Buddhist Cults and Cult-like Organisations

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Falun Gong -Falun Da

Falun Gong is based upon the belief that the universe consists of magical energies that can be tapped into by certain practices and which can eliminate the need for medicine, bringing one to a state of enlightenment and physical immortality.
Its popularity seems directly related to its claim to bring health and relieve stress while providing enlightenment. It is anti-science, anti-medical establishment, and anti-materialism; thus, falun gong is attractive to many people who are fed up with the world as it is and their position in it.

Li Hong-Zhi, a former trumpet-player from north-east China, is known as "Living Buddha" to his devotees. The authorities in Beijing also have a few other names for Mr Li. They have branded him the leader of an "evil cult" and a dangerous charlatan and have ordered his arrest.

He believes aliens walk the Earth and he has reportedly said he can walk through walls and make himself invisible. Mr Li, a tallish, thickset man, was born in Jilin province, north-east China, but his date of birth is somewhat controversial. The authorities have accused him of backdating it from 7 July 1952 to 13 May 1951 so he could share the birthday of Buddhism's founder, Sakyamuni. He said that it was misrecorded in the first place and points out that millions of other people must share the same birthday as the Buddha. He claimed that he is a very ordinary man but in another interview with TIME magazine he implied that he was anything but ordinary.

Mr Li says that he is a being from from a higher level who has come to help humankind from the destruction it could face as the result of rampant evil.
Asked if he was a human being from earth, he replied, "I don't wish to talk about myself at a higher level. People wouldn't understand it." He claims to possess a Dharmakaya body and says in his book that the followers are not to practice recitation for the name of the Buddha. While he keeps on claiming that he does not teach a religion, actually does incorporate Buddhist elements in his teaching. For example, he tells people to visualize his Fa Shen (Dharmakaya-body) if they experience trouble. He talks about white and black karmic drops. He said that a serious student of Falun Gong should be committed and therefore cannot do other practices like reciting the Buddha's or Avalokiteshvara's name. Falun Gong Practitioners, before commencing exercises, all sit down and recite his book called "Zhuan Falun" (Turning the Dharma wheel) like a scripture. This is borrowing concepts from Buddhism and confusing people about it.
But while his ideas may be bizarre, his followers claim to uphold high moral standards. Falun Gong's three guiding principles are Truthfulness, Benevolence and Forbearance. Western cult investigators appear uncertain as to whether Mr Li is the benign leader of a quasi-religious martial art or the figurehead of a far more sinister organisation.

Uncovering the true face of Falun Gong and disclosing why the Buddhist communities are opposed to Falun Gong

By J.F Hong, Malaysia (Originally published in the 'Voice of Buddhism', Buddhist Missionary Society)

Li Honqzhi - Founder of Falun Gonq

Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong was born into an ordinary family in Gongzhuling City, Jilin province, China. According to the Chinese official records, he was born on July 27,1952, but Li Hongzhi claims that his birth date was on May 13th which is April 8" according to the lunar calendar, coinciding with the anniversary of the Buddha's birthday. These different disclosures arouse questions as to Li's trustworthiness.

Li Hongzhi seldom mentions his own personal background. According to the Chinese official record, he was a junior high school graduate and had worked as a staff member at a grocery supply company in the city of Zhangchun, Jilin province.

Li claimed that, at age four, he inherited the lineage and become the tenth successor of "Fo Jia Du Chuan Dafa" from a prominent Buddhist venerable Chuen-jue, who specialized in the practice of truth, humanity and endurance. He claimed, at the age of eight, he attained the great Mahayana and had achieved the power of the supermundane. At the age of twelve, he inherited the lineage from an eighth-grade master of Taoism, which specialized in inner and outer practices engaging in the practice of martial arts and the use of weapons. At the age of twenty-two, Li joined the work force. At the same time he said that he acquired a new skill from "Zen Tao Zi" of Zhangbai-shan specializing in both the inner and outer practices of martial arts. At the age of twenty-three, he received the teachings of 'gong li and gong~fa' from a Buddhist nun. According to the Chinese Buddhist and Taoist associations, they know none of the instructors Li has mentioned. The Chinese official stressed that the claims by Li were all illusory and resembled another cult of Lu Sheng Yen of the "True Buddha Sect" (See "True Buddha Order - Sheng-yen Lu" below), who stated that he had received his ordination and power from dreams.

In the early 80s, Chinese society indulged in the practice of Qigong. Fa Lun Gong has also been established since then. After an official tour southward by Chairman Deng Xiao Ping, of the communist government, in May 1992, Lee made his first appearance and began to spread his teaching around the country. At that time, Li stressed that Falun Gong was not a religion nor was it involved in politics. These were also notions being used at the time by many local Chinese organizations in order to pursue their missions, but there was no assurance that the true intention of their undertakings was not to engaged in religious belief or politics.

The booming of Qigong brought along the development of super natural powers and exploration into the studies of the human body and life sciences, which at time also engendered many social problems within the community. Some with negative motives exaggerated the power of Qigong trying to convince people to refrain from the use of conventional medicines, thus costing many lives. Some even used faked scientific evidence to indulge but actually had very little knowledge in science, thus creating fanaticism within the Chinese community. Still others intermingle Buddhist Dharma with Qigong exercises to promote their visions, thus negating their principle of non-relation to religious beliefs. Some tried to fulfill their personal egocentric, power to control, to fulfill their fancy of being a famous leader, while others anticipated becoming wealthy.

In 1995, social problems emerged from the popularity of Qigong and the Chinese government intervened and suspended the operation of some leading Qigong organizations and arrested numerous Quigong masters. With the existence of many thousands of practitioners and organizations, the actual numbers of those suspended was considered small. Many of the Qigong groups broke up after their detention, but Falun Gong has retained its exposure in the news. This is said to be Li's long-term goal.

In 1996, Falun Gong was expelled from the Qigong Science Research by the Chinese officials. Li began to apply for a visa to visit the United States. In 1998, he arrived in the United States with his wife and daughter and obtained resident green cards, bought a house in Atlanta, and has resided in Long Island, New York ever since.

In April 25, 1999, members of Falun Gong surrounded Zhongnanhai, a governmental compound in Beijing (remarks by the Chinese officials) asking for a peaceful settlement (remarks by Falun Gong). Consequently, Falun Gong achieved instant worldwide recognition. Li achieved his publicity; at the same time gaining support from many who are in opposition to the Chinese government.

Falun Dafa:

The founding of Falun Dafa by Li Hongzhii has reference to a collection of cassettes and a few books written by him. Nothing noteworthy is to be found in his writings and he has admitted that some of his writings exclude the use of modern language. In reference to the interpretation from "Falun Dafa", Li's comments that the language glossary being used today cannot express the level and teachings of Falun.

Li noted, "Falun Dafa is considered the most supreme practice among Buddhists with its fundamental base corresponding to the ultimate cosmos of truth, benevolence and endurance. Falun's practice in accordance with the principle of the cosmos is considered one of the ultimate Dharmas". In corresponding to Li's explanation, a more profound explanation should be given for his principals of truth, benevolence and endurance, however, he could plainly provide deficient explanations on the three key words. Mr. P.C.Zhao, former president of the Chinese Buddhist Association once made a judgment on Li, "Li's Falun Gong did not make any distinction in its benevolent spirit but rather in its plain, forceful, fearless speech. Fearless on execution and fearless in commitments, thus attracting some highly educated scholars to believe his statements".

According to Li, the practice of Falun Fofa (the Buddhist Dharma) is centralised on the Dharma wheel, which is a revolving spiritual object. As he stated, "the Dharma wheel set in the practitioner's stomach will continue to revolve twenty four hours a day. (Real practitioners who learned and practiced through reading my books, listening to my teachings through audiovisuals or practice together with other members of Dafa may obtain the Dharma wheel)".

That is to say that once a practitioner has obtained the Dharma wheel when he is not exercising, the Dharma wheel will still operate on a continual basis. This is the only practice in the world where Dharma is practice without putting in human effort. According to his book "Turning the Dharma Wheel", Li mentioned, that "The main exercise in our practice is to work and practice on the Dharma wheel within the stomach. During the class when giving lectures, I will personally put into work and monitor the Dharma wheel for the practitioner. Some will perceive or feel it and some will not."

"Our Dharma wheel will protect you.. My root is cored around the cosmos. Whoever agitates you will agitate me and will agitate the cosmos". Li also said that even a "thousand-year practitioner" will desire to obtain such a Dharma wheel and so many have been enticed by the Dharma wheel."

Li claims that he has numerous Dharma bodies (spiritual bodies) and "with the protection of my spiritual body, there will be no invasion from any outward evil ". Li illustrated his points in numerous stories, (refer to page 150 in "Turning the Dharma wheel"). He declared, "as my spirit sits for one round, its vestige will appear on the practice field on top the big Dharma wheel and will emerge to observe the field, illuminated in red ". Li also said, my spiritual body will know everything, whatever you are thinking thus anything can be done".

There are five main exercises in the practice of Falun Gong and these are the fundamental steps being practiced in Qigong, prolonging life and maintaining good health. This is one of the reasons why it lured many practitioners into the practice of Falun Gong. But with Li's emphasis on the Dharma wheel that will work for itself for the practitioner and protection of his spiritual bodies, etc., hid his true intentions. If Falun Gong only taught five exercises, it would be considered a member of Qigong and would have no relation whatsoever to Buddhism, and the. Buddhist community would not be opposed to its practice. Unfortunately, Li's interpretation of Buddhist terms in his practice is misleading and an offence to Buddhist communities and caused repercussions.

As Li stated, it not required to pay a fee to learn Falun Gong, but in another instant he said, " Our fee is one of the lowest in the country," this is, in fact, very contradictory.

Misinterpretation of Buddhism:

Li emphasized that Falun Gong is not a religion, but his constant misleading and misinterpretation of Buddhist terms is in fact a mis-usage of Buddhism to attract members. Li said, "We are practicing the Dafa (great dharam) of the Buddhist sect, therefore this is Buddha-Dharma". This has led to a total misunderstanding of many who think that Falun Gong is Buddhism. In his speech, Li often uses two terms intentionally to confuse people, "Fo Jiao" (Buddhism) and "Fo Jia" (Buddhist sect). He normally emphasizes that Falun Gong is "Fo Jia" but has never clearly provided an explanation referring to the terms he uses,' creating a paradox.

Another significance in the practice of Falun Gong is the term, used by Li wheel "sia-sang" (downward-upward). The wheel was designed containing five characters of the svasti symbol "wan". In Buddhism the svasti symbol stands for the number 10,000, the element of limitlessness, that is revealed in the teachings of the Buddha. The wheel with eight points is the symbol of the Eightfold Noble Path, but Li misuses the original term and representation in Buddhism, by saying that the Dharma wheel can be worked in the human body during practice. Li also claimed that "I, with the countless Body of Law ( Dhammakaya in Buddhism), can exert super power to generate miracles to protect you from dangers. " Li made up lots of stories to support this saying.

Buddhism talks about the law of Karma, "As you sow, so shall you reap ". However Li alleged your master, have super powers to eliminate your Kamma ", which apparently distorts the definition and essence within Buddhism. He further persuaded people to avoiding taking medication when they get sick (detailed in "Turn the Dharma Wheel " A Chinese official report shows more than one thousand people died from their blind belief in Falun Gong and leaving their ailments untreated.

" I am not a Buddhist " Li claimed, yet he poses in a monk's robe sitting on a lotus pedestal with a painted halo overhead, which reminds one of the radiant (artificial) photo of Sung Ji-li (his counterpart in Taiwan). Since he has repeatedly claimed he is a not Buddhist, then why is he disguised in such a way? Although Li alleged Falun Gong is not a religion, members in Singapore consider Falun Gong a Buddhist group, and have requested to register it in the name of "Buddhist Falun Gong Association ". A leading Buddhist elder in Malaysia said, " An organization claiming to be non-religious should not register as a religion."

Li openly despises Buddhism and other religions. He was quoted as saying " The Zen School is to get into a dead end ", " And the Dhamma which Sakyamuni Buddha had preached 2500 years ago was for the simple- minded people from the lowest-class in a primitive society." Li's articles are full of absurd, groundless remarks, such as "Sakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree still failed to make him a Tathagata (the perfect one ) at that moment. By preaching for 49 years, he continuously tried to enhance himself. Every time he reached a higher level, he negated his earlier teachings. Finally, he confessed he had not ever preached any Dharma and still not yet found the ultimate truth and law of the universe".

Li dissuaded people from taking refuge in the Triple Gem. Disguised as Buddhism, Falun Gong does not just promote Qi Gong exercises as it did in the beginning. It has also adopted doctrines of Taoism. Falun Gong has exploited Buddhism in order to lure followers.

Primarily Falun Gong has advocated management at ease. One of its beliefs is "management with neither an economic entity nor administrative institution ". Later, it abandoned this belief and strives for registration worldwide. Since Falun Gong has been suspected of undermining orthodox Buddhism by abusing Buddhist terminology, statues, and symbolic objects to spread its own goals, so arousing protests from the Buddhist community, wishing to prevent the infringement of orthodox Buddhism.

In March, 2001, the Buddhist community in Malaysia unanimously indicated their opposition to Falun Gong's attempt for registration to the Ministry of the Interior. The Buddhist community's opposing Falun Gong's attempt at registration received unanimous support from all parties concerned.

Some questioned whether Falun Gong could seek registration under another name, or still under the name Falun (Dharma wheel) but focus on Qigong exercises only and not spread paradoxes distorting Buddhism. Feelings are that no matter what it is dubbed e.g. vehicle wheel or anything else, no one can assure it would stop undermining Buddhism.

Some asserted Buddhists should try to communicate rather than conflict with Falun Gong. Indeed, the Buddhist community does not usually conflict with others. Even on the Sangha Day Celebration, the offering for monks was ridiculed as offering for "monkeys". The Buddhist Community kept calm and tried to settle through negotiation rather than fighting with the offender. However having dialogue does not imply one can't express otherwise, or can't have one's own viewpoint. Magnanimity does not suggest one's right viewpoint can be given up to concede to wrong and evil.

Absurdly, some counted freedom of abuse as a human right, so as to justify Falun Gong, who disguises itself as Buddhist, has distorted the doctrine of Buddhism. The Buddhist community who opposed Falun Gong's registration, so as to clarify and defend orthodox Buddhism, was accused of disregarding human rights. Who on earth infringes human rights, the one undermining the other religion or the one defending orthodox religion ?

The Buddhists who stood out to stop someone's insulting Buddhism was condemned for disrespecting freedom of speech. What a confusion of right and wrong! Whose freedom of speech should be respected, the abuser or the victim struggling to stop the oral attacks ?

Some, who are concerned about freedom of association, suggested accepting the registration of Falun Gong. Thus there would be grounds to punish it once it violates either the law of the nation or the law of Buddhism. This viewpoint ignores the fact of Falun Gong's continuously undermining and trespassing on Buddhism. Why can't orthodox Buddhism resort to law for suspending Falun Gong rather than ethical persuasion? When a faked product appears on market, why can't the authentic producer call for the authorities to crack down on it, rather than instruct consumers how to discern the genuine from the fake?

In the commercial field, if a fabricator was found counterfeiting an other product's brand or description, they will be branded as a dishonest and tricky businessman. The authentic producer would certainly point out the flaws in the imitated product and instruct consumers how to distinguish the genuine from the fake and also request the government for a crackdown. Is it possible to request the brand owner to "respect freedom", "respect human rights", "be open hearted" and take no any legal action to let the faked goods be rampant on the market ?

At present, the Buddhist communities in Malaysia, on one hand, call for the authorities to reject the registration of Falun Gong, on the other hand, to conduct education on Buddhism. For example, the Malaysian Buddhist community held a joint seminar on the subject "Falun Gong & Qigong & Evil Religion" to directly educate people. In fact, opposing to Falun Gong's bid for registration is substantially a mission of education, which not only fosters people's ability of discerning good from evil, but also to develop their courage of denouncing vicious power and influence.

Suma Ching Hai International Association

While in Formosa, Suma Ching Hai was meditating in a room behind a small temple
during a typhoon rain storm and a group of people knocked at her door. When she asked them why they came, they responded, "Quan Yin Bodhisattva (The Goddess of Mercy) replied to our prayers and told us about you, saying that you are the great Master and we should pray to you for the method to reach liberation."
The Master initiated them after several months of purification and their agreement
to adhere to a vegetarian diet.

Suma Ching Hai claims to be the reincarnated Buddha and Jesus Christ, and she combines the beliefs of Christianity with those of Buddhism. She attempts to teach her followers that all religions are teaching the same Truth, the "Divine Presence" within. She explains the importance of meditation, inner contemplation and prayer. She accomplishes teaching these "Truths" by her Quan Yin Method. The Chinese characters "Quan Yin" mean contemplation of sound vibration. The Method includes meditation on both Inner Light and the Inner Sound. Ching Hai teaches that the Christian Bible says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John1:1)
This Word is the Inner Sound. Master Ching Hai says, "It vibrates within all life and sustains the whole universe. This inner melody can heal all wounds,
fulfill all desires, and quench all worldly thirst".

True Buddha Order (Zhen Fo Zhong) - Sheng-yen Lu

What else is Sheng-yen Lu? He is a Christian (has been a Sunday Bible School teacher), a Taoist Master, a Buddhist Master (shaven and left home), and also the Living Buddha Lian-shen (a Tantric guru). Is Sheng-yen Lu a monk?
Yes.
"He is now a monk, after formally taking the vows and shaving his head."
Is Sheng-yen Lu the lineage holder of the True Buddha School? "Yes, because he has founded the True Buddha School to propagate the True Buddha Dharma."
Apart from the above, Sheng-yen Lu is also a psychic! He is someone who is everything. But, who, really, is Sheng-yen Lu?

Now that Living Buddha Lian Shen has attained Realisation through his own vigour and practice, in order to teach more sentient beings, he espouses the True Buddha Dharma, hoping that everybody will eradicate their karma, see their Self Nature, so that he or she can control his or her own life and death, and become a Buddha in no time.

Because Living Buddha Lian Shen has attained Realisation, he knows very well that by practising the True Buddha Dharma everybody can become a Buddha.
Therefore he let it be known to the whole world, the undisclosed doctrines of Buddhism, hoping that everybody will take refuge in True Buddha School, and carry out the practice to attain Buddhahood.

On March 11th, 2000, Master Lu hosted a grand ceremony with a lecture. Thousands of members who took refuge in Master Lu attended this ceremony. There, he gave a controversial lecture on how to use a spell to kill someone. Master Lu believed that if there was no other way that could assist a hopeless or stubborn person, then the only way is kill him or her. He said "The only way to treat a stubborn or a hopeless person is to kill. If you love someone and have mercy and want to send one to heaven, you must first take his life and then expiate the sins of the dead. This is the 2nd greatest charm of the religion". He continued saying;- "if there is no other way that could assist one, then the only way is to kill. Giving mercy or influence or wisdom and still not way out, then the only way is to kill".
This lecture shocked many Buddhists in Taiwan and the world.

Not long after his lecture, Master Lu was accused of committing sexual harassment with a female disciple, known anonymously as "SHC". She claimed that Master Lu made negligent counseling by making the said disciple engage in a "twin body blessing"---sexual intercourse. The disciple was terminally ill at the time of this incident. According to the disciple, Master Lu said that she would die of sickness if she did not participate in this blessing.

However, the disciple had no evidence, beyond her own word, that any "twin body blessing" took place, and Temple officials had no knowledge of any such blessing and no reason to believe that such a blessing ever happened.

Grand Master said, "When I first set forth to propagate the Dharma, I've encountered many slandering. But even if threatened with forceful oppositions, I had remained unwavering in My conviction of the Truth....True Buddha disciples of today, having experienced wonderful miracles from the Grand Master, should also possess the same deep-rooted and immovable conviction towards the Dharma." For further information, see - http://www.shcstory.com/

In Sydney, They operate from Sydney Yen Shang Lei Zang Temple, 645 Princes Highway, Tempe

Lu Sheng-Yen should not be confused with the Respected Buddhist Zen Teacher, Ven. Sheng-Yen.

Dhammakaya International
Dhammakaya Cheddi is similar in shape to a UFO

Wat Dhammakaya, considered by some to be a breakaway  Buddhist order, has aroused suspicion ever since its following began to swell  some 30 years ago. The temple's founder, Luang Pu Wat Paknam, proclaimed he had  re-discovered a lost path to enlightenment through intense meditation. The prospect  of reaching nirvana proved a huge draw for thousands. “All the knowledge that Buddha has, even that which is  written in books, it comes from a very tiny spot within oneself, right about  here” says one devout Thai follower, pushing an elegant finger into her  torso just above her belly button.
Contributing to Dhammakaya's otherworldly aura, its logo - and  indeed the temples themselves - are unnervingly . At  lunchtime, hundreds of monks appear to be eating under a giant flying saucer  some 100 metres (yards) in diameter.
Several temples dot the massive complex, including the Dhammakaya  Hall, covering 16 hectares (40 acres) and which can hold services for nearly  a quarter million people. Temple staff describe it as the largest public building  in the world. Often it is nearly full, they say.
Critics say Dhammakaya is a huge money-spinner, with followers  strongly encouraged to donate vast sums, including their homes or land, to the  temple in order to accrue merit.
Six years ago the temple's abbot, Dhamachatyo, was accused of  amassing a billion-dollar fortune and was charged with embezzlement.
An Englishman who now teaches at Dhammakaya says much of the  temple's work has been misunderstood, with several other temples around the  country expressing “jealousy” at its runaway success. “They do a lot of good but never tell anyone.” he
  says.
Phra Nicholas admits the earlier scandal's reverberations are  still felt.
“As organizations grow, it's as if you come across a ceiling  where, if you hit it, you're seen as a threat on a political level. In Thailand  and perhaps in other countries, once you exceed that threshold you're put under  a lot of scrutiny.”
With most of the charges against the abbot now dropped, Dhammakaya  can go about promoting its brand of Buddhism here and abroad, embracing modern  technology to push its message through the Internet, its own satellite television  station and multi-media.
“Dhammakaya is on the leading edge of Theravada Buddhism  in that we aren't afraid of using modern technology. It's necessary if Buddhism  is to remain relevant in the modern world.”
He insists the temple is not proselytizing, but merely spreading  its message of peace through meditation.
When asked directly if the temple solicits excessive donations  from the faithful who may be eager to cast off their material excesses to gain  merit, the farang monk turns philosophical.
“There are those who have become wealthy since  becoming  Dhammakaya followers”, Phra Nicholas says. “What goes around comes around.  By giving to others, it comes back to them. This is a lot of the driving force  for people to be generous.” 
The movement promotes a meditation technique called Vijja Dhammakaya   which uses breathing rhythms, mantra recitation and visualisation of a crystal  ball as a focal point of concentration.
Dhammakaya claims this technique can lead followers  straight to Nirvana, which they describe as a permanent blissful realm where Buddha and other enlightened ones reside after death -- an interpretation  some scholars say is a serious distortion of the accepted wisdom based on Theravada  teachings.
This technique was “discovered and popularised by  the late Luang Por Sod Chantasaro, also known as Phra Mongkoldhepmunee, who  was abbot of Pak Nam Pasi Charoen Temple in Bangkok, who was the first to define  Dhammakaya and teach it.
There Luang Por Sod began the Vijja Factory, an intensive, around-the-clock  group meditation for an exclusive group of disciples. One of the movement's  legends claims the supernatural energy produced by the Vijja Factory  protected Bangkok from bombing during World War Two
Though dismissed by intellectual Buddhists, a belief in the  supernatural has always been part of popular Buddhism, says Dr Apinya Feungfusakul
  . http://www.rickross.com/reference/general/general644.html See her article
After Luang Por Sod's death in 1959, his disciples split into  competing camps. She says one faction, led by a group of monks from the Wat  Pak Nam temple and Phra Phromkunaporn, abbot of Sraket Temple, set up a meditation  centre called Vijja Dhammakaya Buddhist Meditation Institute in Ratchaburi province  in 1982. But it is nun Jan Khonnokyoong's meditation students, led by  Kasetsart University student Chaiyabul Suthipol, now Phra Dhammachayo, who raised  the Vijja Dhammakaya to new heights when they set up Phra Dhammakaya Temple  in Pathum Thani in 1975.

Proselytising

It also has 5,000 regular volunteers and about 10,000 volunteers  who help on days when there are mass rituals, such as a mass ordination for 100,000 people. In its efforts to recruit educated youngsters Dhammakaya dominates  most Buddhist clubs in universities. Students who want to join the temple's  corps of lay missionaries, considered morally higher than lay Buddhists because  they observe eight precepts, have to pass tough written exams and interviews.
 
Once new recruits are accepted they receive intensive training  in religious teachings, foreign languages, and public speaking with a special  emphasis on manners, etiquette, hierachical relationships and seniority. The  latter, according to Dr Apinya, goes hand in hand with the strict seniority  system of Kasetsart University, the alter mater of the Dhammakaya leadership.
New recruits go through intensive training to learn bok boon  -- the offering of merit-making opportunities to the public -- and in a similar  way to salespeople, they learn to be persistent through follow-up phone calls.
While outsiders might view this as a nuisance, the missionary  corps view their bok boon mission as proof of their devotion and hard work.  This comes from the temple slogan-cum-ideology of sasom baramee, which refers  to merit accumulation for salvation.
The temple encourages staff to compete with each other for the  greatest number of ‘sales’ Consequently, disciples' sense of self-worth  depends largely on how many clients they have successfully won over to the movement,  says Dr Apinya.
Dhammakaya pushes its product by incorporating ‘incentives’  into the sales pitch. The incentives are not, however, of the cash bonus kind  - but of a spiritual  nature.
The more funds the kalayanamit get for the movement, the more  merit they are said to make. And in current fundraising for the great chedi,  for example, lay evangelists are rewarded with amulets imbued with different  powers, according to the various sales targets they achieve. And there is always  the chance if they do particularly well, they might win a rare audience with  the leader.
Apart from creating an active’direct-sales’ corps,  another secret in Dhammakaya's huge popularity, states Dr Apinya, is using marketing  techniques to turn the concept of merit into a concrete consumer product, by  offering the faithful the opportunity to ‘buy’  it.
Customers are given easy access to the ‘products’,  with the temple organising free transport for their shopping trips. An army  of smiling receptionists greet and serve customers.
Among recent ideas is the Millionaire Forever merit-making.  Donors who opt for this are promised wealth in every lifetime if they contribute 1,000 baht a month for the temple's food fund during this lifetime, throughout  their life.

Inconsistencies
With Theravada Teachings

The mass rituals, criticised for their grandeur which some consider  at odds with Buddhism's emphasis on simplicity, appears to have a magical effect  on people, causing them to feel reconnected and being at one with others. The movement's opportunities of a direct path to Nirvana, a  meeting with Buddha in heaven, or alms-giving to the Buddha through the abbot  acting as a medium appears to strike a popularist chord, observes Dr Apinya.
 
But the central drive behind believers' devotion, she states,  is the Dhammakaya genesis which describes Phra Dhammachayo as the reincarnation  of Buddha sent to save the world from calamities wrought by Satan.

Phra Dhammajayo

It is the abbot Phra Dhammachayo who has created this discourse,  she adds. According to this genesis, there was nothing but empty space. Then  emerged white and black energy. The white camp has retreated to planet Earth  and created humankind, an ethereal body which is a source of knowledge to fight  evil. The White Dhammakaya, teaches Phra Dhammachayo, is behind civilisations  and progress, while the Black Dhammakaya tries to destroy the world through  natural disasters, disease and wars.
The belief that Phra Dhammachayo is a reincarnation of this  Original Dhammakaya has made him an all-powerful leader who is both revered  and feared. SEE ALSO - CLICK HERE

Thai Rak Thai Party and Dhammakaya Temple - perfect match

By Mettanando Bhikkhu - Buddhist monk who was formerly with Dhammakaya

Being a former core member of Phra Dhammakaya Temple for nineteen years, I am compelled to write this article after having observed the latest developments in both Thailand's largest Buddhist community and its largest political party. It is my hope that this might shed light on certain aspects of the new socio-spiritual relationship, which may jeopardise national security.

I believe that the Thai Rak Thai Party and Phra Dhammakaya Temple make a perfect couple. The only difference between them is that one is a political party and the other a Buddhist monastery. They share the same philosophies of management and administration and both use the media relentlessly for self-promotion. Thai Rak Thai and Phra Dhammakaya Temple are huge organisations - two of the largest and most powerful in the country. Their leaders are known to be shrewd investors, bold enough to take on new risks - both are equally fond of the latest technologies, capitalism and modernism in general. However, while their leaders are strong, they have also both been tainted by allegations of corruption and embezzlement. Not only are their goals the same - to assume power - but they also share common enemies.

Seven years ago, while Thailand was in the midst of an economic crisis, Phra Dhammakaya Temple launched a massive fundraising campaign to assist in its ambitious plans to construct a gigantic pagoda. This pagoda, worth over US$500 million (Bt18.7 billion) was named the Dhammakaya-cedi. In order to encourage the public to support this project, the leadership of the temple claimed that its guru possessed supernatural powers. This brought the temple a great deal of criticism in the media.

The crisis the temple's administrators faced at the time was the worst a Thai Buddhist monk could ever imagine. First, there was a series of four letters issued by the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand commanding that the abbot be defrocked. Then, a series of investigations of the temple's finances followed. The temple's abbot was charged with several counts of embezzlement and public fraud, including one count of lese majeste against HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. All of these were serious charges. Criticisms against Phra Dhammakaya Temple extended not only to its aggressive fundraising, but also regarding the heterodox promotion of Buddhism and the abbot's lavish lifestyle. In retaliation, the abbot of Phra Dhammakaya Temple, Dhammajayo, retaliated aggressively. His lawyer filed a lawsuit against every individual who had (supposedly) incorrectly quoted his name or misinformed the public. The abbot also expanded his mission by whatever means were available before he was forced to officially resign from his position. Phra Dattajivo, his deputy, became abbot, however for practical purposes Phra Dhammajayo remained in control.

Realising that his true enemy was neither the Ecclesiastical Council nor the Thammayuttikanikaya sect, the former abbot turned to politics in order to restore his power. In the senatorial elections of 2000, Dhammajayo supported candidates with links to the Thai Rak Thai Party.

The former abbot of Phra Dhammakaya Temple was the first one to initiate contact with members of Thai Rak Thai. It was decided that the Thai Rak Thai Party would have Dhammakaya's backing. Thai Rak Thai representatives were given the opportunity to speak to the temple's followers, who were urged to cast their votes for the party, as it would naturally be beneficial for their master and temple.

According to the law of karma as promoted by the temple, Thaksin Shinawatra was hailed as the ideal lay Buddhist, who had been blessed by the merit of his past lives and was endowed with a great many virtues. The temple played a song praising Thaksin composed by the Phra Dhammajayo himself on its Dow Tham satellite television channel - broadcasting 24 hours a day. However, the gathering clouds of controversies and criminal investigations surrounding him prevented Thaksin from visiting the temple. Nevertheless, senior Thai Rak Thai leaders, such as Sudarat Keyuraphan and Suriya Jungrungreangkit, began regularly attending the monastery.

The Thai Rak Thai-Phra Dhammakaya Temple relationship proved mutually beneficial. It allowed the Thai Rak Thai Party to promote itself with greater efficiency. Phra Dhammakaya Temple also began broadcasts on Dow Tham. Using a massive budget and having recruited qualified personnel - all inspired by the Doctrine of Dhammakaya - the satellite television channel produced a series of programmes, enriched with computerised images and attractive animations, thus capturing the eyes of the younger generation. The star of the channel is Phra Dhammajayo, whose talk-shows have dealt with the retribution of karma - ie the whereabouts of people after their deaths, thus revealing his transcendental insight.

However, the Tipitaka (the Buddhist canon) reserves this insight for the Buddha only.

Never before in its history was the temple able to expand its powers so quickly. The temple was able to significantly build up its local, national and international networks after Thai Rak Thai came to power.

At the end of August of this year, all legal cases against Phra Dhammajayo were released from the judicial process. These decisions were based on utilitarian grounds - in consideration of the former abbot having returned all the money he and his disciples had taken for the pagoda, and because he had contributed to the public good by teaching Buddhism. The former abbot of Phra Dhammakaya Temple has now been cleared of all criminal charges, much to the delight of his followers. However, this is a source of great dismay to other Buddhists, who feel that justice was not served. The political turmoil facing Thaksin Shinawatra's leadership this year cemented the relationship between the Thai Rak Thai Party and Phra Dhammakaya Temple.

For Phra Dhammajayo, victory for the Thai Rak Thai was the equivalent of a victory of his own, and votes for that party were the same as votes for the security of his temple.

The political turmoil of this past year has completely changed the nature of politics and the religious landscape of Thailand for good. Followers of Phra Dhammakaya Temple and Thaksin believe that the alliance between the two serves their best interests. It must be remembered that the overarching threat to Thailand is no longer just Thaksinomics, but the real menace is the Dhammakaya-TRT consortium.

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said that last week's coup was triggered by the deep divisions in Thai society. There is little doubt that the unholy alliance between Phra Dhammakaya Temple and Thai Rak Thai has contributed in no small part to this polarisation.

In the wake of the coup, both Thai Rak Thai and Phra Dhammakaya Temple have kept a low profile. They can be expected to lay low for the time being waiting for an opportunity to spring back. Their greatest concern is what the coup-makers and the interim civilian government plan to do with them in the course of trying to uproot the culture of deceit and corruption by the Thai Rak Thai Party and what the likely repercussions of this would be for Phra Dhammakaya Temple.

Special to "The Nation" - Thai English Language newspaper.

The monks and I: Teaching and learning in Thailand (an excerpt)

By Richard S. Ehrlich, CNNGo.com, 31 March, 2011

Bangkok, Thailand -- Foreigners are being invited to teach English to Buddhist monks at two temples in Thailand -- at a cost of hundreds of dollars.

And staff at one temple claim that many visiting instructors "experienced nirvana temporarily" during meditation sessions.

The temples, Wat Luang Phor Sodh in Ratchaburi and Wat Doi Saket in Chiang Mai, run slightly different programs, but essentially offer the chance to learn about Thai culture while teaching English.

Foreign teachers have to pay for their own lodging, food and other expenses, as well as their airfare to and from Thailand. And though all of the saffron-robed monk students are male, the temples welcome both men and women teachers.

"All English speakers are welcomed," said Dr. Barton "Bart" Yanathiro, a 75-year-old American Buddhist who helps run the classes in Ratchaburi, about two hours southwest from Bangkok by bus.

Dr. Yanathiro is the temple's secretary for international affairs and assists with the Immersion in Buddhist English Program. He also manages the Buddhist Meditation Institute, which teaches meditation in English, as part of the World Buddhist University.

Dr. Yanathiro said the abbot and several monks at the temple already speak English, and "a foreign professor monk" heads the teaching program.

"We began informally two years ago, but last year was our official opening," said Dr. Yanathiro. "We have had a total of 18 teachers and 85 registered students so far. Two teachers stayed long-term, but most came for one to two months.

"The [monk] students learn English from fluent English-speakers, and the teachers learn meditation and Thai Buddhist culture."

Classes run from May 23 to September 7, and from October 10 to February 22, 2012. 

When foreign instructors are not teaching the monks, they can study Buddhist Samatha-Vipassana meditation, in an English-language program led by Dr. Yanathiro.

"Numerous teacher volunteers have been able to meditate to experience nirvana, and get advice from Buddha or the Noble Disciples," he said. "This is an undreamed of, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Of 16 teachers since the very beginning, six experienced nirvana temporarily. An additional three transcended beyond this world to Dhammakaya, and another three more achieved trance states like heavenly bliss. The remaining four only attained inner peace."

Asked about their purported temporary experience of nirvana, Dr. Yanathiro replied: "I am using the official definition, where one actually sees and communicates with Lord Buddha and his disciples.

"Most amazing is the personal instruction some have gotten directly from Buddha. One was taken to a volcano and told to jump in. When he did so he became one with the earth. In another meditation he became a tree. Another teacher-meditator experienced becoming a leaf on a tree which then fell to earth, decayed and became part of the earth.

"They see Buddha and the disciples. Communication is by direct telepathy, so language is irrelevant. One does get clear verbal communications, but more impressive are their descriptions of experiences such as feeling oneself becoming a tree."

None of the teachers reported any side effects from their trances.
'Hey, fat lady! You so beautiful!'

Foreigners who want to teach and study at the temple can register with Global Service Corps of San Francisco, via its website which offers classes lasting two weeks or longer.

Fees, described as "Service-Learning Program Contributions," start at US$1,480 for a two-week program and jump $415 dollars for each additional week, up to a 13-week program which costs a total of $6,045. After that, the weekly fee increases by $255.

The temple provides "a U.S.-style house across the street from the wat, which has two bedrooms for two people each. A cabin and separate dormitories for men and women, which are more spartan, are also available inside the temple," Dr. Yanathiro said. Thai cuisine, non-vegetarian and often spicy, is included.

An American woman, who taught at the temple, wrote in her "CHITARITA" blog in 2010 that shortly after she arrived, a good-natured monk called out to her: "Hey, fat lady! You so beautiful!"

Foreigners who want to teach and study at the temple can register with Global Service Corps of San Francisco, via its website which offers classes lasting two weeks or longer.

Fees, described as "Service-Learning Program Contributions," start at US$1,480 for a two-week program and jump $415 dollars for each additional week, up to a 13-week program which costs a total of $6,045. After that, the weekly fee increases by $255.

The temple provides "a U.S.-style house across the street from the wat, which has two bedrooms for two people each. A cabin and separate dormitories for men and women, which are more spartan, are also available inside the temple," Dr. Yanathiro said. Thai cuisine, non-vegetarian and often spicy, is included.

An American woman, who taught at the temple, wrote in her "CHITARITA" blog in 2010 that shortly after she arrived, a good-natured monk called out to her: "Hey, fat lady! You so beautiful!"

She described her role as an English teacher at the temple as a "culture shock" and fascinating life-changing experience.

Foreigners who want to teach and study at the temple can register with Global Service Corps of San Francisco, via its website which offers classes lasting two weeks or longer.

Fees, described as "Service-Learning Program Contributions," start at US$1,480 for a two-week program and jump $415 dollars for each additional week, up to a 13-week program which costs a total of $6,045. After that, the weekly fee increases by $255.

For a Detailed Account of this cult see: http://www.rickross.com/reference/general/general644.html

In New South Wales, the Dhammakaya Foundation is at 99 Homebush Road, STRATHFIELD, NSW 2135

Aum Shinrikyo

The cult that has received the most attention since the mid 1990's is Aum Shinrikyo (Supreme Truth), responsible for a series of kidnappings and murders that culminated in the sarin gas attack on a Tokyo subway in 1995 which killed 12 and injured over 5,000 passengers. Cult members used truth drugs, sleep deprivation, kidnapping, murder and countless business fronts to keep followers in line and amass huge amounts of money. The trial of the cult's leader, Matsumoto Chizuo, continues.

Aum Shinrikyo has no specific sacred text. Asahara has published a number of works, and most are drawn from his sermons. His works contain a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu, and Taoist ideas, and as 1995 approached, his sermons and publications had a stronger Apocolyptic focus drawn from Christian thought, specifically Revelation.

Under the leadership of Fumihiro Joyu, Aum Shinrikyo is now seeking to regroup and rebuild. In an effort to change its image, Aum, has changed its name to Aleph, which means to start anew.

It is not clear just how much distance the renewed Aleph has placed between itself and Shoko Asahara. They have not renounced the founding leader Asahara.
In an interview with the New York Times Joyu stated "Just like you wouldn't stop your connection with physical fathers and mothers who commit a crime, we will not sever our connection with our spiritual father." Still, Joyu says that profits from their business activities will be used to compensate victims for prior wrongdoings of the sect.

Sokka Gakkai

Soka Gakkai became a mass movement only in the 1950s when membership, under its very authoritarian and intolerant President Toda Josei, leaped from a few thousand to 750,000 from 1951-57. Evangelism, called "shakubuku"("break and subdue") was seen as a duty as well as conferring a spiritual blessing. The recruitment methods practiced by members--which allegedly included insolence, intolerance, coercion, intimidation, blackmail, and terrorism--although gaining the organization infamy with the public at large, were nevertheless extraordinarily effective.

Its fanatical image has softened since the accession of Ikeda Daisaku to the presidency in 1960.

The highly charismatic Ikeda has managed to tone down the organization's image while formalizing Komeito, the sect's political party and revising the religion for export. Founded in 1964, Komeito ("Clean GovernmentParty") has technically been a separate entity since 1970 when Soka Gakkai was censured for attempting to supress a book critical of the organization. As the third largest political party within Japan's conservative politcal structure Komeito has joined up with the Japan Socialist Party's right wing and the anti-Communist Democratic Socialist Party to form the central pillar of the Sha-Ko-Min opposition.
The party's avowed aim is to establish a "Buddhist Democracy" or a "parliamentary democracy in which every individual has been awakened to the principles of Buddhism." It goes almost without saying that this awakening involves conversion to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism (or "True Buddhism") and renunciation of all other "heretical Buddhisms" as well as every other religion on the planet.

In Sydney, they operate from Soka Gakkai International Association of Australia, 3 Parkview Drive, Homebush Bay

See also http://www.toride.org/ - the website of ex-Soka Gakkai members

I Kuan Tao (Tian Tao) - Yi Guan Dao

The followers of I Kuan Tao claimed that it is a distinguished lineage back over 2000 years when it begins from the ancient Chinese astrolgers, emperors, Confucius, and so forth. From 18th Ancient Patriarch Mencius, the lineage travels to the west, the lineage began from Shakyamuni Buddha, Mahakashyapa to 28th Indian Patriarch Bodhidharma. But the modern practice of Tian Tao, as we know it today, was established about 70 years ago. In the 1930, Shi Zueng Zhang Tian Ran and Shi Mu Sun Hui Ming, became the 18th Patriarch and started theirpractice I Kuan Tao in Chi Nan City, Shang Dong Province of China. Their work spread by word of mouth, andby 1946 I Kuan Tao became prevalent among 36 provinces of China. At the end of the Civil War in 1949, many followers in China found their beliefs incompatible with Communist doctrines. This and other reasons compelled large numbers of them to emigrate to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea,Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Tian Tao quickly took root in these new lands, spreading with its teachings Chinese culture and traditional family values. By increasing the number of I Kuan Tao temples, they believed that they are bringing the Buddhist "Western Paradise" to earth and creating a world of brotherhood and universal love as envisioned by Confucian
teachings.

Presently, they claimed that the founder, 17th Patriarch Lu Zhong Yi, was an incarnation of Maitreya. He has major influence and impact on the present form of I Kuan Tao. The central teaching of Tian Tao, is based on the initiation ceremony - a new formula on the Triple Gem, namely:

1. Opening of Heavenly Eye (Dian Xuan Dao),

2. Oral Transmission of the Maitreya prayer (Chuan Ko Jue),
and

3. Hand Gestures (Jie He Tong).

They believe that the recipient has obtained the Tao and that his name has been reserved in the heaven and erased from the lists in hell. Upon death, the recipient will ascend straight to heaven without having to endure the cycles of rebirth.
Graeme Lyall (Australia), 1999, wrote:
"The group is known as Ee Kwang Tao (Yi Guan Dao). I was invited to attend the opening of one of their 'Holy Houses'. It was one of the strangest rituals that I have ever witnessed. Following the ritual we were invited to go before the 'Master' to receive initiation. I declined on the grounds that I had been invited to attend the opening but not to join anything. After a while they approached me again and they said that the 'Master' was waiting for me and I MUST go before the 'Master'. I replied that I must not do anything of the sort as I am atraditional Buddhist and had no wish to join their organisation. I thanked them for their hospitality and said that I was leaving. As each person arrived they took their name. As I left they asked me for my name as they said that the names were being sent to heaven and, as I refused initiation, my name would have to be struck off the list. I consulted a Chinese friend about my experience and he
immediately identified it as the Ee Kwang Tao cult which, as was said, is proliferating in Australia. The initiates are sworn to secrecy with the threat of harm to themselves and their family if the secrets are revealed. This dangerous cult bears no relation to Buddhism so beware of them."

New Kadampa Tradition

New Kadam Tradition (Kadampa Buddhism) is an U.K. based Gelug organization. Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is being expelled from Sera Monastery, due to his baseless remarks on His Holiness the Dalai Lama over the Internet. Ignoring the heartfelt advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Eminence Ganden Tri Rinpoche regarding the Dolgyal practice, Geshe-la had ordered his centres to remove the photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. No books should be studied in his centres unless those which are written by himself or approved by himself. All of these books are published by Tharpa Publications.

In these recent years, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has toned down his retoric. Some of the centres have allowed non-Geshe-la's books to be studied. Some centres even allow the photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to be displayed in their premises. But this doesn't mean that they have given up Dolgyalpractice.
No. They are still very active in promoting Dolgyal practice worldwide.

In Singapore, their centre is known as Odiyana Buddhist Meditation Society. The first resident teacher was Ven. Geshe Kelsang Thubten. The current resident teacher is Ven. Gen Kelsang Wangchog.
" The Dalai Lama has been very successful in destroying this ancient religious tradition. He is very clever at destroying the spiritual practice taught by his root Guru Trijang Rinpoche, but he is very ignorant and foolish at achieving Tibetan independence. This should be his main job because he is the Tibetan political leader, but in this he is paralyzed, without any direction. Everyone can see this situation now. The Dalai Lama is using these three reasons, repeating them over and over like a weapon to destroy the spiritual practice taught by his root Guru. He is continually saying these things, and people believe him, and their minds are gradually changing. In reality he is misleading people in order to fulfil his wishes. His main wish is to destroy the practice of Dorje Shugden and then to change the entire Gelug tradition. He wants to integrate all the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism into one so that the leaders of the other traditions will no longer have a role and he will become the only leader of Tibetan Buddhism. In this way he can easily control the spiritual life of all practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. I know this is his wish; he has been working towards this for many years."

Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, "Re: RELIGIOUS ISSUES - related to DORJE SHUGDEN and the DALAI LAMA", 01/12/1997

In Sydney, They operate from Mahasiddha Buddhist Centre, 85 Old South Head Road, Bondi Junction

For more information on Buddhist Cults - CLICK HERE for John Crook's excellent article "Dangers in Devotion:Buddhist Cults and the Tasks of a Guru"

The Kalama Sutta

Do not believe in anything (simply) because you have heard it.

Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.

Do not believe in anything because it is spoken and rumoured by many.

Do not believe in anything (simply) because it is found written in your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

But after observation and analysis when you find that anything agrees with reason

and is conductive to the good and benefit of one and all then accept it and live up to it.

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