Vietnam Pagodas

Linh Sơn Pagoda

Khánh Hòa(Chùa Linh Sơn (Khánh Hòa))

Overview & history

Linh Sơn Pagoda, also known as Linh Sơn Tổ đình (Linh Sơn Ancestral Pagoda), or Linh Sơn Tổ đình Vạn Giã, located in Hiền Lương hamlet, Vạn Lương commune, Vạn Ninh district (Vạn Giã township), Khánh Hòa province, is a pagoda that appeared quite early in the history of Vietnamese Buddhism in general and Khánh Hòa Buddhism in particular.

History

Linh Sơn Pagoda was founded in the year Tân Tỵ—1761 CE, the 22nd year of the Cảnh Hưng era under King Hiển Tông of the Later Lê dynasty. The founding patriarch was Đại Bửu – Kim Cang, who attained enlightenment under an ancient tree (the Kén tree, over 300 years old, which still exists in the pagoda grounds). In its early days, the pagoda was called Sa Long Tự. In the 21st year of the Tự Đức reign (1867), the pagoda was destroyed by fire. After reconstruction, it was renamed Linh Sơn Tự.

In front of the pagoda flows the winding Hiền Lương river; to the west are vast rice fields and a deep, wide lotus pond. In the distance, high mountains loom. The scenery is open and airy, yet solemn and tranquil.

Succeeding the founding patriarch Đại Bửu – Kim Cang, the following patriarchs continued the lamp transmission:

Second Patriarch: Ngộ Thuận – Phước Minh.

Third Patriarch: Ấn Chánh – Huệ Minh.

Fourth Patriarch: Chơn Hương – Thiên Quang.

Fifth Patriarch: Chơn Công – Viên Giác.

Sixth Patriarch: Thị Thủy – Quảng Đức (who self-immolated for the Dharma in 1963).

Seventh Patriarch: Tâm Thanh – Tịch Tràng.

Currently, the Dharma heir of Patriarch Tâm Thanh – Tịch Tràng, Venerable Thanh Huy – Thiện Dương, is the abbot. The pagoda is undergoing restoration of the main hall, construction of the patriarchs’ hall, and many other works, including the preservation and reconstruction of the relics of Bodhisattva Quảng Đức—a significant project worthy of being a great monastic centre in Nha Trang.

The uninterrupted patriarchal succession and the flourishing of the True Dharma are due to the merit of the venerable patriarchs, the vows of Buddhists near and far, and the spiritual support of the resident sangha.

Notes and References

Website: http://www.todinhlinhson.com

Photos

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Visiting tips

  • Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
  • Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
  • Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
  • Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
  • Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.

Read more & references

Useful links to learn more before your visit:

Location

Coordinates: 12.18988, 109.07170

🧭 Directions on Google Maps

References

Other pagodas in Khánh Hòa

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Chùa Hải Đức
Hải Đức Pagoda is located on the western branch at the summit of Trại Thủy hill, at 51 Hải Đức Street, Phương Sơn Ward, Nha Trang City, Khánh Hòa Province. The pagoda was built over 120 years ago and is one of the four important pagodas in the Trại Thủy hill complex, along with Long Sơn Pagoda, Bửu Phong Pagoda, and Lôi Am Pagoda.
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Chùa Kim Sơn (Khánh Hòa)
Kim Sơn Pagoda is located in Tây Nha Trang ward, Khánh Hòa province. The pagoda was built by Zen Master Pháp Ấn during the Later Lê dynasty on a rocky hill situated in the middle of a plain, commonly called Gành Mountain, which was later renamed Kim Sơn due to a legend that, during the construction of the pagoda, some gold was found buried there. In 1740, Nguyễn Phúc Khoát changed the pagoda's name to Quy Tôn Tự and bestowed a vermilion lacquered and gold-gilded plaque inscribed with the three large characters 'Quy Tôn Tự' along with an eight-character dedication: 'Quốc Chủ Từ Tế Đạo Nhân ngự đề' ('Inscribed by the Compassionate Sovereign'). In 1845, King Thiệu Trị decreed that the pagoda revert to its former name. During the Khải Định reign, the pagoda was also known as Chùa Bà Nghè ('Pagoda of Madame Nghè') because the wife of a mandarin became a nun and contributed to the restoration of the pagoda.
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Chùa Kỳ Viên Trung Nghĩa
Kỳ Viên Trung Nghĩa Pagoda, often simply called Kỳ Viên Pagoda, is located at 132 Sinh Trung Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khánh Hòa Province. The pagoda is situated on the summit of one of the four Tứ linh (Four Sacred Creatures) hills in the heart of Nha Trang city, named Bạch Tượng (White Elephant). As a beautiful and long-standing pagoda, it is also a venue for organising summer retreats for youths and Buddhist doctrine examination courses.
Chùa Long Sơn (Nha Trang)
Chùa Long Sơn (Nha Trang)
Long Sơn Temple (Vietnamese: Chùa Long Sơn) is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nha Trang on South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is regarded as one of the main sites in the city, along with Hai Duc Temple.
Chùa Lộc Sơn (Nha Trang)
Chùa Lộc Sơn (Nha Trang)
Lộc Sơn Pagoda is located in Đắc Lộc Hamlet, Bắc Nha Trang Ward, Khánh Hòa Province. The pagoda is about 6 km northwest of the former Nha Trang City, near National Highway 1 and close to the Nha Trang Textile Factory.
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Chùa Thiên Bửu
Thiên Bửu Pagoda may refer to: Thiên Bửu Pagoda (Upper): located in Điềm Tịnh village, Ninh Phụng commune, Ninh Hòa district, Khánh Hòa province. Thiên Bửu Pagoda (Lower): also known as Thiên Bửu Tổ Đình (patriarchal/ancestral monastery) or Kỳ Pagoda, is an ancient pagoda located in Bình Thành village, Ninh Bình commune, Ninh Hòa district, Khánh Hòa province. (Both pagodas were founded by Zen master Tế Hiển, dharma name Bửu Dương.)