Discover Zen Buddhism, explore ancient temples in Long An, immerse yourself in nature, and listen to teachings in Dong Nai as suggestions for travelers.
The beginning of the new year is a time when many people embark on pilgrimages to temples and pagodas, seeking blessings for themselves and their families. In addition, these pilgrimage trips help travelers understand cultural values and ancient architectural works... The three journeys of inner peace below will be suggestions for you.
Explore Zen Buddhism and listen to teachings in Vung Tau
On the spring travel journey, travelers will discover Vạn Phật Quang with numerous national records; learn about the Trúc Lâm Zen sect at Thường Chiếu Zen Monastery initiated by Zen Master Thích Thanh Từ in the years 1973 – 1974. The journey also takes travelers to Phổ Đà Mountain, to learn about the great aspirations of Quán Thế Âm Bodhisattva. Also included is an exploration of the transmission history and development of the Dharma Flower Sutra.
Vạn Phật Quang Temple has once received 6 records from the Vietnam Record Center. Photo: Shutterstock.
Travelers will visit some famous temples such as: Thích Ca Phật Đài, Phổ Đà Mountain Quan Âm Bodhisattva Temple, Niết Bàn Tịnh Xá, Vạn Thông Temple, Vạn Phật Quang Đại Tòng Lâm Monastery, Thường Chiếu Zen Monastery.
Explore the ancient Long An – Tiền Giang Temple
Embark on the journey of 'Rediscovering Mindfulness' and explore the unique architectural marvels, delving into the profound philosophy of Buddha through enlightening sermons by revered monks and nuns meditating in ancient temples. Long An – Tiền Giang is a land steeped in the history and culture of the Southern region. Among them, Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda stands out, the largest Buddhist temple in Tiền Giang province, blending Asian and European architectural styles.
Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda was designated as a national historical – cultural relic in 1984. Photo: Vietravel.
During this journey, you will visit many famous pagodas such as Pháp Bảo Pagoda with its main hall housing 5 Buddha statues; Phổ Đức Pagoda exuding modernity yet maintaining solemnity; Phật Ân – a vocational Buddhist college training the next generation of monks, inheriting the mission of propagating Buddhism in Tiền Giang.
Furthermore, there's Bửu Lâm Ancient Pagoda – one of the oldest pagodas in Tiền Giang, considered one of the four main temples of the Lâm sect of Chánh Tông lineage; Linh Phong Pagoda – an ancient nun temple following the Northern Sect built around the 19th century. Lastly, there's Phước Bảo Pagoda – one of the 6 locations for 'An Cư Kiết Hạ' (a three-month annual retreat), aimed at nurturing the monks in the study of the Triple Gem.
Harmonizing with nature, embracing the teachings of Đồng Nai
In Đồng Nai, the architectural ensemble of temples mainly relies on natural caves. During the pilgrimage, you will conquer Chứa Chan Mountain, marveling at the natural scenery, dense green forests from an altitude of about 800 meters. Then, you will visit and make offerings at Buu Quang Pagoda (Gia Lào Pagoda), Quảng Đạo Pagoda, Bửu Pháp Pagoda, Nghĩa Phương Pagoda, and Long Thọ Pagoda. This is a unique scenic complex of Chứa Chan Mountain in the Southeast region. Additionally, visitors will visit the sacred 'three-root-one-top' banyan tree, where many come to pray for luck and peace.
Photo: Shutterstock.
Trí Đức Meditation Center emerges behind the towering rubber trees, offering solace for visitors to dispel worries. Here, visitors will contemplate the 110cm long, 80cm wide, and 6cm thick calligraphy book of the Eight Mindful Practices, housed in a sandalwood box. Moreover, they will listen to the teachings of the venerable monks on the path of Buddhist meditation, correct sitting meditation methods, helping the mind and body find peace and restore balance in life.
As per Vnexpress Travel
