Daily Rituals

The four services must be observed in Temples (Thánh-Thất / 聖 室) as well as in homes. For believers, a daily minimum of one act of obeisance before the God's altar is required.

• 12:00 midnight (Thời Tý / 23:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.), 

• 6:00 a.m. (Thời Mẹo / 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.), 

• 12:00 noon (Thời Ngọ / 11:00 a.m. - 13:00 p.m.), 

• 6:00 p.m. (Thời Dậu / 17:00 p.m. - 19:00 p.m.)

 

The Protector/Keeper of a Thánh-Thất (temple) must practice four daily ceremonies. The service must be held on time at 6 a.m. (Thời Mẹo), 12 p.m. (Thời Ngọ), 6 p.m. (Thời Dậu), and 12 a.m. (Thời Tý). The bell must be rung before the service begins. Disciples may (or may not) take part in the rituals as they wish. (see article 20, New Canonical Codes, Tân-Luật)

 

Monthly Rituals

Monthly rituals are held at the Cao Đài Temples on the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month.

Monthly and annual rituals (in Vietnam) are normally held at 12:00 midnight (Thời Tý) or 12:00 noon (Thời Ngọ).

Twice a month, on the first and the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, believers must meet at the Thánh-Thất / Temple of their local area and attend the ceremony and listen to the teachings. Exceptions can be made for those with reasonable excuses. (see article 19, New Canonical Codes, Tân-Luật)

 

At the temples, there are two forms of rituals, major and minor. Firstly, at the Holy See the differences between major and minor ceremonies are:

• Music in minor ceremonies (tiểu lễ) is played using three pieces (instead of 7 or 5 pieces in major ceremonies / đại lễ)

• Ritual servants do not make their procession drawing the heart character with their feet.

• No rear altar (ngoại nghi) is established.

• There is no Hoán Đàn (i.e. no circumambulation of the interior of the temple).

 

Secondly, at local temples the differences between major and minor ceremonies are:

• Music in minor ceremonies is played using three pieces (instead of 7 or 5 pieces as in major ceremonies)

• Ritual servants do not make their procession drawing the heart character with their feet.

• No rear altar (ngoại nghi) is established.

 

Continue to 'Rituals at the Mother Buddha Temples'