Lord of the three in one

By Kenneth Dean

Book Description

Kenneth Dean presents a fascinating exploration of one of China's most remarkable spiritual movements, tracing the extraordinary legacy of Lin Zhao'en, a 16th-century visionary who dared to unite three of Asia's greatest wisdom traditions. Lin's revolutionary approach merged the ethical foundations of Confucianism with the transformative practices of Daoist inner alchemy and the profound insights of Buddhist Chan philosophy, creating what he termed the Three in One Teachings.

This comprehensive study reveals how a single teacher's innovative synthesis has flourished across centuries, surviving periods of suppression to emerge as a dynamic force in contemporary spiritual life. Dean illuminates the remarkable revival of this tradition in modern China, where Lin Zhao'en is now revered as the Lord of the Three in One, worshipped in over a thousand temples throughout Southeast China and Southeast Asia by tens of thousands of devoted practitioners.

Through careful examination of the movement's organizational structure, cultural transmission, and ritual practices, Dean unveils the transformative power embedded within this living tradition. Readers will discover the intricate world of inner alchemical meditation, sacred texts, ritual ceremonies, and spirit mediumship that characterize this vibrant spiritual path.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers valuable insights into how ancient wisdom traditions adapt and thrive in contemporary contexts, demonstrating the enduring human quest for spiritual integration and transcendence.