Hidden amongst the fruit trees and flowering plants stands Chua Tuong Quang. Its serene beauty belies a rich history deeply interwoven with Vietnam’s struggles. This isn’t just a temple. It’s a silent witness to pivotal moments.
Chua Tuong Quang located at 581/5C, on the Vuon Lai Street in An Phu Dong Ward District 12 was inaugurated on February 12 1941. It was completed on November 17 1942. The founder and first abbot was Hoa Thượng Thích Pháp Dung also known as Tran Quang Luat. He belonged to the Thien Thai Thien Tong Giao a traditional Buddhist sect. Today Chua Tuong Quang is under the care of Dai Duc Thich Phuoc Thien.
In 1945 the Vietnamese people launched the August Revolution. They overthrew foreign rule and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. However French forces returned attempting to reclaim their colony. On September 23 1945 they occupied Saigon and quickly spread throughout the country. The Vietnamese fought back fiercely defending their hard-won independence. Buddhist groups like those at Chua Tuong Quang actively participated in the resistance. Following the “national salvation” tradition of Vietnamese Buddhism various Buddhist organizations emerged with names like “Buddhist National Salvation” in many localities. To increase coordination and efficiency on December 20 1945 under the guidance of Hoa Thượng Thích Minh Nguyệt Buddhist officials and monks formed the Gia Dinh Province Buddhist National Salvation Association. Chua Tuong Quang was chosen as its headquarters. During the war Chua Tuong Quang served as a base for the Gia Dinh Province’s military and the An Phu Dong Ward party branch.
During the difficult Dong Winter of 1946 Hoa Thượng Thích Pháp Dung actively engaged in relief efforts. He provided medical care and supplies even equipping the 6th Military Division in An Phu Dong. Chua Tuong Quang hosted critical meetings of revolutionary activists working together in secret. Facing intense French attacks against the An Phu Dong military zone in 1945 and 1946 Gia Dinh Province decided to relocate its resistance forces. Hoa Thượng Thích Pháp Dung was tasked with finding new locations. He travelled to An Nhon Tay Loc Ninh to establish new bases. In 1947 the Southern Buddhist Executive Committee was formed. Its members became part of the Viet Minh Front. Hoa Thượng Thích Pháp Dung was a member of the Gia Dinh Viet Minh Provincial Committee. On March 7 1951 the Viet Minh Front and the Lien Viet Front unified to form the “Viet Nam National United Front” (Lien Viet Front). Hoa Thượng Thích Pháp Dung was elected chairman of the Gia Dinh Lien Viet Front.
In 1952 Buddhist organizations created the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam. Hoa Thượng Thích Pháp Dung joined this organization becoming the General Administrator of the 7th District of Saigon now District 8. In May 1954 the Vietnamese victory at Dien Bien Phu forced the French to sign the Geneva Accords. After the Geneva Accords the An Phu Dong ward party held meetings at Chua Tuong Quang where people heard addresses from Huynh Van Dong a party member explaining the Geneva Accords and new tasks.
In 1969 the Unified Buddhist Church and the Unified Buddhist Sangha formed the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam. Hoa Thượng Thích Pháp Dung became the head of the Central Executive Committee. He also oversaw the Thien Thai Thien Tong Giao which continued to maintain contact with over 400 members involved in the Mekong Delta conflict. Chua Tuong Quang suffered damage during the war especially during the Tet Offensive of 1968. It was rebuilt in 1973 and 1974.
Today Chua Tuong Quang still holds significant Buddhist celebrations like Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year). The temple is a place for education holding classes for local children and conducting charitable work. The temple distributes gifts to the poor twice a year. Recognizing its historical importance the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee designated Chua Tuong Quang a historical and cultural relic in 2007.