Policy on Taoism of the Nguyen Lords in Cochinchina

Abstract

Taoism profoundly influenced and played a crucial
role in the spiritual life of the local inhabitants in the
southern part of Gianh River in the 17th and 18th centuries. In
fact, the Nguyễn lords had policies towards this religion in
order to meet the spiritual needs, to create the spiritual life of
Cochinchina’s society, and to achieve the goal of national
rule and security. The specific policies indicated that the
development of Taoism in the spirit of “three teachings as a
harmonious aggregate” and the consolidation of folk beliefs.
In this article, the author explores the perception of the
Nguyễn lords, as well as, the transformation of Taoism in
Cochinchina by presenting the policy of developing Taoism
by the Nguyen lords.