The social upheavals and influence of Western thought in the early 20th century led to the emergence of two major indigenous religious sects in Vietnam: Cao Dai and Hoa Hao. Among these, Cao Dai has a larger following, with an estimated two million adherents in southern Vietnam and thousands more among overseas Vietnamese communities in the United States, Canada, and the UK. The religion’s spiritual and administrative hub, known as the Holy See, is located in a striking cathedral in Tay Ninh, Vietnam, where it also operates schools, a hospital, and agricultural initiatives. The northernmost Cao Dai congregation can be found in Hue.

Origins of Cao Dai

The origins of Cao Dai date back to the early 1920s, when Ngo Van Chieu, a French colonial civil servant stationed on Phu Quoc Island, experienced a spiritual revelation. During a séance, he was contacted by a supreme spirit identifying itself as Cao Dai, meaning “High Place.” The spirit revealed the principles of the faith and instructed Ngo to adopt the Divine Eye as its sacred symbol. Upon his return to Saigon, Ngo began preaching that Cao Dai had previously revealed itself through global spiritual leaders like Lao-tzu, Christ, Mohammed, Moses, Sakyamuni (the Buddha), and Confucius, tailoring messages to fit specific cultures.

Cao Dai proposes a universal religion, uniting diverse beliefs through spirit intermediaries. These include historical figures such as Louis Pasteur, William Shakespeare, Joan of Arc, Sir Winston Churchill, and Napoleon Bonaparte. Their revelations were transcribed using a planchette, a device similar to those used in spiritualist practices.

Beliefs and Practices

Cao Dai is a synthesis of Eastern and Western religious philosophies, grounded primarily in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, while incorporating elements of Christianity, Islam, and spiritualism. Followers abide by five commandments:

  1. Refrain from killing living beings.
  2. Avoid luxurious lifestyles.
  3. Shun greed.
  4. Speak honestly.
  5. Resist temptations of the flesh.

Adherence to these principles aims to accelerate the soul’s progression through reincarnation, ultimately achieving unity with the Supreme Being.

Growth and Challenges

Adopting Catholic Church-inspired hierarchies and terminology, Cao Dai grew quickly, resonating with peasants due to its simplicity and inclusivity. By 1930, the religion had amassed over 500,000 followers. In 1927, Tay Ninh was established as the religion’s Holy See. While Ngo Van Chieu declined the role of Pope, the position was filled by Le Van Trung, a repentant mandarin who embraced Cao Dai after a spiritual encounter.

The sect’s rise during a period of political turmoil inevitably drew it into politics. Initially anti-French during World War II, Cao Dai militias later opposed the Viet Minh during the French Indochina War, aligning with the French. By the mid-1950s, the area surrounding Tay Ninh had become a Cao Dai stronghold, but internal conflicts with rival groups like the Hoa Hao and shifting political dynamics led to a decline in influence.

Cao Dai in Modern Vietnam

Following the Communist victory in 1975, the government imposed strict measures, closing Cao Dai temples, schools, and re-educating clergy. Despite these challenges, Cao Dai persisted, and since 1990, approximately 400 temples have reopened under government oversight. The religion has since attracted new followers, maintaining its relevance in contemporary Vietnam.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Cao Dai rituals combine elements of Buddhist and Taoist practices, including meditation and séances. Devotees pray four times daily in temples, but regular followers are only required to participate in communal prayers on four specific days each month and can pray at home otherwise.

During ceremonies, worshippers assemble in three columns: women on the left, men in the center, and high-ranking clergy on the right. Each service, lasting approximately 30 minutes, involves prayers and bows directed toward the Supreme Being, the Earth, and humanity.

The most significant Cao Dai observance, honoring the Supreme Being, occurs on the ninth day of the first lunar month. Other important celebrations include:

  • Taoism Day: 15th day of the second lunar month.
  • Buddha’s Birthday: 15th day of the fourth lunar month.
  • Confucius Day: 28th day of the eighth lunar month.
  • Christmas Day, reflecting the religion’s inclusivity.

Cao Dai continues to inspire millions with its message of universal unity, blending traditions and fostering harmony across diverse cultures and beliefs.