Explore the land of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism
Taking a stroll in the ancient and peaceful Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, known as a centre for Buddhism in the northern province of Bac Giang, is a special experience that everyone should try, especially in the charming time of autumn.
 |
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda was built in the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century under the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010-1028) in the village of Duc La, Tri Yen Commune, Yen Dung District, about 80km from Hanoi.
“Initially named Chuc Thanh, the pagoda later took the name of the village and was called La Pagoda or Duc La Pagoda,” said Le Thi Khoi, from the Relics Management Board of Yen Dung District.
“The pagoda was embellished, expanded, and renamed Vinh Nghiem under the reign of Tran Nhan Tong (1278-1293). Vinh Nghiem means Forever Lasting and Solemn,” Khoi added.
It was where the three first patriarchs of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism: Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308), Phap Loa (1284-1330) and Huyen Quang (1254-1334) once preached and it served as a training institution for monks during the Tran Dynasty (13th-14th centuries).
The pagoda is considered the first Buddhism university of Vietnam, and the place of origin for Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, playing an important role in the history of Buddhism in Vietnam general and in the Tran Dynasty in particular.
