In ancient times, Vietnam was under Chinese rule for over 1,000 years and naturally absorbed Chinese cultural influences. Customs and beliefs stemmed from philosophical and religious traditions. The Vietnamese people primarily followed Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and in the 19th century, Catholicism also arrived. Thus, Vietnam historically embraced these four religions, inevitably absorbing their beliefs.
A few decades ago, a new religious movement emerged in Vietnam, led by divine beings who imparted their teachings through spirit writing. Firstly, the Taoist patriarch, the Supreme Lord Lao, descended to establish Minh Lý Đạo (Minh Lý Religion), which venerates the founders of the three religions – Buddha, Lao Tzu, and Confucius – in a temple called “Tam Tông Miếu” (Temple of the Three Founders).
Following this, Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ (also known as Caodaism) emerged, succeeded by Minh Thiện Đạo, Minh Tân Đạo, and others.
These religions advocate for the immortality of the soul, reincarnation, and karmic retribution.
Minh Lý Đạo has a scripture called “Sám hối” (Repentance), also known as “Nhân quả” (Karma), which elucidates the law of karmic retribution and encourages people to turn towards goodness.
Regarding karmic retribution, here’s an excerpt from the “Sám hối” scripture:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Misfortune and blessings do not seek us out,
It is we who invite them to follow.
Just like a shadow follows the form,
Good and evil are justly rewarded.
When fortune smiles, we take it for granted,
When adversity strikes, we offer prayers and plead.
But the divine beings are impartial,
They do not favor anyone.
Sometimes, the virtuous face hardship,
While the wicked enjoy wealth and prosperity.
This is due to past debts and unresolved karma,
The consequences of previous actions.
To hastily blame Heaven is to fall into error,
Sometimes, retribution is swift and immediate.
This is karmic retribution unfolding before our eyes,
We bear the consequences, or they may pass on to our descendants.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regarding reincarnation, consider this passage:
Descending to hell, enduring endless torment,
Until the karmic debt is paid, then reincarnation follows.
The divine beings assess and compensate,
The good ascend, the evil descend further into suffering.
Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ, meaning “The Great Faith of the Third Universal Amnesty,” signifies the third and final amnesty of God. This religion was established through divine spirit writing, with the principle of “uniting the Three Religions and harmonizing the Five Branches.” Therefore, in addition to its esoteric teachings, Caodaism incorporates the fundamental principles of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, along with the five main world religions. It also clarifies religious concepts that have been misinterpreted or distorted over time. Caodaism venerates God with the divine symbol of the “Divine Eye” (Thiên Nhãn).
Here is a divine message from God, using the name Cao Đài, received through spirit writing on May 26, 1926, explaining the significance of this symbol:
“It is not yet time for you to fully understand why the ‘Eye’ is used to represent me, but I will provide a brief explanation:
The Eye is the master of the heart,
The two lights are the masters of the universe.
Light is spirit,
Spirit is Heaven,
Heaven is me.
“Spirit has been incomplete since the closure of the divine path. By establishing the ‘Third Amnesty,’ I unite spirit with vital energy to complete the Three Treasures.
“The ranks of spirits, saints, immortals, and Buddhas have remained unchanged since the closure of the path, as have the practices and methods of spiritual cultivation. However, Heaven has repeatedly scattered the spirits, preventing them from uniting with vital energy.
I have come to restore the true spirit so that you may attain the Tao. Understand that ‘the spirit resides in the Eye,’ and inform your fellow practitioners. The origin of immortals and Buddhas lies within this. I urge you to remember my name whenever you speak of the Tao.”
When Caodaism was first established, the Bodhisattva Guan Yin communicated through spirit writing at a Minh Lý Đạo gathering, instructing them to offer the “Sám hối” scripture to Caodaism. The ceremony took place at the Holy Chamber of Cầu Kho, and thus, both Caodaism and Minh Lý Đạo share this scripture.
Regarding reincarnation, God revealed the following through spirit writing:
“You have been born in this world, live in this world, suffer in this world, and will die in this world. I ask you: After you die, what will become of you? Where will you go? None of you truly understand this mystery. I will teach you:
“The cycle of reincarnation transforms beings through various forms, from inanimate matter to plants, from plants to animals. Humans must undergo countless rebirths before attaining human dignity. Even then, human dignity in this world is divided into different levels. The position of an Emperor on this planet is insignificant compared to the lowest rank on planet 67. On planet 67, humanity is also divided into similar hierarchies. The value of each planet increases until reaching the ‘First Sphere,’ the ‘Three Thousand Worlds.’ Beyond the ‘Three Thousand Worlds’ lie the ‘Four Great Continents,’ and beyond those, the ‘Thirty-Six Heavens.’ Even after reaching the ‘Thirty-Six Heavens,’ further cultivation and rebirth are required to ascend to the ‘White Jade Capital,’ which is what Buddhists call Nirvana…”
This extensive section delves into the religious landscape of Vietnam, highlighting the influence of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism, as well as the emergence of new religions like Minh Lý Đạo and Caodaism. It emphasizes the shared belief in the immortality of the soul, reincarnation, and karmic retribution, illustrated through excerpts from their scriptures and divine messages. The concept of a vast, multi-layered universe with countless realms and opportunities for spiritual evolution is also prominent. I’m ready to continue our discussion whenever you are.
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