Author: linda chang

2026 ‘Love without Limits’— Hua Zang Si’s Ongoing Outreach Brings Warmth to the Community

linda changLeave a comment

        Hua Zang Si has always upheld and propagated the authentic teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Namo Sakyamuni Buddha. With the great compassionate Bodhicitta, the temple brings loving-kindness into practice, extending it to every sentient being in this world.

        Since launching the “Love without Limits ” donation drive during its 20th anniversary in 2024, the monastics and volunteers have personally visited communities, carefully assessed needs, and thoughtfully selected three organizations to support:

  • San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
  • Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
  • HPP (Homeless Prenatal Program)

        On December 19, 2024, Hua Zang Si delivered its first round of donated supplies. This year, that compassion continues without interruption.

        On March 13 & 17, 2026, the group set out once again.

        First Stop: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

        With inflation and rising living costs, many families are struggling to meet basic needs. This time, Hua Zang Si donated approximately 3.200 pounds of essential supplies, including rice, black beans, peanut butter, and various canned fruits and vegetables. May each item provide a bit more support and strength for families facing hardship.

        Second Stop: Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

        Here live elderly dogs who, despite their age, still long to be loved. Hua Zang Si donated 187 items, including collars, leashes, harnesses, pet beds, fleece blankets, dog poop bags, and cleaning supplies. These seemingly ordinary items bring real comfort and dignity to these senior dogs. With the devoted care of staff and volunteers, they are no longer alone. The principle of “equality of all beings” is truly embodied through these everyday acts of compassion.

        Third Stop:  HPP (Homeless Prenatal Program)

        HPP has long supported underserved families and homeless pregnant women by providing essential supplies, housing assistance, education, and employment resources. This time, Hua Zang Si donated 100 items, including baby bottle gift sets, portable booster seats, strollers, infant carriers, baby portable bouncers, collapsible wagon carts , dehumidifiers, and baby bath gift sets. They help expectant mothers feel supported and hopeful during difficult times. 

        Through these actions, Hua Zang Si puts the Buddha’s teachings into practice—loving and benefiting all beings. Every act of giving is a reminder of one’s own cultivation. True practice lies not only in inner awareness, but in bringing compassion into everyday life. May this boundless love flow like water, nourishing more lives and making the world warmer through kindness and love.

Taken from https://huazangsi.org/en/2026-love-without-limits-hua-zang-sis-ongoing-outreach-brings-warmth-to-the-community/recent-events-news/events/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQv-VpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0VmxPVnZNdFM0UmVoR3Bjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmPCmJ69BoMdWLwWHmad0vhhEeipWK9pmXOuQiIduCbZo_N80FvkaauZjS6b_aem_vdBzEYzs_X0N_z4yAZXZ5w

Link:hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2026/03/24/2026-love-without-limits-hua-zang-sis-ongoing-outreach-brings-warmth-to-the-community/

#HuaZangSi #donationdrive #compassion #DharmaofH.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII

2026 ‘Love without Limits’— Hua Zang Si’s Ongoing Outreach Brings Warmth to the Community

        Hua Zang Si has always upheld and propagated the authentic teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Namo Sakyamuni Buddha. With the great compassionate Bodhicitta, the temple brings loving-kindness into practice, extending it to every sentient being in this world.

        Since launching the “Love without Limits ” donation drive during its 20th anniversary in 2024, the monastics and volunteers have personally visited communities, carefully assessed needs, and thoughtfully selected three organizations to support:

  • San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
  • Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
  • HPP (Homeless Prenatal Program)

        On December 19, 2024, Hua Zang Si delivered its first round of donated supplies. This year, that compassion continues without interruption.

        On March 13 & 17, 2026, the group set out once again.

        First Stop: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

        With inflation and rising living costs, many families are struggling to meet basic needs. This time, Hua Zang Si donated approximately 3.200 pounds of essential supplies, including rice, black beans, peanut butter, and various canned fruits and vegetables. May each item provide a bit more support and strength for families facing hardship.

        Second Stop: Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

        Here live elderly dogs who, despite their age, still long to be loved. Hua Zang Si donated 187 items, including collars, leashes, harnesses, pet beds, fleece blankets, dog poop bags, and cleaning supplies. These seemingly ordinary items bring real comfort and dignity to these senior dogs. With the devoted care of staff and volunteers, they are no longer alone. The principle of “equality of all beings” is truly embodied through these everyday acts of compassion.

        Third Stop:  HPP (Homeless Prenatal Program)

        HPP has long supported underserved families and homeless pregnant women by providing essential supplies, housing assistance, education, and employment resources. This time, Hua Zang Si donated 100 items, including baby bottle gift sets, portable booster seats, strollers, infant carriers, baby portable bouncers, collapsible wagon carts , dehumidifiers, and baby bath gift sets. They help expectant mothers feel supported and hopeful during difficult times. 

        Through these actions, Hua Zang Si puts the Buddha’s teachings into practice—loving and benefiting all beings. Every act of giving is a reminder of one’s own cultivation. True practice lies not only in inner awareness, but in bringing compassion into everyday life. May this boundless love flow like water, nourishing more lives and making the world warmer through kindness and love.

Taken from https://huazangsi.org/en/2026-love-without-limits-hua-zang-sis-ongoing-outreach-brings-warmth-to-the-community/recent-events-news/events/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQv-VpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0VmxPVnZNdFM0UmVoR3Bjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmPCmJ69BoMdWLwWHmad0vhhEeipWK9pmXOuQiIduCbZo_N80FvkaauZjS6b_aem_vdBzEYzs_X0N_z4yAZXZ5w

Link:hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2026/03/24/2026-love-without-limits-hua-zang-sis-ongoing-outreach-brings-warmth-to-the-community/

#HuaZangSi #donationdrive #compassion #DharmaofH.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII

A Glimpse Beyond the Ordinary: Faith, Humility, and the Inconceivable

linda changLeave a comment

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

The following account is excerpted from a post published by Holy Miracles Temple on April 15, 2022, titled “Recent Talk Records of Venerable Zhai Mang.”

Sometimes, in the course of spiritual practice, there are moments that quietly remind us how limited our ordinary understanding truly is. What we see, hear, and reason through the lens of everyday experience may only be a small fragment of a far greater reality.

Venerable Zhai Mang once shared a personal experience that deeply illustrates this truth.

In January 1996, he accompanied the Buddha and the Holy Mother to Shenzhen. At that time, Brother Li Dehe, the general manager of the Luohu Hotel, arranged a temporary Dharma altar on the 16th floor, where teachings were given and disciples gathered.

One day around noon, it was time to invite the Buddha and the Holy Mother for a meal. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the Buddha could not be found.

Venerable Zhai Mang went up to the altar to look—no one was there. Another disciple went, and then another. Each time, the result was the same: the room was empty.

Finally, Sister Liu Ge went to check. Unlike the others, she did not leave immediately. She stood quietly by the doorway, facing a large mirror. Behind her was a sealed window, reflected clearly in the glass.

Then, something extraordinary happened.

In the mirror, she suddenly saw a foot appear near the window—seemingly out of nowhere. In the next moment, she witnessed the Buddha step into the room from midair.

Startled beyond words, she cried out.

Everyone rushed over. Inside the altar, the Buddha was already seated calmly, as if nothing unusual had occurred. Sister Liu Ge then recounted what she had just witnessed.

When sharing this story, Venerable Zhai Mang did not focus on the miraculous itself. Instead, he pointed to something far more important.

In simple terms, he reminded us: the realization and abilities of the Buddha and the Holy Mother are beyond the comprehension of ordinary minds. Trying to measure the enlightened with our limited understanding is like trying to contain the vast sky within the palm of a hand.

What, then, should we do?

Not to speculate. Not to doubt blindly.
But to turn inward.

With sincerity, we reflect on ourselves. With humility, we cultivate. With a heart of repentance and reverence, we create the conditions to receive true guidance.

Moments like this are not merely stories of the extraordinary. They are gentle awakenings—reminding us that the path of spiritual practice is not built on curiosity about miracles, but on the transformation of our own hearts.

In a world that often demands proof for everything, perhaps the deeper wisdom lies in recognizing what cannot be fully explained, yet can be quietly felt.

To walk the path is to let go of arrogance, to open the heart, and to trust that there are dimensions of truth far beyond what we can see.

And perhaps, when the mind becomes still and sincere, what once seemed unimaginable may no longer feel so distant.

The Legacy of Venerable Denma Tsemang

Venerable Denma Tsemang was one of the twenty-five great Dedengbas under Guru Padmasambhava when he journeyed to Tibet over a thousand years ago to spread the Dharma. During that same period, Shakyamuni Buddha dispatched Denma Tsemang to descend into this world to assist Guru Padmasambhava in propagating the Buddha-Dharma.

According to the traditional biographies of Guru Padmasambhava’s twenty-five foremost disciples, Denma Tsemang was highly accomplished in transcription and writing. He possessed extraordinary wisdom and was especially skilled in translation. Under the guidance of the great ācārya Guru Padmasambhava, he received numerous esoteric teachings, including secret mantras and profound Dharma instructions.

He attained remarkable realization, great spiritual powers, abundant merit, and deep wisdom. It is said that he never forgot any teaching he received, retaining everything completely. Many important terma (hidden treasure texts), including the Collection of Eight Sadhana Teachings, were transcribed by him. In addition, Denma Tsemang, together with other great Bodhisattvas, participated in translating the sutras and treatises contained within the Tripitaka.

In this present lifetime, Denma Tsemang has reincarnated as H.E. Longzhi Tanpe Nyima, a devoted disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. He remains by His Holiness’s side throughout the year, serving as an attendant with unwavering dedication.

His strengths in this life closely mirror those of his previous incarnation. He diligently transcribes and organizes the recorded Dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, preserving these teachings for the benefit of future generations.

During a sacred inner tantric initiation known as “Drawing Lots from a Golden Vase and Casting a Lot,” performed personally by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the lot revealed the mandala of Guhyapada Vajra—a powerful vajra being of immense spiritual strength. Following this, he demonstrated extraordinary ability by telekinetically moving a vajra pill, clearly revealing the level of realization of a true reincarnated great Dedengba.

Yet despite these remarkable signs, H.E. Longzhi Tanpe Nyima humbly said:

“I am just a Buddhist disciple sincerely cultivating myself.”

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/04/03/a-glimpse-beyond-the-ordinary-faith-humility-and-the-inconceivable/

When Love Lifts Life: A Remarkable Story from the Ocean

linda changLeave a comment
Mystical sperm whales with golden runes and a bioluminescent calf in a deep-sea environment.
Ancient whales adorned with golden runes protect a bioluminescent calf in this mystical deep-sea scene.

July, 2023. Out on the open sea.

A group of marine biologists was tracking a pod of sperm whales. At first, something felt strange. Eleven whales floated motionless at the surface, as if time itself had paused. The ocean was eerily quiet.

Then, about an hour later, the stillness shattered. The water suddenly turned red.

Hearts racing, the scientists braced themselves for the harsh reality of nature.
Was this a hunt? A death? A moment of survival at another creature’s expense?

But as a drone camera moved closer, the truth revealed something entirely different.

There was no violence. No tragedy.

A mother whale—named Rounder—was giving birth.

In a rare and breathtaking moment, the scientists witnessed a new life entering the world. A tiny tail emerged first, as sperm whale calves are born tail-first, and slowly, a newborn began its journey into the vast ocean.

It should have been a moment of pure joy.

But in the ocean, birth is only the beginning of the struggle to survive.

A newborn sperm whale faces an immediate danger. Unlike adults, it has not yet developed the specialized organ in its head that helps regulate buoyancy. In simple terms, the baby cannot stay afloat on its own.

Without help, it would sink.

And sinking, in the open ocean, means death.

But what happened next was something no one could have predicted.

The ten other whales surrounding Rounder moved into action.

One by one, they swam beneath the newborn calf, using their massive bodies to gently push it upward—lifting it to the surface so it could take its first breaths. Again and again, they repeated this act, forming a living cradle beneath the fragile life.

This was not a brief effort.

For three hours, the whales took turns, tirelessly supporting the newborn, ensuring it did not sink. Each whale became a living buoy, offering strength, patience, and care.

It was a relay of compassion.

What makes this story even more extraordinary is what scientists later discovered: nearly half of the whales helping that day were not directly related to the mother or the calf.

They were not bound by blood.

And yet, they stayed. They helped. They gave their strength to protect a life that was not “their own.”

In the world of sperm whale, this is part of a deeper truth. These whales live in close-knit, matriarchal societies—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and daughters supporting one another. But their care goes beyond family ties. It extends into a culture of mutual aid, a shared understanding:

Today I help you. Tomorrow, someone will help me.

In a world where nature is often described as ruthless and unforgiving, this moment tells a different story.

Survival is not driven by strength alone.
It is sustained by connection.

Even in the vast, indifferent ocean, life finds a way through cooperation, through presence, through something that looks very much like love.

Perhaps there is something for us to learn here.

In our own lives, we all face moments when we feel like we are sinking—overwhelmed, alone, unable to stay afloat. And sometimes, the help that lifts us does not come from those closest to us, but from unexpected kindness, from strangers, from quiet acts of support.

Like those whales in the open sea, we, too, are part of a larger web of life.

In Buddhism, there is a teaching that all beings are interconnected, bound together through causes and conditions. The kindness we offer today becomes the support we receive tomorrow. This is the quiet working of karma—not as fate, but as the natural unfolding of our actions.

The whales did not calculate reward or recognition. They simply responded to suffering with care.

In the same way, when we act with compassion, we become part of a greater flow of life—one that uplifts, protects, and sustains all beings.

Perhaps awakening does not begin with grand realizations, but with small, sincere acts:

To notice when another is sinking.
And to gently help them rise.

Link:

How Karam’s Little Leaders Shapes Early Leadership Through Intentional Family Engagement

linda changLeave a comment

Daniel Fusch Contributor March 13, 2026, 2:03 p.m. ET

Audra and Matt Karam have spent many years listening to families and observing how children grow within their everyday environments. Through this work, they began to notice subtle gaps between what parents hoped to nurture in their children and the types of guidance available to support that growth in daily life. Their shared response eventually took shape as Karam’s Little Leaders, a family-centered initiative designed to help parents bring leadership principles into early childhood in a way that feels engaging and supportive.

As they continued these conversations with families, a clearer picture emerged. “We’ve been noticing how childhood development is evolving as family routines change, parents juggle more on their plates, and awareness grows around how early experiences may shape later behavior. So many parents tell us they want to raise thoughtful, capable kids, and they’re often looking for guidance that doesn’t feel overwhelming,” Audra says. 

This need becomes even more apparent when viewed within the broader landscape. A KPMG report shows that many parents experience significant work disruptions due to childcare challenges, often forcing them to miss work or reduce their hours. “Families are looking for guidance that fits into real life, something that honors their limited time while still supporting healthy development,” Matt states. He adds that it’s a reminder of how valuable it is to have programs that bring parents and children together, strengthening skills through shared moments rather than separate activities.

It was within this context that Karam’s Little Leaders took shape. The program integrates leadership principles into short animated stories, hands-on activities, and guided family conversations. By using Black Belt Bruce, a friendly character as a narrative guide, the curriculum aligns with research showing that storytelling and imaginative play help young children internalize abstract ideas. Audra explains, “Children connect deeply with stories. When a lesson feels like an adventure, it becomes something they want to revisit, not something they feel directed to complete.”

Building on this foundation, the Karams’ approach also reflects insights from developmental psychology that introduce concepts in manageable ways that gradually expand as children grow. Their curriculum introduces core character skills early and revisits them through different lenses over time, allowing understanding to mature alongside the child. 

Alongside developmental considerations, the Karams also paid close attention to the emotional needs of parents themselves. They recognized that many parents, especially during the early childhood years, look for reassurance that their choices align with their values and long‑term hopes for their children.

This theme reflects not only what families express today but also what longstanding national guidance has underscored for years. The Karams note that leaders have emphasized that strong early‑childhood programs must be built on meaningful partnerships with families. For instance, a joint policy statement from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education (ED) reaffirms this long‑held position, noting that effective programs consistently honor parents’ beliefs, cultural values, and aspirations for their children. The guidance stresses that families thrive when they feel supported, not judged, and when they receive clear, practical tools that strengthen their confidence during periods of rapid developmental change. This enduring perspective reinforces the importance of approaches that meet families where they are and offer tools that feel both respectful and manageable.

Black Belt Bruce

Amid this landscape, Karam’s Little Leaders positions itself as a supportive partner, offering parents language and routines that encourage reflection without judgment. The program’s design acknowledges that children observe adult behavior closely, reinforcing the idea that leadership habits develop through shared modeling.

The Karams note that group participation and gentle, positive feedback may help young children feel more engaged. At the same time, a supportive parental community might contribute to a sense of accountability and encouragement. With this in mind, they are exploring ways for families to feel more connected, aiming for an experience that could extend beyond individual lessons and nurture a shared sense of purpose.

Another influence on the program comes from the Karams’ background in martial arts. By translating core martial arts principles into a home‑based format, the Karams preserved the spirit of mentorship while adapting it to the rhythms of contemporary family life. Matt explains, “Discipline often grows through consistency and encouragement. When children feel respected, they tend to mirror that respect in meaningful ways.”

As national discussions around early learning increasingly highlight the importance of intentional parenting, Karam’s Little Leaders occupies a thoughtful place within that dialogue. The program does not position leadership as a fixed trait but as a collection of habits nurtured over time through patience, structure, and shared experiences. Its emphasis on parental involvement aligns with insights suggesting that engaged caregiving contributes to positive developmental outcomes across social and emotional domains.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

Link:https://www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2026/03/13/how-karams-little-leaders-shapes-early-leadership-through-intentional-family-engagement/89139779007/

Ending Poverty Is Within Our Reach—If We Act with Wisdom and Compassion

linda changLeave a comment

At forty-six, Esther Duflo becomes the youngest Nobel Economic Prize recipient in history, and only the second woman to receive the honor. Yet her greatest achievement is not the prize—it is the hope her work brings to the world.

For generations, poverty has felt like an unmovable mountain. Governments spent billions. Experts debated endlessly. Grand theories came and went. And still, suffering remained.

But Duflo chose a different path.

She asked a quiet, powerful question:
What if we truly tried to understand—and truly tried to help?

Instead of guessing, she turned to science. She went into villages, listened to people, and tested real solutions with care and humility. One question at a time. One life at a time.

Do children attend school more if given simple support?
Can small incentives save lives through increased vaccinations?
What actually helps families build a better future?

And through this patient work, a profound truth emerged:

People living in poverty are not the problem.
The lack of opportunity is.

When given even small, thoughtful support, lives begin to change. Children stay in school. Families grow healthier. Hope quietly returns.

Through the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, these small, proven solutions have already reached hundreds of millions of people across the world.

This is the message her work offers us:

Poverty is not a permanent condition.
It is not beyond our reach.
It is something we can change.

Not through one dramatic act, but through countless small acts of wisdom, guided by evidence and grounded in compassion.

Like tending a garden, each seed matters. Each careful step matters. And over time, transformation becomes inevitable.

In her Nobel speech, Duflo reminded the world that this work is not about one person—it is about all of us. It is a shared responsibility, a collective opportunity to reduce suffering and uplift human dignity.

From a deeper perspective, this truth resonates with timeless wisdom:
When we act with compassion and clarity, we create causes for a better world. When we ignore suffering, we allow it to continue.

Ending poverty is not only an economic challenge.
It is a moral calling.

Today, we no longer have to ask, “Is it possible?”
We know that it is.

The real question is:

Will we choose to care enough, persist enough, and work together long enough to make it happen?

Because if we do, a world free from extreme poverty is not just a dream—

It is a future waiting to be created.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/31/ending-poverty-is-within-our-reach-if-we-act-with-wisdom-and-compassion/

The Light You Forgot to Turn Off Might Be Affecting Your Heart

linda changLeave a comment

What if your risk of heart disease isn’t just about diet or exercise—but about that small light you leave on at night?

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open, conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School and Flinders University, has uncovered a striking connection between nighttime light exposure and cardiovascular health.

Their findings are both surprising—and a little unsettling.

According to the study, being exposed to light while sleeping can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases—such as heart disease and stroke—by nearly 50%.

What’s even more important is this:

The risk isn’t simply due to “not getting enough sleep.”

Instead, the real issue lies deeper—in the disruption of your circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that quietly regulates nearly every function in your body.

For most of human history, our bodies evolved in a simple rhythm:

  • Bright sunlight during the day
  • Complete darkness at night

But modern life has turned that pattern upside down.

During the day, many of us work indoors under lighting as dim as 400 lux—far less than even a cloudy outdoor day, which can reach 10,000 lux or more.

At night, instead of darkness, we surround ourselves with:

  • Streetlights filtering through windows
  • Glowing phone screens
  • The soft flicker of televisions

This constant, low-level light may seem harmless. But between midnight and early morning, it quietly sends confusing signals to your brain, effectively resetting your internal clock at the worst possible time.

The research team analyzed wearable device data from nearly 90,000 participants in the UK Biobank and followed them for up to 9.5 years.

The results showed a clear and concerning pattern:

  • Compared to those who slept in the darkest environments,
    people exposed to even small amounts of light at night had a 20% higher risk of heart disease
  • Those in the top 10% of nighttime light exposure saw their risk rise by a staggering 47%

This wasn’t a vague trend—it was a consistent, step-by-step increase in risk.

Perhaps the most striking finding is that this risk appears to be independent of other lifestyle factors.

That means:

  • Even if you don’t smoke
  • Even if you exercise regularly
  • Even if you eat a healthy diet

…sleeping in a room that isn’t truly dark may still place additional strain on your heart.

The good news?

This is one of the easiest health risks to fix.

You don’t need expensive treatments or drastic lifestyle changes. Sometimes, protecting your heart begins with something incredibly simple:

  • Turn off unnecessary lights
  • Reduce screen exposure before bed
  • Invest in blackout curtains
  • Create a sleep environment as close to complete darkness as possible

In fact, buying a proper set of blackout curtains might be one of the most cost-effective investments you make for your health this year.

Because compared to changing your genetics or giving up every unhealthy craving…

Flipping a switch is surprisingly easy.

In a world full of complex health advice, it’s easy to overlook the small things.

But sometimes, it’s the quietest habits—the unnoticed glow in the corner of your room—that carry the greatest impact.

Tonight, before you go to sleep, take a moment to look around.

And maybe… turn off that light. 🌙

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/27/the-light-you-forgot-to-turn-off-might-be-affecting-your-heart/

I willingly accept the karmic retribution of cause and effect for everything I have stated

linda changLeave a comment
Longzhi Danbei Nima Rinpoche

A Personal Account of Extraordinary Events

The return of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Yun Gao Yixi Nuo Bu, to this world is widely recognized. His supreme moral virtue and mastery of the Five Vidyas are unparalleled—there is no second holy being who can be compared to Him. This is something well known to many.

As for the extraordinary spiritual states that people often find astonishing, such manifestations occur frequently in His presence. Those of us who have served closely around H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III have witnessed so much that, over time, we have almost grown accustomed to these sacred phenomena—perhaps even somewhat numb to them.

However, the two events I wish to share here are not significant simply because I personally experienced them. Rather, they are directly connected to the karmic blessings of all sentient beings in this world.

The First Event: A Mysterious Earthquake

The first incident took place on the afternoon of July 30, 1999, at around 4:00 PM.

Due to changing circumstances, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III decided to leave China. At that time, the departure could not be made public, so I was the only one accompanying Him. We stood outside the South Entrance of Meijing Building in Luohu District, Shenzhen, waiting for a car to take Him to the airport.

Suddenly, I felt my body shake. Behind me, the thirty-story building began to sway. Even the heavy streetlights fixed onto the granite base rattled loudly, their glass covers clattering continuously for dozens of seconds.

I immediately realized that the earth was trembling—an earthquake. Yet my heart felt heavy, and I remained silent.

After a moment, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III asked calmly,
“Was that the earth shaking?”

I simply replied, “Yes.”

His expression remained composed. He clearly understood that the buildings would not collapse, for this was no ordinary earthquake—it arose from a profound karmic cause connected to the Dharma.

According to the scriptures, the earth trembles only when a Buddha descends into the world or enters parinirvana. At that time, however, I did not fully comprehend the deeper significance of what had occurred.

Only later did I come to realize:
beings in the Western world were about to receive great blessings—they would have the opportunity to encounter the true Dharma.

The Second Event: A Manifestation Beyond Imagination

The second event occurred on the very day I first paid homage to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Beginning that day, a grand Dharma assembly was held over many consecutive days. During this assembly, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III expounded profound teachings, including “Debates Between Monastics and Laypeople” and “What I Have Seen and Reflected Upon,” addressing beings of different capacities and karmic conditions.

Before the teachings began, an elderly practitioner, Huang Huibang, shared his personal experience of receiving blessings from the Buddha that very day.

Huang Huibang was a highly respected figure in China, formerly serving as Vice Chairman of the Jiangxi Buddhist Association, and was often referred to as the “Living Buddha of Jiangxi.”

From a young age, while studying in Japan, he encountered Buddhism and devoted himself wholeheartedly to its practice. For over seventy years, he maintained a vegetarian lifestyle and rarely parted from the scriptures. His lifelong dedication and sincerity were deeply moving.

Even at nearly ninety years old, he traveled alone to Tibet in search of the Dharma. The revered master Jigme Phuntsok was profoundly touched by his devotion and told him:

“Your roots of virtue are exceedingly deep. You should go and study higher Dharma under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.”

He then informed him where to find the Buddha.

Huang Huibang recounted that on that day, he personally partook of sacred offerings bestowed through H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. He was also told that his wish could be fulfilled—that he could behold a Buddha.

Yet at the moment when this was about to happen, Huang Huibang hesitated and said he would rather see a Dharma protector instead.

At that instant, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III casually called out.

Mahakala Vaja Protector

Suddenly, a Dharma protector appeared out of thin air—towering like an iron pillar, clad in black armor, with a thunderous roar. The sheer presence overwhelmed Huang Huibang, and he fell backward onto the ground before he could react. (A recording of Huang Huibang recounting this event exists.)

One may ask: who could summon such a being with a single call?

Only a Buddha possesses such majestic power and virtue.

A Solemn Affirmation

These two events are entirely true.

If I have spoken falsely to deceive others, may I bear all negative consequences. But if what I have shared is true, then may all be auspicious, and may all beings have the opportunity to hear the true Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, increasing in both merit and wisdom, and ultimately attaining liberation.

Disciple of the Buddha: Longzhi Danbei Nima
November 15, 2007

This article has been translated from Chinese by Linda Chang for your reference. Please click https://changhuaxxx.blogspot.com/2017/06/blog-post_0.html to view the original Chinese version.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/27/i-willingly-accept-the-karmic-retribution-of-cause-and-effect-for-everything-i-have-stated/

A Bucket of Water, A Lifetime of Karma: A Story of Cause and Effect

linda changLeave a comment

During the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, there was a day when the Buddha was giving teachings to his disciples. In the middle of the discourse, he suddenly turned to Ananda and said:

“Take a bucket and go to a small village about five miles ahead. There, you will find an elderly woman washing clothes by a well. Ask her for a bucket of water—and remember to be polite and kind.”

Ananda respectfully nodded and set off with confidence. Such a simple task, he thought. Surely, it would be completed without difficulty.

When Ananda arrived at the village, he indeed found a gray-haired elderly woman by the well. With sincerity and respect, he bowed and said:

“Dear elder, may I please have a bucket of water?”

To his surprise, the woman looked up at him with irritation. Her expression hardened, and she replied sharply:

“No! This well is only for the people of this village. Outsiders are not allowed to use it!”

No matter how politely Ananda pleaded, she refused. Helpless, he returned empty-handed.

Back before the Buddha, Ananda recounted everything that had happened. The Buddha simply nodded and asked him to sit down. Then he turned to another disciple—Sariputra—and gave him the same instruction.

A Completely Different Outcome

Sariputra walked the same path and arrived at the same village. The same elderly woman was still there, washing clothes by the well.

He approached her with equal politeness:

“Dear elder, may I ask for a bucket of water?”

This time, something remarkable happened.

The woman looked up—and her face lit up with warmth and joy, as if she had just met a long-lost relative.

“Of course! Of course!” she said happily. “Come, let me draw the water for you.”

Not only did she fill a bucket for him, but she also insisted he wait. She hurried home and brought back some food, urging him to take it along for his journey.

Sariputra returned with a full bucket—and a heart full of wonder.

The disciples were puzzled. How could the same request, from two equally respectful monks, lead to such completely different outcomes?

They turned to the Buddha and asked for an explanation.

The Buddha revealed:

“In a distant past life, this elderly woman had been reborn as a mouse. One day, she died by the roadside, her body exposed under the burning sun.

At that time, Ananda was a traveling merchant. When he saw the dead mouse, he felt disgust and turned away, covering his nose as he passed.

Sariputra, on the other hand, was a scholar on his way to an important examination. When he saw the same mouse, he felt compassion. He gently covered the body with some earth, offering it a small act of dignity.

After countless lifetimes, the causes they planted ripened into the results you see today.”

This story reveals a profound truth:

Even the smallest thought—whether of kindness or indifference—can plant seeds that shape our future.

Ananda did not commit a great wrong; he simply turned away in aversion. Sariputra did not perform a grand act; he simply offered a moment of compassion. Yet the results, across time, were vastly different.

If such a small moment can create such powerful consequences, how much more impact do our daily actions have?

Every word we speak, every thought we nurture, every action we take—these are all seeds of karma.

To harm others is to plant suffering for ourselves.
To act with kindness is to cultivate blessings we may one day receive.

In our daily lives, we may not notice the immediate results of our actions. But the law of cause and effect is always at work—quietly, patiently, unfailingly.

So let us remember:

  • Avoid harming others
  • Practice kindness whenever possible
  • Build connections rooted in goodwill

Because even a single moment of compassion…
may one day return to us as unexpected grace.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/26/a-bucket-of-water-a-lifetime-of-karma-a-story-of-cause-and-effect/

The Bird That Turns Into Ice to Survive the Night

linda changLeave a comment

If you think leaving your warm bed on a winter morning is painful, wait until you meet this bird. Every night, to save energy, it follows a routine that sounds almost unbelievable—it turns itself into what can only be described as a “heartbeat-equipped ice cube.”

High in the Andes Mountains of Peru, life for hummingbirds is a tale of extremes. By day, the mountains burst into color, with wildflowers blooming everywhere—a seemingly endless, all-you-can-eat buffet of nectar. But when night falls, temperatures plunge below freezing.

Most birds would fight the cold by burning massive amounts of energy to stay warm. But our tiny protagonist—the Black Metaltail, weighing about as much as a coin—takes a radically different approach.

Its philosophy? If staying warm costs too much energy… then don’t stay warm at all.

As the sun sets and the cold creeps in, the hummingbird perches quietly on a branch. It tilts its beak upward, fluffs its feathers—and then, quite literally, begins to shut down.

Scientists call this state torpor, but in plain terms, it’s almost like logging out of life.

During the day, this tiny creature lives at full speed. Its heart can beat up to 1,200 times per minute as it darts from flower to flower. But once it enters torpor, that number plummets dramatically—to about 40 beats per minute.

Yes… from 1,200 down to 40. It’s almost unimaginable.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Its body temperature, normally around 104°F (40°C), drops to a staggering 37.9°F (3.26°C)—one of the lowest body temperatures ever recorded in any bird or non-hibernating mammal. When scientists first observed this phenomenon, they were stunned.

“They feel like cold stones,” one researcher noted. “If you didn’t know better, you’d think the bird was dead.”

And honestly, who wouldn’t? A tiny bird, motionless, ice-cold, barely breathing—it’s nature’s version of suspended animation.

Because survival demands it.

A hummingbird needs to visit around 500 flowers a day just to get enough nectar to live. If it spent the freezing night burning energy to stay warm, it simply wouldn’t make it to the next day.

By lowering its body temperature to near-death levels, the bird can conserve up to 95% of its energy. It’s a high-risk strategy—but an incredibly effective one.

Survive the night, and morning brings another chance.

At dawn, as sunlight returns, the bird begins its astonishing revival.

Its body starts to tremble—rapid, intense muscle vibrations, like a phone buzzing on silent. This shivering generates heat, raising its body temperature at about 1°C per minute.

Then, suddenly—

Its eyes open.

It’s alive again.

Fully restored, it takes off into the sky, heading straight back to its daily feast of flowers.

A Lesson from a Tiny Survivor

The next time life feels overwhelming—when challenges pile up, or when you feel exhausted and stuck—think of this tiny hummingbird.

Sometimes, the most powerful survival strategy isn’t to push harder, but to conserve, to pause, to endure.

To rest.

To wait.

To simply make it through the night.

Because if you can do that… tomorrow is another day.

Good night. ❤️

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/25/the-bird-that-turns-into-ice-to-survive-the-night/

From Palace Walls to Boundless Freedom

linda changLeave a comment

There is a story from the time of Gautama Buddha that beautifully reveals what true happiness really means.

After the Buddha renounced royal life and attained enlightenment, his son, Rahula, followed his path and became a monastic as well. Seeing both his son and grandson leave the palace, the king—concerned that the royal lineage would end—appointed a relative named Bhaddiya as the new ruler.

However, not long after ascending the throne, Bhaddiya witnessed the instability and danger that accompanied power. Before the kingdom was overtaken by enemies, he too chose to renounce worldly life and became a disciple of the Buddha.

From that point on, Bhaddiya devoted himself wholeheartedly to spiritual practice. Yet, something curious caught the attention of the other monks: every day, he would joyfully proclaim three times,
“I am truly happy! I am truly happy! I am truly happy!”

Hearing this, some monks misunderstood him. They wondered if he was still attached to the pleasures of his former life as a king, and reported their concerns to the Buddha.

To clarify the truth, the Buddha gathered the community and gently asked Bhaddiya,
“Do you still long for the happiness you once had as a king?”

Bhaddiya replied,
“World-Honored One, I do not recall those pleasures at all.”

The Buddha then asked,
“Then why do you proclaim your happiness three times each day? What is this happiness you speak of?”

Bhaddiya answered with sincerity:

“When I was a king, my palace was guarded day and night by layers of soldiers. Yet despite all that protection, my heart was never at peace. Every sound in the night startled me. I lived in constant fear—afraid of rebellion, invasion, and loss. I was surrounded by luxury, but I had no freedom, no true rest.

Now, as a monastic, I eat one simple meal a day. I sit beneath the open sky, resting under trees. I hear no anxious signals in the night, and I live in harmony with nature. My heart is free from worry, free from attachment. I have nothing, yet I lack nothing. This is my true happiness.

Out of gratitude for the Buddha, who showed me this path to freedom, I proclaim my joy each day.”

This story invites us to reconsider what happiness truly means.

Is happiness found in what we possess—or in what we are no longer bound by?

So often, we chase success, security, and recognition, believing they will bring us peace. Yet, like King Bhaddiya, we may find that the more we accumulate, the more we have to fear losing.

True happiness does not arise from external conditions, but from inner freedom—
a mind unburdened, a heart at ease, and a life aligned with simplicity and clarity.

Perhaps real happiness begins not when we gain more,
but when we finally learn to let go.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/03/20/from-palace-walls-to-boundless-freedom/