Tìm hiểu về thiền sư “Tỵ cốc tăng” trong văn bia Ngự chế thi đề Diệu Đế tự

Abstract

During the Nguyen Dynasty, Dieu De Temple was classified as a state-owned pagoda under the management of the imperial court. Before being transformed into a temple, the site was originally the residence of Phuc Quoc cong Ho Van Boi, the maternal grandfather of King Thieu Tri. Notably, it was also the birthplace of King Thieu Tri. After ascending to the throne, the emperor decreed the transformation of the residence into a Buddhist temple to pray for blessings for the people. In the Ngu chu thi de Dieu De tu inscription, King Thieu Tri not only explained the reasons for constructing the pagoda but also mentioned a Zen master surnamed Hua, with the Dharma name Lieu Tanh, who was known for his vow not to consume grains. However, information about Zen master Lieu Tanh in historical records remain fragmented, inconsistent, and even occasionally erroneous. Therefore, by synthesizing and cross-referencing information from various historical sources, as well as incorporating field research, this article aims to correct inaccuracies in earlier historical accounts and provide the readers with the most comprehensive information available to date on Zen master Hua Lieu Tanh.