Customer Reviews (2)

An unusual syncretic religion well explained
Dr. Bui is the first Vietnamese-American to try to explain the tenets of his new syncretistic religion to the wider English reading public, and he was written this along with an American disciple, Ngasha Beck.Their account is clear and sets out may aspects of this spiritist religion, born in French Indochina in 1926 and brought to the United States by Vietnamese refugees forced to flee their homeland after 1975.Caodaism preached gender equality, racial harmony and religious tolerance in the early 20th century, and the religion has had a long history of persecution by the French, the Diem government and the present communist regime.Its disciples have endured exile, re-education camps, government censorship and many restrictions, but have courageously rebuilt their religion in a new land.Much of Caodaist philosophy is reminiscent of other more recent efforts to blend Buddhism and Christianity (like Thich Nhat Hahn), and many of its teachings (reincarnation, meditation, self-correction and vegetarianism) are now familiar parts of New Age spirituality.But Vietnam's tragic history has put in a unique place to offer lessons in peace to the world, and until now these lessons were not available to the general public.

New Book on Fascinating Religion!
This beautiful book provides a wide background on the basic ideas of the religion of CaoDai, including meditation techniques and spiritual practices, from CaoDai Overseas representatives Hum D. Bui and Ngasha Beck. This is an excellent first book of this pacifist religion founded in acountry known, unfortunately, for its own struggles against violence andhate.Truly inspiring, and a contribution to world reconciliation andpeace! ... Read more