| Summary: | 碩士 === 南華大學 === 教育社會學研究所 === 101 === Tibetan Tantric in Taiwan has experienced a great change in terms of organizational operation. Its development has some similar characteristics like other New Religions in Taiwan. In order to understand its organizational operation more, this research focuses on discussion with its qualities different from tradition, its religious uniqueness, and its characteristics similar to the New Religions. Vajrayana Esoteric Society is the case I would like to analyze by using the methods of participative observation, in-depth interview. The results of this study shows that Vajrayana Esoteric Society has, different from traditional Tibetan Tantric, less restriction in the aspect of religious discipline. Besides, its organizational operation takes the form of charismatic domination All important religious affairs are decided by the one and only spiritual leader. Moreover, this research finds that Vajrayana Esoteric Society shares certain religious qualities with New Religion, such as its popularity-oriented development: it adapts itself to Taiwanese folklore and tradition by using initiations, animal releases, and rituals of soul-release from purgatory for gaining popularity. In addition, it emphasizes one’s internal transformation that everyone is capable of choosing and judging what he needs by himself/herself.
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