Ven. Thích Thiện Chiếu informed that the pagoda’s architecture is such a harmony between Buddhist teachings and Vietnamese cultural traditions. “The pagoda having no roof means ‘closer to Buddha realms’, without door for ‘welcoming all sentient beings’, and without wall and pillar for avoiding division and limitation”, the monk who has served as the pagoda abbot since 1975 explained. 

There are Buddhist statues placed at stone cave, Bodhi tree, etc inside the pagoda, creating a tranquil and natural landscape

The way of steps leading to the main worshipping place has two stone caves along its two sides, symbolizing famous mountains of Ngu Hanh in Da Nang and That Son in An Giang

Inside the main worshipping hall is a line of eighteen arhats with the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of marble stone placed in the middle. Its ceiling is divided into two parts decorated with lotus flower; the place between two parts is connected with sky above. This worshipping hall is the place for Buddhist recitation, meditation by Buddhist monks, nuns and followers.

“I come here weekly for practicing Buddhist recitation and enjoying the tranquil place. I feel the pagoda is beautiful, peaceful and pleasant like being at home” Lã Thị Xuân Lý, an 82 year-old woman from Go Vap district shares.

The worshipping temple dedicating to Divine Mother Au Co and Hung Kings with decorating symbols of Lac Bird  - the sacred and ancient Vietnamese symbol bird -  and worshipping offerings of Banh Chung (sticky rice square cake) and Banh Day (sticky rice round cake).

A gold-plated Buddhist statue with 3m high is placed on lotus-shape platform above the entrance gate of the pagoda. The work called “place of celestial spiritualism” means connection between the divine above and the earth.

The place of earth spiritualism includes statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas decorated with colourful light system by spiritual expert, creating mystic feeling.

The place of human spiritualism worships King Monk Trần Nhân Tông who led two successful wars against the invading Mongolian army in 13rd century.

Ky Quang II pagoda is also well-known for looking after abandoned children with disabilities. Monk Thiện Chiếu shared that the care-taking of this type of children has been ongoing since 1994, and the pagoda is currently looking after 240 children and providing them with proper education, as well as offer free health examinations and medicines to thousands of people each week.

PTT