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Embark on a journey with Vntrip to explore the tranquil Thiền Lâm Pagoda!
1. Where is Thiền Lâm Pagoda located?
Thiền Lâm Pagoda sits majestically atop Quảng Tế Hill, in Thủy Xuân Ward, Huế City. Its prime location offers breathtaking natural landscapes and refreshing breezes. Also known as the Standing-Sleeping Buddha Pagoda, it belongs to the Linji school established by Master Hộ Nhẫn. Built in 1966, the pagoda underwent significant renovations in 2014.
Entrance gate to Thiền Lâm Pagoda. Image: Collected
From the city center, head straight on Hùng Vương Street, then turn onto Nguyễn Huệ Street. At the end of the road, turn left and continue straight onto Điện Biên Phủ Street. Then, turn right onto Thanh Hải Street, keep going until you see the Standing Buddha statue, then turn left.
Thiền Lâm Pagoda, also known as the Standing-Sleeping Buddha Pagoda. Image: Collected
Check out the directions to Thiền Lâm Pagoda on Google Maps:
2. Architectural Style of Thiền Lâm Pagoda
In contrast to Northern Buddhist temples with triple gates leading to meditation gardens, Thiền Lâm Pagoda boasts a gentle entrance gate in the style of Southern Buddhism. Adorned with impressive details and dominated by yellow, the spiritual color of the pagoda, its architectural structures and spaces exude a clear Zen essence. Thiền Lâm Pagoda in Huế stands as the sole ancient temple following the Southern Zen tradition, inheriting architectural elements from traditional Buddhist temples worldwide, markedly distinct from other temples in Huế.
Regarding architecture, Thiền Tôn Pagoda resembles traditional gold-plated temples in Thailand with spiral-shaped towers. However, upon entering the temple grounds, one might feel transported to Myanmar with its golden temple complex or back to India with the exquisite architectural details on tombstones.
The pathway leading from the entrance gate into Thiền Lâm Pagoda. Image: @cuongkhii
Exquisite details intricately carved. Image: @min.anhhhhhh
The pagoda complex comprises various structures and architectural features such as Buddha towers, tomb towers, monastic residences, statues... Notably, the towering white stupa with a golden peak stands out, reaching approximately 15m high. At the top, the stupa resembles an inverted bell with its pointed peak adorned with simple yet elegant relief sculptures and patterns. Its design is inspired by the Sirimagala Pagoda in Myanmar. The stupa is divided into two sections: the lower part serves as the main hall, while the upper part is dedicated to venerating Shakyamuni Buddha and the Holy Monks. The solemn interior of the main hall is adorned with paintings depicting the life of the Buddha from his birth to enlightenment. Behind the main hall are reception rooms and meditation halls.
The stupa - a focal point of Thiền Lâm Pagoda. Image: thannh_truc
Choosing the right attire can enhance your appearance significantly. Image: Royal Court Costume
Countless beautiful angles captured with the pagoda. Image: Luffosten
Inside the pagoda is a solemn place. Image: Collected
At Thiền Lâm Pagoda, you can admire exquisite sculptures. Among them is a 1.6m high statue of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating on a 2m high lotus throne in the center, and to the left is a lifelike wax statue of Venerable Ho Nhẫn. The pagoda also houses a very large bronze bell, weighing up to 700kg.
The giant sculptures are also a special feature of Thiền Lâm Pagoda. Image: @travel with hecci
All architectures are adorned with delicate and impressive reliefs. Image: Ancient Royal Court
Especially, the cool green space surrounded by countless trees is also a plus point of Thiền Lâm Pagoda, making the overall pagoda more gentle and tranquil. Coming here, it seems like all worries and busyness of life outside have disappeared since when.
The cool green space surrounding Thiền Lâm Pagoda. Image: Ancient Royal Court
3. Notes when visiting Thiền Lâm Pagoda
- Thiền Lâm Pagoda is located in the city center so you can choose various means of transportation, but the most convenient is a motorbike.
- The pagoda is a spiritual place so remember to choose modest and suitable attire. If you want beautiful photos, you can choose an áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dress) and a conical hat.
- You should also keep quiet, avoid making loud noises, and respect the solemn and serene atmosphere of the pagoda.
- You can sit and chat with the monks to enjoy tea and listen to short stories from them.
Image: Luffosten
Image: Byoree__
Image: Ha au157
If you're already familiar with Huế through images of tombs and citadels, why not step foot in Thiền Lâm Pagoda to experience a different side of Huế? This is not only a place to bring you a sense of peace and fresh air but also an opportunity for you to learn more about the unique Buddhist culture of Huế.
