Ngoa Van Yen Tu is the convergence of the sacred energy of heaven and earth, a place possessing a special energy field that attracts the attention of many Buddhist scholars.
The sacred land with a special energy field
Situated at an altitude of over 700 meters above sea level in the Yen Tu mountain range (the bordering area between Dong Trieu - Quang Ninh and Bac Giang), leaning against Bao Dai Mountain, Ngoa Van is hidden amidst pristine nature. The air here is strangely pure, with white clouds floating gently and sunlight piercing through the vibrant green canopy. Amidst this untouched nature, no matter how many worries burden the mind, the human heart gradually settles, finding peace between heaven and earth.
Moreover, many people share their feeling that the energy field at Ngoa Van is very strong, like an invisible stream flowing through the mind, awakening the deep inner self, and making the soul feel light and peaceful, as if casting off the burdens of worldly worries and sorrows.
According to the explanation of researchers like Masaru Emoto, author of "The Hidden Messages in Water," all objects in the universe move and interact through energy waves. When the vibrational frequency between humans and the surrounding space reaches resonance, it creates more profound states of perception about life, potentially even unlocking special experiences within the subconscious. Ngoa Van is considered the convergence point of the mountain and forest's sacred energy, where the King - Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong practiced religion and attained Buddhahood; it is a resting stop for those yearning to rediscover inner balance, for those wishing to meet their true selves amidst the stillness of heaven and earth.
Image of Bhikkhu Bodhi - President of the Buddhist Association of the United States at Ngoa Van Hermitage, Ngoa Van Yen Tu
For a long time, Ngoa Van has become a Buddhist sanctuary attracting many erudite scholars, genuine practitioners, and numerous Buddhists. Recently, Bhikkhu Bodhi and his delegation had a deeply meaningful visit to Ngoa Van Yen Tu. Bhikkhu Bodhi sat in peaceful stillness before the lush, absolutely pure space of Ngoa Van - a land that, in his words, is a place where "even a breath turns into meditation."
Ngoa Van is steeped in the cultural and historical imprints of the sacred land
Ngoa Van is the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen Sect, a sacred place that generations of pilgrims have returned to in order to express gratitude to the Buddhist Emperor and rediscover tranquility in their minds.
Professor, Dr. Le Manh That shared: "The place where He passed away, where He attained Buddhahood is the place that our nation must return to in order to express gratitude to Him, and His venerable disciples will also return to Ngoa Van. This is the action of our nation to remember and honor the merits of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Without Him, how could there be Ngoa Van."
Venerable Thich Dao Hien - Deputy Head and Chief Secretary of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh Province, emphasized: "Unlike legend-tinted relics, returning to Ngoa Van is returning to history. Every blade of grass, tree stump, and brick here is imbued with the cultural and historical imprint of the sacred land of Bao Dai Mountain.
According to Buddhist scriptures, revering and prostrating at a holy site - where a Buddha attained enlightenment and Buddhahood - will bring immeasurable and boundless merit. Pilgrimage to Ngoa Van is not only a spiritual experience but also contributes to preserving and promoting the national cultural identity in modern life."
Dr. Bui Huu Duoc also stated: "Ngoa Van is one of the most sacred sanctuaries of Vietnamese Buddhism, where King Tran Nhan Tong - the illustrious wise king and outstanding Zen master - attained Buddhahood. The restoration, preservation, and promotion of this relic's values are the responsibilities of future generations, and simultaneously a way to preserve and spread the beautiful spiritual tradition of the nation.
Awakening the heritage of Ngoa Van is not only restoring a Buddhist sanctuary but also a journey to rekindle pure Vietnamese cultural and spiritual values - values that endure over time."
Every year, thousands of Buddhists, scholars, and tourists make a pilgrimage to Ngoa Van, not only to commemorate the Buddhist Emperor but also to rediscover themselves through every breath and every mindful step. Ngoa Van has long been not just a destination, but a place to return to!
Ngoa Van is a historical landmark - marking the final years of the King - Zen Master Tran Nhan Tong.
Since then, Ngoa Van Yen Tu has become the sanctuary of Truc Lam Buddhism and also of Vietnamese Buddhism.