True Buddha School (Lu Sheng-yen)
Taiwanese-American Vajrayana-derived Buddhist movement founded by Lu Sheng-yen (1982). Lu claims to be 'the Living Buddha Lian-sheng' and a 25th-degree initiate. Heavily disputed by mainstream Tibetan Buddhists.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — Taiwanese-American Vajrayana-derived movement; founder controversies documented.
In context
True Buddha School blends Tibetan tantric, Chinese Taoist, and folk Buddhist elements under Lu Sheng-yen's claimed unique authority. The movement claims 5+ million members globally, primarily in Chinese diaspora communities. Mainstream Tibetan Buddhist authorities dispute Lu's claims to high tantric initiation. Multiple sexual-misconduct allegations against Lu have been published in Chinese-language media.
Key control doctrines
- Lu Sheng-yen as 'Living Buddha Lian-sheng'
- Distinctive tantric initiation lineage
- Donations as path to merit
Legal cases & controversies
- Multiple Chinese-language press allegations
- Disputes with mainstream Tibetan Buddhist authorities
Evidence by BITE axis
- Substantial donations expected
- Daily mantra and visualisation practice
- Members purchase ritual items
- Pilgrimage to Lu's centres
- Lu's books and teachings authoritative
- Critical media discouraged
- Lu as supreme cosmic figure
- Distinctive lineage authoritative
- Devotional ties to Lu
- Strong in-group emotional bonds
Timeline
- 1982Founded by Lu Sheng-yen
- 1990sMultiple sexual-misconduct allegations
Sources
- Edward Irons academic work
- Multiple Chinese-language press investigations
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.
Recovery resources
See the full curated list at /resources.