“A beacon of Vietnamese Buddhism,” the tour guide’s voice echoed, “stands before us – Duc Quang Pagoda.” Duc Quang Pagoda has seen much since its humble beginnings in 1948. It started as a small, leaf-roofed structure, founded by the monk Thich Thien Tri. He envisioned it as a place of learning, calling it Ung Quang Tu, and here, he nurtured young minds in the ways of Buddhism. In 1950, a pivotal change occurred with the arrival of Thich Thien Hoa, a monk returning from overseas studies. Under his guidance, Ung Quang Tu was transformed, its main hall rebuilt in the image of Hue’s grand Tu Dam Pagoda. It was renamed Duc Quang Pagoda and became the heart of the newly formed Nam Viet Buddhist School. This period, the mid-20th century, was a tumultuous time for Vietnam. Duc Quang Pagoda, however, continued to flourish, expanding its reach with a printing house, a library, even a factory producing incense. It became the epicenter of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, a testament to its importance in the nation’s spiritual landscape. Today, Duc Quang Pagoda remains a vibrant hub of Buddhist activity. It stands as a symbol of resilience and peace, its history intertwined with the evolution of Vietnamese Buddhism.
Hàm Luông River
The gentle rocking of a sampan on the water. This is the Hàm Luông River. A vital artery coursing through