THE DOCTRINE OF MINH LÝ ĐẠO
The doctrine of Minh Lý Đạo (Minh Ly Dao) synthesizes the essence of three major Eastern religions—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—into a unified whole (known as Quy Nguyên Tam Giáo, or "Returning to the Origin of the Three Religions"). This integration guides followers and disciples in self-cultivation, self-liberation, and altruistic efforts to lead humanity toward building a peaceful and harmonious society. Rooted in the Three Religions' teachings, Minh Lý Đạo establishes its scriptures, petitions, codes of conduct, rituals, and doctrines. Daily practices such as reciting scriptures, submitting petitions, adhering to rules, and performing rituals belong to the realm of Hình Nhi Hạ Học (Lower Learning, focusing on practical and formal aspects). The profound doctrines, however, pertain to Hình Nhi Thượng Học (The study beyond form/Higher Learning, emphasizing metaphysical and spiritual cultivation).
The doctrine of Minh Lý Đạo is founded on three principles:
The ultimate aim of the Three Religions is to venerate Chơn Lý (Truth)—broadly understood as the divine essence of Heaven and Buddha—through moral refinement, abandoning wrongdoing, and embracing virtue. This path draws practitioners ever closer to the Ngôi Viên Nhứt, the state of perfect unity and harmony with the cosmic order.
The teachings of Minh Ly Dao encompass materials from three religions, selecting the strengths of each religion for study, rather than studying the entire doctrine of all three religions.
For Buddhism, the focus is on cultivating one's nature.
For Taoism, the focus is on cultivating one's life force.
For Confucianism, the focus is on ethics.
We combine these three strengths, dividing them into three classes of study, then remove the external forms to seek the Heavenly Heart and Rational Nature, which is called "Convergence of the Three Religions." It is like a circle, where one does not stand on the circumference looking towards the center, but must find the root of the Dao at the center. Standing at the essence and looking outward, one sees that everything is interconnected.
Thus, Minh Ly Dao was initially established based on the Three Religions, but in the period of convergence, Minh Ly Dao becomes the Middle Way, the Middle Doctrine, and is no longer simply Confucianism, Taoism, or Buddhism. This shows that studying Minh Ly Dao is not difficult or complicated as some might mistakenly believe, but rather simpler than before, as ultimately it involves studying only one thing: Mind.
These three periods are symbolized by the Hỏa Hậu lamp of Minh Ly Dao, lit during this commemorative ceremony to remind us of this great principle.
The outer layer has three large circles: yellow, blue, and red, representing the Three Religions in the first period.
The middle layer contains a triangular shape. Although the triangle is of a single white color, signifying a common essence, the three corners are still visible, meaning there are still distinctions between them. This represents the second period.
The innermost layer at the center contains only a small circular shape, symbolizing the Heavenly Mind or Buddha Nature. It has no form or boundaries, pervading all directions yet not residing anywhere specifically (in Confucian terms: "not present yet omnipresent").
When humanity reaches this stage, true unity can be achieved without conflict or competition, leading to lasting peace and eternal happiness.
To reach this goal, in terms of human morality, Minh Ly Dao uses only love and truth, avoiding contention and focusing on benefiting others according to one's abilities. Please refer to the five scriptures of Minh Ly Dao, dictated by divine beings according to this period:
The Guide to Dao Studies (Đạo Học Chỉ Nam), along with the Minh Lý Doctrine (Minh Lý Học Thuyết) and the True Explanation of Minh Lý (Minh Lý Chơn Giải), form the foundational teachings bestowed by the enlightened master Định Pháp Minh Thiện and the Divine Authorities (Ơn Trên). These doctrines harmonize and synthesize spiritual principles, guiding disciples of Minh Lý Đạo in their cultivation and in establishing the Holy Church (Hội Thánh) in alignment with the orthodox teachings and divine will.
Regarding Celestial Dao (Thiên Đạo), Minh Lý Đạo takes the Threefold Refuge (Qui Y Tăng) as its basis. The essence of its practices is encapsulated in the Tam Ngũ Nhứt poem:
Tam, Ngũ, Nhứt — three words in total,
Ancient and modern sages grasp their core.
East three, South two, combining to five,
North one, West four — together they thrive.
Mồ Kỉ dwells alone, birthing five’s might,
Three houses meet, forming the Child of Light.
The Child is One, holding true essence pure,
Ten months of gestation, sacred and sure.
Explanation:
The numbers One, Three, and Five hold profound significance, yet few truly comprehend their meaning.
In summary, this passage explains: The unification of the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành) and Three Schools (Tam Gia—Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism) coalesces into the Anh Nhi (the Supreme Ultimate, or Thái Cực), which is essential for attaining the Dao.
The I Ching (Kinh Dịch) states: “One Yin and one Yang constitute the Dao”—meaning the Dao arises from the harmonious union of Yin and Yang. Thus, true spiritual practice (Chánh Pháp) requires moving from the external to the internal, unifying diversity into the One to perceive the Dao’s profound mystery and discover the Divine (Thượng Đế) within. Conversely, those fixated on external forms and distinctions only deepen their disillusionment.
Upon attaining the Dao, the practitioner’s mind and the Divine become non-dual—there is only One. This Singularity (Ngôi Một) sustains the orthodox teachings (Chánh Pháp) and gives rise to all creation. Hence, “One is All, All is One.”
Divine Instructions to Minh Lý Đạo:
“To fully comprehend the Dao, no scripture alone suffices. Yet the principles of the I Ching (Dịch Lý) penetrate both human affairs and celestial design. Thus, the I Ching shall serve as our sacred text. Consolidate the three interpretations of the I Ching—Thiền Giải (Zen Exegesis), Xiển Chơn (Revealing Truth), and Châu Dịch (Complete Compilation)—into a unified ‘Dịch Kinh Huyền Giải’ (Mystical Exegesis of the I Ching) to unify the orthodox teachings.
In practice, adhere to the Heavenly Dao (Thiên Đạo) while fulfilling the Worldly Dao (Nhơn Đạo). Leaders must cultivate and master the Dao’s laws to guide humanity. Teach people human ethics (nhơn luân) and righteousness (đạo nghĩa), establishing a harmonious, universal civilization. Monastic practitioners, as well as those bestowed with divine grace, must receive the transmission of esoteric teachings in order to cultivate their minds and refine their vital essence, thereby uniting with the Creator. Only then will they be qualified to lead and save the world. Let the principles of the Immortal Way serve as a guiding method, harmonizing with the paths of Confucianism and Buddhism. This practice must begin with diligent effort..”
(Teaching note from December 30, 1965)
Key Principles:
The doctrine of Minh Lý Đạo (Minh Ly Dao) synthesizes the essence of three major Eastern religions—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—into a unified whole (known as Quy Nguyên Tam Giáo, or "Returning to the Origin of the Three Religions"). This integration guides followers and disciples in self-cultivation, self-liberation, and altruistic efforts to lead humanity toward building a peaceful and harmonious society. Rooted in the Three Religions' teachings, Minh Lý Đạo establishes its scriptures, petitions, codes of conduct, rituals, and doctrines. Daily practices such as reciting scriptures, submitting petitions, adhering to rules, and performing rituals belong to the realm of Hình Nhi Hạ Học (Lower Learning, focusing on practical and formal aspects). The profound doctrines, however, pertain to Hình Nhi Thượng Học (The study beyond form/Higher Learning, emphasizing metaphysical and spiritual cultivation).
The doctrine of Minh Lý Đạo is founded on three principles:
- Tam Giáo Hiệp Nhất (Unity of the Three Religions): Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism converge on ethical principles, energy cultivation (luyện khí), and mind refinement (tu tâm), which are essential practices for spiritual development.
- Tam Giáo Quy Nguyên (Three Religions Returning to the Origin): Despite their distinct characteristics, all three religions orient toward the foundational purpose of "the Way of Humanity," centered on the Ngôi Viên Nhứt (Position of Perfect Unity).
- Chấp Trung Thủ Nhứt (Hold the Middle and Maintain the One): Upholding the Ngôi Viên Nhứt as the ultimate truth.
The ultimate aim of the Three Religions is to venerate Chơn Lý (Truth)—broadly understood as the divine essence of Heaven and Buddha—through moral refinement, abandoning wrongdoing, and embracing virtue. This path draws practitioners ever closer to the Ngôi Viên Nhứt, the state of perfect unity and harmony with the cosmic order.
The teachings of Minh Ly Dao encompass materials from three religions, selecting the strengths of each religion for study, rather than studying the entire doctrine of all three religions.
For Buddhism, the focus is on cultivating one's nature.
For Taoism, the focus is on cultivating one's life force.
For Confucianism, the focus is on ethics.
We combine these three strengths, dividing them into three classes of study, then remove the external forms to seek the Heavenly Heart and Rational Nature, which is called "Convergence of the Three Religions." It is like a circle, where one does not stand on the circumference looking towards the center, but must find the root of the Dao at the center. Standing at the essence and looking outward, one sees that everything is interconnected.
Thus, Minh Ly Dao was initially established based on the Three Religions, but in the period of convergence, Minh Ly Dao becomes the Middle Way, the Middle Doctrine, and is no longer simply Confucianism, Taoism, or Buddhism. This shows that studying Minh Ly Dao is not difficult or complicated as some might mistakenly believe, but rather simpler than before, as ultimately it involves studying only one thing: Mind.
These three periods are symbolized by the Hỏa Hậu lamp of Minh Ly Dao, lit during this commemorative ceremony to remind us of this great principle.
The outer layer has three large circles: yellow, blue, and red, representing the Three Religions in the first period.
The middle layer contains a triangular shape. Although the triangle is of a single white color, signifying a common essence, the three corners are still visible, meaning there are still distinctions between them. This represents the second period.
The innermost layer at the center contains only a small circular shape, symbolizing the Heavenly Mind or Buddha Nature. It has no form or boundaries, pervading all directions yet not residing anywhere specifically (in Confucian terms: "not present yet omnipresent").
When humanity reaches this stage, true unity can be achieved without conflict or competition, leading to lasting peace and eternal happiness.
To reach this goal, in terms of human morality, Minh Ly Dao uses only love and truth, avoiding contention and focusing on benefiting others according to one's abilities. Please refer to the five scriptures of Minh Ly Dao, dictated by divine beings according to this period:
- Proclamation
- Repentance
- Daily Recitation
- Awakening the World
- Purified Karma Verses
The Guide to Dao Studies (Đạo Học Chỉ Nam), along with the Minh Lý Doctrine (Minh Lý Học Thuyết) and the True Explanation of Minh Lý (Minh Lý Chơn Giải), form the foundational teachings bestowed by the enlightened master Định Pháp Minh Thiện and the Divine Authorities (Ơn Trên). These doctrines harmonize and synthesize spiritual principles, guiding disciples of Minh Lý Đạo in their cultivation and in establishing the Holy Church (Hội Thánh) in alignment with the orthodox teachings and divine will.
Regarding Celestial Dao (Thiên Đạo), Minh Lý Đạo takes the Threefold Refuge (Qui Y Tăng) as its basis. The essence of its practices is encapsulated in the Tam Ngũ Nhứt poem:
Tam, Ngũ, Nhứt — three words in total,
Ancient and modern sages grasp their core.
East three, South two, combining to five,
North one, West four — together they thrive.
Mồ Kỉ dwells alone, birthing five’s might,
Three houses meet, forming the Child of Light.
The Child is One, holding true essence pure,
Ten months of gestation, sacred and sure.
Explanation:
The numbers One, Three, and Five hold profound significance, yet few truly comprehend their meaning.
- East three and South two unite to form Five (3 + 2 = 5).
- North one and West four similarly harmonize (1 + 4 = 5).
- Mồ Kỉ (a symbolic term for the primordial unity) resides in solitude, generating the vitality of Five.
- The convergence of Three Houses (Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism) gives rise to the Child of Light (Anh Nhi), representing the One — the coalescence of true energy (chơn khí).
- After ten months of spiritual gestation (a metaphor for disciplined cultivation), the practitioner ascends to the Sacred Hall (Thánh Đài), achieving unity with the divine.
In summary, this passage explains: The unification of the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành) and Three Schools (Tam Gia—Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism) coalesces into the Anh Nhi (the Supreme Ultimate, or Thái Cực), which is essential for attaining the Dao.
The I Ching (Kinh Dịch) states: “One Yin and one Yang constitute the Dao”—meaning the Dao arises from the harmonious union of Yin and Yang. Thus, true spiritual practice (Chánh Pháp) requires moving from the external to the internal, unifying diversity into the One to perceive the Dao’s profound mystery and discover the Divine (Thượng Đế) within. Conversely, those fixated on external forms and distinctions only deepen their disillusionment.
Upon attaining the Dao, the practitioner’s mind and the Divine become non-dual—there is only One. This Singularity (Ngôi Một) sustains the orthodox teachings (Chánh Pháp) and gives rise to all creation. Hence, “One is All, All is One.”
Divine Instructions to Minh Lý Đạo:
“To fully comprehend the Dao, no scripture alone suffices. Yet the principles of the I Ching (Dịch Lý) penetrate both human affairs and celestial design. Thus, the I Ching shall serve as our sacred text. Consolidate the three interpretations of the I Ching—Thiền Giải (Zen Exegesis), Xiển Chơn (Revealing Truth), and Châu Dịch (Complete Compilation)—into a unified ‘Dịch Kinh Huyền Giải’ (Mystical Exegesis of the I Ching) to unify the orthodox teachings.
In practice, adhere to the Heavenly Dao (Thiên Đạo) while fulfilling the Worldly Dao (Nhơn Đạo). Leaders must cultivate and master the Dao’s laws to guide humanity. Teach people human ethics (nhơn luân) and righteousness (đạo nghĩa), establishing a harmonious, universal civilization. Monastic practitioners, as well as those bestowed with divine grace, must receive the transmission of esoteric teachings in order to cultivate their minds and refine their vital essence, thereby uniting with the Creator. Only then will they be qualified to lead and save the world. Let the principles of the Immortal Way serve as a guiding method, harmonizing with the paths of Confucianism and Buddhism. This practice must begin with diligent effort..”
(Teaching note from December 30, 1965)
Key Principles:
- Non-Duality: The practitioner and the Divine merge into One.
- Unity in Diversity: Transcend external forms to realize inner unity.
- I Ching as Sacred Text: A synthesis of its three interpretations forms the doctrinal core.
- Ethical Leadership: Cultivate the Dao to guide humanity toward universal harmony.
- Integration of Paths: Harmonize Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist practices under the Minh Lý Đạo framework.
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