To practice Tantric Buddhism, it is not necessary to travel that far to Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibet but to the Long Quang Pagoda in Hanoi, which features unique Vajrayana architecture.
Long Quang Pagoda was built following the Vajrayana, or “Diamond Vehicle.”
Thank to its unique architecture, Long Quang Pagoda in Thanh Liet Ward, Thanh Tri Commune of Thanh Tri District has attracted many local Buddhists.
This is one of the few pagodas in Vietnam with typical Tantric Buddhism architecture. Long Quang Pagoda has many architectural similarities with others in Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.
Tantric Buddhism is the form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet, Mongolia and regions surrounding the Himalayas such as India, Bhutan, parts of Nepal, among others.
The 600-year-old pagoda, also known as Vuc Pagoda has a great view of To Lich River. The pagoda was built on a total area of 7,000 square meters.
When the French invaded Thanh Liet commune in March 1947, the pagoda and the ancient Vuc temple were demolished and on its ground, barracks and booths were built. The pagoda was rebuilt in 2000.
The highlight of the Long Quang Pagoda is the Vajrayana stupa adorned with white-red-green-yellow-blue triangular Lungta flags, representing Tantric Buddhism.
It consists of many beautiful statues, including the Avalokiteshvara, considered the bodhisattva or “buddha-to-be” of infinite compassion and mercy, possibly the most popular of all figures in Buddhist legend.
This painting depicts Mandala of Vajrayogini or Buddhist Deity. The Buddha is red in color, with one face and two hands she stands with the body arched, left leg bent and the head thrown back, looking up to the pure buddha realm of Khecara.
Tantric Buddhism is a tradition that focuses on mystical practices and concepts as a path to enlightenment.
This practice is a combination of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism. Specifically, Long Quang Temple follows the Vajrayana- Tantric Buddhism that is very popular in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.
The main worshiping area is located on the 2nd floor of the pagoda, which is lavishly decorated with meticulous details and colorful walls.
Not only in Hanoi but also in Vietnam, pagodas with Tantric architecture are very rare, thus, Long Quang has become one among favorite destinations for Buddhists near and far.
The pagoda opens from 6:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the first day and 15th day of the lunar month.
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