An ancient Bodhi tree shelters the tomb of the self-immolating Zen master.

(Baonghean.vn) - Vinh Phuc Pagoda is located beside a canal in Hamlet 3, Nam Xuan Commune (Nam Dan District). Within the pagoda grounds stands an ancient Bodhi tree that completely surrounds the ancient tomb of Zen Master Nguyen Na. Hundreds of years have passed, and the people of Nam Xuan Commune still recount many fascinating stories surrounding this special Bodhi tree.

The ancient Bodhi tree in the grounds of Vinh Phuc Pagoda in Hamlet 3, Nam Xuan Commune (Nam Dan District).

Vinh Phuc Pagoda is located about 3km east of National Highway 46A. It is known for its Bodhi tree whose roots completely envelop the ancient tomb of Zen Master Nguyen Na – the grandson of Nguyen Hien, a founding national hero under King Le Loi. The tree's roots have a diameter of over 4 meters, a wide canopy, and reach a height of up to 40 meters.

According to Venerable Thich Thien Tue, the abbot of Vinh Phuc Pagoda, "Zen Master Nguyen Na was very intelligent and diligent in his studies during his lifetime. Upon reaching adulthood, he was forced into an arranged marriage by his parents. Due to marital discord, he left home to study Buddhism, practicing vegetarianism and reciting Buddhist prayers. Later, he became a physician, treating and saving people. Because of his many merits and his renowned reputation throughout Thang Long (Hanoi), King Le bestowed upon Nguyen Na the title of Zen Master, with the Dharma name Phap Tam Nhu Lai."

The statue of Buddha Shakyamuni under the ancient Bodhi tree.

After a period of practicing his faith, he realized he no longer had the strength, so he piled up firewood and set himself on fire. He passed away at Vinh Phuc Temple on the 6th day of the 4th lunar month (the exact year is unknown), and his disciples buried him within the temple grounds. In gratitude for the Zen master's merits and virtuous character, the villagers also built a pagoda-shaped tomb to worship him.

After Zen Master Nguyen Na passed away, a Bodhi tree grew on his grave, providing shade. Many believe the tree embodies the soul of the virtuous Zen Master. Others say the tree protected Zen Master Nguyen Na because of his benevolent heart. To this day, the Bodhi tree has flourished for six centuries. Currently, beneath the tree, the temple enshrines a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (2.5m high, 1.2m wide) seated on a lotus pedestal. Beside it is a stone stele detailing the merits and virtues of Zen Master Nguyen Na. Furthermore, the abbot of Vinh Phuc Temple, Venerable Thich Thien Tue, stated that the fruit of the Bodhi tree can be dried and used as medicine, and its leaves can be used as animal feed.

The village children often played under the Bodhi tree.

The Bodhi tree's canopy spreads wide, providing a playground for the village children. Furthermore, the temple grounds also serve as a training ground for a free martial arts class opened by a martial arts student from Nam Xuan commune for local children.

The fruit of the Bodhi tree is used by people as medicine.

In 2004, the local people voluntarily donated funds to renovate the temple, hoping to preserve its cultural and historical values. In 2013, the Buddhist Association of Nghe An province appointed Venerable Thich Thien Tue as the abbot of Vinh Phuc Temple. To this day, the temple is still undergoing further construction according to the plan to serve the religious needs of the local people and visitors from all over.

Pham Dong