Category: history

A Hidden Buddhist Wonderland in China: Discover the 1,600-Year-Old Grand Buddha Temple of Xinchang

linda changLeave a comment

Sometimes, the most unforgettable travel experiences begin with the simplest reasons.

I first became interested in visiting the Grand Buddha Temple in Xinchang (新昌大佛寺), Zhejiang Province, after watching several popular Chinese costume dramas, including Ninefold Purple (《九重紫》), Chasing Jade (《逐玉》), One and Only (《周生如故》), and Mysterious Lotus Casebook (《莲花楼》).

I was curious to see the beautiful locations where these dramas were filmed. But when I finally arrived, I was completely blown away!

I had expected to see some beautiful ancient buildings and filming locations. Instead, I discovered an extraordinary world of ancient Buddhist sculptures, mysterious caves, magnificent rock formations, waterfalls, peaceful gardens, and towering pagodas.

This was not simply an ancient temple. It felt like stepping into another world.

A Temple With More Than 1,600 Years of History

Located in Xinchang County, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, the Grand Buddha Temple dates back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, around 345 AD. With a history spanning more than sixteen centuries, it is one of the important centers of Buddhist culture in the Jiangnan region of southeastern China.

According to historical accounts, an eminent monk named Tanguang (昙光) came to this beautiful mountainous area in the fourth century and established a small monastery. Over the centuries, the temple developed into an important center for Buddhist practice and scholarship.

The surrounding landscape is particularly beautiful. Ancient trees, green hills, rocky cliffs, winding pathways, and quiet valleys create an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and mysterious.

The temple is also famous for its extraordinary rock-carved Buddhist sculptures, earning it the nickname “The Dunhuang of Yue.” This comparison reflects the remarkable artistic and historical value of its Buddhist carvings.

Four Highlights You Should Not Miss

1. The Grand Buddha of Jiangnan – A Masterpiece Carved Into the Mountain

The most famous treasure of the temple is its magnificent stone Maitreya Buddha.

Carved directly into a natural rock cliff during the Southern Qi and Liang dynasties, between approximately 486 and 516 AD, this enormous statue stands about 16.3 meters tall.

The remarkable project took three generations of Buddhist monks and approximately thirty years to complete.

What makes this sculpture so extraordinary is not simply its size. Its serene expression, elegant proportions, and gentle smile convey a remarkable sense of compassion and wisdom.

Standing before this ancient Buddha, one cannot help but feel a sense of reverence. It is amazing to realize that this masterpiece was created more than 1,500 years ago, long before modern construction equipment and technology existed.

2. The Reclining Buddha – A Majestic Image of Nirvana

Another breathtaking attraction is the Reclining Buddha inside the Twin Pines Grottoes (双林石窟).

At approximately 37 meters long and 9 meters high, it is described as Asia’s largest indoor reclining Buddha.

Unlike the ancient rock-carved Maitreya Buddha, this impressive sculpture was created in modern times, using the natural cave environment as its setting.

The Buddha rests peacefully in the traditional reclining posture, representing the Buddha’s entry into Parinirvana.

The surrounding rock formations, stone carvings, pools, and waterfalls create an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.

It is easy to understand why filmmakers are attracted to this location. The combination of natural rock architecture, Buddhist imagery, and dramatic lighting makes the entire space feel like a scene from a fantasy world.

3. Buddha Heart Square and the Beautiful Jiangnan Corridor

Buddha Heart Square (佛心广场) is another popular destination.

Here, visitors can see a magnificent large Chinese character “佛” (Buddha), created by the renowned monk and artist Master Hongyi.

Photo by: Steven Hsu 北極熊羽球

The nearby corridor, with its traditional yellow walls, dark tiled roofs, and beautiful “福” (fortune and blessings) character, is especially photogenic.

Walking through this corridor feels like stepping into an ancient Chinese painting.

It is also a wonderful place to photograph traditional Chinese clothing, especially Hanfu. The combination of yellow walls, traditional architecture, and surrounding greenery creates an elegant and timeless atmosphere.

4. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda – A Landmark in the Sky

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda (万佛宝塔), standing approximately 73 meters tall, is another spectacular landmark.

Its nine stories, traditional Chinese rooflines, and impressive height make it one of the most recognizable structures in the scenic area.

The pagoda has also appeared in several popular costume dramas, including Mysterious Lotus Casebook and Ninefold Purple.

Looking up at this magnificent structure, surrounded by mountains and traditional buildings, I could understand why filmmakers love this location.

If climbing the pagoda is permitted during your visit, it is worth checking whether you can enjoy the views from above.

5. Prajna Valley – A Mysterious Underground Buddhist World

One of the most surprising attractions is Prajna Valley (般若谷).

Unlike the traditional temple halls, this area was developed from an old Ming Dynasty quarry. Its dramatic rock walls, caves, waterfalls, and elaborate Buddhist sculptures create a fascinating underground-like landscape.

There are colorful relief sculptures depicting Buddhist history and important figures, as well as an impressive Guanyin statue.

Walking through the valley, surrounded by towering rock walls and flowing water, feels like entering a hidden Buddhist kingdom.

This is also one of the filming locations associated with Ninefold Purple. For fans of Chinese historical dramas, recognizing familiar scenes here makes the visit even more exciting.

Travel Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit

The scenic area is quite large, so I recommend allowing at least three to four hours. If you enjoy photography, exploring Buddhist art, or simply taking your time, you may want to spend half a day here.

A suggested sightseeing route is:

Buddha Heart Square → Release Pond (放生池) → Grand Buddha of Jiangnan → Thousand Buddha Zen Temple → Twin Pines Reclining Buddha → Prajna Valley.

You can also explore the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda and other scenic spots along the way. Since the attractions cover a large area, wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for stairs and uphill paths.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant seasons, when the weather is generally comfortable for walking and exploring.

Early morning is a wonderful time to arrive. There are usually fewer visitors, and the soft natural light makes the ancient buildings and mountain scenery especially beautiful.

If you enjoy photography, allow extra time to explore the corridors, gardens, and mountain pathways.

Getting There

The temple is located in Xinchang County, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province.

Visitors can travel by high-speed train to Shengzhou-Xinchang Railway Station (嵊州新昌站), then take a taxi or local public transportation to the temple.

If traveling from Hangzhou or Shaoxing, you can also consider a private car or a local tour.

Tickets and Opening Hours

Admission has been listed at approximately RMB 80 per adult, although prices and promotional policies may change.

The scenic area generally opens around 6:00 a.m. and closes between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m., depending on the season. Check the official scenic area’s latest announcements before visiting, especially if you plan to climb the pagoda.

What to Eat

You can enjoy vegetarian noodles inside the temple. When I visited, a bowl cost RMB 28. It was a simple, light, and refreshing meal.

Afterward, consider exploring Wozhou Street and trying some of Xinchang’s local specialties:

  • Xinchang fried rice cakes – a delicious local specialty.
  • Taro dumplings (芋饺) – chewy dumplings made with taro and filled with savory ingredients.
  • Guolatou (锅拉头) – a traditional local snack made with glutinous rice dough.

These local foods are a wonderful way to experience the culinary culture of the region.

More Than a Filming Location

What impressed me most about the Grand Buddha Temple was that its beauty went far beyond the scenes I had watched on television.

Popular dramas may bring people here, but the real treasures are the centuries of history, the extraordinary Buddhist sculptures, and the peaceful atmosphere that has been preserved through generations.

The ancient Maitreya Buddha, carved patiently into the mountain more than 1,500 years ago, reminds us of the devotion, determination, and artistic talent of those who came before us.

In our modern world, where everything moves so quickly, places like this invite us to slow down, look more carefully, and appreciate the beauty of history, art, nature, and spiritual culture.

I came here because of a television drama, but I left with something much more meaningful: a deeper appreciation of China’s remarkable Buddhist heritage.

Sometimes, a journey that begins with curiosity leads us to discover something truly extraordinary.

If you ever travel to Zhejiang, don’t miss the Grand Buddha Temple of Xinchang. It may surprise you, just as it surprised me.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/30/a-hidden-buddhist-wonderland-in-china-discover-the-1600-year-old-grand-buddha-temple-of-xinchang/

Can Goodness Change Our Destiny? An Inspiring Buddhist Story About Karma

linda changLeave a comment

What if a frightening encounter could become the beginning of a spiritual awakening? What if the actions we take today could change the course of our future?

An ancient Buddhist parable offers a thought-provoking answer.

According to A Collection of Various Parables from the Sutras (Zhongjing Zhuan Za Piyu, Volume Two), long ago, Śakra, the ruler of the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, and the Great Brahmā King were close friends.

One day, the Great Brahmā King visited Śakra and found him deeply troubled.

“Why are you so unhappy?” he asked.

Śakra replied, “When heavenly beings exhaust their accumulated heavenly blessings, they must be reborn elsewhere. If they have not cultivated goodness and accumulated merit, they may fall into the lower realms and suffer. I see fewer and fewer beings cultivating virtue, while more seem to be heading toward suffering. How can I not be worried?”

Moved by his friend’s concern, the Great Brahmā King proposed a plan.

“Let us descend to the human world to guide people toward goodness. You can transform yourself into a fierce lion, and I will appear as a Brahmin. Together, we can teach people the Dharma and encourage them to cultivate virtue and accumulate merit.”

The two heavenly kings then descended to a small kingdom.

Roaring lion statue overlooking people fleeing an ancient fortified city

Śakra, transformed into a mighty lion, appeared at the city gate and roared, “I want to eat people!”

The terrified citizens had no idea what to do. The Brahmin, who was actually the Great Brahmā King in disguise, offered a solution: “Why not give the lion thirty prisoners who have already been sentenced to death? Perhaps then it will leave the city alone.”

The people accepted his suggestion, and the thirty prisoners were handed over to the lion.

Instead of devouring them, however, the lion drove them into the mountains.

There, Śakra appeared in human form and offered the prisoners a way to save their lives.

“If you sincerely take refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—observe the Five Precepts, and practice the Ten Virtuous Deeds, purifying your actions of body, speech, and mind, the lion will spare you.”

Illustrated monk beside sign reading “Five Precepts – refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants.”

Desperate for a second chance at life, the prisoners sincerely accepted his guidance. They took the Five Precepts and resolved to practice the Ten Virtuous Deeds.

True to his word, the lion did not harm them. Instead, he released them and allowed them to return home.

The lion warned them, however, that if they abandoned their virtuous conduct and failed to cultivate goodness, he would return.

One Person’s Transformation Can Inspire Many

When the thirty prisoners returned safely, the people were astonished. They asked how they had escaped the lion.

The former prisoners explained that a wise spiritual teacher had taught them to take refuge in the Three Jewels, observe the Five Precepts, and practice the Ten Virtuous Deeds. Through this encounter, they had found a path toward a better life.

Before long, the lion returned to the city.

Once again, the people were terrified. Remembering what had happened to the thirty prisoners, many came forward to receive the precepts and practice virtuous deeds.

The Great Brahmā King, appearing as the Brahmin, and Śakra, appearing as the lion, continued their journey through more than eighty thousand kingdoms, guiding countless people toward goodness.

According to the parable, those who cultivated virtue and accumulated merit during their lives would enjoy favorable rebirths and heavenly blessings after death.

The story concludes with the Buddha explaining its deeper significance to Ānanda.

Śakra, who had appeared as the lion, was the Buddha himself in a former life. The Great Brahmā King, who had appeared as the Brahmin, was Mahākāśyapa, one of the Buddha’s great disciples.

Because Mahākāśyapa had helped him guide countless beings toward the Dharma in that former life, the Buddha later honored him by sharing his seat with him. This gesture expressed gratitude for the assistance he had received on the path of benefiting living beings.

What Can We Learn From This Story Today?

At first glance, this parable may seem to be about a frightening lion and a miraculous escape from death. But its deeper message is about the power of moral transformation.

In Buddhism, our actions matter. What we do, say, and think shapes our character and influences the direction of our lives. Although we cannot control every circumstance we encounter, we can choose how we respond and what kind of person we become.

Ten Virtuous Deeds: Actions of the Body—protecting life, generosity, respectful conduct; Actions of Speech—truthful, harmonizing, kind, meaningful speech; Actions of the Mind—contentment, loving-kindness, right understanding.

The Five Precepts encourage us to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants that lead to heedlessness. The Ten Virtuous Deeds further encourage us to avoid harmful actions and cultivate goodness through our body, speech, and mind.

These teachings are not merely ancient religious rules. They offer practical guidance for living with greater honesty, compassion, self-discipline, and respect for others.

We may not encounter a fierce lion at our city gates, but we face challenges every day. Anger can threaten our relationships. Greed can lead us to make harmful decisions. Jealousy and resentment can rob us of peace. Dishonesty may bring temporary advantages but gradually erode trust.

Each moment offers us a choice: to follow our impulses or to cultivate wisdom and goodness.

The story also reminds us that one person’s transformation can inspire an entire community. When the thirty prisoners returned home with a new understanding of virtue, their experience encouraged others to change. In the same way, a person who lives honestly, treats others with compassion, and acts responsibly can influence a family, a workplace, and even a wider community.

We do not always need grand gestures to make a difference. Sometimes, a kind word, an honest decision, a willingness to forgive, or a helping hand is enough to plant a seed of goodness in another person’s heart.

Finally, the Buddha’s gesture of sharing his seat with Mahākāśyapa offers another valuable lesson: never forget the kindness of those who help us grow. Gratitude is not merely a feeling; it is something we demonstrate through our actions and our willingness to help others in return.

We cannot know everything the future holds, but we can begin shaping it through the choices we make today.

Perhaps the most important question is not simply whether we will receive blessings in the future, but whether we are cultivating the causes of a wiser, kinder, and more compassionate life right now.

Every good thought, every honest word, and every compassionate act is a seed. We may not see its fruit immediately, but no sincere effort toward goodness is wasted.

Person meditating cross-legged beside a river with magical energy swirls around

If we wish to change our destiny, perhaps the best place to begin is with ourselves.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/28/can-goodness-change-our-destiny-an-inspiring-buddhist-story-about-karma/

A Hidden Treasure in China: The Dazu Rock Carvings and a 31-Meter Reclining Buddha

linda changLeave a comment

Beyond Chongqing’s dazzling skyline lies an extraordinary world of ancient Buddhist art, spiritual wisdom, and forgotten stories carved into stone.

When people visit Chongqing, China, they often come for its spectacular mountain cityscape, glowing skyscrapers, and famous spicy hot pot. But about a journey away in Dazu lies a treasure that deserves far more international attention: the Dazu Rock Carvings, one of China’s most remarkable collections of ancient religious art.

Here, along the cliffs of Baodingshan, thousands of figures tell stories of the Buddha, compassion, karma, filial devotion, and the consequences of our actions. Created mainly during the Song Dynasty, these remarkable sculptures have survived for centuries, preserving not only religious teachings but also glimpses of everyday Chinese life.

The Dazu Rock Carvings were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. Their artistic beauty lies not only in their scale and craftsmanship, but also in the way Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian ideas come together in a uniquely Chinese expression of spiritual life.

The Dazu Rock Carvings are not a single cave or monument. They comprise more than 70 protected sites, with five principal groups: Baodingshan, Beishan, Nanshan, Shizhuanshan, and Shimenshan.

The carvings date mainly from the late ninth through the thirteenth century. Baodingshan, the focus of this visit, reached its artistic height during the Southern Song Dynasty, particularly under the direction of the Buddhist monk Zhao Zhifeng.

Walking along the great cliff at Baodingshan, visitors encounter an astonishing procession of sculpted figures. Buddhas sit in meditation, bodhisattvas offer protection, and heavenly beings fill elaborate niches. Some figures are monumental, while others are small details that reward a closer look.

Unlike a collection of isolated statues, the carvings form a connected visual narrative. Each scene has a purpose, inviting visitors to contemplate the Buddha’s teachings through images rather than words alone.

For people who love Buddhist history, this is a place where ancient stone seems to speak.

The Giant Reclining Buddha: A Vision of Peace

One of Baodingshan’s most extraordinary masterpieces is the monumental image of Shakyamuni Buddha entering parinirvana, the final passing of a fully enlightened Buddha beyond the cycle of rebirth.

The reclining Buddha measures approximately 31 meters in length. Yet one of the most ingenious features of the sculpture is that much of the figure remains concealed within the cliff. Only part of the Buddha’s body is visible, suggesting a vastness that extends beyond what the eye can see.

This is more than an impressive feat of ancient engineering. The image carries a profound spiritual meaning.

The Buddha lies peacefully on his side, his expression calm and composed. Around him, figures gather in response to his final passing. The scene invites us to reflect on impermanence: everything that comes into being will eventually change.

In Buddhist teaching, death is not simply an ending to be feared. It is a reminder to understand the nature of existence and to use the precious time we have wisely.

Standing before this enormous figure, we may find ourselves thinking less about how long we will live and more about how we choose to live.

Can we be kinder while we have the opportunity? Can we let go of unnecessary resentment? Can we bring more peace to the people around us?

Perhaps the Buddha’s quiet presence offers a lesson that no words could express more clearly.

The Thousand-Hand Guanyin: A Thousand Ways to Help

Another masterpiece at Baodingshan is the magnificent Thousand-Hand, Thousand-Eye Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion.

In Buddhist tradition, Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara) represents compassionate awareness of the suffering of sentient beings. The many hands symbolize the ability to reach out in countless ways, while the eyes represent the wisdom to recognize where help is needed.

The Baodingshan sculpture is especially remarkable. Its carved composition covers approximately 88 square meters and includes 1,007 hands and eyes. The gilded image, with its intricate details and radiant appearance, demonstrates the extraordinary skill of the artisans who created it.

Imagine the patience required to shape and decorate so many delicate details into a cliff face centuries ago, without modern machinery.

The work has also required care across generations. Because of its delicate condition, the sculpture underwent a major restoration completed in 2015, helping preserve this irreplaceable treasure for future visitors.

But its deepest beauty lies in its message.

Compassion is not merely feeling sorry for someone. It is recognizing suffering and responding when we can. Sometimes help means giving money; sometimes it means offering food, listening without judgment, or protecting a vulnerable being.

We may not possess a thousand hands, but we can each find small ways to make life easier for others.

Ancient Stone Tells Stories About How We Should Live

What makes Baodingshan especially fascinating is that its sculptures do not focus exclusively on Buddhas and heavenly beings. They also portray ordinary human experiences, making the teachings relevant to everyday life.

Some panels illustrate filial devotion and the sacrifices parents make for their children. Others portray farmers, herders, animals, and scenes from ordinary life.

The famous scenes associated with the Sutra on Parental Love remind viewers of the immense care and sacrifice involved in raising a child. These images invite reflection on gratitude toward our parents and the responsibilities we have toward those who have cared for us.

Other carvings illustrate Buddhist teachings about karma and the Wheel of Life. They show how actions have consequences and how ignorance, attachment, and harmful behavior can perpetuate suffering.

In traditional Buddhist depictions of the realms of suffering, the consequences of harmful actions are portrayed vividly. Such images were not simply intended to frighten people. They offered moral instruction to communities in which many people could learn through visual storytelling.

The cliffs function almost like an ancient illustrated book. Each carving presents a lesson about cause and effect, compassion, family responsibility, and the choices that shape our lives.

There is something remarkable about this approach to teaching. The artists transformed abstract philosophy into images that people could see, contemplate, and remember.

Ox herding story (scene 1–2), Niche 30, Dafowan, Mt. Baoding, Dazu. Southern Song Dynasty (photos: G41rn8, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Centuries later, the questions remain relevant. How do our actions affect others? How should we treat our parents, our neighbors, and animals? What kind of world are we helping to create through our daily choices?

A Quiet Encounter with History

One of the pleasures of visiting Baodingshan is the opportunity to experience the carvings at a slower pace.

Although the site can attract tour groups, it may feel quieter than China’s most famous grotto destinations, particularly outside peak travel periods. The path follows the sculpted cliff, allowing visitors to examine the works in sequence.

Instead of rushing from one photo opportunity to another, take time to notice the expressions on the statues’ faces, the folds of their robes, and the relationships between the figures in each scene.

Look for the small details. A single gesture may communicate reverence, compassion, fear, or devotion. A group of ordinary people carved into stone can reveal as much about the society that created the monument as a grand Buddha does.

Photography rules and access restrictions may vary around individual carvings, so follow the site’s instructions and avoid touching the sculptures.

For visitors interested in Buddhism, art, or Chinese history, Baodingshan offers a rare chance to experience these subjects together.

What to Eat in Dazu: A Taste of Local Chongqing

A visit to Dazu would not be complete without exploring the region’s food culture. Chongqing is famous for bold flavors, chili peppers, and the numbing fragrance of Sichuan peppercorns, but Dazu also has specialties of its own.

Dazu winter-preserved vegetables (Dazu dongcai)

If you try only one local specialty, consider Dazu dongcai. Made from local mustard greens and traditionally fermented for years, these preserved vegetables have a distinctive savory fragrance and deep flavor. They appear in dishes such as fried rice, noodles, steamed buns, and braised pork.

The traditional preparation is a recognized part of Dazu’s food heritage. It is a wonderful example of how local ingredients and preservation techniques can become part of a region’s identity.

Chongqing noodles

Photo from :https://www.sohu.com/a/741212639_100283037

For a quick, satisfying meal, try xiaomian, Chongqing-style noodles commonly served with chili oil, garlic, scallions, and other seasonings. They are especially popular for breakfast, though they can be enjoyed at any time of day.

If you prefer less spice, ask for a mild version. The chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns can be surprisingly intense for first-time visitors.

Youting crucian carp

For travelers who enjoy fish, Youting crucian carp is another regional specialty, often prepared with pickled ginger, chili, and fermented black beans. Its flavor combines freshness, spice, and the characteristic numbing sensation of Sichuan-style cooking. Hot pot and local street food

If you are continuing to Chongqing, save time for the city’s famous hot pot. Diners cook ingredients in a bubbling broth at the table, often choosing between a fiery spicy broth and a milder one.

One practical tip: many local dishes contain meat, fish, animal broth, or lard, even when vegetables are prominent. Vegetarian travelers should ask clearly about ingredients and request a vegetable-based broth when available.

Food is another way to understand a place. The ingredients, flavors, and cooking methods of Dazu tell a story of local agriculture, tradition, and the creativity of generations of cooks.

Shengshou Temple & Dazu Rock Carvings Museum

Travel Tips: Planning Your Visit

How much time should you allow?

Allow at least half a day for Baodingshan, including time to appreciate the major carvings without rushing. If you are particularly interested in Buddhist art, consider spending a full day in Dazu or adding another major carving site, such as Beishan.

How do you get there?

Dazu is part of Chongqing Municipality, but it lies outside the central urban area. From downtown Chongqing, the journey commonly takes around 1.5–2 hours by road, depending on traffic and your starting point.

You can travel by intercity bus or arrange a private car. High-speed rail services to the Dazu area may also be useful, but check the station and onward transportation carefully: a train station serving the district is not necessarily close to the rock-carving entrance. A taxi or prearranged transfer may be needed.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are generally comfortable seasons for walking and sightseeing. Summer can be hot and humid, so bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.

Arriving early can help you enjoy the main carvings before the busiest hours, although visitor numbers vary by day and season. Check the official opening hours and ticket arrangements before traveling.

Can you combine Dazu with Chongqing?

Absolutely. A two-day itinerary is a practical option:

  • Day 1: Explore Chongqing’s mountain-city streets, river views, Hongyadong, and local food.
  • Day 2: Travel to Dazu and spend the day discovering Baodingshan’s cliff carvings. If time permits, consider visiting Beishan as well.

If you have a deeper interest in Chinese Buddhist art, an overnight stay near Dazu can make the experience more relaxed.

A Treasure Worth Discovering

The Dazu Rock Carvings remind us that great works of art can be much more than beautiful objects. They can preserve a civilization’s beliefs, record the lives of ordinary people, and communicate moral lessons across centuries.

The 31-meter reclining Buddha invites us to contemplate impermanence. The Thousand-Hand Guanyin reminds us that compassion must find expression in action. The scenes of family life and everyday labor encourage us to consider gratitude, responsibility, and the consequences of our choices.

These teachings remain meaningful regardless of where we come from or what faith we follow.

If your travels take you to Chongqing, consider setting aside time for Dazu. Beyond the city’s dazzling skyline lies a quieter world where stone preserves the wisdom, artistry, and aspirations of generations long gone.

Some treasures are not discovered by looking up at the tallest buildings. They are found by slowing down, looking closely, and listening to the stories history has left behind.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/22/a-hidden-treasure-in-china-the-dazu-rock-carvings-and-a-31-meter-reclining-buddha/

Atisha: The Buddhist Master Who Followed Tara’s Guidance to Tibet

linda changLeave a comment

His remarkable journey, the devotion of Tibetan kings, and the legendary guidance of Tara

More than nine hundred years ago, an Indian Buddhist master undertook a difficult journey to Tibet that would profoundly influence the future of Tibetan Buddhism. His name was Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana (982–1054), a renowned scholar, meditation master, and spiritual teacher whose life was devoted to the liberation and well-being of sentient beings.

His story is not simply about the spread of a religion. It is about the power of compassion, the courage to leave behind worldly comfort, and the willingness to sacrifice personal interests for the benefit of others.

A Prince Who Chose the Spiritual Path

According to traditional biographies, Atisha was born into a royal family in eastern India. His birth name was Chandragarbha, and he grew up surrounded by the wealth and privileges of palace life.

Yet he was not satisfied with worldly success. Even as a young man, he felt drawn toward spiritual practice and the search for a deeper understanding of life.

Traditional accounts relate that Tara, the female Buddha associated with enlightened compassion and swift assistance, appeared to him in a vision when he was young. This encounter strengthened his determination to follow the spiritual path rather than pursue the life expected of a prince.

Atisha eventually renounced his royal future and became a monk. He studied with many distinguished Buddhist masters and developed an extraordinary command of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, ethics, and tantric teachings.

But one of the most important influences on his life came from a journey far beyond India.

Atisha traveled by sea to Suvarnadvipa, traditionally identified with present-day Sumatra, where he studied for twelve years under the great master Dharmakirti, also known as Serlingpa in Tibetan tradition.

There, Atisha received profound teachings on bodhichitta—the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

He later regarded these teachings as among the most precious gifts he had received. His life reminds us that genuine wisdom requires more than accumulating knowledge. It requires cultivating a heart that sincerely wishes to benefit others.

By the eleventh century, Buddhism in Tibet was undergoing a period of revival after earlier political upheavals and the disruption of Buddhist institutions.

The rulers of western Tibet wished to restore the teachings and strengthen the understanding and practice of the Dharma. They were particularly concerned about confusion surrounding Buddhist doctrine and the relationship between different forms of practice.

King Yeshe Ö became deeply committed to finding a qualified Indian Buddhist master who could help Tibetans recover a clear and systematic understanding of the teachings.

According to traditional Tibetan accounts, he sent young Tibetans to India to study Sanskrit and search for an appropriate teacher. Their journeys were dangerous, and many did not return.

Eventually, the name of Atisha emerged as that of a master whose learning, discipline, and compassion made him especially suitable for the mission.

The king’s efforts to invite him became one of the most moving stories in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Traditional biographies recount that Yeshe Ö was captured during his efforts to gather resources for the mission. When his nephew Jangchub Ö was unable to meet the captor’s demands for his release, Yeshe Ö urged him not to spend the remaining gold on rescuing him. Instead, he asked his nephew to use it to invite Atisha to Tibet.

In this traditional account, the king placed the future of the Dharma above his own life.

Whether every detail of this story can be historically verified or not, its spiritual message is unmistakable: the king believed that preserving the Dharma for future generations was more important than his personal safety.

After Yeshe Ö’s death, his nephew Jangchub Ö continued the mission. He sent the translator Nagtso to India with an earnest request for Atisha to come and help the people of Tibet.

Tara’s Guidance: A Decision That Changed History

Atisha did not immediately agree to leave India.

He was already an established teacher at Vikramashila, one of the great Buddhist monastic universities of the time. Leaving would mean abandoning familiar surroundings, colleagues, and responsibilities for a long and uncertain journey into a distant land.

Goddess in blue robe sitting on a lotus flower surrounded by lotus pond and traditional Asian pagodas at dusk

Traditional biographies tell us that Atisha sought guidance from Tara, his revered spiritual protector.

According to these accounts, Tara appeared to him in a vision and explained that traveling to Tibet would bring great benefit to the Dharma, although it would shorten his life.

Atisha faced a profound choice: remain in India, where he could continue his work in familiar surroundings, or travel to Tibet, where his help was urgently needed.

The traditional story says that he chose Tibet, accepting the personal cost because he believed the journey would benefit countless beings.

This is one of the most inspiring parts of his life.

Tara’s appearance belongs to the spiritual narratives preserved by the Buddhist tradition; it is not something that can be independently established as a historical event. For devotees, however, the story expresses an important understanding of spiritual guidance: wisdom is not merely about choosing what is comfortable or advantageous for oneself, but discerning where one’s efforts can bring the greatest benefit.

In 1042, Atisha arrived in western Tibet, in the kingdom of Guge.

His arrival was a moment of great significance. According to traditional accounts, monks, laypeople, and local leaders gathered to welcome him in a grand procession. People had traveled to meet the Indian master whose arrival they hoped would strengthen the Dharma in their homeland.

Imagine the scene: after years of hardship and repeated efforts to bring him to Tibet, the people finally welcomed the teacher for whom they had waited so long.

Tibetan people welcoming an Indian guru

Atisha was deeply moved by their enthusiasm. He was also impressed by the intelligence and dedication of the Tibetan practitioners he encountered.

Yet he recognized that many people needed a clearer understanding of how the various Buddhist teachings fit together and how they could be applied in everyday life.

King Jangchub Ö therefore asked him to teach in a way that ordinary people could understand and practice.

Rather than asking for teachings that sounded profound but were difficult to apply, the king wanted guidance on ethical conduct, karma, compassion, and the steps that lead toward enlightenment.

Atisha responded by composing one of his most influential works, A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment (Bodhipathapradipa).

This concise text organized the Buddhist path into a clear framework, integrating ethical discipline, the cultivation of wisdom, and the development of bodhichitta. It became a foundational influence on later Tibetan Buddhist teachings about the stages of the path to enlightenment.

Atisha did not merely bring more books or philosophical ideas to Tibet. He helped present the Dharma as a coherent path that people could study, contemplate, and practice.

A Statue of Tara That Could Speak

Among the many fascinating stories associated with Atisha is the tradition that sacred images spoke to him.

This is the statue of Tara that Venerable Atisha is said to have kept with him at all times. According to tradition, the statue once spoke to him and communicated with him.
The statue is now enshrined at Tara Temple (Drolma Lhakhang) in Lhasa, Tibet.

According to his traditional biography, while circumambulating the great Buddhist stupa at Bodh Gaya in India, Atisha heard sacred statues speaking about the importance of bodhichitta. Their message was that the essential path to enlightenment lay in cultivating love, compassion, and the aspiration to benefit all beings.

The story is a reminder that, within Buddhist devotional traditions, sacred images are not always regarded as mere objects of art. They can serve as powerful reminders of the qualities that practitioners seek to develop.

Tara held a particularly important place in Atisha’s spiritual life. Traditional accounts describe her appearing in visions to guide him, including in his decision to travel to Tibet.

These narratives are cherished by many Buddhist practitioners as expressions of faith and spiritual inspiration. They are best understood as traditional religious accounts rather than independently verified historical events.

Whether one approaches them through faith, cultural history, or symbolic interpretation, their central message is meaningful: spiritual guidance should lead us toward greater compassion, wisdom, and responsibility for others.

What Can Atisha Teach Us Today?

Atisha lived in a very different world from ours, yet the questions he faced remain familiar.

We live in a time when information is abundant, opinions are everywhere, and people often disagree about what is true. It is easy to accumulate knowledge without allowing it to transform our behavior.

Atisha’s life points toward another way.

First, knowledge must be accompanied by practice. Learning about compassion is not the same as treating people compassionately. Understanding karma is not merely discussing cause and effect; it is taking responsibility for our intentions, words, and actions.

Second, true spiritual growth requires humility. Despite his extensive education, Atisha continued to learn from qualified teachers. His example reminds us that wisdom is not a reason to feel superior to others. It is an opportunity to understand ourselves more deeply and serve others more effectively.

Third, compassion sometimes asks us to step beyond our comfort zone. Atisha left a respected position in India to help people far away. We may never be called to undertake such a journey, but we can respond to the needs around us—in our families, communities, and wider world.

Sometimes compassion means giving our time. Sometimes it means listening patiently, helping someone in difficulty, or admitting that we were wrong. Small actions, when guided by sincere concern for others, can also make a meaningful difference.

Finally, Atisha’s story reminds us that the most valuable teachings are those that help us change our lives. The Dharma is not simply something to admire from a distance. It is a path to be walked.

The Light That Continues to Shine

Atisha passed away in Tibet in 1054, but his influence did not end with his life. His writings, his disciples, and the traditions that developed from his teachings helped shape the course of Tibetan Buddhism.

His journey was made possible by the devotion of Tibetan rulers, the dedication of translators and messengers, and the willingness of a great teacher to respond to a distant people’s spiritual needs.

The story of Atisha and Tara adds another dimension to this legacy: the belief that a life guided by wisdom and compassion can accomplish far more than a life devoted only to personal success.

We may not be able to travel across mountains to revive a Buddhist tradition, as Atisha did. But each of us has opportunities to bring a little more understanding into the world.

We can study sincerely, practice humbly, and treat others with compassion. We can use what we know not to elevate ourselves above others, but to lessen suffering wherever possible.

Perhaps this is one of the most enduring lessons of Atisha’s life: the true light of the Dharma shines not only through what a person teaches, but through the compassion that person is willing to put into action.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/21/atisha-the-buddhist-master-who-followed-taras-guidance-to-tibet/

Do We Truly Practice What We Learn? A Timeless Lesson from the Buddha

linda changLeave a comment

We live in an age when information is everywhere. We can read books, listen to lectures, memorize wise sayings, and discuss spiritual teachings with others. Yet an important question remains: Has what we learned truly changed the way we live?

A story from the Dhammapada, verses 19 and 20, offers a powerful answer.

Two Monks, Two Different Paths

During the Buddha’s time, two monks from noble families were close friends. One became highly learned in the Buddhist scriptures. He mastered the Tripitaka, taught many monks, and became a respected teacher.

The other monk chose a different emphasis. He devoted himself diligently to meditation and the direct practice of the Dharma. Through sustained effort, he attained Arhatship, the state of liberation described in the Buddhist tradition.

One day, the two monks met at Jetavana Monastery. The learned monk did not realize that his old friend had attained such a high level of spiritual realization. Looking down on him because he knew fewer scriptures, he intended to test him with difficult questions and expose his lack of knowledge.

The Buddha understood what was happening. Out of compassion, he intervened and questioned the two monks himself.

The learned monk could answer questions about teachings he had studied, but he could not answer questions concerning spiritual attainments he had never personally experienced. His friend, through diligent practice and realization, answered correctly.

The Buddha praised the monk who had put the Dharma into practice.

When the other monks wondered why their learned teacher had not received the same praise, the Buddha explained the difference between knowing the teachings and living them.

He compared the person who recites the Dharma without practicing it to a hired cowherd who counts and tends another person’s cattle. Although he spends his days among the cattle, he does not own them or enjoy their produce. By contrast, the person who practices the Dharma receives its genuine benefits.

The lesson was not that learning is useless. Rather, knowledge becomes truly valuable when we put it into practice.

1. Knowing the Truth Is Not the Same as Living It

We may know that anger harms us, yet lose our temper when someone criticizes us. We may understand that greed brings dissatisfaction, yet continue to compare our possessions with those of others. We may speak beautifully about compassion, yet turn away when someone needs our help.

Why does this happen?

Because understanding something intellectually is not the same as transforming our habits, thoughts, and actions.

We can memorize a hundred teachings about patience, but patience is tested when someone treats us unfairly. We can read countless passages about forgiveness, but their meaning becomes real when we face someone who has hurt us.

The same is true of kindness, humility, and generosity. They are not demonstrated merely by what we say we believe, but by how we respond when life becomes difficult.

The real question is not simply, “How much do I know?” It is, “How much of what I know have I put into practice?”

2. Spiritual Pride Can Become an Obstacle

The learned monk’s greatest mistake was not his knowledge. It was his pride.

Because he knew more scriptures, he assumed that he was spiritually superior to his friend. He judged another person’s attainment by what he could see and measure, without understanding what had taken place within that person’s mind.

How easily can we make the same mistake?

We may judge others by their education, profession, wealth, social position, religious knowledge, or public reputation. Even in spiritual communities, people can become attached to titles, recognition, and the appearance of being wise.

Yet genuine wisdom should make us more humble, not more arrogant.

The more deeply we understand ourselves, the more carefully we should judge others. We rarely know the full extent of another person’s struggles, efforts, or inner growth.

A quiet person may possess a depth of kindness we have not yet developed. Someone who speaks little about spirituality may live with greater patience and compassion than someone who speaks about it every day.

We should therefore be cautious about assuming that outward appearances reveal a person’s true spiritual condition.

3. The Dharma Must Transform Our Everyday Lives

The Buddha’s teaching is not meant to remain confined to books, temples, or meditation halls. Its value is revealed in the ordinary moments of daily life.

When someone offends us, can we pause before reacting?

When we see another person succeed, can we feel happy for them instead of becoming jealous?

When we make a mistake, can we admit it honestly rather than finding excuses?

When someone needs help, can we offer what we reasonably can without constantly asking what we will receive in return?

These moments may seem small, but they are opportunities to practice.

Buddhist teachings emphasize overcoming greed, hatred, and delusion. This does not happen simply because we can explain these concepts. It requires observing our own minds, recognizing unwholesome tendencies, and repeatedly choosing a wiser response.

Every time we replace anger with patience, selfishness with generosity, or prejudice with understanding, we take a step toward making our lives more consistent with what we believe.

Spiritual practice is not only what happens when we close our eyes in meditation. It is also what happens when we open them and meet the world.

4. From Collecting Knowledge to Cultivating Wisdom

Today, we can spend hours watching inspirational videos, listening to spiritual talks, and sharing meaningful quotations on social media. These activities can be helpful, but they can also create the illusion that we are growing simply because we are constantly consuming information.

Sometimes, one teaching sincerely practiced is more valuable than a hundred teachings merely remembered.

Instead of asking how many books we have read, perhaps we should ask whether we have become more patient. Instead of counting how many spiritual talks we have attended, we might reflect on whether we have become more compassionate toward our families, friends, strangers, and even those with whom we disagree.

We do not need to master every scripture before beginning to practice. We can start with what we already understand.

If we learn about compassion, we can practice it today. If we learn about impermanence, we can cherish the people and moments we have instead of taking them for granted. If we learn about letting go, we can begin by loosening our grip on one resentment or one unnecessary desire.

Knowledge points the way. Practice helps us walk it.

The story of the two monks invites us to look inward rather than use spiritual knowledge to measure other people.

At the end of each day, we might quietly ask ourselves:

  • Was I kinder today than I was yesterday?*
  • Did I respond to difficulties with greater patience and understanding?*
  • Did my words and actions reflect the values I claim to believe in?*

We will not always succeed. We may still become angry, act selfishly, or make mistakes. The purpose of reflection is not to condemn ourselves, but to recognize where we can improve and begin again.

True progress does not require us to appear perfect before others. It requires the honesty to see ourselves clearly and the willingness to change.

The Buddha’s message in these verses remains as relevant today as it was more than two thousand years ago: reciting the teachings alone does not bring their full benefit. We must embody them in our lives.

The measure of wisdom is not simply how much we know, but how deeply that knowledge transforms the way we think, speak, and treat others.

May we learn not merely to speak about the Dharma, but to live it—one thought, one word, and one action at a time.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/15/do-we-truly-practice-what-we-learn-a-timeless-lesson-from-the-buddha/

A $5,000 Gift, 50,000 Trees, and a Friendship That Crossed the World

linda changLeave a comment

Sometimes, a small act of kindness can grow into something far greater than we ever imagined.

More than 40 years ago, a young Chinese woman named Yin Yuzhen arrived in the Mu Us sandy land of Inner Mongolia, China. Her home was a harsh landscape of drifting sand, fierce winds, and almost no vegetation. She lived in a simple shelter partly buried in the sand, where even daily life was a struggle.

But Yin refused to surrender to the desert.

Together with her husband, she began planting trees, determined to stop the sand from swallowing their home. Many young trees died in the relentless winds, and the work demanded years of hardship and perseverance. Yet she continued, planting one tree after another, season after season.

Then, in 1999, an unexpected helping hand came from across the ocean.

In 1999, Sakolsky was inspired by Yin’s relentless battle against desertification and chose to donate US$5,000 to support her mission. Photo: Sina

Ronald Sakolsky, an American teacher working in China, saw a television report about Yin Yuzhen and her family’s extraordinary efforts to combat desertification. Deeply moved by their determination, he wanted to help.

He reached out to charitable foundations and eventually secured a donation of $5,000 to support Yin’s tree-planting work.

It might have seemed like a modest contribution in the face of an enormous environmental challenge. But that money helped Yin purchase and plant more than 50,000 saplings.

In 2000, Sakolsky traveled to the desert and met Yin in person. They planted a tree together, beginning a friendship rooted not only in generosity, but also in a shared hope for a greener future.

Afterward, he returned to the United States. As the years passed, they lost contact.

But the trees kept growing.

Twenty-Six Years Later, a Promise Comes Full Circle

Yin never forgot the American who had helped her when she needed support. She wanted him to see what had become of the trees his donation had helped plant.

In 2026, she began searching for him through the media, hoping to bring their story to a new chapter. Their efforts to reconnect succeeded, and on August 23, Sakolsky returned to Inner Mongolia after 26 years.

Their heartwarming reunion was marked by a welcoming ceremony attended by Yin and her husband, Bai Wanxiang. Photo: Xinhua/Lian Zhen

The reunion was deeply emotional. The two old friends embraced, finally seeing each other again after more than two decades apart.

The following day, they returned to the forest and searched for the little tree they had planted together in 2000. The sapling had grown into a towering tree, more than ten meters tall.

Imagine standing beneath that tree, remembering the day it was planted, and realizing how much the world around it had changed.

The once-barren landscape had become a sea of green. The trees purchased with the original donation had grown into a forest of more than 50,000 trees, while Yin and her family had continued their tireless work for decades.

They planted another tree together, renewing their friendship and their shared commitment to a greener planet.

Thanks to Sakolsky’s contribution and Yin’s tireless dedication, today, over 80 per cent of the Mu Us Desert — a major sandy region in China — is now covered in vegetation. Photo: Sina

I was deeply touched by this story because it reminds me that goodness knows no national boundaries.

Ronald Sakolsky was an ordinary person who saw someone struggling to make a difference and decided to help. He did not need to share Yin’s nationality, background, or way of life to understand her determination. He simply saw a person doing something worthwhile and asked himself what he could do to help.

And Yin did not allow that kindness to go to waste. She turned the opportunity into action, nurturing the trees and continuing her work long after the original gift had been given.

Neither person could have known exactly what would happen over the next 26 years. Yet their meeting became part of a much larger story of perseverance, friendship, and environmental renewal.

This is what makes their story so powerful: one person’s kindness met another person’s determination, and together they helped create something that would outlast them both.

At a time when we often hear about conflict, division, and mistrust between nations, their story offers a different perspective. Behind the labels of nationality and culture are human beings who can care for one another, share a common purpose, and work together for the good of all.

The Earth, too, belongs to all of us. The air we breathe, the land we depend on, and the future we leave to our children cannot be protected by one country or one person alone.

Perhaps we cannot all plant 50,000 trees. But we can each do something—help a neighbor, support someone else’s good work, protect a little patch of nature, or offer encouragement when someone is close to giving up.

We may never see how far our kindness travels. A small act today might grow into something beautiful many years from now.

The story of Yin Yuzhen and Ronald Sakolsky gives me hope—not only for the future of our planet, but also for humanity itself.

May we learn to see one another not as strangers from different countries, but as fellow human beings sharing one home. And may every small act of kindness become a seed from which a greener, more compassionate world can grow.

Yin’s new home in the forest

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/12/a-5000-gift-50000-trees-and-a-friendship-that-crossed-the-world/

Source: https://www.forestry.gov.cn/c/www/lcdt/685503.jhtml, https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3365725/green-miracle-us-teacher-returns-china-after-26-years-find-donation-grew-forest?module=top_story&pgtype=section

The Monk Whose Body Survived Five Days in the Fire

linda changLeave a comment

What happens to the body after death?

For most of us, the answer seems obvious. The body eventually returns to the elements. Yet in Buddhist history, there are extraordinary stories of great practitioners whose remains have been preserved in ways that inspire generations of people.

One such story is that of the Seventeenth Ganjurwa Khutukhtu, a highly respected Tibetan-Mongolian Buddhist master whose life eventually brought him to Taiwan.

A Life Devoted to Buddhism

Ganjurwa Khutukhtu was born in 1914 in the Amdo region of Qinghai. According to historical accounts preserved by the Ganjurwa Hermitage, he was recognized as a reincarnated spiritual master when he was very young.

As a child, he entered the monastery and devoted himself to Buddhist study and practice. He later studied at Wudangzhao, one of Inner Mongolia’s important Buddhist monasteries, and received full Buddhist monastic ordination from the Ninth Panchen Lama.

In 1949, he came to Taiwan. From there, he spent many years teaching Buddhism, giving Dharma teachings and initiations, and traveling to places including Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Canada, and the United States.

He was also elected chairman of the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China in 1957, following the passing of the Seventh Zhangjia Khutukhtu. Yet despite his respected position, accounts of his life describe him as a person who preferred spiritual practice and a quiet life to fame and status.

Eventually, he settled at Ganjurwa Hermitage (甘珠精舍) in Xindian, Taiwan, where he continued his practice and taught the Dharma.

Five Days and Five Nights in the Fire

The most extraordinary chapter of his story came after his death.

Ganjurwa Khutukhtu passed away peacefully at Ganjurwa Hermitage on June 13, 1978, at the age of 65.

On June 29, his body was taken to Fayusi Temple in Beitou for the traditional Buddhist cremation ceremony, known as tuhuo or j̄hāpiṭa (荼毗).

According to accounts preserved by the hermitage and Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council, the fire continued for five days and five nights.

When the cremation chamber was opened, those present were reportedly astonished. Rather than finding only ashes, they found that the master’s body had remained largely intact. His robes and prayer beads were reportedly still recognizable.

His disciples regarded this as an extraordinary manifestation of a vajra-indestructible body and preserved the remains as sacred relics.

For Buddhists, such accounts are not simply about the physical body. They point toward a deeper question:

Can spiritual practice transform the way we understand life, death, and impermanence?

A Sculpture Created to Preserve His Sacred Remains

There is another remarkable part of this story.

To preserve the master’s remains, his disciples invited two of Taiwan’s most important modern sculptors, Yang Ying-Feng (楊英風) and Ju Ming (朱銘), to create a bronze statue.

The sacred remains were placed inside the sculpture, and the statue was installed at Ganjurwa Hermitage so that devotees could continue to pay their respects.

According to the Veterans Affairs Council, the full-body relics of Ganjurwa Khutukhtu remain enshrined there today.

It is an unusual meeting of Buddhism, history, sculpture, and faith—a spiritual legacy preserved not only through religious practice, but also through the hands of two remarkable Taiwanese artists.

Whether one approaches this story through faith, history, or simply human curiosity, it raises a profound question:

What remains of a person after the body is gone?

A building can disappear. Wealth can be lost. Fame eventually fades.

But wisdom, compassion, and the example of a life devoted to helping others can continue long after a person has left this world.

Perhaps this is the deeper meaning behind the story of Ganjurwa Khutukhtu.

The most precious legacy of a spiritual master may not be the physical remains left behind.

It may be the Dharma he taught, the lives he touched, and the goodness he inspired in others.

And perhaps that is the kind of legacy worth leaving behind.

A glowing lotus flower with pastel colors floating on water under moonlight.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/09/the-monk-whose-body-survived-five-days-in-the-fire/

Source： https://www.storm.mg/article/4494305， http://m.fosss.net/SheLi/GanZhu/Index.html

Are We Already Happier Than We Think? A Lesson in Contentment

linda changLeave a comment

“There is no greater calamity than not knowing what is enough. Therefore, knowing that enough is enough is always enough.”
— Laozi, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 46

How often do we overlook the blessings we already have because we are always wishing for something more?

The ancient wisdom of Laozi offers a simple but profound answer: knowing what is enough is itself a blessing.

Century calendar listing years 2001 to 2100 with months and days, surrounded by decorative fantasy elements

There is a beautiful story from the Ming Dynasty about a man named Hu Jiushao.

Hu was a farmer who also taught his son to read and study. His family lived simply, with enough to meet their basic needs. Every day, however, Hu would burn incense and offer prayers, thanking Heaven for blessing his family with another day of peace and contentment.

His wife found this amusing.

“We eat vegetable porridge for all three meals,” she said. “How can you call this a blessed life?”

Hu smiled and replied:

“First, we live in a time of peace. We do not have to suffer through war.

Second, our family has food to eat and clothes to wear. We are neither hungry nor cold.

Third, everyone in our family is healthy, and none of us has suffered the misfortune of imprisonment.

“Aren’t these blessings?”

His simple words carry a profound lesson.

Hu did not measure happiness by wealth, luxury, or abundance. He looked at what he had—and recognized how precious it was.

We often think happiness comes from having more—more money, a bigger house, greater success, better possessions, or fewer problems. Yet when we constantly focus on what we lack, we can easily overlook the blessings already present in our lives.

As Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has taught:

“A person not appreciative of the good life he is living is one who has forgotten his past miseries. A person in good health is not aware of its blessings until he loses it.”

How true this can be.

When we are healthy, we may hardly think about what a precious gift good health is. We go about our daily lives without giving it much attention. But when illness comes, something as simple as getting out of bed, walking freely, enjoying a meal, or sleeping peacefully can suddenly become deeply precious.

The same is true of many other things.

When we have peace, we may take it for granted. When we have enough food, a safe home, family, friends, and the freedom to live our daily lives, these things can seem ordinary simply because they are always there.

But ordinary does not mean insignificant.

Sometimes, we only recognize a blessing after it is gone.

Perhaps true happiness does not always require us to acquire something new. Sometimes it begins by seeing what we already have with a grateful heart.

Peace. Health. Food. Shelter. Family. The ability to wake up each morning and live another day.

These may sound like simple things, but they are among life’s greatest treasures.

Hu Jiushao’s story reminds us to pause and ask ourselves:

What blessings am I enjoying today that I have stopped noticing?

Contentment does not mean giving up our dreams or never seeking a better life. It means learning to appreciate the life we have while continuing to grow.

When we learn to cherish what is already in our hands, we may discover that happiness was never as far away as we thought.

Perhaps the secret to a happier life is not always having more, but learning to recognize, appreciate, and cherish what we already have.

Laozi’s ancient words still speak beautifully to us today:

When we truly know what is enough, we may discover that we already have much more than we realized.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/10/02/are-we-already-happier-than-we-think-a-lesson-in-contentment/

Under the Full Moon: The Beauty and Traditions of China’s Mid-Autumn Festival

linda changLeave a comment

Every autumn, when the moon shines bright and round in the night sky, millions of people celebrate one of China’s most beloved traditional festivals—the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Zhongqiu Jie (中秋节), also known as the Moon Festival.

In 2026, the festival falls on September 25, the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is celebrated in China and by Chinese communities around the world, including Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States.

More than a celebration of the moon, this festival is a time for family reunion, gratitude, and remembering the people we love.

A Festival of Reunion and Gratitude

The Mid-Autumn Festival has deep roots in Chinese agricultural traditions. It takes place during the autumn harvest season, when families gather to celebrate the fruits of their labor and give thanks for the abundance of the earth.

The full moon has a special meaning in Chinese culture. Its round shape symbolizes completeness, harmony, and family reunion. Even when family members live far apart, they can look up at the same moon and feel connected.

For many Chinese people, this festival is a little like Thanksgiving. Families prepare a special dinner, share stories, and express their love and appreciation for one another.

In Chinese, the word tuányuán (团圆) means reunion. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, it is one of the most cherished wishes: May the family be together, may everyone be safe, and may life be filled with peace and happiness.

No Mid-Autumn Festival would feel complete without mooncakes.

These traditional pastries are usually round, representing the full moon and family unity. Their beautifully patterned surfaces often feature Chinese characters expressing good fortune, longevity, or harmony.

Traditional mooncakes come in many varieties. Some contain sweet lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. Others are filled with nuts, dried fruits, or savory ingredients. Different regions of China have developed their own styles and flavors.

Mooncakes are not only enjoyed at home but are also exchanged as gifts among relatives, friends, and colleagues. Sharing a mooncake is a way of expressing affection and sending good wishes.

Families often cut a mooncake into small pieces so everyone can share it together—a simple gesture that reflects the festival’s spirit of togetherness.

The Beauty of Traditional Chinese Costumes

One of the most beautiful ways to experience Chinese culture is through its traditional clothing.

During cultural celebrations and festival events, people may wear Hanfu (汉服), traditional clothing associated with the Han Chinese and inspired by styles from different historical periods. Although most people today wear modern clothing in everyday life, Hanfu has become increasingly popular at cultural festivals, historical performances, and special photo events.

Hanfu is known for its graceful silhouettes, flowing sleeves, layered robes, and elegant fabrics. Depending on the historical style, an outfit may include a long robe, a wraparound skirt, a sash, or a decorative belt.

The colors are especially beautiful during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Soft ivory, pale blue, blush pink, and lavender can evoke the gentle beauty of moonlight. Deep red, emerald green, and gold create a more festive appearance. Embroidered flowers, clouds, or delicate patterns may add another layer of elegance.

Women may wear long skirts with flowing outer robes, while men may choose long robes with wide sleeves and traditional belts. Hair ornaments, jade accessories, and delicate fans can complete the look.

Some people choose styles inspired by the Tang or Song dynasties, while others prefer Ming-style clothing. Each period has its own distinctive shapes and details, making traditional Chinese clothing a fascinating expression of history and artistry.

It is important to remember that Hanfu is not one single costume. Chinese clothing changed across centuries, and different styles belong to different historical periods. Modern festival outfits may also combine historical inspiration with contemporary design.

When people wear these garments beneath the autumn moon, the experience becomes more than dressing beautifully. It is a way of connecting with cultural heritage, appreciating traditional craftsmanship, and allowing history to come alive.

Lanterns, Moonlight, and Ancient Legends

Another lovely tradition is carrying lanterns.

Children may walk with colorful lanterns shaped like rabbits, flowers, or animals. In some communities, lantern displays illuminate parks and streets, creating a magical atmosphere. Families may also enjoy solving lantern riddles together.

The rabbit lantern is especially meaningful because of the famous Chinese legend of Chang’e and the Moon.

According to one version of the story, Chang’e was the wife of the heroic archer Hou Yi. After taking an elixir of immortality, she ascended to the moon, where she became associated with the Moon Palace. Her companion is often depicted as the Jade Rabbit, who is said to prepare medicine for immortality.

The story has been told and retold for generations. Although versions differ, it has become one of the most recognizable legends associated with the festival.

On Mid-Autumn night, families may also place fruits, mooncakes, and other offerings on a table to appreciate the moon. These customs reflect older traditions of honoring the moon and expressing wishes for a good harvest and a happy life.

Today, some families continue these practices, while others simply enjoy moon-viewing together.

Woman gazing at a glowing full moon over terraced hills

Perhaps the most touching part of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the simple act of looking at the moon.

The moon reminds people that even when we are separated by distance, we share the same sky. A parent working in another city, a child studying abroad, or a friend living across the ocean can all look up at the same moon.

This feeling has inspired Chinese poets for centuries. The moon often appears in poetry as a symbol of longing, friendship, love, and the passage of time.

The festival also arrives when the sweet fragrance of osmanthus flowers fills the autumn air in many parts of China. Their delicate scent, the cool evening breeze, and the bright moon create a peaceful atmosphere that is difficult to forget.

For those who cannot return home, the moon may bring a little sadness. Yet it also offers comfort: the people we love remain part of our lives, even when we cannot be physically together.

The Mid-Autumn Festival reminds us that happiness does not always come from grand celebrations or expensive gifts.

Sometimes, it is found in sharing a simple meal, offering a piece of mooncake, watching children carry lanterns, or sitting quietly beneath the moon with someone we love.

In a busy modern world, this ancient festival invites us to slow down and appreciate what truly matters: family, friendship, gratitude, and the beauty of nature.

Whether we celebrate in China or thousands of miles away, the full moon connects us through a shared tradition that has endured for generations.

May the bright autumn moon bring peace to every home, warmth to every heart, and reunion to all those who long to be together.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 中秋节快乐！

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/09/25/under-the-full-moon-the-beauty-and-traditions-of-chinas-mid-autumn-festival/

We Spend So Much Time Trying to Live Longer—But Are We Learning How to Live Better?

linda changLeave a comment

Modern people are fascinated by longevity.

We study nutrition, exercise, sleep, supplements, medical treatments, and the latest science of aging. We count our steps, monitor our heart rate, change our diets, and search for new ways to add more years to our lives.

But there is another kind of nourishment that is easy to overlook: the nourishment of the heart and spirit.

A Buddhist story from the Treasury of Miscellaneous Treasures (Za Bao Zang Jing) offers a beautiful perspective on this.

During the time of the Buddha, there was a wealthy elder whose young son was deeply loved.

According to the Buddhist scripture, when the child was about five or six years old, a fortune-teller examined him and said that the child had great blessings—but one serious weakness: his life would be short.

The father was devastated. He searched for ways to help his son live longer and eventually brought him to the Buddha.

The Buddha did not give him a special medicine or promise that death could simply be defeated.

Instead, the Buddha taught the child to cultivate humility, patience, and respect.

The child was instructed to respectfully bow to people entering and leaving the city.

One day, a being who had intended to take the child’s life appeared in the form of a Brahmin. When the child respectfully bowed to him, the being instinctively blessed him, saying, in essence, “May you have a long life.”

Because he had spoken those words, he could no longer go against them.

The scripture concludes that through the child’s humility, patience, and respectful conduct, his life was extended.

The story is recorded in Za Bao Zang Jing（杂宝藏经）, Volume Four, in the story known as “The Elder’s Son Seeks Long Life from the Buddha.”

What If Longevity Is More Than Taking Care of the Body?

This ancient story makes me think about how differently we sometimes approach longevity today.

We are very concerned about what we put into our bodies, but perhaps we should also ask:

What are we putting into our hearts?

We carefully consider food, but what about anger?

We worry about toxins in the environment, but what about resentment?

We exercise our bodies, but do we exercise patience?

We try to strengthen our immune systems, but do we strengthen compassion?

We may spend years searching for ways to extend our physical lives while forgetting that the quality of those years also matters.

Many years ago, I heard an elderly Chinese doctor say something that stayed with me:

“Medicine nourishes the body, food nourishes the body better, movement nourishes it even more—but while nourishing the body, never forget to nourish the heart. Wherever you do good, there is nourishment.”

I have always loved the wisdom behind these simple words.

Taking care of our bodies is important. Eating well, exercising, sleeping properly, and receiving appropriate medical care all matter.

But perhaps taking care of the heart is another form of longevity practice.

What Are We Nourishing Every Day?

Every act leaves something behind in us.

When we constantly become angry, anger becomes easier.

When we hold on to resentment, resentment becomes heavier.

When we practice kindness, kindness becomes more natural.

When we help someone, we may discover that our own heart becomes lighter.

When we forgive, we release something that we have been carrying.

When we sincerely help others, perhaps we are not only giving something away—we are also nourishing something within ourselves.

This is one reason Buddhist teachings place such importance on compassion, generosity, patience, and wholesome actions.

The goal is not simply to have a longer life.

It is to cultivate a better life.

Of course, doing good should not be viewed as a transaction: “If I help others, I will definitely live longer.”

The deeper lesson is about how we live.

We can take care of our bodies while also taking care of our minds and hearts.

We can eat nutritious food and also “feed” ourselves with kindness.

We can exercise our bodies and also practice patience.

We can seek medical treatment when we are ill and, at the same time, work on releasing anger, jealousy, resentment, and fear.

Perhaps true wellness requires both.

Nourish the body, but do not forget to nourish the heart.

And perhaps the simplest nourishment is kindness.

What Kind of Life Are We Trying to Extend?

The Buddhist story of the young child does not tell us that we can control the length of our lives simply by doing good deeds. Life and death involve causes and conditions far beyond our understanding.

But the story reminds us of something important:

While we cannot completely control how long we live, we can pay attention to how we live.

Perhaps the question is not only:

“How can I live longer?”

but also:

“How can I make the years I have more compassionate, meaningful, and beneficial to others?”

Maybe that is another kind of longevity—one measured not only in years, but in the goodness we leave behind.

We spend so much time trying to add years to life.

Perhaps we should also spend some time adding life to our years.

Because sometimes, the best way to nourish ourselves is to nourish someone else.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/09/22/we-spend-so-much-time-trying-to-live-longer-but-are-we-learning-how-to-live-better/