'Don't cling to beautiful temples and good monks'

Teaching the value of Truc Lam Buddhism to monks and nuns, Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet affirmed that 'if one clings to beautiful temples and good monks but lets the people suffer, then one cannot be called a practitioner of Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhism'.

Under the ancient pine tree at Yen Tu scenic spot, monk Thich Thanh Quyet lectures monks and nuns about the value of Truc Lam Buddhism - Photo: T.DIEU

On the eve of the ceremony to receive the World Cultural Heritage certificate for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex, which will take place in the next few days, on August 13, under an ancient pine tree on Tung Street in the Yen Tu landscape, Quang Ninh, Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet gave a lecture on the Dharma and especially the value of Truc Lam Buddhism to nearly 50 excellent monks and nuns of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hanoi, of which he is the rector.

The special class under the ancient pine tree brought students an understanding of the life of the Buddha King and his path of spreading Buddhism, especially the great values of Truc Lam Buddhism founded by Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong.

When UNESCO recognized the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex as a World Cultural Heritage, it was to acknowledge the special contributions to humanity of Truc Lam Buddhism.

Truc Lam Buddhism is a unique Vietnamese Zen tradition founded in the 13th century by Tran Dynasty kings, wise monks, especially Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Preaching session under the pine tree on Tung Street, Yen Tu Mountain - Photo: T.DIEU

Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet emphasized the uniqueness of the story of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, the only known king in Asia who gave up his throne to become a monk in the midst of his glory when he led his country to victory over the Yuan-Mongol army.

From a king with many glorious achievements, he became a monk who founded a Zen sect imbued with the philosophy of life and Vietnamese character, recognized by UNESCO as evidence of how a religion has influenced secular society, maintaining peace and prosperity.

Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet said, according to Truc Lam Buddhism, a good monk must fulfill his responsibility of helping the country, the people, and society.

“If you cling to beautiful temples and good monks but let the people suffer, then you cannot be called a Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhist practitioner.

Truc Lam Buddhism must put the interests of the nation, the country, and the people first. Salvation is to save the nation and the people. Bring the nation, the people, and the world to peace...", said monk Thich Thanh Quyet.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dung-khu-khu-chua-dep-su-hay-20250813231342197.htm