Ti Ni Da Luu Chi and the Foundations of Vietnamese Zen: A Historical-Philosophical Study

This paper explores the philosophical thought of Ti Ni Da Luu Chi (Vinītaruci), widely recognized as the first patriarch who laid the foundation for the organized Zen tradition in Vietnam. Drawing on core Mahayana doctrines, Prajnaparamita, Tam Luan, and elements of Tantric Buddhism, the Ti Ni Da Luu Chi Zen sect developed a distinctive philosophical system addressing ontology, epistemology, and ethics. This study employs the Marxist philosophical worldview combined with historical-textual analysis to elucidate the sect’s conceptual frameworks, including notions of true mind, true body, tathata, mind seal, karma, and the illusory nature of phenomenal existence. The findings reveal that Ti Ni Da Luu Chi’s philosophy emphasizes the interdependence of essence and phenomena, the importance of non-attachment, ascetic practice, and the pursuit of enlightenment through meditation and moral cultivation. These insights not only enriched Vietnamese Buddhist thought during the Ly–Tran dynasties but also continue to offer valuable perspectives for addressing contemporary social and ethical challenges in Vietnam. The study contributes to the broader field of Buddhist studies by situating early Vietnamese Zen in its historical context while highlighting its enduring relevance for modern philosophical and cultural discourse.