Sunday 17 March 2024

POPE NGUYỄN NGỌC TƯƠNG'S CHRONOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY (part one)

POPE NGUYỄN NGỌC TƯƠNG'CHRONOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY

By Huệ Khải


WEDNESDAY 22 JUNE 1881

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương was born in An Hội village, Bảo Hựu canton, Bến Tre province. His parents were Nguyễn Ngọc Đẩu (1857-1882) and Võ Thị Sót (1856-1919). His ancestor, Nguyễn Đức Sơ, was from Bình Định province, and migrated to Bến Tre province in the 18th century.([1])

JULY 1882

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương’s father, who was Nguyễn Ngọc Đẩu, passed away. Tương lived with his grandfather, who was Nguyễn Hữu Chơn (1832-1908).

1886

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương studied Chinese characters and a little bit of the Romanised Vietnamese script (chữ quốc ngữ) at home, under the tutelage of his grandfather, Nguyễn Hữu Chơn (1832-1908).

1895

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương attended the third grade at Bến Tre provincial school.

1897

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương passed the entrance exam to collège de Mỹ Tho, located in Mỹ Tho province.([2])

1900

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương studied at collège Chasseloup-Laubat in Saigon.(2)

1902

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương graduated from collège Chasseloup-Laubat.

He passed the examination for the rank of Secretary to Direction de lIntérieur (Department of the Interior), and worked at the Direction de lIntérieur in Saigon for one year.

He married Ms. Trương Thị Tài (1886-1906), who gave birth to Nguyễn Thị Tú (daughter, 1903-1926), Nguyễn Ngọc Thăng (son, died young), and Nguyễn Ngọc Hớn (son, 1905-1951).([3])

1903

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương was transferred to his home province of Bến Tre, working there from 1903 to 1920.

1906

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương’s spouse (Mrs. Trương Thị Tài) passed away.

1908

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương remarried to Ms. Bùi Thị Giàu (1884-1937), who gave birth to five children: Nguyễn Ngọc Kỷ (son, 1910-1978); Nguyễn Ngọc Bích (son, 1911-1966); Nguyễn Thị Yến (daughter, 1913-2004); Nguyễn Thị Nguyệt (daughter, 1915-2009), and Nguyễn Ngọc Nhựt (son, 1918-1952).

1919

In Bến Tre province, before his transfer to Châu Thành district, Cần Thơ province, Nguyễn Ngọc Tương collaborated with a number of individuals to found the Annamese ([4]) Trading Association (Hội Buôn An Nam) and the Association for Promoting Literature (Hội Khuyến Văn).

The Annamese Trading Association aimed to help Vietnamese people become aware of and protect their economic and commercial interests because at that time the commercial sector was almost entirely controlled by foreigners.

The Association for Promoting Literature aimed to stimulate the people to love learning in order to progress and protect the national culture. The Association organised lectures and circulated an internal bulletin to encourage the people to learn the Romanised Vietnamese script (chữ quốc ngữ), read books and newspapers, write poetry and prose, promote human morality, patriotism, and eliminate superstition, heresy, rotten customs, etc.

At the end of the year, he passed an examination for the administrative rank of “tri huyện” 知縣. (Unlike in French Cochinchina, a “tri huyện” was a mandarin, i.e., “quan” , who rules a district in Tonkin and Annam.)

1920-1924

He was appointed as the chief of Châu Thành district in Cần Thơ province for about two months,([5]) and then transferred to Hòn Chông district in Hà Tiên province, where he served as its chief.

The local population was predominantly Khmer and Chinese, with Vietnamese people being in the minority. Most of the inhabitants were poor, destitute, and illiterate. Nguyễn Ngọc Tương taught them how to burn limestone to produce lime, which helped them earn a living. Besides establishing a market, a hospital, and a school, he also had canals dug to irrigate the fields, especially the canal running from Hòn Chông to Rạch Giá. He provided capital and guidance to the local people to reclaim wasteland and forest land into rice fields.

Far from seeking to take possession of the newly reclaimed land, he even refused the colonial government’s offer to reward his efforts and contributions by granting him a plot of land in his name.

During his years working in Hòn Chông district, he followed the Minh Sư religion (Minhshi Dao 明師道), observed veganism, and practised meditation for inner self-cultivation.

1924-1927

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương served as the chief of Cần Giuộc district in Chợ Lớn province.([6]) During this time, he was promoted to the administrative rank of tri phủ知府. (Unlike in French Cochinchina, a “tri phủ” was a mandarin, i.e., “quan” , who rules a prefecture in Tonkin and Annam.)

Shortly after arriving in Cần Giuộc district, he settled the following lawsuit: A woman had been married for six months when she returned to her own parents home; so, her husband filed a lawsuit with the district. In court, the woman explained that during the six months at her parents-in-law’s house, she only performed the duty of a daughter-in-law without enjoying the happiness of a wife. Her husband admitted that he had borrowed a large sum of money to cover the wedding expenses; so, after the wedding, he had to work as a servant away from home until he could repay both the principal and interest. As a result, the newly-weds had to live apart. The creditor confirmed their sad situation. Deeply touched by the young couple’s plight, judge Nguyễn Ngọc Tương used his own money to settle their debt.

MONDAY 01 FEBRUARY 1926

Apostles Lê Văn Trung (1876-1934), Cao Quỳnh Cư (1888-1929), and Phạm Công Tắc (1890-1959) requested Caodai God to allow them to go to Cần Giuộc district to initiate its chief, Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, into Caodaism.

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương was initiated into Caodaism in Cần Giuộc district. There, after a day’s work, every evening he diligently visited various houses to preach or to inaugurate the God’s Altar at new Caodaists’ homes. He often had to continue until morning, regardless of bad weather or muddy roads. The number of new Caodaists increased swiftly, not only in Cần Giuộc district but also in several neighbouring ones.

In the earliest days of Caodaism, its spread in Cần Giuộc district was very successful. Nowadays, Cần Giuộc district has numerous holy houses, many of which were founded by apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, such as: Mỹ Lộc, Tân Chánh, Tân Kim, and Tân Quí Tây, etc.

SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 1926

During an evocation séance at apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương’s home (in the Cần Giuộc district palace), Caodai God said, “Tương! From now on, wherever you are stationed will have great blessing.” ([7])

THURSDAY, 04 MARCH 1926

Obeying Caodai God’s command, Nguyễn Ngọc Tương (the chief of Cần Giuộc district) and other apostles went to Vĩnh Nguyên pagoda, located in Long An village, Cần Giuộc district, Chợ Lớn province, to request permission to hold an evocation séance.

Grand Master (Thái Lão Sư 太老師 Lê Đạo Long, who founded Vĩnh Nguyên pagoda in 1908,([8]) descended and advised his disciples, as well as his relatives, to follow Caodaism. His son, Lê Văn Lịch (1890-1947), obeyed him. Later, carrying out Caodai God’s command, apostle Lê Văn Trung inaugurated the God’s Altar at Vĩnh Nguyên pagoda on Saturday, 10 April 1926.

SATURDAY, 26 JUNE 1926

Caodai God granted the title Thượng Archbishop (Thượng Phối Sư 配師) upon Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, and his holy name was Thượng Tương Thanh. (The term “Thượng” is used for Daoist-branch dignitaries who wear blue robes.)

WEDNESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 1926

In Saigon, at the home of apostle Nguyễn Văn Tường (1887-1939) a convention was held to prepare for the registration of the Caodai legal entity. Over two hundred and forty earliest Caodai dignitaries and followers attended; their full names along with signatures filled an eleven-page list. Apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương was numbered 158 on page 9 of the list of attendees.([9])

Attached to the Declaration of the Caodaism Foundation (Tờ Khai Đạo) dated 07 October 1926, submitted to Acting Cochinchina Governor Le Fol by apostle Lê Văn Trung, was a list of twenty-eight earliest Caodaists chosen by Caodai God. The fifth name on the list was apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, annotated as Tri Phủ, the chief of Cần Giuộc district.([10])

WEDNESDAY, 13 OCTOBER 1926

Caodai God ordered, “My children, please carry out the universal salvation at once... I request you all to disperse and go everywhere.”

Later, following their division into three groups, the Caodai apostles began to spread the new faith across Cochinchinese provinces. Apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương joined the second group, along with apostles Lê Văn Lịch and Yết Ma Nguyễn Văn Luật, amongst others. They were responsible for provinces like Bến Tre, Chợ Lớn, Gò Công, Mỹ Tho, and Tân An. For their evocation séances, apostles Nguyễn Trung Hậu (1892-1961) and Trương Hữu Đức (1890-1976) served as mediums.([11])

TUESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 1926

Caodai God granted the tile Thượng Principal Archbishop (Thượng Chánh Phối Sư 正配師) upon Nguyễn Ngọc Tương. Simultaneously:

1. The title Ngọc Principal Archbishop (Ngọc Chánh Phối Sư 正配師) was granted to Lê Bá Trang (1878-1936), whose holy name was Ngọc Trang Thanh. (The term “Ngọc” is used for Confucian-branch dignitaries who wear red robes.)

2. The title Thái Principal Archbishop (Thái Chánh Phối Sư 正配師) was bestowed upon Nguyễn Ngọc Thơ (1873-1950), whose holy name was Thái Thơ Thanh. The term “Thái” is used for Buddhist-branch dignitaries who wear yellow robes.

1927-1930

Transferred to Bà Rịa province, Nguyễn Ngọc Tương served as the chief of Xuyên Mộc district, which was remote, near mountains, close to forests, by the seashore, and almost untouched. The Kinh people (the Viets) made up about half of its population, while the rest were ethnic minorities.

In addition to establishing a school and a market to improve the local people’s living conditions, he built a road connecting Long Hải village with Nước Ngọt. He petitioned the colonial government to allow the local people to reclaim land from the forest for cultivation.

In Xuyên Mộc district, he founded some holy houses like Hội Mỹ, Long Tân, and Xuyên Mộc, etc.

THE BEGINNING OF 1927

Obeying Spiritual Pope Lý Thái Bạch’s command given during an evocation séance at Từ Lâm pagoda (also known as Thiền Lâm pagoda, often called Gò Kén pagoda, located in Long Thành village, Tây Ninh province), Thượng Principal Archbishop Nguyễn Ngọc Tương and Mrs. Principal Archbishop Hương Thanh (birth name Lâm Ngọc Thanh, 1874-1937) held the land and other property in trust for the Tây Ninh Holy Assembly.

SATURDAY, 11 JUNE 1927

The construction of the Tây Ninh Holy Assembly’s main temple began in Long Thành village (Tây Ninh province).

SATURDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 1930

At the Tây Ninh Holy See, Spiritual Pope Lý Thái Bạch and Dharma Protector (Hộ Pháp 護法) Phạm Công Tắc jointly signed Decree No. 2, which consisted of five articles. According to its Article 5, the Decree would be officially issued on Thursday, 04 December 1930.

Article 1 of this Decree was explained that Thượng Cardinal (Thượng Đầu Sư 頭師) Lê Văn Trung was promoted to Acting Pope (Quyền Giáo Tông 代理教宗). Its Article 2 was explained that the three Principal Archbishops (Chánh Phối Sư 正配師) Lê Bá Trang, Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, and Nguyễn Ngọc Thơ (1873-1950) were promoted to Acting Cardinal (Quyền Đầu Sư 代理頭師). These three dignitaries (Trang, Tương, and Thơ) belonged to Ngọc (Confucian), Thượng (Daoist), and Thái (Buddhist) branches, respectively.

MONDAY, 02 FEBRUARY 1931

At the Tây Ninh Holy See, Thượng Principal Archbishop Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued Châu Tri (Circular) No. 1, which contained the following main points:

1. Voting for a Chánh Trị Sự for each village.

2. Requesting each Lễ Sanh, Chánh Trị Sự, Phó Trị Sự, and Thông Sự to fill in the form of Tờ Công Hạnh".([12]) The form would be submitted to the Holy See; then, a certificate would be granted to each of qualified individuals.

3. Each year, on the fifteenth days of the first and the seventh lunar months, a convention of local delegates would be held at each holy house.

4. After the annual convention at the holy house, on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, not more than five delegates would be elected to attend the assembly at the Holy See on the fifteenth day of the tenth lunar month.

The number of delegates was proportional to the total number of the local Caodaists, as follows:

A parish with 500 Caodaists or fewer would send one delegate.

A parish with between 501 to 1,500 Caodaists would send two delegates.

A parish with between 1,501 to 2,500 Caodaists would send three delegates.

A parish with between 2,501 to 3,500 Caodaists would send four delegates.

A parish with 3,501 or more Caodaists would send five delegates.

5. Temporarily, for the year 1931, at the convention, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, each holy house would send its delegate(s) to an exceptional assembly at the Holy See for the establishment of the Humans Assembly (Hội Nhơn Sanh 人生會).([13]) In the year 1932, the one-year term of these delegates would expire on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month. They could be reelected.

WEDNESDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 1931

At the Tây Ninh Holy See, Caodai God taught apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, “Tương! I have already instructed you before, but why are you still hesitating? (...) You have thoroughly understood My Truth, but why are you afraid to resign and devote yourself to Caodaism, My son?”

SATURDAY, 09 MAY 1931

Nguyễn Ngọc Tương resigned and devoted himself to the Tây Ninh Holy See. A two-storey thatched house, near Bình Dương street, was built for him by the Holy Assembly.

He voluntarily created two documents and submitted both to the Holy Assembly.

In the first document, he claimed that the lot of land in Tây Ninh province, on which stood several constructions of the Holy See, was purchased by followers of Caodaism. As Thượng Principal Archbishop, he and Mrs. Principal Archbishop Hương Thanh (birth name Lâm Ngọc Thanh) held the land and other property in trust for the Tây Ninh Holy Assembly.

In the second document, he claimed that since 09 May 1931, when he officially renounced his secular life, his birth name was no longer used for any of his private properties. Thus, from that date onwards, if any property bore his name Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, it certainly belonged to the Holy Assembly of the Great Way of the Third Universalism (Hội Thánh Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ).

The two above-mentioned documents were authenticated by Long Thành village authorities and notarised by Tây Ninh provincial palace.

SATURDAY, 04 JULY 1931

1. At the Tây Ninh Holy See, Acting Pope Lê Văn Trung sent letter No. 202 to Jean-Félix Krautheimer (1874-1943), the Governor of French Cochinchina, reporting that Thượng Principal Archbishop Nguyễn Ngọc Tương had officially taken responsibility for directing Caodaism and contacting the government.

2. At the Tây Ninh Holy See, Acting Pope Lê Văn Trung issued Circular No. 19 reporting that Thượng Principal Archbishop Nguyễn Ngọc Tương had resigned, devoting himself entirely to Caodaism.

TUESDAY, 01 SEPTEMBER 1931

Apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương sent letter No. 284 to Jean-Félix Krautheimer, the Governor of French Cochinchina, reporting that from 31 August 1931, he would officially take responsibility for directing Caodaism in Cochinchina. (At that time, Caodaism had not yet spread to Annam and Tonkin, i.e., central and northern Vietnam. The new faith had more than three hundred thousand followers, sixty-two holy houses and forty-three temporary holy houses.) Apostles Lê Văn Trung and Lê Bá Trang jointly signed the letter for official approval. (At the end of the letter, these three individuals only provided their birth names, not their dignitary titles.)

TUESDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 1931

Apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương presented the clarification of Caodaism affairs (tờ tỏ bày việc đạo) at the first Humans Assembly held at the Tây Ninh Holy See on 24 November 1931. Amongst the points of clarification, the ownership of Caodaism’s properties was made clear as follows:

“The Holy Assembly has so far purchased ninety-six hectares of land to build the Holy See’s main temple as well as associated institutions, and neighbouring fifty hectares for followers to build houses and establish a cemetery.

These two lots of land were purchased under the name Lâm Ngọc Thanh (Mrs. Principal Archbishop) and my name Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, as we jointly hold the land in trust for Caodaism.

I have also submitted a document to the Holy Assembly claiming that since I joined the Holy See, any property purchased under my name belongs solely to the Holy Assembly; my own name is no longer used for my private properties.” ([14])

THE BEGINNING OF MARCH 1933

TO THE BEGINNING OF MARCH 1934

At the Tây Ninh Holy See, there were several serious contradictions amongst a number of dignitaries leading the Holy Assembly. These contradictions became the seeds for the eventual division of Caodaism into branches.

 Confronted by mounting tensions which could hardly be satisfactorily resolved, apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương chose the solution of leaving the Holy See. He then retreated to mount Kỳ Vân in Đất Đỏ district, Bà Rịa province, and embarked on a life of reclusion.([15])

FRIDAY, 29 JUNE 1934

TO MONDAY, 02 JULY 1934

Apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation, and completely abstained from food.

TUESDAY, 24 JULY 1934

In response to the aspirations of many dignitaries and believers, especially Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang, Acting Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương left mount Kỳ Vân to continue performing his duties in Caodaism.([16])

It was impossible to return to the Tây Ninh Holy See; so, he established an office at Bình Hòa holy house in Gia Định province and another at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province. He issued Circular No. 3 to report the event (excerpts):

  “Now. the time has come to rectify Caodaism. Entrusted by our Master [Caodai God] and [Spiritual] Pope Lý, I must fulfil my duty of rectifying Caodaism and guiding its followers. Since the day our Eldest Brother [Acting Pope Lê Văn Trung] issued order No. 21 and the Announcement to Sentient Beings (Phổ Cáo Chúng Sanh) dated 04 February 1934, which caused unrest, I must temporarily reside at Bình Hòa holy house in Gia Định province and An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province to help our Master rectify Caodaism. Upon receiving our Master’s mandate, I shall return to the Tây Ninh Holy See for collaboration.

“Dear brethren whose minds are brightened by the Divinities, I kindly request your willingness to collaborate with the Acting Ngọc Cardinal [Lê Bá Trang] and me in assisting our Master to rectify Caodaism.”

“Upon receiving this Circular and any future ones, please willingly distribute them to all of our brothers and sisters.([17])

FRIDAY, 27 JULY 1934

Acting Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương and Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang jointly issued Circular No. 4 to detail the Programme of Rectifying Caodaism (Chương Trình Chỉnh Đạo), which consisted of six articles. The excerpt regarding Caodaism Rectifying Board (Ban Chỉnh Đạo) reads:

Article 5: There will be a Caodaism Rectifying Board to discuss our religious issues with the two Acting Cardinals before taking any action. This Board will consist of members chosen from the dignitaries or virtuous and learned believers of every parish (...).

Article 6: For the dignitaries and followers of both genders who have reviewed this Programme and agree with it, please kneel before the God’s Altar during the designated worshipping time, and vow to our Master to follow it. Then, diligently act upon it. When our representatives visit your parishes, you will have the opportunity to inquire further for clarification before making your final decision.

At present, we are temporarily residing at Bình Hòa holy house in Gia Định province and An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province to fulfil our duty of assisting our Master in rectifying Caodaism until success. Later, on the day and at the time determined by our Master, we shall return to the Tây Ninh Holy See to collaborate with righteous individuals.” ([18])

WEDNESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 1934

Acting Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương and Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang jointly issued Circular No. 5, which advised every parish that agrees with the rectification of Caodaism to send a delegate to the conference at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province for electing members of the Caodaism Rectifying Board.

This Circular consists of five articles outlining the formation of a Good Deeds Team (Ban Hành Thiện 行善班) in each village. These teams will assist local believers in various situations, including illness, accidents, weddings, and funerals. Additionally, they will provide training for ceremonial music and choir, establish the prajñā boat (thuyền bát nhã) for carrying the coffin, and establish the cemetery, etc.([19])

TUESDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 1934

The conference for electing Caodaism Rectifying Board members took place at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province. There were eighty-five delegates representing eighty-five parishes from eighteen Cochinchinese provinces. The total number of attendees was around one thousand three hundred people. The conference unanimously approved the Programme of Rectifying Caodaism.

The members of the Caodaism Rectifying Board were elected by the delegates from eighteen provinces as follows: Bạc Liêu; Bà Rịa; Bến Tre; Biên Hòa; Cần Thơ; Châu Đốc; Chợ Lớn; Gia Định; Gò Công; Long Xuyên; Mỹ Tho; Rạch Giá; Sa Đéc; Sóc Trăng; Tân An; Tây Ninh; Trà Vinh; Vĩnh Long.([20])

The conference assigned the Caodaism Rectifying Board to collaborate with both Acting Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương and Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang in every activity until the day of uniting with the Tây Ninh Holy Assembly.

The Caodaism Rectifying Board decided to open a training course named hạnh đường 行堂 (literally, behavior and conduct hall) for dignitaries and officials at Bình Hòa holy house in Gia Định province and An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province. A book of rituals (lễ bổn 禮本) will be compiled for temporary use in case of weddings and funerals.

The Caodaism Rectifying Board was just established in the morning, and during their ongoing meeting in the afternoon, they received a telegram from the Tây Ninh Holy See reporting the passing of Acting Pope Lê Văn Trung (1876-1934). Apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương requested the conference to take five minutes of silence to commemorate the Eldest Brother’s great contributions to the foundation of Caodaism. He also advised parishes to pray in mourning for the Eldest Brother. Afterwards, Acting Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương and Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang hurried back to the Tây Ninh Holy See to attend the funeral. Although they were not allowed to participate in the ceremony, they still stayed in the outer house until the end”.([21])

WEDNESDAY, 05 DECEMBER 1934

Thượng Principal Archbishop (also Acting Thượng Cardinal) Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued Circular No. 7 reporting that after the passing of Acting Pope Lê Văn Trung, reconciliation efforts with the Tây Ninh Holy See remained unsuccessful. Therefore, he and Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang had to temporarily reside at Bình Hòa holy house and An Hội holy house to rectify Caodaism. Apostle Thượng Tương Thanh advised parishes to swiftly organise Good Deeds Teams (Ban Hành Thiện 行善班). These teams will visit believers’ homes to recite prayers, pray for their peaceful lives and a swift restoration of peace within Caodaism.([22])

SATURDAY, 15 DECEMBER 1934

Thượng Principal Archbishop (also Acting Thượng Cardinal) Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, Ngọc Principal Archbishop (also Acting Ngọc Cardinal) Lê Bá Trang, and Dharma Conservator (Bảo Pháp 保法) Nguyễn Trung Hậu jointly signed Circular No. 8, inviting attendees to a convention at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province. Excerpts:

Caodaism has been in turmoil for several years, and you all to some extent understand the reasons behind it.

“Seeing that the matter is highly serious, we have to invite all Divinely-appointed dignitaries of both genders including Student-Priests and above to convene at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province at 8 a.m. on 24 December 1934 to jointly discuss how to rectify Caodaism so that it will be in harmony with the will of Heaven and the aspiration of sentient beings. Only then can we hope to see the day of our enlightenment and spiritual liberation.”

I urge you, brethren, to come to the convention in large numbers so that we may have sufficient spirit and ability to decide on this significant issue. Thus, we can show our true love for our Master and Caodaism([23])

MONDAY, 24 DECEMBER 1934

The conference convened in the morning (8-11 a.m.) and reconvened in the afternoon (3-5:30 p.m.). Amongst the attendees were Acting Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang, Dharma Conservator Nguyễn Trung Hậu, Culture Conservator (Bảo Văn Pháp Quân 保文法君) Cao Quỳnh Diêu (1884-1958), seven Bishops (Giáo Sư 教師), twenty-seven Priests (Giáo Hữu 教友), and forty Student-Priests. Amongst the female attendees were three Bishops, one Priest, and three Student-Priests. (Unlike male dignitaries, female ones are not divided into the three branches Ngọc, Thượng, and Thái.)

The conference elected Acting Ngọc Cardinal Lê Bá Trang as the Thượng Legist-Censor (Thượng Chưởng Pháp 掌法); elected three Acting Principal Archbishops of the three branches,([24]) established the Board of Nine Institutes (Bàn Cửu Viện 九院班), and elected a female dignitary as the leader of females.([25]) Finally, the conference decided to hold the All Spirits Assembly (Hội Vạn Linh 萬靈會) from Monday 11 to Thursday 14 February 1935.([26])

The date 24 December 1934 marked the beginning of the Bến Tre Holy Assembly, also named the Holy Assembly of the Great Way of the Third Universalism.([27])

SATURDAY 29 DECEMBER 1934

In the presence of Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang at Bình Hòa holy house, Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued Circular No. 9, reiterating the invitation to convene the All Spirits Assembly from Monday 11 to Thursday, 14 February 1935 at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province. The circular emphasised two main purposes: (a) Selecting amongst the Legist-Censors or Cardinals a figure to lead Caodaism; (b) Making a decision regarding the return to the Tây Ninh Holy See.([28])

1935

Apostle Thượng Tương Thanh initiated the renovation of An Hội holy house.([29])

The Heavenly Principles Secret Transmission (Thiên Lý Mật Truyền 天理傳密) was temporarily constructed above the Heavenly Bestowal Hall (Thiên Phong Đường 天封堂). At the end of the year 1939, the Heavenly Principles Secret Transmission was relocated to the plot of land in Trước Hoa Kỳ Thọ garden, where the Meditation House (Tịnh Xá 精舍) was constructed.

The Holy Assembly approved and authorised the distribution of Lễ Nghi Niêm Thức – Hôn Nhơn Tang Tế, comprising 43 pages (12x15.5cm), printed by Xưa Nay printing house in Saigon.([30])

(to be continued)

Nhiêu Lộc, 16 March 2024

Huệ Khải



([1]) According to Thanh Minh and Phạm Khoa.

See Bibliography, on page 125.

([2]) See the illustration on page 10.

([3]) According to Thanh Minh and Phạm Khoa.

([4]) Annam(ese): Archaic term for Vietnam(ese).

([5]) According to Thanh Minh và Phạm Khoa.

See the illustration on page 14.

([6]) See the illustration on page 16.

([7]) An Hội holy house, Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936. Bến Tre: Bùi Văn Nhẫn printing house, 1936, p. 51.

([8]) Grand Master’s birth name was Lê Văn Tiểng (1843-1913).

See the illustration on page 20.

([9]) Huệ Khải, Lược Sử Đạo Cao Đài: Thời Tiềm Ẩn 1920-1926 / A Concise Caodai History: The Earliest Beginnings 1920-1926. Hà Nội: Hồng Đức publishing house, 2017, 2023. Plate 13-09.

(Also see the illustration on page 140 of the present book.)

([10]) Nguyễn Trung Hậu, Đại Đạo Căn Nguyên. Saigon: Imprimerie Đức Lưu Phương, 1930, p. 47.

([11]) Nguyễn Trung Hậu, Đại Đạo Căn Nguyên, p. 49.

([12]) 1/ Lễ Sanh 禮生 (Student-Priest) might be regarded as the transition between believers and Giáo Hữu 教友 (Priest). 2/ Chánh Trị Sự 正治事 (Managing Head), who holds a lower position than Lễ Sanh, is an official (chức việc), not a dignitary (chức sắc), and is the head of a sub-parish. 3/ Phó Trị Sự 副治 事 (Managing Deputy) assists Chánh Trị Sự”. 4/ Thông Sự 通 事, who is on par with “Phó Trị Sự”, is responsible for law related issues in every sub-sub parish. – 5/ Tờ Công Hạnh(Performance and Conduct Report) is a form used to list good conduct and performance (or meritorious service) of each “Lễ Sanh”, “Chánh Trị Sự”, “Phó Trị Sự”, and “Thông Sự”.

([13]) The Humans Assembly is an assembly chaired by a Thượng Principal Archbishop. It gathers a number of Student-Priests who can present at this Assembly ex officio, along with numerous officials (chức việc) who are non-dignitaries, and delegates elected by followers of every parish.

([14]) Huệ Nhẫn, Lịch Sử Đạo Cao Đài. Vol. II. Hà Nội: Religion publishing house, 2008, p. 118.

([15]) While working in Xuyên Mộc district, Nguyễn Ngọc Tương built a hut named Bạch Vân Am (White Cloud Hut) on mount Kỳ Vân (now in Phước Hải village, Đất Đỏ district, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province). It was renamed Bạch Vân Điện (White Cloud Shrine).

([16]) See the illustration on page 32.

([17]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, pp. 1-2.

([18]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, pp. 3-4.

([19]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, pp. 4-6.

([20]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, pp. 10-11.

Tiểu Sử Đức Giáo Tông Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, pp. 41-42.

([21]) Circular No. 8, printed in Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, p. 13.

([22]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, pp. 12-13.

([23]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, pp. 13-14.

([24]) The three elected Acting Principal Archbishops were Ngọc Bishop Nguyễn Văn Kinh, Thượng Bishop Nguyễn Văn Lai, and Thái Bishop Nguyễn Quang Minh.

([25]) The elected leader of the females was Bishop Hương Tám (from Mỏ Cày district). But on Tuesday, 05 February 1935, she sent a letter to the Tây Ninh Holy See, confirming that she would not lead the females in Bến Tre.

([26]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, pp. 18-21.

([27]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, p. 15. Also see: Tiểu Sử Đức Giáo Tông Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, p. 53.

Also see the illustration on page 42 of the present book.

([28]) Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, p. 22.

([29]) See the illustration on page 43.

([30]) See the illustration on page 42.