Khải Nam Pagoda

21/12/2024 34 0
Narration

Khải Nam Pagoda is located in the village of Cá Lập, Lương Niệm Commune, in the former Giạc Thượng District (which was renamed Cung Thượng District in the early 19th century), Tĩnh Gia Prefecture, Thanh Hoa Province. Today, it is situated in Quảng Tiến Ward, Sầm Sơn City, Thanh Hóa Province.Khải Nam Pagoda has many different names. In the past, it was known as Chùa ải or Chùa Giạc. Chùa ải is a colloquial name, derived from a mispronunciation of the word Khải in Chinese characters, while Chùa Giạc was named after the administrative region. It wasn't until the late 19th century that Khải Nam Pagoda officially adopted its name in Chinese characters.

At the beginning of the 17th century, Vietnamese society was in deep crisis, and the doors of mercy were opened wide as a refuge. Both the high-ranking officials and the common people sought peace and solace behind the temple doors. They devoted significant effort to restoring temples and welcoming the spread of Chinese Buddhism. The number of pagodas increased, and with it, the number of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers grew. This led to many Buddhist sanctuaries flourishing, adapting to the worship of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, in response to the various needs of everyday life.

According to the Thần phả (chronicle of deities), Cá Lập Temple is a National Historical and Cultural Monument, dedicated to a famous general from the Trần Dynasty. The chronicle records that in the year Ất Dậu (1285), in preparation for the second Mongol invasion of Đại Việt, the Trần court sent troops to the border regions and key coastal areas, with the strategy of "In peace, cultivate the land; in times of war, prepare the soldiers." This approach involved both reclaiming land for settlement and agricultural production, as well as training in martial arts to be ready for battle. This event led to the establishment of the Khải Nam Pagoda as it stands today.

                   The Interior of the Pagoda (Photo collected)

During the Lý Dynasty, the names of pagodas typically carried meanings of promoting virtue, making wishes, and offering admonitions, such as Vạn Phúc (Thousands of Blessings), Báo Ân (Repaying Gratitude)... In the Trần Dynasty, the names of pagodas began to reflect the significance of the Buddhist path, such as Đại Bi (Great Compassion), Khải Thiện (Opening Goodness), and Thái Lạc (Great Joy)... The name Khải Nam Pagoda is commonly understood as "Expanding the heart of compassion, welcoming the salvation of all beings in the land of Đại Việt." This interpretation also reflects the Buddhist philosophy of the Trần Dynasty. After the resistance against the Mongol invaders, life for the people in the region remained very difficult. The people and Buddhist followers of Cá Lập Village made generous contributions of materials and labor to build the pagoda, constructing its roof with thatch and bamboo and its walls from earth, creating a place to worship the Buddha and practice their faith. Although the structure was made from humble materials like bamboo, reeds, and leaves, thanks to the blessings of the villagers, the sacredness of the pagoda became renowned throughout the district and beyond.

During the Lê Trung Hưng period, Khải Nam Pagoda was rebuilt, with a grand Tam Quan gate and a splendid main hall. One relic that remains is the Mộ Bụt (Buddha's Tomb), which is located beside the entrance path to the pagoda today. The statues of the Buddha were also remade from precious wood. The previous clay statues were buried by the Buddhist followers in the ground, and this burial site is now known as the Mả Bụt (Buddha's Grave). Khải Nam Pagoda has been restored and rebuilt with the generous contributions of people and Buddhist followers from all over. Today, the pagoda still preserves a stone stele known as the Lưu Phương Bi Ký, written in Chinese characters, which records the names of those who donated funds for the restoration of the pagoda from various regions. This confirms that Khải Nam Pagoda was once a renowned temple, not only among the local people but also among followers from all over, including officials and the royal court.

Khải Nam Pagoda was built in the architectural style of the Lê Dynasty. In front of the Tam Quan gate are lots of tall trees The Tam Quan gate, with its bell tower, stands like a lotus flower rising amid the lush green rice fields, nourished by the alluvial soil of the Mã River.

This architectural complex is a masterpiece that strongly reflects the architectural style of the 17th century. It is adorned with many intricate reliefs and harmonious, delicate patterns. The Buddha statues in the temple are of high artistic value, with expressive modeling and sculpting techniques that align with both Vietnamese traditional aesthetics and Buddhist traditions. The statues are meticulously carved, with soft, graceful details. The faces of the statues exude a gentle, approachable expression, with eyes cast downward in introspection and a serene smile of salvation. This reflects a profound sense of compassion and humanity.

Due to the ravages of time and warfare, Khải Nam Pagoda suffered significant damage. Fortunately, many valuable ancient religious artifacts, such as incense burners, bronze cranes, and altar vases, have been carefully preserved and protected by the local community and Buddhist followers. On the site of the old pagoda, now occupied by an elementary school, stands an ancient banyan tree nearly 300 years old, with a unique and beautiful shape.

Khải Nam Pagoda is located in a historically significant area, marking many important historical and cultural milestones of the nation, as well as the deep affection of the local people. The pagoda was recognized as a Provincial Historical and Cultural Monument under Decision No. 10/QĐ-VHQĐ on February 11, 1999, and is classified as a cultural and spiritual tourism site.

Khải Nam Pagoda stands as a testament to a region that has long been inhabited, reflecting the ebb and flow of the nation’s history. The pagoda helps us understand the formation and development of Buddhism in Vietnam in general and in Thanh Hóa particularly. It also provides insight into the history of architectural art, with its intricate carvings and designs crafted by the artisans of Cá Lập Village. The pagoda serves as a historical witness to secret meetings of revolutionary activists, a place where guerrilla forces and self-defense units gathered and trained during the pre-revolutionary period. The bell tower of Khải Nam Pagoda witnessed the raising of the revolutionary flag on the day of the general uprising, when the people seized power from the French colonists, the Japanese fascists, and their puppet officials.

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