Hoang An Pagoda, located on Pho Islet along the Dong Nai River, is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also home to a priceless 300-year-old Dipterocarpus alatus tree, revered as a living treasure.

A natural heritage rooted in an ancient pagoda

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The over 300-year-old Dipterocarpus alatus tree inside Hoang An Pagoda. Photo: Hoang Anh.

Situated on an island in the Dong Nai River, Hoang An Pagoda (also known as Hoang An Co Tu, in Hiep Hoa Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province) is a well-known spiritual site for locals. It is particularly famous for its more than 300-year-old "green treasure."

This Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb (scientific name) has been recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree, closely tied to the formation and development of the pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Dong Nai.

Hoang An Pagoda was founded in the 17th century by a Zen master of the Lam Te (Linji) sect. Today, it belongs to the Bac Tong (Northern) Buddhist tradition, reflecting the typical architecture of the southern Vietnamese lowlands.

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Hoang An Pagoda, built in the 17th century, is a cultural and spiritual landmark of Bien Hoa. Photo: Hoang Anh.

According to Venerable Nun Thich Nu Hue Tam, the abbess of Hoang An Pagoda, the Dipterocarpus tree has witnessed centuries of change in the Bien Hoa area.

The tree stands more than 80 meters tall, has a trunk circumference of 8.5 meters, and its lush canopy provides shade for monks, devotees, and visitors alike.

Elderly locals recount that the tree dates back to the early settlement of Pho Islet. Over centuries, it has not only offered shade but has become a spiritual symbol for the community.

Beyond its historical and spiritual significance, the tree holds remarkable ecological and scientific value. Its towering height and broad canopy act as a "green lung" for the pagoda, helping to regulate the air and create a serene, fresh environment for pilgrims.

A tree intertwined with the spirit of the pagoda

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The tree stands over 80 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of 8.5 meters – it takes six people to embrace it fully. Photo: Hoang Anh.

The abbess of Hoang An Pagoda shared that the ancient Dipterocarpus tree is more than just a living relic; it embodies the spirit and pride of the temple.

Venerable Nun Thich Nu Hue Tam said she regards the tree as part of the temple’s soul. Each scar on the tree’s trunk serves as a reminder from nature to cherish and protect the environment.

"Although it has stood for over three centuries, the tree remains vibrant, its dense foliage shading the temple grounds. I always remind the monks and visitors to honor the tree like an ancestor, maintaining its sacred and clean surroundings," the abbess shared.

In 2013, the Dipterocarpus tree at Hoang An Pagoda was officially recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment, marking both its ecological importance and its cultural pride for the people of Dong Nai.

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Trong captures a souvenir photo with the abbess of Hoang An Pagoda. Photo: Hoang Anh.

Nguyen Anh Trong, a resident of An Binh Ward, shared his pride upon learning that the tree had been designated a National Heritage Tree.

"Every time I visit Hoang An Pagoda, I bring my family to sit under the Dipterocarpus tree to feel its tranquility and spiritual significance. For me, the tree symbolizes endurance and is a silent witness to the region's historical ups and downs," he said.

Standing tall for over three centuries at Hoang An Pagoda, the Dipterocarpus tree is not just a marker of time but a living testament to the harmony between humanity and nature.

Thus, during major religious festivals, many monks, devotees, and visitors flock to the pagoda to pray and meditate under the ancient tree. Many regard it as a protective "village elder," bestowing peace and blessings upon all who visit.

Hoang Anh