The Nine-Piece Lotus is a wooden tower approximately 8m high, with a supporting axis and can rotate. The tower was built around the Ly-Tran dynasty, existing in parallel with the popularity of the Pure Land sect, occupying a special position in the system of Vietnamese architecture and sculpture. The Nine-Piece Lotus, also known as the Nine-Piece Pure Land, means 9 levels of pure lotus containing goodness, which can also be understood as 9 different qualities that Pure Land practitioners need to have to reach perfection. According to Buddhist beliefs, the 9-level tower also symbolizes 9 levels of heaven, where the heavens - the earth - nirvana - the impermanent world intersect.
Nine-Piece Lotus with nine layers of exquisitely carved lotus flowers.
Perhaps the appearance of the Nine-Piece Lotus originated from the pilgrimage and prayer rituals of the ancients, who always held a special object in their hands to rotate during the ceremony and chant. Therefore, it is said that for every rotation of the Nine-Piece Lotus Tower, the chanting will be multiplied 3,542,400 times, so that the chanter can quickly attain enlightenment.
A Larung Gar pilgrim's hand-held bell, which is said to have inspired the construction of the Nine-Grade Lotus.
Presently, only three Nine-Piece Lotus Temples remain, at Dong Ngo Pagoda, Giam Pagoda and But Thap Pagoda.
1. But Thap Pagoda
According to Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu, the Nine-Piece Lotus at But Thap Pagoda was built in the 14th century, during the time of Zen Master Huyen Quang. This is still a conjecture because it is possible that ethnic beliefs over time have shaped this story, as a detail that adds to the "sacredness" of the long-standing existence of the Nine-Piece building.
The entrance to the Nine-Piece Hall at But Thap Pagoda.
The tower has a 9-storey layout, with all 8 sides carved with sophisticated reliefs related to Buddhist stories. After hundreds of years, the tower can still rotate without making a sound. This is also the Nine-Plate Lotus Tower that is considered the most beautiful remaining.
Nine-Grade Lotus Tower.
Close-up of the base that allows the tower to rotate.
2. Giam Pagoda
The Nine-Piece Lotus Tower at Giam Pagoda is placed on a stone protrusion, like a large ball bearing to help the tower rotate. In total, there are 144 statues on the tower in 54 lotus petals, the top floor has a statue of Amitabha with his head touching the ceiling as if to balance the Nine-Piece Tower.
Outside the Nine-Piece House at the ancient Giam Pagoda.
The Nine-Piece Hall at the pagoda is certified as a national treasure.
Previously, each side of the lotus floor had 3 Buddha statues about 20cm high, painted with gold, but due to movement and loss, the old statues are almost gone, replaced by new terracotta Buddha statues. On Buddha's day, people come here to worship and push the Nine-Plate Lotus Tree as an indispensable ritual.
Exquisite terracotta statues on each lotus tier.
3. Dong Ngo Pagoda
The Nine-Piece Lotus Tower at Dong Ngo Pagoda was built in 1692, under the reign of King Le Hy Tong. The tower is located in a house designed in the style of a traditional temple or communal house.
The idyllic scenery of Dong Ngo Pagoda.
Unlike the other two Nine-Piece Towers, this Nine-Piece Lotus Tower can no longer rotate. The 60 statues on the tower were also stolen before, until the temple was restored to have the original 163 statues.
The Nine-Piece Palace is gilded with gold.
Close-up of the exquisitely carved statues at the foot of the stupa.
Above are the only three Nine-Piece Temples remaining in our country to this day. They are evidence of a prosperous period of Buddhism, and also the gold dust of sculptures left after the harsh screening process of time.
