His Majesty Emperor Lý Thái Tổ (vegetarian) – A Spiritual Ruler from The Buddhist Temple, Part 2 of 2

In one of my meditation sessions, I was hoping that Master would let me know of Her other incarnations in Âu Lạc (Vietnam). Suddenly from my wisdom eye, Master appeared as an Immortal with long hair and a long beard. “It was like we were in the front yard of a royal court. There were countless court officials. Next, the king appeared in the appearance of Master. And Master said, ‘This is King Lý Thái Tổ’.”

After being crowned, King Lý Thái Tổ made an important decision, that was moving the capital from Hoa Lư (=Ninh Bình) to Đại La (=Hà Nội). In autumn of the year 1010, King Lý Thái Tổ departed for the new capital in Đại La. Legend has it that when the King’s boat approached Đại La, a golden dragon appeared as if to greet the King, then flew up into the sky. Because of that, the King changed the name Đại La to Thăng Long (= rising dragon).

Right after moving the capital to Thăng Long, King Lý Thái Tổ instructed to have Buddhist temples be built all over the country, and ruined temples renovated. In 1018, King Lý Thái Tổ sent emissaries to China to ask for the Tripitaka. The King then told his officials to copy these sutras into many sets to distribute so that the citizens may study. Talented and virtuous Buddhist monks were selected to travel nationwide to give lectures. King Lý Thái Tổ also encouraged the people to become renunciates and practice the Dharma. The King’s intention was to promote the Dharma and moral foundation. Because of that, during the Lý dynasty, the society had no thieves, and the people lived peacefully. King Lý Thái Tổ loved his people very much. Seeing that the citizens’ lives were very hard, right after enthronement, the King granted an extensive tax amnesty.

And worrying that the local officials may not judge fairly and wisely, the King decreed: “Whoever believes they’re wrongfully judged, can come to the royal court to report and I will personally arbitrate.” Not wanting His citizens to suffer, King Lý Thái Tổ always tried everything possible to keep peace with the neighboring countries. “Due to the King’s virtuous character, the neighboring countries agreed to surrender. After that, the country was united and peaceful throughout the King’s reign.”

On March 31, 1028, King Lý Thái Tổ passed away at the age of 54. The Complete Annals of Đại Việt recorded His will which was permeated with love for His country and people: “When I die, do not build a big tomb with bricks and stones; just cover my body with dirt to save money for the people. If soldiers and anyone miss the King, then just add dirt to the tomb; the higher it is, the better... This will also be a playground for the shepherd boys. The closer they are to the King, the more they will remember the hard work of their ancestors, and become good people.”