Ban Thế Ðạo  

1. Description :

A Caodai special organization for current senior officials, businessmen, politicians and famous figures to do charity work and practice Caodaism.

It was established under the instructions of Giáo Tông Lý Thái Bạch from a seance (Psychics: Phạm Hộ Pháp and Cao Tiếp Đạo) in Giáo Tông's House, January 7th 1954.

"In yesterday's discussion on Secular Dignitaries, I said I would explain it to you. Hộ Pháp, you know there is a similar Catholic organization with four ranks, called Dignitaires laïques. You have had the rank of Hiền Tài, so how about three more ranks like theirs?"

Hộ Pháp: Please clarify it, sir.

"There should be Quốc Sĩ, Đại Phu and Phu Tử." 

Despite Giáo Tông and Hộ Pháp's decision as far back as January 7th 1954, the Constitution of Secular Dignitaries was not issued until March 30th 1965 by Hiệp Thiên Đài. The Constitution, together with the Regulations issued on November 27th 1969, was approved by Thượng Sanh.     

Ban Thế Ðạo

2. Constitution :

Under Lý Giáo Tông's instructions on January 7th 1954 and according to Caodai creed, the Caodai Sacerdotal Council establishes the Department of Secular Dignitaries in order to facilitate more Caodaiism practice among non-priest people, who are able to work for Caodai without entering the priesthood. 

The Department of Secular Dignitaries is a religious organization that connects secular and religious communities in order to create a peaceful life for man in the transitional period. 

Chapter 1 : Responsibility and Hierarchy

The dignitaries take care of their philanthropic work as well as their religious duties, closely collaborate with Cửu Trùng Đài (Caodai Executive Body) on secular activities and being legally controlled by the Department of Thế, Hiệp Thiên Đài (Caodai Judiciary Body).  

There are four ranks: Hiền Tài, Quốc Sĩ, Sĩ Phu and Phu Tử.  Those who want to join the Secular Dignitaries are required to have two Caodai dignitaries' recommendations and to join an entry rite.

Being admitted, they will then be granted one of the above four positions according to their social status.

•  1. HIỀN TÀI :

  This position is granted to an intellectual with a Diploma of Sơ Học, Trung Học Đệ Nhứt Cấp, or Tú Tài Toàn Phần (21 years old and above), a current governmental official (40 years and above), a private company manager (40 years and above), or a military officer (Captain and above).

  In addition, successful persons such as property owners, landowners, and contractors, who have been proven to assist Caodai, can also be granted this position.

  Individuals of 40 or older can be Hiền Tài on the condition that they have made great contributions to Caodai and complied with ethical principles.

  Caodaist Dignitaries' children or grandchildren are not required to submit Sớ Cầu Đạo (Caodai ID card) along with their applications.  

  The two dignitaries, who write recommendations, have to be responsible for the candidate's conduct to the Sacerdotal Council. 

•  2. QUỐC SĨ :

  To be a Quốc Sĩ, an individual has to meet some requirements: 

  A Hiền Tài, who is ethical enough, who has spent a lot of time practicing Caodaism and doing charity work and who is greatly popular (verified in writing).

  A person who has great contributions to the country and there is evidence that the public is greatly fond of him/her (verified in writing).

  A Minister, Diplomat, General, Master or Doctor, who is devoted to religion and charity.

•  3. ÐẠI PHU :

  A Đại Phu needs to meets the requirements:

  A Quốc Sĩ, who is ethical enough and who has spent much time helping with preaching Caodaism and with winning public admiration.  

  A President, a Prime Minister or a great philanthropist, who is ready to contribute to the religious and humanitarian cause. 

•  4. PHU TỬ :

  Requirements for a Phu Tử are:

  A Đại Phu, who is ethical enough and who has greatly contributed to the national politics.   

  A great person who has suffered many hardships in publicizing Caodaiism in one or several countries. 

3. Selection and ordination :

a) Hiền Tài's are selected and ordained by the Sacerdotal Council of Hiệp Thiên Đài.

b) Quốc Sĩ, Ðại Phu, Phu Tử's are selected by the Sacerdotal Council of Hiệp Thiên Đài and presented to Divine Authority.

Chapter 2 : Organization 

The Department of Secular Dignitaries is headquartered in Tây Ninh Temple. There are also local branches in other districts and provinces. 

The Headquarter is under the Department of Thế, Sacerdotal Council of Hiệp Thiên Đài.

In other districts or provinces, a local Management is established and controlled by the Central Management. The local Management closely cooperates with local Caodai Dignitaries.

Chapter 3 : Vestments

•  Hiền Tài :

  White áo dài. Black khăn đóng (i.e. Vietnamese traditional clothing). Chest badge of Cổ Pháp Giáo Tông and the word HIỀN TÀI. Position in a rite: behind Giáo Hữu, in front of Lễ Sanh.

•  Quốc Sĩ :

  The same as Hiền Tài. Chest badge of Cổ pháp and the word QUỐC SĨ. Position in a rite: behind Giáo Sư, in front of Giáo Hữu. 

•  Ðại Phu :

  The same as Quốc Sĩ. Nine- layer khăn đóng. Chest badge of Cổ Pháp and the word ÐẠI PHU. Position in a rite: behind Phối Sư, in front of Giáo Sư. 

•  Phu Tử :

  The same as Ðại Phu. Chest badge of Cổ pháp and the word PHU TỬ. Position in a rite: behind Đầu Sư, in front of Phối Sư.

Female vestments are the same as male without khăn đóng. 

The dignitaries on a special assignment of the Sacerdotal Council of Hiệp Thiên Đài are allowed to wear six-button áo dài like a Hiệp Thiên Đài dignitary.

Chapter IV : Transfer to Regular Dignitaries.   

The dignitaries, who want to change their status into regular dignitaries of Cửu Trùng Đài or Hiệp Thiên Đài have to submit:

• 1. A certificate of the current religious rank.
• 2. The letter of  lifelong devotion to Caodaism.
• 3. CV.
• 4. The promissory letter of vegetarian practice and religious law-abidingness. 

Candidates will then be presented to Divine Authority for consideration.

Under Hộ Pháp's Decree 49, July 4th 1951, a Hiền Tài with five-year experience can request a transfer to Hiệp Thiên Đài or Cữu Trùng Đài dignitaries after a complete investigation by Bộ Pháp Chánh.

A promotion to Quốc Sĩ, Ðại Phu and Phu Tử is also decided by Divine Authority.

After the transfer, the new dignitaries have no more responsibility with the Department of Secular Dignitaries and have to obey the New Canonical Codes and the Religious Constitution of Caodaism. 

In the future, this Constitution can be supplemented or modified to suit human social needs.

This Constitution was edited by the Sacerdotal Council of Hiệp Thiên Đài, Certified Report 10/VB, July 19th 1969, and approved by Hộ Pháp, August 16th 1969. 

From March 3rd 1965 to August 15th 1973, 706 Hiền Tài were ordained. Since 1975, no ordinations for Secular Dignitaries have been organized.