Hanoi (VNA) – In the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, Vietnam’s pagodas stand with a stillness that belies their weight. Far from the ornate, gilded temples of the mainland, these structures rise with a spare dignity, their unadorned presence asserting sovereignty as surely as any flag. They are not merely buildings but anchors, tethering a nation’s heart to its outermost edges.
Sacred landmarks at sea
For soldiers, officers, and residents stationed on these isolated islands, the pagodas offer a rare haven of calm. Beyond their role as places of worship, they embody Vietnam’s cultural claim to the archipelago.
Local fishermen, braving the perilous seas, find both refuge and reverence at the pagodas. Here, they moor their boats, light incense, and pray for safe trips, bountiful catches, and good health to carry them through.
At Da Tay A Pagoda, Venerable Thich Nhuan Hieu presides over Buddhist rituals, from the Lord Buddha’s birthday celebration to Lunar New Year and Vu Lan ceremonies, mirroring traditions on the mainland. These practices provide soldiers and islanders a spiritual anchor, fostering resilience and peace as they guard Vietnam’s maritime frontier.
Soul of the nation amid vast seas
“I’ve travelled widely, but standing before a temple in the middle of the sea, I felt my roots for the first time”, said Pham Thi Nhung, a Vietnamese expatriate from Malaysia, during her first visit to Truong Sa. “One stick of incense, one bell’s ring – it bounds my heart to the homeland”.
For Phan Thi Thu Hang, a Vietnamese expatriate from Poland, the sight of the pagodas stirred profound emotion.
“It’s a pride that runs deep, a sacred reminder that every wave, every inch of this place, carries Vietnam’s cultural, historical, and spiritual essence”, she said.
Nun Dr. Thich Minh Thinh, abbess of Dien Phuc Pagoda in Hanoi and a member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, said the construction of these pagodas, initiated by the Party and State, offer more than spiritual solace, but a vital source of emotional support for those living far from the mainland.
Around the pagodas, lush trees and blooming flowers, tended by monks, naval officers, and local Buddhists, bring a touch of mainland life to the seascape.
“Sustaining spiritual life in such harsh conditions is a way to nurture faith, bring peace of mind, and strengthen the will to serve, ultimately ensuring the steadfast defence of Truong Sa and the enduring sovereignty of our beloved Vietnam”, said Thinh.
A lasting impression in every Vietnamese heart
“My first glimpse of the island was a towering pagoda, proclaiming Vietnam’s sacred sovereignty amid the vast sea,” said Nguyen Thi My Van, a Vietnamese expatriate from the US. “These pagodas are a lifeline, empowering our soldiers to guard our seas for generations. This memory will stay with me forever”.
More than places of worship, Truong Sa’s pagodas are emblems of Vietnam’s spirit, weaving together threads of culture, history, and patriotism. They stand as quiet sentinels, reminding every Vietnamese that these far-off islands are never far from the nation’s soul./.
