Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery has long been a spiritual destination that many religious tourists explore when coming to Quang Ninh. This place has many impressive stories about its history as well as the blue sky and clouds that move people's hearts. So what is special about Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery that makes many Buddhist followers come to admire and worship? Come to Quang Ninh and find out with us!

Overview of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is part of the Yen Tu scenic and historical complex, considered the "ancestral land" of Truc Lam Buddhism. This is one of the largest and most important Zen monasteries in the Truc Lam Zen monastery system in Vietnam. With its location on a high mountain, the Zen monastery offers a peaceful space, helping people to shake off the worries of daily life to find peace of mind.

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is part of the Yen Tu scenic and historical complex. Source: Giao hoi Phat Giao Viet Nam 

History of Formation and Development

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery was built to honor and maintain the Zen spirit of King Tran Nhan Tong, the third king of the Tran Dynasty. After defeating the Yuan-Mongol army and bringing the country into a period of peace, he gave up the throne, became a monk on Yen Tu Mountain and founded the Truc Lam Zen sect - a Zen sect with strong Vietnamese identity.

However, over the course of history, the structures on Yen Tu Mountain were destroyed. By the end of the 20th century, Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery was restored and rebuilt to become a center for studying and practicing Zen for monks, nuns, and Buddhists at home and abroad.

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery was built to honor and maintain the Zen spirit of King Tran Nhan Tong. Source: Chua Viet toan cau 

Architecture and Landscape

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery has a strong traditional architectural style of Vietnamese Buddhism, with curved roofs, elaborate carvings and a large space blending with nature. The monastery is divided into several main areas:

• Main Hall (Chanh dien): It is a place to worship Buddha Shakyamuni and the founders of the Truc Lam Zen sect. The main hall is solemnly decorated with large bronze Buddha statues, bringing a sense of purity and majesty.
• Ancestral House (Nha to): This area honors King Tran Nhan Tong along with other Truc Lam patriarchs such as Phap Loa and Huyen Quang.
• Bell Tower and Drum Tower (Lau chuong & Lau trong): These two symmetrical structures enhance the monastery’s architectural balance and add to its spiritual ambiance.
• Monastic Quarters and Dining Hall (Khu tang xa & Trai duong): These serve as living and practice spaces for monks and Buddhist practitioners.

Additionally, from the monastery, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the vast Yen Tu mountain range, immerse themselves in the fresh air, and experience a rare sense of peace and tranquility.

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery showcases the traditional architectural style of Vietnamese Buddhism. Source: Chua Viet Toan Cau 

Travel Guide to Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is located in Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. Visitors can reach the monastery by various means of transportation:

By Private Car:

• If traveling by personal vehicle, take the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway, then connect to National Highway 18 to reach Uong Bi.
• There is a spacious parking lot near the cable car area for visitors.

By Public Transport: Buses from Ha Long City or Uong Bi operate routes to the Yen Tu historical site.

After arriving at the Yen Tu complex, visitors can choose to hike or take the cable car system for a more convenient journey up to Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery.

How to get there. Source: Giac Ngo Online

Journey to Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

Visitors can reach the monastery either by hiking along the pilgrimage trail or taking the cable car to save time and effort. The modern cable car system shortens the travel time while offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Yen Tu’s lush mountains and forests from above.

Along the way to the monastery, visitors can stop at several sacred sites, including:

• Giai Oan Pagoda (Chua Giai Oan): A memorial site dedicated to the royal concubines who took their own lives when King Tran Nhan Tong renounced the throne to become a monk.
• Hoa Yen Pagoda (Chua Hoa Yen): The most important pagoda in Yen Tu, once the main meditation center of King Tran Nhan Tong.
• An Ky Sinh and the Statue of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong: A must-visit destination featuring the largest bronze statue of King Tran Nhan Tong in Southeast Asia, depicted in a meditative pose.

Giai Oan Pagoda. Source: Chua Yen Tu 

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Spiritual Significance and Cultural Value

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is not only a pilgrimage site but also a sacred place preserving the cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of Vietnam. The Truc Lam Zen sect, founded by King Tran Nhan Tong, has profoundly influenced Vietnamese Buddhism with its philosophy of living virtuously, engaging with the world while remaining unattached to material concerns.

Additionally, the monastery hosts significant Buddhist events such as Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday), Vu Lan (Ghost Festival), and meditation retreats, offering practitioners an opportunity to find peace and mindfulness in their daily lives.

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is not only a pilgrimage site but also a sacred place preserving the cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of Vietnam. Source: Giao hoi Phat giao Viet Nam 

Notes When Visiting Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

• Ideal Time to Visit: Spring (January – March in the lunar calendar) is the peak season due to the Yen Tu Festival, attracting many visitors. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during other times of the year.
• Dress Code: Wear modest and respectful clothing when visiting sacred sites.
• Health & Preparation: If you plan to hike, ensure you are physically prepared, bring enough water, and wear appropriate hiking shoes.
• Respect the Monastery’s Atmosphere: Maintain silence, avoid littering, and limit photography, especially inside the main hall.

Notes When Visiting Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery. Source: Du lich dai bang 

Conclusion 

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is an ideal place to find peace, experience a peaceful meditation space and explore the beauty of spiritual culture. Plan your pilgrimage today and enjoy the peace of Buddha's gate!

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