The Khai Tâm Gate follows the traditional tam quan style, featuring three entrances: a central large one and two smaller side entrances. The name Khai Tâm (開心) means “opening the heart,” symbolizing the beginning of the path towards enlightenment and the understanding of Buddha’s heart for those practicing Buddhism.
- In front of the gate are two stone elephants lying on the ground, crafted from solid stone blocks. Each elephant weighs 35 tons and is the largest stone elephant sculpture that artisans today are capable of creating. The design of these elephants is inspired by an ancient elephant statue displayed at the National History Museum.
Elephants often appear on Buddhist altars in Vietnamese temples, particularly with the six-tusked white elephant carrying the Bodhisattva Phổ Hiền, placed alongside statues of Buddha Shakyamuni and Bodhisattva Văn Thù. Elephant statues and reliefs are found in many temples of the Khmer people in southern Vietnam, some of which are famous for their grand elephant statues.
Historically, elephants were common in Vietnam, especially during the Trần Dynasty. Ancient Chinese records referred to Giao Chỉ (an ancient name for northern Vietnam) as “Tượng Quận”, meaning a land of many elephants. During wartime, King Trần Nhân Tông famously rode an elephant into battle to lead his army against the Mongol invaders. In times of peace, elephants also appeared in famous artwork such as the painting Trúc Lâm Đại Sỹ Xuất Sơn Đồ, which depicts King Anh Tông leading a procession to welcome Trần Nhân Tông after his return from Vũ Lâm Cave (present-day Ninh Bình). The presence of elephants at the Trúc Lâm Cultural Center evokes the historical atmosphere of the Trần Dynasty, with the elephants’ elaborate coverings featuring court motifs.
The architecture of the gate is inspired by traditional tam quan gates in Vietnamese culture and features design elements from Huệ Quang Kim Tháp, including an arched gate, thick walls that rise on both sides, and a short roof covered with aged lotus-petal tiles. Along both sides of the path are large lim wood columns placed on lotus petal pedestals, in a style typical of the Trần period. The ceiling framework is also made of wood, following the traditional “Kẻ Bảy” technique, a style commonly seen in Vietnamese temples and rural villages.
The tam quan gate begins with three paths that split into two directions and then converge at the end of the structure. This represents the Buddhist philosophy that all paths lead to enlightenment and liberation, a journey back to one’s true self.
Khai Tâm Gate serves as the symbolic gateway to the Trúc Lâm Cultural Center, where visitors first arrive when entering the Yên Tử Cultural and Heritage Site. Here, guests can take a moment to prepare before continuing their visit to other areas of the Trúc Lâm Cultural Center or ascend Yên Tử Mountain. There are two services at this gate:
- The Reception Area to the right is where visitors can receive information, guidance, and assistance with their pilgrimage routes. It is also where guests who wish to stay at the Village Lodge (3-star accommodation) at Làng Nương Yên Tử can check in or out.
- The Khai Tâm Meditation Room to the left is where meditation sessions or small-scale training classes are held. It offers experiences such as Lotus Light Meditation, Breathing Meditation, and Bell Meditation for both Buddhists and visitors.
The space on both sides of the Mirror Meditation area, with large lim wood columns placed on lotus pedestals in the Trần style, allows guests to feel the historical atmosphere. It is also a space for organizing meditation and yoga activities, as well as exhibiting art collections. This area can also be used for small-scale events and evening Buddhist ceremonies. During major festivals, such as the New Year’s Festival, this area serves as a gathering point for processions, where Buddhist followers, dignitaries, and local people assemble before heading out to the ceremonial grounds.
