World cultural heritage is a special legacy that Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong contributed to humanity.

Bhikkhu Bodhi monks attending Vesak 2025 visited the Buddha Emperor Tower, located in Yen Tu scenic spot ( Quang Ninh ) - Photo: XUAN CU

This is the 9th world heritage in Vietnam - a special world heritage when the heritage is associated with religious relics and when the spiritual values of Truc Lam Buddhism contribute to the cultural heritage, the spiritual heritage of humanity.

Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong gave up the throne to become a monk.

According to the Department of Cultural Heritage, the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, and Kiep Bac relic and landscape complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage according to two criteria.

According to the first criterion, UNESCO recognized that this complex has created a unique cultural tradition of global significance, shaping national identity, and promoting peace and security in the wider region.

It can be said that the relic and scenic complex of Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac is a special testament to Truc Lam Buddhism - a unique Zen tradition of Vietnam established in the 13th century by the Tran kings, royals and wise monks, especially the Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong is the only known monarch in Asia who gave up the throne to become a monk, founding a Zen sect imbued with Vietnamese philosophy of life and character.

The spirit of tolerance and creativity of Truc Lam Buddhism founded by him has inspired and brought human values to the domestic and international communities.

According to the second criterion, UNESCO recognizes Truc Lam Buddhism as a globally significant demonstration of how a religion, originating from many beliefs, originating and developing in the homeland of Yen Tu, has influenced secular society, promoted a strong nation, ensured peace and regional cooperation.

Not just the joy of the title

It can be seen that UNESCO has recognized Vietnam's 9th world heritage, in addition to the value of the relic complex, more importantly thanks to the strong cultural and spiritual values of Truc Lam Buddhism, which is not only meaningful to the Vietnamese people but also contributes greatly to the cultural and spiritual treasure of humanity.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu - Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO - said that this recognition affirms the international appreciation for the value of the relic complex and the beautiful humanistic and peaceful thoughts of Truc Lam Buddhism founded by Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Vietnam Heritage, the 9th world heritage to be honored, is not only a joy for Vietnamese people because of the lasting values that the title brings to the country, but also a great pride when Vietnam is recognized for its strong contribution to the cultural and spiritual values of humanity with the precious heritage left by Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

UNESCO recognizes Truc Lam Buddhism as representing a philosophical system and the spirit of tolerance and altruism of Buddhism. The ideological and cultural values of Truc Lam Buddhism are completely consistent with UNESCO's fundamental goal of maintaining and enriching the common values of humanity.

These are values: education, building a culture of peace; spirit of self-reliance, harmonious combination between humans and the natural world, respect for the laws of nature.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/di-san-van-hoa-the-gioi-la-di-san-dac-biet-cua-phat-hoang-tran-nhan-tong-gop-cho-nhan-loai-20250714090112917.htm