Abstract
This chapter examines the Tố Dương’s Field of Extrasensory Perceptions. This VNRM asserts that its ‘new genuine Buddhist doctrine’ is a true replacement of the original Buddhist doctrines. In East and Southeast Asia, there are many Buddhist-based NRMs, exhibiting a diversity of religious creativity in their efforts to reform Buddhism. Here, the group is examined as evidence of a tendency of VNRM formation through a reconfiguration of Buddhism. Attention is paid to how a new religious doctrine has been built based on the combination of established Buddhist doctrine, knowledge that is said to be scientific and philosophical, as well as emphasising ESP practices. The chapter argues that the Field’s ambition to bring about a new form of Buddhism reflects a desire to maintain Buddhism’s significance in a modernising society.
Truths are light. Why must they be hidden?
(Sự thật là ánh sáng. Sao phải che giấu?)
Master Bang, founder/leader
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Notes
- 1.
The 13 types of spirit illness are: (1) showing no filial piety to parents, (2) being stupid, thus creating malevolence, (3) telling lies, (4) using untruthful words to do harm to others, (5) criticising others all the time, (6) taking life (killing); (7) showing no shame, (8) craving material goods, (9) being too proud of oneself, (10) being guilty but showing no remorse, (11) praising one’s own morality while criticizing another’s, (12) being unable to judge what is beneficial and what is harmful, and (13) having a lazy mind.
- 2.
According to Master Bang, the Great Mother should be seen as an entity that is neither male nor female.
- 3.
Sophia can be understood as wisdom shaped by experience. At the Field, ‘sophiological love’ refers not to unconditional love for somebody but a love that results from deep understanding, logical thinking, and mutual relationships.
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Hoang, C.V. (2017). Seeking Reconfiguration of Buddhism: The Great Mother’s Field of ESP. In: New Religions and State's Response to Religious Diversification in Contemporary Vietnam. Boundaries of Religious Freedom: Regulating Religion in Diverse Societies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58500-0_5
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