Cultural Exchange in Gratitude to the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam at the Vietnamese Buddhist Sanctuary - Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda

On the occasion of the early Spring of At Ty (Year of the Snake) 2025, at Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda, part of the Truc Lam Yen Tu relic complex, a special cultural event took place: "Cultural Exchange - Commemoration of the 691st anniversary of the passing of the Third Patriarch of the Truc Lam Zen Sect - Huyen Quang, and tribute to the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam".

Honoring the merits of the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam

Within the framework of the event, many meaningful activities were organized. Information about Truc Lam Buddhism shared on the evening of February 20, 2025, attracted the attention of numerous researchers, scholars, and Buddhists. Here, Venerable Thich Dao Hien, Deputy Head and Chief Secretary of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, shared about the origins of Truc Lam Buddhism, its ideology, as well as its influence on life within the cultural flow of Vietnam.

According to Venerable Thich Dao Hien, Buddhism was introduced to Vietnam around 2,000 years ago, and through a process of introduction and acculturation, it became Vietnamese Buddhism. Previously, Buddhism was brought to Vietnam through various sects. The Tran Dynasty bore a special mark with the birth and development of Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhism.

The brilliant birth and development of Truc Lam Buddhism - the first unified Buddhist organization in the history of the nation's Buddhism, along with the presence of three Vietnamese Patriarchs: the First Patriarch Tran Nhan Tong, the Second Patriarch Phap Loa, and the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang, have made Truc Lam Buddhism a unique symbol of spiritual value.

Ngoa Van Hermitage - The Sanctuary of Vietnamese Buddhism

Venerable Thich Dao Hien also shared about Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda - where the event took place, as an important historical and spiritual landmark of Vietnam. This is not only the place where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong practiced religion but also where He entered Nirvana, leaving behind an invaluable heritage for future generations. With its prime spiritual location, Ngoa Van Hermitage is not only a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists but also a symbol of the Truc Lam Zen Sect's spirit, closely tied to the nation's history.

Additionally, the poetry recitation section about Truc Lam Buddhism also brought profound and touching moments to the audience. The verses and melodies praising the merits of the Three Patriarchs, especially the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang, touched everyone's heart, awakening gratitude and pride in the nation's cultural traditions.

Spreading the spirit of Truc Lam Buddhism

The event "Cultural Exchange - Commemoration of the 691st anniversary of the passing of the Third Patriarch of the Truc Lam Zen Sect - Huyen Quang, and tribute to the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam" is not only an occasion to honor history but also an opportunity to spread the spiritual values of Truc Lam Buddhism within the community. Through cultural, artistic, and spiritual activities, the event contributed to awakening pride in the nation's cultural traditions while encouraging people to lead a virtuous and beautiful life, contributing to building a peaceful and happy society.

Within the framework of the Cultural Exchange event, the incense-offering ritual at Ngoa part Van Hermitage - Pagoda and the memorial ceremony in gratitude for the merits of the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam will take place solemnly on the morning of February 21, 2025, expressing the reverence and gratitude of younger generations toward their predecessors.