He was a man with a
profound
knowledge of the destiny of the world.
Thiyen Uyen Tap
" Thân Nghi said: "He contentedly returned to the west alone.
" Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "Whose home is Mount Xionger [Bear Ear]?
"386 Thân
Nghi said: "He buried his shoe in the coffin. "387 Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "In terms of cheating people, Thân Nghi ranks first. " Thân Nghi said: "You can't say that Song Yun spread a false rumor; what about the fact that Zhuangdi
Page 160
did open the coffin? " Thu'ò'ng Chieu * shouted: "A dog barks at nothing. "388 Than* Nghi said: "Do you follow conventions or not, Master? '' Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "Yes, I do. " Thân Nghi said: "Why so? " Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "Because I'm in the same line with them. " Thân Nghi was abruptly awakened; then he bowed down and said: "I have misunderstood everything. " Thu'ò'ng Chiêu shouted. Thân Nghi again said: "I have served you for many years, but I don't know who was the first to transmit this Dharma? Pray instruct me about the successive generations of this Dharma transmission so that I know about its source. " Thu'ò'ng Chiêu praised him for
his earnestness. He took out the Chieu* Doi* Ban* [Collated Biographies] of Thông Bien*389 as well as the latter's record of the transmission lines of Zen that analyzes the Dharma succession according to schools, and showed them to him. After looking at them, Thân Nghi asked: "Why were the two schools of Nguyen* Dai* Ðiên and Nguyên Bát Nhã390 not recorded? " [40b] Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "There must be a good reason for Thông Bien's* idea [not to record them]. "
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
On the eighteenth day of the second month of the sixth year, bính tí, of the Kien* Gia era (1216), Thân Nghi gave his disciple An* Không the Nam Tông Tu'* Pháp
Do* [Diagram of the Dharma Succession of the Southern School],391 which Thu'ò'ng Chiêu had handed down to him, and instructed Ân Không: "Although things are chaotic these days, you should carefully preserve this. Don't let it be destroyed in the wars, so our ancestral teaching will not disappear. " After speaking these words, he passed away.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Ân Không formerly lived at Luong* Châu District, Na Ngan* Prefecture. 392 His sobriquet was Great Master Na Ngan.
Tú'c Lu*
Fourteenth Generation:
Five Persons, Two Biographies Recorded
[40b6] Zen Master Tú'c Lu' (another source says Tinh* Lu') of Thông Thánh Temple, Chu Minh Village, Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from Chu Minh. As a child he was brilliant and studied all the conventional literature. One day, he abandoned what he had been studying. He came to serve Layman Thông Thien* in order to enquire about the mysterious essence [of Buddhism].
Page 161
Once on a daybreak after the summer retreat, Tú'c Lu * set a trap and shot down a brook ouzel. He brought it back and gave it to Thông Thien*. Thông Thiên was shocked and said: "You are a monk, why do you commit a killing? What are you going to do about the future retribution? " Tú'c Lu' said: "At that time I didn't see that animal there, nor did I see my own body there, nor was I cognizant of the retribution for killing. That was why I did what [41a] I did. " Thông Thiên knew that Tú'c Lu' was a vessel of the Dharma,393 so he summoned Tú'c Lu' to his private room and intimately transmitted the mind seal to him, saying: "If you function at that level, even
if you commit the five sins and the seven obscurations,394 you still attain Buddhahood. " A monk who stood nearby eavesdropping cried out: "How miserable! Even if there were such a thing, I would not take it! " Thông Thiên shouted: ''Thief! Thief! Don't let this bad man get his way! " At these words Tú'c Lu' was spiritually awakened.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Finally, he returned to Thông Thánh Temple to explore the intent of Zen. A virtuous student called Layman Ú'ng Thuan* was his successor.
Hien* Quang (? –1221)
[41a7] Zen Master Hiên Quang of Mount Yên Tu'*395 hailed from the capital. His family name was Lê, and his personal name was Thuan*. He had a soft voice and a fair appearance. As a child he was orphaned and went through many hardships. When he was eleven years old, Master Thu'ò'ng Chieu* of Luc* To* Temple saw him, took him in, and ordained him as a disciple. He was unusually bright in his studies, reading tens of thousands of words every day. Within less than ten years he
became versed in the three learnings. 396 As for the essential message of Zen, he had not yet discovered it when Thu'ò'ng Chiêu passed away.
Afterward, whenever he was debating about the essence of mind with someone, [41b] he was sure to be defeated. He always castigated himself: "I'm like the son of a rich family who was arrogant and idle beyond measure when his parents were alive; so when his parents died he became lonely and confused and had no idea where the family jewels were, and he ended up a poor man. "397
So he then traveled from monastery to monastery seeking adepts to study with. Finally, he abruptly awakened to the mindground at a word by Master Trí Thông at Thánh Qua* Temple. Therefore, he stayed and served Thông.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Once because he received alms from Princess Hoa Du'o'ng, 398 sharp criticism arose. When he learned about this, he said: "If you get involved with the mundane world, you won't avoid slander and insult. Why should I be in that situation? Moreover, the Bodhisattva Path is wide and the BuddhaDharma is immeasurable. Even a gentleman of the Mean still sometimes feels confused and distressed. If I'm not sharp and alert, if I do not arm myself with patience (ksanti*) and energy (virya*), then how can I attack the armies of delusion and smash their afflictions? How can I attain supreme enlightenment? " He then went directly to Mount Uyên Trù'ng, Nghe* An Prefecture, and received ordination from Zen Master Pháp Gió'i.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
One day Hien* Quang saw an attendant carrying a bowl of rice who accidentally dropped it on the ground. The attendant panicked and tried to scoop up the rice, which was already mixed up with earth. [42a] Hiên Quang felt regret [for his own shortcomings] and said to himself: "If I go through life without benefiting people, and trouble them for their offerings in vain, it will make this kind of thing happen. " So he used leaves to make his garments and ceased eating rice for ten years. Finally, in
order to build a place to stay in his old age, he went to Mount Tù' So'n; there he built a straw hut and settled down. Everytime he did a sutra* circumambulation399 in the forest, he always carried a cloth bag at the top of his walking staff. 400 Wherever he sat down or lay down, all the wild animals that saw him became tame.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Emperor Lý Hue* Tông (r. 1211–1225)401 admired his lofty footsteps and many times prepared offerings and invited him [to the capital]. Hiên Quang hid and sent his attendant to reply to the envoy: "For many years I have lived on the emperor's land, enjoying his grace, making this mountain my home to serve Buddha. Yet after many years I have not achieved any merit and I myself am very disappointed and ashamed. Now if I see the emperor, not only will it do nothing to help in governing the people, but it will also attract people's censure. Moreover, at the present time the BuddhaDharma is flourishing, and all the adepts of Buddhism have already assembled in the imperial palace. Look at this lowly rustic monk who takes refuge in the Dharma on this mountain—what reason has he to be there? " From that point on he decided never to leave the mountain again.
Page 162
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
A monk asked: "Since you've been on this mountain, what have you been doing? " [42b] Hien * Quang said:
Emulating the virtue of Xu You,402
How could I know how many springs in a lifetime? Without contrived activity I live freely in the wide
countryside,
An independent man, wandering happy and content.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the spring of the eleventh year, tân ti*, of the Kien* Gia era (1120), when he was about to pass away, Hiên Quang sat upright on a boulder and spoke a verse:
Illusory phenomena are all illusions, Illusory practices are all illusions.
If you don't adhere to these two illusions, That removes all illusions.
Then he calmly passed away. His disciple Dao* Viên prepared the funeral ceremony and buried him in a grotto. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
The Tu'* Ngu Tap*403 says: "Hiên Quang died, nobody knows where. "
Ú'ng Vu'o'ng
Fifteenth Generation:
Seven Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[42b7] Layman Ú'ng Vu'o'ng404 hailed from Gió'i Thi* Quarter in the capital Thang* Long. His family name was Do*, his personal name was Van*. He was broad minded by nature and not very keen for worldly affairs. At first, he served in the court of Chiêu Lang*;405 later on he reached the office of Middle Grade Royal Servitor. During his leisure time he devoted himself to studying Zen, never laying down the books. He investigated the patriarchs' intent and realized the mindsource. He was a disciple of Master Tú'c Lu* of Thông Thánh Temple and profoundly grasped his intimate secrets. Through Master Tú'c Lu', with his unobstructed Dharma eye, Ú'ng Vu'o'ng reached higher and higher levels: he received [43a] the mindseal and got the transmission.
Page 163
In the end he became the eyes and ears of the Buddhist community and equaled [teachers] like National Preceptor Nhat * Tông, and Zen Masters Tiêu Diêu, Gió'i Minh, Gió'i Viên. 406
Vinitaruci* (? –594)
[44a2] Zen Master Vinitaruci (Ty* Ni Ða Lu'u Chi)407 of Pháp Vân Temple, Co* Châu Village, Long Biên Province,408 hailed from South India. He belonged to a Brahman lineage. 409 As a young man he already harbored the aspiration to go beyond the conventional world: he wandered throughout India searching for the seal of the Buddhamind. However, his affinity for the Dharma was not met there, so he carried his monk's staff to East Asia.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the sixth year, nhâm ngo*, of the Dajian era (574) of the Chen dynasty, Vinitaruci first arrived in Chang'an [the capital of North China] right at the time when Emperor Wu of the Zhou dynasty was trying to destroy Buddhism. 410 He then traveled to Yeh [the capital of south China]. At that time, the third Zen Patriarch
Sengcan,411 in order to escape political disturbances, had taken his robe and bowl and hidden himself on Mount Sikong. When Vinitaruci met Sengcan and saw his uncommon behavior, his attitude was one of deep respect: three times he came before Sengcan and stood with folded arms. Sengcan just sat there with his eyes closed, saying nothing. While Vinitaruci stood there pondering, he emptied through and seemed to have attainment, so he prostrated himself three times. Sengcan only nodded his head three times. Vinitaruci took three steps backward and said: "I come here at a very inconvenient time, yet I beg you, Venerable Sir, to show compassion and permit me to serve by your side. " Sengcan said: "You should immediately go south [44b] to receive students, it's not fitting for you to remain here too long. " Vinitaruci then bid farewell to Sengcan and traveled alone to Zhi Zhi Temple in Guangzhou. He remained there for about six years and translated the
Gayasirsa*, the Differentiation of Karmic Reward,412 and other works.
In the third month of the second year, canh tí, of the Daxiang era (580) of the Zhou dynasty, he arrived in our country [Vietnam] and settled down at Pháp Vân
Temple. He retranslated the Dharani* Sutra*413 in one volume.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
One day, Vinitaruci414 called his advanced student Pháp Hien* to his private room and said: "The mindseal of the Buddhas surely does not
Page 164
deceive us—it is as perfect as space, without lack or surplus, 415 without going or coming, without gain or loss. It is neither one nor many, neither permanent nor impermanent. It has no origination or annihilation, it is neither detached nor not detached. Names are only established provisionally according to temporary circumstances. All the Buddhas of past, present, and future rely on this to attain enlightenment, and so do the successive generations of patriarchs. I rely on this to attain enlightenment, and so do you, and so do all sentient and nonsentient beings—they all rely on this to attain enlightenment. Moreover, when my patriarch Sengcan transmitted this mindseal to me, he told me to go south quickly to communicate it, because it was not right [45a] for me to remain there [in China] too long. It's been a long time since then, and now I have met you. After all, this agrees with his prediction. Now you must preserve it well. It's time for me to leave this world. " After speaking these words, Vinitaruci* joined his palms and passed away. Pháp Hien* cremated his body, collected his fivecolored relics, and built a stupa to house them. It was the fourteenth year, giáp dan*, of the Kaihuang era of the Sui dynasty (594).
Lý Thái Tông wrote a poem to commemorate Vinitaruci:
When you first came to this southern country,
Everyone knew that you had practiced Zen for a long time. You had to open the way for faith in the Buddhas,
So that people of later generations could live in accord
with the one mind, the source.
The moon over Lanka is bright,
The lotus flower of transcendent wisdom is fragrant, When can I see you face to face416
So we can discuss the arcane lore together?
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
He also conferred on him the title Master Vinitaruci of Pháp Vân Temple. 417 Pháp Hiên
( ? –626)
First Generation: One Person
[45a9] Zen Master Pháp Hiên of Chúng Thien* Temple, Mount Thiên Phúc, Tiên Du—second generation [of the Vinitaruci school]—hailed from Chu Diên. 418 His family name was Do*. He was over seven feet tall. At first, he was ordained by Master Quán Duyên419 of Pháp Vân Temple.
Page 165
He became Quán Duyên's disciple and every day listened to the latter's teaching on the essence of Zen.
When Vinitaruci * [45b] first came from Guangzhou and lodged at Pháp Vân Temple and met Pháp Hien*, he looked him over carefully and said: "What is your name? " Pháp Hiên said: "What is your name, Master? " Vinitaruci said: "You do not have a name? " Pháp Hiên said: "Of course I have a name, but how can you understand it? " Vinitaruci scolded him, saying: "Why use understanding? ''420 Pháp Hiên was abruptly awakened and bowed down. He then received the mindseal from Vinitaruci.
After Vinitaruci passed away, Pháp Hiên went directly to Mount Tù' So'n to practice meditation. He looked like a withered tree—things and self were both forgotten. Birds and beasts became tame and liked to linger around him. People heard about his virtue and came to study with him in countless numbers. So Pháp Hiên built a
temple and admitted students. Monks in residence usually numbered over three hundred. The southern school of Zen421 has flourished ever since. Chinese Military Governor Liu Fang also informed the Chinese court [about Pháp Hien's* activities]. When Sui Gaozu learned that this land (Viet Nam) admired Buddhism and produced eminent monks of renowned virtue, he dispatched an envoy to bring Buddha relics and five boxes of official credentials, and he ordered Pháp Hiên to build a stupa to worship them. 422 Pháp Hiên built a stupa at Pháp Vân Temple, Luy Lâu, and at famous temples in Phong, Hoan, Truong, and Ái provinces. This is recorded in detail in the biography of Zen Master Thông Bien*.
Pháp Hiên passed away in the ninth year, bính tuat*, of the Wude era (626) of the Tang dynasty. Thanh Biên
( ? –686)
Second Generation: One Person
Third Generation: One Person
Fourth Generation: One Person
[46a5] Zen Master Thanh Biên of Kien* Du'o'ng Temple, Hoa Lâm District,423 Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from Co* Giao. 424 His family name was Do*. At the
age of twelve, he came to study with Master Pháp Dang* of Pho* Quang Temple. 425 When Pháp Ðang was about to pass away, Thanh Biên asked: "After you're gone, Master, where should I turn? "
Page 166
Page 167
Pháp Dang * said: "You only have Sùng Nghiep*. " Thanh Bien* was confused and could not understand. After Pháp Ðang passed away, he devoted himself to chanting the Diamond Sutra*.
One day, a Zen man visited him. After a while, the man asked: "This sutra* is the mother of Buddhas of past, present, and future—what is the meaning of 'the mother of Buddhas'? " Thanh Biên said: "I have been chanting the sutra but I do not yet understand its meaning. " The man asked: ''How long have you been chanting this sutra? " Thanh Biên said: "Eight years. " The man [46b] said: "If you have been chanting the sutra like this for eight years and still can't understand its meaning, then even if you chant it for a hundred years, what will it accomplish? " Thanh Biên bowed down to the Zen man and asked for instruction. The man told him to go to Master Hue* Nghiêm of Sùng Nghiêp Temple for instruction. Thanh Biên felt relieved and said: "Only now do I realize that Pháp Dang's* words have turned out to be true. " He then followed the man to Sùng Nghiêp Temple.
[As soon as Thanh Biên arrived there,] Huê Nghiêm asked: "What are you coming here for? " Thanh Biên said: "There's something in my mind that is not settled. " Huê Nghiêm said: "What is it that is not settled with you? " Thanh Biên told him about the previous conversation. Huê Nghiêm sighed and said: "You yourself forget. Don't you remember that the sutra said, 'The Buddhas of past, present, and future and their perfect enlightenment (anuttarasamyaksambodhi*), too, all come from this sutra. '426 Isn't this the meaning of 'the mother of Buddhas'? " Thanh Biên said: "Yes, yes, I was confusing myself. " Huê Nghiêm again asked: "Who speaks this sutra? " Thanh Biên said: "Isn't it the Tathagata* who speaks it? " Huê Nghiêm said: "It is said in the sutra that 'if anyone says that the Tathagata has said something, he is slandering the Buddha; such a person [47a] cannot understand the meaning of my teaching. Contemplate well on this. If someone says that this sutra is not spoken by the Buddha, then that person is slandering the sutra. But if someone insists that it is the Buddha who speaks, then that person is slandering the Buddha. ' What do you
think about this? Speak quickly! Speak quickly! "427 Thanh Biên was about to open his mouth when Huê Nghiêm suddenly struck him on the mouth with his whisk. Thanh Biên was abruptly awakened and bowed down.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Finally, he came to Kien* Du'o'ng Temple to teach students. When his teaching mission was finished, he passed away in the second year, bính tuat*, of the Chuigong era (685) of the Tang dynasty.
Dinh * Không ( ? –808)
Fifth Generation: One Person
Sixth Generation: One Person
Seventh Generation: No Biography Recorded
Eighth Generation:
Three Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[47a10] Zen Master Dinh Không of Thien* Chúng Temple,428 Dich* Bang* Village, Thiên Dú'c Prefecture, hailed from Co* Pháp. 429 His family name was Nguyen*. His family had been distinguished for generations.
He was a man with a profound knowledge of the destiny of the world. His demeanor was exemplary. [47b] People in the village revered and served him, and all referred to him as "the Elder. "
Late in his life, through listening to the teaching of Nam Du'o'ng of Long Tuyen* Temple, he was able to grasp the essence of Buddhism. Since then he turned his mind toward the teaching of Buddha.
During the Chenyuan era (785–804) of the Tang dynasty, he built the Quynh* Lâm Temple at his native village. When they first excavated to lay the foundation, they found one incense burner and ten stone chimes. Ðinh Không asked people to wash them in the river. One of them fell into the water and sank right to the earthen bed
of the river. Ðinh Không explained this event: "The character thap* ( : earth) is where we are living, [these chimes] came from the earth. " Therefore, he changed his village's name to Cô Pháp (formerly called Diên Uan*) and composed a verse:
This land offers Dharma vessels,
Purest firstclass bronze.
It is a site where BuddhaDharma flourishes, Therefore, I give this district the name Cô Pháp
[Ancient Dharma].
He also said: "The Dharma vessels appeared as ten copper bells—this means that [a man named] Lý will become emperor and become successful in three categories. " And:
Thap* ( ),
Make up the name of this village.
When the rooster dwells behind the month of the rat,431 This is when the Three Jewels flourish.
Page 168
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When Dinh * Không was about to pass away, he instructed his disciple Thông Thien*: "I had wished to enlarge our home area, yet I was afraid that we would meet with disaster midway. [48a] Some uncanny man is sure to come and destroy our land. (Later on Gao Pian432 of the Tang did come and cast a spell on this area. ) After I die, you should preserve our Dharma well. When you meet a man named Ðinh, you must transmit it to him; then my wish will be fulfilled. "
After speaking these words, he bid farewell to his disciples and passed away. He was seventynine years old: it was in the third year, bính tí, of the Yuanhe era (808) of the Tang dynasty. Thông Thiên built a stupa to the west of Luc* To* Temple, recorded his instructions, and interred him there.
La Quí (851–936)
Ninth Generation:
Three Persons, No Biography Recorded
Tenth Generation:
Four Persons, Three Biographies Recorded
[48a7] The Elder La Quí433 of Song Lâm Temple, Phù Ninh Village, Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from An Chân. His family name was Ðinh. When he was young, he wandered everywhere to study with Zen adepts. Many years passed by and he still had not met with the appropriate condition to realize the Dharma, and he was almost ready to give up. Then he heard of Thông Thiên of Thien* Chúng Temple: in his assembly at one word the mindground opened up for him. So he stayed on and earnestly served Thông Thiên. When Thông Thiên was about to pass away, he instructed La Quí: "Formerly, my teacher Ðinh Không had instructed me to preserve our Dharma and to pass it on to a man named Ðinh. You are the right man for it. Now it's time for me [48b] to leave this world. "
After receiving the Dharma, La Quí traveled all over teaching and converting people. He chose a piece of land and built a temple. Every word he uttered was sure to be prophetic. He cast a golden statue of the Sixth Patriarch at Luc Tô Temple. Afterward he was concerned that thieves might steal it, so he had the statue buried in front of the temple, and left his instructions:
When there is a wise king it will appear,
In the time of an ignorant ruler it will conceal itself.
Page 169
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When he was about to pass away, he instructed his disciple Thien * Ông: "Formerly, Gao Pian434 constructed a fortress by the Tô Lich* River435 because he knew that our territory Co* Pháp has a royal aura. He excavated and disconnected nineteen locations such as the Diem* River, the Phù Chan* Pond in order to suppress it.
I have advised Khúc Lãm to fill them in and restore them. I also have a kapok tree436 planted at Minh Châu Temple to secure those disconnected locations. I know that in the future a good king is sure to appear to support and nourish our true Dharma. After I die, you should try to build an earthen stupa and hide the Dharma in it. Do not let [unworthy] people see it. " After speaking these words, he passed away. He was eightyfive years old: it was the third year, bính thân, of the Qingtai era (936) of the Tang dynasty.
When La Quí planted that kapok tree, he wrote a verse:
[49a] On the great mountain the dragon's head rises, The baby dragon's tail hides the jewel's light. Eighteen sons will succeed—437
The kapok tree shows a dragon's form.
In the month of rat, day of rooster, hour of rabbit, We're sure to see the sun come forth in purity.
Pháp Thuan* ( ? –990)
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
[49a2] Zen Master Pháp Thuân of Cô So'n Temple,438 Thù Village, Ai* Prefecture. No one knew where he came from. His family name was Do*. He was widely learned and skilled in poetry, and he possessed the talent of a royal minister, with clear understanding of contemporary affairs. As a child he had left home to become a
monk and studied with Zen Master Phù Trì439 of Long Thu* Temple. After attaining the Dharma, every word he uttered became prophetic.
When the [Former] Lê dynasty (980–1009) started to establish itself, he was instrumental in deciding its political policies. When independence was gained and the country was at peace,440 he did not hold any office, nor did he accept any reward. Emperor Lê Dai* Hành (r. 980–1005) respected him more and more. He never called him by his name but always referred to him as Ðô Pháp Su' [which means "Dharma Master Ðô"] and entrusted him with literary responsibilities. 441
Page 170
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the seventh year of the Tianfu era (986) the Song envoy Li Jue 442 came for some diplomatic mission. Emperor Lê Dai* Hành asked Pháp Thuan* to disguise
himself as a diplomatic officer443 to spy on Li Jue's activities. There happened to be a pair of wild geese swimming in the river. Li Jue playfully hummed: Geese, geese, a pair of wild geese,
Looking upward toward the sky. 444
Pháp Thuân, still holding on to the oar, completed the poem, chanting:
White feathers spread over blue water,
Red oars [49b] cutting through green waves. 445
Li Jue was greatly impressed by this.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Emperor Lê Ðai Hành once asked Pháp Thuân how long the good fortune of the state would last. Pháp Thuân said:
The good fortune of the country is like a spreading vine,
In the southern land there is great peace.
If Your Majesty stays in the palace without contrived activity,446 Then everywhere the clash of weapons will cease.
<><><><><><><><><><><><> In the second year of the Hu'ng Thong* era (990), Pháp Thuân passed away at the age of seventysix.
He had composed a onevolume work entitled Bo* Tát Hieu* Sám Hoi* Van* [A Bodhisattva's Words of Repentance],447 which circulated widely in the contemporary world.
Ma Ha
[49b5] Zen Master Ma Ha, formerly called Ma Ha Ma Da (Mahamaya*), of Quán Ái Temple, Dào Gia Village, Co* Miet*,448 was of Champa descent. His adopted family name was Du'o'ng. His father Boi* Ðà was learned in Buddhist literature and held the office of Boi* Truong* (formerly called Ðà Phiên )449 at the Lê court.
Ma Ha was erudite and sagacious: he mastered both Chinese and Sanskrit. At the age of twentyfour, he settled down at Quán Ái Temple to carry on his father's work.
Page 171
Once, while he was explaining a Buddhist sutra *, the Dharma Protector450 appeared and reproached him: "What is the use of external learning? 451 You surely can't comprehend its principle. " From this, Ma Ha lost his eyesight; deeply regretting his error, he was about to hurl himself into an abyss to commit suicide. Ðông Lâm
Vien*452 saw him and [50a] stopped him, saying: "Stop! Stop! " At these words, Ma Ha dissolved [into enlightenment].
Subsequently453 he came to Co* So'n Temple to study with Do* Pháp Thuan* and devoted himself to the practice of repentance as well as chanting the Great
Compassion Mind Mantra for three years without slacking off. Thus he was able to move Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara*,454 who poured pure water from her willow branch on his head and sprinkled his face and eyes. Ma Ha immediately regained his eyesight, and his mind became even more pure and calm.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the fifth year of the Thuân Thiên era (1014), Ma Ha moved to Mount Dai* Vân455 in Tru'ò'ng An. He practiced diligently every day and attained the "samadhi* of retention" and other magical skills. No one could fathom him.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Emperor Lê Ðai Hành456 had many times invited him to the court to inquire [about Buddhism], but [when questioned] Ma Ha only joined his palms and bowed his head. Only after Lê Ðai Hành had repeated his questions several times did he answer: "I'm just a crazy monk of Quán Ái Temple. " Lê Ðai Hành was enraged and ordered him to be held in custody at Van* Tue* Temple in the imperial palace, and assigned men to guard the door. The next morning, they saw him outside the monk quarters though the door remained locked as before. Lê Ðai Hành was amazed and set him free.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Once, Ma Ha traveled south to Ái Châu457 and arrived at Sa Ðãng Province. 458 The people there had the custom of worshipping ghosts and spirits, and most of them [were hunters and thus] were in the profession of taking lives. When Ma Ha exhorted them from eating meat, they all said: [50b] "It is our gods who bestow merit or impose misfortune—we dare not go against them. " Ma Ha said: "If you can renounce evil and do good, and there is any harm incurred, I will bear the responsibility for it. " The people in the village said: "For a long time in this area, there have been many people who die of leprosy. All the medicine men and sorcerers have given up [trying to cure this malady]. If you can cure it,
Page 172
we will follow your advice. " Ma Ha then blessed water with mantras and spat it on them—those who suffered from leprosy were immediately cured. Although they admired him, it was impossible to convert them overnight because they had been deeply influenced by these bad habits.
Once a village notable named Ngô was drunk, so he put wine and meat on the table and pressured Ma Ha [to consume them], saying: "If you can enjoy this with us, Master, then we will follow your teaching. " Ma Ha said: "I dare not refuse your kind invitation, I'm only afraid of a stomachache. " Ngô was pleased and said: "Should there be any stomachache, I will take it on for you. '' Ma Ha accepted his invitation. After a while, Ma Ha pretended to have a swollen stomach and from it came rumbling noises and heavy panting. Ma Ha cried out: "Mr. Ngô, why don't you take this pain for me? " Ngô's face became pale. He did not know what to do. Ma Ha then joined his palms together and chanted: "Homage to the Buddha, homage to the Dharma, homage to the Sangha. Please help me. " After a while, he spat out the meat, and it turned into animals that ran away; he spat out the fish, and it turned into live fishes flopping around on the ground; he spat out the wine, and it turned into verdigris. Everyone was appalled. Ma Ha said: "When you have a disease, [51a] I cure it. When I have a stomachache, you can't take it on for me. From now on are you going to follow my teaching? " The people [in the village] all paid homage and accepted his teaching. 4 5 9
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the second year of the Thiên Thành era (1029), Governor General Nguyen* Quang Loi* invited him to take over Khai Thiên Temple in Thái Bình Prefecture. After
living there for six years, Ma Ha left for Hoan Châu. 460 Nothing is known about his activities after that. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
The Diagram of {the Succession} of the Southern School said he was a Dharma heir of Nam Du'o'ng. This is incorrect. 461 Thien* Ông
(902–979)
Eleventh Generation:
Four Persons, Two Biographies Recorded
[51a6] Thiên Ông Dao* Gia* of Song Lâm Temple, Phù Ninh Village, Thiên Duc* Prefecture, hailed from Co* Pháp. His family name was Lu*. As a child he was already indifferent toward the mundane world. Afterward
Page 173
he left home to follow Elder Ðinh. 462 After receiving the Dharma, he passed away in the tenth year of the Thái Bình era (979) of the Dinh dynasty at the age of seventyeight.
Sùng Pham* (1004–1087)
[51a9] Zen Master Sùng Pham of Pháp Vân Temple, Co* Châu Village, Long Biên: his family name was Mâu. He was a man of extraordinary appearance: his earlobes reached his shoulders. 463 When he first renounced the mundane world, he went to study with Vô Ngai* of Hu'o'ng Thành Temple. After receiving the mind
seal, he traveled all over India to broaden his knowledge. After nine years he returned, [51b] clear in both discipline (sila*) and concentration (samadhi*).
He then came to Pháp Vân Temple to propagate these two methods. Students came to him as if going home. Emperor Lê Dai* Hành464 invited him to court many
times to inquire about the mysterious purport [of Buddhism]. Lê Ðai Hành treated him with appropriate etiquette and rewarded him munificently. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
Sùng Pham passed away in the third year, dinh* mão, of the Quang* Huu* era (1087) of the Lý dynasty at the age of eightyfour. Emperor Lý Nhân Tông had composed a verse in commemoration of him:
Sùng Pham hailed from the southern country,
He returned home successful with mind empty. 465
Long ears reflect his auspicious quality,
[He realized that] all phenomena are inherently detached
[from all forms] and extremely subtle. 466 Van* Hanh*
(? –1025)
Twelfth Generation:
Seven Persons, Five Biographies Recorded
[51b7] Zen Master Van* Hanh* of Luc* To* Temple, Dich* Bang* Village, Thiên Duc* Prefecture, hailed from Cô Pháp. His family name was Nguyen*. His family served the Buddha for generations. As a child he was outstanding
Page 174
and uncommon. He was vell versed in all three learnings 467 and had studied hundreds of [Buddhist] treatises. 468 He was plainly indifferent to fame and fortune. At the age of twentyone, he left home to become a monk, and together with Dinh* Hue*, he served Thien* Ông of Luc* To* Temple. Whenever he had time away from his
duties, he studied indefatigably. After Thiên Ông passed away, he devoted himself to the practice of retention (dharani*) and concentration (samadhi*). 469 From then on, [52a] every word he uttered became prophetic for the people. He was very much revered by Emperor Lê Dai* Hành.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the first year of the Tianfu era (980), the Song general Hou Renbao470 came to plunder and stationed his troops at Cu'o'ng Giap, Lãng So'n. Lê Ðai Hành summoned Van* Hanh* to the capital and asked: "[Are we going to] win or lose? " Van Hanh said: "The enemies will withdraw within twentyone days. " And so it turned out later.
When Lê Ðai Hành wanted to conquer Champa, he held long discussions [with court officials] without reaching any decision. Van Hanh submitted a memorial advising him to act quickly and not miss the opportunity. Afterward, Lê Ðai Hành in fact did win the war. 471
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When a wicked and treacherous man named Do* Ngân472 wanted to plot against him, Van Hanh knew about it beforehand. He sent Ngân a verse that said:
Earth ( ) are mutually produced,473
silver ( ) go together,474
Why harbor a plot against me? 475
The sadness I felt then is ended,476
In the future477 I will bear you no grudge.
Dô Ngân was afraid and canceled his plot. There were many instances like this of his knowledge of the future and his insight into the past. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
At this time Lê Ngoa* Trieu* (r. 1005–1009)478 was on the throne, a cruel tyrant. Both Heaven and men detested his behavior. Emperor Lý Thái Tô was then his bodyguard and had not ascended the throne. During those years strange omens appeared incessantly in many forms: a white dog with hair in his back that looked like the charaters thiên tu'* (Son of Heaven)479 appeared in the Hàm Toai* Hall, Ú'ng Thái Tâm Temple, Co* Pháp Prefecture; lightning struck the kapok tree and left writings [52b]
Page 175
on its trunk; 480 sounds of chanting at night were heard around the grave of Great Lord Hien* Khánh;481 insects gnawed at the bark of a bastard banyan tree at Song Lâm Temple, forming the character quoc* (nation). Everything was explained as omens that the [Former] Lê dynasty was going to collapse and the Lý was going to flourish.
Therefore, on the day when Lý Thái To* ascended the throne, Van* Hanh* was at Luc* Tô Temple, but he already knew in advance about the event and told the two
uncles482 of Thái Tô: "The Son of Heaven has passed away. The Bodyguard is in duty [in the imperial palace]. Thousands of Lý men are inside the city [ready to act]. Before the day is out, the Bodyguard will control the country. "
He then placed an announcement at the crossroads that said:
The thorns483 sink into the North Sea,
The Plum tree484 grows under the southern sky.
On all sides the weapons are silent,
In all areas the people celebrate peace.
At these words the two lords were very afraid and sent their men to hasten the imperial palace for information. It turned out to be exactly as Van Hanh said. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
On the fifteenth day of the fifth month of the sixteenth year, at* suu*, of the Thuan* Thiên era (1025),485 without any illness, Van Hanh spoke a verse:
The body is like lightning: it's there and then it's not, It is like myriad plants and trees—fresh in the spring
but fading in autumn.
Trust in your destiny unafraid of ups and downs,
Because ups and downs are [as evanescent] as drops of dew
on a blade of grass. 486
He again instructed his students: "Where do you want to abide? I abide without abiding place, but do not [53a] depend on not abiding to abide. " Shortly after that he
passed away.
The emperor, court literati, and common people [were present as they] cremated his body, collected the relics, and built a stupa to worship them. Lý Nhân Tông had written a poem to commemorate him:
Van Hanh fused present, past, and future,
He matched the workings of ancient prophecies.
His native village was Co* Pháp,
He planted his staff there to guard the royal territory. 487
Page 176
Dinh * Hue*
[53a14] Zen Master Dinh Hue of Quang Hu'ng Temple, An Trinh Village, Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from Cam* Dien*, Phong Châu. 488 His family name was Khúc. At first, he and Van* Hanh* served Thien* Ông. Afterward, Ðinh Huê received the mindseal from Thiên Ông. When he passed away he transmitted it to his disciple Lâm Huê Sinh.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
[53b] The Nam Tông Tu'* Pháp Do* [The Diagram of the Dharma Succession of the Southern School] says he succeeded Van Hanh. This might be wrong. I am now following the original biography.
Dao* Hanh* (? –1117)
[53b3] Zen Master Ðao Hanh of Thiên Phúc Temple,489 Mount Phat* Tích,490 had the family name Tù'. His personal name was Lo*. His father Vinh held the office of General Supervisor of MonkOfficers. Vinh used to study at An Lãng Village.
Nghi said: "He buried his shoe in the coffin. "387 Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "In terms of cheating people, Thân Nghi ranks first. " Thân Nghi said: "You can't say that Song Yun spread a false rumor; what about the fact that Zhuangdi
Page 160
did open the coffin? " Thu'ò'ng Chieu * shouted: "A dog barks at nothing. "388 Than* Nghi said: "Do you follow conventions or not, Master? '' Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "Yes, I do. " Thân Nghi said: "Why so? " Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "Because I'm in the same line with them. " Thân Nghi was abruptly awakened; then he bowed down and said: "I have misunderstood everything. " Thu'ò'ng Chiêu shouted. Thân Nghi again said: "I have served you for many years, but I don't know who was the first to transmit this Dharma? Pray instruct me about the successive generations of this Dharma transmission so that I know about its source. " Thu'ò'ng Chiêu praised him for
his earnestness. He took out the Chieu* Doi* Ban* [Collated Biographies] of Thông Bien*389 as well as the latter's record of the transmission lines of Zen that analyzes the Dharma succession according to schools, and showed them to him. After looking at them, Thân Nghi asked: "Why were the two schools of Nguyen* Dai* Ðiên and Nguyên Bát Nhã390 not recorded? " [40b] Thu'ò'ng Chiêu said: "There must be a good reason for Thông Bien's* idea [not to record them]. "
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
On the eighteenth day of the second month of the sixth year, bính tí, of the Kien* Gia era (1216), Thân Nghi gave his disciple An* Không the Nam Tông Tu'* Pháp
Do* [Diagram of the Dharma Succession of the Southern School],391 which Thu'ò'ng Chiêu had handed down to him, and instructed Ân Không: "Although things are chaotic these days, you should carefully preserve this. Don't let it be destroyed in the wars, so our ancestral teaching will not disappear. " After speaking these words, he passed away.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Ân Không formerly lived at Luong* Châu District, Na Ngan* Prefecture. 392 His sobriquet was Great Master Na Ngan.
Tú'c Lu*
Fourteenth Generation:
Five Persons, Two Biographies Recorded
[40b6] Zen Master Tú'c Lu' (another source says Tinh* Lu') of Thông Thánh Temple, Chu Minh Village, Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from Chu Minh. As a child he was brilliant and studied all the conventional literature. One day, he abandoned what he had been studying. He came to serve Layman Thông Thien* in order to enquire about the mysterious essence [of Buddhism].
Page 161
Once on a daybreak after the summer retreat, Tú'c Lu * set a trap and shot down a brook ouzel. He brought it back and gave it to Thông Thien*. Thông Thiên was shocked and said: "You are a monk, why do you commit a killing? What are you going to do about the future retribution? " Tú'c Lu' said: "At that time I didn't see that animal there, nor did I see my own body there, nor was I cognizant of the retribution for killing. That was why I did what [41a] I did. " Thông Thiên knew that Tú'c Lu' was a vessel of the Dharma,393 so he summoned Tú'c Lu' to his private room and intimately transmitted the mind seal to him, saying: "If you function at that level, even
if you commit the five sins and the seven obscurations,394 you still attain Buddhahood. " A monk who stood nearby eavesdropping cried out: "How miserable! Even if there were such a thing, I would not take it! " Thông Thiên shouted: ''Thief! Thief! Don't let this bad man get his way! " At these words Tú'c Lu' was spiritually awakened.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Finally, he returned to Thông Thánh Temple to explore the intent of Zen. A virtuous student called Layman Ú'ng Thuan* was his successor.
Hien* Quang (? –1221)
[41a7] Zen Master Hiên Quang of Mount Yên Tu'*395 hailed from the capital. His family name was Lê, and his personal name was Thuan*. He had a soft voice and a fair appearance. As a child he was orphaned and went through many hardships. When he was eleven years old, Master Thu'ò'ng Chieu* of Luc* To* Temple saw him, took him in, and ordained him as a disciple. He was unusually bright in his studies, reading tens of thousands of words every day. Within less than ten years he
became versed in the three learnings. 396 As for the essential message of Zen, he had not yet discovered it when Thu'ò'ng Chiêu passed away.
Afterward, whenever he was debating about the essence of mind with someone, [41b] he was sure to be defeated. He always castigated himself: "I'm like the son of a rich family who was arrogant and idle beyond measure when his parents were alive; so when his parents died he became lonely and confused and had no idea where the family jewels were, and he ended up a poor man. "397
So he then traveled from monastery to monastery seeking adepts to study with. Finally, he abruptly awakened to the mindground at a word by Master Trí Thông at Thánh Qua* Temple. Therefore, he stayed and served Thông.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Once because he received alms from Princess Hoa Du'o'ng, 398 sharp criticism arose. When he learned about this, he said: "If you get involved with the mundane world, you won't avoid slander and insult. Why should I be in that situation? Moreover, the Bodhisattva Path is wide and the BuddhaDharma is immeasurable. Even a gentleman of the Mean still sometimes feels confused and distressed. If I'm not sharp and alert, if I do not arm myself with patience (ksanti*) and energy (virya*), then how can I attack the armies of delusion and smash their afflictions? How can I attain supreme enlightenment? " He then went directly to Mount Uyên Trù'ng, Nghe* An Prefecture, and received ordination from Zen Master Pháp Gió'i.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
One day Hien* Quang saw an attendant carrying a bowl of rice who accidentally dropped it on the ground. The attendant panicked and tried to scoop up the rice, which was already mixed up with earth. [42a] Hiên Quang felt regret [for his own shortcomings] and said to himself: "If I go through life without benefiting people, and trouble them for their offerings in vain, it will make this kind of thing happen. " So he used leaves to make his garments and ceased eating rice for ten years. Finally, in
order to build a place to stay in his old age, he went to Mount Tù' So'n; there he built a straw hut and settled down. Everytime he did a sutra* circumambulation399 in the forest, he always carried a cloth bag at the top of his walking staff. 400 Wherever he sat down or lay down, all the wild animals that saw him became tame.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Emperor Lý Hue* Tông (r. 1211–1225)401 admired his lofty footsteps and many times prepared offerings and invited him [to the capital]. Hiên Quang hid and sent his attendant to reply to the envoy: "For many years I have lived on the emperor's land, enjoying his grace, making this mountain my home to serve Buddha. Yet after many years I have not achieved any merit and I myself am very disappointed and ashamed. Now if I see the emperor, not only will it do nothing to help in governing the people, but it will also attract people's censure. Moreover, at the present time the BuddhaDharma is flourishing, and all the adepts of Buddhism have already assembled in the imperial palace. Look at this lowly rustic monk who takes refuge in the Dharma on this mountain—what reason has he to be there? " From that point on he decided never to leave the mountain again.
Page 162
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
A monk asked: "Since you've been on this mountain, what have you been doing? " [42b] Hien * Quang said:
Emulating the virtue of Xu You,402
How could I know how many springs in a lifetime? Without contrived activity I live freely in the wide
countryside,
An independent man, wandering happy and content.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the spring of the eleventh year, tân ti*, of the Kien* Gia era (1120), when he was about to pass away, Hiên Quang sat upright on a boulder and spoke a verse:
Illusory phenomena are all illusions, Illusory practices are all illusions.
If you don't adhere to these two illusions, That removes all illusions.
Then he calmly passed away. His disciple Dao* Viên prepared the funeral ceremony and buried him in a grotto. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
The Tu'* Ngu Tap*403 says: "Hiên Quang died, nobody knows where. "
Ú'ng Vu'o'ng
Fifteenth Generation:
Seven Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[42b7] Layman Ú'ng Vu'o'ng404 hailed from Gió'i Thi* Quarter in the capital Thang* Long. His family name was Do*, his personal name was Van*. He was broad minded by nature and not very keen for worldly affairs. At first, he served in the court of Chiêu Lang*;405 later on he reached the office of Middle Grade Royal Servitor. During his leisure time he devoted himself to studying Zen, never laying down the books. He investigated the patriarchs' intent and realized the mindsource. He was a disciple of Master Tú'c Lu* of Thông Thánh Temple and profoundly grasped his intimate secrets. Through Master Tú'c Lu', with his unobstructed Dharma eye, Ú'ng Vu'o'ng reached higher and higher levels: he received [43a] the mindseal and got the transmission.
Page 163
In the end he became the eyes and ears of the Buddhist community and equaled [teachers] like National Preceptor Nhat * Tông, and Zen Masters Tiêu Diêu, Gió'i Minh, Gió'i Viên. 406
Vinitaruci* (? –594)
[44a2] Zen Master Vinitaruci (Ty* Ni Ða Lu'u Chi)407 of Pháp Vân Temple, Co* Châu Village, Long Biên Province,408 hailed from South India. He belonged to a Brahman lineage. 409 As a young man he already harbored the aspiration to go beyond the conventional world: he wandered throughout India searching for the seal of the Buddhamind. However, his affinity for the Dharma was not met there, so he carried his monk's staff to East Asia.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the sixth year, nhâm ngo*, of the Dajian era (574) of the Chen dynasty, Vinitaruci first arrived in Chang'an [the capital of North China] right at the time when Emperor Wu of the Zhou dynasty was trying to destroy Buddhism. 410 He then traveled to Yeh [the capital of south China]. At that time, the third Zen Patriarch
Sengcan,411 in order to escape political disturbances, had taken his robe and bowl and hidden himself on Mount Sikong. When Vinitaruci met Sengcan and saw his uncommon behavior, his attitude was one of deep respect: three times he came before Sengcan and stood with folded arms. Sengcan just sat there with his eyes closed, saying nothing. While Vinitaruci stood there pondering, he emptied through and seemed to have attainment, so he prostrated himself three times. Sengcan only nodded his head three times. Vinitaruci took three steps backward and said: "I come here at a very inconvenient time, yet I beg you, Venerable Sir, to show compassion and permit me to serve by your side. " Sengcan said: "You should immediately go south [44b] to receive students, it's not fitting for you to remain here too long. " Vinitaruci then bid farewell to Sengcan and traveled alone to Zhi Zhi Temple in Guangzhou. He remained there for about six years and translated the
Gayasirsa*, the Differentiation of Karmic Reward,412 and other works.
In the third month of the second year, canh tí, of the Daxiang era (580) of the Zhou dynasty, he arrived in our country [Vietnam] and settled down at Pháp Vân
Temple. He retranslated the Dharani* Sutra*413 in one volume.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
One day, Vinitaruci414 called his advanced student Pháp Hien* to his private room and said: "The mindseal of the Buddhas surely does not
Page 164
deceive us—it is as perfect as space, without lack or surplus, 415 without going or coming, without gain or loss. It is neither one nor many, neither permanent nor impermanent. It has no origination or annihilation, it is neither detached nor not detached. Names are only established provisionally according to temporary circumstances. All the Buddhas of past, present, and future rely on this to attain enlightenment, and so do the successive generations of patriarchs. I rely on this to attain enlightenment, and so do you, and so do all sentient and nonsentient beings—they all rely on this to attain enlightenment. Moreover, when my patriarch Sengcan transmitted this mindseal to me, he told me to go south quickly to communicate it, because it was not right [45a] for me to remain there [in China] too long. It's been a long time since then, and now I have met you. After all, this agrees with his prediction. Now you must preserve it well. It's time for me to leave this world. " After speaking these words, Vinitaruci* joined his palms and passed away. Pháp Hien* cremated his body, collected his fivecolored relics, and built a stupa to house them. It was the fourteenth year, giáp dan*, of the Kaihuang era of the Sui dynasty (594).
Lý Thái Tông wrote a poem to commemorate Vinitaruci:
When you first came to this southern country,
Everyone knew that you had practiced Zen for a long time. You had to open the way for faith in the Buddhas,
So that people of later generations could live in accord
with the one mind, the source.
The moon over Lanka is bright,
The lotus flower of transcendent wisdom is fragrant, When can I see you face to face416
So we can discuss the arcane lore together?
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
He also conferred on him the title Master Vinitaruci of Pháp Vân Temple. 417 Pháp Hiên
( ? –626)
First Generation: One Person
[45a9] Zen Master Pháp Hiên of Chúng Thien* Temple, Mount Thiên Phúc, Tiên Du—second generation [of the Vinitaruci school]—hailed from Chu Diên. 418 His family name was Do*. He was over seven feet tall. At first, he was ordained by Master Quán Duyên419 of Pháp Vân Temple.
Page 165
He became Quán Duyên's disciple and every day listened to the latter's teaching on the essence of Zen.
When Vinitaruci * [45b] first came from Guangzhou and lodged at Pháp Vân Temple and met Pháp Hien*, he looked him over carefully and said: "What is your name? " Pháp Hiên said: "What is your name, Master? " Vinitaruci said: "You do not have a name? " Pháp Hiên said: "Of course I have a name, but how can you understand it? " Vinitaruci scolded him, saying: "Why use understanding? ''420 Pháp Hiên was abruptly awakened and bowed down. He then received the mindseal from Vinitaruci.
After Vinitaruci passed away, Pháp Hiên went directly to Mount Tù' So'n to practice meditation. He looked like a withered tree—things and self were both forgotten. Birds and beasts became tame and liked to linger around him. People heard about his virtue and came to study with him in countless numbers. So Pháp Hiên built a
temple and admitted students. Monks in residence usually numbered over three hundred. The southern school of Zen421 has flourished ever since. Chinese Military Governor Liu Fang also informed the Chinese court [about Pháp Hien's* activities]. When Sui Gaozu learned that this land (Viet Nam) admired Buddhism and produced eminent monks of renowned virtue, he dispatched an envoy to bring Buddha relics and five boxes of official credentials, and he ordered Pháp Hiên to build a stupa to worship them. 422 Pháp Hiên built a stupa at Pháp Vân Temple, Luy Lâu, and at famous temples in Phong, Hoan, Truong, and Ái provinces. This is recorded in detail in the biography of Zen Master Thông Bien*.
Pháp Hiên passed away in the ninth year, bính tuat*, of the Wude era (626) of the Tang dynasty. Thanh Biên
( ? –686)
Second Generation: One Person
Third Generation: One Person
Fourth Generation: One Person
[46a5] Zen Master Thanh Biên of Kien* Du'o'ng Temple, Hoa Lâm District,423 Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from Co* Giao. 424 His family name was Do*. At the
age of twelve, he came to study with Master Pháp Dang* of Pho* Quang Temple. 425 When Pháp Ðang was about to pass away, Thanh Biên asked: "After you're gone, Master, where should I turn? "
Page 166
Page 167
Pháp Dang * said: "You only have Sùng Nghiep*. " Thanh Bien* was confused and could not understand. After Pháp Ðang passed away, he devoted himself to chanting the Diamond Sutra*.
One day, a Zen man visited him. After a while, the man asked: "This sutra* is the mother of Buddhas of past, present, and future—what is the meaning of 'the mother of Buddhas'? " Thanh Biên said: "I have been chanting the sutra but I do not yet understand its meaning. " The man asked: ''How long have you been chanting this sutra? " Thanh Biên said: "Eight years. " The man [46b] said: "If you have been chanting the sutra like this for eight years and still can't understand its meaning, then even if you chant it for a hundred years, what will it accomplish? " Thanh Biên bowed down to the Zen man and asked for instruction. The man told him to go to Master Hue* Nghiêm of Sùng Nghiêp Temple for instruction. Thanh Biên felt relieved and said: "Only now do I realize that Pháp Dang's* words have turned out to be true. " He then followed the man to Sùng Nghiêp Temple.
[As soon as Thanh Biên arrived there,] Huê Nghiêm asked: "What are you coming here for? " Thanh Biên said: "There's something in my mind that is not settled. " Huê Nghiêm said: "What is it that is not settled with you? " Thanh Biên told him about the previous conversation. Huê Nghiêm sighed and said: "You yourself forget. Don't you remember that the sutra said, 'The Buddhas of past, present, and future and their perfect enlightenment (anuttarasamyaksambodhi*), too, all come from this sutra. '426 Isn't this the meaning of 'the mother of Buddhas'? " Thanh Biên said: "Yes, yes, I was confusing myself. " Huê Nghiêm again asked: "Who speaks this sutra? " Thanh Biên said: "Isn't it the Tathagata* who speaks it? " Huê Nghiêm said: "It is said in the sutra that 'if anyone says that the Tathagata has said something, he is slandering the Buddha; such a person [47a] cannot understand the meaning of my teaching. Contemplate well on this. If someone says that this sutra is not spoken by the Buddha, then that person is slandering the sutra. But if someone insists that it is the Buddha who speaks, then that person is slandering the Buddha. ' What do you
think about this? Speak quickly! Speak quickly! "427 Thanh Biên was about to open his mouth when Huê Nghiêm suddenly struck him on the mouth with his whisk. Thanh Biên was abruptly awakened and bowed down.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Finally, he came to Kien* Du'o'ng Temple to teach students. When his teaching mission was finished, he passed away in the second year, bính tuat*, of the Chuigong era (685) of the Tang dynasty.
Dinh * Không ( ? –808)
Fifth Generation: One Person
Sixth Generation: One Person
Seventh Generation: No Biography Recorded
Eighth Generation:
Three Persons, Only One Biography Recorded
[47a10] Zen Master Dinh Không of Thien* Chúng Temple,428 Dich* Bang* Village, Thiên Dú'c Prefecture, hailed from Co* Pháp. 429 His family name was Nguyen*. His family had been distinguished for generations.
He was a man with a profound knowledge of the destiny of the world. His demeanor was exemplary. [47b] People in the village revered and served him, and all referred to him as "the Elder. "
Late in his life, through listening to the teaching of Nam Du'o'ng of Long Tuyen* Temple, he was able to grasp the essence of Buddhism. Since then he turned his mind toward the teaching of Buddha.
During the Chenyuan era (785–804) of the Tang dynasty, he built the Quynh* Lâm Temple at his native village. When they first excavated to lay the foundation, they found one incense burner and ten stone chimes. Ðinh Không asked people to wash them in the river. One of them fell into the water and sank right to the earthen bed
of the river. Ðinh Không explained this event: "The character thap* ( : earth) is where we are living, [these chimes] came from the earth. " Therefore, he changed his village's name to Cô Pháp (formerly called Diên Uan*) and composed a verse:
This land offers Dharma vessels,
Purest firstclass bronze.
It is a site where BuddhaDharma flourishes, Therefore, I give this district the name Cô Pháp
[Ancient Dharma].
He also said: "The Dharma vessels appeared as ten copper bells—this means that [a man named] Lý will become emperor and become successful in three categories. " And:
Thap* ( ),
Make up the name of this village.
When the rooster dwells behind the month of the rat,431 This is when the Three Jewels flourish.
Page 168
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When Dinh * Không was about to pass away, he instructed his disciple Thông Thien*: "I had wished to enlarge our home area, yet I was afraid that we would meet with disaster midway. [48a] Some uncanny man is sure to come and destroy our land. (Later on Gao Pian432 of the Tang did come and cast a spell on this area. ) After I die, you should preserve our Dharma well. When you meet a man named Ðinh, you must transmit it to him; then my wish will be fulfilled. "
After speaking these words, he bid farewell to his disciples and passed away. He was seventynine years old: it was in the third year, bính tí, of the Yuanhe era (808) of the Tang dynasty. Thông Thiên built a stupa to the west of Luc* To* Temple, recorded his instructions, and interred him there.
La Quí (851–936)
Ninth Generation:
Three Persons, No Biography Recorded
Tenth Generation:
Four Persons, Three Biographies Recorded
[48a7] The Elder La Quí433 of Song Lâm Temple, Phù Ninh Village, Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from An Chân. His family name was Ðinh. When he was young, he wandered everywhere to study with Zen adepts. Many years passed by and he still had not met with the appropriate condition to realize the Dharma, and he was almost ready to give up. Then he heard of Thông Thiên of Thien* Chúng Temple: in his assembly at one word the mindground opened up for him. So he stayed on and earnestly served Thông Thiên. When Thông Thiên was about to pass away, he instructed La Quí: "Formerly, my teacher Ðinh Không had instructed me to preserve our Dharma and to pass it on to a man named Ðinh. You are the right man for it. Now it's time for me [48b] to leave this world. "
After receiving the Dharma, La Quí traveled all over teaching and converting people. He chose a piece of land and built a temple. Every word he uttered was sure to be prophetic. He cast a golden statue of the Sixth Patriarch at Luc Tô Temple. Afterward he was concerned that thieves might steal it, so he had the statue buried in front of the temple, and left his instructions:
When there is a wise king it will appear,
In the time of an ignorant ruler it will conceal itself.
Page 169
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When he was about to pass away, he instructed his disciple Thien * Ông: "Formerly, Gao Pian434 constructed a fortress by the Tô Lich* River435 because he knew that our territory Co* Pháp has a royal aura. He excavated and disconnected nineteen locations such as the Diem* River, the Phù Chan* Pond in order to suppress it.
I have advised Khúc Lãm to fill them in and restore them. I also have a kapok tree436 planted at Minh Châu Temple to secure those disconnected locations. I know that in the future a good king is sure to appear to support and nourish our true Dharma. After I die, you should try to build an earthen stupa and hide the Dharma in it. Do not let [unworthy] people see it. " After speaking these words, he passed away. He was eightyfive years old: it was the third year, bính thân, of the Qingtai era (936) of the Tang dynasty.
When La Quí planted that kapok tree, he wrote a verse:
[49a] On the great mountain the dragon's head rises, The baby dragon's tail hides the jewel's light. Eighteen sons will succeed—437
The kapok tree shows a dragon's form.
In the month of rat, day of rooster, hour of rabbit, We're sure to see the sun come forth in purity.
Pháp Thuan* ( ? –990)
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
[49a2] Zen Master Pháp Thuân of Cô So'n Temple,438 Thù Village, Ai* Prefecture. No one knew where he came from. His family name was Do*. He was widely learned and skilled in poetry, and he possessed the talent of a royal minister, with clear understanding of contemporary affairs. As a child he had left home to become a
monk and studied with Zen Master Phù Trì439 of Long Thu* Temple. After attaining the Dharma, every word he uttered became prophetic.
When the [Former] Lê dynasty (980–1009) started to establish itself, he was instrumental in deciding its political policies. When independence was gained and the country was at peace,440 he did not hold any office, nor did he accept any reward. Emperor Lê Dai* Hành (r. 980–1005) respected him more and more. He never called him by his name but always referred to him as Ðô Pháp Su' [which means "Dharma Master Ðô"] and entrusted him with literary responsibilities. 441
Page 170
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the seventh year of the Tianfu era (986) the Song envoy Li Jue 442 came for some diplomatic mission. Emperor Lê Dai* Hành asked Pháp Thuan* to disguise
himself as a diplomatic officer443 to spy on Li Jue's activities. There happened to be a pair of wild geese swimming in the river. Li Jue playfully hummed: Geese, geese, a pair of wild geese,
Looking upward toward the sky. 444
Pháp Thuân, still holding on to the oar, completed the poem, chanting:
White feathers spread over blue water,
Red oars [49b] cutting through green waves. 445
Li Jue was greatly impressed by this.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Emperor Lê Ðai Hành once asked Pháp Thuân how long the good fortune of the state would last. Pháp Thuân said:
The good fortune of the country is like a spreading vine,
In the southern land there is great peace.
If Your Majesty stays in the palace without contrived activity,446 Then everywhere the clash of weapons will cease.
<><><><><><><><><><><><> In the second year of the Hu'ng Thong* era (990), Pháp Thuân passed away at the age of seventysix.
He had composed a onevolume work entitled Bo* Tát Hieu* Sám Hoi* Van* [A Bodhisattva's Words of Repentance],447 which circulated widely in the contemporary world.
Ma Ha
[49b5] Zen Master Ma Ha, formerly called Ma Ha Ma Da (Mahamaya*), of Quán Ái Temple, Dào Gia Village, Co* Miet*,448 was of Champa descent. His adopted family name was Du'o'ng. His father Boi* Ðà was learned in Buddhist literature and held the office of Boi* Truong* (formerly called Ðà Phiên )449 at the Lê court.
Ma Ha was erudite and sagacious: he mastered both Chinese and Sanskrit. At the age of twentyfour, he settled down at Quán Ái Temple to carry on his father's work.
Page 171
Once, while he was explaining a Buddhist sutra *, the Dharma Protector450 appeared and reproached him: "What is the use of external learning? 451 You surely can't comprehend its principle. " From this, Ma Ha lost his eyesight; deeply regretting his error, he was about to hurl himself into an abyss to commit suicide. Ðông Lâm
Vien*452 saw him and [50a] stopped him, saying: "Stop! Stop! " At these words, Ma Ha dissolved [into enlightenment].
Subsequently453 he came to Co* So'n Temple to study with Do* Pháp Thuan* and devoted himself to the practice of repentance as well as chanting the Great
Compassion Mind Mantra for three years without slacking off. Thus he was able to move Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara*,454 who poured pure water from her willow branch on his head and sprinkled his face and eyes. Ma Ha immediately regained his eyesight, and his mind became even more pure and calm.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the fifth year of the Thuân Thiên era (1014), Ma Ha moved to Mount Dai* Vân455 in Tru'ò'ng An. He practiced diligently every day and attained the "samadhi* of retention" and other magical skills. No one could fathom him.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Emperor Lê Ðai Hành456 had many times invited him to the court to inquire [about Buddhism], but [when questioned] Ma Ha only joined his palms and bowed his head. Only after Lê Ðai Hành had repeated his questions several times did he answer: "I'm just a crazy monk of Quán Ái Temple. " Lê Ðai Hành was enraged and ordered him to be held in custody at Van* Tue* Temple in the imperial palace, and assigned men to guard the door. The next morning, they saw him outside the monk quarters though the door remained locked as before. Lê Ðai Hành was amazed and set him free.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Once, Ma Ha traveled south to Ái Châu457 and arrived at Sa Ðãng Province. 458 The people there had the custom of worshipping ghosts and spirits, and most of them [were hunters and thus] were in the profession of taking lives. When Ma Ha exhorted them from eating meat, they all said: [50b] "It is our gods who bestow merit or impose misfortune—we dare not go against them. " Ma Ha said: "If you can renounce evil and do good, and there is any harm incurred, I will bear the responsibility for it. " The people in the village said: "For a long time in this area, there have been many people who die of leprosy. All the medicine men and sorcerers have given up [trying to cure this malady]. If you can cure it,
Page 172
we will follow your advice. " Ma Ha then blessed water with mantras and spat it on them—those who suffered from leprosy were immediately cured. Although they admired him, it was impossible to convert them overnight because they had been deeply influenced by these bad habits.
Once a village notable named Ngô was drunk, so he put wine and meat on the table and pressured Ma Ha [to consume them], saying: "If you can enjoy this with us, Master, then we will follow your teaching. " Ma Ha said: "I dare not refuse your kind invitation, I'm only afraid of a stomachache. " Ngô was pleased and said: "Should there be any stomachache, I will take it on for you. '' Ma Ha accepted his invitation. After a while, Ma Ha pretended to have a swollen stomach and from it came rumbling noises and heavy panting. Ma Ha cried out: "Mr. Ngô, why don't you take this pain for me? " Ngô's face became pale. He did not know what to do. Ma Ha then joined his palms together and chanted: "Homage to the Buddha, homage to the Dharma, homage to the Sangha. Please help me. " After a while, he spat out the meat, and it turned into animals that ran away; he spat out the fish, and it turned into live fishes flopping around on the ground; he spat out the wine, and it turned into verdigris. Everyone was appalled. Ma Ha said: "When you have a disease, [51a] I cure it. When I have a stomachache, you can't take it on for me. From now on are you going to follow my teaching? " The people [in the village] all paid homage and accepted his teaching. 4 5 9
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the second year of the Thiên Thành era (1029), Governor General Nguyen* Quang Loi* invited him to take over Khai Thiên Temple in Thái Bình Prefecture. After
living there for six years, Ma Ha left for Hoan Châu. 460 Nothing is known about his activities after that. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
The Diagram of {the Succession} of the Southern School said he was a Dharma heir of Nam Du'o'ng. This is incorrect. 461 Thien* Ông
(902–979)
Eleventh Generation:
Four Persons, Two Biographies Recorded
[51a6] Thiên Ông Dao* Gia* of Song Lâm Temple, Phù Ninh Village, Thiên Duc* Prefecture, hailed from Co* Pháp. His family name was Lu*. As a child he was already indifferent toward the mundane world. Afterward
Page 173
he left home to follow Elder Ðinh. 462 After receiving the Dharma, he passed away in the tenth year of the Thái Bình era (979) of the Dinh dynasty at the age of seventyeight.
Sùng Pham* (1004–1087)
[51a9] Zen Master Sùng Pham of Pháp Vân Temple, Co* Châu Village, Long Biên: his family name was Mâu. He was a man of extraordinary appearance: his earlobes reached his shoulders. 463 When he first renounced the mundane world, he went to study with Vô Ngai* of Hu'o'ng Thành Temple. After receiving the mind
seal, he traveled all over India to broaden his knowledge. After nine years he returned, [51b] clear in both discipline (sila*) and concentration (samadhi*).
He then came to Pháp Vân Temple to propagate these two methods. Students came to him as if going home. Emperor Lê Dai* Hành464 invited him to court many
times to inquire about the mysterious purport [of Buddhism]. Lê Ðai Hành treated him with appropriate etiquette and rewarded him munificently. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
Sùng Pham passed away in the third year, dinh* mão, of the Quang* Huu* era (1087) of the Lý dynasty at the age of eightyfour. Emperor Lý Nhân Tông had composed a verse in commemoration of him:
Sùng Pham hailed from the southern country,
He returned home successful with mind empty. 465
Long ears reflect his auspicious quality,
[He realized that] all phenomena are inherently detached
[from all forms] and extremely subtle. 466 Van* Hanh*
(? –1025)
Twelfth Generation:
Seven Persons, Five Biographies Recorded
[51b7] Zen Master Van* Hanh* of Luc* To* Temple, Dich* Bang* Village, Thiên Duc* Prefecture, hailed from Cô Pháp. His family name was Nguyen*. His family served the Buddha for generations. As a child he was outstanding
Page 174
and uncommon. He was vell versed in all three learnings 467 and had studied hundreds of [Buddhist] treatises. 468 He was plainly indifferent to fame and fortune. At the age of twentyone, he left home to become a monk, and together with Dinh* Hue*, he served Thien* Ông of Luc* To* Temple. Whenever he had time away from his
duties, he studied indefatigably. After Thiên Ông passed away, he devoted himself to the practice of retention (dharani*) and concentration (samadhi*). 469 From then on, [52a] every word he uttered became prophetic for the people. He was very much revered by Emperor Lê Dai* Hành.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
In the first year of the Tianfu era (980), the Song general Hou Renbao470 came to plunder and stationed his troops at Cu'o'ng Giap, Lãng So'n. Lê Ðai Hành summoned Van* Hanh* to the capital and asked: "[Are we going to] win or lose? " Van Hanh said: "The enemies will withdraw within twentyone days. " And so it turned out later.
When Lê Ðai Hành wanted to conquer Champa, he held long discussions [with court officials] without reaching any decision. Van Hanh submitted a memorial advising him to act quickly and not miss the opportunity. Afterward, Lê Ðai Hành in fact did win the war. 471
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
When a wicked and treacherous man named Do* Ngân472 wanted to plot against him, Van Hanh knew about it beforehand. He sent Ngân a verse that said:
Earth ( ) are mutually produced,473
silver ( ) go together,474
Why harbor a plot against me? 475
The sadness I felt then is ended,476
In the future477 I will bear you no grudge.
Dô Ngân was afraid and canceled his plot. There were many instances like this of his knowledge of the future and his insight into the past. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
At this time Lê Ngoa* Trieu* (r. 1005–1009)478 was on the throne, a cruel tyrant. Both Heaven and men detested his behavior. Emperor Lý Thái Tô was then his bodyguard and had not ascended the throne. During those years strange omens appeared incessantly in many forms: a white dog with hair in his back that looked like the charaters thiên tu'* (Son of Heaven)479 appeared in the Hàm Toai* Hall, Ú'ng Thái Tâm Temple, Co* Pháp Prefecture; lightning struck the kapok tree and left writings [52b]
Page 175
on its trunk; 480 sounds of chanting at night were heard around the grave of Great Lord Hien* Khánh;481 insects gnawed at the bark of a bastard banyan tree at Song Lâm Temple, forming the character quoc* (nation). Everything was explained as omens that the [Former] Lê dynasty was going to collapse and the Lý was going to flourish.
Therefore, on the day when Lý Thái To* ascended the throne, Van* Hanh* was at Luc* Tô Temple, but he already knew in advance about the event and told the two
uncles482 of Thái Tô: "The Son of Heaven has passed away. The Bodyguard is in duty [in the imperial palace]. Thousands of Lý men are inside the city [ready to act]. Before the day is out, the Bodyguard will control the country. "
He then placed an announcement at the crossroads that said:
The thorns483 sink into the North Sea,
The Plum tree484 grows under the southern sky.
On all sides the weapons are silent,
In all areas the people celebrate peace.
At these words the two lords were very afraid and sent their men to hasten the imperial palace for information. It turned out to be exactly as Van Hanh said. <><><><><><><><><><><><>
On the fifteenth day of the fifth month of the sixteenth year, at* suu*, of the Thuan* Thiên era (1025),485 without any illness, Van Hanh spoke a verse:
The body is like lightning: it's there and then it's not, It is like myriad plants and trees—fresh in the spring
but fading in autumn.
Trust in your destiny unafraid of ups and downs,
Because ups and downs are [as evanescent] as drops of dew
on a blade of grass. 486
He again instructed his students: "Where do you want to abide? I abide without abiding place, but do not [53a] depend on not abiding to abide. " Shortly after that he
passed away.
The emperor, court literati, and common people [were present as they] cremated his body, collected the relics, and built a stupa to worship them. Lý Nhân Tông had written a poem to commemorate him:
Van Hanh fused present, past, and future,
He matched the workings of ancient prophecies.
His native village was Co* Pháp,
He planted his staff there to guard the royal territory. 487
Page 176
Dinh * Hue*
[53a14] Zen Master Dinh Hue of Quang Hu'ng Temple, An Trinh Village, Thiên Ðú'c Prefecture, hailed from Cam* Dien*, Phong Châu. 488 His family name was Khúc. At first, he and Van* Hanh* served Thien* Ông. Afterward, Ðinh Huê received the mindseal from Thiên Ông. When he passed away he transmitted it to his disciple Lâm Huê Sinh.
<><><><><><><><><><><><>
[53b] The Nam Tông Tu'* Pháp Do* [The Diagram of the Dharma Succession of the Southern School] says he succeeded Van Hanh. This might be wrong. I am now following the original biography.
Dao* Hanh* (? –1117)
[53b3] Zen Master Ðao Hanh of Thiên Phúc Temple,489 Mount Phat* Tích,490 had the family name Tù'. His personal name was Lo*. His father Vinh held the office of General Supervisor of MonkOfficers. Vinh used to study at An Lãng Village.
