An Innocent Dream?

Last night, I dreamed that I am a Palestine teen 
Innocently playing with my friends on the beach 
I thought I am free, but the reality is that I am in the big jail along with my people of 1.8 million residents in Gaza. 
I mourned for freedoms and I hoped for a better future  
and they have yet to come.  

I am trapped in this land, in this earthy world. 
What am I support to do? 

a Jihadist or a freedom fighter... 
My thoughts are yet to articulate, 
the gunship exploded...and 
I woke up! 

VẦNG TRĂNG ĐÊM NAY

Nhảy đi em.... Photo: BXP

VẦNG TRĂNG ĐÊM NAY

Thương tặng em P.

Đêm thanh vắng gã ly hương thầm lặng
Uống trăng rằm và uống nỗi cô đơn
Rượu đâu cạn nỗi trầm tư đâu hết
Đời long đong vận nước cũng long đong.

Chương trình Ra Mắt Sách và Nhạc Thính Phòng

Poster for Chương trình Ra Mắt Sách và Nhạc Thính Phòng

Designed by Uyên Nguyên

In a personal effort to help out  the Buddhist Youth groups, especially Kim Quang Buddhist Youth Group, we are organizing the books signing and musical concert event for fundraising purpose.  Please see the above poster for more information about the event and the letter below for this noble cause. Thank you for your continued support. 

Phật Lịch 2558

Sacramento, ngày 1 tháng 7 năm 2014

Thư Kêu Gọi

Kính thưa quý Phụ Huynh cùng các Anh Chị em cựu Huynh Trưởng, cựu Đoàn Sinh GĐPT Kim Quang,

Chúng tôi rất vui mừng để thông báo cùng toàn thể Phụ Huynh và quý Anh Chị, là ngân hàng đã chấp thuận bán cho chúng ta căn nhà bên cạnh thiền thất với giá là $215,000. Hy vọng đến cuối tháng 7, 2014 thì chúng ta sẽ hoàn tất mọi thủ tục giấy tờ.

Sau hai lần gửi thư kêu gọi, cũng như tiệc chay gây quỹ vào hôm 22/6/2014, số tiền ủng hộ chúng tôi đã nhận được là $24,000 và số tiền mượn dài hàng là $25,000.

Với số tiền trên, chúng tôi dự trù như sau:

·      Trị giá căn nhà: $215,000

·      Số tiền hiện có để đặt coc: $75,000 ($50K từ Chùa, $25K từ quỹ GĐPT)

·      Với số tiền vừa quyên góp được từ Phụ Huynh và tiệc chay gây quỹ, chúng tôi dự trù sẽ vay ngân hàng $100,000, và số tiền hàng tháng phải trả là $507.

Chúng tôi tha thiết kêu gọi quý vị giúp đỡ chúng tôi bằng những phương cách sau:

1.     Mỗi gia đình tùy hỷ ủng hộ tối thiểu $250

2.     Cho Chùa mượn tối thiểu $1000 không lấy lời ít nhất là 2 năm.

Chúng tôi tin tưởng là với 100 gia đình hiện đang sinh hoạt với GĐPT Kim Quang, và rất nhiều Cựu Huynh Trưởng/Cựu Đoàn Sinh cùng tiếp tay với chúng tôi thì chắc chắn chúng ta sẽ hoàn trả số tiền $100,000 cho ngân hàng ngắn hơn số năm ấn định (30 năm).

Chúng tôi xin chân thành cám ơn toàn thể quý vị đã luôn giúp đỡ và quan tâm đến mọi sinh hoạt của GĐPT Kim Quang.

Mọi ủng hộ và chi tiết xin liên lạc HTr. Nguyên Nhơn Ngô Thị Thu, (916) 642-5482, ngothithu@gmail.com

Kính chúc quý vị thân tâm thường an lạc,

            Nay kính,                                

            Gia Trưởng
            Nguyên Chiếu - Nguyễn Thanh Minh

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sacramento, July 1, 2014

Fund Raising Letter for 1909 Kincaid Way

Dear Parents, former Leaders, members of Kim Quang Buddhist Youth Association, and Friends:

We are so happy and excited to announce that the current owner's banks have approved the sale of 1909 Kincaid Way (the property behind the Temple) for $215,000. We are expecting to close escrow by the end of July 2014.

With the support from our Parents, former Leaders, and the Annual Fundraising Banquet on June 22, 2014 the total amount donated to date is $49,000. Of this amount $24,000 is donation, and $25,000 is long-term interest-free loans. 

The following is the current financial status:

• Purchase price of the property: $215,000.
• Money we have for the down payment: $75,000 ($50,000 from the Temple; $25,000 
• With the $40,000 recently raised, we intend to borrow/finance $100,000 from the bank.

The estimated monthly payment for 30-year mortgage at current interest rate is $507. 

Our goal is to raise as much money as possible so we can pay off the mortgage sooner than 30 years. We hope that each family will support us in either or both of the following ways:

1. Make a one-time suggested donation/contribution of $250 or more. 
2. Loan us money interest-free for at least 2 years. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. 

Currently, with our Youth Group totaling more than one hundred families along with the many former Leaders/Members, we strongly believe that together we can make this happen. We appreciate and deeply thank you for your continual support, involvement, and eagerness in lending us a hand for all the Kim Quang Youth Group's activities and projects.

To donate and/or for more information, please contact Thu Ngo at (916) 642-5482 or ngothithu@gmail.com.

We wish you peace and happiness always.
Sincerely,
Gia Trưởng
Nguyên Chiếu - Nguyễn Thanh Minh

TRĂNG UYÊN NGUYÊN

Quy Nhon City - Photo: Ha Nguyen

TRĂNG UYÊN NGUYÊN

Đêm hè nằm võng đu đưa
Trăng khuya thanh tịnh chốn xưa vọng về
Trăng rằm lấp lánh biển quê
Gió hoà nhịp thở đề huề có-không!

NGỌN GIÓ TỪ LƯƠNG

NGỌN GIÓ TỪ LƯƠNG       
           Mừng anh 60 tuổi

Năm mười tuổi theo cha xuống ruộng
Ra đồng cày một nắng hai sương
Đất nước nghèo gia cảnh xót thương
Trưa nắng gắt còng lưng nhổ cỏ

Rơi nước mắt, tuổi thân, chợt tỏ
Và ước mơ học hoá giúp đời
Rồi vượt biển, học hành tới nơi
Làm khoa học kiêm luôn giám đốc

Người thành nhân, sống đầy phúc lộc
Giúp nhà nông có một không hai
Óc sáng tạo, chế Thifluzamide
Loài sâu độc cũng đều mai một

Vừa diệt cỏ, bón phân lúa tốt
Hơn ba mươi đặc quyền (patents) chế tạo
Tuổi năm mươi lấp lánh vì sao
Nay sáu mươi nhiệt huyết thuở nào

Luôn cống hiến bằng tim và óc
Làm đẹp vườn, thơ, phê bình văn học
Từ Lương người lọc lõi nhân tâm
Sống và yêu Vân Các trong ngần

Đời hư ảo Từ Lương ngược gió!

NỤ CƯỜI AN LẠC

Nhẹ nhàng quét bụi trần gian - Ảnh Nguyễn Sanh Tỵ

NỤ CƯỜI AN LẠC

Con đường lớn em thong dong nhẹ bước
Mái tóc huyền lặng lẽ bỏ lại sau
Bồ Đề Tâm vun trồng vớt niềm đau
Đường hỷ lạc ai ung dung đang đến

California Poppy: Lối xưa tích cũ - Ảnh Nguyễn Sanh Tỵ

By Chance

At Penn University: Photo Nguyên Lương

By Chance

Perhaps a blending of wisdom – 

Phe’s breath of life in repose 

On this bronzed adulation of Ben. 

Here a chance compounding of cultures, 

A co-mingling of the then and now known - 

So sensed and savored within me, 

One who walked out of Ben’s school 

Circuitously along unforeseen paths 

Crisscrossing my friend’s 

Bringing us to this moment. 

Philadelphia 

June 2014

 By W. Edward Bureau, Ph.D.

Tình Cờ

Có lẽ một sự pha trộn của trí tuệ -

Hơi thở cuộc sống của Phẻ trong yên nghỉ

Cùng bức tượng rám nắng của Ben (Benjamin Franklin)

Đây là một cơ hội làm trầm của nền văn hóa,

Một sự đồng hòa đã biết của xưa và nay 

Tôi cảm nhận và thưởng thức

Một người đã từng bước ra khỏi trường học của Ben

Vòng quanh theo những con đường không lường trước

Dọc ngang người bạn của tôi

Đưa chúng tôi đến thời điểm này.

Philadelphia

Time to Take your Place

Time to Take your Place 

A Graduation Speech by Dr. David Inniss

Honorable guests, family and friends, Faculty and staff, my fellow graduates, and supporters of the university. There are few words that can capture the emotions that flow through me as I stand before you on this stage today. I believe that humbled, excited, privileged, grateful, honored, and fortunate are just a few that come to mind as I consider the journey that brings us all together at this moment in time. I do not take it lightly the importance of this moment and this opportunity! Pause for a quiet second and take in the scenery around you! The colorful regalia…The blue sky…the cotton ball clouds…Notice the expressions of genuine joy on the faces of those around you…This moment when the fragrance of fresh leis and brand new gowns fill this space that we share. Take in the sounds…the birds chirping…the soft chatter…the periodic giggle of a child…the hum drum of a city that is on the brink of something major. I do not take it for granted how special this moment is! 

In the United States of America, there are, according to my research about 4,600 degree granting institutions. Let’s assume that each of these institutions hosts both a summer and winter student graduations. And let’s assume further that there are at least 3 flavors of the commencement ceremony at each. Often there is one per school/college within the institution but just to be conservative, let us assume that there are 3. This would suggest that since 1990, there have been approximately 690,000 commencement addresses that were made. Now that is quite a lot of speeches. 

As I pondered on this, several questions came to me, the most important being “How on earth can I find something that is unique in content that would pay appropriate homage to this experience…and to this moment for the graduates under the spotlight today”. “How could I string together some words that represented some ground-breaking advice and eye-opening spoken creativity with some unique meaning that transcends all the barriers that may exist between you, ladies and gentlemen, and me! 

Among those many speeches, several are held up today as the standard against which others are compared. For example, Steve Jobs delivered a stirring anecdotal collection of inspiring tidbits to the Stanford class of 2005. He spoke of his humbled beginnings, his biggest disappointments and provided an almost prophetic analysis of his end. But in that speech he captured the concept of THE POWER OF REFLECTION. Life is about dots…but connecting those dots can only be accomplished by looking backward. We can only move forward embracing our future and trusting in our hearts that the dots will connect at some point…even when it feels like we are well off track. This advice was timeless. It is highly applicable to each of us here today. But I thought that there was no possible way that I could share that message and capture the essence of such oratory genius from one of the greatest minds of our time. 

With the echo of Jobs’ words on that beautiful Stanford evening still in my head, it occurred to me that THE POWER OF REFLECTION that he spoke so effectively about was being lived out in all its glory right here in the Drexel family. While he may have had some wonderful experiences that contributed to the power of his story, Steve Jobs never had the privilege…and yes you heard me correctly…Steve Jobs never had the privilege of meeting my fellow dragon Phe Bach. 
Phe and his entire family moved to Lincoln Nebraska from Vietnam in 1991. Thrust into an environment without knowing a single word of English, he graduated in the top 10% of his high school class within 3 years. Since then, he has earned Bachelors in Biology, a Masters in Bio-organic Chemistry, a Teaching Credential and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. While these educational achievements are great, it is his character that has most impacted me. As a Buddhist, he embraces mindfulness, the reflection and the balance between one’s public life, personal life and spiritual life. During many times of classroom conflict, Phe creatively restored unity and focus with understanding, compassion and wisdom. Phe, thank you for touching me in a unique way. 

Another great speaker was Professor Randy Pauch, the famed author of the book “The Last Lecture” who delivered a compelling 6 minute address to the graduates at Carnegie Mellon University in which he cleverly asked those moving on from that institution to LIVE IN THE MOMENT. Pauch spoke at commencement as a 48 year old man, only 2 months before his predicted death at the hands of pancreatic cancer and he spoke candidly about what I call the dash. You see ladies and gentlemen, every tombstone, every grave site marker has inscribed upon it a birth date and an expiry date with a small dash between them. What does that dash represent for you? When your story is told, how will the ones that follow you describe what your dash meant. Pauch stated, and I quote, “We don’t beat the reaper by living longer. We beat the reaper by living well and living fully. For the reaper is always going to come for all of us. When the reaper shows up, it’s too late to do all the things that you’re always gonna, kinda get around to.” In other words, live pure…inside out…following your own inner voice and not allowing it to be drowned out by others. 

There is no way I could effectively convey this idea of LIVING IN THE MOMENT more eloquently or with the dramatic value that Professor Randy Pauch did EXCEPT that I am fortunate enough to have met another graduate here today…Kawami Evans! Born and raised in the projects in Bridgeport CT, she was raised by her extended family and lived her early years focused on elevating herself beyond her circumstances. Kawami embodies the idea of living in the moment. She cherishes every second, often referring to her many situations with the term magical…her magical family, her magical husband, her magical career, her magical parenting experience, her magical daughter. Kawami has taught me about operating from a heart space and on the importance of zeroing in on positivity regardless of the circumstance. Kawami, thank you for touching me in a unique way. 

President Bill Clinton, one of the most compelling speakers I have ever listened to spoke briefly but 
profoundly at the Howard University graduation in 2013. The gist of the message he delivered there remains highly applicable to those of us gathered here today. Fellow graduates, it is highly important that we understand the ever changing world in which we live. We are taking our newly acquired skills and returning to a world in which interdependency on many fronts is emerging as the rule and no longer as the exception. Operating in isolation is as close to impossibility than ever before. Mr. Clinton urged us to TAKE ON AN INTERDEPENDENT WORLD WITH AN INTERDEPENDENT MINDSET…One that says that I am stronger and more effective with the support of others…a thought process that states that I will accomplish more for this world when I can lock arms with the likes of Charles Lee, Victor Dike, Lynnise Davis, Elias Mazarheh, Ling Lao, Justin Griffin, Levi Moore, Michelle Smith, Manpreet Sidhu, Erika Peters, Mary Holly and Catherine Gumbo. 

Individually we are but a drop but together an ocean. I probably could never convey the idea that creative cooperation trumps constant conflict with greater ease, matching grace or with more profound examples than President Clinton. But while President Clinton verbalized the notion of interdependency, there is a powerhouse of a woman among us who is a die-hard practitioner of THE INTERDEPENDENT MINDSET FOR AN INTERDEPENDENT WORLD. I am yet to come across anyone who builds, nurtures and leverages positive relationships across all sectors and in any forum like our outgoing Associate Vice Provost Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann does. It is through her strategic prowess and her long term vision that Drexel University is becoming tightly interwoven into the fabric of this city and at the center of this region’s growth. Sandy, thank you for your mentorship, your genuine care for my wellbeing and for touching me in a unique way. 

So despite what I thought, I did not have to go too far to find a source of inspiration or to capture uniqueness. They exist in our midst…in our Drexel University family. It is wonderful to know that the very principles spoken of by some of the greatest minds this planet has ever seen are lived out among my friends. 

The Power of Reflection, The need to live in the Moment and Having an Interdependent Mindset for an Interdependent World are not just words uttered by the likes of those famous speakers, it is a way of life for you my fellow dragons. 

Sandy paves the way for one of my own personal heroes. Dr. Mike Marion has been a great friend of mine for more than 3 years. I have been around the block and I can often tell when people have good energy and Mike has it. Mike’s resolve, humility and methodical approach to realizing his vision for serving others may often be mistaken for shyness. But I see it differently, here is a man that in spite of his physical stature, remains humble and continues to invest and reinvest in his continued growth. I think Drexel and this city are in for a treat with his leadership. Mike thank you for quietly being a tremendous role model for me and for touching me in a unique way. 

With Dr. Marion, we all at this time have a challenge before us. Fortunately, one of the gifts that this 
country gives over and over and over is the opportunity to start again…Never an assurance of success…but there is always the opportunity to begin again. 

There is a reason why a ceremony as meaningful as this one, as emotionally loaded as this one is called a Commencement. It could have been called The Culmination…or The Finale…or the Accomplishment Ceremony. But instead it has been rightfully named A Commencement. We, as a class, as an extended Drexel family, are right on time! 

We must take our place and grab the mantle that is being passed on to us. We can no longer settle for behind the scenes. It is TIME THAT WE TOOK OUR PLACE! IT IS TIME WE TOOK OUR PLACE as Champions of Curiosity –Shake off the shackles of how it has been done before and loosen the limitations of conventional thinking. We can be in the room, sit at the table with fresh points of view, renewed enthusiasm and a honed sense of discovery. 

TIME TO TAKE OUR RIGHTFUL PLACE as Stewards of Social Justice - The idea of inclusiveness has gone beyond what it meant in the 60s and more is required of us to challenge any vitriol, hatred or discriminatory stances that threaten the very equality that those behind us sweat and bled for. 

IT IS TIME WE TOOK OUR PLACE as Influencers in Intellectual Thought—With the power of this degree, we can stand on the shoulders of the thought leaders that have preceded us. However, when challenged, we no longer have the luxury of providing the answer “that’s just how it is”. IT IS TIME WE TOOK OUR PLACE as Defenders of the Dream—When Dr. Martin Luther King spoke about going to the mountain top and seeing the promised land—a land where fairness and equality were upheld, he only got to see the promised land from a distance. It is incumbent upon us to continue our march towards this land where people’s religion, sexual orientation, gender, political persuasion and skin color are all subordinated to the content of their character. 

FINALLY WE MUST TAKE OUR RIGHTFUL PLACE As Pioneers of Possibility—The rich history of this institution includes countless stories of breaking down barriers. Those of you who have interacted with me have probably heard me say that “My undergraduate degree got me a started…My Master’s degree opened doors…and my doctorate will help me knock down walls”! We have it within us to be THE ENTREPRENEURS, THE POLITICAL STALWARTS, THE INVENTORS, THE BUSINESS MEN, THE BUSINESS WOMEN, THE DECISION MAKERS that push the envelope of possibility in this city, this state, this nation and in the world. 

THE POWER OF REFLECTION, LIVING IN THE MOMENT & HAVING AN INTERDEPENDENT MINDSET FOR AN INTERDEPENDENT WORLD 
My fellow dragons, I depart this stage elated for your achievements, excited for your future and humbled by your friendship. It is time we took our place. 

Latest achievement for Phe Bach: Doctoral degree from Drexel University

Sharing the joy! - Photo: Son Tran

Latest achievement for Phe Bach: Doctoral degree from Drexel University

For a Vietnamese immigrant who couldn’t put a sentence of English together when he first arrived in the U.S. as a shy, unsophisticated teenager, Phe Bach has acquired quite the educational resume.

He earned his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Management (Ed.D), with a concentration in Human Resources Development, and will proudly accept his diploma this Saturday night (June 21) from Drexel University Sacramento.

Dr. Bach is a strong advocate for education and literally practices what he preaches. He teaches chemistry in the highly regarded International Baccalaureate Program at Mira Loma High School in the San Juan Unified School District. It is considered one of the best high schools in the greater Sacramento area.

He has come a long way since his family moved from the Vietnam coastal village called Nhon Ly, Binh Dinh, to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1991. It was culture shock for Bach, who was thrust into the classroom as a sophomore when he was 15 years old.

“I was forced to learn English very quickly,” recalls Dr. Bach of the awkward beginnings in Lincoln.

The youngest of eight children, including an adoptive brother, Thao Bach, Dr. Bach graduated three years later in the top-10 percent of his high school class. He later got a BS in biology from University of Nebraska, a teaching credential as well as studied graduate program in Bio-organic chemistry from UC Davis, and his master’s degree at California State University, Sacramento.

Dr. Bach, 38, acts as both a teacher and mentor to Mira Loma students and others in various communities. He also finds time to teach Buddhism to local youth groups such as Kim Quang Buddhist Youth Association and does the same thing at Folsom State Prison.

“I like to pay it forward. It’s always good to give back. This is my way of thanking this country for what it has given me,” Dr. Bach said.

Dr. Bach is married to Trang Nguyen, and the couple has two boys (Khang, 8 and Kiet, 6). Yet Dr. Bach still finds time to volunteer and follow another passion: poetry.

He has written 5 books, including 4 poetry books. He also encourages everyone to be a leader in his or her own right.

"Mindful leader is the one who leads inside out with understanding, compassion, and wisdom,” Dr. Bach said.

For more information on Phe Bach, visit: http://phebach.blogspot.com/p/about-me-and-contact-lien-lac-va-vai.html

Jeffrey Weidel
Vice President Halldin Public Relations

THIỆP MỜI - INVITATION

THIỆP MỜI

INVITATION

You are cordially invited to attend:

10^th Anniversary, Graduation, and Books Signing*.

Saturday June 21^th, 2014:

At Drexel University Sacramento, room 2.

(One Capitol Mall, Suite 260 Sacramento, CA 95814)

2:00 p.m.   Gathering / Light snacks
2:15 p.m.   Introduction and Poetry reading

Featuring Dr. W. Edward Bureau, author and friends
3:00 p.m.   Music by Nguyên Quang, Ngô Tín, friends and special guests.
4:30 p.m.   Adjourn 

All donations/profits from this book signing event will go to Kim Quang Buddhist Youth Group.

Parking can be a challenge. Please park in the City Garage (as soon as you turn into Old Sac) or on Old Sac streets and walk in. You can also park under the building, take elevator to Lower Level, and take another elevator to Second floor. This parking lot is a bit more expensive.