What is coconut cult?

The "Coconut Cult" is a pejorative term used to describe certain religious or spiritual movements, primarily in Vietnam, that centered around the consumption of coconuts and the teachings of their leader, Ông Đạo Dừa ("Coconut Monk").

• Key Figure: Ông Đạo Dừa (real name Nguyễn Thành Nam) was the central figure. He promoted a philosophy of peace and harmony achieved through a simple life, vegetarianism, and drinking only coconut milk.

• Practices: The movement involved practices such as meditation, prayer, and the consumption of coconuts. The coconut was seen not just as a food source but as a symbol of purity and a source of spiritual nourishment.

• Beliefs: The specific beliefs were syncretic, drawing from elements of Buddhism, Christianity, and Taoism. Ông Đạo Dừa emphasized peace, unity, and a simple way of life free from materialistic pursuits.

• Location: The movement was largely based on a small islet in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, where Ông Đạo Dừa established a commune called the "Coconut Kingdom".

• Controversies: The group was viewed with suspicion by the Vietnamese government, particularly due to its separatist leanings and unconventional practices. The movement was eventually suppressed.