Considered the founding father of the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist tradition, King Tran Nhan Tong renounced his throne in 1288 to become a monk and establish Yen Tu Pagoda on a remote mountain near the Red River Delta. Emerging as the epicenter of Zen practice in Vietnam over subsequent centuries, Yen Tu continues to represent the legacy of King Tran Nhan Tong today by attracting thousands of pilgrims. Through its spiritual aura, architectural treasures and religious festivals, the pagoda chronicles Zen’s evolution within Vietnamese Buddhism.

Tran Nhan Tong ruled the Tran dynasty when it controlled Vietnam and upheld Buddhism. Deeply influenced by Zen teachings from a young age, he wrote many poems inspired by Zen philosophy. In his late thirties at the peak of power, dissatisfied with palace life, he abdicated his reign to his son and departed secretly at night on a spiritual quest.
Legend tells of a mystical encounter where an elderly monk transforms into the Bodhisattva Manjusri – confirming Tran Nhan Tong’s awakening. After receiving ordination, the former king undertook intensive meditation, moving through forest hermitages. Before he finally settled on remote Yen Tu mountain to spread Zen awareness through teaching. Beloved as Truc Lam Dai Su (Supreme Patriarch of the Bamboo Grove), he founded Vietnamese Zen combining Dhyana insights with Pure Land devotionalism.

Built in 1300 CE and expanded by devotees over centuries, Tran Nhan Tong’s bamboo grove hermitage transformed into a spectacular monastic complex under royal patronage spanning dynasties, with the Ngu Xa outer shrine added in 1795 CE itself.
Stone pathways lined by tall pines, towering ancient banyans and imposing pagodas unfold as pilgrims ascend through the site towards the peak. Each majestic structure exhibits distinctive architectural influences ranging from Sino-Vietnamese to indigenous styles. Graceful bronze bells cast by skilled metalworkers perch on edges, releasing rich echoes through misty hills. Intricate stone carvings of divine beings fuse Buddhist imagery with native mythology’s symbols, reflecting Zen’s accommodation into local culture.

The Yen Tu Festival unfolds yearly from the 10th day of the second lunar month. As thousands swarm towards the sacred mountain in northern Vietnam’s largest religious pilgrimage, peaking on the full moon (15th day). Devotees carrying bundles, lanterns and sutra texts patiently hike hours along winding forest trails lit by stalls selling refreshments. Chants, prayers and ringing bells resound everywhere.
Reaching the summit after dawn, pilgrims encircle an octagonal seven-storybrick pagoda – Dong Pagoda built under Tran Nhan Tong’s guidance – touching its carved pillars. Visitors crowd before a bronze bell to signal their arrival at this highest point of spiritual attainment, commemorating the Supreme Patriarch’s awakening. The palpable collective effervescence reflects the founder’s enduring impact as pilgrims ritually invoke Tran Nhan Tong’s presence to receive sanctified cords for protection, curing ailments or blessings. Tran Quoc pagoda is one of outstanding in Hanoi following this path.

Starting as a renunciation by Vietnam’s philosopher-king Tran, Yen Tu pagoda situated in a remote but sublime landscape. This place became instrumental for incubating Zen Buddhism during its infancy here for five centuries. Attracting royalty, nobles and commoners under its aura, Yen Tu sustains the devotional Zen tradition. Which pioneered by Tran Nhan Tong today which integrates meditation with Pure Land practices. Then it is setting apart from Chinese or Japanese Zen schools. It possesses architectural treasures mapping the Supreme Patriarch of Bamboo Grove’s legacy. An epic annual pilgrimage commemorated his enlightenment, Yen Tu represents a national epicenter for Vietnamese Zen Buddhism.
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