Category: Holy Buddhism Masters and Monks

Light Across the Ocean: A Miracle at the Bathing Buddha Festival and the True Dharma of Liberation

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The eighth day of the Fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar is the holy birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha. Before the Buddha renounced and reached enlightenment, he was known as Prince Siddhartha. According to Buddhist sutras, right after the Prince was born, He said, with one hand pointing to the sky and the other pointing to the ground, “From heaven to earth, I alone am the world-honored one.” Nine dragons in the sky then poured streams of fragrant water from their mouths to bathe the prince’s body. Ever since, Buddhists hold the Bathing the Buddha Dharma Assembly to celebrate the holy birth of the Buddha.

Today, I want to share an extraordinary, documented event from 2004 that shook the Buddhist world. It is more than just a story of a miraculous, glowing statue—it is a powerful testament to the supreme realization of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and the authentic, life-altering Dharma that grants sentient beings true mastery over life and death.

At the Hua Zang Si Temple in San Francisco, California, over a dozen rare and sacred Buddhist relics are enshrined. Among them is a bronze statue of the Prince (the young Shakyamuni Buddha) clad in a red robe, a sight that naturally commands reverence from all who visit.

The story takes us back to May 23, 2004. At the conclusion of that year’s Bathing Buddha Festival, in front of a crowd of eyewitnesses, this bronze statue suddenly began to radiate an incredibly brilliant, dazzling golden light! This sacred illumination did not fade quickly; it lasted for two and a half hours before slowly dissipating.

In over two thousand years of Buddhist history, countless Bathing Buddha ceremonies have been held, yet it is almost unheard of for a physical statue to manifest such prolonged, independent radiance. What was the cause behind this breathtaking miracle?

The answer lies across the Pacific Ocean, tied to the merits of an 81-year-old lay Buddhist named Madame Cheng-E Fen.

Madame Cheng-E Fen lived in Sichuan, China. She was a close relative of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (known at the time as the Supreme Vaja Dharma King Master Yi Xi Nuo Bu) and devoutly practiced the Guan Yin (Avalokiteshvara) Dharma under His guidance.

In the spring of 2004, at age 81, Madame Cheng-E Fen began showing signs of physical failure due to advanced illness. However, her subsequent medical examinations at the Chengdu General Hospital left the medical community completely baffled.

Her X-ray films revealed a complete absence of lung imagery—just total, blank space. Doctors confirmed that her lungs had completely stopped functioning. She had no respiratory capability whatsoever; she could neither inhale nor exhale.

By all laws of medical science, a person without respiration is a deceased person.

Yet, despite having no breath, Madame Cheng-E Fen remained completely alive, clear-minded, and conversational for over a month! Witnesses even placed a light feather right in front of her nose and mouth; they watched it for over ten minutes, and it never stirred a fraction of an inch.

This phenomenon, entirely impossible by medical standards, was a direct manifestation of her deep spiritual realization—a profound transformation achieved through the true, authentic Dharma transmitted to her by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Knowing her time was near, Madame Cheng-E Fen had calmly made her final arrangements, changed into her burial robes, and waited for the pure land’s welcoming. On two separate occasions in her hospital room, she pressed her palms together and told those around her, “Guan Yin Bodhisattva has arrived.” At those exact moments, everyone in the room noticed a sudden, exquisite fragrance, and the sound of heavenly music echoing from the void.

Yet, both times, she did not depart. She explained to the onlookers: Her holy teacher in the United States—H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III—had requested Guan Yin Bodhisattva to delay her departure.

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

She marveled, saying, “I saw the blue robes of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Oh, the Western Pure Land is so beautiful! So many pavilions, so many flowers.”

To be in perfect spiritual communion with the Bodhisattvas, and to successfully request a delay in a disciple’s passing to reschedule their ascension—this represents an inconceivable, supreme holy realization. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III requested this delay so that her ultimate transition could align perfectly with a major spiritual event in the West, using this undeniable reality to awaken faith in a skeptical world.

On May 22, 2004, at 11:00 PM California time (which was 2:00 PM on May 23 in China), H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III called Venerable Shi Long Hui, the Chairwoman of the International Buddhism Sangha Association, to His presence. He prophesied: Madame Cheng-E Fen will pass away today in China, and Guan Yin Bodhisattva will escort her to the Western Pure Land.

The Buddha Master instructed Long Hui to publicly announce this news at the Bathing Buddha Festival in Los Angeles the following day, and to dedicate the immense merits of the ceremony to the elderly lady. He added: “Tomorrow’s festival carries extraordinarily powerful merit. I can no longer ask Guan Yin Bodhisattva to delay her departure. After I finish practicing Dharma tonight, Guan Yin Bodhisattva will come to take her tomorrow.”

Sure enough, at 7:00 AM the next morning in Los Angeles, word arrived from Sichuan: Madame Cheng-E Fen had peacefully and mindfully ascended with Guan Yin Bodhisattva exactly twenty minutes prior.

At that exact moment during the American festival, as the assembly united their hearts to dedicate the merits of the Bathing Buddha ceremony to her—the Prince statue at the temple erupted into a brilliant golden glow that lasted for two and a half hours. This profound convergence across the Pacific Ocean was the ultimate, undeniable confirmation from the heavens that the True Dharma is real and absolute.

The Search for Authentic Liberation

Witnessing this miracle in Sichuan, an earnest practitioner expressed what so many spiritual seekers feel today:

“For years, I have been searching, visiting many famous teachers and high lamas, yet I never felt I was learning the path to true liberation. Deep down, I knew I was still bound by my flaws, and I feared what would happen when I faced death.

Seeing the holy realization of Madame Cheng-E Fen, I know the Buddhas have answered my prayers. We must do everything we can to find the Master who taught her. He is the true Holy One. Only He can help us solve the ultimate problem of life and death!”

Remarkably, Madame Cheng-E Fen’s husband had also been a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III years prior, and he too achieved absolute freedom over his passing, leaving the world while meditating in a seated posture. For both husband and wife to achieve such monumental liberation is a rare and beautiful chapter in Buddhist history.

Life is fleeting, and impermanence arrives without warning. The miraculous ascension of Madame Cheng-E Fen and the radiant light of the Bathing Buddha Festival serve as a beacon of hope in our modern age.

The realization held by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the authentic, primordial Dharma that allows everyday people to truly conquer death and attain liberation in this very lifetime. May all who read this find right mindfulness, connect with true spiritual paths, and reach the shore of ultimate freedom.

(This article is adapted from an interview with Venerable Abbess Ruo Hui. For the core teachings of Buddhism, please always refer to the original recorded discourses and published books of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.)

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/22/light-across-the-ocean-a-miracle-at-the-bathing-buddha-festival-and-the-true-dharma-of-liberation/

The Miraculous Healing: A True Witness to the Inconceivable Power of Buddha Dharma

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This post is adapted from a true account personally shared by Dr. Xisi Huang during her appearance on the “Buddhist Disciples Interview” program. It is our sincere hope that through this extraordinary testimonial, readers can deeply feel the inconceivable greatness of the Buddha Dharma and the peerless, boundless compassion of Namo H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Young girl lying in bed with fever, sweating, crying, and covered in a red rash

In 2018, a nightmare began for our family. The skin on my 20-year-old younger daughter’s legs began breaking out in ulcerated rashes. Over time, the condition worsened drastically, leaving open wounds that rotted down to the raw flesh.

We sought help everywhere. We consulted Western doctors, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, dermatologists, and natural therapies specialists. The diagnoses were completely inconsistent—ranging from severe mosquito bite allergies and stress to eczema and autoimmune failures. Yet, every doctor resorted to the same treatment: prescribing topical or oral steroids, and eventually, steroid injections. None of it worked. Instead, her body developed a resistance to the medication, and the painful, itchy rashes began spreading uncontrollably across her entire body.

By June, medical reports revealed she had developed severe allergies to over 50 types of food, a clear sign that her immune system was entirely compromised. She had to suspend her studies and was confined to the house, as any exposure to ambient bacteria could have been fatal. Suffering from constant hunger due to her restricted diet, she wasted away until she was practically skin and bones. As a mother, watching her suffer in agony while being utterly helpless was heartbreaking. It made me realize how limited and powerless human medicine can truly be.

The ultimate crisis struck on July 10th. Her immune system collapsed completely. Her fingers and toes swelled so severely that they fused together, rendering her unable to move or get out of bed. Soon, she began having difficulty breathing. When I desperately asked if she wanted to go to the hospital, she weakly replied, “It’s no use anymore, Mom. I finally truly understand what the Buddha taught—that human life hangs entirely on the balance of a single breath.” When I called her doctor in a panic, he looked at her and flatly admitted that they had never encountered such a case and could do nothing more. He implied that the end was near; if the inflammation attacked her heart, it would stop, and if it hit her throat, her airway would close. She was living on borrowed time, facing death every single second.

In the dead of night, at 2:00 AM, driven by sheer desperation as my daughter lay dying, I knelt on my living room floor. I prayed to the heavens, crying out for the blessings and salvation of our Buddha Master. The next morning, I took photos of her condition and sent them to Dharma Master Jue Hui at the Holy Miracles Temple in the United States. Very quickly, the Dharma Master called back with an urgent message: “The Buddha Master is aware of the situation. Your daughter is in extreme danger. You must come to America immediately.”

聖蹟寺 Holy Miracles Temple

Because urgent matters prevented me from leaving Hong Kong, my eldest daughter boarded a flight to Los Angeles that very night and rushed straight to Holy Miracles Temple. When she arrived around 7:00 PM, hundreds of disciples were already waiting to be received. By midnight, though the Buddha Master was exhausted from tirelessly helping disciples all day, He compassionately chose to forgo rest to receive my daughter.

The Buddha Master revealed the true cause of the affliction: my younger daughter’s condition was the manifestation of a massive karmic retribution, where her past karmic creditors had materialized as a demonic force possessing her body, intending to attack her until she perished.

The Buddha Master then asked my eldest daughter to step outside the hall, then His Holiness performed a holy Dharma rite. During the ritual, a profound, exquisite fragrance suddenly enveloped the entire temple—a heavenly scent my eldest daughter noted she had never experienced anywhere on Earth. Afterward, the Buddha Master, with boundless patience and compassion, repeatedly instructed my daughter on how to safely transport the large gallon of holy Dharma water back to Hong Kong and exactly how to administer it to her dying sister.

My eldest daughter packed the Dharma water into small bottles to bring back. Given the notoriously strict security checks at US customs, we were terrified that a suitcase full of fragrant liquids would be confiscated. Yet, a miracle occurred: when she opened the suitcase in Hong Kong, she found an official customs inspection letter inside. The officers had opened and checked the bag, yet they allowed every single bottle to pass through untouched.

The healing that followed was nothing short of miraculous. On the second day of using the Dharma water, my younger daughter’s spirit returned; she could sit up, and her breathing became smooth.

Most incredible of all, within just one single week, the rashes across her entire body vanished. The deep, ulcerated wounds on her legs that had previously exposed her flesh healed completely, leaving absolutely no scars behind! According to medical science, human skin tissue regeneration takes a bare minimum of 28 days. Yet, through the blessing of the Buddha Dharma, she was fully restored in seven days. A month later, she was healthy enough to study abroad in France.

Sometime later, her doctor—who had assumed she had passed away—called me to express his condolences. When I told him, “Doctor, my daughter is completely fine. She is fully recovered and is currently studying in France,” he was stunned into silence, able to utter only one phrase: “That is truly a miracle.”

In the face of such an undeniable transformation of karma, the scientific community can only use the word “miracle” to cloak the limitations of human knowledge. But today, I stand before you to declare boldly: This was not a mere coincidence or a stroke of luck. This is the tangible, magnificent manifestation of the supreme power of Buddha Dharma, and the unparalleled, life-saving compassion of our beloved Buddha Master, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III!

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/05/19/the-miraculous-healing-a-true-witness-to-the-inconceivable-power-of-buddha-dharma/

This post is translated and edited from Interview with a Buddhist Disciple (59): AM1300 Chinese Radio Station – Exclusive Interview with PhD. Huang Xisi 《佛弟子訪談（五十九：AM1300中文廣播電臺-專訪香港黃僖偲博士》 by Linda Chang. For original records, please click here.

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

When Practice Becomes Real: Aligning Our Three Karmas with the True Master

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In the path of cultivation, many of us begin with sincerity. We read the teachings, we listen, we reflect, and we believe that we are walking the path correctly. Yet a profound question remains:

Why is it that among so many practitioners, so few truly attain realization?

Photo taken in 1999. Elder Dharma King Dorje Losang (191?-2004) was a disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu (Great Dharma King Buddha Yangwo Yisinubu).

In a teaching given by Elder Monk Dorje Losang at Bodhi Monastery, a direct and uncompromising answer is offered. There are only two fundamental reasons.

First, one has not followed a true Master—one who is the incarnation of a Buddha or Bodhisattva—and therefore has not received the true Buddha-dharma, but only its outer forms, theories, or popular interpretations.

Second, even if one is fortunate enough to follow a true Master and has encountered the authentic Dharma, one’s three karmas—conduct, speech, and thought—do not truly correspond with the Master’s teachings. In this case, cultivation becomes superficial. Without true alignment, there can be no liberation, no genuine blessings, and no escape from the cycle of birth and death.

This teaching is simple, yet deeply penetrating.

It reminds us that the path is not only about what we learn—but how we live.

True devotion is not merely a feeling. It is expressed through what is called the “Four States of Corresponding”: unwavering loyalty, constancy without change, placing nothing above the Master and the Three Jewels, and reaching complete, wholehearted devotion. Only when these are truly practiced can one’s three karmas fully align.

And yet, for many of us, the challenge lies not in understanding these principles—but in applying them in the smallest moments of daily life.

A story shared by lay practitioner Wang Yuxiang offers a powerful reflection.

On an ordinary day, she decided to prepare steamed dumplings as an offering to her Master, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Her heart was joyful, filled with the intention to make a sincere offering.

As she prepared the filling, she followed a habit formed over years of cooking at home—she tasted a small portion to check the seasoning, then returned it to the mixture. It was a simple, unconscious action, something she had done countless times before.

But this time, it was different.

In that very moment, something unexpected occurred. A sealed bottle of soy sauce suddenly fell and shattered, creating a loud and startling crash. Shocked, she immediately realized her mistake.

Young woman with a bleeding cut on her foot from broken glass on the floor

This was not food for herself or her family.
This was an offering.

With deep remorse, she repented sincerely, recognizing her lack of mindfulness and reverence. Her tears flowed uncontrollably—not out of fear, but from a genuine awareness of having fallen short in her devotion.

Soon after, she discovered that her foot had been pierced by a sharp piece of glass, causing significant bleeding. Yet despite the injury, her only concern was not to delay her Master’s meal. She endured the pain, completed the offering, and only afterward returned home to tend to her wound.

And then, something extraordinary happened.

The wound—deep, bleeding, and undeniable—had completely disappeared. There was no scar, no swelling, no trace it had ever existed.

To many, such an account may seem difficult to comprehend. But beyond the event itself lies its deeper meaning.

Through this experience, she came to a clear realization: cultivation is not an abstract concept—it is present in every thought, every word, every action.

Even a small, habitual act, when lacking mindfulness and reverence, reveals a gap between one’s intention and one’s actual state of alignment.

From a Buddhist perspective, this story is not merely about a “miracle,” but about cause and condition, sincerity and response.

When one’s mind deviates, even subtly, there is consequence.
When one repents with genuine sincerity, there is also transformation.

More importantly, it reminds us that following a true Master is an immense blessing—but it also carries profound responsibility.

It is not enough to say we believe.
It is not enough to feel devotion in our hearts.

Our three karmas must align—completely, precisely, and without compromise.

Not only in great matters, but in the smallest details of daily life.

How we speak.
How we act.
What thoughts we allow to arise.

Because it is in these subtle moments that our true state is revealed.

If we treat ordinary matters casually, how can we claim sincerity in sacred ones?

If our habits remain unchanged, how can transformation occur?

The path of cultivation is, in truth, very direct.

When the Dharma is true, and when one’s devotion is unwavering, Elder Monk Dorje Losang teaches that liberation can be “as easy as turning over one’s hand.”

But if our practice remains external, if our alignment is incomplete, then no matter how long we cultivate, the result will remain distant.

This is both a warning and a profound encouragement.

It tells us that the path is not far away.
It is right here, in this very moment.

In every thought we choose.
In every word we speak.
In every action we take.

To truly align our three karmas is not something abstract—it is something we practice now.

Quietly.
Sincerely.
Completely.

And perhaps, in that sincerity, the path will naturally unfold.

For full lecture Given by Elder Monk Dorje Losang at Bodhi Monastery, please click here.

For the full account by lay practitioner Wang Yuxiang please refer to  H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III — A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma**, pp. 187-189.**

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/04/17/when-practice-becomes-real-aligning-our-three-karmas-with-the-true-master/

Where Compassion Lands: The Silent Rescue of a Hive

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Two beekeepers in protective suits collecting honey from a large hanging hive at sunset

When a Home Was Lost, Compassion Found a Way—A Quiet Act That Redefined the Value of Every Living Being

There are moments in life when compassion is no longer an idea, but a living force—quiet, unwavering, and profoundly transformative.

This is the story of such a moment.

Shared by lay practitioner Qi Pengzhi(戚鹏直), it recounts an act of extraordinary care by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and Namo Yuhua Shouzhi Wang Buddha Mother—an act not directed toward kings or crowds, but toward a fragile colony of bees, hidden on the rooftop of an ordinary home.

It was 2011, a year marked by an unexpected turning point. The house in which they resided had been sold, and the new owner intended to demolish it. Time was short. Departure was inevitable.

And yet, above their heads, life was quietly unfolding.

A vast hive of bees had taken refuge beneath the roof—thousands of tiny lives bound together in delicate harmony. To most, this would have been an inconvenience, perhaps even a nuisance. The simplest solution, as suggested by the landlord, was extermination.

But compassion does not choose the convenient path.

“Under no circumstances should they be harmed,” came the firm and gentle instruction. “Their lives are no different from ours.”

In that moment, the fate of the hive was no longer incidental—it became a responsibility.

What followed was not a symbolic gesture, but a meticulous and determined effort. Beekeeping specialists were consulted. Plans were drawn. A new hive was carefully constructed in advance, shaped not by haste but by respect for the natural rhythms of the bees.

Time pressed on. The day of relocation arrived.

There is a quiet tension in handling something so easily broken. Bees do not understand human urgency; they respond only to the subtle language of instinct and survival. At the heart of their world lies the queen—without her, the colony dissolves into silence.

So every movement mattered.

The disciples stood watch as professionals gently removed the hive from the rooftop. No detail was overlooked. No life dismissed as insignificant. It was a scene both practical and deeply reverent—an unspoken recognition that even the smallest existence carries its own dignity.

Yet the journey did not end with removal.

True compassion does not abandon halfway.

They followed the bees—literally—escorting them to their new home. The destination was a secluded mountainside, where wildflowers stretched across the land and human disturbance faded into absence. It was a place where life could continue as it was meant to: freely, quietly, and whole.

Only after ensuring the bees were safely settled did they return.

What remains is not merely the memory of an act, but the echo of its meaning.

Knight resting against a maiden inside a glowing magical shield protecting them from dark and fiery creatures

In an age where humanity grapples with ecological imbalance, the significance of such care becomes ever more apparent. Bees, as science now repeatedly reminds us, are vital to the continuity of life. Their silent labor sustains ecosystems, nourishes crops, and binds the intricate web of nature together.

To protect them is, in truth, to protect ourselves.

And yet, beyond science, there is a deeper understanding—one that transcends utility.

It is the recognition that life, in all its forms, is not hierarchical but shared.

That the boundary between “us” and “them” is far thinner than we imagine.

That a single act of protection, offered without condition, can restore a fragment of harmony to a fractured world.

Perhaps true compassion is not measured by grand gestures, but by the willingness to pause… to notice… and to protect even that which the world has overlooked.

On a rooftop, in a fleeting moment before demolition, a choice was made.

Not to destroy—but to preserve.

Not to disregard—but to honor.

And in that choice, something far greater than a hive was saved.

This post is translated and edited from Interview with a Buddhist Disciple (64): AM1300 Chinese Radio Station – Exclusive Interview with U.S. Layman Qi Pengzhi 《佛弟子訪談（六十四）：AM1300中文廣播電臺-專訪美國 戚朋直居士》 by Linda Chang. For original records, please click here.

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/04/09/where-compassion-lands-the-silent-rescue-of-a-hive/

A Glimpse Beyond the Ordinary: Faith, Humility, and the Inconceivable

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Glowing figure meditating on a floating island surrounded by ethereal spirits and cosmic energy.

The following account is excerpted from a post published by Holy Miracles Temple on April 15, 2022, titled “Recent Talk Records of Venerable Zhai Mang.”

Sometimes, in the course of spiritual practice, there are moments that quietly remind us how limited our ordinary understanding truly is. What we see, hear, and reason through the lens of everyday experience may only be a small fragment of a far greater reality.

Venerable Zhai Mang once shared a personal experience that deeply illustrates this truth.

In January 1996, he accompanied the Buddha and the Holy Mother to Shenzhen. At that time, Brother Li Dehe, the general manager of the Luohu Hotel, arranged a temporary Dharma altar on the 16th floor, where teachings were given and disciples gathered.

One day around noon, it was time to invite the Buddha and the Holy Mother for a meal. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, the Buddha could not be found.

Venerable Zhai Mang went up to the altar to look—no one was there. Another disciple went, and then another. Each time, the result was the same: the room was empty.

Finally, Sister Liu Ge went to check. Unlike the others, she did not leave immediately. She stood quietly by the doorway, facing a large mirror. Behind her was a sealed window, reflected clearly in the glass.

Then, something extraordinary happened.

In the mirror, she suddenly saw a foot appear near the window—seemingly out of nowhere. In the next moment, she witnessed the Buddha step into the room from midair.

Startled beyond words, she cried out.

Everyone rushed over. Inside the altar, the Buddha was already seated calmly, as if nothing unusual had occurred. Sister Liu Ge then recounted what she had just witnessed.

When sharing this story, Venerable Zhai Mang did not focus on the miraculous itself. Instead, he pointed to something far more important.

In simple terms, he reminded us: the realization and abilities of the Buddha and the Holy Mother are beyond the comprehension of ordinary minds. Trying to measure the enlightened with our limited understanding is like trying to contain the vast sky within the palm of a hand.

What, then, should we do?

Not to speculate. Not to doubt blindly.
But to turn inward.

With sincerity, we reflect on ourselves. With humility, we cultivate. With a heart of repentance and reverence, we create the conditions to receive true guidance.

Moments like this are not merely stories of the extraordinary. They are gentle awakenings—reminding us that the path of spiritual practice is not built on curiosity about miracles, but on the transformation of our own hearts.

In a world that often demands proof for everything, perhaps the deeper wisdom lies in recognizing what cannot be fully explained, yet can be quietly felt.

To walk the path is to let go of arrogance, to open the heart, and to trust that there are dimensions of truth far beyond what we can see.

And perhaps, when the mind becomes still and sincere, what once seemed unimaginable may no longer feel so distant.

The Legacy of Venerable Denma Tsemang

Venerable Denma Tsemang was one of the twenty-five great Dedengbas under Guru Padmasambhava when he journeyed to Tibet over a thousand years ago to spread the Dharma. During that same period, Shakyamuni Buddha dispatched Denma Tsemang to descend into this world to assist Guru Padmasambhava in propagating the Buddha-Dharma.

According to the traditional biographies of Guru Padmasambhava’s twenty-five foremost disciples, Denma Tsemang was highly accomplished in transcription and writing. He possessed extraordinary wisdom and was especially skilled in translation. Under the guidance of the great ācārya Guru Padmasambhava, he received numerous esoteric teachings, including secret mantras and profound Dharma instructions.

He attained remarkable realization, great spiritual powers, abundant merit, and deep wisdom. It is said that he never forgot any teaching he received, retaining everything completely. Many important terma (hidden treasure texts), including the Collection of Eight Sadhana Teachings, were transcribed by him. In addition, Denma Tsemang, together with other great Bodhisattvas, participated in translating the sutras and treatises contained within the Tripitaka.

In this present lifetime, Denma Tsemang has reincarnated as H.E. Longzhi Tanpe Nyima, a devoted disciple of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. He remains by His Holiness’s side throughout the year, serving as an attendant with unwavering dedication.

His strengths in this life closely mirror those of his previous incarnation. He diligently transcribes and organizes the recorded Dharma discourses of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, preserving these teachings for the benefit of future generations.

During a sacred inner tantric initiation known as “Drawing Lots from a Golden Vase and Casting a Lot,” performed personally by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, the lot revealed the mandala of Guhyapada Vajra—a powerful vajra being of immense spiritual strength. Following this, he demonstrated extraordinary ability by telekinetically moving a vajra pill, clearly revealing the level of realization of a true reincarnated great Dedengba.

Yet despite these remarkable signs, H.E. Longzhi Tanpe Nyima humbly said:

“I am just a Buddhist disciple sincerely cultivating myself.”

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/04/03/a-glimpse-beyond-the-ordinary-faith-humility-and-the-inconceivable/

What Is an Arhat or Arahant in Buddhism?

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By Barbara O’Brien

In early Buddhism, an arhat (Sanskrit) or arahant (Pali) — “worthy one” or “perfected one” — was the highest ideal of a disciple of the Buddha. He or she was a person who had completed the path to enlightenment and achieved nirvana. In Chinese, the word for arhat is lohan or luohan.

Arhats are described in the Dhammapada:

“There is no more worldly existence for the wise one who, like the earth, resents nothing, who is firm as a high pillar and as pure as a deep pool free from mud. Calm is his thought, calm his speech, and calm his deed, who, truly knowing, is wholly freed, perfectly tranquil and wise.” [Verses 95 and 96; Acharya Buddharakkhita translation.]

In early scriptures, the Buddha is sometimes also called an arhat. Both an arhat and a Buddha were considered to be perfectly enlightened and purified of all defilements. One difference between an arhat and a Buddha was that a Buddha realized enlightenment on his own, while an arhat was guided to enlightenment by a teacher.

In the Sutta-pitaka, both the Buddha and arhats are described as being perfectly enlightened and free from fetters, and both achieve nirvana. But only the Buddha is the master of all masters, the world teacher, the one who opened the door for all others.

As time went on, some early schools of Buddhism proposed that an arhat (but not a Buddha) might retain some imperfections and impurities. Disagreement over the qualities of an arhat may have been the cause of early sectarian divisions.

The Arahant in Theravada Buddhism

Today’s Theravada Buddhism still defines the Pali word arahant as a perfectly enlightened and purified being. What, then, is the difference between an arahant and a Buddha?

Theravada teaches there is one Buddha in each age or eon, and this is the person who discovers the dharma and teaches it to the world. Other beings of that age or eon who realize enlightenment are arahants. The Buddha of the current age is, of course, Gautama Buddha, or the historical Buddha.

The Arhat in Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhists may use the word arhat to refer to an enlightened being, or they may consider an arhat to be someone who is very far along the Path but who has not yet realized Buddhahood. Mahayana Buddhist sometimes use the word shravaka — “one who hears and proclaims” — as a synonym for arhat. Both words describe a very advanced practitioner worthy of respect.

Legends about sixteen, eighteen, or some other number of particular arhats can be found in Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism. It is said these were chosen by the Buddha from among his disciples to remain in the world and protect the dharma until the coming of Maitreya Buddha. These arhats are venerated in much the same way Christian saints are venerated.

Arhats and Bodhisattvas

Although the arhat or arahant remains the ideal of practice in Theravada, in Mahayana Buddhism the ideal of practice is the bodhisattva — the enlightened being who vows to bring all other beings to enlightenment.

Although bodhisattvas are associated with Mahayana, the term originated in early Buddhism and can be found in Theravada scripture as well. For example, we read in the Jataka Tales that before realizing Buddhahood, the one who would become the Buddha lived many lives as a bodhisattva, giving of himself for the sake of others.

The distinction between Theravada and Mahayana is not that Theravada is less concerned with the enlightenment of others. Rather, it has to do with a different understanding of the nature of enlightenment and the nature of the self; in Mahayana, individual enlightenment is a contradiction in terms. 

Link: https://www.learnreligions.com/arhat-or-arahant-449673

Serving Day and Night: A Close Disciple’s Account of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

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In a recent episode of “Expounding the Absolute True Through the Heart Sutra,” a longtime disciple, Layman Qi, shared his personal experiences of serving and accompanying H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III for more than twenty years. What he described was not merely a teacher’s routine—it was a life of tireless, wholehearted service to all living beings.

Layman Qi has followed H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III for over two decades, often driving for Him and staying close to Him in daily life. Through these years, he witnessed something that left a deep impression on his heart:

“In all these twenty-plus years,” he said, “I have never truly seen the Buddha rest. I do not even know when He rests.”

From early dawn, instructions are already being given. Throughout the day, the Buddha meets disciples, expounds the Dharma, grants empowerments, and resolves spiritual questions. Frequently, these activities continue until one, two, or even three o’clock in the morning.

Some may assume that after leaving the temple, He returns home to rest. According to Layman Qi, this is not so. Even when returning late—sometimes at three or four in the morning—His Holiness still carefully instructs disciples to ensure that even the dogs have been fed, water prepared, and that animals, including wildlife, are properly cared for.

Layman Qi describes H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as the most hardworking person he has ever encountered. Not only does the Buddha care for disciples, but He also performs Dharma services, dedications of merit, and liberative practices for countless sentient beings—including beings of the Six Realms whom ordinary eyes cannot see.

Meals are simple and often delayed. Breakfast is typically just a small bowl of porridge with a bit of pickled vegetables. Many days, even by seven or eight in the evening, lunch has still not been taken.

Disciples sometimes travel thousands of miles to seek an audience. Layman Qi understands their sincerity. Yet he gently reminds fellow practitioners: if one truly seeks the Buddha, the purpose should be to learn how to cultivate, how to transcend birth and death, and how to receive authentic Dharma teachings—not to occupy time with mundane disputes or worldly concerns.

Layman Qi reflects deeply on this point. In worldly life, one may seek employment for financial gain. But a Buddhist disciple seeking the Buddha should seek liberation, wisdom, and genuine cultivation.

Worldly difficulties—business setbacks, family discord—arise from karma. As the Buddha teaches, even a cool breeze in summer or the loss of a single hair operates within cause and effect. Understanding this principle, disciples should focus on transforming their karma through practice, rather than burdening the Buddha with worldly entanglements.

When countless disciples seek meetings daily, even a few minutes of casual worldly conversation multiplied many times over would prevent the Buddha from guiding those sincerely seeking liberation. For Layman Qi, this understanding has become an essential lesson in cultivation itself.

Perhaps the most moving detail is what happens after disciples finally rest for the night.

Layman Qi explains that stacks of requests—for blessings, dedications, and liberation rites—are presented to the Buddha. While others sleep, His Holiness continues performing practices and dedicating merit for sentient beings.

“To us,” Layman Qi reflects, “rest means sleep. But for the Buddha, there seems to be no such thing as rest. Twenty-four hours a day, His life is for living beings.”

What Layman Qi shares is only a glimpse. He openly admits that what he has seen is just a small portion of the Buddha’s boundless effort and compassion. Yet even this small portion, he says, is already beyond what ordinary people could endure.

In his words, the Buddha “never considers Himself.” Every action is directed toward benefiting living beings. This, he believes, is not only an expression of supreme compassion but also a profound lesson for all practitioners.

To serve without seeking return.
To give without calculating personal gain.
To work tirelessly for the liberation of others.

This is the example he has witnessed for over twenty years.

This post is translated and edited from Interview with a Buddhist Disciple (62): AM1300 Chinese Radio Station – Exclusive Interview with U.S. Layman Qi Pengzhi 《佛弟子訪談（六十二）：AM1300中文廣播電臺-專訪美國 戚朋直居士》 by Linda Chang. For original records, please click here.

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/13/serving-day-and-night-a-close-disciples-account-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

Ayu Khandro (阿玉康卓): A Life of Fearless Practice and Silent Realization

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Courtesy of Merigar, Italy.

In the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, there are extraordinary practitioners whose lives themselves become teachings. Among them, Ayu Khandro (阿玉康卓) — also known by her Dharma name Dorje Peldron — stands as one of the most inspiring yoginis of the Nyingma tradition. Her life is not merely a story; it is a living example of devotion, perseverance, and profound realization.

Born in 1839 in the remote region of Kham, eastern Tibet, Ayu Khandro began her spiritual journey at a young age. She received teachings from many of the greatest masters of her time, including Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgon Kongtrul, Chokgyur Lingpa, Nyala Pema Dundul, Adzom Drukpa, and Togden Rangrig — figures who were central to the non-sectarian Rimé movement in Tibetan Buddhism.

Unlike many who seek comfort or recognition, Ayu Khandro chose a life of renunciation and yogic discipline. She wandered widely across Tibet, lived in caves and hermitages, and devoted herself to decades of intense meditation. She spent more than fifty years in retreat, including prolonged periods of dark retreat, known in Tibetan as Yangti Nagpo — an advanced Dzogchen practice where the meditator withdraws from external light to focus inwardly on the nature of mind.

Dzogchen — The Great Perfection

Ayu Khandro’s life was profoundly rooted in Dzogchen (Great Perfection) — a teaching that points directly to the intrinsic, luminous nature of consciousness. Rather than seeking external accomplishments, she focused entirely on direct inner realization.

She was recognized as a terton — a revealer of hidden teachings — and was particularly known for transmitting sacred practices and giving initiations to practitioners, including the renowned master Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, who later wrote her biography based on her own oral account.

Ayu Khandro lived to the remarkable age of 115. In 1953, near the end of her life, she received visitors, gave away her precious possessions, and continued to teach and encourage those around her. After she passed away, it is reported in Tibetan Buddhist biography that her body remained in meditation posture for about two weeks before any signs of physical change occurred. By the end of this period, her body had shrunk to a fraction of its original size — an occurrence some traditions associate with deep spiritual attainment in Dzogchen practice, where the physical elements dissolve into subtler states.

This remarkable account, while extraordinary, is part of how her life has been transmitted in spiritual biographies — not as a spectacle, but as a sign of the depth and authenticity of her practice.

What makes Ayu Khandro’s life especially compelling is not just her longevity or her meditative achievements, but her steadfast devotion to the Dharma. She never sought fame or comfort. Instead, she walked the rugged paths of realization, teaching through action rather than words, presence rather than proclamation. Her retreats, pilgrimages, and meditation practices were not about escape, but about coming fully home to the true nature of mind.

Although few of us will ever undertake decades of meditation in darkness or faraway hermitages, Ayu Khandro’s life still speaks directly to modern seekers. In an era filled with distraction and ambition, her example invites us to ask:

  • What is true commitment?
  • How deeply can we trust the path we walk?
  • Can we place inner understanding above outer achievement?

Her life encourages us to remember that spiritual depth is not measured by loud accomplishments, but by quiet fidelity to practice.

Ayu Khandro remains a powerful reminder that liberation is not found on the surface of life, but in its quiet depths. Her unwavering dedication, her silent courage, and her embrace of the path offer inspiration — not as myth, but as a living reminder of what is humanly possible when devotion meets discipline.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/10/ayu-khandro-%e9%98%bf%e7%8e%89%e5%ba%b7%e5%8d%93-a-life-of-fearless-practice-and-silent-realization/

Sources:

Allione, Tsultrim. 1984. “A-yu Khadro”, in Women of Wisdom. London: Penguin Group, pp.233-264.

Namkhai Norbu. 1986. The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen. New York; Routledge and Kegan Paul, pp.113-114.

Namkhai Norbu and Michael Katz. 2002. Dream Yoga and the Practice of Natural Light. New York: Snow Lion Publications, pp.130-131.

A Life of Selflessness: The Unwavering Vow of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

linda changLeave a comment

Since the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, it has been a long-established tradition in Buddhism for disciples to make offerings to their masters or teachers from whom they receive the Dharma. This practice is clearly stipulated in Buddhist teachings and has been followed for over two thousand years across cultures and countries. Making offerings is regarded as both an expression of gratitude and a means of cultivating merit.

Yet, in striking contrast to this universal custom, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III made an extraordinary vow very early in His life: to never accept any offering from anyone.

Rather than receiving support, He has chosen to give unconditionally. Rather than being served, He serves others. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has repeatedly said with humility,
“I am a servant of living beings.”

This is not a symbolic statement—it is a lifelong practice.

Throughout His life in China, and from the time He first settled in the United States to the present day, countless Buddhist disciples have sincerely attempted to make offerings to Him. These were not small gestures. Some offerings reached millions, even tens of millions of U.S. dollars, given voluntarily and without condition. Yet without exception, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has steadfastly refused every offering, remaining absolutely faithful to His vow.

Many disciples, deeply moved by this experience, have written open and notarized testimonials describing how their offerings were respectfully but firmly declined. These accounts stand as living evidence of a level of integrity that is rare in any age.

In early 2018, at the Holy Miracles Temple, Ms. Judy Kuan—whose Dharma name is Dunzhu—solemnly made a public vow before Shakyamuni Buddha and Skanda Bodhisattva. Standing in the Grand Hall, she revealed a truth she had kept private for many years: her personal experience witnessing H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s absolute refusal to accept offerings, regardless of their magnitude.

This invites us to pause and reflect. Imagine being faced with vast wealth—gold, land, and enormous sums of money—freely offered, unconditionally given, without demand or obligation. Could any ordinary person truly reject it all? Not a portion. Not even a single cent. And do so consistently, over decades, without wavering?

Could we remain completely untainted?

For many decades, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has lived exactly in this way—helping others entirely on a voluntary basis, never seeking reward, recognition, or material gain. From early morning until late into the night—often two or three o’clock in the morning—He continues to work tirelessly to resolve the suffering of living beings, to address Dharma matters, and to guide others on the path of righteousness and compassion.

This is not occasional generosity. It is unceasing selflessness.

In a world where spiritual authority is too often entangled with wealth and power, the conduct of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III stands as a rare and powerful example. His life demonstrates that true cultivation is not spoken—it is lived. True compassion does not ask for return. And true realization naturally manifests as service to others.

Further supporting this truth, several Buddhist disciples have publicly released notarized letters, now translated into English, testifying that their offerings were refused. These documents exist not to persuade, but to allow people to see for themselves.

In the end, the question is not whether we admire such selflessness—but whether we allow it to awaken something within our own hearts.

For those who reflect deeply, the life of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III offers a quiet yet profound reminder:
the highest virtue is to give without taking,
to serve without asking,
and to live entirely for the benefit of others.

Click here to Wikitia page on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that list major accomplishments and teachings with links.

Click here for recognitions from Dharma Kings and Rinpoches

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/02/06/a-life-of-selflessness-the-unwavering-vow-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

Pilgrimage to Bhutan (Part 2): Over the Dochu La into the Valley of the Cranes

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The highest point of the leg: The Dochu La pass at 3,100 meters

By Gongjue Tuji

With many impressions from Thimphu and a feeling of gratitude, we continued our pilgrimage. Before leaving the busy capital behind for good to drive deeper into the mountains, however, we spent another day in its surroundings. After all, Bhutan is not only defined by its holy temples and deeply rooted Buddhism. The landscape itself also holds enormous power. We were looking forward to traveling to places where the country’s history and the powerful nature form a very special unity.

Semtokha Dzong: The Palace of Secret Mantras

On the third day, our path first led us about six kilometers south of Thimphu to Semtokha Dzong. This place also bears the meaningful name “Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang,” which translates to “Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras.”

The massive white walls and typical Bhutanese fortress architecture of the Semthoka Dzong under a bright blue sky.
Semtokha Dzong

Historically, this is a milestone: The Dzong was built between 1629 and 1632 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the legendary unifier of Bhutan. He introduced something completely new here, namely the combination of a monastery and an administrative center under one roof. This innovative concept worked so well that it later became the model for all other major fortresses in the country, such as in Paro or Punakha. This historical significance mixed with a very present joy on the day of our visit. Since the entire country was honoring the fourth King’s birthday, a particularly festive mood could be felt everywhere.

But something else left a deep impression on me. In the temple rooms, the distinct scent of butter lamps hung in the air. It is a very unique smell that we would encounter again and again at other places, and which for me is now inseparably linked to the atmosphere of these holy sites.

Impressions (in order): View into the courtyard, the magnificent entrance area, water bowls as offerings, the corridor with prayer wheels, myself inside, and our group on the entrance stairs.

Takin Preserve: The Creation of Drukpa Kunley

Bhutan is deeply rooted in its spiritual traditions, where the power of the Dharma also manifests in nature. We visited the Royal Preserve to see the national animal: the Takin. It is a fascinating creature, unique to the Himalayas, with an appearance that resembles a cross between a cow and a goat.

Its existence traces directly back to the miraculous activity of Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” In the 15th century, people asked him to perform a miracle to prove his realization. He requested to be served a cow and a goat. After consuming both, he placed the goat’s head upon the cow’s skeleton. With his supernatural powers, he brought this new being to life. This event stands as a powerful testament to the Master’s unconventional teaching methods and his ability to act beyond ordinary concepts.

Impressions (in order): The spacious forest area of the preserve, a resting Takin in the shade, and an animal by the stream.

Dochu La: Commemoration at the 108 Chortens

On the fourth day, we left the capital heading towards Punakha. The road led us over the Dochu La, a pass at an altitude of about 3,100 meters. Although a few clouds obscured the view of the very big ice giants of the Himalayas, gaps opened up again and again, through which we could see the snow-covered peaks.

The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the Dochu La Pass set against a dense backdrop of clouds that partly obscures the panoramic view of the Himalayas on this day.
The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens against the backdrop of the Himalayas

Up on the pass stand the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. They are an important place of remembrance. They were not built to celebrate a military victory in 2003, but to commemorate the fallen. It is characteristic of the culture here that triumph is not put in the foreground, but rather compassion and remembrance.

Chimi Lhakhang: The Legacy of Drukpa Kunley

In the Punakha district, the legacy of the “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kunley, is ever-present. Even in the surrounding villages, we noticed the many houses painted with phallic symbols. What may initially seem unusual to foreign eyes is regarded here as a powerful symbol of protection.

Wide panoramic view over the green rice terraces and hills of the Punakha Valley in Bhutan, marked by a tall prayer flag in the foreground.
View into the Punakha Valley

Our next destination was Chimi Lhakhang. The path there leads very picturesquely right through green rice fields. The temple itself stands exactly at the spot where the great master Drukpa Kunley manifested his power to subdue a demon that had taken the form of a dog. He did so with his “flaming thunderbolt of wisdom.” This also explains the paintings on the houses, as they represent this victorious thunderbolt. At the place of this subjugation, a small black stupa still stands today. Also, statues of the master can often be recognized by a dog lying at his feet. Today, the place is mainly known as the Temple of Fertility, to which couples from all over the world make pilgrimages. We used the peaceful atmosphere there to chant together under a large Bodhi tree in front of the temple.

Impressionen (der Reihe nach): Der Chimi Lhakhang Tempel mit der schwarzen Stupa, eine schlafende Tempelkatze, junge Mönche beim Üben der Dharma-Instrumente und unsere Gruppe beim gemeinsamen Chanten unter dem großen Bodhi-Baum.

Punakha Dzong: Palace of Great Bliss

Afterwards, we continued to Punakha Dzong. It is situated very picturesquely right where the Pho Chhu (Father River) and the Mo Chhu (Mother River) meet. Its full name is Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, which translates to “Palace of Great Happiness.” The building is not only huge but also historically of enormous importance. It was built as early as 1637 and for a long time formed the center of the then winter capital Punakha.

The majestic Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) sits picturesquely at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers against a green mountain backdrop.
Punakha Dzong

Even today, the monastic community moves here during the cold months. Moreover, it is a historic place for the monarchy, as the first King of Bhutan was crowned here in 1907. Inside rest the mortal remains of the state founder Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. However, this area is strictly protected. Only the King and the Je Khenpo, as well as two guardian lamas, are allowed to enter the room with the relics.

A monk in conversation in front of the white walls and dark roof of an outbuilding within the spacious grounds of the Punakha Dzong.

Impressions (in order): Conversations in front of white walls, roosters on the intricate roof ledge, and the entrance to the sacred temple area (Machen Lhakhang), where the relics of the state founder are kept.

Wangdue Phodrang: Rebuilding a Landmark

In the morning of the next day, we stopped at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. This place has a moving history. It was founded in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal under the auspicious name “Palace of the Four Cardinal Directions.” It sits strategically on a ridge that resembles a sleeping elephant and overlooks the confluence of two rivers.

The imposing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong sits majestically on a ridge against a green landscape, while visitors climb the entrance stairs.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

For a long time, it was considered the only Dzong that had never fallen victim to a fire in its almost 400-year history. But on June 24, 2012, fate struck: A technical defect triggered a fire in the early morning, and fueled by strong winds, the proud fortress burned out completely within a few hours.

But what we saw was not a place of mourning, but of hope. The reconstruction, which began in 2014, is an impressive testament to Bhutanese unity, but also to the deep friendship with neighboring India. Through close cooperation and generous support from India, this massive project could be realized. It wonderfully shows how modern engineering and cross-border solidarity are used not only to preserve traditional culture but to literally let it rise anew from the ashes.

Impressions (in order): Intricate carvings at the portal, colorful wall murals of guardian deities, the spacious courtyard, a monk at the staircase, and our group photo in front of the Dzong.

Drive through the Black Mountains

With this image of a new beginning in mind, we continued our journey towards the Phobjikha Valley. The drive was scenically very impressive. Our bus wound its way up the Black Mountains curve after curve. We had perfect weather. The sun was shining and allowed us a clear view that reached further with every meter of altitude. The road snaked along the partly steep mountain slopes in tight serpentines until we crossed the pass and finally drove down into the valley.

Phobjikha Valley: Winter Home of the Black-Necked Cranes

The Phobjikha Valley is a very special retreat. It serves as the wintering ground for the rare Black-necked Cranes from Tibet. There is a nice observation about this. When the birds arrive, they circle the local Gangtey Monastery three times. And apparently, they do the same when they leave again. Even the animals seem to have a connection to the Dharma here. We were lucky and some of us saw the first cranes that had already arrived.

Wide panoramic view of the golden-yellow plains of the Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan, framed by green mountains and a blue sky.
Phobjikha-Tal

Our lunch was organized for us in an open field right in front of Khewang Lhakhang. We enjoyed it with a wide view into the valley. Afterwards, we visited the temple itself. Inside are still the original statues, which at a good 500 years old are as ancient as the building itself. One of these statues is particularly well-known, as it is said to have spoken twice already.

Front view of the historic Khewang Lhakhang temple in the Phobjikha Valley featuring traditional windows and a white facade situated on a meadow.
Khewang Lhakhang

I especially remember the story that’s connected to this place: A demon had taken the form of a young woman to deceive a young man. When the man died, the demon wanted to bring the body into the temple. But the Buddha statue spoke and denied him entry. The demon had to move on and was finally defeated by the deceased’s real girlfriend. A small stupa still stands at this spot today. Such events are not just fairy tales here; they are part of the living spiritual landscape.

Gangtey Goenpa: Spiritual Center of the Nyingmapa

The crowning conclusion of this day was Gangtey Goenpa. It sits on a ridge above the valley and is far more than just a beautiful building. It is the largest and most important Nyingmapa monastery in western central Bhutan and is considered the spiritual heart of the entire region.

The history of this place goes back a long way and begins with a vision. The great “Treasure Finder” (Terton) Pema Lingpa visited the valley in the late 15th century. He looked at the ridge and prophesied that one of his descendants would build a monastery there one day. This prophecy was fulfilled in 1613 when his grandson Rigdzin Pema Thinley founded the monastery.

The imposing frontal view of the main temple of Gangtey Goenpa featuring magnificent hand-carved wooden balconies and traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Gangtey Goenpa

Architecturally, it is fascinating. At first glance, it looks like a Dzong, meaning one of the mighty fortresses we had seen before. But if you look closely, you notice a crucial difference. The military elements are missing. There are no arrow slits and no defensive walls. It was designed purely as a place of peace and practice. I was particularly impressed by the elaborate wood carvings visible everywhere, testifying to the high level of craftsmanship.

Impressions (in order): Wall mural of Dharmapala Gyalpo Pehar in the entrance area, the view up to the intricate wooden architecture, and the sunny courtyard.

Today, the monastery is a very lively place and acts as the seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition as well as the seat of the master’s ninth reincarnation. About 140 monks live here. Together with the nearby Shedra, the Buddhist college, they ensure that the teaching is not only preserved here but actively studied and lived.

I had a special experience inside the temple. We had gone in to pay our respects to the Buddhas and chant together. Scarcely had we entered the hall when the power went out and it became pitch dark instantly. In the light of our phones, we looked for a place to sit. For about ten minutes, we chanted in this darkness, illuminated only by the faint flickering of a few butter lamps. That created a very unique mood. Suddenly the light came back on. Only at that moment did I see what was directly on the wall opposite me. My gaze fell on a beautiful mural of the 21 Taras. That was an unexpected and deeply moving moment for me.

Actually, we had a specific hope in our hearts for our return to Thimphu and Paro: We wanted to try to get an audience with the King. But as so often in life, plans do not always go in a straight line. Karmic conditions had intended another encounter for us, which we had not expected in this way.

I will tell you about that and our ascent to the famous Tiger’s Nest in the next part.

About Author: Gongjue Tuji

As a committed Buddhist and initiator of the Xuanfa Dharmazentrum, Gongjue Tuji has made it his mission to help other people integrate the teachings of Buddhism into their daily lives. In this blog, he regularly provides insights into his experiences, current news and highlights fascinating aspects of the Buddha-Dharma.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/30/pilgrimage-to-bhutan-part-2-over-the-dochu-la-into-the-valley-of-the-cranes/