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Caodaism · TRADITIONAL RITUAL PRAYERS · PERSONALIZE & PRINT A4

Caodai Divine-Eye Altar (Thien Ban) and Nine Generations Ancestral Prayer: Four Daily Services, Three Treasures Offering and the Five Vows

Great Way of the Third Universal Amnesty · Three Teachings Returning to the Source · Essence, Vital Breath & Spirit United · A4 Scroll

Collated from the Caodai Scriptures of the Heavenly Way and Earthly Way (Kinh Thien Dao va The Dao), the New Canonical Code (Tan Luat) and the Religious Constitution (Phap Chanh Truyen): three liturgical scrolls for the Household Divine-Eye Altar (Incense Offering, Three Treasures and Five Vows), the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar (Cuu Huyen That To), and Household Peace.

Occasion
Four Daily Services (Ty, Ngo, Meo, Dau) & Lunar New/Full Moon
Major Feasts: Supreme Being Day (9th of 1st Lunar Month), Yaochi Mother Banquet (15th of 8th Lunar Month) & Memorials
Auspicious timing
Zi, Mao, Wu, You
The Four Daily Canonical Hours: Ty (23:00-01:00), Meo (05:00-07:00), Ngo (11:00-13:00) and Dau (17:00-19:00)
Altar setting
Household Divine-Eye Altar (Thien Ban) & Ancestral Altar (Cuu Huyen)
Offer 5 incense sticks on the Divine Altar (Three Powers & Five Elements) and 3 sticks on the Ancestral Altar; never burn votive paper
Variants & A4 scroll
3 variants · A4 Scroll
Divine-Eye Altar & Five Vows, Nine Generations Ancestral Sutra & Household Peace Petition

IPersonalize Your Scroll, Select Ritual Date and Read Prayer

Tradition-Specific Sub-page of Caodaism (1 ritual prayer in this tradition)
Caodaism Pillar & Prayers ›
All 81 Rites ›

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Pick the actual solar date on which your household performs the rite

2. Officiant and Household Details (Live Scroll Personalization)

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Enter solar birth year to auto-calculate Sexagenary stem-branch and lunar age

3. Choose Prayer Variant, Enter Altar Mode or Print A4 Scroll

Recited by Caodai adherents during the Four Daily Services (Ty, Meo, Ngo, Dau) or on New Moon and Full Moon days (Soc Vong) before the Household Divine-Eye Altar (Thien Ban) enshrining the Left Divine Eye of the Supreme Being.

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Caodai Divine-Eye Altar (Thien Ban) and Nine Generations Ancestral Prayer: Four Daily Services, Three Treasures Offering and the Five Vows

1. Liturgy of Incense Offering (Niem Huong), Scripture Opening, Three Treasures (Flowers, Wine, Tea) and Five Vows (Ngu Nguyen) before the Household Divine Altar (Thien Ban)

Namo Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat! (Form the Ty Mudra with the left hand enclosed by the right hand, raise both hands to the forehead, make three deep standing bows before the Divine Altar, and kneel)

Incense Offering Prayer (Kinh Niem Huong): The Way is rooted in sincere and united faith; the heart entrusts itself to rising incense smoke to carry its message forth. As fragrance wafts from the jade censer afar, we pray in reverence that the Immortal Father witness our heart. May the Spirits and Saints ride swiftly upon cranes, descending to the mortal world and pausing their celestial chariots. Today Your disciple earnestly petitions that the Nine Heavens and Earth transmit and witness our prayer. Recording our deepest aspirations in supplication, we rely upon Grace From Above to bestow auspicious blessings. (Place 5 incense sticks in the Three-Powers and Five-Elements formation; perform 3 prostrations with 12 head-nods, silently reciting at each nod: Namo Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat)

Scripture-Opening Verse (Kinh Khai Kinh): Across the boundless ocean of worldly suffering, the morning sun shines forth in the East. The Patriarchs, moved by compassion for form and emptiness, opened the path leading to the heavenly realm. The Master teaches with words of gold and jade, counseling all beings to study the true transmission; practice with diligent devotion, so that one day you may attain the Way and have your name inscribed in the Golden Register.

Today is ……………………, in the ………… Year.

Your humble disciple ………… ………………………………, of the ………… family, residing at: ………….

Kneeling before the Divine Altar illuminated by the Taiji Lamp (Den Thai Cuc) and the All-Seeing Divine Eye (Thien Nhan), ………… reverently present the Three Treasures (Tam Buu): Fresh Flowers symbolizing pure Essence (Tinh); Clear Wine symbolizing vital Breath (Khi); and Fragrant Tea symbolizing luminous Spirit (Than). Uniting Essence, Breath and Spirit as one, we offer them unto the Supreme Being (Duc Chi Ton Ngoc Hoang Thuong De Viet Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat), the Divine Mother of the Jasper Pond (Duc Dieu Tri Kim Mau), and the Founders of the Three Teachings and Three Presiding Bodhisattvas.

Flower-Offering Verse (Kinh Dang Hoa): Compassionate grace presides within the Heavenly Palace, transmitting the Dharma to awaken all beings. Guided by merciful light into mindfulness, Blessing From Above embraces every realm.

Wine-Offering Verse (Kinh Dang Ruou): Reverently bowing, we present this sacred cup, praying that the Master open His boundless mercy, showering sweet dew to nourish the world so that humanity may enjoy abundant virtue and peace.

Tea-Offering Verse (Kinh Dang Tra): Pure and fragrant tea we respectfully offer up, giving thanks for the grace of Heaven and Earth. Through compassionate blessing of wisdom and merit, may our household and spiritual practice endure in steadfast harmony.

The Five Vows Closing the Service (Ngu Nguyen): Namo First Vow: May the Great Way be widely proclaimed (Nam mo Nhut Nguyen Dai Dao hoang khai). Namo Second Vow: May all living beings be universally saved (Nam mo Nhi Nguyen Pho do chung sanh). Namo Third Vow: May the transgressions of disciples be forgiven (Nam mo Tam Nguyen Xa toi de tu). Namo Fourth Vow: May the world enjoy universal peace (Nam mo Tu Nguyen Thien ha thai binh). Namo Fifth Vow: May the Holy Temples rest in serenity and safety (Nam mo Ngu Nguyen Thanh That an ninh)! (Perform 3 prostrations with 12 head-nods before the Divine Altar)

IICeremonial Offerings and Preparation Checklist

Offerings upon the Caodai Divine-Eye Altar (Thiên Bàn) and the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar (Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ) strictly follow the New Canonical Code (Tân Luật) and Scriptures of the Heavenly and Earthly Ways (Kinh Thiên Đạo và Thế Đạo): 100% vegetarian purity, centered upon the Three Treasures (Tam Bửu: Flowers, Wine and Tea) symbolizing Essence, Vital Breath and Spirit, with an absolute prohibition against meat offerings and votive paper burning.

Prepared 0 of 9 items

Group 1: The Taiji Lamp, Five Incense Sticks & The Three Treasures (Flowers, Wine, Tea)

Group 2: Five-Fruit Platter, Vegetarian Memorial Meal & White Ceremonial Tunic

Offering Photograph Credits (Wikimedia Commons · Open Licenses): 1. Central Taiji Oil Lamp (Den Thai Cuc) and pair of Two-Polarity Candles: Aliva Sahoo (CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source) · 2. Pure herbal incense: Trantuanviet (CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source) · 3. Fresh Flower Vase: Frank Gualtieri (Public domain · Source) · 4. Three cups of clear spirit/wine and 1 cup of pure water: Phuong Huy (CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source) · 5. Cup of warm fragrant tea: Phuong Huy (Public domain · Source) · 6. Platter of five fresh seasonal fruits: Rachel41Ng (CC0 · Source) · 7. Pure vegetarian meal tray: Phuong Huy (Public domain · Source) · 8. Lotus-seed mung-bean sticky rice and sweet soup: Phuong Huy (CC0 · Source) · 9. White traditional tunic (Ao Dai Trang) or modest formal attire and clean altar cloth: Mattes (Public domain · Source)

IIIInteractive 3D Altar, Layout Diagram and Ritual Protocol

Drag to rotate 360° · Click numbered pins 1 to 7 or cards below to inspect each offering
Rendering crimson-and-gold 3D ritual altar…
In a Caodai household, the Divine Altar (Thien Ban) is installed in the highest, most solemn central bay of the home, while the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar (Cuu Huyen That To) is placed either on a lower tier beneath it or in an adjacent bay. Viewed from inside the Divine Altar looking outward (Left = Yang, Right = Yin): the Sacred Image of the Left Divine Eye (Thien Nhan) presides at the top center; directly in front of the Divine Eye stands the continuously lit Taiji Lamp (Den Thai Cuc); on the Altar's Left (the officiant's right hand) stands the Fresh Flower Vase; on the Altar's Right (the officiant's left hand) rests the Fruit Platter; in the center, 3 cups of wine are aligned horizontally while 1 cup of tea (inner) and 1 cup of pure water (outer) form a Cross; at the front edge stand the Incense Burner holding 5 sticks and the pair of Two-Polarity Candles.
1
Sacred Image of the Left Divine Eye (Thien Nhan) at the Highest Central SeatThe supreme emblem of the Supreme Being (Duc Chi Ton): The Eye is the ruler of the Heart; Twin Lights govern the cosmos; Light is Spirit; Spirit is Heaven; and Heaven abides within Humanity.
2
Central Taiji Oil Lamp (Den Thai Cuc) & Pair of Two-Polarity Candles (Luong Nghi)The Taiji Lamp at the exact center before the Divine Eye symbolizes the Supreme Ultimate generating Yin-Yang, the Four Images and the Eight Trigrams.
3
Divine Altar Censer (Holding 5 Incense Sticks: Three Powers & Five Elements)Three sticks in the inner row represent the Three Powers (Heaven, Earth, Humanity); two sticks in the outer row complete the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth).
4
Fresh Flower Vase Representing ESSENCE / Tinh (Altar Left · Officiant Right)First of the Three Treasures (Tam Buu), symbolizing bodily purity and ethical discipline.
5
Five-Fruit Platter (Altar Right · Officiant Left)Five varieties of fragrant, unblemished seasonal fruit offered to the Supreme Father and Celestial Worthies.
6
Three Wine Cups (VITAL BREATH) & Tea / Water Cups (SPIRIT) in a Cross FormationThree wine cups in a horizontal row intersected by the inner Tea cup and outer Water cup, symbolizing the union of Essence, Vital Breath and Spirit.
7
Nine Generations Ancestral Altar (Cuu Huyen That To, Set Lower with 3 Incense Sticks)Enshrines the Cuu Huyen That To tablet and ancestral portraits; honored with 3 incense sticks, fresh flowers and vegetarian offerings.

Real-world reference photographs of traditional altars and offering trays

Open-license documentary photographs via Wikimedia Commons (click any photo for source file)
Traditional Vietnamese household altar with bronze trio. Balanced Vietnamese domestic altar displaying a bronze incense urn and candlesticks at the rear, a blue-and-white ceramic incense bowl centered on a wooden stand, red gladiolus vases and fresh fruit.
Traditional Vietnamese household altar with bronze trio. Balanced Vietnamese domestic altar displaying a bronze incense urn and candlesticks at the rear, a blue-and-white ceramic incense bowl centered on a wooden stand, red gladiolus vases and fresh fruit.
Photograph: Phuong Huy · License: Public domain · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pure vegetarian offering tray for Full Moon and New Moon rites. Modest household vegetarian offering featuring mung-bean sticky rice, leaf-wrapped cakes, plant-based savory dishes, dragon fruit and ripe bananas, a lit oil lamp and fresh flowers.
Pure vegetarian offering tray for Full Moon and New Moon rites. Modest household vegetarian offering featuring mung-bean sticky rice, leaf-wrapped cakes, plant-based savory dishes, dragon fruit and ripe bananas, a lit oil lamp and fresh flowers.
Photograph: Phuong Huy · License: Public domain · Source: Wikimedia Commons

Step-by-step ceremonial sequence before the altar

Caodai household worship before the Divine Altar and the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar unites outer ritual precision with the inner meditative harmony of Essence, Vital Breath and Spirit.

  1. Step 1
    Purify body and mind, don white ceremonial attire and prepare the Three Treasures

    Before the canonical hour (Ty, Meo, Ngo, Dau, or morning on New/Full Moon days), wash hands and face, put on a clean white ao dai (or modest formal attire), pour fresh water, brew warm tea, fill the three small wine cups, and light the central Taiji Lamp.

  2. Step 2
    Light 5 incense sticks from the Taiji Lamp and recite the Incense Offering Prayer (Niem Huong)

    Ignite 5 incense sticks from the flame of the Taiji Lamp, raise them to the forehead with both hands, kneel before the Divine Altar to chant the 10-verse Incense Offering Prayer (Kinh Niem Huong), and set 3 sticks in the inner row (Three Powers) and 2 in the outer row (Five Elements).

  3. Step 3
    Form the Ty Mudra (An Ty) and perform the 3 Prostrations with 12 Head-Nods

    With the left hand, press the thumb tip to the base of the ring finger (the Ty point) and close the fist; wrap the right hand over the left fist and insert the right thumb between the left thumb and index finger. Raise both hands to the forehead, bow 3 times, kneel, and perform 3 prostrations with 4 head-nods each (12 nods total), silently reciting Namo Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat at each nod.

  4. Step 4
    Chant the Scripture Opening, Three Teachings Hymns and Three Treasures Offerings (Variant 1)

    Chant the Scripture-Opening Verse (Kinh Khai Kinh), the Great Jade Emperor Scripture, the Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian verses, and present the Three Treasures (Flowers, Wine, Tea) as provided in Variant 1.

  5. Step 5
    Recite the Five Vows (Ngu Nguyen) and bow in completion at the Divine Altar

    Chant the Five Vows of the Great Way (Namo First Vow: May the Great Way be widely proclaimed...), perform 3 prostrations with 12 head-nods, and stand to make 3 final bows.

  6. Step 6
    Offer 3 incense sticks at the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar and recite Variant 2

    Move to the household Ancestral Altar (Cuu Huyen That To), light 3 incense sticks, make 3 standing bows, and kneel to recite Variant 2 (Scripture for the Nine Generations and Seven Ancestors), concluding with 4 filial prostrations.

IVThree Teachings Returning to the Source and the Philosophy of the Left Divine Eye (Thien Nhan)

Formally inaugurated on the Full Moon of the Tenth Lunar Month in the Binh Dan Year (November 1926) at Tay Ninh in Southern Vietnam, Caodaism (Đại Đạo Tam Kỳ Phổ Độ, the Great Way of the Third Universal Amnesty) proclaims the synthesis of humanity's spiritual heritage under a single divine origin: Three Teachings Returning to the Source, Five Branches Reunited as One (Tam Giáo Quy Nguyên, Ngũ Chi Phục Nhứt), harmonizing Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism together with the Human, Spirit, Saintly, Immortal and Buddhist paths. In every Caodai household, the home sanctuary is a living microcosm of this cosmology.

According to the tradition

At the apex of every Caodai temple and household Divine Altar (Thiên Bàn) presides the Sacred Image of the Divine Eye (Thánh Tượng Thiên Nhãn), a radiant Left Eye surrounded by clouds and celestial light. Why does Caodaism venerate a Left Eye rather than an anthropomorphic statue? The canonical compilation Collected Divine Messages (Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển) explains this in sixteen classical words: The Eye is the master of the Heart; the Twin Lights (Sun and Moon) are the sovereign rulers; Light is Spirit; Spirit is Heaven; and Heaven is also the True Self within humanity (Nhãn thị chủ tâm; Lưỡng quang chủ tể; Quang thị Thần; Thần thị Thiên; Thiên giả Ngã giả). In East Asian Yin-Yang cosmology, the Left belongs to Yang (Tả vi Dương), and because the Supreme Being is the creative Lord of Yang energy, the Divine Eye is the Left Eye. Gazing upon the Divine Eye daily reminds every believer that Heaven beholds every thought and abides within an upright conscience.

According to the historical record

The liturgical structure of Caodai household and temple worship is codified in three foundational scriptures: the Religious Constitution (Pháp Chánh Truyền), the New Canonical Code (Tân Luật, 1926 to 1927), and the Scriptures of the Heavenly Way and the Earthly Way (Kinh Thiên Đạo và Thế Đạo, standard edition published by the Tay Ninh Holy See in 1936). The Heavenly Way (Thiên Đạo) prayers govern the Four Daily Services offered to the Supreme Being and Divine Mother, while the Earthly Way (Thế Đạo) prayers guide human life-cycle rites and ancestral veneration (Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ).

VCanonical Layout of the Household Divine Altar (Thien Ban) and the Three Treasures (Tam Buu)

Unlike folk altars arranged by local custom, every vessel upon a Caodai Divine Altar (Thiên Bàn) occupies an exact cosmological coordinate representing the internal alchemy of Essence (Tinh), Vital Breath (Khí) and Spirit (Thần).

Canonical arrangement of sacred vessels and offerings on a Caodai Household Divine Altar (Thien Ban).
Sacred Vessel / OfferingCanonical Position (viewed from inside the altar looking out)Theological & Cosmological Meaning
1. Sacred Image of the Divine Eye (Thiên Nhãn)Highest central position at the rear of the Divine Altar.Represents the Supreme Being (Đức Chí Tôn Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Đế) and universal moral consciousness.
2. The Taiji Lamp (Đèn Thái Cực)Exact center of the altar directly in front of the Divine Eye.Symbolizes the Supreme Ultimate (Thái Cực), the origin of the universe and the ever-awake spiritual heart.
3. Fresh Flower Vase (1st Treasure: FLOWERS)Placed on the Altar's Left (Bên Tả, Yang side), which is the officiant's right hand when facing the altar.Represents ESSENCE (Tinh) among the Three Treasures: physical purity and moral discipline.
4. Five-Fruit Platter (Đĩa Trái Cây)Placed on the Altar's Right (Bên Hữu, Yin side), which is the officiant's left hand when facing the altar.Symbolizes the wholesome fruits of karmic merit and ethical cultivation.
5. Three Cups of Clear Wine (2nd Treasure: WINE)Aligned in a horizontal row across the center of the altar in front of the Taiji Lamp.Represents VITAL BREATH (Khí) among the Three Treasures: refined life energy and harmony.
6. Warm Tea Cup & Pure Water Cup (3rd Treasure: TEA)Tea cup placed on the inner side (near the Taiji Lamp) and Water cup on the outer side (near the censer), forming a Cross with the 3 wine cups.Represents SPIRIT (Thần); Yang Tea and Yin Water intersect the three wine cups to unite Essence, Breath and Spirit.
7. Incense Censer (5 Sticks) & Two-Polarity CandlesCenser at the front center; two candles flanking left and right.The two candles represent Yin and Yang (Lưỡng Nghi); 5 incense sticks form the Three Powers (3 inner) and Five Elements (2 outer).

VIThe Four Daily Canonical Hours (Ty, Ngo, Meo, Dau), the Ty Mudra and Prostration Rules

Every physical gesture in Caodai liturgy is structured as a contemplative practice aligning the human microcosm with the cosmic cycle.

According to the tradition

1. The Four Daily Canonical Services (Cúng Tứ Thời): Caodai worship is performed at the four pivotal transitions of Yin and Yang each day: Ty Hour (23:00 to 01:00 midnight) when the first Yang energy is born out of supreme Yin; Meo Hour (05:00 to 07:00 dawn) when the sun rises in the East and Yin-Yang reach equilibrium; Ngo Hour (11:00 to 13:00 noon) when the first Yin energy is born out of supreme Yang; and Dau Hour (17:00 to 19:00 dusk) when the sun sets in the West and Yin-Yang again balance. Adherents with demanding work schedules typically maintain the morning (Meo) and evening (Dau) services daily and observe all full rites on New Moon and Full Moon days (Sóc Vọng).

2. How to Form the Ty Mudra (Bắt Ấn Tý): Instead of pressing flat palms together, Caodai worshippers clasp their hands in the Ty Mudra: the left thumb presses the base of the left ring finger (the astrological branch Ty, marking the opening of Heaven) and the left fingers close into a gentle fist; the right palm wraps around the outside of the left fist, with the right thumb tucked into the cleft between the left thumb and index finger. This seal signifies the union of Yin and Yang and holding the Dharma within the heart.

3. Number of Prostrations by Sacred Rank: Before the Supreme Being (Đức Chí Tôn) at the Divine Altar, worshippers perform 3 prostrations with 4 head-nods each (12 head-nods total), honoring the sacred number 12 of Heaven's creation. Before the Divine Mother (Đức Phật Mẫu) and the Three Teachings Founders, worshippers perform 3 prostrations with 3 head-nods each (9 nods). Before the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar (Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ), descendants perform 4 prostrations in filial devotion.

VIIFour Essential Precepts When Maintaining a Caodai Divine Altar and Ancestral Shrine

A common misunderstanding

To preserve canonical purity at a Caodai household sanctuary, families observe four strict rules:

First, never offer meat or animal dishes on the Divine Altar, and never burn votive paper money. From its founding in 1926, Caodaism's New Canonical Code (Tân Luật) abolished the burning of paper money and paper effigies in both daily worship and funerals. Only pure vegetarian offerings and the Three Treasures (fresh flowers, clear ceremonial wine, fragrant tea, pure water and fruit) are presented.

Second, never allow the central Taiji Lamp (Đèn Thái Cực) to go out during a service. All incense sticks and side candles must be lit from the flame of the central Taiji Lamp.

Third, never place the Ancestral Altar (Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ) higher than or on the same level surface as the Divine Altar (Thiên Bàn). The Divine Altar of the Supreme Being always occupies the highest central seat, while the Ancestral Altar rests on a lower tier or in a side bay.

Fourth, observe the exact number of incense sticks for each altar. Always light 5 incense sticks on the Divine Altar of the Supreme Being (3 inner, 2 outer) and 3 incense sticks on the Mother Goddess Altar and the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar.

VIIIFilial Piety toward the Nine Generations and Vegetarian Memorial Days in Caodaism

Caodaism honors traditional Vietnamese ancestral veneration as the indispensable foundation of spiritual cultivation: the Human Way (Nhơn Đạo) rooted in filial piety is the first step toward the Heavenly Way (Thiên Đạo).

According to the tradition

On an ancestor's annual death anniversary (called a Memorial Day, Lễ Kỷ Niệm), Caodai households refrain from slaughtering animals or preparing meat feasts so as not to burden the departed spirit with karmic debt. Instead, the family prepares a refined vegetarian meal, lights three sticks of incense before the Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ altar, and chants the Scripture for the Nine Generations and Seven Ancestors (Variant 2), praying that the Supreme Father and Divine Mother guide the departed soul to eternal peace.

?Quick Questions

Why does the Caodai Divine Altar (Thien Ban) enshrine a Left Eye (Thien Nhan) and keep a central oil lamp burning?

In Caodaism, the Divine Eye (Thiên Nhãn) represents the Supreme Being (Đức Chí Tôn Ngọc Hoàng Thượng Đế). The canonical maxim states: The Eye is the master of the Heart; Light is Spirit; Spirit is Heaven; and Heaven abides within Humanity. It is specifically a Left Eye because in Yin-Yang cosmology the Left side corresponds to Yang (Tả vi Dương), and the Supreme Being is the cosmic source of Yang creation. The central oil lamp (Taiji Lamp / Đèn Thái Cực) directly in front of the Divine Eye symbolizes the Supreme Monad at the center of the cosmos and the undying light of conscience.

What do the Three Treasures (Flowers, Wine, Tea) represent, and how are they arranged on the Divine Altar?

The Three Treasures (Tam Bửu) represent the three inner treasures of a human being: Fresh Flowers represent Essence (Tinh, bodily purity); Clear Wine represents Vital Breath (Khí, harmonious life energy); and Warm Fragrant Tea represents Spirit (Thần, awakened mind). Viewed from inside the Divine Altar looking outward: the Flower Vase stands on the Altar's Left (the officiant's right hand), the Fruit Platter rests on the Altar's Right (the officiant's left hand), and at the center 3 wine cups form a horizontal line intersected by 1 inner tea cup and 1 outer water cup in the shape of a Cross.

Why are exactly 5 incense sticks lit on the Divine Altar of the Supreme Being?

According to the preface of the Scriptures of the Heavenly and Earthly Ways (Kinh Thiên Đạo và Thế Đạo), worship of the Supreme Being requires 5 incense sticks arranged in two rows: 3 sticks in the inner row called the Three Powers (Án Tam Tài: Heaven at center, Earth on right, Humanity on left), and 2 sticks in the outer row completing the Five Elements (Tượng Ngũ Khí: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) as well as the Five Spiritual Fragrances (Moral Discipline, Meditation, Wisdom, Liberation, and Liberated Insight). At the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar, worshippers light 3 incense sticks.

How do you form the Ty Mudra (An Ty) and perform the 3 prostrations with 12 head-nods?

To form the Ty Mudra (Ấn Tý): press the tip of the left thumb to the base of the left ring finger and close the left hand into a fist; wrap the right palm around the outside of the left fist and tuck the right thumb between the left thumb and index finger. Raise both hands to the forehead, make 3 standing bows, and kneel. When bowing to the Supreme Being, perform 3 prostrations with 4 head-nods per prostration (12 nods total), silently reciting Namo Cao Dai Tien Ong Dai Bo Tat Ma Ha Tat at each nod.

How does a Caodai family conduct an ancestral death anniversary (Le Ky Niem)?

On an ancestor's death anniversary (called Lễ Kỷ Niệm), a Caodai family prepares a 100% vegetarian meal along with fresh flowers, fruit, tea and pure water, refraining completely from animal slaughter and votive paper burning. After offering incense at the Divine Altar, the family lights 3 incense sticks at the Nine Generations Ancestral Altar (Cửu Huyền Thất Tổ), recites Variant 2 (Ancestral Veneration Prayer and Scripture), and performs 4 filial prostrations.

If work prevents keeping all four daily services (Ty, Ngo, Meo, Dau) at home, how should a layperson practice?

While the four daily services at Ty (23:00-01:00), Meo (05:00-07:00), Ngo (11:00-13:00) and Dau (17:00-19:00) represent the complete canonical rhythm, Caodai manuals explain that working householders may observe two daily services in the morning (Meo) and evening (Dau) before and after work, together with full services on New Moon and Full Moon days (Sóc Vọng, the 1st and 15th of the lunar month).

›Read Next

Caodaism: History, Three Teachings Synthesis & The Tay Ninh Holy SeeComprehensive guide to the Great Way of the Third Universal Amnesty, its cosmology and sacred architectureThe Caodai Incense Offering Prayer (Kinh Niem Huong): Full Text & CommentaryLine-by-line analysis of the ten opening verses of every Caodai service and the symbolism of five incense sticksThe Great Jade Emperor Scripture (Dai La Thien De · Caodai Daily Services)Principal scripture praising the creative grace of the Supreme Being in the Four Daily ServicesJade Emperor Birthday Heaven-Offering Prayer (9th of the First Lunar Month)Liturgical guide for the Grand Feast of Sovereign Heaven on the ninth day of the Lunar New YearTraditional Ritual Prayers Studio (All 67 Rites)Complete bilingual library of Vietnamese and world religious household prayers with 3D altars and A4 print

Compiled, textually collated and diagrammed by Master Ưng Khiêm and UK MASTER ACADEMY. Last updated: 31 October 2026. Sources: Collated from Kinh Thien Dao va The Dao (Tay Ninh Holy See canonical edition, 1936), Tan Luat (New Canonical Code), Phap Chanh Truyen (Religious Constitution), Thanh Ngon Hiep Tuyen, and Buoc Dau Hoc Dao.