How Abraham Lincoln’s words remind us that perseverance begins within.
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” — Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is remembered not only as one of America’s greatest presidents but also as a timeless symbol of perseverance, moral strength, and inner conviction. His life was marked by hardship and failure, yet through every setback, Lincoln never lost sight of his determination to rise above circumstance and serve a higher purpose.
Born in a humble log cabin in Kentucky in 1809, Lincoln’s path was anything but easy. He had little formal education, often studying by firelight after long days of farm work. Throughout his early years, he faced financial difficulties, career failures, and deep personal losses — including the death of his beloved mother and, later, two of his children.
He failed in business, lost several elections, and faced harsh criticism from both supporters and opponents. Yet each time, he stood back up. His perseverance was not fueled by ego or ambition, but by a steadfast belief in purpose — the belief that doing what is right matters more than comfort or success.
Lincoln’s life reminds us that greatness is not born of ease, but of endurance.
“Your Own Resolution Is More Important Than Any Other”
When Lincoln spoke these words, he wasn’t offering mere encouragement — he was revealing a universal truth about the power of inner determination.
In life, we will always face opinions, expectations, and pressures from the world around us. People may doubt us, situations may discourage us, and even our own fears may whisper that we are not enough. But Lincoln reminds us: what truly determines our path is not what others think, but what we resolve to do.
Our resolution — that unwavering inner decision to keep moving forward — becomes the compass that guides us through storms.
It is what pushes a student to keep learning after failing an exam, an artist to keep creating despite rejection, or a parent to keep loving and protecting despite exhaustion. It is what allows ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
In today’s world of instant gratification and constant comparison, Lincoln’s wisdom feels more relevant than ever. We often measure ourselves by the world’s standards — success, wealth, recognition — and forget that true strength comes from within.
When we cultivate resolution, we learn to stand firm in uncertainty. We begin to trust our purpose more than our fears. We stop seeking validation from others, and start building quiet confidence from persistence and integrity.
Lincoln’s life teaches us that no matter how dark the moment, perseverance can bring light. His story shows that success is not defined by how often we win, but by how often we rise after falling.
To live by Lincoln’s words is to live with courage — not the absence of fear, but the determination to act despite it. It means believing in our capacity to grow, to change, and to make a difference, no matter how small our beginnings.
When challenges arise — whether in our work, relationships, or personal goals — we can remind ourselves of Lincoln’s steady faith in resolution. The world may test us, but as long as we hold our own conviction close, we will find a way forward.
Lincoln’s words have always spoken deeply to me. Whenever I face uncertainty or moments of self-doubt, I remind myself of his quiet strength — how he stood tall not because life was kind, but because his heart was steady.
His quote, “Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other,” reminds me that motivation is not something we wait for — it is something we choose, moment by moment. And in choosing it, we slowly build the courage to move forward again, with hope and purpose.
Photo Courtesy: Hua Zang Si (Community members unite across California to honor the Life Release Day Designated by Buddha, transforming compassion into action through ceremonies, education, and charitable outreach.)
Buddhist communities across California came together on October 29 to honor “The Life Release Day Designated by Buddha,” a global observance dedicated to compassion, the protection of life, and the collective aspiration for peace.
On the morning of October 29, 2025, the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum hosted a life release event at the Marina Del Rey harbor, drawing spiritual leaders and community members from across Southern California. The event was led by Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui, Abbess of Hua Zang Si Temple and Hongfa Temple.
Participants gathered in unity to chant praises and recite the Great Compassion Mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui blessed the fish awaiting release with consecrated Dharma water, offering prayers that these sentient beings be freed from suffering and karmic obstructions. Upon release, the fish were returned to the ocean with the hope that they would find safety and live free from harm and predators.
The Life Release Day Designated by Buddha originated on October 29, 2009, when H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III personally led His disciples in a life release ceremony following a significant Buddhist event. He compassionately declared this day as “Life Release Day” to promote the protection of life and the practice of compassion.
The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum upholds the compassionate teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The museum urges all sectors of society to transform empathy into action—promoting the safeguarding of life, the cessation of killing, and the daily practices of kindness as a fundamental way of living. Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui emphasized that life release practices are not confined to specific days or locations. Whenever a life is in danger, we are called to act—to return it to a suitable environment, to grant it freedom, and to relieve it from fear.
On October 29, 2025, San Francisco’s Hua Zang Si Temple also held a life release ceremony at San Rafael. Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered to recite the Heart Sutra and the Great Compassion Mantra before gently releasing fish back to their natural habitat. Organizers emphasized that life release is not only a spiritual practice, but also a call to awaken society’s compassion and deepen our care for the sentient beings.
Photo Courtesy: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum Venerable Master Ruzun Ruohui blesses fish awaiting release with Dharma water during the Life Release Day ceremony at Marina Del Rey.
Photo Courtesy: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum Upon release, the fish were returned to the ocean.
To nurture compassion in the next generation, Hua Zang Si Temple held a Buddhist children’s story class on October 19. Through storytelling and interactive learning, the program guided young participants to understand the core values of “equality of all life” and “compassion without harm.” The initiative was warmly received by parents, who expressed deep appreciation for the temple’s commitment to meaningful and values-based education.
On October 26, Macang Monastery in San Francisco held a special “Life Release Day Blessing and Food Donation Ceremony” in honor of the Life Release Day Designated by Buddha. Following collective sutra recitation and prayers by both monastics and lay practitioners, the temple donated food supplies to unhoused individuals and low-income families—embodying the Buddhist spirit of compassion and service to those in need.
This year’s Life Release Day Designated by Buddha brought together Buddhist disciples and compassionate leaders from all walks of life through a range of activities—including life release ceremonies, prayer gatherings, educational outreach, and food donations. Participants were reminded that cultivation is not merely a slogan, but a continuous practice through every kind thought and virtuous deed.
In 1947, shortly after Japan’s surrender and withdrawal from China, the great Zen Master Xuyun (Empty Cloud) gave a profound speech at a middle school. The nation was still recovering from the devastation of war, and hearts were heavy with both relief and sorrow. With deep compassion, Master Xuyun used the timeless wisdom of the Buddha to explain the law of cause and effect (karma) — reminding people that wars do not arise by chance, but are the result of humanity’s collective actions.
He taught that true peace cannot be achieved through force or politics alone. Only by transforming our hearts and purifying our minds through virtue, compassion, and the practice of Buddhist teachings can we bring real and lasting peace to the world.
War does not arise by chance — it is the collective karma of all beings that brings it forth.
Dear friends, during the years of occupation, we endured immense suffering under the enemy’s oppression — our lives were steeped in water and fire, hardship and pain. Now that our nation has regained its light, we should feel endless gratitude and reflection. We must understand that the outbreak of war is not accidental; it is the result of the shared karma created by all individuals.
The ancient masters said, “If you wish to know the causes of your past lives, look at what you are experiencing in this life. If you wish to know the results of your future lives, look at what you are doing now.” They also said, “Even after hundreds or thousands of eons, the karma one has created will not disappear. When the conditions ripen, the results will be experienced by oneself.”
When people lose their moral compass and commit all kinds of evil, they plant the seeds for calamities such as war, floods, fires, and famine. If we wish to change the will of Heaven and eliminate disasters, we must begin by transforming human hearts — by restoring virtue and morality. When everyone practices the Five Precepts and the Ten Good Deeds, cultivates upright minds and pure conduct, and lives with benevolence, trust, and righteousness, then the hearts of men and the will of Heaven will naturally align.
But if people persist in wrongdoing and refuse to repent, how can hostility and suffering ever be dissolved? The Buddha said, “The sea of suffering has no end, but when one turns around, there is the shore.” This means awakening from delusion and returning to goodness — the essential path to liberation.
We must truly believe in the law of cause and effect. It is not fiction but reality. If everyone understood that good deeds bring good results, and evil deeds bring suffering — that when one plants melons, one harvests melons; when one plants beans, one harvests beans — then no one would dare to act against conscience or break the law. Out of great compassion for all beings, Shakyamuni Buddha renounced his royal life and underwent arduous practice to save the world from ignorance and suffering.
If we understand the principle of cause and effect and wish to avoid future suffering, we must now create good causes. The hardships we experience today are the results of past evil actions. Therefore, we should now sow good seeds, and in time, we will naturally reap good fruits.
The scriptures speak of “Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi,” meaning “unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.” In its essence, it transcends the distinction of self and others — there is no “you” and “me.” But this state must be cultivated from one’s own heart. If our minds remain filled with greed, anger, and ignorance, unable to abandon all evil and practice all good, the barriers of self and ego become like iron mountains, preventing us from reaching the Pure Land or true harmony. This is the most crucial point — one we must all remember well.
The Sanskrit word “Buddha” means “the Awakened One.” Enlightenment has three aspects: awakening oneself, awakening others, and perfecting both understanding and conduct.
To awaken oneself is to realize that all experiences of good and evil, joy and suffering, arise from cause and effect. Once a person truly understands this, delusion fades, the four attachments dissolve, and one becomes enlightened.
To awaken others means recognizing that all living beings — whether born from the womb, from eggs, from moisture, or by transformation — all possess Buddha nature. They are called “sentient beings” only because they are deluded and unaware. We should therefore cherish and respect ourselves, and in keeping with the Buddha’s great vow of compassion and universal salvation, share these truths with others, guiding them out of the sea of suffering.
As stated in the Śūraṅgama Sūtra: “Regard all men as your fathers and all women as your mothers.” If we cultivate such deep reverence and love, especially for widows, orphans, and those who are lonely or destitute, and show them kindness and compassion through giving and aid, we can realize true equality and the ideal of great harmony.
To perfect both understanding and conduct means to live according to the Buddha’s teachings and precepts until one’s virtue and merit are complete. After the Buddha’s passing, he left behind the Three Baskets of Scriptures — Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma — as our priceless raft to cross the sea of suffering. All the rules and precepts should be faithfully practiced. When one fulfills them completely, that is the perfection of wisdom and conduct.
Thus, the Buddha is the awakened one, while sentient beings are the deluded. The distinction between delusion and enlightenment marks the boundary between beings and Buddhas. To turn away from delusion and return to truth — that is awakening, and that is Buddhahood.
To further illustrate the law of karma, there is a story from one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s past lives.
Long ago, in the city of Rajagaha, there was a fishing village with a large pond. One year, a great drought struck, and the pond began to dry up. The villagers caught and ate almost all the fish, until only one giant fish remained, which was finally killed and eaten. Only one eight-year-old boy refused to eat the fish; he simply watched and laughed.
In his later life as the Buddha, King Prasenajit of Kosala, a devoted follower of the Buddha, married a princess of the Shakya clan, and they had a son named King Virudhaka. After ascending the throne, Virudhaka led his army to attack the Shakya capital of Kapilavastu and slaughtered all its inhabitants.
During that time, the Buddha suffered a severe headache for three days. His disciples begged him to use his powers to save the Shakya people, but he refused. Even when Maudgalyayana repeatedly pleaded, the Buddha said no. Maudgalyayana tried to rescue some survivors with his alms bowl, but when he put it down, all he found was a pool of blood.
When the disciples asked why, the Buddha revealed the cause: in a past life, during a great drought in Rajagaha, the villagers had killed and eaten the fish in that pond. The giant fish was reborn as King Virudhaka, and the villagers were reborn as the Shakyas who were killed. The young boy who merely watched and laughed was reborn as Shakyamuni Buddha himself. Because this karma had matured, the outcome was unchangeable.
The Buddha fully understood this karmic connection and taught it to his disciples as a warning. Chan Master Yuan Yun wrote in verse:
“For hundreds of years, the soup in your bowl Is filled with deep hatred, hard to dissolve. If you wish to know why wars arise, Listen to the cries from the butcher’s gate at midnight.”
Reflect on this story and recite the verse, and you will awaken to the true causes of war and violence — and learn to guard your conduct with mindfulness.
If we wish to transform the world and move toward true harmony, everything must begin with our hearts. Students should study diligently, yet never forget the greater mission of saving the world. And the first step to saving the world is saving the heart — correcting one’s own wrong thoughts and firmly believing in the law of cause and effect, avoiding all evil paths.
By cultivating sincerity, righteousness, self-discipline, and harmony within the family, one can extend peace to the nation and the world. If all the people of every country sincerely believe in karma and practice the Eight Virtues and Ten Precepts, then oppression, violence, and wars will cease to arise. True peace, equality, and the Pure Land of Great Harmony will appear, free from the Five Defilements and all suffering.
For the original Chinese speech, please click here. This English translation is by Linda Chang and is provided for reference only.
“There are two things in this world one should never look at directly: the sun, and the human heart.” —Higashino Keigo
I recently came across this story online, and it deeply moved me. It reminded me that trust and kindness are fragile treasures—once broken, they are hard to mend. I would like to share this wisdom with everyone who reads my blog, especially in times when misunderstandings and suspicion can so easily damage the relationships we cherish most.
Once, there was a newly married couple deeply in love, inseparable and affectionate. But the wife began to doubt her husband’s loyalty. Her suspicion grew stronger each day until she asked her best friend to “test” her husband’s faithfulness.
To her shock, the two fell in love with each other. What started as a test ended in betrayal. In the end, the marriage was destroyed—not by infidelity itself, but by mistrust and the reckless act of testing love.
🧬 The Scientist Who Refused to Test
Finsen, the world-renowned Danish medical scientist and Nobel laureate, once chose a young man named Harry as his successor.
Some colleagues worried that Harry might not endure the long, tedious years of research. Finsen’s assistant suggested testing him by having a wealthy friend offer him a high-paying job to see whether Harry would stay or leave.
But Finsen firmly rejected the idea, saying:
“Never stand on a moral high ground to look down on others, and never test human nature. Harry was born in poverty and naturally desires financial security. If we place him between an easy, well-paid job and the hardship of research but expect him to choose sacrifice, we are demanding him to be a saint. That would be unfair.”
Years later, Harry became one of Denmark’s most respected medical scientists. When he learned that Finsen had refused to test him, he wept and said:
“If my mentor had tested my integrity with a lucrative offer, I would likely have failed. At that time, my mother was ill and my younger siblings depended on me for their schooling. If Finsen had set that test for me, there would be no me as I am today.”
🌿 The Truth About Human Nature
Indeed, ordinary people are not saints—everyone has weaknesses. If we constantly test others—our spouse’s loyalty, our friends’ sincerity, or our coworkers’ honesty—we will often end up with disappointment and broken trust.
In the first story, had the wife trusted her husband instead of testing him, the marriage might have survived.
Finsen understood that human nature is fragile. True wisdom lies not in setting traps to measure others’ virtue, but in tolerating uncertainty with compassion.
Testing human nature is like striking a porcelain bowl—it will only reveal its fragility by breaking it. Trust, on the other hand, is like holding that bowl gently in your hands—preserving its wholeness, beauty, and purpose.
In life, love, and friendship, may we learn to trust with kindness and lead with understanding. After all, it is not the test that reveals the truth of a heart, but the grace with which we choose not to test it.
Cabbage is one of the most common vegetables in our daily lives. Because it is so ordinary, many people tend to overlook its remarkable health benefits. While people often say “rarity makes things precious,” the truth is that some of the simplest, most affordable foods are also the most nourishing — and cabbage is one of them.
Once considered “the food of the poor,” cabbage has long been underestimated. In the 15th century, a Parisian writer even remarked that the poor ate cabbages and turnips instead of bread. Perhaps that old prejudice lingers today — many still see cabbage as plain and unrefined. Yet, with rising grocery costs and a renewed interest in wholesome eating, it’s time to rediscover this modest, versatile vegetable and bring it back to our tables.
A Traditional View: Cabbage in Chinese Medicine
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cabbage has a neutral nature and a sweet flavor. It nourishes the stomach and intestines, promoting healthy digestion and balanced energy.
Let’s explore some of its wonderful health benefits:
1. Anti-Aging Properties
Cabbage is rich in antioxidants that combat cellular oxidation and delay the aging process. For those seeking to maintain youthful vitality, a simple bowl of cabbage may hold more power than any expensive serum.
2. Boosts Immunity
Packed with vitamin C, cabbage strengthens the immune system, helping the body fend off colds and infections while enhancing overall energy and resilience.
3. Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
Cabbage contains high levels of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and supporting cardiovascular health.
4. Prevents Osteoporosis
Abundant in vitamin K, cabbage aids in blood clotting and calcium absorption, strengthening bones and teeth while preventing osteoporosis.
5. Promotes Digestive Health
Cabbage contains vitamin U, known as the “anti-ulcer factor.” It helps regulate stomach acid, heal ulcers, and soothe the digestive tract. Japanese studies have found that cabbage’s glucosinolates can inhibit Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to gastritis and ulcers.
6. Cancer Prevention
The sulfur-containing compound isothiocyanate gives cabbage its distinctive aroma — and its powerful anti-cancer properties. This compound helps neutralize toxins, protect cells, and reduce cancer risk.
7. Rich in Folic Acid
Folic acid in cabbage is essential for pregnant women, helping prevent fetal malformations and supporting healthy red blood cell production.
8. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Cabbage contains natural phytoncides — plant-based antibacterial compounds — that reduce inflammation, fight infections, and even soothe sore throats or small wounds.
Culinary Versatility
Cabbage’s mild flavor and satisfying crunch make it a versatile kitchen staple:
Salads and Slaws: Shred cabbage with carrots, apples, or nuts for a refreshing, colorful slaw.
Stir-Fry: Sauté with garlic and soy sauce for a simple yet delicious side.
Soups and Stews: Add chopped cabbage for extra nutrition and heartiness.
Fermented Foods: The star ingredient in sauerkraut and kimchi — both rich in probiotics and flavor.
Stuffed Dishes: Use cabbage leaves to wrap rice, lentils, or meats for comforting stuffed rolls.
Lightly Pickled Cabbage: A Liver Cleanser and Detox Aid
Cabbage contains indoles, anti-cancer nutrients that also protect the liver and enhance detoxification. When cabbage is lightly pickled, its benefits multiply.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sour flavors are believed to nourish the liver. Lightly pickled cabbage helps detoxify the body, strengthen immunity, beautify the skin, and support cardiovascular and digestive health.
Fermented cabbage is also a powerful probiotic food. Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacteria from fermented cabbage like kimchi, supports the gut microbiome — the foundation of our immune system and overall well-being.
Easy Recipe: Lightly Pickled Cabbage
Ingredients
500 g cabbage
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Wash and drain the cabbage, then slice it finely.
Divide into two portions. Place half in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and gently knead until softened.
Add the remaining half, the rest of the salt, and sugar. Continue kneading until juicy.
Pack into a clean glass jar with its liquid.
Seal and leave in a cool place for half a day to lightly ferment, then refrigerate. Serve chilled.
Shutterstock
Cabbage may not have the glamour of kale or the trendiness of arugula, but it carries quiet strength and wisdom — a reminder that simplicity often hides great value. In a world obsessed with novelty and luxury, perhaps we can learn from this humble vegetable: to nourish deeply, give generously, and thrive quietly.
This book by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was released in Chinese in 2014 but is not yet available in English. It is based on a series of very famous discourses given in China in 1992, using the text, meaning, and principles of the Heart Sutra to transmit Dharma. It clearly explains the relationships between mind, Buddha, and living beings. It tells everyone what the absolute truth of Buddha-dharma and liberation is. Several years ago, His Holiness told a number of Western disciples that this is the only book you need to read to understand emptiness and become enlightened. This text is for acquiring prajna or transcendental wisdom, although it also teaches the importance of cultivating character.
To stress how important this holy book is, we must remember that just before the Buddha left this world His Holiness told us that “. . . At all times, we must think about bringing auspiciousness, serenity, happiness, and peace to living beings and to the world, to the extent of giving our all and even our lives. I have already brought true Buddha Dharma to this world. Everyone who practices in accordance with The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation and Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra will surely attain liberation. That’s all. I wish all living beings happiness.”
Venerable Master Puguan’s Reflection After Listening to Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra
Below is the heartfelt reflection of Venerable Master Puguan, the abbot of Kaihua Monastery on Mount Wuzhong—the first site of Southern Transmission Buddhism and the thirteenth-generation patriarch of Mount Emei—after listening to the Dharma discourses of Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra spoken by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Venerable Master Puguan said:
“No matter what words I use today, they cannot fully express the supreme joy and wonder in my heart. My most magnificent and compassionate Buddha Master, the Great Dharma King Yangwo, once visited Mount Wuzhong in person. At that time, my junior Dharma brother, Dharma Master Guozhang, and I were on the third day of a Zen retreat with the four assemblies of disciples when suddenly the Dharma protector came and told me, ‘The greatest holy being has arrived! He is wearing white clothes. Quickly cancel the Chan session and lead everyone to greet Him with full ceremony!’
Dharma Master Guozhang also received the same message—that the highest Holy One had come. We immediately announced to all disciples that the Zen session was to be stopped, and we prepared the ceremonial welcome with drums and bells. Indeed, about ten minutes later, a group of dozens of people arrived at the foot of the mountain—it was my revered Master, the Great Dharma King Yangwo (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III).
When I supported my Master while walking toward the Bright Moon Pool, He gently took hold of my hand instead and said, ‘I am younger than you; you should not support me. It is I who should support you, the elder.’
At that moment, I felt deeply ashamed. How could a disciple ever deserve to be supported by his Master, the Great Dharma King?
Now, after listening to Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra, I finally realize that what my Master said back then was the very expression of ultimate truth! We practitioners must rely on our Master’s steadfast guidance, never letting go of His compassionate hand, until we are led to the pure Buddha-land of ultimate Nirvana. How could we ever imagine supporting our Master?
Having repeatedly listened to this Dharma discourse, I can only say that my Master has explained the very essence of all 600 volumes of the Prajnaparamita Sutras and the two essential provisions of precepts and practice. The Dharma He expounded is so profound that the deep will see its depth and the shallow will see its shallowness—it is wondrous beyond description, extraordinary within the ordinary. In truth, it is the supreme teaching of the ultimate truth since the beginning of time.
After listening to this unparalleled Dharma spoken by my Buddha Master, I was instantly and completely awakened—the bottom of the bucket had fallen out! Unfortunately, my age has deprived me of the condition to attain rainbow-body ascension, but I rejoice that I have realized the state of indestructible flesh body. After my parinirvana, this body can serve as evidence to the world that my Great Dharma King, my Buddha Master, is truly the Dharma King who unites all Buddhas of the ten directions.
When I think back on my earlier misunderstandings, I feel deeply ashamed. I once mistakenly believed that only Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism possessed the Great Dharma that enables enlightenment within one lifetime. Now that I have attained realization, I truly understand that the authentic Dharma of the Tathagata transcends all schools and sects.
In fact, the true Buddha Dharma is a wondrous treasure existing independently of any tradition. It is neither exclusive to nor absent from any particular school—because genuine Dharma is not governed by sects but by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas themselves. Wherever a Buddha or Bodhisattva manifests as a teacher, that school naturally possesses the Great Dharma.
When I recall my past cultivation at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, I can only remain speechless in humility. Today, immersed in the bliss of Dharma joy, I can only pray:
May all Buddhas bless that the great karmic conditions of the Tathagata ripen soon. May all sentient beings swiftly hear the teachings of my Buddha Master—the Mother of All Buddhas’ Dharmas, Expounding the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra— so that their blessings and wisdom may swiftly and perfectly flourish, attaining Bodhi and liberation in this very life, and achieving freedom from life and death!
Namo Amitabha Buddha! Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva!
Note: In 1998, Master Pu Guan passed away while in meditation, having attained mastery over his life and death. Remarkably, even eight years after his passing, his remains rest within a stupa, preserved in the meditation posture without any signs of decay.
The above is the English translation of Venerable Master Pu Guan’s Dharma discourse, rendered into English by Linda Chang. The original Chinese version is provided below.
There are few relationships as powerful—and as quietly transformative—as the one between a father and a son. Yet in modern life, it’s often overlooked. We talk about mothers and children, but the emotional depth between fathers and sons remains one of the least explored terrains of the human heart.
In My Father Before Me: How Fathers and Sons Influence Each Other Throughout Their Lives, psychoanalyst Michael J. Diamond takes us into that emotional landscape with remarkable sensitivity. Through vivid stories, psychological insight, and tender reflection, he reveals how fathers and sons shape, challenge, and heal each other across a lifetime.
Most people think of fatherhood as a one-directional journey: the father influences the son. But Diamond turns that idea around. He shows that the father–son relationship is mutual, not hierarchical.
A father helps mold his son—but the son also transforms the father. Each becomes a mirror for the other’s hopes, fears, and hidden strengths.
Diamond writes about how fatherhood can awaken parts of a man he never knew existed. When a son is born, the father doesn’t just gain a child—he also gains a deeper understanding of himself. The baby’s presence demands patience, tenderness, and emotional openness. In nurturing another, the father learns to nurture himself.
Moments That Change Everything
Diamond fills the book with moving, relatable stories that show this mutual transformation.
One story tells of a man who, having grown up with a distant father, vows to be emotionally present for his own son. Yet when his son enters adolescence and begins to push back, the man feels rejected and hurt—just as he once felt with his own father. Through reflection, he realizes that this is his chance to break the cycle: to stay connected even when it’s uncomfortable. In doing so, both he and his son begin to heal wounds that stretch back generations.
In another example, a father describes watching his young son struggle to build a toy tower. His first instinct is to step in and fix it, but he resists. Instead, he watches quietly, offering small words of encouragement. When the tower finally stands, he sees not just his son’s triumph—but his own growth in learning to let go.
These moments, Diamond suggests, are not small. They are the foundation of how love, trust, and resilience are built between generations.
The Phases of the Father–Son Journey
Diamond explores how this relationship evolves through every stage of life:
Early Childhood: The father is a protector and guide, introducing the child to the outside world. But he also begins to sense his son’s individuality—someone both familiar and mysterious.
Adolescence: As the son seeks independence, conflict can arise. Here the father’s challenge is to stay connected without controlling—to allow the son to become his own person.
Adulthood: When the son grows up, both men must renegotiate their roles. Often, the adult son begins to understand his father with new empathy, and the father learns to accept his son as an equal.
Later Years: In time, roles may reverse—the son becomes the caregiver, the listener, the one offering strength. This reversal, Diamond suggests, completes the circle of life.
Through each phase, fathers and sons are constantly exchanging something precious: understanding, forgiveness, and love.
Redefining Masculinity
A core theme in My Father Before Me is emotional honesty. Diamond challenges old stereotypes of men as stoic and distant. True masculinity, he argues, is not about dominance or silence—it’s about being open, authentic, and emotionally present.
When a father shows vulnerability, it doesn’t make him weak—it makes him real. And when a son witnesses that authenticity, he learns that being a man means embracing both strength and tenderness.
In one memorable story, a son recalls seeing his father cry for the first time—after the death of the grandfather. “That day,” he says, “I stopped fearing emotion. I realized that love and grief are part of the same heart.”
A Relationship That Never Stops Evolving
Even when fathers and sons grow older, the dialogue between them continues. Diamond describes adult sons helping aging fathers find meaning and dignity in later life. Some reconcile after years of distance. Others simply learn to say what was once left unsaid: “I love you,”“I understand you,” or even “I forgive you.”
These late-life moments, he writes, can be profoundly healing. They remind us that it is never too late to reach across the years—to understand, to listen, and to love.
A Mirror for All of Us
Whether you’re a father, a son, or simply someone reflecting on your family history, My Father Before Me offers both insight and comfort. It reminds us that every father carries the echoes of his own father within him—and that every son, in turn, shapes what fatherhood will mean for the next generation.
Ultimately, Diamond’s message is one of hope: that through empathy, self-awareness, and courage, fathers and sons can support each other’s growth, forgive each other’s shortcomings, and honor the love that lies beneath it all.
Hidden in the quiet county of Yixian in northern China, Fengguo Temple has stood for over a thousand years as a living testament to ancient Chinese wisdom and spiritual devotion. Its magnificent Mahavira Hall, the largest single-story wooden structure of its time, houses seven colossal clay Buddhas that have miraculously survived the centuries. This temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a sacred symbol of harmony, resilience, and faith that continues to inspire all who visit.
A Thousand Years of Faith and Architecture
Beyond the Shanhai Pass, in the northern part of Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, stands the quiet county of Yixian, home to one of China’s most magnificent ancient temples — Fengguo Temple. This remarkable site, founded over a millennium ago, is not only a masterpiece of Liao Dynasty Buddhist architecture but also a living testament to the extraordinary ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders and the enduring power of faith.
In 2020, Fengguo Temple celebrated its thousandth anniversary. Through a thousand years of wind, snow, wars, and earthquakes, its grand Mahavira Hall still stands tall — a miracle in both architecture and spirituality.
The Majestic Great Hall
The heart of Fengguo Temple is its Mahavira Hall (Great Buddha Hall), one of the Eight Great Structures of the Liao Dynasty. Built in 1020 CE, it measures 49.5 meters wide, 26.6 meters deep, and 19.9 meters high, covering an area of 1,317 square meters. Standing on a 3.2-meter-high platform, the hall is the largest single-story wooden structure of ancient China — magnificent, solemn, and breathtaking.
Ingeniously designed, the hall uses a “reduced-column” method to maximize interior space while maintaining perfect stability. Ancient builders applied advanced techniques known as “side-foot” and “rising beam”, ensuring the building’s balance and graceful proportions. The massive bracket sets under the eaves are bold yet refined, exuding strength and elegance.
Thanks to its precise structural mechanics, the Great Hall has remained perfectly upright for a thousand years, without any sign of warping or tilting — an unparalleled achievement in the history of wooden architecture.
The Seven Buddhas: Eternal Clay Sculptures
Inside the Great Hall, seven colossal clay Buddha statues, each about nine meters tall, sit side by side upon a brick platform. From east to west, they are: Kashyapa Buddha, Krakucchanda Buddha, Sikhin Buddha, Vipashyin Buddha, Visvabhu Buddha, Kanakamuni Buddha, and Shakyamuni Buddha.
These are the “Seven Buddhas of the Past” mentioned in Buddhist scriptures, symbolizing the eternal cycle of enlightenment in our world. Each Buddha exudes solemn dignity, with serene expressions and graceful postures, reflecting the Liao Dynasty’s continuation of Tang-style Buddhist artistry. Two bodhisattvas stand beside each Buddha, adding vitality and compassion to this sacred tableau.
This magnificent ensemble is the oldest and largest group of colored clay Buddha statues in the world. Despite being made of fragile clay, they have miraculously survived for over a thousand years, their colors still soft and luminous. This endurance is nothing short of a miracle — a union of artistic mastery and the blessings of faith.
The Legend of the Buddha Catching a Shell
During the Liaoshen Campaign in the late 1940s, Yixian became a battlefield. Amid the chaos, a shell pierced through the roof of the Great Hall and fell directly into the right hand of the Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Miraculously, the shell did not explode.
Locals still tell this story as “The Buddha Caught the Shell with His Hand.” Whether fact or legend, it adds an aura of mystery and divine protection to the temple’s long history — as if the Buddhas themselves were silently safeguarding their sacred home.
The Flying Devas of Liao
The beams and rafters inside the Great Hall are adorned with over 4,000 square meters of original Liao Dynasty murals. Among them, the heavenly maidens — the Flying Devas — are the most enchanting. With radiant faces and flowing ribbons, they drift gracefully through clouds, offering flowers and fruits to the Seven Buddhas below.
Their movement contrasts beautifully with the Buddhas’ stillness, creating a breathtaking scene of divine harmony and devotion. The surrounding walls also preserve Yuan and Ming dynasty murals depicting ten Buddhas, eight Bodhisattvas, and the Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara, adding even more layers of spiritual and artistic richness to this timeless sanctuary.
A Thousand Years of Wonder
Standing before this majestic hall — a wooden structure that has endured a millennium — and gazing upon the clay Buddhas whose serene faces have survived a thousand winters, one cannot help but wonder:
How can a wooden palace withstand ten centuries of storms and wars? How can clay sculptures remain whole and radiant after a thousand years?
Is it the wisdom of the ancients? The strength of art? Or the blessing of the Dharma itself?
Perhaps the answer lies within every beam, every brushstroke, and every tranquil smile of the Buddhas.
May the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless all beings with peace, compassion, and happiness. Namo Amitabha.
Dharma Master Qing Ding was originally named Zheng QuanShan. He was born in 1903 from a well-known large family that had the Buddhist faith for many generations. He started to read and chant Buddhist sutras at the age of 7 and received basic knowledge about Buddhism from his father.
In 1939, when Zheng Quan Shan was 36, he was the major-general director of the Advanced Party, Government, and Military Training Corp of China’s Nationalist Government. While working in Chongqing, he often spent his leisure time to go to Ciyun Temple nearby to listen to Dharma Master Cheng Yi’s expositions of Buddhist sutras and Buddha-dharma.
Under the introduction and guidance of Dharma Master Cheng Yi, Zheng Quanshan was ordained as a monk in 1941 at Ciyun Temple in Chongqing and received his dharma name “Qing Ding.” During the same year, Dharma Master Qing Ding received the complete set of monastic precepts at Zhaojue Temple in Chengdu.
Dharma Master Qing Ding（Disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III)
Zhaojue Temple in Chengdu
Following Dharma Master Neng Hai and Attaining Lineage
Dharma Master Neng Hai
After receiving the precepts, Dharma Master Qing Ding also became a disciple of Dharma Master Neng Hai, who was a famous eminent monk in modern Chinese history. He learned the Yidam dharma of Yamantaka Vajra from Dharma Master Neng Hai.
After Dharma Master Neng Hai had entered nirvana, Dharma master Qing Ding succeeded Dharma Master Neng Hai’s lineage and became a dharma king and leader of the Gelug Sect of esoteric Buddhism. Dharma Master Qing Ding’s dharma power and virtue majestically astounded the world. He once manifested great supernormal powers at a demon-subduing dharma assembly and changed his own appearance into that of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
The Supreme Encounter
However, at the high age of 90, he paid homage to acknowledge a young tremendous holy virtuous person as his master. Who is this young tremendous holy virtuous person? Why did Dharma Master Qing Ding acknowledge Him as his master?
This young tremendous holy virtuous person is His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III. Dharma Master Qing Ding observed from his state of realization that this young person is the genuine incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha the primordial Sambhogakaya of the dharma sphere. He seized this magnificent karmic condition that is difficult to encounter in millions of eons.
Acknowledging H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as His Master
Dharma Master Qing Ding acknowledged H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as his master and beseeched for Buddha-dharma.
A Dharma brother supported Dharma Master Qing Ding and said to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, “Master, Great Monk Qing Ding of zhaojue Temple came today to pay homage to become your disciple and beseech for Buddha-dharma.”
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: “Okay, go ahead. You can just do four prostrations according to the four refuges. Monk Qing Ding, your are my disciple from now on. Since you are my disciple, you should act in accord with my conduct, and cultivate yourself earnestly according to my method. Sit on the seating cushion.”
(Sitting at the side was Yang Wen who worked at Chengdu No. 2 Hospital and came with Dharma Master Qing Ding. Helping Dharma Master Qing Ding from behind was the lead attendant of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.)
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: “I will transmit my Buddha-dharma to Great Monk Qing Ding. I hope that you will definitely abide by the religious policies, continue your advancement, and be a good monk.”
Receiving the Inner-Tantric Initiation
Master Qing Ding acknowledged H.H. Dorje Chang buddha III as his master and beseeched for Buddha-dharma. He beseeched H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to confer make-up inner- tantric initiation of the Yidam dharma of Yamantaka Vajra.
It turned out that when Dharma Master Qing Ding beseeched and learned the Yidam dharma of Yamantaka Vajra from Dharma Master Neng Hai, he did not receive an inner- tantric initiation. This was because although Dharma Master Neng Hai had received an inner- tantric initiation himself, he did not have the ability to confer an inner- tantric initiation to his disciple, Dharma Master Qing Ding.
The Profound Importance of Inner-Tantric Initiation
Why is an inner- tantric initiation so important? The effect of an inner-tantric initiation is that the master transmitting the dharma invites the Yidam of the dharma to be transmitted to come to the site. The Yidam will then accept the disciple in person. Therefore, as long as the disciple engages in self- cultivation in accord with the dharma, liberation from birth and death is guaranteed with a one- hundred- percent certainty.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III conferred an inner- tantric initiation of the Yidam dharma of Yamantaka Vajra to Dharma Master Qing Ding. That made up what Dharma Master Qing Ding lacked and fulfilled the wish that he cherished for many years.
Nowadays, some heretical individuals on the internet are spreading slander. They are fabricating lies such as claiming to be a living Buddha in order to exploit followers. Many people may begin to wonder: Is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III truly a Buddha?
The Purpose of a Buddha’s Appearance in the World
In reality, when a Buddha comes into this world, it is to let sentient beings hear the true dharma. The purpose is to liberate from samsara and attain great accomplishment — not to prove that they are a Buddha! If you believe in Him, He is a Buddha; if you do not believe in Him, He is still a Buddha. This is just like the ignorant people who sought evidence that Namo ShakyamuniBuddha was a Buddha — they spent their whole lives doubting. Meanwhile, Namo Shakyamuni Buddha’s disciples focused on listening to the teachings. They were practicing according to them. Each attained great supernatural powers and liberation. Those burdened with doubts, even until death, were still questioning, “Was He truly a Buddha?”
Since coming into this world, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has manifested unparalleled Buddha wisdom. Even though H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III knew that He was indeed Dorje Chang Buddha III, He always described Himself as a humble and ashamed person. He never once declared that He was a Buddha. This is evident from the many dharma discourses and audio teachings He has given and spread worldwide over the years. Only after He was formally recognized by the “Three Masters and Ten Witnesses” with written certifications and congratulatory endorsements did H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III acknowledge this identity.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Teachings Are No Different from Shakyamuni Buddha’s Dharma
The teachings of Namo Shakyamuni Buddha and the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are no different. They are in complete interpenetration without obstruction. Just as Namo Shakyamuni Buddha’s disciples in ancient times attained supernatural powers and great accomplishment, the holy achievements of disciples under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are likewise numerous and undeniable.
Holy Accomplishments of Disciples Under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
This is also why leaders of many sects have sought profound dharmas from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, thereby attaining great accomplishment. To name a few well-known accomplished figures:
Elder Puguan of Kaihua Temple at Misty Mountain, the first station of Southern Transmission Buddhism in China, and 13th-generation Patriarch of Golden Summit, Mount Emei — his holy body remained incorrupt.
Elder Zhang Wangtingguo — attained accomplishment of freedom in life and death at age 109; eleven days after parinirvana, fresh blood still flowed from his body like that of a living person.
Elder Yinhai — after passing away, his holy body transformed into a vajra body as hard as stone, an unprecedented holy manifestation in Buddhist history.
Great Master Desi Rinpoche of the Sherpa lineage — attained rainbow body accomplishment.
Dharma Master Tonghui — accomplished the state of Golden Arhat, his holy body remaining incorrupt, now enshrined in gold.
Dharma Master Yongding — possessed vast supernatural powers, traversing freely through the Three Realms.
Elder Wuming — worldly spiritual leader of exoteric Buddhism — holy body remained incorrupt.
Elder Yizhao of Hong Kong’s Zhulin Chan Temple, Dharma heir of the Venerable Master Hsu Yun — also attained great accomplishment.
Additionally, Lobsang Zhenzhu, who mastered the Tripitaka and was champion of the entire Buddhist debate system, achieving the highest Lharampa Geshe degree, also studied dharma under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
In conclusion, no amount of slander or doubt can obscure the truth. The dharma teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, together with the undeniable holy accomplishments of His disciples, stand as living testimony to the authenticity of the Buddha-dharma. Just as Namo Shakyamuni Buddha was not confined to any sect but was the Buddha of all Buddhism, so too is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III universally recognized by Dharma Kings, Regent Dharma Kings, and eminent Rinpoches from every major sect. His Holiness has never sought to prove His own Buddhahood. Instead, He has selflessly devoted His life to guiding sentient beings toward liberation and accomplishment. For those with faith, the truth is luminous and undeniable: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is indeed a true Buddha, manifesting in this world to bring sentient beings onto the path of liberation and enlightenment.
Peace LiLy 