VietNamNet Bridge – The humane military thoughts of renowned figures and generals in the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) were the content of a recent talk jointly held by the Institute of Military Humanities and Social Sciences and Nam Dinh Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Hero: Statue of Supreme Commander Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300) in the central province of Khanh Hoa. He was credited with commanding the armies that repelled three major Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Photo bienphong.com.vn

The talk aimed to exchange ideas among specialists to clarify the context and organisation of the Tran Dynasty’s military in reference to the formation and development of humane military thoughts of renowned figures and generals at the time.

It also clarified the historical value and meaning of the Tran Dynasty, which will contribute to the research and development of Viet Nam’s military thought in general.

The main theme of humane military thought discussed during the talk was the justice and legitimate defence of contemporary military organisation and activities.

Other themes discussed stressed the consideration given to minimising the death toll of soldiers during the building and training of military groups, as well as during fighting. In addition, the organisation of military activities had to be dependent on and receive support from the masses. This demonstrates the humanity and unity of the people, and clearly differentiates the treatment given to friend and foe in military organisations during the Tran Dynasty.

According to the researchers, Viet Nam’s history has been closely associated with resistance wars, and those during Tran dynasty were just, aimed at protecting the people rather than the invasion of other countries.

They added that all the top military leaders at that time were descended from the working class. As distinguished figures, they received great respect and credit. However, they also had a close connection with the masses, which manifests itself in the humane military thoughts of the renowned figures and generals during this dynasty.

“Invaluable lessons gained from the resistance wars against Mongol invaders, especially the humane military thoughts of the Tran dynasty’s generals, have constituted the nation’s glorious victories, which have high scientific and practical value in organising the Viet Nam’s people’s armed forces – the shield guarding national independence - in the new context of building and protecting the country,” said Do Manh Hoa, associate professor from the Institute of Military Humane and Social Sciences.

Among the feudal periods of Viet Nam, the Tran Dynasty is considered as the most prosperous period with many talented national heroes like Tran Thai Tong and Tran Thanh Tong, and outstanding generals like Tran Hung Dao and Tran Quang Khai.

Those heroes and generals triumphed over the Mongol invaders three times, protecting national independence and creating the history of a national tradition of fighting against invasion.

The kings and generals were considered as great military strategists with eminent humane military thoughts, which have become the backbone of the national philosophy of building and protecting the country for years.

VNS