BIOGRAPHY OF TAN DIEU ZEN PAGODA

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* My name is Nguyen Cong Nhan, born in 1938 in Cho Lon.
* I am a Zen practitioner and author Nguyen Nhan.
* I am the abbot, also known as the head of Tan Dieu Zen pagoda.
* I would like to tell the biography of this Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda as follows:
In 1950, my mother, Tran Thi Lieu, with the Dharma name Zen Master Duc Thao, was given four books by Zen Master Thich Duc Ha. These books include:
1/ The book "Legendary Diary" by the Buddha Shakyamuni transmitted through Zen Zong buddhism, “secret method” explaining this Zen Zong Dharma.
2/ The book "Teachings of King Tran Nhan Tong to crown prince about governance, religion, liberation formula and the truth on this earth"
3/ The book "The Buddha teaches Zen zong practice."
4/ The book "The lives and enlightenment of 36 Zen Patriarchs in India - China - Vietnam."
* My mother read these four books and understood the teachings of the Buddha.
* On October 15, 1956, my mother requested a piece of land from my grandparents and obtained permission from the authorities at that time to establish this Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda. It was given the following title:

TAN DIEU ZEN PAGODA
VIETNAM ZEN ZONG
PRACTICING THE 6TH DHARMA METHOD ZEN ZONG OF THE BUDDHA
AND KING TRAN NHAN TONG.

* When the construction of the pagoda was completed, my mother spoke to many people about the Zen dharma method, but those who came to listen said that my mother was "a crazy woman!"
* For two years, no one would listen and they even insulted my mother.
Therefore, on October 15, 1958, my mother taught:
  - The Zen dharma method is the 6th dharma method taught by the Buddha, transmitted outside the usual scriptures. This is considered a "National Treasure" for any country that possesses it. Our country, Vietnam, is the luckiest country in the world to have this 6th dharma method.
   - Our country, Vietnam, is currently being invaded by the French.
   - Everyone must be concerned with driving out the French forces.
   - Therefore, this Zen dharma method cannot be widely spread.
In the "Legendary Diary" of the Buddha transmitted through the Zen Zong Buddhism, it is stated that:
1/ In the age of Decadent Dharma, a Dragon woman in the Dragon land, of the Dragon country, received it. In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha implied it indirectly in the 12th chapter "Dragon Woman teaches to become a Buddha." It means that a woman in the Dragon land of the Dragon country teaches others to become a Buddha. The Buddha hinted that my mother is the "woman in the Dragon land of the Dragon country."

Why is our country called the Dragon country? Because Lord Lac Long Quan called Van Lang country the country of the Dragon's offspring, so the Buddha called our country the Dragon country.
2/ In the Early Decadent Dharma age, the son of Dragon woman will disseminate and publicly announce the Legendary Diary in Dragon land. It is you, the son of the Dragon woman. Because according to the "Legendary Diary" transmitted in the Zen Buddhism of the Buddha, it is clearly taught like that. Therefore, the Buddha included in this "Legendary Diary" a "Secret Method" of the Buddhist teachings in general, and specifically this Zen Zong Dharma method.
- Anyone who reads this "Legendary Diary" without the accompanying "Secret Method" instruction will only understand the superficial aspects of this "Legendary Diary."
3/ Today, on October 15, 1958, I performed a ceremony to transmit the "Secret Method of Zen Zong Dharma" and confer the title of "Zen Master" to you to bear this responsibility.
4/ After you read the "Legendary Diary" and the accompanying "Secret Method" of the Buddha, you will understand all the teachings of the Tathagata, whether direct meaning or indirect meaning.
5/ You have to sequentially perform the following four tasks:

First, disseminate this Zen Dharma method through books. You have to request permission to publish them legally.
Second, provide explanations to readers when they have doubts. You have to request permission from the authorities to comply with the law.
Third, when publishing the book Legendary Diary of the Buddha transmitted through Zen Zong Buddhism, you must seek permission from multiple publishers to ensure legal compliance. Because when this Legendary Diary is publicly announced, it will disrupt the understanding of human beings up to now. Therefore, it is very dangerous for you. You must seek permission from the authorities and the Buddhist Sangha to ensure legal compliance.
Fourth, when the Legendary Diary of the Buddha transmitted through Zen Zong Buddhism is publicly announced, there are certain types of people who will distort and undermine this Legendary Diary such as:
- They declare that they practice this Zen Zong Dharma method and attain this and that. The purpose of these people saying so is to gain fame and money. These people will bring damage to this Zen Zong Dharma method.
- Many people who have lost their benefits conspire together to eradicate this Zen Zong Dharma method.
Following my mother's advice, I dare not tell anyone about my understanding of the Buddha's teachings.

My mother named the Zen Pagoda as "Tân Diệu" with the following meanings:

Zen Zong: The Buddhist teaching transmitted outside the conventional scriptures, with four phrases as follows:
1. Not found in any written scripture.
2. Transmission particularly outside the written teachings.
3. Pointing directly to one's true nature.
4. Seeing one's nature and becoming a Buddha.

My mother taught the meanings of these four phrases:
1. It is not written in words. Those who attain enlightenment will understand it themselves.
2. This doctrine is specifically transmitted to those who perceive the pure and tranquil nature of the Buddha through their insight.
3. The Buddha directly points to the true nature of each individual. When you publish the Legendary Diary book, all readers will know their own Buddha-nature.
4. When they realize their Buddha-nature, they will know the formula for returning to the Buddha realm and becoming a Buddha.
- Tan: My mother took it from the word "Tan My", the commune name.
- Dieu: My mother found this teaching to be marvelous and took the word "Dieu."
After two years since the pagoda was built, my mother was unable to help anyone understand this Zen teaching. Therefore, she carefully studied the Legendary Diary of the Buddha transmitted through Zen Zong Buddhism. Only then did she understand the Buddha's teachings regarding the gradual and sequential dissemination and publication of the Legendary Diary, consisting of twelve stages.

✅ Stage 1: When human civilization reaches a high level, it will gradually spread, not in haste, in the following order:
Build a complete pagoda in accordance with the Zen style which the Buddha taught. The Buddha arranged for it to be transmitted by the 36 Zen Patriarchs.
- The main hall of the pagoda must hang the inscription "Zen Zong Main Hall".
"Practice Zen Zong is essential to become a Buddha."
The Zen Patriarch's room must place the figure of "Three extraordinary Zen Patriarchs of three nations: India - China - Vietnam."
- The gate of the pagoda must display the inscription "Specialized in teaching liberation."

✅ Stage 2: Start disseminating this Zen teaching from basic to advanced levels.

✅ Stage 3: Start granting the certificate of insight, "Zen Essentials," to those who have a fundamental understanding of Zen teachings.

✅ Stage 4: Those who are granted the certificate of insight, "Zen Essentials," and whose Buddha-nature includes:

1. Must have at least 12 verses expressing the profound essence of this Zen Zong Dharma method.
2. Must have a written explanation of this Zen Zong Dharma method: Achieving Zen standards.
3. Must answer 26 questions prescribed by the Buddha in the Zen Zong Dharma method, with a score of over 60%.

If any of them request you to grant them a recognition of “knowing the way to the Buddha world”, you have to conduct the ceremony according to the teachings transmitted by the Buddha in the Legendary Diary, refer to the transmission ceremony when the Buddha performed to announce Mahakasyapa as the first Zen Patriarch. This is inside the book my mother entrusted me: "Life and Enlightenment of the 36 Zen Patriarchs: India - China and Vietnam."

✅ Stage 5: Those who receive the transmission of the "Zen Secret" and help more than 30 people achieve "Zen Essentials" and over 15 people attain the "Zen Secret," I will confer the title of "Zen Master" upon them.

✅ Stage 6: Those who open their Buddha Eyes, have capability, and Resources to independently build a Zen pagoda without accepting any donations, recognized by the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, I will grant them the Certificate of Qualification to manage the Zen pagoda.

✅ Stage 7: When there are a certain number of people:
1. Attained "Zen Essentials," known as "Zen Disciples."
2. Achieved the "Zen Secret," known as "Zen Practitioners."
3. Bestowed with the title of "Zen Master," known as Zen Masters.

✅ Stage 8: All the above parts are implemented, according to the Zen standards.

✅ Stage 9: Seeking permission from the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to publish this Legendary Diary.

✅ Stage 10: Upon the publication of this Legendary Diary, many people will come to ask questions. Therefore, you have to seek permission from the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for answering the questions about this Zen Zong Dharma method.

✅ Stage 11: When the above parts are stably implemented, you respectfully invite:

- Authorities at all levels in Long An province.
- The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at all levels in Long An province.
To witness the ceremony of transmitting the Zen Secret, so that the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha can evaluate this Zen Zong Dharma method.

✅ Stage 12: You respectfully invite:

1. Authorities at all levels in Long An province.
2. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at all levels in Long An province.
To question you about this Zen Zong Dharma method.

* To allow the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to witness and evaluate your understanding and organization of the ceremonies, whether they meet the standards.

* If the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha approve of you continuing to manage the Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda, you request that the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha grant you permission to operate in accordance with the laws of beliefs and religion.

* If the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha find that you do not meet the standards, you will hand over this Zen Zong Dharma teaching to the Government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for dissemination by their own way.

Your mission is completed here.

After my mother completed teaching me the above parts, on October 15, 1958, she conducted a ceremony to transmit the "Secrets of Zen" and "Zen Master Conferment" to me, calling me "Zen Master Nguyen Nhan." In order for me to grasp the method of transmitting the "Secrets of Zen" and other issues, on behalf of my mother, I disseminated and announced the Legendary Diary transmitted by the Buddha through the Zen Zong Buddhism. My mother also taught me the following:

1. When Vietnam is reunified.
2. During the "Minh Triet" time, you seek permission to repair Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda.
3. Sequentially disseminate this Zen Dharma through books.
4. When there are many people who understand this Zen teaching, you issue certificates of enlightenment called "Zen essentials" to them.
5. Those who meet the criteria for transmitting the "Secrets of Zen," you perform the transmission ceremony for them.
6. Those who are enthusiastic and meet the requirements outlined in the Legendary Diary, you confer the title of "Zen Master" upon them.
7. Those who can open their Buddha Eyes, have capability, and Resources and are able to independently build a legally compliant Zen pagoda, you grant them a Recognition Certificate. All the templates are included in this Legendary Diary.

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I remember the teachings of my mother clearly in my heart. In 1960, the Dong Khoi movement in Ben Tre province emerged to resist the government of Ngo Dinh Diem. Ngo Dinh Diem's secret agents sought to capture revolutionary soldiers who refused to go for training in North Vietnam according to the Geneva Agreement between President Ho Chi Minh and King Bao Dai.

My seventh cousin is Mr. Tran Van Tru, a member of Long An province, who requested two things from me:

⭐ First, to provide shelter for 20 revolutionary soldiers disguised as Buddhist monks in this Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda to avoid being captured by Ngo Dinh Diem's secret agents.
I agreed and nominated Nguyen Van Banh as the abbot to manage the pagoda.

My younger brother, Tran Van Trung, would serve as the secretary, liaising with the provincial government and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Hau Nghia province.
As for me, I would engage in external diplomatic activities with influential individuals in Hau Nghia province, Duc Hoa district, and Tan My commune at that time.

My purpose was to establish connections with these individuals, so that they would not pay attention to Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda and allow the revolutionary soldiers inside the pagoda to remain safe.

The significant protectors of Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda were two individuals:
Firstly, my uncle, Nguyen Van Cham, who held the most power in Hau Nghia province and Duc Hoa district at that time.
Secondly, my younger brother, Officer Monk Thich Quang Tho, with the secular name Bien Van Khanh, served as the chief representative of Buddhism in Hau Nghia province.

In 1962, I was suspected of harboring revolutionaries in the pagoda. Therefore, Lieutenant Tô Van Hien, who was the district chief of Duc Hoa at that time, invited me to Duc Hoa district to question me about the large number of monks living in Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda, as they suspected that Viet Cong members were hiding inside the pagoda.
I explained:
The monks in the pagoda did not want to be conscripted, so they chose to become monks.
- As the owner of this pagoda, I couldn't refuse them, so I had to allow them to become monks. Because the law clearly stated: "Religious monks are exempted from military conscription."

- Fortunately, I had someone contact my uncle, Nguyen Van Cham, who had a reputation and great influence in Duc Hoa district and Hau Nghia province at that time, as well as my younger brother, Officer Monk Thich Quang Tho, with the secular name Bien Van Khanh, the chief representative of Buddhism in Hau Nghia province. These two individuals vouched for me, which led to my release by Lieutenant To Van Hien. If it weren't for their guarantee, Lieutenant To Van Hien's subordinates would have continued questioning me, and the secret of me sheltering the revolutionary soldiers inside Tan Dieu Zen Pagoda would eventually have been exposed, with unforeseeable consequences for my actions!

⭐ Second, my house is in Saigon, where I provided shelter for 3 revolutionary soldiers sent by my seventh uncle, including:

1/ Tran Van Dat, the son of my ninth uncle, Tran Van Luong, from Tan My commune, my mother's blood brother (Now he is a martyr).

2/ Tran Thi Anh Hong, also the child of my ninth uncle (Now a martyr).
3/ Tran Van Duyen, the child of my youngest uncle, Tran Van Phuong, from Tan My commune, also my mother's blood brother (Now a martyr).

After the liberation:
1/ My uncle, Nguyen Van Cham, was assigned by the Party and the State to be the Director of the Western Port Bus Station.
2/ My seventh uncle, Tran Van Tru, was assigned by the Party and the State to be the Director of the Phan Van Mang Printing Factory in Long An province.
3/ My younger brother, Tran Van Truong, worked at Long An provincial Television Station.
4/ Lieutenant General Le Van Thao is currently the Commander of the Southwest Border Defense.

⭐ As for me, I work as a dentist and implantologist, so I have a private business at home and regularly provide services to the 479th and 779th Fronts, under the responsibility of Military Zone 7.
- In Ho Chi Minh City, I have worked for Ho Chi Minh City Front and District 3 for over 35 years. 

Therefore, I have received the following commendations and certificates:

- Commemorative Medal from the National Front Committee of Vietnam.
- Numerous commendations and certificates from the 479th and 779th Fronts, as well as from the People's Committee of various levels of Ho Chi Minh City.
- I have photocopies of all these documents that I have submitted to Tan My commune and Duc Hoa district.

⭐  What is the reason that I have come forward to popularize and propagate Zen Buddhism for people to attain?

* According to the teachings of my mother:
- This Zen Zong Dharma method is very scientific, practical, and considered the essence of the Buddha's teachings. Fortunately, Vietnam has three esteemed practitioners:
   The first is King Tran Nhan Tong.
   The second is Zen Master Phap Loa.
   The third is Zen Master Huyen Quang.
- These three individuals practiced Zen Buddhism and were honored with the title "Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhism."
* Our country, Vietnam, is the only country in the world where the Zen Dharma teaching of the Buddha has been widely disseminated and proclaimed.

⭐  To fulfill my mother's teachings, I have been practicing dentistry and dental implants for 60 years. With whatever money I have, I used it to rebuild this Tan Dieu Zen pagoda.

- The propagation of this Zen Buddhist teaching is in accordance with the laws of the State. Therefore, I have published 11 books on Zen Buddhism, authorized by the following two publishers:

     First, the Religious Publishing House under the Office of the Prime Minister.

     Second, the Hong Duc Publishing House under the Vietnam Bar Association.
* When I requested the Declaration of the Legendary Diary of the Buddha transmitted through the Zen Buddhist lineage, I received permission from the Government and the Buddhist Sangha.
* In summary, everything I do complies with the laws and regulations of the State.
* As for the issuance of certificates and the transmission of the "Secrets of Zen Buddhism" to those who achieve enlightenment, I have conducted experiments for several years, and now it has met the standards.
⭐ I plan to carry out three phases in June 2018 (follow my mother's teaching):

First, You invite the Government and the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha of Duc Hoa-Duc Hue District to attend, witness, and evaluate this Zen Buddhist teaching to determine whether it truly represents the essence of the Buddha's teachings.

Second, after the evaluation by the Government and the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha of Duc Hoa-Duc Hue District. If they find that this Zen Buddhist teaching is indeed the essence of the Buddha's teachings, we request the Government and the Buddhist Sangha to publicly permit its operation, in accordance with the Law on Belief and Religion that the National Assembly signed on November 18, 2016, effective from January 1, 2018, to comply with the state's laws and regulations.

Third, You propose that the Government's Religious Affairs Committee and the three levels of government establish a "Council to assess your understanding of Zen Buddhism”, to see if you have sufficient knowledge of the Zen Buddhist teaching taught by the Buddha?

The members of this Assessment Council include:
1/ An experienced High Monk who has practiced for many years and attained enlightenment.
2/ A venerable monk or senior Buddhist scholar.
3/ A Ph.D. or Bachelor's degree holder in Buddhist studies.
4/ Scholars who have conducted in-depth research on Buddhism.
5/ Journalists from newspapers, radio, etc.
They will come to Tan Dieu Zen pagoda to assess and question you about this Zen Buddhist teaching to evaluate its authenticity.

You should make every effort to fulfill the above-mentioned parts.

⭐  Below are the Principles - Guidelines and Rules of Zen Buddhist practice:

★ Principles (Consist of 3 parts) - Practitioners of Zen Buddhism must:
1/ Have a practical and scientific mindset.
2/ Have understood the five initial teachings of the Buddha.
3/ Not hold rigid views (arrogance).

★ Guidelines (Consist of 4 parts) - Practitioners of Zen Buddhism must:
1/ Not engage in superstitious or deviant practices.
2/ Not harm the environment.
3/ Not jeopardize national security.
4/ Regard their homeland as supreme.

★ Rules (Consist of 7 parts) - Practitioners of Zen Buddhism must:
1/ Not exploit Zen Buddhism to undermine the state.
2/ Not exploit Zen Buddhism for personal financial gain.
3/ Avoid engaging in arguments with others.
4/ If there is an argument, it must be conducted according to the prescribed laws.
5/ Promote Zen Buddhism within the framework of the law.
6/ The organizer of the ceremony for transmitting the Secrets of Zen Buddhism must bear the expenses:

- Printing materials.
- Receiving guests.
- Meals and refreshments.
- Not accept any money or even expressions of gratitude from anyone.
7/ Not encourage anyone to pursue the study of this Zen Zong Dharma method.
Why?
Because this Dharma method is very difficult!

* The above are the 14 important parts: Principles - Guidelines and Rules of this Zen Buddhist teaching taught to me by my mother.

Your mother: Tran Thi Lieu, known as Zen Master nun Duc Thao.