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Confuciansim

Confucianism is based around the philosopher Confucius' ideas. The belief focuses on status; obedience to parents, husbands and superiors and virtue. The ideals of filial piety and obedience are the basis of the cult of ancestor worship and support the extended family system in which age is the basis of authority. These ideals have continued throughout Vietnamese society over time. For example, even in Australia, Vietnamese people are required to put their family's wishes first.

The Han dynasty (from China) introduced Confucian ideas and social order in Vietnam. Their rule lasted nearly 1000 years, firmly embedding Confucianism into Vietnamese society. This has continued to form the basis of Vietnamese values to the modern day. Some of these values include family and social order.

Taoism

Taoism is a Chinese philosophy of passivity (non-violence or conflict). It was founded by a contemporary of Confucious (meaning he lived at the same time) called Lao Tseu. Taosim emphasises simplicity, selflessness, frugality (not wanting lots of things) and tranquility in relation to nature. It is based around balance with man, nature and universal order. Taoism is therefore a peaceful belief system and focuses on avoiding conflict. The Yin and Yang is a proponent of Taosim. It symbolises a world in perfect balance.

Vietnam and Taoism

Prior to the Communist domination, many Vietnamese tended to accept all the three religious beliefs, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, without conflict concerns. Taoism aims to adjust the nature, and has its evidence in the daily life circle of ethnic Vietnamese whether they are city-dwellers or peasants on rice paddy fields. Through Vietnam, you can see so many images of the Gods of Taoism to be worshipped in temples and pagodas. Most families use their altar to worship the ‘Kitchen God’- one of Taoist deities that monitor the families’ behaviors. In Vietnam, you may be puzzled by a small mirrored octagonal disc, with the Yin Yang and other symbols, fixed above the door of most houses and small shops. According to the Vietnamese people, it plays an important role in barring wandering spirits or ghosts.

The influence of Taoism means that Vietnamese people are non confrontational and tend to hold their emotions inside.

Buddhism

About two thirds of the South Vietnamese regard themselves as Buddhist. Confucianism has mixed with Buddhism in Vietnam to form a sort of hybrid version of Buddhism.

Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to Insight into the true nature of reality. Buddhist practices like meditation are means of changing yourself in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom.

Opinions differ as to the exact date of the introduction of Buddhism to Viet-Nam but it is most likely to have been in about the year 189 of Christian era. At this time Viet-Nam was attached to Imperial China, interested only in the propagation of Confucianism. Buddhism was barely tolerated and only known in its outward form. A few insignificant efforts were made to spread the Doctrine but out of an extremely rich Buddhist literature only a few stras (discourses) were known in Vhinese translations.

Though it has not always had a smooth run in Vietnam, Buddhism is now one of the main beliefs in Vietnam and you can see it's impact today in many places.

Roman Catholicism was brought to Vietnam by the Protuguese in the sixteenth century during a time of Portuguese influence in South-East Asia. The Portuguese did not have an easy path of it as many Vietnamese emperors were hostile towards Christianity. After a conflict between the North and South Vietnamese, the South accepted French assistance and opened a doorway for Christianity (predomintantly Catholocism). This also brought a perdiod of French rule in Vietnam. Therefore, Christianity in Vietnam is associated with control in some parts.

After communism entered Vietnam, Christianity was not accepted as religion is not often acepted under communism. Communist cultural influcences challenged religious levels.

The main beliefs in Vietnam are those that originated in China and were brought to Vietnam - Confuciansim, Buddhism, Teosim.

The Portuguese brought Roman Catholicism with them when they visited Vietnam in the 16th Century.

The Indigenous beliefs include the Hao Hao and the Cai Dao which are simplistic versions of Buddhism and animism pervades parts of society.

Most of these beliefs still exist in Vietnam to varying degrees. Depending on which part of Vietnam you go to, these beliefs are around in differing strengths. For example the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam has many people from the Hao Hao. In the South of Vietnam, many people are Roman Catholic.

Beliefs in Vietnam

Summary

Including continuity and change

Beliefs in Vietnam

The main influences in Vietnamese beliefs have come from China. This includes:

  • Confucianism which is a philosophy of social order which has great respect for social status.
  • Buddhism - the most popular and widely followed belief system in Vietnam.
  • Taoism

Other beliefs have come from the Portuguese who brought Roman Catholicism with them.

There are also Indigenous beliefs such as the Hao Hao which is a belief that is based around the Mekong Delta region.

Beliefs, Values, Lifestyles

Christianity

As you know,over time, beliefs, values and lifestyles in Vietnam have been subject to both continuity and change. This is largely due to the amount of dominance Vietnam by other cultures OVER TIME!

There are three main eras of social, cultural and political dominance that have affected the Vietnamese people over time. These were: Chinese rule, the arrival of Christianity and Communism.

Indigenous beliefs: Hao Hao

The Hao Hao and Cao Dai belief systems of Vietnam are what can be referred to as 'indigenous beliefs'. They are simplified versions of the Buddhist religion based in the Mekong Delta (Mekong style :p) It began in 1939. It is a syncretist religion (blending foreign and indegenous elements) that came out of the nationalist movement in Vietnam. This belief system has about two million members in Vietnam. It has been associated in the past with political and military force and has been in conflict with various Vietnamese governments.

Animism: Many Vietnamese also hold animistic beliefs. This is the belief revolves around the idea that all living things are animated (brought alive) by spirits. It is slightly different to the Ancestor Cult.

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