Yi Yungao, also known as (aka) Wan Ko Yee now calls himself "Dorje Chang Buddha III." But has successfully built an empire based upon cash and his devoted following in California.
Like the leaders of groups called "cults, such as Li Hongzhi of Falun Gong and Shoko Asahara of Aum Shinrikyo, Yi claims that he is the reincarnation of "Buddha."
Proclaiming himself "His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III," the native of the Sichuan province in China leads an obscure sect with followers in San Francisco and the San Gabriel Valley. Yi's disciples believe, much like the followers of Li Hongzhi and Shoko Asahara, that their "Buddha" can perform miracles too.
Zhaxi Zhuoma, formerly Carol Welker of Ohio, runs the so-called "Xuanfa Institute" in Sanger, California, which is near Fresno. The institute was reportedly "building a temple" to honor Yi.
Welker, apparently a devoted acolyte reportedly refers to Yi as a “holy being” with supernatural powers enabling him to "cure ailments, conjure nectar and move objects with his mind."She told the Pasadena Star-News, “Our master can do all sorts of miraculous things, although he would deny it because we’re not supposed to talk about those things.”
A religious studies professor in California, who wished not to be named, told the Pasadena Star-News that he was afraid to speak publicly about Yi.
However, the unnamed academic told a reporter, “I don’t know how [Yi's religious following] grew so big. It is just weird, to be honest. Even for someone who studies Chinese religion for a living." The expert called Yi's operation “suspicious” and raised questions about all the money flowing to him.
The controversial religious leader and supposed fine artist Yi is apparently a Chinese fugitive wanted for allegedly stealing the equivalent of more than $7 million dollars in China.
In 2017 an official representing the Chinese government confirmed in writing that Yi Yungao also known as Wan Ko Yee now called "His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III," is a wanted man.
The official spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. said in a written statement, “From 1984 [onward], Yi and his accomplices committed fraud by means of deception, causing losses of CNY 60.8 million (USD $7.32 million).”
Yi certainly had plenty of money when he arrived int he United States. He and his wife reportedly bought a "$2 million home" in Pasadena’s expensive Arroyo Seco neighborhood. Yi's wife, son and daughter also are were listed as residents is a pricey area on Long Island.
This all seems to follow a familiar pattern.
After Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi fled China and sought refuge in the United States, he and his family also invested in American real estate.
Reportedly Yi has ties to "Temples, nonprofits, museums and dozens of businesses — many handling millions of dollars per year" within California.
Just two of these museums alone account for more than "$2 million in assets."
These museums also prominently display the artwork of the so-called "Buddha" and apparent Chinese fugitive.
One museum in San Francisco, seemingly tied to Yi includes his wife on its board, according to IRS records. In the beginning Yi was the museum's chairman.
There seemed to be some level of suspicion about the sale of a single drawing inked by Yi, which sold at auction for an "extraordinary" price.
A well-known licensed appraiser who specifically handles Asian art told the Pasadena Star-News that he had never heard of YI.
Was the seemingly obscure artist Yi somehow using the sale of his art as a means of money laundering?
it was reported that from 2014 through 2017 Yi "made millions of dollars through the sale of his artwork."
On March 22, 2017 when a single artwork by Yi titled “Ink Lotus” was sold at auction for the final bid of $16.5 million to an anonymous buyer, it reportedly "shocked the art world."
Yi claimed that he donates the money he makes from selling his art to "help his community, Buddhist institutions and victims of natural disasters."
However, The Pasadena Star-News report did not confirm Yi's claim through any corroborating citation of IRS and/or public records.
Yi Hungao aka Wan Ko Yee now known as "His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III" followers reportedly once spent reportedly "roughly $120,000 on lobbyists" according to Congressional records in ten years to garner support for their supposed "Buddha" and his family.
This was apparently money well spent.
Yi's political supporters reportedly once included now deceased U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos and Los Angeles County supervisors Hilda Solis and Michael Antonovich, along with California State Assemblywoman Judy Chu of Monterey Park.
It was reported that these politicians all at one time praised Yi, despite the fact that he was once wanted by Interpol.
It must be noted that Chu later withdrew her support, which she said was "used to mislead people.”
Congressman Lester Wolff, (D-New York} gave Yi a "World Peace Prize" in 2011.
When the award was presented to YI in Washington D.C. it was reported that "more than 10 Congress members" attended.
Interestingly, Yi Hungao aka Wan Ko Yee, now known as "His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III" had seemingly joined a somewhat dubious list of winners, which included a certain "Macau mogul" that federal investigators say (1996 Congressional hearing) "funneled foreign money to the Democratic National Committee."
Maybe money can't buy you love, but it seems to be quite helpful in obtaining a peace prizes from politicians.
Yi appears to still have powerful friends. When the "Master Yi Yungao International Cultural Institute" renamed the "H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum" opened (July 2017) in Covina, California, State Senator Ed Hernandez, Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Walnut Councilwoman Mary Su and Covina Councilman Walt Allen II all attended.
Note: This news summary is based largely upon the news report "Pasadena man Dorje Chang, known to followers as Buddha, is gaining followers in art world" by Jason Henry and Steve Scauzillo published by the Pasadena Star-News, August 28, 2017.
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