Ancient Bodhi tree shelters the tomb of the self-immolating Zen master

(Baonghean.vn) - Vinh Phuc Pagoda is located next to a canal in Hamlet 3, Nam Xuan Commune (Nam Dan). In the pagoda grounds, there is an ancient Bodhi tree embracing the ancient tomb of Zen Master Nguyen Na. Hundreds of years have passed and the people of Nam Xuan Commune still tell many interesting stories surrounding this special Bodhi tree.

Ancient Bodhi tree in the yard of Vinh Phuc pagoda in hamlet 3, Nam Xuan commune (Nam Dan)

Vinh Phuc Pagoda is about 3km east of National Highway 46A. This place is known for the image of a Bodhi tree whose roots embrace the ancient tomb of Zen Master Nguyen Na - the eldest grandson of Nguyen Hien, a District Public official under King Le Loi. The diameter of the tree's roots is more than 4m, the canopy spreads widely and is up to 40m high.

According to Venerable Thich Thien Tue - Abbot of Vinh Phuc Pagoda, "Zen Master Nguyen Na was very intelligent and studious during his lifetime. When he grew up, his parents forced him to get married. Due to the disharmony in his marriage, he left home to study Buddhism, became a vegetarian and recited Buddha's name. Later, he became a physician, prescribing medicine and curing people. Due to his many merits and his reputation spreading throughout Thang Long citadel, Nguyen Na was appointed by King Le as a Zen Master, with the dharma name Phap Tam Nhu Lai.

Statue of Buddha Sakyamuni under the ancient Bodhi tree

After a period of practicing, he realized that he was no longer strong enough, so he piled firewood high and burned himself. He passed away at Vinh Phuc pagoda on April 6 (lunar calendar) in an unknown year. His disciples buried him in the Vinh Phuc pagoda grounds. To show gratitude for the Zen master's merit and virtue, the villagers also built a tower-shaped tomb to worship him.

After Zen Master Nguyen Na passed away, a Bodhi tree grew over his grave, providing shade. Many people believe that the tree is the soul of the virtuous Zen Master. Others say that Zen Master Nguyen Na was protected by the sacred tree because of his benevolent heart. To date, the Bodhi tree has grown for 6 centuries. Currently, under the Bodhi tree, the pagoda enshrines a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni (2.5m high, 1.2m wide) sitting on a lotus pedestal. Next to it is a stone stele introducing the merits and virtues of Zen Master Nguyen Na. In addition, the abbot of Vinh Phuc Pagoda - Venerable Thich Thien Tue also said that the fruit of the Bodhi tree can be dried and used as medicine and the leaves can be used as food for livestock.

The village children often play under the Bodhi tree.

The Bodhi tree's canopy spreads out so that under its roots is a playground for the village children. Moreover, the temple grounds are also the training ground for a free martial arts class opened by a martial arts student from Nam Xuan commune for local children.

Bodhi fruit is used by people as medicine.

In 2004, the local people donated to renovate the pagoda with the desire to preserve its cultural and historical values. In 2013, the Buddhist Sangha of Nghe An province decided to appoint Venerable Thich Thien Tue to preside over Vinh Phuc pagoda. Up to now, the pagoda is still in the process of completing other items according to the plan to serve the religious needs of the local people as well as tourists from all over the country.

Pham Dong