KHÁNH AN MONASTERY — A Slice of Tokyo On the Edge of Saigon
When people think about pagodas based on foreign architecture in Saigon, they often think of Bửu Long pagoda, which is located in District 9. Bửu Long pagoda has a Thai style with beautiful carvings. But nowadays, another distinctive pagoda on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City is getting attention for its attractive Japanese architecture. That is Khanh An Monastery.
Khanh An Monastery is located on 1055/3D 1A Highway, An Phu Dong Ward, District 12. Although the alley leading to the pagoda is a little congested because of a local market, when you step into the monastery, another world appears in front of your eyes — the peaceful view with a touch of Japanese architecture. At first, Khanh An Monastery was only a small temple established by Trí Hiền Abbot in 1905. The temple was damaged during the war by the French army. In 2006, the temple had a big restoration that was completed in 2016. Renovation was done to the existing building. Another new temple was build and 6 hectares of land was donated. After that, the temple was given a new and noble name, Khanh An Monastery. It is now one of the most famous temples and pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City.
All sections of Khanh An Monastery are influenced by Japanese architecture. According to Thích Trí Tâm, a monk who lives there, the Japanese influence means there are no sacred animals carved on the building, such as dragons or phoenix that are common at other Vietnamese pagodas. Instead of that, Khanh An Monastery is decorated based on Japanese features with tiled roofs and Japanese lamp posts. It also has a relationship with nature. The pagoda has three main colors: brown wood, white limestone and yellow copper.
Khanh An Monastery now has its main hall, ancestor hall, meditation hall, preaching hall, and a community hall.The main hall (“Phật đường tỉnh thức,” is at the top level) and the meditation hall (“Pháp Đường Chánh Niệm,” is at the lower level). They are constructed in one building consisting of two levels. This building is the biggest in Khanh An Monastery with the main structure made of wood. Like other pagodas in Vietnam, the main hall and the meditation hall are used for chanting, worshiping and meditation. The community hall (“Khách Đường Thảnh Thơi”) is built opposite to the main hall and meditation hall, across the yard. This was a private area and prohibited to visitors. The special part of this hall is the top. The high golden and pointed top with a small sculpture is rarely seen in Vietnamese temples but is popular in Japan. The garden is another beautiful of architecture. It is designed with a high amount of details, such as rough-edged stone pavement, stone light and a small garden monk statue. An artificial pond is at the end of the driveway. At the end of the road is a statue of “Quan Am.”
Although the style is influenced by Japanese architecture, activities at Khanh An Monastery are almost similar with another Vietnamese pagodas. Open hours are from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (or open until 10 p.m. on repentance night and other major Buddhist events). To fully experience the sacred atmosphere, major Buddhist events like Phat Dan Vesak (15th of the fourth month in lunar calendar), Vu Lan (15th of the seventh month in lunar calendar), mid-autumn (15th of the eighth month in lunar calendar) are good times to pay Khanh An Monastery a visit. Other big events at the temple are the death memorials of past abbots. Besides that, this pagoda also offers the Buddhism meditation and mindfulness courses for anyone who wants to join. It is held the whole day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the last Sunday of each month. When visiting Khanh An Monastery, guests need to dress modestly, put your shoes outside of the halls and most importantly, do not make loud noises or talk too loudly. All of that will keep the peaceful atmosphere for Khanh An Monastery.
Ms.Thoa, a neighbor who lives in that area, said: “Everyday, especially the weekend, Khanh An Monastery attracts many visitors. When it was completed, not many people knew about this pagoda and it was quiet and secluded. But with the unique style and peaceful space, Khanh An Monastery gets more and more popular.”
And, indeed, if you want a half-day out of the city and a chance to embrace a peaceful atmosphere, going to Khanh An Monastery is a great idea. Not only is it amazing architecture but also the vibe here will bring you a refreshing and relaxing time.
