Explore the Unique Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

Explore the Unique Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is one of the most famous spiritual tourist destinations in the land of Tay Do. Here, visitors will be immersed in a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of a bustling city. Join NVK Travel to explore many interesting things about this place in the following article.

A brief overview of Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

Below are some basic information that visitors should know before coming to this spiritual tourist destination.

Where is Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery located? 

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is located in My Nhon hamlet, Phong Dien commune, Can Tho city. As of 2014, this site is among the largest Zen monasteries in the Mekong Delta. This destination is about 15km from the city center, featuring a design style that reflects the Ly - Tran dynasties.

Let's take a brief look at Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

Let's learn a little about Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

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History of establishment

The construction was started on July 16, 2013, and inaugurated on May 17, 2014. Under the chairmanship of the Buddhist Executive Board of Can Tho city, the ceremony went smoothly, and Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery officially came into operation.

This is a prominent spiritual activity place for the local people. Thanks to its unique architecture and eye-catching landscape, it gradually attracts a large number of tourists.

The Zen monastery in its early days

The Zen monastery in its early days

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Overview of the Zen monastery's design

This place is meticulously designed with many details reflecting ancient styles such as tiled roofs, lim wood columns, and ceramic tiles,... Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery has a spacious campus, featuring over 20 spiritual structures such as the Ancestor Hall, assembly hall, 9-story stupa, bell tower, and water pavilion,...

In addition, there are many impressive structures made from over 1,000 blocks of lim wood imported from South Africa. Further investment includes a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni made of bronze, statues of Bodhisattva, and other Patriarchs that are over 800 years old.

Explore the architecture of Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

The unique and diverse architecture is a highlight that attracts visitors to Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery. Let's explore it right below.

1/ Entrance and outdoor area

The three-arch gate is meticulously designed

The three-entrance gate is meticulously designed

The three-entrance gate features a unique design of reinforced concrete that mimics wood. The structure includes three pathways, with a large main path in the center and two smaller side paths. The roof is inspired by a sailboat, combined with many distinctive patterns that catch everyone's eye.

Stepping through the gate, visitors will be overwhelmed by the spacious and rare atmosphere of a place of worship. On either side of the pathway are 18 stone statues of the "Eighteen Arhats" that make a strong impression. In front is the majestic main hall that welcomes visitors.

2/ Main hall

The main hall with a spacious area

The main hall with a vast space

The main hall of Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, also known as Dai Hung Bao Dien, is the most sacred area here. The spacious area can accommodate hundreds of people for worship and offerings.

Similar to the main gate, the main hall also has three entrances. The tiled roof is designed in the style of the Tran dynasty, using modern techniques while still retaining the ancient features of the feudal dynasty. The bell tower and drum tower are arranged on either side of Dai Hung Bao Dien.

3/ Ancestor Hall

The three founders of the Truc Lam sect

The three patriarchs of the Truc Lam sect

Walking behind the main hall, visitors will see three stone Buddha statues in meditation. This is the Ancestor Hall of Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery. These three statues represent the three founding patriarchs of the Truc Lam sect: Patriarch Phap Loa, Patriarch Huyen Quang, and Patriarch Tran Nhan Tong.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the statue of Patriarch Da Ma and the three patriarchs beside it. Opposite is the statue of King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong along with a small green grove.

4/ Common activity area

This is the place where the monks reside

This is the place for the monks' daily activities

This is the daily activity area for the monks, located right behind the Ancestor Hall. The common area is divided into several functions such as dining hall, kitchen, library, exhibition room,...

The surrounding landscape is planted with many trees, creating a comfortable and cool feeling. Additionally, there is a restricted area that is the private activity space of the monks, which visitors should note.

5/ Free medical treatment area for locals

Many people come for treatment, crowded

Many locals come for treatment

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery has set up a free traditional medicine clinic for locals. Many patients in difficult circumstances come here for regular herbal medicine treatment. The treatment area is clean and equipped with all necessary tools.

The clinic is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays each week. Operating hours are from 7 AM to 11 AM. Visitors should note these hours to receive medical assistance. This area is the clearest evidence of the compassion and love for the people shown by the monks.

6/ Back gate of the tourist site

Close-up of the Thousand-Handed Avalokiteshvara statue

Close-up of the thousand-handed Avalokiteshvara statue

Walking through the area of the Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery's abbot's room, visitors will be greeted by a large statue of Maitreya Buddha. This is the back gate of the tourist site.

Continuing outside, visitors will admire the area dedicated to the 33 manifestations of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. The statues are arranged on either side of the pathway, creating a majestic yet beautiful scene. In the center is the thousand-handed Avalokiteshvara statue, a special symbol of Buddhism.

Activities you must try when visiting Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

Here are activities that visitors should not miss when visiting Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery.

Explore the unique architecture

Every detail is invested with great care

Every detail is meticulously invested in

This spiritual tourist destination is designed in the architectural style of the Ly - Tran dynasties, reflecting our national culture. Not just an ordinary sacred place, visitors here feel as if they have stepped into a majestic royal space. Every detail and pattern is meticulously crafted, creating a structure that captures the hearts of those who love beauty.

Resting, relaxing the soul

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is an ideal place to seek peace after many long, tiring days. Upon arriving here, you can immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery, free from worries and hustle. Additionally, the monastery also sells various food and beverages for visitors needing to recharge their energy.

Offering incense, praying

Many Buddhists choose to come here to offer incense

Many Buddhists choose to come here to offer incense

When you arrive at a sacred place like Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, don't forget to offer incense and pay respect to the Buddha. Many devotees travel long distances just to sincerely pray for divine support. Most people who come here believe that as long as their hearts are virtuous and they do not commit wrongful acts, they will receive worthy rewards in return.

Check-in for photos

Besides being a place of worship, this attractive tourist spot also has many photo-taking angles favored by numerous visitors. Every year, during festive occasions, young people compete to capture beautiful moments in this ancient space. Try visiting here on a holiday, and you will see countless tourists in traditional attire eagerly taking photos.

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery has long become a proud spiritual structure of the people of Tay Do. Hopefully, the article above will provide visitors with useful information about this interesting destination. So what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and contact NVK Travel for more advice on attractive tourist destinations in Can Tho.