Cao Dai religion

1/ Cao Dai

The word comes from Cao Cao Dai - Dai whose literal translation is: Supreme Palace. This double term is found in the most ancient Buddhist prayers. This is the main origin of this religion which is first, we will see that the Reformed Buddhism.

New religion (its essential message in 1926), its roots the most proven traditions of Buddhism and the purest revelations.

The Cao Dai is to some extent comparable to that Protestantism was , in its origin, vis- à-vis the Roman Catholicism. Moreover, even the possibility of comparison is already exceeded in the positive sense, that is to say, in the sense of harmony, as it is now possible to envisage a more or less distant future of the union Christian church in full Catholic unity.

What characterizes the Cao Dai is his analytical mind. That is why his conciliatory role can be of great service to the religious peace, peace so simply.

There is no sectarianism in the Cao Dai, as instead of tending to the opposition of these religions, this new religion is and will increasingly calls for a permanent understanding between the various religious denominations, mystical, philosophical or esoteric.

Good understanding of all the spiritual forces that must give the world a better harmony on all levels.

Our late friend, Gabriel Gobron, wanted to show the beauty, the realities, the effectiveness of the Cao Dai religion while exposing the history and practice.

Gabriel Gobron, Bayonville born July 5, 1895, left his mortal coil and suffering July 8, 1941 in Rethel.

Multilingual Emeritus, tireless researcher in the world of Spirit and spirits, novelist, historian, journalist, professor, Gabriel Gobron was curious and also a curious man. Grand ÷ c ur, its overflowing intellectual generosity, he was ardent polemicist.

Curious indeed, but dilettantism when he thought he had discovered a spiritual beauty, philosophical or religious truth, he would immediately make it known, to share it. He did not hesitate to combats, always with passion, who, in his eyes, wanted to put the light under a bushel. Thus he discovered the Cao Dai, so he fought until his last breath, praying for its fulfillment. Gabriel Gobron, great intelligence, was above all a great heart

After the period of research, studies and discoveries since 1930, Gabriel was a staunch propagator Godron, informed and soon initiator officially accredited Cao Dai in the West and particularly in France.

Conferences, articles, studies and succeeded with texts remained unpublished, they formed a large folder with this posthumous book is one of the main parties.

Thus this book is an authentic message of the Hereafter . It was for us a very consoling ÷ PIECE develop this text and, alas! to reduce it to two hundred pages.

Message of the Hereafter, this posthumous work will, we hope, especially welcomed by many spiritualists friends of the author who has done so much, by the pen, speech and experimentation to Spiritism 

That is, it can be said, Spiritualism, which led to the Cao Dai Gabriel Gobron because, as we shall see, this religion, true Reformed Buddhism, had its origin, and still retains some links with Spiritualism. Hence the second subtitle dictated by Gabriel Gobron: The Annamite Spiritualism.

Out of respect for the memory of the author, as well as for the accuracy of presentation, we kept these two captions that perfectly describe: The Cao Dai, Reformed Buddhism and Spiritualism Annamite We could, for completeness, add synthesis religions. This was encroaching on a book that we hope later reveal to the public if we are given the necessary encouragement. Incentives that are purely spiritual.

For the Cao Dai, born spiritualism renovation Buddhism and then blossomed into a harmonious synthesis of religions. This without losing what was better dan his spiritualistic origin nor his Buddhist training.

True theosophy, the Cao Dai doctrine attractive in it in perfect selection, all other religions were good, beautiful and, above all, is essential in the legal practice, either in ritual or in philosophy.

The modesty of Brother Gago (thus matters as to Gabriel Gobron the Caodaists Indochina) would willingly limit its role to that of lawyer polemicist, propagandist of the new religion. His studies, his meditations , his mystical deserved it more . Today we can say that he is the first philosopher and the first historian of Cao Dai.

His work seemed to be unfinished when he left the everyday life eternal for the East; with the publication of this book, its historian Caodaïsm value is confirmed.

Beyond the Brother Gago enlightens us and protects us because that was the deep desire of His Faith.

Reverently listen to him accept his mission with all humility Caodaist:

"If we accepted this thankless role of the first historian of Cao Dai is that our brothers and friends Annam felt in their overindulgence that we were one of the best documented on the progress Westerners and tribulations of Buddhism renovated. 

Poor health is hardly conducive to the overwhelming burden of such duties. We apologize to the attentive reader of all the imperfections of our work, we ask only, above all, forgive us when we happen not to be "in line", that is to say, fraternal, even to our enemies and our enemies: That is then the Cao Dai has been unworthy, he will not even come to the Lordship of oneself, the patient will be snatched his cap in a fit of temper and stomped pages the most sublime of Christ, Buddha, Confucius ..." 

With compunction, we sent the message, it only remains to be silent to let the reader read issued our comments, the first posthumous book by Gabriel Gobron.

2/ The origins of spiritualism Annamite

*/ The first Cao Dai

It was the beginning of Binh Dan (1926) that the Cao Dai was finally founded. But for six years, a man loved the Grand Master Cao Dai: Mr. Ngo Van Chieu Phu, who was then serving in the 2nd Bureau of the Government of Cochin.

Administrative Officer in 1919, the post of Phu Quoc - Island located in the Gulf of Siam, Mr. Ngo Van Chieu led a life of great wisdom to meet the stringent rules of Taoist Doctrine. From time to time, in this isolated so conducive to religious life resort, he devoted himself, with youth media 12 to 15 years, the evocation of the superior spirits (Cau - Tien) from whom he received instructions for his spiritual evolution. Among the communicating spirits, he found one who was called Cao Dai and interested in a particular way to Phu Chieu.

At first, the name lifted the astonishment of those present because of their knowledge no religious book had mentioned. However, Phu Chie, whose insight was the admiration of his comrades, thought to recognize a nickname of God because of the revelations and teachings of great philosophical significance he had received repeatedly.

Having asked Cao Dai permission to worship in a tangible form, he was ordered to represent a symbolic eye. 

This was the first conversion of the Cao Dai religion which was new, six years later, to settle in Saigon. Soon, the administrative functions of Phu Chieu recalled him to the capital, where he won a few converts to the new faith. But enough for now these early converts to show readers how the Grand Master recruited his mediums.

It was the middle of the year did Suu (1925). A small group of Annamite secretaries from various administrations in Saigon, is forsook every night by spiritualism. They used for this purpose the "striking table". The first attempts were poor. But with patience and training they obtained positive results. For questions to the spirits, whether in verse or prose, they received some surprising answers. Their relatives or friends dead manifested for their family business and advise them speak at the same time self-denial. These sensational revelations and taught them the existence of a hidden world.

However, spirits are communicating was particularly noted for his diligence and his teachings of high moral and philosophical. The Spirit who wrote under the pseudonym "AAA" did not make themselves known, despite the prayers of assistants. Soon, other secretaries Annamite swelled this small group of amateur spiritualists. The sessions then became more serious and regular. As the use of "striking table" was not convenient, the Spirit in question was replaced by the "basket beak". With this device that allows direct writing, communications naturally became faster and less tiring for learner mediums.

24 December 1925 on the occasion of Christmas, the spirit guide, who had persisted hitherto anonymity, finally revealed to the neo- spiritualists as the "Supreme Being" coming under the name Cao_Dài to teach the truth to the country of Annam. Speaking Annamite, he said in substance:

"Rejoice this holiday. This is the anniversary of my arrival in Europe to teach my doctrine. I am very happy to see you, O disciples full of respect and love towards me! This house of one of the mediums have all my blessings. manifestations of my omnipotence you still inspire more respect and love towards me ..."

Therefore, the Grand Master initiated his disciples to the new doctrine.

This was the first recruitment mediums responsible for receiving divine messages.

Chieu on the first Cao Dai , the Cao Dai Review (No. 22 , March 1933), on the occasion of its disembodiment brings us some details.

*/ Her childhood

Ngo Van Chieu Phu was born February 28, 1878 in Binh Tay (Cholon city), in a small house behind the pagoda dedicated to Quan - Dê, Chinese Turenne.

At birth, he refused the breast of his mother who had to give him instead of natural milk, rice broth.

His parents were very poor, came to settle in the following My-tho and confided to her aunt , who sent him to school. Endowed with a keen intellect, he was soon noticed and at the age of twelve, he presented himself to Mr. Administrator of the Province of My-tho to apply for a grant that was him granted. Admitted as a fellow boarder, first primary, then the complementary cycle College My- tho, he worked hard and successfully passed the Competition Secretary to Government. For the time this job was the crowning envied Franco- indigenous further studies. Then twenty -one years, the young man into contented, unable to push further his studies, and to help his parents.

*/ His official life and his religious vocation

The official beginning was assigned to the Immigration Service in Saigon. He spent three years from 1899 to 1902. Having a natural inclination for religious things, he loved to tell the stories of the saints and the adventures of the immortal ancient China he had heard tell by Chinese comrades at the time when it was her aunt, married to a Chinese. One day, one of his friends surprised him by telling a story of saints small Chinese students Cho- lon, to whom he gave nightly private lessons. He had to geniuses and saints great respect. Home he had erected an altar in honor of Quan Thanh De- Quan. He often recited the "Minh Thanh Kinh" prayer book whose spirit of this great general, coupled with a man of great virtue, is the author, and fasted two days a month.

In 1902, during a seance, which took place in Thu Dau Mot, where he was present, a superior spirit manifested and after having revealed his next religious mission, exhorted to practice without delay Dao.

If we consult the illustrated journal, which began a series of articles on various religious manifestations of British India, Siam, China, Japan, the Philippines, etc.. We find in the No. 2 March 1933 a study of the Cao Dai in Indochina. We read about its origins:

"In recent date (1929), the Cao Dai has grown rapidly and spread across Cochin.

Origin: At the beginning of 1926, some young scholars Annamite, all Buddhists, gathered in a "compartment" located in the center of Saigon. They used to "turn" the table and engage in experiences of spiritualism.

However, after a period of trial and error, they finally get "surprising" results, they said, using comrades with a "fluid" powerful.

They were initially in spiritual communication with the sages of ancient Chinese -Thai Ly - Bach, more commonly known as the Tai -PE, Chinese Homer, who renovated the letters in the 13th Tang Dynasty (713-742) and was a devout Taoist".

Thus, once again, we seem justified in our title: The Cao Dai Spiritism or Annamite.

3/ The Pope Cao Dai

The conversion of Mr. Le Van Trung, who was to become Pope Cao Dai, was one of the major events in Indochina:

It was also in 1925, Mr. Le Van Trung lived in Cholon city. Addicted to various companies in the tumult of the city dedicated to the worship of money, his mind was completely away from religion. One evening, at the invitation of one of his parents, convinced spiritualist and belonging to a religious sect called "Minh Ly" (1) to Saigon, he went to a mediumship session to be held in the suburbs, cho- gao.

At this meeting, it was the Spirit Ly Thai Bach manifested. Taking from Mr. Trung He revealed his spiritual origin and told him the same time the next religious mission. He exhorted them to immediately submit to the regime imposed by the new faith. Touched by grace, Mr. Trung life changed again. Supported by his faith, he had the courage to stop smoking immediately opium and follow a vegetarian diet ; he also gave up his business to devote himself entirely to religion.

The conversion of this man yesterday so attached to goods and pleasures of life, is so striking that one wonders if the seances held so far in Cho- gao had not been inspired by missionaries Spirits the sole purpose of bringing Mr. Le Van Trung in the way of the Act. Indeed, when it was resolved to live according to the new faith he had embraced, they ordered the dispersion of spiritualist group, to the astonishment and deep affliction of its members.

In Saigon, the Grand Master, saying the time came, brought his mediums Mr. Le Van Trung. He sent two of them (Mr Cu and Tac) in the newly converted, with orders to organize a meeting at which he would give him instructions.

Mr. Trung, who did not know these mediums yet accepted their proposal when he learned the reasons for their approach.

An evocative session took place. The Grand Master, among other teachings, enunciated Mr. Trung its next big mission in the new religion that was founded to save humanity.

This revelation confirmed the various allusions spirit messages that Mr. Trung had received Cho- gao with other mediums. It strengthened his conviction and encouraged him to devote himself fully to religious practices.

Some time after, the Grand Master sent MM. Trung, Cu and Tac with the phu Chieu, who was to guide the religious path as elder brother. Thereof which, in turn, had been instructed by the Grand Master, made them a most cordial reception. He immediately put in touch with her first co-religionists. The Cao Dai nucleus was formed which included a dozen members, all of French culture and employees, for the most part in various jurisdictions in Saigon.

Fervor and disinterestedness of these pioneers the first time soon attracted to them a number of members of higher and higher. The Cao Dai religion then came out of his inner circle to spread among the people at the beginning of the year Binh Dan (1926).

Mr. Chieu phu accustomed to solitude, was upset by the influx of followers, who alarmed. Aware of his official duties, he resolved to henceforth take away from this great religious movement. Mr. Le Van Trung was then appointed by the Grand Master to replace late April ver.

*/ The first oratorical

The seance continued growing in many individuals, primarily in the oratories organized in each of the following centers: Cholon city Cân Giuôc, Loc Giang, Tan Dinh, Thu Duke and Cau Kho. Two mediums were assigned to each oratory to receive the teachings of Grand Master. The admission of new followers there was also decided. Memberships flocked; they even raised several hundred new registrations each session.

*/ The official statement of the Cao Dai

The new religion quickly took the extension, as it was enthusiastically received, especially by the people. Anxious to act openly and to keep within the limits of strict legality, officers made ​​an official statement signed by 28 people, they addressed the October 7, 1926 to the Governor of Cochinchina. A declaration was also attached a list of followers with the signatures of 247 supporters attended the ceremony having spent the official existence of Cao Dai.

*/ Propaganda .

After making this statement, which the local government had donated a courteous , the leaders of the "Great Way" organized propaganda missions in the interior.

These were three in number, one for the Eastern provinces , one for those of the Centre and to those of the West 

In less than two months, more than 20,000 people, including many native notables, were converted to the new religion. It was thanks to spiritualism, and especially the infinite goodness of God, who always showed each invocation prayer and whose messages had a decisive influence on the workers, the Cao Dai is the mass conversions.

This success is also due to the shape of the new religion, which is not contrary to those of the main religions in the country.

*/ The feast of the coming of Cao Dai

From the 10th day of the 10th month (14 -11-26), the propaganda tours were interrupted. All efforts of the leaders were focused on the feast of the coming of Cao Dai. This took place on 14, 15 and 16 of the 10th month of the year Binh Dan (18, 19 and 20 November 1926) in the pagoda - Lam Tu, located at Goken (Tay -Ninh). The Governor General of Indochina, and the Governor of Cochinchina and major European and native officials were invited there.

Celebrated with solemnity, this festival brings together a huge fan ran all the Provinces of Cochin number. It also attracted thousands of curious laymen came in as well as observers. The presence of Mr. Captain Monet, a large French spiritualist, there was also noticed.

It was during this festival that the priesthood was instituted Cao Dai and the new religious code was established and promulgated.

*/ The permanent headquarters of Cao Dai

The Tu -Tu - Lam is a Buddhist pagoda newly built by Giac Hoa Thuong hai gao - Cho (Cho Lon), who was assigned to the new religion to which he had been converted. But after the party, the Buddhist faithful who had provided the funds to build this temple, and who had not been consulted on its decommissioning, demanded his return to its original destination.

On the other hand, experience had shown that this pagoda was too small and the land on which it is built was too small to allow properly install the seat of the emerging new religion called to a great future.

On indications of a superior spirit, the land on which is currently the interim temple was therefore selected and purchased to fix definitively the Holy Caodaïque . Located in the village of Long Thanh Tay -Ninh province, it is quite large (100 ha . Approximately) to meet current and future needs.

 

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