King Trần Nhân Tông’s Perspective to Create Trúc Lâm Zen School in Vietnam
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Abstract
This academic article examines the foundational perspectives of King Trần Nhân Tông in establishing the Trúc Lâm Zen School in Vietnam, a distinct and enduring form of Vietnamese Buddhism. Today, Vietnamese Buddhism is often synonymous with Zen Buddhism, particularly the Trúc Lâm Zen School, which King Trần Nhân Tông founded and nurtured over centuries. While Zen Buddhism is traditionally understood to have been transmitted from China, Trúc Lâm Zen represents a unique amalgamation of various Zen traditions present in Vietnam during King Trần Nhân Tông's era. This synthesis created a distinctive Vietnamese Zen lineage that reflects the deep enlightenment insights of its founder, setting it apart from both Indian and Chinese Zen sects. This article explores the core teachings of the Trúc Lâm Zen School through the lens of King Trần Nhân Tông, emphasizing its unique characteristics and its relevance in contemporary 21st-century life. Through a detailed study of historical texts and modern interpretations, the article sheds light on the enduring legacy of Thiền Trúc Lâm and its continued influence on Vietnamese spiritual practice.
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References
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