Compassion, sincerity and truth lie at the very core of Caodaism’s moral universe. Drawn equally from Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity, its ethical landscape is painted with a handful of guiding principles that shape daily life and inspire community action.

1. Five Precepts
   • No killing or harming living beings
   • No stealing
   • No sexual misconduct
   • No lying or gossip
   • No intoxicants
   Sticking to these precepts is seen as “walking the walk” rather than merely mouthing lofty ideals. On lunar “vegetarian days” (the 1st and 15th), many adherents abstain from meat and alcohol to cultivate compassion and self-discipline.

2. Confucian Virtues
   • Filial piety and respect for elders
   • Loyalty to family and country
   • Sincerity in speech and deed
   • Charity toward the unfortunate
   • Brotherhood among all people
   Caodaist congregations routinely organize education drives, health clinics and flood relief—most recently, in the aftermath of 2024’s Central Vietnam deluge, followers distributed rice, clean water and medicine without fanfare.

3. The Golden Rule
   “Love thy neighbor as thyself” threads through every ritual. Excellent moral conduct isn’t relegated to prayer halls but spills into workplaces, schools and even traffic lanes—courtesy, patience and a helping hand are valued over cutting corners.

4. Three No’s in Governance
   Within the Church hierarchy: no abuse of power, no fanaticism, no blind obedience. Leaders are expected to earn trust through transparency and moral integrity, rather than wield authority like a sledgehammer.

In Caodaism, ethical life isn’t a rigid checklist but a living tapestry. The highest goal: transforming personal virtue into social uplift, so that hands, hearts and spirits all rise together.