THE 696TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF VENERABLE PHAP LOA, THE SECOND PATRIARCH OF TRUC LAM, ENTERING NIRVANA AT NGOA VAN - YEN TU

In the solemn atmosphere of the third lunar month days, at the Ngoa Van sanctuary, the Commemoration Ceremony of the 696th anniversary of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa's attainment of Nirvana took place. The event is not only an opportunity to express profound gratitude for the immense merits of the second Patriarch of the Truc Lam Zen Sect but also an important milestone in inspiring literary and artistic creation about the heritage land.

Solemn ritual of gratitude for the merits of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa

From early morning, the sacred space of Ngoa Van was enveloped in a reverent atmosphere, as delegates and pilgrims from all over lit sticks of incense from the heart to commemorate the Second Patriarch Phap Loa - the outstanding successor to the legacy of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

The morning atmosphere before the 696th-anniversary commemoration ceremony of the Second Patriarch, Venerable Phap Loa's return to the Buddha realm 

Reviewing the virtuous life and merits of the second Patriarch

At the ceremony, the delegates together reviewed the virtuous life of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa. He made great contributions to systematizing scriptures, building monasteries, and training talented monks, helping to turn the Truc Lam Zen Sect into a symbol of the nation's wisdom and socially engaged spirit. The commemoration ceremony took place in tranquility, reminding everyone of the responsibility to keep the Zen lamp forever radiant.

Panoramic view of the solemn commemoration ceremony space at Ngoa Van with the participation of numerous delegates and Buddhists

Inspiring the creation of "Truc Lam Buddhism and Ngoa Van"

One of the outstanding highlights of this year's event was the launching ceremony of the literary and artistic creation campaign themed “Truc Lam Buddhism and Ngoa Van”.

A passionate call from writers and artists

Assoc. Prof. Dr., Musician Do Hong Quan – Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations directly launched the campaign, calling on artists to use their dedication to depict the profound beauty of the sacred mountain region. Following that call, Writer and Journalist Hoang Du – Editor-in-Chief of the Literature and Arts Times, representing the writers, gave a speech in strong response, affirming the commitment to accompany the extensive promotion of this heritage value.

Assoc. Prof. Dr., Musician Do Hong Quan launches the literary and artistic creation campaign themed “Truc Lam Buddhism and Ngoa Van”

Spiritual gifts and the connection of spiritual heritage

The special affinity of the ceremony was also adorned by meaningful cultural and intellectual exchange activities.

The intersection of literature and Zen ideology

The ceremony was honored to welcome Writer Nguyen Trong Tan – who is devoting his heart to a novel about Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. In that emotional flow, Poet Le Tuan Loc presented meaningful books to the attending delegates, creating a profound connection between religion and life through the lens of literature.

Poet Le Tuan Loc presents meaningful books to the attending delegates within the framework of the ceremony 

Honoring the moments of "Ngoa Van in Me"

The Organizing Committee also awarded prizes to the students who won excellent awards in the "Ngoa Van in Me" contest of Hanoi University of Culture. Each work is a vivid cross-section of their love for the Ngoa Van sanctuary.

 The joy of the students upon receiving awards from the Organizing Committee at the Ngoa Van stage

Perfect completion of a journey back to the roots

The commemoration ceremony concluded in joy and profound gratitude. The presence of the delegates, writers, artists, and Buddhists made for a complete commemoration season. The values of Truc Lam Buddhism spreading after the ceremony are the testament to the vigorous vitality of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect in the flow of national culture.