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 Home●Religion |
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Religion
and government |
The separation of state and church is purportedly key in the
United States Constitution and is the area in which the Government of
ViêtNam and religion disputes their respective
'jurisdictions' which includes 'human rights'.
Notwithstanding this separation of interests, various forms of coercion are
continually applied, by governmental and non-governmental organisations external
to ViêtNam alike, which causes resentment by all parties in the equation.
The Government of ViêtNam requires religious organisations to be licensed, as is
often done in Western countries, and this licencing authority has been delegated
to provincial authorities which results in a haphazard standards that vary by
region.
Another element antagonising the situation is the relationship between the
Government of ViêtNam and the Montagnard or Ethnic communities of ViêtNam - who
frequently practice 'Western' religions.
WomPom is apolitical and states the foregoing solely as explanation to Readers
not familiar with the situation. |
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Religion in ViêtNam |
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The
moral and religious life of most
Viêtnamese
people is usually influenced by a complex mixture of philosophical teachings.
Over 70% of the
Viêtnamese
population practice the 'triple religion,' a fusion of the philosophies of
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
About 7 - 10% is Catholic, and a smaller number follow the Protestant faith. The
other religions in ViêtNam include Cao Dai and Hoa Hao.
Many ethnic Viêtnamese consider themselves Muslims or Hindus. |
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Buddhism |
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Theravada Buddhism arrived in ViêtNam via Indian trade routes through Burma and
Thailand. Mahayana Buddhism came later during the Chinese domination and
eventually became the official state religion after ViêtNam regained its
independence from China in the tenth century.
Buddha's doctrine is based on these Four Noble Truths:
► Existence is suffering
► Suffering is caused by desire
► Suffering ends with the extinction of desire
► To end suffering, follow the steps of the Eightfold Path:
right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood,
effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
Religion has exerted a deep influenced on Viêtnamese culture and the Viêtnamese
concept of life. As will be seen in this section, the Viêtnamese attitude toward
life, death, and the world beyond bears a deep imprint of Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Taoism.
The predominant religion in ViêtNam is Buddhism, which is also one of the
world's great religions and was introduced into ViêtNam during Chinese
domination in the second century B.C. by Chinese immigrants and Indian preachers
coming by sea.
It became the state religion of ViêtNam under the Ly Dynasty (1010-1214).
Several kings took the cassock or retired into a pagoda after their abdication.
Buddhist monks served as counselors to the kings at court.
Following the Tran Dynasty (1225-1440 AD), Buddhism has lost the status of a
state religion but nevertheless remains the dominant religion in ViêtNam.
Buddhism originated in India by Siddharta (563-483 BC) or Gautama Buddha, which
means the Enlightened One.
According to Buddha, man is born in this world to suffer. The cause of suffering
is the craving for wealth, fame, and power which, of necessity, brings about
frustration and disappointment.
In order to be free from suffering, man must suppress its ultimate cause:
craving. He must not be attached to anything in this 'world of appearance' and
instead, live a virtuous life according to the Eightfold Path which consists of
the right views, right thought, right conduct, right speech, right livelihood,
right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation.
An individual's fate in this existence is determined by what he has done in the
previous existence. This is the law of Karma, or cause and effect.
The soul does not perish when one dies, but will reincarnate in another
existence and this will go on and on. The Buddhist's goal is to be freed from
this circle of reincarnation and reach Nirvana, which is a state of complete
redemption and supreme happiness. Theoretically, any person may become a Buddha
by suppressing craving and following the Eightfold Path but those who actually
attain Nirvana are rare. |
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Cao Dai |
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Officially founded in 1926 by Ngo Minh Chieu, Caodaism attempts to bring all
other faiths in ViêtNam under one supreme creator, Creator of the Universe.
The main tenets include the belief in one God , the existence of the soul, and
the use of mediums to communicate with spiritual leaders who belong to many
countries and cultures.
The ultimate goal is to escape the cycle of reincarnation by following the
prohibitions against killing, lying, stealing, luxurious living, and sensuality.
Practices include priestly celibacy, vegetarianism, meditation, ancestor
worship, and communication with spirits through séances. |
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Confucianism |
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Confucian philosophy emphasises social behavior-duty and hierarchy-more than
religious practices.
Its code of ethics demands loyalty of government to the emperor, obedience of
children to parents, and submission of wives to husbands.
Furthermore, it asserts that everyone has the same potential for experiencing
happiness, best achieved by improvement through education. Confucian ideals also
promote ancestor worship, the ritual expression of filial piety. |
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Christianity |
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Catholicism was first introduced to ViêtNam by in the early 17th century by
Spanish, Portuguese, and French missionaries.
Protestantism was introduced to ViêtNam around 1911 by American missionaries
working in the southern region. |
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Taoism |
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The
Tao, meaning the Way, is a complex metaphysical system that worships the
simplicity and harmony of nature.
Founded by Lao Tzu, a 6th century BC Chinese philosopher, it promotes the belief
that a person's fate is predetermined and that happiness can be achieved through
establishing and maintaining the balance between contemplation and asceticism. |
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Foreigners religious practice in ViêtNam |
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For Foreigners and Travellers wishing to practice their
religion whilst in ViêtNam it is possible to find like minded people in the
larger centres, although some services might be in the Viêtnamese language.
Some groups have prayer meetings in hotels. Consult an Embassy or Consul for
information. |
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Foreigners
'spreading the word' in ViêtNam |
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If there is one sure way to run into trouble,
with likely jail and deportation, is to attempt to import tracts or bibles or to
attempt distribution of such materiel.
Deportation assures the impossibility of any return to
ViêtNam. |
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