Caodaism: Beliefs & Rituals
Major Religions of Vietnam
If you had to guess, what would you say is the most common religion of Vietnam?
That was a trick question because Vietnam is mostly an atheistic country, with over 80% of the population stating that they have no religion and do not believe in a deity. However, among those that do practice a faith, Buddhism ranks the highest, with Roman Catholicism a close second. The third most popular organized religion in Vietnam is Caodaism, founded in 1926.
You are probably at least somewhat familiar with Buddhism and Catholicism, but what about Caodaism? What do followers believe? How do they worship? What rituals make up their faith?
Come along as we discover more about the religion of Caodaism.
Brief Overview
Caodaism, or Cao Dai as it is often spelled, literally means high palace or Kingdom of Heaven. In its Vietnamese form, the term Cao Dai is the name of God. The religious center of Caodaism is Tay Ninh in Vietnam. It is known as a blending, or mixing, religion because it holds values and beliefs common to many other organized faiths. The main building of worship is referred to as the Holy See and has a uniquely eclectic design that is reminiscent of the worship buildings of multiple faiths. A Holy See doesn't look like a church, a synagogue, or a mosque but is somehow all of these at once.
Beliefs
As a religion built on the foundations of many other religions, it should not come as a surprise that Caodaism's beliefs resemble other major religious beliefs. There are four main beliefs held by followers of Caodaism.
- God is the monotheistic god of all religions, and all religions share one truth.
- Reincarnation exists but is not compulsory. People who pass on may become saints in Heaven or may reincarnate to another life on Earth.
- God is ever-present in the lives of all.
- There exists a bond of connection between all things, plants and animals alike, because all things were created by the one God.
Each of these four beliefs can be found in one or another of the major world religions. Interestingly, the Caodaists also incorporate secular beliefs into their faith by holding that creation by God was accomplished through the Big Bang, a scientific explanation for the creation of the universe.
Rituals and Practices
Due to its conglomeration of so many religious faiths into one view, it is no wonder that Caodaism encourages peaceful inclusion and acceptance of all faiths and beliefs.
Caodaism is a hierarchical faith, and this can be seen even in their seating arrangements. Ritualistic practices start as soon as a worshipper enters the building; the worship area is segmented into nine levels of ascension, with the highest level being nearest the altar.
During a Cao Dai service, worshipers, separated by gender, kneel or sit on mats arranged in strict order on the floor. Though the majority of worshipers wear white, higher-ranking members belonging to the three main sects of Caodaism wear color-coded robes: yellow for Phai Thai (Buddhists), Phai Chuong (Taoists) and red (Confucians).
During any worship service, whether private or public, followers of the faith set an altar that includes an image of the Divine Eye, an eye with the ying-yang symbol as the pupil inside a triangle that represents God. Fruit and flowers are arranged as offerings, along with glasses of wine, incense, candles and a light.
By Maria Airth
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