This is a study of the Incense Light order, a single sex Buddhist community in contemporary Taiwan. The work is based on the authors participant observation of the nuns as well as on documentary materials gathered about the group.

Chün-fang Yü is Sheng Yen Professor Emerita of Chinese Buddhism at Columbia University. She is the author of numerous books and articles, including The Renewal of Buddhism in China: Chu-hung and the Late Ming Synthesis, Kuan-yin: The Chinese Transformation of Avalokiteśvara, and Passing the Light: The Incense Light Community and Buddhist Nuns in Contemporary Taiwan.