Author: linda chang

The Power of Faith and Compassion: How a Heartfelt Connection Brought Hope to an Autistic Child

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Child with headphones holding a plate of decorated cookies at a birthday party in a classroom

A small act of kindness in my daughter’s classroom became the start of an extraordinary, life-changing journey.

It all began on the day my daughter brought home birthday cookies shared by her classmate, Little Bi, who has autism. As a mother, looking at the food colorings listed on the ingredient label sparked a gentle concern in me, knowing how sensitive a special child’s nervous system can be to artificial additives. I passed along a friendly note through their teacher. I never imagined that this simple act of care would build a deep bridge between our two families.

When I first met Little Bi’s mother, I could feel the deep exhaustion and anxiety she was carrying. Five-year-old Little Bi lived inside his own quiet world and had never spoken a word. To help him, his parents had sought every medical opinion and explored every avenue available. Seeing a mother willing to try absolutely anything to reach her child touched my heart profoundly.

As a practicing Buddhist following the authentic teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I have personally experienced the transformative power and blessings of the Dharma. Coupled with my professional background in medical nutrition, I believed that Little Bi’s path forward required caring for both his physical body and his spiritual well-being.

With deep empathy, I shared a three-part approach with his mother:

  1. Building Faith and Receiving BlessingsI encouraged her to chant the Six-Syllable Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum), recite the Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on the Healing of Diseases, and introduce blessed Holy Water from Dharma assemblies, allowing the child to grow enveloped in the compassionate vows of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
  2. Nutritional and Physical SupportFrom a nutritional science perspective, I suggested supplementing his diet with calcium, magnesium, and probiotics to help stabilize his gut health and nervous system.
  3. Early Intervention and Creative OutletsCombining music therapy with psychological guidance to help unleash his hidden talents and foster communication.

During this period, I also dedicated the merits from my own recitation of the Water Repentance Sutra to Little Bi, praying that his obstacles would be cleared.

Through persistent effort, maternal devotion, and the compassionate blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—including the Vajra Pole blessings during the New Year assembly—the seed we planted bloomed into something truly miraculous.

Recently, Little Bi’s mother reached out to me, her voice trembling with emotion: “Little Bi spoke!”

Not only did he clearly call out to his grandmother, but on Mother’s Day, he looked at his mom and uttered the words she had longed to hear for years: “I love you, Mom.”

In that single moment, years of heartache, tears, and exhaustion melted into pure gratitude. Even his early intervention therapists were amazed by his remarkable progress, highlighting his wonderful talent for music and reassuring his mother that his silence is now a thing of the past.

A child sitting cross-legged with glowing hands around their head and shoulders, surrounded by a magical forest and ancient ruins

Little Bi’s amazing transformation reminded me of a profound truth: when we reach out with genuine compassion, we can illuminate even the darkest corners of another person’s world.

Practicing Buddhism is far more than reciting scriptures—it is about putting wisdom and compassion into practice in our daily lives. May this story bring warmth, comfort, and renewed hope to every parent navigating challenges with their children.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/24/the-power-of-faith-and-compassion-how-a-heartfelt-connection-brought-hope-to-an-autistic-child/

Professor of the New York Academy of Art Held a Master Class for Graduate Students to Copy Artworks at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco

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Artworks of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III and Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang enable the next generation to comprehend the essence of art from different cultures

SAN FRANCISCO – On November 2,2019 the Provost of the New York Academy of Art, Peter Drake, led 15 Master’s students to the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) in San Francisco and conducted a class on site. When the group was copying original works of world class artists such as those of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III and Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, they praised the art profusely.

Matthew Kuan, the President of the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco, welcomed the visiting group. Loretta Huang, Director of Museum Operations, and staff introduced artworks in each gallery to the visitors. The President of World Journal San Francisco Ken Lo came to meet members of the group including Peter Drake. Lo also acclaimed the Museum’s collection and exhibition program.


Provost of the New York Art Academy Peter Drake gave instructions to Master’s students about how to copy the artworks

Drake had visited the International Art Museum of America before and was amazed by the artworks exhibited there. In this trip, he personally led 15 students to study the artworks by copying them. He said that this was the first time these students had ever been to the IAMA in San Francisco.

Amy Hughes is a Master’s student from the U.K. and has been living and studying in New York for five years. She specializes in the study of oil painting. She said that this visit had enabled her to truly comprehend the essence of art from different cultures. She is especially impressed by the expansiveness and profundity of Han Chinese culture.

Dongqin Fang is a 2019 Master’s degree graduate and a teaching assistant at the New York Academy of Art specializing in oil painting and sculpture. He expressed being truly shocked by the large number of original paintings by top Chinese artists at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco, and that he has gained a lot from being there. He said this is also the first time he ever looked at Yun sculptures created by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III at a close distance. To him, those sculptures exude a mystique that feels like “heavenly bliss.”


The Provost of the New York Art Academy PeterDrake lead Master’s students to copy the art exhibits; the group is deeply impressed by the exquisite artworks in the International Art Museum of America.They took a group photo in front of the painting Misty Appeal of a Dilapidated Pond.

Out of approximately 250 artworks exhibited in the International Art Museum of America, more than 100 of them are on loan from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III whose works have repeatedly achieved the highest prices at art auctions, beyond those ever reached by any living artists.

The art pieces that caught everyone’s attention are the rare world treasures of Yun sculptures exhibited in the Treasure Room, including A Pillar Holding Up Heaven, and another work esteemed to be “miraculously divine artistry of Buddha” within which mist was carved to become an actual part of the artwork. Yun sculpture is uniquely originated by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. It embodies a multi-dimensional sense of space; its beauty transcends natural scenery, and its colors are more exquisite than those of natural rock formations. Inside the stone cave of the Yun sculpture, one can see richly magnificent colors as if they were intrinsically part of the art, with no trace of rendering. From the carving knife comes the melting cave with enigmatic and miraculous scenery. Auspicious clouds and natural mist float inside the melting cave of the artwork and do not dissipate, exuding the sense of an otherworldly paradise.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III originated 16 unique and unprecedented painting styles. Exquisite works of art created by His Holiness the Buddha capture the quintessence of art and culture. They encompass Chinese ink painting, Western oil painting, sculpture, calligraphy, stone and bronze inscription, poetry, verse, song, ode, colorfully painted tile and other media. In His Holiness’s paintings, subject matters include landscape, flower, bird, animal, fish, insect, and human figures. The range of profound techniques include traditional Chinese painting methods such as meticulous style, freestyle, and ink wash; as well as Western painting styles such as figurative, abstract, impressionist, and line drawing.

Recently, when paintings of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang were exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, they stunned the European art world. Professor Wang’s art has attained the highest state of artistry and accomplishment. Experts in the field of art all held her paintings in high esteem. One of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang’s small paintings Pomegranates in a Basket realized a top auction price of US$1.27 million in the Spring auction at the Gianguan Auction House in New York on March 13 of this year. It clearly shows that the art of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang is recognized by art collectors and people of foresight alike.

Loretta Huang, Director of Museum Operations at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco said that levels of artistic creation in painting can be categorized in four classes. First is the Class of Proficiency where one’s sketching skill achieves resemblance of form. Second is the Class of Wonderment in which the paintings are wondrously beautiful. Third is the Class of Divinity where both form and spirit are fully enlivened. Fourth is the Class of Ease where the artist possesses extraordinary skill and is able to paint anything at will to accomplish a magnificent masterpiece. The art of the Honorary Lifetime President of the Museum, Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, is of the Class of Ease, a Class that few Chinese artists have ever achieved. The artistry of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang is esteemed to be of the same standing as Western painters such as Cezanne and Gauguin.

Loretta Huang said that in addition to exhibiting the art of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, the International Art Museum of America also showcases works by renowned artists including Wu Changshuo, Qi Baishi, Huang Binhong, Pan Tianshou, Fu Baoshi, Xu Beihong, Li Keran, Zhang Daqian, Yun Shouping, and others; as well as authentic calligraphic art by the Emperor Yongzheng. What differentiates IAMA from many other museums is the eminence of the artworks it exhibits.

Three musicians by Fu Baoshi

The International Art Museum of America in San Francisco holds three criteria for artworks to be admitted for exhibition: First, the works of the artist must be collected by at least two world famous art museums. Second, the auction price of the artist’s works must exceed US$200,000 per square foot. Third, the artist must have substantial influence or status in the world, such as being director of a museum or provost of an art academy.

Rare Opportunity to Copy Original Artwork, Everyone Puts their Heart and Soul to Study

The Provost of the New York Academy of Art, Peter Drake, led 15 graduate students in a 3-hour Master Class at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco to study the artworks by copying them on site.

The collection of the International Art Museum of America includes many original artworks. Students and members of the faculty from the New York Academy of Art especially cherished the opportunity to study on site. After everyone toured the Museum, each selected a different ink painting and sketched it in great detail to explore the wondrousness embedded in the brushwork.

The Han Chinese culture goes back to an ancient origin and will continues to flourish for a long time. Chinese painting and calligraphy make up a major part of such culture. There is a big difference between appreciating and copying art. Appreciating is skimming the surface; only through copying can one engage in an in-depth study of the works.

Qindong Fang, a student of Chinese ethnicity, said it awed him that some of his fellow American students could actually copy Chinese calligraphy, and Museum staff members of different ethnicities could even read what they copied. Through copying, he said, his fellow students could gain better knowledge of the culture of Chinese painting and calligraphy, and explore in-depth the 16 unique painting styles originated by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III; and this has been a wonderful learning experience.

Source: https://asianjournal.com/entertainment/events/professor-of-the-new-york-academy-of-art-held-a-master-class-for-graduate-students-to-copy-artworks-at-the-international-art-museum-of-america-in-san-francisco/

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/22/professor-of-the-new-york-academy-of-art-held-a-master-class-for-graduate-students-to-copy-artworks-at-the-international-art-museum-of-america-in-san-francisco/

Praying for a Child — Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

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Praying for a Child — Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

I would like to share with every mother who is hoping to conceive that there is an incredibly effective way to pray for a child—the Buddha Dharma.

My precious little one was born safely in December 2016, filling my heart with immense gratitude and happiness. I have always been in poor health. Before becoming pregnant with my daughter, I had experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child. At that time, I believed I might never be able to have children again.

Fortunately, I had already begun studying the Buddha Dharma about a year before that happened. During that period, I diligently listened to the Dharma discourses of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and sincerely recited the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. I dedicated the merits to the child with whom I no longer had the karmic affinity, while also praying that all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would bless me with a healthy child.

Then something truly miraculous happened. Just two months later, I became pregnant again.

During my pregnancy, I became even more diligent in listening to the Dharma and reciting the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Before each session, I would lovingly say to my baby:

“My dear little one, Mommy is about to listen to the Dharma and recite the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. I invite you to join me so that we can learn together. May you grow up healthy, wise, and well-behaved. May all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless us.”

Truly, my child has grown up to be exceptionally intelligent.

While she was still in my womb, I would often communicate with her, saying:

“My little one, when it’s time for you to be born, please don’t let Mommy panic. Give Mommy enough time to prepare mentally. Also, please be born weighing between 2,900 and 3,200 grams—a healthy weight that will make delivery easier for Mommy.”

I have always been someone who is very afraid of pain. Although I eagerly looked forward to my baby’s arrival, I was also extremely anxious about childbirth. After every Dharma-listening session, I would dedicate the merits and pray that all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would bless me, because I knew the pain of childbirth was beyond what most people could imagine. I also worried that labor might begin unexpectedly before I was prepared.

Even though I had made every preparation, I still felt somewhat nervous.

On my due date, I went directly to the hospital to be induced. That day, I arrived at the hospital calmly and without panic to give birth—an experience I will never forget.

The labor ward was filled with the anguished cries of other mothers in labor. Hearing their suffering brought tears to my eyes. My husband, who was by my side, could hardly eat a bite and quietly fought back tears himself. Their cries were so heart-rending that even those nearby could deeply feel the tremendous pain these mothers were enduring.

During the induction process, I felt only mild discomfort. After receiving the epidural anesthesia, I experienced almost no pain at all. Eventually, the nurse said to me:

“You’re fully dilated and ready to deliver! It’s time to go into the delivery room. Don’t you feel anything?”

I replied,

“Honestly, I don’t feel much at all—just a little pressure.”

At that moment, however, I became afraid that because I couldn’t really feel the contractions, I wouldn’t know how to push. I worried that I might not be able to deliver naturally and would end up needing a cesarean section. The fear I felt was difficult to describe.

Even so, I was probably the quietest mother in the entire labor ward.

Then, in the midst of my fear, I suddenly seemed to hear a voice saying:

“The more fearful you are, the more important it is to remain calm.”

I closed my eyes, visualized the compassionate holy image of the Buddha Master, and continuously recited:

“Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III.”

As I was wheeled into the delivery room, another miracle occurred.

Less than ten minutes after entering the delivery room, my baby was born.

Throughout the entire delivery, I felt virtually no pain at all. It was nothing like the agonizing, hellish pain that many people describe.

Even one of the nurses assisting me remarked,

“How did she do that? Just a moment ago she didn’t even know how to push…”

(To this day, I still find it astonishing myself.)

Even more amazingly, my baby’s birth weight was exactly 3,000 grams—precisely what I had hoped for. She was born healthy and safe.

I am profoundly grateful for the compassionate blessings of the Buddha Master and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The entire childbirth process went remarkably smoothly, and my daughter has grown up to be an easygoing and well-behaved child.

I deeply understand that everything I experienced was made possible through the compassionate blessings of the Buddha Master and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The empowering strength of the Buddha Dharma was something I experienced personally—it was real, tangible, and unmistakable.

With the deepest gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions.

Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Humbly written by the remorseful disciple,

TINGYUN

Learn more about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiidharma.com/2026/07/20/praying-for-a-child-gratitude-to-namo-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #MasterWanKoYee #BuddhaDharma #BuddhistTeachings #Gratitude #DharmaExperience #SpiritualTransformation #BuddhistPractice #Cultivation #Compassion

Age is Just a Number, Adventure is a State of Mind: What Two 82-Year-Olds Can Teach Us About Living Fully

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Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I wish I had done that when I was younger”?

It’s an easy trap to fall into. We tend to view adventure as a game for the young—something reserved for twenty-something backpackers or high-energy fitness influencers. We tell ourselves that as we age, our world is supposed to shrink. We swap out rugged trails for comfortable chairs and bold dreams for predictable routines.

But a spectacular new book, “Around the World in 80 Days at 82” by Ellie Hamby, Sandy Hazelip, and Elisa Petrini, completely shatters that illusion.

If you need a reminder that your best chapters haven’t been written yet, this is your wake-up call.

When Ellie Hamby (a documentary photographer) and Sandy Hazelip (a physician) neared their 81st birthdays, they didn’t look for a quiet way to celebrate. Inspired by Jules Verne’s classic tale, they decided to circle the entire globe in 80 days. A minor delay pushed their plans back a year, meaning that at 82 years old, they strapped on a single backpack each and set off into the unknown.

They didn’t book luxury cruise ships or insulated first-class tours. Instead, they traveled on a strict budget, booked modest hotels, took local transportation, and said an enthusiastic “yes” to whatever the world threw at them.

Over the course of nearly three months, they stood among penguins in the freezing winds of Antarctica, rode camels past the Egyptian pyramids, chased the Northern Lights in a reindeer sleigh in Lapland, and navigated the high-speed rush of Tokyo.

1. Nature Doesn’t Care How Old You Are

Whether you are standing before the vast, icy expanse of the Drake Passage or looking up at a desert sky, nature has a beautiful way of making us feel small—and incredibly alive. Ellie and Sandy proved that the awe of a pristine landscape or the thrill of an outdoor challenge belongs to everyone. The earth doesn’t ask for your birth certificate before it takes your breath away.

2. The Power of “Yes” Over “What If”

As we grow older, we tend to let caution dictate our choices. We focus on the “what ifs”—What if I get tired? What if it rains? What if it’s uncomfortable? Ellie and Sandy replaced those doubts with a simple commitment to open-mindedness. By stepping out of their comfort zones, they unlocked a level of vitality that many people half their age struggle to find.

3. Connection is the Greatest Souvenir

While the landscapes they saw were beautiful, the heart of their adventure was human connection. By choosing budget travel and local paths, they interacted deeply with different cultures, made friends worldwide, and relied on the enduring strength of their own lifelong friendship.

You don’t have to book a ticket to Antarctica tomorrow to live adventurously. Infusing your life with wonder starts exactly where you are:

  • Change Your Scenery: Find a local trail, a state park, or a nature reserve you’ve never visited. Feel the dirt under your shoes and breathe in the fresh air.
  • Ditch the Comfort Zone: Try a new outdoor activity. Go kayaking, try birdwatching, or sleep under the stars in a tent for a weekend.
  • Shift Your Mindset: Stop waiting for the “perfect time” or the “perfect age.” The ideal moment to enjoy the majesty of the natural world is right now.

Ellie and Sandy’s journey is a beautiful, vibrant proof that aging isn’t a process of shutting down—it’s an opportunity to keep opening up.

So, what are you waiting for? Step outside, look at the horizon, and remember: Adventure isn’t a matter of age. It’s a state of mind.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/20/age-is-just-a-number-adventure-is-a-state-of-mind-what-two-82-year-olds-can-teach-us-about-living-fully/

Photos from https://aroundtheworldat80.com/home

Hidden in the Himalayas: The Untamed, Scientific Mystery of the Valley of Flowers

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Pubudu Poojitha’s Post on FaceBook

Deep within the Himalayan range of Uttarakhand, India, lies one of the most vibrant and mesmerizing sanctuaries on Earth—the Valley of Flowers National Park.

Unlike traditional wildlife safaris, you won’t find lions or elephants roaming here. Instead, this park guards a different kind of wild wonder: a breathtaking ocean of alpine wildflowers that bursts into life for just a few weeks every summer. With over 500 species of high-altitude flowers blooming simultaneously, the entire valley is transformed into a living, breathing canvas of colors—a natural phenomenon that scientists have still not been able to fully replicate or explain.

Perched at an altitude ranging from 3,200 meters to 6,700 meters and stretching across 87 square kilometers, the valley spends most of the year buried under thick snow. But when the winter blues melt away between June and September, the magic happens.

Almost overnight, hundreds of alpine species wake up. Himalayan blue poppies, fiery red rhododendra, golden marigolds, and deep purple gentians carpet the valley floor so densely it looks as though someone spilled a giant bucket of watercolors right into the mountains.

What makes the Valley of Flowers truly extraordinary—and highly elusive—is its erratic blooming schedule. The peak floral explosion lasts for only a few fleeting weeks, and the exact timing and sequence of the blossoms change every single year.

While scientists believe this unpredictable display is tied to shifting snowmelt patterns, temperature changes, and precise humidity levels, they have yet to successfully build a predictive model for it. Local villagers, however, have a much simpler explanation: they believe the valley is a sacred blessing from the mountain gods, far beyond the reach of human science.

The outside world first caught a glimpse of this paradise in the 1930s, thanks to the renowned British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward. Having explored the rugged Himalayas for decades, Kingdon-Ward finally stepped into the valley in 1939 and was completely awestruck. He later wrote:

“Never have I seen such a dense, such a colorful sea of alpine flowers.”

Mesmerized by its ecological value, he championed its protection. Thanks to his efforts, the Indian government declared it a national park in 1982, and in 2005, it officially became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Planning a journey to this remote Himalayan wonderland requires some preparation. Here is everything you need to know to execute the perfect trip:

🗺️ The Standard 4-Day Trekking Route

Most travelers start their journey from major transit hubs in Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh.

  • Day 1: The Mountain Drive (Rishikesh/Dehradun to Govindghat): A highly scenic but long 10-to-12-hour drive up winding mountain roads along the Alaknanda River. You will overnight at Govindghat or Joshimath to adjust to the altitude.
  • Day 2: The Journey to Base Camp (Govindghat to Ghangaria): A short drive takes you to the village of Pulna, where the actual trek begins. From Pulna, you will hike about 9 to 10 kilometers uphill through lush forests and waterfalls to reach Ghangaria, the bustling base camp village.
  • Day 3: Into the Valley (Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → Ghangaria): You will head out early to pass the forest checkpoint. The trek from Ghangaria into the valley is about 3.7 to 4 kilometers one-way. Because camping inside the park is strictly prohibited, you must explore during the day and hike back to Ghangaria before evening.
  • Day 4: The Descent: Hike back down to Pulna/Govindghat and begin your drive back to the lowlands.

⏱️ Park Timings & Rules

  • Opening Hours: The park gates open daily at 7:00 AM.
  • Last Entry: The last entry allowed past the forest checkpoint is 12:00 PM, and all visitors must exit the valley by 4:00 PM to allow the ecosystem to rest and ensure safety before dark.

🎫 Permits & Entry Fees

You don’t need to apply months in advance; entry permits are easily obtained on the spot at the Forest Department checkpoint just outside Ghangaria.

  • Pass Validity: The entry permit is a 3-day pass.
  • Cost: Around ₹200–₹250 for Indian nationals and ₹650–₹850 for foreign nationals (with nominal fees for each additional day). Be sure to carry a valid government photo ID.

🎒 Packing Essentials

  • Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in trekking shoes with excellent grip are mandatory—the trails can get incredibly slippery from rain and loose rocks.
  • Weather Protection: The valley’s blooming season coincides with the Indian monsoon. A high-quality raincoat or a heavy-duty waterproof poncho is essential.
  • Layer Up: Even during peak summer, temperatures at 3,000+ meters hover around a crisp 10°C (50°F) and can plummet quickly if it rains. Pack thermal layers and windcheaters.
  • Porters & Mules: If the uphill trek feels daunting, porters and mules can be hired at Pulna to carry your heavy luggage up to Ghangaria. However, mules are not permitted inside the actual Valley of Flowers to protect the terrain, meaning you must be able to walk the final stretch into the flowers yourself!

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/20/hidden-in-the-himalayas-the-untamed-scientific-mystery-of-the-valley-of-flowers/

The Day a Tiny Dove Saved Our Lives: Why Every Act of Kindness Returns to Us

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Have you ever wondered if the tiny, seemingly insignificant kind choices we make in our daily lives actually matter? I used to think of the saying “Do not look down upon a tiny good deed, thinking it is of no use” as just a pleasant piece of ancient moral advice.

That was until a rainy afternoon in May, when a single act of compassion became the only reason my husband and I survived a catastrophic accident.

It was a drizzly May afternoon. My husband and I were driving to the countryside to deliver fresh cherries to my mother. The rain swept gently across the windshield as swallows dipped and glided low over the road. Watching them, I quietly reminded myself to drive slowly—I didn’t want to hurt any of these precious little creatures.

Suddenly, a grey spotted dove appeared right in the middle of the road.

Usually, wild animals will instinctively scatter or fly away when they sense an approaching vehicle. But this dove was different. Even as the shadow of our car drew close, it continued to stroll leisurely along the asphalt, completely unbothered and showing no intention of dodging.

Instead of honking or rushing, I gently pressed the brakes. We sat in silence, waiting patiently as the little bird took its sweet time, ambling step by step toward the roadside. Watching its cute, bobbing silhouette, my husband and I looked at each other and smiled. We shared the same unspoken belief: all living beings are equal, animals are our companions on this Earth, and we must never harm a vulnerable life.

We had no idea that those brief seconds we spent waiting for the dove would save us from absolute disaster.

Shortly after the dove cleared the road, we began driving up a sloping hill. Out of nowhere, a massive, ten-meter-long cargo truck appeared from the opposite direction.

Because of the slick, rain-soaked road, the truck driver hit the brakes too hard. In an instant, the heavy vehicle lost control. The massive trailer began to fishtail violently, swinging outward like an unbroken stallion. The giant iron rear of the truck swept directly into our lane, accompanied by a shower of flying debris and rain. It was a terrifying sight.

Our car is a tiny Wuling Mini EV—lightweight, compact, and fragile. To our left was a steep mountain wall; to our right, a sheer cliff. If that heavy, high-speed truck bed made contact with us, our tiny car would have been instantly crushed and sent hurtling over the edge of the cliff.

I gripped the steering wheel as my mind went completely blank. Beside me, my husband froze in terror. We watched the massive steel wall of the truck sweeping toward us, completely helpless as the cold fear of death enveloped us.

Right at that split second—at the absolute boundary between life and death—something miraculous happened.

The violently fishtailing truck suddenly seemed to correct itself. With a massive lurch, it snapped back into its own lane. Carrying its remaining momentum, the giant vehicle brushed past our car with mere inches to spare, stabilized, and quietly rolled away into the rainy mist.

The heart-stopping crisis had arrived without warning, and it vanished just as miraculously.

For a long time, my husband and I sat frozen in the car. Neither of us could utter a single word. Our hearts hammered violently against our ribs. My palms were drenched in cold sweat, and my legs trembled so hard I couldn’t even press the gas pedal. After what felt like an eternity, we finally turned to look at each other. In our panicked, wide-eyed stares, we both realized just how close we had come to dying.

As the adrenaline began to fade, a profound realization washed over me.

If we hadn’t listened to our hearts and paused for that tiny dove, our car would have traveled just a few dozen meters further up the road. We would have been positioned exactly at the fatal bend at the exact millisecond the truck lost control. There would have been absolutely no way to survive.

That slow, stubborn little dove, in its own unique way, had held us back just long enough to shield us from a catastrophic tragedy.

A glowing girl in a blue dress protecting a small village under a magical dome during a storm

An ancient proverb says:

“If a person loves kindness, though fortune may not have arrived yet, disaster is already far away.”

Experiencing this brush with death made me truly understand the depth of those words. Every kind thought we harbor and every gentle deed we perform plants a seed. We may not see them grow immediately, but they accumulate.

The quiet kindness we put out into the world acts like a small, steady lantern in the dark. When we least expect it—when we face unforeseen dangers or find ourselves standing on the edge of an abyss—that accumulated goodwill quietly steps in to protect us, shielding us from the disasters we never saw coming.

All blessings begin with a kind heart. To live with compassion is to carry the greatest shield of all.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/17/the-day-a-tiny-dove-saved-our-lives-why-every-act-of-kindness-returns-to-us/

Source :https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid027E5vXivbEB83pWyWkwyQEXHCz5LH1K8HY3wa17MXDgwnC6VJoi6c1Ps41wPG5tT1l&id=100087521855455&mibextid=wwXIfr&_rdr

The Art of Disconnecting: Why Strategic Solitude and Meditation Are Your Ultimate Superpowers

linda changLeave a comment
Glowing figure meditating on a floating island surrounded by ethereal spirits and cosmic energy.

In a world where our pockets buzz every three seconds and notifications constantly hijack our attention, when was the last time you sat quietly with yourself?

We live under the collective illusion that hyper-connectivity equals success. We say “yes” to every social gathering, push ourselves to be extroverted at work, and wear our busyness like a badge of honor. But have you ever noticed the profound sense of emptiness and exhaustion that creeps in after the crowd disperses?

The truth is, modern society doesn’t have a connection deficit. We have a solitude deficit. What we truly lack is the courage to intentionally step away, embrace quietness, and meditate.

For millennia, humans have recognized the sacred link between solitude and mental clarity. From Eastern Zen practices to Western monastic traditions, sages have echoed the same truth: To understand the nature of reality and find your true self, you must first learn to be alone.

Today, cutting-edge neuroscience is finally catching up to this ancient wisdom, revealing what happens to our brains when we unplug:

  • The Myth of “Social Rest”: When we are around others, our brains automatically activate a “social tracking” network to read facial expressions, body language, and social cues. It’s a vital human instinct, but it’s also a constant source of cognitive drain.
  • True Neurological Recovery: It is only when we are genuinely alone that the brain can drop its social armor, deactivate its defense mechanisms, and enter a state of true restorative rest.

We’ve been conditioned to view daydreaming or doing “nothing” as a waste of time. Science proves the exact opposite. When you eliminate external stimuli and let your mind wander freely, your brain kicks into its Default Mode Network (DMN) to perform critical maintenance:

Neon glowing brain with interconnected circuit lines and digital icons above a futuristic city

Heightened Empathy: Introspection allows us to process complex emotions, ultimately increasing our capacity for empathy and strengthening our relationships with others.

Enhanced Memory Consolidation: An untethered mind actively processes experiences, transforming short-term data into long-term memories.

This brings us to a fascinating psychological paradox: Intentionally choosing solitude actually supercharges our focus when we return to the world. Allowing your mind to drift during quiet moments is the secret weapon to maintaining long-term, high-level productivity.

In her groundbreaking book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain champions the profound impact of “deliberate, productive solitude.”

Modern corporate culture loves to worship the myth of the brainstorming session, pushing the narrative that creativity only sparks in noisy, collaborative open offices. But Cain challenges this notion head-on:

“Cultivating true creativity requires sustained focus and deep, uninterrupted concentration.”

As social creatures, we are incredibly susceptible to peer influence. When we stay in a crowd, we unconsciously compromise, absorbing the collective opinions, biases, and aesthetic preferences of the group.

To pioneer a truly original concept, build a unique philosophy, or discover your authentic voice, you must walk away from the crowd—at least for a little while.

You don’t need to move to a cabin in the woods to reap these benefits. You can reclaim your mental sovereignty right now through micro-habits of meditation and intentional solitude:

1. The 10-Minute Daily Digital Fast

Find a quiet corner, switch your phone to airplane mode, and spend ten minutes focusing solely on your breath. This isn’t about achieving spiritual enlightenment; it is simply about taking your brain “offline” and halting the constant evaluation of the outside world.

2. Schedule a Non-Negotiable “Date with Yourself”

Block out one to two hours every week on your calendar. Go to a café alone, take a solo walk in nature, or read a book without checking your phone. Learn to politely decline low-value social obligations and invest that time into the most important person in your life: you.

In a world that refuses to be quiet, solitude is not isolation, and meditation is not an escape.

They are the highest forms of modern self-discipline. They are the ultimate antidotes to chaos, allowing us to preserve our sanity, sharpen our focus, and unlock our deepest creative potential.

The next time you choose silence over noise, remember: you aren’t missing out on the world. You are simply meeting a more creative, fulfilled, and powerful version of yourself.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/16/the-art-of-disconnecting-why-strategic-solitude-and-meditation-are-your-ultimate-superpowers/

Impermanence Is Always Near

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Impermanence Is Always Near

Unexpected events can arise at any moment in our daily lives. Impermanence is constantly with us, whether we are aware of it or not.

One evening, the weather was pleasantly cool. As usual, I was watching my child play with friends in our community. Seeing them happily absorbed in their games, I took out my phone and began browsing some news and information.

Suddenly, I heard an elderly man exclaim, “The child has been hurt from the fall!” I immediately looked up and saw my child crying uncontrollably several meters away. I rushed over and discovered that another child had accidentally knocked her to the ground. A large bump had already formed on her head.

It happened so quickly. In just a moment of inattention, an accident occurred.

That night, as I watched my child sleeping peacefully, I could not stop thinking about how she had cried in pain, tears covering her face. My heart ached for her. Just moments before, she had been a carefree child, full of laughter and joy. Yet in an instant, everything changed.

What if she had been seriously injured?

This incident reminded me of something that happened to my mother in 2020. She was in her seventies when she fell from a three-wheeled vehicle. During a turn, she was thrown from the vehicle and landed heavily on the ground. She could barely move afterward. A CT scan revealed that four ribs had been fractured, and her face was severely bruised and swollen. For days, the pain was so intense that she repeatedly said she could not endure it.

Surreal cosmic scene with glowing pathways, planets, swirling colorful nebulae, and small ethereal figures walking

Reflecting on these experiences, I realized how unpredictable life truly is. Accidents and misfortunes can happen to anyone, at any time. This is the reality of impermanence.

In the Dharma discourse What Is Cultivation?, Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III teaches:

“Without an awareness of impermanence, one cannot enter the Buddhist path. Even after entering it, one cannot engage in correct cultivation.”

These words prompted me to examine myself more deeply. Although I have studied Buddhism for many years, I realized that I had not truly developed a profound awareness of impermanence.

When I quietly reflected on my life, I saw that impermanence is everywhere. We age without noticing it. White hairs gradually appear. Our bodies lose their former strength. Family members and friends whom we once shared life with gradually depart from this world.

There is nothing we can do to stop time. We cannot bring back those who have passed away, nor can we prevent our own lives from eventually coming to an end.

Life lasts only as long as a single breath. Impermanence can arrive in a single instant.

Every day, we witness unexpected tragedies — accidents, natural disasters, illnesses, economic hardships, and countless unforeseen changes. No matter how much wealth, status, or success a person possesses, no one is exempt from the uncertainties of life.

As long as we remain within the cycle of samsara, impermanence will continue to accompany us.

This realization led me to ask myself: If my life were to end unexpectedly today, where would I go?

The thought was sobering.

I therefore made a sincere vow to cherish this rare and precious human life and to practice even more diligently the authentic Tathagata Dharma transmitted by Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. May I attain liberation in this very lifetime, transcend the cycle of reincarnation, and ultimately realize lasting happiness and freedom.

Written by: Xue Xin

Edited by: Li Ju Ban Kai and Zhi Ma Kai Hua

Learn more about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiidharma.com/2026/07/13/impermanence-is-always-near/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #MasterWanKoYee #Impermanence #BuddhistTeachings #BuddhaDharma #SpiritualAwakening #SelfCultivation #Karma #BuddhistWisdom #LifeReflection

The surprising truth about loneliness

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By Claudia Hammond profile image

By Claudia Hammond

The reality of feeling alone is not what many people think. Claudia Hammond, who instigated a survey called the BBC Loneliness Experiment, explores five counterintuitive findings.

About the results

The findings in this article are based on an online survey of 55,000 people from around the world, called the BBC Loneliness Experiment. It was created by academics at three British universities in collaboration with Wellcome Collection.

1. Younger people feel lonelier than older people

When you picture someone who’s lonely, the stereotype is often an older person who lives alone and hardly sees anyone. Indeed, in the BBC Loneliness Experiment, 27% of over 75s said they often or very often feel lonely. This is higher than in some surveys, but because the survey was online we had a self-selecting sample and might have attracted more people who feel lonely.

Yet the differences between age groups are striking. Levels of loneliness were actually highest among 16-24 year olds, with 40% saying they often or very often feel lonely.

This begs the question of why so many young people say they feel lonely. Perhaps they are more prepared to admit to feelings of loneliness than older people who might feel they need to stress their independence. But it was noticeable that when everyone was asked at which point in their life they’d felt lonely, even retrospectively the most common answer people gave was when they were young adults.

Tired scholar with hands on head reading an old book by candlelight

So it’s not necessarily modern life that’s making young people feel lonelier, but factors associated with being young itself. Although we might think of the ages of 16-24 as a time of new freedom to have fun, leaving school and having more control over your life, it’s also a time of transition – moving away from home, starting college, starting a new job – all of which take you away from the friends you’ve grown up with. At the same time people are trying to work out who they are and where they fit into the world.

In addition to this, people aren’t accustomed to these feelings of loneliness and haven’t yet had the experience to know that they often pass, or to the chance to find ways to cope with those feelings, such as distracting themselves or looking for company.  

2. 41% of people think loneliness can be positive

This finding fits in with the ideas of people such as the late neuroscientist John Cacioppo, who believed that we evolved to experience loneliness because it can be useful, even though it’s so unpleasant. Humans have survived through forming co-operative groups. If people feel they are excluded from a group then feelings of loneliness might drive them to connect with people, finding new friends or rekindling old relationships.

The problem is that it can become chronic, with a serious impact on well-being and maybe even on health.

Feelings of chronic loneliness are associated with an increased risk of depression a year later. It was striking that in the survey, although 41% of all the participants said loneliness could be positive, this rate dropped to 31% in those who told us they often feel lonely. Loneliness can be so miserable and distressing, that when it’s long-lasting it can be hard to see any positive side.   

3. People who feel lonely have social skills that are no better or worse than average

Sometimes it’s assumed that people feel lonely because they’ve found it hard to make friends and help with improving social skills would make a difference. This isn’t what we found. A key element of social interaction is the ability to tell what other people are feeling, so that you can adjust your responses accordingly. Perhaps they’re worried about something or you’ve accidentally offended them.

One way of measuring this skill is to give people a series of full faces or even just pairs of eyes to assess how good they are at working out which emotion people are experiencing. There was no difference between the average scores of the people who often felt lonely and the people who didn’t.  There were differences in scores on neuroticism, so perhaps it’s the anxiety provoked by social situations that can make them harder to cope with if you feel lonely, rather than social skills.

4. Winter is no lonelier than any other time of year

Getty Images People report loneliness in all seasons, not just winter (Credit: Getty Images)
People report loneliness in all seasons, not just winter (Credit: Getty Images)

In the run-up to Christmas, you often see campaigns from charities who help the elderly featuring picture of isolated old people. It’s a day of the year that’s all about gathering with your loved ones to celebrate, so the idea of facing the day alone is something a lot of people would dread. British comedian Sarah Millican runs a very successful #joinin campaign on Twitter on Christmas Day so that people who feel lonely can chat to each other. And if you live in the northern hemisphere then Christmas also falls in the middle of winter when days are shortest and people stay in more, leaving you even more isolated if you feel lonely.

But we found that for many who feel lonely, winter is no worse than any other time of year. We asked people to tell us the time of year and the time of day when they felt loneliest. More than two thirds of people said winter was no lonelier than any other time of year. The minority of people who did say one particular time of year is lonelier chose winter, but a few even chose summer. At Christmas, many people go to great lengths to ensure that everyone is included, inviting friends over if they know they might be alone. But in summer if everyone else goes on holiday, you might be the one feeling left behind. So perhaps we should start wondering whether other people might be lonely all year round, instead of just at Christmas.  

5. People who often feel lonely have higher levels of empathy than everyone else

In the survey two kinds of empathy were measured. One was empathy for people’s physical pain – how sorry you feel for someone who has accidentally slammed their hand in a door, picked up a scalding frying pan or been stung by a wasp. The other was how much empathy you have for other people’s social pain – for someone who’s been bullied at school, not invited to a party or dumped by their partner.  

There was no difference in empathy for physical pain between the people who felt more or less lonely. But the people who said they often or very often felt lonely scored higher on average for empathy for social pain. Maybe because they have experienced for themselves what it feels like to be left out, they empathise more with other people who find themselves in the same situation.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/13/the-surprising-truth-about-loneliness/

Source: https://www.bbc.com/ukchina/trad/vert-fut-45930977

2026 Dharma Ceremony Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III

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Lotus Button Holy Guru Mozhi’s Speech

Photo from http://www.chinesenewsusa.com/news/Article_Content.aspx?artid=10248&fbclid=IwY2xjawS-UqZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEegYXLoEH7-QCKALgOKUtjXGkO2_HDcPDytJplnBlU060NxMMp-XhFmHE6-0w_aem_hNR7eSKymPFVt6kz3H4RHg

With utmost sincerity, let us pay obeisance!

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha!

Namo Yuhua Shouzhi Wang Holy Mother the Great Mahasattva!

Namo all Buddhas in the ten directions, Vajra Beings, Bodhisattvas, Sky-goers, and Dharma Protectors!

We are gathered here today with utmost piety, sincerity, and gratitude to respectfully honor the holy birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. On this auspicious day, we reminisce about Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III with the deepest reverence. We are profoundly grateful to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III for bringing to all living beings magnificent Buddha Dharma and perfect accomplishment in the Five Vidyās. We are immensely thankful for the auspicious opportunity to respectfully listen to the audio recordings of the true Dharma expounded by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, and to study the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection.” They are supreme Dharma treasures!

Buddhist disciples know deep in their hearts that the goal of learning from Buddha and practicing cultivation is absolutely not about fame or fortune. Rather, it is to attain accomplishment and liberation, and be delivered from the cycle of birth and death. This is why, as Buddhist disciples, we must always remind ourselves that our cultivation must not be mere lip service or formality. Truly learning from Buddha is about practicing in accordance with the true Dharma, guiding our own conduct with correct knowledge and right views, walking the path of liberation, and benefiting all living beings.

During this Dharma-ending age, confused knowledge and chaotic views abound, and evil teachings proliferate. Without right faith, we are extremely likely to get lost. Having right faith is not just about believing in the magnificent compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It involves understanding and believing in causality, and deeply believing that Buddha Dharma can enable all living beings to achieve true deliverance from suffering and the attainment of joy. It is about steadfastly applying the teachings of the Buddha in our own cultivation.

Therefore, we must place our complete reliance on the teachings in the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection.” This Sutra Collection is the vital refuge that guides all living beings in their cultivation practice, leading them toward liberation. We must study the Sutras with reverence, respectfully listen to audio recordings of the Dharmas expounded by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, practice in accordance with the teachings, strictly abide by the precepts, and earnestly cultivate ourselves. We must resolve to propagate the true Buddha Dharma, enable more living beings to listen to the true Dharma, uphold the right views, and walk the true path of cultivation.

Speaking of learning and propagating the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection,” we are deeply aware that many native English speakers have been looking forward to studying an accurate and complete translation. I, too, sincerely wish for the English translations to be published as soon as possible, so that more living beings can learn the true Dharma and develop the right views. Translating the Sutras is a profoundly reverential and serious undertaking. In the process, we have encountered many adverse karmic conditions and obstacles. However, no matter how great the difficulties and challenges, we should vigorously drive the English translation forward with utmost reverence, a devoted sense of responsibility, and unwavering determination. In doing so, we wish to enable many more living beings with affinity to encounter the true Dharma, learn the true Dharma, and walk the path of liberation.

All of us should clearly understand that a Buddha’s descent into this world and entry into Parinirvana are due to the good karmic rewards, causes and conditions, and shared karma of all living beings. The coming of the Dharma-ending age is due to the causality and shared karma of all living beings. We can therefore understand that nothing escapes causality. Likewise, it is by virtue of our own causality that we have the opportunity to learn from Buddha and practice cultivation in this lifetime, so as to attain liberation and accomplishment.

The Buddhas compassionately expounded the true Dharma, pointing living beings toward the path of liberation. Even though Buddha Dharma can lead us onto the path of liberation, it cannot replace our own cultivation. Liberation cannot be attained through pleading or waiting; nor is it something that can be bestowed upon us. It must come through our own genuine cultivation, accumulated day by day.

A person who wishes to cross a river will never reach the other shore if they refuse to board the raft ready to take them. A person who is lost will not reach their destination if they do not move forward when pointed in the right direction. The same applies to learning from Buddha and practicing cultivation. Ultimately, truly moving step by step toward the other shore is something only we can do for ourselves.

This is why we must always reflect upon what we do with our body, speech, and mind, sincerely repent of our own sins, strictly abide by the precepts, earnestly cultivate our conduct, and diligently practice Dharma. We must not do any bad deeds, and do all kinds of good deeds. Only by applying Buddha Dharma in our daily lives can we truly transform what we learn from the Dharma into virtue and merit, and reap the benefits. Only then can we continue to make progress, and eventually attain liberation and accomplishment!

Moreover, not only must we cultivate ourselves to attain liberation, but we must also give rise to a mind of great compassion and beneficence. We must apply our own cultivation to uphold, protect, and propagate the true Dharma. We must enable more living beings with karmic affinity to listen to the true Dharma, increase their merit and wisdom, and together plant the cause of liberation.

Finally, may all living beings fulfill their kind wishes, increase their merit and wisdom, live auspiciously, and soon attain liberation!

May all nations flourish and all countries enjoy stability! May there be peace on earth, may the true Dharma eternally abide, and may the Dharma wheel turn forever!

Let us once again pay obeisance!

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha!

Namo Yuhua Shouzhi Wang Holy Mother the Great Mahasattva!

Namo all Buddhas in the ten directions, Vajra Beings, Bodhisattvas, Sky-goers, and Dharma Protectors!

Learn more about H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/07/10/2026-dharma-ceremony-honoring-the-holy-birthday-of-namo-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

Source: http://www.chinesenewsusa.com/news/Article_Content.aspx?artid=10248&fbclid=IwY2xjawS-UqZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEegYXLoEH7-QCKALgOKUtjXGkO2_HDcPDytJplnBlU060NxMMp-XhFmHE6-0w_aem_hNR7eSKymPFVt6kz3H4RHg

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