A.-FORMATIVE YEARS:  PERSONALITY TRAITS

Mr. Huynh Thanh Mau (also called Six Mau or Little Mau) born on the 10th of Lunar February, 1925 (Wood Ox), at Hoa Hao hamlet, Tan Chau district, Chau Doc province. ̣̣He was the brother of Lord Master Huynh Phu So, the founder of Hoa Hao Buddhism.

Personal Attributes

Mau was slender and average-built, shiny-eyed, and charming lipped. He presented as a firm yet humorous and likeable personality. He was exceptionally intelligent, thus he was a quick learner compared to others, as he picked up very well what they’ve done. Once upon a time as a young teenager, he went to Cho Dinh (Hoa Hao) watching a martial art show of Son Dong medicine peddlers. When he returned home, he went out on the courtyard and replayed exactly what he saw in all its aspects, giving His Eminent Parents a very good laugh. Besides, Mau was a bold, brave, articulate and yet soft-spoken, standing out as a highly kind person.

Education 

At eight, Mr Huynh Thanh Mau was fluent in Quoc Ngu (national language). But, due to growing up in a Confucian family, when he was 9 years old, he must also study the Han language (Chinese-Vietnamese). He initiated to Ruism at the school of Master Bay Ngan located at Mỹ Lương (Hoa Hao). Finally, he initiated with Master Hai Chuc at Phu An. He was endowed with perspicacity, therefore he was well-versed in Minh Tam and Tu Tho (1) sutras. He went on to learn Thuoc Bac (Northern Medicine), aka Traditional Eastern Medicine. He quickly grasped how to diagnose but, because of a social change, in 1939 he forcibly ceased learning medicine when he was going to graduate.

In 1943, he went to Saigon and continued his studies. But on this occasion, he did not studied Han, but Japanese. Soon afterward, he spoke and wrote fluent Japanese. Everyone recognized that he was one of the brightest and boldest students. His classmates often recited this story which happened when he just studied Japanese. One day, when his class was over, Mau met a Japanese officer on street, and he did not hesitate to stop this officer and spoke Japanese entirely. His classmates were amazed pondering: Mau just learnt Japanese not long ago, why did he know how to speak so well?! The conversation between him and the Japanese officer took place a while, and suddenly Mau stopped talking. The officer did not know why Mau did not bother to answer, nodded and quit. So did his classmates. He chuckled and said: “I’ve learnt that many, when I’d used them up, I stopped speaking. No one should blame me and why did I fear?!”

During his schooling, he led a frugal life, even though he was the brother of Lord Master. Even at 21, Mau has not yet wanted to have his own family because he thought that his young age should be still offered to the society. If he intends to set up his family early, how can he take care of “Tang Bong Ho Thi Nam Nhi Trai? (the young man’s obligation to serve his country)”. Thus he only thought of one family, that is, the great family of Vietnam…..However, in response to this shortage, he would adopt a son, and it is this adoptive son who now is the writer of this biography.

Adoption

The story is that, when pursuing his studies in Saigon, and though French authorities ordered to track him down, he always spoke about me, a nephew who called him ‘uncle’ (paternal side). He often said: “The teenagers are bamboo shoots which, if well-looked after, will later be the country’s pillars. I have a nephew who had a rather good education. With this he could help the society. Unfortunately he was still young, nascent, and unhappy familywise. I don’t know if this unhappy circumstance might prompt him to misjudgingly take risks and to fall into trappings of self-pleasuring, that’s a big waste! If I have a chance, I will keep him by my side for guidance…”

One day, His Eminence Father called me over and asked:

-I often heard your little uncle always mentioned you, and meant to sponsor and develop you into a useful person in future. So what do you think?

-If Little Uncle had such a good intention, I will be very happy, my Great Uncle. But where can I find Little Uncle?  I Replied.

-This is very easy. If you want, here I give you this introduction letter and travel expenses. Follow this instruction and act. Others’ papers are difficult, but mine is too easy. I only help you meet Little Uncle. By then Little Uncle will work out for you.

Toward the evening, Mr Huynh Thanh Mau stopped his automobile at an inn. Both excited and astounded, he hastily asked me: -How strange, Dzu! Why did you know me stay here to find?

-My uncle, His Eminence Father gave me the note.

-Ah! Correct. By the way you come here for me to talk about it.

Then he added: “Uncle is like father. I see Dzu having no one to train, guide, therefore I commiserate. Thus if Dzu agree for me to guide you, I’ll apply for your adoption so that I can turn you into a good person. It’s up to you to choose. I don’t push you!

-My Uncle, I’m very happy about it.  But what can I do now? ‘Cause I’m still  a child with a family and I don’t know if my Dad wants to say anything on it?

-Tomorrow, you’ll stay here to wait for me, and I’ll return in the evening.

At dawn, Mr Huynh Thanh Mau left with a handbag, and I didn’t know where he went. The following evening he returned. No sooner had he entered the house than he laughed. Throwing the handbag on a divan, he hastily patted my head and said:

“All done!”

-What did you say? I didn’t understand. And where had you gone until today?

-I’d gone to your house, nowhere else I went? I’ve met your father and explained to him everything. Eventually, he agreed to give you away for my adoption. Thus from now on you are my son. But I reflect: I am not much older than you. So, inside you can call me as (younger) uncle as usual, ‘cause uncle is like father.

From that day on, on his revolutionary way, each time he was far removed from home and his beloved relatives, he had a consolation with his adoptive son by his side, sharing his sadness and joy. During this period of time, he let me study Cantonese at an overseas Chinese school, Long Xuyen. But for the course of events was not suitable, I did not continue it as expected.

One day, Mr Huynh Thanh Mau called me and recommended:

-Dzu must stay back in Saigon! You can learn how to act from our buddies. Most importantly you devote your heart to the country. Though I am absent, it does not matter, for there’ll be Lord Master’s guidance…

-Where do you go, why don’t you take me with you?!

-For sure, uncle and nephew, we won’t by no means be eparated. But now you must listen to me and stay here! I go back to Can Tho for a very important task, and I can’t take you with me!

So he said goodbye and never came back…

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̣(1) Two books in the Han language titled 明心宝监 and 四诗, which, in the traditional Vietnamese and Chinese societies, were specially recommended for the young children to learn as the basics of their education.