The Royal Decree and Folk Belief

In Vietnamese history, the image of a king seated on his throne, using a red brush to approve a decree for a deceased official, carries a strange spiritual weight. That official, while alive, might have been a renowned general or an upright minister who made great contributions to the country. But when he passed away, death did not end his role. Instead, by the order of the king – considered the Son of Heaven, representing supreme power over both the world of the living and the dead – he was honored as a Spirit, specifically the Village Guardian Deity, to govern and protect the land where he once lived.

This event reflects a deep belief: the virtue and blessings of a king leading a nation are so vast that his commands can penetrate both realms. Even though the official had returned to dust, upon receiving the royal decree, he immediately assumed a new responsibility in the spiritual world. This is why, across the entire country from South to North, we see temples worshipping these Village Guardian Deities. People believe these spirits are real, with clear historical origins, and they bless the harvests and keep the villagers peaceful.

However, we must clearly distinguish between a "Spirit" and a "Saint." A Spirit is primarily based on ability, merit, and authority. For example, generals who fought invaders and protected the borders were revered as Spirits because of their strength and protection. In contrast, a Saint is primarily based on ethics and internal cultivation. A Saint does not necessarily need political or military power, but must possess compassion, wisdom, enlightenment, and a pure life.

Consider the case of Tran Hung Dao. He was both an outstanding general (the element of a Spirit), yet he was also revered as a Saint due to his high moral character. The most crucial turning point in his life, which elevated him above all other generals, was his refusal to seize the throne when he held complete military power. Although his father was forced to abdicate, and although circumstances allowed him to stage a coup easily, he chose the national interest over personal hatred and ambition for power. It was this rejection of absolute power for the sake of ethics and loyalty that raised him from a victorious Spirit to a Saint in the hearts of the people.

Conversely, figures like Sun Wukong or deities in legends without clear historical origins are often products of folk culture or artistic creation, even if many people worship them. Similarly, in the case of President Ho Chi Minh, although he was a political leader, thanks to his simple lifestyle, profound ethics, and lifelong dedication to the nation, many people view him as a Saint in the hearts of the people.

The Meaning of the Story

The core lesson is the distinction between a Spirit and a Saint. A Spirit represents ability, authority, and protective merit; while a Saint represents the pinnacle of ethics and internal cultivation. Humans can become Spirits or Saints depending on their contributions and virtues. Specifically, worshipping figures with historical origins (such as Village Guardian Deities and Tran Hung Dao) helps strengthen faith in cause and effect (karmic law) and human morality, where power must submit to ethics.

Compiled from the dharma talk of Venerable Thich Chan Quang