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Zen Master Truc Lam No. 14
In walking meditation, we place our awareness under the soles of our feet to recognize that we are treading upon the earth—our mother, focusing on each step as a way of returning to her, being embraced by her, and bringing about happiness and ease. That happiness depends on the solidity of our concentration; when we dwell in the present moment, not letting our mind run to the past or the future, but simply being aware of each step on this beautiful planet, we can attain enlightenment, peace, and liberation. Sitting meditation is the same; we end the wandering of thoughts to touch reality, bringing about peace as a daily essential need.
King Tran Nhan Tong, Dharma name Truc Lam Dau Da, renounced his royal privileges, did not use carriages, ate vegetarian food, walked barefoot, and called himself a mendicant. After fourteen years as king, he abdicated the throne to his son, ordained in 1299 at Hoa Yen Temple on Yen Tu Mountain, and then founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu lineage—uniting three, four, or five Zen schools into a national Zen tradition, organizing retreats for about 15,000 practitioners each year, and transforming Yen Tu into the spiritual capital of Dai Viet.
- Truc Lam Dau Da emphasized form, such as the bell-inviting ceremony, the kasaya robe, and the alms bowl, as means to remind us of mindfulness.
- Truc Lam Dai Si spread the Dharma everywhere, taught the Ten Wholesome Deeds, and organized the Bodhisattva precepts transmission for King Anh Tong and the Sangha.
- The Truc Lam Yen Tu lineage became a great organization, nurturing the nation both politically and spiritually through the retreat seasons at Yen Tu and many temples in the cities.
