Information on the "Three Treasures" of Tian Dao, a religion that combines Buddhism, Taoist and other religious beliefs, could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB. However, please find attached several World Wide Web (WWW) documents that describe the "Three Treasures" philosophy according to the Buddhist and Taoist faiths.

Please consult Responses to Information Requests CHN26564.E of 30 April 1997 and CHN17851.E of 22 July 1994 for information on the treatment of Tian Dao members by the authorities. For information on Tian Dao religious beliefs and practices, please consult Response to Information Request CHN23984.E of 18 June 1996.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Bratcher, Craig. jqpublic@netnitco.net. 10 August 1994. "Otaiya Sermon." [Internet] [Accessed 20 Aug. 1997].

Buddha Dendo, San Francisco, Calif. "The Nine Verses of the Shakujo." [Internet] [Accessed 20 Aug. 1997].

"T'ai Chi Glossary: Three Treasures." [Internet] [Accessed 20 Aug. 1997].

The China Journal [Canberra, Australia]. 1995-1997.

Contemporary Religions: A World Guide. 1992.

The Encyclopedia of Religion. 1987.

Religion in China: 100 Questions and Answers. 1991.

On-line electronic/database searches: NEXIS, REFWORLD (UNHCR Database), World News Connection (WNC).