Taiwan's Tzu Chi As Engaged Buddhism : Origins, Organization, Appeal and Social Impact

This book is the first comprehensive sociological account and in-depth analysis of a new Chinese Buddhist movement, known as Tzu Chi (otherwise, the Buddhist Compassion Merit Society). Based in Taiwan, it was founded in 1966 and still led by a female Buddhist master - Master Cheng Yen. Its members are laity, and women play a major role. The main focus of the movement is medical charity - to ease and if possible prevent suffering and to teach ethics to the wealthy; at the same time, it also offers members a religion and a way of life. Recruitment typically attracts people from the urban middle class. With some 3.5 million members and a very low drop-out rate, Tzu Chi is extraordinarily successful, and has spread to other parts of the world, not least mainland China where it is attracting the attention of the general public and the media. The book stands in the Anglo-American tradition of the sociology of religion; it also draws on the author's knowledge of Buddhist history. The data come from participant observation and many long interviews. It will be of particular interest to students of new religious movements, religious studies in contemporary China, and studies in ethics and social change in East Asia. Yu-Shuang Yao, Fo Guang University Taiwan’s Tzu Chi as Engaged Buddhism: Origins, Organization, Appeal and Social Impact CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS LIST OF TABLES AND CHART PAGE FOREWORD PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS NOTES ON STYLE CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: THE SECOND GOLDEN AGE OF CHINESE BUDDHISM IN TAIWAN The Aim of the Study The Society, History and Ethnology of Taiwan The Contemporary Taiwanese Religious Context: Limited Pluralism A History of Chinese Buddhism in Taiwan Traditional Religion in Taiwan Daoism Western Missions and Missionaries Syncretism and Other New Religions in Taiwan Yi-guan Dao (or I-kuan Tao) Supreme Ching Hai Zhenfo Zong Japanese New Religions in Taiwan The History of Lay Buddhism in Taiwan CHAPTER TWO: RESEARCH APPROACH AND METHODS Review of the Literature in English The Study of Appeal and the Approach of my Research The Challenge and Difficulties of Research in Taiwan The Collection of Data Review of Literature Participant Observation Interviews Surveys The Weaknesses and Strengths of the Methods CHAPTER THREE: THE HISTORY OF TZU CHI: ORGANIZATION, LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC RESPONSES The History of Master Cheng Yen Master Cheng Yen as a Charismatic Leader The History of Tzu Chi The Media Coverage of Tzu Chi Conclusion and Discussion CHAPTER FOUR: TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES: ALTRUISM AND MORALITY BECOME A WAY OF LIFE The Teachings on Karma and Merit The Teachings on Worldly Salvation The Sacred and the Profane The Tzu Chi Ethos – Altruism and Morality Become a Way of Life Death Ritual, Tzu Chi Funeral Service and Ancestors Tzu Chi as a New Religion CHAPTER FIVE: THE ‘NEW MIDDLE CLASS’: THE SOCIAL COMPOSITION OF THE TZU CHI MEMBERSHIP Gender, Age and Marital Status of Tzu Chi Members, and Some Problems Domicile, Social life and Family Unit Identity, Political Attitudes and Ethos Education, Occupation and Views on Women and Men Previous Religious Experiences and Present Religious Status Conclusion and Discussion CHAPTER SIX: BECOMING A DISCIPLE: THE RECRUITING STRATEGY OF TZU CHI How the Members Came to Know about Tzu Chi How the Members First Encountered Tzu Chi Routes To Joining Tzu Chi Some Problems with Joining Tzu Chi Summary and Discussion CHAPTER SEVEN: TZU CHI’S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND THE PROCESS OF SOCIALIZATION Impersonal Organizational Structure The Abode and Headquarters The Tzu Chi Branches and Liaison Offices Tzu Chi Overseas Centres The Leadership of Master Cheng Yen The Process of Socialization The New Converts The Grouping, Bonds of Affection and Seniority The Process of Indoctrination The Initiation Ceremony Discussion and Problems CHAPTER EIGHT: THE APPEAL OF TZU CHI BUDDHISM The Initial Appeal The Appeal of Tzu Chi as a Charity Tzu Chi’s Recruiting Strategy The Quality of Tzu Chi’s Members The Curiosity Factor Reinforcement of the Appeal The Appeal of Tzu Chi’s Way of Handling Donations The Appeal of the Master Cheng Yen The Appeal of Tzu Chi’s Religiosity The Appeal of Tzu Chi as a Large Organization The Appeal of the Sense of Community The Appeal from the Effects of Participation Conclusion CHAPTER NINE: DOES TZU CHI MEET THE EXPECTATIONS OF CURRENT SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY? AFTERWORD Final Reflections on the Character of the Movement APPENDIX 1. Religious Change in Taiwan 2. The Educational Background of Tzu Chi Members 3. The Educational Background of Tzu Chi Members – by Gender 4. The Educational Background of Tzu Chi Members – by Age BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX This is the first comprehensive sociological study of a new Chinese Buddhist movement, known as Tzu Chi (otherwise, the Buddhist Compassion Merit Society). Based in Taiwan, it was founded in 1966 and is still led by a female Buddhist master - Master Cheng Yen. Its members are laity and its main focus is medical charity and education of the wealthy in an ethical way of life Suitable for students of religious movements, religious studies in contemporary China, and studies in ethics and social change in East Asia, this title offers an account and analysis of Chinese Buddhist movement, known as Tzu Chi (otherwise, the Buddhist Compassion Merit Society).