Truc Lam Thanh Nguyen Monastery - A place to regain balance in life

Recently, many people have travelled tens of kilometers from Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City to Truc Lam Thanh Nguyen Zen Monastery just to be in harmony with nature; calm their mind, regain balance in life after hardships and worries.

Tourists come to Truc Lam Thanh Nguyen Zen Monastery.

 This monastery is located in Cay Kho hamlet, Tam Lap commune of DauTieng district. Only about 6km away from DT741 road, the monastery is nestled in the middle of a rubber forest, separate from residential areas, hence it is very quiet. With an area of 10 hectares, the monastery was built like a park covered with green trees, filled with flowers. Along streets of flowers and trees are tranquil meditation halls. This monastery was inaugurated in 2013, has become a weekly relaxing destination of many visitors.

Ly Ngoc Hoa, a visitor from Thuan An City, said: “Every time I go to the monastery, I feel a sense of relief of my sorrow and hardship. Therefore, every month I come here, stay at least one day. In religious tourism, some people like to go to pagodas, but I like to go to Zen monasteries”.

Recently, Truc Lam Thanh Nguyen Zen Monastery has opened a one-day "study program" for visitors from all over the world. According to Head Monk Quang Chanh of the monastery, the class is open on the third Sunday of every month. The class has no age restriction. Visitors may come here to study meditation for a day, free meals are provided by the monastery.

Talking about the meaning of this class, Head Monk Quang Chanh said: “One day of meditation at the monastery starts at 6.30 a.m. and ends at 5.00 p.m. At this class, learners listen to Buddhist teachings, take refuge, repent, meditate… The purpose of this class is to convey the filial piety, the beauty, of life, advise people to shun bad habits…

Thanh Nguyen Truc Lam Zen Monastery has also been selected as a spiritual tourist destination by Phu Giao district for the Ho Chi Minh City - Binh Duong - Binh Phuoc tourist route linked with the Central Highlands provinces. Ly Thanh Vinh, Deputy Head Office of Culture - Information of Phu Giao district, said: Through research and surveys, Culture - Information Office of Phu Giao district reported to provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the development of tourism in the district, including Thanh Nguyen Truc Lam Zen Monastery, and was approved by all levels. Tới đây, địa phương sẽ tiến hành đặt bảng chỉ dẫn từ đường ĐT741 vào thiền viện”.

 Reported by Quang Tam - Translated by Ngoc Huynh