Walking barefoot in a 1,000-year-old temple in Ha Nam

Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu Pagoda lies peacefully among the green mountains and forests of Ha Nam .

Located peacefully in the middle of Ha Nam land, more than 70km from Hanoi, Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu Pagoda is a unique spiritual destination with impressive space.

More than 70km from Hanoi , Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu Pagoda is a unique spiritual destination in Ninh Trung village, Liem Son commune, Thanh Liem, Ha Nam. The ancient pagoda has a history of more than 1,000 years and was recently rebuilt in 2015.

The temple has another name, Dung Pagoda. The word “Phi Lai” in “Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu” means to return, and also means not to return. The name of the temple means the place where Bodhisattva Dizang often goes, or it could be the place where he does not go. And the place where he does not go is definitely the place of Buddha. The temple’s name in Nom is Dung Pagoda. The word “Phi Lai” in “Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu” means to return, or not. The name of the temple means the place where Bodhisattva Dizang often visits, or it could also be the place he never visits. And the place he does not return to will surely become a Buddha land.

Located on a small hill in Ninh Trung village, Liem Son commune, Thanh Liem district, Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu pagoda has a beautiful

Located on a small hill in Ninh Trung village, Liem Son commune, Thanh Liem district, Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu pagoda has a beautiful "leaning on the mountain, facing the water" position. Behind the pagoda is a cool green pine forest, on both sides are mountain ranges shaped like a green dragon on the left and a white tiger on the right.

The path leading to the temple is paved with white gravel instead of the usual red bricks, creating a unique impression at first sight.

The temple has a sign that reads "Kho Hai (Sea of Suffering)/Because it is a sea, please stay on the shore" reminding travelers to walk on the dark rocks.

The temple grounds are imbued with Zen, with 12 sand circles drawn on the gravel floor, symbolizing the 12 causes and conditions of human existence. The corridors, paths, and shrines in the temple are cleaned by monks, nuns, Buddhists, and young people attending the temple retreat so that everyone can walk barefoot. "Please leave your sandals lightly on the threshold/To make the Buddha's door fragrant and Zen blossom" is a reminder for visitors placed in front of the threshold of some rooms in the temple. Photo: Hai Nam

The architectural lines of the pagoda have many typical patterns such as lotus flowers, dragons, peacocks and phoenixes, recreating the art of the Ly - Tran dynasties.

The shrine of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is located in the middle of a peaceful fish pond.

Altar of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.

The temple grounds have carefully tended gardens of fruit trees, herbs and wild vegetables. At the foot of the mountain there is also a mushroom farm, providing ingredients for vegetarian dishes at the temple.

Buddhists take care of the fruit garden in the temple.

Buddhists take care of the fruit garden in the temple.

The temple has many wind chimes. When there is wind, the bells ring, creating a melodious, pleasant sound, making visitors feel like they are lost in a fairyland.

The temple has many wind chimes. When there is wind, the bells ring, creating a magical, melodious sound, making visitors feel like they are lost in a fairyland.

The temple is located at the foot of a hill called Thuong Son. Visitors can go up the mountain to visit Trung Pagoda. On the pilgrimage path, there are statues depicting the life of Buddha Shakyamuni.

The temple is located at the foot of a hill called Thuong Son. Visitors can go up the mountain to visit Trung Pagoda. On the pilgrimage path, there are statues depicting the life of Buddha Shakyamuni.

La Han Corridor on the way up to Thuong Son Mountain.

La Han Corridor on the way up to Thuong Son Mountain.

Trung Pagoda on Thuong Son Mountain. This is an ancient pagoda, worshiping the Three Jewels and Duc Ong, Duc Thanh Hien.

Trung Pagoda on Thuong Son Mountain. This is an ancient pagoda, worshiping the Three Jewels and Duc Ong, Duc Thanh Hien.

The statues on Mount Shangshan depict the life of Buddha from birth, renunciation, asceticism and enlightenment.

The statues on Mount Shangshan depict the life of Buddha from birth, renunciation, asceticism and enlightenment.

A building in the pagoda has a lotus-shaped architecture similar to the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi.

A building in the pagoda has a lotus-shaped architecture similar to the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi.

In addition to the Lower Pagoda and the Middle Pagoda on the Upper Mountain, the pagoda also has an Arhat Garden for visitors to relax, enjoy tea and visit the pagoda.

In addition to the Lower Pagoda and the Middle Pagoda on the Upper Mountain, the pagoda also has an Arhat Garden for visitors to relax, enjoy tea and visit the pagoda with many rockeries and large-scale works.

Nguyen Dat

Source: https://dulich.laodong.vn/media/chan-tran-buoc-di-trong-chua-co-1000-nam-tuoi-o-ha-nam-1367249.html