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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.

Buddhism --- Buddha and Buddhism --- Lamaism --- Ris-med (Lamaism) --- Religions --- History. --- Social aspects. --- Fo jiao ci ji ci shan shi ye ji jin hui. --- Fo jiao ke nan ci ji gong de hui --- Fo chiao tzʻu chi tzʻu shan shih yeh chi chin hui --- Ci ji --- Ci ji gong de hui --- Buddhist Compassion Relief Zi Ji Foundation --- Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Association --- Ciji --- Tzu Chi International Relief --- Tzu-Chi kuang-tang hui --- Fo jiao ci ji ji jin hui --- 佛敎慈濟慈善事業基金會 --- 佛教慈濟慈善事業基金會 --- History --- Ci ji (Buddhist community) --- Ciji (Buddhist community) --- 慈濟 (Buddhist community) --- 慈濟功德會 --- 佛教慈濟基金會