Truc Lam Zen sect

is a Vietnamese Zen lineage formed in the Tran dynasty, founded by King Tran Nhan Tong. Truc Lam has been the title of Tran Nhan Tong since ordination in Vu Lam cave (Ninh Binh), and is also the title of Zen Master Dao Vien, predecessor of Tran Nhan Tong, the second Patriarch of this Zen lineage. The Truc Lam Zen sect has three outstanding Zen masters, Nhan Tong (Truc Lam Dau Da), Phap Loa and Huyen Quang (collectively called Truc Lam Tam To). This Zen sect is considered to be a continuation but is the merger of the three Vietnamese Zen lineages of the 12th century - the Thao Duong, Vo Ngon Thong and Tì-ni-multi-save-chi. With the establishment of the Truc Lam sect, Tran Nhan Tong unified the Zen sects that existed before and the entire Tran Buddhist Church to one abode.