Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, a large transnational Buddhist movement, has gradually been shifting from a globalized identity and outreach to a more localized one embracing neighborhood involvement since its founder died in 2021. The changes in practice and outreach of the movement (known as Citta) are the subject of a study by Weishan Huang (Hong Kong Shue Yan University) and RW’s editor. Founded by Richard Jun Hong Lu, the movement spread rapidly among Chinese overseas communities in the 2010s, numbering up to 10 million worldwide. The movement was centered around Lu, who hosted a popular radio show from Australia and drew domestic and overseas Chinese audiences to his popular talk, “The Art of Applying Comprehensive Metaphysics,” and his several books for laypeople. Until 2022, Citta’s teachings focused on three principles rooted in Buddhist sutra recitations, the adoption of religious vows, and the practice of life (fish) liberation. Citta followers were taught to practice daily recitation of Buddhist scriptures, such as sutras and mantras, said to bring significant benefits through the miraculous powers of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
There are 108 Guanyin Halls reported worldwide, with branches in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the U.S (with 17 halls). These halls are run by volunteers, primarily the first generation of immigrants from mainland China residing in the United States. In her research in New York City, Huang found that almost all of the volunteers maintain home altars, where individuals can engage in spiritual activities, such as sutra chanting, making vows, and repentance. But increasingly, the setting of Guanyin Halls serve as small community centers where educational events are held to attract newcomers. New York City’s halls are surrounded by the fabric of Chinese enclaves, and serve as spiritual anchors for local communities. A compelling example of this is the connection between different Chinatowns—such as Manhattan’s Chinatown and the emerging Chinese communities in Flushing and Brooklyn. As Chinese populations have expanded beyond their original enclaves (older Chinatown), Guanyin Halls have followed, establishing new branches to maintain their presence and support networks.
Under its founder, Guan Yin Citta embraced the forces of globalization, aiming to create a discourse and practices that transcended its original context. The group has gradually shifted to a more localized yet transnational identity, addressing local issues and focusing on the neighborhoods and cities where the Guanyin Halls are situated. While the core rituals have remained the same, Citta may now be filling what can be called “generalist” and “specialist” niches, based on their location but also available resources, historical traditions, and “Buddhology.” The organization originally filled a specialist niche under Lu, cultivating special and strict practices for its practitioners. Since Lu’s death, Citta has sought to fill the generalist niche as well. This is when religious teachings and practices are offered in a more generic form than found in specialist groups or gatherings, often to appeal to the wider neighborhood and its residents. Filling a generalist niche does not mean abandoning specialized and virtuoso religious disciplines. Rather, Guan Yin Citta may transition between specialist and generalist niches. For example, a community member who starts by attending the organization’s lectures and programs on vegetarianism can eventually adopt more specialized practices and teachings.
