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The Vietnamese Pagoda in Hanover, Germany. The three–wing–entrance portal leads to the spacious prayer hall and the seven layered tower. The pagoda is a monastery staffed by the founder and abbot Thich Nhu Dien and several monks and nuns. The complex was inaugurated in 1991. |
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The seven layered tower of the Pagoda in Hanover, Germany. The tower houses the mythical precursors of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. Also, in endless shelves we find some 10,000 small Buddha images, each image donated by a family. Traditionally, in East Asia a pagoda tower is meant to store the ash of a deceased family member. This habit is not allowed according to German laws, however. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1999. |
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The huge prayer hall with its yard in front. To the very right, parts of the pagoda tower are visible. In front the Lotus fountain, centered with a figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, in Vietnamese Quan An. Quan An is depicted in its female form as Kuan–yin, symbol of support in need and misery. As observable, during main yearly festivals as Vesakh the Vietnamese monastery is visited by numerous people. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1999. |
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In front of the prayer hall stands the 10 feet tall figure of Buddha Amitabha. His right hand points downwards open hand, symbolizing the granting of all wishes. His left hand is a common sign for the Buddhist wheel (i.e. the teachings) which should be followed. The two postures of his hands express compassion and wisdom. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1999. |
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Inside the prayer hall, facing the central altar. At the top, seated in meditation posture is Buddha Shakyamuni. Right in front of the richly decorated altar are members of the clergy, safran yellow robed monks. The hall is populated by several hundred believers. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1998. |
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The main shrine with opulent gifts and various Buddha figures. At the top, seated in meditation posture is Buddha Shakyamuni. A similar figure, seated on a lotus flower is in front of him. Three small boys seated in front exercise the right way to venerate the Buddha. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1999. |
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Details of the altar with endless gifts of fruits and flowers. At the top Buddha Shakyamuni is seated. In front of him amidst flowers stands a figure of Siddhartha (to become Buddha later). His finger points upwards to the moon, symbol of enlightenment and admonition to strive for enlightenment. To the right, seated on a green lion, is Bodhisattva Manjushri, with book and lute symbol for wisdom and grace. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1999. |
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The prayer hall has also various other altars. In front of one of the altars for Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kuan–yin) people practise the "Vietnamese oracle" (Vietn. "xin xam"). Small sticks in a container are shaken until one of the sticks falls out. The stick has a number. According to the number a respective card is chosen. The little card has a saying or verse which may help to interpret past or future events. During festivals the practice of shaking the sticks is heard non–stop. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1999. |
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Part of the monastery is a room to remember the ancestors and deceased. The wall of the room has little pictures of the deceased family member. Relatives in front of the picture remember the deceased. Flowers and fruits are offered, symbols of transitoriness. Photo at the Vesakh festival, May 1999. |
