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.
Profile facts
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
Recovery resources
See the full curated list at /resources.
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
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