POPE NGUYỄN NGỌC TƯƠNG'S CHRONOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY
(Continued)
By Huệ Khải
SATURDAY, 05 JANUARY 1935
TO WEDNESDAY, 06 FEBRUARY 1935
Apostle
Nguyễn Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation, and completely abstained
from food. He prayed for blessings bestowed on sentient beings at the beginning
of the new year.
MONDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 1935
TO THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 1935
At 8 a.m., the
All Spirits Assembly opened
at An Hội holy house, with eighty-eight parishes from twenty provinces attending.
As chairman, Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang explained:
“It is called the All Spirits Assembly because
it comprises all Caodaists, from high-ranking Divinely-appointed dignitaries to
believers. As the greatest assembly in Caodaism, it includes all three of these:
the Humans Assembly, the Holy Assembly, and the Supreme Assembly (Thượng Hội 上會).
The power of the All Spirits Assembly
naturally must be greater than that of others in Caodaism. According to holy
messages, the power of all spirits is equivalent to that of the Supreme Being.
Therefore, the decisions made by all spirits signify the decisions of the
Supreme Being. It is said that the people’s
will represents the Heaven’s will.
The All Spirits Assembly is responsible
for deciding the most important issues of Caodaism, which other assemblies
cannot decide, such as electing the dignitary to lead Caodaism.
Why
is the All Spirits Assembly convened today?
After the passing of our Eldest Brother,
Mr. Thượng Trung Nhựt, the Nonuple Hierarchy (Cửu Trùng Đài 九重臺) lacks
the representative of our Master to hold
the power of Caodaism on earth. Whenever there is a vacancy, it is naturally
to be filled, rather than left vacant, because if there is no head, how can the
body function?
Currently,
within the Holy Assembly, the high-ranking Divinely-appointed dignitaries who
hold the positions next to our Eldest Brother are these three Acting Cardinals:
Thượng Tương Thanh, Ngọc Trang Thanh, and Thái Thơ Thanh, respectively in
accordance with their heavenly appointments.
Since the beginning of Caodaism, numerous
holy messages from the Supreme Being and Spiritual Pope Lý Thái Bạch have
foretold that Mr. Thượng Tương Thanh will lead Caodaism.([1])
(...)
Due to Mr. Thượng Tương Thanh’s current position in the Holy
Assembly and according to the holy messages from the Supreme Being and Pope Lý
Thái Bạch, I would like to request the Holy Assembly to elect Mr. Thượng Tương
Thanh to lead Caodaism in order to comply with the Heaven's will and the Caodai
Law. However, Mr. Thượng Tương Thanh has insistently declined, as Caodaism has
already split into many branches. Furthermore, the holy messages from the
Supreme Being and Pope Lý Thái Bạch were bestowed a long time ago, and it is
not known if followers still have full faith in them.
In addition, after the burial of our
Eldest Brother, Mr. Dharma Protector took over the Pope's power and issued the
Decree dated 12 December 1934, which was signed as follows: 'In charge of the
two visible corps: the Heaven Uniting and the Nonuple Hierarchies: Dharma
Protector Phạm Công Tắc'. This action goes against the law: the Heaven Uniting
Hierarchy is responsible for the spiritual part, which is the soul; the Nonuple
Hierarchy is responsible for the material part, which is the body. These two
corps have special powers, and neither corps can encroach upon the other. If
the Heaven Uniting Hierarchy dignitaries cross over to the Nonuple Hierarchy,
then the Heaven Uniting Hierarchy must be left empty, meaning that when the
soul dissipates, the body must disintegrate.
Due to the aforementioned reasons, this
issue is highly critical to Caodaism. Performing their duties, consequently,
the two Acting Cardinals convened both the Caodaism Rectifying Board and the
Holy Assembly to discuss this crucial issue. However, as these two conventions
could not reach a resolution, the All Spirits Assembly has been called for
today.
(...)
Why is the All Spirits Assembly convened
at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province rather than the Tây Ninh
Holy See?
This is due to the Tây Ninh Holy See’s dignitaries. Mr. Thượng Tương
Thanh wrote a letter dated 15 January 1935, requesting Dharma Protector Phạm
Công Tắc’s approval for the All
Spirits Assembly to be convened at the Holy See (...). However,
Mr. Dharma Protector responded unfavourably; hence, the Assembly is convened
here today.
After its vote for the leader of
Caodaism and subsequent discussion, the Assembly will decide to return to the
Holy See; thus, it is not too late.
I would like to remind brethren that Mr.
Thượng Tương Thanh still holds the Tây Ninh holy land in trust for Caodaism. No
one has the right to prevent believers and him from returning to the Holy See.”([2])
The Thượng
Legist-Censor presided over the voting session, which began at 2:30 p.m. on 11
February and concluded at 6 p.m. on 13 February.
TUESDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 1935
The All
Spirits Assembly at An Hội holy house wrote up the minutes of the Tây Ninh Holy
See’s claim to the holy land
and holy houses (excerpt):
“Mr. Dharma Protector and Mrs. Principal
Archbishop sent a letter to Mr. Thượng Tương Thanh claiming the land of the
Holy See and holy houses registered under his name.
After careful consideration, the All
Spirits Assembly unanimously decided to entrust the entire property of
Caodaism to the elected leader of the religion (...).”
([3])
THURSDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 1935
At 8 a.m., the
All Spirits Assembly gathered around a thousand attendees. The Management Team
(Ban Trị Sự 治 事班) checked the ballot box and found five
thousand three hundred and fifty-three votes,([4]) of which: Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang received twenty-seven votes; Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương received five thousand three hundred and twenty-six votes. (There
were five thousand three hundred and twenty-five votes requesting to return to the
Tây Ninh Holy See.)
In the afternoon, the All Spirits
Assembly reconvened from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m., with around a thousand attendees.
Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang announced the ballot count report. The All
Spirits Assembly rose together to welcome Thượng Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương,
who had been elected to the leading position in Caodaism. Mr. Thượng Tương
Thanh delivered the following speech:
“Dear
brethren,
When convening the All
Spirits Assembly, realising my lack of ability and virtue, I declared that I
will not stand for candidacy. But you all trust me and voted for me
overwhelmingly, which deeply moved me. I would like to express my appreciation
and thanks to all brethren present here and absent.
Moreover, the duty of
leading Caodaism is very weighty. If uncertain whether Heaven’s power assists, no one would dare
receive it. The trust of all brethren has been clearly shown today. I firmly
believe that it is Heaven's mandate. Therefore, I dare not refuse and must bow
my head in obedience.
Since you have all trusted me and
entrusted me with these burdens, from now on, I do ask for your help in
fulfilling my duties. Regarding the matter of whether or not to return to the
Tây Ninh Holy See, everyone has almost unanimously voted in favour. I also
cherish this aspiration. However, considering possible obstacles, we must
figure out how to return there in peace and harmony.
I think that we should request our Thượng
Legist-Censor and the All Spirits Assembly to resolve this difficult matter.”([5])
Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang declared: “1/
Mr. Cardinal Thượng Tương Thanh has accepted the position he won in the
election today. 2/ He has also agreed to return to the Tây Ninh Holy See. 3/
Regarding his coronation ceremony, I intend to hold it at the Tây Ninh Holy See
with the participation of Caodai branches. Do you all agree with me?" Everyone agreed.
The All
Spirits Assembly elected Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang, Thượng Sanh 上生 Cao Hoài Sang (1901-1971), and Dharma
Conservator Nguyễn Trung Hậu to go to the Tây Ninh Holy See to negotiate
reconciliation.([6])
TUESDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 1935
TO SATURDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 1935
According to
the All Spirits Assembly’s resolution
on Thursday, 14 February 1935, Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang, Thượng Sanh
Cao Hoài Sang, and Dharma Conservator Nguyễn Trung Hậu led a large delegation
to the Tây Ninh Holy See to negotiate the unification.
Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang sent a letter to Dharma Protector Phạm Công Tắc and members
of the Assistance Team (Ban Phụ Chánh
輔政班), but the
delegation was not received.
On 21
February 1935, Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang sent his second letter to Dharma
Protector Phạm Công Tắc, stating that by 12 a.m. Saturday, 23 February 1935, his
negotiation duty would be concluded.
On Saturday, 23
February, at 10 a.m., Dharma Protector Phạm Công Tắc sent Dao Receiver (Tiếp Đạo 接道) Cao Đức Trọng (1897-1958), a member of
the Assistance Team, to meet privately with Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang. The
Dao Receiver explained that the delegation consisting of seven or eight hundred
individuals arrived without prior notice; so, it was inconvenient to receive them
all at the Holy See. Nevertheless, receiving only the Thượng Legist-Censor implied
receiving the whole delegation. The Thượng Legist-Censor had full authority to
decide the issue of returning to the Tây Ninh Holy See; however, the Assistance
Team should be informed five days in advance for preparation.([7])
THURSDAY, 04 APRIL 1935
The Bến Tre
Holy Assembly sent invitations to dignitaries (including Student-Priests and
above) to attend the coronation ceremony of Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương at An Hội
holy house in Bến Tre province.
THURSDAY, 11 APRIL 1935
In Bến Tre province, Thượng
Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương
sent Circular to dignitaries, officials, and followers
of both genders (excerpts):
– “Since 14 January until now, for almost
two months, His Excellency Thượng Legist-Censor has been performing the command of
the All Spirits Assembly, dedicating himself to negotiating with the Tây Ninh
Holy See, but his efforts are still not fruitful.”
–
“Consequently,
His Excellency Thượng Legist-Censor and I have decided to establish an office at
An Hội holy house in Bến Tre province to handle all Caodaism affairs. Upon
receiving the command from our Great Merciful Father, we shall then return to the
Tây Ninh Holy See.” ([8])
TUESDAY, 07 MAY 1935
An evocation séance was held at An Hội holy house, witnessed by Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang and Thượng
Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương. The mediums were Châu and Lê Tam Tỉnh (1893-1966). His
Holiness Lý Thái Bạch descended, instructing Thượng Legist-Censor on the coronation
rituals.
WEDNESDAY, 08 MAY 1935
The
negotiation with the Tây Ninh Holy See failed. As suggested by Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang and unanimously agreed upon, the coronation ceremony
of Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương would be held at An Hội holy house.
According to
the invitation dated Thursday 04 April 1935, dignitaries (including Student-Priests
and above) attended An Hội holy house to participate in the coronation ceremony
of Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương. At 5 p.m., amongst the attendees were: Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang; Thượng
Cardinal Nguyễn Ngọc Tương; Bishops (five
males, one female); Priests (twenty males, three females); Student-Priests (a
hundred and seventy males; a hundred and eight females).([9])
THURSDAY, 09 MAY 1935
The
coronation ceremony of Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương was celebrated with solemnity at
noon. In the afternoon, the Bến Tre Holy Assembly reconvened at 4:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, 10 MAY 1935
The Bến Tre
Holy Assembly approved Nội Luật Thánh
Thất (The Holy House’s
Internal Law) and allowed its promulgation ([10]) to provide guidance on how to organise
the internal management of each parish.
SATURDAY, 11 MAY 1935
Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang made an announcement informing followers that, as of
09 May 1935, he had “returned
the authority to the Pope”. In his announcement, the Thượng
Legist-Censor quoted the sixteen-verse Prayer of Congratulations (Kinh Chúc Mừng) bestowed upon Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương by Spiritual Pope Lý Thái Bạch on Wednesday midnight, 17 April 1935.
To the
Grace of Merciful Father, we bow down.
Thy blessings nourish sentient beings.
Thee have fruitfully spread the Dao,
And sent a Saint to save all now.
Holding the Dao’s laws and regulations,
The Saint relieves suffering humans.
Everywhere people can live and work in peace,
Rejoicing to see the path of holiness.
Just and upright amidst all things,
He guides humans to evade the sea of delusion.
The world’s full of hardship and suffering,
Led by his torch, we can return to Heaven.
How happy when the Dao brightens,
And good clouds cover earth and heaven.
Relying on God’s eternal miracles,
How joyous when human sins are forgiven.([11])
MONDAY, 05 AUGUST 1935
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương started his intensive meditation for a hundred days at the Heavenly
Principles Secret Transmission, ablove the Heavenly
Bestowal Hall (Thiên Phong Đường 天封堂). In the last seven days, he completely abstained from food, except
for a few sips of water each day.
1936
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương established the upper vehicle monastery, then the middle vehicle convent.
FRIDAY, 31 JANUARY 1936
The Bến Tre
Holy Assembly held its first convention at An Hội holy house in Bến Tre
province.([12])
At that time, the Holy Assembly had ninety-six holy houses, while Caodaism as a
whole had a total of one hundred and thirty-five holy houses.
SUNDAY, CHỦ NHẬT 12 APRIL 1936
An Hội holy
house in Bến Tre province published Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, consisting
of 74 pages (16x24cm), printed
at Bùi Văn Nhẫn printing house in Bến Tre province.([13]) Excluding Circulars No. 1 and No. 2, the
publication consists of ten circulars as follows: No. 3 (dated 24 July 1934); No.
4 (dated 27 July 1934); No. 5 (dated 26 September 1934); số 6 (dated 20
November 1934); No. 7 (dated 05 December 1934); No. 8 (dated 15 December 1934);
No. 9 (dated 29 December 1934); No. 10 (dated 15 January 1935). Along with other
documents, it concludes with the minutes of the annual convention of the Bến
Tre Holy Assembly at An Hội holy house held at 9 a.m. on Friday, 31 January 1936.
SATURDAY, 13 JUNE 1936
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương started his intensive meditation at the Heavenly
Principles Secret Transmission above the Heavenly
Bestowal Hall. Besides very
little cooked rice, he still had fruits, coconut water, soya milk, and a little
bit of rice porridge.
FRIDAY, 17 JULY 1936
After more
than half a month of serious illness, Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang passed away at An Hội holy house. Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương had the announcement of
his passing sent widely, including:
– The telegram sent to Dharma Protector
Phạm Công Tắc read: “Avons douleur pour faire part décès notre
grand frère Lê Bá Trang, survenu 17 Juillet, enterrement 21 Juillet.” (Translation: We are deeply saddened to inform you that our
beloved elder, Lê Bá Trang, passed away on 17 July, to be burried on 21 July.)
– The telegram sent to Mrs. Principal Archbishop Hương Thanh read: “Avons
douleur vous informer décès Chưởng Pháp Lê Bá Trang, survenu aujourd’hui à BenTre
et demandons permission d’enterrer dans propriété commune derrière Grand
Temple Tây Ninh. Attendons réponse demain.” (Translation: We are deeply saddened to inform you that Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang has just
passed away today in Bến Tre. Expecting his burial behind the Holy See’s main temple. We await your response tomorrow.)([14])
SUNDAY, 19 JULY 1936
In the afternoon, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương received two telegrams, accepting
the burial of Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang behind the
Holy See’s main temple.
– The telegram from Dharma
Protector Phạm Công Tắc read: “Au nom
sacerdoce et au mien vous adresse condoléances émues. Autorise enterrer au
Saint Siège.” (Translation:
On behalf of the Holy Assembly and myself, I express my deepest condolences.
Permission has been granted for burial at the Holy See.)
– The telegram from Mrs. Principal Archbishop Hương Thanh
read: “Condoléances très émues, accord pour inhumation derrière Grand
Temple.” (Translation:
Please accept our deepest condolences. Agreement has been reached for burial
behind the Main Temple.)([15])
TUESDAY, 21 JULY 1936
After three days of mourning at An Hội holy house, in the morning,
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, along with two dignitaries of the Heaven Uniting
Hierarchy (Hiệp Thiên Đài 協天 臺)
and followers, moved the coffin of Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang to the Tây
Ninh Holy See.
In the afternoon, the mourning ceremony could not be held in the main
temple, because the Tây Ninh Holy See requested that, when entering the main
temple, everyone should wear mourning attire, not dignitary robes.([16])
Around 10 p.m., they reached a solution: The Thượng Legist-Censor’s coffin
was positioned at “Nhà Giảng” (literally,
lecture hall), and the ceremony would be held there the next day. The
delegation from Bến Tre province spent the night at “Học Xá” (literally, house for learning).
THURSDAY, 23 JULY 1936
At 8 a.m., under
the ceremonial guidance of Dharma Protector Phạm Công Tắc, the coffin of Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang was transferred to the burial site behind the main
temple.
In the
afternoon, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương led the delegation to the Dharma Protector
Hall (Hộ Pháp Đường 護法 堂) to say goodbye to Dharma Protector
Phạm Công Tắc. The delegation returned to Bến Tre province within that day.
After the
passing of Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương prohibited
holding all evocation séances. Since then, the Bến Tre Holy Assembly has primarily relied on An
Anthology of Holy Sayings (Thánh
Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển), The New Law (Tân Luật), and The Orthodox
Dharma (Pháp Chánh Truyền) for their practices. (Especially for
The Orthodox Dharma, the Tây Ninh Holy See’s commentary is not accepted.)
To handle every Caodaism affair, the Bến Tre Holy Assembly collectively
discussed matters during monthly meetings, annual conventions, or exceptional
ones.([17])
1937
Expecting to spread Caodaism beyond Cochinchina, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc
Tương visited Huế and Hà Nội to survey the local conditions while Caodaism was
under persecution due to the policy of the Royal Court in Huế.([18]) Accompanying him was his young male
attendant,([19]) named Tô Văn Pho (1919-1998), who would
play a highly essential role at Hà Nội holy house.([20])
SUNDAY, 16 MAY 1937
The
inauguration of An Hội holy house was held. Amongst the attendees were: Nguyễn
Bửu Tài and Nguyễn Thế Hiển (from the Tiên Thiên Holy Assembly); Phan Văn Thiệu
(from the Minh Chơn Đạo Holy Assembly), etc.
THURSDAY, 08 JULY 1937
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation at the Heaven Uniting Sanctuary (Hiệp Thiên Đài). The entries in his
meditation diary were detailed.([21])
SUNDAY, 08 AUGUST 1937
Nguyễn Ngọc
Tương’s spouse, Mrs. Bùi Thị
Giàu (born in 1884), passed away.
1938
Throughout
the year, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương visited holy houses, granted great amnesties
and deliverance from suffering for all. The Pope explained:
– Every human is subjected to numerous
karmic obstacles which hinder their self-cultivation. Those who have been
granted great amnesties are exempted from their past karmic sins, which facilitates
their path to success in self-cultivation.
– In addition to their past karmic sins, each human also experiences
worldly sufferings due to their passionate accumulation, which hinders their
liberation. By means of deliverance from suffering, Heavenly Powers bestow their “divine energy” (điển
lành) which helps believers who have strong faith rely on suffering
deliverance to save themselves from worldly sufferings gradually and independently.
During the
years 1938 and 1939, with the aim of spreading Caodaism, the Pope dispatched
numerous dignitaries to central and northern
SATURDAY, 15 JANUARY 1938
The
organising team finalised the programme for the “Thành Đạo” ceremony, which lasted from Monday, 07
February, to Monday, 14 February 1938. Subsequently, this programme was
reviewed by Acting Principal Archbishops Thái Cậy Thanh and Thượng Lai Thanh,
along with Bishop Ngọc Diêu Thanh.
MONDAY, 07 FEBRUARY 1938
TO MONDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 1938
Solemnly held
at An Hội holy house, the “Thành Đạo” ceremony was defined as follows: “This great event
signifies the conclusion of the duty to rectify Caodaism and the mission fulfilment of Caodaist branches. From now on, there
is only the Holy Assembly of the
1939
Since this
year onwards, through writing, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương repeatedly advised
followers that at every designated time for worship, they should wholeheartedly
pray for all sentient beings to swiftly evade their karmic retribution of
mutual devastation. They should also recite the Sutra of Repentance (Kinh Sám Hối) as well as the Sutra of
Deliverance (Kinh Cứu Khổ) as
frequently as possible. He always reminded followers to diligently cultivate
themselves and pray, rather than becoming involved in politics.
SUNDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 1939
TO FRIDAY, 17 MARCH 1939
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation for nearly a month.([24])
SATURDAY, 01 JULY 1939
TO FRIDAY, 07 JULY 1939
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation for a week. On the first day, he completely abstained from food. On the fifth
day, he meditated through the day and night without sleep. On the last day, he
gained more understanding of the Dao.([25])
THE END OF 1939
The Heavenly Principles Secret Transmission was relocated to plot where the Meditation House was built in “Trước Hoa Kỳ Thọ” garden.([26])
WEDNESDAY, 24 JANUARY 1940
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương issued Circular No. 395 to send his new year greetings to followers.([27])
FRIDAY, 02 FEBRUARY 1940
TO SATURDAY, 04 MAY 1940
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation. On
some days, he meditated from midnight until early evening (5-7 p.m.).
THURSDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 1940
Inauguration
of the Meditation House.
TUESDAY, 14 MAY 1940
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương initiated the first mediation course at the Meditation House, following
its inauguration on 15 February 1940. He personally taught meditation techniques.
FRIDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 1940
TO FRIDAY, 20 DECEMBER 1940
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation, consuming only one meal a day. On
some days, he abstained from food altogether.
1941:
The middle-vehicle
convent was relocated to a large lot of land (today in Bình Thắng hamlet, ward
6, Bến Tre city). Formerly, it was temporarily constructed
near the kitchen of An Hội holy house.
WEDNESDAY, 22 JANUARY 1941
Because of the
fault of two officials (chức việc) from
Hiệp Thạnh parish in Tây Ninh province, and due to being framed of political
involvement, apostle Nguyễn Ngọc Tương was sentenced to fifteen months in
prison by the court.
After appealing
against the verdict, he was retried on Tuesday, 08 April 1941, and sentenced to
six months of suspended imprisonment.
THURSDAY, 10 APRIL 1941
Referring to
his attendance in court twice (on 22 January and 08 April 1941), Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương issued Circular No. 418, in which he expressed, “I am neither sad nor
troubled by those who falsely accused me. I firmly believe that our Master
knows everything.” ([28])
1942:
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương sent several Teams for Clarifying the Dao (Ban
Minh Đạo 明道班) to holy houses. He explained:
“Minh means clarification. Đạo
means the performance of each dignitary and the faithfulness to Caodaism of
each follower.
Conducting Minh Đạo means
going to places which still have shortcomings to ignite the torch of wisdom,
illuminate the path of self-cultivation, clarify the duties of each dignitary,
teach followers the law of Caodaism as well as methods of self-cultivation, and
strengthen the faith within the parish, making it more steadfast...” ([29])
THURSDAY, 01 JANUARY 1942
TO SATURDAY, 07 FEBRUARY 1942
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation.([30])
AT MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY, 06 AND
INTO THE SMALL
HOURS OF TUESDAY, 07 APRIL 1942
About a week ago,
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương worked and received dignitaries tirelessly day and
night. He visited monasteries and other institutions. Every evening he worked
until midnight. There were always two secretaries by his side to assist him with
paperwork.
Before engaging
in his intensive meditation, he was working and chating, sharing the joys and
sorrows in his lifetime of performing his duties in Caodaism. He said:
“I
need to master the mysterious key to spiritual liberation. Only then can I
thoroughly understand the principles of Dao. Only then will I possess enough mystical
power to navigate the boat of Caodaism to its destination.”
At midnight, saying
goodbye, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương ascended to the floor of the Heavenly
Principles Secret Transmission, and started his intensive meditation. The entries in his
meditation diary were detailed.([31])
THURSDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 1942
The upper
vehicle convent was inaugurated.
SATURDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 1943
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued
his Declaration (excerpt):
“Because Caodaism was founded by God
Himself, innumerable Deities, Saints, Immortals, and Buddhas have descended to
this mortal world to help God spread the religion. Consequently, Caodaism will
exist for seven hundred thousand years.
Those who do not follow Caodaism in
their present lives, if they are reborn in this world in their next lives, and
then in subsequent lives, they will ultimately enter Caodaism.” ([32])
1944
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương established the middle vehicle monastery. He established several Faith Transmitting Teams (Ban Truyền Tín 傳信班)
consisting of dignitaries. These teams visited
southern provinces to strengthen the faith of followers, encourage their
self-cultivation, and initiate more people into Caodaism.
WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 1945
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued his Declaration (excerpt):
“This region [Bến Tre province, along with An Hóa and
Chợ Lách districts] will experience favourable weather for crops. Its fields
and gardens will become more luxuriant, and its atmosphere will often be fresh.
As a result, its inhabitants will live at ease and healthy, free from fatal
illnesses and safe from impending disasters.
To enjoy this happiness, one
must simply obey the laws of the newly founded religion of Heaven. Observing veganism
and doing good deeds is the most essential rule (...).”
([33])
SATURDAY, 19 MAY 1945
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued his Declaration (excerpt):
“At
this highly critical time, brethren should recall my instructions regarding the
behaviour of Caodaists towards others. Especially, you should refrain from involvement
in politics and warfare to avoid danger. Conversely, please diligently
accumulate more merits and earnestly initiate more inhabitants of your parishes
into Caodaism.
When helping your
compatriots abandon wrongdoings and embrace righteousness, fostering
benevolence, and accumulating virtue, you are truly contributing greatly to
the nation by shaping citizens into good people. True patriotism is not defined
by solely joining a political party.”([34])
THURSDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 1945
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued
his Declaration (excerpt):
“If
brethren forget the teachings of our Master and do not remember my advice, you
are putting yourselves in a dangerous place in this world, where struggles for
power and interests prevail. It means that you are cornering
Caodaism into a narrow space, going against the Heaven's will, breaking your
vows, and violating the Heavenly law ...
In summary, do cultivate yourselves
sincerely, and strive to become good examples of virtue, and attempt to guide sentient
beings through the right path. Your such deeds will be very beneficial for both
humans and our nation. Simultaneously, Your deeds are in harmony with the will
of Heaven and please Heaven; thus, you can accumulate numerous blessings and help
our nation evade impending disasters.” ([35])
MONDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 1946
The French
army recaptured Bến Tre province. Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương left the Heavenly
Principles Secret Transmission to meet with French officers to ensure the
safety of followers and the Bến Tre Holy Assembly. Since his intensive
meditation session had not yet ended, he communicated only by writing on paper.
AUGUST 1946
Apostle
Nguyễn Ngọc Tương’s son,
engineer Nguyễn Ngọc Bích was captured by colonial French soldiers.([36]) In order to observe
the egoless impartiality of Caodaism, he refrained from utilising his influence
to secure his son’s release,
much like the situation in June 1949, when another of his sons, engineer Nguyễn
Ngọc Nhựt, was also detained by colonial French soldiers
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương requested to have his Declarations translated into French,
then printed in both Vietnamese and French before distributing them to followers. Each Declaration would be printed in around thirty thousand copies.
Furthermore, he requested that his Declarations
should be published in Vietnamese and French newspapers.
SATURDAY, 19 OCTOBER 1946
On behalf of
Bishop Peter Martin Ngô Đình Thục (1897-1984), a delegation of officials
visited the Bến Tre Holy Assembly and presented Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương with two
issues: (a) How to end the Vietnamese-French conflict? (b) An aspiration for
closer communication between Catholicism and Caodaism.
The Pope replied in writing:
“As I am still in my intensive meditation
session, I am not yet able to meet with you.
In order for
Currently, to be certain
about the existence of Heaven, Buddhas, Immortals, Saints, and Deities, one
must acknowledge that Caodaism, which has existed in Vietnam since 1926 until
now, is the religion founded by God. Additionally, let us examine the holy
teachings bestowed by God and the sincere practice of Caodaism by its devoted
followers.
Once understanding
Caodaism thoroughly, one will realise that all of humanity are children of the
same Heavenly Father, which means that we are all siblings, and together we
uphold the common religion. Then, conflicts will disappear, and acts of love
and harmony will prevail.
Since its early days, Caodaism
has had the goodwill to communicate with the Five Branches of the Great Dao,
which includes Catholicism. Naturally, as determined by the Heaven’s will,
sooner or later, Catholicism will unite with Caodaism.
Now His Grace Bishop has expressed his wish
to establish close contact, so the unity may be seen soon.
POPE LÝ [THÁI BẠCH]
Postscript:
I would like to invite Your Excellencies to stay here for a few
days to learn more about Caodaism.”
Afterwards, Pope
Nguyễn Ngọc Tương requested the Holy Assembly to send dignitaries to reciprocate
a visit to Bishop Ngô Đình Thục.([37])
THURSDAY, 30 JANUARY 1947
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued
his Declaration (excerpt):
“Sentient beings must endure immense
suffering and face death as this world is about to be destroyed. Therefore, the
religion of Heaven has been founded in the Third Era, granting the great
amnesty. Sentient beings cannot enjoy this great amnesty unless they follow
Caodaism, uphold it, and do good deeds.
The great amnesty is a very precious
blessing from the religion of Heaven. Those who follow the religion of Heaven
can be forgiven and exempted from sins in their past as well as present lives.
As a result, their bodies and minds can be purified, which allows them to enjoy
the air of purity. Consequently, they can evade the destruction in the final
cycle of this world.” ([38])
FRIDAY, 07 MARCH 1947
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued
his Declaration (excerpt):
“In this very difficult
period, you must strive to uphold Caodaism with greater fervour, strengthen your
faith, and let no temptations force you away from Caodaism, leading you back to
lives of chaos and suffering.
Having chosen to follow Caodaism, you
must steadfastly adhere to the path you have chosen. Those who sincerely
uphold the religion of Heaven can accumulate abundant blessings beneficial to
sentient beings and our nation alike. A virtuous nation enjoys peace and
prosperity for a long time. Conversely, an unvirtuous nation will sooner or
later suffer from ceaseless disasters.” ([39])
MONDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 1947
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued
his Declaration (excerpt):
“I earnestly call upon all humans in southern
– You should
give up all carnal desires, especially greed, hatred, and hostility.
–
You should firmly believe in Heaven, the Creator of humans and other
creatures.
–
You should promptly follow the religion founded by God along with
the Third Era’s great amnesty.
This is
the one-of-a-kind path to eternal life. The Heaven’s Way has been founded to rescue sentient beings and bring them
to the First Era of recreation. As the end of the world approaches, those who still
hesitate will miss the rare opportunity to evade the destruction
in the final cycle of this world.” ([40])
SATURDAY, 11 OCTOBER 1947
In the name
of Pope Lý [Thái Bạch], the leader of Caodaism, His Holiness Nguyễn Ngọc Tương
sent a letter to Emile Bollaert (1890-1978), the French High Commissioner of
– “Truly
established by God in 1926, Caodaism unites the Great Dao’s Five Branches, encompassing the
Ways of Buddhas, Immortals, Saints, Deities, and Humans. Caodaism will urgently
fulfil its official role, and through the earnest efforts of countless
Divinities, it will spread across the Five Continents. Thanks to the great
amnesty granted by Heaven in the Third Era, sentient beings will be saved from
the destruction in the final cycle of this world.
Humans will only
enjoy the great amnesty and save themselves from global destruction if they
honestly follow the religion founded by God.”
– “For small and weak nations under protectorate, the Heaven's
will decides that they must be liberated if they wish, so that they can act
freely according to their aspirations (...).”
– “In the last era of destruction,
we should not waste time considering the affairs of worldly powers
and fleeting interests. Our advantage lies in
cooperating with each other based on faith in the religion newly founded by God,
eliminating our selfishness that harms others,
and sincerely fostering harmony through love and compassion. Through this swift transformation of our character, we will return to sacred
blessings and enjoy the great amnesty of
the Third Era, which can resolve conflicts amongst nations and restore
peace and happiness.” ([41])
THURSDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 1947
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương issued his Declaration (excerpt):
“As
long as all peoples on earth recognise the existence of Heaven and Dao, fear
karmic retribution, and respect righteousness as well as virtue over material
wealth, then the struggle will cease, and global peace in a world of great harmony
will be restored for a long time.” ([42])
THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 1948
The heading of
the Declaration by His Holiness Pope Lý (i.e., Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương) obviously
showed the name HỘI THÁNH BẾN TRE (the Bến Tre Assembly).([43])
THURSDAY, 02 JUNE 1949
Apostle
Nguyễn Ngọc Tương’s son, engineer
Nguyễn Ngọc Nhựt (1918-1952) was apprehended by colonial French soldiers. In
order to maintain the egoless impartiality of Caodaism, the apostle refrained
from utilising his influence to secure his son’s release, much like the situation in August 1947, when another
of his sons, engineer Nguyễn Ngọc Bích, was also detained by colonial French
soldiers.([44])
THURSDAY, 19 JANUARY 1950
From Bến Tre province, Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương sent a letter to Hà
Nội holy house (still at
“Dear
brother Sáu,([45])
“I am
almost finished with my meditation session. Those who truly cultivate
themselves, have true loyalty to the Bến Tre Holy Assembly, diligently and
enthusiastically do good deeds, improve virtue and accumulate meritorious service
every day, wholeheartedly serve Caodaism, and steadfastly stand by me, will
face more and more internal as well as external challenges until the day I
finish my meditation session. The more challenges they face, the more merits
they will accumulate, provided they do not complain or become discouraged.
So,
always strive to keep your faith strong and firm; whoever tries to humiliate
you, whoever insults or threatens you, whoever wants to harm you in any way,
don’t be angry or sad. Don’t be shaken or frightened, either. Even
if you suffer from illness, weakness, or bodily decay, no matter how much pain
and affliction you endure, don’t
be sorrowful or discouraged. Don’t
neglect your religious duties, and don’t
harm your hidden virtue, either.
“You should be certain that those who truly
forget themselves to serve Caodaism are working for our Master; thus, they will
always be supported by Divinities. No matter how dangerous the situation may
seem, it will ultimately turn out for the good.” ([46])
AROUND THE SECOND HALF OF 1950
TO EARLY MONTHS OF 1951
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương requested most of
the male and female dignitaries of the Bến Tre Holy Assembly to go upstairs to the
Heavenly Principles Secret Transmission to instruct them. He received them in many sessions, earnestly
advising them to strive to fulfil their duties and to cultivate themselves
further in order to be fully virtuous.
In late 1950 and early 1951, Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương commanded the Bến Tre Holy Assembly to fulfil the following tasks: Completing
personal records of dignitaries; printing enough religious publications for distribution;
building graves for all deceased dignitaries; building outdoor water reservoirs
for public use;([47]) buying white cloth for ceremonial
purposes; and preparing a sum of money totalling forty to fifty thousand “đồng” (piasters). Additionally, he requested his family
to renovate all the graves of his clan.([48])
SATURDAY,
09 JUNE 1951
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương instructed his two young male attendants:
“I will be departing for an audience with
our Great Merciful Father for seven days. You two should try to maintain
serenity during this time. If you see me stop breathing for over seven days and
I haven’t returned here, then
you two will inform the Holy Assembly.” ([49])
TUESDAY, 12 JUNE 1951
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương immersed himself in meditation
for days and nights.
SUNDAY, 17 JUNE 1951
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương ceased drinking water.
AT MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY, 18 AND
INTO THE SMALL
HOURS OF TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 1951
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương passed away at midnight after
nine years and eighty-one days of intensive meditation, as counted from the
time he started his intensive meditation at midnight on 06 April and into the
small hours of 07 April 1942.
WEDNESDAY, 20 JUNE 1951
Noticing that Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương had stopped
breathing for a long time, the two young male attendants laid his body down.
FRIDAY, 22 JUNE 1951
Seeing that Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương’s hands and feet were cold, the two
young male attendants became afraid. Although only four days had passed, they
still left the Heavenly Principles Secret Transmission and went downstairs to
inform the Bến Tre Holy Assembly.
SATURDAY, 23 JUNE 1951
The Bến Tre Holy Assembly sent for two public doctors
and a private one. After examining the Pope’s body, the doctors confirmed that the Pope had passed away two
days earlier. However, due to his strong spirit, his remains were still soft
and had not yet decomposed. The Holy Assembly decided to leave his remains
undisturbed for another twenty-four hours.
AT MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, 24 AND
INTO THE SMALL
HOURS OF MONDAY, 25 JUNE 1951
At midnight, the Bến Tre Holy Assembly placed the remains of
Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương in the coffin.
MONDAY, 25 JUNE 1951
At 3 p.m., the funeral ceremony started. The Bến Tre
Holy Assembly, holy houses and private homes of Caodaists showed mourning flags.
Each holy house set up an altar so that followers could pay homage to the
deceased Pope from a distance. At 4 p.m., over a thousand attendees followed
the coffin as it was moved from the Meditation House to the Holy Assembly, where it was
positioned on the Papal throne in the main hall. The Holy Assembly issued
Proclamation No. 1 regarding the funeral ceremony.([50])
THURSDAY, 28 JUNE 1951
Pope Nguyễn
Ngọc Tương’s coffin was positioned
on the high platform named the Heaven of Nine Layers (Cửu Trùng Thiên 九重天),
constructed in an open large ground named the Great Harmony Ground (Đại Đồng Xã 大同社). One by one, offering ceremonies did
not cease until Saturday, 07 July 1951. Totally, there were a hundred and
thirty-six ceremonies offered by representaives of the government, other
religions, other Caodai Holy Assemblies, and holy houses, etc. The funeral
gathered over ten thousand mourners from northern, central, and southern
Every day,
more than three thousand people visited the funeral. Over two thousand
individuals shared their duties in the funeral.([51])
THURSDAY, 05 JULY 1951
The Bến Tre
Holy Assembly issued Proclamation No. 2, containing three main points:
1. Clearly
outlining the religious guidance of Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương.
2. Clearly reporting
his liberation from the physical body.
3. Clearly defining
the Holy Assembly’s religious
policy in the present and future.
On the burial
day, the Pope’s coffin was positioned
on a hearse, adorned with white tuberoses (Polianthes
tuberosa) arranged in the shape of the Dragon Horse 龍馬 carrying the Yellow River Chart 河圖. Over ten thousand Caodaists attended
the ceremony. The hearse travelled throughout Bến Tre city, then returned to
have the coffin positioned on the foundation of the stupa in front of the two towers
(i.e., Hiệp Thiên Đài) of An Hội holy
house.
Nhiêu Lộc, 16 March 2024
Huệ Khải
([1]) Subsequently, Thượng
Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang referred to these two holy messages:
1/ The Supreme Being’s
holy message bestowed during the evocation séance at Xuyên Mộc district in Bà
Rịa province, on 16 July 1928. The mediums were Dharma Protector Phạm Công Tắc
and Thượng Phẩm Cao Quỳnh Cư. The séance was witnessed by Messrs. Thượng Trung
Nhựt, Thượng Tương Thanh, Thái Thơ Thanh, and Mrs. Principal Archbishop Hương
Thanh.
2/ Spiritual Pope Lý Thái Bạch’s holy message bestowed during the evocation séance at the Holy
See’s main temple, on 14 August
1931. The mediums were Dharma Protector Phạm Công Tắc and Culture Conservator
Cao Quỳnh Diêu (1884-1958). The séance was witnessed by Messrs. Thượng Trung
Nhựt, Thượng Tương Thanh, Ngọc Trang Thanh, Thái Thơ Thanh, and Mrs. Hương
Thanh.
([4]) Breakdown of the 5,353
votes received: male and female dignitaries: 296 votes; male and female officials:
3,522 votes; delegates: 1,535 votes. Each delegate represented 100 followers;
so, the number of votes from the delegates was equivalent to 153,500 votes. So,
the 5,353 votes in the ballot box were equivalent to 157,318 votes. (Châu Tri Chỉnh Đạo 1934-1936, p. 33.)
([13]) The book was reprinted in 1954 (still 74 pages, 16x24cm) at Hòa Chánh
printing house, at 16 Cống Quỳnh street, Saigon.
([14]) Minutes of Thượng Legist-Censor Lê Bá Trang’s burial proceedings. The Holy
Assembly formed the Funeral Organising Board on Friday, 24 July 1936.
([16]) Perhaps the Tây Ninh Holy See implicitly denied all titles of the Bến Tre
Holy Assembly’s dignitaries.
([18]) Huệ Khải, Cấm Đạo Cao Đài Ở Trung Kỳ (1928-1950) /
Caodaism under Persecution in
([26]) For the gate of “Trước
Hoa Kỳ Thọ”, see illustration,
p. 94.
The Heavenly Principles Secret Transmission was the square room (3x3 metres) on the
third floor where Pope Nguyễn Ngọc Tương engaged in intensive meditation. In
1935, it was temporarily constructed above the Heavenly Bestowal Hall. Below it was the
restroom. Behind the Heavenly Principles Secret Transmission was the Meditation
House.
Tiểu Sử Đức Giáo Tông Nguyễn Ngọc Tương, p. 62.
([36]) Nguyễn Ngọc Bích was
born in 1911 in An Hội village, Bảo Hựu canton (now Ward 5, Bến Tre city). He
studied at the Polytech-nique in
([44]) Born on 15 September
1918, in An Hội village (now Ward 5, Bến Tre city), Nguyễn Ngọc Nhựt studied in
In 1946, he attempted
to return to
After numerous failed attempts to seduce him into submission, the
French soldiers brutally tortured him, injecting him with drugs to induce
nervous disorders. Ultimately, he was sent to the
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (
([45]) Instead of the birth
name Tô Văn Pho, “brother
Sáu”
(em Sáu) is an affectionate way to address him.
