THE RELIGIONS OF VIETNAM IN FAITH AND FACT
(Background Information Draft)
SOUTHEAST ASIA RELiGIOUS PROJECT ’ FLEET MARINE FORCE PACIFIC / IMAC (FORWARD) FPO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. 96602
SOUTHEAST ASIA HEUGIOUS PROJECT FLEET MARINE FORCE PACIFIC/IMAC (FORWARD) FPO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. 96602
NOTICE
VIetnas In Faith and Fact" is submitted. The need of additional information to support the lectures currently given to members of the Navy/Marins Team in Vietnam requires action without the delay necessary to insure a complete and perfect product.
It Is anticipated that your experience, comments, additional information and cooperative support will enhance revisions of this material. It ia very respectfully suggested that dividers placed between the various sections will provide easier location of information. To increase the value of this initial project for the sharing of relevant religious information, the loose-leaf format has been utilized so that each individual may readily add additional information by insertation at any time without disruption to other sections.
While personalities change with rotation of duty assignments, this I project will continue. Therefore the sharing of your insight will aid I those who follow you in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The concept of this I project is the understanding of peoples, their value systems, taboos, etc., jas affected by religious beliefs. As such, it is a pioneer effort so that the first year of the project has been challenging, illuminating and intensely rewarding.
Very sincerely
The Staff
Southeast Asia Religious Project
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I
The Religions of Vietnam Introduction Animism
Bibliography of Animi sm
SECTION II
Vietnamese Taoism
SECTION III
Confucianism in Vietnam SECTION IV
Hinduism
SECTION V
Buddhism In Vietnam History
(a) Major Members of the United Buddhist Association
(b) Bibliography
Major Teachings of Vietnamese Buddhism
Karma, Reincarnation, Wheel of Existence The Unreality of Self
The Law of Flux
Buddhist Virtues
Compassion
Patience
Optimism
Serenity
Freedom
Dynamism
Buddha's Place In Vietnamese Buddhism Buddhist Ceremonies
(a) Functions
(b) Major Buddhist Sangha Ceremonies Roles of Buddhism
Definition and Explanation of Buddhist Terms, Symbols and Artifice
Major Buddhist Traditions Theravada
Mahayana
Mantrayana or Vajrayana
The Three Jewels/Three Jems/Three Treasures
(c) The Buddha
(d) The Dhamma/Dharma/Karma
(e) The Sangha Bonzes
Nuns
Sangha
Merit and Merit Making
Nirvana
Religious Landmarks and Symbols
Wat
Pagoda
Wheel of life
Chu Van
Buddha Statue
Gongs
Drum
Flowers
Incense
lights
Food, Wine, Water
Merit Bowls
Lotus Blossom
Robes
Buddhist Beads Buddhist Flag
Lustral Water
Lotus
Contrasts of Theology In Buddhism and Christianity Areas of Similarity Within Buddhism and Christianity Ethics of Buddhism and Christianity
SECTION VI
Islam
SECTION VII
Roman Catholicism In Vietnam
Dates of Importance Within Roman Catholicism in Vietnam Map of Roman Catholic Dioceses Vietnamese Roman Catholic Statistics
SECTION VIII
Protestantism In South Vietnam The French Beformed Church The Anglican-Episcopal Church
The Church of Christ
The Evangelical Church of Vietnam (CMA)
Vietnam Baptist Mission
Worldwide Evangelization Crusade
Seventh-day Adventist Mission
Observations of Vietnamese Protestantism
Other Religious Groups In Vietnam
Bahai World Faith
Christian Science
Latter-day Saints
SECTION IX
Cao Dai
introduction and Explanation of Cao Dai
Major Doctrines of the Cao Dai
Organization of the Cao Dai
Holy City of Tay Ninh
Worship of the Cao Dai
Symbols
Major Appeal
Miscellanea
Bibliography
Map of Cao Dai Population
SECTION X
HoaHao
What is It?
Where is It?
The Forming of Phat Giao Hoa Hao
Religious Doctrines of the Hoa Hao
The Hoa Hao Flag
Founding Day Commemoration
Hoa Hao Village
Religious Practices of the Hoa Hao -
Organization of the Hoa Hao
Miscellanea and Guidelines of Amerlcan/Hoa Hao/Vietnamese Rapport
Map of Hoa Hao Location
Resources and References
/ PAG
SECTION XI
Religions In Everyday, life
Religious Practices and Activities
Gassho
JossStick lighting
WorshipInthePagodaorTemple
Funerals
Graves
Communal Houses
Ancestor VenerationTemples
Marriage
Spirit Houses
Religious Discipline and Concepts Affecting Behavior.
Time Concepts
Family Concepts
Spirits and Spirit-Controlled Environment
Concept of Individuality
Guidelines for American/Vietnamsae Rapport
Examples of Religion in Everyday life
A Religious Cultured Society
Vietnamese (1) "Homes“
Vietnamese Village Dinh, Market, School
Women
Marriage
Choosing life's Partner
Consulting the Astrologers
Effect of Stars on Choosing Marriage Partners
The Vietnamese and Children
Rearing Vietnamese Children
Legend of Quan-An
Fragrant Incense of Aloes Wood
Joss-Sticks
Using Votive Paper as an Act of Worship in Vietnamese Temples
The Lotus “Its Lure and Its Love"
What Is TET?
The Dragon in Vietnam
Veneration of Vietnamese Benefactors
Ancestor Worship
Ancestor Worship - Worship of Nham-Diem
Vietnamese Self-Sacrifice Customs
SECTION XII
Voluntary Agencies In Vietnam
SECTION XIII
Bibliography not given Elsewhere:
SOUTHEAST ASIA RELIGIOUS PROJEC
FLEET MARINE FORCE PACIFIC/IMAC (FORWARD)
FPO SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. 96602
JULLY 1966