A multimillion-dollar complex for Buddhist events is slated to be open to the public in northern Vietnam on Friday, in celebration of the 701st death anniversary of a Vietnamese king who founded a once influential Zen Buddhist sect.

The structure, Cung Truc Lam (‘Bamboo Forest Palace’), cost over VND200 billion (US$8.6 million) to build, with funding covered by donations from organizations and the Buddhist laity, according to Thich Thanh Quyet, a monk serving as deputy chairman of the Buddhist Sangha’s executive council in Quang Ninh Province, where the complex is located.

The construction is over 6,000 square meters in area, the size of a football pitch.

The main hall of the Cung Truc Lam complex in Quang Ninh Province, around 150 kilometers to the east of Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A view of Cung Truc Lam in Quang Ninh Province, around 150 kilometers to the east of Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

It was made of concrete that simulates wood texture, with the design inspired by the architecture of nearby old-time structures.

The complex is intended to be a place for worshipping Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, but it may also be adapted for various events such as prayer services, Buddhist lectures, and retreats, Quyet said.

Tran Nhan Tong ruled Vietnam from 1278 to 1293 – an epoch of peace and prosperity for the country.

In his retirement from the throne in 1294, he was ordained a Buddhist monk and practiced the religion in modern-day Quang Ninh Province’s Yen Tu Mountain, where he established a monastery and taught multiple disciples.

Tran Nhan Tong combined three separate Zen Buddhist persuasions into one and named it Truc Lam (‘Bamboo Forest’), which was regarded as the officially recognized Buddhist school during the period when his families – the Tran dynasty – reigned.

He died at the age of 50 and is called Buddha-Emperor by many Vietnamese monks.

A paved path at the Cung Truc Lam complex in Quang Ninh Province, around 150 kilometers to the east of Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The Cung Truc Lam complex in Quang Ninh Province, around 150 kilometers to the east of Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Sofas are placed at Cung Truc Lam in Quang Ninh Province, around 150 kilometers to the east of Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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