Photo. The members
of the sect are preying.
Tay Ninh is the holy site of Caodaism, which is
considered as Vietnam's most amazing indigenous religion. This religion was established in the Southern regions
of Vietnam in the early 1920's. It`s a peaceful religion
with unusual ceremonies open for all visitors.
Tay Ninh is one of the sixty provinces of Vietnam and is the home to the Cao
Dai religion. The religion has more than one million followers.
Cao Dai literally means high tower or palace, a metaphor for the spender of
spiritual growth. The central philosophy of Cao Daism pertains to the duty that
the faithful perform for themselves, their family, society and the world at
large. Much like Confucianism, this element of the Philosophy pertains to how
the individual functions within the context of the community.
| Photo. There are six men playing string
instruments. There are perhaps a dozen young ladies singing. The building
is cavernous and the music flows gently through it. |
 |
These colourful ceremonies took place more exactly near
the market village of Long Than, situated only 5 kilometers from Tay Nihn, the
capital of the province of the same name. The Great Temple, or Holy See, is the
center of the sect. It was constructed between 1933 and 1955. Here it`s possible to
experience chanting four times a day. The sect`s temple grounds are extensive, with many
buildings and beautiful gardens.
|
Photo. The Divine Eye of Caodai is found
above the alter.
I looked into the eye waited for a vision. |
 |
This eye has been used a symbol for the sect after the
sect`s founder Ngo Minh Chieu view it in a vision. According to Americans it
looks like the symbol found on the back of a US$1 bill.
Stein Morten Lund, 3 March 2006
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