Emperor Tran Nhan Tong’s role in Vietnamese history and Buddhism

The statue of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in Yen Tu

A workshop was held on December 5 to discuss the contributions of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308) to the nation’s defence and building during his rule, as well as to Vietnamese Buddhism following his retirement from politics.


Emperor Tran Nhan Tong is regarded as an outstanding military and political figure, who founded the Truc Lam Zen sect which is unique to Vietnam.

During his rule, when Vietnam was threatened by a Mongol invasion, he held the Binh Than conference to discuss counter strategies and the Dien Hong to seek the opinions of the elderly.

When the war ended, he established a policy centred on the people and later gave up the throne to become a Buddhist monk.

He went into retreat at Yen Tu Mountain and founded the Truc Lam Zen sect to unify various Zen schools and their followers at the time into a single congregation.

At the workshop, researchers also discussed new findings on the relics of temples and pagodas in Dong Trieu district of Quang Ninh province, as well as the special characteristics of the Truc Lam Zen school and promoting the spirit of Truc Lam in contemporary life.

The workshop was held by the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Preservation Centre and the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to mark the 760th anniversary of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

On the occasion, entrance fees to the Yen Tu scenic spot will be waived on December 6-7 while the cable car fares will also be reduced.