Entitled “Buddhism in Life" with the theme Tinh Hoa Phật Giáo Trúc Lâm Nhập Thế (The Essence of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism Participates in Life's Affairs), the contest has been organised by the Quảng Ninh chapter of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in collaboration with the Vietnamese Association of Artistic Photographers, and the Ngọa Vân Yên Tử Cultural Tourism Company.

The event is to commemorate the passing of Zen master Pháp Loa – the second founder of the Việt Nam Trúc Lâm Zen Buddism, and in anticipation of the 716th anniversary of nirvana attainment of of King-Monk Trần Nhân Tông (1308–2024).

The contest aims to honour the invaluable heritage left by King Trần Nhân Tông at the sacred complex of Am-Ngọa Vân Pagoda. It also celebrates the unique values of the Vietnamese Buddhism and the concept of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism in the nation's unity and development.

The event also promotes the distinctive values of the ideological and cultural heritage, passing on the teachings of kindness and the connection between the religious belief and daily life of King Trần Nhân Tông and the Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism to different generations.

Venerable Thích Đạo Hiển, Deputy Head of the Management Board and Chief Secretary of Quảng Ninh chapter of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) said that alongside the photos depicting moments of daily life and charity activities of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism, the competition also welcomes the entries showcasing the natural beauty of the Am-Ngọa Vân Pagoda, as well as images that convey the ideology of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism to the young generation today.

According to representatives from the Ngọa Vân Yên Tử Cultural Tourism Company, any photographer who wishes take pictures at Am-Ngọa Vân Pagoda will receive free cable car tickets to various locations within the complex, tickets to sightseeing tours and free accommodation during their stay.

Entries must be sent to the website http://thianhphatgiao2024.com from now until October 15. The organises will select the best photos to grant one first, two second and three third prizes.

An awards ceremony and exhibition displaying prize-winning photos will be held at the end of November at the sightseeing complex of Am-Ngọa Vân Pagoda in Đông Triều Town, Quảng Ninh Province.

The Buddhism in Life photo contest was first held in 2020, attracting more than 670 photographers from 59 cities and provinces nationwide to compete. A total of more than 3,570 photos were entered.

Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism – a line of Buddhist meditation imbued with Vietnamese culture, was founded by King Trần Nhân Tông in the 13th century. The King-Monk chose Ngọa Vân Pagoda as the place to attain nirvana, that’s why the place has been considered the holy land of the Trần Dynasty and Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism ever since. — VNS