Truc Lam Zen Monasteries are Vietnamese Buddhist monasteries belonging to the Truc Lam (Yen Tu) Zen school. King Tran Nhan Tong established this school over 700 years ago. He served as the inaugural patriarch. Following him were the Second Patriarch Phap Loa and the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang. These three individuals were the first and most renowned patriarchs of the Truc Lam Zen school, which originated at Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery in Quang Ninh.
When Tran Nhan Tong became a monk at Vu Lam Cave in Ninh Binh, he initially chose Truc Lam as his monastic name. Furthermore, Truc Lam was also the name used by Zen Master Đao Vien, who came before Tran Nhan Tong and held the position of the second patriarch in this Zen tradition. Vietnam’s historical Buddhist customs are understood to have evolved into the Truc Lam Zen school. However, it also brought together three prior Vietnamese Zen traditions: Thao Duong, Vo Ngon Thong, and Ti-ni-đa-lưu-chi. The Truc Lam school likewise incorporated elements from the Chan Buddhist tradition of Lam Te (Linji). By founding the Truc Lam school, Tran Nhan Tong consolidated the diverse Zen schools of the time and united the entire Buddhist monastic community of the Trần Dynasty under one religious leadership.
Venerable Thich Thanh Tu is presently known for his contributions to the revival of the Truc Lam (Yen Tu) Zen school. He is known with affection among Buddhist devotees as Su Ong.
1.Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery Quang Ninh
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery occupies a mountainside. The mountain’s form bears a resemblance to a kneeling Ky Lan, a mythical unicorn-like creature. Consequently, the temple derives its name from the mountain’s distinctive shape. Lan Pagoda is situated at the entrance to the central pagoda complex within the Yen Tu area. Historically, it functioned as a Trinh (registration) temple during the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties. Venerable Thich Thanh Tu and dedicated Buddhists led the reconstruction of Lan Pagoda’s present architectural structures. Their combined efforts enabled its building on a large and expansive scale.
The Main Hall’s construction began in 2002. Builders utilized the foundation of a former Tran Dynasty temple. The Main Hall’s entrance now displays what remains of that historical foundation. Lan Pagoda stands as the largest and most architecturally magnificent structure within the Yen Tu pagoda system today. It encompasses an area of 125,198 square meters. Whenever you undertake a pilgrimage to this ancestral land of Truc Lam, you enter Truc Lam Zen Monastery. Here, you engage in the worship of Buddha. You also appreciate the scenic beauty of the temple. Additionally, they stroll around Tinh Tam Lake, located in front of the Chinh Phap Duong (Dharma Hall). This activity cultivates feelings of peace and tranquility inside you.
Address: 12 Yen Tu, Nam Mau Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province
2.Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery Vinh Phuc
Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery is part of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen lineage. Its location is in Dai Dinh Commune, Tam Dao District, Vinh Phuc Province, approximately 85 km west of Hanoi. The route leading to the monastery consists of a rather steep stone path characterized by numerous hairpin turns. Notably, tall pine trees flank the path. You find them as they ascend.
The monastery exhibits a rather unique structural design. The main hall, known as Dai Hung Buu Dien, occupies the central position within the monastery grounds. It reaches a height of 17 meters and covers an area of 675 square meters. Four substantial supporting pillars, each with a diameter of nearly one meter, provide structural integrity. Consequently, it can accommodate 600 Buddhists and visitors who come for meditation or Dharma teachings. To the left of the main hall stands the Bell Tower, and to the right, the Drum Tower. Behind the main hall is the Ancestral House, which enshrines the statues of the three founding patriarchs of the Truc Lam lineage. Consistent with its role as a sanctuary for monks, nuns, and lay Buddhists, the atmosphere here is remarkably serene. A surrounding pine forest envelops the monastery, fostering a close connection with the natural environment and providing a fresh, cool ambiance.
3. Truc Lam Da Lat Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Da Lat Zen Monastery represents a distinctive architectural creation situated beside Tuyen Lam Lake. It occupies a location on Phung Hoang Mountain, embraced by Tuyen Lam Lake and the surrounding overlapping mountain ranges. This setting imparts a profound sense of peace and tranquility. It serves as a significant religious and spiritual site, drawing considerable attention from both domestic and international tourists. Furthermore, it holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind in Lam Dong Province. Constructed in 1993, its design was the work of several renowned architects, including Ngo Van Thu, the architect behind the celebrated Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Moreover, it functions as the largest Zen research monastery in Vietnam.
The monastery captivates visitors with the solemn beauty inherent in a famous temple. It features an expansive and airy space, complemented by vibrant flower gardens showcasing a rich array of colors. The flower garden within the monastery’s grounds assembles a diverse collection of flower species sourced from various parts of the world. Monks brought these flowers from overseas and meticulously cultivated them. The array of flowers is extensive, each possessing a unique beauty and fragrance. Nevertheless, they all share a common characteristic: they embody the affection, care, and dedication of the monks, nuns, and lay Buddhists who reside here.
Address: Hoa Cam Tu Cau Street, Ward 3, Dat Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
4. Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery stands majestically amidst the Bach Ma (White Horse) mountain range. Its reflection graces the waters of Truoi Lake. It has become a well-known destination for Buddhists and pilgrims seeking the wellspring of Buddhist teachings. Venerable Master Thich Thanh Từ was the founder of this monastery. It holds the distinction of being the first Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen school monastery established in the Central region of Vietnam. Construction commenced on March 30, 2006. To date, three principal areas have been completed: the outer precinct, the monks’ quarters, and the nuns’ quarters, encompassing over 20 significant structures and features.
The monastery hill rises from the heart of Truoi Lake, resembling a pristine lotus blossom. It rests against the backdrop of the vast green Bạch Mã mountains. The sacred Bạch Ma mountain, in conjunction with the Truc Lam meditation stream, appears to intertwine and merge, creating a picturesque, poetic, and serene landscape amidst the encompassing mountains and forests. While traveling by boat to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, visitors can readily observe a prominent statue. This is a 24-meter-high, 1,500-ton stone sculpture of Buddha Shakyamuni in a meditative posture atop a hill situated in the middle of the lake.
The monastery occupies the summit of Bach Ma Mountain. Clouds envelop it throughout the year, creating a misty, ethereal ambiance akin to a fairyland. The monastery is divided into three distinct zones: the outer precinct, housing the main worship hall dedicated to Buddha under the Bodhi tree, and behind the main hall, the ancestral area dedicated to Patriarch Bodhidharma of the Trúc Lâm Zen school. Amidst the clear waters of Truoi Lake, Truc Lam Hue Zen Monastery blends harmoniously into a beautiful smoky blue hue, evoking the imagery of a delicate watercolor painting.
Address: Loc Dien Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien – Hue Province
More than just havens of tranquility and inner peace, the renowned Truc Lam Zen Monasteries of Vietnam offer a breathtaking feast for the eyes. Their harmonious integration with the surrounding natural beauty, often resembling exquisite landscape paintings, deeply captivates visitors. These serene sanctuaries not only soothe the soul but also enchant with their stunning vistas, leaving a lasting impression of both spiritual calm and scenic wonder.