Category: Buddhist Tales

Pilgrimage to Bhutan (Part 2): Over the Dochu La into the Valley of the Cranes

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The highest point of the leg: The Dochu La pass at 3,100 meters

By Gongjue Tuji

With many impressions from Thimphu and a feeling of gratitude, we continued our pilgrimage. Before leaving the busy capital behind for good to drive deeper into the mountains, however, we spent another day in its surroundings. After all, Bhutan is not only defined by its holy temples and deeply rooted Buddhism. The landscape itself also holds enormous power. We were looking forward to traveling to places where the country’s history and the powerful nature form a very special unity.

Semtokha Dzong: The Palace of Secret Mantras

On the third day, our path first led us about six kilometers south of Thimphu to Semtokha Dzong. This place also bears the meaningful name “Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang,” which translates to “Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras.”

The massive white walls and typical Bhutanese fortress architecture of the Semthoka Dzong under a bright blue sky.
Semtokha Dzong

Historically, this is a milestone: The Dzong was built between 1629 and 1632 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the legendary unifier of Bhutan. He introduced something completely new here, namely the combination of a monastery and an administrative center under one roof. This innovative concept worked so well that it later became the model for all other major fortresses in the country, such as in Paro or Punakha. This historical significance mixed with a very present joy on the day of our visit. Since the entire country was honoring the fourth King’s birthday, a particularly festive mood could be felt everywhere.

But something else left a deep impression on me. In the temple rooms, the distinct scent of butter lamps hung in the air. It is a very unique smell that we would encounter again and again at other places, and which for me is now inseparably linked to the atmosphere of these holy sites.

Impressions (in order): View into the courtyard, the magnificent entrance area, water bowls as offerings, the corridor with prayer wheels, myself inside, and our group on the entrance stairs.

Takin Preserve: The Creation of Drukpa Kunley

Bhutan is deeply rooted in its spiritual traditions, where the power of the Dharma also manifests in nature. We visited the Royal Preserve to see the national animal: the Takin. It is a fascinating creature, unique to the Himalayas, with an appearance that resembles a cross between a cow and a goat.

Its existence traces directly back to the miraculous activity of Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” In the 15th century, people asked him to perform a miracle to prove his realization. He requested to be served a cow and a goat. After consuming both, he placed the goat’s head upon the cow’s skeleton. With his supernatural powers, he brought this new being to life. This event stands as a powerful testament to the Master’s unconventional teaching methods and his ability to act beyond ordinary concepts.

Impressions (in order): The spacious forest area of the preserve, a resting Takin in the shade, and an animal by the stream.

Dochu La: Commemoration at the 108 Chortens

On the fourth day, we left the capital heading towards Punakha. The road led us over the Dochu La, a pass at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. Although a few clouds obscured the view of the very big ice giants of the Himalayas, gaps opened up again and again, through which we could see the snow-covered peaks.

The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the Dochu La Pass set against a dense backdrop of clouds that partly obscures the panoramic view of the Himalayas on this day.
The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens against the backdrop of the Himalayas

Up on the pass stand the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. They are an important place of remembrance. They were not built to celebrate a military victory in 2003, but to commemorate the fallen. It is characteristic of the culture here that triumph is not put in the foreground, but rather compassion and remembrance.

Chimi Lhakhang: The Legacy of Drukpa Kunley

In the Punakha district, the legacy of the “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kunley, is ever-present. Even in the surrounding villages, we noticed the many houses painted with phallic symbols. What may initially seem unusual to foreign eyes is regarded here as a powerful symbol of protection.

Wide panoramic view over the green rice terraces and hills of the Punakha Valley in Bhutan, marked by a tall prayer flag in the foreground.
View into the Punakha Valley

Our next destination was Chimi Lhakhang. The path there leads very picturesquely right through green rice fields. The temple itself stands exactly at the spot where the great master Drukpa Kunley manifested his power to subdue a demon that had taken the form of a dog. He did so with his “flaming thunderbolt of wisdom.” This also explains the paintings on the houses, as they represent this victorious thunderbolt. At the place of this subjugation, a small black stupa still stands today. Also, statues of the master can often be recognized by a dog lying at his feet. Today, the place is mainly known as the Temple of Fertility, to which couples from all over the world make pilgrimages. We used the peaceful atmosphere there to chant together under a large Bodhi tree in front of the temple.

Impressionen (der Reihe nach): Der Chimi Lhakhang Tempel mit der schwarzen Stupa, eine schlafende Tempelkatze, junge Mönche beim Üben der Dharma-Instrumente und unsere Gruppe beim gemeinsamen Chanten unter dem großen Bodhi-Baum.

Punakha Dzong: Palace of Great Bliss

Afterwards, we continued to Punakha Dzong. It is situated very picturesquely right where the Pho Chhu (Father River) and the Mo Chhu (Mother River) meet. Its full name is Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, which translates to “Palace of Great Happiness.” The building is not only huge but also historically of enormous importance. It was built as early as 1637 and for a long time formed the center of the then winter capital Punakha.

The majestic Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) sits picturesquely at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers against a green mountain backdrop.
Punakha Dzong

Even today, the monastic community moves here during the cold months. Moreover, it is a historic place for the monarchy, as the first King of Bhutan was crowned here in 1907. Inside rest the mortal remains of the state founder Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. However, this area is strictly protected. Only the King and the Je Khenpo, as well as two guardian lamas, are allowed to enter the room with the relics.

A monk in conversation in front of the white walls and dark roof of an outbuilding within the spacious grounds of the Punakha Dzong.

Impressions (in order): Conversations in front of white walls, roosters on the intricate roof ledge, and the entrance to the sacred temple area (Machen Lhakhang), where the relics of the state founder are kept.

Wangdue Phodrang: Rebuilding a Landmark

In the morning of the next day, we stopped at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. This place has a moving history. It was founded in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal under the auspicious name “Palace of the Four Cardinal Directions.” It sits strategically on a ridge that resembles a sleeping elephant and overlooks the confluence of two rivers.

The imposing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong sits majestically on a ridge against a green landscape, while visitors climb the entrance stairs.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

For a long time, it was considered the only Dzong that had never fallen victim to a fire in its almost 400-year history. But on June 24, 2012, fate struck: A technical defect triggered a fire in the early morning, and fueled by strong winds, the proud fortress burned out completely within a few hours.

But what we saw was not a place of mourning, but of hope. The reconstruction, which began in 2014, is an impressive testament to Bhutanese unity, but also to the deep friendship with neighboring India. Through close cooperation and generous support from India, this massive project could be realized. It wonderfully shows how modern engineering and cross-border solidarity are used not only to preserve traditional culture but to literally let it rise anew from the ashes.

Impressions (in order): Intricate carvings at the portal, colorful wall murals of guardian deities, the spacious courtyard, a monk at the staircase, and our group photo in front of the Dzong.

Drive through the Black Mountains

With this image of a new beginning in mind, we continued our journey towards the Phobjikha Valley. The drive was scenically very impressive. Our bus wound its way up the Black Mountains curve after curve. We had perfect weather. The sun was shining and allowed us a clear view that reached further with every meter of altitude. The road snaked along the partly steep mountain slopes in tight serpentines until we crossed the pass and finally drove down into the valley.

Phobjikha Valley: Winter Home of the Black-Necked Cranes

The Phobjikha Valley is a very special retreat. It serves as the wintering ground for the rare Black-necked Cranes from Tibet. There is a nice observation about this. When the birds arrive, they circle the local Gangtey Monastery three times. And apparently, they do the same when they leave again. Even the animals seem to have a connection to the Dharma here. We were lucky and some of us saw the first cranes that had already arrived.

Wide panoramic view of the golden-yellow plains of the Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan, framed by green mountains and a blue sky.
Phobjikha-Tal

Our lunch was organized for us in an open field right in front of Khewang Lhakhang. We enjoyed it with a wide view into the valley. Afterwards, we visited the temple itself. Inside are still the original statues, which at a good 500 years old are as ancient as the building itself. One of these statues is particularly well-known, as it is said to have spoken twice already.

Front view of the historic Khewang Lhakhang temple in the Phobjikha Valley featuring traditional windows and a white facade situated on a meadow.
Khewang Lhakhang

I especially remember the story that’s connected to this place: A demon had taken the form of a young woman to deceive a young man. When the man died, the demon wanted to bring the body into the temple. But the Buddha statue spoke and denied him entry. The demon had to move on and was finally defeated by the deceased’s real girlfriend. A small stupa still stands at this spot today. Such events are not just fairy tales here; they are part of the living spiritual landscape.

Gangtey Goenpa: Spiritual Center of the Nyingmapa

The crowning conclusion of this day was Gangtey Goenpa. It sits on a ridge above the valley and is far more than just a beautiful building. It is the largest and most important Nyingmapa monastery in western central Bhutan and is considered the spiritual heart of the entire region.

The history of this place goes back a long way and begins with a vision. The great “Treasure Finder” (Terton) Pema Lingpa visited the valley in the late 15th century. He looked at the ridge and prophesied that one of his descendants would build a monastery there one day. This prophecy was fulfilled in 1613 when his grandson Rigdzin Pema Thinley founded the monastery.

The imposing frontal view of the main temple of Gangtey Goenpa featuring magnificent hand-carved wooden balconies and traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Gangtey Goenpa

Architecturally, it is fascinating. At first glance, it looks like a Dzong, meaning one of the mighty fortresses we had seen before. But if you look closely, you notice a crucial difference. The military elements are missing. There are no arrow slits and no defensive walls. It was designed purely as a place of peace and practice. I was particularly impressed by the elaborate wood carvings visible everywhere, testifying to the high level of craftsmanship.

Impressions (in order): Wall mural of Dharmapala Gyalpo Pehar in the entrance area, the view up to the intricate wooden architecture, and the sunny courtyard.

Today, the monastery is a very lively place and acts as the seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition as well as the seat of the master’s ninth reincarnation. About 140 monks live here. Together with the nearby Shedra, the Buddhist college, they ensure that the teaching is not only preserved here but actively studied and lived.

I had a special experience inside the temple. We had gone in to pay our respects to the Buddhas and chant together. Scarcely had we entered the hall when the power went out and it became pitch dark instantly. In the light of our phones, we looked for a place to sit. For about ten minutes, we chanted in this darkness, illuminated only by the faint flickering of a few butter lamps. That created a very unique mood. Suddenly the light came back on. Only at that moment did I see what was directly on the wall opposite me. My gaze fell on a beautiful mural of the 21 Taras. That was an unexpected and deeply moving moment for me.

Actually, we had a specific hope in our hearts for our return to Thimphu and Paro: We wanted to try to get an audience with the King. But as so often in life, plans do not always go in a straight line. Karmic conditions had intended another encounter for us, which we had not expected in this way.

I will tell you about that and our ascent to the famous Tiger’s Nest in the next part.

About Author: Gongjue Tuji

As a committed Buddhist and initiator of the Xuanfa Dharmazentrum, Gongjue Tuji has made it his mission to help other people integrate the teachings of Buddhism into their daily lives. In this blog, he regularly provides insights into his experiences, current news and highlights fascinating aspects of the Buddha-Dharma.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/30/pilgrimage-to-bhutan-part-2-over-the-dochu-la-into-the-valley-of-the-cranes/

4 Unexpected Lessons on Peace from a Monk

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Photo credit Gladys Alvarez

That Challenge Everything We Think We Know

From Chatham Journal Newspaper January 24th 2026

Siler City, NC – On Wednesday evening the “Walk for Peace” monks stopped for the day at Jordan-Matthews High School. This was an opportunity for one of the monks to speak to the crowd gathered at the football here. Below is a summary of the lessons he hoped to teach.

We fight a battle every day, but the enemy isn’t external. It’s the relentless hum of our own minds—the constant wandering to past regrets and future anxieties, the endless scroll of digital distractions, and the crushing pressure to always be doing more. In this unwinnable war for a quiet mind, we often feel like we’re losing ground.

But what if the pursuit of peace wasn’t an epic battle at all? What if it was simply a series of small, counter-intuitive shifts in perspective? In a recent talk, a monk shared a path to peace that doesn’t require struggle, but instead invites awareness and acceptance. This post shares the four most surprising and impactful lessons from that talk—practical wisdom that can be applied to your life, starting right now.

1. To Connect With Your Kids, Stop Trying to Fix Them

As parents, our deepest instinct is to protect and guide. We want the best for our children, so we try to fix their mistakes and teach them the “right” way. But the monk pointed out a painful paradox: the more we try to “fix” or “change” them, the more we inadvertently build a “war” between us, pushing them further away.

His surprising solution was to shift our role entirely: stop trying to teach and start sharing. By approaching a child as a friend, we transform the dynamic from a top-down lecture into a shared conversation. This shift is the key to getting them to listen, and more profoundly, it creates the safety for the ultimate connection. The monk explained that when children see you as a friend, “whenever obstacle when they run into trouble they will come back to you and lean on your shoulder and cry and ask for help… that is when your chance come to teach them.”

unless you make friend with them you see them as your friends not mother not the father but a friend A friends means the different way of talk, different way of teaching, sharing… and that is when they listen.

In a world of high-pressure, achievement-oriented parenting, this advice is a radical act of trust. It asks us to let go of micromanagement and have faith that building a foundation of friendship is the most effective way to stay connected, especially when our kids are more influenced by peers and technology than ever before.

2. The Enemy of Peace Isn’t Chaos—It’s Multitasking

The monk observed that in our modern world, a distracted, wandering mind has become the “normal” condition. Very few people, he noted, can truly focus. He then offered a memorable metaphor for the primary source of this distraction: our smartphones.

And now that we all all have our lovers along with us every single second, you know who is your lover is your cellphone…

His solution is profoundly simple yet radically counter-cultural: stop multitasking. He framed this not as a mere productivity hack, but as the fundamental practice for purifying the mind. Without concentration on a single task, he explained, there can be no real peace.

This advice directly challenges the modern glorification of being busy. We multitask because we treat busyness as a proxy for importance and self-worth. To single-task is therefore an act of rebellion against the “cult of productivity.” It’s a way to reclaim our presence and discover that true effectiveness and inner calm are found not in doing more, but in giving our full attention to one thing at a time. This practice of single-pointed concentration is the very tool we need for the next lesson: dealing with the internal chaos of our own minds.

3. Don’t Fight Your Anxious Thoughts. Just Look at Them.

When we try to find a moment of quiet, the mind inevitably rebels. Thoughts of the past and worries about the future “pop up” and disrupt our focus. But the monk’s wisdom extends beyond just anxious thoughts—it applies to every distraction, internal and external. The itch on your nose, the sound of a distant siren, a sudden memory—our common reaction is to fight these intrusions and scold ourselves for getting distracted.

The monk’s instruction is to do the exact opposite. The goal is not to create a blank, empty mind. The practice is to simply add awareness to your breath, and when any thought, sound, or physical sensation appears, you acknowledge it without judgment. You observe it for a moment, and then gently guide your attention back to your breathing.

When that thought pop up, instead of trying to eliminate or push it away, just acknowledge it, observe that thought and then come back to this breathing.

He warned that this requires immense patience because “we will fail over and over.” This insight is liberating. It reframes “failure” as a completely normal and expected part of the process. Each time you notice your mind has wandered and you gently bring it back, you are succeeding.

4. Learn to Shed Your Leaves Like a Tree

To illustrate the art of letting go, the monk shared a powerful analogy from nature. In the autumn, trees shed their leaves. They don’t do this because they are weak; they do it as a brilliant survival strategy to conserve energy through the winter, preparing for new growth in the spring.

He explained that humans, however, often do the opposite. We spend our lives collecting and holding onto our mental “trash”—bad habits, unhappy memories, stress, and anxiety. We cling to these dead leaves until we are completely overwhelmed by their weight.

We have collected all kind of trash in our mind. Bad habit, unhappy thing, undesirable, all those things happening in our life that we suffered. We collected it so many and we recorded in here and we didn’t know how to let it go. We don’t know how to shut it off just like those trees.

This metaphor recasts “letting go” not as a passive act of giving up, but as an active, wise process of conserving our vital energy. In a world facing an epidemic of burnout, this lesson becomes a crucial survival strategy. It teaches us to release what no longer serves us in order to preserve our strength for what truly matters—for the new growth that awaits.

Peace is a Practice, Not a Destination

The war for a quiet mind ends the moment you stop fighting. As the monk’s lessons reveal, peace is not a distant state you arrive at, but the result of small, conscious actions. It’s found in the choice to single-task, the gentle observation of a thought, and the courage to let go of control—both in our own minds and in our relationships. Becoming a friend to our children and a non-judgmental observer of our thoughts are both practices in releasing the need to fix everything. Single-tasking is the foundation that makes this awareness possible.

He offered a simple starting point: each morning, write down the statement, “Today is going to be my peaceful day,” and live with that intention. But he also added a note of urgency. Many of us say we will do it “later,” but, as he warned, “that later that moment never comes.”

Don’t wait. Peace is a daily practice, and the work begins now. Looking at the “leaves” you’ve been carrying, what is just one you can choose to let go of today?

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/29/4-unexpected-lessons-on-peace-from-a-monk/

The World Beauty

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Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was in Vārāṇasī, at the Deer Park in Ṛṣipatana.

At that time, the Bhagavān said to the bhikṣus, “Would a lady, said to be the most beautiful in the world, cause many people to gather together to see her?” The bhikṣus replied to the Buddha, “Certainly, Bhagavān.” The Buddha said to the bhikṣus, “If that lady, reputed to be most beautiful in the world, could perform all kinds of music, song, and dance, would many people gather together to watch?” The bhikṣus addressed the Buddha, saying, “Certainly, Bhagavān.”

The Buddha said to the bhikṣus, “Suppose there were a lady said to be the most beautiful in the world, and in this place there would be all kinds of entertainment with music, song, and dance. Moreover, a great crowd would converge upon this one place. Suppose there would be a gentleman, not foolish or stupid, preferring happiness to suffering, valuing life and fearing death. A person would say to him, ‘Sir, you should carry this bowl of oil, filled to the brim, and pass in between this world beauty and the crowd. There is a killer who will draw out his blade and follow you. If a single drop of oil is lost, he will cut off your head.’

“What do you think, bhikṣus? Would that man carrying the oil bowl be able to forget about the oil bowl, and forget about the killer, and watch that skillful lady and the large crowd of people?” The bhikṣus addressed the Buddha, saying, “No, Bhagavān. Why? Bhagavān, that man would be concerned about the man with his blade drawn out. He would think, ‘If I spill even one drop of oil, that man with his blade drawn will cut off my head.’ With that only thought, his mind would be fixated on the oil bowl. He would walk between the world beauty and the crowd and go past them, not daring to catch a glimpse.”

“Thusly, bhikṣus, if there is a śramaṇa or brāhmaṇa who is dignified in body and resolute in mind, not regarding voice and beauty, skillfully regarding all dharmas of the mind, abiding in mindfulness of the body, then this is my disciple who is in accordance with my teaching.

“What does it mean for a bhikṣu to be dignified in body and resolute in mind, not regarding voice and beauty, persevering in all dharmas of the mind, abiding in mindfulness of the body? Thusly, bhikṣus: mindful of the body, observing the body: ardent, correctly aware and mindful, setting aside worldly craving and sorrow.

“Abiding in the mindfulness of sensations… and of the mind… and of dharmas, observing dharmas, are also such as this.

“This is called a bhikṣu who is dignified in body, resolute in mind, not regarding voice and beauty, and skillfully regarding dharmas of the mind, abiding in the Four Bases of Mindfulness.”

At that time, the Bhagavān spoke a gāthā:

Focused and well-mindful,
As if protecting an oil bowl:
The mind protected this way
Reaches the unprecedented—
What is extremely difficult to reach,
Supremely wondrous and subtle.
Those things the Buddha speaks:
That teaching is a sharp sword.
With a resolute mind,
Focusing and persevering—
Not like an ordinary person,
Negligent in affairs—
One is able to enter thusly,
Not neglecting the teaching.

After the Buddha had spoken this sūtra, the bhikṣus heard what the Buddha had said, and joyfully practiced in accordance.

Buddhist Sutra from https://lapislazulitexts.com/tripitaka/T0099-LL-smrtyupasthana-samyukta/

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/26/the-world-beauty/

Pilgrimage to Bhutan (Part 1): Arrival in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

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View from an airplane window over a dense cloud layer towards the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range. In the foreground, the aircraft wing with its characteristic yellow tip is visible.
View of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga during the approach to Paro

By Gongjue Tuji

In November 2025, I went on a very special trip. Together with 66 Dharma brothers and sisters, I set off for Bhutan. Being the only German in this group from the USA, China, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka, I felt at home right away. We were a wonderful mix of monks, nuns, Rinpoches, and lay Buddhists. We all met in Thailand first to travel on to Paro together.

Our goal was more than just a visit. We came to honor the holy sites of this country and to dive into Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist tradition. Of course, we were also excited to get to know the land and its people. Dedicated members of our group took care of the entire organization. Thanks to their excellent planning and the great local guides, everything ran smoothly. We also owe the fact that this trip was possible in this special way to the Venerable Dr. Chandima from Sri Lanka. Through his personal connections to the Kingdom of Bhutan, doors opened for us that might otherwise have remained closed. Having the Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da with us was also especially valuable.

We brought two matters close to our hearts with us. First, it was important to us not to arrive empty-handed. We had collected donations within the group to directly support the hospital in Thimphu and the expectant mothers there. Second, it was our spiritual mission to represent the Buddha Dharma as we learned it from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Connected to this was the wish to share news of the “Holy Heavenly Lake Buddhist Town” project, which is planned to provide space for over 30 Buddhist centers from all over the world.

Arrival in Paro & the Journey to Thimphu

We landed in Paro on November 9th. From there, we took a bus about 40 kilometers through the valley to Thimphu. What I noticed immediately was that the entire road was decorated with five-colored banners. Our guide told us that this was the welcome greeting for the international guests of the “Global Peace Prayer Festival.”

Colorful Buddhist prayer flags and banners lining the road from Paro to Thimphu in Bhutan as a welcome for the Global Peace Prayer Festival, set against a rocky mountain backdrop.
Five-colored flags and pennants along the route

Thimphu itself was incredibly busy. Several events were happening at once: alongside the festival and the King’s upcoming birthday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also expected for a state visit. You have to know that Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Despite the crowds and the resulting traffic chaos, everyone remained calm. No one pushed, and people were patient and respectful. This relaxed attitude really impressed me.

National Memorial Chorten: The Spiritual Heart of Thimphu

After checking into our first hotel, we visited the National Memorial Chorten. This is a large, white stupa in the middle of the city, built in 1974 for the third King. For the locals, this is an important place in everyday life. Many go there to walk around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels.

As at all holy sites, photography is not allowed inside. A simple rule applies: as soon as the shoes come off, the camera stays off. This allowed us to soak in the atmosphere without any distractions. The interior houses larger-than-life statues of wrathful deities in Yab-Yum posture and murals of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), Shakyamuni Buddha, and Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. Colorful sculptures stand in all four directions. There are also mandalas, shrines for the third King, and images of Vajrakilaya.

Blick auf die goldene Spitze des National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, während Gläubige die Stupa im Uhrzeigersinn umrunden.

Impressions (in order): The white Memorial Chorten, pilgrims at the prayer wheels, the sea of lights from the butter lamps, believers performing prostrations, and our group in front of the stupa.

Our group took the opportunity to chant on the square in front of the stupa, led by the Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da. It was a beautiful experience to do this at such a place.

Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar: Traditional Arts and Crafts

In the evening, I took the chance to stroll along Norzin Lam. That is where the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar is located, which you enter through a distinct red gate. Behind it, many small huts are lined up where local artisans display their goods. There was really a lot to discover. Besides handmade textiles, jewelry, wood carvings, and thangkas, you can also find nice souvenirs to remember the trip by.

The distinctive red entrance gate to the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar on Norzin Lam in Thimphu, illuminated at night.
Entrance to the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar

Global Peace Prayer Festival: Shared Prayers for Peace

Official program poster for the Global Peace Prayer Festival in November 2025 in Thimphu, Bhutan, featuring details on Jabshi Gyap and Kalachakra.

November 10th was all about the Global Peace Prayer Festival. Since the stadium was within walking distance of our hotel, we went there on foot. Even on the street, we could feel how many people were flocking to this event. Once inside the stadium, we showed our respect through prostrations before the Venerables present. Afterwards, we were given a spot on the side where we could join in the peace prayers.

From there, we watched the program on the main stage, where various Buddhist traditions took turns with their recitations. Between the prayer sessions, there were traditional dances and songs. I was deeply impressed by how many people came together there peacefully. It was simply a good feeling to be right there among them.

Buddha Dordenma: The Golden Statue Above the Valley

After noon, we continued to the Buddha Dordenma statue in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. This is an impressive, 51-meter-high statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha. It is made of bronze and completely gilded. By the way, it was built to celebrate the 60th birthday of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The massive frontal view of the Shakyamuni Buddha (Buddha Dordenma) in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park under a brilliant blue sky.
Buddha Dordenma Statue

Inside the building beneath the statue, there are over 100,000 small Buddhas, also made of bronze and gold. Every single one was donated. There is also a large meditation hall with many more beautiful Buddha statues. Various relics are kept in these rooms, which we were allowed to see during our visit.

Side view of the 51-meter tall, gilded Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu, majestically towering over the valley, surrounded by pilgrims.

Impressions of the Buddha Dordenma statue: The gigantic seated statue in side view, ritual structures featuring traditional thread crosses (Namkha/Mdos) on the plaza, the view up to the Buddha’s face, a relief of a blue elephant on the golden base, and the view over the square featuring golden Dakini statues.

What made this visit special was not just the statue itself. Right there, the conclusion of the Jabshi Gyap ritual was taking place. This is a major, multi-day ceremony intended to purify negative karma and bring healing. Thousands of devotees, monks, and Rinpoches were gathered. We learned that this ritual was done specifically for world peace. It was our good fortune that we could be there at exactly that moment.

A Matter of the Heart: Support for Expectant Mothers

We had collected money in advance to support 500 expectant mothers with care packages. For this reason, we gathered at the end of the day for a ceremonial handover at the hospital in Thimphu.

The Buddhist travel group and official representatives at the ceremonial presentation of donation packages to expectant mothers at the hospital in Thimphu.
Handing over the donation at the hospital

In addition to our travel group, hospital staff, the Secretary to the Health Minister, and some mothers also took part. We had the opportunity to personally hand over the first packages to the mothers present.

With that, the first days in the capital were over. Next, the journey would take us out of the city, to ancient Dzongs and into nature.

Source: https://xuanfa-dharmazentrum.de/en/blog-en/pilgrimage-bhutan-1-thimphu/

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/23/pilgrimage-to-bhutan-part-1-arrival-in-the-land-of-the-thunder-dragon/

NINETY-EIGHT POUND STALACTITE STONE WENT THROUGH A HUMAN BODY; FOUR-HUNDRED-THIRTY POUND GIGANTIC MANI STONE DUO QIE XU FLIES INTO THE AIR

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Unveiling the mystical realization state of esoteric Buddha-dharma—a true account of a grand assembly of esoteric Buddha-dharma

People think of Tibetan Buddhism in general as a far-away culture full of mystery. Especially when patriarchs from various sects manifested mystical phenomena and supernatural powers, people become curious about esoteric Buddha dharma.

Based on the descriptions of some lamas, there are various examinations for Buddhist practitioners in Tibet. One’s proficiency of Buddhism is examined by means of different scales of dialectical debates. The one who passes thousands of debates and is in first place is called Lharampa geshe. The ones in second place and third place are called geshes. Only after completion of tens of thousands of dialectical debates can geshes enter schools of Esoteric Buddhism to learn esoteric dharma.

These lamas said that esoteric dharma emphasizes states of realization. In Esoteric Buddhism schools, mani stones are usually used to evaluate practitioners’ levels of realization. There are two types of mani stones.

The first type is stones that are inscribed with mantras by ordinary people and placed in mani stone mounds. This type of mani stone does not contain dharma power.

The second type is stones that are inscribed by great patriarchs from lineages of Tibetan Buddhism after practicing dharma. These stones are inscribed with images of Buddhas or seed syllables of mantras. They are placed in mani stone mounds to be used as empowerment to eliminate disasters and obstacles. The most important function of this type of mani stone with power is to test and measure levels of self-cultivation.

According to some accounts, only practitioners who have attained states of realization through self-cultivation are able to practice dharma that causes mani stones to move at a distance. Mani stones move in different ways: some move slowly, while others walk or fly. Ordinary people cannot make them move at all, no matter how much force they use or how many people recite mantras at the same time. These stories have added an element of mystery and significance to Tibetan esoteric dharma.

Recently, the reporter had the honor of attending a grand assembly in the United States where various states of realization were revealed. Attendees included great lamas and ordinary lamas from Tibet, as well as great dharma masters and ordinary dharma masters of Exoteric Buddhism.

The mantras recited included the Great Compassion Mantra, the Green Tara Heart Mantra, and the mantra of Vajrakila (Dorje Phurba). Some dharma masters were unable to cause the mani stone to move even after a prolonged period of practicing dharma. Several Exoteric Buddhist dharma masters recited mantras in unison and, across space, caused a 150-gram mani stone on a glass table to move. A great dharma master and a female lama were able to make a mani stone at a distance move as soon as they chanted mantras combined with mudras.

While the attendees marveled at these sights, a great female lama from Tibet arrived. Before the testing, she requested that the person videotaping not capture her face. She said that she was a self-cultivator who wished to attain liberation and realization, and that she did not intend to manifest Buddha-dharma to show off her powers. Soon after, something stunning happened.

As soon as she recited mantras, a ninety-eight-pound stalactite stone surprisingly rose from the ground and circulated in the air following her hand gestures. This mani stone with supernatural powers stopped and trembled after rising into the air.

What was even more astonishing was that when the female lama sat on the wooden floor, the mani stone moved from behind her to the front in a split second. Witnesses felt that the ninety-eight-pound mani stone had moved in the blink of an eye, at such speed that it seemed to pass through her body.

Then the mani stone circled the great female lama twice, following her finger gestures. It moved up and down while trembling as it circled. When the mani stone moved to her back the second time, her index finger—forming a mudra above her head—pointed downward, and the stone immediately descended. Following the direction of her fingers, it paused briefly and then dropped onto the wooden floor with a heavy thump. The weight of the stone was evident, and it would be difficult to imagine such a scene without witnessing it firsthand.

The most famous gigantic stalactite mani stone, Duo Qie Xu from Tibet, was also included in the assembly. It weighs approximately 430 pounds, equivalent to about 200 kilograms, and was shipped from Tibet to the United States. It revealed great supernatural powers during the assembly.

The gigantic mani stone Duo Qie Xu is not an ordinary stone. It is a mani stone with a distinct identity, similar to the famous Cuiyu Cabbage (a renowned jade carving from the Qing Dynasty displayed at the National Palace Museum in Taipei). Most Tibetan Buddhist practitioners are familiar with Duo Qie Xu. During the testing involving Duo Qie Xu, even more incredible phenomena occurred.

When the great Tibetan female lama was about to test her powers on Duo Qie Xu, she again requested that her face not be captured on camera, for the same reasons as before. The video recordings were intended solely as keepsakes for those present and were not to be used for any form of promotion. Her strict adherence to the precepts deeply moved those in attendance.

Then something extraordinary happened. The 430-pound Duo Qie Xu followed the hand gestures of the great Tibetan female lama, trembling as it rose from the lawn and flew into the air. The crowd was awestruck and suddenly felt the lawn move like ocean waves. Rooftops and trees also appeared to move simultaneously.

The mani stone flying in the air then returned and suddenly fell from a height of three feet above the ground, making a large dent in the lawn. Such an occurrence—normally found only in fiction—unfolded in real life. The lamas and dharma masters present stated that this holy feat demonstrated the magnificence and authenticity of Buddha-dharma, through which all things can be accomplished, including the transformation of mountains and oceans.

At the Exposing Buddha Statues to the Sun Dharma Assembly held at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei on January 13, 2002, there was a mound of stones inscribed with mantras from Lapuleng Temple in Gansu. It was a Mani Stone Mound consisting of mani stones.

This article is from “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (A TREASURY OF TRUE BUDDHA-DHARMA)” P485.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/21/ninety-eight-pound-stalactite-stone-went-through-a-human-body-four-hundred-thirty-pound-gigantic-mani-stone-duo-qie-xu-flies-into-the-air/

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

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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/