Caodaism Beliefs
Caodaism Beliefs
"All Religions Are One"
Caodaist TempleCaodaism Beliefs
SPIRITUAL LIFE
If you are ever in Viet Nam, you need to visit the Caodaist temple in Tay Ninh. It is like no other. Its architectural set-up is truly a work of art. The outside walls are painted with dazzling colors and embellished with symbolic designs and sculptures. The top of the front entrance is adorned with an eye and rays, representing wisdom, awareness, and spiritual light pouring out onto the world.
Massive columns, decorated with figures of colorful dragons, surround the inside of the temple. The richness of the artwork is beyond words. Undoubtedly, the hand of God guided the master builder in creating such a glorious spiritual temple.
The Vietnam Caodaist Temple is a work of art that is magnificent in every way.
The religion practiced in this temple is a bit strange or one of a kind. It combines all the useful elements of each religion into one in which God is the central focal point and creator of all.
Ngo Minh Chien, also known as Ngo Van Chien, was the founder of this religion. He was a spiritualist with a passion for western and eastern theologies who was born in 1878. When he was approximately 41 years old, he began receiving divine revelations from God. It was during these manifestations that the true meaning of religion was disclosed. According to him, God gave him explicit instructions for the creation of a new religion. The new religion was called Cao Dai, which means God.
He was told that in order to spread world peace and harmony, he needed to integrate the good elements of all religions into one.
In addition to spreading world peace and harmony, the basic principles are for humanity to attain spiritual growth and end the continuous reincarnation cycle.
This religion consists of one God, an earth goddess, and an array of saints who are God's assistants. It preaches love and compassion for all. Furthermore, it teaches that man is inherently good, and killing is wrong. Due to the latter belief, many Caodaists were persecuted during the Viet Nam conflict.
Caodaism was officially recognized in 1925. It continues to grow stronger, with 400 hundred temples and approximately 2 million followers. It is the third-largest religion in Vietnam.
FIVE PROHIBITIONS OF CAODAISM
1- No Killing
2-No Stealing
3-No Drinking of Alcohol or Eating of Meat
4-No Committing Lewd Acts
5-No Lying
The Four Great Commandments
1- one should obey the teachings given by the superiors, listen openly to the words and advice given by an inferior, treat others civilly, and sincerely admit and repent one’s mistakes.
2- one should not flaunt talents or qualities in pride and haughtiness, should be humble and efface oneself in the service of others, should help and guide others into God’s path, should not be vengeful, and should not hinder virtuous and wise people.
3- one should be accurate in money matters, should not borrow without paying back, should not be impolite or discourteous to superiors, and should be civil and courteous when teaching inferiors.
4- One should be sincere and consistent in both the presence and absence of others; should not be respectful in the presence of others and then insult, condemn, or offend them in their absence; should not remain indifferent without trying to reconcile co-believers who are in conflict; and should not use authority to repress the talents or abilities of others.(vietvisiontravel.com)
May there be WORLD PEACE
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