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| '''I-Kuan Tao''' (or '''Yiguandao''') is a ] that originated in twentieth-century ]. At the same time it incorporates much older elements from ], ], and ], and recognizes the validity of non-Chinese religious traditions such as ] and ] as well. For this reason it is often classified as a ] or ] sect, along with other similar religions in the Hsien Tien Dao ("Way of Former Heaven" family (see link below). I-kuan Tao flourishes in Taiwan, where it claims two million members (this may be exaggerated), and in overseas Chinese communities around the world. In the People's Republic of China it remains banned as an illegal secret society, as was the case in Taiwan until 1987. | '''I-Kuan Tao''' (or '''Yiguandao''') is a ] that originated in twentieth-century ]. At the same time it incorporates much older elements from ], ], and ], and recognizes the validity of non-Chinese religious traditions such as ] and ] as well. For this reason it is often classified as a ] or ] sect, along with other similar religions in the Hsien Tien Dao ("Way of Former Heaven" family (see link below). | ||
| I-kuan Tao flourishes in Taiwan, where it claims two million members (this may be exaggerated), and in overseas Chinese communities around the world. In the People's Republic of China it remains banned as an illegal secret society, as was the case in Taiwan until 1987. The World I-Kuan Tao Headquarters is in ], ]. | |||
| ==The name== | ==The name== | ||
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| Because of the name, I-Kuan Tao is often assumed to be Taoist, and its members do not reject this identification. However its history, teachings, practices, and leadership are different from those of either the "elite" forms of Taoist religion (the Celestial Masters or Complete Purity schools) or the Chinese folk religion of the masses. In the same way I-kuan Tao differs from, and yet also resembles, Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism. | Because of the name, I-Kuan Tao is often assumed to be Taoist, and its members do not reject this identification. However its history, teachings, practices, and leadership are different from those of either the "elite" forms of Taoist religion (the Celestial Masters or Complete Purity schools) or the Chinese folk religion of the masses. In the same way I-kuan Tao differs from, and yet also resembles, Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism. | ||
| == |
==Deities== | ||
| *''Ming Ming Shang Ti'', the "High God of Clarity / Luminosity"--essentially, God. The high being who transcends all the lesser gods of the Chinese pantheon. This is the short version of a fuller name which consists of twenty Chinese characters, and is found beside I-kuan Tao altars. | |||
| tk | |||
| *''Tien Chi Lao Mu'', the "Ancient Mother of Limitless Heaven," a savioress figure. | |||
| *], the Buddha who is to come (and who has come already, according to I-kuan Tao) | |||
| *] (also called ], an apoetheosized Chinese general from the ] who is commonly worshipped in Chinese temples, both Buddhist and Taoist. | |||
| ==History and Structure== | |||
| Within the broad category of ] we may distinguish between folk practices neither expect clear membership commitments nor make clear demands; and on the other hand, various sectarian movements which enjoy a clearer identity, and at the same time a weaker influence over the wider society. The folk religious practices are absorbed almost unconsciously, from childhood. Sectarian religious identity must be voluntarily chosen. Such sectarian identity might be Buddhist, Christian, or any of the religious movements that originated within the Chinese cultural sphere such as I-kuan Tao. | |||
| which has its roots in the buddhist | which has its roots in the buddhist | ||
| ]. |
]. | ||
| ] that unifies all with the one." | |||
| Chang Pei- | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | I-Kuan Tao as an organization was founded in 1928. |
||
| avoid meat and alcohol. I-Kuan Tao was banned in the ] and the ]. The ban in the ] was lifted in 1987. It is one of the larger religious groups in ]. | |||
| ⚫ | The basis of I-Kuan Tao is rooted in Chinese traditions, with teachings emphasizing traditional values such as family, honor, respect and moderation. | ||
| <p> The World I-Kuan Tao Headquarters are in | |||
| ], ]. | |||
| ⚫ | I-Kuan Tao as an organization was founded in 1928. | ||
| ==Practices== | |||
| Vegetarianism | |||
| Abstinence from alcohol | |||
| Initiation into "Tao" | |||
| Chanting | |||
| == Website of the World I-Kuan Tao Headquarters == | == Website of the World I-Kuan Tao Headquarters == | ||
Revision as of 07:20, 27 April 2005
I-Kuan Tao (or Yiguandao) is a new religious movement that originated in twentieth-century China. At the same time it incorporates much older elements from Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism, and recognizes the validity of non-Chinese religious traditions such as Christianity and Islam as well. For this reason it is often classified as a syncretistic or syncretic sect, along with other similar religions in the Hsien Tien Dao ("Way of Former Heaven" family (see link below).
I-kuan Tao flourishes in Taiwan, where it claims two million members (this may be exaggerated), and in overseas Chinese communities around the world. In the People's Republic of China it remains banned as an illegal secret society, as was the case in Taiwan until 1987. The World I-Kuan Tao Headquarters is in El Monte, California.
The name
I-kuan (Yiguan) means something like "one unity." The implication is that the sect harmonizes or integrates otherwise disparate teachings.
Tao (Dao) means "way," and is the same word used by the Taoist and Confucian traditions to describe the broad patterns of the universe, life, and humanity. The word is often used as a part of the names of religious sects.
Because of the name, I-Kuan Tao is often assumed to be Taoist, and its members do not reject this identification. However its history, teachings, practices, and leadership are different from those of either the "elite" forms of Taoist religion (the Celestial Masters or Complete Purity schools) or the Chinese folk religion of the masses. In the same way I-kuan Tao differs from, and yet also resembles, Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism.
Deities
- Ming Ming Shang Ti, the "High God of Clarity / Luminosity"--essentially, God. The high being who transcends all the lesser gods of the Chinese pantheon. This is the short version of a fuller name which consists of twenty Chinese characters, and is found beside I-kuan Tao altars.
- Tien Chi Lao Mu, the "Ancient Mother of Limitless Heaven," a savioress figure.
- Maitreya, the Buddha who is to come (and who has come already, according to I-kuan Tao)
- Guang Gong (also called Guandi, an apoetheosized Chinese general from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms who is commonly worshipped in Chinese temples, both Buddhist and Taoist.
History and Structure
Within the broad category of Chinese religion we may distinguish between folk practices neither expect clear membership commitments nor make clear demands; and on the other hand, various sectarian movements which enjoy a clearer identity, and at the same time a weaker influence over the wider society. The folk religious practices are absorbed almost unconsciously, from childhood. Sectarian religious identity must be voluntarily chosen. Such sectarian identity might be Buddhist, Christian, or any of the religious movements that originated within the Chinese cultural sphere such as I-kuan Tao.
which has its roots in the buddhist Order of the White Lotus.
Chang Pei-
The basis of I-Kuan Tao is rooted in Chinese traditions, with teachings emphasizing traditional values such as family, honor, respect and moderation.
I-Kuan Tao as an organization was founded in 1928.
Practices
Vegetarianism
Abstinence from alcohol
Initiation into "Tao"
Chanting