1. Van Tieu Pagoda
The pagoda is located at an altitude of 724 meters above sea level. Historical records state that four months before his passing (in July 1308), Emperor Tran Nhan Tong lectured on the Truyền đăng lục (Transmission of the Lamp) to Phap Loa at the Tử Tiêu hermitage on Yen Tu Mountain. Many people believe that the Tử Tiêu hermitage is located in the area where Vân Tiêu Pagoda stands today.
A stone inscription here records that Vân Tiêu Pagoda was renovated during the Le Dynasty under the patronage of Lord Trinh. After several renovations, in 2001, with the donations of Buddhist followers both domestically and abroad, the pagoda was restored to its current form.
When visiting to see the Buddha King practicing here, King Tran Anh Tong (1275-1320) was inspired to write a Chinese poem titled Am Vân Tiêu (translated by Hoang Viet Thi Tuyen – Bui Huy Bich):
The mountain is like a blade cutting through the clouds,
The fairy palace untouched by earthly dust.
On the peak, a sage practices the Way,
Together with the wind and moon, enjoying the days.
Cool winds circle the earth at all times,
The moon is pure, in the sky as white as snow.
The moon, the wind, and the sage are here,
Forming a paradise beyond the ordinary world.
The statues in the pagoda are arranged according to the typical worship style of Northern Vietnamese pagodas.
Main Hall:
- First row of statues: The Three Amitabha Buddhas
- Second row of statues: Emperor Tran Nhan Tong entering Nirvana
- Third row of statues: The Nine Dragons Throne
- To the right of the Buddha altar: Statue of Quan Am Chuan De (Avalokiteshvara)
- To the left of the Buddha altar: Statue of the Three Masters of Truc Lam Zen.
Outer Hall of the Main Hall:
- To the right: Statue of Đức Chúa Ông (The Old Lord), Statue of Hộ Pháp Khuyến Thiện (Protector of Virtue)
- To the left: Statue of Đức Thánh Hiền (The Holy Sage), Statue of Hộ Pháp Trừng Ác (Protector of Righteousness).
To the left of the pagoda, the remnants of an ancient kiln are still visible. In front of the pagoda is the Vườn Tháp Vọng Tiên Cung (Vọng Tiên Cung Tower Garden).
2. Vong Tien Cung Tower Garden
Vong Tien Cung is the name of a nine-story tower located in the middle of the tower garden, which means “gazing towards the immortal palace.” This cultural and spiritual structure reflects the influence of Taoism and represents the harmonious integration of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism within the Truc Lam Zen sect of Yen Tu.
The tower garden is located in a beautiful position, with five towers dedicated to Zen masters who practiced at Vân Tiêu Pagoda during the Le Dynasty. Among these is the tower dedicated to the great monk Đại Giác Tuệ, who was born in Ha Hoang village, Thach Ha, Ha Tinh, and initially practiced at Long Dong Pagoda (Lân Pagoda) before moving to Van Tieu Pagoda. A commemorative stone inscription honoring the monk reads:
“The precious tower of Vân Tiêu stands with the heavens and earth,
The fame of the great monk spreads from the North to the South.”
This tower garden serves as a significant spiritual and cultural site, reflecting the historical contributions of Zen monks and their deep connection to the region.
