Coconut Religion
The Coconut Religion is a religion founded by Ông Đạo Dừa in Ben Tre, South Vietnam. It was one of many religions in the South until communist authorities abolished it in 1975. Dao Dua advocated religious harmony, synthesizing many religions, especially Buddhism and Christianity. The Coconut Religion is not currently recognized as a religion by the Vietnamese government.
History
The Coconut Religion was founded in 1963 by Vietnamese mystic and scholar Nguyễn Thành Nam,
Estimates of followers of the religion worldwide were 4,000 at its highest. One notable follower was John Steinbeck IV, the son of American novelist John Steinbeck.[1] The religion was deemed a "cult" and was promptly banned in 1975 by communist officials.[1]
The Coconut Monk died in unexplained circumstances in 1990,[9] marking the demise of the cult.[citation needed] The Coconut Estate is now serving as a tourist attraction along the My Tho Mekong Delta Tour.[clarification needed]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Coconut religion". Vinhthong. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
- ISBN 9781469714011.
- ISBN 9780899502786.
- ^ a b c d Vu Trinh (1974). "The Coconut Monk". Vietspring. Archived from the original on 2013-05-01. Retrieved 2013-05-26.
- ^ ISBN 9781843530954.
- ]
- ^ Ellithorpe, Harold (1970). "South Vietnam: The Coconut Monk". Far Eastern Economic Review. p. 15.
- ^ "THE OTHER SIDE OF EDEN: LIFE WITH JOHN STEINBECK". American Buddha. Archived from the original on June 24, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
- ISBN 978-0-7509-9273-2.