In Ngãi Tứ commune, Tam Bình district, Vĩnh Long, there is a 'stone garden' that many tourists consider unparalleled in Vietnam. It is the stone garden located at Phước Hậu Pagoda.
Exploring the Exceptional Stone Garden in Vĩnh Long
The project, imbued with spiritual significance, is designed amidst a star fruit garden, creating a cool and tranquil atmosphere. Hence, it attracts numerous international visitors seeking peace, tranquility, and a touch of serenity.
The idea of building the stone garden originated from Venerable Thích Phước Cẩn, the abbot of Phước Hậu Pagoda. Four years ago, Venerable Phước Cẩn traveled to Myanmar, visiting various temples where he saw scriptures engraved on stone slabs in Pali language.
This is the core scripture of Southern Buddhism, so the venerable initiated upon his return to Vietnam to build a stone garden with stone slabs engraved with advice to encourage people to avoid worldly indulgence, foster kindness, and lead a peaceful and happy life.
The abbot's idea received unanimous support from local authorities and residents, as they recognized it as a commendable approach to guiding people towards goodness and mutual assistance.
Construction began in March 2014 and was completed by March 2016, marking the project's successful inauguration.
The stone garden spans an area of 10,000m² and consists of three main sections: the garden of Buddhist scriptures, the garden of selected teachings, and the garden of Amitabha Buddha. Among these, the garden of Buddhist scriptures is the most expansive, covering approximately 4,000m².
A total of 432 scriptures are engraved on both sides of 216 stone slabs, each slab measuring 8cm thick, 90cm wide, and 120cm tall. Each scripture encapsulates concise yet profound teachings of Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gautama during his earthly life.
The design of the garden of Buddhist scriptures resembles an opened eight-petal lotus flower, symbolizing the Eightfold Path of Buddhism. At the center of the garden lies the Four Buddhas Mountain.
Furthermore, the corners of the garden of Buddhist scriptures feature miniature models of Yên Tử Mountain in Quảng Ninh, Non Nước Mountain in Đà Nẵng, the Seven Mountains of Thất Sơn in An Giang, and three symbolic landmarks representing the North, Central, and South regions.
A Di Đà Stone Garden features 31 stone slabs arranged in the shape of Vietnam's territory. The scriptures in the garden convey deep and philosophical insights.
The Stone Garden of Transmission comprises 15 stone slabs translated into prose form. Each slab in both stone gardens measures 150cm in width, 90cm in height, and 8cm in thickness, engraved on both sides.
In addition to these three main stone garden areas, there are 10 stone slabs surrounding the temple grounds inscribed with symbols of the heart, ring, release, and Buddhist philosophical aphorisms.
Strolling under the shade of star fruit trees in the stone garden, listening to the sound of wind chimes, feeling the cool breeze from the river, contemplating Buddhist philosophical aphorisms, visitors gradually find tranquility, alleviating the worries of worldly life.
Source: Tuoi Tre Newspaper
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourAugust 16, 2016