Blogs: Exploring the three religions only in Vietnam – Cao Đài, Hòa Hảo, and Đạo Mẫu

Vietnam is a country with a diverse and rich culture, of which religion is an important part. In addition to religions originating from the East such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, Vietnam also has a number of indigenous religions that have been formed and developed from within the nation itself. Among them, Cao Đài, Hòa Hảo, and Đạo Mẫu are three religions that are only found in Vietnam.

Cao Đài

Cao Đài is a new religion that emerged in the early 20th century. This religion was founded by a group of believers in Tây Ninh, including Mr. Lê Văn Trung, who was revered as Đức Chí Tôn. The teachings of Cao Đài are based on the combination of the world’s major religions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, and so on.

Cao Đài has a rather complex system of doctrine and law. According to it, God is the supreme being who governs all things. Humans are divided into three classes: Supreme, Middle, and Lower. The purpose of humans is to practice to reach the realm of “True Spirit”.

Cao Đài has a fairly strict church organization, with the Cao Đài Tây Ninh Church as the central organization. Currently, Cao Đài has about 2.4 million followers, concentrated mainly in southern Vietnam.

Hòa Hảo

Hòa Hảo is a new religion that emerged in the early 20th century. This religion was founded by Mr. Huỳnh Phú Sổ, who was revered as Đức Huỳnh Giáo Chủ. The teachings of Hòa Hảo are based on the teachings of Buddhism, with an emphasis on the spirit of harmony, compassion, and love for humanity.

Hòa Hảo has a rather simple system of doctrine and law. According to it, Buddha is the supreme being who governs all things. Humans are divided into two classes: good and evil. The purpose of humans is to practice to reach the realm of “nirvana”.

Hòa Hảo has a fairly simple church organization, with the Hòa Hảo Buddhist Church as the central organization. Currently, Hòa Hảo has about 1.5 million followers, concentrated mainly in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam.

Đạo Mẫu

Đạo Mẫu is a folk belief with a long history in Vietnam. This belief worships female deities, including the following goddesses: Mẫu Thượng Thiên, Mẫu Địa, Mẫu Thủy, Mẫu Liễu Hạnh, and so on.

Đạo Mẫu does not have a specific system of doctrine and law. This belief is mainly based on the belief in the sacredness of the goddesses. The purpose of this belief is to pray for the blessings of the goddesses, bringing humans health, happiness, and peace.

Đạo Mẫu is a folk belief that has a profound impact on the cultural life of Vietnamese people. This belief is expressed through festivals, worship rituals, and folk art forms, and so on.

Conclusion

Cao Đài, Hòa Hảo, and Đạo Mẫu are three religions that are only found in Vietnam. These religions have contributed to enriching the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.