After a period of decline, the Celtic Revival of the 19th and 20th centuries saw a resurgence of interest in Celtic culture through several movements across many fields in Northwest European countries. The Revival was especially significant in Ireland, where it was frequently referred to as the Irish Revival. By the 1840s, the replication of Celtic brooches and other metalwork had become popular in a number of places, including Dublin, Edinburgh, and London. By the turn of the 20th century, the Celtic Revival had made its way to Chicago, USA, which had a large Irish American population. There neo-Celtic patterns appeared in architecture, in the decorative arts, and in book designs. By the 1980s, a new Celtic Revival had begun and has since become a global phenomenon, reaching well beyond Old-World Celtic countries. In 2017, June 9 was designated as the International Day of Celtic Art by a group of modern Celtic artists and enthusiasts, with the aim of raising public awareness about Celtic history and celebrating the work of Celtic artists and craftspersons through exhibitions, demonstrations, promotions, and workshops. “The Celtic tradition expresses a wealth of wisdom and understanding of the natural world - of plants and animals, and also the inner world of active imagination and our psyche.” Let’s now take a closer look at the main Celtic designs, namely, spirals, interlace, and knots. Spiral designs may be created from single, double, triple or quadruple swirls, which are usually joined to one another in either an "S-" or a "C-" shaped arrangement. It has diverse meanings, such as the cycle of life - life, death, and rebirth, the Christian Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as well as the three components of time - the past, present, and future. Celtic interlace has two main types; knotwork and zoomorphs. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social as well as economic impacts adversely affecting many people’s mental health, art therapy, such as coloring can help to overcome the challenges involved with long periods of isolation. As Celtic coloring books are becoming more popular, the ancient Celtic art continues to positively influence and enrich people’s hearts and minds in this modern time.

Today we will learn more about these talented musicians, their thoughts, their dreams, and of course their music. Giles shares more about himself during the interview. “Certainly, I would have earned a lot more money if I would have been a barrister. But I think I’m happier now. I haven’t got such a big bank account, but I’ve got more money in my soul bank account. When I got into yoga, I really did start then to get into music a lot more. Not just music for entertainment, but for music to uplift consciousness and bring about healing.The World Healing Project, which is now, been running for 16 years. We have five things that we focus on, five things that we want to share to help bring about a better world. And the first is yoga, the second, meditation, the third is healing music, the fourth is creating peace circles and the fifth is nutrition. And ultimately I like to think that one day there will be, the whole world will be in the World Healing Project. The whole world will be part of this movement towards peace, love, and harmony, prosperity, safety, clean water, good healthy food for everyone. And of course, a compassionate attitude towards the animals and the plants as well.”In addition to working with music, Gavin keeps himself busy with charity work, such as providing supports to youths. “So I work for a charity called Center 33, which is a charity that supports young people. So, I see young people all the time and they are massive source of inspiration for me because as a generation there, they seem to be very socially aware, very conscious of themselves, the effects they have on the planet and on other people. And I think there’s great potential for what they can achieve as a generation and that in itself gives me lots of hope for the future.” We will conclude our program with another meaningful song by the one-of-a-kind vegan band, Peace On Your Plate, called “Live In Harmony.” “When we can get all we need From the plants and the trees Isn’t it time we stop all the killing? An animal has a soul Let’s choose a kinder role And live in harmony with our surroundings Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

The Celts were members of an ethnic group that shared a similar language, art, culture, and religion. They roamed across Europe and lived in countries such as France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Ireland, dwelling in windowless roundhouses built either on hill forts or clustered together on small farms, or in enclosed settlements.Celtic art has its origins in the Celtic people and has appeared throughout the continent from the Bronze Age to the present day. Its source and development can be studied from the carvings, sculptures, metalwork, and woodwork of the ancient Celts. The artwork is generally ornamental and consists of beautiful geometric shapes with spirals, knots, interlaced animal-people, and key patterns avoiding straight lines. The ancient Celts believed in many gods and in an afterlife. Celtic priests, known as druids, taught the doctrine of transmigration of souls. Celtic art drew inspiration from religion and reflects an understanding of the spiritual world.Let’s now take a closer look at the development of Celtic art throughout history. Celtic art spans many cultures across various regions of Europe and may even date back to the Neolithic or New Stone Age. The history of Celtic art styles and influences can be divided into the Hallstatt period, the La Tène period, the Medieval period, and the Celtic Revival movement. The Hallstatt period, named after a town in Upper Austria in which many Hallstatt artifacts have been found, spans from around 800 to 450 BC, during the early Iron Age in Europe. Compared with the earlier Hallstatt era, the La Tène period was one of greater affluence and deeper knowledge of materials and technology used in metalwork, gold smithery, jewelry, and other decorative crafts, and it was also a period of wider cultural interchange. Celtic art in the medieval period was practiced by the peoples of the British Isles between the 5th and 12th centuries AD. During the Christian period, Irish art was influenced by both the Mediterranean and Germanic arts; the latter through the Irish association with the Anglo-Saxons, thus creating what became known as Insular or Hiberno-Saxon art.

Peace on Your Plate is a young UK-based band formed by like-minded vegan musicians to make music and songs for the animal-people. Established in 2019, the band has released songs with positive and compassionate messages that are energetic, easy to sing along, and appealing to the public.Both Gavin and Giles fondly recollect a special moment during the recording for their first released piece, entitled “Peace On Your Plate.” “We recorded it at the famous Abbey Road Studios. And there was an interesting moment where I was recording the vocals, and the engineer in the studio just between takes told me that I was singing in the microphone that the Beatles had used in the 1960s, which was a bit of an odd moment in my life as I’m a massive Beatles’ fan, so that was pretty amazing.” “And it was as if there was some energy, some spiritual energy that was in the microphone. That when we sang, we were able to transmit those blessings, I think as the Beatles did, of course. Paul McCartney was a long time vegetarian and now vegan, and George Harrison, and John Lennon at one time. They all had that path.”Although the band experienced certain setbacks when trying to promote their first song, they are persistently moving forward towards well-deserved success and recognition. The next released musical piece by the band was an upbeat song, named “Ask Me Why.” “Come on come on come on I’m on a quest for a better world, caring and compassionate A journey to end suffering, in every way I can. And you ask me why am I vegan? Well I am Because I’m a compassionate human. Excuse my imposition but are you aware of the fact That lives were made to suffer for what is on your dinner plate. And you ask me why am I vegan? When you should ask yourself why you’re not Because I know you got it in you to be. So come on come on come on, we can save the world go vegan Yes come on come on come on, give the innocents their freedom Make it happen.”

Mr. Chai kindly presented a video at “The United Peaceful World” event in 2019 which was organized by our Association. His artwork was accompanied by the song “Teo” sung by Shin Hyung-won and written by Han-dol. “United Peaceful World” “Those mountains have lived for five thousand years without uttering a word, weathering harsh winds and guarding this land. Those rivers have flowed for five thousand years without uttering a word, weathering all sorrows and guarding this land. Those rivers went around Mt. Seol-ak approaching the East Sea. This beautiful land is the white nation of the East. The great sun in the East Sea is our hope. The land where I was born, may you shine all over the world. Freedom and peace are realized with our own hands. With every breath of history, that day shall come. On that day, everyone will rejoice. Let us guard this land with our breath. On the top of the Hallas mountain, beholding the Baekdu moutain, remembering home so far away, my heart aches. The tiger of Baekdu mountain, are you still alive? If you are, for once let me hear your roar. The frozen river of Am-nok flows into the river of Han. It’d be only right that in unity, you join the great oceans. The Korean flag flutters. The great dream of our people, Unity, come quickly. You are awaited by all. Let's sing, sing our song, so that day will come. Let's all sing together. The scent of Sharon's rose, may it spread all over this land. That day will come. Surely, that day shall come. Be Vegan! Make Peace!”During his interview with Supreme Master Television team members, Mr. Chai revealed that he was planning to create a piece of sand art to raise awareness of the cruelty of the fur industry. “One of my concerns is how we should act in order to create a better world to live in. I've watched a few videos about the fur issue. In those videos, people killed the animals very brutally in order to get their fur. It's not really humane; it's very cruel. Those videos were terrible to watch. I would like to produce a performance that will raise people’s awareness, so that they can re-discover that humanity.”

Everyone has had a time for dreams; everyone has enjoyed a time of youth. But time flows like water under the bridge. Everything will fade away and become distant as a dream. What remains is our encounter with fleeting circumstances, which in turn awakens our consciousness.“When one returns, it seems love has faded Promises of affection vanished into oblivion. In the ancient capital, a lover’s in hesitation In the high tower, another ponders her destiny! Like tears the mist glimmers in the firmament Alluring smiles dissolving in the sound of raindrops on the pavilion. At night, one’s slumber in anguish immersed Heart throbbing like the ebbing candle. Once upon a time, a regal robe was donned Golden gait, silver pen, a joyous union with the royal beloved. But now, the illusory dream is gone A butterfly’s fantasy, wings fluttering in the wispy nebula. From fleeting dreams of reigning all kingdoms Castles and citadels in ruins, sorrow thus transmigrated. Alas, tender love was lost in the gushing strong wind and parting clouds Fragile flowers withered on the distant autumn hill. Once upon a time, you had loved me Youth and beauty sweetly shared, now all is empty. In the dark black of the night, white candles waning In the flickering light manifested our previous karmic binding... The sound of scripture chanting resonates within Holding these rosary beads, delivering detaching ephemeral life. Gradually awakened from a dream since eternity Suddenly illuminated and rediscovering our true identity.” The yearning for love, even if for just a moment, can live on forever. Although the flower of love only blossoms once, its fragrance still lingers, reminiscent of a time of innocence. “Let us love each other Like the first time we met. Let us find one another So that love will endure... Let us remember each other As when love was new. Let us love one another Since our years are few! To be able to love you I thank the Heavens. To be able to love you Is for lives to remember. If through a lifetime We 'chance' to love someone Our hearts will be humble In the realm of true amour And forget life's transience!... I love you today Even if we part on the morrow's night I offer an eternal heart I offer my lasting love.” When we’re in love and the two hearts beat as one, the entire world becomes insignificant. There is only the music of the two souls in perfect harmony, flowing smoothly like a sweet brook, like spring flowers, and glistening like the moon and stars. “Darling, can you see we are like a pair of swallows, Soaring in the endless sky? Can you see we are as butterflies In a spring garden fragrant with life's blooms? Can you see we are like the river, Flowing broadly toward the open sea? Because we are in love, the Earth is so ravishing, Because we are in love, the world becomes joyful! Then our souls will flourish, assured. Walking amid turmoil and misery as if in Heaven, Our hearts will not shiver despite the raging storm.”

Giorgia Fumanti is a renowned Italian-born soprano singer of operatic pop and crossover music based in Montreal, Canada. She is also a composer, musical producer, and arranger. In 2007, her album “From My Heart” reached Billboard’s Top 20 classical Crossover Chart, as well as the #1 position in Japan and South Africa. By 2010, she had sold over 1.2 million copies of her records. We had the pleasure of speaking with Giorgia Fumanti, who shared how her faith in God led her to singing. “I was a very shy girl, very insecure, and I didn’t have a very easy childhood. And my biggest strength in the difficult times was this need to talk with God, with the angels, to receive this help that I didn’t have in the persons and humans around me.” “Through yoga and meditation and a lot of research, finally, I found the strength that I was praying God to give me, to change things, and to start to find and follow my own voice inside. I started to pray even more and to ask the universe to send me the right people to help me. God helped me to find the person that would help me.” Giorgia Fumanti has performed for Supreme Master Ching Hai on three occasions: at the “Rejoicing in Our Green Planet and Peaceful Life” concert in 2009; in “The Love of Centuries – Love is Eternal” concert in 2011; and the “Friends of Eternity” gathering in 2019. “It was a very special day that day, and I really pray to sing again for Supreme Master Ching Hai and all Her beautiful people and nice disciples. It was a lot of love.” “And when I met Supreme Master Ching Hai, I wanted to be more disciplined. It’s something very natural for me, this need for spiritual connection. So, I’m very touched by this experience in Taiwan (Formosa), singing for Supreme Master Ching Hai, and I feel very blessed because I was able to be so near Her.” As a longtime vegetarian, Giorgia Fumanti became vegan after meeting Supreme Master Ching Hai in Taiwan, also known as Formosa. “I wish for the world that everybody can be strong to make peace with the human beings and the animals, just to have a world where violence is not more accepted, in any level.”

The color scheme for the Scrovegni Chapel fresco is vivid and brings spring-like freshness to the chapel. Giotto completely departed from the Byzantine tradition of dark color tones in the golden background. He unifies the entire interior space with ultramarine blue, a very expensive pigment made from a semi-precious gemstone. The orderly arrangement of the narrative scenes, naturalistic style, lucid colors, and masterful skill deliver a more classical feeling of balance and clarity rather than the medieval style of sobriety and rigidity.Among the frescoes, Giotto rendered a breathtaking drama in the work “Betrayal.” In the vortex of this whirlpool-like clash, the dignified Jesus looks straight into the face of treacherous Judas who is about to give his notoriously perfidious kiss. Giotto painted the two figures as the embodiment of the confrontation between indestructible righteousness and contemptible vileness. The intense stares of the four people around them bring more gravity to this focal point of the fresco, which has become an iconic image of the Kiss of Judas.In his “Lamentation,” Giotto ingeniously presents an indescribably mournful scene. The distressed angels above are writhing with grief in different postures and hovering in a disorderly fashion, with a few painted in steep foreshortening to indicate hovering toward the viewer. Giotto remarkably transformed flat, lifeless medieval religious paintings into convincing, emotion-charged biblical depictions to inspire his viewers’ human empathy and spiritual devotion.The large panel painting, Madonna Enthroned, commonly known as Ognissanti Madonna, is among Giotto’s few works about which the authenticity is undisputed. It is generally dated around 1310. The innovative painter uses light and shadow along with the folds of the fabric to portray his figures according to human anatomy. His figures appear to be more sculptural with volume and weight, and more majestic.Giotto died on January 8, 1337, and passed on his precious and lasting legacy to Western art. The new naturalism and humanism he introduced shed light on the path for the High Renaissance artists to come. “Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbor.” ~ Giotto

Sand is found all over the Earth. Sand has fascinated people of all ages and nationalities since ancient times. In Indian culture, many Hindu households use brightly colored sand to make floor decorations called Rangoli at the entrances to their homes during festivals. In Tibetan Buddhism, the creation and dismantling of mandalas from sand is an important tradition that symbolizes the transitory nature of material existence. The Navajo aboriginal tribe of North America believes that sandpainting originated from saintly people living underground. This art is deemed sacred and is believed to help with healing. Sand animation is a relatively new art form that was invented by the renowned animator, filmmaker, director, and producer, Ms. Caroline Leaf. Almost a decade later, the Dutch-Canadian film director and animator, Mr. Co Hoedeman, brought this technique to a larger audience with “The Sand Castle,” which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Since then, many sand animators have been practicing and perfecting this art, adding their own original ideas, and holding live performances. To learn more about the incredible art of sand animation, in August our Supreme Master Television team members interviewed sand art artist Mr. Chai Seung-woong from Korea. Since his debut presentation in 2012, Mr. Chai has performed at special events in Korea and abroad, produced videos, and won several art awards. Mr. Chai shared with us his perspective on sand art. “I have a strong conviction that sand art was the first form of art in human history. If you take kids, 3 to 4 years old, toddlers who can barely walk, to a beach, they will naturally start drawing in the sand. Then wouldn’t men have done the same in pre-historical times as well? It is new and novel, yet people have all done it before. That’s what sand art is. This contradiction makes it even more fascinating. It’s the oldest form of art, yet also most new and unique.” “I have tried using salt and wheat flour, but it doesn’t work well. Sand is the best material to draw with. About a decade ago, sand art became very trendy. It could have just passed by like other trends, but sand art is still growing.”

When we visit museums and churches or read books on Western art, we often experience a sense of awe and a deep appreciation of the glorious works by Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others. We may wonder how the Byzantine tradition of decorative, two-dimensional art that dominated Western painting in the 13th century transformed into the naturalistic, humanistic art of the Renaissance in the 15th century. Many scholars and historians credit this significant development to a highly influential artist of the time, Giotto di Bondone, commonly known as Giotto. By employing the skill of drawing he gained from the masters before him, as well as careful observations of human anatomy and emotions, Giotto steered away from the conventions of medieval art and created convincing and vivid images that became learning archetypes for many artists to come. According to the 16th-century painter and historian, Giorgio Vasari, the Annunciation and Crucifix was Giotto’s earliest work, commissioned for the Dominican monastery church of Santa Maria Novella. The Crucifix is almost six meters high, enormous in size, and was probably painted between 1288 and 1289. In contrast to the traditional Byzantine style, Giotto’s Crucifix brings out Christ’s humanity and physical suffering. His body hangs heavily from the cross with arms agonizingly outstretched, His eyes are closed in enduring His pain, and His head bows down due to diminishing energy. This powerful image of the suffering Christ touches the hearts of viewers and inspires them to contemplate His sacrifice for humankind and love of humanity.Giotto’s genius culminated in his famous fresco cycle in the Scrovegni Chapel, also known as the Arena Chapel. This fresco cycle, generally dated around 1305, is one of few unanimously accepted as Giotto’s authentic work. It is regarded as a significant watershed in the ever-evolving progress of Western art. The cycle’s relevance also relates to its grand scale and well-preserved state.

Jen Armstrong is a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom, who shares important messages on behalf of the animal-people through her music. Her nickname is “Vegan Queen V.” “And then you watch ‘Earthlings’ and you really understand just how horrible the dairy industry is. And the egg industry is as bad if not worse than the meat industry. And I was pretty shocked. And I went vegan almost straight away. And by far, one of the best decisions I've ever made.”After going vegan, Jen started using her musical talents to spread a different kind of message through her songs. “My song writing has changed a little bit because I really believe that especially now we need to be bringing more peace and positivity and happiness into the world. So now that is part of what I want to bring forward, just make sure people know that they are beautiful and they’re free and that they're important. You know, they’re really worthwhile.”When asked what makes veganism worthwhile for her, Jen replied, saying: “Animals, because they’re the innocent victims and they have no choice, but humans as well. This is the thing that people need to understand until we end animal oppression, oppression is just going to continue, because you can’t have peace and love and happiness whilst animals are being murdered and abused and enslaved. It just isn't going to happen.”Another of her songs, “Have Yourself a Merry Vegan Christmas” is an adaptation of the Christmas classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” with music by Hugh Martin. Let’s hear Jen’s moving rendition of this Christmas favorite. “Have yourself a merry vegan Christmas Let your heart be light. From now on all animals will be alright. Have yourself a very vegan Christmas Make the food plant-based From now on the animals will all be safe. Here we are in the modern days Where compassion plays a part. Furry friends who are dear to us Hold a special place in our hearts. Through the years we’ll feed ourselves on veggies Whole foods grains no doubt. Fill your heart with love let the goodwill shine out. And have yourself a merry vegan Christmas. Remind yourself what Christmas time is all about.”

For millennia, the beauty of the natural world has been an infinite fountain of inspiration for artists of all races and nationalities who resort to poetry to express their love and appreciation of nature, and many of these verses survive to this day. Tagore, the world-renowned Indian writer and poet, saw nature as a manifestation of the highest universal principle in Hinduism, the Brahman, and composed many beautiful, wise verses on nature. Rūmī, a venerated enlightened spiritual Master of the Sufi tradition wrote many poems that not only describe the beauty of nature but also inspire readers to seek higher meanings beyond. “I Died as a Mineral” is one of them. “I died as a mineral and became a plant; I died as plant and rose to an animal; I died as an animal and I was a man. Why should I fear? When was I less by dying? …” Poetry that has strong ecological content and takes a more critical view of humanity’s relationship with the planet is becoming more popular and relevant. Such work is known as ecopoetry and is a subgenre of ecocriticism, the study of literature and its relationship to the environment. “The Dead Seal at McClure's Beach” is an ecopoem written by multiple award-winning poet, essayist, and activist Robert Bly from the United States. The poem opens our eyes to really see the cruelty that humans are imposing on the people of the seal kingdom. Many Latin American poets also expressed their environmental concern through their works. Our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai has also written several ecopoems, such as “Please Wake Up!” that express Her deep sorrow and concern about the current state of our world, and call for people to be good stewards of Mother Earth and all of our animal-people co-inhabitants. Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poems are powerful tools to awaken people from their slumber. She once revealed the effect of one of Her poems after it was aired on Supreme Master Television. “You know, just one poem that I wrote, the poem of the piglet, 130,000 people turned into vegetarian for good.” Ecopoetry courses are now being taught at various universities. In the UK, ecopoetry competitions are held to raise awareness, gain insight, and evoke concern about the pressing environmental issues we’re currently facing.

Based in Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Jen Armstrong is a professional musician who frequently performs at public and private events, teaches singing and writes her own songs. Many of Jen’s songs express the agony of the animal-people in the livestock industry. Jen calls on humans to recognize the reality of where their food comes from and make necessary changes in order to live a cruelty-free lifestyle. She has used her musical talent to become a powerful voice for helpless, innocent beings, such as in “Only One Life.”Jen eloquently expresses the terrible suffering which occurs behind the closed doors of the slaughterhouses in “What Hell Is Like.” “Don't know what it was I did To end up in a place like this. I've heard that there is love somewhere up above Outside the hell this is. No one cares that I am me I'm just a number on a sheet. Just something to use, until I'm no use A commodity. I'm dying Struggling for air Here crying And no one even cares.”Let’s listen to a song written and performed by Jen titled “What’s It Gonna Take,” which asks a question of utmost importance for so many compassionate people like Jen. “Poison in the river, poison in the sea. Moving swiftly and silently, suffocating all that lives and breathes. Fire in the forest, fire in the trees. Burning quickly and violently, taking every life so greedily. What's it gonna take to make the people see? Our Earth is at a breaking point because of you and me. We take it all for granted, the birds and the bees. What's it gonna take to change society? Consumers have the power, consumers have the say. But we're so greedy. We don't need it. But we've been taught to want it anyway.” Like many people, Jen’s life has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for her there was a silver lining. “And because I've started focusing on my health and cooking and yoga and trying to get into meditation and walking and running with my dogs, just experiencing nature, going into nature, just making time for all those things. It's really helped me mentally and physically, which of course then it’s helped my music as well. So I just feel better, I’m healthier.”

With the profits from her successful creative pursuits and businesses, Dolly makes giving back a big part of her life. “If God’s been good to you, you should be good to other people. That’s how we spread the love around. It makes me feel good to do it, and I think it’s my duty to do it.” Dolly often expresses her gratitude to her parents, as her mother and her mother’s side of the family nourished her musical talent, and her father implanted a keen sense of how to manage a business. In 1995, the Dollywood Foundation expanded to include Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a wonderful project intended to inspire children to love reading and learning. On February 27, 2018, Dolly donated the 100 millionth Imagination Library book to the Library of Congress. In addition to her heartfelt efforts in education, she supports the American Red Cross and various health care causes, such as HIV/AIDS-related charities. Furthermore, Dolly’s love extends to animal people’s welfare, along with other causes such as youth homelessness, childhood diabetes, and military veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries, to name a few. She is a long-term supporter of the LGBT community and of same-sex marriage. Dollywood hosts her “Gay Day” event out of respect for them. In recognition of her artistic achievements and philanthropic work, Dolly was named the MusiCares Person of the Year in 2019, the first country artist ever to receive the honor. Behind the successful management of her frenetic career, extremely prolific creative life, and colossal achievements professionally and philanthropically, is Dolly’s extraordinary self-discipline and spiritual faith. She rises at 3 o’clock in the morning and starts the day with meditation and prayer. On January 19, 2021, Dolly celebrated her 75th birthday by publishing an open letter to share her birthday wishes and making a “heartfelt call for kindness.” “We can’t just hope for a brighter day, we have to work for a brighter day,” she said in her message. Dolly encourages people to do something kind in their efforts to make the world a better place by “unearthing love.”

Few artists can lay claim to the title of being a Living Legend, one such artist is the iconic country music singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, and philanthropist, Ms. Dolly Parton. Her contributions to the art and culture of the United States have earned her numerous awards, including the Living Legend Award bestowed by the US Library of Congress in 2004, the US government’s National Medal of Arts in 2005, 11 Grammy Awards, an astonishing 50 Grammy nominations, and two Academy Award nominations. Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, a small town near the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, USA. She is the fourth among twelve siblings. Dolly and her siblings were brought up in the Church of God in her grandfather’s congregation. For some years, Dolly and her family lived in a one-bedroom cabin. Despite having few financial resources, the family never lacked for love and music. At an early age, Dolly had already displayed her enthusiasm for music and performance and began singing her own tunes when she was five with her earliest public performances in church when she was six. Dolly’s musical talents were encouraged by her Uncle Bill, who saw Dolly’s potential and took on the role of her first manager. After graduating from high school in 1964, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville the very next day to pursue her musical career. Most of Dolly’s hit songs, including her signature song “Coat of Many Colors,” were written by her. “My coat of many colors That my momma made for me Made only from rags But I wore it so proudly” Furthermore, along with her artistic endeavors, Dolly and her former manager of 25 years, Sandy Gallin, co-founded the film and TV production company Sandollar Productions. The Dollywood Foundation, created in April 1988 with the goal of helping children’s literacy and inspiring youth to finish their education, has grown into a charitable organization that has had a positive impact on children across the globe and various elements of US society.

In this special series, we will present a selection of songs and poems performed by Supreme Master Ching Hai on various occasions over the years, often spontaneously, with music and lyrics either composed by Her or by other famous artists. We will begin with “Vincent,” one of American legend Don McLean’s most famous pieces. Please enjoy. “Starry, starry night Paint your palette blue and grey Look out on a summer's day With eyes that know the darkness in my soul. Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and the daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colors on the snowy linen land. Now I understand what you tried to say to me How you suffered for your sanity How you tried to set them free They would not listen, they did not know how. Perhaps they'll listen now.” “The world is a circle without a beginning, And nobody knows where it really ends.” Let us rejoice in the present, for it encompasses both the past and the future; a circle without end, indeed. “The world is a circle without a beginning, and nobody knows where it really ends. Everything depends on where you are in the circle without a beginning. Nobody knows where the circle ends. And just because you think you're small, that doesn't mean that just you're small at all. It’s a tiny one. To someone else you are big.” In this earthly life, love can bring both happiness and sorrow. Happiness is fleeting, while sorrow seems endless. When love comes, the world appears to shine with faith and vibrancy. One’s heart is like a flower blossoming; with laughter reverberating. But when love departs, the heart withers, being left with despair. “The pleasure of love lasts just for a while The grief of love endures forever The joys of love are just a moment long The pain of love endures the whole life long.” May the singing that emanates from the purest Love of Supreme Master Ching Hai calm your mind, lift your soul, and remind you of the inner Heavenly music and of our blissful original Home.

In the first part of our show we learned that there are three types of circus clowns. The first clown is the whiteface clown, who is also known as clown blanc in French. When performing with other clowns, the whiteface clown usually acts as the leader. The second clown is the red clown or Auguste (Dummer August) character who was developed by Tom Belling senior around 1870, to compete with the white clown. The Auguste is a happier clown than the whiteface clown. Oversized suspenders are also usually worn with their costumes. There are three types of character clowns, the Hobo, Tramp, and Bum. Artists like Otto Griebling, Emmett Kelly, Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin, Rowan Atkinson, and Sacha Baron Cohen can be classified as character clowns. Arguably the most famous clown in entertainment history is none other than Bozo the Clown. The custom of having a Bozo clown entertain children became popular during the 1960s and 1970s. This subsequently inspired the introduction of Clown Care, in the mid-1980s. Dr. Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams is an American physician, author, social activist, comedian, and the first hospital clown. The great success of the hospital has inspired many countries around the world to open their own clown doctor programs. Amid the ruins of the Gaza Strip, a group of Palestinian youth dressed up as clowns to bring fun and laughter to grieving children, whose festival mood had been dampened by the ongoing conflict there. Sometimes an Enlightened Master even has to take on the role of playing clown to benefit others. Our most beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai once said the following: “Well, I tried to make you feel happy. I took care of you all day, then acted like a clown to make you laugh. I was so tired when I got back to my room. Suddenly I felt a little unhappy and lonesome, then I didn't feel well either, as though I was on fire.” In 1991, when in Japan, Supreme Master Ching Hai painted the pastel color painting “The Clown.” There is profound meaning in the picture. She used bright and lively colors on the right side of the clown, and dark and dull colors on the left. This reveals the true nature of the clown: always happy on the outside but sometimes very lonely on the inside.

Dressed in flamboyant, oversized costumes, with a red nose, a colorful wig, and special make-up, this delightful character often brings laughter wherever he goes. Both grown-ups and children find him funny and entertaining. Who is this beloved character? You are right! It is none other than the clown! Clowns are known to light up our days and drive away our melancholy by their exaggerated facial expressions, body movements, and other comical acts. Clowns have been entertaining audiences for over 4,000 years. Historically, their role has been different from the two other comedian roles, that of the court jesters and fools. Jesters were commonly found in the medieval and renaissance periods when they were usually special entertainers for the nobility and monarchy, who they delighted with their songs, music, and storytelling skills. They would also sometimes tell jokes and perform acrobatics, juggling, and magic tricks. Nowadays performers sometimes dress up and perform as jesters for historical dramas or re-enactments. Perhaps the most famous fools are found in William Shakespeare’s plays, such as “Othello,” “Twelfth Night,” and “The Winter’s Tale,” etc. The quick-thinking and flexibility of a fool are perhaps best illustrated in the comedy “Twelfth Night,” where Feste, a fool character, said: “Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.” This saying highlights the intelligence of the fools and their ability to quickly comprehend a situation. As for clowns, their unique and comical combination of outlandishly colorful dress with exaggerated gestures in their performance, often involving mime, continues to this day. In our program today, we will share with you the history of the clown and celebrate the laughter and wisdom that they have brought to the people throughout the ages.

“I said it doesn't matter if it was good or bad, it was all free of charge, so you're welcome. OK. I think now I have to do my very sweatingly, difficult duty: cut the (vegan) cake for you. I don't know if can do it; it's just too difficult for me. But with your help, maybe I can.”“I said this (vegan) cake is so high. Higher than me. Luckily, I have some heels on; otherwise, you never find me with the (vegan) cake. We dedicate these (vegan) cakes, and all the fruits, and all the edible stuff here to God and all the living Buddhas present today.” “We are at least “hungry” arhats. We’ve eaten so much today.”“(Supreme Master Ching Hai, Supreme Master Ching Hai, Every morning You greet me. Small and white, Clean and bright. You look happy to meet me. Blossom of snow may You bloom and grow, Bloom and grow forever! Supreme Master Ching Hai, Supreme Master Ching Hai, Bless my Homeland forever.)”“OK, time to eat. I’ll let you go have some fun. Hmm. How about that? Enjoy your dinner and these fruits and (vegan) cookies. Since I’ve been talking a lot these days, I’ll talk no more. Thank you all, thank you.” “Wish you have a nice dinner and please help yourself with some of our offering. Take as much as you want.” “Please take something home for your children. Please take something for the kids, OK? You go bring some (vegan) cakes for yourself.”“Are you Muslim? Are you Muslim? Really. Great. Are Muslims good at dancing? Wow! So beautiful. Oh, My God. This one… Oh! Only the most enlightened person can wear this kind of hat. Then, I’m an enlightened Master in Islam.” “(Master is so beautiful. Take care, Master. Hallo, Master.) Do I look pretty now? (Pretty.) I just got it from our Muslim fellow initiate. That’s why I cannot not wear it.”

Now we come to the last part of the program. But before we go to that part, let me say something to Master. For myself, as a representative for the Thai people here, we don't know how to express how much (gratitude) we feel towards Master, for having You here and for having Bangkok as a retreat place. And together here, we feel so happy. Therefore, with the song, “Edelweiss, Supreme Master Ching Hai,” which we have written for You, just to express how we feel. Actually, we could not say in words, but this is just part of it, that we want to show how much (gratitude) we feel towards You. “(Edelweiss, Edelweiss, Every morning you greet me, Small and white, Clean and bright, You look happy to meet me. Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow, Bloom and grow forever. Edelweiss, Edelweiss, Bless my homeland forever. Supreme Master Ching Hai, Supreme Master Ching Hai, Every morning You greet me. Supreme Master Ching Hai, Supreme Master Ching Hai, Every morning You greet me, Small and white, Clean and bright, You look happy to meet me. Blossom of snow may You bloom and grow, Bloom and grow forever. Supreme Master Ching Hai, Supreme Master Ching Hai, Bless my Homeland forever.)”Coming up is the last part, also the most important part. We invite Supreme Master Ching Hai to come on the stage and cut the vegan cake for us. “All of your programs are very beautiful and very sincere. I’m really very touched. Thank you, all of you. Thank you so much. (Thank You, Master.) Also, I want to thank all the staff members, volunteer staff members, who donate a lot of sweat during this five-day retreat, to cook, to run around, to scream, to go around find people or to try to practice all these programs in this beautiful fantastic sunny weather. Also, the kitchen members who donate more sweat than anyone else. This is not to make competition, but they really worked very hard. After this program is over, I hope I will find time, and that you leave me some time, so that I can say ‘Hallo’ to all the personnel, the ones who run errands for us in these last few days, because they have made a very great sacrifice. Also, I will thank all the honorable guests who have spared their precious time and come here to sweat with us.”