Celestial Art: Glorifying Earth with Heavenly Beauty

By Los Angeles News Group, USA (Originally in English)

A book premiere, the first of its kind in North America, was launched on Friday, December 12, Golden Year 5 (2008), to celebrate the release of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s latest publication, Celestial Art, a compilation commemorating the 20th anniversary of Formosa’s (Taiwan) Hsihu Center. Supreme Master Ching Hai graciously accepted the invitation to the Fountain Valley, California’s event and appeared as the special guest of honor via videoconference. Prior to its opening, guests were invited to tour and enjoy an art exhibit that featured all of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s artistic creations.

With the theme “Celestial Art: Glorifying Earth with Heavenly Beauty,” the book premiere showcased the magnificence of art and divine truth from the celestial realm. During the event, Celestial Art was introduced as “a stylish selection of excerpts from Master Ching Hai’s profound teachings, oil paintings, Celestial Clothing and Jewelry, Longevity Lamps, songs, poetic verse, painted stones and fans. Each of these creations speaks of the elegance and excellence of the extraordinary artist, Supreme Master Ching Hai.”

Nearly 1,000 guests from throughout the United States, Canada, Korea and Formosa (Taiwan) attended the much-anticipated videoconference book premiere to share in the festivities. Among the dignitaries present to congratulate Supreme Master Ching Hai were Fountain Valley Mayor Guy Carrozzo (photo 1); Garden Grove Mayor Bill Dalton (photo 2); California State Assemblyman Jose Solorio (photo 3); singer and songwriter Clint M. Brown; Garden Grove City Council Member Dina Nguyễn (photo 4); author Esther Hart; Nguyễn Đức Quang, songwriter and publisher of Chí Linh newspaper; publisher of Văn Hóa journal and owner of Zen vegetarian restaurant, Lý Kiến Trúc, Goddess of Song, Janalee Jahrig; founder and host of Go Vegan radio, Bob Linden (photo5); the multi-talented Mimi Quick; and holistic educator Lou Corona (photo 6). Dr. Walter Dorn, professor and United Nations Representative of Science for Peace, sent his congratulations via video.

Honored by the presence of Fountain Valley Mayor Guy Carrozzo and Garden Grove Mayor Bill Dalton, who made time to attend despite their busy schedules, and touched by the hospitality of their country, Master said, “…only in America we have the government that is very respectful of anyone who is ‘worth his salt,’ who is good and who is not bad for the society… Only in America people would honor each other this way. I have to say; I have been in many countries; only in America that I have been honored so much. I am so grateful and I’m very, very touched. Truly, may God bless America.”

 

One of the guest speakers at the event, California Assemblyman Jose Solorio, a long time vegetarian and representative of the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana, conveyed his thoughts about Celestial Art as “a most beautiful book that’s going to inspire the world for many decades to come.” Speaking more specifically of Master’s art, he said:

She makes beautiful art; She stirs our souls, She stirs the world in the positive way. When you see Her art, you think of love, of peace, tranquility, our humanity, affinity and spiritual enlightenment. She inspires us to care for one another; She inspires us to love all living beings on this Earth. And we are all inspired in our own and unique way.

The multi-talented Mimi Quick – teacher, vocalist, artist, dancer and writer – also shared the heartfelt feelings that welled up within her when she read the book:

It is an empowering book to stretch and awaken you to that which resides within you. Also, it is a reminder of how to go there, and to me that is by meditation… The feelings I felt as I read the book and looked at the paintings, jewelry and clothes, and I had time to have that close up and see all those wonderful creations, at least some of them. And they’re just beautiful, beautiful creations. I felt bliss and I just felt such deep energy.

 
Clint Brown  
 
Esther Hart  
 
Lý Kiến Trúc  

Singer-songwriter Clint Brown was so touched by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s artistic talents and the magical atmosphere of the book launch that he spontaneously expressed his feelings by singing the song “The Healing Power of Music.” Master praised his musical expression, saying: “Oh, very beautiful. Beautiful verses.”

Despite the distance, author of the book Journey to Personal Freedom, Esther Hart flew from Canada to Fountain Valley to be a part of the special event and to meet the author of the book Celestial Art. During her speech, she movingly shared how Supreme Master Ching Hai’s book changed her life by awakening her inner childlike nature. When Ms. Hart shared how much she liked Supreme Master Ching Hai’s Celestial Clothes, Master very lovingly promised to send her one of Her new creations. The entire venue resounded with applause.

Lý Kiến Trúc, publisher of Văn Hóa journal and owner of a Zen vegetarian restaurant, also revealed to the audience his thoughts when he read the book, “I see a display of art which is of the highest level. The most beautiful aspect is that it connects the love of the people, of different nationalities, who have gathered here today.”

The question and answer session of the event entertained many questions about art and spirituality and artistic inspiration from Heaven, with quite a few centered on the issue of protecting the environment, and artistic creativity. Supreme Master Ching Hai graciously and lovingly responded through Her expertise as an artist, composer and environmentalist. She specifically reminded the audience to “Go Veg, Be Green, Save the Planet.”

 
  1.Janalee Jahrig
2.Ý Lan
3.Thanh Lan

Enjoyable international entertainment by our Association members and guest artists brought the spectacular event to a close. The countries of South Korea, Togo and Ghana sent in their congratulatory wishes and dance performances via video. Janalee Jahrig, the Goddess of Song who flew in from Canada, performed a selection from her first album of original compositions titled, “Beginning with Me.” Popular Aulacese singer Ý Lan sang the song “Hãy Nói” (Tell Me), based on a poem by Supreme Master Ching Hai with musical composition by Thu Hong Huynh. Inspired by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s artistic creations, famous Aulacese singer Thanh Lan also stirred the hearts of the audience with two of her songs. Our Association members from Canada, San Jose, San Francisco and Los Angeles celebrated the book premiere with a colorful array of dances. All guests were then treated to a magnificent and delicious vegan banquet.

We are truly grateful, Master, for Your immeasurable compassion toward all sentient beings. You have worked tirelessly to bring so much love, beauty and joy to this precious planet. Celestial Art is yet another example of the priceless gifts that You have bestowed on humankind. We humbly thank You for Your loving guidance and we wish You good health always.