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335th Radio Research Company Photo's of Tay Ninh Temples |
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335th Radio Research Company Photo's of Tay Ninh Temples |
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Updated: 10 February 2001
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Tay Ninh Caodaism. This is the "all seeing eye" at the end of the temple(on the HIGHEST PLANE a human can attain). Each item on the alter means something. Below the Divine Eye is a lamp that is continually lit, and symbolizes the Universal Monad, who is God. Around these two important symbols are others on the table. There are two candles on either side of the altar. The left represents positive logos (male) or sun light. It must be lit first at the beginning of each ceremony. The right one representing negative logos (female) or moonlight, must be lit next, after the left one. Both candles represent yin and yang, the two main principles in the universe formation. They are lit prior to the prayer sessions. In between the candles, there is a vase containing five sticks of incense, which represent the five levels of spiritual development of human beings. These five levels are Purity, Meditation, Wisdom, Universal Knowledge, and Karmic Liberation. These sticks are lighted, after the candles and before the prayers session, in the following order: Purity in the middle; Meditation to the left; Wisdom to the right; Universal Knowledge in front of and between Purity and Meditation; and finally Karmic Liberation in front of and between Purity and Wisdom. These incense sticks also represent the five material elements of metal, vegetable, water, fire, and earth. The candles and incense burn during the prayer session and are extinguished when the session is over. On the altar, five offerings of flowers, fruit, wine, tea, and water are made. The flowers represents the sperm (Tinh) or the essence of all matters without which no life may be manifested. The flowers are placed on the right of the altar, and the fruit sits on the opposite side to the left. Directly in front of the fruit is a cup of tea, representing the spirit (Than), and directly in front of the flowers is a cup of pure water. Between the tea and water are three glasses of wine. The cups of wine represent the vital energy (Khi) uniting the physical body and the spirit. These offerings are natural elements that the Caodai worshipers consider to be their best. The altar is designed with these offerings and symbols to worship the Supreme Being. |