Thua Thien-Hue - a sacred pilgrimage destination during the Lunar New Year.

Many generations have listened to Trịnh Công Sơn's music, but perhaps only a few know that the song "Where Do the Waves Go?" was inspired by the verse "Gate Gate Pāragate Pārasaṃgate Bodhi Svāhā" (Heart Sutra). He himself always considered himself a Buddhist, and Buddhism had a profound influence on him from a young age; as he grew up, he incorporated Buddhist language and philosophy into his songs. Because Buddhism in Huế had deeply permeated his being, it was as if the Dharma had entered his life.

Those pilgrims who choose Thua Thien-Hue as their spring destination to demonstrate their devotion to Buddhism probably thought the same as the late musician Trinh Cong Son: the meditative atmosphere in Hue is a sacred place where they can find peace, cultivate their minds and characters, and strive for goodness.

THIEN MU PAGODA

Walking west along Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, following the Perfume River, we will see the oldest pagoda in Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda). The pagoda is located within the Hue Imperial Citadel Complex, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993. Thien Mu Pagoda was officially founded in the year Tan Suu (1601), during the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang - the first Nguyen lord in Dang Trong (Southern Vietnam).

With its location atop a hill overlooking the confluence of the emerald green Perfume River, and the distant, undulating green mountains covered in pine trees, Thien Mu Pagoda is a very picturesque temple, perfect for enjoying the spring scenery.

One iconic symbol associated with Thien Mu Pagoda is the Phuoc Duyen Tower. The tower, 21 meters high and comprising seven stories, was built in front of the pagoda in 1844. Each floor houses a Buddha statue. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the top floor, where a golden Buddha statue was previously enshrined. In front of the tower is the Huong Nguyen Pavilion, topped with the Dharma Wheel – a symbol of Buddhism.

TU DAM PAGODA

Located on the southern bank of the Perfume River, at 1 Su Lieu Quan Street, Truong An Ward, is the famous ancient temple - Tu Dam Pagoda. Founded by Zen Master Minh Hoang - Tu Dung around the end of the 17th century, it was later named An Ton Pagoda, meaning "taking the transmission of the mind as its guiding principle." In 1841, Emperor Thieu Tri renamed An Ton Pagoda to Tu Dam (due to the taboo against using the emperor's name, Mien Tong), meaning "auspicious cloud of Buddhist teachings."

Entering the gate of Tu Dam Pagoda, to the right of the courtyard stands a Bodhi tree originating from the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya in India (the place where Buddha attained enlightenment). The main hall is solemnly but simply decorated. In the center is a single statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, flanked by reliefs of the two Bodhisattvas, Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Above the main hall hangs a gilded plaque with three Chinese characters: "An Tong Tu". On either side of this plaque are a pair of gilded couplets. In addition, on the pagoda's veranda are couplets by the patriot Phan Boi Chau and lay Buddhist Tam Minh (Dr. Le Dinh Tham).

TU HIEU PAGODA

One of the large ancient temples and a cultural and historical landmark of the former imperial capital of Hue is Tu Hieu Pagoda.

Tu Hieu Pagoda is located in Duong Xuan Thuong III village, Thuy Xuan ward. In 1843, Venerable Nhat Dinh came here to establish a monastery, building a "Thao Am An Duong" (a type of hermitage for meditation and caring for his elderly mother). He was renowned for his filial piety, traversing forests and streams to buy fish to cook porridge for his mother. This touching story reached the ears of Emperor Tu Duc, who was also a filial son. Deeply moved by Venerable Nhat Dinh's devotion, the Emperor bestowed the title "Imperial Decree Tu Hieu Pagoda" upon it. The pagoda has been named Tu Hieu ever since.

Visiting Tu Hieu Pagoda, we not only hear stories about filial piety, a core virtue of the Vietnamese people, and see a spiritual place for worshipping Buddhist teachings, but we can also listen to the rustling of pine trees, the singing of birds, watch fish swimming playfully in the pond, and experience a moment of profound tranquility and serenity amidst the surrounding scenery.

HUYEN KHONG MOUNTAIN PAGODA

To imagine the strangely beautiful and mystical scenery of Hue, people immediately think of Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda, a famous temple and a scenic spot that captivates visitors from all over the world.

Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda is located in Cham village, Huong Ho ward, Huong Tra town. The pagoda belongs to the Theravada Buddhist sect and was founded by Venerable Gioi Duc in 1989. Situated amidst a pine forest, and lacking a grand triple-arched gate, it resembles the entrance to a traditional Hue-style house with a garden. The pagoda grounds are a lush green garden with small streams overflowing with purple water lilies, rare orchids, and centuries-old frangipani, cycad, pine, and cypress trees, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

The main hall of the pagoda is a variation of a traditional Hue-style house, using traditional architectural styles and materials to preserve the essence of Hue and Vietnam, with harmony with nature and poetic spirit as the main idea; downplaying the role of religious belief, focusing on a meditative and spiritual way of life.

The Purple Cloud Hermitage serves as the abbot's residence, study, reception area, and calligraphy practice space. It is also a place where lovers of literature, poetry, and calligraphy gather to discuss poetry, practice their brushwork, and showcase their skills.

STANDING BUDDHA STATUE

The statue of Quan Am (also known as the Standing Buddha) is built on Tu Tuong Mountain, Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy district, Thua Thien-Hue province. The statue of Quan Am is beautifully designed, very well-proportioned, with a benevolent and compassionate Bodhisattva face. Her left hand holds a vase of nectar, her right hand makes the nectar mudra, and her entire body is draped in a soft, flowing white robe, seated on a large lotus pedestal with a diameter of over 10 meters. The statue is placed on a large two-tiered base; the upper tier is for worship, and the lower tier is for visitors to stay, as well as a temporary lodging place for monks and nuns when they come to attend ceremonies.

In the early days of spring, the Quan The Am Spiritual Tourism and Culture Center, home to the Standing Buddha statue, is always crowded with people from all over the country who come to admire the scenery and worship the Quan Am Buddha statue. Most visitors share the same wish: to pray for peace and well-being for themselves and their loved ones, and to have a new year filled with good fortune, health, and success in all endeavors. Having come to Hue, this is definitely a worthwhile place to visit, especially during the Lunar New Year.

"Each person must strive to build a tranquil temple within themselves and nurture the Buddha-nature within, cultivating it into a solid monument. This will help us see the world and life differently. For me, Buddhism is a philosophy that makes us love life more, not one that makes us forget about it."- Trinh Cong Son.

T. An Minh