Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh

The Holy See of the Caodai. Caodaism is a religion unique to Vietnam. It was founded by a mystic called Ngo Minh Chien in the early part of the 20th century. It attempts to fuse secular and religious ideas from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, native Vietnamese spiritualism, Catholic Christianity and Islam. The priesthood is both male and female and they practice cellebacy. There are about 2 million followers, mainly in the south of Vietnam. Caodais believe in reincarnation with the ultimate goal being to break out of the cycle. Good acts include not killing. lying, or stealing, moderate living and avoiding excess sensuality. They believe in one God, the soul and communications with spirits and that messages from God were revealed to various prophets (including Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha) and were only applicable to the places and times of the recipients. They pray four times a day with women on the left, men on the right.