Where are the two Bodhi trees now? That’s a question many have asked about Bo De Lake in Hanoi. This isn’t just any lake. Bo De Lake is steeped in history. It’s a place where legends and reality intertwine. It’s a place of profound significance in Hanoi’s past.
Bo De Lake’s name itself is a clue. It translates to Bodhi Lake. Long ago two enormous Bodhi trees stood here. These weren’t just any trees. They were sacred. They were said to be near the Bo De Palace. This was the headquarters of Le Loi. He was the brilliant military leader who fought against the Ming invaders. The Bodhi trees’ presence is recorded in Vinh Canh poetry. It’s part of Thang Long’s eight beautiful scenes. The poem mentions Bo De’s distance emphasizing its importance.
But those magnificent Bodhi trees are gone. Their exact fate is a mystery. Only their memory remains. Ngo Thi Si’s poignant poem hints at their passing. “Bodhi tree of the second tree of gold at Ancient due to the existence of ancient trees”. The poem speaks to the loss. It speaks to the enduring power of memory.
Bo De Pagoda stands near the lake. Built in 1874 by Master Thich Nguyen Bieu. The pagoda stands as a testament to faith. It’s a place of tranquility. A place of spiritual reflection. Its architecture is distinctly Nguyen Dynasty style. This is despite the fact it may have been built on an even older site. Perhaps one dating back to the Ly or Tran dynasties. These were times when Buddhism thrived in Vietnam.
Master Thich Nguyen Bieu didn’t just rebuild a pagoda. He started a monastic school. He brought spiritual learning to Bo De. He’s revered as the first patriarch of Bo De Temple. His life and legacy are written on Bo De Pagoda’s historical stele. It’s a story of dedication and devotion. A story that echoes across the generations.
Even today Bo De Lake isn’t just water. It’s a part of Hanoi’s soul. It’s a place of quiet reflection and a link to the city’s long and storied past. It carries the weight of history. The weight of legend. It is a place where the spirits of the past seem to linger. A place where the whispers of the Bodhi trees may still be heard on the gentle breeze. It is the lake of legend and history. The heart of Bo De.