Month: February 2023

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown

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Celebrating the Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown

On Saturday, February 4th, the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown were filled with the sounds and sights of the Chinese New Year parade. Thousands of people gathered to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.

The entire Chinatown was decorated in traditional Chinese style, adding to the already lively atmosphere. Street markets sold traditional Chinese goods and food, and the sounds of live music filled the air.

The parade, which started at 5 PM, was a highlight of the celebration. Floats, marching bands, and performers made their way through the crowded streets, bringing the excitement and energy to a whole new level. However, rain, showers and winds also joined the parade. That brought little bit uncomfortable to the crowds.

One of the highlights of the parade was the traditional lion and dragon dances, performed by skilled dancers dressed in colorful costumes. These dances are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year, and the crowds were enthralled by the displays.

In addition to local performers, marching bands from Southern California and Oregon also made the journey to San Francisco to participate in the parade. The diversity of performers added to the already rich cultural atmosphere, and showcased the strong connection between the different Chinese communities across the United States. Despite the rain and showers, the spirit of the event was not dampened, and it was a beautiful tribute to the start of a new year.

As a proud Chinese, I was thrilled to participate in the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Living in the United States is a privilege, as this great nation has an open heart that accepts and embraces diverse cultures. I hope to see the US play a leading role in promoting peace and harmony globally.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/08/celebrating-the-chinese-new-year-in-san-franciscos-chinatown/

#ChineseNewYear#ChineseCulture#SanFrancisco #ChinaTown#Parade

Faith

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Wisdom Tea

Faith

Faith is an important concept in Vajrayana or Esoteric Buddhism. It is especially important in the beginning, but it is an essential component in all stages of practice. When you begin to practice Buddhism, you may not understand the essence of the Dharma and thus cannot enter into true practice. As a result, you will not be able to experience any beneficial effects from your practice. You may not be able to acquiregood fortuneandwisdomor manifestsupernormal powersimmediately.

At this time, you must be careful not to commit the offense of giving rise to doubt about either your Vajra Master or the Dharma, since this will cause you to incur even more karmic obstacles and thus make it even more difficult to receive any benefits. Patience is very important at this stage in your practice. It is not uncommon for beginners to experiencekarmic retributionon this path as conditions from past activities…

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Supernormal Powers in Buddhism

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Wisdom Tea

Supernormal Powers in Buddhism

by the International Buddhism Sangha Association and taken from the book
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III:

Do Buddhists advocate supernatural powers? Actually, this is not a matter of advocating or not advocating. Rather, supernatural powers are that which everyone who is accomplished in the dharma possesses. Such powers are the manifestation of realization achieved through cultivation. They are phenomena that exist in the course of cultivation but are not the goal of cultivation, which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death. They are by-products that arise during one’s practice. These by-products called supernatural phenomena naturally exist in all liberating paths within the Buddha-dharma. Becoming attached to these by-products and regarding them as the goal is heretical supernatural powers. Applying these by-products in a free and unattached way and regarding them as illusory is treating supernatural powers based on the correct Buddha-dharma view.

Sakyamuni…

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I consider my personal suffering a blessing because, from it, I learned the Tathagata Buddha Dharma

linda chang1 Comment

I consider my personal suffering a blessing because, from it, I learned the Tathagata Buddha Dharma

My life journey has been accompanied by a multitude of disasters and suffering. Even though I protested and complained, I could never find the answer to why I had to endure so much. At the same time, I felt lost and was at a loss as to what my life path should be.

Perhaps, because I had suffered so much, the compassionate Buddhas and Bodhisattvas provided an opportunity for me to finally listen to the dharma discourse “Do you Truly Believe in Cause and Effect,” expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.  From the unfathomable expanse of the universe to a minor thought rising from our consciousness, the law of cause and effect never errs. It became clear to me; all my trials and tribulations, from birth, were of my own doing since time immemorial.

I was born in a rural village to parents who did not receive much education. I was the second child and, because I was short, was nicknamed “the little one.”

One day, at the age of one, my parents had to work in the mountains, so they left me alone in the house. When I woke up, I climbed onto a table and knocked over a lantern, which fell onto my bed. The bed immediately caught fire as the whole house quickly filled with dense smoke. Our neighbor saved me from the fire just in the nick of time.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

When I was three years old, I fell from the 3rd floor and struck my forehead on a rock just missing my eye.  There was no surgeon to sew up my injury. Consequently, a deep scar would forever remain on my forehead. Later, for unknown reasons, I dislocated my shoulder and fractured a bone. At the time, the neighbors speculated that I would not remain in this world much longer. Not only were boys heavily favored over girls, but I was born in the year of the tiger. My family thought I would bring bad luck upon them. If not for my mother’s love and insistence, my grandfather would have given me away. 

Later on, due to economic hardship, my parents travelled extensively to make a living for the family. I remained behind, in the care of relatives and neighbors, alternating from home to home.

I started to look after myself when I was only eight years old.  I raised rabbits, a hen, and a pig. Finally, my grandfather took me in when I entered the third grade of grammar school. As young as I was at that time, I often wondered what was the purpose of living? Was there any purpose to life? To me, life felt like nothing more than chewing on bitter grass and swallowing acrid and nauseating liquid. I thought about gulping down pesticides to end my life, thinking there would be no more suffering after death.

Perhaps the benevolent Buddhas and Bodhisattvas instilled a reason for me not to take my own life – I would break my mother’s heart. I could not bear the thought of my mother suffering so much for my actions…

So I did not take my own life, but misery seemed to enjoy my company. How could my misfortunes not be attributed to retribution for past transgressions? My suffering had nothing to do with unfairness or fate, but as the direct result of my past actions motivated by greed, hatred, and ignorance. The laws of cause and effect require there be no diminishment to retribution.

Through respectfully listening to dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III , I finally realized that suffering was not imposed upon me by accident, but the unavoidable retribution of my past transgressions. The only way to steer clear of suffering and disaster is to undertake all righteous actions, regardless how minor, and avoid wrongdoing, no matter how minuscule. From the bottom of my heart, I repented all of my past wrongdoings and began facing every misfortune without fear.  Life is but a dream; good fortune and suffering are equal in many ways, but for me, suffering carries even greater significance. It’s imperative to face the consequences of one’s own actions. Now, I am able to face them from a very different mindset. Suffering was the genesis that led me to understand why I need to learn Buddhism. From the teachings of the Buddhas, we discover the purpose and true meaning of life. To eliminate greed, hatred, ignorance, pleasure-seeking, happiness, anger, sadness, and joy; to let go of our egos; to guide and encourage more people to do all that is good and avoid committing wrongdoings. We shall follow the great teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to transcend from this mundane and afflicted world to reach true liberation and enlightenment!

I consider my personal suffering a blessing because, from it, I learned the Tathagata Buddha Dharma

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/03/i-consider-my-personal-suffering-a-blessing-because-from-it-i-learned-the-tathagata-buddha-dharma/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII # HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII  #Cultivation #Buddhism#Buddhist # Causality

Source: http://www.hzbi.us/?p=353

Ode to The Plum Blossom

linda chang1 Comment

Ode to The Plum Blossom

Recently, I stumbled upon breathtaking plum blossoms while taking a walk. These delicate flowers evoked feelings of warmth and joy, reminding me of the arrival of spring. In Chinese culture, plum blossoms, beyond just being a physical flower, have become a symbol of perseverance and resilience in the face of harsh winter conditions. This significance was achieved through the extensive descriptions, sublimations, and chanting by literati and scholars over the ages. In ancient China, plum blossoms were considered a lucky symbol and were welcomed as a sign of the arrival of spring during the New Year.

When I was a child, my father taught me to recite the poem “Ode to the Plum Blossom” by Zedong Mao, reminding me to be fearless and strong like the plum blossom that blooms amidst harsh winter conditions. I really like the poem, and can still remember it.

Ode to the Plum Blossom

—to the tune of Bu Suan Zi

By Zedong Mao, December 1961

Wind and rain escorted Spring’s departure, 

Flying snow welcomes Spring’s return. 

On the ice-clad rock rising high and sheer 

A flower blooms sweet and fair. 

Sweet and fair, she craves not Spring for herself alone, 

To be the harbinger of Spring she is content. 

When the mountain flowers are in full bloom 

She will smile mingling in their midst.

But after many years of struggles, I realized that bravery and strength aren’t always enough, especially in managing relationships and family. As a wife and mother, I learned the importance of being magnanimous, compassionate, forbearing, and not rigid. I have since embraced the peaceful and compassionate philosophy of Buddhism.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the contemporary Buddha, wrote a poem “Plum Fragrance in the Holy Land.” He broke from traditional poetry styles, instead opting for surreal techniques to directly convey spiritual essence.

To the Tune of “Jiang Jun Song”

Plum Fragrance in the Holy Realm

Reveal her icy bearing and proud bones,

See how plum blossom commands the scene,

The crowd of beauties suddenly lacks color,

Seductive peach has lost its looks.

A few casual strokes,

So many eons of wind and dust.

The smoke and fire of the human world all disappears,

Leaving only a pure fragrance from the paper,

It wafts over me, awakening my mind.

The smile of the enchanted dream still remains,

Buddha Vajradhara has come

Three times to this world.

To this Buddha Land of merciful compassion

That great one has brought purity,

Feelings of the brush,

Traces of the brush,

One smile in the wind and dust,

Now the wind and dust,

So many eons of wind and dust.

The Buddha also created an ink painting to accompany the poem. The poem delves deeper into the artist’s thoughts, while the painting provides a visual representation.

The plum blossoms depicted in the paintings symbolize the artist’s state of mind, embodying inner beauty refined from impurities. The brushwork, casually applied, was accomplished with an unfettered hand and detached mind, free of the slightest artificiality. It is a seemingly ever-changing work. Its charm, tone, transitions, and depictions represent the highest level of Eastern ink-and-wash paintings. A transparent layer of lighter ink on top of darker ink is clearly visible, imbuing the painting with a pure and fragrant air and providing the viewer with a feeling of comfort and ease.

The plum blossoms created by these skilled pens are eternal. While natural blooms may come and go, Buddha’s compassion remains steadfast.

Ode to The Plum Blossom

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/02/ode-to-the-plum-blossom/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII#DorjeChangBuddha#IAMA#InternationalArtMuseumofAmerica#ChinesePaintings#PlumBlossom#Paintings#

Source： https://www.oktranslation.com/LiteraryTranslation/lt_info32200.html

Winter Break Family Trip — Zion National Park

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Winter Break Family Trip — Zion National Park

Our second stop on the road trip was Zion National Park. Zion National Park is a stunning natural wonder with over 200 sq. miles of diverse landscapes, towering cliffs, and diverse flora and fauna. It attracts more visitors than Yosemite National Park last year. Zion offers a unique blend of adventure, beauty, and inspiration.

One of the hikes we did was the Angel’s Landing trail, a 5-mile round trip that is considered to be very challenging. The trail is steep and zigzags up the mountain, and a permit is required to complete the entire hike.

Despite the difficulty, my older son and husband were determined to reach the summit. They persevered and eventually made it to the top, where they were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In winter time the mountain top gets really icey, micro spikes are highly recommended.

I was unable to finish the Angel’s Landing trail, due to the challenging winding path resembling Lombard Street. I had to stop just before the permit-required section, feeling exhausted. Nevertheless, I still appreciated the views from my stopping point. Although I didn’t reach the summit, the overall experience was still memorable.

It’s worth noting that the Angel’s Landing trail can be dangerous, and since 2004, 17 people have died while attempting it. It’s important to be prepared and take all necessary precautions when tackling this challenging hike.

Riverside Trails

We explored other trails at the following day, like the Riverside Trail, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Despite heavy rain and feeling cold and wet, we were unable to fully enjoy the hike. However, we look forward to returning to the majestic and awe-inspiring Zion National Park in better weather. Overall, Zion National Park was an amazing experience and it is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor activities.

Winter Break Family Trip — Zion National Park

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/02/01/winter-break-family-trip-zion-national-park/

#Travel#ZionNationalPark #Trails#Hiking#Angeleslanding