Kao-daism

Kao-daism, a new religious cult in French Indo-China, was reported last week to be vexing the French authorities. Kao-daists say that the French control Indo-China because natives have been lax in religious observances, that the new cult will bring salvation. Organized four years ago by one Le-Van-Trung, 55, onetime Government councillor, Kao-daism now numbers more than 500,000 believers. To repress their nationalistic propaganda, authorities have been obliged to whip, shoot, bomb them.

Le-Van-Trung teaches that there are good and bad points in all religions. He has codified the "good" points of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Christianity. Kao-dai is the Supreme God.* His demigods are Lao Tzu (reputed founder of Taoism), Buddha, Confucius, Jesus. A Kao-daist may thus pray in the name of his favorite demigod. Le-Van-Trung's personal demigod is Confucius. Symbol of Kao-daists is a large eye surrounded by clouds.

*Kao means high. Kaolin, the white clay used in medicine and porcelain is Chinese for high hill, where the clay is found.

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