| THE HERBAL GARDEN OF BIA TEMPLE - HAI DUONG |

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Zen Master Tue Tinh is a famous herbalist in the last period of Tran dynasty. When he was twenty-two years old, he graduated Doctor degree under Tran Du Tong empire, however, instead of working in the government, he chose to practice at the pagoda within the name Tue Tinh. He had remarkable contributions in constructing an independent and self-assured medicine view point which is inextricably linked to his country’s status quo at that time. He is famous with the saying: “Vietnamese medicine cure Vietnamese people.” Tue Tinh not only worked as a doctor but also volunteered to introduce hygiene methods to the public, operate facilities and clinics at the pagoda and the neighborhood area. He had built and renovated twenty-four pagodas, which further became cottage hospitals providing care and treatments to the folk. He taught and trained Buddhist monks and nuns to make medicines, popularized folk remedies so that everyone could be their own doctor. He wrote books to hand down Vietnamese medicines to the people. He also taught people how to grow medicines, how to take care of their health with his innovative mindset of being active to prevent the illness, how to utilize and strengthen the effects of herbs. This knowledge is the precious inheritance that he left for the younger generations. Today, at Bia temple (Van Thai hamlet, Cam Van village, Cam Giang town, Hai Duong province), people worship Tue Tinh Doctor with an exemplary medicine garden divided into nine blocks which grow nine different types of herbs.

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He was not a medical practitioner but also a teacher of the people during his time. He propagated his knowledge, leaving significant accomplishment for his descendants. At the Bia temple today, we will see a Vietnamese herb garden with nine blocks growing nine herb types which is seen as an exemplary Vietnamese herb garden. The garden is built behind his statue. He is holding a book showing his mastery of knowledge while holding the cane on the other hand to show his determination and authority as a leader and a pioneer since he was always looked up to and respected. He is in his resting position while picking the medicine with a basket placed under his leg and being followed by two of his beloved students. Tue Tinh was a great doctor and a great teacher. His appearance reminds of the people having broad knowledge and experienced in your life that you should (if not necessary) ask them for advice for your current status quo. He also represents tradition, fundament, the core of the problem or human. Sometimes the answer for your matter is much simpler than you might think. He is here to let you know that if you need help, seek for it, do not be shy or ashamed of it. He is also the symbol of higher authority such as older family members, the teachers or the seniors at the company who have direct influence to your current affairs.

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- The teacher

- Tradition

- The adult The noble