I am surprised to find out there were many enlightened Vietnamese Chan/Zen masters from ancient Vietnamese dynasties. According to this book, Chan/Zen came to Vietnam a century after it came to China. Chan/Zen came to Vietnam 5 centuries before it came to Japan. Written texts from Vietnamese masters have been taken to China, Japan, and France. China ruled Vietnam for 1000 years. France ruled Vietnam for 200 years. Japan invaded Vietnam. Now some written texts can be found in the library of France and Japan.
Vinitaruci, an Indian monk who came to Vietnam to spread Zen/Chan. He studied in India but has not attained Dharma. He came to China and met the third Chinese Chan Patriarch Sengcan who was hiding in the forest at the time. Vinitaruci has attained Dharma after meeting Sengcan. Sengcan asked Vinitaruci to go "South" to spread Dharma. Thus, the line of Vinitaruci has established in Vietnam. There were about 30 enlightened successors from this line.
Vo Ngon Thong (Chinese Wu Yan Tong) was a Chinese monk who attained Dharma from Bǎizhàng Huáihǎi (teacher of Huángbò who was teacher of Linjii). Thus, the line of Vo Ngon Thong has established in Vietnam. There were 36 enlightened successors from this line.
Thao Duong ( Chinese 草堂) was a Chinese monk and a student of Trung Hien (Chinese 重顯禪師) of Yúnmén-zōng (school). There are 17 enlightened successors from Thao Duong line.
Truc Lam school was found by a Vietnamese king Tran Nhan Tong who renounced his kingdom and become and monk. There were 4 enlightened successors from this school. Recently, Master Thich Thanh Tu has successfully rebuilt this school.
Caodong spread to Vietnam by a Chinese monk Nhat Cu Tri (don't know his Chinese name). There were 19 enlightened successors from this Nhat Cu Tri line.
Lam Te (or Linjii) lineage came to Vietnam by a Chinese Monk Chuyet Cong (Chinese 拙公). There were 26 enlightened successors from the line of Chuyet Cong.
Hopefully, someone will translate this book into English one day.
