Today’s A Journey
through Aesthetic Realms
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian, Hungarian, Indonesian,
Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Mongolian,
Persian, Portuguese, Persian, Portuguese,
Russian and Spanish.
The Unsurpassed
Dharma King
is matchless throughout
the three realms
and beyond
Teacher of gods
and humans.
Remember
that Âu Lạc is a holy land.
Do you see the map?
Does it look like
an “S”?
Do you see
the Tao symbol?
It has a circle
with the letter “S”
in the middle;
one side is white with a black dot
and the other black with a white dot.
These are called
yin and yang.
Âu Lạc looks like that.
By looking at
the geography,
one can tell that it’s
a sacred land with
extraordinary people.
Âu Lạc (Vietnam) is a
country in Southeast Asia
with a history
of over 4,000 years
of civilization.
Since ancient times,
the sacred and beautiful
land of the descendants
of the Dragon King
and Fairy Princess
has been the birthplace
of many enlightened
spiritual practitioners
such as the
Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng,
Great Master
Khuông Việt,
Zen Master Vạn Hạnh,
Zen Master Mãn Giác,
Lý Era’s National Teacher
Nguyễn Minh Không,
Zen Master Từ Đạo Hạnh,
Grand Master Tuệ Trung,
Zen Master Huyền Quang,
Zen Master Pháp Loa,
Trúc Lâm First Patriarch
Trần Nhân Tông,
Zen Master Vũ Khắc Minh,
and Zen Master
Vũ Khắc Trường.
In modern times,
Âu Lạc has been graced
by Buddha Master Tây An,
founder of the Bửu Sơn
Kỳ Hương Order;
Master Ngô Minh Chiêu,
founder of
the Cao Đài religion;
Master Nguyễn Thành Nam,
founder of Đạo Dừa;
Master Huỳnh Phú Sổ,
founder of
Hòa Hảo Buddhism;
First Master
Minh Đăng Quang,
founder of
the Sangha Bhikshu
Buddhist Association;
and more recently,
Supreme Master Ching Hai,
a world-renowned
spiritual teacher
who imparts
the Quan Yin Method –
all were born
on this holy land.
Buddhism, around 300 BCE,
under the reign
of King Hùng III,
was introduced
to Âu Lạc from India.
Since then Âu Lạc has
been graced by the presence
of many venerable
monks and nuns.
Among them were
great sages who
contributed immensely to
the nation’s development
and worked tirelessly
to disseminate
Truth teachings.
The ancestors of Buddhism
were great Zen masters.
When you go home,
read the book “Vietnamese
Zen Masters,”
written by the Venerable
Thích Thanh Từ.
You will learn how
the Aulacese (Vietnamese)
of the past
practiced spiritually,
who the great
Zen Masters were, and
how enlightened they were.
In Âu Lạc, Buddhism reached
its pinnacle in the Lý
and Trần dynasties.
An excerpt from
“A Collection
of Unusual Tales,”
written by eminent scholar Nguyễn Dữ,
describes:
“Those initiated into
monkhood or nunhood
were as many as half of
the general population.
Pagodas were constructed,
more than 10
in large villages,
and about 5, 6
in small villages.”
Pagodas can be found
throughout the nation,
from north to south.
For instance,
northern Âu Lạc has
the One Pillar Pagoda,
built around 1049; the Đậu Pagoda built in the 11th century;
and Perfume Pagoda,
built at the end
of the 17th century.
The Central region has
Celestial Seal Pagoda,
built in 1694;
Từ Đàm Pagoda
built at the end
of the 17th century; and
Heavenly Lady Pagoda,
officially built in 1601.
The Heavenly Lady Pagoda
in the Complex
of Huế Monuments
was recognized by
the United Nations
Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) in 1993 as a
World Cultural Heritage
site.
Southern Âu Lạc has
Sacred Mountain Cave
Temple,
built in the 18th century,
Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda
at the beginning
of the 19th century, and Tây An Temple
in the 19th century.
From the early 20th century
till now,
Buddhism in Âu Lạc
continues to flourish.
According to statistical data by the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam, the number of Buddhists
taking refuge
in the Three Jewels
(Enlightened Master,
Truth, Saintly Assembly)
have reached
nearly 45 million.
The entire nation has over
44,000 monks and nuns,
with more than
14,000 pagodas, temples
and monasteries.
The temple has become
an endearing image
closely connected
to the life of
the Aulacese people,
who go to the temple
to study profound Buddhist teachings,
find inner peace,
and be reminded
of their ancestors’ virtues,
as conveyed in the verses written by
the Most Venerable
Thích Mãn Giác:
“The temple protects
the spirit of the nation,
It’s our ancestors’ way
of life
since time immemorial.”
During a lecture
at the Việt Nam Temple
in Los Angeles,
California, USA
on March 24, 1991,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
expounded on
the purpose and
significance of a temple.
A temple is
an important place.
Why is it important?
It’s important
not because it’s big
but because
it reminds everyone
not to forget his or her
spiritual aspiration.
Therefore, a temple is
a place for you to come
to study Buddhism,
to stand and walk
more dignified.
You must find the monks
to study Truth teachings
so that your mind
develops further.
But you must protect
the temple.
For example,
if you’ve been going there
for a long time,
the temple would inevitably
have wear and tear,
so you should contribute
your effort and material
resources to upkeep it.
First, the temple represents
the long-standing culture
of Âu Lạc (Vietnam);
it represents a great
religion in the world.
Second, it’s there so that
you can have a refuge
for the spirit, and
third, for our children
to have a place to continue
the virtuous traditions
of the Aulacese
(Vietnamese) people.
We are deeply grateful to
Supreme Master Ching Hai
for her
treasured words
and boundless grace
for the nation and the righteous and pious
people of Âu Lạc.
In a foreign land,
I met you some years ago.
Your nun’s robe,
the color of faded brown,
Both worldly life and
renunciation uncertain.
Born with
a headstrong personality,
In a female form,
you endured controversy.
I read the old verse
with nostalgia –
A cheerful line here,
a line of grievance there.
Each polished sentence
Still quietly reflects
your grace and elegance.
When you passed on,
who cried
and who rejoiced?
To whom could you
explain the misjudgments
and turmoil?
Pray to the Three Jewels
on the high abode
May the Awakened Soul
be saved from
the world of sorrow!
Beauty is often ill-fated;
A poet’s hair turns gray
before others’!
Alas! Alas!
At the Buddha’s altar,
I lit a fragrant incense
In reverence
And prayed
to Amitabha Buddha
To take the kindhearted
to the Western Land...
Namo Buddha
Namo Dharma (Teachings)
Namo Sangha
(Assembly of renunciates)
Namo Quan Yin
Bodhisattva Mahasattva!
To take the kindhearted
to the Western Land...
Beauty is often ill-fated;
A poet’s hair turns gray
before others’!
Alas! Alas!
At the Buddha’s altar,
I lit a fragrant incense
In reverence
And prayed
to Amitabha Buddha
To take the kindhearted
to the Western Land...
Namo Buddha
Namo Dharma (Teachings)
Namo Sangha
(Assembly of renunciates)
Namo Quan Yin
Bodhisattva Mahasattva!
To take the kindhearted
to the Western Land...
Namo Buddha
Namo Dharma (Teachings)
Namo Sangha
(Assembly of renunciates)
Namo Quan Yin
Bodhisattva Mahasattva!
To take the kindhearted
to the Western Land...
In today’s program,
we invite you to visit
Thiên Mụ Pagoda,
Bảo Lâm Temple
and Tam Thai Temple,
three famous and ancient
Buddhist temples in
central Âu Lạc (Vietnam).
On the first day
of the lunar month,
I visit the temple.
I go with my mother
to buy lotus flowers.
Huế is the place
of many historical areas,
natural beauty,
and famous ancient
Buddhist temples
in Âu Lạc, among them
is Thiên Mụ Pagoda.
Thiên Mụ Pagoda
was built in 1601
and has been renovated
several times through
the Nguyễn dynasty.
The pagoda’s name
came from a legend.
It’s said that in olden days,
at night, villagers often
saw an old lady
in a red dress
and green trousers,
who appeared on the hill
where the pagoda
is situated now and said,
“A true lord will come here
and build a pagoda
to harness the energy
and strengthen
the good layer of earth,
for Âu Lạc to become
a powerful nation.”
After coming
to govern Thuận Hóa,
Lord Nguyễn Hoàng
once passed here
and heard this story.
He had a pagoda built
and named it Thiên Mụ
(Heavenly Lady) Pagoda.
The pagoda is situated
on the hill lush
with many plants.
In the front, the dreamy
Perfume River is like
a silken strand of fabric,
hugging the foothill.
The pagoda is enclosed
by brick walls,
with a tower in the front,
a shrine at the back,
all appearing solemn
and mythical.
Phước Duyên Tower
in the pagoda front yard
is regarded as the symbol
of Thiên Mụ Pagoda,
comprising seven stories,
each for the worshiping
of a different Buddha.
The pagoda also has
a grand, beautiful
and precious bronze bell,
cast during the reign of
Lord Nguyễn Phúc Chu
who reigned
from 1691 to 1725.
Inside the gate situated
between the tower
and the shrine
stand the statues of
Vajra (Diamond) Deity,
the Dharma (true teaching)
protectors.
Đại Hùng Shrine,
comprising of
5 compartments, where
Buddhas are worshiped,
is a grand architectural work
with antiques having
historical and artistic values
such as statues
of Dharma Guardians and
the Ten Kings of Hades.
Behind Đại Hùng Shrine
is the Earth Store
Bodhisattva Shrine
and Quan Yin Shrine.
Inside the pagoda
is a flower garden with
verdant ornamental trees,
which leads to
the tomb tower of the late
Venerable Thích Đôn Hậu,
the legendary abbot
who dedicated all his life
to activities benefiting
Buddhism and people.
Thiên Mụ Pagoda is
a renowned
tourist attraction
in the ancient capital,
classified as
a national historical
cultural monument.
For centuries,
the resonating sound
of the bell and the
pervading incense smoke
amidst the serene air
have stirred the hearts
of many people in Huế,
inspiring them to eschew
worldly attachments
and sorrow, and kindling
the longing to return
to our bliss-filled origin.
The rhythm
of scripture reciting
reverberates in my heart,
blending with the sounds
of tocsin and brass bells.
The love I feel
from the Father of old
is deeply imprinted
in my innocent mind.
Bảo Lâm Temple
leans against the foot
of Chóp Chài Mountain
in Phú Yên Province.
The temple was founded
by Zen Master Đạo Trung
of Rinzai Zen school,
the 38th generation,
in the 19th century.
Crossing the gate,
one sees a large, airy
and graceful space
with many kinds of flowers
and decorative plants,
meticulously cared for
by the monks.
In front of the main hall
is a statue
of Quan Yin Bodhisattva
standing on a lotus.
The path
up the mountain slope
is built of many stone steps
across the gardens,
creating a secluded
and tranquil painting that
is characteristic of Zen.
The temple has
a 18-meter high statue
of Shakyamuni Buddha
sitting on an
immaculately white lotus,
leaning against
the mountain.
Underneath are statues
of the Dharma Guardians
and Buddha’s disciples.
Behind
Shakyamuni Buddha statue
is a green forest
of shady trees amidst
a garden called Lumbini,
a reminder of
where Buddha was born.
The sight
of Buddha preaching
to the first five disciples
is also reconstituted.
With impressive figures
of Dharma Guardian
Deities, it’s as if the garden
is leading visitors
to a mythical world.
By the forest are
Bell Tower,
Amitabha Shrine,
and Maitreya Shrine.
With a beautiful
natural scenery, as well as
harmonious architecture
and tranquil atmosphere,
Bảo Lâm is
a famous ancient temple
in Phú Yên that often
welcomes numerous
Buddhists and pilgrims
who come to worship
and find peace in
the teachings of Buddha
and recitals of scriptures.
I pray to Buddha to bless me
so that I can become
an obedient child.
From now on,
I’ll stop indulging in play.
I’m determined and vow
to study diligently.
One of the oldest
Buddhist temples still
existing in Đà Nẵng,
situated on
Ngũ Hành Mountain,
is Tam Thai Temple.
The temple was founded
by Zen Master
Nguyên Thiều in 1630;
its majestic, ancient look
has remained till this day.
In the 6th
Minh Mạng year (1825),
the king ordered
the restoration
of Tam Thai Temple
and conferred its title
as a national pagoda.
Legend has it
that Princess Ngọc Lan,
King Minh Mạng’s
younger sister, came
to be a nun at this temple.
The king ordered her
to return to the court
to get married
but the princess
was determined to stay
and practice spiritually.
She wrote a poem
to her royal brother,
excerpted as follows:
“Worldly affairs are all
in a muddle.
The more I see it,
the more tainted it looks
Morning bell
dispels base thoughts
Sound of afternoon tocsin
shatters the mundane mind.”
From the foot
of the Thủy Mountain,
following the stone steps
to about halfway
up the path,
one sees stone pillars:
that is the gate
of Tam Thai Temple.
Going past the gate,
on both sides
are Hành Cung
which was built upon
King Minh Mạng’s order
to use as a resting place
when His Majesty
went sightseeing
at the temple.
To the left
of the Tam Thai Temple
is Huyền Không Cave
which is high and wide;
the air inside is cool.
Next to it
is Linh Nham Cave.
Following the path
across the mountain
leads us to Tàng Chơn Cave
and Linh Ứng Pagoda.
The Vọng Giang Tower
in front of the temple
is situated at the peak
of the Thủy Mountain.
From here, one can have
a broad view of the area.
Rivers and mountains
merge with the clouds,
and the occasional sounds
of the bell, tocsin
and chanting –
all bring about
a supra-worldly joy
and dettachment
from mundane matters.
I pray to Buddha to bless me
so that I can become
an obedient child.
From now on,
I’ll stop indulging in play.
I’m determined and vow
to study diligently.
From now on,
I’ll stop indulging in play.
I’m determined and vow
to study diligently.
From now on,
I’ll stop indulging in play.
I’m determined and vow
to study diligently.
Thank you for watching
today’s program
featuring some the famous
and ancient temples
in central Âu Lạc.
Please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Coming up next is
Vegetarianism:
The Noble Way of Living,
right after
Noteworthy News.
So long for now.