The Lost Memories

Book excerpt: The Lost Memories is a collection of romantic poetry written by the Supreme Master Ching Hai during the 1970s while She was living in Europe. This time for Her was one of love and loss, ecstasy and heartbreak, longing and satiation, searching and discovering. The journey within this volume travels the road of Love, encompassing its spectrum – from effervescent passion to contemplative reflection. Each poem is filled with rich imagery and melody, resonating with the many thoughts, emotions and experiences common to us all. The longing for a loved one, sweet memories rekindled with each falling leaf, a lost bird finding its way home, the sound of raindrops – all are conveyed with utmost simplicity and tenderness. Woven into the wide range of emotions is a consistent theme, one that forms a gentle backdrop for each poem: the silhouette of Divine Love, which has been the source of inspiration throughout Master Ching Hai’s lifelong journey. This journey to embrace True Love not only invites a passionate delving into the depths of our life experience, it also provides the potent reminder that in our own Lost Memories lies the key to selfdiscovery and, ultimately, our self-realization. We are deeply grateful to Supreme Master Ching Hai for allowing us to compile this collection from Her early years. While the obvious beauty of this poetry springs forth from the innocent heart of youth, its inner beauty takes equal form by sparking the spiritual yearning deep within all of us. We hope that The Lost Memories helps you find peace and love on your journey.