35 years of dedicated journey of collecting antiques

For the first time, Ho Phap Pagoda - located in the historical relic complex of Thich Ca Phat Dai (Tran Phu Street, Ward 5, Vung Tau City) widely introduces to the public nearly 200 rare antiques. To have this collection of rare antiques is a 35-year journey of dedicated antique collecting by Venerable Thich Giac Tri, Member of the Board of Trustees, Deputy of the Board of Trustees of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha, Abbot of Ho Phap Pagoda.

Báo Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu•16/05/2025

Most Venerable Thich Giac Tri, Deputy of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee and Abbot of Ho Phap Pagoda, introduces the golden Buddha statue donated by the King of Thailand in 2009.

From May 12 to 19, Ho Phap Pagoda will display antiques to serve the people and tourists to visit and learn about ancient Buddhist and Vietnamese cultures. Visitors will be amazed by the collection of nearly 200 rare antiques displayed here.

During his 35-year journey of collecting antiques, Venerable Thich Giac Tri has devoted much effort to finding antiques belonging to the culture and civilization of Vietnam. The most prominent is the collection of antiques belonging to the Oc Eo culture, including: bricks with carved patterns, statues of Buddha meditating, salt jars, ceramic rice jars, rustic but valuable artifacts. This is vivid evidence of a culture that flourished in the South from the 1st to the 7th century AD, with deep connections to the history of ancient Southeast Asia.

The exhibition space of Ho Phap Pagoda also has a solemn corner displaying exquisitely sculpted Buddha statues from the Champa culture of Vietnam. Besides, there is a collection of statues and vases with colorful patterns, made of Lai Thieu ceramics, helping viewers understand more about the famous pottery making profession in Lai Thieu pottery village ( Binh Duong ).

Along with that is a Khmer language scripture written on palm leaves, with a history of about 400 years.

Visitors are also amazed by the ancient golden Buddha statue, donated to Ho Phap Pagoda by Thai King MH Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2009.

Over the years, Venerable Thich Giac Tri has traveled to many countries around the world such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, India, New Zealand..., painstakingly collecting elaborately and delicately carved Buddha statues, several hundred years old.

Visiting the Thich Ca Buddha Temple, Ms. Doan Thi My Linh (22 Dong Khoi, Ward 1, Vung Tau City) accidentally learned that this place was displaying antiques. Ms. Linh exclaimed: "The first time I came to this temple, I was able to admire many rare antiques. These rare artifacts and documents help me understand more about ancient cultures."

Venerable Thich Giac Tri said that the journey of collecting antiques helped him understand more about Buddhist cultures of countries around the world. At the same time, it preserves Buddhist culture in the flow of Vietnamese culture. “Currently, the pagoda is repairing the traditional room to display these antiques for a long time, creating conditions for people and tourists to admire the antiques. Thereby, they can understand and appreciate the cultural heritage and sculpture of Vietnam and other countries around the world,” Venerable Thich Giac Tri said.

Article and photos: THI PHONG

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/202505/hanh-trinh-35-nam-tam-huyet-suu-tam-co-vat-1042693/