Phi Lai Pagoda In Dong Nai Province

History of Formation and Development of Phi Lai Pagoda

According to the biography of Venerable Thich Dieu Tam, he was born in 1916 in My Trung hamlet, Hoa Thinh commune, Tay Hoa district, Phu Yen province. With a disciple already in monkhood, Venerable Thich Dieu Tam determined to enter monastic life at a young age and aspired to purchase land to establish the Phi Lai Monastery in Hoa Thinh commune, creating favorable conditions for his own cultivation.

After receiving the transmission of the Dharma from Venerable Thich Thien Hoa, the abbot of Giac Ngoc Pagoda in Saigon, in 1954, Venerable Thich Dieu Tam moved to Dong Nai to establish a new temple named Phi Lai, similar to the one in his hometown. The temple was built on a 2-hectare plot of land in Tan Tien Ward, Bien Hoa City.

Starting with a modest meditation hall, Venerable Thich Dieu Tam renovated the temple in 1982, completing it in 1989. In the following years, due to favorable conditions, he expanded the temple, constructing the Three Gates in 1989, building the Bao An Tower in 1996, establishing guesthouses, a library, monk quarters in 1998, a one-ton Great Bell, and more. In 2000, the temple underwent reconstruction, adopting a modern and ancient architectural style with layered roofs. The upper roof of the Buddha Hall features a three-tiered Bao Tower.

Venerable Thich Dieu Tam not only contributed to the construction of Phi Lai Pagoda but also actively propagated the Dharma in Dong Nai and his homeland, Phu Yen. He was also a philanthropist, providing assistance to many impoverished, orphaned, and disabled individuals, as well as supporting various social organizations. Additionally, Venerable Thich Dieu Tam was a writer, authoring numerous publications on Buddhism and ethnic culture.

Venerable Thich Dieu Tam passed away in 2013 at the age of 98, having spent 70 years in monastic life. He was posthumously honored as the Head of the Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee of Dong Nai Province and the abbot of Phi Lai Pagoda.

Architecture and Beauty of Phi Lai Pagoda

Phi Lai Pagoda features a unique and visually appealing architectural design, constructed in an ancient style with layered roofs. The temple covers an area of 2 hectares and includes various structures such as the Three Gates, Buddha Hall, Bao An Tower, guesthouses, library, monk quarters, and the Great Bell. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a cool and tranquil atmosphere.

The Three Gates of Phi Lai Pagoda are built in the style of the Three Gates of Ultimate Truth (Tam Quan Thien Ly), featuring three large gates inscribed with the words "Phi Lai Tu." On the roof of the Three Gates, two dragons coil around an eight-pointed star. Two ancient fig trees, planted during the temple's founding, stand on either side of the gates.

The Buddha Hall of Phi Lai Pagoda is the main structure, constructed in the style of a three-room ancient house. The roof of the Buddha Hall holds the three-tiered Bao Tower. Inside the Buddha Hall, there is a statue of the Buddha Thich Ca Mau Ni seated on a 2-meter-high lotus pedestal. On both sides of the Buddha Hall are statues of Di Lac and Bodhisattva Quan Am.

The Bao An Tower of Phi Lai Pagoda is a remarkable architectural work, built in 1996 to express gratitude to those who contributed to the temple's founding and Dharma propagation by Venerable Thich Dieu Tam. The tower stands 18 meters tall, with seven tiers and eight corners on each tier. Bronze statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are cast on the tower.

Additionally, within the temple grounds, there are other structures such as guesthouses, a library, monk quarters, the Great Bell, and various statue gardens, including the Lâm Tỳ Ni statue garden and the Lộc Uyển statue garden. The temple is adorned with ancient trees and flowers, creating a serene and peaceful environment.

Phi Lai Pagoda is an ancient and sacred temple in Dong Nai Province, characterized by its unique and beautiful architecture. The temple holds significant historical and cultural value, serving as a center for Dharma propagation and charitable activities in Buddhism, contributing to social development. Visiting Phi Lai Pagoda not only provides an opportunity to admire the cultural beauty of Dong Nai but also deepens one's understanding of the history, traditions, and pride of the local people. Phi Lai Pagoda is an interesting and meaningful destination for tourists visiting Dong Nai.