Bửu Long Pagoda – Finding Peace in Bustling Saigon

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Dynamic and dotted with skyscrapers, Saigon can be residence to many sacred spiritual establishments. Amongst them is Bửu Lengthy Pagoda, recognized for its distinctive structure – a harmonious mixture of the Theravada Buddhist fashion in Southeast Asia and the quintessence of the Nguyễn Dynasty. It covers an space of greater than 11 hectares and is situated on a hill west of Đồng Nai River within the Nationwide Cultural Historical past Park, about 20 km from the town centre.

Bửu Lengthy Pagoda is without doubt one of the high 20 most stunning pagodas on the planet, in response to Nationwide Geographic. It’s each a sightseeing attraction and a peaceable Buddhist non secular sanctuary.

The primary shade is white, which mixes with the golden tint on the stupa for a Thai-inspired fashion. Due to this trait, folks dwelling within the neighborhood name it Thai pagoda. Nonetheless, Vietnamese architectural and cultural traits can be seen within the carvings and sculptures on the majestic dragon partitions, pillars, and the doorway to the principle corridor. The place did this mix come from?

Bửu Lengthy Pagoda was based in 1942 by Võ Hà Thuật. In 1958, he devoted your complete monastery to Zen Grasp Hộ Tông, founder and first Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Pre-sectarian Buddhism.

Later, the monastery underwent rounds of renovation and extension, initially consisting of works within the fashion of the Nguyễn Dynasty. In 1996, the gathering corridor was constructed with contributions from buddhists in Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. This demonstrated the spirit of solidarity between the three Buddhist international locations.

By 2007, The Gotama Cetiya Stupa was accomplished. That is the most important stupa in Vietnam: its seven flooring are 56 metres tall. The 4 surrounding auxiliary towers are referred to as Lumbini, Enlightenment, Dharma Wheel and Nirvana. The towers are all painted white with pointed roofs made from copper. Stairs resulting in the principle construction bear carvings of dragons holding pearl beads of their mouths. Standing on the fourth flooring, guests can benefit from the panoramic view of the Đồng Nai River and Saigon centre with high-rise buildings within the distance.

In entrance of the principle corridor is a big sapphire blue pond surrounded by rhododendrons. In it stands a statue of a crane standing on the again of a turtle, usually seen in Vietnamese pagodas.

A way of tranquility sweeps via the pagoda, accompanied by the sounds of wind chimes and burbling water. Pilgrims depart all worries and fatigue from fast-paced metropolis life behind as they admire the picturesque surroundings. A pagoda with out incense, Bửu Lengthy is open to those that convey nothing however a honest coronary heart to worship and pray. Main holidays of the lunar calendar are celebrated right here, akin to January’s full moon day or the competition of Bát Báo Hiếu (on July 15 and August 30). Along with spiritual actions, the pagoda additionally offers out free drugs on Saturdays.

There isn’t any entrance payment. Guests solely must pay a parking ticket of about 10,000 VND (C$ 0.60) per motorcycle. Donations are accepted.