Thursday, July 31, 2025

POST 56 - August 2025- VO HA Celebrating a great summer- Cards and texts

 

Welcome to Post 56

 

 

 

 

Wishing you a summer filled with

 strength, clarity, and grace — like

the forest, the lotus, the river, and

the dragon.

 

 

 

 

 


POST 56 - August 2025- 

 VO HA Celebrating a great summer

 Cards and texts

 

 

 

 

VO HA Text 0-INTRODUCTION

CELEBRATING A GREAT SUMMER

VO HA, The Summer

Welcome to VO HA, The Summer — a vibrant celebration of movement, nature, and inner strength. This important form, known as VO HA, consists of four expressive and symbolic exercises designed to guide you through a journey of physical discipline and mindful connection with the elements.

The Four Movements of VO HA:

  1. KHAI MOCExploring the Forest
    Begin your path with curiosity and grounded energy as you navigate the mysteries of the forest.
  2. HOA SENThe Lotus Flower
    Center yourself with grace and stillness, drawing strength from calm and beauty.
  3. SANG SONGCrossing the River
    Build resilience and flow as you move with purpose through challenges.
  4. RONG NUOCThe Water Dragon
    Unleash your power and freedom in this dynamic final expression of the form.

Each exercise is more than movement — it is a metaphor for growth, transformation, and the spirit of summer. Approach each phase with presence and intention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

VO HA Text 0-INTRODUCTION

 

VO HA Text 1-THE FOREST

CELEBRATING GREAT SUMMER

VO HA, The Summer

THE FOREST – Source of Vitality and Wisdom

Part of VO HA – The Summer

In this first exercise of VO HA, the forest is a powerful symbol — representing both vital energy and the depth of knowledge.

The forest is where life begins and thrives. It offers shelter, oxygen, and beauty — reminding us that true vitality often comes from returning to our roots. In the rush and noise of daily life, we are easily overwhelmed by worries, stress, and endless distractions. But from time to time, it is deeply beneficial to step away from all of that — to pause, breathe, and simply be present under the canopy of large, ancient trees.

Spending a moment in silence among the trees allows Mother Nature to do what she does best: help us recover our strength, clarity, and lucidity. The stillness of the forest becomes a mirror — reflecting our inner state, calming our thoughts, and inviting deep, restorative peace.

But the forest is not only a source of physical renewal — it also symbolizes the immensity of knowledge. Just as the forest is vast and full of mystery, so too is the world of learning. Reading a good book is like exploring a forest of ideas and perspectives. Every tree, every path, every shadowed corner offers something new to discover.

To honor the spirit of this form, we are encouraged to make reading a habit — not just for information, but for inspiration and growth. Like walking through a quiet grove, reading invites us to slow down, reflect, and engage with the wisdom of others

 

 

 

 

 







 

 

 

 

Text 2

CELEBRATING A GREAT SUMMER

VO HA, The Summer

2- HOA SEN – The Lotus Flower

Symbol of Purity and Inner Beauty

In this second movement of the VO HA form, we embody the image and spirit of the lotus flowerHOA SEN, a timeless symbol of purity, beauty, and resilience.

The lotus is a remarkable flower. It grows from the depths of muddy waters, yet rises above the surface to bloom in the sunlight — untouched, clean, and serene. It reminds us that no matter our surroundings, no matter the chaos or hardship we may face, we can still rise with dignity, clarity, and grace.

This form encourages us to carry the essence of the lotus into every part of our lives. Purity here does not mean perfection — it means being true, clear, and kind in our thoughts, actions, and intentions. It means letting go of negativity and cultivating inner beauty that naturally expresses itself in how we speak, move, work, and care for both ourselves and others.

HOA SEN invites us to:

  • Think with compassion and clarity.
  • Act with calm and consideration.
  • Work with mindfulness and integrity.
  • Care for our body with respect and gentleness.
  • Keep our surroundings clean and beautiful — treating our space as a reflection of our inner world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

 

CELEBRATING GREAT SUMMER

VO HA, The Summer

3. SANG SONG – Crossing the River

Inspired by the Heart Sutra Mantra
“Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha”
(Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond. Enlightenment – all hail!)

In the third movement of the VO HA form, SANG SONGCrossing the River – we embody the spiritual journey of leaving behind confusion, fear, and suffering to reach the other shore of insight and peace. This exercise draws deep inspiration from the final mantra of the Heart Sutra (Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutra) — one of the most profound and beloved teachings in Buddhist literature.

During his 2010 teaching sessions, Master Phan Hoang interpreted this mantra in the context of this form as:

"Ending all sufferings, arriving to the shore of Enlightenment."

This powerful image of crossing the river reflects a transformative process — moving from the familiar yet troubled side of life to a place of clarity, balance, and awakening. The river symbolizes the challenges, doubts, and attachments we all carry. Crossing it is not about escaping life, but about changing how we relate to it — with wisdom and compassion.

The Mantra in Other Translations:

While Master Hoang offers a practical and accessible interpretation for Vietchidao practitioners, the mantra itself holds deep meaning across cultures and translations:

  • Edward Conze: Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond, O what an awakening, all-hail!
  • Donald S. Lopez, Jr.: Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone completely beyond, enlightenment!
  • Thích Nhất Hạnh: The Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore
  • Lok Sang Ho: Transcend, Transcend, Transcend beyond all, Transcend completely, Awaken! Let this be!

HARISCHANDRA KAVIRATNA) Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond (to the other shore)! O enlightenment! Be it so!

DALAI  LAMA) Go, go, go beyond, go totally beyond, be rooted in the ground of enlightenment.

Each of these reflects the universal call to move beyond limitation — to embrace freedom and wisdom.

===========================  

Movement and Meaning in SANG SONG:

This form is dynamic, purposeful, and reflective.

Reflection:

SANG SONG reminds us that we can cross the river of suffering — not through avoidance, but through insight. When practiced mindfully, this form becomes a living meditation on letting go, moving forward, and awakening.

Let this form be your mantra in motion. Every step, every breath, every pause — a quiet echo of Gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate. Bodhi svaha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

CELEBRATING GREAT SUMMER

VO HA, The Summer

4. RỒNG NƯỚC – The Water Dragon

Symbol of Ancestral Strength, Protection, and Life

The final movement in the VO HA form, Rồng Nước – The Water Dragon, is a powerful culmination of the journey. Drawing from ancient Vietnamese mythology, this form honors the deep cultural roots and spiritual identity of the Vietnamese people.

According to legend, the Vietnamese trace their origins to a sacred union between Lạc Long Quân, the Dragon Lord of the Seas, and Âu Cơ, the Immortal Mountain Fairy. From this mythic lineage came the birth of the Vietnamese people — resilient, proud, and connected both to the mountains and to the sea.

In Vietnamese tradition, the dragon is not a fearsome beast, but a noble, benevolent force. It symbolizes:

  • Imperial authority (linked to the emperor and the protection of the nation),
  • Natural power, especially water — vital for rice cultivation and life,
  • Ancestral energy, linking us to those who came before.

Among the five legendary dragons — Iron, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth — the Water Dragon is the most graceful and fluid. It embodies adaptability, strength, and the quiet power that nourishes and sustains life.

 

   The Spirit of Rồng Nước in Movement:

This form is dynamic yet flowing, like a river that knows both calm and storm. The Water Dragon does not force its way — it moves with wisdom and rhythm, circling, diving, and rising with purpose.

Reflection:

Practicing Rồng Nước connects us not only to the mythical dragon, but to the essence of life itself — water as transformation, heritage as strength. This form reminds us of the protector within, the one who carries wisdom, adapts with grace, and moves forward with strength born of lineage and purpose.

Let each movement be a tribute to your ancestors, to your homeland, and to the deeper waters of your being. You are not only moving — you are remembering 

Final Thought:

As the closing form in VO HA – The Summer, Rồng Nước leaves us with a sense of power, fluidity, and connection. You have journeyed from the forest, through the lotus, across the river — and now rise like the Water Dragon, whole and renewed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



















VO HA – The Summer

Instructional Guide
Celebrating a Great Summer Through Movement and Meaning


Introduction

VO HA – The Summer is a structured form (kata) in the Vietchidao tradition. It is composed of four symbolic exercises, each reflecting a phase in a mindful journey through nature, inner growth, and cultural heritage. These movements invite practitioners to embody vitality, beauty, transformation, and ancestral strength.

This guide presents each exercise with cultural context, symbolism, and suggested movement principles for practice and instruction.


1. KHAI MỘC – The Forest

Symbol of Vitality and Knowledge

In this form, the forest represents the source of life energy. It is a place of calm and renewal, reminding us of the importance of stepping away from life's stress to reconnect with nature and ourselves. Practicing Khai Mộc is like walking into a living forest — open, alert, and rooted.

The forest also symbolizes the vastness of knowledge. Reading a good book is akin to exploring a dense forest of ideas. Make reading a daily habit, enriching your inner world.

Movement Principles:

  • Grounded, steady stepping forward.
  • Arm movements gently part the space, as if brushing aside branches.
  • Occasional still pauses to reflect silence and observation.
  • Breath is deep, aligning with each deliberate movement.

Mindset: Calm, attentive, and receptive.


2. HOA SEN – The Lotus Flower

Symbol of Purity and Beauty

The lotus flower emerges clean and radiant from muddy waters, symbolizing the possibility of purity in all aspects of life. This form invites us to live with integrity — in our thoughts, actions, work, and care for the body, and respect for our surroundings.

Movement Principles:

  • Gentle and graceful unfolding motions, like petals opening.
  • Movements transition from low to elevated positions, symbolizing growth.
  • Emphasis on elegance, balance, and internal poise.

Mindset: Composed, graceful, and centered.


3. SANG SÔNG – Crossing the River

Inspired by the Heart Sutra Mantra

This form is inspired by the final mantra of the Heart Sutra:

Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha
(Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond – Enlightenment!)

Master Phan Hoang interpreted this mantra as:
“Ending all sufferings, arriving to the shore of Enlightenment.”

Sang Sông symbolizes the personal and spiritual journey from struggle to liberation. The river represents challenge; the crossing, transformation.

Movement Principles:

  • Forward and decisive stepping, representing progression.
  • Sweeping or releasing gestures to symbolize letting go of suffering.
  • Uplifting movements express emergence into clarity and peace.

Mindset: Focused, courageous, and light.

Note: For a deeper understanding, students are encouraged to consult different translations of the Heart Sutra by respected scholars such as Edward Conze, Donald S. Lopez Jr., Thích Nhất Hạnh, and Lok Sang Ho.


4. RỒNG NƯỚC – The Water Dragon

Symbol of Ancestral Strength and Protection

In Vietnamese mythology, the people descend from Lạc Long Quân, a Dragon Lord, and Âu Cơ, an Immortal Fairy. The dragon symbolizes the power of the nation, natural forces, and ancestral heritage.

Of the five elemental dragons — Iron, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth — the Water Dragon is the most fluid and graceful. It brings protection, rain for agriculture, and the wisdom of generations.

Movement Principles:

  • Spiraling, wave-like motions reflecting the dragon’s fluidity.
  • Grounded, strong stances with flowing transitions.
  • Sudden yet controlled bursts of energy reflect protection and awareness.

Mindset: Powerful, respectful, and connected to ancestral energy.


Closing Thought

Through these four exercises, VO HA – The Summer becomes a path of personal cultivation — drawing from the strength of the forest, the purity of the lotus, the courage to cross life’s rivers, and the wisdom of the dragon. Practice each with attention, intention, and reverence. 


END POST 56                     August 2025 



POST 56 - August 2025- VO HA Celebrating a great summer- Cards and texts

  Welcome to Post 56         Wishing you a summer filled with  strength, clarity, and grace — like the forest, t...