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Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Monastery, also known as Lân Temple or in Chinese characters Long Động Tự, is a temple on Yên Tử Mountain, located in Nam Mẫu hamlet, Thượng Yên Công commune, Uông Bí city, Quảng Ninh province, within the Yên Tử Scenic Complex (Referenced from Wikipedia).
Not only a renowned tourist destination, Trúc Lâm Yên Tử is also a serene spiritual retreat where Emperor Trần Nhân Tông renounced secular life to pursue meditation. Now, let's explore Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Monastery – the foremost scenic spot in Vietnam with mytour.vn!
1. History of Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Monastery
Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Monastery is now situated on Yên Tử Mountain in Thượng Yên Công commune, Uông Bí city, Quảng Ninh Province. The monastery, also known as Lân Temple, was chosen by King Trần Nhân Tông for meditation. In 1293, he renovated Lân Temple to enhance its solemnity and grandeur. Here, the Emperor often recited scriptures and preached to the monks and devotees.
The temple is also known as Lân Temple (Photo: ST)
Trần Nhân Tông succeeded King Trần Thánh Tông in 1278, immediately facing the aggression of the northern Yuan forces led by Hồt Tất Liệt. Under the leadership of the Trần kings and the military genius of General Trần Quốc Tuấn, the Yuan-Mongol army was repelled. In 1287, the Yuan-Mongol army invaded again, but King Trần Nhân Tông and Trần Quốc Tuấn continued to lead the Vietnamese people to defeat one of the world's strongest armies at the time. After the victory, King Trần Nhân Tông abdicated in favor of Crown Prince Trần Thuyên, who ascended as Emperor and began his path of spiritual cultivation. He was the founder of the sacred Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen sect, deeply rooted in Vietnamese religious and cultural beliefs.
The Trần Dynasty defeated the Yuan-Mongol invaders three times (Photo: ST)
Together with Emperor Trần Nhân Tông, there were two Zen masters, Pháp Loa and Huyền Quang, who were his disciples and co-founders of the Zen sect. In 1304, Emperor Trần Nhân Tông traveled throughout the country to preach the Dharma, intending to find successors for his sect. At that time, he encountered a young boy and said, 'This child has the potential for enlightenment; in the future, he will surely possess great wisdom.' Thus, he accepted and guided the boy on the path of practice. That young boy was Zen master Pháp Loa.
Zen master Pháp Loa was a disciple of Emperor Trần Nhân Tông (Photo: ST)
The eminent Zen master Huyền Quang was highly educated, passing the Trạng Nguyên examination and serving as a Hanlin Academy official. Emperor Trần Nhân Tông led him to listen to Pháp Loa's teachings, which reminded him of his past affinity with Buddhism. Deeply moved, he earnestly requested permission to enter monastic life and practice Buddhism.
Eminent Zen master Huyền Quang (Photo: ST)
After the enlightened Buddha King's visit to the sacred Yên Tử mountain, two Great Zen Masters, Pháp Loa and Huyền Quang, succeeded him and established the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen sect, which continued to flourish. The Zen sect, like a red thread running through the history of the Trần dynasty, enriched the spiritual and cultural life of the people, leading to the prosperity of Buddhism.
As time turned, some architectural structures within the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử complex were destroyed during the resistance against French colonization, leaving only the tombs of the Zen masters. However, it was not until 2002 that Chùa Lân was reconstructed. The first stones, tiles, and wooden blocks were laid by the hands of skilled artisans on an area of nearly 180,000 square meters, marking a significant restoration of the grand Trúc Lâm Yên Tử complex.
Yên Tử Pagoda once lay in ruins (Photo: ST)
Now the pagoda has been splendidly restored (Photo: ST)
Currently, the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử scenic complex is a renowned spiritual destination nationwide. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors, Buddhists, seeking tranquility in the sacred spiritual realm.
The renowned spiritual complex nationwide (Photo: ST)
2. Unique Architecture of Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen Monastery
The sacred peak of Yên Tử stands at an altitude of approximately 1068 meters above sea level. To reach the temple at the summit, you have to ascend more than 6000 stone steps, traverse bamboo and towering pine forests. Nowadays, to serve tourism, the management board has introduced two cable car systems to facilitate faster and more convenient transportation.
The summit of Yên Tử stands at approximately 1068 meters (Photo: ST)
In general, the architecture of the temples in Trúc Lâm Yên Tử is considered the epitome of reconstructed Buddhist architecture, faithfully replicating the original designs. The two-story, eight-roofed Tam Quan gate stands majestically atop stone steps, leading into the main courtyard with its red brick floor. The temple roof, adorned with curved tile scales resembling the head of a sword, points straight towards the sky.
Tam Quan gate of Long Động temple (Photo: ST)
The entire system of main and secondary columns in the Yên Tử temples is made of precious ironwood, while the outer columns of the verandas are built from sturdy stone columns. Beneath each column, there is a stone slab serving as a pedestal. The presence of these stone slabs beneath the columns holds special significance in Vietnamese religious and cultural architecture. In Vietnamese folk beliefs, the image of stone or wooden columns placed on a stone slab is symbolic of abundant vitality. The stone column symbolizes the masculine life force, while the stone slab represents the feminine life force. This combination symbolizes human development and the desire for a peaceful and prosperous life.
The curved temple roof resembling a sword's edge (Photo: ST)
The main hall is surrounded by wooden louvered doors, with a front door featuring movable shutters to allow for ventilation and natural light. Each temple chamber is elegantly designed, ensuring a cool and airy space in summer and a cozy warmth in winter. Achieving such an ideal environment involves careful orientation of the temple to suit the region's climate and the natural ventilation created by the temple's structure. With louvered shutters in the front and rear and triangular eaves on the roof, air flows naturally through the temple, ensuring comfortable conditions year-round.
Ancient temple architecture (Photo: ST)
While some newly constructed temples incorporate modern materials, their architecture remains deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition. Inside, the temples are adorned with elaborate gold leaf decorations, intricate carvings, and vivid paintings. Statues of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other deities are prominently displayed, exuding grandeur and reverence. The fragrant scent of incense pervades the inner sanctum, creating a serene atmosphere that encourages introspection and spiritual contemplation. This sacred space instills a sense of tranquility and calm, allowing visitors to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Buddhist worship space (Photo: ST)
Statues of Arhats (Photo: ST)
Sandalwood beads at Long Động Pagoda (Photo: ST)
3. Trúc Lâm Yên Tử – Spiritual Landmark of the Vietnamese People
Trúc Lâm Yên Tử is a vast scenic complex with numerous sightseeing spots. Before ascending Yên Tử Mountain, visitors pass by the Trình Shrine, where they pause to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
Incense smoke fills the Trình Shrine (Photo: ST)
Walls surrounding the shrine area (Photo: ST)
Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Monastery is a vast temple complex where monks practice meditation, study Buddhist scriptures, and philosophy. It's likened to a school for practitioners, where monks are taught scripture recitation, Buddhist philosophy, and the principles of meditation.
According to ancient legend, when the Emperor decided to renounce his throne to become a monk, the palace maidens and concubines tried their best to dissuade him. Unable to change his mind, they left the palace and settled near the foot of the mountain to care for and advise the Emperor. Despite their efforts, the Emperor refused to return to the palace and ordered them to leave. Out of loyalty and gratitude, they drowned themselves in the stream. Later, people built the Bridge of Redemption and the Redemption Pagoda to worship and commemorate the loyalty of those palace maidens and concubines.
Bridge of Redemption (Photo: ST)
Redemption Pagoda (Photo: ST)
There are many other places to explore such as the Hoa Yen Pagoda, Huệ Quang Tower, One-Roof Pagoda, Bảo Sái Pagoda, Vân Tiêu Pagoda, and Đồng Pagoda. Đồng Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Yên Tử, is entirely cast in bronze. Conquering Đồng Pagoda by foot on the journey to Trúc Lâm Yên Tử is a remarkable feat. This place is sacred, often visited for blessings of prosperity, health, and happiness.
Huệ Quang Garden Towers (Photo: ST)
The main tower carefully guarded (Photo: ST)
The Perched One-Roof Pagoda amidst the mountains (Photo: ST)
Bảo Sái Pagoda viewed from afar (Photo: ST)
The Legend of Tiger Listening to Buddha's Sermon (Photo: ST)
The Sacred Đồng Pagoda (Photo: ST)
The Bronze Bell atop Yên Tử Summit (Photo: ST)
Khánh Đồng Yên Tử (Photo: ST)
Local people conquering the summit of Đồng Pagoda (Photo: ST)
Spring pilgrimage at Yên Tử Pagoda (Photo: ST)
The best time to visit Yên Tử Pagoda for worship and sightseeing is around the first month of the lunar new year. It's a festive season with fresh atmosphere, lively landscapes, and bustling pilgrims.
Through this article, we hope to have provided you with useful information about Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Monastery. Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful journey to the spiritual realm and the fascinating natural landscapes.
