Engraved on a stone stele is the history of this ancient place. Today we stand before Chùa Bằng also known as Linh Tiên Tự. This temple is a serene escape from Hanoi’s hustle. It is located in Hoàng Mai district.
Chùa Bằng has a long history. It reaches back before 1617. The exact date of its construction remains unclear due to lost historical records. A stele from 1617 indicates a restoration. Thiền sư Huệ Nguyên oversaw this. Another significant restoration occurred in 1654. Thiền sư Tự Huệ Quảng led this project.
This place reflects the ebb and flow of time. War and historical events caused periods of change. Monastic lineages experienced breaks. Despite this Chùa Bằng remains a vital spiritual center.
Before 1954 several monks served as abbots. These monks include Sư tổ Tự Huệ Nguyên and Sư tổ Tự Huệ Quảng. Sư tổ Như Liên hiệu Bất Trược Thủy also served. He opened a school and trained monks. In 1740 Ngài built Chùa Nội and erected a pillar. This pillar recorded the merits of donors. The pillar still stands in the temple’s courtyard.
From 1954 to 1996 Chùa Bằng lacked an abbot. Local people cared for the temple. In 1996 Hòa thượng Thích Bảo Nghiêm became the abbot. He also managed Chùa Lý Triều Quốc Sư.
The architecture of Chùa Bằng is special. It includes the Tam bảo hall. It also features the Nhà Tổ and Nhà Mẫu. The Bảo tháp Báo Ân is a highlight. These structures show the temple’s history.
The Thượng điện is the main building. It features a unique “hanging foundation”. Hundreds of bricks from the 15th and 16th centuries are inside. Though renovated in 1945 the foundation remains original from 1654. Very few temples have this feature.
The Nhà thờ Tổ is made of ironwood. Its six rows of columns are rare. The temple grounds contain six towers. These towers honor past abbots and spiritual figures.
A notable feature is the Bảo tháp Báo Ân. It was built in 2004. This commemorated the temple’s 350th restoration anniversary. It covers 1500 square meters of the temple grounds. The tower was recognized as Vietnam’s tallest Buddhist tower in 2007. In 2010 it held the record for the most bronze Buddha statues in Vietnam.
The Bảo tháp’s design follows traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. It echoes the Tháp Báo Thiên of the Lý Dynasty. The tower has an octagonal shape. This reflects the Eightfold Path. Its doors face East West North and South.
The foundation extends 45 meters deep. Nine pillars support it. The tower itself is 45 meters tall. This symbolizes the Buddha’s 45 years of teaching. The top is made of 1300 kg of copper. It stands 9.66 meters high. The total height is 54.66 meters. The tower has thirteen stories. Eight stone pillars outside are carved with dragons and phoenixes. This represents âm dương harmony.
Inside are 104 bronze Buddha statues. Each sits on a stone base. They represent equality in Buddha’s teachings. Four stone Thiên Vương statues surround the tower. Each is 3.5 meters tall. Eight bronze scriptures hang on the first floor. Each weighs 250 kg. These feature poems by Vietnamese monks.
Next to the tower are eighteen La Hán statues. They show different emotions of human suffering. The Quan Âm garden features 45 statues. These represent the spirit of compassion.
Chùa Bằng preserves relics. These include stone steles and bronze bells. The stele “Linh Tiên Tự ký” dates back to 1654. It records the contributions of Ngô Vĩnh Đăng and Lưu Thị Lý. A stone trough from 1723 was used to prepare offerings. A bell cast in 1837 is famous. People say “Chuông Bằng, trống Lủ, mõ Đinh Công, cổng làng Sét”.
Today Chùa Bằng is a peaceful place. It blends history spirituality and art. It stands as a testament to Hanoi’s cultural heritage.