Month: February 2023

When Taoist Immortal Met Buddhist Master

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Photo by Delia Dwi on Pexels.com

When Taoist Immortal Met Buddhist Master

Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the natural world and embracing simplicity. Its teachings have had a significant impact on both Eastern and Western cultures, including the field of psychology. One prominent figure in psychology who was influenced by Taoism is Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology.

Jung’s complex concept of “the Self” is one of his most significant contributions to psychology. The Self represents the totality of an individual’s psyche, including both conscious and unconscious elements. According to Jung, the Self is the goal of the individuation process, a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

In ancient China, there were eight prominent figures in Taoism, and Lu Dongbin was the most popular one. Besides being a renowned Taoist, he was also a skilled poet and scholar. Throughout history, many legendary stories and folk tales have been told about him.

One interesting story was recorded in a Buddhist book called JiaTai Pu Deng Lu (嘉泰普灯录), which has also been documented in several other books, including XinShi Heng Yan (醒世恒言). Although there are some variations, the main points of the story remain the same. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III also told this story in his dharma discourse: Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra.

Once, Lu Dongbin asked his master, “Master, why did you only save me for a thousand years?”

His master replied, “It’s difficult to teach all living beings. People’s habits are deeply ingrained, and they constantly change. Most living beings find it challenging to learn our Taoism.”

Lu Dongbin countered, “Master, I disagree. We are powerful beings. Are we afraid it will be difficult to liberate them? Let me go down and liberate people for you. I will free a thousand souls every year.”

His master warned, “You may go down to Earth, but be careful not to provoke the monks. Some cannot be trifled with.”

Lu Dongbin descended from the South Gate of Heaven on an auspicious cloud and saw the golden light of Huanglong Temple in Shanghai, China. Zen Master Huanglong was teaching the Heart Sutra and explaining Prajna principles. Lu Dongbin decided to listen in and transformed himself into a fly, sticking to the door.

However, Zen Master Huanglong was a powerful monk who knew Lu Dongbin was eavesdropping. He stopped teaching and instructed his attendant to remove the “person who stole our Dharma.”

Enraged, Lu Dongbin revealed his true form, brandishing his Qingfeng sword and accusing Zen Master Huanglong of insulting him. Lu Dongbin told Zen Master: “I am the great Taoist Immortal LU Dongbin.” Huanglong found it amusing and called Lu Dongbin a “ghoul guard” who would eventually die in vain.

Lu Dongbin drew his sword, but Zen Master Huanglong remained unperturbed, blocking the sword with his sleeve. Lu Dongbin knelt before the Zen master, feeling ashamed.

Huanglong proceeded to teach Lu Dongbin sudden enlightenment dharma, explaining that “speech is cut off, and mind is silenced.” As a god, Lu Dongbin was able to grasp the teaching quickly and had an epiphany.

After his enlightenment, Lu Dongbin wrote a gatha containing the line, “Since I met Huanglong, I realized that I mistakenly used my mind in the past.”

In Buddhist teachings, it is said that even the highest Taoist practitioner can reach heaven, but still remain in the realm of the birth and death cycle. However, if one can realize and abide in the original nature, then they can break through this cycle and achieve liberation. The original nature refers to the pure dharma body of all sentient beings within the three spheres of existence (triloka), which is united with the universe. It has no form, shape, physical body, or appearance. All living beings possess this original nature equally, which is the same as the dharma body of the Tathagata or dharmakaya. It neither comes nor goes, and is neither excessive nor lacking. It is immaculate, free from any notion of cleanliness or dirtiness.

When Taoist Immortal Met Buddhist Master

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/24/when-taoist-immortal-met-buddhist-master/

#Buddhist #BuddhistMaster#HuanglongTemple #Taoist #Immorta #Ludongbin #Buddhism #DorjeChangBuddhaIII # HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII 

Su Dongpo and Zen Master Foyin

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Su Dongpo and Zen Master Foyin

Su Shi was a prominent figure during the Song Dynasty, renowned for his literary, artistic, calligraphic, pharmaceutical, and political contributions. He was also one of the most notable poets of his era and was known by his courtesy name, Zizhan, and his pseudonym, Dongpo Jushi (東坡居士 “Resident of Dongpo”). Su Dong Po is the commonly used name to refer to him.

In the realm of Chinese literature, Su Shi is widely recognized as a highly accomplished figure, having produced some of the most well-known poems, lyrics, prose, and essays.

Su Dongpo was a close friend of an esteemed monk named Foyin, and the two often practiced Zen meditation together. There were many stories about the two.

Buddha and Cow Dung

One day, Su Shi decided to play a prank on his good friend Foyin. He asked him, “What do I look like in your eyes?”

Foyin replied, “In my eyes, you look like a Buddha.”

Su Shi then asked, “Do you know what you look like in my eyes?” Foyin replied that he did not know.

Su Shi gleefully exclaimed, “In my eyes, you look like a pile of cow dung!”

Upon returning home, Su Shi shared his victory with his younger sister, Su Xiaomei. However, she frowned upon hearing this and told her brother that he had lost the exchange. She explained that if a person has Buddha in their heart, they will see the Buddha’s qualities in everything around them. Conversely, if a person has impure thoughts and feelings, they will see everything as dirty and unpleasant. She pointed out that Foyin’s heart was pure, while Su Shi’s was not.

Eight winds and a Fart

Su Dongpo was not only a renowned literary figure but also a Buddhist disciple who regularly practiced meditation.

One day, after a particularly serene meditation session, Su Shi felt that he had made a significant realization. He decided to capture his experience in a poem, which read, “Sitting still on the lotus platform, even the eight winds cannot move me.”

Curious about the authenticity of his realization, Su Shi asked his servant to deliver the poem to Zen Master Foyin, who resided in the Jinshang Temple across the river.

Upon receiving the poem, the Zen Master smiled and wrote two large characters on a piece of paper, which he instructed the servant to take back to Su Dongpo.

Excited to receive feedback from the Zen Master, Su Dongpo eagerly unfolded the paper, hoping to see praise for his state of practice.

However, instead of receiving the expected validation, Su Dongpo was infuriated to see the two characters “fart” written on the paper. Without hesitation, he boarded a boat and crossed the river to confront Zen Master Foyin.

When Su Dongpo arrived at the Jinshan Temple, he found the Zen Master waiting for him on the shore. In a loud and accusatory tone, Su Dongpo asked, “Great monk! You and I are best friends. If you don’t appreciate my poems and my practice, it’s fine. How can you slander me?”

The Zen Master remained unperturbed and asked, “How did I slander you?”

Su Dongpo then showed him the word “fart” written in the poem.

The Zen Master burst into laughter and exclaimed, “Ah! Didn’t you say ‘Eight winds cannot move you’? How come just one fart was enough to blow you over the river?”

The “Eight Winds” refer to the eight worldly concerns: gain and loss, honor (fame) and disgrace (dishonor or infamy), praise and ridicule (censure, blame or criticism), pleasure and suffering (pain). Eight situations that normally preoccupy and sway unrealized people. To be unmoved by these Eight winds is a mark of a true buddhist practitioner.

Su Dongpo and Zen Master Foyin

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/24/su-dongpo-and-zen-master-foyin/

#SuShi#SuDongpo#ZenBuddhism #ZenMasterFoyin #Eightwinds #Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha

linda chang1 Comment

Leshan Giant Buddha

Around a 2-hour drive from downtown Chengdu lies one of the most marvelous ancient wonders of China, the Leshan Giant Buddha, also known as Lingyun Giant Buddha. Carved into a cliff-face along a peaceful river, this imposing figure, at 71 meters (over 200 feet) in height, dates back over a thousand years and is the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world.

Carved in the 8th century during the Tang Dynasty, the Leshan Giant Buddha was built during a peak period of Buddhist culture in ancient China. The sculpture depicts Maitreya, a very popular Buddha in the Tang Dynasty. The sutras say that when Maitreya comes into world, the world will be at peace. The female Chinese female sovereign Wu Zetian even proclaimed she was the reincarnation of Maitreya and was a strong advocate of Maitreya sculptures being built as a way to maintain her rule. People liked to carve Maitreya sculptures and believed that Maitreya would bring light and happiness into their lives in the future.

This remarkable historic site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It is an amazing and immense religious relic that was built over a period of 90 years from 713 to 803 AD. The statue was constructed at the confluence of three rivers notorious for their turbulent waters; it was hoped that the Buddha’s presence would help calm the rivers’ waters.

Hai Tong’s Legacy

The Buddhist monk Hai Tong was concerned about the safety of the local people who earned their living around the three rivers. Many people traveling by boat in the area were killed by the turbulent waters each year before the Leshan Giant Buddha was created. Hai Tong decided to carve a statue of Buddha beside the river and believed that this sculpture would appease the river gods and keep the locals safe.

He had begged for over 20 years to accumulate enough money needed to build this statue. During this hard period in his life, he refused official help because the parties who offered it didn’t just want to help him but wanted to gain personal profits from the project. He even gouged out his eyeball in protest against the local authorities. These officials backed off after this behavior. Fortunately, Hai Tong’s disciples continued his work after he passed away and finally completed the sculpture in 803 AD after 90 years of hard work.

There is a cleverly designed drainage system behind the Buddha’s head and between his two ears. This important design aspect is the reason why the great Buddha of Leshan has not eroded despite having existed for thousands of years. The “spectacle”

Interestingly, there haven’t been any shipwrecks since the Buddha was built. Many stones were actually removed from the cliff and transferred to the rivers during construction, which made the waters calmer and safer than before. The project didn’t end after the Leshan Giant Buddha was finished.

Buddhism had been one of the most important religions in ancient China and many other people built statues around the giant Buddha to thank the gods . Numerous small Buddhas were carved around this huge statue. People even excavated the cliff tombs of the Han Dynasty around the Leshan Giant Buddha. Multiple historic sites make the Leshan Giant Buddha particularly important for archaeologists and researching people’s lifestyles in ancient times.

With the most sunny days and beautiful scenery, April and October are the best months of the year to travel to see the Leshan Giant Buddha.

There are two ways for visitors to see the Giant Buddha. One is to walk down from the top near the head and end at its feet. This involves some waiting in line, sometimes for hours on particularly busy days, and larger crowds, as well as many narrow and steep stairs, but offers you a more intimate perspective of the Buddha. This up-close view will allow you to appreciate the statue’s enormity; its shoulders spread over a width of 28 meters (as long as a basketball court!) and its pinky toe is large enough for a person to sit on.

The other option is to view the statue from a boat on the river immediately in front of it. The boat trip allows you to get the best and fullest front-facing view of the Buddha from a distance and is ideal for those who prefer not to wait in line and climb the stairs. The cruise takes around 30 minutes there and back, stopping for several minutes in front of the Buddha for visitors to appreciate the statue and take pictures. It’s best to sit on the right side of the boat, as the Buddha will end up being on that side once you arrive.

Leshan Giant Buddha

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/23/leshan-giant-buddha/

#Travel#China#LeshanGiantBuddha#Buddhism#MarvelousAncientWonder

Source: https://www.trippest.com/chengdu-travel-guide/leshan-giant-buddha/ https://www.thechinaguide.com/sight/leshan-giant-buddha#:~:text=It’s%20best%20to%20sit%20on,worth%20seeing%20from%20both%20angles.

Brief Introduction to Buddha Dharma

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Brief Introduction to Buddha Dharma

The truth and the original nature of all conditioned and unconditioned phenomena in the universe are contained in the word Buddha-dharma. The Buddha-dharma is all causes and effects in the universe. To understand all causes and effects, yet not be controlled by cause and effect, is to realize liberation and the Buddha-dharma. No matter how many schools or sects there are, the Buddha-dharma has only one truth. It is the truth of the universe: the dharma of ending the cycle of birth and death!  The Buddha-dharma is the life order of another world and dimension.

However, this rather abstract definition does not tell us how we realize or learn the Buddha-dharma. In a series of dharma discourses on learning Buddhism released in January 2016, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III gives such a practical definition. It is the dharma that we practice in the vajrayana form of Buddhism. It is the preliminary, main, and ending practice in their totality. The true Buddha-dharma emphasizes real practice and skills and is not merely theoretical Buddhist studies. The holy manifestations or miracles described on this website and in the book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are evidence that the true Buddha-dharma, as practiced by Shakyamuni Buddha and the accomplished ones of the past, still exists in the world and that very high levels of spiritual accomplishment are possible for those who follow a true vajra master.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has said: “After you enter the door of Buddhism, you must cultivate yourself according to the dharma. Your three karmas of body, speech, and mind must correspond with the teachings of the Master. Only then will you be able to become accomplished. Conduct that is not in accord with the teachings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas must be corrected through concrete actions. You must make your conduct accord with the teachings contained in the Tripitaka and the states of morality, concentration, and wisdom. Yet, correcting your words and conduct must be carried out within everyday worldly life. That is because everyday worldly life (worldly or secular dharma) is the Buddha-dharma. There is no Buddha-dharma to accomplish apart from worldly or secular dharma. That is why you must use all mundane or worldly experiences to improve your self-cultivation. You must use worldly experiences to perfect your realization and conduct. If your basic worldly conduct is not proper, it is of no use to speak in a high-sounding way about emptiness or to speak boastfully and wish wildly.”

However, we must have patience in learning the Buddha-dharma. You cannot completely understand the principles of the dharma in a brief period of time. You must go though the sequence of first hearing the principles from your vajra master, gradually acting in accordance with these principles, walking the correct path and so on. You must advance step my step. You cannot expect that your negative karmic obstructions that have formed over many past lives can be purified in just one day. The tantric dharma that we receive when correctly practiced will enable us to overcome our obstructions, purify our three karmas, and enable us to progress on this path. Do not waste time on activities that do not lead to liberation and becoming a Buddha. DO NOT WAST TIME!!!

Brief Introduction to Buddha Dharma

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/17/brief-introduction-to-buddha-dharma/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII # HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII  #Rinpoche #Buddha-dharma # Miracle #Liberation #Cultivation

Source: https://xuanfa.net/buddha-dharma/

Inamori Kazuo : The Working Method

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Fundamental significance of work for individuals is that It can help to develop their personality, sharpen their minds, and elevate their souls to become more noble and better.

Inamori Kazuo : The Working Method

Kazuo Inamori’s “Working Method” is an incredibly inspiring book that has completely transformed my perspective on my job and career. I used to view my job solely as a means to make money, which often left me feeling frustrated whenever I encountered obstacles in a project. I believed that I could only start enjoying life after I retired and had enough savings. However, the reality is that I spend one-third of my time at work, and if I’m not happy there, how can I be happy in my life?

Why we need to work?

Kazuo Inamori observed that many people have lost the correct understanding of the goals and meaning of their work, leading to more and more confused lives, especially among young people. He believed that the fundamental significance of work for individuals is to help develop their personality, sharpen their minds, and elevate their souls to become more noble and better.

Inamori’s life achievements have attracted worldwide attention. He started his own business at 27, establishing two Fortune 500 companies, Kyocera and KDDI, with his bare hands over 40 years. At the age of 65, he retired, only to be repeatedly asked by the Japanese government to serve as chairman of Japan Airlines for bankruptcy and reconstruction. Within a year, he brought JAL back to life, achieving the highest profit in its 60-year history, which is still the highest among aviation companies worldwide. With his background as a scientist, entrepreneur, and philosopher, Kazuo Inamori has become a global marvel, juggling three roles at once.

Inamori’s success did not come easily. When he entered the workforce at age 23, he lamented his fate, wondering, “Why do misfortune and suffering come to me again and again, and what will my life be like in the future?” Fortunately, he found a solution: to face up to the “view on labor” and “view on work,” and to treat work as a “good medicine for curing all diseases.” Inamori believed that work could also help overcome the hardships of life and turn fate around.

The “Working Method” is a work methodology based on Inamori’s life experiences, which seems to describe how to work effectively. However, Inamori’s focus is on a more profound question: why do people work, and what is the purpose of labor? He used his own experiences to deeply interpret the “concept of labor” and the “concept of work” that one should stick to. He firmly believed that if one could understand the profound meaning of “labor” and “work,” their mentality towards work would change, and the god of fate may favor them.

Inamori emphasized that the purpose of work is to improve one’s own aspirations, not just to earn money. Life is not always smooth, and the same goes for work. Only by working hard and persevering in adversity can one develop a strong character, remain steady, and not falter in life. When a person has the tenacity to work hard and persevere, even in the face of setbacks, those difficulties will eventually accumulate into experience, which may become the greatest “lucky” moment in life.

Working earnestly

Diligence and a sincere attitude towards work are key elements of a successful career. Kazuo Inamori believes that we can derive true happiness from work itself, rather than just from hobbies or recreation. Neglecting work may provide temporary pleasure, but it won’t bring lasting satisfaction. We spend most of our lives working, so finding a sense of fulfillment in our work is crucial.

According to Kazuo Inamori, there are only two ways to have a fulfilling life: either “do what you like” or “make yourself like work.” However, the chances of finding a job that one truly likes are slim. Instead of constantly searching for a job that one loves, it’s better to give up this fantasy and fall in love with the work in front of them.

By changing their mindset, the world around them will also change. Despite countless days and nights spent in the research room, and countless failures, Inamori found that he started to enjoy his work. From infatuation to love, he fully embraced his work, and success followed as he persisted.

When we focus on our work with diligence and earnestness, we can experience unfettered happiness from accomplishing something meaningful. The best way to motivate ourselves is to love our work and put in all our effort to do it well. With each success, we gain a sense of achievement, confidence, and the desire to take on new challenges. Repeating this process reinforces our fondness for our work and helps us to achieve wonderful results.

Only when we reach this state of mind can we accomplish truly outstanding work. So, let’s strive to love our work, be diligent and sincere in our efforts, and find true happiness in our careers.

From “ordinary” to “extraordinary

When it comes to electrical products, Japanese manufacturing often overwhelms us with its sophistication. Behind each of these products lies the operator’s attitude towards achieving excellence. This is the fundamental reason for their transformation from “ordinary” to “extraordinary”.

But how much effort does it take for a person to make this transformation? Inamori Kazuo has two mantras that answer this: “Run at the speed of a 100-meter race” and “Pay no less than anyone’s efforts”. He demands these from himself and every Kyocera employee.

Kyocera’s corporate goal, according to Inamori Kazuo, is “There is never a product that Kyocera cannot develop.” This is not because of their advanced technology and equipment, but because as the last company to enter the race, their only chance to survive is by accepting products that their competitors cannot make.

Therefore, only through efforts that are no less than anyone’s, and by running at the speed of a 100-meter race, can Kyocera overcome technical difficulties and ultimately produce perfect, high-quality products to meet their customers’ demanding requirements.

Inamori Kazuo believes that success is very difficult to achieve with the same effort as ordinary people. Only through extraordinary “efforts no less than anyone else” can we achieve outstanding results in fierce competition.

According to Kazuo Inamori, it is essential to adhere to correct values and moral principles, whether in work or life. Doing so is critical to achieving success and making progress in both personal and professional endeavors. By upholding these values, one can navigate challenges more smoothly and reach greater heights in their career and life. Inamori believes that a commitment to ethical principles and values is key to building a fulfilling and meaningful life, both personally and professionally.

Have you ever wondered why some people succeed in both their work and personal lives while others struggle? Is there a set of rules to follow? In his studies of successful work and life, Kazuo Inamori uses an equation to express the results:

Results of life and work = way of thinking x passion x ability

By using the correct way of thinking and being filled with enthusiasm, you can do your best work, and the happy life you desire may not be too far away.

I wish I had read this book earlier, as it would have given me a different experience in my profession. It could have improved my performance and relationships with my co-workers.

Inamori Kazuo : The Working Method

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/16/inamori-kazuo-the-working-method/

#TheWorkingMethod#KazuoInamori#Culture#Japan#Japanese

Source: https://inf.news/en/career/6ce2ee7bb7a22cb836b87bf5e8130c44.html

The Fourth Stop of Our Family Trip: Horseshoe Bend

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The Fourth Stop of Our Family Trip: Horseshoe Bend

During our family trip, one of the most stunningly beautiful places we visited was Horseshoe Bend. As we approached the overlook, I was immediately impressed by the diamond blue water and the strange-shaped cliffs that surrounded the bend in the Colorado River. We stepped near the edge of the cliffs, and it was stunning how large the canyon was. The river was far below the towering cliff-sides, and I felt almost dizzy being so small and so high above the canyon floor.

We walked around the overlook area, which was full of visitors admiring the landscape. Despite the large crowd, everyone seemed to be happy, enjoying the beauty of nature and forgetting about the unhappiness in their lives. It was as if they were all experiencing the healing power of nature.

People were busy taking photos and posing for pictures, trying to preserve their memories of this awe-inspiring landscape that was formed over millennia of the river carving through the rock. And it made me realize how important it is to protect and preserve our planet, our beautiful home Earth.

The river, although beautiful, was much below its usual water height, due to the ongoing drought and unsustainable water use in this area. As a society, we need to focus on preventing global climate change, cleaning up pollution, and taking care of our planet for future generations. Instead of spending resources on trying to inhabit other planets, which are currently devoid of life, we need to work together to save our own planet.

If we don’t take action, our future generations might not have the same opportunities to experience and appreciate the beauty of nature that we have today. Earth is our only place for food, shelter, and energy for at least the next thousand years. So let’s join hands and work together to protect and preserve our beautiful home planet, so that our future generations can enjoy the same wonders of nature that we do today.

Our visit to Horseshoe Bend was more than just a family vacation. It was a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect and preserve our planet. As a result, I have made a personal commitment to reduce my consumption of unnecessary goods, and to practice the principles of “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” Additionally, I pray for an end to man-made disasters, such as war, and for the regeneration of healing powers from everyone’s heart.

In reflecting on this experience, I was reminded of the words of Peace Pilgrim, who said, “Remember the power of thought, and think only about the best that could happen. Dwell only upon the good things you want to see happen. Remember, through thought you create your inner conditions and help to create the conditions around you. We are all helping to make a great decision.” These words inspire me to focus on positivity and to believe that my thoughts and actions can create positive change in the world.


The Fourth Stop of Our Family Trip: Horseshoe Bend

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/16/the-fourth-stop-of-our-family-trip-horseshoe-bend/

#Travel #ColoradoRiver #HorseShoeBend #Earth #FamilyTrip#Vacation

Reached the State of Nirmanakaya

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Reached the State of Nirmanakaya

by Yundun Duojibai V Gadu Rinpoche

Gadu Rinpoche is the fifth venerable Yundun Duojibai. Having a supremely wonderful karmic destiny in this lifetime, he received profound initiations from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. He cultivates himself diligently. The venerable one has become deeply accomplished in the practice of second-level Great Perfection Dharma and attained the nirmanakaya state. In his book Cultivate Honestly, he recounts his experiences upon receiving the Niwan Crown-Opening Heaven Mandala.

 Several years ago, at one day my Buddha Master told me “I will open the mandala and transmit the very profound Buddha-dharma to you. This Buddha-dharma is the state practice empowerment dharma from  The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation and belongs to the dharma of the heaven realm. Once you receive the empowerment, within two hours, a hole will be opened at the Niwan spot on the top of your head. Your spirit and consciousness can come out and appear from there.”

At that time, however, although I felt fortunate to learn the dharma, there was doubt in my mind that I could not get rid of. I simply could not believe what my Buddha Master stated about having my crown opened at the Niwan spot within two hours. The more I thought about this, the more I was worried. This was truly peculiar and absolutely unheard of. Having a hole opened on the crown was definitely not an ordinary matter. How could the person be alive after that? On the other hand, based on my Buddha Master’s holy realization, I kept telling myself not to have doubt because it is in violation of the precepts. However, I just couldn’t remove the doubt in my mind. Now I think about this, I felt that I was really very inferior and my karmic impedance was too heavy. Being Yundun Duojibai V – Gadu, I am still a tiny speck before my Buddha Master. I am really ashamed and ashamed!

My Buddha Master selected a good time on an auspicious day at the solemn mandala to hold the initiation of the empowerment dharma from The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation, Niwan Crown-Opening Heaven Mandala. My Buddha Master discoursed to me, “This dharma is a very important one. Very few people have the opportunity of learning this dharma. After learning the dharma from the master, true form of realization will arise quickly within two hours. You will then attain the Niwan Daoguo. You should make a good effort to practice this dharma and benefit living beings.” Thus I entered the state of receiving the very profound empowerment. My Buddha Master sat on a high platform at a far distance. However, my Buddha Master did not touch my head and only let me visualize practicing the tantric rituals. The ceremony was conducted to open the door to acquiring the correct Buddha-dharma. Two hours passed. At that time, the frontal fontanel spot at the top of my head warmed up. I had a very unusual feeling but I really did not know whether my crown opened or not.

On the seventh day of my practicing the dharma, an extremely strong force of empowerment was felt at the position of frontal fontanel on my forehead. This is the location of the soft spot on the head of a new-born baby where movement corresponding with the heart beat can be seen. It is called the Niwan Palace. Taoists call it the Heaven Gate. This huge force of empowerment poured in from the Niwan Palace with the magnitude of a tidal wave and the momentum of an avalanche. Then my body received a very strong electric shock. With a loud sound of cracking, the Niwan spot opened up. At this time, my mind was in a state of ignorance in terms of knowing where I was, either in existence or emptiness. Very quickly, this ignorance transformed into boundless light beams. I transformed out of a “me” who was meditating in a cross-legged sitting into another “me.” Then I flew up, with incredibly fast speed, into the sky. Strong pressure from wind was felt on top of my head. My ears also heard sharp and harsh sounds from the wind. At this moment, I was not in the state of ignorance. I saw clearly and unambiguously my second nirmanakaya.

At that time, all scenes I saw of mountains, rivers, lands, Sun, Moon, stars, homes, crop fields, farms, and pedestrians on streets were true existence and real in front of my eyes. I was not in a dream state. My biggest concern was staying outside for too long and risking my original body getting harmed. I thought about the story of Taoist Iron-Crutch Li. His body was destroyed by other people because of his late return. Then he could only settle into the body of a crippled and hunchbacked beggar. Although this is a legendary story of Taoists, it is true state in my current reality. Do I want to follow the path of Iron-Crutch Li? So I felt very worried and immediately started to return to the mundane world. I clearly saw that the spot of the Niwan Palace on my head was emitting light. I followed the light and re-entered my body. Since then, I experienced endless wonders that cannot be described in words.

When I reported my experience and feeling from practicing this dharma to my Buddha Master, my Buddha Master transmitted a secret mantra to me. Sometime later, in recorded dharma lessons that were distributed to the public, my Buddha Master mentioned that my dharma practice had reached the preliminary stage of the state of nirmanakaya, or simple nirmanakaya.

Several years later, in order to let living beings know the greatness of Buddha-dharma, on December 29, 2009, I took a magnetic resonance image (MRI) exam on my head at the Sincere Medical Imaging Center. The result showed a deep gap at the position of the Niwan Palace with a width of 1.5 cm. Also, the images captured the real situation of my spirit and consciousness rushing out of my head. The doctor conducting the examination was very surprised but was not able to explain it and attributed it to non-human cause. I was really very clear because this is where my nirmankaya came out and returned. Please see the scan films from my MRI exam.

Heaven Gate opening at the position of the Niwan Palace, side view

Heaven Gate opening at the position of the Niwan Palace, front view

Reached the State of Nirmanakaya

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/10/reached-the-state-of-nirmanakaya/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII # HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII  #HolyManifestation#GaduRinpoche #TheSupremeandUnsurpassableMahamudraofLiberation #Cultivation#GreatHolyAcharya#Innertantricinitiation#Niwan Crown-Opening Heaven Mandala

Winter Break Family Trip — Ligai Canyon

linda chang1 Comment

Winter Break Family Trip — Ligai Canyon

The third stop of our family winter break trip was the Ligai Canyon, and what an incredible experience it turned out to be. We had initially planned to visit Antelope Canyon, but all the tour tickets were sold out. Instead, the agent suggested we visit Ligai Canyon, a similar but lesser-known destination, the ticket is $70 per person, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we found.

Ligai Canyon is located on Navajo private property, and all the tour guides are from the same family. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly, he shared a wealth of information about the Navajo culture and way of life. He told us about the significance of blue as a protective color and showed us his beautiful turquoise bracelet. He also shared details about the four sacred mountains, the use of native herbs for medicine, and the Navajo’s life on their huge ranch, which is 6 miles by 6 miles.

We had very small group, just 6 people, and the tour place was not crowded at all. The tour guide shared that when he was a child, the canyons were his playground, and he and his friends had parties in the upper Antelope Canyon during their high school years. He never imagined that people would pay theme park prices to visit these places that were once their playgrounds.

The Canyon truly captures the beauty and power of nature. It’s awe-inspiring to think about how the canyon was formed over millions of years by the forces of water and wind. The intricate patterns and shapes carved into the stone walls of the canyon are a testament to the sheer force of nature.

As you explore the canyon, you’ll be struck by the diversity of its features. From the heart-shaped carvings on the walls to the narrow pathways and towering cliffs, each aspect of the canyon offers something unique and breathtaking. The dynamic spiral shapes that wind their way up the walls are particularly mesmerizing, and add to the overall sense of movement and energy that permeates the canyon.

Another striking feature of the Ligai Canyon is its reddish hue. This rich, vibrant color is the result of the iron oxide in the rock, and adds an extra layer of beauty to an already stunning landscape. Whether you’re gazing up at the towering cliffs or admiring the intricate patterns on the walls, you’ll be awed by the sheer magnificence of this natural wonder.

At the end of the tour, our guide imparted some wise words to my two sons. He told them to learn from their grandparents and parents, and to hold onto their native language, as there is a wealth of wisdom and knowledge contained within it. My sons were deeply moved by his words, and I could see that they had taken his message to heart.

I hope that they will continue to pass down the Chinese culture to future generations, preserving its rich history and traditions. This was truly the highlight of the tour for me, and I am grateful for the guide’s insights and encouragement. By imparting these valuable lessons to my sons, he has given them a gift that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Winter Break Family Trip — Ligai Canyon

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/10/winter-break-family-trip-ligai-canyon/

#Travel#AntelopeCanyonValley#Trails#Hiking#LagaiCanyon #Navajo#LigaiCanyon#NativeAmerica

49. The Groom Who Lost His Bride to the Stars [Astrology]

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49. The Groom Who Lost His Bride to the Stars [Astrology]

Buddhist Tales for Young and Old, volume 1, Prince Goodspeaker, Stories 1-50

Once upon a time, there was a rich family living in Benares, in northern India. They arranged for their son to marry a good and honest girl from a nearby village. Being very pretty as well, they were sure they could not find a better wife for their son.

The groom’s family decided on a date for the wedding. The bride’s family agreed to meet them in the village on the wedding day.

Meanwhile, the rich family also had their own special astrological priest. When he found out they had picked the wedding day, without paying him to consult the stars, he became angry. He decided to get even with them.

When the wedding day arrived, the astrological priest dressed up in his finest robes, and called the family together. He bowed to them all, and then looked at his star charts very seriously. He told them that this star was too close to the horizon, and that planet was in the middle of an unlucky constellation, and the moon was in a very dangerous phase for having a wedding. He told them that, not seeking his advice, they had picked the worst day of the year for a wedding. This could only lead to a terrible marriage.

The frightened family forgot all about the wonderful qualities of the intended bride, and remained home in Benares.

Meanwhile the bride’s family had arranged everything for the village wedding ceremony. When the agreed upon hour arrived, they waited and waited for the future husband and his family. Finally they realized they were not coming. So they thought, “Those city people picked the date and time, and now they didn’t show up. This is insulting! Why should we wait any longer? Let our daughter marry an honourable and hard working village man.” So they quickly arranged a new marriage and celebrated the wedding.

The next day, the astrological priest said that, suddenly, the stars and planets and moon were in perfect positions for a wedding! So the Benares family went to the village and asked for the wedding to take place. But the village people said, “You picked the date and time. Then you disgraced us by not showing up!”

The city people replied, “Our family priest told us that yesterday the stars and planets and moon were in terrible positions. It was a very unlucky day for a wedding. But he has assured us that today is a most lucky day. So please send us the bride at once!”

The village family said, “You have no honour. You have made the choice of the day more important than the choice of the bride. It’s too late now! Our daughter has married another.” Then the two families began to quarrel heatedly.

A wise man happened to come along. Seeing the two families quarrelling he tried to settle the dispute.

The city people told him that they had respected the warnings of their astrological priest. It was because of the unlucky positions of the stars and planets and moon, that they had not come to the wedding.

The wise man said, “The good fortune was in the bride, not in the stars. You fools have followed the stars and lost the bride. Without your foolishness, those far off stars can do nothing!”

The moral is: Luck comes from actions, not from stars.

49. The Groom Who Lost His Bride to the Stars [Astrology]

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2023/02/07/49-the-groom-who-lost-his-bride-to-the-stars-astrology/

INTERPRETER’S INTRODUCTION – BUDDHIST TALES FOR YOUNG AND OLD, VOLUME 1, STORIES 1-50

#Buddhisttalesforyoungandold #Buddhiststories #storiesforkids #moralstories #Buddha #Jatakastories #PansiyaPanasJataka

Heart: Lifetime Advice from Kazuo Inamori

linda chang1 Comment

Heart: Lifetime Advice from Kazuo Inamori

The book Heart: Lifetime Advice from Kazuo Inamori is a concise guide to practical philosophy that draws from Kazuo Inamori’s extensive experience and wisdom accumulated over 80 years. This timeless work offers insight into the elusive concept of the “heart”. Kazuo Inamori, as an entrepreneur, also shares his unique approach to business management in it. The book also serves as a valuable educational resource for children and families. Its teachings provide a strong foundation for personal and familial growth.

This book, Heart: Lifetime Advice from Kazuo Inamori, is the final literary masterpiece by Mr. Kazuo Inamori. Despite being close to 90 years of age at the time of writing, he still managed to create a valuable piece of work. His journey from being a rural boy to becoming a business icon is truly remarkable. The book provides an insightful perspective on his life and success, which is an inspiration to many. Everyone, regardless of their starting point, can relate to the book and use it as a guide to find their own path in life.

Mr. Kazuo Inamori had a humble background and his early life was marked by numerous setbacks and disappointments. In his book, he recounts his experiences, including failing the elementary school entrance exam twice, a bout of tuberculosis, and being unable to gain admission to college. Despite these obstacles, he went on to have a successful career.

Through reading this book, I came to understand the hierarchical wisdom it contains. The book speaks to readers on different levels and allows us to find our own place within its pages and be moved by the stories and lessons it shares.

Its message is inspiring, encouraging us to reach for the stars, even if we fall short, and reminding us that we can never be covered in mud while reaching for our dreams. This is why I never tire of reading “Heart” and find it so valuable.

One of my favorite experiences mentioned in the book about Mr. Kazuo Inamori is how his personal experiences have contributed to his successes. He has repeatedly used these experiences as inspiration and motivation for his continued success. This recurring theme is frequently mentioned throughout the book.

After graduating from college, when the job market was bleak, Mr. Kazuo Inamori struggled to find employment. Eventually, his teacher introduced him to a company where he could work, but the company was in dire straits, with partners quitting one by one until he was the only one left.

Most people would have been discouraged and defeated in such circumstances, but Mr. Kazuo Inamori made a different choice. He decided to completely change his mentality and work harder than ever. He was determined to give his best effort, no matter how challenging the environment was, and even went as far as to move into the laboratory to be closer to his work.

As he immersed himself in his work, he found that distractions such as the unfavorable social environment, company situation, and negative coworkers, faded away. Good ideas and new ways of thinking came to him naturally. Eventually, he developed a revolutionary new material that was ahead of its time.

The story of Mr. Kazuo Inamori and his company is truly remarkable, and he attributes his success not to improved abilities or favorable conditions, but to a change in his mindset. He realized that everything in life is a reflection of one’s heart, and that by changing his heart, he was able to change his life for the better. Through his experience, I learned that following one’s heart is not enough, but that it is important to continually refine and polish one’s heart, in order to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Heart: Lifetime Advice from Kazuo Inamori

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/08/heart-lifetime-advice-from-kazuo-inamori/

#Heart #Kazuo Inamori#Entrepreneur #lifetimeAdvice

Source： https://inf.news/en/culture/6fd795901e9fca6d356cff3c14c2566b.html， https://min.news/en/culture/c547e5e782fd8dc5224685327a340668.html