In-depth research on two national treasures at Dau Pagoda

The scientific conference “Dau Pagoda (Thanh Dao Tu) and the imprint of two Zen masters of the Vu family in the flow of national cultural history” was organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi in collaboration with Dau Pagoda (Thanh Dao Tu).

 

The three-entrance gate of Dau Pagoda (documentary photo)

Dau Pagoda in Thuong Tin, Hanoi is a pagoda with a 2000-year history, not only famous for its ancient architecture and beautiful scenery, but also for preserving two statues of Zen masters Vu Khac Minh and Vu Khac Truong - a rare heritage in Vietnamese Buddhist culture.

The full body relics of Zen master Vu Khac Minh and Zen master Vu Khac Truong were recognized by the state as National Treasures in 2016. The phenomenon of "incorruptible bodies" of Zen masters has been the subject of much research and study by scientists around the world , but the results are still quite modest.

At this conference, Vietnamese scientists are expected to announce the results of in-depth research on the lives and deeds and the "secrets" of the "Full Body Relics" phenomenon of the two Zen masters.

 

Whole body relics of Zen master Vu Khac Minh

 

Whole body relics of Zen master Vu Khac Truong

The conference gathered many scholars and leading experts in the fields of History, Buddhism, Archaeology, Fine Arts, Cultural Studies and Heritage Conservation... In addition, the conference also received opinions and in-depth research articles from leading monks and great monks in the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.

Most Venerable, Doctor Thich Bao Nghiem, Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said that the workshop clarified the historical and cultural values ​​of Dau Pagoda in the historical and cultural flow of Buddhism in particular and of the Vietnamese people in general.

This is also an opportunity for the academic community, Buddhists and people to look back at the great values ​​of Dau Pagoda heritage, thereby proposing appropriate conservation and promotion solutions in the period of promoting sustainable cultural and tourism development.

Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council, said that there have been many scientific seminars and discussions about Dau Pagoda and the two Zen masters. However, this conference is very large in scale with 37 presentations by venerable monks, senior monks and many leading experts in various fields.

 

The presentations with in-depth, multidisciplinary approaches have helped us gain deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the nation's precious cultural heritage.

From the analysis, interpretation, and explanation, Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Kim said that the opinions unanimously proposed and recommended that cultural management agencies need to increase measures to preserve and protect the precious cultural heritage - the flesh bodies of two Zen masters Vu Khac Minh and Vu Khac Truong.

“Some people have suggested that the two bodies should be surveyed and evaluated in 5 years. But I think that in the current conditions of extremely strong climate change, a comprehensive survey and evaluation should be conducted in 3-5 years,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim.

The workshop consisted of two sessions focusing on the main topics: Dau Pagoda in the historical process of Vietnam: exploring the origin of the name, history, and imprints through ancient documents and archaeological materials.

The phenomenon of leaving the body behind in Buddhism: research from domestic and international sources, comparing the phenomenon of statue burial in China, Japan with the case of Vietnam.

The era, hometown and conduct of two Zen masters with the surname Vu: Historical and social context of the 17th century, methods of practice, the role of the two eminent monks in Buddhism in our country.

Cultural heritage of Dau pagoda in contemporary context: architectural art, feng shui, traditional festivals and transformation, issues of preserving the flesh statue.

Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim also believes that, along with measures and techniques to best and most perfectly preserve the physical bodies of the two Zen masters, we need to further increase the sacredness as practical values ​​in the cultural heritage complex of Thanh Dao Tu.

“The bodies of the two Zen masters have now been recognized as National Treasures, and the space of Dau Pagoda has also been recognized as a National Monument. However, we can continue to build a dossier of the steles of special value associated with the development of Hanh Dao Tu, moving towards building a dossier of Documentary Heritage, supplementing and enriching the cultural value of Dau Pagoda,” Mr. Nguyen Van Kim emphasized.

 

Zen master Vu Khac Minh enters meditation

Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang, Chairman of the Scientific Council, Hanoi National University, said: "The conference has achieved high scientific quality with new information, new scientific interpretations and discussions to help people understand more deeply the story of the two Zen masters Vu Khac Truong and Vu Khac Minh".

Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang affirmed that Dau Pagoda is an ancient pagoda, with a reputation that is well-known far and wide. However, to become an attractive spiritual destination, it is necessary to increase its sacredness, that is, to create a sacred space for national treasures - including the flesh bodies of two Zen masters whose miraculousness science has yet to fully explain.

HA AN

Source: https://baotanglichsu.vn/vi/Articles/3091/75393/nghien-cuu-chuyen-sau-ve-hai-bao-vat-quoc-gia-tai-chua-djau.html