These days, the atmosphere at Thien Lai Pagoda is more bustling than usual. From early morning, the sound of the pagoda bells echoes through the peaceful countryside along the Thuong River. In the pagoda courtyard, many Buddhists are busy preparing for the Great Buddha's Birthday Celebration, Buddhist Calendar 2570, which will take place on the 12th day of the 4th lunar month (May 28th in the Gregorian calendar).
More than just a religious event, the Buddha's Birthday celebration at Thien Lai Pagoda has long become a familiar cultural activity for the local people. Some come to the pagoda to worship Buddha, while others come to listen to the temple bells and find a moment of peace after the hustle and bustle of life.
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Thien Lai Pagoda attracts a large number of Buddhists and tourists. |
Thien Lai Pagoda, also known as Phan Loi Temple, is one of the ancient pagodas of the former Yen Dung region. According to local historical documents, the pagoda is associated with the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect – a Zen sect deeply rooted in Vietnamese Buddhist traditions, founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century. Throughout many historical upheavals, the pagoda has not only served as a place of religious worship but has also witnessed many changes in the homeland.
Locals say that the pagoda used to be located in a fairly large, wooded area. During the resistance against French colonialism, the pagoda served as a secret base for local revolutionary forces. Many meetings were held there. Therefore, the French colonialists burned down the pagoda in 1947, causing significant damage to many structures. After the war, the pagoda deteriorated over time. However, in the memories of many people in Yen Dung, Thien Lai Pagoda remains an indispensable part of their village.
| Today, Thien Lai Pagoda boasts a spacious and beautiful appearance while still preserving the traditional architecture of Vietnamese pagodas in the Northern Delta region. The curved roofs covered in red tiles, the solemnly arranged Buddha statues, and the lush green grounds create a serene atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. |
Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, a resident living near the temple, shared: "When we were children, we often went to the temple with our grandparents on the 15th and 1st days of the lunar month. Back then, the temple was old and dilapidated, but later it was renovated and made more spacious. Everyone was happy that our hometown had preserved this ancient temple."
In 1988, with the contributions of the people and Buddhists from near and far, Thien Lai Pagoda was restored on its original foundation. In 2009, the pagoda was classified as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic. In recent years, the pagoda has continued to undergo large-scale restoration and renovation. Since the end of 2018, many items such as the triple gate, main hall, bell tower, drum tower, and other auxiliary structures have been built simultaneously on an area of over 8,000 m².
Today, Thien Lai Pagoda boasts a spacious and beautiful appearance while still preserving the traditional architecture of Vietnamese pagodas in the Northern Delta region. The curved roofs covered in red tiles, the solemnly arranged Buddha statues, and the lush green grounds create a tranquil atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Previously, many people only visited the pagoda at the beginning of the year or on major holidays, but now activities at the pagoda take place more frequently.
Besides Buddhist rituals, the temple also organizes many short retreats, prayer services, charitable activities, and community events. Ms. Pham Thi Loi, a Buddhist follower, shared: “Every time I come to the temple, I feel more at peace. The atmosphere here is very tranquil. Sometimes, just listening to the temple bells is enough to calm my mind.”
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The bell tower at Thien Lai Temple. |
Beyond fulfilling the religious needs of the people, Thien Lai Pagoda also contributes to building a healthy cultural and spiritual life in the locality. For many residents, the pagoda is a place that unites the community, where children are reminded of morality, filial piety, and how to live a virtuous life. In the current context, where modern life brings about many changes in lifestyles and cultural activities, the role of spiritual spaces like Thien Lai Pagoda becomes even more prominent.
This year's Buddha's Birthday celebration at Thien Lai Pagoda not only holds the significance of a Buddhist holiday but also provides an opportunity for locals and visitors from near and far to reconnect with the simple and beautiful values of spiritual life. During the celebration, the pagoda hosts numerous activities such as incense offerings, chanting prayers for national peace and prosperity, the ritual of bathing the Buddha statue, releasing floating lanterns, and other cultural and spiritual programs to serve the people, Buddhists, and visitors from all over.
The Buddha's birthday season has arrived again, accompanied by the ringing of bells in the Yen Dung area. Thien Lai Pagoda, after many ups and downs throughout history, remains a spiritual destination for local people and visitors from near and far.
Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bg2/dulichbg/ve-thien-lai-tu-nghe-tieng-chuong-ngan-postid446771.bbg
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