Cao Đài is a relatively new, syncretist, monotheistic religion, officially established in Tây Ninh, southern Vietnam, in 1926. The term Cao Đài literally means "high place." Figuratively, it means that highest place where God reigns. It is also the abbreviated name for God, the creator of the universe, whose full title is Cao Đài Tiên Ông Đại Bồ Tát Ma-ha-tát - Within the title are representations of the Three Teachings: Saint, Sage and Buddha.
Caodaiists credit God as the religion's founder. They believe the teachings, symbolism and organization were communicated directly from God. Cao Đài's first disciples claimed to have received direct communications from God, who gave them explicit instructions for establishing a new religion that would commence the Third Era of Religious Amnesty.
Adherents engage in ethical practices such as prayer, veneration of ancestors, nonviolence, and vegetarianism with the minimum goal of rejoining God the Father in Heaven and the ultimate goal of freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Estimates of the number of Cao Đài adherents in Vietnam vary, but most sources give two to three million. Some estimates are as high as eight million adherents in Vietnam. An additional 30,000 (primarily ethnic Vietnamese) live in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
We were able to view a ceremony take place from the balcony at the temple (2nd picture) This was very interesting to see how it was conducted and how the rituals were carried out.
The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. The role of the tunnel systems should not be underestimated in its importance in resisting American operations and protracting the war, eventually persuading the weary Americans into withdrawal.
Seeing the tunnels was very interesting, but definitely hit a soft spot when hearing/seeing the videos of Vietnamese that were praised for killing Americans. The American Pride took over and I was finished seeing the tunnels after the first few. Overall, it showed how terrible war is and can be, no matter what side you are on.
This entry into the tunnels was only big enough for a Vietnamese person. There is little chance an average-sized American could fit in it.
No comments:
Post a Comment