Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm – The Great Prophet of Vietnam

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, known as Trạng Trình, is one of Vietnam’s greatest cultural figures and is considered the most remarkable prophet in Vietnamese history. He lived during the tumultuous Lê–Mạc–Trịnh period and was famed for his wisdom and far-reaching foresight, earning the title “An Nam’s greatest master of cosmology and prophecy.”

1. Brief Biography

• Full name: Nguyễn Văn Đăng
• Courtesy name: Hanh Phủ
• Pseudonym: Bạch Vân cư sĩ (“White Cloud Hermit”)
• Born–Died: 1491–1585
• Hometown: Trung Am village, Vĩnh Lại district, Hải Dương province (now Vĩnh Bảo, Hải Phòng)
• Achievement: Passed the imperial exam as Trạng nguyên (top laureate) in 1535.

He served as a mandarin under the Mạc dynasty but later resigned to live in seclusion, teaching and writing.

2. A Great Prophet

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm is famed for his prophetic verses known as “Sấm Trạng Trình” (The Prophecies of Trạng Trình). These are cryptic, metaphorical lines that many believe predicted major historical events in Vietnam:

• “Hoành Sơn nhất đái, vạn đại dung thân”
  → Advised Lord Nguyễn to move south to avoid conflict with the Trịnh lords, laying the foundation for the future Nguyễn dynasty.
• “Lê tồn Trịnh tại” and “Lê mạt Trịnh chung”
  → Foretold the intertwined fates of the Lê dynasty and the powerful Trịnh lords.

Many even believe his verses hint at modern-day events, though such interpretations remain speculative.

3. Legacy

• As a wise scholar, he taught many talented disciples like Phùng Khắc Khoan and Lương Hữu Khánh.
• His poetry reflects deep philosophy, moral teachings, and guidance for righteous living.
• His ideals blend Confucianism and Taoism, emphasizing simplicity and virtue.
• Revered as “The teacher of all teachers”, he is honored with temples and a large memorial complex in his hometown.