Anh Hùng Việt Nam

Trần Hưng Đạo (Vietnamese: [ʈə̂n hɨŋ ɗâːwˀ]; 1231–1300), real name Trần Quốc Tuấn (陳國峻), also known as Grand Prince Hưng Đạo (Hưng Đạo Đại Vương – 興道大王), was a Vietnamese royal prince, statesman and military commander of Đại Việt military forces during the Trần dynasty. After his death, he was considered a saint and deified by the people and named Đức Thánh Trần (德聖陳) or Cửu Thiên Vũ Đế (九天武帝).[1][2] Hưng Đạo commanded the Vietnamese armies that repelled two out of three major Mongol invasions in the late 13th century.[3] His multiple victories over the Yuan dynasty under Kublai Khan are considered among the greatest military feats in Vietnamese history.

The three watercolor paintings depict Thánh Trần (Đức Thánh Hưng Đạo) and his six generals

Lý Thái Tổ

Lý Thái Tổ (Chinese characters: 李太祖, March 8, 974 – March 31, 1028) was the founding emperor of the Lý Dynasty (also known as the Later Lý Dynasty to distinguish it from the Earlier Lý Dynasty founded by Lý Nam Đế) in Vietnamese history. He reigned from 1009 until his death in 1028.

During his reign, he primarily focused on suppressing rebellions as the people had not yet fully accepted the Lý Dynasty. Once peace was restored and the central government was consolidated, he moved the capital from Hoa Lư to Đại La in 1010 and renamed it Thăng Long, marking the beginning of the Lý Dynasty's long-lasting development, which lasted for 216 years. At the end of 1225 and the beginning of 1226, Lý Chiêu Hoàng was forced to abdicate in favor of her husband, Trần Cảnh (1218-1277).

Lý Thường Kiệt

The Southern nation's mountains and rivers belong to the Southern Emperor, Clearly, it is written in the celestial book. How dare the enemy come to invade, You will see their defeat right before your eyes.

"In 1075, upon hearing that the Song army was preparing to invade our country, Lý Thường Kiệt concluded: 'Sitting still and waiting for the enemy is not as good as bringing troops to break their stronghold.'"

Lý Thường Kiệt was born in the year Kỷ Mùi, 1019. His surname was Ngô and his given name was Tuấn. He was born in Thái Hòa prefecture, Thăng Long (Hanoi). From a young age, he was eager to learn, studied military texts, and practiced martial arts regularly. Being both a scholar and a warrior, he always aspired to achieve great things. At the age of 23, he became an official serving King Lý Thái Tông and served through the reigns of three kings: Lý Thái Tông and Lý Thánh Tông. Furthermore, he was also the first person in Vietnamese history to lead troops on a Northern expedition.

Ngô Quyền

Mentioning Ngô Quyền, people cannot forget the Battle of Bạch Đằng, a brilliant historical victory symbolizing the struggle against the 1,000-year northern occupation of the Vietnamese people.

Ngô Quyền was born in 898 in Đường Lâm, Ba Vì (now Hanoi), and died in 944. He is also known by another name, Tiền Ngô Vương, the founding king of the Ngô Dynasty. History records Ngô Quyền's contributions to building the nation starting from 938 when he organized forces to advance northward, defeating Kiều Công Tiễn and capturing Đại La citadel. The Battle of Bạch Đằng in 938, under his command, was a crucial step in opening an era of independence. He also established a new homeland in Cổ Loa (present-day Hanoi) in 939.

Trưng Trắc & Trưng Nhị

The Trưng Sisters made a vow at Hát Môn: "First, we ask to wash away the enemy's hatred / Second, to restore the old career of the Hùng kings / Third, to avenge the injustice for our husband / Fourth, to achieve our mission and cause." For the sake of the nation, they raised the flag of rebellion; for their husband's revenge, they took up arms, led troops to battle, expelled the invaders, and regained independence, forcing Governor Tô Định to "cut his hair, shave his beard, abandon his seal, and mingle with the fleeing disorderly troops to escape back to his country."

This title belongs to the heroic sisters Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, who bravely initiated and led the people's uprising, overthrowing the oppressive rule of the Eastern Han dynasty, proclaiming themselves queens, and establishing an independent kingdom for three years after more than 200 years of subjugation under northern feudal dynasties. The two sisters founded a new dynasty, with Trưng Trắc taking the title of Trưng Queen. They ignited the flame of resistance against foreign invaders for the Vietnamese people. Although their autonomous rule was brief (from 40 to 43 AD), they etched into history and the Vietnamese people's consciousness an enduring legacy of loyalty and heroism, bringing glory to women and the nation.

Triệu Thị Trinh

"I want to ride the strong wind, tread the fierce waves, slay the whale in the open sea, drive away the Wu invaders to reclaim our land, break the shackles of slavery, rather than bow down to be a concubine." (225-248 AD)

Continuing the spirit of the Trưng Sisters, nearly two centuries later, another heroic woman, Triệu Thị Trinh, emerged from the mountains of Cửu Chân (Thanh Hóa). Her vow has been recorded in history: "I only want to ride the strong wind, tread the fierce waves, slay the whale in the East Sea, reclaim the land, establish independence, and break the shackles of slavery, rather than bow down to be a concubine."

When the Wu dynasty invaded the country, causing suffering to the people, around the age of 19, Triệu Thị Trinh left home, went into the mountains to build a base, and recruited soldiers to fight the invaders. When her brother urged her to return home and get married, she replied with her resolute spirit: “I want to ride the strong wind, tread the fierce waves, slay the whale in the East Sea, drive away the Wu invaders, reclaim our land, break the shackles of slavery, rather than bow down to be a concubine.” Today, her tomb and temple still stand in Hậu Lộc district, Thanh Hóa province, as important national historical relics, serving as a testament to the pride of a heroic Vietnamese woman.

Vua Hùng

Although Kinh Dương Vương was the first king of the South, it was his son, Lạc Long Quân, also known as Sùng Lãm, who became the most famous Hùng Vương. He was the king who cultivated the Dao and became the first ancient deity to establish the Bách Việt lineage and define the territory of the ancient Văn Lang state. Our people are proud to be descendants of the Dragon and the Fairy, thanks to the grace of Lạc Long Quân and his wife Âu Cơ.

A hundred eggs hatched into a hundred children, giving birth to the Bách Việt lineage.

Lê Hoàn

Lê Đại Hành (941-1005), given name Lê Hoàn, was the first and highly accomplished king of the Early Lê Dynasty. He is closely associated with the wars against the Song and Champa, consolidating independence, and building the Đại Cồ Việt state. Lê Hoàn was born in 941 in Thanh Hóa, orphaned at a young age, and became self-taught and self-disciplined, eventually becoming an outstanding general under the reign of Đinh Tiên Hoàng. In 980, with the support of soldiers and Empress Dowager Dương Vân Nga, Lê Đại Hành ascended the throne, defeated the Song invaders at the Bạch Đằng River and Ải Chi Lăng, and repelled foreign invaders, establishing the capital at Hoa Lư. King Lê Đại Hành was regarded as a brilliant military leader and a shrewd politician, setting out intelligent strategies for the country's development.

Vua Lê Lợi

Lê Thái Tổ affirmed: "I raised an army to fight the enemy not out of a desire for wealth, but to let people know for a thousand years that I would not be a servant to tyrants." Lê Lợi, whose real name was Lê Lợi, was born in 1385 and died in 1433. He was the leader of the Lam Sơn uprising, which brought independence to Đại Việt and founded the Later Lê Dynasty.

Lê Lợi grew up during the decline of the Trần Dynasty, amidst peasant uprisings and the reform efforts of the Hồ Dynasty. These upheavals influenced his thoughts and perceptions. When the Ming Dynasty invaded and occupied Đại Việt, his patriotism surged, and he could not stand by and watch the struggle to save the country. Lê Lợi is considered a talented king in history, showing intelligence in every campaign to regain independence for the nation.

From the moment he raised his army, he recognized the corruption and helplessness of the Trần Dynasty, understanding that the Later Trần could not be restored. With his talent, prestige, and influence, he led the resistance against the Ming forces, rejecting all temptations. In 1416, he formed a brotherhood at Lũng Nhai with Nguyễn Trãi and 17 other comrades, vowing to live and die together.

In 1428, Lê Lợi ascended the throne and ruled for five years (1428-1433), addressing the aftermath of the Ming occupation, rebuilding the country, and laying a solid foundation for independence and unity.

Vua Quang Trung

Emperor Quang Trung, also known as Nguyễn Văn Huệ, was born in 1753 and passed away in 1792. He was the son of Nguyễn Phi Phúc, a successful businessman in the betel trade.

From a young age, Quang Trung was highly regarded for his military strategy and leadership skills, and he is considered a versatile and talented king in the history of our nation's founding.

After the success of the Tây Sơn uprising, which ended the Trịnh-Nguyễn civil war and defeated invasions by Siam (from the South) and the Qing Dynasty (from the North), he was honored by the people as a "hero in plain clothes" and an undefeated general of the nation. He also implemented progressive reforms to build Đại Việt.

Today, the entire country has built tombs, temples, museums, and statues to commemorate Emperor Quang Trung's immense contributions to the Vietnamese nation.

Nguyễn Trung Trực

Nguyễn Trung Trực, whose real name was Nguyễn Văn Lịch, was born in 1838 in Bình Nhựt hamlet, Cửu Cư Hạ district, Cửu An prefecture, Tân An province, Gia Định (now in Thạnh Đức, Bến Lức, Long An). As a child, he was also known as Chơn.

Nguyễn Trung Trực's ancestral home was in Lưới hamlet, Vĩnh Hội village, Trung An district, Phù Cát prefecture, Bình Định province (now Vĩnh Hội village, Cát Hải commune, Phù Cát district, Bình Định province). His grandfather was Nguyễn Văn Đạo, his father was Nguyễn Văn Phụng (also known as Thăng or Trường), and his mother was Lê Kim Hồng.

When the Tây Sơn rebellion broke out, Nguyễn Văn Đạo's family (Nguyễn Văn Lịch's grandfather) fled south to settle in Bình Nhựt hamlet, Bình Cách district, Thuận An prefecture, Tân Bình province, Phiên An region (now in Thạnh Đức commune, Bến Lức district, Long An province) and made a living by fishing in the lower Vàm Cỏ Đông river.

Nguyễn Ánh

Gia Long (Vietnamese: [zaː lawŋ] (North), [jaː lawŋ] (South); 8 February 1762 – 3 February 1820), born Nguyễn Phúc Ánh (阮福暎) or Nguyễn Ánh, was the founding emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty, the last dynasty of Vietnam. His dynasty would rule the unified territories that constitute modern-day Vietnam until 1945.

Gia Long's rule was noted for its Confucian orthodoxy. He defeated the Tây Sơn rebellion and reinstated the classical Confucian education and civil service system. He moved the capital from Hanoi south to Huế as the country's populace had also shifted south over the preceding centuries, and built up several fortresses and a palace in his new capital. Using French expertise, he modernized Vietnam's defensive capabilities. In deference to the assistance of his French friends, he tolerated the activities of Roman Catholic missionaries, something that became increasingly restricted under his successors. Under his rule, Vietnam strengthened its military dominance in Indochina, expelling Siamese forces from Cambodia and turning it into a vassal state.

Trần Bình Trọng

“

I would rather be a ghost of the Southern land than a king of the Northern land. I have been captured, so death is the only option, no need for further questioning."

Trần Bình Trọng (Chinese characters: 陳平仲, 1259 - April 8, 1285) was a renowned general of the Trần dynasty. He made significant contributions in protecting Trần Thánh Tông and Trần Nhân Tông during the war against the Yuan-Mongol invaders in 1285. He sacrificed his life while blocking the Yuan forces at Thiên Mạc. He was posthumously honored with the title Bảo Nghĩa Vương (保義王).

Nguyễn Phi Khanh

Nguyễn Phi Khanh (Chinese characters: 阮飛卿; real name Nguyễn Ứng Long (阮應龍); his birth year is uncertain. Some sources suggest it was around 1355[1][2]–1428[1][3] or 1429[2]). He was an academician under the Hồ dynasty and the father of Nguyễn Trãi, a founding meritorious official of the Later Lê dynasty. He was originally from Chi Ngãi village, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province (now Cộng Hòa ward, Chí Linh city, Hải Dương). Later, he moved to Trại Ổi (Ngọc Ổi) hamlet in Nhị Khê village, now part of Thường Tín district, Hanoi[2][4].

Huyền Trân Công Chúa

Princess Huyền Trân (1287-1340) was the daughter of King Trần Nhân Tông and Empress Thiên Cảm, and the younger sister of Trần Anh Tông. According to the book "Vietnamese Historical Anecdotes," it is written: "In June of the Bính Ngọ year (1306), fulfilling a prior promise made by the former King Trần Nhân Tông, King Trần Anh Tông married Princess Huyền Trân to the King of Champa, Chế Mân. In return, Chế Mân ceded the two provinces of Ô and Lý - corresponding to the southern part of Quảng Trị province and the entire Thừa Thiên province today - to Đại Việt as a bride price."

One year later, Chế Mân died, and Princess Huyền Trân was rescued by General Trần Khắc Chung on the orders of King Anh Tông (because according to Champa customs, when the King died, the Queen had to be cremated with him). She later became a nun and passed away in 1340. The local people mourned her deeply and venerated her as the Holy Mother, establishing a temple in her honor next to Nộm Sơn Pagoda. The day of her death has since become an annual festival at the Huyền Trân Temple on Ngũ Phong Mountain in Huế.

Nguyễn Hoàng

Nguyễn Hoàng was born on August 28, 1525, in the year Ất Dậu, in Gia Miêu Ngoại village, Tống Sơn district, Hà Trung prefecture, Thanh Hoa province. He was the second son of Nguyễn Kim and his principal wife Nguyễn Thị Mai, the daughter of Special Commander of the Lê Dynasty, Nguyễn Minh Biện (from Phạm Xá village, Ngọc Sơn commune, Hải Dương city). Nguyễn Hoàng's ancestor was Nguyễn Công Duẩn, who followed King Lê Thái Tổ and served as the Guardian General of the Army, Marquis Gia Đình, and Duke Hoành Quốc. Nguyễn Công Duẩn fathered Nguyễn Đức Trung, who, during the reign of King Lê Nhân Tông, served as Commander of the Palace Guards and, along with Nguyễn Xí, helped enthrone King Lê Thánh Tông, rising to the rank of Duke Đô Đốc Trịnh Quốc. Nguyễn Đức Trung was the brother of Nguyễn Văn Lỗ, who fathered Nguyễn Văn Lãng (or Lang). Nguyễn Văn Lang was a general in the court during the reign of King Lê Uy Mục. When King Uy Mục lost the people's support, Nguyễn Văn Lang, together with his son Nguyễn Hoằng Dụ, gathered troops from the three prefectures of Thanh Hoa to enthrone Lê Oanh, son of Prince Kiến. Lê Oanh overthrew Lê Uy Mục, becoming King Lê Tương Dực, and granted Nguyễn Văn Lang the title of Duke Nghĩa Quốc, and Nguyễn Hoằng Dụ the title of Duke Trừng Quốc.

Trần Quốc Toản

According to the "Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư" and the "Khâm định Việt sử thông giám cương mục," in October 1282, King Trần Nhân Tông held the Bình Than Conference with his officials to discuss strategies against the Yuan invaders. The king, seeing that Hoài Văn Hầu Trần Quốc Toản and Hoài Nhân Vương Kiện were both very young, did not allow them to participate in the discussions. Feeling ashamed and angry, Quốc Toản squeezed an orange so hard that it burst in his hand without him realizing it. Afterward, Quốc Toản returned to his estate, rallied over a thousand retainers and relatives, equipped them with weapons, built warships, and wrote six words on his flag: "Phá cường địch, báo hoàng ân" ("To destroy the strong enemy, repay the king's favor"). Later, in battles against the enemy, he led the charge, causing the enemy to retreat in fear, not daring to resist.

In April 1285, Trần Nhân Tông ordered Chiêu Thành Vương (name unknown), Hoài Văn Hầu Quốc Toản, and General Nguyễn Khoái to lead an army to intercept the Yuan forces at Tây Kết. On May 10 of that year, a report came to the court that Senior General Chiêu Minh Đại Vương Trần Quang Khải, Hoài Văn Hầu Quốc Toản, Trần Thông, Nguyễn Khả Lạp, and his younger brother Nguyễn Truyền led local militia forces to defeat the enemy in the areas of Kinh Thành and Chương Dương. The enemy forces were greatly shattered, forcing Thoát Hoan and Bình chương A Lạt to flee across the Lô River.

Thánh Gióng

During the reign of the sixth Hùng King, in Phù Đổng village, Vũ Ninh district, there was a wealthy family who had a son. By the time he was over three years old, although he was well-fed and strong, he had not yet spoken or smiled. At that time, news of a national crisis arrived, and the king sent people to search for someone who could repel the invaders (the historical record does not specify these as Yin invaders as mentioned in "Lĩnh Nam chích quái").

On that day, the child suddenly began to speak and told his mother to invite the king's messenger in. He said, "Please ask the king for a sword, a suit of iron armor, and a horse. The king need not worry." The king granted the sword and horse, and the child immediately mounted the horse, wielded the sword, and led the charge, with the army following behind, defeating the enemy at the foot of Mount Trâu Sơn. The invaders trampled each other in their flight. Gióng pursued them until he reached the foot of Mount Sóc Sơn, where he stopped. The child removed his armor and rode the horse into the sky.

The king ordered the child's family's garden to be repaired and turned into a temple for worship, with annual sacrifices.

Later, Lý Thái Tổ conferred upon him the title of Xung Thiên Thần Vương. (The temple is next to Kiến Sơ Pagoda, in Phù Đổng village).

Nguyễn Trãi

Nguyễn Trãi, whose pen name was Ức Trai, was from Nhị Khê village (now Nhị Khê commune, Thường Tín district, Hanoi). He was the son of Nguyễn Phi Khanh, a doctoral laureate from the end of the Trần dynasty, and the maternal grandson of Chief Minister Chương Túc Quốc thượng hầu Trần Nguyên Đán. According to the Grade 10 Vietnamese Literature textbook, his origins were in Chi Nhạn village, Phượng Sơn district, Lạng Giang province (now Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province).

During the Trần dynasty, Nguyễn Trãi's father, Nguyễn Phi Khanh, and Nguyễn Hán Anh were invited by Chief Minister Trần Nguyên Đán to teach his two daughters. The elder daughter's name was Thái, and the younger was Thai. Nguyễn Phi Khanh taught Thái, and through their proximity, he composed vernacular poetry to court her, leading to a romantic relationship. Nguyễn Hán Anh also composed poetry imitating Phi Khanh. As a result, Thái became pregnant. Nguyễn Phi Khanh and Nguyễn Hán Anh fled, and when Thái gave birth, Trần Nguyên Đán inquired about Nguyễn Phi Khanh's whereabouts. He was informed that Nguyễn Phi Khanh had fled. Trần Nguyên Đán summoned both men back and married his daughter to Nguyễn Phi Khanh, resulting in the birth of Nguyễn Trãi. Later, Nguyễn Phi Khanh and Nguyễn Hán Anh passed the imperial examinations, but King Trần Nghệ Tông did not employ them, stating, "They have wealthy wives; they are underlings who dare to commit such insolence."

Lạc Long Quân & Âu Cơ

Thousands of years ago, during the reign of King Kinh Dương Vương, the Xích Quỷ kingdom was an unknown stretch of a vast land on the far East, leaning its back on a range of high mountains while looking out facing the oceans from a long shoreline. He married princess Long Nữ, the daughter of Động Đình Vương - sovereign of the Động Đình Lake. They were then blessed with one child, a boy whom they called Sung Lam, popularly known in the kingdom as Lạc Long Quân, the "Dragon Lord of Lạc”. Because of Long Nữ’s origin, their son was believed to be a descendant from the line of the Dragons. And indeed, Lạc Long Quân had extraordinary strength and supreme intelligence. But his succession from his mother’s underwater world developed in him a strong fascination for the ocean, and the young man is often seen along the shorelines enjoying the waves and exploring the many sea creatures in sight.

https://www.vietnam.com/en/culture/art/fairy-tales/lac-long-quan-and-au-co-the-legend-of-ancient-vietnam.html

Đinh Bộ Lĩnh

Đinh Tiên Hoàng (Chinese characters: 丁先皇; March 22, 924 - October 979), whose given name was Đinh Bộ Lĩnh (丁部領), was the founding emperor of the Đinh dynasty and the Đại Cồ Việt state in Vietnamese history. He is credited with quelling the rebellion of the Twelve Warlords, unifying the country, and becoming the first emperor of Vietnam after the period of Northern domination.

Đại Cồ Việt marked the beginning of an era of independence and self-governance, establishing a centralized monarchy in Vietnam. Đinh Bộ Lĩnh founded the state, established the capital, and adopted a regnal title as the head of a prestigious dynasty:

Đinh Tiên Hoàng

Đinh Tiên Hoàng (Chinese characters: 丁先皇; March 22, 924 - October 979), whose given name was Đinh Bộ Lĩnh (丁部領), was the founding emperor of the Đinh dynasty and the Đại Cồ Việt state in Vietnamese history. He is credited with quelling the rebellion of the Twelve Warlords, unifying the country, and becoming the first emperor of Vietnam after the period of Northern domination.

Đại Cồ Việt marked the beginning of an era of independence and self-governance, establishing a centralized monarchy in Vietnam. Đinh Bộ Lĩnh founded the state, established the capital, and adopted a regnal title as the head of a prestigious dynasty

Trọng Thủy & Mỵ Châu

The legend of Trọng Thủy and Mỵ Châu involves a pair of star-crossed lovers which is similar to the Romeo & Juliet archetype. Trọng Thủy was the son of Governor Triệu Đà of the Nanhai Commandery, who was originally part of the Qin Expeditionary Force sent to pacify the region, while Mỵ Châu was the daughter of the An Dương King of the kingdom of Âu Lạc. Both sides were at a stalemate of a nearly decade-long war, for although Triệu Đà was able to conquer the entire northern half of the Âu Lạc kingdom (though at great cost due to having to go against the Âu Việt tribes' guerilla warfare tactics), the An Dương King was able to defend the remaining territories and the capital, Cổ Loa, using an enchanted ballista which was able to fire thousands of arrows in a single volley, slaying thousands of men.

Chữ Đồng Tử & Tiên Dung

It is said that during the reign of the 18th Hùng King (Hùng Duệ Vương), Chử Đồng Tử lived with his father, Chử Cù Vân (渚衢雲), Chử Vi Vân (渚微雲), or Chử Vi Tử (渚微子), in Chử Xá village, Văn Đức commune (now in Gia Lâm district, Hanoi city). Unfortunately, their house caught fire, and they lost all their possessions, leaving the father and son with only one loincloth to share. When the father was on his deathbed, he told his son to keep the loincloth for himself. Out of love for his father, Chử Đồng Tử buried the loincloth with him, leaving himself in a state of destitution and nudity. He made a living by fishing at night and immersing himself in water up to his waist during the day, approaching boats to sell fish or beg for food.

Đặng Dung

Đặng Dung (Chinese characters: 鄧容, 1373 – 1414) was a general of the Later Trần dynasty in Vietnamese history. He was the son of Đặng Tất, who served King Giản Định of the Later Trần dynasty. Đặng Tất and General Nguyễn Cảnh Chân were later killed by King Giản Định. Angry over his father's unjust death, Đặng Dung, along with Nguyễn Cảnh Dị (the son of Nguyễn Cảnh Chân), left and supported Trần Quý Khoáng, who became King Trùng Quang, to continue the uprising.

Lý Nam Đế

Lý Bí sinh ngày 12 tháng 9 năm Quý Mùi (17 tháng 10 năm 503). Lý Bí có tài, được Thứ sử Giao Châu là Vũ Lâm hầu Tiêu Tư (蕭諮) nhà Lương mời ra làm chức Giám quân ở Đức châu (huyện Đức Thọ, tỉnh Hà Tĩnh ngày nay).[5] Nhưng do bất bình với các quan lại đô hộ tàn ác, Lý Bí bỏ quan, về quê, chiêu binh mãi mã chống lại chính quyền đô hộ.

Trần Nhân Tông

Trần Nhân Tông (Chinese characters: 陳仁宗, December 7, 1258 – December 16, 1308), born Trần Khâm (陳昑), with the self-title Thanh Phúc, was the third emperor of the Trần dynasty in Đại Việt. He reigned from November 8, 1278, to April 16, 1293, then abdicated to become a retired emperor (Thái thượng hoàng) and subsequently founded the Trúc Lâm Zen sect, which he led until his death. Trần Nhân Tông is regarded by Vietnamese history as an enlightened emperor who made significant contributions to the sustainable development of Đại Việt in the late 13th century, as well as defending the nation's independence and expanding its territory. Additionally, Trần Nhân Tông was a great Zen master of medieval Vietnamese Buddhism. He is recognized as one of the 100 national heroes of Vietnam.

Living in the world, joyful in the Way, let things come and go. When hungry, eat; when tired, sleep. The treasure is in your own house; do not search afar. Facing things with a calm mind, there is no need to ask about Zen.

Thiền Sư Vạn Hạnh

Vạn Hạnh (Chinese characters: 萬行) (938 – 1018) was a Buddhist monk of Đại Cồ Việt, originally from Cổ Pháp (Bắc Ninh). He was one of the monks who served as an advisor to King Lê Đại Hành and was also the teacher of Lý Công Uẩn, guiding him to ascend the throne, thereby establishing the Lý dynasty.

The body is like a lightning bolt, here and then gone Trees and plants are lush, but autumn is melancholic Let the rise and fall take their course, do not fear See there, the grass is jeweled with dew.