Excerpt from Hollywood

Attending the Gala Concert
"ONE WORLD OF PEACE ...
THROUGH MUSIC"

Report by Vuong Tung, Ph.D. (Originally in Au Lac language)

In the midst of a chilly winter, the sky at the years end was filled with sparkling stars, all roads leading to the entertainment capital of the U.S.A. suddenly became increasingly busy as a mass of people from around the world and across the U.S.A. harmoniously flowed to the grand Shrine Auditorium. A site where the prestigious Hollywood Academy Awards and Emmy Awards ceremonies are held, it is world-renowned for its elegance.

On the evening of December 18, 1998, an unprecedented event made its mark on the prestigious grand Shrine Auditorium. A musical gala organized by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association entitled "One World Of Peace ... Through Music," was made possible by the contributing performances of musicians, vocalists, movie stars, and legendary composer-conductors who have made headlines for many years in the entertainment world.

Music and poetry lovers and well-known artists gathering in the heart of the world's capital of light demonstrated harmony among performers and audience, and the glorious creativity and boundless compassion that allowed them to merge into moments of sympathy and spontaneity. The concert was not produced for sensual enjoyment alone, but also to reach out to children suffering from disabilities and terminal illnesses. The proceeds from the concert were not directed to a certain geographical area or country, but extended to the entire world for these suffering children.

Promptly at 6:00 PM, after formal welcoming procedures, guests and audience members gathered in the lobby of the Grand Auditorium to tour the exhibition venue displaying art creations by the saintly artist Master Ching Hai. People were highly impressed by the wealth of Her creativity and Her multi-faceted talents. The artwork instilled uplifting feelings and peaceful inner joy that prepared one for the uniquely created entertainment of this special evening. By 8:00 PM, more than 6,000 audience members had filled the spacious grand auditorium that fronted a giant stage lavishly decorated with butterflies in bright and shimmering colors enhanced by a lively lighting system to convey a soft and uplifting atmosphere.

In today's world, peace is the ultimate longing of humanity. "The Peace Seeker" a combination of verses from one of Supreme Master Ching Hai's poems, was subdivided into three sections. It was interpreted by the legendary composer/conductor Fred Karlin and was uniquely presented and transformed into a highly creative musical performance with the supporting voice of The Pasadena Choir, the most highest acclaimed and oldest boys choir in the United States. This performance was described as the greatest and most laboriously composed one conducted by the magic wand of Peter Boyer, who held the audience breathless while following the transition of musical sounds. The entire scene was enhanced by the sophisticated background and supporting lighting.

Next came the moment when Supreme Master Ching Hai was cordially invited on stage to present checks to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital and Starlight Children's Foundation. Program host John Moschitta solemnly proclaimed: "We have heard of Her fame, enjoyed Her perfectly written poems, and known Her deep visions. This is the moment we truly meet our revered Teacher. Please welcome the VIP of this evening, the Supreme Master Ching Hai." Like a shining star, clad in a white evening gown, Master Ching Hai gently walked onto the stage amidst a standing ovation, and said: "I greatly appreciate what you have done for us, for God, and for myself. This is indeed a pleasant surprise. I am surprised at the greatness of the program. I was invited to enjoy a musical performance of some songs composed from my poems, but I am totally surprised and exhilarated. On this occasion, please allow me to send a small contribution on your behalf to these two noble organizations. They have cared for disabled and unfortunate children unconditionally without thinking of any return, but God will know. God will be fully aware of their efforts. This gift is donated from the audience. I will only sign it on your behalf."

Two checks were presented. A check for $100,000 was presented to Mr. Marc Cohen, Chairman of the Starlight Children's Foundation, who said: "It is my honor to represent the Starlight Children's Foundation on this pleasant evening. Over the last 15 years, the Starlight Children's Foundation has never stopped in its efforts to brighten the lives of children with terminal diseases around the world. We are greatly honored to have known of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and to have received this gift from the Association. Each year, the Starlight Children's Foundation extends help to over 500,000 children with terminal illnesses. Each month, over 57,000 children receive help from the Foundation. Currently, we have over 400 recreational centers at hospitals throughout the nation to assist children with critical illnesses who are unable to move. In addition, in Los Angeles, we have three centers, one at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, one at USC, and one at UCLA. All children and volunteers at the Starlight Children's Foundation are very excited to be part of this magnificent, joyful day."

The second check, for $150,000, was presented to Mrs. Shoshana Grammer and Mr. Mike Driebe, representatives of the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Mrs. Grammer was unable to control her emotions as she read her statement: "On behalf of thousands of children around the world, who are fighting against cancer, AIDS, leukemia, and other terminal diseases to regain their lives, this evening we are thankful to Supreme Master Ching Hai and you, who have opened up compassionate hearts to help children at the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to come one step closer to finding the cures for these illnesses. The founder of the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, actor Danny Thomas, once said: 'It is impossible to leave a child dying at an early age.' He also believed that children around the world should all have the same opportunity to receive care and benefits from the Hospital's research work. Like the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, the St. Jude Hospital is also an international organization. This year, children from over 60 countries have been brought to Memphis, Tennessee for medical treatment. We serve the children without national boundaries or regard to political systems. The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and the St. Jude Hospital have a similarity, which is love for children and the mutual love we maintain for each other. Hence, we are able to work miracles, and this evening you've enabled a miracle to perfectly take place for these fortunate children. I greatly appreciate it, and on this occasion, the Chairman of the Los Angeles center, Mr. Mike Driebe, has a plaque of appreciation to present to You. Thank You."

After the presentations, program host Debbie Reynolds, along with conductor Peter Boyer, invited Supreme Master Ching Hai to return to the stage for a joint performance with the orchestra conducted by Mr. Boyer. An unplanned event, it was a joyful surprise when Master Ching Hai accepted their invitation. In a modest and gentle manner, She began singing "Farewell Song," with the music and lyrics written by Herself. The entire auditorium was in complete silence as the audience attentively listened and thousands of hearts overflowed when the singing ended amidst a standing ovation that shook the auditorium.

After the performance, a reception at the exhibition venue was held by the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for the evening's special guests and performers. An atmosphere of closeness and openness was created through the loving presence of Master Ching Hai. Many actors and artists expressed their admiration and were touched by Master's love and compassion as they exchanged intimate talk and commented that the evening was a musical event that had left them with unforgettable impressions. Many people remarked that the musical gala was an extraordinary event and beyond all their expectations. Duly deserved compliments go to Hollywood's great performing actors and super vocalists, but what also deserves consideration and made a deep impression is the work of the organizing staff - the erection of such a magnificent stage, proper and orderly arrangements for many thousands of people, and a courteous reception for each guest.

However, these are the outer appearances. As far as the deeper meaning is concerned, the adventure into Hollywood's world of fame, wealth, and social status left untouched the compassionate love, noble deeds, and clemency of the participants, who reached out to the poor of the world. It was a message promoting love, a bell rung to awaken and save people from indulging more deeply in the lavish, gaudy, and worldly life. The highlight of this gala will further echo throughout Hollywood and remain in the hearts of many people, not because of its magnificence, but because of the message of Master Ching Hai's boundless compassion and love.