Chùa Cổ Lễ – A Thousand-Year-Old Pagoda Blending Vietnamese Tradition and Gothic Architecture
The Nine-Storey Lotus Tower (Tháp Cửu phẩm liên hoa).
Source: Bình Giang / Wikimedia Commons
Chùa Cổ Lễ (also known as Thần Quang Pagoda), located in Cổ Lễ Commune, formerly Trực Ninh District, Nam Định Province (now Cổ Lễ Commune, Ninh Bình Province), dates back to the Lý Dynasty. Throughout centuries of formation and development, the pagoda has become a remarkable architectural complex imbued with historical and spiritual significance.
The Buddhist Assembly Hall (Linh Quang tự).
Source: Bình Giang / Wikimedia Commons
The structures are arranged along an East–West axis. The main architectural ensemble begins with the striking Tháp Cửu phẩm liên hoa (Nine-Storey Lotus Tower). From the tower, a curved bridge spanning a tranquil lake leads visitors to the Tam Quan (Three-Entrance Gate). Passing through the Tam Quan and across a spacious red-brick courtyard, one arrives at the Buddhist Assembly Hall (center), Linh Quang tự, which also serves as a shrine dedicated to Đức Thánh Trần and two distinguished scholars of the Trần Dynasty.
The Main Pagoda (Chùa Chính).
Source: Bình Giang / Wikimedia Commons
Behind the Assembly Hall, on both sides, are the Tả Sơn Kiều (Left Mountain Bridge) and Hữu Sơn Kiều (Right Mountain Bridge), leading to the Main Pagoda (Chùa Chính). Flanking the Main Pagoda are two parallel corridors, each consisting of 25 compartments. Beyond a short courtyard stands the Phương Đình (Square Pavilion) and the bell tower known as Kim Chung Bảo Các.
The Bell Tower (Kim Chung Bảo Các).
Source: Bình Giang / Wikimedia Commons
At the far end of the complex lies the stupa garden, adding a solemn and contemplative atmosphere to this sacred site.
English Vocabulary (Level B1-B2)
- Pagoda (n) /pəˈɡəʊdə/: Ngôi chùa.
Example: The pagoda dates back to the Ly Dynasty. - Architectural (adj) /ˌɑːrkɪˈtektʃərəl/: Thuộc về kiến trúc.
Example: The pagoda is a remarkable architectural complex. - Complex (n) /ˈkɒmpleks/: Quần thể.
Example: The structures are arranged within a large architectural complex. - Imbued (v) /ɪmˈbjuːd/: Thấm đẫm.
Example: The site is imbued with historical and spiritual significance. - Significance (n) /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/: Ý nghĩa, tầm quan trọng.
Example: The temple holds great spiritual significance for the local people. - Ensemble (n) /ɒnˈsɒmb(ə)l/: Chỉnh thể.
Example: The main architectural ensemble includes several towers and halls. - Striking (adj) /ˈstriking/: Nổi bật.
Example: The Lotus Tower is a striking feature of the pagoda. - Spanning (v) /ˈspanning/: Bắc qua.
Example: A curved bridge spanning the lake leads to the gate. - Tranquil (adj) /ˈtranquil/: Yên bình.
Example: Visitors enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the lake. - Spacious (adj) /ˈspacious/: Rộng rãi.
Example: The red-brick courtyard is very spacious. - Shrine (n) /shrine/: Điện thờ.
Example: The hall serves as a shrine dedicated to local scholars. - Dedicated (v) /ˈdedicated/: Được dành riêng cho, thờ phụng.
Example: The monument is dedicated to the heroes of the dynasty. - Distinguished (adj) /distinguished/: Lỗi lạc, xuất sắc.
Example: Two distinguished scholars are honored at the shrine. - Gracefully (adv) /ˈgracefully/: Một cách duyên dáng.
Example: The bridges arch gracefully over the water. - Ancestral (adj) /ancestral/: Thuộc về tổ tiên.
Example: The Ancestral House is connected to the Main Pagoda. - Corridors (n) /ˈcorridors/: Hành lang.
Example: Two parallel corridors flank the main buildings. - Compartments (n) /compartments/: Gian (nhà).
Example: Each corridor consists of 25 compartments. - Stretching (v) /ˈstretching/: Trải dài.
Example: The corridor stretches from the front hall to the rear. - Pavilion (n) /pavilion/: Đình, lầu.
Example: The Square Pavilion stands beyond the courtyard. - Stupa (n) /ˈstupa/: Tháp mộ, bảo tháp.
Example: The stupa garden lies at the far end of the complex. - Enshrines (v) /enshrines/: Cất giữ, thờ phụng.
Example: The garden enshrines the memorial towers of respected monks. - Memorial (n) /memorial/: Đài tưởng niệm.
Example: Visitors pay their respects at the memorial towers. - Solemn (adj) /ˈsolemn/: Trang nghiêm.
Example: The atmosphere at the sacred site is very solemn. - Contemplative (adj) /contemplative/: Trầm mặc, suy tư.
Example: The garden provides a contemplative space for meditation. - Sacred (adj) /sacred/: Linh thiêng.
Example: Chùa Cổ Lễ is a sacred site in Nam Dinh province. - Commune (n) /commune/: Xã.
Example: The pagoda is located in Co Le Commune. - Dynasty (n) /dynasty/: Triều đại.
Example: The temple was built during the Ly Dynasty. - Formation (n) /formation/: Sự hình thành.
Example: The pagoda has undergone centuries of formation. - Development (n) /development/: Sự phát triển.
Example: The history of the temple reflects the development of local culture. - Red-brick (adj) /red-brick/: Gạch đỏ.
Example: The red-brick courtyard adds a warm tone to the temple.

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