Did you know that Chùa Phổ Đà is over a century old? It stands as a serene space amid Da Nang’s bustling heart. Let me tell you about this temple. Chùa Phổ Đà is not just a religious site. It is a place where history and spirituality intertwine.
Founded in 1927, the temple began as a humble hermitage. Venerable Thích Tôn Thắng built it with simple roof tiles naming it Phổ Thiên tự. It was located in Bình Thuận village now Phan Châu Trinh Street. In 1936, it was granted the title Sắc tứ Phổ Thiên tự. People respectfully called the monk Ôn Phổ Thiên.
In 1933, Venerable Thích Tôn Thắng established a Buddhist academy. He aimed to train monks. He transformed Phổ Thiên Temple into a grand monastery serving as the foundation for the Da Nang Buddhist Association. From 1958, he offered Phổ Thiên Temple. He gave it to the Buddhist Church of Central Vietnam. It became the Buddhist Institute of Central Vietnam. Its name changed to Phổ Đà.
Over half a century, esteemed educators led the training. They shaped monks at the Phổ Đà Buddhist Institute. These included Venerable Thích Trí Hữu and Venerable Thích Từ Mẫn. Many trained monks became prominent figures like Venerable Thích Tịnh Từ.
By 1992, Chùa Phổ Đà became the Quang Nam Da Nang Intermediate Buddhist School. Now, it is the Da Nang Intermediate Buddhist School. It continuously trained about 300 monks and nuns from in and out of the city. Besides education, Chùa Phổ Đà is a residence for monks. It is a place for Buddhist activities. It welcomes devotees with key events such as the annual retreats. A Pháp Hoa group has been active for over 30 years with over 300 members. They study and support the school. A Thiện Sanh group meets every Sunday for young adults.
During the Buddhist revival, Chùa Phổ Đà housed the Tam Bảo magazine. Venerable Thích Tôn Thắng served as editor in 1937. During the 1963 Buddhist crisis, Chùa Phổ Đà was a rallying point. Forces gathered to demand religious equality and peace. Venerable Thích Tôn Thắng led a hunger strike. It was a nonviolent protest before the Da Nang City Hall. In 1970, the Vĩnh Gia Great Ordination was held. High-ranking monks and over a thousand initiates attended. In 1996, the Phước Huệ Great Ordination took place.
Chùa Phổ Đà has had two abbots. Venerable Thích Tôn Thắng led from its beginning until his death in 1976. His disciple Venerable Thích Từ Mẫn has led since then. Monks from Chùa Phổ Đà have served in local Buddhist leadership.
With countless disciples worldwide, Chùa Phổ Đà has nurtured many monks. Venerable Thích Chơn Ngộ and Venerable Thích Từ Mẫn are among them.
Regarding renovations, Chùa Phổ Đà has evolved. In 1962, a Buddhist academy was built. In 1970, the Quan Thế Âm Buddha statue was added. In 1983, the main hall was renovated. In the 2000s, the entire building was renovated at over one billion đồng. In 2004, a 2.75m tall, 3.5-ton statue of Đức Bổn Sư was cast.
Today, Chùa Phổ Đà stands as a testament to time. It embodies Da Nang’s spiritual and cultural essence. Its architecture reflects the Bắc Tông style. The space creates a harmonious and aesthetic setting. Key features include statues of Phật A Di Đà and Quan Thế Âm. Visiting Chùa Phổ Đà offers a tranquil escape. It is a chance to appreciate Buddhist art. You can find serenity in Da Nang’s vibrant city.