Without ostentatious gold and ornate bells and drums, the temples in the Truong Sa archipelago appear solemn and serene – like "soft landmarks" carrying the soul of the nation, standing firm amidst the waves and winds.
A spiritual landmark at the forefront of adversity.
In the Vietnamese psyche, the pagoda is a tranquil, sacred place, where people come to seek refuge in Buddha to find peace in life and pray for happiness for their families.
In this remote and windswept location, the sacred temples on the Truong Sa archipelago hold more significance than just a backdrop... they are spiritual landmarks, bringing peace to the officers, soldiers, and people living on these distant islands; they are vivid symbols of an unshakeable, sacred sovereignty – through culture and spirituality.
The temples in the Spratly Islands are vivid symbols of an unshakeable, sacred landmark of sovereignty – through culture and spirituality.
The temple also serves as a place where fishermen fishing in the waters around the islands stop their boats to light incense, pray for good health, and wish for good luck and abundant catches on each fishing trip.
At Da Tay A Pagoda, Venerable Thich Nhuan Hieu regularly maintains Buddhist rituals and major events throughout the year, such as Buddha's Birthday, the Full Moon Day, the First Day of the Lunar Month, and the Vu Lan Festival, just as they are on the mainland. This allows soldiers and civilians on the island to come to the pagoda to pray for peace and security, to work with peace of mind in this challenging environment, and to firmly protect the nation's islands and seas.
For naval soldiers, the temple is not just a religious symbol, but a part of their spiritual home that helps them alleviate homesickness, a quiet refuge that strengthens their resolve amidst the vast ocean to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.
"Every time I return from patrol, I stop by the temple to light an incense stick. Sometimes I pray for my mother's health back home, sometimes I pray for the safety of my comrades in the unit. In this remote island, just seeing the temple roof makes me feel like I'm home," a naval soldier shared when we visited Truong Sa.
The soul of the nation amidst the vast ocean.
Surrounded by waves, we were moved to silence as we heard the temple bells ringing at dawn. In that tranquil setting, the sound of the bells blended with the lapping waves and the breeze rustling through the eaves, creating a sense of peace.
“I have traveled to many places, but only when standing before this temple in the middle of the ocean did I truly feel connected to my roots. A stick of incense, the sound of a bell – all of it seemed to connect my heart with my motherland, Vietnam,” shared Pham Thi Nhung (Malaysia), a Vietnamese expatriate, emotionally upon her first visit to Truong Sa.
As for Ms. Phan Thi Thu Hang, a Vietnamese expatriate in Poland, her first reaction upon seeing Vietnamese temples located in the remote, windswept area of Truong Sa, amidst the vast ocean, was one of "surprise and emotion."
“The resounding temple bells echoing from the temple roofs on the remote islands not only serve as a place to entrust faith and pray for peace for the officers, soldiers, and civilians who are silently and steadfastly protecting the sea and islands day and night, but also as a sacred cultural and spiritual landmark that has been preserved and passed down through generations, affirming the sovereignty of the Fatherland in the vast ocean,” shared Ms. Phan Thi Thu Hang, a Vietnamese expatriate from Poland, upon visiting Truong Sa.
"These temples not only preserve faith, but also ignite the flame of patriotism in the heart of every Vietnamese person - so that even in the most remote places, the Vietnamese spirit endures."
Ms. Hang believes that temples not only preserve faith but also ignite the flame of patriotism in the hearts of every Vietnamese person – so that even in the most remote places, the Vietnamese spirit endures, and people's hearts remain directed towards their roots and their beautiful homeland. "For me, it is a source of profound pride and a sacred reminder: every inch of land, every wave of our homeland is connected to the cultural, historical, and spiritual flow of the Vietnamese nation."
Venerable Nun, Doctor Thich Minh Thinh - Abbot of Dien Phuc Pagoda (Thai Binh village, Mai Lam commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi City), Member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front - emotionally shared upon first setting foot in the pagoda on Da Tay A island: “Amidst the vast expanse of waves and wind, in a place that seems to be nothing but rocks and the sun and wind of the sea, there is a solemn and serene pagoda – that deeply moved me. People often say: 'The pagoda shelters the soul of the nation, the way of life of our ancestors for generations.' And here, I see that vividly present.”
The nun believes that the Party and State's decision to build a magnificent temple on the island is not only a cultural and spiritual landmark, but also a strong spiritual anchor for the soldiers and civilians in this remote area. Amidst the island's harsh conditions, the lush greenery and flowers seem to carry the very breath of the mainland, creating a peaceful and warm atmosphere. This meticulous care is the result of the considerable efforts of the abbots, naval officers and soldiers, and Buddhist followers working together to preserve the temple.
"Maintaining spiritual life in such challenging places is the way to rekindle faith, peace of mind, and a spirit of dedication – to firmly protect Truong Sa, and safeguard the enduring existence of our beloved Vietnam," shared Venerable Nun Thich Minh Thinh.
In the heart of the Vietnamese people
In a conversation with us, Ms. Kim Van, a resident of the island, shared that living on a remote island, the temple is where her family finds peace and tranquility, and serves as a spiritual bond between the military and civilians on the island.
This spiritual space helps people live in harmony, preserve their identity, and deepen their love for their homeland. In the remote islands, the temple has become a spiritual anchor, bringing peace to the people. Thanks to this, the islanders are less worried about being far from the mainland and feel secure in their commitment and solidarity with the soldiers to build a better life and protect the sacred territorial sovereignty of the Fatherland.
That is also why, whenever they set foot in any temple in the Truong Sa archipelago, many overseas Vietnamese cannot hide their emotions. Amidst the vast sea and sky, where it seems there are only waves, wind, and scorching sun, the sound of the temple bells rings out – like a call from Mother Earth, a sound that connects millions of Vietnamese hearts across the five continents.
"These temples most clearly affirm the territory of Vietnam in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, affirming Vietnam's sovereignty."
“My first impression upon arriving on the island was the image of the majestic temple standing tall in the remote island, affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over its maritime territory. It is a sacred and magnificent place, a place where the spirits of all the soldiers who bravely and proudly defended Vietnam's territory reside,” shared Ms. Nguyen Thi My Van (a Vietnamese expatriate living in the US). “These temples most clearly affirm Vietnam's territory in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, affirming Vietnam's sovereignty, affirming that this is Vietnam's land and rivers from time immemorial to the present and will endure forever.”
“The temples on the island are a source of spiritual nourishment, giving the soldiers strength to defend Vietnam’s borders and safeguard Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty forever. We will always cherish and remember this in our hearts,” added Ms. Van.
The temples in the Truong Sa archipelago not only shelter the national spirit but also stand as steadfast landmarks of culture, history, and patriotism. And so, Truong Sa – seemingly the furthest place – turns out to be very close, for it is always present in the heart of every Vietnamese person.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cot-moc-tam-linh-giua-trung-khoi-post1046707.vnp
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