“In 1965, a vision took root.” That’s how the story of Chùa Phật Bảo begins. This temple stands as one of the 22 Theravada Buddhist temples in Ho Chi Minh City. Back in the 1930s this branch of Buddhism made its way from Cambodia into Vietnam.
Imagine those early days. The need was great for young monks. They needed the knowledge of Buddhist teachings and culture. They would then spread the word. It was the dawn of Theravada Buddhism in Vietnam.
Chùa Phật Bảo’s story is also one of gratitude. The land where Chùa Phật Bảo stands today was donated. Two families the Huỳnh and Lâm families gave their ancestral land. Mr. Lâm Văn Linh and Mrs. Hà Trung Bửu completed the land transfer. They handed over the documents to Hoà Thượng Giới Nghiêm. He then founded Chùa Phật Bảo.
Step onto the grounds. Notice the tower. It was built in 1985. It stands 11.55 meters tall. The top level holds the Buddha’s relics. The middle level enshrines relics of revered monks. The lower level holds relics of Buddhist followers. The tower has since been moved behind the main hall of Chùa Phật Bảo.
Between 1966 and 1975, Chùa Phật Bảo also served as a school. It was the location of the intermediate-level Buddhist Academy. They taught the Pali canon. Each course hosted about 100 resident monks.
Inside the main hall, you’ll find a serene setting. The temple is solemnly decorated. At the center sits a statue of Đức Bổn sư Thích Ca. On either side are statues of Đức Phật. One statue depicts the Buddha with an alms bowl. The other shows the Buddha entering Nirvana.
In 1968, the Thai Royal Family made a generous donation to Chùa Phật Bảo. This was during the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony. They presented a complete set of bronze Buddhist statues. They also donated bronze lamps. A Dharma platform was included. A Pali Tipitaka collection in Thai was also gifted.
The first abbot of Chùa Phật Bảo was Hoà Thượng Giới Nghiêm. He was from Thừa Thiên Huế. He became a monk at Bảng Lãng Pagoda in Huế in 1930. In 1944, he studied in Cambodia. He learned from Hoà Thượng Chuon Nath. He also studied in Thailand and Myanmar. Hoà Thượng served as the Supreme Patriarch of the Theravada Sangha. He served from 1964 to 1971 and again in 1979.
From 1987, Tỳ kheo Thích Chánh Niệm became abbot. He initiated several renovations. The Tam Quan gate was built in 2001. The Phật Bảo tower was constructed in 2003. Today, Sư Quang Minh is the current abbot of Chùa Phật Bảo.
Important festivals are celebrated here. These include the Buddha’s Birthday on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. There is also a ceremony to bathe the Buddha. The death anniversary of cố HT Giới Nghiêm is on the 13th day of the 7th lunar month. The Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony occurs on the 18th day of the 9th lunar month.
Chùa Phật Bảo engages in charitable activities. Gifts are given to the poor in remote areas. This happens during the Vu Lan season. This shows filial piety.
In October 20, a grand ceremony marked the completion. It celebrated the Si-ma area after extensive renovations. These renovations lasted over six years.
Chùa Phật Bảo stands as a testament to faith. It also honors generosity and dedication. It is a place where tradition meets community service.