People & Culture - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1022

The forgotten kingdom of Champa was profoundly influenced by Hinduism and many
of the Cham towers, built as Hindu sanctuaries, contain lingas (phallic symbols represent-
ing Shiva) that are still worshipped by ethnic Vietnamese and ethnic Chinese alike.
For a virtual tour of Thai Buddhist architecture around the region, visit
www.orientalarchitecture.com .
Islam
Southeast Asians converted to Islam to join a brotherhood of spice traders and to escape
the inflexible caste system of earlier Hindu empires. The Chams may be Muslims, but in
practice they follow a localised adaptation of Islamic theology and law. Though Muslims
usually pray five times a day, the Chams pray only on Fridays and observe Ramadan (a
month of dawn-to-dusk fasting) for only three days.
Taoism
Taoism originated in China and is based on the philosophy of Laotse (The Old One), who
lived in the 6th century BC. Little is known about Laotse and there is some debate as to
whether or not he actually existed. Taoist philosophy emphasises contemplation and sim-
plicity. The ideal is returning to the Tao (the Way, or the essence of which all things are
made), and it emphasises the importance of Yin and Yang.
Tam Giao
Over the centuries, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism have fused with popular
Chinese beliefs and ancient Vietnamese animism to create Tam Giao (Triple Religion).
When discussing religion, most Vietnamese people are likely to say that they are
Buddhist, but when it comes to family or civic duties they are likely to follow the moral
and social code of Confucianism, and will turn to Taoist concepts to understand the nature
of the cosmos.