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| Paintings showcase the landscape of Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery at the event. Photo: VNA/VNS |
PARIS – An event was held in Paris, France, on June 16 to promote the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of the Yên Tử – Vĩnh Nghiêm – Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Complex.
The event formed part of Việt Nam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Vũ emphasised that the nomination dossier is the result of 13 years of rigorous research, conservation, and close collaboration among heritage experts, scholars, and local authorities from Quảng Ninh, Bắc Giang, and Hải Dương provinces. He noted that the complex is not only a historical testament but also embodies profound spiritual values, connecting humanity with nature – a fundamental element of Vietnamese identity.
Vũ, who is also Chairman of the Việt Nam National Commission for UNESCO, also underlined that Việt Nam has earnestly taken into account feedback and recommendations from the UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), particularly in clarifying the site’s outstanding universal value and its management and conservation efforts.
Nguyễn Thị Hạnh, Vice Chairwoman of the Quảng Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, described the complex as a sacred cultural landscape comprising hundreds of temples, pagodas, stupas, and ancient artefacts, all integrated into a unified spiritual and spatial continuum across the three provinces. She reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to preserving and promoting the site’s heritage values.
The complex consists of four clusters of special national historical relics: the Yên Tử historical relic and landscape area (Uông Bí City, Quảng Ninh), the Trần Dynasty historical relic area (Đông Triều township, Quảng Ninh), the Western Yên Tử relic and landscape area (Bắc Giang), and the Côn Sơn – Kiếp Bạc Complex (Hải Dương). Numerous relics and landscapes within the complex have been recognised as provincial or national heritage sites, boasting a harmonious blend of natural scenery and architectural works of exceptional value.
In addition to its architectural and scenic significance, the site holds great historical importance as the birthplace of Trúc Lâm – the Vietnamese Zen Buddhism founded by King – Monk Trần Nhân Tông (1258–1308). It is also closely associated with the formation and development of the Trần Dynasty (1225–1400).
The influence of Trúc Lâm Zen has transcended national boundaries, spreading across the region and around the world. Today, Trúc Lâm Zen counts more than 30 million followers, 50,000 monks and nuns, and 15,000 pagodas in over 30 countries, including the Republic of Korea, India, the US, the UK, and Japan. Notably, France is home to a Trúc Lâm pagoda, while the US hosts the Trần Nhân Tông Reconciliation Award. — VNA/NVS
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