“A serene oasis amidst the urban sprawl” is how some describe Chùa Pháp Minh Quang. This pagoda offers locals and visitors a space for reflection and peace. Today I will tell you about Chùa Pháp Minh Quang.
Chùa Pháp Minh Quang is a Buddhist temple distinguished by its striking architecture. Its tranquil ambiance is part of the Minh Đăng Quang Buddhist Institute. This institute plays a significant role in spiritual life within the Buddhist community.
Established in 1968, Chùa Pháp Minh Quang initially comprised a small main điện and simple bamboo am cốc. By 2009 it had become a large Buddhist architectural complex. The pagoda now covers an area of 45000 square meters. It belongs to the Khất Sĩ sect.
The main structure stands in the center. It measures 40 meters wide and 70 meters long with three stories. The top floor features an octagonal main điện. It measures 32 meters in diameter. Here Đức Phật Thích Ca Mâu Ni is worshiped. The floor below houses a meditation hall. It is 24 meters wide and 50 meters long. Behind it, a điện thờ displays Đức Phật in the Niết-bàn pose. The ground floor serves as a giảng đường. It is 40 meters wide and 50 meters long. This creates an impressive and harmonious ensemble.
Upon entering through the cổng tam quan, visitors enjoy fresh air under large trees. This results from a tree planting initiative started by Pháp viện in 1989. Visitors can relax while walking around the grounds. At the main điện, visitors can see Đức Bồ Tát Quan Thế Âm. They can also see Đức Bồ Tát Di Lặc and Tổ Sư Minh Đăng Quang. The space is solemn and peaceful with shady trees. The grounds include quiet biệt thất for monks. There is also a library and areas for Phật tử activities.
Behind the temple, the “Tây Phương Cực Lạc” building stands five stories tall. It is 36 meters long and 12 meters wide. This building honors past Tổ sư and Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ. Nearby are the Tuệ Tĩnh Đường area and social welfare facilities.
The architecture is surrounded by four towers. The tower to the left is named Ca-diếp. It houses seven past Buddhas and past Tổ sư. The tower on the right is Xá-lợi-phất. Its ground floor has a library for everyone. The two rear towers hold the remains of monks and Phật tử. Two-story corridors connect the towers creating airy spaces. Above the corridors are four one-柱 towers. They are dedicated to four traditional Buddhist Bồ-tát.
A special bồ đề tree grows at Chùa Pháp Minh Quang. In 2014, A.Wajirajothi Maha Thera gifted the tree to the Giáo hội Việt Nam. It was taken from a bồ đề tree in Sri Lanka. That tree was over 2000 years old. It was planted at Pháp viện Minh Đăng Quang in January 2014.
At night, the pagoda’s beauty shines. Lights illuminate the towers in different colors creating a stunning sight. Anyone passing by is drawn to this captivating scene. If you have the opportunity, visit the restaurant, Thiện Duyên. It serves over 60 delicious and safe vegetarian dishes. The restaurant can accommodate up to 500 people. Monthly vegetarian buffets are held on rằm, mùng 1 and Phật Đản.
Pháp Viện Minh Đăng Quang is more than just a large temple. It is a place to send wishes for peace. It is a place to share your feelings in a calm and sacred space. Pháp Viện Minh Đăng Quang is a viên ngọc shining in the city. It is a symbol of serenity amid urban life.