Sangha & Organisation

Huyen Trang Pagoda was founded in 1964 by the late Venerable Thích Minh Cảnh. It takes its name from the Great Master Xuanzang (Huyền Trang), the 7th-century monk who crossed vast deserts alone to bring the Dharma back from India, then devoted the rest of his life to translating the Tripitaka.

After the founding abbot passed away, Bhikkhuni Thích nữ Diệu Hòa took over the care of the pagoda. In 1981, when the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha was established, the pagoda registered its activities under the Sangha’s guidance. Later, following her final wishes, the temple was entrusted to the Most Venerable Thích Hiển Pháp, who chose Venerable Thích Phước Nguyên to serve as abbot. Venerable Thích Phước Nguyên continues to lead the pagoda’s work today.

For more than six decades, the pagoda has carried on that same spirit of unwavering commitment. Huyen Trang Pagoda is a place to venerate the Triple Gem. It is also a place to cultivate virtue and practice mindful breathing meditation. Through its charity meals, it extends compassion to people in need amid the fast pace of city life.