Tranquility in Thanh Lanh

Nestled in the mountains of Xuan Hoa ward, Phu Tho province (Ngoc Thanh commune, Phuc Yen city, former Vinh Phuc province), Thanh Lanh pagoda welcomes visitors with the pure beauty of a spiritual and tranquil relic. No noise from the city, no jostling for trade, this place preserves a peaceful atmosphere, so that every step into the pagoda is like being washed away.

The temple opens with the main color of yellow, dark columns and curved roof system in the shape of a dragon. The red roof is covered with ancient tiles, bordered by elaborately carved eaves, curving up like phoenix wings. What is special about Thanh Lanh is the balance between traditional Vietnamese architecture and modern lines, not massive and ostentatious, but impressive enough to highlight the solemnity of the Buddha's door.

Panoramic view of Thanh Lanh pagoda, Xuan Hoa ward, Phu Tho province from the front.

Entering the main hall, the soft light reflects on the gilded Buddha statues, making the space seem to glow from within. The central altar is the statue of the Three Buddhas - a symbol of the past, present and future - surrounded by Bodhisattvas, each statue like a different story of compassion. The gilded parallel sentences are carved with dragons, phoenixes, lotus flowers... creating a sense of respect and elegance. The light incense scent, the steady sound of wooden fish, and the ringing of bells from afar make it easy for worshippers to find a peaceful space in their minds.

The worship space is resplendent with golden light, the Buddha and Bodhisattva statues are majestic among the incense clouds, depicting the faith and kindness of many generations.

If the main hall is a place of inner peace, the outdoor sculpture garden is an extension of compassion. The statue of Quan The Am stands on a large lotus pedestal, looking down at the world with gentle eyes. Surrounding it are long rows of white Arhat statues, arranged in an arc towards the center. Each statue represents a state of mind – happy, sad, meditative, smiling – as a reminder of the path of human practice in the midst of a busy life.

The Buddha statue stands peacefully in the middle of the Xuan Hoa sky and clouds, watching over hundreds of white Arhat statues, opening the way for people to find tranquility.

The green space is meticulously cared for. Bodhi trees, cycads, and mai chieu thuy blend in with the rock garden and flower pots. Above, colored lanterns hang under the tree canopy, rustling in the wind like a quiet hymn. Every afternoon, sunlight pours down onto the yard, covering it with a light mist, making the scene look like a watercolor painting.

Each statue represents a state of mind – happy, sad, meditative, smiling – as a reminder of the path of human practice in the midst of a busy life.

Thanh Lanh Pagoda is not only a pilgrimage site for Phu Tho Buddhists, but also a spiritual and cultural space open to the community. Young people come here to find tranquility, the elderly to find a peaceful place, young families bring their children to visit the scenery, learn to smile at life. On major holidays such as Vu Lan, Buddha's Birthday, the Great Prayer for Peace... Thanh Lanh Pagoda attracts thousands of visitors, but the pagoda still retains its elegant, organized, and uncluttered features.

Buddhists seem to calm down and forget all the worries of life when standing in the quiet, sacred space of Thanh Lanh Pagoda.

What makes Thanh Lanh Pagoda different is the feeling of being “close” but not “ordinary”. The space is friendly enough for new believers to feel comfortable, but solemn enough for long-time practitioners to find the depth of meditation. In the midst of rapid urbanization, Thanh Lanh Pagoda is like a resting place of consciousness – a place where anyone can sit down, look back at themselves and listen to their inner voice.

The balance between traditional Vietnamese architecture and modern lines has created a special space that every Buddhist wants to return to.

It seems that the beauty of Thanh Lanh Pagoda does not come from the display of stone, wood or gold, but from the way this place maintains tranquility in the midst of a busy life, leading people to find the inherent gentleness in their hearts.

Middle East

Source: https://baophutho.vn/tinh-tai-o-thanh-lanh-243648.htm