Truc Lam Buddhism: Touching the hearts of the public

Looking towards the roots of Truc Lam Buddhism

On the morning of March 30, 2025, in the sacred space of the Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda relic site (Dong Trieu, Quang Ninh), the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha organized the 695th anniversary commemoration of the passing of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa. The event is an opportunity for venerable monks, nuns, Buddhists, and people from all over to look towards the roots together, expressing gratitude for the merits of the Patriarch who made great contributions to the development of the Truc Lam Zen Sect as well as Vietnamese Buddhism.

The Venerable Phap Loa (1284-1330) is the second patriarch of the Truc Lam Zen Sect, continuing the career of propagating the true Dharma from Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Renouncing the world at the age of 21, He soon revealed His transcendent wisdom and became the most outstanding disciple of Tran Nhan Tong. During more than 20 years of propagating the Dharma, the Second Patriarch Phap Loa ordained tens of thousands of monks and nuns, built many large pagodas, including Quynh Lam Pagoda - the largest training center for talented monks at that time, and simultaneously compiled many important scriptures.

Especially, the engaged spirit of the Truc Lam Zen Sect under His guidance helped Buddhism become closely tied to the people's lives, not only as a place of practice but also contributing to the stability and development of the country.

A solemn and emotional memorial ceremony

The ceremony took place with the participation of numerous venerable monks, Buddhists, and people from all over, expressing reverence for the Second Patriarch Phap Loa. 

The memorial ritual was chaired by the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, aiming to express profound gratitude to the Second Patriarch Phap Loa as well as the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam, while praying for national peace and prosperity.

At the event, Venerable Thich Dao Hien, Standing Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, shared about the merits of the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam and especially the immense contributions of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa to the Dharma and the nation. 

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet - Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Head of the Central Buddhist Education Board, President of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hanoi, also shared important and profound information about Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, about the title of the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam, and the enduring values of Truc Lam Buddhism in life.

The tribute art program featuring the songs "Ngoa Van Ca" (The Song of Ngoa Van), "Phat do" (Buddha's Salvation), and especially an excerpt from the Cai Luong (reformed opera) play about the life of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa, created a solemn and reflective space.

In particular, the excerpt from the Cai Luong play about the Second Patriarch Phap Loa, scripted by Dr. Bui Huu Duoc and performed by artists of the Vietnam Cai Luong Theater, brought a highly emotional artistic space. The stories about His journey of practice and Dharma propagation were vividly recreated, touching the audience's hearts, especially the hundreds of attending students.

To enable a large number of Buddhists to attend, the organizing committee livestreamed the Memorial Ceremony directly from Ngoa Van Pagoda - the Sanctuary of Truc Lam Buddhism. This is not only a way to spread the spirit of gratitude but also a bridge for even more people to access the profound values of Truc Lam Buddhism.

On the afternoon of March 30, 2025, Dr. Bui Huu Duoc - Former Director of the Buddhism Department, Government Committee for Religious Affairs, had highly beneficial sharing sessions with university students about the philosophies of Truc Lam Buddhism and the application of those philosophies in contemporary life.