Welcome to Post 56
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Wishing you a summer filled with strength, clarity, and
grace — like the forest, the lotus, the river, and the dragon. |
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POST 56 - August 2025-
VO HA Celebrating a great summer
Cards and texts
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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:
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. |
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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 |
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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 flower — HOA
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:
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CELEBRATING
GREAT SUMMER VO HA, The Summer 3. SANG SONG – Crossing the River Inspired by the Heart Sutra Mantra In the third movement of the VO HA form, SANG SONG
– Crossing 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:
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.
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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:
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.
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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
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