N

NẢ

Nả nong (nong nả)

To be eager, keen.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thông biết thế thời mới gọi thông,

Thông minh học đạo vẹn trau lòng.

Lòng trần dầu muốn phong ba dứt,

Ðộ chúng tu nhơn chí nả nong

The Collection of Divine Messages:

It's good for you to know the current situation,

In which it's wise for you to get religion.

If you want to stop all agony,

Eagerly preach the word of God to everybody.

NÃI

Nãi

Chinese: 乃

This is an expletive without independent meaning in general.

Kinh Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Ðế:

Nãi Nhựt, Nguyệt, Tinh, Thần chi quân,

Vi Thánh, Thần, Tiên, Phật chi chủ.

Prayer to The Jade Emperor:

God reigns over the sun, the moon and stars.

God rules saints, angels, immortals and buddhas.

NẠI

Nại hà

Chinese: 奈何

Traditionally, Nại hà is said to be a bridge in Hell, which is too slippery for sinners to cross. Falling down, sinners are eaten by lots of sea predators.

Kinh Sám Hối:

Cầu Nại hà bắc giăng sông lớn,

Tội nhơn qua óc rởn dùn mình.

Remorse Prayer:

The Nại hà bridge spans a large river,

Where sea monsters eat falling sinners.

NAM

Nam ai & Nam xuân

Chinese: 南哀 & 南春

The two styles of Vietnamese traditional music. Nam (the South) means musicians have to face south while performing. Nam Ai is slow and melancholy while Nam Xuân faster and more cheerful. All Caodaist prayers are accompanied by either Nam Xuân or Nam Ai.

Nam bang

Chinese: 南邦

Vietnam.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Hảo Nam Bang! Hảo Nam Bang!

Tiểu quốc tảo khai hội Niết Bàn.

Hạnh ngộ Cao Ðài truyền Ðại Ðạo,

Hảo phùng Ngọc Ðế ngự trần gian.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Congratulations on Vietnam, a humble nation!

Which is chosen for The Nirvana Conference.

It's fortunate that Caodaism preaches the true doctrine,

And that God comes to the world for all beings.

Nam Bình Phật Tổ (Nam Bình Vương Phật)

Chinese: 南屏佛祖(南屏王佛)

The Vietnamese Guardian Buddha, whose picture is worshipped in Trí Giác Cung, Địa Linh Động, Tây ninh. However, who he is and where he is from are very controversial. It is commonly said that Phạm Hộ Pháp gave orders to display the picture there.

Note:

Trí Giác Cung: the House of Wisdom, one of the three Caodaist Meditation Houses.

Địa Linh Động: The Sacred Land Cave, another name for Trí Giác Cung.

Nam châu

Chinese: 南州

The same as Nam bang, that is Vietnam.

Kinh Tụng Khi Vua Thăng Hà:

Bốn ngàn năm quốc gia đã lập,

Cõi Nam Châu bồi đắp giang sơn.

Trụ tâm nâng đỡ quốc hồn,

Giữ bền đảnh nghiệp vĩnh tồn hậu lai

Prayer for the Late Ruler:

For 4000 years the nation has been in existence.

Vietnam has been on the way of development.

Let's focus on supporting the national essence

For the country to last without expiration.

Nam giao

Chinese: 南郊

When Gia Long, King of Vietnam, united the country, he held a ceremony in the south of the capital (Huế) to worship God. Later, this ceremony was held every three years and dubbed Nam giao.

Thuyết Ðạo của Ðức Phạm Hộ Pháp:

Muốn cứu vãn tình thế, tiên nho buộc cả nhà vua và triều chánh, dĩ chí toàn dân, phải ăn chay, nguyện tế, gọi là Lễ Nam giao.

His Holiness Phạm Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

To solve the problem, ancient Confucians made the King, his court and the ruled have vegetarian meals, say prayers and worship God in a ceremony called Nam giao.

Nam hoa

Chinese: 南花

Vietnamese women.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Làu soi gương hạnh rạng Nam hoa,

Sau trước rồi đây cũng một nhà.

Liễu yếu đem đường dìu liễu yếu,

Tranh xưa thêm rỡ cảnh liên tòa.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Vietnamese women's virtues deserve respect and admiration.

You and I will enjoy closer cooperation.

Helping each other, we'll try to improve our heavenly positions.

In Heaven, more lotus thrones will be won.

Nam Kha (Mộng Nam Kha)

Chinese: 南柯 (夢南柯)

Nam Kha dream.

Note:

A man in the Chinese Tang Dynasty once slept under a big tree. He dreamed that he became a prince, who married a princess. Then he was sent to govern a country named Nam Kha and had an extravagant life there. Unfortunately, he lost a battle and his wife died of sickness. The King dismissed and expelled him. He was so disappointed when waking up, but realized that life, like the dream, was so short. The term Nam Kha dream now refers to the human short life.

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

Đã từng chịu khó khăn kiếp sống,

Định tâm thần giải mộng Nam Kha.

Càn khôn để bước Ta bà,

Đoạt cơ thoát tục tạo nhà cõi Thiên.

Prayers for the Late Relative or Friend:

Having experienced many hardships in life,

You know what a short life is like

And that the world is just a temporary site

To attain ultimate wisdom and go to paradise.

Nam mô

Chinese: 南無

Sanskrit: Namah (नम), Namas (नमस्), or Namo (नमो)

Vietnamese: Nam mô.

English: pay homage to, obey, save me.

Traditionally, the Vietnamese use this word to begin a prayer. Caodaists begin a ceremony by saying Nam mô Phật, Nam mô Pháp, Nam mô Tăng.

Nam nhi

Chinese: 男兒

Young men

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thanh sử từng nêu gương nữ kiệt,

Hồng ân chi kém bạn nam nhi.

Lọc lừa chớ để đen pha trắng,

Lui tới đừng cho bạc lộn chì.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

In history there were lots of leading ladies

As powerful and courageous as heroes in mythology.

Despite hardships, remember to remain virtuous

Like gold, which is always precious.

Nam nữ thọ thọ bất thân

Chinese: 男女授受不親

Men and women mustn't be close to each other.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thầy sai Bần Ðạo đến sắp đặt trang nghiêm trong Thánh Thất.

Bần Ðạo phân phép từ ngày nay hễ nhập Thánh Thất thì phải giữ phép:

Nam Nữ bất thân. Nam ở Ðông hiên. Nữ ở Tây hiên.

Hai bên không lân cận nhau, Nam theo Nam, Nữ theo Nữ.

Cấm cười cợt trững giỡn với nhau.

Trừ ra vợ chồng hay là chị em ruột, anh em ruột đặng chuyện vãn nhau nơi tịnh đàn. Còn kỳ dư như hai đàng muốn chuyện vãn nhau, phải có hai người chứng, một bên Nam, một bên Nữ.

Phòng trù dầu phải chung lộn với nhau buổi nấu nướng, khi dọn ăn chẳng đặng lộn xộn cùng nhau... nghe à.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

God told me to come here to keep the Holy House in order.

First, I order that male and female believers be separated from now on. Male in the east hallway; female in the west hallway.

Second, flirting with each other is prohibited.

Third, married couples or brothers and sisters' conversations are allowed, but friend couples are permitted only with a male and a female monitors.

Finally, during food preparation in the kitchen they can cooperate, but have to stay separated while eating.

Nam phong thử nhựt biến nhơn phong

Chinese: 南風此日變人風

Vietnamese culture will become human one some day.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Quốc Đạo kim triêu thành Đại Đạo,

Nam phong thử nhựt biến nhơn phong.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

The true doctrine is now the national religion.

Someday Vietnamese culture will be for all humans.

Nam tả & Nữ hữu

Chinese: 男左 & 女右

Man on the left & Woman on the right.

Chú Giải Pháp Chánh Truyền:

"Tòa Thánh day mặt về hướng Tây tức là chánh cung Đoài, ấy là Cung Đạo, còn bên tay trái Thầy là cung Càn, bên tay mặt Thầy là cung Khôn. Đáng lẽ Thầy phải để 7 cái ngai của phái Nam bên tay trái Thầy tức bên cung Càn mới phải, song chúng nó vì thể Nhơn Đạo cho đủ Ngũ Chi, cho nên Thầy buộc phải để vào Cung Đạo là cung Đoài cho đủ số. Ấy vậy, cái ngai của Đầu Sư Nữ phái phải để bên cung Khôn tức là bên tay mặt Thầy."

Footnote to Caodaist Constitution:

"The Caodaist Temple faces west, that is the trigrams of Đoài ☱ or the Trigrams of Religion, so on My left is the trigrams of Càn ☰ and my right Khôn ☷. I should have left the seven thrones for male dignitaries on My right, but I then put them in the Trigrams of Religion because they represent Humanitarianism, one of the Five Religious Branches. Therefore, the throne for Nữ Đầu Sư (The Female Master Chief) should be put on My right."

Nam Tào & Bắc Đẩu

Chinese: 南曹 & 北斗

Nam Tào:

Nam Đẩu, Nam Đẩu lục tinh, is a group of six stars seen in the South. Ancient Chinese believed those stars were controlled by six deities named Nam Đẩu Tinh Quân or Nam Tào. According to Caodaism, Nam Tào is another name for Nam Cực Tiên Ông, an immortal, who keeps the Human Birth Records.

Bắc Đẩu:

Bắc Đẩu, Bắc Đẩu thất tinh, is a group of seven stars seen in the North. According to Chinese mythology, they are manipulated by seven deities, one of whom is called Bắc Đẩu Tiên Ông keeping the Human Death Records.

Thuyết đạo của Đức Hộ Pháp:

"Nếu khi về được rồi, thân nhân của chúng ta dắt chúng ta đến một cung có một quyển sách Thiên Thơ (Vô Tự Kinh) để trước mặt ta, dở ra xem thấy tên mình và kiếp sanh của mình đã làm gì, thì trong quyển Thiên Thơ ấy nó hiện tượng ra hết, chúng ta tự xử chúng ta, mình làm tòa để xử mình, hoặc mình phải đầu kiếp hay là đoạt đến địa vị nào, mình đứng đến mức nào thì cũng do mình định đoạt lấy. Vị Chưởng quản nơi cung ấy theo tiếng phàm của chúng ta đặt tên là Nam Tào Bắc Đẩu."

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

"Coming back to Heaven, we are taken by relatives to a house where there is a divine book called Vô Tự Kinh (Blank Scripture). Our names and past activities are recorded in this book in detail. After that, it's we that judge whether we attain a higher divine status or we have to reincarnate. The manager of that house is commonly called Nam Tào Bắc Đẩu."

Nam Thiệm Bộ Châu

Chinese: 南贍部洲

According to Caodaism, this is one of the four continents in Heaven. The earth, which Caodaists call the 68th Earth, belongs to Nam Thiệm Bộ Châu.

(See: Tứ Đại Bộ Châu)

Bài Xưng Tụng Công Ðức Phật Tiên Thánh Thần:

Lòng sở vọng lâm dâm tụng niệm,

Xin giải nàn Nam Thiệm Bộ Châu.

Chúng sanh cảm đức cao sâu,

Rèn lòng, sửa nết, lo âu làm lành.

Prayer in Praise of Deities:

Sincerely I pray to deities in silence

That the danger in Nam Thiệm Bộ Châu be lessened.

The people there will be very grateful

And try to be as religious as possible.

NAN

Nan phân

Chinese: 難分

To be indistinguishable.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Cang thường điên đảo, phong hóa suy vi, những mảng ghét lẫn nhau, giành xé nhau; mỗi Tôn Giáo phân chia, Ðạo nước nhà chẳng đoái, chánh tà, tà chánh nan phân. Còn chút hơi thở ở cõi trần, mà tính tình dọc ngang chưa chịu dứt. Một mai hồn xuống Diêm Ðài, khổ A Tỳ bảo sao không buộc trói.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Social relationship and culture are deteriorating because of a cruel battle for benefit. Religious communities are divided and the national religion is ignored. Right and wrong are indistinguishable. Though life is short, people are still too aggressive. They'll be punished in Hell for sure!

NÃO

Não cân

Chinese: 腦筋

Brain, mind, nerves.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Chớ nên xao tâm động trí, ngơ ngẩn theo thường tình, thì não cân được tự minh, mới có thể ngăn cản tà mị độn nhập vào mà khuấy rối; ấy là lời dặn đinh ninh, nếu chẳng lưu tâm, thì chẳng khỏi sự khổ xảy tới.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Try not to be so agitated like most ordinary people then you'll be calm and wise enough to prevent evil people from disturbing. Take my advice or else you'll be in trouble!

NĂM

Năm cây hương

Five joss sticks, five sticks of incense.

In a Cao Dai rite, five joss sticks are put into an incense burner in a specific arrangement. The back line includes three joss sticks called án tam tài, standing for Heaven, Earth and Humans. The others are put in front of these and the five sticks together are called Tượng Ngũ Khí, the five gases creating Kim, Thủy, Mộc, Hỏa, Thổ (metal, water, wood, fire and dirt).

Thuyết Đạo Đức Hộ Pháp:

"Nói về 5 cây nhang, từ thử Bần đạo để cho các Nho gia tự do giảng giải sao thì giảng, còn Bần đạo hiểu rõ là Ngũ Khí.

Chí Tôn dùng Ngũ Khí biến thành Ngũ Hành, vận chuyển Càn khôn thế giới, tức là: Kim, Mộc, Thủy, Hỏa, Thổ. Mỗi chất đều có mỗi sắc, mỗi sắc đều có mỗi Khí. Mùi vị và sanh quang của nó, chúng ta không thể hưởng được, nghe được.

Nên chi, khi làm lễ đốt đủ Năm cây hương là đúng theo phép tín ngưỡng, là qui pháp lại, mọi vật trong Ngũ Khí dâng lễ cho Đức Chí Tôn, chỉ có Người vui hưởng qui pháp ấy mà thôi. Cắt nghĩa rõ rệt ra là Ngũ Khí đó vậy. Đúng hơn nữa là trong Bát hồn vận chuyển được phải nhờ đến Ngũ Khí, cùng một ý nghĩa với: Vạn vật đồng thinh niệm Chí Tôn."

His Holiness Hộ Pháp's Sermon:

"What Confucians and Buddhists say to explain the five joss sticks are different from that of Caodaists. According to Caodaism, they symbolize Ngũ Khí (Five gases).

God changes Ngũ Khí into Ngũ Hành (Five Substances): Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Dirt. Each substance has its own color and smell, which are undetectable to human eyes and nose. God uses those substances to give birth to all creatures and run the universe.

Therefore, that the five burning joss sticks are offered to God is religiously correct. That means all creatures are collected to present to God. Additionally, Ngũ Khí are necessary for the eight spirits to circulate in the universe, so they represents all living things who are praying to God."

Năm châu

Five continents.

In the past, it was said that there were five continents on earth: Asia, Europe, Americas, Africa and Australia. However, it is currently believed there are seven continents: Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. In Vietnamese, Năm châu refers to the world.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Nguồn Tiên tầm Ðạo dễ gì đâu?

Quyền phép Càn Khôn một túi thâu.

Thoát xác xưa từng tu vạn kiếp,

Ðộ hồn nay gội khắp năm châu.

Tìm hiền lắm lúc gieo nguồn Ðạo,

Cải dữ đòi phen cổi mạch sầu,

Trần khổ dầu ai chơn muốn lánh,

Ngày thành chánh quả có bao lâu.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I can easily figure out what Ðạo is

And hold the universe with my thaumaturgy.

Having been religious for thousands of incarnations,

Now I preach the true doctrine to all nations.

I've found lots of good followers for my teachings

And taught them how to avoid all of sufferings.

To those who want to escape the earthly life

Remember that you can do so in no time.

Năm hằng (Ngũ thường)

The five constant virtues of humanity, promoted by Confucianism, including humaneness, righteousness, proper rite, knowledge, reliability.

Kinh Sám Hối:

Người ở thế mấy ai khỏi lỗi,

Biết lạc lầm sám hối tội căn.

Tu tâm sửa tánh ăn năn,

Ba giềng nắm chặt, năm hằng chớ lơi.

Remorse Prayer:

It's true that to err is human,

But sins are wiped out by sincere repentance.

So do the decent thing for contrition

And follow the three bonds and five constants.

Năm sắc hoa tươi

Flowers of five colors, used to present to God in a Caodaist rite. It's said that they symbolize five human organs, i.e. the human body.

Bài Dâng Hoa:

Từ-Bi giá ngự rạng môn thiền,

Đệ-tử mừng nay hữu huệ duyên.

Năm sắc hoa tươi xin kỉnh lễ,

Cúi mong Thượng-Đế rưới ân Thiên

Stanza for Flower Offering:

God comes to our Holy House from Heaven.

We disciples are so glad for the good fortune.

Flowers of five colors to God, we present sincerely.

Oh our Lord, bless us, please!

NẮM

Nắm tâm

To keep calm, to ease one's mind.

Kinh khi thức dậy:

Xin Từ Phụ ra ân cứu độ,

Tăng huyền linh giác ngộ chí thành.

Rõ phước đức biết tội tình,

Nắm tâm đắp vững mặt thành Càn Khôn

Prayer after getting up:

O God, please save me from danger

And make me saintlier and wiser.

So I can tell what is wrong or right

And keep myself religious all the time.

Nắm tâm hương

The soul joss sticks, that is the joss sticks in your mind or your sincerity.

Kinh cầu Tổ Phụ đã qui liễu:

Nhớ nỗi hiếu khó ngăn nét thảm,

Tưởng nguồn ân đốt nắm tâm hương.

Tấc lòng đòi đoạn đau thương,

Chơn mây vái với hương hồn hiển linh

Prayer for Ancestors:

Miss you so much I can't help crying.

With sincerity I remember my upbringing.

So in the time of my great brokenheartedness,

I kowtow to your powerful spirit in the world of Bliss.

NĂNG

Năng cứu

Chinese: 能救

Ability to save someone.

Di Lạc Chơn Kinh:

Nhược hữu nhơn thọ trì khủng kinh ma chướng, nhứt tâm thiện niệm: Nam mô DI LẶC VƯƠNG BỒ TÁT, năng cứu khổ ách, năng cứu tam-tai, năng cứu tật bịnh, năng độ dẫn chúng sanh thoát chư nghiệt chướng tất đắc giải thoát.

Maitreya Buddha Prayer:

The frightened people, who sincerely pray to Maitreya Buddha- who can save people from all miseries, accidents, diseases caused by bad karma, will finally be liberated from sorrow.

Năng du ta bà thế giới

Chinese: 能遊娑婆世界

Ability to travel around the world.

Di Lạc Chơn Kinh:

Nhược hữu thiện nam tử, thiện nữ nhân tu trì thính ngã dục đắc Chơn Truyền niệm thử NHIÊN ĐĂNG CỔ PHẬT thường du ta bà Thế Giái, giáo hóa Chơn Truyền phổ tế Chúng Sanh giải thoát lục dục thất tình thoát đọa luân hồi tất đắc giải thoát.

Maitreya Buddha Prayer:

If the good men and women, who listen to me and want to take the true doctrine, pray to Dipankara Ancient Buddha - who always travel around the world preaching truism and helping people escape six desires, seven feelings and transmigration - they will finally be liberated.

Năng lai năng khứ khinh khinh

Chinese: 能來能去輕輕

Be able to travel to and fro easily, be light and mobile.

Kinh Khi Ðã Chết Rồi:

Năng lai năng khứ khinh khinh.

Mau như điển chiếu, nhẹ thành bóng mây.

Cửa Tây phương khá bay đến chốn,

Diệt trần tình vui hưởng tiêu diêu.

Prayer after Death:

So light and mobile now the spirit is.

And as fast as lightning, it looks cloudy.

So to the paradise it flies hurriedly,

Where all grief vanishes and there is pleasure only.

Năng mách bảo

To give advice, give notice, counsel.

Kinh khi đi ngủ:

Trong giấc mộng nghỉ yên hồn phách,

Đấng Thiêng Liêng năng mách bảo giùm.

Bồng Lai Cực Lạc chỉ chừng,

Đẩy đưa xác tục dựa gần cõi linh.

Prayer before bedtime:

In my sleep let my soul and mind retire.

Deities, please give me good advice,

Show me how to go to the paradise

And purify my worldly mind.

NÂU

Nâu sồng

Dark brown, the color for Buddhists' clothes. The term refers to priesthood.

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 religion now to return to Heaven

And give up fame and fortune for enlightenment.

NẺO

Nẻo hạnh

The way with plums or the virtuous way.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Rừng thiền nhặt thúc tiếng chuông trưa,

Phước gặp về Ta buổi đã vừa.

Nẻo hạnh làu soi gương nguyệt thấm,

Sân ngô rạng vẻ cảnh thu đưa.

Mai tàn tuyết xủ đời thay đổi,

Dữ tận hiền thăng khách lọc lừa.

Mùi Ðạo gắng giồi lòng thiện niệm,

Duyên mai tìm lại phẩm ngôi xưa

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Look! The bell is sounding, calling for pondering.

It's fortunate for you to listen to My teachings.

Be ready to sincerely practice a religion.

That's what a gentleman should do for his heavenly position.

Life is always changing like the weather.

Finally, wicked people will be excluded forever.

If you try hard to practice a religion,

Chances are you can return to your heavenly position.

Nẻo hoạn (hoạn lộ)

The way to a successful career. In ancient China and Vietnam, this term meant to work as a governmental official.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Trường Tiên mở rộng chơn du khách,

Nẻo hoạn buông khơi trí đặc tài.

Lọc nước rửa đời Trời để dấu,

Riêng che Nam đảnh một cân đai.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Into paradise all visitors are permitted

And big success can be made by any talented.

God ordered that honest people be selected,

Especially, Vietnam is privileged.

Nẻo phiền

The way of unhappiness, i.e. the world.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển.

Tách bến sông mê sóng tạt thuyền,

Lọc lừa nghiệp quả kẻ may duyên.

Trương buồm hạnh đức xuôi chiều gió,

Ðưa khách phồn hoa lánh nẻo phiền.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

The ship of wisdom begins leaving the sad port

With fortunate and predestined people on board.

Thanks to good wind it's moving quickly

From unhappiness to the place of beauty.

NÊ

Nê hoàn cung (nê hườn cung)

Chinese: 泥環宮

A mysterious place in the head, said to be very important in practicing Caodaist Esotericism.

Divine Messages of the Eighth Female Buddha:

The visible part is the head and the brain. The brain controls human consciousness. The brain is inside the skull whose top is mỏ ác (the fontanel). Between “mỏ ác” and the brain is Nê Hườn Cung. In front of it is the forehead. Inside the brain and between the forehead and the brain is Huệ Quang Khiếu, which is between the eyes.

The invisible part includes Nê Hườn Cung and Huệ Quang Khiếu. Like air, they are unseen. You realize there is air because you see the winds blowing and the clouds floating. Similarly, you know there are Nê Hườn Cung and Huệ Quang Khiếu because you know that the world’s greatest persons and Buddha, who achieve extraordinary enlightenment, have great thoughts or inventions.

Ni Kim Cô

Chinese: 尼金箍

A kind of hood (headgear) for Ðầu Sư Nữ Phái ( Female Master Chief).

Pháp Chánh Truyền:

“Ðầu Sư Nữ Phái mặc một bộ Ðạo Phục y như Ðạo Phục Ðầu Sư Nam Phái, phải đội một Ni Kim Cô; như các vãi Chùa,"

Caodaist Constitution:

"A female Master Chief wears the same vestment as a male Master Chief's, but wears a white Ni Kim Cô, which looks like what a Buddhist nun wears."

NIỆM

Niệm

Chinese: 念

To think about, to pray or to say a prayer.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Muôn kiếp có Ta nắm chủ quyền,

Vui lòng tu niệm hưởng ân Thiên.

Ðạo mầu rưới khắp nơi trần thế,

Ngàn tuổi muôn tên giữ trọn biên.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

I reign over the universe eternally

And bless those who are religious willingly .

My religion will spread the world over.

Practicing it, you'll be happy forever.

Niệm hương chú

Chinese: 念香咒

To recite the prayer via incense.

Niệm Hương:

Đạo gốc bởi lòng thành tín hiệp,

Lòng nương nhang khói tiếp truyền ra.

Mùi hương lư ngọc bay xa,

Kính thành cầu nguyện Tiên gia chứng lòng

Xin Thần, Thánh ruổi dong cỡi hạc,

Xuống phàm trần vội gác xe Tiên.

Ngày nay Đệ tử khẩn nguyền,

Chín tầng Trời Đất thông truyền chứng tri.

Lòng sở vọng gắng ghi đảo cáo.

Nhờ Ơn Trên bổ báo phước lành.

Prayer via incense:

Đạo originates in true belief and sincerity.

By means of incense, human prayers are carried.

Through the air, the fragrance from the jade censer permeates.

I sincerely pray to gods that everyone will be saved.

Oh, deities, who are traveling around currently,

Please stop to listen to me.

I am sincerely saying the prayer at the moment

Through nine heavens for heavenly acknowledgement.

I sincerely pray to heavenly beings

And I pray for God's favor and blessing.

NIÊN

Niên cao đức thiệu

Chinese: 年高德卲

The older, the more virtuous.

Đôi liễn Hội Thánh Hàm Phong:

Chinese:

聖會年高顧問九重心不倦

銜封德卲執中一貫位何憂

Vietnamese:

Thánh Hội niên cao cố vấn Cửu Trùng tâm bất quyện,

Hàm Phong đức thiệu chấp trung quán nhứt vị hà ưu.

English:

The couplet for The Honorary Sacerdotal Council:

Lots of elderly dignitaries are enthusiastic advisors for the Caodaist Executive Body.

They are highly righteous, so they will attain high statuses in Heaven.

NIẾT

Niết Bàn

Chinese: 涅槃

Sanskrit: निर्वाण nirvāna ; Pali: निब्बान nibbāna, literally means "blown out", as in a candle. According to Buddhism, it is said to be the highest state or a divine place a Buddhist can attain.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ðứng bực Ðế Vương nơi trái địa cầu nầy, chưa đặng vào bực chót của địa cầu 67. Trong địa cầu 67, nhơn loại cũng phân ra đẳng cấp dường ấy. Cái quí trọng của mỗi địa cầu càng tăng thêm hoài, cho tới Ðệ nhứt Cầu, Tam Thiên Thế Giới; qua khỏi Tam Thiên Thế Giới thì mới đến Tứ Ðại Bộ Châu; qua Tứ Ðại Bộ Châu mới vào đặng Tam Thập Lục Thiên; vào Tam Thập Lục Thiên rồi phải chuyển kiếp tu hành nữa, mới đặng lên đến Bạch Ngọc Kinh, là nơi Ðạo Phật gọi là Niết Bàn đó vậy.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Disciples, a King on this planet (the 68th Earth) is not so happy as a commoner on the 67th Earth, where humans are also divided into different social classes. The level of happiness rises to the happiest planet, the First Earth. Higher than that are the Three Thousand Worlds, the Four Great Continents and the Thirty Six Heavens. You still have to have more incarnations before reaching the White Jade City, which is called Nirvana by Buddhism.

NỊNH

Nịnh thần

Chinese: 佞臣

A flattering courtier, that is corrupt officials.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Ðào Nguyên lại trổ trái hai lần,

Ai ngỡ Việt Thường đã thấy lân.

Cung Ðẩu vít xa gươm xích quỉ

Thiềm cung mở rộng cửa hà ngân.

Xuân thu định vững ngôi lương tể,

Phất chủ quét tan lũ nịnh thần.

Thổi khí vĩnh sanh lau xã tắc,

Mở đường quốc thể định phong vân.

Bát Nương Diêu Trì Cung

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Like the good era coming again in Heaven,

The Saint's appeared in Vietnam all of a sudden.

Moral principles now replaces weapons

And all tough restrictions are no more important.

A good administration is referred instead of bloody battles

And there are no more evilly corrupt officials.

The country enjoys a new happy cycle,

Vietnamese custom will be the international model.

The Eighth Female Buddha

NÓI

Nói hành

To slander, defame, speak ill of.

This is one of the actions prohibited by Caodaist Five Precepts.

CAODAIST FIVE PRECEPTS.

Do not kill.

Do not steal.

Do not engage in improper sexual conduct.

Do not drink alcohol.

Do not make false statements.

Tân Luật:

Ngũ Bất Vọng Ngữ, là cấm xảo trá láo xược, gạt gẫm người, khoe mình, bày lỗi người, chuyện quấy nói phải, chuyện phải thêu dệt ra quấy, nhạo báng, chê bai, nói hành kẻ khác, xúi giục người hờn giận, kiện thưa xa cách, ăn nói lỗ mãng, thô tục, chưởi rủa người, hủy báng Tôn Giáo, nói ra không giữ lời hứa.

Caodaist Canonical Codes:

Fifth, do not make false statements, that is a Caodaist mustn't tell a lie, cheat anyone, show off, find fault with anyone, tell a false story, ridicule anyone, criticize anyone, slander anyone, encourage disagreement, swear, insult anyone, blaspheme or break promises.

Nói tội

To utter profanities and obscenities, to threaten someone.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Nơi Tòa Phán Xét, chẳng một lời nói vô ích mà bỏ, nên Thầy dạy các con phải cẩn ngôn, cẩn hạnh, thà là các con làm tội mà chịu tội cho đành, hơn là các con nói tội mà phải mang trọng hình đồng thể.

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. You'd better not utter profanities and obscenities because that is also considered serious crime.

NON

Non Côn

According to Phong Thần (Fengshen Bang), a 16th-Chinese novel, Non Côn or núi Côn lôn (Mount Kunlun) is the headquarters of Xiển giáo (the True Religion). On the other hand, Động Bích Du (Bích Du Caves) is the headquarters of Triệt giáo (the False Religion).

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển.

Ngọc sáng non Côn đà gặp nẻo,

Lối mòn động Bích chớ lầm đường.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Now you can practice the true religion,

So do not to take the wrong way of the false religion.

Non Kỳ reo tiếng phụng (phụng gáy Kỳ Sơn)

In Phong Thần (Fengshen Bang), a 16th-Chinese novel, a phoenix is said to have sung in Kỳ sơn, signaling that there's going to be a good ruler. The phrase refers to a coming good era.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Kìa lóng non Kỳ reo tiếng phụng,

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Listen to the phoenix! There's going to be a great King.

Non thẳm

The isolated mountains. In Caodaism, "taking a hard journey to the isolated mountains to look for the gem" means practicing a religion until you reach the ultimate goal.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Sanh nhằm đời có một Đạo chánh chẳng phải dễ, mà bước lên con đường chông gai; lần vào non thẳm kiếm ngọc lại càng khó; khó dễ nơi lòng, chớ đem thói ám muội mờ hồ vào đường đạo đức sau ăn năn rất muộn.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

It's difficult to be born simultaneously with a true religion and it's more difficult to practice it until you are successful. Whether it's difficult or easy, however, depends on your determination. Don't cheat at priesthood because you'll regret it later!

Non Thần

Heavenly mountains, that is Heaven, the home of deities.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Lần theo bước rạng non Thần đến,

Chớ luyến phồn hoa lụy đến nơi.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Practice the true doctrine to return to Paradise.

You'll get into trouble if continuing the evil life.

Non xế nhành thung

The sun is going down behind the pine forest, i.e. to become old.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển.

Non xế nhành thung oanh nhặt thúc,

Rừng tà đảnh hạc khách trông mong.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Now that you've attained a good old age,

So it's good to think about your heavenly place.

NỘ

Nộ (thạnh nộ)

Chinese: 怒

Anger, fury, madness.

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:

Disciples, the religion I've created in Vietnam is a reward for the nation that has undergone much of My anger. I came not only to forgive but also to honor it. Since the Creation, no countries on this 68th Earth have had such an honor.

NỘI

Nội dung & Ngoại dung

Chinese: 內容 & 外容

The interior and exterior, the inside and outside, esotericism and exoterism.

It's commonly believed in Caodaism that the interior of a religion includes esoteric practices while the exterior can be shown to the public like religious rites, scriptures, doctrine, regulations,etc.

Chú Giải Pháp Chánh Truyền:

Mỗi phái là một vị, mà ba đạo vẫn khác nhau, nội dung, ngoại dung đều khác hẳn, luật lệ vốn không đồng, chỉ nhờ Tân Luật làm cơ qui nhứt.

Footnote to Caodaist Constitution:

Three dignitaries for three branches, which are different in interiors, exteriors and laws, can only unite thanks to Caodaist Canonical Codes.

Nội giáo vô vi & Ngoại giáo công truyền

Chinese: 內敎無為 & 外敎公傳

The same as nội dung & ngoại dung, that is the interior and exterior, the inside and outside, esotericism and exoterism.

Caodaism is said to offer lots of ways of practice. However, the more preferred ways are esotericism and exoterism.

Exoterism:

A Caodaist can practice exoterism in two ways. First, he can become a dignitary in the Executive Body, where he can earn karmic merit (lập công) by doing missionary work. Second, he can join the Philanthropic Body, where he does charity work.

Esotericism:

The third way a Caodaist can choose is practicing esotericism in Tịnh Thất (Meditation House). This way of practice, however, has not been carried out yet due to various reasons.

(See: Thể Pháp &Bí Pháp, Luyện Tam Bửu)

Nội khảo & Ngoại khảo

Chinese: 內考 & 外考

Nội khảo: the challenges caused by members in the same organization.

Ngoại khảo: the challenges from outsiders.

(See: Ma khảo)

Nội nghi, ngoại nghi tựu vị

Chinese: 內儀外儀就位

Nội nghi: the altar or holy table right in front of the Divine Eye for offerings to God in a Caodaist Temple.

Ngoại nghi: the altar outside the ceremonial site.

After the rite announcer sings out "Nội nghi Ngoại nghi tựu vị", all assigned dignitaries come to their own positions.

Nội Ô & Ngoại Ô

Chinese: 內塢 & 外塢

Urban area & suburb.

Nội Ô is a walled 96-hectare tract of land, where the Caodaist Central Temple and other religious facilities are located. Visitors can enter Nội Ô through twelve gates, the biggest of which is called Chánh Môn (Main Gate). The surrounding area is called Ngoại Ô.

NÔNG

Nông trang

Enthusiastically, excitedly, wholeheartedly.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Năm mới, chùa mới, vạn sự đều mới, vậy em đến cầu chúc cho quí anh, quí chị đặng những điều mới mẻ may mắn. Tân Xuân đây, quí anh, quí chị, coi bộ rán nông trang hành đạo. Em cho biết, phàm mỗi năm, những vị nào trong lúc ngày xuân biết lo phụng sự Thần, Thánh, Tiên, Phật, thì công đức đặng xấp bằng hai lần ngày thường.

The Collection Of Divine Messages:

In the new temple and on New Year's day, I wish you all good luck. On the occasion of the New Year, please do your religious work enthusiastically. I'm telling you, those who serve deities on New Year's Day gain twice as many merits as those on workdays.

Note:

This message is by the Eighth Female Buddha.

Nông viện

Chinese: 農院

Caodaist Deparment of Agriculture, one of the Caodaist Nine Departments, responsible for farming to feed Caodaist followers.

NỮ

Nữ công & nữ đức

Chinese: 女工 & 女德

Female work & female qualities.

Female work is traditionally said to be all the housework.

Female qualities are called Tứ đức: (Công, Dung, Ngôn, Hạnh), that is Four Female Virtues: (proper virtue, proper countenance, proper speech, and proper conduct).

(See: Tam Tùng & Tứ đức)

Nữ Đầu Sư

Chinese: 女頭師

Female Master Chief, the highest rank for female Caodaist dignitaries according to Caodaist Constitution. While there are three Male Master Chiefs, there's only one female.

So far there have been three consecutive Female Master Chiefs:

· Nữ Đầu Sư Hương Thanh (Lâm Ngọc Thanh).

· Nữ Đầu Sư Hương Hiếu (Nguyễn Thị Hiếu)

· Nữ Đầu Sư Hàm phong Hương Lự (Hồ Thị Lự).

Nữ Đầu Sư Đường

Chinese: 女頭師堂

The Female Master Chief's Office.

This building is also the Female Master's Office and the Female Nine Departments, so it's considered the headquarters of the Caodaist Female Executive Body.

Nữ kiệt

Chinese: 女傑

Heroines, leading ladies.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Thanh sử từng nêu gương nữ kiệt,

Hồng ân chi kém bạn nam nhi.

Lọc lừa chớ để đen pha trắng,

Lui tới đừng cho bạc lộn chì.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

In history there were lots of leading ladies

As powerful and courageous as heroes in mythology.

Despite hardships, remember to remain virtuous

Like gold, which is always precious.

Nữ nhi

Chinese: 女兒

Women.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Các con phải đồng tâm hiệp lực nhau, bỏ hết các điều tệ theo thường tình, thì mới dễ thành Ðạo. Vậy Thầy khuyên các con đứa nào có trí lực bao nhiêu khá đem ra mà thi thố, chớ đừng sụt sè theo thói nữ nhi, vậy cũng uổng cái điểm linh quang của Thầy ban cho các con lắm.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Disciples, you have to collaborate and avoid commonly bad attitudes in order to succeed in establishing the new religion. Therefore, I advise you to work as hard as you can. If you're as shy as women, you waste the divine spirit I grant you.

Nữ Phật & Nữ Tiên

Chinese: 女佛 & 女仙

Nữ Phật, a woman who practices religion and attains Buddhahood while Nữ Tiên attains a lower rank, Immortal.

It is said that God the Mother's assistants are the Nine Female Buddhas.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Trên Bạch Ngọc Kinh có đủ nam nữ, các con chớ lầm tưởng và phân biệt. Có các Đấng Nữ Tiên, Nữ Phật còn lớn quyền thế hơn nam nhiều.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Disciples, do not discriminate against women! In the White Jade City, some Female Buddhas and Immortals are more powerful than male deities.

Nữ Trung Tùng Phận

Chinese: 女中從分

Nữ Trung Tùng Phận (Women's Responsibilities), a poetical work, which is said to be composed by Mrs. Đoàn Thị Điểm (1705–1748), a Vietnamese famous poetess. Caodaists received the work through several seances. The topic of the work is to advise Vietnamese women in particular and women in general to follow Confucianism, the basic stage in Caodaism.

NỮ TRUNG TÙNG PHẬN.

Dụng văn hóa trau tria nữ phách,

Lấy kinh luân thúc thách quần hồng.

Gươm thư giúp sức gươm hùng,

Điểm tô nghiệp cả con Rồng cháu Tiên.

Bởi rẻ rúng thuyền quyên thiếu học,

Dầu chí thân tơ tóc cũng khi.

Tinh thần cao thấp nhờ thi,

Dục tài nữ sĩ sánh bì cùng nam.

WOMEN'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Literature helps improve women's life.

Their leadership can also be highly qualified.

Then they can collaborate with men

To push Vietnam to go from strength to strength.

Generally scorned due to illiteracy,

Though they're beloved wives with heavy responsibilities.

Poetry is another good way then

For them to compete with men.

Đoàn thị Điểm

NƯỚC

Nước Âm Dương

Water of Yin and Yang, that is Holy Water.

Note: in a Caodaist daily rite to worship God, especially at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, Yin and Yang water is presented on the altar. A cup of tea symbolizing Yin water is put next to the dish of fruits. A cup of water symbolizing Yang is placed by the vase of flowers. After the rite, the two cups are mixed together to form Yin and Yang water, which can be used in other special rites.

Nước dời cạn bực

At low tide, meaning it's too late to do something.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Nếu chẳng sớm xét mình, để buổi ác xế trăng tà, nước dời cạn bực, thuyền Bát Nhã đã lướt qua, nhành dương liễu hết rơi giọt từ bi thì ăn năn rất muộn.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

If you don't exercise self-reflection soon, it'll be too late and you'll miss the chance of liberating yourself from the cycle of birth and death.

Nước nhành dương (Nước dương)

Another name for nước âm dương (i.e. Holy water).

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Lánh đường trần tục đến non Tiên,

Lấy nước nhành dương tưới lửa phiền.

Ðã chẳng phải duyên không phải nợ,

Can chi con buộc tấm tình riêng.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

Leave the material world for the nirvana.

Wash away your sorrows with Holy water

If that is not your own destiny,

Loving someone is not necessary.

Nước Lỗ biến hình lân

Nước Lỗ (State of Lu: 魯國), a state during the Zhou dynasty of ancient China, which is the home state of Confucius. Lân or Kỳ lân (qílín: 麒麟 ), a mythical animal, said to appear as a herald of the birth of a saint.

According to Chinese mythology, a qilin appeared in the State of Lu, heralding the birth of Confucius.

Nước nguồn cây cội

The same as "cây có cội, nước có nguồn", meaning you should respect your parents and ancestors.

Kinh Sám Hối:

Lòng thành thương tưởng ông bà,

Nước nguồn cây cội mới là tu mi.

Remorse Prayer:

Respect your parents and ancestors.

That's what a gentleman has to remember.

Nước Phật (Phật quốc)

Chinese: 佛國

The nation of Buddha, the World of Ultimate Bliss, nirvana, paradise.

Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển:

Day mặt Hồng Quân ngó Ðịa hoàn,

Rưới chan vạn vật khối sinh quang.

Cõi Tiên mở rộng cung Ðâu Suất,

Nước Phật sửa an cảnh Niết Bàn.

The Collection of Divine Messages:

A glance of God at the earth

Brings enough energy to the world.

The paradise under God's orders

Always has a lot to offer.

NƯƠNG

Nương Nương

Chinese: 娘娘

The Queen, the First Lady.

Caodaists call God the Mother Nương Nương.

Tán Tụng Công Ðức Diêu Trì Kim Mẫu:

Đê đầu khấu bái Nương Nương.

Nén hương đạm bạc xin thương chứng lòng.

Prayer of Praise to God the Mother:

To God the Mother I earnestly kowtow.

Despite my simple incense, please bless me now.

Từ Chơn

July 22th 2015