Month: April 2024

Ananda and the Untouchable

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A Buddhist Story of Loving Kindness

By Martin Goodson

One day Ananda, the Buddha’s assistant, approached a well to have a drink.  A woman, a member of the untouchable caste, was drawing water and Ananda asked her for some.  The woman was surprised that she had been asked to give anything to a monk as the caste laws stated that anything given by one who is considered unclean would also be unclean.  However, Ananda persisted and eventually she gave in and gave him a drink.

The woman was so moved by this experience which had never happened before that she felt a strong affection for Ananda and made up her mind to serve him.  Thus, she went to the Buddha and asked if she might be Ananda’s assistant. 

  The Buddha asked her why she wanted to do this.  She told him.  The Buddha replied that what she had fallen in love with was not Ananda but his kindness.  Also, that this kindness was present in her own heart and that if she were to cultivate it within  she would be able to serve both kings and queens.

This is a lovely story about the power of goodwill or ‘metta’ to affect the heart. The Buddha taught that the most important element of any act is the motivation behind it.  All of us are capable of ‘doing the right thing’ but this is not really enough; the motivation behind the action determines the outcome.  A common Buddhist practice is the practice of acquiring merit in order to ensure a good future re-birth.  This is akin to the old Christian view of doing good so as to go to heaven after death.  However, if I am doing good solely for the outcome to myself then the act is already flawed.  What is more it shows itself to others in time.  We all know the stereotype of the do-gooder who is so caught up in bringing about some future good that he ignores whether or not the other person requires help in this way.  The problem with trying to do good for others when in fact I am looking for something for myself is that I fail to see what it is that others really do need right now. Both self-concern and regard for others are two very different way of seeing the same situation.  

When the heart has for a moment forgotten ‘I’ and ‘my concerns’, and this does happen more often than realised, then it opens up and reflects the situation.  What is more, not only does it see clearly,  but, because it is a human heart, it responds with the warmth of humanity.  This happens, not because it wants anything, but because it is its nature to do so.  Humans have the capacity to put themselves in the other’s shoes and thus respond without intending something just for myself.  This is also reflected in Jesus Christ’s admonition to ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’.  In other words, by forgetting myself I forget the separation from others too.  Thus, a true ‘fellow feeling’ is born and this is the root of metta and of compassion .

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/26/ananda-and-the-untouchable/

Source: https://www.thezengateway.com/practice/ananda-and-the-untouchable

Karma cannot be Seen or Touched. Does It Really Exist?

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What is karma?

Karma, in Sanskrit known as ‘karma,’ is the creator of deeds of body, speech, and mind, producing both good and evil without forgetting. It is also like the causes created by the three activities, which manifest as their results.

The force of karma leads to the consequences of suffering or happiness based on its nature, whether good or evil. Therefore, there is also the doctrine of karma and its consequences. Karma accumulated in the past is referred to as past karma; karma in the present is referred to as present karma.

The law of karma is a special instance of the law of cause and effect, according to which all our actions of body, speech and mind are causes and all our experiences are their effects. Certainly, perhaps some people might ask, “This ‘karma’ you speak of, I can neither see it nor touch it. Does it really exist?”

The law of karma explains why each individual has a unique mental disposition, a unique physical appearance and unique experiences. These are the various effects of the countless actions that each individual has performed in the past. We cannot find any two people who have created exactly the same history of actions throughout their past lives, and so we cannot find two people with identical states of mind, identical experiences or identical physical appearances. Each person has different individual karma. Some people enjoy good health while others are constantly ill. Some people are seen as very beautiful while others are seen as very ugly. Some people have a happy disposition that is easily pleased while others have a sour disposition and are rarely delighted by anything. Some people easily understand the meaning of spiritual teachings while others find them difficult and obscure.

Master Milarepa’s Story

Milarepa on Mount Kailash | The Art Institute of Chicago

Master Milarepa was renowned for his profound spiritual practice amidst the snowy plateaus of Tibet.

In his youth, Milarepa engaged in regrettable actions that resulted in negative karma. He resorted to sorcery, causing a house to collapse and resulting in the deaths of 35 people, including his adversaries. Additionally, he summoned hailstorms that devastated his uncle’s crops and the entire village.

There are accounts of Master Milarepa experiencing the consequences of his actions. In the later stages of spreading the Dharma for the benefit of all beings, a monk observed the reverence and admiration directed towards Venerable Milarepa by the crowd. Although outwardly respectful, the monk harbored intense jealousy and disdain, viewing the Venerable as understanding nothing and merely a hypocritical, arrogant, and conceited individual.

Once when the Venerable Milarepa fell seriously ill, this monk, pretending to be concerned, went to visit him and said:

“A great master like you who has attained enlightenment should not be so gravely ill, yet here you are sick! If there were a way to share this illness, to distribute some of it among your disciples. If there were a method to transfer it, for example, I could share some of it, but unfortunately, there seems to be no solution. What can be done?”

The Venerable smiled gently and replied, “I should not be ill by nature, but illness is beyond my control.”

The monk continued, “If only I knew the cause of your illness. I suppose no reason can be found? If it could be transferred, I would willingly take on some of it.”

The Venerable responded, “I could indeed share some of this illness with you, but you would not withstand it even for a moment. Therefore, it’s better not to transfer it.”

The monk thought to himself that perhaps the illness couldn’t be transferred, so he persisted more earnestly, saying, “Please, in any case, transfer the illness onto me!”

The Venerable then said, “Very well, but you will not bear it.”

Subsequently, the Venerable transferred the illness onto the door of the silent room, causing the door to creak and shake as if it were about to collapse. Despite this display, the monk remained skeptical, wondering if it was all an illusion, and he once again requested, “This is truly extraordinary! Please transfer it onto me.”

The Venerable agreed, warning him, “You will not endure it.”

He then withdrew the illness from the door and transferred it onto the monk. Instantly, the monk collapsed in pain, unable to move, breathe, or nearly fainting. Seeing this, the Venerable quickly withdrew the illness back, telling the monk, “I only transferred half of the illness to you.”

At that moment, the monk felt profound remorse and sincerely placed the Venerable’s feet on his forehead, tears streaming down in genuine emotion…

Thus, in the realm of karma, distinctions of wealth, poverty, status, or identity dissolve; there are only individuals confronting the unfiltered repercussions of their actions, whether virtuous or malevolent. Like an ever-present shadow, karma unfailingly trails behind, and when it matures, one experiences the consequences firsthand, feeling both its warmth and coldness.

Every action we perform leaves an imprint, or potentiality, on our very subtle mind, and each imprint eventually gives rise to its own effect. Our mind is like a field, and performing actions is like sowing seeds in that field. Virtuous actions sow seeds of future happiness and non-virtuous actions sow seeds of future suffering. These seeds remain dormant in our mind until the conditions for them to ripen occur, and then they produce their effect. In some cases, this can happen many lifetimes after the original action was performed.

The compassionate teachings of the contemporary Buddha, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, instruct us to accumulate wholesome karma and avoid unwholesome karma; through practice, we can transform causes and effects. Only in this way can we allow our good karma to ripen first, keep evil deeds at bay, break free from the bondage of karmic forces, and truly escape the ocean of suffering. The supreme practice method taught by the Buddha, in “What is cultivation“, when followed diligently, brings boundless benefits.

Therefore, only through genuine repentance from the heart and earnest adherence to the teachings, can we eliminate karmic obstacles and allow the fruits of our wholesome actions to mature swiftly. Conversely, if we do not follow this path, we will only confirm the truth of the saying “We can’t take anything with us, only karma accompanies us,” and thus cycle endlessly in samsara.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/25/karma-cannot-be-seen-or-touched-does-it-really-exist/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII#DorjeChangBuddha#MasterMilarepa #Buddhism #Karma #causeandeffect

Yuanmou Earth Forest

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Yuanmou Earth Forest is a breathtaking area of clay formations that have developed over the past 1.5 million years. Located 210 km northwest of Kunming, this scenic wonderland features rocks composed of sand mixed with clay, giving them a distinctive yellow color and loose texture. These rocks have undergone extensive weathering, making their surface resemble earth, and they glisten like gold under the sunlight. Some are as large as castles, while others resemble pylons, all in various magnificent shapes. The earth forest covers a wide area in the Yuanmou Basin, with different regions exhibiting unique features based on the extent of weathering and erosion. Three notable scenic sites within the area are Tiger Leaping Sands, Ban Guo, and Xin Hua, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Tiger Leaping Sands is considered the most spectacular site within the Yuanmou Earth Forests. From a distance, the rocks resemble an ancient deserted castle. Tall, straight rock pillars appear as remnants of a shrine, and the rock walls resemble the enclosure of an ancient palace. What makes it truly unique is the three-color ‘roof’ on top of the ‘castle’ – red, brown, and black. This coloration is due to rain permeating the rock, causing ferrous and calcium substances to coagulate into an impermeable layer. As other parts eroded away, this layer naturally protruded and formed an ‘umbrella’ that preserved the rocks below.

Exploring this hidden world, you’ll be captivated by the abrupt clay formations that glisten like yellow crystals emerging from the ground. These formations vary in shapes, heights, and volumes, each resembling a piece of indescribable artwork.

Collectively, they create an intricate maze filled with mystery and sublime beauty. Some liken Yuanmou Earth Forest to a weathered golden monastery, a desolate Gothic church, or a giant shrine ravaged by fierce elements.

When illuminated by sunlight, these clay columns emit sparkling rays, a rare phenomenon likened to China’s clay version of the Parthenon. At twilight, their silhouettes resemble gothic structures, transforming the fairyland into a haunting terrain. It takes great courage to explore and walk among them.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Yuanmou Earth Forest, viewing from above is recommended. A bird’s-eye view reveals the meandering Longchuan River, a tributary of the Jinsha River (a major tributary of the Yangtze River), flowing like a silver ribbon alongside the attention-grabbing golden patchworks on its west bank, where you’ll find Earth Forests of Banguo, Tiger Leaping Shoal, Wanbao, Xiaoleizai, and Xinhua covering an area spanning over 5 square kilometers.

Photo taken on Nov. 17, 2021 shows the scenery of earth forest in Yuanmou County, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. The earth forest, which was formed by geological movement and soil erosion, is basically in color of yellow and the color varies in different parts. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Yuanmou Earth Forest’s clay formations can be categorized into four styles based on shapes and formation processes: Earth Bud Style, Castle Style, Bamboo Shoot Style, and Mushroom Style. Earth Bud Style formations, though small, serve as precursors to other types, while Castle Style formations are larger, typically measuring 2 to 5 meters in height.

Earth Bud Style

Due to varying degrees of cementation and semi-cementation, sedimentary rocks have different water content in clay minerals and varying expansion coefficients after water absorption. Surface rock layers are subject to long-term weathering, resulting in a series of cracks. Surface runoff and rainwater initially erode along these cracks and soft rock layers, forming soil buds with heights and diameters less than 1 meter and relative heights less than 1 meter. This type serves as the embryonic form for developing other types of earth forests.

Castle Style

The continuous flow of water erodes and cuts into the base of soil buds, along vertical fissures, horizontal fissures, and other forms of cracks in the strata, as well as erosion and abrasion along the surfaces of soft and hard rock layers. This process forms shapes such as arches, platforms, and vertical shafts, creating an environment reminiscent of ancient castles.

These types of soil columns generally have a connected base, with a thick and rounded or serrated top, occupying a relatively large area and standing 2-5 meters in relative height. However, the flat tops and arches below these columns often collapse under the effects of flowing water and gravity, causing the columns to separate and evolve into other types of soil columns.

Bamboo Shoot Style

This type of earth forest is primarily composed of sand and clay, with loose consolidation and no hard covering layer at the top. As a result, it undergoes erosion and cutting by rainwater and surface runoff, forming conical soil columns. These earth pillars have sharp tops, resembling large bamboo shoots after rain or the pointed tip of a pagoda, with heights generally ranging from 5 to 10 meters.

Iron Cap Style

As a typical category of earth forest, it is the most widely distributed. Due to the leaching effect of surface water on iron, silica, and calcium in the strata, these elements gradually dissolve, penetrate, and filter to the interface of the impermeable layer, where they precipitate and accumulate, cementing the upper strata to form iron oxide caps or silica/calcium iron caps. Under the erosion and scouring action of water flow, these caps gradually expose themselves at the tops of columns, acting as natural “umbrellas” that protect the soil columns from direct erosion and scouring by flowing water and intense sunlight.

The “iron cap” above and the soil column below merge into one, forming a variety of unique landscapes within the earth forest. Some resemble old fishermen fishing, some resemble soldiers going to battle, some resemble standing cranes, and some resemble galloping wild horses, creating yet another extraordinary sight within the earth forest.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/24/yuanmou-earth-forest/

Source: http://www.news.cn/english/2021-11/18/c_1310317427.htm, https://www.westchinatour.com/kunming/attraction/yuanmou-clay-forest.html， https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%85%83%E8%B0%8B%E5%9C%9F%E6%9E%97/3379396

Perseverance and Endurance: Lessons from Bamboo and Cicadas

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In life, the journey towards success often mirrors the growth of bamboo and the emergence of cicadas. These natural phenomena teach us valuable lessons about perseverance, endurance, and the importance of staying committed to our goals.

Imagine the bamboo, taking four long years to grow just three centimeters above the ground. For those initial years, its roots were quietly spreading underground, preparing a strong foundation for future growth. Then, in the fifth year, something remarkable happens—bamboo shoots skyward at an astonishing rate of thirty centimeters per day, eventually reaching a towering height of fifteen meters in a mere six weeks. This phenomenal growth was not sudden; it was the result of years of patient root development. (Photo by Daniel Klein)

Success, like the bamboo’s rapid growth, often appears sudden to others but is actually the culmination of persistent effort and preparation over time. Every day contributes to the foundation upon which monumental achievements are built.

Similarly, consider the cicada, a creature that spends seventeen years underground, feeding on tree roots in utter darkness and solitude. When the time is right—after enduring years of dormancy and patiently waiting for optimal conditions—the cicadas emerge. They climb the branches, shed their old shells, and bask in the sunlight, announcing their triumph over the long period of darkness. （Right: Chinese Ink painting Song of Cicada by H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III)

The story of the cicada reminds us that endurance and patience are vital virtues on the path to success. Just as the cicada breaks through the darkness to embrace the light, so too must we persevere through challenging times and wait for our moment to shine.

In contrast, those who stray from their goals or give up prematurely are akin to individuals who prefer the comfort of their current situation over the potential for growth and self-improvement.

People without perseverance may never exceed the three-centimeter mark of bamboo growth or endure the seventeen years of darkness like cicadas. However, those with determination and resilience can remain focused, establish strong roots, and steadily accumulate progress towards their goals.

It’s essential to recognize that achieving greatness requires either the perseverance of a snail or the strength of an eagle. The snail advances slowly but steadily towards its destination, while the eagle soars to great heights with sheer strength. Both approaches teach us that success comes to those who are determined and resolute in their pursuit.

Let the stories of bamboo and cicadas inspire us to persevere through challenges, endure periods of darkness, and stay committed to our aspirations. Success may take time, but with unwavering determination and patience, we can break through obstacles and reach new heights in our lives.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/19/perseverance-and-endurance-lessons-from-bamboo-and-cicadas/

The Miraculous Events Experienced Around the Buddha

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The Terrifying Adventure on Highway One from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Translated from the account recorded by Long Zhou Rinpoche

In the summer of 1998, I had the great honor and privilege of accompanying His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata on a journey to propagate and spread the Buddha-dharma. We formed a large group and were driving along Highway One, the Pacific Coast Highway, towards San Francisco.

As our motorcade navigated the winding mountain roads, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III instructed the driver to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows to let in the fresh air. The Buddha Master asked, “How do you like the air here compared to Los Angeles?” “Of course, the air here is better,” we all replied in unison. “Why?” asked the Buddha Master.Brother Chang, who holds a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, quickly responded, “Buddha Master, this is because in places with dense trees or close to the sea, the air contains a large amount of negative ions, which…” He began explaining the chemical properties. His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III patiently waited for him to finish and then asked, “What do negative ions look like?” We were all at a loss for words. The Buddha Master smiled but said nothing. A few minutes later, a ray of blue light suddenly entered the vehicle through the windshield, filling the air with a fresh and sweet scent. We were all left bewildered, not knowing what had just occurred. The Buddha Master turned to us and said, “Now do you know what negative ions look like? As practitioners, you cannot stay confined to theoretical discussions.”

Photo by Fabian Wiktor on Pexels.com

When we reached the Big Sur area, we were captivated by the breathtaking views. Suddenly, the Buddha Master directed us to drive onto a small road and stop. He walked towards a pavilion near the cliff’s edge and told us solemnly, “Demons will come to disturb us soon. Let us all calm our minds and recite the Heart Mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva without conversing or getting distracted.” At that moment, the sky was clear, and the sea was calm. Where would the demons come from? His Holiness gazed at the sky and performed mudras. Within minutes, strong winds began to blow, carrying sand and dust into the air, causing rocks to move. The tranquil sea turned into roaring waves, crashing against the shore, splashing as high as hundreds of feet. Even small rocks were thrown into the sky. It was a frightening scene. Witnessing this, we focused on our practice and recited the mantra loudly. Eventually, peace returned after His Holiness subdued the demons. He then imparted a teaching, “Among our group on this dharma propagation journey, there are rinpoches, great dharma teachers, and officers of the Institute and publishing house. Demons fear that the correct Buddha-dharma will benefit beings in the Western world, so they will do everything to obstruct us. However, there is no need to worry; the demons cannot harm you.”

Our journey continued into the night. The mountain roads were rugged, and it was dark. We sought a motel to stay for the night but faced difficulties finding one with available rooms. We even tried negotiating with the manager to let us stay in the lobby but were refused. We returned to the parking lot, feeling tired and cold. The temperature was around -2 degrees Celsius (29 degrees Fahrenheit).

His Holiness suddenly rolled down the window and warned us, “The demons are coming to harm you again. Quickly get into the vehicles and concentrate on reciting the mantra.” Before we could settle back into our seats, we heard eerie howls from the forest, drawing closer and closer.

We were chilled to the bone, our bodies shaking. At that moment, hunger and cold became insignificant as we focused solely on reciting the mantra. After a few minutes, we were startled by frantic knocking on the window. I looked out and saw His Holiness gesturing for me to come outside. He led me towards the forest, where he performed mudras towards dark shadows. “These shadows are demons. They are constantly seeking opportunities to attack us,” he explained. It took nearly half an hour to subdue the demons. By then, it was well past midnight, and His Holiness continued practicing dharma silently inside the vehicle. We still had not found a place to stay. Just as we were unsure of our next move, a Caucasian man approached us and kindly offered the use of his mansion. We were overjoyed and eventually arrived at the mansion after driving through the dark. Some of us prepared food in the kitchen, finding exactly fourteen sets of dinnerware and fourteen seats in the dining room—miraculously matching the number of people in our group. We were amazed by this inexplicable occurrence.

Early the next morning, we gathered on the mansion’s balcony, our fright and fatigue from the previous night vanished. The surrounding scenery was stunning, with valleys stretching endlessly and peaks surrounded by swirling clouds and mist. From east to west, the horizon was adorned with the silver light of the sea, waves crashing against the shore. As we enjoyed breakfast, we attributed our survival the previous night to the protection of dharma deities. His Holiness asked, “Is this what you disciples believe?”

Photo by Life Of Pix on Pexels.com

Our journey continued, fraught with dangers and crises as demons continued to pursue us. Fortunately, under the protection of His Holiness, we faced and overcame these challenges each time. Normally, the journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes a day or less, but this time it took us seven days and seven nights. Even if I spent seven days and nights recounting His Holiness’s merit and holy deeds, it would not suffice. Therefore, I have composed the following poem to express my profound gratitude:

The Supreme Buddha Vajradhara of all sects, Honored one with boundless unimaginable merit; His Holiness expounds the esoteric scriptures of the Tathagata, With great compassion, benefiting all sentient beings.

The roars of the Vajra Lion shake the Three Spheres, Praised by holy and virtuous dharma kings; Guiding master of humans and celestial beings, Never hesitating to save the suffering.

The Buddha Master’s kindness is as grand as Mount Sumeru, I can never repay his boundless favors; I pray for His Holiness to remain in this world forever, Manifesting a sacred realm within samsara!

Humble disciple, Long Zhou Recording the truth in this account

The Terrifying Adventure on Highway One from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/19/the-miraculous-events-experienced-around-the-buddha/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII#HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII#LongZhouRinpoche#BuddhaDharma #Tathagata #Compassion #SentientBeings #SanFrancisco #LosAngeles

Master Milarepa Manifested the True Meaning of Emptiness in Heart Sutra

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Milarepa was the most famous disciple of the Kagyu lineage patriarch, Great Master Marpa, in Tibetan Buddhism. Renowned for his ascetic practices, Milarepa was celebrated as a prominent yogi, master of tantra, ascetic monk, and poet.

Milarepa was born in 1052 in Gongtang, Tibet, with the secular name Milarepa Tönpa. His family was very wealthy. However, at the age of seven, his father passed away due to illness, and the family’s estate was seized by his uncle and aunt, plunging them into poverty. Milarepa, his mother, and his three-year-old sister were treated as slaves by his relatives, going from being wealthy to destitute beggars, subjected to the cold stares of former friends and relatives.

This turn of events filled his mother with resentment. When Milarepa grew older, she sent him to learn sorcery for revenge. After mastering his skills, at his uncle’s wedding feast, Milarepa used sorcery to cause the house to collapse, killing 35 people, including his enemies. Later, he also summoned hailstorms that destroyed the crops of his uncle and the entire village. However, instead of finding satisfaction in revenge, Milarepa felt deep remorse for his actions, experiencing sleepless nights filled with regret. Eventually, he vowed to seek liberation through studying Buddhist teachings.

Later on, guided by others, Milarepa sought out Marpa as his teacher. To test Milarepa’s resolve to repent and to help him cleanse his negative karma, Marpa intentionally subjected him to various forms of arduous labor as a form of “torture.”

Marpa Lotsawa repeatedly instructed Milarepa to build houses on different mountains, and all the building materials—stones and wood—had to be carried by Milarepa himself. Then, intentionally, when the houses were nearly completed, Marpa would order them to be demolished, and all the materials had to be carried back to their original places. Due to the prolonged carrying of stones, Milarepa’s back was rubbed raw, covered with scars that would heal and then be rubbed raw again.

The arduous labor caused Milarepa immense suffering, but due to his intense desire for teachings, he continued to obey his teacher’s orders with gritted teeth. During this time, whenever Milarepa sought teachings, he would often be scolded by his master, which left him feeling hopeless. Yet, it was in this seemingly painful torment that Milarepa’s karmic obstacles were gradually purified.

About six years later, Milarepa finally received teachings from his master and, following his instructions, began to meditate in a mountain cave. Having learned the technique of “Tummo Concentration” from his master, Milarepa could withstand the cold wearing only a single piece of cloth in winter. Hence, people called him “Milarepa,” meaning “the one from the Mila family who wears a cloth garment.” After nine years of austere meditation in a mountain cave, Milarepa finally attained enlightenment. He became a highly acclaimed practitioner of actual realization in the snowy plateau of Tibet.

At that time, there was a venerable master who had been lecturing on scriptures and teachings in a temple for many years. Upon hearing the revered name of Milarepa, this master was unimpressed and insisted on inviting Milarepa to come for a debate.

Milarepa said, “Let’s not debate yet. Do you understand what emptiness is?” The master immediately began eloquently explaining various theories of emptiness. At that moment, Milarepa pointed to a pillar in the temple and sighed, “All that you are saying is theoretical. Tell me, is this pillar empty or substantial?” The master replied, “The pillar is substantial; how could it be empty?” Milarepa responded, “You say it’s substantial, but I say it’s empty.” With that, he used his hand to gesture through the pillar as if the pillar didn’t exist at all. The master was astonished.

Milarepa then pointed to the empty space and asked the master, “Is this empty space substantial or empty?” The master quickly answered, “It’s empty.” However, Milarepa countered, “I say it’s substantial,” and proceeded to walk into the empty space to demonstrate. He confidently walked step by step as if on solid ground, moving around in the empty space effortlessly.

The master was at a loss for words, feeling deeply ashamed of his arrogance and ignorance.

This encounter helps us understand that theoretical discussions or worldly-wise understandings of emptiness are entirely different from the realized emptiness of the enlightened beings. There is a fundamental distinction. Whether one can demonstrate the realm of “form is emptiness, emptiness is form” signifies the difference between the sacred and the mundane. Milarepa, revered as a great saint who realized emptiness, established the profound wisdom of “form is emptiness, emptiness is form” based on actual realization of the unity of appearance and emptiness.

The Venerable Milarepa has long departed this world, and we are unable to personally receive his teachings. However, we are incredibly fortunate to have witnessed the emanation of the primordial Buddha – Dorje Chang Buddha III, who descended to this saha world, bringing forth the correct and unbiased true Dharma for all sentient beings.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III expounded the Dharma with profound clarity and precision. “The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation” and “The Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra” represent the first appearance of such excellent treasures of Buddhist scriptures, the supreme essence classics, in thousands of years of Buddhist history.

“The Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra” elucidates the teachings based on the phrases and principles of the Heart Sutra, as expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. It clarifies the relationship between mind, Buddha, and sentient beings, explaining the definitions of the impermanent and non-impermanent nature of life, the universe, and sentient beings, as well as the truth of form, dwelling, decay, and emptiness. What is a Buddha? What is the connection between sentient beings and Buddhas? What does liberation from birth and death entail?

The Buddha Dharma spoken by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is presented in the most direct, accessible language, elucidating the profound truths of the Buddha Dharma for everyone to understand. During the inaugural empowerment ceremony for “The Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra,” Buddhas manifested in the empty sky and bestowed three-colored nectar, confirming that this teaching is the true Dharma spoken by the Tathagata. Those who sincerely practice “The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation” and thoroughly understand “The Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra” can truly embark on the swift path to liberation and accomplishment.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/19/master-milarepa-manifested-the-true-meaning-of-emptiness-in-heart-sutra/

Source: https://www.jinbodhi.org/cn/67702

80. FEAR MAKER AND LITTLE ARCHER [SELF-DECEPTION]

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80. FEAR MAKER AND LITTLE ARCHER [SELF-DECEPTION]

Some say that the world comes into being, disappears, and comes into being … over and over, throughout time. In one of these previous worlds, countless years ago, Truth was unknown and the Five Training Steps were practiced by only a few. Even the Enlightenment Being — the Bodhisatta — did not know Truth, and had not yet discovered the Five Training Steps.

Once upon a time in that long ago world, there was a king named Brahmadatta. Like many other kings of that name, he ruled in the place known today as Benares.

The Bodhisatta was born in a rich high class family in a market town, also in northern India. He happened to be a dwarf, bent over and partly hunchbacked. When he became a young man he remained short and stooped. Many people found him unpleasant to look at.

He studied under a very outstanding teacher. He learned all there was to know at that time, about the two great branches of knowledge — religion and science. He also learned how to use a bow and arrow better than anyone else in India. For this reason his teacher called him ‘Little Archer’.

Like most new graduates he was quite clever. He thought, “Many people judge by appearance alone. If I go to a king and ask for a job, he’ll probably ask, ‘Having such a short body, what can you possibly do for me?’ Therefore it would be better if I can team up with a front man — someone who is handsome in appearance, tall and well-grown in body, and strong in personality. I will provide the brains, but remain out of sight behind his shadow. In this way we can earn a good living together.”

One day he was walking in the district where the weavers live and work. He happened to see a big, strong looking man. He greeted him and asked his name. The weaver said, “Because of my appearance, people call me Fear Maker.”

“With such an impressive name.” said Little Archer, “and being so big and strong looking, why do you have such a low paying job?” “Because life is hard,” he replied.

“I have an idea.” Said the dwarf “In all India there is no one as skilled with a bow and arrow as I am. But I don’t look the part! If I asked a king for work he would either laugh or get angry at me. He would not believe that a hunchbacked little dwarf could be the greatest archer in India!

‘But you look perfect. And your name helps too. Therefore, let us go together to the king. You will be the front man and do all the talking. The king will hire you immediately. Meanwhile I will remain as if hidden underneath your shadow. I will be the real archer and we will prosper and be happy. You just have to do whatever I tell you.”

Thinking he had nothing to lose, Fear Maker agreed, saying, “It’s a deal, my friend!”

The two partners went off to Benares to see the king. When they entered the throne room, they bowed respectfully to the king. He asked them, “Why have you come here?”

Fear Maker stood in front and did all the talking. He answered, “I am the great archer known as Fear Maker. There is no one in all India who understands the science of archery as well as I do. I wish to be in your service, your majesty.”

The king was quite impressed. He asked, “What shall I pay you?” “I will serve you for 500 pieces of money per week your majesty,” he replied.

Nodding, the king noticed the silent dwarf stooping behind him, almost out of sight. “Who is this little man?” he asked. “What does he do for you?” “He’s my little assistant,” said Fear Maker. ‘Very well,” said King Brahmadatta, “the job is yours.”

In this way Fear Maker was accepted into the king’s service, but it was Little Archer who did all the work.

Before long, news came to the palace that there was a ferocious tiger living in the jungle next to the king’s highway. He ambushed travellers, and then killed and ate them. Many began to avoid the king’s highway out of fear of the man-eater.

The king summoned Fear Maker and asked, “Can you capture this rampaging tiger, young man?” “Your majesty,” he answered, “I am known as your best archer. Why wouldn’t I be able to capture a tiger?” Hearing this, the king gave him an extra sum of money and sent him out to catch the tiger.

Fear Maker went home and told all this to his partner. “All right,” said Little Archer, “be on your way!” “Aren’t you coming too?” asked the surprised Fear Maker. “No, I won’t go,” he replied, “but I will give you a perfect plan. You must do exactly as I say.” “I will, my little friend. Please tell me,” said the big front man.

The clever little dwarf said to his friend, “Go to the district of the tiger, but don’t rush straight to his home by yourself. Instead, gather together a thousand local villagers and give them all bows and arrows. Take them directly to the tiger’s home. But then you must let them go on ahead while you hide in the underbrush.

‘The local villagers will be very afraid of the tiger. When they see him they will surround him and beat him. Being so terrified, they won’t stop beating him until he’s dead!

“Meanwhile you must cut a piece of vine with your teeth. Then come out of hiding and approach the dead tiger, holding the vine in your hand. When you see the tiger’s body, shout at the people, ‘Hey! Who has killed the tiger? I was going to capture him with this vine and lead him like a bull to the king. That’s why I’ve been searching in the jungle. Now tell me who has killed the tiger before I could get here with my vine.’

“The villagers will be easily frightened by this. They will say, ‘Lord Fear Maker, please don’t tell the king! Then they will give you a big bribe to be quiet. Thinking you have killed the dangerous tiger, King Brahmadatta will also reward you greatly.” This was the tricky plan of the clever Little Archer.

Fear Maker did exactly as he had been instructed. The man-eating tiger was killed, and fear was removed from that part of the king’s highway. Followed by a big crowd he returned to the king and said, “Your majesty, I have killed the tiger and made the jungle safe for people again.” The king was pleased and gave him a huge reward.

Before long there were similar complaints about a buffalo who threatened another royal road. Again the king sent Fear Maker. Following Little Archer’s strategy he did exactly as before. He took credit for killing the buffalo and was greatly rewarded again by the grateful king.

By this time Fear Maker had become a very rich and powerful nobleman. All the wealth and praise, which he didn’t really deserve, soon went to his head. He became intoxicated with his own conceit and began thinking he was a ‘big man’ in his own right. He even looked down on Little Archer and ignored his advice. He said to him, “You think this is all because of you. But I don’t need you. I can do all this without you!” He had come to believe the appearance created by Little Archer’s plan.

Then it happened that an enemy king attacked. He surrounded the city of Benares with his army. He sent a message to King Brahmadatta that he must either surrender his kingdom or wage war. The King of Benares ordered his greatest hero, Fear Maker, to go out and fight the enemy.

Fear Maker was dressed in full military armour. He mounted the mightiest armoured war elephant. Little Archer knew that the ungrateful conceited braggart, called Fear Maker was really scared to death underneath. So he too mounted the elephant and sat behind Fear Maker. The mighty elephant walked through the city gates towards the battlefield, followed by a big crowd.

When Fear Maker heard the huge noise made by the war drums, he began trembling with fear. To keep him from falling off the elephant and being killed, Little Archer tied a rope around him and held him with it.

When Fear Maker saw the field of battle he was overwhelmed by the terrible fear of death. So much so, that he couldn’t help but release his bowels and urinate at the same time — all over the back of the poor brave war elephant!

The Enlightenment Being said, “Before you bragged and spoke roughly like a big man. But now, the only big thing you do is make a filthy mess all over this elephant’s back! Your present actions prove your past appearance was false.”

Fear Maker had embarrassed himself. Little Archer had humbled him by speaking the truth. But he couldn’t help feeling sympathy for him. He said, “Don’t be afraid anymore, my friend. With me to protect you, your life is safe. Climb down from the elephant and go home and take a bath.”

Alone atop the great elephant, the Enlightenment Being thought, “Now is the time to show what is in the heart of this hunchbacked little dwarf!” Shouting mightily as he rode he charged into the field of battle. Without killing any men or animals, he crashed through the enemy’s defences. He broke into the king’s camp, captured him, and took him back as prisoner to the King of Benares.

King Brahmadatta was delighted with Little Archer’s great victory. He rewarded him with wealth and fame. He became known throughout all India as ‘Little Archer the Wise’. He sent his friend Fear Maker back to his home village and supported him with monthly payments.

Little Archer the Wise practiced generosity and other meritorious deeds. When he died he was reborn as he deserved.

The moral is: “Appearances can be deceiving.”

80. Fear Maker and Little Archer [Self-deception]

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2024/04/16/80-fear-maker-and-little-archer-self-deception/

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Iron Man of Bhutan

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Great Bodhisattva H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo , the iron man of Bhutan, the Leonardo da Vinci of the Himalayas, the king of empty fields, artisan, engineer, composer, poet, soldier, merchant and more. He is a repertoire matched only by his own achievements. He is none other than H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo, the great wandering scholar and accomplished yogi saint- and all the above.

Perhaps the most enigmatic of Buddhist saints,H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo is the most renowned as the builders of iron bridges. In his many visits to Bhutan he built 8 iron bridges and 2 temples, the Dumtseg lhakhang in Paro and the Tachog Lhakhang . These are the top places to visit in Bhutan

Dumtsek Lhakhang at Paro

If any imminent personage has fired the imagination of later day chronicles, scholars and devotees, none can compare to that of H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo. From the scandalously rogue antics of Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman, to the menacingly airborne Milarepa, the legacy of Thang Tong Gyalpo is solid iron, literally so.

Personality

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo is most revered and remembered for the numerous iron bridges that he built, accomplishments that begat him the more popular title  Chazampa(iron bridges). For his eccentricity and unconventional behavior he was called Lungton Nyonpa, the madman of an empty village. What was generally accepted was that he was Drubthob, the realized and accomplished one. He was so, in every sense of the word.

Iron Bridge at Tacgogang Lhakhang Built by H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo

His Birth

A popular and interesting but apocryphal legend has it that H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo was born as an old man. His parents, fearing that they had given birth to a freak abandoned him in the fields. He was then brought up by the wild animals and hence his name Tangtong Gyalpo. It translates as King of the open fields.

The more accurate accounts are that he grew up a child prodigy who has mastered the scriptures and the arts at a young age. In this context the name has been interpreted as the one with incomparable excellence in meditation. He is also known for steadfast and immobile from the plains (thang) of concentration. The name is also explained as indicative of his vast and supreme views on the nature of emptiness. 

His Reincarnation

His life is one of progression. The avatars as manifold as the names and their interpretations. He is at once a militia conscript who rose rapidly through the ranks to become a commander. He has captured several forts by way of nonviolent strategy. In his youth, he was a very successful merchant who gave up his wealth and profits to a local ruler to save the lives of several unknown people from execution. 

It is hardly surprising from this incident that he was considered an active emanation of Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion. Additionally, several of his sadhanas such as Avalokiteshvara sadhana ‘For The benefit of All Beings Pervading Space” was composed by him after he received the transmission of this practice directly from Chenrizig. Chenrizig Nyungnye was also said to be a practice that he did throughout his life.

His Youth

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo lived for a time in Lhasa, at the court of  the Deb Desi and was under the patronage of the daughter of the Desi. 

The princess commissioned several major works of sculpture and paintings; most notable among them the exquisite gold sculpture of Milarepa. He also crafted several life-sized statues of Chenrezig, Tsepame and Drolma from conch shell, coral and turquoise that were destroyed in 1959.

chenrezig
Chenrezig

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo’s creativity and ingenuity were not limited to art but even extended to developing numerous medicines and treatments including some longevity pills. Perhaps through strange coincidence, the Chakpori hilltop where H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo lived near Lhasa later became the site for the first formal Tibetan medicinal institute built in the 17th century.

His Inspiration

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo’s engineering feats, particularly with regard to bridge building, were reportedly inspired after he was refused passage on a ferry because of his ferocious and unkempt outward appearance. He was thrown unceremoniously into the water only to emerge with an insatiable zest for building bridges and ferry points. 

Tachogang village , connected by iron bridge
Tachogang Village , Connected By iron Bridge

The new found vocation was intended to inter-link remote and inaccessible villages and propagate the Buddhist faith. His early attempts suffered many set backs, the primary one being the lack of funds. This did not deter or faze H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo and he is said to have come up with an innovative idea to compose and organize performances of the first ever Tibetan Opera, the Achi Lhamo to finance his passion. 

Acheivement

Both bridge building and the opera were great successes. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo went on to build something like 58 iron bridges and an equal number of wooden bridges, and over hundred ferry crossings all over the Himalayas including 8 iron bridges in Bhutan. None of the bridges are known to be standing. However, parts and pieces of iron still stand the taste of time at the national museum in Paro and at Duksum near Trashiyangtse, in eastern Bhutan. 

National Museum in Paro
National Museum in Paro

The Achi Lhamo opera, with the starting troupe of seven sisters who worked on the saint’s bridges, is still performed and enjoyed hugely to these days during the new year celebration and on festive occasions. 

Achi Lhamo Opera Still Prevalent in Bhutan
Achi Lhamo Opera Composed by H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo Still Prevalent in Bhutan

Places he visited

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo traveled widely and is said to have visited SIkkim, Ladakh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan in search of iron ore. He is a celebrated figure in this region and his exploits and compositions live on in the local folk songs and lore. He is also credited with composing many of the work songs sung in the villages of the region, including in Bhutan. Numerous stories and songs also extol his miracles and his enlightened activities and one song tells of him using the yeti as his porter. 

Living Temple of Thang Tong Gyalpo in Bhutan

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo’s passage in Bhutan stands enshrined in the temples of Tachoggang and Dumtse in Paro that he built.

Dumtseg Lhakhang Paro

The biography of Lochen Gyurmey Dechen narrates that the blacksmith of Paro once manufactured seven thousand chain links for H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo. These he took to Tibet in 1400 carrier loads. During his frequent and long sojourns to bhutan he took a consort Drubthob Zangmo, the aunt of Great Terton Pema Lingpa from whom he had several sons whose descendants live on at the Tachogang monastery. 

The Depictions of H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo

Depictions of H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo are easily identifiable given his unusual appearances as in the manner of Maha siddhas. He has the signature iron chain link held in his right hand. The saint’s body complexion is dark reddish- brown, described in some cases as having the hue of “wet liver”.

Thangtong Gyalpo

He is said to belong to the descendent of the famed and legendary king Gesar. Seated on an antelope skin in the relaxed posture, he holds a  tsebum or vase of long life in his left hand which rests on his lap in the dhyani mudra. The saint’s tsebum links him to tsepame, the bodhisattva of infinite life. He had also discovered the sacred dharani  as a terma hidden by Guru Rinpoche. Special H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo drupchens of long life are still very popular..

His Countenance

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo is depicted with his hair in a turban-like knot. He sports a long beard and long logs up to his shoulders which may be either black or white depending on whether he is depicted as an old man or in his prime. His image in Dumtse Lhakhang near the entrance is perhaps the youngest depiction. 

Thangtong Gyalpo

Clothed  in a white garment in this particular and unusual depiction, he maintains a goatee, short hair and holds his hand in the bhumisparsa mudra. The iron chain links are not held in the hands as usual but lie at the edge of the throne, barely discernible under the folds of his garments. In contrast, the huge main statue of the saint in the ZIlukha Drubthob nunnery above the Tashichho Dzong shows him at a ripped old age with long white flowing locks and beard. A pot belly and perhaps a gentler expression on his face. Numerous slate carvings of the saint holding his iron chain and vase are found in the Dzong and monasteries all around Bhutan. In many of these slate carvings the face is embellished with gold paint. 

H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo was also famous throughout Tibet for his great strength and engineering skills. He is a great Bodhisattva known and respected by one and all in Tibet. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo was the supreme leader of four esoteric sects within India, Bhutan, Sikkim, Mongolia, and Eastern Tibet. He possessed teachings from many dharma lineages, the most remarkable of which were the lineage to extend one’s life and the lineage to bring in wealth and change one’s fortune. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo was a great terton, or discoverer of hidden teachings called terma, who both revealed and concealed terma for future generations. His main practice was that of Chenrezig. A young incarnation of this great master is currently living in Bhutan.

In year 2005, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III accepted H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo as one of his disciples who is on the level of a great venerable one and performed an initiation for him, at HuaZangSi Temple in San Francisco.

He later learned that the book A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma about the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata was about to be published. He thereupon organized many rinpoches to practice the Kuan Yin Dharma one billion times as an offering to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III. He also sent his written congratulations stating that His Holiness is the master of Buddhas, the magnificence of His Holiness is supreme and that in this world no other holy being in history can compare with His Holiness.

Iron Man of Bhutan

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/12/iron-man-of-bhutan/

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Source: https://www.bhutaninbound.com/blog/2022/06/11/thang-tong-gyalpo-iron-man-of-bhutan/#:~:text=Thang%20Tong%20Gyalpo%20is%20most,title%20Chazampa(iron%20bridges).

Relatives of Western Disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Go to Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss

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When Zhaxi Zhuoma’s close relative died, she asked H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, “What should I do?” As a result of her sincere request, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III performed a very wonderful and amazing ceremony that enabled her to see her relative, actually go to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss (Sukhavati). This is a very high ritual of the Supreme Yoga Vajra Division, which cannot be discussed in detail with those who have not received initiation. However, she was able to report that she actually witnessed with her own eyes the miraculous scene where this person was transported to the sixth level of this Buddha-land that is beyond the worldly realms of suffering and sorrow. There are nine levels all together in the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss. This is the highest tier of the middle level, known as the Zhong Pin Shang Sheng in Chinese.

The picture of this person quivered in her hands as the ceremony began. It seemed that he could hardly wait. Or was this in response to the extraordinary dharma powers of the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III? It was a glorious and marvelous sight! There are no words that can express the joy she experienced when this event took place. His Holiness explained that this was because she was able to obtain a “glimpse” of the bliss that occurs in the Western Paradise. There is no other Dharma King or master who can do this! It was incredible!

Earlier H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III  allowed Zhaxi Zhuoma to see the sufferings of Hell. Now she was able to experience the bliss of the Western Paradise. The Petitioning the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss Dharma is a very high and special dharma that is rarely practiced in this world. Many people want to go to the Western Paradise, but can’t. They would like to receive this dharma or have it performed for their loved ones, but can’t. Zhaxi Zhuoma said, “I have been with H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III  for six years and seen him perform very many forms of inner tantric initiations and received some, but this is the first time that I have seen him perform this particular dharma. It was only through the maturing of certain causes and conditions that this ritual was successfully performed.“

“My dear relative, who was ninety when he died, had been a good Christian man, but knew nothing of Buddhism. His only contact with Buddhism had been through knowing me, although he had also met my younger vajra sister, Ven. Akou Lamo Rinpoche, in 2003 when we briefly visited him while on tour of the U.S.. Ven. Akou Lamo Rinpoche is a great rinpoche from Tibet and also a close disciple of H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III . I am sure we were the only Buddhists he had ever even heard of, let alone met. “ This person had lived a good life and was very kind and generous, being willing to go to great lengths to help those who needed help. His immediate family, who are all also good Christians, were quite certain that he would go to the Christian heaven, but who would have thought that he would have had the good fortune to escape the realm of reincarnation altogether?

He had, after all, also been an avid hunter and fisherman and had killed many living beings in his life. With such negative karma, how could he be reborn in heaven? Needless to say, it would be even more impossible for him to go to the Western Paradise. But H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Buddha-dharma is so magnificent! I could actually witness my relative going to this superb Buddha-land and enjoying the incomparable happiness one finds there. His Holiness told me, ‘You are a rinpoche. That is why you can see this.’

“I was horrified when the minister giving the eulogy at my relative’s funeral praised him for teaching his grandchildren how to fish. I wanted to cry out “How can you praise someone for teaching children how to kill?” but I held my tongue and remained silent. In this rural community and this culture, hunting and fishing are very important, both for food and for pleasure. They do not understand the principles of either reincarnation or karma. It is only through the incredible merit, dharma skills, and great compassion of the H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III  that this could happen.

“Just eleven days after my relative left this world, his wife also left. She was also ninety. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was also able to raise her consciousness so that she could join her husband in the Western Paradise. I saw the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas come to the sacred mandala to receive her and witnessed their acceptance of her into the Western Paradise. This was a different ceremony held at a different mandala. At first it looked as though she might not be able to make it. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III went back and practiced the dharma a second time. This time he was able to send her to this paradise of eternal joy and happiness.

She, too, had been a good Christian, but knew nothing about Buddhism. She also did not have the good fortune to meet Ven. Akou Lamo Rinpoche. However, she was still able to go to the Western Paradise. It was so amazing. This was because of the incredible compassion and Buddha-dharma powers of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata. The Buddha-dharma is magnificent!”

In 2004 H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III  performed another ceremony to raise the consciousness of Zhaxi Zhuoma’s non-Buddhist parents, Carl and Elsie Welker, to a higher realm as well. At that time she saw the Dharma Protecting Deities come to perform this rite. She was very, very grateful to her vajra master for his kindness and compassion in blessing her dear relatives. These miraculous Buddha-dharma events, performed for those who had not practiced or known anything about Buddhism, were all due to the amazing merit and compassion of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. He was willing and able to share his boundless merit with these non-Buddhist to enable them to enjoy the blessings of Amitabha Buddha’s Western Paradise. This was a great teaching on compassion and true equanimity.

REINCARNATION:

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III reminded us that we must realize that reincarnation is not something that just exists for Buddhists or easterners. It existed before the coming of the Buddha or before Jesus and continues to exist even after they have left this realm. It is a fact based on the principles of cause and effect. It does not exist because people believe in it or talk about it—it just exists. Nor does reincarnation cease to exist just because people do not accept it or believe in it. Only the Buddha was able to see how the cycle of reincarnation worked and to realize the method for escaping the suffering that is inherent in continual rebirth in the six realms of existence. Only a Buddha is capable of understanding the workings of karma.

Some concept of “heaven” or a “happy hunting ground” or “paradise” is held by most religions. Buddhism recognizes these realms as well, but does not hold the various heavens or abodes of the gods (devas or angels) and other celestial beings to be the goal of spiritual practice. They could be viewed as a “rest stop” or a nice vacation site, as one can surely go to these wonderful places if one lives a good life, avoids evil, and accumulates sufficient “merit.” However, even in heaven, when one’s merit is used up (and it is very hard to accumulate more merit while in those realms—the pleasures are just too great), one must still be reborn and repay one’s karmic debts.

There is even no guarantee that living a good life is enough to enable you to have a good next life, for your karma from past lives may catch up with you on your next round. Only by becoming a holy or enlightened being (or saint), can one escape the cycle of reincarnation and the suffering of existence. The early Christians also believed in reincarnation, as do many Christians today, but it is not accepted as Christian dogma. There are two dharmas whereby one can go to the Western Paradise. One dharma involves repeatedly reciting Amitabha Buddha’s name. The other is Petitioning the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss Dharma, which is a very high and special dharma that very few people who have lived in this world could perform. Shakyamuni Buddha and the Ugyen Second Buddha, Great Dharma King Padmasambhava, could do it, as could great holy dharma kings after them. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, however, is more accomplished than any of these dharma kings.

No wonder H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo Great Bodhisattva, who was once the leader of the four main sects of esoteric Buddhism, wrote a congratulatory letter highly praising H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu’s proficiency in both esoteric and exoteric Buddhism and his wonderful mastery of the five vidyas. That letter also praised His Holiness as being the first person in history to accomplish this. Zhaxi Zhuoma said that “to my knowledge, His Holiness is the only living vajra master who can perform such a ceremony involving great dharma and have the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas come to the sacred altar to help the deceased reach this high level of achievement. We are very fortunate to have such a holy one with us here in America.”

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/12/relatives-of-western-disciple-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-wan-ko-yeshe-norbu-go-to-western-paradise-of-ultimate-bliss/

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H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III Paintings in Fanjuan Style

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Landscape painting is a direct cultural expression of Chinese philosophy. Throughout history, eminent painters such as Dong Yuan, Ju Ran, Zong Bing, Guo Xi, Huang Gongwang, Shi Tao, and Bada Shanren have all used landscape painting to express their extraordinary spiritual realms. Unlike the representational approach of Western painting, landscape painters observe the myriad phenomena of heaven and earth, contemplate the vastness of the universe, and use their hearts to transform their inner landscapes into brushstrokes, imbuing their works with the majestic spirit of nature. Beneath the bold and uninhibited brushstrokes lies the creation of inner beauty, revealing a unified spiritual realm through the language of painting.

The quality of ink and brushwork is paramount in judging the merit of a Chinese painting. Indeed, without mastery of ink and brush, there would be no Chinese painting. The importance of ink and brush in Chinese painting is akin to that of cells in life. From mountains and rivers to figures and forests, all are realized through the use of ink and brush. The concept of bone structure and brush technique refers to the artist’s outlining, texturing, and dotting within the painting.

H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III  landscape paintings in Fanjuan Style exhibit a natural and vigorous brushwork, with bold and powerful strokes. The ink’s varying degrees of wetness and dryness create distinct layers and a lively rhythm in the composition. The rich and vivid atmosphere in the paintings brings joy and resonance to viewers, touching their hearts deeply. The exceptional quality of ink and brushwork in these paintings is truly breathtaking.

Here, let us appreciate some of His Holiness’s landscape paintings in the Fanjuan style, a style created by His Holiness himself.

The “Fanjuan” Style Numerous brush strokes exude an air of scholarly refinement. Despite the complexity of the strokes, there is no sense of disorder; instead, they reflect artistic talent rooted in profound and extensive knowledge.

“Ferrying the Xia River” is an ink-and-wash painting created in 1993 by H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III. While predominantly utilizing black ink, the brush strokes encapsulate the essence of both painting and calligraphy. Despite the monochromatic palette, the sense of depth and proximity is distinctly rendered. Renowned artist Mr. Huang Binhong once remarked, “Black ink pervades like the vastness of heaven and earth. A single sheet of painting paper can unfurl myriad mountains.” Crafted seemingly effortlessly within a few days, this masterpiece is the culmination of nearly a century of brushwork mastery.

The painting boasts a richly layered appearance, its thick black ink imbued with elegance, resulting in a masterfully conceived and captivating image. Amid this tranquil setting, sounds reverberate from thatched mountain cottages to boats on the water and back again.

In the artwork, a distant view unveils a series of lead-gray mountains, nestled against a lively stream at their base. Rocks, trees, and vegetation seamlessly merge with the mountain range, their tones resembling the clarity of a mountain stream’s deep pool. Though mysterious and profound, the depths of the pool are subtly visible.

The rustic palette, layered landscapes, and deep ink colors infuse the scene with a primordial ambiance. It feels like dawn, with small boats beginning to glide along the cold stream at the mountain’s foot. The entire composition radiates a misty spring ambiance, with the moist spring tide enveloping the scene. At the painting’s base, diminutive figures become the most captivating element. Despite their scale and near indiscernibility, their silhouettes vividly convey distinct personalities and ages, infusing the composition with a human touch. These lively figures serve as the painting’s eyes, enriching the work with a profound aesthetic sensibility. Truly exceptional artists possess a pure and sacred artistic vision.

Clouds, Mountains, and Water Seem To Sing a Song of Autumn

“Clouds, Mountains, and Water Seem To Sing a Song of Autumn” is a landscape painting featuring misty mountain ranges, clear rivers, rushing waterfalls, icy mountain springs, simple farmhouses, scenes of honest fishermen fishing, and humble farmers gathering firewood on the mountainside. Through this artwork, H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III vividly captures the raw beauty of nature and the diverse lives of the people. It is a rare masterpiece of landscape painting, grand and expansive, with a profound connection to the pulse of life. The bold brushstrokes create a rich and fresh atmosphere, with a lush ink texture. Within the valleys lie a few buildings, nestled among red autumn maples, promising tranquility and serenity. The distant mountains, shrouded in mist and haze, inspire boundless imagination and contemplation.

“Ancient Village at Remote Mountain Spring” is a small-scale painting created by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in last decade. An artist who saw that painting said, “Although ‘Ancient Village at Remote Mountain Spring’ is as small as only one-fourth of the size of the palm of a hand, one can see curling mist, mountains, and cliffs. It truly is a magnificent landscape scene that expresses a lofty and broad artistic conception. The energy of the cloudy mountains is palpable. Such a tiny painting seems to contain thousands of mountains. It is not merely an ink-wash painting. Rather, it is a vivid landscape scene that is brimming with vitality!”

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/04/11/h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-paintings-in-fanjuan-style/

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