Pagoda with 2 unique names
According to Khmer cultural researcher Chau Mo Ni Soc Kha (Tri Ton commune, An Giang province), Ta Miet Tren Pagoda follows Southern Buddhism of the Khmer people in That Son region, was first established in 1940 in Luong Phi commune, Tri Ton district, An Giang province, now O Lam commune, An Giang province.
Because Ta Miet Pagoda (old) now also known as Ta Miet Duoi Pagoda, is a revolutionary base, it is often attacked by invaders. To ensure safety for monks and Buddhists who are Khmer people coming to the pagoda to listen to scriptures and study Buddhism, in the Buddhist year 2483 (1940), Ta Miet Pagoda monks from the rice fields above and below the foot of Dai Mountain, moved to the area near the foot of Dai Mountain to build a small thatched hut on the mango garden land donated by Mr. Nap (Ta Nap).
From there, a new pagoda was formed with 2 unique names: one named Ta Miet Pagoda, but attached to the Upward direction, and one associated with the noble gesture of devout Buddhists who donated mango garden land to build a pagoda: Ta Nap Mango Pagoda.
Rising after the ruins
After the Southwest border war broke out, the people of Ta Miet hamlet were organized by the Party and State to relocate deep into the inland to avoid disaster. The war ended, in 1981, the people of Ta Miet successively returned to their old hometowns, starting to rebuild their lives.
In 1982, Ta Miet Tren Pagoda was rebuilt in extremely deprived conditions. Following the guidance of Venerable Chau Ra Quit, the entire pagoda staff, we admired the images recorded of the pagoda that year.
The pagoda is built of wood, with a thatched roof, palm leaves or water coconut leaves, and bamboo walls. In 2005, when the local economy gradually stabilized, Ta Miet Tren pagoda was completely newly built. With the support of the Party, State and contributions from Buddhists and philanthropists, solid items such as monks' quarters, salas and main halls, especially the new main hall, were built spaciously with lines and shapes... All like highlights, making Ta Miet Tren pagoda one of the most beautiful Nam Tong pagodas in the That Son region.
On December 20, 1960, the Committee of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (DTPMN) of An Giang province was established at Bai Da Chay, To Mountain cliff. Due to having to focus on the Uprising, fighting the enemy to expand the liberated zone, two months later, on February 20, 1961, the Provincial National Liberation Front organized the People's Launching Ceremony at Ta Miet Pagoda, Ta Miet hamlet, Luong Phi commune (former Tri Ton district).
In June 2013, to commemorate this event, a memorial stele was erected in the area of Ta Miet Tren Pagoda.
Joining hands to build the pagoda not only has religious significance, but also clearly shows the spirit of solidarity in the community, as well as the effectiveness of the great national unity policy in caring for the cultural life of the Khmer people.
Currently, Ta Miet Tren Pagoda is not only a place for monks to study but also a cultural and religious activity center for Khmer people in the region. Buddhist activities and traditional festivals are maintained, contributing to preserving national identity and creating community cohesion. This is also a clear proof of the role of the Great National Unity policy in consolidating the "fence" of the Fatherland from the cultural foundation and people's beliefs.
