When entering the Holy Temple of Caodaism in Tay Ninh, I suddenly had the feeling we entered the setting of a Tintin album Hergé never made.
We arrived when the mass started. Monks arrived on foot and by bicycle from all directions an no car was permitted near the Holy Temple. Tourists could enter, but gad to take their shoes off. Then the praying and chanting started …
Caodaism is a monotheistic religion that is based on four other religions:
- Buddhism
- Christianity
- Confucianism
- Taoism
It’s mainly popular in (the environment of) Tay Ninh as the rest of Vietnam is Buddhist. This religion was established in 1926. Their god is called Cao Đài, which means Highest Lord or Highest Power.
A typical feature of Caodaist temples is the eye as Ngô Văn Chiêu, who started Caodaism, received a vision of the Divine Eye. Other characteristics are vegatarianism, non-violence, veneration of ancestors.
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