Cao Dai
| Cao Dai | |
|---|---|
| Family | New religious movement / Vietnamese |
| Origin region | Vietnam |
| Founding period | Founded in 1926 CE |
| Estimated adherents | Millions historically and in modern Vietnam and diaspora communities; exact numbers vary. |
Cao Dai is cao Dai is a Vietnamese syncretic religion founded in the 20th century, teaching one supreme God and incorporating elements from Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Vietnamese spiritism, and other traditions.
Overview
[edit | edit source]Cao Dai, formally Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ, emerged in southern Vietnam in 1926. It developed a distinctive hierarchy, temples, séances, theology, and liturgy. The tradition presents itself as a universal path for a third era of divine salvation and harmony among religions.
Key beliefs
[edit | edit source]- One supreme God, often symbolized by the Divine Eye
- Unity of religions and revelation through multiple historical teachers
- Karma, reincarnation, moral cultivation, and spiritual progress
- Veneration of saints, sages, and divine messengers from several cultures
- Harmony of the Three Teachings: Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism
Practices
[edit | edit source]- Temple liturgy and prayer four times daily in some communities
- Vegetarian discipline at varying levels
- Séance and spirit-message traditions historically
- Ethical cultivation and service
- Ritual hierarchy and colorful ceremonial dress
Places of worship
[edit | edit source]- Cao Dai temple
- Holy See at Tây Ninh
- Home altar
Sacred texts
[edit | edit source]- Cao Dai scriptures and spirit messages
- Prayers and liturgical texts
- Doctrinal writings of the Cao Dai community
Holidays and observances
[edit | edit source]- Founding commemorations
- Birthdays of major divine figures
- Lunar calendar festivals and community observances
Branches and related traditions
[edit | edit source]- New Religious Movements - A broad category for modern religions that emerged in recent centuries.
- Vietnamese religions - A regional category for traditions rooted in Vietnamese culture.
- Syncretic religions - Traditions that consciously combine elements from multiple religious systems.