Category: Culture Exchange

Mountain Village with Memories of Mother”: A Painting That Speaks to the Soul

linda changLeave a comment

This is a deeply moving landscape painting by H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III, marked by smooth, flowing brushwork and a natural rhythm. The undulating crimson cliffs seem to rise freely from the artist’s heart, while the vigorous lines brim with vitality and strength. Ink strokes form the skeletal structure of the mountains and rocks, while delicate willows hang softly across the scene, adding a quiet touch of green serenity. The overall palette is vivid but never garish, exuding a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.

In the painting, two thatched cottages nestle beside the mountains and water. Their deep-set doors and silent windows seem to hold untold, quiet stories. It was under these eaves, by these doors, that a loving mother once stood—sending her children off into the world with silent heartache, and waiting countless times in patient hope for their return. That wordless farewell, those tears of longing, have gently seeped into the fabric of time. Among all human emotions, none is greater than a mother’s love. Our memory of that love stirs an innate sense of gratitude—a sacred emotion that transcends the ordinary.

This work embodies the style known as the “Childlike Native School”, which embraces the beauty of rural life through the innocence of a child’s heart. Though the brushstrokes appear naïve and spontaneous, they conceal great depth and mastery. The painting style is free and unrestrained, exuding both boldness and tenderness. The soft, flowing lines connect seamlessly—like a mother’s love, endlessly enduring, gentle yet firm. Its simple composition holds rich emotional meaning and invites the viewer’s imagination to wander. The scene pulses with a childlike liveliness that fills the heart with joy.

The painting’s pure and innocent imagery evokes a return to the carefree days of childhood. No matter where you are, simply gazing at this piece can bring the scene and its emotions vividly before your eyes, awakening the deepest tenderness and longing in your soul.

In creating Mountain Village with Memories of Mother, the artist approached the work with the pure heart of a child, yet painted with the maturity and finesse of a seasoned master. The brush technique draws from traditional Chinese calligraphy—guided by the wrist, powered by the arm—each stroke flowing naturally with graceful spontaneity. This painting was not created for show or technical display, but as a sincere outpouring of emotion and inspiration. Every application of ink and color arises from genuine feeling.

What is art?
At its essence, art is the ability to immediately evoke inner peace, comfort, joy, or spiritual fulfillment in the viewer. But where does this feeling come from? Is it merely the subject matter or visual beauty of the work? Certainly not. A painting does not become great simply because it looks pleasing.

In the context of Chinese painting, the true heart of art lies in a quality called “spiritual resonance” (shen yun). It is vivid, yet elusive—a mysterious charm and subtle power that cannot be described with words. It is born when the artist’s personal cultivation, emotional depth, and spiritual awareness infuse the work, allowing spirit and technique to merge. The result is an artistic vitality that transcends mere form.

Only when viewers are moved by this spiritual resonance do they begin to explore the painting’s formal elements—its composition, color palette, brush technique, balance between painting and calligraphy, and the portrayal of the subject in both spirit and form. While these aspects matter, they ultimately serve a deeper, more profound experience.

In Chinese art, the true value of a painting—its ability to soothe the soul—does not depend on technical skill alone. It lies in whether the work can touch the heart and stir the spirit. Mountain Village with Memories of Mother beautifully embodies this artistic spirit. Every brushstroke gently stirs the viewer’s emotions, evoking tender memories and inviting the soul to linger in its serene beauty.

This exceptional work is housed in the permanent collection of the International Art Museum of America, located in San Francisco—a fitting home for a piece that speaks a universal language of love, nostalgia, and spiritual beauty.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/11/mountain-village-with-memories-of-mother-a-painting-that-speaks-to-the-soul/

The Power of the Mind: A Lesson from the Garden

linda changLeave a comment

Peace Pilgrim once said, “If you knew how powerful your mind is, you would never think a negative thought.” That quote stayed with me, but I didn’t fully understand its truth until I experienced it for myself—right in my own backyard.

At one point, we lived in a house with a large backyard that inspired me to plant organic vegetables. I imagined harvesting fresh, healthy produce and enjoying the process of nurturing life from the soil. Eager and hopeful, I bought a few small tomato plants from Home Depot and began tending to them daily. Watching them grow brought me joy and anticipation—I could almost taste the sweet, juicy tomatoes I dreamed of.

But as the plants began to bloom and bear fruit, trouble arrived. Large, green caterpillars appeared overnight, chewing through leaves and fruit, threatening to destroy the entire garden. My husband was furious and would crush them on sight. Wanting to find a gentler solution, I turned to friends for advice. One of them recommended a non-toxic spray from an organic farm store. It worked like a glue, blocking the insect’s skin so they couldn’t breathe and would suffocate to death.

When I heard that, I felt a sharp, suffocating sensation through my own skin. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t kill them—no matter how many tomatoes I might lose. These were living beings. Their lives mattered too. I decided then and there: I would not harm them.

And then, something remarkable happened.

The very next morning, my husband came to me in astonishment. “All the caterpillars are gone,” he said. “And there aren’t even any dead ones.” I went out to the garden. He was right. The insects had vanished without a trace.

Was it just a coincidence? I don’t believe so. I believe they sensed my compassion. I believe the power of a sincere, non-harming mind created a shift in energy that led to a quiet, unseen miracle.

Later, after I began studying Buddhism, I came to understand this experience on a deeper level. Through the Dharma transmitted by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I learned the true meaning of the precept of “Not Killing.”

This teaching awakened a deeper sense of responsibility in me. I now strive to regard the suffering of all beings as my own, and I earnestly wish for every living being—my parents of infinite past lives—to live in harmony and peace.

I sincerely pray that all beings may enjoy happiness, good health, and abundant fortune. I constantly beseech all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to bless them, to help them escape suffering, to encounter and practice the true Buddha-dharma, and ultimately to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

This is not just a story about gardening. It is a story about the incredible power of our minds—and even more so, our hearts. When we choose compassion over destruction, mindfulness over impulse, miracles can happen.

Let kindness guide you. Let the power of your mind awaken something beautiful—not just in your life, but in the lives of all beings around you.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/11/the-power-of-the-mind-a-lesson-from-the-garden/

Vibrations of the Soul: How Dr. David Hawkins’ Energy Scale Reveals the Secret to Health and Happiness

linda changLeave a comment

What if your thoughts and emotions were not just fleeting states of mind, but actual energy frequencies that shape your physical health and the world around you?

Dr. David R. Hawkins, a renowned American psychiatrist and spiritual teacher, spent decades studying human consciousness and developed a revolutionary model known as the Map of Consciousness. His work, presented in the best-selling books Power vs. Force and Letting Go, offers profound insight into how our energy levels—shaped by our emotions, beliefs, and spiritual awareness—directly impact our health and happiness.

🧠 The Energy Scale That Maps Our Inner World

Hawkins created a logarithmic scale of consciousness, ranging from 1 to 1000, where each level reflects a specific emotional and spiritual frequency. These levels are not abstract—they can be measured through kinesiology (muscle testing) and are believed to influence not only individual wellbeing but also global consciousness.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

LevelEmotion/StateEffect on Health
20–100Shame, Guilt, Apathy, FearWeakens body and immune system
200Courage (Turning Point)Threshold into empowering, healing energy
300–400Willingness, AcceptanceEnhances emotional resilience and balance
500Love, CompassionPromotes deep healing and joy
600–700+Peace, EnlightenmentSpiritual transcendence and lasting vitality

Hawkins emphasized that 200 is the critical dividing line. Below this threshold, people are ruled by fear, anger, or despair—states that are energetically draining and often linked to physical illness. Above 200, individuals begin to reclaim their personal power, align with truth, and tap into energies that support healing, vitality, and inner peace.

Dr. David R. Hawkins, stated that many people fall ill because they lack love and are filled only with pain and despair. When a person’s vibrational frequency is below 200, they are more prone to illness.

Dr. Hawkins, who interacted with many patients daily, said that he could tell why a person was sick just by looking at them—because he couldn’t find even a trace of love in them. Instead, their entire being was enveloped in pain and despair, living in a state dominated by negative thoughts.

According to Hawkins, many people fall ill not because of viruses or external factors alone, but because their emotional vibration is too low. When we live in fear, hold grudges, dwell in guilt, or resist life, our frequency drops—and the body, being energy-sensitive, responds with imbalance and dis-ease.

Chronic stress, suppressed anger, and emotional numbness are not just psychological burdens—they create an environment where illness can thrive.

If a person’s vibrational frequency is above 200, they are less likely to become ill. In contrast, emotions like anger, constantly blaming others, and harboring resentment consume a great deal of energy.

💖 Love, Faith, and Healing: The Power of High Frequency

Dr. David R. Hawkins observed that when Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa appeared at the award ceremony, the atmosphere in the entire venue became remarkably elevated. The vibrational frequency of the space rose significantly, and her powerful presence allowed everyone there to tangibly feel her energy. In her presence, no one harbored negative thoughts.

According to Dr. Hawkins, when a person with a high vibrational frequency enters a space, they uplift everything around them—people, emotions, and even the environment itself. In contrast, someone who is filled with negative thoughts not only harms their own well-being but also disrupts the energetic field of their surroundings.

From a medical standpoint, Dr. Hawkins found the power of thought to be truly extraordinary. Through millions of tests and global surveys conducted across different races and cultures, he discovered that the impact of human consciousness was consistent and universal.

🌿 How to Raise Your Energy Level and Stay Healthy

You don’t need to be a spiritual master to benefit from Hawkins’ insights. Simple, daily practices can help you maintain a high vibrational state and support your health:

  1. Practice Gratitude
    Start and end each day reflecting on what you are thankful for. Gratitude is a natural vibration lifter.
  2. Choose Forgiveness Over Resentment
    Let go of past hurts. Forgiveness is not for others—it’s a gift you give yourself to release energetic baggage.
  3. Meditate or Pray Daily
    Quieting the mind and focusing on divine compassion, love, or light raises your frequency significantly.
  4. Speak with Kindness and Honesty
    Truthfulness and compassion are energetically aligned with the higher levels of consciousness.
  5. Surround Yourself with Uplifting Influences
    Avoid negative media, toxic relationships, or environments that lower your energy. Choose art, nature, music, and people who inspire joy.
  6. Invoke Higher Consciousness
    Repeating sacred names—such as “Amitabha Buddha,” “Guanyin,” or “Jesus Christ”—with pure faith has been shown to uplift energy and bring healing calm.

✨ The Ultimate Wellness Is a Shift in Consciousness

Dr. David Hawkins teaches us that wellness begins from within. By raising our consciousness, choosing love over fear, and aligning with truth and compassion, we can live not only healthier lives—but more joyful, meaningful ones.

Your mind is more powerful than you think. And your heart—when opened fully—has the power to heal not just your body, but the world around you.

“What you are looking for is what is looking.” — David R. Hawkins

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/08/vibrations-of-the-soul-how-dr-david-hawkins-energy-scale-reveals-the-secret-to-health-and-happiness/

Discover Longxing Temple: A Timeless Treasure of Chinese Buddhism

linda changLeave a comment

Longxing Temple, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is one of China’s oldest, largest, and best-preserved Buddhist temples. This extraordinary complex is not only a sacred site but also a magnificent testament to the architectural genius and spiritual devotion of ancient China.

Located at No. 109 Zhongshan East Road in Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, Longxing Temple sprawls across an impressive 82,500 square meters.

Originally established in 586 CE during the Sui Dynasty under the name Longcang Temple, it was later renamed Longxing Temple during the Tang Dynasty. In 971 CE, Emperor Taizu of the Northern Song Dynasty issued an edict to cast an enormous bronze Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and build the splendid Hall of Great Compassion to house it.

This marked the beginning of large-scale expansion, culminating in a grand Song Dynasty architectural complex centered on the hall. Through the Jin, Yuan, and Ming Dynasties, the temple saw continued renovation and growth. In the Qing Dynasty, both Kangxi and Qianlong Emperors decreed extensive rebuilding, shaping the temple’s current layout:

  • The eastern section served as monks’ quarters
  • The central axis hosted Buddhist ceremonies
  • The western area functioned as the imperial palace quarters

In 1710, Emperor Kangxi personally inscribed the name “Longxing Temple,” an honor that reflects its enduring importance.

Today, visitors can trace a north–south axis that passes through a series of majestic structures: the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mani Hall, the Ordination Altar, the Revolving Sutra Library, and more than a dozen other halls and pavilions. The complex is celebrated as a textbook example of ancient Chinese Buddhist temple design.

Recognized among China’s ten most famous temples, Longxing Temple was declared a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in 1961 and later designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction.

Highlights Not to Miss

Hall of Heavenly Kings

First built in the Northern Song Dynasty, this is the oldest surviving structure of its kind within the temple. Even after a major renovation in 1780, its main timber frame remains original.

Above the entrance, plaques bearing the calligraphy of the Kangxi Emperor read:

“Imperially Established Longxing Temple”
“Hall of Heavenly Kings”

Inside stands the famous Big-Bellied Maitreya Buddha, a Jin Dynasty wood carving over 800 years old. Thoroughly localized in Chinese style, this smiling figure derives from the legendary monk Qici, known for his benevolence and laughter.

On either side stand the Four Great Heavenly Kings, each symbolizing auspicious natural forces:

  • Wind (Southern King, with a sword)
  • Harmony (Eastern King, with a lute)
  • Rain (Northern King, with a precious umbrella)
  • Compliance (Western King, with a coiled snake)

Together, they express the blessing of abundant harvests and national peace.

Mani Hall

Built in 1052, Mani Hall has an unusual cross-shaped floor plan created by four gabled annexes extending from its square central chamber.

Inside, five golden clay Buddha statues preside over the altar, with Shakyamuni Buddha at the center.

The hall’s north wall showcases a breathtaking polychrome relief nearly 16 meters long, depicting swirling clouds, celestial beings, and Avalokiteshvara stepping onto a lotus—symbolizing the entrance to the Western Pure Land.

At the heart of this scene sits the Backward-Facing Avalokiteshvara, so named because she faces north instead of south. Far from a supernatural image, this Avalokiteshvara appears as a serene, youthful woman with an expression so vivid and gentle it moves all who gaze upon her.

Visitors often remark:

“How beautiful—how extraordinary! She sits so naturally, one leg casually crossed, her eyes meeting yours wherever you stand. Her smile is as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa—truly ‘The Most Beautiful Avalokiteshvara.’”

Ordination Altar

Reserved for the most important temples, the Ordination Altar was where monks received their vows.

Inside the altar stands a unique double-sided bronze Buddha statue. Facing south is Amitabha Buddha, and facing north is Medicine Buddha. The two figures share a single body, seated back to back in lotus posture.

The statues are depicted in full lotus position, wearing five-leaf crowns, with round, gentle faces. Their necks are adorned with necklaces and their arms with bangles, while flowing sashes drape gracefully from their shoulders. Amitabha’s hands form the meditation mudra, while Medicine Buddha’s hands display the gesture of compassion.

Their expressions are serene and tranquil, exuding a quiet dignity and solemn beauty in their elegant simplicity.

Longteng Garden

To the northeast lies Longteng Garden, a Ming and Qing–style garden combining cultural heritage and tranquil scenery.

Here you’ll find:

  • Northern Dynasties stone statues
  • A Jin Dynasty scripture pillar
  • A Yuan Dynasty mural tomb
  • The Ming Dynasty Longquan Well Pavilion
  • The “Three Generations of Vice Ministers” stone archway

Meandering through its pavilions, terraces, and lush paths feels like stepping into a living scroll of history.

Cultural Traditions

Imperial Buddhist Ceremony Performance

Zhengding’s Longxing Temple is an imperial temple that was visited and funded for repairs by emperors over many dynasties. According to The Chronicles of Longxing Temple, in the 49th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1710 CE), the emperor ordered funds to be allocated from the national treasury to restore Longxing Temple. After the renovations were completed, Emperor Kangxi personally came to pay homage and bestowed 19 inscribed plaques, including one reading “Longxing Temple Constructed by Imperial Decree,” all handwritten by himself.

At the end of 2011, drawing on historical records, the Cultural Heritage Office re-created the Grand Imperial Buddhist Ceremony, reenacting the scene of Emperor Kangxi’s arrival at Longxing Temple, the local officials welcoming the imperial entourage, and the emperor bestowing plaques, offering incense, and performing rituals to honor the Buddha.

Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Performance

Inside the Great Compassion Pavilion of Zhengding’s Longxing Temple stands a bronze statue of the Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteshvara, measuring 21.3 meters in height. Cast in the 4th year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (971 CE), this towering bronze figure is remarkable both for its immense size and its exquisite craftsmanship.

It is the tallest and oldest ancient bronze Buddha statue of its kind in the world. It is not only a symbol of Longxing Temple but also an emblem of the ancient city of Zhengding.

The Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara Performance features graceful melodies and captivating dance that vividly convey the divine presence and compassion of the bodhisattva.

Longxing Temple is more than a historical monument—it is a living symbol of Chinese Buddhist art, architecture, and spirituality. Whether you come for quiet reflection, cultural discovery, or simply to stand before centuries of devotion, this magnificent temple will leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/04/discover-longxing-temple-a-timeless-treasure-of-chinese-buddhism/

Buddhism, Multidimensional Space, and the Science of Consciousness

linda chang1 Comment

Modern scientists suggest there may be multidimensional spacetime. The world we perceive in our daily lives consists of three dimensions of space—length, width, and height—plus one dimension of time, forming what we call four-dimensional spacetime.

For most people, it is nearly impossible to imagine what multidimensional space could be like. Even scientists struggle to describe how such realms might appear.

Yet once, while I was reading a Buddhist sutra, I felt as though I glimpsed something of this mysterious idea.

In the Vimalakirti Sutra, it is recorded that Manjushri Bodhisattva led 8,000 bodhisattvas, five hundred arhats, and countless heavenly beings to visit the ailing lay master Vimalakirti.

Vimalakirti lived in a small chamber. He invited everyone to enter. Miraculously, they all went inside, but the room did not grow any larger. No one felt crowded or obstructed, and everyone saw Vimalakirti sitting directly before them.

Manjushri and Vimalakirti engaged in profound dialogue about the Dharma. Later, Vimalakirti displayed astonishing spiritual powers, bringing seats, exquisite foods, and treasures from distant worlds into that same room.

It was absolutely astonishing—like witnessing the seamless merging of multiple dimensions.

Throughout Buddhist history, many great masters have demonstrated abilities that seem to transcend space and time.

For example, there is the story of Milarepa, Tibet’s most renowned yogi. When he was welcoming his disciple Rechungpa back from India—where Rechungpa had traveled to collect scriptures—an incredible event took place.

Rechungpa carried the scriptures on his back as he crossed the vast grasslands. When he saw Milarepa waiting for him, he was overjoyed. Eagerly, he described how he had met the great master Tilopa. With visible pride, he declared:

“In the past, Tilopa did not transmit this Dharma to Master Marpa, but now he has passed it on to me!”

His words brimmed with arrogance.

As they walked together, Milarepa noticed a broken yak horn on the ground and asked Rechungpa to pick it up. Rechungpa couldn’t see the point and made excuses not to touch it. Silently, Milarepa bent down, picked it up himself, and carried it along.

Suddenly, the sky darkened. Thunder boomed, lightning flashed, and hailstones the size of eggs pounded them mercilessly. Rechungpa was battered and bruised.

When the storm finally ended, he looked around—Milarepa had vanished. Alarmed, he began calling out.

Then, Milarepa’s calm voice rose from the little yak horn at his feet:

“Why are you so flustered? Come in here and take shelter.”

Rechungpa stared in disbelief. The opening of the horn was barely larger than a fist. How could he possibly fit inside?

He bent down to look, and to his amazement, he saw an endless green meadow within—stretching as far as the eye could see. Milarepa sat serenely in meditation.

But no matter what he tried, Rechungpa could not enter.

In that instant, all his pride dissolved. Humility and awe took its place.

Milarepa finally emerged and said with a gentle smile, “Did you see? My little yak horn turned out to be quite useful after all.”

Even in our time, extraordinary manifestations still occur.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has demonstrated countless inconceivable displays of supreme Buddha Dharma.

Ruzun Ruo Hui, the abbess of Hua Zang Si (in San Francisco) shared one remarkable example in Interviews with Buddhist Disciples (Episode 78).

Around 1995, about a dozen people were gathered together in a room, respectfully listening to the recorded Dharma discourse Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra.

Halfway through, the entire house vanished. All the walls and structures simply disappeared, and everyone found themselves sitting under the open sky.

Above them, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva appeared, standing in the air, radiating boundless light while auspicious clouds billowed around.

For nearly an hour, Avalokiteshvara remained visible, bestowing blessings. No sounds of the street—no passing cars or footsteps—could be heard. The only sound was the voice of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III expounding the Dharma.

It was clear that everyone present had entered another dimension altogether.

Moments like these show us that the universe is far more profound than what our senses can grasp.

I believe Buddhism is deeply scientific—not superstition. Just because today’s scientists cannot yet explain these phenomena does not mean they are unscientific.

On the contrary, Buddhist wisdom offers an entirely different lens through which to explore reality. It can inspire modern science to uncover new methods and fresh insights to understand the universe’s deepest mysteries.

If we open our hearts and minds, perhaps Buddhist teachings will one day help humanity discover shortcuts to truths that today seem unimaginable.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/03/buddhism-multidimensional-space-and-the-science-of-consciousness/

The Power of a Good Mindset in Times of Conflict

linda changLeave a comment

My friend Wendy used to be very emotional and overly cautious. But in recent years, she has undergone an astonishing transformation.

One day, when we met up, she shared a story that showed me just how much she has changed.

At the end of last year, Wendy finally decided to buy her daughter-in-law the new car she had dreamed of for so long. The whole family welcomed the New Year with excitement and joy.

That day, her daughter-in-law drove the car out to register it, while Wendy stayed home reading stories to her granddaughter.

Not long after, the phone rang. On the other end, her daughter-in-law’s voice trembled with panic:

“While turning, I got hit by a truck going straight. The entire front bumper is smashed. It’s all our fault. Mom, I’m too scared to come home—your son is going to be furious.”

Wendy replied calmly, “As long as you’re okay, that’s what matters. Just come home.”

A while later, her son returned from work. Before he could react, Wendy sent her granddaughter over to ask him to tell her a story about a carpenter.

He couldn’t resist her pleading eyes and began reading in an animated voice:

“There was a kind-hearted carpenter who, though already old, still had no house and couldn’t find a wife. His elderly mother was terribly worried. Finally, a young woman agreed to marry him—but only if he could provide a home.

So the carpenter worked tirelessly, chopping and hammering for two months until he built a beautiful wooden house. One day, while he was out, a fire broke out next door and burned his house to the ground.

People thought he would collapse in despair, but instead, he searched through the charred remains. Everyone was puzzled—what could he possibly be looking for? At last, he found an unburned axe and exclaimed with relief, ‘I finally found you!’

People thought he must be crazy—his house was gone, and he was happy just to find an axe? The carpenter said, ‘As long as I’m here and I have my axe, why would I worry about not having a house?’”

Just then, the daughter-in-law slipped quietly back into the house, looking like a child who had done something wrong.

When her son learned what had happened, he exploded:

“You’re such a spendthrift! No brains at all! So careless—on the very first day, you wrecked a car worth hundreds of thousands!”

Wendy looked at her son calmly and asked:

“Are you done yet? The car is already damaged—will shouting fix it?

Just a minute ago, you were telling your daughter that as long as you have an axe, you can build another house. Now you’ve turned into a chameleon—how will you teach her in the future?

What’s more important: people or cars? A damaged car can be repaired or replaced. But if something had happened to your wife, this family would be over.

It’s the New Year. What matters most is that we are safe, healthy, and together. Everything else is just material. You should be grateful she came home without a scratch. So many people are facing life-and-death partings right now. Be content.”

Her son made a face and joked, “Mom, ever since you started practicing Buddhism, you’ve changed. You’re always siding with your daughter-in-law—have you forgotten you have a son? I feel like I’m adopted!”

Wendy rolled her eyes at him, and the whole family burst into laughter as they sat down to dinner.

Later, Wendy told me that after studying Buddhism, she finally understood how to let go of the suffering that comes from clinging to the self and how to transform afflictions into wisdom.

I watched in amazement as what could have been a chaotic family argument dissolved effortlessly in her hands. In the end, everyone was able to celebrate the New Year in peace and joy.

Life will always bring troubles and joys. A grateful and content mindset makes happiness bloom everywhere, while a lack of appreciation can turn even good fortune into heartache.

Hearing Wendy’s story reminded me how powerful a positive mindset can be in times of conflict. I hope more families can draw on the wisdom of the Dharma to transform challenges into understanding, live long lives free from illness, and enjoy peace, prosperity, and lasting happiness.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/01/the-power-of-a-good-mindset-in-times-of-conflict/

The Choice Between Giving and Receiving

linda changLeave a comment

When I was a child, I heard a folk story that has stayed with me ever since.

One day, King Yama summoned two little spirits and said to them:

“I will let you be reborn as humans. One of you will be someone who always has things to give to others. The other will be someone who often receives things from others. It’s up to you—choose the kind of person you wish to become.”

As soon as Ghost A heard this, he dropped to his knees, clasped his hands, and pleaded earnestly:

“Your Majesty Yama! I beg you—please let me be the one who can receive things from others!”

Ghost B stood quietly for a moment, thinking it over. Finally, he said:

“Since my companion wishes to be the one who receives, I will choose to be the one who gives to others.”

King Yama struck his desk with a resounding clap and pronounced his judgment:

“I decree that Ghost A will be reborn as a beggar, so he may always ask others for help. Ghost B will be reborn into a wealthy family, so he may frequently give and support those in need.”

The two little spirits were stunned into silence.

This story reveals a truth many people overlook: in our world, most would rather take from others, believing that giving is a kind of loss. Yet the modern Buddhist master, Master Hongyi, once said:

“I don’t know exactly what makes a noble person, but I believe someone who is willing to suffer a loss in all things surely is one. I don’t know exactly what makes a petty person, but someone who always seeks an advantage must be one.”

In reality, a person with a grateful heart who is willing to share joy with others will discover even greater joy—because they can find happiness in the happiness of others.

The spirit of Buddhism elevates the practice of giving and receiving to its highest form. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III made this profound vow:

“All karmic offenses and sins created by sentient beings, I will bear.
All the virtuous deeds and merits I have cultivated, I will give entirely to you.”

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III wishes to give all good things to sentient beings and to take upon Himself all their suffering and negativity.

Everything He thinks in His mind, speaks with His mouth, and does with His body is dedicated to one purpose: eradicating selfish attachment, relieving the suffering of all beings, bringing them happiness, and increasing their blessings and wisdom.

May our world be filled with kindness and peace. May all beings everywhere be safe, auspicious, and free from suffering.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/06/27/the-choice-between-giving-and-receiving/

Wealth Without Integrity: A Cautionary Tale from the Buddha

linda changLeave a comment

The Buddha once taught at the Jeta Grove in Anathapindika’s Park in the kingdom of Shravasti. At that time, there lived a wealthy elder whose fortune was immeasurable. He had five intelligent daughters but no sons. Upon his passing, the law dictated that if no male heir existed, the family estate would be seized by the state. However, the elder’s wife was pregnant. His daughters humbly petitioned the king to delay the confiscation until the child was born.

Not long after, a baby boy was born. Yet to everyone’s shock, the child was severely deformed—he had no eyes, ears, tongue, hands, or feet, only male genitals. Despite this, the king acknowledged him as the rightful heir, saving the family’s wealth. The boy was named Mantuipili.

Puzzled by this karmic outcome, an elder approached the Buddha and asked, “Why would a child be born into such wealth, yet with such tragic physical deformities?”

The Buddha then revealed a powerful story from a distant past:

In a previous life, there were two noble brothers: Dhanavasita, the elder, and Shilavasita, the younger. Dhanavasita was known for his honesty and generosity from a young age. He gave freely to the poor and upheld moral integrity. Because of his character, the king appointed him as a judge, and people trusted his word above all else. At that time, written debt contracts were unnecessary—a judge’s witness sufficed.

One day, a merchant preparing for a sea voyage borrowed a large sum from Shilavasita. Bringing his young son and the money, Shilavasita went to Dhanavasita and asked, “Brother, this merchant has borrowed money. Please bear witness. If anything happens to me, ensure my son receives what is owed.”

Dhanavasita agreed. Soon after, Shilavasita passed away. The merchant’s ship was wrecked in a storm, and he barely survived, returning empty-handed. Out of compassion, Shilavasita’s son decided not to demand repayment while the merchant was destitute.

Years later, the merchant sailed again and returned wealthy. Believing the boy had forgotten or was too kind to collect the debt, the merchant decided to test him. He paraded into the city riding a jeweled horse, dressed in luxurious robes. Seeing this, the boy sent someone to request the repayment.

The merchant, seeking to avoid repayment, schemed to silence the judge. He offered a precious gem worth 100,000 silver coins to Dhanavasita’s wife, asking her to persuade the judge not to testify. She warned, “My husband is a man of virtue, but I’ll try.”

That evening, she told the judge. Dhanavasita was unwavering: “I was made a judge because of my honesty. I cannot speak even a single false word.” She returned the gem.

The merchant returned with a gem worth 200,000 silver coins, and the wife—overcome by greed—accepted. That night, she again tried to persuade her husband. He refused once more, saying, “If I lie, I will lose all honor in this life and suffer in future lives.”

In desperation, the wife threatened, “If you don’t comply, I’ll kill our child and take my own life!” Dhanavasita was heartbroken. He agonized: “If I refuse, I lose my child. If I agree, I lose my integrity and invite endless suffering.”

Overwhelmed, he gave in.

The merchant, emboldened, paraded through the streets again—this time on a jewel-adorned elephant. The boy approached him: “It’s time to repay the debt.”

Feigning confusion, the merchant said, “What debt? Who witnessed this?”
The boy replied, “My father and I gave you the money, and my uncle, the judge, was the witness.”
The two went before the judge. The boy recounted the event.
To his shock, the judge responded, “I know nothing of this matter.”
The boy cried out, “Uncle! You saw it with your own eyes and agreed to witness it. How can you deny this?”
The judge replied coldly, “That never happened.”

In deep pain, the boy exclaimed, “You were trusted for your integrity and chosen to judge others. If you betray your own nephew, how many others have suffered injustice? The truth will be known in time.”

The Buddha then turned to the elder and said: “Do you know who that judge was? He is now the deformed child, Mantuipili. Because he uttered just one false word, he fell into the great hell realms and endured tremendous suffering. For five hundred lifetimes, he was born with severe deformities. Yet due to his past acts of generosity, he continued to be born into wealthy families.

This is the law of karma. Good and evil never cancel each other out—each brings its own result, no matter how long it takes.

Therefore, practice diligently. Guard your body, speech, and mind. Never create evil karma lightly.”

This profound tale offers a timeless lesson. A single dishonest act can result in unimaginable suffering, even over lifetimes. On the other hand, a heart inclined toward generosity continues to yield blessings, regardless of outer form.

Buddhism teaches us to live with integrity, mindfulness, and compassion—not only for the peace of this life, but for the well-being of lives to come.

link: https://peacelilysite.com/2025/06/25/wealth-without-integrity-a-cautionary-tale-from-the-buddha/

It took me a lot to be this gentle

linda chang1 Comment

By Rye

When you grow up in a house where voices are always raised and love comes with conditions, where apologies never come and mistakes are blamed on you, it’s hard to understand what gentleness even means. I didn’t grow up with soft words or warm hugs. No one told me it was okay to make mistakes, or that I was still loved even when I failed. What I learned was to keep quiet, to survive, to toughen up.

I protected myself by building walls, not by opening up. I kept my emotions inside because showing them only led to being hurt or ignored. I became harsh with myself because that’s how others treated me. I thought strength meant being cold. I thought love had to hurt. I thought being kind to myself was weakness.

But somewhere inside, a quiet voice kept whispering “maybe there’s another way.”

It took years of breaking down and rebuilding myself. It took crying in silence and slowly learning how to listen to what my heart really needed. It meant letting go of old beliefs, painful habits, and the voices in my head telling me I wasn’t good enough.

I had to teach myself how to speak gently not just to others, but to myself.

I had to unlearn the idea that I deserved pain. I had to remind myself, again and again, that softness isn’t weakness. That it’s okay to be tender with a heart that’s been hurt too many times.

Gentleness became a daily choice—on angry days, broken days, on the days when the world told me to toughen up and stop caring.

I’ve learned that gentleness isn’t about pretending things don’t hurt. It’s about holding pain with care. It’s about choosing peace when your past only taught you chaos. It’s showing up with kindness, even when life hasn’t been kind to you.

Now I am gentle but it took everything — every scar, every sleepless night, every painful memory, every lonely moment. I lost myself. Then I found myself again.

So when others call me calm, kind, or soft, they don’t see the storms I survived. They don’t hear the silent nights or feel the weight I carried.

And that’s okay. I didn’t become gentle for others to understand me. I did it so I could breathe. So I could find peace. So I could love others the way I wish someone had loved me. Most of all, so I could finally love myself.

It took me a lot to be this gentle.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Source: https://ryeee.medium.com/it-took-me-a-lot-to-be-this-gentle-4c0801145835

Turpan’s Hidden Lifelines: The Ingenious Karez Irrigation System of Xinjiang

linda changLeave a comment

Nestled in the heart of Xinjiang, the Turpan Basin holds several extraordinary records: it’s the lowest geographical point in China, and during summer, it’s the hottest place in the country. With scorching sunlight, relentless winds, and almost no rainfall, Turpan earns its title as the “Land of Fire.”

In the peak of summer, the surface temperature in the surrounding Gobi Desert can soar to 82.3°C (180.1°F), while the air temperature often exceeds 49°C (120°F). Rain is almost nonexistent—Turpan receives an average of just 16.4 mm of rainfall annually, and in some years, as little as 4.3 mm. Yet, amidst this harsh, parched environment, an ancient miracle has quietly sustained life for over two thousand years: the Karez irrigation system.

A Miracle Beneath the Earth

While nature was unforgiving above ground, it hid a gift below. Meltwater from the distant Tianshan Mountains seeps underground through coarse gravel and sand, eventually blocked by the Flaming Mountains and surfacing as springs. Ingenious local people found a way to capture and guide this underground treasure—thus, the Karez was born.

The Karez system channels water from mountain sources through a network of underground tunnels and vertical shafts, delivering it to the arid land without evaporation loss. Remarkably, this ancient system operates entirely without pumps, relying solely on gravity and terrain.

A complete Karez includes:

  • Vertical shafts for ventilation and maintenance
  • Underground tunnels to carry water
  • Open canals to distribute it
  • Storage ponds to hold it

Across Turpan’s landscape, you can still see long rows of small mounds—each one marking a shaft, a glimpse into the remarkable infrastructure below.

A Testament to Ingenuity and Endurance

The origins of the Karez can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, over 2,000 years ago. Most of the surviving systems were built during the Qing Dynasty, including during historical moments like Lin Zexu’s fourth inspection of Turpan, when over 300 new Karez channels were added, and Zuo Zongtang’s campaigns, which saw nearly 200 more constructed.

At its peak in the 1950s, there were about 1,700 Karez systems in Turpan, stretching over 3,000 kilometers. Today, about 725 remain, a number slowly dwindling due to modernization, drought, and human impact.

The construction of each Karez was no small feat. Generations of laborers worked in dark, narrow tunnels, often barefoot in icy water, chiseling stone with simple tools and oil lamps. They carried earth and rock out by hand, surviving on dry flatbread and enduring brutal conditions.

A Culture of Water, Wisdom, and Survival

More than just a hydraulic system, the Karez represents a culture—a story of human resilience, harmony with nature, and intergenerational wisdom. In this water-scarce land, the Karez has nurtured lush vineyards, fertile fields, and diverse communities, offering life where none should thrive.

Today, many of these systems are dry or abandoned, relics of a past shaped by necessity and brilliance. But for those who walk among them, they are still very much alive—whispers from the earth, reminding us of what is possible when people respect and work with nature.

If you ever find yourself in Turpan, do not miss the chance to explore the Karez wells. They are more than ancient engineering marvels—they are monuments of perseverance, and living echoes of a civilization that made the desert bloom.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/06/18/turpans-hidden-lifelines-the-ingenious-karez-irrigation-system-of-xinjiang/