Unique bamboo artworks at Ngoa Van Zen Village

When visiting Ngoa Van Yen Tu, visitors are especially delighted by the one-of-a-kind check-in spots at the Zen Village. Bamboo installations create a space that feels both familiar and unique, carrying profound meanings.

Awakening
Thousands of bamboo tubes hang suspended like silent wind chimes. As the wind gently passes through, a deep, rustic sound resonates—not to stir, but to remind us to pause. Immersed in the simple sound of bamboo, one can sense the emptiness of all phenomena—within the hollow body of the bamboo—where every sound dissolves into silence.

The “Awakening” installation at the Tam Quan courtyard

The installation evokes the spirit of Trúc Lâm Zen: a mind that is empty yet serene. It reminds us not to seek enlightenment afar, but to find it in every breath of wind, every chime, and every step on the ground—here and now.

Awakening 2 with a concentric layout

Ensō (円相)
Inspired by the Ensō (円相) circle—a symbol of wholeness and completeness—the installation evokes the image of an extraordinary figure of the nation who attained Nirvana at this very place.

Located at the current Peace Bridge, the work builds upon the existing circular wooden railing and walkway. Red-painted bamboo structures are extended upward to form a larger circle, creating a striking focal point against the vast open space beyond.

Peace Bridge on the path leading to Ngoa Van Hermitage and Pagoda

The artworks are created by artist Nguyễn Thanh Hiền, an installation artist and Ikebana practitioner of the Sogetsu school. She is also a designer, founder of the handcrafted driftwood brand Lũa Decor, and co-founder of AITRA. She is the author of several publications, including the book series Flowers Bloom in the Palm, Love Needs No Name, and Bình Sinh.

She holds an international teaching certificate issued by the Tokyo Ikebana Sogetsu School and is a member of the Sogetsu Ikebana Teachers Association.

She regularly participates in international exhibitions and teaching activities, earning notable awards such as:

• Tsukino-fune Award (A Moon Crossing the Sky), Tokyo 2025
• Bronze Prize, Ikebana Melbourne 2024
• Solo Exhibition “Bình Sinh” 2023
• Gold and Bronze Awards, Ikebana Melbourne 2020, 2019

As the founder of the “Learning Ikebana Sogetsu” community, she is passionate about sharing knowledge and inspiring thousands of students to practice Ikebana every day.

Coming to Ngoa Van Yen Tu, making a pilgrimage to Ngoa Van Hermitage and Pagoda, paying homage at the sacred site where Emperor Buddha Trần Nhân Tông attained Nirvana, and capturing moments with these unique artworks will offer visitors a truly distinctive and memorable experience.