Buzz
The border dialects of the Southwest refer to the mountain peaks as 'hills' or 'mounds'. Previous researchers believed that there were only 5 hills in the Thất Sơn range located in Mount Cấm, but in reality, there are more. Besides the 5 hills of Đầu, Bồ Hong, Bà, Ông Bướm, and Thiên Tuế, there are also hills named Ông Tà, Chư Thần, Bạch Tượng, Pháo Binh, Sân Tiên... forming a unique chain of peaks. Perhaps that's why Mount Cấm is also known as the Velvet Mountain.
The natural beauty bestowed upon Thiên Cấm Mountain has made it an ideal destination for both ecotourism and spiritual journeys. At the eastern foot of Mount Cấm lies Lam Viên Tourist Area offering a full range of entertainment, dining, shopping, and accommodation services. From here, following the trail up the mountain, visitors will encounter the picturesque Thanh Long stream for refreshing dips. Further up, at the entrance to the Big Buddha Plain, lies the serene Phật Lớn Pagoda, with its caves and the tranquil Thủy Liêm Lake. This basin area also hosts several guesthouses and hotels for overnight stays, allowing visitors to enjoy the mystical and romantic atmosphere atop Mount Cấm at night. During the transition from the old year to the new, the weather here shifts from sunny warmth to coolness, resembling Dalat or Tam Dao, attracting many tourists, especially couples seeking romantic getaways.
The cheerful image of Buddha Maitreya becomes even more familiar and benevolent when we encounter Him in the form of a giant smiling statue atop Thiên Cấm Mountain. The entire mountain range, once a place of turbulent winds, suddenly becomes peaceful in His presence. Especially through the heart and wisdom of the artist Thụy Lam, the image of the Buddha Maitreya becomes even more serene, benevolent, compassionate, and joyful. The Maitreya Buddha statue stands at 33.6 meters tall, with a total weight of nearly 1,700 tons, created from February 2004 to December 2005. The statue achieves high aesthetic standards in architecture, harmonizing with the mountainous terrain and the statue's height. This harmony is also evident in every artistic detail of the statue, from the Buddha's smile to the eyes, ears, hands, sitting posture, and gaze... On May 29, 2013, the Asian Record Organization declared the Maitreya Buddha statue atop Mount Cấm as the 'Largest Maitreya Buddha Statue on a Mountain Summit in Asia'.
Standing at any point on Thiên Cấm Mountain, one can see the bright white statue of Maitreya Buddha, sitting solemnly and peacefully amidst the lush greenery, overlooking the forests and casting reflections onto the vast Thủy Liêm Lake. Thủy Liêm Lake spans 60,000 square meters, containing 300,000 cubic meters of water, built in 2005, with a long red bridge crossing it, housing various fish species introduced by visitors. The giant Maitreya Buddha statue, along with Vạn Linh Pagoda and the Great Buddha Temple, forms three architectural complexes reflecting in the waters of Thủy Liêm Lake, creating a unique panorama.
Vạn Linh Ancient Pagoda, initially humble and known as the Leaf Pagoda, nestled at the foot of Bồ Hong Hill, now stands grand and majestic with the 35-meter-high 9-story Avalokitesvara Tower. Meanwhile, the Great Buddha Temple serves as the central hub of the Mount Cấm area, originally built in 1912 by the monk Bảy Do from Bến Tre. Bảy Do was a patriot; his entire family sacrificed themselves in the resistance against the French. He fled here for refuge, built the temple, and established the Southern Pole Sect, recruiting thousands of disciples to continue the struggle against the invaders. Eventually, he was captured and martyred by the French. The temple was destroyed by the enemy but later rebuilt by his disciples, and by 2007, it was renovated into the magnificent Great Buddha Zen Monastery.
As spring arrives on the summit of Thiên Cấm Mountain, we not only enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the refreshing air but also immerse ourselves in the mystical legends. Lighting incense to honor the Buddhas and ancestors, bowing amidst the solemn ancient temple bells, our souls find tranquility amidst the transient world. And what greater tranquility than merging into the bright, joyful smile of Buddha Maitreya, blessing from the mountain top, spreading love to all.
By Hoàng Yên/Saigon Times
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourMarch 14, 2019
