True Buddha Foundation Warning Notice
Reminder to All True Buddha School Members to Stay Vigilant Against Manipulation and Fraud in the Name of Religion
TBS Regulations - Statement No. 0008
To all True Buddha School (TBS) disciples and anyone else having affinity with TBS:
In recent years, the True Buddha Foundation (TBF) has received reports from disciples and devotees regarding individuals claiming to possess spiritual powers, claiming to be channels for buddhas and bodhisattvas, and performing practices “as instructed by” or “under the direction of” certain Masters or Guru Buddha. They use religious language and a mystical packaging to lure believers into a highly dependent faith relationship, which subsequently leads to many issues.
Abnormal conduct that warrants attention:- Claiming to be an incarnation, embodiment, or representative of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, Guanyin Bodhisattva, or the Reward Body of Grandmaster.
- Promoting dual-body (consort) practices, spiritual marriage, karmic coupling, Seven Fairy Sisters, and other kinds of practices that are strictly forbidden by the doctrines and teachings of TBS.
- Requiring disciples to leave home, sever family ties, completely obey the orders of a specific individual by not making decisions about life matters on their own, such as medical treatment and work.
- Soliciting large monetary donations, bank transfers, or property transfers by claiming such “offerings” result in merit, spiritual deliverance, or eradication of karma.
- In the name of Grandmaster or a master, falsely claiming authorization to conduct ceremonies, give teachings, or host religious events.
- Entering or using a TBS cultivation venue to conduct activities such as rituals, ceremonies, or weddings without prior approval from TBS.
- Manipulating the minds of TBS disciples or devotees by threatening that they will fall into hell, lose spiritual wisdom, or forfeit merit if they question, disobey, or leave.
- Claiming that a Dharma propagator has validated their attainment of Buddhahood, or that directives they receive are from a high-level divine being, then using these fraudulent confirmations to manipulate followers.
TBF Reaffirms TBS Policy:- TBS strictly forbids the use of Grandmaster’s name or the names of buddhas, bodhisattvas, or of TBS itself, to falsely claim a title such as emanation, reincarnation, spiritual retinue, etc., for the purpose of control, manipulation, financial exploitation, intimate contact, or creating mystical authority.
- Only formally recognized personnel and certified cultivation venues announced by TBF are authorized to conduct Dharma propagation under the name of TBS.
- All local True Buddha cultivation venues must strictly adhere to TBS regulations. If non-TBS Dharma propagating personnel are found to have entered or to be conducting Dharma activities on the premises of TBS cultivation venues, please immediately report to TBF.
- TBS practices are grounded in authentic Buddhist teachings which purify the body, speech, and mind of practitioners. Using mysticism, threats, or fear to confuse, mislead, or intimidate any person is strictly forbidden by TBS.
We Encourage All Followers To:- When in doubt, please actively verify the identity of any Dharma propagator, through the official True Buddha School Administrative Network or by consulting the cultivation venue Board of Directors.
- Please do keep in mind that authentic Dharma teachings and practices are based on precepts, meditation, and wisdom. Any individual or group which demands blind obedience, promotes isolation, or professes to be a deity should raise a red flag.
- If you suspect someone you know is experiencing psychological manipulation, faith-based coercion, or financial fraud, seek help immediately from TBF or legal authorities.
Right faith is like a brightly shining lamp which exposes and eradicates delusion and the darkness of evil. The Dharma lineage is as precious as life itself. We must all collectively protect the pure lineage transmission of TBS while safeguarding the wisdom life of every disciple and devotee from perverse ideas and being misled.
Best Regards,
True Buddha Foundation
May 27, 2025
Source:
True Buddha School Administration Network → School Information → Announcements
https://truebuddhaschool.org/site/latestinfo?ref=AC_01V9O9
Translated by TBTTs
Translator: DJ Chang
Editor: Henry Wolf
English