Search for a Chinese new religious movement : I-kuan Tao
Item abstract only
Author
Chen, Jeng Fu See all items with this value
Date
2003
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies
Committee
Lancaster, Lewis R.
Guruge, Ananda W. P.
An-Hue, Thich
Abstract
This dissertation is on a Chinese new religious movement—I –Kuan Tao (Yi-guan Dao). It is divided into two parts; the first chapters discuss main aspects of I–Kuan Tao as a new religion. In the latter part, the institutional history is outlined.
This new religious movement started in the Shandong Province of China at the end of 19th century under the leadership of Grand Master Lu. It is said that he started the period known as the White Yang Stage.
In 1930, the tradition holds that Lao Mu (Primordial Mother) gave the mandate that Great Master Zhang and Great Mistress Sun would inherit her Heavenly Decree. I-kuan Tao recognized the Primordial Mother as the ruler and essence of the universe. The mission of ruling Heaven and Earth has been delegated to the Buddha Maitreya. In this way the Buddha was brought into the belief system, described by Great Teacher Ji-gong. This religion attempts to identify these common principles underlying Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
The objectives of I-kuan Tao are: first to educate one’s self and then work to reform others. In this way the practices are intended to transform people, so that there will be harmony and brotherhood throughout the world. The Three Treasures of I-kuan Tao known as Heavenly Portal, Divine Mantra and Symbolic Seal lead the believers from danger, from reincarnation, and enable them to become saints.
I also explain the main rituals which are ritual of obeisance performed at arrival and departure; ceremony for worship; presentation of offerings; request for worship; and transmission of the Great Tao.
The development of I-kuan Tao as a national movement occurred during the tenure of the Great Master Zhang who held the highest post of leadership from 1930 to 1947. After 1947, I-kuan Tao headquarters moved from China to Hong Kong and Taiwan to continue its mission. Full recognition as a religion was granted by the government of Republic of China in Taiwan is 1988. This was a significant milestone for the I-kuan Tao. In 1996, the opening ceremony of the World I-kuan Tao’s Headquarters in Los Angeles paved the way to an international stage. The movement has spread across five continents and over eighty nations. It has received recognition from national governments, such like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. I-kuan Tao actively participates in international world religious conferences and is being recognized as a major religious institution
This new religious movement started in the Shandong Province of China at the end of 19th century under the leadership of Grand Master Lu. It is said that he started the period known as the White Yang Stage.
In 1930, the tradition holds that Lao Mu (Primordial Mother) gave the mandate that Great Master Zhang and Great Mistress Sun would inherit her Heavenly Decree. I-kuan Tao recognized the Primordial Mother as the ruler and essence of the universe. The mission of ruling Heaven and Earth has been delegated to the Buddha Maitreya. In this way the Buddha was brought into the belief system, described by Great Teacher Ji-gong. This religion attempts to identify these common principles underlying Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
The objectives of I-kuan Tao are: first to educate one’s self and then work to reform others. In this way the practices are intended to transform people, so that there will be harmony and brotherhood throughout the world. The Three Treasures of I-kuan Tao known as Heavenly Portal, Divine Mantra and Symbolic Seal lead the believers from danger, from reincarnation, and enable them to become saints.
I also explain the main rituals which are ritual of obeisance performed at arrival and departure; ceremony for worship; presentation of offerings; request for worship; and transmission of the Great Tao.
The development of I-kuan Tao as a national movement occurred during the tenure of the Great Master Zhang who held the highest post of leadership from 1930 to 1947. After 1947, I-kuan Tao headquarters moved from China to Hong Kong and Taiwan to continue its mission. Full recognition as a religion was granted by the government of Republic of China in Taiwan is 1988. This was a significant milestone for the I-kuan Tao. In 1996, the opening ceremony of the World I-kuan Tao’s Headquarters in Los Angeles paved the way to an international stage. The movement has spread across five continents and over eighty nations. It has received recognition from national governments, such like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. I-kuan Tao actively participates in international world religious conferences and is being recognized as a major religious institution
Keywords
Yi guan dao See all items with this value
Degree Granter
University of the West