Suddenly
one day they had a chance to see each other, and all were very pleased.
Thiyen Uyen Tap
I wish that each of you here, men of eminent virtue from various districts, would express his point of view to me so that I could see how to apply mind.
" Huê Sinh spontaneously uttered a verse:
Dharma is originally like nonDharma, Neither existent nor nonexistent.
If one knows this truth,
Then sentient beings and Buddha are one: How quiet the moon over Lanka!
Empty, [58b] empty, the boat that crosses the ocean. If one knows emptiness, by means of that emptiness
one realizes being,
Free to go everywhere in samadhi.
Lý Thái Tông lauded and rewarded him more. Subsequently, Huê Sinh was bestowed the rank of General Supervisor of Monks (Ðô Tang* Luc*). At that time princes and nobles such as Phung* Yet* Thiên Vu'o'ng,529 Princes Uy Vu*, Hi Tù',530 Thien* Huê, Chiêu Khánh, Prince Hien* Minh, General Vu'o'ng Tai*,531
Grand Preceptor Lu'o'ng Nham* Van*,532 Grand Guardian Ðào Xu* Trung, Administrator Kieu* Bong*, and others all frequented him to inquire about the Dharma and treated him with respect due a teacher. In the reign of Lý Thánh Tông (1054–1072), Huê Sinh was raised to the office of Ta* Nhai Tang Thong* [General Superintendent of the Academy of Monks], the same rank as a marquis though without the title. 533
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In the fifth year, giáp thìn, of the Gia Khánh era (1063), 534 when he was about to pass away, Hue* Sinh assembled his disciples and spoke a verse:
Water and fire interpenetrate every day,
Yet their origins are still unknown.
You should know that they are without abode, Three and three and three and three. 535
And:
In the old days when he came for instructions, Everybody showed him the way to the south. 536
If there's someone who asks about something new, This is like the first sliver of crescent moon on the
third day of the month. 537
Then he took a bath, burned incense, and at midnight silently passed away.
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Huê Sinh had composed by royal decree inscriptions on steles at the temples of Thiên Phúc,538 Thiên Thánh, Khai Quoc* at Tiên Du, Dieu* Nghiêm Báo Ðú'c, and others at Vu* Ninh. 539 He also composed works such as Pháp Su'* Trai Nghi [Ritual Forms for Dharma Services and Vegetarian Feasts], and Chu' Dao* Tru'ò'ng Khánh Tán Van* [Celebrations and Eulogy of the Site of Enlightenment], which are still in circulation. 540
Thien* Nham (1093–1163)
[59a2] Zen Master Thiên Nham of Trí Qua* Temple,541 Co* Châu Village, Long Biên Province, hailed from Cô Châu. His family name was Khu'o'ng, his personal
name Thông. His family had been Monk Officials for generations. His spirit and demeanor were energetic and outstanding and he had a clear voice. 542 He loved to learn dharanis* and would memorize them and recite them without missing a single word. During the Hoi* Phong era (1092–1110), he participated in the royal examinations on the Lotus and Perfection of Wisdom literature, and both times he passed with highest honors. 543
Subsequently he was approved with the mindseal by Pháp Y of Thành Dao* Temple,544 so he decided to become a monk there. At first, he dwelt at Thiên Phúc Temple on Mount Tiên Du. His discipline was pure and
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strict, and his Dharma mind expanded. For almost six years he only ate wild fruits and drank stream water. Afterward he returned to his native district, restored Trí Qua * Temple, and became its abbot.
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During the Dai* Thuan* era (1128–1132) there was a drought. 545 A royal edict summoned Thien* Nham to the capital. He was immediately effective in his prayers for rain, so Emperor [Lý Than* Tông] recognized him as an eminent monk and bestowed on him royal robes. After that, whenever there were national ceremonies to pray for rain, he would preside over them.
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In the first year of the Chính Long Bao* Ú'ng era (1163), in the middle of spring, during daytime, Thiên Nham burned incense, gave his disciples last instructions, and passed away sitting upright. His age was seventyone.
At present the body that he cast off still exists. Contemporaries [59b] called him "Living Buddha. "546 Although the temple has gone through many wars through the ages and was burned many times, his body remained intact.
Minh Không (1065–1141)
[59b2] National Preceptor Minh Không of Quoc* Thanh Temple, Tru'ò'ng An,547 was a native of Ðàm Xá Village, Ðai Hoàng. 548 His family name was Nguyen*, his personal name Chí Thành. He traveled around to study [Buddhism] and met Zen Master Tù' Dao* Hanh* of Thiên Phúc Temple. Ðao Hanh took him as a personal attendant for seventeen years. Ðao Hanh admired his aspirations, so he transmitted the mindseal to him and gave him the sobriquet [Minh Không].
When he was about to pass away, Ðao Hanh told Minh Không: "Formerly, our Lord Buddha had achieved perfect enlightenment yet still suffered retribution from the golden tiger; how can people—in the last period of the Dharma—with little merit protect themselves? I will be reborn in this world as a king. In my next life it is hard for me to escape sickness as a karmic debt. I have a karmic affinity with you, you should save me. "
After Ðao Hanh's* death, Minh Không returned to his native village and took to farming for more than twenty years, indifferent to fame and
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fortune. At that time Lý Than * Tông was suffering a strange disease: his mind was confused, and he was growling and moaning fiercefully. Renowned physicians from all over the country responded to the royal edict, [60a] but to no avail. 549 Meanwhile children were heard singing:
To cure the Son of Heaven, Send for Nguyen* Minh Không.
The court sent emissaries to look for Minh Không among the people and finally found him. When Minh Không arrived at court the renowned physicians were performing their arts in the palace. Seeing how crude and rustic he looked they did not bother to greet him. Minh Không took a nail five inches long and planted it in a column of the palace, shouting: "He who can pull the nail out will get to do the job first. " He repeated it again and again, but no one dared accept the challenge. Minh Không then used two fingers of his left hand and pulled on the nail and it came out easily. Everybody present was struck with admiration.
When he saw the emperor, Minh Không cried out with a stern voice: "Worthy man, you are foremost among the people, why do you act crazy like this? " The emperor trembled with fear. Minh Không had a big caldron brought in, filled it with water, and boiled it again and again. Then he stirred it with his hand four times and had the emperor bathe in it. The emperor recovered instantly. Subsequently, the emperor made Minh Không National Preceptor and the recipient of duties from hundreds of households as reward.
On an unknown date in the second year, tân suu*,550 of the Dai* Dinh* era (1141), Minh Không passed away at the age of seventysix. Bon* Tich*
(? –1140)
[60b2] Zen Master Bôn Tich (formerly called Pháp Mat*) of Chúc Thánh Temple, Nghia* Trú Village, Bình Lac* Prefecture,551 hailed from Tây Ket*. His family name was Nguyên. He was a descendant of General Commandant of Inner Palace Services Nguyên Kha of the [Former] Lê dynasty. Even when he was young he showed contempt for the mundane world. Once he met a strange monk who marveled at his appearance and said: "This child has an extraordinary physique. If he leaves home to become a monk, he will truly carry on the Dharma lineage. "
When he grew up he first went to study with Thuan* Chân of Hoa Quang Temple, took the studies [seriously], and reached accord with its intent. Subsequently he received ordination. Thuân Chân saw that his
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meditation was perfect and his discipline was pure, and that by studying one he understood ten. He patted his head and said: "The propagation of the Dharma in this southern region is in your hands. "
From then on, Bon * Tich* was not attached to being or nonbeing and realized both the sudden and gradual methods. Everywhere he went he showered down the rains of Dharma and moved even remote places with the wind of mystic truth. Monks, laymen, and court officials all turned to him with respect.
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On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, in the summer of the third year, ky* mùi, of the Thieu* Minh era (1140), he assembled his disciples and told them: "There's nothing to be concerned about. " As his words ended, he died.
Khánh Hy* (1067–1142)
Fourteenth Generation:
Four Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[61a2] General Superintendent of Monks (Tang* Thong*) Khánh Hy of Tù' Liêm Village, Vinh* Khang, hailed from Co* Giao, Long Biên. His family name was Nguyen*. Being a man of the lineage of purity practices, he abstained from eating meat as a child. When he grew up he came to study with Bôn Tich of Chúc Thánh Temple.
One day, while he and Bôn Tich were on their way to a donor's house to receive offerings, he asked: "What is the true intent of the patriarchs of Zen? " Just then they heard the sounds of a sorcerer ceremony in a house nearby; Bôn Tich said: "Aren't these the words of a sorcerer calling down spirits? " Khánh Hy said: "Please do not joke with me, Venerable Teacher. " Bôn Tich said: "I have never showed off to anybody! " Khánh Hy could not understand, so he left Bôn Tich.
When Khánh Hy came to Bien* Tài552 of Van* Tue* Temple, Biên Tài asked: "Where are you coming from? " Khánh Hy said: "From Venerable Tich's* place. " Biên Tài said: "He is indeed the spiritual guide of the region; what has he taught you? " Khánh Hy said: "I served him for many years, yet he never answered even one of my questions, so I left him. " Biên Tài asked: ''What is your question? " Khánh Hy related the previous conversation. Biên Tài said: "Alas! [61b] Venerable Tich has gone out of
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his way to explain everything to you. Better not slander your own teacher! " Khánh Hy * paused in thought. Bien* Tài said: "Haven't you heard that 'When you have realized [mind], all phenomena are sufficient [evidence of enlightenment]; when you are not yet enlightened, you are perpetually confused and at odds. '"553 Khánh Hy
was abruptly enlightened and returned to Bon* Tich*. When Bôn Tich saw him, he asked: "Why are you coming back so quickly? " Khánh Hy prostrated himself, saying: ''I committed the sin of slandering you, Teacher. I'm back here to ask to be allowed to repent. " Bôn Tich said: "The nature of sin is empty, how can you repent? " Khánh Hy said: "I should repent just like that. " Bôn Tich said no more.
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Once, together with two Zen practitioners Tinh* Nhãn and Tinh Nhu', he was standing, waiting on Bôn Tich, when the latter said: "You gentlemen have studied with me for a long time. Why don't each of you present your knowledge to me, so that I can see what your approach to the Dharma is? " As Nhãn and Nhu' were about to
open their mouths, Khánh Hy gave a shout and said: "When there's an optical illusion in your eyes, you see illusory flowers falling in confusion. "554 Bôn Tich said: "Master Khánh Hy, what will you do with the boat? You've broken the bailing buckets? "555 Khánh Hy said: "Why use a boat? " Bôn Tich said: "You haven't opened up yet, smart guy. You only know about things on this side; you haven't even dreamt of things on the Other Side. " [62a] Khánh Hy said: "It's only Him, though. " Bôn
Tich said: "'Leave the top of a hundredfoot pole and take a step'—what do you say about this? "556 Khánh Hy raised his two fists, saying: "Don't be stingy! Don't be stingy! " Bôn Tich said: "I'll spare you a beating! " After that, his fame spread over all the Buddhist communities.
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During the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao* Tu'*557 era (1133–1138) [Emperor Lý Than* Tông] issued a royal decree inviting him to the capital. The emperor was pleased with his appropriate answers and conferred upon him the rank of Monk Scribe. Later he advanced to General Superintendent of Monks.
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One day, his disciple Pháp Dung asked: "When one comprehends form and emptiness, is form profane or sacred? " Khánh Hy spontaneously uttered a verse:
Don't waste energy enquiring about form and emptiness, There's nothing in the Dharma that is superior
to inquiring of the patriarchs' source.
If you search outwardly for mind, it is difficult
to determine its nature,
[It is like] in this world if one plants one cinnamon tree,
how can it make a thicket?
All the universe is the tip of a hair,
And the sun and the moon are contained in a
mustard seed, 558
The great function appears right before your eyes
like the fist from the hand,
Who cares about sacred and profane, east and west?
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On the twentyseventh day of the first month of the third year, nhâm tuat*, of the Dai* Dinh* era (1142), Khánh Hy* fell ill and subsequently passed away at the age
seventysix. 559 He had composed a work entitled Ngo* Dao* Ca Thi Tap* [Collected Songs and Poems on Enlightenment],560 which is still in circulation. 561 <><><><><><><><><><><><>
Su'* Ký [The Recorded History] says that Khánh Hy passed away in the third year of the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao* Tu'* era (1135). Both sources are available now. 562
Gió'i Không
Fifteenth Generation:
Three Persons, Two Biographies Not Recorded
[62b2] Zen Master Gió'i Không of Tháp Bát Village Temple, Mãn Dau* County,563 was a native of the same county. His family name was Nguyen*, his personal name Tuân. A son of a welloff family, he loved Buddhism as a child. He was first ordained and became a monk under the guidance of Quang* Phúc of Nguyên Hòa
Temple on Mount Chân Ma,564 and he served Quang Phúc for several years.
After comprehending the intent [of Buddhism, he went to Mount Lich* So'n565 and built a retreat there. For five years he devoted himself to quiet meditation. Afterward he descended from the mountain with his
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monk's staff and traveled everywhere to preach the Dharma. On his journey, when he reached Nam Sách 566 he went to Thánh Chúa Cave567 and dwelt there. He stayed put for six years practicing austerities to the point that he could command gods and demons and tame wild beasts.
Emperor Lý Than* Tông summoned him to the capital many times. After repeatedly declining to no avail, Gio'i Không finally came. In the eighth year of the Dai*
Thuan*568 era, there was a great plague. When Gió'i Không arrived in the capital, Lý Thân Tông lodged him at Gia Lâm Temple. Gió'i Không blessed water with mantras and used it to cure the plague. Thousands of sick ones were cured on the spot every day. Lý Thân Tông rewarded him generously and earmarked the tax money of ten households to support him.
Later in his life, Gió'i Không returned to his native village and repaired ninetyfive temples. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
One day, without any illness, he uttered a [farewell] verse to instruct his students:
[63a] I have something that's special,
It's not green, yellow, red, white, or black.
Among the ones who stay home or leave home,
Those who cherish life and fear death are traitors. Because they do not know that although life and death
are two separate paths,
They are nothing but the convergence and dispersion
[of the five aggregates].
If they think that life and death are really
two separate paths,
They are deceiving both Sakyamuni* and Maitreya. 569 If they know that life is death and death is life,
Only then do they know the hidden profundity
of this old monk.
You, who are my students and posterity,
Do not wrongly accept the starlight in the tray
as the absolute principle. 570
After speaking the verse, he laughed loudly, joined his palms together, and passed away. His disciples, including Provincial Governor Lê Kiem*571 and Defense Commissioner Hán Ðinh, cremated his body, collected the relics, and built a stupa to house them. A statue of him was also made to be worshipped.
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Pháp Dung (? –1174)
[63a7] Zen Master Pháp Dung 572 of Hu'o'ng Nghiêm Temple, Mount Ma Ni,573 Thanh Hoá Prefecture, hailed from Boi* Lý. 574 His family name was Lê: he was a descendant of the Governor of Ái Province, Lê Lu'o'ng of the Tang dynasty. 575 His family was distinguished and held the office of Provincial Governor for fifteen
generations. His father was Huyen* Ngap*, who had the sobriquet Tang* Phán. 576 His appearance and his spirit were elegant and unusual, and his way of speaking was excellent and clear. He had eulogized all the golden scriptures and jewel verses.
As a child he left home [to become a novice] under the guidance of General Superintendent of Monks Nguyen* Khánh Hy*. 577 Khánh Hy saw at a glance that he was an extraordinary person, and he transmitted [63b] the Dharma seal to him. 578 He then roamed unobstructed over mountains and rivers and converted people
wherever he went. When the time was right he moved his abode to Khai Giác Temple on Mount Thú'u Son*. 579 Students filled the hall. Finally, he returned to Mount Ma Ni to build a temple and stayed there through his old age.
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On the fifth day of the second month of the first year, giáp ngo*, of the Thiên Cam* Chí Bao* era (1174),580 without any illness, he died. His disciples Dao* Lâm and the others cremated his body on this mountain and built a stupa [to house the relics].
Trí Nhàn
[63b7] Zen Master Trí Nhàn581 (also called Tinh* Lu*) of Phù Môn Retreat, Mount Cao Dã, An Lãng,582 hailed from Phong Châu. 583 His family name was Lê, his personal name was Thu'ó'c. He was a descendant of Ngu'* Man Vu'o'ng584 of the Lê dynasty. His grandfather Thuan* Tông585 served the Lý dynasty, holding office
as high as senior chancellory minister, and married Princess Kim Thành. [His father] Van* Thích held the office of Minh Tu'*. His older brother Kiem* was Inspector as well as Deputy Provincial Governor. In his early days, Trí Nhàn devoted himself to studies, passed the National Scholar examination, and was appointed to hold the
office of National Archivist. 586
One day, when he was twentyseven years old, [64a] he followed his brother to a series of lectures by Zen Master Gió'i Không to hear him explain the Diamond Sutra*. When Gió'i Không explained the verse:
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All conditioned phenomena
Are like dreams, like illusions, like bubbles,
like images, like dewdrops, like lightning— Thus should one contemplate. 587
He was suddenly enlightened and exclaimed: "The Tathagata's* six kinds of statements588 are certainly not falsely spoken: All mundane things are indeed empty, illusory, and not real; only the Dharma is real. What else am I searching for? The Confucians talk about the normative relationships between ruler and subject, father and son, while Buddhism elucidates the achievements of Bodhisattvas and Disciples (Sravaka*). Although the two teachings are separate paths, they lead to the same goal. Nevertheless, only Buddhism makes it possible to release oneself from the sufferings of birth and death, and to cut off calculations in terms of being and nonbeing. " He then asked to be ordained as a monk.
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After comprehending the essence of the teaching, he went directly to Mount Tù' So'n and lived under a tree. During the day he chanted the sutras*, and at night he practiced meditation, devoting himself diligently to austerities. He vowed to keep this up for six years.
One day he was sitting in meditation when he saw a tiger chasing a deer toward him. Trí Nhàn said to them: "All sentient beings cherish their lives—you should not harm each other. "589 The tiger bowed its head to the ground as if he were taking refuge [with a teacher], and then went away.
Afterward, Trí Nhàn built a retreat at the foot of the mountain and accepted students. Donors from all over brought gifts aplenty. In the vicinity of the mountain there was a barbarian tribe [64b] whose people would band together to raid and pillage. Everytime Trí Nhàn went outside, a huge tiger would squat in front of the retreat, so that raiders did not dare to break in. Many among them were guided back to a virtuous life by Trí Nhàn. During the reign of Lý Anh Tông (1138–1175) and Lý Cao Tông (1176–1210), Trí Nhàn was invited to the capital many times, but every time he refused to go.
Regent and Grand Commandant Tô Hien* Thành and Grand Guardian Ngô Hòa Nghia*590 both requested to be his disciples, yet for ten years they had not been able to see him in person.
Suddenly one day they had a chance to see each other, and all were very pleased. After greeting them, Trí Nhàn spoke a verse:
If you have cherished the intention to leave the mundane world, and nurture it within you,
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When you hear subtle words, you joyfully 591 follow them. Greed and desire are banished a thousand miles away, And embrace the subtle truth592 every day.
And:
Preserve yourself in equanimity,
Virtue alone is your task.
If something good is said,
Work to embody that saying.
Mind has no self and no other,
When you have cut off darkness and illusion. Although you rise in the morning and rest at night, There is no form to dwell on.
Like a reflection or an echo, Without a trace to follow.
After speaking these words, Trí Nhàn joined his palms together and passed away sitting upright. Tô, Lê, and other disciples cried with grief, and the sound filled the temple.
Chân Không (1046–1100)
[65a] Zen Master Chân Không of Chúc Thánh Temple, Mount Pho* Lai*, Phù Lan,593 was a native of Phù Dong*, Tiên Du. His family name was Vu'o'ng, his
personal name was Hai* Thien*. He came from a distinguished family. When his mother was pregnant, his father had a dream in which he saw an eminent monk594 give him a monk's staff. In these circumstances Chân Không was born. As a child he loved to spend time by himself reading, and did not involve himself in trivial affairs. At the age of fifteen, he was widely learned in the historical records. At the age of twenty [he became a monk and] traveled to all Zen monasteries searching for the mindseal.
Once while attending a lecture at Tinh* Lu* Temple on Mount Ðông Cú'u595 to listen to an exposition of the Lotus Sutra*, Chân Không emptied through and had insight. Since then his potential and causal conditions meshed: it was like a blind turtle coming across a driftwood board to float on. 596 He stayed there practicing
meditation for six years. His investigation developed day by day, and subsequently he received the mindseal.
Chân Không then came to Mount Tù' So'n to settle down. He safeguarded himself with discipline and for twenty years did not leave his temple. Nevertheless, his fame spread afar. Lý Nhân Tông heard about
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him and invited him to the imperial palace to lecture on the Lotus Sutra *. All listeners responded well. At that time Grand Commandant Lý Thu'ò'ng Kiet*, Military Govenor of Luong* Châu, and State Minister Thân597 treated him with special respect and often donated money to him. Chân Không always used everything given to him to repair temples, build stupas, [65b] and cast big bells for posterity.
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A monk asked: "What is the wondrous Dharma? " Chân Không said: "You only know it after you have awakened. " The monk continued: "I have not been able to understand the teachings that have come down from the ancient. How am I to comprehend your present instruction? " Chân Không said: "If you go to the grottos where the immortals dwell, you certainly will be able to bring home elixir that transforms your body. '' The monk asked: "What is an elixir? " Chân Không said: "After many aeons in ignorance you do not understand it, but the morning of enlightenment you realize everything. " The monk continued: "What is illumination? " Chân Không said:
"Illumination shines through the entire world,598 so that all sentient beings belong to the same family. " <><><><><><><><><><><><>
A monk asked: "Although one does not discern it clearly, one is face to face with it everywhere. 599 What is it? " Chân Không said: "The aeon of fire600 burns up everything down to the tips of the finest fibers, yet white clouds still float as ever over the green mountain. "
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A monk asked: "What happens when this form body decays? " Chân Không said: "Spring comes and spring goes—will spring ever end, do you suppose? Flowers fall, flowers open—it's just spring. " As the monk tried to think of something to say, Chân Không shouted and said: "After the plain has been there for a long time, each plant has its own distinct fragrance. " The monk bowed down.
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Later in his life Chân Không returned to his native district and restored Bao* [66a] Cam* Temple. Having finished this task, on the first day of the eleventh month of the ninth year of the Hoi* Phong era (1100), as he was about to pass away, he spoke a verse:
The miraculous original emptiness manifests itself clearly, Like a mild wind which blows throughout this world.
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Everyone should realize the joy of uncontrived activity, Realizing uncontrived activity, at last you're home.
At midnight of the same day, Chân Không again said: "My Path has been accomplished, my teaching has been put to practice. Now I can die. " Then he sat cross legged and passed away. He was fiftyfive years old and had been a monk for thirtysix years.
The empress dowager, 601 Princess Thiên Thành, and Chân Không's disciple, the Nun Dieu* Nhân,602 organized a vegetarian feast in commemoration of him that lasted two days. Great Master Nghia* Hai* of Dai* Minh Temple offered a purple robe; Monk Pháp Thành led the monks in preparing the funeral and built a stupa outside the fasting hall. Scholar Nguyen* Van* Cu* complied with the royal order and composed an inscription on the stupa. Minister of Public Works Ðoàn Van Khâm wrote a poem to commemorate him:
His lofty virtue spread pure wind over the capital and among the people,
Those who came leaning on their staffs [to study with him] are like evening clouds gathering around a dragon.
The mansion of humane benevolence was suddenly shaken because the wisdom pillar collapsed,
The forest of Dharma will always lament the fall of a great pine tree,
Green grass surrounds his grave and the new stupa. In the river reflecting [66b] the green mountains
we recognize his former face,603
How quiet his Zen gate is—who will be knocking
anymore?
Passing by I sadly listen to the bells of evening. 604
Dao* Lâm (? –1203)
[66b3] Zen Master Dao Lâm of Long Vân Temple, Siêu Loai* Village, Long Phúc,605 was a native of Cuu* Cao, Chu Diên. 606 His family name was Tang*. At an early age he admired Buddhism. 607 His aspiration and behavior were pure and serene. At first, he studied with Pháp Dung of Hu'o'ng Nghiêm Temple. Within a few
years he intimately received the mindseal. He then began to transmit the flame of the patriarchs himself and continued the light everywhere he went. In contact with beings, he responded to their potentials and benefited people immensely.
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In the fifth month of the second year, quí hoi *, of the Thiên Tu' Bao* Huu* era (1203),608 he sat crosslegged and passed away.
Dieu* Nhân (1042–1113)
Seventeenth Generation:
Four Persons, Three Biographies Recorded
[66b9] The nun Diêu Nhân of Hu'o'ng Hai* Temple, Phù Dong* Village, Tiên Du Prefecture, was the eldest daughter of Lord Phung* Yet*. 609 Her personal name was Ngoc* Kieu*. She was naturally endowed with great beauty, and her speech and behavior were well regulated. Emperor Lý Thánh Tông brought her up in the imperial palace. When she grew up she was married to a man named Lê who was Provincial Governor of Chân Dang*. 610 When Lê died she vowed to stay single [67a] and not remarry as duty prescribed.
One day she lamented: "As I observe the world, all things are like dreams and illusions. How much more so are these fleeting glories! How can I rely on them? " So she
gave away all her personal belongings, shaved her head, and left home. She came to Chân Không of Phù Ðong District to receive the Bodhisattva precepts611 and began to investigate the essentials of mind. Chân Không gave her the sobriquet Diêu Nhân [which means "Wondrous Cause"] and appointed her head of the Hu'o'ng Hai Convent. 612
Diêu Nhân practiced discipline and meditation and attained true samadhi*. She towered over others and became an expert adept among the nuns. Those who came to study, she urged to practice the Great Vehicle, telling them: "If you can return your nature to its origin, then you can enter [enlightened mind] freely through either sudden or gradual method. " She always kept silent: she was averse to sound and form, words and speech.
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A student asked: '"I am sick because all sentient beings are sick. '613 Why should you have an aversion to sound and form? " Diêu Nhân quoted the [Diamond]
Sutra*, saying: "If someone sees me through form or looks for me through sound, that person is following a wrong path and cannot see the Tathagata*. "614 The student continued: "What is the use of sitting in
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meditation? " Dieu * Nhân said: "It is originally without going. " The student continued: "Why don't you speak? " Diêu Nhân said: "The Path is fundamentally without words. "6 1 5
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On the first day of the sixth month of the fourth year of the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Dai* Khánh era (1113), Diêu Nhân fell seriously ill [67b] and spoke a verse:
Birth, old age, illness, and death,
Have always been the same.
If you wish to escape from them,
By trying to untie your bonds, you add to your
entanglement.
It's only when you are deluded that you search for Buddha, It's only when you are confused that you look for Zen.
I seek neither Buddha nor Zen,
I just close my mouth616 and keep silent.
Then she shaved her head, washed her body, sat crosslegged, and passed away. She was seventytwo years old. 617 Viên Hoc*
(1073–1136)
[67b4] Zen Master Viên Hoc of Ðai An National Temple, Co* Hanh* Village, Te* Giang, hailed from Nhu' Nguyet*. 618 His family name was Hoàng. As a child he
studied wordly books and when he grew up the Buddhist classics. 619 At the age of twenty, upon hearing a teaching of Chân Không, the mindground opened through for him. After that his studies of Zen became more and more profound, and his observation of the precepts was beyond compare. He wore the same patched robe all seasons, cold or warm, and went everywhere converting people living only on alms. He always took the lead in affairs such as repairing bridges, constructing roads, and so forth.
Later, he came to Phù Cam* Village, restored Quoc* Thanh Temple, and cast a big bell. He was always involved in transforming people. His verse says:
With the six consciousnesses constantly in the dark, an endless night of suffering,
Covered over by ignorance, long deluded and indolent.
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Day and night hearing the bell waking up to enlightenment,
The god of indolence swept from the land, I have attained supernatural powers.
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On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, in the summer, of the fourth year, bính thìn, of the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao * Tu'* era (1136), Viên Hoc* passed away at the age of [68a] sixtyfour. His disciples Ngô Thông Thien*, Lu'u Vu'o'ng Nhân, Lu* Pháp Hoa, and Chu Dieu* Dung* [cremated his body], collected his remains, and built a stupa [to house them].
Tinh* Thiên (1121–1193)
[68a3] Zen Master Tinh* Thiên of Long Hoa Temple, Co* Giao Village, Long Biên, hailed from that same Cô Giao Village. His family name was Phí, his personal name Hoàn. At first, he and his fellow student Tinh Không both served Dao* Lâm of Long Vân Temple. He devoted himself earnestly [to his study] and profoundly penetrated the mysterious essence [of Buddhism]. Ðao Lâm knew that he would definitely become a vessel of the Dharma so he gave him the sobriquet Tinh Thiên [which means "Pure Meditation"] and sealed him [with the mindseal], saying: "Tinh* (pure) means the pure wisdom which is wondrous and perfect, Thien* (meditation) means the mind of Thiên which is always calm. "
After Ðao Lâm died, Tinh Thiên traveled to all Zen centers, searching for spiritual companions. When his affinity with the Dharma had become mature, he returned to his native district and repaired Long Hoa Temple. Besides his practice of meditation and discipline, his thoughts were always of benefiting people.
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On the twelfth day of the eighth month of the eighth year, quí suu*, of the Thiên Tu' Gia Thuy* era (1193), Tinh Thiên passed away. He was seventythree years old. His disciple Pháp Ký composed an inscription on the stele in front of the temple that said: "The master was born in the time when the Lý dynasty was flourishing. He did not forget the six perfections (paramitas*),620 nor did he neglect the four great vows. 621 [68b] Where he put down his tea cup, donors throughout the land followed in waves. Where he planted his monk's staff, monks, nuns, laymen, and
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laywomen gathered like the dew. His supernatural powers were unfathomable, his miraculous activities impossible to measure. If he himself had not arrived at the locus of Buddha's enlightenment, how could he have carried out such excellent achievements? He is truly the precious moon on the Buddhist firmament, the garden of Dharma in the spiritual village. . . . "
Viên Thông (1080–1151)
Eighteenth Generation:
Two Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[68b5] National Preceptor Viên Thông of Quoc * Ân Temple, Co* Hien* Village, Nam Dinh*,622 hailed from Cô Hiên. His family name was Nguyen*, his personal name was Nguyên Ú'c. He moved to Thái Bach* Quarter in the capital Thang* Long and made his home there. His family had held the office of Monk Official for generations. His father Ðú'c served during the reign of Lý Nhân Tông (1072–1127) and held office as high as Secretary for the Academy of Monks on the Left and Right, and had the sobriquet Zen Master Bao* Giác. Viên Thông was unusually brilliant by nature, and his knowledge was refined and subtle. As a young man he already harbored the aspiration to leave this mundane world. He met Viên Hoc* of An Quôc Temple and so meshed with the purport of Buddhism.
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In the sixth year of the Hoi* Phong era (1079), he passed the examination on the Three Teachings623 with highest honors and was appointed to the office of Dai* Van*. In the eighth year of the Long Phù Nguyên Hóa era (1108), there was an examination to select great talents from among the people to fill the vacant rank of Leading Monk (Tang* Dao*). Viên Thông again passed with highest honors. Emperor Lý Nhân Tông was even more [69a] amazed by him and wished to give him political power. But Viên Thông persistently declined it and would not take up any position. Lý Nhân Tông then raised him to the rank of Inner Palace Retainer and Dharma Master. After that Viên Thông expounded the doctrine according to circumstances, enlightening people by guiding them to the meaning [of Buddhism]. He dispelled their delusion and reproached their ignorance until there was none left at all. Those who studied with him and understood his teaching all became famous in their generation.
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In the third year of the Dai * Khánh era (1112),624 after he had repaired the Diên Tho* Temple, Lý Nhân Tông asked him to compose the inscription on the stele. Lý Nhân Tông esteemed his talent and raised him to the rank of Secretary of the Monk Academy on the Left.
In the third year of the Ðai Thuan* era (1130), Emperor Lý Than* Tông summoned him to Sùng Khai Palace to enquire about the principles of political order and upheaval, of prosperity and decline in the world. Viên Thông said: "The world is like an instrument. Put it in a safe place, it is safe; put it in a perilous place, it is in peril. It all depends on how the leader of the people behaves himself. If his benevolence is in harmony with the hearts and minds of the people, then they will love him as a parent and look up to him like the sun and the moon. This is putting people in a safe place. "
He also said: "Order or chaos depends on [the behavior of the] officials. If they can win the people over, then there is political order; if they lose the people's support, then there is upheaval. I have observed [the activities of] emperors of previous generations. No one succeeded without employing true gentlemen, or failed unless he
employed petty men. 625 [69b] When we trace how these things come about, it does not happen overnight, but develops gradually. 626 Just as heaven and earth cannot abruptly produce cold and hot weather, but must change gradually through the seasons like spring and autumn, etc. , kings cannot suddenly627 bring about prosperity
or decline, but rather it is a gradual process depending on their good or bad activities. The sage kings of old knew this principle, and so they modeled themselves on Heaven and never ceased to rely on virtue to cultivate themselves; they molded themselves on Earth and never ceased to rely on virtue to pacify the people. To
cultivate oneself means to be cautious within, as cautious as if one were walking on thin ice. 628 To pacify people means to respect those who are below, to be as respectful as one riding a horse holding wornout reins. If one can be like that, one cannot but succeed; if otherwise, one cannot but fail. The gradual process of prosperity or decline depends on this. "
Lý Thân Tông was pleased and appointed him Superintendent of the Monk Academy on the Right and Magistrate in charge of Religion. Sometimes Viên Thông had calmly approached Lý Thân Tông and submitted an admonition, and Lý Thân Tông never neglected his advice. Viên Thông then complied with royal order and went to the Tây Du'o'ng Shrine to pray for the protection of the expected royal child. 629 Since his prayers succeeded, Lý Thân Tông respected and rewarded him even more and conferred upon him the title Court Guest, which ranked the same as Crown Prince.
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In the fifth year of the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao * Tu'* era (1137),630 the royal carriage came [to take Viên Thông to the royal palace] to participate in carrying out the emperor's final command and [70a] composing the royal will. Lý Than* Tông entrusted everything to him.
In the first year of the Thieu* Minh era (1138), Lý Anh Tông assumed the throne and the empress dowager assumed power. 631 In consideration of his previous accomplishments, she rewarded Viên Thông generously.
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Finally Viên Thông returned to his native district, built a temple, and settled down there in his old age. The revenue from three villages was provided [for him] by the
national treasury. Lý Thân Tông also granted him the imperial insignia632 to honor him.
In the fourth year of the Dai* Dinh* era (1143), Viên Thông was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of the Monk Academy on the Left and Right, Inner Palace Superintendent, Inner Servitor Magistrate in charge of Religion, National Preceptor and Protector of the Realm, and Expounder of the Canon. Lý Thân Tông also bestowed on him the title "Purple Robed Great Monk. " His position was lofty and he was greatly admired both among the court officials and throughout the countryside.
On the twentyfirst day of the fourth month of the leap year, tân mùi, of the Ðai Ðinh era (1151), Viên Thông assembled his disciples to bid them farewell and passed away without any illness at the age of seventytwo.
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Viên Thông had obeyed a royal decree and composed the works Tuyen* Chu' Phat* Tích Duyên Su'* [Selected Stories of Buddha's Past Lives]633 of more than thirty fascicles, Hong* Chung Van* Bi Kí [Great Bell Inscriptions], Tang* Già Tap* Luc* [Miscellaneous Records of the Sangha] of more than fifty fascicles,634 and more than a thousand poems and rhymed prose pieces that are still in circulation. 635
Y So'n (? –1213)
Nineteenth Generation:
Two Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[70b1] Zen Master Y So'n of Ðai Tù' Temple, Ðai Thông Tru'ò'ng, Long Phúc,636 was a native of Cam* Village, Nghe* An. 637 His family name was Nguyen*. His appearance was elegant and his speech was eloquent. As a young boy he was well versed in the Books of Documents and History. He
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only formed friendships that would be mutually beneficial in widening both friends' skills. He also paid special attention to Buddhist literature. At the age of thirty, he was ordained a monk by an Elder in the district. They went together to the capital to study with National Preceptor Viên Thông. Under the guidance of Viên Thông he reached accord with the message of Buddhism.
Afterward, he traveled everywhere to convert people, concentrating on altruistic activities. He always used all the money donated to him in Buddhist activities. He once wrote an exhortation that said:
Fishing for fame and desiring profit—
these are like bubbles floating in the water,
Planting merit and sowing [good] conditions— these are truly precious jewels in our hearts.
Y So'n also spoke a verse:
When the Tathagata attains perfect enlightenment, He attains the body which is equal to all [conditioned
and nonconditioned phenomena].
It intersects with them without intersecting,639 The living spirit—the pupil of the eyes.
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Late in his life he moved to Nam Mô Temple, An Lãng Village, to become its abbot.
Dharma is originally like nonDharma, Neither existent nor nonexistent.
If one knows this truth,
Then sentient beings and Buddha are one: How quiet the moon over Lanka!
Empty, [58b] empty, the boat that crosses the ocean. If one knows emptiness, by means of that emptiness
one realizes being,
Free to go everywhere in samadhi.
Lý Thái Tông lauded and rewarded him more. Subsequently, Huê Sinh was bestowed the rank of General Supervisor of Monks (Ðô Tang* Luc*). At that time princes and nobles such as Phung* Yet* Thiên Vu'o'ng,529 Princes Uy Vu*, Hi Tù',530 Thien* Huê, Chiêu Khánh, Prince Hien* Minh, General Vu'o'ng Tai*,531
Grand Preceptor Lu'o'ng Nham* Van*,532 Grand Guardian Ðào Xu* Trung, Administrator Kieu* Bong*, and others all frequented him to inquire about the Dharma and treated him with respect due a teacher. In the reign of Lý Thánh Tông (1054–1072), Huê Sinh was raised to the office of Ta* Nhai Tang Thong* [General Superintendent of the Academy of Monks], the same rank as a marquis though without the title. 533
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In the fifth year, giáp thìn, of the Gia Khánh era (1063), 534 when he was about to pass away, Hue* Sinh assembled his disciples and spoke a verse:
Water and fire interpenetrate every day,
Yet their origins are still unknown.
You should know that they are without abode, Three and three and three and three. 535
And:
In the old days when he came for instructions, Everybody showed him the way to the south. 536
If there's someone who asks about something new, This is like the first sliver of crescent moon on the
third day of the month. 537
Then he took a bath, burned incense, and at midnight silently passed away.
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Huê Sinh had composed by royal decree inscriptions on steles at the temples of Thiên Phúc,538 Thiên Thánh, Khai Quoc* at Tiên Du, Dieu* Nghiêm Báo Ðú'c, and others at Vu* Ninh. 539 He also composed works such as Pháp Su'* Trai Nghi [Ritual Forms for Dharma Services and Vegetarian Feasts], and Chu' Dao* Tru'ò'ng Khánh Tán Van* [Celebrations and Eulogy of the Site of Enlightenment], which are still in circulation. 540
Thien* Nham (1093–1163)
[59a2] Zen Master Thiên Nham of Trí Qua* Temple,541 Co* Châu Village, Long Biên Province, hailed from Cô Châu. His family name was Khu'o'ng, his personal
name Thông. His family had been Monk Officials for generations. His spirit and demeanor were energetic and outstanding and he had a clear voice. 542 He loved to learn dharanis* and would memorize them and recite them without missing a single word. During the Hoi* Phong era (1092–1110), he participated in the royal examinations on the Lotus and Perfection of Wisdom literature, and both times he passed with highest honors. 543
Subsequently he was approved with the mindseal by Pháp Y of Thành Dao* Temple,544 so he decided to become a monk there. At first, he dwelt at Thiên Phúc Temple on Mount Tiên Du. His discipline was pure and
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strict, and his Dharma mind expanded. For almost six years he only ate wild fruits and drank stream water. Afterward he returned to his native district, restored Trí Qua * Temple, and became its abbot.
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During the Dai* Thuan* era (1128–1132) there was a drought. 545 A royal edict summoned Thien* Nham to the capital. He was immediately effective in his prayers for rain, so Emperor [Lý Than* Tông] recognized him as an eminent monk and bestowed on him royal robes. After that, whenever there were national ceremonies to pray for rain, he would preside over them.
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In the first year of the Chính Long Bao* Ú'ng era (1163), in the middle of spring, during daytime, Thiên Nham burned incense, gave his disciples last instructions, and passed away sitting upright. His age was seventyone.
At present the body that he cast off still exists. Contemporaries [59b] called him "Living Buddha. "546 Although the temple has gone through many wars through the ages and was burned many times, his body remained intact.
Minh Không (1065–1141)
[59b2] National Preceptor Minh Không of Quoc* Thanh Temple, Tru'ò'ng An,547 was a native of Ðàm Xá Village, Ðai Hoàng. 548 His family name was Nguyen*, his personal name Chí Thành. He traveled around to study [Buddhism] and met Zen Master Tù' Dao* Hanh* of Thiên Phúc Temple. Ðao Hanh took him as a personal attendant for seventeen years. Ðao Hanh admired his aspirations, so he transmitted the mindseal to him and gave him the sobriquet [Minh Không].
When he was about to pass away, Ðao Hanh told Minh Không: "Formerly, our Lord Buddha had achieved perfect enlightenment yet still suffered retribution from the golden tiger; how can people—in the last period of the Dharma—with little merit protect themselves? I will be reborn in this world as a king. In my next life it is hard for me to escape sickness as a karmic debt. I have a karmic affinity with you, you should save me. "
After Ðao Hanh's* death, Minh Không returned to his native village and took to farming for more than twenty years, indifferent to fame and
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fortune. At that time Lý Than * Tông was suffering a strange disease: his mind was confused, and he was growling and moaning fiercefully. Renowned physicians from all over the country responded to the royal edict, [60a] but to no avail. 549 Meanwhile children were heard singing:
To cure the Son of Heaven, Send for Nguyen* Minh Không.
The court sent emissaries to look for Minh Không among the people and finally found him. When Minh Không arrived at court the renowned physicians were performing their arts in the palace. Seeing how crude and rustic he looked they did not bother to greet him. Minh Không took a nail five inches long and planted it in a column of the palace, shouting: "He who can pull the nail out will get to do the job first. " He repeated it again and again, but no one dared accept the challenge. Minh Không then used two fingers of his left hand and pulled on the nail and it came out easily. Everybody present was struck with admiration.
When he saw the emperor, Minh Không cried out with a stern voice: "Worthy man, you are foremost among the people, why do you act crazy like this? " The emperor trembled with fear. Minh Không had a big caldron brought in, filled it with water, and boiled it again and again. Then he stirred it with his hand four times and had the emperor bathe in it. The emperor recovered instantly. Subsequently, the emperor made Minh Không National Preceptor and the recipient of duties from hundreds of households as reward.
On an unknown date in the second year, tân suu*,550 of the Dai* Dinh* era (1141), Minh Không passed away at the age of seventysix. Bon* Tich*
(? –1140)
[60b2] Zen Master Bôn Tich (formerly called Pháp Mat*) of Chúc Thánh Temple, Nghia* Trú Village, Bình Lac* Prefecture,551 hailed from Tây Ket*. His family name was Nguyên. He was a descendant of General Commandant of Inner Palace Services Nguyên Kha of the [Former] Lê dynasty. Even when he was young he showed contempt for the mundane world. Once he met a strange monk who marveled at his appearance and said: "This child has an extraordinary physique. If he leaves home to become a monk, he will truly carry on the Dharma lineage. "
When he grew up he first went to study with Thuan* Chân of Hoa Quang Temple, took the studies [seriously], and reached accord with its intent. Subsequently he received ordination. Thuân Chân saw that his
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meditation was perfect and his discipline was pure, and that by studying one he understood ten. He patted his head and said: "The propagation of the Dharma in this southern region is in your hands. "
From then on, Bon * Tich* was not attached to being or nonbeing and realized both the sudden and gradual methods. Everywhere he went he showered down the rains of Dharma and moved even remote places with the wind of mystic truth. Monks, laymen, and court officials all turned to him with respect.
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On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, in the summer of the third year, ky* mùi, of the Thieu* Minh era (1140), he assembled his disciples and told them: "There's nothing to be concerned about. " As his words ended, he died.
Khánh Hy* (1067–1142)
Fourteenth Generation:
Four Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[61a2] General Superintendent of Monks (Tang* Thong*) Khánh Hy of Tù' Liêm Village, Vinh* Khang, hailed from Co* Giao, Long Biên. His family name was Nguyen*. Being a man of the lineage of purity practices, he abstained from eating meat as a child. When he grew up he came to study with Bôn Tich of Chúc Thánh Temple.
One day, while he and Bôn Tich were on their way to a donor's house to receive offerings, he asked: "What is the true intent of the patriarchs of Zen? " Just then they heard the sounds of a sorcerer ceremony in a house nearby; Bôn Tich said: "Aren't these the words of a sorcerer calling down spirits? " Khánh Hy said: "Please do not joke with me, Venerable Teacher. " Bôn Tich said: "I have never showed off to anybody! " Khánh Hy could not understand, so he left Bôn Tich.
When Khánh Hy came to Bien* Tài552 of Van* Tue* Temple, Biên Tài asked: "Where are you coming from? " Khánh Hy said: "From Venerable Tich's* place. " Biên Tài said: "He is indeed the spiritual guide of the region; what has he taught you? " Khánh Hy said: "I served him for many years, yet he never answered even one of my questions, so I left him. " Biên Tài asked: ''What is your question? " Khánh Hy related the previous conversation. Biên Tài said: "Alas! [61b] Venerable Tich has gone out of
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his way to explain everything to you. Better not slander your own teacher! " Khánh Hy * paused in thought. Bien* Tài said: "Haven't you heard that 'When you have realized [mind], all phenomena are sufficient [evidence of enlightenment]; when you are not yet enlightened, you are perpetually confused and at odds. '"553 Khánh Hy
was abruptly enlightened and returned to Bon* Tich*. When Bôn Tich saw him, he asked: "Why are you coming back so quickly? " Khánh Hy prostrated himself, saying: ''I committed the sin of slandering you, Teacher. I'm back here to ask to be allowed to repent. " Bôn Tich said: "The nature of sin is empty, how can you repent? " Khánh Hy said: "I should repent just like that. " Bôn Tich said no more.
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Once, together with two Zen practitioners Tinh* Nhãn and Tinh Nhu', he was standing, waiting on Bôn Tich, when the latter said: "You gentlemen have studied with me for a long time. Why don't each of you present your knowledge to me, so that I can see what your approach to the Dharma is? " As Nhãn and Nhu' were about to
open their mouths, Khánh Hy gave a shout and said: "When there's an optical illusion in your eyes, you see illusory flowers falling in confusion. "554 Bôn Tich said: "Master Khánh Hy, what will you do with the boat? You've broken the bailing buckets? "555 Khánh Hy said: "Why use a boat? " Bôn Tich said: "You haven't opened up yet, smart guy. You only know about things on this side; you haven't even dreamt of things on the Other Side. " [62a] Khánh Hy said: "It's only Him, though. " Bôn
Tich said: "'Leave the top of a hundredfoot pole and take a step'—what do you say about this? "556 Khánh Hy raised his two fists, saying: "Don't be stingy! Don't be stingy! " Bôn Tich said: "I'll spare you a beating! " After that, his fame spread over all the Buddhist communities.
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During the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao* Tu'*557 era (1133–1138) [Emperor Lý Than* Tông] issued a royal decree inviting him to the capital. The emperor was pleased with his appropriate answers and conferred upon him the rank of Monk Scribe. Later he advanced to General Superintendent of Monks.
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One day, his disciple Pháp Dung asked: "When one comprehends form and emptiness, is form profane or sacred? " Khánh Hy spontaneously uttered a verse:
Don't waste energy enquiring about form and emptiness, There's nothing in the Dharma that is superior
to inquiring of the patriarchs' source.
If you search outwardly for mind, it is difficult
to determine its nature,
[It is like] in this world if one plants one cinnamon tree,
how can it make a thicket?
All the universe is the tip of a hair,
And the sun and the moon are contained in a
mustard seed, 558
The great function appears right before your eyes
like the fist from the hand,
Who cares about sacred and profane, east and west?
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On the twentyseventh day of the first month of the third year, nhâm tuat*, of the Dai* Dinh* era (1142), Khánh Hy* fell ill and subsequently passed away at the age
seventysix. 559 He had composed a work entitled Ngo* Dao* Ca Thi Tap* [Collected Songs and Poems on Enlightenment],560 which is still in circulation. 561 <><><><><><><><><><><><>
Su'* Ký [The Recorded History] says that Khánh Hy passed away in the third year of the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao* Tu'* era (1135). Both sources are available now. 562
Gió'i Không
Fifteenth Generation:
Three Persons, Two Biographies Not Recorded
[62b2] Zen Master Gió'i Không of Tháp Bát Village Temple, Mãn Dau* County,563 was a native of the same county. His family name was Nguyen*, his personal name Tuân. A son of a welloff family, he loved Buddhism as a child. He was first ordained and became a monk under the guidance of Quang* Phúc of Nguyên Hòa
Temple on Mount Chân Ma,564 and he served Quang Phúc for several years.
After comprehending the intent [of Buddhism, he went to Mount Lich* So'n565 and built a retreat there. For five years he devoted himself to quiet meditation. Afterward he descended from the mountain with his
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monk's staff and traveled everywhere to preach the Dharma. On his journey, when he reached Nam Sách 566 he went to Thánh Chúa Cave567 and dwelt there. He stayed put for six years practicing austerities to the point that he could command gods and demons and tame wild beasts.
Emperor Lý Than* Tông summoned him to the capital many times. After repeatedly declining to no avail, Gio'i Không finally came. In the eighth year of the Dai*
Thuan*568 era, there was a great plague. When Gió'i Không arrived in the capital, Lý Thân Tông lodged him at Gia Lâm Temple. Gió'i Không blessed water with mantras and used it to cure the plague. Thousands of sick ones were cured on the spot every day. Lý Thân Tông rewarded him generously and earmarked the tax money of ten households to support him.
Later in his life, Gió'i Không returned to his native village and repaired ninetyfive temples. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
One day, without any illness, he uttered a [farewell] verse to instruct his students:
[63a] I have something that's special,
It's not green, yellow, red, white, or black.
Among the ones who stay home or leave home,
Those who cherish life and fear death are traitors. Because they do not know that although life and death
are two separate paths,
They are nothing but the convergence and dispersion
[of the five aggregates].
If they think that life and death are really
two separate paths,
They are deceiving both Sakyamuni* and Maitreya. 569 If they know that life is death and death is life,
Only then do they know the hidden profundity
of this old monk.
You, who are my students and posterity,
Do not wrongly accept the starlight in the tray
as the absolute principle. 570
After speaking the verse, he laughed loudly, joined his palms together, and passed away. His disciples, including Provincial Governor Lê Kiem*571 and Defense Commissioner Hán Ðinh, cremated his body, collected the relics, and built a stupa to house them. A statue of him was also made to be worshipped.
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Pháp Dung (? –1174)
[63a7] Zen Master Pháp Dung 572 of Hu'o'ng Nghiêm Temple, Mount Ma Ni,573 Thanh Hoá Prefecture, hailed from Boi* Lý. 574 His family name was Lê: he was a descendant of the Governor of Ái Province, Lê Lu'o'ng of the Tang dynasty. 575 His family was distinguished and held the office of Provincial Governor for fifteen
generations. His father was Huyen* Ngap*, who had the sobriquet Tang* Phán. 576 His appearance and his spirit were elegant and unusual, and his way of speaking was excellent and clear. He had eulogized all the golden scriptures and jewel verses.
As a child he left home [to become a novice] under the guidance of General Superintendent of Monks Nguyen* Khánh Hy*. 577 Khánh Hy saw at a glance that he was an extraordinary person, and he transmitted [63b] the Dharma seal to him. 578 He then roamed unobstructed over mountains and rivers and converted people
wherever he went. When the time was right he moved his abode to Khai Giác Temple on Mount Thú'u Son*. 579 Students filled the hall. Finally, he returned to Mount Ma Ni to build a temple and stayed there through his old age.
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On the fifth day of the second month of the first year, giáp ngo*, of the Thiên Cam* Chí Bao* era (1174),580 without any illness, he died. His disciples Dao* Lâm and the others cremated his body on this mountain and built a stupa [to house the relics].
Trí Nhàn
[63b7] Zen Master Trí Nhàn581 (also called Tinh* Lu*) of Phù Môn Retreat, Mount Cao Dã, An Lãng,582 hailed from Phong Châu. 583 His family name was Lê, his personal name was Thu'ó'c. He was a descendant of Ngu'* Man Vu'o'ng584 of the Lê dynasty. His grandfather Thuan* Tông585 served the Lý dynasty, holding office
as high as senior chancellory minister, and married Princess Kim Thành. [His father] Van* Thích held the office of Minh Tu'*. His older brother Kiem* was Inspector as well as Deputy Provincial Governor. In his early days, Trí Nhàn devoted himself to studies, passed the National Scholar examination, and was appointed to hold the
office of National Archivist. 586
One day, when he was twentyseven years old, [64a] he followed his brother to a series of lectures by Zen Master Gió'i Không to hear him explain the Diamond Sutra*. When Gió'i Không explained the verse:
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All conditioned phenomena
Are like dreams, like illusions, like bubbles,
like images, like dewdrops, like lightning— Thus should one contemplate. 587
He was suddenly enlightened and exclaimed: "The Tathagata's* six kinds of statements588 are certainly not falsely spoken: All mundane things are indeed empty, illusory, and not real; only the Dharma is real. What else am I searching for? The Confucians talk about the normative relationships between ruler and subject, father and son, while Buddhism elucidates the achievements of Bodhisattvas and Disciples (Sravaka*). Although the two teachings are separate paths, they lead to the same goal. Nevertheless, only Buddhism makes it possible to release oneself from the sufferings of birth and death, and to cut off calculations in terms of being and nonbeing. " He then asked to be ordained as a monk.
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After comprehending the essence of the teaching, he went directly to Mount Tù' So'n and lived under a tree. During the day he chanted the sutras*, and at night he practiced meditation, devoting himself diligently to austerities. He vowed to keep this up for six years.
One day he was sitting in meditation when he saw a tiger chasing a deer toward him. Trí Nhàn said to them: "All sentient beings cherish their lives—you should not harm each other. "589 The tiger bowed its head to the ground as if he were taking refuge [with a teacher], and then went away.
Afterward, Trí Nhàn built a retreat at the foot of the mountain and accepted students. Donors from all over brought gifts aplenty. In the vicinity of the mountain there was a barbarian tribe [64b] whose people would band together to raid and pillage. Everytime Trí Nhàn went outside, a huge tiger would squat in front of the retreat, so that raiders did not dare to break in. Many among them were guided back to a virtuous life by Trí Nhàn. During the reign of Lý Anh Tông (1138–1175) and Lý Cao Tông (1176–1210), Trí Nhàn was invited to the capital many times, but every time he refused to go.
Regent and Grand Commandant Tô Hien* Thành and Grand Guardian Ngô Hòa Nghia*590 both requested to be his disciples, yet for ten years they had not been able to see him in person.
Suddenly one day they had a chance to see each other, and all were very pleased. After greeting them, Trí Nhàn spoke a verse:
If you have cherished the intention to leave the mundane world, and nurture it within you,
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When you hear subtle words, you joyfully 591 follow them. Greed and desire are banished a thousand miles away, And embrace the subtle truth592 every day.
And:
Preserve yourself in equanimity,
Virtue alone is your task.
If something good is said,
Work to embody that saying.
Mind has no self and no other,
When you have cut off darkness and illusion. Although you rise in the morning and rest at night, There is no form to dwell on.
Like a reflection or an echo, Without a trace to follow.
After speaking these words, Trí Nhàn joined his palms together and passed away sitting upright. Tô, Lê, and other disciples cried with grief, and the sound filled the temple.
Chân Không (1046–1100)
[65a] Zen Master Chân Không of Chúc Thánh Temple, Mount Pho* Lai*, Phù Lan,593 was a native of Phù Dong*, Tiên Du. His family name was Vu'o'ng, his
personal name was Hai* Thien*. He came from a distinguished family. When his mother was pregnant, his father had a dream in which he saw an eminent monk594 give him a monk's staff. In these circumstances Chân Không was born. As a child he loved to spend time by himself reading, and did not involve himself in trivial affairs. At the age of fifteen, he was widely learned in the historical records. At the age of twenty [he became a monk and] traveled to all Zen monasteries searching for the mindseal.
Once while attending a lecture at Tinh* Lu* Temple on Mount Ðông Cú'u595 to listen to an exposition of the Lotus Sutra*, Chân Không emptied through and had insight. Since then his potential and causal conditions meshed: it was like a blind turtle coming across a driftwood board to float on. 596 He stayed there practicing
meditation for six years. His investigation developed day by day, and subsequently he received the mindseal.
Chân Không then came to Mount Tù' So'n to settle down. He safeguarded himself with discipline and for twenty years did not leave his temple. Nevertheless, his fame spread afar. Lý Nhân Tông heard about
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him and invited him to the imperial palace to lecture on the Lotus Sutra *. All listeners responded well. At that time Grand Commandant Lý Thu'ò'ng Kiet*, Military Govenor of Luong* Châu, and State Minister Thân597 treated him with special respect and often donated money to him. Chân Không always used everything given to him to repair temples, build stupas, [65b] and cast big bells for posterity.
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A monk asked: "What is the wondrous Dharma? " Chân Không said: "You only know it after you have awakened. " The monk continued: "I have not been able to understand the teachings that have come down from the ancient. How am I to comprehend your present instruction? " Chân Không said: "If you go to the grottos where the immortals dwell, you certainly will be able to bring home elixir that transforms your body. '' The monk asked: "What is an elixir? " Chân Không said: "After many aeons in ignorance you do not understand it, but the morning of enlightenment you realize everything. " The monk continued: "What is illumination? " Chân Không said:
"Illumination shines through the entire world,598 so that all sentient beings belong to the same family. " <><><><><><><><><><><><>
A monk asked: "Although one does not discern it clearly, one is face to face with it everywhere. 599 What is it? " Chân Không said: "The aeon of fire600 burns up everything down to the tips of the finest fibers, yet white clouds still float as ever over the green mountain. "
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A monk asked: "What happens when this form body decays? " Chân Không said: "Spring comes and spring goes—will spring ever end, do you suppose? Flowers fall, flowers open—it's just spring. " As the monk tried to think of something to say, Chân Không shouted and said: "After the plain has been there for a long time, each plant has its own distinct fragrance. " The monk bowed down.
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Later in his life Chân Không returned to his native district and restored Bao* [66a] Cam* Temple. Having finished this task, on the first day of the eleventh month of the ninth year of the Hoi* Phong era (1100), as he was about to pass away, he spoke a verse:
The miraculous original emptiness manifests itself clearly, Like a mild wind which blows throughout this world.
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Everyone should realize the joy of uncontrived activity, Realizing uncontrived activity, at last you're home.
At midnight of the same day, Chân Không again said: "My Path has been accomplished, my teaching has been put to practice. Now I can die. " Then he sat cross legged and passed away. He was fiftyfive years old and had been a monk for thirtysix years.
The empress dowager, 601 Princess Thiên Thành, and Chân Không's disciple, the Nun Dieu* Nhân,602 organized a vegetarian feast in commemoration of him that lasted two days. Great Master Nghia* Hai* of Dai* Minh Temple offered a purple robe; Monk Pháp Thành led the monks in preparing the funeral and built a stupa outside the fasting hall. Scholar Nguyen* Van* Cu* complied with the royal order and composed an inscription on the stupa. Minister of Public Works Ðoàn Van Khâm wrote a poem to commemorate him:
His lofty virtue spread pure wind over the capital and among the people,
Those who came leaning on their staffs [to study with him] are like evening clouds gathering around a dragon.
The mansion of humane benevolence was suddenly shaken because the wisdom pillar collapsed,
The forest of Dharma will always lament the fall of a great pine tree,
Green grass surrounds his grave and the new stupa. In the river reflecting [66b] the green mountains
we recognize his former face,603
How quiet his Zen gate is—who will be knocking
anymore?
Passing by I sadly listen to the bells of evening. 604
Dao* Lâm (? –1203)
[66b3] Zen Master Dao Lâm of Long Vân Temple, Siêu Loai* Village, Long Phúc,605 was a native of Cuu* Cao, Chu Diên. 606 His family name was Tang*. At an early age he admired Buddhism. 607 His aspiration and behavior were pure and serene. At first, he studied with Pháp Dung of Hu'o'ng Nghiêm Temple. Within a few
years he intimately received the mindseal. He then began to transmit the flame of the patriarchs himself and continued the light everywhere he went. In contact with beings, he responded to their potentials and benefited people immensely.
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In the fifth month of the second year, quí hoi *, of the Thiên Tu' Bao* Huu* era (1203),608 he sat crosslegged and passed away.
Dieu* Nhân (1042–1113)
Seventeenth Generation:
Four Persons, Three Biographies Recorded
[66b9] The nun Diêu Nhân of Hu'o'ng Hai* Temple, Phù Dong* Village, Tiên Du Prefecture, was the eldest daughter of Lord Phung* Yet*. 609 Her personal name was Ngoc* Kieu*. She was naturally endowed with great beauty, and her speech and behavior were well regulated. Emperor Lý Thánh Tông brought her up in the imperial palace. When she grew up she was married to a man named Lê who was Provincial Governor of Chân Dang*. 610 When Lê died she vowed to stay single [67a] and not remarry as duty prescribed.
One day she lamented: "As I observe the world, all things are like dreams and illusions. How much more so are these fleeting glories! How can I rely on them? " So she
gave away all her personal belongings, shaved her head, and left home. She came to Chân Không of Phù Ðong District to receive the Bodhisattva precepts611 and began to investigate the essentials of mind. Chân Không gave her the sobriquet Diêu Nhân [which means "Wondrous Cause"] and appointed her head of the Hu'o'ng Hai Convent. 612
Diêu Nhân practiced discipline and meditation and attained true samadhi*. She towered over others and became an expert adept among the nuns. Those who came to study, she urged to practice the Great Vehicle, telling them: "If you can return your nature to its origin, then you can enter [enlightened mind] freely through either sudden or gradual method. " She always kept silent: she was averse to sound and form, words and speech.
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A student asked: '"I am sick because all sentient beings are sick. '613 Why should you have an aversion to sound and form? " Diêu Nhân quoted the [Diamond]
Sutra*, saying: "If someone sees me through form or looks for me through sound, that person is following a wrong path and cannot see the Tathagata*. "614 The student continued: "What is the use of sitting in
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meditation? " Dieu * Nhân said: "It is originally without going. " The student continued: "Why don't you speak? " Diêu Nhân said: "The Path is fundamentally without words. "6 1 5
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On the first day of the sixth month of the fourth year of the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Dai* Khánh era (1113), Diêu Nhân fell seriously ill [67b] and spoke a verse:
Birth, old age, illness, and death,
Have always been the same.
If you wish to escape from them,
By trying to untie your bonds, you add to your
entanglement.
It's only when you are deluded that you search for Buddha, It's only when you are confused that you look for Zen.
I seek neither Buddha nor Zen,
I just close my mouth616 and keep silent.
Then she shaved her head, washed her body, sat crosslegged, and passed away. She was seventytwo years old. 617 Viên Hoc*
(1073–1136)
[67b4] Zen Master Viên Hoc of Ðai An National Temple, Co* Hanh* Village, Te* Giang, hailed from Nhu' Nguyet*. 618 His family name was Hoàng. As a child he
studied wordly books and when he grew up the Buddhist classics. 619 At the age of twenty, upon hearing a teaching of Chân Không, the mindground opened through for him. After that his studies of Zen became more and more profound, and his observation of the precepts was beyond compare. He wore the same patched robe all seasons, cold or warm, and went everywhere converting people living only on alms. He always took the lead in affairs such as repairing bridges, constructing roads, and so forth.
Later, he came to Phù Cam* Village, restored Quoc* Thanh Temple, and cast a big bell. He was always involved in transforming people. His verse says:
With the six consciousnesses constantly in the dark, an endless night of suffering,
Covered over by ignorance, long deluded and indolent.
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Day and night hearing the bell waking up to enlightenment,
The god of indolence swept from the land, I have attained supernatural powers.
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On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, in the summer, of the fourth year, bính thìn, of the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao * Tu'* era (1136), Viên Hoc* passed away at the age of [68a] sixtyfour. His disciples Ngô Thông Thien*, Lu'u Vu'o'ng Nhân, Lu* Pháp Hoa, and Chu Dieu* Dung* [cremated his body], collected his remains, and built a stupa [to house them].
Tinh* Thiên (1121–1193)
[68a3] Zen Master Tinh* Thiên of Long Hoa Temple, Co* Giao Village, Long Biên, hailed from that same Cô Giao Village. His family name was Phí, his personal name Hoàn. At first, he and his fellow student Tinh Không both served Dao* Lâm of Long Vân Temple. He devoted himself earnestly [to his study] and profoundly penetrated the mysterious essence [of Buddhism]. Ðao Lâm knew that he would definitely become a vessel of the Dharma so he gave him the sobriquet Tinh Thiên [which means "Pure Meditation"] and sealed him [with the mindseal], saying: "Tinh* (pure) means the pure wisdom which is wondrous and perfect, Thien* (meditation) means the mind of Thiên which is always calm. "
After Ðao Lâm died, Tinh Thiên traveled to all Zen centers, searching for spiritual companions. When his affinity with the Dharma had become mature, he returned to his native district and repaired Long Hoa Temple. Besides his practice of meditation and discipline, his thoughts were always of benefiting people.
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On the twelfth day of the eighth month of the eighth year, quí suu*, of the Thiên Tu' Gia Thuy* era (1193), Tinh Thiên passed away. He was seventythree years old. His disciple Pháp Ký composed an inscription on the stele in front of the temple that said: "The master was born in the time when the Lý dynasty was flourishing. He did not forget the six perfections (paramitas*),620 nor did he neglect the four great vows. 621 [68b] Where he put down his tea cup, donors throughout the land followed in waves. Where he planted his monk's staff, monks, nuns, laymen, and
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laywomen gathered like the dew. His supernatural powers were unfathomable, his miraculous activities impossible to measure. If he himself had not arrived at the locus of Buddha's enlightenment, how could he have carried out such excellent achievements? He is truly the precious moon on the Buddhist firmament, the garden of Dharma in the spiritual village. . . . "
Viên Thông (1080–1151)
Eighteenth Generation:
Two Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[68b5] National Preceptor Viên Thông of Quoc * Ân Temple, Co* Hien* Village, Nam Dinh*,622 hailed from Cô Hiên. His family name was Nguyen*, his personal name was Nguyên Ú'c. He moved to Thái Bach* Quarter in the capital Thang* Long and made his home there. His family had held the office of Monk Official for generations. His father Ðú'c served during the reign of Lý Nhân Tông (1072–1127) and held office as high as Secretary for the Academy of Monks on the Left and Right, and had the sobriquet Zen Master Bao* Giác. Viên Thông was unusually brilliant by nature, and his knowledge was refined and subtle. As a young man he already harbored the aspiration to leave this mundane world. He met Viên Hoc* of An Quôc Temple and so meshed with the purport of Buddhism.
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In the sixth year of the Hoi* Phong era (1079), he passed the examination on the Three Teachings623 with highest honors and was appointed to the office of Dai* Van*. In the eighth year of the Long Phù Nguyên Hóa era (1108), there was an examination to select great talents from among the people to fill the vacant rank of Leading Monk (Tang* Dao*). Viên Thông again passed with highest honors. Emperor Lý Nhân Tông was even more [69a] amazed by him and wished to give him political power. But Viên Thông persistently declined it and would not take up any position. Lý Nhân Tông then raised him to the rank of Inner Palace Retainer and Dharma Master. After that Viên Thông expounded the doctrine according to circumstances, enlightening people by guiding them to the meaning [of Buddhism]. He dispelled their delusion and reproached their ignorance until there was none left at all. Those who studied with him and understood his teaching all became famous in their generation.
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In the third year of the Dai * Khánh era (1112),624 after he had repaired the Diên Tho* Temple, Lý Nhân Tông asked him to compose the inscription on the stele. Lý Nhân Tông esteemed his talent and raised him to the rank of Secretary of the Monk Academy on the Left.
In the third year of the Ðai Thuan* era (1130), Emperor Lý Than* Tông summoned him to Sùng Khai Palace to enquire about the principles of political order and upheaval, of prosperity and decline in the world. Viên Thông said: "The world is like an instrument. Put it in a safe place, it is safe; put it in a perilous place, it is in peril. It all depends on how the leader of the people behaves himself. If his benevolence is in harmony with the hearts and minds of the people, then they will love him as a parent and look up to him like the sun and the moon. This is putting people in a safe place. "
He also said: "Order or chaos depends on [the behavior of the] officials. If they can win the people over, then there is political order; if they lose the people's support, then there is upheaval. I have observed [the activities of] emperors of previous generations. No one succeeded without employing true gentlemen, or failed unless he
employed petty men. 625 [69b] When we trace how these things come about, it does not happen overnight, but develops gradually. 626 Just as heaven and earth cannot abruptly produce cold and hot weather, but must change gradually through the seasons like spring and autumn, etc. , kings cannot suddenly627 bring about prosperity
or decline, but rather it is a gradual process depending on their good or bad activities. The sage kings of old knew this principle, and so they modeled themselves on Heaven and never ceased to rely on virtue to cultivate themselves; they molded themselves on Earth and never ceased to rely on virtue to pacify the people. To
cultivate oneself means to be cautious within, as cautious as if one were walking on thin ice. 628 To pacify people means to respect those who are below, to be as respectful as one riding a horse holding wornout reins. If one can be like that, one cannot but succeed; if otherwise, one cannot but fail. The gradual process of prosperity or decline depends on this. "
Lý Thân Tông was pleased and appointed him Superintendent of the Monk Academy on the Right and Magistrate in charge of Religion. Sometimes Viên Thông had calmly approached Lý Thân Tông and submitted an admonition, and Lý Thân Tông never neglected his advice. Viên Thông then complied with royal order and went to the Tây Du'o'ng Shrine to pray for the protection of the expected royal child. 629 Since his prayers succeeded, Lý Thân Tông respected and rewarded him even more and conferred upon him the title Court Guest, which ranked the same as Crown Prince.
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In the fifth year of the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao * Tu'* era (1137),630 the royal carriage came [to take Viên Thông to the royal palace] to participate in carrying out the emperor's final command and [70a] composing the royal will. Lý Than* Tông entrusted everything to him.
In the first year of the Thieu* Minh era (1138), Lý Anh Tông assumed the throne and the empress dowager assumed power. 631 In consideration of his previous accomplishments, she rewarded Viên Thông generously.
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Finally Viên Thông returned to his native district, built a temple, and settled down there in his old age. The revenue from three villages was provided [for him] by the
national treasury. Lý Thân Tông also granted him the imperial insignia632 to honor him.
In the fourth year of the Dai* Dinh* era (1143), Viên Thông was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of the Monk Academy on the Left and Right, Inner Palace Superintendent, Inner Servitor Magistrate in charge of Religion, National Preceptor and Protector of the Realm, and Expounder of the Canon. Lý Thân Tông also bestowed on him the title "Purple Robed Great Monk. " His position was lofty and he was greatly admired both among the court officials and throughout the countryside.
On the twentyfirst day of the fourth month of the leap year, tân mùi, of the Ðai Ðinh era (1151), Viên Thông assembled his disciples to bid them farewell and passed away without any illness at the age of seventytwo.
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Viên Thông had obeyed a royal decree and composed the works Tuyen* Chu' Phat* Tích Duyên Su'* [Selected Stories of Buddha's Past Lives]633 of more than thirty fascicles, Hong* Chung Van* Bi Kí [Great Bell Inscriptions], Tang* Già Tap* Luc* [Miscellaneous Records of the Sangha] of more than fifty fascicles,634 and more than a thousand poems and rhymed prose pieces that are still in circulation. 635
Y So'n (? –1213)
Nineteenth Generation:
Two Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[70b1] Zen Master Y So'n of Ðai Tù' Temple, Ðai Thông Tru'ò'ng, Long Phúc,636 was a native of Cam* Village, Nghe* An. 637 His family name was Nguyen*. His appearance was elegant and his speech was eloquent. As a young boy he was well versed in the Books of Documents and History. He
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only formed friendships that would be mutually beneficial in widening both friends' skills. He also paid special attention to Buddhist literature. At the age of thirty, he was ordained a monk by an Elder in the district. They went together to the capital to study with National Preceptor Viên Thông. Under the guidance of Viên Thông he reached accord with the message of Buddhism.
Afterward, he traveled everywhere to convert people, concentrating on altruistic activities. He always used all the money donated to him in Buddhist activities. He once wrote an exhortation that said:
Fishing for fame and desiring profit—
these are like bubbles floating in the water,
Planting merit and sowing [good] conditions— these are truly precious jewels in our hearts.
Y So'n also spoke a verse:
When the Tathagata attains perfect enlightenment, He attains the body which is equal to all [conditioned
and nonconditioned phenomena].
It intersects with them without intersecting,639 The living spirit—the pupil of the eyes.
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Late in his life he moved to Nam Mô Temple, An Lãng Village, to become its abbot.
