Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Religion
The dominant religions of Southeast Asia have absorbed many traditional animistic beliefs
of spirits, ancestor worship and the power of the celestial planets in bringing about good
fortune. The Mekong region's spiritual connection to the realm of magic and miracles com-
mands more respect, even among intellectual circles, than the remnants of paganism in
Western Christianity. Locals erect spirit houses in front of their homes, while ethnic
Chinese set out daily offerings to their ancestors, and almost everyone visits the fortune
teller.
Although the majority of the population has only a vague notion of Buddhist doctrines,
they invite monks to participate in life-cycle ceremonies, such as funerals and weddings.
Buddhist pagodas are seen by many as a physical and spiritual refuge from an uncertain
world.
CAO DAISM
A fascinating fusion of East and West, Cao Daism (Dai Dao Tam Ky Pho Do) is a syncretic religion
born in 20th-century Vietnam that contains elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, native Viet-
namese spiritualism, Christianity and Islam - as well as a dash of secular enlightenment thrown in for
good measure. The term Cao Dai (meaning high tower or palace) is a euphemism for God. There are an
estimated two to three million followers of Cao Daism worldwide.
Cao Daism was founded by the mystic Ngo Minh Chieu (also known as Ngo Van Chieu; born 1878),
who began receiving revelations in which the tenets of Cao Dai were set forth.
All Cao Dai temples observe four daily ceremonies: at 6am, noon, 6pm and midnight. If all this
sounds like just what you've been waiting for, read more on the official Cao Dai site:
www.caodai.org
.
The most impressive Cao Dai temple is at Tay Ninh, near Ho Chi Minh City.
Ancestor Worship
Ancestor worship dates from long before the arrival of Confucianism or Buddhism.
Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the soul lives on after death and becomes the
protector of its descendants. Because of the influence the spirits of one's ancestors exert on
the living, it is considered not only shameful for them to be upset or restless, but downright
dangerous.
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