Category: Buddhism Teaching

Wang Zha Shang Zun Held the Dharma Assembly of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue And Determined the Genuine Incarnation of the Buddha

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Wang Zha Shang Zun Held the Dharma Assembly of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue And Determined the Genuine Incarnation of the Buddha

(Reported by the Taiwan Times) On September 5, 2015, an unprecedented dharma assembly of “Determining the Status of a Buddha by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue (Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue is a dharma in Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism for determining the result sought through selection)” was held in the United States of America with the attendance of several dozens of venerable ones, dharma kings and rinpoches, who are from Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, and dharma masters. The dharma practice was led by Great Rinpoche Wang Zha from Tibet, who once practiced in solitary retreat for 46 years in Tibet and has the realization of Golden Button Grade 3 (having three Sun-Moon wheels) in Buddha-dharma. The decisions by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue determined that Sakyamuni Buddha is a true Buddha, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is a true Buddha, and Master Hui Neng, the sixth patriarch of the Ch’an (Zen) School, was not a Buddha but was the incarnation of a great Bodhisattva.

At what level is a dharma assembly of determination by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue? According to the explanation provided by the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters (UIWBAH) who sponsored the two sessions of the dharma assembly to determine the status of a Buddha, the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue is one of the holy supreme great dharmas and can be used to determine the true or false status of any holy being. In this world, this dharma and the Dharma of Forecasting the Future (announcing events that will happen in the future ahead of time) are the co-champions among the dharmas of decision by selection. The dharma ranked next is the holy inner-tantric dharma of “Bai Fa Ming Men Hei Guan Ze Jue (a dharma specifically used to determine the correct or wrong result).” The next lower dharma is the dharma of dropping divine pieces to receive divine instruction, which is at the inner-tantric level. Then, there are lower, outer-tantric dharmas of lot-drawing from a golden vase, rotating a tsampa ball, watching a sacred lake to see the result, and others. This Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue and the Dharma of Forecasting the Future are the highest dharmas among dharmas of decision by selection to determine the status of either “another person” or “self.” This dharma can only be possessed and commanded by holy ones at the level of great Mahasattvas or higher. Therefore, no great dharma king or venerable one who is not an extremely great holy one can hold and practice this dharma. Even great dharma kings and great venerable ones at the level of Jiao Zun who have the ability of performing inner-tantric initiations do not have the qualification to hold and practice this dharma. Mo Zhi Jiao Zun said, “Although I have just entered the door of holding and performing inner-tantric initiations, I have not touched even the edge of the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue. Only a holy one who has the realization of performing holy inner-tantric initiations that are close to the level of state practice can perform the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue. Otherwise, one is merely dreaming and far away from doing it.”

Why was this dharma assembly held to determine the status of a Buddha by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue? According to a writing describing the fact by the UIWBAH, the karmic condition rose from the fact that many Buddhists in the world wished to respectfully beseech the contrasting photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III showing His returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person three years ago. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III did not agree to that. He thought that these were just ordinary photos and were meaningless for people to have. The discussion lasted three years to 2015. The UIWBAH finally got the agreement from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. His Holiness the Buddha donated the two photos of His to the UIWBAH free of charge with a requirement that the UIWBAH can only sell the photo at a low price to those who wish to get it and must not profit from selling the photo. At the end of October of 2015, the UIWBAH published the contrasting photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III showing His returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person to the world. This provided people with auspicious and magnificent feelings and abundant joy of Buddha-dharma.

Unfortunately, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III wrote a note for the photos and demanded it to be printed at the lower part of the photo sheet. The note mainly stated that He is an ordinary person like everyone else, He is not a holy person, He has no advantage over other people, He does not know the dharma of returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person, and what people saw was a temporary phenomenon due to a medicine given by an elder virtuous one. On the other hand, UIWBAH stated that many people witnessed the real fact that Wang Zha Shang Zun, who is an outstanding one among great dharma kings, publicly practiced a dharma of empowerment. After a short period of a little over 10 minutes, an elder person whose age was over 60 changed into an appearance of a person who was about 30 years old. Wang Zha Shang Zun used this demonstration to show the fact that the dharma of returning from an aged appearance to a youthful person does exist within the realm of Buddha-dharma. Wang Zha Shang Zun said, “My Buddha Master is the universe. I am only a small piece of stone. Even I can empower a cultivator to return from an aged appearance to a youthful person temporarily. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s realization is millions of times higher than mine. Can you believe that the Buddha Master is an ordinary person?”

Although Wang Zha Shang Zun made the above proof, the speech by His Holiness the Buddha saying that He is an ordinary person just like everyone else made many Buddhist disciples in the world, whose good roots and intelligence are not strong enough, hesitate and be at a loss. They are unsure, with pressure on their mind. All can tell that, in terms of science and causality, how can there exists any miraculous medicine that can completely change a person’s facial features in a short period of a little over 10 minutes? Furthermore, three years have already passed and there is still not even one winkle in H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s face. The skin and flesh on His face are clean and tender with a light ruddy complexion. His appearance is extremely beautiful, handsome, and majestic. Other than a Buddha, how can a Bodhisattva have such extremely beautiful magnificence and how can any medicine create such an effect? Additionally, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s accomplishments of perfect mastery in both exoteric Buddhism and esoteric Buddhism and at the acme of the Five Vidyas are unmatched and incomparable by any holy one throughout the history of Buddhism. Not even one can be found from looking through history, searching the internet, and exhaustive investigations! How could H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III not have advantage over others? Ordinary people do not bear any remote resemblance to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Then, how could H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III be an ordinary person? On the other hand, should we not listen to His Holiness the Buddha’s speech? Therefore, unintelligent and deluded people feel muddle-headed and do not know what is right.

Considering this situation of cultivators being pressured, the UIWBAH had discussions and decided to provide Buddhists a correct conclusion. For the sake of benefiting living beings, an action that may not respect His Holiness the Buddha has to be taken. Wang Zha Shang Zun, an extremely great holy one at the level of Golden Button Grade 3 or higher, took the lead to practice the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue to determine fundamentally whether the Buddha’s status is true or false. Many cultivators wish to know the situation of the dharma assembly that determined the Buddha’s status by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue. The following is a report on that dharma assembly:

On September 5, 2015, the historic grand dharma assembly to determine the status of the Buddha using the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue began in a solemn and majestic scene. Wang Zha Shang Zun’s holy arrival was welcomed by Great Holy and Virtuous One Mo Zhi Jiao Zun, Chairman of the UIWBAH Dharma King Gar Tongstan, UIWBAH’s Secretary General Kai Chu Ru Zun, Chief Abbot of the International Buddhism Sangha Association Dharma Master Zhengda, Great Rinpoche Akou Lamo, and several dozens of eminent monks, rinpoches, and dharma masters who were to serve as observing witnesses. They held palms together to greet each other and were seated on the dharma rostrum.

To be fair, the decision by selection was first conducted to verify the status of Sakyamuni Buddha. The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If Sakyamuni Buddha is truly a Buddha, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If not, there will be no crown.” First, a portrait of Sakyamuni Buddha was laid on an ordinary four-legged flat table of dark-brown color. Then, a pinch of sand from the Ganges River with the color of light camel wool was picked up and put on the portrait at a spot of hair at the top of the Buddha’s head. Wang Zha Shang Zun began to practice the dharma at a dharma rostrum which was about 13 feet away from the table. After the ritual of knocking the wood fish, ringing the bell, waving the Vajra, performing mudras, and chanting mantras, twelve documents written on yellow papers were burnt. All observing witnesses saw with their own eyes that the sand placed at the spot of hair at the top of the Buddha’s head began to disperse with inconceivable changes. Every grain of sand seemed to be alive. All sand grains moved individually with miraculous transformations to form a crown made of strands of hair, which very naturally and wonderfully stood up above the top of Sakyamuni Buddha’s head. A scene of adding a crown of strands of hair to the Buddha’s top-knot was manifested, proving that Sakyamuni Buddha is a true Buddha.

Immediately after and on the same table, the decision by selection was conducted for H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the incarnation of the primordial Sambhogakaya-Buddha Dorje Chang Buddha, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If not, there will be no crown.” Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma following exactly the same ritual as before. After the twelve documents were burnt, the sand of the Ganges River with the color of light camel wool that had been flatly put on the spot of hair at the top of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s head suddenly had the miraculous transformation of being elevated upward. Sand grains connected with each other to form strands of hair standing in the air. The strands of hair then automatically formed a crown of hair. A 3-dimensional crown was put on the head of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in the portrait, proving that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is a true Buddha coming to the world!

The last decision by selection was to verify whether the Sixth Patriarch Master Hui Neng was a Buddha’s nirmanakaya (meaning emanated body). The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If the Sixth Patriarch Master Hui Neng is a Buddha’s nirmanakaya, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If not, there will be no crown.” As before, Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma following the same ritual and the twelve documents were burnt. Everyone saw that the sand of the Ganges River with the color of light camel wool placed at the top of Patriarch Master Hui Neng’s head had no movement or change at all. Therefore, the conclusion was that Patriarch Master Hui Neng was not a Buddha’s nirmanakaya. So a lower-level status had to be verified by the decision by selection, i.e. to determine whether Patriarch Master Hui Neng was an incarnation of a great Bodhisattva or not. The beseeching dharma document wrote, “We respectfully beseech a verification from the decision by selection. If the Sixth Patriarch Master Hui Neng is an incarnation of a great Bodhisattva, a crown made by strands of hair will be put on the head. If he was not at the level of a Bodhisattva, there will be no crown.” After Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma, a dharma crown was put on Master Hui Neng’s head. Sand grains formed a crown of hair. However, because Patriarch Master Hui Neng was not a Buddha or a Bodhisattva with universal or wonderful enlightenment, as stipulated by the dharma, the crown of hair did not stand up into the air and become a 3-dimensional crown, but was formed on a flat plane. However, it was very naturally structured and absolutely not something that can be made by humans.

The two sessions of the dharma assembly lasted more than five hours. To show the magnificence and extremely truthful nature of the crowning process through determination by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue, each of the venerable ones, dharma kings, rinpoches, great dharma masters, dharma masters, great laypersons, and others attending the dharma assembly took a test to crown the visage using the sand from the Ganges River. As it turned out, none of the holy and virtuous ones present who are at the levels of Golden Button Grade 2, Golden Button Grade 1, and Blue Button Grade 3 were able to crown the Buddha’s portrait with sand from the Ganges River. There was no manifestation of power of Buddha-dharma to cause miraculous changes. This proved that the great dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue can only be practiced by extremely great holy and virtuous ones at the level of Golden Button Grade 3 or higher. No one else possesses the realization to practice the dharma successfully.

Wang Zha Shang Zun was very dissatisfied with himself for the first session. He said that his cultivation was shallow and lacked merit and virtue and that his own karmic forces caused him not to practice this dharma of decision by selection perfectly. The reality was that a few people in the observing crowd had their karmic forces become visible during the dharma assembly. They caused disturbance in the Buddha hall when they could not control their excitement upon seeing holy states. They shouted loudly and pushed others. Such disrespect toward the holy dharma kept the outcome from being completely perfect. For this reason, Wang Zha Shang Zun decided to hold a second session of the dharma assembly. Before the second dharma assembly started, Dharma King Gar Tongstan made the rules on behalf of Wang Zha Shang Zun. He announced that onlookers could get closer to watch but no one was allowed to speak loudly or push others. All must have the mind focusing on being respectful before moving closer. Then Wang Zha Shang Zun practiced the dharma. The second dharma assembly had a perfect success with extremely magnificent manifestations, proving again that Sakyamuni Buddha is a true Buddha and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the incarnation of the primordial Sambhogakaya-Buddha Dorje Chang Buddha. In the process, the sand of the Ganges River of the light camel wool color placed at the top of the head exhibited unimaginably miraculous transformation. A lose-hair crown changed into a head-covering crown and a thick-hair crown changed into a thin-hair crown. The strands of hair gathered or separated as required at different places to knit into a naturally perfect crown. Every sand grain had its own independent life. Some walked extremely fast; some wandered around casually; some followed twisted paths; some traveled past the boundary and then came back; and some climbed from the bottom to the top. The sand grains followed each other one by one to form strands of hair that stood into the air without falling. Eventually, a knot was formed to create a perfect crown for the Sambhogakaya-Buddha. Then, Wang Zha Shang Zun snapped a finger to perform a mudra and the strands of hair fell into a pile of sand with no trace left of the crown. Wang Zha Shang Zun issued a dharma decree to distribute the sand of the Ganges River (which became Vajra Sand after the dharma was performed) to all who were present. Every attendee received a share of the Vajra Sand that manifested the holy crown worn by the genuine incarnation of the Buddha.

The situation at the time was that the dharma was practiced with the same table, at the same position, following the same ritual, and using the same sand of the Ganges River. However, the three hair crowns created were completely different. There was one Bodhisattva two-dimensional crown and there were two Buddha hair crowns that were three-dimensional and stood into the air. The latter two were also different from each other in terms of shape and structure.

All attendees on the dharma assembly on that day took an oath to testify for the above reported true facts, “We all attended the dharma assembly for determining the status of the Buddha by the Dharma of Jin Gang Fa Man Ze Jue as practiced by Wang Zha Shang Zun. We clearly understand and believe in the law of cause and effect. What was stated above is true and without any false statement. If we lied to deceive people, we not only will not become accomplished but also will descend into the three lower realms to undergo extremely miserable suffering. If what was stated above is all true, we wish and pray that all living beings be able to learn the true dharma of the Tathagata from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Sakyamuni Buddha, attain perfect good fortune and wisdom, and become accomplished and liberated to benefit countless living beings.”

(Translated from a news report in Chinese published by Taiwan Times)

Date of publication: 2016–01–27 09:02:57

Article from: http://xuanfa.net/announcements/wbah-announcements/wang-zha-shang-zun-determined-the-genuine-incarnation-of-the-buddha-through-the-dharma-assembly-of-vajra-dharma-hair/

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/20/wang-zha-shang-zun-held-the-dharma-assembly-of-jin-gang-fa-man-ze-jue-and-determined-the-genuine-incarnation-of-the-buddha/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #MasterWanKoYee #Buddha #SakyamuniBuddha #Incarnation #TibetanEsotericBuddhism #WangZhaShangZun #cultivation #dharma

Learning Compassion Beneath the Water: A White Whale’s Silent Teaching

linda changLeave a comment

A White Whale and the Awakening of the Human Heart

Standing before the massive screen at the exhibition, I raised my arm and waved upward.

On the screen, a white whale responded instantly—leaping out of the water.
Its enormous body traced a graceful arc through the air before crashing back down, sending waves of spray in every direction.

At the recently concluded art exhibition in Shenzhen, Whale Room: A Blue Dream Confined, nearly every visitor briefly stepped into the role of a “whale trainer” through multimedia interaction.

What We Call Beauty May Be Their Burden

In the wild, white whales rarely leap repeatedly out of the water.
Their heavy bodies are not meant for frequent, high jumps.

What humans describe as “graceful” or “awe-inspiring”
may, for them, be exhausting, oppressive,
even a cycle of repeated pain.

The exhibition’s founder, Shao Ran, once worked as a whale trainer for five years.
She stood by the pool countless times, receiving applause and cheers.

This time, however, she chose to tear open the surface of the “blue dream.”

When the decorations are removed, steel and concrete are revealed beneath.
No matter how vast an artificial pool may appear,
to a whale, it is still an inescapable prison.


Their suffering is carefully packaged as entertainment.

When a Life Was Entrusted to a White Whale

What truly changed Shao Ran’s life was a moment of life and death beneath the water.

That day, she entered the pool to perform with a white whale named Sophie.
Suddenly, Sophie lost control—clamping onto her foot and dragging her downward again and again.

Fear. Powerlessness. Suffocation.
All magnified in that endless blue.

“The only thing I could do was wait,” she later said.
“To gamble on her kindness.”

She did not escape—not out of bravery,
but because for the first time, she fully understood:

In the water, she was no longer the one in control.
She was utterly vulnerable.

She looked into Sophie’s eyes.
No commands. No intimidation.
Only one thought remained:

I want to live.

In the end, Sophie stopped.
She slowly swam closer, lifted Shao Ran’s foot with her mouth,
and gently pushed her back to shore.

In that moment, Shao Ran understood what compassion truly means.

Not weakness—
but the choice not to harm,
even within extreme injustice and oppression.

Who, Then, Is Truly Being Tamed?

Sophie was not the only one who resisted.

Another dolphin, Huahua, after enduring prolonged loneliness and stress,
eventually chose to stop breathing.

That day, as Shao Ran sat beside Huahua’s body,
she could no longer persuade herself with words like
“work,” “regulations,” or “procedure.”

She began to see clearly:

So-called training does not only tame animals.
It slowly tames the human heart as well.

When violence becomes institutionalized,
when suffering is rationalized,
when harm is renamed “normal work”—

Humans, like the captive animals,
lose freedom and awareness.

There is a line in Buddhism: All beings suffer. Ignorance causes beings to harm one another.”

The Buddhist teaching of non-harming
calls us to awaken from this very ignorance.

Walking the Path of Compassion in Another Way

Shao Ran left the marine park.

She no longer stands beside a pool,
but walks into schools, bookstores, and quiet corners of the city,
telling stories about animals.

No stage. No applause.
Sometimes, only a handful of listeners.

Still, she speaks.

She founded a nature protection community called “Ran Ai Tong Sheng”
(“All Beings, One Compassion”).

“Ran” is not her name.
It means following what is natural—
respecting the original state of all beings.

The image of that white whale pushing her gently back to shore
has stayed with me ever since.

After long confinement and deprivation,
it did not choose destruction—
it chose kindness.

Buddhism teaches us:

Compassion is not a result—it is a direction.

If we consider ourselves more intelligent,
more civilized,
more faithful—

Then perhaps we should also learn:

Not to build our joy upon the suffering of others.
Not to hide harm behind habit.
Not to allow violence through silence.

Buddhist compassion is not mere sympathy.
It is a lucid responsibility.

May we, toward every life,
give rise to respect,
and cultivate a heart of non-harming.

When non-harming becomes a choice,
when compassion becomes action,
only then can this world truly move toward freedom.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/15/learning-compassion-beneath-the-water-a-white-whales-silent-teaching/

One Lollipop, One Forest, and the Quiet Power of Kindness

linda changLeave a comment

Recently, I watched a short video that stayed with me far longer than I expected.

The scene took place in a small shop in Pakistan. A robber walked in, grabbed money and a phone, and prepared to leave. Sitting beside the shop owner was a little girl. She looked at the robber calmly, without screaming or hiding, and gently offered him the lollipop she was holding.

For a brief moment, everything seemed to stop.

The robber froze. He looked at the child, then slowly put the money and phone back down. Before leaving, he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

I don’t know whether the girl acted out of fear, nervousness, or pure instinct. But her simple, innocent gesture touched something deeply human in him. Perhaps, in that fleeting moment, his life took a different turn.

What moved me most was this realization:
Even those who appear hardened or dangerous may still carry a seed of kindness within them.
And sometimes, it only takes the smallest act to awaken it.

A single lollipop opened a door in the human heart.

Lately, I’ve been noticing more and more of these quiet sparks of goodness appearing around the world.

In the United States, a group of Buddhist monks has been walking on foot, praying for peace. Without slogans or confrontation, they offer presence, humility, and sincerity. Their journey has inspired many people to reflect on peace in a deeper way, and countless strangers have stepped forward to support them.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Guided by the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, and with deep respect for the great mercy and loving-kindness through which Buddhas and Bodhisattvas benefit all living beings, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (W.B.A.H.), Holy Miracles Temple (at Pasadena CA) and Sanger Mission sincerely to carry out Charitable Acts to Benefit Our Community Together: 2026 Food and Goods Drive, to collectively plant goodness. All donations will be sent to support local food banks, homeless shelters, and animal shelters in the Los Angeles area.

I also read about Jon Stewart, who announced an extraordinary donation of $116 million to help address homelessness across the United States—providing housing and dignity to people who have long been forgotten by society. It was a reminder that compassion, when paired with courage, can bring real and lasting change.

And then there is the story that expanded my sense of hope even further.

Johan Eliasch, a Swedish billionaire, acquired approximately 400,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest by purchasing the company that held its logging rights. Instead of continuing operations for profit, he immediately halted all logging activities.

Just like that, the chainsaws stopped.

That vast stretch of forest was allowed to remain intact—continuing to absorb carbon, protect biodiversity, and sustain one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. His action demonstrated something profound: that private ownership, when guided by conscience, can become a powerful force for environmental protection.

This act of kindness may not be immediately seen by everyone, yet it will have a profound impact on the Earth’s ecological balance—and it is, in its own quiet way, safeguarding a future our children and grandchildren will still be able to breathe in.

From a child offering a lollipop…
to a monk walking for peace…
to a philanthropist sheltering the homeless…
to a forest saved from destruction—

These acts may differ in scale, but they arise from the same source:
the human longing to protect, to heal, and to do what is right.

In Buddhist teachings, compassion is not passive emotion—it is action.
It is wisdom expressed through kindness.

As a new year begins, I sincerely hope we will witness more of these compassionate and righteous choices—choices that quietly warm the world.

May we walk together,
letting kindness extinguish the fires of war,
allowing love to dissolve hatred and conflict,
and using compassion to heal sorrow, fear, and pain.

The world does not change all at once.
But every gentle act—no matter how small—adds light.

And sometimes, that light begins with something as simple as a child’s open hand.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/13/one-lollipop-one-forest-and-the-quiet-power-of-kindness/

The Bell in the Horse’s Belly

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The Buddhist concept of cause and effect (karma) is truly an unfathomable truth

Long ago, deep in the mountains, there lived a Zen master named Wuguo（无果）, a practitioner wholly devoted to meditation. For more than twenty years, he was supported by a humble mother and daughter who offered him food and daily necessities so he could cultivate the Way without distraction.

As the years passed, Master Wuguo reflected deeply on his practice. Although he had dedicated his life to meditation, he felt he had not yet realized his true nature. A quiet fear arose in his heart: If I have not awakened, how can I truly repay the kindness of these offerings?

Determined to resolve the great matter of life and death, he decided to leave the mountain to seek instruction from other masters.

When the mother and daughter heard of his departure, they asked him to stay a few more days. They wished to sew him a monastic robe for his journey. At home, the two women worked carefully, chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha with every stitch, their hearts filled with sincerity. When the robe was finished, they also wrapped four silver ingots to serve as his travel funds.

Master Wuguo accepted their offerings and prepared to leave the next morning.

That night, as he sat quietly in meditation, a vision appeared. A young man dressed in blue stood before him, holding a banner. Behind him came a procession playing music and carrying a magnificent lotus flower.

“Zen Master,” the youth said, “please ascend the Lotus Seat.”

Master Wuguo remained calm. He reflected inwardly: I am a Zen practitioner, cultivating meditative concentration. I have not practiced the Pure Land path. I should not become attached to visions. Even for a Pure Land practitioner, such an experience could be a delusion.

He ignored the vision.

Yet the youth returned again and again, urging him earnestly not to miss this rare opportunity. Finally, Master Wuguo picked up his small hand-bell (yinqing) and placed it on the lotus seat. Soon after, the youth and the entire procession vanished.

The next morning, as Master Wuguo prepared to depart, the mother and daughter hurried toward him in distress. Holding the hand-bell, they asked anxiously:

“Master, is this yours? Something very strange happened last night. Our mare gave birth to a stillborn foal. When the groom cut it open, he found this bell inside. We recognized it immediately and rushed to return it—but we cannot understand how it came from a horse’s belly.”

Upon hearing this, Master Wuguo broke into a cold sweat. Deeply shaken, he composed a verse:

One monastic robe, one sheet of hide;
Four silver ingots, four hooves inside.
Had this old monk lacked the power of Zen,
Your stable is where I would have been.

In that moment, he clearly understood the law of cause and effect. By accepting the robe and the silver, he had created a karmic debt. Had his mind been even slightly attached—to the vision, to the offerings, or to the idea of reward—he would have been reborn as a horse in that very household, laboring to repay what he had received.

Immediately, Master Wuguo returned the robe and the silver to the women and departed.

Because he did not cling to extraordinary visions, he escaped rebirth in the animal realm. An ordinary person, upon encountering such sights, would have grasped at them, fallen into delusion, and continued revolving in the cycle of rebirth.

This story reveals a profound truth: the realms are not distant places—they arise from the mind itself.

When the mind dwells in craving and greed, it becomes the realm of the Hungry Ghosts, endlessly desiring yet never satisfied.
When the mind dwells in anger and resentment, it becomes the Asura realm, filled with conflict and struggle.
When the mind is clouded by ignorance and confusion, it sinks into the Animal realm, driven by instinct and karmic habit.

In our daily lives, we often fixate on external things—lust, fame, wealth, comfort, indulgence—believing we cannot live without them. Yet we fail to see that all phenomena arise from causes and conditions. When conditions gather, things appear; when conditions disperse, they vanish. None possess a fixed or permanent essence.

Reflect carefully:
Is there anything in this world we can truly hold onto forever?

Since nothing produced by conditions can be owned, lasting happiness cannot be found through possession or attachment. True happiness arises from non-attachment, from seeking nothing and clinging to nothing. When the mind releases its grasp, it becomes light, clear, and free.

So we may ask ourselves:

Can we remain at peace amid changing emotions?
Can we stay calm in the face of conflict?
Can we remain unmoved by fame and profit?
And when the moment of death arrives, can our mind remain clear and mindful?

The law of cause and effect never errs.
What we cultivate in the mind today shapes the world we inhabit tomorrow.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/07/the-bell-in-the-horses-belly/

A Delegation of Buddhist Town visited Bhutan

linda changLeave a comment

At the invitation of Rev. Chandima of the Sri Lanka Cultural and Educational Foundation, members of Buddhist Town joined a delegation to Bhutan to participate in the Global Peace Festival, held in celebration of the 70th birthday of the Fourth King of Bhutan. The trip was co-organized by the Buddhist Town Community Association, with participating organizations including Fa Chan Temple, Macang Yuan, Holy Vajrasana Temple, and the Canadian Institute of Buddhist Studies, among others. In total, 68 representatives took part in this meaningful event.

As part of the visit, the delegation donated 500 sets of essential baby supplies, offering prayers for happiness, health, and well-being for every family. The donation ceremony was attended by the Director of Bhutan’s Ministry of Health, who officially received the supplies. Following the ceremony, the donated items were distributed on-site to pregnant women and mothers with newborns by members of the delegation.

The delegation jointly sponsored the offering of 3,000 butter lamps and respectfully invited Master Shin Zhengda Jaozun to preside over the 3,000 Butter Lamp Offering Ceremony at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Paro. The prayers were dedicated to world peace, the removal of obstacles, the averting of disasters, and the flourishing and propagation of the True Buddha Dharma.

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the 108 demon-subduing temples built by King Songtsen Gampo. Established in 638 CE, it stands as one of Bhutan’s most sacred and historically significant temples.

Dasho Passang Dorji, former Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, formally welcomed the Buddhist Town delegation at Paro International Airport. Following the reception, the delegation embarked on an inspiring journey to visit sacred sites associated with Guru Padmasambhava and to learn how Zhabdrung Rinpoche further propagated and established Guru Padmasambhava’s lineage teachings throughout Bhutan.

During the journey, the delegation visited many major temples and sacred sites, including the Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu (21st century), Punakha Dzong (17th century), the Druk Wangyal Chortens—also known as the 108 Stupas (21st century), Chimi Lhakhang (15th century), Khewang Lhakhang (15th century), and Gangtey Monastery (17th century), among others.

The final highlight of the journey was the ascent to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (8th century), dramatically perched at an elevation of 3,100 meters above sea level. According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this sacred site, where he subdued negative forces and later spread Buddhism throughout Bhutan, becoming the foundational figure of Bhutanese Buddhism.

By Original: Nina R from AfricaDerivative work: UnpetitproleX – Paro Taktsang, BhutanThis file was derived from: Paro Taktsang, Bhutan (49694480001).jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=163890881


With an elevation gain of more than 900 meters and steep mountain trails, the pilgrimage requires a 7–8 hour round-trip hike. Throughout the journey—visiting sacred sites, receiving blessings, paying homage to the Buddhas, and experiencing deep spiritual inspiration—the delegation was filled with immeasurable Dharma joy and boundless gratitude.

At every point along the path, it felt as though the land itself was gently reminding the delegation that all worldly phenomena are impermanent and ever-changing, and that only the true Dharma of the Buddha remains eternally unchanged.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/02/a-delegation-of-buddhist-town-visited-bhutan/

Source: https://lirp.cdn-website.com/9890f458/dms3rep/multi/opt/BT+Newsletter+EN+-+202511-1920w.png

Walking for Peace, Step by Step

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The Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, who are undertaking a 2,300 mile pilgrimage of Walk for Peace, arrive for a welcome ceremony at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images

In a world that often feels rushed, divided, and relentlessly loud, there is something quietly revolutionary about the act of walking.

Recently, a group of Buddhist monks began a long, demanding pilgrimage across the United States. Their mission is simple yet profound: to promote peace. Their journey began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26. Since then, they have faced the literal “wear and tear” of the road, including a harrowing incident where two monks were injured after a truck struck their escort vehicle.

Yet, they did not stop.

With perseverance and a calm, unshakable resolve, the group of two dozen monks has reached Georgia. They are still moving, one step at a time, toward their final destination in Washington, D.C. Their pace is slow, deliberate, and intentional—and that may be exactly what our world needs right now.

Buddhism has a long history of “engaged mindfulness”—the idea that compassion isn’t just felt in meditation, but lived in the world. These monks are not just praying for peace; they are embodying it.

As they navigate highways and back roads, they offer a living reminder that peace isn’t a destination we reach once and for all. It is a practice. It is something we choose moment by moment, breath by breath, step by step.

Watching their progress brings me back to a book I read nearly 30 years ago: Peace Pilgrim.

I remember being deeply moved by her story—how she walked across countries carrying almost nothing, guided by the conviction that peace begins within the individual. At the time, I wished I could have met her in person, just to thank her for the way her simplicity and courage planted a seed in my heart.

Though she is gone, her spirit feels remarkably present today. I see her legacy in the orange robes of these monks as they crest the hills of the American South.

Monks rest at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Igniting Kindness, One Heart at a Time

There is something profoundly moving about a walking pilgrimage in the age of instant communication. There are no hashtags here. No viral outrage. Just human beings placing one foot in front of the other, trusting that their presence alone can soften the world.

And it works.

Along the way, the “ordinary” world reacts. Drivers slow down. Strangers stop to ask questions. People offer water, a meal, or a simple smile. In these small, unscripted exchanges, something gentle is awakened. We are reminded that beneath our political and social differences, we all share a basic human longing for safety, understanding, and harmony.

The monks may be the ones doing the walking, but the kindness they ignite along the way belongs to all of us. As they recently shared on their Facebook page:

“We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows.”

A group of Buddhist Monks and several hundred local community members take part in the Walk for Peace in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday December 23, 2025. The Monks are walking from Texas to Washington, D.C. to promote peace and compassion.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Most of us cannot drop everything to walk across a continent. But all of us can “walk for peace” in the geography of our own lives.

  • We can pause before we react in anger.
  • We can choose compassion over the reflex of judgment.
  • We can listen more deeply than we speak.

Watching these monks continue their journey despite injury and uncertainty reminds me that peace isn’t achieved through grand, sweeping gestures. It is built patiently through humility and love.

Step by step.

May their walk remind us to slow down, to soften our hearts, and to keep moving—together—toward a more peaceful world.

Photos from https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/buddhist-monks-peace-walk-thousands-follow-on-social-media/3962302/ and https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/01/walking-for-peace-step-by-step/

Kumbum Monastery: The Sacred Birthplace of a Master and the “Three Wonders” of Tibetan Art

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In the southwestern suburbs of Xining, where the air grows thin and the spirit grows light, stands one of the most significant sites in the Buddhist world: Kumbum Monastery.

Known in Tibetan as Kumbum Jampa Ling, meaning “A Supreme Temple of a Hundred Thousand Lion’s Roar Buddha Images,” this sprawling complex is far more than just a collection of buildings. It is a living monument to Lama Tsongkhapa, the revered founder of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Legend of the Golden Tree

Unlike many temples built to house statues, Kumbum was built to house a pagoda.

Legend tells us that Tsongkhapa was born here in 1357. When his mother cut his umbilical cord, drops of blood fell to the earth, and from that spot grew a miraculous sandalwood tree—the “Tree of Great Merit.” It is said this tree had 100,000 leaves, each bearing a natural image of the Buddha.

Years later, when Tsongkhapa was studying in Tibet, his mother sent a letter begging him to return. He replied that he could not leave his studies, but sent a self-portrait and a “Lion’s Roar” image, instructing her to build a pagoda over his birthplace. “Seeing this pagoda,” he promised, “is the same as seeing me.” In 1379, the Julian Pagoda was built, forming the sacred heart of what would become Kumbum Monastery.

Kumbum is world-renowned for its harmonious blend of traditional Tibetan and Chinese Han architectural styles.

1. The Eight Pagodas of Buddha Shakyamuni

Greeting visitors in the front square are eight gleaming white pagodas. Built in 1776, they commemorate the eight great merits and virtues of Buddha Shakyamuni. Each stands 6.4 meters tall, decorated with delicate Sanskrit scriptures and guardian lions, serving as a powerful symbol of the monastery’s spiritual authority.

2. The Grand Golden Tiled Hall

This is the soul of the monastery. With its gilded copper roof and emerald glazed-tile walls, the hall radiates a celestial glow. Inside, you will find an 11-meter-tall golden tower wrapped in white sandalwood and encrusted with jewels. At its peak sits a statue of Tsongkhapa. For pilgrims, meeting this tower is considered a direct meeting with the Master himself.

3. The Main Assembly Hall

Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters, this is the center of monastic life. Under a flat roof adorned with gilded bronze bells and “Aquarius” vases, hundreds of monks gather to recite sutras. The interior is a sensory masterpiece of colorful streamers and intricate carvings.

Dhammapala Hall

The “Three Artistic Wonders” of Kumbum

Kumbum is celebrated throughout Asia for its “Three Arts,” which represent the peak of Tibetan craftsmanship and devotion.

I. Vivid Yak Butter Sculptures

In the freezing depths of winter, when fresh flowers were unavailable for offerings, monks began carving flowers from yak butter. This evolved into a sophisticated art form. In the Yak Butter Sculpture Hall, you can see entire landscapes, pavilions, and deities crafted with impossible detail. To keep the butter from melting while they work, monks must dip their hands in ice water—a true testament to their endurance and faith.

II. Imaginative Barbola (Embroidered Appliqué)

Barbola is a unique form of 3D silk embroidery. By layering silk and cotton, artists create raised patterns that give the figures of Buddhas and animals a lifelike, three-dimensional appearance. The “Sixteen Disciples of Buddha” housed in the Main Assembly Hall are considered national treasures.

III. Exquisite Murals

The walls of Kumbum are alive with color. Using special mineral pigments that remain vibrant for centuries, these murals depict the life of Shakyamuni and scenes from the sutras. During the Sutra-viewing Festival, a massive 30-meter-long Buddha scroll is unfurled on the hillside, a breathtaking sight known as the “Great Buddha Exhibition.”

Kumbum Monastery hosts four major Dharma assemblies annually, held during the first, fourth, sixth, and ninth months of the lunar calendar. These gatherings are a blend of traditional festivals and grand religious events unique to the monastery. During these times, the temple comes alive with sacred activities, including monastic debates, mask dances, and sutra chanting.

A highlight of these fairs is the Cham Dance, where monks wear ornate masks and vibrant costumes, using dramatic gestures to express profound Buddhist teachings to the rhythm of cymbals and suonas (traditional horns). One of the most awe-inspiring sights is the Giant Thangka Unveiling, where a massive, delicate image of Tsongkhapa is unfurled down the mountainside. For the faithful, witnessing this Thangka is considered a direct and holy encounter with the Master himself.

Thangka Exhibition during the Buddha Festival

In July 2006, this sacred temple issued its formal recognition and congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters:

Under auspicious circumstances, we were happy to learn of the publication of A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma—Complete Proficiency in Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism and Perfect Mastery of the Five Vidyas about the Buddha Vajradhara, H.H. Master Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. His Holiness’s outstanding accomplishments are unprecedented. We respectfully send this letter of congratulations and joyfully offer our praise.

His actions and mind are pure, and His good fortune and wisdom are limitless.
He benefits myriad living beings, and His willpower never tires.
His powerful virtue is widespread, and His appearance is completely dignified.
He truly abides in peace and His accomplishments are perfect!

Qinghai Skuvbum Monastery
An auspicious day in July of 2006

Below is the original copy of the recognition letter in Chinese:

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/26/kumbum-monastery-the-sacred-birthplace-of-a-master-and-the-three-wonders-of-tibetan-art/

Source: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/qinghai/xining/kumbum-monastery.html

The Enlightened Woodcutter: The Story of Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Zen

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In the annals of spiritual history, few figures are as revolutionary as Huineng (慧能), the Sixth Patriarch of Zen (Chan) Buddhism. His life story is a profound testament to the idea that enlightenment is not reserved for the elite or the scholarly, but is the inherent birthright of every human being.

Known for the iconic verse you mentioned—“Bodhi originally has no tree”—Huineng transformed Zen from a complex Indian philosophy into the direct, spontaneous practice we recognize today.

Huineng’s journey did not begin in a monastery. He was born into a poor family in 7th-century China and worked as an illiterate woodcutter to support his widowed mother.

His life changed in an instant when he overheard a traveler reciting the Diamond Sutra. Upon hearing the line, “Depending upon nothing, the mind arises,” Huineng experienced a sudden moment of clarity. This “sudden awakening” became the hallmark of his future teachings.

Driven by this experience, he traveled to the Dongshan Monastery to seek guidance from the Fifth Patriarch, Hongren.

Huineng’s status as an illiterate outsider meant he was initially assigned to the kitchen to hull rice. When the time came for the Fifth Patriarch to choose a successor, he asked his disciples to write a “mind-verse” to demonstrate their understanding.

The lead disciple, Shenxiu, wrote a verse emphasizing constant, diligent practice:

“The body is the Bodhi tree; the mind is like a bright mirror on a stand. Take care to wipe it always, and let no dust collect.”

Huineng, hearing the verse, realized it missed the ultimate truth of emptiness. He dictated his now-famous response to be written on the wall:

“Bodhi originally has no tree. The bright mirror on a stand is also not real. From the beginning, not a single thing exists. Where, then, can dust collect?”

Hongren recognized Huineng’s superior realization and secretly passed him the robe and bowl—the symbols of the Patriarchy—in the middle of the night, instructing him to go into hiding until the time was right to teach.

Huineng eventually emerged from hiding and began teaching at Nanhua Temple. His impact on Buddhism was so immense that his teachings were recorded in the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. This is the only Buddhist scripture not spoken by a Buddha to be officially granted the title of a “Sutra.”

His major achievements include:

  • The Southern School of Zen: He founded the “Southern School,” which emphasizes “Sudden Enlightenment” (Dunwu) over gradual study.
  • Democratizing Wisdom: He taught that the “Buddha-nature” is present in everyone, regardless of literacy or social status.
  • The Foundation of Zen: Nearly all surviving Zen lineages (including Japanese Zen and Korean Seon) trace their ancestry back to Huineng.

A Living Legacy: The Whole-Body Relic

Perhaps the most miraculous aspect of Huineng’s story is his physical departure from this world. In 713 AD, Huineng entered Nirvana, but his body did not decay.

To this day, his whole-body relic (mummy) is enshrined and preserved at Nanhua Temple in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. For over 1,300 years, devotees have traveled to the temple to pay respects to the Sixth Patriarch. His physical presence remains a powerful symbol of the “Diamond Body”—the incorruptible nature of a truly enlightened mind.

Huineng reminds us that we do not need to look outside ourselves for wisdom. As he famously taught, our original nature is pure, and enlightenment is simply the act of seeing through the “dust” to the emptiness that was there all along.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/25/the-enlightened-woodcutter-the-story-of-huineng-the-sixth-patriarch-of-zen/

Four Major Buddhist Organizations Jointly Hold Dharma Assembly in Southern California to Celebrate the Holy Birthday of Amitabha Buddha

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PASADENA, CA — Four major Buddhist organizations—the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (W.B.A.H.), Holy Miracles Temple, Hongfa Temple, and Sanger Mission—recently held a joint Dharma Assembly at the Grand Hall of Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena to celebrate the Holy Birthday of Namo Amitabha Buddha, the Lord of the Western World of Ultimate Bliss.

The assembly was presided over by Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda, Vice Chair of the W.B.A.H. and a Holy Virtuous One of Gold Button Grade II. Hundreds of devotees from across California and overseas attended the ceremony.

The assembly officially commenced at 10:00 AM. Inside the Grand Hall, the sounds of bells, drums, and rhythmic chanting filled the air, creating a solemn and serene atmosphere. Led by Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda and Venerable Ruohui, Abbot of Hua Zang Si and Hongfa Temple (a Holy Virtuous One of Gold Button Grade I), the monastics and Rinpoches guided the congregation in prostrations and the sincere recitation of the Amitabha Sutra.

Following the recitation, a Grand Offering was performed. Incense, flowers, lamps, fresh fruit, and various offerings were presented before the Buddha. With pure and respectful hearts, the faithful prayed for all sentient beings to be free from suffering and attain happiness. The organizers stated that beyond celebrating the Holy Birthday, the merits of the sutra chanting and offerings were dedicated to world peace, the cessation of war, social harmony, and the longevity, health, and spiritual growth of all beings.

The Compassionate Vows of Amitabha Buddha

According to Buddhist scriptures, Namo Amitabha Buddha is the “Amitabha Buddha of the West” among the Five Dhyani Buddhas and is a disciple of the primordial Buddha, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha. During his past cultivation, Amitabha Buddha made 48 Great Vows to deliver sentient beings from the sea of suffering to the Pure Land. Upon the perfection of his vows and attainment of Buddhahood, he established the pure and majestic Western World of Ultimate Bliss. He is currently the Lord of that realm and the Head of the Lotus Section of the Vajrayana teachings.

During an interview, Venerable Dharma Teacher Zhengda remarked:

“Today, we gathered to recite the Amitabha Sutra and pray for blessings. The devotees showed great sincerity in their chanting and repentance, expressing deep gratitude for Amitabha Buddha’s salvation. We should emulate the vast compassion of Amitabha Buddha and all Buddhas of the ten directions. We pray that Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Namo Amitabha Buddha, and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless the world with peace and prosperity, protecting all beings from disaster.”

Bhikkhuni Zhengqin of Hongfa Temple shared her reflections on cultivation, noting that after facing many hardships in life, studying the true Buddha Dharma provided her with inner peace. She highlighted the book Learning from Buddha as a “treasured guide” that offers clear direction for practitioners.

Another attendee, Ms. Wu Guangling, shared that over ten years of practice have taught her to face life’s challenges with equanimity. She quoted an ancient virtuous saying to describe her mindset: “Face negative karmic effects with composure, while planting good causes as if treading on thin ice.”

Jon, a first-time attendee, was moved by the experience:

“Seeing everyone chanting so sincerely was impressive. I’ve never chanted with so many people before, and I hope to have the chance to attend such an assembly again.”

As the assembly concluded, the monastics sprinkled holy water over the crowd, blessing them with longevity and wisdom. The organizers noted that the event not only allowed the faithful to draw closer to the Dharma but also united the community in a spirit of goodness. The W.B.A.H. expressed gratitude to all participants and encouraged everyone to integrate the Buddha’s teachings into their daily lives to contribute to social harmony and world peace.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/25/four-major-buddhist-organizations-jointly-hold-dharma-assembly-in-southern-california-to-celebrate-the-holy-birthday-of-amitabha-buddha/

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Zhenru Chan Temple: Where Chan Practice Lives in Mountains and Daily Life

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Zhenru Chan Temple is nestled on the southwestern slopes of Yunju Mountain in Jiangxi Province. Surrounded by peaks said to resemble unfolding lotus petals, the landscape is poetically described as “lotus peaks clustering around Huatai.” Huatai, the mountain’s central peak, anchors this natural harmony. Here, architecture, terrain, and spiritual intention merge seamlessly, creating a setting that feels both grounded and quietly transcendent.

Even before understanding its history, one senses that this is a place shaped not to dominate nature, but to listen to it.

The name Zhenru (真如) means “True Suchness”—a fundamental concept in Chan Buddhism that points to ultimate reality as it is, beyond words, labels, or conceptual thinking. It is not something to be grasped intellectually, but something to be directly experienced.

Founded during the Tang Dynasty (806–810), Zhenru Chan Temple is regarded as the cradle of the Caodong School of Chan Buddhism, which later spread to Japan as the Soto Zen tradition. Revered as one of China’s three great model Chan monasteries, the temple has long been a center for authentic practice. Though the present structures were rebuilt in the 1950s, they preserve the simplicity and elegance of traditional Chinese monastic architecture.

Chan in Action: Meditation and Farming as One Path

One of Zhenru Temple’s defining characteristics is its embodiment of the Chan principle that “agriculture and meditation are equally emphasized.” Monks here did not retreat from life; they engaged it fully.

Alongside meditation, monks cultivated tea fields and farmed the land. This was not merely practical—it was spiritual. Farming ensured self-sufficiency in the remote mountains, freeing the monastery from reliance on external donations. More importantly, working the soil was understood as a form of Chan practice: repetitive, mindful, intimate with the rhythms of nature.

In the Caodong tradition, there is no division between the sacred and the ordinary. Plowing a field is no less sacred than chanting a sutra. The monks alternated between sitting meditation and physical labor, living out the Chan maxim:

“A day without work is a day without food.”

This principle is traditionally attributed to the Tang-dynasty Chan master Baizhang Huaihai (720–814), a disciple of Mazu Daoyi and a key figure in establishing Chan monastic regulations. His teaching reminds us that awakening is not found apart from daily life, but revealed within it.

Master Xu Yun: Reviving the Living Dharma

Zhenru Chan Temple is also inseparably linked to Master Xu Yun (1840–1959), one of the most revered Chan masters of modern China, often described as a rare master who embodied and transmitted the lineages of five Chan schools in a single lifetime.

When Master Xu Yun arrived at Zhenru in the early 20th century, the temple lay largely in ruins. With unwavering resolve, he led an extensive restoration—rebuilding halls, pagodas, and monastic quarters with the support of disciples and lay donors. More than physical reconstruction, he revived strict monastic discipline and rigorous meditation practice, restoring the temple’s spiritual vitality.

Zhenru ultimately became the place where Master Xu Yun passed away, completing a life devoted to the Dharma.

Earlier in his life, Master Xu Yun experienced a profound awakening during intensive meditation at Gaomin Temple in Yangzhou at the age of fifty-six. In his autobiography, he described the experience with clarity and restraint:

“In the purity of my single-mindedness, I forgot my body entirely. After twenty days, my illness disappeared. From that moment on, my practice continued day and night without interruption… One evening after meditation, I opened my eyes and saw a brightness like broad daylight, in which everything inside and outside the monastery was clearly visible.”

Yet what makes his account especially powerful is what followed. Master Xu Yun did not cling to the experience. He recognized it as a mental state—not an ultimate attainment—and continued his investigation with humility and perseverance, asking relentlessly:

“Who is mindful of the Buddha?”

Later, he commemorated a moment of deep insight triggered by the simple sound of a teacup breaking in the Chan hall, capturing Chan’s direct and unadorned wisdom in a verse:

A cup fell to the ground,
The sound rang clear and sharp.
Space itself shattered—
The restless mind came to rest.

This is primarily a video demonstration of the moving meditation practiced at Zhen Ru Chan Temple. 

Zhenru Chan Temple is more than a historical site. It is a living reminder that Chan practice is not confined to silence or retreat, but woven into how we walk, work, and meet the ordinary moments of life.

Here, mountains teach stillness.
Labor teaches humility.
Meditation teaches clarity.

And together, they point quietly back to true suchness—not somewhere else, but right where we are.

Click here for more details about Gaomin Temple Chan meditation

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/19/zhenru-chan-temple-where-chan-practice-lives-in-mountains-and-daily-life/