Cao Xuan Duc and the "Imperial Decree on the Tombstone of Tu Hieu Temple"

(Baonghean) - Cao Xuan Duc, a scholar of the Eastern Pavilion, was one of the exemplary figures who contributed to the glorious historical and cultural traditions of Nghe An. His outstanding talent and contributions in many fields have been honored by history. He was very knowledgeable in Buddhist philosophy, had a sensitive soul, and sympathized with the fate of the eunuchs of his time. His work, "Imperial Decree on the Tomb of Tu Hieu Temple," speaks of the thoughts, feelings, and deepest wishes of the eunuchs of the Nguyen dynasty as they passed away...

The inscription "Imperial Decree on the Tombstone of Tu Hieu Temple" was composed by Long Cuong Cao Xuan Duc.

Cao Xuân Dục, also known as Tử Phát and Long Cương (1843-1923), was from Diễn Thịnh commune, Diễn Châu district. He was a renowned and intelligent man who held many important positions in the Nguyễn dynasty, living during a turbulent period of Vietnamese society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His aspirations were to uphold integrity, maintain diligence and honesty, strive to stabilize the lives of the people, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of the nation's unique cultural characteristics. In his literary career, with his profound knowledge, exceptional intellect, and especially his brilliant commitment to promoting Vietnamese history and culture, he left behind many valuable works in various fields, rightfully earning the title of a great Vietnamese scholar. During his years as an official, Cao Xuân Dục was loved by the people in many places and respected by his colleagues. In particular, he was very concerned about, understood, and loved the eunuch officials in the court, which is why he composed the inscription "Imperial Decree on the Tombstone of Tu Hieu Temple" erected in the stele house in the common tomb area of ​​the eunuch officials west of Tu Hieu Temple.

Eunuchs constituted a very small number in feudal society and did not belong to any particular social class. Although they were close to the "Emperor" and held invisible power, they were confined to the Forbidden City for their entire lives, living and dying separately from others. From the time of their castration to their time working in the Forbidden City, the lives of these eunuchs were filled with sorrow and resentment, not only due to their physical disabilities but also their mental anguish. They worried that after their death, without descendants, their ancestral altars would remain cold during memorial services. The inscription on the "Imperial Decree on the Tomb of Tu Hieu Temple" begins by recounting the history of Tu Hieu Temple and its role as the final resting place of these eunuchs.

Part two mainly speaks of the profound thoughts and secret wishes of the eunuchs of that time as they sought eternal rest, taking refuge in Buddhism: "...Coming from the ranks of eunuchs, who wouldn't plan for themselves for the next hundred thousand years? So that after death, people wouldn't worry about not having a place to worship them; after taking refuge in Buddhism, they would be free from worldly dust and attain liberation..." Therefore, they "built a small house to worship Buddha, roofed with tiles, to regularly offer sacrifices; built a pavilion to provide offerings, close to the temple, taking refuge in the Buddha, and worshipping for a long time. In life, they would have companions; in sickness and in death, they would be seen off." Every word, every phrase in the text seems to understand the hearts and minds of those whose lives were "born into a world of few acceptance."

That is the empathy, the immersion in the plight of these people, something even ordinary people rarely possess. His understanding, insight, and compassion for the eunuchs of the Nguyen dynasty are truly precious and deserve to be studied and celebrated, helping us to better understand a group whose lives were filled with hardship and resentment in the old society. Thanks to this inscription on the stone tablet, we gain a more comprehensive view of the life, career, and compassionate heart of the owner of Long Cuong Library.

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