Cao Dai Five Prohibitions

Primary texts and authority

Five Cao Dai prohibitions concerning killing, theft, sexual misconduct, intoxication and harmful false speech.

Rules, principles or steps

1. Do not kill

   First prohibition

   Do not intentionally kill living beings.

   Mixed formulation · Context-dependent

2. Do not steal

   Second prohibition

   Do not take or obtain property through theft, fraud, cheating or abuse of trust.

   Mixed formulation · Context-dependent

3. Do not commit sexual misconduct

   Third prohibition

   Avoid adultery, coercion, exploitation and betrayal of sexual trust.

   Mixed formulation · Context-dependent

4. Do not abuse alcohol or luxurious living

   Fourth prohibition

   Avoid intoxication and indulgence that disorders body, mind or public peace.

   Mixed formulation · Context-dependent

5. Do not lie or use harmful speech

   Fifth prohibition

   Avoid falsehood, defamation, broken promises, incitement and malicious speech.

   Mixed formulation · Context-dependent

Historical development

The code emerged during early Cao Dai institutional formation and draws together Confucian, Buddhist and Daoist influences.

Variations

Short summaries often narrow the fourth and fifth prohibitions, while the canonical explanations address wider conduct.

Traditional interpretation

Five Cao Dai prohibitions concerning killing, theft, sexual misconduct, intoxication and harmful false speech.

Controversies and disputes

Older social assumptions should be distinguished from defensible principles of consent, equality, proportionality and harm prevention.

Truth By Reason analysis

The framework protects against violence, exploitation, betrayal, impairment and deception. Its strongest modern reading focuses on preventable harm rather than unsupported policing of private life.

Ethical themes

• Nonviolence
• Intoxicants
• Treatment of animals
• Honesty
• Non-stealing
• Sexual conduct
• Self-control

Sources

• The New Canonical Codes — The Five Prohibitions Primary source