Exploring peace in Hanoi
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The Architecture
The Architecture
The Tran Quoc Pagoda Temple is the oldest Pagoda. It was created by Khai Quoc Making it over 1500 years old. It was relocated and went under repairs in 1815. The materials used were local gemstones and Amitabha. The building is made of stone, brick, and wood. The pagoda building type style is very common in southeast Asia. It’s commonly used as a religious sanctuary in Asia (specifically Buddhism). Since Vietnam was conquered by China in 111 BC - 938 AD so a lot of the architecture for religion is very similar. The purpose of the building’s height is supposed to be monumental and meant to represent a new birth. It overall symbolizes sacred mountains, which explains the shape of the building. The architecture originated in India but was adapted to Buddhism. Therefore making it taller and more tower like.
Inside
Inside
There’s beauty in the decorations in the temples. It’s the small details that matter. There are Buddhist symbols all over the temples, it’s in the decoration and the carvings. There will be eight spoken wheels that represent Noble Eightfold Path. There will be lotus to show peace and serenity. There will also be statues and paintings of the multiple buddhas, to show peace and kindness. Scenic-wise it’s very in tune with nature, there are plants and bodies of water around to provide flow. It’s also about the silence. Take it as a feeling of relief. There are monks and Buddhists in the temple maintaining it and they have open ears and arms. It’s judgment-free. They love color, they'll play with color because life is not black and white. People tend to go to seek enlightenment or peace. You don’t come to the temples to redeem yourself, you go to forgive yourself. Even though the architecture there’s a sense of peace and comfort. There are statues of Buddha and colorful displays. It’s tall because it’s reaching the sky to let the gods or deities in, to help bless the public. There’s a lot of history in the details.
Outside
Outside
The building’s roof was shaped with a curve so when the gods or Buddha’s fell from the sky they could land smoothly and gently onto earth. The temple consists of many valuables such as the ashes of loved ones and important monks. It is a place of worship and practices of Buddhism. Monks live there to care for the land and the temple. They also guide and help enlighten visitors or those who need it. Most of the time people go to find inner peace and to truly experience Vietnamese culture. Especially in hard times, it’s important to remember what’s valuable.
Transportation
Transportation
In Vietnam, since it’s a third-world country, there are no cars so most have been traveling by foot, public transportation, or motorcycles. It’s also about the journey to the temple that’s also important because it’s protected by trees and the ocean. So some would travel by boat so that it’s less dangerous or some ill are unable to walk so they would use a boat. The best way to travel is to travel with family and friends. Oftentimes there are already family members who have a home there and are ready to greet people with open arms. In a case where there are no friends or family, the best place is to stay in Ho Chi Min, it’s much safer and easier to access. The other parts of Vietnam are either falling apart or dangerous. So most would start at Ho Chi Min, and take the bus or motorcycle taxi to a bus station which would then take people as close to the temple as possible. There will be walking.
Hungry?
Hungry?
Since Hanoi is in the countryside, there’s a lot of amazing food, but it’s usually not for sale. It’s food people eat with their family and friends. That’s why staying in Ho Chi Min is the best option because there is food all over the place. Pho is always a go-to, but there is also other traditional Vietnamese food, like Bom Bo, Spring rolls, or Bahn Tu. Buddhism is the main one, but there is some sense of Christianity since the French colonized Vietnam for a bit.
The land has a branch and that’s where it’s located. It’s very secluded and private. The surrounding of the temple is mostly water. However, once you reach the mainland there is food at every corner and flea markets on every other street. In Vietnam, food vendors did not need certificates to serve food, especially in the 1800s. There was fresh fruit that was picked every day and hot steaming pho ready to be served and if it was too hot out there would be Bain mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich ready to go. Since everyone is poor in Vietnam there are always people selling things, like bracelets or shirts or even lottery tickets. There are no issues when it comes to food in Vietnam
Fashion
Fashion
Matching button-up and pants, it’s not always matching though. It’s very underwhelming fashion-wise. However comfort wise it’s amazing, pretty often they can be confused for pajamas. Clothing back then was simply to be efficient and comfortable. The temperature is also unbearable for the most part, it’s extremely hot.
Ready for the weather?
Ready for the weather?
It’s full of nature, they like to keep it sacred and safe away from developers. It’s also right next to the ocean to bring flow to the temple. Vietnam is very humid overall. After people take showers, they’re still drenched because of how humid the air is. It’s also hot all year long. The best thing to wear is shorts and tee shirts.
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Check me out!
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