http:pandora'nla'gov'aunlapandoracaodaism'html

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http//pandora.nla.gov.au/nla/pandora/caodaism.htm
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Understanding
in 10 minutes Compiled by Dao Cong-Tam Nov
2000 biên soån ñåo-Hu ñào Công Tâm 30
Oct 2000, Sydney - Australia
Caodaism
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What is the meaning of
It is the full symbolic name of God the Father /
the Supreme Being / the Creator which indicates a
combination of the three main religions
Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism. - Cao Dai
literally means High Tower/Palace, that is,
the place where God reigns over the universe. It
represents Confucianism. - Tien Ong is lowest
rank in Daoism. - Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat is
lowest rank in Buddhism. Together, Cao Dai Tien
Ong Dai Bo Ma Ha Tat , the full name of God the
Father, represents not only the unification of
the three main religions but also the humility of
God who represents Himself as the lowest rank of
religions
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Spirit Communication
In the 1920s the Corbeille a bec used by the
Caodaists for Spirit was a wooden stick about
26 inches long. One end of the stick had a carved
head of a phoenix. The other end was covered by a
latticed bamboo structure in the shape of a
semi-circular basin which was attached to the
stick so that the medium (s) may have room to put
their hands under the lattice work, usually
covered by a yellow material, and grasp the
Corbeille with their upturned hands. The end
held by the mediums was about 8 inches wide and 5
inches height. Burning joss sticks were attached
to the top of the carved head when the Corbeille
was used. To the rear of this head and underneath
the stick is a pen like projection, about 1 inch
long , into which is thrust the substance (like a
wax crayon) which does the writing.
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Communication with the Spiritual Realm is made
possible by special seances held in the Great
Divine Temple. Such techniques as ouija-board and
corbeille-à-bec / Ngoc Co (spiritualist writing
instrument) are operated by a number of
especially selected mediums and together they
convey the words of the Divine World to the
Religion.
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The Cao Dai Religion's (or Caodaism's) official
name is
Dai Dao / Great Way, Tam Ky / Third
Period, Pho / to announce and Do / to
Save Translated directly it means The Third
Great Universal Religious Amnesty.
The Third Universal Amnesty of God
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1- Yellow represents Buddhism 2- Blue
represents Daoism 3- Red represents
Confucianism
Banner of Cao-Dai Religion
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Emblem of Cao-Dai Religion
is the Three Ancient Attributes / Co Phap (The
Symbol of the Three Religions) 1.- Bowl of
Charity (to receive offerings) represents
Buddhism 2.- Feather Duster of Purification (Phat
Chu) represents Daoism 3.-Spring Autumn Annals
(Virtue and Love). represents Confucianism
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Caodaism is a Universal Religion with the
principle that all religions are one and of
one origin
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His Holiness Ho-Phap Pham Cong Tac (Nov 1948)
said "...The Divine Master came to gather us
together again, to unite us and to encourage us
to live in peace like children in one large
Family. The prediction of his coming in the
Christian Gospel is fulfilled 'I have other
wandering sheep to bring back to the fold'. This
means that God has to unify many religions.
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Divine Contract of
The Third Amnesty
Dieu et Humanité Amour et Justice Tian Shang
Tian Xia Bo Ai Gong Ping. "God and Humanity
for Love and Justice."
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Cao-Dai Religion or The Third Amnesty
establishes a new Great Way for salvation. And
the fundamental objective of the Third Amnesty
is the unity of all religions.
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Some History
From 1921 His Venerableness Ngo Van Chieu, a
district head of the French administration in
Cochinchina, was the first disciple to worship
and receive messages from Duc Cao Dai / God the
Father . He received a vision of the Divine Eye
which is now the symbol for Duc Cao Dai / God
as well as the focus for worship on all Cao Dai
altars.
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On Christmas Eve 1925 God identified Himself to
the first group of Caodaist mediums which
included their Venerableness Pham Cong Tac, Cao
Quynh Cu, and Cao Hoai Sang. These great souls
were to play an essential role in the growing
religion.
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On 7 Oct 1926 His Excellency Le Van Trung (a
former elected official of the Colonial
Council of Cochinchina and a member of the
Conseil de Gouvernement de l'Indochine), and a
leading group of 27 Caodaists, the first
disciples of Duc Cao Dai, signed the
"Declaration of the Founding of the Cao Dai
Religion and presented it to the French
Governor of Cochinchina. The declaration also
contained a list of 247 believers.
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Inauguration Ceremony On Thursday 18 November
1926 (14th day of 10th month of the Year Binh
Dan/Year of the Tiger) an inauguration ceremony
took place at Tu Lam Pagoda, Go Ken (Tay Ninh
Province, South Vietnam). The ceremony was
planned for three days, but the arrival of an
overwhelming number of people who responded to
the call of the New Religion, caused the
ceremony to last for three months.
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From this auspicious beginning, Caodaism
expanded and was welcomed with much ardour by the
people of Vietnam. In the first four years, the
Religion attracted half a million people. This
demonstrated that the world was ready to receive
The Third Amnesty into their hearts. Today
Caodaist communities are spread across Asia
(Cambodia, Japan), North America, Europe, and
Australia . Believers now number about five
million.
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The Fundamental Principles of
Caodaism
From a moral point of view Caodaism reminds
people of their duties towards themselves,
their family, their society (our broader
family), and humanity (the universal family).
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From an ethical point of view Caodaism encourages
us to renounce our attachment to the material
world, while still maintaining a balance between
our duties to humanity and the planet, and the
following of the Way. From a spiritual point of
view, Caodaism confirms, in harmony with all
religions, the existence of our souls and the
spirit world. Furthermore Caodaism offers a
step-by-step path that leads to full spiritual
completeness.
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The Eye is a universally potent symbol of the
Divine. For each Caodaist the Eye represents our
spiritual heart. Thus emanatingfrom the Eye is
the light of the universe. This light is our
spirit, a part of God.
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The Eye is the principle of the heart, from
which comes a source of light. Light is the
spirit. The spirit itself is God God's message
(25 February 1926)
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The Holy City of Caodaism Ninety kilometres
north-west of Saigon in Tay -Ninh Province is
the Caodaist Holy See. This Great City of God is
an incredible demonstration of Universal Love.
At the centre of this city stands the Great
Divine Temple. This Temple, like the Religion, is
a fusion of world influences. As well as being a
major centre of pilgrimage, the Caodaist Holy
See is also one of Vietnam's major tourist
attractions. There are also many splendid
local temples throughout Vietnam and around the
world.
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Worship Caodaists worship God the Father,
Holy Mother and the Divine Beings with all their
heart. They also venerate the Great Religious
Prophets of history and honour the ancestors.
There are four daily ceremonies, that is, at
600 am, Midday, 1800 pm and Midnight either at
the temple or in front of the home altar.
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Daily Rituals 600 am , noon, 600 pm,
midnight Monthly Rituals Eve of the 1st and
15th of each lunar month Annual Rituals There
are special anniversary ceremonies for God the
Father (Duc Chi Ton, Duc Cao Dai), Universal
Mother (Duc Phat Mau), the founders of the
world's faiths and the original dignitaries of
the Religion.
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Organisation
The Phap-Chanh-Truyen (The Religious Constitution
of Caodaism) was delivered to the Religion as a
series of Divine Messages. The Tan-Luat (The New
Canonical Codes), was corrected and approved by
the Spiritual Realm. These are the guiding texts
of the Religion's organisation. Caodaism is
organised into three powers.
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The Bat-Quai-Dai
This is the heavenly council, that is, the
Spirit and Soul of the New Religion. The
Bat-Quai-Dai is the invisible part, made up of
the Divine Beings, This Council is directed by
Duc Cao Dai (God the Father). The Bat-Quai-Dai
directs all activities of the universe.
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The Hiep-Thien-Dai
is the medium's branch of the religion and the
Legislative Body. Headed by the Ho-Phap
(protector of the laws and of justice), this
section communicates with the spiritual realm
directly in order to receive Divine Messages. It
also deals with the complaints of the disaffected
in order to ensure justice in the Religion.
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The Hiep-Thien-Dai is placed under the authority
of the Ho-Phap (Head of the Legislative
Affairs). He is concerned with the Laws and
Justice. He has control over four Lords of the
Zodiac, namely - Tiep-Phap (Juridical
Legislator), - Khai-Phap (Juridical
Reformer), - Hien-Phap (Juridical Renovator) -
and Bao-Phap (Juridical Conservator). Ho-Phap
is assisted by the Thuong-Pham and Thuong-Sanh
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Thuong Pham (Head of the Spiritual
Realm/Religious Affairs) . He is Leader of the
Spiritual Power. Under his command he has four
Lords of the Zodiac, namely - Tiep-Dao
(Religious Legistator), - Khai-Dao (Religious
Reformer), - Hien-Dao (Religious Renovator), -
and Bao-Dao (Religious Conservator).
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Thuong Sanh (Head of the Temporal Realm/Secular
Affairs). Under his command he has four Lords
of the Zodiac, namely - Tiep-The (Temporal
Legislator), - Khai-The (Temporal Reformer), -
Hien-The (Temporal Renovator), - and Bao-The
(Temporal Conservator).
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The Cuu-Trung-Dai
is the Executive Body which takes charge of
the administration of the Religion and its
missionary activities. This branch is headed
by the Giao-Tong or Pope
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The Cuu-Trung-Dai's hierarchy is ranked in nine
levels and the number of dignitaries in the
College of Men is limited. - 1 Giao-Tong /
Pope - 3 Chuong-Phap / Legislative Cardinal
- 3 Dau-Su / Cardinal - 36
Phoi-Su/Archbishop Among these 36, there are 3
Principal Archbishops - 72 Giao-Su / Bishop -
3000 Giao-Huu / Priest - Le-Sanh/Student Priest
- The number of Le-Sanh is unlimited. - Chuc
Viec / Sub- dignitaries or Religious Village
Administrators - The number of Sub- dignitaries
is unlimited. - Tin-Do/Adepts - The number of
adepts is unlimited. Female
dignitaries reach the rank of Cardinal only. The
number of dignitaries in the College of Women is
unlimited.
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Three Councils Govern the Holy See - Popular
Council / Hoi Nhon Sanh - Sacerdotal Council /
Hoi-Thanh - High Council / Thuong
Hoi
Popular Council / Hoi Nhon Sanh - composed of Le
Sanh / Student Priests, Sub-dignitaries and
representatives of adherents in the ratio of one
delegate per 500 members. The Popular Council
makes plans for the future.
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Sacerdotal Council / Hoi-Thanh - composed of
Priests / Giao-Huu, Bishops/Giao-Su,
Archbishops / Phoi-Su and Principal Archbishops
/ Chanh Phoi-Su. The Sacerdotal Council examines
the plans made by the Popular Council. High
Council / Thuong Hoi - composed of Cardinals /
Dau-Su, Legislative Cardinals / Chuong-Phap and
the Pope / Giao-Tong. All plans made by the
Popular Council and favoured by the Sacerdotal
Council are submitted to High Council for
approval.
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Central Administration At the Holy See, the
three Cardinals / Dau-Su of the Executive- Body
control the administration of the Religion. They
are assisted by three Principal Archbishops /
Chanh-Phoi-Su. There are nine separate
religious ministries / Cuu Vien in the
Executive Body.
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The Principal Archbishop of the Buddhist Branch /
Phai THAI is chief of the Financial / Ho Vien,
Supply / Luong Vien and Public Works / Cong Vien
Ministries. The Principal Archbishop of the
Taoist Branch / Phai THUONG is chief of the
Education / Hoc Vien, Health / Y Vien and
Agriculture / Nong Vien Ministries. The
Principal Archbishop of the Confucian Branch
/Phai NGOC is chief of Justice / Hoa Vien,
Interior /Lai Vien and Rites / Le Vien
Ministries.
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Provincial Administration The administrative
network which functions throughout Vietnam
consists of The Religious Region (Tran Dao)
comprising of several provinces, headed by a
Bishop/Giao-Su who is called the Regional
Religious Chief/Kham Tran Dao. The Religious
Province (Chau Dao) comprising of several
districts/delegations, headed by a Priest who is
called Provincial Religious Chief/Kham Chau Dao.
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The Religious District / Ho Dao comprising of
several villages, headed by a Student Priest /
Le-Sanh who is called the Religious Chief of
Delegation / Dau Toc Dao (Dau Ho Dao /Dau Phan
Dao). The Religious Village / Huong Dao headed
by a Sub-dignitary/Chanh-Tri-Su who is called
Village Religious Chief/Dau Huong Dao. He is
assisted by one (or more) Pho-Tri-Su (Deputy
Chief for Administration of a religious village)
representing the Executive Body and one (or more)
Thong-Su representing the Legislative Body. The
Religious Village are made up of Religious
Hamlets/Ap Dao.
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ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARISH / TOC DAO Any local
area having more than 500 believers is authorized
to establish a Parish (Ho Dao / Toc Dao ) with a
Thanh-That (Temple, Church, Holy House) which is
led by the authority of a dignitary.
Parish/Parishes can be established only with the
permission and authority of the Giao-Tong/Pope.
The New Canonical Codes
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Twice a month, the first and the fifteenth day of
the lunar calendar, the believers must meet at
the Thanh-That (Temple, Holy House) of the local
area to attend the ceremony and listen to the
teachings. Exception can be made for those with
reasonable excuses. The Dignitary who is the
Keeper of the Thanh-That (Holy House, Temple)
must practice four daily ceremonies (daily
services). The ceremonies must be celebrated on
time at 6 am ,12 pm, 6 pm, and 12 am. The bell
must be rung before beginning the ceremony. The
believers may (or may not) take part in the
ceremonies as they wish. The New
Canonical Codes
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INITIATION According to the Tan-Luat (The New
Canonical Codes), anyone who wishes to follow the
Religion (CaoDaism) has to be introduced by two
followers of outstanding moral rectitude to the
head of the parish/head of the Local
Congregation. These two sponsors must initiate
and guide the new disciple into the path of
ethics and morality. Thus the new follower should
learn the prayers by heart, understand the
Religious Codes promoted by the Great Faith and
must practice the Way.
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INITIATION In order to become a CaoDai
Disciple, an ordinary person must have a visible
ceremony of initiation. The disciple must kneel
before God's Altar and take the following solemn
oath "I ..........vow that from now on I will
know only one Cao-Dai Religion (God-Way
Religion), I will never change my mind, I will
live in harmony and be a close member of the
believer's community, I will observe Cao-Dai Laws
and Regulations. Should I change my mind, I
shall be exterminated by Heaven and Earth".
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Caodaism does not encourage its adepts to
renounce the world, rather it suggests that, in
parallel with their religious obligations, they
discharge their familial and social duties before
they dedicate themselves completely to the
Faith. Caodaists are asked - Lap Cong to
contribute their good works to the the Religion
and its charity organisations -Lap Ngon to
spread the word of the Third Amnesty - Lap Duc
to uphold the Religions virtues.
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THE FIVE PROHIBITIONS Once converts of the
Religion (baptized), believers must cultivate
themselves by improving their behavior and
observing five prohibitions 1- Do Not
Kill. 2- Do Not Steal. 3- Do Not Commit Lewd
Acts. 4- Do Not Indulge in the Use of
Alcohol or a luxurious life style. 5- Do Not
Lie.
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Two Categories of Believers The
Ha Thua The Lower Category/the Secular
Order consists of non-married and married persons
who earn their living as ordinary people.
However, their religious duties consists in daily
practising the worship. They must observe a
vegetarian diet of six days a month (for the
first six months after becoming a believer) and
then ten days a month. They must observe the The
Luat / Secular Rules /Laws on the Secular Life of
the Faithful promulgated by Great Way for The
Third Universal Amnesty, and must observe the
Five Prohibitions
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The Thuong Thua The Higher Category/the Superior
Order consists of simple believers and
particularly dignitaries from the rank of
Priests/Giao-Huu. According to the New Canonical
Codes (Tan Luat), the Higher Category consists of
persons who have practised a full-time
vegetarian regime, and who have freed themselves
from killing. Those in the Higher Category must
not have their beards trimmed or their hair
clipped. They must wear ordinary garments of
only white cotton material or the color assigned
to their branch. They also must refrain from
sexual intercourse, must be frugal, never indulge
in luxuries and follow the Four Great
Commanments (Tu Dai Dieu Qui).
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METHOD OF TRAINING THE SELF TO ENTER THE THIRD
GREAT WAY 14 thang Gieng nam Dinh Hoi /
1947 Ho-Phap
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METHOD OF TRAINING THE SELF TO ENTER THE THIRD
GREAT WAY/CAODAISM - Be closely related to all
beings, i.e seek the source of all living
creatures and spirits. - Be graceful and
tolerant. - Be free in your mind, never
selfish.
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- Be serene, i.e do not be influenced bad or
good luck/karma, sorrow or joy (ultimate being,
accept happiness and sorrow , but do not let the
poisonous barbs of happiness and sorrow permeate
your true nature. - Be generous, considerate
and forgiving. - Be cheerful, moderate, self
controlled and decisive. - Conscience is the
principle for all. Have filial piety to God and
the Holy Mother.
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METHOD OF TRAINING THE CONSCIENCE DERIVED AS IT
IS FROM GOD'S LIGHT - Faith and wisdom are the
most valuable treasure anything else is
wasteful. - Those who hates their enemies
cannot be calm and impartial persons. - Those
who do not hate will win over their enemies. -
Hatred is the greatest sorrow of human beings.
Therefore a true person (good person) never
thinks of it or avoids it. -
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- Overcome your anger so that you do not enrage
others. - Use good to overcome evil. - Use
kindness to overcome cruelty. - Be generous to
overcome selfishness. - Use right to overcome
wrong. That is the Magic Sword of Wisdom.
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METHOD OF TRAINING THE PHYSICAL BODY AND THE
MIND - Eat pure food. -
Think pure thoughts. - Have a strong
faith in God and the Holy Mother.
- Love immensely. All this is the key to
open the door of Bat-Quai-Dai rightly in
this earthly life.
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Centre for Studies in Caodaim,
Sydney Online fulltext books, articles, audio,
images in English and Vietnamese URL http//pand
ora.nla.gov.au/nla/pandora/caodaism.html