Cultural Exchange in Tribute to the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam: A Journey Connecting Spirituality and Heritage

The event was organized by the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, Ngoa Van Yen Tu Cultural Joint Stock Company, and the "Ngoi truong cuoc song - Sac mau tu nhien" (School of Life - Natural Colors) Club, on the occasion of the 695th anniversary of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa's return to the Buddha Land.

According to Venerable Thich Dao Hien, Standing Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, Zen Master Phap Loa, the second patriarch of the Truc Lam Zen Sect, was the successor to the Dharma propagation career of the First Patriarch - Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Born in 1284 in Nam Sach, Hai Duong, from a young age, Dong Kien Cuong (His secular name) revealed special qualities. In 1304, He renounced the world to follow Dieu Ngu Giac Hoang (The Ascetic Emperor) Tran Nhan Tong, was given the Dharma name Phap Loa, and officially became the successor of the Truc Lam Zen Sect in 1308.

During His 12 years assuming the position of the second Patriarch of the Zen lineage, Zen Master Phap Loa made important contributions to systematizing and developing the ideology of the Truc Lam Zen Sect. He was the first to organize the training of talented monks according to a systematic model, laying the foundation for Vietnamese Buddhist education at that time. Besides, He also printed many important sets of scriptures and built dozens of monasteries across the country, contributing to spreading the spirit of compassion and wisdom of Truc Lam Buddhism in the life of the people.

Dr. Bui Huu Duoc, former Director of the Buddhism Department, Government Committee for Religious Affairs, shared: "Through these activities, the organizing committee, first of all the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, then the Ngoa Van Tourism Center and many people who love Buddhism, wish to convey the message of spiritual belief in the Truc Lam Zen Sect, as well as the fine beauties in Buddhist culture from the past to the present. In the past, our predecessors practiced Buddhism with the spirit of 'Buddha in the heart' (Phật tại tâm), as taught by the Ascetic Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, helping everyone know good deeds, avoid evil deeds, love and respect each other, and together build the country according to the exact motto 'A peaceful nation and strong people' (Quốc thái dân cường). These values helped our predecessors be honored, and future generations continue to preserve and promote them."

Read the full article at: Cultural exchange in gratitude to the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam - The journey of connecting spirituality and heritage