The six-month exhibition introduces visitors to nearly 200 documentsand objects that describe the development of Buddhism in Vietnam.
On display are paintings, statues, worshipping objects and musical instrument, as well as local Buddhist architecture.
The exhibition brings back the dawn of Vietnam’s Buddhism, whichoriginated from Luy Lau Buddhism in the north, ancient Champa’sBuddhism in the centre of the country, and Oc Eo culture in the south.
During the Ly-Tran dynasty from the 11 th to the 13 th century,Buddhism flourished with remarkable impacts on various socio-culturalaspects, and was considered the national religion. Truc Lam ZenBuddhism was founded by King Tran Nhan Tong during this period, markingVietnam ’s independent religious development. Many temples wereconstructed such as Bao Thien, Dam, Phat Tich, Thay, Pho Minh and BoiKhe.
After the Ly-Tran dynasty, Confucianism becamethe official ideology and the foundation to build political and socialinstitutions. However, Buddhism, with its strong vitality, was stillfollowed by people of various classes in society and graduallyrecovered in the Mac dynasty in the 16 th century.
Themuseum exhibits the national treasure Canh Thinh Bronze Drum of the TaySon dynasty, which represents the spiritual and religious value of theVietnamese people over thousands of years.
During theNguyen dynasty in the 19 th century, numerous temples were restorednationwide, bequeathing large and valuable cultural heritages.
The documents and objects will be on display until August, 2013, at theNational Museum of History, No. 25 Tong Dan Street, Hanoi./.