A brief introduction about the three Patriarchs of the Truc Lam Zen sect in Vietnam

Abstract

The article briefly introduced the Truc Lam Zen School of Vietnam during the Tran dynasty through its predecessors (through life, behaviour, career, major imprints, and writings of the three Patriarchs of the Tran dynasty). Through this, the readers could see the unique features of each Patriarch’s characteristics, the similarities, and unification. Also, the study showed the process of formation and development of thought as well as practical actions of the Zen masters in each specific period and situation. However, all were united in the spirit of cultivating enlightenment and practising the path for the bodhisattva’s ideal of saving others.