NGOA VAN: PRESERVING THE PHILOSOPHY OF TRUC LAM ZEN BUDDHISM

Nestled amidst the floating clouds of Bao Dai peak, Ngoa Van is not only a sacred Patriarchal Land but also a place that fully preserves the character and ideology of the Truc Lam Zen Sect. The journey back to our ancestral roots here is an invaluable moment of pause for everyone to learn to live slowly, let go of sorrows, and nurture a useful and meaningful life.

Discover the sacred Ngoa Van sanctuary amidst the myriad clouds of the vast forest

Leaving behind the overwhelming noise of the city, the journey to touch the Ngoa Van sanctuary carries the meaning of an inward-facing trip, seeking refuge in the shade of our ancestors' wisdom. Riding on the cable car through the deep green bamboo forest, gazing at the floating misty valley, your mind naturally calms down to enter the realm of inner peace.

Leisurely strolling on the ancient stone steps, visitors will sequentially venerate Middle Pagoda, Upper Pagoda, and the most sacred destination: Ngoa Van Hermitage.

Contemplating the great life of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong - The King who attained Buddhahood

Ngoa Van is the final, and also the most glorious, historical chapter in the life of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. As an emperor, He held a wise reign, leading the army and people three times to defeat the Mongol empire, firmly defending the borders of Dai Viet. But when the country was at peace, He renounced the gilded palaces and jade pavilions, abdicating the throne to wade through streams and traverse forests alone up to the sacred peak for ascetic retreat.

His decision to let go of wealth and glory was not an escape from the world, but to give birth to the Truc Lam Zen Sect  a socially engaged Zen lineage deeply imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity. His core ideology lies in the philosophy:

Nourishing body and mind at Ngoa Van Zen Village

To touch deeper into the liberated life philosophy of the Buddhist Emperor, Ngoa Van Zen Village opens a pure space that helps modern people practice returning to care for their body and mind through rustic mindful experiences:

Practicing meditation to release pressure

Under gentle guidance, you will enter mind-centering meditation sessions. From keeping the back naturally straight and relaxing the shoulders, to regulating mindful breathing inhaling deeply the vitality of the vast forest and exhaling all daily fatigue.

Enjoying mindful tea meditation in awakening

Gathering around a warm cup of tea, the mindful tea meditation experience brings true moments of slow living. Slowly raising the warm cup of tea, feeling the elegant aroma of tea leaves blending with the taste of local light pastries, all long-held worldly distractions suddenly vanish with the smoke. Tea meditation is when you learn to be fully present in the moment, finding joy and peace from the simplest things.

Calming the soul with Zen songs amidst the mountains and forests

Blending with the tranquil space, rustic, intimate Zen melodies resonate amidst the vast mountainous forest like a healing medicine soothing the soul. Without being elaborate or ostentatious, the singing goes straight to the heart, awakening compassion and gratitude for life, and creating a profound thread of connection and harmony between souls seeking peace.

Bringing the flame of mindfulness back to daily life

Before leaving the sacred peak to descend the mountain, the luggage visitors bring back to the city is a steady, peaceful inner self and a heart overflowing with gratitude. Let your soul pause for once, strolling in the footsteps of the Buddhist Emperor to seek refuge amidst the myriad clouds of the Ngoa Van Patriarchal Land.