In life, no one escapes moments of success and glory. But how many men throughout the ages, intoxicated by their triumph, have let themselves be carried away by pride and folly?

 In the same way, no one can boast of being forever free from ignorance. For a single moment of blindness is sometimes enough to fall and shatter an entire life. This is why this collection of poetic fables, aims to be a source of strength : it helps each one journey through life without letting success become a source of ridicule, or failure a cause for devastation..

We are in the height of summer, in the oprressive heat of June. This book hence comes as a gentle and refreshing night breeze, restoring a little clarity and flavor to life.

It also possesses the power to dispel sorrow and calm the bitterness of those weighed down by fate. It guides humanity toward emotional mastery and wisdom, enabling each person to become a fully realized being.

Our friend Hoàng-Hoa undoubtedly faced the walls of humanity's "blind absurdity" amidst the trials of the world before turning to wisdom. It was by turning to "the forest of Dharma" and drawing upon the subtle essence of rare flowers such as the elusive Udumbara blossom, that he forged a pure and limpid mind and offered this precious work to those seeking the light of Buddhist wisdom.

Written at Quán Sứ, October 2, 1950.

TỐ-LIÊN