His Majesty Emperor Lý Thái Tổ (vegetarian) – A Spiritual Ruler from The Buddhist Temple, Part 1 of 2

In today’s program, we will go back in history to learn about a king who came from a Buddhist temple. He was the compassionate, wise King Lý Thái Tổ, who was exceptional both in literature and martial arts. He founded the Lý dynasty, beginning a glorious period in the history of Đại Việt, which is now Âu Lạc (Vietnam). The Complete Annals of Đại Việt has recorded: “The Emperor’s surname was Lý, given name Công Uẩn, born in Cổ Pháp village, Bắc Ninh Province.

His mother, Phạm Thị Ngà, visited Tiêu Sơn temple, and received a Divine message, then later she became pregnant and gave birth to Him on February 12, 974.” Lý Khánh Văn accepted and named him Lý Công Uẩn. Công Uẩn was handsome and very smart, so the abbot loved Him like his own son. When Lý Công Uẩn was seven years old, abbot Khánh Văn took Him to Tiêu Sơn temple in order to study literature and martial arts from Zen Master Vạn Hạnh. The first time he saw Lý Công Uẩn, Zen Master Vạn Hạnh already gave praise: “He is not an ordinary person!”

At 20 years old, Lý Công Uẩn was introduced to the royal court by His Teacher Vạn Hạnh to serve as an officer in the army under King Lê Đại Hành’s reign. Lý Công Uẩn was gradually promoted to become the Commander of the Palace's Left Flank, which was one of the most important positions among the royal guards. In 1009, King Lê Long Đĩnh passed away suddenly; his son was still very young. Commander of Inner Palace Guards Đào Cam Mộc then discussed with the high-ranking royal officials, saying: “I’ve observed that the Commander of the Palace's Left Flank Lý Công Uẩn is an outstanding talented man with a magnanimous and benevolent heart. Who would be better than Him to lead the country at this time?!” On November 21, 1009, Lý Công Uẩn acceded to the throne and became Emperor Lý Thái Tổ, establishing a glorious dynasty lasting 216 years. “Long live the King!”