I-kuan Tao
by
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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 the 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 for 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
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About the Book
I-kuan Tao is an important religious movement founded seventy years ago. During this period, its stature grew along with a rapid increase of believers all over the world. Harper Collins Dictionary of Religion in 1995 classified I-kuan Tao in the new category of religions “emerging out of the mainstream Chinese religious traditions or out of the complex universe of the Chinese sectarian tradition.” It further states that “I-kuan Tao has proven most attractive to a wide range of Taiwan citizens in both the countryside and the cities by providing them with a Chinese-centered belief system that allows them to confront the stresses of an increasingly secularized and Westernized East Asian society.” With over seven millions of believers--with two million in Taiwan and 4.8 million in Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. I-kuan Tao has a significant record of success. The present volume, by one of its prominent church leaders is a pioneering effort to document its rise and development. It is the only authoritative work available to English readers on this most important religious development of recent decades.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph J.F. Chen, Bachelor of Science of