Nguyen Trong Thuat’s contributions to the Buddhist revival movement in Tonkin through articles in the Duoc Tue periodical (1935-1940)

Abstract

Unlike previous studies on the Buddhist revival movement in Vietnam in the first half of the twentieth century in general and the Buddhist revival movement in Tonkin in particular, this article focuses on the character Nguyen Trong Thuat, a very prominent one but little-known by researchers. On the basis of exploiting his articles in Duoc Tue periodicals, especially stories and novels, the article clarifies the special points of Nguyen Trong Thuat in terms of Buddhism, thereby helping readers realize his contributions to the Buddhist revival movement in Tonkin. Using his literary talent combined with his profound Buddhist level, Nguyen Trong Thuat has composed short stories and novels to convey Buddhist teachings in a vivid, close, and easy to understand. From these works, readers will visualize specifically how to practice "a religious life at home" and "Buddha at heart". In addition, Nguyen Trong Thuat also used Buddhist philosophy to solve the issues of society at that time. From these aspects, readers will have a correct assessment of his position and role in the Buddhist revival movement in Tonkin as well as see the creativity and independent thinking of the Vietnamese people in the process of reviving Buddhism.