Chanh Trị Sự Victoria helps with the Google translation review.
Dear Ms. Janet Hoskin, Professor, University of
Southern California.
I am very grateful and very pleased to know that the
Professor has written an article in Vietnamese about the Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do,
abbreviated as Cao Dai, established in 1926 and presented at the conference in
Binh Chau. I would like the Professor to please share more information about
the conference topic, time, participants, other presentations (if possible) so
that I have the opportunity to learn and think more. I am very grateful. I know
that Binh Chau hot spring in Ba Ria province is the place where the conference
was held or not?
I read the presentation in Binh Chau with a joyful and
excited mood, so I would like to discuss the Binh Chau article on page 10: The
crime of schism and punishment: The Path to the Eightfold Path. (Tội ly giáo và hình
phạt: Con Đường đến Bát Đạo Nghị Định.)
First words.
Dear Professor.
In the storehouse of wise stories, there is a story
about some blind men touching an elephant, one hit the trunk, one hit the leg,
one hit the tail… then they described the elephant according to their feelings
and discussed with each other… about the elephant day after day.
Therefore, I would like to say first that I am
introducing the whole elephant not a part of the elephant. I provide
information and facts related to the Eightfold Path and then compare, raise
questions or raise issues. I understand that having a scientific working method
is a necessary condition to come to a correct understanding of the truth.
Especially with the Eightfold Path, I use the method of comparing with
previously recognized things; to see the causal relationship. I attach an
appendix, an article from Vietnam Times to further clarify the Eightfold Path.
I provide information or events (each information can
be verified) related to the 8 Dao Nghi Dinh through four stages: First:
From Vong Thien Cau Dao to the organization of the Dao Opening Ceremony at Go
Ken Pagoda. Second: From the Dao Opening Ceremony until there were all
eight Dao Nghi Dinh (1926-1934). Third: From the time there were all
eight Dao Nghi Dinh until the Cao Dai Holy See was abolished (1934-1983). Fourth:
From the time the Cao Dai Holy See was abolished (1983) until now. According to
me, to understand correctly, to arrive at the truth, it is necessary to see and
know the whole elephant.
end of page 1
1/- From Vong Thien Cau Dao Cao Dai (December 16,
1925) to the Opening Ceremony at Go Ken Pagoda (November 18, 1926).
On December 16, 1925, three seniors Cao Quynh Cu, Pham
Cong Tac, and Cao Hoai Sang looked to Vong Thien Cau Dao (Heaven to pray for
the Way), praying for the Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do of Universal Salvation,
abbreviated as Cao Dai; not praying for a religion with any other name. From
the three of them praying for the Way, God taught the Way through the
planchette, meaning writing it down in writing, so these are verifiable things.
1.1/- God teaches: The Loi Minh The “Oath” (April
22/23, 1926).
“What is your name? ... What is your family name? ...
I swear: From now on, I know the ONE Cao-Dai religion of the Jade Emperor will
not change my mind, will unite with all Disciples, and will uphold the Cao-Dai
laws. If you have two minds, Heaven will punish you and Earth will punish you.” (Thanh Ngon Hiep Tuyen “TNHT”, volume 1, page 15,
1972 edition)
In principle: God does not force anyone to follow Cao Dai, but
anyone who wants to become a Cao Dai follower must enter the religion. He must
swear that according to Cao Dai law, the Loi Minh-The (Oath) must be recited
before the Altar of God and witnessed. Please choose two main meanings. (Note:
Followers of Cao Dai sects also recite this Oath)
First: … From here we know that there is ONE Cao-Dai
Religion of the Jade Emperor … the word ONE is singular, so it is unique,
meaning there is ONLY ONE Cao-Dai Religion established by the Jade Emperor in
1926. The Jade Emperor did not establish a second Cao-Dai Religion.
Second: The Loi Minh-The (Oath) is the most important
foundation for correctly understanding the Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do; therefore,
the Loi Minh-The is a basic premise for correctly understanding the Cao-Dai
Religion. Having voluntarily read the Loi Minh-The (Oath), one must recognize
the consequences consistent with the Loi Minh-The (Oath). Just as when studying
plane geometry, one must accept the Euclid premise; one must accept the
consequences from the Euclid premise. Without understanding the Euclid premise
to apply, one cannot correctly solve problems about plane geometry; without
understanding the Oath to apply, one cannot correctly understand the Dai-Dao
Tam-Ky Pho-Do.
1.2/- God taught on April 24, 1926
As for the Disciples, all are the same, they must not
form factions or parties; if anyone commits a crime, the MASTER will expel
them, to avoid disorder.
(TNHT, volume 1, page 46, 1972 edition). No predecessor has denied this
sentence.
end of page 2
1.3/- God taught 14-8-1926.
"So, when you hear about Cao Dai here, Cao Dai
there, don't believe it quickly and fall into the trap of evil" (Pho Cao Chung Sanh page 6, printed on October
13, 1926). No one denied this teaching.
1.4/- God taught on October 29, 1926.
A… Q… all of the disciples of the Master know only one
thing and not two; whoever has the heart to divide and divide into factions is
the Master's enemy. Do you understand? (TNHT, volume 1, page 47, printed in 1972).
Looking up in religious history, D… Q… is Mr. Tran Dao
Quang, the Thuong Chuong Phap who was later awarded the title of Ngoc Chuong
Phap. No one has ever denied this teaching.
Through the four quotes above, three basic things can
be determined: First: God established ONE Cao Dai religion in 1926 at Go
Ken Pagoda, do not believe in any other place that claims the name Cao Dai and
fall into evil plots. Second: God forbids the division of factions and
considers them enemies of God anyone who violates them will be expelled. Third:
None of the predecessors who founded the religion (including those who split
off to form sects) have issued any official document refuting the four quotes above.
2/- From the
Inauguration Ceremony to August 25, 1934.
The Inauguration
Ceremony at Go Ken Pagoda, Tay Ninh on November 18, 1926. After that, God and
His Holiness Ly Giao Tong established the Phap Chanh Truyen Male-Female, the Phap
Chanh Truyen Hiep Thien Dai, and taught the establishment of the Tan-Luat (New
Law) .... He taught His Holiness Pham Cong Tac to annotate the Phap Chanh
Truyen. When annotating, His Holiness was taught to add to the titles of Chanh
Tri Su, Pho Tri Su, and Thong Su... The Dharma of the True Canon Commentary was
issued on April 2, 1931 (Chau Tri 11); it is the only commentary in Cao Dai.
God taught His
Excellency Thuong Trung Nhut (April 21, 1930).
… Alas! The works
of the Master and the Holy Ones are many, but the achievements of each of you
are not much; many times the waves of suffering want to drown you, but the
Master is afraid to the point of frowning in pain. Seeing this, the Master has
no choice but to amend the Heavenly Plan, and to let each of you have the time,
the power to guide each other, to fulfill your duties; but in the end, the evil
power also overwhelms the Holy nature, the secular steps lead to the mortal
truth; the Master is very heartbroken to see his children being frivolous,
falling into the path of evil.
Some were obsessed
with money, some were greedy for beauty, some were driven to the path of profit
and power, some were pushed into immorality. Each went their separate ways, all
throwing away their sacred qualities, silently following dozens of movements.
end of page 3
What is more
harmful is that you are hidden by it, pushed apart, torn apart from each other,
torn apart from each other, severed from each other's bonds; torn apart and
bitten each other, like people from different families, like chickens from
separate nests; so that you have no power to oppose them; and in the end, you
are gradually fragmented and divided, falling into deep caves and abysses.
I thought I would
let you all take care of the struggle and fight against them; but looking at
the Scriptures, eight out of ten have fallen right into the feet of the devil
king and are being trampled; and most of you are of high rank and have
important responsibilities; I must force myself to be considerate of you, and
reveal a little. Therefore, you should know how to control your steps, to cure
each other's illnesses, and prevent the steps of those who will come.
Evil has overcome
righteousness, so how can I endure it? I am the one whom the Master trusted in
the beginning; although I have made many mistakes in my path, thanks to the
Divine Beings' compassion and guidance; I have just reached the right place and
have returned in time. Pity the many others, who have never grasped power,
never held wealth, never been close to beauty, never seen profit; who have been
hung before their eyes by the monsters of Heaven, and have had to walk the path
in silence; whose precious true spirit is mixed with the mortal body, and has
had to suffer eternal sinking... (TNHT, volume 2, page 180,
printed in 1972)
Note: The above is the
current state of Cao Dai before Duc Ly Giao Tong and Duc Ho Phap established
the six Religious Decrees (November 22, 1930).
2.1/-
Establishment of six Decrees (November 22, 1930).
At the beginning
of the ceremony to establish the six Decrees (November 22, 1930), there are
several points to note:
-/- Because of the
order of His Holiness Ly Giao Tong to summon the three Chanh Phoi Su to the
Holy See, the Ho Phap and the Văn Phap took the opportunity to request that all
the Dignitaries be present to listen to the teachings.
-/- The Thuong Dau
Su said: "The disciples and all the dignitaries are very worried. We
humbly ask the Pope to mercifully resume his power to restore the foundation of
the religion."
Why pay attention
to the above two paragraphs?
Because the Ly
Giao Tong resigned as the Giao Tong (Pope), the Venerable Thuong Trung Nhut
said: ..., humbly asking the Pope to compassionately resume power to rectify
the religion. Resuming power means that the Ly Giao Tong has resigned hence
the above sentence.
end of page 4
Why did Ly Giao
Tong (Pope Ly) resign?
Why did Duc Ly
re-assign the position of Giao Tong (Pope)?
Because the Ly
Giao Tong explained to Duc Ho Phap that the disease of religion is the need to
use laws to govern, and the God taught Duc Ho Phap not to listen to the Ly Giao
Tong; the God wanted to use love to teach and govern. For the same disease,
there are two remedies, so Duc Ho Phap did not know which remedy to choose.
Duc Ho Phap was
confused for six months, not knowing whether to listen to God or Ly Giao Tong,
so he was stuck between the two remedies. The last time, Duc Ly Thai Bach held
Duc Ho Phap from 9 pm to 4 am to explain: If there is no decision, Duc Ho Phap
should step back, because if the law is not used, the religion will be ruined,
and then Duc Ho Phap must take responsibility. Duc Ho Phap (Hiep Thien Dai)
understood the problem, so he joined Duc Ly (Cuu Trung Dai) to submit a
petition to God (Bat Quai Dai) asking to use the law to manage religion. When
the Duc Ly and Duc Ho Phap the God agreed but was very sad.
2.2/- Note down
some essential things from the six Dao Nghi Dinh (Laws-Decrees-Ordinances)
2.2.1/- Second
Decree:
First: - Grant
authority to the Thuong Dau Sư (Supreme Patriarch) to represent the Elder in
carrying out the physical duties of the Patriarch, while the Elder has the
Spiritual duties.
Second: - The
Dignitaries of the Cuu Trung Dai, only the Chanh Phoi Sư, must obey the
authority and conduct the political affairs of the Religion, but must represent
the Dau Sư, who is currently holding the authority of the Giao Tong of Duc Ly.
2.2.2/- Third
Decree.
Second: -
Administrative officials in various places divide power according to rank like
this:
end of page 5
The Phoi Su must
reside at the Holy See.
The Professor is
the head of a province.
Giao Huu is the
head of a family.
Le Sanh is the
head of a district.
Chanh Tri Su is
the head of a village.
Pho Tri Su heads a
hamlet with the Thong Su.
Third: - All
dignitaries have special areas and must not go beyond the boundaries of their
responsibilities, causing jealousy and confusion.
Fourth: - All
Clergy must obey the orders of the Church and must not change the True
Tradition of the Religion for their own benefit.
2.2.3/- The Fifth
Decree.
First: - All
ordained dignitaries are required to give up their social careers to take care
of religion.
Second: - Only
dignitaries who are completely devoted to the Religion can be counted in the
Church, while those outside the Church cannot participate in the politics of
the Religion.
No one from the
dignitaries issued an official document disobeying the six Decrees, so they
were implemented.
2.3/- Important
developments after the establishment of the 6 Decrees.
Please note over
time.
2.3.1/- Chau Tri
opened the Dai Họi Nhon Sanh: February 2, 1931. Supreme
Patriarch Thuong Tuong Thanh went to Chau Tri No. 1: to prepare to open the
first Dai Hoi Nhon Sanh of Cao Dai. The first Dai Hoi Nhon Sanh opened on
November 24, 1931.
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2024/10/5456-chau-tri-so-1-1931-chuan-bi-mo-ai.html#more
2.3.2/- The Minh
Chon Ly sect was born (May 31, 1931).
This was the first sect to separate from the Tay Ninh Holy See, established by the Phoi Su Thai Ca Thanh in Cau Vy, My Tho, calling itself the Hoi Thanh Trung Uong (Central Holy See). After the six Dao Nghi Dinhs, Phoi Su Thai Ca Thanh asked Dau Su Thuong Trung Nhut to return to arrange his family affairs and then return to practice his religion, but later he stayed in his
end of page 6
hometown and established the Minh Chon
Ly sect. Thuong Chanh Phoi Su, Thuong Tuong Thanh wrote letters to dissuade and
call for a return to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh, Venerable Ngoc Trang Thanh also
agreed.
The letter from
the Thuong Chanh Phoi Su Thuong Tuong Thanh to His Excellency Thai Ca Thanh
(November 1, 1932) has a clear and exemplary logic: ... I have received the
bundle of Sacred Words of Hau Giang that you sent and an Invitation Letter to
the meeting at My Tho Holy Temple on October 15. I have read it carefully and
also re-read the Sacred Teachings and Sacred Words that you sent several times
before. I clearly see that it is a survey conducted by the Tam Tran to lend the
Evil Gods their names to tempt...
… After inciting
and insulting Tay Ninh, spreading reports and questions throughout the Six
Provinces, now you and those who help you are incited by Evil Gods to
enthusiastically take over the family title, establishing a separate Central
Church to govern yourself. Making anyone who looks at it see that the Minh Chon
Ly ideology of Hau Giang is ultimately a school of fame and position-seeking…
… Any
Heavenly-appointed Dignitary in Tay Ninh who is truly guilty will be punished
and will never be able to escape. You will see clearly what you have done in
the past year and a half, how far you have strayed from morality, and how far
you have strayed from morality. After that, you will no longer be addicted to
listening to the Hau Giang planchette…
… I declare that
the brothers in the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh are all happy to extend their hands to
welcome the brothers in Hau Giang to reunite and put aside the troubles that
have occurred due to the evil spirit's arrangement. That reconciliation is a
more precious offering than ever to the Master… (end of quote).
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2019/12/2964-noi-long-ngai-thuong-tuong-thanh.html#more
The Venerable Ngoc
Trang Thanh wrote a letter (November 3, 1932) agreeing with the above letter of
His Excellency Thuong Tuong Thanh: ... The opinions expressed in that letter
are all consistent with my opinions, so I advise you to read it again clearly,
to understand for sure that the things that Mr. Thai Ca Thanh rejected in the
past have now brought trouble to the religion.
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2019/12/2965-noi-long-ngai-ngoc-trang-thanh-1932.html#more
2.3.3/- Minh Chon
Dao Sect (1932).
His Excellency
Ngoc Chuong Phap Tran Dao Quang cooperated with His Excellency Thai Ca Thanh to
establish Minh Chon Ly. Later, His Excellency Tran Dao Quang separated to
establish the Minh Chon Dao Church in Hau Giang.
end of page 7
Let me repeat what
the Master said, calling out the name of Mr. Tran Dao Quang, to teach: D… Q…
all of my disciples only know one thing and not two; anyone who has the heart
to divide and divide into factions is my enemy. Do you understand?
2.3.4/- Tien Thien
sect (1932).
Chau tri 67 dated
December 31-1930 by Ngoc Chanh Phoi Su Ngoc Trang Thanh about the practice of
flying spells by the parishioners Ngoc Chinh Thanh... in 1932, these people
gathered to form the Tien Thien sect. In 1948, Mr. Nguyen Buu Tai brought the
Tien Thien sect to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. Duc Ly Giao Tong approved and
instructed to submit it to Quyen Van Linh for decision, then they withdrew to
the old base.
These are three
sects that separated from the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh, after Duc Ly Giao Tong and
Duc Ho Phap established six Decrees (Dao Nghi Dinh).
2.3.5/- Ngoc Dau Su
opened the Supreme Council (April 16, 1933).
Ngoc Trang Thanh
organized the Supreme Council (Thuong Hoi) to overthrow the Thương Dau Sư Thuong
Trung Nhut. Thuong Dau Su Thuong Tuong Thanh participated. The overthrow
failed.
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2025/01/5631-vi-bang-thuong-hoi-chua-thanh-ngay.html#more
(Note on the law
of the religion: The three Chanh Phoi Sư Thai Tho Thanh, Thuong Tuong Thanh,
and Ngoc Trang Thanh were promoted to Dau Su. Therefore, Hiep Thien Dai
appointed Khai Dao Pham Tan Dai as Acting Thai Chanh Phoi Sư; Khai-The Thai Van
Thau as Acting Thuong Chanh Phoi Su; Khai Phap Tran Duy Nghia as Acting Ngoc
Chanh Phoi Sư. Hiep Thien Dai also appointed three Thoi Quan Bao-Phap Nguyen
Trung Hau, Bao-The Le Thien Phuoc, and Hien-Dao Pham Van Tuoi as Acting Chuong
Phap, “without sectarian distinction.”)
2.3.6/-
Ngoc Dau Su opened the Hoi Van Linh (June 11, 1933)
Opening the Thuong Hoi to overthrow Duc Quyen Giao
Tong failed. Ngoc Dau Su Ngoc Trang Thanh opened the Hoi Van Linh to overthrow
Duc Quyen Giao Tong Thuong Trung Nhut. This association elected Mr. Nguyen Phan
Long (Duoc Nha Nam newspaper) as chairman. The Hoi Van Linh also failed.
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2023/06/4685-vi-bang-hoi-van-linh-1933.html#more
(Note on the law of the religion: Cao Dai has the Power of Van Linh but not the Hoi Van Linh. The Power of Van Linh is the power of three associations from bottom to top: the Hoi Nhon Sanh, the Hoi Hoi-Thanh, and the Thuong Hoi.
end of page 8
Each association has a different format, so it meets
separately; it cannot meet together; “so it is often called the Ba Hoi Lap
Quyen Van Linh ‘Three Associations Establishing the Power of Van Linh’".
Ngoc Dau Su organized the three associations to meet together and called it the
Hoi Van Linh, so it was against the law. When establishing the Religious Reform
Committee, the two still opened the Hoi Van Linh)
2.3.7/- Chau Tri
6, December 1, 1933 "October 14, Quy Dau" of the three Quyền Chanh
Phoi Su.
In this Chau Tri,
section 5, there is a letter from His Excellency Thai Dau Su Thai Tho Thanh
(Saigon, August 20, 1933) stating that Ngoc Trang Thanh forged the seal of Thai
Dau Su in Decree No. 1.
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2024/11/5487-chau-tri-6-ngay-1-12-1933-cua-ba.html#more
2.3.8/- Peace
Agreement on December 26, 1933.
After the above
events occurred, the two Venerables Thuong Tuong Thanh and Ngoc Trang Thanh sat
down with the authorities to write the Peace Agreement; Duc Quyen Giao Tong
wrote:
So from now on, I
would like to hand over to the following: Ho Phap, Thuong Dau Su, Ngoc Dau Su, Thai
Dau Su, and Nu Chanh Phoi Su, to take care of the Dharma foundation so that I
can rest my body for a while so that I can regain my strength as before, to
pray to Heaven and Buddha for the Dharma to develop, for world peace to quickly
come, for all living beings to enjoy the blessings of Heaven...
The peace treaty
was then invalidated.
2.3.9/- Q Dau Su
Thuong Tuong Thanh captured the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh on March 5, 1934. (First time:
directly involved).
At about 7:00 a.m.
on March 5, 1934 (January 20, Giap Tuat), a large group of people led by Mr.
Thuong Tuong Thanh from Saigon went up to the Holy See. When they reached the
Hoa Vien gate, they stopped and divided into two groups: one group attacked the
Hoa Vien Gate, and the other group attacked Gate No. 2.
But Duc Ho Phap
had arranged for Pham Mon to protect them, so the invasion failed, and they had
to leave. After the invasion failed, some Pham Mon were arrested and brutally
interrogated by the Tay Ninh provincial government. So, was Quyen Dau Su
related to the arrest of the Pham Mon?
2.3.10/- In April 1934, Mr. Tuong retired to establish Bach Van Dien at Ky Van mountain, Long Hai, where he was an official before. Mr. Ngoc Trang
end of page 10
Thanh
came to discuss the establishment of the Ban Chinh Dao sect. The two returned
to Saigon, went to Thanh That Binh Hoa (Gia Dinh), and at the same time went to
Thanh That An-Hoi (Ben Tre).
2.3.11/-
Declaration of religious rectification (July 24, 1934).
His Excellency
Thuong Tuong Thanh established Chau Tri No. 3 on July 24, 1934. Excerpt:
The Chanh Phoi Su,
Quyen Dau Su Thuong Tuong Thanh, sends this to all dignitaries, officials, and
male and female Buddhists.
(…) Now that the
time has come to Rectify the Religion, I must carry out the duty entrusted to
me by my God and Duc Ly, which is to help rectify the Religion and educate
people. Also, since the day the Thuong Trung Nhut (Elder Brother) issued Order
No. 21 and the Proclamation to All Beings on February 4, 1934, which caused the
collapse of peace, I had no choice but to temporarily stay at the Thanh That Binh
Hoa (Gia Dinh) and An-Hoi (Ben Tre) to help my God rectify the Religion. (end of excerpt)
2.3.12/-
Announcement of the program of religious rectification (July 27, 1934).
Messrs. Tuong and
Trang established Chau Tri No. 4 on July 27, 1934; Announcement of the
"Program of Religious Rectification". Excerpt:
First thing: (…)
ABOUT BAN-CHINH-DAO.
Fifth: There will be a Ban
Chinh Đao to discuss with the two Quyen Dau Su the matters of the Religion
before implementation. This committee of the Religious communities will jointly
select from among the dignitaries or the virtuous and knowledgeable Religious
friends, especially to take care of correcting the practice, confining them to
the rules of conduct, gathering the virtuous and contributing virtues to make
the religion appear successful (…) Currently, we are temporarily staying at the
Thanh That Binh Hoa (Gia Dinh) and the Thanh That An Hoi (Ben Tre) to take care
of the duty of helping the God to correct the Religion until it is successful.
Then, at the date and time determined by the God, we will return to the Tay
Ninh Holy See to join in the work of uniting with the righteous people… (end of excerpt)
Compare and
comment:
-/- With the third
Decree: The Phoi Su must reside at the Holy See.
The Phoi Su Thai Ca Thanh, Ngoc Chuong Phap Tran Dao Quang, Thuong Dau Su Thuong Tuong Thanh, and Ngoc Dau Su Ngoc Trang Thanh did not have any official document denying the regulation that the Phoi Su must stay at the Holy See.
end of page 10
So, was it right or
wrong for the above Venerables to leave the Holy See to practice their religion
in accordance with the Third Decree? Please compare with the Letter Mr. Tuong
sent to Mr. Ca above to draw your own conclusions.
-/- With Thuong
Pham Cao Quynh Cu.
Venerable Cao
Quynh Cu was one of the three people who sought the Vong Thien Cau Dao (December
16, 1925). When moving from Go Ken Pagoda to the Holy See, Venerable Cu was
present from the beginning and took care of clearing the forest to build the
Holy Temple. He was invited by the French government to work many times.
Internally, rumors spread that he was practicing religion in an unclear manner,
so they threatened to tie him up in the forest to be shot. He was so sad that
he fell ill and retreated to Thao Xa Hien Cung to recuperate for a while before
passing away (1929). Is this example of practicing religion different from the
ones above?
2.4/-
Establishment of the Seventh and Eighth Decrees (August 25, 1934).
Before the
establishment of the Eighth Decree, three sects had arisen from the Holy See:
Minh Chon Ly, Minh Chon Dao and Tien Thien.
The Ly Giao Tong,
in conjunction with the Ho Phap Pham Cong Tac, established the Eighth Decree on
August 25, 1934 (July 16, Giap Tuat).
First: - Any sects that
are founded by the Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do and not by the Holy Church's orders,
all living beings will not recognize them as belonging to the God and must be
determined to be a Left-Way Side Door (the door is skewed, the path is on the
left).
According to
Article One:
1/- There is only
one religion, at the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh (The God teaches everything in Tay
Ninh) or the premise of the Loi Minh The (Oath).
2/- Personnel
separated from the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. When separated, they took away the
tangible or intangible assets of the religion; (physical: Thanh That, Dien Tho...
and intangible such as religious positions such as Chanh Tri Su, Phó Tri Su,
Thong Su, Le Sanh, Giao Huu, Professor...)
3/- Those who
separated established the Holy See without the order of the Cao Dai Holy See at
the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. According to Article One of the Eighth Decree, that is
a heretical sect.
Compare the Eighth Decree with the first article: The first article of the Eighth Decree is a natural corollary of the first article. The first article quotes the four teachings of God, and to accept the four teachings quoted in the first
end of page 11
article without accepting the Eighth Decree is to violate the principle: to
speak against what has been acknowledged. That is to contradict oneself.
If anyone finds
any errors in such comparison, please point them out so that I can learn more.
I would be very grateful. (Please see Appendix 1).
3/- From 1934 to
1983.
From the
establishment of the Dao-Nghi-Dinh Thu Tam (August 25, 1934) until the Cao Dai
Holy See was abolished (1983), only one sect was born, that is the Ban Chinh
Dao. This is verifiable.
3.1/- Ban Chinh
Dao sect (December 15, 1934).
After two failed
attempts to overthrow and occupy the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh, the two monks Thuong
Tuong Thanh and Ngoc Trang Thanh separated from the Holy See to form the Ban
Chinh Dao faction. The following are some of the main developments of the Ban
Chinh Dao sect.
3.1.1/- Opening of
the 1st Hoi Van Linh, November 20, 1934.
Mr. Thuong Tuong
Thanh presided.
On the afternoon
of November 20, 1934, news was received that the Duc Quyen Giao Tong had
ascended to the throne. The Presiding Monk Tuong said: Anyone who enters the
religious life must remember the hardships of the Duc Quyen Giao Tong during
the initial founding of the religion (...)
The Chairman
wanted to return to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh this very day to attend the funeral
of Duc Quyen Giao Tong (...)
No one said
anything more, so the Chairman closed the meeting, at 5:00 p.m. on the same
day, November 20, 1934. (end of quote).
The two monks
Thuong Tuong Thanh and Ngoc Trang Thanh arranged everything and returned to the
Toa Thanh Tay Ninh to attend the funeral of Duc Quyen Giao Tong.
Last words of the Duc
Quyen Giao-Tong.
The Duc Quyen Giao
Tong left a will, forbidding Tuong and Trang from coming to see him. Therefore,
Tuong and Trang were only allowed to stay outside and were not allowed to
attend the Duc Quyen Giao Tong's funeral. As far as I know, there is no
historical document stating that Tuong and Trang were left standing in the rain
while attending the funeral of His Excellency Thuong Trung Nhut as the
Professor wrote on page 10. The history book states that His Excellency Tuong
was left standing in the rain when bringing the funeral of His Excellency Ngoc
Trang Thanh to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh (July 1936), which I will record below.
end of page 12
3.1.2/- Congress
on December 24, 1934, established the Church of the Ban Chinh Dao, Ben
Tre.
Present: Quyen
Thuong Dau Su Nguyen Ngoc Tuong, Quyen Ngoc Dau Su Le Ba Trang, Bao Phap Nguyen
Trung Hau, Bao Van Phap Quan Cao Quynh Dieu, 07 Professors, 27 Giao Huu, 40 Le
Sanh. Females have 03 Professors, 01 Giao Huu and 03 Le Sanh.
The congress
elected Quyen Ngoc Dau Su Le Ba Trang as Thuong Chuong Phap; elected Quyen
Chanh Phoi Su of the three sects, established the Nine Institutes, and elected
one person to be the head of the female sect. The congress will convene the Hoi
Van Linh from Monday, February 11, 1935, to Thursday, February 14, 1935.
The Congress on
December 24, 1934, arbitrarily appointed Professor Huong Tam (Mo Cay) as the
head of the Women's Sect. Therefore, the virtuous sister wrote a REMINDER on
February 5, 1935; sent to the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh to clear her name.
Link: https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2024/11/5491-nu-giao-su-huong-tam-kinh-cao-viec.html#more
3.1.3/- The second
Hoi Van Linh was held from February 11-1935 to February 14-1935 at
Thanh That An Hoi. Thuong Chuong Phap Le Ba Trang presided.
A vote was held to
elect the Giao-Tong. As a result, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuong was elected Giao Tong.
The Hoi Van Linh
sent Thuong Chuong Phap Le Ba Trang to form a delegation to the Toa Thanh Tay
Ninh to negotiate peace and sent a telegram to His Excellency Nguyen Ngoc Tuong
to the Giao Tong at the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
On February 17,
1935, the Cao Dai Holy See urgently went to Chau Tri about the Ben Tre sect
taking over the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh to organize the ceremony of enthronement for
His Excellency Tuong. Link:
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2024/11/5492-chau-tri-khan-cap-17-02-1935-chi.html#more
3.1.4/- The Ben
Tre sect sent 800 (eight hundred) people to the Holy See (February
19-1935 to February 23-1935).
The Ban Chinh Dao
sect sent His Excellency Thuong Chuong Phap Le Ba Trang to lead 800 people to
the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. His Excellency Trang sent 2 letters to Duc Ho Phap and
the Ban Phu Chanh.
end of page 13
Content: They wanted to
return to the Holy See to negotiate a common reconciliation to take care of the
religion as before (not mentioning the ceremony to enthrone His Excellency
Tuong as Giao Tong). Duc Ho Phap and the Ban Phu Chanh received His Excellency
Trang's letter but did not reply immediately. (Excerpt)
On February 21,
1935, Thuong Chuong Phap Le Ba Trang sent a second letter to Duc Ho Phap,
stating that by 12 noon on February 23, 1935, the peace negotiations would be
over.
On February 23,
1935, at 10:00 a.m., Duc Ho Phap asked Venerable Tiep Dao Cao Duc Trong to
represent him and meet with Venerable Trang at Nu Dau Su Duong.
Mr. Cao Tiep Dao
told Mr. Trang, in general holding a Hoi Van Linh to elect a person to lead the
religion like the two elders did recently in Ben-Tre is completely against the
law of the religion and needs to be revised.
Mr. Trang replied:
"Whether that is wrong or not, please let the responsible high-ranking
dignitaries decide later." Mr. Le Ba Trang and the delegation left
without any violence. That was because the Church had prepared according to the
emergency Chau Tri on February 17, 1935.
If you really want
to make peace, why do you have to bring 800 people?
3.1.5/- On May 7,
1935 (April 5, At Hoi), the Ben Tre sect set up a platform
to instruct the ceremony of enthronement to the Giao Tong for His Excellency
Nguyen Ngoc Tuong. The disciples Chau and Le Tam Tinh.
3.1.6/- On May 9,
1935 (April 7, At Hoi). The Council of the Ban Chinh Dao held
a ceremony to post the telegram for Mr. Tuong to the position of Giao Tong of
the Ban Chinh Dao at noon at Thanh That An-Hoi.
3.1.7/- On July
17, 1936 (May 29, Binh Ty), Thuong Chuong Phap Le Ba Trang
passed away.
Mr. Le Ba Trang,
born in 1879 in Sa-Dec, suffered from dysentery and passed away at Thanh That An-Hoi,
Ben Tre on July 17, 1936, at the age of 58. The Ban Chinh Dao announced the
death and sent a telegram to:
Duc Ho Phap: We
are sad to inform you that our Big Brother Le Ba Trang passed away on July 17
and was buried on July 21.
Madam Chanh Phoi
Su Huong Thanh: We are saddened to inform you that Chuong Phap Le Ba Trang
passed away today in Ben Tre. He wishes to be buried behind the Toa Thanh Tay
Ninh. We await your reply tomorrow.
end of page 14
On the afternoon
of July 19, 1936, the Ban Chinh Dao received two telegrams of condolence from
Duc Ho Phap and Madam Chanh Phoi Su Huong Thanh, along with approval for burial
behind the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
Bringing Mr. Le Ba
Trang to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
Early in the
morning of July 21, 1936, the Ben Tre Church brought Mr. Trang's Lien Dai to
the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. The funeral delegation consisted of about 2,000 people.
When arriving at Ben Keo (8 km from the Holy See) they stopped to gather and
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuong put on the Giao-Tong's uniform; the delegation arrived at
Cua Hoa Vien, the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh at about 3:00 p.m.
The Guardians
ordered a halt and awaited orders from the Church.
The Governor of
Tay Ninh, Vilmont, sent black soldiers to maintain order and security. These
soldiers could not distinguish who was from the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh and who was
from Ben Tre (because their religious uniforms were similar), so they ordered
everyone to disperse and stand guard. As a result, the Ben Tre force was
divided, and Mr. Tuong was isolated, so he intervened, but to no avail.
At the same time,
Duc Ho Phap sent someone to clarify that this was the funeral of Mr. Trang, so
religious rituals had to be followed; he was required to wear mourning clothes
or religious clothes, Mr. Tuong was not allowed to wear the Giao Tong's Heavenly
Uniform to enter the Holy See. Mr. Tuong refused to change out of the Giao
Tong's Heavenly Uniform, so the ceremony lasted until nearly 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Trang's wife
saw that the request of the Church was reasonable, so she explained to Mr.
Tuong that this was her husband's funeral, not a religious ceremony, so Mr.
Tuong should change out of the Giao Tong's Heavenly Uniform to bring Lien Dai
to the Toa Thanh before it got dark. But Mr. Tuong still did not accept.
Suddenly, the sky turned to rain and it rained heavily, the funeral procession
got all their clothes wet and cold. Mr. Tuong was also wet and cold, so he had
to change out of the Giao Tong's Heavenly Uniform and put on dry clothes. When
the rain stopped, the Church saw that Mr. Tuong was no longer wearing the Giao-Tong's
Heavenly Uniform, so they invited the delegation to bring Lien Dai to the Holy
See, and the matter was completed after 9:00 p.m.
On July 23, 1936
(June 6, Binh Ty), at 8:00 a.m., the Holy See buried the body of Mr. Le Ba
Trang behind the Holy Temple. In the afternoon, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuong and some
members of the delegation went to Ho Phap Duong to say goodbye to Duc Ho Phap
and returned to Ben Tre.
Did His Excellency
Tuong want to take advantage of His Excellency Trang's funeral to legitimize
the position of Giao Tong and take over the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh?
end of page 15
3.1.8/- Venerable Thuong Tuong Thanh passed away.
On June 23, 1951, the Ben Tre Church invited two
public doctors and one private doctor to Venerable Tuong's place of residence.
After examining him, the doctors confirmed that Venerable Nguyen Ngoc Tuong had
passed away two days ago. The Ben Tre Church took care of the funeral and
finished it on July 5, 1951.
Thus, after the establishment of the Eighth Decree,
there was only one branch that arose from the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh, which was the
Ban Chinh Dao. The other sects were sects that gave birth to sects. That is
verifiable.
3.2/- Signing of
09 Conditions for returning to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
After the fall of
the Ngo Dinh Diem regime, the sects contacted the Cao Dai Church at the Toa
Thanh Tay Ninh to discuss unification with the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
According to my
research, from May 1964 to February 24, 1969, there were 05 meeting minutes.
The meeting on February 24, 1969, at the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh, the Cao Dai Church
met with representatives of 14 sects including 72 members: 50 men, 22 women,
with Mr. Phan Khac Suu, former Head of the Delegation, and Doctor Pham Thanh
Nam, Deputy Head of the Delegation. The meeting signed and agreed on 09 Unified
Conditions for the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh (photo 1); (there were 04 members who did
not sign and some who were in attendance). Link to 05 Minutes:
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2015/12/885-05-vi-bang-hop-voi-cac-chi-phai.html#more
The Cao Dai Church
and many sects have agreed on the basic principles for the sects to return to
the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. So, who has been prevented by the Eighth Decree from
returning? And how? Rain or shine is not enough to please everyone, so whoever
feels hindered is their freedom, I just want to know exactly who is hindered to
gain more understanding.
3.3/- The sects
returned to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
In 1972, the
unification began.
3.3.1/- Thanh That
Tu Van returns (June 3, 1972)
The Cao Dai Holy
See's Thong-Tin Semi-Monthly Magazine No. 54 published on June 20, 1972 (May
10, Nham Ty) reported that Thanh That Tu Van (100 Thich Quang Duc, Phu Nhuan,
Saigon) had returned to Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2020/01/3031-phai-ao-tu-van-qui-nhut-1972.html#more
end of page 16
3.3.2/- The sects
of the Holy See met (November 22, 1972).
The Cao Dai Holy
See's Thong-Tin Semi-Monthly Magazine No. 65 of the Cao Dai Holy See of Tay
Ninh published on November 30, 1972, published the following news:
On November 22, 1972, the sects of the Toa Thanh met
at the Ban The Dao; the delegations were: Cao Dai Thong Nhat Trung Uong Church,
Tam Quan Trung Viet Church, Cao Dai Chieu Minh Can Tho, Di Lac Vinh Long
Church, Cao Thuong Buu Toa Church (Bac Lieu), Tien Giang Church (Gia Dinh), Hau
Giang Minh Chon Dao Church, Co Quan Pho Thong Giao Lý Cao Dai Giao Viêt Nam, Truyen
Giao Church (Da Nang).
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2020/03/3086-ban-nguyet-san-thong-tin-so-65.html#more
Outside note: The communists'
policy is to divide the Cao Dai religion to take advantage of it, so they
planted people to sabotage the unification. Specifically, Mr. Dinh Van De, a
member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Vietnam, was a spy for the
communists, codenamed U4. Every year on April 30, newspapers, radio, and
television all mention the exploits of U4 spy Dinh Van De. U4 spy representing
the Co Quan Pho Thong Giao Ly Cao Dai Giao Viet Nam 171B Cong Quynh Saigon
asked to be the secretary for the Unification Delegation together with spy Tran
Chi Thanh to carry out the communists' policy (Photo 2).
3.3.3/- Thanh That My Hiep returns to the Holy See
(March 23, 1975)
The Cao Dai Holy See's Thong-Tin Semi-Monthly Magazine
No. 119 published on April 21, 1975, pages 5 and 6, published the news that the
Thuong Chanh Phoi Sư Thuong Nha Thanh received the My Hiep Holy Temple donated
by Mr. Luu Thanh Hoa, representative of the Ban Chinh Dao, to the Toa Thanh Tay
Ninh. During the reception, on March 23, 1975 (February 11, At Mao), the Thuong
Nha Thanh said: “Today, I am honored to come to My Hiep of the Cho Moi
Religious Clan, An Giang Province to attend the ceremony of receiving the
property donated by Mr. Luu Thanh Hoa, representative of the Ban Chinh Dao, to
the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh and to attend the ceremony of installing the Holy Statue
of the Thanh That My Hiep …
The ceremony of receiving the Thanh That My Hiep to
unify with the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh took place one month later on April 30, 1975.
The Government of the Republic of Vietnam (Second Republic) respects freedom of belief, which is a fact. The sects have the freedom to choose and that you voluntarily returned to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh, which is a fact. In a society with freedom of speech, everyone has the right to make an opinion. Is that opinion
end of page 17
based on historical religious truth or is it a
distortion of historical truth? Is that opinion consistent with the teachings
of God in item 01 as cited?
In short: Prevention is
better than cure, but when a fire occurs and cannot be extinguished
immediately, it must be surrounded to prevent it from spreading to other areas.
The Eighth Decree could not prevent the two monks Thuong Tuong Thanh and Ngoc
Trang Thanh from establishing the Ban Chinh Dao sect. But after that, no more sects
arose from the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. That is the verifiable effect of the Eighth
Decree. It was not until the Cao Dai Church was abolished in 1983 that the 1997
sect was born at the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
4/- From Cao Dai Holy See was deleted from 1983 to
2025.
After April 30, 1975, the Vietnamese government took
action to destroy Cao Dai, so of course the unification was stopped.
4.1/- Plan 01 dated May 27, 1996, of
the Communist Party.
Page 02: 20 years of siege to make Cao Dai die by
itself failed. During this period, the Vietnamese government abolished the Cao
Dai Church in 1983.
Page 07 of Plan 01 states: a sect must be established
at the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. Therefore, the government gathered a number of Cao
Dai traitors to establish the 1997 sect. The 1997 sect was recognized by the
Government's Religious Affairs Committee in Decision No. 10 dated May 9, 1997.
https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2018/02/2563-toan-van-ke-hoach-01_23.html#more
4.2/- Sect 1997 received legal status on June 3, 1997.
The Vietnamese government has appointed a number of
Cao Dai dignitaries to serve as officials of the Vietnam Fatherland Front,
People's Councils at all levels, and especially Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tam as a
National Assembly representative, and assigned these people to establish the
1997 sect.
The 1997 sect was established at the Toa Thanh Tay
Ninh, using the Cao Dai identity established in 1926 to deceive the whole world
for 20 years. It was not until 2017 that the United States, the United
Nations... learned the truth that the BPSOS organization cooperated with the
Khoi Nhon Sanh to create a profile of the 1997 sect.
From the time the Church was abolished (1983) until
2025, only one 1997 branch was born at the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh (according to the
definition of a sect in the Eighth Decree, Article One). That is a verifiable
fact.
end of page 18
4.3/- The real Monkey King and the fake Monkey King
God taught (February 1927): ... You must unite
together to take care of the entire Holy See, everything is here in Tay Ninh
... (TNHT, volume one, page 78, printed in 1972)
The 1965 Charter of the Cao Dai Church identifies the Toa
Thanh Tay Ninh as the root of the Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do, to which all sects
return.
The 1997 Constitution is of a sect and is therefore on
par with other sects.
Therefore, studying Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do and working
with the 1997 sect is studying fake Monkey King, presenting fake Monkey King.
Of course, studying fake Monkey King is a freedom but according to the law of
fairness, please confirm that you are introducing fake Monkey King. Using fake
Monkey King to introduce real Monkey King is a violation of the law of
fairness.
My duty is to speak the truth. If you want to know the
real Monkey King, you must work with the real Monkey King.
5/- Conclusion and recommendations.
After the Inauguration Ceremony until the
establishment of the Eighth Decree (1926-1934), there were 3 sects originating
from the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh: Minh Chon Ly, Minh Chon Dao and Tien Thien. After
the establishment of the Eighth Decree until the Church was abolished
(1934-1983), only one Ban Chinh Dao sect was born. After the Cao Dai Church was
abolished (1983) until 2025, only one 1997 sect was born. In total, there are
05 branches originating from the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh.
The Eight Decrees have brought Cao-Dai religion into
the framework of the Phap Chanh Truyen. In particular, the Eighth Decree has
surrounded the fire, preventing it from spreading. Thanks to that, there have
been fewer people violating the Oath. Many branches have recognized the truth
and have signed the Certificate of Unification to the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh. These
are verifiable facts.
Eastern philosophy teaches: Heaven does not abandon
winter because people are cold. That is the law of the universe, so it is
God's justice. But there are also people who do not understand the law and say
that God is cruel and does not pity people who are cold, that is also their
freedom.
The Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do is a religion with three
separate powers. All must follow the religious laws. If the religious laws
remain, Cao Dai will remain. If the religious laws are destroyed, Cao Dai will
fall into the hands of Kim Quang Su. The Oath is the basic premise. The Eighth
Decree is a corollary of the Oath and is therefore in accordance with religious
law.
end of page 19
The reality of the unification of Cao Dai after April
30, 1975.
The current Vietnamese government continues to destroy
the Dai-Dao Tam-Ky Pho-Do by protecting the 1997 sect that usurped the Toa
Thanh Tay Ninh. The government has determined not to unify Cao Dai but to
create the Cao Dai sect.
The United States
has religious freedom; after April 30, 1975, Brother Bui Dac Hum, the Hien Tai
Ban The-Dao, the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh, and the dignitaries of the sects wanted to
unify Cao Dai religion overseas. They sat together with goodwill and hearts. They
donated money to build a common Thanh That and bought land and started
construction. But the work of building that common Thanh That went on for many
years without reaching its goal; people's hearts were no longer united,
challenges arose, the work stopped and was at a standstill for many years.
Brother Bui Dac Hum had to sell that common Thanh That and use the money to buy
another house to make the Thanh That no longer a common one. Currently, those
who manage that property have not announced how it is managed. Who is the
owner?
In the United States today, there are many cases of
usurping Thanh That, Pagodas, etc. into private property. My sister Victoria is
the one who knows about the public opinion that the Toa Thanh Tay Ninh has
deceived the branches to get money. But in reality, that property has never
belonged to the Cao Dai Church, and it is not known who is the owner of that
property? The obvious lesson is that no matter how many people, how many hearts
sit together without basing on religious laws, it is an undisciplined group, so
it is not strong enough to make a difference for that group and leaves very bad
consequences. That is the heart of unifying Cao Dai religion without knowing
how to inherit the 09 Conditions of Unification, not knowing how to inherit the
precious achievements of ancestors from the branches and the Cao Dai Church.
Regarding the virtuous brother Hien Tai Bui Dac Hum
who was promoted to the rank of Quoc Si (2016), that was a serious violation
of Cao Dai law. Quoc Si Bui Dac Hum passed away without any official document
acknowledging his mistake of promoting himself to Quoc Si, so the virtuous
brother no longer has the opportunity to correct his mistake. (Photo 3).
Proposal.
The Professor has researched and presented on Cao-Dai
and has identified the Eighth Decree as the biggest obstacle in the efforts to
unify Cao Dai. Could you please tell us, besides the Cao Dai Church, which
other organizations are trying to unify Cao Dai? What principles does that
organization base its unification on? In what ways has the Eighth Decree
hindered them?
I request the Professor to help me understand the above three questions or organize a discussion on the Eighth Decree so that we can together reach the truth. Cao Dai has the Kinh Vao Hoc but not the Kinh Hoc Roi, which means you
end of page 20
always have to study. Therefore, I am very happy and very
ready to learn criticisms about the Eighth Decree of Cao Dai.
Thank you very much, Professor.
Best regards.
Đạo Hữu Dương Xuân Lương.
Email: hoabinhchungsong220513@yahoo.com
Appendix 01: Why
is there appendix 01?
Because the Cao
Dai sects claim to be BRANCHES of Cao Dai Religion. But looking up the original
planchette shows that God taught that the Dai-Dao tam-Ky Pho-Do is a BRANCH
established by God, only God has the right to establish BRANCHES. The sects are
not BRANCHES.
Please read at the
link: https://vietnamthoibao.org/vntb-phep-thu-ve-nhanh-trong-dao-cao-dai/
Or. https://khoinhonsanh2014.blogspot.com/2024/10/5475-vntb-phep-thu-ve-nhanh-trong-ao.html#more
Photo 1: Signing
of 09 Conditions for returning to the Holy See of Tay Ninh.
Photo 2: From Ban
Nguyet San No. 65; communist spy Dinh Van De (U4) and spy Tran Chi Thanh
applied to be secretaries.
Photo 3: Hien Tai
Bui Dac Hum announced to Quoc Si
HẾT.
