Members of the Vietnam Writers’ Association conduct a field trip to Ngoa Van to gather material for their novels.

The contest aims to pay tribute to the Three Patriarchs of the Truc Lâm Zen sect, particularly King-Buddha Tran Nhan Tong, the founder of Truc Lam Buddhism, while promoting the cultural and historical values of Ngoa Van closely associated with his life and the Truc Lam tradition, and where he attained nirvana. The event also commemorates the 696th anniversary of the passing into nirvana of the Second Patriarch of Truc Lam Zen sect, Phap Loa, honoring his contributions as one of the sect’s three key patriarchs. Entries are invited in two categories: novels and music. Submissions for the music category will be accepted until July 30, 2026, with awards expected on August 28, 2026. The deadline for novel entries is on December 30, 2026, with the award ceremony scheduled for February 2027.

By Pham Hoc