POST 723 23Aug2025 GREAT SUMMER - Many items and pictures

 

WELCOME TO POST 723

 

	Wishing you a great summer.   Sunshine, smiles,  and summer vibes

 

POST 723 23Aug2025 

GREAT SUMMER -

 Many items and pictures

 

No 18 - BUTTERFLY Stance: Apply critical thinking to deal with a complex problem The Butterfly Stance teaches adaptability and critical thinking. The butterfly flits between possibilities, moving fluidly and with grace, but always with intention. This stance encourages flexibility in thought, critical analysis, and the ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives to find the best solution. Think critically, adapt and find creative solutions.   In conclusion, each of these 18 stances offers a strategic principle not only applicable in martial arts but also useful in everyday life. By mastering the philosophy and application behind each stance, practitioners can not only improve their physical abilities but also develop a sharper, more effective approach to life’s challenges.

 

 

 

 

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: Imperial authority (linked to the emperor and the protection of the nation), Natural power, especially water — vital for rice cultivation and life, Ancestral energy, linking us to those who came before. 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.

 

 

 

	Extract from VISION and ACTION  / The Sacred Seal Story By Charles Phan Hoang (Amazon Publishing, ISBN   9798338428948)
	POST 723 (continued)
	POST 723 …   Thu-Lan: "Master, according to what I've observed, the technique shown by Clara, is similar to a longer technique that you have taught us, is it not?" Master Dinh-Mai, after a slight hesitation, went for the sword that rested on the stand in his office and returned to the centre of the room. Clara and Thu-Lan knew they were going to receive a special teaching. Master Dinh-Mai, before drawing the sword, said: "Here is the technique, in its original complete form, as practised by the Kiem-Si of the Thuan-Thien Society at the time of the Le dynasty." While the master solemnly performed the technique, Clara watched attentively all the majestic movements of the blade, like a calligraphy brush tracing two ancient characters. Clara followed all the movements without missing any single stroke. After sheathing his sword with his left hand, the master sat down solemnly and laid his sword before him. Remaining silent, he watched Clara with his penetrating eyes. Clara's face was illuminated: she had recognized the two characters traced by the sword. Master Dinh-Mai made a sign to Clara allowing her to speak. Clara: "Master, I think you just gave me the original name of this technique!" Master Dinh-Mai, with a half-smile: "What is this name according to you?" Clara: "Thuan Thien!" Master Dinh-Mai, very impressed but keeping a straight face: "Yes." Clara: "Oh! So this is the technique Bao-Dan performed to be recognized by the other members of the Thuan-Thien Society." Master Dinh-Mai: "Yes, you are right. I know this technique in its complete form as handed down through the generations in our family, because I am a descendant of Dinh Bao-Dan." Clara could not believe what she just heard and stared at the master, full of emotion. Then, respectfully, Clara and Thu-Lan made a bow to the master. They got up together, and silently left the room. Master Dinh-Mai turned off the lights and went out with Clara and Thu-Lan. He closed the door, and asked the two young women: "Do you still need my assistance?" Thu-Lan: "No, master. Thank you very much. I will accompany Clara to her hotel on Ba-Trieu Street, and then I'll go home." Master Dinh-Mai: "As Clara can read Chu-Nom, of which I don't have a good grasp myself, I wish she would look at some old documents that I keep with great care at home. I invite you both, tomorrow afternoon, at four o'clock for tea at my home." After they left the scene, the stack of cardboard boxes in the front of the grocery store began to move. A man, who was hiding behind it, got up nimbly and furtively, and walked away in the shadowy light of the street muttering: "Hotel on Ba-Trieu Street... Tomorrow at four o'clock in the afternoon..."       (to be continued)

 

 

 

		POST    2025                                    Linda’s Thursday Quotation
		Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. Thomas A. Edison   ======================   Mistakes are the portals of discovery. James Joyce

 

 

 

52	www.clubmasterhoang.blogspot.com      POST 2025                                   SHARING ONLINE POST 723 "Amor de Ayer   Classic Cuban Love Songs & Sentimental Boleros"     https://youtu.be/D6hdZ8TyNtI?si=yZuvVZX06UZ0XHgh
	LAS MAS BELLAS MELODIAS EN FLAUTA DE PAN - MUSICA QUE YA NO SE OYE EN LA...   https://youtu.be/VPwfzvrInDQ
	The Mystery of Marie Roget by Edgar Allan Poe   https://youtu.be/44sbueuK10Q
	What to say at your job interview? English Phrases & Tips!     https://youtu.be/WTAWi4lj6Z0

  END POST 723        23 AUGUST 2025

POST 722 Aug.16, 2025 Exercises Sang Song, Anti-Aging The Traveler, various items and pictures

 

WELCOME to Post 722

POST 722 Aug.16, 2025

 Exercises Sang Song, 

Anti-Aging The Traveler, 

The Two Old Masters 

various items and pictures

 

	Wishing you a great summer.   Catch the sun, feel the joy!

 

 

 

		Along My Path     Charles Phan Hoang
		THE TWO OLD MASTERS Post 722 August 16, 2025
		The Two Old Masters By Charles Phan Hoang   A long time ago in the busy city of Saigon, there were two boys who were best friends—and big rivals. Both of them were strong, fast, and smart in martial arts. They even had the same name: BAO, which means Panther.   They weren’t brothers, but they looked almost like twins: same height, same weight and same shoe size. Even their birthdays were only one day apart! Because of that, people at their martial arts school gave them nicknames. The older one was called BAO ANH (Panther Senior), and the younger one was called BAO EM (Panther Junior).   But Panther Junior didn’t like being called “Junior.” It made him feel like he was second-best. So one day, he said, “My name is BAO NHAT —Panther the First!”   From then on, their friendly rivalry grew stronger. They didn’t just compete in martial arts—they competed in everything! Who had the cooler clothes? Who could kick higher? Who had more fans at school?   As they grew up, both Bao Anh and  Bao Nhat became famous martial arts teachers. But their competition never stopped. If one was featured in a magazine, the other made sure to appear in the next issue! One day, some friends decided to settle the rivalry once and for all. They invited the two Panthers to a special contest: a tile-breaking challenge. With their bare hands, they would try to break as many tiles as possible. Both Panthers loved the idea.   The contest began with a stack of four tiles. Easy! Then increased to five... six... and finally seven. But when they tried to break eight tiles, neither could do it. They were both incredibly strong—but the eighth tile was too tough. So the contest ended in a tie. Everyone gave them a new nickname: Bay Ngoi—Breakers of Seven Tiles. They were both honored and respected.   Years passed, and the two old friends retired. They left Saigon and opened small martial arts schools in their hometowns. People slowly forgot about the Panthers.   But one day, a young journalist read their story and had an exciting idea: “What if I bring them back for one last contest?”   He found Bao Nhat, Panther the First, and told him the plan. “I love it!” said Bao Nhat. “Let’s do it!”. Then the journalist visited Bao Anh, Panther Senior, and gave him the same offer. But Bao Anh shook his head. “We’re too old for contests now,” he said. “The past is the past.”   The journalist was disappointed. But he went back to Bao Nhat and said, “If Bao Anh won’t compete, we’ll just name you the winner in a big news story!”. Bao Nhat was happy to hear that, but he wasn’t sure it was fair. “I didn’t really win anything,” he said. “There was no real contest.” Then he had an idea.   “Let’s do a demonstration,” he said. “I’ll break eight tiles in front of everyone!”. The journalist was thrilled. He prepared a big event with posters, music, and lights. The crowd came in excited to see a master at work.   A tall stack of eight tiles stood in the center of the room. Bao Nhat walked out slowly and bowed to the audience. He shouted a loud kiai and brought his hand down with all his strength. CRACK! All eight tiles shattered into pieces!   The crowd cheered wildly—until they saw Bao Nhat fall to the ground. His hand was broken. All his fingers were badly hurt. He had done the impossible—but paid the price.   That day, the people learned something important: Even the strongest get old; the greatest strength is to know when to stop. Charles Phan Hoang, (Post 722, August 16,  2025)

 

 

No 17 - TURTLE Stance: Advancing in an unnoticeable way The Turtle Stance embodies patience and subtlety. Just like a turtle moves slowly and quietly, it can avoid detection and advance without drawing attention. This stance is about strategic, deliberate action without fanfare, knowing that slow and steady action often wins the race. Don’t rush, let time and strategy work in your favor.

 

  

		POST    2024                                    Linda’s Thursday Quotation
		Nothing is so dangerous to the progress of the human mind than to assume that our views of science are ultimate, that there are no mysteries in nature, that our triumphs are complete and that there are no new worlds to conquer. Humphry Davy

 

 

 

	Blog www.clubmasterhoang.blogspot.com     POST 722  Sharing online ============  POST 722 "Latin Love Songs 2021 - Best Romantic Latin Love Songs"   https://youtu.be/KdDUt3TQgCI?si=hG9XFQu17qxbJyAC   ================          25 Most Amazing Ancient Ruins of the World    https://youtu.be/fq70UHD8DrM   ------------------------------   Sharing online     Romantic Saxophone | Smooth Jazz Saxophone | Relaxing Background Music .   https://youtu.be/CrjUiAjxBeM
	Sharing online  In the Sky   https://youtu.be/0faJH7uMLis

 

  

 

 

 

CELEBRATING GREAT SUMMER VO HA, The Summer 3. SANG SONG – Crossing the River Inspired by the Heart Sutra Mantra “Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha” (Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond. Enlightenment – all hail!) 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: Edward Conze: Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond, O what an awakening, all-hail! Donald S. Lopez, Jr.: Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone completely beyond, enlightenment! Thích Nhất Hạnh: The Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore Lok Sang Ho: Transcend, Transcend, Transcend beyond all, Transcend completely, Awaken! Let this be! 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.