A BRIEF HISTORY OF MINH LÝ ĐẠO
Minh Lý Đạo, also known as the Minh Lý Religion, is an indigenous religion of Vietnam, established in 1924 in Saigon. It is one of the branches of the Five Minh Đạo system, which includes Minh Sư, Minh Đường, Minh Lý, Minh Thiện, and Minh Tân. Minh Lý Đạo is based on the three teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism), harmonizing these beliefs to guide individuals toward self-cultivation and self-liberation, aiming to build a peaceful and harmonious society. Below is a summary of its history and development:
Origins and Establishment (1920-1924)
In the early 1920s, a group of intellectuals and civil servants in Saigon, led by Mr. Âu Kiệt Lâm (religious name Minh Chánh), along with associates such as
Nguyễn Văn Xưng (Minh Giáo),
Nguyễn Văn Đề (Minh Đạo),
Lê Văn Ngọc (Minh Truyền),
Nguyễn Văn Miết (Minh Thiện),
Võ Văn Thạnh (Minh Trực),
began studying the doctrines of the three teachings: Buddhism (Thích), Taoism (Lão), and Confucianism (Nho). They also explored human energy and philosophical texts from France. Through this research, the group approached enlightenment in the "true principle" and decided to establish a new religion named Minh Lý Đạo.
The official founding date is recorded as the 27th day of the 11th lunar month of the Giáp Tý year, corresponding to December 23, 1924 (Gregorian calendar). This date aligns with the Winter Solstice, symbolizing a new beginning according to the principles of the I Ching. The headquarters of Minh Lý Đạo was established at Tam Tông Miếu, located at 82 Cao Thắng Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Early Development (1925-1927)
In its initial years, Minh Lý Đạo did not have its own place of worship. The founding group borrowed Linh Sơn Pagoda on Cô Giang Street (Saigon) to recite the Repentance Sutra on the 14th and 30th days of each lunar month. This was a period of forming the organization and foundational doctrines. On September 9, 1926, construction began on Tam Tông Miếu on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Trần Kim Ký. The construction was completed on February 2, 1927, marking a significant milestone as Minh Lý Đạo gained its own dedicated place of worship.
Tam Tông Miếu was designed to harmonize the three teachings, venerating the Supreme God (Thượng Đế) and the Three Religious Founders (Buddha Shakyamuni, Confucius, and Laozi) using inscribed tablets in Chinese characters instead of statues, reflecting solemnity and simplicity.
Consolidation and Refinement (1927-1975)
Post-1975 and Present Day
After Vietnam’s reunification, Minh Lý Đạo continued to uphold its pure cultivation principles, staying clear of politics and focusing on spreading righteous teachings and serving humanity. On October 18, 2008, Minh Lý Đạo - Tam Tông Miếu was officially recognized by the Vietnamese government as a legal religious organization, equal to other religions. Currently, the General Director of Minh Lý Đạo is Master Tường Định (Lê Chơn Huệ), who continues to lead and develop the religion in the modern era.
Each year, Minh Lý Đạo holds a ceremony to commemorate its founding (27th day of the 11th lunar month) at Tam Tông Miếu, attracting numerous disciples and followers. The religion maintains its tradition of offerings on the 14th and 30th days of the lunar month, preserving practices from its early days.
Meaning of the Name and Doctrine
Legacy
Minh Lý Đạo is not only a religion but also tied to Saigon’s culture through the Tam Tông Miếu calendar, which was widely popular before 1975. Though no longer published, this calendar remains a cherished memory for many, reflecting Minh Lý Đạo’s influence on community life.
In summary, Minh Lý Đạo exemplifies the creativity and adaptability of the Vietnamese people in harmonizing Eastern spiritual values, creating a distinct and enduring spiritual path over more than a century.
Minh Lý Đạo, also known as the Minh Lý Religion, is an indigenous religion of Vietnam, established in 1924 in Saigon. It is one of the branches of the Five Minh Đạo system, which includes Minh Sư, Minh Đường, Minh Lý, Minh Thiện, and Minh Tân. Minh Lý Đạo is based on the three teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism), harmonizing these beliefs to guide individuals toward self-cultivation and self-liberation, aiming to build a peaceful and harmonious society. Below is a summary of its history and development:
Origins and Establishment (1920-1924)
In the early 1920s, a group of intellectuals and civil servants in Saigon, led by Mr. Âu Kiệt Lâm (religious name Minh Chánh), along with associates such as
Nguyễn Văn Xưng (Minh Giáo),
Nguyễn Văn Đề (Minh Đạo),
Lê Văn Ngọc (Minh Truyền),
Nguyễn Văn Miết (Minh Thiện),
Võ Văn Thạnh (Minh Trực),
began studying the doctrines of the three teachings: Buddhism (Thích), Taoism (Lão), and Confucianism (Nho). They also explored human energy and philosophical texts from France. Through this research, the group approached enlightenment in the "true principle" and decided to establish a new religion named Minh Lý Đạo.
The official founding date is recorded as the 27th day of the 11th lunar month of the Giáp Tý year, corresponding to December 23, 1924 (Gregorian calendar). This date aligns with the Winter Solstice, symbolizing a new beginning according to the principles of the I Ching. The headquarters of Minh Lý Đạo was established at Tam Tông Miếu, located at 82 Cao Thắng Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Early Development (1925-1927)
In its initial years, Minh Lý Đạo did not have its own place of worship. The founding group borrowed Linh Sơn Pagoda on Cô Giang Street (Saigon) to recite the Repentance Sutra on the 14th and 30th days of each lunar month. This was a period of forming the organization and foundational doctrines. On September 9, 1926, construction began on Tam Tông Miếu on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Trần Kim Ký. The construction was completed on February 2, 1927, marking a significant milestone as Minh Lý Đạo gained its own dedicated place of worship.
Tam Tông Miếu was designed to harmonize the three teachings, venerating the Supreme God (Thượng Đế) and the Three Religious Founders (Buddha Shakyamuni, Confucius, and Laozi) using inscribed tablets in Chinese characters instead of statues, reflecting solemnity and simplicity.
Consolidation and Refinement (1927-1975)
- 1927-1941: Under the leadership of Mr. Âu Kiệt Lâm (Minh Chánh), Minh Lý Đạo developed steadily, establishing its hierarchy, followers, and scriptures. Minh Chánh led until 1938, when he handed over leadership to Mr. Nguyễn Văn Miết (Minh Thiện).
- 1941-1965: This was a challenging period known as the "test of the religion." Minh Lý Đạo faced difficulties due to turbulent times (war, French colonization, and World War II). Some followers became discouraged, but the steadfast continued self-study to maintain the faith. Tam Tông Miếu was renovated for the first time in 1941 and again in 1957.
- 1965-1975: Under Mr. Nguyễn Văn Miết (Minh Thiện), Minh Lý Đạo entered a revival phase called "Establishment of spiritual teachings". Minh Thiện left secular life to focus on developing the religion, refining the organization of the Holy Association, and compiling the scripture "Minh Lý Chơn Giải" to supplement the "Minh Lý Doctrine." This period solidified Minh Lý Đạo’s role in Vietnam’s religious community.
Post-1975 and Present Day
After Vietnam’s reunification, Minh Lý Đạo continued to uphold its pure cultivation principles, staying clear of politics and focusing on spreading righteous teachings and serving humanity. On October 18, 2008, Minh Lý Đạo - Tam Tông Miếu was officially recognized by the Vietnamese government as a legal religious organization, equal to other religions. Currently, the General Director of Minh Lý Đạo is Master Tường Định (Lê Chơn Huệ), who continues to lead and develop the religion in the modern era.
Each year, Minh Lý Đạo holds a ceremony to commemorate its founding (27th day of the 11th lunar month) at Tam Tông Miếu, attracting numerous disciples and followers. The religion maintains its tradition of offerings on the 14th and 30th days of the lunar month, preserving practices from its early days.
Meaning of the Name and Doctrine
- Minh Lý: "Minh" means clarity or enlightenment; "Lý" means absolute truth or reason. Minh Lý Đạo aims to help people achieve enlightenment and live according to the truth.
- Doctrine: Combining the essence of the three teachings, Minh Lý Đạo emphasizes self-cultivation, self-liberation, and the practice of compassion, charity, and equality to overcome suffering and build a harmonious society.
Legacy
Minh Lý Đạo is not only a religion but also tied to Saigon’s culture through the Tam Tông Miếu calendar, which was widely popular before 1975. Though no longer published, this calendar remains a cherished memory for many, reflecting Minh Lý Đạo’s influence on community life.
In summary, Minh Lý Đạo exemplifies the creativity and adaptability of the Vietnamese people in harmonizing Eastern spiritual values, creating a distinct and enduring spiritual path over more than a century.
Giờ tiếp khách
|
Điện thoại
|
Trang web
(Web page) https://www.minhlydao.org
|
Contact: [email protected]
Feedback, please address to: Tam Chon Le (Đại Mạng) E.mail: [email protected] |