The "fire keepers" of Kinh Mon heritage

Kinh Mon has long been known as a land of "geomancy and talent", rich in historical and cultural traditions. Among them, the An Phu-Kinh Chu-Nham Duong relic complex is one of the four special national relics of Hai Duong province, ranked in 2016. With outstanding historical, archaeological, architectural, religious and geological values, the relic site attracts tens of thousands of tourists, scholars and Buddhists to visit every year.

In Kinh Mon town, promoting the value of the An Phu-Kinh Chu-Nham Duong special national relic complex is identified as a key task. Contributing to this achievement is the silent, persistent work of individuals known as the "fire keepers" of local heritage.

The

Nham Duong Pagoda with typical Buddhist features.

Nun Thich Dam Mo - Abbot of Nham Duong Pagoda has been attached to this place for about 40 years. Dedicating her whole life to Zen, the nun is both a custodian of the pagoda's traditions and a witness to the changes in this sacred land, dedicated to teaching cultural and spiritual values to the next generation.

The nun said that Nham Duong Pagoda, also known as Thanh Quang Ancestral Temple, became a major Buddhist center during the Tran and Later Le dynasties. Many eminent monks, national teachers, and Zen masters, famous for their contributions to protecting the nation and pacifying the people, appeared on this sacred land.

The

Nun Thich Dam Mo - Abbot of Nham Duong Pagoda.

In particular, around the 17th century, Cao Dong Sect was introduced to Vietnam by Zen Master Thuy Nguyet. The first patriarch - National Master Dao Nam Thong Giac Thuy Nguyet practiced and passed away at Thanh Hoa cave. Until now, the death anniversary of Saint Patriarch Thuy Nguyet is the origin of the Pagoda Festival taking place from the 5th to the 7th of the third lunar month.

During the war years, the pagoda was a red address associated with the two resistance wars against the French and the Americans. Nowadays, the pagoda is known as "the largest archaeological museum in Vietnam".

Since the early 21st century, archaeological work at the pagoda has discovered many valuable artifacts, from fossilized teeth, ancient coins, pottery to ancient production tools. In particular, the collection of ancient coins at Nham Duong Pagoda has up to 728 coins with 120 types from four countries: Vietnam, China, Japan and Laos. "The value of the relic does not stop at the physical objects but more importantly, in the spirit. I am very happy to see more and more people coming to the pagoda, not only to worship but also to learn about history, archaeology and national culture," said nun Thich Dam Mo.

The

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoc - Head of Kinh Mon Town Relic Management Board.

Silently and persistently, the nun and generations of monks, nuns and Buddhists have been cultivating and preserving Nham Duong Pagoda as a "living heritage" - where every brick and stone step is imbued with historical traces, containing the sacred soul of the mountains and rivers. This is a place of worship, a space for cultural and spiritual activities, a meeting place for traditional values passed down through each generation.

One of the people who contributed greatly to the preservation and promotion of the value of relics in Kinh Mon is Mr. Nguyen Van Hoc - Head of the town's relic management board. Born and raised in the locality, he understands better than anyone the terrain and history of each pagoda, cave, etc. For him, preserving relics, besides preserving the material, also reflects the spread of spiritual values, nurturing love for the homeland among the people, especially the young generation.

It is known that Kinh Mon town currently has 33 relics, including 1 special national relic cluster, 15 national relics, and 17 provincial relics. Under the direction of Mr. Hoc, the Management Board regularly reviews and evaluates the current status of the relics, promptly proposing restoration measures in accordance with the original identity.

In particular, the management board has coordinated the implementation of a digital model of the An Phu-Kinh Chu-Nham Duong special national relic, initially applying technology to the work of introducing and promoting the heritage. "Digitalization helps preserve it long-term, while increasing the accessibility and learning ability of the community, especially the youth," Mr. Hoc emphasized.

In parallel, the management board also coordinated with schools to organize nearly 50 heritageeducation programs, attracting more than 3,000 students to participate from 2023 to present. Through extracurricular activities, students have access to local history in a vivid and intuitive way, contributing to forming an awareness of preserving and appreciating heritage from an early age.

The

Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia - Deputy of Kinh Mon Town Relic Management Board.

Accompanying Mr. Hoc is Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia - Deputy Manager of the Management Board. Having been involved in the work of preserving relics for many years, Mr. Nghia said that although the work is quiet, it has a special mission: to preserve the original state of tangible and intangible values, to systematize documents, images and artifacts to convey to today's and future generations.

"Working in an environment rich in history, every day is a time to face the responsibility of preserving the national soul," he confided. In addition to preserving the current status, the Management Board also actively consults on completing the Conservation Planning Project of the relic cluster, preparing an investment plan to build approved religious and belief architectural items to promote the overall value of the special national relic site.

In the coming time, the Management Board proposes to increase investment in technical infrastructure, expand the transportation system, parking lots, and accommodation facilities. At the same time, organize training to improve professional qualifications and skills for staff working in relic sites to meet the increasing demands in tourism development associated with heritage.

For people like nun Thich Dam Mo, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoc, Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia, the existing heritage is ancient structures with deep cultural values throughout history, becoming the identity that makes up the soul of the nation. They are the ones who silently "keep the fire", have been and are contributing to the continuous flow of Kinh Mon culture.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhung-nguoi-giu-lua-di-san-dat-kinh-mon-post883269.html