Cao Dai

The main focus of this thesis is to provide a comparative study of the concept of interreligious harmony in Sikhism and Caodaism . This conceptual research work identifies, analyzes, and explores interreligious harmony in Sikhism and Caodaism by following comparative methods of study and by putting forward constructive discussions and analysis. This research work maintains the standards of the Comparative Study of Religion, which includes an unbiased, unprejudiced study of religions with genuine respect, empathy, and sensitiveness

(Manhattan, Kansas, USA, August 28, 2024 – Report and images by Caodai TV) From 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on August 28, 2024, at the Department of Anthropology, Kansas State University (KSU), the Opening Ceremony of a new course called East Asian New Religions took place, which taught 3 main religions including: Taiwan's Weixin Shengjiao taught by Professor Fiona Hsin-Fang Chang; Daesoon Jinrihoe taught by Dr. Joo Soyeon, Department of Research and Development of Daesoon Jinrihoe Ideology, Daejin University, Korea, and Cao Dai  taught by Professor Michael Wesch.

(Manhattan News, Kansas, USA, August 27, 2024 – Report and photos by Caodai TV) On August 27, 2024, a Delegation of Cao Dai Dignitaries, Sub-dignitaries and followers from the United States, Taiwan and Vietnam came to Manhattan, Kansas, USA, to attend the World Religions Festival, organized by Kansas State University, at the invitation of Professor Michael Wesch, Department of Anthropology. This first World Religions Festival is one of the events to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the Course on New Religions of East Asia for students of the Department of Anthropology, Kansas State University, teaching 3 main Asian religions including Vietnam Cao Dai, Taiwan Weixin Shengjiao and Korea Daesoon Jinrihoe.

(News from Dhaka University, Bangladesh, September 29, 2024) From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on September 29, 2024, the Faculty of World Religions and Cultures, Dhaka University, Bangladesh, organized an online International Conference with the theme, “RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURALISM FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE”. The Head of the Organizing Committee and Chair of this Conference is Professor Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam - Chairman - Department of World Religions and Cultures, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

(Bordeaux News, France June 16, 2024) From June 12 to 15, 2024, at Bordeaux University, France, the international conference on new religions CESNUR 2024 (Center for the Study of New Religions) took place with the theme: “The Contribution of Minority Religions to Society" organized by the Center for Research on New Religions (CESNUR), University of Bordeaux, France, the Center for Cultural and Literary Studies of the English-Speaking World (CLIMAS – Cultures and Littératures des Mondes Anglophones) and the International Society for the Study of New Religions (ISSNR).

(News from Dhaka, Bangladesh Feb 1, 2024 – Reported by Mohammad Jahangir Alam PhD.) At 9:00am on Feb. 1, 2024, the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh came alive with the spirit   of   unity   as   it   marked   the   International   Interfaith Harmony   Week   declared   by   the   United   Nations.   The meticulously organized  program  was  a  collaborative  effort between   the   Centre   for   Interreligious   and   Intercultural Dialogue and the Department of World Religions and Culture at  the University of Dhaka. This year, much like in the past, the Department  and  Centre  joined  forces  to  host a series of impactful  events  addressing  contemporary  issues  related  to interfaith harmony.

(Taichung, Taiwan, January 5, 2024 - Report by Thien An, Photos by Weixin Shengjiao) The 17th International Conference on Taoist Studies takes place from January 1 to January 5, 2024, at Weixin Shengjiao, Taiwan, jointly organized by Weixin Shengjiao Institute  and Boston University, USA. Professor Fiona Hsin-Fang Chang - Director of the Center for Religious Research and Development, affiliated with Weixin Shengjiao Religion, and Professor Livia Kohn, Boston University, USA, acted as co-chairs of the 17th Conference.

(Dhaka, October 15, 2023 – By Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam) 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.

News from Seoul, South Korea on October 7, 2023 - Reported by Thien An - Photos by Dinh Nhan and Quang Tien) From October 4 to October 7, 2023, in the capital Seoul, Republic of Korea, under the sponsorship of the Daesoon Jinrihoe Academy of Science, the 3rd World SangSaeng Forum International Conference took place with the theme " How can Religions Help the World Solve Its Civilizational Crisis?" With special interest in Cao Dai religion and scholars who are passionate about researching the practical applications of Cao Dai religion as a salvation for humanity; Professor Bae Kyuhan, President of the Daesoon Jinrihoe Academy of Science, sent a special invitation to Professor Michael Wesch, Kansas State University, to attend and speak at the Conference.

(Quang Nam 23/7/2023 - Reported by Le Thi Lam Caodai TV)   After their visit to the two Cao Dai Temples in Hanoi, Professor Massimo Introvigne and Professor Rosita continued their excursion to another two Cao Dai Temples in Hoi An City and Dai Loc District in Quang Nam Province, aiming to explore the religious and cultural life of the two Cao Dai Communities in central Vietnam. 1. Prof. Massimo Introvigne - Director of Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR) in Italy. 2. Prof. Rosita Soryte - Former Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the Council of Europe, and the United Nations in New York.

(Ha Noi, July 11, 2023 - Reported by CaodaiTV) On 24 Lunar May, Year of the Cat (Solar Calendar: 11 July 2023), a delegation of 15 professors and scholars of religious studies from Italy, France, U.S and South Korea paid a visit to Cao Dai Temples located in Phuc Duc and Dang Giang villages outside of Hanoi. The two Cao Dai Temples are under the management of the Cao Dai Holy See’s Headquarters in Tay Ninh Province. The delegates are as follows: 1. Prof. Massimo Introvigne - Director of Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR) in Italy. 2. Prof. Rosita Soryte - Former Permanent Mission of Lithuania to the Council of Europe, and the United Nations in New York. 3. Prof. Bernadette Rigal-Cellard - Université Bordeaux Montaigne (France), and Vice-President of the European Observatory of Religions and Secularism.

(Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See, 7/7/2023 -Reported by CaodaiTV) This morning July 7th 2023, at 10:00am, a delegation from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City has paid an official visit to the Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See. The Delegates are as follows: 1. Ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle - Advisor on Religious Affairs, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. 2. Madam Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City 3. Ms Candce Ragot - Employee at  the Embassy of France in Viet Nam 4. Ms Minh Tâm - Interpreter at the Consulate General of France in HCM City.

(Cao Dai Tay Ninh Holy See, June 26, 2023 – Reported by Rev. Canh Tran) The Department of World Religions and Culture has already passed more than two decades since its foundation at the University of Dhaka in 1999. It is important to mention that Cao Dai Religious Traditions started its journey in the Department of World Religions and Culture in 2002 right after a visit of a Cao Dai delegation headed by Rev. Tran Quang Canh, former President of Cao Dai Overseas Missionary. From then on around 1200 students have already studied Caodaism. One PhD dissertation, three M.Phil. theses and two M.A. Research Monographs have been produced. It is also good news for the Cao Dai world that the study of Caodaism in the Department of World Religions and Culture at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh has completed its two decades.

(Ho Chi Minh City June 23, 2023 – Reported by Rev. Canh Tran) At the invitation of Ms. Susan Burns, Consul General of the United States in Ho Chi Minh City, at 4:00pm on June 23, 2023, Cardinal Thuong Tam Thanh, Chairman of the Cao Dai Sacerdotal Council of Tay Ninh Holy See, along with Rev. Thuong Canh Thanh (Tran Quang Canh) came to the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel on Dong Khoi Street, Ho Chi Minh City, to attend the Reception Ceremony to celebrate the 247th Anniversary of American Independence Day. The ceremony was attended by the US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper and Ms. Susan Burns, Consul General of the United States in Ho Chi Minh City, along with about 500 guests.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – June 11, 2023 The DEV Centre for Philosophical Studies of the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh organized a seminar on Caodaism: An Outstanding Example of Religious Syncretism on June 11, 2023 in the Department of Philosophy.  Professor Dr. Anisuzzaman Honorable Vice Chancellor, Global University of Bangladesh took part as a distinguished discussant while Professor Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam Honorary Professor, Department of World Religions and Culture, University of Dhaka chaired the program.