Aka, Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Province

On Sunday I stumbled upon this Buddhist temple that’s literally carved into the side of a mountain. There’s a metal stair case that leads up to the entrance now a days, but I’m still trying to figure out how they initially built it there. This is just one of many reasons why I’m going to miss South Korea. Hmmmmmm…….I wonder how much Kimchi they’ll let me check in my luggage?

The Cao Dai religion (or Cao Daism) was formed in 1926 in Southern Vietnam. Cao Dai literally means high tower or palace, a metaphor for the highest place God reigns. This religion draws on beliefs from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, and borrows terminology from Catholicism with titles like pope, cardinals, bishops and priests. The central philosophy of Cao Daism pertains to the duty that the faithful perform for themselves, their family, society and the world at large. There are reputed to be around 2 to 3 million followers, most in Vietnam.

Cao Dai’s pantheon of saints includes such diverse figures as the Buddha, Confucius, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Pericles, Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc and Victor Hugo. Men with the rank of priest and higher have brightly colored robes reflecting their spiritual allegiance: yellow (symbolizing Buddhism and virtue), blue (Taoism and pacifism) or red (Confucianism and authority). Their most venerable place of worship, the Tay Ninh Holy See, is located a couple hours outside Saigon and we were lucky enough to attend a prayer session.