Nestled in the sacred land of Thanh Liem commune, Ninh Binh province, Cay Thi Pagoda is a remarkable spiritual destination that attracts numerous visitors and Buddhist devotees from far and wide. Not only is it renowned for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance, the pagoda is also home to a centuries-old cay thi (Diospyros decandra) tree – a sacred symbol deeply intertwined with the spiritual life of the local people.
As time flows on, the pagoda may be restored and transformed, yet the ancient thi tree stands resilient, its green canopy spreading generously. More than just a historical relic, the tree embodies the very soul of the pagoda – a symbol of endurance, serenity, and a vessel of faith for generations.
From the foot of the mountain, visitors can glimpse the 6-meter-tall granite statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva standing solemnly atop the hill – a symbol of compassion and salvation. Proceeding upward, one reaches the temple gate and a Zen garden imbued with Japanese architectural aesthetics, delicately intertwined with traditional Vietnamese elements. Entering this sacred space feels like stepping into a celestial realm of unparalleled peace and purity.
A highlight of the pagoda grounds is the courtyard, covered in white gravel and surrounded by Japanese grass lawns and verdant pine trees, creating a serene and contemplative ambiance. According to the resident monks, the white stones symbolize purity, helping to cleanse the mind, while the resonating chimes of the temple bell add to the spiritual and meditative atmosphere. The Japanese-style Tam Quan (three-entrance) gates enhance the poetic and harmonious charm of the Zen garden.
From the white stone courtyard, visitors ascend to the Ngu Quan gate to pay homage to the 2.5-meter-tall statue of the Buddha. Behind it lies the timeworn ancient temple, its moss-covered roof bearing the marks of history. On the left stands a shrine to Venerable Ananda, and on the right, a shrine to Venerable Kasyapa – two of the Buddha’s foremost disciples. Nearby are shrines dedicated to Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, alongside the Patriarch Stupa solemnly located at the foot of the mountain.
Cay Thi Pagoda is not only a place of worship but also a hub of cultural and spiritual activities for the local community, nurturing their inner lives and spreading the humanistic values of Buddhism throughout the region. In the pure air filled with the fragrance of thi fruits, the scent of grass and trees, birdsong, temple bells, and gentle mountain breezes, all worldly worries seem to dissolve.
More than just a meticulously crafted architectural relic, Cay Thi Pagoda offers an ideal retreat for those seeking inner peace and reflection. It truly stands as a distinctive spiritual tourism site, enriching the cultural tourism map of Vietnam’s ancient capital region.