By Brother Initiate Ha Cam Tam, An Artist in San Jose, U.S.A. (Originally In Au Lac Language)

The setting sun casts its last few beams of light over the land. Three mountains of similar height stand side by side. A trail traverses the Hsihu vegetation, its white sand dividing the whole scene in half like a meandering creek. One of the peaks soars in the center of the painting, nestling majestically between the other two.

From an academic point of view, "Hsihu Sunset" violates the artistic principles of landscape composition. Supreme Master Ching Hai utilizes two opposite colors, red (hot) and blue (cold), each of which occupies approximately half of the canvas area, which represents the vegetation and sky respectively. Such an unique layout and combination of colors is not uncommon in interior design, yet this is regarded as unacceptable in the world of artistic painting. To our surprise, however, this picture has become a highly valued work of art. This extraordinary success amazes both well-known painters as well as collectors.

In fact, all artistic rules and principles lose their meanings, because Supreme Master Ching Hai's "Hsihu Sunset" boldly stands alone. The power in the colors and the soul of the painter elevate every heart longing for Truth, virtue and beauty, returning it to the Source, while easing inhibitions ingrained through preconceptions. Colors between the two extremes, like purple, canary and light yellow, reconcile the opposites of hot and cold, bringing them into unexpected harmony. Every painter knows this basic rule, but it's not easy to put it onto canvas so beautifully. Painters often conceive a model, an outline or a wish to "make this painting perfect or at least better than other works". This preconception, though sometimes unconscious, often diminishes their pure, ingenuous inspiration.

A twilight haze, in this remarkable painting, envelopes an emerald world where the blazing setting sun and exuberant forests and grass render a magnificent display. An unique characteristic of Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings is that She uses Western painting oils in conjunction with refined Eastern technique. Behind all this, there is a sensitive yet unmistakably leisurely soul. That's why, I believe, "Hsihu Sunset" is a masterpiece of innocence that enriches the world's artistic treasury beyond measure.

Moreover, Supreme Master Ching Hai's use of several green shades takes a great deal of skill to employ successfully. Used inappropriately, the change in hue can be as dull as mud. In this painting, however, these delightful greens weave together like rolling ocean waves. Such a deft combination of colors symbolizes the power of the universe, which is not only amazing, but also perhaps is a reminiscent indulgence on the part of the artist. If one takes a closer look, one can see a few threads of silky sunlight playing on the hills and lawn, and wafting in the vastness of space. Indeed, I believe it's the wafting sunlight that provides the climatic, finishing touches in appreciating the painting.

Certainly, all of Supreme Master Ching Hai's landscape paintings can be considered aesthetic classics. Paintings speak an international language; with each of them conveying countless words. One can engage in a spiritual conversation with them, very much like two intimate friends. I've observed Supreme Master Ching Hai's works of art many times. I discover something new every time I see Her art work. Hence, I soon began to wonder, "Is this my discovery, or was it originally there yet I didn't notice it before?"

Yet, without doubt, gazing at Supreme Master Ching Hai's paintings is like being transported to a faraway place, far beyond the realms of this planet. I see the painter's inner feelings revealed with every stroke, every colored line and every change of hue; and I believe they are the symbols of Supreme Love. Every time I view the spirit of Her paintings, I always feel like I have visited a special or historic place and the spirit of my Mother-Land seems to fill the air, pervading into the deepest recesses of my soul....

Magical Vibrations In Master's Music The Emerald Of Heaven And Earth

Supreme Art

"Hsihu Sunset" by Supreme Master Ching Hai
(Oil Painting, 70.6 x 50.8 cm. Scenery in Hsihu, Formosa.)