The Collection of Divine Messages / Thanh Ngon Hiep Tuyen, Volume 1
of the Cao-Dai-Religion of God in the year 1926 in Vietnam
English translation edited by: Sister Ngasha Beck-Huy and Brother Todd Alan Berry
Contents
Title page
(The point where God begins teaching the Way)
NEXT DIVINE MESSAGES
Christmas, 1925:
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY FOR THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
I have reigned supreme for millennia.
Those who improve themselves spiritually will receive blessings.
The miraculous way has been taught and followed
Throughout the world for millennia.
Rejoice this day, the 24th of December, the anniversary of my arrival in Europe to teach the Way! Your allegiance brings much joy to me. Blessings will fill this house. The time has come, so be ready to receive my instruction. More miracles will manifest to further persuade you.
Raise high the flag of guidance for all living beings--the born and the unborn! The Way has been successfully shown; Those who improve themselves spiritually will return to Heaven In the palace of splendor.
CHIEU KY TRUNG do dan HOAI SANH** The capital letter words are the names of the first 12 disciples of the Supreme Being. The last three names of the last verse are the names of the seance participants
BAN dao khai SANG QUI GIANG thanh;
HAU DUC TAC CU thien dia canh.
HUON MINH MAN** dao thu dai danh.
TNHT 1968 p. 5
Divine Teaching regarding
Spiritism and Automatic Writing
January 3 1926:
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER:
In spiritism, the medium must meditate deeply so that his spirit will then be able to come to Me, listen to My instructions, and have his body to write down the messages.
What is a spirit?The spirit is your second body. It is very difficult for the spirit of a human being to transcend the physical body. The spirits of Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas are very marvelous and immortal. The spirit of an enlightened person may transcend the body and even travel the universe. Only the spirit may approach Me. When the basket with beak is used in spiritism, if the person is unconscious, the spirit may then leave the physical body, hear My instructions, and have the body transcribe the messages. If the interpreter’s reading is incorrect, the medium's spirit will not agree with the interpretation. They will be obliged to write again. In the other form of spiritual contact known as automatic writing, or inspired writing, I will come to you and make your spirit unstable for a while. During that time, your spirit will be able to listen to Me. Your hand will obey and write. In this form of spiritual contact, I cooperate with you so that you can reach Universal Truths.
Before the session, one must purify both mind and body-do not omit this purification or you risk failure. To practice well, one should keep one's mind pure, not encumbered by everyday living matters, and keep the hands cleansed and deodorized. Deep meditation will allow one's spirit to transcend the body and communicate with Me.
The mediums should be chosen for their advanced spirit so that the session will be fruitful. They should practice vegetarianism, and train themselves toward being completely balanced (as good as Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas) to be able to properly achieve the purpose of the session and transmit the teachings. They are considered My assistants in the propagation of the Way. Spiritual contact cannot be taken lightly. In the reception of vibrations from the spirit, each person has personal vibrations which may be influenced by their own emotions and personality and may interfere: subsequently these writings may not be correct. One should take caution in setting up sessions and in recognizing the authenticity of the writings.
So, after each spiritism session, you have to wait for My approval before any implementation.
TNHT 1968 p.6
February 20, 1926:
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER:
From My precious throne, flowers are happily and continually blooming more.
Although many different branches are growing out, they will belong later to one same family.
Likewise, you should join together to try your best in serving the Great Way.
With patience and loyalty, you will come back to Me.
It is not easy to find the Way to Nirvana.The branches that you are now are all part of Me. You will understand this later. I am happy to see you always getting along well with each other: it is a precious gift to Me. Be united and be cooperative in glorifying the Way. My Way is you, and you are Me. Be united and strong. Do not quarrel. Keep performing your duties and you will more fully know My will later.
I have in My hands all miracles of the universe.
In antiquity, to find Nirvana, one had to cultivate one's self over the course of innumerable lives.
Now, anyone from all over the world can be guided to this Way,
Whose virtuous messengers I am still discovering.
Attempting to change the hearts of the evil ones has brought me sorrow on many occasions.
If one wishes to escape from the suffering world,
One should cultivate one's spiritual self and thus will find Nirvana soon.
Being brothers, you should love each other.
The more virtuous you are, the higher spiritual accomplishments you may attain.
You have to be determined to continue on your way to Nirvana.
You all have the same flesh and blood.
You should understand how miraculous I am. To teach, you have to use
skillful and varied means, depending upon the level of the intelligence
of the people. The one who does not have enough intelligence will not
understand if you present doctrines too advanced for him or her.
I forbid you to criticize others, especially your disciples. Remember
that I Myself am in them.
You do not need to have the same name to be in the same
family.
By following the same Way, you all have the same father.
In this life span of one hundred years, remember to serve humanity,
And try your best to teach each other Concordance.
Wait for My orders. Your duty and responsibility were predetermined.
I start to teach you now…
In Bach Ngoc Kinh (White Pearl Palace), there are males and females. Female Buddhas and Immortals are even more powerful than their male counterparts.
Tr…, you have a mission, I will be with you and within you wherever you go. Whatever you are teaching people is considered as from ME. You have to be flexible. You alone are not enough to convince people. You have to help everybody of any sex, from any country to learn My Way. Do not be too strict with them at the beginning. Remember that every living being, including materials and plants, will all eventually be convinced when they listen to My Holy messages through you. Don't worry.
The sun rises from the horizon.
Get together and be ready to start.
Learn the Great Way from the Great Teacher.
You will return to Me at the end of this long, long road.
I have been telling you that I have prepared everything in your heart: Whatever you have in your mind was already predetermined. You need not worry. The Way is reserved for predetermined people. Whoever has worshipped the Demonic Spirit cannot be My disciples.
If there is good, there has to be bad.
It is difficult to distinguish between the two.
Human beings therefore must come to Me
To become Immortals and Buddhas.
If you have already spent all your accumulated blessings and violated God's laws, you are in no way forgiven. If you could not even escape from the secular laws and justice on earth, how could you escape from God's laws? Being your Father, I have to be just and to punish you. Think about punishment and behave yourself. Remember that God is impartial: Don't rely on your Great and Gentle Father to become disrespectful to Him.
TNHT 1968 p. 7
February 23, 1926
To teach children, teach yourself first
The work of education is as important as the work of giving birth.
In each person, there is a part of my spirit
That I cherish and that you have to educate.
That spiritual part then becomes part of society.
TNHT 1968 p. 10
Divine Teaching Regarding the
Veneration of Heaven and of the Divine Eye.
February 25, 1926
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Disciple Trung, come into the middle of the room and prostrate before me.
Well done. However, you must remember to pray "NAM MO CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT" each time you nod.A major ceremony has three offerings: incense and flowers, wine, and
tea.
You offer all of these yourself.
As you prostrate, put your hands together with your left thumb pointing at the Ty position [position of the Year of the Mouse] at the base of the ring finger, and with your left hand resting on the upturned right hand underneath.
Henceforth, you are required to wear a special blue costume with large sleeves, askew collar and nine belts. You must also wear cloth shoes. Others wear no shoes.
Why prostrate?
To show your respect.
Why place your hands together in such a manner?
The
left hand represents Yang, the sun; the right hand represents Yin, the
moon. The combination of Yin and Yang is the Dao, the principle for the
creation and evolution of the universe.
Why prostrate twice before a living person?
Two represents the Yin and Yang combined, or the Dao.
Why prostrate four times before a dead person?
Two prostrations are for the person, one is for heaven and one is for
the earth.
Why prostrate three times before Saints and Genies?
Because they are the third rank of the celestial classes. This pattern
also indicates the unification of Tinh (physical matter), Khi
(emotions), and Than (spirit), which is the Dao itself.
Why prostrate nine times before Buddhas and Immortals?
Because they are the creators of the nine heavens.
Why, then, must you prostrate 12 times before Me?
You could not understand. Because I am the Emperor of the universe and
have twelve Zodiacs in My hands. Number 12 is thus My own number.
The Eye is the principle of the heart:
Two sources of light (Yin and yang) are the Master;
Light is the spirit;
The spirit is God;
God is Myself.
Since the Dao was established, there has been a lack of the spirit in the miraculous mechanism of enlightenment. With this third salvation, I will allow the Than (spirit) to be unified with the Tinh (physical matter) and the Khi (emotions), leading to a unification of the three elements, which is itself the miraculous mechanism of the enlightenment.
Remember to explain this to disciples.
The positions of Genies, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas have been unchanged since the Dao was established: so has the technique of spiritual self-improvement, but the Than was not allowed to be unified with Tinh and Khi, so that there was no more enlightenment. I come today to authorize this unification so that you may reach enlightenment.
You now understand that the Than (spirit) is located at the Eye. Explain this to the disciples. The Eye, or the Than (spirit), is the origin of Immortals and Buddhas.
Remember My name when you preach.
TNHT 1968 p.10
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Remember that there is falsehood as well as truth. There cannot be one without the other. (divine smile)
Remember that it is very hard to become a worthy disciple: The more I love, the more I challenge. In order to reach Nirvana, you must be worthy; otherwise, you will end in Hell. Love, love, hatred, hatred...Who knows?
Therefore, it is not because I hate that I will not teach, and it is not because I love that I will not seduce. Remember that I have sent many wild beasts to surround you and to bite you every day; but do not worry, because I have already given you an armor for your protection which they can never see and which is your virtue. Always keep it until you return to Me. Remember and obey.
TNHT 1968 p. 13
Vinh Nguyen Tu, April 7, 1926
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Nhien Dang Co Phat (Dipankara Buddha) is Me.
Sakya Muni is Me.
Thai Thuong Nguon Thi (previous life of Lao Tse) is Me.
Who is CaoDai?
April 8, 1926
Sakya Muni
Moves Buddhist principle,
Moves Buddhist laws,
Moves Buddhist disciples
To the original "GREAT WAY"
For all living beings.
Great joy! Great joy!
All Angels, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas are very joyful for the
opportunity to be in this third universal salvation!
I will not worry any more about suffering in this world, because all
living beings are receiving teachings from the Jade Emperor, or Cao Dai
Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat!
Lich*, did you hear Sakya Muni?
What is "Tam Ky Pho Do?"
It is the Third Universal Salvation.
Why is it called "Pho Do?"
"Pho" means to expose the Great Way, and "Do" means
to save all living beings.
How is the Great Way exposed and how are living beings saved?
What are living beings?
Living beings are not a selected group
of people as you thought, but include all of humanity. In order to
spread the Great Way and to save humanity, the precious principle must
be exposed to all people.
Therefore, you must practice meditation well, so you can accompany
Trung** this May to spread the Great Way.
Listen and obey.
You will wear a costume similar to Trung's, but in red.
*Lich is the name of the "Dau Su" (Cardinal) of the
Confucian Branch.
**Trung is the name of the "Dau Su" of the Taoist Branch.
TNHT 1968 p. 14
Divine Teaching regarding
organising the heavenly appointments and oaths.
April 22nd and 23rd, 1926
The 11th and 12th of the 3rd month of the year of Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
You three, my children, listen about your next heavenly duties. Are you happy?
One day late in promoting the faith is one more harmful day for humanity. Although I am concerned, it is the will of your Creator that we will have difficulties spreading the faith. So, Trung, Cu, and Tac, you three should organize in the following way:
Listen Trung: you must move the tablet of Ly Bach to underneath my representation on the altar. Then place a chair next to the altar, and another chair on top of it for the throne of the Giao Tong. Place three other chairs on the lower level for the thrones of the three Dau Su. Cover these three chairs to keep them clean. Place the Giao Tong's celestial costume on the top chair. Place the azure costume (for the Taoist Dau Su) on the middle chair, and the red costume (for the Confucian Dau Su) on the right chair. Write the word "Thai" (representing the Buddhist Dau Su) on paper and paste it on the back of the chair on left.At my table, in front of the thrones of the three Dau Su, place a chair with a tablet inscribed with the following words:
"Cuu Thien Cam Ung Loi Thinh Pho Hoa Thien Ton" (The Lord of Thunder and of Spreading of the teachings of the Nine Heavens) with a Kim Quang Tien charm hanging in the middle.
Place the seance table in front of the table of the Five Thunder
Lords. After the seance, move the seance table away to create space for
the two Dau Su to kneel to take their oaths.
Place another table by the front window.
Listen, Cu: have Tac clean and deodorize himself and dress neatly with a hat . . .
(celestial laughter).
Theoretically, he should wear armour, as in the theater, but it is so expensive that I have excused it.
Tac must stand on the table facing the throne of the Giao Tong. His head should be covered with a 9 dm. red cloth. Make a Giang Ma Xu charm for him to hold.
From now on you must purify yourself until the date of taking the oath.
Cu, when you place the three celestial costumes on the appropriate thrones, you must hold incenses like you did previously for Me to summon the angels to guard these costumes and thrones. Then order the two Dau Su to kneel in front of their throne for Me to draw charms on their bodies. After praying, the two Dau Su must prostrate in front of Me 12 times and in front of the Giao Tong nine times. Then, Giang must announce "Take a seat," and then the Dau Su will sit down.
All disciples then kneel down in three groups. Tac must climb up to his table while you hold the incenses and come to the table of the Five Thunder Lords for Me to summon them. You then proceed to Tac so I can extract his spirit. Remember, Hau and Duc must deodorize their hands in order to be prepapred to prevent Tac from falling. Order the two Dau Su to step down from their thrones, kneel in front of the table of the Five Thunder Lords, immediately in front of the Kim Quang Tien charm, put their hands (joined at the forehead) and take the following oath:
"I am Le Van Trung, whose religious name is Thuong Trung Nhut and Le Van Lich whose religious name is Ngoc Lich Nguyet, before heaven and earth and the Five Thunder Lords, vow to fulfill the duty of guiding all our CaoDai brothers and sisters on the Divine Way, always strictly obeying the orders of our Master without straying onto the wrong path or establishing a deviant tradition. If we commit sins, we will be destroyed by the Five Thunder Lords." Then kneel at the Ho Phap table and make the same vow, except the last sentence shall be,
"If we violate the Divine laws, we will be exiled to Hell by the Ho Phap."
Then Giang will announce, "Take a seat," and the two Dau Su will return to their thrones. The disciples will prostrate two times in front of them.
Then each disciple will come to the front of the table of the Five Thunder Lords to take the following oath:
"I, (name)......., vow that from this day forward, I will follow the CaoDai faith unswervingly. I will unite with all disciples and follow CaoDai laws. If I break with the CaoDai community, I will be destroyed by the sky and the earth."
Then take the same oath in front of the Ho Phap table and
then prostrate in front of the two Dau Su.
TNHT 1968 p.15
April, 24 1926
TEACHING THE WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
In present days, transportation has been improved, and people have come to know each other. But people do not always live in harmony because of the very multiplicity of those religions. That is why I have decided to unite all those religions into one to bring them to the primordial unity. Moreover, the Holy Doctrine has been, through centuries, more and more denatured by the people responsible for spreading it. I am so broken-hearted to see that human beings, for the last ten thousand years, have sinned and subsequently suffered life after life in Hell.
I have now firmly resolved to come Myself to save you and not to leave anymore the Holy Doctrine in human hands. You have to be well organized to guide and support each other on your way to Nirvana.
I create then the "Giao Tong" position (Pope) who is the eldest brother of all dignitaries from the "Giao Huu" (Priest) to the "Dau Su" (Cardinal). No one in this world is allowed to have My authority to manage the human spirits. Whoever has well self cultivated will be worth the position I give. Otherwise, all disciples are all equal, and should not establish any sect or party; whoever commits crimes will be excluded from the religion.
TNHT 1968 p.18
Divine Teaching regarding the
initial appointments of heaven.
April 26th, 1926
The 15th day of the 5th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Today you have not yet returned to your inner Divine Light.
Understanding people's hearts is hard;
You must wait until your enlightenment.
Because right now you are still not virtuous enough, and others are wild.
Duc and Hau are appointed as Tien Dao Medium Assistant
Taoists.
Cu is appointed as Tien Hac Medium Assistant Taoist.
Tac is appointed as Protector Fairy Medium Assistant Taoist.
Trung and Lich are already appointed: keep following My orders.
Ky is appointed as Tien Sac Lang Quan, Giao Su responsible for
teaching.
Ban is appointed as Tien Dao Cong Than, Lecturer Taoist.
Cu, implement My orders!
TNHT 1968 p. 19
Truong Sanh Temple (Can Giuoc) Sunday, May 30, 1926
The 19th Day of the 4th Month of the Year of the Yang Fire Tiger.
JADE EMPEROR or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT
TEACHING THE WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
I could not believe that you, My disciples, could be so confused!
What is the meaning of "Chieu Ky Trung do dan Hoai Sanh"
(Raise high the flag of guidance for all living beings --the born and
the unborn)? It means that you have to help all living beings,
including even the unborn.
Why did you chase disciples away?
Promise to admit! Open the door!
Formerly, I incarnated and created Buddhism almost six thousand years ago, and the Buddhist teachings have now been almost denatured. People even used to say that the Buddha did not teach. Today, I have decided not to incarnate anymore, but instead to use miracles to perfect Buddhism and to teach people. Thus, those living beings who do not wish to spiritually improve themselves and who will subsequently be punished in Hell will not deny their crimes and will not have any basis to blame Me by claiming that Buddha did not teach.
You must know that if you do not take the opportunity of this third universal salvation to improve yourself spiritually, you will have no more hope to be saved.
I will now reorganize the manner of worship:
You will set up an altar for Me in the middle of the temple between the
altars of Quan Am Bo Tat and Quan Thanh De Quan. Thus, the statue of
Quan Am Bo Tat (Bhoddisattva Kuan Yin/Guan Yin Ru Lai)will be on my
right, and the statue of Quan Thanh De Quan will (Kuan Kung/Guan
Gong/Guan Sheng Di Jun)be on my left. On the next row beneath will be
different statues of other Buddhas, Immortals, and Saints. The Temple
will now be named, "Jade Emperor Temple."
TNHT 1968 p. 20
Monday, May 31, 1926
20th day of the 4th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
JADE EMPEROR or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT
TEACHING THE WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
G., congratulations to you.
The spirit of the Divine is constant, regardless of the circumstances. That is what distinguishes you from the other, ordinary people. Ordinary people think of their birth country as their point of origin, even if they have not been there since they were children. However, the Saints think of Nirvana as their point of origin, even after they have incarnated into this world; otherwise, why would they deign to descend into this world to save ordinary human beings? You, too, could return to Nirvana if you cultivate yourself spiritually. To accomplish this, you should think about the millions of human beings who could not escape from the reincarnation cycle and have compassion toward them in order to save them.
TNHT 1968 p. 21
Hoi Phuoc Tu (Can Giuoc),
the fifth of the 4th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger.
Saturday, the fifth of June 1926
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
Tac, recite the Karma prayers,
Sakya Muni is Me, I come to save living beings under the name Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat.
Are you aware of this?
My disciple, The Dau Su (Cardinal) of the Buddhist branch, did not know the principles of spiritual self-cultivation. I sent the Dau Su of the Confucian branch to teach him.
Those thirty four disciples don't know the truth to cultivate self either. I will supervise their education. Obey.
You should all take these lessons.
Since Luc To (the 6th Buddhist Master), the teaching of Buddhism was unavailable. Therefore, no one could reach Nirvana in spite of hard self-cultivation. Than Tu modified and denatured the original doctrine.
The original doctrine was lost for three thousand years and because of Karmic law, I have left it alone. This is now the time for the third universal salvation; Ngoc HuPalace has ordered the saving of living beings. This was predicted clearly in the Buddhist Canon. You were not aware of it simply because you did not make the effort to discover it.
Alas! Lots of people suffered by failed attempts at spiritual self-cultivation. It hurts Me!
I am coming not only to save all living beings but also save other higher spirits such as Genies, Saints, Immortals, Buddhas who had to reincarnate to this world to complete their missions.
All living beings who have an opportunity to be with this third universal salvation should try their best to cultivate their spiritual selves. Success depends on yourselves. The original Buddhist way of cultivation seemed completely wrong at the time. Living beings became confused and disoriented, following the false doctrine of Than Tu for self-cultivation without success. I am coming to reveal to you this miraculous way. You need only follow it to attain enlightenment. Henceforth, you will not be able to blame anyone that you have not received My teachings.
TNHT 1968 p. 22
A Divine Teaching in French
for Two French Guests attending a Séance.
Tuesday, June 8, 1926
the 26th day of the 4th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
This is not the way that one presents oneself in front of God. Ascension.
Re-evocation.
Among all the creatures on the earth today, you are the most blessed; I have raised you almost to Me in spirit and in wisdom. You have all the proof you need to recognize your station in the cosmos.
Christ came among you. He shed his holy blood for your Salvation. Why have you drawn away from him during the almost two thousand years of his absence? You preach his Good News without understanding it. You have weakened the meaning of his holy teachings. Humanity suffers from the whims of all these false teachers. If only they had followed the same path of Calvary as their Master!
The most precious throne in all the world is that of the first of the true disciples. This teaching, instead of bringing peace and harmony to humanity, has brought it dissension and war.
And so this is why I myself have come to bring you the peace you
were promised.
Christ can only return then.
You will understand more things from my disciples.
Goodbye.
TNHT 1968 p. 23
Divine Teaching regarding
ritual.
June 27th, 1926
The 18th day of the 5th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
The Bach Ngoc Chung (White Pearl Bell) is to be striked the
same way.
At the ceremony convening, when "Start Music" is announced, you will
play all seven pieces of music and drums.
At the offerings, play three Nam Xuan pieces (South Spring); and the student priests (who are bringing the offerings) will walk seven steps following the character Tâm (Heart). For the chanting you will play the "Dao Ngu Cung" pieces.
Lich, I have given all instruction about rituals in the "New Codes." You must teach that to all disciples for them to follow during ceremony.
Nghia, you must learn the announcements by heart.
Tell Duc to do the same. You three children have to remember well My
instruction.
Those children--Nghia, Hau, Duc, Trang, Cu, Tac, and Sang--have to wear white clothing and stand in this order:
Nghia and Duc, as announcers, will stand the outermost at the Ho Phap altar. Then Hau and Trang will form the next circle. Then the next three: Tac in the middle, Cu on right and Sang on left.
Lich will arrange the celebrants for the three inside altars as
follows:
The Taoist in the middle,
The Confucian on the right,
The Buddhist on the left.
The tablets of deceased disciples are to be arranged next to My altar according to their branches.
Ky and Kim, as the inner announcers, will stand at the inside altar: Ky on the right, Kim on the left.
Ban and Gioi are the first pair of student priests and will walk in the middle with another pair, who are Ty and Tiep.
Next will be Nhon and Trung on the left, Giang and Kinh on the right.
There should be three tables outside for the three offerings.
At the announcement from inside, the student priests will bring the offerings from the three tables from outside to the offering dignitaries inside.
Trung, you will ask the two elders of the Minh Duong sect to stand inside as the Taoist receivers. The Confucian receivers will be Kinh and Chuong. I will choose the Buddhist receivers later on that day.
(Laughter)
I will tell Minh to come.
(Laughter)
At the three tables outside, there should be two offering dignitaries for each table.
Tuong and Tuoi will be the Taoist offering dignitaries.
Muoi and Van will be the Confucian offering dignitaries.
I will choose the Buddhist offering dignitaries on that day.
(Laughter)
Ban, stand up. Let Me draw the character "Tâm" (heart) first so I can show you how to signify the character with your feet. - (Use your right toes for the first stroke, then lift your right leg. Then move it horizontally as a comma. Stand so that your two feet are at the same horizontal line. Make the strokes now. Move backward a little)
Cu, show him your steps.
Children, watch Me step.
Hieu, bring Me some water.
Why did your step make a reverse character?
Cu, you step correctly. Repeat.
Very well, Cu, it should be so. In order to have a more elegant movement, when you stroke your toes, you bounce the body a little.
(Laughter)
Very well, Ban. The Master continues.
Read again, Nghia.
As the outer announcers say "Tea," then "Kneel," the dignitaries kneel down, put the tea offering at the level above the head. A pair of student priests holds candles and steps forward. When "Kneel" is announced next, they stroke the left foot, raise the right leg and kneel down at the same rhythm with the other three pairs of student priests; when the drum and music start again, they all stand up at the same time and face the altar.
...It has to be so, children...After standing up and facing the altar, the student priests hold the candles and the offerings at their chest. At the second round of drums, they raise the candles and the offerings up and start their seven steps (following the character "Tâm") according to the drum rhythm. I will tell Nhon to drum for you at that time.
(Laughter)
Trung, follow the New Codes for the ceremony.
TNHT 1968 p. 24
Divine Teaching advising the
Heirarchy with the name K.
July 5th, 1926
People on earth, in order to be rich, you find ways to make money. This is solely from the material point of view. The Angels, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas, in order to be enlightened, must gain service credits.
I come to save you by establishing a school of credits and of virtues for your spiritual development and enlightenment. Whether or not you become enlightened is totally up to you. Listen to Me! K...If you don't go through My school, you can never be enlightened anywhere else.
My child K...! Very few people go by the White Pearl Gate, but many go to Hell. Think about it and cultivate your spirit. As much as I love you now, so much more will you regret in the future not listening to me when you could.
I have already forgiven you because I know that you will have repented.
Your mission is great. Wait for My orders at the Ngoc Dan (name of a seance).
TNHT 1968 p. 27
Divine Orders concerning the
arrangement of a "Ngoc Dan"
July 15, 1926
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
An.........East side.Have each of them hold a little flag, as follows: blue, red, white, yellow, black--three flags per each side. You three will hold the flags in the center. If there is not enough time to make flags in fabric, you may use colored paper, 9 dm. in length, 3 dm. in width. Cut them diagonally. Listen and obey.
Bich.......West side.
Tri.........South side.
Hoang...North side.
After everything is arranged in order, Cu will hold the incenses for Me to summon the angels. After that, tell Van to stay inside until the end. If you step out your mind may become unstable.
Tell the children to meditate deeply. Obey! Tac: You must watch them closely at all times.
Have Lich distribute flags to the children, because it is his duty to read the mantra while doing so.
TNHT 1968 p. 28
Divine Teaching Regarding the
Establishment of the College of Women.
Saturday, July 17, 1926
The 8th of the sixth month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
At this 3rd salvation, there will be much hard work for everyone. Male and female are of equal number. Not only males work to become Immortals and Buddhas. As I have said, at the Bach Ngoc Kinh (White Pearl Palace), there are both male and female, and frequently, females are predominant.
So follow My order to establish the female college. Listen and obey! I will always be with you. Don't worry.
H., I assign you to teach and guide all the females. I will share some responsibility with you.
TNHT 1968 p. 28
Ngoc Dan (Can Giuoc)
Saturday, July 17, 1926
The 8th day of the sixth month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
JADE EMPEROR, or CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT,
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Great Joy! Great joy!
All disciples should practice vegetarianism.
Why?
It is not simply that I wish to adhere to tradition and enforce an old law, but that this law is important, or you could never reach the stage of Immortal or Buddha without it.
Allow Me to explain:
Everyone on this earth has two bodies. The earthly one is called the
physical; the sacred body, the spiritual.
The spiritual body is formed from the earthly body and therefore may be visible or invisible. This miraculous spiritual body is formed from "Tinh," "Khi" and "Than" by spiritual self-cultivation. This spiritual body is lighter than air.
When it leaves the physical body, it retains the impression of physicality as if it were molded in the body. You cannot become fully enlightened and return to Nirvana if you have "Tinh" and "Khi," but not "Than." You cannot make a spiritual body for the return to Nirvana if you have "Than" but not "Tinh" or "Khi."
For the spiritual body to be created and enlightenment to occur, one must have all three elements: "Tinh," "Khi," and "Than" united. "Tinh" and "Khi" are all materials and will interact with cosmic ether where there is electricity. To reach the universe, the soul must be pure, advanced and therefore lighter than atmospheric air. It must also be as genuinely good as the Saints, Immortals and Buddhas in order to reach those levels. A pure "Than" is produced by a pure body.
Meat-eating creates difficulties for one practicing meditation, in as much as it prevents the practitioner from effectively resolving complications which arise from meditation.
Even if you have no such complications, an impure physical body will create an impure spiritual body, which cannot conduct electricity well. As a result, it will then be struck by lightning and be destroyed in the atmosphere. Even if the impure spiritual body is wise and remains on the earth to avoid the lightning, it will remain an Immortal and never proceed to Buddhahood.
This is why I recommend the practice of complete vegetarianism before attempting meditation.
TNHT 1968 p. 29
Thursday July 22, 1926
(The 13th day of the 6th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger)
JADE EMPEROR OR CAO DAI TIEN ONG DAI BO TAT MA HA TAT
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Almost all human beings on this earth worship Satan. Satan is always allied with death and will therefore be destroyed and never know the eternal life. (Laughter) If I cannot save you in time, you will perish.
Satan is like a musty and rotten rice seed which can never grow, bloom and produce seeds.
The devout person, on the contrary, is like a good seed which, once sowed, will certainly grow, bloom produce fruits and multiply progressively. You must abandon your physical body for your spiritual seed to multiply. It is the principle of the Tao. With only one spirit, I have created Buddhas, Immortals, Saints, Genies and all human beings in this universe. Therefore you are Me, I am you.
The Buddhist called Nhien Dang the founder of Buddhism, and Nhien Dang was born in the Hien Vien Huynh De dynasty.
People called Quan Am the female Buddha, and she was the spirit of Tu Hang Dao Nhan, who was born in the Thuong dynasty.
People called Sakya Muni Buddha; Sakya Muni was born in the Chau dynasty.
People called Lao Tse the founder of Taoism: he was also born in the Chau dynasty.
People called Jesus the founder of Christianity: he was born in the Han dynasty.
Who created those founders?
The Cosmic Ether created only Me. So, who created these founders? It was Tao, or Me.
You must understand this. If I did not exist, there would be nothing in the universe. And if there were no Cosmic Ether, then I would not exist either.
TNHT 1968 p. 31
Sunday, July 25th, 1926
The 16th day of the sixth month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
CAODAI
T..., look! You don't look bad in wearing the religious costume?
One day people will recognize and respect it. Child, have you thought of that?
(Laughter)
The student priests help to solemnify not only seances, but all ceremonies. They are to dress neatly, two positioned in front and two in back, ensuring that the seance is pure and serene. I have told you that were the seance not solemn, I would not appear. You three remember!
Tr..., L..., K..., T..., listen!
Each of you four has a great mission. You should realize that even governing a country is easier than taming a cruel person. And your responsibility in this time of the 3rd spiritual amnesty is to save all humanity on all five continents. What a great mission! Your personality and your virtue should be commensurate with your responsibility. You are the example for all humanity. You have to develop yourselves spiritually to be worthy.
You have earned such a happy blessing because you are learning from Me. What happens if you do not listen and obey?
If you do not succeed in spiritual development, how can you expect to become Immortals and Buddhas?
TNHT 1968 p. 32
Divine Teaching regarding
adultery.
Ngoc Dan (Giong Ong To)
Friday, July 30th, 1926 (the 21st day of the sixth month of the year of
the Yang Fire Tiger)
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Ordinary people see the physical body as a single unit. In reality, it is a mass of innumerable living parts. These living parts are assembled to form a body with a divine personality. This body is nourished with other living beings such as vegetables, plants, fruits, rice--all of which are fresh and contain vital matter (because all these foods are living beings).
If these foods did not contain fresh, vital matter, they would certainly simply wither and die. Thus, you would never eat things whose nutrients are already wasted. Cooking simply disinfects foods. The nutritional energy of these foods does not die after being cooked.
Foods are then transformed in your gastrointestinal system into "Khi" (vital energy), and then into blood. Of course, you all know that there is spiritual energy in "Khi" and in blood. It is transformed into a human body as a result of the cycle of death and birth. Therefore, even a drop of blood has a certain amount of spiritual energy.
Since sexual "Tinh" (lifematter) is composed partly of blood and partly of "Khi," excessive sexual activity thus causes an unnecessary waste of Tinh and therefore of spiritual energy. After your death, you will be confronted with and judged by this spiritual energy, and the manner in which you wasted it, at the "Nghiet Canh Dai."** You will not be able to deny how you wasted your spirit.
So, you should observe this precept closely.
I take My leave.
TNHT 1968 p. 33
Notes of the translator:* Foods change only in form during the process of digestion and absorption. Foods do not die after being cooked or digested because they constitute elements comprised of atoms. Atoms are not destroyed--they only change their arrangement, form and purpose.
** "Nghiet Canh Dai" is a place in the spiritual world where the spirits, after the death of their physical body, will see all the good and bad deeds that they has done during their physical lifetime.
Wednesday, 4 August 1926.
The 5th day of the 6th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger.
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Your physical eyes cannot distinguish the true and the false: I have therefore arranged many challenges everywhere in this world for reincarnated Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas. If ordinary people knew the miraculous system of God, they would not dare commit crimes, and with self cultivation, could even become enlightened and reach the positions of the Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas. For the incarnated Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas, these challenges are not difficult because they always follow God's laws. I have been telling you that this world is a school with many challenges; the only way for you to reach Nirvana is to pass these challenges. Should you desire this, you must cultivate your spiritual self and then you may even be able to teach and save millions of other living beings who are still immersed in this ocean of sufferance.
Now, although you have not seen the miracles which I have Myself described to you, you must trust my words, because if you wait until you leave this world to see the miracles, it will be too late for you.
Obey.
TNHT 1968 p. 34
Saturday, August 7th, 1926
The 29th of the sixth month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Listen, children!
All the bad things on this earth are just tactics of the Demons to try to stop you on your Holy way. I ordered them to use all Evil tricks to challenge you. I have told you that I had left wild beasts living among you to devour you at any opportunity. However, I have also given you an armour to protect you, which is your virtue and which the beasts can never see. I encourage you to keep this armour until the day you come back to see Me. Your virtue, as well as the Tao, are extremely useful to you--like the armour to your body. If you abandon the armour, you are exposed to harm, and if you abandon the Tao, you will be possessed by Evils.
Don't worry. When the Tao is opened, it also releases Evils at the same time. You have to try with all your heart to take care of yourself, not only your own selves, but all My disciples.
I predict that among My chosen disciples, only half of them will succeed. The other half will be seduced by Evils, because I have allowed them to use My name to seduce you.
(Laughter)
As many disciples I have sent, are lost. Don't be so sad. It is the divine mechanism. It is natural that among innumerable candidates, only a few may succeed at the examination. You have to try to elevate the faith of the disciples every day; this would be your first service credit.
TNHT 1968 p. 35
August 9, 1926
The first day of the seventh month of the Year of the Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
Tho, you and your younger brothers must go to Can Giuoc to avert the evil that will otherwise surely befall My disciples there.
Quan Thanh (Guan Sheng Di Jun) and Quan Am (Kuan Yin Bodhisattava)await you: Go immediately. Trung must attend to an emergency in his family, and so will not be joining you.
(Tho, Hau, Nghia, Trang, Cu, Tac, and Sang arrived at Can Giuoc at 1:30 p.m. Seeing nothing amiss, they did not attempt to contact the Supreme Being until 3:00 p.m.)
I ordered you to come here for an important matter and you keep delaying. Do you dare act against My will?
Tho: "I pray you to mercifully excuse us."
It wasn't your fault, Tho. You should be in deep meditation in order to receive My instructions tonight.
Tuong, call all My disciples right away.
Tuong, do you not know what day is today? You have caused a stir among the Genies, Saints, Immortals and Buddhas.
Demons have come to the White Pearl Palace asking the right to challenge you both physically and spiritually. I did not allow the physical challenge. They even planned to summon the demons of the 36 caverns to harm you. I have summoned Quan Thanh and Quan Am to protect you. However, most of you have not taken the oaths, and so they did not want to accept you.
I therefore have ordered you to assemble here together to set up a ceremony for taking the oaths and for the celestial appointment of Tuong, Kim, and Tho. You must all be present here tonight.
You will set up the altar of the Five Thunder Lords as I instructed before. Place Kim Quang Tien charms and also Gian Ma Xu charms on the Ho Phap altar. Cu shall hold the incense sticks for Me to summon the Five Thunder Lords. He will then join Tac and Sang at the Ho Phap altar, with all the other mediums in attendance.
Ask Tuong, Kim, and Tho to say the oaths as before. All disciples must say the oaths as in the ceremony of celestial appointment. Remember to ask them to meditate--after all, they are being witnessed by Genies, Saints, Immortals and Buddhas.
Now hear your baptismal names:
"The Third Revelation of the Thanh Dao (pure Way) will endure seven hundred thousand years.THANH is your baptismal name.
It endures as long as the earth, and will bloom as well as Heaven.
Human beings' "khi" (Chi) shall return to Hu Vo (the Cosmic Void),
Shining the way to Nirvana."
Thus:
Tuong shall be henceforth Thuong* Tuong Thanh,
Kim shall be henceforth Thuong* Kim Thanh, and
Tho shall be henceforth Thai* Tho Thanh.
These are your names for saying the oaths.
Arrange the ceremony and I will summon Genies, Saints, Immortals and Buddhas as witnesses.
Tomorrow, you must arrange a ceremony at Trung's house in Cho Lon so that all my disciples may say the oaths.
Holy Messages from Ly Thai Bach:
Thai Thuong (Lao Tzu's previous incarnation) did not say anything, but created the Tao
And looked after all human beings from the white cloud.
Since Man is part of God's spirit and has reincarnated into this world, he must cultivate himself.
I will help you to reach enlightenment.
Holy Message from Quan Am:
An enlightened being, I guard the gate of the Tao at the South Sea,
And often guide spirits away from Hell.
From my lotus throne, I always care about
And guide the people of this world to the Tao.
Holy Message from Quan Thanh:
I was a general of the Han Dynasty,
In which people preferred materialism over divine virtue.
By remaining loyal to the King,
I acquired a divine position with a red face and dressed in blue.
*Thai, Thuong and Ngoc denote Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian Branches, respectively.
TNHT 1968 p. 36
Vinh Nguyen Tu (Can Giuoc)
Saturday 21-8-1926
The 14th day of the 7th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Teaching the Great Way to the Southern Quarter.
(Laughter.)
Children! Do not think wrongly and assume that because you are of different sects that you belong to different religions. Let Me try to explain.
Although the doctrine of the Tao is old, it was always genuine and true, and the Tao has been unchanged since its closure. People become enlightened in accordance with their virtues and merits. Because Ngoc Hu Cung (Invisible Jade Palace) and Loi Am Tu (Thunderous Temple) rejected the guidelines for self-cultivation, only a few among many who were practicing the Tao have become enlightened.
Just look back in history; over a span of 2000 years in Asia, how many have become enlightened? You may notice only one case, of Hue Mang Kim Tien.
Notes:
Minh Duong is the name of a CaoDai sect.
Ngoc Hu Cung (Invisible Jade Palace) is the divine celestial cabinet.
Loi Am Tu (Thunderous Temple) is the divine headquarters of the Buddha.
Hue Mang Kim Tien is the name of an Immortal.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 40
Divine teaching to Mr. Ð,
who should repent and guide humanity in order to repay his offences.
Sunday 22-8-1926
The 15th day of the 7th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Teaching the Great Way to the Southern Quarter.
Since Bach Ngoc Kinh (White Jade Palace) andLoi Am Tu (Thunderous Temple) established the "Third Amnesty," demons began interfering with the Tao; they have even used My name--but they have not yet dared to sit upon My throne.
They have seen My miraculous manifestations, and have tried imitating the miraculous mechanism by creating 36 caves after the fashion of the 36 heavens. They have used the names of all Genies, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas in order to cement their unorthodox system.
You cannot fathom how dire is the crime of using Buddhas' and God's name for financial gain. Do you understand?
Your crimes would be punished in Hell. You must repent for these deeds so that I may redeem you at last. Guide humanity in order to repay your offenses. Obey!
Notes: Bach Ngoc Kinh (The white Jade Palace): the Palace of the Supreme Being.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 40
Friday, August 27, 1926
The 28th day of the 7th month of the ear of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER.
There should be 36 Saints for each of the three branches. At present, we have only eight or nine. The Hierarchy of the White Pearl Palace will organize the earthly positions. Lich, Trung, and Minh are the heads of the three branches, and represent Me to guide and teach you. Trang, Ky, and Kinh shall be renamed: Trang Thanh, Ky Thanh, and Kinh Thanh.
Whomever you have brought to the faith has become part of your family.
When you return to the White Pearl Palace, you will therefore have your own family; if you have not brought no one, you will return without that family.
Those disciples who have committed themselves with the oath will be rewarded or chastised according to their accomplishments or their transgressions, but all must bring to the faith at least 12 people.
Your earthly position will be equivalent to your divine position.
Each of you must in turn strive to reach your divine position by spiritual self-cultivation.
My only warning to you is not to think that a divine position is given to everyone at random or that everyone may enter the White Pearl Palace. Your names and positions are all already arranged in the divine list. You may attain earthly positions through bribery--not so the divine positions. The faith would spread very quickly if that were possible, but each of you already has your own position that I cannot grant to anyone else unless you expressly refuse it.
Trang, I congratulate you.
Kinh, I also congratulate you.
Ban, I love you.
Tuong, I rely on you.
Ta, I leave human suffering in your care. I will even use your own
house as a temple.
Hoc, obey your elder brother in the accomplishment of your mission.
Huong, try your best--I will help you.
Truoc, do not be so confused.
Nghia, I will use you.
Duc, you are to spread the faith all the way to the center.
Tràng, remember your chastisement. You must all cultivate your
virtue
and spread the faith quickly. You are all Me. To despise each other is
the same as despising me, and that is hard. You must teach everyone,
whether or not they listen to you.
If they understand My teachings through you and come back to the Great Way, they will be saved; otherwise, they will be lost.
This faith is very precious: It is not a merchandise for you to sell, so do not be discouraged.
I bless you, daughters. You must do your best to accomplish your duty.
I bless each of you.
TNHT p. 41, 1968
The Divine Teaching explaining
how you must be humble if you wish to save the beings of the world.
Saturday, September 11, 1926
The eighth day of the fifth month of the Year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
Listen, children!
Consider Me: I am the Supreme Being, and yet I humble Myself--I condescend to your level to rescue you. I even refer to Myself as Tien Ong, and Bo Tat, the lowest ranks in Taoism and Buddhism, respectively. One would think that I would elevate Myself to the highest possible position--however, I do not do so (many of the disciples thought I had low self-esteem! (divine smile).
However, you have the responsibility to be modest. You must follow my example and humble yourselves so that you may save people. I said, when I founded this Holy Way, that I came to save guilty people. If there were no guilt in the world, I would not need to descend among you.
Thus, you have the responsibility to endeavor to save guilty people. This would please me the most.
Luu and Hieu must form a group of 36 young girls to chant the prayers in the major ceremonies. Cu, Tac, Sang and Phu will do the same for the young boys (Cu, you and Phu should remember to keep practicing your music!).
TNHT, 1968, p. 43
Friday, September 17, 1926
The 12th day of the 8th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Binh, you are assigned to make a universal globe. Do you not know
what
that is? ….
(Laughter)…. It is a globe like the earth, understand? The diameter is
3.3 m. It is rather large because the miraculous mechanism of creation
is represented in it.
Paint it azure, draw the North Star and other stars on the globe. The
thirty six heavens and the four great dimensions are not stars. Only 72
earths and three thousand worlds are considered stars, which make three
thousand and seventy two stars in total. You must represent that
number. Look in the Western books
on Astronomy and imitate the pictures of the stars.
For the North Star, you are to draw both the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Above the North Star is the Divine Eye. Understand?
Theoretically, the globe should be in crystal, in which there is an
eternal light, the precious vital principle for humanity and the
universe. However, this must be completed by the time of the
convention.
Obey my commands!
Regarding the statues of Buddhas, Immortals, Saints, and Angels, you may arrange them below the globe. Understand?
p. 44 TNHT 1968
Saturday, September 18, 1926
The 13th day of the 8th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
Children! I have founded the holy temple, which is your common house of prayer.
Understand also that I have united the three faiths and created the New Codes. There will be a convention of the three faiths on the fifteenth day of the tenth month at the temple. Remember this!
The rituals for the third salvation will be established at that time. Is this clear?
The purpose of uniting the three faiths is to bring all My children together in one family, of which I am the father. Please understand!
From now on in this country of the South, there will be only one true faith, which is the one that I have founded for you and which is called the national faith. Understand: You must, with all your heart and mind, obey it!
From this point forward, you must all work harder. I will give each of you an assignment. Irresponsibility, jealousy, competition, and divisiveness will be the great transgressions. Obey me!
All else will stop for the convention.
p. 46 TNHT 1968
Divine Teaching regarding how
one must know how to defend oneself in order to conquer evil.
Wednesday, September 22, 1926
The 15th day of the 8th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Children!
Demons have managed to circumvent even My divine will, by trying to harm you. Poor children, struggling between Me and the Demons!
I teach you one thing: you must follow Me to defend yourself. You are obligated to defend when they attack. You must be stronger to defeat them. If you can withstand their attacks, the Tao will succeed. If you fall, the Tao will fail. It is your responsibility!
Having an unfathomable power in My grasp, I can destroy them completely in the blink of an eye, but I would not do so, because this would violate My ordering of divine justice. This struggle is also an excellent means to establish your own service credits.
Trung, Lich, you must gather disciples, draft the declaration of the faith, and then submit it to Me for correction. Obey me!
TNHT 1968, p. 47
Wednesday, September 29, 1926
The 23rd of the 8th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Some of you went to spread the Tao but were very shy. Is this logical? Is this good, children?
If an ignorant man tries to teach another such as he, they will both remain ignorant forever.
If they are criticized by the others as ignorant, they then become convinced that they are less intelligent than the others and question their faith. Is this logical?
Is this good, children?
It is like a person in a house who sees another get wet in the rain: he jumps out to cover the wet person with his body, and gets wet himself, but then says to himself that the rain is too cold. Is he not stupid?
I have seen many disciples, who, while trying to teach people, have low self esteem, and are timid and shy. Is this not wrong?.
Yes. They lacked personality. When you teach people out of love and justice, you value yourself highly. Why, then, should you be ashamed?
It is like a child who is insulted, and who, afraid of being dishonored, returns insult with insult. This only dishonors him more than remaining quiet.
I have seen many of you who, not understanding the truth, criticized the faith itself when they were criticized. Is this not wrong? I have seen many of such a person among you.
I have told you repeatedly that your teacher is God, and you just need to have faith in Him only. Obey!
The divine positions in the White Pearl Palace are not for cruel and hostile persons. It is certainly strange to see many of them try to attain those positions by force. You need not do that, because although you look weak and gentle, you actually are strong. You look small, but you are in fact powerful. You look humiliated, but in reality you have a quiet, bold dignity.
You must cultivate yourself spiritually, so that your personality and attitude are quite different than ordinary people so that you may approach the positions of Immortals and Buddhas.
TNHT 1968 , p. 48
Friday, October 1, 1926
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
G...
You two, husband and wife, find it strange that I would come in this
way [by spiritism]. Know, then, that the world is so wicked today that
the era of destruction approaches. Science has badly served the world,
provoking (causing) disharmony and war. The holy teaching of
Christianity has only served to inflame (increase) the ambitions of the
strong against the weak, and to arm the first against the last.
There must be a new teaching capable of holding Mankind in the love of all creation.
Only the Vietnamese nation has religiously conserved the thousand-year-old cult of the dead; although this nation has known nothing but slavery since its inception, it remains as I desire it to remain...
TNHT, 1968 , p.131; French. p. 49
Monday October 4, 1926
The 27th of the 8th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Confucius had three thousand disciples, but among them there were only 72 gentlemen.
Lao Tse had only one disciple, Nguon Thi.
Jesus had 12 disciples, but when he was arrested the only disciple remaining faithful to him was Peter.
Sakya Muni had four disciples, and yet three left, leaving only one.
Now, in coming to earth I have created for you one position of Buddha, three positions of Immortals, 36 positions of Saints, 72 positions of sages, and three thousand positions of disciples.
You should understand that there has never been anything like that before.
In the White Pearl Palace, more than sixty years ago, Genies, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas, volunteered to incarnate in order to save human beings from my wrath; and now they have committed more crimes than ordinary humans! Do you know why? In the past, you honored three faiths, and now you have a fourth, CaoDai. Have you ever known any other country to be blessed in this way?
The secular positions correspond to the sacred. Theoretically, according to your current virtues and personality, you deserve to be punished rather than rewarded with such possibilities. But because I love you, I allowed you to have them. And now a terrible thing has happened, such that even the Divine Emperor of the Great Net would have difficulty to return to his/her divine original position without a great deal of spiritual development while on this earth.
Obey, children!
TNHT 1968 p. 50
Divine Teaching Regarding the
Wearing of Plain Clothes.
October 12, 1926
Because plain clothes are an example of virtue. It represents frugality, one of the best virtues on this earth, because pride and vanity are a waste of your blessings.
TNHT 1968 p. 51
Phuoc Linh Temple,
the 15th day of the 9th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Sunday October 24, 1926
Teaching the Great Way to the Southern Quarter
Since you now have the Divine Eye, the statue of the Jade Emperor has become meaningless. I will now explain to you why, from the time of the first Buddhist Patriarch until the time of the sixth, people have worshipped Me at the most prominent place, the highest position. This is because it was I who created the universe. It was also I who created Immortals and Buddhas: I have said that with only My spirit I have created the universe and human beings. I am Buddhas, and Buddhas are Me.
You children are Buddhas, and Buddhas are you.
I exist so that you may exist, and so that Angels, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas may exist.
I have used the eight trigrams to create the universe, which is called Phap (Dharma). From Phap, I then created ten thousand things and human beings, which are called Tang (humanity).
I am Buddha, the Master of Phap and Tang, who created faiths to lead you back to be united with Me.
After the creation of the universe, I founded the way of Buddhas first, then the way of Immortals, then the way for humanity. Now, at the end of the last era, the faiths will return to the beginning, so that when the faiths are reunified, one would see them in the reverse order of their establishment on earth: the way for humanity first, then the way of Immortals, then the way of Buddhas last.
In such a way, one would see Me behind the Buddhas, Immortals, Saints, and Angels, as if I were escorting them back to the cosmic ether, the nothingness, or Nirvana.
Regarding the offerings, wine represents Khi (chi), flowers Tinh (sperm, reproductive cells, or physical aspect), and tea Than (spirit).
TNHT 1968 p. 52
The 15th day of the 9th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
(Session organized at Mr. Ho Quang Chau, and Mrs. Phan Thi Lan's house)
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter
From this time forward, your country will not be thrice divided.
I hereby unite all of you, my children, into one family.
Both South and North will go abroad,
Holding Me in their hearts as the one Truth.
I give you the responsibility of spreading the Tao to central Vietnam. You must strive to cultivate yourselves spiritually.
Tho, open widely the temple to all without discrimination. Everyone is My child. Encourage all to join the Tao.
Dao Quang, open the prayer session for them. Show them the method of worshipping Me, according to the New Codes. They need not say the oath, because they are already My disciples.
(divine laughter)
I do not know when you all will understand who your Master is.
What a tragedy! What a pity!
Trung, so much the worse for them. They thought that you are simply acting politically. Because you insist you were not doing so, I believe you. However, you must understand that politics and the Tao can never work together. I say little, but you understand much.
TNHT p. 53
Divine Teaching in French for
French Believers.
Wednesday, October 27, 1926
Month 9, Day 17, Year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
Once, I desired to communicate with you on Mount Sinai during Moses time, but you could not understand Me. You did not take into consideration either the promise I made to your ancestors for your redemption or the prediction of the coming of the Christ. Now I must Myself provide a more spiritual means to convince you. You will not be able to deny before the Grand Inquisitor that I attempted to save Mankind by all means possible. How ever indulgent I may be, I will not be able to blot out all the sins you have committed since the creation of Mankind. The world is even now in shadow. The Virtue of God was wiped out; universal hate was inflamed; world war was inevitable.
The French and the Vietnamese are my two blessed races.
I would like you to be united forever. The new doctrine I teach has for a goal to place you both in a union of interest and life. Be then united by my will and preach peace and harmony to the world.
This is enough for you this evening.
TNHT p.131; Fr. p. 54
Divine Teaching in French for
French Believers.
October 28, 1926
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
Cao Dai to speak TRUTH in Vietnam
M... and V...
Come near here.
Do you believe that it is impossible for GOD to do as he wishes?
M. . . .--I designate you to perform a thankless, yet humane task. You are relieving by your noble sentiments the decadence of a thousand-year-old race that has its own civilzation.
You are sacrificing yourself to give it a true morality.
Here
is something ready-made for your work: Read all my holy words. This
doctrine will be universal. If Mankind practices it, the peace promised
to all races will indeed be realized. You will make France understand
that Vietnam is worthy of her.
That is enough for you this evening.
TNHT , 1968, p.55
Dai Dan (Cho Lon), October 29, 1926
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter:
Children, listen!
I must clarify Myself so that you will not be confused and blame Me. A
gentle father would never abuse his children. I have come to guide each
of you, so there is no reason to chase you away. I have witnessed with
broken heart many challenges set up by the three Lords. I would not
allow these three Lords to blame Me for being unjust, because I love
you too much, especially Ly Thai Bach, who beseeched Me the most.
Quan Am (Kuan Yin Bodhisattava) and Quan Thanh (Guan Sheng Di Jun, Kuan Kung/Guan Gong) were even unable to defend you, particularly on that special day of the opening ceremony of the new temple. It was My fault that you failed. If I understood your faith, I would have accepted you the way you were. I had given you predictions through spiritual messages, but you did not listen to them, so all My words were useless, and you became impertinent to Superiors.
So from now on, Ly Thai Bach will administer justice (in rewarding and punishing). You will to pray to him.
You did not listen to My teachings, and so now you must accept your punishment.
(D. Q. submitted his messages)
Divine laughter.
D.Q. All you disciples are so narrowminded. Whoever has the intention to divide is My enemy. Understand, child!
I have been telling you that you are to wait for My orders for anything. Did I allow you to baptize T.'s mother? T. had lost his faith because of your cunning. Do you understand?
Was the money such a great temptation?
T.! Meditate on this! I need say nothing more!
Trung, Trang, Tuong, you three children remember what I told you! Understand?
From now on, the Master has given me the power of justice. You disciples must attempt to solidify the Tao according to the divine will, in order to progress spiritually. Do not be shy and confused, and waste all your hard work by going against the will of the Master who has been striving to save all living beings.
Creating a faith is a difficult process. It is difficult to be born at the time of the creation of the Tao. Discipline, justice, rewards and punishments are necessary. Reward is a method to encourage good accomplishment. Punishment is a method to correct evil.
Reward and punishment may not be literal. They may only be incomparable joy or sadness that no one can find on earth. Even if you repent for the sins you have already committed, you still may not be able to return to your divine position.
Many of you have worked hard to build the Tao, but are still greedy and pursuing secular ambitions and desires.
You may have accumulated many credits, but seem tired to continue the walk and become easily despondent when confronted with. What a pity!
You are so blessed to be guided and taught by the Supreme Being, and yet you do not try your best in your improvement, but instead compete with each other for material things. If there were no ultimate love from the Master, all your credits would be wasted.
From now on, I am guiding you step by step. Do your best to listen and do my will. With your accumulated credits and blessings, you can progress to higher positions. If you fail, you will go to Hell. It is difficult to know who will be blessed and who will not be blessed. Luck and misfortune. Who knows? However, I am not at fault.
Good bye!
TNHT , 1968, p. 56
November 1, 1926
The 26th day of the 9th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Minh Tan Session.
The three faiths will end soon. You are blessed to be present at this time when the Tao is created. You will be guided by the Master. After this time, there will be no one else to save you. Spread the good news to all the people so that they have time to join us. Blame no one for being late.
V..., M..., D..., have you listened? It's time now to guide the people.
Let Me, your Master, give you your assignments.
Kha, I come here today because of your sincere respect. Female disciples also are sincere. I will teach them first so that they may retire earlier.
Ngoc Tam and Ngoc Y, obey my orders.
Ngoc Tam, you must be cooperative in this life, and you must be loyal to your husband. I have accepted Kha, your husband, into the Minh Tan (Minh Tan is a Chinese Buddhist sect); and you therefore belong to Minh Tan. And Ngoc Y, your in-laws are with Minh Tan, so you belong to Minh Tan, also.
I have asked Le Son, the Holy Mother, to guide you. The Minh Tan Sect will establish its Female College in order to merge into the Female College of the Third Amnesty, but it must be done right away, otherwise it will be too late for universal salvation.
Female disciples! You may keep your personal appointments at your assigned places, or you may choose to follow Le Son, the Holy Mother. This is enough for female disciples. You would then await Le Son, the Holy Mother, for further teaching. Now let me teach the male disciples.
Kha, do you remember what I taught? You are sick, but your sickness is from your anger, which stimulates your inner fire and spirit. If you can control your anger, you will improve.
Vi, you must learn from your father in order to manage all his secular works from the family to the community, so that he may have more time for the Tao. Once one member of the family becomes enlightened, he/she may subsequently save his/her family for nine generations! Is this not a precious thing? You and your father must hurry to take the oath.
Van, have you chosen a date for your gateway ceremony? The 12th day is good, but is so close to the convention. It should be done on the 6th day of the 10th month. All disciples who are to take the oath will be there.
I have explained to you generally about your personal family
business.
Kha and your father, obey!
Vi and your father, obey!
I will teach you the principle of the Tao later.
Now, it is time for Le Son, the Holy Mother, to teach the female disciples.
Muoi asked question.....
After taking the oath, you then request the prayer book and try to develop yourself spiritually at home. It is not a good tradition for women to be outside on the street. Any one is welcome to do differently, but for the Female College of Minh Tan, you must work on your spiritual development at home. At any time when there is a spiritual session, you may come to the temple to receive teachings, but otherwise, you must go home after the ceremony.
Now it is open for you to sign up for the Minh Tan Female College.
I have spoken.
On the 6th, there will be a gateway ceremony here for male disciples.
Let female disciples aware of this date for their convenience.
TNHT p.58
Divine Teaching regarding the
miracle of reincarnation.
Friday, November 12, 1926
O môn, the 8th day of the 10th month of the year of the Yang Fire
Tiger
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter:
You must reincarnate many times before you may attain Nirvana. A word said to each other is enough by itself for you to incarnate on earth to help each other. It is fate. Regarding the founding of the Tao, although it required only a year to form, it was the result of the works of Immortals and Buddhas for many years prior all over the five continents.
This is similar to Chau Cong, who promoted humanism before its founding, or Moses, Elias, Jeremiah, John the Baptist before the birth of Jesus, or Hong Quan Lao To, Lao Tse, Thong Thien Giao Chu before the birth of Nguon Thi of Taoism, or Nhien Dang Buddha, or Brahma before the birth of Sakya Muni.
Before the founding of CaoDai, Genies, Saints, Immortals, Buddhas had come to all countries to prepare the way.
TNHT, 1968 , p. 61
Divine Teaching regarding the
ranks of the dignitaries and the method of election.
Saturday, November 20, 1926
The 16th of the 10th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Tu Lâm Temple
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter:
There are three Chuong Phap (Censor Cardinals), one for each of the three branches: Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Although the rules of the three faiths seem different, they are all one to Me. The three Chuong Phap have the right to examine the religious codes before they are implemented, whether the proposed codes come from the Giao Tong or from the Dau Su (Cardinals). If the two parties (the Giao Tong and the Dau Su) disagree, these proposed codes should be sent to the Ho Phap (Law Protector), who will bring them to the Hiep Thien Dai (Heavenly Union Palace), where he will invoke Me for the modification of the codes, or he may change it himself. The three Chuong Phap therefore have the right to examine the prayer books before they are published. If they find any book dangerous to traditional morals, they will forbid its publication. All followers have to get together to supprt them. Each Chuong Phap has his own seal. The three seals must all be present on each code for it to be valid. All disciples obey!
The Dau Su (Cardinals) have the right to administer the religion, and have jurisdiction over the disciples, both spiritually and temporally. They have the right of to make new laws. However, any laws must be approved by the Giao Tong. The Giao Tong must examine them carefully to verify that the proposed laws would be useful to humanity and then must ask the Chuong Phap to examine the laws before approving them.
The Dau Su must respectfully obey the Giao Tong's orders. They may ask the Giao Tong to abolish any laws which could be contrary to the activities and interests of the followers.
I ask you to love and help them. Remember, if there is any issue important to humanity, you are to address it to them.
Although the three branches are different, they have the same importance. If all three Dau Su disagree on any law ordered by the Giao Tong, this law must be returned to the Giao Tong, who will submit it to the Chuong Phap for reexamination. Each Dau Suhas his own seal. Any document must have all three seals of the Dau Su before implementation. Understand? All disciples obey!
There are thirty-six Phoi Su (Archbishops) for the three branches, twelve for each. Among them, there are three Chanh Phoi Su (Principal Archbishops). The Chanh Phoi Su have the Dau Su's authority, but do not have the right to request amendement or abolishment of laws. Understand? All disciples obey!
There are seventy-two Giao Su (Bishops) in total, twenty-four for each branch. They have jurisdiction over the spiritual and temporal education of the faithful. They take care of them as they would their brothers. They maintain all the registries of the faithful and provide help to them with weddings and funerals. In larger cities, the Giao Su have the right to preside over religious ceremonies, as do the Dau Su or the Phoi Su. They also have the right to request abolishment or modification of laws, which could be otherwise harmful to the faithful.
The Giao Huu (Priests) have the mission of propagating the faith. They have the right to request modification of the religious laws and to preside over religious ceremonies in the smaller cities. There are three thousand Giao Huu, one thousand for each branch. This number may not be increased or decreased.
The Le Sanh (Student-Priests)
are chosen among the sub-dignitaries, who exhibit good character. They
have the right to preside over the altar installation ceremony at a
follower's home. Remember that I love the Le Sanh.
Do not take advantage on them.
To become dignitaries, one must first become a Le Sanh, except
I specifically appoint dignitaries via seances. Understand? All
disciples obey!
The Dau Su may only be promoted to the position of Chuong
Phap by a special election held by all of them.
The Phoi Su may only be promoted to the position of Chuong
Phap by a special election held by all of them.
The Giao Su may only be promoted to the position of Phoi Su by
a
special
election by all of them.
The Giao Huu may only be promoted to the position of Giao
Su by a special election by all of them.
The Le Sanh may only be promoted to the position of Giao
Huu by a special election by all of them.
Only the Chuong Phap and Dau Su may be candidates for
the Giao Tong election. They are to be promoted to the Giao
Tong's position by an election held by all the followers.
Everyone must obey these election regulations, except when it is instructed differently by Me through a spiritism seance.
All disciples obey!
I bless you all.
TNHT, 1968, p. 62
Divine teaching explaining
what happened at Tu Lam Pagoda.
Tu Lam Temple, the 18th day of the 10th month of the year of the
Yang Fire Tiger
Tuesday, November 23, 1926
I bless you. I ascend.
Notes of the translator: A grand Opening ceremony of the Third Amnesty of the Great Way took place on November 20, 1926 at Tu Lam Temple. Because of lack of spiritual security, evil spirits came and disturbed the ceremony, leading to confusion, loss of faith, and the discouragement of many disciples.
TNHT, 1968, p. 65
Further Divine Explanation for
what happened at the Tu Lam Pagoda.
Wednesday, November 24, 1926
The 19th day of the 10th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
What do you think?
You cannot understand the divine mechanism. It is the fate of the
Tao.
I am sad because many of you exaggerated and spoke ignorantly
concerning what happened. I initially thought I should punish them
severely, but I still have pity and mercy for them.
Many disciples wanted to quit, leaving of their religious costumes,
straw sandals, and religious turbans to return to their secular lives.
This was merely an obstacle, a difficulty of the Tao! You became tired
of your cultivation, because you still have many secular obligations
and many desires for wealth and honor. You understand now why I am sad!
But it was the divine way that no one can do anything about. I have
endured many hardships because of you.
Since the creation of the universe, because I love you, I have endured miseries, imprisonment and worries in raising you and in establishing the Tao for you. You should think about it, repent and return to the right way.
Many times in the past, as soon as I tried to build the Tao for you, you ruined it all. I am sad.
I bless you.
I ascend.
This event has become a forum of discussion which is noisy enough to affect the Tao; one called it evil, others called it right. The discussion was totally useless: the celestial manual had clearly predicted this. Whoever was blessed, whoever was unfortunate, whoever believed, whoever did not believe, no one could change the divine mechanism. The longer the path, the harder the walk; the higher the Tao, the brighter your credit.
Alas! I have been enduring many hardships for innocent children. I wanted to guide and to save all humanity from this ocean of suffering, but humanity is so soaked in secular seductions, their minds are so unstable, their patience before difficulties is so fragile, that they are prepared to regress as soon as they step on a spike on the road! I am so heartbroken to hold the miraculous divine mechanism and to watch what is occurring! You must think and manage yourself.
TNHT , 1968 , p. 66
Sunday November 28, 1926
The 26th day of the 10th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter
The Almighty God who comes under the name of
CaoDai to teach the truth in Annam.
A special seance is seldom granted to person with a wish of any importance; however to you whom I know the feelings of humanism and the compassionate heart, I would bring all satisfaction.
Outside of your religious will, you have the goal to inform yourself about that new doctrine which was revealed to you in a somewhat distorted and derisive way by some of your compatriots. On this earth with its people so sweet and peaceful, I come like the Christ had come among you to fight heresy and evangelize the world. Whichever race you belong to, children of the earth, you all have the same father, God who presides on your destiny. Why do you segregate from each other because of differences in religious opinions, while all of you are to suffer and to pay your karma on this world?
You have already place your step on this path which lead all humans to the happy stay which is Nirvana.
Try hard to continue on this path in order to reach your goal.
Good spirits will guide your steps. All your wishes will be fulfilled.
This is enough for you.
Good bye.
TNHT, 1968, French, p. 67
Divine Teaching by Spiritual
Pope Ly Bach regarding the issue of males and females at the temple.
Thursday, December 2, 1926
The 28th day of the 10th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
TayNinh Holy temple
From now on, you have to follow the rules of the temple:
No courting between males and females within the temple.
Males shall remain on the East side, females on the West, separately.
No courting; and there is to be no chatting in the sanctuary, except for husband and wife, or between brothers and sisters, or if there are two witnesses: one from the male side, one from the female side.
In the kitchen, males and females may work together in cooking, but
when you serve meals, serve males and females separately.
Heed the rule.
Tho Thanh, you must post these rules at the temple.
Obey.
TNHT 1, 1968 , p. 68
Monday December 6, 1926
The 2nd day of the 11th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter
Listen.
I, out of great love and mercy, have founded the Third Amnesty of the Great Way based on love of life, with the purpose of raising the predestined spirits to higher dimensions, avoiding reincarnation, and bringing the virtuous to a more precious domain of freedom and repose than this poor, vile earthly world.
Alas! Many, many people partake in worldly happiness, while ignoring
self-cultivation in the Tao which would lead them to enlightenment.
They argue, criticize the Tao thinking that they are now in higher
secular positions than other people, without knowing that only
punishment awaits them in the next realm.
Whoever is blessed will be in a higher world; whoever is unfortunate
will remain confused. The celestial laws have determined so. In the
end, the more meritorious your life, to the better world of freedoms
you shall be led.
It's a rare privilege to be living in the days of the founding of the Tao. It's even rarer to successfully walk the thorny path of Tao; it is like searching for pearls in the deep, dark forest. Yet it all depends on your state of mind: if you believe the way is smooth, it will be so. If you think it's difficult, it will likewise be so. Don't be led to confusion in walking the path of the Tao, or you shall too late awaken to your folly.
TNHT I , 1968 , p. 69
Divine Teaching regarding the
disincarnation of the dignitary Thuong Tuong Thanh
December 6, 1926
The world has lost one of My disciples today, one of your co-disciples who has shared with you some responsibility in the founding of the Third Amnesty of the Great Way.
Tuong's death is his fate. He is blessed in returning to Me. Death sometimes causes joy and sometimes causes sorrow. People on this earth who know how to make themselves useful to their communities and who know how to self-cultivate, would consider death as just the end of a long journey Home and as the accomplishment of their duty and time to reap their reward. Although he has not been such a person, his virtue and his meritorious service in building the Great Way would lead him to an extraordinary celestial position. His spirit will first, however, have to appeal to the triune-faith court and wait for his destiny according to his past deeds. It was of My will in creating these rules for you to follow. You should understand.
Regarding his funeral, you should join together to accomplish your human duty toward him.
Trang, tell Trung, Tho, Tuong, Hoa and other celestial appointees to escort him to his place of eternal rest. This act manifests the dignity of a virtuous person. Whoever is busy would be excused. You should also hurry to organize the ceremony to make it brilliant. The prayers should be the same as with the funeral of Hau's mother, except just a minor difference.
TNHT I , 1968, p. 70
Session at Cho Lon, December 13, 1926
I have also seen that many of you adhere to the Tao for some evil
motive. Because of love of humanity, and because I want to save
humanity, I have endured cruel people in order to give them time to
repent, to return to the right path to live a blessed life in the
future; those who do not repent are lost and cannot be saved. If you
wait until your last breath to acknowledge the sublime and the evil, it
would be too late. You have to regularly play judge upon oneself.
Heed me!
TNHT I , 1968 , p. 71
The new Doctrine that I teach
is the result of spiritual studies
Present at the seance:
Certain French citiziens, among whom Captain MONET, and certain
dignitaries.
The Holy See of Tay Ninh, December 15, 1926.
(the 11th day of the 11th month of the year Binh-Dan)
Prepare to respectfully receive Our Divine Master,
Tell to these French present that this is a house of prayer and must
not be considered merely a curiosity.
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter.
All things come in their time.
You have seen most of what your compatriots wish to see and know. This new doctrine that I teach is the result of spiritual studies.
Have I not predicted that spiritism is a religion of the future? You naturally wish to create in this country a moral relationship between the two races, French and Vietnamese, who have been called to live together, by My will, in a commonality of life and interests. You will be satisfied by living a gentlemanly life. Your prayers will be heard. You will later be one of my most devoted disciples in preaching peace and harmony to the world.
The French team will be created soon.
You will be forced to return to France in 1928, to defend this teaching before the Universal Congress. You will be big and strong by My will.
Goodbye, this is enough for you.
* THAI-BACH is the Spiritual Giao Tong (Pope) of CaoDai.
TNHT I, 1968, p.72 (in French)
Divine Teaching that nothing
is created or exists on this earth against God's will
Friday, December 17th, 1926
The 13th day of the 11th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger.
M. Ð... , you are requested to attend the arrival of the Divine Master.
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter.
Almighty God, who comes under the name of CaoDai to teach the truth in Annam*.
D..., arise and read.I declare unto you that nothing is created nor exists on this Earth against My will. Some poor spirits claimed that they possess the secrets of God. But I have not given to any human here the mission to reveal such. To reach Me you are only to pray; I do not fail to manifest when those prayers are sincere. Realize that I am Jehovah of the Hebrew, God of the Israelites, the God of unspoken name to the Jews, and the Father spoke of by Christ; if you pray to me in the name of CaoDai, your prayers will be heard. Come to Me sincerely and do good unto your brothers, whom I have entrusted to you. And I ask you to spread this teaching to all of those under your watch and care. It is the only message which can raise humanity to abiding love and bring a lasting peace.
* Annam is the old name of Vietnam.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 73 (in French)
Sunday, December 19, 1926
Day 15, Month 11, Year of the Fire Tiger
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
One thing remains you have not learned (and so do not know or recognize), and that is the true value of the Great Way. It is so great that you should indeed be concerned about improving your conscience and spiritually developing your emotions.
You were born here on this earth: You live and suffer here, and you
will also die here. Do you know what will happen to you after your
death?
Do you know where you will go?
None of you understands this miraculous, mystic mechanism. I will now explain: Throughout many thousands of years, all beings are transformed through the reincarnation cycle from minerals to plants to animals--finally reaching the stage of human beings. Human beings on this earth are themselves divided into different classes. For example, the class of "Emperor," as you understand it, on this earth (the 68th world*) is not even as worthy as the lowest class on the lower, 67th world. The value of worlds increases as their assigned number decreases, from the 3,000th world to the first, then through the 72 earths, then through the four great ethereal continents and then finally through the 36 heavens. Human beings must persevere in cultivating themselves to reach the pinnacle, the "Bach Ngoc Kinh" (Diamond Palace), or Nirvana (according to Buddhism).
You see: All these classes are heavenly ones. But there are similar hellish classes. The Daemon has thus imitated God to organize his own hierarchy with corresponding positions for the sole purpose of punishing and harming you. I felt compelled to grant him this tremendous privilege of attempting to seduce and induce you to become his servants.
I have always said that there should be justice because that is God's law.** I have, at times, lost many of my disciples to him. I have already clearly shown you the different ways: the good and the evil.
I have also shown you the direction to follow to not become lost. You should be aware that demons have reincarnated throughout the 3,000 worlds and even among the 72 earths.
Unfortunately, these demons are innumerable and they are masters of illusion and seduction.
This is why I have said that I have placed many ferocious beasts among you and have ordered them to devour you; however, I have also given each of you an armor to protect yourself. This armor is your virtue and it is invisible to these beasts.
Thus, your virtue is the way to exterminate the demons and to return you to Me in Nirvana. If you do not follow the Great Way, you will become the demons' servants. I have said that your virtue is like an endless ladder which could help you to reach the highest position, My level. I may also lower Myself to elevate you.
I tell you again that even if one fulfills one's duty honestly and justly, s/he will still have to reincarnate after death again and again, if s/he does not cultivate the self spiritually by following the Great Way. So, when can s/he return to Me? Anyone can return to me after even after only one lifetime, if s/he will spend that life in self-cultivation. This is an enormous privilege I have given you in order to save all human beings. Alas, unfortunately, I have not often had the pleasure of seeing those who have accomplished this.
Therefore, I repeat: You should admire and respect the Great Way.
Translator's note:
* The earth, where we are living, is the 68th among 72 earths.
**According to God's law, it would be unfair for humans to have no
challenges in their way of self-cultivation to return to Nirvana. Thus,
God has granted the Demon the privilege of attempting to seduce many
away from the Great Way.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 74
Divine Teaching (delivered in
French) regarding the true nature of nobility richness and glory.
12-19-1926:
What is nobility, richness, and glory?
The nobility is the gathering of titles which are given by men for more
or less seducing men.
What is the value of those titles? Isn't it the value of those who gave
them? Donned by human, they are just too human. What come from a human
being are but not lasting.
They are subject for deterioration: they are destroyed as soon as the
life of the bearer is taken away.
Go for celestial nobility, it is the only eternal.
Richness is all the precious things that one gathers on this earth.
What does it contain?
Gold, silver, velvet, silk, etc... Gold and silver are but simple
metals. Velvet is just a color. Silk is but material derived from
animals. Do you see those as real preciosity?
They are insignificant as their origin is appraised. Children, search
for divine richness.
That's the only you possess eternally; nobody can take it away from
you.
Glory is in many instances against virtue. It is transient. It, many
times, comes from dishonesty. Divine glory is the only which resists
all challenges.
(Trung asked: How can we attain divine nobility, divine richness,
and divine glory?)
The Master replied: "TU" (self cultivation).
TNHT I , 1968, p. 136; Fr. p. 76
Divine Teaching regarding the
establishment of the New Canonical Laws.
Dai Dan Cho Lon, December 27, 1926
The Tao needs to have tenets in order to approach perfection, and for you to follow to avoid error. Some of you, thanks to their meritorious service, were employed in an important task so that they would be happy and have opportunities to progress. Unexpectedly, they did not respect My orders, have created criticism and quarrels. Do they deserve to be disciplined?
If I don't have the mercy to guide them forthwith, they will be disciplined more severely by Saints and Angels! You should regulate yourselves in your religious practice.
Listen, attendants! The Tao is guiding humanity; the holy way pilots earthly people. You are lucky to be born at the time when the Tao is founded, but if you do not cultivate your self to reach Nirvana, you would face regret later, all in vain for being downfallen.
Because of love of humanity, I have opened the Third Amnesty to save blessed people. Time is running out. Make haste, for Immortals and Buddhas at the triune-faith convention will propose closing the gates of the Tao. At that time, even though I desire to redeem you, I could not act against the divine mechanism.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 77
Divine Teaching regarding the
reasons behind the establishment of the New Cannonical Law.
December 24, 1926
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Children, if I said I have endured many hardships since the beginning of the faith in order to spread the Tao this rapidly, I should be very happy for you....Why am I sad? Children, you have suffered too much on this earth.... For ten thousand years, you were separate, under the power of evil. From My throne, Huynh Kim Khuyet at the White Pearl Palace, I have come to redeem you. Theoretically, I should decrease your sufferings, but instead, I have established the New Codes to discipline you; that's why I am sad! In reality, the New Codes that I ask you together to establish would bear upon your virtues as Immortals and Buddhas; that's why I have to accept fate; The White Pearl Palace would not accept anyone who is against these Codes.
You have to try your best to accomplish your duty in the establishment of the New Codes. Thai Bach will come to monitor your endeavors.
TNHT I, 1968 , p. 78
Dai Dan Cho Lon, December 27, 1926
Many of you don't have sincerity in worshipping Me. In setting an altar in the house, some just wish to have some personal profit to their family, but not to seek a source of purity, to wash away their earthly offenses. Many of them are even more confused: they understand neither the meaning of setting up the altar, nor even the reason for the founding of the Tao.
Alas! In stepping into the path of the Tao, they did not dedicate time to search and study the Tao; do they then expect as disciples to be useful at all for the sacred faith? The Tao was opened just three times, but people have been sinful millions of times. Being born unto the earth, and having left their missions unrealized, they have passed away, returned to the initiatory center to report their earthly accomplishment. But they have not been able to accomplish anything, neither for their physical body nor for their spiritual duty, so how could they be useful for the Tao and for the human condition? Your conscience is a sacred gift from Me which is used to amend for your mistakes and to reward your humanitarian services. Doing right is from the Divine will; committing misdeeds is against the celestial laws. Any right or wrong acts are recorded by Angels and Saints for the final judgment. Try to understand.
TNHT I , 1968 , p. 79
Divine Teaching encouraging
adepts to use all their talents.
Cau Kho, January 8, 1927
You have only to realize that as human beings, you have to follow the Tao; if you do not, you cannot be fully human-a human recognizes right from wrong. If you are still confused, how can you reach your goal quickly?
You have to unite and cooperate with each other, put aside all
secular misconceptions in order to be enlightened.
I encourage you to use all your talents. Don't be shy and waste the
sacred light that I have granted to you.
Try to understand!
TNHT I , 1968 , p. 80
Cho lon, January 10, 1927.
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
Just as birds come back to their origin and water goes away, so too are people on this earth merely travelers. In order to accomplish their mission, they must be able to endure and abide suffering. Endurance will lead them back to their origin (1), and sufferance will expose them to different bad and good experiences of life.
Life consists of a mixture of glory and richness, which are but a dream. Every person must accomplish their mission assigned by God, whatever that may be, so that when they leave this earth, they may report the result to God. Whoever has fulfilled their mission will earn a higher position (2). Whoever has failed, and has committed crimes toward humanity, will be sent to a much darker and colder dimension where they will repent so that they may return to the right way to their origin. Otherwise, they will stay there to learn the way, life after life. Even the Genies and
the Saints cannot escape reincarnation if they do not follow the way of self cultivation. The Southern Quarter is well blessed by receiving God's light which guides people to escape from darkness and ignorance. Cultivating their virtues, staying contented, using simple attire, not forsaking wealth--all these are considered means to enlightenment. Detachment from things of this world is difficult. The way to heaven is small and the road is narrow: only a few ever find it. However, the way to hell is broad and its gate is wide enough for all people who choose its easy way.
The Great Way has come to earth to guide people; without it even Holy Water would not be able to wash away all sufferance.
Translator's notes:
(1) All living beings are part of God's spirit. Sooner or later, with
self cultivation, they will come back to their origin, which is God.
(2) Higher position on their way back to their origin.
(3) Matthew 7: 13-1
TNHT I, 1968 , p. 80
Tayninh, January 16, 1927
The 13th day of the 12th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Thuong Tuong Thanh, observe and do as I do.
Confucianist Chuong Phap (Censor Cardinal), it's your turn.
Tho, sit down.
Stand up in two rows.
Chuong Phap, Dau Su sit down.
The three Phoi Su step forward.
Thai Tho Thanh has to bring the New Codes that you have all compiled to the three Dau Su. These latter, all at the same time, stand up, and respectfully receive the New Codes so that their six hands lay on the book of New Codes. They then will offer the New Codes book to the Chuong Phap. The Chuong Phap, in turn, shall respectfully receive the book, hold it over their heads and walk to the altar and put the book there upon it. Listen, I now assign the two Chuong Phap to revise the book of New Codes, finishing within one month, then submit to the Ho Phap, who will evoke me to edit.
Use a quiet room as the Hiep Thien Dai (Heavenly Union Palace). All the 12 zodiacal dignitaries have to be present; so should be the Thuong Sanh and Thuong Pham.
You have to evoke me again for further direction.
The two Chuong Phap have to leave the book of the New Codes at the foot
of my image overnight.
Duong has to wear the headdress like Luat.
Nuong has to wear the costume like Tho's.
After leaving the book of the New Codes on the altar, you may return to
your seats.
All celestial appointees prostrate in front of the Master.
(Laughter.)
I don't blame you: how could you know?
What a mishap! Without this secret, miraculous mechanism, there would not be laws and there would not, subsequently, be the Tao. (Laughter.)
I will pray to our eminently gentle, greatly merciful Master to allow adding these important secret elements to the New Codes. You have to pray with me. You have to ask all disciples of all temples to pray together with me with all sincerity from your hearts.
As the Tao is so important, you are important to guide and raise the state of human beings. From now on, I will take care of you more diligently. If I must discipline you, it's just because I want to increase your value. Please do not mind and be disturbed by it.
TNHT I, 1968 , p. 82
Divine teaching regarding the
way in which God has descended to spread the Tao in Vietnam.
January 17, 1927
The 4th day of the 12th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
I bless you.
TNHT I , 1968 , p.83
Divine Teaching on why one
must abstain from alcohol.
Tay Ninh, January 18, 1927.
The 15th of the 12th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger.
TEACHING THE GREAT WAY TO THE SOUTHERN QUARTER
Children, listen!
Why to abstain from alcohol?
I have taught that your body is composed of a mass of everlasting spirits. You should understand that the internal organs of your body are also formed by living units whose function, whether they are aware of or not, is commanded by Me. I therefore use your body to teach.
Firstly, let's explain why alcohol is harmful to your physical body.
Your physical body is still like animal and needs to eat in order to
live. When alcohol is ingested, it is absorbed into all internal organs
of your body including the heart which is the main machine for life. It
makes your heart work more than naturally, it pushes the whole
cardio-vascular system to function excessively, and the lungs do not
have enough time to purify dirty blood (to oxygenate blood) which will
be accumulated in the whole body, intoxicate the living units leading
to progressive sickness and finally to demise of the living units of
the organs and then of your body. Many people had half of their body
dead just because of alcohol.
Secondly, I explain why alcohol is harmful to your spirit.
I said that the soul forms your second body. It is the "Khi"
which surrounds your body like a mold. Its center is the brain, the
gate by where your second body enters or gets out is the fontanelle on
top of the head which is watched and protected by the Ho Phap.
With meditation, there is unification of The "Tinh" and the
"Khi" and the "Than" leading to enlightenment.
The brain is thus the origin of the "Khi."
When dirty blood is accumulated in the brain, it becomes confused and
your spirit is not clear and calm to control the body. The body will
lose its human personality and act like animals, and will have no hope
to progress to the state of Genie, Saint, Immortal, and Buddha. At the
same time, when the brain is confused, it becomes an open gate, the
evil will take advantage to invade you and push you into crimes and
subsequently into continuous reincarnation.
Therefore, listen, I forbid you to drink alcohol!
I ascend.
January 18, 1927
The 15th day of the 11th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Session at the Communal House of My Loc village
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Greetings to disciples, all male and female human beings!
Calm down, calm down.
Living beings have not recognized how precious and honorable the Tao is. The Tao, as carried forth by human beings, united with the sacredness from Me, is to grow and expand across the universe. Whoever recognizes the Tao is blessed; whoever does not is unfortunate. Understand! I grant your application to the faith. I mercifully accept all of you tonight and allow the local angel of the village to teach you, as is his responsibility.I ascend.
(Local Angel of the village)
I, the angel of the village, have the reputation of helping people from the four corners of the world,
Having received the blessing and appointment from our Master.
I am helping citizens to live in peace and order,
With continuous prosperity.
I receive your sincere prayers with beneficence,
And you have my blessings again and again.
All citizens abide in peace and order,
Living in safety and honoring the Tao.
Since the time when I received the order from our Master to govern this village, I have been caring for the people with all my heart and with all my might, so that they may have a peaceful and happy life with successful crops every year. Today I receive the order from our Master to come to teach you about the Tao. You could not realize the miraculous celestial arrangement made many thousands of years ago. Listen, the last era is about to end; 90 percent of humanity will be destroyed. Alas! What a sadness! But no one can change the divine mechanism. The only thing that you can do is to be stricken of conscience, to cultivate self, to open your heart for humanitarian services, and come together to pray to God for the fate of humanity. The Supreme Being, Jade Emperor and all Buddhas, Immortals, and Saints, have founded the Third Amnesty to save humanity, awash as humanity is in an ocean of suffering. If you meet the Bat Nha Boat (Boat to Nirvana) and do not take the opportunity to embark, you will not be saved. Dignitaries presiding ceremonies!
Come kneel in front of the altar for me to bless you.
What a joy! What a happiness! Almost all citizens have recognized the Tao. From now on, I will pay all my heart and my attention to taking care of the village. I will let you know why. Since I received the order of our Master to help disciple Cao, I became more worried. Any time when there are accidents or epidemics of infectious diseases, I come to teach you how to avoid damage. Regarding the offerings, I prefer you to use vegetarian foods and fruits in order to avoid killing.
I will explain about ceremony:
Ceremony is from your faith.
The offerings are to show your respect. Saints and Angels will never be
able to use these offerings. Therefore it's better for you to use
fruits. The offerings are from your heart. I will not condemn you; it's
just the tradition. I want you to follow the Supreme Being's holy will.
What do you think? Try to respond! (Laughter.)
Good-bye ! I depart.
TNHT I, 1968 , p. 86
Session at An Hoa, January 22, 1927
(The 19th day of the 12th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger)
Teaching The Great Tao to The Southern Quarter
This is the first encounter of your country with Myself, so many suspicions still remain.
By way of overwhelming compassion, you and I will spread the path without fearing difficulty or worrying about dishonest persons. You shall march ahead; they will recognize later what is right and what is wrong. I am pleased with you and admit you all, male and female.
Tuong, you have to teach them the necessary knowledge.
I give here a general poem:
There is but one sky for this universe of impermanence,
The people, only grains of sand upon the firmament.
When caressed by still water, they are content and composed;
Caught by storm and wave, their peace is dashed against stones.
Having been spun on the karmic wheel without cessation,
For the want of an instant of self-cultivation, they have known to be
able to escape from reincarnation.
Yet behold from the South land gusts a fair wind,
The reign of the redeeming Tao about to begin.
Allow all the females in to hear My teachings!
Dear beloved female disciples, I bring the Third Amnesty, with no
discrimination between stature tall or small, or state of richer or
poorer. I only wish that you do virtuous deeds every day, following the
humanistic teachings; for example, keeping the four virtues (Cong,
Dung, Ngon, Hanh: good work, good appearance, good speech, and good
personality, respectively).
The morality of the country of the South is always good; it is just that those among you who are corrupted, I have to remind you of the good way!
Now the males, come in! Listen carefully!
Do you know why you see injustice every day?
Do you know why officers abuse their power over the people, children disobey their parents, and people are not faithful to their friends, creating disturbances in moral principles? Because of lack of spirituality!
I bless you all, children. I ascend.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 88
Divine Teaching explaining how
one must cultivate the Tao in order to escape reincarnation.
January 26, 1927
The 23rd day of the 12th month of the year of the Yang Fire Tiger
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Listen:
The ship upon the celestial sea awaits a fair wind,
To bear the people of the South aloft from Earth toward Heaven.
In donning brown vestments, you strive for Nirvana,
In cultivating conscience, you disdain wealth and honor.
The clockwork of the heavens tells its time true,
Striking the hour the Divine may rain down upon you.
Bear well the travails of conscience in this life;
You will soon be removed from this earthly realm of strife.
The Great Way has been founded three times, yet Earthly people still commit many grievous errors. They still become lost in the material world and disregard virtuous principles taught by saints and sages of old. This life full of hypocrisy is short, and yet they fight for wealth and pursue honor. Being born as a human being conveys upon you a special mission; yet people pay no heed to the essentials of the journey, from giving back to their parents, to paying back the debt they owe their country, instead immersing themselves in a life that only leads to worry and sadness, denying the holy virtues, using delusion to satisfy the senses. Time will not wait for such as these. Life's journey is difficult and tiring, and Death will prove all wealth and honor to have been but a dream. Your day of reckoning will soon be upon you at the Nghiet Canh Dai (storehouse of the Akashic records; a place where the dead review their actions in previous lives, the equivalent to St. Peter's Gate). Life after life, you will continue to reimburse the Universe for the errors of your ways until you are enlightened. Such is the fate of mortals. The Tao exists to guide people along the path of righteousness and piety, and thereby dismount the Karmic wheel, escaping reincarnation and reaching Nirvana at last. Make haste unto the path to quicken your reward and avoid continuous suffering. The Tao is an open secret; don't lose sight of the fact, continual self-examination is required for its perpetual discovery.
Try to comprehend, human beings!
TNHT I, 1968, p. 89
DivineTeaching explaining how
one must go further in order to reach the end of the Path.
Cho Lon, January 31, 1927
T., you will have to join in to preside over the ceremony for your younger brothers. You disciples here should do the same.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 91
Divine Teaching regarding how
you must direct your energies towards spreading the Way.
Cau Kho Temple, February 1st, 1927
I am disappointed for the ones who are absent today. Time has passed quickly and you are still hesitant. The Path is so monumentally great and profound that your earthly minds cannot fathom. If you do not transcend your secular attachments, your travails in following Me for the last year would have been wasted. The earthly life has so much torment to begin with, and you live in a most difficult time, so you should contemplate spirituality more; otherwise, you condemn yourself to immersion in the material world forever, battling for wealth and power like the run of the mill.You have to direct your energies toward spreading My way; thus you can both maintain your valuable traditions and still escape rebirth in the Earthly plane. I will not reveal the celestial mechanism behind it all, but you have only to understand that as a human, you are in the highest position among Earthly beings; you must cultivate an extraordinary mind to be worthy of being human. You should understand that I have created many races with their own special, sacred characteristics. Only because human beings do not try to discover the truth and because they instead obsess on outward profits, negating the profits of their conscience, killing and not loving, looking to harm but not looking to understand each other, do they suffer.
Once you comprehend the Universal justice in My way and come together under Universal love, you would satisfy God's will and be abundantly blessed. Understand!
TNHT I , 1968 , p. 91
Tay Ninh, February 1st, 1927
The 1st day of the 1st month of the year Dinh Mao
Joy…Joy…Joy….Happiness…Happiness…Happiness…
Great blessings to humanity and to this 68th earth. I should have more merits in order to be admitted to the 36 heavens. All thanks to the guidance of our great and gentle Father. I am telling you, brothers and sisters, value your precious celestial position. Don't be reticent on the path. Remember my name when fighting against evil seductions.
For myself, even though I didn't have enough accumulated merit,
technically, I still attain this position. If you guide and save the
whole of humanity, your position would be much, much higher!
Think about it, and be happy in your practicing of the Tao.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 92
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Trung, Cu, Tac, do you remember how it was this time last year? And you see how it is now?
Beloved daughters Trinh and Hieu, have you seen how I have kept My promise? This time last year when I founded the Great Way, I had but twelve disciples. Four of them fell wayward and succumbed, so then I had only eight left; but two of those were so indolent, they did not practice the Tao. Even a great Buddha, who incarnates to this earth, without Me, would not be able to guide more than forty thousand human beings at once in so short a time.
I am happy, and congratulate all My forty thousand disciples.
Tho, you are very dedicated, and your dedication has redeemed many
people. I congratulate you.
Binh, I promote you to the Phoi Su as a reward for your love and your virtue. Thanks to you, humanity will be able to escape the ocean of suffering.
Ban, I promote you to the Giao Su and Tro the Giao Huu. And many others, too. Call them back here on the 9th of the month for Thai Bach to reward them. I bless you all, even if you are not here.
I lift the handle of theNgoc Co
(Basket with beak) for you to pass beneath for Me to bless. I wish you
all to be dedicated like Tho, and self-cultivate like saints, for the
Great Way shall be known all over the world, and disciples will
increase exponentially, and your responsibilities will grow heavier and
heavier.
If you love Me, you would love the Tao, and subsequently love human
beings. If you value Me, you would value the Tao and subsequently value
living beings.
In this coming first month of the year, Thai Bach will gather the female disciples in order to establish the female college. I rely on you.
I bless you.
I ascend.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 93
Divine Teaching of the
Spiritual Pope granting ceremonial costumes for the College of Women.
I grant ceremonial costume to the female college. Comply, and from now on, use these beautiful costumes for ceremonies, according to the hierarchy.
All female dignitaries are to work under the female Dau Su (Cardinal)
who
in
turn has to obey the Giao Tong (Pope) and the Chuong
Phap (Censor Cardinal).
Female Dau Su are
also elected according to the New Codes established by the Sacerdotal
Council. They are to obey the orders of the Sacerdotal Council both
spiritually and temporally.
Female Dau Su wear a costume similar to the one for the male Dau
Su.
The white silk robe has nine ribbons and is embroidered with lotus
flowers. The head covering is a hood like the one worn by nuns and is
also made of white silk. The hood is overlaid with a golden headdress
called Phuong Thien Mao, and the top of it is embossed with the
Divine Eye surrounded by a golden circle. She wears white Vo Uu
shoes (worriless shoes) with the calligraphic character "Huong" (Fragrance)
on
the
toes. Comply with these instructions!
Female Phoi Su (Archbishops) are to wear a similar costume without Phuong Thien Mao. Their robes have three ribbons. On the chest is embroidered the Divine Eye surrounded by a golden circle. Comply with these instructions!
Female Giao Su (Bishops) are to wear a robe with three ribbons, with the white silk hood, but without shoes.
Female Giao Huu (Priestesses) wear costumes like the Giao Su's, but without headdress, and instead, a white lotus with the Divine Eye in the center is pinned into their hair.
Female Le Sanh (Student Priestesses) wear a costume like the Giao Huu. They cover their head with a long veil knotted at the nape so that the two ends of unequal lengths hang down. A white lotus flower is pinned into their chignon.
Our Master observes the absence of many sisters and will not grant any appointment. Sister Lam Huong Thanh! You are to invite all female disciples to come the 15th day of this month for appointment by our Master and for the establishment of the female college.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 94
Tay Ninh, February 5th, 1927
The 4th day of the 1st month of the year Dinh Mao
Such sorrow for humanity! Such misery for humanity!
Human beings are too cruel. Their crimes deserve just punishment. But because of love for humanity, I have tried in vain to pray for the amnesty of human beings during the ten-day convention at the Bach Ngoc Kinh (the White Pearl Palace). Yet, I could not act against Divine Justice. Human destruction shall afflict you through your mutual killing, and deadly diseases. I have been heartbroken, prostrated and praying at the Bach Ngoc Kinh, but finally had to accept the fate of humanity. I am even sadder in seeing human beings in confusion and ignorance. Needless to say, even in this small country, Vietnam, with its sacred ground here, I could not procure amnesty for cities such as Saigon, Cho Lon, Gia Dinh, Hue, Hai Phong and Hanoi. What a tragedy! What a tragedy! What a tragedy!
TNHT I, 1968, p. 95
Notes of the translator: We are all much too familiar with the succeeding tragedies in Vietnam, occurring since 1945 in the struggles for power from North to South and resulting in the deaths of thousands upon thousands of people, both from Vietnam and intervening powers.
December 24th, 1927
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
I have to mention that many of you have not put all your heart into serving the Tao. Realize that, through mercy, I have appointed you to certain celestial positions in order for you to redeem your karma. However, many of you with heavy secular obligations still have not recognized the hardship of self-cultivation as a ladder to help to escape from reincarnation. You must realize that, lacking My mercy, your mistakes would be recorded and you would not have further opportunity to serve humanity and thereby redeem yourselves.
Before praying to Me in the evening, you should ask yourself in your best conscience if you have completed your duties of the day, or have done anything against your conscience. If your duties were left incomplete, or your conscience was left unsatisfied, you must repent. This will serve to make you more and more holy day by day. My hope for each of you is that you would tend heartily to your self-improvement, so then both the Tao would benefit from your efforts, and you would set a good example for others. You are to love one another; your guidance to and sharing with each other are precious gifts which please Me greatly.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 96
February 1927
Celestial appointees sit down. Listen, sisters.
I am so delighted to see you sisters practicing the Tao. You must also get together to guide younger sisters. Many sisters who have not given their all for the Tao must endeavor to be more worthy of the love of the Supreme Being. I am happy with those sisters who have endured hardship to complete their duties. That's what I expect from you all.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 97
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Regarding the Holy See, I want to see unity between God's will and man's power. That's My virtue that you should watch and imitate.
Since the time I founded the Tao for you, I have never done anything by Myself alone. Wherever you choose that pleases the Sacerdotal Council would please Me. You have to get together to attend to the matter of the Holy See. Everything should be at Tay Ninh. You have understood My Holy will about spending; be economic, spend only what is necessary.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 98
Divine Teaching regarding the
spiritual and temporal powers of the Hiep Thein Dai.
February 13th, 1927 (the 12th day of the first month of the year Dinh Mao)
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
The Hiep Thien Dai is the sacred place where I reign to preserve the sacred power of the faith. As long as the Tao endures, the Hiep Thien Dai still exists. Moreover, the Hiep Thien Dai is the place where the Giao Tong comes and communicates with the 36 Heavens, the 3000 Worlds, the 68 planets and the 10 courts of Hell to beg the salvation of humanity.
As I have warned, the five branches of the Great Way are rendered
profane by the incarnate believers who day by day move further from
fidelity with the Tao, completely degrading the significance of the
holy doctrine. For this reason I have resolved to come to teach My
children Myself, not to entrust the teaching of My holy doctrine any
longer to imperfect incarnate beings.
I have already spoken about spiritual power; I shall now speak to you
about temporal powers.
The Hiep Thien Dai is placed under the authority of the Ho Phap (Legislative Protector). He is assisted by the Thuong Sanh(Director in Secular Affairs) and by the Thuong Pham (Director in Spiritual Affairs). I have chosen the 12 Zodiacal dignitaries in increments of three;
1- Under the Ho Phap, who is concerned with Law and Justice:
Hau is Bao Phap (1) (Juridical Conservator)
Duc is Hien Phap (Juridical Renovator)
Nghia is Khai Phap (Juridical Reformer)
Trang is Tiep Phap (Juridical Legislator)
This branch is concerned with the conservation and application of the religious laws, temporally and spiritually. Every transgression of the laws is brought to the awareness of the Hiep Thien Dai.
2- Under The Thuong Pham, who is concerned with spiritual
affairs:
Chuong is Bao Dao (Religious Conservator)
Tuoi is Hien Dao (Religious Renovator)
Dai is Khai Dao (Religious Reformer)
Trong is Tiep Dao (Religious Legislator) (2)
This branch is concerned with the meditation cells and temples. He supervises all disciples and defends them against the abuses of authorities.
3- Under the Thuong Sanh, who is concerned with temporal
affairs:
Phuoc is Bao The (Temporal Conservator)
Manh is Hien The (Temporal Renovator)
Thau is Khai The (Temporal Reformator)
Vinh is Tiep The (Temporal Legislator)
I exhort you to maintain personal impartiality in your functions.
Do not forget that anyone who has great power has a heavy burden of
responsibility.
I bless you.
(1) Bao is to conserve
Hien is to offer
Khai is to initiate
Tiep is to accept
(2) Mr. Cao Duc Trong is the last appointee among the 12 Zodiacal dignitaries.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 98
Cau Kho, February 19, 1927
Your Master, children.
I
would be pleased if you would try to build up your merit yourselves. It
would be useless for you to be accepted into the Tao, appointed to a
celestial position, yet be without redeeming qualities or virtues.
Understand!
TNHT I, 1968, p. 100
Opening Ceremony at Phuoc Long Temple.
Cho Dem, March 1, 1927
I would challenge you: where does the noble part of the human mind
go
after the body's death, the part embracing within it Love, Hatred, Joy,
Remorse? Do you think such a mind simply disintegrates?
Each of you should meditate on this question and pursue an answer. If
you find an appropriate answer, you are a person who realizes the Tao;
otherwise, you are of feeble mind.
I ask you women to follow the three womanly duties and the four virtues; and you males to follow the three male duties and the five virtues of Confucianism. If you fulfill your human duties, you would be well received by the Tao. Heed My words!
TNHT I, 1968, p. 101
Dai Dan Cau Kho, March 5, 1927
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter
Dear, beloved women! You keep looking up to nobility and the wealthy, and complain that you are not enough blessed, while you look down your nose and despise the lowly and poorer people. This is the height of immorality! I advice you to open your hearts and love people; that would please Me. You have to cultivate your virtue. Be modest to the superior and generous to the inferior. Obey this, children!
Male disciples, new disciples, listen, children.
Under the justice of the divine law, you have had to suffer. It's
because you do not know how to cultivate the noble mind that I have
bequeathed to you. Your mind is yet so narrow so that you do not
progress and the path becomes increasingly difficult. Henceforth from
your initiation, you must take heed to adhere to the right path, to
guide each other clear of the thorny maze. Do not lose your character
due to desire of personal profit: this would only squander the
priceless sacred light that I have bestowed upon you. Heed Me!
TNHT I, 1968, p. 101
April 5, 1927.
I also need you to know that many Giao Huu (Priests) do not know their duties, so you have to teach them. They should know at least the origin of the Tao, and should learn My teachings and then take turns in teaching male and female disciples. Many of the Giao Huu know nothing about the Tao, and disciples cannot learn anything from them, so they are not useful for anything. You have to remind them to meet once a month with the Sacerdotal Council in order to learn how to teach. Obey! I bless you all.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 103
April 12, 1927.
The Tao is steadfast. Be neither taken to excess, nor hesitant. Be patient and cooperative in clearing the thorny path for the generations to follow. The celestial guidebook has clearly spelled out many paths of action. Through love, I have taken care of the difficulties for you; you have only to complete your duty. Whoever puts all their efforts into the Tao will come back to be unified with Me. But whoever intends to disturb the Tao will be punished.
The Triune-Faith Court has often times proposed to close the gate of the Tao, but I hadn't the heart to do it, due to your sincere efforts. Ly Bach / Li Po and Quan Am/ Quan Yin had recommended punishment of the evil ones, but I would not agree because I want you to experience a little more sufferance among them.
....If you have thought of Me, each of you will take haste to advance the Tao. In the old times, the Saints spent a lot of time arduously initiating the Tao.
Now, the Tao that was founded only a short age ago has become a glorious beacon which would be enough to pleasantly light your steps upon your journey.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 104
April 15, 1927 (Phu Nhuan)
If you yourself choose not to walk, I would not carry you through your life. Doing for yourself is therefore your concern. The Tao is founded in Justice and is already therefore a great blessing. If instead I carried you through this temporal world, you would not be wont to labor for the Tao. As long as you are witness to disappointment on this Earth, the Tao is not yet fulfilled.
You are the first to receive the Tao from Me; therefore, you should realize your great and noble responsibility. If you do not fulfill your duty you are not worthy. I advise you just to keep cultivating your heart, your virtue, to keep the Tao in order, all difficulty would be surmounted.
In practicing the Tao, you have to observe justice. Once justice is able to control violence, the Tao would be manifest. Understand!
TNHT I, 1968, p. 105
April, 20, 1927
Hatred and indifference among followers of the Tao would create animosity among people and only lead to chaos. They would relinquish the path, having been stained with this bloodshed and would be doomed to their loss of Heaven. Our Compassionate Master spoke that the Tao would be raised out of the determination of the disciples, especially of the celestially appointed dignitaries. For any issue related to the Tao, in order to please people's hearts you have to get together for discussion and have the consensus before implementation. That would make the Tao stable and strong. If there is any difficulty, it's your responsibility to guide all disciples to setting things straight. You have been granted the authority to make decisions, so if you get together for discussion and support, all would be well.
Ever be mindful of your human duty, never to neglect it and become irreverent of the Holy will of our Compassionate Master. Take heed!
TNHT I, 1968, p. 106
The 27th day of the fourth month of the year Dinh Mao (5-27-1927)
Children! Do you know how much suffering I have endured each time I have labored to redeem you?
If you only knew the power of the Supreme Being, you would realize that it is a torturous trial for Me.
I have created human beings thinking that in establishing positions
of
Genies, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas, I would show you that the holy
spirit is higher than the earthly mind. However, the prize was only one
out of a million, and this breaks My heart. Alone in you, since the
creation of the whole universe, have I invested the best love of a
gentle father; yet you children have despised your father and betrayed
Me, akin to the demon called Lucifer in Christianity. Genies, Saints,
Immortals, and Buddhas have bemoaned your downfall.
In upholding justice, I must be impartial and apply the Divine law. But
if I should enforce the letter of the law, you would be exiled to Hell
forever. If you would put yourself in My position, the position of a
father, you would know how much I have suffered for you.
Each time I suffered for you, I have incarnated to Earth to found the Tao to save you; in this I was maltreated by you, railed against and expelled by you, even killed by you. Alas! What a tragedy! What a tragedy! The Tao that I have labored to bequeath you is now in the hands of a Demon who has charmed and seduced your minds. If even the great spirits and Immortals were seduced, what could I expect from other spirits? I did not punish the Demon, so how could I punish you? But one cannot avoid the Divine law which I Myself must respect. You have committed your own crimes, and therefore will exact your own punishment, as even the Genies, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas have done. I have blessed even My own enemy; how could I not bless you, My children? Except when you refuse My blessings. What a pity! What a hate!
Each time I founded the Tao, I had to warrant My support for you exactly like a warranty against a loan. I am ultimately responsible for whatever crime that you commit. You have been given due time to cultivate yourselves yet you did not improve but committed more crimes instead. What an outrage!
What would you have Me do; shall I desert the Tao to find other means of pursuing your redemption, so to be exiled along with you, or wait until the Tao eliminates Me?
Who would not suffer in slicing out one's own entrails? If I did not ask Thai Bach to postpone your punishment until the completion of the Holy See so that you may redeem yourselves through the personal merits wrought through service, there would not be one tenth of you left. You have to listen to My words in order to redeem yourselves. And you have to heed and respect Thai Bach's orders.
I remind you one last time.
I bless you.
I ascend.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 107
Session of May 29, 1927.
Be seated.
The Tao is erected through the virtuous minds and humble behavior of the disciples of the Compassionate Master. If one chooses to follow the Tao, yet still struggles and competes with the mind of an ordinary human, even though there be numerous disciples and a multitude of contributions, the Tao remains merely a phenomenon of the mortal plane. Due to human frailty, disciples themselves often generate obstacles which prevent the Tao from progressing, creating storm clouds over the firmament of the Tao. The Compassionate Master generously introduced a path of purity to the world to serve as the way to Heaven; but man, instead of purification, prefers to immerse himself instead in human failings, bringing calamity upon the heads of his brethren. Such behavior serves no one. But pay this no heed; I have my own way to correct that. Concentrate instead upon only fulfilling your own responsibility and do not bother yourselves with any others' wrongdoing. I assiduously follow our Father's will, without which there would be no possibility of redemption through meritorious service, and humanity would have no hope left though the wicked would neither be able to create chaos anymore.
Black and white, two colors; good and bad, two ways; if one is strong and perseverant, it will succeed. Evil, evil; Buddha, Buddha--two different paths. Punishment and reward shall come accordingly.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 109
June 1, 1927.
The Tao was established; the feet of many human disciples are well
washed; however, children, you still meet with many difficulties in
spreading the Way to the next generations. A bright horizon emerges
above the wave, but the vessel of enlightenment depends upon the
celestial mechanism, and can often be jolted aloft, with many lost to
the abyss; those are the disciples who abandon the noble virtues and
are wicked of deed and sully the reputation of the precious Tao that I
have lovingly endowed to you. You have suffered for the Tao, enduring
humiliation in the wearing of your brown costumes while serving as the
example for future generations on their path to serenity. Dear
disciples, keep following the right path through its twists and turns.
The sum of your merits will assure the final state for each one of you.
By the end of the 6th month, I will cease all recruiting seances. Use
all your perseverance and sincerity to build the Tao henceforth. This
is My last advice. Pay attention. Whoever is wicked molds their own
fate. As for yourself, just keep following straight and narrow the path
up the sacred spiritual ladder, awaiting the day of reunification with
Me. That is the treasured way.
My blessings to you.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 110
July 1927, Minh Ly Dan.
Teaching The Great Way To The Southern Quarter.
I ascend.
TNHT I, 1968, p. 111
