Cao Dai
The official website of the Cao Dai religion (a credible primary source) is the mine from which every word that follows this brief introductory paragraph was excavated. The preceding sentence is adapted from this website’s page describing the Baha’i religion. Like Baháʼí, Cao Dai (condensed to CaoDai by its custodians) is a syncretic belief system that acknowledges, and strives to incorporate the benefits of other world religions into a new and inclusive religion. Unlike the universal aspirations of Baha’I, Cao Dai mainly incorporates only religions that have historically impacted the Southeast Asian nation it was founded in. Wikipedia states that “Caodaism is a Vietnamese monotheistic syncretic religion that retains many elements from Vietnamese folk religion such as ancestor worship, as well as ethical precepts from Confucianism, occult practices from Taoism, theories of karma and rebirth from Buddhism, and a hierarchical organization from Roman Catholicism. It was officially established in the city of Tây Ninh in southern Vietnam in 1926.” Information that follows is drawn from https://www.caodai.org/ and includes a variety of items of historical, theological, and liturgical interest.
The noble effort of CaoDai is to unite all of humanity through a common vision of the Supreme Being, whatever our minor differences, in order to promote peace and understanding throughout the world. CaoDai does not seek to create a gray world, where all religions are exactly the same, only to create a more tolerant world, where all can see each other as sisters and brothers from a common divine source reaching out to a common divine destiny realizing peace within and without.
The Eye represents the heart.
Source of twin pure light beams.
Light and Spirit are ONE.
God is the Spirit's gleam.
CaoDai is a universal faith with the principle that all religions have one same divine origin, which is God, or Allah, or the Tao, or the Nothingness, one same ethic based on LOVE and JUSTICE, and are just different manifestations of one same TRUTH.
COLLECTION OF SELECTED CAODAI HOLY MESSAGES
Foreword
In this last era, people have been caught up in the advances of a materialistic age which enhances their cravings for luxury goods, expensive foods, designer clothing, and the finest homes and vehicles they can attain. Such secular attractions spur vicious competition between human beings and among societies, with little thought of the future of the world or eternity for themselves; the only thing that seems to matter in life is that the strong prevail as the meek succumb to their interests. The powerful rich mercilessly oppress the poor and vulnerable in an age-old legacy of indulgence against all that is holy. Alas, history's wave of civilization has not promoted the good, rather shattering moral traditions and belief; life is used only to advance the profane--death having no meaning except a lost opportunity to build wealth, giving no thought to a hereafter of Nirvana or Hades. The educated elite develop killing arms and lifesaving drugs that are only available to the rich; charity and service to humanity are paid little heed. Even loyalty to spouse and family has decayed through the excesses of materialism.
And so, out of Heaven was the Tao founded as an offer of redemption for human beings, reiterating eternal sanctity and morality for the modern age. Because of love for all Creation, The Supreme Being reveals the Tao through miraculous spiritism, using simple Vietnamese language. The disciples who were initiated since the time when spiritism ceased, could not have the pleasure of hearing these precious messages emanating from the Merciful Supreme Being. Thus, the Sacerdotal Council has selected and published these holy teachings for everyone. Its belief is that whoever receives these holy teachings would be filled with grace. Its hope is that all may cherish these invaluable words from Superior Spirits, putting their hearts into the reading of them in order to understand the miraculous Tao and to commit to self-cultivation and selfless love of the human family. May whoever receives these holy words experience the divine light illuminating the path of their life.
INTRODUCTION to the translation of Thanh Ngon Hiep Tuyen, Tayninh Holy See, the 21st day of the 10th month of the year Đinh Mão. Respectfully, The Sacerdotal Council
I am honored to have been asked to introduce readers to this translation of the spirit messages that make up the sacred scriptures of Caodaism, a new religion which is officially called the Great Way of the Third Age of Universal Redemption. After having studied Caodaism for over a decade, I can testify to the fact that is a fascinating new religion, born in colonial Indochina in 1926, which is now gathering increasing attention all over the world. These teachings were conveyed in an unusual way: Rather than being transmitted to any single individual, they were presented through a sort of dictation at spirit medium séances, through the use of a device called the phoenix basket (known in French as the corbeille a bec) and the efforts of two mediums. The movements of the phoenix basket trace out words and sentences, and this form of “spirit writing” is then interpreted and transcribed, so that it can serve to instruct others. The messages come from a range of divine beings, from the Jade Emperor (also known as Cao Dai, “the highest power”) to the Invisible Pope (Ly Thai Bach, a famous Taoist poet from the Tang dynasty), to various other spirits, including the Sacred Mother of Humanity (Dieu Tri Kim Mau, also known as the Taoist Queen of the Heavens).
The corpus of spirit messages included in this collection are the officially selected messages which have been central to the formation of Caodaism. They are presented in verse, as well as prose, and the elaborate Sino-Vietnamese language used in them is sometimes challenging for even native speakers to understand. For this reason, it is especially valuable to have these translations, prepared so that a new generation can read the teachings and understand them even if they are not fluent in Vietnamese. The translators have worked for many decades to develop and refine these translations, and their efforts will allow scholars and members of the public to get a much better understanding of the content of Caodai scriptures. There have now been a number of studies which have tried to explain the history, theology and rituals of Caodaism to a wider audience, but of course the most direct way to learn about Caodai beliefs is to read these teachings yourself.
Janet Alison Hoskins, Professor of Anthropology and Religion, University of Southern California
Foreword of the translators
The diversity of religions brings about an array of uncertainties and mistrust between people of different traditions. CaoDai propounds the goal to unite religions in harmony and peace and to solve human conflicts. It conceives that all humans are brothers and sisters from the same Father God. Each and every member of the human race has God’s spirit inside, and with cultivation, this spirit will be reunited with its noble origin.
Via spiritism, CaoDai receives words from the Supreme Being under the form of poems and prose teaching humanity ways of life to reach peace within and without. We translate these teachings into English in the hope that many may be blessed with wonderful miraculous words from the Merciful Supreme Being.
Hum D. Bui, MD
BOOK I: HOLY MESSAGES
JADE EMPEROR, or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, Christmas, 1925
I have reigned supreme for millennia.
Those who improve themselves spiritually will receive blessings.
The miraculous way has been taught and followed
Throughout the world for millennia.
Rejoice this day, the 24th of December, the anniversary of my arrival in Europe to teach the Way! Your allegiance brings much joy to me. Blessings will fill this house. The time has come, so be ready to receive my instruction. More miracles will manifest to further persuade you.
Raise high the flag of guidance for all living beings--the born and the unborn!
The Way has been successfully shown;
Those who improve themselves spiritually will return to Heaven
In the palace of splendor.
CHIEU KY TRUNG do dan HOAI SANH, BAN dao khai SANG QUI GIANG thanh; HAU DUC TAC CU thien dia canh.
JADE EMPEROR, OR CAODAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, January 3 1926
SPIRITISM OR AUTOMATIC WRITING
In spiritism, the medium must meditate deeply so that his spirit will then be able to come to Me, listen to My instructions, and have his body to write down the messages. What is a spirit? The spirit is your second body. It is very difficult for the spirit of a human being to transcend the physical body. The spirits of Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas are very marvelous and immortal. The spirit of an enlightened person may transcend the body and even travel the universe. Only the spirit may approach Me. When the basket with beak is used in spiritism, if the person is unconscious, the spirit may then leave the physical body, hear My instructions, and have the body transcribe the messages. If the interpreter’s reading is incorrect, the medium's spirit will not agree with the interpretation. They will be obliged to write again. In the other form of spiritual contact known as automatic writing, or inspired writing, I will come to you and make your spirit unstable for a while. During that time, your spirit will be able to listen to Me. Your hand will obey and write. In this form of spiritual contact, I cooperate with you so that you can reach Universal Truths.
Before the session, one must purify both mind and body-do not omit this purification or you risk failure. To practice well, one should keep one's mind pure, not encumbered by everyday living matters, and keep the hands cleansed and deodorized. Deep meditation will allow one's spirit to transcend the body and communicate with Me.
The mediums should be chosen for their advanced spirit so that the session will be fruitful. They should practice vegetarianism, and train themselves toward being completely balanced (as good as Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas) to be able to properly achieve the purpose of the session and transmit the teachings. They are considered My assistants in the propagation of the Way. Spiritual contact cannot be taken lightly. In the reception of vibrations from the spirit, each person has personal vibrations which may be influenced by their own emotions and personality and may interfere: subsequently these writings may not be correct. One should take caution in setting up sessions and in recognizing the authenticity of the writings. So, after each spiritism session, you have to wait for My approval before any implementation.
JADE EMPEROR, OR CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, February 20, 1926
From My precious throne, flowers are happily and continually blooming more.
Although many different branches are growing out, they will belong later to one same family.
Likewise, you should join together to try your best in serving the Great Way.
With patience and loyalty, you will come back to Me.
It is not easy to find the Way to Nirvana.
I have in My hands all miracles of the universe.
In antiquity, to find Nirvana, one had to cultivate one's self over the course of innumerable lives.
Now, anyone from all over the world can be guided to this Way,
Whose virtuous messengers I am still discovering.
Attempting to change the hearts of the evil ones has brought me sorrow on many occasions.
If one wishes to escape from the suffering world,
One should cultivate one's spiritual self and thus will find Nirvana soon.
The branches that you are now are all part of Me. You will understand this later. I am happy to see you always getting along well with each other: it is a precious gift to Me.
Be united and be cooperative in glorifying the Way. My Way is you, and you are Me.
Be united and strong. Do not quarrel.
Keep performing your duties and you will more fully know My will later.
Being brothers, you should love each other.
The more virtuous you are, the higher spiritual accomplishments you may attain.
You have to be determined to continue on your way to Nirvana.
You all have the same flesh and blood.
You should understand how miraculous I am.
To teach, you have to use skillful and varied means, depending upon the level of the intelligence of the people. The one who does not have enough intelligence will not understand if you present doctrines too advanced for him or her.
I forbid you to criticize others, especially your disciples. Remember that I Myself am in them.
You do not need to have the same name to be in the same family.
By following the same Way, you all have the same father.
In this life span of one hundred years, remember to serve humanity,
And try your best to teach each other Concordance.
Wait for My orders. Your duty and responsibility were predetermined.
I start to teach you now…
In Bach Ngoc Kinh (White Pearl Palace), there are males and females. Female Buddhas and Immortals are even more powerful than their male counterparts.
Tr…, you have a mission, I will be with you and within you wherever you go. Whatever you are teaching people is considered as from ME. You have to be flexible. You alone are not enough to convince people. You have to help everybody of any sex, from any country to learn My Way. Do not be too strict with them at the beginning. Remember that every living being, including materials and plants, will all eventually be convinced when they listen to My Holy messages through you. Don't worry.
The sun rises from the horizon.
Get together and be ready to start.
Learn the Great Way from the Great Teacher.
You will return to Me at the end of this long, long road.
I have been telling you that I have prepared everything in your heart: Whatever you have in your mind was already predetermined. You need not worry. The Way is reserved for predetermined people.
Whoever has worshipped the Demonic Spirit cannot be My disciples.
If there is good, there has to be bad.
It is difficult to distinguish between the two.
Human beings therefore must come to Me to become Immortals and Buddhas.
If you have already spent all your accumulated blessings and violated God's laws, you are in no way forgiven. If you could not even escape from the secular laws and justice on earth, how could you escape from God's laws? Being your Father, I have to be just and to punish you. Think about punishment and behave yourself. Remember that God is impartial: Don't rely on your Great and Gentle Father to become disrespectful to Him.
February 23, 1926
To teach children, teach yourself first.
The work of education is as important as the work of giving birth.
In each person, there is a part of my spirit that I cherish and that you have to educate.
That spiritual part then becomes part of society.
THE JADE EMPEROR, or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, February 25, 1926
Disciple Trung, come into the middle of the room and prostrate before me.
Well done. However, you must remember to pray "NAM MO CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT" each time you nod.
A major ceremony has three offerings: incense and flowers, wine, and tea.
You offer all of these yourself.
As you prostrate, put your hands together with your left thumb pointing at the Ty position [position of the Year of the Mouse] at the base of the ring finger, and with your left hand resting on the upturned right hand underneath.
Henceforth, you are required to wear a special blue costume with large sleeves, askew collar and nine belts. You must also wear cloth shoes. Others wear no shoes.
Why prostrate?
To show your respect.
Why place your hands together in such a manner?
The left hand represents Yang, the sun; the right hand represents Yin, the moon. The combination of Yin and Yang is the Dao, the principle for the creation and evolution of the universe.
Why prostrate twice before a living person?
Two represents the Yin and Yang combined, or the Dao.
Why prostrate four times before a dead person?
Two prostrations are for the person, one is for heaven and one is for the earth.
Why prostrate three times before Saints and Genies?
Because they are the third rank of the celestial classes. This pattern also indicates the unification of Tinh (physical matter), Khi (emotions), and Than (spirit), which is the Dao itself.
Why prostrate nine times before Buddhas and Immortals?
Because they are the creators of the nine heavens.
Why, then, must you prostrate twelve times before Me?
You could not understand. Because I am the Emperor of the universe and have twelve Zodiacs in My hands. Number twelve is thus My own number.
It is not time to understand the full meaning of the Divine Eye, but I will briefly explain this to you.
“The heart manifests at the eye,
Presiding everything are two sources of light (Yin and Yang);
Light is spirit;
Spirit is God.”
Since the Dao was established, there has been a lack of the spirit in the miraculous mechanism of enlightenment. With this third salvation, I will allow the Than (spirit) to be unified with the Tinh (physical matter) and the Khi (emotions), leading to a unification of the three elements, which is itself the miraculous mechanism of the enlightenment.
Remember to explain this to disciples.
The positions of Genies, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas have been unchanged since the Dao was established: so has the technique of spiritual self-improvement, but the Than was not allowed to be unified with Tinh and Khi, so that there was no more enlightenment.
I come today to authorize this unification so that you may reach enlightenment.
You now understand that the Than (spirit) is located at the Eye. Explain this to the disciples. The Eye, or the Than (spirit), is the origin of Immortals and Buddhas.
Remember My name when you preach.
THE JADE EMPEROR, or CAO DAI TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, March 13, 1926
I inform you now so that you will not be able to claim that I am unable to enforce My rules on my disciples.
Remember that there is falsehood as well as truth. There cannot be one without the other. (divine smile).
Remember that it is very hard to become a worthy disciple: The more I love, the more I challenge. In order to reach Nirvana, you must be worthy; otherwise, you will end in Hell. Love, love, hatred, hatred...Who knows?
Therefore, it is not because I hate that I will not teach, and it is not because I love that I will not seduce. Remember that I have sent many wild beasts to surround you and to bite you every day; but do not worry, because I have already given you an armor for your protection which they can never see and which is your virtue. Always keep it until you return to Me. Remember and obey.
HE JADE EMPEROR, or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, Vinh Nguyen Tu, April 7, 1926
Nhien Dang Co Phat (Dipankara Buddha) is Me.
Sakya Muni is Me.
Thai Thuong Nguon Thi (previous life of Lao Tse) is Me.
Who is CaoDai?
Sakya Muni's spiritual messages, April 8, 1926
Sakya Muni
Moves Buddhist principle,
Moves Buddhist laws,
Moves Buddhist disciples.
To the original "GREAT WAY"
For all living beings.
Great joy! Great joy!
All Angels, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas are very joyful for the opportunity to be in this third universal salvation!
I will not worry any more about suffering in this world, because all living beings are receiving teachings from the Jade Emperor, or Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat!
CAO DAI
Lich*, did you hear Sakya Muni? What is "Tam Ky Pho Do?"
It is the Third Universal Salvation.
Why is it called "Pho Do?"
"Pho" means to expose the Great Way, and "Do" means to save all living beings.
How is the Great Way exposed and how are living beings saved? What are living beings?
Living beings are not a selected group of people as you thought but include all of humanity. In order to spread the Great Way and to save humanity, the precious principle must be exposed to all people.
Therefore, you must practice meditation well, so you can accompany Trung** this May to spread the Great Way.
Listen and obey.
You will wear a costume similar to Trung's, but in red.
*Lich is the name of the "Dau Su" (Cardinal) of the Confucian Branch.
**Trung is the name of the "Dau Su" of the Taoist Branch.
HE JADE EMPEROR, or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, April 22nd and 23rd, 1926, The 11th and 12th of the 3rd month of the year of Yang Fire Tiger
You three, my children, listen about your next heavenly duties. Are you happy?
One day late in promoting the faith is one more harmful day for humanity. Although I am concerned, it is the will of your Creator that we will have difficulties spreading the faith. So, Trung, Cu, and Tac, you three should organize in the following way:
Listen Trung: you must move the tablet of Ly Bach to underneath my representation on the altar. Then place a chair next to the altar, and another chair on top of it for the throne of the Giao Tong. Place three other chairs on the lower level for the thrones of the three Dau Su. Cover these three chairs to keep them clean. Place the Giao Tong's celestial costume on the top chair. Place the azure costume (for the Taoist Dau Su) on the middle chair, and the red costume (for the Confucian Dau Su) on the right chair. Write the word "Thai" (representing the Buddhist Dau Su) on paper and paste it on the back of the chair on left.
At my table, in front of the thrones of the three Dau Su, place a chair with a tablet inscribed with the following words: "Cuu Thien Cam Ung Loi Thinh Pho Hoa Thien Ton" (The Lord of Thunder and of Spreading of the teachings of the Nine Heavens) with a Kim Quang Tien charm hanging in the middle.
Place the séance table in front of the table of the Five Thunder Lords. After the séance, move the séance table away to create space for the two Dau Su to kneel to take their oaths.
Place another table by the front window. Listen, Cu: have Tac clean and deodorize himself and dress neatly with a hat . . . (celestial laughter).
Theoretically, he should wear armor, as in the theater, but it is so expensive that I have excused it. Tac must stand on the table facing the throne of the Giao Tong. His head should be covered with a 9 dm. red cloth. Make a Giang Ma Xu charm for him to hold. From now on you must purify yourself until the date of taking the oath. Cu, when you place the three celestial costumes on the appropriate thrones, you must hold incenses like you did previously for Me to summon the angels to guard these costumes and thrones. Then order the two Dau Su to kneel in front of their throne for Me to draw charms on their bodies. After praying, the two Dau Su must prostrate in front of Me 12 times and in front of the Giao Tong nine times. Then, Giang must announce "Take a seat," and then the Dau Su will sit down.
All disciples then kneel down in three groups. Tac must climb up to his table while you hold the incenses and come to the table of the Five Thunder Lords for Me to summon them. You then proceed to Tac so I can extract his spirit. Remember, Hau and Duc must deodorize their hands in order to be prepared to prevent Tac from falling. Order the two Dau Su to step down from their thrones, kneel in front of the table of the Five Thunder Lords, immediately in front of the Kim Quang Tien charm, put their hands (joined at the forehead) and take the following oath:
"I am Le Van Trung, whose religious name is Thuong Trung Nhut and Le Van Lich whose religious name is Ngoc Lich Nguyet, before heaven and earth and the Five Thunder Lords, vow to fulfill the duty of guiding all our CaoDai brothers and sisters on the Divine Way, always strictly obeying the orders of our Master without straying onto the wrong path or establishing a deviant tradition. If we commit sins, we will be destroyed by the Five Thunder Lords."
Then kneel at the Ho Phap table and make the same vow, except the last sentence shall be:
"If we violate the Divine laws, we will be punished by the Ho Phap, our soul shall not be able to be liberated, and shall be reincarnated to the third lower spiritual level.”
Then Giang will announce, "Take a seat," and the two Dau Su will return to their thrones. The disciples will prostrate two times in front of them.
Then each disciple will come to the front of the table of the Five Thunder Lords to take the following oath:
"I, (name)......., vow that from now on, I will follow the CaoDai faith unswervingly, united harmoniously with all disciples and following CaoDai laws. If I change my mind, I will be destroyed by the sky and the earth."
Then take the same oath in front of the Ho Phap table and then prostrate in front of the two Dau Su.
JADE EMPEROR or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, April 24 1926
Formerly, people lacked transportation and therefore did not know each other, I then founded at different epochs and in different areas, five branches of the Great Way: the way of humanity, the way of Angels, the way of Saints, the way of Immortals, and the way of Buddhas, each based on the customs of the race. In present days, transportation has been improved, and people have come to know each other. But people do not always live in harmony because of the very multiplicity of those religions.
That is why I have decided to unite all those religions into one to bring them to the primordial unity. Moreover, the Holy Doctrine has been, through centuries, more and more denatured by the people responsible for spreading it. I am so broken-hearted to see that human beings, for the last ten thousand years, have sinned and subsequently suffered life after life in Hell.
I have now firmly resolved to come Myself to save you and not to leave anymore the Holy Doctrine in human hands. You have to be well organized to guide and support each other on your way to Nirvana. I create then the "Giao Tong" position (Pope) who is the eldest brother of all dignitaries from the "Giao Huu" (Priest) to the "Dau Su" (Cardinal). No one in this world is allowed to have My authority to manage the human spirits. Whoever has well self cultivated will be worth the position I give. Otherwise, all disciples are all equal, and should not establish any sect or party; whoever commits crimes will be excluded from the religion.
JADE EMPEROR or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, April 26th, 1926, The 15th day of the 5th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Today you have not yet returned to your inner Divine Light.
Understanding people's hearts is hard;
You must wait until your enlightenment.
Because right now you are still not virtuous enough, and others are wild.
Duc and Hau are appointed as Tien Dao Medium Assistant Taoists.
Cu is appointed as Tien Hac Medium Assistant Taoist.
Tac is appointed as Protector Fairy Medium Assistant Taoist.
Trung and Lich are already appointed: keep following My orders.
Ky is appointed as Tien Sac Lang Quan, Giao Su responsible for teaching.
Ban is appointed as Tien Dao Cong Than, Lecturer Taoist.
Cu, implement My orders!
JADE EMPEROR or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, Truong Sanh Temple (Can Giuoc) Sunday, May 30, 1926,
The 19th Day of the 4th Month of the Year of the Yang Fire Tiger
I could not believe that you, My disciples, could be so confused. What is the meaning of "Chieu Ky Trung do dan Hoai Sanh" (Raise high the flag of guidance for all living beings --the born and the unborn)? It means that you have to help all living beings, including even the unborn. Why did you chase disciples away? Promise to admit! Open the door!
Listen, all living beings: Formerly, I incarnated and created Buddhism almost six thousand years ago, and the Buddhist teachings have now been almost denatured. People even used to say that the Buddha did not teach. Today, I have decided not to incarnate anymore, but instead to use miracles to perfect Buddhism and to teach people. Thus, those living beings who do not wish to spiritually improve themselves and who will subsequently be punished in Hell will not deny their crimes and will not have any basis to blame Me by claiming that Buddha did not teach. You must know that if you do not take the opportunity of this third universal salvation to improve yourself spiritually, you will have no more hope to be saved.
I will now reorganize the manner of worship: You will set up an altar for Me in the middle of the temple between the altars of Quan Am Bo Tat and Quan Thanh De Quan. Thus, the statue of Quan Am Bo Tat (Bodhisattva Kuan Yin/Guan Yin Ru Lai) will be on my right, and the statue of Quan Thanh De Quan (Kuan Kung/Guan Gong/Guan Sheng Di Jun) will be on my left. On the next row beneath will be different statues of other Buddhas, Immortals, and Saints. The temple will now be named, "Jade Emperor Temple."
ADE EMPEROR or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, Monday, May 31, 1926, 20th day of the 4th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Trung, you must now go to G's house to organize the new way of worshipping until we establish new laws. G., congratulations to you. The spirit of the Divine is constant, regardless of the circumstances. That is what distinguishes you from the other, ordinary people. Ordinary people think of their birth country as their point of origin, even if they have not been there since they were children. However, the Saints think of Nirvana as their point of origin, even after they have incarnated into this world; otherwise, why would they deign to descend into this world to save ordinary human beings? You, too, could return to Nirvana if you cultivate yourself spiritually. To accomplish this, you should think about the millions of human beings who could not escape from the reincarnation cycle and have compassion toward them in order to save them.
JADE EMPEROR OR CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, Hoi Phuoc Tu (Can Giuoc), the fifth of the 4th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger. Saturday, the fifth of June 1926.
Cu, read the spiritual messages, Tac, recite the Karma prayers, Sakya Muni is Me, I come to save living beings under the name Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat. Are you aware of this? My disciple, The Dau Su (Cardinal) of the Buddhist branch, did not know the principles of spiritual self-cultivation in meditation. I sent the Dau Su of the Confucian branch to teach him. Those thirty four disciples don't know the truth of meditation either. I will supervise their education. Obey. You should all take these lessons.
SAKYA MUNI OR CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT.
Listen, disciples. Since Luc To (the 6th Buddhist Master), the teaching of Buddhism was unavailable. Therefore, no one could reach Nirvana in spite of hard self-cultivation. Than Tu modified and denatured the original doctrine. The original doctrine was lost for three thousand years and because of Karmic law, I have left it alone. This is now the time for the third universal salvation; Ngoc Hu Palace has ordered the saving of living beings. This was predicted clearly in the Buddhist Canon. You were not aware of it simply because you did not make the effort to discover it. Alas! Lots of people suffered by failed attempts at spiritual self-cultivation. It hurts Me!
I am coming not only to save all living beings but also save other higher spirits such as Genies, Saints, Immortals, Buddhas who had to reincarnate to this world to complete their missions. All living beings who have an opportunity to be with this third universal salvation should try their best to cultivate their spiritual selves. Success depends on yourselves. The original Buddhist way of cultivation seemed completely wrong at the time. Living beings became confused and disoriented, following the false doctrine of Than Tu for self-cultivation without success. I am coming to reveal to you this miraculous way. You need only follow it to attain enlightenment. Henceforth, you will not be able to blame anyone that you have not received My teachings.
Ngọc-Hoàng Thượng-Đế Viết Cao-Đài, Giáo Đạo Nam Phương CAO-ĐÀI (Hai người Langsa hầu đàn)
Ce n'est pas ainsi qu'on se présente devant Dieu. THĂNG. Tái cầu. Cao-Đài, Le Très Haut
Ô! Race bénite! Je vais satisfaire ta curiosité. Humains, savez-vous d'où vous veniez? Parmi toutes les créatures existant sur ce globe terrestre, vous êtes les plus bénis; je vous élève jusqu'à Moi en esprit et en sagesse. Vous avez toutes preuves pour vous reconnaître par promotion céleste. Le Christ est venu parmi vous. Il versait son saint sang pour la rédemption. Quel profit avez-vous pendant presque deux mille ans de son absence? Vous préchez son Évangile sans même le comprendre. Vous dénaturez la signification de sa sainte doctorine. L'humanité souffre des vicissitudes de tous ses apôtres. Ils n'ont pas su suivre le même chemin du calvaire de leur Maître.
Le trône le plus précieux du monde est celui du premier de ses disciples. Cette doctorine, au lieu d'apporter à l'humanité la paix et la concorde, lui apporte la dissension et la guerre. Voilà pourquoi je viens vous apporter moi-même la paix tant promise. Le Christ ne revient qu'ensuite. Au revoir.... Vous apprendrez encore beaucoup de choses après de mes disciples.
English translation by Google Translate:
Oh! Blessed race! I will satisfy your curiosity. Humans, do you know where you came from? Among all the creatures existing on this terrestrial globe, you are the most blessed; I raise you up to Me in spirit and wisdom. You have all the evidence to recognize yourself by celestial promotion. Christ has come among you. He shed his holy blood for redemption. What profit have you had during almost two thousand years of his absence? You preach his Gospel without even understanding it. You are distorting the meaning of his holy medicine. Humanity suffers from the vicissitudes of all its apostles. They did not know how to follow the same path of their Master's ordeal.
The most precious throne in the world is that of the first of his disciples. This medicine, instead of bringing peace and harmony to humanity, brings it dissension and war. This is why I myself come to bring you the peace you so promised. Christ only returns afterwards. Goodbye.... You will learn many things later from my disciples.
JADE EMPEROR OR CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER CAODAI, Tuesday, June 8, 1926, the 26th day of the 4th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
(Present at the séance, there were also two French citizens). This is not the way that one presents oneself in front of God. Ascension. Re-evocation.
CaoDai, the Supreme.
O Blessed Race, I would satisfy your curiosity. Humans, do you know from whence you came? Among all the creatures on the earth today, you are the most blessed; I have raised you almost to Me in spirit and in wisdom. You have all the proof you need to recognize your station in the cosmos. Christ came among you. He shed his holy blood for your Salvation. Why have you drawn away from him during the almost two thousand years of his absence? You preach his Good News without understanding it. You have weakened the meaning of his holy teachings. Humanity suffers from the whims of all these false teachers. If only they had followed the same path of Calvary as their Master!
The most precious throne in all the world is that of the first of the true disciples. This teaching, instead of bringing peace and harmony to humanity, has brought it dissension and war. And so this is why I myself have come to bring you the peace you were promised. Christ can only return then. You will understand more things from my disciples. Good bye.
JADE EMPEROR, or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT, TEACHING THE GREAT WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER, June 27th, 1926, The 18th day of the 5th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Nhon, now you are to start practicing music until the day of the séance at Vinh Nguyen Tu. For the ceremony opening, do not use the Bat Nha drums (small drums) but the Ngoc Hoang Sam drum (Jade Emperor Thunder drum) in twelve rounds with twelve strikes for each round. The Bach Ngoc Chung (White Pearl Bell) is to be struck the same way. At the ceremony convening, when "Start Music" is announced, you will play all seven pieces of music and drums. At the offerings, play three Nam Xuan pieces (South Spring); and the student priests (who are bringing the offerings) will walk seven steps following the character Tâm (Heart). For the chanting you will play the "Dao Ngu Cung" pieces. Lich, I have given all instruction about rituals in the "New Codes." You must teach that to all disciples for them to follow during ceremony. Nghia, you must learn the announcements by heart. Tell Duc to do the same. You three children have to remember well My instruction. Those children. Nghia, Hau, Duc, Trang, Cu, Tac, and Sang--have to wear white clothing and stand in this order: Nghia and Duc, as announcers, will stand the outermost at the Ho Phap altar. Then Hau and Trang will form the next circle. Then the next three: Tac in the middle, Cu on right and Sang on left. Lich will arrange the celebrants for the three inside altars as follows: The Taoist in the middle, The Confucian on the right, The Buddhist on the left.
The tablets of deceased disciples are to be arranged next to My altar according to their branches. Ky and Kim, as the inner announcers, will stand at the inside altar: Ky on the right, Kim on the left. Ban and Gioi are the first pair of student priests and will walk in the middle with another pair, who are Ty and Tiep. Next will be Nhon and Trung on the left, Giang and Kinh on the right. There should be three tables outside for the three offerings. At the announcement from inside, the student priests will bring the offerings from the three tables from outside to the offering dignitaries inside. Trung, you will ask the two elders of the Minh Duong sect to stand inside as the Taoist receivers. The Confucian receivers will be Kinh and Chuong. I will choose the Buddhist receivers later on that day. (Laughter) I will tell Minh to come. (Laughter)
At the three tables outside, there should be two offering dignitaries for each table. Tuong and Tuoi will be the Taoist offering dignitaries. Muoi and Van will be the Confucian offering dignitaries. I will choose the Buddhist offering dignitaries on that day. (Laughter) Ban, stand up. Let Me draw the character "Tâm" (heart) first so I can show you how to signify the character with your feet. (Use your right toes for the first stroke, then lift your right leg. Then move it horizontally as a comma. Stand so that your two feet are at the same horizontal line. Make the strokes now. Move backward a little) Cu, show him your steps.
Children, watch Me step. Hieu, bring Me some water. Why did your step make a reverse character? Cu, you step correctly. Repeat. Very well, Cu, it should be so. In order to have a more elegant movement, when you stroke your toes, you bounce the body a little. (Laughter) Very well, Ban. The Master continues. Read again, Nghia. As the outer announcers say "Tea," then "Kneel," the dignitaries kneel down, put the tea offering at the level above the head. A pair of student priests holds candles and steps forward. When "Kneel" is announced next, they stroke the left foot, raise the right leg and kneel down at the same rhythm with the other three pairs of student priests; when the drum and music start again, they all stand up at the same time and face the altar.
...It has to be so, children...After standing up and facing the altar, the student priests hold the candles and the offerings at their chest. At the second round of drums, they raise the candles and the offerings up and start their seven steps (following the character "Tâm") according to the drum rhythm. I will tell Nhon to drum for you at that time. (Laughter) Trung, follow the New Codes for the ceremony.
INCENSE OFFERING PRAYER
As the scented cinder smolders into flame,
So too the faith from which the Tao came.
As the winding wisp ascends into the sky
The wafting scent of heaven stirs my mind.
To the Superior Spirits, I respectfully pray:
May this gesture sway Their Eminence to stay
If but a moment, should they deign to pass this way.
And at this time, as a disciple, I entreat,
The Sky above and Earth beneath my feet.
May my heart immersed in hope be recognized
As that pure space of spirit highly prized.
May blessings rain on us a shower of love
As they make their calm descent from Up Above.
PRAYER TO THE SUPREME BEING
Divine Emperor of the Great Net;
Glorious Supreme Being;
Creator of all beings;
Ruler of the Infinite;
Of Transcendent Golden Abode,
In the Magnificent White Pearl Palace;
At once manifest and unmanifest;
Giver of unspoken revelation;
Omniexistent;
Power of all Spirit;
Rider of the six dragons in infinite journey;
Having dispersed the cosmic ether to the four winds
in unlimited expanse, eternally;
The Throne of God is dominant
Above all things, of every disposition,
And all are rendered justice supreme
By the Great Scale Unfathomable;
Reigning over 36 heavens and 3,000 worlds above,
and 72 earths and 4 great dimensions below;
The Great Benefactor has reigned
before time and beyond time,
Worshipped in every time by all.
Now gathering all Creation into one family,
Is the Universe's Supreme Monarch,
The Master Above all Enlightened Beings.
As the Ultimate Tao is revealed in hushed wonder,
The Universe shall stand
transfixed and transformed to its reaches,
By igniting the spark which illumines all Mind,
The Almighty aids his creations forward.
Oh, how majestic, beneficent, supreme and holy is God;
A Creative Power so immense and sublime,
The Supreme Ruler, Celestial Jade Master;
So just in blessing, so fair in mete.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF TAOSIM
From the Primordial Breath
Arose Thai Thuong Dao Quan, (Predecessor to Lao Tse).
Of inestimable virtue was he,
And so his deeds.
Preceding the Thai Cuc (Monad)
was the Dao of Nil;
Within the Dao of the visible,
a transcendent element.
The Dao rides upon the original breath
In transforming into three WAYS of cultivation.
His virtues brighten the dimension of Nil,
And the Dao reigns over the saints.
On the 15th of the second lunar month,
He brought one incarnation to Earth;
One soul with a million miraculous transformations,
And from the East spread the purple clouds of saintliness
Which propagated the Tao.
Traveling West serving humanity,
Using supernatural power he created two figures,
Tat Vien and Dong Phuong Soc
Who taught meditation and metaphysics.
The Tao is eternal and primordial,
Predecessing mortal beings,
Earth and sky; it exists through time
As the Universe spins
And the sun and moon shine.
The Dao encompasses everything
In this immense universe;
May all give benediction,
As we all have gained from the Dao.
Oh, Magnanamous One of great virtue,
Honorable as you are,
Oh, pre-existent one,
THAI THUONG DAO QUAN
Sublimely holding the Dao.
FLOWER OFFERING PRAYER
The light of god shines upon the temple gate.
bearing blooms of five colors we come to celebrate;
our brightly petaled homage his ray illuminates
as we pray celestial blessings bestow our sanctioned fate.
TEA OFFERING PRAYER
We come bringing tea to god's altar;
apricot in spring, chrysanthemum in fall,
hear our sincere, respectful call
upon merciful god to bless us all
The great way a light to pierce the pall,
may each living being your peace befall.
PRELUDE (OPENING PRAYER)
An ocean of suffering floods the horizon
Whence beams yet the sun
But thankfully, Lao Tse guides us
in service to humanity,
As the three great religions have also taught
Mainly to be benevolent of both character and deed.
Confucius has illuminated morality;
From The Buddha we've learned compassion;
The Way of Immortals urges us toward spirituality.
From one root spring three counterpart stems.
Once it is well-comprehended,
We shall purify self and pray.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF BUDDHISM
Over primordial chaos reigned the Supreme Being;
A single breath the world's common source,
All within the Almighty's grasp.
The inextinguishable flame of intelligence
Illuminating across all 36 heavens.
The Dao flows as an irradiating stream,
Lighting the way for all beings,
Expressing the highest truth,
Of non-action, and non-reaction.
In a single gust of wind (the "KHI" flow)
Emulating an edifice,
As beautiful as a rainbow
Supporting the horizon.
Using the sword of wisdom
As a way to cultivate TINH, KHI, THAN.
The KHI flow opening the third Eye (Monad),
And subsequently the chakra Huyen Quan (Crown chakra)
Unites human essence to The Great Nil;
The sky, the earth, humanity,
All from this lofty Source.
We are blessed on our path toward Illumination
Thanks to immeasurable mercy, inestimable vow. (The great vow of the Buddha
was to save ALL humanity, otherwise he will not go to Nirvana)
Lord Buddha's sanctity is unbounded,
His compassion, unconditional.
From the original breath of life springs the Dao;
Nhien Dang Co Phat, (the name of the old time Buddha which means the
everlasting light)
The Great Emptiness the pure Dao,
The Great Nil the true Teaching.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF CONFUCIANISM
In the cinnamon-scented tower
Above the Palace of Van Thi (Confucius)
Ninety-five incarnations
Sowing charmed poetic seeds.
Hundred thousand transformations
Manifested lightning quick,
And miraculous as a mountain of pheasants,
Always persevering
Expressing a mountain of goodwill
The goal to cultivate virtue,
Bringing honor to parents and Country.
Intuiting in dreams the way of service
To one another.
Having compassion for the miserable,
Building humaneness and piety,
Becoming saintly through compassion,
Cultivating mind and honor.
Piety, virtue, faithfulness, compassion;
Even treasure to a king.
These are the attributes of Confucianism.
Confucius engendered prosperity
of the human spirit,
As a lord who lifts his people.
Through purification he gained his insights,
As well as sincerity and equanimity,
And was sainted therefore
with deep wisdom and unbounded humanity.
WINE OFFERING PRAYER
Blessings illuminate the holy inner shrine;
in honor to god we offer fine wine.
gladly prostrating ourselves before the divine,
we pray for release of the sufferings of humankind
THE FIVE VOWS PRAYER
We pray that the wisdom of the great tao
Be widely spread on earth.
Shining the way to all creatures of nature's birth.
May all humanity be redeemed,
And our whole world know peace.
And may the places we meet to worship you
Be granted safety's lease.
HISTORY OF CAODAI
The philosophy and moral code of the CaoDaists developed from unification of the most influential school of thought of the day in Vietnam: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Confucianism. It was in 1920, six years before the official founding of the CaoDai religion that Cao Dai the Supreme Being revealed to Ngo Van Chieu, the then governor of Phu Quoc, a beautiful island in the gulf of Siam. Ngo was leading a life of seclusion and wisdom. With the assistance of a mediumistic form of worship, he maintained contact with the spiritual realm. An apparition which revealed an identity of “Cao Dai” appeared. From the beginning, the name Cao Dai, which literally means high abode, or roofless tower, was given as a symbolic name of the Supreme Being. The Supreme Being informed Ngo that all the world’s religions should return to the One from which they originally sprang. This message was to be delivered to the world. Ngo asked CaoDai for permission to worship Him under a tangible form. He then had a vision of the All-Seeing Eye and was subsequently ordered to use it as the symbol of Cao Dai. Ngo returned to Saigon in 1924. To those interested in self-cultivation, he taught the philosophy and esoteric practice he had learned from Cao Dai during his stay in Phu Quoc.
In mid-1925, totally separated from Ngo Van Chieu, three minor civil officials in Saigon - Cao Quynh Cu, Pham Cong Tac, and Cao Hoai Sang - were together practicing spiritism. One spirit contacted was singled out for His wonderful virtues and outstanding knowledge. He introduced Himself as AAA. (AAA are the first three letters of the Vietnamese alphabet). As the session continued, under AAA’s advice, they replaced their rudimentary method of communication with a tool for writing called Ngoc co (basket with beak). On Christmas eve of 1925, AAA finally revealed that He was the Supreme Being, coming under the name of Cao Dai, to teach the Way. He said: Rejoice this day, it is the anniversary of My coming to the West to teach the Way (God came to the Middle East in the form of Yeshua - Jesus - Christ to found Christianity). This house will be filled with blessings. You will see more miracles which will lead you to further belief. For some time, I have used the symbol AAA to lead you to religious life. You soon are to found a unique religion under My instructions.
From that day, CaoDai religion began as an organized form of worship. During the same period, one evening, Mr. Le Van Trung, a former elected official to the Colonial Council of Cochinchina, happened to be present at a session of spiritism. There, the spirit of Ly Thai Bach, a great Chinese scholar under the T’ang Dynasty, revealed the spiritual origin of Trung (who is the incarnation of the spirit of the Immortal named Ly Thiet Quai) and enjoined him to accept his future religious mission. From that day, Trung, who was an opium addict, ceased to smoke without the slightest withdrawal symptom. He also abstained from alcohol and meat. Later, under Cao Dai‘s order, Cao Quynh Cu and Pham Cong Tac invited Trung to join in the worshipping of Cao Dai. The group grew steadily to include Cu, Tac, Sang, Dieu, Duc, Hau, Trung.
At the end of 1925, Cao Dai dispatched them to meet with Ngo Van Chieu. During the ensuing session, Cao Dai commanded that a unique religion be founded for all of humanity. Soon by dint of their selflessness and dedication, and the virtues of their teachings, these pioneers succeeded in building a considerable following.
And at the beginning of 1926, CaoDai began to establish an ecclesiastical hierarchy. At this point, Ngo, who preferred his solitary, meditative life of esoteric practice, renounced the title of Giao Tong (leader of the executive body), and retired from the organization. He then continued to teach esoteric CaoDai to anyone interested in self-cultivation for self-realization. By the order of Cao Dai, Le Van Trung was appointed acting Giao Tong. On September 28, 1926, the religious leaders delivered an official declaration of the founding of CaoDai. This form of CaoDai has as its main activity exoteric practice which, in a practical way, leads humanity to religious unity and subsequently to peace on earth.
The new faith rapidly attracted the masses and became a seeming threat to the French government. The French used all possible maneuvers to suppress this fast-growing religion. For fifty years, despite pressure under the French government, suppression by the Vietminh (a Vietnamese Communist group), and the Catholic Ngo Dinh Diem government, the movement nevertheless grew in scope, breadth and influence. But in 1975, the influential presence of CaoDai was usurped in Vietnam by a communist-based government and was destroyed in Cambodia by the genocidal Khmer Rouge. At the same time, however, the way was opened for awareness of CaoDai to be spread by the multitude of people escaping Southeast Asia during this tumultuous period.
Now as the millennium dawns, a new impetus is created and CaoDai messages are given to new people in new places, such as in the United States. Americans are beginning to discover the value of the original esoteric form of CaoDai. In much the same way as Tibetan Buddhism has been opened to many, CaoDai begins the process of disseminating little by little its valuable and closely held esoteric information to the West. The first temple to open itself to the influx and acceptance of Westerners is underway in Riverside, California. Its leaders have the desire to begin to relate their esoteric traditions in English to Americans, so that the first and main message received from the Supreme Being, that we all are One and must reunite under The One Nameless Divinity, can be delivered, and that a path of esoteric practice toward that end (reunification of the self with the Supreme Being) may begin.
