The person who wrote the eulogy for the Quang Trung Temple.
It was late spring. A light drizzle blanketed Vinh City. I visited Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tinh, a retired military officer, at the foot of Mount Quyet. My intention was to learn more about the Dien Bien Phu campaign, in which he directly participated, but I was immediately captivated by the fascinating stories surrounding the eulogies at the temple of King Quang Trung, which he had personally composed.
I felt his presence became even clearer when he made fun of himself:"Innately gifted and intelligent," yet prone to many romantic and erratic behaviors; "divinely gifted and effective," yet incompetent in leadership and military matters.- in the poem"Self-portrait."Born into a scholarly family in Dong Son, he left home early to participate in the two protracted resistance wars of the nation. After peace was restored, he worked in various positions, and it seemed that the knowledge of Chinese characters passed down to him by his parents had been lost. However, upon retirement, the strokes of the characters—vertical, horizontal, hook, and diagonal—reappeared, as if it were his destined connection with each character.
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Mr. Tinh is reviewing the eulogies. |
Having joined the Han-Nom Club of Nghe An province in 2005, he has always been involved in activities related to ancient texts (Han-Nom) in the area. His initiative to build the Quang Trung temple (construction started on August 15, 2005 and ended on May 7, 2008) fulfilled the aspirations of the local people who wanted a solemn place to commemorate the great contributions of the national hero, a place to recall the glorious victories of the army that swiftly advanced north to defeat the invading Qing army.
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I am proud that the couplet I wrote is displayed in the main hall. |
When the temple was completed, he was one of 10 local people whose couplets were selected to be placed in the temple (there were a total of 22 pairs of couplets, of which 12 were from the local area and the rest from the Institute of Han-Nom Studies). His couplet was placed in the main hall:The valiant general Long Nhuong, the outstanding and wise king of Bac Binh.(Rough translation: Long Nhương, a talented and courageous general; Bắc Bình, an outstanding and virtuous prince). He was also chosen to compose four eulogies: Khai Quang Giải Trừu Mộc Dục Tế Văn (eulogy during the groundbreaking ceremony); Tiên Nhật Tế Văn Yết Báo (eulogy before the grand ceremony); Đại Lễ Tế Văn (eulogy during the grand ceremony); Tế Tạ Văn (eulogy after the grand ceremony).
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The Quang Trung Temple has a total of 22 pairs of couplets. |
He said that writing couplets or funeral orations according to the correct principles is not difficult, but to create a powerful couplet or funeral oration that praises the great merits is not easy. This requires the writer to have a thorough understanding of history and the immense contributions of Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue to his homeland and country. Furthermore, within the framework of a funeral oration, it must express the pride and respect of future generations for their ancestors. Only then can a couplet or funeral oration be created that is truly profound, encapsulated within a predetermined principle.
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The couplet is carved on a stone screen. |
While writing the couplets and eulogies, he researched additional documents about the turbulent period in the country's history, learning more about the heroic deeds of the commoner hero in fighting the West and suppressing the North. Upon completion, the works fully reflected the hero's character and contributions, as well as the pride of today's generation in the victories that Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue achieved for the nation.
Text and photos: Dang Cuong - Nguyen Tien