Unique cultural imprints in the flow of Vietnamese beliefs

In the system of religious institutions and beliefs of the Vietnamese people, structures such as communal houses, pagodas, temples, and shrines have been extensively studied and have become familiar symbols in the community's consciousness. However, Taoist temples, places of worship for Taoist gods, are the missing piece in that overall picture.

The book highlights the role of Taoism and the Taoist temple system in our country. Photo: National Political Publishing House Truth

With many years of research and field experience, Dr. Nguyen The Hung chose the land west of Hanoi (formerly part of Xu Doai) as a highlight to approach the system of Taoist temples such as Hoi Linh temple, Hung Thanh temple, Linh Tien temple, Lam Duong temple... From the perspective of religious history, he commented: "The existence of Taoist temples in many places proves that this religious institution has played an important role in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people".

This is not only a place to worship gods such as Tam Thanh, Ngoc Hoang, Huyen Thien Tran Vu, but also a place to show the crystallization and harmony between Taoism and Vietnamese folk beliefs and other major religions such as Confucianism and Buddhism. According to the author, it is thanks to this harmony that Taoism does not exist as a purely foreign religion, but has soon been localized, integrated and spread strongly into the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

One of the remarkable findings of the book is the change in the architecture of Taoist temples over time. If in the 16th century, the temple's ground plan was often in the shape of the letter Tam, then in the 17th century, the architectural model changed to the letter Cong symbolizing solidity, balance and introversion. In addition, the system of the Back Hall and Bell Tower, which are prominent features of Taoist temples of this period, is also considered by the author as a "transitional bridge" to the Pre-Buddhist - Post-Saint architectural style popular in many later relics.

Not stopping at architecture, Dr. Nguyen The Hung also classified the system of statues worshiped in Taoist temples into four groups: Universal statues in Taoist temples; statues present in some temples; statues only present in some individual temples and a group of statues with a mixed Taoist-Buddhist character. This analysis not only shows the diversity of beliefs, but also clearly reflects the tolerant and flexible characteristics in the religious consciousness of the Vietnamese people.

The book also provides in-depth analysis of the historical and cultural role of Taoism in periods of turmoil. The author believes that in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when Vietnamese society fell into an ideological crisis, Confucianism gradually lost its legitimacy, and Taoism with its philosophy of transcendence and serenity became a spiritual refuge for intellectuals and mandarins.

The book also emphasizes that the research and correct identification of the value of Taoist temples not only has academic significance, but also has profound practical significance in the management, preservation and promotion of the value of national cultural heritage. This is a necessary reminder for cultural and relic managers, as well as the community, to re-evaluate the role and position of a type of heritage that is being forgotten.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dau-an-van-hoa-dac-sac-trong-dong-chay-tin-nguong-viet-nam-707691.html