Yiguandao

Yiguandao symbol red

Yiguandao cosmology

Zhang Tianran

Ikuantaoist oil lamp

2014TIBE Day6 Hall1 I-Kuan Tao 20140210

The Old Town Hall 14B Orford Road Walthamstow Village London E17 9LN

Yiguandao (Chinese: 一貫道; pinyin: Yīguàn Dào; literally: 'The Consistent Way') is a Chinese folk religious movement, which originated in the late 19th century in Shandong Province, China. It is characterized by a syncretic blend of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Chinese folk religion, emphasizing morality, meditation, and the worship of a pantheon of deities. Yiguandao is considered a new religious movement within the broader context of Chinese folk religion, and it has spread to various parts of the world, including Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and North America, among the Chinese diaspora.

Beliefs and Practices

Yiguandao followers believe in the universal salvation of all beings, a concept that reflects the movement's inclusive approach to spirituality. The central deity in Yiguandao is the Unborn Mother, a supreme goddess who is compassionate and merciful. The Unborn Mother is believed to be the source of all life and the ultimate reality that followers seek to understand and connect with through spiritual practice.

Practices in Yiguandao include meditation, chanting of scriptures, and participation in rituals and ceremonies. These practices are aimed at self-cultivation, moral improvement, and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment. Yiguandao also places a strong emphasis on the importance of family, social harmony, and the practice of charity and benevolence.

History

The origins of Yiguandao can be traced back to the late Qing dynasty in the 19th century. It was initially part of a broader movement of Chinese folk religious societies that sought to reform society and promote moral values. Yiguandao, in particular, was influenced by earlier religious traditions such as the Way of the Celestial Masters and the White Lotus Society, incorporating elements from these groups into its beliefs and practices.

During the early 20th century, Yiguandao faced persecution from the Chinese government, which viewed it and other similar religious movements as a threat to its authority. As a result, Yiguandao activities were often conducted in secrecy. It was not until the late 20th century, particularly in Taiwan, that Yiguandao was able to practice more openly and gain a significant following.

Yiguandao Today

Today, Yiguandao is recognized as one of the major religious movements in Taiwan, with a significant number of temples and followers. It has also established a presence in other countries, particularly among Chinese communities in Southeast Asia and North America. Yiguandao continues to focus on spiritual practice, moral education, and charitable activities, contributing to social welfare and community development.

Despite its growth and contributions to society, Yiguandao still faces challenges, including misconceptions and skepticism about its beliefs and practices. However, the movement remains committed to its mission of promoting spiritual enlightenment and universal salvation.

See Also

• Chinese folk religion
• New religious movement
• Syncretism
• Taoism
• Buddhism
• Confucianism