Trúc Lâm Monastery · Đà Lạt

About

Trúc Lâm Monastery stands amid pine-covered hills beside Tuyền Lâm Lake. Founded by Venerable Thích Thanh Từ as a centre for Zen practice, it is not a monument dating from King Trần Nhân Tông’s lifetime.

Visitor information

Founded

Built during 1993–1994

Visiting hours

Fixed opening hours have not been confirmed. Please ask the temple.

Fees

Check the notices at the destination; the current fee schedule has not been confirmed.

Tradition

Thiền phái Trúc Lâm

Address

Núi Phụng Hoàng, bên hồ Tuyền Lâm, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng

Highlights

• ✓The main hall and flower garden
• ✓Pine forests and Tuyền Lâm Lake
• ✓A setting for Trúc Lâm study and practice

History and origins

The monastery was built during 1993–1994 with the aspiration to revive the Trúc Lâm Zen tradition. The lineage originated in the Trần period, while the Đà Lạt buildings date from the late 20th century.

Architecture & surroundings

Tiled-roof halls, a bell tower and gardens are placed within pine-covered hills. An outer area welcomes visitors, while other parts support monastic study and practice; respect the boundaries between them.

Tuyền Lâm Lake and the pine forest are central to the monastery’s design. The setting seeks simplicity, elegance and tranquillity, bringing architecture with a Vietnamese character together with the surrounding landscape.

Cultural value

The monastery’s importance lies in meditation and Buddhist education as well as its scenery. It is best visited with soft footsteps, a quiet voice and unhurried attention.

In his 1993 foundation-stone address, Venerable Thích Thanh Từ described the aim of reviving Trần-period Zen and providing conditions for meditation. Sightseeing must therefore respect the schedules and living areas of monks and nuns.

Events & festivals

Retreats, teachings and arrangements for accepting practitioners are announced by the monastery for each period. Visiting the grounds is not the same as enrolling in a retreat.