Zen Master Lieu Quan and Buddhist Life in Dang Trong in the 17th and 18th Centuries

Abstract

In the 17th and 18th centuries’ turbulence in Dang Trong, Buddhism encountered many difficulties. In that situation, the Nguyen Lord's government actively relied on Chinese monks to revive Buddhism. However, different cultural traditions and ritual practices were barriers for the Chinese Buddhism in the process of integrating with the religious life of Dang Trong. Therefore, the appearance of Zen Master Lieu Quan and the Lam Te Lieu Quan Zen sect played a particularly important role for Buddhism in Dang Trong during this period. Based on historical approach and religious studies, the article focuses on reflecting on a number of themes: an overview of the context of Buddhism in Dang Trong; a summary of the biography and propagation career of Zen Master Lieu Quan; the influences of the Lam Te Lieu Quan Zen sect in some areas in Dang Trong..., thereby, initially clarifying the role of Zen master Lieu Quan's contribution to the Buddhist life of Dang Trong in the 17th - 18th centuries in some aspects.