The Tasmanian Buddhist spiritual group being accused of operating like a cult | 7.30

For decades, an eccentric spiritual group based in Hobart called Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism has enjoyed public support from Tasmanian and Chinese politicians, who speak in glowing terms about its contributions to the community. Tonight we hear from Holy Tantra insiders who describe the group not as a benign religious organisation, but as operating like a cult. Emily Baker and Echo Hui from ABC Investigations with this report.
Editor’s Note [24/12/2024]: On or around 9 August 2023 and 2 October 2023 the ABC broadcast two programs on 7.30 as well as accompanying news articles regarding Mr Xin De Wang (Master Wang) and Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism Incorporated, also known as Jin-Gang-Dhyana (JGD) on the www.abc.net.au website and on KZbin.
The programs included allegations to the effect that JGD operated like a cult run by Mr Wang. Mr Wang denies that JGD is a cult, and the ABC acknowledges Mr Wang’s denial.
It has been brought to the ABC’s attention that some readers and viewers commented on the KZbin publication suggesting Mr Wang is a convicted criminal, a conman or a spy. The ABC does not endorse the views of readers or viewers who posted those comments online.
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