SOLEMN GRAND COMMEMORATION OF THE 767TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF EMPEROR-MONK TRAN NHAN TONG AT NGOA VAN HERMITAGE - PAGODA

On December 30, 2025 (the 11th day of the 11th lunar month in the Year of the Snake), in a solemn and reverent atmosphere, the Grand Ceremony commemorating the 767th birth anniversary of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258 - 2025) was solemnly held at Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda, part of the Tran Dynasty Historical Relic Site in Quang Ninh.

The event was an opportunity for monks, nuns, Buddhists, and the wider public to commemorate and express gratitude for the immense contributions of the wise king and outstanding Zen master in Vietnamese history. The program is part of the spiritual and cultural activities directed by the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province and co-organized by Ngoa Van Yen Tu Cultural Tourism Joint Stock Company. 
The Grand Ceremony celebrating the 767th birth anniversary of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong took place at Ngoa Van Zen Village. 

The ceremony took place in a solemn and reverent atmosphere with the spiritual witnessing and attendance of Venerable Thich Dao Hien - Member of the Central Executive Council, Deputy Head of the Central Buddhist Education Board, Deputy Head and Chief Secretary of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province; Dr. Bui Huu Duoc - Former Director of the Buddhist Affairs Department, Government Committee for Religious Affairs; Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh - Deputy Director of the Yen Tu Heritage Conservation Center (Representing the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board). Also in attendance were representatives of the leadership of An Sinh and Binh Khe wards, along with a large number of monks, nuns, Buddhists, locals, and pilgrims from all over.

Venerable Thich Dao Hien - Deputy Head of the Executive Board and Chief Secretary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha delivers the opening speech of the ceremony 

Announcement of Vietnam's Largest Record Book 

A special highlight in the Ceremony was the ritual of announcing the Vietnam Record for the book "Cu Tran Lac Dao Phu" (Ode on Living in the World and Rejoicing in the Way).
Representatives of the Vietnam Records Organization awarded the certificate for the artwork, which is recognized as the largest book in Vietnam on this subject. This is a unique, specially handcrafted edition measuring 68x136cm, printed on traditional Giang paper. The artwork fully embodies the "Cu Tran Lac Dao" spirit of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, conveying a profound message about living amidst worldly life while maintaining a peaceful and free mind. 

Establishing the record for the book "Cu Tran Lac Dao Phu" by Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong printed on Giang paper with the largest size in Vietnam 

The Sacred "Truc Lam Dai Si" Lantern Meditation Ceremony

The atmosphere of the Grand Ceremony became more reflective and emotional than ever as the Lantern Meditation ceremony themed "Truc Lam Dai Si" officially took place.
Under the guidance of Zen Master Le Hong Thuy, hundreds of candles were radiantly lit amidst the pure heaven and earth of Ngoa Van. In that sacred moment, the Venerables and the entire congregation quieted their minds together, letting go of the daily chaos and worries to return to themselves, expressing gratitude for the merits of the Buddhist Emperor and praying for national peace and prosperity. The lanterns gently held in their hands not only illuminated the night but also kindled the flame of wisdom and compassion in the soul of every child of the Buddha.

The sacred "Truc Lam Dai Si" Lantern Meditation Ceremony 

Premiere of the Film "Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's Path of Propagating the Dharma"

Continuing the emotional flow of the program, the Organizing Committee solemnly introduced and premiered the film "Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's Path of Propagating the Dharma".
This is a passionate project with Artist Thai Tinh as the Project Director, aiming to authentically and emotionally recreate His life, religious career, and journey of enlightenment. The film acts as a slow-motion reel, taking viewers back to the past to deeper contemplate the journey of connecting Religion and Life, history and spirituality that the King - Buddhist Emperor painstakingly built.

Awakening National Pride

The Grand Ceremony celebrating the 767th birth anniversary of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong at Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda concluded perfectly, serving not only as a cultural - spiritual event of profound significance but also contributing to honoring the historical values, ideology, and spiritual heritage of the Tran Dynasty. Thereby, it nurtures national pride, awakens patriotic traditions, the spirit of solidarity, and the aspiration to build a peaceful and sustainably developing Vietnam.