“First Buddhist temple in Vietnam,” declares a sign. That is quite a claim. Today we explore Chùa Bửu Quang.
Chùa Bửu Quang is more than just a temple. It is a foundation. It set the stage for Theravada Buddhism in Vietnam.
Let’s step back in time over 81 years. Two friends shared a vision. They wanted to spread Nguyen Thuy Dharma. Nguyen Van Hieu and Dr. Le Van Giang made a promise. Giang traveled to Cambodia. He studied scriptures and meditation. Hieu stayed home. He searched for a peaceful place in Saigon to build a temple.
Hieu with Nguyen Van Quyen and Van Cong Huong sought land in Cho Lon. They found nothing suitable. They ventured to Go Dua in Thủ Đức. They found a perfect spot. It was quiet but not far from the city. Bà Cả and ông Xã trưởng Bùi Ngươn Hứa owned the land. The men negotiated with them to build a temple.
Recognizing their good intentions, ông bà gave them 3 hectares. They asked for no money. They made a symbolic land sale for one đồng. This act strengthened their faith.
In 1938, Hieu built a leaf temple and eight meditation huts. These resembled Cambodian stilt houses. On the 15th day of the 10th month in 1938, they celebrated the Buddha’s installation. Officials from Làng, Tổng, Quận, and Ban Tịnh độ Thủ Đức attended. This marked the founding of the temple. It became the first of the Kinh Southern School.
In 1966, ông Bùi Ngươn Hứa requested a special meeting. The Board of Directors of the Nguyen Thuy Vietnam Buddhist Association convened. They chose a representative to buy land for Chùa Bửu Quang. This land had been created since 1939. Nguyễn Văn Hiếu bought the land for the Association. The purchase was for one đồng. This donation was for the Tam bảo.
Later, in 1964 and 1966, Hiếu bought more land for the temple.
On April 15, 1940, the temple was inaugurated. Tỳ khưu Thiện Luật, Tỳ khưu Huệ Nghiêm and Nguyễn Văn Hiếu organized the event. The Vice Sangharaja of Cambodia, Som Dach Choun Nath, and 30 Khmer monks attended. The King of Cambodia donated a Bodhi tree.
Lê Văn Giảng became a monk in 1940. He took the dharma name Hộ Tông. He spread Chính Pháp as promised. He resided at Chùa Bửu Quang from 1940 to 1944.
In 1945, French colonists invaded Saigon. The Gò Dưa followers scattered. They entrusted the temple to ông cả Nguu and ông Giáo Vương Văn Thêm. Due to constant raids, the two men had to leave Chùa Bửu Quang.
In 1947, the French destroyed the temple.
In 1951, Tỳ khưu Hộ Luật returned to lead until 1954.
Followers rebuilt Tổ đình Bửu Quang. They retrieved Xá lợi on November 22, 1953. They celebrated with government and military support.
Through time, Chùa Bửu Quang has been rebuilt many times. It still maintains simplicity. Since 2003, the temple has expanded. It added a nunnery with 35 rooms. Overall, the structures are basic.
In 2007, the Vietnam Record Center recognized Chùa Bửu Quang. It was named the first Theravada Buddhist temple in Vietnam.
In May 2016, it was confirmed as the “First Southern Buddhist Temple in Vietnam”.
On July 8, 2016, UNESCO recognized Chùa Bửu Quang. It became a “Vietnam Sacred Ancient Temple”.
Today, about 80 monks and nuns reside here.
Chùa Bửu Quang stands as a testament. It shows the enduring power of faith. It highlights community spirit in Vietnamese Buddhism.