Hanoi (VNA) – Belong to the zen sect of Truc Lam Yen Tu, Truc Lam Bach Ma is the first zen monastery in the central region. It is located in the middle of Truoi Lake on Bach Ma Mountain, in Loc Hoa commune of Phu Loc district, the central province of Thua Thien - Hue.
About 1,450m high and just 5km from the East Sea, Bach Ma is blessed with an ideal climate thanks to temperatures of about 19 - 20 degrees Celsius.
The monastery, founded by venerated monk Thuong Thanh Ha Tu, is also the first of the Truc Lam Yen Tu zen sect in the central region.
In 1932, a French adventurer discovered two unique destinations in Hue which were the Truoi dam and Bach Ma Mountain. Thirteen years later, Bach Ma city took shape with more than 140 luxury villas, acquiring a unique French architectural style. Sufficient public facilities, including a post office, roads, schools, stations, markets, and many other conveniences, were also built to serve local residents.
This land almost fell into oblivion during war time, and what is left seemed to exist only in the memory of Hue people.
However, Bach Ma nowadays is emerging strongly with new appearance and, together with the zen monastery tourism area, giving new vitality to this land.
Discovering monastery’s architecture
The site is divided into three main areas comprising the outer, the monks', and the nuns’ areas, with over 20 facilities. It was built on a large scale but still retains its ethereal beauty in the middle of Truoi Lake.
Crossing the vast Truoi Lake for about ten minutes by small boat, visitors will reach Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, whose main gate appears after they climb up 172 stone steps.
The three-entrance gate of the monastery consists of a main entrance and two side ones. Each has its own meaning, with the side entrance on the right literally reserved for civil officials and that on the left for military officials. The main entrance in the middle is reserved only for kings and invited politicians.
Setting foot here, visitors can also see with their own eyes a giant statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sitting on the top of a hill in front of the temple. This work leaves a deep impression on visitors because of its location in the middle of a sacred landscape. The statue is made of stone, up to 24m high and weighs 1,500 tonnes.
In addition, there are also other architectural works of the zen monastery located on the other side of the lake.
After passing the outer area, visitors will reach the main worship hall. Here, there is a Buddha statue sitting under the Bodhi tree. Behind the main hall is another worship area dedicated to Patriarch Bodhidharma.
Not only does it have a beautiful, poetic landscape and cool, fresh air, the zen monastery also gathers Buddhist masterpieces, including interior and exterior sophisticated decorative patterns. The bell tower here is imbued with the oriental architectural style, featuring two floors and eight curved roofs.
Ideal time for visiting Truc Lam Bach Ma
If you are planning to travel to Hue and explore this zen monastery, you should come in summer. This time will give you an opportunity to enjoy the fresh and cool air of the sacred place on Bach Ma Mountain.
If you are romantic and want to gain a different experience, you can come in winter. Don't forget to bring warm clothes, scarves, and waterproof jackets to avoid the cold.
Visitors can also combine a trip of the monastery with other tours such as experiencing the Bach Ma National Park, enjoying Truoi Lake, and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the forest. Nearby tourist attractions of Hue such as Vung Thung, Hop Hai, and Ba Trai are also worth-to-visit destinations.
Must-try dishes when ones come to Truoi Lake include “banh loc” (shrimp cake), “thanh tra” (a pomelo variety), fragrant jackfruit, and fresh stream fish./.
