In Caodaism, the Supreme Being goes by the evocative title “Cao Đài,” literally the “Highest Power” or “Greatest Lord.” Far from a distant deity, this Supreme Being embodies an all-encompassing, impersonal force that underpins every grain of sand and flutter of butterfly wings. Think of it as the ultimate cosmic conductor, weaving together spiritual currents from East and West into one harmonious symphony.

Divinity in Caodaism wears more than one hat. While Cao Đài itself remains beyond full human comprehension, it unfolds through a Divine Triad reminiscent of the Christian Trinity yet uniquely its own. First comes the Heavenly Father—Cao Đài in its paternal aspect, the source of absolute order. Then appears the Divine Mother, embodying compassion and nurturing life’s unfolding. Finally, the Holy Spirit, sometimes called the “Mother Buddha” or “Spirit of Justice,” bridges these two, guiding souls toward moral clarity.

This tripartite vision reflects Caodaism’s syncretic heart. Confucian ethics lend structure, Taoist notions of balance inspire harmony, Buddhist ideas of karma underscore personal responsibility, and Christian imagery offers a familiar frame for Western converts. Mediums, gifted with the “Divine Eye,” serve as living channels. Through séances—whether in a Tay Ninh temple or even an online gathering these days—they receive messages meant to steer humanity toward unity and peace.

Modern parallels aren’t hard to spot. Just as social media streams connect people around the globe, Caodaism’s Supreme Being connects all living things, transcending borders of language and culture. When temples reopened in Vietnam after COVID restrictions lifted earlier this year, worshippers reported a renewed sense of shared purpose—proof that, in the words of believers, “Cao Đài never sleeps.”

At its core, Caodaism presents divinity not as a distant monarch but as an intimate tapestry of forces: order, love, and guidance. It invites everyone to see the Sacred in every sunrise and every act of kindness, making the universe itself feel like a friendly neighbor rather than an unfathomable enigma.