Passing through ancient pagodas, sacred temples, heritage trees, and historic relic sites, this journey helps awaken the spiritual legacy of Truc Lam Buddhist Zen sect, spreading the spirit of engaged Buddhism in Vietnam and opening hopes for sustainable tourism development based on centuries-old cultural values.

Following the footsteps of the King-Monk

The survey tour of the Thuong River.

On a clear spring afternoon at Tan Ninh wharf (Bac Giang city), I boarded a boat carrying the survey delegation as it gently glided along the Thuong River.

Right on the boat’s deck, members of the team unfolded maps, engaged in lively discussions and meticulously reviewed landmarks—as if charting a roadmap for the future.

The "Journey to Preach the Dharma" is a path once walked by the founders of the Truc Lam Zen sect, embodying the spirit of engaged Buddhism, patriotism, and the fusion of religious and worldly life.

One cannot speak of this path without mentioning King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong—a brilliant monarch, a national hero, and the founder of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.

After twice leading the people of Dai Viet to defeat the Mongol invasions in 1285 and 1288, he voluntarily abdicated the throne, donned the monk's robe, and retired to Yen Tu Mountain for religious practice.

Then, he spread the Dharma in a spirit of engagement with the world, laying the foundation for a uniquely Vietnamese Zen sect—a harmonious blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism—resonating deeply with the Vietnamese consciousness and intertwining religious principles with the nation.

The Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, founded by the King-Monk, promotes an awakened, patriotic way of life—letting go of fame and wealth, practicing Buddhism amidst daily life, and serving the community.

That spirit has spread from Yen Tu down to the Luc Nam and Thuong Rivers, taking root in the ancient pagodas along today’s pilgrimage route.

Inspired by this philosophical current, a new idea has emerged—reviving the ancient path through a modern tourism route, blending spirituality, waterways with history and culture.

The journey starts from Bac Giang city, passing through the pagodas and temples on the banks of the Thuong and Luc Nam Rivers, and ends with a pilgrimage to sacred Yen Tu Mountain—the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen sect, where the spiritual and secular worlds converge.

On both sides of the rivers, bamboo groves rustle in the spring breeze as silent witnesses to centuries past. Amid the lush greenery lie sacred sites and heritage structures such as Ba Co (Lady) Shrine with its ancient red silk-cotton tree glowing in March; Nguyen Huy Tan Temple associated with the historical figure Nguyen Huy Tan and ancient trees; Thanh Cam Communal House, Nguyet Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and Tam Giang Temple.

Especially symbolic is the Phuong Nhan confluence—where the Thuong, Luc Nam, and Luc Dau Giang Rivers meet—considered a crucial gateway of the journey.

A member of the group whispered, “Three rivers converge just like the three human essences meeting the Dharma.” The metaphor alludes to a deep Zen philosophy: the confluence of water mirrors the unity of body, mind, and spirit—forming a powerful, awakened, and life-giving current.

From these conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of the idea of recreating the ancient path—through a modern, river-based spiritual tourism journey. Spiritual tourism by water brings people closer to the essence of inner peace and calm amid the turbulence of life.

Permanent Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee Mai Son, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet and the working delegation survey "Journey to Preach the Dharma".

Right on the boat’s deck, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet, a member of the delegation, shared valuable insights into Buddha teachings.

Speaking about Vinh Nghiem Pagoda—the holiest destination of the journey—he emphasised that “Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is not only a Buddhist school but also the administrative center of the Truc Lam Zen sect. It was where doctrines were formulated, monks were trained, religious affairs were managed, and the spirit of engaged, national, and wise Buddhism was spread.”

This significance is reinforced by the pagoda’s collection of woodblocks of Buddhist scriptures, recognised by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage. It is a treasure of Vietnamese Buddhism, culture and wisdom remaining intact today.

Paving the way for a new journey

Nguyen Huy Tan Temple in Xuan Phu commune, Bac Giang city.

Throughout the journey, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet offered profound reflections on the history of Buddhism and its Truc Lam Zen sect, and suggested that Bac Giang province organise a dedicated symposium on the “Journey to Preach the Dharma.” According to him, this is a path rich in history, culture, and spirituality, deserving of systematic, scientific, and strategic views.

Reviving the journey carries profound spiritual and cultural meaning and promises to become a unique tourism product with wide-reaching impact—not only within Bac Giang province but also at the national and international levels.

After an afternoon, the survey trip came to an end but a new path is truly opening, both geographically and in developmental vision.

The survey team discusses on the map.

Today, the “Journey to Preach the Dharma” is no longer a closed memory in historical records—it is being awakened through dedication and forward-thinking vision, becoming a living flow that connects history, culture, and spirituality with sustainable development.

Bac Giang is gradually turning heritage into vitality, transforming rivers into pilgrimages, and reimagining ancient paths into modern-day experiences so that boats may carry both the Dharma and the worldly life, sailing steadily toward the open sea of global integration.