Koans, or parables, were translated into English from a book called the Shaseki-shu (Collection of Stone and Sand), written late in the thirteenth century by the Japanese Zen teacher Muju (the "non-dweller"), and from anecdotes of Zen monks taken from various books published in Japan around the turn of the 20th century.

Vietnamese Zen At Late 20th Century

                                          The presence of Buddhism in Vietnam

Buddhism was transmitted to Vietnam at the end of the second century and in the beginning of the third century by masters Khuong Tang Hoi and Mau Bac. Until the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries, other lineages appeared such as Vinitaruci and Wu Yen Tong. The existence of these lineages had made Buddhism more dominant. In the tenth and eleventh centuries (after Dinh, Le, Ly, and Tran dynasties), Vietnam became independent. Buddhism had been a great contribution to the formation of Vietnam and the religious learning.
 

This segment is a translated version of chapter 1 of the book "Phat Giao Voi Dan Toc" (Buddhism and Vietnamese People), written by Master Thich Thanh Tu in the mid 60's.

The Tale of Kieu

The Tale of Ki¥u is an epic poem in Vietnamese written by Nguy¥n Du (1766–1820), and is widely regarded as the most significant work of Vietnamese literature. It is even used as a source for bibliomancy. The original title in Vietnamese is ¥o¥n Tr¥¥ng Tân Thanh ( lit. "A New Cry From a Broken Heart"), but it is better known as Truy¥n Ki¥u ( lit. "Ki¥u Story") Truyen Kieu.ogg pronunciation .

In 3,254 verses, written in l¥c bát (6/8) meter, the poem recounts the life, trials and tribulations of Thúy Ki¥u, a beautiful and talented young woman, who had to sacrifice herself to save her family. She unwittingly sold herself as a prostitute to save her father and younger brother from prison.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_Kieu

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