Unique Bodhi tree at Vinh Phuc pagoda (Nam Dan district)

(Baonghean.vn)Vinh Phuc Pagoda is located on the Dao River in Nam Xuan Commune, Nam Dan District (Nghe An). In terms of scale and architecture, Vinh Phuc Pagoda is not really spacious and majestic, but the unique feature of the pagoda is that in the campus there is a Bodhi tree that is hundreds, even thousands of years old. This Bodhi tree is about 2 meters in diameter, with a canopy of about 30 meters high. The entire roots of the Bodhi tree embrace the brick-built tomb of Zen Master Nguyen Na.

In front of the temple is a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni sitting on a lotus pedestal. Next to it is a stele introducing Zen Master Nguyen Na. According to it, Zen Master Nguyen Na passed away on April 6th of the lunar calendar (unknown year). During his lifetime, he was very intelligent and diligent in studying. Forced by his parents to get married, their married life was not harmonious and happy, so he left home to study Buddhism, recited Buddha's name and became the abbot of Vinh Phuc Pagoda. Later, due to his many merits, Nguyen Na was appointed by the king as the Great Zen Master, with the Dharma name Tam Phap Nhu Lai. When Zen Master Nguyen Na passed away, his disciples buried him in the grounds of Vinh Phuc Pagoda, next to the Bodhi tree. Over time, the tree's roots grew and completely embraced the Zen Master's tomb.

The Bodhi tree has a large trunk and intertwined roots, creating many unique and interesting shapes through the associations of Buddhists and tourists who come to visit and worship. Here are some pictures of the Bodhi tree at Vinh Phuc Pagoda:

The shape on the edge of this tree is associated by Buddhists with the map of Nam Dan district.



This position is reminiscent of the image of an elephant.



Statue of Buddha under the Bodhi tree



This small Bodhi tree is newly planted. If you hit the trunk with a hammer, it will make a sound like a wooden fish.

Cong Kien