Luminous Heart: The Third Karmapa on Consciousness, Wisdom, and Buddha Nature - By Karl Brunnh�lzl (original) (raw)

2010, Religious Studies Review

Yunfeng Lu's book represents a comprehensive study on the Chinese new religion Yiguan Dao. Lu's detailed analysis of the group's historical and phenomenological data builds on the research of D. Jordan, D. Overmeyer, G. Song, and Z. Fu. The main strength and unique feature of Lu's research, however, is the theoretical framework employed. Specifically, Lu utilizes a religious economy model to explain the sociological changes and agents that impact Yiguan Dao. Key economic concepts, such as market competition, deregulation, and innovation, are emphasized in order to explicate the reasons for Yiguan Dao's growth in mainland China, survival of political persecution in both mainland China and Taiwan, and subsequent popular appeal in Taiwan up to the present day. Lu's approach benefits from ideas and past research by R. Stark, R. Finke, L. Iannacone, and P. Froese. A wide range of sources is cited and analyzed in the book, including primary texts authored by Yiguan Dao members, personal interviews from a random sample, and Lu's own reflections from participant observations. The random sample is small but representative of the many divisions within Yiguan Dao. Students and scholars of Chinese religions will benefit from Lu's in depth study. Likewise, the sociology of religion field receives a rich case study of a Chinese new religion.