Category: Travel

Pilgrimage to Bhutan (Part 1): Arrival in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

linda changLeave a comment

View from an airplane window over a dense cloud layer towards the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range. In the foreground, the aircraft wing with its characteristic yellow tip is visible.
View of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga during the approach to Paro

By Gongjue Tuji

In November 2025, I went on a very special trip. Together with 66 Dharma brothers and sisters, I set off for Bhutan. Being the only German in this group from the USA, China, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka, I felt at home right away. We were a wonderful mix of monks, nuns, Rinpoches, and lay Buddhists. We all met in Thailand first to travel on to Paro together.

Our goal was more than just a visit. We came to honor the holy sites of this country and to dive into Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist tradition. Of course, we were also excited to get to know the land and its people. Dedicated members of our group took care of the entire organization. Thanks to their excellent planning and the great local guides, everything ran smoothly. We also owe the fact that this trip was possible in this special way to the Venerable Dr. Chandima from Sri Lanka. Through his personal connections to the Kingdom of Bhutan, doors opened for us that might otherwise have remained closed. Having the Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da with us was also especially valuable.

We brought two matters close to our hearts with us. First, it was important to us not to arrive empty-handed. We had collected donations within the group to directly support the hospital in Thimphu and the expectant mothers there. Second, it was our spiritual mission to represent the Buddha Dharma as we learned it from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. Connected to this was the wish to share news of the “Holy Heavenly Lake Buddhist Town” project, which is planned to provide space for over 30 Buddhist centers from all over the world.

Arrival in Paro & the Journey to Thimphu

We landed in Paro on November 9th. From there, we took a bus about 40 kilometers through the valley to Thimphu. What I noticed immediately was that the entire road was decorated with five-colored banners. Our guide told us that this was the welcome greeting for the international guests of the “Global Peace Prayer Festival.”

Colorful Buddhist prayer flags and banners lining the road from Paro to Thimphu in Bhutan as a welcome for the Global Peace Prayer Festival, set against a rocky mountain backdrop.
Five-colored flags and pennants along the route

Thimphu itself was incredibly busy. Several events were happening at once: alongside the festival and the King’s upcoming birthday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also expected for a state visit. You have to know that Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Despite the crowds and the resulting traffic chaos, everyone remained calm. No one pushed, and people were patient and respectful. This relaxed attitude really impressed me.

National Memorial Chorten: The Spiritual Heart of Thimphu

After checking into our first hotel, we visited the National Memorial Chorten. This is a large, white stupa in the middle of the city, built in 1974 for the third King. For the locals, this is an important place in everyday life. Many go there to walk around the stupa and spin the prayer wheels.

As at all holy sites, photography is not allowed inside. A simple rule applies: as soon as the shoes come off, the camera stays off. This allowed us to soak in the atmosphere without any distractions. The interior houses larger-than-life statues of wrathful deities in Yab-Yum posture and murals of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), Shakyamuni Buddha, and Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. Colorful sculptures stand in all four directions. There are also mandalas, shrines for the third King, and images of Vajrakilaya.

Blick auf die goldene Spitze des National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu, während Gläubige die Stupa im Uhrzeigersinn umrunden.

Impressions (in order): The white Memorial Chorten, pilgrims at the prayer wheels, the sea of lights from the butter lamps, believers performing prostrations, and our group in front of the stupa.

Our group took the opportunity to chant on the square in front of the stupa, led by the Venerable Master Shi Zheng Da. It was a beautiful experience to do this at such a place.

Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar: Traditional Arts and Crafts

In the evening, I took the chance to stroll along Norzin Lam. That is where the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar is located, which you enter through a distinct red gate. Behind it, many small huts are lined up where local artisans display their goods. There was really a lot to discover. Besides handmade textiles, jewelry, wood carvings, and thangkas, you can also find nice souvenirs to remember the trip by.

The distinctive red entrance gate to the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar on Norzin Lam in Thimphu, illuminated at night.
Entrance to the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar

Global Peace Prayer Festival: Shared Prayers for Peace

Official program poster for the Global Peace Prayer Festival in November 2025 in Thimphu, Bhutan, featuring details on Jabshi Gyap and Kalachakra.

November 10th was all about the Global Peace Prayer Festival. Since the stadium was within walking distance of our hotel, we went there on foot. Even on the street, we could feel how many people were flocking to this event. Once inside the stadium, we showed our respect through prostrations before the Venerables present. Afterwards, we were given a spot on the side where we could join in the peace prayers.

From there, we watched the program on the main stage, where various Buddhist traditions took turns with their recitations. Between the prayer sessions, there were traditional dances and songs. I was deeply impressed by how many people came together there peacefully. It was simply a good feeling to be right there among them.

Buddha Dordenma: The Golden Statue Above the Valley

After noon, we continued to the Buddha Dordenma statue in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. This is an impressive, 51-meter-high statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha. It is made of bronze and completely gilded. By the way, it was built to celebrate the 60th birthday of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The massive frontal view of the Shakyamuni Buddha (Buddha Dordenma) in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park under a brilliant blue sky.
Buddha Dordenma Statue

Inside the building beneath the statue, there are over 100,000 small Buddhas, also made of bronze and gold. Every single one was donated. There is also a large meditation hall with many more beautiful Buddha statues. Various relics are kept in these rooms, which we were allowed to see during our visit.

Side view of the 51-meter tall, gilded Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu, majestically towering over the valley, surrounded by pilgrims.

Impressions of the Buddha Dordenma statue: The gigantic seated statue in side view, ritual structures featuring traditional thread crosses (Namkha/Mdos) on the plaza, the view up to the Buddha’s face, a relief of a blue elephant on the golden base, and the view over the square featuring golden Dakini statues.

What made this visit special was not just the statue itself. Right there, the conclusion of the Jabshi Gyap ritual was taking place. This is a major, multi-day ceremony intended to purify negative karma and bring healing. Thousands of devotees, monks, and Rinpoches were gathered. We learned that this ritual was done specifically for world peace. It was our good fortune that we could be there at exactly that moment.

A Matter of the Heart: Support for Expectant Mothers

We had collected money in advance to support 500 expectant mothers with care packages. For this reason, we gathered at the end of the day for a ceremonial handover at the hospital in Thimphu.

The Buddhist travel group and official representatives at the ceremonial presentation of donation packages to expectant mothers at the hospital in Thimphu.
Handing over the donation at the hospital

In addition to our travel group, hospital staff, the Secretary to the Health Minister, and some mothers also took part. We had the opportunity to personally hand over the first packages to the mothers present.

With that, the first days in the capital were over. Next, the journey would take us out of the city, to ancient Dzongs and into nature.

Source: https://xuanfa-dharmazentrum.de/en/blog-en/pilgrimage-bhutan-1-thimphu/

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/23/pilgrimage-to-bhutan-part-1-arrival-in-the-land-of-the-thunder-dragon/

One Lollipop, One Forest, and the Quiet Power of Kindness

linda changLeave a comment

Recently, I watched a short video that stayed with me far longer than I expected.

The scene took place in a small shop in Pakistan. A robber walked in, grabbed money and a phone, and prepared to leave. Sitting beside the shop owner was a little girl. She looked at the robber calmly, without screaming or hiding, and gently offered him the lollipop she was holding.

For a brief moment, everything seemed to stop.

The robber froze. He looked at the child, then slowly put the money and phone back down. Before leaving, he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

I don’t know whether the girl acted out of fear, nervousness, or pure instinct. But her simple, innocent gesture touched something deeply human in him. Perhaps, in that fleeting moment, his life took a different turn.

What moved me most was this realization:
Even those who appear hardened or dangerous may still carry a seed of kindness within them.
And sometimes, it only takes the smallest act to awaken it.

A single lollipop opened a door in the human heart.

Lately, I’ve been noticing more and more of these quiet sparks of goodness appearing around the world.

In the United States, a group of Buddhist monks has been walking on foot, praying for peace. Without slogans or confrontation, they offer presence, humility, and sincerity. Their journey has inspired many people to reflect on peace in a deeper way, and countless strangers have stepped forward to support them.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Guided by the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, and with deep respect for the great mercy and loving-kindness through which Buddhas and Bodhisattvas benefit all living beings, the World Buddhism Association Headquarters (W.B.A.H.), Holy Miracles Temple (at Pasadena CA) and Sanger Mission sincerely to carry out Charitable Acts to Benefit Our Community Together: 2026 Food and Goods Drive, to collectively plant goodness. All donations will be sent to support local food banks, homeless shelters, and animal shelters in the Los Angeles area.

I also read about Jon Stewart, who announced an extraordinary donation of $116 million to help address homelessness across the United States—providing housing and dignity to people who have long been forgotten by society. It was a reminder that compassion, when paired with courage, can bring real and lasting change.

And then there is the story that expanded my sense of hope even further.

Johan Eliasch, a Swedish billionaire, acquired approximately 400,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest by purchasing the company that held its logging rights. Instead of continuing operations for profit, he immediately halted all logging activities.

Just like that, the chainsaws stopped.

That vast stretch of forest was allowed to remain intact—continuing to absorb carbon, protect biodiversity, and sustain one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. His action demonstrated something profound: that private ownership, when guided by conscience, can become a powerful force for environmental protection.

This act of kindness may not be immediately seen by everyone, yet it will have a profound impact on the Earth’s ecological balance—and it is, in its own quiet way, safeguarding a future our children and grandchildren will still be able to breathe in.

From a child offering a lollipop…
to a monk walking for peace…
to a philanthropist sheltering the homeless…
to a forest saved from destruction—

These acts may differ in scale, but they arise from the same source:
the human longing to protect, to heal, and to do what is right.

In Buddhist teachings, compassion is not passive emotion—it is action.
It is wisdom expressed through kindness.

As a new year begins, I sincerely hope we will witness more of these compassionate and righteous choices—choices that quietly warm the world.

May we walk together,
letting kindness extinguish the fires of war,
allowing love to dissolve hatred and conflict,
and using compassion to heal sorrow, fear, and pain.

The world does not change all at once.
But every gentle act—no matter how small—adds light.

And sometimes, that light begins with something as simple as a child’s open hand.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/13/one-lollipop-one-forest-and-the-quiet-power-of-kindness/

Walking for Peace, Step by Step

linda changLeave a comment
The Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, who are undertaking a 2,300 mile pilgrimage of Walk for Peace, arrive for a welcome ceremony at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images

In a world that often feels rushed, divided, and relentlessly loud, there is something quietly revolutionary about the act of walking.

Recently, a group of Buddhist monks began a long, demanding pilgrimage across the United States. Their mission is simple yet profound: to promote peace. Their journey began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26. Since then, they have faced the literal “wear and tear” of the road, including a harrowing incident where two monks were injured after a truck struck their escort vehicle.

Yet, they did not stop.

With perseverance and a calm, unshakable resolve, the group of two dozen monks has reached Georgia. They are still moving, one step at a time, toward their final destination in Washington, D.C. Their pace is slow, deliberate, and intentional—and that may be exactly what our world needs right now.

Buddhism has a long history of “engaged mindfulness”—the idea that compassion isn’t just felt in meditation, but lived in the world. These monks are not just praying for peace; they are embodying it.

As they navigate highways and back roads, they offer a living reminder that peace isn’t a destination we reach once and for all. It is a practice. It is something we choose moment by moment, breath by breath, step by step.

Watching their progress brings me back to a book I read nearly 30 years ago: Peace Pilgrim.

I remember being deeply moved by her story—how she walked across countries carrying almost nothing, guided by the conviction that peace begins within the individual. At the time, I wished I could have met her in person, just to thank her for the way her simplicity and courage planted a seed in my heart.

Though she is gone, her spirit feels remarkably present today. I see her legacy in the orange robes of these monks as they crest the hills of the American South.

Monks rest at Hong Kong City Mall in Houston Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Igniting Kindness, One Heart at a Time

There is something profoundly moving about a walking pilgrimage in the age of instant communication. There are no hashtags here. No viral outrage. Just human beings placing one foot in front of the other, trusting that their presence alone can soften the world.

And it works.

Along the way, the “ordinary” world reacts. Drivers slow down. Strangers stop to ask questions. People offer water, a meal, or a simple smile. In these small, unscripted exchanges, something gentle is awakened. We are reminded that beneath our political and social differences, we all share a basic human longing for safety, understanding, and harmony.

The monks may be the ones doing the walking, but the kindness they ignite along the way belongs to all of us. As they recently shared on their Facebook page:

“We do not walk alone. We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows.”

A group of Buddhist Monks and several hundred local community members take part in the Walk for Peace in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday December 23, 2025. The Monks are walking from Texas to Washington, D.C. to promote peace and compassion.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Most of us cannot drop everything to walk across a continent. But all of us can “walk for peace” in the geography of our own lives.

  • We can pause before we react in anger.
  • We can choose compassion over the reflex of judgment.
  • We can listen more deeply than we speak.

Watching these monks continue their journey despite injury and uncertainty reminds me that peace isn’t achieved through grand, sweeping gestures. It is built patiently through humility and love.

Step by step.

May their walk remind us to slow down, to soften our hearts, and to keep moving—together—toward a more peaceful world.

Photos from https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/buddhist-monks-peace-walk-thousands-follow-on-social-media/3962302/ and https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/12/23/buddhist-monk-walk-for-peace-passes-through-montgomery/87897028007/

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2026/01/01/walking-for-peace-step-by-step/

The Enlightened Woodcutter: The Story of Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch of Zen

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In the annals of spiritual history, few figures are as revolutionary as Huineng (慧能), the Sixth Patriarch of Zen (Chan) Buddhism. His life story is a profound testament to the idea that enlightenment is not reserved for the elite or the scholarly, but is the inherent birthright of every human being.

Known for the iconic verse you mentioned—“Bodhi originally has no tree”—Huineng transformed Zen from a complex Indian philosophy into the direct, spontaneous practice we recognize today.

Huineng’s journey did not begin in a monastery. He was born into a poor family in 7th-century China and worked as an illiterate woodcutter to support his widowed mother.

His life changed in an instant when he overheard a traveler reciting the Diamond Sutra. Upon hearing the line, “Depending upon nothing, the mind arises,” Huineng experienced a sudden moment of clarity. This “sudden awakening” became the hallmark of his future teachings.

Driven by this experience, he traveled to the Dongshan Monastery to seek guidance from the Fifth Patriarch, Hongren.

Huineng’s status as an illiterate outsider meant he was initially assigned to the kitchen to hull rice. When the time came for the Fifth Patriarch to choose a successor, he asked his disciples to write a “mind-verse” to demonstrate their understanding.

The lead disciple, Shenxiu, wrote a verse emphasizing constant, diligent practice:

“The body is the Bodhi tree; the mind is like a bright mirror on a stand. Take care to wipe it always, and let no dust collect.”

Huineng, hearing the verse, realized it missed the ultimate truth of emptiness. He dictated his now-famous response to be written on the wall:

“Bodhi originally has no tree. The bright mirror on a stand is also not real. From the beginning, not a single thing exists. Where, then, can dust collect?”

Hongren recognized Huineng’s superior realization and secretly passed him the robe and bowl—the symbols of the Patriarchy—in the middle of the night, instructing him to go into hiding until the time was right to teach.

Huineng eventually emerged from hiding and began teaching at Nanhua Temple. His impact on Buddhism was so immense that his teachings were recorded in the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. This is the only Buddhist scripture not spoken by a Buddha to be officially granted the title of a “Sutra.”

His major achievements include:

  • The Southern School of Zen: He founded the “Southern School,” which emphasizes “Sudden Enlightenment” (Dunwu) over gradual study.
  • Democratizing Wisdom: He taught that the “Buddha-nature” is present in everyone, regardless of literacy or social status.
  • The Foundation of Zen: Nearly all surviving Zen lineages (including Japanese Zen and Korean Seon) trace their ancestry back to Huineng.

A Living Legacy: The Whole-Body Relic

Perhaps the most miraculous aspect of Huineng’s story is his physical departure from this world. In 713 AD, Huineng entered Nirvana, but his body did not decay.

To this day, his whole-body relic (mummy) is enshrined and preserved at Nanhua Temple in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. For over 1,300 years, devotees have traveled to the temple to pay respects to the Sixth Patriarch. His physical presence remains a powerful symbol of the “Diamond Body”—the incorruptible nature of a truly enlightened mind.

Huineng reminds us that we do not need to look outside ourselves for wisdom. As he famously taught, our original nature is pure, and enlightenment is simply the act of seeing through the “dust” to the emptiness that was there all along.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/25/the-enlightened-woodcutter-the-story-of-huineng-the-sixth-patriarch-of-zen/

Xiaoxitian Temple: A Masterpiece Carved into the Mountain

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Xiaoxitian, originally known as Qianfo’an (The Hermitage of a Thousand Buddhas), was founded in the second year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty (1629). It stands atop Phoenix Mountain, about one kilometer west of Xixian County in Linfen, Shanxi Province.

Built entirely in harmony with the mountain, the temple unfolds in layers, as if it had grown naturally from the slope itself. Stone steps lead visitors upward, passing through courtyards divided by arched cave-like gateways. The upper, middle, and front courtyards are connected yet distinct, creating a spatial rhythm that is winding, intimate, and quietly profound. As one walks through the complex, footsteps instinctively slow, and time itself seems to soften.

The architecture of Xiaoxitian is restrained rather than ostentatious, yet its mastery reveals itself everywhere. Painted beams are elegant and dignified, and many of the halls are ingeniously built as two-story structures, creating a rich sense of vertical space within the limited mountain terrain. The bell and drum towers stand in stillness, inviting the imagination to wander back to an age when morning bells and evening drums echoed through the valley.

Stepping into the Mahavira Hall is a moment of sudden awe. Nearly the entire interior is filled with suspended polychrome sculptures—more than 1,900 figures, layered from floor to ceiling. From towering Buddhas over three meters high to figures no larger than a thumb, the sculptures are densely arranged yet never chaotic, solemn yet vibrantly alive. In that instant, one understands why Xiaoxitian is revered as the “Museum of Chinese Hanging Sculpture Art.”

Unlike many Buddhist temples that draw attention primarily to their principal Buddhas, the Mahavira Hall at Xiaoxitian is celebrated for the immersive world it creates as a whole. At its core stand the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha, Shakyamuni, Vairocana, and Maitreya, but surrounding them unfolds an entire celestial realm: the Ten Great Disciples, six young novices, the Ten Wisdom Kings, the Six Desire Heavens, and countless heavenly musicians dancing through the air.

Most unforgettable are the celestial musicians suspended within the tiered “sky pavilions” above the altars. Their figures are light and graceful, sleeves flowing as if caught in an eternal breeze, frozen in a moment of unending heavenly music. Some play the pipa, others hold flutes, while some seem to dance midair. One pipa-playing figure, leaning slightly forward with fingers poised on the strings, radiates such focus and elegance that one can almost hear the melody drifting across centuries.

Looking up toward the roof, the tri-colored glazed chiwen ornaments—yellow, green, and blue—gleam softly in the light. Their refined brilliance reflects the unmistakable aesthetic of the Ming Dynasty. Here, architecture, sculpture, and color merge seamlessly, and one forgets that this is a mountain temple at all. It feels instead like stepping into a floating Buddha realm, suspended between earth and sky.

That these sculptures have survived nearly four hundred years in such vivid detail inspires deep reverence. They represent not only the pinnacle of craftsmanship, but also a profound devotion—to faith, to beauty, and to a harmonious vision of the cosmos.

Perhaps what truly moves the heart at Xiaoxitian is not only the astonishing number of its hanging sculptures or the rare Ming Yongle Northern Buddhist Canon once preserved here, but something more enduring: a spiritual presence that has remained vibrant across centuries. It quietly reminds us that beyond the noise of the modern world, there still exists a place of serenity and dignity—carefully upheld by time itself.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/12/17/xiaoxitian-temple-a-masterpiece-carved-into-the-mountain/

Miao New Year: A Grand Celebration of Harvest, Heritage, and Harmony

linda changLeave a comment

Among China’s many vibrant ethnic cultures, few festivals shine as brilliantly as the Miao New Year — the most important and joyous celebration of the Miao people.
It marks the end of a year’s hard work and the beginning of a season filled with gratitude, reunion, and hope.

Since ancient times, the Miao people have followed their own lunar calendar, considering the tenth month of the traditional Chinese lunar year as the beginning of a new year. In Leishan County of Guizhou Province, the Miao New Year usually falls on the Mao Day during the first half of the tenth lunar month, which is roughly equivalent to Chinese New Year’s Eve. The festivities typically last from three to nine days, turning the Miao villages into a sea of song, dance, and laughter.

The Miao New Year carries deep layers of meaning. It is not only a celebration of the harvest but also a time to honor their ancestors and deities, and to commemorate Chi You, the legendary ancestor of the Miao people who perished in tribal wars over five thousand years ago. Through ceremonies and offerings to nature — sacred trees, bamboo groves, rocks, and wells — the Miao express their respect and gratitude toward the forces that sustain life.

In the valleys of the Qingshui River and Duliu River in Guizhou, the Miao New Year is the highlight of the year.
The Miao calendar differs from the Han Chinese lunar calendar, and the beginning of the Miao year is determined through communal discussions so that different villages celebrate at different times. This ensures that every year, one village becomes the center of a grand regional celebration, while neighboring communities come to join in.

After the autumn harvest and the completion of farm work, the Miao New Year marks both an ending and a joyful beginning. During the festival, villagers visit relatives and friends, slaughter pigs, make sticky rice cakes, worship their ancestors, share reunion feasts, and exchange cups of homemade rice wine.

Traditional activities include bullfighting, bird fighting, and singing contests, each bringing a unique charm to the celebration. One village’s festivities flow seamlessly into another’s, creating a continuous wave of joy that sometimes lasts until the early spring “Drum-Turning Festival” in February.

The Grand Parade and Thrilling Bullfights

  

  

The opening day of the Miao New Year is marked by a spectacular parade. People from the eight main Miao branches put on their most elaborate traditional attire — shimmering silver headdresses, embroidered costumes, and ornaments that glisten in the sun. Through music and dance, they showcase their unique local traditions and the living heritage of Miao culture, offering visitors from across China and beyond an unforgettable feast of color and rhythm.

Among the most popular events is the bullfighting competition, a traditional custom symbolizing courage and vitality. Two strong water buffaloes face off, locking horns in a contest of strength and spirit. Thousands gather around the arena to cheer, and the air is electric with excitement. With generous prizes for the winners, the event attracts participants and spectators from far and wide, adding a thrilling edge to the festive atmosphere.

The Long Table Banquet: Sharing Joy, Building Connection

If there’s one experience that perfectly embodies the hospitality of the Miao people, it’s the Long Table Banquet.
This grand feast, dating back to ancient times, is more than just a meal — it’s a powerful symbol of unity, friendship, and celebration.

In Danzhai County’s Wanda Town, whenever guests arrive from afar, locals line the streets with long tables stretching as far as the eye can see. Each table is filled with Miao specialties such as smoked pork, sour fish soup, and sticky rice. Hundreds of people sit together, strangers becoming friends over shared food, laughter, and conversation.

The air fills with the tangy aroma of sour soup and the joyful clinking of cups. Everyone, regardless of origin or language, becomes part of one big family — a living expression of the Miao New Year’s spirit: warmth, generosity, and togetherness.

The Miao New Year is far more than a festive occasion — it is a heartfelt tribute to life, nature, and ancestry.
Through its rituals, music, and communal joy, it reflects the Miao people’s enduring gratitude for the land, their reverence for their roots, and their love of harmony.

As the lush hills echo with the sound of lusheng flutes and the silver ornaments sparkle under the sun, one realizes that the Miao New Year is not only the celebration of a people — it is a celebration of humanity itself, reminding us all of the beauty of connection, gratitude, and joy.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2025/11/14/miao-new-year-a-grand-celebration-of-harvest-heritage-and-harmony/

The Thousand-Year Wonder: Fengguo Temple and Its Eternal Great Hall

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Hidden in the quiet county of Yixian in northern China, Fengguo Temple has stood for over a thousand years as a living testament to ancient Chinese wisdom and spiritual devotion. Its magnificent Mahavira Hall, the largest single-story wooden structure of its time, houses seven colossal clay Buddhas that have miraculously survived the centuries. This temple is not only an architectural marvel but also a sacred symbol of harmony, resilience, and faith that continues to inspire all who visit.

A Thousand Years of Faith and Architecture

Beyond the Shanhai Pass, in the northern part of Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, stands the quiet county of Yixian, home to one of China’s most magnificent ancient temples — Fengguo Temple. This remarkable site, founded over a millennium ago, is not only a masterpiece of Liao Dynasty Buddhist architecture but also a living testament to the extraordinary ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders and the enduring power of faith.

In 2020, Fengguo Temple celebrated its thousandth anniversary. Through a thousand years of wind, snow, wars, and earthquakes, its grand Mahavira Hall still stands tall — a miracle in both architecture and spirituality.

The Majestic Great Hall

The heart of Fengguo Temple is its Mahavira Hall (Great Buddha Hall), one of the Eight Great Structures of the Liao Dynasty. Built in 1020 CE, it measures 49.5 meters wide, 26.6 meters deep, and 19.9 meters high, covering an area of 1,317 square meters. Standing on a 3.2-meter-high platform, the hall is the largest single-story wooden structure of ancient China — magnificent, solemn, and breathtaking.

Ingeniously designed, the hall uses a “reduced-column” method to maximize interior space while maintaining perfect stability. Ancient builders applied advanced techniques known as “side-foot” and “rising beam”, ensuring the building’s balance and graceful proportions. The massive bracket sets under the eaves are bold yet refined, exuding strength and elegance.

Thanks to its precise structural mechanics, the Great Hall has remained perfectly upright for a thousand years, without any sign of warping or tilting — an unparalleled achievement in the history of wooden architecture.

The Seven Buddhas: Eternal Clay Sculptures

Inside the Great Hall, seven colossal clay Buddha statues, each about nine meters tall, sit side by side upon a brick platform. From east to west, they are:
Kashyapa Buddha, Krakucchanda Buddha, Sikhin Buddha, Vipashyin Buddha, Visvabhu Buddha, Kanakamuni Buddha, and Shakyamuni Buddha.

These are the “Seven Buddhas of the Past” mentioned in Buddhist scriptures, symbolizing the eternal cycle of enlightenment in our world. Each Buddha exudes solemn dignity, with serene expressions and graceful postures, reflecting the Liao Dynasty’s continuation of Tang-style Buddhist artistry. Two bodhisattvas stand beside each Buddha, adding vitality and compassion to this sacred tableau.

This magnificent ensemble is the oldest and largest group of colored clay Buddha statues in the world. Despite being made of fragile clay, they have miraculously survived for over a thousand years, their colors still soft and luminous. This endurance is nothing short of a miracle — a union of artistic mastery and the blessings of faith.

The Legend of the Buddha Catching a Shell

During the Liaoshen Campaign in the late 1940s, Yixian became a battlefield. Amid the chaos, a shell pierced through the roof of the Great Hall and fell directly into the right hand of the Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Miraculously, the shell did not explode.

Locals still tell this story as “The Buddha Caught the Shell with His Hand.” Whether fact or legend, it adds an aura of mystery and divine protection to the temple’s long history — as if the Buddhas themselves were silently safeguarding their sacred home.

The Flying Devas of Liao

The beams and rafters inside the Great Hall are adorned with over 4,000 square meters of original Liao Dynasty murals. Among them, the heavenly maidens — the Flying Devas — are the most enchanting. With radiant faces and flowing ribbons, they drift gracefully through clouds, offering flowers and fruits to the Seven Buddhas below.

Their movement contrasts beautifully with the Buddhas’ stillness, creating a breathtaking scene of divine harmony and devotion. The surrounding walls also preserve Yuan and Ming dynasty murals depicting ten Buddhas, eight Bodhisattvas, and the Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara, adding even more layers of spiritual and artistic richness to this timeless sanctuary.

A Thousand Years of Wonder

Standing before this majestic hall — a wooden structure that has endured a millennium — and gazing upon the clay Buddhas whose serene faces have survived a thousand winters, one cannot help but wonder:

How can a wooden palace withstand ten centuries of storms and wars? How can clay sculptures remain whole and radiant after a thousand years?

Is it the wisdom of the ancients? The strength of art? Or the blessing of the Dharma itself?

Perhaps the answer lies within every beam, every brushstroke, and every tranquil smile of the Buddhas.

May the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bless all beings with peace, compassion, and happiness.
Namo Amitabha.

Link：https://peacelilysite.com/2025/10/23/the-thousand-year-wonder-fengguo-temple-and-its-eternal-great-hall/

Source： https://www.hzfxy.net/detail_1020_10154.html， https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/721178084

Ancient Buddha relics returned to India

linda changLeave a comment
A joyous day for our cultural heritage! It would make every Indian proud that the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha have come home after 127 long years. These sacred relics highlight India’s close association with Bhagwan Buddha and his noble teachings. It also illustrates our commitment to preserving and protecting different aspects of our glorious culture. #VikasBhiVirasatBhi Source: https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1950483627323670760

The following article was published by the BBC News, Soutik Biswas, July 31, 2025:

Auction house Sotheby’s has returned a set of sacred jewels believed to be linked to the Buddha’s remains in India, after facing mounting pressure from the Indian government and global Buddhist leaders.

The Piprahwa Gems – described by archaeologists as one of the most astonishing finds of the modern era – were due to be auctioned in Hong Kong in May. But the sale was called off following diplomatic intervention and threats of legal action from Delhi.

The Mumbai-based conglomerate Godrej Industries Group has acquired the jewels, Sotheby’s said.

Sotheby’s said it was “delighted” to facilitate the return, following two months of negotiations involving the owner, the new buyer and the Indian government. The relics will now go on permanent public display in India, the auction house said.

Photo of William Claxton Peppé, an English estate manager, excavated the stupa and found the jewels. courtesy of the Peppé family.
William Claxton Peppé, an English estate manager, excavated the stupa and found the jewels. courtesy of the Peppé family.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the return on Wednesday, calling it a “proud and joyous moment” and a victory for the country’s cultural heritage. The relics, he said on X, were coming home after 127 years.

Godrej Industries Group, the buyer of the jewels, serves over 1.1 billion consumers worldwide across sectors including consumer goods, real estate, agriculture, finance, and chemicals, according to its website. Many of its products are household names in India.

“We are deeply honoured to contribute to this historic moment. The Piprahwa gems are not just artifacts – they are timeless symbols of peace, compassion, and the shared heritage of humanity,” Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Vice Chairperson of Godrej Industries Group, was quoted as saying in a government press statement.

Unearthed in 1898 by English estate manager William Claxton Peppé from a stupa in Piprahwa in northern India, near the Buddha’s birthplace, the cache included nearly 1,800 pearls, rubies, sapphires and gold sheets – buried alongside bone fragments identified by an inscribed urn as belonging to the Buddha himself.

Photo of The jewels were unearthed from this stupa in Piprahwa, northern India in 1898, Icon Films.
The jewels were unearthed from this stupa in Piprahwa, northern India in 1898, Icon Films.

Peppé eventually handed most of the gems, relics and reliquaries to the colonial Indian government: the bone relics went to the Buddhist King of Siam (Rama V). Five relic urns, a stone chest and most other relics were sent to the Indian Museum in Kolkata – then the Imperial Museum of Calcutta.

Photo of Four containers made of steatite (a type of stone) and one made of rock crystal were found inside a sandstone box at the Piprahwa stupa, courtesy of Peppe family.
Four containers made of steatite (a type of stone) and one made of rock crystal were found inside a sandstone box at the Piprahwa stupa, courtesy of Peppe family.

For over a century, the rest of the dazzling jewels remained largely hidden in a British private collection.

A set of 300 gems held by the Peppé family was publicly displayed at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in February and May. Over the past six years, the gems have appeared in major exhibitions, including The Met in 2023. The family has also launched a website to share their research.

Historians consider the relics the shared heritage of the Buddha’s Sakya clan and Buddhists worldwide. The bone fragments have since been distributed to countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, where they remain objects of veneration.

Photo of The jewels are considered among the most extraordinary archaeological finds of all time, courtesy of Sotheby's.
The jewels are considered among the most extraordinary archaeological finds of all time, courtesy of Sotheby’s.

The planned sale of the Buddha relics by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong had sparked widespread ethical concerns, with scholars and Buddhist leaders questioning whether sacred objects – especially those linked to human remains – should be treated as commodities.

Critics challenged the seller’s authority to auction the relics, while defenders said a transparent sale was the fairest way to transfer custody. For many Buddhists, the jewels are inseparable from the sacred remains and meant to be venerated, not sold.

“Are the relics of the Buddha a commodity that can be treated like a work of art to be sold on the market?” Naman Ahuja, a Delhi-based art historian, had told the BBC in May. “And since they aren’t, how is the seller ethically authorised to auction them?

“Since the seller is termed the ‘custodian’, I would like to ask – custodian on whose behalf? Does custodianship permit them now to sell these relics?”

Chris Peppé, great-grandson of William, had told the BBC in May that the family looked into donating the relics, but all options presented problems and an auction seemed the “fairest and most transparent way to transfer these relics to Buddhists”.

He said that in all the monasteries he had visited “no Buddhists regard these as corporeal relics”.

“A few Buddhist academics at Western universities have recently offered a convoluted, fact-defying logic whereby they may be regarded as such. It’s an academic construct that is not shared by Buddhists in general who are familiar with the details of the find,” he said.

On 7 May, Sotheby’s postponed the auction of the jewels following media reports and concerns raised by the Indian government, citing the need for further discussions. A week later, it confirmed ongoing talks with India to find a mutually agreeable resolution.

This week, confirming the return of the jewels, Sotheby’s said it was “grateful to the Peppé family for having safeguarded the gems and for having worked with us – and with the Government of India – in good faith to achieve this historic outcome”.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/09/05/ancient-buddha-relics-returned-to-india/

Zhijin Cave – The King of Karst Caves in China

linda changLeave a comment

Zhijin Cave, located in Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, is a high-altitude dry cave of great diversity, complexity, and scale. Inside, the karst formations are unique, vast, majestic, and breathtakingly exquisite, making it a dream destination for countless visitors.

Zhijin Cave, renowned as the “King of Karst Caves,” stands out among other famous karst caves such as Zhangjiajie’s Yellow Dragon Cave (about 100,000 sqm), Chongqing’s Furong Cave (about 37,000 sqm), and Guilin’s Reed Flute Cave (about 14,900 sqm) due to its unparalleled size and grandeur. Spanning over 700,000 square meters, Zhijin Cave is the largest of its kind, featuring 12 grand halls and 47 chambers, each adorned with unique and breathtaking formations. The cave’s largest chamber reaches an impressive width of 175 meters, while six of its halls exceed 10,000 square meters in area, highlighting its monumental scale.

The cave is adorned with a wide variety of karst formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, flowstones, and stone curtains. These formations come in unique shapes, resembling pagodas, plants, animals, and even mythical creatures, showcasing nature’s artistic craftsmanship.

Among its countless highlights, several are especially unforgettable:

  • The Overlord’s Helmet (“Ba Wang Kui”) – A 17-meter-tall stalagmite shaped like a warrior’s helmet, known as the crown jewel of Zhijin Cave. Lit by orange light and reflected in the pool below, it appears both majestic and lifelike, as if the legendary warlord Xiang Yu himself had left his helmet behind.
  • The Pillar of Heaven (“Qian Ceng Bao Ta”) – At the junction of the North and South Gates stands a towering stone column that seems to prop up the sky. Called the “Mainstay of the River,” it symbolizes strength, resilience, and the ability to stand tall in times of trial.
  • Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law (“Po Xi Qing Shen”) – Two pine-shaped stalagmites, one stooped like an old woman and the other upright like her filial daughter-in-law massaging her back. The scene is tender, lifelike, and moving, embodying the Chinese virtue of filial piety.
  • The Lingxiao Palace – A stunning stone waterfall, one of the largest yet discovered, cascading magnificently from the ceiling. Around it stand stone banners, draperies, and a majestic hall of “stalagmite soldiers,” as if a grand palace had opened its doors for a celestial council.

  • Snow Pressing on the Green Pine (“Xue Ya Qing Song”) – A 20-meter-tall stalagmite shaped like a pine tree blanketed in snow, one of the cave’s signature sights. Its upright strength recalls Marshal Chen Yi’s famous poem: “Though snow weighs heavily on the pine, the pine stands tall and straight.” It symbolizes resilience, dignity, and unyielding spirit.

The spectacular karst landscapes of Zhijin Cave embody grandeur, vastness, and beauty beyond imagination. A tour through its endless halls, lasting over two hours, is an ever-unfolding journey of wonder—each chamber a new astonishment, each formation a marvel of nature.

It’s no surprise that Zhijin Cave is honored as the “King of Caves.” As the saying goes: “After Huangshan, no other mountains; beyond Zhijin Cave, no other caves.” The reputation is well deserved.

Practical Tips to Visit Zhijin Cave

Zhijin Cave is located in Guanzhai Miao Ethnic Village, Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province. The cave is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province.

Bijie City has a total of 9 railway stations and 1 airport. 2 stations are located in Zhijin County, only serving normal trains. The closest high-speed rail station to Zhijin Cave is Qianxi Railway Station, about 45 km away.

Footwear: The cave has stairs and a small section of uneven paths, and the ground can be wet and slippery. Anti-slip footwear is recommended for safety and comfort.

Clothing: The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C (61°F). However, the humidity and cool air can make it feel chilly, so it’s best to carry a light jacket.

Food and Drinks: There are no dining options or shops within the cave, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks to stay energized during your visit. If you forget to bring snacks, there is a convenience store at the cave exit where you can purchase refreshments.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/28/zhijin-cave-the-king-of-karst-caves-in-china/

Source: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/guizhou/zhijin-cave.html

Dancing with Flames — The Yi Torch Festival

linda changLeave a comment

The air is warm and scented with pine smoke. In the distance, a line of golden lights winds its way down the mountainside, swaying and flickering like a living dragon. Drums beat in a steady rhythm, mingling with laughter and song. Children dash through the night clutching small torches, their faces glowing in the firelight. Elderly women hum old tunes, while young men and women steal glances beneath the shelter of bright yellow oil-paper umbrellas. This is not just a night—it is a living river of fire. You’ve just stepped into the Yi Torch Festival.

Every summer, when the moon of the sixth lunar month reaches its 24th day, the mountains and valleys of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan come alive with a sea of flickering light. This is the Yi Torch Festival, the grandest celebration of the Yi people and one of the most dazzling ethnic festivals in China.

The Yi, along with the Bai, Naxi, Jinuo, Lahu, and other ethnic groups, have celebrated this fiery tradition for centuries. For the Yi, fire is not just a source of warmth—it is a symbol of light, strength, and hope. The Torch Festival is their way of honoring fire, driving away evil, and praying for peace and abundant harvests.

On this special day, towering torches rise high in the center of each village, while every household lights their own smaller torches. As night falls, villagers carry these flames into the fields, circling the crops to symbolically chase away pests and misfortune, leaving behind protection and blessings.

The Torch Festival lasts three magical days and nights, each with its own unique charm.

Day One – Fire Worship
Morning preparations are lively, feasts are prepared, and wine and meat are offered to ancestors. At dusk, villagers gather at a site chosen by the elders. There, a sacred fire is lit using the ancient method of striking stones, and the flame is blessed by a bimo (Yi priest) chanting sacred verses. Then, torches made from mugwort are passed to each household. Children and elders alike carry them to the edges of fields, reenacting the old legend of Ashimo, the heroine who once used fire to drive away destructive insects.

Day Two – Playing with Fire
If Day One is solemn, Day Two is pure joy. Under the glow of the sacred flame, villagers gather for horse races, wrestling matches, bullfights, and singing contests. Young men compete like the legendary hero Atilaba, known for his courage and strength. Young women, dressed in vibrant handmade dresses and carrying delicate butter umbrellas, dance the graceful “Duoluohe” and Dati dances, just as Ashimo once did.
The highlight? A traditional beauty contest where elders select the most handsome man and the most beautiful woman of the year—chosen not only for looks, but also for kindness, bravery, and skill. As the night deepens, couples stroll by the streams and through the mountains, plucking moon lutes and jaw harps, their music and whispers floating into the starry sky.

Day Three – Sending Off the Fire
The final night is the festival’s grand finale. Villagers rush through the darkness carrying blazing torches, eventually gathering them into massive bonfires. Around these roaring flames, they sing, dance, and laugh until the stars fade and dawn arrives.

Beyond the rituals and dances, the Torch Festival is also a season of romance. Young men and women meet, flirt, and sometimes begin lifelong partnerships. According to tradition, a man may “steal” a token—such as a scarf or ornament—from the woman he loves as a sign of affection. For the rest of the night, they sing and dance together, expressing their feelings until sunrise.

In the end, the Torch Festival is more than just a cultural event—it is a living expression of the Yi people’s spirit: their love of life, reverence for nature, devotion to tradition, and unquenchable hope for the future. And as the last embers fade in the early morning light, the warmth of the flames lingers—both in the fields and in the hearts of the people.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing thousands of torches glowing like fire dragons weaving through the dark mountains, this is the place to be. The Yi Torch Festival is not only a feast for the eyes but also a journey into the beating heart of a culture that celebrates life in the glow of fire.

Video： https://fb.watch/BrJd5yhukt

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/12/dancing-with-flames-the-yi-torch-festival/