A Vietnamese religion combining elements of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism
Religion: Caodaism
Founder: Ngo Minh Chieu
Founded: 1926
Location: Vietnam
Size: Approximately 4 million members
Other Names: Đạo Cao Đài, Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ, The Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty
Caodaism, also known as Cao Dai, was founded in Vietnam in 1926, encapsulating a blend of spiritual beliefs and practices from Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. This religious movement traces its origins to a vision received by a group of mediums on Christmas Eve in 1925, leading to the establishment of Caodaism as a national religion with the signing of its founding declaration in October 1926. Its inception was marked by an intent to unify a variety of spiritual paths under one umbrella, promoting peace and unity among its followers.
The religion espouses a complex theology that includes the veneration of a supreme god, represented symbolically as the Divine Eye. It incorporates principles of karma and reincarnation from Buddhism and Hinduism, ethical precepts from Confucianism, spiritual communication practices similar to those found in Western Spiritism, and a hierarchical organization reminiscent of Roman Catholicism. Its pantheon also includes a vast array of saints from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, including figures such as Victor Hugo, Sun Yat-sen, and Joan of Arc.
The central doctrine of Caodaism, known as “The Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty,” suggests a final epoch in which God directly communicates with humanity, offering a path to salvation before the eventual destruction of the universe. This period is characterized by an intense flurry of religious activity aimed at reconciling the teachings of major world religions, thereby establishing a harmonious global family.
The religion’s liturgy and ritual practices draw heavily on its syncretic roots, including ancestor veneration, vegetarianism, prayer, and non-violence, aiming to break the cycle of reincarnation and achieve unity with the divine. Worship services, held four times daily, feature offerings of incense, tea, and food, with men and women entering temples from separate sides in observance of traditional customs.
Organizational structure within Caodaism once mirrored governmental forms, with legislative, executive, and judicial branches, although this structure was dismantled following the reunification of Vietnam. Despite these changes, Caodaism continues to practice through a regulated system of séances and spirit communication, playing a crucial role in the religious and administrative life of the community.
Throughout its history, Caodaism has faced various challenges, particularly from the communist government in Vietnam, which saw the confiscation of religious properties and restrictions on its practices. Despite these obstacles, it has maintained a significant following in Vietnam and has spread globally, with communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, totaling approximately five million adherents.
image via World Atlas
