C

CÁC

Các Ðằng

Chinese: 閣滕

A famous ancient Chinese palace, where a fourteen-year-old poet won the first prize in a poetry competition and became successful later in life. Therefore, the palace's name became known as an opportunity facilitating young men's successful career.

Kinh nhập hội:

May duyên gặp hội Long vân,

Thuyền thơ ngọn gió Các Đằng xuôi đưa.

Prayer before a meeting:

If you have a great opportunity like a competition.

Then you can prove that you have enough talent.

Các đẳng chơn hồn

Chinese: 各等眞魂

Spirits of all kinds.

According to Caodaiism, there are eight categories of spirits, from the lowest to the highest:

Stone spirit.
Tree spirit.
Animal spirit.
Human spirit.
Angel spirit.
Saint spirit.
Immortal spirit.
Buddha spirit.

Các lân

Chinese: 閣麟

A palace with statues of unicorn, which is used to worship great mandarins. The term implies great success.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ví xưa biết chút đường tu niệm,

Thì chắc nay đà ngự các lân.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Had you been a little religious,

You would now be very famous.

Các phục kỳ phục

Chinese: 各服其服

Put on your mourning dress.

In a Caodai's funeral, the rite announcer sings out this phrase to signal everyone to prepare for the rite.

Các tư kỳ phận

Chinese:各司其分

This phrase is usually found at the end of a religious written order, meaning "Just do what you are responsible for".

Các tư kỳ sự (Chấp sự giả các tư kỳ sự)

Chinese: 各司其事

This expression means " Just carry out what you are assigned to". The rite announcer sings out this in a Caodai's major ceremony for everyone to start their performance.

CÁCH

Cách vật trí tri

Chinese: 格物致知

Thoroughly study everything to gain a complete insight into it.

Confucianism teaches a junzi (gentleman or superior person) to carry out:

Investigation of phenomena.
Learning.
Sincerity.
Rectitude of purpose.
Self-development.
Family discipline.
Local self-government.
Universal self-government.

Thuyết đạo của Hộ Pháp:

Trong hữu hình nầy, ta lấy cách vật trí tri mà tầm vô hình vô ảnh của nó.

Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

In the material world, we try to gain insight into the nothingness by investigating phenomena and learning.

CAI

Cai quản

Chinese:該管

Management.

Pháp chánh truyền:

Như tại Châu thành lớn thì mỗi đứa đặng quyền cai quản, cúng tế Thầy như Ðầu Sư và Phối Sư.

Caodaist Constitution:

In a big city, each of you is allowed to manage and hold ceremonies to worship Me (God) like Ðầu Sư and Phối Sư.

Cai trị

Chinese: 該治

Having authority over.

Pháp chánh truyền:

Ðầu Sư có quyền cai trị phần Ðạo và phần Ðời của chư môn đệ Chí Tôn.

Caodaist Constitution:

Ðầu Sư can have authority over God's disciples' religious and secular lives.

CẢI

Cải dẫn

Chinese: 改引

Change, vary, alter.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thầy vì đó mà cải dẫn bước đường của các con; não phiền thành vui vẻ, đường gai gốc hóa ra nẻo êm đềm, lo lắng phải ra tươi cười, mỏi mòn thành phấn chấn.

Công trình của các con bớt nhọc, bậc phẩm các con tuy bớt cao, nhưng sự yên tịnh ấy, sẽ làm cho khắp cả nhơn sanh đều được hưởng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Disciples, I've changed your religious way, from sad to happy, from challenging to easy, from worrying to amusing, and from exhausting to energetic.

You'll suffer less hardship and you'll not achieve higher heavenly status, but such a peaceful situation will benefit all human beings.

Cải hạnh

Chinese: 改行

Improving the conducts.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Mơ màng chưa khỏi lụy phồn hoa,

Chưa biết nên thân tính sắm nhà.

Cải hạnh đố ngươi về tập thử,

Tháng sau sẽ đến trước trình Ta.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

So much enthralled by the rat race,

You can't go to Heaven that way.

I challenge you to improve your behaviors

Before coming back to Me a month later.

Cải quá

Chinese: 改過

Correction of an error.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Nhờ có sự cải quá mà nên Chánh quả.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Corrections help attain religious goal.

Cải tà qui chánh

Chinese: 改邪歸正

Rehabilitation, correction.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thầy tưởng cho các con lấy đó làm đuốc soi mình đặng cải tà qui chánh.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I thought that was a good example for your self-correction.

Cải Trạng

Chinese: 改狀

Advocate.

A dignitary in Hiệp Thiên Đài (Caodai's Judicial Body), under Chưởng Ấn and above Giám Đạo.

Cải Trạng Lê Minh Khuyên

CÃI

Cãi lịnh

Disobeying an order.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Chánh Phối Sư đã là người thay mặt cho nhơn sanh chỉ biết tuân lịnh mà thôi, chớ không phép cãi lịnh, có phép dâng luật lên cho Ðầu Sư cầu xin chế giảm chớ không đặng phép lập luật.

Caodai's Constitution:

Chánh Phối Sư is a public representative, who only obeys orders, not disobey them. He is allowed to present a law to Ðầu Sư and request for a less strict one, not to make a new law.

Cãi luật

To defend somebody in court .

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Thượng Phẩm là Chủ phòng Cãi luật, làm trạng sư của tín đồ.

Caodaist Constitution:

Thượng Phẩm is the head of the Department of Advocate, defending the followers in court.

CAM

Cam lồ (Cam lộ)

Chinese: 甘露

Holy-water.

In Caodai, holy water is used in the Sacrament of Purification in a funeral.

Kinh đệ Tam Cửu:

Cam lồ rưới giọt nhành dương.

Thất tình lục dục như dường tiêu tan.

Funeral Prayer for the Third Nine-Day Period:

From the willow stems the holy water

Removes the seven emotions and six desires forever.

Cám cảnh

To be moved by something.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thầy cám cảnh lòng yêu mến của con.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Your affection moves Me (God), my disciples.

CẢM

Cảm ứng

Chinese: 感應

To respond.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thầy không bao giờ không cảm ứng với những lời cầu nguyện chân thành.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Disciples, I never ignore sincere prayers.

CAN

Can qua

Chinese: 干戈

Shields and lances (that is, war.)

Kinh tụng khi Vua thăng hà:

Cầu cho dân chúng khỏi hồi can qua.

Prayer for the late King :

May people never suffer from any wars.

CÀN

Càn Khôn (Quả Càn Khôn)

Chinese: 果乾坤

The Universe (The Universe Sphere).

God taught Phối Sư Thái Bính Thanh how to make the Universe Sphere (The Collection of Divine Messages):

"Bính, I assign you to make the Universe Sphere. Do you understand? (Laughing) A globe like the earth. Got that? It should be 3.333 meters in diameter . I know it is too big! It should be that big though because it contains magic power. Paint it sky-blue. Paint stars and the constellation Ursa Major. There are thirty six heavens and four Great Continents in the space, which are not stars. The other seventy two Earths and three thousand Worlds are stars. They are 3,072 stars in total. You should have them all painted. Consult Western Astronomy Books. On the constellation Ursa Major, paint the two ship rudders ( the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper) and the North Star. Paint the Divine Eye on the North Star. Understood? The sphere had better be made of glass, in which a lamp always lights. That is an invaluable prayer for humans. However, just do whatever you can if it is too late for the convention."

History of the Universal Sphere in Tây Ninh Temple.

The first Universe Sphere was made from bamboo and cloth on September 17th 1926. It was, however, burnt out except the Divine Eye. Another sphere was made after that with the same Divine Eye.

In 1941, the French Government imprisoned Hộ Pháp, seized the Temple, destroyed the sphere and threw the Divine Eye out. Some followers picked it up and put it away.

When the French government was overthrown by the Japanese, followers renovated the Temple and made another sphere with the old Divine Eye.

On August 30th 1946, the French Government released Hộ Pháp. The Temple was renovated again. Another sphere was made this time, but then broke a little later. On January 29th 1964, what is now the Universe Sphere was put on the Temple Altar. The only thing that has still been used is the original Divine Eye, which is believed to be painted by Thượng Phẩm.

Càn khôn dĩ tận thức

Chinese: 乾坤已盡識

Human beings now are highly knowledgeable about the universe.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Còn nay, nhơn loại đã hiệp đồng, Càn khôn dĩ tận thức thì lại bị phần nhiều đạo ấy mà nhơn loại nghịch lẫn nhau, nên Thầy nhứt định qui nguyên phục nhứt.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Presently, human beings have better communication and better insight into the universe, but those various religions have caused lots of conflicts. I (God), therefore, decide to unite all religions.

Càn khôn thế giới

Chinese: 乾坤世界

The world or the universe.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Nên Thầy cho một quyền rộng rãi cho cả nhơn loại Càn khôn thế giới nếu biết ngộ kiếp một đời tu, đủ trở về cùng Thầy đặng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

As a result, I (God) grant you all such an easy requirement that you can attain your religious goal in just one incarnation.

Càn kiện cao minh

Chinese: 乾健高明

This expression implies that God is so mighty, high and wise.

Càn vô đắc khán, Khôn vô đắc duyệt

Chinese: 乾無得看, 坤無得閱

Little is known about the world.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Tùy theo phong hóa của nhân loại mà gầy Chánh giáo, là vì khi trước Càn vô đắc khán, Khôn vô đắc duyệt, thì nhơn loại duy có hành đạo nội tư phương mình mà thôi.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Various religions were established, depending on human local cultures because little was known about the world then. Humans only practiced religion in their locality.

CANG (CƯƠNG)

Cang cường (Cương cường)

Chinese: 剛強

Aggression.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cang cường quen tánh hiếp dân nghèo,

Nghe Ðạo Phật Trời cũng muốn theo.

Chẳng khác chồi non xô đại mộc,

Như sa vực thẳm khó toan trèo.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

You bully poor people due to habitual aggression,

But now you want to practice God's religion.

Don't you know that's an impossible action

Like climbing a very high mountain?

Cang thường (Cương thường)

Chinese: 綱常

Bonds and constants. (The Three Bonds and the Five Constants according to Confucianism).

Three Bonds: ruler to ruled, father to son and husband to wife.

Five Constants: humaneness, righteousness, proper rite, knowledge and integrity.

CANH

Canh cải

Chinese: 更改

Change, alteration, variation.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Mọi điều canh cải là phạm Pháp Chánh Truyền ắt bị giải ra Tòa Tam giáo.

Caodaist Constitution:

Any alterations are considered violations of Caodaist Constitution and violators will be tried in the Three-Religion Court.

CẢNH

Cảnh duyên

Chinese: 境緣

Predestined situation.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Mở lối dắt người đến cảnh duyên.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Leading someone to a predestined situation.

Cảnh thăng (Cảnh thần)

Chinese: 境升

Paradise, Heaven, Nirvana, Eternal Life.

Kinh Giải Oan:

Chịu ô trược chơn thần nặng trĩu,

Mảnh hình hài biếng hiểu lương tâm.

Phong trần quen thú cung âm,

Cảnh thăng ngơ ngẩn lạc lầm phong đô.

Prayer for Injustice Removal:

Because of impurity your spirit becomes so unintelligent,

So it ignores the orders of your conscience.

Being used to worldly pleasure

You easily go to Hell, instead of Nirvana.

Cảnh tịnh

Chinese: 境淨

A religious structure like a pagoda.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Làm lành cho trọn Phật Trời thương,

Hai chữ hơn thua chớ liệu lường.

Mừng thiệt là khi nương cảnh tịnh,

Khen chê giận ghét lẽ đời thường.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

God always saves virtuous people,

So don't be afraid though you're not successful.

It is really happy to enter a religious place.

Ignore all criticism 'cause it's commonplace.

Cảnh tục

Chinese: 境俗

The world, earthly life.

Kinh đi ra đường:

Đại Từ Phụ oai linh bảo hộ,

Những chông gai quét ngõ ven đường,

Đi an khương, về an khương.

Cõi Thiên, cảnh tục cũng đường chung nhau.

Prayer before Departure:

God the Father, please protect me

From all accidents on my way daily!

I pray to you for all safe journeys

Both in the world and in the Holy City.

Cảnh ủ bông tàn

Sad scenery and withered flowers. (Old age)

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Một mai cảnh ủ bông tàn, rốt cuộc lại ăn năn vô ích.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

It is useless to feel remorse in old age.

CAO

Cao Ðài

Chinese: 高臺

High Tower. (Name of a religion in Vietnam)

According to Caodaists, the interpretation of the term can be found from:

1. In 1927, in a seance in Cần Thơ, Việt nam, God granted a four-line poem:

2. CAO ÐÀI is also found in this divine stanza:

3. The term CAO ÐÀI was revealed for the first time on December 15th 1925 when Messrs. Phạm Công Tắc, Cao Quỳnh Cư and Cao Hoài Sang got this divine message:

Ngày mùng 1 tháng 11 nầy (dl 16-12-1925), tam vị phải VỌNG THIÊN CẦU ÐẠO, tắm gội cho tinh khiết, ra quì giữa Trời, mỗi vị cầm 9 cây nhang mà vái rằng: "Ba tôi là Cao Quỳnh Cư, Phạm Công Tắc, Cao Hoài Sang, vọng bái CAO ÐÀI THƯỢNG ÐẾ ban ơn đủ phúc lành cho ba tôi cải tà qui chánh."

On December 16th 1925, you have to pray God for Tao. Have a bath, kneel outdoors, hold 9 incense sticks each and pray, "We are Cao Quỳnh Cư, Phạm Công Tắc, Cao Hoài Sang, praying to CAO ÐÀI THƯỢNG ÐẾ for blessing so that we can self-correct."

Cao Ðài Ðại Ðạo

Chinese: 高臺大道

Caodaism.

A new religion, which is said to have been founded by God (God the Father, King of Heaven, etc). The religion has several responsibilities:

To promote religious pluralism and tolerance through the slogan, "Three Religions (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism) are traced to their origins and five doctrines (Humanism, Shintoism, Christianism, Taoism and Buddhism) are united"

To save 9,200,000 originally heavenly spirits, who are suffering in the world and take them back to their former heavenly status. Caodaism affirms that 10,000,000 heavenly spirits have had incarnations on earth. In the two previous amnesties, 800,000 were saved.

To hold Long Hoa Hội (Judgement Day) before the end of the Third Amnesty, when God tries to save as many sinners as possible. Those who pass Long Hoa Hội will live in the New Moral Age.

Cao Ðạo hữu

Chinese: 高道友

A Caodaist, a Caodai believer, a Caodai follower, etc. .

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ấy từ đây, Ngọc Ðế truyền lệnh cho ta phải theo phò chư Cao Ðạo hữu.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

From now on, God orders that I support Caodaists.

Cao đê

Chinese: 高低

Up and down.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cao đê thế sự khá đinh ninh,

Một dặm xa xuôi nhọc lộ trình.

Lần lựa chỉ sầu tay gỡ rối,

Trời tây bóng nhựt đã hầu chinh.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Current affairs are always up and down,

Causing lots of unsolved problems around.

Busily working all of them out,

You don't realize you're old now.

Cao đồ

Chinese: 高徒

Caodaist disciple.

Kinh đưa linh cữu:

Nam Mô Tam Trấn hư vô,

Oai nghiêm độ rỗi Cao Đồ qui nguyên.

Prayer in Coffin Transport:

We pray to the Three Heavenly Governors.

Please take this Caodaist to Nirvana.

Cao hoang

Chinese: 膏肓

A place just below the human heart. According to Chinese medicine, no drugs can reach it, so a patient surely dies if his disease "enters cao hoang".

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ấy là lúc bịnh trong ngũ tạng lục phủ nhập đến cao hoang, thì người bịnh dầu số Trời cứu cũng không qua đặng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

When the disease enters cao hoang, there is no treatment for the patient.

Cao lương mỹ vị

Chinese: 膏粱美味

Expensive delicious food.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cao lương mỹ vị hại thân phàm,

Hỏi thử thế đời mấy món tham?

Cao chức vợ nhiều ăn lớn đũa,

Thầm lo lự tứ với ưu tam.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Tasty food only harms your physical body.

How much do you think you can eat to be healthy?

For life you have tried to gain more property,

But is that enough to make up for your worries?

Cao minh

Chinese: 高明

Wise.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Than ôi! Trời cao minh soi xét, mà người vẫn mê muội ám mờ, đem mảnh trí cỏn con kia, chống kình với khuôn linh Tạo hóa. Muốn học mùi Ðạo, mà lại kèo nài giao kết, thì dầu cho bậc phẩm nào đi nữa, cái ân đức từ bi cũng khó chiều theo được.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Alas! Despite God's forgiveness, humans are still unwise to fight against the Divine Law with their humble knowledge. They just want their getting religion to be awarded. That's impossible whatever their status is.

Cao ngạo

Chinese: 高傲

Arrogant, haughty.

Tân Luật:

Chớ khoe tài, đừng cao ngạo.

New Canonical Codes:

Do not show off your talent nor be arrogant.

Cao ngự

Chinese: 高御

Sitting on a high throne.

Kinh nhập hội:

Trên Bạch Ngọc Chí Tôn cao ngự,

Giữa Tây Phương nắm giữ Thiên Điều.

Dưới Ngọc Hư, kể bao nhiêu,

Thiêng Liêng các Đấng lập triều trị dân.

Prayer before a meeting:

God is on the high throne in the White Jade City

The Divine Law is the West's responsibility.

Then countless Saints, Buddha and Immortals

Form the court to govern all of the people.

Cao sắc

Chinese: 高敕

A God's Decree.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ðã để vào Tòa một sắc hoa,

Từ đây đàn nội tỷ như nhà.

Trung thành một dạ thờ Cao sắc,

Sống có Ta thác cũng có Ta.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Since I come to this residence,

You are more than My acquaintances.

Always loyally enforce My decrees

Then I'll protect both you and your family.

Cao thăng

Chinese: 高升

Heaven promotion.

Phật Mẫu Chơn Kinh:

Cộng vật loại huyền linh đồ nghiệp,

Lập tam tài định kiếp hòa căn.

Chuyển luân định phẩm cao thăng,

Hư vô bát ,quái trị thần qui nguyên.

Prayer of Praise to God the Mother:

God the Mother is in charge of the worldly things.

She creates heaven, earth, man and other things.

She controls incarnation that determines heavenly promotion.

She takes her children back to nothingness in Heaven.

Cao thâm

Chinese: 高深

High and profound.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Đạo cao thâm, Đạo cao thâm,

Cao bất cao, thâm bất thâm.

Cao khả xạ hề thâm khả điếu,

Cao thâm vạn sự tại nhân tâm.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Đạo is thought to be both high and deep.

Nevertheless, no matter how high or how deep,

It is still possible for it to be reached.

That depends on whether or not one needs.

Cao thượng

1. Chinese: 高上

Supreme, leading, top, high.

Cao Đài - High Tower.

2. Chinese: 高尚

Noble, lofty, honorable.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Mình vì chữ Thiện mà dạy người thì giá trị mình đã cao thượng rồi mà còn thẹn nỗi gì?

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Don't be shy, for it is very noble for you to preach about righteousness.

CÁO

Cáo luật

Chinese: 告律

Accusation.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Thượng Sanh làm Chủ phòng Cáo luật.

Caodaist Constitution:

Thượng Sanh is the head of the Department of Accusation.

Cáo phó

Chinese: 告訃

Obituary, Death notice.

Cáo trạng

Chinese: 告狀

An indictment.

Chú Giải Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Tiếp Ðạo là người tiếp cáo trạng, án tiết thì phải quan sát trước coi có oan khúc chi chăng.

Footnote to Caodaist Constitution:

Tiếp Ðạo, who receives the indictment, has to investigate the case details to see if there is any unsolved injustice.

Cáo Từ Tổ

Chinese: 告祠祖

A Caodaist rite to announce a relative's death to ancestors.

The rite includes:

1. Tử tôn tựu vị: Children and grandchildren gather in front of the altar.

2. Giai quì: They all kneel down.

3. Phần hương: Incense sticks are lit.

4. Nguyện hương: Prayers are chanted.

5. Thượng hương: Incense sticks are presented.

6. Cúc cung bái: Three kowtows.

7. Chước tửu: Wine is poured into altar glasses.

8. Cúc cung bái: Three kowtows.

9. Ai chúc: The Prayer to Late Forefathers and Prayer for Salvation are chanted three times.

10. Cúc cung bái: Three kowtows.

11. Ðiểm trà: Tea is poured into altar glasses.

12. Cúc cung bái: Three kowtows.

13. Hưng bình thân: Children all stand up.

14. Tử tôn dĩ hạ giai xuất: They all leave the site.

15. Lễ thành: The rite ends.

CĂN

Căn bịnh

Chinese: 根病

Illness,disease.

Kinh Sám Hối:

Sống dương thế hành thì căn bịnh,

Xui tai nàn dấp dính theo mình.

Ăn năn khử ám hồi minh,

Từ bi Trời Phật rộng tình xét cho.

Remorse Prayer:

In worldly life, the punishment is illness

And constant accidents that cause unhappiness.

If you feel remorse and try to return to morality,

You'll be pardoned by merciful deities.

Căn duyên

Chinese: 根緣

Root, originate.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Trước có căn duyên ở ngọc cung,

Cầu con nên phải đến phân cùng.

Thiên cơ mạt lộ chờ đôi lúc,

Nương cậy về sau khỏi não nồng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Having been in Heaven in past lives,

Now you come because you need a child.

So when you are older later,

In his care you'll feel better.

Căn nghiệt

Chinese: 根孽

Evil-causing things.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cương tỏa đương thời đã giải vây,

Ðừng mơ căn nghiệt một đời nầy.

Hữu duyên độ thấu nguồn Chơn Ðạo,

Tu niệm khuyên bền chí chớ lay.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Now you're free from the rat race,

Evil-causing things in life don't dream to make.

It's fortunate you practice a religion,

So be loyal to it until you attain enlightenment.

Căn quả

Chinese: 根果

Past bad deed (that causes present unhappiness)

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cầu Tam Giáo Tòa cho tái kiếp mà chuộc căn quả.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Request a rebirth from the Three-Religion Court in order to compensate the past bad deed.

Căn sinh

Chinese: 根生

The root of one's current life, that is the bad or good behaviors in one's previous incarnations.

Kinh Ðệ Ngũ cửu:

Đài Chiếu giám cảnh minh nhẹ bước,

Xem rõ ràng tội phước căn sinh.

Lần vào cung Ngọc diệt hình,

Khai kinh Vô Tự đặng nhìn quả duyên.

Funeral Prayers for the Fifth Nine-Day Period:

Entering the Tower of the Sin Mirror,

You'll find out about your former behaviors.

Then in the Palace of Ngọc Diệt Hình

You know your karma from the Blank Divine Book.

Căn ta ca (Kantaka, Găn ta ca)

Chinese: 乾陟馬

Sankrit: Kantaka.

The name of the horse Prince Siddhartha (young Buddha) rode out of the Royal Palace to find out how to attain enlightenment.

Kinh khi về:

Những nhớ bước động Đào buổi trước,

Những nhớ khi Hớn rước Diêu Trì.

Găn Ta Ca, đỡ bước đi,

Ra thành Phật Tổ gặp kỳ ly cung

Prayer before leaving:

There are religious stories I always remember

Like Emperor Wu of Han received God the Mother,

Or Kantaka, a horse, was a very useful helper

When Prince Siddhartha left the Royal Palace for a remote corner.

CẦM

Cầm đường tiếng hạc

1. Cầm đường: According to an old Chinese story, a mandarin only played music in his hall, but he could governed his district perfectly. This expression, therefore, refers to an easy way of life.

2. Cầm hạc: Another Chinese mandarin only brought with him a musical instrument and a bird wherever he was assigned to. So honest was his lifestyle that this expression now symbolizes a noble and honest life.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cầm đường tiếng hạc phủi muôn chung.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

An honest and noble is preferable instead of great wealth.

CẨM

Cẩm đôn

An ancient Chinese stool.

This stool is for a Female Đầu Sư, but has not been made yet.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Hộ Pháp hỏi cái ngai ấy ra sao? thì Thầy dạy: Giống y như cái ngai của Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát, nghĩa là một cái cẩm đôn để trong vườn Trước Tử bên Nam Hải, dưới chơn đạp hai bông sen nở nhụy.

Caodaist Constitution:

When asked, by Hộ Pháp, what the Throne of Female Ðầu Sư was like, God said, "It looks like the one of Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát, a Chinese stool put on two blooming lotus flowers in Trước Tử Garden, Southern Sea."

Cẩm nang Hành Chánh Ðạo

Chinese: 錦囊行政道

A Handbook of Religious Administration.

Cẩm tú

Chinese: 錦繡

Beautiful, interesting.

CÂN

Cân đai

Chinese: 巾帶

The formal attire for an ancient mandarin, referring to the dog-eat-dog mandarin environment in the past.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Lăng xăng xạo xự mùi chung đỉnh, vẻ cân đai, rốt cuộc cũng chẳng khác chi một giấc huỳnh lương mộng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Money and benefits from the bustling dog-eat-dog mandarin environment are short-lived like a dream.

Cân thần

Measurement of the spirit.

Hộ Pháp used this to determine if a Caodai follower could take the Oath Ceremony to be an official disciple of Phạm môn (Pagoda Entrance, an organization established by Hộ Pháp for esoteric purpose)

CẨN

Cẩn ngôn cẩn hạnh

Chinese: 謹言謹行

Watch oneself while talking and behaving.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Nơi Tòa Phán Xét, chẳng một lời vô ích mà bỏ, nên Thầy dạy các con phải cẩn ngôn cẩn hạnh.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

In the Judgement Court, even some nonsense is considered, so it is imperative that you disciples watch yourselves while talking and behaving.

Cẩn sớ thượng tấu

Chinese: 謹疏上奏

A petition to God.

Cẩn tắc vô ưu

Chinese: 謹則無憂

Caution makes no fear.

Cẩn từ

Chinese: 謹詞

Formal presentation.

Hội Thánh cẩn từ:

Formal presentation from Caodaist Sacerdotal Council.

CẬN

Cận lợi

Chinese: 近利

Immediate benefit.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cứ thấy những điều cận lợi mà quên hẳn lương tâm.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Conscience is obscured by immediate benefits.

Cận đăng tắc minh, cận mặc giả hắc

Chinese: 近燈則明, 近墨者黑

It is lighter near a lamp while it is darker near some ink. (People nearby influence you most)

CẤP

Cấp cấp như luật lịnh

Chinese: 急急如律令

Urgent!

Cấp tế

Chinese: 給濟

Relief.

Ðạo Luật Mậu Dần:

Về khoản cấp tế của Phước Thiện, chẳng nên phân biệt người trong Ðạo hay người ngoài Ðời.

Religious Act 1938:

The relief from the Caodaist Philanthropic Body should be provided regardless of whether the victims are Caodaists or not.

CÂU

Câu Chú của Thầy

The Master's mantra or God's mantra.

Master is an informal title Caodaists address God. His mantra is:

Nam mô Cao Đài Tiên Ông Đại Bồ Tát Ma Ha Tát.

The mantra is said to include twelve sounds, which symbolizes God. In addition, it represents the principle of a broad-minded religion. Cao Ðài (Confucianism) Tiên Ông (Taoism) Ðại Bồ Tát Ma Ha Tát (Buddhism.)

CẦU

Cầu bệnh

Pray for healing: 求病

Rite procedure:

A. First night: At Dậu (from 5 to 6 P.M.), a worship to God. A petition, flowers, wine and tea are offered by Chánh Trị Sự. Prayer of Maitreya Buddha and Prayer for Salvation are chanted (the latter, three times).

B. Second night: The same as the first night except the petition.

C. Third night: The same as the second night. Remorse Prayer may additionally be chanted if requested by the patient's family, who are required to be vegetarian for the whole day.

Cầu cơ (Ðàn cơ)

Chinese: 求機 (壇機)

A Caodai seance.

In a seance, Caodaist psychics use Cây Cơ (a psychic pen) to receive divine messages. It is a bamboo basket covered with yellow cloth. A rattan pen, shaped like a bird's beak, is attached to the basket to write on some surface. This is called Ngọc Cơ (Ngọc is jewel). The bigger one is Ðại Ngọc cơ and the smaller is Tiểu Ngọc cơ.

A seance includes a Chief, two psychics, a speaker and a secretary. After the Chief's prayer, the two psychics raise Cơ and wait. When Cơ writes some word on some surface like a table, the speaker dictates it to the secretary.

Before Caodai's inauguration, the participants had to chant the poem "Trời còn" and waited for Cơ to write.

Prayer before a seance

Heaven still exists, so rivers and oceans do the same,

Everywhere in the world, mountains are beautiful.

In Thanh Minh, in the spring garden,

All the birds dance and sing.

All routes in the mountains or through the passes,

Up and down, rough and hard.

As a good child, I never give up,

But try hard to go to Heaven to see Buddha.

Search everything from the past to the present,

The pure perfect world.

I try to purify myself,

And learn from Buddha.

Angels and immortals are not far away,

They will come if admired.

Between 1924 and 1927, God used seances to preach the new doctrine and admit followers through six main seances:

1. Seance in Cầu Kho: Mr Ðoàn Văn Bản's home, Chief: Mr Vương Quan Kỳ, psychics: Nguyễn Trung Hậu and Trương Hữu Ðức.

2. Seance in Chợ Lớn: Mr Lê Văn Trung's home, Chief: Mr Lê Bá Trang, psychics: Cao Hoài Sang and Cao Quỳnh Diêu.

3. Seance in Tân Ðịnh: Mr Nguyễn Ngọc Thơ's home, Chief: Mr Thơ, psychics: Phạm Công Tắc and Cao Quỳnh Cư.

4. Seance in Thủ Ðức: Mr Ngô Văn Ðiều's home, Chief: Mr Điều, psychics: Huỳnh Văn Mai and Võ Văn Nguyên.

5. Seance in Tân Kim: Mr Nguyễn Văn Lai's home, Chief: Nguyễn Ngọc Tương and Lê Văn Lịch, psychics: Ca Minh Chương and Phạm V. Tươi.

6. Seance in Lộc Giang: in Phước Long Pagoda, Chief: Mạc Văn Nghĩa, psychics: Trần Duy Nghĩa and Trương Văn Tràng.

Nevertheless, a lot of seances, whose Chiefs and psychics were not verified by God, also operated besides those six above. Unfortunately, many evil spirits impersonated Immortals, Buddhas, even God to trick people into believing false doctrines.

Consequently, God ordered that the six seances stop working since June 1st 1927.

"In late June, I (God) have to put an end to all public seances. You disciples should finish with the establishment of the new religion.

Remember this is my decisive words!

Those who did the wrong things will deserve punishment. Just take the straight way to return to Heaven and see Me (God). That is the best choice." The Collection of Divine Messages.

From then on, seances have been held only by Hiệp Thiên Đài (The Communion Tower) in compliance with Caodai's Constitution. Unfortunately, seances have been banned since 1975.

Cầu danh

Chinese: 求名

In search of fame.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thầy thương đến tâm thành chánh trực, đạo đức khiêm cung, cũng như Thầy xóa kẻ xảo trá gian tà, cầu danh chác lợi.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I (God) favor sincerity, honesty, and modesty and will eliminate those who are dishonest in search of fame and fortune.

Cầu đảo

Chinese: 求禱

Pray to God for something.

Kinh Cầu Hồn Khi Hấp Hối:

Ðừng hãi kinh cầu đảo Chí Tôn.

Prayer for a dying person:

Do not panic and pray to God.

Cầu Ðạo & Sớ Cầu Ðạo

Chinese: 求道 & 疏求道

Requesting to be a Caodaist & Caodai ID card.

Admitted, a Caodaist is issued with a provisional Caodai ID card. After six month's instructions of local dignitaries, he/she officially becomes a Caodaist and gets an official ID card.

Cầu hồn

Chinese: 求魂

Pray to God for soul salvation, a Caodaist requiem.

This is a Caodai's rite to pray to God for the soul of a dying Caodaist to gently leave the corpse and rise into the World of Eternal Life.

Cầu ngọc

The jewel bridge.

This heavenly bridge, believed to be made of jewel, spans the ocean of suffering (earthly world), one of whose shores is of sorrow and the other is of awakening. The spirits who have had enough merits in life will cross it easily. On the other hand, the sinners' spirits will fall into the ocean, that is to say, circulate in cycle of death and rebirth forever.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Mở rộng đường mây rước khách trần,

Bao nhiêu tình gợi nhắn nguyên nhân.

Biển mê cầu ngọc liên phàm tục,

Cõi thọ sông Ngân tiếp đảnh Tần.

Chuyển nổi Càn Khôn xây Võ Trụ,

Nhẹ nâng Nhựt Nguyệt chiếu Ðài Vân.

Cầm gươm huệ chặt tiêu oan trái,

Dìu độ quần sanh diệt quả nhân.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

The path is now clear to Heaven

For earthly people to return to their positions.

The holy bridge has spanned the sea of misery,

So all broken hearts will be healed immediately.

The universe will be changed radically

So that many enlightened beings there will be.

Hatred of all kinds will be destroyed forever

And there will be no bad karma.

Cầu nguyện

Chinese: 求願

Prayers.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Những lời cầu nguyện của con sẽ được chuẩn nhận.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

You disciples' prayers will be responded.

Cầu phá luật lệ

Chinese: 求破律例

Request to nullify a law.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Ba vị Chánh Phối Sư đặng phép thế quyền cho Ðầu Sư, song không đặng quyền cầu phá luật lệ.

Caodaist Constitution:

The three Chánh Phối Sư have the rights to replace Ðầu Sư, but are not allowed to request to nullify a Caodaist law.

Cầu phong & Cầu thăng

Chinese: 求封 - 求升

Request for a religious promotion. According to Caodaist Act 1938, the lowest dignitaries can Cầu phong to be promoted as Lễ Sanh. Lễ Sanh and above can Cầu thăng to be promoted to the next rank.

Cầu rỗi

Request for salvation.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Các con liệu mình mà cầu rỗi nơi Người.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Think about requesting to Him (Giáo Tông Lý Thái Bạch) for salvation.

Cầu siêu

Chinese: 求超

Request for elevation of a soul, requiem.

Cầu siêu hội

Chinese: 求超會

A universal requiem, held by Caodaist Sacerdotal Council, for all spirits to be saved by God. There are three annual universal requiems in Khách Ðình in Tây Ninh Temple:

On 16th of the First lunar month.
On 16th of the Seventh lunar month..
On 16th of the Tenth lunar month.

CÕI

Cõi âm & Cõi dương

Death & life.

Cõi Âm quang

( See: Âm quang )

Cõi đọa & Cõi thăng (Cõi hư linh)

The world & Heaven.

Kinh khi đã chết rồi:

Ba mươi sáu cõi Thiên Tào,

Nhập trong Bát Quái mới vào Ngọc Hư.

Quê xưa trở cõi đọa từ,

Đoạt cơ thoát tục bấy chừ tuyệt luân

Prayer after death:

After passing the thirty six Levels of Heaven.

A spirit will enter Bát Quái, then Ngọc Hư.

From the earthly world he returns to Nirvana,

Where he has extreme happiness forever.

Kinh cầu hồn khi hấp hối:

Ớ..(tên họ kẻ qui vị)..thành tâm cầu nguyện,

Nguyện Chí Tôn linh hiển độ sanh.

Ăn năn sám hối tội tình,

Xét câu minh thệ gởi mình cõi thăng

Prayer for a dying person:

John Doe, sincerely pray to God now.

With great divine power, He'll help you out.

Be remorseful of what you did often.

Thanks to your entry oath, you can go to Heaven.

Cõi Nam

Việt Nam.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thầy đã lập Ðạo nơi cõi Nam nầy, là cốt để ban thưởng một nước từ thuở đến giờ hằng bị lắm cơn thạnh nộ của Thầy. Thầy lại tha thứ, lại còn đến ban thưởng một cách vinh diệu. Từ tạo Thiên lập Ðịa, chưa nước nào dưới quả địa cầu 68 nầy đặng vậy

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I (God) establish a religion in Việt nam in order to reward a country which has been suffering My rage a lot. I both forgive and reward it. Since the Creation, no other countries on the 68th earth have had the same favor.

Cõi Thiêng liêng Hằng sống

The world of eternal life, Heaven, Paradise, Nirvana, etc.

Cõi thọ

The same as cõi thiêng liêng hằng sống.

Kinh Tụng Cha Mẹ Ðã Qui Liễu:

Thong dong cõi thọ nương hồn,

Chờ con lập đức giúp huờn ngôi xưa.

Prayer for the late parents:

Parents, please have fun in the World of Happiness,

My merits will help you regain previous status.

Cõi trần (Cõi tục, Cõi thế, Cõi tạm, Cõi đọa)

The world.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Sánh vai Sào Phủ ẩn danh xưa,

Vì nẻo lợi danh cũng đã thừa.

Mau bước lui lần qua cõi tục,

Cười, than, vui, khóc, thấy hay chưa?

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Like Sào Phủ, retreat to the countryside

'Cause of boring rat race outside.

Escape the worldly desires

'Cause they only provoke your ire.

CÔ

Cô hồn & Ngạ quỉ

Chinese: 孤魂 & 餓鬼

Lone spirits & Starving demons.

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's sermon on lone spirits on 15th the seventh lunar month (1950):

"The spirits who are ranked as human spirits never feel lonely. In the Eternal Life, they have families, relatives and friends. No human spirits are lonely.

Some people have no children, so they are believed to die, leaving their graves uncared for. That is why they are called lone spirits. However, it is not true.

Again, I affirm there are no lone spirits, but there are starving demons like the ones whose salvation we pray for today. It was probably known that those spirits were so fond of food that they always bothered people."

Cô Nhi viện

Chinese: 孤兒院

Orphanage.

The Orphanage in Tây Ninh Temple was established on Ca Bảo Ðạo Street on March 5th 1959. Now it is located on Thượng Trung Nhựt Street, Entrance 3.

Cô nhi quả phụ (Cô quả)

Chinese: 孤兒寡婦

Orphans and widows.

Cô phần

Chinese: 孤墳

Neglected tombs.

Phật Thích Ca:

Mạc đãi lão lai phương học Ðạo,

Cô phần tận thị thiếu niên nhơn.

Buddha:

Don't wait until you are too old to practice a religion.

Most neglected tombs belong to young people.

CỐ

Cố chấp kỷ kiến

Chinese:固執己見

Obstinate, stubborn, dogmatic.

Cố đất cầm vườn

Pawning land and garden.

Kinh Sám Hối:

Ép kẻ nghèo cố đất cầm vườn.

Remorse Prayer:

Forcing the poor to pawn their land and garden.

CỔ

Cổ kim hy hữu

Chinese:古今希有

That has been rare.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Cửu Trùng Đài vẫn là chánh trị, mà Chưởng Pháp lại thuộc về luật lệ. Vậy thì Chưởng Pháp là người thay mặt Hiệp Thiên Đài nơi Cửu Trùng Đài. Ấy là cơ Ðạo cổ kim hy hữu.

Caodai's Constitution:

The Nine-Level Tower is an Executive Body, but Chưởng Pháp is a senior dignitary of the Communion Tower, a Judicial Body. Chưởng Pháp, therefore, represents the Judicial Body in the Executive Body. That has been a rare mechanism so far.

Cổ lai hy

Chinese: 古來希

The same as cổ kim hy hữu.

Cổ lễ

Chinese: 古禮

Ancient rites.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Còn cổ lễ thì: Rượu là Khí, Bông là Tinh, Trà là Thần.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

According to ancient rites, wine stands for Mind, flowers stand for Body, and tea stands for Spirit.

Cổ luật (Cựu luật)

Chinese: 古律

Ancient laws.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Bởi cớ ấy nên Ðức Chí Tôn đã cấm Ngũ Chi Phái Ngọc dùng Cổ luật mà mê hoặc nhơn sanh.

Caodai's Constitution:

For that reason, God has forbidden Ngũ Chi Phái Ngọc from using ancients laws to trick people.

Cổ mang hành hình

A way of ancient corporal punishment in Asia, in which the criminal had to wear a cangue.

Kinh sám hối:

Âm đài gông tróng sẵn sàng,

Chờ khi thác xuống cổ mang hành hình

Remorse Prayer:

In Hell, cangues are prepared,

For sinners coming to wear.

Cổ nhạc

Chinese: 古樂

Ancient music, i.e. traditional Vietnamese music

Traditional Vietnamese music is classified into 2 categories: Văn nhạc and Võ nhạc.

Văn nhạc (Literacy music) played mostly by stringed instrument such as kìm, tranh, cò, độc huyền and so on.

Võ nhạc (Martial music) played mostly by percussion instrument.

All music played in Caodaist rites is traditional Vietnamese music. Western music, called tân nhạc, is sometimes played by the young in organizations like Đại Đạo Thanh Niên Hội (Caodaist Youth Union).

Cổ pháp

Chinese: 古法

Symbols of ancient religions.

Caodai's three main symbols:

The begging bowl represents Buddhism.

The fly-whisk represents Taoism.

The Spring and Autumn Annals represent Confucianism.

These three symbols combine with Long Tu Phiến (Dragon Whisker Fan) and Thư Hùng kiếm (Couple Swords) to make other combinations of symbols:

1. Symbols of Hộ Pháp: the begging bowl, the fly-whisk and the Spring and Autumn Annals.

2. Symbols of Thượng Phẩm: the fly-whisk put under the Dragon Whisker Fan.

3. Symbols of Thượng Sanh: the fly-whisk and the Couple Swords crossed.

4. Symbols of Giáo Tông: a mixture of Thượng Phẩm and Thượng Sanh's symbols.

5. Symbols of Chưởng Pháp: three Chưởng Pháp have separate symbols:

· Thái Chưởng Pháp: the begging bowl.

· Thượng Chưởng Pháp: the fly-whisk.

· Ngọc Chưởng Pháp: The Spring and Autumn Annals.

Cổ Phật

Chinese: 古佛

Ancient Buddha

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Luật điều Cổ Phật không chừa tội.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

No sinners can make a getaway under ancient Buddha's codes.

Cổ quái

Chinese: 古怪

Bizarre, weird.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Kẻ hung bạo thì hình dung cổ quái.

Caodai's Constitution:

Aggressive people always look weird.

CỘ

Cộ bông & Cộ đèn

Flowery floats & Lantern processions.

These activities usually take place in Tây Ninh Temple in major ceremonies.

CỘI

Cội ái & Nguồn nhân

The source of love & the source of humanitarian.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Linh dược đầy bầu là cội ái,

Kinh luân nặng túi ấy nguồn nhân.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Love is the good medicine for all suffering people.

Humanitarian is the motivation to save the world of sorrow.

Cội bá & Cội tùng

Two kinds of evergreen trees usually grown in a pagoda garden. The phrase implies a pagoda.

CÔN

Côn lôn

Chinese: 崑崙

Côn lôn is an imaginary mount in Chinese legends, which is the headquarters of Xiển giáo, a true religion. On the contrary, Triệt giáo, a false religion, is located in Bích Du Cave.

Thơ của Quyền Giáo Tông Lê Văn Trung:

Tài ba Ðộng Bích bao nhiêu sức,

Quyền phép Côn lôn sẵn mấy bầu.

His Holiness Acting Giáo Tông Lê Văn Trung's poem:

However powerful the false religion is,

As a true religion, to fight against it we are ready.

CÔNG

Công bình (Công bằng)

Chinese: 公平

Justice, fairness.

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon on The Path to the Eternal Life:

"Having entered, I wanted to know who God the Father was. Was He also the Jade Emperor? I really wanted to know that.

While I was thinking, I saw something like a curtain and at once knew that He was in there. Before I could pull up the curtain, it suddenly opened, revealing something like an endless staircase. Then, He came in, dressing in white. What a nice and beloved whitebeard!

I was a bit confused because He was in different clothes compared to the One I had met in Linh Tiêu Ðiện. Seeming to know what I had thought, He looked at me, turning His walking stick into the scale of Justice and the white robe into Royal Clothes, which he had had in Linh Tiêu Ðiện. Immediately, I understood that He was both God the Father and Jade Emperor."

Công cán

Chinese: 功幹

Merit.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ðặng đến nơi khởi hành mà phục hồi công cán.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

In order to go to the departure point to recover the merit.

Công chánh

Chinese: 公正

The same as công bình.

Thuyết đạo của Đức Hộ Pháp:

"Cây cờ cứu khổ của Ðạo Cao Ðài là Thương yêu và Công chánh. Phải thực hiện được hai điều ấy thì hòa bình và hạnh phúc mới đến với chúng ta được.

Ấy vậy, hiện giờ nhơn loại đang kiếm gì?

- Kiếm cân Công chánh, kiếm luật thương yêu.

- Kiếm ở đâu?

Luật thương yêu ấy, Chí Tôn đã ban bố mà nhơn loại chưa tìm được. Nhơn loại đang khao khát mà chớ!

Quyền công chánh thì do nơi luật thương yêu mà có. Quyền công chánh nơi mặt thế gian nầy không có, dầu trong tay đế quyền hay dân quyền cũng không có.

Ðức Chí Tôn Ngài đến, do tay Ngài ký một Hòa Ước với một sắc dân nô lệ, sắc dân hèn mọn, đặng Ngài năn nỉ xin cho đặng hai điều trọng yếu làm cho nhơn loại đặng sống tồn tại là: Luật Thương yêu và Quyền Công chánh.

Ngài đã ký, đã hứa với Thánh thể của Ngài, tức nhiên là cả quốc dân nầy, đặng tạo ra hình ảnh Luật Thương yêu. Nếu cả quốc dân VN lấy Quyền Công chánh làm thành tướng ra, rồi Ngài sẽ lấy tướng diện của nó làm món thuốc cứu sanh mạng của nhơn loại đó vậy."

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

"Caodai's strategy for salvation is Love and Justice. It is imperative that it be implemented to achieve peace and happiness.

So, what are humans looking for now?

They are looking for the scale of justice and the code of love.

Where?

The code of love was already granted by God, but humans have not discovered it yet. Humans are really thirsting for it.

The rights of justice results from love, so there has been no justice in the world, not in monarchy nor in democracy.

God has come, signing, in person, a treaty with a humble nation to insist on two important elements for human survival: the code of love and the rights of justice.

He has given His signature and words to create love. If the Vietnamese can carry out justice, that will be the treatment for the whole world."

Công chúng

Chinese: 公眾

Public, masses, people.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Vì cái gương Ðạo mà đem chiếu ra giữa công chúng, nếu gương trong thì tỏ rạng, còn gương lờ thì sao?

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Doing good things in public, you disciples will set good examples. So what if you do bad things?

Công cô

Chinese: 公姑

Parents-in-law.

Kinh sám hối:

Đừng có cậy giàu sang chẳng nể,

Không kiêng chồng khi dễ công cô.

Ấy là những gái hung đồ,

Xúi chồng tranh cạnh hồ đồ sân si.

Remorse Prayer:

Some woman think she's so wealthy

That she scorns her husband and his family.

Other women are so evil

That they egg on their husbands to make trouble.

Công cử

Chinese: 公舉

Election.

In compliance with Caodai's Constitution, male and female dignitaries of the Executive Body are selected by election.

1. Ðầu Sư is promoted to Chưởng Pháp by an election within his peer group( 3 Ðầu Sư).

2. Phối Sư is promoted to Ðầu Sư by an election within his peer group (36 Phối Sư).

3. Giáo Sư is promoted to Phối Sư by an election within his peer group (72 Giáo Sư).

4. Giáo Hữu is promoted to Giáo Sư by an election within his peer group (3000 Giáo Hữu).

5. Lễ Sanh is promoted to Giáo Hữu by an election within his peer group all Lễ Sanh.

6. A disciple is promoted to Lễ Sanh by an election among all disciples. An exception is the promotion granted by God (through a seance).

7. Chưởng Pháp and Ðầu Sư can be promoted to Giáo Tông by a general election. An exception is the promotion granted by God (through a seance).

Công đồng

Chinese: 公同

A council.

Ðiều thứ 27 của Tân Luật:

Như phạm trọng tội hay là tái phạm thì phải đệ lên Hội Công Ðồng phán đoán.Hội ấy, một vị Ðầu Sư hay là Phối Sư phái mình làm đầu và có hai vị Chức sắc hai phái kia nghị án. Hội nầy được quyền trục xuất.

Caodai Canonical Codes, Article 27:

Serious offenses or recidivism will be tried by a Judgement Council, which is presided by a Ðầu Sư or Phối Sư of the same branch and which includes two dignitaries of the other branches. This Council can return a verdict of expelling the violator.

Công đức

Chinese: 功德

Merit and virtue.

Công hầu vương bá (công khanh)

Chinese: 公侯王伯

Senior mandarins, powerful officials, high ranking officials.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Tây Ninh tu luyện động Linh sơn,

Chẳng quản mùi trần thiệt với hơn.

Trăm đắng ngàn cay đành một kiếp,

Công Hầu Vương Bá dám đâu hơn.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I practiced religion in Linh Sơn Cave, Tây Ninh,

Ignored all the worldly things,

Suffered a lot of misery

And pursued no fame and fortune in society.

Công linh (Công lênh, Công lao)

Hardwork, hardship.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Có biết thạnh suy mà chưa chịu biết để công linh đào tạo thời thế, đặng dìu dắt chúng sanh cho kịp buổi.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

No matter how much experienced in life you have been, you still refuse to work hard to save the world and help people before the deadline.

Công nghệ

Chinese: 工藝

Manufacture.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Làm vua, làm thầy, làm công nghệ, làm đạo sĩ, cũng cần phải có cái chí lớn mới mong thành tựu được.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

A king, a teacher, a manufacturer, and a priest all need great will power to be successful.

Công tham Thái cực

Chinese: 功參太極

Kinh Phật Giáo:

Công tham thái cực

Phá nhất khiếu chi huyền quan.

Tánh hiệp vô vi

Thống tam tài chi bí chỉ.

Buddhism Prayer:

Practicing esotericism to attain the Absolute

And open the Miracle Spot on your body.

Returning to nothingness

To create heaven, earth and man.

Công truyền & Tâm truyền

Chinese: 公傳 & 心傳

Exoterism & Esoterism.

The same as Thể Pháp and Bí Pháp.

Công viên quả mãn

Chinese: 功圓果滿

To achieve the ultimate religious goal.

CỐNG

Cống cao ngã mạn

Chinese: 貢高我慢

Very conceited.

CỘNG

Cộng đồng quyền lợi

Chinese: 共同權利

Sharing interests.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Giáo lý của Thầy có mục đích dạy dỗ các con hòa hợp nhau trong sự sống chung cộng đồng quyền lợi và sanh hoạt.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

My doctrine teaches you disciples to share interests and live harmoniously.

Cộng hòa

Chinese: 共和

To live together in perfect harmony.

Thuyết đạo của Hộ Pháp:

Thầy dùng Phép là lương tâm, quyền là tình ái, mà làm cho cả nhơn loại thấy rõ mặt Thầy, hầu nhìn lẫn nhau trong Thánh đức của Thầy mà cộng yêu hòa ái. Cộng hòa! Cộng hoà! Ấy là hai lời châu ngọc của Thầy để vào lòng mỗi người. Mình biết cộng hòa mới làm cho xã hội quốc dân cộng hòa, rồi làm gương rực rỡ quang minh mà truyền bá cả tư tưởng cao thượng ấy ra khắp hoàn cầu, cho cả nhơn loại đặng cộng hòa, đại đồng thế giới.

Sermon of His Holiness Hộ Pháp:

God uses the law of conscience and the power of love so that humans understand Him in order to live together in perfect harmony. Harmony! Harmony! The precious term has been imprinted on their mind. We know how to live in harmony, the whole nation does the same, then the idea spreads all over the world. Consequently, we have a harmoniously cosmopolitan world.

CƠ

Cơ bút

Chinese: 機筆

A psychic apparatus, a psychic pen.

I. Description:

A psychic apparatus (or pen) is used to receive divine messages. In Caodai, it is a bamboo or rattan basket covered with yellow cloth. A rattan pen, shaped like a bird's beak, is attached to the basket to write on some surface. This is called Ngọc Cơ (Ngọc is jewel). The bigger one is Ðại Ngọc Cơ and the smaller is Tiểu Ngọc Cơ. A seance includes a Chief, two psychics, a speaker and a secretary. After the Chief's prayer, the two psychics raise Cơ and wait. When Cơ writes some word on a table surface, the speaker dictates it to the secretary.

There is another kind of seance called "chấp bút" or automatic writing, where only a psychic and a pencil are needed. The psychic writes down the divine message on a sheet of paper under some heavenly spirits' control.

Psychics are classified into two categories: Unconscious psychics, whose spirits completely leave the bodies to receive the divine message. These psychics, however, are very exhausted at the end of a seance though the message is worthy of religious veneration. Conscious psychics, whose spirits partly leave the bodies during a seance. The message is less religiously interesting, but the psychics are not tired. In the beginning of Caodai, conscious psychics are used for faster and more communication, which was explained in The Collection of Divine Messages: "In the past, because of ignorance, psychics were less powerful than you are now. As a result, it was hard to receive interesting messages. Unconscious psychics got excellent holy text, but after the seance their spirits were so weak. Therefore, it is too slow to develop the religion using unconscious psychics".

II. History of Caodaist Psychic Apparatus:

At first, Messrs Cao Quỳnh Cư, Phạm Công Tắc and Cao Hoài Sang learned how to use xây bàn (table tipping) from Spiritualism Books imported to Vietnam from France. The process was too slow though. Thanks to it, however, they could contact the Seven Female Buddha and were instructed to make Ðại Ngọc Cơ, which accelerated their communication a lot. Most of the important messages later used as the foundation of Caodaism were from that apparatus. Since 1975, seances have not been held in Tây Ninh Temple anymore.

III. Divine, Devil, and Human messages:

According to The Collection of Divine Messages, there are three classifications of messages:

Divine messages are obtained by psychics who properly meditate to empty their minds. This kind of seance needs a completely silent atmosphere because noise, even the softest, can interrupt the communication. Then their spirits can communicate with the so-called Earlier Heaven Energy and receive pure divine messages. Such messages preach the truth and teach humans righteousness.

Devil messages are also transmitted via meditating psychics, but the so-called Later Heaven Energy dominates the process, resulting in bad information. Such messages contain lots of superstitions leading to wrongdoing and immoral life.

Human messages are received by psychics whose human energy thoroughly dominates the whole process. There is no Earlier Heaven Energy nor Later Heaven Energy this time. What is written down is what the psychics themselves want. Such messages are not sacred enough.

That raises the question of how to constitute the distinction among those messages.

IV. How to differentiate between true and false divine messages:

God's message on seances:

"Since there are various psychics, it is advisable to know the differences between TRUE and FALSE.

Spiritually, you do not know whether a spirit is a ghost or a Buddha, but, logically, you can see the distinction thanks to the logical nature of this spiritual communication.

There is a schism in our religion because believers are unaware of what a psychic is. Thaumaturgy is always believed to be performed by deities, not by devils. This is very superstitious! Stay way from that idea, disciples.

The usual magic is a psychic can guess what others are thinking or what is written in a covered envelope. Not only can deities perform it but also evil spirits can do the same, even better. Why? To trick people into doing what they want. It is a misconception that magics are always performed by Immortals or Buddhas.

Disciples, do not just imitate. Try to think twice about supernatural activities to realize the truth. In spiritualism, deities do not have better magics than devils except the Truth. That is the reason why I always tell you to consult your conscience and common sense after a seance.

Do not believe a message without any consideration just because some "Buddha" said so. The more venerable the title is, the craftier it is. Everything contains Good as well as Bad. I am you and you are Me. The only difference is My executive status in Heaven.

Religious believers are always hunted by devils, but the hunted can survive thanks to their own talents. Your talent is intelligence, which can tell whether something is true or false. Without intelligence, you will be tempted by the Devil someday.

Magics witnessed with your naked eyes are false like something blocking your eyes. Those are variable, depending on the situation. Therefore, you have to remove them before you achieve the Divine Mind and the Divine Eye. Those will be true indeed!"

V. Public seances stopped:

God's messages on June 1st 1927:

"In late June, I (God) have to put an end to all public seances. You disciples should finish with the establishment of the new religion.

Remember this is my decisive words!

Those who did the wrong things will deserve punishment. Just take the straight way to return to Heaven and see Me (God). That is the best choice."

From then on, seances have been held only by Hiệp Thiên Đài (The Communion Tower), Tây Ninh Temple in compliance with Caodai's Constitution. Unfortunately, seances have been banned since 1975.

Cơ cẩn chi tai

Chinese: 饑饉之災

Poverty and famine because of crop failure.

Kệ U Minh chung:

Ngũ phong thập võ miễn tạo cơ cẩn chi tai

(Năm gió mười mưa miễn gây tai họa mất mùa đói khổ)

Stanza for U Minh Bell:

May weather cause no damage to the crop so that there is no poverty or famine.

Cơ (quan)chuyển thế

Chinese:機轉世

An organization of world redemption.

Ðức Phạm Hộ Pháp thuyết đạo về Cơ quan Chuyển thế:

"Bần đạo nhớ buổi Ðức Chí Tôn mới đến tỏ danh hiệu của Ngài, Ngài hứa với các môn đệ của Ngài buổi đầu về Cơ quan Chuyển thế, làm phân vân biết bao nhà trí thức, tìm hiểu hai chữ Chuyển thế là gì?

Theo Triết lý học, định nghĩa chữ Chuyển thế là xoay đổi thời đại hiển nhiên ra thời đại khác, hoặc không phù hạp, hoặc quá khuôn khổ nề nếp, nên quyết đoán thay đổi lập trường thiêng liêng vì thời đại nầy đã định. Chuyển nghĩa là sửa đổi cũ ra mới. Lấy nghĩa lý định hẳn ra, tức nhiên chúng ta nhận thấy các khuôn luật đạo đức từ trước để lại đến giờ đều bị biếm trách cả, bởi vì đời quá hung tàn bạo ngược, vô nhơn luân, tinh thần đạo đức không qui định tâm lý loài người không tương quan nhau, mất cả luật đồng sanh làm căn bản loài người, luật đồng sanh gần như bị hủy bỏ... ... ..."

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon on Cơ quan Chuyển thế:

"I remember when God came, making his Name known to us, He promised to create an Organization of World Redemption. That caused lots of scholars to research what redemption was.

Redemption can be defined as changing the current world, which is improper, outdated or too structured, into a better world. More exactly, old ethical standards have been rejected because humans are too aggressive and immoral. Established moral principles cannot control human behaviors anymore, so humans, consequently, cannot live together in perfect harmony."

Cơ Ðạo

Chinese: 機道

Religious mechanism.

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Ấy là Cơ Ðạo cổ kim hy hữu.

Caodai's Constitution:

That has been a rare religious mechanism.

Cơ Ðời

1. Human life. For example: Mượn Thánh ân xây đổi cơ đời.( Using divine power to change human life).

2. Famine. For example: Những là khổ cực chịu cơ đời. (Lots of hardship and famine)

Cơ hàn

Chinese: 饑寒

Lack of food and clothes.

Kinh sám hối:

Hóa ra ngạ quỉ cơ hàn khổ thân.

Remorse Prayer:

Becoming starving demons without food or clothes.

Cơ khảo thí

Chinese: 機考試

Challenge, test, examination.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

"Chung quanh các con, dầu xa dầu gần, Thầy đã thả một lũ hổ lang ở lộn cùng các con. Thầy hằng xúi chúng nó thừa dịp mà cắn xé các con, song trước Thầy đã cho các con một bộ thiết giáp mà chúng nó chẳng hề thấy đặng là đạo đức của các con. Ấy vậy, ráng gìn giữ bộ thiết giáp đó hoài cho đến ngày các con hội hiệp cùng Thầy."

The Collection of Divine Messages:

"I (God) have let lots of predators live around you. I always induce them to eat you raw, but I have given you an invisible suit of armor, which is your ethics. Therefore, try to keep it until you return to Me."

Cơ quan Phát thanh Phổ thông Giáo lý Ðại Ðạo

(See Phát thanh)

Cơ quan Phổ Tế

(See Phổ Tế)

Cơ quan Phước Thiện

( See Phước Thiện)

Cơ tạo

Chinese: 機造

God's mechanism.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cơ tạo huyền vi chớ hững hờ.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Do not miss God's miraculous mechanism.

CỜ

Cờ Ðạo

(See Ðạo kỳ)

Cờ tang

(See Phướn Tử Tôn)

CỠI

Cỡi hạc thừa long

To ride on a crane or a dragon,i.e. live a pleasant life.

Kinh cầu bà con thân bằng cố hữu đã qui liễu:

Trụ nguyên tánh hồn linh nhàn lạc,

Cõi Đào nguyên cỡi hạc thừa long.

Lánh xa trược chất bụi hồng,

Cung Tiên sớm tối vui vòng thung dung.

Prayer for Late Relatives and Friends:

Your spirit goes back to divine goodness

And you gain the former happiness.

You've left the sad world behind

And from now on have a good time.

CÙ

Cù lao

Chinese: 劬勞

The hardship of parenthood.

Kinh Tụng Cha Mẹ Ðã Qui Liễu:

Ơn cúc dục cù lao mang nặng,

Lỡ thân côi mưa nắng khôn ngừa.

Âm dương cách bóng sớm trưa,

Thon von phận bạc không vừa hiếu thân.

Prayer for the Late Parents:

One thing now, I know for sure.

How can I appreciate your nurture?

Since you passed away, I've blamed myself

For not enough being a good child.

CỦA

Của thập phương (của bá tánh)

Donation, offering, contribution.

Kinh sám hối:

Thêm những sãi giả nương cửa Phật,

Của thập phương châu cấp thê nhi.

Remorse Prayer:

Some monks only pretend to practice a religion,

But actually support their family by stolen donation.

Của vô vi

Invisible wealth, that is the wealth in Heaven.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Tuy luật lệ siêu phàm nhập Thánh thì vậy mặc dầu, chớ cũng do cơ thưởng phạt của Thiên đình mới đạt phẩm vị ấy đặng. Của vô vi chưa chắc ai muốn lấy thì lấy.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Besides the Regulation of Heavenly Promotion, positions in Heaven are also decided by the Heaven Disciplinary Committee. Not everyone can attain their ideal positions.

CÚC

Cúc cung bái

Chinese: 鞠躬拜

To kowtow to somebody.

This is the phrase sung out by the rite presenter in Caodaist ceremonies. Hearing this phrase, all attendants kowtow toward the altar. When "Hưng" is sung aloud, everyone stands up.

Cúc xủ sương tan

Daisy fades and fog evaporates, i.e. autumn (fall) ends.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Lần lựa cúc xủ sương tan, mai gầy sen nở, ngày tháng qua chẳng là bao....

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Gradually, daisy fades, fog evaporates, ochna thins and lotus blooms. Time flies...

CUNG

Cung âm

Chinese: 宮音

Music. The term refers to worldly pleasure.

Kinh Giải Oan:

Chịu ô trược chơn thần nặng trĩu,

Mảnh hình hài biếng hiểu lương tâm.

Phong trần quen thú cung âm,

Cảnh thăng ngơ ngẩn lạc lầm phong đô.

Prayer for Injustice Removal:

Because of impurity your spirit becomes so unintelligent,

So it ignores the orders of your conscience.

Being used to worldly pleasure

You easily go to Hell, instead of Nirvana.

Cung Ðạo

Chinese: 宮道

The Seance Spot in Tây Ninh Temple.

This is said to be a sacred place used for major seances. This place is right in front of the main altar in Tây Ninh Temple.

Cung đẩu

Chinese: 宮斗

A palace named Ðẩu Suất, which belongs to Ðức Thái Thượng Ðạo Quân (Primeval Lord of Heaven) in Heaven.

Cung hiến Tiên hoa

Chinese: 恭獻仙花

Presenting flower offering to God.

In a Caodaist ceremony, believers are supposed to present to God:

Cung hiến tiên hoa. Presenting flowers symbolizing their bodies, believers pray, "I present my body to God the Father and God the Mother for whatever use."

Cung hiến tiên tửu. Presenting wine symbolizing their minds, believers pray, "I present my mind to God the Father and God the Mother for whatever use."

Cung hiến tiên trà. Presenting tea symbolizing their souls, believers pray, "I present my soul to God the Father and God the Mother for whatever use."

Cung loan

Chinese: 宮鸞

A woman's room.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Phòng tía cất thành hình thổ võ,

Cung loan lập giống dạng Cao Ðài.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Girls' rooms are changed into small temples

Wives' rooms are changed into Holy Houses.

Note:

The poem implies all women are prepared to practice religion.

Cung ngọc

Chinese: 宮玉

Jewel Palace, i.e. Heaven.

Kinh cầu bà con thân bằng cố hữu đã quy liễu:

Nơi cung Ngọc học thông Đạo cả,

Chốn Hư Vô Tạo Hóa tìm cơ.

Trên đường Thánh đức lần dò,

Trường sanh mầu nhiệm nơi lò Hóa Công.

Prayer for late relatives, acquaintances and friends:

Study religious teachings well in Heaven.

Also figure out the way to achieve enlightenment.

Be patient to practice a religion

Until you can make yourself eonian.

Cung phần sớ văn

Chinese: 恭焚疏文

Burning the petition to God.

Having been read in a Caodaist ceremony, the petition to God is burnt by the ceremony chief. The ceremony presenter sings out the above phrase to start the ritual.

Cung phụng

Chinese: 供奉

Waiting on somebody.

Kinh tụng huynh đệ mãn phần:

Gởi Tổ-Phụ ...[2]... hiền cung phụng,

Gởi sắp em còn sống nơi đời.

Rót chung ly biệt lưng vơi,

Mảnh lòng tha thiết đưa người bạn xưa.

Prayer for late siblings:

Please go there, waiting on our ancestors

And from there protect us, your brothers (sisters).

Here is our parting cup of wine,

Which is our love while saying goodbye.

Cung thành thứ tự chức sắc nhập đàn

Chinese: 恭誠次序職色入壇

Enter the ceremony in order, please.

The ceremony presenter sings out this to signal to everyone in a Caodaist ceremony.

Cung thiềm

Chinese: 宮蟾

The Palace of Toad, that is, the moon.

Kinh Ðệ Nhứt cửu:

Kìa thiên cảnh con đường vòi vọi,

Ánh Hồng Quân đương chói Ngọc Lầu.

Cung Thiềm gắng bước cho mau,

Thoát ba thần phẩm đứng đầu Tam Thiên.

Prayer for the First Nine-Day Period:

Look! It is still a long way to paradise.

The jewel castles there look so bright.

Hurry up if you want to be there early

So leave for the Three Thousand Worlds eagerly.

CƯ

Cư bất cầu an, thực bất cầu bão

Chinese: 居不求安食不求飽

It is unnecessary to live a peaceful life or to have plenty of food (Lit). This expression implies one should not try to make a fortune or to live extravagantly.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Nhưng chưa nghèo phải học nghèo, chưa khổ phải học khổ, kế chí quân tử: Cư bất cầu an, thực bất cầu bão, chỉ cặm cụi quanh năm lo cho xã hội được no ấm thôi.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Learn how to live in poverty and hardship if you have never been so. Follow the gentlemen's example: always care about others' happiness, not yours.

Cư tang

Chinese: 居喪

In mourning.

CỬA

Cửa không

The door of nothingness,i.e. a pagoda.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Khuya sớm tương dưa hết dục lòng,

Lòng dầu toan kế, kế sao xong.

Xong bề nhơn đạo tua gìn trước,

Trước cửa không rồi mối đạo thông.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Vegetarianism helps eliminate worldly desires,

So there are no more plots to be outlined.

First fulfill your personal responsibilities

Then enter a pagoda to become an enlightened entity.

Cửa Phạm

The same as cửa không.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Trước muốn đưa chơn vào cửa Phạm,

Hỏi mình có trọn tấm lòng thành?

The Collection of Divine Mesages:

Before practicing a religion,

Ponder whether or not it's a false token.

Cửa quyền

A governmental office.

Kinh Tụng Khi Thầy Qui Vị:

Dầu hoạn lộ chưa vừa sở nguyện,

Dầu cửa quyền trọng tiếng chăn dân.

Ơn cha sanh hóa ra thân,

Ơn Thầy giáo huấn cũng gần như nhau.

Prayer for the Late Teacher:

Though I haven't realized my dream completely,

I'm recognized to be a good official already.

Sir, you've spent lots of time teaching me.

That's as much as what my father gave me.

Cửa thiền

The same as Cửa Phạm, Cửa Không.

CỰC

Cực Ðông

Chinese: 極東

The Far-East.

Thuyết đạo của Hộ Pháp:

Xúm xít nhau, bảo thủ tùy phương, bảo thủ cây cờ Ðạo của Thầy là Tòa Thánh, lại gắng tạo thành sựng sựng tại miền Cực Ðông nơi VN nầy một cái Cao Ðài, đặng làm ngọn đèn soi sáng đến cảnh cộng hòa của toàn thế giới.

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

Together, try your best to protect God's religious symbol, which is Tây Ninh Temple. Let the High Tower rise in the Far Eastern Vietnam to symbolize the harmonious world community.

Cực Lạc Niết bàn (Cực Lạc Thế giới, Cực Lạc quốc)

Chinese: 極樂涅槃 - 極樂世界 - 極樂國

Nirvana (Paradise, Kingdom of happiness, Heaven).

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thuyền khơi đợi gió lướt dòng ngân,

Dẫn khách Nam qua khỏi bến trần.

Nhuộm áo nâu sồng về Cực Lạc,

Trau gươm trí huệ phủi đai cân.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

The vessel is waiting for wind to begin

Carrying southerners away from the world of sins.

Get religious now to return to Heaven

And give up fame and fortune for enlightenment.

Cực Lạc Thái Bình

Chinese: 極樂太平

The name of a Caodaist cemetery in Tây Ninh, Vietnam.

According to Chinese Fengshui (an ancient art to find a good tomb site), the people whose late parents are buried in a sacred land will be successful later. Therefore, it is good for Caodaiists to be buried there because Tây Ninh is the Holy Land. Tây Ninh Temple is believed to be on a sacred position called "Lục Long Phò Ấn" (A seal supported by six dragons).

CƯƠNG

Cương tỏa

Chinese: 韁鎖

A horse bridle and bit. This expression implies fortune and fame, which keep people in a rat race. Practicing religion help free them from both that rat race and the cycle of birth and death.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cương tỏa đương thời đã giải vây,

Ðừng mơ căn nghiệt một đời nầy.

Hữu duyên độ thấu nguồn Chơn Ðạo,

Tu niệm khuyên bền chí chớ lay.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Having been freed from fame and fortune,

You'd better dream no higher positions.

It's lucky you practice a religion,

So be diligent until you achieve enlightenment.

CƯỜNG

Cường khai

Chinese: 強開

To widely publicize a theory.

Phật Mẫu Chơn Kinh:

Kỳ khai tạo nhứt linh đài,

Diệt hình tà pháp cường khai đại đồng.

Prayer to God the Mother:

In the Third Amnesty, the Only Religion has been established.

False doctrines will be eliminated and harmony will be widely promoted.

Cường ngạnh

Chinese: 強梗

Obstinate, hardheaded, stubborn, disobedient.

Ðệ lục hình: Cường ngạnh.

Những vị nào phạm vào luật nầy thì bị khép vào tội thứ 6 trong Thập hình của Ðức Lý Giáo Tông, nghĩa là phạt vào Tịnh Thất từ 1 tháng tới 1 năm mà còn hành chánh như thường.

The Sixth Punishment:

The follower who has broken this law commits the sixth sin in Lý Giáo Tông's Ten Punishments, being forced to stay in The Meditation House from a month to a year while still doing religious work.

CƯỠNG

Cưỡng bức

Chinese: 強逼

Force, compel, oblige.

Thuyết đạo của Hộ Pháp:

Chúng ta chỉ lấy đạo đức nhơn nghĩa làm quyền, còn ngoài kia họ lấy quyền lực cưỡng bức, hai cái so nhau khác hẳn.

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

Our power originates in righteousness while they force people to do what they want. Therefore, there is a complete distinction.

CƯỢNG

Cượng cầu

Resist, oppose.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Chớ cượng cầu mà nghịch Thánh ý Thầy.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Do not resist. That's against Master's desire.

Cượng lý

To argue against.

Thuyết đạo của Hộ Pháp:

Tu không được, nguyên do tại bạn đã làm bạn phải chịu, không còn cượng lý gì nữa.

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

That you cannot practice the doctrine is your fault. Do not ague anymore.

CƯU

Cưu cưu

Chinese: 鳩鳩

Koel, a genus of cuckoo. These birds are brood parasites, laying their eggs in other species' nests. The young birds are raised by other parents and leave when they are grown up. That is why they are thought to be disloyal.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Giận nỗi cưu cưu ở bạc tình.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Koels are hated because of their disloyalty.

Cưu hờn

To resent, to feel angry about.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Các con khá thương hại cho lũ vô tâm ấy mà chẳng nên cưu hờn.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Take pity on those irresponsible guys instead of resenting them.

Cưu tâm

Plan, intend, desire.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Kẻ nào cưu tâm chia phe phân phái là đứa thù nghịch của Thầy.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Those who intend to make a schism are Master's enemies.

CỨU

Cứu cánh

Chinese: 究竟

The ultimate goal.

Cứu chuộc

Redemption of the world from sin.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Rộng mở cửa răn năng cứu chuộc.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Less punishment and more redemption.

Cứu độ

Chinese: 救渡

Helping somebody change from bad to good usually by preaching or a doctrine.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Phước gặp Tam Kỳ Trời cứu độ.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

It is fortunate enough to be helped by God in the Third Amnesty.

Cứu hộ (Cứu ương).

Chinese: 救護

Saving somebody from a dangerous situation.

Kinh Cứu Khổ:

Nam mô Phật lực oai, Nam mô Phật lực hộ, sử nhơn vô ác tâm linh nhơn thân đắc độ.

Hồi Quang Bồ Tát, Hồi Thiện Bồ Tát, A Nậu Đại Thiên Vương, Chánh Điện Bồ Tát, ma kheo ma kheo thanh tịnh tỳ kheo, quan sự đắc tán tụng sự đắc hưu.

Chư Đại Bồ Tát, ngũ bá A La Hán, cứu hộ đệ tử ....[1].... nhứt thân ly khổ nạn.

Tự ngôn Quan Thế Âm anh lạc bất tu giải, cần đọc thiên vạn biến tai nạn tự nhiên đắc giải thoát.

Prayer for Salvation:

I sincerely pray to the powerful and supportive Buddha that all humans be moralized and saved.

I sincerely pray to Hồi Quang Boddhisattva, Hồi Thiện Boddhisattva, the Ultimate Heavenly King, Chánh Điện Boddhisattva, and all senior priests that all social problems and court trials be solved and settled.

I pray to Boddhisattva Chiefs and five hundred Arahant for saving (name) from all dangers.

What Avalokistesvara Boddhisattva preaches is understandable enough and needs no explanations. Recite it thousands of times and you will suffer no more.

Cứu rỗi

Saving a soul.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Chúng nó đã gieo ác cảm lừng đến Tam Giáo Ðài, thế thì bước đường sau nầy Thầy khó cứu rỗi được.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

They have angered the Three-Religion Tower, so I can hardly save their souls later.

Cứu tế

Chinese: 救濟

Helping a victim of a disaster.

Cứu thế

Chinese: 救世

Saving the world.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cứu thế quyết ngưng quyền Ðịa phủ.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Trying to stop the Hell's power to save the world.

Cứu vãn

Chinese: 救挽

Recovering a situation to the normal state, preventing something from collapsing.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Con vì tâm tình cao thượng mà cứu vãn sự sụp đổ của một dân tộc.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Due to your noble affection, try to prevent a nation from collapsing.

CỬU

1. CỬU: 九 - 9

2. CỬU: 久 - a long time.

Cửu cửu (Chung cửu).

Chinese: 九九: 終九

The final nine-day period in a Caodaist funeral.

A Caodai funeral, which is believed to enable a soul to pass the Nine Heavens, includes: nine nine-day periods, a Tiểu Tường (Little Fortune or the Mid Funeral) and a Ðại Tường(Great Fortune or the Funeral End).

The First Nine-day Period: 9 days after the death, a ceremony is held in the local Holy House. The Second Nine-day Period: 9 days after the first period, another ceremony is held.

The process continues the same way until the Ninth Nine-day Period, that is 81 days after the death.

200 more days is Tiểu Tường and after that 300 more days is Ðại Tường. Since then on, đám giỗ (Death Anniversary) is held annually.

Cửu Hoàng Tỹ Tổ

Chinese: 九皇鼻祖

The ancestor of the nine first Emperors,i.e. human ancestor.

Cửu hạn

Chinese: 久旱

A severe drought.

Cửu huyền (Cửu tộc)

Chinese: 九玄 - 九族

The nine levels of relationships - The nine families, i.e. all relatives of a person according to Chinese tradition.

Kinh khai cửu Đại Tường và Tiểu Tường:

Giọt lụy của Cửu huyền dầu đổ,

Chớ đau lòng thuận nợ trầm luân.

Prayer for the Mid Funeral and Funeral End:

Though relatives are in mourning,

Don't be sad because that is what you have been owing.

Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ

Chinese: 九玄七祖

Ancestors of nine levels in direct line.

■ Ðức Phạm Hộ Pháp thuyết đạo ngày 15-10-Canh Dần (1950):

"Bần đạo nói thật, thời buổi nầy, chúng ta không tìm phương giải thoát cho Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ thì không có thời buổi nào có năng lực độ rỗi Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ của mình đặng.

Bởi thế nên toàn thể con cái Ðức Chí Tôn, Nam Nữ cũng vậy, có tấm lòng yêu ái nồng nàn hoài vọng giọt máu, mảnh thân hình, giờ phút nầy là giờ phút nên để trọn tâm cho thanh tịnh đặng cầu nguyện siêu thoát cho Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ.

Bần đạo dám nói: Giờ phút nầy, mấy người có thể nhỏng nhẻo với Ðức Chí Tôn được. Ngài sẵn sàng để hai chữ ân xá thì mấy người xin cái gì thì ổng cũng cho cái nấy."

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon, 1950:

"Honestly, this is the only period when you can find the way to redeem all of your ancestors.

Therefore, all of God's children, who really love their ancestors, should silence their mind and pray for all ancestors' salvation.

I affirm you now can snivel to Him. God has granted a general amnesty, so He will grant you whatever you request."

Cửu nguyên (Cửu Tuyền, Chín Suối, Âm phủ)

Chinese: 九原

The world of the dead, Hell.

Cửu nhị ức nguyên nhân

Chinese: 九二億元人

According to Caodaism, when the universe began, 10,000,000 heavenly spirits (nguyên nhân) descended into the world to educate human beings. After two periods of Amnesty, only 800,000 of them returned to Heaven. To date, 9,200,000 of them have been stuck here. One of Caodai's functions is to save all of them in the Third Amnesty.

Cửu Nương

Chinese: 九娘

The Ninth Female Buddha.

One of the nine female Buddhas assisting God the Mother. According to divine messages, Her most recent incarnation was Miss Cao Thị Kiết (or Khiết), born 1895 in Bạc Liêu, Vietnam. She was sick and dead in 1920.

Cửu phẩm Thần Tiên

Chinese: 九品神仙

The nine Heavenly Grades.

1 Ðịa Thần Ange Gardien Guardian Angel

2 Nhơn Thần Archange Archangel

3 Thiên Thần Principauté Principality

4 Ðịa Thánh Puissance Power

5 Nhơn Thánh Vertu Virtue

6 Thiên Thánh Domination Domination

7 Ðịa Tiên Trône Throne

8 Nhơn Tiên Chérubin Cherub

9 Thiên Tiên Séraphin Seraph.

(Translation by Ms. Lucy Davey)

Cửu thập ngũ hồi

Chinese: 九十五迴

Ninety five reincarnations.

Caodaist scriptures affirm Confucius has had 95 incarnations on earth, which is called the 68th planet.

Cửu thập nhị tào

Chinese: 九十二曹

(See Cửu nhị ức nguyên nhân)

Cửu Thiên Cảm Ứng Lôi Thinh Phổ Hóa Thiên Tôn

Chinese: 九天感應雷聲普化天尊

This is the title of the god, who is traditionally believed to create lightning, thunder and rains.

Cửu Thiên Huyền Nữ (Cửu Thiên Nương Nương)

Chinese: 九天玄女 (九天娘娘)

God the Mother.

In the first Banquet of Diêu Trì Cung at Mr Cao Quỳnh Cư's house, 134 Bourdais Street, SàiGòn 1925, God the Mother granted this poem.

CỬU kiếp Hiên Viên thọ sắc Thiên,

THIÊN Thiên cửu phẩm đắc cao huyền.

HUYỀN hư tác thế Thần Tiên Nữ,

NỮ hảo thiện căn đoạt cửu Thiên.

Translation:

God the Mother had Her ninth incarnation in China in the time of King Hiên Viên.

In Heaven the Nine Heavenly Ranks are so miraculous.

She creates material worlds and goddesses,

The kind-hearted women will attain high ranks in the nine heavens.

Cửu Thiên Khai Hóa

Chinese: 九天開化

Heavenly Masters in the Nine Heavens. The gods responsible for educating human beings.

Thuyết đạo Đức Hộ Pháp:

"Các chơn hồn mượn xác phàm phải đi theo phẩm trật Cửu Thiên Khai Hóa, tức là theo Hội Thánh CTÐ, dùng tài sức mình lập công để đoạt đạo, nghĩa là phải đi từ bậc Ðạo hữu lên Lễ Sanh, Giáo Hữu, Giáo Sư,... ... ..., phải lập công từ Tiểu thừa, Trung thừa đến Thượng thừa, phải ăn chay từ 6 ngày mỗi tháng đến 10 ngày, rồi ăn chay trường luôn. Các chơn hồn đi theo phẩm trật Cửu Thiên Khai Hóa còn phải có tự tín, rồi tha tín, tức là tự giác nhi giác tha đó vậy. Có tự tín rồi tha tín, tức là có tự độ mình rồi độ chúng sanh."

Sermon of His Holiness Hộ Pháp:

"All spirits, who incarnated as humans, have to follow the path of Cửu Thiên Khai Hóa, that is to do religious work in the Caodai's Executive Body. They have to work as a believer, then Lễ Sanh, Giáo Hữu, Giáo Sư, etc. They have to work from the Elementary Level, Intermediate Level up to Advanced Level. They have to practice vegetarianism from 6 days a month, to 10 days a month and up to becoming strict vegetarian. They have to self study Caodaism then preach it to others."

Cửu Tiên

Chinese: 九仙

Nine Fairies, another name for Nine Female Buddhas.

(See: Cửu vị Tiên Nương).

Cửu tiêu

Chinese: 九霄

Nine Clouds or Nine Heavens.

Cửu Trùng Ðài

Chinese: 九重臺

The Nine-Level Tower (Caodai Executive Body)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Caodaism is composed of three bodies:

· Cửu Trùng Ðài (The Nine-Level Tower or Caodai Executive Body).

· Hiệp Thiên Ðài (The Communion Tower or Caodai Judiciary Body).

· Bát Quái Ðài (The Octagonal Tower or Caodai Divine Body).

The dignitaries in Caodai Executive Body are God's representatives, preaching the messages of God, educating sinners and help bring them back to God.

The Constitution of The Nine-Level Tower (Male Dignitaries) was decreed by God after the Ceremony of Inauguration on November 20th 1926. On February 10th 1927 under God's order His Holiness Lý Thái Bạch, Giáo Tông, issued the Constitution of Female Dignitaries.

II. HIERACHY OF THE NINE-LEVEL TOWER:

A. Male Dignitaries:

Giáo Tông Caodai Head (1 position)

Chưởng Pháp Dharma Master (3 positions)

Ðầu Sư Master Chief (3 positions)

Chánh PhốiSư Master (3 positions)

Phối Sư Assistant Master (33 positions)

Giáo Sư Religious Teacher (72 positions)

Giáo Hữu Religious Associate (3000 positions)

Lễ Sanh Rite-Student (unlimited)

Chánh Trị Sự. Administrative Unit Chief (unlimited)

Phó Trị Sự. Unit Chief Assistant (unlimited)

Thông Sự Unit Law Assistant (unlimited)

Ðạo hữu Believer

B. Female Dignitaries:

The same as male dignitaries with an exception:

The female highest rank is Nữ Ðầu Sư (1 position), the second highest is Nữ Chánh Phối Sư (1 position) and the positions of other lower ranks are unlimited.

III. CAODAI'S ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM:

Caodai's administration is organized according to the governmental administration. Hương đạo is for a hamlet or a village, led by a Chánh Trị Sự, a Phó Trị Sự and a Thông Sự.

Tộc đạo or Họ đạo is for a rural commune or a commune-level town, led by a Lễ Sanh.

Châu đạo is for a district, led by a Giáo Hữu.

Trấn đạo is for a province, led by a Giáo Sư.

Cửu Trùng Thiên

Chinese: 九重天

Nine celestial planes, Nine Heavens.

1. Nine Heavens includes:

The First Heaven with Vườn Ngạn Uyển (Heavenly Flower Garden), under the First Female Buddha.

The Second Heaven with Vườn Ðào Tiên (Heavenly Peach Garden), under the Second Female Buddha.

The Third is Thanh Thiên (Azure Heaven).

The Fourth is Huỳnh Thiên (Yellow Heaven).

The Fifth is Xích Thiên (Red Heaven).

The Sixth is Kim Thiên (Golden Heaven).

The Seventh is Hạo Nhiên Thiên (Immense Heaven) under Ðức Chuẩn Ðề Bồ Tát (Cundi Boddhi sattva) and Phổ Hiền Bồ Tát (Boddhisattva of Universal Knowledge)

The Eighth is Phi Tưởng Thiên (Beyond Thought Heaven) under Ðức Từ Hàng Bồ Tát.

The Ninth is Tạo Hóa Thiên (Creation Heaven) under God the Mother.

2. Cửu Trùng Thiên in Ðại Ðồng Xã: This term also refers to an octagonal nine-level tower in Ðại Ðồng Xã (Harmonious Yard) in front of Tây Ninh Temple, where funerals and cremations of Caodai's senior dignitaries are held.

Cửu tuyền

Chinese: 九泉

The same as Cửu Nguyên, chín suối.

Kinh đại tường:

Khai cơ tận độ, cửu tuyền diệt vong.

Prayer for the Funeral End:

Beginning the complete salvation by closing Hell.

Cửu vị Tiên Nương (Cửu vị Nữ Phật)

Chinese: 九位仙娘 - 九位女佛

The nine Female Buddhas, assisting God the Mother.

1. The First Female Buddha, who is believed to have an incarnation as a Vietnamese woman named Hoa, is in charge of Ngạn Uyển (the Heavenly Flower Garden) in the First Heaven, where each flower represents a spirit. The flower blooms when the spirit incarnates and fades when the spirits returns to Heaven.

2. The Second Female Buddha, who is said to have an incarnation as a Vietnamese woman named Cầm, takes care of vườn Ðào Tiên (Heavenly Peach Garden) in the Second Heaven.

3. The Third Female Buddha, who incarnated as a Vietnamese woman named Tuyến, manages the Third Azure Heaven. She takes spirits across the ocean of sorrow by Prana Boat.

4. The Fourth Female Buddha waits for spirits in the Yellow Heaven. She is the judge in various competitions, who will supports true talents to help develop the world. It is said She also incarnated as a Vietnamese woman named Gấm. 5. The Fifth Female Buddha governs the Red Heaven, where all spirits are led to Minh Cảnh Đài (Transparent Glass Tower) to review whether they have done good deeds or committed sins on earth. She also incarnated in Vietnam as a woman named Liễu.

6. The Six Female Buddha, who is said to have incarnated as Jeanne d'Arc (1412-1431)in France and as a woman named Huệ in Vietnam, is responsible for the Golden Heaven, leading all spirits to cung Vạn Pháp (Multiple Dharma Palace) to review their previous acts.

7. The Seventh Female Buddha see spirits in Hạo Nhiên Thiên (Immense Heaven), leading them to report to Ðức Chuẩn Ðề Bồ Tát and Ðức Phổ Hiền Bồ Tát. So kind-hearted is She that She volunteers to educate female spirits in Hell. In Vietnam, She incarnated as Miss Vương thị Lễ.

8. The Eighth Female Buddha sees spirits coming to Phi Tưởng Thiên (Beyond Thought Heaven). She granted a lot of poems and scriptures, especially the Prayer to God the Mother and the Esoteric Practice. She incarnated as a Chinese woman named Bạch Liên.

9. The Ninth Female Buddha sees spirits coming to Tạo Hóa Thiên (Creation Heaven), leading them to report to God the Mother. One of Her incarnations was in Vietnam as Miss Cao Thị Khiết.

Cửu viện

Chinese: 九院

Nine Caodai's Departments, which are the central system of Caodai's administration:

1. HỘ VIỆN (Department of Finance).

2. LƯƠNG VIỆN (Department of Hospitality).

3. CÔNG VIỆN (Department of Construction).

4. HỌC VIỆN (Department of Education).

5. Y VIỆN (Department of Health).

6. NÔNG VIỆN (Department of Agriculture).

7. HÒA VIỆN (Department of Conciliation).

8. LẠI VIỆN (Department of Promotion).

9. LỄ VIỆN (Department of Rites).

Cửu U

Chinese: 九幽

Nine Sections of Hell.

Kệ U Minh Chung:

Cửu U thập loại chi trung tất ly khổ hải.

Stanza for U Minh Bell:

Ten classes of spirits in nine sections of Hell are free from suffering.

CỰU

Cựu lệ

Chinese: 舊例

Outdated custom.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ai có lòng thì tế lễ chi chi ta cũng chẳng trách đặng, vì cựu lệ bày đến ngày nay.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I do not blame those who make such donation because they just follow outdated custom.

Cựu luật

Chinese: 舊律

Ancient religious law. Caodaism maintains the religious law in the First and Second Amnesty are old fashioned. The present Third Amnesty's Law fits current human spiritual level, which is Caodai Canonical Laws.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Chẳng phải Thầy còn buộc theo Cựu luật, song luật ấy rất nên quí báu, không giữ chẳng hề thành Tiên, Phật đặng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I (God) do not want to impose the ancient religious law on you disciples, but it is still so precious that you cannot become Buddhas without observing it.

Cựu nghiệp

Chinese: 舊業

Good deeds in one's former incarnation .

Cựu phẩm (Cựu vị)

Chinese: 舊品,舊位

One's previous heavenly position.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thiên phong là để cho bậc Thánh, Tiên, Phật lìa trần phải lắm dày công cùng sanh chúng mới trông mong hồi cựu phẩm đặng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Divine Ordination is for Saints, Immortals and Buddhas who have to work so hard so as to come back to their heavenly positions.

Cựu Ước

(See Tân Ước - Cựu Ước)

Từ Chơn

March 3rd 2015

Revised November 9th 2015

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