Truc Lam pagoda is located on the way to Khai Dinh tomb. To reach the pagoda, take the left turn after crossing Lim bridge, then go along the stream nearly 1km. At first, the pagoda was a place of worship built by superior nun Dieu Truong, the cousin of Tung Thien Vuong in 1902. At superior nun Dieu Truong’s invitation, Most Venerable Giac Tien and the disciple of Most Venerable Tam Tinh from Tay Thien pagoda is in charge of the pagoda in 1903. Before arriving at the pagoda, Most Venerable Giac Tien and superior nun Dieu Truong visited Truc Lam Yen Tu pagoda which is located in the north to collect Buddhist texts and ritual items. Coming back from Truc Lam Yen Tu, most venerable Giac Tien decided to name the pagoda Truc Lam Dai Thanh Tu, referring the connection between the pagoda with Truc Lam Tinh Xa and Truc Lam meditation in Yen Tu. Most Venerable Giac Tien became the abbot the pagoda.
In 1926, most venerable Giac Tien had the Buddha worshipping house and the place where monks lived renovated. Truc Lam was known as a training center for talented monks in 1928. In 1931, Giac Tien was the first most venerable to launch Buddhist revival movement and call for establishing Annam Buddhist Studies Society. In 1932, Annam Buddhist Studies Society was permitted by Emperor Bao Dai. Its first headquarter was based in Truc Lam pagoda. In 1933, Emperor Bao Dai named the pagoda as "Sac tu Truc Lam Dai Thanh Tu". In 1935, most venerable Giac Tien and disciple Mat Khe founded Annam Buddhist Studies Society at the pagoda and received 50 trainees. At the end of that year, high qualified trainees attended a higher education class which was the first course ever held in Central Vietnam. Disciples of most venerable Giac Tien such as monk Mat Khe, monk Mat Hien, monk Mat Nguyen, monk Mat The and Le Dinh Tham played important role in later Buddhist revival movement. The most venerable passed away at the age of in 1936.
The three-entrance gate leading to Truc Lam pagoda (source: internet)
The pagoda is located in a hill area where many kinds of trees such as pines and bamboos are planted. There is also a stream flowing in south - north direction. In 1960, most venerable Mat Hien, the abbot of the pagoda had a S-shaped lake digged in front of the pagoda's gate. A road was built around the lake. Types of bamboos and willow were grown on its two sides, creating a peaceful space for meditation. The total area of the pagoda was 30.000m2. Structures were arranged in traditional 口 shape. The pagoda faces the south east.
As most venerable Giac Tien was interested in collecting Buddhist sacred objects, some precious antiquities such as the embroidered Diamond Sutra under Tay Son dynasty, alms bowl made from cinabar, the statue of most venerable Thich Dai San and the incense burner under Mac dynasty whose title is Chinh Hoa (1680 - 1704).
(Source: Geography book - Culture chapter - 2020)