http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/The_Truth_by_Thich_Thanh_Tu

The teaching of Buddha is very simple and understand, in terms of clarity and applicability. The Buddha preached of no mystics: There is no God to save you. Only you can save ourself.

All of what he said was derived from his direct experiences through observations and meditations. For example, during the meditation about the life of lotus plants in a muddy swamp, he concluded that living things, especially human beings, possess Bodhi-nature (Bodhi=Brillance). If a lotus plant can emerge from the murky water to reach the dazzling sun and produce its colorful and fragrant flowers, a human being can emerge from his adversity and work hard to reach his potentiality in order to contribute something useful and beautiful to life - regardless if one is a farmer, a worker, or a professional.

Ultimately, the Buddha's Teaching derives from the observable truths that in present day scientists call "laws"; namely

• the Law of Impermanence,
• the Law of Cause and Effect, and
• the Law of Causation.

Law of Impermanence
Buddha had always reminded his audience that things are impermanent, including life. Everything is forever changing. He insisted that his followers shoud observe and meditate on those in order to recognize them as a first-hand experience.

Let us try some observations. From the human to the material world, there is nothing that does not change. In the human body, cells split, grow and die incessantly. Through the processes, the cells transform an egg and a sperm into a cute baby; a baby into a youthful teenager; a teenager into a loving, beautiful young woman; a young woman into a delicate wife and an adorable mother; and then, all traits of beauty of an energetic life eventually fade away and are replaced by a frail, unpleasant silhouette waiting for disintegration. How pitiful and ephemeral human life is! Even in the United States where the advancement of medicine and technology can prolong life to over a hundred years, people cannot stay strong and free from illness. All elderly people are dying to pass away from their unproductive years. This Law of Impermanence, thus, applies to all beings. No one can escape it. Because it is an eternal truth.

Or take a look at a brand new car. No matter how much care you put into it, after three to five years the car shows signs of wear and tear. Finally, it will be winding into a wreckage.

And look at any relationship. None of them will last forever. As time passes, neighbors move out, friendships disappear, even kinship loosens, not to mention marital loves.

We are suffering because we do not understand the law, nor do we acknowledge it. We wish to stay young forever, avoiding sickness and death. We lament our health when sick, and are terrified when death shows up at our doorstep.

Or we want to be always rich, to experience a comfortable life or satisfaction, to have a wonderful family with a handsome or beautiful spouse and smart children. We are afraid of adversity and of any changes.

Therefore, some of us come to Buddha, unfortunately, not for the truth in his teachings, but because of wrong thoughts that we can pray Buddha for whatever we want. No wonder people become increasingly greedy and miserable, despite the fact that they go to temple very often.

Shoud we understand and recognize the Law of Impermanence, we could change our perspective toward life. We would admit life as it is, no matter what kind of change or adversity we encounter. That is the teaching of Buddha. We would be brave and wise in any circumstance, and more sympathetic to others. Never again would we cry when facing a mishap, an illness, or even death. And that is the appropriate view, from which Zen Master Va.n Ha.nh in the Lý dynasty put into verse, regarding life and human conditions:

The human body, like lightning, appears and departs,
As tree grow in Spring and droop in Fall.
Despite its growth or ruin, we should be not alarmed,
Considered dewdrops on tips of grass as they are all.

However, there are critics who interpret Buddhist viewpoint to be discouraging, or even fatalistic. If things are always changing and human lives are predetermined to suffer and die, why do we bother to maintain a constructive and decent life? Not only does this interpretation misconstrue the Teaching; it represents a shallow thought.

With an earnest observation, it is true that life is forever changing? But facing a truth, one can react either negatively or positively, depending or his or her point of view. The Buddhist teaching, in reality, broadcasts a positive viewpoint. The aforementioned verse has proved it. Life is as short as a ligtning, which appears and departs in a blink, or as trees that grow in the Spring and droop in the Fall. Nothing remain unchanged. Despite many changes, an enlightened would recognize them as they are, considering them as dewdrops on tips of grass.

(A dewdrop is so beautifull, especially under the early morning sun. But it won't last long. And certainly nobody is going to cry when a dewdrop liquefies; because that is the way it is).

Moreover, Prince Shidharta became Buddha only because of his positive outlooks. After witnessing the pain and bitterness of his destitute, sick, and dying people through his rare outing trips, he took a solemn promise to search for a Way capable of erasing all human suffering. In other words, his wished to bring happiness to all human in this painful world.

In order to realize his vows, he bravely renounced his life of luxury and prestige and went into the wilderness for an ascetic life. Later on, after attaining the Way, the Buddha proclaimed that to successfully follow his path, one should arm oneself with some degrees of intelligence, compassion, and courage.

Law of Cause and Effect
In addition to the Law of Impermanence, Buddha preached the Law of Cause and Effect. Where there is a cause, there will be an effect. The effect may follow the cause immediately or eventually, from previous life to present, and even future life. Of course, a good cause will produce a good effect and a bad cause will give rise to a bad one. In brief, Buddha advised his audience, :"Would you like to know what you were doing in a previous life, see what you have inherited in this life. To predict what you will be receiving in the next life, carefully observe what you are doing now".

Most people, due to lack of knowledge of the Law of the Cause and Effect, believe that their misfortunes were contrived by a Creator. With this common belief, people heavily become dependent of a heavenly deity who control their fates. As a result, people like to pray to all sorts of Gods they can think of to protect them, to bestow on them good fortunes over the bad ones. More often, people willingly admin that they have sinned, and readily succumb themselves to the forgiveness of an imaginary but powerful Creator. In that line of thinking, a human being inherits no dignity and freedom; he is nothing but a puppet of his creator.

To Budhha, that belief is not based on the truth. The truth is that everyone is free to control his or her own life. He is solely responsible for his actions and he is the only one who bears the results. Happiness or misery, success or failure... it all depends on what he had done or has been doing. Good deeds will bring happiness; evil action will breed misery. As an old saying dictated: "He who sows winds, reaps the storm".

Not only does the Law of Cause and Effect govern human actions, it also is universal. An orange tree will produce orange fruit; a lemon tree will provide lemon ones. When dark, heavy clouds gather, one can be sure that rain is going to fall. And a boy is too lazy to do this homework, his parents can be certain that he is going to fail his class.

Just observe any event around us. We will realize that nothing is untouched by the law. By the same token we won't see any interference from Gods. That is why Bodhisattva is always doing only good deeds, and staying away from evil actions. After all, the Bodhisattva understands the law. His life, therefore, is free of god-controlled fears. He is only afraid of himself, of his three poisons (Greed, Hatred, and Delusions) which will inflict evil behaviors on him, he is not afraid of any heavenly deities' curses.

On the contrary, common people make their lives miserable due to their evil actions. They life, they cheat, they fabricate stories, they speak evil, and they even have plans to hurt other for their own gain. In brief, they act under the stipulations of greed, anger, or attachment. Naturally, when a bad seed is sowed, an evil effect will sooner or later be delivered. It is clear that only the doer is responsible for the result of what he has done not a God or a Creatoe. Neither praying, nor blessing can save one from one's own devilish actions.

To prove this viewpoint, one day the Buddha raised questions to a group famous Brahmins who, claiming that they had power to talk to God, regularly held prayer sessions for rich people in return for gold and money. They first question was: "If a man pushes a big chunk of heavy rock down into a well and asks you to pray that it floats, can you do that?". - "No!" replied the Brahmin: "The rock is so heavy, and we cannot pray God for it to float. It has to sink, no matter what".

The next question was: "If a man pour a bucket of oil into a well and asks you to pray that the oil can sink to the bootom, can you do that?". - "No!" came the reply: "Oil is so light; no matter what we do, we cannot make it submerge".

The Buddha, then, concluded: "By the same token, if a person is always doing good deed, his karma will be as light as oil. He does not have to pray for his fate. Conversely, if one only indulges in evil actions, his karma will be as a big chunk of rock and will pull him down to Hell. Any praying to God for him to be saved would be futile".

To emphasize the importance of the Law of Cause and Effect, in his first lecture, the Buddha preached the Four Basic Truth:

The sufferings.

• The Truth of Suffering
• The causes of Suffering
• The cessation of suffering.
• The Way that procures cessation of Suffering.

To make himself clearly and logically understood, Buddha explained that human sufferings are derived from causes creact by customs and habits, which are generally devilish, by nature. From generation to generation, from one life to the next these devilish cause are repeated and carried over. As result, he who has created these evil causes has to repay the debts afterwards. In order words, the suffering that humans must endure in number (1) is the produced by number (2). Now, there is a way to end those suffering. To reach the cessation as effect in number (3), one has to practice the Way as the good cause governed by number (4).

The Way, consisting of the Eightfold Path is devised to completely eradicate the three poisons (greed, hatred, and delusion) which, for many lives, seriously infest human behaviors and cause diabolical thoughts and actions. The Eightfold Path includes: Appropriate Views, Appropriate Thoughts, Appropriate Language, Appropriate Actions, Appropriate Livelihood, Appropriate Effort, Correct Mindfulness and Correct Medication. Nowadays, in practicing the Law of Cause and Effect to change our lives for the better, we can proudly declare that Buddhism is not mysticism, but very competitive to the advancement of Science. As a matter of face, the very existence of Science today is based on the Law Of Cause and Effect; which, in the essence, is nothing new to the teaching of Buddha since over 2500 years ago.

Law of Causation
Besides the Laws of Permanence and Cause and Effect, the Buddha also preached the Law of Causation. Through his meditation, Buddha observed that a thing does not exist independently by itself. Every existence is a combination. Without such as a composition, nothing actually exists. To be is to be under the formation of causes and conditions.

Let's try some observations as the Buddha did. Scientists now confirm that the human body is a combination of one hundred trillion cells which create the formation of blood, bones, and inner organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, intestines... and of outer organs such as eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin, ect... Lacking one or more of these components, a body does not function properly or simply cannot exist.

The Law of Causation shows that in humans, there is no such thing called the "ego" or "self". The concept of "I" or "You", with the underlying idea that "Mine" is always better than "Yours" is a delusion. Actually, if "my" condition is better than "yours", it is only because the karma of previous life is not the same, rather than because my body is better than yours.

In addition, even if the body is make from a perfect junction of cells and organs, it will not last long if there is no proper provision of fresh air, nutritious food, and potable water.

In other words, the Law of Causation also means that: "Things only exist when there are enough causes which come together under favorable conditions; and things will disintegrate when causes or conditions are scattered".

Obviously, to be a human, there are numerous causes and conditions that blend together and create an existence. From the day a mature egg met a healthy sperm and grew in a womb, there are countlees unfavorable causes and conditions that may abolish the chance of being born a healthy human child.

Statistics shows that in the Third World, the percentage of young children who survive their harsh environment after seven years of age is also very low. Apparently, being born in the Third Wold is having less favorable causes and conditions than in the industrialized world.

The Buddha explained that the earnest observations on any events in daily life, one can recognize that nothing happens without numerous causes and conditions involved.

Normally, they appear in innumerable form that result in good or bad occurences, depending on one's karma. When karma is formed and causes and conditions cast on, it is not in anyone's hand to control the event any more; not even Gods.

Scientists today express the same about the Law of Causation. If there is enough Oxygen and Hydrogen in proper proportions and if the condition, if favorable, it will product Water (2H + O = H2O). Othervise, no water exists. This same law applies to all aspects of the human world, including family structures, politics, economics, and social activities.

http://paganpedia.mind-n-magick.com/wiki/index.php?title=Zen#History

Zen, which had developed into a distinctively Chinese school of Buddhism, became an international phenomenon early in its history. This first occurred in Vietnam, according to the traditional accounts of that country. These traditions state that, in 580, an Indian monk named Vinitaruci (Vietnamese: Tì-ni-da-luu-chi) travelled to Vietnam after completing his studies with Sengcan, the third patriarch of Chinese Zen. This, then, would be the first appearance of Vietnamese Zen, or Thien (thi?n) Buddhism. The sect that Vinitaruci and his lone Vietnamese disciple founded would become known as the oldest branch of Thien. After a period of obscurity, the Vinitaruci School became one of the most influential Buddhist groups in Vietnam by the 10th century, particularly so under the patriarch V?n-H?nh (died 1018). Other early Vietnamese Zen schools included the Vo Ngon Thong (Vô Ngôn Thông), which was associated with the teaching of Mazu, and the Thao Duong (Th?o Ðu?ng), which incorporated nianfo chanting techniques; both were founded by Chinese monks. All three of the early schools appear to have largely disintegrated during the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. A new school was founded by one of Vietnam's religious kings; this was the Truc Lam (Trúc Lâm) school, which evinced a deep influence from Confucian and Taoist philosophy. Nevertheless, Truc Lam's prestige waned over the following centuries as Confucianism became dominant in the royal court. In the 17th century, a group of Chinese monks led by Nguyen Thieu (Nguyên Thi?u) established a vigorous new school, the Lam Te (Lâm T?), which is the Vietnamese pronunciation of Linji. A more domesticated offshoot of Lam Te, the Lieu Quan (Li?u Quán) school, was founded in the 18th century and has since been the predominant branch of Vietnamese Zen.

Truc Lam Dau Da
(King Tran Nhan Tong)

The First Patriarch
(1258 - 1308)

Borned on November 11th of 1258, his real name was Kham. He was the oldest child of King Tran Thanh Tong and Queen Nguyen Thanh. Even though living in luxury, at young age, his mind was still interested in Zen. At the age of 16, he was promoted as crown prince. He had tried to reject it many times by promoting his brother, but his father would never accept it. He married the oldest daughter of queen Nguyen Tu, who later became queen Kham Tu. Living in happiness at the time, he still preferred to become a monk.

One time at midnight, he left the palace to Yen Tu mountain. At sunrise, he arrived at Thap temple at Dong Cuu mountain. Being too exhausted, he rested in the temple. Noticing his unique characteristics, the abbot offered him good treats. When the King's father got the news, he urged his men for a search. He was found later on. With no choice, he had to return to the palace.

At the age of 21 (1279), he became king. Even though having the upmost power, he still maintained purification for his Zen practice. Each day, he practiced at Tu Phuoc temple, which located within the city. One day, while taking a lunch nap, he saw from his navel grew a big lotus flower with a golden Buddha's statue on the top. A man standing by pointed his hand to him and said, "Do you know this Buddha? He's the Vairocana Buddha (The Great Sun Buddha). After waking up, the King told his father the dream. King Tran Thanh Tong exclaimed for this strange incident.

King Tran Nhan Tong preferred vegetarian foods, therefore, his body was slim. King Thanh Tong noticed his health condition so he asked for the reason. King Nhan Tong confessed his desire for renunciation. King Thanh Tong in tears mourned, "I'm already old. I always count on you. How could you do it? How could you continue the duty of our ancestors by doing that?" King Nhan Tong listened in tears.

King Nhan Tong was quite intelligent and aggressive in learning. He had read many books and understood thoroughly all Buddhist scriptures and other public writings. In his spare times, he liked to discuss Zen with Zen masters or practitioners, especially, High official Tue Trung. The king's discernment was at the upmost level. He respected High official Tue Trung as his teacher. When Mongolian invaded the country, he had to put aside his religious interests to concentrate on the national defense. Because our army was united, we were able to defeat Mongolians twice in 1285 and 1288. In his era, there were 2 significant conferences: 1) Of all high-rank generals and officials at Binh Than 2) of all senior citizens at Dien Hong to discuss strategies for national defense.

In 1293, King Tran Anh Tong became king. For the following six years, he was beside his son to support him in his new role. In October of 1299, he ordained as a monastic monk and stayed at Yen Tu mountain. For the years that he resided at this place, he focussed on ascetic virtues. Thus, his title was "Huong Van Dai Dau Da" (The Great Ascetic monk). Later, he established temples, meditation centers, and performed teachings to other monks and the public. Numbers of them attended his lecturings. Next, he established a lecture hall at Pho Minh temple and performed lecturing there. Several years after, he traveled to Bo Chanh camp. This is where Tri Kien pagoda was built. The First Patriarch decided to stay there until 1304, he traveled around to abolish places with inappropriate worshippings and to teach them the practice of ten precepts. In the winter of that year, King Tran Anh Tong requested him to perform a ritual for his ordainment of Bodhisattva precepts at the palace.

Later, leaned on his wand, he walked to Sung Nghiem temple at Linh Son mountain to propagate Zen sect. On January 1st, he assigned Master Phap Loa to Bao An temple at Sieu Thoai province to perform a ceremony. Three months later, he came to Vinh Nghiem temple at Luong Giang and assigned master Phap Loa to perform a ceremony. This time, the First Patriarch expounded "Truyen Dang Luc" and requested National Advisor Dao Nhat to expound Lotus suttra to the mass. At the end of the retreat season, he returned to Yen Tu mountain and dismissed all laymen and helpers in the temple. He only kept 12 novices, who often followed him to places. One time on Master Phap Loa's request, he went to Tu Tieu pagoda to expound "Truyen Dang Luc." At the end, all novices were asked to leave, except master Phap Loa. The First Patriarch then climbed on various places around hut to search for caves. Master Phap Loa curiously asked, "Master, at your old age, you're still active. If anything happens to you, who could we count on in propagating Buddhist dharmas?" The First Patriarch replied, "Time has come for me, therefore, I want to make a long-term plan."

On October 5th of that year, a servant of Thien Doan princess arrived. He notified,"Thien Doan princess is critically ill. She would like to see you once again before she passes away." The First Patriarch sadly replied, "Time has come." He left with only one novice to see the princess. Five days later, he arrived the palace. After the event, he departed to Sieu Thoai temple on the 15th of the month. Next morning after his arrival at the temple, he walked to a temple at Co Chau village and wrote this verse:

People's life is on a breath
Their greed is endless
Devil fortress is like a dungeon,
While the Buddha realm is full of joy

On the 17th of that month, he stayed at Sung Nghiem temple at Linh Son mountain. Queen Tuyen Tu invited him to a luncheon at Binh Duong pagoda. He delightedly said, " This is the last offering." Next day, he walked to Tu Lam temple at Ky Anh Sanh mountain. Suddenly, he experienced a headache so he immediately called two bhikkhus and asked, "I would like to go up to Ngoa Van mountain, but don't have energy to do it. What can I do?" They answered, "We could help you, Master." When they reached to Ngoa Van, he dismissed the two bhikkhus, "Return to the temple and practice. Remember not to underestimate life and death."

On the 19th day, he asked novice Phap Khong to get to Tu Tieu pagoda at Yen Tu and asked novice Bao Sat to see him. On the next day, Bao Sat departed. When he passed Doanh Tuyen lake, he saw a dark cloud flew from Ngoa Van mountain to Loi Son, then dropped down to Doanh Tuyen. This caused a high water rising. In a moment, it went back to normal level. Next, he saw 2 dragons with sharp eyes popped the heads out of water for a moment, then, they submerged into the water. That night, Bao sat rested in an inn at the foot of the mountain. He had a bad dream.

On the 21st day, he arrived at Ngoa Van pagoda. Seeing him, the First Patriarch smiled, "I'm about to go. Why are you late? If you have anything unclear on Buddhist dharmas, you should ask me now."

Bao sat asked:
- When Ma Tsu was ill, the rector asked, "How were you for the past several days?" Ma Tsu replied, "The sun is the Buddha, so as the moon." What does it mean?

The First Patriarch raised his voice:
- What are the five Chinese emperors and three ancient kings?

Bao Sat asked:
- What does it mean by "Flowers blossom as many as silk. Bamboos in the south are as many as those in the north?"

The First Patriarch replied:
- They blind your eyes.

Bao Sat remained silent.

Days later, the sky was dull. Birds circled above with tragic cry.

On the night of November 1st, the sky was clear with sparkling stars. The First Patriarch asked, "What time is it?" Bao Sat replied, "Is midnight, Master." He lifted the curtain to look at the sky, then said, "It's time for me to go." Bao Sat asked, "Where are you going?" He replied:

Nothing was created
Nothing was terminated
If that is understood
The Buddha will always in presence
Where should there be the coming and returning?

Bao Sat asked, "What does it mean by no birth and no termination?"

The First Patriarch slapped Bao Sat in the face and scolded:

- Stop speaking nonsense!

Then, in the posture of lion, he passed away. This was the year of 1308, when he was 51 years old.

Based on the First Patriarch's will, Master Phap Loa cremated his body and reserved his remains in an ash pot. Later, King Anh Tong and his officials brought his remains back to Duc Lang for worshipping. The king also built a pagoda next to Van Yen temple in Yen Tu mountain. He named it "Hue Quang Kim Thap" (Hue Quang pagoda). Meanwhile, he honored the First Patriarch with the title "Dai Thanh Tran Trieu Truc Lam Dau Da Tinh Tue Giac Hoang Dieu Ngu To Phat."

The First Patriarch's writings are:

Zen Master Phap Loa

The Second Patriarch
(1258 - 1308)

His real name was Dong Kien Cuong. He was borned in 1284 at Cuu La village in Hai Duong province. His father named Dong Thuan Mau and his mother named Vu Tu cuu. Before conceiving him, his mother dreamed of a man giving her a holy sword. She liked it much so she took it. After that day, she realized that she was pregnant. But having 8 daughters discouraged her from having this one, therefore, she tried to abort him. None of the attempts worked. After giving birth to him, she was joyful to name him Kien Cuong. At young age, he portrayed intellect and dignity. He would never make malicious speeches and had no interest in eating meats.

In 1304, the First Patriarch (Dieu Ngu Giac Hoang) traveled around to perform teaching and abolish places with inappropriate worshippings. Age the age of 21, he expressed to the First Patriarch his desire of ordainment. The First Patriarch was pleased at his first sight at Master Phap Hoa. He said, "This man has virtue. He should later be able to propagate Buddhism. Come here..." Master Phap Loa ordained ten commandments at Linh Son. On that day, he was officially called "Thien Lai." He was sent to study with the most venerable Tanh Giac at Quynh Quan. He raised many questions but could never attain realization. But after reading the dialogue between the Buddha and Patriarch Ananda asking seven questions about the mind, his mind was opened. He said good-bye to the most venerable Tanh Giac to return to the First Patriarch Dieu Ngu. During his lecturings, Master Phap Loa raised several questions to the First Patriarch and the more he asked, the more awakened he was. Realizing his potential, the First patriarch allowed him to be his assistant. One day, he presented 3 verses to the First Patriarch, but got criticized. He raised couple questions, but was told to do self learning. Returned to his room with his head heavy, he stayed up beyond the midnight. When he caught the extinction of the light, he was enlightened. He immediately presented his discernment to the First Patriarch. Unspokenly, the First Patriarch accepted his realization. From that time on, he practiced the twelve ascetic virtues.

In 1305, the First Patriarch took him to Ky Lan to ordain bhikkhu and bodhisattva precepts. Acknowledging his accomplishment in studying and practicing, the First Patriarch gave him a title "Phap Loa."

When he was 24, he and other 7 novices assisted the First Patriarch to Thien Bao Quan pagoda for his lecture on "Dai Hue Ngu Luc." In May, the First Patriarch resided at a pagoda on Ngoa Van Phong mountain. After the repentance session on the 15th of the month, he dismissed everyone except Master Phap Loa. He wrote a verse and gave it to Master Phap Loa with his bowl.

On January 1st, he followed the First Patriarch to expound dharma at Sieu Loai temple. Attended the ceremony were King Tran Anh Tong and high officials. After the lecture, the First Patriarch announced him to officially become the abbot of Sieu Thoai temple and the leader of Truc Lam Yen Tu sect or the second patriarch of Truc Lam Yen Tu sect. He also passed to Patriarch Phap Loa over 200 suttras and requested King Tran Anh Tong to donate hundred acres of land to the temple.

In November of that year, the First Patriarch passed away. After taking his remains to the royal palace, Patriarch Phap Loa returned to Yen Tu and revised all verses written by the First Patriarch when he resided at Thach That. It was later called the book of "Thach That Mi Ngu."

In 1311, he followed the King's order to write "Dai Tang Kinh." He appointed Bao Sat to supervise this project. In April, he expounded "Truyen Dang Luc" at Sieu Loai temple. At that time, he accepted all presentations of Master Huyen Quang.

In September of 1313, he followed the King's order to be at Vinh Nghiem temple. Here, he laid out the position of each monk and the list was recorded in a book. This book was in his possession. At that time, he had overseen over 1000 monks. Every three years, he had to revised their positions and the list again.

For years later, King Tran Minh Tong took the thrown. In February, Patriarch Phap Loa was critically ill. He wrote the mind transmission verse and gave it to Master Huyen Quang along with the First Patriarch's bowl, his Buddhist props and rod to Canh Ngung, and feather wand to Canh Huy, bamboo rod to Hue Quan, dharma poems and dharma props to Hue Nhien, golden bell to Hai An, and golden history book to Hue Chuc. But several days later, he recovered. Many people from the queen, princess, to royal members had requested for ordainment. Even King Tran Anh Tong could consider to be his student. They competed in donating land, gold, and money to the Patriarch so he could build more temples, make more Buddha statues, and publish more scriptures. The donation was so much to the point that he had to limit the donation amount. He refused to accept a donation from the King: a boat that could facilitate his commute from the temple to the palace and other places.

In 1329, King Tran Hieu Tong became king. In this year, he enhanced and extended the scenery of Con Son and Thanh Mai Son (mountains). They had become the tourist attractions. Here, he had made a verse called "A fond of Thanh Son."

On February 5th of 1330, he became ill again during his summon at Hoa Nghiem temple. Six days later, his condition got worse. Master Huyen Quang was always beside him for assistant. On his last day, he wrote:

Terminating all factors of this self is pleasantness
Forty years plus are just a long dream
Just remember, not to ask
With the moon and cool wind, there it opens wide

After the last stroke, he threw the pen and pleasantly extincted. He was 47 at that time. His students followed his will to bring his remains to a pagoda Thanh Mai Son. On March 11th, the King Tran Minh Tong in writing gave the title of "Tinh Tri Ton Gia (sage)" and named the pagoda as Vien Thong." He donated 10 taels of gold to rebuild the pagoda. He also made a tribute through a poem.

Review his religious life, we could see that he had built over 1,300 Buddha statues in various sizes, 2 temples, 5 pagodas, over 200 sangha houses, and coverted over 15,000 monks and nuns. He also published a set of books "Dai Tang Kinh." Over 3,000 of his students attain the Way, in which, six of them had become the Great Masters.

The Second Patriarch's writings are:

Zen Master Huyen Quang

The Third Patriarch
(1258 - 1308)

His birth name was Ly Dao Tai. He was borned in the Year of Tiger (1254) at Van Tai village of Bac Giang province. His father, sir Hue To, was a descent of a bureaucratic family. However he had no interest in fame even though he had earned a merit of winning a battle over Ciampa. His mother, Mrs. Le, was a virtuous lady. They lived south of Ngoc Hoang temple. In the year that Master Huyen Quang was borned, a peculiar thing happened at this temple. One night after a recitation, Zen master Hue Nghia fell to sleep with an interesting dream: His room was bright with lights and packed with numerous Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Diamond protectors. Pointed at Ananda, the Buddha said, "You will reborn to disseminate dharmas in the north realm." A sudden knock on the door had waked him up. He immediately wrote this verse on a wall:

One should not look elsewhere for the Way
The Buddha is our mind and the Buddha mind is profound
Having good dream means good karma
This life should meet a companion

At young age, he looked abnormal. He always carried high goals. He was filled much of love from his parents. They taught him literature as well as engaged him in other learning activities. His intelligence was far extent. In the reign of King Tran Anh Tong (1274), he earned a first doctoral degree at the age of 21. Even though he was engaged at the time, the King would like him to marry the princess. But Master Huyen Quang refused. Later on, he was pointed as an official to work in the academy in conjunction of greeting Chinese ambassadors. They quite respected his talent and knowledge.

One day, he followed King Tran Anh Tong to Vinh Nghiem at Phung Nhan district to listen to Zen Master Phap Loa's lecture. Suddenly, he was awakened to say, "Being an official, I could reach to fairyland. If I attained the Way, I could reach to Pho Da mountain. The fairyland in this world is just at immortal level, but the western realm is the Buddha realm. The wealth and nobility are like autumn leaves or summer white clouds. What is there for me to hold on to?" After a few times submitting his resignation letters, the King finally granted his request. In 1305, he ordained with monastic name "Huyen Quang" at Vinh Nghiem temple and became the First Patriarch's assistant.

In 1309, he assisted Zen Master Phap Loa after the First Patriarch's extinction. Later on, he stayed at Van Yen temple at Yen Tu mountain. His profound dharma knowledge and wiseness had attracted many people from all places. Thousands of them gathered for dharma inquiries. He also was assigned to lecture at various places and responsible for notating the First Patriarch's lectures and editing all other writings.

On January 15th of 1313, King Tran Anh Tong invited him to expound Suramgama suttra at Bao An temple. After the lecture, he requested to return home to visit his parents. On this journey, he established a new temple called Dai Bi located west of their house.

At the age of 60, he returned to Van Yen temple. To examine his virtue, the King assigned Diem Bich, an imperial servant, to spy on him. She used different tricks to provoke his compassion and made false reports to the King. His reputation was damaged. But later on, the King realized the truth about the Master. Therefore, Diem Bich was punished to become a janitor at Canh Linh palace.

In 1317, he was bequeathed a Zen transmission from Zen Master Phap Loa (the second Patriarch of Truc Lam sect).

In 1330, after Zen master Phap Loa's extinction, Zen Master Huyen Quang officially became the third patriarch of Truc Lam Yen Tu sect. He was 77 at that time. Dued to his old age, he could not be active in leading the sangha. Therefore, he designated Master Quoc An (the National Advisor) to be in charge. Meanwhile, he returned to a temple at Con Son.

He stayed at Thanh Mai Son for six years. Then, he moved Con Son to perform teaching. On January 23rd of 1334, he extincted at the age of 80.

King Tran Minh Tong conferred the Master with the title of "The Third Great Zen Master of Truc Lam Sect" and "Tu Phap Huyen Quang Ton Gia (sage)."

The Third Patriarch's writings are:

Ngoc Tien Tap
Chu Pham Kinh
Cong Van Tap
Pho Tue Ngu luc