On December 22, 2016, the Prime Minister issued Decision 2496/QD-TTg recognizing Thanh Mai Vien thong thap bi as a national treasure.
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| Leaders of Chi Linh provincial town and the head monk of Thanh Mai pagoda receive the Prime Minister's decision recognizing Thanh Mai Vien thong thap bi as a national treasure |
The Chi Linh Provincial Town People's Committee on March 28 morning celebrated the 687th death anniversary of Venerable Phap Loa, the 2nd patriarch of Truc Lam Zen, (1330 – 2017) and announced a decision recognizing
Thanh Mai Vien thong thap bi (stele) as a national treasure.
Zen Master Phap Loa's real name was Dong Kien Cuong (born in 1284). His native land was Dong Hoa, Cuu La, Nam Sach (Ai Quoc ward, Hai Duong city nowadays).
In 1308, the title "2nd patriarch of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen" was bestowed on him by King Monk Tran Nhan Tong.
He always paid attention to preaching, compiling prayer books, training talented monks, developing beautiful sites, providing relief, etc.
In 1329, Zen Master Phap Loa undertook the construction of Thanh Mai pagoda on the slope of Phat Tich mountain (present-day Tam Bao mountain) in Hoang Hoa Tham commune (Chi Linh). The pagoda became one of the centers of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.
On March 3, 1330 (Canh Ngo year), 2nd patriarch Phap Loa passed away. His death anniversary was taken as the traditional festive day of Thanh Mai pagoda.
On December 22, 2016, the Prime Minister issued Decision 2496/QD-TTg recognizing
Thanh Mai Vien thong thap bi as a national treasure.
Built in 1362 under the reign of King Tran Du Tong, the stone stele is being kept at Thanh Mai pagoda.
Inscriptions on the stele mention the life and achievements of 2nd patriarch Phap Loa and provide information about the then politics, religions, and farmland.
(HaiDuongnews)
