No More Learning

During the Bao * Thái era of the [Later] Lê dynasty, the Venerable Yuangong, [an eminent monk] from the Great Ming again transmistted the Linji School in Vietnam. . . . [Subsequently], Venerable Yuangong went into Mount Tiên Du to repair the Phat* Tích Temple. 32
Page 231
asceticism. When he passed away, his disciple Dao * Viên took care of the funeral ceremony. If the records in the Thien* Uyen* were reliable, Hien* Quang was keen on practicing austerities and had the personality of a thaumaturge, with nothing about his Buddhism resembling Linji Zen.
According to tradition, Linji himself came from the same lineage as Vô Ngôn Thông. If Hiên Quang himself was a patriarch of the Vô Ngôn Thông School, why did he suddenly become the first patriarch of the Linji lineage in Vietnam? The only plausible answer, albeit still a surmise, is that Hiên Quang himself repaired the temple on Mount Yên Tu'*; afterward when Yuanzheng came to Vietnam and went into Mount Yên Tu' to transmit the Dharma, he might have honored Hiên Quang with the title of first patriarch of the (Linji) Zen lineage on Mount Yên Tu'. This explanation seems plausible because one of Phúc Dien's* methods was to record the transmission based on information gathered at the monasteries.
The Caodong School
According to Phúc Ðiên's records, Caodong Zen came to Vietnam after Linji Zen, was not as popular, and was not transmitted for as long. In his Ke* Dang* Lu'o'c* Luc*, perhaps from sectarian loyalties, Phúc Dien* does not seem to pay as much attention to Caodong Zen as he does to Linji Zen.
Phúc Ðiên reports as follows about the Caodong lineage in Vietnam:
The right branch of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng was the transmission to Venerable Qingyuan Xingsi. The eighteenth generation of the branch was Venerable Dongshan Liangjie who founded the Caodong School which was transmitted to Zen Master Yiju Zhijiao. . . . The Caodong School was transmitted to our country with Venerable Shuiyue, also known as Daonan, as the first patriarch. The second generation was Venerable Zhenrong Zongyan, who founded Hong* Phúc Temple at Hòe Village, Hà Noi* Province, and was granted the title of Dai* Thù'a Bo­Tat* (Mahayana* Bodhisattva). 34
According to Phúc Ðiên, this Caodong lineage with Shuiyue as the first patriarch lasted nine generations with three different centers: Hông Phúc Temple in Hà Nôi (from the first to the fifth generation), Ðai Quang Thien* Tu'* Temple in Bac* Ninh (from the sixth to the seventh generation), and Bích Dong* So'n Temple (from the eighth to the ninth generation). Subsequently, three subschools developed: The first had its headquarters at Ðai Quang Thiên Temple (Bac Ninh) under the guidance of Ðao Nguyên Khoan Duc* and lasted four generations. The second, at Hàm Long (Hà Nôi), started with Zen Master Chiêm Giác and lasted three generations. The third subschool was at Pho* Giác (Hà Nôi); it started with Zen Master Khoan Hòa and lasted four generations. 35
Page 232
Although Phúc Dien's * records do not verify the traditional image of a "school" as a unified, unbroken lineage transmitting fixed doctrinal systems, they are evidence of the presence of Zen, Linji Zen, and Caodong Zen in Vietnam. In the centuries from the Tran* through the [Later] Lê to the Nguyen* dynasty, there had been a number of émigré Chinese monks with certain connections to Linji and Caodong Zen coming to different temples in Vietnam to spread their religion. Therefore, even though we do not accept the traditional understanding of the term "school," it would be wrong to deny the presence of these Zen "schools" (or rather, "lineages'') in Vietnam.
Appendix III—
Biographies of Eminent Monks from Other Sources
Không Los * Biography in the Dai* Nam Thien* Uyen* Truyen* Dang* Tap* Luc*
[20a6] Zen Master Không Lo*, whose personal name was Chí Thanh*, was a native of Lai* Trì, Chân Dinh* Prefecture, Nam Ðinh Province. His lay family name was Nguyen*. He was a spiritual companion of Giác Hai* and Tù' Dao* Hanh*. When he was twenty­nine, the three of them went to India together to study with a certain sramana* and attained the six supernatural powers. 1
When Không Lô returned to his native province, he built Diên Phúc Temple and devoted himself to the chanting of the Great Compassion Mantra. 2 At that time he wished to build the four great vessels of Dai* Nam,3 notwithstanding the fact that his family was poor and his strength was limited. One day, he had the thought that there must be plenty of good copper in the great land of Song that could be used to build them. He immediately traveled northward.
[20b] At first he stayed as a guest at the house of an elder. He asked the latter for a six­foot square of land to build a temple. The elder laughed and said: "Formerly, when the Crown Prince of Liang built a temple, he needed a thousand­square­mile piece of land and covered it with gold. What can you do with a six­foot square of land which is only enough for a hen­coop? " That night Không Lô spread his monk's robe, and it covered ten miles of land. Witnessing his supernatural power, the elder and his family bowed down to thank him. Henceforth, the whole family took refuge in the Three Jewels (triratna).
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
The next day, wearing his monk's robe and carrying his monk's staff, Không Lô came to pay a visit to the Song court and stood in reverent posture in front of the imperial palace. When the Song emperor came to
Page 233
Page 234
court to discuss political issues with his civil and military officers, seeing the old monk, he called him and asked: "Old man, of what country are you a native? What is your name? What is your reason to come here? " Không Lo * said: "I am a poor monk from a small country. I left home to become a monk years ago. My present wish is to build the four vessels of Viet* Nam, but my physical strength is not enough to carry out this intention; therefore I took the risk of traveling a thousand miles to come here. I humbly ask Your Sagely Majesty to show your compassion and provide me with a little good copper to facilitate the work of casting [the four vessels]. The Song emperor asked: "How many disciples did you bring with you? " Không Lô said: ''I came here alone. I am only asking for this bagful of copper, and that will be enough for me to carry home. " The Song emperor said: "It's a long way to the south, [21a] you are welcome to take as much as you can. It's a trifle not worth talking about. "
Không Lô took all the copper in the Song store, yet his bag was still not full. Some people gaped in amazement, some shook their heads. When they reported this to the emperor, he was stunned and regretted he had given his permission. But because he already promised Không Lô, he could not do anything about it. When the emperor wanted his officers to escort him back to his country, Không Lô declined, saying: "I can carry this one bag of copper myself, do not bother to escort me. " Then he went outside, and slipping his staff through the bag [to carry it on his shoulder] he gently walked away. He used his bamboo hat to cross the rivers on his way back, and reached the shore of the Yellow River in the twinkling of an eye.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Không Lô then went to Quynh* Lâm Temple, Ðông Trieu* District, Hai* Du'o'ng Province, and cast a huge statue of Amitabha* Buddha. He also built the Báo Thiên Stupa in the capital, a big bell in Pho* Lai*, and a caldron at Minh Dinh*. He used the rest of the copper to build a big bell at the temple of his native village, which weighed 3,300 pounds. He also cast a big bell at Diên Phúc Temple, Giao Thuy* Prefecture, which weighed 3,000 pounds. After finishing his task, he wrote a eulogy:
Crossing the great ocean on my straw hat, A thousand­mile journey in one breath. Filling my bag with all Song's copper,
My arms can heft ten tons.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the meantime, Emperor Lý Nhân Tông was building the Hu'ng Long Palace. It took him over a year to finish it. [21b] The palace was extremely
Page 235
grandiose and ornate. Suddenly two lizards appeared on the beams and raised a great cry: the sound was as a giant thunderstorm. The emperor was very unhappy about the event. The commander then reported: "Only Giác Hai * and Không Lo*4 can do away with this strange apparition. " [The emperor ordered the commander to go look for Không Lô,] and he immediately carried out the order. On the fifteenth day of the first month of that year, he arrived at Không Lo's* retreat. Không Lô said: "Why have you come so late, Commander? " The commander said: ''How do you already know my rank? " Không Lô said: "I often ride with the moon and clouds. Sometimes I inadvertently enter the emperor's palace. I already know everything. "
On the same day Không Lô came to the capital. The emperor had a big nail driven into one of the pillars in the palace and said: "Only the one who can pull this out is the Dharma King. " Không Lô easily pulled the nail out with his hand. He then quietly recited the mantras. The two lizards were choked and could not cry any more: in a minute they fell to the ground. The emperor then rewarded Không Lô with one thousand pounds of gold and five hundred acres of land as temple property, and also bestowed on him the title Quoc* Su' (National Preceptor).
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When Lý Than* Tông (r. 1128–1138) was twenty­one years old (1136), he suddenly [contracted a strange malady and] changed into a tiger, crouching there and biting people, wild, fierce, and horrible. The emperor [Lý Nhân Tông] had to build a golden cage to keep him in. In the meantime the children at Chân Dinh* started to sing a ditty:
The country has Lý Thân Tông,
All court affairs are solved.
If we want to cure the country's5 illness, We need Nguyen* Minh Không.
Lý Nhân Tông ordered [22a] the commander to take the dragon boat to welcome Không Lô [to the capital]. When the commander arrived at his retreat, Không Lô smiled and said: "You want me to cure the tiger, don't you? " The commander said: "How did you know? " Không Lô said: "I knew about this thirty years ago. " When he came to the royal palace, Không Lô seated himself peacefully and in a stern voice said: "Let the court officials bring a caldron of oil here immediately. Place one hundred needles in it, and boil it over a great fire, and move the prince's cage next to it. " He then picked up the one hundred needles with his bare hand and stuck them into Lý Thân Tông's body, saying the spell: "It's a precious thing to be the Son of Heaven. " Immediately, all the tiger's
Page 236
hair, tail, claws, and teeth fell away and he changed back to his princely body. Lý Nhân Tông rewarded Không Lo * with a thousand pounds of gold, one thousand acres of fields, tax exempt, for the temple's permanent property.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Không Lô left the world to become a monk on the fourteenth day of the eighth month of the year bính thìn. On the third day of the sixth month of the year giáp tu at* (1151),6 he returned to the Western Paradise. Nowadays in front of the shrine of Lý Quoc* Su' at Tho* Xu'o'ng District, Hà Noi* Province, there still exists a statue of Không Lô and a stone tablet. The people of Tiên [Du] Village have burned incense and worshipped him there for generations.
Biographies of Du'o'ng Không Lô and Nguyen* Giác Hai* in the Linh* Nam Chích Quái [From the Linh Nam Chích Quái Liet* Truyen*]
Biography of Zen Master Không Lô: Zen Master Không Lô of Nghiêm Quang Temple, Hai Thanh Village,7 whose family name was Du'o'ng. He hailed from Hai Thanh. For generations his family lived as fishermen. Later he abandoned the family occupation to become a monk. At the temple he practiced chanting the Dharani­ Sutra*. During the Chu'o'ng Thánh Gia Khánh era (1059–1065), he befriended Giác Hai and they became spiritual companions. Gradually, they made their way to Ton* Trach* Temple8 and made their abode there. He ate herbs and wore tree bark, totally oblivious of his body, outwardly cutting off seeking and inwardly practicing meditation. His mind, ears, and eyes grew more and more penetrating. He could fly in the air, walk on water, tame tigers, and subdue dragons. His supernatural powers were multifarious and unfathomable. Finally, he returned to his native village, set up a temple, and settled there.
One day his attendant asked him: "Since my coming here, I haven't received your instruction about the essence of the mind. May I present you with this verse:
Only by cultivating are body and mind purified, Growing luxuriantly the straight branch faces
the empty awareness.
Someone comes enquiring about Emptiness­Emptiness,9 The body is next to the screen: its shadow forms an image.
Không Lô said understandingly: "You bring along your origin, you bring along the scriptures, I accept them for your sake, and for your sake
I am concerned. What does not agree with your wish? " And he burst into laughter. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
He spoke this verse:
I have found a site with dragons and snakes to settle down in,
The rustic feeling leaves me exceedingly happy all day long. At times I go up to the solitary mountaintop,
And utter a long whistle that chills the whole of heaven.
He passed away on the third day, the sixth month in the tenth year, ky * hoi*, of the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Dai* Khánh era (1119). His disciples had his remains buried in front of the temple. By royal edict, the temple was enlarged and duties were levied on two thousand households for the expenses of its upkeep.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Biography of Zen Master Giác Hai*: Zen Master Giác Hai was also a native of Hai Thanh Village. He dwelt in Diên Phúc Temple in his native prefecture. His family name was Nguyen*. He took up fishing and lived on his boat, sailing here and there. At twenty­five, he gave up fishing and shaved his head to become a monk. Together with Không Lo* he first lived at Ton* Trach* Temple but later moved back to Hai Thanh Village. Under Lý Nhân Tông's reign, along with Daoist adept Thông Huyen* he was often summoned into the Liên Ngõa Palace for audiences and given a seat on cool stone. Once there were two lizards whose cries were grating on everyone's ears. The emperor told Thông Huyên to use magic to silence them. Thông Huyên chanted an incantation and one of them fell to the ground. The emperor smiled and told Giác Hai: "Venerable One, the other is left for you. " Giác Hai immediately uttered his incantation and the other lizard immediately fell down. The emperor in amazement composed a eulogy:
Giác Hai's* mind is as vast as the ocean, Thông Huyen's* way is profound too. One has magic talent, the other the power
of transformation,
One is a Buddha and the other an immortal.
Giác Hai became famous throughout the land because of this and attracted disciples from all over the country. The emperor himself treated
Page 237
him with the deference accorded a teacher. Whenever he took up residence in the Hai * Thanh provincial palace, he would visit Giác Hai's* temple first. One day the emperor asked Giác Hai: "May I be instructed on the mind's concentration power in accordance with reality? " Giác Hai then composed the "Eight Change Mantra" and rose into the air some yards above the ground for a while and then descended. The emperor and his officials applauded in admiration. He then offered Giác Hai a Kiên Du' chariot and the liberty of the palaces.
Under his reign, Lý Than* Tông repeatedly sent emissaries to summon Giác Hai to the capital, but he often declined to come on the grounds of old age and illness. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
Someone asked him: "Between Buddha and sentient beings, who is the guest and who is the host? " Giác Hai answered with a verse:
I notice your hair is white,
So I tell you to be the old guest.
If you enquire about the Buddha's realm,
You [failed and] were marked on your forehead
at the dragon gate.
When he was about to pass away, Giác Hai spoke a verse:
Spring comes, flowers and butterflies know the season well,
Flowers and butterflies must respond to the season. But flowers and butterflies are originally illusions, Do not occupy your mind with flowers
and butterflies.
That night a meteor fell into the southeast corner of the Thái Không lodge. At dawn, Giác Hai sat in an upright position and passed away. The emperor issued a royal decree to collect duties from three thousand households for candles and incense to commemorate Giác Hai and, as a reward, appointed his two sons to positions at court.
[From the Linh* Nam Chích Quái Ngoai* Truyen*]:
Biography of Zen Master Du'o'ng Không Lo*: Zen Master Không Lô of Nghiêm Quang Temple, Hai Thanh. Village, whose family name was Du'o'ng, was a native of Hai Thanh. For generations his family lived as fishermen. Subsequently, he abandoned the family occupation to become a monk. At the temple he often chanted the Dharani­Sutra*. During the Chu'o'ng Thánh Gia Khánh era under the reign of Lý Thánh Tông (1059–
Page 238
Page 239
1065), he befriended Giác Hai * and they came to dwell at Hà Trach* Temple. 10 He ate herbs and wore tree bark, totally oblivious of his body, outwardly cutting off agitation and fear, inwardly practicing meditation and concentration. His mind, ears, and eyes grew penetrating. He could fly in the air, float on earth, tame tigers, and subdue dragons. His supernatural powers were multifarious and unfathomable. Eventually, he attained the [samadhi*] of the True Seal of Great Mirror. Sometimes he was called an immortal; at other times he was named a fairy. Realizing that he still had to pay karmic debts from previous lifetimes, he eventually built a temple in his native district, settled down there, and took on the sobriquet Không Lo*.
One day his attendant asked him: "Since my coming here, I haven't received your instruction about the essence of the mind. May I present you with this verse:
Only by cultivating are body and mind purified, Growing luxuriantly the straight branch faces the
empty yard.
Someone comes enquiring about the King of Emptiness, The body sits next to the screen: its shadow forms
an image.
Không Lô said understandingly: "You bring the mountain, I accept it for you. You bring the water, I take it for you. Where have I failed to give you the essence of mind? " And he burst into laughter.
He spoke this verse:
I have found a site with dragons and snakes to settle down in,
The rustic feeling leaves me exceedingly happy all day long.
At times I go up to the solitary mountaintop, And utter a long whistle with the universe.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
He passed away on the third day, the sixth month in the tenth year, ky* hoi*, of the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Dai* Khánh era (1119). His disciples gathered his relics and buried them in front of the temple. By royal edict, the temple was refurbished and duties were levied on two thousand households for the expenses of its upkeep. Legends have it that beyond the ocean at Hoành Giang there is a mountain wall that has the shape of a pillar; they are all old traces of the Zen Master.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Biography of Zen Master Nguyen * Giác Hai*: Zen Master Giác Hai hailed from Hai Thanh Village. His family name was Nguyên. He dwelt at Diên Phúc Temple. When young he took up fishing and made his boat his home, sailing in rivers and oceans. At twenty­five, he gave up his trade and shaved his head to become a monk. In the Chu'o'ng Ðú'c Gia Khánh era under the reign of Lý Thánh Tông, he befriended Zen Master Không Lo*, and together they came to dwell at Hà Trach* Temple. Subsequently he became Không Lo's* Dharma heir. Later he returned to Diên Phúc Temple at his native village. He wandered about enjoying himself and did not trouble anybody. People could help themselves to whatever there was in the temple, since they were donations.
Once the emperor [Lý Nhân Tông] summoned him and the Daoist adept Thông Huyen* to the Liên Ngõa Palace for an audience. Suddenly there were two lizards calling one another whose cries grated on everyone's ears. The emperor told Thông Huyên to chant an incantation and one of them fell to the ground. The emperor smiled and told Giác Hai, "Venerable One, the other is left for your incantation. " Before long, the other lizard also fell to the ground.
The emperor was pleased and composed a eulogy:
Giác Hai's* mind is as vast as the ocean,
Thông Huyen's* way is profound too.
One has magic talent, the other the power of transformation, One is a Buddha and the other an immortal.
Since then Giác Hai became famous throughout the land. Disciples came to him in droves. The emperor himself treated him with the deference accorded a teacher. Whenever he took up residence in the Hai Thanh provincial palace, he would visit Giác Hai's temple first.
One day the emperor asked Giác Hai: "May I be instructed in the mind's concentration power in accordance with reality? " Giác Hai then composed a verse called "Eight Change Mantra" and rose into the air some five yards above the ground for a while and then descended. The emperor and his officials applauded in admiration. He then offered Giác Hai a Kiên Du' chariot and the liberty of the palaces.
Under his reign, Lý Than* Tông repeatedly invited Giác Hai to the capital, but he often declined to come on the grounds of old age and illness. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
A monk asked him: "Between Buddha and sentient beings, who is the guest and who is the host? " Giác Hai answered with a verse:
Page 240
I notice your hair is white,
So I tell you for your information.
If you enquire about the monk's realm,
You [failed and] were marked on your forehead [at the dragon gate].
When he was about to pass away, Giác Hai * spoke a verse to his assembly:
Spring comes, flowers and butterflies know the season well,
Flowers and butterflies must respond to the season. But flowers and butterflies are originally illusions,
Do not occupy your mind with flowers and butterflies.
That night a meteor fell into the southeast corner of the Thái That* lodge. At dawn, Giác Hai sat in an upright position and passed away. The emperor issued a royal decree to collect duties from three thousand households for candles and incense as a reward.
Biographies of Khong* Lo* and Giác Hai in the Thiên Nam Vân Luc*
[Không Lo's* Biography]: In the Gia Khánh era of the Lý dynasty, there was a monk whose family name was Du'o'ng, sobriquet Không Lô, who was a native of Thanh Hai. For generations his family lived as fishermen. Không Lô abandoned his family profession and left home to become a monk. A man from his native village named Giác Hai became his good companion. They visited Hà Trach* Temple and dwelt there. He wore grass clothes and tree­bark shoes, devoting himself to chanting the sutras*, and mastered the meditation techniques of a bhiksu*. His mind became clear and he roughly attained the True Seal of Great Mirror. Sometimes he was an immortal, other times he was a fairy. Realizing that he had the retribution of previous karma, he erected a temple in his native district and lived there. A Champa monk named Bach* Vân (White Cloud) came to dwell there [and became his attendant]. Once Bach Vân asked him, "Since I came here, I haven't received your instruction on the essence of mind. " Then he respectfully presented a verse:
Only by cultivating are body and mind purified, Growing luxuriantly the straight branch faces
the empty yard.
Someone comes enquiring about the Emptiness
of Emptiness,
The body sits next to the screen: its shadow forms an image.
"What does that mean? " Không Lô reminded him, "You come from the mountain, I accept you; you come from the river, I take you in.
Page 241
Where did I fail to give you the essence of the mind? " Then he burst out laughing. He passed away on the fifth day of the third month of the tenth year, ky * hoi*, of the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Dai* Khánh era. His disciples collected the relics and buried them in front of the temple.
[Biography of Giác Hai*]: Formerly Giác Hai loved fishing; he used to sail here and there. Not until he was twenty­five did he give up the [fishing] rod and enter the monastery. He came to dwell at Hà Trach* Temple and became a companion of Khong* Lo*. Subsequently, he became Không Lo's* Dharma heir. Later Giác Hai returned to Diên Phúc Temple, he wandered about enjoying himself, not relying on others. People were welcome to take whatever there was in the temple, since they were donations. Lý Nhân Tông, together with Thông Huyen* and Giác Hai, once went to Mount Liên Cot*, sitting in meditation on a cool boulder, when suddenly there were two lizards calling to one another with horrific cries. The emperor ordered Thông Huyên to stop them. Thông Huyên quietly recited an incantation and one of them fell down. The emperor laughingly told Giác Hai, "He left one for you. " Giác Hai stared at the lizard. In a little while, it also fell to the ground. The emperor was amazed and composed a poem praising them:
Giác Hai's* mind is as vast as the ocean, Thông Huyen's* way is profound too, Magic talent and power of transformation, One is a Buddha the other is an immortal.
Since then Giác Hai became famous throughout the land. Both monks and lay people respected him. The emperor himself treated him with the deference accorded a teacher. Under his reign, Lý Than* Tông repeatedly invited Giác Hai to the capital, but he often declined to come.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Someone asked him: "Between Buddha and sentient beings, who is the guest and who is the host? " Giác Hai answered with a verse:
I notice your hair is white,
Those who inform you will do you harm,
If you enquire about the monk's realm,
You [failed and] were marked on your forehead at the dragon gate.
When he was about to pass away, Giác Hai spoke a verse to his assembly:
Spring comes, flowers and butterflies know the season well,
Flowers and butterflies must respond to the season.
Page 242
When flowers and butterflies come one knows there'll be an end,
Do not occupy your mind with flowers and butterflies.
That night a meteor fell into the east corner of the Dai * Bao* lodge. At dawn, Giác Hai* sat in an upright position and passed away. Up to the present time people still hear about him.
Biography of Tù' Dao* Hanh* in the Viet* Dien* U Linh Tap* [From the Viêt Diên U Linh Tâp Luc* Toàn Biên]:
True Record of the Story of the Great Sage Tù' Ðao Hanh: Formerly, Ðao Hanh's* family name was Tù', his personal name Lo*. His father Vinh embraced Buddhism. He held the office of General Supervisor of Monk Officers under the Lý dynasty. He used to travel to An Lãng Village, so he married Loan, a daughter of the Tang* family, and made his home there at Lang Nam Hamlet, An Lãng Village. The site happened to be propitious. Ðao Hanh was born there later. He had the air of an immortal.
When a youngster, Ðao Hanh was a virtual delinquent, yet he harbored great aspirations. No one could fathom his behavior and countenance. He befriended a Confucian scholar named Phí Sinh, a Daoist Master named Lê Toàn Nghia* and an actor named Phan At*. 1 1 At night, Ðao Hanh would study hard while during
daytime enjoy himself playing ball, playing the flute, and gambling. His father would always rebuke him for his dissipation, till one night he sneaked a look into Ðao Hanh's room and found the lamp almost out, the books scattered about, and Ðao Hanh himself leaning on a desk sleeping, with a book still in his hand. After this his father no longer worried about him.
Later on Ðao Hanh passed the White Lotus examination as a laureate but refused to serve at the court. He was occupied day and night with thoughts of avenging his father's death. Previously, it had happened that his father Tù' Vinh through wizardry offended the Marquis of Diên Thành. The marquis asked a henchman of his, the sorcerer Ðai Ðiên, to cast a demonic spell on Tù' Vinh and kill him. Then they hurled Tù' Vinh's corpse into the Tô Lich* River. The corpse drifted downstream to the Tây Du'o'ng Bridge where Diên Thành's mansion was located and remained there the whole day. Scared out of his wits, the Marquis of Diên Thành hurriedly sent for Ðai Ðiên, who came and uttered the following incantation: "A monk wouldn't stay angry overnight. Life is but a comedy. With death you achieve enlightenment. " At that the corpse drifted away to the old village of Nhân Muc* on the Hàm Rong* River
Page 243
where it stopped. Finding this miraculous, the villagers buried the corpse, erected a shrine, and carved a statue of Tù' Vinh.
They worshipped it every year on the tenth day of the first month as the anniversary day. Dao * Hanh's* mother was buried at Ba Lang* Temple, Thu'o'ng* An Village, now Hoa Lang Temple, where both his parents were worshipped as the Holy Father and Holy Mother. Though intent on revenge, Ðao Hanh* still had no plan. One day, he chanced to see Dai* Ðiên who had been called out for some magic performance. Ðao Hanh was about to strike him with his stick when he heard a voice in the air shouting at him not to. Ðao Hanh threw his stick away and went home, sad at heart and resentful. He wanted to go to India to improve his magic arts in order to subdue Ðai Ðiên. So he set out together with his two friends Minh Không and Giác Hai*.
When they reached the country of the Gold Teeth Barbarians, they found the road full of dangers and had a mind to turn back. They saw an old man rowing a little boat in a leisurely fashion in the river. They went to him and asked: "Sir, how long is the road from here to India? " The old man said: "The mountainous tracks are quite dangerous. You can't do it on foot. Here is my little boat. I can help you cross over. Here is a little stick. It will guide you straight to India. It won't be a long way. Let me help you. " The old man then spoke a verse:
I certainly will accompany you on the path of truth, Praise be to him who goes afar for wisdom.
The rivers are so many—why bother crossing them? Just cross the Yellow River and you see the Holy One.
As the verse finished, they looked up and found themselves at the Indian shore, where the miracles are countless. Ðao Hanh remained behind to watch the boat. Giác Hai and Minh Không went ashore, learned magic arts and returned home instantly. Ðao Hanh had been watching the boat for three days without seeing his friends back. He chanced to see an old woman by the river. He bowed to her and asked: "Old lady, did you see two seekers come? " The old woman said: "They have already received the magic arts I taught them and have gone back home. " While bowing Ðao Hanh told her the circumstances of their traveling together and expressed his indignation against their abandoning him. The old woman then told him: "Carry these two buckets of water to my home. I will teach you magic arts and also impart to you the power of shortening distances and the Dharani* Mantra. ''
Ðao Hanh still resented his friends' disloyalty. He recited the mantra. Minh Không and Giác Hai who were on their way home were caught spellbound and felt a throbbing pain in their abdomens. Using his power
Page 244
Page 245
of reducing distances, Dao * Hanh* came back home before them. He changed himself into a tiger, hid himself in a thicket at Ngai* Cau* Village, Tù' Liêm District, and roared, frightening everyone on the shore.
Minh Không and Giác Hai* looked at each other in astonishment. Though outwardly afraid, braced up by their knowledge of magic arts, and clever enough to discriminate between the true and the false, they knew for sure that it was Tù' Ðao Hanh in disguise. They then looked back, saying: "If you want to know your next reincarnation, well, come on, we'll let you know. " Ðao Hanh said: "We were all taught by Lord Buddha. We have achieved our objective. I still have to be reborn in this world as King, but won't escape sickness. There is karmic affinity between us. We should help one another. " Ðao Hanh then dropped his old grudges. The three of them taught each other their magic powers. Among them were walking on water, flying in the air, summoning dragons, subduing tigers, soaring up, and reducing distances. They could work all kinds of miracles, appearing in any guise, performing incalculable wonders. After this, Ðao Hanh ranked first, Minh Không was next, and Giác Hai was last. The site was now called Báo Kieu*.
Minh Không and Giác Hai took leave of Ðao Hanh and returned to Giao Thuy* Temple. Ðao Hanh went on practicing at the Thiên Phúc Temple on Mount Thach* That*. In front of the temple, there were two old pine trees popularly called the dragon trees. Ðao Hanh devoted himself to chanting the Mind of Great Compassion Dharani* and after every hundred thousand repetitions a branch would fall from the trees. The day came when both trees were bare. Ðao Hanh thought the strength of his incantation had reached the Celestial Court and now enjoyed Avalokitesvaras* support. One day an immortal appeared before him. He came toward him with his feet not touching the ground. Ðao Hanh asked, "What immortal are you? " The immortal said: "I am the Celestial King who is Guardian of the Four Directions. Moved by your sutra* chanting achievement, I come and place myself at your disposal. " Ðao Hanh knew that his six magical powers were now sufficient for him to avenge his father's death. He then returned to his old village of An Lãng, went to the An Quyet* Bridge over the Tô Lich* River and threw his stick into the stream. The stick instantly stood up straight perpendicular to the water, flew swiftly upstream and did not stop until it reached the Tây Du'o'ng Bridge. Beaming with satisfaction, Ðao Hanh said: "My powers now do excel Dai* Ðiên's. "
Off he went to Ðai Ðiên's house. On seeing him, Ðai Ðiên said: "Don't you remember what happened before? " Ðao Hanh looked up but there was nothing stirring. He then beat Ðai Ðiên to death with his stick and hurled the corpse into the Tô Lich River in revenge.
His vengeance now accomplished, Dao * Hanh* felt himself relieved of all worldly bonds and started visiting temples in search of enlightened monks for further initiations. Hearing that Cao Trí Huyen* was spreading the Dharma at Thái Bình, Ðao Hanh came to him and expressed his true mind in a verse:
Long mixed with the dusts of the ordinary world, still unable to recognize pure gold,
I do not know where the true mind is. Please point it out truly for me—
extend your skillful means,
So that I can realize enlightenment and cease
my painful search.
Trí Huyên replied with a verse:
The secret, the true transmission [of the path] is exceedingly precious,
In it the mind of Zen appears filling your eyes. Stop discussing the objects as numerous
as the grains of sand on the banks of the Ganges, Or enlightenment will be far, far away.
Ðao Hanh was confused and could not understand. He then went to the assembly of Sùng Pham* of Pháp Vân Temple and calmly asked: "What is true mind? " Ðao Hanh was abruptly awakened. He then returned to Thiên Phúc Temple on Mount Thach* That* and went on practicing as before. From then on his Dharma power increased and his karmic affinity for Zen matured, so that hosts of wild birds and beasts gathered peacefully around the temple. With mantras he cured the sick who came to him, and used his power for the benefit of all.
At that time, Emperor Lý Nhân Tông had no heir and all prayers were to no avail. His younger brother, the marquis of Sùng Hien*, sent for Ðao Hanh to discuss the matter. Ðao Hanh took a vow to reincarnate [in the royal family] in return for a favor the marquis had granted him before. The marchioness who was at that moment taking a bath in the inner building suddenly saw Ðao Hanh's* image appear in the water bucket. Afraid, she reported it to the marquis. Knowing Ðao Hanh's intention, the marquis confided to his wife: "If the image of Ðao Hanh did appear to you in your bath, he has already entered your womb. Don't be alarmed. " The lady had the sensation of pregnancy. Ðao Hanh took his leave saying: "Let me know when you are about to give birth. " The day the baby was due, she felt unusually indisposed, wanting to give birth but unable to do so. The marquis said: "Ðao Hanh must be sent for immediately. " At the news, Tù' Ðao Hanh told his disciples: "My previous nexus of karmic
Page 246
Page 247
cause has not terminated. I have to be reborn in this world as an emperor. When that life span is over, I shall preside over the Trayatrimsa * Heaven. When you see my body decay, it means I have entered nirvana where birth and death no longer matter. " His words moved them to tears. Dao* Hanh* then spoke a verse:
Autumn ends without informing of the wild geese returning,
And easily causes people to become sad. Leaving tracks among the people of the time
without any fond longing,
How many teachers of old are reincarnated
as teachers of today!
Having finished speaking, he went up to his cave, knocked his head against the stone wall and stamped his feet on the stone floor. As he sat there in calm dignity, he cast off his body and passed away. Vestiges of this event still remain.
It was on the seventh day of the third month, spring, in the third year, bính thân, of the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Dai* Khánh era. Emerging again from nirvana into the world, Ðao Hanh was born as son of the Marquis of Sùng Hien*. He grew up without needing to be cared for and grew intelligent without needing education. He was handsome and excelled everyone in argument and eloquence. Emperor Lý Nhân Tông by edict summoned him into the palace to be brought up, and made him a crown prince.
When Nhân Tông died, he ascended the throne as Emperor Than* Tông. In the year of bính thìn, at the age of twenty­one, he one day found his body growing hair and his nails becoming claws. He changed into a tiger. Renowned physicians from all around failed to cure him. At the news of the emperor's condition, Minh Không and Giác Hai* recognized that a former curse was taking effect. They then composed a folk song and taught it to the children to sing:
To cure the Son of Heaven's malady, Send for Nguyen* Minh Không.
Hearing children singing this, the court sent an envoy to Giao Thuy* Temple to tell Master Minh Không, "The emperor has caught a queer disease. The court sent me here to bring you in to cure him.