Tuệ Trung Thượng Sĩ and Trúc Lâm Buddhism of Trần dynasty (13th-14th century)

Abstract

This article aims to research on the role of Tuệ Trung Thượng Sĩ in Vietnamese Buddhism in the period XIII-XIV (the time of Trúc Lâm Buddhism). The questions addressed in this study are: Was Tuệ Trung Thượng Sĩ the person who created the ideological foundation for Vietnamese Buddhism in the 13th - 14th centuries? Why did he have such power? Which aspects of Vietnamese Buddhism in the 13th - 14th centuries were influenced by his thoughts? Using analysis and synthesis methods, the author has identified that Vietnamese Buddhism in the period XIII-XIV was colored by Tuệ Trung Thượng Sĩ's teachings and practice methods. Furthermore, to fully understand, the author has consulted many existing historical and Buddhist documents. The findings show that Tuệ Trung Thượng Sĩ had a crucial role in the spiritual and ideological aspects of the orientation of Trúc Lâm Buddhism even the fact that he did not take a particular part in directly participating in building and administering the Buddhist system.