(DS 21/6) - A cultural researcher said: To find your roots, go back to the rivers. You will see and experience. Try taking a field trip along a river or the river where you were born, who knows, you might discover something: Da River, Ma River, Ca River, Chu River, Red River, Huong River, Hau River, Thu River, etc.
Each row of trees, bushes, rocky slopes, streams, hills, caves, old forests, deep mountains… all have their own common feelings. Indeed, turning each page of history on the map of Vietnam, we can see that each river has experienced countless deadly battles against foreign invaders since the founding of the country until now, and also countless unceasing changes and transformations of the mulberry fields: “The Red River rolls its waves, dragging the Lo River/ The Da River and the Duong River flow down to the Cau River/ Hearing the Bach Dang River bury so many Chinese soldiers/ Every river wants to come first to compete for the first credit” (Epic of Mother Vietnam - Pham Duy).
Where does the river begin? Who created the river? Does human life continue with the river? Remember the story of Zhang Qian, who was ordered by Emperor Wu of Han to go up the west bank of the Yellow River to see where the river originated. For 25 years, Zhang Qian walked and walked and walked but saw nothing. The river became more winding, twisting, and dangerous as it went up the river…
A little discouraged and hesitant, someone suggested that he should go back and tell the king: the river originates from the sky. Seeing that it made sense, when he returned, he immediately reported it to the king and printed it exactly. Continuing that idea, later Li Bai wrote the masterpiece "Tuong tien tuu": "Hoang Ha chi thuy thien thuong lai" - (The water of the Yellow River flows from the sky).
Yes, it is a fact that river water flows down from the sky. Nguyen Tuong Bach wrote it in full in “The Scent of Incense” (Múi hương hương ký sự). The entire vast Himalayas are covered in a vast expanse of ice and snow, white all year round.
Great rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, Yangtze, Yellow River, and Mekong all originate from here. It can be said that wherever there are high mountains, there will be many streams flowing out. High mountains are heavenly - falling from the sky.
Remember the story of Prince Siddhartha crossing the Anoma River to reach the other shore on the night of February 8th more than 2,600 years ago. Perhaps that was the night of renunciation when the Buddha reached the pinnacle of bravery and fearlessness.
The Buddha, with his own power, overcame himself with extraordinary willpower to overcome all ordinary temptations to become a Great Enlightened One. That same night, two people, Prince Siddhartha on the back of a garuda horse and his attendant Channa on the back of a red horse, sneaked out of Kapilavastu city, walking as quietly as a lullaby.
The moonlight of the eighth day suddenly appeared brightly, a streak of bright clouds passed by as the master and his servant reached the Anoma bank. The Anoma River, which usually flows rapidly, suddenly stopped when the prince reached the river. And it seemed as if a cool breeze blew into the mane of the lizard, making it bend slightly, and as if with the help of the gods lifting its four hooves, in a moment the lizard galloped, carrying Prince Siddhartha across the Anoma River with ease.
Sitting on a stone platform by the river, the prince slowly cut a lock of hair and gave it to Xa Nặc to bring back to his father and mother as a token. That night, the prince's ears echoed with the mysterious sound of "Om" coming from the riverbed and blowing upwards.
As the river has taught us for ages to listen with a calm mind, an open and tolerant heart, and a heart free from any desire. Be truly happy in the joy of the present and never live for the shadow of yesterday.
June comes and I miss my friend Huynh Ngoc Chien, we have been close friends since childhood. This June is the first anniversary of his death. He was very devoted to the land and people of Tam Ky. Before he got seriously ill, he was enthusiastic: I will publish a book about Tam Ky. I sincerely confided: Tam Ky culture is not thick enough, can you write it? He laughed heartily and confidently: I can write it.
Small alleys, curved roads winding through the city, temples and pagodas, rustic foods, riverside shops, sunny roads, charming sua trees and close friends... are probably the topics you are most interested in.
After your body is cremated, the urns of ashes will be brought back to your hometown. When your cremated body is scattered into the Tam Ky River, it is believed that the sacred seeds will travel upstream to the source of joy or to roam the vast, sunny and windy East Sea.
Go upstream to find your roots, to feel your soul supported and protected. Mother River is always devoted and ready to forgive her children who have gone astray on the ephemeral and stormy path.
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