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With its architectural features from the Ly-Tran dynasties, the Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is a remarkable spiritual destination in the Mekong Delta region.
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery in the heart of the Mekong Delta
The Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is located in Nhon My Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District. Built on nearly 4 hectares in 2013, the construction was completed in just 10 months. The structure boasts tiled roofs, ironwood columns, brick walls, and ceramic tile-paved floors. Along with the main hall, the grounds are carefully arranged with about 20 different sections.
Notably, some sections of the monastery are made from ironwood. Around 1,000 cubic meters of wood were imported from South Africa for the building. The Buddha statue in the main hall, made of bronze, weighs tons, while the large bell weighs 1.5 tons. The statues of the Bodhisattva and revered masters are carved from Du Sam wood, which is over 800 years old.
The main hall of the Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is supported by 44 ironwood columns placed on gray cloud-patterned stone slabs. The columns are intricately carved with stylized lotus flowers. Each column features solemn inscriptions. The monastery grounds also include the Avalokiteshvara Hall, Maitreya Hall (the Water Pavilion), a one-pillar pagoda, a lecture hall, guest house, dining hall, library, and a traditional herbal medicine room.
The Zen monastery features many architectural elements from the Ly-Tran dynasties, showcasing authentic Vietnamese style.
The main gate of the monastery stands out with its curved dragon-head-inspired arch. Flanking the gate are statues of Vi Da Hộ Pháp (The Good One) on the left and Tiêu Diện Đại Sĩ (The Evil One) on the right. Passing through the gate, a wide paved path leads to the main hall, with two rows of stone statues of the Arhats on either side. At the base of each statue, the names of national heroes are engraved. To the right of the main hall is a bell tower, designed similarly to the one at Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh. On the left side of the yard stands a drum tower with an intricately carved wooden frame supporting a large drum.
The monastery follows the Truc Lam Yen Tu school, with most of its structures reflecting the traditional Vietnamese architectural style of the Ly-Tran period. This is an important distinguishing feature that helps visitors differentiate it from the architectural style of Khmer Theravada or Mahayana temples.
Surrounding the Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery are many other attractive tourist spots. The combination of ecological tourism areas with the Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery offers visitors a complete journey. You can enjoy the beauty of the riverine region, immerse yourself in the sound of the monastery's bell. This emotional journey will leave an unforgettable mark in the southwestern region of Vietnam.
According to Mytour.vn
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For reference: Travel guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnNovember 8, 2024
