The Origin of Human Beings  

All human beings have both a mother and a father, but the exact origin of the very first person has always remained a hypothesis.

In the 19th century, Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution as a hypothesis for the origin of human beings. According to this theory, in the distant past, our Earth was a fiery sphere emerging from the sun. Over time, it cooled and developed an outer layer of earth and stone.

As the Earth's temperature became suitable, a layer of water vapor enveloped it, eventually forming seas and rivers through heavy rainfall. The presence of water stabilized the Earth's temperature, allowing life to emerge within the waters.

The first life form was a simple cellular plant. Over time, this life form evolved through cell division, giving rise to fungi, algae, plants, and trees.

Later, animal species appeared, beginning with single-celled organisms in water. These organisms multiplied and evolved, eventually leading to creatures with legs capable of living on land. The evolutionary process continued, giving rise to land-dwelling and flying animals.

The most advanced animal in this evolutionary chain is the chimpanzee. Among primates, monkeys with tails are the smallest, followed by larger tailless primates. It is from these tailless primates that humans ultimately evolved.

Across different religions, there is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, known by various names in different faiths, who created the universe and all living beings.

In CaoDai, the Supreme Being teaches:

Each individual has a physical body corresponding to the "Tinh", equipped with six senses:

• Sight,
• Hearing,
• Smell,
• Taste,
• Touch, and
• Thought.

When these senses encounter worldly stimuli, six desires and, subsequently, seven emotions, referred to as the "Khí", arise.

Every person possesses the spirit gifted by the Supreme Being, also referred to as the "Thần" (soul). The spirit or soul is invisible.

In contrast, the physical body is both visible and tangible, shaped by the Mother Goddess from the energies of Yin and Yang.

Yin, akin to electrons, and Yang, akin to protons, form the foundation of creation, as described in CaoDai prayer:

The physical body comprises electrons and protons, evident and touchable. Meanwhile, the spirit, while unseen, holds a vital role in guiding human existence.

Another element, the "Khí" corresponds to the seven emotions and the six senses.

Emotions, a blend of Yin and Yang, partly visible and partly concealed, reflect the interplay between the hidden soul and the observable physical body.

Emotions are both visible and invisible, representing the interaction between the invisible soul and the visible body.

These emotions can be either good or bad, with positive emotions like love and joy leading to generosity, helping others, and serving humanity.

Negative emotions such as anger and hatred manifest in harmful actions toward others.

People with positive emotions feel light and joyful, while those with negative emotions feel heavy and sad.

Emotions correspond to the "Khí" and play a significant role in the purification process within CaoDai:

• 1. Cultivate the "Tinh" (essence) into the "Khí" (spirit).
• 2. Cultivate the "Khí" (spirit) into the "Thần" (soul).
• 3. Cultivate the "Thần" (soul) into the "Hư" (emptiness).
• 4. Cultivate the "Hư" into the "Vô".

In essence, humans consist of three parts:

• The spirit inherited from the Supreme Being (conscience),
• The emotions ("Khí") and
• The physical body ("Tinh").

The other two parts, "Tinh" and "Khí" are created by the Mother Goddess using the Yin and Yang energies. These components are physical and heavy, suitable for earthly life but not for existence in higher realms.

CaoDai asserts the existence of 12 celestial planes, with the three highest known as:

• Hỗn Nguơn Thiên,
• Hội Nguơn Thiên, and
• Hư Vô Thiên.

These celestial planes relate to the era Tiên Thiên, preceding the creation of the universe. The remaining nine celestial planes correspond to the era Hậu Thiên, during the universe's creation.

The nine planes are ranked from lower to higher, from denser to more ethereal.

Those who cultivate themselves during earthly life can ascend to lighter, higher planes after death.

Conversely, those who cling to material desires remain in lower planes or the "cõi Âm quang" (Yin dimension).

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