According to the True Buddha School Introductory Handbook, Living Buddha Lian Sheng has “condensed the teachings into a series of simple, concise, and yet effective practices specifically tailored to meet the pace of a modern society.” Members of the True Buddha School emphasize the necessity to cultivate diligently for the benefit of spiritual advancement, as is the general practice of Vajrayana Buddhism. Empowerments are required for refuge practices, which may be received either directly from Living Buddha Lian Sheng or accredited Acharyas (Masters). Living Buddha Lian Sheng has lineages from all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as Chinese Buddhism (both Vajrayana and Sutrayana) Japanese Shingon Buddhism, and Taoism. In addition, Living Buddha Lian Sheng claims direct lineage from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (through meditation), and to be an emanation of 'Padmakumara', from the Pure Lands, who is in turn an emanation from Vairocana Buddha.
