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Revision as of 07:00, 27 April 2005 by 210.60.55.9 (talk)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)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 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. 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.
History
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which has its roots in the buddhist Order of the White Lotus. Its name can be literally translated as "The Tao that unifies all with the one."
About 1 million to 3 million people, most of them in China, are adherents of I-Kuan Tao. 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 has taoist and christian elements. I-Kuan Tao as an organization was founded in 1928. I-Kuan Tao advises to avoid meat and alcohol. I-Kuan Tao was banned in the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China. The ban in the Republic of China was lifted in 1987. It is one of the larger religious groups in Taiwan.
The World I-Kuan Tao Headquarters are in El Monte, California.