Alas! myriad situations present a big matrix,

I want to use principles and flexibility to succeed.

When my lay body should be at multiple risks,

The testing arena is yet to open with drumbeats.

Until the drum beats, candidates keep waiting,

With a desire to see the Dragon appearing.

The honorary board lists the noble fighters,

Who apply their talents in their country’s favor.

Helping the country which incurs horrid sufferings,

My sad tears don’t cease streaking.

A blitz dazzles with a downpour of bullets,

Through so many springs I have been helpless.

I yearn for the king who has so long been absent,

Though I have lodged, I don’t owe to any person.

Heaven and Earth should have considered when,

When the Vietnamese will not suffer at lengths.

Lengthy sufferings are going to expire, aren’t they?

I pray for Lord Buddha to give His grace.

Launch the Long Hoa as timely as Heaven augurs,

For the Hong Lac race to share its surplus.

Surplus sharing includes peace and leisure,

All the masses prostrate to the Sacred Emperor.

Vow to keep Confucian and Buddhist ethos,

For ever get along with your neighboring states.

With your neighboring states, over is the feud,

People from all strata strive for a common good.

Daren’t procrastinate in practicing the Tao,

So that you may not be bogged down.

Bogged down do you still stand,

Your head is too heavy and your guts hang.

Resolve to escape from the red siege,

Pray for our Sacred King to sustain His seat.

Only if He sustains His seat, this monk feels calm,

Immediately leaves the world for his fairy realm.

He by no means clings to the world,

‘Cause the whole of it has no longer suffered.

Bac Lieu, 1942