🍂A Dream from the Roots

One spring day in 2010, the practitioner, then a businessman, returned to Ocean Village on the shores of Ngoc, in the Non Nuoc region. Amid the vast expanse of sky, earth, and boundless sea, he suddenly heard the “sound of creation,” sensing the miracle of this land. As his footsteps reached the threshold of the Buddha Hall, a thunderous drum resounded, and three white columns of cloud appeared in the clear blue sky, signaling the auspicious presence of the Buddhas of the Three Times.

Thus, the Mangala Zen Garden was born.

Over ten cycles of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, nourished by full-hearted blessings, Maha Mangala has continued the precious flow passed down for nearly 2,600 years from the Awakened One, Buddha — the flow of peaceful life and true happiness.

From that moment, the Zen Garden Domain became a place of gathering, exchange, and harmony for Buddhist sanghas from around the world, blending with diverse cultural expressions.

This was the extraordinary and auspicious opportunity that guided the footsteps of the lay businessman into the journey of a renunciant practitioner.

Continuing on the journey, in 2017 the practitioner arrived in the Highlands of Da Lat. Seven years of living in harmony with trees, grass, rain, and sun, the vast mountains wove “a Garland — the most beautiful garland.” He received the ordination to practice the path under the direct guidance of the Elders and chose a way of returning through the “Way of Freedom.” He realized that regardless of school or the color of the robes, all paths share the same journey of awakening wisdom and compassion. To awaken is to return to what is familiar, simple, and true — to care for oneself, to care for others, and to protect and cherish the life within and around us.

 

Maha Mangala 🍂 The Stream of Consciousness Flowing with the Stream of Life

From the Highlands, the first step was a return to the Mangala Zen Garden with the message of “Rebirth,” bearing the name of full merit: Maha Mangala. Continuing the abundant teachings of the Buddha for the holistic development of humanity from the ancient Maha Mangala Sutta, the Zen Garden has embodied them through the language of space, sound, aroma, and taste, bringing forth a source of wholesome energy for oneself and for all who dwell here.

The seven garden features, like the seven lotus steps of the Awakened One, like the seven radiant colors of the rainbow, blend harmoniously within the philosophy: “Sound is light, light is the pure mind.”

This space opens up the entire world within you!

From the radiant dawn over the white sands to the gentle sunset beneath the Bodhi trees, from the shimmering full moon to the graceful blossoms of wildflowers, the morning bell resonates through the incense and breeze. Silent meditation, fragrant tea beside a book… all seem to remind us: “One gentle breath, and countless wonders appear.” These wonders are awakening, peace, abundant health, compassion, and freedom amidst the ever-changing flow of life.

Life is blossoming here!

🍂“Returning” as a Way of Living

Maha Mangala, with its unique architecture, delicate garden features, and the way of living of those whose hearts are drawn to beauty and peaceful energy. A vast space built by a community without distinction of age, religion, or background. Here, everyone is welcomed with open palms like a lotus bud, a smile, and understanding.

Peace reigns within you!

A wholesome vegetarian meal at Bếp Mani Kitchen, the recitation of gratitude, leisurely tea in the Padme lotus garden by the sea, gentle footsteps on the sand, moments of silent meditation, the sounds of nature, and a cherished book… You will come to feel that “True peace is a great blessing.”

Maha Mangala – Together, let’s uphold life in the love of our hands!