Lễ hội xuyên suốt năm ở Ngọa Vân, Yên Tử

Located on the high mountain "Bao Dai" in the western part of the Yen Tu mountain range, Dong Trieu district, the complex of relics at Ngoa Van pagoda Complex attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims on the first day of the spring in the Year of the Dragon.

Ngoa Van pagoda is known as the place where King Tran Nhan Tong practiced meditation and attained Buddhahood - the Holy Land of the Truc Lam Zen sect. With its historical significance and unique features in landscape and amenities, this place brings tranquility to all Buddhists during pilgrimage and worship of King Tran Nhan Tong.

A large number of people participate in the pilgrimage.

According to Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet's sharing during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Ngoa Van Spring Festival: "After Vietnam achieved national unity and independence, during the Tran dynasty under the great virtue and wisdom of Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong, he unified the three Buddhist systems in Dai Viet at that time: Vo Ngon Thong, Ti Ni Da Luu Chi, and Thao Duong. He then proceeded to unify the three religions of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism into one Truc Lam Buddhism. He unified the meditation methods of Zen, Pure Land, and Esoteric Buddhism to create a unified practice of the Vietnamese people at that time. Therefore, Truc Lam Buddhism encompasses both religion and life. It includes the three religions of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, encompasses the three meditation-purification-esoteric systems, and includes the three levels of major, minor, and middle practices to form a supreme practice. This is the Thua of Vietnam."

During the Thuong Nguyen festival at Ngoa Van 2024, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, 3,000 Buddhists participated in the ceremony to pray for national peace and 5,000 lanterns were lit.

An outstanding artistic program with the theme "Sacred Land of Truc Lam Buddhism, Ngoa Van Shining Bright" attracted thousands of local residents and international tourists. The program featured the participation of popular singers such as My Linh.

Truc Lam Meditation Hall with the painting "Great Wisdom at Ease" (Dai Tri Tu Tai) of Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong, at Ngoa Van

"Standing in the space of Ngoa Van Pagoda, where King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong practiced and attained Buddhahood, to perform my song here feels very special. It's spacious and surrounded by serene nature, which is why My Linh feels a sense of peace right from her first steps at Ngoa Van," singer My Linh shared.

Alongside the Ngoa Van Spring Festival and the Thuong Nguyen Festival 2024, Ngoa Van - Yen Tu is scheduled to host a series of activities throughout 2024: "Toa Dam - Third Patriarch Huyen Quang with Truc Lam Buddhism" commemorating the 690th anniversary of the Third Patriarch Huyen Quang's passing.

Following that are events such as the Memorial Day of the Second Patriarch Phap Loa's passing in March lunar calendar, Buddha's Birthday Celebration in April lunar calendar, and the Commemoration Day of Buddha King Trần Nhân Tông's enlightenment at Ngoa Van Pagoda on the 1st day of November lunar calendar...

5,000 lanterns at the Thuong Nguyen Festival, Ngoa Van

The series of activities contribute to spreading the cultural values and unique heritage of Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhism, associated with the spiritual path of the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam to various layers of the population. This helps people and tourists better understand and appreciate a distinctive Buddhist sect characteristic of the Vietnamese people, focusing on the benefits of the nation, society, and all beings as fundamental factors in each person's spiritual practice. These values are significant not only in the religious realm but also in socio-political life.

To provide visitors with impressive experiences, several amenities have been developed, such as a system of 52 cable car cabins, a Zen garden at the cable car station reception area, Truc Lam Meditation Hall with the painting of Buddha King Trần Nhân Tông, the Peace Bridge at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level, accommodation areas, vegetarian restaurants, and more.