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
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
- 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
- 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
- Cao Dai temple
- Holy See at Tây Ninh
- Home altar
Sacred texts
- Cao Dai scriptures and spirit messages
- Prayers and liturgical texts
- Doctrinal writings of the Cao Dai community
Holidays and observances
- Founding commemorations
- Birthdays of major divine figures
- Lunar calendar festivals and community observances
Branches and related traditions
- 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.