What makes this temple special is that it houses the largest Buddha statue in North Central Vietnam.

Unique architecture

Venerable Thich Quang Thien Phuoc welcomed us at Phuc Lac Pagoda during the first days of the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake. He told us that from the first day of Tet until now, the pagoda has welcomed more than 10,000 Buddhists and tourists who came to offer incense and pray for peace.

People come here to admire the scenery because the temple is not only a sacred place but also possesses unique architectural features, such as the statues.Buddha Shakyamuni- one of the largest Buddha statues in North Central Vietnam.

The statue, 42 meters high and 32 meters in diameter at the base, consists of three parts: the statue itself, the lotus pedestal, and the octagonal tower, all made of reinforced concrete. The statue depicts the figure in a meditative seated position, facing east. It is not only massive in size and architecture but also possesses a harmonious, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing beauty in every detail, from the face to the folds of the robe and the lotus petals. This project was undertaken by skilled craftsmen over 18 months and completed in 2021.

According to local records, the temple has a history of nearly 400 years. After many changes, the temple was damaged and became a ruin. Since being restored and renovated, Phuc Lac Temple has attracted a large number of locals and tourists who come to offer incense and pray for peace, especially during the Lunar New Year.

"The pagoda is not only a place for spiritual refuge but also a place of spiritual support to find peace amidst the ups and downs of life. Many people facing difficult circumstances have been provided with free food and accommodation in the pagoda's lodging area by the monks. They also study scriptures and chant Buddhist prayers with the monks until they feel truly stable before leaving," shared Venerable Thich Quang Thien Phuoc.

This year, the monks at the temple, along with the local people, have worked together to decorate and create a unique cultural space with many miniature scenes simulating a traditional Tet market, displaying items such as dried corn, banh chung (traditional rice cakes), lanterns, recreating the atmosphere of Tet in the past. Many stalls within the complex display products for sale to supplement the fund supporting underprivileged students.

Amidst the bustling crowds flocking to Phuc Lac Pagoda in the early days of the new year, each person carries their own thoughts and feelings. Some come to pray for peace and well-being, others seek solace and tranquility after the hustle and bustle of life. But ultimately, everyone feels a sense of serenity as they depart, ready to begin a new journey…

A journey of giving and receiving love.

On New Year's Day, as the crowds flocked to Phuc Lac Pagoda, Mrs. Le Thi Thu (Hamlet 2, Nghi Thach Commune, Nghi Loc District) quietly chose a corner of the pagoda courtyard to find peace after the hustle and bustle of life. She recounted that she only had one daughter, a source of pride and comfort in her life of hardship, as her daughter was obedient, filial, and a literature graduate with many unfulfilled dreams. However, tragedy struck in 2014, when her daughter died in a horrific traffic accident. The immense grief overwhelmed her.

Living near the temple, whenever she felt down, she would seek solace there as a habit. "At first, it was just aimless wandering, but I don't know when, my heart gradually lightened," Mrs. Thu confided. "Each time I went to the temple, the encouragement from the abbot and the monks comforted me. I gradually understood that any pain can eventually subside if you learn to let go and find peace within yourself."

Now, at 74, she still regularly goes to the temple on the 15th and 1st days of the lunar month, not only to pray for peace but also to help the temple, sweeping the grounds and preparing offerings. For her, Phuc Lac Temple has become a haven for her soul, a place where she finds tranquility after the losses of life.

This is not only the sentiment of Mrs. Thu but also of many others who have been associated with Phuc Lac Pagoda over the years. In particular, many underprivileged children have found spiritual and material support to help them thrive in life.

Sharing his thoughts on this matter, Venerable Thich Tam Thanh - AbbotPhuc Lac PagodaAccording to reports, in the early days of this past spring, during the "Nurturing Talents" scholarship program, the monks of Phuc Lac Pagoda, in collaboration with philanthropists, awarded 338 scholarships to 338 students with top academic achievements from 301 classes across 8 high schools and 1 junior high school in Nghe An province.

The "Nurturing Talents" Scholarship Fund is a scholarship fund established by Venerable Thich Tam Thanh to encourage the spirit of learning among students in schools throughout Nghe An province. In schools sponsored by the fund, each class selects the best-performing student each semester to receive this scholarship.

In the first semester, the Scholarship Fund awarded 297 million VND in scholarships to top-performing students from the following high schools: Nguyen Xuan On, Dien Chau 2, Dien Chau 3, Dien Chau 4, Dien Chau 5, Cua Lo, Cua Lo 2, Nghi Loc 2, and Minh Chau Secondary School.

Earlier, monks from Phuc Lac Pagoda and benefactors visited Con Cuong district to deliver loving gifts to children with cerebral palsy, congenital deformities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The delegation presented 38 gifts and cash to the families of 38 children with cerebral palsy; and donated 8 bicycles to students from needy families. Representatives from Phuc Lac Pagoda visited and encouraged a particularly needy child, Luong Van Quyen (from Mon Son commune, Con Cuong district). During the visit, the pagoda donated a leg brace to help stabilize his bones and muscles, ensuring his leg remains stable after surgery.

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To date, the pagoda has collaborated with high schools and middle schools in Dien Chau, Nghi Loc districts and Vinh City, as well as disadvantaged areas, to award scholarships and provide support to more than 2,000 underprivileged students, helping them to excel in their studies.
These scholarships not only help students cover some of their study expenses but also serve as a great source of encouragement, giving them the strength to overcome difficulties. But more importantly, through receiving this help, the students gradually understand that life always has helping hands ready to support them, and that when they grow up, they too can become people who extend a helping hand to others.

Venerable Thich Tam Thanh - Abbot of Phuc Lac Pagoda