Chùa Hải Tạng

“Lost,” whispered a sailor, clutching a piece of driftwood. “We’re lost, and the gods are angry.” Thus begins the tale of Chùa Hải Tạng, Cu Lao Cham’s oldest and most sacred pagoda. Chùa Hải Tạng, nestled in the Cẩm hamlet near Bãi Làng harbor, has witnessed over 270 years of history. Built in 1758 under King Canh Hung, the pagoda wasn’t always in its current location. Originally a small hermitage, it was relocated in 1848 following a devastating storm. The pagoda’s name, Hải Tạng, translates to “Ocean Treasury.” “Hải” represents the vast ocean, while “Tạng” symbolizes the treasure of Buddhist scriptures. The name reflects a gathering of Buddhist wisdom, creating a priceless repository of knowledge. Legend claims a ship carrying precious wood sought shelter from a storm near Cu Lao Cham. Days turned into weeks, the ship trapped by raging winds. A desperate sailor prayed at a small temple, where a deity revealed in a dream that the wood was destined to build a pagoda on the island. The pagoda’s unique features include a triple-entrance gate. The gate, standing five meters tall and 1.5 meters wide, has four pillars topped with lotus shapes. Its roof is adorned with yin-yang tiles. A statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara stands serenely in a lotus pond, facing the East Sea, offering protection to the island’s fishermen. Inside, the main hall, constructed from lim wood and adorned with intricate carvings, is divided into three rooms. The central room houses the Three Buddhas, while the side rooms hold statues of Tam Thanh Quan Cong, Chau Xuong, Luu Binh, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Remarkably, all the statues within Chùa Hải Tạng are crafted from wood, not the typical bronze or gold. Adding to its mystique, the pagoda houses the “Song Long Trieu Duong” bell. Its Le Dynasty style suggests it predates even the pagoda itself. Chùa Hải Tạng observes a “four no’s” principle: no abbot, no votive paper, no electricity, and no permanent monks. After the passing of the last abbot, Thích Hải Tạng, the pagoda has been managed by the local community. This unique approach emphasizes community self-reliance and environmental respect, encouraging a focus on deeper spiritual values. Chùa Hải Tạng’s serene atmosphere, coupled with Cu Lao Cham’s breathtaking beauty, offers visitors a profound sense of peace.