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Tu Hieu Pagoda is located in Duong Xuan village, Thua Thien Hue province, nestled deep within a vast pine forest. According to historical records, it was originally a small hermitage established by the Venerable Nhat Dinh to care for and nurture his elderly mother. His story reached the ears of Emperor Tu Duc. The Emperor, impressed by the Zen master's filial piety, bestowed upon the pagoda the title "Imperial Decree Tu Hieu Pagoda." From then on, the pagoda has retained its name to this day.
The temple grounds are vast, and every corner is beautiful and peaceful.
The tree-lined paths lead around the temple.
The path leads to the fish pond, with the triple-arched gate in the distance.
Through the vicissitudes of time, Tu Hieu remained calm and serene, contemplating life amidst the pine forest.
The temple's architecture shares similarities in style and design with the structures at the Tomb of Emperor Tự Đức.
Tu Hieu Pagoda is also where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh entered monastic life at the age of 16. In 2008, he returned here and spent his final years at Tu Hieu Pagoda. In January 2022, he passed away on this land, surrounded by the loving arms of his disciples and Buddhist followers.
The stone gate, once covered in moss, has witnessed countless fleeting moments in the world.
The resting place of those who contributed to the construction of Tu Hieu Pagoda.
Entrance to the cemetery area for the eunuchs of the Nguyen dynasty.
Furthermore, Tu Hieu Pagoda has a very special area: a cemetery located behind the main grounds. Few people know that this is the resting place of 24 eunuchs from the Nguyen Dynasty. The pagoda's current state is largely due to the contributions of these eunuchs. While alive, they worried about their death and feared that no one would offer incense to them. Therefore, they petitioned the king to allow them to contribute money to the pagoda's construction. The king not only approved but also provided additional funds to fulfill their wish.
A peaceful moment by the fish pond in front of the Tam Quan gate.
