>,Bj+t޲h)bz{CzhhrVO,^j۫zá'(fu^rbw隝^ǿz讷b ,zbb+t zm-wڶ*' aI=vM5Vޱ]שz{BO7 dD,?mږk%-j+*'52H@2`! LDUrݱZky͇i+ڵ6>jך!kzǜJ{*ky^rB'jZkzV(^rM)+ڵ+bzkz)+ڵrnnX~ܶ*'r춻,+Gsaha6>+zҞGjm+ zwj׀!a,zwi)r.X۫˫ǭ\%,DDDԅk.[mrDLNy˫ǭ\%,< 'Zr\lz)BQ=4-Q VD_j[rh! DK8HDDX}ly˫ǭ\%,L9D˫ǭ\%,9b8k.[mrDLt涶w]kkjwt۞fwMkkjwu۞?dܥzǫ~)zk{ay^m>$ +ڵbx,lwu솋-IO^bt¢"z]ئzkkjwuO}Wnfh^ƶv׬קrWyݢf6Қ⽫^~ܶ*'Z(tvvWj,gijl^o*ZZZݥa֫a)q!yWkyr.*zjibނ+-z"ڝ&uZ-,k}lz˫涶v歆++jwhK٨u!rx^i׫y'^u,nuy^hץ蟚^o*Z2)♩ay^h$)j(!ij^au--qǩIܡا ן^ ybyzj^tZ+ r{kYq!ylzu--^iOqǩyIkkjwyzDx *]yZ !x*'%ryrبGbŢם++jwH?ԱL+o*Zɨu毢'l4dJ+,(z'[ZmW^QM38ݓ- DLDE"7]\lz)k'! DK8554@5!DFx%,9b8ږǂQ=40CODL#4@L9D DK8HDDXq!x)lh^}ޮm-t^笵VW0^笵qhuEmڝ6癭nyڝv瀅 ybڝvynyڝ6癭nx ybyz![ʖ(@' @Q=5++jwhK, DK8M38ДDLDE"7]b~+nh^ƶv׬˫ǭ\%,<䓶rh! DK8M3Dz,,*'O*^jeƭ'֩XjبqǩIܡا ן^ !x*'%rhŢם++jwH<*'-yZ+rh! 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DK89$ BJ;(ܡ׮jg'ij0OڝtM=}zf蝂f&܅ ^m4kkjwkz۫_'rzw2fxvvWf[biajwezh\vWrhrm^rhky !Wf[bw杚(u.X)ߢ)ߢvWQ4SM381״zl竮.Yثzj/zvW)ߢvW\w腩ݕ蟶)zwSg{ݕ.YؚuZ^(b~)rmǥyfM4'z6M+z4^zL!Wg.Y؜޶zlzlzǫ쮛ا-۫jب[Zm^jji⽫^~ܶ*'u,FrښE@6NhOx*'-[׿?Laj-ǫ톷v(m'm֫ij֫]j۫jب&kyjk-vt^tzwi)ښǧv"z"yZǮ[Z-yhZyhZǝ^m84ijv!zgalzwSggvڶ*'$z-֥ L!Wg:yrب˩b+p)^rlBygv,%h-ky{^+y^ozʗޮ'竝}lzkybz{Zu颻^z춽M0"8D 7-',ǭnZ)ಇ$}l{zwO9$^{^ޞ angzݶܫzI7v"Lֹzhꔱݢe,z z{k z{Sʗbqb Wr^vzקuM4M4ҹzqmzw*'jXzzŢם涶w]kkjwt۞fwMkkjwu۞+w+^$ꬡ(rKhByռz$y^i\yrبb朆lj,"~++z.ǬzrZ,zz(rGG(ا+^$$znz(rG^z_r(rG,}h+z۫-jW(w*'-jP{+jקu.(rG֫ai^h{f׫ܩ+ڵbw]njk?dE u'\j>}W(H֫ij֫]j۫jبw&zZi<]4yZǮ[Z-yhZm֫a涶wuaiw^Ƙiur-jZ"}驷*ZaZaN))۫jب-Gh\f[bxrmǭf%,ÏLM$r܅ݕ&rبm-a+&jGݕڱhфN,m+Hw"!G.YؚuZ^!ݕf[b{xb~.Yآ+yfy˫ww腩ݕD L G(u+z>뢻>˫k*ޚޅݕ顊w腩ݕ.W%Ǣ!jwez'g!G.YؚuZ^!x˫k+-4|!Wg.Y؜޶zlzlzǫ욇^jz⽫^~ܶ*'u,Z)i^Exwuڶ֜+q,zޮ)Ztۆڞz*ZǬ[ږ'GM3ۺױrGt#gjjk-j۫jبjk'rhښa杳<Җijmj,amjzkkZjxz4^v]6+q5n)jbjZ޲'+jxUnz]6/yV9i׫EyzȦZzZzwSggvڶ*'zl뢻4.Yآ+\f[bh١ DK008D 4w&rبm-xwuVڱ涶u\b+nW.[mjBQ=4DMDMM HQ DK88X25DM2 %,M$ Q=Q=4-Q VD_j[ DK8HDDX}lx%,4TDR BQM38ݓ- DLtBQ=04M2 %,I"`EDM$TDHI7ږǂQ=1LDE"4%,t=QH2 DK8M3Dz,,KT^}zPqm*'-yZ+\Z+yhbt*'-x>btӮ炖'++jwH<%,Q!a N{܅+Hw".YؚuZ^v.Y؞&)z)ߡ˫k(~i١r^rb"!jwex%,E8t<#{Jު笶ϾzϾrmjwezhb!jwey˫h~Z^bu8y˫k&vvWi"~)rmǥyfM4bbu8y˫k'%Ǧz+z+뢻&קYmjz⽫^~ܶ*'u,Mij֫ij֫iij+j۫jبw.s)jk-vJZǝz嵪zhZǝ-zקu8zئ{nbw(w*'K(rGbbu8{b({l(˫ئyN)$~^,+랇k',ǭnZ)ಇ$}lzDڝLֹǢakRǫbvzZZt*'-yZ+ޮz (rJZZvl$ryb{>+y!$zK(rH޲q(rGޡ(rGܖ${llj,ˬM4+y!$zܖܢyrب(w*'֫aii+ڵbw]jk-jjk-j+jk)y۫jبjkҖR7jl7n)jv뫖֫aijv,֫^bi,\xH4D8" H $z޶z&\y@ϲ$z!WgZ)z{,v띡zZrGJ,޲$zh$zZZrGJ,,+l蟥$z5M4^ztK(rGrZ,zkz۫l$z-j,+⽫^~ܶ*'~)^E来a籊lai֛Z(קzrz{lanw(ק{y',޲zw(קޮ+ ikyrبyjZ(קלםm^r^rz{b}zrz{lau(u_j[n{.qǬzȳzkyy޶z&p+^~)^jןw-ߊWzWz'XkZZ޶z&]zWyz⽫^~ܶ*'+-*j_Wv*jb鬱Ƨv*j_rzk+^'颵韺YOjijצ~)^vz+^ܩz+Sڶbzȳz+WYOj_W7YOjt˛즸Wz~e=aⷭjij_W~)^⽫^~ܶ*'R^ߢgjgzhڙ,,@ aI0 Doctrine - Reincarnation And Karma - caodaism.top https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ Cao Dai Religion Texts & Books Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:02:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://caodaism.top/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-edited-150x150.jpg Doctrine - Reincarnation And Karma - caodaism.top https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ 32 32 FOREWORD https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/foreword-2/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/foreword-2/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:21:22 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=236 In this age of materialistic civilization, especially during these challenging times, people are preoccupied with the struggles of daily life. Caught up in the present, few have the mental space to contemplate profound and spiritual matters. If this situation persists, many will inevitably be swept away by the materialist wave, abandoning morality and the concepts […]

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]]> In this age of materialistic civilization, especially during these challenging times, people are preoccupied with the struggles of daily life. Caught up in the present, few have the mental space to contemplate profound and spiritual matters.

If this situation persists, many will inevitably be swept away by the materialist wave, abandoning morality and the concepts of good and evil.

Foreseeing this possibility, we have compiled this humble volume, despite our limited knowledge and resources, to present evidence of Reincarnation and Karma for your contemplation.

This is not an original work but a collection of teachings and philosophies from ancient sages, as well as historical accounts of “REINCARNATION” and the “LAW OF KARMA.” We hope that this compilation will have a profound impact on the human heart and spiritual path amidst the ongoing struggle between Idealism and Materialism.

Acknowledging the inevitable shortcomings, we humbly request that enlightened individuals kindly provide their insights to enrich this book in future editions.

Spring of the year of the Goat
NGUYEN TRUNG HAU and PHAM TAN DAI

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/foreword-2/feed/ 0 1. The Immortality of the Soul https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/1-the-immortality-of-the-soul/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/1-the-immortality-of-the-soul/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:59:13 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=238 The soul is an immortal, a spark of divine light (divine spark). Humanity has believed this for millennia. This belief has been a cornerstone of religions. Over the centuries, religions have undergone changes, leading to a decline in their spiritual authority. As a result, people have become confused and doubtful about this ancient belief. Moreover, […]

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]]> The soul is an immortal, a spark of divine light (divine spark). Humanity has believed this for millennia. This belief has been a cornerstone of religions.

Over the centuries, religions have undergone changes, leading to a decline in their spiritual authority. As a result, people have become confused and doubtful about this ancient belief. Moreover, in the 20th century, the rapid advancement of science has transformed our understanding of existence and improved our material lives.

However, while science has triumphed in the material realm, it has also eclipsed the belief in the soul. Consequently, few people concern themselves with the spiritual aspect of their being or ponder the fate of the soul after death. They are preoccupied with the present and immediate material gains, disregarding a future life they do not believe in.

Furthermore, recent discoveries in astronomy, geology, and anthropology have debunked the exaggerated claims of some religions, creating a conflict between faith and reason.

In summary, due to the expansion of science and the vague doctrines of some religions, people have become overly focused on the material world, neglecting the spiritual. Even if true believers were to engage in philosophical debates with scientists, it is unlikely they would prevail. A different approach is needed: OBSERVATION and EXPERIMENTATION. Sufficient evidence must be found to demonstrate that the soul is a real, a spark of divine light capable of existing independently of the body.

Fortunately, such evidence exists and is not difficult to verify if one is willing to objectively examine phenomena such as clairvoyance, clairaudience, telepathy, premonition, out-of-body experiences, and so on.

Translator’s note:
The Great Divine Light: Đại Linh Quang
Individual Divine Light: Tiểu Linh Quang
A Spark of Divine Light: Điểm Linh Quang

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/1-the-immortality-of-the-soul/feed/ 0 2. Evidence https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/2-evidence/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/2-evidence/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:05:26 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=242 As early as 1882, the Society for Psychical Research in England had conducted extensive research on thousands of metaphysical phenomena. This meticulous work compelled the intellectual community to pay attention to and become familiar with these occurrences, which provided evidence of the existence of the soul. It’s worth noting that this Society included many renowned […]

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]]>

As early as 1882, the Society for Psychical Research in England had conducted extensive research on thousands of metaphysical phenomena. This meticulous work compelled the intellectual community to pay attention to and become familiar with these occurrences, which provided evidence of the existence of the soul. It’s worth noting that this Society included many renowned figures in British science and theology in the 19th century.

In March 1922, Professor Charles Richet (French) presented his work titled “Treatise on Metaphysics” to the Academy of Sciences, in which he attested to these phenomena.

Eminent scholars such as Crookes, Alfred Russel Wallace, Sir Oliver Lodge, and Lombroso all acknowledged the validity of Spiritualism and its ability to address the transcendent questions surrounding these paranormal phenomena.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/2-evidence/feed/ 0 3. Out-of-Body Experiences https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/3-out-of-body-experiences/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/3-out-of-body-experiences/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:08:42 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=244 In 1884, after a journey to the mysterious land of Tibet, the late Reverend Huc returned to Paris and recounted an extraordinary tale to a friend. He said: “One day, while conversing with a monk in the Koumboum Monastery, I suddenly felt a sense of stillness, as if listening to something. Then, he said, ‘I […]

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]]>

In 1884, after a journey to the mysterious land of Tibet, the late Reverend Huc returned to Paris and recounted an extraordinary tale to a friend. He said: “One day, while conversing with a monk in the Koumboum Monastery, I suddenly felt a sense of stillness, as if listening to something. Then, he said, ‘I must go.’ Surprised, I asked, ‘Where are you going? And who were you talking to?’ He replied, ‘I am going to Monastery X. The Abbot there needs to speak with me, so he called for me.'”

Koumboum and Monastery X were very far apart, requiring several days of walking. However, the monk traveled by astral projection. He entered his meditation room, and I followed. He asked another monk to close the door. A few minutes later, the monk informed me that the first monk had left. Astonished, I asked, “How could he leave with the door closed?” The monk replied, “He left in a flash, using astral projection, not his physical body.”

Three days later, as I had not heard any news, I inquired and was told that the monk had returned that afternoon. Indeed, as the sun was setting, I heard a voice from the clouds telling me to open the door. I looked up and saw the monk descending, then entering his room.

A few days later, Reverend Gabet and I were escorted out of the Koumboum border because of our excessive curiosity.

Regarding astral projection, about 25 years ago, we heard a similarly mysterious story from an elderly teacher. At that time, he was the headmaster of a public school in the suburbs of Saigon, a respected and trustworthy man.

He recounted the following story: “When I was in my early twenties, I went with some friends to visit the Dien Ba Mountain (Tay Ninh). As we reached the foot of the mountain, we met a monk from the Linh Son Cave who was walking down the mountain. No one knew his name, so we simply called him ‘Cham’.

When we arrived at the cave, Cham was already there to greet us. I was a little surprised but thought perhaps he knew a shortcut and had arrived at the cave earlier.

After talking for a while, he told us, ‘Please wait here for a moment while I take care of something.’

Then, he became silent and lowered his head onto the table as if asleep. We were puzzled and didn’t know what to do. However, we sat quietly and waited, not daring to disturb his slumber. After a long while, he looked up, and to our amazement, the table was covered with incense, lamps, tea, and cakes that he claimed he had just bought in Cholon.

After telling this mysterious story, the teacher laughed and said, ‘That is a true story that I witnessed firsthand. Seeing this miracle, I wanted to become a monk, but because I was young and had family obligations, I could not follow my heart.’

Later, the teacher did become a monk. He joined the Dai Dao Tam Ky Pho Do and practiced his religion fervently.

As for Cham, after attaining enlightenment, he received the title of Hue Mang Truong Phan and left behind the following four-line poem:

In Tay Ninh, practicing meditation in Linh Son Cave, I disregard the world’s gains and losses. I endure a hundred bitter and a thousand painful experiences, What more do princes and kings have?”

Thanks to writing, ordinary people can communicate with disembodied spirits who exist in the immaterial realm, beings that people categorize as gods, saints, ghosts, and demons.

In France, spiritualists have used a more practical method to definitively prove the existence of spirits by taking photographs and fingerprints of deceased individuals who have manifested. These experiments were conducted with great care to prevent fraud or illusion.

And after conducting these experiments, many scientists investigated further and finally came to believe, despite the deliberate distortions of materialists.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/3-out-of-body-experiences/feed/ 0 4. Telepathy https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/4-telepathy/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/4-telepathy/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:29:13 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=246 The International Psychic Gazette reported the following phenomenon: Mrs. Maria Szabo lived in a village in Hungary, near Ezegedin. She had a son who had emigrated to America 20 years prior and had not been heard from since, so everyone assumed he had perished in that foreign land. One night in early August, the mother […]

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]]> The International Psychic Gazette reported the following phenomenon:

Mrs. Maria Szabo lived in a village in Hungary, near Ezegedin. She had a son who had emigrated to America 20 years prior and had not been heard from since, so everyone assumed he had perished in that foreign land.

One night in early August, the mother woke up suddenly from her sleep, crying out: “It’s him, it’s my son, he’s returned!”

Her daughter, hearing the cry, rushed to her room. Mrs. Szabo explained that she had just dreamt of her son leaning against the railing of a ship. She added that he had a scar on his left cheek. Her family dismissed it as a dream, paying no attention.

The next afternoon, her son truly did return from America! He recounted that while the ship approached the European coast, he was leaning against the railing, thinking intensely about his mother. At that moment, everyone noticed a long scar on his left cheek. When asked, he explained that he had been injured in a fight during his time in the United States.

From this story, we can conclude that while the son focused his mind and will on his mother, his spirit visited her. And because she possessed a strong intuition, she was able to see him in her dream.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/4-telepathy/feed/ 0 5. A Priest’s Ghostly Return https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/5-a-priests-ghostly-return/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/5-a-priests-ghostly-return/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:30:20 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=248 The Revue Spirite magazine, published in January 1932, reported on a strange phenomenon that occurred in Manchester, England, as recounted in The Two Worlds newspaper. It took place at the monastery where, 38 years prior, Father Sharrock had passed away. The residents of the monastery were being disturbed by his nightly ghostly apparitions and cries, […]

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]]> The Revue Spirite magazine, published in January 1932, reported on a strange phenomenon that occurred in Manchester, England, as recounted in The Two Worlds newspaper. It took place at the monastery where, 38 years prior, Father Sharrock had passed away. The residents of the monastery were being disturbed by his nightly ghostly apparitions and cries, leading them to inform Reverend J. Drescher. The Reverend promptly blessed the monastery and sprinkled it with holy water. Prayers were then offered for the soul of Father Sharrock at the church where he had previously served.

Reverend Drescher further declared: “I do not believe that such phenomena are inherently evil. The Catholic Church acknowledges that apparitions occur for a reason: either the deceased has unfinished business in the world, or they appear to remind us that another world awaits us beyond the veil of mystery.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/5-a-priests-ghostly-return/feed/ 0 6. The Child with X-Ray Vision https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/6-the-child-with-x-ray-vision/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/6-the-child-with-x-ray-vision/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:31:19 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=250 The newspaper Wahres Leben, published in Leipzig, Germany in February 1929, featured an article by Willi Dobberkan about a child with extraordinary vision. This phenomenon was thoroughly investigated by the renowned psychic researcher Dr. Petro Niel in Madrid, Spain. Here are the observations he presented to a specialized audience: “This is a seven-year-old child who […]

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]]> The newspaper Wahres Leben, published in Leipzig, Germany in February 1929, featured an article by Willi Dobberkan about a child with extraordinary vision. This phenomenon was thoroughly investigated by the renowned psychic researcher Dr. Petro Niel in Madrid, Spain. Here are the observations he presented to a specialized audience:

“This is a seven-year-old child who can see through objects, as if his eyes emit Roentgen rays (X-rays).

The child’s name is Benito Paz, the son of a Spanish teacher. When he was five years old, he suddenly began reading pages from a closed book placed in front of him. Initially, his father suspected he had memorized the text beforehand. However, he conducted several tests: when he lost a button, he asked Benito to find it, and the boy claimed to see it inside his father’s tobacco box. It was indeed there. Then, the father hid cigarettes in various places, and Benito correctly identified each hiding spot. At that point, the teacher was convinced and took his son to Dr. Petro Niel in Madrid for observation and experiments. The doctor hid various objects in metal boxes and asked Benito to describe each one. He then had him read letters placed inside three or four envelopes stacked on top of each other. He even asked him to describe objects in his coat pockets. Strangely, the child could see and read through paper, cardboard, fabric, and metal, but he couldn’t see objects placed in wooden boxes or chests.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/6-the-child-with-x-ray-vision/feed/ 0 7. Projecting the Astral Body of a Living Person https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/7-projecting-the-astral-body-of-a-living-person/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/7-projecting-the-astral-body-of-a-living-person/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:32:23 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=252 While people in the East, perhaps due to a lack of methodology or curiosity, remain indifferent to metaphysical phenomena, Americans and Europeans actively employ experiments to confirm the existence of the soul and astral body within humans. In 1893, Colonel Rochas, author of the book “Les vies successives” (Successive Lives), conducted an experiment with a […]

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]]>

While people in the East, perhaps due to a lack of methodology or curiosity, remain indifferent to metaphysical phenomena, Americans and Europeans actively employ experiments to confirm the existence of the soul and astral body within humans.

In 1893, Colonel Rochas, author of the book “Les vies successives” (Successive Lives), conducted an experiment with a medium to project her astral body.

After entering a hypnotic state, the medium lost all sense of self and memory, but she became receptive to the knowledge and perceptions of the spiritual circle. Suddenly, a stream of blueish gas appeared on her right side, swirling around, while a reddish gas emerged on her left. These two streams then merged on her left side, forming an ethereal double, an exact replica of her. This was her astral body, projected from her physical form. Those with clairvoyant abilities could perceive it.

When a piece of sugar was brought near the astral body’s mouth, the medium tasted sweetness. When pine resin was presented, she recoiled. In short, she and her astral self shared the same sensations.

Attempts were made to photograph the astral body, but the results were inconsistent, sometimes capturing an image and sometimes not, leading to skepticism.

More recently, Mr. H. Durville, Secretary General of the Institute of Magnetism, also conducted research on the astral body with concrete results. He hypnotized a subject and projected their astral body out of their physical body, then directed it to another room. He then proceeded to test the senses of the sleeping subject. When he showed a newspaper to the astral body in the other room, the sleeping subject in the original room could read it. Any object placed near the astral body was accurately described by the inert physical body in the other room.

The astral body could also hear the ticking of a clock, whispers nearby, and perceive the smell of ammonia, perfume, and other scents. It even tasted castor oil, quinine sulfate, and orange blossom water, transmitting these sensations to the physical body without any discrepancy.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/7-projecting-the-astral-body-of-a-living-person/feed/ 0 Chapter 2: The Theory of Reincarnation Across Religions and Ancient and Modern Doctrines https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/chapter-2-the-theory-of-reincarnation-across-religions-and-ancient-and-modern-doctrines/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/chapter-2-the-theory-of-reincarnation-across-religions-and-ancient-and-modern-doctrines/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:33:53 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=254 From ancient times to the present, from Europe to Asia, most civilizations, in various forms and with varying levels of intellectual development, have shared a similar belief in the immortality of the soul. This belief, initially vague due to limited observation and research methods, gradually became clearer over generations. Today, the immortality of the soul […]

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]]> From ancient times to the present, from Europe to Asia, most civilizations, in various forms and with varying levels of intellectual development, have shared a similar belief in the immortality of the soul. This belief, initially vague due to limited observation and research methods, gradually became clearer over generations. Today, the immortality of the soul is considered a self-evident truth. Except for materialists, most people recognize that “death is not the end,” as Confucianism states: “Sanh ký tử qui” (life is a sojourn, death is a return). Death is the disintegration of the physical body, but humans possess something sacred and eternal, which we call the soul.

To illustrate this point, let us briefly examine the concept of reincarnation across various religions and ancient and modern doctrines.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/chapter-2-the-theory-of-reincarnation-across-religions-and-ancient-and-modern-doctrines/feed/ 0 I. In India https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/i-in-india/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/i-in-india/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:36:55 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=256 India can be considered the foremost nation in the development of spiritual and intellectual understanding, a birthplace of numerous religions.   Hinduism emerged from Brahmanism and is widely practiced in modern India. Hinduism has two main branches: one focuses on philosophy, with the Vedas and Upanishads as the foundation of its teachings, while the other […]

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]]> India can be considered the foremost nation in the development of spiritual and intellectual understanding, a birthplace of numerous religions.  

Hinduism emerged from Brahmanism and is widely practiced in modern India. Hinduism has two main branches: one focuses on philosophy, with the Vedas and Upanishads as the foundation of its teachings, while the other emphasizes rituals and worship. This latter branch, in addition to the aforementioned scriptures, also utilizes other texts like the Puranas, written in Sanskrit verse, which explain the cosmos, the origins and lineages of gods and kings. This branch believes that all deities are manifestations of a single Supreme God and are governed by the three aspects (Trimurti) of that God: Brahma (the Creator), Shiva (the Destroyer), and Vishnu (the Preserver).  

Among the Puranas is the Bhagavad Gita, which records the explanations of Lord Krishna in response to the questions of his disciple, King Arjuna, similar to the Analects of Confucianism.  

Below is a translated excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita that explains the soul and reincarnation:

“The soul is neither born nor dies. It was not born in the past, nor can it be reborn. Unborn, eternal, everlasting, and primeval, it is not slain when the body is slain.  

Therefore, how can one who knows it to be unborn, eternal, everlasting, and primeval, kill or cause another to be killed?

As a person sheds worn-out garments and puts on new ones, so the soul casts off worn-out bodies and enters into new ones.  

O Arjuna, I have been born many times, and so have you. I know my past lives, but you do not.”

These teachings demonstrate that ancient Indian philosophy recognized the immortality of the soul and its evolution through multiple rebirths until it attains enlightenment and returns to its original source.  

Around 560 BCE, Prince Siddhartha was born, the son of King Suddhodana of Kapilavastu.

Growing up, the prince witnessed the suffering of sentient beings, the division of society into classes, and the gradual deviation of Brahmanism from its true essence. He renounced his wealth and privilege, determined to attain enlightenment and liberate humanity.

After achieving enlightenment and becoming known as Shakyamuni Buddha, he founded Buddhism, challenged the caste system, and advocated for compassion.  

After the Buddha’s passing (parinirvana), Buddhism split into two main schools: Mahayana (Great Vehicle), which leans towards idealism and gained a large following among the masses, and Hinayana (Small Vehicle), which is slightly more materialistic and emphasizes rationality and scientific inquiry. This latter school was favored by intellectuals.  

Later, Mahayana Buddhism spread to China, Japan, and Vietnam, where it remains prevalent today.  

The Buddha taught his disciples: “Those who have achieved true cultivation and completed their merits can know their past lives.”

He gave an example to illustrate this:

A man leaves his village and moves to another, then to yet another. Upon returning to his original village, his birthplace, he says, “I migrated from this village to that village, and in each place, I had my own way of sitting and standing. Today, I return to my homeland.”

Through this analogy, the Buddha implied that enlightened beings remember their past lives, just as the traveler remembers the places he has lived.

The Sutta Pitaka (specifically, the “Discourse on the Six Realms”) recounts the past lives of the Buddha before his enlightenment. He was reborn as various animals and humans, and in each life, he generously gave away his possessions or even sacrificed his life for others.  

However, Buddhism doesn’t refer to the soul as “Hồn” (soul) but as “A-lại-da,” which the Chinese translated as “Trạng thức” (store consciousness) or “Nghiệp thức” (karmic consciousness). According to Buddhism, humans have eight consciousnesses, with A-lại-da being the eighth. A-lại-da is the mind consciousness that, from the beginning, fails to maintain its true nature and instead accumulates karmic seeds of good and bad, pure and impure, along with various wrong views, attachments to self and phenomena, leading to the cycle of cause and effect and rebirth. When a person dies, the A-lại-da consciousness transmigrates, carrying these seeds—the desires and thoughts from past lives—which is called “Thức thần” (spirit consciousness).  

This detailed section provides a comprehensive overview of reincarnation in Indian religions, covering Hinduism and Buddhism. I’ve tried to be accurate and respectful in presenting these complex concepts. Let me know if you have any questions or want to explore specific aspects further.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/i-in-india/feed/ 0 II. In Egypt https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ii-in-egypt/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ii-in-egypt/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:38:33 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=258 Located in Northeast Africa, Egypt boasts an ancient civilization with a profoundly secretive religion. Stepping onto its desert sands, one is struck by the abundance of temples, shrines, obelisks, and pyramids adorned with hieroglyphs, alongside the enigmatic Sphinx, a creature with a human head and lion’s body, crouching in contemplation. Tombs carved into rock faces […]

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]]> Located in Northeast Africa, Egypt boasts an ancient civilization with a profoundly secretive religion. Stepping onto its desert sands, one is struck by the abundance of temples, shrines, obelisks, and pyramids adorned with hieroglyphs, alongside the enigmatic Sphinx, a creature with a human head and lion’s body, crouching in contemplation. Tombs carved into rock faces line the serene banks of the Nile River. Egypt is truly a precious book, from which archaeologists strive to unravel the mysteries of its ancient religion.

Ancient Egyptians worshipped a primordial divine entity with three aspects, aligning with Indian philosophy: Osiris, the God of Fire, representing the Sun, who judges and protects the souls of the dead; Isis, the Goddess, representing the Moon, who governs the mysteries of creation; and above these two deities, a supreme, powerful, and ineffable being, whose name the Egyptians dared not speak nor discuss.

The ancient Egyptians believed in the immortality of the soul and its need for a dwelling place after departing from the body. This belief led them to develop the practice of mummification and to construct pyramids as resting places for the souls of pharaohs, believing that through sacred rituals, the deceased’s soul would be resurrected into a new life. (*1)

According to Egyptian religious practices, initiates seeking spiritual knowledge first had to undergo self-discovery. After the initiation ceremony, a priest would instruct the new follower:

“O you with a darkened soul! Prepare yourself with the torch that illuminates the mysteries, so that in the deep darkness of the earthly realm, you may find your radiant second body and your divine soul. I am the one appointed by Heaven to guide you, to show you the way, but you yourself are your own guardian deity, for you hold the keys to your past and future lives.”

The phrase “past and future lives” clearly indicates that the ancient Egyptian religion believed in reincarnation.

(*1) Theosophy, however, claims that the pyramids were built by Adepts and contain chambers used for initiations and teachings for disciples.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ii-in-egypt/feed/ 0 III. In Persia https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/iii-in-persia/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/iii-in-persia/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:39:52 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=260 Persia, a prosperous ancient nation in Asia, is home to Zoroastrianism (Mazdéïsme), founded by the prophet Zoroaster. This religion centers on the duality of good and evil, represented by two opposing divine forces. Zoroastrianism teaches that the ultimate goal for all beings is final redemption, achieved through multiple lifetimes of karmic retribution. Only after this […]

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]]> Persia, a prosperous ancient nation in Asia, is home to Zoroastrianism (Mazdéïsme), founded by the prophet Zoroaster. This religion centers on the duality of good and evil, represented by two opposing divine forces. Zoroastrianism teaches that the ultimate goal for all beings is final redemption, achieved through multiple lifetimes of karmic retribution. Only after this process can the soul attain ultimate happiness.

This religion rejects the concept of eternal damnation in hell, considering it incompatible with the compassionate nature of the Creator.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/iii-in-persia/feed/ 0 IV. In Greece https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/iv-in-greece/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/iv-in-greece/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:44:20 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=262 Greece, a nation in Southern Europe with a rich and early civilization, is the cradle of Western culture. The philosopher Pythagoras, also a political and religious reformer, after studying in Egypt, Persia, and India, returned to Greece and introduced the theory of reincarnation. His teachings were divided into two parts: an esoteric tradition reserved for […]

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]]> Greece, a nation in Southern Europe with a rich and early civilization, is the cradle of Western culture.

The philosopher Pythagoras, also a political and religious reformer, after studying in Egypt, Persia, and India, returned to Greece and introduced the theory of reincarnation. His teachings were divided into two parts: an esoteric tradition reserved for advanced disciples who could grasp the mysteries, and an exoteric tradition for ordinary people with less developed intellect. This exoteric tradition gave rise to the concept of “degenerative reincarnation.”

According to this concept, Timaeus of Locri, a disciple of Pythagoras, stated: “The soul of a coward is reborn as a woman to endure contempt and humiliation, the soul of a murderer is reborn as a ferocious beast to atone for their crimes, the soul of a dishonest and corrupt person is reborn as a pig or a boar, the fickle and unreliable soul is reborn as a bird flitting through the air, and the lazy, foolish, and ignorant souls are reborn as aquatic creatures.”

Herodotus, revered as the “Father of History,” believed that pure souls could ascend to the stars.

Another prominent disciple of Pythagoras, the philosopher Plato, proposed two arguments in favor of reincarnation:

  • In his first argument, he observed that in the world, death follows life, and therefore, one could reason that life also follows death. Since nothing can arise from nothing, if the dead did not reincarnate, all things would eventually perish.

  • In his second argument, he drew upon the power of memory, stating that learning is essentially remembering. He reasoned that if our souls, through learning, can remember having lived before entering our current bodies, why shouldn’t we believe that after leaving this body, our souls will continue to be reborn in multiple lives?

Plato further asserted that souls that have reached a state of perfection cease to reincarnate. However, before attaining such a high state, all souls, after death, descend to the underworld for a thousand years. Upon rebirth, they drink from the river Lethe, causing them to forget their past lives.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/iv-in-greece/feed/ 0 The Neoplatonic School https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-neoplatonic-school/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-neoplatonic-school/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:46:37 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=264 Later, the disciples of Plato, building upon their master’s teachings, established a new school of thought known as Neoplatonism (Ecole néo Platonienne). The followers of this new school, particularly Plotinus, further elaborated and clarified the theory of reincarnation. Plotinus compiled 64 treatises, each consisting of nine books, called the Enneads. In these writings, he repeatedly […]

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]]> Later, the disciples of Plato, building upon their master’s teachings, established a new school of thought known as Neoplatonism (Ecole néo Platonienne). The followers of this new school, particularly Plotinus, further elaborated and clarified the theory of reincarnation. Plotinus compiled 64 treatises, each consisting of nine books, called the Enneads. In these writings, he repeatedly emphasized the concept of reincarnation. He considered it a belief acknowledged since ancient times and spread throughout the world. Souls that commit sins are punished in the underworld and, upon completing their sentence, are reborn into new bodies to undergo further trials.

In the ninth book of the second Ennead, he states: “The divine decree assigns to each of us a destiny corresponding to our actions in previous lives.”

Porphyry, a disciple of Plotinus, also rejected the notion of “degenerative reincarnation.” According to Porphyry, human souls, regardless of their sins, are always reborn as humans.

In summary, according to the beliefs of the followers of Pythagoras and Plato, there is no eternal punishment. All souls progress and evolve, and through their own efforts, they gradually advance towards final redemption.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-neoplatonic-school/feed/ 0 V. In Arabia https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/v-in-arabia/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/v-in-arabia/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:52:01 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=267 Arabia, a vast peninsula in Western Southwest Asia, is home to the holy city of Mecca, where the prophet Muhammad was born. He spent 15 years in deep contemplation, seeking ways to reform the religious and social life of the Arab people. This led him to establish Islam in 622 CE. Initially, Islam was embraced […]

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]]> Arabia, a vast peninsula in Western Southwest Asia, is home to the holy city of Mecca, where the prophet Muhammad was born. He spent 15 years in deep contemplation, seeking ways to reform the religious and social life of the Arab people. This led him to establish Islam in 622 CE. Initially, Islam was embraced by many who sought its teachings, but it also faced strong opposition and persecution. After Muhammad’s passing, his followers continued to spread the faith, and it flourished in Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, Turkey, and Northwest China.

The teachings of Islam are enshrined in the Quran, which comprises 114 chapters written in Arabic. Islam emphasizes the concept of destiny and predestination. When faced with adversity, Muslims often say, “This was preordained.”

The Quran explicitly mentions the concept of reincarnation in Chapter XXX:

“Allah creates all beings, causing them to reincarnate repeatedly until they return to Him.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/v-in-arabia/feed/ 0 XI. In Judea https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/xi-in-judea/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/xi-in-judea/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:53:08 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=269 Judaism, the religion of the Jewish people, is the foundation upon which Christianity was built. The Bible consists of two parts: the Old Testament (Ancient Testament), focusing on Jewish teachings, and the New Testament (Nouveau Testament), focusing on Christian teachings. The Jewish people believed that the concept of reincarnation was widely accepted throughout the world. […]

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]]> Judaism, the religion of the Jewish people, is the foundation upon which Christianity was built. The Bible consists of two parts: the Old Testament (Ancient Testament), focusing on Jewish teachings, and the New Testament (Nouveau Testament), focusing on Christian teachings.

The Jewish people believed that the concept of reincarnation was widely accepted throughout the world. This belief is alluded to in the Old Testament and explained more explicitly in the Gospels.

Consider the following passages:

“Now the Jews believed that Elijah would return to earth before the Messiah appeared. So when Jesus’ disciples asked him if Elijah had already come, he replied, ‘Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him, and they treated him as they pleased. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.”
(Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 17)  

This passage clearly indicates that Jesus was implying that Elijah had reincarnated as John the Baptist.

On another occasion, the disciples encountered a man blind from birth and asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

This question demonstrates that the disciples believed in reincarnation and karmic retribution.

If this question contradicted the truth, Jesus would have surely rebuked them. However, he simply replied, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
(Gospel of John, Chapter 9)

The following passage further reveals the belief in reincarnation:

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, asked Jesus about rebirth, and Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Nicodemus asked, “How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”  

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  

Seeing Nicodemus’ confusion, Jesus said, “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?”
(Gospel of John, Chapter 3)

This rebuke suggests that Jesus was surprised that a Jewish teacher did not understand reincarnation, as this teaching was orally transmitted to knowledgeable disciples during that time. These esoteric teachings were recorded in the Kabbalah, which predates Christianity.

Later, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai compiled and organized the Kabbalah into the Zohar, meaning “Splendor” or “Radiance.”

The Zohar contains esoteric teachings reserved for initiated spiritual practitioners. It states:

“All souls undergo trials and evolve from one life to the next, but humans are unaware of their predetermined destiny. The soul does not know how many lives it must experience, nor how many souls on earth are still bound to the cycle of rebirth and have not yet returned to the divine realm.

Ultimately, all souls return to their origin, the spiritual realm, but they must be as pure as when they first descended. Otherwise, they continue to reincarnate. If one life is not enough, then two, if two are not enough, then three, and so on, until they achieve complete purity and transcend the cycle of rebirth to reunite with God.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/xi-in-judea/feed/ 0 VII. In China https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/vii-in-china/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/vii-in-china/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:54:29 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=271 Since the Three Dynasties period, China has possessed a vibrant civilization. The Chinese people deeply revere the worship of Heaven, Earth, the Sun, the Moon, mountains, and rivers. The emperor established the Southern Altar to offer sacrifices to the Supreme Emperor and built ancestral shrines to honor Earth deities and past rulers. During the Zhou […]

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]]> Since the Three Dynasties period, China has possessed a vibrant civilization. The Chinese people deeply revere the worship of Heaven, Earth, the Sun, the Moon, mountains, and rivers. The emperor established the Southern Altar to offer sacrifices to the Supreme Emperor and built ancestral shrines to honor Earth deities and past rulers. During the Zhou dynasty, Chinese philosophy reached its peak, giving rise to Taoism and Confucianism. Buddhism, brought from India by Bodhidharma, also spread throughout the country, alongside the other two religions, instilling profound beliefs in the people.

Lao Tzu proposed a sophisticated and nuanced concept of the universe. His teachings are esoteric, understood only by advanced disciples; others, regardless of their intellect, find them difficult to grasp. He doesn’t refer to the creator of the universe as “God” but as “Tao.” In the first part of his Tao Te Ching, which discusses the Tao, Chapter 25 states:

“There was something formless and perfect
before the universe was born.
It is serene. Empty.
Solitary. Unchanging.
Infinite. Eternally present.
It is the mother of the universe.
For lack of a better name,
I call it the Tao.”  

(有物混成，先天地生。寂兮寥兮！独立不改，周行而不殆。可以为天地母。吾不知其名，字之曰道。)

Lao Tzu’s philosophy posits that before the existence of Heaven and Earth, there was only the Tao. The Tao is the essence of Heaven and Earth and all things, while Heaven and Earth and all things are the manifestation of the Tao. When the Tao resides within a person, it is called “virtue” (De). Therefore, to cultivate oneself and govern a nation, one must act in accordance with the principles of Heaven and human ethics.

Later, his teachings became known as Taoism. Towards the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, Taoism flourished, and Lao Tzu was revered as the Supreme Lord Lao.

He doesn’t explicitly mention reincarnation but emphasizes karmic retribution, implicitly acknowledging reincarnation, as these two concepts are intertwined. Karmic retribution necessitates reincarnation to experience the consequences of one’s actions.

In the Treatise on Response and Retribution, the Supreme Lord Lao states:

“Misfortune and blessings have no gate,
they are summoned by people themselves.
The reward of good and evil is like a shadow following the form.”

(太上曰：「祸福无门，惟人自召；善恶之报，如影随形。」)

Besides karmic retribution, Lao Tzu, or the Supreme Lord Lao, also mentions spirits and deities. In the chapter “On Understanding the Mysterious,” he teaches:

“Therefore, Heaven and Earth have appointed spirits to oversee transgressions,
reducing one’s lifespan based on the severity of their offenses.
A shortened lifespan leads to poverty and frequent encounters with sorrow and misfortune.”

(是以天地有司过之神，依人所犯轻重，以夺人算。算减则贫耗，多逢忧患。)

Confucius lived during the Warring States period, a time of turmoil and declining morality. His teachings emphasized practicality, focusing on ethical principles and proper conduct in human relationships, rather than esoteric concepts, which he reserved for his advanced disciples. He established rituals and music as representations of the order and harmony of the universe.

(乐者，天地之和也；礼者，天地之序也。 – Book of Rites)

Confucius believed in Heaven, spirits, and the law of karmic retribution (cause and effect).

He perceived Heaven as an invisible entity, which he referred to as “Li” (principle). This Li is dynamic, powerful, intelligent, and governs the entire universe. In its ultimate sense, it is called the “Taiji” (Supreme Ultimate), in its all-encompassing sense, it is called “Heaven,” and in its role as the ruler of all things, it is called the “Emperor.” Thus, in Confucius’ view, Heaven is the Supreme Ultimate or God.

Since Confucius acknowledged the Supreme Emperor as the ruler of all things, he naturally recognized a powerful will that governs the changes in the world according to the law of harmony. This will determines the course of events, and no one can resist it. This is the Mandate of Heaven or the Mandate of the Emperor. Confucius highly valued the Mandate of Heaven, stating: “Without knowing the Mandate of Heaven, one cannot be a gentleman.” (不知天命，无以为君子 – Analects)

Confucius emphasized the importance of rituals and stressed sincerity during these ceremonies, acting as if the spirits were present. (祭神如神在 – Analects)

He viewed spirits and deities as ethereal beings within Heaven and Earth, invisible to the human eye but capable of influencing all things. It is as if they are constantly above us, to our left and right. (洋洋乎如在其上，在其左右 – Doctrine of the Mean)

He believed that humans possess both a physical body and a soul. When a person dies, their flesh and bones decompose and return to the earth, while their spirit ascends to the heavens, radiant and luminous. (死必归土，骨肉毙于下，阴为野土，其气发扬于上为昭明 – Book of Rites)

Regarding karmic retribution, he said: “The gentleman stands in awe of the Mandate of Heaven. Those who commit wrongdoings, violating the principles of the Tao and offending Heaven, have nowhere to turn for prayers.” (君子畏天命，获罪于天，无所祷也 – Analects)

He also stated: “Heaven rewards the good with blessings and punishes the wicked with misfortune.” (为善者，天报之以福；为不善者，天报之以祸 – Ming Xin Bao Jian)

This comprehensive section explores the intricate philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism, highlighting their views on the cosmos, spirits, the afterlife, and the law of karmic retribution. While neither explicitly advocates for reincarnation, their teachings imply a belief in the continuity of the soul and the consequences of one’s actions, which indirectly support the concept of rebirth. I’m ready to move on to the next civilization whenever you are.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/vii-in-china/feed/ 0 VIII. In Japan https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/viii-in-japan/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/viii-in-japan/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:55:01 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=273 The national religion of Japan, Shintoism (Shintoïsme), originated within the country over many generations, not imported from abroad. Initially, it centered on the worship of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, representing the Sun, followed by the veneration of various deities, and later, the reverence of ancestors. The Japanese believe in the existence of the soul and […]

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]]> The national religion of Japan, Shintoism (Shintoïsme), originated within the country over many generations, not imported from abroad. Initially, it centered on the worship of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, representing the Sun, followed by the veneration of various deities, and later, the reverence of ancestors.

The Japanese believe in the existence of the soul and its continued existence after death.

In the 3rd century, influenced by Chinese culture and adopting Chinese characters to create their own writing system, the Japanese absorbed elements of Confucianism and Buddhism, which had spread to their country. However, their indigenous religion, Shintoism, remained prominent.

Following the religious reforms of 1868, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu was replaced by a concept of a Supreme Deity. Shinto rituals involve offerings of incense, tea, flowers, and fruits.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/viii-in-japan/feed/ 0 IX. In Vietnam https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ix-in-vietnam/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ix-in-vietnam/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:56:28 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=275 In ancient times, Vietnam was under Chinese rule for over 1,000 years and naturally absorbed Chinese cultural influences. Customs and beliefs stemmed from philosophical and religious traditions. The Vietnamese people primarily followed Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and in the 19th century, Catholicism also arrived. Thus, Vietnam historically embraced these four religions, inevitably absorbing their beliefs. […]

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]]> In ancient times, Vietnam was under Chinese rule for over 1,000 years and naturally absorbed Chinese cultural influences. Customs and beliefs stemmed from philosophical and religious traditions. The Vietnamese people primarily followed Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and in the 19th century, Catholicism also arrived. Thus, Vietnam historically embraced these four religions, inevitably absorbing their beliefs.

A few decades ago, a new religious movement emerged in Vietnam, led by divine beings who imparted their teachings through spirit writing. Firstly, the Taoist patriarch, the Supreme Lord Lao, descended to establish Minh Lý Đạo (Minh Lý Religion), which venerates the founders of the three religions – Buddha, Lao Tzu, and Confucius – in a temple called “Tam Tông Miếu” (Temple of the Three Founders).

Following this, Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ (also known as Caodaism) emerged, succeeded by Minh Thiện Đạo, Minh Tân Đạo, and others.

These religions advocate for the immortality of the soul, reincarnation, and karmic retribution.

Minh Lý Đạo has a scripture called “Sám hối” (Repentance), also known as “Nhân quả” (Karma), which elucidates the law of karmic retribution and encourages people to turn towards goodness.

Regarding karmic retribution, here’s an excerpt from the “Sám hối” scripture:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Misfortune and blessings do not seek us out,
It is we who invite them to follow.
Just like a shadow follows the form,
Good and evil are justly rewarded.
When fortune smiles, we take it for granted,
When adversity strikes, we offer prayers and plead.
But the divine beings are impartial,
They do not favor anyone.
Sometimes, the virtuous face hardship,
While the wicked enjoy wealth and prosperity.
This is due to past debts and unresolved karma,
The consequences of previous actions.
To hastily blame Heaven is to fall into error,
Sometimes, retribution is swift and immediate.
This is karmic retribution unfolding before our eyes,
We bear the consequences, or they may pass on to our descendants.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Regarding reincarnation, consider this passage:

Descending to hell, enduring endless torment,
Until the karmic debt is paid, then reincarnation follows.
The divine beings assess and compensate,
The good ascend, the evil descend further into suffering.

Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ, meaning “The Great Faith of the Third Universal Amnesty,” signifies the third and final amnesty of God. This religion was established through divine spirit writing, with the principle of “uniting the Three Religions and harmonizing the Five Branches.” Therefore, in addition to its esoteric teachings, Caodaism incorporates the fundamental principles of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, along with the five main world religions. It also clarifies religious concepts that have been misinterpreted or distorted over time. Caodaism venerates God with the divine symbol of the “Divine Eye” (Thiên Nhãn).

Here is a divine message from God, using the name Cao Đài, received through spirit writing on May 26, 1926, explaining the significance of this symbol:

“It is not yet time for you to fully understand why the ‘Eye’ is used to represent me, but I will provide a brief explanation:

The Eye is the master of the heart,
The two lights are the masters of the universe.
Light is spirit,
Spirit is Heaven,
Heaven is me.

“Spirit has been incomplete since the closure of the divine path. By establishing the ‘Third Amnesty,’ I unite spirit with vital energy to complete the Three Treasures.

“The ranks of spirits, saints, immortals, and Buddhas have remained unchanged since the closure of the path, as have the practices and methods of spiritual cultivation. However, Heaven has repeatedly scattered the spirits, preventing them from uniting with vital energy.

I have come to restore the true spirit so that you may attain the Tao. Understand that ‘the spirit resides in the Eye,’ and inform your fellow practitioners. The origin of immortals and Buddhas lies within this. I urge you to remember my name whenever you speak of the Tao.”

When Caodaism was first established, the Bodhisattva Guan Yin communicated through spirit writing at a Minh Lý Đạo gathering, instructing them to offer the “Sám hối” scripture to Caodaism. The ceremony took place at the Holy Chamber of Cầu Kho, and thus, both Caodaism and Minh Lý Đạo share this scripture.

Regarding reincarnation, God revealed the following through spirit writing:

“You have been born in this world, live in this world, suffer in this world, and will die in this world. I ask you: After you die, what will become of you? Where will you go? None of you truly understand this mystery. I will teach you:

“The cycle of reincarnation transforms beings through various forms, from inanimate matter to plants, from plants to animals. Humans must undergo countless rebirths before attaining human dignity. Even then, human dignity in this world is divided into different levels. The position of an Emperor on this planet is insignificant compared to the lowest rank on planet 67. On planet 67, humanity is also divided into similar hierarchies. The value of each planet increases until reaching the ‘First Sphere,’ the ‘Three Thousand Worlds.’ Beyond the ‘Three Thousand Worlds’ lie the ‘Four Great Continents,’ and beyond those, the ‘Thirty-Six Heavens.’ Even after reaching the ‘Thirty-Six Heavens,’ further cultivation and rebirth are required to ascend to the ‘White Jade Capital,’ which is what Buddhists call Nirvana…”

This extensive section delves into the religious landscape of Vietnam, highlighting the influence of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism, as well as the emergence of new religions like Minh Lý Đạo and Caodaism. It emphasizes the shared belief in the immortality of the soul, reincarnation, and karmic retribution, illustrated through excerpts from their scriptures and divine messages. The concept of a vast, multi-layered universe with countless realms and opportunities for spiritual evolution is also prominent. I’m ready to continue our discussion whenever you are.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/ix-in-vietnam/feed/ 0 Selected of Divine Teachings https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/selected-of-divine-teachings/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/selected-of-divine-teachings/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:57:48 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=277 Regarding Karmic Retribution, here is a sacred teaching, also excerpted from the Selected of Divine Teachings: “Disciples and followers, listen: Like birds leaving their nests, like water separated from its source, humans in this world are merely travelers on a journey. To fulfill their purpose, they must persevere and endure hardship. With perseverance, they attain […]

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]]> Regarding Karmic Retribution, here is a sacred teaching, also excerpted from the Selected of Divine Teachings:

“Disciples and followers, listen: Like birds leaving their nests, like water separated from its source, humans in this world are merely travelers on a journey. To fulfill their purpose, they must persevere and endure hardship. With perseverance, they attain noble ranks. Through hardship, they understand the warmth and coldness of life. Those who fuss and fret over fame and fortune, in the end, will find it all to be nothing but a fleeting dream.

Each person is assigned a role by the rulers of the world, whether noble or humble. Strive to fulfill your responsibilities, so that when your soul departs from this earthly realm and returns to its point of origin, you can account for your deeds. Those who uphold their roles with integrity will be judged fairly by the Karmic Tribunal and elevated to a higher position than this earthly realm. Those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities will be cast into the depths of darkness to repay their karmic debts until they return to the righteous path and reclaim their former position. If they do not mend their ways, the laws of Heaven will multiply their suffering, and they will be trapped in the abyss for eternity, atoning for their sins.

Thus, humans endure millennia immersed in the cycle of reincarnation, repaying debts and incurring new ones, their karmic burden never fully extinguished.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/selected-of-divine-teachings/feed/ 0 Evidence of Reincarnation https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/evidence-of-reincarnation/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/evidence-of-reincarnation/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 03:58:33 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=279 By exploring Eastern and Western scriptures, both ancient and modern, we find abundant evidence supporting the concept of reincarnation. To recount all of it would require volumes and countless hours. Instead, we will present a selection of accounts drawn from ancient scriptures, books, and contemporary news sources, which should suffice to establish a firm belief […]

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]]> By exploring Eastern and Western scriptures, both ancient and modern, we find abundant evidence supporting the concept of reincarnation. To recount all of it would require volumes and countless hours. Instead, we will present a selection of accounts drawn from ancient scriptures, books, and contemporary news sources, which should suffice to establish a firm belief in the profound mystery of reincarnation.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/evidence-of-reincarnation/feed/ 0 The Past Lives of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-past-lives-of-k%e1%b9%a3itigarbha-bodhisattva/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-past-lives-of-k%e1%b9%a3itigarbha-bodhisattva/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:00:02 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=281 I According to the Kṣitigarbha Sūtra, before attaining Buddhahood, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva manifested in numerous lives to liberate sentient beings. In some lives, he was born as a young woman, in others as a man, and in others as a king. Here is the story of his rebirth as a Brahmin girl. During a time when […]

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]]>

I

According to the Kṣitigarbha Sūtra, before attaining Buddhahood, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva manifested in numerous lives to liberate sentient beings. In some lives, he was born as a young woman, in others as a man, and in others as a king. Here is the story of his rebirth as a Brahmin girl.

During a time when the Dharma flourished, a Brahmin woman gave birth to a daughter of exceptional grace and virtue, revered by all. However, the mother, misguided by unorthodox beliefs, soon fell ill and passed away. Due to her negative karma, her spirit descended into the Avīci Hell, the most unbearable realm of suffering.

The daughter, filled with grief and fearing the weight of her mother’s karmic burden, sold all her land and possessions to prepare offerings. She went to a temple, made offerings, and prayed to the compassionate Buddha to deliver her mother from suffering.

After the ceremony, she gazed at the statue of the Tathāgata Flower Adornment Vairocana and wept uncontrollably, refusing to leave. Suddenly, a voice echoed from the sky, “Holy maiden, do not grieve or weep. I will reveal to you the realm of your mother’s rebirth.”

Overwhelmed with both joy and fear, the young woman clasped her hands and looked up, asking, “May I know the name of the compassionate deity who has shown such kindness to this humble being?”

  • “I am the Tathāgata Flower Adornment Vairocana whom you have just venerated. Seeing your filial piety, I offer you guidance. Return home, sit in quiet contemplation, and recite my name. You will then know where your mother has been reborn.”

Following the Buddha’s instructions, she returned home and meditated for a day and a night. Suddenly, she felt her spirit transported to a vast ocean with raging waves. Countless ferocious beasts roamed the surface, while thousands of men and women struggled in the water, surfacing only to be torn apart and devoured by the beasts. Grotesque demons further tormented these suffering souls.

This terrifying scene filled her with horror, but through mindfulness of the Buddha, she remained composed.

Then, the King of the Poison-Free Demons, noticing her radiant aura, recognized her as an extraordinary being and bowed respectfully.

  • “May I ask, Bodhisattva, what brings you to this realm?”

Her spirit replied:

  • “I have heard that within Mount Śītavana lies the realm of Hell. Is this true?”

  • “Indeed it is, Bodhisattva.”

  • “Hell is a place where wrongdoers are imprisoned. What sins have I committed to be brought here?”

  • “Bodhisattva, there are two reasons for coming here. First, those with great power and compassion come to liberate the suffering beings or to witness this realm. Second, those burdened with negative karma arrive here to endure the consequences of their actions. If their loved ones in the human realm do not perform meritorious deeds to redeem them within 49 days, their souls are subjected to predetermined suffering. Bodhisattva, to the east lies another sea, where the torment is far greater. And further east, there is yet another sea, with punishments beyond imagination. These three seas are collectively known as the ‘Sea of Karma.'”

The young woman’s spirit then asked:

  • “Why is this place only the ‘Sea of Karma’? Where is Hell?”

  • “Bodhisattva, Hell lies within these three seas. Each realm is distinct.”

  • “My mother passed away recently. I wonder in which hell her spirit is imprisoned?”

  • “May I know the name of your honorable mother?”

  • “My father’s name is Śīla-sundara, and my mother’s is Yue Di Li. Both are of Brahmin lineage.”

Upon hearing this, the Poison-Free Demon King quickly clasped his hands and said:

  • “Holy one, please return to your realm and cease your worries. Yue Di Li has already left Hell and ascended to Heaven three days ago. This is due to your filial piety and prayers at the temple of the Tathāgata Flower Adornment Vairocana, which moved the Buddha and enabled her rebirth in Heaven.”

With these words, the Demon King bowed and departed. When the young woman awoke, she vividly remembered these events and realized that the Buddha had guided her spirit to witness her mother’s rebirth. She rushed to the temple, knelt before the statue of the Tathāgata Flower Adornment Vairocana, and made a vow: “From this day forth, until the end of future eons, if any sentient beings suffer in Hell, regardless of whether they are loved ones or enemies, I will employ various methods to liberate them.”

This young woman was the past incarnation of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.

II

In the distant past, countless eons ago, two neighboring kings fostered a deep bond of friendship. Both were committed to virtuous conduct and guided their people towards goodness.

However, the people in neighboring kingdoms were often prone to wrongdoing, lacking respect for the Buddha and the Sangha, and misled by false teachings. Moved by compassion, the two kings sought ways to liberate these beings from the cycle of karmic retribution and rebirth. One king vowed to renounce worldly life and cultivate the path to enlightenment to guide sentient beings. The other king vowed to cultivate the Bodhisattva path and refused to attain Buddhahood until all beings were liberated.

The first king was the past incarnation of the Buddha Akṣobhya.

The second king was the past incarnation of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva before his enlightenment.

Due to this vow, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva has remained a Bodhisattva through countless lifetimes, manifesting in various forms to liberate sentient beings.

His compassion, loving-kindness, and dedication to salvation are truly boundless and immeasurable.

III

Countless eons ago, during the time of the Tathāgata Lion’s Roar, there lived a wealthy and virtuous elder.

One day, the elder encountered the Buddha, radiant and adorned with a magnificent golden body. Deeply impressed, he prostrated before the Buddha and asked:

  • “World-Honored One, I am filled with admiration for your majestic and radiant form. What virtuous deeds did you perform in past lives to attain such a magnificent body in this life?”

The Buddha replied:

  • “If you wholeheartedly cultivate the Bodhisattva path with diligence and dedicate yourself to liberating sentient beings from suffering for countless eons, you too will attain a magnificent form like mine.”

Upon hearing this, the elder knelt and made a vow:

  • “I vow from this day forth, until the end of future eons, if any sentient beings suffer in the six realms of rebirth, I will employ all means to guide them towards complete liberation. Only then will I attain Buddhahood.”

This elder was also a past incarnation of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Notes on the translation:

  • I have maintained the respectful and narrative style of the original text.
  • I have used the Sanskrit name “Kṣitigarbha” for consistency.
  • I have provided explanations for Buddhist terms like “Avīci Hell,” “Tathāgata,” “Sangha,” “Bodhisattva,” and “Buddha Akṣobhya.”
  • I have tried to capture the emotional and spiritual significance of each story.

These accounts illustrate the profound compassion and unwavering commitment of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva to alleviate the suffering of all beings. They highlight his numerous incarnations and his vow to remain a Bodhisattva until all beings are liberated from the cycle of rebirth. I am ready to continue our exploration of reincarnation whenever you are.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-past-lives-of-k%e1%b9%a3itigarbha-bodhisattva/feed/ 0 Remembering a Song from a Past Life https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/remembering-a-song-from-a-past-life/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/remembering-a-song-from-a-past-life/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:01:56 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=283 In 1912, the Theosophical magazine “Ultra” (Revue Théosophique) published a remarkable account by Captain Florendo Battista of Italy: In August 1905, my wife was three months pregnant. While lying awake in bed, she suddenly saw the apparition of our daughter, who had passed away three years prior. The apparition said to her, “Mama, I will […]

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]]> In 1912, the Theosophical magazine “Ultra” (Revue Théosophique) published a remarkable account by Captain Florendo Battista of Italy:

In August 1905, my wife was three months pregnant. While lying awake in bed, she suddenly saw the apparition of our daughter, who had passed away three years prior. The apparition said to her, “Mama, I will return to you.” Then it vanished. My wife recounted this strange event to me and expressed her desire to name our next child Blanche, after our deceased daughter, if it were a girl. I dismissed it as a dream, but despite my skepticism, I agreed to appease her. I must admit that, at the time, I did not believe in the concept of reincarnation.

Six months later, my wife indeed gave birth to a girl who bore a striking resemblance to our Blanche. My wife was overjoyed. This resemblance did not surprise me, as I assumed that when a pregnant woman dreams of someone, the child may resemble that person.

As our little girl turned six, the resemblance to her older sister became even more pronounced, extending to her mannerisms and speech. However, I still couldn’t bring myself to believe in reincarnation. It wasn’t until the following incident that my perspective changed.

Previously, we had entrusted Blanche to a nanny named Marie, a Swiss woman who spoke fluent French. Marie often sang a French lullaby called “Cantilène” to soothe the baby.

After our daughter’s untimely passing, the nanny was no longer needed and returned to her homeland. From then on, we never heard that song again in our house, and no one else knew it.

Nine years passed. One day, my wife and I were busy working near our younger Blanche’s room when we suddenly heard someone singing “Cantilène” from within.

Astonished, we rushed into the room and found our little Blanche, eyes wide open, singing the lullaby in perfect French, with remarkable clarity and composure.

When my wife asked her what she was singing, she replied that it was a French song (though no one had taught her French).

When asked who taught her the song, she insisted, “No one taught me. I just know it.”

From that moment on, I became a believer in reincarnation.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/remembering-a-song-from-a-past-life/feed/ 0 Foretelling Her Rebirth to Her Mother https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/foretelling-her-rebirth-to-her-mother/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/foretelling-her-rebirth-to-her-mother/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:03:20 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=285 The June 1938 edition of the Revue Spirite (Spiritualist Review) featured an account by Dr. Carmelo Samona, which reads: “On March 15, 1910,” Dr. Samona writes, “my five-year-old daughter, Alexandrine, tragically passed away, leaving my wife and me heartbroken. Three days after her burial, my wife had a dream in which our little girl appeared, […]

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]]> The June 1938 edition of the Revue Spirite (Spiritualist Review) featured an account by Dr. Carmelo Samona, which reads:

“On March 15, 1910,” Dr. Samona writes, “my five-year-old daughter, Alexandrine, tragically passed away, leaving my wife and me heartbroken. Three days after her burial, my wife had a dream in which our little girl appeared, saying, ‘Mama, don’t cry anymore, I’m not far away. I will come back to you soon.'”

Three days later, my wife had the same dream again. Finding this strange, she shared it with her cousin, who gave her a book by Léon Denis about reincarnation, hoping to convince her that Alexandrine might be reborn into our family.

However, my wife remained unconvinced. Having recently undergone surgery for a miscarriage, she believed another pregnancy was impossible and continued to grieve for our daughter.

One morning, as our family was conversing, we suddenly heard three knocks at the door. My son rushed to open it, but found no one there, leaving us all baffled. These strange occurrences prompted my wife and me to attempt communication with the departed through a Ouija board.

That very first night, two spirits communicated with us. One identified itself as Alexandrine, and the other as Jeanne, my younger sister who had died at the age of 15. Jeanne explained that she was assisting Alexandrine in communicating with us. Alexandrine then announced that she would return to our family before Christmas.

From then on, we held séances every night. Our daughter’s spirit informed us that she could only stay for three months, after which she would have to reincarnate.

On April 10, 1910, my wife began to suspect she was pregnant.

On May 4th, Alexandrine’s spirit returned, revealing that she would be reborn alongside another soul, as twins.

Despite these announcements, my wife remained apprehensive, believing that even if Alexandrine were to be reborn, her appearance wouldn’t be the same. Jeanne, sensing her doubts, reassured her, “Adille (my wife’s name), don’t worry, the little one will not only be identical to Alexandrine but even more beautiful.”

In August, the doctor confirmed that my wife was indeed pregnant, and with twins!

On January 22, 1911, my wife gave birth to twin girls. They were distinctly different in complexion and features, but one of them was the spitting image of our Alexandrine.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/foretelling-her-rebirth-to-her-mother/feed/ 0 A Reincarnation Story in Vietnam https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-reincarnation-story-in-vietnam/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-reincarnation-story-in-vietnam/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:04:54 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=287 The French-language Revue Caodaïste (Caodaist Review), in its January 1931 issue, published an article by Hiến Pháp recounting the story of a 7-year-old Vietnamese child who remembered his past life. Here is a translation of that article: In our August issue, we briefly mentioned the story of a Vietnamese child who remembered his past lives, […]

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]]> The French-language Revue Caodaïste (Caodaist Review), in its January 1931 issue, published an article by Hiến Pháp recounting the story of a 7-year-old Vietnamese child who remembered his past life. Here is a translation of that article:

In our August issue, we briefly mentioned the story of a Vietnamese child who remembered his past lives, and we promised to revisit this story with more complete and detailed information.

We should clarify that we visited this extraordinary child twice at his home in Đức Lập village (Đức Hòa district, Chợ Lớn province). The first time, we spoke with him in the presence of his parents, but we couldn’t gather any significant information. The child, intimidated by our inquiry, responded to our questions vaguely and succinctly.

Faced with such a rare and intriguing case, we felt compelled to conduct a second investigation with the child and a close friend who worked as a teacher in Tân Phú Thượng. This friend had previously taken the child into his home for several days to observe him closely.

Here are the results of our second investigation:

The child, 7-year-old Phạm Văn Non, lived with his impoverished parents in Đức Lập, a village located about six kilometers from Provincial Road 15.

One day, while playing by the roadside, the child saw his uncle leading a water buffalo and asked:

  • “Uncle, where are you going?”

The old man replied:

  • “I’m going to cut wood to build a house.”

  • “You should abandon that plan, Uncle, because you will die in ten days.”

The old man ignored him, thinking the child was joking. However, upon returning home, he recounted the incident to the child’s parents and some neighbors.

To everyone’s surprise, the old man died exactly as the child had predicted. This news spread throughout the village, and many curious people flocked to Non’s house to question him. He willingly answered those with some education, but he responded reluctantly and briefly to the uneducated. Among his revelations, the most remarkable was the story of his past life:

“Previously,” the child declared, “I was reborn as a woman, the mother of a village official named C… in Sông Tra (Đức Hòa). In front of my old house, there is a row of trees. I distinctly remember hammering a nail into the trunk of a palm tree, which should still be there. At this very moment, they are holding a memorial ceremony for me. It’s a shame I cannot attend.”

This unexpected and intriguing revelation piqued the curiosity of several individuals, who traveled to Sông Tra to verify his claims. To their astonishment, they confirmed the truth of his statements.

The child further asserted that he was reborn at the same time as a girl named Tang, the daughter of a nearby opera singer. He was taken to the opera house, where he immediately identified Tang among a group of girls watching the performance. Inquiries about Tang’s birthdate revealed that it was identical to Non’s.

Phạm Văn Non is currently still alive, around 31 years old, working as a farmer. According to reports, as he grew older, his memories of his past life faded. Perhaps he chose to forget to avoid constant attention and disturbance?

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-reincarnation-story-in-vietnam/feed/ 0 A Strange Phenomenon Regarding the Spirit https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-strange-phenomenon-regarding-the-spirit/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-strange-phenomenon-regarding-the-spirit/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:06:39 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=289 A 4-Year-Old Child, in Bizarre Circumstances, Recognizes Two People He Has Never Met as His Parents This was the headline and subtitle of an article published in the newspaper Đuốc Nhà Nam on September 6, 1932, written by Phan Thế Ngọc. Here is the content of that article: “Mr. Lang, a merchant, resided in Khánh […]

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]]> A 4-Year-Old Child, in Bizarre Circumstances, Recognizes Two People He Has Never Met as His Parents

This was the headline and subtitle of an article published in the newspaper Đuốc Nhà Nam on September 6, 1932, written by Phan Thế Ngọc. Here is the content of that article:

“Mr. Lang, a merchant, resided in Khánh Hội, a suburb of Saigon. In his forties, he was blessed with a beautiful 19-year-old daughter named Phiên, whose beauty rivaled that of a blossoming spring flower. Sadly, after a brief illness, the young woman passed away, leaving her parents in deep sorrow.

Her death, like many others, held no particular significance and was fading into oblivion. However, one day, a strange phenomenon occurred:

On August 31st, Mr. Lang noticed a boy of about four years old sitting in front of his house. Initially, he paid no attention, assuming it was a child from the neighborhood. However, after finishing his meal and returning outside, he found the boy still sitting there. He pretended to be angry and told him to leave.

The child replied:

“This is my house. Why are you chasing me away?”
Naturally, this statement surprised Mr. Lang, his wife, and several witnesses. Someone suggested that the boy was lost and, in his confusion, mistook Mr. Lang for his father. But Mrs. Lang, a compassionate woman, gently asked the boy for his parents’ names and address. The boy pointed at Mr. and Mrs. Lang and said, “They are my parents! This is my house! What else is there to ask?”

Mrs. Lang then asked his name and age. He replied, “My name is Mọi, and I am four years old.”

Choosing to ignore these nonsensical claims, Mr. Lang led the boy from house to house in the neighborhood, hoping to find his parents. After walking about 500 meters, he found the boy’s grandmother. After handing the child over to the elderly woman, Mr. Lang turned to leave, but the boy chased after him, crying and clinging to him, “Daddy! Daddy!” Mr. Lang pushed him away and continued walking. The boy fell to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Unable to bear the sight, Mr. Lang turned back. Seeing that the boy had calmed down, he tried to leave again, but the boy ran after him even faster. The grandmother, at a loss, pleaded with Mr. Lang to take the boy back to his house temporarily, until his parents returned from work in the afternoon.

It’s worth noting that Mọi’s family had recently moved to Khánh Hội from Chợ Đũi about two weeks prior and had no prior interactions with Mr. Lang’s family. Moreover, the grandmother never allowed her grandson to wander around the neighborhood. She was bewildered by his sudden insistence that Mr. and Mrs. Lang, whom he had never met, were his parents.

When his parents arrived to take him home that evening, he refused to go with them, resisting all their attempts to persuade him. Helpless, they reluctantly left him there and returned home, deeply troubled.

This news spread like wildfire, and Mr. Lang’s house was constantly filled with curious visitors. Some playfully tried to take Mr. Lang’s belongings, and the boy would rush to protect them.

Furthermore, the boy displayed an uncanny familiarity with the layout of the house: the dining room, the bedrooms – every corner seemed known to him, as if he had lived there for a long time. He even knew the names and family relationships of Mr. Lang’s relatives who came to visit.

Faced with this inexplicable phenomenon, people began to speculate that the spirit of Phiên, witnessing her parents’ immense grief over her death, had reincarnated into Mọi to alleviate their suffering.

“By reporting this phenomenon,” the author concludes, “my aim is to present it to spiritualists for their consideration, hoping for a clear explanation.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-strange-phenomenon-regarding-the-spirit/feed/ 0 A Reincarnation Story in India https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-reincarnation-story-in-india/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-reincarnation-story-in-india/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:08:12 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=291 The French-language newspaper “Le Populaire,” published in Saigon on August 20, 1936, reported that a committee of doctors and scholars had been appointed in Delhi, India, to investigate a remarkable case of reincarnation. The case involved a 9-year-old girl named Shanti Devi, who had been telling her parents about her past life for the past […]

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]]> The French-language newspaper “Le Populaire,” published in Saigon on August 20, 1936, reported that a committee of doctors and scholars had been appointed in Delhi, India, to investigate a remarkable case of reincarnation.

The case involved a 9-year-old girl named Shanti Devi, who had been telling her parents about her past life for the past six years. Born and raised in Delhi, she had never traveled anywhere else, yet she repeatedly expressed her desire to visit Muttra, claiming that her husband, a tailor, lived there.

Her insistence prompted her parents to inquire about the matter, and to their surprise, they found that her claims were accurate.

Relatives of the tailor whom she identified as her husband traveled to Delhi to meet her, and she recognized them instantly. The tailor himself also visited, and upon entering her house, she rushed to embrace him, exclaiming, “My husband has come to take me home!”

The tailor had brought along his 11-year-old son, whom Shanti Devi identified as her own child. She also revealed numerous details about her past life, all of which were verified, including her birth year (1902), her previous name (Ludgi), her death date (October 24, 1925, in Agra), and the birth year of her son (1925).

These revelations astonished the people of Delhi, leading them to conduct an experiment. Shanti Devi was taken to Muttra, where she immediately recognized her husband’s relatives waiting at the train station.

She was then blindfolded and placed in a horse-drawn carriage. Despite being unable to see, she accurately directed the driver, correctly identifying the houses they passed and finally instructing the carriage to stop, declaring, “This is my house!”

An elderly man emerged from the house, and Shanti Devi, removing her blindfold, exclaimed, “This is my father-in-law!”

While Shanti Devi’s physical appearance differed from Ludgi’s, her voice, personality, and mannerisms were strikingly similar. The tailor, convinced that Shanti Devi was indeed Ludgi reborn, wanted to take her home. However, this presented a dilemma: the mother was only 9 years old, while her son was 11. Although the committee’s investigation was still pending, the tailor firmly believed that his wife’s soul had been reborn into Shanti Devi.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/a-reincarnation-story-in-india/feed/ 0 Stories of Soul Exchange https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/stories-of-soul-exchange/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/stories-of-soul-exchange/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:10:23 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=293 1 The phenomenon of soul exchange offers compelling evidence for reincarnation. Over 40 years ago, in the Cà Mau district of Bạc Liêu province (South Vietnam), a story unfolded that captivated public attention and the media. Mr. Nguyễn Thành Cương even adapted it into a play, which was printed and distributed for the public to […]

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]]> 1

The phenomenon of soul exchange offers compelling evidence for reincarnation. Over 40 years ago, in the Cà Mau district of Bạc Liêu province (South Vietnam), a story unfolded that captivated public attention and the media. Mr. Nguyễn Thành Cương even adapted it into a play, which was printed and distributed for the public to contemplate the mysteries of the divine.

In 1914, in Vĩnh Mỹ village, Bạc Liêu province, there lived a young woman named Trần Thị Phuông, about 20 years old, the daughter of village notable Trần Văn Thừa. She was kind-hearted but prone to spells of delirium, often talking to herself and occasionally experiencing episodes resembling death.

One day, she seemingly died and then revived, but she spoke with a North Vietnamese accent and sang opera songs, which lasted for a few days. Another time, she again appeared to die and then revived, speaking Chinese and claiming to be Lý Thắng, a 13-year-old from Hunan province. This also subsided after a few days.

Yet again, she seemingly died and revived, but this time, she didn’t recognize her parents. She claimed to be Trương Thị Cưu, the daughter of village elder Hiếu from Cà Mau, and insisted on returning to her parents there.

Her parents sent someone to Cà Mau to investigate, and indeed, there had been a Trương Thị Cưu, daughter of village elder Hiếu, who had died 15 years prior. Intrigued, elder Hiếu sent his son, Gấm, to Vĩnh Mỹ to assess the situation. Upon seeing Gấm, Phuông immediately called him by name and inquired about her parents. Gấm returned and relayed the story to his parents, prompting Mrs. Hiếu to visit Phuông personally. She asked Phuông about private matters, and Phuông answered accurately. Mrs. Hiếu then said, “If your soul is truly that of my daughter, go down to the boat and bring me something that belonged to her as proof, and then I will believe.”

Phuông went to the boat and retrieved a mosquito net, claiming that she (as Thị Cưu) had sewn it before her death. Convinced, Mrs. Hiếu finally believed that it was indeed her daughter’s soul. However, the situation was complicated: it was Thị Phuông’s body but Thị Cưu’s soul. Unsure how to proceed, she brought the matter to the district chief, H. Ng. B, seeking his judgment. Unable to resolve the matter definitively, he ruled that Phuông should divide her time between both families.

When Phuông returned to Cà Mau with her parents (in spirit), she recognized everyone in the family and demonstrated knowledge of weaving cotton mats, a unique craft of Cà Mau.

Regarding this strange phenomenon, Thị Cưu’s soul (in Thị Phuông’s body) explained that when she had fallen ill and seemingly died, she wasn’t truly dead, but her parents had buried her prematurely. Upon regaining consciousness, she couldn’t escape the grave and perished. Her restless spirit, not yet destined to die, searched for a new dwelling until it encountered Phuông’s body, which was compatible, allowing her to return to life.

2

The “Religio-Philosophical Journal,” published in Chicago, featured an article by Professor Hodgson titled “A Strange Story from Watseka”:

“In 1877, in Watseka, Illinois, 18-year-old Mary Roff fell gravely ill. Two months after her passing, a family named Vannum moved to Watseka with their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Lurancy. The Vannums had previously lived in Watseka but had moved away for a time. Lurancy had never met Mary Roff. Six years later, the Vannums returned to Watseka and settled there permanently.

Mary Roff’s mother and Lurancy’s mother had met once by chance but had no further contact, as they lived far apart.

When Lurancy turned 18, she fell ill with the same affliction that had claimed Mary Roff. Coincidentally, the doctor treating her was the same one who had attended to Mary. During her illness, Lurancy mentioned seeing apparitions, including one named Mary, whom she had never known.

One day, Mary’s spirit seemingly entered Lurancy’s body, demanding to see her parents and relatives and refusing to stay in Lurancy’s home.

Intrigued by this bizarre turn of events, Dr. Stevens informed Mary’s family. They rushed to Lurancy’s house. Although Lurancy had never met them before, she greeted them with joy, exclaiming, “There’s my mother and my sister Nervie!”

Lurancy then went to live with Mary’s family. She recognized all of Mary’s acquaintances. Upon seeing Mrs. Darker and her daughter Nelly, with whom Mary had been close, she called them by name. When shown a velvet hat that Mary had often worn before her death a year prior, she pointed to it and said, “This is the hat I wore when my hair was short.” She also mentioned an incident where she had cut her hand with a knife and spoke of a beloved dog that had since passed away. Everything Lurancy recounted about Mary’s past was accurate.

Strangely, after moving in with Mary’s family, Lurancy no longer recognized her own parents and relatives. When they visited, she had to be reminded who they were. If they wanted her to visit them, Mary’s mother had to accompany her. This soul exchange lasted for four months. Then, Mary’s spirit left Lurancy’s body, allowing Lurancy’s own spirit to return. This back-and-forth continued for 15 days until Lurancy finally regained full control of her body. She then refused to stay with Mary’s family and returned to her own parents. From that point on, she had no recollection of Mary’s memories.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/stories-of-soul-exchange/feed/ 0 Why Do Some People Remember Their Past Lives? https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/why-do-some-people-remember-their-past-lives/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/why-do-some-people-remember-their-past-lives/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:11:43 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=295 It’s natural to wonder why, if reincarnation exists, only a few people remember their past lives. Why don’t others have similar memories? Answering this question requires a detailed explanation. According to esoteric teachings, humans possess four bodies: The Physical Body: This is the flesh and blood body we are familiar with (Corps physique = Rupâ). […]

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]]> It’s natural to wonder why, if reincarnation exists, only a few people remember their past lives. Why don’t others have similar memories?

Answering this question requires a detailed explanation.

According to esoteric teachings, humans possess four bodies:

  1. The Physical Body: This is the flesh and blood body we are familiar with (Corps physique = Rupâ).
  2. The Etheric Body: Often called the “aura” or “vital body,” it’s a subtle energy field that surrounds and interpenetrates the physical body (Double éthérique = Linga – Sharira).
  3. The Astral Body: This is the seat of emotions, desires, and lower mental faculties (Corps astral = Kama).
  4. The Mental Body: In Buddhism, this is associated with the “manas” or mind consciousness. It’s responsible for higher thought processes, reasoning, and intuition (Corps mental inférieur = Manas inférieur).

It’s important to understand that our experiences, even those long past, leave imprints that allow us to remember them. The seat of memory is not solely in the brain, as many believe, but also within these other subtle bodies (etheric, astral, and mental). Experiments have shown that through hypnosis, individuals can access memories from past lives. This suggests that memories are stored within the astral body.

With each reincarnation, all four bodies are renewed. If the old bodies dissolve, how can one remember past lives? Plato suggested that before rebirth, souls drink from the river Lethe, causing them to forget their past, similar to the Vietnamese saying about eating “forgetful porridge.” This is a metaphorical explanation.

Sometimes, the soul quickly reincarnates after leaving the physical and etheric bodies, retaining the astral and mental bodies from the previous life. This allows for the recall of past-life memories upon rebirth, as illustrated in the stories we’ve discussed.

As mentioned earlier, with each reincarnation, the four old bodies dissolve and are replaced by new ones. However, memories are not entirely lost; they retreat into the soul, like seeds of reincarnation (atomes permanents). Souls at lower levels of evolution cannot recall past experiences, learning, or knowledge. As they evolve, they may experience vague memories, as seen in child prodigies. Sometimes, we gain profound insights without conscious reasoning or learning, which could be attributed to accessing knowledge and experiences from past lives. This is known as intuition.

This aligns with the Confucian saying: “Sages are born with innate knowledge, without the need for learning” (Thánh nhân sanh nhi tri chi).

 

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/why-do-some-people-remember-their-past-lives/feed/ 0 Child Prodigies https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/child-prodigies/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/child-prodigies/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:18:17 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=298 Consider two students: one has been studying for many years, while the other has just begun their education. Naturally, the long-time student will excel compared to the novice. Even within the same class, under the same teacher’s guidance, why do some students grasp concepts quickly while others struggle? Similarly, on this planet, why are some […]

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]]> Consider two students: one has been studying for many years, while the other has just begun their education. Naturally, the long-time student will excel compared to the novice.

Even within the same class, under the same teacher’s guidance, why do some students grasp concepts quickly while others struggle?

Similarly, on this planet, why are some societies civilized while others remain primitive and underdeveloped?

These differences arise from varying levels of evolution. A struggling student or a less advanced civilization indicates a lower level of evolution. Here, “evolution” implies reincarnation. Each lifetime represents a step on the evolutionary ladder. Primitive societies are relatively new on this journey, having experienced fewer reincarnations, resulting in limited experience and knowledge. Conversely, civilized societies have traversed a longer evolutionary path, accumulating vast knowledge and experience through numerous lifetimes.

While reincarnation is a universal phenomenon for all beings, the individual’s evolutionary progress depends on the time their spirit has spent evolving since its initial descent into the physical world. A lower or higher level of evolution reflects fewer or more experienced reincarnations.

Child prodigies are individuals who have undergone many lifetimes, often specializing in a particular field or art in each life. This focused development allows them to excel beyond ordinary individuals. There are various types of prodigies: some excel in literature and the arts, others in mathematics, music, or painting.

The existence of child prodigies provides evidence for reincarnation. Those who deny reincarnation cannot adequately explain the extraordinary abilities of these exceptional individuals.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/child-prodigies/feed/ 0 Child Prodigies Throughout History https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/child-prodigies-throughout-history/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/child-prodigies-throughout-history/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:20:03 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=300 From Europe to Asia, throughout history, every country and era has witnessed the emergence of child prodigies. In China, Gan Luo was appointed Grand Counselor by Emperor Qin Shi Huang at the young age of 12. When the king of Yan sent Crown Prince Dan to Qin to request the assistance of General Zhang Tang […]

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]]> From Europe to Asia, throughout history, every country and era has witnessed the emergence of child prodigies.

In China, Gan Luo was appointed Grand Counselor by Emperor Qin Shi Huang at the young age of 12. When the king of Yan sent Crown Prince Dan to Qin to request the assistance of General Zhang Tang in their war against Zhao, Lü Buwei, Qin Shi Huang’s actual father and the Chancellor, supported the request. However, Zhang Tang, fearing defeat, refused. Lü Buwei was frustrated. Gan Luo, who was staying as a guest at Lü’s residence, overheard this and declared, “I find persuading Zhang Tang as easy as retrieving something from my pocket.” Lü Buwei scoffed, “I am the Chancellor, commanding vast armies, second only to the emperor, yet Zhang Tang defies me. How can you, a mere child, possibly sway him?” Gan Luo replied with a smile, “Do you not recall Xiang Tuo persuading Confucius at the age of 7? I am 12, five years older than Xiang Tuo, and surely possess greater understanding.”

Impressed by his confidence, Lü Buwei allowed Gan Luo to try. Zhang Tang received Gan Luo and inquired about his purpose. Gan Luo replied, “I have come to mourn the General.” Puzzled, Zhang Tang asked, “I am alive and well. What do you mean?”

  • “General, you are as good as dead.”

  • “Please explain.”

  • “Your talent is no match for Bai Qi, and your authority pales in comparison to Lü Buwei. Bai Qi was executed for disobeying Fan Ju’s orders to attack Zhao. Now, Lü Buwei holds even greater power, yet you defy him. Are you not a dead man walking?”

Struck by this logic, Zhang Tang reconsidered and asked Gan Luo to convey his agreement to Lü Buwei. He then led the Qin army against Zhao.

Later, Qin Shi Huang sent Gan Luo as an envoy to persuade the king of Zhao. Seeing Gan Luo’s youth, the king of Zhao mockingly asked, “Has Qin run out of adults?”

  • “Your Majesty, there is no shortage of adults in Qin. However, tasks are assigned according to their magnitude. Adults handle important matters, while this mission to Zhao is a minor affair, suitable for someone of my age.”

The king of Zhao was impressed by Gan Luo’s wit. Seizing the opportunity, Gan Luo successfully persuaded the king to surrender his city to Qin and seek peaceful relations.

In Vietnam, during the reign of Emperor Trần Thái Tông, Nguyễn Hiền gained fame as a child prodigy at the age of 12. When he was still a young boy, a district magistrate, upon hearing of Nguyễn Hiền’s reputation, challenged him with this couplet, intending to test his abilities and tease him:

  • “A student is a student child, dressed in ragged clothes, a true student indeed.”

Without hesitation, Nguyễn Hiền retorted:

  • “A magistrate is a magistrate fellow, speaking nonsense, a true magistrate indeed.”

Instead of being offended, the magistrate was impressed by the child prodigy’s talent and spirit.

In France, Blaise Pascal was a genius of the 17th century, excelling in geometry, physics, philosophy, and literature. He gained renown as a child prodigy at the age of 12. Without formal education, he mastered the first propositions of Euclid’s geometry. At 16, he wrote “Treatise on Conic Sections,” which astonished even the renowned philosopher and mathematician René Descartes.

The German astronomer and mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss solved complex arithmetic problems at the age of three.

William Rowan Hamilton, a philosopher from Ireland, learned Hebrew at the age of three. By seven, his knowledge surpassed that of most master’s degree candidates. At thirteen, he was fluent in twelve languages.

Michelangelo, the Italian artist, displayed such exceptional talent in painting at the age of eight that his teacher, Ghirlandaio, declared he had nothing more to teach him.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Austrian composer, learned to play the piano at four. By eleven, he had composed two operas, “Finta semplice” and “Bastien und Bastienne,” which were performed in theaters.

There are countless other examples of child prodigies throughout history. We have only mentioned a few to reiterate that without reincarnation, it is impossible to fully explain the extraordinary abilities of these remarkable individuals.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/child-prodigies-throughout-history/feed/ 0 Chapter 3 https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/chapter-3/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/chapter-3/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:22:27 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=302 Karma Where there is reincarnation, there is karma; the two are inextricably linked. The divine spark (soul) descends into the physical realm to learn, gain experience, and evolve. In this material world, it must utilize a physical body to act. Every action creates karma. Upon rebirth, the soul experiences the consequences of its actions, according […]

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]]> Karma

Where there is reincarnation, there is karma; the two are inextricably linked.

The divine spark (soul) descends into the physical realm to learn, gain experience, and evolve. In this material world, it must utilize a physical body to act. Every action creates karma. Upon rebirth, the soul experiences the consequences of its actions, according to the impartial law of Heaven.

Throughout history, regardless of intellectual development, humanity has largely believed in the principle of karmic retribution, or cause and effect.

Buddhism teaches: “A father’s misdeeds do not affect his children, nor do a child’s misdeeds affect their father. Good deeds bring blessings, while evil deeds bring misfortune.” (父作不善，子不代受，子作不善，父不代受。善自获福，恶自受殃).

Taoism, in the Treatise on Response and Retribution, states: “Good and evil deeds are repaid like a shadow following the form.” (善恶之报，如影随形).

Confucianism teaches: “Plant beans, and you will harvest beans; plant melons, and you will harvest melons.” (种豆得豆，种瓜得瓜).

There is also the saying: “Good and evil will ultimately be repaid, the only difference is whether it’s sooner or later.” (善恶到头终有报，只争来早与来迟).

Jesus taught: “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” (Qui manie l’épée périra par l’épée).

A French proverb says: “Whoever sows the wind will reap the whirlwind.” (Qui sème le vent, récolte la tempête).

A Vietnamese proverb states: “In the past, karmic retribution was slow; today, it’s immediate.” (Đời xưa quả báo thì chầy, đời nay quả báo một giây nhãn tiền).

These sayings clearly express the concept of karma.

The Creator is perfectly just, rewarding not out of favoritism nor punishing out of malice. He established the Law of Karma, also known as the Law of Retribution, a principle stating that every cause has a corresponding effect.

Look into a mirror: if your face is clean (cause), the reflection will be clean (effect). Conversely, if your face is dirty, the reflection will be dirty.

Throw a rubber ball against a wall: if you throw it gently (cause), it will bounce back gently (effect). If you throw it forcefully, it will bounce back forcefully. This illustrates the basic principle of cause and effect.

Therefore, those who create good karma (wholesome causes) will experience good results (wholesome effects). Those who create bad karma will inevitably face negative consequences.

Karma, or the result of actions, stems from the causes we create in this life or previous lives. These results, in turn, become the causes for future karmic consequences. This continuous chain of cause and effect, like a shadow following the form, binds individuals in the cycle of karmic entanglement, leading to the debts and repayments of reincarnation.

To understand someone’s past karma, observe their current social standing. To understand their future karma, observe their character and actions in this life.

Karma, or karmic retribution, has two aspects: individual karma (Biệt nghiệp) and collective karma (Cộng nghiệp).

  1. Individual Karma: This refers to the consequences experienced by each individual based on their own actions. Individual karma manifests in two ways: fixed karma and不定 nghiệp (unfixed karma).

    a) Fixed Karma: This refers to predetermined karmic consequences. When a soul has reached a certain level of evolution, upon regaining clarity after the disorientation experienced during physical death, it gradually recognizes its past transgressions (*1) and feels remorse. It then resolves to face the consequences in a specific manner, time, or duration in its next life. The soul has the freedom to choose its rebirth circumstances. If it needs to experience hardship to atone for past misdeeds, it often chooses to be reborn into an impoverished or troubled family to facilitate this process.

    b) Unfixed Karma: This refers to karmic consequences that are not predetermined. Less evolved souls, clouded by ignorance and unawareness, create negative karma without realizing its implications. Consequently, the karmic retribution they experience is unpredictable and not self-determined.

  2. Collective Karma: This refers to consequences shared by multiple individuals. Those who participate in a collective misdeed will collectively experience the negative repercussions.

Individuals may also create different karma but share similar karmic burdens due to the nature of their actions, leading them to experience collective consequences.

Similarly, when many benefit from the wrongdoing of one, they share the karmic burden.

Victims of large-scale disasters like earthquakes, floods, shipwrecks, fires, epidemics, wars, etc., are experiencing collective karmic retribution for their shared negative actions.

Despite being strangers, perhaps from different regions, they are brought together by fate to face the consequences collectively.

(*1) In the physical realm, every action, whether virtuous or harmful, noble or lowly, leaves an imprint on the astral substance (matière astrale) of the astral plane (Plan astral). When the soul ascends to the astral plane, these imprints manifest clearly, like a vivid film reel. Buddhism refers to this as the “Karmic Mirror” (Nghiệt cảnh đài).

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/chapter-3/feed/ 0 The Timing of Karmic Retribution https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-timing-of-karmic-retribution/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-timing-of-karmic-retribution/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:23:40 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=304 Not every cause produces immediate results. Often, another intervening factor, a counteracting cause (Cause contradictoire), delays the effect. For instance, if we place our finger in a fire (cause), we immediately get burned (immediate effect). However, if we cautiously coat our finger with a protective substance, it won’t burn right away. The fire must first […]

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Not every cause produces immediate results. Often, another intervening factor, a counteracting cause (Cause contradictoire), delays the effect.

For instance, if we place our finger in a fire (cause), we immediately get burned (immediate effect). However, if we cautiously coat our finger with a protective substance, it won’t burn right away. The fire must first consume the substance before reaching our finger.

This protective layer acts as a counteracting cause.

Similarly, in temperate regions like Vietnam, rice seeds sprout quickly when sown. But in colder climates, germination is delayed due to frost. The frost acts as a counteracting cause.

A mischievous child is about to be punished by his father. As the father raises his hand to strike, a guest arrives. The father must put aside the punishment to welcome the guest. The arrival of the guest is also a counteracting cause.

This “Law of Counteraction” explains why the consequences of good or bad deeds are sometimes not experienced immediately in the same lifetime. We see ruthless and immoral individuals enjoying wealth, prosperity, and arrogance. This is because they are reaping the rewards of good deeds from their past lives. However, once these good karmic fruits are exhausted, they will inevitably face the consequences of their current negative actions, either in this life or the next.

We also witness virtuous and kind people facing hardships. This is because they are experiencing the repercussions of negative karma from their past lives. Once these karmic debts are repaid, they will enjoy the fruits of their current good deeds, either in this life or the next.

Therefore, concerning the timing of karmic retribution, there are three possibilities:

  1. Immediate Retribution: The consequences are experienced in the same lifetime as the action (đương kiếp nhân quả).
  2. Past-Life Retribution: The consequences are experienced in this life due to actions from a past life (tiền kiếp nhân quả).
  3. Future-Life Retribution: The consequences are experienced in a future life due to actions in the current life (hậu kiếp nhân quả).

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/the-timing-of-karmic-retribution/feed/ 0 Stories of Karmic Retribution: Pulling the Plow to Repay a Debt https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/stories-of-karmic-retribution-pulling-the-plow-to-repay-a-debt/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/stories-of-karmic-retribution-pulling-the-plow-to-repay-a-debt/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:25:03 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=306 This story is taken from “Chuyện cổ nước Nam” (Folk Tales of Vietnam). While some might consider folk tales to be fictional, the author’s belief in the Law of Karma and the intention to promote virtuous conduct make it worth sharing: Once upon a time, there was a man named Châu Văn Địch. He worked […]

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]]> This story is taken from “Chuyện cổ nước Nam” (Folk Tales of Vietnam). While some might consider folk tales to be fictional, the author’s belief in the Law of Karma and the intention to promote virtuous conduct make it worth sharing:

Once upon a time, there was a man named Châu Văn Địch. He worked tirelessly, but his family remained poor. However, he was kind, honest, and virtuous.

A wealthy man in the region often lent him money. Year after year, they engaged in this cycle of borrowing and repaying.

During a year of crop failure, Châu Văn Địch couldn’t repay his debt, but the wealthy man didn’t press him for it. Years passed, and Châu Văn Địch passed away, still owing the debt. On his deathbed, he lamented to his children:

“My debts remain unpaid,

My soul cannot find peace in the afterlife.”

One night, the wealthy man had a dream. He heard a voice whispering in his ear:

“Reborn, yet bound by a past vow,

As an ox or horse, I shall repay the debt.”

The next morning, he discovered that his cow had given birth to a calf with the words “Văn Địch” on its back.

The calf grew quickly, becoming strong, intelligent, and obedient. It excelled at plowing and tilling. Those who knew the story remarked:

“The debtor may be gone,

But the debt lives on.

Even in death,

Gratitude must be shown.”

Years later, Châu Văn Địch’s two sons grew up and, by the grace of Heaven, prospered. One day, while plowing their field, they heard someone in a neighboring field say to their ox:

  • “Văn Địch! Văn Địch! Hurry up, it’s almost noon.”

Hearing their father’s name, they rushed over in surprise. The man explained:

  • “This ox has had the words ‘Văn Địch’ on its back since birth. It only obeys when called by this name.”

The sons immediately went to the wealthy man’s house, expressing their desire to buy the ox. The wealthy man replied:

  • “Châu Văn Địch owed me a debt, which he couldn’t repay, but I didn’t demand it. It seems he has been reborn as this ox to fulfill his obligation. For years, it has worked diligently, contributing to my prosperity. I consider the debt repaid. If you are his sons and wish to buy him back, I will sell him to you. I will also return the old debt contract so you can burn it to bring peace to your father’s soul.”

The sons bought the ox and burned the debt contract. The ox immediately collapsed and died, having finally repaid his debt from the past life.

Witnessing this, people coined the proverb “Kéo cày trả nợ” (Pulling the plow to repay a debt).

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/stories-of-karmic-retribution-pulling-the-plow-to-repay-a-debt/feed/ 0 Past-Life Karma https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/past-life-karma/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/past-life-karma/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:26:12 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=308 This story is taken from “Le problème de l’être et de la destinée” (The Problem of Being and Destiny) by Léon Denis, page 289. In 1862, Prince Galitzin, along with Marquis B… and Count R…, were spending their summer vacation at a spa town near Hamburg. One late afternoon, after dining, the three men were […]

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]]> This story is taken from “Le problème de l’être et de la destinée” (The Problem of Being and Destiny) by Léon Denis, page 289.

In 1862, Prince Galitzin, along with Marquis B… and Count R…, were spending their summer vacation at a spa town near Hamburg. One late afternoon, after dining, the three men were strolling in the garden of a theater. They came across a destitute woman sleeping on a bench. They woke her up, inquired about her impoverished circumstances, and then took her back to their hotel to provide her with food and shelter. Prince Galitzin, who was familiar with the practice of mesmerism, decided to hypnotize the woman. Surprisingly, while she normally spoke only a few words of broken German, under hypnosis, she spoke fluent and grammatically correct French.

She revealed that in her past life, during the 18th century, she had been a wealthy young woman living in a mansion in Brittany. Driven by an affair, she had cruelly pushed her husband off a cliff to his death. As a result, in this life, she was suffering poverty and hardship as karmic retribution. She even provided detailed information about the location of the crime.

Later, Prince Galitzin and Marquis B… followed her directions to Brittany and found the location. They then separated to conduct independent investigations to confirm her story. Initially, no one they asked had any knowledge of the incident. However, after inquiring with several elderly residents, they learned that their parents had told them stories about a beautiful and wealthy young woman who had lived in a mansion and, due to an affair, had heartlessly pushed her husband into the sea. The woman’s confession under hypnosis was thus corroborated.

When Prince Galitzin returned to Hamburg, he visited the police commissioner to inquire about the woman’s background. He learned that she only spoke a few words of German and made a living by transporting soldiers.

This story illustrates the concept of past-life karma, where the consequences of actions from a previous life manifest in the present. The woman’s poverty and hardship were seen as karmic retribution for her past crime, highlighting the interconnectedness of actions and consequences across lifetimes.

Karmic Justice
This story is based on a report from the Huesca Society for Psychical Research in Spain, published in the “Revue scientifique et morale du spiritisme” (Scientific and Moral Review of Spiritism) in 1912.

From 1881 to 1884, a madman named Suciac wandered the streets of Huesca. He dressed oddly, muttered to himself, and didn’t respond to questions. Due to his increasingly erratic behavior, he was placed under surveillance.

In the same city, a group of moderately educated individuals formed the Huesca Society for Psychical Research, led by Domingo Montreal. Their medium was Sanchez Antonio, an illiterate man who possessed the remarkable ability to write fluently and grammatically correct, albeit without punctuation, when in a trance.

After Suciac’s death, his spirit communicated through Antonio’s automatic writing, revealing that in his past life, he had been the lord of Sangarren castle. Due to his numerous misdeeds, he was reborn into a life of suffering as karmic retribution. He claimed that evidence could be found in the archives of his former castle in Sangarren.

Intrigued, members of the Society, including Domingo Montreal, Severo Lain, and Marvallo Bakkestar, visited the ancient castle. However, the locals informed them that the castle contained no archives.

Disappointed, they returned and asked Antonio to inquire further through automatic writing. Suciac’s spirit revealed that the documents were hidden near the fireplace in the kitchen.

The investigators returned to Sangarren and, with permission, searched the kitchen. To their astonishment, they discovered a collection of documents written on parchment, concealed within a hidden compartment in the wall.

These documents were brought back to Huesca and translated into Spanish by Professor Oscariz. Their contents corroborated Suciac’s claims about his past life and his misdeeds.

This story provides another example of karmic retribution, where the consequences of past actions manifest in a subsequent life. The discovery of the hidden documents adds a layer of intrigue and further supports the notion of karmic justice.

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/past-life-karma/feed/ 0 Repaying the Debt of Alms https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/repaying-the-debt-of-alms/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/repaying-the-debt-of-alms/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:34:10 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=310 Kanadeva, the 15th patriarch of Buddhism in India, once traveled to the country of Tila to spread the Dharma. At that time, in the garden of the elder Phạm Ma Tín Đức, there grew a large tree that produced fragrant mushrooms. Every day, the elder and his second son, La Hầu La Đa, would pick […]

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Kanadeva, the 15th patriarch of Buddhism in India, once traveled to the country of Tila to spread the Dharma. At that time, in the garden of the elder Phạm Ma Tín Đức, there grew a large tree that produced fragrant mushrooms. Every day, the elder and his second son, La Hầu La Đa, would pick and enjoy these delicious mushrooms. Remarkably, if they picked them in the morning, new ones would grow by the evening.

The patriarch, aware of the karmic reason behind this phenomenon, visited the elder and explained:

“In a past life, you and your son sincerely offered alms to a bhikkhu (monk). However, this monk lacked complete virtue and spent his days receiving your offerings without accomplishing any significant spiritual practice. As a consequence, in this life, he has been reborn as these mushrooms to repay the debt of your generosity.”

Upon hearing this explanation of karmic retribution, the elder said:

  • “Venerable Master, I am unfortunate not to have met you sooner. Now, I am old and frail, unable to serve you. I offer my son, La Hầu La Đa, to become your disciple. Please accept him with compassion.”

The patriarch joyfully replied:

  • “In a past life, your son had the good fortune to receive a prediction from the Tathagata (Buddha), stating that he would become a future Buddhist leader. Our meeting today is not by chance but due to past karmic connections.”

(Based on the “Biographies of the 33 Patriarchs” of Buddhism)

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/repaying-the-debt-of-alms/feed/ 0 Kumarata Teaches about Karmic Retribution https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/kumarata-teaches-about-karmic-retribution/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/kumarata-teaches-about-karmic-retribution/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:39:40 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=312 This story is based on the “Biographies of the 33 Patriarchs” as published in the Buddhist journal “Từ Bi Âm” (The Sound of Compassion). Kumarata, the 19th patriarch of Buddhism in India, after attaining enlightenment, traveled to central India to teach the Dharma. A devout lay Buddhist named Xá-dạ-đa approached him with a question: “Master, […]

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]]> This story is based on the “Biographies of the 33 Patriarchs” as published in the Buddhist journal “Từ Bi Âm” (The Sound of Compassion).

Kumarata, the 19th patriarch of Buddhism in India, after attaining enlightenment, traveled to central India to teach the Dharma. A devout lay Buddhist named Xá-dạ-đa approached him with a question:

  • “Master, my parents are virtuous and devout Buddhists, yet they suffer from constant illness and misfortune in all their endeavors. Meanwhile, our neighbor, a butcher, slaughters countless animals, yet he remains healthy and prosperous. I am confused about the principle of karmic retribution. Please enlighten me.”

The patriarch explained:

  • “Karmic retribution unfolds across three time periods. One cannot judge someone’s karmic situation based solely on their current fortune or misfortune. Understand that the law of cause and effect is infallible. Cause and effect are like a form and its shadow: a straight form casts a straight shadow, a crooked form casts a crooked shadow. People doubt this principle when they see the virtuous suffering and the wicked prospering. They fail to realize that the wicked enjoy wealth and success due to past good karma, while the virtuous endure poverty and hardship due to past negative karma they are now repaying. Furthermore, present actions sow the seeds for future consequences.”

  • “While there are three types of karma, each arises from delusion. Delusion, in turn, stems from consciousness. Consciousness arises from ignorance, and ignorance resides in the mind. However, the true nature of the mind is pure, unborn, undying, and uninvolved in action or retribution. Those who grasp this profound truth see all phenomena, both conditioned and unconditioned, as illusory, not worthy of attachment.

  • “Such individuals are akin to Buddhas.”

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/kumarata-teaches-about-karmic-retribution/feed/ 0 Good Fortune Follows Good Deeds https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/good-fortune-follows-good-deeds/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/good-fortune-follows-good-deeds/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:40:35 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=314 Once upon a time, there was a poor couple named Kế-la-di. Despite their poverty, they were content with their simple life, known for their kindness, compassion, and patience. One day, they woke up early and went their separate ways to work as laborers. Along the way, Kế-la-di encountered a group of wealthy elders, dressed in […]

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Once upon a time, there was a poor couple named Kế-la-di. Despite their poverty, they were content with their simple life, known for their kindness, compassion, and patience. One day, they woke up early and went their separate ways to work as laborers.

Along the way, Kế-la-di encountered a group of wealthy elders, dressed in fine clothes, gathered at a temple to organize a charity event. Seeing this, he lamented his own poverty and inability to contribute like them, feeling disheartened.

That night, he tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep, sighing with worry. He thought to himself that his current poverty must be due to his lack of good deeds in past lives, while the wealthy elders must have cultivated virtue in their previous lives. He realized that if he didn’t cultivate merit in this life, he would likely suffer even more in the next.

His wife, noticing his distress, asked him what was troubling him. He replied:

  • “My dear wife, I am saddened because I did not cultivate merit in my past life, and now we endure hardship and poverty. I wish to perform good deeds, but we have no money.”

  • “Do not fret, my husband,” she said. “Worrying won’t help. It would be more beneficial to sell me to a wealthy family and use the money for charity. Wouldn’t that be more meaningful?”

Kế-la-di was deeply moved by his wife’s selfless suggestion but replied:

  • “We share the same fate, enduring hardships together. How could I do such an unkind thing?”

  • “Then let’s sell ourselves together and use the money for good deeds. What do you think?” she proposed.

Kế-la-di agreed. The next morning, they went to the house of a wealthy man and said:

  • “Sir, we have come to ask if you would buy us as servants. We wish to use the money to make offerings to the Buddha and perform acts of charity.”

Surprised, the wealthy man asked:

  • “How much do you want?”

  • “About 10 gold coins,” they replied.

  • “I will lend you 10 gold coins,” he offered, “on the condition that you repay me within seven days. If you fail to do so, you will work for me to clear your debt.”

Overjoyed, the couple signed a promissory note and received the money. They went to a temple, met with the abbot, and offered the 10 gold coins, requesting him to organize a charity event on the sixth day and a chanting ceremony on the seventh day.

The abbot gladly agreed. The couple stayed at the temple, the wife grinding rice and making flour, while the husband chopped wood, carried water, and performed all the chores for the vegetarian feast.

Coincidentally, the king also visited the temple, requesting the abbot to organize a memorial service for his ancestors and a charity event for the poor on the same day as the couple’s planned event.

The abbot informed the king that he had already committed to the couple’s event and requested the king to choose another day.

The king was displeased and declared:

  • “I am the king, and they are mere commoners. Why should they not yield to me?”

He then sent messengers to Kế-la-di, asking him to relinquish the chosen day.

The king sent messengers three times, but Kế-la-di remained firm in his refusal.

Intrigued, the king summoned Kế-la-di and asked for an explanation. Kế-la-di replied:

  • “Your Majesty, I, your humble subject, have only these two days of freedom. After that, I will become a servant and will no longer be free to make offerings to the Buddha and the Sangha. Therefore, I cannot fulfill your request.”

The king, upon learning the whole story, was deeply impressed by Kế-la-di’s dedication. He graciously allowed the couple to proceed with their event before his own. He then bestowed upon them gold, silver, and jewels, and issued a decree granting them land and its benefits for life.

With this newfound wealth, Kế-la-di repaid the wealthy man and regained their freedom.

(Summarized from the “Sutta Pitaka”)

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]]> https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/good-fortune-follows-good-deeds/feed/ 0 Conclusion https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/conclusion/ https://caodaism.top/doctrine/reincarnation-and-karma/conclusion/#respond Mon, 11 Nov 2024 04:41:36 +0000 https://cdtn.info.vn/?p=316 “Reincarnation” is a profound mystery, and “Karmic Retribution” is the impartial law of reward and punishment of the Heavenly Way. As a profound mystery, reincarnation does not readily reveal itself to everyone. However, out of compassion, the Creator occasionally lifts the veil of secrecy, allowing humanity to glimpse this truth, reminding us that “death is […]

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]]> “Reincarnation” is a profound mystery, and “Karmic Retribution” is the impartial law of reward and punishment of the Heavenly Way.

As a profound mystery, reincarnation does not readily reveal itself to everyone. However, out of compassion, the Creator occasionally lifts the veil of secrecy, allowing humanity to glimpse this truth, reminding us that “death is not the end.” The soul, that eternal divine spark, undergoes countless rebirths to learn, gain experience, and evolve.

The stories of “Reincarnation” and “Karmic Retribution” presented here sufficiently demonstrate this principle. We have not fabricated these accounts but diligently collected them from scriptures and reputable publications, providing clear sources and evidence.

Where there is reincarnation, there is karma. Upon rebirth, the soul inevitably faces the consequences of its actions. Even without considering divine laws, worldly laws do not let wrongdoers escape justice. However, while worldly laws can be evaded, divine laws are inescapable. Good and evil deeds alike will reap their due rewards.

In recent years, we have witnessed countless tragedies and destructions, with fortunes reversed and the wicked facing retribution in various forms. This clearly demonstrates the “immediate karmic retribution” of the impartial Heavenly Way.

We create our own fortune and misfortune. The evidence is clear, and we have the power to choose between the paths of transcendence and downfall.

Perhaps the “Hội Long Hoa,” the Great Judgment Day (Grand Jugement Général), has commenced in this final epoch, paving the way for a new era, an era of sacred virtue, where purified souls will coexist in peace and happiness in a renewed world.

The End

 

REINCARNATION AND KARMIC RETRIBUTION

Authors NGUYỄN TRUNG HẬU and PHẠM TẤN ĐÃI

Publisher HOÀNG HẢI Printing House 152 Cô Giang Street SAIGON

Publication License: No. 431/TXB, dated April 13, 1956

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