Abstract

Thiên Lý Bửu Tòa is considered one branch of Caodaism, established in the late 1970s in San Jose, California, USA. The person who was mainly responsible for the foundation of the branch was Pope Bach Dieu Hoa – a Chieu Minh Tam Thanh Vo Vi Caodaist.

Originated in the USA, the sect possesses some distinctive characteristics from those of its counterparts in Vietnam. They are imbedded with personal creativity (of Pope Bach Dieu Hoa) which, to some extent, contributes to the diverseness of Caodaism.

Using written records and ethnographic data among Thien Ly Buu Toa Caodaists, the paper attempts to conceptualize the roles of personal creativity at Thien Ly Buu Toa so as to explore the individual charisma in their constituting and running religious establishments.