India's Sacred Tree Grows Strong in Vietnam

The sacred Indian tree grows strong and green in Tran Quoc Pagoda. Documentary photo

The gift presents a sacred and cherished sentiment between the governments of India and Vietnam. It mirrors a similar event in India, when President Ho Chi Minh planted a Frangipani, also a Buddha tree during his historic visit to India.

These days, India's sacred Bodhi is still firmly rooted in Vietnamese soil. The holy plant proves the friendship of the two countries and can still be seen at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located to the east of West Lake, Thanh Nien street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Tran Quoc is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam with a history of 1,500 years. The pagoda is the Buddhist center of Thang Long Citadel - Hanoi.

The Bodhi tree is planted symmetrically with the hexagonal lotus stupa in Tran Quoc pagoda. Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nha, Member of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Abbot of Tran Quoc Pagoda, explained the symmetry as: "The lotus flower represents the Buddhist nature of truth, born in the mud but stays noble. Bodhi is wisdom, unsurpassed wisdom. They all imply the ontological and phenomenal meaning of dharmas.”

After 60 years of growing strong thanks to the affection of the Vietnamese people, the Bodhi in Tran Quoc has grown green and strong. Its tall trunk is bigger than the arm span of three to four people. Its branches and leaves have flourished, giving all of its visitors some restful shade.

The 60th anniversary of Indian President Rajendra Prasad giving President Ho Chi Minh the Bodhi tree planted at Tran Quoc Pagoda (1959-2019). Documentary photo

300 Bodhi seeds have been extracted from the tree in Tran Quoc and transferred to many pagodas across the country, one of which is planted in a pagoda in the Truong Sa archipelago.

During their visits to Vietnam, many Indian heads of state and delegations visited Tran Quoc Pagoda, taking photos under the Bodhi tree - the symbol of friendship, cultural connection, and ancient civilization between India and Vietnam.

Millions of tourists from all over the world, including thousands of Vietnamese Buddhists, come to worship the sacred tree every year. Notably, many Indian visitors have expressed their feelings when admiring the sacred Bodhi brought from their homeland in Vietnam.

In his speech at the 60th Anniversary of Indian President Rajendra Prasad giving President Ho Chi Minh the Bodhi tree (1959 - 2019), Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma said the tree was a symbol of the long-standing cultural and civilizational connection between India and Vietnam.

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