Workshop to announce the results of 'Research, collection and translation of Buddhist steles in Nghe An'

Attending the workshop were leaders of the Department of Science and Technology; representatives of provincial departments, branches, sectors and units; leaders of districts and towns with Buddhist steles; abbots of pagodas with steles, along with scientific researchers and Han Nom experts.

The scientific topic “Research, collection and translation of Buddhist steles in Nghe An” was implemented by the research team of the Provincial Center for Social Sciences and Humanities (under the Department of Science and Technology). The goal of the topic is to restore the original text, transcribe, translate and annotate the entire system of Buddhist steles in Nghe An.

Research the value of Buddhist steles in Nghe An in terms of history, literature, culture, geography, education; correct and remedy unsatisfactory issues and shortcomings of some steles. From there, propose solutions to preserve and promote the value of Buddhist steles in Nghe An.

Through the scientific mission, the research team has stamped, translated and interpreted 25 steles at 19 pagodas, giving an overview of 7 content values ​​of Nghe An Buddhist steles. Accordingly, Nghe An steles reflect the long history of introduction and development of Nghe An Buddhism; reflecting the characteristics of village pagodas in Nghe An land.

The Buddhist stele of Nghe An also reflects the peaceful life, the pride of the beautiful homeland; reflects the typical pagoda structure of Nghe An as well as the restoration and embellishment of relics; reflects the custom of electing the Queen in Nghe An; reflects the nature of the three religions having the same origin in the religious life and beliefs of Nghe An people.

At the same time, Nghe An Buddhist steles provide more information about the conduct and career, ideology and beliefs of many historical figures.

Through the research, the research team recommends that relevant sectors, levels, and specialized agencies continue to research and collect lost steles; or access steles indirectly through national and local historical sources, through divine records, genealogies, clans, and archives, etc.

At the Workshop, researchers and Han Nom experts highly appreciated the results of the scientific task of "Research, collection and translation of Buddhist steles in Nghe An". In particular, the research team has worked hard to collect, translate, interpret and summarize the value of Buddhist steles in Nghe An.

At the same time, researchers and Han Nom experts also frankly pointed out the shortcomings of the research work such as the names of some pagodas, reference documents, task implementation, and translation of steles.

On that basis, it is recommended that the research team continue to edit and publish the book to serve the research and learning needs of local people.