Category: Experience and Benefits Sharing

The Season of Prevention: Natural Ways to Protect Your Home as Pests Move Indoors

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By Daniel Fusch Contributor

As summer gives way to cooler days and longer nights, a subtle but critical seasonal shift begins inside homes. While many homeowners are busy with back-to-school routines, seasonal cleaning, and the return of structured schedules, rodents and other pests are also preparing to move indoors. As outdoor temperatures drop, these creatures instinctively seek warmth, shelter, and reliable food sources, making people’s homes a prime target. 

Mice and rats are triggered by the shortening daylight and cooling nights, prompting them to search for secure nesting spots. Attics, basements, garages, and wall voids provide ideal zones. By the time the first frost hits, an unnoticed breach in a home can easily turn into a full-blown infestation. “Preventative action in late summer or early fall isn’t only smarter, it’s less stressful and costly than trying to control a problem after it has taken hold,” says Scott deMoulin, CEO of EarthKind, a company dedicated to safe, non-toxic pest prevention. 

This time of the year offers a valuable opportunity for what many refer to as a “home reset.” Much like the fresh start mentality that accompanies the school year, this seasonal rhythm can include natural pest prevention as a key part of household wellness and preparation. However, what does natural prevention actually look like in practice?

EarthKind

EarthKind believes it begins with exclusion. Investing time to seal off entry points around the home is critical. Common access areas include the garage, foundation cracks, utility line entries, attic vents, and dryer exhausts. These often-overlooked gaps act as open doors for rodents, especially when cooler weather sets in. Sealing with durable materials such as steel wool, caulk, mesh screening, or rodent-proofing foam can dramatically reduce the likelihood of unwanted visitors. 

Second, food accessibility must be addressed. Rodents don’t need much to survive. They only need a few crumbs and a place to hide. Hence, kitchens and pantries must be kept meticulously clean. Items like grains, cereal, and pet food should be stored in airtight containers made from glass or thick plastic. In addition, dishes shouldn’t be left overnight. “A clean kitchen is a rodent-free kitchen,” deMoulin emphasizes. 

Unknown to many, moisture is also an attractant. Pests thrive in damp environments, which offer both hydration and shelter. Leaky pipes under sinks, humid basements, and clogged gutters are all red flags. “Think of leaks as an open invitation to pests,” says deMoulin. “Fixing leaks promptly and using dehumidifiers or ventilation in moisture-prone areas can greatly reduce pest survival rates.” 

Finally, outdoor maintenance shouldn’t be neglected. Overgrown shrubbery, piled leaves, and clutter near the home provide perfect hiding spots for pests to stage their invasion. Regularly trimming vegetation, clearing debris, and keeping firewood away from exterior walls creates a hostile perimeter for pests.  

What happens when you do the right things, and pests still find their way in? This is where EarthKind’s product line bridges the gap between prevention and peace of mind. The company’s Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent is a botanical-based pouch designed to repel mice using a blend of plant fibers and essential oils like balsam fir. It’s crafted for those who want results without harsh chemicals or messy cleanup and may last much longer.

EarthKind

EarthKind’s pest control products can integrate seamlessly into natural routines. They can be placed under sinks, in attics, garages, storage closets, and in other areas prone to pest activity. “There’s no killing, no cleanup, and no fear of pets or children accidentally encountering harmful substances,” deMoulin states.  

This philosophy reflects EarthKind’s goal to make every home pest-free without compromise. Founded by Kari Warberg Block, who witnessed firsthand the dangers of conventional pesticides on her North Dakota farm, EarthKind emerged from a desire to harmonize human safety with ecological responsibility.  

Consumers today are increasingly seeking alternatives to toxic pest control, and EarthKind answers that call through its products and a shift in mindset. Scott deMoulin remarks, “Home protection is about cultivating a safe, healthy living space with intention, and it starts with proactive prevention.” 

Link:

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/special/contributor-content/2025/07/29/the-season-of-prevention-natural-ways-to-protect-your-home-as-pests-move-indoors/85425732007/

From Despair to a New Life: How Vegetarianism and the Dharma Gave Me a Second Chance

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In 2019, my world collapsed. I was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma—one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers—at a middle-to-late stage. After a consultation with several medical experts, I was told that even if I underwent surgery, I would only have three or four months left to live. To survive six or seven months would be nothing short of a miracle.

Following the doctors’ advice, I went through surgery. Afterward, however, I made the conscious decision to forgo all other cancer treatments. I knew I had medical insurance that could cover much of the cost, but I questioned whether aggressive treatments would truly give me dignity and quality of life in my final days. Chemotherapy, radiation, and similar methods often do more harm than good, damaging the organs and leaving patients to die not from the cancer itself, but from the effects of over-treatment.

I also thought about something else: if my time was truly so short, I wanted to preserve my remaining healthy organs so that they could be donated to those in need.

When I returned home from the hospital, my health declined rapidly. Every day I lay in bed in pain, but I did not allow myself to sink into despair. Instead, I chose gratitude. I was grateful that when I opened my eyes, I could see the rising sun outside my window. Grateful for each breath of fresh air. Grateful simply for being alive in that moment.

Still, I asked myself: Was my life really destined to end in just a few short months? The answer within me was a resounding No. I wanted to create a miracle.

What gave me this strength was my son. My sudden illness had devastated him, and I could feel how my suffering dragged him into deep sadness. At that moment, I told myself I must rise up—for him, so that he would still have a mother, and also for other patients enduring the same pain, to show them that hope is possible. If doctors had already declared that I had no chance, why not prove with my own body how powerful the human spirit can be? Why not find a way to live with dignity, with quality, and with the least burden?

And then, something incredible happened.

In April 2020, my husband prepared a feast for me with all kinds of fish and meat. Strangely, the moment I looked at it, I felt an overwhelming discomfort in my heart. That very day, I decided to give up meat completely. From then on, I have been a vegetarian, and I know this will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Less than a month later, it was time for my medical review. To my surprise, all my test results had improved dramatically. Even though that same month I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my father, my condition did not worsen. At first, my family opposed my vegetarian choice, but as they watched my health improve, they slowly came to accept it. This only strengthened my resolve. Three months later, the test results were even better. Along with vegetarianism, I began exercising moderately each day and keeping a positive mindset. After six months, all my medical indicators had returned to normal.

Today, apart from being a little weaker in stamina compared to before, I am doing very well. When patients or their families reach out to me online and ask how I got better, I tell them honestly: “A positive mindset + positive energy + vegetarian diet + moderate exercise.”

But vegetarianism gave me more than just a second chance at life. It opened the door for me to encounter the true Dharma.

One day at a banquet, my vegetarianism led me to meet a Dharma sister who had followed H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for many years. She introduced me to Buddhism, giving me the precious opportunity to listen to the Dharma discourses of the Buddha. Through studying the Dharma, I came to understand the law of cause and effect and the deeper meaning of being vegetarian. I realized that it is not merely about food, but about repenting for the harm I once caused to living beings, cultivating compassion for all sentient life, and seeking self-redemption through transforming karma.

I am no longer just a “pure vegetarian” who avoids even milk and eggs. I have become a practitioner who genuinely cherishes and protects all beings. My heart has grown softer, kinder, and more compassionate.

Gratitude fills me every day—gratitude to vegetarianism, which pulled me back from the edge of death; gratitude to the Dharma, which allowed me to encounter the true teachings of the Tathagata; gratitude for the miracles that have appeared throughout my life whenever I was in despair. That is why my online name is “After Darkness, Light.”

Looking back, many people used to say, “How could such a good person like you get this disease?” I once thought I was a good person too. But was I really? Before learning the Dharma, I would kill mosquitoes, flies, and ants without hesitation. I once had an abortion. Only after learning the true Dharma did I realize how heavy those karmic debts were. And what about my past lives? How much more karma have I carried forward?

Now, I understand: the suffering I faced in this life is not unfair—it is the natural result of my past actions. But how fortunate I am, despite all of this, to have encountered the true Dharma and to have a holy teacher guiding me. This is an incredible blessing, one I owe entirely to the compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions.

The reason I am writing this article is because, in a Buddhist study group of more than 400 people, I saw so many “requests for dedication” every day and so much suffering. I felt most of them don’t have the correct view and concepts of Buddhism. That made me want to share my experience, in hopes it may help others. In those lists of dedication requests, I saw too much misfortune and pain—patients with terminal illnesses, those crying out in agony, those with depression and anxiety, those struck by sudden misfortunes, and so on. It made me deeply sad: sentient beings suffer so much! People in this life fall ill or face hardships of all kinds, but these are all karmic consequences ripened from the many unwholesome deeds done over countless lifetimes or in this very life. Each of us must have deep faith in cause and effect. We must understand that sickness and adversity are manifestations of our own karma, and also warnings—opportunities for us to repent and correct our wrongs.

“There is no one else to rely on but ourselves.” What magic cure exists in this world? The only true cure is repentance and cultivation! For patients who request dedication, whether they themselves, their families, or their friends, if they wish for a miracle or at least some relief, then apart from avoiding over-treatment, the only way is for the patient themselves to give rise to deep repentance and truly reform. Therefore, we must learn Buddhism, follow the teachings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: commit no evil, practice all that is good, strictly uphold the precepts, and follow the teachings in our practice.

All that I have written here is based on my own personal experience and feelings. As for the Dharma itself, the standard must always be the teachings personally expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/20/from-despair-to-a-new-life-how-vegetarianism-and-the-dharma-gave-me-a-second-chance/

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/AmK9EoE_axAUP1xLGP-Jiw

Guangsheng Temple — The Hidden Gem of Shanxi’s Ancient Treasures

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Shanxi is often called the cradle of Chinese civilization, a province with one of the richest collections of cultural and historical relics. Guangsheng Temple is part of that story. First built during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), it is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in China. Over the centuries, it has endured wars, fires, and devastating earthquakes, yet it still stands, its beauty renewed through reconstructions in the Yuan (1271–1368) and Ming (1368–1644) dynasties.

The temple complex is composed of three main parts:

  • The Upper Monastery — home to its most famous landmark, the glazed pagoda.
  • The Lower Monastery — housing grand halls and statues.
  • The Water God Temple — known for its remarkable Yuan Dynasty murals.

Rising in the upper monastery is the Flying Rainbow Pagoda (Feihongta), an octagonal, 13-story glazed brick tower reaching 47.31 meters high. Built in 1527 during the Ming Dynasty, it’s an explosion of color in the sunlight. The walls and roofs are covered in multi-colored glazed tiles — deep emerald, golden yellow, sapphire blue, and rich purples — that glisten like jewels, casting rainbow-like reflections on sunny days.

Every tier of the pagoda is adorned with intricate glazed reliefs — Buddhas in serene meditation, fierce guardian kings, bodhisattvas in flowing robes, mythical beasts, and dragons coiled in eternal motion. Inside, the foundation hall houses a five-meter-tall bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, radiating quiet majesty.

This pagoda is not only beautiful — it’s a survivor. It withstood the catastrophic 1556 Shaanxi earthquake and the 1695 Pingyang earthquake, both exceeding magnitude 8.0. Its resilience is as awe-inspiring as its artistry. In 2018, it was recognized by the London-based World Record Certification as the tallest multicolored glazed pagoda in the world.

Murals of the Yuan Dynasty — Life Painted in Color

The temple’s murals are a vivid window into the Yuan Dynasty. In the Water God Temple, nearly 200 square meters of wall space is alive with color: scenes of divine processions, farmers at work, musicians playing, and children at play. One remarkable panel shows “Cuíwán” (捶丸) — a sport similar to golf — offering a glimpse into pastimes of the Yuan era.

The mural on the gable wall of the Great Hall of Sakyamuni Buddha in the lower monastery is equally stunning, painted with an expressive style that blends religious devotion with snapshots of daily life. Researchers prize these works for their artistry and for the wealth of cultural detail they reveal — clothing, architecture, social customs — all preserved in pigment for more than 700 years.

The Zhaocheng Buddhist Canon — A Literary Treasure

In 1930, during restoration work, the temple revealed another extraordinary surprise—a cache of ancient relics now preserved in the Shanxi Museum. These included Buddhist scriptures, statues, and ritual objects, some dating back hundreds of years earlier. Printed during the Yuan Dynasty, this monumental project took 24 years and the collaboration of countless monks and artisans to engrave the wooden printing blocks. The texts preserve Buddhist thought, philosophy, and art from centuries ago, making them one of China’s most precious Buddhist literary relics.

The discovery deepened Guangsheng Temple’s reputation as one of the great guardians of China’s Buddhist heritage.

Today, whether you approach as a pilgrim, an art lover, or simply a traveler drawn by curiosity, the moment you first see the rainbow-like shimmer of the Glazed Pagoda through the mountain mist is unforgettable. It is not merely a structure—it is a bridge between centuries, a beacon of faith, and a reminder that beauty, once created with devotion, can endure against time itself.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/15/guangsheng-temple-the-hidden-gem-of-shanxis-ancient-treasures/

Source: http://shanxi.chinadaily.com.cn/2022-05/06/c_748899.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Childlike Delight — A New Vision of the Owl

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Owls have always fascinated me with their air of enigma. Creatures of the night, they rest in the shadows by day and emerge only after dusk, rarely granting humans more than a fleeting glimpse. Across cultures, they have inspired legends both wondrous and foreboding. In ancient Greece, the wise and fearless goddess Athena chose the owl as her emblem, making it an enduring symbol of wisdom. So revered was this bird that Greek coins bore Athena’s face on one side and the owl on the other. Yet, in other parts of the world, the owl has been shrouded in darker associations, seen as a harbinger of misfortune or an omen of ill will.

In Chinese culture, the owl’s symbolism is particularly layered—holding both shadows and light. In ancient times, owls were often viewed as inauspicious creatures, linked to misfortune, death, and the old saying, “When the night owl enters a home, it never comes without cause.” And yet, in certain cultural contexts, they also stand for wisdom, keen insight, and even mysterious, almost magical power.

A Chinese ink painting by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

When most people picture an owl, they think of its round, unblinking eyes and penetrating gaze—features that can feel cold, even intimidating. But my perception shifted entirely when I encountered the Chinese ink painting Childlike Delight by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

This is no ordinary artwork. With the freehand grace of traditional Chinese brushwork infused with a touch of dreamlike realism, it bridges the poetic subtlety of Eastern art and the fresh, luminous clarity of Western modernism.

With just a few effortless strokes, the artist creates a whimsical, pure, and gently humorous world—a dreamscape that seems to invite the viewer into the peaceful slumber of childhood. The small owl, covered with delicate ink spots of varying sizes and shades, appears almost as if glimpsed through a soft morning mist. Look closely, and you might see the tender image of a sleepy child, finger to lips, caught in that sweet moment before surrendering to dreams.

This is not a literal portrayal of nature, but rather nature reflected through the artist’s own heart—capturing not merely the physical form of a creature, but its spirit, vitality, and essence.

Here, the owl is reborn—not as the ominous figure of superstition, but as a symbol of innocence, purity, and quiet wisdom. The artist’s compassionate and unblemished inner world radiates through the painting, gently cleansing the heart of the viewer until it feels as fresh and clear as morning dew.

Childlike Delight reminds us that we can close the sharp, competitive eyes of rivalry and open instead the eyes of kindness, innocence, and warmth—gifts that have the power to heal, to inspire, and to light the world.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/15/childlike-delight-a-new-vision-of-the-owl/

Thirty Million Words: How a Parent’s Voice Shapes a Child’s Future

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“Imagine a child’s brain as a garden. Every word you speak is like a drop of water nurturing growth.”

One cold winter morning in 1995 at a Chicago hospital, Dr. Dana Suskind, a cochlear implant surgeon, held the small hand of a boy who had just undergone surgery. Technically, the boy could now hear. Yet weeks passed, and he still didn’t speak a word. Dr. Suskind wondered—what was missing? She discovered that while technology could restore hearing, it could not replace something even more vital: the daily language environment a child grows up in. Without rich and loving conversation, the boy’s world remained silent in a deeper sense.

This experience led Dr. Suskind to research the profound role parents play in shaping their children’s language and cognitive development. She founded the Thirty Million Words (TMW) initiative, inspired by a groundbreaking 1995 study by child development researchers Betty Hart and Todd Risley. Hart and Risley discovered a striking reality: by the age of three, children from higher-income families had heard about thirty million more words than children from lower-income families.

From birth to age three, a child’s brain forms 1 million neural connections every second. Every conversation is brain-building—especially when it’s warm, eye-to-eye, and responsive.

Quantity matters—more words create more neural connections.

Quality matters more—it’s not just talking to a child, but engaging with them in responsive conversations.

Children who heard more words also experienced more encouraging interactions, richer vocabulary, and emotionally supportive tones from their parents. Meanwhile, children who heard fewer words were often exposed to more negative or directive language (“Stop that!” “Don’t do this!”) and fewer warm, conversational exchanges. By the time these children entered school, the gap had already set the stage for differences in learning, confidence, and future opportunities.

Dr. Suskind’s TMW initiative encourages parents to intentionally fill their children’s early years with abundant, meaningful, and loving conversation. She emphasizes the Three T’s:

  1. Tune In – Notice what your child is focused on and talk about it.
  2. Talk More – Use a rich variety of words to describe, explain, and explore the world together.
  3. Take Turns – Engage in back-and-forth conversation, even before your child can speak words.

For example:

  • Instead of saying, “Don’t touch that!” try: “That’s sharp, sweetie. Let’s find something safer to play with.”
  • Instead of a quick “Good job,” you might say: “I love how you stacked those blocks so high! You worked so carefully.”
  • During a walk, point to things you see—“Look at that big red leaf!”—and let your child respond, even with just a gesture or sound.

But there’s another crucial element—how you speak. A gentle tone, warm facial expressions, and genuine interest create an emotional space where a child feels safe and valued. Neuroscience shows that when a child feels emotionally secure, their brain is more receptive to learning and language development.

Dr. Suskind’s work reminds us that parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers—not because of expensive toys or formal lessons, but because of the warmth, curiosity, and attention they share through conversation.

You don’t need a degree or a script. Your voice, attention, and curiosity are enough. Whether in the supermarket, on a walk, or during bedtime, every exchange plants seeds for your child’s future thinking, confidence, and empathy.

The goal isn’t to force constant chatter but to weave language naturally into your shared life—reading together before bed, singing songs in the car, talking about the day while cooking dinner. Over time, these small, daily moments accumulate into millions of words, building both vocabulary and a deep sense of connection.

The Thirty Million Words message is clear: Every word you speak to your child is a gift that shapes their mind and heart.

Because one day, those little ears won’t just remember the words you spoke—they’ll carry the mindset, resilience, and love you planted with them.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/14/thirty-million-words-how-a-parents-voice-shapes-a-childs-future/

The Achievements in Inner Realization Vidya by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

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H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the true incarnation of the primordial Buddha. Buddha’s Inner Realization Vidya is unbounded and infinite, which is Buddha’s natural realization capacity. Such an immense realization capacity can only be understood by the Buddhas of ten directions. We ordinary people cannot really know much about it, except that we can see that it is as deep, profound, immense, and infinite as the universe when looking at the holy miracles that are practically demonstrated by the Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha has once revealed the treasured imperial palace on the tip of a hair, or so we are told when reading the Buddhist sutras. What a scene that must have been! We can only yearn for it, but we cannot see it in person. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, with His great compassion for all living beings, manifests innumerable holy miracles of wonderful state in the present time. All of us Buddhist practitioners who have the karmic affinity and a pious heart can have the fortune to witness them and therefore know the greatness and truthfulness of Buddha Dharma!

        What is listed below are only some real examples. They are all the true Buddhist holy miracles that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has manifest. Many Buddhist disciples have witnessed them in person and sworn. From these examples, one can clearly know that the realization capacity of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is that of a Buddha. No one else in the entire Saha World can reach His level!

  1. Buddhas bestowing Amrites instance I: On the Buddha’s Birthday in 2001, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (known as Great Dharma King Yange Yishi Norbu at that time) held three Dharma assemblies and invited Limitless Life Buddha (Amitayus Buddha, 長壽佛) and Jewel-Born Buddha of South (Ratnasambhava Buddha, 南方寶生佛) to separately bestowed Amrites inside the dharma bowl, which were wondrous and miraculous beyond compare. The Amrites and shariras quickly piled up and, within 20 seconds, formed a two-foot-tall dharma pillar that is large on the top and small on the bottom. Over 200 Buddha’s Shariras of many colors flew around with the Amrites in the air and fell on the dharma pillar. The venerable elder monk Wuming, Losang Zhenzhu Rinpoche, Shi Longhui, the venerable elder monk Yizhao, and several hundred Buddhist disciples were present to witness it.

2. Buddhas bestowing Amrites instance II: On an auspicious day in the early twenty-first century, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III administered a Dharma Assembly in Los Angeles, USA. Buddhist disciple Shi Longhui personally washed clean a purple-gold copper bowl and put a cover on it. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III then practiced the Dharma. After a while, several streaks of red light shone from the sky and shot into the bowl. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III announced at that time that Amitabha Buddha had arrived in person. People immediately went outdoors and saw Amitabha Buddha walking in steps on lotus flowers in the air. When the Dharma Bowl’s cover was removed, the inside that had been washed clean and empty was now filled with true Amrites that were bestowed by the Buddha. The Amrites were bouncing in the bowl, and there was an exotic fragrance that filled the air. It is definitely not something from this world. At that time, over one hundred colorful shariras fell from the sky. That Dharma Assembly was videotaped for evidence.


3. The Great Dharma to Restore Youth: On October 18, 2012, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III manifests himself in a depleted old man’s look after having been practicing a Dharma to shoulder the sinful karma for living beings for three months. But in order not to make Buddhist disciples lose their determination to cultivate themselves should they see it, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III reluctantly returned to youth in front of the public within ten minutes. His wrinkles completely disappeared, and His skin became smooth and shiny as if He had undergone a complete change of physical body. He turned into a young person who was handsome, majestic, and youthful. A lot of people witnessed this incredibly great Dharma in person and swore to it.


4. Knowing In Advance and Foretelling: It was a bright, sunny day at Hotel Temozon Sur in Merida, Mexico on May 19, 2014. There was not a single bird by the water pond in the hotel. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III foretold that there would be many, many little birds gathering on the pond to dance in a few minutes, and it would start raining very hard at the same time, but the rain would not drive the birds away. Two minutes later, sure enough, many birds gathered on the water to dance, and a big rain ensued. The birds continued to dance on the water in spite of the rain. All the people who were present saw it with their own eyes and swore to it. The entire event was also videotaped for evidence.


5. The Holy Selection of One Hundred Bright Dharma Gates in Complete Dark (百法明門黑關擇決): On a certain auspicious day in 2013, an anonymous Tremendously Holy Guru, who is a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s but would not be revealed, was invited to administer a Holy Selection of One Hundred Bright Dharma Gates in Complete Dark for Zhenda Ruzun. The high-level Great Dharma of Holy Selection in Complete Dark to make the determination for the dharma master is superior to the Dharma of Inquiry by Flying the Paper Pieces (飛籤問訊), Holy Selection by way of Marnyi Stones (瑪尼石擇決), or Holy Selection by Vajra (金剛擇決). That Dharma Assembly determined the status of Zhenda Ruzun. In the Dharma Assembly, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III also performed the Dharma of Knowing in Advance and Foretelling for that anonymous Tremendously Holy Guru. He precisely and without an error foretold three times. Several hundred people witnessed that holy feat at the scene.

6. The Dharma of Holy Fire Offering: On September 19, 2018, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III administered the great Dharma Assembly of the Holy Fire Offering at the Holy Miracles Temple in Los Angeles, USA. The Vajra Maternity Buddha (金剛佛母) arrived in person and lit the fire from the space. The flame in the caldron was raging in a split second. Many people witnessed it.

7. The Dharma Assembly of Terma with Instant Verification (現量伏藏法會): In early 2019, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III presided over the Dharma Assembly of Terma with Instant Verification at the Holy Miracles Temple in Los Angeles, USA, in which an anonymous Yuzun, who is a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s and would not reveal Herself, performed the Dharma. There was one holy item, known as the Terma, among ten identically-looking items, which were wrapped with identical material in exactly the same way and covered by ten identical bowls separately. The Yuzun pointed out the Terma from the ten identical bowls precisely without an error several times consecutively. That Dharma Assembly was attended by a few hundred people who witnessed it with their own eyes.

8. At the Holy Miracles Temple of Los Angeles, USA, on February 9, 2020, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III demonstrated His supreme physical strengths by lifting a 434.8-pound Vajra Pestle with only one hand in public. He lifted the pestle in the air for 13 seconds before placing it back down on the platform, surpassing the top strong man of the world by 59 levels! A Vajra King of Great Strength who lifts a pestle onto the platform using one hand can pass the standard by up to 30 levels and that would be considered the very top. That is, no matter what kind of a king of strong man, a Tremendously Holy Guru, an Equal Enlightenment Bodhisattva or a Marvelous Enlightenment Bodhisattva one maybe, one’s top limit is surpassing the standard by 30 levels. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, on the other hand, could lift the Vajra Pestle with a weight of 434.8 pounds, which was 59 levels over the standard, with only one hand for 13 seconds. He was truly the unprecedented Vajra King of Super Strength in this world. The Holy Virtuous Ones say that the record made by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is unprecedented, they also can foretell that it will never be repeated by anyone in the future because it is the innate quality of a Buddha.

       

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has infinite great kindness and compassion. To benefit living beings, He also presided over uncountable holy great Dharma assemblies, in addition to the ones mentioned above. Every time when He held a holy Dharma assembly, the corresponding Dharma purpose of the Dharma assembly was always fulfilled perfectly, and Dakinis, Dharma-guarding Deities, Yidam(s), Great Bodhisattvas and/or Buddha(s) always arrived at the scene in person and manifest corresponding holy miracles to show the greatness of Buddha Dharma. These Dharma Assemblies include the Holy Dharma Assembly to Bath the Buddha (勝義浴佛法會), the Dharma Assembly to test on Establishing Mandala Over a Stone Slab (隔石建壇考試法會), the Dharma Assembly of Celebrating the East-Bound Trip of Imparting Dharma (東行說法慶典法會), the Dharma Assembly of Initiation with Bodhi Vajra Seed (菩提金剛種子灌頂法會), the Dharma Assembly of Testing on the Holy and Virtuous Ones(考聖德法會), the Dharma Assembly of State-Practice Initiation of the Horse Stable Terma (境行馬鵬伏藏灌頂法會), the Dharma Assembly of Making the Holy Daba Buqiong Pills (煉制打靶不窮丸法會), the Dharma Assembly of Making the Kadra Ande Pills (煉制卡卓安得丸法會), the Dharma Assembly of Holy Selection of Affinity by Knowing in Advance and Foretelling (先知預言擇緣法會), and so on and on. How could these Dharma Assemblies be successful, if it wasn’t for the realization capacity from a Buddha?

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/08/the-achievements-in-inner-realization-vidya-by-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

Living with Wolves: A Wild Artist’s Journey of Love, Respect, and Coexistence

linda chang1 Comment

If you are willing to look with your heart, you will see starlight in a wolf’s eyes.

On this planet, humanity is not the only protagonist.
Every forest, every river, every creature shares the same sky and breath with us. True civilization is not the conquest of nature, but the choice to live in harmony with it.

Li Weiyi, a wildlife animator, has spent years drifting between forests and grasslands, sketching the fleeting emotions in an animal’s eyes and the untamed spirit in its movements. Her brush captures not just form, but soul. Gentle and perceptive, she treats animals as friends and believes, with unshakable conviction: all beings are equal.

The Call of the Grassland

In April 2010, she arrived in the vast Ruoergai grasslands of Sichuan. The wind bent the grass like waves, silver mountains gleamed under the sun, and the openness was almost intoxicating. But behind the beauty was a brutal truth—conflicts between humans and wildlife were pushing many animals toward tragedy.

Then she heard a story that broke her heart.
A male wolf, desperate to feed his mate who had just given birth, ventured into a human settlement in search of food. He was caught in a trap, killed by herders, and skinned. His mate waited for days before realizing he was gone. In grief, she ate poisoned bait and followed him in death, leaving six starving pups behind.

Li Weiyi resolved to find them. Days of searching through freezing wind and endless grass finally brought her to the den. Five pups had already died. The last survivor lay weak and trembling, barely breathing. When she whispered, it crawled toward her with eyes full of trust. At that moment, she became its only family.

She named him Green—for the color of the grasslands, for life, hope, and freedom.

Life Between a Woman and a Wolf

In Chengdu, Green grew into a curious, spirited companion. He swam instinctively the first time he fell into water, learned to press the TV remote with his paws, and loved wolf documentaries—howling whenever his kind appeared on screen.

But a wolf will always be a wolf. Green chewed through wires, stole raw meat from neighbors, and refused a leash with stubborn pride. On the streets, he walked with head held high, as if declaring to the world: I am a wolf, not a pet.

A walk with a stray dog ended in tragedy when the dog was hit by a car, sending Green into a panicked dash through traffic. Authorities warned Li Weiyi that Green could no longer live in the city.

Preparing for the Return

She briefly considered a zoo, but one look at an old wolf with dull eyes, torn ears, and walls scarred with escape attempts ended that thought. She sold her home, bought an off-road vehicle and a camera, and returned to the Ruoergai grasslands with Green to begin his rewilding.

There, he sparred with Tibetan mastiffs, relearned the fight for survival, and endured nights of hunger in temperatures as low as –15°C. Li Weiyi stayed by his side through it all, determined to awaken the wolf within him.

Parting and Return

One month later, Green’s howl was answered by a wild pack. He walked toward the mountains, pausing to look back, eyes filled with reluctance. Li Weiyi waved him on, tears blurring her vision, and he vanished into the snow.

He became a ruler of the grassland, fathering pups of his own—but three were killed by humans, a grim reminder that coexistence was still far away.

Two years later, she saw him again from a distance, carrying hares—her favorite food. He stood watching her, not approaching. He belonged to the wild now. His eyes held both sadness and something unspoken.

Li Weiyi began returning to the grassland each year to help wolves like Green survive. And in August 2020, after a decade of intertwined lives, Green ran back into her arms. She held him tightly, tears streaming—warmth, reunion, and harmony made flesh.

Li Weiyi turned her story into the book and film Back to the Wolf Pack. It ends with a haunting question:

“We can rescue a wolf, but can we change the fate of the entire pack?”

This is not only a question for wolves—it is a question for humanity. Every time we expand our territory, every time we place our wants above the needs of other life, we risk silencing the very voices that make this planet alive.

We are not the masters of the Earth. We are one part of a vast, breathing community of life.

In 2020, China’s first wild wolf sanctuary was established—a small but hopeful echo of Li Weiyi’s ten years of dedication. But the work is far from over.

If we truly wish for harmony with nature, it begins with a choice—to see, to care, and to act—before the howls fade forever.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/08/living-with-wolves-a-wild-artists-journey-of-love-respect-and-coexistence/

Source: https://www.sohu.com/a/355779509_99965884, https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_20560520

Plato and Socrates on Love, Marriage, and Happiness: Timeless Lessons for Life

linda changLeave a comment

What is love?
What is marriage?
What is happiness?

These are questions that have echoed through time. The Greek philosopher Plato once asked his teacher Socrates these very questions. The answers he received were not in the form of lectures or definitions, but through simple, thought-provoking experiences that revealed profound truths about life.

What Is Love?

When Plato asked, “What exactly is love?” Socrates didn’t reply with words. Instead, he told Plato to walk through a wheat field and pick the biggest, fullest ear of wheat he could find. There was only one rule: he could pick only once, and he couldn’t turn back.

Plato returned empty-handed.

“I saw some very large and golden ears of wheat,” he explained, “but I kept thinking that there might be an even better one ahead, so I didn’t pick any. As I walked further, none of the wheat looked as good as what I had already passed. In the end, I walked out with nothing.”

Socrates smiled and said, “That is love. We often think something better lies ahead, so we pass by the one who may have been most right for us. And when we finally realize it, it’s too late to turn back.”

What Is Marriage?

Next, Plato asked, “Then what is marriage?”

Socrates responded, “Walk through the forest and cut down the biggest, strongest tree to use as a Christmas tree. Remember—you may only choose once, and you cannot turn back.”

This time, Plato returned with a tree that wasn’t the tallest or thickest, but still sturdy and pleasing.

When Socrates asked why he had picked it, Plato said, “I remembered the lesson from the wheat field. When I saw this tree and thought it was good enough, I cut it down. I was afraid that if I kept looking, I’d again end up with nothing. It may not be the best, but it’s mine—and I’m content with it.”

Socrates nodded and said, “That is marriage. It may not be perfect, but it’s real, reliable, and something you can walk through life with.”

What Is Happiness?

Finally, Plato asked, “What is happiness?”

Socrates told him to walk through a meadow and pick the most beautiful flower he could find, again under the same rule: choose only once, and no turning back.

After some time, Plato returned with a lovely flower in his hand.

Socrates asked, “Is this the most beautiful flower you saw?”

Plato answered with certainty: “When I saw this flower, I felt it was the most beautiful, so I picked it. Even though I saw other beautiful flowers later, I didn’t regret my choice. I stayed firm in my decision. This one, to me, is the most beautiful.”

Socrates smiled and said, “That is happiness. When you choose to see something as your happiness and cherish it, happiness is already yours.”

Through these three simple parables, Plato came to understand love, marriage, and happiness—not as things to chase endlessly, but as choices to recognize, embrace, and be content with.

  • Love is like the perfect ear of wheat you keep hoping to find ahead, only to realize—often too late—that what you passed by may have been the best match for you.
  • Marriage is like the tree that may not be flawless, but stands strong with you through the everyday winds and storms of life.
  • Happiness isn’t about always having the best. It’s about choosing something, valuing it, and finding contentment in it.

In a world driven by comparison, desire, and constant pursuit of “more,” true happiness arises when we stop looking outward and begin appreciating what we already have. When we make peace with our choices and nurture them with gratitude, we come to see: we already possess love, marriage, and happiness in their truest forms.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/05/plato-and-socrates-on-love-marriage-and-happiness-timeless-lessons-for-life/

The Miraculous Healing Vidya of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

linda changLeave a comment

Whenever people speak of the healing vidya accomplishments of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata, they cannot help but marvel at His extraordinary healing power. There was even a terminal-stage cancer patient who, under the empowerment of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, recovered miraculously and went on to live another twenty or thirty years—now as strong as ever.

Yet, to say that the healing vidya only refers to curing human diseases is an incomplete understanding. Healing illnesses is just a small aspect of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s vast realization in this field. According to the true teachings of the Buddha, such an understanding is only the narrow definition of healing vidya. The full scope, as expounded by the Buddha, refers to the ability to repair or restore anything that is broken or malfunctioning, whether it pertains to sentient beings or non-sentient objects.

Here, I would like to share two extraordinary incidents I personally witnessed, which reveal the profound and inconceivable realization of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

A Personal Vow

Before I recount these events, I must make a solemn statement. I vow that everything I am about to share is true and based on my direct personal experience. Nothing is fabricated. Some may dismiss vows as unnecessary, but only those who speak the truth dare to make such a vow. Otherwise, who would want to bring negative karmic retribution upon themselves for making false claims? Life is already full of suffering—why would I invite more? Many great virtuous ones in history, such as Zen Master Yongjia, made vows to affirm their sincerity. I now do the same:

If anything I state below is false or fabricated, I willingly accept all negative karmic consequences. If everything is true, may these stories inspire beings to seek the authentic Buddha-dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and pursue the path to liberation.

Incident One: The Calligraphy Restored

One day, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III created a poem in His signature calligraphy for each of ten faux jade plates. His Holiness’s calligraphy is truly exceptional—elegant, unworldly, and pure, reflecting His unique style and spiritual realization. Every piece was a masterpiece.

To have the calligraphy carved onto large wooden boxes housing the jade plates, I took the original works to Kinko’s to make enlarged copies. Kinko’s was the only place with machines capable of copying works up to four feet in size. Because the calligraphy was on delicate rice paper, I handled it with great care. Even so, while copying the third piece, disaster struck—the printer jammed, and the paper was mangled and torn, smeared with ink. I was devastated. Fearing more damage, I stopped copying and returned home.

Although it was already nighttime, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was just having His lunch. I brought the damaged piece to Him. After seeing it, He said calmly, “After I finish eating, I will heal it.”

True to His word, the Buddha Master cleaned and restored the damaged calligraphy. It looked flawless—completely whole, with no trace of damage or ink smears. I couldn’t understand how the ink stains vanished, especially since rice paper dissolves when it comes into contact with water. How could it have been cleaned and restored so perfectly? Yet, that’s exactly what happened.

Incident Two: The Broken Printer

The second incident took place in December 1998. A fellow disciple, Heng Sheng Rinpoche from Taiwan, had brought a cutting-edge Mitsubishi printer to Shenzhen. This machine could print A4-sized photos directly from a video camera and was the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia at the time. When it was first set up, it worked flawlessly, producing beautiful prints. I was the only person operating it.

Later, the printer began producing images with lines, color distortions, or patches—rendering the photos unusable. I must have unknowingly pressed something that changed the settings. I tried troubleshooting using the manual, but the problem persisted. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, upon seeing this, expressed disappointment. I tried everything I could but failed to restore the machine to working order.

We contacted Heng Sheng Rinpoche, who then arranged for a technician from the manufacturer to travel from Hong Kong. The technician was confident at first, but after hours of attempts, he was forced to admit defeat. He told us that since this was a brand-new model, the only solution would be to send it back to Japan for repairs. But we were in urgent need of the printer.

At that moment, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “Let’s check it.” His Holiness sat on a sofa beside the wall, while I sat on the floor next to the printer. Normally, His Holiness would not spend time on such tasks due to His busy schedule. He asked me to explain the machine’s functions and settings. Each photo required inputting four sets of complex numbers—more intricate than a safe combination.

His Holiness then gave me a sequence to try. It didn’t work. Then another—slightly better, but still had color lines. On the third attempt, the printer output a sheet that was completely black. To my surprise, the Buddha Master laughed joyfully and exclaimed, “Good! Good! It’s successful!”

I was confused. A black page? How was that a success?

Then H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III quickly gave me another set of numbers. I entered them. As soon as the photo began to print, I could already see vibrant, beautiful colors emerging. The final image was perfect—just like the first print we made when the machine was brand new.

Here’s the most astonishing part: The Hong Kong technician and I had both previously tried that same set of numbers without success. Why did it suddenly work under His Holiness’s instruction?

I remember the photo clearly—it was of Daxila Rinpoche, a Dharma King of the Kagyu Xueba lineage, and a highly accomplished master. I even wrote the numbers on the back of that photo as a record. The photo reproduced in this book was scanned from that very print.

I had hoped to take the printer with me when I left Shenzhen, but it was not possible. As the Buddha taught, “All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows.” Indeed, this experience left me with much to reflect upon.

Consider this:

  • The machine was cutting-edge technology, just released.
  • The manufacturer’s own technician could not repair it.
  • H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III restored it in just three tries.
  • He even foresaw success after a seemingly failed (black) printout.

This is not ordinary skill. This is a manifestation of supreme Buddha-dharma wisdom—mastery of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and unparalleled realization of the Five Vidyas. What else could it be?

Buddhist disciple, Long Zhi Tanpe Nyima
April 23, 2006 in America

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/01/the-miraculous-healing-vidya-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

Source: https://www.tpcdct.org/sites/default/files/media/186.pdf, https://asianjournal.com/life-style/arts-culture/the-pope-of-buddhism-his-holiness-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

A Small Gift, A Big Dream: The Story Behind Temple University

linda changLeave a comment

Sometimes, the smallest gifts carry the greatest meaning—and plant the seeds for something extraordinary.

In the late 1800s in Philadelphia, a little girl named Hattie May Wiatt was heartbroken. She loved attending Sunday school at Grace Baptist Church, led by Reverend Russell H. Conwell, but the room was too small to hold all the children who wanted to come. Some Sundays, children were turned away for lack of space. Hattie dreamed of a bigger Sunday school where every child could learn and feel welcomed.

Determined to help, Hattie began saving what she could. Little by little, she set aside pennies, nickels, and dimes—eventually saving up 57 cents. It was a humble offering, but a heartfelt one. Sadly, Hattie became ill and passed away at just seven years old before she could see her dream come true.

After her passing, her mother brought the small purse of coins to Reverend Conwell, explaining Hattie’s wish. Deeply moved by the child’s devotion and generosity, Reverend Conwell shared Hattie’s story with his congregation. Her simple act of love touched hearts far and wide.

Inspired by her story, the congregation began to give. Donations poured in. That small sum of 57 cents became the spark that lit a fire. With the funds raised, Reverend Conwell purchased a house that would serve as the site for Sunday school classes. But the vision didn’t stop there.

That humble beginning became the foundation of Temple College, an institution built on the belief that education should be accessible to all. Over the years, it grew and evolved into Temple University, one of the leading public research universities in the United States today.

And it all began with one little girl and her 57 cents.

The Power of a Small Act

Hattie May Wiatt’s story is a powerful reminder that no contribution is too small when it comes from the heart. Her tiny savings became the cornerstone of an institution that has educated thousands and impacted countless lives. More than just a tale of generosity, it’s a lesson in faith, hope, and the incredible potential of selfless giving.

In a world where people often feel powerless to make a difference, Hattie’s story whispers a timeless truth: every effort matters. Every kind deed, no matter how small, can ripple outward and change the world.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/31/a-small-gift-a-big-dream-the-story-behind-temple-university/