Kinh Mon has long been known as a land of "spiritual and talented people," rich in historical and cultural traditions. Among its sites, the An Phu-Kinh Chu-Nham Duong complex is one of four special national monuments in Hai Duong province, recognized in 2016. With its outstanding historical, archaeological, architectural, religious, and geological value, the complex attracts tens of thousands of tourists, scholars, and Buddhists each year.
In Kinh Mon town, promoting the value of the An Phu-Kinh Chu-Nham Duong special national historical site complex has been identified as a key task. Contributing to this achievement is the quiet and persistent effort of individuals known as the "keepers of the flame" for local heritage.
Nhẫm Dương Pagoda, with its distinctive Buddhist features. |
Nun Thich Dam Mo, the abbess of Nham Duong Pagoda, has been associated with this place for about 40 years. Having dedicated her life to the Buddhist faith, she is both a guardian of the pagoda's traditions and a witness to the changes in this sacred land, diligently passing on cultural and spiritual values to future generations.
The nun said that Nhẫm Dương Pagoda, also known as Thánh Quang Ancestral Temple, became a major Buddhist center during the Trần and Later Lê dynasties. It was on this sacred land that many renowned high-ranking monks, national masters, and Zen masters emerged, contributing significantly to the nation's welfare and the people's well-being.
Nun Thich Dam Mo - Abbess of Nham Duong Pagoda. |
In particular, around the 17th century, the 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 in Thanh Hoa cave. To this day, the date of the passing of Saint Thuy Nguyet is the origin of the temple festival, which takes place from the 5th to the 7th of the third lunar month.
During the war years, the pagoda was a significant historical site associated with the nation's two resistance wars against France and the United States. Today, it is known as "the largest archaeological museum in Vietnam".
Since the early 21st century, archaeological work at the pagoda has uncovered many valuable artifacts, from fossilized teeth, ancient coins, pottery to ancient production tools. In particular, the collection of ancient coins at Nhẫm Dương Pagoda comprises 728 coins of 120 different types from four countries: Vietnam, China, Japan, and Laos. "The value of the relic doesn't stop at the physical objects; more importantly, it lies in its 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," shared nun Thích Đàm Mơ.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hoc - Head of the Relics Management Board of Kinh Mon town. |
Quietly and persistently, the nun, along with generations of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers, has been nurturing and preserving Nhẫm Dương Pagoda as a "living heritage"—a place where every brick and stone step is steeped in historical traces and embodies the sacred spirit of the land. It is a place of worship, a space for cultural and spiritual activities, and a meeting point for traditional values passed down through generations.
One of the key contributors to the preservation and promotion of historical relics in Kinh Mon is Mr. Nguyen Van Hoc, Head of the Town's Relic Management Board. Born and raised in the area, he understands the geography and history of each temple and cave better than anyone else. For him, preserving relics, in addition to safeguarding physical structures, also involves spreading spiritual values and fostering love for the homeland among the people, especially the younger generation.
It is known that currently, Kinh Mon town has 33 historical sites, including 1 special national historical site complex, 15 national-level historical sites, and 17 provincial-level historical sites. Under Mr. Hoc's direction, the Management Board regularly reviews and assesses the current state of the historical sites, promptly proposing restoration and reconstruction measures that are consistent with their original character.
In particular, the management board has coordinated the implementation of a digital model for the An Phu-Kinh Chu-Nham Duong Special National Monument, initially applying technology to the introduction and promotion of the heritage. "Digitization helps ensure long-term preservation, while also enhancing the accessibility and learning capabilities of the community, especially young people," Mr. Hoc emphasized.
In parallel, the management board has also coordinated with schools to organize nearly 50 heritage education programs, attracting more than 3,000 students from 2023 to the present. Through these extracurricular lessons, students are introduced to local history in a vivid and visual way, contributing to the formation of an awareness of preserving and appreciating heritage from an early age.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia - Deputy Head of the Relics Management Board of Kinh Mon town. |
Accompanying Mr. Hoc is Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia - Deputy Head of the Management Board. Having been involved in the work of preserving historical relics for many years, Mr. Nghia said that the work, though quiet, carries a special mission: to preserve the original state of tangible and intangible values, systematize documents, images, and artifacts to pass them on to present and future generations.
"Working in an environment rich in historical depth, every day is a chance to face the responsibility of preserving the soul of the nation," he confided. Besides preserving the current state, the Management Board is also actively advising on the completion of the conservation planning project for the cluster of historical relics, preparing investment plans for the construction of religious and belief-related architectural items that have been approved, in order to enhance the overall value of the special national historical site.
In the coming period, the Management Board proposes increasing investment in technical infrastructure, expanding the transportation system, parking lots, and accommodation facilities. At the same time, it will organize training to improve the professional skills and expertise of staff working in the historical sites to meet the increasingly high demands of tourism development associated with heritage.
For people like Buddhist nun Thich Dam Mo, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoc, and Mr. Nguyen Duc Nghia, the existing heritage consists of ancient structures imbued with cultural values throughout history, becoming the identity that shapes the soul of the nation. They are the silent "keepers of the flame," contributing to ensuring that the cultural heritage of Kinh Mon continues to flow.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhung-nguoi-giu-lua-di-san-dat-kinh-mon-post883269.html
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