Introduction
I have always wanted to write 3 books in my life: the first one on where I come from and what makes me ME, the second one on my struggle through life, and the third one on my message after I am gone.
I did a draft on my first book, gave it a title, “Agony of a People”, and told my childhood stories and the impact left by the war on my people, our culture and way of life, an unseen scar which still has its effects through generations, sometimes so well described by poets, writers, film makers, sociologists and the likes. I never published this book, and worse, I lost my manuscript in one of my journeys.
I plan to call my third book, “A Mother’s Love”, which I ponder on the subject of Love and Compassion, as expressed through plenty of experiences of sacrifices from mothers I encounter, start with my own. But let’s get back to my present concern, my struggle through life, which I intend to name: “Back to Square One”.
Back To Square One - This is the letter that many of my childhood friends have been waiting from me, since I left Vietnam 25 years ago, as a happy bride for Switzerland, bringing with me so much hope, pride, envy, jealousy, joy, sadness, expectations, disappointments, etc. so much contradictory feelings of those left behind. Yes, I left my country, my parents, my neighbors, my relatives, my cousins, my friends, and friends of friends, unknown compatriots who accompanied me since then, with their dreams of a better life full of success and happiness. Through me, they hoped I would make their dream come true, the dream of going overseas, the joy and excitement of finding new perspectives, the hope of bringing back home fame and wealth, just as traditions used to be. ...
... I would like to share some anecdotes of my life with all readers of this book. The theme which I wish to develop is around the concept of karma and the impermanence of life. This is the reason why I name this book “Back to Square One”, in Vietnamese, it would be translated “Tro ve con so khong” ( meaning back to case zero). Through understanding the impermanence of life, we can contribute to get our own “liberation” out of the life and death wheel of life (luan hoi sanh tu).
My knowledge of Buddhist theories is still at the first stage. I was born a Buddhist, have practiced Buddhism throughout my whole life, started studying Buddhism as a subject at age 50, that is some years ago, and yet still not know much on the subject. All I remember from the teaching of my mother is that “When you are not causing harm to others, you are already doing good to them”. When I had my first lesson in Buddhism, the rule was very simple: “Practice the five principles, that is, do not kill, do not lie, do not say bad or wrong things to or about people, do not steal, and do not involve in adultery”. I find it wonderful and easy to start with these five principles as it is within the reach of everybody who wishes to be better.
With this simple approach in mind, I hope, with practice, I will, by the time this book is accomplished, to get a clearer view of my own life experience, as witness to the evolution of the everchanging and multicolor of what we call LIFE.
Have a good reading!
(Nyon, 2007)
