Often painted with a broad brush of suspicion, Yiguandao has stirred up its fair share of controversy over the years. In mainland China, it’s officially branded a “heterodox teaching,” banned since the 1950s for alleged “superstitious” and “cultish” tendencies. That label still colours perceptions today, even as the movement quietly survives underground.

Across the Taiwan Strait, legal battles swirled during the 1990s and early 2000s, when authorities probed its tax-exempt status and fundraising methods. Critics pointed to hefty “donations” required of adherents, whispering that spiritual salvation came at a steep price. Pundits compared its hierarchical structure—anchored by a charismatic leader—to a corporation, with rank-and-file followers expected to toe the line “come rain or shine.”

Accusations of secretive rituals haven’t helped the reputation, either. Outsiders often characterize ceremonies as opaque, fuelling tales of mind control and undue influence. In Malaysia and Singapore, sporadic police investigations have swept through Yiguandao halls, probing allegations of unvetted teachings and questionable bookkeeping. Though most charges fizzled out in court, the headlines left an imprint.

More recently, skeptics have flagged the movement’s flirtations with politics. During Taiwan’s 2020 presidential election season, rumours swirled that Yiguandao-linked networks quietly mobilized votes—much like whispers surrounding other faith-based groups. Even subscription-based online livestreams featuring high-ranking masters drew eyebrows: spiritual guidance or savvy crowdfunding?

Yet, as with many belief systems navigating modern media ecosystems, much of the uproar springs from misunderstanding. While some label Yiguandao a “cult,” others point out a genuine fusion of Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist ethics—aiming to provide moral anchor points amid today’s whirlwind of digital distractions. And in a time when folks are thirstier than ever for community and meaning, it’s no wonder Yiguandao continues to draw both admiration and ire.