No More Learning

His younger brother, the marquis of Sùng Hien*, sent for Ðao Hanh to discuss the matter. Ðao Hanh took a vow to reincarnate [in the royal family] in return for a favor the marquis had granted him before. The marchioness who was at that moment taking a bath in the inner building suddenly saw Ðao Hanh's* image appear in the water bucket. Afraid, she reported it to the marquis. Knowing Ðao Hanh's intention, the marquis confided to his wife: "If the image of Ðao Hanh did appear to you in your bath, he has already entered your womb. Don't be alarmed. " The lady had the sensation of pregnancy. Ðao Hanh took his leave saying: "Let me know when you are about to give birth. " The day the baby was due, she felt unusually indisposed, wanting to give birth but unable to do so. The marquis said: "Ðao Hanh must be sent for immediately. " At the news, Tù' Ðao Hanh told his disciples: "My previous nexus of karmic
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cause has not terminated. I have to be reborn in this world as an emperor. When that life span is over, I shall preside over the Trayatrimsa * Heaven. When you see my body decay, it means I have entered nirvana where birth and death no longer matter. " His words moved them to tears. Dao* Hanh* then spoke a verse:
Autumn ends without informing of the wild geese returning,
And easily causes people to become sad. Leaving tracks among the people of the time
without any fond longing,
How many teachers of old are reincarnated
as teachers of today!
Having finished speaking, he went up to his cave, knocked his head against the stone wall and stamped his feet on the stone floor. As he sat there in calm dignity, he cast off his body and passed away. Vestiges of this event still remain.
It was on the seventh day of the third month, spring, in the third year, bính thân, of the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Dai* Khánh era. Emerging again from nirvana into the world, Ðao Hanh was born as son of the Marquis of Sùng Hien*. He grew up without needing to be cared for and grew intelligent without needing education. He was handsome and excelled everyone in argument and eloquence. Emperor Lý Nhân Tông by edict summoned him into the palace to be brought up, and made him a crown prince.
When Nhân Tông died, he ascended the throne as Emperor Than* Tông. In the year of bính thìn, at the age of twenty­one, he one day found his body growing hair and his nails becoming claws. He changed into a tiger. Renowned physicians from all around failed to cure him. At the news of the emperor's condition, Minh Không and Giác Hai* recognized that a former curse was taking effect. They then composed a folk song and taught it to the children to sing:
To cure the Son of Heaven's malady, Send for Nguyen* Minh Không.
Hearing children singing this, the court sent an envoy to Giao Thuy* Temple to tell Master Minh Không, "The emperor has caught a queer disease. The court sent me here to bring you in to cure him. " Minh Không and Giác Hai cooked rice in a little pot and told the envoy and his men, "We have cooked some rice for your meal. Please serve yourselves. " They all ate their fill, yet the pot was not emptied.
Then the two masters and the envoy embarked for the capital. Minh Không told the soldiers, "Have a good rest. Let the flood tide come and we'll make for the capital. " While they were sleeping soundly in the
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boat, the two masters by sheer magic had it fly like an arrow without being rowed, and in no time they reached the Ðông Tân dock. They woke the soldiers up and when they saw the Báo Thiên Stupa, everyone was struck with amazement. The two masters were escorted directly into the emperor's chamber.
At the sight of them, of their weird looks and rustic clothing, the other physicians in contempt did not bother to rise from their seats or to offer them a single word of greeting. The two masters reached in their pockets, drew out a nail of about five inches long, pointed at a column and with a slight push of the hand made it penetrate all the way into it. They then said: "He who can pull out the nail will be able to cure the emperor. " They repeated this again and again but no one replied. With two fingers of his left hand, Minh Không pulled it so easily that it seemed to slip out effortlessly. All who were present were won over by his magic feat.
Minh Không had a big caldron brought in, together with twelve buckets of oil, one hundred iron nails, and a senna twig. He had the Emperor carried onto the hearth. He let Giác Hai * ignite the fire and boil the oil. When the fire was blazing and the oil was boiling hard, Giác Hai put his hand into the caldron and fished out the one hundred nails. Then Giác Hai let Minh Không perform the magic touch. Minh Không soaked the senna twig in the oil and sprinkled it all over the emperor's body, while reciting a spell saying, "How noble to be the Son of Heaven. Why are you sick? " At these words, the hair, fangs, and claws fell from the Emperor's body and he recovered his old self.
After the emperor's death, the Thiên Phúc Temple was clothed in a peculiar supernatural atmosphere which struck people with awe. This fact was reported to the infant emperor, who commissioned an official to come there and perform rites, and bestowed on the temple the title of Most Sacred Temple. As for Dao* Hanh's* cast­off corpse left in the cave, the villagers assuming it must be miraculous, lodged it in a niche for worship. During the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty (1403–1424), an envoy from China came on a mission to our country. As he was passing by he caught a whiff of a rich fragrance. When he went looking [for where it was coming from], he found Ðao Hanh's body intact in the niche, with his jewel­like countenance still lifelike. Assuming it might be an immortal's cast­off body, the envoy had it carried to Hu'o'ng So'n Temple for cremation, but after seven days and nights on the fire, it remained unburned.
He didn't know what more to do and was about to give up. That very night he saw a man in his dream who told him, "I have survived through two dynasties, the Lý and Tran*, and my true body has never decayed.
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Supernatural powers are not matters of mere chance. For your vow to be granted, use wood from the trees around my grave to burn my corpse. " The Ming envoy did as he was told in his dream and sure enough, it worked. He had the remaining wood carved into a statue [of Dao * Hanh*] and placed it in a niche for worship in a shrine erected to the left of the Thiên Phúc Temple.
Under Emperor Lê Thánh Tông, Empress Dowager Quang Thuc* sent Grand Commandant Trinh Quoc* to offer sacrifices and pray for divine favors in a petition which read:
"We learn that the Buddha is essentially compassionate and also abides in the consummate goodness. Thus he spread his teaching in India and saved people in China. He amply supports the Kingly Path, generously bestows the Sagely Teaching. His merits cover all sentient beings and his grace pervades all lands.
"By divine grace, we are in charge of a great patrimony, and we are fearful of being unable to bear the burden in the face of calamities should they come. We therefore tremble with fear for the security of the country and the welfare of the people. Deep in our heart we sincerely pray to Heaven to bless us with longevity. Hearing that the oracle at the Phat* Tích Temple is divinely effective, we are sending the Palace Guard Commander together with his men to bow before the altar and pray for our longevity. If it is not given to us to live over one hundred years as did Tai Wu of Shang, may we at least live up as did Emperor Gaozong of Tang up to eighty­nine. We also pray that our Infant Emperor Tù' Vy have a long life, that the people work in peace, that they have wise and filial offsprings, that the subjects be loyal, that outside there be no war, and that inside there be peace. In this, we depend on the infinite benediction of the Buddha. "
Biography of Nguyen* Minh Không in the Linh* Nam Chích Quái
[From the Linh Nam Chích Quái Ngoai* Truyen*]
Minh Không was a native of Dai* Hoàng Ðàm Xá Village, Tru'ò'ng An. His family name was Nguyên, his personal name Chí Thanh*. When he was a young man he traveled around to study the [Buddhist] Path. He happened to meet Ðao Hanh, under whom he studied for over forty years. Ðao Hanh admired his aspirations, so he transmitted the mind­seal to him and gave him the sobriquet Zen Master Minh Không.
In the Hoi* Tu'ò'ng Ðai Khánh era under [Lý] Nhân Tông's reign, as he was passing away, Ðao Hanh told Minh Không: "Formerly, our Lord Buddha on achieving perfect enlightenment still thought of paying tribute to the golden lion. As for me, my knowledge of the Dharma is
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still wanting, how can I protect myself? I will be reborn again in this world as a king. In the future life I will become sick: it can't be avoided, being predestined. I have a karmic affinity with you, you should save me. " After Dao * Hanh's* death, Minh Không returned to his native village, devoting himself to studying and practicing [Buddhism] for twenty years without looking for fame and fortune.
In the fourth year of the Dai* Thuan* era, the emperor was about to build a palace. In the fourth year of the Thiên Chu'o'ng Bao* Tu'*, Lý Than* Tông suddenly contracted a strange disease and was seriously ill. His mind was disturbed, and all medicines were to no avail. He was growling and moaning fiercely like a tiger. Renowned physicians from all over the country, responded to the royal edict, offering thousands of prescriptions, but to no avail. Meanwhile, there was a group of children who sang:
To cure the Son of Heaven,
Send for Nguyen* Minh Không.
The court sent emissaries to look for Minh Không. When he saw the emissary coming, Minh Không took a little pot of rice to feed the entire crew. The emissary was worried that it would not be enough for such a large crew. Minh Không said, "Just go ahead and eat. " So the crew, hundreds of men in all, ate their fill, yet could not empty the pot. After the meal, Minh Không told the crew, "You men just have a good sleep. Wait till the tide grows and we'll set sail. " They did as they were told and before long were sound asleep in the galley. In a little while, they already arrived at the capital. The crew was amazed.
When Minh Không arrived [at court], there was a huge number of renowned physicians all gathering in the palace, each performing his art. When they saw how crude and rustic he looked, they all had great contempt for him. Minh Không took a nail five or six inches long and planted it into a column of the royal chamber, shouting: "He who can pull the nail out will cure the disease, I will step aside for him. " He repeated it again and again, but no one budged. He then used two of his left fingers and pulled on the nail and it came out easily. Everybody present was struck with admiration.
When he entered the royal chamber to examine the emperor, Minh Không cried out in a stern voice: "Worthy man, you are exalted as the Son of Heaven and the richest man of the country, why then do you act crazy and cause disaster? " The emperor trembled with fear. Minh Không had a big cauldron brought in, filled it with water and medicine, and boiled it again and again. Then he stirred the boiling liquid with his hand a few times, and washed the emperor's body with it. The emperor
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recovered instantly. (Recorded History: When Dao * Hanh* was about to leave his body, he gave Minh Không his medicine and incantation, saying, "Twenty years from now, the emperor will contract a strange malady. Use this to cure him. ") He then made Minh Không National Preceptor and the recipient of duties from some hundreds of households as reward.
In the second year of the Dai* Dinh* era under the reign of Anh Tông (1141), Minh Không passed away, at the age of seventy­six. He was miraculous and responsive [to prayers]. People would pray to him whenever there were floods, droughts, calamities or conflicts. Nowadays his statue has been cast and worshipped at the temples of Giao Thuy*, Pho* Lai*, and so forth. Court official Dang* Thoát Hiên wrote a poem commemorating him, "Hieu* Hoàng was brought up in the palace of Trieu* and Tong*. In time of peace the Son of Heaven's destiny grew; in his midlife he unfortunately suffered a strange disease. Thanks to the good taste of Minh Không's medicine [he was cured]. " This is to praise the miraculous power of Minh Không.
Note: The stories of the two Zen Masters Ðao Hanh and Minh Không are briefly recorded in the History. According to history Than* Tông was born as a result of a prayer to the mountain god, here it was said that he was Ðao Hanh reincarnated. History also records that soon after Ðao Hanh left his body, the lady gave birth; so it might not have been due to a prayer to the mountain god. As for Minh Không's cure [of Thân Tông], History says that Ðao Hanh gave [Minh Không] medicine when he was ill [instructed him to cure Thân Tông in the future]. This means that Ðao Hanh knew he could not escape his karma of contracting a disease, so he instructed [Minh Không] to save him. Things were recorded differently. I just record what I heard in order to investigate it. Also studying these two stories and the following two stories, each becomes a separate biography. Now I am relying on the Thien* Su' Tú' Công Truyen* together with the Tú' Công Truyên Luc* to clarify the biography.
The Section on "Immortals and Buddhist Monks" in the An Nam Chí Nguyên
It is not possible to investigate Buddhism in Giao Chi* [Jiaozhi] from the Han to the Tang dynasties. Since the times of the Lý and Tran* dynasties, there have been many eminent monks. They were famous for their miraculous powers. Kings extended homage to them and enquired about the mystic teachings. Some of the kings even left home to become monks. The court officials and the ordinary people were frequently converted to Buddhism. As for the saintly immortals of Taoism, they were few and far between. Once in a while, one or two appeared. Now I have found old records together with official reports from various localities and oral
transmissions among the elders. I have gathered all of them together and selected the traces that can be verified. I record them here.
An Ky * Sinh [An Qi Sheng], of Chinese provenance, realized the path of Taoism on Mount Yên Tu'* [Anzi], east of Trieu* Châu [Chaozhou]. Subsequently, he ascended to Heaven from there.
Thôi Vi* [Cui Wei], of Chinese provenance, once traveled in his native province and accidentally fell into an old well. He saw a big snake eating stalagmite. As Vi was extremely hungry, he ate it too. Subsequently, he became an immortal.
Dong* Phung* [Dong Feng], literary name Quân Di* [Junyi], attended the Governor Si* Nhiep* [Shi Xie] of Giao Châu [Jiaozhou]. Once Si Nhiêp became sick and was dead for three days. Phung put a medicine tablet in his mouth, and after awhile Nhiêp came to. Within half a day he could move again.
Cát Hong* [Ge Hong], nicknamed Tri* Xuyên [Chichuan], was a native of Tan* [Jin]. He embraced emptiness and respected Taoism, wishing to make the elixir and attain the art of longevity. He wished to become the Magistrate of Gou Lou. Subsequently, he really became an immortal.
Tran* Dao* Can* [Chen Daogen] hailed from Tân An [Xin'an] District, Chí Linh [Zhiling] Prefecture. He abstained from eating grain and helped people set up an altar at which to worship. He would use paper to cover his face and submerge under water. He only emerged again when the incense burned out.
Zen Master Thao* Ðu'ò'ng was very virtuous and well versed in Buddhist literature. The Lý king made him his teacher. Subsequently, Thao Ðu'ò'ng passed away sitting upright.
Zen Master Tinh* Gió'i was a monk of Ðông Quan Prefecture. He practiced austerities and was miraculous in converting people. Once there was a drought in Giao Châu, and the Lý king sent an envoy to invite him [to the capital]. At midnight Tinh Gió'i stood in the yard burning incense. Sweet rain poured down. The Lý rewarded him and conferred on him the title "Rain Master. "
Zen Master Tam Mach* was a monk of Tam Ðái Province. During the Lý dynasty he left home to become a monk at Giáng Ân Temple. Subsequently, he attained enlightenment and was able to fly up into the air in broad daylight.
Zen Master Ðao Hanh* was a monk of Thach* That* Prefecture who traveled to monasteries all over to study with enlightened masters. Subsequently, his affinity for the Dharma became mature and his supernatural powers increased. He was able to tame mountain birds and wild beast, making them gather around him peacefully. He prayed for rain and cured sickness. Everything he did was effective. Nowadays, his body still remains intact.
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Zen Master Viên Chieu * was a monk of Thanh Ðàm District. He was brilliant, studious, and devoted himself to studying Zen. One night in a dream he saw the Bodhisattva Manjusri* cut open his stomach with a knife and wash out his brain. Then Mañjusri gave him some medicine. After that, everything he had learned in his mind seemed to become clear as if he had always known it. Subsequently, his school flourished greatly.
Zen Master Nghia* Ton* was a monk of Thanh Uy Prefecture. During the Tran* dynasty he dwelt at the monastery on Mount Tiên Lu* to practice [Buddhism] and [subsequently] attained enlightenment. Nowadays, his body still remains intact.
Zen Master Trí Nhàn was a monk of An Lãng Prefecture. He diligently practiced precepts. Once he saw a tiger chasing a deer. Trí Nhàn preached saying, "All sentient beings cherish their lives. You should not harm each other. " The tiger hung his head and walked away.
A barbarian tribe at Tiên So'n used to gather together to plunder. Trí Nhàn converted many of them so they became good people.
Zen Master Gió'i Châu was strict in disciplines. He was successful every time he prayed for rain. The Great King of Trân put buckets in the yard and Gió'i Châu would make them fill up with rainwater without a drop falling outside. The King praised him and paid homage to him.
Zen Master Y So'n was a monk of Gia Lâm Prefecture. When young he studied literature and was especially versed in Buddhist literature. Afterward, he went everywhere to spread Buddhism and convert people, setting his mind on benefiting people. When he passed away, flowers spontaneously fell from the trees. Birds cried grieviously and incessantly.
Zen Master Gió'i Không was a monk of Gia Lâm District who practiced austerities to the point that he could command ghosts and demons and tame wild beasts. Subsequently, he passed away sitting upright.
Zen Master Thien* Nham, a monk of Siêu Loai* District, was pure in his precepts. He ate [fruit from] trees and drank stream water. After he died his body was as fresh as when he was alive. Contemporaries called him "Living Buddha. "
Zen Master Nguyen* Hoc* was a monk of Vu* Ninh Province. He devoted himself to practicing meditation to the point that his body looked like a withered tree, and he forgot both self and things. Birds and wild beasts lingered around him and became tame like domestic animals. Sui Gaozu ordered an envoy to build a stupa dedicated to him.
The two Zen Masters Bao* Tính and Minh Tâm were monks of Ðông Ngan* District. They were eminent monks in the Buddhist communities. They often organized assemblies to teach the scriptures. Subsequently, they entered the samadhi* of firelight together. Their remains were all transformed into the seven kinds of jewels.
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Zen Master Không Lo * was a monk of Giao Thuy* Prefecture. He could fly in the air and walk on water, tame tigers and subdue dragons. [His supernatural powers] were multifarious and unfathomable.
Zen Master Giác Hai* was a monk of Giao Thuy Prefecture. His supernatural powers were great and miraculous. When he was about to pass away, a meteor fell near the main hall. Early in the morning he passed away.
Dharma Master Ma Ni was a monk of Lê Bình Prefecture. He dwelt at the Dai* Tiên Thánh Cave and attained enlightenment after seven years. He tamed tigers and subdued dragons, prayed for rain and made it stop. Everything he did was successful. Nowadays, his statue still remains in the cave.
Zen Master Thuan* Nhat* was a monk of Nam Sách Province. He studied meditation and was able to make the boulders soft. Subsequently, he passed away sitting in a lotus position. Nowadays, his body still remains intact.
Zen Master Vô Châu was a monk of Phi Loc* Prefecture. When he was born, an auspicious light filled the room and a purple mist rose in the air. When he grew up his countenance was unusual and his hair was long. He built his hermitage on a mountaintop. He attained the cloud­flower samadhi*. Whenever he explained the sciptures auspicious lights appeared repeatedly. Subsequently, he passed away sitting upright. He was eighty­three years old.
Great Master Tù' Quán Hue* Thông was a nun of Chí Linh Prefecture. She left home to become a nun at the age of twelve. She was utterly pure in discipline. When she was about to pass away at the age of eighty­four, the birds and beasts cried grievously, six kinds of music resounded all around, white clouds covered her hermitage, and uncanny fragrances filled the room.