Caodism: [kou-dahy-iz-uh m]

Cao = High         Đài = Palace

Cao Đài is basically a religion created in Vietnam influenced by Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and even to some extent, Christianity.  It roughly has several million followers in Vietnam, and is the third most popular religion in the country (behind Buddhism as first and Catholicism as second).  It was founded in the Southern part of the Mekong Delta, specifically in the city Tây Ninh (north-west of Saigon/HCM).  The symbol of faith for this religion is known as the “Left Eye of God.”

Due to the many influences of the various religions, it has several similarities with each.  The main gods in Caodism are Cao Đài (“Highest Lord”) and the Diêu Trì Kim Mẫu or Đức Phật Mẫu (“Holy Mother”).  They are also based on the concept of yang and yin.  Yang being the male aspect (Cao Đài) and yin the female aspect (Diêu Trì Kim Mẫu).

In terms of divine spirits they believe in Thần (“Angels”), Thánh (“Saints”), Tiên (“Immortals”), and Phật (“Buddhas”).  Each category of being is further subdivided into three categories: heavenly, human, and earthly.

One of the underlying foundation of this religion is that all religions are considered one. 

When we visit Cai Lai in the Mekong Delta, we will be able to see this religion, as it is still being practiced in this part of the country.