The Ta Cu Reclining Buddha is the longest reclining Buddha statue on top of a mountain in Asia. The location of this unique giant Buddha is in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam on top of Ta Cu Mountain.
Furthermore, construction of the Ta Cu Buddha was begun in 1963 and completed in 1966. The dimensions of the Buddha equal 49 meters long and 11 meters in height. To put things into perspective, I am 6 feet tall and I look like a little speck lying down in front of this Buddha sculpture.
The Meaning of Reclining Buddha Statues
Reclining Buddha statues have meanings which carry great significance to the Buddha’s devotees. The Ta Cu statue depicts Gautama Buddha entering parinirvana. Parinirvana is the final stage for those who have obtained enlightenment during their lifetime. Therefore, this statue represents a significant event in Buddhist history by depicting the Buddha as he makes his final departure from the human realm.
As a result of his enlightenment, the continuous cycle of rebirth known as samsara has ended. Gautama Buddha had been the first to walk the Dharma path and he then obtained the fruits of enlightenment. It is therefore of great significance to Buddhists that he chose to teach the Dharma to the sentient life. However, the time had come for the Buddha to accept entry into Nirvana.
Ta Cu Reclining Buddha Location
Fortunately, there is cable car access to the top of the mountain. However, it is also possible to hike to the statue. The mountain path is well maintained and it passes through pristine jungle. Ta Cu mountain is located fairly close to Mui Ne and it is accessible by motorbike.
Furthermore, the giant reclining Buddha statue lies behind the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda at the base of a cliff. Also, there are amazing mountain top views from the pagoda.
Other attractions at the Ta Cu mountain compound include a collection of statues called the Pure Land Trinity. Although the reclining Buddha statue is a conservative depiction of the historical Buddha, the Pure Land Trinity statues reveal that the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda adheres to Mahayana Buddhism. In the middle is Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin on his left and on his right is Mahasthamaprapta.
Visit Ta Cu Buddha in Southern Vietnam
The reclining Buddha on Ta Cu mountain is part of a very scenic area which includes temples, Buddhist statues and magnificent mountain vistas. Indeed, the statue is also meticulously maintained and it is highly complemented by its surroundings.