This ancient Buddhist narrative reveals a timeless truth: the value of spiritual wisdom far outweighs any material wealth. It is a powerful reminder to cherish the opportunity to hear and practice the true teachings.
The story begins with the aunt of Shakyamuni Buddha. Out of deep love and devotion, she wove a magnificent robe for him, intricately threaded with gold. It was a labor of heart, an offering fit for an enlightened one.
Yet when she presented it, the Buddha gently advised her to give the robe instead to the entire monastic community—the Sangha.
This puzzled her. The garment was made especially for him. Why give it away?
The Buddha explained with compassion:
“The Field of Merit provided by the Sangha is vast and boundless. Offer it to them, and the virtue you gain will be immeasurable. To give to the Sangha is to give to me.”
Moved by this wisdom, she offered the robe to the monks. Out of humility, none dared to accept it—except Bodhisattva Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Wearing the golden robe, Maitreya went into the city to receive alms. His majestic presence, radiant in that resplendent garment, astonished the townspeople. They were mesmerized—so much so that they forgot to offer him food.
Among them was a master bead-stringer. Captivated, he invited Maitreya to his home for a meal. Afterward, he requested a Dharma discourse.
The artisan listened with such joy and absorption that he forgot everything—including an urgent commission from a wealthy patron who had paid him generously to craft a wedding ornament worth one hundred thousand coins.
When the client’s messengers arrived repeatedly to collect the finished piece, they found him entirely engrossed in listening to the teachings. Enraged, the wealthy man demanded back his jewels and the full down payment.
The artisan’s wife was devastated. Facing such a financial loss, she scolded him bitterly:
“By simply finishing that order, you would have earned a great fortune. Instead, you threw it all away listening to philosophy!”
The artisan felt a wave of regret wash over him.
Sensing this inner turmoil, Maitreya gently asked, “Will you come with me to the monastery?”
The artisan nodded.
Back at the monastery, Maitreya posed a question to the venerable Arhats:
“Which carries greater merit: listening to the Dharma with a joyful heart, or earning a great fortune?”
One by one, the senior monks affirmed that nothing can compare to the merit of hearing the true teachings.
Venerable Kaundinya declared:
“Receiving ten thousand pounds of gold cannot compare to offering even a single bowl of food to a virtuous practitioner. And listening to the Dharma with pure faith—even for a moment—surpasses that merit by hundreds of millions of times.”
Four other Arhats repeated this profound truth.
Finally, Maitreya asked Venerable Aniruddha why this was so.
Aniruddha replied:
“In a past life, I offered just one bowl of food to a Pratyekabuddha. Because of that single offering, for ninety-one world cycles I was reborn as a Heavenly Emperor and a human King, enjoying peace and prosperity. In this life, I was born into the same clan as the Buddha, and came into this world with a natural treasure field forty li wide.”
Hearing this, the bead-stringer felt his regret dissolve. Joy filled his heart. He understood the treasure he had received was far beyond the hundred thousand coins he had lost.
This ancient story is far more than a tale. It invites us to reflect deeply on the power of the Dharma.
Listening to the Truth is not merely an intellectual exercise. It opens the heart. It awakens wisdom. It strengthens the willpower needed to transform our deepest flaws and afflictions.
Material wealth is limited and fleeting. The merit gained from receiving the Dharma is limitless, enduring, and life-changing.
And yet the opportunity to listen does not always come easily. Conditions shift. Circumstances change. None of us can guarantee the next moment of life, much less another chance to sit peacefully and hear teachings that can liberate us from suffering.
When the causes and conditions ripen—when the Dharma reaches our ears—we must listen wholeheartedly.
We must not assume tomorrow will come. We must not assume our hearts are already pure. We must not assume we know enough.
The greatest freedom comes only when we break the cycle of birth and death and attain effortless liberation. Every moment of listening, every spark of understanding, moves us closer to that awakening.
This story encourages us to treasure every opportunity to hear the teachings, to recognize that spiritual wisdom is the greatest wealth of all, and to remember that even a moment of true Dharma listening can bring blessings far beyond the measure of gold.
In this Dharma-ending age, we are truly blessed that an ancient Buddha has come into our world to reveal the authentic, uncorrupted Dharma. The recorded discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III guide practitioners through a clear and progressive path of cultivation, offering incisive teachings that encompass the essence of the twelve divisions of the Tripitaka and the ten divisions of the esoteric scriptures. Nothing is diluted or lost—each teaching preserves the profound meaning of both the exoteric and esoteric Dharma. These discourses illuminate an extraordinary range of topics, from the principles of the Trikaya and the Four Wisdoms of a Buddha to the supreme vajra Dharma of the highest division. They reveal the true realization of the Great Perfection of Ultimate Wisdom, and through the Xian Liang Buddha Wisdom Great Perfection Dharma, disciples may even personally witness the rainbow-body state on the very day the Dharma is transmitted. In both theory and practice, the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III stand complete, perfect, and unparalleled—an immeasurable blessing in this age of fading Dharma.
The hourglass of every life is filled with grains of sand
And through the narrow neck of time our memories all land
Each grain a special yesteryear each grain a dream that’s passed
Lifelong castles built with care in hopes that they would last
Our trips around the dazzling sun are all too precious few
Whether they count twenty-one or even ninety-two
So live your life with purpose and seize each fleeting day
And heed the Good Book’s verses before life slips away
When all of today’s tomorrows have turned to yesterdays
And you add up the joys and sorrows that you faced along the way
In pursuit of life’s bright rainbows and the dreams you dared to dream
The brilliant shooting star shows beyond the moonlit beams
Don’t lose sight of the treasures from which you’d never part
The things that can’t be measured except within your heart
That offer your life meaning and lasting legacy
Your inspiration for dreaming for all the world to see
And as you bid this world adieu and say your last goodbyes
Get showered with the “I love yous” and head toward Heaven’s prize
Take a look around you and count yourself as blessed
For all that you’ve held onto that’s brought you happiness
Your life on Earth will carry on within the hearts and souls
Of the many lives you’ve met along this long and rocky road
From mountains high to ocean shores your journey here is done
So let your wings toward Heaven soar to that home beyond the sun!
“The years of our life are . . . soon gone, and we fly away . . . So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” ~~ Psalm 90:10, 12 (ESV)
“Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day.” ~~ Seneca (First Century)
Most religions have moral and ethical rules and commandments. Buddhism has Precepts, but it’s important to understand that the Buddhist Precepts are not a list of rules to follow.
In some religions, moral laws are believed to have come from God, and breaking those laws is a sin or transgression against God. But Buddhism doesn’t have a God, and the Precepts are not commandments. However, that doesn’t exactly mean they’re optional, either.
The Pali word most often translated as “morality” is sila, but sila has many connotations that go beyond the English word “morality.” It can refer to inner virtue such as kindness and truthfulness as well as the activity of those virtues in the world. It can also refer to the discipline of acting in a moral way. However, sila is best understood as a kind of harmony.
Being in Harmony
The Theravadin teacher Bikkhu Bodhi wrote,
“The Buddhist texts explain that sila has the characteristic of harmonizing our actions of body and speech. Sila harmonizes our actions by bringing them into accord with our own true interests, with the well-being of others, and with universal laws. Actions contrary to sila lead to a state of self-division marked by guilt, anxiety, and remorse. But the observance of the principles of sila heals this division, bringing our inner faculties together into a balanced and centered state of unity.” (“Going for Refuge and Taking the Precepts “)
It is said that the Precepts describe the way an enlightened being naturally lives. At the same time, the discipline of upholding the Precepts is part of the path to enlightenment. As we begin to work with the Precepts we find ourselves “breaking” or defiling them over and over. We can think of this as something like falling off a bicycle, and we can either beat ourselves up about falling—which is disharmonious—or we can get back on the bicycle and start pedaling again.
The Zen teacher Chozen Bays said, “We just keep on working, we are patient with ourselves, and on and on it goes. Little by little our life comes more into alignment with the wisdom that gives rise to the precepts. As our minds get clearer and clearer, it’s not even a matter of breaking or maintaining the precepts; automatically they are maintained.”
The Five Precepts
Buddhists don’t have just one set of Precepts. Depending on which list you consult, you might hear there are three, five, ten, or sixteen Precepts. Monastic orders have longer lists.
The most basic list of Precepts is called in Pali the pañcasila, or “five precepts.” In Theravada Buddhism, these Five Precepts are the basic precepts for lay Buddhists.
A more literal translation from the Pali for each of these would be “I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from [killing, stealing, misusing sex, lying, abusing intoxicants].” It’s important to understand that in maintaining the Precepts one is training oneself to behave as a buddha would behave. It’s not just a matter of following or not following rules.
The Ten Grand Precepts
Mahayana Buddhists generally follow a list of Ten Precepts that are found in a Mahayana Sutra called the Brahmajala or Brahma Net Sutra (not to be confused with a Pali sutra of the same name):
Some Mahayana Buddhists also vow to uphold the Three Pure Precepts, which are associated with walking the path of a bodhisattva. These are:
To do no evil
To do good
To save all beings
The Pali words usually translated as “good” and “evil” are kusala and akusala. These words can also be translated “skillful” and “unskillful,” which takes us back to the idea of training. Very basically, “skillful” action takes oneself and others closer to enlightenment, and “unskillful” action leads away from enlightenment.
To “save all beings” is the bodhisattva’s vow to bring all beings to enlightenment.
The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts
You will sometimes hear of the Bodhisatva Precepts or the Sixteen Bodhisattva Vows. Most of the time, this refers to the Ten Grand Precepts and Three Pure Precepts, plus the Three Refuges:
I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha.
The Eightfold Path
To fully understand how the Precepts are part of the Buddhist path, begin with the Four Noble Truths. The Fourth Truth is that liberation is possible through the Eightfold Path. The Precepts are connected to the “ethical conduct” part of the Path—Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood.
Listening to your body can be something as simple as going to bed when you are tired, stop eating before you are overstuffed, or releasing a yoga posture when you’ve gone beyond your edge. It can also involve more serious things, like preventing your stress levels from exploding into chest pain by saying no, averting an acute pain situation or chronic disease by knowing when to slow down, and respond to pain or discomfort in your body.
For me, theessence of yoga is about listening to your body, mind and emotions and honouring where they are at, because this changes from day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. This listening may involve noticing how your body feels in a particular pose-are your muscles tight, are you feeling a sense of release? How is your breath-do you notice times when you are holding it or breathing faster than you should? How are your emotions-what’s coming up for you; sadness, anger, impatience, or boredom?
I learn so much about myself while on my yoga mat. Through stillness, movement and breath, I have increased awareness of where I’m holding muscle tension and how my nervous system is doing. This mindfulness helps me move through negative emotions, practice self-compassion and often find sweetness underneath the negativity.
Our body and emotions are always communicating, and sometimes it’s very subtle, and unfortunately, we often ignore it. This has happened to me twice in the last year, and honestly, I should have known better. In the spring, during the first lockdown – (what # are we at now?) I continued with my weight workout because my gym was closed. I used light weights and after a few weeks felt they were too light and increased the amount. I started to notice an occasional throbbing pain in my left triceps. I ignored this and continued to ignore it, not making the connection that the heavier weights were taxing my muscles. One night I was awoken by the most excruciating pain, exactly where I felt the original throbbing pain, and it was radiating up to my neck and down to my wrist. Luckily, I was able to see my physiotherapist and chiropractor for treatment, and they felt the pain was connected to an aggravated radial nerve. My doctor prescribed me an anti-inflammatory, and I felt better after the first treatment; however, it took several months until I fully recovered.
You think this would have been a massive wake up call for me to pay attention to subtle changes in my body-the whispers. Nope. Since the recent lockdown, state of emergency, whatever we’re at these days, I committed to going for a long walk or hike every single day because my spirit needed this connection to nature. After a few longer hikes of 2-3 hours through a local conservation area, I noticed a pain in my right glute. It wasn’t severe pain and didn’t last long, so it was easy to brush off. However, it did happen at least 4-5 times, and I completely ignored it, and just over a week ago, I paid for this BIG TIME!!!!
After an active day on January 15th, I noticed a pain in my right hip flexor, went to bed, but didn’t stay long because the pain became too intense. By Saturday afternoon the pain had increased with a vengeance, and I didn’t sleep on Saturday night and woke my husband up at 3 am on Sunday informing him that he had to take me to emergency because I was in that much pain. At the ER they ruled out a few things and thought that diagnosis was piriformis syndrome-irritation of the piriformis muscle. They suggested rest, anti-inflammatories, extra-strength Tylenol and physiotherapy to get back on track. The pain wasn’t being managed, and on Tuesday morning, I had to go to the ER once again because the pain became so severe that I couldn’t walk. This time they focused on pain management and gave me morphine via IV and a script. The pain subsided, and I was able to walk and go home.
By this time, I hadn’t slept for 4 nights and saw my physiotherapist for the first time. He performed a full assessment and didn’t think I had piriformis syndrome and felt that my joint and muscles were functioning well. He thought that I might have overdone it with my hikes and aggravated some muscles and nerves.
I continued with the pain management meds and physiotherapy, and last Saturday afternoon, I noticed that the pain had left entirely. I haven’t had any pain since and still have no idea what caused it, but have some ideas. I believe that my enthusiastic hikes irritated the muscles and nerves in my right hip, and I had plenty of warning that something was up.
I’m so grateful to be pain-free and have the most profound compassion and empathy for anyone dealing with chronic pain. I honestly don’t know how anyone deals with it.
I don’t want to go through something like this again, and I’ve learned my lesson about the importance of listening to my body, not just on my yoga mat, but always.
Our body, breath and emotions are always communicating to us and sending us messages. They usually start as little whispers, and if you don’t pay attention, your body will yell at you loud and clear and force you to listen.
Off the yoga mat, it’s essential to take time throughout your day to slow down, be still and tune in. How does your body feel? Do an emotional check-in. Honour your body, and give it the attention and nurturing that it deserves. Trust your body, its’ wisdom and healing abilities.
In today’s world, our phones are never more than an arm’s length away, and our minds rarely get a moment of true rest. We scroll without thinking, click without choosing, and consume without noticing. But deep inside, many of us feel the same quiet truth—we are losing ourselves in the noise. This post is a small reminder that peace, clarity, and spiritual nourishment are still possible, if we begin to consciously take back our attention.
Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook browsing—what starts as a quick check so easily becomes an hour of mindless scrolling. It’s almost frightening how fast time disappears. Even without TikTok, I can feel the pull of the algorithm shaping my habits, my attention, even my thoughts.
Of course, technology brings wonderful conveniences. We can speak with loved ones across the world instantly, save treasured memories, learn anything we want, and make life easier in countless ways. But lately, I’ve realized something important:
My attention span is scattered. Silence feels uncomfortable. I reach for my phone without thinking. And I’ve begun to wonder—is this what addiction feels like? Knowing you don’t need it, yet still reaching for it anyway?
We all know we’re on our screens too much. But knowing doesn’t free us. Conscious action does.
The Real Cost: What Screen Time Is Stealing From You
This isn’t just about an hour lost to Instagram; it’s about the erosion of the most vital parts of our lives. The time we spend staring into a screen is time actively taken away from meaningful, real-world engagement.
Screen time is truly troubling our lives right now:
We have less time to exercise. The energy required for a twenty-minute workout is often sacrificed for twenty minutes of passive scrolling on the couch.
We have less time to play with kids. Those precious, unrepeatable moments of building a fort or kicking a ball are missed because we’re “just checking” a notification.
We have less time to talk to our parents/partners. Authentic, present conversation is replaced by parallel consumption, sitting next to a loved one while both are immersed in separate digital worlds.
We have less time for deep, restorative sleep. The blue light, the stimulating content, and the mental chatter we absorb right before bed actively hijack our ability to rest.
A Spiritual Perspective: Why Screen Addiction Makes Us Unhappy
In Buddhism and many spiritual traditions, the mind is described as a lake. When the surface is constantly stirred—by notifications, news, entertainment—it becomes muddy. We can no longer see clearly. Wisdom, compassion, and calmness all sink beneath the surface.
Excessive screen time:
scatters the mind through endless stimulation
drains our life-force through constant comparison and craving
steals the quiet moments where insight and peace are born
pulls us away from real presence—real people, real breath, real living
Spiritual masters remind us: “Where your attention goes, your life goes.” If our attention is constantly fragmented, our life becomes fragmented too.
Actionable Suggestions to Reduce Phone & Social Media Time:
Strategy
How It Works
The Friction Folder
Move all tempting social media/entertainment apps into one folder on the very last page of your phone screen. This adds just enough friction to make you pause before opening.
Grayscale Mode
Switch your phone display to black and white. Color is a primary driver of attention and addiction; removing it makes the screen less stimulating and less fun to look at.
Set App Limits
Use your phone’s built-in Screen Time settings to put a hard limit (e.g., 30 minutes) on all social media apps. Once you hit it, the app locks for the day.
The “Phone Bed”
Designate a charging spot outside your bedroom. Use a traditional alarm clock. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for sleep and connection, not consumption.
The “Purpose-First” Rule
Before you unlock your phone, state out loud (or in your mind) what you are picking it up to do (“I am checking the weather,” “I am calling Mom”). Complete the task and immediately lock the screen.
Mindful Practices I’m Recommending:
These are small, spiritual steps to reclaim your mind:
Put the phone out of sight. What the eyes don’t see, the mind doesn’t crave.
Create “sacred screen-free hours.” Mornings or evenings where the mind can rest—like offering ourselves a daily meditation.
Return to the breath whenever the urge to scroll pops up. One breath. One pause. One moment of awareness.
Read again—slowly, intentionally. A physical book becomes a refuge, a temple for the mind.
Replace noise with mindfulness. Walk without headphones. Eat without a screen. Let silence become a friend again.
Remind yourself of impermanence. Every moment spent scrolling is a moment of life we never get back.
Little by little, I’m learning to soften the grip that screens have over me. Not by force, but by nurturing something deeper—presence, clarity, and spiritual freedom.
Do One thing mindfully and intentionally at a time. It’s time to be truly alive again.
The moment I heard that I would be going with Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui to Los Angeles, unspeakable joy arose in my heart. On the way to Los Angeles, a rainbow suddenly emerged from the drizzling sky, emitting beautiful lights of various colors. A white celestial crane seen in the distance flew near and landed at the side of the freeway gazing at us, as if paying us respect. All of these signs expressed auspicious blessings. I strongly sensed that what I had wished for so long was about to come true.
A notice arrived in the afternoon of December 28th. From Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui’s somewhat tense facial expression, I could tell this must be the time for me to pay my respects and visit the Buddha Master. Just as expected, when we stepped into the mandala, I saw H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata sitting upright on the dharma platform. His Holiness appeared so dignified and had an expression of loving-kindness. As I sincerely prostrated myself to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, all I heard was the cordial voice of His Holiness telling everyone to come sit toward the front. I sat beside Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui. Dharma Teacher Jue Hui and Dharma Teacher Ruo Hui also sat with us.
Venerable Dharma Teacher Long Hui reported to the Buddha Master regarding the Buddhist chanting work that had taken place at Hua Zang Si over the past two months. Next, the Buddha Master called my name: “Fa Hai, proceed with what you want to say.” Without knowing why, my mind went totally blank. I felt that my entire body was soaking in a kind of freshness. I remained kneeling with a very straight back, as if I had entered a state of meditation. At this time, I only heard the Buddha Master say, “It is all right. Just speak directly!” Yet, I still could not speak and was silent for another eight or nine minutes. I could sense that the Buddha Master was patiently waiting. Finally, a sound floated out of my mouth: “My karmic affinity with the Buddha Master should have begun ten years ago. Because I could not come to America, I was not able to visit His Holiness. I finally got a visa last year. Only this year did I have the opportunity to visit Hua Zang Si, where I respectfully listened to recorded dharma teachings of the Buddha Master. For more than one straight month, I have listened to the recorded dharma discourses without the slightest sense of tiredness.
This has been the most beneficial and rewarding time of my entire life. The beneficial effects I have experienced can never be expressed in words. I bring my body, speech, and mind to respectfully visit the Buddha Master at this time. Today, I would like to specially request a great dharma from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. I would not hesitate to leap into boiling water or walk on fire in order to obtain this great dharma. I am willing to undergo any test in order to obtain such dharma. I am even willing to sacrifice my own life. It might sound like I am exaggerating, but I truly can do such things.”
Perhaps because I was too nervous or focused, I unexpectedly was not able to express exactly what I meant to say. However, I silently told myself that the Buddha Master definitely understands what I am trying to express and what dharma I am requesting. I still remember that I fasted for a full 21 days in the Philippines in order to obtain this great dharma. This is because I am very aware that in this world only H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III can accomplish this task and announce to the world this great dharma in order to demonstrate the brightness of Buddha and enable the correct dharma to exist in this world forever.
At first, the Buddha Master did not answer my request directly but gave us a profound and important discourse. Only afterward did I realize that this discourse was actually the beginning of His Holiness’s response to my question. His Holiness specifically pointed out the various kinds of confusion and mistakes that have appeared within Buddhism in this current Dharma Ending Age. Some Buddhist sutras contain serious mistakes. What is even more serious is that there are some so-called eminent monks and great virtuous beings who, due to their erroneous understanding and views, seriously misguide others when giving discourses on the dharma. What is even sadder is that believers who do not understand the truth still fanatically follow them and prostrate to them in worship. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III does all He can to correct these heretical ideas and views. However, being limited by the karma of living beings, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III feels that it is very difficult to change the current situation despite His wish to do so. The Buddha Master gave some examples of these heretical ways within both esoteric Buddhism and exoteric Buddhism. These very worrisome examples left me not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
After finishing the discourse, the Buddha Master said to me directly, “Fa Hai, you did not say what great dharma you want to request. Let me say it for you. The dharma you want to request is to film a movie of the Buddha. There really is no one else besides me who can do this because I completely understand the teachings of the Buddha. I can write the script. This movie must be filmed. The only thing is that the karmic conditions this year are not quite mature enough because the script needs to be written and actors need to be found, especially actors who are qualified. As for funding, as long as there is a script, there will be people who will sponsor and invest. Besides, the movie of the Buddha will not be filmed as one undivided whole but will be divided into a series of 100 parts or episodes. Perhaps this is really the right channel. After all, the influence of a book is limited as it reaches fewer people than a movie, which has much more of an international impact. In addition, when we do this, many problems might be solved. We might even be able to build several temples this way!” At this moment, I understood that the discourse just given by H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata on the current chaotic situation within Buddhism illustrated that it is impossible for anyone else to write in a script the authentic doctrines of the Buddha.
Listening to this point, I was really shocked in my heart. I used to pay respect and visit many eminent monks and great virtuous beings. I requested from them great dharma. None of them knew what this great dharma in my mind was that I wanted to request. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is truly magnificent. I did not reveal in the slightest what great dharma I wanted to request. Nonetheless, what His Holiness stated was the exact great dharma in my mind that I wanted to request.
His Holiness then said, “Fa Hai, when you come back from mainland China, I will transmit to you dharma according to the formal rituals of Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. You still have some negative karma. At that time, I will perform an initiation for you and eliminate your karmic hindrances. You will see.” I was totally engulfed in the joy of the dharma. The Buddha Master further said, “On your way here, the rainbow and the celestial crane you saw augured that your future undertakings will be bright. However, behind the brightness lurks darkness, and there are twists and turns on the path. We will soon face some attacks and slander, although those who commit the slander will all end up losing. When A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma is published, no force can obstruct or destroy us because what is in that book are facts.” The Buddha Master finished by saying, “The movie of the Buddha definitely has to be filmed. You see, Fa Hai, your wishes have all been fulfilled. How fortunate you are!”
Actually, there are no words that can express my happiness. There are also no words that can express my gratitude toward H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
I only want to respectfully offer to the Dorje Chang Buddha III my most beautiful spirit, my most beautiful melody, my most beautiful singing voice, and my best wishes. May all those who hear this beautiful melody and singing voice be happy.
I would like to express my special thanks to an anonymous person who ten years ago sent me an express mail package in which a yellow silk scarf was wrapped around the book The Fruits of Pious Devotion and CD’s that had a picture of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III on their covers. It is because of this present that seeds planted ten years ago have borne fruit in the form of my taking refuge in the His Holiness as my Buddha Master and in the form of my witnessing the magnificence of the Buddha-dharma.
Everything I described above is true. I am a Buddhist nun. I accept the karmic responsibility for my words. If what I have stated is false, I will descend into the Vajra Hell. If what I have stated is true, I would like to dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings in the dharma realm so that they will soon realize enlightenment.
Respectfully written by disciple Fa Hai Shi December 30, 2006
The above account was written by Fa Hai Shi. We three humble Buddhist nuns provide the following testimonials.
Encountering an Unusual Occurrence
Basically, whenever people pay their respects and visit H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata, they make good use of their short meeting time by posing prepared questions or by requesting the transmission of dharma. Some groups have really made the best use of their time by requesting answers to problems that have arisen.
From left to right: Ruo Hui Shih, Long Hui Shih, and Jue Hui Shih
However, there was one particular occasion in the afternoon of December 28, 2006 when a dharma teacher from the Philippines, Fa Hai, came to the mandala from thousands of miles away. This was the first time she was granted an audience with H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. When H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III asked her what question she had, I saw that Buddhist nun take a deep breath. She then unexpectedly remained silent as she stared at the Buddha Master with open eyes, sometimes lowering her head. Perhaps all of this was due to nervousness or other factors. At this time, the Buddha Master also did not speak. Seconds and then minutes passed by in silence. Then, that dharma teacher sighed once more and straightened her back, still looking at the Great Dharma King without uttering a sound. Strangely, Dorje Chang Buddha III also remained silent. A moment later, she sighed for the third time but still did not reply to the Buddha Master. The duration of this silence lasted more than eight minutes. This kind of situation had never happened before.
Finally, the dharma teacher spoke. She said she had come with a wish to request a great dharma. If her wish to obtain this great dharma were fulfilled, she said she would dedicate her life to the Buddha-dharma and living beings, even if it meant sacrificing her life. After uttering such words, she again fell into silence without mentioning what dharma she wished to request.
At this time, Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “Do not say anymore. I will give you a discourse.” The Buddha Master pointed out what request was in the mind of this Buddhist nun. That discourse not only enabled us disciples who were there to once again witness the supernatural powers of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, it also enabled us to understand precious dharma principles.
Because I took Dharma Teacher Fa Hai to pay her respects to H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata, I was there and personally witnessed everything that happened. Everything I described above is true. If what I have stated above contains false words, may I never become accomplished in the dharma. If what I have stated above is true, I dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings so that they may soon hear the correct dharma and soon attain liberation and accomplishment.
Buddhist disciple Long Hui Shih
I was present at the time. I hereby confirm that what is stated above is true. If what is stated above is false, I am willing to descend into hell and experience negative karmic retribution. If everything stated above is true, I dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings so that they may soon hear the correct dharma and soon realize enlightenment.
Buddhist disciple, Jue Hui Shih
Everything stated above is true. If what is stated above contains false words, I will not become accomplished in the dharma and will become impoverished and miserable. If what is stated above is true, I wish to dedicate the resulting merit to all living beings so that they may always see Buddha and attain liberation.
Buddhist disciple, Ruo Hui Shih
(This is a complete translation of the Chinese text that follows originally written and signed by Fa Hai Shih, Long Hui Shih, Jue Hui Shih, and Ruo Hui Shih.)
Please see below the answer of whose work is the best amongVincent van Gogh, Qi Baishi, and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
I have spent more than 60 years of my professional life in the field of painting. During the many decades of practice and experiences, I have come to know many famous painters. That is especially the case since I became the Head Consultant for authenticating paintings and calligraphy at the National Museum of China in Beijing. As an appraiser and authentication officer of paintings and calligraphy, the bulk of my work is to verify the authenticity of Eastern and Western paintings. I have reviewed tens of thousands of famous paintings, especially the rare and precious works of the maestro Vincent van Gogh of the Netherlands, and those of the champion of Eastern paintings, Qi Baishi of China.
Both Van Gogh and Qi Baishi were great world-renowned masters in art. One represented the apex of Western art and the other was a master of an extreme class in the field of Eastern paintings. Both artists had drawn from the essence of the classical traditions of their respective cultures. They created new styles of art and new ways of seeing the universe. They broke new grounds and became pioneers of new eras, each becoming a creative guru of his time, developing a distinct style of his own and leading new trends that inspired later generations. Their works reflect the different essences of the Eastern and Western traditions. To what extent can their works influence the artistic civilization of the world? What kind of artistry did they achieve that made them upright monuments in art history and admired by so many people?
Some art critics compared the works of Van Gogh and Qi Baishi to see which of them reached a higher level of accomplishment. They concluded that both have their own merit, both are undefeated champions in the art and both reached the pinnacle of artistry. Recently, some art critics also brought up the oil painting Sunflowers and the ink-wash painting Sunflowers, both created by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and gave them rave reviews. They went on to compare the works by Vincent van Gogh and Qi Baishi with the works by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, trying to establish which of the three artists is the champion of the champions. The result of comparing the works by Van Gogh, Qi Baishi and H.H Dorje Chang Buddha III is tremendously inspiring.
Ever since the Renaissance, Western artists had placed emphases on rational analysis and the realist portrayal of forms. They used light, texture and details to present the realistic, three-dimensional perspective. A few centuries later, Van Gogh rejected the monotony of such use of light and shadow and the realistic portrayal of figures. He pioneered the movement of impressionism that suited him well by applying a mix of colorful, brilliant, splendid and vigorous brushstrokes. He became a great master of his time and his name was forever etched onto the monument of Western civilization and art.
Whenever people think of Van Gogh, they think of his unique character, the sparkles in his eyes that emit lightning, his vigor and his incessant pursuit of inspiration in art without any regard to external hardships. Van Gogh was an artist by birth. He was of exceptional confidence and was somewhat neurotic. Having such traits, he pursued the art that he loved without any reservation or hesitation. He loved his works and regarded everything else with disdain. He preferred to be a loner in the world and did not care to make acquaintance of other painters of his time. His works are full of luminous colors, the brushstrokes are like rising winds and racing clouds in the sky. In his art, he depicted pasture, figures, flowers and other subject matters with brisk colors. Every brushstroke was transformed from his inner emotions. Such emotions were fully and colorfully captured in his Self-Portrait as well as in the transcendental Sunflowers that he painted. These works contain an animated spirit that is deeply moving.
From Van Gogh’s artistic spirit and intent, we can detect that he was profoundly knowledgeable about Chinese ink-wash paintings. Precisely because of this, while depicting forms and applying colors, he employed the skills of using the center tip of the brush and parallel brushstrokes. His Still Life with Bible was created with parallel brushstrokes. In his Self-Portrait, he portrayed his face filled with lines and plaques that are extraordinary. It is not hard for us to discover that he drew inspirations from the substance and essence of Chinese painting in those brushstrokes. That is why Van Gogh is such a distinguished, unparalleled artist of his time and his works are superior to those by the other Western oil painters such as Cezanne, Gauguin or Picasso of the same era.
Van Gogh’s artistic style was closely linked not only to Chinese civilization in the East, but also to the classical Renaissance art, Pointillism, German Expressionism, and Impressionism in the West. Toward the end of his life, he came into oneness with the universe and immersed himself in a carefree state of mind to “follow wherever nature might lead.” As such, he was no longer aware of his own existence. In his mind, there was only the art and the universe. “Following where the nature may lead” is the essence of the ideology of the Chinese philosopher Laozi. Van Gogh cut off his ear with a knife. He lost himself completely in painting. That was his unspoken resentment and rejection of the unfair treatment imposed on him by the society.
Qi Baishi was profoundly knowledgeable about impressionist, fauvist, and realist paintings. By adopting the essence of Western painting and incorporating the traditional spirit of Eastern art, he developed his unique style and became the master of Chinese painting of the twentieth century. His brushstrokes were solid and poised, evincing a sense of power that went all the way through the paper. Using sheep-hair brushes, he elicited calligraphic skills to create his paintings. Qi Baishi’s lines are bold and robust, embodying a forceful spirit that can move mountains. At the same time, these lines are flexible, sturdy and round, with similar qualities to the lines of wire-drawing. His compositions emerged naturally from the spontaneous movement of the brushes. Such compositions are accompanied by vigorous calligraphy resembling the strength, power and fluidity of stone inscriptions.
The artistic concept of spontaneously “following where nature may lead” is precisely derived from Laozi’s philosophy and the artistic civilization of the Chinese ethnicity. Qi Baishi favored the use of white space in his paintings. The white space in black-and-white Chinese ink-wash paintings is considered a solid color. Ink can be differentiated in nine shades (or five shades according to ancient Chinese text.) That is to say, the white of the paper per se and the black of the ink are all considered as colors. There is a sense of meticulous precision in the artworks by Qi Baishi. He depicted insects such as grasshoppers, mantises and butterflies in meticulous and vividly colorful ways. In some of his artworks, the artist was able to express his ideas by putting down just a few brushstrokes without any conscious intent, while arriving at a state of oblivion of his own existence. Anything depicted by his brushes was vivid and vibrant, with the subject matter coming alive on the paper. There is an aura that moves our heart and soul. All in all, Qi Baishi’s paintings were executed with a confident brushwork that naturally achieved a kind of childlike charm.
Recently, some people compared the works by Van Gogh and Qi Baishi with the works by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to see whose works are more superior and outstanding, or will have a broader and more far-reaching influence on later generations. I have viewed quite a lot of the artworks by Van Gogh, Qi Baishi and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. I started the study and appreciation of the paintings by Qi Baishi under the enlightening guidance of my teacher when I was 9, and when I was 14, I began to study and appreciate the works by Van Gogh. It has since been several decades!
At the same time, since I have admired the art of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for a long time, to satisfy my desire and wishes I flew from New York to San Francisco to visit the International Art Museum of America, and to Los Angeles to visit the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum in order to see their collections. I was profoundly impressed by the architecture of both museums which is grand and dignified. Both museums have a collection of the authentic works by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. There are various artworks that are created with different kinds of material. Some are bold and forthright, some are charmingly meticulous and astounding. The oeuvre is not made up of just one single style.
Yet, the only artwork that was not available for viewing is the Sunflowers painted by H.H Dorje Chang Buddha III. When I hear that some art critics are comparing the works by Van Gogh and Qi Baishi with the works by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I naturally feel, from my experience of having studied the works by Van Gogh and Qi Baishi for a number of decades, that although their artistry are similar in levels, it is possible to say who is the best if we are just to compare the sunflowers painted by the three artists, when we include in the compositions, colors, brushwork, lines, vitality, spirit and so on. With all these elements in consideration, it is possible to do the comparison and conclude who painted the best, or in other words, whose works can bring the most joy and delight to people, or whose art will be most influential to the philosophy, artistic concept and entire civilization of this world.
Therefore, without any ambiguity, we concluded. In terms of character and morality, Van Gogh would be the last of the three. In terms of level of skills, Qi Baishi would also be ahead of Van Gogh, who is, however, already the cream of the crop in western civilization. Being the Buddha living in the current century,H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III saves living beings with great loving compassion. He is not embodied in an ordinary being. Needless to say, the level of cultivation of the Buddha is superior to that of Van Gogh and Qi Baishi. In terms of creativity and painting skills, how can any ordinary being even hold a candle to the Buddha? In this way, the comparison result is immediately determined.
When those art critics carried out the detailed research of the Sunflowers by Van Gogh and Qi Baishi as well as H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, they copied the artworks by all three artists. After copying the works by Van Gogh and Qi Baishi, they felt deeply that through hands-on practice, they indeed gained more understanding of their works. It would not be easy but not so difficult either for one to really reach their artistic level. As for the Sunflowers by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, they found it rather difficult to copy. Even though they tried many times, they had a hard time just copying the form, let alone the spirit.
The Sunflowers by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III clearly show the artist’s solid foundation and prolific skills in the Eastern and Western painting traditions. They comprise the essences in both traditions and display a brushwork, sentiment and colors that are one of a kind. The color tones and brushstrokes are rich, dense, soothing and elegant. Lively brushwork paints an animated charm that is whole, evincing a miraculous and expansive spirit and aura as well as a strong vitality. As for the Sunflowers oil painting in which H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III depicted some flowers inside a vase, the artistry is extraordinary and full of variations; the composition is simple yet abstruse. The flowers are natural and gracious, such that they give an impression of unpredictability, reaching a state of oneness with the universe and emanating a sharp animated spirit.
The ink-wash painting Sunflowers by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has an uninhibited, natural, and spontaneous brushwork that is dense, bold, and robust, but also elegant and agile. It exhibits a charm that is like stone and bronze inscriptions. Overall, the whole painting manifests a harmonious and moving imagery, naturally emanating a lively vivaciousness and a carefree, spirited aura.
In comparing the works by Van Gogh of the Western civilization, Qi Baishi of the Eastern culture, and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, we can see the artists are distinguished in their unique own ways owing to their different cultures. However, only the artist who can continue to influence the world two to three hundred years from now will be the everlasting monument. There is a saying, “Talents emerge in every era and they all will each have 500 years of fame!” For people of the present day, the one whose work you like the best would be the one that is the most extraordinary!
Please see the contrast of six paintings below:
Sunflowers by Van Gogh (1)Sunflowers by Van Gogh (2)Sunflowers by Qi Baishi (1)Sunflowers by Qi Baishi (1)Ink-wash Painting Sunflowers by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha IIIOil Painting Sunflowers by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum is pleased to announce its exhibition of “A Rock of Horizontal Charm“, a masterpiece of Yun Sculpture that embodies the spirit of art in a truly dis-tinctive way. In honor of this extraordinary form of art, the museum is offering free admission to the public for a limited time.
“A Rock of Horizontal Charm” was created by the world-renowned and internationally-revered highest leader of Buddhism, H. H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The Yun Sculpture is a piece of original artwork that expresses a unique set of qualities. Various art experts and professors who have viewed the sculpture art say it has surpassed natural beauty and represents a level of perfection that extends well beyond what can be described as superb craftsmanship or inspired artistry.
The H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum is exhibiting A Rock of Horizontal Charm, an unparalleled masterpiece of Yun Sculpture. For a limited time, visitors can receive free admission to the museum and witness the unsurpassed natural beauty of the superb sculpture art first hand.
When viewed from different angles, the Yun Sculpture’s colors, structure, and atmosphere change completely, inexhaustibly transforming in unpredictable ways. Furthermore, it possesses multidimen-sional spatial structures that are complex yet delicate and intricate, and exquisite to the utmost. In addi-tion, its colors—kaleidoscopic and majestic, yet mature and assured—manifest a supernatural, visionary beauty. “A Rock of Horizontal Charm“, alone, is so endlessly variegated that it provides thousands of beautiful vistas.
The astounding beauty of this amazing sculpture art goes far beyond mere words. Therefore, it is no surprise that it has distinguished itself as the “emperor” of the four great Yun Sculptures. In fact, the creation of “A Rock of Horizontal Charm“ is considered to be a miracle in human history because no craftsman in the ancient or modern world—or even high technology—has been able to devise such ex-traordinary works of divine art. Consequently, this original artwork has been designated a “peerless treasure” that cannot be replicated, and the museum has named the room in which it is being displayed, Peerless Treasure.
“Even the “He Shi Bi (the Jade Disc of He) “, recorded in history as a treasure of monumental value, does not fit the title of ‘peerless treasure,’ since it is completely replicable—and if it can be replicated, it is not unique; if it is not unique, it is not peerless,” states the museum’s website. “In fact, any master sculptor’s magnum opus can be recreated; thus, only “A Rock of Horizontal Charm“ is the true peerless treasure.”
Despite an invitation to create an identical replica Yun Sculpture for a $50 million prize, no human sculpture master or technology has successfully duplicated “A Rock of Horizontal Charm“. From this, one can see how H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha lll’s artistic level has far exceeded the summit of sculptural art in human history.
The exhibit featuring “A Rock of Horizontal Charm“ will allow visitors to experience the divine charm of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha lll’s original artwork in person. The unreplicatable sculpture exudes an inex-plicable amalgamation of color, motion, energy and spirit. “A Rock of Horizontal Charm“ has transcend-ed the category of highest human sculptural attainment and entered into the enjoyments of a mystical world.
Located in Covina in East Los Angeles, the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Cultural and Art Museum is housed in a building with a 117-year history. The structure was renovated in 2014 and transformed into the cultural and art museum that occupies the space today. Since then, the museum’s world-class, un-matched treasures have attracted a steady stream of culture and art lovers from around the globe.
The mission of the cultural and art museum is to promote the exceptional accomplishments of an Amer-ican with outstanding talent—H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III—by displaying his achievements in culture, literature, philosophy, art, science, technology, and other fields. Visitors to the museum can learn about the noble ethics and morality of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and the holy character of this magnificent, selfless Buddha who altruistically contributes to society through his vast achievements and who advances world peace as well as the happiness of people. In addition, visitors can be guided by the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and model themselves after him to elevate their own moral character and benefit the public.
About H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has been recognized by the most highly realized practitioners of Buddhism as the third incarnation of the original Buddha, Dorje Chang Buddha. His accomplishments transcend religion, healing and art. As the first in history to manifest real accomplishments in the five vidyas, He meets the highest standard of Buddhism. He is recognized for his devotion to a wide scope of cultural and religious activities, which enrich the lives of people from communities throughout the world. His Holiness has mastered 16 unique painting styles or schools, representing an unprecedented pioneering achievement in the history of art. Additionally, He is the pioneer of a new class of artwork that cannot be duplicated by any living being: Yun Sculpture. Experts predict that His paintings and sculptures will become increasingly valuable.
The Medicine Buddha is a great teacher who purifies all obstacles and brings healing to the world. When the Medicine Buddha was practicing the Bodhisattva path in past lives, he made twelve great vows to relieve the suffering of sentient beings and bring them happiness including curing physical disabilities, relieving poverty, providing material needs, guiding those astray, and liberating prisoners. He is associated with a pure land in the East called Vaiḍūryanirbhāsa, or “Pure Lapis Lazuli”.
On the 29th day of the ninth lunar month, Buddhist disciples worldwide honor the birthday of Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, known as the Medicine Buddha or the Great Medicine King. He is also referred to as the Buddha of Twelve Great Vows, embodying deep compassion and healing. Presiding over the Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli Light in the East, the Medicine Buddha has inspired countless practitioners with his transformative teachings and boundless compassion.
Hua Zang Si, a Buddhist temple in the Mission District of San Francisco, California, held a Namo Medicine Buddha Holy Birthday Dharma Assembly on November 16, 2025. The next scheduled Dharma assembly will be the Namo Amitabha Buddha Dharma Assembly to be held on December 28, 9:30 am.
In recent years, I’ve often found myself reflecting on the pace of our modern world. Everywhere we look, technology advances with breathtaking speed—AI systems that learn in seconds, devices that connect continents instantly, and scientific breakthroughs that would have been unimaginable a generation ago.
And yet, despite all this progress, people still feel anxious, divided, and spiritually adrift. It was during one of these reflections that I came across a profound message from French philosopher Henri Bergson, winner of the 1927 Nobel Prize in Literature. His words, spoken nearly a century ago, resonated deeply with me:
“An increase in the material means at the disposal of humanity may even present dangers unless it is accompanied by a corresponding spiritual effort.”
This single sentence contains a timeless truth.
The Wisdom of Henri Bergson: Progress Requires Balance
When Bergson delivered his Nobel Prize banquet speech in 1928, he had witnessed the sweeping transformations brought by steam power, electricity, and industrialization. Many believed that these innovations would naturally lead to a better, more harmonious world.
But Bergson saw with clarity that outer progress alone is not enough. Without cultivating our inner world—our morality, our compassion, our spiritual understanding—technology can deepen misunderstandings and widen divisions.
How true this remains today.
The Modern Paradox: Hyper-Connection, Inner Disconnection
We live in a time of extraordinary access and convenience:
We can video chat across the planet, yet many feel more isolated than ever.
We scroll endlessly through social media, yet our hearts grow restless and overwhelmed.
We generate more data in a day than ancient civilizations produced in centuries, yet wisdom feels increasingly rare.
Technology connects our devices, but only spiritual cultivation connects our hearts.
Why Spiritual Effort Is Essential Today
1. It grounds us amid the noise.
With information constantly flooding our minds, spiritual practice helps us regain clarity and stay anchored in truth.
2. It builds our inner resilience.
Life will always bring challenges. Meditation, reflection, and ethical living strengthen the mind and heart to navigate them with wisdom.
3. It cultivates compassion in a divided world.
True peace comes not from advanced systems but from understanding, patience, and kindness—qualities only nurtured through spiritual effort.
4. It reminds us of our shared purpose.
Spiritual insight dissolves boundaries, allowing us to see one another not as competitors but as fellow travelers on the path of life.
Bergson’s warning pierces straight into the heart of our time:
If humanity’s material power grows faster than its moral and spiritual maturity, danger follows. But when the two rise together, society finds harmony.
This is not just a philosophical idea—it is a blueprint for a peaceful, sustainable future. Whether through meditation, prayer, study, service, or simple acts of kindness, each of us has the power to elevate our inner life.
Our modern world celebrates speed, innovation, and efficiency. But the deeper question is: Do these advances help us become better human beings?
If spiritual cultivation becomes the guiding compass of our progress, then technology becomes a tool for upliftment rather than turmoil.
As we look toward the future, may we remember:
Our machines may evolve, but our hearts must evolve too.
Our knowledge may expand, but our wisdom must deepen.
Our world may grow louder, but our inner clarity must grow stronger.
Only then can humanity advance not just outwardly, but inwardly—toward peace, wisdom, and true connection.
Peace LiLy 