VietNamNet Bridge - On April 23, at the Office of the National Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs in Hanoi, expatriate French monk Thich Nhat Hanh delivered a lecture on Buddhism in the Tale of Kieu.

Monk Hanh began the lecture by explaining a line from Nguyen Du’s epic poem about flowing water. The monk said that this line suggested meditation in Buddhism, which means unclogging water flows.

The Zen Master also talked about the peace praying mass he had conducted on April 20 at Non Pagoda in Soc Son District, Hanoi. He said he saw many people crying, which was good, since to him, tears have great healing power and can lighten burdened souls.

He added that meditation is very good because it helps people to let go of their pain. And with citations from the Tale of Kieu, Monk Hanh spoke for life’s magical power.

Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as Chairman of the National Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, said, "We’re very touched to realise that after many years living away from his country, Zen Master Hanh is still deep in the Vietnamese soul and Vietnamese culture. The lecture shows his profound knowledge, and what’s more important, his loving heart."

According to Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh, Monk Hahn’s teachings may be applied to the development process of the nation.

Before the lecture, Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh had also held a talk with the Zen Master and presented him with a photo book on Vietnam, which was chosen as a gift for each representative attending the recent 14th APEC summit.

In return, the monk gave Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh and other members of the National Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs his book about Buddha, Duong due may tang (Old Path, White Clouds), which is being adapted to the big screen.

(Source: Tien Phong)