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TL;DR: Chu Văn An (1292-1370) was the most exemplary teacher in Vietnamese history, famous for his 'Seven Beheadings Memorial' and for resigning to teach. His temple on Phoenix Mountain (Hải Dương) is a national heritage site symbolizing the nation's tradition of respecting teachers.
Who was Chu Văn An and how did he become a teacher?
Chu Văn An (1292-1370), also known by his pen name Tiều Ẩn, was born in Quang Liệt village, Thanh Trì district (now Hanoi). Despite passing the doctoral examination, he chose not to become a mandarin but instead opened a school to teach. His reputation as an outstanding educator reached King Trần Minh Tông, who invited him to serve as the Principal (Tu nghiep) of the Quốc Tử Giám, Vietnam's first national university.
Summary table of the life and career milestones of Chu Văn An according to the facts in the article.
| Milestone | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 25, 1292 | Born | Van village, Quang Liệt commune, Thanh Trì district |
| Trần Minh Tông period | Summoned to serve as Tu nghiep of Quốc Tử Giám | Quốc Tử Giám |
| Trần Dụ Tông period | Submitted the That tram petition requesting the execution of 7 treacherous officials | |
| After resigning from office | Retired to live in seclusion, opened a school to teach, wrote books, and researched medicine | Chí Linh, Hải Dương |
| 1370 | Died at the age of 78 |
What was the Seven Beheadings Memorial?
During the reign of King Trần Dụ Tông, corrupt officials gained power and the court fell into decline. In a bold move demonstrating his integrity, Chu Văn An submitted the "That Tram So" (Seven Beheadings Memorial), requesting the king to execute seven treacherous mandarins. The king rejected his request. Disillusioned, Chu Văn An resigned and retreated to Chí Linh (Hải Dương province), where he lived a simple life teaching, writing books, and studying traditional medicine until his death in 1370.
Why is Chu Văn An called the Teacher of Ten Thousand Generations?
Chu Văn An is one of the few scholars in Vietnamese history honored at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) in Hanoi. His career and merits are recorded on the stone stele there, symbolizing the nation's deep respect for education. He was posthumously given the title "Vạn Thế Sư Biểu" (Eternal Teacher of All Generations).
What is inside the Chu Văn An temple on Phoenix Mountain?
Located on Phoenix Mountain in Văn An ward, Chí Linh city, Hải Phòng city (formerly Hải Dương province), the temple complex honors the place where Chu Văn An spent his final years teaching. Designated a national historical site in 2008, it includes three main areas: the temple, his tomb, and Lưu Quang Hall where he once taught.
Architecture and Key Structures
The temple, built in Nguyen dynasty style with a "Nhi" character layout and two-tiered eight-roof design, sits on high sacred ground. Visitors climb over 100 stone steps to reach it. The steps bear four Chinese characters: "Vạn Thế Sư Biểu" (Teacher for Ten Thousand Generations).
In 2004, Hải Dương province began a major restoration of the complex. Key structures including the main temple, tombs, Lưu Quang Hall, pen tower, Son well, and Miết Trì pond were harmoniously integrated, blending traditional cultural identity with modern aesthetics. The project was inaugurated on January 4, 2008, marking 637 years since his passing.
The Tomb and Spiritual Legends
About 600 meters from the temple lies Chu Văn An's tomb. Legend holds that its location marks the head of the phoenix bird, symbolizing the pinnacle of justice and virtue. A small well sits 50 meters west of the tomb; visitors often drink from it, believing the sacred mountain spirit will bring them wisdom and good fortune.
What is Chu Văn An's legacy today?
Today, the temple on Phoenix Mountain serves as both a spiritual destination and an educational heritage site. Every Lunar New Year, thousands of visitors come to request calligraphy and pray for academic success. Chu Văn An's legacy of integrity, simplicity, and devotion to teaching continues to inspire generations of educators and students across Vietnam.
