky was blue with patches of white
clouds. Warm summer breezes caressed our faces softly. I picked
up some seashells and feathers on the beach. I took a few deep
breaths to treasure my youth, and my presence in the here and
the now.
We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) three days ago.
It’s a lovely break: we called our time here are our “lazy days”
— great food, and nice times spent with my brother’s family.
We also visited with Uncle Tu’s children, Aunt Dieu Phuong’s
daughter, and my dear friend Thuy Anh that I have not seen for
forty-five years.
Lauren and I feel very fortunate to be able to take this trip
together. Vietnam has helped us to open our hearts and our souls,
to be touched by the kindness of many people and to be proud of
my homeland’s natural beauty.
I’m looking forward to being back in America soon. May all
beings be at peace.
Van Khanh Ha, True Attainment of the Fruit of the Practice,
left Vietnam in 1971 to study in the United States, where she
married and had a daughter, Lauren Mai. Her father, who had
been a federal judge before the war, and her mother were
able to come to the U.S. and live with Van in their old age. Van
practices with Sanghas in Maryland and Virginia.
the Mindfulness Bell 15