Taiwanese guru accused of defrauding followers with essential oil diet

A man accused of defrauding followers of the Tzu Chi Foundation, Li Shizong, promoted a diet of essential oils and advocated for "avoiding grains." He allegedly instructed followers to consume essential oils instead of regular food. Li, 63, had a background in mechanical engineering and previously worked with trains before retiring to teach Buddhist scriptures. He was seen as a father figure by lawyer Chen Yuxuan, who joined his group "Hudao" after being introduced by a friend. Chen offered him large sums of money and gifts.

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Believers drink essential oils, the master feasts on abalone and lobster?

Investigators discovered that Li asked donors to deliver cash directly to his luxury "Sky Tree" mansion in Taichung. Chen, who is unmarried, also frequented Li's home for gatherings and sometimes stayed overnight. The mansion featured a lavish dining room that could seat about 20 people. Inside, storage areas were divided into four sections: a storeroom behind the study, a room for essential oils, under Li's bed, and his wife Luo Wenfang's guest room. The storeroom behind the study was one source of funds from public donations.

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If you want to donate, have the donor deliver the cash directly to the Sky Tree mansion.

Li and Chen reportedly practiced "avoiding grains" by chewing鮑魚 (abalone) and lobster but spitting them out, then consuming essential oils for sustenance. However, after Li was detained, he had to eat prison meals because essential oils are not allowed. Chen, who was detained earlier, also ate her entire meal box when questioned, facing the reality of her situation.

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Believers drink essential oils three meals a day.

During the investigation, authorities seized a significant amount of gold and cash. Li, with a background in mechanical engineering and American university studies, had worked in the railway industry before retiring. He had been teaching the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra for a long time.

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After being detained, he had to eat prison meals because essential oils cannot be brought into the detention center.