In our daily lives, we often fall into a harmful habit: when trouble arises, we instinctively blame others and rarely acknowledge our own karma.
Since time immemorial, we have been conditioned to look outward—to criticize and judge those around us—while seldom pausing to examine our own minds. Every surge of emotion and every lingering affliction is driven by the swelling of our own “ego.” When Buddhism speaks of “releasing the ego,” it does not mean losing yourself; rather, it encourages us to let go of our blind attachment to self-centeredness.
Consider this: setting aside the faults of others, are we truly completely blameless?
No instrument can produce music with a single part. It takes two hands clapping to make a sound; cymbals must strike together to resonate. The same principle applies to life’s conflicts—it is exceedingly rare for one person to be entirely faultless while the other is completely to blame.
Padampa Sangye, a master in the Chöd transmission lineage, once taught:
“Believing that our enemies are harming us is merely our delusion. If we can convert anger into compassion, it brings us the greatest benefit.”
Lama Atisha also imparted this wisdom:
“Do not feel hatred toward those who cause you harm. If you respond to harm with resentment, you lose the very object needed to practice patience.”
When faced with provocation or mistreatment, if we can extinguish anger and practice patience (Kshanti), we not only purify our past misdeeds but also accumulate immense merit and spiritual strength.
When Lama Atisha traveled to Tibet, the period of Buddhist persecution had passed, and the Dharma was flourishing once again. As one of India’s most revered masters, Lama Atisha was treated with supreme respect throughout Tibet. Everyone obeyed him, and no one dared to make him angry.
Yet Lama Atisha reflected: “If everyone caters to me, where will I find the opportunity to practice patience?”
Determined to cultivate patience, Lama Atisha specifically chose a servant with an exceptionally fiery temper to stay by his side. Unlike others, this servant was far from submissive—he frequently disobeyed Lama Atisha and lost his temper with him.
Seeing this, many disciples felt offended and believed that a great master should not endure such rudeness. They urged Lama Atisha to dismiss the servant. But Lama Atisha replied with deep compassion:
“This servant is of profound kindness to me! Precisely because he provokes me, he gives me the opportunity to practice patience. Otherwise, no one in Tibet would dare anger me, and I would forever lose the chance to cultivate endurance.”
If even a great master treasured adversity so deeply, shouldn’t we also view every hardship as a catalyst for our own spiritual awakening? After all, every favorable or unfavorable circumstance in life is simply the unfolding of cause and effect.
To cultivate a mind free of anger, we must deeply appreciate the infinite merit of patience:
When opposed, remain unperturbed
When hated, remain free of resentment
When provoked, remain calm
When insulted, remain tranquil
To face turmoil with equanimity—keeping the mind undisturbed and self-contained—is the true hallmark of a spiritual practitioner.
As the Buddha declared: “Non-action is supreme, and patience is the highest path.”
Among all teachings, the practice of patience stands supreme. It is the direct path to enlightenment and a priceless treasure within our own true nature.
IAMA Wins Best Museum and Best Art Gallery in SFGATE’s Best of Bay Area 2026
The International Art Museum of America is proud to announce that we have been named Best Museum and Best Art Gallery in SFGATE’s Best of Bay Area 2026. IAMA was also recognized as a finalist for Best Event Space/Venue, making this an especially meaningful year for our museum, our team, and our community.
Hannah Taschek, KC Hsieh and Emilio Jimenez celebrating at the SFGATE Best of Bay Area 2026 event at Chase Center, where the International Art Museum of America was recognized as Best Museum, Best Art Gallery, and a finalist for Best Event Space/Venue.
This recognition would not have been possible without the support of our fans, followers, visitors, members, partners, and friends. To everyone who took the time to vote for IAMA, share our work, visit the museum, attend our events, and continue supporting our mission: thank you. Your support helped make this achievement possible, and we are truly grateful.
To celebrate this special recognition, our team attended the SFGATE Best of Bay Area 2026 event at Chase Center, where we joined other Bay Area businesses, organizations, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening. The event was filled with great conversations, new connections, delicious food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere that truly captured the spirit of the Bay Area.
One of the highlights of the night was having the chance to step onto the actual Chase Center court, where NBA legends have played. We even had the opportunity to shoot some hoops, making the celebration even more memorable for our team.
Throughout the evening, we enjoyed a special performance by Club Fugazi, met the Golden State Valkyries mascot, and connected with many inspiring people from across the Bay Area. It was a wonderful reminder of how vibrant, creative, and diverse our local community is.
Club Fugazi performers brought the energy to the Chase Center court during the SFGATE Best of Bay Area 2026 celebration.
Winning Best Museum and Best Art Gallery is an honor that motivates us to continue growing, improving, and creating meaningful cultural experiences for our visitors. Being named a finalist for Best Event Space/Venue also highlights IAMA’s role as a welcoming venue for corporate events, community gatherings, cultural events, private celebrations, and special programs.
This recognition belongs to everyone who has been part of IAMA’s journey. Thank you for voting, following, visiting, sharing, participating, and believing in what we do.
We look forward to welcoming you to the museum soon and continuing to celebrate art, culture, and community together.
To every parent reading this whose heart is heavy—whether you are walking the path of raising a child with autism, navigating deep emotional distress, or feeling utterly helpless as you watch your child suffer—I want you to know: you are not alone, and there is always hope.
There was a time in my life when I believed my world was collapsing, and no human effort could fix it. My journey from sheer desperation to inner peace showed me the gentle, transformative power of compassion, self-reflection, and faith. I hope my story brings light into your heart today.
When my son entered his eighth-grade year, our home became a battleground. He was rebellious, deeply resistant to school, and consumed by anxiety. One day, after a fierce argument, I locked myself in the bathroom and cried uncontrollably. As a single mother who had sacrificed everything to raise him alone, working double duty as both mother and father, my heart felt completely broken. I wished so deeply that he would come to comfort me.
Instead, he burst through the door and shouted through his own pain, “Mom, how can you cry? I’m suffering ten thousand times more than you, and I haven’t even cried!”
I froze. My tears stopped, but my chest locked up in unbearable pain. From that moment on, my son withdrew from the world. He locked himself in his room, pulling the curtains tightly shut to block out even the daylight. He refused to go to school, refusing medication, counseling, or the advice of loved ones.
As a mother, I tried everything. I took him to doctors, changed his school, sought spiritual readings, and called on every relative he respected. Nothing worked. Despair swallowed me whole: Is my child beyond saving?
At my lowest point, a compassionate friend gently introduced me to Buddhist teachings. She encouraged me to pray for blessings, sincerely repent for my own shortcomings, and dedicate the merit of positive, wholesome deeds to my child.
At first, I held onto this like a lifeline. But my own mind was still full of attachment and anxiety. I was terrified of what colleagues would think, afraid for his future, and haunted by fear whenever I read news about youth mental health. My anxious energy radiated throughout our house. The tighter I tried to grasp and control my son’s life, the more suffocated he felt.
My friend gave me a piece of gentle wisdom that changed everything:
“Focus on your own practice first. Change your own heart, let go of attachment, and your child will naturally begin to change.”
I finally realized that my love had turned into a heavy chain of control and anxiety. True motherly love is not about clinging tightly; it is about learning to hold space with patience, grace, and compassion.
I decided to stop fixating on whether my son went to school each day. Instead, I turned inward. I surrendered my fears, practiced genuine repentance, performed acts of kindness (like freeing captive animals), and dedicated that peaceful energy to him. I replaced my anxiety with warmth and acceptance.
When my heart shifted, the atmosphere in our home softened.
Before his middle school graduation exams, when anxiety threatened to pull him down again, I invited him to join me at a temple blessing. Miraculously, he agreed. Coming home from that peaceful environment, it was as if a heavy weight had lifted from his spirit. He returned to school with a smile, passed his exams, was accepted into high school, and was even honored as an outstanding student during orientation.
Throughout his high school years, I kept up my practice of love, patience, and dedication. Step by step, my son walked out of the shadows of depression. He started working out, his personality became bright and warm, and he eventually graduated and proudly moved on to college.
A Note of Encouragement to Every Parent
Looking back at the years of tears, sleepless nights, and quiet breakdowns, I now see the deeper truth:
The greatest gift we can offer our children is our own peace. We cannot force a child’s mind to heal by pressure or fear. But when we cultivate a heart of unconditional love, patience, and virtue, we become a gentle light that illuminates their path.
Compassion dissolves fear. Buddhist teachings taught me that true strength comes from letting go of ego, practicing deep empathy, and trusting the natural unfolding of life.
To every parent caring for a child with special needs, neurodivergence, or deep mental distress: please do not give up hope. When earthly solutions feel exhausted, remember that a heart filled with sincere compassion and spiritual trust holds unimaginable power.
May you find peace within your own heart, and may that peace bring healing, light, and warmth into your home. You and your child are never truly walk alone.
Artworks of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III and Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang enable the next generation to comprehend the essence of art from different cultures
SAN FRANCISCO – On November 2,2019 the Provost of the New York Academy of Art, Peter Drake, led 15 Master’s students to the International Art Museum of America (IAMA) in San Francisco and conducted a class on site. When the group was copying original works of world class artists such as those of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III and Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, they praised the art profusely.
Matthew Kuan, the President of the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco, welcomed the visiting group. Loretta Huang, Director of Museum Operations, and staff introduced artworks in each gallery to the visitors. The President of World Journal San Francisco Ken Lo came to meet members of the group including Peter Drake. Lo also acclaimed the Museum’s collection and exhibition program.
Provost of the New York Art Academy Peter Drake gave instructions to Master’s students about how to copy the artworks
Drake had visited the International Art Museum of America before and was amazed by the artworks exhibited there. In this trip, he personally led 15 students to study the artworks by copying them. He said that this was the first time these students had ever been to the IAMA in San Francisco.
Amy Hughes is a Master’s student from the U.K. and has been living and studying in New York for five years. She specializes in the study of oil painting. She said that this visit had enabled her to truly comprehend the essence of art from different cultures. She is especially impressed by the expansiveness and profundity of Han Chinese culture.
Dongqin Fang is a 2019 Master’s degree graduate and a teaching assistant at the New York Academy of Art specializing in oil painting and sculpture. He expressed being truly shocked by the large number of original paintings by top Chinese artists at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco, and that he has gained a lot from being there. He said this is also the first time he ever looked at Yun sculptures created by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III at a close distance. To him, those sculptures exude a mystique that feels like “heavenly bliss.”
The Provost of the New York Art Academy PeterDrake lead Master’s students to copy the art exhibits; the group is deeply impressed by the exquisite artworks in the International Art Museum of America.They took a group photo in front of the painting Misty Appeal of a Dilapidated Pond.
Out of approximately 250 artworks exhibited in the International Art Museum of America, more than 100 of them are on loan from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III whose works have repeatedly achieved the highest prices at art auctions, beyond those ever reached by any living artists.
The art pieces that caught everyone’s attention are the rare world treasures of Yun sculptures exhibited in the Treasure Room, including A Pillar Holding Up Heaven, and another work esteemed to be “miraculously divine artistry of Buddha” within which mist was carved to become an actual part of the artwork. Yun sculpture is uniquely originated by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. It embodies a multi-dimensional sense of space; its beauty transcends natural scenery, and its colors are more exquisite than those of natural rock formations. Inside the stone cave of the Yun sculpture, one can see richly magnificent colors as if they were intrinsically part of the art, with no trace of rendering. From the carving knife comes the melting cave with enigmatic and miraculous scenery. Auspicious clouds and natural mist float inside the melting cave of the artwork and do not dissipate, exuding the sense of an otherworldly paradise.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III originated 16 unique and unprecedented painting styles. Exquisite works of art created by His Holiness the Buddha capture the quintessence of art and culture. They encompass Chinese ink painting, Western oil painting, sculpture, calligraphy, stone and bronze inscription, poetry, verse, song, ode, colorfully painted tile and other media. In His Holiness’s paintings, subject matters include landscape, flower, bird, animal, fish, insect, and human figures. The range of profound techniques include traditional Chinese painting methods such as meticulous style, freestyle, and ink wash; as well as Western painting styles such as figurative, abstract, impressionist, and line drawing.
Recently, when paintings of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang were exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, they stunned the European art world. Professor Wang’s art has attained the highest state of artistry and accomplishment. Experts in the field of art all held her paintings in high esteem. One of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang’s small paintings Pomegranates in a Basket realized a top auction price of US$1.27 million in the Spring auction at the Gianguan Auction House in New York on March 13 of this year. It clearly shows that the art of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang is recognized by art collectors and people of foresight alike.
Loretta Huang, Director of Museum Operations at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco said that levels of artistic creation in painting can be categorized in four classes. First is the Class of Proficiency where one’s sketching skill achieves resemblance of form. Second is the Class of Wonderment in which the paintings are wondrously beautiful. Third is the Class of Divinity where both form and spirit are fully enlivened. Fourth is the Class of Ease where the artist possesses extraordinary skill and is able to paint anything at will to accomplish a magnificent masterpiece. The art of the Honorary Lifetime President of the Museum, Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, is of the Class of Ease, a Class that few Chinese artists have ever achieved. The artistry of Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang is esteemed to be of the same standing as Western painters such as Cezanne and Gauguin.
Loretta Huang said that in addition to exhibiting the art of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang, the International Art Museum of America also showcases works by renowned artists including Wu Changshuo, Qi Baishi, Huang Binhong, Pan Tianshou, Fu Baoshi, Xu Beihong, Li Keran, Zhang Daqian, Yun Shouping, and others; as well as authentic calligraphic art by the Emperor Yongzheng. What differentiates IAMA from many other museums is the eminence of the artworks it exhibits.
Three musicians by Fu Baoshi
The International Art Museum of America in San Francisco holds three criteria for artworks to be admitted for exhibition: First, the works of the artist must be collected by at least two world famous art museums. Second, the auction price of the artist’s works must exceed US$200,000 per square foot. Third, the artist must have substantial influence or status in the world, such as being director of a museum or provost of an art academy.
Rare Opportunity to Copy Original Artwork, Everyone Puts their Heart and Soul to Study
The Provost of the New York Academy of Art, Peter Drake, led 15 graduate students in a 3-hour Master Class at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco to study the artworks by copying them on site.
The collection of the International Art Museum of America includes many original artworks. Students and members of the faculty from the New York Academy of Art especially cherished the opportunity to study on site. After everyone toured the Museum, each selected a different ink painting and sketched it in great detail to explore the wondrousness embedded in the brushwork.
The Han Chinese culture goes back to an ancient origin and will continues to flourish for a long time. Chinese painting and calligraphy make up a major part of such culture. There is a big difference between appreciating and copying art. Appreciating is skimming the surface; only through copying can one engage in an in-depth study of the works.
Qindong Fang, a student of Chinese ethnicity, said it awed him that some of his fellow American students could actually copy Chinese calligraphy, and Museum staff members of different ethnicities could even read what they copied. Through copying, he said, his fellow students could gain better knowledge of the culture of Chinese painting and calligraphy, and explore in-depth the 16 unique painting styles originated by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III; and this has been a wonderful learning experience.
I would like to share with every mother who is hoping to conceive that there is an incredibly effective way to pray for a child—the Buddha Dharma.
My precious little one was born safely in December 2016, filling my heart with immense gratitude and happiness. I have always been in poor health. Before becoming pregnant with my daughter, I had experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child. At that time, I believed I might never be able to have children again.
Fortunately, I had already begun studying the Buddha Dharma about a year before that happened. During that period, I diligently listened to the Dharma discourses of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and sincerely recited the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. I dedicated the merits to the child with whom I no longer had the karmic affinity, while also praying that all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would bless me with a healthy child.
Then something truly miraculous happened. Just two months later, I became pregnant again.
During my pregnancy, I became even more diligent in listening to the Dharma and reciting the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Before each session, I would lovingly say to my baby:
“My dear little one, Mommy is about to listen to the Dharma and recite the Universal Gateway of Guanyin Bodhisattva. I invite you to join me so that we can learn together. May you grow up healthy, wise, and well-behaved. May all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless us.”
Truly, my child has grown up to be exceptionally intelligent.
While she was still in my womb, I would often communicate with her, saying:
“My little one, when it’s time for you to be born, please don’t let Mommy panic. Give Mommy enough time to prepare mentally. Also, please be born weighing between 2,900 and 3,200 grams—a healthy weight that will make delivery easier for Mommy.”
I have always been someone who is very afraid of pain. Although I eagerly looked forward to my baby’s arrival, I was also extremely anxious about childbirth. After every Dharma-listening session, I would dedicate the merits and pray that all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would bless me, because I knew the pain of childbirth was beyond what most people could imagine. I also worried that labor might begin unexpectedly before I was prepared.
Even though I had made every preparation, I still felt somewhat nervous.
On my due date, I went directly to the hospital to be induced. That day, I arrived at the hospital calmly and without panic to give birth—an experience I will never forget.
The labor ward was filled with the anguished cries of other mothers in labor. Hearing their suffering brought tears to my eyes. My husband, who was by my side, could hardly eat a bite and quietly fought back tears himself. Their cries were so heart-rending that even those nearby could deeply feel the tremendous pain these mothers were enduring.
During the induction process, I felt only mild discomfort. After receiving the epidural anesthesia, I experienced almost no pain at all. Eventually, the nurse said to me:
“You’re fully dilated and ready to deliver! It’s time to go into the delivery room. Don’t you feel anything?”
I replied,
“Honestly, I don’t feel much at all—just a little pressure.”
At that moment, however, I became afraid that because I couldn’t really feel the contractions, I wouldn’t know how to push. I worried that I might not be able to deliver naturally and would end up needing a cesarean section. The fear I felt was difficult to describe.
Even so, I was probably the quietest mother in the entire labor ward.
Then, in the midst of my fear, I suddenly seemed to hear a voice saying:
“The more fearful you are, the more important it is to remain calm.”
I closed my eyes, visualized the compassionate holy image of the Buddha Master, and continuously recited:
As I was wheeled into the delivery room, another miracle occurred.
Less than ten minutes after entering the delivery room, my baby was born.
Throughout the entire delivery, I felt virtually no pain at all. It was nothing like the agonizing, hellish pain that many people describe.
Even one of the nurses assisting me remarked,
“How did she do that? Just a moment ago she didn’t even know how to push…”
(To this day, I still find it astonishing myself.)
Even more amazingly, my baby’s birth weight was exactly 3,000 grams—precisely what I had hoped for. She was born healthy and safe.
I am profoundly grateful for the compassionate blessings of the Buddha Master and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The entire childbirth process went remarkably smoothly, and my daughter has grown up to be an easygoing and well-behaved child.
I deeply understand that everything I experienced was made possible through the compassionate blessings of the Buddha Master and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The empowering strength of the Buddha Dharma was something I experienced personally—it was real, tangible, and unmistakable.
With the deepest gratitude to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout the ten directions.
Have you ever wondered if the tiny, seemingly insignificant kind choices we make in our daily lives actually matter? I used to think of the saying “Do not look down upon a tiny good deed, thinking it is of no use” as just a pleasant piece of ancient moral advice.
That was until a rainy afternoon in May, when a single act of compassion became the only reason my husband and I survived a catastrophic accident.
It was a drizzly May afternoon. My husband and I were driving to the countryside to deliver fresh cherries to my mother. The rain swept gently across the windshield as swallows dipped and glided low over the road. Watching them, I quietly reminded myself to drive slowly—I didn’t want to hurt any of these precious little creatures.
Suddenly, a grey spotted dove appeared right in the middle of the road.
Usually, wild animals will instinctively scatter or fly away when they sense an approaching vehicle. But this dove was different. Even as the shadow of our car drew close, it continued to stroll leisurely along the asphalt, completely unbothered and showing no intention of dodging.
Instead of honking or rushing, I gently pressed the brakes. We sat in silence, waiting patiently as the little bird took its sweet time, ambling step by step toward the roadside. Watching its cute, bobbing silhouette, my husband and I looked at each other and smiled. We shared the same unspoken belief: all living beings are equal, animals are our companions on this Earth, and we must never harm a vulnerable life.
We had no idea that those brief seconds we spent waiting for the dove would save us from absolute disaster.
Shortly after the dove cleared the road, we began driving up a sloping hill. Out of nowhere, a massive, ten-meter-long cargo truck appeared from the opposite direction.
Because of the slick, rain-soaked road, the truck driver hit the brakes too hard. In an instant, the heavy vehicle lost control. The massive trailer began to fishtail violently, swinging outward like an unbroken stallion. The giant iron rear of the truck swept directly into our lane, accompanied by a shower of flying debris and rain. It was a terrifying sight.
Our car is a tiny Wuling Mini EV—lightweight, compact, and fragile. To our left was a steep mountain wall; to our right, a sheer cliff. If that heavy, high-speed truck bed made contact with us, our tiny car would have been instantly crushed and sent hurtling over the edge of the cliff.
I gripped the steering wheel as my mind went completely blank. Beside me, my husband froze in terror. We watched the massive steel wall of the truck sweeping toward us, completely helpless as the cold fear of death enveloped us.
Right at that split second—at the absolute boundary between life and death—something miraculous happened.
The violently fishtailing truck suddenly seemed to correct itself. With a massive lurch, it snapped back into its own lane. Carrying its remaining momentum, the giant vehicle brushed past our car with mere inches to spare, stabilized, and quietly rolled away into the rainy mist.
The heart-stopping crisis had arrived without warning, and it vanished just as miraculously.
For a long time, my husband and I sat frozen in the car. Neither of us could utter a single word. Our hearts hammered violently against our ribs. My palms were drenched in cold sweat, and my legs trembled so hard I couldn’t even press the gas pedal. After what felt like an eternity, we finally turned to look at each other. In our panicked, wide-eyed stares, we both realized just how close we had come to dying.
As the adrenaline began to fade, a profound realization washed over me.
If we hadn’t listened to our hearts and paused for that tiny dove, our car would have traveled just a few dozen meters further up the road. We would have been positioned exactly at the fatal bend at the exact millisecond the truck lost control. There would have been absolutely no way to survive.
That slow, stubborn little dove, in its own unique way, had held us back just long enough to shield us from a catastrophic tragedy.
An ancient proverb says:
“If a person loves kindness, though fortune may not have arrived yet, disaster is already far away.”
Experiencing this brush with death made me truly understand the depth of those words. Every kind thought we harbor and every gentle deed we perform plants a seed. We may not see them grow immediately, but they accumulate.
The quiet kindness we put out into the world acts like a small, steady lantern in the dark. When we least expect it—when we face unforeseen dangers or find ourselves standing on the edge of an abyss—that accumulated goodwill quietly steps in to protect us, shielding us from the disasters we never saw coming.
All blessings begin with a kind heart. To live with compassion is to carry the greatest shield of all.
In a world where our pockets buzz every three seconds and notifications constantly hijack our attention, when was the last time you sat quietly with yourself?
We live under the collective illusion that hyper-connectivity equals success. We say “yes” to every social gathering, push ourselves to be extroverted at work, and wear our busyness like a badge of honor. But have you ever noticed the profound sense of emptiness and exhaustion that creeps in after the crowd disperses?
The truth is, modern society doesn’t have a connection deficit. We have a solitude deficit. What we truly lack is the courage to intentionally step away, embrace quietness, and meditate.
For millennia, humans have recognized the sacred link between solitude and mental clarity. From Eastern Zen practices to Western monastic traditions, sages have echoed the same truth: To understand the nature of reality and find your true self, you must first learn to be alone.
Today, cutting-edge neuroscience is finally catching up to this ancient wisdom, revealing what happens to our brains when we unplug:
The Myth of “Social Rest”: When we are around others, our brains automatically activate a “social tracking” network to read facial expressions, body language, and social cues. It’s a vital human instinct, but it’s also a constant source of cognitive drain.
True Neurological Recovery: It is only when we are genuinely alone that the brain can drop its social armor, deactivate its defense mechanisms, and enter a state of true restorative rest.
We’ve been conditioned to view daydreaming or doing “nothing” as a waste of time. Science proves the exact opposite. When you eliminate external stimuli and let your mind wander freely, your brain kicks into its Default Mode Network (DMN) to perform critical maintenance:
Heightened Empathy: Introspection allows us to process complex emotions, ultimately increasing our capacity for empathy and strengthening our relationships with others.
Enhanced Memory Consolidation: An untethered mind actively processes experiences, transforming short-term data into long-term memories.
This brings us to a fascinating psychological paradox: Intentionally choosing solitude actually supercharges our focus when we return to the world. Allowing your mind to drift during quiet moments is the secret weapon to maintaining long-term, high-level productivity.
In her groundbreaking book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain champions the profound impact of “deliberate, productive solitude.”
Modern corporate culture loves to worship the myth of the brainstorming session, pushing the narrative that creativity only sparks in noisy, collaborative open offices. But Cain challenges this notion head-on:
“Cultivating true creativity requires sustained focus and deep, uninterrupted concentration.”
As social creatures, we are incredibly susceptible to peer influence. When we stay in a crowd, we unconsciously compromise, absorbing the collective opinions, biases, and aesthetic preferences of the group.
To pioneer a truly original concept, build a unique philosophy, or discover your authentic voice, you must walk away from the crowd—at least for a little while.
You don’t need to move to a cabin in the woods to reap these benefits. You can reclaim your mental sovereignty right now through micro-habits of meditation and intentional solitude:
1. The 10-Minute Daily Digital Fast
Find a quiet corner, switch your phone to airplane mode, and spend ten minutes focusing solely on your breath. This isn’t about achieving spiritual enlightenment; it is simply about taking your brain “offline” and halting the constant evaluation of the outside world.
2. Schedule a Non-Negotiable “Date with Yourself”
Block out one to two hours every week on your calendar. Go to a café alone, take a solo walk in nature, or read a book without checking your phone. Learn to politely decline low-value social obligations and invest that time into the most important person in your life: you.
In a world that refuses to be quiet, solitude is not isolation, and meditation is not an escape.
They are the highest forms of modern self-discipline. They are the ultimate antidotes to chaos, allowing us to preserve our sanity, sharpen our focus, and unlock our deepest creative potential.
The next time you choose silence over noise, remember: you aren’t missing out on the world. You are simply meeting a more creative, fulfilled, and powerful version of yourself.
Before attending the Dharma Assembly Honoring the Holy Birthday of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, I knew very little about Buddhism and had never participated in such a large-scale Buddhist event. I accepted an invitation out of curiosity, expecting to observe a traditional religious ceremony. What I experienced, however, far exceeded my expectations and left a lasting impression on me.
From the moment I entered the venue, I sensed an atmosphere of dignity, serenity, and profound respect. The beautifully arranged altar, the graceful floral decorations, and the orderly seating reflected meticulous preparation. Despite the large number of attendees, everything proceeded with remarkable precision and harmony. Volunteers guided participants with genuine warmth and courtesy, always wearing welcoming smiles and patiently assisting anyone who needed help.
What amazed me most was the extraordinary level of organization. Every part of the Dharma Assembly unfolded smoothly and reverently. There was no confusion or disorder, even though people from many countries and cultural backgrounds had gathered together. The entire event demonstrated an impressive spirit of cooperation, discipline, and mutual respect that is rarely seen at gatherings of this size.
As I observed the ceremony, I was touched by the sincerity of everyone present. The participants were not merely attending an event—they were expressing heartfelt reverence and offering prayers for world peace, the well-being of humanity, and the happiness of all living beings. It was inspiring to witness so many people united by compassion and goodwill rather than personal interests.
Although I am not a disciple of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, attending this Dharma Assembly gave me an opportunity to learn more about Him and the values that His teachings encourage. As I listened to those around me speak about His teachings and observed the compassion, humility, and kindness reflected throughout the event, I began to understand why so many people deeply respect and appreciate Him. The atmosphere itself conveyed a powerful message—that genuine spiritual practice should inspire people to become more compassionate, more considerate of others, and more dedicated to creating harmony in society.
One aspect that particularly moved me was the selfless dedication of the volunteers. They worked quietly behind the scenes without seeking recognition, ensuring that every participant felt welcomed and cared for. Their humility, patience, and willingness to serve others demonstrated values that many people, regardless of their religious beliefs, would admire and respect.
As the Dharma Assembly came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the experience. In today’s fast-paced world, opportunities to witness such sincerity, harmony, and mutual respect are increasingly rare. This gathering was much more than a ceremonial celebration; it was a powerful reminder that kindness, compassion, and selfless service have the ability to bring people together across cultures and backgrounds.
I left the venue with a heart full of admiration and gratitude. Although I came simply as a visitor, I departed with a much deeper appreciation for the positive influence that Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has had on so many people’s lives. Seeing thousands of individuals inspired to cultivate kindness, serve others, and pray for the well-being of the world was deeply moving.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended this remarkable Dharma Assembly. It was an unforgettable experience that broadened my understanding of Buddhism and demonstrated how genuine compassion and harmony can unite people from all walks of life. The solemnity of the ceremony, the exceptional organization, and the sincere spirit of everyone present will remain in my memory for years to come.
My family is originally from Mimou in the suburbs of Chengdu. In the autumn of 1992, my second younger brother Gao-Song Lu’s two-year-old son, Yang Lu, was hospitalized in the local Mimou Hospital with a mysterious high fever. Every day he received shots and took all sorts of medicine. This included Chinese herbal medicine, such as bupleurum falcatum and isalis root, and Western medicine, such as penicillin. None of them did any good. Every morning his fever would go down, but late at night it would rise up to 39°C (102.2°F) or 39.5°C (103.1°F). Within a few days, Yang Lu had developed a serious case of pneumonia. His condition worsened quickly, and his fever rose to 40°C (104°F). His father Gao-Song Lu had no choice but to move him to the 47th Military Hospital in Xindu.
There was a shortage of beds at the pediatric department, but with the help of the hospital’s head nurse, Li-Qin Huang, a friend of mine, Yang Lu found a place to stay at the department of Chinese herbal medicine. Yang Lu received much more advanced treatment at the military hospital than he did at that local ordinary hospital, but his temperature did not come down. To make matters worse, because of his continuous high fever, a horrible reaction to one of the intravenous shots all of a sudden caused his skin to blacken and and his tongue and reproductive organs to shrink. The doctor told my brother and his wife that Yang Lu might not live if the fever did not abate soon. Li-Qin Huang, the head nurse, was very worried and had someone look all over for me. When I finally heard what was happening, I dropped my work immediately and went to the residence of my respected Buddha master, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III, to seek help.
I was very anxious, but H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III consoled me. “Do not worry. This is a small matter. I will give you Chinese herbal medicine that will bring down the fever in no time.” H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III promptly ground the medicine to powder, wrapped it in white paper, and wrote on it “Mi Tuo Powder.” Yang Lu took the medicine, and his fever came down that very day. He was cured without even taking all of the Chinese medicine. The next day he was able to check out of the hospital and return home. My family and neighbors marveled at the effectiveness of “Mi Tuo Powder” and were all deeply grateful to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for saving Yang Lu’s life. Yang Lu is now in high school and plans to apply to the air force academy. He is very healthy.
In 1996, an injected form of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s “Mi Tuo Powder” was developed. Xiao-Mei Fang made arrangements with the Chengdu Institute of Biological Medicine to complete production procedures and produce a sample of golden ampere injected medicine. After H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III left Chengdu, the development was terminated for some reason. I hope that someday “Mi Tuo Powder” will be made available to help all people.
Chengdu Daily News Shih-Fang Lu,
April, 2006
(This is a complete translation of the Chinese text that follows originally written and signed by Shi-Fang Lu.)
Editor’s Note: This article is dedicated to Mother’s Day. The author is a 47-year-old mother whose eldest son is already 20 years old. Two years ago, after unexpectedly becoming pregnant with a second child, she firmly chose to give birth despite her husband’s threats of divorce, opposition from family members, and the risks associated with advanced maternal age. How did she maintain such a moving and unwavering maternal love? What gave her the strength to stand against worldly pressures?
I. I Planned to Become a Nun, but Unexpectedly Became Pregnant
“If you insist on keeping this baby, then let’s get divorced! The older child stays with me, and you can raise the second child by yourself!”
My husband nearly shouted those words at me.
“Please,” I replied through tears, “the baby is perfectly healthy. Please give this child a chance to be born and live.”
That evening, after dinner, we once again argued fiercely about whether I should keep or abort this unexpected pregnancy. My husband presented every possible reason why we should not have a second child. Whether through persuasion or pressure, his goal was the same: he was determined that I terminate the pregnancy.
At that point, the “uninvited guest” in my womb was exactly three months old.
I call the baby an “uninvited guest” because I had already made up my mind to become a nun.
One day in 2017, I attended a Dharma listening session at a Buddhist center and respectfully listened to the Dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. That gathering opened a completely new chapter in my life.
I subsequently took refuge in the Three Jewels. Through continuously listening to the Buddha’s Dharma discourses and studying Buddhist teachings, I gradually understood the true direction of my life and became determined to cultivate diligently. Eventually, I developed the aspiration to renounce worldly life and even completed an application to enter monastic life.
A few days after submitting the application, on December 8, 2018, I suddenly felt weak and nauseated. When I went to the hospital for an examination, the doctor informed me that I was pregnant.
It was completely unexpected.
Shock, confusion, struggle, disappointment—my emotions surged all at once. I had no idea what to do.
Had I not been studying Buddhism, I might have simply chosen abortion as many women do when they do not want a child. But as a Buddhist disciple, I had come to understand the law of cause and effect and the preciousness of obtaining a human birth.
How could I harm my own child and deprive a soul of the opportunity to be reborn as a human being?
Most importantly, I had already resolved to become a nun. Yet now this “uninvited guest” had arrived. Surely I could not enter monastic life while carrying a child.
Would I spend the rest of my life occupied with the responsibilities of family life?
Soon I came to accept the situation. This was karmic affinity—something beyond my control. I decided to follow the natural course of events.
While silently reciting the holy name of Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, I underwent an ultrasound examination. The baby was healthy and developing normally.
The doctor said, “At your age, becoming pregnant is not easy. I’ll prescribe medication to help stabilize the pregnancy. If you don’t intend to keep the baby, you should schedule the procedure soon. You’re already nearly two months pregnant.”
His words only strengthened my determination to give birth.
II. “I Will Protect This Child with My Life”
Both my husband and I had health issues. It had not been easy raising our first son, who was already in high school. My husband had long opposed the idea of having another child, so I initially concealed the pregnancy from him.
However, he soon found out.
Our household erupted into turmoil.
Whether during meals, before bed, or through messages on WeChat, he constantly urged me to undergo an abortion. We argued repeatedly. He even accused me of being selfish.
I felt helpless and dreaded going home. I tried to avoid seeing him whenever possible.
The only place where I found peace was at the Buddhist center, listening to the Dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and reciting the holy name of Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Whenever I bowed before the Buddha or looked upon the image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, I would burst into tears uncontrollably.
My husband then organized a family gathering and invited my siblings to persuade me to abandon the pregnancy.
Everyone expressed their opinions. Alone, I found myself debating against the entire family.
Then my husband delivered what he believed was the ultimate threat:
“If you insist on giving birth, then you’re on your own. We’ll get divorced. I’ll only take responsibility for our older child.”
Without hesitation, I replied:
“I will take full responsibility for whatever happens. Even if I become a beggar, I will raise this child. If anyone tries to take this child away, I will protect him or her with my life.”
I cried and ran outside.
In late December 2018, my husband placed a divorce agreement and our marriage certificate in front of me and demanded that I sign.
I faced the most difficult decision of my life:
Should I choose my child or my marriage?
Should I raise an infant alone, or maintain our family of three and continue our comfortable life together?
I did not sign the agreement.
Instead, I wrote a will.
As an older expectant mother, I knew there were risks associated with childbirth. I carefully arranged my affairs and entrusted a Dharma sister with the responsibility of raising the child if something happened to me. I hoped she would one day bring the child to pay respects to the Buddha. If that became impossible, I requested that a temple care for the child.
By continuously listening to the Buddha’s Dharma teachings, I gained a deeper understanding of karma and causality. I firmly believed that if I sincerely practiced according to Buddhist principles, the future would not be as bleak as I feared.
Kneeling before the Buddha altar, I made a solemn vow:
No matter how difficult the future became, I would not abort this child. Even if my own life were at risk, I would give birth. I prayed for the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to protect both myself and my child.
III. Upholding Buddhist Principles Brings the Best Outcome
Life is often full of unexpected turns.
On New Year’s Day 2019, my son returned home from school and accidentally discovered the unsigned divorce agreement on my bedside table.
Without hesitation, he tore it up.
Before returning to school, he secretly wrote a letter to his father and slipped it into his coat pocket.
When I later read the letter, I broke down in tears.
My son recalled how hard our family had worked to raise him, how loving his parents once were, and how much his mother had sacrificed. He even included a cherished family photograph.
After reading the letter, my husband’s attitude gradually softened.
When an ultrasound later confirmed that the baby was a healthy girl, the entire family rejoiced. My husband’s family had always hoped for a daughter.
From that moment onward, everyone’s attitude changed dramatically. Instead of opposition, they began showing genuine care and support.
Throughout the pregnancy, I continued attending Dharma study sessions, participating in Buddhist activities, and praying to Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. I also engaged in acts of merit such as life release, offering lamps, making offerings to the Buddha and Sangha, and reciting the Universal Gate Chapter of the Lotus Sutra.
Although I was considered an older expectant mother, my pregnancy progressed remarkably well.
On July 4, 2020, while lying on the operating table, I focused wholeheartedly on reciting the holy name of Namo Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
The cesarean section proceeded smoothly and without complications.
A healthy baby girl weighing 6.8 pounds was born.
Family and friends waiting outside the operating room were overjoyed.
My first cesarean section had been extremely difficult, with serious complications for both mother and child. Yet this time, I was able to get out of bed and walk the very next day.
When I returned to work after maternity leave, my colleagues remarked that I looked unchanged despite having given birth and joked that I had gained the perfect blessing—a son and a daughter.
I proudly replied:
“Of course it’s different when one has the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.”
And that is exactly how it felt.
Today, my daughter is nearly two years old.
Time and again, circumstances have unfolded in the best possible way. Relatives unexpectedly appeared when childcare help was needed. Teachers made special accommodations for her. She became beloved by classmates and teachers alike.
Everything seemed to fall naturally into place.
Only a few days after her birth, my husband was recommended for a local leadership development position. Friends congratulated him on receiving two blessings at once.
The storms that once threatened our family have long since passed.
Our family of four now enjoys a harmonious and happy life together.
Through this experience, I came to understand the true meaning of perseverance.
A mother’s willingness to protect her child, no matter the hardship or sacrifice, is perseverance.
A Buddhist disciple’s commitment to cherish all life and uphold the principle of “Refrain from all evil and practice all good” despite difficulties and humiliation is also perseverance.
People often ask me what gave me the strength to remain steadfast.
I can only say that beyond the power of maternal love, there was also the power of Buddha Dharma.
As Mother’s Day approaches, I hope that all parents may find the courage to uphold what is right and allow those karmically connected children who come into this world the precious opportunity of human life.
As long as we uphold wholesome causes and conditions, no obstacle is impossible to overcome.
Written by: Ye Mingzhu Edited by: Lamp Before the Buddha (Fo Qian Deng)
