Story 10: Temple of Literature

Story 10: Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy

Like previous kings, King ThanhTong Ly worshiped Buddhism but he also interested in Confucianism, the system of philosophical and ethical was used as standards of living in China over one thousand years of history. According to Confucianism, an ideal model had to followed three rules or three Moral Bonds (there regulated about three relationships, people and king, father and his offspring, husband and wife) and five moral qualities or five constant virtues (these were benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, fidelity)

King Thanh Tong Ly seemed to predict the development of Confucianism and he also realized that had no way to build talented people but Confucianism. Therefore, he was the first person who went on the way, developing Confucianism in the country. Vietnamese history had written:

“In spring 1070, King Thanh Tong Le ordered builders to build Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), built statues which were Confucius (Khong Tu), Zhou Gong (Chu Cong), four greatest students of Confucius and 72 other students who were considered good students of Confucius and there was place people worship them. The place was also where crown prince came to study”. That meant:

Temple of Literature was place which used to worship people who were teachers, masters of Confucius. They were…

1) Confucius (Khong Tu) who was born in 551 and died in 479 before Christ. He was a person who lived in Lo (a small country that time, and now the country was a part of China). He was Chinese teacher, editor, politician, and philosopher. His theories were developed to be a philosophical system (Confucianism). He taught many students. Therefore, his philosophical system was spread widely and he was called “The Model Teacher for the Myriad Ages”.

2) Zhou Gong (Chu Cong), none know exactly when he was born and when he died. He was one of person who had built Zhou dynasty (1121 – 356 before Christ. He had built monarchy rule system and was person who had a great influence on ancient culture.

3) Four greatest students of Confucius (Nhan Hoi, Tang Sam, Tu Tu, Manh Tu).

4) And, 72 good students of Confucius.

They all were considered people who had built and spread widely Confucius in China.

Worshiping was performed every year, that proved the king respected and was grateful the people.

Confucius was attached with learning that explained why the king ordered crown prince to come and study there. Therefore, Temple of Literature and Imperial Academy were attached together. Imperial Academy was the first school which was established in Vietnam by by the government. Firstly, Imperial Academy was place crown Prince came and studied. Later which was place where royal offspring and powerful mandarin’s offspting studied in.

But Imperial Academy (Quoc Tu Giam) was built after that. In 1076, Royal ConcubineY Lan ordered builder to build Imperial Academy inside Temple of Literature. And the first student of Imperial Academy was King Nhan Tong Ly. He was only ten years old though he had been king for four years.

The school was the first formal training facility which people studied in. Though King Thanh Tong Ly had died before Imperial Academy was built, he was the first person who used Confucius as foundation of the rule of the country. Till Tran dynasty, Dai Viet had a great teacher his name was Van An Chu. When he died he also was worshiped in Temple of Literature.

One more thing you should know about King Thanh Tong Ly that he was a person he created Thao Duong Buddhism. His theories were combination Confucius and Buddhism. He brought Buddhism into community. He made kindness to be practical action as helping others, building country… The king explained Buddha was not any where but in your heart. People directed to the Buddha because they didn’t hate the life but wanted a better life which they only found in Buddhism.

Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy is the place all Vietnamese people proud. People say that is the oldest university in the world. Today, Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy is famous tourist destination, people can come and see its unique architecture or show their respect to great teachers who are worshiped in there. Every year, the place always holds a ceremony to honor people who have had great contribution to education. Especially, students usually come there before having a important examination, they think that will bring luck to them.

THE END

"Translated by Hung Nguyen"

Read more:

Historical stories

Story 8: King Thanh Tong Ly

Story 9: Royal Concubine Y Lan

Story 11: King Nhan Tong Ly

Story 12: General Thuong Kiet Ly

Story 13: Van Thinh Le

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Truyện cổ tích Việt Nam

Vietnamese fairy tales

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