Guide To the Temples and Pagodas of Vietnam: #9 Thanh That TemplesteemCreated with Sketch.

in #travel7 years ago (edited)

The Thanh That Temple is a Cao Dai temple on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc. Cao Dai is one of the more unusual religions in Vietnam and their temples are immediately recognisable by the gaudy colours and distinctive design.

1 Multi-coloured and dominating the street on which it stands.jpg

Multi-coloured and dominating the street on which it stands

The religion often called Caodaism is a relatively modern religion, being as it was established in 1926. This religion combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism and Islam. It draws ethics from Confucianism, practices of the occult from Taoism, the theories of Karma and rebirth from the Buddhists, and the hierarchical procedures of Catholicism, including having a Pope.
2 Prayer mats laid out ready for morning prayer.jpg
Prayer mats laid out ready for morning prayer

3 Male followers preparing for a ceremony in the very early morning..jpg
Male followers preparing for a ceremony in the very early morning

It’s adherents believe that early disciples Ngo Văn Chieu, Cao Quynh Cu, Pham Cong Tac and Cao Hoai Sang spoke directly to God. He told them to start the new religion. The ultimate goal of Cao Dai followers is to rejoin with God in heaven to end the cycle of death and rebirth. Female adherents are only allowed to wear white, whilst men can wear colours once they reach a certain level. Women who join the choir are not permitted to marry and sing in a strange almost illegible accent.
4 The religious cart used for ceremonial processions.jpg
The religious cart used for ceremonial processions

The list of people that these people consider holy is unusual to say the least. Whilst some are to be expected, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad etc, others are not: Joan of Arc, and Victor Hugo.
5 Usual Cao Dai icons.jpg
Usual Cao Dai icons

6 Two ladies wearing traditional Vietnamese Non La hats walk past the temple .jpg
Two ladies wearing traditional Vietnamese Non La hats walk past the temple

The Thanh That Temple is really quite odd, its entrance door also carries the legend “Tor Tranh Tay Ninh”; clearly a reference to the main Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City. A solitary old lady monk was banging the temple gong every minute for as long as I was there. She didn’t have a word of English. The temple was consecrated in 2008 and as with all Cao Dai Temples is decorated as if by Picasso on acid.

Previously Published:

1: Giac Lam Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/the-stunning-giac-lam-pagoda

2: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/saigon-attractions-vinh-nghiem-pagoda

3: The Ong Temple https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-3-the-ong-pagoda

4: The One Pillar Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-4-the-one-pillar-pagoda

5: Thai Vi Temple https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-5-thai-vi-temple

6: Phat Diem Cathedral https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-6-phat-diem-cathedral

7: Linh Phuc Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-7-linh-phuoc-pagoda

8: Bich Dong Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-8-bich-dong-pagoda

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This post recieved an upvote from minnowpond. If you would like to recieve upvotes from minnowpond on all your posts, simply FOLLOW @minnowpond

This post recieved an upvote from minnowpond. If you would like to recieve upvotes from minnowpond on all your posts, simply FOLLOW @minnowpond

Cao dai si nothing short of fascinating. The have some very intriging practices such as their worship of the lal seeing eye. The also implement some black magic. I think this might be my bext article. Excellent post @inseasia. UPVOTING again. Love this one.