Phung Islet – Ben Tre is an eco-tourism destination that is loved by many people and is often mentioned by travel websites. Visiting the islet, visitors not only have the opportunity to enjoy many beautiful garden landscapes, but also have the opportunity to visit the Coconut Religion relic site.
Introduction to Nguyen Thanh Nam and Coconut Religion
Nguyen Thanh Nam (1909-1990) is a special figure in the history of religion and culture in Vietnam. He is known as the founder of Coconut Religion, a religion that blends many elements from Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. Born in Ben Tre, he was a highly educated person who studied abroad in France, but chose the path of religious practice with a simple lifestyle and advocated peace.
After returning from France, Nguyen Thanh Nam began to search for his own spiritual path. During the 1950s and 1960s, he developed his own ideology and founded the Coconut Religion on Phung Islet, a floating islet in the middle of the Tien River in Ben Tre province. From here, he became the leader and attracted many followers.
The name “Coconut Religion” comes from the fact that Nguyen Thanh Nam mainly ate coconuts and drank coconut water to sustain life. He believed that coconuts have the ability to purify the body and help people’s souls become purer. In addition, coconuts are also a symbol of poverty and simplicity, suitable for the path of practice that he pursued.
Philosophy and teachings of Coconut Religion
Coconut Religion has a rather unique system of teachings, blending elements from many different religions. Some of the main ideas of Coconut Religion include:
Peace and non-violence: Nguyen Thanh Nam calls for peace, does not participate in war, and always seeks dialogue solutions to unify the country.
Vegetarianism and purity: He advocated vegetarianism, especially eating only coconuts and drinking coconut water to purify the body.
Meditation and spirituality: He spent most of his time meditating, believing that this helps people attain enlightenment and harmony with nature.
Respect for nature: Coconut religion emphasizes living in harmony with the environment, avoiding harming nature and animals.
Phung islet – The center of Coconut religion’s practice
Phung islet, considered the holy land of Coconut religion, is a small islet on the Tien River in Ben Tre province. This is where Nguyen Thanh Nam and his followers built many unique architectural works, including the Cuu Trung Dai tower – a multi-storey round tower, symbolizing the universe according to his concept.
Opposite the Cuu Trung Dai is a model of the globe on a lotus pedestal, symbolizing the world’s desire for peace.
Located in the center of the “holy land” is the Nine Dragons courtyard, where Coconut religion followers practice.
The three-door gate and bell tower of Nam Quoc Phat Pagoda – the ancient name of the Coconut Religion relic complex. This three-door gate is modeled after the three-door gate architecture in the Hue Imperial City.
Next to the three-door gate is a large burning cauldron. The cauldron is cast in reinforced concrete, with elaborate ceramic inlays on the surface. A marble slab with the name of Nguyen Thanh Nam is mounted on the top. Another slab briefly records the background of Mr. Nam and those who helped him build the place of practice.
In addition, on Phung islet there are many statues, religious symbols and meditation areas. This place used to be a center attracting thousands of followers and pilgrims to visit and study the religion.
The decline of Coconut Religion
After 1975, the new government did not recognize Coconut Religion as an official religion. The activities of the Coconut Religion were gradually restricted, the structures on Phung islet were destroyed, and the followers gradually dispersed. Nguyen Thanh Nam continued to live in his hometown until his death in 1990.
Although no longer existing as an official religious organization, the mark of the Coconut Religion still remains on Phung islet. Today, Coconut Religion Relic area has become a famous tourist destination, attracting many visitors to learn about a special period in the history of Vietnamese religion.
Source: collected by An
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