Spring comes, as the new green buds sprout, people eagerly flock to sacred places to shed the worries of the old year, praying for peace and good fortune in the new year. Yen Tu, the majestic mountain, known as the "cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism," is an ideal destination for a spring trip early in the year. ICSP VN did not miss this opportunity, together experiencing a meaningful and memorable day in this sacred land.

The weather in Yen Tu in the early days of spring is chilly, the characteristic cold of the North, but the fresh, pure air and the majestic, magnificent natural scenery dispelled the cold. Fog covered the mountains, creating a magical, picturesque scene, making visitors feel like they were lost in a fairyland.

The ICSP VN delegation, with excitement and exhilaration, departed from Hanoi very early to arrive in Yen Tu at about 9 am. The journey was quite smooth, the whole group chatting happily, while watching the beautiful, peaceful natural scenery.

Arriving in Yen Tu, the delegation began the journey to conquer the peak, exploring the beauty of the sacred land. Some members chose to walk to exercise, challenge themselves and fully enjoy the wild and majestic beauty of the mountains and forests. Others chose to take the cable car to save time and energy, and at the same time be able to see the panoramic view of Yen Tu from above.

Initially, the walking path was quite easy to walk with stone steps, meandering along the mountainside, winding around. The higher you go, the steeper the road becomes, with many winding and bumpy sections, requiring perseverance and endurance. On both sides of the road are green ancient trees, with many rare species of trees, providing cool shade, dotted with colorful wild flowers. The ICSP Vietnam staff constantly admired and exclaimed at the wild and magnificent beauty of the Yen Tu mountains and forests.

ICSP VN group took a photo at the statue of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong

The first stop of the delegation was Hoa Yen Pagoda, a large and ancient pagoda, with unique architecture, located halfway up the mountain. The delegation offered incense, sincerely praying for good things for the new year, hoping for family to be peaceful, happy, for work to be smooth. After that, the delegation continued the journey to Dong Pagoda, the pagoda located on the highest peak of the Yen Tu range, known as the "roof" of the Northeast. The road from Hoa Yen Pagoda to Dong Pagoda is much more difficult than the previous section. The road is narrow, steep, with many sections where you have to cling to the rock to climb, even some sections where you have to climb over large rocks. This road requires climbers to have good health, flexibility and climbing skills. However, the reward for those efforts is the feeling of conquering the peak, overcoming their limits and admiring the wonderful, vast beauty of nature, with clouds and sky blending together, overlapping mountains. Arriving at Dong Pagoda, the delegation sincerely prayed, wishing for a new year of peace, prosperity, everything as desired.

The Yen Tu spring trip of ICSP VN ended well, successfully and meaningfully. Everyone felt relaxed, satisfied, their souls were purified and full of positive energy after the trip. This is not only an opportunity for everyone to bond and interact, but also an opportunity for each individual to return to their spiritual roots, towards the good values ​​in life

Linh Khanh