This is a true story, personally recounted by a monk.
He said that before he became a monk, he was a hunter, specializing in capturing foxes. One day, he caught a large fox as soon as he left home. After skinning it for its valuable fur, he left the animal—still barely alive—hidden in the grass.
By evening, when the hunter returned to retrieve the fox, it was gone. Looking more carefully, he noticed faint traces of blood on the ground, leading toward a small cave nearby.
Peering inside, he was stunned by what he saw: the fox, in excruciating pain and skinned alive, had struggled back to its den. Why?
When the hunter dragged out the now lifeless body, he discovered two tiny, blind cubs tightly suckling their dead mother’s withered breast.
The sight struck him to his very core. Never before had he realized that animals, too, share the same bonds of maternal love as humans. Even in her dying moments, the mother fox had thought only of feeding her children, afraid they would go hungry. At that realization, an overwhelming wave of grief, shame, and remorse consumed him. He was devastated, unable to forgive himself.
From that moment, he laid down his weapons, abandoned hunting, and chose the path of monastic life.
Many years later, whenever this monk recalled that experience, his eyes would still well up with tears.
The Selfless Leap: A Lesson from the Bharal
There are moments in life when a single experience reshapes the way we see the world forever. The extraordinary sacrifice of animals that opened a hunter’s heart and made him vow never again to take a life.
It happened during a hunt many years ago. Our party had driven a herd of more than sixty bharal—also known as blue sheep—to the edge of a cliff on Mount Bulang. The plan was cruel but simple: trap them on the precipice, and force them to fall to their deaths so we wouldn’t waste bullets.
The herd panicked, but then something astonishing happened. At the sound of a cry from a large male, the bharal divided themselves into two groups—young and old. Out of the elders stepped a weathered male, his horns broken, his face lined with age. He bleated once, and a half-grown bharal emerged from the younger group to join him.
Together they approached the cliff’s edge, then charged forward. The young one leapt first, soaring into the abyss, but it quickly began to fall. At that very moment, the old male followed, placing himself directly beneath the younger in midair. The youth’s hooves struck the elder’s back, using it as a springboard for a second leap. Miraculously, it landed safely on the opposite cliff.
The old one, having given all he had, plummeted to his death.
And then, pair after pair followed. The sky above the gorge was filled with arcs of courage—each elder laying down its life so a younger one might live. By the end, countless old bharal lay broken on the rocks, but the youth had crossed to safety.
I was stunned beyond words. At the edge of extinction, this herd had discovered a way to save itself—by sacrificing half to preserve half. But what shook me even more was not the strategy itself, but the spirit behind it. These elders did not resist, did not hesitate. They walked calmly toward death, offering their bodies so their children might have a future.
In that moment, my heart broke open. I realized that animals, too, embody wisdom, love, and a willingness to sacrifice that rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, our own. I could no longer see them as mere prey. That day, I made a vow: I would never again take life.
✨ The story of the bharal is more than just a tale of survival. It is a mirror for us as human beings. Would we, when faced with the survival of our families, communities, or world, have the courage to lay ourselves down for the next generation? Would we live not only for ourselves, but for those who come after us?
The bharal taught me that true strength is not in holding on, but in letting go—for love. And from that lesson, my heart turned toward compassion.
In the heart of Central Java’s fertile Kedu Valley, embraced by volcanic peaks and emerald landscapes, rises a monument unlike any other—Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built more than 1,200 years ago, this colossal stone mountain is not just an architectural wonder, but a spiritual journey carved in stone.
A Monument Born of Devotion
Borobudur was constructed in the 8th and 9th centuries under the Sailendra Dynasty. Without a drop of mortar, two million volcanic stone blocks were precisely interlocked like a massive puzzle, forming a structure that has endured centuries of nature’s tests. From above, its shape is breathtaking—a giant mandala, the sacred geometric symbol of the Buddhist cosmos.
The temple rises in three tiers, each representing one of the realms of Buddhist cosmology:
Kamadhatu – The Realm of Desire: The base, adorned with reliefs that portray the karmic law and the cycle of birth and death.
Rupadhatu – The Realm of Form: Five square terraces lined with intricate reliefs and 504 serene Buddha statues.
Arupadhatu – The Realm of Formlessness: Three circular platforms crowned with 72 bell-shaped stupas, each sheltering a meditating Buddha. At the summit stands the great central stupa, symbolizing ultimate enlightenment.
A Living Story in Stone
Walking through Borobudur is like entering a vast storybook. The temple’s bas-reliefs, stretching across 2,500 square meters, are the most complete ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world. They illustrate tales from the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, Jataka stories, and profound teachings, guiding pilgrims step by step upward—from worldly desires to spiritual liberation.
Buried, Forgotten, and Found Again
Despite its grandeur, Borobudur fell silent between the 10th and 14th centuries, likely due to political shifts and the spread of Islam in Java. Nature reclaimed it—volcanic ash and thick jungle hid the monument from the world’s eyes. For centuries, it slumbered, until 1814, when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British governor of Java, was informed of a “buried hill.” Excavations revealed not a hill, but a hidden treasure of human devotion.
From Restoration to Reverence
In the 20th century, Borobudur was painstakingly restored with UNESCO’s support, safeguarding its stones against further decay. In 1991, it was declared a World Heritage Site, recognized as both a cultural and spiritual masterpiece.
Today, Borobudur is not just a monument of the past—it is alive with faith. Each year, thousands of Buddhists from across Indonesia and beyond gather here for Vesak Day, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha under the full moon. Lanterns rise into the night sky, echoing the timeless aspiration for wisdom and compassion.
Borobudur is more than stone, stupas, and statues. It is a meditation frozen in time, a pilgrimage for both the feet and the heart. For travelers, standing atop Borobudur at sunrise—watching the mist lift from the valley as the first rays of light kiss the central stupa—is an experience beyond words.
This temple is not just Indonesia’s pride; it is humanity’s shared treasure, reminding us of the enduring power of faith, art, and the human spirit.
Travel Guide: Planning Your Visit
If Borobudur is on your travel list, here are some helpful tips:
📍 Location
Situated in Magelang, Central Java, about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Yogyakarta.
Easily accessible by car, bus, or organized tour from Yogyakarta (1–1.5 hours).
🕰 Best Time to Visit
Sunrise tours are especially popular. Watching the first light illuminate the misty valley and stupas is unforgettable.
The dry season (April–October) offers clearer skies and comfortable weather.
🎟 Tickets
General admission is separate for local and international visitors.
Sunrise access often requires booking through official operators.
Combination tickets are available if you also wish to visit Prambanan Temple, another UNESCO site nearby.
👟 What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be climbing many steps).
A hat, sunscreen, and water—the tropical sun can be intense.
A respectful outfit: shoulders and knees covered, as Borobudur is a sacred site.
🛕 Nearby Attractions
Prambanan Temple – A magnificent Hindu temple complex about an hour away.
Mendut Temple – A smaller Buddhist temple with a giant Buddha statue, often part of the Vesak procession.
Yogyakarta City – Known for its royal palace, batik art, and vibrant street food scene.
This morning, I stumbled upon a truly inspiring video—one that I feel compelled to share. It’s about something simple yet deeply powerful: the words we choose to tell ourselves at the start of each day.
The video introduces five morning affirmations—phrases rooted in mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion. These words are not just reminders; they are seeds we plant in our hearts. By repeating them daily, we can replace anxiety with calm, transform doubt into confidence, and begin our day already centered in peace.
Here are the affirmations:
I am here, I am alive. This moment is enough.
Nothing outside me can disturb my peace unless I let it.
I will treat myself with kindness, not judgment.
Everything I need is already within me.
Let me be the cause of peace today.
These may seem like simple sentences, yet they carry thousands of years of wisdom. Buddhist teachings remind us that the mind shapes our reality. When we begin each day with thoughts of peace, compassion, and self-respect, we set the tone for everything that follows.
What I love most is the last affirmation: “Let me be the cause of peace today.” Imagine the ripple effect if each of us carried this intention into our daily lives—peace would not just be something we seek, but something we create and share.
The words we tell ourselves each morning truly have the power to shape a lifetime of peace and wisdom.
✨ I wish everyone who watches this video peace, clarity, and growth on their journey. May these affirmations bring light to your mornings and strength to your days.
🌸 Why not give it a try? For the next seven mornings, say these affirmations to yourself before you start your day. Notice how they shift your mood, your focus, and even the way you interact with others. If you feel inspired, share your experience—it might just encourage someone else to begin their own journey of mindful mornings.
You would never imagine that an ordinary stray dog from China could become a spiritual icon for people all over the world. Its story was written into a book, translated into 20 languages, and sold globally. Hollywood even bought the film rights, and one day it will be made into a movie. Countless celebrities and business leaders have posed for photos with it, and even the Queen of England once held it in her arms.
So what made this little dog so extraordinary? Everything began with what seemed like a random “accident.”
It was the summer of 2016 in Xinjiang, during a grueling ultra-marathon held once every three years. The main character of the story, British athlete Dion Leonard, was among the participants. Under the scorching sun—temperatures soaring above 40°C—runners had to trek 300 kilometers across desert and Gobi terrain. It was a challenge that tested both physical strength and willpower.
To conserve energy, Dion carried only a little bread and water. After walking all day, he finally stopped to rest for the night. That’s when a starving stray dog approached him, wagging its tail with all its might. Moved by the little dog’s cuteness, Dion shared some of his precious food.
He didn’t know it then, but that small act of kindness tied their destinies together. From the next day onward, the dog refused to leave his side. That’s when Dion realized it had no owner. Since the race was long and lonely, he welcomed this unexpected companion.
Day after day, the dog kept up with Dion. Whenever exhaustion hit him, just looking at the panting, tail-wagging little dog filled him with strength again. “If this tiny creature has the endurance to keep going, then so must I,” Dion thought. He named the dog Gobi, after the desert where they met. They shared food by day and huddled together by night. Through hardship, man and dog forged a bond of deep friendship.
Can you imagine—a stray dog becoming a global hero, its story turned into a bestselling book and a movie? That’s exactly what happened.
But during the race, Gobi could only run 150 kilometers before collapsing from exhaustion in the scorching desert. The organizers rescued and treated the little dog, who then waited faithfully at the finish line each day for Dion to return. Without Gobi, Dion felt alone again—but now he had something to fight for. His longing to see his companion pushed him to finish the final 150 kilometers in just three days, earning him a silver medal—the best result of his career. But instead of basking in the honor, his first joy was reuniting with Gobi.
The race organizers were so moved by their bond that they even awarded Gobi her own silver medal. Dion, who had once lost a beloved dog years earlier, felt this meeting was destiny. He resolved to adopt Gobi and bring her home to the UK.
From a stray with no future, Gobi suddenly became a beloved star dog, cherished by a marathon champion. Dion spared a lot of effort and about several thousand dollars to secure the adoption, leaving Gobi in a friend’s care in Xinjiang while he flew back to the UK to handle the paperwork. But just when everything was ready and Dion was eagerly awaiting Gobi’s arrival, disaster struck—Gobi went missing.
Panicked, Dion flew back to China and printed thousands of flyers to search for his companion. By then, their story had already gone viral. Media outlets reported it widely, and Gobi became a symbol of hope, inspiring people everywhere. When word spread that the famous little dog was lost, locals poured into the streets to help search, forming teams day and night, while countless netizens spread the news online.
Dion chased down every lead, refusing to give up. Finally, following a clue that others thought worthless, he found Gobi—injured and weary, but alive. The little dog had clearly suffered, but this time, Dion promised, she would never be alone again.
This reunion made Gobi even more famous. After full medical care and recovery, Dion finally brought her home to Scotland.
To honor their extraordinary bond, Dion turned from athlete to author, writing Finding Gobi. The book became an international sensation, translated into 20 languages and sold worldwide. Hollywood bought the rights to make it into a film. Together, Dion and Gobi traveled the globe, giving talks, meeting celebrities, and even winning the “Most Inspiring Animal Award.” Gobi’s journey reached its peak when the Queen of England herself held her in her arms.
What began with a stray dog’s trust and loyalty turned into a man’s promise and responsibility—together creating a heartwarming story that touched the whole world. Gobi found a loving home, Dion discovered renewed strength and joy, and both became better versions of themselves.
In this unstable world, it sometimes feels as if my heart is on a rollercoaster whenever I turn on the TV or scroll through the news. Fear, anger, and uncertainty seem to dominate the headlines. Yet a few days ago, I came across a powerful teaching from Hopi Indian Chief White Eagle that lifted my spirit and gave me a new way of looking at things.
He said:
“This moment humanity is experiencing can be seen as a door or a hole. The decision to fall in the hole or walk through the door is up to you. If you consume the news 24 hours a day, with negative energy, constantly nervous, with pessimism, you will fall into this hole.
But if you take the opportunity to look at yourself, to rethink life and death, to take care of yourself and others, then you will walk through the portal.
Take care of your home, take care of your body. Connect with your spiritual home. When you take care of yourself, you take care of everyone at the same time.
…Resistance is resistance through joy! You have the right to be strong and positive. And there’s no other way to do it than to maintain a beautiful, happy, bright posture.
When we cross the threshold, we have a new worldview because we faced our fears and difficulties. This is all you can do now:
– Serenity in the storm
– Keep calm, pray everyday
– Make a habit of meeting the sacred everyday.
…Show resistance through art, joy, trust and love.”
These words made me pause and reflect. They reminded me that no matter how chaotic the outside world may appear, the choice of how we respond rests within us. We can drown in fear, or we can step through the door into growth, healing, and a deeper connection with life.
The truth is, this world is neither purely rosy nor entirely thorny. A rose, soft and fragrant, blooms on a stem covered with sharp thorns. The beauty does not erase the thorns, and the thorns do not diminish the rose. Both exist together.
An optimist may see only the rose, while a pessimist sees only the thorns. But a realist recognizes that life is always both—the blessings and the hardships, the joys and the sorrows. Wisdom is learning to admire the rose without being blinded by it, and respecting the thorns without being wounded by them.
Chief White Eagle’s message is a reminder that resilience comes not from denial or despair, but from balance—from facing reality with serenity, caring for ourselves and others, and finding joy even amid trials. When we do this, we not only endure the storm—we walk through the door into a brighter, more compassionate world.
Parents are constantly searching for ways to get their kids to listen. But a lot of us focus too much on trying to get them to obey in the moment, rather than building genuine long-term cooperation.
I’ve studied over 200 parent-child relationships, and I’m a mother myself. I’ve learned that kids listen best when they feel connected. A big part of that is emotional safety: knowing they are respected and have the freedom to express their feelings.
Here are six magic phrases that calm a child’s nervous system and make cooperation feel natural, which is the real secret to getting them to listen.
1. ‘I believe you.’
The moment kids feel doubted (“Did you really mean to do that?”), their defenses go up. They shift from connection into self-protection.
Belief defuses shame and creates safety. When a child feels safe, they can actually hear you.
Example:
Child: “I didn’t spill the juice on purpose!”
Parent: “I believe you. Let’s clean it up together.”
You’re addressing the behavior without getting into an argument.
2. ‘Let’s figure this out together.’
The situation often turns into a standoff when there’s a parent just barking orders. But when kids help solve the problem, they’re more likely to stick to the solution.
Example:
Child refuses to clean up toys.
Parent: “I see you don’t want to clean everything now. Let’s figure this out together. What’s the first step?”
You’re still holding the boundary while preventing power struggles.
3. ‘You can feel this. I’m right here.’
When kids are overwhelmed, they’re in survival mode and logic doesn’t land. Their nervous system is in fight-or-flight, and they need help regulating their emotions. This phrase validates their feelings and assures them they’re not alone, which helps them reset.
Example:
Preschooler has a meltdown when their tower of blocks fall. Instead of “Stop crying, you’re overreacting,” say: “You can feel this. I’m right here.”
You’re letting the wave of emotions pass until they’re ready to re-engage.
4. ‘I’m listening. Tell me what’s going on.’
Before a child will listen to you, they need to feel heard. This simple shift of giving attention before demanding it dissolves resistance. When kids feel understood, they stop trying to push back.
Example:
Child: “I’m never playing with my brother again!”
Parent: “I’m listening. Tell me what’s going on.”
Now you’re uncovering the deeper hurt behind the anger, and that’s the part you can address to help repair both the relationship and the behavior.
5. ‘I hear you. I’m on your side.’
Many meltdowns escalate because kids feel misunderstood or in conflict with the very person they need most. This phrase instantly shifts you from adversary to ally, lowering defenses and opening the door to problem-solving.
Example:
Child: “This homework is stupid! I’m not doing it.”
Parent: “I hear you. I’m on your side. Let’s find a way to make this easier.”
Knowing you’re there to help changes the tone entirely. They’ll be far more likely to meet you halfway.
6. ‘I’ve got you, no matter what.’
Mistakes can trigger shame. But when kids hear this phrase, they learn that love isn’t conditional on performance or perfection.
Example:
Your child breaks a classmate’s project and calls you in tears.
Instead of lecturing, you say: “I’ve got you, no matter what. We’ll make it right together.”
That’s the difference between fear-based compliance and real accountability.
I always tell parents that if their default is yelling or threatening, then no “magic phrase” will undo the deeper pattern. But when you regularly protect your child’s dignity, make them feel safe, and follow through on boundaries, listening becomes the natural outcome.
A joyous day for our cultural heritage! It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years. These sacred relics highlight India’s close association with Bhagwan Buddha and his noble teachings. It also illustrates our commitment to preserving and protecting different aspects of our glorious culture. #VikasBhiVirasatBhi Source: https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1950483627323670760
The following article was published by the BBC News, Soutik Biswas, July 31, 2025:
Auction house Sotheby’s has returned a set of sacred jewels believed to be linked to the Buddha’s remains in India, after facing mounting pressure from the Indian government and global Buddhist leaders.
The Piprahwa Gems – described by archaeologists as one of the most astonishing finds of the modern era – were due to be auctioned in Hong Kong in May. But the sale was called off following diplomatic intervention and threats of legal action from Delhi.
The Mumbai-based conglomerate Godrej Industries Group has acquired the jewels, Sotheby’s said.
Sotheby’s said it was “delighted” to facilitate the return, following two months of negotiations involving the owner, the new buyer and the Indian government. The relics will now go on permanent public display in India, the auction house said.
William Claxton Peppé, an English estate manager, excavated the stupa and found the jewels. courtesy of the Peppé family.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the return on Wednesday, calling it a “proud and joyous moment” and a victory for the country’s cultural heritage. The relics, he said on X, were coming home after 127 years.
Godrej Industries Group, the buyer of the jewels, serves over 1.1 billion consumers worldwide across sectors including consumer goods, real estate, agriculture, finance, and chemicals, according to its website. Many of its products are household names in India.
“We are deeply honoured to contribute to this historic moment. The Piprahwa gems are not just artifacts – they are timeless symbols of peace, compassion, and the shared heritage of humanity,” Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Vice Chairperson of Godrej Industries Group, was quoted as saying in a government press statement.
Unearthed in 1898 by English estate manager William Claxton Peppé from a stupa in Piprahwa in northern India, near the Buddha’s birthplace, the cache included nearly 1,800 pearls, rubies, sapphires and gold sheets – buried alongside bone fragments identified by an inscribed urn as belonging to the Buddha himself.
The jewels were unearthed from this stupa in Piprahwa, northern India in 1898, Icon Films.
Peppé eventually handed most of the gems, relics and reliquaries to the colonial Indian government: the bone relics went to the Buddhist King of Siam (Rama V). Five relic urns, a stone chest and most other relics were sent to the Indian Museum in Kolkata – then the Imperial Museum of Calcutta.
Four containers made of steatite (a type of stone) and one made of rock crystal were found inside a sandstone box at the Piprahwa stupa, courtesy of Peppe family.
For over a century, the rest of the dazzling jewels remained largely hidden in a British private collection.
A set of 300 gems held by the Peppé family was publicly displayed at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in February and May. Over the past six years, the gems have appeared in major exhibitions, including The Met in 2023. The family has also launched a website to share their research.
Historians consider the relics the shared heritage of the Buddha’s Sakya clan and Buddhists worldwide. The bone fragments have since been distributed to countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, where they remain objects of veneration.
The jewels are considered among the most extraordinary archaeological finds of all time, courtesy of Sotheby’s.
The planned sale of the Buddha relics by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong had sparked widespread ethical concerns, with scholars and Buddhist leaders questioning whether sacred objects – especially those linked to human remains – should be treated as commodities.
Critics challenged the seller’s authority to auction the relics, while defenders said a transparent sale was the fairest way to transfer custody. For many Buddhists, the jewels are inseparable from the sacred remains and meant to be venerated, not sold.
“Are the relics of the Buddha a commodity that can be treated like a work of art to be sold on the market?” Naman Ahuja, a Delhi-based art historian, had told the BBC in May. “And since they aren’t, how is the seller ethically authorised to auction them?
“Since the seller is termed the ‘custodian’, I would like to ask – custodian on whose behalf? Does custodianship permit them now to sell these relics?”
Chris Peppé, great-grandson of William, had told the BBC in May that the family looked into donating the relics, but all options presented problems and an auction seemed the “fairest and most transparent way to transfer these relics to Buddhists”.
He said that in all the monasteries he had visited “no Buddhists regard these as corporeal relics”.
“A few Buddhist academics at Western universities have recently offered a convoluted, fact-defying logic whereby they may be regarded as such. It’s an academic construct that is not shared by Buddhists in general who are familiar with the details of the find,” he said.
On 7 May, Sotheby’s postponed the auction of the jewels following media reports and concerns raised by the Indian government, citing the need for further discussions. A week later, it confirmed ongoing talks with India to find a mutually agreeable resolution.
This week, confirming the return of the jewels, Sotheby’s said it was “grateful to the Peppé family for having safeguarded the gems and for having worked with us – and with the Government of India – in good faith to achieve this historic outcome”.
Over the past ten years I have been indeed fortunate to receive so many empowerments and initiations from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. I have practiced the dharma of self-cultivation taught me by my Buddha Master so that I do have a modest degree of realization. My life has been dedicated to helping others learn and practice as well. I have seen many miraculous states including seeing my Buddha Master and other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the heavens and watching a vajra pill fly out of my hand in a dazzling red light. I was also able to awaken another vajra pill and hear and see others sing and dance.
But were these signs that I was a holy being? His Holiness had said that I was, but would ordinary people be able to see the transformation? My real concern was, would I be able to help liberate other living beings? Would they believe me and follow the teachings that I had learned from my Buddha Master?
I learned of another magnificent Buddha-dharma from The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation that can enable one to actually demonstrate that they have the body of a saint or holy being. It is known as the Tien Jie Mandala Ni-Wan Dao-guo Fa or Heavenly Realm Mandala Mud Pill Lamdre Dharma. “Ni-wan” translates literally as “mud pill.” Lamdre is a Tibetan term for “the path and its fruit.” Through this dharma, the “gate to heaven” on the crown of the head can truly be opened. The “mud pill” is also found in the meditative techniques of inner alchemy in Daoism. The Mud Pill crown opening was what was sought to become an immortal. Ancient emperors of China would have given their kingdoms and fortunes to be able to receive this dharma. Ni-wan is also a Daoist term for the place where the consciousness or spirit enters and leaves the body of an immortal. It literally means a point on the top of the head that when open feels like soft mud. A newborn’s brain is like this, which is the reason one has to protect the head of a baby until these openings or fontanelles can grow shut. This point is also known in acupuncture as the Bai Hui or the hundredth meeting point and is connected to the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands—all parts of our anatomy that modern science does not fully understand or appreciate. This is also the Hindu Yogic equivalent of the Crown Chakra. The “ni-wan” also refers to the upper Cinnabar Field in Daoism or the center for intellect and spirituality. In Daoism, one refines one’s essence (jing) into vital energy (qi), refines one’s vital energy into spirit (shen), and refines one’s spirit into emptiness. One unites one’s primordial spirit to become form (an immortal) and dissipates that spirit to become formless vital energy. One is then neither empty nor substantial. That is what is called “non-doing.” In Daoism you are said to also be able to receive cosmic energy through this point as well.
Lest there be confusion, I want to make something perfectly clear. The Mud Pill of Daoism is the place on the crown of the head through which one leaves the body to ascend to heaven. Buddhism also recognizes that the Mud Pill is the place through which one leaves the body to become a celestial being or immortal, which is one type of living being among all of the living beings in the six realms. However, what I am writing about is the Buddha-dharma and not Daoism or any other form of religion. When Buddhism came to China, the Daoists adopted many aspects of Buddhism. Still, Buddhism leads one to become a Buddha or Bodhisattva, and Daoism leads one to become an immortal. People who misunderstand what I am saying might question why I talk of a Daoist practice. This is a result of simply not understanding the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha clearly stated in the sutras that there are six realms into which living beings can reincarnate and that the highest realm is the realm of the immortals. The ten types of immortals are described in general terms in the Surangama Sutra and elsewhere, but they can generally be grouped into three classes: earth bound immortals who continue to live amongst us, heavenly immortals who will go to the heavenly realms only after they leave this earth, and the divine immortals who can go to the heavenly realms now with their earthly bodies as well as after they leave this world. What the Surangama Sutra does not say, but the Buddha explains in other texts, is the fact that those who cultivate themselves according to the teachings of the Buddha can continue their practice in these heavenly realms and go on to become Bodhisattvas. The translation that I have of the Surangama Sutra is not clear on this point and appears to be discussing primarily the earth-bound immortals and not their higher forms.
Although this Buddha-dharma can be transmitted to non-Buddhists as well as Buddhists and help sincere practitioners of other religions to achieve their goals of heavenly rebirth, its purpose for a Buddhist is quite different. Buddhists are also able to take rebirth in the Heavenly Realm and enjoy this paradise, but they do so in order to continue their cultivation and practice of the dharma and be able to eventually become Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In the Sutra on Loving-Kindness (Metta Sutta), Shakyamuni Buddha tells us that although a non-Buddhist may enjoy a life-span in these heavens, when that life-span ends he must return to the lower realms to repay his karmic debts due to the law of cause and effect. However, one who follows the way of the Buddha can enjoy the pleasures of these realms and also gain liberation through the practice of Buddha-dharma while in these realms, eventually attaining the… “complete extinction of lust, hate and delusion in that same kind of heavenly existence.” But there is another aspect of this dharma that also makes it important. When one becomes accomplished in or achieves the fruit of this dharma, one’s structural body actually changes. One’s bones become different than those of an ordinary being to enable one’s consciousness to ascend to the heavenly realms. In this way one becomes a true holy being or saint.
Why is this important? Only holy beings or saints can liberate other living beings, and our work here as Buddhists is to help others seek liberation from the unhappiness, pain, and suffering of samsara or worldly existence. So, how do we know that someone is a holy being? There are many who claim such status and their disciples support them by calling their master a holy being, but are those who make such a claim really able to demonstrate their holiness?
There are two aspects of holy beings that distinguish them from ordinary beings. The first is that they manifest the Great Compassionate Bodhisattva State. This is a type of mind or level of accomplishment whereby everything they do is done for living beings. No matter what they do, say, or think, it is to help living beings become accomplished in the dharma or liberated. This is the aspect of virtuous conduct. However, this alone is not enough to be designated a holy being, because, generally speaking, it cannot be seen or understood by ordinary people.
The second aspect of a holy being is that their physical body type is different from that of ordinary people and there are ways that this can be demonstrated. This is seen through miraculous events that actually change the structure of the body. The Mud Pill Holy Dharma is a Highest Form of Inner-Tantric State-Practice Initiation contained in The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation. The Mud Pill Holy Dharma can accomplish this change in the structure of the body, as can accomplishment in the practice of Tummo Dharma that goes beyond the second stage. It is one way to prove that someone actually has the true Buddha-dharma and can help liberate other living beings. The process for becoming a saint in Catholicism is quite similar. A person has to have exhibited a pure, moral, and kind life and demonstrate some sort of miracle. The opening of the crown in the skull without any visible means on the surface of the skull is such a miracle! But scientific tests show that there indeed is such an opening!
As I mentioned earlier, the Mud Pill dharma from The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation is unique in that such dharma can be practiced by the practitioner of any religion. Although one needs to be a good person with deep roots of kindness, one does not need become a Buddhist to practice it. However, one must be careful in applying this dharma. It can be used to have the consciousness leave and return to the body, and it can be useful at the time of leaving this earth. But if your crown has been so opened, you must strictly abide by the Mud Pill Path Fruit Precepts. If you violate any of those precepts, you must repent that same day. If you repent a day later, your crown will close and you will not attain liberation. But if you abide by the precepts, you will be able to go immediately to the heaven or paradise of your choice after death. You do not need to pass through the bardo. A Christian’s soul would go the Christian Heaven to be with Jesus, while a Hindu would have his consciousness merge with Universal Consciousness (Supreme Cosmic Spirit) in the formless realms or go to the Brahman Heavens of the Form Realm, and so on. In an oral discourse on the dharma, the Buddha Master expounded that our crowns must be opened for us to go to any of the higher realms. What we call consciousness and others refer to as the soul or “spirit” exits the body at the time of death. The means by which it exits determines the next life. The Buddhist sutras also state that if the exit is through the souls of the feet or Yong-Quan gate, one goes to the hell realms; the lower orifices, one becomes an animal; or the navel, one becomes a hungry ghost. The part of the body that determines where the consciousness/soul/spirit of the person goes will remain warm after the rest of the body becomes cold. If one’s heart is warm and the rest of the body is cold, one is reborn to the human realm to be a human. If the throat or the throat gate is hot and the rest of the body is cold, one becomes an Asura. If one’s body is cold and the Mud Pill gate, or fontanelle, is hot, one becomes a deva or a heavenly being. When one is liberated and/or is reborn into a Buddha land, the exit place will be at the Da-Le gate, i.e. the top gate right in the middle of the skull. I remember Dr. Mitchell Levy at Zion, Illinois reporting that after the Sixteenth Karmapa departed this world, to his and the rest of the hospital staff’s amazement, the area around his heart remained warm for a very long time, which would imply that he would be reborn as a human.
The “Mud Pill” dharma does not enable one to become a Bodhisattva. It only enables one to become an immortal and go to the heavenly realms. It can demonstrate that one’s physical body has the qualities of a holy being. However, there are many kinds of holy beings. It does not mean that as long as you have your crown opened it can be said that you are a great holy being. This is true no matter what type of crown opening you receive—either from the Ni-wan Dharma or the Vajra Substitute Body Meditation Dharma. These crown openings belong to the initial stage of a holy being. They are not great holy beings who truly attain the level of perfect liberation. His Holiness has made it very clear that even for the dharma of Vajra Substitute Body Meditation, the opening of the crown should reveal a hole as big as an egg. Moreover, there should be a deep hole in the brain. It does not count if one just has an opening of the scalp or scull bone. His Holiness taught us that using scientific exams alone is not enough to determine the success of a crown opening. In front of the watchful eyes of many people, testing and verification of the crown opening must take place based on Buddha-dharma rules. There is 100% proof that the crown opening was successful when three peacock feathers hanging over the crown of the person tested move about as a result of his consciousness leaving his body or his energy leaving his crown.
MRI scans of those who have received the Mud Pill empowerment show a small opening at the crown. However, the concentration powers of a small portion of those practitioners are not strong. For the sake of their safety, it is best that their openings are closed. At the time of their death, their crowns will naturally open again. There is no need to close the openings of those whose concentration powers are strong. Still, such people must strictly abide by the Mud Pill Path Fruit Precepts. I know of a devout Tibetan whose skull had many such openings from empowerments he had received from various rinpoches. His skull was retrieved from the sky burial field and kept for veneration at a local temple because the lamas knew that he was a true holy being.
So, although I was encouraged to continue my dharm a practice and seek higher states of realization, my Master wanted me to have this empowerment. At the time of my Mud Pill Path Fruit Crown Opening, I wrote a vow of truth that stated the following: “FACING WHAT IS TRUE—Becoming accomplished through the Mud Pill Path-Fruit of The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation does not require the Master to touch the crown of the head or pour water onto the crown from a precious vase. The Master was on one side of the garden, and I was on the other side. The Buddha Master never came close to the crown of my head. His Holiness used His mind to accomplish this transmission. Right then and there His Holiness caused the Emperor of Heaven to descend and open the crown of my head. I clearly saw a wondrous state appear before me. It was extremely clear. Nobody would believe me. How could this be? I was worried it might have been an illusion, so I had it evaluated by a scientific instrument. That evaluation proved that what had happened was real. This fact proves that I have the qualifications of an immortal. If what I have just stated is false, I will surely descend into hell. Sincerely spoken by Zhaxi Zhuoma.”
I hope that virtuous non-Buddhists with deep roots of kindness will also receive this empowerment.
My own experience in receiving and practicing the Mud Pill Dharma of The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation was incredible. I find it difficult to describe in any way that can explain what happened in a believable way. Fortunately, I have the MRI photos that can show the success or fruit of my efforts. I truly believe that these pictures are “worth a thousand words” as far as demonstrating the results, but let me try and tell as much as I can about how they came about. As I have mentioned elsewhere, one does not usually talk about the empowerments and holy inner-tantric initiations one has received. In fact, we are prohibited from doing so according to the dharma. This is an inviolable rule especially with respect to State Practice Initiations. However, I will describe what I am permitted to describe in order to provide non-Chinese speaking people with more specific information about the magnificence of the true Buddha-dharma.
First, it was a beautiful, balmy day. The sun was shining brightly with a slight breeze, providing ideal weather. I sat under a large orange tree next to a calm pool. My assistant sat behind me and was some distance away from me. She faced the opposite direction since she could not witness the ceremony. Of course, I cannot give the particulars of the ceremony itself, but what I can tell you is that my magnificent Master was not in any way near me. His Holiness never touched me or my head before, during or after the ceremony. In fact, my Master was on one side of the yard and I on the other during the ceremony. His Holiness used His mind to accomplish this transmission of the Buddha-dharma to me. His Holiness continued to pray for me while I practiced the dharma. His Holiness prayed that I be a most kindhearted person, that I always benefit all living beings, that I always wish my country and its people be at peace, that I always wish all living beings be free from disasters and hardships, and that I always wish all sentient beings be eternally happy. After I received this dharma, I sat and chanted a certain mantra silently. When I experienced a bright, distinct holy state, I began chanting the same mantra loudly to thank the Emperor of Heaven—also known as the Jade Emperor— for receiving me. My place in the celestial realms as an immortal had been insured. Right then and there my practice of the dharma caused the Emperor of Heaven to descend and open the crown of my head. The wondrous state that appeared before me was extremely clear. There was no doubt that something supernatural had happened!
After the ceremony my Master still did not touch my crown, including the entire time from when I received the dharma until year of 2010 at a medical center where I went to have a MRI image made of my head. Even if the Buddha Master had opened the “Gate of Heaven” on my crown by touching my head, such a power would have exceeded that of all of the Buddhist patriarchs throughout the generations. Even without touching my head, the Buddha Master enabled me to experience the supernatural state through mind transmission alone. I still wondered, “Could this just be an illusion?” It was, after all, an incredible accomplishment. I knew that in ancient times many great sages had devoted their entire lives and resources to achieving this to no avail. Why was I able to realize it?
As soon as I returned from the MRI center, I put the CD of the procedure on a computer. I knew from personally witnessing the beautiful holy state that the ceremony had been a success, but what would the MRI scans show? Would modern medical science be able to see this crown opening? Would the photos record that which is not visible to the naked eye? We were not disappointed. The results were phenomenal! The MRI image showed exactly what should appear according to a discourse given by my Master on this subject—that the Emperor of Heaven connected with me and opened my crown with a hole that was at least an inch wide. The bone around the opening even curved downward to allow for the opening. It was as if the bone had been transformed to a soft wax that could easily be shaped into a different form. Some of the images showed the opening from different angles. It was amazing! Who could believe it? Yet when I looked in the mirror, there was no sign of any change on my crown. No scars, no marks, nothing was visible to the ordinary eye. However, the sophisticated scientific instruments at the MRI center clearly showed a large opening in my crown. It went all the way through the bone into the soft tissue of my brain. It was so amazing. To the average person, this was a miracle! To a holy being, this was supernormal! I now had the body of a holy being and could prove it!
After the image was recorded, I deeply understood that my powers were not yet mature enough. Therefore, I decided to temporarily close my crown to prevent my consciousness from leaving my body and not returning or riding the clouds to heaven before my time has come. That way, I can remain in this world for a while longer. If I abide by the Mud Pill Dharma precepts, I will be received by the Emperor of Heaven and the other celestial beings and be able to continue my study and practice of the Buddha-dharma in paradise. If I become accomplished in the Buddha-dharma in this lifetime, my Da-Le gate will automatically open and I will be able to go to the Buddha-lands. Should I be able to go to the Buddha-lands, the celestial beings will come to escort me there. My Buddha Master is magnificent. I sincerely pray that all living beings have the opportunity to receive this blessed dharma. My gratitude to my Buddha Master is without limits.
The International Buddhism Sangha Association (IBSA) published the following concerning a question about the Mud-Pill Fruit Dharma:
“Some people may ask the following question. Since the goal of a cultivator learning Buddhism is for ascending to the Buddha-Land, why should one seek to reincarnate in the heaven realm? There is something that this person did not understand. Although the Mud-Pill Fruit of Accomplishment is truly a dharma for reincarnating in the heaven realm to become a god, because a cultivator is living in a paradise, he or she will have many opportunities and affinities to beseech dharma from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Thus one can easily and quickly attain through practice the holy realization for ascending to the Buddha-Land. However, the prerequisite for reaping such beneficial reward is that the cultivator must carry out and abide by the ten good deeds and cultivate according to the dharma. Therefore, although crown opening by Mud-Pill Fruit of Accomplishment enables one to reincarnate in the heaven realm, the dharma provides a safeguard to the cultivator at the time of dying and reincarnation so that one does not have to experience the stage of bardo. As a result, there is no suffering caused by the disintegration of the four great elements. Moreover, reincarnating in the heaven realm will make it easier to receive the dharma for ascending to the Buddha-Land.” Click to read the entire article, Announcement #201103.
There are some people whose presence feels like sunlight—warm, gentle, and full of hope. Louise Hay was one of them. An internationally renowned spiritual teacher, best-selling author, and pioneer of the self-help movement, she inspired millions of people around the world to believe in their own healing power. Her landmark book You Can Heal Your Life has sold over 50 million copies in 35 countries, translated into 29 languages, and for many, it sits by the bedside as a trusted guide through life’s storms.
To the world, Louise Hay seemed perfect—healthy, elegant, wise, always radiating grace. Her teachings lifted countless people out of despair, helped them restore their health, and gave them courage to live again. Media across the globe lovingly called her “the closest person to a saint.”
But what made Louise extraordinary was not that her life was flawless—it was that she transformed the deepest wounds into the greatest gifts. Behind her radiant presence was a childhood filled with suffering, abuse, and neglect. It was from that very pain that she forged the wisdom that changed the lives of millions.
1. Falling Amid Misfortune
When Louise was just 18 months old, her parents divorced, abruptly ending her once-happy family life.
At that time, women had little social standing. After the divorce, her mother could only work as a maid to survive, while Louise was sent to live in foster care.
At age five, her mother remarried in the hope of giving Louise a complete home. But this marked the beginning of her nightmare.
Louise was raped by a neighbor, abused and assaulted by her stepfather, and subjected to violence and sexual exploitation. These experiences left her with deep wounds and a lack of self-worth. In her teenage years, as long as a man showed her the slightest kindness, she would give herself to him. By the age of sixteen, she had already given birth to a daughter.
Her childhood was filled with tragedy, and her youth with self-destruction. Those early wounds shaped her into someone who did not know how to love herself.
Yet later in life, Louise chose not to remain trapped in resentment or regret. She said, “No little boy is born a predator, and no little girl is born a victim. These are learned behaviors shaped by childhood experiences.”
2. Awakening and Transformation
In her forties, Louise was diagnosed with cancer. That moment became her wake-up call. She realized how little she had cared for her own body, and she resolved to change.
Instead of following the conventional treatment suggested by her doctors, she turned to what she called “holistic healing.” Within six months, her cancer had disappeared.
Holistic healing, as Louise practiced it, meant changing destructive thought patterns and adopting healthier eating habits. She stopped mourning her unhappy past and stopped blaming her parents. Instead, she came to understand their own painful childhoods.
During her recovery, she ate mostly sprouts and simple natural foods, avoiding processed products entirely. She also trained her mind daily—using positive affirmations, choosing not to let negative emotions dominate her, and seeing every situation through a more uplifting perspective.
Her life changed completely. She documented her experiences and insights in books, which went on to inspire millions and transform countless lives.
3. You Can Choose Your Own Destiny
There are many in this world who have been hurt or are still suffering. Their stories move us deeply.
But as an old Chinese saying goes, “Those who seem pitiable often have traits that make them vulnerable.” In truth, much of life’s suffering continues because, consciously or unconsciously, we allow it. And the root often lies in our formative years.
Take, for example, teenage pregnancies. While news headlines may highlight shocking cases, the majority stem not from coercion but from lack of self-respect or proper knowledge. Similarly, many women trapped in abusive relationships remain because they lack self-worth and the courage to leave.
We cannot rewrite our childhoods, but we can shape our adult lives. As Louise Hay wrote in You Can Heal Your Life: Mindfulness Edition:
“Every negative message you received as a child can be transformed into a positive affirmation.”
If you had an unhappy past, stop feeding yourself negative words. Begin telling yourself: I am worthy of love. I am needed. I have many strengths. I can live the life I choose.
And if doubt still lingers, look at Louise Hay’s journey. Few have endured the kind of suffering she did—yet she lived a life admired and envied by many. If she could, why not you?
In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole, and complete.
Life Is Really Very Simple. What We Give Out, We Get Back. What we think about ourselves becomes the truth for us. I believe that everyone, myself included, is responsible for everything in our lives, the best and the worst. Every thought we think is creating our future. Each one of us creates our experiences by our thoughts and our feelings. The thoughts we think and the words we speak create our experiences.”
Her books may be called “chicken soup for the soul,” but isn’t that exactly what we need sometimes? A warm voice reminding us that we are enough, that healing is possible, and that life can be beautiful again.
You Can Heal Your Life walks us through every stage of existence—childhood pain, love’s struggles, career challenges, health worries, aging, and even the fear of death. Louise’s message is simple but powerful: change your beliefs, and you will change your life.
This “chicken soup” has comforted millions, given them strength, and helped them step into new beginnings.
💖 A Gentle Reminder
If you feel lost, unworthy, or stuck in a cycle of pain—Louise’s story is a light in the darkness. Her life teaches us that healing begins not from the outside, but from within.
No obstacle is too great. No past is too broken. Deep within each of us lies an infinite potential waiting to bloom. When we dare to change our thoughts and love ourselves, life unfolds in colors we never imagined.
Believe it: just like Louise Hay, you too can heal your life—and create a future filled with peace, love, and joy.
Peace LiLy 
