Minh Sư Religion in Social Life of Inhabitants in the Southern Vietnam from the Second Half of the 19th Century to the First Half of the 20th Century

Abstract

Minh Sư religion was introduced into Vietnam at
the end of the 19th century by Dongchu monk of Xiantiandao
in Chaoyuandong (Guangdong). Then this religion was
spread over the country. During its most flourishing period,
from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the
20th century, Minh Sư religion built more than 100 temples
(often called Buddhist temple) throughout Vietnam, attracted
thousands of the Chinese and Vietnamese followers. Over 150
years of historical vicissitude, Minh Sư religion has left more
than 50 temples, mostly situated in the area from Hue city to
the South Vietnam. Those temples with the Chinese style have
preserved many cultural assets such as architecture,
sculpture, image, plaques, parallel sentences, inscription,
scriptures, etc. The temples were not only the spiritual space
but also the convergence of the patriotic Vietnamese in the
resistance to the French colonialists. It can be said that Minh
Sư religion has influenced and had a great contribution to the
development of the South Vietnam society.