Nowadays, some heretical individuals on the internet are spreading slander. They are fabricating lies such as claiming to be a living Buddha in order to exploit followers. Many people may begin to wonder: Is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III truly a Buddha?
The Purpose of a Buddha’s Appearance in the World
In reality, when a Buddha comes into this world, it is to let sentient beings hear the true dharma. The purpose is to liberate from samsara and attain great accomplishment — not to prove that they are a Buddha! If you believe in Him, He is a Buddha; if you do not believe in Him, He is still a Buddha. This is just like the ignorant people who sought evidence that Namo ShakyamuniBuddha was a Buddha — they spent their whole lives doubting. Meanwhile, Namo Shakyamuni Buddha’s disciples focused on listening to the teachings. They were practicing according to them. Each attained great supernatural powers and liberation. Those burdened with doubts, even until death, were still questioning, “Was He truly a Buddha?”
Since coming into this world, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has manifested unparalleled Buddha wisdom. Even though H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III knew that He was indeed Dorje Chang Buddha III, He always described Himself as a humble and ashamed person. He never once declared that He was a Buddha. This is evident from the many dharma discourses and audio teachings He has given and spread worldwide over the years. Only after He was formally recognized by the “Three Masters and Ten Witnesses” with written certifications and congratulatory endorsements did H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III acknowledge this identity.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Teachings Are No Different from Shakyamuni Buddha’s Dharma
The teachings of Namo Shakyamuni Buddha and the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are no different. They are in complete interpenetration without obstruction. Just as Namo Shakyamuni Buddha’s disciples in ancient times attained supernatural powers and great accomplishment, the holy achievements of disciples under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are likewise numerous and undeniable.
Holy Accomplishments of Disciples Under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
This is also why leaders of many sects have sought profound dharmas from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, thereby attaining great accomplishment. To name a few well-known accomplished figures:
Elder Puguan of Kaihua Temple at Misty Mountain, the first station of Southern Transmission Buddhism in China, and 13th-generation Patriarch of Golden Summit, Mount Emei — his holy body remained incorrupt.
Elder Zhang Wangtingguo — attained accomplishment of freedom in life and death at age 109; eleven days after parinirvana, fresh blood still flowed from his body like that of a living person.
Elder Yinhai — after passing away, his holy body transformed into a vajra body as hard as stone, an unprecedented holy manifestation in Buddhist history.
Great Master Desi Rinpoche of the Sherpa lineage — attained rainbow body accomplishment.
Dharma Master Tonghui — accomplished the state of Golden Arhat, his holy body remaining incorrupt, now enshrined in gold.
Dharma Master Yongding — possessed vast supernatural powers, traversing freely through the Three Realms.
Elder Wuming — worldly spiritual leader of exoteric Buddhism — holy body remained incorrupt.
Elder Yizhao of Hong Kong’s Zhulin Chan Temple, Dharma heir of the Venerable Master Hsu Yun — also attained great accomplishment.
Additionally, Lobsang Zhenzhu, who mastered the Tripitaka and was champion of the entire Buddhist debate system, achieving the highest Lharampa Geshe degree, also studied dharma under H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
In conclusion, no amount of slander or doubt can obscure the truth. The dharma teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, together with the undeniable holy accomplishments of His disciples, stand as living testimony to the authenticity of the Buddha-dharma. Just as Namo Shakyamuni Buddha was not confined to any sect but was the Buddha of all Buddhism, so too is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III universally recognized by Dharma Kings, Regent Dharma Kings, and eminent Rinpoches from every major sect. His Holiness has never sought to prove His own Buddhahood. Instead, He has selflessly devoted His life to guiding sentient beings toward liberation and accomplishment. For those with faith, the truth is luminous and undeniable: H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is indeed a true Buddha, manifesting in this world to bring sentient beings onto the path of liberation and enlightenment.
Recently, a Western friend asked me why I believe that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the true Buddha. He told me that when he searched online, he found many negative comments, and even saw that some Rinpoches claimed they did not recognize the Buddha at all. Sadly, certain people with evil intentions have slandered H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, falsely accusing Him of conferring the title upon Himself, thereby misleading Buddhist practitioners and causing great harm.
I feel deeply saddened that so much true and authentic information about the Buddha has been buried under falsehoods and misunderstandings. To help clarify, I would like to share selected passages from the publicly available book H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III (A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma). In it, many Bodhisattvas, Dharma Kings, Rinpoches, Dharma Teachers, as well as renowned monasteries, issued official certificates and congratulatory letters confirming the identity of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
The above photo of sixty such dharma kings, rinpoches, and temples, many of whom are shown below. Photos of some of these dharma kings and rinpoches actually signing or stamping their letters are also included. Although this is only a small portion of those who have recognized H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha, the following list does represent the highest present-day dharma kings and regent dharma kings from various temples or famous rinpoches in current times. It is they who recognized or corroborated, or sent congratulations to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
For more information and more detailed biographies on many of these great holy beings as well as their letters of certification and congratulation see A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma.That book also explains how many of these holy beings had their identities.
H.H. Dodrupchen Rinpoche (1927- ), a famous great dharma king of the Nyingma sect who is the sole holder of the complete Longchen Nying-thik, said the following in his letter congratulating the publication of A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma: “I found the book wonderful and amazing and totally inspiring. . . [It is a] truly miraculous and extraordinary expression of truth expressed and unexpressed beyond words in Buddha Dharma.”
An incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava, H. H. Dodrupchen Rinpoche IV, Thupten Thrinle Palzang, is the holiest great dharma king within the Nyingma lineage. His Holiness is the greatest living Dzogchen or Great Perfection master and the main lineage holder of the Longchen Nyingthik lineage, the highest dharma in Tibet for perfecting the rainbow body. The first Dodrupchen, Jigme Thrinle Oser (1745-1821), was the greatest disciple of Jigme Lingpa (1730-1798). The Third Dodrupchen Jikmé Tenpé Nyima (1865-1926), was both a great scholar and a remarkable yogi.
The Dharma King’s main seat is at Chorten Gonpa Monastery, which His Holiness founded in the outskirts of Gangtok, Sikkim. His Holiness is also the spiritual director of the very small isolated Sera Gonpa (Nubri Monastery) in Kylmo Lung (Peaceful Valley), Nepal. It is unique in that the 50 monks and 50 nuns that study there have identical programs. H. H. Dodrupchen Rinpoche IV is represented in the USA by the Mahasiddha Nyingmapa Center, Kunzang Choling Temple, in Hawley, MA.
H.H. Dharma King Penor Rinpoche
H.H. Dharma King Penor (1932-2009), a supreme dharma king of the Nyingma sect, wrote the following in a letter to rinpoches: “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. . . has been recognized by numerous greatly virtuous and eminent monastics. . . A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. . .will provide the karmic conditions for living beings to . . . attain the ultimate state of Buddhahood.”
An incarnation of Vajrapani Bodhisattva, the eleventh lineage holder of the Nyingma Palyul tradition, Kyabje Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche, was born in December 1932 in the Kham region of eastern Tibet and left this world in March 2009. After H. H. Dilgo Khyentse departed in 1991, H. H. Penor Rinpoche became the Supreme Head of the Nyingma Sect. In 2001 he resigned from that position to devote more time to his extensive global network of monasteries and dharma centers, recommending that H. H. Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche assume that position. His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche IV, is the current head of the Palyul subsect.
His Holiness’s Main seat was at Palyul Monastery in Tibet, one of the six main Nyingma monasteries. His Main seat outside of Tibet was at Namdroling (Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling) Monastery, Bylakuppe in Karnataka State, South India, close to the sacred Drekar Pungwa Stupa where Buddha first taught the Kalachakra Tantra. In 1978 the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies was added along with a nunnery and college for women. His Holiness had a number of branch temples in the US and a retreat center in McDonough, New York. During the 2008 Dharma Propagation Tour, Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche and other tour members were able to have an audience with His Holiness and hear His Holiness Penor Rinpoche praise H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The rinpoche said that it was good that such a holy being would incarnate in these dharma-ending days.
H.H. Jamyang Lungdok Gylatsen Rinpoche
H.H. Dharma King Omniscience Jamyang Lungdok Gyaltsen (Lama Achuk 1927-2011),who is the incarnation of Venerable Longsal Nyingpo, stated in his recognition certificate, “. . . H.H. Master Wan Ko Yee . . . is the incarnation of Vimalakirti. . . is Dorje Chang Buddha III. . . .”
H. H. Jamyang Lungdok Gyaltsen or Lama Achuk (Also referred to as Khenpo Achuck Brioche or Achiu Kamabu or Lama A-chos) is an incarnation of the great terton Rigdzin Longsal Nyingpo (1625-1682) of Kathok Monastery. He was the head of the Nyingma Sect in China and the foremost person of great holiness and virtue in all Tibet.
He was born in 1927 in Eastern Tibet and spent 43 years in retreat with his master, Tulku Arik Rinpoche. On July 23, 2011 he entered into paranirvana. His Holiness lived at Yarchen
Vajra body of Lama Achuk
Uddiyana Meditation Monastery, an encampment (gar) of thousands of monks, nuns, and lay practitioners, that he established in an isolated valley near Ganzi (Kandze) in Baiyu (White Jade) County, in Sichuan Province, China. This was the largest concentration of rinpoches and lamas in the entire world. The cremation ceremony of Lama Achuk commenced on August 29, 2011. The body of Lama Achuk shrunk from a height of almost six feet (1.8 meters) to about 1 inch tall, a sign of very high realization. From time of Lama Achuk’s paranirvana to the cremation, many auspicious signs appeared, five colored rainbows were often sighted in the sky and five colored pure lights often appeared in the area surrounding Lama Achuk’s body. More than 100,000 sangha members and lay devotees attended the puja and paid respect to the sacred body of Lama Achuk.
One of his disciples, Khenpo A-chos, achieved the rainbow body earlier in 1998. Father Tiso, a Catholic priest who went to Tibet to investigate the rainbow body phenomena at the suggestion of the Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast, found evidence that H. H. Lama Achuk himself had already achieved the rainbow body as well.
H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje
On behalf of the Jonang sect, H.H. Dharma King
H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje stamps his seal onto his congratulatory letter to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that he had already signed.
Jigme Dorje (1944- ), who is the Supreme Dharma King of the Jonang sect, respectfully congratulated H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu with the following words: “Such superlative accomplishments are truly unprecedented in the past few thousand years, outshining the accomplishments of all
Kalachakra Mandala created by Jonang monks at Jamdha Monastery, Golok Region, Amdo, Tibet
others, both ancient and modern. His Holiness is a shining paragon among Buddhas.”
The supreme dharma king of the Jonang sect, H. H. Jigme Dorje is an incarnation of the Shambhala King, Suchandra, who was the first to receive the Kalachakra tantra from Shakyamuni Buddha. His Holiness continues to hold the highest teachings of the Kalachakra dharma. H. H. Jigme Dorge was born in 1944 and is head of the Zangwa (Tsangwa) Dazang Monastery in Eastern Tibet.
H.H. Dharma King Mindrolling Trichen
The chief secretary for H.H. Dharma King Mindrolling Trichen (1031-2008) of the Nyingma sect, Ven. D. G. Khochhen Rinpoche, sent a congratulatory letter on behalf of Dharma King Mindrollling Trichin and the Mindrolling Sangha in which he wrote, “. . . H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Dorje Chang brings good fortune and wisdom to all living beings.”
Trichen Jurme Kunzang Wangyal, Mindrolling (Mindling) Trichen Rinpoche XI (1931-2008), was the supreme head of the Nyingma sect. Although the original seat of Mindrolling, one of the six major Nyingma monasteries founded in 1876 by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa on the south side of the Tsangpo River, is near Lhasa, Tibet, a new Mindrolling Monastery has been established at Dehra Dun, in Uttranchal State, India. The Nagyur Nyingma College, Mindrolling’s Institute of Advanced Buddhist Studies. (Five Vidyas University) is also located there. His Holiness’s daughter, H.E. Khandro Rinpoche has a retreat center in the USA and continues the Jetsunma lineage of female masters there and at Samten Tse, her nunnery in India.
H.H. Dharma King Trulshik
The famous H.H. Dharma King Trulshik Rinpoche (1924-2011), who is a master of H.H. the Dalai Lama and the root master of several Tibetan Buddhist dharma kings and lineage holders, wrote the following words respectfully congratulating Buddha Vajradhara Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu: . . . “A Treasury of True Buddha- Dharma. . .will become the cause whereby each sentient being who has descended into the abyss of the six realms of reincarnation leaves suffering and attains happiness.”
H. H. Nyingma Dharma King Zhadeu Trulshik (Trulshig) Chenpo Ngawang Chokyi Lodro Rinpoche (1924-2011), who resided in the Everest region of Nepal, was an incarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva and a lineage holder from the first Dodrupchen, Jigme Thrinle Oser. His Holiness was considered the closest and most accomplished disciple of H. H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and like Khyentse Rinpoche a leading proponent of the Rime or non-sectarian movement in Tibet. He was entrusted with the responsibility of finding and recognizing the incarnation of Khyentse Rinpoche after he passed on in 1991 as well as Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche after he left this world in 1996. Dharma King Trulshik founded a remote monastery and retreat center in Nepal at Tubten Choling. He was the fifth Supreme Leader of the Nyingma Sect until his death in 2011.
H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche
The highest dharma king of the Northern Treasure lineage of the Nyingma sect, H.H. Dharma King Taklung Tsetrul (1926-2015), wrote the following words of congratulations: “His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu possesses the true dharma of the Buddhas . . .
H. H. Taklung Kyabgon Tsetrul Thupaten Gyaltsen Rinpoche is the Dharma King of the Drak Dorje (Vajra or Indestructible Rock) Monastery, one of the six main Nyingma Monasteries, founded in 1610 by Rigdzin Ngakgi (Aji) Wangpo (1580-1639). This monastery specialized in the changter or jangter tradition of Rigdzin Godem (1337-1408). Rigdzin Godem was the master of the “northern terma (treasures)” tradition of the Nyingma school. Rigdzin Godem literally means “the vidyadhara with the vulture feather.” He received this name because three vulture feathers grew from his head when he was twelve years old, and five more when he was twenty-four. A reincarnation of Dorje Dudjom of Nanam, one of the nine close Tibetan disciples of Guru Padmasambhava, he is also counted among the five king-like tertons and one of the three nirmanakayas of Guru Padmasambhava. In 2011 he became the Supreme Leader of the Nyingma Sect.
H.H. Dharma King Jigdal Dagchen Sakya
H.H. Dharma King Jigdal Dagchen Sakya (1929- ), the second highest leader of the Sakya order, offered the following congratulations: “Many masters praise H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu and his book about his Dharma activities. The book’s name is A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma.”
H. H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche is the head of the Phuntshok Phodrang branch of the Khon dynasty, the main lineage of the Sakya tradition. The leadership of the Sakya sect has rotated between the Phuntshok Phodrang branch and the Dolma Phodrang branch, currently headed by H. H. Sakya Trizin. H. H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya founded and serves as the main teacher of Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in Seattle, WA. He has given teachings and empowerments in other parts of the United States and Canada as well as various European and Asian countries.
H.H. Dharma King Sakya Trizin
H.H. Great Vehicle Dharma King Sakya Trizin (1945- ), who is the supreme leader of the Sakya order and the nirmanakaya of Manjushri Bodhisattva, wrote the following recognition concerning the descent into this world of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: “. . . H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu . . . is . . .Buddha Vajradhara Dorje Chang Buddha III.”
A true nirmanakaya of Manjushri Bodhisattva, The 41st Patriarch of the Khon lineage of the Sakya tradition was born September 7, 1945 in Tsedong near Shigatse, Tibet. While maintaining temples and dharma centers all over the world, His Holiness lives in Rajpur in Northern India with his wife and two sons.
The main seat of H. H. Sakya Trizin, the Sakya Centre at Tsechen Tenpai Gatsal Monastery, and the Sakya College are located north of New Delhi in Rajpur, Dehradun, India. Another major Sakya monastery exists at Sa Magon in Puruwalla, Himachal Pradesh, a state in northwest India, along with the Sakya Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies.
The seat of H. H. Sakya Trizin in the United States is located at Tsechen Kunchab Ling, the Temple of All-Encompassing Great Compassion, in Walden, New York. His older sister, H.E. Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding (1938-), lives in North America.
H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche
H.E. Dharma King Chogye Trichen, Ngawang Khyenrab Thupten Lekshe Gyatso (1920-2007), who was Dharma King of the Tsharpa branch of Sakya sect and the root master of H.H. the Dalai Lama, offered the following respectful congratulations: “H.H. Buddha Vajradhara (Dorje Chang) Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu: A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. . . is the guidepost leading to true Buddha- dharma and the gateway of the dharma leading to benefiting and providing happiness to sentient beings.” H.E. Dharma King Chogye Trichen and Ven. Shabdrung Rinpoche are seen here reading the manuscript copy of A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma, which has now been published as H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
H. E. Chogye Trichen RInpoche, Ngawang Khyenrab Thupten Lekshe Gyatso, was the dharma king and head of the Tsharpa (Tsar) sub-sect of the Sakya Sect and thought to be an incarnation of Mahasiddha Virupa. He was enthroned as the 26th patriarch of Phenpo Nalendra Monastery in North Lhasa, Central Tibet, that was founded in 1425 by the great Sakya master Rongton Sheja Kunrig (1367-1459). The “Whispered-Lineage of Tshar” founded by Tsharchen Losel Gyatso (1502-1566) considered this to be the seat of their lineage. H. E. Chogye Trichen rebuilt the Nalendra Monastery in Nepal, which became the seat of the Tsharpa sub-sect. His Eminence established the Tashi Rabten Ling Monastery in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as well as the Jamchen Lhakhang Monastery and retreat center in Boudha, Katmandu where he resided until his death in 2007. He also established centers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand. His Eminence taught in the West and started dharma centers in America as well.
H.E. Sharmapa
The Red Jewel Crown Dharma King H.E. Shamarpa Rinpoche (1952-2014) is the nirmanakaya of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva and is the chief of the four regents of the Kagyu sect. He offered his respectful congratulations with the following words: “H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu . . . the third incarnation of Vajradhara . . . all his accomplishments . . . will benefit sentient beings. . .”
H. E. Mipham Chokyi Lodro of the Kagyu Sect, an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, is the present Shamarpa and the second nirmanakaya of the Karmapa. The second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (1204 – 1283), predicted that “future Karmapas shall manifest in two nirmanakaya forms.” The Karmapa would continue to incarnate at different times as two beings and one would recognize and teach the other. One would be known as the Black Jewel Crown Karmapa and the other as the Ruby-red Jewel Crown Shamarpa. The Shamarpa, in the absence of the Karmapa, is the lead regent with responsibility over both administrative and Buddha-dharma matters. His Eminence was born in 1952 in Derge, Tibet. The main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage has been at Tsurphu Monastery in central Tibet where it was established in 1159 by the First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1193). After leaving Tibet, the 16th Karmapa established the main seat of the Karmapa outside of Tibet at Rumtek Monastery.
His Holiness, the 14th Shamar Rinpoche or Shamarpa has established many dharma centers in the West.
H.E. Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche
H.E. Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche (1954- )is the incarnation of Patriarch Gampopa. He is the only regent for the Karmapa Great Jewel Dharma King who has the title of “National Master.” He respectfully praised the incomparable Master, H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko, as Vimalakirti and stated: “. . . .I sincerely wish that . . . the multitudinous living beings who have the karmic affinity to read A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. . . will attain the supreme fruits of perfect enlightenment, omniscience, and Buddhahood!”
The Vajra Regent and caretaker for the Karmapas, H. E. Goshir, is the current incarnation of the founder of the Kagyu Sect, Master Gampopa (1079-1153). He lives in Sikkim where he oversees Rumtek, the main monastery of the Karma Kagyu as well as his own monastery Ralang, also in Sikkim. He was born in Nyimo, near Lhasa, in 1954. In 1959, the 16th Gwalya Karmapa, Rangung Rigpe Dorje, carried the dharma king on his back as he left Tibet. The Orange Jewel Crown Dharma King along with The Ruby-red Jewel Crown Dharma King Shamarpa, Situpa Rinpoche, and Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche are considered the four princes or regents for the Black Crown Karmapa. There are currently two incarnations considered to be the 17th Black Crown Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley Dorje (1985– ), who is recognized by H. E. Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche and H. E. Tai Situ Rinpoche, and Trinley Thaye Dorje (1983– ), who is recognized by H. E. Shamarpa Rinpoche. The North American seat of the Karma Kagyu, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, is located in Woodstock, NY.
Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva
The name Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva has gone down in Buddhist history. In the past, this Bodhisattva was the leader of the four main sects of esoteric Buddhism in India, Bhutan, Sikkim, Mongolia, and eastern Tibet. The people of Tibet call this Bodhisattva the father of medicine, the father of bridges, the father of Tibetan opera, and the father of ferryboats. During a dharma assembly held at Hua Zang Si in San Francisco of the United States in which Buddha-dharma realization was manifested, H.E. the sixteenth Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva saw the realization and virtue of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. He was astounded and immediately prostrated before His Holiness, formally acknowledging His Holiness as his Master. In his congratulatory letter to His Holiness, he stated the following: “. . . H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu is . . . the Master of the Five Buddhas, and has for the first time in the history of Buddhism in the human realm truly manifested complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and perfect mastery of the Five Vidyas. This is a goal of Buddhism that all other Buddhists have not been able to achieve. This goal has finally been achieved by H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu.”
H.E. the sixteenth Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva (Thangtrul Rinpoche) took birth in Bhutan. His physical appearance resembles that of Guru Padmasambhava. Even when he sleeps, his eyes remain open. He saw H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu during a Dharma Assembly that took place in 2005 at Hua Zang Si in San Francisco, U.S.A. In a supernatural state of samadhi, he instantly saw that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha, the highest ancient Buddha in the dharma realm, had already come to this world again. He at once formally acknowledged H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu as his master. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III asked him, “Did you follow and learn dharma under Guru Padmasambhava? Why have you come here?” H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo answered that he had received teachings directly from Guru Padmasambhava and from H.H. Sakya Trizin. He also said that he had come to request the highest dharma in order to save living beings. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III immediately snapped His fingers, and a dharma bowl manifested awesome power. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III then accepted H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo as one of his disciples who is on the level of a great venerable one and performed an initiation for him. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo took that dharma bowl back to his home country.
He later learned that the book A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma about the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata was about to be published. He thereupon organized many rinpoches to practice the Kuan Yin Dharma one billion times as an offering to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III.
H.E. Xiazhu Quiyang Rinpoche
H.E. Xiazhu Qiuyang Rinpoche, who is the incarnation of Venerable Naropa, respectfully congratulated the highest and holiest Wish Fulfilling Jewel Dharma King Wan Ko as follows: “. . .the book A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. . . is the highest authentic dharma that is of benefit to living beings.”
H.E. Dharma King Xiazhu Qiuyang has just stamped his fingerprint onto the congratulatory letter he wrote to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
H. E. Xiazhu Qiuyang Rinpoche of the Geluk Sect is a current incarnation of the great Mahasiddha Naropa (1016-1100), the venerable leader of 100,000 dakinis. Naropa, a former abbot at the famous Nalanda University in north-east India, was Master Marpa’s guru and the disciple of Tilopa. Master Tilopa received the dharma directly from Dorje Chang Buddha as did Naropa’s sister, Lady Niguma. H. E. Xiazhu Qiuyang was born in 1945, and has become greatly accomplished in Dakini Dharma, having received guidance and empowerment from Vajrayogini herself.
H.E. Renzeng Nima Rinpoche
H.E. Dharma King Renzeng Nima is holding the congratulatory letter he wrote to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
H.E. Mighty Lion Dharma King Renzeng Nima previously vowed to stay in a mountain valley engaged in solitary meditation for the rest of his life. He possesses supernatural powers, inspires awe throughout Tibet, and is the reincarnation of King Gesar. He wrote the following words of recognition: “. . . H.H. Master Wan Ko Yee . . . is the true incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha.”
H.E. Dharma King Renzeng Nima of the Nyingma Sect is a great terton and the current nirmanakaya of King Tuiba Gawa Gesar, the hero of Tibet’s great epic saga.
H.E. Ngagwang Pedma Namgyal Palzangpo
His Eminence Ngagwang Pedma Namgyal Palzangpo stamps his seal onto his congratulatory letter to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III that he had already signed.
H.E. Dharma King Ngagwang Pedma Namgyal Palzangpo, who is a dharma king of the Jonang sect, respectfully congratulated H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu with the following words: “The body and lifespan of the Buddha Vajradhara of the dharma realm never comes to an end. His Holiness manifests Mahayana states and has the most wondrous powers of great compassion.”
The Jonang Dharma King, H. E. Ngagwang Pedma Namgyal Palzangpo (Penam Rinpoche), was born in 1925 near Amnhymachen, the holy Mountain of the protector Machen Pomra, in Amdo, Tibet. He has been recognized as an incarnation of Duqin Langwa, an incarnation of a close disciple of Guru Padmasambhava, Gelong Namuke Niangbo. His Eminence taught the Kalachakra Dharma in the United States and established Dorje Ling Dharma Centers in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia.
H.E. Mindrolling Khenchen Rinpoche
H.E. Mindrolling Khenchen Rinpoche of the Mindrolling Monastery wrote the following congratulations: “His Holiness Buddha Vajradhara III Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu[’s] . . . A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. . . will restore dharma that had faded and will cause the growth of dharma that has not yet faded.”
The ninth Mindrolling Khenchen Rinpoche, Venerable Jigmey Namgyal, was born in 1970. His lineage began with the great translation master Lochen Dharmashri (1654-1717), the younger brother of Rigzin Terdak Lingpa, the founder of the original Mindrolling Monastery, located south of Lhasa in the Drachi Valley of central Tibet.
Since 1992, His Holiness has been the president of Nagyur Nyingma College, Mindrolling’s Institute of Advanced Buddhist Studies. (Five Vidyas University) at Dehra Dun, in Uttranchal State, India. The college was founded in conjunction with the new Mindrolling Monastery also located at that location.
H.E. Khandro Rinpoche
H.E. Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche of the Mindrolling lineage within the Nyingma sect is the incarnation of Yeshe Tsogyal. She sent a congratulatory letter expressing her deep gratitude toward H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Dorje Chang Buddha for the book A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma.
As an incarnation of Yeshe Tsogyal, the advanced disciple of Guru Padmasambhava, Her Eminence is part of the Jetsunma lineage of female masters at Mindrolling Monastery, which was founded in 1676 by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa. Her father, H. H. Trichen Jurme Kunzang Wangyal, the XI Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche, was the head of the Nyingma sect.
Khandro Rinpoche has a North American retreat center in the Northern Shenandoah Valley adjoining the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia as well as Samten Tse, a nunnery in India.
H.E. Dzogchen Ganor Rinpoche
The famous H.E. Dzogchen Ganor Rinpoche offered the following congratulations: “. . . A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma is the wish-fulfilling true dharma that the Buddha expounded.”
H. E. Ganor Rinpoche (1942- ) is the 14th reincarnation of Terton Ratag Pelsang (Karma Lekshe Drayang). He was born near the town of Palpung in the Derge District in eastern Tibet. Because of his level of realization and practices, he was able to perform many supernatural feats like leaving his footprint in rocks and tying swords into knots as if they were rope. He was also able to communicate with non-humans like nagas and devas. He was a great terton who revealed many hidden treasures.
H.E. Urgyen Xirao
H.E. Urgyen Xirao Woxiu, who is a great terton revered by all four types of monastic and lay Buddhists in the land of the Han- Chinese and the land of the Tibetans, wrote in his recognition certificate the following: “. . . Buddha Vajradhara assisted Sakyamuni Buddha in teaching the five hundred monks and other holy ones. . . . H.H. Master Wan Ko Yee, Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, is the incarnation of Buddha Vajradhara.”
Ven. Ugyen Xirao Woxiu of the Nyingma Sect is an incarnation of Ugyen Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), the fourth and most controversial of the Five Terton Kings. Guru Padmasambhava prophesied that Pema Lingpa would recover 108 sacred texts as termas, but due to inauspicious circumstances he only recovered 32. He was known for his spectacular and daring methods in recovering these texts. Once he dived into a lake in Bhutan holding a lighted butter lamp. He told onlookers that the lamp would go out if he were a false spirit. After he disappeared in the dark pool and all thought that he had drowned, he returned to the surface with his butter lamp still brightly burning and with a new terma. He is considered the greatest spiritual master of Bhutan and the immediate incarnation of Master Longchenpa (1308-1364).
H.E. Dorje Rinzin Rinpoche
H.E. Dorje Rinzin Rinpoche, master of the seventh Dzogchen Dharma King in China, stamps his fingerprint onto the congratulatory letter he wrote to H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
H.E. Dorje Rinzin Rinpoche is the incarnation of Rigzin Terdak Lingpa Unchanging Vajra, who was the founder the Mindrolling monastery. H.E. Dorje Rinzin Rinpoche, a holy being of great enlightenment, is now the master of many great rinpoches. He said the following in his congratulatory letter: “. . . the accomplishments contained in A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. . . are those of Dorje Chang Buddha Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, the Master of the Five Buddhas.”An incarnation of Rigzin Terdak Lingpa Unchanging Vajra Being (1646-1714) who was the great terton and founder of the Mindrolling monastery and lineage, H. E. Dharma King Dorje Rinzin Rinpoche of the Nyingma Sect was a model for eminent monastics to follow and emulate.
H.E. Dharma King Rabjam
H.E. Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, the dharma king of the Shechen monasteries of the Nyingma sect, offered the following words of congratulations: “. . . H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Holy One, has taken action that spreads and makes grander the true Buddha- dharma. How wonderful!”H. E. Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche VII (1966- ) is the grandson of H. H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The second Rabjam Rinpoche founded Shechen Monastery, one of the six main Nyingma Monasteries in Tibet, in 1695 in Kham. H. E. Shechen Rinpoche VII is the abbot and dharma king of Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in Nepal, one of the largest and most beautiful monasteries outside of Tibet. It is located near the Great Stupa of Boudhanath, a suburb of Kathmandu and is noted for its ceremonies and sacred dances.
H.E. Renqing Rongbo Barongbo Rinpoche
H.E. Renqing Rongbo Barongbo Rinpoche, an eastern Tibetan Dharma King of the Nyingma sect, respectfully praised H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu with the following words: “The Master is the magnificent sambhogakaya Buddha who has descended into the human world again. . . . His Holiness’s accomplishments are unprecedented in this world and reflect the pinnacle of wisdom. May H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha boundlessly save living beings. . .”
H.E. Dharma King Renqing Rongbo Barongbo Rinpoche (1969- ) of the Nyingma Sect is a current incarnation of Venerable Ananda.
H.E. Green Jewel Crown Karmapa Dharma King Jiezhong
The Green Jewel Crown Karmapa, H.E. Great Jewel Dharma King Jiezhong, prostrated to H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, the Buddha Vajradhara, and wrote the following words: “A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma about the Buddha Vajradhara is a concrete expression of the highest Buddha-dharma wisdom and abilities.”
The sixth Karmapa Green Jewel Crown Dharma King was born in 1967 in Tibet amidst wonderful auspicious signs. The 16th Karmapa, H. H. Great Jewel Dharma King Rangjiong Rigpe Dorje in India, recognized him as a previous incarnation of the Green Jewel Crown Dharma King Jiezhong Rinpoche.
H.E. Jigme Losel Wangpo
H.E. Jigme Losel Wangpo, the seventh Dzogchen Dharma King who resides in India, wrote the following words of congratulations: “. . . A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma brings benefit to all sentient beings. . . .”
There are two incarnations recognized as the seventh Dzogchen Rinpoche of the Nyingma Sect: H. E. Jigme Losel Wangpo, born in 1964 in Gangtok, Sikkim, and H. E. Tenzin Longdock Nyima, born in Qinghai Province in the Bare Region of lower Amdo in 1974.
The original Dzogchen Monastery in Tibet, one of the six main Nyingma monasteries, was established in 1684 by Pema Rigdzin. More than 60,000 people have attained the rainbow body and become Buddhas in that lifetime while practicing at that monastery. H. E. Dharma King Tenzin Longdock Nyima Dzogchen Rinpoche VII is the current throne holder of Dzogchen Monastery in Tibet.
The official seat of H. E. Dharma King Jigme Losel Wangpo Dzogchen Rinpoche VII is at the new Dzogchen Monastery in Dhondenling, South India.
H.E. Tenzing Longdock Nyima
H.E. Tenzin Longdock (Lungdok) Nyima, the seventh Dzogchen Dharma King who resides in China, respectfully congratulated the ancient Buddha who saves all sentient beings in the three spheres, H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, as follows: “. . . A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. . . is like the. . . Wish-Fulfilling Jewel in that it outshines all ancient or modern, Chinese or non-Chinese books. . . . The book also opens up and develops the spiritual wisdom of people.”
Ven. Junmai Baima Dorje Rinpoche
Ven. Junmai Baima Dorje Rinpoche of the Shechen Temple is a nirmanakaya of Vajravarahi. He wrote a letter expressing his respect for the Three Bodies and Four Wisdoms of H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, the Dharma King of the Three Spheres. In that letter, he stated, “H.H. Great Dharma King is the first holy being who used true realization to display fully in the dharma realm the teachings of the Buddha! H.H. Great Dharma King is the true Buddha Vajradhara, the teacher of both humans and celestial beings!”
Ven. Junmai Baima Dorje Rinpoche VI of the Shechen Monastery in Tibet is a nirmanakaya of Vajravarahi. The first Junmai Baima Dorje was a famous terton and the second achieved the rainbow body. As a small child, the rinpoche could transform a thick knife into a knot. That knife is currently at Hua Zang Si in San Francisco as one of the many holy objects that they hold for public display and veneration.
Ven. Angwang Khyentse Rinpoche
Venerable Angwang Khyentse Rinpoche was the closest disciple of H.H. Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro. He is the head of the Gensa Temple of the Sakya sect and has been in retreat for a long period of time. He possesses supernatural powers and is praised throughout the snowy plateaus of Tibet for his cultivation. In his congratulatory letter, he stated, “Greatest leader of Buddhism, H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu: . . . .Only the wisdom of the ancient Buddha, Dorje Chang Buddha, could produce such a textbook [as A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma] . . . !”
Ven. Angwang Khyentse (Qinzhe) Rinpoche is the Head of the Sakya Gensa Temple in Tibet. He has been in retreat for many years. He is a successor to the dharma lineage of the second Jamyang Khyentse, Dzongsar Chokyi Lodro, the former abbot of the Dzongsar Monastery in Tibet and later the guru of the royal family of Sikkim. Dzongsar Khyentse was one of the incarnations of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892), the great nonsectarian(rime) master and terton of the nineteenth century.
Ven. Yundeng Jiangcuo Rinpoche
The eighty-year-old Ven. Yundeng Jiangcuo Rinpoche, who is the incarnation of Patriarch Milarepa, respectfully offered the following congratulations on the publication of A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma about Buddha Vajradhara: “This book manifests great Buddha-dharma based wisdom and contains accomplishments that no other person in history has achieved. Only H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu has attained such accomplishments.”
Ven. Abbot Kalsang Gyaltsen
Ven. Kalsang Gyaltsen, who represents H.H. the Dalai Lama and is fully authorized to exercise control over the Geluk sect in Nepal, stated in his congratulatory letter the following: “I am sure the works of Venerable Vajradhara Master Wan Ko will inspire all the sentient beings to a better understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Buddhist philosophy.”
Ven. Zangxia Rinpoche
The famous Zangxia Rinpoche prostrated to the ancient Buddha and greatest leader of Buddhism, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and stated, “. . . led us to find Dorje Chang Buddha, our supreme ancient Buddha, and thereby enabled all living beings to have the ultimate refuge in this Dharma-Ending Age!”
Ven. Bamba Tuben Geleg Gyatso Rinpoche
The famous Respected Bamda Tubten Geleg Gyatso Rinpoche stated: “. . . [I] beseech the magnificent and holy Dorje Chang Buddha III to bless all sentient beings in the six realms of reincarnation so that they may realize enlightenment soon, hear of and read A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma, . . . and attain the perfect, supreme, and complete enlightenment of a Buddha.”
Ven. Baima Rongzhu Rinpoche
Ven. Baima Rongzhu Rinpoche is widely respected in India and is revered by the people who live along the banks of the Jinsha River. Having prostrated to H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, he wrote, “Having read A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma, I learned that the ancient Buddha, Dorje Chang Buddha, has descended to the human world again. This is truly our greatest blessing!”
Respected Eba Rinpoche
Respected Eba Rinpoche Danba Wangxu, the fifth dharma king of his temple, used the following words to express on behalf of other rinpoches deep gratitude to the most venerable H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu: “The supreme Dorje Chang Buddha has brought to us A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma!”
Respected Khenpo Chucheng Qupei
Respected Khenpo Chucheng Qupei, whose status as khenpo was conferred upon him by H.H. Dharma King Sakya Trizin, respectfully praised H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, as follows: “His Holiness is the supreme holder of the 84,000 Buddha-dharmas, the one who is in charge of all dharma methods of Buddhism. His Holiness was the first sambhogakaya Buddha in the dharmadhatu.”
Respected Wangzhi Tudeng Jigmei Rinpoche
Respected Wangzhi Tudeng Jigmei Rinpoche, the famous abbot of the Tsangtsang Temple, expressed his gratitude to the most venerable ancient Buddha, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, as follows: “The most honorable ancient Buddha has perfectly and flawlessly brought to this world the Buddha-dharma of Tibet’s four main sects as well as the exoteric Buddha-dharma.”
Respected Bishop Seicho Asahi
Respected Bishop Seicho Asahi is the supreme leader of the headquarters of the Koyasan Shingon-shu North American Mission. He praised H.H. Dharma King Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, the Buddha Vajradhara, with the following words: “. . . Your Holiness’s great accomplishments on Buddhism . . . have never been seen before in the world. Your Holiness is truly the primordial Buddha who incarnated to this world to save living beings and to transmit the authentic Buddha-dharma of Tathagata.”
Bishop Seicho Asahi is the supreme leader of the of the Koyasan Shingon-shu North American Mission which has its headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. He was born in Hiroshima, Japan and came to California as a Buddhist minister in 1981. He has been active in community work, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, interfaith activity, and developing a prison sangha at maximum security Folsom Prison near Sacramento, where he served as Buddhist chaplain prior to becoming Bishop.
The main headquarters of this sect of Esoteric Buddhism, Kongobu-ji (Vajra Peak Temple), is located at Koyasan (Mount Koya) in Wakayama perfecture, Japan. It has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The temple was constructed in 1593 and rebuilt in 1863.
Gele Sanbu Rinpoche
Gele Sanbu Rinpoche prostrated to the supreme H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu and stated, “H.H. Great Dharma King thoroughly understands the true causes and effects concerning all things in the universe. His Holiness is the first great holy being in the history of Buddhism to truly manifest in the human realm complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and perfect mastery of the Five Vidyas!”
Luozhu Jiangcuo Rinpoche
Luozhu Jiangcuo Rinpoche prostrated to H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu and wrote, “I was fortunate to have respectfully read A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma about the greatest leader of Buddhism, H.H. Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. . . . we see that a true Buddha has again descended into this world!”
Lama Renzhen Rinpoche
Lama Renzhen Rinpoche of the Five Vidyas Buddhist Institute prostrated to H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu and praised the accomplishments of the Vajra Dharma King of Great Holiness with the following words: “We have respectfully read A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma about H.H. Buddha Vajradhara Great Dharma King and were truly astounded! . . . H.H. Great Dharma King represents the Buddha-dharma!”
During this Dharma-Ending Age, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III descended to the human realm, demonstrating perfect mastery of both Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism, as well as unsurpassed accomplishment in the Five Vidyas—the disciplines through which Buddhas and Bodhisattvas benefit sentient beings.
Over the past 2,000 years, the teachings of the Buddha have been distorted through mistranslation and misinterpretation by patriarchs, eminent monastics, and scholars. Recognizing these errors, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III corrected the deviations that had crept into the Dharma, restoring its original purity, wisdom, and power.
Having come to the saha world during this degenerate age, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III left behind irrefutable, supreme examples of omniscient realization in the Exoteric and Esoteric teachings, as well as in the Five Vidyas. He also provided incisive, complete sutras and audio recordings of the Dharma He expounded. These supreme Dharma treasures are essential for all Buddhist practitioners to study and put into practice in order to attain realization and liberation.
In short, anyone who wishes to achieve true accomplishment and liberation must earnestly study the “Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection.
“Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection“ primarily consists of the transcriptions of the Dharma discourses by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha, and also includes all of the Buddha’s sutras, poems, writings, and other works. Given the urgent needs of those studying the teachings and the vast quantity and length of the Buddha’s discourses, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III Complete Sutra Collection is being published in volumes over time (up to now, six volumes have been published).
Volume I: Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the East
On November 13, 2008, the United States Congress held an art exhibition for the Buddha Mother (Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang) inside the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. To ensure the safe transportation of the artworks, it was decided to rent a recreational vehicle (RV), forming a convoy with the truck carrying the artworks. Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddha Mother, and accompanying disciples all traveled and lived in the RV during the journey.
The convoy led by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III departed from Los Angeles on October 25, 2008, and arrived in Washington, D.C. on November 10. Following the successful completion of the Buddha Mother Professor Yuhua Shouzhi Wang’s art exhibition at the Capitol on November 13, the group returned on November 26. The journey lasted 33 days, traversing more than 20 states from the western to the eastern United States. Except for the time spent in D.C., where they were occupied with preparing the exhibition, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III gave Dharma discourses to His disciples almost every evening during the trip. These teachings were compiled into the Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the East, totaling 19 volumes.
Throughout the journey, many holy manifestations occurred wherever Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III went, some of which were mentioned by the Buddha during the teachings. On the day before the journey concluded, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III even performed a Dharma rite to eliminate obstacles for His disciples. Moreover, after returning to Los Angeles, at the Buddha’s Vajra Mandala in Pasadena, holy nectar descended from the Buddha, confirming that the Dharma Teaching Journey to the East is a pure and supreme Tathagata Dharma of the Buddha.
Volume II: Dharma Expounded During a Trip in Response to the Needs of Disciples
In October 2021, after the government lifted the restrictions on public gatherings and travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddha Mother, and accompanying disciples set out by car along the coastal Highway 1, traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Along the way and during their stay in San Francisco, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III gave Dharma discourses daily, addressing questions raised by His disciples.
After returning to Los Angeles, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III made a special trip to Las Vegas because Rocket, the guardian dog of the Las Vegas Dharma center, had dashed out the gate and was fatally hit by a car. The Buddha performed a transcendental liberation ceremony for Rocket and also gave daily Dharma teachings to His disciples.
From these two trips, a total of fifteen volumes of Dharma discourses were compiled.
Volume III: Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III expounds the Dharma using the words and profound meanings of the Heart Sutra, illuminating the relationship between the mind, the Buddha, and sentient beings. This can also be described as an explanation of the impermanence and permanence of all things—both sentient and insentient—in the universe, as well as the principles of formation, existence, decay, and emptiness versus the truth of no formation, existence, decay, or emptiness. What is a Buddha? What is the relationship between sentient beings and the Buddha? What does it mean to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death? H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III clearly explains the true essence of Buddhism and the meaning of liberation.
The Dharma teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are profoundly insightful, precise, and easy to understand. One can only say that, in the thousands of years of Buddhist history, this is the first time such a supreme, precious Buddhist text and highest-level classic has appeared.
Volume IV: Fundamental Dharma Expounded in the East
“Fundamental Dharma Expounded in the East“ is the first publicly released series of Dharma discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III to all disciples in 1995. It is a compilation of selected teachings and instructions delivered between 1992 and 1994, during a time when people were not yet aware of His true identity as a Buddha and only knew Him as Master Yi Yungao.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III titled this set of teachings “Foundational Dharma Teachings” to emphasize that the principles explained within are essential for every Buddhist practitioner—they are truths that must be clearly understood and applied in actual cultivation on the path of learning Buddhism and practicing the Dharma.
Through direct discourses, answers to disciples’ questions, empowerment during Dharma practices, and reports of disciples’ personal experiences, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III helps people deeply comprehend the Dharma, gain thorough insight, and apply it concretely in their lives. At the same time, by respectfully listening to these Dharma discourses, we can truly come to recognize that the “supreme greatness” of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha is fully deserved and genuinely manifested.
Volume V: Dharma Expounded During a Trip to Taiwan
Dharma Expounded During a Trip to Taiwan is a compilation of selected Dharma discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III between 1995 and 1996. The complete set consists of 18 volumes, organized into the following sections:
Volume 1: The Supreme and Incomparable Dharma This volume presents a profound and rare teaching of the highest order.
Volumes 2 to 6: The True and Unimaginable Deeds of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III These five volumes document the holy manifestations and teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III during His visits to the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan from April to May 1995.
Volume 7: This volume contains the teachings given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III in early July 1995 when He received a group of Taiwanese Buddhist disciples.
Volumes 8 to 10: These volumes recount the events surrounding the disciple Peng Chubin, who in a previous life violated the vows he had solemnly made before Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, resulting in karmic retribution that destined him to die a violent death in each lifetime. In this life, upon encountering Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, the Buddha not only foretold Peng Chubin’s impending tragic situation in advance, but also performed a great Dharma to empower and save him, ultimately freeing him from his karmic death sentence. These volumes also include teachings from September 1995 and reports from disciples Peng Chubin and Yu Lihua.
Volumes 11 to 14: These volumes contain Dharma discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III in Guangdong and Hainan in January 1996.
Volume 15: This volume records two disciples reporting their Dharma practice progress to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Volume 16: This volume includes teachings given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III during the summer of 1996 at His residence on Yinsi Street in Chengdu.
Volumes 17 to 18: These final two volumes feature discourses given by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III during His travels to Wulingyuan in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, in the summer of 1996.
Volume VI: Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the United States
At the end of September 1998, due to a significant karmic cause related to the Dharma, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III came to the United States alone in a simple and unassuming manner. During His 40-day stay on the West Coast of the U.S., in addition to visiting many cities in Southern California, He also led His disciples along the coastal Highway 1 northward to San Francisco and visited the world-famous casino city, Las Vegas.
To ensure His disciples received the greatest benefit, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III upheld the consistent practice of Buddhas throughout history—whenever He arrived at a place, He would do His best to make time to expound the Dharma for the public, offering teachings anytime and anywhere. He diligently nurtured His disciples’ correct understanding and views. The “Dharma Expounded During a Trip to the United States” is a compilation of the Dharma discourses delivered by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III during this visit. From the titles of these discourses, one can see that He gave teachings in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, at the then headquarters of the “Yi Yungao Master International Cultural Foundation,” and other locations. Out of great compassion, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III began by addressing even the most basic questions posed by the disciples at the time. Step by step, He guided their growth, encouraging them not only to cultivate themselves in the Buddha-Dharma, but also to give rise to bodhicitta and compassion, to widely propagate the radiant and magnificent Dharma, and to help more kind-hearted beings learn the conduct of the Buddhas and walk the path of liberation.
In October 1998, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III led fourteen disciples from Los Angeles on a road trip along Highway 1 to San Francisco. The evil demons, knowing that this journey marked an important karmic event for the entire Dharma realm—whereby the true Buddha-Dharma would begin to flourish in America and the Western world, leading countless sentient beings of the Saha world to attain accomplishment and liberation—launched an assault. The Demon King Mara specifically sent many demon generals with their minions, attempting to destroy this great Dharma propagation event by taking the lives of the Buddha’s disciples.
As a result, various demons and evil spirits continuously created disturbances along the route, attacking and sabotaging H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and His entourage. What was originally planned as a one-day trip took five days to complete. Yet, the demons could not ultimately prevent the Buddha’s mission of spreading the Dharma and saving sentient beings. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III subdued each demon one by one. Under His guidance, all the disciples safely arrived in San Francisco, symbolizing that the authentic Buddha-Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III would indeed blossom and bear fruit in the United States and throughout the Western world, bringing auspiciousness and liberation to the sentient beings of the Saha world.
When Zhaxi Zhuoma’s close relative died, she asked H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, “What should I do?” As a result of her sincere request, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III performed a very wonderful and amazing ceremony that enabled her to see her relative, actually go to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss (Sukhavati). This is a very high ritual of the Supreme Yoga Vajra Division, which cannot be discussed in detail with those who have not received initiation. However, she was able to report that she actually witnessed with her own eyes the miraculous scene where this person was transported to the sixth level of this Buddha-land that is beyond the worldly realms of suffering and sorrow. There are nine levels all together in the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss. This is the highest tier of the middle level, known as the Zhong Pin Shang Sheng in Chinese.
The picture of this person quivered in her hands as the ceremony began. It seemed that he could hardly wait. Or was this in response to the extraordinary dharma powers of the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III? It was a glorious and marvelous sight! There are no words that can express the joy she experienced when this event took place. His Holiness explained that this was because she was able to obtain a “glimpse” of the bliss that occurs in the Western Paradise. There is no other Dharma King or master who can do this! It was incredible!
Earlier H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III allowed Zhaxi Zhuoma to see the sufferings of Hell. Now she was able to experience the bliss of the Western Paradise. The Petitioning the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss Dharma is a very high and special dharma that is rarely practiced in this world. Many people want to go to the Western Paradise, but can’t. They would like to receive this dharma or have it performed for their loved ones, but can’t. Zhaxi Zhuoma said, “I have been with H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III for six years and seen him perform very many forms of inner tantric initiations and received some, but this is the first time that I have seen him perform this particular dharma. It was only through the maturing of certain causes and conditions that this ritual was successfully performed.“
“My dear relative, who was ninety when he died, had been a good Christian man, but knew nothing of Buddhism. His only contact with Buddhism had been through knowing me, although he had also met my younger vajra sister, Ven. Akou Lamo Rinpoche, in 2003 when we briefly visited him while on tour of the U.S.. Ven. Akou Lamo Rinpoche is a great rinpoche from Tibet and also a close disciple of H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III . I am sure we were the only Buddhists he had ever even heard of, let alone met. “ This person had lived a good life and was very kind and generous, being willing to go to great lengths to help those who needed help. His immediate family, who are all also good Christians, were quite certain that he would go to the Christian heaven, but who would have thought that he would have had the good fortune to escape the realm of reincarnation altogether?
He had, after all, also been an avid hunter and fisherman and had killed many living beings in his life. With such negative karma, how could he be reborn in heaven? Needless to say, it would be even more impossible for him to go to the Western Paradise. But H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s Buddha-dharma is so magnificent! I could actually witness my relative going to this superb Buddha-land and enjoying the incomparable happiness one finds there. His Holiness told me, ‘You are a rinpoche. That is why you can see this.’
“I was horrified when the minister giving the eulogy at my relative’s funeral praised him for teaching his grandchildren how to fish. I wanted to cry out “How can you praise someone for teaching children how to kill?” but I held my tongue and remained silent. In this rural community and this culture, hunting and fishing are very important, both for food and for pleasure. They do not understand the principles of either reincarnation or karma. It is only through the incredible merit, dharma skills, and great compassion of the H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III that this could happen.
“Just eleven days after my relative left this world, his wife also left. She was also ninety. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was also able to raise her consciousness so that she could join her husband in the Western Paradise. I saw the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas come to the sacred mandala to receive her and witnessed their acceptance of her into the Western Paradise. This was a different ceremony held at a different mandala. At first it looked as though she might not be able to make it. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III went back and practiced the dharma a second time. This time he was able to send her to this paradise of eternal joy and happiness.
She, too, had been a good Christian, but knew nothing about Buddhism. She also did not have the good fortune to meet Ven. Akou Lamo Rinpoche. However, she was still able to go to the Western Paradise. It was so amazing. This was because of the incredible compassion and Buddha-dharma powers of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata. The Buddha-dharma is magnificent!”
In 2004 H.H.Dorje Chang Buddha III performed another ceremony to raise the consciousness of Zhaxi Zhuoma’s non-Buddhist parents, Carl and Elsie Welker, to a higher realm as well. At that time she saw the Dharma Protecting Deities come to perform this rite. She was very, very grateful to her vajra master for his kindness and compassion in blessing her dear relatives. These miraculous Buddha-dharma events, performed for those who had not practiced or known anything about Buddhism, were all due to the amazing merit and compassion of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu. He was willing and able to share his boundless merit with these non-Buddhist to enable them to enjoy the blessings of Amitabha Buddha’s Western Paradise. This was a great teaching on compassion and true equanimity.
REINCARNATION:
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III reminded us that we must realize that reincarnation is not something that just exists for Buddhists or easterners. It existed before the coming of the Buddha or before Jesus and continues to exist even after they have left this realm. It is a fact based on the principles of cause and effect. It does not exist because people believe in it or talk about it—it just exists. Nor does reincarnation cease to exist just because people do not accept it or believe in it. Only the Buddha was able to see how the cycle of reincarnation worked and to realize the method for escaping the suffering that is inherent in continual rebirth in the six realms of existence. Only a Buddha is capable of understanding the workings of karma.
Some concept of “heaven” or a “happy hunting ground” or “paradise” is held by most religions. Buddhism recognizes these realms as well, but does not hold the various heavens or abodes of the gods (devas or angels) and other celestial beings to be the goal of spiritual practice. They could be viewed as a “rest stop” or a nice vacation site, as one can surely go to these wonderful places if one lives a good life, avoids evil, and accumulates sufficient “merit.” However, even in heaven, when one’s merit is used up (and it is very hard to accumulate more merit while in those realms—the pleasures are just too great), one must still be reborn and repay one’s karmic debts.
There is even no guarantee that living a good life is enough to enable you to have a good next life, for your karma from past lives may catch up with you on your next round. Only by becoming a holy or enlightened being (or saint), can one escape the cycle of reincarnation and the suffering of existence. The early Christians also believed in reincarnation, as do many Christians today, but it is not accepted as Christian dogma. There are two dharmas whereby one can go to the Western Paradise. One dharma involves repeatedly reciting Amitabha Buddha’s name. The other is Petitioning the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss Dharma, which is a very high and special dharma that very few people who have lived in this world could perform. Shakyamuni Buddha and the Ugyen Second Buddha, Great Dharma King Padmasambhava, could do it, as could great holy dharma kings after them. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, however, is more accomplished than any of these dharma kings.
No wonder H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo Great Bodhisattva, who was once the leader of the four main sects of esoteric Buddhism, wrote a congratulatory letter highly praising H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu’s proficiency in both esoteric and exoteric Buddhism and his wonderful mastery of the five vidyas. That letter also praised His Holiness as being the first person in history to accomplish this. Zhaxi Zhuoma said that “to my knowledge, His Holiness is the only living vajra master who can perform such a ceremony involving great dharma and have the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas come to the sacred altar to help the deceased reach this high level of achievement. We are very fortunate to have such a holy one with us here in America.”
H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo is a greatly accomplished person within Tibetan esoteric Buddhism who attained the rainbow body. He is a great Bodhisattva known and respected by one and all in Tibet.
He is also an extremely holy person who has made huge contributions to the Tibetan people. It was this great Bodhisattva who was the father of medicine, ferryboats, bridges, and operas in Tibet. He has brought to the living beings of Tibet limitless blessings. To this day, Tibetan temples and families continue to worship H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva.
The first Tangtong Gyalpo left the household life to become a monk when he was very young. He studied the sutras and treatises and became good at debating the sutras. Although he possessed the Five Vidyas, he remained modest, simple, and down-to-earth. In order to provide a model of self-cultivation, H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo followed and learned under many people of great virtue.
He also engaged in solitary, quiet cultivation for a long period of time at the Eri Temple. Later, he received teachings directly from Dakini Niguma and became a person greatly accomplished in the dharma. People praised H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo with the following words: “In the vast realm of emptiness, there is a yogi who intensively studies emptiness and who is like the King of Fearlessness. His name is Tangtong Gyalpo.” He has also been respectfully called Zhibai Wangxiu Tangtong Gyalpo, which means the accomplished, free and unhindered Tangtong Gyalpo!
During a certain year in history, there was a serious drought and famine in Tibet. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo conducted a Dharma Assembly in front of the Sakyamuni Buddha statue in the Jo-khan Temple in Lhasa. At that Dharma Assembly, he wrote “A Prayer to Eliminate Famine.” Many people then saw Kuan Yin Bodhisattva in the sky disseminating various grains. The famine ended not long after that.
There was another time when war and chaos occurred in the Muya district of Kham in Tibet, causing people to leave their homes and wander about. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo made a vow and wrote “A Prayer to End War and Chaos.” People in that area very soon after that ended their mutual hatred and instead treated one another in a peaceful, friendly, and loving manner. There was another year when a pestilence broke out in a large area covering a religious site of the Sakya sect, causing countless deaths. The chanting of mantras and the offering of sacrifices could not end the pestilence. Thus, H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo again practiced dharma and wrote “A Prayer to End the Disaster of Illness.” As a result, the pestilence disappeared forthwith. In previous times in Tibet, it was very difficult for people to cross rivers. The river waters mercilessly took away people’s lives as they attempted to cross the rivers. Thus, H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo made improvements to ferryboats and began building bridges. In that lifetime, he built fifty iron-chain bridges, sixty wooden bridges, and many temples. One of those temples was the Tangge Lakong (the Tangtong Gyalpo Temple), which was the first temple in the Derge region. With respect to medicine, H.E.Tangtong Gyalpo established the Medicine King Temple at Jiabori in Lhasa, invented a white pill that cured all kinds of internal medical diseases, and invented a red pill that cured epidemic diseases. Thus, he became the founder of Tibetan medicine. That white pill and red pill are used in Tibetan medicine even to this very day to relieve the sufferings of living beings.
This 600 year old bridge crosses the Paro Chhu (Paro River) and was traditionally restored in 2005 after being washed away during a 1969 flood. The bridge was originally built by the legendary Thangtong Gyalpo
Dungtse Lhakhang, a temple in form of a chörten near Paro in Bhutan was built by Thangtong Gyalpo. The roof construction is made of iron.
H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva also wrote many Tibetan operas and established the Ache Lhamo opera troupe, the members of which acted out Tibetan historical stories through song and dance and pioneered Tibetan operas. The Achi Lhamo opera, with the starting troupe of seven sisters who worked on the saint’s bridges, is still performed and enjoyed hugely to these days during the new year celebration and on festive occasions.
Achi Lhamo Opera Composed by Thang Tong Gyalpo Still Prevalent in Bhutan
H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo was the supreme leader of four esoteric sects within India, Bhutan, Sikkim, Mongolia, and Eastern Tibet. He possessed teachings from many dharma lineages, the most remarkable of which were the lineage to extend one’s life and the lineage to bring in wealth and change one’s fortune. Everyone in Tibet, no matter what sect he or she belonged to, believed in and practiced such lineages and scriptures. Countless disciples of H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo became accomplished in the dharma under his teachings and attained great supernatural powers, wisdom and great compassion. More than one hundred disciples of his attained the rainbow body or the transformation rainbow body. All Tibetan people know that H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo is truly a great patriarch of Tibetan esoteric Buddhism and a great Bodhisattva. Later, each time H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo incarnated into this world. He was a great patriarch who spread the dharma, liberated living beings, and pervasively benefited people.
Thang Tong Gyalpo Present Reincarnation
H.E. the sixteenth Tangtong Gyalpo Bodhisattva (Thangtrul Rinpoche) took birth in Bhutan. His physical appearance resembles that of Guru Padmasambhava. Even when he sleeps, his eyes remain open. He saw H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu (Dorje Chang Buddha III) during a Dharma Assembly that took place in 2005 at Hua Zang Si in San Francisco, U.S.A. In a supernatural state of samadhi, he instantly saw that H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha, the highest ancient Buddha in the dharma realm, had already come to this world again. He at once formally acknowledged H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu as his master. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III asked him, “Did you follow and learn dharma under Guru Padmasambhava? Why have you come here?”H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo answered that he had received teachings directly from Guru Padmasambhava and from H.H. Sakya Trizin who is the nirmanakaya of Manjushri Bodhisattva. He also said that he had come to request the highest dharma in order to save living beings. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III immediately snapped His fingers, and a dharma bowl manifested awesome power. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III then accepted H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo as one of his disciples who is on the level of a great venerable one and performed an initiation for him. H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo took that dharma bowl back to his home country.
He later learned that the book A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma about the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu Holiest Tathagata was about to be published. He thereupon organized many rinpoches to practice the Kuan Yin Dharma one billion times as an offering to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III. He also sent his written congratulations stating that His Holiness is the master of Buddhas, the magnificence of His Holiness is supreme and that in this world no other holy being in history can compare with His Holiness.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III accepted H.E. Tangtong Gyalpo as his disciple at Hua Zang Si temple San Francisco
Among all Buddhas in the Dharma realm, Dorje Chang Buddha is the Primordial Buddha, the first Buddha with form, and the only Supreme Lord of Buddhism throughout the entire universe. Dorje Chang Buddha propagated Dharma throughout the universe, hence, all other Buddhas and Great Mahasattvas learned Dorje Chang Buddha’s Dharma and cultivation to attain holy state and liberation, and eventually became Buddhas and Great Bodhisattvas. Dorje Chang Buddha is the primordial ancestor of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Samantabhadra, the Dharmakaya from which Dorje Chang Buddha perfectly manifested, is the Tathagata that has no form at all. The words and deeds of Dorje Chang Buddha are the compass and guiding principles of cultivation for all ordinary and holy beings in the universe.
To help Shakyamuni Buddha, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha II —Venerable Virmalakirti—applied His supreme wisdom and limitless supernormal power to edify Hinayana Arhats who then advanced themselves and eventually became Mahayana Bodhisattvas who helped living beings attain liberation. And, innumerable living beings attained liberationby learning the teachings of Venerable Virmalakirti.
After coming to the sahā world with the Buddha level enlightenment of the Primordial Sambhogakaya Buddha, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III established countless number one records in the world, every one of which was for the sake of benefiting living beings. At a very young age, He saved others without any regard to His own life and was honored with the title “Young Hero.” As He grew older, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III applied His inherent Healing Vidya to heal the sick, purely on a voluntary basis. More than 500 patients used to seek His help every day. His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III never accepted one penny from them. Plaques and pennants with words of gratitude sent by the recovered piled up in the Buddha’s house.
As His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III continued to benefit living beings on a larger scale, the Central Newsreels and Documentary Studio of China produced a documentary, “One Who Is Dedicated to Advance Himself,” about His life and work. The film was shown nationwide.
In 1987, the highly respected young His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was named Chairman of the Chinese Painting Research Association of the National Commission of China for UNESCO. Honorary chairpersons of the Association included Liao Jingdan 廖井丹, Li Wenqing 李文清, Lü Ji 呂驥, Yuan Xiaoyuan 袁曉園, Wu Zhangshu 吳丈蜀, Qian Juntao 錢君匋, Xie Zhiliu 謝稚柳, and others. Advisors to the Association included Luo Zhanglong 羅章龍, Zhang Kejia 臧克家, and so forth.
In 1992, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was accorded the “Art Maestro of the East” title. In 1994, during the fourth conference of the World Poets and Culture Congress held in Hungary, 5,612 experts and scholars unanimously voted to confer the “Preeminent Distinguished International Master” title, which was a Head of State level honor, to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III.
The conferment certificate was signed by Juan Antonio Samaranch, the then President of the International Olympic Committee. In the same year, the Museum of Master Yi Yungao officially opened in Dayi 大邑, the hometown of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III in Sichuan. That was the first memorial museum in China, or even in the world, being built by a government for a living person.
In 1995, when His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III went from Mainland China to visit Taiwan for the first time, Taiwanese people spontaneously gave His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III an overwhelmingly ceremonious welcome. More than 20,000 people went to the airport to greet and pay respect to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III. A motorcade of more than 1,700 cars followed the lead of police motorcycles to escort His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III from the airport to the hotel. That became the largest welcoming event in human history. Within the short three weeks that His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III stayed in Taiwan, General Chiang Wei-kuo 蔣緯國, former Secretary-General of the Taiwan National Security Council, and many other high level government officials formally requested to become disciples of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III. They expressed that they wanted to truly emulate the noble morality, humanistic ethics, thoughts, and deeds of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III.
After His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III moved to the United States, His noble morality and unparalleled achievements won the love and admiration of the American people from all walks of life. In 2002, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was presented with the “Presidential Gold Medal” by the Commissioner to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, on behalf of President Bush.
In 2003, the Organization of American States, composing of 34 countries including the United States, Canada, and Mexico,organized the Master Wan Ko Yee Yun Sculpture Exhibition in Washington D.C. at the Capitol of the United States.
The Master Wan Ko Yee Yun Sculpture Exhibition was also held at the Congressional Office Building. That was the first time the U.S. Congress held an art exhibition in their Congressional Office Building. Visitors expressed their praises in the guest book, exclaiming that the exhibition was “unprecedented,” and that the artworks were “treasures brought to the human realm by God.”
In 2004, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was named “Fellow” of the Royal Academy of Arts in the U.K.. Professor Phillip King, President of the Royal Academicians of the Royal Academy of Arts, presented the certificate to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III at the British Embassy in Washington D.C., capital of the United States. The Cultural Attaché of the British Embassy personally attended the ceremony. Professor Phillip King stated that His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was the first artist ever accorded this title in their renowned academy’s more than 200-year history.
The mayor of the U.S. capital Washington D.C.pronounced January 19, 2011 as “His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III Day” and called on people to salute to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III.
His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was also accorded the “King Legacy Award for International Service & Leadership” by An International Salute to The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Dozens of great honors have also been presented to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III by U.S. senators, members of the House of Representatives, governors, and governments of all levels.
More remarkably exceptional, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III was awarded the 2010 World Peace Prize Top Honor Prize, presented to Him at the United States Congress on June 14, 2011 at the U.S. Capitol. On occasions of the holy birthday of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III, the U.S. Congress has held ceremonies to raise the national flag to celebrate, and President Trump and President Biden have sent personal congratulations.
In 2018, the World Peace Prize Awarding Council and the World Peace Prize Religious Leader Title Awarding Council resolved that His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was the Pope of Buddhism of this world and decided to present the Pope of Buddhism Scepter to Him. Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, however, did not accept the Scepter, but returned it instead. In September 2020, the World Peace Prize Awarding Council and the World Peace Prize Religious Leader Title Awarding Council made a joint resolution that solemnly stated, “The title, status, and authority of the Pope of Buddhism belong only to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III and cannot be exercised by anyone else. This is a permanent and unalterable determination!” The two Councils also entrusted the World Buddhism Association Headquarters to present the Pope of Buddhism Scepter on their behalf to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III.
Upon coming to this world, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III immediately started teaching and saving living beings. He has always called Himself a “nameless cultivator.” His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III voluntarily served living beings and did not accept any offerings. One incident clearly shows how Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III taught and saved living beings selflessly. At the Heart Sutra Mandala on Xinhua West Road, Chengdu, Dharma Master Guozhang 果章法師 once recounted to some people that when he received initiation from His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III on Paoma Mountain 跑馬山, His Holiness the Buddha was only two and a half years old! After the identity of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III being the true incarnation of the Primordial Buddha was formally recognized by Dharma kings, regent Dharma kings, and great rinpoches of major Buddhist sects in written congratulations and corroboration letters, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III continued, as always, to teach and save living beings solely on a voluntary basis, and whole-heartedly devoted Himself to serving living beings. Whenever people made offerings to His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III, whether they were big or small offerings, in amounts as little as one dollar or as large as a few million US dollars, in the form of 37 acres of land in the city of San Francisco, or even a planeload or a shipload of gold, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III categorically refused to accept. His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was whole-heartedly dedicated to serving living beings voluntarily.
In the many years that His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III was propagating Dharma to save living beings, He imparted more than 2,000 Dharma Discourses in response to living beings’ levels and karmic conditions. Not only did His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III reveal the truth about humanity and the universe, He also elucidated the truths relevant to various stages of practices, from elementary to profound accomplishment levels.
Those Dharma Discourses were audio-recorded, and some of which such as What Is Cultivation 什麽叫修行, Sutra on Understanding and Realizing Definitive Truth 了義經, Imparting the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra 藉心經說真諦, and Learning from Buddha 學佛, have been published into books.
In restoring Buddhist texts to their original meaning, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III pointed out that the morning and evening chants used in Buddhist temples nowadays had been tampered with by the descendants of Mara, and those texts are filled with evil views and fallacies. Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has corrected many errors made by patriarchs and translators in their interpretations of Dharma principles, and directly revealed the chaotic phenomena in Buddhism during this Dharma Ending Era. His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III pointed out the path that everyone who wants to attain liberation must take: That is to build our foundation on practicing cultivation. After cultivating ourselves well, we can then learn Dharma, and naturally attain liberation and accomplishment. The correct truths and Dharmas imparted by His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III enable listeners to develop their wisdom and good fortune, to help each other, care about each other, and be compassionate to all living beings.
In different countries, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has performed great Dharmas including Holy Amrita Bestowed by Buddhas 佛降甘露, Xianliang Great Perfection 現量大圓滿, Holy Fire Offering 勝義火供, Vajra Faman Determination by Holy Selection 金剛法曼擇決, Hayagrīva Raja Water Mandala Bead Divination 馬頭明王水壇珠卦, Determination by Holy Selection on the Regression or Progression on the Bodhi Path 菩提道損減增益法, Guaranteed Delivery to Buddha Land Dharma 保送法, Vajra Array 金剛陣, and Eight Wind Array 八風陣, all of which manifested authentic holy states, enabling living beings to see with their own eyes that Buddha Dharmas are scientific, have veritable power, and absolutely are not just empty talk or theory. More importantly, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has brought The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation to living beings in the sahā world, showing humanity the shortcut to attaining liberation. The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation is the highest Dharma that Dorje Chang Buddha transmitted to Amitabha Buddha as well as Buddhas and Great Bodhisattvas in the ten directions during their cultivation stage.
In The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III has made the biggest and highest vow in the entire Dharma realm, “I bear all the sinful karma for living beings, I give living beings all the good karma and merit that I have planted.” Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has actualized the greatest and holiest vow, sacrificed His life to save the lives of numerous living beings, and returned to the Sambhogakaya Buddha Land!
The unprecedented records established by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III in this world:
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III was, historically, the first Buddha to have received the largest, unprecedented number of status-recognition and congratulatory letters by top level great Dharma kings and rinpoches.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III was recognized with the highest status in history: an Ancient Buddha.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III is the first Ancient Buddha who manifested perfect mastery in Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism, and perfection of the Five Vidyas. No one else has been able to accomplish the same in the past few thousand years.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III manifested Buddha-level wisdom in the creation of Yun Sculpture, which nobody has been able to replicate. Historically, this is the first art form that cannot be replicated.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III is the first Ancient Buddha throughout history who only benefited others but did not accept any offerings.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III is, historically, the first Ancient Buddha who manifested the most holy miracles.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III is, historically, the only Buddha who could offer the kind of Buddha Dharma that enables disciples to attain liberation within two hours: Xianliang Great Perfection, the quickest path to successfully enter the Buddha Land.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III had the largest number of disciples who attained accomplishments; for example: Dharma King Daxila of the Tsalpa Kagyu Sect attained the rainbow body; respected layperson Wang Lingze 王靈澤 and Dharma King Gar Tongstan attained freedom from death and rebirth and passed away in a sitting meditative pose; Dharma Master Puguan 普觀法師 and Elder Monk Wuming 悟明長老 attained incorruptible flesh bodies; the Elder Monk Yizhao 意昭老和尚 vowed to return to the sahā world to save living beings; and many others.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has transmitted Dharma to disciples and invoked Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva to come at a specific time to take the disciple to the Buddha Land; even non-Buddhists saw with their own eyes when the disciple Zhao Yusheng 趙玉勝 was taken away by Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Some disciples, such as Hou Yushan 侯欲善 and Lin Liu Hui-Hsiu 林劉惠秀, were able to visit the World of Ultimate Bliss, then return to the human world before ascending at a specific time to the Buddha Land. The above listed are just a few examples of the numerous Buddhist disciples who followed Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III and attained liberation.
Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III possessed Buddha-level physical constitution and physical strength that are unmatched in the world. Just about a little more than a month ago, on December 23, 2021, at the Holy Miracles Temple, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III lifted the Supreme Holy Vajra Pestle that weighs 437.2 pounds, by using just four fingers to hook on to the Pestle, lifted it up, and held it for more than 13 seconds, surpassing His own base weight standard by 72 levels. Taizun Poshan Waxiang 破山瓦象太尊 asserted: “In this world, from the ancient past up to now, and even before Maitreya Bodhisattva attain Buddhahood, no ordinary or holy being will be able to lift the Buddha Pestle that Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III lifted, surpassing His own base weigh standard by 72 levels!”
The morality of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III is so noble, His accomplishments so great, and the holy miracles He performed so numerous that it is impossible for us to list them all. What was listed above was just a drop in the ocean. If we were to tell you about all the magnificent feats of His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III, it would take more than ten days and ten nights. The magnificent greatness of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III is not limited to His well-respected humanistic ethics, His noble personality and morality, His erudition, His distinguished accomplishments, His selfless compassion toward humanity and all living beings, and His passion in teaching and actualizing the practice of Buddha Dharma.Through altruistic endeavors, His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III truthfully, sincerely, and persistently actualized the principle of compassion, and He diligently worked toward the development of world peace. Many people are moved and motivated by His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III. Many people in this world aspire to Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III as their model, referencing His state of morality as their standard, and using His teachings as guidance to elevate their own morality and to benefit living beings. In doing so, not only have they fulfilled happiness in their lives, but many of them have ascended to the Buddha Land, attained freedom from death and rebirth, or attained even higher states of realization and accomplishments.
More importantly, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III pointed out a bright path for humanity to stay far away from violence, a path that leads to benevolence and loving kindness, successful endeavors, happy families, peace in humanity, and prosperity in societies. Throughout different countries and regions in the world, more and more people of different ethnicities and cultures are actively learning and following the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III to cultivate themselves and benefit living beings. Consequently, they have greatly elevated the level of morality in society, advanced human civilization, motivating more and more people in this world to become good, kind, and ethical people, and enabling the world to become an auspicious and green planet. These are the tremendous and inexhaustible contributions that Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III has brought to all human and other sentient beings in this world, so they may increase their happiness.
The Explanation of the Buddha’s Title – “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III
On April 3, 2008, a solemn and dignified first-publishing ceremony of a fact-recording book entitled H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, which published jointly by the World Buddhism Publishing LLC and the World Dharma Voice, Inc., was held at the Library of the Congress of the United States. The book was also formally accepted into the collection of the Library of the Congress of the United States. Only since that time, did people in the world know that Master Wan Ko Yee, who had been broadly respected by the great masses and who had also been known as Great Dharma King Yangwo Yeshe Norbu, had been recognized by the world’s leaders, regent dharma kings, and great rinpoches of Buddhism through official documents as the third incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha, who is the primordial Sambhogakaya Buddha of the universe. The Buddha’s name is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Since then, people began to address His Holiness the Buddha by “Namo[1] Dorje Chang Buddha III.” This is similar to the situation that Sakyamuni Buddha’s name was Prince Siddhartha Gotama before attaining Buddhahood. However, after Sakyamuni Buddha had attained Buddhahood, His title changed to “Namo Sakyamuni Buddha.” That is why we now address His Holiness the Buddha as “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.” In particular, on December 12, 2012, the Senate Resolution No. 614 of the United States Congress officially used “His Holiness” in the name addressing Dorje Chang Buddha III (That is to say, “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.”) Since then, the title and status of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has been definitive by nature. And, as a matter of fact, “Dorje Chang Buddha III” is a name used legally in governmental and official legislative documents. Therefore, the previously used respected name and titles such as “Wan Ko Yee,” Great Master, and Great Dharma King no longer exist. However, the news below was published before the Buddha’s title of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was publicly announced. At that time, people did not know about the true status of His Holiness the Buddha. Therefore, to respect the true history, we still kept the names used before the title of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was legitimately determined in republishing this news. However, all must clearly know that the only legitimate name of His Holiness the Buddha is H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and all other names used before the legitimate determination no longer exist.
Elder Monk Yi Zhao, the rightful heir of the Dharma lineage of Elder Monk Xu Yun, holds the esteemed position of the 44th great master within the Lin Chi sect of Zen Buddhism. Currently, he stands as the highest master in the realm of Zen Buddhism worldwide.
In June 2000, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III presided over a Buddhas Bestowing Nectar Dharma Assembly. Following the assembly, an interview with Elder Monk Yi Zhao took place. The following is a transcription derived from the video tape of the Nectar Dharma Assembly.
QUESTION: Could you please briefly describe the wonderful occurrences that took place during the Buddhas Bestowing Nectar Dharma Assemblythat you attended? ANSWER: We first saw the Dharma King. We then saw the Dharma King practice the Dharma to raise the consciousness of certain beings to higher realms of existence. We took a look and there were only a few wasps (yellow-jackets). After the Dharma King practiced the Dharma for a period of time, he said that he had already summoned many beings, such as solitary spirits, Kinnaras, etc. in order to raise their consciousness. When we went to take another look, we saw that there were many wasps. I do not know the exact number, but there must have been over ten thousand of them. During another period of time the Dharma King said that the raising of their consciousness is almost complete. Those wasps were specially benefited. Why were there all of those wasps? Certain solitary spirits, certain kinnaras and other beings took on the physical form of wasps, arrived at the scene and received the consciousness raising Dharma. What is receiving the consciousness raising Dharma?
We human beings must eat and drink in order to survive and grow. However, after those solitary spirits received the consciousness raising Dharma, they were able to take birth in a heavenly realm in the Western Paradise or in another buddha realm. We went over and took another look. We noticed that all of the wasps had departed. Why did none of them remain? They received the consciousness raising Dharma and were raised. Therefore, none of them remained, because they were liberated. This is what we first saw at the dharma assembly. The next part of the assembly was the “Buddhas Bestowing Nectar.” There were five or six of us. There were about a dozen monks and nuns. It was not only Chinese people who participated in this part of the assembly. There were even non-Chinese people there! At this time, a bowl was placed about 30 feet away from the Dharma King. What type of bowl was this? It was a crystal bowl. The crystal bowl was placed on the ground. The bowl was in the middle of two opposite lines of people. The bowl was not far from the two lines of people. Everyone sat on the ground and looked at the bowl. This crystal bowl had a lid and was a bit smaller than a washbowl.
There was another bowl that was small. Elder Wu Ming was asked to wash that small bowl with water. After he washed it, he was asked to wipe it dry. He wiped the inside of the bowl so well that not one drop of water remained. This bowl was then placed back inside of the crystal bowl. The Dharma King then told everybody to stare at the bowl. He said that our vision must remain fixed on the bowl. All of us began to stare at the bowl. After awhile, what did the bowl appear to contain? A meteor. Of course, it was not a real meteor. It seemed as if rain had fallen. What exactly was in the bowl? It was white. It descended with flashes of light. It took a while for it to descend. The Dharma King then told us to open the bowl and look inside. The small bowl was inside the crystal bowl, yet flashes of light could be seen within the crystal bowl. This interior bowl slowly became filled. What color was the substance that filled the bowl? It seemed to be white. It was not pure white. It looked like milk, but it was not milk. It was like that of the finest cream. It was a a very savory taste with a bit of sweetness. The Dharma King personally fed it to all of us during the Dharma Assembly. Rays of red light descended. Flashes of red light descended. The strange thing was that each person’s perception of the color of this light was different.
Why? Since each person’s level of cultivation and state of realization are different, there were differences in the supernormal states they perceived. I followed Elder Monk Xu Yun ever since I was young. I also met Master Tai Xu. The two of them practiced different dharma methods and therefore had different states of realization. I have met many practitioners of Buddhism such as those who practice the dharma of the Pure Land School, those who practice Zen meditation, etc. However, I have never seen the supernormal state of nectar descending from the sky. What about this time? This time, I personally saw it. I truly saw it. This is a very rare occurrence. I obtained a certain insight from this experience. Of course, people have different levels of realization. What did the Great Dharma King rely upon in his Tantric visualization? He relied upon our original nature in his visualization. The usefulness arose from the prajna of true emptiness. This even includes nectar bestowed from the sky. The light of the Tathagata descended out of emptiness. This was the wonderful effect of the Dharma King’s application of prajna.
What is Prajna? It is realization that all phenomena are empty. Things arise from true emptiness. Emptiness can bring about wonderful effects. Wonderful effects arise from prajna. All realities thus arise. All phenomena thus arise. Over the past several decades of my life, that was the only time when I actually saw the supernormal state of nectar descending from the sky. I have followed many great elderly monks when they practice the dharma in private. I could not see any effects. However, this time at the Dharma Assembly, I truly saw certain effects. Today I am describing to everybody the facts concerning nectar that descended from the sky. So that everybody will understand, I am not talking about exoteric Buddhism or esoteric Buddhism. I am saying that the wonderful effects of the buddha dharma are beyond logic and reason. If we cultivate ourselves sincerely, we certainly will experience these wonderful effects. Of course, if you meet a good teacher, your cultivation will progress rapidly. If you do not meet up with a good teacher, yet you still diligently cultivate yourself on your own, you will naturally encounter a good teacher in the future. These are my personal insights. Today I have briefly described nectar descending from the sky, which I personally saw. It truly occurred.
QUESTION: With respect to the effects of the nectar on you, after you ate the nectar, was there any great change in your state of realization?
ANSWER: After eating nectar one’s physical strength naturally increases and one’s internal practices are benefited. It helps one’s cultivation, no matter what method of cultivation one practices. Of course, this is something incredible. Whenever a thought arises in my mind, no matter what type of thought it may be, I will introspect upon it. I will immediately become vigilant. I will immediately introspect. If my mind has even just a little greed or anger, I will get rid of it. I feel better physically. Although I am now over 70 years old, my physical condition is not bad. It is a little better than before. I think that each person will experience different effects from having eaten nectar. Why? Each person’s karma is different and each person’s insights into life are different.
For example, fish see the ocean water as something to live in. Human beings view the ocean water as a means of eating, yet celestial beings see this body of water as colored glaze. Each person’s insights are different. Each person will experience different effects from having eaten nectar. Although the effects are different, the nectar will plant a certain seed within the person. Take for example, those who recite Amitabha Buddha’s name. Even though they continually recite Amitabha Buddha’s name, who knows when they will be able to obtain Buddhahood. However, some people recite Amitabha Buddha’s name only a few times or ten times, yet they are able to be reborn in the Western paradise. This is because the underlying karmic conditions of each person are different. Therefore, each person will experience different effects from having eaten nectar. Nevertheless, the nectar will provide each of them with benefits to further their liberation. These are my opinions, understandings, and feelings.
QUESTION: Did the lecture of the Great Dharma King provide you with any insight or great benefit?
ANSWER: What did the Great Dharma King speak about: Emptiness and prajna. Each sentence that he spoke contained prajna wisdom. It was not a general lecture. If it had been, then the words would have been simple. However, all of his words reflected prajna wisdom. That is, all phenomena arise out of emptiness. All of our thoughts of greed, hatred, ignorance, conceit, and doubt arise out of attachment to the concept of self or out of attachment to the concept that the things of the world are real. When these two attachments spur our thoughts, then the various afflictions arise. What type of affliction arises? Pleasure and suffering. From the perspective of our pure, original nature, pleasure and suffering are born of ignorance. Why? To do evil is suffering. One does evil due to the obscuration of ignorance. We can turn this around and speak of pleasure. There is an impure way of doing good. For example, when we do good, we might do so in order to be benefited in a future life. This is an impure way of doing good which leads to more suffering within cyclic existence.
This way of doing good is tainted. Why? When we do a good deed we must not have any attachment in our minds. If we have any attachment in our mind then we will not obtain liberation. Therefore, the Dharma King said that all phenomena are empty. Prajna is the most important thing in the nature of everything. We, if we can understand the Dharma King’s words that all phenomena are empty, then we can simply see the objective truth without giving rise to thoughts of suffering, pleasure, goodness, and evil. Everything arises from the coming together of the four great elements. We should realize prajna through understanding that true emptiness is the true nature of all phenomena. Wonderful effects are produced from true emptiness.
We should understand that all phenomena must go through the process of arising, existing, changing (deteriorating), and passing away. Living beings go through the process of birth, aging, sickness, and death. From where does this process originate? It originates from true emptiness. Using the prajna that has penetrated the empty nature of phenomena we can see the four great elements of earth, water, fire, and wind come together due to the maturing of certain conditions. The four great elements disperse when these conditions end. However, why do we become attached to the worldly phenomenon so as to give rise to all afflictions and all hindrances? We must rely upon the contemplation of prajna to eliminate all ignorance. we must use the flames of wisdom to burn away all negative karma created out of ignorance. every sentence spoken by the Dharma King was permeated with prajna. We will be tremendously benefited from reflecting upon his words. These are my impressions. In the future all one has to do is read just one of the Dharma King’s works and that will be enough. It will be sufficient to only focus on one method. Even if you only assimilate one sentence of the Dharma King’s words, the beneficial effects could last for your entire life or even last for an infinite amount of time in the future.
The original nature of all phenomena is emptiness. Out minds should not dwell on the past, present, or future. Our minds should not dwell on any phenomena or anything that exists in the external world. When we do not dwell on anything, what type of mind do we have? A pure mind. Our various views emanate from our consciousness and form the external environment. These views are based on ignorance. If based upon a pure mind, we are able to contemplate phenomena, yet not become attached to phenomena; abide in emptiness, yet not become attached to emptiness. If we are able to practice the total detachment of the Middle Way, then we can obtain liberation. Each sentence that the Dharma King spoke truly went to the heart of prajna. Each sentence has the potential to break our cycles of birth and death and totally eliminate our ignorance.
After learning about Eastern painting, American painter Graves said: “I realized that art and nature are landscapes of the soul, from which we can perceive the essence of human existence.” When you are fortunate enough to encounter these masterpieces, you will gain insight into the essence of Eastern art.
“Bi Shang Zhi Gong (Skillful Brushwork)” is a masterpiece of Chinese flower and bird painting that appears fresh and clear at first glance, profound in meaning after viewing, and unforgettable after further contemplation. The composition is extremely simple: in the center of the painting is a uniquely shaped bird with a flat, long beak and a spotlessly white belly. It sits comfortably and alone on the curved, thick trunk. Its eyes are ethereal and deep, as if completely focused; its posture demonstrates that wherever it is, is the focal point.
Upon careful observation, you will find that everything in the painting is in a state of colorful transformation. The bird’s head and back are painted with two blocks of ink that are close in shade, creating a melting effect, with the ink color seemingly still wet and spreading around.
The trunk’s ink lines are clear and distinct, resembling a tree yet not quite a tree, as if constantly changing in the impermanence. At the bottom left of the tree, a branch twists and turns out, creating an S-shaped composition in the painting that is still in motion. The painting also uses color sparingly, with only a warm and friendly purple-brown color applied to the bird’s beak and the trunk.
This painting has a fascinating story behind it. It was created in 1982 during the filming of a movie in Sanhe, Sichuan. The painting captures an on-the-spot portrayal of a real-life scene. The artist used ink sparingly, treating it as if it were as precious as gold, while still showcasing his exceptional skills. At the time, the News Film Studio of China was producing a documentary exclusively about the artist, Master Yi Yungao (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III).
The cameramen and other observers witnessed a wild duck landing on a withered tree trunk. Master Yi Yungao quickly picked up his brush and swiftly completed the entire painting. By the time the wild duck took flight again, the painting had already been finished. Furthermore, the artistic mastery embodied in this artwork is extraordinary. It not only preserves the elegance, purity, and high-quality of traditional paintings but also introduces a new style—expressing the artistic conception of returning to original purity and simplicity. The artist, with an unfettered hand and mind, applies his most mature skills without the slightest attachment and with minimal, natural brushstrokes.
This masterpiece Chinese painting by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is rich in literary atmosphere and varied in layers. It does not merely depict the external world, but rather it serves as a true manifestation of the inner spirit, transcending the natural material form to open up the world through the illumination of life’s spiritual light, reflecting the spiritual world. Appreciating the painting can reveal the pure world behind it, where everything, including the self, is forgotten, remaining untainted.
Han Suyin was born in Xinyang, Henan Province, China, on September 12, 1916, to a Chinese father and a Belgian mother. She was raised in a multicultural and multilingual environment, which greatly influenced her future writings and perspectives.
Ms. Han Suyin gained international recognition as a prolific writer, primarily known for her semi-autobiographical novels. Her most famous work, “A Many-Splendored Thing,” published in 1952, became a bestseller and was adapted into a successful Hollywood film titled “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing” in 1955. She authored numerous novels, essays, and articles that delved into themes of love, cultural identity, and East-West relations.
Ms. Han Suyin, an extraordinary figure in her own right, shared a remarkable connection with world leaders and spiritual luminaries from across the globe. Her life was intertwined with a little-known story of profound affinity with a great sage.
In February 1982, Ms. Han Suyin and her husband, Mr. Lu Wenxing, made a long-awaited journey to Sichuan, their ancestral homeland, to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their family. This marked her first return to Sichuan for the New Year since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. As a professional writer, she was an unwavering observer of the human and cultural aspects of her homeland. She once articulated, “My life will forever traverse two opposing directions, leaving love to embrace love; leaving China to return to China.” This succinctly summarized her life’s journey. Her deep love for this ancient land fueled an unceasing quest for individuals with profound philosophical ideals, firmly convinced that within the mystical realm of China’s ancient civilization, cultural giants awaited discovery to awe the Western world.
Fate and reason have their own ways. Soon, Ms. Han Suyin discerned her calling with remarkable acumen. While visiting an exhibition of Chinese paintings at Sichuan’s Wenshu Monastery, she was captivated by a yet-to-be-displayed masterpiece of a soaring eagle. The painting exuded vastness, antiquity, ethereality, and enduring profundity. Having toured renowned art museums worldwide and seen countless world-famous paintings, she found herself profoundly moved by this artwork, eagerly wishing to acquire it as a lifelong treasure. Regrettably, the exhibition had not yet officially opened, dashing her immediate hopes.
With the assistance of the local cultural department, Ms. Han Suyin eventually tracked down the artist behind the masterpiece. To her astonishment, the creator was an elegant young man, and an instant kinship developed between Ms. Han and this young prodigy. Their conversations touched upon a spectrum of subjects, from various styles within the Chinese art scene to global artistic movements and the evolution of humanistic ideals.
Upon parting ways, Ms. Han Suyin not only acquired the eagle painting for her collection but also handpicked two additional Chinese paintings, intending them as cherished gifts for her close friends. Thus, an international writer and an ancient sage forged a profound and enduring connection.
In 1993, eleven years later, Ms. Han Suyin reflected on this treasured memory, describing it as follows: “…I was the first fortunate individual to witness His artwork and immediately recognize His talent. His painting technique, marked by ever-shifting nuances and a compelling balance of strength and delicacy in each brushstroke, left an indelible impression on me. His vast knowledge and wide-ranging interests extended beyond art into the realm of traditional Chinese herbal medicine. His passion for medicine stemmed from his father’s status as a renowned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Moreover, he ventured into enhancing a particular palace-grade tea and brought it to market. In recent years, he has dedicated himself to creating a significant work, striving to establish a new life philosophy rooted in the authentic principles of Buddhism and the universe. Consequently, he produced internationally acclaimed paintings. His series of paintings featuring Buddhist monks garnered high praise in Japan and Singapore. His achievements were also acknowledged in North America, where he assumed a professorship at the Sino-American Cultural and Arts Research Institute and served as the president of the Chinese Painting Research Association at the Chinese Social Welfare and Education Center in Beijing. I genuinely believe he is an exceptional artist, and I am firmly convinced that his unwavering pursuit of knowledge will lead to even greater accomplishments…”
So, who is this extraordinary sage whom Ms. Han Suyin esteemed, and whom the world came to admire? None other than H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.
It must be acknowledged that Ms. Han Suyin’s discerning judgment was remarkably precise, as she firmly believed. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III‘s achievements were indeed unparalleled. In 1994, at the World Poets Conference, 5,612 experts and scholars from 48 countries and regions acclaimed Mr. Yi Yungao (H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III ) as the world’s sole supreme international master, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions in Buddhism, the humanities, medicine, painting, and his lofty moral character. On September 28 of the same year, special envoys from the conference traveled to Sichuan to present him with the certificate of supreme international master, bearing the signature of the President of the International Olympic Committee, Samaranch.
In the year 2000, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III‘s artworks “Thunderous” and “Great Strength Vajra” achieved prices exceeding 2.12 million dollars and 2.2 million dollars, respectively, in the international market. Then, in March 2015, his artwork “Ink Lotus” set a record price at the New York Spring Auction, reaching an astonishing 1.65 million dollars per square foot.
Another piece, “Loquat,” measuring six square feet, was successfully auctioned at an astounding price of 10.2 million dollars at the New York Zhenguan International Auction Company’s autumn auction, establishing an unprecedented record for Chinese paintings in the auction market. When calculated on a per square foot basis, it reached an astonishing 1.7 million dollars per square foot. The painting, “Loquat,” drew praise from experts at the auction company during the autumn preview, exceeding the criteria of a “masterpiece” set by ancient Chinese art critics. They described it as follows: “In the style of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III , this painting exhibits an ever-changing technique, with strength and depth in every brushstroke, and an endless charm.”
World news media reports have hailed H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as an “unprecedented master in the history of Chinese painting” and as the “pioneer who propelled Chinese painting art onto the global stage.” At this juncture, we, the younger generation, express our deep admiration and respect for Ms. Han Suyin’s extraordinary discernment.
Back in May 1995, a remarkable event unfolded that showcased the extraordinary acupuncture technique of our era, the Galloping Horse Wonderful Needle. This revelation occurred through an exclusive interview that shed light on this unparalleled medical practice.
The context of this revelation traces back to a significant cultural and artistic exchange initiative between mainland China and Taiwan. Master Yi Yungao(H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III), a distinguished figure, received an invitation from the Olympia Sports and Cultural Foundation and the Yun Chi Zenjue Society to lead a delegation of eight individuals on a journey to Taiwan. The initial intention was to maintain a low profile upon their arrival, yet fate had different plans. The Taiwanese public welcomed them with an unprecedented fervor at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, creating a sight that defied expectations.
Wu Jingguo, the Chairman of the Olympia Foundation, recounted the astonishing scenes that unfolded. More than 4,000 people gathered at the airport to extend their warm welcome, and an escort of over 1,300 vehicles accompanied them as they departed from the airport. This culminated in an astonishing journey of approximately 3.5 hours from the airport to the Grand Hyatt Hotel, where Master Yi Yungao was lodged. The hotel’s premises were adorned with a vibrant assembly of well-wishers, offering flowers and orchestrating musical performances in a grand welcoming procession. This spectacle vividly captured the deep respect and reverence that the people of Taiwan held for Master Yi Yungao, underscoring the profound impact he had on their hearts and minds.
The question arises: what attributes define Master Yi Yungao and evoke such genuine admiration from the public? The answer lies in his multifaceted accomplishments that span diverse domains, including art, philosophy, Buddhism, ethics, morality, and literature. It’s these exceptional contributions that have led to his esteemed recognition as a “master.” His acclaim is far-reaching, and a testament to this is his official designation as a “Special International Grand Master” in 1994. This recognition was conferred by a consortium of 5,612 experts and scholars representing 48 countries and regions, each hailing from diverse academic backgrounds and institutions.
In essence, the unparalleled Galloping Horse Wonderful Needle technique and the reverence for Master Yi Yungao are emblematic of his profound impact on both medical science and human hearts, resonating through time.
During his participation in the art exhibition as part of the Taiwan delegation, Master Yi Yungao’s mastery of the painting realm spans a broad spectrum of subjects. He showcases remarkable expertise in landscapes, figures, flowers, animals, and beyond. His artistic styles encompass meticulous detailing, freehand expression, and daring color palettes. His ink strokes flow seamlessly, and his depictions emanate from the essence of their forms, exuding an inherent elegance and vibrant spirituality. For instance, a showcased artwork titled “Tiger” presents a dynamic portrayal of a tiger seemingly in motion from any angle, aptly named “Versatile in All Directions.” Another piece, “Homage to Guanyin Bodhisattva,” exudes an extraordinary beauty. Upon inquiry, he modestly likened it to Dunhuang paintings, acknowledging certain resemblances while highlighting the distinctive cloud composition in the attire, drawn with a single, uninterrupted stroke. The divergence extends to the treatment of color ribbons. Moreover, his splashed-ink paintings, acclaimed by some connoisseurs as akin to Zhang Daqian’s works, radiate an authenticity that resonates harmoniously.
Although Master Yi Yungao and Zhang Daqian have never crossed paths, he attested to observing Zhang Daqian’s splashed-ink paintings and learning from them. He expressed his intent to emulate and glean insights from Zhang Daqian’s works.
Venerable Master Yi Yun granted our publication an exclusive interview at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, where he shared the following insights:
Question: What is the primary purpose of your visit to Taiwan this time?
Answer: My main reason for visiting Taiwan this time was in response to an invitation from the Olympia Foundation to participate in an art exhibition and engage in cross-strait cultural exchanges.
Question: What are your impressions after experiencing Taiwan?
Answer: The warm reception I’ve received from the Taiwanese people during this visit has deeply moved me. Whether it was at the airport or the hotel, the reception was overwhelming, resembling a sea of people. Even as I ventured outside the city, to places like Xizhi and Nankan in Taipei County, the warm welcome persisted. They celebrated with firecrackers, fireworks, and tremendous enthusiasm. Some individuals even crafted flags bearing my likeness to welcome me. I’m genuinely touched by this reception, which vividly demonstrates the growing harmony in cross-strait cultural exchanges. This harmony is pivotal for the cause of Chinese reunification and significantly fosters the profound emotional connections between people on both sides of the strait, connections that cannot be severed.
Question: How did the art exhibition fare this time?
Answer: Our visit to Taiwan this time was prompted by an invitation from the Olympia Foundation to organize an art exhibition. The primary objective was to enhance cultural and artistic exchanges between the two sides. The exhibition turned out to be a resounding success. During the opening ceremony on May 12th, we were honored by the presence of notable individuals, including Mr. Chiang Yen-shih, a member of the Presidential Office’s Advisory Council, and General Song Changzhi, a strategic advisor to the Presidential Office. We deeply appreciate this reception and believe that this exchange in the realm of painting will yield fruitful outcomes for both sides.
Question: What is your perspective on art?
Answer: Discussing art is a profound endeavor that cannot be encapsulated within a mere hour or two. In fact, I’ve delved into this subject in my previous writings. (Quoting from the master’s work, “I’ve previously mentioned that I don’t consider myself an artist. This assertion is in response to the prevailing perception of artists today. My journey began under the tutelage of a master in my childhood, driven not solely by artistic interest. Through exploring the universe, life, and society, I ventured into the realm of wisdom development and gained insights. Naturally, artistic skills and perspectives emerged. Art contributes to the diverse world, adorning the multifaceted fabric of human existence with vibrant hues. Its function shouldn’t be overly exaggerated.”)
Entrance to the Master Wan Ko Yee Museum-China
Question: A “Master Yi Yun Gao Museum” has been established in Dayi County, Sichuan Province. Building a memorial hall for someone who is alive is quite rare. Could you elaborate on the process and motives behind establishing this hall?
Answer: After being bestowed with the title of “Special International Master” by 5,612 experts and scholars from 48 countries and regions at the 4th World Poets Culture Conference, and receiving the affection of individuals from my hometown, suggestions emerged to create a memorial hall. The completion of this hall has genuinely humbled me, and I’m profoundly aware of the goodwill and kindness of the people. It amplifies my sense of responsibility. To further the common good, I’m motivated to invest more effort. While I can be perceived as a “caretaker” of this hall, it truly belongs to the public, serving the greater societal welfare. Displaying artworks and cultural exhibits in this venue primarily aims to promote ethics, morality, and art. It seeks to inspire young students to delve into cultural arts, thereby nurturing Eastern philosophy, propagating Chinese culture, and enhancing the well-being of the populace. Visitor numbers to the hall continue to rise steadily.
Question: Your prowess in acupuncture, particularly the “Galloping Horse Wonderful Needle” technique, is widely recognized. Could you elucidate this technique?
Answer: The “Galloping Horse Wonderful Needle” technique in acupuncture is genuinely a “seeing is believing” situation. Its effects can be witnessed firsthand by those with physical ailments. (At that moment, Ms. Jiang Chengling Hui, the publisher of this magazine, expressed her willingness to experience it. Venerable Master Yi Yun inserted an acupuncture needle between the thumb and index finger of her right hand. As he exclaimed “swell,” Ms. Jiang echoed “swell.” Then, with a “go” from him, she exclaimed “it’s gone.” The needle had moved up her arm. Those present, including our magazine colleagues and others, were astonished.) This “Galloping Horse Wonderful Needle” technique is truly unparalleled globally.
Due to the late hour, as a substantial audience awaited Venerable Master Yi Yun and the clock struck midnight, our group of interviewers, filled with awe about the “Galloping Horse Wonderful Needle” acupuncture technique, concluded the visit.
(Note: Galloping Horse Wonderful Needle is a unique healing technique of Buddhism requiring special powers, and it is used to cure people of their illnesses. It is said that common people cannot master this technique. In order to apply this technique, one must have reached a very high state of training in the Vajra Fist Dharma of esoteric Buddhism. One must also have entered the phase that transcends the generation and completion phases. Through special skills, one produces a power that adjusts the “external four great elements.” (earth, water, fire, and wind) One then uses one’s concentration powers to bring about needle treatment reactions that course through the body like a galloping horse. Additionally, one must use thought to guide the “internal four great elements” of the patient’s body so that his body undergoes acute changes in an instant. Using the energy channels and acupuncture points, the obstructions of illness are expelled one after another. Why does that treatment produce such amazing effects? It has to do with the ultimate truths of the universe.)
Respected Khenpo Chucheng Qupei, whose status as khenpo was conferred upon him by H.H. Dharma King Sakya Trizin, respectfully praised H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, as follows: “His Holiness is the supreme holder of the 84,000 Buddha-dharmas, the one who is in charge of all dharma methods of Buddhism. His Holiness was the first sambhogakaya Buddha in the dharmadhatu.”
Peace LiLy 
