REPORT ON CAODAI COURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Updated 2023-10-18 19:36:43

(Dhaka, October 15, 2023 – By Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam)
 
A Brief Report on the Cao Dai Course in the
Department of World Religions and Culture
University of Dhaka Bangladesh – October 2023
 
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree within the Department of World Religions and Culture at the University of Dhaka delve into the study of Cao Dai Religious Traditions during the 3rd Year 5th Semester as part of their regular curriculum. This course has been a cornerstone of the department's offerings since its inception. The attendance records for the Cao Dai class bear witness to a growing interest among new students. They express a genuine curiosity to delve deeper into the traditions, which manifests as a desire to explore and investigate these traditions at an advanced level through programs like the Research Monograph in M.A. and M.Phil. The commitment of our students is evident in their regular attendance, active participation in class activities, and their willingness to engage constructively. They not only attend classes diligently but also exhibit their comprehension by providing valuable feedback, sharing their thoughts and perspectives with their instructors. It's noteworthy that 95 students, constituting 100% of the enrolled students, have taken this course. This report will offer an overview of the students' understanding of the concept of Caodaism. They are as follows:
 
1. Caodaism, officially known as "the Third Great Era of Religious Universal Amnesty," is a unique religious belief system centered around the worship of God. One of its distinctive religious practices involves seances, during which adherents seek to establish a connection with spiritual entities. These seances serve as a means to commune with spirits, engaging in discussions that often revolve around topics such as piety and other spiritual matters. (Mehjabin Tonny)
 
2. Caodaism is a modern religion that was founded by God in 1926, originating in Vietnam. It is a faith centered around promoting ethical and moral values, offering its followers a profound path to a more meaningful way of life. Ngo Van Chieu holds the distinction of being the very first disciple of this faith. (Mahbubul Alam)
 
3. Caodaism, originally referred to as Dao Cao Dai, which translates to "The Way to the Supreme Palace Where God Reigns," is a monotheistic religion that was established in Vietnam in 1926. This universal faith integrates the teachings from various major religious traditions with the aim of fostering global harmony, brotherhood, and the ultimate pursuit of unity with God. (Rima Hossain)
 
4. Caodaism is a monotheistic religion that emerged in Vietnam at the outset of the 20th century. Its inception can be attributed to Ngo Van Chieu, the first disciple to embrace the Cao Dai faith. Over the course of 1924 to 1926, a small group of individuals also became captivated by this religion. With their support, Caodaism embarked on its formal journey in 1926. The central figure in this faith is none other than God Himself, known as Cao Dai. The official designation of this religion is "Dao Dai Tam Ky Pho Do," which translates to "The Third Great Era of Religion for Universal Amnesty." (Tomalika Mondal )
 
5. Caodaism is a religion that presents itself as the path to God. This religion emerged during the third great era of universal amnesty with the objective of attaining the universal liberation of all people. (Alif Rodaba)
 
6. Caodaism is a unique religious belief system that centers around the direct connection with God, without the need for prophets or intermediaries. This faith acknowledges the presence of spirits and employs a specific practice known as a seance to establish contact with the spirit realm. (Tahmina Alam Meem)
 
7. Caodaism, a unique religious belief system drawing inspiration from a variety of universal religions and Vietnamese folk traditions, serves as a path to commune with the divine. It imparts teachings centered on simplicity and the pursuit of harmonious coexistence with the natural world. (Sumaiya Naznin Sultana )
 
8. Caodaism, often referred to as the Religion of God, is a syncretic religious belief system with its roots in Vietnam. This unique faith combines elements from a wide array of religious traditions. Caodaists are known for their intricate rituals and ceremonies, which include practices like seances aimed at establishing communication with spirits. (Md. Kausar Mia)
 
9. Caodaism, a Vietnamese religion, like many other faiths, emphasizes the idea of collective emancipation and incorporates the concept of spiritism. There are historical accounts that describe instances of interactions with spirits during the early days of Caodaism. (Oishi Prity Tandra )
 
10. Dao Cao Dai, often referred to as the Way of God or the Religion of God, is a universal faith that originated in Vietnam. Its adherents hold a deep belief in the spiritual realm and demonstrate their faith through virtuous actions. (Mst Farjana Begum )
 
11. Followers of Caodaism hold the belief that the religion was directly founded by God. Caodaism transcends being merely a religion; it is also regarded as the Great Way, symbolizing the path of God. (Fariha Jahan Jhimu)
 
12. Caodaism is a syncretistic and monotheistic faith with its origins in South Vietnam. The term 'Cao Dai' signifies the elevated realm where the singular God, 'Duc Cao Dai,' holds sway. This belief system intricately combines the symbols, doctrines, and rituals of several prominent religions present in Vietnam during the early 20th century. These include Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Roman Catholicism, all aimed at emphasizing the interconnectedness of all faiths and the pursuit of universal peace.(Sk Durjoy Sarker)
 

13.According to the criteria for categorizing religious movements, Caodaism can no longer be considered a new religion. Its origins trace back to the early 20th century in Vietnam. Caodaism, centered around the veneration of Duc Cao Dai, is a unique syncretic faith that combines monotheistic and polytheistic elements. The official and complete name of this religious tradition is "Dai Do Tam Ky Pho Do," which translates to "The Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty of God." It is important to note that Caodaism's objective is not the eradication of other belief systems but rather the assimilation of the most valuable teachings they offer. (Amol Chandra)

14.Caodaism is a significant faith that embraces people from all corners of the world, with the noble aim of fostering a global sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends the boundaries of race, social background, gender, and skin color. Caodaism advocates for the concept of worldwide unity. (Shahrin Sultana)

15.Cao Dai represents the divine realm where the singular deity, 'Duc Cao Dai,' holds sway. Caodaism harmoniously combines the symbols, beliefs, and rituals from a multitude of religious traditions that were prominent in Vietnam during the early 20th century. These include Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Roman Catholicism, all brought together to underscore the universal unity of all faiths and the pursuit of global peace. (Khushnoor Alam)

16.While there is some dispute about whether Caodaism should be classified as a revealed religion, according to Cao Dai theology, it is believed to have been founded by God. The official name of the Cao Dai religion is "Dai Dao Tam Ky Pho Do," which translates to "The Third Great Universal Religious Amnesty." This religion is structured and governed based on a unique blend of divine and democratic principles. Caodaism preaches the idea of global unity, aiming to combine the teachings of various major religious traditions and extend its embrace to all of humanity. Its ultimate goal is to establish a universal brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends differences in creed, race, gender, social background, or skin color.

17.Caodaism, officially inaugurated in 1926, is a Vietnamese syncretic religion. Ngo Van Chieu is often recognized as its first disciple of God. The full name of Caodaism is Dai Dao Tam Ki Pho Do, which translates to "The Third Great Religious Amnesty," signifying a new path to salvation through the unity of all religions and mankind. Caodaism's unique philosophy is rooted in its desire not to eliminate other religions but to integrate the best aspects of their teachings into one faith. Therefore, one of Caodaism's defining characteristics is its deep respect for the religious beliefs and customs of its followers, encouraging them not to reject or restrict their traditional practices and customs. (Sharmin Akter) 

18.Caodaism, known as Dao Cao Dai in Vietnamese, is a syncretic religion with its roots in early 20th century Vietnam. Officially established in 1926 in Tay Ninh, it is a unique fusion of diverse religious traditions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. The core tenets of Caodaism revolve around the reverence of a supreme being, Duc Cao Dai, and the adoration of other spiritual entities. Its adherents uphold principles of ethics, compassion, and the quest for spiritual illumination. Caodaism possesses its own sacred scriptures and ceremonies, boasting a substantial following in Vietnam and within Vietnamese communities across the globe.

19.Caodaism is a syncretic religion that draws inspiration from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. In addition to their belief in a singular supreme deity, adherents of Caodaism place significant importance on a mother goddess and a pantheon of 12 spirit categories. Importantly, the practice of ethical and moral education is a central tenet, permeating both secular and religious aspects of life. (Mehrab Ahsan Shovon)

20.Caodaism is a unique religious tradition that combines elements of monotheism, syncretism, and polytheism. Its historical roots can be traced to the southern region of Vietnam, and it has evolved over time into an established and well-established faith. One of the central tenets of this religion is a strong emphasis on living in harmony with nature. (Sajid Mollah)

21.Caodaism, also referred to as Dạo Cao Dai, is a syncretic religion that emerged in Vietnam during the early 20th century. Its official inauguration took place in 1926 in the city of Tay Ninh under the guidance of Phò Loan leaders. Since its inception, it has evolved to become one of the most prominent indigenous religions in Vietnam. Caodaism, being a syncretic faith, harmoniously integrates elements from diverse religious traditions, encompassing Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and indigenous Vietnamese beliefs. ( Rezuana Jahan)

 
Dhaka, October 10, 2023
Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam
Chairman, Department of World Religions and Culture
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
 
 

The chart shows the total number of the students studied Caodaism in 16 years as follows:

 

Serial Number

Session

Year

Total Students

% of Pass in the Final Exam

01

2005-2006

2008

33

100%

02

2006-2007

2009

63

100%

03

2007-2008

2010

44

100%

04

2008-2009

2011

55

100%

05

2009-2010

2012

64

100%

06

2010-2011

2013

52

100%

07

2011-2012

2014

48

100%

08

2012-2013

2015

73

100%

09

2013-2014

2016

65

100%

10

2014-2015

2017

69

100%

11

2015-2016

2018

84

100%

12

2016-2017

2019

75

100%

13

2017-2018

2020

85

100%

14

2018-2019

2021

86

100%

15

2019-2020

2022

87

100%

16

2020-2021

2023

95

Current

                                      

Total students studied Caodaism= 1079

Note:

-Cao Dai Knowledge disseminated with more than 1000 participants through seminars and conferences.

-Total active learners of Caodaism are around 2000.

-Counted from  : 

  -2008-2023 (Year of the Exam) 

-2005-2006-2019-2020-2021    (Academic Sessions)

 
 
 
 
 
Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam