Religion and Individual in a Traditional Multi-Religious Vietnam

Abstract

From ancient times to the present day, religion has played a multifaceted role in human existence, encompassing various aspects of individual life such as rites of passage, daily routines, and the formation of lifestyle. Traditional Vietnamese spiritual practices draw upon a syncretism of Confucianism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs, resulting in a cultural landscape where many Vietnamese individuals do not readily identify themselves as adherents to any single religious tradition. This juxtaposition gives rise to a notable paradox within Vietnamese religious life. While there may appear to be a lack of overt religious devotion in daily practices, religion manifests itself prominently in nearly all significant events in Vietnamese life. This article aims to explore the presence of these traditional religions in Vietnam to elucidate the underlying reasons for this paradox within traditional Vietnamese individual life.