FEATURES OF TAM GIAO (TRIPLE BELIEF) SYNCRETISM IN VIETNAM DURING THE CHINESE DOMINATION PERIOD

Abstract

The syncretism of three religions Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism has contributed significantly in both the protection of national sovereignty and the enrichment of national cultural identity in the process of anti-‘Hanalisation’ that Vietnamese people had carried out successfully in history. This article presents the cultural, political and economic causes that formed the syncretism of three religions in the North domination period and then to indicate the characteristics of the fusion during that time. The awareness of independence, self-control, life style, human behavior, and the development trend of thinking; cultural tradition together with intense spirit always nurtured in the wars of independence were the bases to form this syncretism. Therefore, despite belonging to Han, Vietnamese people did not become Chinese people. Despite studying Confucianism, Vietnamese people were against the Hoa-Di principle of Confucianism, following Buddhism but still live a normal life.

Keywords: the syncretism of three religions, Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism