Introduction
Understanding Caodism
Caodism seeks to bring together the teachings of several traditions in a new revelation destined for the unity of humanity. It incorporates Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian and spirit elements.
Vietnamese officials and intellectuals practising spiritism brought back messages from Cao ▼ài in the French colonial context.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Caodaïsme seeks to bring together the teachings of several traditions in a new revelation destined for the unity of humanity.
- Vietnamese officials and intellectuals practising spiritism brought back messages from Cao ▼ài in the French colonial context.
- God sent various religions throughout history; their separation has fostered conflicts and misunderstandings.
- caodaïsme offers a Vietnamese and universalist synthesis of the great religious paths.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Vietnamese officials and intellectuals practising spiritism brought back messages from Cao ▼ài in the French colonial context.
Historical developments
Religion developed rapidly clergy, temples, schools and social institutions.
Ritual life and teachings
God sent various religions throughout history; their separation has fostered conflicts and misunderstandings.
A living and plural tradition
It also played a political and military role in the 20th century, and then experienced repression and reorganization.
History and development
Vietnamese officials and intellectuals practising spiritism brought back messages from Cao ▼ài in the French colonial context. Religion rapidly developed clergy, temples, schools and social institutions.
It also played a political and military role in the 20th century, and then experienced repression and reorganization. Several branches exist today.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
God sent various religions throughout history; their separation has fostered conflicts and misunderstandings. The Third Amnesty must restore their unity.
The faithful cultivate ethics, vegetarianism to varying degrees, daily prayer and service. The clergy of Tây Ninh include men and women in a colorful hierarchy; however, the supreme functions are not identical according to gender and branches.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Mediumic messages, Holy Words, liturgical texts and religious codes. The left eye in a triangle represents the divine gaze.
The yellow, blue and red colours evoke Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Victor Hugo is among the spiritual characters honored as a guide, not as a supreme god.
What research can and cannot say
Medium-sized communications are a matter of belief. History studies their writing, their actors and their colonial context.
References