INTRODUCTION
The author of this book is Nguyễn Hiền [Nguyễn Hiền Đức], whose Dhamma name is Nguyên Tánh. From 1965–1975, he worked as the director of the library and editor of Vạn Hạnh Bulletin at Vạn Hạnh Buddhist University, Sàigòn. He edited and rewrote the manuscripts, was responsible for the techniques and arts to contribute to the completion of the publication of the Dìgha Nikàya, Majjhima Nikàya and Dhammapada, which were translated from the Pali language to Vietnamese by the most Venerable Thích Minh Châu. He also took charge of many other Buddhist works published by Vạn Hạnh Publishing.
Nguyễn Hiền Đức is fond of the beauty of literature and the art of letters for humanity. For the past twenty years, after retiring, he has had more time to read Buddhist scriptures, commentaries and has prepared many collections on Buddhist studies.
Nguyễn Hiền Đức chose to approach the Buddhist works slowly and cautiously with great respect to the author and his/her work. Sometimes he chose to approach the author about a certain perspective, since then he could frankly present and develop this idea in his article. For example, for Venerable Bhikkhuni Giới Hương, he read her poems, articles and also listened mindfully to her music many times. He also read the introductions and compliments for her books from many respected monastics, such as the Most Venerable Mãn Giác, the Most Venerable Bảo Lạc, the Most Venerable Như Điển, Venerable Nhật Từ, Venerable Bhikkhuni Nguyên Thanh and laypeople.
Last but not least, Nguyễn Hiền Đức would like to tell Venerable Bhikkhuni Giới Hương that this book, Hương Sen, Poems and Music – Lotus Fragrance, Poems and Music expresses just his few initial impressions. Such good impressions come from just one poetic rich sentence of Venerable Giới Hương: “The world around us is very meaningful, beautiful and lyrical, please enjoy it.” He is surprised that it became a bilingual book, accessible to both English and Vietnamese readers. He also suggested that Hương Sen Temple, including Venerable Giới Hương, her nuns and disciples compose a significant historical collection, "Forty Years in the Dharma: A Life of Study and Service-Venerable Bhikkhuni Giới Hương" for the sake of many. This is a sincere proposal and he is happy to hear that action has been taken on this. It becomes the forty-first work in the list of Bảo Anh Lạc Bookshelf (please visit http://huongsentemple.com/index.php/kinh-sach/tu-sach-bao-anh-lac).
Appreciating the gentle literature heart of Nguyễn Hiền Đức, we would like to recommend this booklet and the talented writer to the dear readers of Bảo Anh Lạc Bookshelf.
October’s Flower in Perris City, California, 2019
Hương Sen Press, USA
Please read the whole book: 29._Huong_Sen_Tho_va_Nhac-Lotus_Fragrance-_NHDuc.pdf
