Vietnam - A Land of Culture, Faith, and the Essence of Zen Buddhism

Date: 25-02-2026||

Vietnam is a nation of rich cultural diversity, home to a wide variety of beliefs and religious traditions. It preserves a profound spiritual heritage and countless cultural treasures. Among these, Buddhism has long played a vital role in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Preserving and promoting these cultural values—especially our precious spiritual legacy—is the shared responsibility of every Vietnamese.

In Long An Province stands Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda, a place dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional values of Buddhism. It is a pagoda that embodies the essence of the Zen tradition.

A Journey into the Beauty of Zen

Tan Dieu Zen is a Zen tradition that traces its lineage to King Tran Nhan Tong, who practiced Zen Buddhism in the thirteenth century. After ascending the throne, King Tran Nhan Tong led the Vietnamese people to two historic victories against the Mongol invasions. Later, he abdicated in favor of his son, Crown Prince Tran Anh Tong, and retired to Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh Province to devote himself to Zen practice. There he founded what is known today as the Truc Lam Zen School, becoming its First Patriarch.

Zen Master Ngoc Lam, Vice Abbot of Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda, explains:

"Zen Teaching is a discipline based on the science of the physical universe. It is regarded as the sixth approach within Buddhism. Unlike the first five Buddhist approaches, it does not involve ascetic cultivation, attainment, or realization. Instead, it is a path of learning and understanding—learning what exists within the universe, who dwells in the Buddha Realm, what exists within the Three Realms, and what kinds of beings inhabit the Earthly Realm. Today, approximately 40,000 people are studying and practicing this Zen Teaching through Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda."

Professor Bui Quang Thanh, Ph.D., of the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies, remarks:

"The management board and the abbots of this Zen pagoda in Long An have developed a very sound vision. They have created an excellent impression on the surrounding community and local residents, helping to foster a cultured and civilized way of community life. I believe their work deserves wider recognition and promotion."

Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda is an ancient pagoda distinguished by its preservation of more than 300 verses containing the Buddha's teachings on the Zen tradition, along with thousands of verses composed by the Zen Patriarchs. These have been beautifully engraved on polished granite tablets. They are not only of great historical and cultural significance but also serve as invaluable records of the Buddha's teachings and those of the Zen Patriarchs, helping practitioners gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism in general and the Zen tradition in particular.

Zen Master Hong Phuong, Vice Abbot of Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda, shares:

"Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda is not centered on religious worship or devotional belief. Instead, it teaches practitioners through three areas of study:

First, learning in order to attain awakening.

Second, learning the path of returning to the Buddha Realm and living in the world of the Buddhas.

Third, learning how to cultivate the seeds of merit and bring them back to the Buddha Realm."

One of the pagoda's most distinctive landmarks is the Zen Buddha Monument, depicting the Buddha holding a lotus flower. Nearby are engraved more than 204 verses composed by King Tran Nhan Tong, recounting the transmission of the Zen lineage from India.

In addition to preserving these teachings, the pagoda encourages Buddhists to live according to the traditional virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and integrity, inspiring them to become exemplary members of society.

Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda is a remarkable place—not only for its unique architecture but also for the profound teachings it preserves.

May the light of Prajñā forever illuminate our own minds.

With ease and mindful awareness, may we awaken to our true nature.

Abiding constantly in our intrinsic nature, countless wholesome actions naturally arise.

When merit is perfected, the wondrous mind shines forth in perfect clarity.