A traditional Vietnamese temple
Built in the style of home, in a clearing ringed by forest at the top of North Mountain.
The parts of the temple
The temple is laid out the way temples are at home. Each part has its own name and its own use.
-
The temple gate cổng tam quan
The gate with three doorways that welcomes everyone in.
-
The main hall chánh điện
Curved tiled roofs, red lacquered columns and carved wooden doors. The Buddha is enshrined here.
-
The bell tower lầu chuông
Its bell sounds for the morning and evening prayers.
-
The courtyard sân chùa
A lotus pond, pine trees and stone lanterns. A quiet place to walk and sit.
Who will build and run it
The temple will be built and run by a temple society: a Buddhist charity with a sponsoring Buddhist order.
Monks and nuns will lead the prayers and the teaching. Lay families will look after the temple with them, help at festivals and welcome visitors.
A quiet place all year
The temple sits in the forest at the top of the mountain, with clean air, birdsong and wide views over the Valley.
In autumn the maples turn red and gold. In winter, snow rests on the temple roofs.
A peaceful place for retreats and walking meditation.
