THE STELE OF LE LOI AT CHUA THAC BO TEMPLE, PHU THO PROVINCE

Abstract

Following the victory against the Ming invaders (1418 - 1427), the Early Le dynasty faced the significant challenge of stabilizing the nation, especially in the Western border regions inhabited by various ethnic minorities and prone to rebellion. In this context, King Le Loi’s campaign to quell the uprising led by Deo Cat Han and Kha Lai in Muong Le demonstrated his distinct strategy of border pacification and civilian stabilization. Upon his return, Le Loi inscribed a Chinese-character poem and a preface on a rock face at Thac Bo mountain. The stele is now located at Chua Thac Bo temple in Thong Nhat ward, Phu Tho province. The rock inscription not only commemorates the military campaign but also embodies the king's humanist ideology, spirit of sovereignty, and noble character. This article provides information on the circumstances of its creation, origin, textual characteristics, original Han script, transliteration, literal and poetic translations, and an analysis to highlight the stele's content and artistic values, revealing the unique synthesis of intellect, humanity, and lyrical inspiration characteristic of king Le Loi.