Category: Buddhist Sutra

Embracing Buddha’s Grace: Bathing Ritual and Blessings at Hua Zang Si Temple

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Photo Courtesy: Catherine Song | Hua Zang Si temple‘s serene atmosphere fostered reverence as attendees honored Shakyamuni Buddha’s Holy Birthday.

San Francisco, CA – On Sunday, May 4, 2025 (Sunday) – Hua Zang Si, a renowned Buddhist temple in San Francisco, solemnly hosted the Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly, welcoming local residents and visitors from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. This sacred gathering commemorated the Holy Birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, offering attendees a profound spiritual experience.

Organized by the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (W.B.A.H.), Hua Zang Si, and Sanger Mission, the event offered profound spiritual enrichment and served as a harmonious celebration that united the community in shared reverence and joy.

Under the guidance of Abbess of Hua Zang Si Temple, Ruzun Ruohui, the ceremony commenced in the temple’s majestic Grand Hall, where attendees chanted “The Heart Sutra” and the “Bathing the Buddha Verse” in unison, seeking blessings, wisdom, and spiritual purification. At the Bathing the Buddha Pavilion, participants held ritual ladles and poured fragrant water over the statue of the infant Prince Siddharta Gautama — later known as Shakyamuni Buddha —accompanied by heartfelt prayers: 

“Today, I bathe the Buddha with a wholeheartedly pious, seeking blessings and wisdom from the Buddha. May I and all sentient beings be free from obstacles and together attain the realization of the Pure Land.”

The rituals serve as a reminder of Buddha’s profound teachings on mindfulness and self-cultivation, inspiring all individuals—regardless of their beliefs—to cultivate compassion, reflect on their actions, and strive for a harmonious and meaningful life. Blessings were offered for all sentient beings to be freed from defilements and burdens, fostering a compassionate force to bring harmony and stability to society. The merit of this ceremony was dedicated to alleviating global disasters and pandemics, ending conflicts, bringing happiness to all living beings, and a prosperous and peaceful nation.

Attendees poured fragrant water over the infant Prince Siddhartha Gautama statue with ritual ladles, seeking blessings and wisdom from the Buddha.

Photo Courtesy: Catherine Song | Attendees poured fragrant water over the infant Prince Siddhartha Gautama statue with ritual ladles, seeking blessings and wisdom from the Buddha.

According to Buddhist scriptures, following the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, nine dragons poured streams of fragrant water to bathe Him—which later became a tradition upheld globally in commemoration of His holy birth. The “Sutra on the Merits Accrued from Bathing the Buddha” details the blessings associated with this sacred practice, including health, longevity, spiritual fulfillment, and familial harmony. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of fragrant water to devotees, filling them with immense joy and spiritual bliss.

Founded on December 26, 2004, in San Francisco’s Mission District, Hua Zang Si has become a prominent center for authentic Buddhist teachings, guided by the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Shakyamuni Buddha. Throughout the year, the temple hosts Blessing Dharma Assemblies, providing a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals to engage with the profound teachings of Buddhism.

In addition to its spiritual mission, Hua Zang Si remains deeply committed to humanitarian efforts. Over the years, the temple has organized Lunar New Year celebrations at nursing homes, assisted with hospital relocations, provided meals to those affected by disasters, and conducted charity sales to support underserved populations. Recent initiatives have included fundraising for animal rescue centers, assisting low-income families, donating to local food banks, and delivering essential supplies to wildfire-affected areas. Hua Zang Si continues to embody the principles of compassion, unity, and service, fostering hope and harmony throughout the community.

Published by Steven S.

Source: https://sanfranciscopost.com/embracing-buddhas-grace-bathing-ritual-and-blessings-at-hua-zang-si-temple/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKPV_NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFQNWRCRTBnOWhjWUV1b0tXAR54_T2CfqiC7ESWyBMWYopxXjWgyDB4grJBTJJgDtVF_VQUWoJJfOaVvGqKNA_aem_vVRFOtQI45KmXlNOVZNkSw

The Subtle Truth of Karma: Only a Buddha Sees It All

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During the time of Namo Shakyamuni Buddha, there was an old man who heard that by renouncing the worldly life and practicing cultivation, one could be free from suffering, attain happiness, and achieve liberation and ease. Filled with joy, he went to the monastic dwelling, hoping to take refuge under the Buddha.

When the old man arrived at the monastery, he learned that the Buddha had already gone out to teach and transform beings. He thought to himself, “Although the World-Honored One is not here, I’ve heard that Venerable Shariputra is foremost in wisdom—why not ask him to allow me to become a monk?”

Shariputra silently observed the old man to see whether he had the necessary virtuous roots. After careful contemplation, he discovered that this person, in this life and even through countless past kalpas, lacked sufficient virtuous roots and blessings.

When the other monks heard that even the most wise Venerable Shariputra had declined him, they said, “If even Venerable Shariputra will not accept you, you must have some grave shortcomings. How can we possibly let you enter monastic life? You’d better leave.”

The old man felt deeply ashamed and heartbroken. Through tear-filled eyes, he suddenly felt an incredibly gentle hand caressing his head, as tenderly as a loving parent would touch their child. The figure before him radiated a pure and gentle light—it was none other than the Buddha, beloved and revered by all.

The Buddha compassionately asked the old man why he was crying. The old man replied, “I wish to renounce the worldly life, learn the Buddha’s teachings, and cultivate the path, but the monks all refused my request. They said my causes and conditions are not yet sufficient, so I feel very sad.”

“Who said that you lack the causes and conditions to become a monk?” the Buddha asked.

The old man replied, “It was Venerable Shariputra, who is foremost in wisdom.”

The Buddha then turned to ask Venerable Shariputra. Shariputra answered, “World-Honored One, I observed his past life causes and conditions and found that he truly does not have even the slightest virtuous root.”

The Buddha said to Shariputra, “You must not think this way. This person’s virtuous roots are extremely subtle. A long, long time ago, in an eon far in the past, there was a poor man who went into the deep mountains to gather firewood. He encountered a tiger, and in his panic and terror, he cried out, ‘Namo Buddha!’ That one utterance of the Buddha’s name planted the seed for his future aspiration to learn the Dharma and attain liberation. That poor man is the old man in this life. Because the seed of his virtuous root has now matured, he has the conditions to renounce the world and cultivate the path.”

So the old man was ordained under the Buddha’s guidance and received personal instruction from the Buddha himself. Through continuous diligence and effort in his cultivation, he ultimately attained corresponding realization and achievement.

In the Dharma discourses of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, there is also a story (a gong’an, or spiritual case) that was told. Once, while Namo Shakyamuni Buddha was expounding the Dharma, seven tall beings suddenly appeared. These were exceptionally tall figures who entered and immediately prostrated before the Buddha, saying:

“Oh Buddha! Great Holy One! You have liberated us—we are deeply, deeply grateful!”

At that moment, Maitreya Bodhisattva saw them and thought: “How could these people be disciples of the Buddha? They’re clearly not!” Maitreya Bodhisattva, known for his incredible abilities to see into countless past and future kalpas, believed they were lying and said:

“Why are you speaking falsehoods? You must not lie! You are clearly not disciples of the Buddha!”

Hearing this, the seven tall beings had no choice but to explain: “We became his disciples in past lifetimes. We are disciples of the World-Honored One. If you don’t believe us, ask the Buddha.”

So Maitreya Bodhisattva turned to the Buddha and said: “Rare and wondrous World-Honored One, can you tell us—are these people truly your disciples?”

The Buddha replied: “They have not spoken falsely.”

From this story, we can understand that even a Bodhisattva of equal enlightenment like Maitreya could not perceive the subtle karmic causes and conditions of these seven beings. This shows just how profoundly deep and inconceivably subtle the true nature of karma is—only a Buddha of unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment can fully understand it.

In fact, there are many similar gong’an (spiritual cases). On one occasion, Namo Shakyamuni Buddha was transmitting the Dharma to a tall person who had been that way since beginningless kalpas. When the Buddha designated a particular yidam (personal deity) to guide him, the yidam refused. The Buddha asked, “Why won’t you teach him?”

The yidam replied, “This person has serious problems. He lacks virtuous roots.”

The Buddha asked, “How do you know?”

The yidam said, “As soon as you pointed to him, I immediately observed his karmic history over many kalpas. He has no virtuous roots and is incapable of learning the Dharma—he’ll only turn into a bad person.”

The Buddha said, “Let’s ask Manjushri Bodhisattva.”

Manjushri then said, “This person does have virtuous roots. In the previous kalpa known as the Worthy Eon (Xian Jie), he was a crab. At that time, he committed many evil acts—catching and eating shrimp and other crabs. But later, he encountered the Dharma in the Dragon Palace and repented his sins. From that moment, he vowed to become vegetarian and made a great aspiration: from that moment until beginningless time, he would never again harm any living being. Gradually, through the force of that vow, he was reborn as a human in this lifetime. So, he does indeed possess wholesome karma.”

At that point, Namo Shakyamuni Buddha said to Manjushri Bodhisattva, “You should take the yidam to witness that past life.”

The yidam then said to the Buddha, “There’s no need. Since a Bodhisattva has verified it, and what the Buddha says is to be followed without question, I’ll abide by it. I simply didn’t see that part before—my cultivation is still shallow, and I feel deeply ashamed.”

Thereafter, the yidam vowed to accept the person as a disciple.

From this, we can see that only the enlightened state of a Buddha can, in a single thought, fully perceive the true reality of all beings’ karmic causes and effects.
Therefore, to cultivate and learn the Buddha’s teachings, one must begin with understanding karma—cause and effect—as it is the very root and essence of the Dharma.

As Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has taught:
“One must know that all phenomena are governed by causality. With good causes, you receive good retributions. Good retributions yield good fruits. Good fruits enable you to receive the true Dharma. Relying on the Dharma, you can achieve perfect good fortune and wisdom. Then you can step into the state of accomplishment, break away from the sufferings that living beings experience, cease transmigrating in the cycle of birth and death, and accomplish the perfect enlightenment of a Buddha!“

We should uphold the precepts of Buddhism, develop firm faith in karma, and never err in understanding cause and effect. Only through proper and lawful cultivation can we transform our karma, perfect our blessings and wisdom, ultimately see through and fully realize karma, and attain the sacred path of bodhi enlightenment.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/05/08/the-subtle-truth-of-karma-only-a-buddha-sees-it-all/

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection

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During this Dharma-Ending Age, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III descended to the human realm, demonstrating perfect mastery of both Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism, as well as unsurpassed accomplishment in the Five Vidyas—the disciplines through which Buddhas and Bodhisattvas benefit sentient beings.

Over the past 2,000 years, the teachings of the Buddha have been distorted through mistranslation and misinterpretation by patriarchs, eminent monastics, and scholars. Recognizing these errors, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III corrected the deviations that had crept into the Dharma, restoring its original purity, wisdom, and power.

Having come to the saha world during this degenerate age, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III left behind irrefutable, supreme examples of omniscient realization in the Exoteric and Esoteric teachings, as well as in the Five Vidyas. He also provided incisive, complete sutras and audio recordings of the Dharma He expounded. These supreme Dharma treasures are essential for all Buddhist practitioners to study and put into practice in order to attain realization and liberation.

In short, anyone who wishes to achieve true accomplishment and liberation must earnestly study the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection.

“Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection“ primarily consists of the transcriptions of the Dharma discourses by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha, and also includes all of the Buddha’s sutras, poems, writings, and other works. Given the urgent needs of those studying the teachings and the vast quantity and length of the Buddha’s discourses, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection is being published in volumes over time (up to now, six volumes have been published).

Volume I: Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the East

On November 13, 2008, the United States Congress held an art exhibition for the Buddha Mother (Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang) inside the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. To ensure the safe transportation of the artworks, it was decided to rent a recreational vehicle (RV), forming a convoy with the truck carrying the artworks. Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddha Mother, and accompanying disciples all traveled and lived in the RV during the journey.

The convoy led by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III departed from Los Angeles on October 25, 2008, and arrived in Washington, D.C. on November 10. Following the successful completion of the Buddha Mother Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang’s art exhibition at the Capitol on November 13, the group returned on November 26. The journey lasted 33 days, traversing more than 20 states from the western to the eastern United States. Except for the time spent in D.C., where they were occupied with preparing the exhibition, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III gave Dharma discourses to His disciples almost every evening during the trip. These teachings were compiled into the Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the East, totaling 19 volumes.

Throughout the journey, many holy manifestations occurred wherever Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III went, some of which were mentioned by the Buddha during the teachings. On the day before the journey concluded, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III even performed a Dharma rite to eliminate obstacles for His disciples. Moreover, after returning to Los Angeles, at the Buddha’s Vajra Mandala in Pasadena, holy nectar descended from the Buddha, confirming that the Dharma Teaching Journey to the East is a pure and supreme Tathagata Dharma of the Buddha.

Volume II: Dharma Expounded During a Trip in Response to the Needs of Disciples

In October 2021, after the government lifted the restrictions on public gatherings and travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddha Mother, and accompanying disciples set out by car along the coastal Highway 1, traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Along the way and during their stay in San Francisco, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III gave Dharma discourses daily, addressing questions raised by His disciples.

After returning to Los Angeles, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III made a special trip to Las Vegas because Rocket, the guardian dog of the Las Vegas Dharma center, had dashed out the gate and was fatally hit by a car. The Buddha performed a transcendental liberation ceremony for Rocket and also gave daily Dharma teachings to His disciples.

From these two trips, a total of fifteen volumes of Dharma discourses were compiled.

Volume III: Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III expounds the Dharma using the words and profound meanings of the Heart Sutra, illuminating the relationship between the mind, the Buddha, and sentient beings. This can also be described as an explanation of the impermanence and permanence of all things—both sentient and insentient—in the universe, as well as the principles of formation, existence, decay, and emptiness versus the truth of no formation, existence, decay, or emptiness. What is a Buddha? What is the relationship between sentient beings and the Buddha? What does it mean to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death? H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III clearly explains the true essence of Buddhism and the meaning of liberation.

The Dharma teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are profoundly insightful, precise, and easy to understand. One can only say that, in the thousands of years of Buddhist history, this is the first time such a supreme, precious Buddhist text and highest-level classic has appeared.

Volume IV: Fundamental Dharma Expounded in the East

“Fundamental Dharma Expounded in the East“ is the first publicly released series of Dharma discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III to all disciples in 1995. It is a compilation of selected teachings and instructions delivered between 1992 and 1994, during a time when people were not yet aware of His true identity as a Buddha and only knew Him as Master Yi Yungao.

Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III titled this set of teachings “Foundational Dharma Teachings” to emphasize that the principles explained within are essential for every Buddhist practitioner—they are truths that must be clearly understood and applied in actual cultivation on the path of learning Buddhism and practicing the Dharma.

Through direct discourses, answers to disciples’ questions, empowerment during Dharma practices, and reports of disciples’ personal experiences, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III helps people deeply comprehend the Dharma, gain thorough insight, and apply it concretely in their lives. At the same time, by respectfully listening to these Dharma discourses, we can truly come to recognize that the “supreme greatness” of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha is fully deserved and genuinely manifested.

Volume V: Dharma Expounded During a Trip to Taiwan

Dharma Expounded During a Trip to Taiwan is a compilation of selected Dharma discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III between 1995 and 1996. The complete set consists of 18 volumes, organized into the following sections:

  1. Volume 1: The Supreme and Incomparable Dharma
    This volume presents a profound and rare teaching of the highest order.
  2. Volumes 2 to 6: The True and Unimaginable Deeds of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III
    These five volumes document the holy manifestations and teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III during His visits to the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan from April to May 1995.
  3. Volume 7:
    This volume contains the teachings given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III in early July 1995 when He received a group of Taiwanese Buddhist disciples.
  4. Volumes 8 to 10:
    These volumes recount the events surrounding the disciple Peng Chubin, who in a previous life violated the vows he had solemnly made before Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, resulting in karmic retribution that destined him to die a violent death in each lifetime. In this life, upon encountering Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddha not only foretold Peng Chubin’s impending tragic situation in advance, but also performed a great Dharma to empower and save him, ultimately freeing him from his karmic death sentence. These volumes also include teachings from September 1995 and reports from disciples Peng Chubin and Yu Lihua.
  5. Volumes 11 to 14:
    These volumes contain Dharma discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III in Guangdong and Hainan in January 1996.
  6. Volume 15:
    This volume records two disciples reporting their Dharma practice progress to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III.
  7. Volume 16:
    This volume includes teachings given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III during the summer of 1996 at His residence on Yinsi Street in Chengdu.
  8. Volumes 17 to 18:
    These final two volumes feature discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III during His travels to Wulingyuan in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, in the summer of 1996.

Volume VI: Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the United States

At the end of September 1998, due to a significant karmic cause related to the Dharma, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III came to the United States alone in a simple and unassuming manner. During His 40-day stay on the West Coast of the U.S., in addition to visiting many cities in Southern California, He also led His disciples along the coastal Highway 1 northward to San Francisco and visited the world-famous casino city, Las Vegas.

To ensure His disciples received the greatest benefit, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III upheld the consistent practice of Buddhas throughout history—whenever He arrived at a place, He would do His best to make time to expound the Dharma for the public, offering teachings anytime and anywhere. He diligently nurtured His disciples’ correct understanding and views. The “Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the United States” is a compilation of the Dharma discourses delivered by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III during this visit. From the titles of these discourses, one can see that He gave teachings in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, at the then headquarters of the “Yi Yungao Master International Cultural Foundation,” and other locations. Out of great compassion, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III began by addressing even the most basic questions posed by the disciples at the time. Step by step, He guided their growth, encouraging them not only to cultivate themselves in the Buddha-Dharma, but also to give rise to bodhicitta and compassion, to widely propagate the radiant and magnificent Dharma, and to help more kind-hearted beings learn the conduct of the Buddhas and walk the path of liberation.

In October 1998, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III led fourteen disciples from Los Angeles on a road trip along Highway 1 to San Francisco. The evil demons, knowing that this journey marked an important karmic event for the entire Dharma realm—whereby the true Buddha-Dharma would begin to flourish in America and the Western world, leading countless sentient beings of the Saha world to attain accomplishment and liberation—launched an assault. The Demon King Mara specifically sent many demon generals with their minions, attempting to destroy this great Dharma propagation event by taking the lives of the Buddha’s disciples.

As a result, various demons and evil spirits continuously created disturbances along the route, attacking and sabotaging H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and His entourage. What was originally planned as a one-day trip took five days to complete. Yet, the demons could not ultimately prevent the Buddha’s mission of spreading the Dharma and saving sentient beings. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III subdued each demon one by one. Under His guidance, all the disciples safely arrived in San Francisco, symbolizing that the authentic Buddha-Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III would indeed blossom and bear fruit in the United States and throughout the Western world, bringing auspiciousness and liberation to the sentient beings of the Saha world.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2025/05/02/namo-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-complete-sutra-collection/

The Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena Hosts Prayer Ceremonies for Global Peace and Healing

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The American News Staff 

Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee (The Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena, Southern California, conducted a series of noteworthy Buddhist prayer ceremonies.)

In a heartfelt endeavor to bring solace and hope to those suffering worldwide, the Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena, Southern California, conducted a series of noteworthy Buddhist prayer ceremonies.

Organized by the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Holy Miracles Temple, and Jen Chen Buddhism Sanger Mission, these gatherings saw a substantial turnout of local community members. Together, they chanted “The Lotus Sutra’s Universal Gate Chapter on Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva” and “The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra” with a shared intention for peace and relief for all life forms enduring hardships globally. Participants expressed reverence and sought the blessings of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, hoping to ease suffering, support peaceful conditions, reduce conflicts, and encourage global harmony.

In recent years, the world has faced numerous challenges: ongoing conflicts, earthquakes in Japan’s Noto Peninsula and Myanmar, frequent wildfires in California and Australia, floods in southern China and Indonesia due to heavy rains, and outbreaks of dengue fever and new viral diseases in Africa and Central and South America. These events have heightened a sense of shared adversity globally. Holy Miracles Temple endeavors, through these Buddhist rituals, to offer spiritual support for the departed souls’ ascension to the Pure Land, encourage the swift reconstruction of disaster-affected areas, and provide a space for those in distress to find emotional relief, courage, and renewed hope.

The Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena Hosts Prayer Ceremonies for Global Peace and Healing
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee

The Holy Miracles Temple upholds the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, highlighting the core Buddhist values of striving for the liberation and well-being of sentient beings.

The ceremonies were both solemn and heartwarming, with the collective expressions of goodwill and chanting symbolically extending beyond geographical boundaries. This gathering served as a meaningful demonstration of community unity, generating a sense of positive intention and a shared commitment to facing difficulties through compassion. Participants noted that attending the prayer ceremony at Holy Miracles Temple allowed them to engage in prayerful reflection for victims, emphasizing Buddhism’s contributions to fostering inner peace and societal harmony.

This initiative reinforces Holy Miracles Temple’s commitment to the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, highlighting the core Buddhist values of striving for the liberation and well-being of sentient beings. It underscores the essential qualities of cultivators: the Four Immeasurable States of Mind—kindness, compassion, joy, and almsgiving. In addition to regularly donating essential goods to local welfare organizations, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters has called for continued compassion and material support for Myanmar’s earthquake victims, combining humanitarian concern with religious practice and encouraging public participation in relief and blessing efforts.

To address the dire situation in Myanmar following the earthquake, where numerous families have been displaced amid ongoing civil strife and infrastructure damage, a donation appeal has been issued. The residents in the devastated areas urgently need humanitarian aid. The World Buddhism Association Headquarters encourages everyone to contribute to organizations like the United Nations World Food Programme, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. These organizations are actively involved in relief efforts. It is recommended that everyone conduct due diligence before donation to ensure appropriate contributions.

The Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena Hosts Prayer Ceremonies for Global Peace and Healing
Photo Courtesy: Joyce Lee

A substantial turnout of local community members participated in the gatherings organized by the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Holy Miracles Temple, and Jen Chen Buddhism Sanger Mission.

The Holy Miracles Temple emphasizes that everyone can contribute to a better world by cultivating goodwill. In the face of impermanence and disaster, even a single act of kindness—be it a blessing, a chant, or a good deed—can help uplift others and serve as a beacon of hope. The temple plans to continue organizing similar sutra chanting and prayer events, encouraging broader public participation to help inspire a more peaceful and stable world through collective compassion and mindful action. The series of prayer ceremonies also serves as a reminder to the world that fortune and misfortune are ever-changing, and life is fragile. Only through the purification of the mind guided by the principles of the Buddha’s teachings, along with actual practice, can one’s misfortune truly be transformed. In this ever-changing and impermanent world, it is a way to find genuine peace and light, and to move toward a future of harmony and sustainability.

Published by Jeremy S.

Link:

Source: https://theamericannews.com/the-holy-miracles-temple-in-pasadena-hosts-prayer-ceremonies-for-global-peace-and-healing/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKBIctleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaM2o3OEUxUDByTmt6Tmd4AR6u_1ChV9guYzSvw0Wa-80eR1G1b42u3hA-Hyb6WbfAMrhcvEWYxUq2ACR6YQ_aem_D4AvFWCwa6Mp6fYtQYMciQ

The Last Night Before Liberation: A Tale of Dharma and Destiny

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During the time of the Buddha, King Fugasya and King Bimbisāra of Magadha were close friends. One day, King Fugasya gifted King Bimbisāra a magnificent flower crafted from seven kinds of treasures—gold, silver, and glazed tiles among them. Realizing that King Fugasya had never encountered the Buddha’s teachings, King Bimbisāra decided to offer the exquisite flower to the Buddha instead.

He said to the Buddha, “My good friend, King Fugasya, gave me this precious flower. I now offer it to the World-Honored One, wishing that the merit from this offering may help open his heart. May he let go of his attachments, come to revere the Three Jewels, and seek the Dharma. However, I am unsure what I can offer him in return.”

The Buddha replied,
“Write down the Sutra of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination and give it to him. Once he receives this sutra, he will surely begin to develop faith and understanding.”

King Bimbisāra immediately copied the sutra and sent it to King Fugasya with a message:
“You have given me a priceless flower of treasures; I now return a flower of Dharma. If you contemplate its meaning, you will understand the truth of dependent origination and karmic consequences. I hope you will recite it sincerely, and experience the taste of the Dharma.”

Upon receiving the sutra, King Fugasya read it repeatedly and deeply contemplated its meaning. The teachings resonated with him. He exclaimed,
“This Dharma is truly subtle and profound! It calms the mind and brings peace to the nation. Wealth, desire, fame, food, and sleep—these worldly pursuits are the root of suffering. For countless lifetimes I have been lost in delusion, but now I finally see the true nature of existence. There is nothing in this world worth clinging to.”

With this realization, King Fugasya gathered his ministers, announced his abdication, and passed the throne to the crown prince. Then he shaved his head, donned robes, and left the worldly life behind.

He set out on foot to seek the Buddha in Rājagṛha, determined to receive the precepts and deepen his cultivation. When he arrived at the outskirts of the city in the evening, he decided to rest overnight at a potter’s house. The next morning, he planned to go on alms-round and visit the monastery.

However, the Buddha, with His all-seeing wisdom, knew that King Fugasya’s life would end the next day—he would not live to meet the Buddha or hear the Dharma in the conventional way. Out of great compassion, the Buddha manifested as an ordinary monk and went to the potter’s house seeking shelter.

The potter said,
“There’s already a monk here tonight. He’s resting in the kiln cave—you may stay with him.”

The Buddha took some dry grass, entered the kiln cave, and sat in a corner. He gently asked the monk,
“Where are you from? Who is your teacher? What brought you to the monastic path? Have you ever seen the Buddha?”

King Fugasya replied,
“I have never seen the Buddha. I only read the Sutra of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. It inspired me to renounce the world and seek the path. Tomorrow, I plan to go into the city for alms, then visit the monastery to meet the Buddha and request the precepts.”

The Buddha responded with heartfelt words:
“Human life is fragile—impermanence arrives without warning. This body is made of the four elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—and when death comes, they simply return to their natural state. There is no need to fear. Keep your mind clear, let go of deluded thoughts, and place your trust in the Three Jewels. Practice generosity and maintain pure precepts with sincerity. If you understand the truth of impermanence in this way, it is as if you have already seen the Buddha. Do not cling to the idea of seeing Him tomorrow, for true benefit lies in your present awareness.”

Then, the Buddha expounded the profound truths of suffering, emptiness, and impermanence. King Fugasya listened with deep concentration, entered meditative absorption, and swiftly attained the Anāgāmi (Non-returner) stage. Recognizing his realization, the Buddha revealed His true, radiant form.

Overwhelmed with joy and reverence, King Fugasya prostrated and received a final teaching:
“When impermanence comes, do not be afraid.”

He vowed to uphold the Dharma faithfully.

The next morning, while going into the city for alms, King Fugasya was fatally gored by a mother cow protecting her newborn calf. Because he had already attained realization, his rebirth was in the Anāgāmi Heaven.

The Buddha, upon hearing of his passing, instructed the disciples to cremate his body and build a stupa in his honor. He then solemnly reminded them:
“Be ever mindful, for the root of all karmic offenses lies in carelessness.”

This world of samsara is full of the inevitable sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death. For those attached to fleeting worldly pleasures, this story is a powerful reminder to awaken.

By placing faith in the Dharma, recognizing our inherent pure Buddha-nature, contemplating impermanence, practicing wholesome deeds, and accumulating both merit and wisdom, we can transcend the pain of impermanence and attain lasting peace and happiness.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/04/25/the-last-night-before-liberation-a-tale-of-dharma-and-destiny/

How I Quit Smoking After 20+ Years — Thanks to the Buddha Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

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During my school days, I unknowingly picked up the bad habit of smoking. After entering the workforce as a designer, the nature of my job required prolonged thinking, which led me to smoke incessantly. Sometimes, I would smoke over 60 cigarettes a day, staining my fingers a light yellow. The smell of tobacco lingered on my hands, and even when I brought them close to my nose, I could still sense the scent. Despite knowing how harmful smoking was to my health, I simply couldn’t quit.

I always felt that smoking was a form of enjoyment. Being frugal, I would smoke cheaper cigarettes when alone and keep a better pack for social occasions. Smoking also came with a significant financial cost. In my early working years, money was tight, and I couldn’t always afford cigarettes. Often, I bought just one or two loose cigarettes. Sometimes, I would smoke a cigarette in multiple sittings—lighting it, taking a couple of puffs, extinguishing it, and repeating the process. When I had no cigarettes, I would secretly pick up discarded cigarette butts to smoke. Occasionally, I even picked up others’ cigarette butts—how miserable it was just to satisfy my smoking habit! Even now, an old classmate of mine still teases me about how, back in the day, I would visit him for a meal when I was broke. After eating, I would crave a cigarette and would blurt out, “A cigarette after a meal is better than being an immortal!” This classmate, who never smoked, still brings up this incident to mock me.

Later on, although I could afford cigarettes, I knew deep down that smoking was not a good thing. The numerous “No Smoking” signs everywhere made it clear that smoking was frowned upon. I couldn’t smoke freely in public and had to step outside no-smoking areas when I couldn’t resist the urge. Even at home, I couldn’t smoke at ease. To avoid annoying my family and exposing them to secondhand smoke, I had to hide away on the balcony to smoke. This furtive way of smoking made me feel like a thief, carrying a constant sense of guilt.

“You’re just taking a puff of smoke into your lungs and then exhaling it—what’s the point?” My wife often said this to me. She was right; there was no real meaning to it. I was spending money to harm my own health. So, I made up my mind to quit smoking!

However, quitting a habit cultivated over twenty years was no easy task. I tried every quitting method I heard of—keeping snacks in my pocket to replace cigarettes, writing a quit-smoking journal, telling people I was quitting so they could hold me accountable, and even just holding a cigarette without lighting it. I experimented with all these strategies. At best, I lasted four or five days; my longest attempt lasted three to four months. But I always ended up relapsing. Every time I finished a cigarette, I immediately regretted it and resolved to quit again. This cycle repeated endlessly—I quit, then smoked again, and then quit again. I both hated and loved smoking. I wanted to quit but just couldn’t. Quitting smoking was truly not easy.

After so many failed attempts, no one believed I could do it anymore. People would just smile knowingly when I mentioned quitting, and even I lost hope in myself. But then, due to an extraordinarily auspicious connection, I encountered the Buddha Dharma as taught by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, who is no different from Shakyamuni Buddha. This profoundly touched my heart. I realized that this bad habit was leading me toward degeneration, so I firmly resolved to quit smoking.

I started using the money I would have spent on cigarettes to buy fruits as offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, increasing my merits. Sometimes, I used it to release captive animals or to show filial respect to my parents. This time, quitting smoking felt surprisingly effortless. My wife was amazed and praised the power of Buddha Dharma, marveling at how I had truly succeeded in quitting.

Once, a Dharma brother was setting up a Buddhist shrine in his factory. A highly virtuous master traveled from afar to lead the ceremony. More than thirty of us gathered to celebrate, and everything was prepared—except that we couldn’t find a lighter to light the lamps. No one in the group smoked, so no one had a lighter. Eventually, someone had to step outside to borrow one. At that moment, I was struck by how remarkable Buddhist disciples were—out of so many people, not a single one smoked. I thought, Surely, many of them, like me, must have quit smoking. When I asked a fellow practitioner if he had a lighter, he just smiled knowingly and shook his head.

After quitting smoking, I no longer coughed or felt nauseous when brushing my teeth in the morning. I felt lighter, both physically and mentally. However, the habit formed over nearly thirty years didn’t just disappear overnight. For a long time—sometimes even one or two years later—after dinner, I would pace back and forth on the balcony, feeling like I was supposed to be doing something but not knowing what. Only after thinking for a while would I realize, Oh! It’s the old smoking habit. This proved just how difficult it is to break ingrained habits. Truly, “A leopard cannot change its spots.”

Yet, after much effort, I finally broke the long-standing smoking habit. I realized that smoking was simply a habit, and not smoking was also a habit. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III teaches: “All phenomena become natural through habit.” That is why we must be cautious not to develop bad habits, as they can easily become ingrained. Instead, we should cultivate good habits, no matter how small, and continue to practice them.

After I quit smoking, my old friends were impressed: “You have incredible willpower!” “You’re so determined!” Receiving praise naturally felt good—much better than being criticized. I would joyfully reply, “Yes, I quit! I know this was the power of Buddha Dharma.”

Indeed, life is like a puff of smoke—it quickly vanishes into thin air. No matter how enjoyable, it is nothing more than fleeting mist. Only by maintaining good health can we have a future. Now, whenever I hold a cigarette in my hand, I smile at my past ignorance and feel grateful for my present success.

Today, as I embark on a new journey, how could I ever harm myself again? I shall light an eternal lamp in my heart, illuminating the path of my Buddhist practice with the radiant light of wisdom.

Written by: Ming Xun
Edited by: Bodhi Seed & Others

How I Quit Smoking After 20+ Years — Thanks to the Buddha Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://dharma-hhdorjechangbuddhaiii.org/how-i-quit-smoking-after-20-years-thanks-to-the-buddha-dharma-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #HHDorjeChangBuddhaIII #Buddha #Dharma #BuddhaDharma #QuitSmoking #Smoking

My Journey of Zen Meditation From Confusion to Clarity: How the Supreme Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Transformed My Spiritual Journey

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A few years ago, I visited a well-known Chan (Zen) practice center and began what I thought would be a meaningful journey into Chan meditation as a lay Buddhist disciple. Alongside the physically demanding daily farm work, I occasionally joined meditation sessions—but instead of clarity or insight, they often left me feeling drowsy and disoriented. I also listened to recordings of teachings by an elderly monk, but they felt dry and uninspiring. At the time, I thought this was all Chan practice had to offer. Disappointment quietly took root in my heart.

As I spent more time at the center, I began to notice that some of the Buddhist nuns displayed strange and unsettling behavior. I was told that their mental disturbances had arisen during meditation and, without proper guidance or support, their conditions had never improved. The idea that meditation—supposedly a path to peace—could lead to such outcomes deeply frightened me. I couldn’t help but worry: Would I end up like them? My own practice was already filled with drowsiness and confusion. Each time I sat for meditation, their presence weighed heavily on me. What had gone wrong? Why did their practice lead to such distress?

One memory remains especially vivid. During a seven-day retreat, the presiding master criticized the decision to take the temple’s elderly abbot to the hospital when he fell critically ill. The master insisted that the abbot should have remained in the temple, reciting Amitabha Buddha’s name to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land. He questioned why anyone would try to prolong life at the time of death, suggesting that doing so only prolonged suffering. Many attendees agreed, believing the abbot’s passing was natural and that emergency medical care was unnecessary. I was shocked. Something felt inherently wrong with that view. I wasn’t a monastic, just a lay practitioner, yet I couldn’t help but ask: When someone is in a coma, completely unconscious, can they still recite “Amitabha” with sincere intent? Can they truly attain rebirth in the Pure Land just by wishing so? Logically, this didn’t make sense to me.

Later, I heard of a monk who made a solemn vow to realize his true nature through three years of Chan meditation—and if he failed, he would return to lay life. Sadly, three years passed, and the result was heartbreaking. He had gained no realization.

After this string of disheartening events, I lost my passion for Buddhist practice. I felt lost, as if I’d reached a spiritual dead end. I even began questioning the purpose of monastic life: If there’s no true goal or path to liberation, what’s the point? Reluctantly, I considered giving up and returning to a mundane life.

But just when I stood at this crossroads, I encountered the Dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. It was like a brilliant light breaking through the darkness—suddenly, all the disappointment, fear, and confusion that had weighed on me vanished. At that moment, I made a resolute decision to let go of my doubts and wholeheartedly follow the path illuminated by the Buddha’s true teachings. Eventually, my wish was fulfilled.

What I shared here are just my personal experiences—perhaps not yet the true path of Chan—but they reflect challenges that many practitioners face in their spiritual pursuit. Fortunately, I came across the book Concentration and Visualization—The Essence of the Right Path by Pamu, and the profound teachings of The Supreme Dharma of Chan imparted online by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. For the first time, I received complete and correct teachings and truly understood what Chan meditation is meant to be.

Furthermore, through reading H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra (specifically page 216), I finally understood why those nuns had lost their way. Their mental disturbances stemmed from becoming attached to illusions produced by the manas consciousness, mistakenly believing those illusions were real. They had failed to comprehend the profound truth that all forms are illusory and false. Caught in delusion, they strayed into a demonic path.

The retreat master’s complaints about the abbot’s emergency care were also misguided. As stated in the article “Lay Buddhist Zhao Yusheng’s Transmission of the Dharma is Genuine, Not False”, if someone truly possesses the realization and power of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III—to the extent that the yidam Amitabha Buddha manifests and receives the deceased into the Pure Land—then yes, there would be no need for emergency treatment. But how many people have such realization? Did that master?

And what about the monk who gave up after three years? He didn’t know that there exists a supreme and ultimate Buddha Dharma—one so profound that it can open the crown chakra in just two hours. When opened, the space is vast and expansive like an eggshell, and consciousness can freely enter and exit the body, even engage in practice outside the body. With such realization, seeing one’s true nature is not a distant goal but a near certainty.

Looking back, I feel deep compassion for those nuns. They longed for true Dharma and liberation, but without authentic teachings or proper guidance, and weighed down by attachments and karmic hindrances, they couldn’t achieve realization. Tragedies like this still happen today. It’s heartbreaking.

The most authentic and supreme Buddha Dharma is that which comes from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, yet many sentient beings remain unaware of it. Even those with karmic affinity who encounter the teachings may still fail to receive them due to karmic obstacles or worldly pressures—missing their rare chance to escape the endless cycle of birth and death.

All I can do is sigh deeply and reflect: The true Dharma of the Buddha is so rare, so precious—harder to encounter than one might in millions of kalpas. I am incredibly fortunate to have this karmic opportunity to respectfully listen to and study the Dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Your Yidam

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The Yidam plays a crucial role in the daily practice of Buddhist disciples, especially for practitioners of Esoteric Buddhism. This article explains how you acquire a yidam and how your relationship with your yidam can develop.

The Buddha Master, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, tells us that “your Yidam is the holy being presiding over the particular Dharma you decide to practice in order to attain accomplishment.” The Buddha Master also tells us we have to face our Yidam and the Dharma protectors of our Yidam. And you cannot hide from either your Yidam or the Dharma Protectors. You may wonder how you know who your Yidam is. As you advance in your practice, you may receive a particular Dharma of Selection and be told who your Yidam is. As I understand it, this is probably a being that you have already achieved some accomplishments with in past lives and you are already familiar with the Dharma associated with that Yidam. You do not practice more than one Yidam Dharma at a time. Many of us start this practice with Kuan Yin Bodhisattva as our Yidam and follow the “Vajra Yoga Perfection Dharma” that you can find in True Stories about a Holy Monk. You may be fortunate to receive other Yidam practices from authentic Dharma masters and rinpoches.  You would only do one yidam practice at a time, but you may also follow different Yidams throughout your spiritual career. I was told that if you cannot receive a Dharma of Selection, you may select the Yidam for whom you have the greatest affinity. In fact, you do not pick the Yidam, the Yidam actually picks you. You must keep your precepts and not hold any of the “128 Evil and Erroneous Views” in the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation.

Painting of Green Tara by Zhaxi Zhuoma
Painting of Green Tara by Zhaxi Zhuoma.

Do not be frustrated if something is not clear. If you are not progressing in your Yidam practice, go back and reflect on your cultivation. You should be doing this three times per day anyhow. If you are not keeping the precepts or developing your bodhichitta, you cannot progress. If your cultivation is good, your Yidam may come and teach you what you need to know. I have had that happen as have several of my students.

Once I was not clear on how to visualize a particular mantra and my Yidam showed me how to do it. I have a student who does not live near California and who is unable to visit either the Buddha Master or me very often. He is a serious, sincere, and compassionate cultivator and does, however, have a very good relationship with his Yidam. She has helped him on many matters. I recently received an email from him telling me how much he had gained from his last trip to the Holy Vajrasana Temple and being able to study Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra. Even though he was only able to study this Dharma a short time this trip, he gained realizations which he didn’t get in all the previous years he had studied here. He said, “It made a deep impact on my life and I am very grateful that I was able to read even this little bit of it. Since then I was reflecting even more on how our daily lives relate to achieving accomplishment in the Dharma, how cultivation and Dharma practice need to go together. I often compared it with breathing, like inhaling and exhaling following one another and both are necessary to keep [your] life working. This morning I received an instruction from [my Yidam] on this topic while I was doing my Dharma practice which I would like to share with you.”

He went on to explain that his Yidam told him that he should see that cultivation is like collecting firewood. Doing a Dharma practice is like igniting a fire. If we have not collected enough wood (or any at all) the fire of wisdom cannot burn. So even a kind thought is like a dry twig which will fuel the fire. So, cultivating ourselves seriously and not slipping in any moment is like piling up a huge amount of firewood which will cause the fire to burn strongly and result in accomplishments.I was delighted. He said I could share the teaching as an example of how our Yidams do teach us, but we must do the practice and cultivate our behavior. The Buddha Master tells us in Learning from Buddha that if you learn one of the Mind Essences from the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation “. . .to the point of proficiency and put it into practice, you need not worry about not being able to learn Buddha Dharma. Even if I, your Master, do not teach you, the Yidam will teach you.”

By Zhaxi Zhouma Rinpoche

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/04/03/your-yidam/

Source: https://www.zhaxizhuoma.org/your-yidam/

Vimalakirti’s Profound Teachings on Suffering and Liberation

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The Profound Wisdom of the Holy Buddha Vimalakirti

The Vimalakirti Sutra stands as one of the most profound texts in Mahayana Buddhism, offering deep insight into wisdom, compassion, and the nature of illness. One of its most significant sections, the “Chapter on Illness,” presents a powerful dialogue between Manjushri and Vimalakirti, a lay Bodhisattva of extraordinary realization.

Vimalakirti, despite his unparalleled wisdom, feigns illness to teach a vital lesson. When Manjushri visits him and asks, “Aren’t you successful in your practice? If so, how can you be ill?” Vimalakirti responds, “I am ill because all sentient beings are ill.” This response redefines illness—not as a personal affliction but as an expression of universal suffering. His illness is a manifestation of his boundless compassion, mirroring the pain of all beings so that he may guide them toward liberation.

Manjushri Bodhisattva and other disciples visiting H.H. Vimalakirti

The dialogue between Vimalakirti and Manjushri unfolds into a deeper contemplation on suffering. When asked when his illness will be cured, Vimalakirti replies, “When the last sentient being is free from illness, then my illness will be cured.” This statement embodies the heart of Mahayana Buddhism—the vow to attain enlightenment not for oneself alone but for all beings. His words resonate with the self-sacrificial love found in other spiritual traditions, such as Jesus Christ’s willingness to bear humanity’s suffering.

Vimalakirti further explains, “From ignorance comes love, and thus my illness arises.” He reveals that suffering stems from attachment—attachment to family, possessions, ambitions, and even spiritual practice. Such attachments cloud the mind, giving rise to suffering. True liberation, he teaches, comes from transcending these attachments through wisdom and compassion.

The holy and venerable Vimalakirti is unique in Buddhist history, as he was an ancient Buddha who chose to manifest as a layperson rather than an ordained monk. During the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, he played a crucial role in teaching monastics and Bodhisattvas who struggled to develop Mahayana bodhicitta. His unparalleled wisdom and skillful means helped bridge the gap between monastic and lay practitioners, proving that profound realization is not limited to those in monastic robes.

In reality, Vimalakirti was the incarnation of the supreme Buddha Dorje Chang (Vajradhara), the primordial Buddha and master of all Buddhas. Yet, instead of taking a leadership role that might have caused sectarian divisions, he humbly chose to serve as a Bodhisattva assisting Shakyamuni Buddha. His teachings, recorded in the Vimalakirti-nirdesa Sutra, are regarded as sutras in their own right, carrying the weight of authentic Buddha-dharma.

The depth of Vimalakirti’s wisdom was so vast that even the most accomplished Bodhisattvas hesitated to engage him in dialogue. When Shakyamuni Buddha asked Maitreya Bodhisattva to inquire about Vimalakirti’s health, Maitreya declined, admitting that Vimalakirti had once humbled him with his superior insight. Ultimately, only Manjushri, the ancient Buddha and master of the seven Buddhas, dared to engage Vimalakirti in discourse.

Chinese Ink painting Holy Master Vimalakirti by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Vimalakirti’s teachings were not limited to words alone—he also demonstrated his supreme realization through extraordinary miracles. In one instance, he used his boundless supernatural powers to bring the entire Buddha-land of Abhirati, including the Immovable Buddha (Aksobhya), into the human realm. Even the Immovable Buddha himself declared, “I did not do this; it was through the supernatural powers of Vimalakirti.” Such feats reveal that Vimalakirti’s realization surpassed that of all Bodhisattvas and was equal to that of Shakyamuni Buddha himself.

Shakyamuni Buddha himself affirmed the extraordinary status of Vimalakirti, stating, “One who makes offerings to that holy being should know that this is making offerings to the Buddhas. One who transcribes this sutra or keeps it in a room should know that the Tathagata exists in that room.” These words confirm that Vimalakirti was, in essence, a Buddha.

His teachings continue to inspire practitioners today, offering a profound perspective on suffering, wisdom, and compassion. His willingness to manifest illness as a teaching tool, his unparalleled debates with great Bodhisattvas, and his supernatural demonstrations all serve as timeless lessons in the path to enlightenment.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/03/28/vimalakirtis-profound-teachings-on-suffering-and-liberation/

Exploring the Concept of Size in Buddhism: Mount Sumeru and the Mustard Seed

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In the realm of Buddhist philosophy, the imagery of Mount Sumeru and the mustard seed serves as a profound metaphor for understanding the nature of reality and perception. Originally a mountain in Indian mythology, Mount Sumeru is revered in Buddhism as the dwelling place of celestial beings like Indra and the Four Heavenly Kings. Standing at an astonishing height of 84,000 yojanas, it symbolizes the vastness and grandeur of existence. In contrast, the mustard seed, a tiny grain often used in culinary practices, represents the minuscule aspects of life.

This juxtaposition is beautifully illustrated in a dialogue between Li Bo, a governor of Jiangzhou during the Tang Dynasty, and the Zen master Zhi Chang. Li Bo questioned the seemingly paradoxical notion found in Buddhist texts that “Mount Sumeru can fit within a mustard seed, and a mustard seed can contain Mount Sumeru.” He found it hard to believe that such a small seed could encompass such a towering mountain.

With a smile, Zhi Chang responded by asking, “People say you have read thousands of books; is that true?” Proudly, Li Bo affirmed, “Of course! I have read far more than that!”

Zhi Chang then inquired, “And where are those thousands of books now?”

Li Bo pointed to his head and replied, “They are all right here!”

Zhi Chang chuckled and said, “Strange, then. Your head seems no bigger than a coconut; how could it possibly hold thousands of books?”

At that moment, Li Bo experienced a profound realization: the distinctions of large and small are mere constructs of the mind. In reality, size is subjective and arises from our perceptions.

This concept resonates deeply with modern science, which demonstrates that vast amounts of knowledge can be stored within a minuscule chip, echoing the Buddhist teaching that the universe can be contained within the smallest of objects.

The English poet William Blake expressed a similar sentiment in his famous lines:
“To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.”

His words capture the essence of this Buddhist teaching: within the tiniest elements of our world lies the vastness of the infinite.

Ultimately, Buddhist wisdom encourages us to transcend conventional notions of size and reality. When we embrace the idea that the vast can reside within the minute, we cultivate a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of all things. In this way, Mount Sumeru and the mustard seed serve as powerful reminders of the boundless nature of existence and the limitless potential of the human mind.

In the Āgama Sūtra, there is a remarkable story that illustrates how the merit of a single grain of rice can be as vast as Mount Sumeru.

During the time of the Buddha, a poor couple lived in a crumbling cave with nothing to their name. They were so impoverished that they owned only a single set of clothes, which they had to share. When the husband went out, the wife had to stay home, and when the wife needed to leave, the husband had no choice but to remain inside, barely clothed.

One day, they heard that the Buddha and his disciples were passing through their village on their alms rounds. The couple reflected on their misfortune and said, “We have never practiced generosity, which is why we suffer such poverty today. Now that the Buddha is here, how can we miss this rare opportunity to give?”

However, as they looked around their home, the wife sighed deeply, “But we have nothing to offer…”

The husband, after thinking for a moment, made a firm decision: “No matter what, we must not let this opportunity slip away. Even if we starve, we must make an offering! The only thing we still have of value is this set of clothing—let us give it to the Buddha!”

With hearts full of joy, they humbly presented their only garment as an offering. The disciples, however, hesitated, feeling uneasy about receiving such an item. They passed the garment among themselves, reluctant to accept it, until Ananda finally brought it before the Buddha and asked, “Lord, this garment is too worn to be used. Should we discard it?”

The Buddha, filled with compassion, gently instructed, “My disciples, do not think this way. The generosity of the poor is the most precious of all. Bring the garment to me.”

Feeling ashamed for their earlier hesitation, Ananda and Maudgalyayana took the garment to the river to wash it. But as soon as they immersed it in the water, the entire river surged wildly, waves crashing in all directions. Alarmed, Maudgalyayana used his divine powers to summon Mount Sumeru in an attempt to subdue the turbulent waters. Yet, no matter how he pressed it down, the waves remained uncontrollable.

Helpless, the two disciples rushed back to the Buddha to report what had happened. At that moment, the Buddha was calmly eating his meal. Without saying much, he gently picked up a single grain of rice and handed it to them, saying, “Take this rice grain to the river, and it will settle.”

Perplexed, Ananda asked, “Lord, even the mighty Mount Sumeru couldn’t calm the waves—how can a tiny grain of rice possibly do so?”

The Buddha smiled and said, “Try it and see.”

Still doubtful but obedient, Ananda and Maudgalyayana took the grain of rice and cast it into the river. Miraculously, the raging waters instantly calmed, becoming as still as a mirror.

Shocked by what they had witnessed, the two disciples returned to the Buddha and asked, “How could a single grain of rice hold more power than a mountain?”

The Buddha then explained, “From the moment a grain of rice is planted, it undergoes countless efforts—watering, fertilizing, harvesting, processing, and selling—each step carrying the labor and dedication of many beings. Because of this, a single grain of rice contains immeasurable merit. Likewise, the garment offered by the poor couple was their only possession, their entire livelihood. Their act of giving was boundless in sincerity, making its merit just as vast. The Dragon Kings of the ocean understood the profound virtue behind this offering, which is why they immediately retreated in reverence. This is the power of true devotion—whether a grain of rice or a simple piece of clothing, when given with absolute sincerity, its merit can equal that of Mount Sumeru.”

From this teaching, a well-known Buddhist verse arose to remind monks and practitioners of the sacred nature of even the smallest offering:

“A single grain of rice in the Buddha’s gate,
As vast as Mount Sumeru.
If enlightenment is not attained in this life,
One shall return repaying the debt, bearing horns and fur.”

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that every offering—no matter how small—carries immense significance when given with a pure heart. It also warns practitioners to cherish and respect all acts of generosity, for every grain of rice represents the kindness and labor of countless beings.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/03/21/exploring-the-concept-of-size-in-buddhism-mount-sumeru-and-the-mustard-seed/